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DKF^KTMKNT OV THE! inSTTElRIOR. 
 
 UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES. 
 F. V. HAYDEN, U. S. Gbologist-in-Charge. 
 
 MISCELLANEOUS PUBLICATIONS— No. 3. 
 
 BIRDS OF THE NORTHWEST 
 
 A HAN"D-BOOK 
 
 THE ORNITHOLOGY 
 
 REGION DRAINED BY THE MISSOURI RIVER 
 AND ITS TRIBUTARIES. 
 
 By ELLIOTT COUES, 
 
 CAPTAIN AND ASSISTANT SURGEON U. S. ARMY. 
 
 WASHINGTON: 
 
 GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 
 1874. 
 
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OAa/iTH 
 
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TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
 
 Pages. 
 
 Introduction v-xi 
 
 Order PASSEEES _• 1-259 
 
 Suborder Oscines 1-222 
 
 Appendix to Oscines 223-2:34 
 
 Suborder Clamatores 235-259 
 
 Order PICAEI.* 2()0-295 
 
 Suborder Cypseli , 260-274 
 
 Suborder CncuLi 274-278 
 
 Sitbortlcr Pici '. 278-295 
 
 Order PSITTACI .' 296-297 
 
 Order RAPTORES 298-384 
 
 Order COLUMB^ 385-390 
 
 Order GALLINjE 391-447 
 
 Order GRALLATORES 448-544 
 
 Suborder Limicol^ 448-512 
 
 Suborder Herodiones 513-528 
 
 .Su&oj-rfiT Ai.ECTORiDES 529-543 
 
 Order LAMELLIEOSTRES 544-586 
 
 Order STEGANOPODES 587-589 
 
 Order LONGIPENNES 590-717 
 
 Monograph of North American Ij&i'.idal 590-717 
 
 Order PYGOPODES 718-737 
 
 Monograph of North American Colymbid^ and PodicipidjE 718-737 
 
 Genteral Index 738-791 
 
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INTRODUCTORY. 
 
 [Dr. Cones to Dr. Sayden.'] 
 
 FoET Eandall, Dakota, May 13, 1873. 
 
 Sib : Herewith I transmit, in compliance with your request, for pab- 
 ication under the auspices of the Geological Survey of the Territories, 
 a Work on the Ornithology of the Missouri Region, on which, as you are 
 aware, I have been long engaged, its completion having been delayed 
 by various circumstances needless to detaiL In this connection, how- 
 ever, I may refer to the circumstances under which the work originated, 
 in explanation of its present plan and scope. This is a matter with 
 which you are jourself already familiar, but one which may be presented 
 to answer the purposes of a preface which would otherwise be required. 
 
 Tlie basis of the present volume is mainly an unpublished report 
 which I prepared at Washington, in the j^ear 1862, upon the ornitholo- 
 gical collections made by yourself and Mr. G. H. Trook as Naturalists 
 of the Expedition under Captain (now General) W. F. Eaynolds, United 
 States Engineers. The specimens submitted to me for elaboration were 
 subjected to careful examination, and found to represent a decided ad- 
 vance in the knowledge then possessed of the geographical distribution 
 of the species in the region under considera,tion. The interest attaching 
 to this series of specimens, as an element in the history of Western Or- 
 nithology, renders it advisable, in my judgment, to preserve throughout 
 the present volume the "List of Specimens" which were formally tab- 
 ulated* for the original report. 
 
 In 1867, while stationed at Columbia, South Carolina, I desired to 
 recall my MSS. in order to retouch them according to the steady advance 
 of our knowledge of the subject during the intervening live years. On 
 this occasion it seemed advisable to extend the article to embrace the 
 ornithological results which you had obtained as Naturalist of the previ- 
 ous Explorations, conducted in 1856-'57 in the region of the Upper 
 Missouri, Yellowstone, and Platte Elvers, by Lieutenant (now General) 
 G. K. Warren, United States Engineers. Such addition would not only 
 
 * In these tables, tlie first column gives the number which the specimen bears on the 
 register of the National Museum at Washington ; the second, the "original" or collect- 
 or's number ; third, the locality ; fourth, sex ; fifth and sixth, date of collection, and by 
 ■whom collected ; seventh, eighth, ninth, measurements (upon collector's authority) of, 
 respectively, total length, extent of wings, and length of wing from carpus to apex of 
 longest primary. To economize space, these several headings have been omitted from 
 the text, with explanation in this place, which will prevent misunderstanding. 
 
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VI INTEODUCTOEY. 
 
 present, in connected form, your labors in the field of ornithology, but 
 would illustrate more clearly the ornithological characteristics of the 
 region in question, by affording the means of comparing and contrasting 
 the distribution of species in the several special areas. The specimens 
 collected on these Expeditions having been incorporated by Prof. S. F. 
 Baird* in his general Report upon the Ornithology of the various Pacific 
 Railroad Explorations, in 1858, and having been made the subject of a 
 Report, with field-notes, by yourself,! in 1861, are not tabulated in the 
 present volume, but will be found catalogued by the National Museum 
 number, with indication of locality where obtained. 
 
 At a second interval of five years, namely, in 1872, you intimated to 
 me your desire to publish a treatise on the Ornithology of the Western 
 Territories you had then explored, suggesting that the still unpublished 
 report I had long since made to you might be available in substance for 
 this purpose, in connection with an elaboration I was desired to make of 
 the material collected under your direction in various parts of the West, 
 during 1870f and 1872, § by Mr. J. Stevenson, Mr. H. D. Smith, and Mr. 
 C. H. Merriam. Without instituting comparisons between these collec- 
 tions, all of which proved to be of interest and importance, I know that 
 I simply express your own convictions in alluding to the unflagging 
 energy, zeal, and perseverance which have marked Mr. Stevenson's 
 course during his long and continuous association with you in develop- 
 ing the Zoology of the West. Having examined the collections for my 
 own information, and being then stationed, as I am now, in the region 
 under consideration, where I could supplement your results by my owu 
 personal observations, 1 willingly undertook the task. The copy now 
 furnished you for publication by the Survey is the result. It is believed 
 to be fairly abreast of the present state of the science ; and the hope is 
 indulged that, during its passage through the press, opportunity may 
 offer of bringing it up to the very date of issue, by incorporation of 
 the latest published items bearing on the subject in hand. 
 
 * Reports of Esplor.ations and Surveys to ascertain the most practicable and econ- 
 omical Eoute for a Eailroad from the Mississippi Eiver to the Pacific Ocean. Made 
 under direction of the Secretary of War, in 1853-56, according to acts of Congress of 
 March 3, 1853, May 31, 1854, and August 5, 1854. Vol. IX. Birds : By Spencer F. Baird, 
 Assistant Secretary Smithsonian Institution, Tvith the co-operation of John Cassin and 
 George N. Lawrence. Washington, D. C, 1858. [Quoted in the present -volume as 
 "Bd^B.N. a."] 
 
 t On the Geology and Natural History of the Upper Missouri, being the substance of 
 a Eeport made To Lieutenant G. K. Warren, T. E., U. S. A. By Dr. F. V. Hayden, Sur- 
 geon and Geologist of the Expedition to the Upper Missouri and Yellowstone, under 
 command of Lieut. Warren. — Transactions of the American Philosophical Society, Vol. 
 XII, Art. i, pt. iii, Chap, xvi, pp. 151-176. 4to. Philadelphia, 1862. [Quoted in the 
 present volume as " Hayd. iJcp."] 
 
 i A List of Mammals and Birds collected in Wyoming Territory by Mr. H. D. Smith 
 and Mr. James Stevenson, during the Expedition of 1870. <Eep, U. S. G«)l. Surv. 
 Ter. 1870, pp. 461-466. 8vo. Washington, 1871. 
 
 $ Eeport on Mammals and Birds of the Expedition [of 1872]. By C. H. Merriam. 
 < Sixth Ann. Eep. U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, pp. 661-715. 8vo. Washington, 1873. 
 
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INTEODUCTORY. VII 
 
 The scope and plau of the proposed work having been left entirely to 
 my discretion, you may reasonably desire to be informed in advance of 
 its character. To bring the work within the compass of a single vol- 
 ume, and, particularly, to give it a distinctive character apart from the 
 several North American Ornithologies published or in progress,* it 
 seemed necessary to restrict its scope to some pa,rticular portion of the 
 West. The Missouri Kegion, iu its broadest sense, as embracing the 
 whole water-shed of that great river and its tributaries, was selected in 
 illustration of the "Birds of the Northwest" — both as affording a prac- 
 tically convenient limitation, and as being the scene of most of your 
 ornithologicarl field-work, as well as of some of my own. All the species 
 at present known to inhabit this region (representing a large majority 
 of the birds of North America) are given ; and I have not hesitated, 
 moreover, to introduce certain others, some notice of which seemed 
 desirable to complete an account of particular groups. Three families, 
 namely, Laridce, GolymUdcv, and Podicipidw, which have been with me 
 the subjects of special study, are treated monographically, as far as the 
 North American genera and species are concerned. 
 
 The birds of the Missouri Region, like most others of North Americai, 
 having been repeatedly and sufficiently described, text of this tech- 
 nical kind has been omitted as a rule to make room for fresher matter of 
 more general interest. In some cases, however, I describe particular 
 plumages not yet well known, while throughout the monographs above 
 mentioned, descriptions both of external features and anatomical char- 
 acters will be found in detail. For other descriptions I must refer to 
 general treatises. 
 
 The matter of geographical distribution receives the special consider- 
 ation which its importance warrants. Correct indication of habitat is 
 one of the most essential items in the history of a species. The distri- 
 bution of the species, their residence or migration, and their abundance 
 or scarcity, are worked out, not only within the region indicated, but 
 throughout the general area they inhabit. 
 
 The study of these important points having necessarily involved a 
 protracted examination of the general ornithological literature bearing 
 upon this subject, one result of such investigation has been the collation 
 of very extensive synonymatic lists. Nothing like this amount of bib- 
 liographical matter has before been presented in any work upon Amer- 
 ican Ornithology. The synonymy, as simply such, is believed to be very 
 nearly complete, while the many thousand additional references furnish 
 an extensive index to the literature of the subject. The labor of such 
 compilation does not appear upon the surface, and is only mentioned in 
 the sincere hope that, once accomplished, the weary drudgery of future 
 workers in the same vein may be materially lightened. The quotations 
 have been personally made or verified, in all cases in which this was 
 
 * The allusion ifl hero to the magaiflcent general work, in course of preparation by 
 Baird, Brewer, and Ridgway. 
 
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VIII INTEODUCTORY. 
 
 reasonably practicable, tbough many others have been taken at second 
 hand, upon the simple principle that even such are better than none at 
 all. Synonyms and references for which I am unwilling to become 
 responsible, are placed between quotation marks; I answer for the rest, 
 being satisfied of their general accuracy, though no one is more fully 
 aware than I am of the typographical difficulties in the way of printing 
 numerous references in which figures are concerned. 
 
 It must not be hastily inferred that these synonymatic lists have no 
 other value than that which attaches to them as bibliographical indices 
 or mere references to the published records. They not only serve as a 
 guide to research, and as vouchers for facts of geographical distribution, 
 but they also have a direct bearing upon the important matter of 
 nomenclature, fixity and precision of which are nowhere more desirable 
 than in the natural sciences, where names become in a great measure 
 the exponents of biological generalizations. A preliminary step required 
 for the establishment of nomenclature upon a firm and enduring basis, 
 is searching scrutiny of the literature of the subject, not only in order 
 to sift out synonyms and to pin down names to the species they repre- 
 sent, but also to ascertain which one, of the number which have been 
 affixed to most species, has the priority which entitles it to recognition 
 and adoption according to the established usages of naturalists. This 
 is a matter which repays the uninviting labor bestowed upon a task 
 otherwise one of little profit and no attractions. The subject has formed 
 a part of my desk-work for several years, and I may congratulate myself 
 that some of the results reached are at length brought to light under 
 very favorable auspices. 
 
 With this matter of nomenclature questions of classification are insep- 
 arably connected in existing methods of zoological notation. As you 
 need not be informed, no leading ornithologists are as yet agreed in 
 detail upon a system of classification ; nor is there any probability that 
 such agreement will soon be brought about. That we are, however, 
 gradually approaching this desirable consummation, is shown by the 
 very general acceptance of many groups established of late years upon 
 investigation of structural characters which were long in receiving the 
 attention their importance demanded, as well as in an equally general 
 admission of a certain sequence of these groups. The questions which 
 remain open have less concern with the definition of groups, excepting 
 some of those among Passeres, than with their value in the taxonomic 
 scale. It has become evident that certain old "orders" of birds cannot 
 endure in the light of recent discoveries ; and that the Baptores, which 
 long headed the system, must give way to the more highly-organized 
 Oscines. It is most probable, according to present indications, that 
 those remarkable extinct forms, the Archwopteryx and Ichthyornis, rep- 
 resent one primary group of Aves (Saururw) ; that the struthious birds 
 constitute another [Batitcc) ; and that all remaining birds compose a 
 third {Carinatce). These divisions may be rated either as subclasses or 
 
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INTRODUCTORY. IX 
 
 as orders; to consider them as of only ordinal grade, Avould probably be 
 to correlate tbem most nearly with the recognized orders in other classes 
 of Veitebrates. Upon such basis the Carinatce are susceptible of division 
 into a large number — some fifteen or more — of groups of approximately 
 equivalent value, to be rated as suborders or superfamilies. 
 
 I merely touch upon this subject in the present connection to prevent 
 any misunderstanding of my views which might result from the pres- 
 ence on my pages of groups conventionally denominated "Orders" and 
 "Suborders." A work of this character being no occasion for the dis- 
 cussion of taxonomic questions, or the remodeling of a system of 
 classification, I preferred to retain without change a scheme, the main 
 features of which have met with general approval. The classification 
 adopted in the present volume is that presented in my late work,* while 
 the nomenclature is identical, excepting in a few isolated instances where 
 change was absolutely required, with that of the same work and of my 
 forthcoming List.f This uniformity seemed me more desirable for pres- 
 ent purposes than the good that might result from changes that, never- 
 theless, may hereafter become necessary. 
 
 In the general text of the volume it has been my aim to bebrief, or 
 even silent, in the cases of the best known Eastern birds, in order to 
 devote more space to the history of species upon which less has already 
 been written. Most of the biographical matter rests upon my personal 
 observations ; but where these are deficient or wanting, the experiences 
 of others are freely collated if desired. In few instances is the complete 
 history of a species presented ; to do this systematically and satisfac- 
 torily for all the birds given in the work, would require more time than 
 I have had to bestow, aud several volumes instead of one. In preparing 
 simply a "Hand-book," I have been controlled by circumstances which 
 have not been favorable to unity of plan, and I present it rather as a 
 contribution of material for future elaboration, than as in itself a com- 
 pleted and final result. 
 
 At risk of unduly protracting this communication, I wish to indicate 
 some of the leading, ornithological features of the region under consid- 
 eration, and to present briefly certain general conclusions. 
 
 The Missouri water-shed represents the greater portion of the North 
 American Middle Faunal Province as defined by Professor Baird. 
 Belonging distinctively here, it nevertheless extends to the border of 
 the Westeru Province, along the main divide of the mountains, and the 
 other direction largely overlaps the boundary of the Eastern Province, 
 as practically indicated rather by the irregular limits of continuous 
 
 * Key to North American Birds : Containing a concise account of every species of 
 living and fossil bird at present known from the continent north of the Mexican and 
 United States boundary. Illustrated with 6 steel plates and upward of 250 wood-cuts. 
 ImX^- '^vo. pp. 361. Salem : Naturalists' Agency. 1872. 
 
 t Field Ornithology : Comprising a Manual of Instruction for Procuring, Preparing, 
 ■■uid Preserving Birds, and a Check-list of North American Birds. 8vo. pp. i-iv, 1-116 
 and 1-137. Salem : Naturalists' Agency. [In press.] 
 
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^ INTRODUCTORY. 
 
 arboreal vegetation than by any meridian of longitude. It includes 
 Nebraska, the greater portion of Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, 
 Kansas and Missouri, portions of Iowa and Minnesota, together with a 
 small area in the British Provinces near the head-waters of the Sas- 
 katchewan, where the Goteau de Missouri, running obliquely northwest- 
 ward, crosses the parallel of 49° N. Much of the western portions is 
 mountainous, as in Montana, Wyoming and Colorado, the easternmost ele- 
 vations of any note being the Black Hills, lying across the boundary of 
 Wyoming and Dakota. Extensive areas are cut up into Maiivnises Terres, 
 or "Bad Lands." Most of the region, however, is the great elevated 
 central plateau of the continent, of low mean annual rain-fall, and con- 
 sequently treeless, or nearly so, and more or less sterile, supporting for 
 the most part a comparatively meagre or stunted vegetation. Trees are 
 in effect restricted to the mountainous tracts and to a slender precarious 
 fringe along most of the larger streams. 
 
 It results from these physical conditions that the Avi-fauna proper of 
 the region is not rich. Notwithstanding the great extent of country, 
 there is no single species absolutely confined to it. There are, however, 
 several abundant and generally diffused species which may be held by 
 this circumstance to be characteristic. Such are Eremophila leucolcema 
 (in the breeding season), Weocorys spraguei, Genironyx bainlii, Goturni- 
 cvlus lecontii, Zonotriehia harrisi, Galamospiza bicolor, Plectrophanes 
 ornatus and F. maccownii, Falco richardsoni, Pedioecetes eolumbianus, and 
 some others less distinctively of the same category. The great number 
 of species treated in the present volume is due to accessions from both 
 of the contiguous Paunal Provinces above mentioned, as well as of those 
 species of general diffusion over the continent, as most Baptores, Limi- 
 colcB, and Lamellirostres. It results from the extensive overlapping of 
 the Missouri Eegion upon the Eastern Province, that in effect nearly all 
 the birds of Eastern North America are represented fairly within this 
 area, the exceptions being chiefly the marine Atlantic species, and a 
 few others peculiar to the South Atlantic and Gulf States. The low 
 position of Saint Louis in the Mississippi Valley, which affords a ready 
 approach from the south, renders it probable that souie of these last 
 named, not yet known to proceed so far north, may finally be found 
 within Missouri limits. 
 
 In discussing the western limits of eastern species, it is not easy to 
 overestimate the effect of the larger streams, and especially of the 
 great artery itself — the Missouri — in prolonging an eastern bird-fauna 
 in streaks to or toward the Eocky Mountains. These streams, with a 
 general east-and-west course, and with their usual fringe of trees, often 
 the only timber of various large areas, form attractive highways of mi- 
 gration, as it were, along which avenues birds push on beyond their 
 general limit. From this it results that the boundary line of the Middle 
 and Eastern Provinces in these latitudes is a zigzag of interdigitations. 
 
 The general fades of the birds of this region may be summed in a 
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INTRODUCTORY. XI 
 
 word. They are characterized by a pallor of plumage, the direct result 
 of the low annual rain -fall, in accordance with now generally recognized 
 laws which have been ably elucidated by Allen, Baird, and others. 
 
 There only remains the grateful duty of recording here an acknowl- 
 edgment of favors received in the preparation of this work. My 
 pleasure might have been increased by mention of various other names, 
 had not the circumstances under which the book has been written de- 
 prived me in great measure of the desired and freely offered cooperation 
 of several kind friends. I am particularly indebted to Mr. T. M. Trippe, 
 of Colorado, for a valuable paper on the birds of that Territory, which 
 I have incorporated with my pages. My thanks are likewise due to Mr. 
 J. A. Allen for various interesting communications based upon his 
 original observations in different parts of the West ; to Mr. J. Steven- 
 son, to whose collections I have frequent occasion to allude ; and to Mr. 
 T. G. Gentry and Dr. J. M. Wheaton. In the labor of compiling syn- 
 onymy I have been materially assisted by some manuscript records of 
 quotations which Professor Baird very kindly placed at my service. 
 
 1 cannot close this communication without an expression of the obli- 
 gation under which other ornithologists beside myself rest to you for 
 the very material services you have rendered to Ornithology — both by 
 your successful personal labors and by your able direction of other means 
 at your command — services the more commendable in the fact that they 
 have been gratuitously rendered apart from your own speci-al lines of 
 scientific inquiry. I do not hesitate to say that no one, not an ornithol- 
 ogist, has contributed more to the advance of our knowledge of the 
 birds of the West. 
 
 I am. Sir, &c., 
 
 ELLIOTT COUBS. 
 
 Dr. F. V. Hayden, 
 
 U. S. Geologist, &c., c&c, &c.. 
 
 In charge Geological Survey of the Territories, 
 
 Washington, D. G. 
 
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OEDEE 
 
 r Auu-CjKIIjo! peeohees. 
 
 SUBOEDER Ub(jiJN iiib '. Singing Birds. 
 
 Family TURDID^ : Thrushes. 
 
 Subfamily Tuedin^: Typical Thrushes. 
 I .^ "MCUEDUS MIGEATOEIUS, Linn. ^' 
 
 Robin. 
 
 TutSms migratorius, LiNN., Syst. N.it. i, 1706, 292.— Forst., Phil. Trans. Isii, 1772, 382.— 
 ViEiLL., Oie. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 5, pis. 60, 61.— Wils., Am. Orn. i, 1808, 35, pi. 2, 
 f. 2.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 75.— Nott., Mau. i, 1832, 338.- Auc, Orn. Biog. ii, 1832, 
 190 ; V, 1839, 442 ; pi. 131.- AuD., Syn. 1839, 89.— AuD., B. Am. iii, 1841, 14, pi. 
 142.- Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 218.— Coop. & Suck., Nat. Hist. Wash. Ter. 1860, 
 172.— Ha YD., Eep. 1862, 159.— Bd., Eev. 1864, 28.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 7.— 
 Mayn., B. Fla. 1872, 2.— Coues, Key N. A. Birds, 1872, 71, fig. 13.— And of 
 authors generally. 
 
 Merxda nugratoria, Sws. & Eich., Fn. Bor.-Am. ii, 1831, 176. 
 
 Turdus canadensis, Briss., Orn. ii, 1760, 225. 
 
 Tardus confinis, Bd., Hev. 1864, 29. (Var., Cape St. Lucas.) 
 
 Sat. — Continent of North America, and portions of Mexico. West Indies, rarely. 
 Accidental in Europe. (Gould, pi. 74; Naum., pi. 362.) 
 
 List of specimens. 
 
 19191 
 19192 
 
 173 
 
 Pumpkin Butte. 
 Wind Eiver 
 
 'y 
 
 'May'28,"i860 
 
 F.V.Hayden. 
 do 
 
 9.50 
 10.25 
 
 16.00 
 17.00 
 
 5.00 
 5.75 
 
 ■ Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4705, Blackbird Hill; 5281, Fort Pierre ; 5282, Yel- 
 lowstone Eiver. 
 
 Later £xpC(iJHo»s.— 54324, 60935-38, 61161, Wyoming (Schmidt & Stevenson); 61650, ■' /' «■ " 
 62275-77, Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming {Merriam). ^ j - 
 
 Occurs in suitable localities throughout the Missouri region ; breeds ; ; ; -*• 
 resident, but most abundant in spring and autumn, during the migrations, j S • 
 
 TUEDUS NiEVIUS, Gm. '^, ^ *" 
 
 ■ if V 
 
 Varied Thrush ; Oregon Rol)in. ^ 
 
 Turdus ncevius, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 817. — Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 10. — Aud., 
 
 Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 489 ; v, 1839, 284 ; pis. 369, 433.— Aud., Svn. 1839, 89.— Aud., ' - ' 
 B. Am. iii, 1841, 22, pi. 143.— Cab., Journ. Bost. Soc. iii, 1848, 17 (New Jersey, ^T/- 
 not Boston, Mass.). — Bp., Consp. 1850, 271.— La we., Ann. Lye. N. Y. v, 1852,/, ta _ 
 221 (New York).- SCL., P. Z. S. 1857, 4; 1859, 331.— Newb., P. E. E. Eep.V. 
 Yi, 1857, 81.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 219.— Heerm., P. E. E. Eep. x, 1859, part vi, f'i ^' 
 45.— Bd., Zool. Ives's Espd. 1860, 5 (Colorado Valley).— Coop. & Suck., N. H. 
 Wash. Ter. 1860, 172.— Bd., Eev. Am. Birds, 1864, 32.— Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 
 1864, 82 (New Jersey).— Lord, Pr. Roy. Art. Inst. Woolwich, iv, 1864, 114.— 
 Lavfr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 281 (New York).— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 
 1866, 68 (Colorado Valley).— Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 312.— Allen, Am. 
 Nat. iii, 1869, 572 (Ipswich, Mass., Dec, 1864).— Coop., Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 31 
 (Cojur d'Alene Mts., Montana).— Turn., B. E. Pa. 1869, 41 (New Jersey).— 
 Dall & Bann., Trans. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 276 (Alaska).— Mayn., Guide, 1870, 
 89 (Ipswich, Mass.).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 10.— Cooes, Key, 1872, 72. 
 
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-^ TUEDID^, THRUSHES. 
 
 Orpheus meruloides, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 187, pi. 38 (Fort Franklin, lat. 65^°). 
 "Mimus merulmdes, Bp." 
 " Ixoreus nwvius, Bp." 
 SesperocicMa ncevia, Bd. 
 
 Hob. — Rocky Mountains to the Pacific, from the Yukon to the Colorado. Winters in 
 California, Oregon, and "Washington. Mackenzie's River. Montana (Cooper). Acci- 
 dental in New Jersey (Cabot), near New York City (Lawrence), and at Ipswich, Mass. 
 (Coues, fide Allen). 
 
 Although this species, which was not obtained by either expedition, 
 is essentially a west-coast bird, it is known to occur further eastward, and 
 that not only in the exceptional instances above quoted ; for Dr. Cooper 
 found it "common" near the summit of the Cceur d'Alene Mountains in 
 September, frequenting dark coniferous regions, as in its usual Pacific 
 habitat. Mr. Dall found it nesting on the Nulato Eiver, May 22. " The 
 nest was built in the midst of a large bunch of rubbish in a clump of 
 willow, about two feet from the ground, and close to the river bank. 
 Eggs bluish, speckled with brown." The eggs, in this instance, were only 
 two, but probably the full complement had not been laid ; they usually 
 number four or five, and measure about 1.10 by 0.80 inches. 
 
 ^* TUEDUS MUSTELINUS, Gm. 
 
 Wood Thrush. 
 
 Tardus mnstelinus, Gm., S. N. i, 1788, 817. — Lath., lud. Orn. ii, 1790, 331. — Vieh-L., Ois. 
 Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 6, pi. 62.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 75.— Nutt., i, 1832, 343.— AuD., 
 Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 372 ; v, 1839, 446; pi. 73.— Aud., Syn. 1839, 90.— Aud., B. Am. 
 iii, IfAl, 24, pi. 144.— ScL., P. Z. S. 1856, 294 ; 1859, 325.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 212.— 
 Hayd., Rep. 158.— Bd., Rev. 1864, 13.— McIlweaith, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 
 84 (Hamilton, C. W.).— Sumich., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 543 (Vera Cruz, tran- 
 sient).— Allen, BuU. M. C. Z. 1872, 124, 173 (Kansas).- CoUKS, Key, 1872, 72. ,. 
 
 Merula miistelina, Rich., List, 1837, p. — . ." - 
 
 Tardus melodus, WiLS., Am. Orn. i, 1808, 35, pi. 2, f. 1. 
 
 Tardus densus, Bp., Comptes Rendus, sxviii, 1853, 2. 
 
 Hylociclda mustelina, Bd. 
 
 Hai. — Eastern United States, north to New England and Canada West ; not recorded 
 from Maine ; west to Dakota ; south to Central America in winter. Breeds throughout 
 its United States range. Winters on the Gulf coast (Audabon). Occasional in the 
 West Indies (Cuba, D'OrMgny, La Sagra's Cuba, Ois. 1840, 49). Bermuda. 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition. 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4650, Fort Pierre, Dakota. 
 
 This distinctively eastern species ascends the Missouri as far at least 
 as Port Pierre, and is reported by Dr. Hayden as being quite numerous 
 along the wooded river bottoms. Mr. Allen found it " exceedingly abun- 
 dant" in Eastern Kansas, but not beyond. 
 
 As is well known, the nest of this species is saddled on the bough of 
 a bush, shrub, or low tree, and has mud in its composition ; other mate- 
 rial, outside, is grass and leaves, the lining being usually fibrous rootlets. 
 The eggs are four or five in number, pale greenish-blue, rarely, if ever, 
 speckled ; t.hey measure 0.95 by 0.65 inches. 
 
 )V ^ TURDUS PALLASI, Cab. t'^ 
 Hermit Thrnsli. 
 
 a. pallasi. 
 
 Tnrdus pallasi, Cab., Wieg. Arch, i, 1847, 205; Mus. Hein. i, 1850, 5; J. f. O. 1855, 470 
 (Cuba).- Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 212.— Sol., P. Z. S. 1859, 325 ; Cat. 1862, 2.— Coues 
 & Prent., Smiths. Rep. for 1861 (1862), 404 (D. C, migr.).— Verk., Pr. Ess. 
 lust, iii, 1862, 146 (Maine, abundant in summer). — Boakdm., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 
 
 Digitized by Microsoft® 
 
TUEDUS PALLASI, HERMIT THRUSH. 3 
 
 1862, 124 (Maine, breeding). — Verr., ihid. 137 (Anticosti). — Allen, Pr. Ess. 
 Inst, iv, 1864, 56 (Massachusetts, migratory). — Lawr., Ann. Lyo. N. Y. viii, 
 1866, 281. — McIlwraixh, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 84 (Canada West, migratory). — 
 Codes, ibid, vi, 1868, 266.— Codes, Pr. Bost. Sue. xii, 1868, 106 (South Carolina, 
 common iu winter, October to March).- Tdrm., B. E. Pa. 1869, 14 (chiefly mi- 
 gratory, some wintering). — EiDGW., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1869, IdS. — Ajllen, Mem. 
 Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 514 (Illinois).— Mayn., Guide, 1870, 89 (Southern New 
 England, until November). — Mayn., Pr. Bost. Soc. xiv, 1871 (breeding, 
 Maine and New Hampshire).— Allex, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 254 (Florida, in 
 winter) ; iii, 1872, 173 (Kansas and Colorado). — Mayn., B. Ela. 1872, 8. — Codes, 
 Key, 1872, 72.-.SXOW, 13 B. Kas. 1873, 4. 
 
 Turdus soUtarius, WiLS., Am. Orn. v, 1812, 95 (not of Linnseus; not the plate 43, f. 2, 
 which is swaiiisotn). — Bp., Comp. List, 1838, 17. — AuD., Syn. 1839, 91. — AiiD., 
 B. Am. iii, 1841, 29, pi. 146.— Brewer, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1844, 191.— Bp., Consp. Av. 
 i, 1850, 270. — WooDH., Sitgr. Kep. 1853, 72 (Te.xas and New Mexico). — Puts., 
 Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 209 (Massachusetts, occasional in winter). — ScL., P. Z. S. 
 1857, 212. — Trippe, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871 (Minnesota, migratory). 
 
 Merula soUtaria, Sws. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 184, pi. "35," by error for 37.— Vibill., 
 Ois. A. S. ii, 1807, 7, pi. 63 (in part).— Brewer, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1844, 191. 
 
 Turdus minor, Bp., Journ. Phila. Acad, iv, 1824, 33. — Bp., Syn. 1828, 75. — Nutt., Man. i, 
 1832, 346.— Add., Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 303, pi. 58; v, 1839, 445.— Gikadd, B. L. Isl. 
 1844, 90.— (?) Rbinh., Birds Greenland, 6 (" T. imnor,<im.") 
 
 " Turdus guttatus, Cab., Fu. Peru. 1844, 6, 147" (fide Baird). 
 
 b. nanus. 
 
 Tardus nanus, Add., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 201, pi. 419 (n.ame T. minor on plate). — Add., B. 
 Am. iii, 1841, 32, pi. 147.— Game., Pr. A. N. 8. i, 1843, 262; 1844, 14; 1846, 
 113 ; Journ. 1847, 41.— Bd., B. N. A. 18r,8, 213.— ScL., P. Z. S. 1859 ; Cat. 1862, 2.— 
 Heerm., p. E. R. Eep. x, le.")y, part vi, 45.— Bd., Rev. 1864, 15.— Codes, Pr. 
 Phila. Acad. 1866, 65.— Ridgw., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1869, 129.— Dall & Baxx., 
 Trans. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 275.— Coop., B. Cil. i, 1870, 4. 
 
 Turdus paTlasi var. nanus, CoUEiS, Key, 1872, 72. 
 
 " (?) Turdus aonalaschica, Gm.— (f ?) Muscicapa guttata, Pall." (Baird). 
 
 c. audubonii. 
 
 Merula silens, S\\-S., Philos. Mag. i, 1827, 647, nee T. silens, V.— Sws., F. B. A. ii, 1631, 186.— 
 
 Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 213, 922 (Fort Bridger).— Scl., P, Z. S. 1858, 325 (LaParada) ; 
 
 1859, 325 (Oaxaca); Cat. 1862, 2. 
 Turdus audubonii, Bd., Rev. 1864, 16. — Ridgw., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1869, 129. — Sdmicii,, 
 
 Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 542 (Vera Cruz, alpine region, resident). — Stevexsox, 
 
 U. S. Geol. Snrv. Ter. 1870, 463.— Merriam, ibid. 1872. 
 Turdus pallasi var. audubonii, Codes, Key, 1872, 72. 
 
 Hah. — The typical form ranges over the whole Eastern Province of North America ; 
 and it appears that specimens from the Middle and Western Provinces also are fre- 
 quently indistinguishable. Also, Greenland, if Reinhardt's quotation belongs to this 
 species. Breeds from New England northward ; winters abundantly in the Southern, 
 and occasionally in the Middle {TurnbuU) States. Var. nanus chieiiy from the regions 
 west of thfi Rocky Mountains, but also accredited to Pennsylvania. Var. audubonii is 
 only quoted from the Southern Rocky Mountain region, and thence southward on the 
 table-lands of Mexico, where it is stated to be resident. ./ 
 
 This species was not noticed by either of the earlier expeditions. 
 
 Later Expeditions. — var. audubonii, 606T5, Uintah Mountains ; 59852^ Middle Park, Col. 
 {Schmidt & Stevenson). 
 
 There is unquestionably but a single species of Hermit Thrusli in/,^;^ - 
 North America. It is impossible to draw any dividing line between the^ 
 so-called species, and, in fact, it is sufficiently difficult to predicate 
 varietal distinction. 
 
 The Hermit Thrush is, upon the whole, a more northerly bird than any , ■ , 
 of its allies; not that the Olive-backed Thrush may not proceed as far , 
 north in summer, but the Hermit Thrush migrates earlier in the spring, f^^~ • 
 lingers northward later in the fall, and winters further north, 1 h'cLve^Of- i 
 found no Central American quotations. At Washington, 1). 0,, for in- f 
 
 stance, an intermediate point, the Hermit Thrush arrives in the van of 
 the other three species, some time in March, becomes at once abundant, 
 and is seen through the following month ; it does not come back until 
 
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4 TURDIDiE, THRUSHES. 
 
 October, and remains until November. I never found it wintering in 
 Maryland or Virginia, but it certainly does so in the Carolinas ; and Dr. 
 Turnbull says a few linger through that season in the Middle States. 
 Mr. Maynard states that he has found it in Northern New Hampshire 
 when the snow was on the ground, in Maine as late as November G, and 
 in Massachusetts until quite late in the same month. The same writer 
 speaks of its breeding in Massachusetts, citing a nest and eggs taken at 
 North Beverly in June, 1808; this is, I believe, the southernmost breed- 
 ing-record. The nest is built in bashes, and the eggs are plain greenish- 
 blue; they measure 0.00 by 0.62 inches. 
 
 Mr. Allen informs me by letter that " the Hermit Thrush is more or 
 less common in the breeding season in the mountains of Colorado, from 
 about 8,000 feet up to timber line. Several pairs were observed at our 
 caijip near Fairplay, but it was more common near the timber Hue in the 
 vicinity of Mount Lincoln than we found it elsewhere. Several broods 
 of young, scarcely able to fly, were seen at the last-named locality about 
 July 25. The old birds were shy, and difficult to approach." 
 
 ^ 
 
 TUEDUS SWAINSONI, Cab. 
 OliYC-backed Thrnsb. 
 
 a. swainsoni. 
 
 Turdus minor, 6m., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 809 (in part; mixed viifh. fmcmcena). — ViEirx., 0. 
 
 A. S. ii, 1807, 7. pi. 63 (in P3.rt; mixed with ^aH««i).— Bp., Comp. List, 18"r), 
 
 17 ; Conep. i, 1850, 271. 
 Turdus solitarius, WiLS., Am. Orn. v, lrtl2, pi. 13, f. 2 (not the text on p. 95).— CouES, 
 
 Pr. Bost. Soo. xii, 1808, 106 (lapsu for "swainsoni"). 
 Merula wilaoni, Sw8. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, ld2 (excl. syn. " mustelinus, Wils.") 
 Turdus olivaceus, GiRaud, B. L. I. IWA, 92 (nee LiunteuB). 
 Mei-ula olhacea, Brewer, Pr. Bost. Soc. i, 1844, 191. 
 Turdun stvainsoni, Cab., " Fn. Peru. IHri ; v. llomeyer's Reise, ii, 149 ;" Mus. Hftin. i, 18.50, 
 
 5 (Siberia).—" (?) ,SCL. & Salv., Ibis, 1859, 6 (Guatemala)."— ScL., P. Z. S. lnr>n, 
 451 (Ecuador); 18.59, 326; Cat. 1862, 2.— Bu., B. N. A. Ih:,H, 216.— Guxulacii, 
 J. f. 0. 1801, 324 (Cuba).— COUES & I'rkxt., Smiths. Rep. IHOl (1802), 405 
 (Washington, X). C., migratory). — Hayd., Kup. 1862, 1.58. — Verr., Pr. Ess. 
 Inst, iii, 1862, 146 (Maine, in summer).— Vkhu., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, lH(i2, 137 
 (Anticosti, very common). — Boarum., ihid. 124 (Calais, Me., breeding). — Bd., 
 Rev. 1864, 19. — Allex, Pr. li.s.s. lust, iv, lb04, 50 (Massachusetts, migratory). — 
 McIi.WRAiTH, ihld. V, 1866, 84 (Hamilton, migratory).— COUKS, iUd. v, 1868, 
 266 {New England, brcoiling northerly; migratory elsewhere). — Triite, iUd. 
 IS/l, 115 (Minnesota, migratory). — Lawr., Ann. Lye. ix, 1868, 91 (Costa Kica). — 
 Allex, Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 514 (Illinois).— Aixkn, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 
 251 (Florida, in winter).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 173 (Kansas).— Dall 
 
 6 Baxx., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1809, 275 (Alaska).- Turn., B. E. Pa. 1869, 14 (says 
 it winters; doubtful).— -RiDGW., Pr. Phil.n. Acad. 1809, 128. — Mayn., Guide, 
 1870, 90 (Massachusetts, migratory).— Mayx., Pr. Bost. Soc. xiv, 1871 (Ijio'jd- 
 ing in Maine and New Hainpsliire). — Coop., B. C'al. i, 1871, 6. — Mayx., B. 
 Fla. I87y, 6.— CoUES, Key, 1872, 72.— Snow B. Kas. 1873, 4. 
 
 Turdus minimus, Lafr?:.s., R. Z. 1848, 5.— ScL., P. Z. S. 18.54, 111.— Bryant, Pr. Bost. 
 Soc. vii, 1860, 226 (Bogota).— Lawr., Ann. L.\'c, N. Y., viii. May, 1863 (Panama). — 
 "Turdus nanus," Samuels, Am. Nat. ii, ISOf^, 218 (eiror). 
 
 j b. aliciw. 
 
 Turdus aliciw, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 217, pi. 81, f. 2.— Cf)UES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, 217 
 (Labrador).— CoUE.s & Prent., Smith.s. Rop. for 18(;i, 405 (Washington, D. C, 
 migratory, common). — Hayu., Rep. 18G2, 159. — Bd., Rev. 1804, 21. — Coub:s, 
 Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 267 (New England).— Dall & Bann., Trans. Chie. Acad, 
 i, 1869, 275 (Alaska).— RiDGW., Pr. Piiil. Acad. 1869, 128.— Lawj'.., Ann. Lyo. ix, 
 1868, 91 (Costa Rica). 
 
 Turdus swainsoni var. aliciw, Coues, Key, 1872, 73. 
 
 c. ustulatus. 
 
 Turdus nsMaius, Nutt., i, 1840. 2d ed., 400 C' cestuIatus").—Bi>., B. N. A. 1858, 215, pi. 
 81, f. I.-Coop. & Su(g^^ggi5lJyV){^J^J^j,^g0, 171.-BD., Rev. 1864, 18.- 
 
TURDUS SWAINSONI, OLIVE-BACKED THEUSH. 5 
 
 EiDGW., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1869, 129.— Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 
 275.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1H71, 5.— Lawj!., Pr. Bost. Soc. June, lb71 (Tres JL-aiusj. 
 Turdus Bwainmni var. uatulalus, Coues, Key, lb72, T.i. 
 
 Edb. — ^The typical form ranges over nearly the whole of North America; north to 
 the Arctic Ocean, northwest to Behring's Straits, west to the Columbia, Kouth to Cen- 
 tral America, New Granada, and Ecuador. Cuba. Greenland, Europe, and Siberia (acci- 
 dental). Not observed in Southwestern United States. Breeds from Maine and New 
 Hampshire northward (f from New York, Gregg, Pr. Elmira Acad. IdTU). Winters 
 from Florida southv>'ard. Var. aliciw has a nearly coincident range, but on the wb(jle 
 appears somewhat more northeily; south to Costa Rica (r. i^ranteii^). Yav. ustulatiis 
 inhabits the Pacific coast, from Biika to Mexico (Tres Marias Islands, Gratjmn). 
 
 List of specimens. 
 
 19193 
 
 27 
 
 Wind River. - 
 
 9 
 
 May 28, l.-'GO 
 
 F. V. Hay den.. 
 
 6..50 
 
 11.50 
 
 4.00 
 
 Lieittoiaiit Warren's Expedition. — 4707, mouth of the Mis.sonri River ; 4710, "Nebraska;" 
 8818, Black Hills. Var. uUcUh : 4708, Upper Missouri ; 4711, Jacques River ; 4709, 4712, 
 Vermilion River. 
 
 Late information bas greatly extended tlie known range of tbi.s species, 
 and in time the above-mentiooed exception of its apparent non-occur- 
 rence in tbe Soutbwestern United States will probably be done away 
 witb. 
 
 As Mr. Allen bas repeatedly contended, tbe characteristics formerly sup- 
 posed to be specifloally distinctive of T. aliciw have proved inconstant and 
 not always tangible. I am now nearly satisfied of the propriety of treat- 
 ing it as a variety, though I entertained tbe contrary opinion for some 
 years. Tbe evidence best favoring tbe supposition of its validity lies in 
 the fact that, while occupying substantially the same range as typical 
 su-ain.soHij it generally shows .some slight peculiarities; these, however, 
 apparently shade into those of swainsoni. The fact of intergradation may 
 be proved, however we may account for the discrepancies observed in 
 most cases. I think the solution of the problem may be looked for in 
 tbe probability that alicice as a rule consists of more northerly-born indi- 
 viduals ; this would bring the case under some known rules, that might 
 account for its iieculiarities of larger size and darker color. 
 
 Tbe relationships of var. nutulatus were long supposed to be with /«s- 
 cescens, which is by no means the case. The clew to its true interpreta- 
 tion wa.s found in the discovery that tbe eggs are speckled as in su-ain- 
 soui, not plain as in fuscescens. Attention was first called to this and 
 other evidences of relationship by Mr. Eidgway in the paper above 
 quoted. He then, however, treated ustulatus as specifically distinct. 
 Nothing appears to contradict the view I have adopted, and published 
 as above, that ustulatus is a geographical variety, the features of which 
 depend upon tbe moisture of the heavily wooded coast region it inhabits?. 
 
 All tbe forms of this species nest alike in bushes, and lay speckled 
 eggs, usually four, measuring about 0.92 by 0.02 inc^ies. The Olive- 
 backed Thrush is a very abundant bird in the Eastern Unite4 States 
 during the migrations in April and October. It has not been observed 
 to breed south of Maine and New Hampshire, nor is the evidence satis- 
 factory that it winters north of Florida. As will be seen by the above 
 quotations, it penetrates very far southward in winter. 
 
 p . TUEDUS FCrSCESCENS, Stepb. ,.- 
 Wilson's Thrash; Tawny Thrush; Veery, 
 
 Ttirdus mustelinus, WiLS., Am. Orn., v, 1812, 98, pi. 43 (iicc Gm., nee aiicft.) 
 Turdus fuscescens, Steph., Shaw's Gen. Zool. x, 1817, 182.— Cab., J. f. O. 18.55, 470 
 (Cuba).-BD., B.N.^^^^|,^2^4^-^«^^P. Z^^^59, 326; Cat. 1862,2.-Coui=s& 
 
b TUEDID^, THEUSHES. 
 
 Peent., Smiths. Eep. 1861, 404 (Washington, D. C, migratory).— Hayd., 
 Eep. 1862, 158.— Veee., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 146 (Maine, breeds).— Bd., Eev. 
 1864, 17.— Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 56 (Massachusetts, breeds).— Lawk., 
 Ann. Lye. N. H. N. Y. viii, 1866, 281 (New York).— McIlweaith, Pr. Ess. 
 Inst. V, 1866, 84 (Hamilton, Canada West, breeds).— CouES, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 
 1868, 266.— CouES, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1868, xii, 106 (South Carolina, chiefly migra- 
 tory, some probably winteriug). — Allex, Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 493 (Iowa, 
 July), 514.— Turn., B. E. Pa. 1869, 14 ("plentiful from April to October, a few 
 remaining during winter").— Eidgw., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1869, 127.— Mayx., 
 Guide, 1870, 90 (Massachusetts, abundant iu summer). — Mayn., Pr. Bost. 
 Soc. xiv, 1871 (Maine and New Hampshire, summer).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 
 1871, 256 (Florida, winteriug) ; iii, 1872, 155, 173 (mountains of Colorado). — 
 Mayn., B. Fla. 1872, 10.— Codes, Key, 1872, 73. 
 
 Turdus silens, Vieill., Enc. Met. ii, 1623, 647 ( = mustelinus, WiLS. ; not silens, Sws.) 
 
 Turdus ivilsoni, Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, 34, No. 73 ; Syn. 1828, 75, No. 100 ; Cousp. i, 1850, 
 271.— NuTT., Man. i, 1832, 349.— Aud., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 362; v, 1839, 446, pi. 
 166.— Aud., Svn. 1839, 90.— Aud., B. Am. iii, 1841, 27, pi. 145.— Gieaud, B. L. I. 
 1844, 89.— Cab., "Fn. Peru. 1844-'46, 205."— Putn., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856,209 
 (Massachusetts, breeding). — Teippe, ibid., vi, 1871, 115 (Minnesota, breeding). 
 
 Meriila mihani, Bkewee, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1844, 191 . 
 
 " Turdus minor, D'Oebigny, La Sagra's Cuba, Ois. 1840, 47, pi. 5 (Cuba)." 
 
 Merttla minor, Sws. & EiCH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 179, pi. 36. 
 
 Hah. — Eastern North America. North to Hudson's Bay and the Saskatchewan. West 
 to the Eocky Mountains (Colorado, Allen ; Fort Bridger, Baird). South to Panama. 
 Cuba. Breeds from Southern New England (from Pennsylvania, Tiirribull), and Iowa 
 northward. Winters from Florida and Gulf States (? from South Carolina, Couea ; 
 irom Pennsylvania, Turnlmll) southward. Not seen iu Alaska. 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Eaynolds' Expedition. 
 
 Zieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4713, mouth of Vermilion Eiver. 
 
 iMter Expeditions. — 60676, Green Eiver (Schmidt & Stevenson), 
 
 This is an Eastern species, but not exclusively so, although its range 
 is much more limited, both to the northward aud westward, than that 
 of either sicainsoni or pallasi. Dr. Hayden reports it from the Lower 
 Missouri ; it has not been observed higher up than the locality above 
 given. Prof. Baird gives a Fort Bridger record. Mr. Allen met with 
 it at several points in Colorado between Denver and the Park, es- 
 pecially along the North Fork of the South Platte. It occurs in winter 
 as far south as Panama, and in Cuba. It does not appear to run into 
 varieties like the more extensively dispersed pallasi and stvainsoni, but 
 is as constant as mustelinus, that, like it, is restricted in range. These 
 facts seem mutually explanatory. 
 
 The nest of this species is built on or close to the ground, and the 
 eggs are unmarked. 
 
 A Veery's nest, which I found near Pembina, Dakota, on the Eed 
 PLiver of the North, was placed on a little heap of decaying leaves caught 
 at the foot of a bush ; resting on these, it was settled firmly in the crotch 
 formed by se^'cral stems diverging at once from the root. The base of 
 the nest was quite damp, but the floor was suflSciently thick to keep the 
 interior dry. The nest was built of various slender weed-stems, grass- 
 stalks, and fibrous strips of bark, compactly woven and mixed with 
 dried leaves ; the latter formed the lining of the base inside. The cavity 
 is rather small, considering the bulkiness of the whole nest, measuring 
 only about two inches and a half across by less than two in depth. The 
 whole is as large as an infant's head, and of irregular contour, fitting the 
 crotch iu which it was placed, and bearing deep impress of the ascending 
 stems of the bush. This nest contained four eggs, fresh (June 9) ; they 
 measured, on an average, 0.86 by 0.66, and were pale greenish-blue, with- 
 out spots. The female, scared from her nest by my approach, flew silently 
 off to a little distance, where she rested to observe my actions. The 
 bird breeds very abundantly in the heavy shrubbery along the river, 
 and is one of the sweetest .songsters, of that region. When its clear 
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OREOSCOPTES MONTANUS, MOUNTAIN MOCKINGBIED. 7 
 
 bell-like notes, resonant, distinct, yet soft and of nndescribable sadness, 
 fall upon the ear as we press through the tangled undergrowth beneath 
 the shade of stately trees, we pause involuntarily to listen to music that 
 for the moment makes us forget the terrible torture of body and vexa- 
 tion of spirit that we endure continually from the innumerable hosts of 
 the scourge — musquitoes. 
 
 The Merula minor of Swainson is certainly this species; every point 
 of the -diagnosis, as well as the plate, points to fusceseens. M. wilsoni 
 of the same author is sivainsoni. M. solitaria of the same work is pallasi, 
 the plate erroneously marked "35" for 37. I make these deterniina- 
 tions, which differ somewhat from those of Professor Baird, who assigns 
 the plates otherwise. In my copy of the Fauna, plate "35" (37), the 
 tawny of the rump and other points of coloration are certainly little like 
 those of sicainsoni. 
 
 Mr. Allen has erroneously included T. ustulatus among the synonyms 
 of fusceseens in his Memoirs on lowan and Floridan Birds, above cited ; 
 but 1 am happy to be able to state that he now endorses the ^^ew pre- 
 sented in the "Key." He also informs me that Wilson's Thrush, which 
 was met with in considerable numbers at several points between Denver 
 and South Park, chiefly frequented the dense thickets near the streams, 
 and were hence difficult to observe or procure, although easily recog- 
 nized by their song. None were met with in or about South Park, or 
 above an altitude of about 9,000 feet. 
 
 Subfamily MiMiNiE : Moclcing Tliruslies. 
 OREOSCOPTES MONTANUS, (Towns.) Bd. 
 
 Mountain Mocking1)ird. 
 
 OrpUem montamis, Towns., Journ. Acad. Phila. 1837, 192.— Atjd., Syn. 1839, 89.— AuD., 
 B. Am. ii, 1841, 194, pi. 139. 
 
 Turdus montamis, Atjd., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 437, pi. 369, f. 1. , 
 
 Minms montamis, Bp., List, 1838, 17.— Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 276. 
 
 Oreoscoptes montamis, Be, B. N. A. 1858, 347 ; Kev. 1864, 42.— Sci,., P. Z. S. 1859, 340 ; Cat. 
 1862, 8.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 163.— Coop., Pr. Cal. Acad. 1870, 75 (Colorado 
 River) ; B. Cal. i, 1870. 13.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 464 (Wyoming).— 
 MERRiAiir, ibid. 1872, 670, 705 (Utah).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 174 
 (western edge of the Colorado Plains). — Hold., Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 194 (Black 
 Hills).— COUBS, Key, 1872, 74. 
 
 Sat. — United States, from the Roety Mountains to the Pacific ; south to Mexico and 
 Cape St. Lucas ; east to Fort Laramie and the Black Hills. 
 
 This species bears no slight resemblance to the young of the common Mockingbird, 
 ■which is, like it, spotted below, and for which it might be mistaken upon superficial ex- 
 amination. It is, however, much more heavily and sharply marked with triangular 
 spots on nearly all the under parts, and differs, besides, in its generic characters. The 
 bill is slenderer and comparatively longer ; the wings are relatively much longer and 
 more pointed, equaling or exceeding the tail, which is little rouuded, the outer feathers 
 being only about i inch shorter than the middle ones. Length about 8.00 ; wing 4.00 ; 
 tail rather more ; tarsus 1.15; bill, 0.65. 
 
 
 
 
 lAst of specimeni 
 
 . 
 
 
 
 
 19226 
 19347 
 
 21 
 
 Rattlesnake Hills- 
 Willow Springs . . 
 
 "s' 
 
 May 16, 1860 
 May 14, 1860 
 
 F.V.Hayden. 
 G. H. Trook 
 
 8.25 
 
 13.00 
 
 3.75 
 
 
 
 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 8821, Black Hills. 
 
 Lalei- Expeditions. — 60447, 60711-19, various Wyoming localities ; 61651-2, Salt Lake, 
 Utah. 
 
 Dr. Hayden's specimen, from the Black Hills, and Dr. Cooper's, from 
 Fort Laramie, probably indicate the extreme eastern range of the 
 species. Mr. Holden's notice is corroborative ; he found them rare in 
 Digitized by Microsoft® 
 
8 
 
 TURDID^, THRUSHES. 
 
 tlie Bl.ack Hills, only five or six specimens being observed in the course 
 of his collecting. "They remain concealed during the middle of the 
 day in some low thicket, and on the approach of evening the males 
 mount some high point and sing till after dnsk." 
 
 Of the nidiflcation of the Mountain Mockingbird I remain ignorant. 
 A set of four eggs in the Smithsonian collection, from Wyoming, offers 
 the following characters: Size, 1.03 by 0.70, 1.00 by 0.70, 0.99 by 0.68, 
 0.94 by 0.69. Color rather light greenish-blue, boldly, sharply, and 
 rather heavily spotted all over with burnt umber. A single egg of 
 another set from the same locality is more minutely speckled and dotted 
 in diffuse pattern, approaching some styles of Mockingbird's eggs. Mr. 
 Merriam took a nest containing four fresh eggs, June 10, 1872, at Salt 
 Lake, Utah. 
 
 'v MIMUS POLYGLOTTCJS, (L.) Boie. ^^ 
 
 Mockingbird. 
 
 TihvAus polygloitus, L., S. N. i, 1766, 293.— Wils., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 14, pi. 10, f. 1.— Bp., 
 Syu. 1828, 74.— AOB., Orn. Biog. i; 1831, 108; v, 1839, 438; pi. 21.— NuTT., Man. 
 j, 1832, 320. 
 
 Mimus pohjglotius, BoiB, Isis, 1826, 972.— Bp., Corap. List, 1838, 17 ; Consp. i, 1850, 276.— 
 WoODH., Sitgr. Kep. 1853, 72.— ScL., P. Z. S. 1856, 212 ; 1859, 340 ; Cat. 1862, 8.— 
 Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 344; Kev. 1864, 48.— Kenn.. P. R. E. Rep. x, 1859, pt. iv, 
 25.— Heeem., iiid. pt. vi, 44. — Wheat., Ohio Agr. Rep. 1860, No. 118 (Ohio, 
 formerly common). — CouES &Pee^'t., Smiths. Roj). 1861, 410 (rare). — Allen, Pr. 
 Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 67 (Massachu.setts, northern limit). — Lawe., Ann. Lye. N. T. 
 viii, 1866, 282 (Long Island, occasional). — CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 65 
 (Arizona). — CouES, Pr. Bost. Soc. sii, 1868, 107 (South Carolina, resident). — 
 Allen, Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 523 (Indiana). — Sumich., ibid, i, 1869, 543 
 (Vera Cruz, Gulf shore up to plateau ; breeding at Orizaba). — Turn., B. E. Pa. 
 1869, 15 (rare, stated to have wintered). — Mayjst., Guide, 1870, 92 (Massachusetts) ; 
 B. Fla. 1872, 16..— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 21.— Lawr., Pr. Bost. Soc. June, 1871 
 (Tres Marias). — Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 259 (Florida,' in winter) ; iii, 
 1872, 134 (Middle Kansas, common, breeding). — CouES, Key, 1872, 74, fig. 16. 
 
 Orpheus pohjylottus, Sws., Zool. Jouru. iii, 1827, 167. — ^AUD., Syn. 1839, 87.— AuD., B. Am. 
 ii, 1841, 187, pi. 137. 
 
 Orpheus leucopterus, ViG., Zool. Beechey's Voy. 1839, p. — . 
 
 Orpheus polyyothus, Putn., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 224 (error). 
 
 Mimus caudatiis, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 345 {" canadalus," error). — Coop., Pr. Cal. Acad. 
 1870, 75. 
 
 Sab. — United States, from Atlantic to Pacific ; north regularly to the Middle States, 
 rarely to Massachusetts, beyond which no record. Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas; 
 New Mexico, Arizona, and Southern California ; Tres Marias Islands. Resident from 
 the Carolinas southward, and in Mexico. Several insular races in various West Indian 
 Islands. Breeds throughout its range. 
 
 The Mockingbird was not noticed by either expedition, but has lately 
 been ascertained to breed in Kansas, where Mr. Allen found it common, 
 in June, along Big Creek. It probably does not proceed further north- 
 ward in the Missouri region. 
 
 The Mockingbird's eggs measure nearly or quite an inch long by three- 
 fourths wide, and are gray, irregularly speckled and blotched with brown 
 and lavender, chiefly about the larger end, but often over the whole sur- 
 face. Two or three broods are reared in the South. 
 
 ^i 
 
 K\( MIMUS CAEOLINENSIS, (Linn.) Gray. r. - 
 
 Catbird. 
 
 Muscieapa carolinensis, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 328. 
 Tardus carolinensis, Light., Verzeichn. 1823, 38. 
 Orpheus carolinensis, Auc, B. Am. ii, 1841. 195, pi. 140. , 
 
 Mimus carolinensis. Gray.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 346.— Ha yd.. Rep. 1862, 163.— Coop., Am. 
 Nat. ui, 1869, 73 (coi£%ii^afe^fl»jd>b8eil/l®s to CcEur d'Aleue Mission) ; 295 
 
HAEPOEHYNCHUS EUFUS, THEASHEE. 9 
 
 (Fort Union, breeding).— Cotjes, Key, 1872, 74.— Almu, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1879, 
 
 174 (Kansas, Colorado, Utah). — Mayn., B. Fla. 1872, 19. — And of most late 
 
 authors. 
 Gahoscopies caroUnensis, Cab. — Bd., Eev. 1864, .54. — SuMicn., Mera. Bost. Soo. i, 1869, 544 
 
 (Vera Cruz, transient).— SCL., P. Z. S. 1870, 836 (Honduras).- Stev., U. S. Geol. 
 
 Surv. 1870, 464.— Merk., ibid. 1873, 670. 
 Felivox caroUnensis, Bp., Comp. Eend. xxviii, 1853, p. — 
 Turdus felivox, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 10, pi. 67.— Bp., Journ. Phila. Acad, iv, 
 
 1825, 30 ; Syn. 1828, 75.— NuTT., i, 1832, 332.— Auc, Oru. Biog. ii, 171 ; v, 440 ; 
 
 pi. 128. 
 Orpheus felivox, Sw. & EiCH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 192.— AuD., Syn. 1839, 88.— Auc, B. Am. 
 
 ii, pi. 140. 
 Minius felivox, Bp., Comp. List, 1838, 18 ; Consp. Av. i, 1850, 276. 
 Tardus Uvidits, WiLS., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 90, pi. 14, f. 3. 
 
 Hob. — United States, north to Eed Eiver and Saskatchewan (latitude 54°, Biohard- 
 son) ; west to the Columbia, to Utah, Wyoming and Colorado ; south to Panama. Mexico. 
 Cuba. Resident in the Southern States. Breeds throughout its North American range. 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Eaynolds' Expedition. 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4704, White Eiver; 5285, 5286, Fort Lookout. 1 "^ 
 
 Later Expeditions. — 59853, Berthoud's Pass, Colorado; 60443, La BontS Creek, Wy-., ' i 
 omlug; 60720, Fort Bridger; 61653, Ogden, Utah. ■ / - 
 
 The known range of this familiar species has been greatly extended /tii^' 
 of late. It was taken in Washington Territory by the Northwest ,'■ 
 Boundary Survey Commission ; in Kansas, Colorado, and Utah by Mr. -, 
 Allen's expedition from the Museum of Comparative Zoology, and in Wy- 
 oming by Mr. Stevenson. Dr. Hayden remarks its abundance from the 
 mouth of the Missouri to the mountains. 
 
 Eggs pure dark-green, unmarked, 0.92 by 0.68 in size, four or live in 
 number. Nest in bushes, bulky and inartistic, made of bark-strips, 
 weed-stalks, leaves, and rootlets. 
 
 V / 
 
 r- '^ HAEPOEHYNCHUS EUFUS, (Linn.) Cab. % 6- 
 
 Sandy MockingbiM ; Thrasheri ' 
 
 Turdus rvfua, Linn., Syst. Nfit. i, 1766, 293.— Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 4, pi. 59.— 
 
 WiLS., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 83, pi. 14.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 75.— Auc, Oru. Biog. ii, 
 
 1834, 102 ; v, 1839, 441 ; pi. 116. 
 Orpheus rufus, Sws. & EiOH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 189.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 328.- Add., 
 
 B. Am. iii, 1841, 9, pi. 141.— Telppe, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 116 (Minnesota). 
 Mimus rufus, Gkay, Genera of Birds. — Bp., Comp. List, 1838, 18. 
 toxostoma rufuin, Cab., Weigm. Archiv. 1847, 207. 
 Sarporhynchus rufus. Cab., Mus. Heiu. 1851, 82. — Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 353. — Hayd., Eep. 
 
 1862, 163.— Bd., Eev. 1864, 44.— Coop., Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 296 (Upper Missouri, 
 
 breeding).— CouES, Key, 1872, 75.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 173. — Mayn., 
 
 B. Fla. 1872, 21.— And of most late authors. 
 Sarporhynchus rufus var. longicauda, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 353, in text. — Stev., U. S. Geol. 
 
 Surv. 1872, 464. 
 
 Sab. — Eastern United States; north to Eed Eiver; west through Nebraska, Dakota, Vj',,:. 
 and Colorado. From the Eio Grande southward replaced by a lon<Ter-billed, darker- 
 colored race {S. longiroslris). Winters iu Southern United States. Breeds throughout -'_; _ 
 its range. (No West Indian or Central American quotations.) .'■ ' -" 
 
 List of specimens. ^ '' H 
 
 19346 
 
 Sage Creek . . 
 
 June 13, 1860 
 
 G. H. Trook... 11.00 
 
 13.50 
 
 4.38 
 
 This specimen represents the subvariety rufiis longicauda. So, also, does No. 60442, S-if. 
 expedition of 1870, Bitter Cottonwood Creek, Wyoming. ' 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4553, Missouri River; 5283, 5284, Fort Lookout; 
 4703, Eunning Water ; 8819, 8820, Loup Fork. 
 
 These specimens are of the ordinary form, and probably represent 
 nearly the western limit of the typical species. I have seen it at Port 
 Eandall. The following interesting biographical note is communicated 
 by Mr. Allen : 
 
 Digitized by Microsoft® 
 
10 
 
 CINCLIDiE, DIPPERS. 
 
 "The Brown Thrush is an abundant species in Eastern and Middle 
 Kansas, and is also of frequent occurrence in the foot-hills at the east- 
 ern base of the Eocky Mountains, in Colorado, up to about 7,500 feet. 
 We found its nests, containing full sets of eggs, at Leavenworth during 
 the first week of May. Here the nests were built in low bushes, the 
 soil being clayey and damp ; but at Topeka, toward the end of May, we 
 found nests on the ground, the soil being dry and sandy. At Fort Hays 
 its nests were usually placed in trees, sixteen to twenty feet from the 
 ground, to avoid the contingency of floods. The trees here grew prin- 
 cipally along the bed of Big Creek ; and the stream being subject in 
 summer to sudden freshets, the scattered undergrowth, as well as the 
 lower branches of the trees, are thus often submerged, so that any nests 
 built on or near the ground would be liable to be destroyed by the rise 
 of the stream. The driftal d6hris adhering to the trees serves to mark 
 the 'high-water' line, and we rarely found a bird's nest below this limit. 
 These birds, that usually breed near the ground, in bushes or on the 
 lower brauclaea of trees, thus modified their habits to suit the exigencies 
 of the locality." 
 
 The Thrasher's nest is rather bulky and flattish, composed of small 
 Sticks, weed-stalks, strips of bark, and rootlets. The eggs, four or five 
 in number, are an inch or rather more in length, by three-fourths in 
 breadth, i>ale greenish-olive, finely speckled and dotted with reddish- 
 brown, generally all over the surface, though tending to aggregate 
 about the larger end, around which they sometimes form a perfect 
 wreath. 
 
 Family CINCLID^ : Dippers ; Water Ouzels. 
 
 CINCLUS MEXIOANUS, Sw. 
 
 American Dipper; Water Ouzel. 
 
 Cinclus pallasii, Bp., Am. Oru. ii, 1828, 173, pi. 16, f. 1 (not of anthers). 
 
 Cinclus mexicanus, Sw.", PhU. Mag. i, 1827, 368.— Bd., Eev. 1864, 60.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 
 25.— SuMiCH., Mem. Boat. Soc. i, 1869, 544 (alpine region of Vera Cruz). — CouES, 
 Key, 1872, 77. — Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 174 (mountains of Colorado, up 
 to timber-line ; Ogden, Utah).— Meer., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, 671 (Mon- 
 tana). — Dall, Pr. Cal. Acad. 1873 (Unalaska, resident). 
 Hydrobata mexicana, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 229. — Coop. & Suck., Nat. Hist. Wash. Ter. 
 18C0, 175.— Coop., Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 32 (Montana).— Datl & Bann., Trans. 
 Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 277.— Hold., Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 194 (Black Hills). 
 
 Cinclus americanus, Sw. & EiCH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 173. — Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 569. — AuD., 
 B. Am. ii, 1841, 182, pi. 137.— Newb., P. K. E. Eep. vi, 1857, 80.— Hebkm., P. E. 
 E. Eep. X, 1859, pt. vi, 44. 
 
 Cinclus unicolor, Bp., Comp. and Geog. List, 1838, 18. 
 
 Cinclus mortoni, Towns., Narr. 1839, 337. 
 
 Cinclus townsendii, "AuD." Id., itid. 340. 
 
 Hob. — Clear mountain-streams of Western North America, from the region of the 
 Yukon into Mexico. 
 
 Idst of speiAmms. 
 
 19195 
 19196 
 19198 
 19199 
 19201 
 19197 
 19200 
 
 229 
 231 
 248 
 232 
 231 
 227 
 230 
 
 Deer Creek . . 
 do 
 
 5 
 
 Jan. 5, 1860 
 Jan. 6, 1860 
 Dec. 10, 1859 
 
 6. H. Trook... 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 7.50 
 7.50 
 7.50 
 7.75 
 
 11.50 
 11.50 
 11.75 
 11.50 
 
 3.75 
 3.75 
 3.50 
 3.25 
 
 do 
 
 .do 
 
 5 
 
 ..do 
 
 
 Jan. 4, 1860 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 
 F. V. Hayden.. 
 J. Stevenson . . . 
 
 7.00 
 8.00 
 
 13.00 
 12..50 
 
 3.75 
 
 4.00 
 
 do 
 
 5 
 
 Jan. 5, 1860 
 
 Lata- Expediiions. — 62341-2, Mystic Lake, Montana (Merriam). 
 
 Digitized by Microsoft® 
 
DIPPER. 11 
 
 This interesting bird was not obtained by Lieutenant Warren'is Expe- 
 dition, and tlie fine suite above recorded represent about its easternmost 
 extension as far as known. Tlie conditions of its existence appear to be 
 only met in clear streams. This restricts it practically to mountainons 
 regions, where little or no alluvium is suspended in the water. The 
 aquatic habits of birds of this family are unique among the Oscines ; 
 their general economy — ability to progress under water and procure 
 food with the aid of the wings, by a sort of subaquatic flying and 
 scrambling — is well known, and the perfect adaptation of form and plum- 
 age requires no comment. Their food consists of aquatic insects of all 
 sorts. The nidification has only recently been elucidated. One of the 
 most perfect and beautiful samples of bird- architecture I ever saw was 
 a nest of this species Dr. Haydeu showed me after one of his late trips. 
 It is an elegant ball of soft green moss, as large as a man's head, 
 roofed over, with a small round hole in one side. Dr. Cooper speaks of 
 a similar structure : "It was built under the shelving roots of an immense 
 arhor-mtcB tree that had floated over and rested, in a slanting position, 
 against a mill-dam. The floor was made of small twigs, and bare ; the 
 sides and roof arching over it like an oven, and formed of moss project- 
 ing above so as to shelter the opening. This was large enough to admit 
 the hand, and the inside was very capacious. It contained half fledged 
 j'oung [July 5]. The old birds were familiar and fearless, being accus- 
 tomed to the noise of the mill, and the society of the men, who were 
 much interested by their curious habits. They had already raised a 
 brood in the same nest that summer." The nest appears to be variously 
 situated, but always in a nook or crevice near the water. 
 
 Mr. Merriam's report, above cited, contains an account of another nest, 
 which was discovered by the artist of the expedition, Mr. W. H. Holmes, 
 about half a mile from Mystic Lake, Montana : " The bird was observed 
 to fly directly through the falling water, disappearing from view. Sus- 
 pecting that a nest must be there, we returned the following day, when, 
 with the assistance of Mr. Holmes, I secured the nest, containing three 
 young, and shortly after shot both the old birds. The nest was made of 
 moss, measuring nearly a foot in diameter and six inches in depth. It 
 was built upon the edge of a narrow shelf of rock, and so near the fall 
 that the outside was constantly wet with spray, while the interior was 
 dry and warm. The birds entered it by a small lateral opening in the 
 lower half of the nest, the top being built up against a projecting rock." 
 — { W. B. Piatt.) 
 
 Other extracts from the observations of naturalists will illustrate the 
 natural history of the species. Dr. George Suckley writes : " One curi- 
 ous fact I noticed regarding this bird is, that I frequently saw it singly 
 or in pairs., but never more than two together. In fact, they seem to pre- 
 fer solitude, and eschew all sociable communion or the slightest attempt 
 at gregarious life, except the indispensable union of a pair for the pur- 
 pose of procreation. I never saw this bird on or near still water. They 
 prefer and delight in wild mountain-streams, where, among cascades, 
 eddies, and swift currents, they lead their curious lives." Mr. George 
 Gibbs speaks of the Dipper as common on Salmon Eiver, a rapid, brawling 
 stream, and continues : "As I sat at my cradle on the bank, a pair of 
 them * * * used to play in the water near me, sometimes alighting at the 
 head of a rapid, allowing themselves to be swept under, and then rising 
 below. They dive with great celerity, and at times beat the water with 
 their wings, throwing the spray over themselves. Theii' whistle was 
 sweet and rather sad, but they seemed very happy and busy notwith- 
 standing, and in nowise afraid of the harsh rattle of the miner's cradle." 
 Digitized by Microsoft® 
 
12 CINCLID^, DIPPEES. 
 
 Dr. Newberry gives the following note : "This singular little bird I found 
 only in the rapid and shallow streams in the Cascade Mountains. It was 
 always flitting along in the bed of the stream, from time to time plung- 
 ing into the water and disappearing, but soon re-appearing across or up 
 or down the stream, skipping from stone to stone, jerking its tail and 
 turning its body, with much the manners of the wrens, occasionally ut- 
 tering a short and sharp chiip." Mr. W. H. Ball's notice is one of the 
 most northern records. He says, like Dr. Suckley, that the bird "is es- 
 sentially solitary. Several specimens were obtained iu January, Febru- 
 ary, and March, always near some open, unfrozen spot, on some small 
 stream, such as the Nulato River. * * * The Indians told me, and 
 my own observation continued it, that this bird, when disturbed, will 
 dive into the water even in mid-winter; and as it is never found but 
 near open water, I suspect it obtains its food from thence. I noticed 
 that the bill and legs of some of the specimens were light ochre-yellow, 
 and others dark slate-color." The former were probably young birds. 
 
 "The American Ouzel (Clnchis mexicanus) is doubtless a frequent in- 
 habitant of nearly all the mountain-streams of Colorado. We met with 
 it near Colorado City, on the Pontaine-qui-bout, even fairly out on the 
 plains, and iu the mountains up to the remotest sources of the South 
 Platte, within a few hundred feet of the timber-line. Eemarkable alike 
 for the melody of its song and its singular habits, it is one of the most 
 interesting members of the avian fauna of our continent. It prefers 
 the swiitest mountain-torrents, above the roar of which its melodious 
 notes can at times be scarcely heard. At such localities, as is well known, 
 it seeks its food at the bottom of the stream, easily withstanding the 
 swiftest current. Along Ogden River, Utah, a powerful mountain tor- 
 rent, we found it more common in September and October than we had 
 seen it at any other point ; here, in the course of an hour, we easily ob- 
 tained a dozen specimens." — [Allen, in epist.) 
 
 The Dipper's egg is pure white in color, and of rather elongate, 
 pointed shape. Two specimens in Dr. Hayden's collection, taken by 
 Mr. Stevenson near Berthoud's Pass, measure 1.05 by 0.70, and 1.04 
 by 0.09, respectively. They formed part of a set of three. 
 
 We have been favored with the following interesting communication 
 from Mr. J. Stevenson, of Dr. Hayden's party : 
 
 " While the camp of the United States Geological Survey of the Ter- 
 ritories, to which I was attached, was located near Berthoud's Pass, in 
 the Rocky Mountains, I collected the nest, eggs, and mother bird of the 
 Water Ouzel, which had constructed its little house near the margin of 
 a small stream, but a little distance from our camp. Having some leis- 
 ure time, I interested myself in watching and noting some of the actions 
 of this little bird. It was not very timid, having built its nest not far 
 from a saw-mill in which several persons vv-ere employed, and who were 
 daily witnesses of the movements of the bird ; indeed, one of these men 
 seemed deeply grieved when he learned that I had killed the bird and 
 taken its nest, for it had been his custom to approach the spot daily, 
 and watch with interest the curious manoeuvres of this little animal. 
 After my attention was called to it I took pains to spend an hour or so 
 each day for several days, watching its actions. The nest was built on 
 a slab, about four feet from the water's edge, and was composed of green 
 moss, the inside being lined with fine dry grass; it was oval-shaped, 
 being about six inches high and about thirty in circumference at the 
 base. The outside or walls of the nest were composed of green moss, 
 most ingeniously interwoven, so that its growth in this manner might 
 add to the strength of tbftJiesi-awl ttie^BfOi^on of the bird, its eggs. 
 
SIALIA SIALIS, EASTERN BLUEBIRD. 13 
 
 and youug. One of the first things that attracted my attention was its 
 manner of diving down into the water and then darting back and perching 
 itself on the summit of its mound-like dwelling, where it would shake the 
 water from its feathers and distribute it over the nest, apparently for 
 the purpose of keeping the moss moist and in a growing condition, 
 thereby increasing its strength and dimensions. The entrance to its 
 little house was also carefully arranged ; the archway was quite perfect, 
 and the moss around it was so directed in its growth as not to obstruct 
 the entrance, which was situated on one side, near the bottom of the nest. 
 The operation of sprinkling the nest was repeated daily. . An examina- 
 tion of the nest, which is in the museum of the Smithsonian Institution, 
 together with the preceding facts, would induce one to believe that the 
 performances of this little bird were for the purpose of keeping the outer 
 lining of its nest green and growing, that it might keep its miniature 
 dwelling in repair, while rearing its family, without the aid of a brick- 
 layer, plasterer, or carpenter, showing that among the feathered tribe 
 there are mechanics as well as musicians." 
 
 A model piece of bird-biography is the account given by Audubon, 
 from the pen of William Macgillivray, who writes fascinatingly, as well 
 as instructively, of the European Dipper, with the habits of which ours 
 accords in all essentials. An excellent and thoroughly reliable mono- 
 graph of the family has been published by Mr. Osbert Salvin in the Ibis, 
 1867, pp. 109-122, pi. 2 ; also pp. 382, 383. 
 
 Family SAXICOLID^ : Stone Chats. 
 
 Chiefly an Old World group, closely allied to if really. separable from 
 the Turdidw, represented in North America by stragglers of the typical 
 genus Saxioola, and by the characteristic American genus Sialia. 
 
 9 X '^ SIALIA SIALIS, (Linn.) Hald. (*- ^'" 
 
 Eastern Bluebird. 
 
 MoiaciUa sialis, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 336. 
 
 Sylvia sialis, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, .522. — Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 40, pis. 101, 
 102, 103.— WiLS., Am. Orn. i, 1808, 56, pi. 3. 
 
 Saxicola sialis, Bp., Syn. 1828, 39. 
 
 Ampelis sialis, Nutt., Man. 1, 1832, 444. 
 
 Sialia sialis, Hald., Trego's Geog. of Pa. 1843, 77 ; Am. Nat. 1869, iii, 159— Bd., B. N. A. 
 1858, 222; Rev. 1864, 62.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 159.— Coop., Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 32 
 (Milk River and Fort Laramie).— CoiJES, Key, 1872, 76.— Allen, Bull. M. 
 C. Z. iii, 1872, 174 (to Fort Hays, Kans.).- Hold., Pr. Best. Soc. xv, 1872, 194 
 (Fountain, Col.). — Mayn., B. Fla. 1872, 23. — And of most late authors. 
 
 Sialia unlsoni, Sw., Zool. Journ. iii, 1827, 173.— AuD., P.. Am. ii, 1841, 171, pi. 134. 
 
 Eryihaca (Sialia) wilsoni, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 210 (to latitude 48° north). 
 
 0) Sialia azurea, Sw., Phil. Mag. 1. 1827, 369.— Bd., Rev. 1864, 62 (var. (?) from Mexico 
 and Central America). — Somich., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 544 (Vera Cruz). 
 
 Hah, — ^Eastern faunal area of temperate North America ; north to 48° ; west to West- 
 ern Kansas (to Colorado, Holden.) and Lower Missouri region. Bermuda. Cuba. 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition, which passed beyond its known 
 western range, nor by either of the later expeditions. 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4723, Bald Island ; 5288, 5290, Fort Lookout ; 5289, 
 mouth of Powder River ; 4722, Nebraska ; 4658, White River; 8884, Platte River ; 8880," 
 Loup Fork ; 8882, near Loup Fork. X 
 
 Specimens of the Eastern Bluebird are occasionally found with part of the reddish- 
 brown of the throat replaced by rich blue, thus showing an approach to the characters • 
 of 8. mexicana. ^ ^' 
 
 Digitized by Microsoft® 
 
 ■i 
 
14 
 
 SAXICOLIDiE — SIALIA MEXICANA — SIALIA ARCTICA. 
 
 SIALIA MEXICANA, Sw. 
 
 Western Bluebird. 
 
 Sialia mexicana, Sw., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 202.— Bp., List, 1838, 16.— Be, B. N. A. 1858, 
 223; Rev. 1864, 63.— Kexn., P. E. E. Eep. x, 1859, pt. iv, 23.— Heekm., Hid. 
 pt. vi, 43.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 173.— Scl., P. Z. S. 1859, 
 362 (Xalapa) ; 1856, 293 (Cordova).- CotiES. Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 66 (Ari- 
 zoua).— Coop., B. Cal. 1870, 28.— Scmich., Mem. Best. Soc. i, 1869, 544 (Vera 
 Cruz, alpine).— Coop., Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 32 (Montana).— Coop., Pr. Cal. Aoad. 
 1870, 75 (Colorado Eiver).— Aikex, Pr. Boat. Soc. xv, 1872, 194 (Eastern Col- 
 orado).— Aixen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 174 (Denver, Colorado).— CouES, Key, 
 1872, 76. 
 
 Sialia occidetttalis, Towxs., Journ. Phila. Acad. 1837, 188. — AuD., B. Am. ii, 1841, 176, pi. 
 135.— NuTT., Man. i, 2d ed. 1840, 513.— Woodh., Sitgr. Eep. 1853, 68 (New 
 Slexico).- Newb., P. E. E. Eep. vi, 1857, 80. 
 
 Sylvia ocddentalis, AuD., Om. Biog, v, 1839, 41, pi. 393. 
 
 Sialia c(eruleicollis, ViG., Zool. Beechey's Voy. 1839, 18, pi. 3. 
 
 Hal). — United States, from the eastern foot-hills of the Eocky Mountains to the Pacific. 
 Mexico. 
 Not procured by any of the Expeditions. 
 
 The Western Bluebird apparently inhabits only a limited area in the 
 southwestern part of the Missouri region. Mr. Ridgway informs me of 
 its occurrence in Iowa, but this must be highly exceptional. It has not 
 been observed by any of Dr. Hayden's parties in regions where S. arctica 
 is abundant, nor have I seen it myself anywhere along the Missouri. 
 Mr. Allen and Mr. Aiken both report it from Eastern Colorado, where it 
 is abundant, as it is also along the Pacific slopes to a higher latitude 
 than it has been observed to reach in the interior. I found it resident 
 and abundant in the mountainous portions of Arizona. Since, according 
 to Mr. Eidgway, it is apparently absent from the Great Basin, it would 
 seem to have two divaricating lines of migration, one carrying it far 
 along the Pacific slopes, and the other taking it not so far along the 
 main chain of the Eocky Mountains. In both cases it chooses wooded 
 as well as mountainous regions. In its habits it is the counterpart of 
 its familiar Eastern relative. 
 
 SIALIA AECTIGA, Sw. 
 
 Rockj Moantain Bluebird. 
 
 Erythaca (Sialia) arctica, Sw., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 209" pi. 39.— EiCH., List, 1837. 
 
 Sialia arctica, Nurr., Man. ii, 1834. 573; 2d ed. i, 1840, 514.— Bp., List, 1838, 16.— AuB., 
 Syn. 1839, 84 ; B. Am. ii, 1841, 178, pi. 136.— McCall, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1851, 
 215.— Woodh., Sitgr. Eep. 1853, 68.— Bd., B. N. A. 1658, 224; Eev. 1864,64; 
 P. E. E. Eep. X, 1859, pt. iii, 13, pi. 35.— Kenx., ibid. pt. Iv, 24.— Hbeem., 
 iMd. pt. vi, 44.— Hayd., Eep. 1862, 159.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 66— Coop., 
 Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 32 ; Pr. Cal. Acad. 1870, 75 ; B. Cal. 1870, 29.— Stev., U. S. 
 Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 463.— Merk., ibid. 1872, 671.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 
 1872, 174.— Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 194.— Coues, Key, 1872, 76. 
 
 Sylvia arctica, AuD., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 38, pi. 393. 
 
 Sialia macropiera, Bd., Stansbury's Eep. 1852, 314. 
 
 JETal). — ^Eastern foot-hills of the Eocky Mountains to the Pacific, chiefly in mountainous 
 regions. North to 64|° ; south to Mexico. Less common on the Pacific slopes, where 
 S. mexicana prevails. 
 
 List of specimens. 
 
 10194 
 19339 
 
 79 
 
 Snake River.. . 
 Bighorn River - 
 
 S 
 
 June 15, 1660 
 June 6,1860 
 
 F.V.Hayden. 
 6. H. Trook.. 
 
 7.00 
 7.00 
 
 13.50 
 12.50 
 
 4.50 
 4.50 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's i;ayedi<ion.—8883-90. Black Hills. 
 
 Later Expeditions. — 60434, Bitter Cottonwood Creek; 60682-6, Fort Bridger, Sweet- 
 water, and Uintah Mountains; 609.39-47, Green Eiver, &c. ; 61164, Wyoming (Schmidt 
 and Stevenson). 62330-2, Idaho and WYomiuBjAMerrimQ. 
 
SYLVIID^ EEGULUS CALENDULA. 15 
 
 The original specimen of this beautiful species came from Fort Frank- 
 lin, Great Bear Lake, as described and figured in the Fauna Boreali- 
 Americana. Dr. Eichardson observes that it is merely a summer visitor 
 to the Fur Countries. At the other extreme of its range, about the Mex- 
 ican border, which, so far as known, it does not pass, it is observed only 
 in winter. In the mountainous portions of Arizona I found it rather 
 uncommon, and only late in the autumn, or in winter ; I do not think 
 it breeds in the vicinity of Fort Whipple, though probably it does so 
 in the higher mountains not far distant. Dr. Cooper noticed its 
 occurrence in numbers about San Diego, in the severe winter of 1861-'G2 ; 
 they remained until February, and suddenly disappeared. "They were 
 at that time," he continues, "sitting perched on the low weeds and 
 bushes about the plains, often quite a flock together, and some con- 
 stantly hovering lilie blue butterflies over the grass, at a height often of 
 fifty feet, on the watch for insects." This accords perfectly with my 
 own observations. The same naturalist found the birds numerous, with 
 lately fledged young, about Lake Tahoe and the summits of the Sierra 
 Nevada, at an elevation of over 6,000 feet. Colonel McCall speaks of 
 their breeding as far south as Santa F6, New Mexico, in boxes provided 
 for them, just like our Eastern species. Mr. Holden found it using old 
 woodpecker holes, and, in one instance, four eggs were deposited in an 
 old car-wheel. The habits of all the species of Sialia are essentially 
 similar, however differently they may be carried out in detail according 
 to circumstances. The eggs of all are alike, pale blue in color, and can- 
 not be distinguished with any certainty. Those of the present species 
 measure 0.90 to 0.95 in length by about 0.70 in breadth, being thus 
 rather larger than those of IS. sialis, which average about 0.85 by 0.68. 
 
 Dr. Hayden procured specimens on all the expeditions, finding the 
 species common near the mountains ; "at Laramie Peak, and thence to 
 the Black Hills, it was one of the most abundant birds noticed.'' 
 
 Family SYLVIID^ : Sylvias. 
 
 An extensive and highly characteristic Old-World family, sparingly 
 represented in the ISTew. A typical Sylvine has been lately ascertained 
 to inhabit this country (Phyllopneuste borealis, Blas. ; see TristeAjMC, 
 Ibis, 1871, 231; CoTJES, Key, 77 ; P. Icennicottii, Bd., Trans. Chic. Acad, 
 i, 313, pi. 30, f. 2, Alaska). The exclusively American genus Polioptila 
 and the widely dispersed genus Begulus are each made with most au- 
 thors, the type of a subfamily. 
 
 , , Subfamily ReGULINJE : Kinglets. 
 
 -V EEGULTJS CALENDULA, (Linn.) Licht. C ■- ' ~ 
 
 Ruby-crowned Singlet. 
 
 Calendula pennsylvanick, Briss., Orn. iii, 584. 
 
 Moiacilla calendula, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 337.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 994. 
 
 Sylvia calendula, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 549.— WiLS., Am. Orn. i, 1808, 83, pi. 5, fig. 3. 
 
 Begulus calendula, Licht., Verzeichu. 1823. — Nctt., Man. i,- 1832, 415. — Bp., Syn. 1828, 
 91 1 List, 1838, 19.— AuD., Orn. Blog. ii, 546, pi. 195 ; Syn. 1839, 83 ; B. Aai. ii, 1841, 
 168, pi. 133.— WOODH., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 67.— Scl., P. Z. S. 1857, 202 ; 1858, 30O ; 
 1859, 362; 1860, 172 (various Mexican localities).- Be, B. N. A. 1858, 226 ; Ee¥. 
 1864, 66.— Kenn., p. R. E. Rep. x, 1859, pt. iv, 24.— Heerji., ibid. pt. vi, 43.— 
 Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 174.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 159.— CouE.s & 
 Prbnt., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 405.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860. — Dress., Ibis, 
 1865, 476.— COUES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 66.— Coop., Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 32; Pr. 
 
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16 
 
 STLVIID^ — EEGULUS SATEAPA. 
 
 ■ " Cal. Acad. 1870, 75 ; B. Cal. 1870, 33.— Call & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 
 
 276.— Stbv., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 463.— Merr., ibid. 1872, 672.— Mayn., 
 -'■ B. Fla. 1872, 27.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 174.— Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. 
 
 XV, 1872, 195.— TiuppB, ibid. 234.— CouES, Key, 1872, 78.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 
 ^ J 4. — Aud of authors generally. 
 
 BeguJoides calendula, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 292. 
 * Fhyllobaaileus calendula, Cab., Mus. Hein. 1851, 33. 
 
 Begulus rubineiis, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. li, 1807, 49, pis. 104, 105. 
 ' Suby-croimed Wren, Edw., Birds, pi. 254, f. 2. — Penn., Aict. Zool. ii, No. 320. — Lath., 
 Syn. iv, 511. . 
 
 Sab. — The whole of North America. South through Mexico to Central America. 
 
 Greenland (Keinh., Ibis, iii, 5). Accidental in Europe (Gould, P. Z. S. 1858, 290 ; 
 
 Beeb, B. Eur. ii, 109 ; Harting, Br. B. i, 1872, 107). 
 > f Not obtained by Captain Eaynolds' Expedition. 
 
 : Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4683-85, mouth of Big Sioux Eiver. ' '' 
 
 . Later Expeditions. — 60696-7, Green Eiver and Little Sandy; 60948-57, Green Elver / ^ 
 
 and Henry's Fork {Schmidt and Stevenson). 62333-4, Wyoming {Merriam). i 
 
 The range of this species proves much more extensive thaa was for- 
 merly supposed, as shown by the above quotations. I have traced it ^ ' 
 
 ""' along the Atlantic coast from Labrador to South Carolina, found it "^ ' ' 
 » abundant in Arizona, and observed it during the migrations in Eastern ^*< i 
 
 ^ Dakota. Alaska has lately been added to the list of quotations, as well ^6~l 
 
 ~^ as various places in Mexico and thence to Guatemala. Mr. Allen states 
 
 that it is a common summer resident of the mountains of Colorado, from . \.. 
 9,000 feet up to timber line, and that he obtained young in the vicinity* ' r 
 of Mount Lincoln toward the end of July. It appears to breed mainly •-'^^ ^ 
 in mountainous regions or in high latitudes. A nest is said to have been; '" 
 recently discovered in Western New York ; it was built in the fork of a ^ ; ( 
 tree, and contained young. But in most parts of the United States the 
 
 ;, , bird is a migrant only, passing through in large numbers, in company ■ ^ • 
 with B. satrapa, titmice, and various warblers ; frequenting orchards, 
 
 ■ thickets aud copses, more rarely high, open woods. It is incessant in 
 motion, hopping nimbly in search of the minute insects and larvae which 
 
 . form its food, uttering its weak chirps. It winters abundantly all along 
 our southern border, whence it retires in March, reaching the Middle 
 districts by the end of that month. Some linger well into May, and 
 come into full song before they leave. Their vocal powers are remark- 
 able for such small birds ; the song is a clear and jjleasing warble. In 
 / the fall, when they appear in still greater number than in the spring, 
 many linger in the Middle districts until the second week in November, 
 There has been some discussion respecting a supposed sexual differ- 
 ence in the scarlet crest of this species. But the fact is that both sexes 
 possess this ornament; and that neither gains it for at least one year is 
 proved by the circumstance that in the spring migrations a number of 
 individuals are found with the head perfectly plain. The sexes are never 
 positively distinguishable by outward characters. In this respect the 
 il)ecies differs from B. satrapa, the female of which lacks the scarlet 
 central patch in the yellow of the crown. 
 
 _ y y ' BEGULUS SATEAPA, Licht. t 
 
 Golden-crested Kinglet. 
 
 Begulus satrapa, Licht., Verzeichn. 1823, No. 410.— Bp., List, 1838, 19.— Aud., Syn. 1839, 
 82 ; B. Am. ii, 1841, 165, pi. 132.— Woodh., Sitgr. Eep. 1853, 67 (New Mexico).— 
 SCL., P. Z. S. 1857, 212 (Orizaba).— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 227 ; Eev. 1864, 65.— 
 £■ Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 174.— Baed., J. f. 0. iv, 33, pi. 1, fig. 8 
 
 (egg. Labrador). — CouES & Prent., Smiths. Eep. 1861, 405 (Washington, D. C., 
 wintering). — Lord, Pr. Eoy. Art. Inst. 1864, 114 (Vancouver). — Dress., Ibis, 
 1865, 476 (T6xas).--CouE8, Pr. Phil. Acad. 1866, 66 (Ai-izona).- Daxl & Bann., 
 
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 V. 
 
SYLVIID^ POLIOPTILA CGERULEA. 17 
 
 Tr. Ohio. Acad, i, 1869, 277 (Alaska).— Coop., Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 32 (Montaua) ; 
 • B. Cal. i, 1-^70, :K.— AiKKX, Pr. liost. Hue. xv, 1H72, 195 (Eusteru Colorado).— 
 
 Tj:ippe, ibid. 2:'A (Iowa).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1«71,260 (Florida).— Mayx., 
 
 B. ria. 187:i, 25.— COUES, Key, 1872, 78, lig. 19.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 4.— And 
 
 of authors generally. 
 Jtcgulus satrtqm var. oHvasceiis, Bd., Eev. 1864, 65 (in text). 
 Si/loia regulus, WiLS., Am. Oru. i, 1808, 126, pi. 8, f. 2. 
 Segidus vristatus, ViElLL., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 50, pi. 106.— Bp. Syn. 1828, 91.— NuTT., 
 
 Man. i, 1832, 420.— AUD., Ora. Biog. ii, 1834, 476, pi. 183. 
 Begulus tricolor, Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 4^. 
 (?) lleyulas cuvieri, AuD., Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 288, pi, 55; Syn. 1839, 82; B. Am. ii, 1841, 
 
 163, pi. 131.— NuxT., Man. i, 1832, 416.— Bp., List, 1838, 19. ■ ?>-<? 
 
 Sab. — North America at large. Mexico. /9f^J 
 
 Not observed by any of the Kxpeditious. ** 7 
 
 With a range somewhat corresponding to that oi E. calendula, and y "^ 
 nearly as extensive, this species is rather more northerly. Thus, it^ii'' 
 winters abundantly in the Middle States, and even as far north as Mas- ^S'X. 
 sachusetts, on the Atlantic side; while oil the Pacific it occurs at thej,^. 
 same season at least as high as VVashiugtou Territory. Its winter range ^*. 
 extends to our southern borders, and into Mexico, but not, so far as we'^AT " 
 now know, to Central Ameriea. Similarly, nothing is known with cer-/ f'^' 
 tainty of its breeding anywhere in the United States, though it proba- / ^^ 
 bly will be found to do so in mountainous regions toward our northern ^^.^ 
 border. It has been found nesting in Newfoundland by Audubon, and 7/ / " 
 in Labrador, according to Baedecker, who notices the egg, as above; J"//, 
 • but I have never myself seen an authentic specimen. f/l - . 
 
 At a very early age the crown is perfectly plain, but it soon shows the 
 golden of both sexes, aud subsequently the flame-color of the male^ 
 There appears to be little probability that B. cuvieri will be established 
 as a species, and nothing to show that the true E. cristatus of E-irope 
 occurs in this country, though it is so given by ISTuttall. 
 
 Subfamily PoLioPTiLiNiE : Gnat-catcher.i. 
 POLIOPTILA CCERULEA, (Linn.) Scl. 
 
 Blne-graj Gnat-catcher. 
 
 MotaeiUa can-idea, Lixn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 43.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 992. 
 
 Sylola cceriilea, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 540.— Vibill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 30, pi. 88.— 
 Bp., Syn. 1828, 85. 
 
 Muscicapa caa-ulea, WiLS., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 164, pi. 18, f. 3.— Nutt., Man.i, 1832,297.— 
 Add., Orn. Biog. 1, 1831, 431, pi. 84. 
 
 Culidvora ccerulea, Bp., List, 1838, 24.— Ari>., Syn. 1839, 46 ; B. Am. i, 1840, 244, jil. 70.— 
 GiRAUD, B. L. 1. 1844, 46.— Bp., 0. Av. i, 1850, 316.— Cab., J. f. 0. 1855, 471 (Cuba). 
 
 Sylvania coerulea, Ndtt., Man. i, 2d ed. 1840, 337. 
 
 Polioptila casndea, Scl., Pr. Z. S. 1855, 11.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 380 ; Rev. 1864, 74.— 
 Heb]!m., p. K. R. Rep. x, pt. vi, 1859, 39.— Hayd,, Rep. 1862, 164.— Coues &, 
 Peent., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 411.— Dkess., Ibis, 1865, 231.— CouEs, Pr. Phila. 
 Acad. 1866, 66. — Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 83.— Coues, ibid, v, 18li8, 268.— 
 Lawe., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 283.— Tuen., B. E. Pa. 1869, 21.— La we., Ann. 
 Lye. N. Y. is, 1869, 199 (Yucatan).— Coop., Pr. Cal. Acad. 1870, 75 ; B. Cal. 1870, 
 35.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 261 ; iii, 1872, 124.— Scott, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, Q A* 
 1872.— Trippe, ihid. 236 (Iowa).— Mayn., B. Fla. 1872, 28.— Coues, Key, 187-2,, *^ * 
 78.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 6. V'^^'k 
 
 MotaeiUa carta, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 973. f 
 
 Sylvia cana, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 543. 
 
 Culidvora mexicana, Bp., C'onsp. Av. i, 1850, 316 ( 9 ; not of Cassin). 
 
 Polvrptila mexicana, SCL., Pr. Z. S. 1859, 363, 373. 
 Sab. — United States from Atlantic to Pacific ; north to Southern New England, 
 
 and on the Pacific side to 42°. Mexico, and south to Guatemala. Cuba. Bahamas. 
 
 Winters along the Southern United States border (Florida, Colorado Valley, &c.). 
 Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition, nor by any of the later ones. 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4682, Bald Island. 
 
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18 SYLVIID^ POLIOPTILA CCERULEA. 
 
 There is a variance in the accounts of the northern limit of this 
 species. Audubon says that he "saw it on the border-line of Uiiper 
 Canada, along the shores of Lake Erie." The Eev. W. B. O. Pcabody's 
 Report (p. 297) gives it, on Dr. Brewer's authority, as found in Massa- 
 chusetts, and as far north as the Canada line. Mr. Allen states it has 
 been found "in New York north of the latitude of Boston, as well as 
 in Nova Scotia and in Connecticut." I do not know who is responsible for 
 this Nova Scotia quotation, and cannot ^verify it; the 'others are doubt- 
 less authentic. Its natural limit appears to be the Connecticut Valley 
 and corresponding latitudes, but it is rare or casual north of the Middle 
 States. Mr. Trippe enumerates it among the birds of Iowa, but did not 
 find it in Minnesota. Dr. D. W. Prentiss and I found it very common 
 about Washington, D. C. ; it comes there early in April, just before the 
 trees are leafy, and stays well through September. Mr. Allen records 
 it among the winter birds of Florida; Audubon, among the summer 
 birds of Louisiana, arriving in March. Dr. Hayden found one specimen, 
 as above noted. Mr. Allen notes it from Florida in winter, and from 
 Eastern Kansas in May. I found it rarely in Arizona; it reaches Fort 
 Whipple (latitude about 35°) in April. Dr. Cooper states that it win- 
 ters in the Colorado Valley, and that it has been taken as far north as 
 Yreka, Cal. (near 42°), in May. Southward it extends through Mexico 
 to Guatemala (the so-called P. mexicana). Our other two species, P. 
 mehinura and P. plumbea, are not known to come anywhere near the 
 Missouri region, being restricted to the Southwestern United States. 
 Both occur in Arizona. 
 
 Although familiar with this elegant little bird, I never recognized its 
 song, nor was I aware of its vocal powers until recently, when my at- 
 tention was attracted by Mr. Maynard's agreeable description: "I was 
 walking in a narrow path through a hummock, which lies back of the 
 old Ibrt at Miami, Florida, and had paused to observe a female of this 
 species, when I heard a low warbling which sounded like the distant 
 song of some bird I had never heard before. I listened attentively, but 
 could make nothing of it, and advanced a few paces when I heard it 
 more plainly. This time it appeared to come from above me, and look- 
 ing upward I saw a male Gnat-catcher hopping nimbly from limb to 
 limb on some small trees which skirted the woods. Although he was 
 but a short distance away, I was obliged to watch the motion of his lit- 
 tle throat before I became convinced that this music came from him. It 
 was even so, and nothing could be more appropriate to the delicate 
 marking and size of the tiny, fairy-like bird, than the silvery warble 
 which tilled the air with sweet continuous melody. I was completely 
 surprised, ibr I never imagined that any bird was capable of producing 
 notes so soft and low, yet each one given with such distinctness that the 
 ear could catch every part of the wondrous and complicated song. I 
 watched him for some time, but he never ceased singing save when he 
 sprang into the air to catch some passing insect. The female seemed to 
 enjoy the musical efforts that were accomplished for her benefit, for she 
 drew gradually nearer, until she alighted upon the tame tree with her 
 mate. At this moment she took alarm and tlew a short distance, fol- 
 lowed by her mate. As I walked away I could hear the murmur of the 
 love-song till it became indistinguishable from the gentle rustling of the 
 leaves around." Mr. Maynard gives the following description of a nest 
 of the Blue-gray Gnat catcher, taken May 23d, in South Carolina : "It is 
 composed of iine stalks of some delicate plants, which are mixed with 
 thistle-down, and woven together with cob-webs. The whole is formed 
 into a neat structure, £wd^smDQthjy«GQVMerUMth gray lichens which are 
 
^u 
 
 PARID^ — LOPHOPHzVNES BICOLOR. 19 
 
 also kept in place with the tine silk of spider-webs, after the manner 
 of the Wood Pewee or the Hummingbird. It is lined with thistle- 
 down a,nd lichens. The interior is somewhat purse-shaped, for the mouth 
 is contracted. The nest strikingly reminds one of that of a Humming- 
 bird, only it is much larger, beiug, in fact, very large for the species to 
 which it belongs; yet its beautiful finish does credit to its delicate archi- 
 tect. Eggs from four to six in number, short oval in form, pure white in 
 color, spotted and blotched irregularly with reddish, brown umber and 
 lilac. Dimensions from 0.46 by O.CO to 0.43 by 0.50." The egg varies 
 greatly iu amount of speckling, which, however, is generally pretty 
 evenly distributed. Blown specimens frequently offer a faint bluish 
 cast. Two specimens I measured were 0.00 by 0.4? and 0.58 by 0.48, 
 respectively. 
 
 Family PAEID.^ : Titmice. 
 
 LOPHOPHANES BICOLOR, (Linn.) Bp. 
 
 Tofted Titmouse. 
 
 Fm-us Ueolor, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 340.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 1005.— Lath., IdcI 
 Orn. ii, 1790, 567.— WiLS., Am. Ore. i, 1808, 137, pi. 8, f. 5.— Bl'., Joura. Pliila. 
 Acad, iv, 1825, 225; Svd. 1828, 100; List, 1838, 20.- AuD., Oni. Biog. i, 1.^31, '~'^^'' 
 199 ; V, 1839, 472 ; pi. 39 ; Syn. 1839, 78 ; B. Am. ii, 1841, 143, iil. 12.5.— Nuix., %'/>-'> 
 Man. i, 1832, 236. — Linsley, Am. Jourii. Sci. xliv, 1H43, 255 (Couuecticnt). — 1 . ' ^ 
 GiEADD, B. L. L 1844, 78. y^ifc- 
 
 Loplioplianes bicolor, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 228 — Ca.ss., 111. i, 1853, 18. — Woomi., Sit"-r. 
 Eep. iteS, 08.— Maxim., J. f. O. 1^58, 117.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 384 ; Rev. 18(i4, 
 73.— COUES & Pi:i;nt., Smiths. Kep. 18G1, 411.— Hayd., Eep. 18()2, 174.— Allen, 
 Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 83. — CouE.s, ibid, v, 1SG8, 279. — Lawj!., Ann. Lj'c. N. Y. 
 viii, 1868, 233.— Turn. B. E. Pa. 1839. 21.— Gkecg, Pr. Elmira Acad. 1870 (Che- 
 mung County, N.Y., rare). — Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, I'-Tl, 261 (Florida) ; iii, 1872, 
 125 (Kansas). — Scott, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872 ( V/est Virjiiuia). — Teippb, ibid. 236 
 (Iowa, resident).— Mayn., B. Fla. 1^72, 32.— Coles, Key, 1872, 80, fig. 21.— 
 Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 6 (resident). 
 
 BwolopJiiis bicolor, Cab,, Mus. Hein. 1851, 91. 
 
 Lophophanes missouriensis, Bd., B. N. A, lt58, 384 (in text), 
 
 Hab. — Eastern United States. North to the Connecticut Valley, rarely (?? to Nova 
 Scotia, AuD.), and Iowa. West to Kansas and Nehraska. Resident throughout its 
 range. 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Eaynolds' Expedition, nor by the later ones. 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4731, St. Joseph, Missouri. 
 
 In reject of latitudinal distribution the Tufted Titmouse offers much 
 the same case as the Blue-gray Gnat-catcher — both birds appear to be 
 characteristic of a certain faunal area, beyond which they rarely, if ever, 
 pass. Its northern limit appears to be the Connecticut Valley, for Aud- 
 ubon's Nova Scotian record requires confirmation. The species belongs 
 distinctively to the Eastern Province, reaching only to the Lower j\[is- 
 souri. Eastern Kansas, and Nebraska. Mr. Allen says that it was " one of 
 the most numerously represented and most noisy species met with at 
 Leavenworth.'' Though so restricted in its northward range, it is a 
 hardy bird, not migratory, remaining in abundance in the Middle dis- 
 tricts throughout the year. It shares the restless, noisy, and inquisitive 
 characters of the family to which it belongs. The eggs, of the usual 
 shape in this group, are five or six in number, deposited in various holes 
 and crannies ; they measure about 0.70 by 0.55 inches, are white, and 
 thickly and pretty evenly sprinkled with minute dots of reddish-brown. 
 
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"^ PAEIDiE PARUS ATRICAPILLUS. 
 
 LOPHOPHANES INOENATUS, (Gamb.) Cass. 
 
 Plain-crested Titmouse. 
 
 Pants inorrtatm, Game., Pr. Phila. Acad, ii, 1845, 265; ibid, iii, 1847, 154; Journ. Phila. 
 
 Acad, i, 1847, 35, pi. 8. 
 Zophophanes inornaius, Cass., 111. i, 1853, 19.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 386 ; Eev. 1864, 78.— 
 
 SCL., Cat. 1862, 14.— Hbehm., P. E. E. Eep. x, 1859, pt. vi, 42.— Codes, Pr. Phila. 
 
 Acad. 1866, 79.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 42.— Aiken, Pr. Boat. Soo. 1872, 195 
 
 (Eastern Colorado). — Codes, Key, 1872, 80, fig. 22. 
 Hob. — Black Hills to the Pacific, and southward in the United States. 
 
 This species, which was not observed by either of the expeditions, is 
 brought into the present connection by the reseai'ches of Mr. C E. A.iken, 
 who found it a "common winter resident" in Eastern Colorado. I 
 found it to be an abundant species in Upper Arizona, where it is 
 apparently resident, though more frequently observed in winter. Its 
 habits are precisely the same as those of its Eastern congener. 
 
 ' X ^ PAEUS ATRICAPILLUS, Linn. ,. ■ ■*<^ 
 
 Black-capped Chickadee. 
 
 Farua atricapiUus, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 341.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 1008.— Lath., 
 Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 566.— Foest., Philos. Trans. Ixii, 1772, 407.— WiLS., Am. Orn. 
 i, 1808, 134, pi. 8, f. 4.— Bp., Journ. Phila. Acad. 1825, 254 ; Syn. 1828, 100 ; List, 
 1838, 20.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 226.— Add., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, pi. 
 353, f. 3 ; Syn. 1839, 79 ; B. Am. ii, 1841, 146, pi. 126.— Cass., 111. 1853, 17.— Bd., 
 B. N. A. 1858, 390.— (?) Max™., J. f. O. 1858, 119.— Woodh., Sitgr. Eep. 1853, 
 68 (Indian Territory).- Allen, Mem. Best. Soc. 1868, 493 (Iowa).— Trippe, Pr. 
 Ess. Inst, vi, 1871,' 115 (Minnesota) ; Pr. Bost. Soo. xv, 1872, 236 (Iowa).— 
 JIcIlwr., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 88 (Canada West).— Allen, iUd. iv, 1864, 69. — 
 -Verr., ibid, iii, 1862, 150 (Maine, breeds). — Boaedm., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 
 126 (Maine, breeds).- Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871,261 (critical).— Mayn., Pr. 
 Bost. Soc. xiv, 1871 (New Hampshire, breeding) ; B. Fla. 1872, 30. — Turn., B. 
 E. Pa. 1869, 21.— Dall & B.vnn., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 280 (Alaska).— Codes, 
 Key, 1872, 81, tig. 25.— Snow, B. Kans, 1873, 6. 
 
 Fcecile atricapUlus, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 230.— C.vB., Mus. Hein. i, 1851, 91. — Codes, 
 Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1868, 279. 
 
 Farm palustris, Ndtt., Man. i, 1832, 79. 
 
 Hah. — Eastern United States, rather northerly, and thence to Alaska. Replaced in 
 Southern United States (Maryland and Illinois, southward) by var. caroUnenais, and in . . 
 most of the Missouri region by var. aeptentrionulis. 
 
 This form was not noticed by either Expedition. ^ 
 
 The typical Chickadee occupies but a limited area of the Missouri 
 region, being mostly replaced by the larger, more hoary, and longer- ~ 
 tailed form. It is, however, quoted from Kansas, Western Iowa, and 
 Minnesota, as above. ^ The var. caroUnensis represents the opposite ex-^'-. 
 treme, characterized by its small size, little hoariness, tendency tOy -)/. 
 greater extension of the black on the throat, and particularly by the , ' ., 
 shortnes.s of its tail, which is commonly less in length than the wing. - 
 It is the common resident species as far north as Washington, D. C, J".,'C 
 where Dr. Prentiss and myself were probably mistaken in supposing z,a/ 
 the true atricajnllus to occur. The Titmouse builds a nest of mosses ^ 
 and various other soft vegetable substances, lining it with hair or feath- ^~ ^ 
 
 eis ; it is snugly hidden in the hole of a tree. The eggs are numerous 
 
 five or six — white, with a delicate rosy blush when fresh, speckled all '' ' •' 
 over, but most thickly at the larger end, with reddish-brown. They 
 usually dig a hole for themselves, almost like woodpeckers, choosing a 
 decayed tree easily excavated after the bark is drilled through ; the 
 cavity is of large size, though with a small entrance. They also often 
 occupy knot-holes, which they find to suit their purposes, and simi- 
 lar retreats oi various ©^Jj&ecf Jby Microsoft® 
 
, PARIDiE PARUS ATRICAPILLUS VAR. SEPTENTRIONALIS. 21 
 
 PAEUS ATJBICAPILLUS var. SEPTEXTRIONALIS, (Harris) Allen. 
 
 Long-tailed Cbickadcc. 
 
 Panis septmtrionalU, Hakeis, Pr. Phila. Auad. 1845, 300.— Cass., HI. i, 1853, 17, 80. pi. 
 
 14.— Bd., B. N. a. 18.38, 389.— SCL., Cat. A. B. 1861, 14.— Hayd., Rep. 180i, 164.— 
 
 Bd., Rev. 1864, 79.— Stbv., U. S. Geol. Smv. Ter. 1870, 464.— Aikhx, Pr. Bost. 
 
 Soo. XV, 1872, 195.— SxiJW, B. Kans. 1873, 6. 
 Parus afnaipillus var. septentrionalis, Allen, Bull. JI. C. Z. iii, 1872, 174. — CouES, Key, 
 
 187a, 81. 
 Parus septentrionalis var. albescens, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, p. xxxvii. — Coop., Am. Nat. iii, 
 
 1869, 74. 
 
 Sab. — Kansas and Missouri to the Rocky Mountains. Northward to the Fur Conn- 
 tries. Southward in alpine regions to New Mexico. Up mountains to the limit of 
 arboreal vegetation. 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition. 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 8827-8, Black Hills ; 4733, Fort Leavenworth ; -1733, 
 Big Nemaha River. 
 
 Later Expeditions.— G0i3'3, Bitter Cottonwood ; 60693-4, 60961-8, Fort Bridger, Green 
 River, &c. 
 
 A part of these specimens are from the same area and nearly the same 
 locality as Mr. Harris's originals. 
 
 Since I have been on the Upper Missouri I have taken pains to secure 
 and' measure carefully a number of the Titmice of the region. They are 
 all large, averaging 5.50 in length, with wing from 2.40 to 2.75, and tail 
 from 2.60 to 2.80 ; the hoariness of the wings and tail is conspicuous. I 
 have found no tail quitQ.3 inches long, but that dimension is shown by 
 a specimen in my cabinet from the mountains of ITew Mexico; I doubt 
 that this length is ever exceeded. 
 
 The specific identity of the various current "species" of North Amer- 
 ican iilack-capped and -throated Titmice seems to have been first recog- 
 nized, or rather suspected, by the late Dr. Henry Bryant (Pr. Bost. 
 Soc. 1865, 368), well known as one of the most accomplished ornitholo- 
 gists of this country. But it remained for Mr. Allen to prove the point 
 and explain the natural co-ordination of the several forms. Measur- 
 ing twenty-seven specimens, all from Massachusetts, he finds the total 
 length to vary an inch — from 4.70 to 5.75 ; the extent to be equally va- 
 riable — 7.50 to 8.60 ; the wing to vary from 2.33 to 2.63 ; the tail from 
 2.15 to 2.67. These extremes embrace the dimensions of both '^ septen- 
 trionalis" and "carolinejtsis," which are thus shown to intergrade with 
 atricapillus proper. We can only predicate a variety by taking an aver- 
 age: '■'■ carolinensis" is the smaller, because more southern, form, with 
 a minimum of hoariness; '■'■septentrionalis'''' is the other extreme; it 
 shows an average length of tail above the' average of typical o.tricapillus, 
 and an extreme of length that the latter never presents. 
 
 I find that, as Dr. Hayden says, this bird is very abundant in the 
 river-bottom all along the Missouri, where it is one of the few birds that 
 endure the rigors of winter in this bleak region. I observed it in small 
 restless flocks, generally in the shrubbery, in company with tree spar- 
 rows, which are also abundant at that season. During the winter they 
 have only the characteristic "chickadee" note, but in spring, at the 
 approach of the breeding season, they utter a peculiarly soft long-drawn 
 note of two syllables, somewhat difi'erent in intonation from that of the 
 common species. Mr. Allen found this form in Eastern and Middle 
 Kansas; in the mountains of Colorado, up to about 11,000 feet; in Wy- 
 oming; and in Utah. It occupies alpine regions as far south as Xew 
 Mexico. 
 
 Dr. Cooper quotes var. occidentalis from the Eocky Mountains of 
 Montana. 
 
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22 PAEIDiE— PAEUS MONT ANUS, PARUS EUFESCENS. 
 
 PARUS MONTANUS, Gamb. 
 
 Mountain Chickadee; White-browed Chickadee. 
 
 Parus montanus, Gamb., Pr. Pbila. Acad, i, 1843, 259 ; 1847, 155 ; Journ. i, 1847, 35, pi. 8, 
 
 • f. 1.— Cass., 111. i, 1853, 18.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 18.33, 68 (San Francisco Mts., 
 
 breeding).— Newe., P. E. E. Eep. vi, 1857, 79.— Hef.rm., iUd. x, pt. vi, 1859, 
 
 42.— Bd., B. N. a. ie.-)8, 394.— Coop. A: SrcK., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 194.— 
 
 ' Bd., Rbv. 1864, 82.— Coop., Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 75 (Montana) ; B. Cal. 1870. 
 
 46.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. Ib70, 464.— Mep.k., ihid. 1872, 672.— Allen, 
 
 Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 174 (Colorado).— Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 195 
 
 (Colorado).— Codes, Key, 1872, 81. 
 
 Foectle montanus, Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 79 (Arizona). 
 
 Not obtained by either of the earlier Expeditions. 
 
 Latei- Expeditions. — 60695, Uintab Mountains; 62349-52, Idaho and Wyoming. 
 
 Eeadily distinguished among its allies by the white superciliary 
 stripe. It is a common and generally distributed inhabitant of the 
 higher lands of the two western United States Provinces. Its habits 
 are exactly like those of the common Chickadee. Mr. Aiken saw it in 
 flocks occasionally through the winter, remarking that it frequents the 
 sbrubbery of the mountain sides, but is not found on the lowlands. 
 Jlr. Allen observed it at intervals throughout the mountains of Colorado, 
 from about 8,000 feet up to the timber line, but much less numerously 
 than the common species. Mr. Merriam remarks : " T6ton Canon was 
 the first place where we observed this species, probably because it was 
 the first where we found coniferous trees. It iaalso an abundant species 
 in the Fire-hole Basin, and from the^sources of Snake liiver to where it 
 leaves the wooded mountain -tides." I found the bird common in various 
 coniferous mountainous tracts in New Mexico and Arizona, where it is 
 resident. Habits not peculiar ; egg not seen. 
 
 PAEUS EUFESCENS, Towns. 
 
 Chestnut-backed Chickadee. 
 
 Farus rufescens, Towns., Journ. Phila. Acad. 1837, 190.— Apd., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 371, 
 pi. 353.— AuD., Svn. 1839, 80.— AuD., B. Am. ii, 1841, 158, pi. 129.— Cass., B. Cal. 
 & Tex. 1853, 18.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 394.— Heerm., P. R. R. Rep. x, 18.'.9, pt. 
 vi, 42.— Coop. & Suck., Nat. Hist. Wash. Ter. 1860, 194.— Bd.. Rev. 1864, 83.— 
 Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 280 (Sitka).— Coop., Am. Nat. iii, 
 1869, 75 (Montana).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 47.— Coues, Key, 1872, 81. 
 
 Facile rufcsccns, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 230. 
 
 Sah. — Especially Cascade and Coast ranges to the Pacific, from Sitka to Santa Cruz, 
 but also extending to the Rocky Mountains {Cooper). (In Northern Alaska P. hudsonieus 
 is found instead.) 
 
 The centre of abundance of this species appears to be in Washington 
 Territory, where Drs. Cooper and Suckley found it extremely common, 
 in coniferous and other evergreen forests, and resident. It is stated to 
 breed in holes in decayed trunks, and its habits, as described, are the 
 same as those of its congeners. I have never seen it alive, nor was it 
 met with by either expedition ; but Dr. Cooper has extended its previ- 
 ously recorded range to Montana. 
 
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PARIDiE PSALTEIPAEUS PLUMBEUS, SITTIDiE. 23 
 
 PSALTRIPARDS PLUMBEUS, Bd. 
 
 Iciuleii Tltiiiousei 
 
 Psaliria pJumbea, Bd., Pr. Phila. Acail. vii, 1854, 118 (Colorado Chiquito, Ariz.). 
 
 Psaltripariis plumbeiis, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 398 ; E.ev. 1864, T'J.— Kunx., P. E. E. Eep. x, 
 lK-39, pt. iv, 25, pi. 33, 1. 2.— CouES, Pr. Pliila. Acad. 1866, 7!i.— Coop., 15. Cal. i, 
 1.S7U, 49.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 464 (Green Eiver).— Aiken, Pr. 
 Best. Soc. 1872, 195 (Eastera Colorado). — CoUES, Key, 1872, 82. 
 
 fia6.— Southern Eocky Mountain region. 
 Not obtained by the earlier Expeditions. 
 Later Expeditions. — Green Eiver (Stevenson). 
 
 The distiuctive characters of this species are not strong, and it would 
 not be surprising if it should prove only a geographical race of the Pa- 
 cific coast species, P. niinimits. 
 
 According to Mr. Aiken, small flocks of the Leaden Titmouse were 
 occasionally seen during the winter in the foot-hills of Eastern Colorado, 
 among shrubbery. This, with Mr. Steveucon's record, considerably ex- 
 tends its known range, hitherto confined to Arizona. In that country I 
 found it abundant. Mr. Aiken is, I think, mistaken in stating that the 
 iris of the male is brown, and that of the female yellow : this diftereuce 
 being entirely fortuitous, independent of sex or age, and perhaps anal- 
 ogous to the diverse coloration of the bill in many species of Jays ; at 
 least such was my conclusion after examining many specimens. It is 
 a resident of the mountains of Arizona, where it braves the rigors of 
 winter without apparent inconvenience, though one is tempted to won- 
 der how such a tiny body, no larger than the end of one's thumb, can 
 retain its animal heat during exposure to cold that sometimes destroys 
 large birds like the raven. It is a sociable little creature, generally 
 going in companies of from half a dozen to fifty, actively engaged in 
 their search for minute insects, and continually calling to each other 
 with their curiouslj- squeaky notes. It scarcely knows fear iu the pres- 
 ence of man, and will continue its busy search though an observer may 
 be standing within a few feet of it. I found it oftenest iu the shrubberj' 
 of the hillsides and the dense undergrowth which iills the ravines ; it 
 appeared to have little fancy for the higher growths of oak or pine. It 
 is surprising what large insects this little creature will sometimes cap- 
 ture; I saw one struggling with a caterpillar nearly as long as its own 
 body, and it succeeded, after great exertion, in disposing of the big 
 mouthful. The nest and eggs I have never .seen, nor am I aware that 
 they have been discovered; but it is to be presumed that they do not 
 differ essentially from those of P. minimus. This bird builds an aston- 
 ishingly large nest for such a wee creature — a long purse woven of soft 
 tree-moss and lichens, some six or eight inches long, suspended by the 
 contracted brim from a forked twig. The eggs, six or eight in number, 
 measure about 0.58 by O.di, and differ from those of the genus Parus in 
 being pure white, without any markings. 
 
 Family SITTID^ : Nuthatches. 
 
 f-3>% SITTA CAEOLmENSIS, Lath. < 
 Wliite-bcUied Nuthatch. 
 
 Sitta europcea var. carolinensis, G.M., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 440. 
 
 Sitta carolinensis, Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 262.— WiLS., Am. Orn. i, tSOS, 10, pi. 2, f. 3.— 
 Bp., Journ. Phila. Acad. 1825, p. — ; Syo. 1826, 96 ; List, 1838, 10 ; Coiisp. i, 1850, 
 227.— NUTT., Man. i, 1832, 581.— AuD.,'Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 299; v, 1839, 473 ; pi. 
 
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24 SITTID^ — SITTA CAEOLINENSIS VAE. ACULEATA. 
 
 152.— AUD., Syu. 1839, 167.— AuD., B. Am. iv, 18J2, 175, pi. 947.— Bd., B. N. A. 
 1858, 374, pi. 33, fig. 4 ; Eev. 18G4, 86.— Maxim., J. f. O. vi, 1853, 106.- SCL,, Ibis, 
 Apr. 1865.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 187-2, 174 (Eastera Kansas).- S.sow, B. 
 Kans. 1873, 6. — Scott, Pr. Bost. Soc. Oct. 1872 (breeding in mountains of West 
 Virginia).— Trippe, ibid. 1872, 236 (Iowa).— JUyn., B. Fla. 1872, 35.— Coues, 
 Key, 1872, 83, tig. 26 ; and of writers. 
 Sitla melanocephala, Vieill., Gal. Ois. i, 1834, 171, pi. — . 
 
 Mah. — Eastern United States and British Provinces. West to the Lower Missouri. 
 Not noticed by either Expedition. 
 
 Excepting the lower valley, the species is replaced by the follo^ping in 
 the Missouri region : 
 
 SITTA CAEOLINENSIS var. ACULEATA, (Cass.) Allen, 
 Slender-billed Nnthatcli. 
 
 Sitla aculeata, Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad, viii, 1856, 254.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 375, pi. 33, f. 3. 
 
 Kex>-., p. R. R. Rep. X, part iv, 26, pi. 33, f. 4.— Hbehm., ibid, part vi, 55. — 
 Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 193.— Bd., Rev. 1864, 86.— CouES, 
 Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 78.— CoOP., Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 74; B. Cal. i, 1870, 54.— 
 AilfEN, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 195.— Meur., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, 672. 
 
 Sitta earoUiiensis, Nutt., Man. 2d ed. 1840, i, 695 (west coast). — Newb., P. E. E. Rep. vi, 
 1857, 79 (western).— (?) ScL., P. Z. S. 1856, 293 ; 1858, 300 ; 1859, 363, 373 (Mex- 
 ico).— (?) SuMicH., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 544 (Vera Cruz). 
 
 Sitta caroUnenais var. aculeata, Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. 1872, 174.— CoUES, Key, 1872, 83. 
 
 Hob. — Middle and Western Provinces, United States; south to Cordova, Mexico. 
 
 V-^ 
 
 
 
 
 List of specimens 
 
 
 
 
 
 19228 
 19229 
 
 166 
 167 
 
 Chevenne River. - 
 do 
 
 S 
 
 Oct. 19, 1859 
 do 
 
 F.V.Hayden. 
 ... do 
 
 5.50 
 5.00 
 
 11.25 
 11.00 
 
 3.50 
 3.50 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Xot obtained by Lieiiteiiaiit Warren'.i Expedition. 
 
 Later Expeditions. — 62297, Lower Geyser Basin, Wyoming (Mei'riam). 
 
 The slender-billed form is as abundant in the wooded regions of the 
 West as its Eastern representative. Its habits are precisely the same. 
 Neither variety appears to extend much, if auy, north of the United 
 States, in this respect differing from 8. canadewsis. 
 
 The distinction between the two varieties consists mainly in the slen- 
 derer bill of var. aculeata. Since its first introduction into the system, 
 by Mr. Cassin, in 1856, it has been currently rated as a species, until 
 reduced to its proper pcsition by Mr. Allen and myself, about simulta- 
 neously. Dr. Sclater had, however, previously expressed strong doubts 
 of its validity, althougli he did not formally make the reduction, in his 
 admirable account of the genus Sitta, published in the Ibis, April, 1865. 
 
 The range of the typical carolinenms meets that of aculeata in the re- 
 gion embraced in the present report ; the former bird being found in 
 Kansas and Missouri, but apparently not far up the river. 
 
 The nidiflcation of the Nuthatches is similar iu most respects to that 
 of the Titmice. They build in holes of trees, constructing a shallow 
 nest of grasses and similar vegetable substances, lined with hair or 
 feathers. The eggs of the present species are five or six in number, 
 white or creamy-white in color, speckled and blotched with reddisb- 
 brown and lavender, sometimes over the whole surface, but oftenest 
 chiefly about the larger end, where they frequently form, or tend to 
 form, a wreath. They measure 0.75 to 0.82 in length, by 0.55 to 0.63 in 
 breadth. 
 
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SITTIDiE SITTA CANADENSIS, SITTA PYGMjEA. 25 
 
 ' - ^ SITTA CANADENSIS, Linn, .r ->■ 
 
 Re(l-l)elllea Nuthatch. 
 
 Sitta canadensis, LiNn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 177.— Gm., Syst.. Nat. i, 1788, 441.— Lath., 
 luid. Orn. i, 1790, 262.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 96 ; List, 1838, 10 ; Consp. i, 18.50. 227.— 
 Nurr., Man. i, 1832, 583.— AuD., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 24, pi. 105; Syn. 1839, 167; 
 B. Am. iv. 179, pi. 248.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 376; Rev. 1864, 86.- Codes & 
 Pkent., Smiths. Eop. 1861, 411.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 164.- Coop. & Suck., N. 
 H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 193.— Coop., Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 74 ; B. Cal. i, 1870, 54.— 
 CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 79.— ScL., Cat. 1861, 15 ; Ibis, Apr. 1865.— Pdtn., 
 Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 214.— Verr., ibid, iii, 1862, 150.— Allen, ibid, iv, 1864, 69.— 
 IMcIlwh., ibid, v, 1866, 88.— CouES, ibid, v, 1868, 279.— Trippe, ibid, vi, 1871, 
 117.— Lawk., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 283.— Turxb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 21.— 
 Stet., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 464.— CouES, Key, 1872, 83, fig. 27.— Snow, 
 B. Kans. 1873, 6. ' 
 
 Sitta varia, WiLS., Am. Orn. i, 1808, 40, pi. 2, f. 4. 
 
 "Sitta stulta, Vieill." (Bp.) 
 
 Hub. — North America at large, in wooded regions, but rather northerly (to 66° or 
 further). South, however, to the Mexican border. <<'i/ "y! 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Eaynolds' Expedition. A A ~ j 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition.— 52S0, Cedar Island, Missouri River; 8889-90, Black/ 
 Hills. 4^J -, 
 
 Later Expeditions.— 60690-2, 60972-3, Fort Bridger, Green River, &c. .T 
 
 As Dr. Hayden remarks, this species is quite rare in the Northwest, . <^j. 
 the nature of the surface being for the most part unsuited to its wauts.^/ 
 It is confined to the wooded streams and the mountains about the vari 
 ous headwaters of the Missouri. In the Eastern United States, the . 
 bird is not plentiful south of the Middle States, aiid is apparently V^ / 
 wanting in the Sonthern States, its place being supplied by the pecu-. 
 liar S. pusilla, along with S. carolinenniH. About Washington, D. C, it 
 was occasionally observed by Dr. Prentiss and myself, but only from 
 October to May. It is resident in New England, breeding abundantly 
 in the northern portions, Audubon gives an interesting note of its 
 nidification : "I found it building its nest," he says, "near Eastport, '■'''' 
 in Maine, on the 19th of May, before the Bluebird had made its ap- < 
 pearance there, and while much ice still remained on the northern 
 exposures. The nest is dug in a low dead stamp, seldom more than four 
 feet from the ground, both the male and the female working by turns 
 until they have got to the depth of about fourteen inches. The eggs, 
 four in number, are small and of a white color, tinged with a deep blush 
 and sprinkled with reddish dots. They raise, I believe, only one brood 
 in the season." The eggs are only distinguishable from those of 8. caro- 
 linensis by their smaller size, averaging about 0.00 by 0.48; the differ- 
 ence is, however, quite appreciable on comparison. The amount of '^ 
 speckling is undetermined, but the surface is generally pretty evenly 
 covered. They are from tour to six in number. 
 
 SITTA PYGM.EA, Vig. 
 Pygmy Nuthatch. 
 
 Sitta pijgmcea, Vig., Zool. Beeche\ 's Voy. 1839, 29, pi. 4.— Add., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 63, 
 pi. 415.— AuD., Syn. 1839, 168.— Aud., B. Am. iv, 1842, 184, pi. 250.— Nkwu., P. 
 E, R. Rep. vi, 18.')7, 79.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 378.— Sol., P. Z. S. 1859, 303 
 (Xalapa).— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 193.— Bd. Rev. 1864, 
 a8.— Scl., Ibis, 1865.— CouBS, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 78.— Coop., Am. Nat. iii, 
 1869, 74 (Montana).— SUJIICH., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 544 (Vera Cruz).— Coop., 
 B. Cal. i, 1870, .55.— Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 195.— CouES, Key, 1872, 83, lig. 27. 
 
 Sitta pusilla var. pygmaia, Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. 1872, 174 (mountains of Colorado, up 
 to 8,000 feet). 
 
 Hab. — Rocky Mountains to the Pacific. North to 49°. South to Xalapa. 
 
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26 CEETHIID^ CEETHIA FAMILIAEIS. 
 
 This species, wtiicli was not noticed by either expedition, extends to 
 the eastern base of the Rocky Mountains, where it was found, in 
 Montana, by Dr. Cooper. Mr. Allen took it in the mountains of Colo- 
 rado up to 8,000 feet ; Mr. Aiken, in the Black Hills. Prof. Sumichrast 
 states that it is resident in the alpine region of Vera Cruz, ascending to 
 the very limit of vegetation on the peaks of Orizaba and Popocatepetl. 
 On the Pacific coast it descends, according to Dr. Cooper, as low as 
 Monterey. It is an abundant species in all suitable places throughout 
 Its range, an almost exclusive inhabitant of forests, giving evident 
 preference to those of conifers. In crossing the main chain of the Sierra 
 Madre, at Whipple's Pass, in July, I found it abundant to the summit, 
 in high pine woods ; and in the same situations in Upper Arizona it oc- 
 curs in profusion, and resides permanently. Like the Brown-headed 
 Nuthatch, it is a sociable — almost gregarious — little creature, assembling 
 in noisy restless troops, actively fluttering among the pines and scramb- 
 ling about their trunks and branches, picking its minute insect prey out of 
 the cracks in the bark. It has a variety of odd, scraping notes, impossible 
 to describe, and makes as much ado about its puny little business as if 
 it were helping the world roll on — as, on second thought, I suppose it does. 
 The mode of nidiflcation is the same as that of other species ; the eggs 
 are five or six in number, pinkish- white, dotted with reddish. They would 
 not be distinguishable with certainty trom those of S. canadennis, but 
 appear to average rather narrower, measuring about 0.62 by 0.48. The 
 young appear first in June ; and from the circumstance of finding newly- 
 feathered birds much later in the summer, I presume at least two broods 
 are reared each season. 
 
 Communicating with me respecting this species, Mr. Allen observes : 
 "I found it at frequent intervals in our journey from Denver to South 
 Park, usually in quite large parties, associated with Titmice and King- 
 lets, the whole party keeping up a lively" twitter as they passed from tree 
 to tree. It is indistinguishable in notes or habits from its near relation, 
 the Brown-headed Nuthatch of the Southern States. They both hunt 
 the branches of the trees rather than their trunks, often flitting, like 
 Kinglets, about the outer extremities of the branches in their search for 
 insects, thus more resembling both the Kinglets and the Tomtits in their 
 manner of hunting than our common iSTuthatches." 
 
 In this species the color of the under parts is as variable as that of 
 S. canadensis, ranging from fulvous-whitish to rusty-brown. The char- 
 acters supposed to distinguish it from pusilla are very slight, so that it 
 is quite possible Mr. Allen is right in holding it for a variety of the 
 latter. 
 
 Family CERTHIID^ : Creepers. 
 
 \^y(^^ CEETHIA FAMILIARIS, Linn. , v=. ■ ^- . 
 
 Brown Creeper. 
 
 Cei-thla familim-is, Ltxn., and of authors. — Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 70.^WiLS., 
 Am. Orn. i, 1808, 122, pi. 7.— Aud., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 158, pi. 415.— AoD., B. 
 Am. ii, 1841, 109, pi. 115.— JIayx., Pf. Bost. Soc. xiv, 1871 (New England, 
 breeding south to Massachusetts).^CoOES, Key, 1872, 84, f. 28. 
 
 Ccrtlna americana, Bp., Comp. and Geog. List, 1838. — Nutt., Man. i, 1840, 701. — Bd., B. 
 N. A. 1858, 372, pi. 83, f. ■>; Rev. 1864, 89.— Maxim., J. f. 0. 1858, 105.— Kenx., 
 P. E. E. Eep. X, 1859, pt. iv, 26.— Heeem., ihid. pt. vi, 42.— Coop. & ScCK., 
 N. H. Wash. Ter. 1859, 192.— ScL., Cat. A. B. 1861, 15.— Snow, B. Kans. 
 1873, 6. — Also of nearly all local writers of Eastern United States. 
 
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TROGLODYTIUiE SALPINCTES OBSOLETUS. 27 
 
 CertMa mmcmm, Glogbk &, Eeich.— Scl., P. Z. S. 1856, 290 ; 1858, 297 ; 1859, 362, 
 H/'J.— Bd., B. N. a. ia58, 933, pi. 83, f. 2; Rev. 1864, 90.— SuJiiCH.. Mem. 
 Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 544 (Vera Cruz).— Coop., Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 74 ; B. Cal. 1870,, 
 58. (A variety.) 
 Hah. — Europe. North America at large. Mexico (var.). 
 
 No specimens of this species were taken by either of the expeditions,/ - ; 
 but I bring it into the present connection, since its linown ranf^e is such ' , . , 
 as to make it quite certain that it occurs iu the Missouri region. It is/-' i '' 
 an inconspicuous bird, liable to be long overlooked in regions where it , ' 
 is not very abundant. ' •,- 
 
 I am unable to perceive any difference between American and Bu-. ' ^ 
 ropean examples, and I am not aware that any tangible characters have Z.'^j- 
 been ascribed to our bird by those writers who have technically separ- ' 
 ated it. The Southwestern American form appears to constitute a slight • 
 variety. ^ /^., 
 
 The egg of the Creeper is not distinguishable with certainty from that^._ ,' 
 of a Chickadee, hat is smaller, measuring only about 0,55 by 0.4:3. It is^' 
 white, speckled with reddish-brown. $^Si~ 
 
 Family TROGLODYTID^E : Wrens. 
 
 SALPIiSrOTBS OBSOLETUS, (Say) Cab. 
 RocK Wren. 
 
 Troglodytes ohsoletus, Say, Long's Expel, ii, 1823, 4.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 435.— AuD., 
 Oru. Biog. iv, 1838, 443, pi. 360.— Aro., B. Am. ii, 1841, 113, pi. 116.— Newjj., 
 P. E. R. liep. vi, 1857, 80.— Heej-.m., P. R. E. Rep. x, 1859, pt. vi, 41. 
 
 Myiotliera ohsolcta, Bp., Am. Oru. i, 1825, 6, pi. 1, fig. 2. 
 
 Thvijothorus oisoletus, Bp., Comp. and Geog. List, 1838, 11 ; Rev. Zool. ii, 1839, 98. 
 
 Salpinctes ohsoletus. Cab., "Wieg. Archiv, 1847, 323. — Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 224.— Bd., 
 B. N. A. 1853, 3.57 ; Rev. 1864, 110.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 163.— ScL., P. Z. S. 18.59, 
 371.— COUES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 77.— Coor., Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 297 (Upper 
 Missouri), 73 (breeding at Fort Benton). — Coop., Pr. Cal. Acad. 1870, 75 (Col- 
 orado River). -Coop., B. Cal. 1870, 64.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 174.— 
 Hold., Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 195 (Black Hdls).— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 
 1870, 464.— Merk., ibid. 1872, 693.— Trippe, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 236 (Deca- 
 tur County, Iowa).— Codes, Key, 1872, 85. 
 
 " Thryothorvs latifasciatus, LiCHT." (Bp.) 
 
 Hah. — United States, from the Central Plains to the Pacific, lovta- {Trippe.) Mexico. 
 Not obtained by Captain Raynolds's Expedition. 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Ejcpedition. — 8830, Running Water ; 5277-9, Powder Eiver ; 8831-2, 
 Mauvaises Terres. 
 Later Expeditions. — 60687, Sweetwater (Stevenson) ; 61654, Ogdeu, Utah (Merriam). 
 
 This species is espeoiallj' characteristic of the interior mountainous 
 regions of the West, although, to the southward at least, it reaches the 
 Pacific coast. It is reported from various parts of California, from Cape 
 St. Lucas, and from Mexico. Mr. Allen found it in Colorado, Mr. Mer- 
 riam in Utah, where it was abundant about White Sulphur Springs, Mr. 
 Holden in Wyoming, and Dr. Hayden states that it is numerous in the 
 "bad lands." I frequently saw it in Upper Arizona, iu rocky fast- 
 nesses, where its peculiar song always attracted attention. Dr. Cooper 
 states that a nest from a wood-pile on the Upper Missouri was com- 
 posed of a loose flooring of sticks, lined with a great quautity of 
 feathers, and contained nine eggs of a reddish color, thickly spotted 
 with chocolate. He also found nests at San Diego, under tiled roo.'s, 
 containing young, in May. According to Mr. Holden, the nest i.s merely 
 a few sticks and bits of moss put carelessly together : " one was placed 
 iiuder a rock as large as a dog-house, and in it were four young ones, 
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.28 TROGLODYTID^ CATHEEPES MEXICANUS. 
 
 ■which scampered off while I was removing the rock." The eggs are four 
 to eight in number, measuring 0.72 by 0.60 inches, being thus much 
 rounded. The shell is white, of crystal purity and smoothness, very 
 sparingly sprinkled with minute dots of reddish-brown, chieiiy aggre- 
 gated at, or in a wreath around, the larger end ; but a few other specks 
 are commonly scattered over the whole surface. Such are the charac- 
 ters of two sets in the Smithsonian collection, from Fort Defiance, i!f. JM. ; 
 the description, it will be observed, differs from that given by Dr. 
 Cooper. 
 
 Since writing the preceding I have received an interesting communi- 
 cation from Mr. T. Martin Trippe, who informs me of the common 
 occurrence of this species in Southwestern Iowa, where he states that 
 he saw or shot altogether some fifteen individuals during the month of 
 October, 1872. This occurrence, which Mr. Trippe meanwhile has pub- 
 lished, as above, gives «a decided extension to the previously known 
 range of the species. 
 
 OATEERPES MEXICANUS, (Sw.) Bd. 
 
 Mexican Wren; White-throated Wren. 
 
 Thryofhmnis mexicanus, Sw., Zool. II]. i, 1829, pi. 11. 
 
 SalpiiivfCK mexicanus, Cab., Wcig. Arcbiv, 1847, 324 ; Mns. Heiu. i, 1851, 78. — Bp., Consp. i, 
 1850, -21^4.— SCL., P. Z. S. 1857, ^12; 1858, 297 (Oaxaca). 
 
 Troglodytes mejricanus, Ghay, Genera, i, 1847, 159. — Hekp.m., Journ. Phila. Acad. 1853, 
 263.— Cass., B. Cal. anil Tex. 1854, 173, pi. 30. 
 
 Catherpes mexicanus, BD., B. N. A. 1858, 356; Rev. 1864, 111.— Kexn., P. R. R. Rep. s, 
 1859, pt. iv, 26.— Sci.., Cut. 1862, 18.- Couks, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1806, 77.— Sumich., 
 Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1809, 545 (Vera Crnz).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 66.— Aikex, 
 Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 196 (Middle Colorado).— Coites, Key, 1872, 85. 
 
 Caiherpes mexicanus var. conspersus, IlJDGW., Am. Nat. vii, 1872, 2 (Northernjbrm). 
 
 Tltryothorus gtdtulaius, Lafres., R. Z. 1839, 99. 
 
 Ccriliia albijrons, Giuaud, B. Tex. 1841, pi. 8. 
 
 " Troglodijies albicolUs, Cuv." 
 
 " iroglodytes murarius, LiCHT." 
 
 The above synonymy includes both the typical Mexican bird and the United States 
 race, which latter is appreciably different, as Mr. Ridgway has shown, and entitled to 
 rank as a geographical race. 
 
 Hai. — ^Var. conspersus from the Southwestern United States, from Colorado {Aiken) 
 and Utah (SensMw). Typical mexicanus from Mexico to Vera Cruz. 
 
 It is a matter of much interest that the known range of the White- 
 throated Wren, hitherto reported only from the United States border 
 and southward, should be extended to Colorado, as has lately beea 
 done by Mr. Aiken. Even in Arizona I only found it in localities lower 
 than Fort Whipple. I observed it in the southern and western portions 
 of that Territory, always in canons and other precipitous, rocky places. 
 The note of the species is one of the most striking I ever heard ; for a 
 bird of its size it sings with wonderful strength and clearness, uttering 
 a peculiar ringing whistle, the odd intonations of which are exaggerated 
 in the echos awakened among the fastnesses of the rocks. It is a very 
 active, sprightly bird, leaping and fluttering among the rocks almost in- 
 cessantly. Mr. Aiken found it in winter in Colorado, among large 
 masses of rock, on the faces of cliffs. Mr. Allen observes that "the 
 White-throated Wren is one of the most note-worthy birds of those re- 
 markable localities near Colorado City, known as 'Monument Park' 
 and the 'Garden of the Gods,' where alone I observed it in Colorado. 
 Equally with the Eock Wren, it is a lover of cliffs and bare rocky expo- 
 sures. Whenever it occurs, at least in the breeding season, its presence 
 is sure to be known by its loud ringing notes. At the localities above 
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TROGLODYTID^ THEYOTHORUS LUDOVICIANUS. 29 
 
 named it seemed to delight in tbe reverberation of its notes from tlie 
 bigli sandstone walls that give to the Garden of the Gods its peculiar 
 picturesqueness." According to Prof. Suuiichrast, it is very common on 
 the plateau of Mexico, "where it i)robably has its centre of propaga- 
 tion," and is also found in the temperate region of the department of 
 Vera Cruz. "In Orizaba it nests in the houses ; its nest, very skillfully 
 wrought with spider's webs, is built in the crevices of old walls, or in 
 the interstices between the tiles under the roofs of houses." 
 
 In connection with this northward extension of the White-throated 
 Wren may be noticed the occurrence of Oamiiylorhynclms hnnineicaplllus 
 in Utah, as I am informed by letter from my friend Dr. H. O. Yarrow, 
 U. S. A., who took the species at St. George, in the southwestern por- 
 tion of the Territory. 
 
 THEYOTHORUS LUDOVICIANUS, (Lath.) Bp. 
 Great Carolina Wren. 
 
 a. ludovicianus. 
 
 Syhna ludovidana, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 548. 
 
 Troglochjies ludovicianus, Licht., Verz. 1823, 35. — Bp., Obs. Wils. No. 65 ; Syn. 93. — Nutt., 
 Man. i, 1832, 429.— Add., Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 399; v, lf^39, 466; pi. 78; Syu. 
 1839,74; B. Am. ii, 1841. 116, pi. 117.— Gihaud, B. L. I. 1844, 75.— Woodh., 
 Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 67 (Texas and Indian Territorv).— Mayx., B. Fla. 1872, 37. 
 
 Thryoihorus ludovicianus, Bp., List, 1838, 11; Consp. ij'm^O, 220.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 
 361; Rev. 1864, 123.— SCL., Cat. A. B. 1861, 20.— C(>UE.s & Prent., Smitlis. Rep. 
 1861, 410 (Washington, D. C, not abundant). — Lawk., Ann. Lyc.N. Y. viii, 1866, 
 283 (Long Island).— COUES, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1868, 108 (South Carolina).— Ali.ex, fr//- 
 Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 523 (Indiaufi).— TuRNB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 20 (wintering).— ^ ' ' 
 CoUBS, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1871, 19 (North Carolina).- Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, S'^^ ~ 
 1871, 266 (Florida) ; iii, 1872, 125, 175 (Eastern Kansas).— Snow, B. Kana. 1873, f i /, - 
 6.— CouES, Key, 1872, 86, fig. 29. * 
 
 Troglodytes arundinaceus, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 55, pi. 108 (description, not 
 the biography). 
 
 Thryothorus arundinaceus. Less., Rev. Zool. 1840, 963 (exclusive of synonyms). 
 
 Thryothorus liUoralis, Vleill., Nouv. Diet, xxxiv, 1819, 56. 
 
 Tliryotlwrus louisiance, Less., Rtjv. Zool. 1840, 262. 
 
 Cerihia caroliniana, Wils., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 61, pi. 12, f. 5. 
 
 Sab. — Eastern United States, south of New England. West into Kansas. New 
 Mexico (Henry.) Resident throughout its range. No extralimital record. 
 Not obtained by any of tlie Expeditious. 
 
 b. berlandieri. 
 
 Thryothorus lerlandien, CouCH.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 362, pi. 83, f. 1 ; Rev. 1864, 124. 
 Thryothorus ludovicianus var. herlandieri, CouES, Key, 1872, 86. 
 
 ffal). — Valley of the Rio Grande, and southward. This is the southern race, diifering 
 in longer bill and heavier color ; the under parts more decidedly rufous, and the sides 
 barred with dusky. Floridau specimens are intermediate. 
 
 Although restricted in its northward dispersion, the Carolina Wren is 
 a hardy bird, enduring the winters of the Middle States. There may 
 be an incomplete recession from its more northern abodes, yet it is as 
 common in winter as in summer, at least from Maryland southward. 
 Such is the case about Washington, D. C, where I found it common at 
 all seasons, though never in great abundance. It frequents shrubbery 
 and undergrowth of all sorts, where it hides with great pertinacity, and 
 is oftener heard than seen. Not that it is particularly a timid bird, for it 
 often comes about the gardens and out-houses ; but it is retiring and un- 
 familiar, courting privacy and seclusion. If we attempt to penetrate its 
 hidden resorts, it hurries away into deeper recesses, with a low flutter- 
 ing near the ground, or scrambling and hopping from one bush to an- 
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30 TEOGLODYTIDJE THEYOTHOEUS LUDOVICIANUS. 
 
 Other, very likely mocking us with its rollicking song as soon as it feels 
 l)erfectly secure. It shares, however, the restlessness and prying curi- 
 osity of its tribe; and if we keep still in a favorable spot we may often 
 see it returning slyly to take a look af us, peering from among the leaves 
 with an inquisitive air, all the while "teetering" its body, and perform- 
 ing odd, uerv^ous antics, as if it were possessed with the very spirit of un- 
 rest. At such times it chatters in a harsh querulous tone, as if resenting 
 the intrusion ; and this is its ordinary note when angry, alarmed, or oth- 
 erwise disturbed in mind. Its song is quite another thing — loud, clear, 
 strong, and highly musical; indeed I hardly know what bird possesses 
 a richer voice, though many are sweeter songsters. The son-g is a rapid 
 si]ccession of whistling notes, delivered with great energy and accent; 
 it closely resembles that of the Cardinal Grosbeak, styled in some parts 
 the "Virginia Nightingale," and meriting the compliment. In still 
 weather the Wren can be heard several hundred yards, but is not easy 
 to trace the music up to its source, because the resonant quality of the 
 notes makes the whole copse seem to ring with the sound, and because 
 the restless songster is constantly changing his position. 
 
 This ATren is a very early breeder. In the Oarolinas it mates in 
 March, nests in April, and the first of its two or three broods are abroad 
 early in May, if not still sooner. Mr. Allen found the young flying at 
 this time even in Kansas. The bird is so capricious in the matter of a 
 nesting place, that we can hardly say what its preference is, if, indeed, 
 it have any choice. It will build in any odd nook or cranny that it fan- 
 cies — entering an out-house through a knot-hole or a chink between 
 loose boards, like the House Wren ; taking the hollow of a tree or 
 stump; settling in the midst of a thick bush; anywhere, in fact, that 
 offers a snug retreat. In Florida, Mr. Maynard says, they like to nest 
 in the palmettoes; and this agreeable writer tells how convenient such 
 resorts are: "The 'boot,'" he explains, "is the base of the dead leaf- 
 stalks which adhere to the tree after the top has decayed and fallen off; 
 they are quite broad, slightly concave, and extend upward in an oblique 
 direction, leaving a space between them and the trunk ; the fronds, in 
 falling, often cover the top with a fibrous debris, which is impervious to 
 water, and the cavities beneath form a snug nesting place for the Caro- 
 lina Wrens." Into some such place as we have seen, the Wren puts a 
 great quantity of fibrous, leafy, or grassy ma4)erial, not being at all par- 
 ticular, but gathering any trash that it finds convenient ; and builds a 
 rather bulky nest, more or less like a ball, with a side-entrance. This is 
 freighted with five or six eggs, and very completely filled before the little 
 ones leave it. The eggs are white, dotted very thickly and ijretty evenly 
 with reddish brown and various neutral tints, generally quite over the 
 surface, but sometimes chiefly wreathing around the large end ; some- 
 times the surface is so thickly covered that the ground is almost hidden. 
 But I have never seen any eggs so uniformly dark as those of the Marsh 
 Wren, or even the House Wren, usually are. Several measurements I 
 took ranged from 0.76 by 0.61 to 0.70 by 0.58, averaging about 0.73 by 
 0.60. The birds are very private about their domestic arrangements, 
 and generally slip off quietly if they have an unwelcome caller. They 
 keep the young ones about them for a few days after they leave the nest, 
 and during this period they are in a state of perpetual panic, showing 
 their intense worry in redoubled restlessness. But the little family is 
 soon dispersed, let us hope, each to a merry life ; the parents take a little 
 relaxation from family cares, and then arrange for a new household. 
 
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TPOGLODYTID.E THRYOTHORUS BEWICKIT. 31 
 
 THEYOTHOKTJS BEWIOKII, (And.) Bp. 
 Bewick's Wren. 
 
 a. beicicldi. 
 
 Troglodytes ladclii, AuD., Orn. Biog. i, 1^31, 96 ; v, 1838, 467 ; pi. 18.— AuD., Syii. 1.^39, 
 74.— Aui)., B. Am. ii, 1841, 120, pi. lis.— NnxT., Mau. i, IS!-.;, 434.— Li->,s., Rev. 
 Zool. 1840, 264. — WooDH., Sitgv. Rep. 18.j3, 67 (Indian Tfrritoiw, very abun- 
 dant.). — Trippe, Pr. Ess. Inst. vi. 1871, 115 (Minnesota, common, breeilin;;). 
 
 Tlmjothorus bcwiekii, Bp., List, 1838, 11.— Bp , Consp. i, 18.o0, i-Jl.- Bd., B. N. A. 18.:.8, 363 ; 
 Rev. 1864, 126.— CoUES, Pr. Best. Soc. xii, 1808, 108 (South Caiolina, resi- 
 dent?). — TUKNB., B. E. Pa. 1869, M (rare, in summer only).— Snow, B. Kans. 
 6.— CouES, Key, 1872, 86. 
 
 Telmatodytes beiciekii, Cab., Mus. Hein. 1850, 78. 
 
 b. leiwogaster. 
 
 Troglodytes leucogastra, Gould, P. Z. S. 1836, 89 (Tamaulipas). 
 
 Thryothorus leucogaster, Bp., Cousp. i, 1850, 222; Notes Orn. Delattrp, 1854, 43. . 
 
 Thryothoriis hewickU, ScL., P. Z. S. 18.59, 371 (Oaxaca).— Cole.s, Pr Phila. Acad. 1866, 
 
 78 (Arizona). 
 Thryothorus heicickii var. leucogaster, Bd., Rev. 1864, 127. — CouES, Key, 1872, 86. 
 
 C. spilurus. 
 
 Troglodytes spihirus, VlG., Zool. Beecliey's Voy. 1839, 18, pi. 4, f. 1 (California). 
 
 Thryothorus spilurus, C'oop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 69. 
 
 Troglodytes beivickii, Newb., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 18.57, 80. — Heerji., ibid, x, 1859, part vi, 
 
 40.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wa.sh. Ter. 1860, 189. 
 Thryothorus iewickii var. spilurus, Bd., Rev. 1864, 126. — Cot'es, Key, 1872, 86. 
 
 Hab. — Eastern United States, north to Pennsylvania and Minnesota ; west to Kansas. 
 Var. leucogaster iu Southwestern United States and Mexico. Var. spilurus along the 
 whole Pacific coast. United States and southward. 
 
 Obtained by none of the Expeditions. 
 
 Like the Carolina Wreu, Bewick's is essentially a southern .sipecies. Its 
 northern limit, in the Atlantic States, is Pennsylvania, where it is rare, 
 and only tbund in summer. Mr. TurnbuU gives it in his list, and Prof. 
 Baird took it at Carlisle. It appears to be uncommon all along the line. 
 I do not recollect that I ever saw it in Maryland, Virginia, or either of 
 the Carolinas, and I never collected a specimen. In the interior, how- 
 ever, it is abundant in some regions; thus, Mr. Eidgway tells me, it is 
 very common in Southern Illinois, where it replaces the Honse Wren, to 
 the nearly complete exclusion ot the latter, and has the same semi-do- 
 mesticated ways, breeding about out-houses and gardens. In the Mis- 
 sissippi Valley, moreover, it proceeds furthest north. Mr. Trippe records 
 it as common in Minnesota, where it breeds. The egg, of which I have 
 only seen two or three authentic examples, is white, speckled with lilac 
 and darker slaty shades of brown, chiefly about the larger end. The egg 
 resembles that of a Titmouse or Creeper, but the markings are darker 
 and the size greater — from 0.70 by 0.52 to O.OG by 0.51. 
 
 In the southwest I found the white-bellied variety of Bewick's Wren 
 extremely abundant. It was the characteristic Wren about Fort W^hip- 
 ple, in Arizona, though the House Wren was very common there too. 
 Similarly, var. spilurus abounds in the wooded portions of California. 
 In their habits, these varieties are identical with the common form, ex- 
 cept in so far as certain points may be modified to suit circumstances, 
 especially iu the matter of nesting, in which, as is well known, most 
 birds accommodate themselves very easily to their surroundings. Pos- 
 sessing few, if any, distinctive traits, there is very little to be said of 
 Bewick's Wren not equally applicable to its numerous relatives, whose 
 restlessness, curious excitable temper, and odd energetic actions, are 
 familiar to every one. It is an accomplished and versatile songster; 
 though its notes have not the ring and volume of those of the Carolina 
 Wren, it has a very pretty song of its own, varied at its whim, quite 
 unlike the simpler tril]j})[|/^g^jB,^(9)[^^^j^^rsh Wren. 
 
32 TRDGLODYTID^ — TROGLODYTES AEDON. 
 
 1 If ^ TROGLODYTES AEDON, Yieill. 
 
 House Wren, 
 
 Troglodytes aMon, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii. 1807, 52, pi. 107.— Vieill., Nouv. Diet, ssxiv, 
 1819, 506.— Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, Ko. 136 ; S.yn. 18-!8, 92 ; List, 1838, 1 1.— Sw. & 
 Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 316.— At;D., Orn. Blog. i, 1831, 427, pi. 83 ; Syu. 1839, 
 75 ; B. Am. Ii, 1841, 125, pi. 120.— Gihaud, B. L. 1. 1844, 73.— Bd., H. N. A. 18.58, 
 367; Rev. 1864, 138.— CouKS & Peent., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 410.— ScL., Cat. 
 1861, -22.- HLiYD., Rep. 1862, 163.— JUyn., Nat. Guide, 1870, 195.— Ai.lkn, Pr. 
 Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 68.— McIlwh., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 88.— CouKS, Pr. Ess. 
 Inst. V, 1868, 278.— Lawi!., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 283.— Turnb., B. E. Pa. 
 1869, 20.— Allen, Bull. JI. 0. Z. ii, 1871, 265 ; iii, 1872, 174.- Mayn., B. Fla. 1872, 
 39.— Hold., Pr. Bost. Soe. 1872, 196 (Black HiUs).- CouES, Key, 1872, 86.— And 
 of authors generally. • 
 
 TrogJodi/ies fukus, Xarr., JIan. i, 1832, 422. 
 
 Troglodyles furviis, Rich. List, 1837, 11. 
 
 Troglodytes americanus, AuD., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 310, pi. 179; Syn. 1839, 75; B. Am. ii, 
 1841, 123, pi. 119.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 368 ; Rev. 1804, 141.— Verii., Pr. Ess. 
 Inst, iii, 1862, 150.— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 283.— CouES, Pr. Eas. 
 Inst. V, 278. 
 
 Sylvia domesiica, WiLS., Am. Orn. i, 1808, 129, pi. 8. f. 3. 
 
 Hai. — Eastern United St ates to Nebraska and Dakota. North to Canada and Nova 
 Scotia. Winters in the Southern States. j 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition. 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expediiion. — 8840, Lonp Fork. This single specimen, among Dr. 
 Hayden's collections, seems referable to typical aedon. 
 
 The T. americanus of Audubon, a supposed species, which I doubtfully admitted in 
 1868, has since been shown by Mr. Allen and Mr. Mayuard to be inseparable from T, 
 aedon. It appears to represent simply rather northerly bred birds. The several extra- 
 liinital varieties of the species are not here considered ; our western variety is noted 
 under the next head. 
 
 TEOGLODYTES AEDON var. PARKMANNI, (Aud.) Coues. 
 Western Honse Wren. 
 
 Troglodytes parhnanni, Add., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 310 ; Syn. 1839, 75 ; B. Am. ii, 1841, 133, 
 pi. 122.— NuTT., Man. 2d ed. 1840, 483.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 367 ; Rev. 1864, 
 140.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 164.— ScL., Cat. 1861, 23.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. 
 Ter. 1859, 191.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 78.— Coop., Pr. Cal. Acad. 1870, 
 75; B. Cal. 1870, 71.— Aikex, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 196.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. 
 Ter. 1870, 464.— Meer., ibid. 1872, 673. 
 Troglodytes sylvestris, G.\3iB., Pr. Pbila. Acad, iii, 1846, 113. 
 (?) Troglodytes americanus, Heekm., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, part vi, 41. 
 Troglodytes aedon var. parkmanni, Coues, Key, 1872, 87. 
 Hab. — Western United States, from Nebraska and Dakota to the Pacific. 
 Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition. 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition.— i734r-3l,, 4737, 4138, 4741-43, Upper Missouri ; 5274-75, 
 Blackfoot country ; 5276, Fort Lookout ; 4739, Council Blufis ; 4740, Bald Island ; 4736 ; 
 North Plattfe. 
 . Later Expeditions. — 60688-9, Green River ; 62328-9, Idaho and Montana. 
 
 Dr. Hayden's uumeroiis specimens attest the abundance of this variety 
 in the northwest. I found it to be numerous in the southwest ; and, in 
 fact, it is a common bird throughout the Middle and Western Provinces 
 of the United States, where it replaces its familiar Eastern represent- 
 ative. It is impossible to separate this form specifically from aedon ; it 
 is merely a little paler (grayer), while certain supposed peculiarities of 
 habit are shared by T. aedon in those unfrequented districts where its 
 ways have not been modified by contact with civilization. It is the 
 most numerous representative and the most uniformly distributed of the 
 Troglodytidce of the West. It is especially common in the scanty and 
 irregular belts of timber that border the streams of the great plains, 
 and occurs everywhere in the mountains up to about ;|.0,000 feet. Its 
 notes vary more or less at different localities, but everywhere it seems 
 to retain its pugnacious disposition, ajid its bold, inquisitive habits. 
 
ANOETHUEA TROGLODYTES VAE. HYEMALIS, WINTER WREN. 33 
 
 ANOETHUEA TEOGLODYTBS var. HYEMALIS, (Vieill.) Ooues. 
 
 American Winter Wren. 
 
 a, troglodytes proper. 
 (The typical form is European — the only Wren of that country.) 
 
 b. liyemalis. 
 
 SijUia troglodytes, WiLS., Am. Orn. i, 1808, 139, pi. 8, f. 6 (not of European writers). 
 Troglodijtcs hijemalis, Vieill., Nouv. Diet, xxxiv, 1819, 514 ; Ency. Meth. ii, 1823, 470. — 
 Bp., J^ist, 1838, 11 ; Consp. i, 1850, 222.— S\v. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 318.— 
 AuD., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 430, pi. 360 ; Syn. 1839, 76 ; B. Am. ii, 1841, 128, pi. 
 121.— NuTT., Man. i, 2d ed. 1840, 481.— Gieaud, B. L. I. 1844, 72.— ScL., P. Z. S. 
 1856, 290 (Cordova) ; Cat. A. B. 1861, 23.— Bd., B. N. A. 1856, 369 ; Rev. 1804, 
 144.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 191.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 
 1860, No. 126.— Verb., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 152.— Allen, itid. iv, 1864, 68.— 
 MclLWR., iUd. V, 1866, 88.— Teippe, i6«i!. vi, 1871, 115.— Boaedm., Pr. Bost. Soc. 
 ix, 1862, 126.— Lawe., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 283.— Tuenb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 
 20.— Allen, Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1808, 494.— Coop., Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 74 (Mon- 
 tana) ; B. Cal. i, 1870, 73.— Mayn., Pr. Bost. Soc. xiv, 1871 ; B. Fla. 1872, 40.— 
 Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 6. 
 Anorthura hyemalis, Coues & Peent., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 410.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 
 
 1871, 267.— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 107.— Mayn., Guide, 1870, 96. 
 Anorthura troglodytes, Coues, Key, 1872, 87, fig. 30. ^ 
 
 Anorthura troglodytes var. hyemalis, Coues, Key, 1872, 351. " "' 
 
 Troglodytes hyemalis var. pacificiis, Bd., Kev. 1864, 145. ^<L2, 
 
 Troglodytes europaius, Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 127 ; Syn. 1828, 93.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 427. 
 
 c. alascensis. 
 
 Troglodytes alascensis, Bd., Tr. Chic Acad, i, 1869, 315, pi. 30, f. 3.— Dall & B.\nn., ibid. 280. 
 
 Anorthura alascensis, Coues, Key 1872, 87. 
 
 Anorthura troglodytes var. alascensis, CoUES, Key, 1872, 351. 
 
 Troglodytes hyemalis var. alascensis, Dall, Pr. Cal. Acad. Feb. 8, 1873. 
 
 Hal). — The whole of North America. South to Cordova {jSclater). Winters from New 
 England southward. Var. alascensis is a larger, darker, longer-hilled race, inhabiting 
 Alaska, the Aleutians, and Pryhilov Islands. The American bird is not specifically dis- 
 tinct from the European. 
 
 Althougb this species was not noted by any of tbe Expeditions, it is 
 properly brought into the present connection, since it is generally dis- 
 tributed over North America. It readily eludes observation in places 
 where it is not very abundant, being of a shy and retiring disposition 
 that keeps it near the ground, and for the most part hidden in the dense 
 undergrowth or broken rocky places it frequents. Its actions are almost 
 as much like tho.se of a mouse as of a bird ; rarely using its wings ex- 
 cept for a short flutter from one bush or stone-heap to another, it creeps 
 slyly and rapidly about, appearing perhaps for an instant, then suddenly 
 lost to view. It is rather uncommon about Washington, D. C, from 
 early in October until the latter part of April ; I generally found it 
 along the secluded banks of Eock Creek, and in the little ravines lead- 
 ing down to the stream. Not having met with it elsewhere, I can say 
 nothing of its habits during the breeding season from personal observa- 
 tion, but will quote from an excellent account : 
 
 "The song of the Winter Wren excels thut of any other bird of its 
 size with which I am acquainted. It is truly musical, full of cadence, 
 energetic and melodious; its very continuance is surprising, and dull 
 indeed must be the ear that thrills not on hearing it. When emitted, as 
 it often is, from the dark depths of the unwholesome swamps, it oper- 
 ates so powerfully on the mind, that it by contrast inspires a feeling of 
 wonder and delight, and on such occasions has impressed me with a 
 sense of the goodness of the Almighty Creator, who has rendered every 
 spot of earth in some way subservient to the welfare of his «reatiires. 
 3 Digitized by Microsoft® 
 
34 TELMATODYTES PALDSTEIS, LOXG-BILLED MARSH WEEN. 
 
 "Once when traveling through a portion of the most gloomy part of 
 a thick and tangled wood in the great pine forest, near Mauch Chauk, 
 in Pennsylvania, at a time when I was intent on guarding myself against 
 the venemous reptiles I expected to encounter, the sweet song of this 
 Wren came suddenly ou my ear, and with so cheery an effect that I sud- 
 denly lost all apprehension of danger, and pressed forward through tl.e 
 rank briars and stiff laurels in pursuit of the bird which 14ioped was 
 not far from its nest. But he, as if bent on puzzling me, rambled here 
 and there among the thickest bushes with uncommon cunning, now 
 singing in one spot not far distant, and presently in another in a differ- 
 ent direction. After much exertion and considerable fatigile, I at last 
 saw it alight on the side of a large tree, close to the roots, and heard it 
 warble a few notes, which I thought exceeded any it had previously ut- 
 tered. Suddenly another "Wren appeared by its side, but darted off' in 
 a moment, and the bird itself, which I had followed, disappeared. I 
 soon reached the spot, vritho.ut having for an instant removed my eyes 
 from itj and observed a protuberance covered with moss and lichens, 
 resembliug the excrescences which are often seen on our forest trees, 
 with this difference, that the aperture was perfectly rounded, clean, and 
 quite smooth. I put a finger into it and felt the pecking of a bird's bill, 
 while a querulous cry was emitted. In a word, I had, the first time in 
 my life, found the nest of a Winter Wren. * * * * Externally it 
 measured seven inches in length and four and a half in breadth; the 
 thickness of its walls, composed of moss and lichens, was nearly two 
 inches ; and thus it presented internally the appearance of a narrow bag, 
 the wall, however, being reduced to a few lines where it was in contact 
 with the bark of the tree. The lower half of the cavity was compactly 
 lined with the fur of the American Hare, and in the bottom or bed of 
 the nest there lay over this about half a dozen of the large downy ab- 
 dominal feathers of our commoa Grouse, Tetrao umbellus.^' 
 
 Audubon found six eggs iu this, and likewise in another nest that he 
 discovered. He describes them as of a delicate blush color, marked 
 with dots of reddish-brown, more numerous toward the larger end. 
 This agrees with the specimens now before Lie from a set of six taken 
 from a nest in a crevice of an old log hut, excepting that the surface is 
 thinly and evenly dotted all over, and there is, of course, no blush iu 
 the blown specimens. They measure 0.70 by 0.58. In other specimens 
 the markings chiefly encircle the larger end. A nest in tlie Smithsonian 
 is a compact hollow ball of green moss, mixed with a few pine twigs; 
 it was taken iu ilaine, where the species is stated to breed iu "wind- 
 fall" country of the evergreen woods, where the fallen trees are piled in 
 confusion. 
 
 TELMATODYTES PALUSTRIS, (Wils.) Bd. 
 
 Long-billed Marsh Wren. 
 
 Ccrtlna palustris, 'Wu,?., A. O. ii, 1870, TiS, pi. 12, f. 4. — LoED, Pr. Arty. Inst, iv, Ife'G-l, 117. 
 
 TrofilodiitcK valuHtris, Bp., Obs. Wi)s. 1625, No. 66 ; Svn. 1^28, 93.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. 
 ii, 1.S31. 319 (l.at. SS-^).— Xutt., Man. i. 18:W, 439.— AuD., O. B. i, 1831, 500 ; v, 
 1839, 4r;7 ; pi. 100 ; Svu. 1839, 77 ; B. A. ii, 1841, 135, pi. 123.— Giraud, B. L. I. 
 1S44, 76.— PUTX., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 18.56, 208.— SCL., P. Z. S. 1856, 290 (Cordova).— 
 ScL., Ibis, i, 1859, 8 ((Guatemala). — Xewb., P. R. E. Kep. vi, 18,57, tU. — Heukm., 
 ibid. X, 1859, pt. vi, 54. — Eeixh., Ibis, iii, 1861, 5 (Greenland). — Tkippe, Pr. Ess. 
 lust, vi, 1871, 115. 
 
 ThryotUrus palustris, Bp., List, 1838, 11.— TuuxB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 20. 
 
 Cistothoms {fvlmatodytes) palustris, Bl>., B. N. A. l'!;58, 364; Rev. 1864, 147. — CouES & 
 PiiEXT., Smiths. Eep. 1861, 410.— Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 83. 
 
 CietoHwrus palusins, Coop. & Suck., N. H. "Wash. Ter. 1860, 190.— Hayd., Eep. 1862, 
 163.— Whe,vt., OhWi^iiZe^k^ tMSfdrnft®-—^^"^^-! Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 
 
TELMATODYTES PALUSTRIS, LOXG-BILLED MARSH WREN. 35 
 
 1866, 283.— COUES, Pr. Pliiia. Acad. ISGfi, 79.— CouES, Pr. Ess. Inst, t, 1868, 
 278.— MclLWii., ihid. V, 1866, 87.— Coop., B. C;il. 187(1, 75.— Ali.kx, Bull. M. C. 
 Z. ii, 1871, 2(17 ; iii, 1872, 175.— Aikex, Pr, Bost. Soc. ^-^-, 1872, 196.— Mayn., 
 Guide, 187(1, 98; B. Fla. 1872, 42.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 6. 
 
 TdmaioHytes puhistris, Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 18(j8, 108.— CoUES, Pr. Pbila. Acad. 
 1871, 20.— Coi-ES, Key, 1872, 87. 
 
 Ti'imaiodtjtes anindliKicciis, Cab., Mns. Hein. i, 1850, 78. 
 
 Thryoihorus (u-undiiiuccKS, Bi"., Consp. i, 18.'0, 220. 
 
 Th-yolhoruH ariindineiis, Vieile., Nouv. Diet, xxxiv, 1819, 58. 
 
 Cisiolkorus puhistris var. iMhidicoia, Bd., Rev. 1864, 148 (West coast). 
 
 Bah. — In siiitabJe places tlirougbout temperate Nortli America, breeding througbout 
 its range ; wintering along our southern border aud southward. Greenland. Mexico. 
 Guatemala. 
 
 Lit uteiiant Warren'f: Expedition.— 8838, Sand Hills; 4744, mouth of Big Sioux River. 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition, nor by the later ones. 
 
 This little bird requires a particular condition of surface, which, when 
 met, renders it largely independent of geographical limitations. It in- 
 habits, exclusively, reedy swamps and mar.shes, nearly throughout the 
 continent, and is extremely abundant in the more favorable situations. 
 In most latitudes it is a migrant, but as it breeds throughout its raagej 
 only a part of the individuals passing north for this j>urpose, the remain- 
 der spending the year in their winter homes in the South. It is resident 
 in South Carolina, though the greater number go on northward to breed. 
 On the jSTorth Carolina coast I found it abundant during the migrations, 
 aud observed it through a part of November, so that possibly some 
 winter as far north as this. In the extensive marshes along the Poto- 
 mac, overgrown with Zizania aqiiaiica, it finds a congenial home ; and in 
 some spots scores of the nests may be seen at once. It reaches this 
 latitude about the middle of April, and remains into October. In ISTew 
 England this Wren is only a summer visitor, chiefly along the coast, and 
 it is rare, if really occurring, north of Massachusetts. ISTone of the 
 Maine or New Hampshire lists include it. In the West I found it breed- 
 ing abundantly in a reedy swamp near Fort Whipple, Arizona, where it 
 arrives in April and remains until November. According to Dr. Cooper, 
 it winters in the Colorado Valley, as high as Fort Mojave. On the Pa- 
 cifio coast the same writer speaks of its wintering north to the Colum- 
 bia, wherever there is a marsh overgrown with tule {Scirpus palustris). 
 I never seen it in the Missouri region, but Dr. Hayden reports its occa- 
 sional occurrence in marshy places along the river. Prof. Snow, Mr. 
 Allen, and Mr. Aiken, note its occurrence in Kansas and Colorado. 
 
 The uidification of the Marsh Wren is not the least interesting part 
 of its history. It builds a large bulky nest of the tops of coarse grasses 
 and reeds, bent together and woven into a hollow ball, with a little hole 
 in one side, and fastens this globe to the upright stems of the growing 
 reeds, several of which usually pass through its substance. The ball is 
 lined with finer grasses ; it is tolerably compact, yet there are often long 
 shreds hanging from it, giving it rather a slovenly appearance. The 
 number of these structures that may sometimes be observed in a small 
 piece of marsh, within a few feet of each other, is astonishing, and ap- 
 parently out of all prox)ortion to the size of the colony inhabiting the 
 patch of reeds. This has occasioned the surmise that more nests are 
 built than are actually used, the idea being that the nervous, energetic 
 little creatures keep on building while the females are incubating, to 
 amuse themselves, or because they have nothing particular to do and 
 cannot keep still. However this may be, the old nests last a year or so 
 before they decay and fall to pieces, which may partly account for the 
 great numbers to be seen. The eggs, as usual, are numerous — six or 
 eight — sometimes so manv as. to induce the suSnicion th^'t they were not 
 
36 CISTOTHOETJS STELLARIS, SHORT-BILLED MARSH WREN. 
 
 all laid by the same bird. They are very peculiar in appearance, being 
 perhaps the most heavily colored of any found in this country. The 
 usual color is a rich, dark chocolate, but it is extremely variable. . Some- 
 times it is perfectly uniform ; again, it is nearly uniform, but with a 
 darker area at the large end or around it ; occasionally a whitish ground 
 shows, thickly dotted or smirched with the chocolate, or a nearly uniform 
 brownish-white surface is presented, as if the color had washed out, ex- 
 cept in a few dark spots or patches. The egg averages two-thirds by 
 one-half of an inch; in a large number examined, little "runt" eggs are 
 sometimes found. One of these before me measures only 0.54 by 0.47, 
 and I have seen still smaller ones ; such are doubtless not fertilized, and 
 correspond to the little eggs that fowls and pigeons often drop at the 
 close of their season, indicating that their power is exhausted. I have 
 seen the same thing in the case of the Barn Swallow, and it is probably 
 not an infrequent occurrence. 
 
 On entering a patch of rushes where the Wrens are breeding, we al- 
 most instantly hear the harsh screeping notes with which those nearest 
 scold us, in«vehement and angry resentment at the intrusion. From 
 further away in the maze of reeds we hear a merry little song from those 
 still undisturbed, and presently we see numbers flitting on feeble wing 
 from one clump of sedge to another, or poised in any imaginable attitude 
 on the swaying stems. Their postures are sometimes very comical; a 
 favorite attitude is with the tail thrown up till it almost covers the back, 
 and the head lowered. In this position they have a peculiar swaying 
 motion, back and forward, as if they were on a pivot, and in this posi- 
 tion they sing most frequently. Others may be seen scrambling like 
 little mice up and down the reed-stems or all over their globular nests. 
 They appear among themselves to be excitable to the verge of irasci- 
 bility, and not seldom quite beyond such moderate limit ; but on the 
 whole they form a harmonious little colony which minds its own bu- 
 siness, and doubtless makes pleasant company for the blackbirds and 
 other larger species which build among them. 
 
 CISTOTHORUS STELLAEIS, (Licht.) Cab. 
 
 Short-billed Marsh Wren. 
 
 a. stellaris. 
 
 Troglodytes stellaris, Licht.— NaU3I., Y. D. iii, 1823, 724.— Tkii'PB, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 
 115 (Minnesota, abundant, breeding). 
 
 CiHtothorus stellaris, Cab., Mus. Hein. i, 1851, 77.— Be, B. N. A. 1858, 365; Rev. 1864, 
 146.— SCL., Cat. A, B. 1861, 22.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 163.— Wheat., Ohio Agiic. 
 Eep. 1860, Xo. 124 (Cleveland, breeding).— Code.? &Prent., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 
 410.— Ali.ex, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 83.— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 
 283.~C6nES, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 279.— CouES, Pr. Bost. Soo. xii, 1868, 108.— 
 SOMICH., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 545 (Orizaba).- CoUES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1871, 
 21.— Allen, BuU. M. C. Z. ii, 1871. 167.— Tkippe, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 236 
 (Iowa, breeding).- CouES, Key, 1872, 88.— Mayn., Guide, 1870, 96 ; B. Fla. 1872, 
 43.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 6. 
 
 Thrijothorus stellaris, Tdrnb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 20. 
 
 Troglodytes brevirostris, Nutt.. Man. i, 1832, 436 ; Tr. Am. Acad. Sci. i, 1833, 98. — AuD., 
 0. B. ii, 1834, 427 ; v, 18.39, 469 ; pi. 175 ; Syn. 1839, 77 ; B. Am. ii, 1841, 138, pi. 
 134.— Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 222. 
 
 b. elegans. 
 
 Cistothorus elegans, ScL. & Salv., Ibis, 1859, 8.— Bd., Rev. 1864, 146. 
 
 Hah. — Eastern Province of the United States. Observed west to the Loup Fork of 
 the Platte (Hayden). North to Massachusetts and Manitoba (Coues). Breeds through- 
 out its range. Winters in the Southern States. Mexico. Var. elegans from Mexico to 
 Guatemala. 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's -E'i<3'e^fW&*^7^^j[)l«<:y^(J'gJ^^Cflf(gie Platte. 
 
 Not obtained by the otherExpeaitions. 
 
ALAUDID^ EREMOPHILA ALPESTRIS, HOENED LARK. 37 
 
 Though inhabiting the same situations as the preceding species, the 
 Short-billed Marsh Wren is not only much rarer, but much more re- 
 stricted geographically. It occurs along the whole Atlantic coast, from 
 Florida to Massachusetts, lt)eyond which I have observed no record, but 
 according to my experience it is nowhere abundant along this line. In 
 the course of several years collecting in Maryland, Virginia, and the 
 Carolinas, I never happened to find but a single specimen, which I shot 
 in October, in a marsh on the North Carolina coast, where the other 
 species was abundant at the time. According to various authors, the 
 bird is more common in Massachusetts during the summer, arriving 
 about the second week in May, and leaving in October. I think the 
 birds are more plentiful along an interior line of migration, up the Mis- 
 sissippi. Thus Mr. Trippe found them "abundant" and breeding in 
 Minnesota, and I saw them in comparative plenty along the Eed Eiver, 
 about Pembina, securing several examples in June. I found them in 
 reedy sloughs on the prairie, where the Yellow-headed Blackbirds and 
 Black Terns were breseding, and also in low sedgy tracts, partly covered 
 with a growth of scrubby willows. Dr. Hayden's specimen is interest- 
 ing as being the westernmost on record for the United States. Audu- 
 bon found the species abundant in Texas, where it breeds. 
 
 Quite contrary to what might have been expected, the eggs of this 
 species are entirely unlike those of its allies, being pure white, unmarked. 
 They measure 0.63 by 0.-18, being thus rather elongate. I never saw a 
 nest ; it is said to be similar to that of the Long-billed Wren — a hollow 
 globe with a hole in one side, woven of grasses, reeds or rushes, lined 
 with finer material of the same kind, and placed in a tuft of reeds or 
 tussock of grass. According to Mr. Maynard, the birds are quite noisy in 
 the fresh-water marshes of Massachusetts, frequently singing all night: 
 "Their notes are not fine, but, although monotonous, are more elaborate 
 than those of the Long-billed, and better entitled to the name of song." 
 
 Family ALAUDID^ : Larks. 
 
 The birds of this family differ remarkahly from other Oscines in the structure of the 
 tarsal envelope, which, Instead of consisting on the sides of the tarsus of two undi- 
 vided plates meeting iu a sharp ridge behind, is there formed of a series of scutellse 
 lite those iu front, lapping round behind, meeting those of the front in a groove on 
 both, inner and outer faces of the tarsus. Tlie back of the tarsus is therefore blunt and 
 rounded in the front. Notwithstanding this peculiarity, they are truly Oscine, having 
 the musical apparatus well developed, and being good songsters. The tarsal envelope, 
 while approaching that of the Clamatorial birds in character, is not, however, the same 
 as in these, in which a single series of plates, variously arranged, encircles the tarsus, 
 meeting iu a groove along the inner face, but being continuous on the outer. In the 
 Larks, the hind claw is elongated and straightened conformably with their terrestrial 
 habits ; the bill is conic-elongate, and there are but nine fully-developed primaries. In 
 the genus Eremophila there is a peculiar tuft of feathers springing from each side of the 
 head back of the eye, somewhat similar in character to the so-called "horns " of many 
 owls. The species inhabit open grounds, and are gregarious and extensively migratory 
 in most regions. Their food consists of various seeds and insects. We have but a sin- 
 gle species, identical with that of the Old World ; but it runs into several geographical 
 varieties. 
 
 EEEMOPHILA ALPESTRIS, (Forst.) Boie. 
 
 Horned lark; Shore lark. 
 
 a. alpestris. 
 
 Alauda alpeatris, Forst., Phil. Trans. Ixii, 1779, 398.— Linx., S. N. i, 1766, 289.— Gm., S. 
 N. i, 1788, 800.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 498.— And of earlier authors gener- 
 
 Digitized by Microsoft® 
 
38 
 
 EREMOPHILA ALPESTRIS, HORNED LARK. 
 
 ally.— WiLS., Am. Orn. i, 1808, 85, pi. 5, fig. 4.— Bp., Olos. Wils. 1825, No. 130 ; 
 
 Sya. 1828, 102.— Ndtt., Man. i, 1832, 455.— AUD., O. B. ii, 1834, 570, pi. 200 ; 
 
 Syn. 1839, 96 ; B. A. iii, 1841, 44, pi. 151.— Giraud, B. L. I. 1844, 95.— Pdtn., 
 
 Pr. Ess. lust, i, 1856, 209.— Tlrnb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 4.— (?) Trippe, Pr. Ess. 
 
 Inst, vi, 1871, 115. 
 Ei-cmopliilu aljoesli-is, BoiE, Isis, 1828, 322. — And of authors. — (?) Allex, Mem. Best. Soc. 
 
 i, 1868, 496 (Iowa). — Mayn., Guide, 1870, 121 (Massachusetts, in July, perhaps 
 
 breeding). — COUES, Key, 1872, 8J, tig. 32. 
 PUleremon alpestris, Bekhji, A og. Dent. 183C312.— Bp., List, IS.iS, 37. — Keys. & Blas., 
 
 Wirb. Eur.' No. 84.— Haril., Svst. Verz. 1844, 80. 
 Otocortjs alpestris. Bp.— GiiAY., List of G. of B. 1841, 62.— Cab., Mus. Hein. i, 1851, 121. 
 Mauda cormdu, AVlLS., Am. Orn. i, 1808, i-'7 (in text).— Sw. & Rich., E. B. A. ii, 1831, 
 
 245.— Maxim., Reise, i, 1839, 367. 
 Eremojihila cornuia, BoiE, Isis, 18-J8, 322.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 403.— Coop. & Suck., N. 
 
 H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 19.5.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 134.— CouES, 
 
 Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, 221.— Coues & Pre.nt., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 411.— Boarixm., 
 
 Pr. Bost. Soo. is, 1862, 126.— Verk., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 150.— Allen, ibid. 
 
 iv, 1864, 69.— McIlwr., ibid, v, 1806, 88.— CouES. ibid, v, 1868, 280.— Lawr., 
 
 Ann. Lye. N. Y. \\n, 1866, 289.— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 114.— Lord, Pr. 
 
 Arty. Inst. Wool, iv, 118.— Dale & Baisn., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 281.— Coop., 
 
 B. Cal. ), 1870, 251.— (?) Trippk, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 236. 
 Philercmos cornutics, Bp., List, 1838, 37. 
 Utocoryu cornuia, Cab., Mua. Hein. i, 1851, 122. 
 
 b. leiicolcema. 
 (Pale race, breeding on dry interior plains of the West.) 
 
 (?) Otocoris occidentalis, McCale, Pr. Phila. Acad, v, 1851, 218 (Santa F(5, N. M.).— Be, 
 
 Stansbury's Eep. 1852, 318. 
 Oioconjs alpeslris, Newb., P. E. R. Eep. yi, 1857, 88. 
 
 Jiremophila alpestris, Allex, Bull. JI. C. Z. iii. 1872, 176. ; 
 
 ErcmophUa cornuta, Bd., P. R. E. Eep. x, 1859, Beckwith's Route, Birds, 13, pi. 32.— 
 
 Hayd., Rep. 1862, 174— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 464.— Mere., ibid. 
 
 1872, 685.— Hold., Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 202. 
 Eremopliila alpestris var. leucolcema, CouBS. 
 
 c. chrysolama. 
 
 (Smaller, bright race, from the southwestern plains and southward.) 
 
 Jlaiida cornuia, Sw., Phil. Mag. i, 1827, 434 (Mexico). 
 
 Eremopliila cornuia, CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 79 (Arizona). 
 
 Alauda chrysolama, Wage., Isis. 1831, 350.— Bp., P. Z. S. 1837, HI ; Consp. Av. i, 1850, 246. 
 
 Oioconjs chrysohona, Cab., M. H. i, 122.— Fiksch, Abhand. Nat. Ver. 1872, 341. 
 
 Alauda minor, Giraud, B. Texas, 1841. — SCL., P. Z. S. 18.55, 66. 
 
 Ercmophilu minor, SCL., Cat. A. B. 1H62, 126. 
 
 Alauda rufa, AuD., B. Am. vii, 1843, 353, ]>\. 497. 
 
 Otocoris rufa, Heerm., P. E. E. Eep. x, 1859, pt. vi, 45. 
 
 oioconjs pmyrina, ScE., P. Z. S. 1855, 110, pi. 102 (Santa F6 de Bogota). 
 
 Eremopliila percgrina, ScE., Cat. A. B. 1861, 127. 
 
 Alauda peregrina, Giebel, Thes. Orn. i, 1872, 299. 
 
 Eranophila curnuta var. chrysolcema, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 403. 
 
 Eremopliila a^.peniris var. vhrysolwma, CouES, Key, 1872, 89. 
 
 Hob. — North America, breeding northerly ; generally dispersed through the United 
 States by migration. Var. leucolmma resident on the dry interior plains from Iowa and 
 Minnesota westward. Yar. chrysolosma from the Southwestern Territories and south- 
 ward to New Grenada. 
 
 List of speeimeyis. 
 
 19230 
 19231 
 19232 
 19233 
 19234 
 19235 
 19236 
 
 239 
 
 2:37 
 279 
 278 
 184 
 165 
 
 Deer Creek . . . 
 Fort Bentou . . 
 Deer Creek . . . 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 ? 
 3- 
 
 Jan. 18, 1860 
 
 P. V. Hayden. 
 do 
 
 7.00 
 7.50 
 6.25 
 7,50 
 7.00 
 
 12.50 
 13..38 
 11.25 
 14.00 
 12.00 
 
 4.75 
 4..50 
 4.25 
 4.50 
 4.25 
 
 Jan. 11, 1860 
 Mar. 7, 1859 
 do . .. 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 Source Chey'e. 
 do 
 
 .... 
 
 Nov. 14, 1860 
 Nov. 4, 1860 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 5314, Medicine Creek ; 5318, Yellowstone ; 5313, Fort 
 Pierre, Dak. ; 5317, Blackfoot country ; 9241-2, 9244-5, 9256, Black Hills ; 9239-40, 
 9243, near Bear Butte. ^. .^. , , ... _^^ 
 
 Later Expeditions.— miW,igimmet^Ml^nBfSm^) 60897-934, vaiious localities ia 
 Wyoming ; 61753, Salt Lake, Utah. 
 
EEEMOPHILA ALPESTRlS, HORNED LARK. 39 
 
 The question of the relationships of our various Larks is rather intricate, hut vro 
 probably have an apijroximately correct solution of the inoblem. It is certain, in the 
 first place, that onr bird is identical ■with that of Europe — there is no ground on which 
 to base even varietal distinction of the ordinary North American bird. By this is meant 
 those individuals from any part of the country that are extensively migratory, bred 
 far north, and dispersed at other seasons over most of the United States — certainly 
 over all the Eastern States, and api)arent]y, also, to some distance along the Pacific 
 coast. Never continuously exposed to special modifying influences of climate or food, 
 these retain what may be regarded as the normal characters of the species. But in all 
 the ojjen country of the West, from Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, the birds find con- 
 genial breeding ground, and are stationary or nearly so. These birds become impressed 
 with a certain character, due to the special circumstances of environment, which may 
 be sunmied as pallor, corresponding in degree to the atmospheric dryness. It varies iu 
 degree from a slight paleness matched by the palest eastern birds, to the maximum in 
 birds of the most arid regions. No specific distinction, of cc^rse, can be jiredicated, 
 nor is it possible to assign a geographical distribution with strictness. In the South 
 the question is complicated by another consideration. Here latitude plays its part in 
 reduction of size, and in brightening the plumage again to an extent scarcely seen in 
 the eastern birds. The result is a bird so difl'erent from the ordinary stj Ic tliat it was 
 admitted as a species by Dr. Finsch, although ho reduced the dozen or more current 
 species to five. I was particularly strucli with the small size and bright color of the 
 Larks of New Mexico, where I found them in the breeding season ; and the same fea- 
 tures are found in the Mexican bird. It is, however, impossible to draw any dividing 
 line between them and the ordinary form. 
 
 In the Key. I followed Prof. Baird in recognizing only the small, bright southern 
 form, as var. elirysolmma of 'Wagler ; but I am now inclined to admit also the pale form to 
 varietal distinction. For this a new name appears to be rer[uired. Alaucla rw/a of Au- 
 dubon apparently' included both, but points unmistakably to the southern form, as does 
 also the Otoeorys rvfa of Heerniann, and Alaucla minor of Giraud. The Otocoris occi- 
 dentalis of McCall is based on New lilexican birds of the character above mentioned, 
 though the name, as used by Prof. Baird in 1852 for the bird afterward figured as above 
 (P. R. R. Rep. X, pi. 32), is applicable to the var. leucohana. 
 
 Var. leacola'ma, CouES (No. 2745, coll. E. C, Fort Randall, Mar. 8, 1873). Not smaller 
 than typical aljjestri^. Little or no yellow about the head or throat, and the black 
 markings narrow. Upper parts grayish-brown, with little or uo pinkish tinge ; the 
 feathers with only obsoletely darker centres. 
 
 East of the region above specified the Horned Lark is not known to 
 breed iu the United States ; and the only record of its occurrence in 
 summer which I have seen, that given by Mr. Maynard, as above, most 
 probably indicates a highly exceptional instance. According to Mr. Mc- 
 Ilwraith, a few pairs nest about Ilamilton, Canada West. The great 
 majority of the eastern birds repair beyond the latitude of New Eng- 
 land, breeding- plentifully in Labrador and Newfoundland. I found them 
 very plentiful along the Labrador coast, and on all the rocky moss-clad 
 islands adjoining, where they find the situations in which they delight 
 to nest. Leaving these rugged and inhospitable shores, they enter the 
 United States in October, and by the following month are generally dis- 
 persed along the Atlantic as far at least as the Oarolinas. Tliey are now in 
 flocks, sometimes of great extent, and scour the open country iu search 
 of food. Their returil begins in Marcli, and is mostly completed by the 
 end of that month, though stragglers remain in England through the 
 greater part of April. They have no song at this season, beyond the 
 sharp chirping notes with which the flocks call to each other. 
 
 The Horned Lark breeds about Pembina, and thence westward in the 
 same latitude. I am also informed that it nests in the vicinity of Eacine, 
 Wisconsin, laying^sometimes in the middle of April, when the snow is 
 still on the ground. According to Mr. Trippe, it also breeds in Southern 
 Iowa, where it is abundant and nearly resident, being absent only iu the 
 depth of winter for aj-few weeks, and some remaining even then. It 
 nests there early in May, occasionally as late as the 25th. I scarcely 
 think that it endures the winters high on the Missouri. I did not see it 
 through that season at Fort Randall, though it was common after Feb- 
 ruary. Further south, where I have observed it in the west, it is perma- 
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40 MOTACILLIDiE — ^ANTHUS LUDOVICIANDS, TITLAEK. 
 
 nently resident, though I presume that a part of the birds to be observed 
 in winter are those that have come from the north. 
 
 The nest of the Horned Lark is simply built of dried grasses, and is 
 placed on the ground. Both sexes appear to share the duties of incu- 
 bation. The eggs are thickly, minutely, and uniformly flecked with 
 light brown on a gray ground, 0.95 by 0.62. 
 
 Family MOTAOILLIDiE : Wagtails. 
 
 ,/ ANTHUS LUDOVICIANUS, (Gm.) Licht. 
 < 
 
 Titlark; Pipit; Wagtail. 
 
 Alauda ludovidana, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 793.— Lath., IdcI. Orn. ii, 1790, 494. 
 
 Anthus ludovidanvs, Licht., Verz. 1823, 37.— Bp., List, 1838, 18 ; Consp. i. 18.^0, 249.— Add., 
 Syn. 1839, 94 ; B. Am. iii, 1841, 40, pi. 50.— Giraud, B. L. I. 1844, 94.— ScL., P. 
 Z. S. 1856, 296 (Cordova).— ScL. & Salv., Ibis, 1859, 9 (Guatemala).— Bd., B. N. 
 A. 1858, 232 ; Eev. 1864, 153.— Jones, Nat. in Bermuda, 1859, 29.— Coop. & 
 Suck., N. H. Wf.sh. Ter. 1860, 176.— Codes, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, 220 (Labra- 
 dor, breeding) ; 1866, 67 (Arizona). — Eelnh., Ibis, iii, 1861, 6 (Greeulaud).^- 
 Blackiston, Ibis, iv, 1862, 4 (Saskatchewan).- Hayd., Eep. 1862, 159.— Allen, 
 Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 494 (Iowa).— Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 
 277 (Alaska).— Stev., U. S. Geo). Surv. Ter. 1870, 463.— Mber., iUd. 1872, 674.— 
 COOF., Pr. Cal. Acad. 1870, 75 ; B. Cal. 1, 1870, 78.— Trippe, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 
 1871, 115 (Minnesota).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 267 ; iii, 1872, 161, 175 
 (breeding in mountains of Colorado). — Aikex, Pr. Bost. Soo. 1872, 196 (the 
 same).— Trippe, iUd. xv, 1872, 234 (Iowa).— Codes, Key, 1872, 90, fig. 34.— 
 Sxow, B. Kans. 1873, 4. — And of recent authors. 
 
 Alauda rubra, Gii., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 794. 
 
 Anthus rebens, Merr., "Ersch Grub. Encycl." 
 
 Alauda pcnnsylvanka, BeisS., Orn. iii, 1760, 356 (or 413). 
 
 Anthus pennsylvanicus, "Zander, J. f. 0. 1853, extrab. i, 1854, 63;" Nanm. iv, 13. 
 
 Alauda rufa, WiLS., Am. Orn. v, 1872, 89, pi. 42, f. 4. 
 
 AntJius spinoletta, Bp., Syn. 1828, 90.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 450.— Add., O. B. i, 1832, 408. 
 
 Anthus aqnaticus, Sw. & EicH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 23, pi. 44.— Add., O. B. i, 1832, pi. 10. 
 
 Anthus pipiens. Add., O. B. i, 1832, 408, pi. 80.— Bp., List, 1838, 18. 
 
 Anthus reinhardlU, " HolbOll, Fn. Green. 1846, 25." 
 
 Anthus " hypogams, Bp., Compt. Kend. xxxviii, 1856, 65." 
 
 Hai.—The whole of North America. Mexico. Guatemala. Bermuda. Greenland. 
 Accidental in Europe {Sarting, Br. Birds, 1872, 109). 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Eaynolds' Expedition. 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 1844, Black Hills. 
 
 Later Expeditions.— 60680, Keni-fs Fork; 60681, Uintah Mountains; 62298, Snake 
 Eiver. 
 
 No birds of this country are more extensively dispersed over the con- 
 tinent, more regular in their times of appearance in the United States 
 or in their departure for the K^orth. Until very recently we had not, to 
 my knowledge, a single authentic instance of its breeding in the United 
 States, although, as I have elsewhere surmised (Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 
 568), it may do so in Northern New England. It enters the United 
 States in flocks in September, and becomes thoroughly dispersed as the 
 autumn advances ; some pushing to Florida, the Gulf coast, Texas, and 
 Mexico ; others wintering as high as the Middle States. I have found 
 it during part of the winter even on the Upper Missouri, with Shore 
 Larks and Snow Buntings. Its vernal migration begins in March at the 
 South, antl by the end of the following month the species has mostly 
 passed beyond our limits, though a few loiterers may be sometimes found 
 in May. But precisely as the Shore Lark breed^in the West far south 
 of its Eastern breeding range, so does the Titlark find in the most ele- 
 vated points of land in the West the necessary conditions of reproduc- 
 
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ANTHUS LUDOVICIANUS, TITLAKK. 41 
 
 tion. Although Mr. Allen did not actually fiud the nest, there is no 
 question of his having determined that the bird breeds in the mountains 
 of Colorado, for he found young scarcely able to fly, July 20, 1871, on 
 Mount Lincoln, Park County, Colorado, among the snow-fields above 
 timber-liue ; while he also observed the bird in the Wahsatch Mountains, 
 "probably breeding, above timber-line." These are important observa- 
 tions, not only as first authenticating the breeding of the species in the 
 United States, but as affording a striking illustration of how perfectly 
 complementary to each other are increase of latitude and elevation of 
 land in much that pertains to the distribution of plants and animals. 
 In its summer distribution to the northward, the bird reaches the Arctic 
 coast, and is also found in Greenland. 
 
 Of the general habits of the Titlark during the winter, there is no oc- 
 casion to enlarge. Its thoroughly gregarious disposition ; its eminently 
 terrestrial habits; the variety of its food, both animal and vegetable; 
 its timidity, yet its lack of caution ; its buoyant, desultory flight; glid- 
 ing, tremulous gait, accompanied with vibration of the tail, and its quer- 
 ulous voice, are all well known. But with its habits in summer, and 
 particularly Its nesting, we are not so familiar. Audubon is one of the 
 few authors who has given us information on this score. He "found it 
 breeding abundantly on the Labrador coast, on moss-covered rocks, as 
 well as in the deep valleys, but never at any great distance from the sea. 
 The nests were usually placed at the foot of a wall of the rocks, buried 
 in the dark mould, and beautifully formed of fine bent grass, arranged in 
 a circular manner, without any hair or other lining. Both birds incu- 
 bate, sitting so closely, that on several occasions I almost put my loot 
 upon them before they flew. The first nest that I found was on the 29th 
 of June, when tlie thermometer ranged from 51° to 54°. The eggs were 
 six in number, five-eigliths of an inch long and six and one-quarter 
 twelfths in breadth, being rather elongated, though rounded at both 
 ends ; their ground color of a deep reddish-chestnut or reddish-brown, 
 considerably darkened by numerous dots of a deeper reddish-brown and 
 lines of various sizes, especially toward the large end." 
 
 Although I have myself seen Titlarks everywhere I have been, I 
 never found any breeding except in Labrador, as stated in the above 
 reference. It was there the most numerous of the land birds, excei)ting 
 perhaps the White-crowned Sparrow, frequenting open, bare and ex- 
 posed localities, often on tbe rocky and barren islands, almost unten- 
 anted by other species. Here, as elsewhere in maritime localities, the 
 biids are fond of resorting to the sea-shore at low tide, there to ramble 
 in quest of food on the mud and sea-wrack in company with Sand- 
 pipers, and not distantly resembling these birds in their manners. Two 
 nests 1 obtained in July were both placed in a cavity in the ground, 
 about as large as a child's head, on the side of a steep rocky chasm. A 
 flooring of dried grass had been introduced to keep tlie nest from the 
 wet; the nests 'were built upon this, of coarse dried grass loosely ar- 
 ranged, and without lining ; the exterior diameter was about six inches, 
 the interior three inches, with a dci)th of two inches. One nest con- 
 tained five, the other four, eggs, averaging thirteen-sixteenths of an inch 
 long, by nine and one-half sixteenths broad; of a dark chocolate color, 
 indistinctly marked with numerous small spots and streaks of blackish. 
 The parents do not leave the nest until nearly trodden on, then the one 
 that is incubating flutters up with loud cries of distress that soon bring 
 the mate, and the pair hover anxiously over head, at times approaching 
 ■within a few feet, or even alighting close by, all the while crying out in 
 the most beseeching and plaintive manner. I saw no attempt to deceive 
 
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42 NEOCORYS SPRAGUEI, SKYLARK. 
 
 by feigning lameness, but the birds often follow one who has disturbed 
 them for some distance. On such occasions several pairs nesting near 
 each other are often aroused, and join their cries with those of the 
 afflicted parents. 
 
 ]S^EOCORYS SPEAGUEI, (Aud.) Scl. 
 
 Missouri Skylark. 
 
 Alaiula spraguei, Add., B. Am. vii, 1843, 335, pi. 486. 
 
 Ayrodoma njjrtiguei. Bd., Stanbury's Rep. 1852, 3'2y. — Bp., C. Rend, xxsviii, 1856, 65. 
 
 Neocorys 8j)raguei, Scl., Pr. Zool. Soc. 1857, 5. — Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 234. — Black., Ibis, 
 
 lH(i2, 4.-C0UES, Key, 1872, 91. 
 Antluts spraguei, Bd., Rev. 1864, 155. 
 Olocoris sprangeri, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 246. 
 
 Hah. — Region of the Upper Missouri and Sasketcliewan. East to the Red River. 
 
 , This species is one of the very few characteristic birds of the region 
 particularly treated of in the present work ; in fact, it seems chieiiy 
 confined to the Upper Missouri. It is still extremely rare in collections ; 
 the tj'pe specimen, taken by- Audubon at Fort tfnion, June 19, 1843, 
 long remained unique, and to the present day I have seen but one other, 
 taken by Captain Blackiston on the Sasketchewan (where he found the 
 species not uncommon), and now in the Smithsonian collection, where 
 the type is also preserved. But since, according to Audubon's account, 
 the bird appears to be abundant, I rest in hopes of seeing it alive before 
 I leave the Missouri. The original describer says that the nest is sunken 
 in the ground, built entirely of fine grasses, circularly arranged, with- 
 out lining; and that the eggs are usually four or five in number, seven- 
 eighths long by five-eighths broad, dotted minutely all over, so as to be. 
 of a general purplish-gray hue. He found young in small loose flocks 
 of eight to a. dozen, before he left Fort Union, on the 16th of August. 
 He represents manners apparently much in accordance with those as-- 
 cribed to the European Skylark: ''On several occasions my friend, Ed- 
 ward Harris, sought for these birds on the ground, deceived by the 
 sound of their music, appearing as if issuing from the prairies, which 
 they constantly inhabit; and after having traveled to many distant 
 places on the prairie, we at last looked upward, and there saw several 
 of these beautiful creatures singing in a continuous manner, and soaring 
 at such an elevation as to render them more or less diflicult to discover 
 with the eye, and at times some of them actually disappearing from our 
 sight in the clear thin air of that country. On the ground they run 
 prettily, sometimes squatting to observe the movements of tbe intruder, 
 and at times erecting their body fronting the pursuer. # * * * On 
 first rising from the ground they fly in so deep and undulating a manner 
 as to almost preclude their being shot on the wing; and this tbey con- 
 tinue to do, forming circles increasing in extent until about one hundred 
 yards highf when they begiu to sing, and continue to do so for fifteen or 
 twenty minutes at a time, and then suddenly closing their wings, they 
 glide to the prairie. * * * * Sometimes when rising from the 
 ground, as if about to sing, for some forty or fifty yards, they suddenly 
 pitch downward, alight, and run or squat, as already mentioned." 
 
 Xovemher, 1873. — Since I penned the foregoing, at Fort Eandall, last 
 year, my wishes have been gratified in the most satisfactory manner ; 
 for during mj^ connection, the past summer, with the Northern Bound- 
 ary Commission, to results of which I may be permitted to refer in this 
 connection,*! became perfectly familiar with the Missouri Skylark. It is 
 one of the most iibundfmt and characteristic birds of all the region 
 
NEOCOEYS SPRAGUEI, SICYLARK. 43 
 
 along the forty-ninth parallel of latitude, from just west of the Pembina 
 Mountains to as far as the survey progressed this year — about four hun- 
 dred miles ; I had no difficulty in taking as many specimens as I desired. 
 They were particularly numerous at various points along the Souris or 
 Mouse Eiver, where, during our marches or while we were encamped, 
 they were almost continually hovering about us. The iirst one that I 
 shot, early in July, was a young of the year, but full grown ; and as I 
 found nestlings a month later, probably two broods are reared each sea- 
 son. The ordinary straightforward flight of the bird is performed with 
 a regular rising and falling, like that of the Titlark; but its course, 
 when startled from the ground, is exceedingly rapid and wayward j at 
 such times, after the first alarm, they are wont to hover around in a de- 
 sultory manner for a considerable time, and then pitch suddenly down 
 to the ground, often near where they rose. Under these circumstances 
 they have a lisping, querulous note. But these common traits have 
 nothing to do with the wonderful soaring action, and the inimitable, 
 matchless song of the birds during the breeding season — it is no wonder 
 Audubon grew enthusiastic in describing it. Uising from the nest, or 
 from its grassy bed, this plain-looking fittle bird, clad in the simplest 
 colors, and making but a speck in the boundless expanse, mounts straight 
 up, on tremulous wings, till lost to view in the blue ether, and then sends 
 back to earth a song of gladness that seems to come from the sky itself, 
 to cheer the weary, give hope to the disheartened, and turn the most in- 
 different, for the moment at least, from sordid thoughts. ISTo other bird- 
 music heard in our land compares with the wonderful strains of this 
 songster; there is something not of earth in the melody, coming from 
 above, yet from no visible source. The notes are simply indescribable; 
 but once heard they can never be forgotten. Their volume and penetra- 
 tion are truly wonderful ; they are neither loud nor strong, yet the whole 
 air seems filled with the tender strains, and delightful melody continues 
 long unbroken. The song is only heard for 51 brief period in the sum- 
 mer, ceasing when the inspiration of the love season is over, and it is 
 only uttered when the birds are soaring. 
 
 It is not a little singular that the Skylark should have so long contin- 
 ued to be rare in collections, since it is very abundant in the exten- 
 si^e region which it inhabits. In August, after all the broods are on 
 wing, and through September, I have seen it in considerable flocks ; and 
 often, when riding along the prairie road, numbers would fly up on my 
 approach, from the ruts ahead, where they were feeding, to settle again 
 at a little distance further on. These wheel-tracks, where the grass was 
 worn away, seemed to be their favorite resorts, where they could run 
 with the greatest ease, and perhaps gather food less easily, discovered 
 in the thick grass. They tripped along the tracks with swift and dainty 
 steps, never hopping, and continually vibrated the tail, just like our 
 common Titlark. They were usually associated at such times with num- 
 bers of Chestnut-colored Lark-buntings, which seemed to fancy the same 
 places, and with a few of Baird's Buntings. These were the only circum- 
 stances under which the Larks could be procured without the great 
 quickness and dexterity required to take them on the wing ; for the mo- 
 ment they alight in the ' grass of the prairie, be it scanty or only a few 
 inches high, they are lost to view, their speckled-gray colors blending 
 completely with the herbage. 
 
 On making a camp at Turtle Mountain, a pair of Larks rose from the 
 
 spot where my tent was to be pitched, and circled about in such evident 
 
 and painful agitation, that I knew they had a nest somewhere near bj'. 
 
 1 watched them for a long while, but they would not re-alight to give 
 
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44 NEOCOEYS SPRAGUEI, SKYLARK. 
 
 me any clue to its whereabouts; and though I made careful search 
 for the nest at intervals for several days, during which time I fre- 
 quently saw the same pair, I was unsuccessful. No nests are harder to 
 find than those of prairie birds, for there is nothing to guide one, and 
 they are not often discovered except by accident, such as stumbling on 
 one and scaring off the parent. But at length, a few days afterward, in 
 finally renewing a particularly thorough search, a little bird, just able 
 to flutter a few feet, was seen and caught, and in a few moments Che 
 rest of the family, sitting a few feet apart, were also secured — four in 
 all. They Tiad just left the nest, and yet I could not find it, though a 
 perfectly bare depression of the ground, covered with droppings, just 
 where the birds were, may have been their temporary resting place. 
 My friend, Mr. Allen, was more fortunate on the Yellowstone Expedition 
 which he accompanied the same season, and he obligingly gives me the 
 following account: 
 
 "The only nest we found was placed on the ground, and neatly formed 
 of dry tine grass. It was thinly arched over with the same material, 
 and being built in a tuft of rank grass, was most thoroughly concealed. 
 The bird would seem to be a close setter, as in this case the female re- 
 mained on the nest till I actually stepped over it, she brushing against 
 my feet as she went off. The eggs were five in number, rather long and 
 pointed, measuring about 0.90 by 0.60 inches, of a grayish-white color, 
 thickly and minutely flecked with darker, giving them a decidedly pur- 
 plish tint." 
 
 I saw no Skylarks after about the middle of September, and their 
 numbers sensibly diminished after August. I am entirely ignorant of 
 their winter resorts ; we may presume that they scatter over the prairies 
 to the south of their breeding range, but no one appears to have ob- 
 served them at any other season. Yet the case is not more remarkable 
 than that of Baird's Bunting, which nobody found until last year. 
 These two species are so intimately associated during the breeding sea- 
 son, and have so many characteristics in common, that it would not be 
 surprising if they migrated much together. Before the Larks leave 
 Northern Dakota — if they really do forsake it — they go into moult, and 
 during this period they are very quiet and inconspicuous, keeping hid- 
 den for the most part in the grass, whence they are only flushed by 
 accident, rising with apparent reluctance to settle again soon. They are 
 now scattered over the prairie, mixed with Savanna Sparrows, Baird's, 
 and other Buntings of the same region. 
 
 As this bird is very little known, the following descriptions, prepared 
 upon examination of over fifty specimens, may be given ; that of the 
 young bird, and of the fall plumage, differing materially from the adult, 
 have remained hitherto entirely unknown : 
 
 Adult, in breedinfi season : Eye black. Bill above blackish, below pale flesh color, like 
 the feet. Above dark brown, everywhere variegated with pale gray streaks, constitut- 
 ing the edgings of the feathers, in largest iiattern on the middle of the back, smallest 
 on the hind neck. Below dull whitish, with a more or less evident wash of light 
 brown across the breast and along the sides ; the breast sharply streaked, the sides less 
 distinctly so, with a few small sparse blackish-brown marks; a more or less evident 
 series of maxillary streaks. Quills dark grayish-brown ; the inner ones and the wing- 
 coverts edged with grayish-white, coijesponding with the pattern of the back. Mid- 
 dle pair of tail-feathers like the back ; next two or three pairs blackish ; the outer two 
 pairs mostly or wholly pure white, and the third pair from the outside usually touched 
 with white near the end. 
 
 With the reduction of the gray edgings of the feathers of the upper parts, due to 
 wearing away during the summer, the bird becomes darker above, with narrower and 
 sharper variegation, and the pectoral streaks are fainter. After the fall moult the col- 
 ors again become pure, the streaking of the upper parts is strong and sharp, and the 
 whole under parts acquire rD^^JtfzB&^pfifle:JVf^ft®- 
 
SYLVICOLIDiE — MNIOTILTA VARIA, CHEEPING WARBLER. 45 
 
 Young : Edgings of the feathers of the upjier parts having a huffy oast, giving a 
 richer complexion to the plumage. Feathers of the back and scapulars having pure 
 ■white edging, forming conspicuous semicircular markings. Greater coverts and long 
 inner secondaries broadly tipped with while, and outer wing-feathers edged and tipped 
 with white or buffy. Ear-coverts buffy-brown, forming a more conspicuous patch than 
 in the adult. Under parts strongly tinged, except on throat and middle of belly, with 
 huffy-brown, the pectoral and lateral streaks numerous, large, and suffused. 
 
 The sexes are indistinguishable, though the male may average a little larger thaa 
 the female. The bill is slender and weak, compressed ancl acute, with the culmen con- 
 cave near the base, and the nostrils quite large, covered with a raised scale. Hind 
 claw remarkably lengthened, little curved, very slender and acute, usually somewhat 
 exceeding its digit in length, but very variable, as is generally the case with such un- 
 usual developments. 
 
 Length 6.25 to 7.00, but rarely over 6.75. Extent 10.00 to 11.00, rarely more, in one 
 instance 11.50, generally about' 10.50. Wing .3.00 to 3.30. Tail about 2.33. Bill about 
 0.50 along culmen. Tarsus in front 0.80 to 0.90. Hind toe and claw 0.80 to 1.00. 
 
 Family SYLVICOLID^ : American Warblers. 
 
 ' ^ MNIOTILTA VAEIA, (Linn.) Vieill. l 
 
 Black-and-white Creeping Warbler. 
 
 Motacilla varia, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 333. 
 
 Certhia varia, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 69.— AuD., Oru. Biog. i, 1832, ,452, pi. 90. 
 
 Mniotilta varia, Vieill., Anal. 1816, and Gal. Ois. i, 1834, 276, pi. 169.-BP., List, 1838, 
 
 ll.-AuD., B. Am. ii, 1841, 105, pi. 114.— Woodh., LSitgr. Rep. 1853, 69.— ScL., 
 
 P. Z. S. 1856, 140.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 235, and Rev. 1864, 167.— Lawr., Ann. 
 
 Lye. viii, 1865, 175 (New Granada).— Salv., P. Z. S. 1867, 135 (Veragua).— ScL. 
 
 & Salv., P. Z. S. 1870, 780 (Merida).— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 159.— Lawk., Ann. 
 
 Lye. ix, 1868, 93 (Costa Eica).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 175.— Scon, Pr. 
 
 Best. Soc. 1872 (breeding in West Virginia).— Codes, Key, 1872, 92, fig. 35.— 
 
 Trippe, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 234 (Iowa).— Sxow, B. Kaus. 1873, 4.— And of 
 
 all later writers. 
 Sylvia varia, Bp., Synopsis, 1828, 81. 
 Sylvicola varia, Rich., List, 1837. 
 CertMa maculata, WiLS., Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 22, pi. 19. 
 Mniotilta borealis, NuTT., Man. i, 2d ed. 1840, 704. 
 Mniotilta var. longirostris, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, page xxsi, No. 167. 
 
 Sab. — Eastern North America. North to the fur countries in summer. South to 
 Mexico, Central America, and West Indies (numerous quotations). West to Kansas and , - _ 
 the Missouri "as high up as Fort Pierre at least" (flffi/den). 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4676-81, Lower Missouri. 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition, nor by the later ones. 
 
 A species coDiined to the Eastern Proviiice, reaching its western limit 
 on the confines of the Missouri region and in Arkansas. Its northern 
 limit is not exactly defined, unless it be represented by the latitude of 
 Fort Simpson. The extralimital quotations to the southward aro very 
 numerous and diversified, showing how generally the bird leaves the 6 ^f ( 
 United States in the fall ; still, a few linger on our extreme border, as / 
 shown by Mr. Allen's record of its not uncommon occurrence in Florida t; ' ' 
 throughout the winter (Bull. M. 0. Z. ii, 1871, 267). Great numbersi?/ *^ * i 
 enter the United States in March, and some even in February ; they 
 reach the middle districts in April, and soon become generally dispersed. 
 Contrary to the rule among our warblers, this bird has a breeding range 
 apparently coextensive with its North American range, which is the 
 more remarkable since it is truly a migratory species. Audubon men- 
 tions its breeding in Texas and Louisiana ; and others note the same all 
 along its range. There is some discrepancy in the statements of ob- 
 servers respecting its nidiflcation. Audubon states that it breeds in 
 holes in trees, but such appears not to be its habit. Nuttall describes a 
 
 Digitized by Microsoft® 
 
46 PARULA AMERICANA, BLUE YELLOW-BACKED WARBLEK. 
 
 nest "niched, in the shelving of a rock, on the surftice of the ground." 
 Dr. Brewer states, that so far as he knows, it always builds on the 
 ground, and mentions a nest found in the drain of a house. The eggs 
 are described as being from three to seven in number, four and one half 
 eighths to six-eighths long, by one-half an inch to nine-sixteenths broad ; 
 oval, nearly equal at both ends, white, speckled with brownish red and 
 purplish dots, chiefly at the larger end. A nest described by Dr. Brewer 
 was comi)Osed externally of coarse hay, and compactly lined with horse- 
 hair ; Mr. Nuttairs was of coarse strips of inner hemlock bark, mixed 
 with old leaves and grass, and lined with hair. Dr. Brewer's measured 
 three and one-half inches across outside, by one inch internal depth. 
 
 The home of this little bird is one often invaded by the Cowbird; on 
 several different occasions, of which I am informed, as many as three 
 or four of the alien eggs having been found in it. Its low situation 
 probably favors the Gow-bird in this respect. This Warbler surpasses 
 all others iti the agility and ease with which it scrambles in every direc- 
 tion and in every attitude, up, down, and around the trunks or branches 
 of trees, its habits being as strongly pronounced as those of a Creeper 
 itself, an<l correspondingly different from those of its allies among the 
 true Warblers. It is very abundant throughout the wooded portions of 
 the Eastern United States, and in "spring is as noisy as it is active, con- 
 tinually uttering its queer, sereeping song in the springtime, during its 
 . busy search for insects. 
 
 1 ^'^'"YAliVLA AMElilCAXA, (Linn.) Bp. ,? - 
 Blue Yellow-bacljcd Warbler. 
 
 Parus amcricainis, LiNX., Syst. Nat. i, 1758, 190. 
 
 MulnciUa (unericana, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 17H8, 9t)0. 
 
 Sylvia amcricaiui, Lath., Iiid. Orii. ii, 1790, .'520. — Arri., Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 78, pi. 1.'. 
 ■Sylvicola amerieana, AuD., B. Am. ii, 1841, .57, pi. 91. — Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 180:5, 71 
 (breediug in ludian Tenitory). 
 
 Parula amerieana, Bp., Comp. and Gtoj;-, List, 18:58, 20. — Go.s.ke, B. .Jam. 1847, l.")4. — Bd., 
 B. N. A. 1858, 2:38; Rev. 18(i4, 169.— JFayd., Rep. 1862, 159.— Lawj:., Ann. Lye. 
 ix, 1869. 200 (Yucatan).- Allex, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 267 (Florida, winter- 
 in-); iii, 1872, 124, 175.— AlKEN, Pr. Bust. Soc. 1872, 196 (Black Hills).- Scott, 
 ibiil. (West Virginia, in snmmer). — COUES, Key, 1872, 92. — Tmppe, Pr, Boat. 
 Soc. XV, 1872, 2:34 (Iowa). — Sxow, B. Kaus. 187:3, 4. — And of late writers 
 generalIJ^ 
 
 Compi^ollibijiii amerieana, Cab., Mus. Hein. 18.50, 20; J. f. 0. iii, 1855, 476. 
 
 Ficediilu liidoriciana, Bni.ss., Orn. iii, 1760, 500, pi. 26. 
 
 Motarilla litdovieiana, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 98.!. 
 
 Motacilla eqnes, BoDDyERT, Planches Enlum., 178:3, pi. 7.31, f. 1; pi. 709, f. 1. 
 
 Sylvia iurqiiata, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, ;;8, pi. 99. 
 
 Thryolhorns lorqiiatus, Steph., Shaw's Gen. Zool. xiv, 1826, 94. 
 
 Sylvia imsiUa, WlLS., Am. Orn. iv, 1811, 17, pi. 28. 
 
 Sylvieola puxilla, Sw., ZooJ. Jouru. iii, 1827, 169. 
 
 Hah. — Eastern North America. North to Nova Scotia. West to the Mi.ssouri, as far ' ;,-j 
 at least as the Platte; to the Black Hills {Jihni). Mexico (Xalapa, Scl., P. Z. S. 18.57, 
 202). South to Guatemala (Ibis, 18.59, 10). West Indies (Cuba, Cab., J. f. O. iii, 47(i; ..^V, 
 Santa Cruz, Kmi., Ibis, i, 143; St. Thomas, Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, :370; Jamaica.JLif if 
 Gosse, B. Jam. 154). Greenland (ReinJi., Ibis, 1861, 6). Winters from Southern Florida i.i'f 
 southward. | t f ^ 
 
 Lieuteiiaiit Warren's Expedition. — 4671, mouth of Platte. 9rUi'- 
 
 Not obtained hy Captain Haynolds' Expedition, or by the later ones. 
 
 This elegant little species, one of the most prettily marked of the 
 wbole group, withdraws almost entirely from the United States in win- 
 ter, though Mr. Allen has noted its occasional occurrence at that season 
 in Florida, and proceeds as far south as Guatemala. On the vernal mi- 
 gration it reaches the Middle States late in April, and is very abundant 
 daring the iir.'st half o©/J|SfeM16yriAi^3BXSB)(/KE) The greater number pro- 
 
PEOTONOTAKIA CITKiE, PROTHONOTAEY WARBLER. 47 
 
 ceed further north, but some appear to breed all along the line, as I have 
 found it about Washington early in August, and Mr. Scott saw it in 
 West Virginia during the summer. We find it in orchards when the 
 fruit trees are blossoming, and in all sorts of woodland, but particularly 
 in high open forests, where it will be observed fluttering and skipping 
 with great activity in the terminal foliage. I never found its nest, and the 
 only one I have examined was taken in Taunton, Massachusetts, early in 
 June. This was an irregular mass of flue, light cplored tree-moss, inex- 
 tricably matted, with a small deep cavity. The single egg in this nest 
 measured 0.70 by 0.57, and was white, flnely sprinkled at the large end 
 Avith reddish dots, having also a few others scattered elsewhere. 
 
 The changes of plumage of this dainty little Warbler are great with 
 age, sex and season, and I once procured a curious partial albiuo, which 
 had the plumage irregularly blotched with pure white. 
 
 1,} PEOTOXOTAEIA CITR^A, (Bodd.) Bd. 
 Protlionotary Warbler, 
 
 MotaciUa citraa, BoDD., PI. Enl. 704, f. 2 (IT-o). 
 
 Ifniotilta citrcva, Gi!ay, Geuera of Birds. 
 
 Protonotaria oitraa, Bd., B. N. A. lc-.5>^, 239; Rev. 1864. 170,— "Wheat., Ohio AgiL. Rep. 
 1S60, Xo. 65.— GuNDL., J. f. O. 1861, 324 (Cuba, rare).— Couks ^t Peem., 
 Smiths. Rep. 1861, 406 (Washingtou, D. C, accidental).- ScL., Cat. leiH, 26.— 
 COUES, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, l:^'6i, 21 (quotes "Calais, Jle., Boardman, y.ni: Pr. Bost. 
 Soc. is, 234"). — CoCES, Pr. Bost. >Soc. xii, 1808, 107 (South Carolina, summer, 
 rare). — Tukne., B. E. Pa. 1809 (straggler). — Lawk., Ann. Lyc. ix, 1868, 94 
 (Ccsta Rica); 1869, 200 (Yucatan).— Scl. & Saev., P. Z. S. l>7O,"780 (Merida).— 
 Cones, Key, 1872, 93, fig. 36.— Sxo-i\', B. Ivans. 1872 (Neosho Falls, breeding). 
 
 Sclmintliojihaga citrcea, C.\i!., J. f. O. 1801, 75 (Costa Rica). 
 
 AlotaciUa protonotarius, G-M., Syst. Xat. i, 1788, 972. 
 
 Sylvia protonotarius, Lath., Ind. Oiu. ii. 1790, .542. — Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. li. 1807, 27, 
 pi. 83,— WiLS.. Am, Orn. iii, 1811, 72. pi. 24, f. 3.— Bp., S?n. 18J-'. 80.— Xutt., 
 Jlan. i, 1832, 410.— Aijd., Orn. Biog. i, 1832. 22 ; v, 1839, 460; pi. 3. 
 
 Sijiria {Dacnis) protonotarius, Bp., Jonrn. Phila. Acad, iv, 1825. 196. 
 
 Vermivora protonotarius, Bp., List, 1838, 21.— ^yllODH., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 72 (Indian Ter- 
 ritory, breeding). — Hoy, Smiths. Rep. 1864, 438 (Western Missouri). 
 
 HcUnaia pro'onotarius, AuD., Syn. 1839, 67. — Arn., B. Am. ii, 1841, 89, pi. 106 (gives 
 Texas to Nova Scotia and Sasketchewan !). 
 
 Edmitherns protonotarius, Bp,, Consp. Av. 1850, 314. 
 
 Compsothlj/pis protonotarius. Cab., Mus. Heiu. i, 1850, 20. 
 
 Hah. — Eastern United States, southerly. North occasionally to Maryland and Penn- 
 sylvania, and even Maine. Ohio. Illinois. Kentucky. Kansas. Missouri. Cuba. 
 Costa Rica. Panama. Merida. 
 
 This species was noticed by neither Expedition ; it only reaches the 
 lowermost Missouri. According to Dr. Woodhonse, it breeds in the In- 
 dian Territory, and it has also been found breeding at Xeosho Falls, 
 Kansas, by Mr. B. ¥. Goss, and at the Kiowa Agency by Dr. Palmer. 
 The nest is built in the hole of a tree, oftenest a deserted Woodpeckers, 
 or even, as in the instance of a ne.st before me in the Smithsonian, in a 
 mill-frame. It is a slight and inartistic affair, flat and little hollowed, 
 measuring about four inches across outside by scarcely over an inch in 
 depth. It is built of various coarse fibrous strips, woven in with a mat- 
 ting of very flue mossy and downy substances, with some patches of 
 fur, apparently from a rabbit ; the lining is chiefly of fine rootlets. It 
 contained five eggs, w hite, thickly spotted all over, but most hea\ily at 
 the larger end, with reddish and slaty-brown or neutral tint. An egg 
 of another set from the Kiowa Agency is still more boldly blotched in 
 larger pattern. Two specimens, selected as extremes, measure, respect- 
 ively, 0.70 by 0.55 and 0.68 by 0.58, the latter being remarkably rounded, 
 while the others are all also quite noticeably obtuse at the smaller end. 
 Digitized by Microsoft® 
 
48 HELMITHERUS VERMIVOEUS, WOEM-EATING WARBLEE. 
 HELMITHEEFS VEEMIVOEUS, (Gm.) Bp, 
 
 Worm-eating Warbler. 
 
 Motaeilla vermivora, Gm.. Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 951. 
 
 Sylvia va-mivora, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 499.— WiLS., Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 74, pi. 24, fig. 
 4.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 86.— Ndtt., Man. i, 1832, 409.— Auc, Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 177 ; 
 V, 1839,460; pi. 34. 
 
 Sylricola lermivora, Rich., List In Rep. Brit. Assoc. 1837. 
 
 Selinaia vermivora, AuD., Syn. 1839, 66. — AuD., B. Am. ii, 1841, 86, pi. 105. — Lembeye, 
 Aves Cnbse, 1850, 35, pi. 6, f. 4.— Pdtn., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 277. 
 
 Sclmitherns vermivorus, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 314. — Cab., Mus. Hein. 1850, 20. — Bd., B. 
 N. A. 1858. 252.— ScL., P. Z. S. 1859, 363 (Xalapa).— ScL., Cat. 1862, 28.— ScL. & 
 Salv., Ibis, 18.59, 11 (Guatemala).— Cab., J. f. O. 1860, 329 (Costa Eica).— 
 GUNDL., J. f. O. 1861, .326 (Cuba).— Wheat., Ohio Agrio. Rep. 1860, No. 71.— 
 Codes & Prest., Smiths. Rep. 1801, 406 (Washington, D. C, May to Sept.).— 
 Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 157 (Mainey— Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 82 
 (Massachusetts, nesting, fide Peab., Kep. 1839, 312).— CouES, ibid, v, 1868, 270 
 (New England to Maine in summer, rare). — Cooes, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 109 
 (South Carolina, April to Oct.).— Bd., Rev. 1864, 179.— ScL. & Salv., P. Z. S. 
 1867, 135 (Veragua).— Lawr., Ann. Lyo. N. Y. ix, 1868, 94 (Costa Rica) ; 1869, 
 200 (Yucatan).— TURNB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 16 (May to Sept., rather rare).- 
 SuMiCH., Mem. Bost. Soc i, 1869, 546 (mountains of Orizaba, migratory). — 
 Scott, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872 (breeding in West Virginia). — CouES, Key, 1872, 9.3, 
 fig. 37.— Mayn., B. Fla. 1872, 46.(Florida, wintering). 
 
 Melmitlierus migratorius. Rap., Journ. Phys. 1819, 417.— Hartl., E. Z. 1845, 342. 
 
 Vermivora pennsylvanioa, Bp., List, 1838, 20. — GossE, B. Jam. 1847, 150. — Hoy, Smiths. 
 Rep. 1864, 438 (Western Missouri). 
 
 (?) Vermivora fulvicapilla, Sw., Birds, ii, 1837, 245. 
 
 Hab. — Eastern United States, regularly north to the Middle States, rarely to Soutb- 
 ern New England, casually to Maine ; no record beyond. West to Missouri, Kansas, 
 and Indian Territory. In winter, Florida, West Indies, Central America, and South- 
 eastern Mexico. 
 
 Like the last, this species only reaches the lowest Missouri, and was not noticed by 
 either Expedition. / 
 
 The Worm-eatiug Warbler is not one of our most abundant species, 
 and is of southerly distribution, rarely entering New England, and not 
 being common north ot Virginia. I used to find it sparingly about 
 Washington, where it arrives early in May, and remains through most 
 of September. I noticed it most frequently in the thickets and under- 
 growth along Eock Creek, where it may be observed at any time during 
 the summer. It is a sedate — rather a demure — ^little bird, without the 
 vivacity of most warblers. When startled from the dead leaves on the 
 ground, where it spends most of its time rambling, like the Golden- 
 crowned Thrush, it flies to a near low limb, and' there often sits motion- 
 less, or hops listlessly about. The nest and eggs I have never seen. 
 Mr. Maynard describes the former as being built on the ground (large 
 for the size of the bird), and composed of grasses, rootlets, and a few 
 dried leaves. The eggs, he says, are four in number, spotted and dotted, 
 most thickly at the large end, with reddish-brown, and measuring 0.73 
 by 0.56. They were discovered by Mr. J. H. Batty " on the eastern slope 
 of the Orange Mountains, in New Jersey. He was collecting in the 
 woods, and had wandered into a small open space, when he observed 
 the bird sitting on the nest. At the first glance he mistook her for a 
 Golden-crowned Thrush, but upon approaching saw at once what she 
 was, and knew that he had secured a prize. The bird remained quiet 
 until he was^ quite near, and then ran rapidly away for some distance be- 
 fore she took flight. The nest was placed in a little depression on the 
 ground, and partly covered with dead leaves. Both birds came about 
 the place uttering a sharp chirp." 
 
 Digitized by Microsoft® 
 
HELMINTHOPHAGA PINUS — H. CHRySOPTERA. 49 
 
 l V HELMmTHOPHAGA PINUS, (Linn.) Bd. 
 
 Blue-winged Yellow Warbler. 
 
 Certhia pinns, LiNN., Syst. Nat. i, 17fi6, 187.— Gm., ibid, i, 13th eel. 1788, 478. 
 
 Sulria pinuH, Lath., Ind. Ora. ii, 1790, 537.— ViEirx., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 44. 
 
 Helminthophaqa pinus, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 254 ; Rev. 1864, 174.— ScL., P. Z. S. 1856, 291 
 (Cordova;.— SCL. & S.ii,v., Ibis, 1859, 11 (Guatemala).— Scl., Cat. 1862, 28.— 
 CouES & Prent., Smiths. Rep. 1861 (WashiDgton, migratory, rare). — Allen, 
 Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864 (Massachuseets, rare ; quotes Cab., Pr. Best. Soc. vi, 
 386).— CouES, ibid, v, 1868, 271 (Southern New England, very rare). — Mayn., 
 Guide, 1870, 100 (quotes Samuels, "flock at Dedhara, Mass.").- Allex, Bull. 
 M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 124, 175 (Eastern Kansas).- Coues, Key, 1872, 94.— Snoiv, B. 
 Kans. 1873, 4. 
 
 Sylvia soUtaria, WiLS., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 109, pi. 15.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 87.— NcTT., Man. i, 
 1832, 410.— Aun., Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 102, pi. 20. 
 
 Sylvicola solUaria, Rich., Rep; Brit. Assoc. 1837. 
 
 Vermivora soUtaria, Jaudinb's Ed. Wils. 1832. — Bp., List, 1838, 21. — Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 
 1853, 73 (aijundant and breeding in Indian Territory). — Hoy, Smiths. Rep. 1864, 
 438 (Westeru Missouri). 
 
 Helinaia soUtaria, AuD., Syn. 1839, 69.— AUD., B. Am. ii, 1841, 98, pi. 111.— Putn., Pr. 
 Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 227 (Massachusetts). 
 
 Helmitherua soUtarius, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 315. 
 
 Helniintlwphaga soUtaria, Cab., Mus. Hein. i, 1850, 20. — TuENB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 16. 
 Hab. — Eastern United States. North rarely to Massachusetts, beyond which no 
 
 record. West to Kansas and Indian Territory. Eastern Mexico and Central America 
 
 (Cordova, ScL, P. Z. S. 1856, 291 ; Guatemala, Scl., Ibis, i, 11). No West Indian record. 
 With a range nearly coincident with that of the last species, the present may be, 
 
 mentioned in the same terms. 
 
 The Blue-winged Yellow Warbler was found by Mr. Eidgway breed- 
 ing at Mount Carmel, Illinois, where a nest containing five eggs was 
 discovered May 8, 1866, on the ground in a bunch of shrubbery, in the 
 corner of a field. The nest was built chiefly of fibrous strips, most of 
 them broad and coarse, and lined with fine grass stems variously inter- 
 laced. The eggs, of the usual shape, and measuring about 0.63 by 0.4S, 
 are white, sparsely sprinkled, chiefly at the great end, with blackish 
 dots, and a few others of lighter dirty brownish. 
 
 HELMINTHOPHAGA CHEYSOPTERA, (Linn.) Cab. 
 
 Blue GoMen-winged Warbler. 
 
 Motadlla chrysoptera, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 333. 
 
 Sylvia clirysoptera, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, p. — . — Wils., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 113, pi. 15, 
 f. 5.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 87.— Bp., Am. Orn. i, 1825, 12, pi. 1, f. 3 ( 5 ).— Nutt., Man. 
 i, 1832, 411.— AuD., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 154, pi. — . 
 
 Sylvicola clirysoptera, Rich., List, in Rep. Brit. Assoc. 1837. 
 
 Vermivora clirysoptera, Bp., List, 1838, 21. 
 
 Helmaia clirysoptera. Add., Syn. 1839, 67. — Add., B. Am. ii, 1841, 91, pi. 107. — Pdtn., Pr. 
 Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 227. 
 
 Helmitheros clirysoptera, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 315. — ScL., P. Z. S. 1855, 143 (Bogota). 
 
 JSelmithophaga clirysoptera, Cab., Mus. Hein. i, 1650, 20; J. f. 0. I860, 328 (Costa Rica). — 
 Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 255 ; Rev. 1864, 175.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. I860.— Scl. 
 & Salv., Ibis, 1860, 397 (Guatemala). — Lawr., Ann. Lye. N Y. vii, 1861, 293 
 (Panama).— Gundl., J. f. 0. 1861, 326 (Cuba, rare).— Codes & Prent., Smiths. 
 Eep. 1861, 406 (Washington, D. C., migratory, rare). — Allen, Pr- Ess. Inst, iv, 
 1864, 82 (Massachusetts, very rare). — McIlwr., ibid, vi, 1866, 85 (Hamilton, two 
 specimens).— Salv., P. Z. S. 1867, 135 (Veragua).— Codes, Pr. Ess, Inst, v, 1868, 
 271. — Codes, Pr. Best. Soc. xii, 1868, 106 (South Carolina, migratory). — Lawr., 
 Ann. Lye. ix, 1868, 94 (Costa Rica).— TuENB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 16.— JLvyn., Guide, 
 1870, 100 (Massachusetts, breeding). — Scott, Pr. Bust. Soc. 1872 (breeding in 
 West Virginia).— Codes, Key, 1872, 94, fig. 38. 
 
 Motadlla fiavifrons, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 976. 
 
 Sylvia flavifroiis. Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 527. 
 Hah. — Eastern United States to New England and Canada West (to Nova Scotia, 
 
 Audubon). West to the lowermost Missouri. Winters in Central America ( various quo- 
 tations). Cuba. 
 Not noticed by either Expeditien. It appeals to be everywhere uncommon, 
 
 ^ 4 Digitized by Microsoft® 
 
50 HELMINTHOPHAGA EUFICAPILLA, NASHVILLE WAHBLER. 
 
 An excellent and very acceptable account of the nesting and eggs of 
 this species Las lately been given by Mr. Mayuard, who discovered a 
 nest in West Newton, Massachusetts, June 12, 1869. It was placed on 
 the ground, on a small piece of green moss, "partly overshadowed by 
 some ferns and rank weeds; but these must have grown after the nest 
 was built," so that there was no attempt at concealment. "The nest is 
 composed outwardly of large oak -leaves, of the previous year, and grape- 
 vine bark, and is lined, not very smoothly, with fine grass and a few 
 horse-hairs. It is large for the size of the bird, quite deep, and slightly 
 smaller at the top than in the middle. The whole structure is not nearly 
 as neat as would be expected for so small and elegant a bird, and re- 
 minds one strikingly of the nest of the Maryland Yellow-throat. The 
 dimensions are : Depth externally 3.15 inches, internally 2.20 ; diameter 
 internally in the middle 2.25, at the top 1.90; diameter externally 3.50." 
 The eggs, four in number, measured 0.C7 by 0.55, 0.66 by 0.55, 0.66 by 
 0.55, and 0.67 by 0.50. They were white, spotted and blotched with 
 reddish-brown, thickly at the larger end, where, in one example, the 
 spots formed an irregular wreath, more sparsely elsewhere. There was 
 also a Cow-bird's egg in the nest. The yellow parts of the mother of 
 these eggs were nearly as in the male; there was less white on the tail ; 
 the black of the throat and cheeks was replaced by slate; the back was 
 tinged with greenish, instead of being pure pearly gray ; and the under 
 parts were yellowish, not white. The writer remarks upon the pai'tial- 
 ity of the species for swampy places, generally on the edges of woods. 
 
 Two nests in the Smithsonian from Racine, Wisconsin, taken by Dr. 
 P. E. Hoy, in June, without their outer wall of leaves, are built of fine 
 ■grasses, neatly bent and woven ; one is lined with white horse-hair, the 
 other not. An egg measures 0.68 hy 0.49. A large bulky nest from 
 ■Georgia (Dr. Gerhardt) is chiefly composed of leaves, witli fine fibrous 
 lining. An Ohio nest is essentially similar in all respects ; it contained 
 two Cow-bird eggs. The egg is sparsely sprinkled all over, but more 
 thickly around the large end. 
 
 -y'i ^HELMINTHOPHAGA RUFICAPILLA, (Wils.) Bd. a -w ^ i"- 
 
 Nashville Warbler, <ryni, .<^ o-.n^^'-j--^- lp~<^r' s , 
 
 ■Sylvia riificainlla, Wli-s., Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 120,- pi. 27, f. 3.— AuD., Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 
 450, pi. k9. 
 
 Sdminthopltarja nficapilla, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 256 ; Eev. 1864, 175.— ScL., P. Z. S. 1856, 
 201 (Cordova); 18.58, 298 (Oaxaca); 1859, 373 (Xalapa); Cat. 1862,29.— Wheat., 
 OLio Agric. Eep. 1860, No. 74.— Cot'ES & Prent., Smiths. Ec'p. 1861, 406.— 
 BoARDM., Pr. Bost. See. ix, 1862, 125 (Calais, Me., very rare) — A'ei!r., Pr. Ess. 
 Inst, iii, 1862, 147 (Norway, Me., rare).— Ali.en, Pr. Ess. Inst, ix, 1864, ,59 
 (Springfield, Mass., breeding). — McIlv>"k , Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1836, 85 (Hamilton, 
 0. W., summer, common). — CouES, Pi-. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 270. — Turnb., B. E. 
 Pa. 1869, 16— SUMICH., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 546 (Orizaba).— Coop., B. Cal. 
 i, 1>:^70, 82 (quotes Fort Tejoii, Santiis. 1858, and Sierra Nevadri, near Lake 
 Tahoe, Griihei; 18C3, "many specimens"). — Aleex, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, Id/d, 124, 
 175 (Kansas and Utah).— Mayx-., Gnide, 1870, 99.— SLvyx., Pr. Bost. Soc. xiv, 
 18/1 ; B. Fia. 1872. 63.— CoCES, Kei,', 1872, 94. 
 
 .Si/Ma rubricaj)illa, Wils., Gen. Index to Am. Orn. vi. 1812, 1,5.— Bp., Journ. Phila. Acad, 
 iv, 1825, 107, No. 159.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 87.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 412. 
 
 Sylueola (Vcrmii-ora) rulirkapilla, Sw. & EiCH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 220, pi. 42, upper fig. 
 (Cumberland House). 
 
 Stjlxlcola rubrkapilla, Eich., Eep. Brit. Assoc. 1837. 
 
 Vei-mivora rubricapilla, Bp., List, 1838, 21.— Reixii., Viddensk. Meddel. for 1853 (1854), 82 
 (Greenland).— Brew., Pr. Cost. Soc. 1856, 4 (breeding). 
 
 Belinaia ruh-icapilla, Avn., Syn. 1839, 70.— Add., B. Am. ii, 1841, 103, pi. 113.— Putn., 
 Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 227. 
 
 Helniitttherus rubricapilla, Bp., Cousp. i, 1850, 315.— SCL., P. Z. S. 1856, 291 (Cordova). — 
 
 SO.., P. z. s. 1859, 3g.^^hg.^)j^^ Microsoft® 
 
HELMINTHOPHAGA VIEGINIiE, VIRGINIA'S WARBLER. 51 
 
 Helminthophaga ruh'icapilla, Cab., Mus. Heiu. 1850, 90. — Scl., P. Z. S. 1858, 298 (Oasaca, 
 
 in Feb. aud Aug.). 
 Mniotilta rubricapilla, Eeinh., Ibis, iii, 1861, 6 (Greenland). 
 Sj/lvia leuoogastra, Shaw's Gen. Zool. x, 1817, 622. 
 " Sylvia naslivilleijYiEiLJj. — Si/lcia mexicana, JHoi^hQli,." •' '■ ' 
 
 Hub. — Temperate North America, but especially Eastern United States. North to ,' 
 Canada, and to Cumberland House (Bichardsoti) ; casually to Greeulaud (Reinhardt). '_,. ' 
 Breeds from Massachusetts northward. Numerous Mexican quotations, but none West " 
 Indian nor Central American (,?). West to Utah (^Hew) and California (Coo/io-). "Co- , 
 lumbia River" {Audubon). 
 
 Although this species, like most others of ihe same genus.' was uot > ,,. 
 observed by either of the Expeditions, its range includes the Missouri *'^ 
 region. It is by no means an exclusively Enstern species, as will be '^'^^ " 
 seen by the foregoing citations, its range being more nearly coincident ^•^i:' 
 with that of peregrina than of either pinus or chrysoptera. ^' ^ 
 
 The nest and eggs I have never found. The followiug account, given 
 by Mr. Allen, is selected from a number at our disposal. Eeferriug to 
 Springfield, Massachusetts, he says: "Abundant in May and in the 
 early part of autumn. Arrives May 1st to 5th, and for two- or three 
 weeks is a common inhabitant of the orchards and gardens, actively 
 gleaning insects among the unfolding leaves and blossoms of the fruit- 
 trees. Nearly all go north, but a few retire to the woods and breed. 
 During June, 1863, 1 frequently saw them in my excursions in the woods, 
 often three or four males in an hour's walk. Its song so much reseiu- 
 bles that of the Ghestnut-sided Warbler, that it might readily be mis- 
 taken. To this cause, aud to the difficulty of seeing such small birds in 
 the dense summer foliage, is doubtless owing to the fact of its being so 
 commonly overlooked by naturalists during the summer months, rather 
 than to its [supposed] extreme rarity iu this latitude at that season. I 
 have found the nest of this species for two successive season.s, as follows : 
 May 31, 1862, containing four freshly laid eggs. The nest was placed on 
 the ground, and sunken so that the top of the nest was level with the 
 surface of the ground, and protected aud completely concealed above by 
 the dead grass and weeds of the previous year. It was composed of 
 fine rootlets and dry grasses, lined with flue dried grass and a few horse- 
 hairs, and covered exteriorly with a species of hue green moss. The 
 eggs were white, sprinkled with light reddish-brown specks, moat thickly- 
 near the larger end ; longer diameter 0.60, and the shorter 0.50. The 
 following year, June 5, 1863, I found another nest of this species within 
 three or four feet of where the one was disco\ered the x>revious year, 
 containing three eggs of this species and one of the Cow-bunting, in 
 all of which the embryos were far advanced. The nest, in every partic- 
 ular, was built and arranged like the one above described, and the egg 
 must have been laid at just about the same time. * * * * The 
 locality of the nests was a mossy bank at the edge of young woods, 
 slopiug southward, and covered with bushes aud coarse grass. Proba- 
 bly the male of the first nest, mating again, selected the same site for 
 the second nest ; and it may have been occupied for a longer time." 
 
 HELMINTHOPHAGA VIRGINIA, Bd. 
 Virginia's Warbler. 
 
 Solminthophaga virqinia;, Bd., B. N. A. I?(i0 (nftt 1858), p. xi, pi. 79, f. 1 (Canton Burg- 
 ■wyu, N.M.'); Rev. 1865, 177,— Cocks, Pr. Phila. Acad. 186S, 70 (Fort Whipple, 
 Ariz.).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 85.— Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 196 (Eastern 
 Colorado). — Couics, Key, 1872, 04. 
 
 Hob. — Southern Rocky J 
 
 b10mWMicrosoft® 
 
52 HELMINTHOPHAGA CELATA, ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER. 
 
 > This species, of which until lately only two specimens were known, 
 from the localities above quoted, has more recently been found to be 
 abundant in Nevada and Utah, by Mr. Eidgway, and the present year 
 has been ascertained to breed in Eastern Colorado, by Mr. Aiken, who 
 found a nest with eggs. It was concealed on the ground, in a depression, 
 like that of H. ruficapilla. Mr. Eidgway's nest, taken June 9, 1867, at 
 Salt Lake City, is loosely composed of coarse fibrous and fine grassy 
 material ; it contains three eggs, which measure 0.68 in length by 0.48 
 in breadth, and are white, thickly sprinkled all over with purplish- brown 
 and lavender spots, tending to wreathe around the large end. 
 
 All the species of Helminthophaga occur within our limits, excepting 
 two — H. baohmani, an extremely rare species, from the South Atlantic 
 States and Cuba, and H. lucice. recently discovered in Arizona. 
 
 -j ;^ ^ HELMINTHOPHAGA CELATA, (Say) Bd. rr"T^ 
 Orange-crownefl Warbler. 
 
 a. celata. 
 
 Sylvia celata, Say, Long's Exped. i, 1823, 169.— Bp., Am. Om. i, 1825, 45, pi. 5, fig. 2; 
 Syn. 1828, 38.— Ntrrr., Man. i, 1832, 413.— AuJO."", Oru. Biog. ii, 1834, 449, pi. 178. 
 
 Si/lvieola celata, Rich., List, 1837. 
 
 Vcnuivora celata, Bp., List, 1838, 21. 
 
 Hdinaia celata, AUD., B. Am. ii, 1841, 100, pi. 112. 
 
 Hchnithcnis celata, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 315. 
 
 Mdmiiithophaga celata, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 257; Kev. 1864, 176.— SCL., P. Z. 8. 1858, 298 r 
 (Oaxaca) ; 1859, 373 ; 1862, 19 (La Parada).— Hberm., P. R. R. Rep. 1859, x, l i 
 part vi, 40.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1859, 178.— Hayd., Rop. 1862, 
 160.— ScL., P. Z. S. 1862, 19 (Parada, Mex.).— Lord, Pr. Roy. Art. Inst, iv, 1864, 
 115.— CO0ES, Pr. Pliila. Acad. 1866, 68.— Allex, Pr. E.ss. Inst. It, 1864, 60 
 (Massachusetts). — Lawe., Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. N. Y. viii, 1866, 284 (New- 
 York).— CouBS, Pr. Boat. Soc. 1868, 107 (South Carolina).— Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst. 
 V, 1868, 271 (New England).— Dall & Bann., Jt. Chie. Acad, i, 18S9, 278.— 
 Coop., Pr. Cal. Acad. 1370, 75.— Coop., B. Cal. 83.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 
 ' 1871, 268 (Florida).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 175 (Utah; Kansas).— 
 Mayn., B. Fla. 1872, 62.— Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 196 (Colorado).— Stev., 
 U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 463.— CoUES, Key, 1872, 95. 
 
 b. lutescens. 
 Helminthophaga celata Tar. lutescens, Ridgw., Am. Jouru. Sci. 1872, 457. 
 
 Hab. — North America, at large, but chiefly the Middle and Western Provinces. North 
 to the Yukon and McKenzie River regions. South to Oaxaca, Mex. Var. lutescens from 
 the Paciiio region. (Some of the above quotations.belong here.) 
 
 !N'ot obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition. 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4672, Bon Homme Island ; 4673, mouth of Big Sionx 
 River. 
 
 Later Expeditions. — 60698-9, Fort Bridger and Little Sandy; 60975, Green River. 
 
 A var. obscurus, without the concealed orange crown-patch, from the South Atlantic 
 States, lately described by Mr. Ridgway, seems scarcely entitled to recognition by name 
 
 This species, first discovered in the Missouri region, was soon after- 
 ward noted by Nuttall from Florida, and Audubon subsequently ascribed 
 to it an extensive Eastern range. He says it is seen "in the Southern 
 States, where it passes the winter, and while crossing the Union in early 
 spring on its Way to those northeastern districts, where it breeds. It 
 leaves Louisiana, the Floridas and Carolinas, from the beginning to the 
 end of April; is seen in the Middle States about the 10th of May, and 
 reaches the State of Maine and the British Provinces by the end of that 
 month. On its return, besides settling in the Southern States, it spreads 
 over the provinces of Mexico, from whence individuals in spring migrate 
 by the vast prairies, and along the shores of the western parts of the 
 Union, entering Canada g^.t^|^^^1^yg,yl^^Jrst days of June # * * 
 

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HELMINTHOPHAGA PEREGEINA, TENNESSEE WARBLEE. 53 
 
 breeds in the eastern parts of Maine, and in the British Provinces of(^ 
 New Brunswick and Nova Scotia." These data appear to have been tor -rj 
 a time overlooked ; thus, in 1858, we find Prof. Baird assigning a rauge,'^,,^,.^^ 
 only from the "Mississippi Eiver to the Pacific." But the accuracy of i,, ,l, 
 Audubon's extensive observations has been of late confirmed. Mr. ^-^^ 
 Allen records the bird as wintering in Florida, on Mr. Boardman's ex- f^ 
 cellent ^uthoritj^, and he found it himself at Springfield, Massachusetts', "^ /> 
 May 15, 1863. Still the bird appears to be more at home in the West;'^ "/ 
 ihfc along the Pacific coast we have advices from the Yukon to Cape 'iiijly^ & 
 'j*. Lucas. In the interior of the Fur Countries, from Forts Resolution ancl^7<-^ 
 Simpson ; southward to Mexico. It is a common species in most of the"^ i^ 
 
 
 Western Territories. 7/_ 
 
 A nest of the Orange-crowned Warbler taken June 12, 1860, by Mr 
 \ Kenuicott, at Fort Eesolution, Great Slave Lake, was built on the' / ^ 
 ^) ground, inside of a bank, among open bushes, and was much hidden by '^Zai 
 ''' dry leaves. It contained five eggs. This nest is built outwardly ofjL^ 
 
 , fibrous strips of bark, interiorly of fine grasses, without other lining. 
 
 > /' The eggs are very finely dotted all over — thickly about the larger aui},'^"'-' 
 
 j more sparsely elsewhere — with pale brown. They measure aboufc^'; '', 
 
 •Jx "0.67 by 0.50. ,oc, - , , - / ^ ^-,, J^^r; 
 
 ■) ^ 11)4 --i^ 6*-^-<^^-ypC .-^^.z^^. '.y 7z^. 0^0^:^ ^i^ 
 
 '- HELMINTHOPHAGA PEREGEINA; (Wils.) Cab. 
 
 Tennessee Warbler. 
 
 Sylvia peregrina, Wils., Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 83, pi. 25, f. 2.— Bp., Syu. 1828, 87.— Nutt., 
 Man. i, 1832, 413.— AuD., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 307, pi. 154. 
 
 iSi/Mcola peregrina, EiCH., List, 1837. 
 ' Vermivora peregrina, Bp., List, 1H38. — Hoy, Smiths. Rep. 1864, 438 (VVestom Missouri). 
 / JSiUnaia peregrina, AuD., Syn. 1839, 68 ; B. Am. ii, 1841, 96, pi. 110. 
 ,, Helniitlieros peregrina, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 315. 
 
 Helminthophaqa peregrina, Cab., Mus. Heiu. i, 1850, 20; J. f. 0. 1861, 85 (Costa Rica). — 
 Bd., JB. N. A. 1858, 258; Rev. 1865, 178.— Vekr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 157.— 
 Allen, ibid, iv, 1864, 61.— Coues, ibid, v, 1868, 271. — Lawp,., Ann. Lyo. IriOl, 
 ;ji' 322 (Panama,); viji, 1866, 174 (Veragiia); ibid. 284 (New York); ibid, ix, 1668, 
 
 5, 94 (Costa Rica).— Salv., P. Z. S. 1867, -135 (Vcragua).- Scl., ibid. 1870, 836 
 
 ■\ (Honduras).— :Mayn., Guide, 1870, 100; Pr. Bost. See. xiv, 1871, — .—Coues, 
 
 ' Key, 1872, 95.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 5. 
 
 Sylvia tennesseei, Vieill., Ency. Metb. ii, 1823, 452, 
 (?) Sylvia missouriensis, Maxim., J. f. 0. vi, 1858, 117. 
 
 Hab. — Eastern North America, to high latitudes. Breeds from the northern portions 
 \^ of New England northward, migratory elsewhere. South in winter to Central America. 
 ! Not obtained by any of the Expeditions. 
 
 The Tennessee Warbler appears to be rather rare in the Eastern 
 United States, but more plentiful along its line of migration in the inte- 
 rior. I observed it in great numbers in Minnesota and Eastern Dakota, 
 late in May and early in June, when it was moving along the Red River 
 of the North. Standing in the heavy timber near the bank of the river, 
 I easily procured a dozen specimens in an hour, without moving from 
 my tracks, as the birds came fluttering past in the tree-tops, almost in a 
 continuous band, associating with several other Warblers and with small 
 Fly-catchers. They were extremely active, skipping through the foliage 
 and fluttering through the air, pursuing their insect prey, and uttering 
 a sharp screeping note. I have not myself observed the species further 
 west, but a specimen was taken high up on the Missouri by Mr. Bell, in 
 1843, as noticed in Prof. Baird's earlier work. 
 
 A nest of this species — or rather what appears to be only the inner 
 portion of a nest — was taken by Mr. George Barnstou at Miohipicoton, 
 Lake Superior, and contained two eggs! The specimen consists entirely 
 of fine dried grass- stenS/gJS/Beaf Jl^oMfeydWlBSPSbven. 
 
 / 
 
 J 
 
54 DENDECECA ESTIVA — DENDEOiCA VIEENS. 
 
 '^ r DENDRCECA. ESTIVA, (Gm.) Bd. ■ ^ "^ ' 
 
 Blue-eyea Yellow Warbler ; Golden Warbler ; Summer Warbler. 
 
 Motacilla aisliva,.GM,, Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 996. 
 
 Sylvia cestiva, Lath., lud. Orn. ii, 1790, 551.— Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 35, pi. 95. — 
 
 AuD., Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 476, pi. 95.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 370. 
 Sylvlcola aistiva, Sw. & EiCH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 211.— Aud., B. Am. ii, 1841, 50, pi. 88.— 
 
 WooDH., Sitgr. Eep. 1853, 70.— Hoy, Smiths. Eep. 1804, 438. 
 Hhimamphiis cestiviis, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 311. — ScL., P. Z. S. 1856, 141. 
 Dendrceca cestiva, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 283 ; Eev. 1865, 195.— Cooes, Key, 1872, 97 ; and of 
 
 late writers. 
 Sylvia caroUn'enSis, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 551. 
 Sylvia flava, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 31, pi. 81. 
 Salvia citrifiella, WiLS., Am. Orn ii, 18i0, 111, pi. 15, f. 5. 
 Sylvia cMldreni, Add., Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 180, pi. 35. 
 Sylvia rathb'onia, Aud., Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 333, pi. 05. 
 " Ehimanphus citrinus, Eafinesqub." 
 
 HflS. — Whole of North America, throngh Mexico aud Central America into Soiith 
 America. In the West Indies, represented by several insular forms, apparently uot- 
 specifioally distinct. 
 
 List of specimens. 
 
 19204 
 
 17 
 
 Wind Elver. 
 
 May 25, 1860 F. V. Hayden. 
 
 4.50 
 
 7.75 
 
 2.50 jlf). 
 
 ^; ih'. 
 
 Lieutenant Warven's Expedition. — 5292-3, Fort Lookout ; .5291, Little Cheyenhe'Eiver ; 
 5'JL6, Blaokfoot country; 4665, near Fort Lookout; 4060, Fort Pierre; 4656, White 7 /a 
 Eiver; 4662, Platte Eiver; 5642, Kansas ; 5294, Powder Eiver; 8825, Loup Fork ; 4658, '-' o*^ 
 41. .51, 4668-9, "Nebraska." 
 
 Later Expeditions. — 59855, Colorado; 60427-32, Bitter Cottonwood and La Bont6 /■ , 
 Creek ; 60702-3, Fort Bridger and Green Eiver , 61660, Utah. 
 
 ^1 K^ DENDRCECA VIRENS, (Gm.) Bd. <' - )sf'l 
 
 Black-throated Green Warbler. 
 
 Mntaoilla virens, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 985. 
 
 Sylvia virens, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 537.— Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 33, pi. 92.— 
 WiLS., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 27, pi. 17, f. 3.— Bp., Syu. 1828, 80.— Ndtt'., Man. i, 
 1832, 376.— Aud., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 70, pi. 399. 
 
 Sylvioola virens, Bp., List, 1838,22.— Aud., Syn. 1839,55.— Aud., B. A. ii, 1844,42, pi. 84:— 
 Bp., Cousp. At. i, 1850, 307. — Woodh., Sitgr. Eep. 18.33, 70 (Texas and Indian 
 Territory).— Ef.inh., Vedeh.sk. Med. 1853, 72, 81 (Greenland).— Hoy, Smiths. 
 Eep. 1864, 438 (Missouri).— Trii'PB, Pr. Ess. Insti vi, 1871, 114 (Minnesota, 
 breeding). 
 
 HMmanphus vivens, Cab., Mus. Hein. i, 1850, 19; J. f. 0. iii, 1.855, 474 (Cuba). — ScL., P. 
 Z. S. 1856, 291 (Cordova). 
 
 Mniotilta virens, Gkay.— Eeinh., Ibis, iii, 1861, 5 (Greenland). 
 
 Dendrceca virens, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 267 ; Eev. 1865, 182.— ScL. & Salv., Ibis, 1869, 11 
 (Guatemala).— ScL., P. Z. S. 1859, 373 (Xalapa; ; Cat. 1862, i;J.— Gundl., J. t O. 
 1861, 326 (Cuba).— Lawh., Ann. Lye. N. Y. vii, 1861, 293 (Panama) ; ix, 1868, 
 94 (Costa Eica). — Scmich., Mem. Best. Soc. i, 1869, 546 (Vera Crus, "every- 
 where"). — CouES, Key, 1872, 97, iig. 39; aud of late writers generally. 
 
 (?) Sylvia montana, Wils., v, 113, pi. 44, f. 2 (Blue Mountains, Pa.).— Aud., Orn. Biog. 
 v, 294 (California). 
 
 (?) Sylvicola montana, AuD., B. Am. ii, 69, 98. , ^ s^^ 
 
 (f ) Dendrceca montana, Bd., B. Am. 279i Eev. 190 (most probably; possibly young of D. ' '^ I 
 cccriilea; see Cooes, Key, 1872, 105). ; >~ t 
 
 Hub. — Eastern North Auiericai to the Lower Missouri. Breeds from New England ' "L/.^- 
 northward, from New York and higher portions of Pennsylvania (Audubon, TurnbuU). ''7,1 
 Only migratory through most ot the United States. Winters in Mexico, Central 'I e' "" 
 America, and Cuba. Accidental in Greenland; also in Europe (Heligoland, Gastke, l-'i'^ " 
 Naum. 1858, 423). 3^V_Jl - 
 
 In the case of this and several other common birds of the same genus, /» ' 
 which were not noticed by the Bxi)editions, I shall abridge the current ^4-.,- 
 Digitized by Microsoft® *"" £■» ' - '^ 
 
 ^^-^ . '{ 
 
DENDRCECA NIGRESCENS, BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER. 55, 
 
 United States references which demoustrate the now well-known range. 
 I found this species common in pine- woods near Portsmouth, New Hamp- 
 shire, in June, under circumstances leaving no donbt that it was then 
 breeding'; and in the District of ColumLiia it is very abundant in high, 
 > open, mixed woods in May and September, associating with several of 
 its allies. 
 
 A nest of the Black-throated Green Warbler, containing three eggs, 
 was obtained by Mr. George Welch at Lynn, Massachusetts. It is 
 composed, iirst, of fine twigs in small bits, then of various soft, pli;inf, 
 fibrous substances, composing the bulk of the nest, and lined with line 
 .^-asses and rootlets. The substance contains also a few feathers and 
 some downy material. The eggs measure 0.72 by 0.54, and are creamy- 
 white, rather coarsely spotted in a loose "wreath around the large end 
 with dark brown and neutral tint shell-markings. This nest measured 
 a little over three inches across bj' nearly two in depth, and is rather 
 neatly and compactly iinished. Another nest, from West Koxbury, 
 Massachusetts, is smaller and deeper, as w«ll as less regular in contour, 
 having apparently been placed iu an oblique fork. Tlie materials are 
 much the same, but there is a good deal of horse-hair circularly woven 
 inside. ' The eggs are four, smaller than the first described (0.C7 by 0.50), 
 pure white, with finer speckling more generally distributed, though pre- 
 serving its distinctively wreathed character. These eggs are sufficiently 
 dissimilar to have been laid by a different species. 
 
 DENDEQECA NIGEESOENS, (Towns.) Bd. 
 
 Black-throated Gray Warbler, 
 
 Si/lria nigi-esceiis, Towns., Jonrn. Phil. Ac. vii, 1837, 191.— Aud., O. B. v, 1839, 57, pi. 395. 
 
 Vei-mivora nlgresstins, Bv., List, 1838, 21. — NciT., Man. i, 1840, 471. 
 
 Sylmoola iii'jrencmis, Aud., Syu. 1839, 60 ; E. A. ii, 1811, 62, pi. 94. — Bp., Cousp. i, 1850, 308. 
 
 lihimanphnu iiigresccns, Cab., Mus. HkId. i, 1850, 20. 
 
 Midotilta nigrcscms, Gi:ay, Geuera> of Birds. 
 
 Dendrmua nigresceus, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 270; Rev. 1865, 186.— Sci.., P. Z. S. 1858, 298; 
 1859, 374 (Oaxaca) ; Cat. 1832, 30.— Hui;i!M., P. R. Re;), x, 1859, pt. vi, 40.— 
 Coop. & Sacic, N. H. Wasli. Tev. 1830, 180.- Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 
 69.— SUMICII., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1839, 547 (Orizaba, rare).— Coop., B. Cal. 1870, 
 90.— Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 197 (Colorado).— CouES, Key, 187-2, 98. 
 
 " Sylvia lialsci, GiK., B. Tex. 1838, pi. 3 ( 9 )," {6(ilater). 
 
 Sab. — Rocky Mountaius to tbe Pacific, United States ; soutli throngh Mexico. 
 
 This species has proven not to be so exclusively a Pacific coast one 
 as was formerly supposed. I found it common in the pine-woods about 
 Fort Whipple, the latter part of April until toward October, aud have 
 reason to believe that it breeds there; but it is much more plentiful 
 during its migrations. Mr. Aiken's Ooloradoan record is the easternmost 
 I have seen ; Dr." Hayden did not meet with it, nor did Mr. Allen. 
 
 Other western Warblers remaining to be detected on the eastern 
 slopes and foot-hills of the Eocky Mountains, are I), occidentalis and 
 townsendii, if not also D. gracia ; but I have at present no authority 
 for including, them in this work. 
 / 
 1^^ ^^ DENDEGECA CCEEDLESGENS, (Linn.) Bd. 
 
 Dlack-throated Blue Warbler. 
 
 Motacilla coerulescens, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 960. 
 
 SyUla eoerulescena, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 520. — Vieil-l., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 25, iil. 
 80.— D'OUBIG., La Sagra's Cuba, Ois. 1840, 63, pi. 9, ligs, 1, 2 (Cuba). 
 
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56 DENDRCECA CCERULEA, CCERULEAN WARBLER. 
 
 Dendroica cosniUscens, Bd., Rev. 1865, 186.— SIayn., Pr. Bost. Soc. xiv, 1871, No. 25; 
 
 Guiae, 1870, 103; B. Fla. 1872, 54.— CouES, Key, 187-2, 98. 
 MotaciUa canadensis, Linn., Sysf. Nat. i, 1766, 336 nee 334. 
 Sylvia canadensis, Lath., lud. Orn. ii, 1790, 539. — WiLS., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 115, pi. 15, 
 
 f. 7.— Bp., Syii. 1828, 84.— Ndtt., Man. i, 1832, 398.— AuD., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 
 
 308, pis. 148, 155.— Sallk, P. Z. S. 1857, 231 (St. Doiuitigo). 
 Sylvicola canadensis, Sw.— Rich., Rep. Brit. Assoc. 1837.— Bp., List, 1838,23.— Aud., Syn. 
 
 1839, 61.— Add., B. Am. ii, 1841, 63, iil. 95.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 71.— 
 
 Hoy, Smiths. Rep. 1864, 438 (Missouri).— Tkippe, Pr. Ess. lust, vi, 1811, 114 
 
 (Minnesota, breecting). 
 MniotiUa canadensis, Ghay, (jenera of Birds. 
 Khimanphus canadensis, Cab., J. f. O. iii, 1855, 473 (Cuba). 
 Dendrceca canadensis, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 271 ; and of many late writers. — ScL., P. Z. S. 
 
 1861, 70 (Jamaica); Cat. 1862, 30.— Gdndl., J. f.'O. 1861, 326 (Cuba). 
 Salvia pusilla, Wils., Am. Orn. v. 1812, 100, pi. 43, tig. 4 (young). 
 Sylvia leucoplera, WiLS., Index, ii, 390. 
 Sylvia palustris, Steph., Sbaw's Gen. Zool. x, 1817, 722. 
 Sylvia sphagnosa, Bp., Syn. 1828, 85.— Ndtt., i, 1«32, 406.— Add., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 
 
 279 ( 9 and young). 
 Sylvicola x)annosa, QosSE, Birds Jamaica, 1847, 162 ( 9 ). 
 Sylvia macropus, Vieill., fide Gray. 
 
 Hal}. — Eastern Nortli America to the Lower Missouri (to Upper Missouri, Audiibon). '■)) -i 
 Migratory in most of the United States. Breeds from New England, and probably j 1 1 , ,;, 
 mountains of Middle States, northward. Winters on Key West, Florida {Uaynard), ., 
 and abundantly in various West Indian Islands. No Mexican nor Central American (/■■-''- 1 
 quotations. 
 
 The United States range of tbis elegant species seems to be very 
 nearly coincident with that of the last, but its winter resorts are differ- 
 ent, as seen by the above citations. Audubon's quotation of the head- 
 waters of the Missouri has iiot been verified by later observations, and 
 must be held for confirmiitiou ; not impossibly, confusion with the some- 
 what similar D. nigrescens led to an erroneous record. Dr. Haydeu did 
 not find it. In the Middle States, where the species is migratory, I 
 used to find it common every spring and fall, during the migrations; 
 oftenest in low and tangled woods, but also in open forest in company 
 with virens and others. I am not aware of any specified instances of 
 its breeding south of the Ganadas and Northern iS"ew Euglaud ; but Mr. 
 Allen notices its recurrence in Massachusetts "in the breeding season," 
 and Dr. Turnbull says a few remain to breed in his locality. Audubon 
 describes a nest from Halifax, Nova Scotia, as being placed on the hori- 
 zontal bough of a fir, seven or eight feet from the ground, and composed 
 of bark-slips, mosses, and fibrous roots, lined with fine grass and a warm 
 bed of' feathers. Eggs four to five, rosy-white, sparsely sprinkled with 
 reddish-brown at the larger end. 
 
 DENDECEOA GCEEULEA, (Wils.) Bd. 
 
 CflBPuleaii Warbler, 
 
 S-ylvia ccerulea, Wils., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 141, pi. 17, f. 5. 
 
 .Sylvicola cmnilea, Sw.— Rich., Rep. Bost. Assoc. 1837. — Bp., List, 1838, 23. — AuD., Svn. 
 1839, 56.— AuD., B. Am. ii, 1841, 45, pi. 86.— Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 308.— Woodh.. 
 Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 70 (Texas and Indian Territory, abundant, breeding). — Putn., 
 Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1S56, 207 ("Massachusetts, summer visitant, rare;" a mis- 
 take).— Hoy, Smiths. Rep. 1864, 438 (Missouri). 
 
 Mniotilta cairulea. Gray, Genera of Birds. 
 
 Jiendrceca cairulea, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 280 ; Rev. 1865, 191.— SCL., Cat. 1862, 31.— Gundl., 
 J. f. 0. 1861, 326 (Cuba, rare).— Lawi!., Anu. Lye. N. Y. 1861, 322 (Panama); 
 ix, 1869, 200 (Yucatan).— CouES & Prent., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 409 (Washing- 
 ton, D. 6., probably). — Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860 (quite uumernns about 
 Coiumbus that year). — Allex, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, S3 (quotes Putnaji). — 
 ilclLWR., ibid. V, 1866, 86(Hainiltou, C. W., common May and June; may 
 breed). — COUBS, ibid, v, 1868, 274 (New England; quotes others). — TuiiNii.; 
 B. E. Pa; 1869, 18 ("gre|-^ftop^M.^to^nd^o^^gust).-ALLEN, Bull. M. C. Z. 
 
DENDECECA CORONATA, YELLOW-RUJIP WARBLEE. 57 
 
 iii, 187-2, 124 (Eastern Kansas, rather common).— COUES, Key, 1873, 99. — Scorr, 
 
 Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872 (breeding in West Virginia).— Salv., P. Z. S. 1870, IdO 
 
 (Veragua). 
 Sylvia ram, WiLS., Am. Oru. iii, 1811, 119, pi. 27, fig. 2. ( 5 or yonng).— Bp., Svn. 1828, 
 
 82.-XU1T., i, 18:32, 225.— AuD., Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 258, pi. 49. 
 Vcrmirora rara, J.ikdine. 
 Sijhia azurea, Steph., Shaw's Gen. Zool. x, 1817, 653.— Bp., Am. Orn. ii, 18-28, pi. '27; 
 
 Syu. 1828, 85.— NlJTT., Man. i, 1832. 407.— AUD., Oru. Biog. i, 1832, 255, pis. 4b, 49. 
 Sylvia iifasciata, Sav, Long's Exp. Rocky Mountains, 1823, 170. 
 Sylvia popiilorum, Vieill., Enc. Met. ii,'l823, 449. 
 
 Hah. — Eastern North America to the Lower Missouri ("Columbia River," Audiihon), 
 North to Canada (to Nova Scotia, Auduhon). Cuba (only "West Indian record). South 
 in -winter to Guatemala, Panama, and New Granada (Bogota, ScL., P. Z. 8. 1857, 18). 
 No Mexican quotations (but "entering the United States from Mexico, early in April" 
 (Audubon). Not in New England ? 
 
 It is diflScult to trace out the distribution of the species ; its geograph- 
 ical record is confused, and many of the earlier citations have not been 
 verified of late. Thus, Audubon says it inhabits "the whole breadth of 
 our country ," and that it was found ou the Columbia by "Mr. Townsend — 
 a statement not now generally credited. The same author's Nova Sco- 
 tian record has not lately been checked. There is some doubt that the 
 bird ever enters New England ; the various accounts seem traceable to 
 one source, which, Dr. Brewer writes me, has proven entirely mistaken. 
 Unequivocal evidence of its presence in Canada is given by Mr. Mcll- 
 wraith. It is certainly a rare species in the Middle States ; Ur. Turn- 
 bull so gives it, and at the time Dr. Prentiss and I noticed the birds of 
 the District of Columbia, we had not seen it there, though I have in my 
 cabinet a specimen afterward taken by one of the local collectors. The 
 Mississippi Valley would appear to be the principal United States resort. 
 Mr. Eidgway says it is very abundant in Illinois ; Mr. Allen found it not 
 uncommon in the Lower Missouri bottoms, and Dr. Woodhouse men- 
 tions its breeding in abundance in the Indian Territory. Eecurring 
 again to the perennial Audubon, we find him giving it as numerous in 
 Louisiana, where he says he has seen five or six in a single walk, in Au- 
 gust. He describes tlie nidification as follows : "The nest is placed in 
 the forks of a, low tree or bush, more frequently in a dogwood-tree. It 
 is partly pensile, projecting a little above the twigs to which it is at- 
 tached, and extending below them for nearly two inches. The fibres of 
 vines, and the stalks of rank herbaceous plants, together with slender 
 roots, compose the outer part, being arranged in a circular manner. 
 The lining consists entirely of the dry fibres of the Spanish moss. The 
 female lays four or five eggs, of a pure white color, with a few reddish 
 spots at the larger end." 
 
 -^ ^ENDECEOA CORONATA, (Linn.) Gray. 
 
 Tellow-rump Warbler. 
 
 Motacilla coronata, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 17G6, 333. 
 
 Sylvia coronata, Lath., Ind.'Oru. ii, 1790, 538. — Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii. 1807, '24, pis. 
 78, 79.— WiLS., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 138. pi. 17, f. 4; iv, 121, pi. 45^ f. 3.— Xitt., 
 Man. i, 1832, 361.— Atid., Oru. Biog. ii, 1634, 303, pi. 153. 
 
 Sylvicolu coronata, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 216.— Aud., B. Am. ii, 1843, 23. pi. 76.— 
 WooDH., Sitgr. Rep. 1853,71.— Hoy, Smiths. Rep. 1864, 437 (Missouri). — M.vxiM., 
 J. f. O. vi, l,8.-)8, 114. 
 
 Dendraca coronata, Gkay. — Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 272.— Bd., Rev. 1835, 187. — CouES, Key, 
 1872, 99, tig. 41 ; and of late writers generally. — Hayd., Rep. 18(32, 160 (to above 
 Fort Pierre).— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash.' Ter. 1859, 187 (Washington Terri- 
 tory).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 89 (California, probably).— D.vll & Baxx., Tr. 
 Chic. Acad. 1869, 278 (Yukon, breeding).— Verr.. Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 125 
 (Calais, Me., breeding).— Maiicei, Pr. Phil. Acad. 1863, 292 (Jamaica, breedine). — 
 
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58 DENDECECA AUDUBONII, AUDUBON'S WARBLER. 
 
 GcxDL., Cal). J. f. O. 1861, 326 (Cuba).— Jones, Nat. in Bermuda, 59 (April).— 
 Coles & Puext., Smiths. Rep. for 18U1 (1862), 407 (Washington, D. C, win- 
 tering).— TouxB., B. of E. Pa. and N. J. 1869, 17 (winteriDs;).— Bryant, Pr. 
 Bost. Soc. vii, 1859 (Bahamas, wintering).- Scl., P.Z. S. 1870, 836 (Honduras).— 
 Lawr., Ann. Lye. is, 1869, 94 (Costa Kica).— Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 196 
 (Colorado). 
 
 Mmotilia cm-onala, Gi:ay. — Eeinh., Ibis, iii, 1861, 5 (Greenland). 
 
 MolaciUa canadensis ot Parus virginianus, Linn. 
 
 Motacilla itmhrw. cinctaet pinguis, G>i. 
 
 Sijlcia xanlhopygia, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 47. 
 
 " Si/lvia xantlwroa, Vieill." 
 Hal). — North America, excepting, so far as known, the Southwestern Territories. In 
 
 the northwest, across the continent, thence south along the Pacific coast to Washing- ^ j 
 
 ton Territory. Colorado (4i7fere). Arctic coast. Greenland. Mexico, Central America, ' ; 
 
 and West Indies {numerous quotations). ' ' ' '^ 
 
 ZAeuienant Warren's Expedition. — 465!, mouth of Platte; 4652, 4655, mouth of Ver- _/ ^' ■ ' f;, 
 
 milion ; 46-54, mouth of Big Sioux; 5300, Medicine Creek. ,,,; *". 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Eaynolds' Expedition. '* 
 
 The rather peculiar, as well as very extensive, distribution of this " - 
 species may l)e fathered from the foregoiDg references, selected from the - 
 great number that have been recorded. The Pacific coast advices aTeJ-^J\( 
 not so remarkable as they would api)ear, did we not know that the, , ; 
 Eastern Province trends westward north of the United States, to Alaska, " , ' 
 where many characteristic Eastern birds were noticed by Mr. Ball and 7 ^ 'fi 
 Dr. Bannister. In view of this it is not surprising that individuals^^-. .^^ 
 straggle southward along that coast. But it is remarkable, that while ' 
 
 the bird's continental breeding range is not south of Northern New'^/'*" i 
 England, it should also breed in the West Indies. Its wintering range ^j;»^ 
 appears almost anomalous. While some individuals are at that season 
 in subtropical and tropical America, others are wintering in the Middle 
 States, if not also in Southern New England. 
 
 The Yellow-rump lays four to six eggs, measuring about 0.72 by 0.54 
 inches ; they are white, spotted chiefly in a wreath about the large eud, but 
 also sparingly over the entire surface, with various shades of brown, none, 
 however, quite reddish, but some nearly blackish, and with numerous 
 other shell-markings of neutral tint. A nest from the Yukon (June 7) 
 is rather rudely built of weed-stalks, grass-stems, and rootlets, and 
 warmly lined throughout with feathers. Another from the Arctic coast, 
 east of Anderson Eiver, is entirely composed of soft vegetable fibre, with 
 a few grass-stems for lining ; it was built in a pine-tree, about six feet 
 irom the ground. A third, from Nova Scotia, laid on the horizontal 
 fork of a tree, is composed chiefly of very slender, stiff rootlets and 
 similar hard stems, and is much flatter than either of the others. 
 
 i> DENDECECA AUDUBONII, (Towns.) Bd. 
 
 Audnbon's Warbler. 
 
 Sylvia auduTmnii, Towns., Journ. Phila. Acad, vii, 1837, 190. — AuD., Orn. Biog. v. 1839, 
 52, pi. 395. 
 
 Syhicola audubonii, Bp., List, 1838 21.— Aud., Svn. 1839, 52; B. Am. ii, 1826, pi. 77.— 
 NuiT., Man. 2d ed. i. 1841), 414.— Woodh'., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 71. 
 
 Dendra:ca audubonii, Bd., B. K. A. 1858, 273. — Kenn., P. E. E. Rep. x, 1859, part iii, 24. — 
 Heerm., ibid, part iv, 39.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 18.59, 181.— ScL., 
 P. Z. S. lK58,298(Oaxaca); 1860, 250 (Orizaba); 1864, 172 (Mexico) ; Cat. A. B. 
 18SI, 30.— ScL. & Salv., ll)rs, 1860, 273 (Guatemala).— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 16a— 
 Couiss, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1868, 69.— Coop., Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 33; Pr. Cal. 
 Acad. 1870, 75; B. Cai. 1870, 88.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 463.— 
 Mei!R., ibid. 1872, 67.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 175 (mountains of Colo- 
 rado, up to timber-line). — CouES, Key, 1872, 100. 
 
 Bab. — Middle and Western Prorinces, United States; East to Fort Laramie; South 
 to Guatemala. Northern limit yet undeliued.,. , , 
 
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DENDRCECA BLACKBURNIiE, BLACKBUENIAN WARBLER. 59 
 List of specimens. 
 
 19302 
 19203 
 19234 
 
 Wind River 
 
 Wind River Mts. 
 E.Buttes Platte.. 
 
 May 29, 1800 
 Jiiue6,1800 
 May 12, 1800 
 
 F.V.Hayden. 
 
 do 
 
 a. H. Tiook.. 
 
 5.25 
 5.50 
 5.75 
 
 S.-'-jO 
 9.25 
 9.25 
 
 3.00 
 2.75 
 3.95 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 8820, Laramie Peak ; probably about the eastern 
 limit of the species. 
 Later Expeditions. — 60701, Fort Bridger; 62345-6, Wyoiiiiug. 
 
 In most localities through its rauge, this species is as common as its 
 Eastern representative, I), ooronata, with which it corresponds xirecisely 
 in habits. 
 
 The only nest of this species that I have seen is in the Smithsonian, 
 from Vancouver's Island, where it was secured by Mr. Hepburn. It is 
 built in the crotch formed by three forks of an oblique stem, and is ob- 
 liquely conical in shape to correspond. The exterior is rather coarse 
 librous strips of bark and weeds, variously intertwined^; the main sub- 
 stance is of fine grasses and mosses, mixed with large feathers and 
 twine, and the interior is lined with an abundant deposit of horse-hair.' 
 
 i^DENDEGECA BLACKBUENI^, (Gm.) Bd. v L- 
 BlaCkibiirnian Warbler. 
 
 Motaoilla hlaclcitirniw, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 17SS,.977. 
 
 Sylvia Mackbiirnia; Lath., Irid. Oru. ii, 1790, 527. — ViElLL., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807,36, 
 
 pi. 90.— WiLS., Am. Oru. iii, 1811, 64, pi. 23, f. 3.— Bp., .Svu. 1828, 80.— Nutt., 
 
 Man. i, 1832, 379.— AuD., Orn. Bioy. ii, 1834, 208; v, 1839, 73; pis. 135, 399. 
 Syhncola blaekburnia;, Jaed., ed. Wils. 1832. — Rich., List, 1837.— Bp., List, 1838,22; Consp. 
 
 1850, 307.— AuD., Syn. 1839, 57.— AuD., B. Am. ii, 1841, 48, pi. 87.— Hoy, Smiths. 
 
 Rep. 1864, 438 (Missouri). 
 Mniotilta blaclcburniai, Gkay, G. of B. 
 Elnmanplms hlaoldmrniai, Cab., Mus. Hein. i, 18C0, 19; J. f. 0. 1860, 328 (Costa Rica).— 
 
 SCL., P. Z. S. 1855, 143 (Bogota); ItT/.i, loO (Veraguu). 
 Dendrceea blaeklnrmce, Bd., B. N. A. 1858. 274; Kev. 18ti5, 189.— ScL., P. Z. S. 1859, 363 
 
 (Xalapa); 1860, 64 (Ecuador); Cat. 1862, -30.— Scl. & Halv., Ibis, i, 18o9, 11 
 
 (Guatemala) ; P. Z. S. 1870, 780 (Merida).— Bkyakt, Pr. Lost. Soc. vii, 18.j9 
 
 (Bahamas). — L.VWK., Aun. Lvc. vii, 62 (Panama) ; ix, IHGi, 04 (Costa Rica). — 
 
 SUMICH., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 547 (Orizaba, rare).— McliAVit.. Pr. Ess. lust. 
 
 Ti, 1866, 85 (migratory at Hamilton, 0. W.). — Allek, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 62 
 
 (chiefly migratory, but some breed iu Mas.sacbuseirs). — Allejm, Bull. M. C. Z. 
 
 iii, 1872, 175 (Kansas and Utah).— COUES, Key, lb/2, 100; and of most late 
 
 writers. 
 Sylma parv.s, WiLS., Am. Orn. v, 1812, 114, pi. 44, f. 3.— Bp., Syn. 1828. 82.— NuiT., i, 
 
 392.— AuD., Orn. Biog. ii, 18.;4, 205, pi. 134. 
 Sylvicola parus, AuD., Syn. 1839, 55. — AuD., B. Am. ii, 1841, 40, pi. 83. — Emm., Cat. B. 
 
 Mass. 183.5, 3.— Peab., Rep. B. Mass. Ia39, 310.— Linsl., Cat. B. Conn., Am. 
 
 .Journ. Sci. xliv, 1843, 257.— Putn., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 18oo, 228. 
 Mniotilta parus, Gi!ay, Genera of Birds. 
 Ehimamjylnis parus, Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 311. 
 S/ilria lateraVm, Stkpii., Shaw's Gen. Zool. xii, 1817, 059. 
 '•(.') Motacilla chrysocephala ct incana," G.M., i, 1788, 971 and 976. — Also of Lathaji and 
 
 ■\"iEiLLor. 
 "(f) Sylvia mdanorhoa," ViElLL., Nonv. Diet, xi, 1817, 180; Enc. Met. ii, 1823, 444. 
 
 Hal). — Eastern United States and British provinces. Wcstto Kansas and Utah (Allen). 
 Breeds from Massachusetts northward, and apparently in the niountains of the ilu[d[eZ.£ S ~ 
 States. Winters in Mexico and Central America. Scarcely West Indian (i?)'i/a«<). J.9S- 
 
 As is now well known, Wilson described the young of this species as,7<f3- 
 the "Hfemlock Warbler," 8. parus, in whicU he was followed by many ■ 
 writers. Audubon magnified tbe error by uniting with it the autuuiuali . / 
 Warbler of Wilson, which is the young of the Bay-breasted. Bona- '4 
 X)arte did still worse, iu putting the "Hemlock Warbler'' iu a diftereut^- -'' 
 geuus. 'tf"'^ c, 
 
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60 DENDECECA STRIATA, BLACK-POLL WAEBLEE, 
 
 This species, famed for its delicacy of coloring, is common along the 
 Atlantic States during the migrations, in high, open woods, associated 
 with ,virens, castanea, striata, and others. Not before quoted from be- 
 yond the mouth of the Missouri, its known range has lately been 
 extended to Utah. Andubon speaks of its occurrence in Xova Scotia, 
 Newfoundland, and Labrador, and on the Magdeleine Islands, describ- 
 ing a nest and eggs from the former locality. 
 
 ^ 
 
 DENDECECA STRIATA, (Forst.) Bd. (« >o - 
 Black-poll Warbler. 
 
 Muscicapa striata, Foest., Phil. Trans. Ixii, 1772, 383, 428. 
 
 Motadlla striata, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 976. 
 
 Sylvia striata, Lath., Ind. Orn. li, 1790, 527.— Vikill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 22, pk. 75, 
 76.— WiLS., Am. Orn. iv, 1811, 40, pi. 30, f. 3 ; vi, 1812, 101, pi. 54, f. 3.— Ndtt., 
 Man. i, 1832, 383.— Add., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 201, pi. 133. 
 
 Sylvicola striata, Sw. & EiCH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 218.— Aud., B. Am. ii, 1841, 28, pi. 78.— 
 WooDH., Sitgr. Eep. 1853, 70.— Hoy, Smith. Eep. 1864, 438 (Missouri). 
 
 Mniotilta striata, Gray. — Ebixh., Ibis, iii, 1861, 6 (Greenland). 
 
 Mhimanphus striatus. Cab., Mus. Hein. i, 1850, 20. 
 
 Dendrceca striata, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 280 ; Rev. 1864, 192.— CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, 
 220.— Hayd., Eep. 1862, 161.— Ball & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 278 
 (Alaska).— SCL. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1870, 780 (Merida).— Coues, Key, 1872, 100, 
 iig. 42, and pi. 2, figs. 15, 16. — Also of all local lists of Eastern United States. 
 
 Dendrceca pinus! Codes, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1H61, 220 (eixor), (Labrador.) 
 
 Hob. — Eastern North America ; North to Arctic Ocean ; Northwest to Alaska ; West 
 to Nebraska. Greenland (Eeixh., Veddensk. Meddel. 1854, 73; Ibis, iii, 1861,6). Cuba 
 (Cab., J. f. O. iii, 185,5, 475 ; Gdndl., iUd. 1861, 326). Bahamas (Bryant, Pr. Bost. Soe. 
 vii, 1859). Bogota (Sex., P. Z. S. 1855, 143). (?) Chili {Confer D. alricapilla, Lande., 5,? 'i 
 Weigm. Arch. lHe:4, 50; Scl., P. Z. S. 1867, 321). •? >. 
 
 Lieutenant Jfarren's Erpeditioi^. — 4644-50, Nebra.ska. ■J'ii'O 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Eaynolds' Expedition. 'I) ~'h 
 
 Strongly marked as this species is in its complete dress, of either sex, as described in , ,^ ^ 
 the Key, i). 100, there is difficulty in identifying the yonng bird in the fall, when \t' ' / '-*■ 
 bears an extraordinary resemblance to the youDg of the Bay-breasted Warbler. The .-/ ■ ■ 
 upper parts of the two are almost precisely alike, but there is, probably, always an ap- ^ 'iS'C 
 preciable difference below. Young striata has a clear pale yellowish wash, if any, on , , + 
 the white of the under parts, fading into pure white on the under tail-coverts at least, ' '"^ .'■ 
 and usually has at least a few dusky streaks on the sides ; while the tinge of the un- i^-J|t • 
 der parts of castanea is huffy or ochrey, especially observable on the belly, flanks and ^ 
 
 under tail-coverts, just where striata is the whitest, and it has no dusky streaks on the A *> •' 
 sides. ,- »._ 
 
 In the extent of its migrations this species is surpassed by none of its allies, and "'' 
 equalled by few, if any ; its dispersion will prove more extensive than that of any other J '^"y 
 Warbler, should the £>. atricapilla be found identical, as it probably will. It is known - 
 
 to breed beyond the United States, from Labrador to Fort Yukon, where its eggs were /'^', 
 procured by Mr. Kennicott. The southernmost breeding localities I have found quoted if ' 
 are the Umbagog Lakes, and Calais, Maine ( Verrill and ISoardman). It is very abun- L l-.-^ j 
 daut throughout the Eastern United States during the migrations, but appears to leave . ' ^ 
 the country altogether in the fall, wintering further south. Audubon's quotation, > ' 
 " Columbia Eiver," requires confirmation, but will most probably be proved correct ; ! .; , 
 in that event the case will apparently correspond to that of D. coronata. t- ^" ) 
 
 Two nests of this species, from Great Slave Lake and Fort Yukon, 
 respectively, are entirely similar in material and structure. Both were 
 taken in June, one with four, the other with five eggs. They are built 
 of soft weedy material, bleached and gray, and withered almost to dis- 
 integration, mixed with grasses, and lined with finer stems of the same. 
 The eggs are finely sprinkled with brown and neutral tint, chiefly in a 
 wreath about the larger half of the egg, and have also a few larger 
 blackish spots and scrawls, very sharply marked. The size is 0.70 by 
 0.52. Two nests without eggs, taken by Dr. Brewer at Grand Menan, 
 are quite different in appearance and material, as well as heavier and 
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DENDEOECA CASTANEA, BAY-BREASTED WARBLER. 61 
 
 more compact. They are built chiefly of moss, mixed with small twigs, 
 weedy and fibrous material, and rootlets; but are lined, lilie the others, 
 entirely with fine grasses. 
 
 DENDECEOA OASTANEA, (Wils.) Bd. 
 
 Bay-breasted Warbler. 
 
 Sylvia castanea, Wils., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 97, pi. 14, f. 4.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 80.— Nutt., 
 
 Man. i, 1832, 382.— AuD., Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 358, pi. 69. 
 Sylvicola caslanca, Rich., List, 18.37. — Bp., List, 1838, 22 ; Consp. i, 1850, 308.— AuD., Syn. 
 
 1839, 53.— AuD., B. Am. ii, 1841, 34, pi. 80.— Hoy, Smiths. Eep. 1864, 438 
 
 (Missouri). 
 Mniotilta castanea, Gray, Genera of Birds. 
 Sliimanphus castaneus, Cab., Mus. Heiu. i. 1850, 19. 
 Dendroeca castanea, Bd., B. N. A. 1858,276; Rev. 1865, 189. — ScL. & Salv., Ibis, i, 1859, 
 
 11 (Guatemala) ; Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1860, 193 (Darien).— Lawk., Auu. Lye. 
 
 N. Y. 1861, 322 (Pauama).— Mayn., Guide, 1870, 103.— COUES, Kej-, 1872, 101 ; 
 
 and of most late writers, 
 t Sylvia autumnalis, Wils., Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 65, pi. 23, f. 3.— Ndtt., Man. i, 1832, 390.— 
 
 AUD., Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 449, pi. 88. 
 
 -Haft. — Eastern North America ; North to Hudson's Bay ; West to the Lower Missouri. 
 Breeds from Northern New England northward. Winters in Central America. Mi- 
 grant only in most parts of the United States. No Mexican nor West Indian quotations. 
 
 The earlier authors left the history of this species very incomplete, 
 having had, from some cause, little opportunity of becoming acquainted 
 with it ; nevertheless, it is a common bird of the Eastern United States. 
 I observed it every season when collecting about Washington, D. 0., 
 and took a large number of specimens. It passes through the Middle 
 States in May and returns in September, being found during the whole 
 of these months, sometimes, particularly in the fall, in abundance. It 
 may be looked for in any woods, where the other species of the genus 
 stop to rest and feed during their journeys, and in orchards — the last a 
 favorite resort of Warblers of various kinds in the spring when the ap- 
 ple, pear, peach, and cherry-trees are in blossom, the birds doubtless 
 being attracted by the different minute insects that infest our fruit trees. 
 The breeding places of the Bay-breasted Warbler, not to mention its 
 nest and eggs, were for a long while unknown; latterly the desired in- 
 formation has been sui^plied. Mr. 0. J. Maynard, a very good observer 
 and collecter, has published a satisfactory account. He took two nests 
 with eggs, June 8th, at Umbagog, where, he says, the species is the 
 most abundant of the Sylvicoliclw. Both were placed on the horizontal 
 branch of a hemlock-tree, fifteen or twenty feet from the ground, and 
 seemed large for the size of the bird, resembling those of the Pnrple 
 Pinch. They were built of fine, dead larch twigs, mixed in one instance 
 with long tree-moss, in the other with a few grass-stems, and smoothly 
 lined with black fibrous rootlets, some moss and rabbit's hair. Exter- 
 nal diameter five and one-half to six inches, internal two and one-half 
 to three; depth outside two and one-half to three, the cavity one and 
 one-fourth to one and one-half; they differed in shape, the broader nest 
 being the shallower one. One contained three eggs, the other two; the 
 five ranged from 0.65 to 0.71 long, by 0.50 to 0.53 broad. The ground 
 color was bluish-green, more or less thickly speckled with brown all 
 over, the markings becoming confluent, or nearlj' so, at or around the 
 larger end, where the brown was mixed with some lilac or umber 
 markings. 
 
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62 DENDECECA PENNSYLVANICA DENDRCECA JIACULOSA. 
 
 IT 
 
 \\ DENDECECA PENNSYLVANICA, (Linn.) Bd. • 
 
 Chestnut-sided Warbler, 
 
 Motacilla pennsylvanica, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 17fi6, 333. 
 
 Si/lria pennsylvanica, Lath., Ind. Ore. ii, 1790, 540. 
 
 JJendroeca pennmilvanica, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 279; Rev. 1865, 191. — Set. & Salv., I'lis, 
 law, 21; 1860, 273 (Guatemala).— Scl., P. Z. S. 1870, 836 (Hondiira.M).— Salv., 
 P. Z. S. 18S7, 13G ( Veragna).— Lawr., Aun. Lye. ix, 1868, 94 (Costa Rica) ; 1869, 
 200 (Yuoataii).— Hayd., Rep. 18C2. 161 (to mouth of Platte River).— Allen, 
 Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872 (Leavenworth, Kaus.).- CouES, Key, 1872, 101, fig. 43 ; 
 and pf all late local writers of Eastern United States. 
 
 Sylvia icterocephala, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 538. — Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807. 31, 
 pi. 90.- Wlls., Am. Orn. i, 1H08, 99, pi. 14, f. 5.— AuD., Orn. Biog. 1, 1832,.306, 
 pi. 59.— NuTT., Man. i, 1832, 380. 
 
 Sylvicola icterocephala, ArD., B. Am. ii, 1841, 35, pi. 81 ; and of other earlier writers. — 
 Hoy, Smiths. Rep. 1864, 435 (Missouri). 
 
 Dendrcsca icterocephala, Scl., P. Z. S. 1859, 363, 373 (Xalapa ; Oaxaca). ij,a'1 
 
 Hal). — Eastern United States; little if any heyond New England, where it breeds /^,j-, 
 
 abundantly. Apparently retires altogether from the United States in winter. Baha- ; ^j_ 
 
 mats {Bi yaytt). Honduras (ScZa(er). Faua,ma, {Lawrence). ,,. -r 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4670, mouth of Platte River. ' "°* '' 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition. Jli'- 
 
 According to luy experience, the Chestnut-sided Warbler is a very " ' 
 common species of the Eastern United States, passing through in great ■^^'' 
 numbers during the migrations, where it is found in orchards and open 
 woods in company with severa^ other species. It is rather southerly in 
 distribution, apparently not passing much, if any, beyond the- United . 
 States, in the northern parts of which it breeds. It retires far south in 
 winter. The numerous nests in the Smithsonian collection agree in 
 being placed in an upright crotch, generally of several stems, and are 
 all more or less lengthened perpendicularly to fit such situations, with a 
 rather naiTOw but deep cavity. The twigs preserved with the nests are 
 all small, and in one case the nest was only a yard from the ground. 
 The exterior is a rather loosely woven mass of weedy, downy, and fibrous 
 substances; the iuterior is more closely woven of fine gras.ses, with a 
 tolerably firm and even brim. Sometimes there is horse hair lining, 
 sometimes not. None of the nests contain more than four eggs ; sev- 
 eral only three; one is occupied alone by a Cow-bird's. The shell is 
 white ; the markings are chiefly confined to the larger end, only rarely 
 a few dots being sprinkled over the whole surface, and tbey form, or 
 tend to form, in many cases, a wreath about the large end. The wreath 
 is sometimes close and heavy, consisting of confluent blotches, in other 
 instances is a circle of separate fine dots. The markings are of all 
 shades, from light reddish to various darker browns, mixed with neutral 
 tints. The size is about 0.08 by 0.50. 
 
 DENDECECA MACULOSA, (Gm.) Bd. ■ 
 
 \^ 
 
 Blacli-anit-yellow Warbler. 
 
 Motacilla maculosa, G.\r., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 984. 
 
 Sylvia maculosa. Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790. .'3;!;5.— Vieill , Ois. Am. Sept. ii, b*n7, pi. 93.— 
 
 AuD., Orn. Biog. i, lajl, 260; ii, 1834, U:>; v, 183D, 45& ; pi. .:o, 123.— Nutt., 
 
 Man. i, 1832, 370. 
 Sylvicola maculosa, Sw. &, Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 213, pi. 40.— Aud., B. Am. ii, 1841, 65, 
 
 pi. 93.— Hoy, Smiths. Rep. 1864, 43-< (Missouri). 
 Ehimanphus maculosus, Cau., Mus. Hein. 1^51, 20. 
 Dendrwca maculosa, Bd., B. N. A. 1838, 284 ; Ri-v. 183.'), 203.— .Sex., P. Z. S. 1859, 363, 
 
 373 (Xalapa).— .Scl. it Salv., Ibis, V<yi, 11 (Giiatoinali:).- Bnvaxt, Pr. Bost. 
 
 Soc. vii, 1850, p. —. tli.ilianysj.- GCNDL., if O. 18,11. 32(i (Cuba).— Lav.'k., 
 
 Ann. Lye. N. H. NDigitOQCl-^b^^iMieea^JQ^L., p. Z. S. 18JJ, 19 (Mexico).— 
 
DENDECECA DISCOLOR, PKAIEIE WARBLER. 63 
 
 Mayn.— Pr. Boat. Soc. xiv, 1871 (UmTjasog, breeding).— CouES, Key, 1872, 102, 
 fig. 44 ; and of all late local writers of Eastern United States. 
 Sylvia magnolia, Wils., Am. Orn. iii, 1811, G3, pi. 23, f. 3. _j ,, ; 
 
 Sah. — Eastern North America ; in snmmer, New England to Hudson's Bay ; migratory^ i j 
 throngU the States ; in winter, beyond the United States, as above quoted. 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4643, mouth of Vermilion River. -'-''^ f 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Eaynolds' Expedition. 3^i', 
 
 Mr. C. J. Maynard has given us an excellent account of the nest and >>"■'' 
 eggs of this species. A nest, taken the second week in June, 1870, at ' '' 
 Umbagog, "was placed on the forked branch of a low spruce, about -^ ' 
 three feet from the ground, on a rising piece of land, leading from i}/^^ 
 wood-path. The nest, which contained four eggs, was constructed ol 
 dry grass, spruce twigs, roots, etc., and was lined with fine black roots, -• 7/'- 
 the whole being a coarse structure for so dainty looking a Warbler. 
 The eggs were more spherical than any Warbler's I have ever seen. 
 The ground color is a creamy-white, blotched sparingly over with large 
 spots of lilac and umber." The dimensions of these eggs were : 0.62 by 
 0.52, 0.61 by 0.52, 0.62 by 0.50, 0.63 by 0.52 (hundredths of the inch). 
 Another nest, taken June 8, 1871, was on a low hemlock, about four feet 
 from the ground. " It is composed outwardly of a few scattered dead 
 twigs of larch, interwoven with stalks of weeds and dry grass. It is 
 lined with black horse-hair; this dark lining formed a strange contrast 
 with the faded appearance of the outer i)art. The whole structure is 
 ■ very light and airy in appearance, strongly reminding one of the nest of 
 D. pennsylvanica. Dimensions ot the nest are : External diameter three 
 inches, internal diameter two, external depth one and three-fourths, in- 
 ternal depth one and one-fourth." The four eggs in the nest measured 
 0.65 by 0.50, 0.62 by 0.47, 0.G4 by 0.4G, 0.65 by 0.48. They were ashy- 
 white, blotched and clouded with brown and lilac, chiefly around and 
 about the larger end, and sparsely dotted with brown elsewhere; they 
 differed in the size and amount of the brown spottings. Two other 
 nests are also described, wtiicli, with their epvis, wero siixiiLii. to the 
 others in every essential respect. 
 
 ^y yDBNDKCEOA l>^.SCOL(?ii, (\ieill.) Bd. htJl /i. /•■''■ 
 
 ri'iiii'ie W'arMei'. 
 
 Sylvia discolor, Vieill., Ois. Am. Siept. ii, 1807, 37, pi. 98.— Bp., Svn. 1828, 83.— KaxT., 
 Man. i, 1832, "294" (by error for 394).— Add., Orn. Biog.' i, 1831, 70, pi. 14.— 
 Lbmb., Aves Cubaa, 1850, 32, pi. 6, f. 2. 
 
 Sylvicola discolor, Jard., ed. Wils., 1832.— Rich., List, 1837. — Bp., List, 1838. — Aud., 
 Syn. 1839.— Aud., B. Am. ii, 1841, 68, pi. 97.— GosSE, B. Jam. 1847, 1.59. 
 
 MnioiiVa discolor. Gray, Genera of Birds. 
 
 Ehimanphus discolor, Cab., J. f. O. iii, 1855, 474 (Cuba, winter). 
 
 Dendrceea dincolor. Be, B. N. A. 1858, 2S0; Rev. 18C5, 213. — Buyakt, Pr. Bost. Soc. vii, 
 
 ia59 (Bahamas).— Newton, Ibis, i, 1859, 144 (St. Croix).— Gundl., J. f. 0. 1K31, , 
 326 (Cnba). — Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 64 (M.issachusetts, usually rare). — •^_ ^ 
 Codes, ihid. v, 1868. 274 (north to Massachusetts, common). — Codes, Pr. Bost. 
 Soc. xii, 1868, 110 (South Carolina).— Codes, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1«71, 20 (co;i!-t 
 of North Carolina, very numerous). — Codes, Key, 1872, 103. — Allen, Bull. 'hi. 
 C. Z. ii, 1871,268 (undoubtedly resident in Florida in the whole year); iii, ltJ7J, 
 125 (Kansas, May, rather frequent). 
 
 Sylvia minuta, WiLS., Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 87, pi. 25, f. 4. 
 
 Hai. — Eastern United States, as far north as Maasaelmsettsj_'wegt to Kansas. Breeds 
 throughout Its range. Winters in Florida, and abumtautlj' in most of the West 
 Indian islands. No Mexican nor Central American record. 
 
 The pretty little Prairie Warbler was one of my earliest bird-acquaint- 
 ances, and one I have always been fond of, on this and other accounts. 
 When we were shooting birds pretty much all the time we could find, or 
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64 DENDEOECA DISCOLOR, PEAIEIE WAEBLEE. 
 
 "make," in spite of the college dons, in our early home at Washington, 
 Dr. Prentiss and I knew just where to look for it, and it did not take 
 long to get a few of the delicate birds, in their season. We were gen- 
 erally back in time for recitation, and even if that performance went 
 lame in consequence, it did not seem much matter, comparatively. The 
 inflection of the Prairie Warbler's notes was a much more agreeable 
 theme than that of a Greek verb, and I am still uncertain whether it 
 was not quite as profitable. There was a little glade just by the college, 
 bordering Rock Oreek, closed in by high woods — a sloping, sandy field, 
 run waste with scattered cedars — where "we could be sure of finding the 
 Warblers any day, from the 2Uth of April, for two or three weeks. Ten 
 to one we would not see the little creatures at first ; but presently, from 
 the very nearest juniper, would come the well-known sounds. A curi- 
 ous song, if song it can be called — as much like a mouse complaining of 
 the tooth ache as anything else I can liken it to-^-it is simply indescriba- 
 ble. Then perhaps the quaint performer would dart out into the air, 
 turn a somersault after a passing midge, get right side up, and into the 
 shrubbery again in an instant ; or if we kept still, with wide-open eyes, 
 we would see him perched on a spray, settling firmly on his legs, with 
 his beak straight up in the air, the throat swelling, and hear the curious 
 music again. After that would come the inevitable tragedy — for tragedy 
 it is, and I cannot, after picking up warm bloody little birds for years, 
 make anything else out of it. or learn to look on it with indifference. 
 
 1 did not see this bird in Kansas, where my friend Allen found it, nor, 
 of course, further westward ; but a few years afterward, when the ec- 
 centric course of military migration stranded me on a sandbar on the 
 North Carolina coast, there were the Prairie Warblers as iilenty, as 
 unmusical and interesting, as ever. Excepting the ubiquitous Yellow- 
 rumps, they were the only Warblers that showed bad taste enough to 
 come voluntarily about Fort Macon in any considerable numbers. But 
 they appear to fancy rather barren, sandy places, very likely because 
 they have grown fond of certain kinds of bugs, and if so, they must 
 have been contented there. Arriving the latter part of April, they be- 
 came very numerous in May, all through the juniper patches, clumps of 
 live-oak, and scrubby "yupon" tracts, singing at their best and catching 
 insects in the air. 1 consider them very expert fly-catchers, quite equal 
 in this respect to most of their tribe ; and my experience has been to 
 show that they are not so terrestrial as Audubon intimates. He says 
 that "while on the ground, where it remains a good deal, it searches 
 among the leaves slowly and carefully;" but I never saw anything of 
 the kind. But as be says, the bird's ordinary flight is weak and vacil- 
 lating, not often protracted further than from one bush to another; it 
 appears to find coming down easier than going up was. I also agree 
 with him that it goes singly — never in troops; but I have certainly seen 
 many more at once than the three or four lie allows to a thirty acre lot. 
 
 As above intimated, the Prairie Warbler breeds along the Atlantic 
 coast, but only a few about Washington, where I never discovered the 
 nest; nor was I more fortunate in either of the Carolinas. Wilson, 
 jSfuttall, and Audubon, who described the nidiflcatiou and the eggs as 
 they believed them to be, give such entirely diflerent accounts, that, in 
 the uncertainty, the following notice, which I owe to my kind friend. Dr. 
 Brewer, may be the more acceptable. Dr. Brewer corroborates Nuttall's 
 account, in the interesting article intended for his forthcoming work: 
 
 "Both Wilson and Audubon were evidently at fault in their descrip- 
 tions of the nest and eggs. These do not correspond with more recent 
 and positive observations. Its nest is never uensile. Mr. Nuttall's de- 
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PEAIEIE WARBLER. 65 
 
 scriptious, on the other hand, are made from his own observations, and 
 are evidently correct. He describes a nest that came under his observ- 
 ation, as scarcely distinguishable from that of the I), (estiva. It was 
 not pensile, but fixed in a forked branch, and formed of strips of the 
 inner bark of the red-cedar, fibres of asclepias, and caterpillar's silk, and 
 thickly lined with the down of the Gnaphalium plantagineum. He 
 describes the eggs as having a white ground, sharp at one end, and 
 marked with spots of lilac-purple and of two shades of brown, more 
 numerous at the larger end, where they formed a ring. He speaks of 
 their note as slender, and noticed their arrival about the second week of 
 May, leaving the middle of September. 
 
 "At another time Mr. Nuttall was attracted by the slender, filing notes 
 of this bird, resembling the suppressed syllables Hsh-Hsh-Hsh-Hshea, be- 
 ginning low and gradually growing louder. With its mate it was busily 
 engaged collecting flies and larvae among a clump of locust-trees in Mount 
 Auburn. Their nest was near, and the female, without any precautions, 
 went directly to it. Mr. Nuttall removed two eggs, which he afterward 
 replaced. Each time, on his withdrawal, she returned to the nest, and 
 resorted to no expedients to entice hioi away. 
 
 "Several nests of this Warbler have been obtained by Mr. Welch in 
 Lynn. One was built on a wild rose, only a few feet from the ground. 
 It is a snug, compact, and elaborately woven structure, having a height 
 and a diameter of about two and one-half inches. The cavity is two 
 inches wide and one and one-half deep. The materials of which the 
 outer parts are woven are chiefly the soft inner bark of small shrubs, 
 mingled with dry rose-leaves, bits of vegetable wood, woody fibres, de- 
 cayed stems of plants, spiders' webs, etc. The whole is bound together 
 like a web by cotton-like fibres of a vegetable origin. The upper rim of 
 this nest is a marked feature, being a strongly interlaced weaving of 
 vegetable roots and strips of bark. The lining of the nest is composed 
 of fine vegetable fibres and a few horse-hairs. This nest, in its general 
 mode of construction, resembles all that I have seen ; only in others the 
 materials vary — in some dead and decayed leaves, in others remains of 
 old cocoons, and in others the pappus of composite plants being more 
 prominent than the fine strips of bark. The nests are usually within 
 four feet of the ground. The eggs vary from three to five, and even six. 
 
 "The late Dr. Gerhardt found this bird the most common Warbler in 
 Iforthern Georgia. There its nests were similar in size, structure, and 
 position, but difiered more or less in the materials of which tbey were 
 made. The nests were a trifle larger and the walls thinner, the cavities 
 being correspondingly larger. The materials were more invariably fine 
 strips of inner bark and flax like vegetable fibres, and were lined with 
 the finest stems of plants, in one case Avith the feathers of the Great 
 Horned Owl. In that neighborhood the eggs were deposited by the 15th 
 of May. 
 
 " In Massachusetts the Prairie Warbler invariably selects wild pasture- 
 land, often not far from villages, and always open or very thinly wooded. 
 In Georgia their nests were built in almost every kind of bush or low 
 tree, or on the lower limbs of post-oaks, at the height of from four to 
 seven feet. Eggs were found once as early as the 2d of May, and once 
 as late as the 10th of June. They arrived there by the 10th of April, 
 and seemed to prefer hillsides, but were found in almost any open 
 locality. 
 
 " In Southern Illinois, Mr. Eidgway cites this species as a rather rare 
 bird among the oak barrens wheie it breeds. He also met with it in 
 
 5 
 
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66 DENDEffiCA DOMINICA, YELLOW-THROATED WARBLEE. 
 
 orchards in the wooded portions, in April, during the northward migra- 
 tion of the Sylvicolidce. 
 
 "The eggs are of an oval shape, pointed at one end, and measure 0.68 
 by 0.48 of an inch. They have a white ground, marked with spots of 
 lilac and purple, and two shades of umber-brown." 
 
 DEISTDRGEOA DOMINICA, (Linn.) Bd. 
 
 Tellow-throated Warbler* 
 
 Motacilla dominica, Lrxx., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 334. 
 
 Bcndrwca dominica, Be, Rev. 1865, 209 (Colima, &c.). — Lawr., Ann. Lye. ix, 1869, 200 
 (Yucatan). — Sujiich., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 547 (Orizaba, Aug.). — Ai.lej«, 
 Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 268 (Florida, in winter).— CouBS, Key, 1872, 103.— Scott, 
 Pr. Bost. Soc. 1672 (West Virginia).— Mayn., B. Fla. 1872, 60. 
 
 Motacilla superciliosa, Eonc, PI. Eul. 686, f. 1. 
 
 Mniotilta superciliosa, Gii.AY, Genera of Birds. 
 
 Dendrwca superciliosa, Bd., B. N. A. 18.58, 289.— Sci.., P. Z. S. 1859, 363 (Xalapa) ; 1859, 
 373 (Oaxaca); 1881, p. — (Jamaica); 1863, 368 (Mexico); Cat. 1862, 33.— Sci.. 
 & Salv., Ibis, iii, 1860, 274 (Guatemala). — Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. I860, No. 
 94 (quite common). — CouES & Pp.e>'T., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 408 (Washington, 
 D. C, accidental; spec, in 1842). — Guxdl., J. f. 0. 1861, 326 (Cuba, common). — 
 March, Pr. Pliila, Acad. 1863, 293 (Jamaica, June). — Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 
 1868, 109 (South Carolina, common).— Turnb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 42 (straggler).— 
 Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 5 (Neosho Falls, in June). 
 
 Motacilla flavicollis, G.M., Svst. Nat. i, 1788, 959. 
 
 Sylvia flarieoUis, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 518.— WiLS., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 64, pi. 12, f. 6. 
 
 Motacilla pensilis, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 960. 
 
 iSylria peusilis. Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 520. — ^Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 11, pi. 
 
 72.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 79.— Nutt., i, 1832, 374.— Atjd., Orn. Biog., i, 1831, 434, pi. 85. 
 
 ^ Sylvicola peiisilis, Rich., Rep. Br. Assoc, 1837. — Bp., List, 18.38; Consp. i, 1650, 307. — 
 
 Aid., Syn. 1839, 53.— Add., B. Am. ii, 1641, 32, pi. 79.— Gosse, B. Jam. 1847, 156. 
 
 EMmanpkus pensilis, Cab., J. f. O. iii, 1655, 474 (Cuba). — ScL., P. Z. S. 1856, ;i91 (Cordova). 
 
 Hob. — Eastern United States, north to JIaryland ; to New Jersey (Aaduion) ; to 
 Pennsylvania (TMrn6«H); to New York (Defray); to Connecticut (i:;:3?fi/). Ohio, Illi- 
 nois, and Kansas. Cuba. Jamaica. St. Domingo (Salle, P. Z. S. IS.W, 231). Mexico, 
 on west coast to Colima. Guatemala. Winters from Florida southward. (A var. albi- 
 lora is described from the Mississippi Valley by Mr. Ridgway, Am. Nat. vii, 1873, 606.) 
 
 This is essentially a- Southern species, which I have not been able to 
 trace further north than Washington, D. C. Audubon, however, gives 
 it to ISTew Jersey; and Turnbull, in liis admirable List, notes it as a 
 stiaggler to the lower counties of jSTew Jersey and Pennsylvania. The 
 Eev. Yiv. Liusley included it among the birds of Connecticut, but ap- 
 parently upon information at second hand ; and its occurrence in New 
 England is very questionable. (See OOUES, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1808, 270.) 
 Mr. Lawrence omits it from his New York list. In Ohio, Mr. J. M. 
 Wheaton states that it was common <jne season: "It seems," he adds, 
 ^' quite partial to the vicinity of running water, and is usually seen on 
 trees and fences near rivers. In its habits it approaches the Titmice 
 and Creepers, frequently hanging and walking, head downward, on fence 
 rails."' I have noted similar habits of the/species in South Carolina. 
 Prof. Snow's reference is particularly interesting, indicating that the 
 bird breeds in Kansas. It would al.so appear, from various accounts, 
 to bre€d in the West Indies. It has not, to my knowledge, been ob- 
 served to winter any v\ here in the United States, excepting in Florida. 
 
 Since the foregoing paragraph was prepared, Mr. W. D. Scott has 
 printed an interesting note respecting the occurrence and probable 
 breeding of the species in Kanawha County, West Virginia. Two indi- 
 viduals, male and female, were taken in July. 
 
 One of the most remarkable nests I ever saw, was built by a Yellow- 
 throated Warbler at Wilmington, North Carolina, where it was secured 
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DENDROECA PALMARUM, YELLOW RED-POLL WARBLER. 67 
 
 and forwarded to the Smithsoniau \)y Mr. Norwood Giles. It is built in 
 a large mass of Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides), and composed 
 oliiefly of that material. A part of the mass which hung from an oak 
 bough, two feet downward and a foot across, was caught up and closely 
 woven together with a little fibrous substance and much plant-down, to 
 form a swinging bed for the nest, Avith a lateral entrance which will ad- 
 mit the hand. Inside is the nest proper, of the usual dimensions, very 
 neatly wrought of the moss, with a smooth, even border, ai;id lined with 
 plant-down and a few line grasses. The eggs of this nest were of the 
 usual lorm, measuring 0.70 by 0.53, white, with a wreath of sepia-brown, 
 blackish and lilac spots around the larger end. 
 
 My acquaintance with the species is limited to observing it on a few 
 occasions in and around the city of Columbia, South Carolina. Accord- 
 ing to Mr. Maynard, the Yellow-throats "are found throughout the en- 
 tire extent of Florida, where they are resident, though the majority leave 
 in May with other Warblers, and return early in November ; they fre- 
 quent piney woods and hummocks, associating with Titmice, Nuthatches, 
 etc. I have shot this species on the banks of the St. John's, where it 
 was searching for insects in the low trees in the numerous swamps there ; 
 and again I have seen them on the topmost boughs of the high trees in 
 the trackless piney woods. They are very slow of movement for Warb- 
 lers, and have many of the habits of the Black-and-white Creeper, 
 clinging to the limbs and running up and down the tree-trunks, after 
 the manner of that species. I have even seen one climbing about the 
 roof of a house. They are very unsuspicious, and may be found almost 
 any day in autumn and early winter on the live and water oaks which 
 grow in the streets of Jacksonville. The songs of this bird are simple, 
 and resemble the trills of the Pine Warbler — or, perhaps, the continuous 
 lisping chirp of the Black-and-white Creeper sounds more nearly like it. 
 I think the species muc.t breed in Florida, as 1 have seen specimens 
 taken in the State in June." 
 
 I am favored with the followiugcommunication from Mr. J. M. Wheaton, 
 of Columbus, Ohio, under date of May 1, 1873, respecting the appear- 
 ance of this species in Ohio : "It is one of the earliest and most con- 
 stant of our Warblers. I saw the first one this year on the 21st of April. 
 That night we had frost, with snow for three successive days afterward. 
 On the 25th I saw three, on the 26th one (in the city), on the 27th three, 
 and on the 28th five or six, two of which I shot. No other Warbler 
 made its appearance until the 30th, when thie Summer Yellowbird ar- 
 rived. The Yellow-throat prefers the trees along the banks of streams. 
 The two specimens which I secured agree with your description ('Key,' 
 p. 103), excejjt that the back is not streaked, and each feather is obso- 
 letely margined with ashy." These specimens were evidently not quite 
 in perfect plumage. 
 
 '}{^ ^' DENDECECA PALMARUM, (Gm.) Bd. ' 
 
 Tellow Red-poil Warbler. 
 
 Motaeilla paJmanm, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 951. 
 
 Sylvia palmarnm, Lath., Iml. Orn. ii, 1790, 544. — Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 21. pi. 
 73.— Bp., Am. Om. ii, pi. 10, f. 2.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 83.— D'Obbig., La Sagra's 
 Cuba, Ois. 1840, 61, pi. 8. 
 
 SiiMcola palmarum, Salli?;, P. Z. S. 1857, 231 (St. Domingo). 
 
 Vcndmca palmarum, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 288 ; Rev. 1865, 207.— Brya^'t, Pr. Bost. Soc. 
 viii, 1859 (Bahamas).— Gu.\-dl., J. f. 0. 1861, 326 (Cuba).— Sci.., P. Z. S. 1861, 
 71 (Jamaica).— CouES & Pkest., Smiths. Rep. 1801, 408 (Wasliington, D. C, 
 migratory).-CouB8,^^^^||.^g^s^.^.Jsj^^^|j(migratory in New England, 
 
G8 DENDECECA PAXiMAEUM, YELLOW EED-POLL WAEBLEE. 
 
 some perhaps breeding). — CouES, Pr. Bost. Soc. sii, I'^^GS, 109 (Soutli'Carolina, 
 wintering).— Allen, Bull. il.-C. Z. ii, 1871, 268 (Florida, wintering).— Ma yn., 
 B. I'la. 1872, 52; Guide, 1870, 104.— CouES, Key, 1872, 104. 
 
 Sylvia petechia, WiLS., Am. Orn. vi, 1812, 19, pi. 28, f. 4 (not of early authors, which re- 
 fers to species like (estiva). — Xutt., i, 1632, 364. — Attd., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 259, 
 360, pis. 163, 164. 
 
 Sylvicola petechia, Sw. & EiCH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 215, pi. 41.— AuD., Syn. 1839, 58.— AuD., 
 B. Am. ii, 1841, 55, pi. 90.— Hot, Smiths. Eep. 1864, 437 (Missouri).— TuiPPE, 
 Pr. Ess. lust, vi, 1872, 114 (Wisconsin). 
 
 "Seiunis petechia, McCuL., Bost. Journ. N. H. iv, 406." 
 
 Siihicola rvficainlla, Bf., Ijist, IH'SS ; Consp. i, 1850, 307. {Not Motadlla r., Gn.) ^^.y^ 
 
 Bhimanphus ruficapillus, Cab., J. f. O. iii, 1855, 473 (Cuba). .y^^jZ? 
 
 ^a6.— Eastern North America to the Lower Missouri. North to Labrador, Hudson's /^ ' " 
 Bay, and Fort Simpson. No record of breeding in the United States south of Maine. / »-^ " 
 Winters in the Southern States, from the Carolinas to Texas ; Bahamas, Cuba, Jamaica, ^/i' 
 and St. Domingo. No Mexican or Central American quotations. ■'/.) 
 
 The Palm Warbler is an extremely abundant bird in the Southern ; 
 States in winter, and equally common in the rest of the United States^'. - 
 during the migrations, but has not been observed to breed south of the > e- - 
 
 British possessions, excepting in Maine, where, according to Mr. Board- 
 man, it occasionally nests near Calais. It passes rapidly through the 
 Middle and Western States very early in the spring, sometimes reaching 
 the Connecticut Valley before the snow is gone, and returns more leis- 
 urely in autumn, lingering late by the way. It is found in New England 
 through October, and has even been seen in Massachusetts in Ifovem- 
 ber. Its habits are somewhat peculiar, some of them, such as the con- 
 tinual jetting of the tail and fondness for the ground, recalling the 
 Seiuri rather than a bird of its own genus. Unlike most Warblers, it 
 is rarely, if ever, found in high thick woods, being partial to coppices, 
 hedge-rows, straggling shrubbery, and especially old waste fields, where 
 it delights to ramble and flutter in company with Yellow-rumps and va- 
 rious kinds of Sparrows. It keeps much on the ground, running among 
 the weeds and stabble, and even on the open dust of the wayside, with 
 a peculiar tremulousuess, something like that of the Titlark. Its song, 
 if it have one, I have never heard; its only note, with us, is a slight 
 " fey;," indistinguishable from that of several of its allies. This is cor- 
 roborated by Dr. Brewer, as I learn from an early proof-sheet of his 
 work. He says: "They have no other song than a few simple and fee- 
 ble notes, so thin and weak that they might almost be mistaken for the 
 sounds made by the common grasshopper." I am entirely ignorant of 
 the nidiflcation, which is described by Dr. Brewer as follows : 
 
 "The Red-Poll usually selects for the site of its nest the edge of a 
 swampy thicket, more or less open, placing it invariably upon the ground. 
 They are usually not large, about three and a half inches in diameter and 
 two and a half in deptli, the diameter and depth of the cavity averaging 
 each only half an inch less. The walls are compactly and elaborately 
 constructed of an interweaving of various fine materials, chiefly fine dry 
 grasses, slender strips of bark, stems of the smaller plants, hypnum and 
 other mosses. Within, the uest is warmly and softly lined with down 
 and feathers. 
 
 "Mr. Kennicott met with a nest of this bird at Fort Resolution, June 
 18. It was on the ground, on a hummock, at the foot of a small spruce, 
 in a swamp. When found it contained five young birds. 
 
 "Their eggs are of a rounded-oval shape, and measure 0.70 of an inch 
 in length by 0.55 in breadth. Their ground-color is a yellowish or creamy- 
 white, and their blotches, chiefly about the larger end, are of a blending 
 of purpler, lilac, and reddish-brown." 
 
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 V^ 
 
DEND]&(ECA PINUS, PINE-CREEPING WARBLEK. Gd 
 
 DENDECEOA PINUS, (Wils.) Ed. ' 
 
 -1 
 
 Pine-creeping Warbler. 
 
 SyMa pinus, WiLS., Am. Ora. iii, 1811, 25, pi. 19, fig. 4.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 81.— Nutt., 
 Man. i, 1832, 387.— AuD., Oru. Biog. ii, 1834, 232, pi. 111. 
 
 Thryothorus pinus, Steph., Shaw's G. Z. xiv, 194. 
 
 Sylvicola pinus, Jakd. ; Rich. & Bp., Lists. — AuD., Syn. 1839, 54. — Auc, B. Am. ii, 1841, 
 37, pi. 82.— WooDiL, Sitgr. Rep. 1833, 70 (Texas).- Tmppe, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 
 1871, 114 (queries it from Minnesota). 
 
 RMmamplins pinus, Bp., Consp. 1, 1850, 311. 
 
 Vendrwca pinus, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 277 ; Rev. 18G5, 190 (not of CoTiES, Pliila. Acad. IPfil, 
 220, which — striata .').— CouES & PnENT., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 407 (Washington, 
 D. C., breeding, but not wintering). — Mclr.wji., Pr. Ess. lust, vi, 1860, 86 (Ham- 
 ilton, C. W.).— CoUES, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, ie:j8, 272 (Kow England, breeding, not 
 -wintering). — CoUBS, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 18G3, 109 (South Carolina, resident). — 
 Tdenb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 18 (migratorj-').— Allen, Bnll. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 268 
 (Florida, resideut). — Mayn., Guide, 1870, 103 (Massachusetts, migratory, a few 
 breeding) ; B. Fla. 1872, 49.— CouES, Key, 1872, 104. f i'-" 
 
 Syhia vigorsii, AuD., Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 153, 30. /'.; ,, . ,/ 
 
 Vireo vigorsii, Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 318. , , a 
 
 Hab. — Eastern United States to the Lower Missouri. North to Canada and Newn , , ' 
 
 Brunswick, but not to Labrador. Bermuda (Jones, Nat. in Berm. 1859, 59 ; only extra- ° ^ 
 
 liraital record). Breeds throughout its United States range ; resident from the Caroli-2 i' " ;' 
 nas southward. 
 
 Like the Palm Warbler, with which it is often found associated, the J 3^' -c 
 Pine-creeping is a migrant betimes in the spring, and a loiterer in the,, ^ 
 fall. The range, as well as the movement of the two species, is some-„ , ■'- 
 what coincident, but that of the present bird is more restricted, not ex- 
 tending into the West Indies, nor reaching so far north. The quotation-' ■ •' 
 "Labrador" originated in an error of mine some years since On a re- ^ 
 examination lately of the specimen I thought was pinus, I find that it is ' 
 a newly-fledged Black-poU Warbler, in the spotted plumage common toj-j^J, _ ; 
 very young birds of many species of Warblers and Thrushes, corre-/^ r \ 
 spending to the equally early and transient streaked stage of many '", 
 
 Sparrows. The earliness of the vernal movement is attested by the^,)/' '-^ 
 bird's presence in New England by the end of March, sometimes when . ,. " 
 the ground is still covered with snow. Audubon affirms that it winters" ' 
 in the Middle States, but I think the alleged fact has not been since (!0U- '* ' 
 firmed. Dr. Turnbull does not so state; and for my own part I could ?2-L.« 
 never detect the species in Maryland or Virginia between October and^J-f - i 
 March. I found it, however, at all seasons in South Carolina, where itW 1 S 
 is extremely abundant, and one of the very few species breeding there.^ i>~3 
 It nests there remarkably early for a Warbler, the first broods being 
 abroad by the second week in April. The northward migration of tiiac 
 portion of the great body of birds that winter in the Southern States 
 begins in March, about the time that tho;=e not intending to move off set 
 about mating and nesting. The return movement is delayed in its com- 
 pletion until November by the stragglers. 
 
 The nest is built of a variety of soft vegetable substances, plant-down, 
 &c., usually mixed with fine rootlets, and often with hair or feathers, 
 and set on a foundation of coarse fibrous and weedy material. It mea- 
 sures about three inches across by two deep, and generally presents a 
 pretty firm brim of circularly disposed fibres. It is i)laced on trees. 
 The eggs are commonly four in number, about 0.70 by 0.50, of tlie usual 
 shai)e, white, speckled and spotted with diflerent shades of brown, 
 usually tending to wreathe around the larger end, sometimes generally 
 distributed. 
 
 As its name implies, the Pine-creeping Warbler is partial to coniferous 
 woods, but by no means confined to such forests ; in fact I have observed 
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70 SEIURUS AUEOCAPILLUS, GOLDEN-CROWNED THRUSH. 
 
 it in almost every situatipa in whicli any Warbler could be expected. 
 Mr. Allen has accurately indicated tbe variability of its resorts : " During 
 the last weeks of April and the early part of May, they frequent open 
 fields, obtaining much of their iood from the ground, associating with 
 D. palmarum, and at this time closely resembling it in habits. A little 
 later they retire to the pine forests, where they almost exclusively re- 
 main during summer, keeping mostly in the tops of the taller trees. 
 During a few weeks, about October 1st, they again come about the or- 
 chards and fields." This note refers to Massachusetts. In Florida, where 
 the same writer found it abundant in winter, he states that it is much 
 on the ground at that season, and that it comes into full song in Febru- 
 ary, from which latter circumstance we may conclude it is then pairing. 
 The song is rather weak and monotonous — a chirring trill, insuscepti- 
 ble of adequate translation into words; and during most of the year 
 only a slight chirp is heard. The bird is of a sociable if not gregarious 
 nature, usually going in straggling comijanies of its own kind, and often 
 mixing with Titmice, Kinglets, and Nuthatches, the whole throng gaily 
 and amicably flitting through the shady woods, scrambling incessantly 
 on and all around the branches of the trees in eager, restless quest of 
 their minute insect food. 
 
 ^^ SEIUEUS AUEOCAPILLUS, (Linn.) Sw. .■'- 
 Golden-crowned Thrnsh; Orange-crowned Accentor. 
 
 Motacilla mirocapiUa, Lixx., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 334.— Gji., op. cit. 1788, 982. 
 
 Tardus aurocapillus, Lath., IdiI. Oru. ii, 1790, 328. — WiLS., Am. Orn. iii, 1810, 88, pi. 14, 
 f. 2.— NiTT., Man. i, 1832, 355.— AuD., Dm. Biog. ii, 1834, 2.53, pi. 143. 
 
 Sylvia aurocapiUa, Bp., Journ. Phila. Acad, iv, 1826, 35; Syn. 1828, 77. 
 
 Heiurus aurocapillus, Sw., Zool. Journ. iii, 1827, 171. — Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 227. — 
 D'Oebig., La Sagra's Cuba, 1840, 55.— AuD., B. Am. iii, 35, pi. 148.— Bd., B. N. 
 A. 1858, 260; Rev. 18G5, 214.— MooEB, P. Z. S. 1859, 55 (Houdurae).— JIaxim., 
 J. f. 0. 1858, 177.— Jones, Berm. 27.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 160.— Hoy, Suiiths. 
 Rep. 1864, 437 ( Missouri).— Sumich., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 547 (Orizaba, &c.).— 
 Lawr., Ann. Lye. ix, 1868, 94 (Costa Rica); 1869, 200 (Yucatan).— Dall & 
 Bamx., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 268 (Alaslia, breeding).— ScL., P. Z. S. 1856, 2l!3 
 (Cordova).— SalliS, ibid. 1857, 231 (St. Domingo). — Newtox, Ibis, i, 1842 (Santa 
 Cruz).— Cab., J. f. O. iii, 471 (Cuba).— GosSE, B. Jam. 7C2.— Scl., P. Z. S. 1861; 
 70.— Cab., J. f. 0. 1H61, 80 (Costa Eica).— Salv., P. Z. S. 1870, 164 (Cbiriqui).— 
 Allex, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 269 (Florida, wintering). — Allex, op. eii. iii, 1872, 
 125 (Eastern Kansas, May). — CouES, Key, 1872, 105, fig. 45; and of all late 
 United States writers. 
 
 Accentor aurocapillus, Rich., List, 1837. 
 
 EnicocicWa aurocapilla, Gray. 
 
 Henicocichla aurocapilla, Cab.— GrxDL., J. f 0. 1861, 326 (Cuba).— ScL., Cat. 1862, 25; 
 P. Z. S. 1870, 836 (Honduras). 
 
 lurdus coronatus, Vieh-l., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 8, pi. 64. 
 
 Hah. — Eastern Province North America ; west to Platte and XcUowstone, and thence 
 to Alaska. Winters sparingly in Florida and along Gulf coast, but the greater number 
 enter the West Indies, Mexico, and Central America (numerous quotations). Mazatlan. 
 Breeds almost throughout its North American range. 
 
 Lieutenant Wairen's Expedition. — 4714,4717, month of Pl.atte River; 4715, Bald Island ; 
 4716, James River; 4718^29, Vermilion River; .5257, Medicine River. 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition. 
 
 Chiefly characteristic of the Eastern Province. Audubon's Columbia 
 Eiver reference has never been contirmed, but is by no means improba- 
 bly correct, since we have the bird from Denver, Colorado, from near 
 the Yellowstone, and in Alaska. The extralimital quotations are both 
 numerous and diversified, showing how generally dispersed the species 
 is at that season, and how far south it proceeds. It is one of our most 
 abundant woodland birds in summer, noted for its loud, monotonous 
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SEIURUS NOVEBOEACENSIS, WATER THRUSH. 71 
 
 notes, for its habit of rambling and scratching on the ground, among 
 fallen leaves, like a Towhee, and for its curious arched-oVer nest. Upon 
 its arrival in the Middle States, about the second week in April, it is 
 shy and silent for a week or two, as if getting accustomed to its new 
 resorts J when, grown bolder, it no longer courts concealment, but 
 mounts the lower boughs of the trees in the open woodland, and its loud 
 harsh notes fill the air. There is nothing of the half-aquatic na,ture of 
 its relatives in this bird ; it prefers dry woods, especially where there is 
 a thick undergrowth. Its uest is placed on the ground, usually among 
 dead leaves, on an incliued surface, and though usually arched over, with 
 a lateral opening, is often of simpler construction. It is built of leaves, 
 moss, and dried grasses; the eggs are four or five in number, white, 
 speckled with reddish-brown. Probably more than one brood is reared 
 each season ; the youug, almost from the first, are quite like the parents, 
 excepting that the orange-brown is not so bright. The species is very 
 constant in Size and coloring. 
 
 2 «5/'sEIUEUS NOVEBOEACENSIS, (Gm.) Nutt. -f - 
 
 r 
 
 Water Thrush. 
 
 Motaa.Ua novcboracensis, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 958. 
 
 Sylvia noveioi-aeeiisis, Lath., lud. Oro. ii, 1790, 518. — Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 26, 
 pi. 8i.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 77. 
 
 Inrdiis (Seimnis) novehoi-acenm, NoTT., Man i, 1832, 353. 
 
 Seiurus novehoracensis, Bp., Comij. and Geog. List, 1838. — Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 306. — 
 
 Aqd., Syn. 1839, 93. — Add., B. Am. iii, 37 (iu part; confounds it with S. ludo- J^ 
 vkiaiius).—Bj)., B. 2Sr. A. 1858, 261 ; Rev. 1865, 215.— Dall & B.\NX., Tr. Chic. , ' ' 
 Acad, i, 1869.— Hayd., Rep. 1832, 160.— Coop., Am. Nat. iii, 1862, 32 (Hell ' 
 Gate).— Sdmich., Mem. Bost. See. i, 1869, 547 (Orizaba).— Lawk., Ann. Lye. - 
 
 1863, 94 (Costa Rica) ; 1869, 200 (Yucatan) CouES, Key, 1872, 106, pi. 2, figs. 
 
 9, 10, 11 ; and of late United States writers. 
 
 Henicocichla noveioracensis, Cab., Sohomb. Guiana, iii, 1848, 666; Mns. Heiu. 1851, 16; 
 
 J. f. 0. 1860, 324.— Sol., Cat. 1851, 25.— Gundl., J. f. 0. 1861, .326.— ScL. & Sal^., ' ' > 
 P. Z. S. 1869, 251 (Venezuela).— ScL., P. Z. S. 1870, 836 (Honduras). ,'^ •-. 
 
 3nicocicMa nmeboracensia, Ghay, Genera of Birds. ^ 
 
 Turclus aquaiiciis, WiLS., Am. Oru. iii, 1811, 66, pi. 23, f. 5. — AuD., Orn. Biog. v, 1839,' ■ ■ 
 284, pi. 433. 
 
 Seiurus aquaiicus, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 229, pi. 43. V, < » 
 
 Sylvia antlwides, Vieill., Nour. Diet. d'H. N. 1817, 208. / 
 
 Seiurus tenuiroslris, Sw., Phil. Mag. i, 1827, 369. — Gaiib., Pr. Phila. Acad, i, 1843, 261. ' 
 
 Seiurus sulfurascens, D'Orbig., La Sagra's Cuba, Ois. 1840, 57, pi. 6. 
 
 Seiurus gossli, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 308. 
 
 "(1)Antlius Vherminieri, Less., Rev. Zool. 1839, 101." 
 
 Hai. — Eastern North America, straggling westward along the United States Bound- 
 ary to Montana (Coojjec) and Washington Territory. Alaska. Arizona. Mexico. West 
 Indies. Central America. Northern South America. 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition.— ilii, 4818, mouth of Vermilion River. 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Eaynolds' Expedition. 
 
 Formerly supposed to belong to the Eastern Province, this bird has 
 later been shown to inhabit so many other portions of North America, 
 that it may fairly be inferred that it occurs also iu the remaining locali- 
 ties whence, simply through lack of observations, it has not been re- 
 corded. I inspected, when working up the birds of the Northwest 
 Boandary Survey, some of the first western specimens, taken in Wash- 
 ington Territory. Mr. Dall has shown its occurrence in Alaska, and 
 others throughout Britisli America, quite to the Arctic Ocean. Dr. 
 Cooper found it 'in Idaho. The extralimital quotations are numerous 
 and almost universal. It is a very abundant species in the Eastern 
 United States, and has a very extensive breeding range. It winters in 
 Florida and along the Gulf coast, as well as much further south. 
 
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72 SEIURUS LUDGVICIANUS, LARGE-BILLED WATER THRUSH. 
 
 Several nests with eggs are in the Smithsonian, from various arctic 
 localities, as Fort Yukon and La Pierre House. They appear to have 
 been built on the ground, and are composed chiefly of moss, compactly 
 matted and mixed with little sticks and straws — in one instance with a 
 la;rge amount of disintegrating fibrous material, circularly woven. The 
 eggs, four or five in number, measure from 0.75 by 0.58 to 0.82 by 0.60 ; 
 they are pure white, probably with a rosy blush when fresh, speckled 
 all over, but most thickly at and around the larger end, with various 
 shades of reddish and darker brown, with lilac or lavender. In some 
 the markings are all in fine dots ; in others they constitute larger spots, 
 often confluent in a wreath. The nests are about four inches across 
 by twa-thirds as much in depth. 
 
 SEIUEUS LUDOVICIANUS, (Aud.) Bd. 
 
 Large-1)llled Water Tbrash. 
 
 (?) Turdus motacilla, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 9, pi. 65 (almost certainly). 
 
 Seiurus motacilla, Bp., Consp. Av., i, 1850, 306 (quotes Vieill. and queries Aud.). 
 
 Senicocichla motacilla, Cab., J. f. 0. 1857, 240 (Cuba). — Gundl., ibid. 1861, 326. 
 
 Turdus ludovicianus. Add., O. B. i, 1832, 99, pi. 19. (In Syn., unites it with novuboraeenais.) 
 
 Seiurus ludorieianua, Bp., List, 1838.— Bu., B. N. A. 1858, 262, pi. 80, fig. 2.— SCL., P. Z. S. 
 1859, 363(Xalapa); 1859, 373 (Oaxaca) ; 1861, 70 (Jamaica).— ScL. & Salv., 
 Ibis, ii, 1860, 273 (Guatemala).— Bd., Rev. 1864, 217 (Colima, &c.).— Codes & 
 Pkent., Smiths. Rep. 1881, 407 (Washington, common April and Mav). — Lawr., 
 Ann. Lye. viii, 1866, 284 (New York) ; ix, 1868, 94 (Costa Rica).— Salv., P. Z. 
 S. 1870, 181.- Codes, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 271 (probably in Southern New 
 England). — Codes, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 110 (South Carolina). — Ali.e>:, Am. 
 Nat. iii, 1869, 577 (Massachusetts, two instances). — Tdknb., B. E. Pa. 1889, 17 
 ("not rare"). — Sxow, B. Kans.— Scott, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872 (West Virginia). — 
 Codes, Key, 1872, 106, pi. 2, fig. 8). 
 
 Henieocichla ludoviciana, ScL., Cat. 1862, 25 (Orizaba). 
 
 Senicocichla major, Cab., Mus. Hein. i, 1850, 16 (Salapa). 
 
 Hab. — Eastern United States. North to Massachusetts (Allen) aud Michigan (Baird). 
 West to Kansas (Snow) and the Wachita River (Clark). Cuba and Jamaica. Various 
 Mexican localities. Guatemala. 
 
 I still endorse the specific validity of this bird, having seen no specimens I could not 
 at once distinguish from novehoracensis. Mr. Allen seems to incline to the contrary view. 
 Audubon, plate 19 of the folio edition, represents it unmistakably, and his letter-press 
 seems to be based chiefly upon it, but in the Synopsis, and in the octavo reprint, ho 
 unites the synonymy, descrijition and biography of the two species. Vicillot's figure 
 and description point here so unmistakably, that it may be found necessary to call the 
 species Seiurus motacilla. 
 
 For the appearance of this species in the present connection, we have 
 the authority of Prof. Snow, who found it in Kansas, and murks it in 
 his list as breeding there. Dr. Cooper obtaiued a specimen in Missouri. 
 I have myself only met with it in the District of Columbia, where, with 
 Dr. Prentiss, I found it to be not at all uncommon. We gave the follow- 
 ing note: "From the 20th of April to the lOfch of May, it may always 
 be obtaiued, by an acute collector, in the dense laurel brakes which 
 border the banks of, aud fill the ravines leading into, Eock Creek and 
 Piney Branch. We think we have seen it in June, which would prove 
 it to breed here, as is, indeed, very probable. We have not detected it 
 in the fall. It is usually very shy, darting at once into the most impen- 
 etrable brakes, but we have sometimes seen it quite the reverse, aud 
 have shot a pair, one after the other, as they sat in full view before us, 
 unconcernedly wagging their tails. We have nearly always found it in 
 pairs, even as early as April 20th. Its note is a sparrow-like chirp, lik« 
 that made by striking two pebbles together, but it has also a loud, most 
 beautiful and melodious song, the singularity of which first drew our 
 attention to it." 
 
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OPOROKNIS FORMOSUS, KENTUCKY WARBLER. 73 
 
 I am informed by a letter from Mr. Maynard, that the species has been 
 found in great abundance in West Virginia. Tliis was before publica- 
 tion of the fact by Mr. W. D. Scott, who found it abundant in Kanawha 
 County, "in damp places generally, mainly along the edges of the river." 
 
 My anticipation of its occurrence in Massachusetts has since been uu- 
 questiouably confirmed by Mr. Allen, who mentions two instances of its 
 capture in tuat State. 
 
 The Large-billed Water Thrush has been found breeding on the Wa- 
 chita Eiver, where the nest and eggs were secured by Mr. J. H. Clark, 
 and at the Kiowa Agency, where Dr. Palmer also procured them. The 
 one of these two nests in the best condition was built upon a layer of 
 leaves, apparently upon the ground, composed otherwise entirely of root- 
 lets and fine grasses. The other contained five eggs ; they are more 
 globular than any of those of S. noveboracensis 1 have seen, but not oth- 
 erwise different ; and other sets would probably not be distinguishable. 
 The roundest oue of them measures only 0.69 by 0.59. 
 
 OPOEOENIS FOEMOSUS, (Wils.) Bd. 
 
 Eentncky WarWer. 
 
 Sjjlma formosa, Wils., Am. Orn. iii, lyu, 85, pi. 25, f. 3.— Bp., Obs. Wils. 125.— Bp., Syn. 
 1828, 34.— Nu-rr., Man. i, 1832, 399.— AuD., Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 196, pi. -iti. 
 
 St/lvicola formosa, Jard., ed. Wils. 1832. — Rich., List, 1837. — Bp., List, 1838. — JIaxi.m., 
 J. f. O. vi, 1858, 113. 
 
 Myiodiocies formosus, AuD., Syn. 1839, 50. — AuD., B. Am. ii, 1841, 19, pi. 74. — Bp., Consp. 
 i, 1850, 315.— Lemb., Aves Cubte, 1850, 37.— Gundl., J. f.'O. 1861, 32() (Cuba). 
 
 Si/lrania formosa, Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 70 (Tesas and Indian Territory). 
 
 O^orornis formosus, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, L'47 ; Rev. 1864. 218.— SCL. & Salv., Ibis, i, 1859, 
 10 (Guatemala).— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. vii, 62 (Panama).— Sol., P. Z. S. 1862, 
 19 (Plava Vicente, Mex.).— Scl., Cat. 1862, 28.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Eep. 
 1860, No. 69.— COUES & Peent., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 406 (Washington, D. C, 
 breeding). — Lawk., Ann. Lyo. N. Y'. viii, 1866, 284 (New York) ; ix, 186S, 94 
 (Costa Rica). — Cooes, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 269.— Codes, Pr. Bost. Soc. sii, 
 1868, 110 (South Carolina, mig.-atory).— Turnb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 16 (in sum- 
 mer).— Coitbs, A. N. V, 1871, 197 (Kansas).— RiDGW., ibid. 1672, 431 (Illinois).— 
 AxLEN, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 125, 175 (Kansas).- Snow, B. Kans. 5.— ScoTr, 
 Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872 (breeding in West Virginia). — Coues, Key, 1872, 106, fig. 46. 
 
 Trichas (Sylvicola) formosa, Hor, Smiths. Rep. 1864, 438 (Missouri). 
 
 "(f)Syh-ia wqiiinoctialiSjViEiLi.., O. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 26, pi. 81 (Pennsylvania; nccGJi.)." 
 
 Salt. — Eastern United States. North to the Connecticut Valley. West to Kansas 
 and the Indian Territory. Missouri (Hoy). South to Guatemala and Panama. Cuba. 
 Breeds in most of its United States range. Winters extraliniital. 
 
 This beautiful species is perhaps more abundant in the Mississippi 
 Valley than elsewhere, and ascends the Missouri to Lea\eii worth at least, 
 if not further. I observed it near Fort Eiley, in Kansas, in May, and 
 Allen found it breeding at the same season, the nest being nearly com- 
 pleted by the middle of the month. According to Dr. Woodhouse, it is 
 "common in Tesas and the Indian Territory, frequenting the borders of 
 streams whose banks are covered with low bushes, procuring its insect 
 prey," which Audubon remarks consists largely of spiders, as that of 
 0. agilis also does. Its unusual abundance in Southern Illinois is at- 
 tested by Mr. Eidgway. Earlier accounts — even those down to the date 
 of Baird's Eevie-n' — placfed the Atlantic coast limit at Maryland, but since 
 then the species has been traced to the borders of ]S!"ew England. I 
 have several specimens, shot about Washington. D. C, where I occa- 
 sionally observed the bird, always in the low shrubbery to which it is so 
 evidently partial, and generally in places near water. Its song I have 
 never heard, the only note with which it ever saluted me being the or- 
 dinary chirp. I am not aware that the species has been traced up the 
 
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74 GEOTHLTPIS TEICHAS, MARYLAND YELLOW-THEOAT. 
 
 Mississippi Valley beyond the Missouri, where Dr. Hoy found it in great 
 abundance in the western part of the State. He says: "They live and 
 nest in the underbrush, the male occasionally bopping upon a low branch 
 of a tree to pour forth his whittishee, whittishee, repeated two or three 
 times, then disappearing in the tangled brash. This song is so preciselj' 
 like that of the Yellow-throat, that it requires a practiced ear to distin- 
 guish the one from the other." 
 
 The nest, says Audubon, "is small, beautifully constructed, and 
 usually attached to several stems of rank weeds. The outer parts are 
 formed of the bark of stalks of the same weeds, in a withered state, 
 mixed with a finer kind, and some cottony substances. It is beautifully 
 lined with the cottony or silky substance that falls from the cotton-wood 
 tree. The eggs are from four to six, of a pure white color, finely sprink- 
 led with bright red dots." Two nests before me, taken early in June, in 
 Georgia and Kansas, respectively, differ somewhat from such a one as 
 Audubon describes. One of them appears to have lost an outer part it 
 probably had ; the other, complete, is a large bulky structure, five or 
 six iuches across, composed externally of a mass of dried leaves and 
 small sticks; the lining is of fine rootlets. The eggs are as Audubon 
 says — the fine dotting occurs sparsely all over the surface, but most 
 thickly at and around the larger end, and besides the reddish sprinkling 
 there are other dots of neutral tint. Dimensions 0.G8 by 0.5.3. 
 
 ^' GEOTHLTPIS TEICHAS, (Linn.) Cab. 
 
 Maryland Tellow-tlii'oat. 
 
 TiirAm ti-ichas, Lixx., Syst. Nat. i, 1763, 2D3.— Gjr., op. cit. 13tU ed. 1783, 811. 
 
 Syhia trichas, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 519. — Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 28, pis. 
 28, 29.— XCTT., Man. i, 1832, 401.— AuD., Oru. Biog. i, 1832, 120; v, 1839, 463, 
 pis. 23, 240.— D'OrisIG., Sagra.s Cuba. 1840, 67. 
 
 Geo'thlypis trichas, Cab., Mus. Heiu. ISM, 16.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 241 ; Rev. 1835, 220.— 
 Coop. & Suck., X. H. Wash. Ter. 1830, 177.— Gundl., J. f. O. 1851, 32o.— .SCL., 
 Cat. A. B. 1882, 27.— Hayd., Eep. 1862, 160.— March. Pr. Phila. Acad. 1863, 
 2<)3.— Lord, Pr. Roy. Arty. Inst. Wool, iv, 1864, 115.— JoxKS, Nat. Berm. 29.— 
 CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 69 (Arizona).— L.4.wii., Ann. Lye. ix. 1^68, 94 
 (Coste Rica) ; 1869, 200 (Yucatan).— Scl., P. Z. S. 1870, 838 (Honduras).— Coop., 
 B. Cal. 1870, 95.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 463.— Merr., ibid. 1872, 
 674.— ALLEiST, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 175.— Allen, op. cit. ii, 1871, 259.— Aikex, 
 Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 197 (Black Hills).- CouES, Key, 1872, 107, fig. 47 ; also of 
 all Eastern United States writers. 
 
 Ficedula trichas and marilandica of Brissox'. 
 
 Sylvia manlandica, WiLS., Am. Orn. i, 1808, 88, pi. 6, f. 1, and ii, 163, pi. 18, f. 4.— Bp., 
 Svn. 1828, 85. 
 
 Trichas marilandica, Bp., List, 1838 ; Consp. i, 1850, 310.— AuD., Syn. 1-^39, 65 ; B. Am. 
 ii, 1841, 78, pi. 102.— WooDH., Sitgr. Eep. 1853, 71.— Hoy, Smiths. Rep. 1864, 438. 
 
 Segiilus mystaceiis, Steph., Shaw's Gen. Zool. xiii, 1626, 232. 
 
 Trichas personattis, Sw., Zool. .lourn. iii, 1827, 16. 
 
 Trichas brachydactylus, Sw., An. in Men. 1838, 295. 
 
 Sylvia roscoe. Add., Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 124, pi. 24. 
 
 Trichas roccoe, Nutt., Man. i, 2d ed. 1840, 457. 
 
 Trichas deUifitldii, Heeum., P. E. E. Eep. s, 1859, 40 (whether of Aulmbou 1) 
 
 Hah. — The whole of the Uuited States, and South through Mexico and most of the West 
 Indies, to Guatemala. Breeds Ihroughont its United States range, andwinters spar- 
 ingly on our southern horder. Eesident individuals of Mexico constitute var. mclanops 
 (G. melanops, Bd., Rev. 1865, 222). Those resident in the Bahamas form an insular race 
 rostratns {G. rostratus, Bryajs'T, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1866, 67): (See EiDGW., Am. Journ. Sci. 
 1872, 458.) 
 
 List of specimens. 
 
 19340 
 
 .... 
 
 (No locality)--. 
 
 .... 
 
 (Notdated).- 6. H. Trook 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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MOURNING WARBLER. 75 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4674-5, "Nebraska;" 8834-37, Loup Pork. . ' '- 
 
 Later Expeditions. — 60426, La Bontc Creek ; 62343-4, Utah and Jloiitana. "' '/ '■' 
 
 Excellent analytical accounts of the species ol' this genus have been given by Baird, ■." ■ 
 Rev. 219-2:i>-^, and by Salvin, Ibis, 1872, 147-152; wUilo later, Mr. Ridgway, as .-ibove ;. 
 cited, has furnished an admirable synthesis, showing the rciations of the forms ■which -' '-' 
 other writers had differentiated, and thus managing to reduce the eleven or twelve ^^Ot!_ 
 current species to five. The connection between climate and color is proven to be a^ iJ 
 relation of cause and effect. ' '■ 
 
 GEOTHLYPIS PHILADELPHIA, (Wils.) Bd. 
 
 Mourning Warbler. 
 
 a. Philadelphia. 
 
 Sijlvia iMlachlpliia, Wils., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 101, pi. xiv, f. 6.— Bp., Sva. 1828, 85.— 
 NiJTT., Man. i, lel3-2, 404.— AuD., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 78. 
 
 Triclms pliiladelpUa, Jard., ed. Wils. 1832.— Rici-i., List, 1837.— Bp., List, 1838.— Bp., 
 Cousp. i, 1850, 310.— Remh., Vid. Med. 1853,73; Ibis, 1861, 6 (Greenland).— 
 Tmppk, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871 (Minnesota, breeding abundantly). — Hoy, Smiths. 
 Eep. 1804, 438 (Western Missouri, breeding). 
 
 Gcothliipiii phUaddphia, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 243, pi. 79, f. 3 ; Rev. 18G5, 226.— Lawk., Ann. 
 Lye. N. Y. 1861, 322 (Panama).— SCL., Cat. 1862,27 (Orizaba).— Allen, Pr. Ess. 
 lu.st. iv, 1834, 59 (Massachusetts, rare). — Haml., Rep. Sec'y Maine Board Agxic. 
 1865, p. — (Waterville, Me., breeding).— McIlwr., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 85 
 (H,-irailton, C. W., very rare).— Lawk., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1806, 283 (New 
 York) ; ix, 1838, 94 (Costa Rica). — CouES, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 269 (rare suui- 
 luer resident in New England). — CouES, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1888, 110 (South 
 Carolina, rare, migratory).— Turnb., B. E. Pa. 1839, 16 (rare, particularly in 
 autumn). — Mayn., Guide, 1870, 99 (Massachusetts, rare). — Mays., Pr. Bost. Soc. 
 xiv, 1871 (breeding commonly at Umbagog). — Allkn, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 
 126 (Topeka, Kaus., in May). — Snow, B. Kans. 5.— Salv., Ibis, Apr. 1872. — 
 RiDGW., Am. Journ. Sei. 18/2, 459. — Coues, Kej', 1872, 107. 
 
 b. macglUivrayi. 
 
 Si/h-ia macgillirrayi. AuD., Orn. Biftg. v, 1839, 75, pi. 399, figs. 4, 5. 
 
 'J liclias macf/illirrayi, AVD., Syn. 1839, 64; B. Am. ii, 1841, 74. pi. 100. — Bp., Consp. i, 
 1850, 310. 
 
 Syhicola macqillivrayi, Maxim., J. f. 0. vi, 1858, 118. 
 
 Geothhjpis viaeqiUirraiji, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 244, pi. 99, f. 4; Rev. 18S5, 227.— Sex., P. Z. 
 S. 1859, 363, 373 (Xalapa, Oaxaca) ; Cat. 1862, 27 (Guatemala).— Cab., J. f. O. 
 1861, 84 (Costa Rica).— L.uvR., Ann. Lye. ix, 1863, 94 (Costa. Rica).- Coop. & 
 Si-CK., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 177.— Coues, Pr. Pliila. Acad. 1866, 70 (Arizona).- 
 Coop., Am. Nat. iii, 1869. 32 (Rocky Mountains) ; Pr. Cal. Acad. 1S7II, 75 (Col- 
 or.ado River) ; B. Cal. i, 1870, 96.— Salv., Ibis, 1872, 148.— Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. 
 1872, 197 (Black Hills).- Cuui:s, Key, 1872, 107. 
 
 GeotMypis Philadelphia var. maerjiUirrayi, Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, July, 1872, 175 
 (mountains of Colorado, below 9,000 feetl. — Ridgw., Am. Journ. DeL-. 1872. 459. 
 
 Sylvia tolmiosi, Towns., Journ. Phila. Acad, viii, 1839 (1640), 139, 159; Narr. 1839, 343. 
 
 Trichas tolmioei, Nutt., Man. i, 2d ed. 1840, 460. 
 
 Triehas vegeta, Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 310 (based on 5'i/h'(rt W(?c(a, LiciiT., Mus. Berol; cf. 
 C.U3., J. f. O. 1861, 84). 
 
 Sat. — The typical form in the Eastern Province of North America, north regul.arly 
 to the British provinces, casually to Gieeulaud. South to Costa Rica, Panama and Bo- 
 gota. West to Kansas. No record of wintering iu the United States, the West Indies 
 or Mexico. Breeds in New England. The var. macijillivraiii from the Middle and West- 
 ern Provinces, north to British Columbia; east to Colorado aud Laramie. Winters iu 
 Mexico and Central America. Breeds in all its United States range. 
 
 Later EqiedUions. — 60700, Box Elder Creek (var. maegillivrayi). 
 
 Although iu the Key I kept Macgillivray's Warbler specifically separate from the 
 Mourning Warbler, I am now prepared to .agree with Mr. Allen iu rankiug it as a geo- 
 graphical race of the latter. Mr. Ridgway has also adopted the same viesv, njion his 
 iudependent investigations. He shows some additional characters of general applica- 
 bility, besides the presence of white eyelids in the western bird ; this form being longer- 
 tailed (2.25 to 2..50 instead of 2.00 to 2.15), with darker lores, the black cuntrasting with 
 the ash and white of contiguous parts, and the black centres of the pectoral feathers 
 ne\er forming a continuous blotch, as is the case with higher-plumaged specimens of 
 Philadelphia. 
 
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7G GEOTHLYPIS PHILADELPHIA, MOURNING WARBLER, 
 
 In tbe East, it is the nearly unanimons testimony of observers tbat 
 the Mourning Warbler is rare. It is, moreover, a particularly sby and 
 retiring bird, courting the privacy of dense shrubbery, and quiet in its 
 ■ways; so that even were it common it might ordinarily elude observa- 
 tion. It seems also to migrate rapidly, as well as stealthily. Mr. May- 
 nard is one of the few naturalists fortunately enabled to use the word 
 "common" in speaking of this bird from his personal observations; he 
 found it so at Umbagog, where it was breeding, in June; and states 
 that Mr. C. W. Brewster took newly-fledged young at Franconia, "in 
 spring." "It frequents," he continues, "the bushes along fences, stone- 
 walls, and the edges of woods. The male may be seen in the early 
 morning perched on the top rail of a fence, or dead branch of a tree, 
 singing. The song is loud and clear, somewhat resembling that of the 
 Water Thrush." 
 
 It is perhaps more abundant than anywhere else, in the breeding 
 season, along the Red River, between Dakota and Minnesota, but I 
 never saw it further west. It frequents the dense shrubbery along the 
 banks of the river, and is rather difficult to observe, the female especially. 
 But the male often mounts quite high in the trees overhead, singing, 
 during the mating season and while the female is incubating. The nest 
 must be very carefully concealed, for after repeated close search in places 
 where I knew there was a nest, I never succeeded in finding one. 
 
 Mr. T. Martin Trippe has been equally successful in making the ac- 
 quaintance of this species, finding it breeding abundanth' in Minnesota. 
 "The .Mourning Warbler haunts the edges of the tamarack swamjis and 
 the damp thickets that adjoin them. I made frequent search tor the 
 nest, but was not fortunate enough to find it, though I repeatedly saw 
 the old birds feeding the young in the latter part of Jun^and early iu 
 July. They are similar iu their habits to the Maryland Yellow-throat, 
 but are not so exclusively devoted to thickeCs and underbrush, frequently 
 ascending to the tops of the tamaracks, for which they show a great 
 predilection." The author speaks of the "agreeable" song, and, like 
 the one just quoted, compares it to that of the Water Thrush. 
 
 Both forms of this species occur in the Missouri region — one entering 
 Kansas from the East, the other reaching Laramie iu the opposite direc- 
 tion. [Macgillivray's Warbler appears to be more abundant than its east- 
 ern representative, and more generally diffused during the breeding 
 season. I found it to be a common though not abundant summer resi- 
 dent in the mountainous parts of Arizona, where it arrived late in April 
 and departed in September. My specimens were procured with some 
 difficulty, owing to the closeness of its coverts and its secretive habits, 
 which are just the same as those of Philadelphia. Dr. Cooper notes its 
 arrival in the Colorado Valley, at Mojave, at the same time, but very 
 pertinently observes they probably came there earlier, since he had found 
 them on the Columbia River by the third of May. He describes a nest 
 that he found at Puget's Sound, in June, as being built without attempt 
 at concealment, about a foot above the ground, in a small bush, and 
 formed wholly of dry grasses, rather loosely put together. The eggs, he 
 states, are white, speckled with reddish. 
 
 Mr. Allen sends me a pleasant manuscript note: "The western race 
 of the ^Mourning Warbler (Qeothlypis Philadelphia var. ntacgillivrayi), or 
 Macgillivray's Warbler, is a common summer inhabitant of the mount- 
 ains of Colorado, from the base of the foot hills up to about 9,C00 feet. 
 On Bear and Turkey Creeks it was the most numerous representative 
 of the Sylvicolidm, keeping chiefly in the thick shrubbery bordering tbe 
 streams. Although its sweet notes were heard at frequent intervals, its 
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ICTEEIA VIEENS, YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT. 77 
 
 very retiring habits rendered it a ratlaer difficult species to secure. Oc- 
 casionally, however, a male would mount to the highest point of the 
 thicket to ponr forth his warbling melody, almost unrivalled in sweet- 
 ness by that of any other of the forest songsters." 
 
 The nest is a rather slight but neat structure, placed on the ground, 
 composed of various soft fibrous materials and iine grasses, mostly cir- 
 cular arranged, lined with fine I'ootlets. The eggs, judging from several 
 sets before me, collected by Mr. Ridgway, lack the sharp speckling of 
 reddish-brown found mostly throughout this family, being variously 
 blotched, in an entirely irregular manner, with very dark brown, and 
 smirched with several shades of lighter dirty brown, together with some 
 obscure neutral shell-markings ; the ground is white, as usual. Extremes 
 of size and shape which have offered, are 0.70 by 0.50 and 0.C5 by 0.52. 
 
 ICTBKIA VIEENS, (Linn.) Bd. 
 TellOTv-breastcd Cliat. 
 
 a. virens. 
 
 Tiirdns virens, Linn., Syat. Nat. i, IT.'iS, 171. 
 
 Icteria virens, Bd., Eev. 1865, 228. — Sumich., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 54. — L.vwr., Ann. 
 Lye. is, 1868, 95 (Costa Rica) ; ix, 1869, 200 (Yucatan).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. 
 iii, 1872, 175.— COUE.S, Key, 1872, 108, fig. 48. 
 
 Muscicapa viridls, Gm., Svst. Nnt. i, 1788, 936. 
 
 Icteria viridis, Bp., Oba. Wils. 1828 ; Syn. 1828, G9 ; List, 1838^ Consp. Av. i, 1850, 331.— 
 NUTT., Man. Orn. i, 1832, 299.— Aitd., Oru. Biog. ii, 1834, 223 ; v, 1839, 433, pi. 
 137; Syn. 1839, 163; B.' Am. ir, IGO, pi. 244.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 73.— 
 JBd., B. N. a. 1858, 248 ; and of late local writers.— Hoy, Smiths. Rep. 1864, 437 
 (Missouri, breeding). — Coop., Am. Nat., Aug. 1869 (Fort Union, breeding). — SCL., 
 P. Z. S. 1870, 836 (Honduras).— Cai!., J. f. O. viii, 403 (Costa Eica). 
 
 Icteria dumicola, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1897, 85, pi. 55. 
 
 Pipi-a pohjfjlotta, Wils., Am. Orn. i, 1808, 90, pi. 6, f. 2. 
 
 (?) Icteria auricoUis, LiCHT. — Bp., Consp. Av. 1800, 331. 
 
 (?) Icteria velasquezii, Bp., P. Z. S. 1837, 117 ; Consp. 1850, 331.— SCL. & Salv., 1859, 12. 
 
 b. longicauda. 
 
 Icteria longicauda, Lawe., Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. N. Y. vl, 1863, 4. — Newb., P. R. E. Eep. 
 vi, 1857, 81.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 249, pi. 34, f. 2.— Heerm., P. E. R. Eep. x, 1859, 
 55.— Scl., Cat. 1861, 42.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 160.— CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 
 71.— Coop., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1)570, 75.— Coop., B. C:.1. 1870, 98.— Aike.v, Pr. 
 Bost. Soc. 1872, 197 (Colorado).— Merr., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, 674. 
 
 Icteria virens var. longicauda, CoUES, Key, 1872, 108. 
 
 Hah. — The typical form to the high central plains ; thence replaced by the other. 
 True virens north only to Connecticut Valley. 
 
 Lieutenant Wan-en's Expedition. — 4725, •'Nebraska;" 4724, mouth of White River; 
 5304, 5308, 5307, 5310-11, Fort Lookout ; 5306, Little Cheyenne ; 4647-48, Fort Pierre. 
 
 Lata- Expeditions. — 01655-59, Ogden, Utah; 61794, Devil's Creek, Idaho. "\'ar. 
 longicauda. 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Eaynolds' Expedition. 
 
 It has proven impossible to distinguish the several supposed species enumerated in 
 the above synonymy. Nevertheless, I am at present indisposed to folloTv Dr. Cabanis 
 to the length of uniting them all without varietal qu.alification. In the dryer portions 
 of the Western United States the species becomes, like other birds of that region,' less 
 highly colored, the olive taking a grayish cast noticeably dilTereut from the rich clear '^ 
 shade of Eastern specimens. This change is accompanied by an increase in ai-ernge 
 length of tail, although this feature does not always obtain. I predicate a var. longi- 
 caiula upon this basis. Dr.' Ilayden's specimens appear to belong here. There is some 
 uncertainty attaching the determiuatiou of the two described Mexican species ; but as 
 well as I can judge, they are referable to true virens rather than to var. longicauda. 
 
 This is a southern species not exceeding the limits of the "Carolinian 
 Fauna," as defined by Mr. Allen (Bull. M. 0. Z. ii, 1871, 394). A form 
 extends through Mexico to Guatemala. I have seen no AVest Indian 
 references. The bird does not appear to winter anywhere in the United 
 
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78 MYIODIOCTES MITKATUS, HOODED WARBLER. 
 
 States; it breeds tbrougliout its United States range. It is very abun- 
 dant in suitable places in most portions of the Missouri region. Thus 
 Mr. Allen writes: "I never saw it in greater abundance than in and 
 about the woodlands of Eastern Kansas. At Topeka, during the last 
 half of May, it was especially numerous and noisy, several males being 
 almost constantly in view from a single point, hovering in the air in 
 their well-known manner over the low thickets that border the forests 
 along the Kaw River, engaged in musical rivalry. Further westward 
 they occur with more or less frequency along the streams wherever they 
 are skirted with thickets, and also along the partially wooded streams 
 that descend into the plains from the foot-hills of the Eocky Mountains, 
 as well as among the foot-hills up to about 7,800 feet. I also met with 
 them in the vicinity of Cheyenne, and at Ogden, Utah." 
 
 MYIODIOCTES MITRATUS, (Gm.) Aud. 
 Hooiled Fly-catching Warbler. 
 
 Motacilla mitmta, Gm., Syst. Nat. 1, 1788, 977. 
 
 Sylvia mitrata, Lath., IdcI. Orn. ii, 1790, .VjS. — VrEiix., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 23, pi. 
 77.— Bp., Syu. 1828, 79.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 373.— AoD., Orn. Bio<r. ii, 1834, 68. 
 
 Sylcania mitrala, Nutt., JIaii. i; 1840, 2cl ed. 333. — WoODH., Sitgr. Eey. 1853, 09 (Tuxas 
 and Indian Territory). 
 
 Setojyhaga mitrata, .Tard., cd. Wils. 1832. — Gray, Genera of Birds. — D'Orbig., La Sagra'-s 
 Cuba, Ois. 1840, 89. 
 
 misouia mitrata, Bp., List, 1838,23.— All., Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 17r. (Eastern Kansas).— 
 Allex, Pi-. Ess. lust, iv, 1864, 83 (Massacliusetts). — Allkx, Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 
 1868, 516 (Illinois). 
 
 Myiodioctes mitratns, AuD., Svn. 1839, 4S. — Aud., B. Am. ii. 1841, 12, pi. 71. — Bp., Consp. 
 ■i, 1850, 315.-SCL., 'p. Z. S. 18.56, 2^1 (Cordova) ; 1858, 358 (Honduras) ; Cat. 
 1662, 33.— Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 292; Rev. 1805, 239.— ScL. & Salv., Ibis, 1359, 11 
 (Gnatemala).— .JoxK.s, Nat. Bevm. 1859, 26.— Gu.xdl., .T. f. 0. 1861, 326 (Cuba).— 
 Lawr., Ann. Lvc. \m, 63 (Panama). — Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860. — CoUES 
 & Prknt., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 409.— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 284 (near 
 New York, rare, breeding). — CouES, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 275 (Massachusetts 
 and Connecticut). — CnUES, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 110 (South Carolina, mi- 
 gratory). — TuRxr.., B. E. Pa., 1869, 19 (rather rare). — Susiicn., Mem. Bost. Soc. 
 1, 1869i 547 (Orizaba).- Lawr., Ann. Lye. ix, 1869, 200 (Yucatan).— Snow, B. 
 Kans. 1873, 5.— CoUES, Key, 1872, 109, fig. 49. 
 
 SijMcola mitrata, Maxiji., J. f. 0. vi, 1858, 113. 
 
 Mi/ioctonua mitratns, Cab., Mns. Hein. 1850, 18 ; J. f. 0. iii, 1855, 472 (Cuba). 
 
 Muscicajya cucullata, Wils., Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 101, jjI. 26, f. 3. 
 
 ifuscicapa sdbyi, AuD., Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 46, pi. 9. — NuTr., Man. i, 1832, 296. 
 
 Sab. — Eastern United States ; north to the Middle States regularly ; to Couuecticnt 
 {Linsley, Am. Journ. Sci. sliv, 1843, 257) and Massachusetts (Saviuels, App. Secy's Rep. 
 Agric. 1863. p. xxii) rarely. Ohio. West to Kansas (Coo^^C)-, .kZtoi). Bermudas. Cuba. 
 Jamaica. Eastern Mexico, and south to Panama. 
 
 As will be seen by the foregoing, this is essentially a southern bird, 
 the northern limit of which falls short of the United States border. It 
 does not appear to winter anywhere within the United States, which it 
 enters in JIarch, and where it breeds throughout its range. I have 
 rarely met with it in the Atlantic States, where I consider it not com- 
 mon ; but it appears to be more plentiful in the Mississippi Valley. 
 Westward it has been noted in the Indian Territory by Dr. Woodhouse, 
 and in Kansas as far as Fort Leavenworth, which constitutes the limit 
 of its extension as now known, unless the Prince Maximilian's quota- 
 tion, which I have not verified, represents a locality beyond. It is not 
 noted by Mr. Trippe among the birds of Minnesota. Mr. W. D. Scott 
 found it common and breeding in Kanawha County, West Virginia 
 (Pr. Bost. Soc, Oct. 1872). 
 
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MYIODIOpXES PUSILLUS, GREEN BLACK-CAPPED WAEBLER. 79 
 
 MYIODIOCTES PUSILLUS, (Wils.) Bp. ■> 
 Wilson's Green Black-capped Fly-catcliiiig Warbler. 
 
 Muscicapa jmsilhi, Wils.. Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 103, pi. 26. f. 4. 
 
 WUsonia pusilla, Bp., List, 1838, 23 — Alixn, Pr. Ess. lust. i v, 18B4, 64 (Ma.ssaclinsetts, May 
 and Aug., rare; "probably bretds").— Allkn', Bull. M. C. Z. iii, IfJ/i, 175 (Col- 
 orado, to above tiruber-line ; Utab ; Wyomiug). 
 
 Siih-aiiia pusilla. Nurr., Mau. i, 2d uA. 1840, 335. 
 
 Myiodioctcs jm^iUns. Bp., Conap. Av. i, 1850, 315.— Bd., B. N. A. ie."8, 293 (United States, 
 from Atlantic to Pacific; south to Guatemala).— SCL., P. Z. S. 1856, 291 (Cor- 
 dova) ; 1858, 299 (mountaius of Oaxaca, in winter) ; 1859, IVj:! (Xalapa). — SCL. 
 & Salv., Ibis, 1859, 11 (Guatemala).— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. IKiO, 
 182 (Fort Steilacoom, abundant). — Wheat., Obio Agrio. Eup. I860.— Corns & 
 Prent., Smiths. Eop. for 1861 (1862), 409 (migratory).— Verk., Pr. Bost. Soo. 
 1832. 125 ; Pr. Ess. Inst, iii (Maine, summer visitant, uot common). — Bd., Rev. 
 18D4, 240 (various parts of British America, &e.). — Lord, Pr. Roy. Art'y Inst. 
 Wool, iv, 1864, 115 (British Columbia).— CoUE.s, Pr. Pbila. Acad. 18G6 (Arizona, 
 summer resident in mountains). — COUES, Pr. Ess. lust, v, 1838, 274 (New En- 
 gland, migratory, summer, and probably breeding). — Codes, Pr. Bost. Soc. N. 
 H. 1868, 111 (South Carolina, migratory). — Lawk., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 
 285 (New York); is, 1868, 95 (Costa Rica).— TuuNB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 19 (mi- 
 gratorv). — Sumich., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 547 (Vera Cruz, migratory, "every- 
 where'").— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 464.— Mej!R., ibid. 1872, 675.— Daix 
 & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad. 1, 1869, 278 (Alaska, breeding at Sitka).— Coop., Pr. 
 Cal. Acad. 1870, 75; B. Cal. 101.— Aike.n', Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 197 (Colorado).— 
 CouES, Kev, 1872, 109, fig. 50 (North America, at large). 
 
 Mnioctonus pusiUnx". Cab., Mus. Hein. 1851, 18.— Cab., .J. f. O. 1860, 325 (Costa Rica). 
 
 MotuciUa pileolata, Pall., Zoog. R.-A. i, 1811, 497. (Pacific variety.) 
 
 Mijiodioctes p7i.sillus var. pileolata, Ridgw., Am. Journ. Sci. 1872, 457. (A variety.) 
 
 Si/hia ii'ilsonii, Bp., Obs. Wils. 1826, No. 127.— Ndtt., Mau. i, 1832, 408. 
 
 Miiscicapa wilsonii, AuD., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 148, pi. 124. 
 
 Setophaga wilsonii, Jaed., ed. Wils. Am. Orn. 1832. 
 
 Myiodioctes loilsonii, AuD., Syn. i, 1839, 50. — Acid., B. Am. ii, 1841, 21, pi. 75 (Labrador, 
 Newfoiiudlaud). — Putn., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1850, 203 (Massachusetts, summer, rare). 
 
 Sylvania wilsonii, AVooDH., Sitgr. Jiep. 1853, 69 (Texas and Indian Territory). 
 
 Hab. — Nor|-h America. Mexico. Central America. No West Indian record. 
 
 Later Expeditions. — 60704-10, Fort Bridger and Henry's Fork ; 62347-8, Lower Geyser 
 Basin and T6ton Lakes. 
 
 Brighter colored examples, from the humid Pacific regions, constitute Mr. Ridgway's 
 "var. pileolata" (Am. Journ. Sci. 1872, 457), to which the various Pacific coast refer- 
 ences, given above, pertain. 
 
 Not obtained by either of the earlier Expeditions, but beyond a doubt overlooked. "■ 
 ■ The foregoing quotations illustrate very fully the distribution of the species. It doubt- ' 
 less breeds in New England, but I have no authentic advices that such is the case. I 
 have found no record of its wintering in the United States. 
 
 Mr. Allen cominiuiicates the following interesting note: 
 ''The Black- capped W nvhler {Wilsonia imsilla) is acomtaon inhabitant 
 of the subalpiue and alpine districts in the Colorado Moantaius, breed- 
 ing from about 8,000 feet up to about timber-line. In the dwarfed wil- 
 lows and other low shrubs that grow for some distance above the limit 
 of trees, we found it by far the most numerous of all the iusectiTerous 
 birds. It was here more plentiful even than at lower points, and may 
 hence be regarded as an eminently alpine species. Although evidently 
 breeding, we failed to discover its nests. It manifests great anxiety 
 when its chosen haunts are invaded, and during our excursions at the 
 above-described locality, we were almost constantly scolded by one or 
 more pairs of these birds. Later in the season we met with this species 
 at Cheyenne, and near Colorado City and Denver, and also found it 
 common in the vicinity of Ogden, Utah, in September." 
 
 I have met with the species in various parts of the East, where, how- 
 ever, it appears to be less abundant than it is in many western regions. 
 In the mountainous districts of Arizona it is a common summer resident 
 from May to September, and doubtless breeds, though I have no infor- 
 mation of its nest and e^jfized by Microsoft® 
 
80 MYIODIOGTES CANADENSIS, FLY-CATCHING WARBLER. 
 
 y 
 
 MYIODIOGTES CANADENSIS, (Linn.) Aud. X 
 
 Canadian Fly-catching Warbler. 
 
 Mmcicapa canadensis, LiNX., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 327.— Gji., iUd. 13th ed. 1788, 937.— WiLS., 
 Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 100, pi. 26, f. 2.— Aud., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 17, pi. 103. 
 
 Setophaga canadensis, Jard., ed. Wils. 183^. — Rich., List, 1837. — Gkay, Gen. of Birds. 
 
 Mijiodioetes canadensis, Aud., Syu. 1839, 49.— Aud., B. Am. ii, 1841, 14, pi. 72.— (? ?)Brew., 
 Pr. Bost. Soc. vi, 5 (Lynn, Mass., breeding).— Sci. , P. Z. S. 1854, 111 ; 1858, 4.^)1 
 (Ecuador); 1855. 143 (Bogota).— Putx., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 206 (Massachu- 
 setts, iu summer).- Bd., B. N. A. 1853, 294.— ScL. & Salv., Ibis, i, 1859, 11 
 (Guatemala).— Lawp,., Ann. Lye. N. Y. vi, 1862 ; viii, 1866, 286 ; ix, 1868, 95 
 (Costa Rica).— Bd., Rev. 1865, 240.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1840.— CouES 
 & Prent., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 409 (migratory, abundant). — Boai;d:w., Pr. Bost. 
 Soc. ix, 1862, 125 (Maine, breeding, common). — Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 
 146 (ditto).— McIlwu., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1863, 86 (Hamilton, C. W., iu summer).— 
 CouES, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 274.— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 111 (S. Car., 
 migratory, common).— Tcrxb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 19 (frequent, Apr., Oct.). — Mayx., 
 Guide, 1870, 105; Pr; Bost. Soc. xiv, 1871.— Coues, Key, 1872, 109, tig. 51. 
 
 Euihhjpis canadensis, Cac, Mrs. Hein. 1850, 18. — Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 65. 
 
 SylHa pardaVma, Bp., Obs. Wils. 1826 ; Syn. 1828, 79.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 372.— LiNS., 
 Am. Journ. Sci. xliv, 1843, 256. 
 
 Si/Jvienla pardalina, Bp., List, 1638, 22. — Brew., Pr. Bost. Soc. vi, 1857, 4, (Mass., breeding). 
 
 Mijiodioetes pardalina, Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 315. 
 
 Jl'iiscicapa honapartii, Aud., Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 27, pi. 5 (young). 
 
 Setophaga lonaparlii, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 225, pi. 47. — Rich., List, 1837. p ^ 
 
 WiUonia ionapartii, Bp., List, 1838. /S'o-i 
 
 Sglvania honapartii, NuTi\, Man. i, 2d ed. 1840, 332. rJilH-^ 
 
 Mijiodioetes bonapartii, Aud., Syn. 1839, 49 ; B. Am. ii, 1841, 17, pi. 73.— Bd., B. N. A. 295. ., 
 
 Sctopliaga nigricincia, Lafrbs., E. Z. 1843, 292; 1844, 79. ■ i , ' 
 
 Hah. — Eastern North America. North to Labrador (Auduhon) and Cumberland ' ./'" 
 House (lat. 54°, Eichardson). West to the Lower Missouri. South to Ecuador. No , 
 West Indian record. Breed.^ from the Middle States and Massachusetts, occasionally ; - f ' i 
 from Maine, regularly, northward. Winters entirely beyond the United States. ■ jf - 
 
 No species of 2Liiodioctes was noticed by either Expedition. The 
 present one has not, to my liuowledge, been actually taken anywhere on 
 the Missouri ; but I admit it, with this remark, because there is no rea- 
 sonable doubt whatever of its occurrence in Missouri and Eastern 
 Kansas. 
 
 It is too late now to argue in favor of the identity of "if. honapartiP' 
 with this species ; this has become a settled issue. It is curious to note 
 how, in striving to separate the supposed species, Audubon was led un- 
 wittingly to deny to canadensis any occurrence iu the Southern States ; 
 he says "from Kentucky northward," but the fact is, as indicated in the 
 foregoing paragraph, that the species has a southward extension equal 
 to that of almost any United States sj)ecies of the family, excepting D. 
 striata, which probably goes to Chili. It is abundant in the woodland 
 of the Carobnas, Virginia, and Maryland, during the migrations; some 
 Individuals stop to breed in the Middle States and Southern New En- 
 gland, but the majority reach a latitude in British America correspond- 
 ent to that of most other species of the family. Its habits are not 
 peculiar in comparison with those of its congeners. 
 
 The nest of this species is a rude aud bulky structure, which would 
 scarcely be attributed to so delicate a bird. The description is taken 
 from the only one I have seen, collected at Lynn, Massachusetts, by Mr. 
 G. Welch, it is irregular iu contour, about four inches in one diameter 
 and nearly six in the other, though less than two inches deep. It is 
 composed chieiiy of dried pine-needles, closely laid together, but with 
 these are mixed a number of leaves, chiefly outside and below, some 
 fibrous strips and weed-stalks. The cavity itself is very small, neatly fin- 
 ished, and lined with a quantity of black horse-hair. This nest contained 
 Digitized by Microsoft® 
 
SETOPHAGA EUTICILtA, EEDSTART. 81 
 
 three eggs, white, spotted with reddish-browii and lavender, chiefly at the 
 larger end, where many of the spots are confluent, but also sparingly 
 sprinkled over the whole surface. Size 0.68 by 0.52. The nest is placed 
 on the ground^- 
 
 '' SETOPHAGA EUTIOILLA, (Linn.) Sw. i-' 
 
 Uedstart. 
 
 Musdcapa rutidlla, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 17G6, 326.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 935.— Vibili., 
 Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 66, pi. 35, 36.— WiLS., Am. Orn. i, 1808, 103, pi. 6, fig. 6.— 
 AuD., Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 202; v, 1839, 428; pi. 40.— Add., B. Am. i, 240, pi. 68. 
 
 Setophaga rutidlla, Sw., Zool. Journ. iii, 1827, 358.— Sw. & EiCH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 223.— 
 Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 297 ; Rev. 1865, 256.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 101.— Coop., Am. 
 Nat. Aug. 1869, 33 (Fort Union, breeding ; obtained eight nests).— Lawk., Ann. 
 Lye. viii, 1866, 174 ; is, 1868, 96 (Costa Rica).- Salv., P. Z. S. 1867, 136 (Ve- 
 ragua) ; 1868, 166 (Venezuela).— SCL. & Saw., P. Z. S. 1870, 780 (Merida).— 
 Ali-en, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 175 (Kansas ; mountains of Colorado, np to 
 about 8,000 feet ; Ogdeu, Utah).— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1S70, 463.— 
 CouBS, Key, 1872, 110 ; and of all late writers. 
 
 Sylvania rutidlla, Ndtt., Man. i, 1832,291. 
 
 Motadlla flavicauda, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 997 ( 5 ). 
 Hat. — Chiefly Eastern North America. North to Port Simpson. West to Utah. 
 
 South through Mexico and Central America to Ecuador. West Indies. 
 
 
 
 
 List of specimens. 
 
 
 
 
 19205 
 19206 
 
 24 
 34 
 
 Wind River 
 
 do 
 
 $ 
 9 
 
 May 28, 1860 
 ....do 
 
 F.V.Hayden. 
 do 
 
 5.75 
 5.25 
 
 8.00 
 7.25 
 
 2.50 
 2.25 
 
 
 /u- 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4691, "Nebraska;" 4687-90, 8843, Upper Missouri,^ 
 River; 4688, Big Sioux River; 4689, mouth of Platte River; 5271, Medicine Creek. ^ •"- 
 Later Expeditions. — 60424-5, La Bont6 Creek. 
 
 According to several observers, the Eedstart is one of the commonest 
 birds along the Missouri River bottoms, breeding abundantly. Dr. 
 Cooper obtained numerous nests at various points between Fort Union 
 and Milk Eiver, and traced the species westward to the Cceur d'Al'ene 
 Mountains. Mr. Allen says it occurs with considerable frequency as a 
 summer resident in the foot-hills west of Denver, where it evidently 
 breeds, and is doubtlessly sparingly represented wherever there are 
 woodlands or thickets, thence eastward to the Atlantic coast, as well as 
 westward throughout the lower mountain valleys, as he found it com- 
 mon about Ogden, Utah, in autumn. In the mountains be did not observe 
 it above 8,000 feet. 
 
 The Eedstart builds an elegant little nest in the fork of a tree, of va- 
 rious soft downy substances matted together, and usually also with 
 fibrous strips. Those built chiefly of down are d*c[uisitely soft and 
 neatly finished with a firm, smooth, circular brim, quite narrow. The 
 interior is lined with a considerable quantity of very fine rootlets, or 
 horse-hair, or both, for the most part circularly arranged. The whole 
 nest is only about two and one-half inches across outside, and the same 
 in external depth; 'the cavity is usually rather deeper than broad. A 
 nest taken at Racine, Wisconsin, by Dr. Hoy, is curiously fixed entirely 
 to one side of an upright fork, setting away from the support altogether, 
 excepting on a small part of its circumference, which is Continued down- 
 ward into the crotch, and to which the rest of the nest is attached more 
 intimately than it is to the fork itself. Bbe eggs, in the examples before 
 me, are mostly four in number ; they are white, quite thickly sprinkled 
 all over, but especially spotted at or around the large end, with usual 
 shades of brown and lilac. Different specimens measure from 0.00 by 
 0.49 to 0.70 by 0.51. The bird breeds in Kansas, and also very abundantly 
 along the Red Eiver, in June. 
 
 6 Digitized by Microsoft® 
 
82 PYEANGA EUBEA — P. ESTIVA. 
 
 Family TANAGRID^ : Tanagers. 
 
 ^ PYBANGA KUBEA, (Linn.) Yieill. " 
 
 Scarlet Tanager. 
 
 Imagra rubra, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1706, 314.— Gm., i, 1788, 839.— Wils.. Am. Orn. ii, 
 1810, 42, pi. 11, f. 3, 4.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 105.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 465.— Add., 
 Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 388, pi. 354, f. 3, 4. 
 
 Pyranga rubra, Vibill., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807.— Sw. & EiCH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 273.— 
 Jakd., ed. Wils. 1832, i, 192.— Bp., List, 1838, 35; Consp. 1850, 241 (quotes pi. 
 Enlum. 127 ,J , 156 5 ; Desm., Tang. pi. 34).— Aud., Syn. 1839, 136.— AoD., B. 
 Am., iu, 1841, 226, pi. 209.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 135.— Woodh., Sitgr. Eep. 1853, 
 82 (Texas and Indian Territory;.— GossE, B. Jam. 1847, 235.— ScL., P. Z. S. 
 1855, 156 (Bogota); 1856, 123 (Cuba, Jamaica); 1858, 73 (Ecuador); Cat. 1862, 
 80 (Bogofa).— Maxim., J. f. O. vi, 1858, 270.— Be, B. N. A. 1858, 30.— Sumich., 
 Mem. Best. Soc. i, 1869, 550 (Vera Cruz).— Lawii., Ann. Lyo. 1861, 331 (Pan- 
 ama).; ix, 1868, 99 (Costa Eica).— Gundl., Eep. 238 (Cuba).— Allen, Bull. M. 
 C. Z. iii, 1872, 175 (Eastern Kansas). — Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 5.— CouES, Key, 
 1872, 111 ; and of late writers. 
 
 Plioenisoma rubra, Sw., Birds, ii, 1837, 284. 
 
 Phoenicosoma rubra, Cab., Mus. Hein. i, 1850, 24. 
 
 Pyranga erythromelas, ViEiLL., Enc. Met. 800 ; Nouv. Diet, xxviii, 293. /'":■,/ 
 
 fliti.— ^Easteru United States and British provinces (north to 59°, Richardson). West ;., 
 to Kansas and Indian Territory only. Breeds at large through its United States range ; * 
 none winter. Southin winter through Mexico aud Central America, to Ecuador. Cuba., r,, 
 
 Jamaica. U /X I 
 
 The Missouri extension of this species is very limited, probably not 6"' " j^ 
 reaching above Leavenworth. ' 
 
 The egg of the Scarlet Tanager is pale dull greenish, minutely freck- 
 led all over with light reddish-brown, the markings often aggregated 
 into a wreath around the larger end. Size about 0.90 by 0.65. 
 
 yt>\ 
 
 PYEANGA ESTIVA, (Gm.) VieUl. 
 Snmmer Redbird. 
 
 a. cestiva. 
 
 Muscicapa rubra, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 326. 
 
 Tanagra wstiva, Gm., Syst'. Nat. i, 1788, 889. — Wils., Am. Orn. i, 95, pi. 6, f. 3.— Bp., Syn. 
 18-28, 105.— NtJTT., Man. i, 1832, 469.— Aud., Om. Biog. i, 1831, 232: v, 1839, 
 518, pi. 44. 
 
 Pyranga wativa, Vieill., Enc. Met. 799 ; Nonv. Diet, xxviii, 291.— Bp., P. Z. S. 1837, 117 ; 
 List, 1838, 35 ; Consp. i. 1850, 241.— LiNS., Am. Journ. xliv, 1848, 261 (Conneo- 
 ticut).— Woodh., Sitgr.' Eep. 1853, 82.— Scl., P. Z. S. 1855, 156 (Bogota); 1856, 
 123 (Cuba, Jamaica) ; 142, 303 (Cordova) ; 1858, 73 (Ecuador) ; '358 (Honduras) ; 
 1859, 364 (Xalapa); 377 (Oaxaca); 1860, 293 ; Cat. 1862, 80.— Scl. & Salv., Ibis, 
 1859, 15 (Guatemala) ; P. Z. S. 1867, 278 (Mosquito goast); 1870, 836.— Taylor, 
 Ibis, 1860, 111.— PuTN., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1866, 224.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 301.— 
 Cab., J. f. 0. 1860, 329 (Costa Eica).— j^llen. Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 83.— Codes, 
 Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 275.— Lawr., Ann. Lye. vii, 1861, 297 (Panama); viii, 
 1865, 176 (New Granada); ix, 1868, 99 (Costa Eica).— Eidgw., Pr. Phila. Acad. 
 1869, 130 ("to Nova Scotia").— Sumich., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 548 (Vera 
 Cruz).— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 5.— Mayn., Guide, 1870, 109 (Massachusetts).— 
 CouES, Key, 1872, 111, fig. 52i>; plate ii, figs. 19, 20; and of late writers. 
 
 b. cooperi. 
 
 Pyranga wsUva, Coop., Pr. Cal. Acad. 1861, 122.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 71 (refers 
 
 to one, of Dr. Cooper's specimens, afterward called cooperi by Mr. Eidgway). 
 Pyranga hepatica, CouBS, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 71 (excl. syn. In part. Intended to 
 
 indicate the true Tiepatica, but erroneously included my Eio Grande specimens, 
 
 afterward made types of P. cooperi). 
 Pyranga cooperi, ElDGW., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1869, 130 (Eocky Mountains). — CoOP., B. 
 
 Cal. i, 1870, 142. 
 Pyranga wsiiva var. cooperi, C0fpti¥e^ &^MHt(^li^ 
 
PYEANGA LUDOVICIANA, LOUISIANA TANAGEE. 
 
 83 
 
 nah. — The typical form from the Eastern United States, north to Connecticut (Lins- 
 Icji) and Massachusetts {.JilUon, quoted by Putnam, Allen, Coues, and Maynard; strag- 
 gling even to Nova Scotia, lUdgway, loc. cit. spec, in Mus. Smiths.)- West to Kansas and 
 the Indian Territory. South through a part of the West Indies (Cuba ; Jamaica) and 
 Eastern Mexico to Central America, New Granada, Ecuador, and Peru. Var. cooxieri 
 from Southern Middle Province, latitude 35°. South through Western Mexico. ? 
 
 Tliis species, like tlie last, merely reaches the eastern extremity of the 
 Missouri region. AVith a range generally coincident with that of P. rubra, 
 the Summer Redbird is somewhat more southerly, being rare or casual 
 eveu in Southern New England, beyond which I have found no record, 
 exceptiug Mr. Ridgway's citation, based on a specimen in the Smith- 
 sonian, of " Nova Scotia." The bird breeds throughout its United States 
 range, but wholly withdraws from this country in winter, penetrating 
 very far south. 
 
 As stated in the Key, Pyranga cooperi is not a tenable species, but 
 may be recognized as a geographical race. In Cooper's late work, 
 ^^ Pyranga hejjatica, Coues," is cited as synonymous, but is so only in part. 
 I included, under the bead of hepatica, page 71 of the Academy's Pro- 
 ceedings for 1866, my Rio Grande specimens, afterward made types of 
 var. cooperi ; but this is simply a mistake, not to be held to overbalance 
 the rest of my notice, which was based on hepatica proper, as shown by 
 the synonyms adduced. 
 
 The egg of the Summer Redbird is not distinguishable with certainty 
 from that of the Scarlet Tauager, though it averages rather larger. It 
 also closely resembles that of the Rose breasted Grosbeak. 
 
 PYRANGALUDOYICIANA, (Wils.) Bp. 
 Lonisiana Tauager. 
 
 Tanagra Itidoviciana, WiLS., Am. Oru. iii, 1811, 27, pi. 22, fig. 1. — AuD., Orn. Blog. iv, 
 1838, 385 ; v, 1-^39, 90, pi. 354, 400. (Name geograpicalJy inappropriate.) 
 
 Tanagra (Ft/ranga) ladoviclana, Bp., Syn. 182-*, 105. — Nutt., Man, i, 1832, 471. 
 
 Pyranga ludoviciana, Bp. — Add., Syn. 1839, 137. — AuD., B. Am. iii, 1841, 211, pi. 210l— 
 SCL., P. Z, S. 1856, 125.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 303.— Heerm., P. E. E. Eep. x, 1859, 
 52.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1850, 182.— Sol., P. Z. S. 1856, 125 (Gna- 
 temala) ; 1859, 377 (Oaxaca) ; 1857, 213 (Orizaba) ; 1862, 19 (Parada, M<>x.) ; 
 Ibis, 1859, 15 (Guatemala).— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 71.— CJoop., Am. Nat. 
 iii, 18G9, 33 —Coop., B. Cal. 1870, 145.— Sumich., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1839, 550 
 (Vera Cruz).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. 1872, 175.— Aikex, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 198 
 (Colorado).— Coues, Key, 1872, 112.— Mekk., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, 078. 
 
 Pyranga enjihroivf, Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. xxviii, 1819, 291, 
 
 Sab. — Upper Missouri and eastern foot-hills of the Eocky Mountains to the Pacific. 
 Mexico. South to Guatemala. Not north of the United States ? 
 
 List of specimens. ' 
 
 19207 
 19208 
 19334 
 19335 
 
 Wind Eiver . 
 Snate Eiver. 
 Pryor's Fork. 
 , do 
 
 May 24,1860 
 June 18, 1860 
 June 22, 1860 
 do 
 
 F. V. Hayden. 
 , do 
 
 G. H.Trook.. 
 do 
 
 6.25 
 
 11.00 
 
 3.75 
 
 6.50 
 
 10.50 
 
 3.75 
 
 6.75 
 
 11.25 
 
 3.75 
 
 6.75 
 
 11.25 
 
 3.75 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 8822, Black Hills ; SS23, Laramie Peak. 
 Later Expeditions.— ewm, Wyoming; 61663, Utah; 02278-86, Idaho. 
 
 The elegant Louisiana Tanager has been ascertained to breed in the 
 vicinity of Laramie Peak, vrhere several examples have been procured 
 in a higher state of plumage than that usually described as adult — the 
 whole head and throat intense scarlet, the middle of the back pure black, 
 and the rump rich chrome-yellow. Dr. Hayden's specimens are also in- 
 teresting in establishing, aji extreme^limit of J.he species, as far as now 
 
84 PYEANGA LUDOVICIANA, LOUISIANA TANA6ER. 
 
 known. It has been more recently taken by Mr. Allen, in the mountains 
 of Colorado, from the plains up to about 8,000 feet. I found the bird in 
 the mountains of Arizona, where it was a rather rare summer resident 
 from the middle of April until the end of September ; and I have no 
 doubt that it breeds about Fort Whipple, although I did not succeed in 
 establishing the fact. The birds were exclusively confined to the pine 
 forests ; in their manners they appeared to me to closely resemble the 
 eastern species. Dr. Cooper noticed the arrival of this species near San 
 Diego, in small parties, on the 24th of April, and states that they reach 
 Puget Sound about May loth. "The males," he remarks, "come some 
 time in advance, clothed in their full summer livery, and are more bold 
 and conspicuous than the females, which are rarely seen without close 
 watching; They frequent trees, feeding on insects and berries, and sing- 
 ing much in the same manner as the other species." He continues : "I 
 saw none of them in the coast range toward Santa Cruz, or at Santa 
 Barbara, in summer, and suppose that they must seek the higher and 
 more northern regions at that season. I found this species in Septem- 
 ber, 1860, in the higher Rocky Mountains, near the sources of the Co- 
 lumbia, in latitude 47°, and they probably remain until October within 
 this State. * * » * i saw none along the Colorado Valley, proba- 
 bly because they migrate more on the line of the mountain ranges." 
 
 Dr. George Suckley has given an interesting account : "The beautiful 
 Louisiana Tanager is quite abundant in certain seasons in the vicinity 
 of Fort Steilacoom. In 1854 but a limited number made their appear- 
 ance, while, on the contrary, in the summer of 1856, I could readily have 
 obtained a hundred specimens. I have had frequent opportunities of 
 studying their habits, and have never yet seen them descend to the low 
 bushes or the ground, as stated by Nuttall, the reverse being the rule 
 (;it least at Puget Sound) ; the difficulty being generally to find the bird 
 sufficiently low down on fir-tree branches to allow fine shot to reach it 
 with any degree of certainty. * * * * xhe favorite habitat of the 
 species, in those localities where I have observed it, is among the tall, 
 red fir-trees belonging to that magnificent species, the Abies douglasii. 
 They seemingly prefer the edges of the forest, rarely retiring to its 
 depths unless for concealment when alarmed. In early summer, at Fort 
 Steilacoom, they are generally seen during the middle of the day sun- 
 ning themselves in the firs, occasionally darting from one of these trees 
 to another, or to some of the neighboring white-oaks (Q. garryana) on 
 the prairies. Later in the season they may be seen very actively flying 
 about in quest of insect food for their young. On July 10, 1856, I saw 
 one of these birds carrying a worm or insect in its mouth, from which I 
 inferred that the young were then hatched out. Both sexes, during the 
 breeding season, are much less shy ; the males, during the day-time, fre- 
 quently sitting on some low limb, rendering the scene joyous with their 
 delightful melody." 
 
 The stomach of a specimen examined by Dr. Suckley contained in- 
 sects, principally Goleoptera, among them many fragments of a large 
 Bvprestis, found generally on the Douglas fir-trees. 
 
 Mr. Allen writes to me, that "the Louisiana Tanager is the only rep- 
 resentative of the Tanagridce I observed at any point west of Eastern 
 Kansas. In Colorado it occurs from the plains uj) to about 8,000 feet in 
 the mountains, about the base of which it may be regarded as a rather 
 common species. In song and general habits it strikingly resembles the 
 Scarlet Tanager of the East, its song, in fact, being scarcely distinguish- 
 a ble from that of the eastern bird." 
 
 A set of eggs takevQJQjf^^j^^^^y^jff^ms, July 7, 1869, by Mr. 
 
HIRUNDO HOEREOEUM, BAEN SWALLOW. 85 
 
 Eidgway, are noticeably different from those of the other species of 
 this genus, being a much clearer green, and more sparingly dotted with 
 mere points of very dark purplish-brown. Afew specks are sprinkled over 
 the whole surface, but the tendency is to aggregate just at the larger end, 
 where the spots, though so numerous, preserve their distinctness. In 
 size and shape the eggs are not very different from those of P. rubra, 
 though perhaps averaging a little larger and especially thicker. The 
 nidification is essentially the same. 
 
 Family HIRUNDINID^: Swallows. 
 
 ■^ HIRUNDO HOEREOEUM, Barton, l.'- - 
 American Barn Swallow. 
 
 a. erythrogaster, 
 
 mrundo eryfhrogasler, Bodd., P. E. 1783, pi. 724.— ScL., Cat. Am. Birds, 18C2, 39; 
 
 P. Z. S. 1867, 340. 
 Sirundo rvfa, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 1018.— Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 339 (iu part).— Buem., 
 
 Syst. Ueb. iii, 148. 
 Hinmdo ct/anopyrrha, ViEiLL., Nouy. Diet. 1817, 510 ; Ency. Metli. ii, 1823, 528. 
 
 b. liorreorum. 
 
 mrundo rufa, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, 60, pi. 30.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 64 ; List, 1838> 
 9.— NUTT., Man. i, 1832, 601.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 64.— Cass., 111. 1855, 
 243.— Cab., J. f. O. iv, 1856, 3 (Cuba).— Beew., N. A. 0. i, 1857, 91,.pl. 5, figs. 
 63-67.— Reinh., Ibis, iii, 1861, 5 (Greenland).— Gukdl., J. f. 0. 1861, 328 (Cuba). 
 
 mrundo liorreorum, Bap.t., Frag. N. H. Pa. 1799, 17.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 308; Est. 1865, 
 294.— SCL. & Salv., Ibis, i, 1859, 13 (Guatemala).— Newt., Ibis, i, 1859, 63 
 (Santa Cruz, migratory). — Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. 1861, 310 (Panama); 1864, 
 98 (Sombrero).— SUMICH., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 547 (A'era Cruz).— Guxdl., 
 Oiy. 1869, 584 (St. Bartholomew).- Salv., P. Z. S. 1870, 184 (Veragua).— Hayd., 
 Rep. 1862, 161.— Coop. & Suck., N. H! Wash. Ter. 1860, 184.— Codes, Pr. Phila. 
 Acad. 1866, 72 (Ai-izona).— Coop., Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 33 (Montana).— Dall & 
 Bank., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 379 (Alaska).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 103.— 
 FiKSCH, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 28 (Alaska).— Mere., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, 
 676. — Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1873, 176 (Colorado, up to timber-line). — CouES, 
 Key, 1873, 113, fig. 54.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 5 ; and of late United States writers. 
 
 Sirundo americana, WiLS., Am. Om. v, 1813, 34, pi. 8, f. 1, 2. — Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 
 1831, 329.— Lemb., Aves Cubae, 1850, 44, pi. 7, f. 2. 
 
 mrundo rustica, AuD., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 413, pi. 173; Syn. 1839, 35; B. Am. i, 1840, 
 181, pi. 43.— GiRAUD, B. L. I. 1844, 85.— Jones, Nat. Berm. 34. 
 
 Bab. — Var. Ttorreorum ; North and Middle America. North to Alaska. Greenland. 
 West Indies. H. erythrogaster is the^onth American form. 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 5206-8, Yellowstone River. 
 
 Later Expeditions.— 62295-6, Lower Geyser Basin, Wyoming. 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Eaynolds' Expedition. '/ 
 
 In the above heading this species is retained under the name given in the Key, and ^ 
 used by nearly all later American writers, although there is no probability that it ia 
 specifically distinct from the South American form, H. erijtlirogaster. The synonymy is ^ 
 distinguished above, for convenience, and our species may stand as H. erythrogaster var. 
 horreorum, though even the varietal distinctions are very slight. 
 
 The Barn Swallow occurs throughout the Missouri region, especially 
 
 during the migrations, and breeds in suitable localities, although it i.s 
 
 much less numerous than it is in most wooded and settled parts of the 
 
 country. It appears to withdraw altogether from the United State.s in 
 
 winter, though a few Swallows are usually among the earliest arrivals, 
 
 in southern portions, even in February. Their great powers of flight 
 
 enable them to pass rapidly from one country to another, according to 
 
 the exigencies of the weather. 
 
 There is no occasioi^here to.enten.into details of the well-known nidi- 
 Digitized by Wlicroson^s 
 
86 TACHTCiNETA BICOLOE— T. THALASSINA. 
 
 fication and eggs of our Swallows. I will indicate the general character. 
 In Hirundo and Fetrochslidon the eggs are alike spotted, heavily and 
 sharply, upon a white ground, with various reddish-brown and darker 
 brown shades. In Tachycineta bicolor and tlialassina, in Gotyle and Stel- 
 gidopteryx, and in Progne purpurea, the eggs are pure white, unmarked. 
 
 TACHYCINETA BICOLOR, (VieiU.) Cab. 
 
 WMte-bellled Swallow. 
 
 Eirundo hicolm; VrEOX., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, 61, pi. 31.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 65.— AuD., 
 Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 491; v, 417; pi. 98; Syn. 1839, 35; B. Am. i, 1840, 175, pi. 
 46.— NuTT., Man. 1, 1832, p. — .— Gikaud, B. L. 1. 1844, 36.— Lemb., Avea CubsB, 
 1850, 46.— WOODH., Sitgr. Eep. 1853, 65.— Cass., 111. 1855,-244.— Newb., P. K. R. 
 Kep. vi, 1857, 78.— Brew., X. A. 0. i, 1857, 100, pi. 4 (egg).— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 
 310 ; Eev. 1865, 297.— Coop. & StiCK., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 185.— Jones, Nat. 
 Berm. 34.— Lord, Pr. Roy. Arty. Inst, iv, 1864, 15 (British Columbia).— Dall & 
 Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, j, 1869, 279 (Alaska).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 106.— 
 FiNSOH, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 29 (Alaska).— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1871, 21 
 (North Carolina, in January).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 176 (up to tlm- 
 ber-line).— Trippe, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 235 (Iowa).— Hakt., Br. Birds, 1372, 
 125 (accidental in England).— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 5 ; and of most writers. 
 
 Chclidon Ucolor, Less. — Bp., List, 1838, 8. 
 
 Tachycineta Ucolor, Cab., Mus. Hein., 1850, 48 ; J. f. 0. iv, 1856, 5 (Cuba).— Gundl., J. f. 
 0. 1861, 330 (Cuba).— SOMICH., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 547 (plateau of Mexico).- 
 Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 269 (Florida, in winter).— CouES, Key, 1872, 113. 
 
 JJerse bicolor, Bp. Consp. Av. i, 1850, 341. 
 
 Petrochelidon Ucolor, ScL., P. Z. S. 1857, 201 ; 1859, 364 (Xalapa) ; Cat. 1862, 40.— ScL. &, 
 S.iLv:, Ibis, i, 1859, 13 (Guatemala). 
 
 Hirundo viridis, Wils., Am. Om. v, 1812, 49, pi. 38. 
 
 " Cfuilidmi viridis, Boie, 1826." (Bp.) 
 
 Hirundo leucogaster, Stbph., Shaw's Gen. Zool, x, 1817, 105. 
 
 Chelidon leiicoga^tra, Boie, Isis, 1844, 171. 
 
 , Hab. — Temperate North America. North to Great Slave Lake and Alaska. Mexico, / . ,' 'i 
 .in summer. South to Guatemala. Cuba. Bermudas. Accidental in Englaud ( froHc^, .ii//- 
 Zoolog;ist, 1858, 3806; Newton, iUd. I860,' 7145 ; P. Z. S. 1860, 131). Breeds in most of ' -; 
 its United States range. Winters in Florida, Cuba, and Central America. ' 
 
 Not noticed by the Expeditions. //•J 
 
 The White-bellied Swallow appears to be rarer in the Missouri region 
 than the other species are, or than it is in most other parts of the United 
 States, much of the country being not well suited to its wants. It is oc- 
 casionally seen in the Southern States in midwinter, as in the instances 
 above given. 
 
 TACHYCESTETA TSALASSHfA, (Sw.) Cab. 
 Tiolet-green Swallow. 
 
 Hirundo thalassina, Sw., Phil. Mag. i, 1827, 365.— Bp., List, 1838, 9.— AuD., Orn. Biog. 
 
 iv, 1838, "97, pi. 385 ; Syn. 1839, 36"; B. Am. i, 1840, 186, pi. 49.— Woodh., Sitgr. 
 
 Eep. 1853, 64.— Cass., B. Cal. and Tex. i, 1855, 245.— Brew., N. A. 061. i, 1857, 
 
 ia2 (not the fig. !).— Newb., P. E. E. Eep. vi, 1857, 78.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 311 ; 
 
 Eev. 1865, 299.— Maxim., J. f. 0, 1858, 101.— Heerm., P. E. E. Eep. x, 1859, 36.— 
 
 Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1859, 185.— Lord, Pr. Eov. Arty. Inst. Wool. 
 
 iv, 1864, 115 (British Columbia).— CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 72 (Arizona).— 
 
 Coop., Pr. Cal. Acad. 1870, 75 ; B. Cal. ii, 1871, 107.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 
 
 1872, 149 (Colorado, up to 8,000 feet). 
 " Cecropis thalassina. Less." 
 Chelidon thalassina, Boie, Isis, 1844, 171. 
 Herse thalassina, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 341. 
 Tachycineta thalassina. Cab., Mus. Hein. 1850. 48. — Sujiich., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 547 
 
 (Vera Cruz, abundant, breeds). — Mbkr., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, 676. — 
 
 CouES, Key, 1^72, 113. 
 PetroclwmmtmassUm^^Sc^^l^^^^^^^ Cat. 1881, 39.- 
 
TACHYCINETA THALASSINA, VIOLET-GEEEN SWALLOW. 87 
 
 Hal). — Middle and Western Provinces. North to British America. South through 
 Mexico to Guatemala. 
 
 List of sjoecimens. 
 
 19208 
 19210 
 19211 
 19350 
 19351 
 
 WindEiver.. . 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 G. Bull Creek. 
 do 
 
 May 26, 18G0 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 June 7, ISeO 
 June 5, 1860 
 
 F. V. Hay den. 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 G. H. Trook.. 
 do 
 
 4.75 
 
 12.75 
 
 4.75 
 
 5,25 
 
 12.50 
 
 4.75 
 
 5.25 
 
 12.25 
 
 4.50 
 
 5.00 
 
 12.00 
 
 4.50 
 
 5.25 
 
 12.00 
 
 4.75 
 
 Not obtained by Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. 
 Later Expeditions. — 61665, Utah. 
 
 A fine series of this lovely Swallow was procured by Captain Eay- 
 nolds, and its eggs are also in tbe collection. The locality is apparently 
 at about the northeast limit of distribution of the species. It does not 
 appear to be recorded north of Washington Territory and Vancouver. 
 In winter it retires beyond the United States, reaching to Guatemala. 
 Its breeding range appears to comprise all suitable localities in that por- 
 tion of the United States it occupies, as well as parts of Mexico ; to the 
 southward, it chiefly occupies elevated and wooded situations. 1 found 
 it abundant in the Eaton Mountains of New Mexico, in June ; it was 
 then doubtless breeding. In Arizona, as I have already recorded [1. c), 
 it is very abundant, being the characteristic Swallow of the piue regions, 
 where it breeds ; it arrives at Fort ^Yhipple about the 20th of March, 
 and remains until late in September. Dr. Cooper noticed its arrival in 
 the Santa Clara Valley, California, as early as March 15th, and further 
 observes that it "frequents chiefly the groves of oaks along the sides of 
 the valleys and across the whole coast range, excepting the windy and 
 cold neighborhood of the sea. They range at least as far north as the 
 Straits of Faca, and across the interior to the eastern base of the Eocky 
 Mountains." Dr. Suckley rei)orts its arrival at Paget Sound about the 
 10th of May. Mr. Allen found it iu July and August, in Colorado, in 
 the Garden of the Gods, about Castle Eock, and at Lake Pass. 
 
 A well known and often recorded jjoint in the economy of the Swal- 
 lows, is the readiness with which thej' modify their ways of nesting ac- 
 cording to circumstances. Those species, like the Barn Swallow, the 
 White-bellied and Cliff Swallows, and the Purple Martin, which inhabit 
 populous countries, have almost completely changed their modes of nid- 
 ification, now breeding in the convenient places afforded by buildings, 
 or in shelters expressly provided for their use. In the case of the Cliff 
 Swallows, the change is of very recent date, and many records are pre- 
 served of the precise time when, in particular localities, the birds de- 
 serted cliffs to build under eaves, or when, adopting this habit, they 
 appeared and bred in places where they were before unknown. With 
 the Purple Martins the modification occurred earlier, and I am not aware 
 that the time is recorded. But in the west both these birds still adhere 
 to their primitive ways. Along the Missouri I saw great numbers of 
 nests of Cliff Swallows stuck in batches on the high vertical water- 
 worn exposures ; and in Arizona the Martins occupied the blasted tops 
 of tall pine-trees, in colonies, having driven off the Woodpeckers, right- 
 ful proprietors of the holes that riddled the trunks. It becomes an 
 interesting speculation whether the Bank Swallow will ever abandon its 
 burrows, and so far modify its fossorial nature as to build in chinks and 
 crannies, or affix a nest anywhere about a building. As far as is now 
 known, the Violet-green Swallow retains its primitive habits, but the 
 same easy adaptability to varying circumstances may be observed in 
 this case, warranting the inference that before long it will accept the con- 
 Digitized by Microsoft® 
 
88 PETROCHELIDON LUNIFEONS, CLIFF SWALLOW. 
 
 ditioQS that civilization imposes, and breed about buildings like its 
 allies. 
 
 At Port Whipple the Violet-green Swallows resided during the sum- 
 mer in small, loose colonies, in high, open pine woods, preferubly about 
 the edges of the timber. They could not contest with the Woodpeck- 
 ers, as the Martins did, for recent holes, but they occupied deserted ones, 
 as well as knot-holes or other crannies in the trees. According to Dr. 
 Cooper, on the Pacific coast they frequent the high prairies bordered 
 with oaks and other deciduous trees, breeding in knot-holes or in deserted 
 Woodpeckers' holes. Mr. Allen found them breeding in holes in the 
 rocks. Mr. Nuttall states, on the authority of Mr. Townsend, that along 
 the Columbia Eiver they used to breed in the aeserted nests of the Cliff 
 Swallow. 
 
 The speckled egg figured and described by Dr. Brewer, as of this 
 species, has since been ascertained to belong to another. The eggs 
 are four or five in number, and pure white, like those of the Bank 
 Swallow. 
 
 According to Mr. Allen's manuscript, "the Violet-green Swallow, the 
 most delicately and brilliantly colored of our Sirundines, was met with 
 in considerable abundance in Colorado, from the base of the mountains 
 up to about 8,000 or 10,000 feet. Like the White-bellied Swallow, it 
 lives generally in colonies, a considerable number of pairs commonly 
 breeding in the same vicinity. We met with several such colonies on 
 our route from Denver to South Park, but as we also passed long dis- 
 tances during the same journey without meeting with the species at all, 
 it is, probably to be regarded as rather locally distributed. They appear 
 to generally nest in abandoned Woodpeckers' holes, but at the "Garden 
 of the Gods," and on the "divide" between Denver and Colorado City, 
 we found them breeding in holes in the rocks, at the former locality, in 
 company with the Eocky Mountain Swift {Panyptila saxatilis).'" 
 
 Since writing the foregoing I have received the desired evidence of 
 the change of nidiflcation of this species, above noted as to be expected. 
 Eeferriiig to Idaho Springs, Clear County, Colorado, Mr. Trippe informs 
 me that the Violet-green Swallow is abundant, nesting under the eaves of 
 houses, like the Cliff Swallow, and also in hollow trees. "It arrives," he 
 adds, "toward the close of May, and soon becomes numerous, up to an 
 altitude of 10,500 feet, occasionally even venturing higher. It disap- 
 pears irom the higher regions in August, and in September leaves the 
 country.'' ^ 
 
 ^ PETEOCHELIDON" LU]SriFEOS"S, (Say.) Scl. 
 
 Cliff Swallow; Eave Swallow. 
 
 Sirundo lunifrons, Say, Long's Exp. ii, 1823, 47. — Woodh., Sitgr. Rep, 1853, 64. — Cass., 
 111. 1855, 243.— Bkew., N. A. O. i, 1857, 94, pi. 5, figs. 68-73.— Xewb., P. E. E. 
 Eep. vi, 1851, 78.— Be, B. N. A. 1858, 309.- Coop. & Sock., N. H. Wasb. Ter. 
 1860, 124. — Lawk., Ann. Lye. N. Y. 1861, 317 (Panama, winter).— Hayd., Eep. 
 1862, 161.- Lord, Pr. Arty. Inst. Wool, iv, 1864, 16 (British Columbia).— Verr., 
 Pr. Boat. Soo. 1864, 276 (biogr.).— Ball & Bann., Tr. Cbie. Acad, i, 1869, 279 
 (Alaska).— Coop., Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 33 (Missouri, "in swarms"); B. Cal. 1870, 
 104.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 463 (Wyoming).— Allen, Bnll. M. C. 
 Z. iii, 1872, 176 (Colorado, up to timber-line). — Trippe, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 
 235 (Iowa).— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 5 ; and of most writers. 
 
 PetrochcMon lunifrons, ScL., Cat. A. B. 1862, 40.- Bd., Eev. 1865, 288.— CouES, Key, 
 1872, 114.— Hold., Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 197 (Black Hills).— ilcRR., U. S. 
 Geol. Surv. Ter. 182, 676 (Idaho). 
 
 Sirundo opifex, Clixt., Ann. Lye. N. Y. i, 1824, 161. 
 
 Mirundo rcspublicaiia, Aud., Ann. Lvc. N. Y. i, 1824, 164. 
 
 mrundo fiilva, Bp., Am. Orn. i, 1825, 63, pi. 7, f. 1 ; Syu. 1828, 64 ; List, 1838, 9.— Nott., 
 Man. i, 1«32, 603.— .©/g[tf;^B( ^i/lfCfiS^f^ pl- 58; Syn. 1839, 35; B. Am. 
 
COTYLE RIPARIA, BANK SWALLOW. 89 
 
 i, 1840, 177, pi. 47.— GiRAUD. B. L. I. 1844, 38.— Maxim,, J. f. 0. vi, 18S8, 100.— 
 
 Heeem,, p. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, pt. vi, 36. 
 Herse fulva, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 341 (in part). 
 Hirundo melanogaster, Sw., Phil. Mag. i, 1827, 336 (Mexico). 
 Petroolielidon melanogaslra, Cab., Mus. Heiu. i, 1850, 47. 
 Fetrochelidon sioainsoni, ScL., P. Z. S. 1858, 296 ; 1859, 376 ; Cat. A. B. 1882, 40.— Be, 
 
 Rev. 1865, 290.— Shmicu., Mem. Boat. Soc. i, 1869, 547 (Vera Cruz). 
 
 Sab. — North America at large, breeding almost throughout, in suitable places. 
 Mexico. South to Panama. Not West Indian. 
 
 List of specimens. 
 
 19212 
 
 93 
 
 Smith's Fork 
 
 June 7, 1860 F. V. Hayden. 
 
 5.50 
 
 11.50 
 
 4.25 
 
 Lieutenant Wurren's Expedition. — 4776-80, Bijoas Hills. 
 
 Later Expeditions. — 60420-3, Wyoming ; 61774, Idaho. 
 
 Without present opportunity of direct comparison of several closely related species ! 
 or varieties of the West Indies and South America, the above synonymy is made only 
 with reference to the North American bird, and the Mexican, which is certainly not 
 distinct. The differences assigned to sivainsoni, in both size and shade of color, are 
 found in every sufficient series of the North American bird ; thus, of two specimens, 
 both shot at Washington, D. C, oue has a whitish and the other a brown frontlet. I 
 scarcely think that even varietal distioctiou can be predicated in this case. The West 
 Indian form (true fuXva of Vieillot) appears to constitute all insular race worthy of re- 
 cognition, in lacking the steel-blue pectoral spot, and in other features. But there 
 seems to be little probability of its proving not to intergrade with lunlfrons. 
 
 Prof. Verrill has recently elucidated some interestiug facts relative to 
 the distributioQ of this species, substantiating its occurrence in Eastern 
 North America, long before the time when it was erroneously supposed 
 to have immigrated from the west. My present belief in the matter is, 
 that the Cliff Swallow is, and always has been, amenable to the ordinary 
 laws of migration, and spread over nearly all of North America, the 
 South Atlantic States perhaps excepted. The numerous recorded dates 
 of its appearance and breeding in particular localities, merely mark the 
 times when the birds forsook their natural breeding places and built 
 under eaves, which enabled them to pass the summer where formerly 
 they were unable to breed for want of suitable accommodations. 
 
 Dr. Hayden notices the abundance of this ipecies along the Missouri, 
 and of its nests on the vertical sides of the river bluffs : "Near the 
 mouth of the Niobrara Eiver, the chalk bluff's and cretaceous formation 
 No. 3 form lofty vertical walls, which are sometimes completely covered 
 with their nests." In passing up the river last year, I noticed the same 
 thing. Mr. Allen's observations are correspondent: He says it is "a 
 common inhabitant of the central plateau of the continent, throughout 
 which extensive region small colonies may be observed breeding on the 
 rocky escarpments of the plains and in the mountains. It, however, 
 even here manifests its preference for the eaves of buildings for nesting 
 sites, and wherever settlements occur it soon abandons its ancient cliffs 
 for these apparently more congenial locations. This species and the 
 White-bellied Swallow were the most common Hinmdiiies in South Park, 
 and both these species and the Barn Swallo^v were observed in fine 
 weather coursing above the tree-liue summits of the Snowy Range." 
 
 ^ COTYLE EIPAEIA, (Linn.) Boie. 
 
 Bank Sv/allow. 
 
 Eirundo riparia, Linn., Svst. Nat. i, 1766. 344. — G.M., Syst. Nat. i, 1738, 1019. — Lath., 
 Ind. Orn. ii, 179(1,' 575.— WiLs., Am. Orn. v, 4G, pi. :!?!.— Bp., Syu. 18i8, 65; List, 
 1838, 9.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 333.— Nott., Man. i, 1832, 607.— AuD., 
 Orn. Biog. iv, 1^38^4^^L^^j^ Wtirh^ibM' ^- ^'^- '' ^'^'' '''' ^'^ "'- 
 
90 STELGIDOPTEEYX SEERIPENNIS, EOUG-H-WINGED SWAI.LOW. 
 
 GiR., B. L. 1. 1844, 37.— Lemb., Aves Cubce, 1850, 47, pi. 7, f. 3.— Jones, Nat. Berm. 
 34. — Fowler, Am. Nat. iii, 1889, 116 ; aud of earlier authors generally. 
 
 Sirundo ripmia americana, Maxim., J. f. O. vi, 1858, 101. 
 
 Cotyle riparia, BoiE, Isis, 1822, 550.— Bp., Consp. At. 1850, 342.— Woodh., Sitgr. Eep. 
 1853, 65.— Cass., 111. 1855, 247.— Cab., J. f. 0. 1856, 4 (Cuba).— Nkwb., P. R. R. 
 Ecp. vi, 1857, 78.— Brew., N. Am. Ool. 1857, 105, pi. 4, f. 49.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 
 313; Eev. 1865, 319.-Hbei!m., P. E. E. Eep. x, 1859, pt. vi, 36.— Gdndl., J. f. 
 0. 1861 (330).— Hayd., Eep. 1862, 162.— March, Pr. PMla. Acad. 1863, 297 (Ja- 
 maica).— Ball & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 280 (Alaska).— CouES, Pr. 
 Phila. Acad. 1866, 72 (Arizoua).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 110 (California).— Allen, 
 Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 269 (Florida, in winter) ; iii, 1872, 176.— Trippe, Pr. Boat. 
 See. 1872, 235.— Aiken, ihid. 198.— Merr., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, 677.— 
 Snow, B. Kana. 1873, 5. — Coues, Key, 1872, 114 ; and of nearly aU late writers. ■) i (, - 
 
 Sirundo cinerea, Vieill., Nout. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. xiv, 1817, 526. ^ 
 
 Cotyle fluviatilis et miarorkynchos, Beehm, Vog. Deutsohl. i, 142, 143. 
 
 ndb. — Europe. The whole of North America. Bermudas. Cuba. Jamaica. Breeds 
 throughout the greater part of its North American range. Winters from the sonthern 
 coast southward. Not common on the Pacific side. Brazil {Pele., Orn. Braz. i, 18. 
 
 lAst of specimens. 
 
 19213 
 
 64 
 
 WindEiver... 
 
 5 
 
 May 26, 1860 
 
 F. T. Hayden. 
 
 5.00 
 
 10.75 
 
 4.00 
 
 lAeutenant Warren's Expedition. — 5209-10, Yellowstone. 
 Later Expeditions. — 61664, Utah. 
 
 Notable as one of the few species of Oscines, American and European specimens of 
 which are absolntely identical. 
 
 Ascending the Missouri in the spring of 1864, 1 saw thousands of these 
 birds along the banks, which were, in suitable places, riddled with their 
 holes. Again, in the fall of 1872, higher up the river, I observed multi- 
 tudes of their deserted nests, often in the soft ground capping the bluffs 
 ■where, a little below, the bottle-shaped nests of the Oliflf Swallows were 
 fastened in great masses. 
 
 STELGID0PTE:$TX SBREIPBNNIS, (And.) Bd. 
 
 Bongli-winged Swallow. 
 
 Hirnndo serripennis, AuD., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 593 ; Syn. 1839, 37 ; B. A. i, 1840, 193, pi. 51. 
 
 Cotyle serripennis, Bp., Consp., Av. i, 1850, 342.— Cass., 111. i, 1855, 247.— Brew., N. A. 
 061. i, 1857, 106, pi. 4, f. 50.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 313.— Hbeem., P. E. E. Eep. x, 
 1859, pt. vi, 36. — Kenn., ibid. pt. iv, 24. — Newb., ibid, vi, 1857, 79. — Coop. & 
 Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 186.— Sol., Cat. A. B. 1862, 41 ; (?) P. Z. S. 1856, 
 285 (Cordova) ; (?) 1859, 364 (Jalapa)— (?) Sol. & Salv., Ibis, i, 1859, 13 (Gua- 
 temala), 126.— (?) Owen, Ibis, iii, 1861, 61 (Guatemala)— Lord, Pr. Roy. Arty. 
 Inst, iv, 1864, 116 (British Columbia).— Coop., Pr. Cal. Acad. 1870, 75 ; B. Cal. 
 1870, 110.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 176 (Kansas and Utah).— Snow, 
 B. Kans. 1873, 5 (common). 
 
 Stelgidopteryx serripennis, Bd., Rev. 1865, 316. — Codes, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1666, 72 (Arizona) : 
 Key, 1872, 114. ' 
 
 Hab. — United States, from Atlantic to Pacific, excepting perhaps New England. 
 British Columbia. South into Mexico ( ? to Guatemala : compare C. fulvipennis, Sol., 
 P. Z. S. 1859, 364; Ibis, 1860, 31). 
 
 Not obtained by any of the Expeditions. 
 
 It appears to me improbable that th&Cotyle fulvipennis, based on a young bird, is dis- 
 tinct from the present species. My Arizona birds-of-the-year, as described (I. c), seem 
 to answer the description oi fulvipennis, though they have subsequently been found 
 inseparable from serripennis. It would not be surprising, indeed, if it proved necessary 
 to unite the several supposed species described from Central and South America, and 
 Mexico. The ascribed characters seem very slight, and of a kind readily accounted 
 for by differences in sex, age, and season of the specimens examined, with, of course, 
 discrepaucies due to climatic influences. A series will probably be established of sev- 
 eral geographical races. 
 
 This species was not noticed by any of the Expeditions, but its known 
 range includes the Missouri region., ^Jt is sUted to be common in Kan- 
 Digitizeaby Microsoft® 
 
PKOGNE PUKPUEEA, PURPLE MARTIN. 91 
 
 sas, where it breeds. I found it breeding in the mountains of Arizona, 
 where it arrives late in April, and remains through the greater part of 
 September. Dr. Heermann records its breeding in Texas ; Mr. Allen 
 notes its occurrence, in summer, in different parts of the west ; Drs. 
 Cooper and Suckley found it from May to August near the Columbia 
 River. These records, joined with those we have from the Eastern 
 States, show that the species, like other Swallows, has a breeding range 
 about co-exteasive with its dispersion in the United States. In some 
 places it is stated to burrow, like the Bank Swallow, in soft earth; 
 elsewhere it has been found breeding about the piers and abutments of 
 bridges, &c. 
 
 PROQNE PUEPUEBA, (Linn.) Boie. 
 Purple Martin. 
 
 Hirundo suMs, LlsN., Syst. Nat. i, 10th ed. 1758, 192 ; 12th ed. 1766, 344. 
 
 Progne subis, Bd., Rev. 1865, 274. — CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. IRSj, 72 ; Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 
 1868, 276.— SuMiCH., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 547 (Orizaba).— Stev., U. S. Geol.- 
 Surv. Ter. 1870, 463.— Allen, BuU. M. C. Z. iii, 1872. 56. 
 
 Hirundo purpurea, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 344. — Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, lOiO. — Lath., 
 iDd. Oru. ii, 1790, 578.— WiLS., Am. Orn. v, .'■)8, pi. 39, f. 2, 3.— Bi>., Syn. 1828, 
 64.— AuD., Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 115 ; v, 1839, 408 ; pi. 23 ; Syn. 18S9, 37 ; B. Am. 
 i, 1840, 170, pi. 45.— NUTT., Man. i, 1832, 598.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 34.— Jones, 
 Nat. Berm. 34.— 1Uxl\l, J. f. O. vi, 1858, 101.— Tun>PE, Pr. Ess. lust, vi, 1871, 
 114 (Minnesota). 
 
 Progne purpurea, BoiE, Isis, 1826, 971. — Bp., List, 1838, 8; Consp. i, 1850, 337. — WooDH., 
 Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 65.— Cass., 111. 1855, 47.— Newb., P. R. E. Rep. vi, 1857, 79.— 
 Bkew., N. a. O. 1857,- 103, pi. 4, f. 47.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 314.— Heeu.m., P, R. 
 R. Rep. X, 1859, pt. vi, 35.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 186.- SCL., 
 Cat. 1862, 38.— IL4YD., Rep. 1862, 162.— BL,iK., Ibis, 1863, 65 (Saskatchewan).- 
 MclLWR., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 87 (Canada).— Coop., B. Cal. 1870, 113.— CouES, 
 Key, 18J2, 114 ; and of most late writers. 
 
 Hirundo violacea, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 1026. 
 
 Hirundo {Cecropils) violacea. Less., Compl. Buff, viii, 498. 
 
 Hirundo cairulea, Vieill., 0. A. S. i, 1807, 57, pis. 26, 27. 
 
 Hirundo versicolor, Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. xiv, 1817, 509. 
 
 Hirundo ludoeiciana, Cin'., Kegne Anim. i, 1817, 374. 
 
 (?) Hirundo chahjhea, Maxim., Beitr. iii, 354. 
 
 (f) Progne cryptoleuca, Bd., Rev. 1865, 277 {— Hirundo 2>urpurea, D'OliBlG., La Sagra's 
 Cuba, Ois. 1840, 94 ; Progne purpurea, Cab., J. f. 0. iv, 1856, 3). Cuba. 
 
 (?) Progne clegans, Bd., Rev. 1865, 275 (Vermejo River, Paraguay ; supposed identical 
 witli P. elegans, Darw., Voy. Beagle, 38, Buenos Ayres). 
 
 (?) Progne furcata, Bd., Rev. 1865, 248 (Chili). 
 
 (Other references to the supposed P. purpurea of South America are ; Bur.Jl., Syst. 
 
 Ueb. iii, 140; ScHOMB., Guiana, 671; Tschddi, Fn. Peru, ii, 132; Pelz., Oru. Bras, i, 
 
 16. — See Sclatee, P. Z. S. 1872, 605. The Galapagoes species or variety is : P. concolor, 
 
 Gould, P. Z. S. 1837, 22 ; P. modesta, Gould, Voy. Beagle, 39, pi. 5.) 
 
 Hal). — United States and British provinces (north to Canada and the Saskatchewan). 
 Mexico. (?)Cnba. (?) Greater part of South America. Breeds in most of its United 
 States range; winters beyond. Accidental in Great Britain (Yarrell, Br. Birds, 2d 
 ed., ii, 257 ; 3d ed., ii, 267 ; Gray, List, Br. B. 34 ; Harting, Br. Birds, 125). 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4505-8, Cedar Island; 4770-4, "Nebraska;" 5204, 
 Fort Union ; 5205, Blackfoot country. 
 
 Later Expeditions. — 60418-19, Bitter Cottonwood, Wyoming. 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition. 
 
 Family AMPELID^ : Waxwings. 
 
 AMPELIS GAEEULUS, Linn. 
 Bohemian Waxwing, 
 
 Lanius garrulus, Linn., Fn. Suec. 82. 
 
 Ampelis garrulus, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 297.— Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 336.— Bd., B. X. 
 A. 1858, 307 (south^ifl^/fgiaf ®3|!eMKTOSS©ft®o, p. 923, " millions "on Powder 
 
92 
 
 AMPELIS GAERULUS, BOHEMIAN WAXWING. 
 
 Eiver).— Bd., Eev. i, 1866, 405.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Eep. 1860 (Northern Ohio, 
 "often taken in winter"). — C.oop., Pr. Ca). Acad, ii, 1861, 122 (Fort Mojave, 
 * Colorado River, Arizona ; southernmost locality on record). — Verr., Pr. Ess. 
 
 Inst, iii, 158 (Maine ; accidental in winter, and rare). — Boardm., Pr. IBost. See. 
 ix, 1862, 126 (Calais, Maine). — Ai,len, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 66 (accidental 
 winter visitant, Springfield, Massachusetts). — CouES, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 
 276 (New England ; rare and irregular in the north, accidental in the south to 
 Connecticut; Dr. Wood). — Lawr., Ann. Lye. viii, 1866, 285 (New York). — 
 TuRNB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 42 ("occasional near Philadelphia; not uucornmon on 
 Lake Superior")— D all & B.ixx., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 280 ^breeding at Fort 
 Yukon).- Allen, Am. Nat. 1869, 579 (Southern New England).— Aiken, Pr. 
 Bost. Soo. 1872, 198 (mountains of Colorado). — Coop., Pr. Cal. Acad. 1870, 75 ; 
 B. Cal. i, 1870, 127.— Mayx., Guide, 1870, 107 (Massachusetts).— CouBS, Key, 
 1872, 115, fig. 55. 
 
 jBonibycivora garrula, Temm., Man. i, 1815, 77. — Nadji., Vog. Deutschl. ii, 1822, 143. 
 
 Bombydlla garrula, JBp., Zool. Jouni. iii, 1828, pi. 16, f. 2.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 
 237.— NoTT., Man. i, 1832, 579.— Atjd., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 462, pi. 363 ; Syn. 
 1839, 165 ; B. Am. iv, 1842, 169, pi. 946.— Peab., Eep. B. Mass. 1839, 290.— GiR., 
 B. L. 1. 1844, 165.— PUTN., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 185C, 228.— Maxim., J. f. 0. vi, 1858, 188. 
 
 Bornbyciphora polioccelia, Meyer, Vog. Liv- n. Esthl. 1815, 104. 
 
 Bombycilla boheniica, Briss.— Leach, Cat. 1816, 18.— Eyt., Cat. 8.— Brehm., V.D. 219. 
 
 Partis tomiycilla, Pall., Zoog. E.-A. i, 548. 
 
 JSai. — A species of circunipolar distribution, wandering irregularly southward in 
 flocks, in winter, to about 35° north in America. 
 
 List of specimens. 
 
 19214 
 
 273 
 
 19215 
 
 274 
 
 19216 
 
 226 
 
 19217 
 
 272 
 
 19218 
 
 275 
 
 19220 
 
 277 
 
 19221 
 
 271 
 
 19219 
 
 276 
 
 Deer Creek 
 ....do-.-- 
 ....do.... 
 ....do.... 
 ....do.... 
 ....do.... 
 ....do-... 
 .... do.... 
 
 Feb. 13, 1860 
 
 do 
 
 Jan. 7, 1860 
 Feb. 13, 1860 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 F. V. 
 
 G. H 
 
 Hay den 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do...... 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 Trook.. 
 
 7.50 
 
 11.75 
 
 4.50 
 
 7.75 
 
 12.25 
 
 4.00 
 
 8.50 
 
 13.C0 
 
 4.60 
 
 7.50 
 
 11.25 
 
 4.25 
 
 7.50 
 
 13.50 
 
 4.25 
 
 8.00 
 
 14.(11) 
 
 4.75 
 
 8.00 
 
 14.00 
 
 4.75 
 
 8.00 
 
 14.08 
 
 4.75 
 
 A fine series of this species, not very common in American collections, 
 was taken on Deer Creek in winter. Prof. Baird mentions that Mr. 
 Drexler saw " millions" on Powder Eiver, in flocks "rivalling in extent 
 those of the Wild Pigeon." 
 
 The singularly erratic movements of this species are well known, but 
 not so easily accounted for, since the exigencies of the weather and 
 scarcity of food do not seem sufScient, in every instance, to explain the 
 case. It seems, however, most nearly parallel with that of the Wild 
 Pigeon. The occasional occurrence of the bird in small numbers in 
 winter, through jSTew England and the other Atlantic States, as tar as 
 Philadelphia, is noticed in the records above quoted. The only Eastern 
 United States region where it seems to be of regular occurrence in win- 
 ter, is the vicinity of the Great Lakes. Mr. T. Mcllwraith reports (Proc. 
 Ess. lust, v, 1866, 87), that at Hamilton, Canada West, it is a winter 
 visitant, "sometimes appearing in vast flocks, and not seen again for 
 several years." We also have advices from Kansas, and from the Colo- 
 rado Valley, latitude 35°. We have no United States record from the 
 Pacific coast, but Dr. Cooper gives an interesting note in his later work, 
 above quoted : "It is probable," he says, "that they reside, during sum- 
 mer, about the summits of the loftiest mountains of the interior ranges, 
 if not of the Sierra Xevada, as 1 have seen them in September at Fort 
 Laramie, and the specimen obtained on the Colorado was a straggler from 
 some neighboring mountains. It appeared January 10th, alter a stormy 
 period which had whitened the tops of the mountains with snow, and 
 was alone, feeding on the berries of the mistletoe, when I shot it." 
 
 I am informed by Mr. Trippe that the species is "abundant durin 
 winter" at Idaho Sprin§i^/feffiStte)(V'«3rM9iB| daring the latter part o": 
 
AMPELIS CEDROEUM, CEDAR BIRD. 93 
 
 .November, or in December. It affects particular regions in the mount- 
 ains, being very numerous in some localities, and rare in others; but it 
 is seldom seen in the foot-hills. It begins to leave the country toward 
 the close of February, and by the middle of March has nearly disap- 
 peared, only straggling flocks remaining until the close of the month." 
 
 Mr. Dall reports that this bird "is quite common near Nulato, but 
 does not arrive until the 10th of June, or later." 
 
 "For many years authentic eggs of the Bohemian Chatterer were 
 greatly sought after, but it was not until 1856 that any were brought to 
 the notice of the scientific world, when the late Mr. Wolley discovered 
 them in Lapland. Early duplicates from his collection were sold at five 
 guineas each; and although a good many have been since obtained, 
 they are yet considered as great prizes. A nest, with its eggs, of those 
 collected by Mr. Wolley, has been presented to the [Smithsonian] Insti- 
 tution by Mr. Alfred Newton. The only instances of their discovery in 
 America, are of a nest and one egg by Mr. Kennicott, on the Yukon, in 
 1861, and a nest and single egg on the Anderson Elver, by Mr. MacFar- 
 lane, both of which, with the female parents, are in the possession of 
 the Institution." (Baird.) 
 
 European references to the nidification of this bird are given by Baird, 
 as follows : Newton, Ibis, 1861, 92, pi. 4 ; Nordmann, Cab. Journ. vi, 1858, 
 307, and vii, 1859, pi. 1. The egg is precisely like a Cedar-bird's, but 
 larger; two specimens in the Smithsonian, both from the Yukon, meas- 
 ure, respectively, 1.05 by 0.69, and 0.87 by 0.67. 
 
 ' AMPELIS CEDROEUM, (Vieill.) Gray. 
 Cedar Bird; Cherry Bird; Carolinii Waxwlng. 
 
 AiinjcUs garrulus var. /3, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 297. 
 
 Bombycilla cedroruvi, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1H07, 88, pi. .57. — ^Vieill., Gal. Ois. i, 1834, 
 186, pi. llri.— Cab., Mus. Hein. i, 1850, 55; J. f. 0. iv, 1856, 3 (Cuba).— Gundl., 
 J. f. O. 1861, 328 (Cuba). ' 
 
 Ampelis cedrorum, ScL., P. Z. S. 1856, 299 (Cordova) ; 1858, 302 (Oaxaca) ; 1859, 364 
 (Xalapa) ; 1864, 173 (city of Mexico).— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 318; Rev. 1866, 407.— 
 SCL. & Salv., Ibis, 1859, 13 (Guatemala).— Heeem., P. R. R. Eep.s, 1859,56.— 
 Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 187.— Taylor, Ibis, 1860, 111 (Hondu- 
 ras).— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 162.— March, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1863, 294 (Jamaica).— 
 Loud, Pr. Roy. Arty. Inst, iv, 1864, 116 (British Columbia). — Sumich., Mem. . . 
 Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 547 (Vera Cruz, abundant in winter). — CoOP., Am. Nat. iii, 
 1869, 34 ; B. Cal. i, 1870, 129 (California).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 176 
 (Eastern Kansas). — Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 198 (Black Hills). — CouES, Key, " 
 1872, 115, pi. 56; and of all late United States writers. a-j ^ 
 
 Bomhjcilla caroUnensis, Briss., Orn. ii, 1760, 337.— Bp., List, 1838, 9.~-Atjd., Orn. Biog. ' * 
 i, 1831, 227, pi. 43; Syn. 1839, 165; B. Am. iv, 1842, 165, pi. 245,— Noti-., 
 i, 1832, 248.— GiR., B. L. L 1844, 163. 
 
 Ampelis caroUnensis, GosSE, B. Jamaica, 1847, 197 (winter). — Bp., Consp. At. i, 1850, 336. 
 
 Ampelis americana, Wu,s., Am. Orn. i, 1808, 107, pi. 7, f, 1. , ^■ 
 
 Bonibycilla ammcana, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 239, — Jones, Nat. in Bermuda, ' 
 
 1859, 29 (winter). .'/•/■ 
 
 Mob. — North America generally, up to 54° north {Eichardson). Mexico and Central 
 America. Bermuda. Jamaica. Cuba. Accidental in England {Neiot., Zool. 1851, 3277 ; 
 1852, 3507 ; Gray, List Br. B. 1863, 81). V '^Z 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 5318-19, Yellowstone River. '/ ^( ^ 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition. 
 
 MYIADESTES TOWNSBNDII, (Aud.) Cab. 
 
 Townseiid's Flycatchiiig Thrush. 
 
 PtiUogomjs totonsendii, Aud., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 206, pi. 419, f. 2.— AuD., Syn. 1839, 46.— 
 Aud., B. Am. i, 1840. 243,.pl, 69.— Nutt., Man. i, 2d ed. 1840, 361.— Gamb., Pr, 
 Phila, Acad, i, 18ii,mgjlim6kkywmCfS)iSS^<^i, 1857, 82, 
 
94 MYIADESTES TOWNSENDII, FLYCATCHING THRUSH. 
 
 Myiadesles fownsetiMi, Cah., Wiegm. Arcliiv, i, 1847, 208.— ScL., P. Z. S. 1h.".7, 5; 1858, 
 97.— Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 321 ; Rev. li-:68, 4-29.— Ke.nn., P. R. R. ICep. x, 1859, 
 Whipple's Route, 25.— Hebrm., iMd. Williamson's Route. 3H.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 
 162.— Lord, Pr. Roy. Arty. Inst, iv, 1864, 116 (British Columbia).— Coues, Pr. 
 PLila. Acad. 1866, 72.— Coop., Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 34.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 
 1872, 176.— Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 198 (Colorado, resident).- Stev., U. S. 
 Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 464 (Wyomiug).— CouES, Key, 1872, 117, tig. 57. (_Not of 
 Bhew., Pr. Bost. Soc. 1873, 109 ; the nest and eggs there de.scribed being those 
 of Plicerropepla nitens!) 
 
 Hdb. — Middle and Western Provinces of tlie United States, in mountainous regions. 
 North to British Columbia. East to the Black Hills. Not south of the United States, 
 if the M. unicolor and M. obsourus be different. 
 
 List of specimens. 
 
 19225 
 
 162 
 
 Pump. Butte . 
 
 --.-- 
 
 Oct. 22, 18.59 
 
 F. V. Hayden. 
 
 8.25 
 
 12.50 
 
 4..50 
 
 A clue to the trne position of this genns is found in the fusion of the tarsal platf^s, 
 and in the spotted plumage of the young, warranting the inference that it belongs 
 among the Turdidw. This fact was noticed by Dr. Suckley and myself while preparing 
 a report upon the Birds of the Northwest Boundary Survey, in 1862, and is adverted 
 to by Baird in his Review, in my paper in the Philadelphia Academy's Proceedings, 
 and in the "Key." The eminent vocal powers of all the species of the genus bear out 
 the inference. 
 
 Dr. J. S. Newberry has given a very interesting account of the bird. 
 Noticing its occurrence in the Des Cliutes Basin, he continues : " It does 
 not inhabit dense forests, nor prairies entirely destitute of trees, but 
 chooses sui'faces covered with a scattered growth of pine and cedar. 
 We first met with it in the caflon of Mptolyas Kiver, at the base of Mt. 
 Jefferson. As we piclied our way with infinite difi&culty down the side 
 of this gorge, my attention was attracted by the delightful song of, to 
 me, a new bird, of which a few were sitting in the pines and cedars 
 Vrhich, by a precariocs tenure, held a footing on the craggy face of the 
 cliff. ■ The song, so clear, full, and melodious, seemed that of a Mimus ; 
 of the bird 1 could not see enough to judge of its aflflnities. The next 
 day we followed down the river in the bottom of the canon ; all day the 
 deep gorge was filled with a chorus of sweet soiinds from hundreds and 
 thousands of these birds, which, from their monotonous color, and their 
 habit of sitting on the branch of a free projecting into the void above 
 the stream, or hanging from some beetling crag, and flying out in nar- 
 row circles after insects, precisely in the manner of Flycatchers, I was 
 disposed to associate with them. Two days afterward, in the ciiQon of 
 Psucseeque Creek, of which the terraced banks were sparsely set with 
 low trees of the western cedar, I found these birds numerous, and had 
 every opportunity of hearing and seeing them, watching them for hours 
 while feeding and singing, and procuring specimens of both male and 
 female. With the first dawn of day they began their songs, and at sun- 
 rise the valley was vocal with their notes. Never, anywhere, have I 
 Heard a more delightful chorus of bird-music. Their song is not greatly 
 varied, but all the notes are particularly clear and sweet, and the stream 
 of. pure gushing melody is as spontaneous and inspiring as that of the 
 Song Sparrow." 
 
 Tnis bird ajjpears to feed mostly upon cedar-berries, and its abun- 
 dance is to be in a measure determined by the presence of the juniper. 
 Thus Dr. Cooper says: "I saw only a few of this species among some 
 junipers on the westerri'slope of the mountains, not far from the summit, 
 in September, 18C3. ^he scarcity of the juniper on the western slope, 
 toward the north, seems to be the reason why this bird is not more fre- 
 quent there ; as, according to all accounts, they are found wherever that 
 tree grows in abuudancfi^fSJKffiiyiy McMftSQft®ntain ranges of the great 
 
95 
 
 interior basin, and their extensions to the north and south." The same 
 excellent observer adds his testiaiony to that of Dr. Newberry respect- 
 ing the bird's vocal powers : "Although plain in plumage and retiring 
 in habits, this bird is one of the most interesting in the western country ; 
 for, like its not distant relative, the European Nightingale, it compen- 
 sates by its delightful melody for its deficiencies in beauty. Having 
 seen them in the Eocky Mountains, where they seemed merely plain and 
 silent flycatchers, my astonishment, when I first heard one sing in the 
 Sierra Nevada, was indeed great ; and if I had not shot the bird imme- 
 diately, I could not have believed that one belonging to the same family 
 as the nearly silent Waxwings and Phcenopepla,* could sing with such 
 power, variety, and sweetness. Their song can be compared to nothing 
 uttered by any other bird I have heard in the United States, for it ex- 
 cels that of the Mockingbird in sweetness, besides being entirely origi- 
 nal. It has the melancholy slowness, but without the interruptions, of 
 that of the Wood-Thrush, and agrees better with the descriptions ,of 
 that of the Nightingale of Europe. 
 
 Mr. Allen observed this bird in the mountains of Colorado, up to 
 timber-line. I found it rather rare, in summer, in Upper Arizona. 
 
 I am favored by Mr. Trippe with the following interesting communi- 
 cation, designed for the present work: "This exquisite songster is a 
 permanent resident of the mountains of Colorado, and may be seen at 
 all times of the year, from the lower valley of the country up to timber- 
 line, and in midsummer even beyond it, to the highest limit of the 
 shrubby willows and junipers. It is never a familiar bird, shunning the 
 vicinity of houses and cultivated fields, and seeking the rocliiest mount- 
 ain sides and darkest caiions as its favorite haunts, yet avoiding the 
 sombre depths of dense forests, though occasionally found therein. 
 During the winter it feeds on berries and such insects as it can find, but 
 in the warmer months subsists almost entirely upon the latter, which it 
 cai)tures with the address of the most skilful Mycatclier. It is never 
 gregarious, and usually solitary, associating together only from the time 
 of pairing, which is in the early part of May, until the young are able 
 to shift for themselves. It frequently alights on the top of a dead limb 
 or tree, from which it keeps a bright lookout for passing insects, and re- 
 turns several times to the same perch after capturing its prey ; it also 
 frequents the lower boughs, and at times alights upon the ground and 
 searches among the leaves for food. In its tiight it bears some resem- 
 blance to the Cedar-bird, with which, indeed, it has many common 
 traits. In summer and fall its voice is rarely heard ; but as winter comes 
 on, and the woods are well-nigh deserted by all save a few Titmice and 
 Nuthatches, it begins to utter occasionally a single bell-like note that 
 can be heard distinctly at a great distance. The bird is now very shy; 
 and the author of the clear, loud call, that I heard nearly every morn- 
 ing from the valley of Clear Creek, was long a mystery to me. Toward 
 the middle and latter part of winter, as the snow begins to fall, the Fly- 
 catching Thrush delights to sing, choosing for its rostrum a pine tree in 
 some elevated position, high up above the valleys ; and not all the fields 
 and groves, and hills and valleys of the Eastern States, can boast a 
 more exquisite song; a song in which the notes of the Purple Pinch, 
 the Wood-Thrush, and the Winter Wren, are blended into a silvery cas- 
 cade of melody, that ripples and dances down the mountain sides as 
 clear and sparkling as the mountain brook, filling the woods and val- 
 
 •The supposition that Phmnopepla nitens is songlees, is entirely erroneous. " It has a 
 superb song, powerful and finely modulated." Cohes, Proc. Phila. Acad. 1866, 71 ; 
 Key, 1872, 116. 
 
 Digitized by Microsoft® 
 
9^ VIEEO OLIVACEUS, EED-EYED VIEEO. 
 
 leys with ringing music. At first it sings only on bright, clear morn- 
 ings ; but once tiairly in the mood, it sings at all hours and during the 
 most inclement weather. Often while traveling over the narrow, wind- 
 ing mountain roads, toward the close of winter, I have been overtaken 
 and half-blinded by sudden, furious storms of wind and snow, and com- 
 pelled to seek the nearest tree or projecting rock for shelter. In such 
 situations I have frequently listened to the song of this bird, and forgot 
 the cold and wet in its enjoyment. Toward spring, as soon as the other 
 birds begin to sing, it becomes silent as though disdainful of joining the 
 common chorus, and commences building its nest in May, earlier than 
 almost any other bird. During this season it deserts the valleys, and 
 confines itself to partially wooded hill-tops." 
 
 I never found the nest of this bird myself, nor have I ever seen it. 
 The only one thus far known was discovered by Mr. Bidgway, m the 
 rift of a rock. He describes it to me as being large and bulky, built of 
 sticks and grasses. Unfortunately it was empty, and the eggs continue 
 entirely unknown. For those described, with the nest, by Dr. Brewer, 
 as above quoted, are not of- this species, but of Phwnopepla nitens, as 
 I ascertained by examining them myself. They are correctly labelled 
 in Lieutenant Bendire's collection. Dr. Brewer's mistake is apparently 
 the result of a slip of the pen. 
 
 Family VIRBONID^ : Greenlets. 
 
 X ^ VIEEO OLIVACEUS, (Linn.) Vieill. - ' 
 
 Bed-eyed Tireo. 
 
 Miisdcapa oUvacea, Linn., S. N. i, 1766, 327.— Wils., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 55, pi. 13, f. 3. 
 
 Lanius otivaceus, Licht., Verz. 1823, 49. 
 
 Vireo oJlvaceus, Vieill.— Bp., Obs. Wils. 1826, 124 ; Syn. 1828, 71.— Sw. & EiCH., F. B. 
 A. ii, 1831, 233.— AuD., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 287, pi. 150 ; Syn. 1839, 162.— Nott., 
 Mau. i, less, 312.— AuD., B. Am. iv, 155, pi. 243.— Gm., B. L. I. 1844, 157.— 
 WOODH., Sitgr. Eep. 1853, 76.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 331.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. 
 1872, 176 (mountains of Colorado, up to 11,000 feet ; Ogden, Utah). — CoUKS, 
 Key, 1872, 120, fig. 59 ; and of most late United States writers. 
 
 Vireosylvia oUvacea, Bp.,List, 1838, 26; Consp. i, 1850, 329. — Eeinh., Viddensk. Med. 
 for 1853 (1854), 82 (Greenland). — Eeinh., Ibis, iii, 1861, 7 (Greenland).— SCL., 
 P. Z. S. 18.55, 151 (Bogota) ; 1859, 137, 363 (Xalapa) ; 1870, 836 (Honduras) ; 
 Cat. A. B. 1862, 43.— A. & E. Newton, Ibis, 1859, 145 (Santa Cruz).— Scl. & 
 Salv., Ibis, 1859, 12 (Guatemala).- Lawr., Ann. Lye. vii, 1860, 246 (Cuba) ; ix, 
 1868, 96 (Costa Eica).-^MoSLBy, Nat. Hist. Tutbury, 1863, 385, pi. 6 ; Ibis, 1864, 
 . 394 ; Zoologist, 1864, 8965 ; fide Haetixg, Man. Br. B. 1872, 99 (accidental in 
 England).— Bd., Eev. 1866, 333.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. Ii, 1871, 270 (a few 
 ■wintering in Florida).— B. B. & E., N. A. B. i, 1874, 363 ; » and.of many late 
 United States writers. 
 
 Plyllomanes oUvaceus, Cab., Mus. Hein. i, 1850, 63.— Cab., J. f. O. 1860, 404 (Costa 
 Eica).— G0XDL., J. f. O. 1861, 324 (Cuba). 
 
 (?) Fireo virescens, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, 84, pi. 53.— Gray, G. of B. i, 1844, pi. 75. 
 
 Vireo bogotensis, Brt., Pr. B. S. vli, 1860, 227 (Bogota).— La WR., A. L., 1863 (Panama). 
 
 Sab. — Eastern North America to Hudson's Bay. Greenland. West beyond the lim- 
 its of the Eastern Province to Ogden, Utah. Fort Bridger. Bitterroot Valley. Koot- 
 enay, Washington .Territory (Eermerly). Missouri Eiver, 800 miles ablve its mouth 
 (Peaj-sall). Some winter-iti Florida. Greenland. Cuba. Trinidad, Fxnsch, P. Z.S. 1870, 
 565 (with agUis). Panama. In Mexico nearly replaced by the closely allied species V. 
 Jlavovirldis. ' Extremely abundant throughout the Eastern United States. Accidental 
 
 * A History of North American Birds. By S. F. Baled, T. M. Brewer, and E. Eidg- 
 way. Illustrated by 64 colored plates and 593 woodcuts. Vols. I, II : Land Birds — 
 Boston : Little, Brown & Co., 1874. The reception df the earlier volumes of this great 
 work (Feb., 1874), as the.present publication reaches this point in printing, will enable 
 
 me to cite it in succeeding v^nized by Microsoft® 
 
VIREO PHILADELPHICUS VIEEO GILVUS. 97 
 
 in England (near Derby, May, 1859 ; Mosley, N. H. Tutbury, 1863, 385, pi. 6; Zoologist, 
 1864, p. 89()5 ; Hahting, Br. Biitls, 1872, 99). ^ 
 
 ' Lieutenant Wurieii's Expedition. — 8695, Fremont, Platte River, 
 Kot obtained by Captain Eaynolds' Expedition. ^' '' ' 
 
 There is a very great uniformity among the eggs of our Vireonidw ; with 
 specimens before me of olivaoeus, gilvus, beliii, noveboracentda, soUtarius, 
 and Jiavifrons, I can see no difference, except in size. They are all pure 
 white, very sparingly sprinkled, chiefly about the larger end, with fine 
 sharp dots of dark brown. Solitarms and flavifrons, on the whole, may 
 average a little the heaviest spotting : in one case of novehoraceiwis there 
 are no spots, but its fellow from the same nest is spotted. Likewise, a 
 whole set of V. beliii are immaculate, and in another set there is but a 
 mere speck here and there ov^- the surface. Eggs of beliii, the smallest, 
 measure 0.70 or less by about 0.50 ; those of noveboracensis are a trifle 
 larger ; a specimen of gilvus is 0.74 by 0.54 ; flavifrons, soUtarius, and 
 olivaceiis, are 0.80 to 0.85 by 0.55 to 0.60. Nidiflcatiou is essentially the 
 same throughout; a thin- walled, cup-shaped nest, of various fibrous 
 material, is suspended by the brim betwixt the forks of a twig. 
 
 VIREO PHILADELPHICUS, Oass. 
 
 Brotherly-love Virco. 
 
 . Vireoaylvia pMladelphica, Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad, v, 1851, 153 ; vi, pi. 1, fig. 1. — Scl. & 
 
 Salv., Ibis, 1859, 12 (Guatemala).— Bd., Rev. 1866, 340.— Lawk., Ann. Lvc. N. 
 
 Y. ix, 1868, 96 (Costa Rica).— Salv., P. Z. S. 1870, 187 (Veragua).— B. B. & E., 
 
 N. A. B. i, 1874, 367. 
 
 Yireo philadelphious, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 335, pi. 78, flg. 3 (Wisconsin and Ohio). — Wheat., 
 
 Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 114.— Coc;es & PiiEKT., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 410.— ,'/, , ^ 
 Hamlin, Rep. Maine Board Agric. 1865 (Waterville, Me. ; only New England ' ' 
 record).— Codes, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 277.— Allen, Mem. Bost. Soo. i, 1868, - 
 517 (Illinois).— TUKNB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 19 (very rare).— CoUES, Key, 1872, r . 
 120, fig. 62. if,-' , 
 
 Fireosylvia cobanensis, Scl., P. Z. S. 1860, 463 ; Ann. Mag. N. H. 1861, 328. (Vera Paz.), , 
 
 Sab. — Eastern North America. North to Hudson's Bay ; south to Central America. 
 No Mexican or West Indian quotations. , 
 
 From the rarity of this species along the Atlantic coast, and its7 
 comparative frequency of occurrence in the interior, it would seem prob- "^ 
 able that it migrates chiefly through the Mississippi, and I confidently 
 
 anticipate that it will be found breeding in the Missouri region. It is 
 more than likely that Mr. Trippe's queried citation (Minnesota, Pr. Ess. 
 Inst, vi, 1871, 117) really does belong here, and not to gilvus. Dr. Brewer 
 informs me by letter that one was shot near Calais, Maine, by Mr.. Board- 
 man, in the spring of 1872, and others found the latter part of May in 
 northwestern Maine, by Mr. Brewster — an occurrence not mentioned by 
 Mr. Maynard in his late excellent paper. Dr. Brewer adds that it is 
 "abundant" every spring, about May 24th, in Wisconsin. I found it 
 quite common along the feed Kiver of the North, about Pembina, in 
 June, and it doubtless breeds there. It frequented the heavy timber of 
 the river-bottom, in company with V. olivaceous and V. gilvus. 
 
 ^ VIKEO GILVUS, (Vieill.) Bp. d - ^- 
 
 WarMing Vireo, 
 
 a. gilvus. 
 
 Muscieapa rjilra, ViBiLL., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, 65, pi. 34. 
 
 Vireo gikux, Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 123 ; Syn. 1828, 70 ; List, 1838, 26.— Nutt., Man. i, 
 1832, 309.— AuD., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 114 ; v, 1839, 433 ; Syn.. 1839,. 161 ; B. Am. 
 
 7 Digitized by Microsoft® 
 
 A- • 
 
98 VIREO FLAVIFE0N8, TELLOW-THEOATED VIEEO. 
 
 1842, 149, pi. 241.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 161.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 76.— Bd., , , 
 
 B. N. A. 1858, 335.— CouES, Key, N. A. Birds, 187;!, 120, fig. 63.— Tmppe, Pr. . 
 Bost. Soc. XV, 1872, 236 (Iowa, breeding).— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 5 (Kansas, .- 
 breeding) ; and of most United States writets. 3 / / * 
 
 Vircosylvia gilva, Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1851, 1.53.— SCL., P. Z. S. 1850, 298 (Cordova) ; j, , . 
 1858, 302 (OaxacaV— Bd., Rev. 1866, 342.— Sujiich., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, i 
 
 548 (Vera Crnz ; migratory).— B. B. & R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 368. [ -- 
 
 Museicapa melodia, WiLS., Am. Orn. v, 1812, 85, pi. 42, f. 2. 
 
 b. swainsoni. 
 
 Fireo swainsoni, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 336 (in text).— CouBS, Ibis, 186.5, 164 (Arizona).— 
 
 CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 73 (Arizona). 
 Fireosylvia swainsoni, Bd., Rev. 1866, 343.— Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 198 (Colorado).— 
 
 Stev., U. S. Geol. Sarv. Ter. 1870, 464 (Wyoming). 
 Vireosylria gilva var. swainson i, Coop., B. Cal. i, 187(^116.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 371. 
 Virco gilvus var. stcSinsoni, Cooes, Key, 1872, 121, fig. 64. 
 Viieo gilvus, Coor. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1859, I88.-C00P., Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 35 
 
 (Rocky Mountains). — Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 156, 176 (Kansas, Colorado, 
 
 Utah ; includes both varieties). 
 
 Hal). — Of true gilvus, Eastern North America to high central plains ; north to Fort 
 Simpson. Var. sioainsoni, wooded regions from Plains to Pacific, .United States. 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition.— 4729, Missouri River; 5305, Fort Lookout. 
 
 Later Expeditions. — 60769, Green River, Wyoming (var. swainsoni). 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition. 
 
 These specimens are referable to the gilvus proper, excepting No. 60769. " sivainsoni" 
 seems to be scarcely distinguishable even as a variety. A supposed difiference in the 
 'ving-formula proves not to hold always. The bird is, however, paler and grayer, like 
 ■>thers from the same region. 
 
 The Warbling Vireo is stated by Dr. Hayden to be abundant along 
 the wooded bottoms of the Missouri, where, however, I never observed 
 it, though I found it quite common ou the Red Eiver of the North. It 
 is numerously represented throughout the greater part of the United 
 States east of the Mississippi ; reaching the middle districts about the 
 middle of April, and remaining through the greater part of September, 
 ■breeding in gardens and the streets of cities, among the high shade 
 trees, rather than in the forests. 
 
 C 
 
 VIEEO FLAVIFEONS, Vieill. 
 
 Teilow-throated Vlreo. 
 
 Vireo flavifrons, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, 85, pi. 54.— Bp., Svu. 1828, 70.— NuTT., 
 Man. i, 1832, 302.— Add., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 119 ; v, 1839, 428 ; pi. 119 ; Syn. 
 1839. IPO ; B. Am. iv, 1842, 141, pi. 238.— Gm., B. L. I. 1844, 159.— Cass., Pr. 
 Phila. Acad. 1851, 149.— WooDU., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 82 (Texas and Indian Terri- 
 tory).— ScL., P. Z. S. 18.57. 227 (Vera Cruz) ; 1860, 2.57 (Orizaba).— Scl. & Salv., 
 Ibis, 1859, 12 (Guatemala).- Cab., J. f. 0. iii, 468 (Cuba) ; 1860, 405 (Costa 
 Rica).- GuNDi,., J. f. 0. 1861, 324 (Culia).- Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 341.— Hamlin, 
 Eep. Maine Board Agric. 1865 (Waterville ; only Maine record). — McIlwk., Pr. 
 Ess. Inst. V, 1866, 87 (Hamilton, C. W., in summer). — Trippe, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, -> ' 
 1871 117 (? Minnesota).— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 5 (breeding).— Coues, Key, /if*-'<^ 
 1872, 121, tig. 65. -._ ■_. 
 
 Lanivir-eo flavi/rons, Bd. — Lawe., Ann. Lvc. ix, 1868, 90 (Costa Rica).^ALLEN, Bull. ■*, '^ 
 M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 279 (wintering in Florida).— B. B. & E., N. A. B. i, 1874, 379. Jt ,7 . ' 
 
 Fircosj/Zm^ffiiv/rons, Bd., Rev. 1866, 346. " ' 
 
 Muscicapa sglaeola, WiLS., Am. Orn. i, 1808, 117, pi. 7, f. 3. < ! • , 
 
 HaJ). — Eastern United States and British provinces, west to Kansas only. Cuba (rare). J't 6 '6 
 Mexico and Central America, to Costa Eica and Guatemala. Breeds from Maryland 
 and Virginia northward. Stated to winter in Florida, as it does further south. 
 
 Digitized by Microsoft® 
 
,fi-^' 
 
 VIEEO SOLITAEIUS, BLUE-HEADED VIREO. 99 
 
 VIEEO SOLITAEIUS, (Wils.) Vieill. 
 
 Blue-headed or Solitary Vlreo. 
 
 Mnscicapa solitaria, Wils., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 143, pi. 17, f. 6. 
 
 Vireo solitarius, Vuoill., Nouv. Diet, xi, 1817.— Bp., Syu. 1828,70; List, 1838, '^C.^AuD., 
 Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 147 ; 1839, 432; pi. 28; Syu. 1839, 160.— Gin., B. L. I. 1844, 
 160.— NUTT., Man. i, 1832, 305.— AuD., B. Am. iv, 1842, 144, pi. 229.— Cass., Pr. 
 Phila. Acad. 1851, 150.— Scl., P. Z. S. 18.56, 298 (Cordova) ; 1859, 363 (Xalapa).— 
 Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 340.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1859, 189.— Scl. & 
 Salv., Ibis, 1860, 31 (Guatemala).— C ah., J. f. O. iii, 486 (Cuba).— Gundl., J. f. 
 0. 1861, 324 (Cuba).— Tfjppb, Pr. Ess. lust, vi, 1871, 117 (Minnesota, breeds).— 
 COUES, Key N. A. Birds, 1872, 121, 66.— Gextry, Pr. Pbihi. Acad. 1873, 354 
 (nest) ; and of most late United States writers. 
 
 Vireosylvia solitaria, Bd., Rev. 1866, 347. — Coop., B. Cal. 117. — Scmioh., Mem. Boat. Soc. 
 1869, 548 (Vera Cruz). 
 
 Lanivireo solitarius, Bd.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 373. 
 
 Fireo cassini, Xantus, Pr. Pbila. Ac. 1858, 117.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 340, pi. 78, f. 1. ( Var ') ;_ 
 
 Lanivireo solitarius var. cassini, B. B. & R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 377 (considered tenable ' 
 variety). 
 
 Hah. — Whole United States, except Southern Rooky Mountain region, where replaced ° ' <> - 
 by V. var. plumbeus. Canada (Mollwraith, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 87). South to Guate-,^?,' 
 mala in winter. Cuba. -^~ 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4727-28, mouth of Vermilion River. -^ '^ 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition. vi''?- 
 
 la the paper above quoted, Mi'. Thomas G. Gentry makes the follow- ^ 
 ing observations on the nlditication of this species : ^7f' 
 
 "Audubon, in describing the nest of Vireo solitarius, Vieill., at&rmsi'/f~ . 
 it 'is prettily constructed and lixed in a [)artially pensile manner be- 
 tween two twigs of a low bush, on a branch running horizontally from 
 the main stem, and formed externally of gray lichens, slightly put to- 
 gether, and lined with hair chiefly trora the deer and raccoon.' My 
 experience has been quite different. Out of the many nests which I 
 have seen and examined, I cannot recall a single specimen that will 
 answer to the above description. I have five uests of this species, four 
 of which are perfectly similar in structure; the remaining one formed of ' 
 the culms of a species of Aira, constituting an excei)tional case, and the 
 only one that has ever fallen under my notice. They are all shallow, 
 loose in texture, scarcely surviving the season for which they were de- 
 signed, and placed between two twigs of a cedar or a maple tree at a 
 considerable elevation from the ground, on a branch nearly horizontal 
 to the main axis. They are built entirely of clusters of male flowers of 
 Quercus palustris, which, having performed their allotted function, don 
 their brownish hue at the very period when they can be utilized. 
 
 "Here is evidently a change within a moderately short period, ren- 
 dered necessary by external causes. This necessity may have grown 
 out of inability to procure the favorite materials, or a desire for self- 
 preservation. In the case of the species under consideration, it cannot 
 be denied that the utter inability, without unnecessary physical ettbrt, 
 to procure the hair of the afore-mentioned animals, particularly in sec- 
 tions where they have been compelled to retreat before the advance of 
 man, may have been one of the causes which have induced the change. 
 I am satisfied, however, that it has not been the leading one, but that 
 self preservation has operated in this case for individual and family good. 
 The adaptation of the colors of the female bird to the tints of surround- 
 ing objects, during the trying period of incubation, and the establish- 
 ment of certain resemblances to familiar external objects, are two of the 
 ways in which it manifests itself." 
 
 Digitized by Microsoft® 
 
100 VIREO SOLITAEIUS VAE. PLUMBEUS, PLUMBEOUS VIEEO. 
 VIREO SOLITAJRIUS var. PLUMBEUS, (Coues) AUen. 
 
 Flumbeoas Yireo. 
 
 " Vireo most like soUtarias," CouBS, Ibis, ld65, 164. 
 
 Tireo soJitar'ms, Coop., Pr. Cal. Acad. 1870, 17.5 (Colorado Valley). 
 
 Vveo pUmbens, Coues, Pr. Pliila. Acad. 1866, 73 (Arizona).— Coites, Key, 1872, 122, fig. 6. 
 
 Fireosi/Ma plumbea, Bd., Eev. 1868, 349 (same spec.).— Aiic, P. B. S. 1872, 198 (Colorado). 
 
 Virto .lolitarius var. plumbcus, Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 187-2, 176.— Coues, Key, 1872, 351. 
 
 Lanivireo solitarins var. plumbem, B. B. & E., N. A. B. i, 1374, 377. 
 
 Hab. — Southern Eocky Mountain region. North to Laramie Peak (Hite). South to 
 Qoliraa {Xantus). " Western edge of the plains of Colorado, and in the mountains up 
 to about 10,000 feet; Ogden, Utah" {Allen). 
 
 Although this bird was not procured by the Expeditions, its occurrence 
 in the region of the Upper Missouri is shown by specimens obtained at 
 Laramie Peak by Dr. R. B. Hitz. 
 
 Typical examples look so different from ordinary solitarius that I con- 
 fidently described it as a distinct species. Some of Mr. Allen's speci- 
 mens, however, which he kindly submitted to my inspection, show an 
 approach to typical solitarius, and I am now inclined to rate it as one of 
 the numerous duller-colored races of birds found in the same region. 
 
 I found it very abundant in the pine woods around Fort Whipple, 
 Arizona, in summer, from April 25th until October. It unquestionably 
 breeds there, although I did not find its nest. I shot it in July and 
 August. Mr. Aiken took it in Colorado in May, and, according to Mr. 
 Trippe's manuscript, it arrives at Idaho Springs, in tliat Territory, in 
 the latter part of May, a week or so before the Warbling Vireo makes 
 its appearance. "It ranges up the mountains to 9,000 feet, and is quite 
 numerous somewhat lower, while the Warbling Vireo is comparatively 
 rare at such heights, and does not reach above 8,000 feet." In all points 
 of habit it is the counterpart of its eastern representative. 
 
 VIEEO NOVEBOEAOBNSIS, (Gm.) Bp. 
 White-eyed Vireo, 
 
 Musdoapa noveboracensis, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 947. 
 
 rireo noveboracensis, Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825 ; Syn. 1828, 70 ; List, 1838, 26.— Nutt., Man. i, 
 1832, 306.— AUD., Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 328 ; v, 1839, 431 ; pi. 63 ; Syn. 1839, 161 ; 
 B. A. iv, 1842, 146, pi. 240.— Gm., B. L. I. 1844, 158.— Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 
 1851, 150.— WooDH., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 75 (Texas, New Mexico, and Indian Ter- 
 ritory).— Cae., J. f O. iii, 469 (Cuba).— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 358 ; Eev. 1866, 354.— 
 SCL., P. Z. S. 1857, 204, 228 (Xalapa and Vera Cruz).- Maxim., J. f. O. vi, 1858, 
 187.— Jones, Nat. Berm. 1bT)9, 71.— Scl. & Salv., Ibis, ii, 1860, 274 (Gunte- 
 mala).— GuNDL., J. f. 0. 1861, 324 (Cuba).— Scl., Cat. 1862, 42.— Coues, Pr. Ess. 
 Inst. V, 1868 (New England). — Coues, Am. Nat. 1671, 197 (Kansas). — Trippe, 
 Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 117 (Minnesota).- Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 270 
 (Florida, wintering) ; iii, 1872, 176 (Kansas). — Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 5. — Coles, 
 Key, 1872, fig. 68.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. i, 1874, 385 ; and of most late writers. 
 
 Vireo musicus, Vielll., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, 83, pi. 52. 
 
 Miisnieapa caniatrix, WiLS., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 26G, pi. 18, fig. 6. 
 
 Hab. — Eastern United States. Minnesota. Not recorded from Maine. "Nova Scotia" 
 {A ndubon). Westward regularly to Kansas, Indian Territory, and Western Texas ; oc- 
 casionally to eastern foot-hills of the Eocky Mountains. " Columbia Eiver" (Audubon ; 
 not since verified). South to Guatemala. Cuba (rare). Bermudas (resident, common). 
 Eastern Mexico. Breeds through most of its United States rangp. Winters from South 
 Carolina, Georgia, the Gulf States, and southward. 
 
 List of specimens. 
 
 13124 
 
 38 
 
 U. Missouri . 
 
 (No date). 
 
 F. V. Hayden. 
 
 Digitized by Microsoft® 
 
bell's VIEEO LANIIl)^, SHRIKES. 101 
 
 This neat aad pleasant little bird has a more extensive range than has 
 usnally been attributed to it, but how far it is casual only in some of the 
 localities quoted, remains to be seen. A_ bird of the Eastern Pro\ iiicc, 
 it would certainly not be expected to occur on the Missouri, but this is 
 the case, and gives some color to Audubon's unsupported citation of the 
 Columbia. Eastward I have not traced it beyond Southern New En- 
 gland. I found it in Kansas, with the Eed-eyed and Bell's Vireos. In 
 tbe Middle States it is very abundant from April to October, breeding 
 in shrubbery and moist, tangled places ; although by an unaccountable 
 oversight, it is omitted from Ooues and Prentiss' ^Vashington list, we 
 found it plentiful there every season. It is a bird that seems to affect 
 particular districts and avoid others equally within its general range ; 
 for instance, Mr. Allen did not iind it at Springfield, though it is common 
 enough in some parts of Massachusetts. Nuttall says he saw it in South 
 Carolina in January, and it certainly winters in other of the Southevn 
 States. Its sprightly manners, and loud, clear song, make it a conspic- 
 uous and agreeable bird. 
 
 VIEEO BELLII, Aud. 
 
 Bell's Tirco. 
 
 Vireo bellii, Aud., B. Am. vii, 1844, 333, pi. 485.— Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 330.— Cass., 
 Pr. PMla. Acad. 1851, 150.— WooDH., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 76.— Bd., B. N. A. 1-58, 
 337.— SCL., Cat. 1861, 4-.^.- Hor, Smiths. Rep. 1864, 438 (Missouri).— Bd., Ecv. 
 1866, 358.— CouES, Ibis, Apr. 1865 (Kansas).— Ridgw., Am. Nat. 1873, 199 (Illi- 
 nois).— Allen, Bull. JI. C. Z. iii, 1872, 176.— CouES, Key N. A. Birds, 1873, 123, 
 fig. 40. — Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 5 (common). — Trippe, Pr. Bost. See. xv, 1872, 
 236 (Decatur County, Iowa).— B. B. & R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 389. {Not of Coopek.) 
 
 Sat. — Missouri region to Texas. Not observed in Southern Rocky Mountain re^(jD, 
 where replaced by F. pusillus, Coues, a closely related species or variety. East to 
 prairies of Illinois {JRidgway). South to Tehuantepeo, Mexico (Sumichrast). 
 
 This species, originally described from the Upper Missouri (Fort Union, 
 &c.), appears to have been overlooked by Dr. Hayden. Both Mr. Allen 
 aud myself found it abundant in Kansas ; others have noted its occur- 
 rence in Missouri, Arkansas, and in Texas. Mr. Eidgway has lately an- 
 nounced its presence in Illinois, the easternmost locality as yet recorded. 
 According to Mr. Trippe, as above cited, it breeds abundantly in Deca- 
 tur County, Iowa, where it is the commonest species of the genus. "It 
 arrives the second week in May, and is seldom seen after the middle of 
 August. In its habits it bears a strong resemblance to the White-eyed 
 Vireo, preferring the thickets and underbrush to the trees. Its notes 
 are quite different from those of any other Vireo, being somewhat like 
 those of the Blue-bird in early spring, but quicker and more hurried." 
 
 In its manners and general habits it is nearly a counterpart of V. no- 
 veboracensis, to which it is also similar in physical character, although 
 bearing a still closer resemblance to V. gilvus. 
 
 / 
 
 Family LANIID^ : Shrikes. 
 
 COLLUEIO BOEEALIS, (Vieill.) Bd. 
 Butcher Bird; Jforthern Shrike. 
 
 Lanius exeuMtor, For.ST., Phil. Trans. Ixii, 1772, 382. — ^Wu^., Am. Orn. i, 1803, 74, pi. 
 
 5, fig. 1.— Aud., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 534, pi. 192. (Not of European writers.) 
 Lanius iorealli, Vielll., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, 90, pi. 50.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, l■^:;l, 
 
 111, pi. 33.-AuD.,^^ga^^|3^,^|7^^^^^.^^^m. iv, 1842, 130, pi. 236.-GiK., 
 
102 COLLUEIO BOREALIS, GREAT NOETHEEN SHEIKE. 
 
 B. L. 1. 1844, 155.— Gray, Gen. of Birds, 1847, 294.— Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad, 1857, 
 212. — Maxim., J. f. 0. vi, lb58, 190 (Upper Missouri).- Jones, Nat. in Bermuda, 
 1857, 51.— Dresser & Shaepe, P. Z. S. 1870, 591.— Tursb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 19.— 
 FiNSCH, Abh. Nat. 1872, 39 (Alaslia).— Tuute, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 117. 
 
 Colhjno horeaUs, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, :J-M.— Coop. & Sfcic, N. H. Wash. Ter. If'ig, 188.— 
 COUES & Prent., Smltlis. Rep. for l^iCl (lS(i-2), 409.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 162.— 
 CouES, Pr. PMla. Acad. 1866, 7:1.- Lord, Xat. Vane, ii, 1866, 295.— Coop., Am. 
 Nat. iii, 1869, 35.— Dall & Banx., Tr. Cbic. Acad, i, ^■^G9, 280.— Stev., U. S. 
 Geol. Snrv. Ter. 1870, 464.— Meiu;., ibid. 1872, 677. 
 
 CoUurio horealis, Bd., Rev. 1866, 440.— Coles, Pr. E s. Inst, v, l.-'6f , 277.— Coop., B. Cal. 
 i, 137.— Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 198 (Colorado).— Coues, Key, 1872, 125, tig. 
 73.-Mei:r., U. S. Gcol. Surv. Ter. 1-72, 677. -B. B. & E., N. A. B. i, 1874, 415. 
 
 Lanius septtmtrkmalis, Bp., Syu. 1828, 72 ; P. Z. S. l-';57, 112 ; Consp. i, 18.50, 363; R. & 
 M. Z. 1853, 394.— Cass., Pr. Pliila. Acad. lf^57, 213.— Murray, Edinb. N. Phil. 
 Journ. xi, 1859, 223. 
 
 Colhjrio chemungensis, Gregg, Pr. Elmira Acad, i, 1870 (p. 9 of reprinted list). (Young). 
 
 ifaft.— North America. In winter, south to about 35°. AUeghanies, breeding (Tarn- ^/^.J-u 
 Mil). Bermuda (Jones). /" 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4552, Fort Pierre. ^~f^' - ■ 
 
 Later Expeditions. — 60996-98, Rock Creek and Green River, "Wyoming ; 62270, Idaho. ' i 
 Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition. "^ 
 
 The Shrike appears to be common on the Upper Missouri in winter ; 
 I have several times seen it at that sea.sou about Fort Randall. I have 
 also happened to meet with it twice in widely separated localities, but 
 in each instance at about the extreme southern limit, viz., at Washing- 
 ton, D. C, and at Fort Whipple, Arizona. The only record of its breed- 
 ing in the United States that 1 have found, is Mr. Turnbull's statement, 
 that "many nestle on the mountain ridges of the Alleghanies." 
 
 3Ir. Trippe informs me that the Butcher-bird is "quite common in Col- 
 orado, in October, about the Middle Park, and during the winter along 
 the edge of the plains. Late in November one was observed at Idaho 
 Springs to catch and kill a Snow-bird, and carry it off in its bill up the 
 side of a mountain." 
 
 The eggs of our two species of Shrike are indistinguishable, though 
 those of horealis average a tritle the largest — about 1.10 by 0.80. The 
 ground is dull white, blotched or freckled all over with a peculiar shade 
 of dull grayish-brown, in some instances deepening into grayish-choco- 
 late. The variations in precise amount of spotting, as well as in size 
 and shade of the markings, is interminable. 
 
 COLLUEIO LUDOVICIANUS var. EXCUBITOEOIDES, (Sw.) Cones. 
 
 White-rumped Shrike. 
 
 b. excubitoroides. 
 
 Lanius excuMtoroides, Sw., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 115, pi. 35. — Gajib., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1847, 
 200.— Cass., ibid. 1857, 213.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 77 (Texas).— Heerm., 
 P. R. R. Rep. X, 18.59, 55.— Scl., P. Z. S. 1864, 173 (city of Mexico).— Dress. & 
 Sharpe, p. Z. S. 1870, 595: 
 
 Colhjrio excubitoroides, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 527, pi. 75, f. 2.— Kenx., P. R. R.,Rep. x, 1859, 
 25.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 162.— CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 73 (Arizona).— 
 McLlwr., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 87 (Hamilton, C. \V.).— CoOP., Am. Nat. Aug. 
 1869, 34 (Fort Union, breeding; eggs six). — Coop., Pr. Cal. Acad. 1870, 75. 
 
 CoUurio excubitoroides, Bd., Rev. 1866, 445. — Coues, Pr. Ess, Inst, v, 1868, 277. — Allex, 
 Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 504, 517 (Illinois).— Slmich., Mem. Bost; Soc. N. H. i 
 1869, .548 (Vera Cruz).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1871, 138.— Aikex, Pr. Bost. Soc. 
 1872, 198 (Colorado). 
 
 CoUurio ludovicianus var. excubitoroides, Cotjes, Key, 1872, 125.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. 
 1874, 421. 
 
 Lanius ludovicianus, M.ocim., J. f. 0. 1858, 191 (Upper Missouri). 
 
 CoUurio ludovicianus, Allex, Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 499 (Iowa).— Allen, Am. Nat. 1869, 
 579 (refei-s to Canadian and New York examples). — Allex, Bull. M. C. Z. iii. 
 1872, 176 (Kansas ; Colorado, Utah). — (?) Purdie, Am. Is at. vii, 1873, 115 (Mass.) 
 
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COLBUEIO LUDOVICIANUS VAE. EXCUBITOROIDES. 
 
 103 
 
 (??) Lanius elegans, Sw., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 122 (said to be from the fur countries ; original 
 specimen iilentifieil by Dresser and Sharpe (P. Z. S. It70, 595) as belonging to 
 C. lahtora of Asia and Africa). 
 
 Lanim eleyaim, Kurr., Man. i, 2d ed. 1840, 287.— Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1857, 211!.— Bd., 
 B. N. A. 1858, 328, foot-note ; pi. 75, f. 1. 
 
 CoUyrio elegans, Bd.. B. N. A. 1858, page xxxv. 
 
 Collurio elegans, Bd., Rev. 18G6, 444.— CoOP., B. Cal. i, 1870, 140. 
 
 Lanius mexicanus, BuEHM, J. f. O. ii, 1854, 145. — SCL., Cat. 18o;;, 46. 
 
 Collurio lucloviciaiius var. robustus, Bd., Am. Nat. vii, 1873, 609 (.same specimen as for- 
 merly called C. elegans). — B. B. R., B. N. A. i, 1874, 420 (the same). 
 
 Hab. — Middle Province of North America, to the Saskatchewan. East through Kan- 
 sas, Iowa, Ohio, Illinois, and Wisconsin, to New York and Canada West, probably into 
 New England. In the Southern States replaced by typical ludonleianus. On the Pacific 
 coast not observed north of California. South through Mexico. 
 
 List of specimens. 
 
 19222 
 19224 
 19223 
 
 164 
 191 
 
 Pump. Butte.. 
 do 
 
 '"<?" 
 
 Nov. 18, 1859 
 Oct. 23, 1859 
 
 F. V. Havden. 
 
 do 
 
 Dr. Hines 
 
 
 
 
 10.00 
 
 12.50 
 
 4.75 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 8902-04, Upper Missouri River; 5312, Yellowstone 
 River ; 4649, White River ; 8801-03, L'eau qui court. 
 
 Later Expeditions. — 60435, La Bont^ Creek, Wyoming ; 60768, Pacific Creek, Wyoming ; 
 61752, Utah ; 62271, Idaho. 
 
 As I Stated in tbe "Key," "extreme examples of ludoricianus and ex- 
 cubitoroides look very different, but tbey are observed to melt into eacli 
 other when many si^ecimens are compared, so that no specitic character 
 can be assigned." The change takes place in the States just east of the 
 Mississippi ; typical ludovicianns I have only seen from tlie South Atlan- 
 tic States. Whatever the original L. elegans of Swainson may have 
 been, there seems to be little doubt that the elegans of Baird and Cooper 
 is the same as the excuhitoroides of the same authors. The doubt is, 
 whether the specimen of Dr. Gambel's, marked "California," really came 
 from that State; for some of Gambel's birds so labelled were certainly 
 procured elsewhere (for example, his Tyrannus bair/lii, which is a South 
 American species, the Tyrannus atri/rons of Sclater — a species of 2Iyio- 
 dynastes). The features of this specimen, if it be really American, may 
 have been individual peculiarities. I consider there is as yet nothing 
 upon which to base the belief that we have more than a single species 
 of Shrike in this country (aside from C. borealis), and that is G. ludovi- 
 cianus, of which a variety, with the above synonymy, occurs in the re- 
 gions above specified. 
 
 I have not yet met with this bird on the Missouri. Dr. Hayden 
 reports it as being quite abundant, "especially along the Platte to the 
 Laramie Mountains, Black Hills, and Bad Lands. 1 found it breeding 
 abundantly in JSTorthern Dakota, beyond the Missouri Coteau, securing 
 newly-Hedged young late in .Tuly. The nest, just deserted, was placed 
 in a dense thicket, in the crotch of a bush, about five feet irom the 
 ground. It was a large, bulky, and inartistic structure, upon a, founda- 
 tion, of loosely interlaced twigs, as large as a man's hat. The nest proper 
 was about six inches wide outside, and three deep, composed eutiiely 
 of the stems and tops of a species of white weed growing in the vicinity, 
 inextricably matted with plaits of fibrous inner bark ; there was no 
 special lining or any circular disposition of the material. The nest was 
 very foul with excrement and, apparently, a scurfy exfoliation from the 
 plumage of the young. 
 
 Mr. Allen, in the American Naturalist as quoted, gives the interesting 
 record of the breeding of excuhitoroides in New York State. A nest of 
 six eggs were taken in 1869, near Buffalo, New York. Mr. Mcllwraitli 
 
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104 HESPEEIPHONA VESPEETINA — ^PINICOLA- ENCTdLEATOE. 
 
 states that it is a summer resident, not very rare, at Hamilton, Canada 
 West, where, however, it had not been observed until five or six years 
 before 1865. Its occurrence in New England, although highly probable, 
 remains to be confirmed. Several of the earlier authors, however, men- 
 tion a New England Shrike, not G. borealis. See also Pubdie, op. cit. 
 
 Family FRINGILLIDiE : Finches, etc. 
 
 HESPERIPHONA VESPEETINA, (Coop.) Bp. 
 
 ETening Grosbeak. 
 
 Fringilla vespertina, Coop., Ann. Lye. N. Y. i, 1825, 220 (Michigan).— Bp., Svn,1828, 113, 
 No. 188.— Bp., Zool. Jonm. iv, 1828, 2.— Bp., Am. Orn. ii, 7.5, pi. 1.5, fig. 1.— 
 NUTT., Man. i, 1832. 594.— Auc, Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 515 ; v, 235 ; pis. 373, 425. 
 
 Coceotkraustes vespertina. Sw. & Rice., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 269, pi. 68.— Bp., List, 1838, 30.— 
 AUD., Syn. 1839, 134.— AuD., B. Am. ill, 1841, 217, pi. 207. 
 
 Sesperiphona vespertina, Bp., C. E. xxxi, 1850, 424. — Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850. 505. — Bd., 
 B. N. A. 1858, 409.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 196.— Scl., P. Z. S. 
 1860, 251.— KiRTL., " Ohio Farmer" for March 24,^1860 (Ohio ; Eaciue, Wis., Dr. 
 Boi/).— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Eep. for I860.— Codes, Pr. Pbiia. Acad. 1866, 80.— 
 Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 289 (near New York City). — CouBS, Pr. Ess. 
 Inst. V, 1868, 280, 312.— Mcli-WR., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 88 (Woodstock, Can- 
 ada). — Sdmich., Mem. Boat. Soc. i, 1869, 550 (Monte Alto, 36 miles from city 
 of Mexico).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 174.— Aikex, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1879, 199 (Sherman, 
 Wyo.).— Codes, Key, 187S, 127.— B.B. & E., N. A. B. i, 1874, 449, pi. 22, f. 1. 
 
 ffesperipkona vespertina var. montana, B. B. &E., N. A. B. i, 1874, 449, pi. 22, f. 4 (individ- 
 ual, not geographical, variation). 
 
 Coceotkraustes bonapartii, Less., 111. Zool. 1834, pi. 34 ( 2 ). ^ 
 
 Loxia bonapartii, Less. 
 
 Hab. — Eocky Mountains to the Pacific, United States. North to the Saskatchewan 
 (iiichardson). Eastward along the northern tier of States to Lake Superior regularly, 
 to Ohio, Canada, and New York City, casually. South to the table-lands of Mexico. 
 
 Not procured liy either of the Expeditions. 
 
 "Black Hills, 2, June 3, 1824" (Toicnsend), Audubon, op. cit. Mr. Aiken also saw 
 several, January 20, 1872, in the foot-hills near Sherman, Wyoming Territory. 
 
 :/~ PINICOLA ESUCLEATOE, (Linn.) Cab.-' 
 
 Pine Grosbeak. 
 
 Loxia ejiucteator, Forst., Phil. Trans. Ixii, 1772, 383.— Lixx., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 299.— 
 Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788. 845.— WiLS., Am. Orn. i, 1808, 80, pi. 5, f. 2. 
 
 Pinrtgilla^cniwleator, Meyee, "Viig. 74." — Temm., Man., Orn i, 1815, 198. 
 
 Corythis eimcleator, Cuvier.— Bp., Am. Orn. pi. 16, f. 3 ; List, 1838, 38. — Bp. & Schl., 
 
 Monog. Lox. 9, pis. 11, 12.— Gould, B. Eur. pi. 204.— Aud., Svu. 1839, 127.— 
 
 • Aud., B. Am. iii, 1841, 179, pi. 199.— Gir., B. L. I. 1844, 128.— Pdtn., Pr. Ess. 
 
 Inst, i, 1856, 211 (Massachusetts, rare).- Trippe, Pr. Ess. Inst. vi. 1871, 116 
 
 (Minnesota, winter visitant) ; and of many authors. 
 
 Fyi-rhda enucleatm; Bp., Syn. 1828, 119. — Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 53.5. — Aud., Orn. Biog. 
 iv, 1838, 414, pi. 358.— Tkmm., M. i, 1820, 333.— Naum., V. D. iv, 1824, 403, pi.- 112. 
 
 Pijrrlmla{Cor\ithus)enncleator, Sw. &,ElCH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 262, pi. 53.— Keys. &Bla8., 40. 
 
 Strdbilopharja enacleator, Vieill., N. D. H. N. ix, 609.— Gray, G. of B. i, 337. 
 
 Pinicola enucleator, Cab., Mus. Hein. i, 1851, 167. — FlKSCH. Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 54 
 (Alaska).— CouES, Key, 1872, 127.— B. B. &. E., N. A. B. i, 1874, 453, pi. 21, f. 1, 2. 
 
 Goccotlumstes canadenms, Beiss., Orn. iii, 250, pi. 12, f. 3. 
 
 Corytltus canadensis et C. spJendcns et Gangustirostris, "Brehm." 
 
 Biuicola canadensis, Cab., Mus. Hein. j, 1851, 167 (Illinois).— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 410.— 
 CoUES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, 221 (Labrador, breeding). — CoUES & Prent.,- 
 Smiths. Eep. 1861, 411 (accidental at Washington, D. C, in winter). — Wheat., 
 Ohio Agric. Eep. 1860, No. 136.— Boaedm., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 126 (Calais, 
 Me., winter, commou). — Verb., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 160 (ditto at Norway, Me.). — 
 Ai.LEN, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 69 (Massachusetts, winter, rare). — McIlwr., Pr.' 
 E.«s. Inst. V, 1866, 88 (Hamilton, C. W., irregular).— CouES, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 
 1868, 280.— Lawk., Ann, Lye. viii, 186ri,.288 (NejvYork).— Coop., Pr. Cal. Acad, 
 
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PDSICOLA ENUCLEATOR, PINE GROSBEAK. 105 
 
 Jan. 1868 (Sierra Nevada).— Ball & Banx., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1809, 281 ''^' 
 (Alaska).— TUKNii., B. E. Pa. 1869, 21 (rather rare).— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. 
 Ter. 1870, 404 (Wyoming). — Mayn., Guide, 1870, 109 (Massachusetts, winter). — ,. 
 Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 151 (resident in Sierra Nevada of California). — ■- 
 Snow, B. Kaus. 1873, 6. ul 
 
 Pinicola americana, Cab., Mss, — Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 528. ,; 
 
 " Loxia flamingo, Spaerm., Mus. Carls, pi. 17 (var."), {Gray). 
 
 " Loxia imttacea, Pall." {Gray). <• 
 
 Hob. — In this country, occupiea the whole of British America, migrating regularly^ 
 into the northern tier of States in winter, and occasionally to Maryland, Ohio, liliuoie," , 
 and Kansas. Apparently resident in the Sierra Nevada of California, and certainly so 
 in the Rocky Mountains within the United States. South to Colorado, where it hreeds. ■'' ' 
 "Breeds from Maine northward" (JwduSon). • 5 ■ 
 
 Later Expeditions. — 60637, Uintah Mountains, September 20, 1870. ,} ;• 
 
 This species was not met with by either of the earlier Expeditions,'* ' 
 and must be a rare winter visitant, if it occur at all, in most portions ,~ 
 of the Missouri region, the greater part of which is topographically uii- 
 suited to its wants. We have, however, authentic information of its 
 presence even so far south as Kansas. Prof. Snow places it in his list, 
 with the remark: "occurs in winter ; taken by Sidney Smith, of Leav- 
 enworth." Mr. Trippe says it api)ears in Wisconson " about the middle 
 of November, and remains throughout the winter, feeding on the buds 
 and seeds of the alder, birch, &c., as well as of the weeds that abound 
 on the prairies." He observed a much larger proportion of old birds 
 than there is in the flocks that visit New York, though these are still 
 far outnumbered by the females and young. I found it rather common, 
 and breeding, on the coast of Labrador, in patches of juniper and Other 
 thick woods. Audubon has a note of NuttalPs finding it on the Lower 
 Missouri. 
 
 In the Eocky Mountains it finds its southernmost extension, as well as 
 breeding range. This fact, but lately ascertained, is attested by young- 
 birds in the Smithsonian collection, and very fully by the following in- 
 teresting communication which Mr. Trippe has sent me from Idaho 
 Springs, Colorado : 
 
 "The Pine Grosbeak is irregularly distributed in this part of the 
 mountains, being rarely seen in certain localities, while it is very com- 
 mon in others. It is probably resident, as I have observed it through- 
 out the summer and fall months in the woods near timber-line, below 
 which it does not wander very far, none being seen below 9,500 feet, 
 even in the depth of winter, although it is probable that stragglers oc- 
 casionally descend even to the foot-hills at times. It is very tame, fre- 
 quently alighting and feeding within a few feet of one with the greatest 
 composure. Its food seems to consist principally of pine seeds, but it 
 is also fond of those of the birch and alder, and occasionally descends 
 to the ground, where it picks up the seeds of various plants, and proba- 
 bly a few insects. During late summer and winter it has a very pleasing 
 song — clear, sweet, and flowing, like that of the Purple Finch. I cannot 
 say at what season it breeds, but am inclined to think that it must be 
 very early, as young birds are fully feathered and have left their parents 
 in June, before the snow has disa(>peared from the woods. 
 
 "Individuals vary in size — though the coloration of the adults is quite 
 constant — and average larger than winter specimens from the Atlantic 
 States, a length of nine or nine and one-half inches being not uncommon, 
 while occasionally old males will measure ten and even a little over. In 
 one specimen (an adult male, shot July 10th near James Peak) the length 
 is 10.15 inches ; the tip of the upper mandible is decurved beyond and 
 below that of the lower 0.13 of an incii." 
 
 Two specimens of the rare^ and little-known egg of the Pine Grosbeak 
 
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106 
 
 CARPODACUS PUEPUEEUS CAEPODACUS CASSINI. 
 
 are in the Smithsonian. One taken in 'Sew Brunswick, May 7, 1865, by- 
 Mr. G. A. Boardman ; the other from James' Bay. The color is a pecu- 
 liar pale bluish-gray, or pale bluish with a glaucous shade, thickly 
 speckled at the larger end with reddish-brown, and elsewhere sparingly 
 si)rinkled with the same and a few darker dots. A specimen measure's 
 0.97 by 0.65. 
 
 y 
 
 OAEPODACUS PUEPUEEUS, (Gm.) Gray. 
 Purple Fincb. 
 
 Fnngilla jmrpurea, Gm., Svst. Nat. i, 1788, 923.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 446.— WiLS., 
 Am. Orn. i, 1808, 119, pi. 7, f. 4 ; v, 1812, 87, pi. 43, f. 3.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 114.— 
 AUD., Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 24 ; v, 500, pi. 4.— Sw. & EiCH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 264.— 
 NuTT., Man. i, 1832. 
 
 Eryfhrospiza purpurea, Bp., List, 1838, 34.— Auc, B. Am. iii, 1841, 170, pi. 196.— GiR., 
 B. L. I. 1844, 126.— Trippe, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 116 (Minnesota). 
 
 Carpodacus jntrpureus, Gray. — Bp.. C. A. i, 1850, 533. — Newb., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 
 
 88.— Bd., B. S. a. 1858, 412.— Hbbrm., P. R. E. Rep. x, 1859, 50.— Hayd., Eep. _ 
 1862, 164.— CouES, Key, 1872, 128, pi. 75.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 463, pl./^^-,^ 
 21, f. 7, 8 ; and of nearly all late United States writers. p.'/ 
 
 Carpodacus californicus, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 413, pi. 72, f. 23.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. '"^^ 'i 
 Wash. Ter. 1860, 196.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 154. ' * f ;i 
 
 Caipodacua purpureua var. californicus, B. B. &. R-., N. A. B. i, 1874, 465, pi. 21, f. 10, 11. < ,^ 
 
 Hal). — United States from Atlantic to Pacific, excepting, probably, the Southern '■'. - £■ ' 
 Eocby Mountain region, where replaced by the following species. North to the Sas- 
 katchewan and Labrador. Winters in the Southern. States. 
 
 Lieutenant TVarren's Expedition. — 4853, Vermilion River.- 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition. '^ 
 
 Dr. Hayden's suspicion that this species does not occur on the upper- 
 most Missouri may prove correct. I have found it, however, as high npj(^'~~ 
 as Fort Eandall. This was in October ; I observed small flocks in shrub- . -j A 
 bery, feeding on and near the ground. Very cold weather setting in 
 soon after, no more were observed,, and I think that they all moved off 
 southward. I found it breeding on Turtle Mountain, Dakota, in July. 
 The egg is clear pale bluish, irregularly dotted, but chiefly in a wreatli 
 around the large end, with very dark blackish-brown — almost black in 
 some instances ; in others lighter. An average egg is 0.80 by O.GO ; but 
 I have seen specimens from 0.85 by 0.57 (abnormally elongate) to 
 0.75 by 0.56. 
 
 I have failed to substantiate any tangible distinctions between the 
 bird of the Pacific coast and the ordinary form. 
 
 CAEPODACUS_ CASSINI, Bd. 
 
 €assln's Purple Finch. 
 
 Carpodacus cassini. Be, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1854, 119.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 414. — Kexn., P. 
 R. E. Rep. X, 1859, 27, pi. 27, f. 1.— Lord, Pr. Roy. Arty. Inst, iv, 1864, 119 
 (British Columbia).— CoUES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1836, 80.— ScL., P. Z. S. 1869, 362 
 (city of Mexico).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 155.— Meiir., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, 
 678.— CouES, Key, 1872, 128.— B. B. & K., N. A. B. i, 1674, 460, pi. 21, f. 4, 5. 
 
 (?) Carpodacus purpureus, Allex, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 176 (Colorado and Utah). 
 
 Hab. — Southern Rocky Mountain region. North to British Colnmbia, between Cas- 
 cades and Rocky Mountains. Table-lands of Mexico. (ScL. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1869, 362.) 
 
 List of specimens. 
 
 192.=0 
 19251 
 
 68 
 
 W. River Mts. 
 do 
 
 June 5, 1860 
 do 
 
 F. V. Hayden. 
 do! 
 
 6.50 
 6.50 
 
 11.25 
 11.00 
 
 3.50 
 3.75 
 
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CAEPODACUS FRONTALIS, CRIMSON-FEONTED FINCH. 107 
 
 Later Expeditions. — 62326-26, Yellowstone and Snake Eivers. 
 
 Not obtained by Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. 
 
 Although it might be argued with some reason that this is merely a variety of pur- 
 purens, I am at present inclined to treat it as a distinct species, for I have seen no 
 specimens, of many examined, that were not instantly recognizable by the peculiarities 
 given in the above-quoted works. Dr. Haydeu's specimens are interesting as repre- 
 senting the northeasternmost recorded locality. 
 
 I have only myself observed this species in Arizona, about Fort 
 Whipple, where it was common, and resident. It is found westward to 
 the Sierra IJevada, but probably not beyond. Dr. Cooper found it in 
 large numbers about Lake Tahoe, and noticed a peculiar call-note. So 
 little has been placed on record of its habits, that the following para- 
 graph from Mr. Trippe, referring to his observations at Idaho Springs, 
 Colorado, is the more acceptable : 
 
 "Abundant; breeds. A few remain all winter in sheltered localities 
 in Bergen's Park, but the greater number seek some warmer climate, 
 returning as soon as the severest portion of the season has passed by. 
 In March and April they frequent the dense thickets of willows that 
 line the banks of nearly all the streams in places, and have at that time 
 a low, sweet warbling soug, which becomes louder in May, and then 
 fully equals that of the Purple Finch. They breed as high as 10,000 
 feet, but are not uniformlj' distributed, as I never saw them abundant 
 outside of Bergen's Park. During summer and fall they frequent the 
 pine trees in which they nest; and during this season the female sings 
 nearly as sweetly as the male. I strongly suspect that the (J. purjnireus 
 mentioned by Allen as abundant in the South Park, was this species, 
 which he does not give at all. The latter is common, while the former 
 is at least so rare that I never saw it in a year's careful observation." 
 
 The only sets of eggs I have seen are not distinguishable fromi some 
 specimens of (7. purpureus, though on an average they are probably 
 rather larger. As in the case of that species, very pale sets occur, cor- 
 responding to the whitish eggs of Blue-birds. The nidification is wholly 
 similar to that of G. purpureus. The eggs, supposed to be of this 
 species, lately described by Dr. Brewer, are those of 0. frontalis. They 
 were from the South Arizona collection of Lieutenant C. Bendire, who 
 writes me that they were wrongly identified. C. cassini probably does 
 not breed in that locality. {Gf. Brew., Pr. Bost. Soc. xvi, 1873, lO'J.) 
 
 CAEPODACUS FEOI^TALIS, (Say) Gray. 
 
 Crimson-fronted Finch; House Finch; Bufion. 
 
 a. frontalis. 
 
 Fringilla frontalis, Say, Long's Exped. R. Mts. ii, 1824, 40. 
 
 Fringilla (Pyrrhula) frontalis, Gamb., Pr. Phila. Acad, i, 1843, 262. 
 
 Pyrrliula frontalis, Bp., Am. Oru. i, 1825, 49, pi. 6, figs. 1,,2. 
 
 Erythrospim frontalis, Bp., P. Z. S. 1837, 112; List, 1838, 35.— Gamb., .1. P. Ac. 1847, 53. 
 
 Carpodacus frontalis, Gray, Genera of Birds. — Bp., Cousp. i, 1850, 533. — McC^ll, Pr. 
 Phila. Acad. 1851, 219.— Newe., P. R. E. Eep. vi, 1857, 88.— Bd., B. N. A. 1«5&, 
 415.— Kenn., P. R. R. Eep. x, 1859, pt. iv, 28.- Couios, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 
 80.— CouES, Ibis, 1866, 267.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 156.— Aikbn, Pr. Bost. Soc. 
 1873, 199 (Arkansas River, Col.).— CouKs, Key, 1672, 129. 
 
 Carpodacus frontalis var. frontalis, Ridgw., Am. Jonru. v, 1873, 40. — B. B. & E., N. A. 
 B. i, 1874, 466, pi. 21, f. 3, 6. 
 
 Carpodaeus familiaris, McCall, Pr. Phila. Acad, vii, 1852, 61.— Woodh., Sitgr. Eep. 1853, 
 88.— Cass., 111. 1854, 73, pi. 13.— Heerm., P. R. R. Eep. x, 1859, pt. vi, 50. 
 
 Carpodaeus oiscurus, McCall, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1851, 220. 
 
 Carpodaeus " californicns," Coces, Ibis, 1865, 164 {lapsii). 
 
 Carpodaeus "cassini," Bbew., Pr. Bost. Soc. xvi, 1873, 109 (error in identification of eggs). 
 
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108 CAEPODACUS FRONTALIS, CRIMSON-FRONTED FINCH. 
 
 b. rhodocolpus. 
 
 Carpodacm rhodocolpus, Cab., Mua. Heio. 1851, 166.— ScL., P. Z. S. 1856, 304; 1857, 127. 
 Carpodacus frontalis var. rhodocolpus, Ridgw., Am. Journ. Sci. v, 1873, 39. — B. B. & R., 
 N. A. B. i, 1874, 468, pi. 21,.f. 9. 
 
 c. licemorrhous, 
 
 Pyrrhula frontalis, Sw., Sjm. Mex. B. in Phil. Mag. i, 1827, 435, No. 52. 
 
 Erytkrospiza frontalis, Bp., "Osscrv. Reg. anim. Cuv., p. 80."— (?) AuD., Syn. 1839, 125; 
 
 B. Am. iii, lti41, 175, pi. 197 (.{Fringilla frontalis of the folio ed., pi. 424). 
 Carpodacus frontalis, Bp. & ScHX., Mon. Lox. 15, pi. 16. 
 •Fringilla hcemorrlioa. Wag., Isis, 1831, 525. 
 Carpodacus haimorrhous, SCL., P. Z. S. 185G, 304 (Cordova) ; 1858, 303 ; 1859, 380 (Oaxaca) ; 
 
 Cat. 1862, 12a.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 41/.— Sumicii., Mem. Bost. Soo. i, 1S69, 550. 
 Carpodacus frontalis var. licemorrhous, Ridgw., I. u. 
 
 B^a,6.— Southern Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada, United States. North to the 
 headwaters of the Platte or further, and on the Pacific side to Oregon. Var. rhodocolpus 
 from the Pacific coast. Southern California, to Colima. Var. hccmorrhous from the Table 
 Lands of Mexico. 
 
 While I am willing to follow Mr. Ridway in adopting a Mexican var. hwmorrlious, I 
 do not feel satisfied of the necessity for recognizing var. rhodocolpus — at least my col- 
 lections do not bear out the asserted differences. Comparing one from New llexico 
 with another from Southern California, both males in good plumage, the red of the 
 former is seen to "spread" more than that of the latter, instead of the reverse, as 
 ought to be the case, according to Mr. Eidgway. Still he has examined much more 
 material than I have, and I presume his definition is borne out, as a rule ; and this is 
 all, I believe, that is cjaimed in such cases. Some of the above quotations under var. 
 frontalis include, or refer to, var. rhodocolpus. Females and young of the several vari- 
 eties are indistinguishable. 
 
 I met with great numbers of "Burions" on first enteriDg New Mexico, 
 and traced them thence across the continent to the Pacific, at San Pedro, 
 lu the Mexican towns they were as plentiful, fearless and familiar, as 
 the English Sparrows have become in many of our eastern cities, breed- 
 ing in all sorts of nooks about the buildings, as well as in the forks of 
 trees in the court yards and streets. It is a pleasing feature in the dirty 
 Mexican settlements which, with questionable taste, it selects as its 
 abode, and where the air is vocal all the day long with its delightful 
 melody. They are seldom molested by the worthless population, who 
 have only just energy enough to bask by day in the sun rolling cigar- 
 ettes, and cheat each other at cards by night ; consequently the little 
 birds thrive, and no doubt live as happily as if they were appreciated. 
 The materials of the nests are as various as the location ; but the struct- 
 ure is usually of grasses, lined with finer dried roots or hair. The eggs, 
 five or six in number, are about three-fourths of an inch long by three- 
 fifths wide, and pale bluish, marked, chiefly near the larger end, with 
 specks and lines of blackish-brown. Two or three broods are reared 
 each year. Among the situations chosen for the nest. Dr. Cooper men- 
 tions trees, logs and rocks, "the top rail of a picket-fence, inside a win- 
 dow-shutter, in the holes of walls, under tile or thatch roofs, in hay- 
 stacks and barns, in the interstices between the sticks of a Hawk's nest, 
 and in the old nest of an Oriole ;" to which Dr. Heermann adds, cactuses 
 and Woodpeckers' holes. In the Rio Grande towns, where Barn Swal- 
 lows were breeding plentifully, the House Finches used to occupy last 
 year's Swallows' nests, and not unfrequenly would take possession by 
 force, after an animated contest, of a nest just finished, making its dis- 
 consolate owners, who had little chance against the spirited interlopers, 
 build another nest. But as a rule, the Fiuches and Swallows lived ami- 
 cably, the former rather prefering the trees in the areas, while the gen- 
 tle Swallows nestled under the eaves on projecting rafters. 
 
 In the interior of Arizona, where towns were not, and have not yet 
 become, the established order of things, I found the Burions no more 
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LOXIA CURVIROSTEA VAE. AMERICANA. 109 
 
 familiar than most small birds are, frequenting open hillsides and ravines, 
 often in company with Cassia's Purple Pinches. They were abundant, 
 and apparently residents, though more numerous in the spring and fall 
 than at other seasons. I also found them in good feather and full song 
 iu November, at San Pedro, when I enjoyed the hospitalities of my 
 friend Dr. Cooper, then post surgeon at Druuim Barracks. He told me 
 that further south, at San Diego, they begin to build early in March. 
 Under the name of Linnets, tiiey are often kept in cages in California, 
 as the Arkansas Goldfinch is in New Mexico. 
 
 Mr. Trippe informs me that the Crimson-fronted Pinch is only an 
 occasional visitor to Clear Creek County, Colorado, small flocks some- 
 times visiting the lower valleys in late spring. It does not breed in the 
 county, so far as his observations go, though it is not improbable that a 
 few nest in Bergen's Park. 
 
 '^LOXIA CUEVIROSTRA var. AMERICANA, (Wils.) Coues. r-^- 
 
 American Red Crossbill. 
 
 b. americana. 
 
 Xoito cwmrosft-a, FoEST., Phil. Trans. -Ixii, 1772, No. 23.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 117. — Nutt., 
 Man. i, 1832, 583.— AnD., Orn. BiOR. ii, 1834, 559 ; v, 511 ; pi. 197 ; Syu. 1839, 
 128 ; B. Am. iii, 186 ; pi. 200.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 130,— Tuippe, Pr. Ess. Inst, 
 vi, 1871, 117 (Minnesota, verj' common, breeds). 
 
 Loxia curvirostra var. americana, CouES, Key, 1872, 351. — B. B. & R., N. A. B. 1, 1874, 
 484, pi. 23, f. 1, 4. 
 
 Cm-virosii-a americana, WiLS., Am. Orn. iv, 1811, 44, pi. 31, f. 1, 2. — Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 
 426.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wasb. Ter. 1880, 198.— Wheat., Ohio ARrio. Rep. 
 1860, — .— Hayd., Eep. 1802, 165.— Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst. iv. 1864, 70.— Boardjl, 
 Pr. Bost. Soc. is, 1862, 126 (Calais, Me.; said to breed-in winter). — CouES, Pr. 
 Eas. Inst, v, 1868, 281.— Tuilnb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 21 (winter, and resident in tbe 
 AUeghanies).— Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 281 (Sitka).— Coop., B. 
 Cal. i, 1870, 148 (resident in the Sierra Nevada). — Mayn., Pr. Bost. Soc. xiv, 
 1871, — .— Mayn., N. Guide, 1870, 111.— Cotjes, Key, 1872, 129, pi. 3, tigs, 13, 14, 15. 
 
 Loxia americana, Bp., List, 1838, 38 ; Consp. 1850, 527. — Newb., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 
 87.— Lawi!., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1868, 288 (New York).— Flksch, Abh. Nat. 
 iii, 1872, 56 (Alaska). 
 
 c. mexicana. 
 
 Loxia mexicana, Strickl.. Jard. C. 0. 1851, 43 (city of Mexico). — Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 94. — 
 SCL., P. Z. S. 1859, 365 ; 1864, 174.— Salv., Ibis, 1866, 193 (Guiitemala). 
 
 Curvirostra mexicana, SuMiCH., Mem. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist, i, 1869, 551 (Orizaba). — Stev., 
 U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 464. 
 
 Cwvirostra americana var. mexicana, CouBS, Key, 1872, 129. 
 
 Loxia currirostra var. mexicana, Cohes. — B. B. & R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 488. 
 
 Sab. — Northern North America. Sonth into most of the States in winter (on the 
 Atlantic usually to Philadelphia). Resident in Maine, and southward, in alpine re- 
 gions, to Pennsylvania. Breeds in Minnesota. Resident in the Sierra Nevada of Cali- 
 fornia. Sonth along the alpine regions of Mexico to Guatemala (var. mexicana). 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition.— 89S2-63, Laramie Peak. 
 
 Later Expeditions.— 5^61, 60091, Colorado ; 60386-87, Wyoming. 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition. 
 
 Mr. Trippe has furnished me the following observations made in Clear 
 Creek County, Colorado : " Like the Pine Grosbeak, the Crossbill is irreg- 
 ularly distributed throughout the county, flocks of hundreds being occa- 
 sionally seen, while, as a rule, it is not commonly to be met with in this 
 part of the mountains. It ranges much lower than the forrher bird, breed- 
 ing from 7,000 feet, if not lower, all the way up to timber-line; nesting, as 
 near as can be judged from the appearance of the young birds, in April 
 and May, according to the elevation, or about the breaking up of win- 
 ter. In June flocks composed of young and old may be seen roving 
 
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'110 LOXIA LEUCOPTEEA, WHITE -WHSTGED CROSSBILL. 
 
 tbrough the woods occasionally, and alighting on dead limbs and tree 
 tops, where their bright colors and nois.y chatter are sure to attract tlie 
 attention of passers-by. They are not at all shy, and sometimes iilifiht 
 in trees In the midst of large towns. Their food is the same as the Pine 
 •Grosbeak's — the seeds of pines, birches, &c. ; and as they sometimes 
 alight in the thickets of rose-bushes, raspberries and other shrubbery, 
 . they probably add haws and berries to their bill of fare. In June I 
 have heard it sing very agreeably ; its notes are much like those of the 
 Pine Grosbeak, and show the family resemblance which runs through 
 the songs of all the members of this gxoup of the Fringillidce. Among 
 a series of specimens, some will be found having much larger bills than 
 others, showing an approach to var. mexicana. A male, taken in Bergen 
 Park, had the bill 0.78 in length. 
 
 The eggs of this species are four or five in number, about 0.85 by 0.52 
 ill size, very pale greenish, variously marked in dots and blotches, with 
 different shades of lilac and purplish brown. Dr. Brewer notes a nest 
 taken in Vermont, early in March, when the ground was covered with 
 snow, from the upper branch of a leafless elm. "The birds were very 
 tame and fearless, refusing to leave their eggs, and had to be several 
 times taken off by hand." Even after the nest had been taken in hand 
 the biid resumed its place upon it. 
 
 LOXIA LEUCOPTEEA, GraX- "^ 
 
 White-winged Crossbill. 
 
 Loxia leueopte>-a, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 844.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 117.— Bp., Am. Orn. ii, 
 — .— Sw. & Rich., F. B A. ii, 1831, 263.- Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 540.— Add., Oin. 
 Biog. iv, 1838, 467, pi. 364 ; Syn. 1839, 129 ; B. Am. iii, 1841, 190, pi. 201.— Gin., 
 B. L. I. 1844, 131.— Bp., Consp. Av. i, ia50, 527.— Reinh., Ibis, iii, 1861, 8 
 (Greenland).- Goui.D, B. Gr. Brit, v, 1864, pi. — (England). — Lawk., Ann. Lye. 
 N. Y. viii, 1866, 288.— FiKSCH, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 55 (Alaska).— B. B. & R., N. 
 A. B. i, 1874, 488, pi. 23, f. 2, 3. 
 
 Curvirostia leucoptcra, VViLS., Atti. Orn. iv, 1811, 48, pi. 31, f. 3.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 427.— 
 Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, —.—Ha yd., Rep. 1862, 165.— Ai-lbn, Pr. Ess. 
 Inst, iv, 1864; 70. — Boardm., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 126 (Calais, Me., breeding 
 in winter).- MclLWR., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 88.— Couks, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 
 281.— TuENB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 22.— Dall & Bank., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 281.— 
 Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 464.— Mayn., Nat. Guide, 1870, 111.— Mayn., 
 Pr. Bost. Soe. xiv, 1871, —.—Coop., B. Cal. i, lci70, 149 (notin California).— 
 COUER, Key. 1872, 129, fig. 76. 
 
 Loxia falcivoslra, Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 371. 
 
 Crucirosira leucoptera, Brehm, Nauin. i, 1853, 254, f. 20. 
 
 Sab. — Northern North America, from ocean to ocean. South in winter into the 
 United States, as far west as the Rooky Mountains (no United States Pacific coast 
 record). Resident in Northern New England; breeding in winter, and, according to 
 Aududou, breeding in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Wyoming in summer. South 
 ordinarily to Philadelphia. Greenland, one instance. Accidental in Europe. (See 
 Hakting, Man. Brit. Birds, 1872, 116.) 
 
 
 
 
 Lis 
 
 t of specimens. 
 
 
 
 
 191.52 
 19153 
 
 81 
 78 
 
 W.sideW.Riv.Mts. 
 do 
 
 S 
 
 June 5, 1860 F.V.Hayden. 
 do do 
 
 6.25 
 6.25 
 
 10.50 
 10.25 
 
 3.25 
 3.25 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 8964-65, Laramie Peak, August 25, 1857. 
 Late/r Expeditions. — 60639, Box Elder Creek, Wyoming, August 21, 1870. 
 
 Dr. Hayden's specimens are of unusual interest. They afford the only 
 record I have been able to find of the occurrence of the species in the 
 United States west of the Mississippi ; while the dates of collection — 
 June, August — render it unquestionable that the birds breed where they 
 were procured. Dr. Biewer describes a saucer-shaped nest of lichens, 
 
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LEUCOSTIC.TE TEPHEOCOTIS, GEAY-CEOWNED FINCH. Ill 
 
 encased ia spruce-twigs, lined with hair and bark shreds, four inches in 
 diameter, with a cavily an incli and a half deep; the egg pale blue, 
 spattered at large end with hue dots of black and ashy-lilac ; the size 
 0.80 by 0.56. It was taken in New Brunswick. . 
 
 It is remarkable that so many of these birds should have been taken 
 in Great Britain where, however, L. americana has not been found. Mr. 
 Harting, as above quoted, enumerates four instances in which they 
 ■were observed, on one of which occasions "a large flock'; made its ai)- 
 pearance near Banff, in 1859. He aJso says: "Some years since Dr. 
 Dewar, of Glasgow, when six hundred miles off Newfoundland, ob- 
 served a number of these birds crossing the Atlantic before a stiff 
 westerly breeze. Many alighted on the rigging, aud ten or twelve were 
 secured." 
 
 LEUOOSTIGTE TEPHEOCOTIS, Sw. 
 Gray-crowned Finch. 
 
 a. tephrocotis. 
 
 Zinaria (Leucosticte) teplirocotis, Sw., F. B, A. ii, 1831, 265, pi. 50 (SasTjatcbewaii, May, 1827). 
 
 Leucosticte tephrocotis, Sw., Classif. B. ii, 1837. — Bp., C. A. i, 1850, 536. — Bd., Stansburv's 
 Eep. 1852, 317 (Salt Lake City, Utah).— Be, B. N. A. 1858, 430.— Stev., U.'S. 
 Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, 464 (Wyoiiiius)!— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 174 (California).- 
 Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 162 (Mt. Lincolu, Park county. Col., July, breed- 
 ing above titeber-line).- Coues, Key, 1872, 130.— B. B. &"E., N. A. B. i, 1874, 
 504, pi. 23, f. 8, 9. 
 
 Brythroaxriza tephrocotis, Bp., C. & G. List, 1838, 34. — AuD., Syn. 1839. — AxiD., B. Am. iii, 
 1841, 176, pi. 198 (SwaiDSou's type). 
 
 Fringilla tephrocotis, Nutt., Man. Orn. ii, 1834, App. 593.— AuD., O. B. v, 1839, 232, pi. 424. 
 
 Leucosticte campestris, Bd., in Cooper's B. Cal. i, 1870, 163 (Colorado, Werniyk; slightly 
 approaching the next var.). 
 
 Leucosticte tephrocotis var. campestris, Coues, Key, 1872, 130. — B. B. & E., N. A. B. i, 1874, 
 507, pi. 23, f. 7. 
 
 Leucosticte tephrocotis var. aiisiralis, Allen, Mss. (niidsnmnier plumage). " 
 
 b. griseinucha. 
 
 Passer arctous var. y, Pallas, Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, 23. 
 
 Fringilla (Linaria) griseinucha, Bkaxdt, Bull. Imp. Acad. St. Peters. 1844, 36. 
 
 Montifringilla {Leucosticte) griseinucha, Bp. & SciiL., Mon. Lox. 18.00, 35, pi. 41. 
 
 Montifringilla griseinucha, Flnsch, Ahh. Nat. iii, 1872, 57 (Alaska). 
 
 Leucosticte griseinucha, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 537. — Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 430.^Elhot, B. 
 
 N. A. pi. 11.— Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 282, pi. 28, f. 2.— Coop., 
 
 B. Cal. i, 1871, 161 (not California, but Oonalashka and St. George's, Alaska).— 
 
 Dall, Pr. Cal. Acad. Feb. 1873 (Oonalashka Island). 
 Leucosticte tephrocotis var. griseimicha. and var. littoralis. Coups, Key, 1872, 130, 3.'')2,iifr. 
 
 77.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. i, 1874, 508, 507, pi. 2;3, f. 5, 6. 
 Leucosticte griseigetiys, Gould, P. Z. S. 1843, 104. — (ioULD, Voy. Sulphur, i, 1844, 42, pi. 22. 
 Leucosticte littoralis, Bd., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 318, pi. 28, f. 1.— Dall & Bann., ihid. 
 
 282.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 162 (Sitka, British Columbia; Fort Simpson). 
 Montifringilla littoralis, Finsch, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 58 (Alaska). 
 
 Hab. — Northwestern North America and Saskatchewan to the Pacific. South to Col- 
 orado, Utah, and Northern California. Var. griseinucha from the Pacific coast iioni 
 British Columbia northward, and Aleutian Islands. In the interior to Fort Simpson. 
 
 * This cannot well be a variety — if it is anything more than midsummer plumage, it 
 is a good species. Mr. Allen's originals, labelled as cited, were submitted to Prof. 
 Baird and myself. Prof. Baird's opinion is recorded in his work, I. c. ; my own is hero 
 given. In the Appendix to the third volume of his work, now in press, however, a var. 
 australis, in which I do not concur, will be recognized. 
 
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112 LEUCOSTICTE TEPHEOCOTIS, GRAY-CROWNED FINCH. 
 
 List of specivisn8. 
 
 19255 
 
 205 
 
 Deer Creek 
 
 r? 
 
 Feb. 22, 1860 
 
 F. A'.Hayden. 
 
 6.50 
 
 12.50 
 
 4.00 
 
 19256 
 
 241 
 
 do 
 
 9 
 
 Jan. 17, 1860 
 
 do 
 
 6.50 
 
 12.50 
 
 4.50 
 
 .19257 
 
 262 
 
 do 
 
 ^ 
 
 Feb. 23, 1860 
 
 do 
 
 6.50 
 
 12.50 
 
 4..')0 
 
 19259 
 
 266 
 
 do 
 
 9 
 
 Feb. 22, 1860 
 
 do 
 
 6.00 
 
 11.00 
 
 4.00 
 
 19262 
 
 264 
 
 do 
 
 9 
 
 d^ 
 
 do 
 
 6.25 
 
 11.50 
 
 4.50". 
 
 19263 
 19264 
 
 267 
 270 
 
 do.. 
 
 
 Mar. 7,1860 
 Fob. 28, 1860 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 6.25 
 
 12.50 
 
 4.50 
 
 do 
 
 9 
 
 19265 
 19266 
 19267 
 19268 
 
 244 
 243 
 246 
 142 
 
 do 
 
 
 Jan. 17, 1860 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 6.00 
 6.50 
 6.00 
 6.50 
 
 11.50 
 11.75 
 12.00 
 12.50 
 
 4.25 
 4.00- 
 4.00 
 3.75 
 
 do 
 
 
 do 
 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 9 
 
 Jan. 2,1860 
 
 19269 
 
 247 
 
 do 
 
 
 
 Jan. 17, 1860 
 
 do 
 
 5.75 
 
 11.50 
 
 3.75' 
 
 19270 
 
 263 
 
 do 
 
 ,? 
 
 Feb. 22, 1860 
 
 do 
 
 • 6.25 
 
 11.75 
 
 4.25 
 
 19271 
 
 269 
 
 do 
 
 rf 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 6.25 
 
 11.25 
 
 4 50: 
 
 19273 
 
 245 
 
 do 
 
 ^ 
 
 Jan. 17, 1860 
 
 do 
 
 6.50 
 
 12.00 
 
 4.00 
 
 19274 
 19258 
 19254 
 
 246 
 141 
 
 208 
 
 do 
 
 -.do 
 
 9 
 
 do ... 
 
 do 
 
 5.75 
 6.50 
 6.50 
 
 11.00 
 12.50 
 12.50 
 
 3.50 
 4..''.0 
 4.50 
 
 Nov. 22, 1859 
 Feb. 28, 1860 
 
 G. H. Trook.. 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 ^ 
 
 19260 
 19261 
 19272 
 
 145 
 143 
 147 
 
 do 
 
 
 Nov. 22, 1859 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 6.50 
 6.50 
 6.50 
 
 12.50 
 12.50 
 12.50 
 
 4.50 
 4.50 
 4.50 
 
 do 
 
 
 do 
 
 9 
 
 Nov. 21, 1859 
 
 Later Expeditions. — 60633, Uintah Mountains. 
 
 One of the most interesting results of Dr. Hayden's ornithological 
 researches is the discovery that this highly-prized bird, hitherto consid- 
 ered so rare, is abundant in the Wind Eiver Mountains, where, as shown 
 by the above list, numerous specimens were procured by hinaself and 
 Mr. Trook in the winter of 1859-'60. Originally described from the 
 Saskatchewan, the same specimen afforded the subject of Audubon's 
 plate, and tLe subsequeut United States quotation from Great Salt Lake 
 remained single until the present discovery. Since this, however, the 
 records have multiplied, until the distribution above given has been de- 
 termined. In January, 1862, Dr. C. Wernigk sent the bird from Denver, 
 Colorado, to the Smithsonian ; this specimen became the basis of the 
 untenable L. ^'campestris." In the birds of California, Dr. Cooper states 
 that he saw a specimen brought from somewhere east of Lake Tahoe, in 
 Washoe. "They were said to be plentiful there in the very cold winter 
 of 1861-'62, and doubtless visited the similar country east of the North- 
 Mu Sierra Nevada within this State." It remained, however, for Mr. 
 Allen to show that the bird breeds in the United States. He found it, 
 in summer, "common above the timber-line on Mount Lincoln [Colorado] 
 breeding among the snow-fields." He also mentions other specimens 
 killed at Central City, Colorado, in March, 1869, by Mr. P. B. Everett. 
 
 Mr. Allen's specimens, which he kindly transmitted to me for exam- 
 inatiouj differ materially from any previ9usly-known plumage of L. tepli- 
 rocotis, as he himself says in giving a'careful description of them {op. 
 cit. 162). JTot to duplicate his description, it will be suflicient to state 
 here that the peculiarities lie in the darkness of the general chocolate 
 or liver-brown ; the heightening of the customary rosy to crimson ; the 
 entire absence of silvery-ash on the head, the whole crown being sooty 
 blackish ; and in the black instead of whitish bill. He remarks that, 
 " whether they represent more than the breeding plumage or L. tephro- 
 cotis, or a well-marked southern form of that species, I am at present 
 uncertain, being without summer specimens of that species." I have 
 myself no doubt whatever that they represent the worn midsummer 
 state of the breeding plumage, and nothing more. Everything seems 
 to indicate this ; and if analogy be pertinent in the case, we may in- 
 stance the closely-allied JEgiothus litiaria, which in midsummer often 
 shows a precisely parallel condition. 
 
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LEUCOSTICTE TEPHEOCOTIS, GEAY-CKOWNED FINCH. 113 
 
 Inspection of Swainson's remarkably faithful plate will give a good 
 idea of the normal condition of typical tephrocotis, with which all the 
 United States specimens I have seen, excepting these of Mr. Allen's, 
 agree perfectly. We have just seen how southern individuals at least, 
 under certain circumstances, lose the hoary ash of the head altogether. 
 In this variability of the ash \ye find the clue to the correct interpreta- 
 tion of some northern styles that have been currently accepted as dis- 
 tinct species. In the extreme case of griseinuclia (Brandt), the ash 
 envelopes nearly the whole head, including the chin, leaving only a 
 black I'rontlet of varying width. Such a specimen looks quite unlike 
 typical tephrocofis, and would certainly be held a distinct species, were 
 the intermediate links unknown. Such, however, is not the case; in 
 the Smithsonian series alone, which I have examined, we find almost 
 every imaginable gradation in the exteut of the ash, so that it becomes 
 Impossible to draw a dividing line anywhere. It is necessary, therefore, 
 to treat griseimiclia as a variety of tephrocotis. As stated in the Key 
 (p. 352), it does not seem to be necessary to recognize more than one 
 variety, '■^ campestris'''' of Baird being referable to tephrocotis proper, and 
 ^'■littoralis" of Baird agreeing sufficiently with var. griseinuclia. 
 
 It is interesting to observe, that in the closely allied but apparently 
 distinct species, L. arctoa of Siberia, and of the Kurile and Aleutian 
 Islands, a great part of the plumage takes on a rosy-tinted, silvery- 
 ash hue. 
 
 We have little information respecting the habits of the Gray-crowned 
 Finch ; they probably agree in the main with those of Red-polls and 
 Linnets. Mr. Holden gives a note upon this subject, and one also bear- 
 ing upon the dark plumage above discussed. Speaking of the mount- 
 ainous southeastern extremity of Wyoming, he says: "These birds are 
 never found here in summer ; they come in small flocks in the coldest 
 part of winter. Their food is small seeds and insects. I have found 
 some with the crops so full of seeds as to distort the birds. They be- 
 come veiy fat, and are good eating. In one specimen, a young male I 
 think, the plumage is almost hlach — in fact it is black, except the wings 
 and after-half of the body." 
 I find the following notes in Mr. Trippe's Mss. : 
 
 "During the winter I saw several flocks of this bird near Central 
 City, where they were feeding in the dry gulches and about gardens, 
 acting like Lapland Longspurs; but did not observe them elsewhere, 
 though I looked carefully for them throughout a large extent of country. 
 During summer and autumn the Gray-crowned Finch is common above 
 timber-line, where it breeds, ranging higher than the Titlark, and being 
 usually found in the vicinity of snow-flelds and the frozen lakes near 
 the summit of the range. It is rather shy in such localities, though ex- 
 ceedingly tame in winter ; its flight is in undulating lines, like the Cross- 
 bill's, and the only note I have heard it utter is a kind of 'churr,' like 
 the cal! of the Scarlet Tanager. In the latter part of September small 
 flocks, composed of one or two families, may be seen together : and still 
 later in the season they gather into large flocks. They stay above tim- 
 ber-line till the close of October or the middle of iSTovember, being much 
 hardier than the Titlark ; and only descend when driven away by the 
 furious winter storms. * * * * Since the above was penned, great 
 flocks of the Gray-crowned Finch have appeared near Idaho Springs. 
 In their habits and actions thej' are very siniilar to the Plectroplianes. 
 They are perpetually roving from place to place ; feed upon the seeds of 
 weeds and grasses ; and are never at rest for more than a moment at a 
 time, constantly whirling about in close, dense masses, like so many 
 
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114 ^GIOTHUS LINAEIA, EED-POLL LINNET, 
 
 Longspurs. During summer there is no ash whatever on the head ; 
 but in some thirty or forty specimens killed during the past week (De- 
 cember) the ash is present in every one. In three or four this color ex- 
 tends below the eyes and over the cheeks : and in two it embraces the 
 throat. Bill, black in summer, yellow in winter with a black tip." 
 Mr. Dall has given us an interesting note upon var. griseinucha : 
 "This species abounds on the Prybilov and Aleutian Islands- A 
 number of specimens were obtained on St. George's in August, although 
 they were moulting at the time. * * * # rphis beautiful bird had 
 no song at that season except a clear chirp, sounding like ' iceei-a-weet-a- 
 wee-weet' It was on the wing a great part of the time, avoiding alight- 
 ing on the ground, but darting rapidly in a series of ascending and de- 
 scending curves, now swinging on the broad top of an umbelliferous 
 plant, and now alighting on some ledge of the perpendicular bluft', 
 jumping from point to point, and seemingly delighting in testing its own 
 agility. Tbeir nest is a simple hollow on one of these ledges, provided 
 with a few straws or bits of moss. They lay four white eggs in May 
 (0.&7 by 0.67). In August the young were fully fledged. They are 
 granivorous, apparently, but I found two or three small beetles in the 
 crop of one which I skinned." 
 
 The same author's later article, above quoted, is as follows : "This is 
 one of the most abundant small birds of the [Aleutian] islands, and is 
 especially common at Oonalashka, where it is resident. On the 24:th of 
 May we found a nest situated in a crevice of a rocky bank on the shore 
 of Captain's Harbor, Oonalashka. It was of grass, very neatly sewed 
 together, and lined with fine grass and a few feathers. It contained five 
 white eggs in a fresh condition, and was about twelve feet above the 
 beach. The bird was most common on the grassy banks and rocky 
 bluffs near the shore ; I do not remember ever having seen one on the 
 higher hills or mountains. It is usually found singly or in pairs." 
 
 ^^GIOTHUS LESTARIA, (Linn.) Cab. ■'- 
 Red-poll Linnet, "^v^-i, ' 
 
 FrlngiUa llnaria, LixN., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 322.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 917.— WiLS., Am. 
 Orn. iv, 41, pi. 30, f. 4 ; ix, 126.— Tem:.i., Man. Orn. 1820, 373 {nee 1835).— Bp., 
 Syn. 1828, 112.— NuTT., Man. i, 1832, ."^12.— AuD., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 533, pi. 375. 
 
 Fringilla (AcantMs) linaria. Keys. & Blas., Wirbel. Europ. 1840, 161. 
 
 Passer linaria, Pall., Zoog. E.-A. ii, 1811, 25. 
 
 Spinus Uiiarins, KoCH, Syst. Zool. 233. 
 
 lAnota linaria, Bp., List, 1838, 34.— HoLBOiiLL, Fn. Groen. 1846, 29? 
 
 AcantMs linaria, Bp., Consp. i, 1850, .541. — Bp. & ScH., Mon. Los. 48, pi. 52. 
 
 JEgiotlms linarius. Cab., Mas. Hein. 1851. 161.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858. 428.— CoUES, Pr. Phila. 
 Acad. 1861, 382.— Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 281 (Alaska).— Coop., 
 B. Cal. 1870, 159.— CouES, Key, 1872, 130, pi. 3, figs. 1, 2, 4, 5.— Mayn., Guide, 
 1870, 110.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 464.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. i, 1874, 
 493, pi. 22, f. 3, 5 ; and of most late writers. 
 
 Linaria minor, Sw. & ElCH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 267.— AuD., Syn. 1839, 114 ; B. Am. iii, 
 1841, 122, pi. 179.— GiE., B. L. I. 1844, 116.— Teippe, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 116 
 (Minnesota). 
 
 Fringilla borealis, Vieill., Nouv. Diet, xxi, 341 ; nee Temm. 
 
 Linaria americana, Maxim., J. f. O. vi, 1858, 338. 
 
 Mgioihus fmcescens, Cooes, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, 222 (Labrador) ; 1861, 380 ; 1869, 
 186. — Elliot, B. N. A. pi. 10. (Midsummer plumage.) 
 
 JEgiothus linaria var. fascescens, CouES, Key, 1872, 131, pi. 3, f. 3. 
 
 Mab. — The typical form in North America, from Atlantic to Pacific, ranging irregu- 
 larly southward, in flocks, in winter, to the Middle States (sometimes a little beyond) 
 and corresponding latitudes in the West. No late record of breeding in the United 
 ■States. ("Breeds in Maine, Nova Scotia," &c., Audiibon.) 
 
 Not obtained by the earlier Expeditions. 
 
 Later Expeditions. — 60977-88, various Wyoming localities. 
 
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CHRYSOMITEIS PINUS, PINE LINNET. 115 
 
 I am now inclined to the opinion, that my My. fuscescena, originally tlescribed from 
 Labmdor as a distinct species, and subsequently, in the Key, reduced To a variety, will 
 finally prove to have been based merely upon the midsummer plumage of ordinary 
 linaria. At this season the whole plumage becomes much darker — partially as a me- 
 chanical effect of the wearing away of the lighter e(lj;iugs of the feathers^tbe bill.' 
 hlaclcens, and the nasal plumulw are somewhat deficient. This would correspond pre- , 
 cisely with the now determined summer condition of Leiwuxiidf tephrncotis. Var. 
 exUipes is better marked ; it appears to consist of the more nearly stationary individn- ' 
 als, this particular form having been rarely, if ever, observed in the United States. 
 The small size of the bill and feet, heavy nasal plimmlai, and hoariness of plumage, all ^ - 
 indicate a boreal race. By those who separate tbe Greenland ^' canescens" as a species, , 
 eiiUpes is rated as a variety of the latter ratUer than of linaria ; but the Greenland bird * 
 may be merely one link in a chain, rather better marked than usual, in consequence of - 
 its isolation and continual subjection, for an indefinite period, to special modifying in- ' 
 fluences. The synonymy of exilipcs is as follows ; 
 
 Zinota horcaUs, Bp., List, 1838, 34. '' 
 
 Fringiila borealis, Arc, Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 87, pi. 400 ; vec Vieill. > ;' 
 
 Linaria horealis, AuD., B. Am. iii, 1841, 120, pi. 178 ; nee Temm. j _ 
 
 Mgiotltus eaiiescens, Ross, Edinb. Phil. Journ. 1861, 163 ; ««■ Anct. ,-, . 
 
 JEgiotkus exilipcs, Coijus, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, 385 ; lwi9, lf-7.— Eli.iot, B. N. A. pi. 9. ' . 
 JEgiothus linaria var. ccilipcs, COUES, Key, 1872, 131, pi. 3, f. 6. 
 JEgiothiis canescens var exilipes, EiDGW., Mss.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. i, 1874, 493, pi. 22, f, ?. 
 
 In Minnesota, according to Mr. Trippe, "the Lesser Eed-poll appesn^ 
 in vast numbers about tbe middle of October, and remains dnriug the 
 entire winter, proceeding northward, however, some weeks before the 
 Snow Buntings and Longspurs.'' The Eed-poll lays four or five eggs of 
 a pale bluish-green color, speckled chiefly in a wreath round the large, 
 end with confluent blotches of pale-reddish brown, purplish-brown, and 
 a few darker brown tints. Sometimes' an egg is obsoletely freckled all 
 over with pale reddish-brown. The size is about 0.70 by 0.50. Great 
 numbers were observed, and many specimens secured, by Lieutenant 
 Mullan's Expedition, while surveying for a military road from Walla- 
 Walla to Fort Bridger. Like other species of this roving tribe, the Eed- 
 poll may be expected to occur in winter, at irregular periods, throughout 
 the greater part, if not the whole, of the Missouri region. A consider- 
 able flock made their appearance at Fort Eandall, Dakota, in the early 
 part of March, and remained for several days. 
 
 The same gentleman writes me that he saw large flocks, in the latter 
 part of November, in Western Kansas and Eastern Colorado, feeding on 
 the seeds of various prairie weeds. In Clear Creek County, Colorado, 
 it is "abundant in winter and spring, ranging from the foot-hills up to 
 10,000 feet, and probably somewhat higher. The Lesser Eed-poll haunts 
 the willow and alder thickets along the brooks, and also the poplar 
 groves on the hill-sides. About the middle of April it disappears, re- 
 turning late in JSTovember or December." 
 
 CHRYSOMITEIS PINUS, (Wils.) Bp. , 
 Pine linnet. 
 
 Fringiila pinus, Wils., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 133, pi. 17, f. 1.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 111.— Nutt., 
 Man. i, 1832, 511.— Add., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 45.5; v, 509; pi. 180. 
 
 Linaria pinus, AuD., Syn. 1839, 117 ; B. Am. iii, 1841, 125, pi. 180.— GiR., B. L. L 1844, 115. 
 
 Chrysomifris pinus, Bp., List, 1838, 33 ; Consp. Av. i, 1850, 515.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 425.— 
 Coop. & Sock., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 197 (summer).— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 165.- 
 SCL. & Salv., p. Z. S. 1869, 362 (city of Mexico).— Sumich , Mem. Bost. Soc. 
 i, 1869, 550 (plateau and alpine region of A'era Cruz).- Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 
 173.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 176 (mountains of Colorado, up to timber- 
 line, in summer, doubtless breeding).— Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 199 (Wyo- 
 ming).— Merr., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, 679.— Finsch, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 
 60 (Alaska).— CouES, Key, 1872, 131, pi. 3, f. 11, 12— B. B. & E., N. A. B. i, 1874, 
 480, pi. 22, f. 16 ; also of late local writers. 
 
 Chrysomifris macroptera, Ddbds, Esquisses Orn. pi. 23.— Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 515 
 (Mexico ; no tangible characters). 
 
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116 CHETSOMITEIS TEISTIS — CHEYSOMITEIS PSALTRIA. 
 
 Hob. — ^North America generally. United States chiefly in winter, in roving flocks, j^ 4,1 
 but breeds down to sea-level, as far south at least as Massachusetts (CoUES, Pr. Ess. ' 
 Inst. V, 1868, 280 ; Maitj., Nat. Guide, 1870, 110), and in alpine regions much further. 
 South along the Eocky Mountains into Mexico. 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 5393-94, Little Missouri Eiver (September). 
 
 Later Expeditions.— 62d'.i9-i0, Idaho, in July and August. 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition. 
 
 The erratic movements of this species, according to exigencies of the 
 weather and consequent scarcity of food, render it diflQcult to define its 
 limits with precision. It sometimes appears in localities where it was 
 before unknown, and at unwonted times. 
 
 Prof. Sumichrast states {I. c.) that it is found in the alpine region of 
 "Vera Cruz to the height of 2,000 metres, and that he thinks it does not 
 descend below 1,000 metres. 
 
 In Colorado, according to Mr. Trippe, "the Pine Finch is not very 
 common. It breeds from 7,000 feet up to timber-line. I did not observe 
 this species during winter, but think it probably remains nearly station- 
 ary, like the Pine Grosbeak and Eed Crossbill. It frequents the pine 
 trees principally, but often descends to the weeds and thistles, acting 
 precisely like the Yellow-bird. In spring it sings very agreeably, very 
 much like the latter bird, but in a lower voice ; and like it, has the habit 
 of singing in a lively, rambling sort of way, for an hour or more at 
 a time." The eggs of this species are pale greenish, speckled with rusty- 
 brown, 0.70 by 0.50. Dr. Brewer describes a neat nest of pine twigs 
 lined with hair. 
 
 ^ ^ CHEYSOMITEIS TEISTIS, (Linn.) Bp. * 
 American Goldfinch; TMstle-bird ; Tellow-bird. 
 
 Fringilla tristris, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, i766, 320.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 907.— WiLS., Am. 
 Orn. i, 1808, 20, pi. 1, f. 2.— Bp., Am. Orn. i, p. 57, pi. 8, f. 4.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 
 111.— AuD., Orn."Biog. i, 1831, 172; v, 510 ; pi. 33.— Ndtt., Man. i, 1832, 507. ^ 
 
 Carduelis iristis, Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 96.— Add., Syn. 1839, 116 ; B. Am. iii, 1841, 129, ^^v -a 
 pi. 181.— GlK., B. L. I. 1844, 117.-Maxi.-m., J. f. O. vi, 1858, 281. J7/-i 
 
 Chrijsomitris tristis, Bp., List, 1838, 33 ; Consp. Av. i, 1850, 517.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 421.— C, ,a 
 Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1859, 197.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, %■' -f 
 176.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1S71, 167.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 464.— / ?'''— 
 Merp.., ibid. 1872, 679.— Aiken, Pr. Best. Soc. 1872, 199 (Vfyoming).— CouBS,^''^ ~ 
 Key, 1872, 131, pi. 3, f. 7, 8, 9, 10.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. i, 1874, 471, pi. 22, f. 7, 8; E »-y - 
 and of late writers generally. A^*' - 
 
 Astragalimis tristix, Cab., Mus. Hein. i, 1851, 159. — Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 69. — V06 ' 
 CouEs, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1869, 280.— Koss, J. f. O. 1871, 19. </ J -i 
 
 Carduelifi americana, S\v. & ElCH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 268. X/V^i 
 
 Hah. — North America generally. ;L/tf - / 
 
 Lieutenant Wai-ren's Expedition. — 4824-25, Eunning Water ; 4659, Fort Pierre; 5391,^,'^-^ 
 Fort Lookout ; 5392, Blackibot country. it.1- ^ 
 
 Later Expeditions.— mi?&-<i\, 60976, Wyoming ; 61666-67, 62335-38, Utah and Idaho. .J i , . ^ 
 Not obtained by Captain Eaynolds' Expedition. ., , 
 
 The egg is white, with a rosy blush when fresh, and usually the faint- ^ 
 est possible bluish hue when blown. The size is about 0.65 by 0.52. 
 The egg of C lawrencei is not distinguishable, but may average rather , ' ' 
 smaller. The habits of both species are essentially the same, y, . : ^ - <-' ' 
 
 CHEYSOMITEIS PSALTEIA, (Say) Bp. 
 
 Arkansas Goldfinch: Mexican Siskin. , 
 
 a. psaltria. 
 
 Fringilla psaltria, Say, Long's Exped. ii, 1823, 40.— Bp., Am. Orn. i, 1825, 54, pi. 6, f. 3; 
 gyn. 1828, 111.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 510.— AUD., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 85, pi. 394, 
 Carduelis psaltria, AuD., Syn^|3^/^1^^;^B, ^. m^l^^l34, pi. 183. 
 
CHEYSOMITEIS PSALTRIA, ARKANSAS GOLDFINCH. 117 
 
 Chrysomitris psaltria, Bp., List, 1838, 33 ; Consp. i, 1850, 516. — Gamb., Jonrn. Phila. 
 Acad, i, 1847, 52.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 422,— Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1865, 93.— 
 Codes, iUd. 1866, 60.— Coop., B. Cal. 1870, 168.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 
 178 (Kansas (?; and Utah).— CoUES, Key, Oct. 1^72, 132.— Eidgw., Am. Joura. 
 iv, Dec. 1872, 454.— B. B. & R., N. A. B.'i, 1874, 474, pi. 22, f. 9, 10. 
 
 b. arizonw. 
 
 Chrysomiiris mexkana var. arizonai, CODES, Pr. Ph. Ac. 1866, 82. — CoOP., B. Cal. i, 1870, 170. 
 
 Chrysomitris psaltria var. arizonce, CouES, Key, Oct. 1872, 132, fig. 72. — RiDGW., Am. 
 
 Journ. iv, Dec. 1872, 454.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. i, 1874, 476, pi. 22, f. 11. 
 
 c. mexicana. 
 
 Carduelis mexicana, Sw., Phil. Mag. i, 1827, 435. — "Wagler, Isis, 1831, 52.^. 
 
 Chrysomitris mexicana, Bp., List, 1838, 33 ; Consp. i, 1850, 516.— Scl., P. Z. S. 1855, 65 ; 
 1856, 303 (Cordova) ; 1838, 303 (Oaxaca) ; 1859, 365, 380 ; Cat. 1802, 124.— ScL. 
 & Salv., Ibis, 1859, 19 (Guatemala) ; 1860, 34.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 423.— Lawp.., 
 Ann. Lye. N. Y. 1861, 331 (Panama).— Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1865, 93.— Codes, 
 ibid. 1866, 82.— Sdmich., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 550 (Vera Cruz).— Salt., P. Z. 
 S. 1870, 190 (Veragua). 
 
 Astragalinus mexicanus, Cab., Mus. Hein. i, 1851, 159 ; J. f. O. 1861, 7 (Costa Rica). 
 
 Chi-i/somitris psaltria var. mexicana, Codes, Key, Oct. 1872, 133, fig. 80. — Ridgw., Am. 
 Journ. iv, Dec. 1^72, 4.55.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 478, pi. 22, f. 12, 13. 
 
 (?) Fnngilla catotol, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 914 (probably, but indeterminable). 
 
 FnngiUa mcXanoxantha, Licht. — Wagler, Isis, 1835, 525 { — Coiozton, Herd.ix). 
 
 Fringilla texensis, GlE., B. Tex. 1841, pi. 5, f. 1 (type examined). 
 
 d. Columbiana. 
 
 Chrysomitris columUana, Lafres., Eev. Zool. 1843, 292. — .?CL., P. Z. S. 1855, 759. — Bd., 
 
 B. N. A. 1858, 423.— Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1865. 93.— Sdmich., Jlem. Bost. Soc. 
 
 i, 1869, 550. 
 Astragalinus colunibianus, Cab., Mus. Hein. i, 1851, 159. 
 (?) Chrysomitris nana, Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 516 ( 2 , indeterminable, but probably this 
 
 variety, to judge from locality — "Columbia"). 
 Chrysomitris xanthogastra, Ddbds, Bull. Acad. Belg. xxii, 185,5, 150. 
 Chrysomitris mexicana var. columbiana, Codes, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 82. 
 Chrysomitris psaltria var. columhiana, CouES, Kev, Oct. 1872, 133 (in text). — ElDGW., 
 
 Am. Journ. iv, Dec. 1872, 455.— B. B. &. E., N. A. B. i, 1874, 471. 
 
 Hal). — The typical form from the Southern Eocky Jlountain region, and somewhat 
 eastward. West to the Pacific. North at least to the sources of the Platte. In New 
 Mexico and Arizona, shades insensibly into var. ari::onw; this merges into var. mexi- 
 cana, of all Mexico ; and this into the Central American var. columbiana. 
 
 Not noticed by the Expeditions. 
 
 The Arkansas Goldfincli is only known to occur along the south- 
 ern border of the Missouri region, about the sources of the Platte 
 (near 40°). Mr. Allen, indeed, queries it from Middle Kansas, where it 
 will probably be found, but his observations lacked certainty. He 
 found it at Ogden, Utah. It is not mentioned by Prof. Snow, nor by 
 Messrs. Holden and Aiken. I found it common in Northern Arizona 
 from the latter part of April until toward October, in shrubby ravines 
 and weedy places, feeding on buds and seeds, in flocks, much in the 
 manner of the common Thistle-bird. The male, as in this last, takes on 
 a plumage like that of the female, in August. These birds were mostly 
 very like true psaltria, showing the approach to var. mexicana much less 
 than those I noticed along the Eio Grande and near Fort Wingate, New 
 Mexico, where specimens were secured, in high breeding dress, with 
 only a trace of olive on the black of the upper parts. 
 
 The nidification of this species is similar to that of C. tristis, and the 
 eggs are not distinguishable from those of the latter. An account of the 
 habits of the Arizona variety, from my observations in the West, will 
 be found in Prof. Baird's work, above cited. 
 
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118 ^- PLECTEOPHANES NIVALIS, SNOW BUNTING. 
 
 '' PLECTEOPHAXES XIVALIS, (Linn.) Meyer. 
 
 Snow Bunting; Snow-flake. 
 
 'Emlenza niraJis, Livn., Svst. Nat. i, 17G6, 308 (accordiug to Gray, type of the genus).— 
 Foi;^T., Philos. f laus. Ixii, 1772, 40:3.— Gm.. Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 866.— Lath., Ind. 
 Orn. i, 1790, 397.— WiLs., Am. Orn. iii, 1811,' 80, pi. 21, tig. 2.— Bp.. Syn. 18-28, 
 103.— Nu-rr., Man. j, 183'i, 458.— AuD,, Oru. Biog. ii, 18:54, 515; v, 496; pi. 189. 
 
 .Emiberiza (Plecirophanus) nivaUs, Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 89.— Sw. & Rich., V. B. A. 
 . ii,. 1831, 247. 
 
 Plecirophanits nivaJU, Meyer, and autbors generally. — Bp., List, 1838, 37. — Aun., Syn. 
 18.39 : B. Am. iii, .5.3, pi. 155.— Giu., B. L. I. 1844, 97.— Maxim., J. f. O. vi, 1858, 
 34.-).— Bt>., B. N. A. 1858, 432.— Couks & Prrxt., Smiths. Hep. for 1861 (1862), • 
 411 (Washington, D. C.).— Allex, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, IS64, 70 (breeding in 1862 
 near Springfield, M.ass.). — Newb., Ibis, 1865, 502 (Spitzberge.n.) — Dall & Baxx., 
 Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 282 (Alaska, breeding).— TaiiNii., B. E. Pa. 1869, 2-2 ("of 
 frequent occurrence," Dec. to Jlar.). — Mayx., Guide, 1870, IIJ (Massachu- 
 setts). — Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 177 (does not state it has occurred in California). — 
 Tr.ippE, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 116 (Minnesota, Nov. to May).- Allen, Bull. '■ . - 
 M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 177 (Kansas).— Fix.sCH, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 54 (Alaska).- - '- 
 CoUES, Key, 1872, 133.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 512, p). 24, f. 2. ^J^ - 
 
 Eniberiza montana, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 807. — Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 398. ; i 
 
 Eniberiza mustcUna, Gji., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 867. )i T't 
 
 Embei-ha glacialis, Lath., ind. Oru. i, 1790, 396. 
 
 Hortulanns glacialis et montuniis, Leach, Cat. 1816, 15, 16. 
 
 Plectropliancs horcalis, montanus, miistclimis, Breh.m, V. D. 305, 308. 
 
 Hab. — Arctic America and Greenland, and corresponding latitudes in the Old World. 
 Irregularly southward in winter in the United States, to about ',io'^, in roving flocks. 
 Washington, D. C. Georgia. Ohio. Illinois. Kentucky. Kansas. Deer Creek. 
 
 List of specimens. 
 
 19237 
 
 282 
 
 19239 
 
 211 
 
 19240 
 
 281 
 
 .19241 
 
 228 
 
 19242 
 
 
 19243 
 
 235 
 
 19238 
 
 236 
 
 19244 
 
 207 
 
 19245 
 
 148 
 
 Deer Creek 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do. 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 Mar. 4, 
 Dec. 24, 
 Mar. 4, 
 Dec. 23, 
 
 do. 
 
 Jan. 4, 
 Jan. 18, 
 Deo. 14, 
 Dec. 21, 
 
 1860 
 18.59 
 1860 
 1859 
 
 1860 
 1860 
 1859 
 1859 
 
 F."\' 
 
 Hayden. 
 
 ..do 
 
 ..do 
 
 ..do 
 
 ..do 
 
 ..do 
 
 H. Trook.. 
 
 .-do 
 
 ..do 
 
 6.75 
 
 13.25 
 
 4.25 
 
 6.75 
 
 11.50 
 
 4.00 
 
 6.25 
 
 11.50 
 
 4.00 
 
 6.75 
 
 12.75 
 
 4.50 
 
 6.50 
 
 11.75 
 
 4.00 
 
 6..-)0 
 
 12.75 
 
 4.25 
 
 7.00 
 
 12.25 
 
 4.50 
 
 6.50 
 
 12.50 
 
 4.25 
 
 7.00 
 
 11.75 
 
 4.25 
 
 The Snow-flake is extremely abundant in the Missouri region in win- 
 ter. They reached Fort Randall November 15, 187.;, after a severe 
 cold snap with a light snow-fall, and as I write (January, 1873), great 
 numbers are swirling over the ground around, and in the fort. They 
 keep pretty closely in flocks numbering from a dozen or so to several 
 hundred, and, though they spread over the ground a good deal in run- 
 ning about after seeds, they fly compactly, and wheel all together. In 
 tbeir evolutions they present a pretty sigbt, and have a not displeasing 
 stridulent sound, from mingling of the weak chirrups from so many 
 .'throats. They are quite unsuspicious, trooping about our very door- 
 steps in search of food, unconscious of real danger ; but their natural 
 timidity, as well as restlessness, is so great, that they seem to constantly 
 take causeless alarm, scurrying off in an instant, but, perhaps, only to 
 return to the same spot immediately. They are readily approached 
 within a few i'eet, and as readily tiUien with horse-hair snares, in box- 
 traps, or by other simple devices. They do not appear to suffer with 
 the cold, although the thermometer has been down to 30° below zero ; 
 those that I secured were in good condition, and proved excellent eat- 
 ing. Their crops were usually found crammed with the small seeds of 
 a plant that grows here in profusion. It may not be generally known 
 that these little Sparrows have a definitely circumscribed dilation of the 
 
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PLECTKOPHANES NIVALIS, SNOW BUNTING. 119 
 
 oesophagus, to all intents and purposes a true crop. I am familiar with 
 the appearance presented by the capacious and distensible gullets of 
 birds of the genus Ghrysomitris, when full of seeds ; but this appears 
 altogether different. Happening to be skinning some Sharp-tailed 
 Grouse at the same time, it struck me that the Snow-bird had tbe pro- 
 portionally larger crop of the two. In six or eight individuals exam- 
 ined, this organ always lay completely to the right side, partly in the 
 depression between the one of the legs of the furcula, but mostly pro- 
 tuberant ; it pushed out so far, when completely distended, as to make the 
 contour of the bird outside the feathers noticeably unsymmetrical. It 
 is capable of holding a fair tea-spoonful of seeds. At this season the 
 bill is yellowish, usually black-tipped, instead of entirely black ; it dries 
 to a brownish shiide. Warm brown clouds all, or nearly all, the upper 
 parts; mixes with black of the back ; it is darkest on the crown, where 
 often quite blackish ; usually forms a marked auricular patch and pecto- 
 ral collar, with more or less wash along the sides, leaving the rest of the 
 under parts white. Specimens of course vary interminably in amount 
 of brown clouding, but the pattern just mentioned, or a tendency to 
 form such a pattern, may almost invariably be seen. 
 
 The general southward dispersion of the species in winter may be 
 gathered from the above. Of its breeding in the United States I have 
 found but two records. One is that given by Audubon (p. 56). He 
 says a nest was found on a declivity in the White Mountains of New 
 Hampshire, in July, 1831 ; it was described to him as being fixed on 
 the ground among low bushes, and formed like that of the Song Spar- 
 low's ; and that it contained young. Mr. Allen, on the authority of Mr. 
 0. W. Bennett, says that a pair spent the summer of 1862, and reared 
 their j-ouug, at Springfield, Massachusetts. 
 
 At Fort Eandall, the birds disappeared during some open weather 
 early in March, but came back with a severe snow storm some weeks 
 afterward, and were seen until April. They occasionally alight in troops 
 on the roofs of sheds and houses, or string along fences. I have but 
 rarely seen them on trees. When in this position they do not seem to 
 be easy or even comfortable. They sit still, apparently busy balancing; 
 on attempting to change their position they move awkwardly, seem- 
 ingly as if afraid they would fall, putting one foot down after the other, 
 and recovering a lapse with a flutter of the wings. Their feet evidently 
 do not grasp small twigs with security. 
 
 The few nests of the Snow-flake 1 have seen were built with a great 
 quantity of a kind of short curly grass which grows in the Arctic 
 regions, mixed with moss, the whole forming a very substantial strac- 
 ture, with walls an inch or more thick, and a small, deep cavity. This 
 is warmly lined with a quantity of large feathers, from some water- 
 fowl. They are built on the ground, often covered and hidden by tus- 
 socks of grass or even slabs of rock. The eggs are exceedingly variable 
 in coloration as well as size. Thus, one measures 0.65 by 0.70, and another 
 0.97 by 0.02 ; an average is about 0.90 by 0.05. The ground is white or 
 whitish, in some instances flecked all over with neutral tint shell- 
 markings, overlaid by deep brown spots and scratches, especially at 
 the butt. In other cases the former are wanting and we have a heavy 
 wreath of confluent blotches of dull brown around the larger end ; and 
 again the whole surface may be obscurely mottled with pale chocolate. 
 
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120 PLECTROPUANES LAPPONICUS, LAPLAND LONGSPUE. 
 
 PLECTEOPHANES LAPPONICUS, (Linn.) Selby. 
 
 lapland Longspur. 
 
 Fnngilla lapponiea, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 317.— Foust., Philos. Trans. Ixii, 1772, 404. 
 
 Eniberiza lapponica, NiLSS., Orn. Luec. i. 157. — Bp., Am. Orn. i, 53, pi. 13, f. 1. — Bp., Syn. 
 1828, 440.— Ndtt., Man. i, 1832,' 463.— AuD., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 473, pi. 365. ' 
 
 Emberiza (Plectroplmnes) lapponioa, Sw. & EiCH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 248, pi. 48. 
 
 Tleotrophanes lapponica, Selby, Linn. Trans, xv, 156, pi. 1. — Bp., List, 1838, 36.— AuD., 
 Syn. 1839, 98 ; B. Am. iii, 1841, 50, pi. 152.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 99.— Bd., B. N. 
 A. 1858, 433.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Eep. 1860 (Ohio.)— Boardm., Pr. Bost. Soo. 
 ix, 1862, 126 (Calais, Me., in winter onlv, not common).— Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, 
 iii, 158.— MclLWR., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 89 (Hamilton, C. W., until May).— 
 COUES, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1868, 281.— Turxb., B. E. Pa. IHffJ, 42 (very rare, in 
 severe winters only).— Dali. & B.ixx., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 283 (Alaska, 
 breeding).— Mayn., Nat. Guide, 1870, 112 (Ipswich, Mass., with P. niraUs and 
 E. alpestris).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 17S (but it does not appear to have ever 
 been found in California).— Mayx., Pr. Bost. Soc. xiv, 187 1, 115 (Minnesota, 
 until May, and probably breeds).— FiNSCH, Abb. Nat. iii, 1872, 54 (Alaska).— 
 CouES, Key, 1872, 133, fig. 81.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. i, 1874, 515, pi. 24, f. 7. 
 
 Centrophanes lapponica, Kadp, Sk. Ent. Eur. Thierw. 1829.— Cab., Mus. Hein. 1851, 
 127.— Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 84. 
 
 Fringilla calcarata, Pallas., Itin. ii, App. 710. 
 
 Emberiza calcarata, Temm:., Man. 1815, 190. 
 
 PlectropJianes calcarata, Meyer, Tasch., Dents. .57. — BoiE, Isis, 1822, 554. 
 
 Centrophanes calcarata, Gray, List, Gen. of B., App. 1842, 11. 
 
 Sab. — A species, like P. nivalis, of circumpolar distribution ; in this country inhabits 
 all the arctic regions, coming south in winter to Philadelphia, Kentucky (Audubon), 
 IWinoia (llidgtva)/), Kansas (Coojjer), and Colorado (Tn^jpe). Not yet observed in the 
 United States west of the Eoclcy Mountains. Not known to breed in the United States, 
 and very rarely found in full plumage in the United States. 
 
 List of specimens. 
 
 19246 
 19247 
 19248 
 19249 
 
 284 
 234 
 
 
 
 Mar. 7,1860 
 
 Jan. 18, 1860 
 
 ..do 
 
 F.V.Hayden. 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 5.50 
 6.25 
 0.25 
 
 9.75 
 10.35 
 10.75 
 
 3.00 
 3.75 
 3.45 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 5 
 ? 
 
 187 
 
 Source Chey'ne. 
 
 
 G. H. Trook.. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 The general southward extension of this species is seen from the above 
 remarks. Although included by Dr. Cooper in the Birds of California, 
 I do not know that it has ever been taken on the Pacific coast of the 
 United States, nor indeed anywhere west of the Eocky Mountains. Dr. 
 Hayden's specimens, above enumerated, probably represent the south- 
 westernmost record to date. I find no quotations for the Atlantic States 
 beyond Pennsylvania. It appears to extend furthest south in the inte- 
 rior; it was observed in large Hocks in Kentucky by Audubon. Mr. 
 Trippe's notice is interesting as indicating the probable breeding of the 
 bird in Minnesota. He says it comes there about the middle of Septem- 
 lier and remains until December, when it moves southward, and its place 
 is supplied by the Snow Bunting ; and that it is very abundaat in South- 
 ern Iowa in the depth of winter and in early spring. He has since 
 informed me that a large flock was seen by him in the Middle Park, 
 Colorado, in the latter part of October. Messrs. Dall and Bannister 
 report it as very abundant in Alaska, where it arrives the second week 
 in May, and breeds. Both these writers attest its eminent musical abil- 
 ity. Collections of Messrs. Eoss, Kennicott, and others, now in the 
 Smithsonian, show that it is very abundant in summer in the vicinity of 
 Great Slave Lake and McKenzie's Eiver. The species enters the Mis- 
 souri region from the north early in October, according to my observa- 
 tions, but I have as yet found it nowhere abundant. 
 
 Of two sets of eggs of the Lapland Longspur before me, both col- 
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PLECTEOPHANES PICTUS, PAINTED LARK BUNTING. 121 
 
 lected by Mr. H. W. Elliott on the Prybilov Isl'auds, Bering's Sea, one 
 contains six, the other four specimens. The eggs are rather pointed at 
 the smaller end, and measure about 0.80 by 0.02. They are very dark 
 colored, reminding one of the Titlark's ; the color is a heavy clouding or 
 thick mottling of chocolate-brown, through which the greenish-gray 
 ground is little apparent. The nests are built of mosses and flue, soft, 
 dried grasses, and lined with a few large feathers from some water-fowl ; 
 they were placed on the ground, under tussocks, in grassy hummocks. 
 The female did not leave the nest until nearly trodden upon. 
 
 PLECTEOPHANES PIGTUS, Sw. 
 
 Fainted Lark Bunting. 
 
 Emberiza (Plectroplianes) picta, Sw. & EiCH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 250, pi. 49 (perfect spring 
 plumage ; Saskatchewan). — Ndtt., Man. i, 1832, 589. 
 
 Erriberiza picta, AuD., Orri. Biog. v, 1839, 91, pi. 400. 
 
 Plectroplianes pictiis, Bp., List, 1838, 37 ; Consp. i, 1850, 463.— AuD., Syn. 1839, 99 ; B. 
 Am. iii, 1841, 52, pi. 153 (from the original specimen). — Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 434 
 (Minnesota and Illinois).— Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 283 (Fort 
 Yukon and McKenzie Eiver region). — Coues, Key, 1872, 134. — B. B. & E., 
 N. a. B. i, 1874, 518, pi. 24, f. 4. 5. 
 
 Centroplianes pictus, Cab., Mus. Hein. i, 1851, 127. 
 
 Emberiza smithii, Aud., B. Amer. vii, 1844, 337, pi. 487 (Illinois, in winter). (Young.) 
 
 Centroplianes smithii, Cab., Mus. Hein. i, 1851, 127. 
 
 Eab. — Yukon, McKenzie, Saskatchewan, and Missouri Eiver regions, to the prairies 
 of Illinois in winter. 
 
 This species was not noticed by either of the Expeditions ; yet there is 
 no doubt whatever of its occurrence in the regions explored. The only 
 United States quotations I have found are those above given. Audu- 
 bon states that he found the bird " very abundant" on low prairie about 
 a lake near Edwardsville, Illinois. Richardson had but his single Sas- 
 katchewan specimen. The Smithsonian collections, of great extent, and 
 embracing many perfectly plumaged specimens, attest the abundance 
 of the bird in the McKenzie Eiver region. It does not appear to breed 
 anywhere in the United States. In Northern Dakota it makes its ap- 
 pearance the latter part of September, but, according to my observa- 
 tions, only in limited numbers. It associates intimately with P. ornaius, 
 and has much the same habits and general appearance. No eggs are 
 more variable than those of Plectroplianes, and P. pictus is no exception 
 to the rule in this regard. The very extensive series in the Smithsonian 
 exhibits some specimens exactly like those of P. lapponkus, with a cor- 
 responding range of variation, and others like P. ornatus, but always 
 larger than tlie latter, being of the size of P. lapponicus. None of the 
 specimens, however, are as darkly and uniformly chocolate as some ex- 
 amples of P. lapponicus are. These eggs are nearly all from the Ander- 
 son Eiver region, with a few from Great Slave Lake. 
 
 The following is a more sufficient description of the young bird than that given in 
 the Key : Jl/ate— Length, 6.50 ; extent, 11.25 ; wing, 3.75 ; tail, 2.50 ; tarsus, 0.75 ; mid- 
 dle toe and claw, about the same ; hind toe and claw, rather less (P. ornatus is much 
 less in all its dimensions). Bill, dusky brown above and at tip, paler below ; feet, 
 light brown (drying darker) ; toes, rather darker. Entire under parts, rich yellowish- 
 brown, or buify (in P. ornatus never thus) ; paler on the chin aud throat, which, with 
 the fore-breast, are obsoletely streaked with dusky ; the tibite white. Tail, white only 
 on the two or three outer feathers (in P. ornatus all the feathers, exceping sometimes 
 the central pair, are white at the base). Upper parts much as in the adult, but the 
 sharp, distinctive head-markings wanting, or only obscurely indicated. 
 
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122 PLEGTEOPHANES OENATUS. 
 
 PLEGTEOPHAIfES OENATUS, Towus. 
 
 ■'} 
 
 Chestnnt-collared Bnnting; Black-bellied longspnr. 
 
 PlectropJimies ornatm, Towns., Jonrn. Pbila. Acad, vii, 1837, 189.— Aro., Syu. 1839, 99.— 
 Add.. B. Amer. iii, 1«41, 53, pi. ir.4.— Nuit., Man. i, 2d ed. 1640, 537.— Bp., List, 
 1638, 37 ; Consp. i, 1850, 4(i:J.— WooDH., Sitgr. Eep. 1853, 88 (ludian Territory).— 
 Bd., B. X. A. Iii58, 435.— Hayd., Eep. 1862. Iti5.— Deess., Ibis, 1865, 486 (Texas).— 
 Allex, Bull. JI. C. Z. iii, lb72, 135.— CouBS, Key, 1872, 134.— B. B. & R., N. A. 
 B. i, 1874, 520, pi. 24, f. 3. 
 
 Emieriza ornata, AuD., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 44, pi. 394, f. 1. 
 
 Centrophanes ornatiis, Cab., Mus. Hein. i, 1851, 127. 
 
 Plectrophanes mdanomus, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 436 (Black Hills to Mexico).— Heerm., P. 
 E. E. Eep. X, 1859, Parke's Eoute, Birds, p. 13 (New Mexico).— Hayd., Eep. 
 1862, 165 (Black Hills and Niobrara Eiver).— SCL., P. Z. S. 1860, 251 (Orizaba).— 
 Dr.Ess., Ibis, 1865, 486 (Texas).— Coues, Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1B66, 84 (Arizona).— 
 8UJiicn., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 551 (Plateau of Vera Cruz to Orizaba). 
 
 Flectrophanes ornatus var. melanomus, B. B. & E., N. A. B. i, 1874, 521, pi. 24, f. 6. 
 
 Sab. — Interior of British America ; whole Missouri region ; prairies of Kansas, breed- 
 ing (AUen).^ Breeds very abundantly in Dakota. South through the Eocky Mountain, 
 region to the table-lands of Mexico. West of the Eocky Mountains, only observed la 
 Arizona (Coues.) 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4827, Bijoux Hills ; 5377-79, Medicine Creek ; 5917, 
 Fort Pierre ; 8924, 8926, Black Hills ; 8925, Eunning Water. 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Eaynolds' Expedition. 
 
 This is an abundant and characteristic species of the Missouri region. 
 Originally described from this country, it has since been traced far north 
 in the interior of the British Possessions, and southward, in elevated 
 regions, to Vera Cruz and Orizaba. 
 
 The time for discussing the claims of P. melanomus as a distinct spe-» 
 cies, passed when the variations in plumage of P. ornatus became 
 known. The results of a critical examination I made when this Report 
 ■was originally drafted, some years since, are now suppressed ; for in the 
 interim Mr. Allen has satisfactorily stated the case. In the paper above 
 cited, he has the following remarks : 
 
 " The plumage varies greatly in color in different individuals of even 
 the same sex, the variation being generally in respect to the purity and 
 intensity of the colors. The most highly- colored males have the breast 
 and middle of the abdomen more or less strongly tinged with very bright 
 ferrugineous ; others have these parts ijure black ; while in others still, 
 the black is obscured by the feathers having brownish-white tips. The 
 lesser wing-coverts vary from gray to black. The red tinge on the 
 abdomen seems merely indicative of a high state of plumage, those thus 
 marked also having the lesser coverts black ; but they are also black in 
 some specimens that are not tinged with red. Pleotroplianes melanomus 
 is merely the ferrugineous phase of this species. The highest colored 
 female (the sex determined by dissection) was nearly as bright colored 
 as the paler-colored males, having the chestnut collar and the black 
 on the breast, nearl.y as distinct as some of the males. It was nearly 
 as large, and, until dissected, was supposed to be an immature male." 
 
 In Dakobi, where I observed the bird during the breeding season in 
 the greatest abundance, few were found with the sienna color on the 
 under parts, and then only as a trace. The summer birds rarely show 
 the black bend ofthe wing, but this is assumed in perfection, as a rule, 
 after the fall moult, which occurs in September. 
 
 Mr. Alien sends nle the following notice, prepared for this work : 
 " The Ghestnut-collared Bunting was found on the plains about Fort 
 Hays, in considerable abundance. They live in summer in large scat- 
 tered colonies, generally many pairs being found at the same locality, 
 while they may not be again met with in a whole day's travel. We 
 
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PLECTEOPHANES ORNATUS. 123 
 
 found tlietn very sby for so small birds, and were obliged to obtain all 
 our specimens (some thirty in number) by shooting them on the wing 
 at long range. They breed, of course, on the ground, constructing a 
 rather slight but neat nest of dry grass and the stems of small plants. 
 The eggs appear to be commonly five in number, blotched and streaked 
 with rusty ou a white ground, full sets of which were obtained the first 
 week in June. This species has the curious habit of circling round the 
 observer, with a buoyant, undulatory flight, generally high in the air, 
 and usually keeping all the while well out of range, uttering, mean- 
 while, its rather sharp but musical call notes. I met with it in winter 
 from Fort Hays westward, nearly to the Colorado line, indicating that 
 it is resident here the whole year. We failed to meet with it, however, 
 about Cheyenne in August, or anywhere to the westward of Western 
 Kansas ; neither does it appear in Mr. Aiken's list of the birds observed 
 by him near Caiiou City, Colorado, nor in Blr. Holden's list of the birds 
 seen by him in the vicinity of Sherman." 
 
 Under head of P. melanotnus, Dr. Heermann has the following : 
 
 '' I first remarked this bird, associated with the P. maccownli, at a 
 large prairie-dog village, some miles west of Puerto del Dado. Fresh 
 meat having become scarce in camp, and desiring a few birds for sup- 
 per, I fired into a flock covering densely quite a large space. Triree 
 dozen fell at the first discharge, and among them I was pleased to find 
 this species and F. maccowmi. From this point to the Eio Grande we 
 found both of these species abundant wherever we struck isolated water- 
 holes, these being the only spots for miles around where drink can be 
 obtained. When fired at, they rise as if to fly away ; but forced by 
 thirst to return, after describing a few curves, to the only spot where 
 their parched tongues can find relief, they may, if the hunter feels so 
 inclined, be freely slaughtered. I have often seen from one hundred to 
 one hundred and fifty brought down in four or five discharges of a gun. 
 While on a trip to the Eocky Mountains, in 1843, I met * * * * 
 P. ornatiis in small flocks and pairs, scattered over the prairies of the 
 Platte Eiver, and was fortunate enough to discover one of their nests. 
 Built on the ground, it was composed of fine grasses, lined with 
 hair. The eggs, four in number, were white, with black lines at the 
 larger end, and a few faint neutral- tint blotches scattered over the surface. 
 
 I took a single specimen in October, 1864, on a grassy plain near Fort 
 Whipple, Arizona, the only one observed in the Territory. 
 
 The Chestnut-collared Bunting breeds in profusion on the plains of 
 Northern Dakota. On the bare plains, away from a single land-mark, 
 it is perhaps the most abundant bird of all, though Baird's Bunting and 
 the Missouri Sky-lark are not far behind in this respect. All three 
 associate intimately together, and there is a great general similarity iu 
 their habits. The nest of the present species is placed on the ground, 
 effectually concealed beneath some little tuft of grass ; it is a slight 
 affair, merely a few fine grasses and slender weed-stems, for the most 
 . part circularly disposed, and considerably hollowed. Lilce the nests of 
 most other sparrows that breed on the ground, it is sunken in a de- 
 pression so as to be flush with the general surface. It measures about 
 three and one-half inches across outside, and more than half as much in 
 depth; the bottom is very thin in comparison with the brim, which is 
 well defined. The eggs are usually four in number, measuring about 
 four-fifths of an inch long by three-fifths broad, and are not peculiar iu 
 shape. They are grayish-white, more or less clouded, and mottled 
 obscurely with pale purplish-gray, which confers the prevailing tone ; 
 this is overlaid with numerous surface-markings of points, scratches, 
 
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124 PLECTROPHANES MACCOWNII. 
 
 and small spots of dark brown, wliollj^ indeterminate in distribution 
 and number, but always conspicuous, being sharply displayed upon the 
 subdued ground color. I think that two or three broods are reared 
 each season, for I have found fresh eggs and newly hatched birds the 
 same day, July 18th, when a week before I had shot young birds already 
 on the wing; and again, I have fouud fresh eggs so late as the first 
 week in August. When the nest is approached, the female generally 
 walks quietly off, after a little liutter, threading her way through the 
 grass till she is at a safe distance, and then taking wing. Should the 
 young be hatched, however, both parents will hover togetner close over- 
 head, in evident distress, with beseeching cries. 
 
 The young birds keep much together until they are well on wing, 
 when they form larger flocks by uniting several families together. As 
 soon as the care of the last brood is over, they are joined by the 
 parents, now, in August, moulting, and in poor plumage, forming troops 
 of great extent, which scurry over the prairies in search of food. Later 
 still, in September, they are joined by numbers of the P.pictiis from the 
 north, and a few P. lapponicus, all associating together, and having 
 much the same habits ; they remain in this part of the country until the 
 middle of October, at least, and then proba,bly wend their way South. 
 
 This bird has a peculiar note, difficult of description, but easily 
 learned ; in the breeding season it is a flue songster, having a soft and 
 pleasing, though rather weak twitter. Its ordinary flight, when undis- 
 turbed, is perfectly undulatory, as much so as that of the C'hrysomitris, 
 and with each impulse of the wings it utters its chirp. When startled 
 from the ground it flies hastily, in a wayward cour.se, which makes it 
 difficult to shoot; the various members of a flock fly separately, but 
 generally straggle after each other, to settle again at no great distance 
 and resume their rambling search for food. Like the other small birds 
 of the prairie, it haunts the roads where, as the grass is worn away from 
 the wheel-tracks, it feeds and runs with the greatest ease. I never saw 
 one alight except on the ground. In flight, it may always be recognized 
 by the amount of white on the tail. In size, it varies from 5^ to (i^ in 
 length, by lOJ to lOf in extent. With the renewal of the feathers, the 
 birds come into a much purer and richer plumage than that worn dur- 
 ing the summer. Young male birds very early show some black on the 
 under parts, but the distinctive head-markings do not appear to be 
 assumed until the following spring. A large number of the old fall 
 birds have perfectly black bend of the wing; but few show, in any 
 plumage in this region, the rich, rusty-red edgings of the feathers of 
 the under parts, which is so conspicuous in more southerly examples. 
 
 PLEGTEOPHAXES MACCOWl!fII, Lawr. 
 
 Maccoirn's Biintiag. 
 
 Flectroplianes maccownii, Lawk., Add. Lye. N. Y. vi, 1851, 122 (Western Texas). — Mac, 
 Ann. Lye. vi, p. 14.— Cass., 111. 18.)5, •Zi-', pi. 39.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 437.— 
 Heeb.m.,P. R. R. Rep. s, 1859, Parke'.s Route of 32° parallel, Birrls, 13.— Hayd., 
 Rep. 186-2, 165.— Dress., Ibis, 1865, 487 (Texas).— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 
 1870, 464.— Allex, Boll. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 145, 177 (Cheyenne, Wyoming Ter., 
 abundant, breeding; Western Kansas, in -winter). — CouEs, Key, 1872, 134. — 
 B. B. & R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 523, pi. 24, f. 1. 
 
 Sab. — Middle Province United States ; north to the Black Hills ; east to Western 
 Kansas, Western Texas, and New Mexico. 
 Lieutenant TTan-en's Expedition. — 8954-6, Black Hills. 
 Later Expeditions.— G0396, Wyoming. 
 Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition. 
 
 Since its disCt^ery ]^g'j^^p^]^ Wcmsof^^^^ ^^ *^® United States 
 
CENTEONYX BAIRDII, BAIED'S BUNTING. 125 
 
 Array, in Western Texas, this species has been noticed in various parts 
 of New Mexico, by Drs. A. L. Heermann and T. C. Henry, and by other 
 naturalists further north, as above quoted. It has been usually observed 
 in company with P. omatns, and its United States range appears to be 
 much the same, although, as yet, we have no accounts of its occurrence 
 in the British Possessions or in Mexico. I am informed, by letter from 
 Mr. T. Martin Trippe, that vast numbers were seen in winter in the 
 Arkansas Valley, and throughout Eastern Colorado. 
 
 " Maccown's Bunting," writes Mr. Allen to me, "was abundant in the 
 vicinity of Cheyenne in August, and the occurrence of partially-fledged 
 young seemed to indicate that it had bred in the immediate vicinity. I 
 also observed it near Laramie City during the same months, and found 
 it common, in winter, in the northwestern counties of Kansas. In hab- 
 its, notes, and general appearance, it is scarcely distinguishable, at a 
 little distance, from the Chestnut-collared Bunting." 
 
 A nest of Maccown's Bunting taken on Heart Eiver, Dakota, July 7, 
 1873, by Mr. Allen, was built on the ground, and is constructed of 
 decomposing woody fibre and grasses, with a lining of finer grasses. 
 In its present state of preservation it is too much distorted to permit 
 description of its shape. It contained four eggs, closely resembling the 
 lighter-colored varieties of the P. oriiatus, but without the purplish-gray 
 clouding of the latter. The ground is dull white; the markings are 
 obscure and rather sparse mottling, with some heavier, sharp, scratchy 
 ones, both brown, of different intensity. A specimen measures 0.80 by 
 0.60. 
 
 CENTEONYX BAIEDII, (Aud.) Bd. 
 Baird's Sparrow. 
 
 Eniberisa hairdii, AuD., B. Am. vii, 1843, 3,59, pi. 500. 
 
 Cotwrniculus tairdii, Bp., Conap. Av. i, 1850, 481. 
 
 Cenironyx hairdii, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 441. — Coues, Key, 1872, 135 (not of Mayn., Nat. 
 
 Guide, 113, the supposed "Centronyx" from Massachusetts proving to be a 
 
 Passerculus. See Mayn., Am. Nat. vi, 1872, 637 ; Allen, iUd. 631 ; Bkew., iUd. 
 
 vi, 1872, 307 ; ConES, Key, 3.52).— B. B. & E., N. A. B. 1, 1874, 531, pi. 25, fig. 3.— 
 
 Hensh., Am. Nat. yiii, 1874, p. — (Arizona). 
 Passerculus hairdii, Coues, Am. Nat. vi, 1873, 697. 
 Ammodromus hairdii, GiBBEL, Nomenc. Av. i, 326. 
 Centronyx ochrocephalus, Aiken, Am. Nat. vii, 1873, 237 (El Paso, Colorado. Autumnal 
 
 plumage. See Scott, ibid. 564 ; Coues, ihid. 694). 
 
 Sah. — Central Plains. North to the British Provinces. South to New Mexico and 
 Arizona. East nearly to the Eed Eiver of the North. West to the Eocky Mountains. 
 Not procured by any of the Expeditions. 
 
 Upon insufficient examination of the type, a faded specimen in worn plumage, pre- 
 served in the Smithsonian, I ventured the hasty and, as it proved, unfounded surmise 
 that this was not a valid species, having an idea that some obscure plumage of a 
 young Plectrophanes was in question. The following descriptions are drawn up from 
 about seventy-five specimens I collected in Dakota last year. 
 
 Adult, in breeding plumage. — With a general resemblance to Passerculus savanna. 
 Inner secondaries less elongated, only rarely equaling the primaries in the closed 
 wings. First four quills about equal, and longest. Hind toe and claw about equaling 
 the middle toe and claw, its claw about equaling the digit. (No evident or constant 
 difference from Passerculus in proportions of the toes.) Tail shorter than the wing, 
 lightly double-rounded (central and outer pair of feathers both a little shorter than 
 the Intermediate ones). Top of head streaked with black and rich brownish-yellow, 
 or buff, the former predominating laterally, the latter chiefly as a median stripe, but 
 also suffusing the nape and sides of head in greater or less degree. Back varied with 
 brownish-black and gray, together with a little bay, the two latter colors forming the 
 edgings of the interscapulars and scapulars. Rump variegated with gray and chestnut- 
 brown, different in shade from that of the'baok. Under parts dull white, usually with 
 a faint ochrey tinge on the breast, but often without; a circlet of small, sharp, sparse, 
 
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126 OENTEONYX BAIEDII, BAIRd's BUNTING. 
 
 cluskj- streaks across the breast, continuous with others, longer and mostly lighter, 
 along the whole sides, and with others, again, extending np the sides of the neck into 
 small, vague maxillary and auricular markings. When the feathers are perfectly 
 arranged these lateral head-markings are seen to bo a post-ocular stripe just over the 
 auriculars, a, post-auricular spot, a streak starting from the angle of the mouth, and 
 another heavier offe parallel with and below this, running directly into the pectoral 
 ones. Qnills without special markings, excepting the elongated inner secondaries, 
 which correspond with the scapulars. Tail the same, slightly whitish-edged. Upper 
 mandible mostly dark, lower pale. Feet flesh-colored. Length, 5.10 to 5.85; extent, 
 8.60 to 9.85 ; wing '2.75 to 3.00 (iu one case 3.05 ; average, about 5f by 9{ by 2J) ; tail, 
 2.00 to2.2."> ; culmen, about 0.40 ; tarsus, in front, about 0.75 ; middle toe and claw, and 
 hind toe and claw, each, rather less. The female averages rather smaller than the 
 male, but is otherwise similar. 
 
 Autumnal plumage.— Soft, with brighter, more suffused colors, in bolder pattern. 
 Whole top and sides of head, as well as nape and part of neck, suffused with rich buif, 
 in many instances as bright a golden-brown as that on the head of Seiurm aurocapillns. 
 A paler, rather ochraceous, shade of the same also suffusing the whole fore under-parts. 
 Pectoral and lateral dusky streaks, as well as the two rows on each side of the throat, 
 large, heavy, diifuse. Bay and whitish edgings of the secondaries broad and conspicu- 
 ous, constrasting with the black central lields. Whitish edgings of tail-feathers the 
 same ; and, in general, the same character is stamped over all the upper plumage. 
 
 Xcwlji-Jledged young have each feather of the dorsal plumage conspicuously bordered 
 with white, producing a set of semicircles, much as in Neocorys spraguei. There is the 
 same general botfy suffusion of the head and fore-parts noted in the last paragraph, but 
 the tint is dull and ochrey. The markings below have a short, broad, guttiforui char- 
 acter. When just from the nest, the edging of the secondaries and tail-feathers is of a 
 peculiar pinkish-rusty shade. 
 
 Although we here retain the nomenclature of the Key, the structural peculiarities of 
 Centroiiyx are so slightly different from Paaserculus that the bird might, very properly, 
 be included iu the latter genus, as we have already suggested. The characters given 
 by Prof. Baird, from the original specimen, do not all hold throughout a large series. 
 
 Not the least singular thing- in the history of this species is the length 
 of time which elapsed after its discovery before anything further was 
 learned about it. Considering how often and how thoroughly the region 
 it inhabits has been explored by naturalists, and how abundant the bird 
 is now known to be, it is the more surprising that it should have so long 
 eluded observation. No second specimen was known for thirty years, 
 until Mr. Aiken and mysielf took it, iu (Jolorado and in Dakota, respect- 
 ively ; and the same year, as I am informed, Mr. Henshaw has obtained 
 it further south. The question may arise, has the bird really been, all 
 this time, so common and widely dispersed, or has it only recently be- 
 come so? Sprague's Lark offers a nearly parallel case; and instances 
 like these suggest the probability of a kind of rotation in the abundance 
 of birds, analogous to that occurring among plants, no less than a 
 change in geographical distribution not dependent upon the ordinary 
 laws of migration. 
 
 However this may be, the fact is that Baird's Bunting is extremely 
 abundant in Dakota, in some places outnumbering all other birds together. 
 T did not see it immediately along the Red Eiver, but at once encoun- 
 tered it beyond the low Pembina range of mountains, thirty or forty 
 miles west of the river, as soon as I came upon the high prairie. This 
 was the second week iu Jidy, when I shot some young birds just fledged, 
 though the great majority were then breeding. In two day.s, July 14 
 and 15, I took thirty specimens, and more might have been procured ; 
 during the summer about seventy-flve were preserved, showing all 
 stages. Almost without exception my earlier specimens were males, 
 which attracted attention as they sat singing on the low bushes of the 
 prairie, the females lying concealed in the grass, incubating or attending 
 to the yoang. The song is peculiaif, consisting of two or three distinct 
 syllables, in a mellow, tinkling tone, running into an indefinite trill ; it 
 may be suggested by zip-zip-zip-zr-r-r-r. In their general appearance 
 and habits, the birds are so nearly the same as the Savanna Sparrrows 
 
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PASSERCULUS SAVANNA, SAVANNA SPARROW. 127 
 
 that it was two or three days before I learned to distinguish them at 
 gunshot range. They do not go in flocks, yet there is a sort of colo- 
 nization among them, for we may ride a mile or two over the prairie 
 without seeing any, and then come upon numerous pairs breeding to- 
 gether. I think it probable that a second brood is usually reared each 
 season, as I have shot equally young birds six weeks apart. After the 
 duties of incubation, the plumage is renewed, it having become greatly 
 woru and faded. When the young are all on wing, they associate to- 
 gether with their parents, in loose straggling troops, mixing freely with 
 the Chestnut-collared Buntings and the 8ky-Iarks. Their numbers sen- 
 sibly diminish in September, and they apparently move south during 
 the mouth, as I saw none after the 1st of October. In September, in 
 this latitude, there is a good deal of cold weather, and not unfrequently 
 a heavy snow-fall, sending the more delicate birds away early. The 
 birds feed upon various seeds, as usual, as well as upon insects, even 
 sizable grasshoppers, which in this region seem to be eateu by almost 
 every bird and animal. 
 
 Although I made many a search whilst the birds were evidently 
 breeding, I never succeeded in stumbling upon a nest. Fortunately, 
 however, I am enabled to complete the history of the species with a 
 description of the nest and eggs, taken July 1, 1873, on Big Muddy 
 Creek, Dakota, by Mr. J. A. Allen, Naturalist of the Yellowstone Expe- 
 dition. These are the first specimens which have been brought to the 
 notice of naturalists. The nest was built, as was to be expected, on the 
 ground, and is very similar to that of Plectrophanes ornatus — a slight 
 structure of grasses and weed-bark, circularly disposed, about tour 
 inches across outside. It contained five fresh eggs, most nearly resem- 
 bling those of the Bay-winged Bunting, but smaller, and decidedly more 
 rounded. They measure 0.80 by 0.65. The ground is dull white, speckled 
 all over, but very irregularly, with light reddish-brown (pale sienna), 
 and Laving a few larger blotches of the same and a darker shade, owing 
 to heavier laying on of the pigment. In a number of instances the 
 coloratiou would probably not be distinguishable with certainty from 
 those of I'ooecetes. The general pattern of the coloration is much as in 
 Pleotroplwnes ornatus, but the general effect is quite different, and, in the 
 single set before me, peculiar. 
 
 Mr. -Henshaw's Arizona specimens ( Wheeler'ft Exped. of 1873) show a 
 condition of plumage leading him to believe that the species breeds in 
 the locality where he j)rocured them, as is undoubtedly the case. He 
 found the birds very numerous, and secured a large series. 
 
 PASSERCULUS SAVANNA, (Wils.) Bp. 
 
 Savanna Sparrow. 
 
 a. savanna. 
 
 Fringilla savanna, Wils., Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 55, pi. 22, f. 2; iv, 1811, 72, pi. 34, f. 4.— 
 Bp., Svn. 1828, 109.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 489.— Auc, Orn. Biog. ii, 1S34, C3 : v, 
 1839, 516 ; pi. 109. 
 
 Linaria savanna, Rich., List. 1837. 
 
 Emberiza savanna, Add., Syn. 1839, 103.— iuD., B.Am. iii, 1841, 68, pi. 160.— GiR., B. L. 
 I. 1844, 102. 
 
 Passerculus savanna, Bp., List, 1838, 33; Consp. Av. i, 1850, 480. — Cab., Mns. Hein. 1851, 
 131.— Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 442.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 165.— Dall & B.iNN., Tr. 
 Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 283.- Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 272, (critical discuss- 
 ion).— Allen, M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 177 (edge of plains to above timber-line).- 
 COUES, Key, 1872, 135, fig. 82.— B. B. & R., N. A. B, i, 1874, 534, pi. 24, f. 8; 
 and of late Tvriters generally. 
 
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128 PASSERCXJLUS SAVANNA, SAVANNA SPABEOW. 
 
 Passereulus savanna var. alaudinus, B. B. & E., N. A. B. 1874, pi. 24, f. 11. 
 
 Ammodromus savanna, Gkay, Genera of Birds. 
 
 Passei-ouhis alaudinus, Bp., Comp. Eond. xxsvii, 1853, 918 (California).— Bd.,'B. N. A. 
 1858, 446.— Hbbem., P. E. E. Eep. ix, 1859, 49.— CouES, Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1861, 
 223 (Labrador); 1866, 84 (Arizona).- Codes, Ibis, 1866, 268.— Coues, Pr. Ess. 
 . Inst. V, 1868, 281.— Dress., Ibis, 1865, 487.— Elliot, B. N. A. pi. 13.— Dall & 
 Bann., Tr. Cbic. Acad. 1869, i, 284 (Alaska).- Stbv., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 870, 
 464.— Merk., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, 679.— Sumich., Mom. Best. Soo. i, 
 1869, 552 (Vera Cruz).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 181.— Scl., P. Z. S. 1858, 303 
 (Oaxaca). 
 
 Zonotrichia alaudina, FixscH, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 51 (Alaska). 
 
 b. anthinus. 
 
 (Slender-billed, -with, numerous small sharp dark spots below. Marshes, Pacific coast.) 
 
 Passereulus anthinus, Bp., Comp. Eend. xxxvii, 1853, 919.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 445.— Scl,, 
 
 Cal. A. B. 1862, 112.— CouES, Ibis, 1860, 268.— (?) Dall & Bank., Tr. Chic. Acad. 
 
 i, 1869, 284 (rather "(iZaM*»«s").-Coop., B. Cal. i, 187, 183.— Elliot, B. N. 
 
 A. pi. 13. 
 Passereulus savanna var. anthinus, CouBS, Key, 1872, 136. — B. B. & E., N. A. B. i, 1874, 
 
 539, pi. 24, f. 10. 
 
 c. sandvicensis. 
 
 (Large northern coast form.) 
 
 Emberiza sandu-iehensis, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 875. 
 
 Passereulus sandwichensis, Be, B. N. A. 1858, 444. — Coop. & SuCK., N. H. Wash. Ter. 
 
 1860, 199, pi. 28, f. 2.— Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 284.— Coop., B. 
 
 Cal. 1, 1870, 180. 
 Passereulus savanna var. sandvieensis, Coues, Kev, 1872, 136. — B. B. & E., N. A. B. i, 
 
 1874, 538, pi. 24, f. 9. 
 Emheriza aretiea. Lath., lod. Orn. i, 1790, 414. 
 
 Fringilla aretiea, ViG., Voy. Blossom, 1839, 20. — Brandt, Ic. Eoss. ii, 6. 
 Euspiza aretiea, Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 469. 
 Zonotrichia aretiea, Finsch, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 46 (Alaska). 
 Eniberiza ehrysops, Pall., Zoog. E. A. li, 1811, 45, pi. 48, fig. 1 (Oonalashka). 
 
 fla6.— North America, at large. Migratory. Breeds from the Middle States north- 
 Tvard (to Labrador at least and to the Yukon), and in mountainous parts of the United 
 States elsewhere. Winters from the Middle States southward. Mexico. Cuba (Cab., 
 J. f. 0. iv, 1856, 6). 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4807, Vermilion River; 4808, Big Sioux Elver ; 8786, // 
 North Fork of the Platte; 8756-57, 8768, Black Hills. 
 Later Expeditions.— 598^8-89, Colorado ; 60407, 60863-67, Wyoming ; 62310, Idaho. , _;„ ', 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Eaynolds' Expedition. 6 '-' v- 1 
 
 The characteristics of our Passereuli, too hastily, it appears, assumed to indicate sev- "jj^i. - 
 eral distinct species, will be found more or less fully discussed by some of the authors ' .,4- 
 above cited. My present view, as stated in the Key, is that " atoitZimts " is entirely ■ 
 indistinguishable, but that anthinus and sandvicensis represent local varieties that it is 0)r ' '-. 
 usually possible to recognize. We might, perhaps, indicate by the name of " alau- 
 dinus" the pale race of the dry middle region, but for the fact that its original describer 
 indicates it as being from " California." 
 
 Savanna Sparrows are extremely abundant in the Missouri region, 
 especially during the migrations. They remain during the winter in 
 the milder portions, and breed in the northern portions as well as be- 
 yond, in the region just north of the Coteau. This may be toward the 
 southern limit of their breeding range. They are found during the 
 breeding season both in the valleys of the rivers and out on the high 
 prairie, where they associate intimately with Baird's and the Chestnut- 
 collared Buntings, forming a part of the small prairie avifauna. Their 
 habits and general appearance are so similar to those of Baird's Bunt- 
 ing that the two species are only distinguished with some difQculty at 
 gun-shot range. The nuptial song is sweet and simple; at other seasons 
 they have only a weak chirp. The nest is placed on the ground, in all 
 the instances that have come under my observation, and closely resem- 
 bles that of the Bay-winged Bunting, excepting that in the specimens 
 
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POOECETES GEAMINEUS, GRASS FINCH. 129 
 
 I have seen, at any rate, it has a considerable lining of horse-hair. The 
 eggs, generally four, sometimes five, in number, are rather peculiar in 
 the heaviness of their coloring, being so thickly and uniformly mottled 
 with several shades of reddish-brown that the ground-color — a light 
 gray, with faint greenish shade— scarcely appears. Different speci- 
 mens, however, vary much in the amount of the mottling. In Northern 
 Dakota the eggs are generally laid the first and second weeks in June. 
 They are a trifle over three-fourths of an inch long by about three- 
 fifths in breadth. One nest I found contained two Cow-bird eggs. 
 
 POOEGETES GEAMINEUS, (Gm.) Baird. - 
 Bay-winged Banting; Grass Finch, 
 
 a. gramineus. 
 
 Fringilla graminca, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 922.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 108.— AuD., Oru. Biog. 
 
 i, 1831, 473; v, 502; pi. 90.— Nutt., 1, 182, 482. 
 Embensa graminea, Wlls., Am. Orn. iv, 1811, 51, pi. 31, f. 5.— AuD., Syn. 1839, 103.— 
 
 AuD., B. Am. iii, 1841, 65, pi. 153.— Maxim., J. f. O. vi, 1858, 343.— Trippb, Pr. 
 
 Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 116 (Minnesota, breeding abundantly in pine-barrens). 
 Fnngilla (Zonotrichia) graminea, Sw. & EiCH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 254 (Saskatchewan, May 
 
 to September). 
 ZonotricMa graminea, Bp., List, 1838, 31 ; Consp. Av. 1, 850, 478.— Newb., P. E. E. Eep. 
 
 vi, 1857, 85.— Heerm., P. E. E. Eep. s, 1859, 47. 
 Poocates gramineus, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 447.— Hayd., Eep. 1862, 165.— B. B. E., N. A. B. 
 
 i, 1874, 545. 
 Pooecetes gramineus, CouES, Key, 1872, 136 ; and of late authors generally. 
 
 b. confinis. 
 
 Pooecetes gramineus var. confinis, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 448 (in text. Pale western race). — 
 Mere., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, 680.— Coues, Key, 1872, 136. 
 
 Hai. — United States from Atlantic to Pacific ; north to the Saskatchewan at least. 
 Breeds from Maryland to corresponding latitudes northward. Winters In countless 
 multitudes in the Southern States. The pale var. confinis from the Middle Province. 
 
 List of specimens. 
 
 19281 
 
 65 
 
 Snake Eiver... 
 
 9 
 
 June 17, 1860 
 
 F.V.H.ayden. 
 
 6.00 
 
 10.60 
 
 3.25 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition.— 4507-08, 4505, Yellowstone Eiver; 4506, 4504, Fort 
 Union ; 8943-44, Black Hills ; 8942, 8945, 8947, South Pork. / 
 
 Later ExpedUions.—bi3ll, 59887, 60398-406; 60744-59, various Wyoming localities; 
 61674-7, Utah ; 61777-8, Idaho ; 62308-9, Wyoming. (All var. confinis.) • 
 
 Dr. Hayden's collections show that this species is abundant in the ' 
 Missouri region, as it is in all suitable localities elsewhere in the United; ,\ 
 States. Allen found it common at Denver, as well as along the western ^ " - 
 edge of the plains, and occasionally thence upward to above timber line / 
 on the Snowy Eange. I have met with it abundantly in all parts of the ^ 
 West where 1 have been. 
 
 Mr. Trippe kindly furnishes the following notes from Idaho Springs, 
 Colorado: " The Bay-winged Bunting is very abundant, breeding from 
 the plains up to timber-line, though not numerous above 9,000 feet. It^' ^ 
 arrives at Idaho Springs early in May, and has become very common f'' ■^ . 
 by the 20th, extending up to timber-line wherever it can find congenial 
 haunts. It frequents the open valleys of the larger streams and the 
 grassy hill-sides, where its manners are much as in the East. It has 
 quite a variety of songs ; one almost precisely like that of the Eastern 
 bird ; another so different that the two would scarcely .be supposed to 
 come from the same author — of these the latter is by far the most com- 
 mon — and variations between them, different individuals varying greatly 
 in their songs. 
 
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130 
 
 POOECETES GEAMINEUS, GRASS FINCH. 
 
 " This Western race is certainly as well entitled to rank as a geo- 
 graphical species or variety as any of the Western Umpidonaces for 
 instance. The bay on the wings is often reduced to a faint trace, and 
 sometimes extinguished altogether; the white of the tail is lessened in 
 extent, and the whole aspect of the bird certainly presents a strong 
 contrast to the typical gramineus." 
 
 The Bay -winged Bunting builds a nest on the ground in an open field, 
 anywhere, clear of any special surroundings. It is sunk to the level of 
 the surface, and is rather large outside, though the cavity is small and 
 deep, owing to the great thickness of the walls — an inch or even more. 
 It is built entirely of grass and weed-stalks, having usually a layer of 
 quite fine grasses at the bottom, where it is thinnest, and with a mass 
 of the coarser material around the sides, forming the broad brim. It is 
 finished inside with little art — with a few horse-hairs, or some finer 
 grass, in many instances, but often without any special lining what- 
 ever. An average nest, gathered somewhat compactly together, will 
 measure about four inches across by two deep, with a cavity but two 
 inches across and nearly as deep. I liave only found four eggs, laid the 
 latter part of May or early in June. Tbey are rather narrow, measur- 
 ing on an average 0.80 by 0.55. The ground-color is grayish- white; 
 this is marked all over in a wholly indeterminate manner with spots, 
 splashes, and even larger areas of dull reddish-brown, with a good deal 
 of fine sprinkling of the same color, as well as, occasionally, dots of 
 heavier, darker brown. The female does not spring from her nest until 
 almost trodden upon, when she flutters in silence languidly away, re- 
 peatedly falling as if hurt, and arising again, in hopes of drawing atten- 
 tion from the nest to herself; at a little distance she finally disappears 
 in the herbage. 
 
 The charming song of the "Vesper-bird" has been fittingly de- 
 scribed by one of the most enthusiastic and agreeable of writers upon 
 birds — I mean John Burroughs, in his welcome little volume entitled 
 " Wake Eobin." " Have you heard the song of the Field-Sparrow V he 
 asks. " If yon have lived in a pastoral country, with broad upland 
 l)astures, you could hardly have missed him. Wilson, I believe, calls 
 him the Grass-Finch, and was evidently unacquainted with his powers 
 of song. The two white lateral quills of his tail, and his habit of running 
 and skulking a few yards in advance of you as you walk through the 
 fields, are suflBcient to identify him. Ifot in meadows or orchards, but 
 in high, breezy pasture-grounds, will you look for him. His song is 
 most noticeable after sundown, when other birds are silent, for which 
 reason he has been aptly called the Vesper-Sparrow. The farmer follow- 
 ing his team from the field at dusk catches his sweetest strain. His 
 song is not so brisk and varied as that of the Song-Sparrow, being softer 
 and wilder, sweeter and more plantive. Add the best parts of the lay 
 of the latter to the sweet vibrating chant of the Wood-Sparrow {fijnzella 
 pusilla), and you have the evening hymn of the Vesper-bird — the poet 
 of the plain, unadorned pastures. Go to those broad, smooth, up-lying 
 fields, where the cattle and sheep are grazing, and sit down on one of 
 the warm, clean stones, and listen to this song. On every side, near 
 and remote, from out the short grass which the herds are cropping, the 
 strain rises. Two or three long, silver notes of rest and peace, ending 
 in some subdued trills or quavers, constitute each separate song. Often 
 you will catch only one or two of the bars, the breeze having blown the 
 minor part away. Such unambitious, unconscious melody ! It is one 
 of the most characteristic sounds in Nature. The grass, the stones, the 
 stubble, the furrow, the quiet herds, and the warm twilight among the 
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COTURNICULUS PASSEEINUa. 131 
 
 hills, are all subtilely expressed in this song ; this is what they are at 
 least capable of." 
 
 Speaking of music, and while I have a favorite author in hand, let 
 me reproduce another passage — not alone for its truth and beauty, but 
 because it tells something few know — something about the voice of the 
 Golden-crowned Thrush that I never knew myself till I found it here, 
 familiar as I thought I was with that pretty and dainty bird : " Coming 
 to a dryer and less mossy place in the woods, I am amused with the 
 Golden-crowned Thrush, which, however, is no Thrush at all, but a 
 Warbler, the Seiurus aurocapillits. He walks on the ground ahead of 
 me with such an easy, gliding motion, and with such an unconscious, 
 pre-occupied air, jerking his head like a Hen or Partridge, now hurry- 
 ing, now slackening his pace, that I pause to observe him. If I sit 
 down, he pauses to observe me, and extends his pretty rambling on all 
 sides, apparently very much engrossed with his own affairs, but never 
 losing sight of me. Satisfied that I have no hostile intentions, the 
 pretty pedestrian mounts a limb a few feet from the ground, and gives 
 me the benefit of one of his musical performances, a sort of accelerating 
 chant. Commencing in a very low key, which makes him seem at a 
 very uncertain distance, he grows louder and louder, till his body quakes 
 and his chant runs into a shriek, ringing in my ears with peculiar sharp- 
 ness. This lay may be represented thus : ' Teacher, teacher, teacher, 
 TEACHER, TEACHER ! '—the accent on the first syllable, and each 
 word uttered with increased force and shrillness. No writer with whom 
 I am acquainted gives him credit for more musical ability than is dis- 
 played dn this strain ; yet in this the half is not told. He has a far 
 rarer song, which he reserves for some nymph whom he meets in the 
 air. Mounting by easy flights to the top of the tallest tree, he launches 
 into the air with a sort of suspended, hovering flight, like certain of 
 the Finches, and bursts into a perfect ecstacy of song — clear, ringing, 
 copious, rivaling the Goldfinch's in vivacity, and the Linnet's in melody. 
 This strain is one of the rarest bits of bird-melody to be heard. Over 
 the woods, hid from view, the ecstatic singer warbles his finest strain. 
 In the song you instantly detect his relationship to the Water- Wagtail 
 {Semrus noveboracensis) — erroneously called Water-Thrush — whose song 
 is likewise a sudden burst, full and ringing, and with a tone of youth- 
 ful joyousness in it, as if the bird had just had some unexpected good 
 fortune. For nearly two years this strain of the pretty walker was little 
 more than a disembodied voice to me, and I was puzzled by it as 
 Thoreau was by his mysterious Night- Warbler, which, by the way, I 
 suspect was no new bird at all, but one he was otherwise familiar with. 
 The little bird himself peems disposed to keep the matter a secret, and 
 improves every opportunity to repeat before you his shrill, accelerating 
 lay, as if this were quite enough, and all he laid claim to. Still, I trust 
 I am betraying no confidence in making the matter public here. I think 
 this is pre-eminently his love-song, as I hear it oftenest about the mat- 
 ing season. I have caught half-suppressed bursts of it from two males 
 chasing each other with fearful speed through the forest." 
 
 COTURNICULUS PASSERINUS, (Wils.) Bp. 
 
 Tellow-wiiiged Sparrow. 
 
 FringiUa paaseriva, Wils., Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 76, pi. 26, f. 5.— Bp., Syn. 1S2S, 109.— AuD., 
 
 Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 180, v, 497, pi. 130. 
 FringiUa {Spiza) passerina, Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 111. 
 Emberiza passerina, AuD., Syn. 1839, 103.— Atjd., B. Am. iii, 1842, 73, pi. I(i2.— Gii;., B. 
 
 L. I. 1844, W3.-Pu^^.^r.g^^^^.^^§|^^summer; commoa). 
 
132 COTURNICULUS PASSERINUS. 
 
 Coturniculds ^passerinus, Bp., List, 1838, 32; Consp. 1850, i, 431.— Cab., J. f. O. 18.56, 7 
 (Cuba).— Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 450.— ScL., P. Z. S. 1859, 379 (Oaxaca).— Scl. & 
 Salv., Ibis, 1859, 18 (Guatemala).— Kenn., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, iv, 28 (BiU 
 Williams' R., Arizona).— Heerm., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, vi, 49 ("abunrlaiit").- 
 Hayd., Rep. 1*52, 166.— Dkess., Ibis, 1865, 487 (Texas).— CouBS, Pr. Pbila. 
 Acad. 1866, 84 (Arizona ; refers to Kennerly).— Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 71 
 (Massachusetts, May to September, breeding).— Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 
 282 (New England, abundant, summer resident).— McIlwr., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 
 1876, 89 (Hamilton, C. AV., rare, in summer).— Boardm., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 
 126 (rare, in summer, from April). — Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 158 (Maine, rare ; 
 quotes Boardman).— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 287 (New York) —Codes 
 & Prent., Smiths. Rep. for 1861 (1862), 412 (Washington, D. C, abundant, in 
 summer, April to October, breeding).— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 116 
 (South Carolina, resident, common). — Sumich., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 552 
 (Vera Cruz, in winter).— Cab., J. f. 0. viii, 411 (Costa Rica).— Lawr., Ann. Lye. 
 ix, 1868, 103 (Costa Rica).— Allen, BuL. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 136, 177 (Kansas and 
 Utah).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 189.— Coues, Key, 1872, 137.— B. B. &R., N. A. B. 
 i, 1874, 553, pi. 25, f. 4. (Of the above, western references belong to next var.) 
 
 Ammodromus passerimts, Gray, G. of B. ii, 373.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 86 (very com- 
 mon in the Indian Territory, in Texas, and in some parts of New Mexico.) 
 
 Fringilla sai-annarum, " Gm."— Ndtt., Man. i, 1832, 494; ibid. Sded.i, 1840, 570.— Peab., 
 Rep. Birds Mass. 1839, 324. 
 
 (?) Fringilla caudaeuta, Lath., lud. Orn. i, 1790, 459.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 505. 
 
 Goturnieulus tixicrus, GossE, B. Jam. 1847, 242. — Bp., Consp. Av. 1850, 481. — SCL., P. Z. 
 S. 1861, 74 (Jamaica) ; Cat. A. B. 1862, 116. (Resident in Jamaica.) 
 
 b. perpallidus. 
 
 Cotumiculus paaserinus var. perpallidus, Eidgw., Mas.; — CoUES, Key, 1372, 137 (pale 
 form, from dry, western regions). — B. B. & R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 556. 
 
 Sab. — United States. Not on the Pacific coast ? Mexico. Cuba. Jamaica. Porto 
 Rico. South to Costa Rica and Guatemala. Var. perpallidus from the West. y / H % 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 8184, Shawnee Mission ; 8966-69-78, Loup Fork of / ' ' _ 
 the Platte River. ' ~~ 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition. 
 
 The earlier accounts of ISTuttall, Townsend, and Audubon, mention thej HJ- 
 Yellow- winged Sparrow as occurring on the Columbia. Although this?.^ • 
 record has not been checked by later observations, what we now know' 
 of the distribution of the species makes it appear most probably correct. 
 It is true that in the higher latitudes of the United States we have no 
 quotations from regions west of the Eocky Mountains; but further 
 south the species is known to range across New Mexico and Arizona ; 
 and Dr. Cooper states that Mr. Hepburn procured several specimens in 
 California. Mr. Allen quotes Ogden, Utah. The pertinence of Audubon's 
 remark hence appears. " Some of this species," he says, " on their way 
 from their unknown winter abode northward, pass toward the middle 
 and eastern districts of our Atlantic coast, while others diverge to reach 
 the Oregon section (in which this bird has been found by Mr. Towns- 
 end), passing over our Southern States unobserved, although when 
 proceeding toward the Texas, in April, 1837, 1 found them abundant 
 on their way eastward." 
 
 This is a rather southerly bird, even more so than the Bay-winged 
 Bunting. I can find no record beyond the United States, excepting Mr. 
 Mcllwraith's, and his locality is south of some of the Maine quotations. 
 In the latter State, according to all observers, it is rare; I do not think 
 it is common north of the Connecticut Valley. It increases in numbers 
 southward, and in the Middle States, Maryland, and Virginia, it is 
 very abundant, breeding in old, weedy fields. I found it in South 
 Carolina, at such various seasons, as to lead me to believe that it is 
 resident there. Its great abundance in the Platte country is attested 
 by Dr. Hayden's numerous specimens. Mr. Allen found it " abundant 
 everywhere on the plains " of Kansas, and secured several nests with the 
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COTUBNICULUS HENSLOVII, HENSLOW's BUNTING. 135 
 
 full complement (usually five) of fresh eggs, early in June. According 
 to Prof. Sumichrast, the species winters in Vera Cruz. 
 
 Mr. Allen institutes an interesting comparison between the colors of 
 this species in different sections of the country. " On comparing Florida 
 specimens with northern ones, the former are found to be far more 
 brightly colored than the latter. Between northern and southern speci- 
 mens of the same species greater differences in color are rarely observ- 
 able than in this, the differences being far greater than occur between 
 many conspecific geographical races to which has been awarded specific 
 rank. The difference consists in the much brighter and blacker tints of 
 the southern form. Massachusetts specimens, although lighter than 
 Florida ones, are still much darker than those from the plains." To 
 the last-mentioned pale form Mr. Eidgway has applied the wdme perpal- 
 Udus. Mr. Allen observes that it is one of the characteristic summer 
 birds of the plains, ranging to the eastern foot-hills of the Eocky 
 Mountains, and very common in Salt Lake Valley. It breeds abun- 
 dantly in Kansas. 
 
 The song of the Yellow-winged Sparrow is a humble effort, rather 
 weak and wheezy, but quite curious, more resembling tbe noise made 
 by some grasshoppers than the voice of a bird. It is only heard in the 
 breeding season, when the little performer mounts a tall mullein in his 
 chosen pasture, or the fence-rail around it, settles himself firmly on his 
 legs, and throwing up his head, utters the chirring notes ad libitum. 
 At other seasons he has only a weak chirp. The bird is very timid, 
 keeping almost always on the ground, amid the weeds and grass, where 
 he runs like a mouse. On being forced up, he starts quickly, with a 
 wayward, jerky flight, but seldom goes far before pitching into the 
 grass again. The nest is placed on the ground, in a field, and resembles 
 that of other Sparrows that build on the ground. As many as nine eggs 
 are said to have been found in one nest, but the number is usually 
 four or five. They are pure white, speckled with rich, clear, reddish- 
 brown, chiefly at the larger end, but sparingly also all over the surface. 
 The egg is usually rather globose — 0.75 by 0.60 for an average instance. 
 
 COTUENIOULUS HEXSLOVII, (Aud.) Bp. 
 Henslow's Bunting. 
 
 Mmberiza herwlmoi, AtiD., Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 360; v, 498, pi. 77.— Atjd., Syn. 1839, 104.— 
 Atjd., B. Am. iii, 75, pi. 163.— Gib., B. L. I. 1844, 104. 
 
 FringiUa lienslowi, Ndtt., Man. i, 1840, 2d ed. 571. 
 
 Coiurnioulus henslmoi, Bp., List, 1838, 32 ; Consp. i, 18.')0. 481.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 451. — 
 Wheat., Ohio Agriij. Rep. I860.— Hayd., Rep.' 1862, 1G6.— CouES & Peent., 
 Smiths. Rep. 1861 (1862), 412.— Wheel., Pi. Bost. Soc. vii, 137 (Berlin, Mass.).- 
 Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 71 (Springfield, Mass.). — Lawk., Ann. Lye. N. Y. 
 viii, 1868, 287 (New York).— Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 282 (Massachusetts, 
 rare). — Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 115 (South CaroIiua).^TuRNB., B. E. Pa. 
 1869, 22 (rather rare).— Allen, Bull. M. C.Z. ii, 1871, 279 (Florida, in winter). 
 Mayn., Guide, 1870, 117. — Coues, Key, 1872, 137.— Tkippe, Pr. Bost. Soc. sv, 
 1873, 237 (Iowa, common, breeds).— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 7.— B. B. & E., K. A. 
 B. i, 1874, 550, pi. 25, f. 5. 
 
 Ammodromus henslo-wi, Gray, G. of B. ii, 373. 
 
 Hai. — Eastern United States to Massachusetts. West to the Loup Fork. " Winters 
 in Carolina, Alabama, Louisiana, and Florida ; breeds from Maryland to New York " 
 {Auduhon). 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 8968, Loup Fork of the Platte. 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition. 
 
 The obtaining of this specimen greatly extends the known range of 
 the species, and fixes the westernmost limit thus far recorded. Audu- 
 
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134 COTURNICULUS LECONTEI, LECONTE's SPAEEOW. 
 
 bon speaks of its great abundance in several of the Atlantic States, but 
 no later observers have found it to be so. With me, it has been one of 
 the rarest of our sparrows. I have seen it on but one or two occasions, 
 about Washington, D. C. It Tias been found breeding in Massachu- 
 setts, The eggs are not distinguishable from those of G. passerimts. 
 
 COTTJRNICULUS LECONTEI, (And.) Bp. 
 leconte's Sparrow. 
 
 EmUriza lecontii, Auc, B. Am. vii, 1843, 338, pi. 488.— Maxim., J. f. O. vi, 1858, 340.— 
 
 Ammodrom'M lecontii, Gray, G. of B. ii, 374. 
 
 Coturnieulus lecontii, Bp. Consp. Av. i, 1850, 481.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 452.— CouES, Key, 
 
 1872, 137.— CoUES, Am. Nat. vii, 1873, 748 (biography, &o.).— B. B. & E., N. 
 
 A. B. i, 1874, 552, pi. 25, f. 6. 
 
 Mab. — Central Plains, from Northern Dakota to Texas. 
 
 This long-lost species, of which I, for one, never expected to see an 
 example, believing it to have been based upon some particular condi- 
 tion of G. passermus or G. henslovii, has at length been re-discovered. 
 While at the Smithsonian, in 1872, I was shown a specimen, No. 50222, 
 from Texas, which had been identified by Mr. Ridgway with Emberiza 
 lecontii of Audubon. On careful examination, I could not refer it to 
 any species known to me, while at the same time I found that it agreed 
 in all essential particulars with Audubon's description and plate ; so 
 that I did not hesitate to endorse Mr. Eidgway's view. As stated in 
 the Key, it resembles C. henslovii ; the bill is much smaller; the fore 
 and under parts and sides of the head are buff, with black touches on 
 the sides ; there is no yellow loral stripe ; the median stripe on the 
 crown is buff, passing into white posteriorly. The length of the speci- 
 men is 4J inches ; the wing, 2J; tail, IJ. This is a young bird. 
 
 Audubon says that the species is common on the Upper Missouri, 
 ■where, let us hope, other specimens will be found. 
 
 December, 1873. — Since the foregoing was penned, I have been so for- 
 tunate as to find the bird myself, and secure several examples. These 
 represent the old and young of both sexes, and are particularly inter- 
 esting, since they show that we have hitherto misapprehended the char- 
 acters of the species. For Audubon's account (his type is lost), with 
 which the Texas specimen agrees, indicates only the extensively buffy, 
 diffusely marked, soft plumage of the young, for which the adult differs 
 materially, necessitating a revision of the diagnosis of the species. In 
 form the species differs notably from its congeners in the shape and 
 relatively greater length of the tail, which is rather over two inches 
 long, decidedly exceeding the wings, reaching beyond the outstretched 
 feet, and remarkably graduated, the lateral feathers being from one- 
 third to one-half an inch shorter than the central. The tail-feathers are 
 all extremely narrow and acuminate, even more so than in the Sharp- 
 tailed Fnch, Ammodromus eandacutus. In fact the bird is quite as much 
 an Ammodromus as a Goturniculus, furnishing an excellent connecting 
 link for those who are disposed to unite these so-called genera. The 
 wings are very short and much rounded; when closed, the primaries 
 hardly exceed the longest secondary by one-fourth of an inch, although 
 the secondaries are not at all elongated. The bill is not so turgid as in 
 C. passer Inus ; the younger birds have it smaller than it is in that spe- 
 cies, as stated in the Key, but in the adults the difference is less nota- 
 ble. Specimens measure from 4.90 to 5.10 in length, by 6.90 to 7.10 in 
 extent; the wing is 1.90 to 2.00; the tail, 2.00 to 2.25. The general 
 
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MELOSPIZA LINCOLNI, LINCOLN'S SPARROW. 135 
 
 buffiuess viiries in intensity and extent with age and wear of the feath- 
 ers ; it is greatest in birds of the year; an old male, moulting (August 
 9th), shows scarcely any. There is no yellow on the edge of the wing, 
 nor a loral yellow spot, as in G. passerinus ; there are no blackish maxil- 
 lary or pectoral streaks, as in G. henslovii, the markings of the under 
 part of the adult being confined to sparse, sharp, blackish touches along 
 the sides. In the younger birds, however, these may usually be traced 
 across the breast, as is also the case with young passerinus, the adult of 
 which is not, or not noticeably,, marked below. But even the youngest 
 specimen shows no maxillary streaks. There are some peculiarities in 
 the shade and pattern ot the variegation of the upper parts ; the njark- 
 ings of the adults being bold, sharply contrasted and heavily colored. 
 The bill of the old bird is dark horn-blue, lighter bluish below ; that of 
 the young is reddish-brown, paler below ; the feet are flesh-colored at 
 all ages. 
 
 My article in the American Naturalist, here reproduced in substance, 
 continues : 
 
 " I only noticed the birds on one occasion,* August 9th, when a num- 
 ber were found together in the deep green sea of waving grass that 
 rolled over an extensive moist depression of the prairie. Five speci- 
 mens were secured in the course of an hour, not without difficulty ; for 
 the grass being waist-high, the only chance was a snap shot, as the 
 birds, started at random, flitted in sight for a few seconds ; while 
 it was quite as hard to find them when killed. Several seen to fall were 
 not recovered after diligent search. In their mode of flight, the birds 
 resembled Wrens ; a simile which suggested itself to me at the time, 
 was that of a bee returning home laden with pollen ; they flew straight 
 and steadily enough, but rather feebly, as if heavily freighted for their 
 very short wings. The only note I heard was a chirring, like the noise 
 of a grasshopper, Although I found no nest, the circumstances of 
 observation leave no doubt that the birds bred here. They were in 
 company with a number of short-billed Marsh Wrens ; their neighbors 
 of the drier prairie around were Chestnut-collared Buntings, Baird's 
 Buntings, and Sprague's Larks, all very numerous." 
 
 These observations were made near Turtle Mountain, on the border 
 of Dakota, latitude 39°, while I was Surgeon and Natnralist of the 
 Iforthern Boundary Survey, season of 1873. The nest and eggs remain 
 unknown ; another year they may be brought to light. 
 
 MELOSPIZA LIITCOLOT, (Aud.) Bd. 
 Lincoln's Sparrow. 
 
 Fringilla lincohiii, AoD., Orn. Bios. ", 1834, 539, pi. 193.— NuTT., Man. i, 2d ed. 1840, 569. 
 
 Linaria liiicoJiiii, Rich., List, 1837. 
 
 Fasserculun liiicohiii, Bp., List, 1838, 33. 
 
 Feucata Imcohii, AcD., Svn., ls:!9, 113 — AUD., B. A. iii, 1841, 116, pi. 177.— Bp., Consp. Av. 
 18.'0, 481 ; C. R. 185920.— Heerm., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1&G9, pt. vi, 494, (California). 
 
 Zonotrichia liiiii>lnii, WoODH., Sitgr. Rep. 1853,85. — FiNSCH, Ab.Nat.iii, 1872,76(A)aska). 
 
 Mdospha Uneohiil, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 483.— SCL., P. Z. S. 1858, 303 (Oaxaca) ; 1859, 365 
 (Xalapa). — SCL. & Salv., Ibis, 1850, 18 (Guatemala). — Kenn., P. R. R. Rep. x, 
 1840, part iv, 29 (Arizona).- Hayd., Rep. 186'>, 167 (abundant).— CouEJ, Pr. 
 Phila. Acad. 18G6, 88 (Arizona, Keniierlij). — Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 7;!. — 
 COUES, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1808, 283.— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 286 tNow 
 York). — TuHNB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 23 (rather rare, spring and fall). — Allen, Mem. 
 
 * But after I had written the article for the Naturalist, being then in the lield, I 
 found the species again, early in September, on the head-waters of Mouse River, about 
 the margins of reedy pools, in situations exactly coriespondiug to those the Aiiaiw- 
 ilromi inhabit along the coast. 
 
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136 MELOSPIZA LINCOLNI, LINCOLN'S SPAEEOW. 
 
 Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 505 (Illinois).— SuinCH., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 55-2 (Vera 
 Cruz).— Daix & Banx., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 285.— Mayn., Nat. Guide, 1870, 
 120 (Massachusetts, very rare).— Ai.lex, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 187-2, 177 (Eastern 
 Kansas ; Colorado Mountains, from 8,000 feet to above timber-line ; Ogden, 
 Utah).— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 465 (Wjomms).—C(>ov.. B. Cal. i, 
 1870, 216.— Hold., Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 200 (Black Hills).— Tiiippe, ibid. 2;?8 (Iowa, 
 common).— CouES, Key, 1872, 138.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 7.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. 
 ii, 1874, 31, pi. 27, f. 13. 
 
 Helospiza lincolni, Bd. — Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 72 (Massachusetts). 
 
 Passerculus zonarius, Bp. — ScL., Pr. Zool. Soc. 1856, 305. 
 
 JSab. — Whole of North America. Mexico. Guatemala. 
 
 Lieutenant Wmren's Exjyeditimi. —iSU, Iowa Point ; 4898, Bald Island ; 4809, Platte 
 River ; 4814, Big Sioux Eiver ; 4816, Blackfoot country ; 4810, 4dl2-13, 4815, Vermilion 
 Eiver. 
 
 Later Expeditions.— 59e\iO-93, Middle Park, Colorado; 61052-57, Henry's Fork and 
 Green Eiver, Wyoming. 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Eaynolds' Expedition. 
 
 Since described by Audubon from "Labrador to New York" this bird 
 has occurred at various points, until its range has been determined to 
 include the whole continent. It does not, however, appear to be equally 
 distributed. In the Atlantic States it is apparently rare ; in the course 
 of all my collecting I never saw it, and the above quotations, iucluding 
 nearly all that exist, are unanimous in attesting its scarcity. In the 
 West, however, the case is different. In Iowa, according to Mr. Trippe, 
 as above quoted, it is common in spring and fall; and from Colorado, 
 the same observer writes as follows : "Lincoln's Pinch is abundant, and 
 migratory ; it breeds from about 9,500 or 10,000 feet up to timber-line. 
 It arrives at Idaho Springs early in May, and soon becomes very com- 
 mon, haunting the thickets and brush-heap.s by the brooks, and behav- 
 ing very much like the Song Sparrow. During the breeding season it 
 is most abundant among the bushes near and above timber-line, nesting 
 as high as it can find the shelter of the willows and junipers. Eeap- 
 pearing in the valleys in October, it lingers by the streams for a few 
 weeks, and then disappears." Mr. Allen also informs me that it is "an 
 abundant summer resident of the mountains of Colorado, from about 
 8,000 feet to above the limit of trees. It is found chiefly in the vicinity 
 of wooded streams and in moist or swampy thickets, being essentially a 
 woodland bird. Its song is rather feeble, but pleasant and varied, and 
 generally uttered for a considerable period from some elevated point of 
 the thicket. It is one of the few species that are as abundant at the 
 timber-line as at lower points. I also met with it sparingly in Eastern 
 Kansas in May, and found it abundant in the vicinity of Ogden, Utah, 
 in September." Dr. Haydeu found it "abundant" throughout the west- 
 ern territory. Mr. Ridgway informs us of its great numbers in winter 
 in Southern Illinois. Finally, my own observations attest how numer- 
 ous it is in Dakota during the migrations. Arriving from the North in 
 September, it frequents the shrubbery along the streams for a month or 
 more before it passes on South. Under these circumstances I have 
 found it in company with Eidgway's and Harris's Finches. It is one of 
 the more timid and retiring of our Sparrows, at least at this season. 
 When I startled it from its ramblings in the low herbage outside the 
 shrubbery, it would instantly seek shelter in the thickest cover, flying 
 low, direct, and with a jerky flight like that of the Song and Swamp 
 Sparrows ; nor would it venture out again for a long while. It does not 
 habitually, at this season, perch on the tops or outer twigs of bushes, 
 except momentarily, seeming to feel insecure unless hidden from view ; 
 it rarely lifts itself more than a few feet from the ground. Altogether, 
 its habits seem to be nearest those of the Swamp , Sparrow. I have 
 
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SWAMP SPARROW. 137 
 
 never heard its song. In the fall it has only a weak chirp, bat in the 
 breeding season it is said to be a "sweet songster." 
 
 The only United States record of breeding I have, is the above men- 
 tion of its nesting in the Rocky Mountains. As attested by our numer- 
 ous and extensive collections from British America and Alaska, it pushes 
 very far north in the spring, breeding in abundance in these high lati- 
 tudes. Audubon found the young flying in Labrador July ith, but did 
 not discover the nest or eggs. The eggs, of which an immense series from 
 Great Slave Lake and the Yukon, are in the Smithsonian, are of the 
 same general pattern as those of the Song Sparrow, and present the 
 endless variation in coloration shown in the latter. The various shades 
 of reddish and other brown blotching is generally heavy and uniformly 
 distributed, but in some specimens wreathes around the larger end. The 
 egg averages smaller than a Song Sparrow's — about 0.80 by 0.60. 
 
 •^ MELOSPIZA PALUSTEIS, (WUs.) Bd. 
 Swamp Sparrow. 
 
 (1^) FiiiigUla georgiana, Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 460. 
 
 Fringilla georgiaita, Nutt., Man. i, 1S:12, 502. 
 
 FringiUa (Ammodronius) georgiana, Ndtt., Man. i, 2d ed. 1840, 588. 
 
 Fiingilla palitstris, Wils., Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 49, pi. 23, fig. 1.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 110.— 
 AtjD., Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 331, v. 508, pi. 64. 
 
 Fringilla {Spiza) palusirls, Bp., Obs. Wila. 1825, No. 105. 
 
 Passercidiis palustris, Bp., List, 1838, 33 — Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 481. 
 
 Ammodromus palustris, AuD , Syn. 1839, 111. — AuD., B. Am. iii, 1841, 110, pi. 175. — 
 GiK., B. L. I. 1844, 114.— PuTN., Pr. Ess. Inst. 1856, 218 (Massachusetts, sum- 
 mer).— Tkippe, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 116 (Minnesota, "common"). 
 
 Melospiza palustris, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 483. — Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. I860.— ScL., Cat. 
 1862, 114.— Codes & Pkext., Smiths. Rep. 1861 (1862), 413 (Washington, D. C, 
 migratory. — Vebe., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 151 (Maine, breeding). — Boaudm., Pr. 
 Bost. Soc. ix, 1862 (Maine, breeding). — Hayd., Rep. 1862, 16/ (Lower Missouri, 
 rare) — McIlwk., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 89 (Hamilton, C. W., common in snm- 
 mer). — Cooes, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1863, 283 (New England).— CotiES, Pr. Bost. 
 Soc. 1868, 116 (South Carolina, winter).— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. 1868, 286.— 
 Allen, Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 505 (Illinois, October, abundant). — Turnb., B. 
 E. Pa. 1869, 23.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 279 (Florida, winter, common).— 
 CouES, Phila. Acad. 1871j 22 (North Carolina, common). — Mayn., Pr. Bost. Soc. 
 siv, 1871 (north to Quebec, Couper). — Trvpe,. ibid, xv, 1872, 238 (Iowa). — 
 Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 177 (Eastern Kansas, May).— Coues, Key, 1872, < 
 138.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 7.— B. B. & E., N. A. B.- ii, 1874, 34, pi. 28, f. 1, 2. - 
 
 Melospiza palustris, Bd.— Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 73 (Massachiisetts). 
 
 Hab. — Eastern and part of Middle Province of North America. West to Utah (Dn 
 S. C. Tarroxo). North to Newfoundland and Labrador (Audubon); ordinarily to New' 
 England and Canada. Winters in the Southern States, Carolinas to Texas. (No extra- 
 limital record.) 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4806, Vermilion River. 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition. 
 
 The Swamp Sparrow is chiefly a bird of the Eastern Province, the 
 specimen just recorded being the westernmost I have seen, and perhap.s 
 representing the normal limit of distribution in that direction. But I 
 am recently advised by Dr. Yarrow of its occurrence in Southern Utah. 
 I have found it myself in Northern Dakota, as far north as the head- 
 waters of Mouse Eiver, where it is rather common in the shrubbery 
 along the streams during the migrations. How far it may penetrate in 
 the interior of British America I do not know ; but, although unnoticed 
 by Swainson and Richardson, it probably reaches a high latitude in 
 summer, since it was found by Audubon to be plentiful in Labrador. 
 It is generally distributed throughout New England in summer, breed- 
 ing in suitable places. According to my observations, it is only a bird 
 
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138 MELOSPIZA MELODIA, SONG SPARROW. 
 
 of passage in the Middle States, but Wilsou states that, of the numbers 
 that pass through Pennsylvania, a few remain during the summer. On 
 the coast of Korth Carolina I saw some after May, but I judge these 
 were merely late migrants, not about to breed there. lu the same 
 locality I saw others through November, and it is quite possible that 
 some may winter there, as they certainly do in South Carolina, and 
 thence throughout the Southern States to Texas. I have not met with 
 any extralimital quotations, a circumstance confirming the winter resi- 
 dence of the species as just staled. 
 
 The nest of the Swamp Sparrow is usually placed on the ground, in 
 low, moist places, at the foot of a bunch of rank grass or reeds ; some- 
 times in a tussock, more rarely off the ground, in a low bush. It is 
 built of various dried grasses, weeds, roots, and other fibrous material, 
 and lined with flue rootlets. The eggs, four or five in number, are 
 usually dull grayish or faintly bluish-white, speckled all over with red- 
 dish-brown and various other shades, the markings sometines tending 
 to aggregate in a' wreath about the larger end, sometimes not; often 
 so close as to hide the ground-color altogether. They measure about 
 0.78 by 0.55 in size. Two, and sometimes three, broods are reared in a 
 season, and fledglings are to be observed through part of August. 
 
 The food and general economy of this species are not peculir, but it 
 has nevertheless its distinctive traits. It is a very abundant bird, but 
 its retiring habits withdraw it from general observation. It is not so 
 decidedly gregarious as some of its allies, and is oftener found skulking 
 alone through rank herbage and tangled undergrowth than in flocks; 
 still, in the fall, I have found considerable numbers together, about the 
 edges of reedy swamps, sharing the shrubbery with the Song Sparrows 
 and the reeds with the species of Ammodromus, between which it forms, 
 in one sense, a connecting link. I have also seen it, though more rarely, 
 in open, wet, grassy places. During the vernal migration, at Washing- 
 ton, D. C, I used to look for it in the undergrowth fringing tiny streams 
 flowing through open woods, and rarely failed to find it, if I looked close 
 enough, iu the very heart of such recesses, the skirts of which were 
 full of White-throated Sparrows and. other more conspicuous species. 
 I never saw it take a long flight in the open woods ; generally it was 
 seen flitting from bush to bush, just over the ground or water, flirting 
 the tail, and uttering its peculiar note. Its chirp is remarkably ditt'er- 
 ent from that of any other species, and, with its general reddishness, 
 seems to distinguish it from its associates. The song I have never 
 heard. Nuttall says that occasionally, mounted on the top of a low 
 bush or willow-tree, it chants "a few trilling, rather monotonous, minor 
 notes, resembling, in some measure, the song of the Field Sparrow, and 
 appearing like twe, tw' twi' tw^ tw'' tw twe, and twV twH Hw tuP twe, uttered 
 in a pleasing and somewhat varied warble." 
 
 Y. i^ 
 
 MELOSPIZA MELODIA, (Wils.) Bd. 
 
 Song Sparrow. 
 
 a. melodia. 
 
 (?) Fringilla fasciata, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1786, 922. (Very probable.) 
 
 Fringilla melodia, Wils., Am. Cm. ii, 1810, 1-23, pi. 16, fig. 4.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 108.— 
 
 AUD., Orn. Biog. i, 18,31, 126 ; v, 507 ; pi. 25 ; Syn. 1839, 120 ; B. Am. ili, 1841, 
 
 147, pi. 189.— NUTT., Man. i, 1832, 486.— GiK., B. L. 1. 1844, 121.— PuTN., Pr. Ess. 
 
 Inst. 1856, 211.— Trippe, ibid, vi, 1871, 116. 
 Zonotrichia melodia, Bp., List, 1838, 31 ; Conap. Av. 1850, 478. 
 Melospiza melodia, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 477.— Hayd., Rep. 167.— CouES, Key, 1872, 139.— 
 
 B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 19, pi. 27, fig. 6 ; also of nearly all late writers. 
 
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BIELOSPIZA MELODIA, SONG SPAEEOW. 139 
 
 b. fallax. 
 
 (?) Zonotrhhki fasciata, Gamb., J. A. N. S. 2cl ser. i, 1847, 49. 
 
 Zoiiolrivhia faflax, Bd., Pr. A. N. S. vii, 18,'4, 119 ("New Mexico"^ Arizona). 
 
 Metosphi, fallax, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 4^1 ; 1860, 481, pi. 27, flg. 2.— Kenn., P. E. R. Rep. 
 
 X, 1859, p.. iv, 29, pi. 27, fig. 2.— COUES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 52 (Arizona).— 
 
 Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 215. 
 Melospisa melodia var. faUax, Eldgw.— Coues, Key, 1672, 139.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. ii, 
 
 1874, 22, pi. 27, tig. 10. 
 Melosphu melodia, CouBS, Ibis, 1865, 165. 
 
 c. heermanni. 
 
 Melospiaa hemnanni, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 478 ; 1860, 478, pi. 70, fig. U(California).— Coop., 
 
 Orn. Cal. i, 1870, 212. 
 Melospisa melodia var. heermanni, ElDGW. — CouES, Key, 1872, 139. — B. B. & E., N. A. B. 
 
 ii, 1874, 24, pi. 27, fig. 9. 
 
 d. goiildii. 
 
 Melospisa goiildii, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 479 ; 1860, 455, pi. 71, fig. 1 (California). 
 Melospiza melodia Tar. gouldii, CoilES, Key, 1872, 139. 
 Ammodromus samueVis, Bd., Pr. Boat. Soc. vi, 1858, 381 (California). 
 Melospiza melodia var. samuelis, B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 26, pi. 27, Cg. 7. 
 
 e. mexieana. 
 
 "(??) Melospiza pectoralis, v. Muller." 
 
 Melospiza melodia var. mexieana, Eidgw., B. B. & E., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 18 (Puebla, Mex.) 
 
 f. guttata. 
 
 Friugilla cinei-ea (" Gm."), Aud., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 22, pi. 390, fig. 1 ; Syn. 1839, 119 ; B. 
 
 Am. iii, 1841, 145, pi. 1&7. (Not of Gmelin.) 
 Passerella cinerea, Bp., List, 1838, 31; Cousp. i, IS-jO, 477. 
 Fringilla {Passerella) guttata, NurT., Man. i, 2cl ed. 1840, 581. 
 Zonotriehia guttata. Game., J. A. N. S. 2d ser! i, 1847, 50. 
 Melospiza melodia var. guttata, Eidgw.— CoUES, Key, 1872, 139. — B. B. & E., N. A. B. ii. 
 
 1874, 27, pi. 27, fig. 12 (excl. ref. Dall and Bannister). 
 Melospisa nifiiia, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 480.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 204.— 
 
 Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 214 (excl. Syn. riijina, Brandt). 
 
 g. rvfina. 
 
 Emteriza rufina, Brandt, Desc. Av. Eossic. 18."j6, pi. 2, 5 {Bonaparte). 
 
 (?) Passerella rufina, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 18.j0, 477. 
 
 Melonpiza rufina, Dall & Bax^., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 285. 
 
 Melospiza melodia var. rufma, EiDGW. — Coues, Kev, 1872, 139. — B. B. & E., N. A. B. ii, 
 
 1874, 29, pi. 27, fig. 11 (not rufina of Baird', 1858, which = var. guttata). 
 Melospiza guttata et cinerea, Pinsch, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 41. 
 
 h. insignis. 
 
 (?) Fringilla cinerea, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 922 {cinereous Finch) ; Pe>'X., Arct. Zool. 
 
 ii, 68 (Oonalashka). 
 (?) Zonotriehia cineirea, " Gr." — Bp., Consp. 1850, 478. 
 Melospiza insignis, Bd., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 319, pi. 29, fig. 2. — Dall & Baxn'., ibid. 
 
 285.— FiNSCH, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 44 (Kodiak). 
 Melospiza melodia var. insignis, Ridgw. — Coues, Key, 1872, 140. — B. B. & E., N. A. B. ii, 
 
 1874, 30, pi. 27, fig. 8. 
 
 Hah. — The ordinary Eastern type extends Tvestward to the dry, central plains.. 
 North to the Canadas and Nova Scotia. Winters as far north as the Middle States, if 
 not in Southern New England (Coos County, New Hampshire, November, with snow, 
 Maynard). Breeds throughout its range, and is, in most localities, one of the most 
 abundant and familiar of all Sparrows. (No extralimital record.) Var. /a/?ajc from 
 the Southern Middle Province. Var. heermanni from California east to thn Humboldt 
 Slountaius. Var. gouldii from the Calilbrnia coast, San Francisco, aud southward. 
 Var. guttata from the Pacific coast north to British Columbia. Var. iiifnia from Pacific 
 ■coast north of British Columbia. Var. insignis from Kodiak and Oonalashka. 
 
 I adopt the several varieties of this species from Mr. Eidgway's account, published 
 in the work above cited. He very kindly gave me his identifications, for use in the 
 Key, in advance of his own publication. The reader is referred to the work in ques- 
 tion for an exhaustive analysis of this perplexing group. 
 
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140 PEUC^A CASSINI, CASSIN'S PINE FINCH, 
 
 <L Lieutenant Warren's Expedition.— i817, Bald Island ; 8750, Loup Fork of the Platte. 
 
 ■7 
 
 iafei- Expeditions.— Y3.r. fallax: 60640-5, 61032-51, 61119, various Wyoming locali- SP. 
 ties; 61673, Utah; 62303-6, Idaho. ,-^ 
 
 Not ohtained by Captain Eaynolds' Expedition. i 
 
 Dr. Hayden's Missouri region specimens represent the typical form,"' 
 but one at least approximates to the pale western race (var. fallax).'] 
 This author remarks that it is not abundant in the Northwest, and the* --'' 
 same is the case in most of the unsettled localities of the West, afford-j, 
 ing a parallel with the scarcity of the Eobin under the same circum-; 
 stances. Allen found it abundant only at Ogden, Utah. I did not find. ' 
 it in Northern Dakota. '"'f 7 ' 
 
 PETJO^A CASSINI, (Woodh.) Bd. ^"f' 
 
 Cassin's Pine Finch, 
 
 Zonotrichia cassini, Woodh., Pr. Phila. Acad, vi, 1852, 60 (Texas). 
 
 Passerculus cassini, Woodh., Sitgr. Eep. 1853, 85, pi. 4. 
 
 Peuccea cassini, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 485 (Texas. In part. The Sonora specimen there 
 included is P. wstivalis var. arizonw. See EiDGW., Am. Nat. vii, 187:!, 616). — 
 Heee:h., P. R. E. Eep. x, 1859, Parke's Route, Birds, 12, pi. 4, fig. 2 (Texas).— 
 ScL., Cat. A. B. 1862, 115 (Mexico; compared with type). — Dur.ss., Ibis, 1865, 
 (Texas, eggs). — Sujiich., Mem. Boat. Soc. i, 1869, 551 (Orizaba, resident;. — 
 Coop., B. Cal. i, 1670, 219 (^California).— Eidgw., Am. Nat. vii, 1873, 617 (in 
 text). — Sxow, B. Kans. 1^7:j!, 7. — Cooes, Check-list, App. No. 17U Us. — B. B. & 
 E., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 42, pi. 28, fig. 5. 
 
 Ammodromus cassini, Ge. — Giebel, Nomenc. Av. i, 328. 
 
 Peucwa a'stiralis var. cassini, Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 137 (Middle Kansas). (Not 
 of CouES, Key, 1872, 140, which was intended for what has since been called 
 var. arizonw. See Coues, Check-list, App. No. 170"). 
 
 Sab. — Texas to California, and southward into Mexico. North to Kansas. 
 
 The type of " ZonoiricMa cassini" may bo a young bird, but other specimens in the 
 Smithsonian appear adult, and most probably warrant Mr. Eidgway's separation of 
 the species from aestivalis, although at one time I was of the contrary opinion. It must 
 not be confounded with the pale race of (estivalis (var. arizonw) which occurs in the 
 same region. It was this pale race which I wrongly called var. cassini in the Key ; the 
 mistake is corrected in the Cbeak-list, upon examination of ample material with Mr. 
 Eidgway. 
 
 This species is brought into the present connection upon its occur- 
 rence in Kansas, where it was found by Mr. Allen to be *' rather com- 
 mon along the streams, where its low but peculiarly sweet song is heard 
 at morning and evening, beginning with the first approach of dawn and 
 continuing at evening considerably after nightfall. It is very retiring, 
 and it was only after several attemps that I discovered the author of 
 the sweet notes that at these still hours added greatly to the pleasure 
 of camping on the plains." Dr. Heermann notices it as follows : " My 
 attention having been attracted by the sound of a new note while at 
 Comanche Springs, Texas, I found, after some observation^ that it pro- 
 ceeded from this bird. Kising with a tremulous motion of its wings 
 some twenty feet or more, it descends again in the same manner to 
 within a few yards of the spot whence it started, accompanying its 
 entire flight with a lengthened and pleasing song. The country there- 
 about is very barren, being covered with low stunted bushes, into 
 which the bird takes refuge on being alarmed, gliding rapidly through 
 the grass and shrubbery, adroitly and effectually evading its pursuer. 
 1 observed them during four or five days of our travel, when they dis- 
 appeared. They were probably migrating at the time, though their 
 continued and oft-repeated song gave notice they were about i)repariug 
 for .the duties of incubation." 
 
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JUNCO HYEMALIS, EASTERN SNOW-BIRD. 141 
 
 The species of Peuccea differ from all their allies in laying a pure 
 crystal-white egg without markings. That of the present species meas- 
 ures 0.75 by 0.60, being thus quite globose. Four or five are the com- 
 plement. The nest is placed on the ground. 
 
 ;- y' 
 
 JUNCO HYEMALIS, (Linn.) Scl. • r__^ »..:,- 
 
 Eastern Snow-bird, 
 a. hyemalis. 
 
 Frtngilla hyemalis, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1758, 183.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 109.— Sw. & Rich., F. 
 B. A. ii, 1831, 259.— AuD., Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 72 ; v, 505 ; pi. 13.— Maxiji., J. f. O. 
 vi, 1858, 277. 
 
 Emherha hjetnalis, Linn., S. N. i, 1766, 308 (Passer nivalis, Gates., i, 36). — Lath., 1. 0, i, 399. 
 
 Stndlms hyemalis, Bp., List, 1838, 31 ; C. Av. i, 1850, 475.— Woonn., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 8.3. 
 
 Niphaia hyemalis, AuD., Sjn. 1839, 106.— AuD., B. Am. iii, 88, pi. 167.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 
 108.- PUTN., Pr. Ess. lust. 1856, 210 (Oct. to May).— Trippe, Pr. Ess. lust, vi, 
 1811, 116 (Miunesota, breeding). 
 
 Jitnco hyemalis, Scl., P. Z. S. 1857, 7.— Be, B. N. A. 1858, 468.— Wheat., Ohio, Agrio. 
 Rep. 1860, No. 152.— CoUES, Pr. Ph. Ac. 1861, 224 (Labrador, breeding).— Ha yd., 
 Rep. 1862, 167.— Sci.., Cat. 1862, 115.— Coues & Prbnt., Smiths. Rop. 1861 
 (1862), 412 (middle of Oct. till May).— Axlbn, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864 (Spring- 
 field, Mass., Oct. 1 to Dec, aud early Mar. till May ; breeds in mountains of 
 Berkshire). — Veur., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 151 (Norway, Me., winter, spring, 
 and fall, breeding iu White Mountains and at Umbagog lakes). — Verr., Pr. 
 Bost. Soo. 1862, 132 (Antioosti, " common all summer"). — Boardm., Pr. Bost. 
 See. 1862, 127 (Calais, Mc, summer, very common, breeds). — Dress., Ibis, 1865, 
 488 (Texas).— CouBS, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 282.— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soo. xii, 
 1868, 115 (South Carolina, Oct. to Apr.).- Cooes, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 85 
 (Arizona, winter, accidental, three specimens). — TuRNn., B. E. Pa. 23 (Oct. 
 to Apr. ; also, breeding on the Alleghanies). — Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, 
 i, 1869, 284 (Nulato, Alaska, common, arriving June 1, breeding). — Allen, Bull. 
 M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 278 (Florida, Jauuary, common).— Mayn., Nat. Guide, 1870, 
 119 (Massachusetts, abundant everywhere, middle Oct. to late May). — Mayn., 
 Pr. Bost. Soc. xiv, 1871 (New Hampshtie, common, breeding in June iu districts 
 north of Franconia). — AiKBN, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 201 (Wyoming). — Trippe, 
 Pr. Bost. Soc. XV, 1872, 237 (Iowa).— CouES, Key, 1872, 141.— Snow, B. Kans. 
 1873, 7.— ElDGW., Am. Nat. vii. 1873, 613 (critical).— B. B. & E., N. A. B. i, 1874, 
 580, pi. 26, fig. 5. 
 
 Fnngilla luuUonia, FoRST., Phil. Tr. Ixii, 1772, 428.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 926.— WiLS., 
 Ihdex, vi, 1812, p. xiii. 
 
 Fringilla nivalis, WiLS., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 129, pi. 16, f. 6.— NuTT., Man. i, 1832, 491. 
 
 b. ailceni. 
 
 Junco hyemalis var. ailceni (Eidgw., Mss.). — Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 201 (Colo- 
 rado). — RiDGW., Am. Nat. vii, 1873, 613, 615 (characterized by two white wing- 
 bands across tip of median and greater coverts, and an additional feather of 
 the tail white).— Coues, Check-list, App. No. 174» ; see Key, 1872, 141 (iu text).— 
 B. B. & E., N. A. B. i, 1874, 584, pi. 26, fig. 6. 
 
 flaZi.— Eastern Province of North America ; in the United States, seen as far west as 
 the Black Hills, thence trending northwest to Alaska. Some straggle southward, west 
 of the Eoeky Mountains (Washington Territory, Suckley ; Utah, Henshaw ; Colorado, 
 Aiken ; Arizona, Coues). Breeds from Maine and New Hampshire northward, and in 
 mountains south to the Middle States, and even to the Graylock Range. Winters 
 from Iowa and Massachusetts, southward. No recorded extralimital localities. Var. 
 a i/iCTi only as yet from mountains of Colorado. (?. '' 
 
 Lieutenant JVarren's Expedition. — 4816, Vermilion Eiver; 5393, Cannon-ball Eiver; 
 8959, Black HiUs. ^ ;i 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Eaynolds' Expedition. 
 
 Besides its general distribution, the course and periods of its migra- 
 tions, as well as its nesting and wintering, may be accurately traced by , ^ ; 
 the above indications. Dr. Hayden's specimen, Ko. 8959, probably [/> 3 ' 
 represents the extreme normal western range of the species in the United ^ 
 States. It breeds in mountains far south of the latitudes where it nests . ' 
 
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142 JUNCO OEEGONUS, OKE^ON SNOW-BIRD. 
 
 at ordinary altitudes. The eggs are white or whitish, often with a faint 
 grayish tint, occasionally slightly flesh-colored, sprinkled more or less 
 thickly and uniformly with reddish-browu, or pale chocolate, and often, 
 also, a few dark-brown dots. The tendency is to aggregation, at or 
 around the but. They measure 0.80 by 0.60.' All the si)ecies of Juneo 
 lay similar eggs, and the uidification is essentially the same. 
 
 JimCO OEBGOXUS, (Towns.) Scl. 
 Oregon Snow-bird. 
 
 mnfjilla oregona, Towxs., J. A. N. S. Phila. vii, IS'iT, 188 ; Narr. 1839, 345.— Aur>., Orn. 
 Biog. V, 1839, 68, pi. 39fl. 
 
 Struthvs oregoiim, Bp., List, 1838, 31 ; Consp. Av. i, 1850, 475.— WoODH., .Sitgr. Rep. 
 1^53, 83.— Newe., p. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 88. ' 
 
 Xiphea oregona, AuB., Syn. 1839, 107 ; B. Am. iii, 1841, 91, pi. 168. 
 
 Jiuieo oregonus, Soi,., P. Z. S. 1857, 7 ; Cat. 188d, 115.— Lord, Pr. Arty. Inst. 1864, iv, 
 l-.i0.— Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 466.— Kexx., P. R. R. Rep. 1859, part iv, 28.— Hkerm., 
 ihid. part vi, 47.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 20^.— Hayd., Rep. 
 1862, 166.— Cooes, Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1866, 85.— Dall & Baxn., Tr. Cljic. Acad, 
 i,- 1869, 284.— Coop.. B. Cal. i, 187U,' 199.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Siirv. Ter. 1870, 
 464.— ilERK., ihid. 1872, 681.— FiNSCH, Abb. Nat. iii, 1872. 53 (Al.isl a).— Allen, 
 Bull. JI. C. Z. iii, 1872, 118, 167.— Hold.— Aikkn, Pr. Bost. 8oc. 1872, 200 (Wy- 
 oming).— Coues, Key, 1872, 141.- B. B. & E., N. A. B. i, 1874, 584, pi. 26, f. 2. 
 
 Jnnco hijemalis var. oregonus, EiDGW., Aui. Nat. vii, 1873, 613 (critical). 
 
 FringiUa hudsonia. Light., Abh. Ak. Berlin, 1839, 424, neg Fokst. 
 
 FringiUa atrata, Braxdt, Ic. Eobso-As. pi. 2, 6g. 8. 
 
 Hal. — Western and Middle Provinces of North America ; straggling to edge of the 
 Eastern Province. 
 
 
 
 
 List of specimens. 
 
 
 
 
 19279 
 
 19230 
 
 73 
 
 41 
 
 W. side E. Mts . 
 S. of Cheyenne. 
 
 .... 
 
 June 5, 1860 
 Jnue 2, 1860 
 
 F. V. Havden. 
 do" . . 
 
 5.75 
 
 9.00 
 
 2.75 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Lieuienant Warren's Expedition. — No. 5372, Medicine Creek ; 5374, Great Bend of Mis- 
 souri Eiver. 
 
 Later Expeditions. — 61022-7, Green Eiver, &c., Wyoming; 62316-23, Idaho and Wy- 
 oming. 
 
 The Warren specimens indicate a nearly extreme eastern range of the 
 species ; still, we have advices of its occurrence in Kansas, both at Port 
 Leavenworth and at Fort Eiley, which brings it fairly within the limits 
 of the Eastern Province. It has only occurred in winter, however, in 
 these localities. 
 
 The date of capture of the Eaynolds' examples renders it probable 
 that tlie bird breeds in those places. Just as we have seen the Eastern 
 Snow-bird breeding in mountains, in latitudes below those where it 
 breeds down to sea-level, so the Oregon species resides in summer, at 
 least, down to the 35° parallel, if not further. Dr. Cooper, indeed, 
 observes that it summers in the mountainous parts of Califoruia, prob- 
 ably down to the 32° parallel ; he observed it at San Diego until April, 
 when he judged that it retired to the high mountains a few miles from 
 the coast, to breed. He found it nesting on the coast mountains south 
 of Santa Clara, in May, the young flying by the 13th of that month, and 
 has given a description of the nest. " It was built in a cavity among 
 the roots of a large tree on a steep bank ; formed of leaves, grasses, and 
 fine root-fibres, and covered outside with an abundant coating of green 
 moss." Another pest that he found Jlay 20th, on the very summit of 
 the mountains, was " slightly sunk in the ground under a fern (Pteris) 
 and formed like the other, but with less moss around the edge ; some 
 
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JUNCO CINEREUS VAR. CANICEPS. 143 
 
 cow's and horse's hair was also used in the lining." It contained three 
 eggs, measuring 0,74 by 0.60, bluish-white, with blackish and brown 
 spots of various sizes thickly sprinkled on the larger end. 
 
 My own experience with this bird has been only in tbe winter time. 
 I found it extremely abundant in the mountains of Arizona, from the 
 middle of October until the middle of April; and loiterers reijiained 
 until May. I judge that it breeds in the neighboring higher mountains, 
 as the San Francisco and Bill Williams. In habits, it seemed the 
 counterpart of the familiar eastern bird. During pleasant, open weather, 
 it used to keep in the recesses of the woods and shrubbery, but in snow- 
 storms, and during severe weather, when seeds were scarce and hard to 
 find, it would come trooping about our tents, and especially around the 
 stock corrals, gleaning a subsistence from the waste grain that dropped 
 from the feed-troughs of our horses. Under such circumstances it was 
 sometimes emboldened even to enter a vacant tent : and I caught sev- 
 eral alive by scattering some bread crumbs iu a small "A"-tent stand- 
 ing near mine, the flap of which was flxed so it could be pulled down 
 with a string. Its ordinary note is a soft chirp, which I could not dis- 
 tinguish from that of the common Snow-bird ; in the spring, just before 
 leaving for its breeding-grounds, it has a rather pleasing song, also like 
 that of its eastern relative. 
 
 JUNCO' CINEEEUS var. OANIGEPS, (Woodh.) Ooues. 
 Gray-headed Snow-bird. 
 
 b. caniceps.* 
 
 StTuthus caniceps, Woodh., Pr. Phila. Acad, vi, 1852, 202 (New Mexico and Texas). — 
 
 Woodh., Sitgr. Eep. 1653, 8o, p]. 3. 
 Junco caniceps, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 468, pi. 72, fig. 1. — Ha-td., Rep. 1862, 167.— Cottes, 
 
 Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 85.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 201.— Allex, Bull. M. C. Z. 
 
 iii, 1872, 177.— Aiken, Pr. Boat. Soc. 1872, -200 (Wyoming).— Gkay, Hand-list, 
 
 No. 7370.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 587, pi. 26, f. 3. 
 Junco cinereus var. caniceps, CouES, Key, 1872, 141. 
 Junco lujemalis var. caniceps, Ridgw., Am. Nat. vii, 1873, 613 (critical). 
 Junco dorsalls, Henry, Pr. PhiJa. Acad. 5, 1853, 117 (New Mexico). — Bd., B. N. A. 1853, 
 
 468, pi. 28, fig. 1 (tending to characteristics of ctnereiis proper). 
 Juneo annectens, Bd., in Coop. B. Cal. i, 1870, 564 (intermediate between caniceps and, 
 
 oregonus ; probably a hybrid). 
 
 Sab. — Middle Province (Southern Rocky Mountain region), United States. North 
 to the Black Hills and Laramie Peak. 
 
 Lieutenant WaiTen's Expedition. — 8960-61, Laramie Peak. 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition. 
 
 As observed in my late work, the descent with modification of all the described 
 forms of Junco from a common stock, is undoubted if not unquestionable, although the 
 diversion has become so great that it would be scarcely expedient to consider them all 
 as a single species. The various forms may be reduced to three, hyenialis, oregonus, and 
 caniceps, with their varieties. The first of these has no pinkish-rufous on the sides below, 
 and in full plumage the dark parts are nearly un iform blackish-plumbeous ; the adult 
 female is grayer, even brownish, especially on the inner quills, and the young of the 
 first autumn and winter are extensively brownish. Oregonus has an opaque, blackish 
 head, and fore-parts sharply contrasted with reddish of the back, and the white of the 
 
 * The synonymy of a. cinereus, is: Fringilla cinerea, Sw., Phil. Mag. i, 1827, 435. — 
 Junco cinereHS, Cab., Mus. Hein. 1850, 134.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 465.- ScL., P. Z. S. 1856, 
 306 ; 1857, 7 ; 1858, 304 ; 1859, 365.— SuJiiCH., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 551 (alpine re- 
 gion of Vera Cruz, 2,000 to 3,500 metres, abundant and characteristic). — Junco phaio- 
 notus, Wagl., Isis, 1831, 526. — "Fringilla rafidorsis," Light. Hab : Mexico. In this 
 form the rusty-red extends over the upper surface of the wings, and the bill is black 
 and yellow. An allied form is J. aliicola, Salv., P. Z. S. 1863, l^rf) ; Ibis, 1866, 193, from 
 the mountains of Guatemala. It is the J. ligeniaUs var. alticola of Riugw., ?, c. 
 
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144 JUNCO CINEEEUS VAR. CANICEPS. 
 
 under-parts shaded with pinkish-brown on the sides. Yonug birds of this form come 
 very near immature hyemalis ; Mr. Ridgway has noted intermediate specimens (Pr. 
 Phil. Acad. 1869, 126), and complete inosculation of the two is claimed by Mr. Allen. 
 In both of these the white of the under-parts is abruptly defined against the dark 
 colors. In " caniceps" the main color is pale grayish-plumbeous, fading insensibly 
 into the white below ; the lores are definitely blackish, and the interscapular region 
 alone is ferruginous — this color forming a small triangular area ; the bill is pinkish- 
 white, aSi in the foregoing. This form passes through "dorsalis" into the extreme of 
 typical cinereus,"n\ which the characters are as given in a preceding foot-note ; while 
 on the other hand specimens have been found showing pinkish-brown sides, and other- 
 wise tending to the characters of oregonits— these constitute J^ " aiwiectens " of Baird. 
 The probability that some of these intermediate specimens are really hybrids is very 
 strong, but has not been proven by detection of opposite sexes of the two actually 
 breeding together ; so it remains an open question. Mr. Allen inclines to dispose of 
 the matter of hybridism upon the hypothesis that the doubtful specimens are simply 
 examples of intergradation of character, according to climatic or other influences 
 resulting from geographical distribution. However this may be, it is certain that all 
 three forms, in their typical development, occur together. This is the case in Arizona, 
 for instance, where I found them all. To show how intimately they are associated, I 
 may state that once, on firing into a flock of Snow-birds, I picked up, after the single 
 discharge, several oregonus, one pure eaniceps, and a single typical hyemalis. 
 
 The Gray-headed Snow-bird is not nearly so common in Arizona, in 
 winter, as the Oregon species ; still, I frequently observed it in com- 
 pany with the latter, and obtained several specimens. It arrived at the 
 same time as oregonus, and departed with it, probably to breed in the 
 neighboring higher mountains. It undoubtedly breeds at Laramie, since 
 Dr. Hayden's specimens were taken in August. It appears to be com- 
 mon in' Colorado, from the eastern bases of the foot-hills up the moun- 
 tains to above timber-line. 
 
 In the American Naturalist, as above cited, Mr. Ridgway takes the view that all the 
 forms of Junco are geographical races of one species. He discusses the matter very 
 ably and upon good grounds. Referring the reader especially to this article, I sub- 
 mit;, in further elucidation of the difficult problem, the following notes received from 
 Mr. T. Martin Trippe, premising, however, that in so doing I am not necessarily com- 
 mitted to his conclusions. (The biographical notes refer to Idaho Springs, Colorado.) 
 
 Junco hyemalis var. hyemalis. — ^Eastern Snow-bird. This Snow-bird is never abun- 
 dant, nor does it breed in Clear Creek County; the only period during which it is at 
 all common being March and the early part of April. During fall and winter, it is a 
 rare visitor ; but among the foot-hills, and edge of the plains, it is abundant, as Mr. 
 Aiken, of Fountain, informs me, during November and March, bnt is rarely met with 
 in midwinter. I have never seen it higher than 8,000 feet, and it is far more common 
 below 7,000. It is similar in its habits and notes to the eastern bird, and is almost 
 always found in flocks with the succeeding variety. 
 
 J. hyemalis var. oregonus. — Oregon Snow-bird. Where this species begins and hyema- 
 lis ends, it would puzzle even Brehm to decide ; for while it is easy to select two speci- 
 mens representing the species as described in the books, a large series collected at the 
 same time and from the same place, will show all possible gradations between the two, 
 many individuals combining the characteristics of both. Thus, the rusty-rnfous back 
 of oregonus i« sometimes found without the purplish sides, which are supposed to belong 
 to the latter bird ; or, vice versa, specimens of hyemalis with scarcely a wash of rusty on 
 the back, are occasionally marked by decidedly purplish sides. Of -all the varieties 
 these two are the most unstable and seem to blend most perfectly with each other. 
 They associate together, and have the same habits and notes ; they appear and disap- 
 pear about the same time ; but of the two, oregonus is most abundant, being twice or 
 thrice as numerous as hyemalis. Mr. Aiken informs me that the present-variety arrives 
 in his vicinity — which is a short distance south of this region, on the edge of the 
 plains — about the middle of October, and remains till April, thus showing a slightly 
 more southern habitat than that of the preceding race. 
 
 J. caniceps. — Chestnut-backed Snow-bird. Abundant, and the only species that 
 breeds here. The Chestnut-backed Snow-bird arrives about the middle or latter part 
 of March, two or three weeks previous to the departure of the two preceding races, 
 with whom it associates as long as they remain. As the snow disappears, it gradually 
 works its way upward, and by the middle of June has disappeared from the regions 
 below 8,000 feet. It breeds most abundantly in the upper woods, from the extreme 
 limit of the willows down to 1,000 or 1,200 feet below timber-line ; and more sparingly 
 below that point as far down as 8,-500 feet, and occasionally as low as 7,500 and even 
 7,000 feet. In October it descends to the lower valleys, and soon disappears altogether. 
 On the plains it is common in P^oember ajid March, but rare during midwinter. In 
 
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JUNCO CINEREUS VAR. CANICEPS. 145 
 
 baljits it resembles liijcmalis ; its twitter is the same, but its song is ciiffcifnt. Of all tbo 
 varieties that are foutid in this region, this is the most constant in its markings. 
 Among scores of specimens, I never met vrith any that exhibited in any raarlcciil degree 
 the cliaracteristics of any of the other races combined with those of the Chestnnt- 
 backed species. 
 
 J. annecleim. — Chestnut-sided Snow-bird. This race or species is supposed by some 
 ornithologists to be a hybrid between oregonus and canic.eps, a supposition showing the 
 danger of generalization on too narrow grounds, for there is nothing to support the 
 idea except the combination of certain characteristics belonging to those two races; 
 and on the same principle Colaptes chryamdes might be supposed to be a hybrid between 
 C. aiirntiis and U. mexicanus. The Chestnut-sided Snow-bird is as well marked, and 
 almost as constant in its coloration, as J. canicups, and far more so than oregonus, 
 hyemalis, or atlceni. It is common ouly in spring, associating with other varieties, and 
 remaining till April, being the last to leave of the migratory species. It ranges rather 
 higher than either the Oregon or the Black Snow-bird, occasionally extendiii}; as high 
 as 9,500 feet, or higher. In winter I have not noticed it, but am informed by Jlr. Aiken 
 that it is very abundant ou the plains from early in October till May, and that it out- 
 numbers caniceps and oregonus together — a singular fact, if it is a " hybrid." Undoubt- 
 edly it does occasionally mix with both these varieties, as specimens sometimes shoar 
 a tendency to one or other of them, usually toward the latter ; but I have never seen 
 any that I could not refer, without hesitation, to one or the other of thn^e species — 
 caniceps, annectens, or that which embraces hjjemalis, oregonus, and aikeni as sub- varieties. 
 
 J. aikeni. — White- winged Snow-bird. Abundant; does not breed. This race is evi- 
 dently the most northern of the five, as it arrives latest (in November) and departs 
 earliest (in March), ranging higher also than any of the others, up to 10,000 feet, and 
 probably further still. In its notes and habits the White-winged Snow-bird ditfers 
 somewhat from its congeners. Its song is louden and sweeter ; it is less gregarious in 
 itsnatnre; and it frequents brushy hill-tops and mountain-sides, high up above the 
 valleys, and rarely visited by the other species during the winter. It is the ouly Snow- 
 bird at all common during winter, choosingasitsfavoritebaunts the bushy ravines ani 
 hollows, as well as the valleys of the larger streams, and wandering thence far up on 
 the mountains, associating in small parties only, more than six or eight being rarely 
 seen together. During the coldest weather, ouly the well-marked typical birds are- 
 seen, among which are both males and females, the former being most numerous ; but 
 toward the close of winter the females become more abundant, and among. a large- 
 series of specimens, obvious approaches to both hyemalis and oregonus may be distia-- 
 guished, especially toward the former. The iutergradatiou, however, is by no means- 
 as perfect as that between the two latter races, and a specimen that cannot be de- 
 cidedly referred to either aikeni or orcgonus-hyemalis is unusual. The white wing-bands 
 vary very much ; in the largest m.ales they are almost always broad and well-deiined ;. 
 in the small males and females they are narrower, sometimes almost obsolete, ocea-- 
 sionally wanting on one wing and present on the other, and sometimes wholly want- 
 ing or indicated by the faintest trace. In the latter case, the other characteristics of 
 the bird are those of hyenaialis, while the peculiar features of the latter bird or of ore- 
 gonus are never to be seen where the white wing-hands are well defined. Well-devel- 
 oped males frequently have white lores or white spots on the head and neck. 
 
 ■Without a very large number of specimens from different localities, it is diflSoult to 
 discuss, intelligently, the relations of these races or species; but from a careful study 
 of their habits, notes, distribution, and migration in this region, as welh as the com- 
 parison of a large number of specimens, I cannot help drawing the conclusion that at 
 least three, or perhaps four, of the various forms have, in' the words, of Dr. Cones, 
 " passed the merely varietal stage and become nascent species, though.still unstable in 
 character." These may be arranged as follows : 
 
 I. Junco caniceps. Sp. ch. Interscapular region bright rufous. Breeds abundantly 
 in the mountains of Colorado, from 9,000 feet up to timber-line. • Retreats soutli. 
 of the Territory in winter. 
 II. J. annectens. Sp. ch. Sides clear cinnamon-fulvous. Abundant in Colorado during 
 
 winter and spring, but breeds north of the Territory. 
 III. J. hyemalis. With tliree varieties : 
 
 a. aikeni. Yar. ch. Two broad, well-defined white bands, on the wing-coverts. 
 
 Abundant in winter, retiring north earlier than the other races, and 
 evidently the most northern in its distribution. Intergrades with the fol- 
 lowing form, though not as intimately as that does with the succeeding. 
 
 b. hyemalis. Var. ch. No wing-bands; upper parts with no rufous, except a 
 
 rusty tinge in autumn. Less abundant than the others, reaching here its 
 western limit ; breeding north of the Territory. Intergrades impercept- 
 ibly with the next. 
 
 c. oregonus. Var. ch. Back and wings with a decided rusty-brown wash. 
 
 Abundant, reaching here its eastern limit. Breeds northward, retiring 
 from Colorado with the preceding, or a little later. 
 
 10 
 
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146 SPIZELLA MONTICOLA, TREE SPARROW. 
 
 SPIZELLA MONTICOLA., (Gra.) Bd. 
 
 Canadian, or Tree Sparrow. 
 
 Fringilla montana, Foest., Philos. Tr. Ixii, 1772, 405; not of Linnceus. 
 
 Fringilla monticola, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 912. 
 
 Spinites monticotus. Cab., Mus. Hein. i, 1851, 134. 
 
 Spizella monlicola, Bd.,.B. N.. A. 1858, 472.— Kennbbly, P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, iv, 29 
 (Colorado Cbiquito, Arizona, December).— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 
 18G0, 203 (Fort Dalles, January).— Cooes, Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1861, 224 (Labrador, 
 snmmer, abundant).— ScL., Cat. 1862, 114.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 167.— CouES & 
 Pjrent., Smiths. Rep. for 1861 (1862), 412 (Washington, D. C, November to 
 April, very abundant).— Boaedm., Fr. Bost. See. is, 1862, 127 (Calais, Me., in 
 summer, common, breeding early).— Vbrr., ibid. 138 (Anticosti, breeding). — 
 Veek., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 151 (Norway, Me., spring and fall).— Aixbn, Pr. Ess. 
 Inst, iv, 1864, 72 (Springfield, Mass., October to May; also, breeding in East- 
 ern Masaacbnsetts in 1855 ; see Pr. Bost. Soc. v, 213*).— McIlwr., Pr. Ess. Inst. 
 V, 1866, 89 (Hamilton, C. W., winter, common, not known to breed).— CouEs, 
 Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1866, 87 (Arizona,/* Kennerlii).—ComiS, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 
 283.— CouES, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 115 (South Carolina, November to 
 March).- Dall. & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 285 (Alaska, breeding).— 
 TuBNB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 23 (October to April).— Coop., B. Cal. 1, 1870, 205 (queried 
 as occurring in monntai^us of California). — Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 177 
 (Western Kansas, in winter). — Mayn., Guide, 1870, 119 (Massachusetts, early 
 November to late April).— Mayn., Pr. Bost. Soc. xiv, 1871. — Aiken, Ibid. 1872, 
 200 (Wyoming).— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 465.— Coues, Key, 1872, 
 142.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 7.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 3, pi. 27, f. 5. 
 
 Zonotriclda {Spizella) monticola, Geay, Hand-list, No. 7398. 
 
 Passer canadensis, Beiss., Orn. iii, 1760, 102. 
 
 Fringilla canadensis. Lath., lud. Orn. i, 1790, 434^- Bp., Svn. 1828, 109. — Nutt., Man. i, 
 1832, 495.— AuD., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 511 ; v, 1839, 504 ; pi. 1b8.— Maxim., ,1. f. 0. 
 vi, 1858, 280. 
 
 Emieriza canadensis, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 252.— AuD., Syn. 1839,- 105.— AuD., B. 
 Am. iii, 1841, 83, pi. 166.— GiK., B. L. I. 1844, 107.— Pdtn., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856 
 210 (Essex County, Mass., October to May). — TiiiPPE, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871 
 .(Minnesota, not very common ; not observed in summer). 
 
 Spizetla canadensis, Bp., List, 1838, 33 ; Cousp. Av. i, 1850, 480. 
 
 Fringilla .arborea, WiLS., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 12, pi. 16, tig. 3. 
 
 Sab. — North America at large, excepting, probably, the Gulf States. Infrequent or 
 casual in the United States west of the Eooky Mountains. Winters high up on the 
 Missouri, and iu corresponding latitudes eastward. Breeds north of the United States, 
 to high latitudes, but also, like the Snow-bird, in mountains within our limits. 
 
 List of specimens. 
 
 19283 
 
 282 
 
 283 
 
 Deer Creek 
 
 
 Mar. 7, 1860 
 do 
 
 F.V.Hayden. 
 do 
 
 6.00 
 
 9.00 
 
 3.00 
 
 7^ 
 23 
 
 1921-4 
 19285 
 
 do 
 
 
 do 
 
 
 do 
 
 . do . 
 
 6.00 
 6.00 
 
 9.00 
 9,25 
 
 3.00 
 3.25 
 
 19-2^6 ' ii-<7 
 
 do 
 
 
 Jan. 27, 1860 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 iir 
 
 19287 
 
 
 do 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 »*- 1 
 
 Licutcnaiil Warren's Expediiion. — 4509, Cedar Island ; 4510, Medicine River. 
 Later Expeditions. — 61028-31, 61153-62, various Wyoming localities. 
 
 The movements of this interesting species, as well as its general dis- 
 tribution, may be traced in the above quotations. Its western records 
 are still meagre, but sufficient to represent its range in that quarter ; it 
 appears to be, like the Eastern Snow-bird, little if anything more than a 
 straggler west of the Eocky Mountains, some individuals apparently 
 straying southward in that direction from their breeding places in 
 Alaska. Eastward, the Tree Sparrow is one of the most abundant 
 species, wintering in great profusion in the Middle States, Maryland, 
 and Virginia, and some reaching the Carolinas, beyond which it has not, 
 to my knowledge, been traced. It also winters as high as New England, 
 
 * But this instance pros^es to be not .authentic, the Chipping Sparrow having been 
 mistaken for the Tree Sparrow- See Samuels, Orn. and Ool. of New England, 318. 
 
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 ¥ 
 
 Ii 
 
 i'»^j 
 
 
SPIZELLA MOXTICOLA, TREE SPARROW. 147 
 
 and even the CaDadas ; for, iig we shall presently see, it is a hardy little 
 bird, capable of enduring extreme cold, and only forced southward by 
 scarcity of food. Its bi-eeding range is extensive ; on the Atlantic coast 
 it nests from Labrador to Maine. The general similarity of its distribu- 
 tion to that of the Snow-bird leads me to believe it will yet be found 
 passing the summer in the mountains of the Middle States. It occurs 
 through the greater portion of British America in summer, from At- 
 lantic to Pacific. It has been found in Kansas in August, and may 
 breed in that State. 
 
 At Fort Randall I found these birds as abundant as I have ever seen 
 them anywhere, during pleasant weather in the month of October. All 
 the undergrowth of the river-bottom was full of them, in troops some- 
 times numbering hundreds, singing as gaily, it seemed to me, as in 
 spring-time. With the colder weather of the following month, so many 
 moved off that I thought none would remain to endure the rigor of 
 winter, but such proved to be not the case. The remainder simply 
 retreated to the deepest recesses of the shrubbery, where, protected 
 from the biting winds, if not from the cold, they passed the winter, and 
 to all appearances very comfortably. I account for their remaining at 
 this inclement season, by the prolusion ef seeds of various kinds that 
 are to be obtained during the whole winter; certainly, those that I shot 
 ■were in good condition, and generally had the crop well lilled. Their 
 seclusion and quietness at this season is remarkable, and causes them 
 to be in a great measure overlooked. On several occasions, when the 
 thermometer was far below zero, the ri\er frozen solid for two feet deep, 
 and snow on the ground, I have unexpectedly come upon little groups of 
 these birds, hiding away close to the ground among and under a net- 
 work of vines and rank herbage, close enough to collect and retain a 
 mantle of snow. When startled at such times they have a low, ijleasant 
 chirp as they flutter into sight among the bushes, scattering a little, but 
 only to collect again and seek their snug retreat as soon as left to them- 
 selves. Whether rendered careless by the cold, or (hrongh a natural 
 heedlessness, they are very tame at such times ; they sit unconcernedly 
 on the twigs, it may be but a few feet distant, chirping cheerfully, with 
 the plumage all loosened and puffy, making very pretty "roly-poly' 
 looking objects. There is a particular kind of plant here, the seeds of 
 wiliich endure all winter, furnishing a favorite repast. In a clunii) of 
 these tall weeds dozens of the birds may be seen together, busily feed- 
 ing. Some, more energetic, spring up and cling to the swaying pan- 
 icles, picking away, while others gather about the stem, getting a good 
 dinner, without trouble, oft' the seeds that their neighbors above rattle 
 down. At such times the whole company keep up an animated con- 
 versation, expressing their satisfaction, no doubt, in their ow n language; 
 it is more than chirping, and not quite singing — a low, soft, continuous 
 chanting, as pleasing as it is indescribable. The Tree Sparrow is, in- 
 deed, one of the sweet-voiced of our Sparrows, and one very fond of 
 singing, not only in the spring, but at other seasons; times are hard 
 with it indeed when it cannot, on occasion, tune its gentle pipe. 
 
 According to Mr. Trippe, in Colorado the Tree Sparrow is "abundant 
 during winter in all the willow and alder thickets along the streams, 
 from the plains up to 7,000 feet, and occasionally up to 8,500. It arrives 
 in November and disappears in April." 
 
 Accounts of the egg of this species are conflicting, and mostly errone- 
 ous. Mr. Hutchins said it was pale brown, marked with darker spots, a 
 statement copied by Xuttall and repeated even by Dr. Cooper. Audu)»ou 
 wrote it was uniform deep blue, just like a Chipping Sparrow's, but 
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148 SPIZELLA SOCIALIS S. PUSILLA S, PALLIDA. 
 
 larger. The egg is, in fact, much like that of the Song Sparrow, being 
 pale bluish, speckled and blotched with different shades of reddish- 
 brown. It measures about three-fourths of an inch long by three-fifths 
 in breadth. The immense series in the Smithsonian, from the Anderson 
 River and Yukon region, show the same wide range of variation that 
 the Song Sparrow's egg displays, being thus different from the eggs of 
 other Spizellce. The nidificatiou varies, the nest being placed indiffer- 
 ently on trees, bushes, or the ground. 
 
 1 '^ SPIZELLA SOCIALIS, (Wils.) Bp.^-^ 
 Chipping Sparrow. 
 
 a. socialis. 
 
 Fringilla aocialis, WiLS., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 127, pi. 16, f. 5.— Bp., Svn. 1828, 109.— NUTT., 
 Man. i, 1832, 497.— AuD., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 21,; v, 1839, 517 ; pi 104. 
 
 Emhfriza nociaUs, AuD., Syn. 1839, 105 ; B. A. iii, 1841, 80, pi. 165.— GiR., B. L. 1. 1844, 106. 
 
 Spinites socialis, Cab., Mns. Hein. i, 1S51, 133. 
 
 Sphrlla socialis, Bp., List, 1S38, 33 ; Consp. i, 1850, 480.— Bd., B. N. A. 18.58, 473.— Codes, 
 Key, 1872, 142, fig. 86— B. B. & E., N. A. B, ii, 1874, 7, pi. 27, f. 1 ; and of late 
 authors generally. 
 
 Zonotrichia (Spizella) socialis, Gkat, Hand-list, No. 7397. 
 
 b. arizonw. 
 
 « 
 Sjnzella socialis var. arizonw, CouES, Key, 1872, 143 (Arizona). — B. B. & E., N. A. B. ii, 
 1874, 11. 
 
 Hal). — Temperate North America, from Atlantic to Pacific, especially United States. If^' — 
 Breeds chiefly in Middle and Northern States. Winters in the Southern States and ci y -r 
 south into Mexico. Cuba. Extremely ahundant. (Among extralimital quotations y , .-# 
 ar- : Oaxaca, Scl., P. Z. S. 1858, 304 ; Xalapa, xbxd. 1859, 365 ; Cordova, iUd.. 1856, 305 ; "l ^^ . j 
 Cuba, Lain-., Ann. Lye. vii, 1860, 269 ; Vera Cruz, Sumicli., Mem. Best. 1869, 552.) -f ■^ "; "^ 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4805, Bald Island; 5411, Fort Lookout. '{j'^'-'. 
 
 Later JE'ccpefKHoMS.- 60671-72, Green Eiver and Little Sandy; 61779, 62311-14, Idahoy, ;, , 
 anl Wyoming. fl7-2 '/- ■ - 
 
 In ot obtained by Captain Eaynolds' Expedition. f^ff ' '^' -^ ~ 
 
 },y 
 
 SPIZELLA PUSILLA, (Wils.) Bp. i i^i,!. 
 
 Field Sparrow. 
 
 (?) Little Brown Sparrow, Catesby, Car. i, 35 {Moiacilla juncorum, Gm., i, 952 ; Sylvia 
 
 juvcorum, Lath., ii, 511. 
 Fri;uiilla juncorum, NuTT., Man. i, 1832, 499 ; 2d ed. i, 1840, 577. 
 Friuqilla pusilla, Was., ii, 1810, 121, pi. 16, f. 2.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 110.— AuD., Orn. Biog. 
 
 ii, 1834, 229, pi. 139. 
 Emhn-iza pusilla, AcD., Syn. 1839. 104 ; B. Am. iii, 1841, 77, pi. 164.— GlE., B. L. 1. 1844, 105. 
 Spnites pusillus, Cab., Mus. Hein. i, 1851, 133. 
 Uliizella pusilla, Bp., List, 18:!8, 33 ; Consp. i, 1850, 480.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 473.— 
 
 COUBS, Key, 1872, 143.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 5, pi. 27, f. 2; and of late 
 
 authors generally. 
 Zonotrichia (Spizella) pusilla, Gi:ay, Hand-list, No. 7396. , , - f 
 
 Sab. — Eastern United States; breeding from Virginia northward; wintering from ? '^-> , 
 the same point southward. C-^i' O' 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's E-rpedition. — 4800-01, Big Sioux Eiver ; 4802, Port Leavenworth, :i r- . i? 
 Kaus. ; 5412-13, Knife Eiver. yl/"7- l^ i? c 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Eaynolds' Expedition. ' ' / ^ / 
 
 SPIZELLA PALLIDA, (Sw.) Bp. ^^^'J- ' ''t 
 
 Clay-colored Sparrow. ^k^ o" / "- 
 
 Emhtrlza pallida, Sw. & Eich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 251. 
 
 ,Siii:(Ua pallida, Bp., List, 1838, 33 (not of the Conspectus).- Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 474,— 
 Scl., p. Z. S. 18.59, 365, 379.— Scl., Cat. 1862, 114.— Hayd., Eep. 1862, 167.— 
 
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SPIZELLA PALLIDA, CLAY-COLORED SPARROW. 149 
 
 Allkx, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1'872, 177.— Tmppe, Pr. Bost. Soc. 187-2, 2;J7 (Iowa) — 
 Coi-Ks, Kev, 1S:2, 14:5.— Sxow, B. Kans. 1873, 7.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. ii, 1^174. 
 ■ 11, pi. 27, i 3. 
 
 Sphiites palUdus, Cab., JIus. Hein. i, 1H51, 133. 
 
 Zoiioirichia {Sjyi^cUa) pallida, Gray, Hand-list, No. 7400. 
 
 Emberha slmttiiclii, AuD., B. Am. vii, 1843, 347, pi. 493. 
 
 Spizella shaUuclii, Bp., Cousp. i, 18d0, 480. 
 
 Sali. — From the Saskatchewan and Upper Jlisaouri to Eastern Kansas. To Texas 
 {Baird). East into Iowa {Trippe), Wisconsin (Hoji), and Illinois {Holdcn). 
 
 Lieutenant TFarmi's Expedition. — No. , Cheyenne River; 4803, "Nebraska;" 
 
 48U4, Bijoux Hills; 5414, Blacktbot country. 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition. • 
 
 The typical form of this species appears to be one of the more char- 
 acteristic birds of the high central plains. It was originally described 
 by Swainson from the region of the Sasliatchewan. Dr. Eichardsuii 
 says that it was very abundant at Carlton House, and as familiar as the 
 Chipping is in the Eastern States. Audubon's account of '■'■I^mherizu 
 pnllkla'^ presents nothing incompatible with the typical form ; but the 
 specimens, on which his description was based, procured by Towiiseud 
 in the "Eocky Mountains," and now iu the Smithsonian, have been iden- 
 tified by Prof. Baird with breweri, which renders it necessary to turn 
 ^^pallifki., AuD.," over to the latter variety, although indeed his quota- 
 tions, and the habitat he assigns, are those of true pallida. He after- 
 ward described the typical jAissouri bird as JE. shattucldi, giving the 
 following account : 
 
 "This handsome little species is found quite abundant throughout the 
 country bordering on the Upper Missouri. It inhabits with particuLir 
 partiality the small valleys found here and there along the numerous 
 ravines running from the interior, and between such hills as I have al- 
 ready mentioned. Its usual demeanor resembles much that of the 
 Chipping Bunting, Embeyiia socialis of Wilson, and like it, it spends 
 much of its time in singing its monotonous dilties, while its mate is en- 
 gaged in the pleasing task of incubation. When approached, it will 
 dive and conceal itself either amid the low bushes around, or will serk 
 a large cluster of wild roses, so abundant in that section of country, 
 and the fragrance of which will reach the olfactory nerve of the trav- 
 eler or gunner for many paces. 
 
 _ "The nest of the Shattuck Bunting is usually placed on a small hori- 
 zontal branch, seven or eight feet from the ground ; and I believe it is 
 occasionally placed in the broken and hollow branches of trees. The 
 eggs, four or live in number, are blue, spotted with reddish-brown to- 
 ward the large end, and placed in a nest so slightly formed of slender 
 grasses, circularly lined with horse or cattle hair, as to resemble as much 
 as possible the uest of the species to which it is allied." These observa- 
 tions differ somewhat from my own, given beyond. 
 
 I found this bird in small numbers on the Republican Fork of the 
 Kansas Elver, near Fort Eiley, in May, frequenting shrubbery along- 
 the stream, and also open, ^veedy places away from the water ; but I 
 noticed nothing peculiar in its manners, which were the same as th<ise 
 of the Chip-bird. ilr. Allen found it common at Topeka, in the saujc 
 State, associating there with *S'. socialis. He also quotes '■'■pallida^' from 
 Utah ; but as he does not recognize the distinction of var. bretceri, his 
 observations undoubtedly refer to the latter. 
 
 The eastward extension of 8. pallida has only been of late generally 
 recognized; it seems to correspond somewhat with that of Vireo belli. 
 In Iowa, according to 'Mt. Trijjpe, it is common in spring; ''frequents 
 the thickets and copses along the margins of the woods, and has some- 
 
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150 SPIZELLA PALLIDA, CLAY-COLOEED SPARROW. 
 
 wbat the habits of the Red-poll, feeding on the buds of the elm and 
 otijer trees in early spriuff." 
 
 It is singular that the eggs of our Sjiizdlw should differ so much 
 ;iiiK)ng themselves, for the rule is that con^t^neric birds lay similar eggs. 
 Thus, A', moniicola lays an egg like that of Melospiz<( ; the egg of *S'. pu- 
 niJla is not distinguishable from that of Jimco, except in size, and is 
 altogether different irom the clear green, blackish-dotted eggs of iS. 
 .wi'ialin and pallida. 
 
 The Clay-colored Sparrow's nest abundantly in Dakota, and especially 
 ahjiig the Red River, in the oi)en, low underbrush by the river-side, and 
 a;uong the innumerable s("rub-willow copses of the valley. They pair 
 here the latter part of May, when the males come into full song; the 
 nests are built and the complement of eggs laid, usually by the middle 
 of June. During this month, while the females are incubating, the 
 males mount the tops of the bushes and sin;;;' continually — indeed I know 
 of no more assiduous and persistent songster than this little l^ird is, al- 
 though his vocal eifbrts are of an humble sort. His ditty is a simple 
 stave of three notes and a slight trill — nothing like the continuous song 
 of the Chill-bird. lu places where the birds are plentiful, several males 
 may be in sight at once, each on his own bush-clump, while his mate is 
 ue.iting below. As soon as incubation is over, the habit is entirely 
 changed, and the males become as inconspicuous as their consorts. The 
 l)airing season, during which the males msiy be seen continually chasing 
 the females about in the bushes, is of short duration ; and, prelimina- 
 ries adjusted, both birds set to work in earnest at their nest, with such 
 success that it is completed and the eggs laid in a week or two. Most 
 of my nests were taken during the first two weeks in June. In one case, 
 in which I visited a nest daily, I found that an egg was laid each day, 
 till the complement of four was filled. I ha ve not found more than four 
 eggs in a nest, and sometimes only three. They are of a light-green 
 ci)!(ji, rather scantily and sharply speckled with sienna and other rich 
 shades of brown — sometimes very dark brown. Generally the dotting 
 i:, chiefly confined to the larger end, with only a speck here and there 
 over the general surface ; the dots are sometimes in an area at the butt, 
 sometimes partially confluent and wreathed around it. The eggs meas- 
 ure about 0.62 by 0..50. The nest is always placed low ; I never found 
 oLc .so high as a yard from the ground, and generally took nests within 
 a tew inches, in the crotch of a willow or other shrub, or in a tuft of 
 weeds. The nest is inartistically built of fine dried grass-stems and the 
 slenderer weed-stalks, with perhaps a few rootlets ; it is sometimes lined 
 quite thickly with horse-hair, sometimes not, then having instead some 
 very fine grass-tops. It varies a good deal in size and shape, according 
 to its situation, but may average about three inches across by two deep, 
 with a cavity two inches wide by one and a half deep. In those cases 
 where I approached the setting bird, she left the nest when 1 was a few 
 steps away, and fluttered directly into concealment, without attempting 
 any artifice or venturing to protest against the spoliation of her home. 
 
 it is most probable that two broods may be reared, even in this high 
 latitude, but I cannot so assert, as I found no nests nor heard the nup- 
 tial songs after June. In July the birds appear in greater nunjbers than 
 cvei, from the accession of the year's broods, and now go in little troops 
 in the shrubbery along with several other kinds of Sparrows. I found 
 them in all wooded and shrubby situations in Dakota, but never out on 
 tije high prairie. Eaily in the fall, in Dakota, they are joined by num- 
 bers of Lincoln's, Gambel's, and Harris's Finches, all of which flutter 
 thiough the shrubbery together. They deftart for the South early in 
 
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S. PALLIDA VAE. BEEWEEI, BEEWER'S SPAEROW. 151 
 
 October, according to my observations, though some may linger later. 
 In the spring their return may be noted on the Missouri liiver, in the 
 region about Fort Eandall for instance, toward the end of April, at the 
 same time that the Bay-winged Buntings and Lark Finches airivo. 
 
 SPIZBLLA PALLIDA var. BREWEEI, (Cass.) Ooues. 
 Brewer's Sparrow. 
 
 Emberiza pallida, AuD., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 66, pi. 398, f. 2; Syn. 1839, 103; B. Am. iii,' 
 1841, 71, pi. 161 {nee Sw.). (See last article.) 
 
 Spizella •pallida, Bp. Consp. Av. i, 1850, 480.— Woodh., Sitg. Rep. 1853, 83 (New Mex- 
 ico). — Heicrm., p. E. E. Eep. x, 185^, part vi, 48 (Texas to California). — CouES, 
 Ibis, 1865, 164 (Arizona). 
 
 Spizella breweri, Cass., Pr. Philii. Acad, viii, 1856, 40.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 475.— Kenn., 
 P. E. E. Eep. X, 18.')9, part iv, 29.— CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 87.-Stev., 
 U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 465.— CoOP., B. Cal. i, 1870, 209. 
 
 Zonotnohia (Spizella) breweri, Gray, Hand-list, No. 7399, 
 
 Spizella palliAa var. breiveri, CouES, Key, 1872, 143. — B. B. & E., N. A. B. li, 1874, 1-3, pi. 
 27, f. 4. 
 
 Hah, — Southern Eocky Mountain region, especially New Mexico and Arizona. Texas.' 
 California. 
 
 List of specimens. 
 
 19282 
 
 76 
 
 Pierre's Hole June 26, 1860 . F. V. Hayden 
 
 5.00 
 
 7.50 
 
 2.25 
 
 Later Expeditions. — 60408-15, Bitter Cottonwood and Fort Fetterman ; 60673-4, Big 
 Sandy and Green River. 
 Not obtained by Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. 
 
 Brewer's Sparrow is of common occurrence in the region above given. 
 Its habits, as I observed them iu the southwest, are the same as those 
 of the typical form. 
 
 Note. — A North American species of this genus, not occurring iu the Missouri x-egion, 
 as far as now known, is the following: 
 
 Spizella atriodlaris, (Cab.) Baird. 
 
 Spinites atri'iularis, Cab., Mns. Hein. i, 18"il. 133. 
 
 Spizella atiiqularis, Bd., B. N. A. 18,58, 476; 1860, pi. 55, f. 1 ; Mex. B. Surv. ii, pt. ii, 
 1859, Birds, 16, pi. 17, f. 1.— CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 87 (Arizona).- Coop., 
 B. Cal. i, 1870, 210.— COUBS, Kev, 1872, 144.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 15, 
 • pi. 26, f. 11, 12. 
 
 Struthus atrimentalis, Couch, Pr. Phila. Acad, vii, 1854, 67. 
 
 Spizella eviira, Codes, Ibis, 1865, 118, 164 {Young). 
 
 Spizella cana, Bd., Mus. Smiths. ( Young). 
 
 Sab. — Mexico, and southwest border of the United States. Arizona {Cones). Call-: 
 fornia {Xantus). 
 
 ^ZONOTEIGHIA ALBIOOLLIS, (Gm.) Bp. ,:■ 
 
 White-throated Sparrow. 
 
 Fringilla albicollis, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 926.— WiLS., Am. Orn. iii, 1811, p. 51, pi. 22, f. 2. 
 Zonoirickia albicollis, Bp., Consp. Av. 1850, 478. — Cai!., Mns. Hein. 18.il, 132. — Bd., B. 
 
 N. A. 1858, 463.— Ha YD., Eep. 1802, I66.-C0UES, Kev, 1872, 144, fig. 88.— B. B. 
 
 & R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 574, pi. 26, p. 10 ; and of most late authors. 
 Fringilla immsylvaniea. Lath., lud. Orn. 1790, 446.— Bp., Svn. 1828, 108.— Sw. & Rich., 
 
 F. B. A. ii, 1831, 256 (J?ono(ncAM).—AuD., Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 42; pi. 8; Syn. 
 
 1839, 121 ; B. Am. iii, 1841, 153, pi. 191.— Maxim., J. f. O. vi, 1858, 276. 
 Zonotrichia piennsglvaiiica, Bp.', List, 1838, 32. 
 
 Sab. — Eastern Province of North America, to the 65th parallel. Not observed iu 
 Alaska. Breeds from Northern New England and Minnesota northward, especially m 
 Ihe interior. Winters in the United States from Maryland (from New Yoik, Niitfall) 
 southward. West to the Indian Territory, Kansas, and Dakota. Accidental in Europe 
 (Aberdeenshire, Scotland, August 17, 1867; Zoologist, 1869, 1547; Turuhull,B. ii. Pa. 
 1869, 23; Ifeioton, P. Z. S. i0l^ii'^e&HSy-'Mi^^ft% ''^- ^- ^^~''^' 6*^')- 
 
 
152 Z. AI/BICOLLIS, WHITE-THEOATED SPARROW. 
 
 Lieiitniaut Warren's Expedition.— 4990-91, Big Nemaha River; 4788, Wood's Bluff; -■ • "' _ 
 478.J, 4787, Blackbird Hills; 4782, 4784, 4796, Big Sionx River; 4783, 4780, 4789, Ver- ^.J" ■ / 
 niilion River; 4501, White Earth Eivor ; 4502, Cedar Island. T^i^-o 
 
 Not obtaioed by Captain Eaynolds' Expedition. p' ■^. 
 
 I have not deemed it necessary to cite the voluminous records sub- , ,_ 
 stantiating the above-mentioned range and movements of this familiar'' ' Jl 
 species. Dr. Hayden's specimens represent, as far as we now know, ' ^ 
 the westernmost limit in the United States For the Eastern States, I 
 have found no record of the bird's breeding south of the northerly z,^ /_ j 
 parts of New England — not even in the highest parts of the Middle V 
 States, where, however, some may yet be found to nestle, like the Tree' " ^ 
 Sparrow and Snow-bird. Mr. Mcll wraith does not give it as breeding ^Z'l/'- 
 at Hamilton, Canada West; but Mr. Trippe found it nesting in the/;.^ • ^ 
 tamarack swamps and windfalls of Minnesota, as it probably does at 
 other points on our northern frontier. It does not appear to reach 
 Alaska, although the westward trend of the Eastern Zoological Province 
 reaches to the Pacific in that latitude. Judging from the dates of 
 collection of Dr. Hayden's numerous specimens, they were migrating at 
 the time of observation. The bird occupies the whole Southern States 
 in winter; and, selecting a middle point in its migrations, we may clearly 
 trace its movements. Thus, in Maryland and Virginia, where I beciime 
 familiar with it during several years of observation, many spend the 
 winter in sheltered situations ; but the greiit increase in their numbers 
 during spring and fall show that the great body of them moves further 
 south. They are extremely abundant in the month of October, while 
 most are passing through, and again in May. Many linger until the 
 middle of May, when they are oil' for the north, leaving not a single 
 straggler. Tliey frequent, on the whole, different places in the spring 
 and fall. At the former season, they enter tlie woods in large numbers, 
 less closely associating than during the fall, and ramble over the ground, 
 doubtless in search of insects, the last year's supply of seeds being in 
 a great measure exhausted. In autumn, they are found principally 
 trooping together in shrubbery, along hedge-rows, the brier-patches of 
 old fields, and similar resorts, where the seeds they like are plenty. 
 Audubon's account of their manners at this season is too faithful and 
 vivid to ever grow out of date: 
 
 " How it comes and how it departs are quite unknown to me. I can 
 onl,\ say that, all of a sudden, the edges of the fields bordering on 
 creeks or swampy places, and overgrown with different species of vines, 
 sumac-bushes, briers, and the taller kinds of grasses, appear covered 
 with these birds. They form groups, sometimes containing from thirty 
 to fifty individuals, and live together in harmony. They are constantly 
 moving up and down among these recesses, with frequent jerkings of 
 the tail, and uttering a note common to the tribe. From the hedges 
 and thickets they issue one by one, in quick succession, and ramble to 
 the distance of eight or ten yards, hopping and scratching, in quest of 
 small !-eeds, and preserving the utmost silence. When the least noise 
 is heard, or alarm given, and frequently, as I thought, without any 
 alarm at all, they all fly back to their covert, pushing directly into the 
 thickest part of it. A moment elapses, when they become reassured, 
 and, ascending to the highest branches and twigs, open a little concert, 
 which, although of short duration, is extremely sweet. There is mtich 
 plaintive softness in their note, which I wish, kind reader, I could 
 describe to you; but this is impossible, although it is j'et ringing in my 
 ear, as if I were in those very fields where I have so often listened to it 
 with delight. oSTo sooner is their music over than they return to the 
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Z. ALBICOLLIS, WHITE-THEOATED SPARROW. 153 
 
 field, and thus continue alternately sallying forth and retreating during 
 the greater part of the day. At the approach of night they uttvr a 
 sharper and shriller note, consisting of a single twit, repeated in smart 
 succession by the whole group, and continuing until the first hooting of 
 some owl frightens them into silence. Yet, olteu during fine nights, I 
 have heard the little creatures emit, here and there, a twit, as if to assure 
 each other that ' all's well.' " 
 
 The musical abilities of this pretty Sparrow, to which Audubon so 
 feelingly alludes, are of a high order, thougli the song is rather notable 
 for its limpid sweetness than for power and brilliancy. An attempt is 
 made to express the sound in the name commonly given to the species, 
 in some sections, " Peabody-bird." It seems to say, pee-a'body, a'body, 
 a'body, a'hody, beginning clear, high, and loud, with prolonging of the 
 first syllable; then rising still higher and shortly accenting the second 
 note; then trilling the remainder with a falling inflexion and decreasing 
 volume; this latter part being repeated three or four times, tbe a' still 
 accented, but with diminishing emphasis. I thiuk it might be readily 
 written in musical notes, but I am unable to do so. 
 
 Audubon does not appear to have known the nest and eggs of this 
 bird, since he copies Eichardson's account. It builds on the ground, 
 usually among bushes, in various situations ; the nest is made of dried 
 grass, weed-stems, and moss, lined with thready rootlets or very fine 
 grasses. The eggs are four or five in number, measuring, on an 
 average, nineteuths of an inch long by three-fifths, or a little more, in 
 breadth, and are dull-whitish, with spots and splashes of surface-brown 
 and similar shell-markings of neutral-tint. It breeds in the latter part 
 of May and in June; I do not know whether more than one brood is 
 reared each season. \ 
 
 The change of plumage of the head of this species offers an interesting 
 point, apparently not yet determined. Only the male, it appears, gets 
 the pure black of the crown, and only during the breeding season. 
 Though I have shot great numbers in the fall, I do not recollect tb.nt I 
 ever got one at that season in perfect head-feathering, so that it becomes 
 probable that the breeding livery is put off with a late summer moult. 
 And even in spring, in the Middle States, tbe number of brown-headed, 
 or, at any rate, of imperfectly black-crowned individuals, is out of all 
 proportion to those in breeding dress. I used tp take a few such in 
 May, just before they moved oft^ but they were rarities. This circum- 
 stance may be accounted for by Mr. Allen's observation, that the male 
 does not attain its mature colors until the second spring.^ " The young 
 males," he observes, " sing equally well with the adults, and probably 
 breed in this plumage. Observing many birds singing in the garb of 
 the female drew my attention to the subject, and dissection showed 
 them invariably to be males. This accounts for the great proportion of 
 birds in the livery of the female, both in spring and fall, often observed." 
 These remarks may bear as well upon other species of the same genus. 
 I am not aware that other writers have indicated that the female of this 
 species is songless; I was certainly myself unaware of the fact, if, 
 indeed, it be so. 
 
 The eggs of ZonotricMa albicollis, and of leucophrys, with its varieties, 
 are not distinguishable from each other. They are of the same general 
 character as those of Melospiza — heavy marking, iu interminable variety, 
 with different reddish and darker brown shades, upon a dull, i)aie 
 greenish or grayish ground. These markings may be large blotches, 
 or mere marbling in flue points; at the butt of the e^g the reddish 
 coloration i« frequently nearly uniform. 
 
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154 Z. LEUCOPHRYS, WHITE-CROWNED SPAEEOW. 
 
 ZONOTRICHIA LEUCOPHRYS, (Forst.) Sw. 
 
 White-crowned Sparrow. 
 
 Emberiza lencopTii-ya, Foest., Philoa. Tr. Ixii, 1772, 382. 403, 426.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 
 874.— WiLS., Am. Orn. iv, 1811, 49, pi. 31, f. 4. 
 
 Fiingilla leucoj>lmjs, Bp., Syu. 182«, 107.— KuTT.. MaD. i, 1832, 479.— AuD., Orn. Biog. ii, 
 1834, 8d; v, 1839, 51.5; pi. 114.— Ai^D., Syu. 1839, 121.— Ace, B. Am. iii, 1841, 
 1.37, pi. 192. — PuTN., Pr. Ess. iDSt. Iri56, 211 (Essex County, Mass., very rare, 
 Slay and Sept.). — Teippe, ibid, vi, Ic'l, 116 (Mluuesota, common, breeding). 
 
 Fiingilla (Zonoiricliia) Icucophrys, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 255. 
 
 Zonotrichia lencophrys, Bp., List, 1838, 32; Consp. Av. i, 1850, 478.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 
 1853, 84 (Indian Territory, Texas, New Mexico; but mixes it with var. inter- 
 media). — Kexx., p. E. R. Re]), (error for (Htemcdia ?).—Bd., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1659, 
 p. — (Cape St. Lucas!). — Reish., Ibis, iii, 1861, 7 (Greenland, breediug). — 
 Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. I860.— Col'es, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, 223 (Labrador, 
 abiiudant, breeding).— Hayd., Eep. 18C2, 166. — CouES & Pkent., Smiths. Rep. 
 1861, (1862), 412 (Washington, D. C^ winter, until May 10, rare and irregular). — 
 BoAEDM., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 126 (Calais, Me., not common). — Vere., Pr. 
 Ess. Inst, iiij 151 (Norway, Me., spring and fall, rare). — Aeeex, Pr. Ess. Inst, 
 iv, 1864,71 (Springfield, Mass., rare in springand autumn, " possibly breeds "). — 
 —Codes, ibid, v, 1868, 282.— CocES, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 115 (South Caro- 
 lina, Oct. to Apr., not common). — Lawe., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1868, 286. — 
 Allen, Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 517 (Northern Illinois, May, quite common). — 
 TuBNB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 22 (Sept. to May, rather rare).— Mayn., Guide, 1870, 
 118 (Massachusetts, very rare migi-ant). — M.vyn., Pr. Bost. Soc. xiv, 1871 
 (common, and breeding at Quebec; various New England localities). — Stev., 
 U. S.Geol.Surv.Ter. 1870,464 (Wyoming).— Meer., iftid. 1872, 681 (Montana).- 
 Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870 (Cape St. Lucas, in winter). — Allex, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 
 lb72, 156, 163, 177 (mountains of Colorado, to above timber-line, in July). — 
 Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 200 (Slierman, Wvo. ; "common wherever there is 
 brush").— Coi:es, Key, 1872, 144.— B. B. & R.] N. A B., i, 1874, 566, pi. 25, f. 9, 10. 
 
 (?) Spizella maxima, Bp., Comp. Rend. 1853, — . 
 
 Hab. — Eastern North America to the Rocky Mountains. Greenland (Reinhardt). 
 Cape St. Lucas in winter (Xantus). Not given by Allen among winter birds of Florida, 
 nor by Dall and Bannister as occurring in Alaska. 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4794, Vermilion Eiver; 5403, Knife River; 9238, 
 Black Hills. 
 
 Later Expeditions.— 598S2-6, Colorado ; 60656-9, 62301-2, Wyoming ; 62300, Montana. 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Kaynolds' Expedition. 
 
 Like other naturalists who have visited the forbidding shores of Lab- 
 rador, I found the White-crowned Sparrow one of the most abundant of 
 the summer birds of that country. Labrador and Newfoundland, 
 indeed, appear to be the principal breeding resorts of the species along 
 the Eastern coast. The nest appears to be always placed on the ground ; 
 the situations generally selected are thick patches of low heath, and the 
 still more dense growths of scrubby conifers. It is composed chiefly of 
 mosses, but lined with a quantity of very line dried grasses or rootlets, 
 set evenly round and round. The eggs are four or Hve in number, 
 about seven-eighths of an inch long, and pale greenish, speckled and 
 blotched, particularly toward the larger end, with brown and neutral 
 tint. The descriptions of some of the earlier authors are certainly erro- 
 neous, probably relating to the egg of the Tit-lark, which breeds abun- 
 dantly with the White-crowned Sparrow, and, like it, builds a mossy 
 nest on the ground. I found nestlings but a few day.s old the last week 
 iu July ; these were perhaps of a second brood, as many birds of the 
 year were flj ing about the same time. The southward migration begins, 
 according to Audubon, as early as the middle of August; this state- 
 ment is continued by the presence of the birds in New England, and 
 even in the Middle States, in September. The migration is very exten- 
 sive, the birds scattering all over the United States, and wintering as 
 far north, at least, as Maryland. Audubon says that they pass beyond 
 Texas; but M does not appear to have made any personal observation 
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WHITE-CKOWNED SPARROW. 155 
 
 to that effect, and I cannot lay my hand on a Mexican quotation. I can 
 hardly understand the scarcity — much less the inegularity — of the 
 occurrence of the birds along the Atlantic States, considering the num- 
 bers that breed to the northward, unless the migration is performed 
 obliquely and in the interior. At Washington, lor example, I found 
 that they were not to be depended upon at ail. Dr. Prentiss and I used 
 to look for them in October, and especially in April, and some years we 
 found a good many, while at others there appeared to be none at all. 
 They seemed, on the whole, more frequent in spring than in the fall, and 
 all those we secured were in breeding dress. Tliey remained some- 
 times until the second week in May ; frequented the same situUions as 
 the White-throats, often associating with them, and showing very simi- 
 lar traits. 
 
 I have not met with any authentic record of this bird breeding along 
 the Atlantic, in the United States, not even in Northern Xew England, 
 where some might be expected to pass the summer, and where, indeed, 
 they may yet be found. Mr. Cooper gives a Quebec reference. In the 
 West, however, the case is different. According to Mr. Trippe, they 
 breed in Minnesota ; and Mr. Allen gives the particularly interesting 
 instance of occurrence higli in the mountains of Colorado in July — a 
 date that leaves no reasonable donbt of their breeding in that elevated 
 locality. The parallelism between the present case and that of the 
 Tit-lark, already mentioned, is here extended and perfected. Beyond 
 this point the species is less easily traced, for it directly becomes mixed 
 up with var. intermedia. Dr. Kennerly has, however, noted the occur- 
 rence of Icticophrys in Western Arizona; while Prof. Baird records it 
 from Cape St. Lucas. I am somewhat surprised not to tind the species 
 in Dall's List, and think it will yet be detected in Alaska. 
 
 The song of this species bears a close, general resemblance, to that of 
 the White-throat, but is, nevertheless, instantly distinguishable. It is 
 a less enterprising vocal elfort, of only five or six syllables, like pee, dee, 
 dedede, the two first long drawn, rising, the rest hurried and lowering. 
 Unlike the White-throat, this species has no evident sexual color-mark- 
 ings, the female sharing with the male the pure black and white of the 
 crown; the young, however, have the black replaced by rich, warm 
 brown. 
 
 A single specimen of this species was obtained at Leavenworth, Kan- 
 sas, by Sir. Allen, who says that in the mountains of Colorado it was 
 frequent in all favorable localities from about 8,000 feet up to above 
 timber-line. "It was one of the most abundant birds met with along 
 the northern and western borders of South Park, but was nowhere more 
 numerous than at the uijper verge of the timber on the Snowy Eange., 
 It is essentially a woodland species." 
 
 The following interesting notice is communicated by Mr. Trippe : 
 " This Sparrow appears in the lower valleys of Clear Creek County, Colo- 
 rado, in the first or second week of May, and soon becomes ^ery abundant, 
 frequenting the shrubby banks of the streams, and occasionally ventur- 
 ing some distance upon the hill-sides, but, as a rnle, keeping close to the 
 brooks and creeks. As the snow disappears it ascends higher and 
 higher, reaching timber-line by the middle of June, and going up to the 
 extreme limit of the willows and junipers, being nowhere more abun- 
 dant than in those dense thickets that shut the upper edge ot the tim- 
 ber. By far the gi-eater number pass the breeding season there, but a 
 few nest lower down, as far as 8,500 feet, below which it does not occur 
 during summer. In habits, during the breeding season, it resembles 
 the tiong Sparrow, seeking its food in the grass and among the dry 
 
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156 ZONOTRICHIA LEUCOPHEYS VAR. INTKEMEDIA. 
 
 leaves in the thickets. It sings constantly during June and Julj-, and 
 occasionally in August, mounting to the top of some high bush, the 
 dead limb of a pine, or any convenient perch well elevated above the 
 surrounding shrubbery, and chanting its ditty at short intervals for 
 half an hour or more at a time — a lively, agreeable song, fine and clear, 
 and frequently heard from a score or more of birds at once, with a most 
 pleasing effect. While his mate is setting, the male sings almost con- 
 stantly throughout the day, and sometimes eveu late into the evening, 
 long after dark — I have heard it at midnight, and eveu as late as one or 
 two o'clock. It is very tame; a pair had their nest within a few feet of 
 our camp at Chicago Lake, and all the bustle and noise did not drive the 
 female from her nest, while her mate would pick up crumbs which we 
 threw to hiui, almost at our feet. It commences building in July, and 
 the young are hatched about the 20th ; the nest is placed on the ground 
 in a clump of bushes, composed of coarse grass and weeds, and lined 
 with flue grass. The eggs are usually four, of a pale bluish-green, very 
 thickly speckled and dotted with reddish-brown, the latter color almost 
 wholly obscuring the former at the larger end. In September it begins 
 to descend ; by October is abundant at Idaho, and by November has 
 disappeared. It is by no means as numerous in the lower valleys dur- 
 ing fall as in spring, passing through much more quickly, a peculiarity 
 shared by many species whose migrations are similar, as Myiodioctes 
 pusiUus, JDendrcEca auduboni, and others." 
 
 ZOjSTOTRICHIA LEUCOPHEYS, var. INTERMEDIA, Eidgw. 
 
 Ridgway's Sparrow. 
 
 Zonotrkhia gambeli, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 460 (in part. lucludes the original Fringilla 
 gambeli of Nutt., Man. i, 2d ed. 1840, 556 ; Gamb., Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1843, 262, or 
 Zonotrichia gambeli, Gamb., Jouiu. Phila. Acad, i, 1847, 50, which is the Pacitic 
 coa.st form, appreciably different). — Ha YD., Eep. 1862, 166. — CouES, Pr. Phila. 
 Acad. 1866, .84 (Arizona).— Dali. & Baxx., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 284 (Alaska).— 
 Stev., U. S. Geo). Surv. Ter. 1870, 464 (Wyoming).— Mere., ibid. 1872, 681.— 
 Hold., Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 199 (Black Hills).— Tkippe, ibid. 237 (Iowa). 
 
 Zonotrichia leucophrys var. gambeli, Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 157, 177. — CoUES, 
 Key, 1872, 145 (in part ; includes the true gambeli). 
 
 Zonotrichia leucophrys var. intermedia, Hidgw., Mss. — Coues, Check-list, App. No. — . 
 
 Sab. — ^Eocky ilountain region, Ala.9ka to Mexico. Middle Dakota (Coues). East- 
 ward, rarely, to Iowa (Trippe). 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4793, Dnrion's Hill ; 4795, Vermilion River. 
 
 Later £rpe(Zittons.— 60646-55, 60989-95, 60993,61019, various Wyoming localities; 
 62299, Idaho. 
 
 Mr. Eidgway has lately shown that the western style of Teucophrt/s, so similar to the 
 typical form as to be only distinguished by the difterent loral pattern, and which is 
 nsually called "gambeli," is not the gainbeli of Nuttall. The latter is confined to the 
 Pacific coast, and is a very cuiious form, having almost exactly the plumage and gen- 
 eral appearance (excepting the head-markings) of Z. coronala. Examining these 
 forms, we agree with him in making a varietal distinction. There is nothing in the 
 Pacific coast race (true gambeli) of the peculiar purplish-ashy tinge of plumage that 
 marks leucophrys and var. intermedia, and the bend of the wing is decidedly yellowish. 
 
 Among the numerons Warren examples of leucophrys, are two referable to var. inter- 
 media, as are all of the large series taken by Stevenson and Merriam, as above quoted. 
 They are found associated in many Rocky Mountain localities, and also further east, 
 ^yith true leucophrys. Mr. Allen only found leucophrys in Kansas and Colorado, meet- 
 ing with var. " gambeli " {intermedia) in Utah. The latter I found abundant in Arizona, 
 at various seasons, though most plentifully during the migrations ; and I believe it is 
 resident in the Territory, the varied conditions of surface of which oifer suitable 
 retreats at the diiferent seasons. lu Dakota I encountered it in numbers as far east as 
 102° of longitude, dnringithe fall migration ; no leucophrys proper was observed. Mr. 
 Trippe has noted it fforif lOwa, the easternmost locality on record. 
 
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ZONOTEICfllA QUERULA, IIAREIS'S SPAEEOW. 157 
 
 ZONOTRICHIA QUERULA, (Nutt.) Gamb. 
 
 Harris's Sparrow. 
 
 FringiUa querula, Ndtt., Man. i, 2d ed., 1840, 555 (Westport, Mo.). 
 
 Zonoirichia querula, Gajib., Jouru. Phila. Acad, i, li:'47, 51.— Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 476.— 
 Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 462.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 127, 177.— Coues, Key, 
 1872, 145.— TlilPPE, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 237 (Iowa).— SNOW, B. Kans. 1873, 
 7.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. i, 1874, 577, pi. 26, fig. 4, 7. 
 
 FringiUa harrisii, AUD., B. Am. vii, 1843, 331, 484. 
 
 FniijiiUa cemata, Maxim., Eeise Nord-Aui. ii, 1841, — ; J. f. O. vi, 1858, 279. 
 
 Zoii'utriehia comaia, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 479. 
 
 Hob. — Eegion of the Missouri. East to Eastern Iowa. 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4797, Fort Leavenworth ; 4798, Upper Missouri Eiver ; 
 4799, Bald Island ; 5400, Medicine Creek. 
 Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition. 
 
 Harris's Finch and Sprague's Lark may be regarded as tbe most char- 
 acteristic birds of the Missouri region. The former has not yet been 
 found away from the river at any distance. Nuttall's original is said to 
 be from Westport, in the State of Missouri ; Audubon's cauie from the 
 Black-Snake Hills, in the Kiokapoo country, and Port Croghan. Dr. 
 Hayden took several at the various points above mentioned. Latterly 
 Mr. Allen found the species "exceedingly abundant" at Fort Leaven- 
 worth, in May ; " it was found almost exclusively in the forests, and 
 generally in company with Z. alhlcolUs, which it resembles in habits, 
 and somewhat in song." He informs me that he has specimens in the 
 Museum of Comparative Zoology from various points in Iowa. Prof. 
 Snow states that in Kansas the bird is often taken in winter, probably 
 resident, and abundant in May along the Missouri. In Iowa, according 
 to Mr. Trippe, it is abundant in spring and fall in Decatur County : 
 " This beautiful Sparrow is one of the commonest of the Fringillidm 
 that pass through Decatur County in spring and fall, associating at 
 such times with the other Sparrows and Finches, and frequenting 
 similar haunts. Its notes in the fall are a simple, loud chirp, not dis- 
 tinguishable from that of the White-throated Sparrow, and, occasion- 
 ally, a low, sweet warble; in the spring it has a curious song, beginning 
 very much like that of the latter bird, but ending in a few harsh, 
 drawling notes, sounding like a faint mimicry of the scream of the 
 Night-Hawk, and totally unlike tbe first part of the song." 
 
 In October of the past year I found Harris's Finches in numbers at 
 Fort Eaudall. They were loitering in small troops in the undergrowth 
 of the river-bottom, along with Towhee Buntings and hundreds of Tree 
 Sparrows, all enjoying at their ease the genial sunshine of the linger- 
 ing season. This was the first time I had ever seen the birds alive, and 
 I was struck with their size and beauty — even among the bushes they 
 looked noticeably larger than their eastern allies, reminding me rather 
 of the Z. coronata I observed some years since on the coast of Cali- 
 fornia. I saw none with black head — this part and the neck appearing 
 at a distance grayish-brown, with irregular dark markings on the throat, 
 and breast. They uttered at intervals the usual sparrow-like chirp, but 
 I heard no song. I was not collecting at the time, my outfit having 
 been delayed en route in following me, but their image haunted me for 
 several days, until, borrowing a gun, and securing some shot (big 
 enough to kill ducks with, but the smallest I could get), I started after 
 them again, expecting of course to find them, and gather a good suite 
 illustrating the immature plumage. But I had missed my chance. I 
 ransacked the same tract for hours without success, and at complete 
 loss to account for their sudden disappearance, till I recollected we had 
 
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158 ZONOTRICHIA QUEEULA, HAREIs's FIXCH. 
 
 just bad a cold suap and a storm. No doubt this sent them trooping 
 off; but however this may be, I am satisfied that not a single individual 
 passed the winter in the vicinity. 
 
 The cold in winter becomes intense at Fort Randall, the thermometer 
 sometimes marking thirty or forty degrees below zero. The surround- 
 ing country fs "flat, windy, and comfortable," furnishing as bleak and 
 dreary a prospect as can well be imagined. Even the shelter afforded 
 by the thick undergrowth and low position of the river-bottom, de- 
 fended as it is in a measure by bluffs and bills, is insufficient to allure 
 any but a few of the hardiest birds to pass the inclement season. The 
 river freezes solid, and the water-birds betake themselves elsewhere ; 
 some Hawks and Owls remain, indeed, but the other winter land-birds 
 of the immediate vicinity, as far as I have made them out, may almost 
 be counted on the fingers. There are Sharp-tailed (irouse in plenty, 
 and Quails too, though these smaller birds sometimes freeze to death. 
 There is a stray pinnated Grouse now and then. Sorry-looking Crows ' 
 wing about and croak dismally, and gangs of Magpies screech noisily 
 through the trees. Snow-birds fleck the open, with Shore-larks, during 
 a part of the sea,son, and probably Longspurs ; troops of Tree Sparrows 
 cower under the bushes. Cheery companies of Titmice stand the cold, 
 and Hairy Woodpeckers hammer at the old cotton woods as industriously 
 as ever. A Shrike is seen now and then o i his patient perch ; but here- 
 about the short list ends. 
 
 The following spring, at the time I suppose the Finches came back 
 to Fort Eandall, I was too busy, writing portions of this work and 
 attending to other matters incident to my transfer to a different field 
 of operations, to look after them ; and it was not until late in Septem- 
 ber of the same year that I found the birds again and secured ray first; 
 specimens. This time I was encamped on the Monse River, in Northern 
 Dakota, and with the onset of the migration among the Fringillidce 
 came Harris's Finches in plenty. Where they came from I have no 
 idea, further than that it was north of 49° ; for, singular as it may 
 appear, the breeding range of the species continues undiscovered, and 
 nobody has yet seen the nest or eggs. I presume the bird has some 
 special, restricted breeding localities, of which, in due time, we shall 
 learn. The birds came from the north, just as the White-throat does, 
 silently and unperceived ; all at once the shrubbery along the river- 
 bottom was thronged with them, as well as with Lincoln's and Ridg- 
 way's Finches. In their general appearance they recall Fox Sparrows, 
 being so large and somewhat reddish-colored, with heavy dark mark- 
 ings underneath, when seen from a distance. They go in little troops, 
 loitering in the patches of briers that lead out from the coutinuous 
 undergrowth into the ravines making down to the streams; and their 
 habit, when disturbed, of mounting the topmost twigs of the bushes to 
 gain a better view, together with their size, renders them very con- 
 spicuous. They had no song at this season, nor indeed any note 
 excepting a weak chirp. 1 saw none with completely black head and 
 throat, as in spring, although at the same season a certain portion of 
 the Ridgway Sparrows were in complete dress. The followiug descrip- 
 tion of the ordinary fall plumage is given, as no sufficient account of it 
 has yet appeared : 
 
 Male. — Bill, light reddish-brown, paler at base below ; feet, flesh-colored, obscured on 
 the toes ; eyes, brown. Crown, grayish-black, every feather with a distinct, narrow, 
 pale gray edge all aronnd, producing a peculiar effect; this area bounded with a light 
 ochrey-brown superciliary and frontal Hue. Sides of head like the superciliary, but 
 the auricular patch rather darker grayish-brown, and the loral region obscurely 
 
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CHONDESTES GEAMMACA, LAKK FINCH. 159 
 
 ■whitish. Chin, pure white, boiimled on each side by a sharp maxillary line of blaokiah, 
 •with a rusty-red tinge. On the lower throat, a large, dififuse and partially disconlinii- 
 OHs blotch of this same blackish-red, cutting off the white chin from the white of the 
 rest of the under parts, connecting with the maxillary streaks, and stretching along 
 the sides of the neck and breast in a series of rich dnsky-chestunt streaks. On tlio 
 middle of the breast the blotch generally runs out into the white in a sharp point, but 
 its size and shape vary interminably. The markings here described are all included in 
 the jet-black hood aud breast-plate of the perfect spring dress ; and between the two 
 extremes every intermediate condition may be observed at various sea.sons. The rest 
 of the plumage does not differ very materially from that of the adults. This is, 
 excepting Z. coronata, the largest of our Sparrows. Length, 7.00 to nearly y.OO inches ; 
 extent, 11.00 or more ; wing, 3.50 ; tail, rather more ; bill, along culmen, 0.45 ; t^irsus, 
 1.00 ; middle toe and claw rather less. In the fall the sexes are not distinguishable 
 by any outward mark. 
 Note. — The only remaining North American species of the genus is the following : 
 
 ZONOTRICHLi CORONATA, (Pall.) Bd. 
 
 Emberiza coronata, Pali.., Zoog. K.-A. ii, 1811, pi. — . 
 
 Zonotnchia coronata, Bd.. B. N. A. 1858, 461.- Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 186P, 
 
 201.— Heeem., p. E. E. Eep. x, 18.^9, pt. vi, 48 (breeding).— Dall & Bann.. 
 
 Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 284 (Alaska).— CooP., B. Cal. i, 1870, 197.— Codes, Key, 
 
 1872, 145.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. i, 1874, .573, pi. 26, f. 1. 
 Enibei'iza atrieapilla, Aud., Oru. Biog. v, 1839, 47, pi. 394. 
 Fringilla atrieapilla, Aud., Syn. 1839, 123; B. Am. iii, 1841, 162, pi. 193. 
 FnngiUa aurocapilla, Nutt., Man. i, 2d ed. 1840, 555. 
 Zonotrichia aurocapilla, Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 478. — New;)., P. E. E. Eep. vi, 1857, 88. 
 
 Hab. — Pacific coast, from Alaska to Southern California, and probably eastward to 
 the Eooky Mountains. 
 
 CHONDESTES GEAMMACA, (Say) Bp. 
 Lark Finch. 
 
 Fringilla grammaca. Say, Long's Exp. i, 1823, 139. — Bp., Am. Orn. i, 1825, 47,pl. 5, f. 3.— 
 Bp., Syn. 1828.- Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 480.— Aun., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 17, pi. 390. 
 
 Chondestcs grammaca, Bp., List, 1838, 32; Cousp. Av. i, 1850, 479. — WooDii , Sitg. Eep. 
 1853, 86.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 456.— Bd., Pr. Phihi. Acad. Nov. 1859 (Cape St. 
 Lucas). — Heerm., P. E. E. Eep. x, 1859, part vi, 48. — Coop. it. Suck., N. H. 
 Wash.Ter. 1860,200.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Eep. 1860 (Ohio, three specimens). — 
 Hayd., Eep. 1862, 166.— Scl., P. Z. S. 1859, 379 (Oasaca).— Dress., Ibis, 1865, 
 488 (Texas).— Allen-, Pr. Ess. Inst> i v, 1864, 84 (ilassachusetts).— JIayn., Guide, 
 1870, 142 (Massachusetts). — Coues, Pr. Phil. Acad. l-:66, 84 (Arizona). — Allen, 
 Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 495, 517 (Iowa and Illinois).— Su.micil, ihid. 1869, 5.52 
 (Vera Cruz, in winter). — Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 281 (Massachusetts). — 
 Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 404.— Merk., ibid. 1872, 680.— Coop., B. 
 Cal. i, 1870, 103.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1^72, 177.— Hold., Pr. Bost. Soc. 
 1872, 201 (Wyoming). — Trippe, ibid. 237 (Iowa, breeding). — S"NOW, B. Kans. 187,;. 
 7.— Coues, Key, 1872, 146, fig. 90.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. i, 1874, 562, pi. 31, f. I- 
 
 MLibniza grammaca, AuD., Svn. 1839, 101. — Aud., B. Am. iii, 1841, 63, pi. 158. — "Bp., 
 Am. Orn. 8™ ed. iii, 65, pi. 158."— Putn., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 244 (Gloucester, 
 Mass., one specimen, in 1845, S. Jilhou). — Maxlvl, J. f. O. vi, 1858, 343. 
 
 Chondestes slrigatus, Sw., Phil. Mag. i, 1827, 435 (Mexico). 
 
 Hab. — Prairies and p'ains of the V/est, from Illinois and Iowa, &c., to the Pacific: 
 occasional in Ohio ; accidental in Massachusetts. Cape St. Lucas. South into Mexico. 
 
 List of spedniens. 
 
 19348 
 19349 
 
 Yellowstone E. 
 do 
 
 July 12, 1870 
 do 
 
 G. H. Trook.. 
 do 
 
 6.75 
 6.50 
 
 11.00 
 11.00 
 
 3.76 
 
 3.50 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4820-21, Upper Missouri Eiver ; 4822-23, Big Sionx 
 Elver; 5382-83, Powder Eiver; 5384-85, Fort Lookout; 9228-31, 9233-36, 1938, Loup 
 Fork of Platte Eiver ; 9232, Fr(5mont, on Platte Eiver ; 9237, Sand Hills. 
 
 Later Expeditions.— 60^7 , Bitter Cottonwood Creek; 61668-71, 61776, Utah ; (;2307, 
 Wyoming. 
 
 This is one of the most abundant and characteristic birds of the 
 
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160 PASSERELLA ILIACA, FOX SPARROW. 
 
 prairie regions of the West. In the spring of 1864, in company with 
 my respected friend, Dr. George Engelmann, the eminent botanist, I 
 observed it in great numbers in the suburbs of Saint Louis, and various 
 accounts exhibit its occurrence in the flat, open country of several States 
 still further eastward. A solitary instance of its occurrence, entirely 
 accidental, in Massachusetts, is recorded. In the West it appears upi- 
 versally dispersed, and it is conspicuous, among its congeners, by its 
 striking colors, agreeable song, and pleasing manners, as well as by its 
 abundance in all suitable localities. Although essentially a prairie bird, 
 it is not confined to the plains, nor is it exclusively terrestrial ; it is 
 observed also in wooded, broken, even mountainous regions, alighting 
 on trees and bushes as often as its allies, the birds of the genera Zono- 
 trichia, Pooecetes, &c. I found it frequently in the openings about pine- 
 woods, in the higher portions of Arizona, where it is very numerous in 
 spring and fall during the migi'ations, though less so at other seasons. 
 Although I did not find its nest, I am convinced it breeds there, having 
 taken very young birds late in the summer. (It breeds in Colorado, 
 according to Mr. Trippe.) In the fall it collects in small troops, 
 rambling in the grass near bushes or small trees, to which it betakes 
 itself on alarm, like the Fox Sparrow and other species. 
 
 In the spring of 1873 I observed its arrival at Fort Randall in large 
 numbers, late in April, along with Spizella pallida. It appeared in 
 straggling troops about the fort, entering the parade-ground, where, 
 perching upon the young and struggling shade-trees of that very uncon- 
 liued establishment, it would make its first essays in the way of nuptial 
 song — music that, later in the season, becomes stronger, more attractive, 
 and almost incessant. Further nortli than this, along the forty-ninth 
 parallel, I never observed the bird. 
 
 The Lark Finch nests on the ground, like the other ipraiiie FrlngilUdw, 
 building a rather rude structure of grasses and weeds, lined with very 
 fine tortuous rootlets. It is constructed about the first of June. The 
 eggs are laid during the same month. A nest before me, taken by Mr. 
 Allen on the Big Muddy, contains seven eggs. The eggs of this species 
 are very peculiar in coloration, being white, curiously streaked in zig- 
 zag, much like the Blackbird's (Agelwus). The markings are sharp and 
 distinct, and heavy in color — a rich, dark reddish-brown or chocolate ; 
 sometimes, where the pigment is thickest, being almost blackish. The 
 markings straggle all over the surface, and are usually accompanied 
 with a few spots of the same color. The egg is noticeably globose, very 
 much rounded at the smaller end, measuring about 0.75 by 0.65. Other 
 specimens, however, are more elongate, measuring as much as 0.85. 
 According to Mr. Kidgway, the nest is sometimes placed on bushes or 
 trees. 
 
 ^ PASSERELLA ILIACA, (Merr.) Sw. T ' '"- " 
 Fox Sparrow. 
 
 Fringilla iliaca, Mekr., Beit. Gesch. Vog. ii, 1786-7, 49, pi. 10.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 
 923.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 112.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 514.— Add., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 
 58 ; V, 1839, 512 ; pi. 108.— AuD., Syn. 1839, 119.— Add., B. Am. iii, 1841, 1.39, pi. 
 185.— Pdtn., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 211.— Trippe, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 116 
 (Minnesota, migratory, uncommon). 
 
 Fringilla {ZonotricMa) iliaca, Sw. & EicH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 257. 
 
 Pusaerella iliaca, Sw., Class. B. ii, 1837, 228.— Bp.. List, 1838, 31 ; Consp. Av. i, 1850, 477.— 
 WooDH., Sitgr. Kep. 1853, 82 (Indian Territory, abundant, migratory). — Bd., 
 B. N. A. 1858, 488.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. I860.— Codes & Pjient., Smiths. 
 Eep. for 1861 (1862), 413 (Washington, D. C, October to April, but chiefly 
 
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PASSEEELLA ILIACA, EOX SPARROW. 161 
 
 November and March).— BoAiiDM., Pr. Best. Soo. ix, 1863, 127 (Calais, Me., mi- 
 
 fratory, common). — Verr., iUd. 138 (Anticosti, common, breeds). — Vere., Pr. 
 Iss. Inst., iv, 1864, 73 (Springfield, Mass., October, November, March, April, 
 sometimes Febmarv).— CoUES. Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 283 (New England, mi- 
 gratory).— CouES, Pr. Bost. Soc. sii, 1868, 116 (South Carolina, November to 
 April).-LAWR., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1868, 287.— Tuhnb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 13 
 (October to March).— Dall & Bank., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1868, d>S5 (Alaska, 
 summer, breeding abundantly).— Matx., Gnide, 1870, 120 (Massachubetts, mi- 
 gratory) ; and Pr. Bost. Soc. 1871 (Quebec, breeding).— Ai.le.n, Bull. M. C. Z. 
 ii, im, 279 (Florida, rare).— Trippe, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 238 (Iowa).— CouES, 
 Key, 1872, 147, fig. 91.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 7.— B. B. & Ii., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 
 50,'pl. 78, f. 2. 
 
 D-ingilla rufa, VViLS., Am. Orn. ii, 1811, 53, pl.-22, f. 4.— LiCHT., Vwz. 1823, No. 428. 
 
 Fi-ingilla ferriiginea, WiLS., Cat. vi, 1812. 
 
 "Emberieapratensis,YiElLT^." 
 
 Fasserella obscura, Verr., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 153 (Anticosti). 
 
 SaJ.— Eastern Province of North America. North to 68°, and to the Yukon. Breeds /^ ^ • 
 from the British Provinces northward. Not observed to neat anywhere in'tho United ., , . _ 
 States. Winters in the Middle States sparingly, iu the Southern States very abun-'^'^/ 
 dantly. West in, the United States only to the edge of the Central Plains. Accidental^ w**/ C, 
 in California (spec, in Mus. S. I.). . • «^ 
 
 Not obtained by any of the Expeditions. ''^ , 
 
 The Pox Sparrow enters the Middle States from the North in October,'^ ° 
 and by the first of the following- month has become abundant. Some (e ^7' 
 linger here through the winter in sheltered situations, but the greater >^.J 
 number repair further south eaily in December, to reappear the latter 
 part of February, thus escaping the coldest weather. During the 
 winter they are dispersed over the Southern States, beyond which, how- 
 ever, they do not appear to pass, as I have found rio record. In March 
 they again become plentiful in the Middle States; and, having already 
 taken up their line of migration toward their homes in the North, their 
 coming is with song of gladness and all the busy stir of the opening 
 season. They are not all oft' until April, and during the sunny days 
 that precede their departure, the males are fond of mounting the little 
 bushes, or even the trees, to warble a few exquisitely sweet notes, the 
 overture of the joyous music which, later in the year, enlivens the 
 northern solitudes, whither the birds resort to nest. So musical is the 
 Fox Sparrow, indeed, that even in autumn, when the transient glow 
 and fervor of the nuptial period has subsided and commonplace occu- 
 pations alone engage him, he forgets the dull se*ason at times, and li^ps 
 fugitive strains of sweet memories awakened by the warmth and 
 glamour of the Indian summer. But this is a mere fragment — the 
 shadow of a song stealing across the mind, not the song itself, which 
 we only hear in perfection when the bird's life is quickened in the sunny, 
 showery April, and he leaves us with cheery "good-bye," promising to 
 come again. What one of our fringilline birds is so entirely pleasing 
 as this, my favorite"? Strong, shapely, vivacious, yet gentle, silver- 
 tongued; clad most tastefully in the richest of warm browns; and, that 
 nothing may be wanting to single him out from^among his humbler 
 relatives, a high-bred bird, exclusive, retiring. 'OVe do not find him 
 mixing indiscriminately with the throng of Sparrows that accompany 
 him in his journeyings' and spend the winter with him. With a few 
 select associates of his own kind, perhaps only two or three families 
 that were reared together, he chooses his own retreat, and holds it 
 against intrtision. In some little glade, hedged about with almost im- 
 penetrable briers, you will come upon him and his ftiends, nestling 
 among the withered leavesx)n the ground, gently calling to each other 
 in the assurance of safety .y'Ou your unwelcome appearance, they will 
 hurriedly take flight together, throwing tliemselves into the thickest 
 11 
 
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162 PASSEEELLA TOWNSENDII VAR. SCHISTACEA. 
 
 shrubbery. You will find such company, again, in the ravines over- 
 grown with smilax and brambles that lead down to the brook; and as 
 you pass along neglected fences, fringed with tall, rank weeds, you may 
 surprise the birds out for a morning's ramble, and make them hurry 
 back in alarm to the shelter of heavier undergrowth. 
 
 I have never known a single Fox Sparrow to nest in the United States, 
 nor even loiter within our limits through the summer; though Audubon 
 states, upon perhaps insufficient grounds, that it remains in abundance 
 during the season around Boston. Nor did I find a nest in Labrador, 
 where it is said to breed, as well as in various British provinces north of 
 us. " The nest," says Audubon, " which is large for the size of the bird, 
 is usually placed on the ground, among moss or tall grass, near the 
 stem of a creeping fir, the branches of which completely conceal it from 
 view. Its exterior is loosely formed of dry grass and moss, with a care- 
 fully-disposed under-layer of finer grasses, circularly arranged; and the 
 lining consists of very delicate fibrous roots, together with some feathers 
 from different species of water-fowl." The eggs, he adds, are laid from 
 the middle of June to the 5th of July. The nest is not always, how- 
 ever, placed on the ground, but sometimes in a bush or low tree, eight 
 or ten feet high. 
 
 The eggs show the same style as those of ZonotricMa and Melospiza 
 in heavy coloring, wholly indeterminate in size and shape of the mark- 
 ings, upon a pale greenish-gray ground; and in some instances the 
 whole egg assumes a nearly uniform dark chocolate hue, much like that 
 of Plectroplianes lapponiciis. The reddish-brown blotching is usually, 
 however, much as in a Song Sparrow's or White-throated Sparrow's. 
 The size oi the egg is about 0.95 by 0.68. 
 
 PASSERBLLA TOWNSEI^DII var. SCHISTACEA, (Bd.) Cones. 
 Slate-colored Sparrow. 
 
 a. townsendii. 
 
 {^.) Fringilla unalaakenms, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 675 (Oonalashlia Bunting, Lath., Syn. 
 
 ii, 202 ; Penn., 52). 
 Tasserella unalaslcenm, Finsjh., Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 53 (Alaska). 
 FringUUi townsendii, AuD., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 236, pi. 424, f. 7 ; Syn. 1839, 119 ; B. Am. 
 
 iii, 1841, 43, pi. 187. 
 FringlUa (Passerella) townsendii, Nutt., Man. i, 1840, 533. 
 Passerella toicnsendii, Bp., Consp. i, 18."0, 477.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 489. — Coop. & SccK., 
 
 N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 204.— D.sll & Baxx., Tr. Cbio. Acad, i, 1869, 285.— 
 
 CouES, Key, 1872, 352.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 53, pi. 28, f. 8. 
 Passerella iliaca var. townsendii, CouKS, Key, 1872, 147. 
 FringiUa meruloides, ViG., Zool. Beech. Voy. 1639, 19 (Monterey). 
 (?) Eniberiza {ZonotricMa) rufina, Kittl., Denk. 1858, 200 (Sitka). 
 
 Hob. — Pacific Coast, North America. Alaska to Southern California. 
 
 b. schistaeea. 
 
 Passerella scMstacea, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 490, pi. 69, fig. 3 (Platte Eiver and Fort Tejon).— 
 
 Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 7. 
 Passerella iliaca var. schistaeea, Axlen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 168 (Ogden, Utah). — 
 
 CouES, Key, 1872, 147. 
 Passerella toionsendii var. schistaeea, CouBS, Key, 1872, 352. — B. B. & E., N. A. B. ii, 
 
 1874, .56, pi. 28, f. 9. 
 Passerella megarhyncha, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 925, pi. 69, fig. 4 (larger billed form from 
 
 California).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 222. 
 ^ Passerella toionsendii var. megarhyncha, B. B. & E., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 57, pi. 28, f. 10. 
 Passerella schistaeea var. megarhyncha, Eidgw., " Eep. Geol. Exp. 40th parallel" (in press). 
 
 Hob. — Central region, Kansas to California. 
 
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CALAMOSPIZA BICOLOR, LAEK BUNTING. 
 
 163 
 
 ■ No example of a PasserelUne form was taken by either expedition ; but the P. " achis- 
 tacea " was originally based upon a specimen from the Platte, within the region em- 
 braced in the present report. 
 
 I am much inclined to doubt the distinctness of any of the currently reputed species 
 Of Paaserella, but, as I observed in the Key, it may be as well to allow P. townseiidji to 
 rest upon its characters until its intergradation with iliaca is proven. In any event, 
 P "schisiacea" goes with totviisendli, as a paler variety. 
 
 CALAMOSPIZA BIOOLOE, (Towns.) Bp. 
 
 Lark Bunting. 
 
 Fringilla Ucolor, Towns., Journ. Phila. Acad, vil, 1837, 189 ; Narr. 1839, 346.— AuD., 
 Orn. Biog. v, 1339, 19, pi. 390. 
 
 Calamosinza licolor, Bp., List, 1638, 30 ; Consp. Av. i, 1850, 475.— Bd.,B. N. A. 1858, 492.— 
 Bd., Pr. Phila. Acad. Nov. 1*59 (Cape St. Lucas).— Hebem., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, 
 Route 32d par.. Birds, 13 (Texas, New Mexico, Arizona).— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 
 166.— Dkbss., Ibis, 1865, 490 (Texas).— CouES, Pr. Pnlla. Acad. 11^66, 86 (Ari- 
 zona).— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. ,1870, 465 (Wyoming).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 
 1870, 225.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 137, 177.— Hold., Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 
 201 (Wyoming).— CouES, Key, 1872, 147.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 7.— B. B. &. E., 
 N. A. B. ii, 1874, 61, pi. 29, f. 2, 3. 
 
 Corydalina Ucolor, Aud., Svn. 1839, 130.— Aud., B. Am. iii, 1841, 195, pi. 202.— Maxim., 
 J. f. O. vi, 1858, 347. 
 
 Bolichonyx Ucolor, Nurr., Man. i, 2d ed. 1840, 203. 
 
 Hai. — United States, Plains to the Rocky Mountains, 
 across to Lower California. 
 
 List of Specimens. 
 
 Southward to Mexico, and 
 
 19276 
 19352 
 19353 
 
 34 
 
 Fort Benton . . . 
 Bighorn Mts. .. 
 
 
 July 6,1860 
 May 30, 1860 
 
 F. V. Hayden. 
 
 G. H. Trook.. 
 do 
 
 (:.12 
 7.00 
 7.00 
 
 11.25 
 11.25 
 11.25 
 
 3.60 
 3.25 
 3.25 
 
 
 
 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 5375, seventy miles above Yellowstone ; 5076, Medi- 
 cine Butte ; 8928-29-31, Loup Fork of Platte. 
 
 Later Expeditions. — 60392-5, Camp Curling and Bitter Cottonwood; 60760, North 
 Butte. 
 
 The Lark Bunting is one of the most singularly specialized of all our 
 fringilline forms. As implied in its name, it has somewhat the habits 
 of a Lark, and shares the long inner secondary quills. An eminently 
 terrestrial bird, yet the hind claw is neither lengthened nor straight- 
 ened as is usual with passerine birds frequenting the ground almost 
 exclusively. The bill is that of a Grosbeak, being shaped almost ex- 
 actly like that of Goniapliea ccerulea for instance, and the sexual differ- 
 ences in plumage are as great as in that bird. But a more remarkable 
 circumstance still is the seasonal change of plumage, wt^ich is exactly 
 correspondent with that of the Bobolink, to which the species bears a 
 general similarity in coloration. This fact was first noticed, I believe, 
 by Mr. Allen, in the paper above quoted : "After the moulting season, 
 the males assume the plumage of the female, the change in color being 
 similar to that of the males of Bolichonyx o7-yzivora." There is still 
 another curious analogy, that the same writer has brought out: "It 
 has habits that strongly recall the Yellow-breasted Chat, singing gen- 
 erally on the wing, hovering in the same manner as that bird, while its 
 notes are so similar to those of the Chat, as to be scarcely distinguish- 
 able from them." 
 
 This author remarks that he found the bird very wary and difficult 
 to shoot — a fact at variance with my own experience. I found it com- 
 mon from the plains in Kansas to the Eaton Mountains, westward of 
 which I never saw it. In some places it was extremely abundant, and 
 fairly to be considered the characteristic species. This was in June, 
 
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164 EUSPIZA AMERICAXA, BLACK-THROATED BUNTING. 
 
 when the birds ivere breeding, apparently in straggling groups, keeping 
 up somewhatofassociation,butbynomeans intimate companionship, still 
 less flocking ; each pair findtag its own business suflficientlj- interesting 
 and absorbing. As 1 was traveling by coach at the time, I had no 
 opportunity of looking for the nests. Judging from the fact that I saw 
 scarcely any females, the birds were then either incubating or brooding 
 over their young. The more conspicuous and voluble males were almost 
 constantly in view, fluttering over the grass, every now and then start- 
 ing up on tremulous wing, almost perpendicularly in the air, hovering 
 and singing the while, till they dropped as if exhausted. Sometimes 
 several were in view at once, and I used to watch their vocal rivalry 
 with unflagging interest, as each strove, it seemed, to rise the higher, 
 and carol the louder its joyous song. 
 
 The Galamospiza nests on the ground In open prairie, building, as 
 usual in such cases, a rather rude structure of grasses and slender 
 weed-stalks, with merely a little finer material of the same sort for lin- 
 ing. The nest is sunk flush with the surface of the ground. The eggs 
 are commonly five in number, sometioies only four. They are of a clear 
 pale bluish-green, and look almost exactly like those of a Bluebird, in 
 fact, could not be distinguished with certainty, though rather larger 
 and thicker. liarely a set of eggs is found very sparsely dotted, as 
 frequently happens with these pale greenish eggs ; but I have never 
 seen a white one, like the curious white eggs Bluebirds sometimes lay. 
 The egg varies in size and shape from 0.80 to 0.95 in length, by about 
 0.65 in breadth. Cow-birds' eggs are frequently found in the nest. 
 
 The following was prepared by Mr. Allen for this work : " The 
 Lark Bunting, though of rather local distribution and limited 
 range, must be regarded as one of the most characteristic and interest- 
 ing birds of the plains. Generally in the breeding season a number of 
 pairs are found in the same vicinity, while again not an individual may 
 be met with for many miles. At other seasons it is eminently gregari- 
 ous, roving about in considerable flocks. In its song and the manner 
 of its delivery it much resembles the Tellow-brea«ted Chat [Icteria 
 ■rirens), like that bird rising to a considerable distance in the air, and 
 poising itself by a peculiar flapping of the wings during its utterances, 
 then abruptly descending to the ground to soon repeat the manoeuvre. 
 It is a very strong flier, and seems to delight in the strongest gales, 
 singing more at such times than in comparatively quiet weather. I 
 met with several colonies not far from Fort Hays in June and July, and 
 later at Cheyenne, Laramie, and in South Park, and in the elevated 
 open table-lands, between South Park and Colorado City. They were 
 also frequent'along the route from Colorado City to Denver, sometimes 
 considerable flocks being met with. They w^ere then moulting, and the 
 parti-colored flocks of young and old were quite unsuspicious and easily 
 approached. During the breeding season we found them exceedingly 
 shy and difftcult to procure, and were unsuccessful in our eiforts to dis- 
 cover their nests." 
 
 EUSPIZA AMEEICx'lXA, (Gm.) Bp. 
 Black-throated Bunting. 
 
 Eniberiza americana, Gm., Svst. Xat. i, 1788, 87-2.— "Wils., Am. Orn. i, 1808, 411 : iii, 1811 
 
 86; pi. 3, f. 2.— NUTT., Mau. i, 1832, 461.— AuD., iv, 1838, 579, pi. 384: Syn 
 
 1839, 101 ; B. Am. iii, 1841, 58, pi. 156.— Emm., Cat. B. Mass. 1835, 4.— Pe.vb., Eep. 
 
 B. Mass. 1839, 319.— GiP,., B. L. 1. 1844, 100.— PuTX., Pr. Ess. Inst. 1, 1856, 227 -— 
 
 ■ Maxim., J. f. O. vi, 1858, 341. 
 
 Frirtfjilla {Spiza) americana, Bp., Ob's. \Yils. 1825, No. 85. 
 
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EUSPIZA AMERICANA, BLACK-THEOATED BUNTING. 165 
 
 Frinflilla americana, Bp., Syn. 1828, 107. 
 
 Ccelebs americana, Less., Tr. Orn. 1831, 440. 
 
 Euspiza ammicana, Bp., List, 1838, 3-2 : Consp. i, li^oO, 4j9.— AYoodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 
 87 (Indian Territorv, Texas, Ne%v Mexicci).— Bd., B. N. A. ISr-S, 494.— Wheat., 
 Ohio Agrio. Rep. 18fi0 (plentiful).— Lawr.. Ann. Lvc. vii, 1861, 296 (New- 
 Granada).— CouES & Pkent., Smiths. Rep. 1861. (1862) 413 (Washingt(»i, 
 D. C, May to Sept., abundant).— H,vtd., Rep. 18C2, 168.— Allen, Pr. Ess. 
 Inst, iv, 1864, 84 (Massachusetts, rare, or occasional).— CO0BS, Pr. Ess. Inst. 
 V, 1868, '284 (northeast to Massachusetts).— L,\WB., Ann. Lye. vii, 1861, 293 
 (Panama); 186.5, 181 (Nicaragua); viii, 1868, 286 (Neu- York); ix, 1868, 103 
 (Costa Rica). — Codes, Pr. Boat. Soc. xii, 18i)8 (South Carolina in summer, /(Ze 
 Gibhes). — AI.LEN, Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 505 (Western Iowa, very abundant, 
 hreeding), and 517 (Northern Illinois, conimou).— TriiXB., B. E. Pa. 1869. 24 
 (May to Sept., plentiful.)— Dress., Ibis, 1865, 490 (Texas).— .Salv., P. Z. S. 
 1867', 142 (Veragua).— Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1860, 140 (Turbo).— Sumicii.. 
 Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 552 (^ era Cruz, wintering).— Sol. & Salv., Ibis, i, 
 1859, 18 (Gautemala).— Mav.n., Guide, 1870, 120 (Massachusetts, three instan- 
 ces noted).— Allex, Bull. JI. C. Z. iii, 1872, 177 (Kansas and Colorado). — 
 Tkippb, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 238 (Iowa, breeding).— CouES. Kev, 1872, 148.— 
 Skow, B. Kans. 1873, 7.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 65, pi. 28, f. 11, 12. 
 • Miispina americana, Cab., Mas. Hein. i, 1851, 133. 
 
 Fringilla flaricollis, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 926. 
 
 Fririgilla'inexicana, Muller, Syst. Nat. Siippl. 165. 
 
 Fmieriza mexicana, Gm., S. Nat. i, 1788, 873.— Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 412. (P. E. 386, 1.) 
 
 Fasserina nigricoUis, Viell^., Enc. Meth. 931. 
 
 Sal). — United States, west to Kansas and Nebraska, and even Colorado. North to 
 Connecticut regularly (LiNSL., Am. Journ. Sci. 1843, 261), to Massachusetts occasionally ; 
 no record beyond. No record of wintering in the United States. Winters iu Mexico 
 and Central America, and New Granada (numerous quotations). 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's ExpecUtion.—^^^l, 9286, Fort Lookout ; 9261. 9265, 9258, 9263, 
 9260, 9254, 9248, 9270, 9269, Loup Fork of the Platte; 9253, 9262, 9264, 9249, Elbhorn 
 River ; 9257, Fremont, on Platte. 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition, or by the later ones. 
 
 From its winter abode iu tropical America, the Black-throated Bunt- 
 ing enters the United States in April, in small troops. Vast numbers 
 pass up the Mississippi Valley, some finding their final resting place in 
 Iowa, but others lingering to breed all along the route. 3Iany spread 
 westward over the prairies of Kansas and Nebraska, and a part of the 
 host reaches the Middle Atlantic States- by the latter part of the month, 
 some even penetrating eastward to Southern ^STew England, which 
 forms their terminus. Eearing their yoaug in nearly all parts of this 
 great extent of land, from Texas to Nebraska, and 2sew England, they 
 depart before the approach of cold weather to their homes far south. 
 
 Making no claim to the brilliancy of coloration that many of its 
 spizine allies possess, this Bunting is nevertheless a handsome bird, 
 with tasteful color contrasts, a trim form, and a peculiarly smooth, neat 
 plumage. As a vocalist, however, we must rate it a very humble per- 
 former ; its song is short and simple, even weak, and grows monotonous 
 with repetition through the season of incubation, when the male, from 
 the highest perch he can find near his nest, cheers his faithful mate 
 with the assurance of his presence and protection. He seems to say, 
 " Look ! look ! see me here ! see ! " And if we do not like his perform- 
 ance, we may remember we are not asked to listen. 
 
 The nest of this species is alra'^st invariably placed on the ground, 
 but occasionally iu a thick grass-clump, over a foot high. The eggs are 
 four or five in number, of precisely the same pale blue shade as in the 
 last species, being thus exactly like Bluebird eggs. They are said to 
 be sometimes dotted, and I have no doubt such is the case, though. I 
 have seen none not perfectly plain. The size is 0.80 by 0.65. 
 
 As was remarked by Audubon, the Black-throated Bunting appears 
 to avoid certain districts, both in its migrations and for breeding, giv- 
 ing preference to fertile portions of the country, and in settling down to 
 
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166 GONIAPHEA LUDOVIClAt^A, EOSE-BEEASTE0 GROSBEAK. 
 
 breed will make capricious choice of particular spots and confine itself 
 to them. About "Washington, it was most plentiful in the skirts of the 
 city itself, in gardens and orchards, and in fields about the edges of 
 woods. It abounds on the western prairies, to the edge of the sterile 
 plains. The fact of its becoming abundant in regions where it was 
 scarce before, is also attested, but remains unexplained. Thus, accord- 
 ing to Audubon, it was rare in Ohio, and Dr. Kirfland, writing in 1838, 
 admits the insufficiency of his authority, but believes it " to be an occa- 
 sional visitor ; " whereas Mr. J. M. Wheaton, commenting upon this 
 circumstance, in 1860, gives it as one of the most numerous birds of 
 that State. It is there known as the " Little Field Lark ; " while in 
 Illinois, Mr. Eidgway tells me, it is called " Judas-bird" and " Dick- 
 sissel," both names being in allusion to its song. 
 
 GOXIAPHEA LUDOVICIAXA, (Linn.) Bowd. -T- i- 
 
 Eose-l)reasted Grosbeak. 
 
 ioxio ludovidana, LiNX., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 306.— WiLS., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 135, pi. 17, f. 2. 
 
 Fringilla liicloviciana, Bp., Am. Orn. ii, 79, pi. 15, f. 2.— Bp., Svn. 182^, 113. — Nutt., Man. 
 i, 1S32, 0-27.— AUD., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 166 ; v, 1839," 513 ; ijl. 127. 
 
 Fyrrhula Judoriciaiia, Sabixe, Franklin's Journ. Zool. App. 675. 
 
 Guiraca ludoriciana, Sw., Phil. Mag. i. 1-27, 438.— Bp., List, 1838, 30; Consp. At. i, 1S50, 
 501.— Bd., B. N. a. 18.58, 497.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. I860.— Coues & 
 Prent., Smiths. Rep. 1861 (1.362), 413 (Washington, D. C, summer, rare). — 
 Hayd., Kep. 1862, 168 (abundant along Missouri). — Allex, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 
 1864 fSpringfield, Mass., summer, not abundant). — Boardm., Pr. Bost. Soc. is, 
 1862, 127 (Calais, Jle., summer, rare). — Veer., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 151 (Norway, 
 Me., not common). — McIlwe., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 90 (Hamilton, C. W., sum- 
 mer). — Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 284 (throughout New England). — Coles, 
 Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 116 (South Carolina, rare, migratory). — Tuexb., B. E. 
 Pa. 1869, 24 (May to Sept., rather rare).— Sumich., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 552 
 (Vera Cruz, winter). — ilAYX., Guide, 1)^70, 12(1 (Massachusetts, May to Seirt., 
 common, breeds). — Mayx., l?r. Bost. Soc. xiv, 1871, — (north to Quebec, 
 Couper). — Tkippe, ibid, xv, 1872, 2?,!i (Iowa, breeds). — Snow, B. Kans lo73, 8. 
 
 Coccoihraxtsies (Guiraca) ludoviciana, Sw. & ElCH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 271. 
 
 Goniaphea ludoviciana, " BowDiTCn."^AiXEX, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 177 (Eastern 
 Kansas). — Coues, Key, 1872, 148, fig. 92. 
 
 Coccolons ludovicianus, AuD., Syu. 1839, 133. — AuD., B. Am. iii, 1841, 209, pi. 205. — 
 PuTX., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 212 (Massachusetts).— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 133.— 
 Maxim., J. f. 0. vi, 1858, 267.— Teippe, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 117 (Minnesota). 
 
 Bedymelea ludoviciauus, Cab., Mus. Hein. i, 1851, 1853; J. f. O. iv, 1856, 9 (Cuba) ; 1861, 
 7 (Costa Eica).-SCL, P. Z. S. 1-.55, 133, 154 (Bogota); 1856, 301 (Cordova); 
 1859, 365 (Xalapa); 1860, 293 (Ecuador).— ScL. & Salv., Ibis, i, 1859, 17 
 (Guatemala). — ScL., Cat. 1862, 100 (Guatemala and Bogota).— L.vwr.., Ann. 
 Lye. N. Y. vii, 1861, 297 (Panama) ; viii, 1868, 287 (New York) ; ix, 1868, 102 
 (Costa Rica) ; 1869, 200 (Yucatan).— Ai.tEX, Jlem. Bust. Soc. 1868, 496, 505, 517 
 (Iowa and Illinois).— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 70, pi. 30, f. 4, 5. 
 
 Coccothrauslcs i-uhricollia, Vieill., Gal. Ois. i, 1824, 67, pi. 58. 
 
 Liaia rosea, WiES., Joe. cit. 
 
 Loxia obscura, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788. 862.— Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 179, 379. 
 
 Fringilla punicea, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1783, 921.— Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 444. 
 
 Hal). — Eastern Province of North America, north to Labrador and the Saskatchewan. , ^ ^ 'j 
 Breeds from the Middle States northward. Winters in Mexico and Central America. *" ' ' ^ 
 South to Ecuador. Cuba. ' _ , 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4848, Ponca Island; 4849, Vermilion Eiver; 4850, ^ , ": . ,^ 
 Running Water ; 4852, Bijonx Hills. 
 
 Not obtained by Captain RaynoMs' Expedition. ' , 
 
 I have nowhere found this beautiful bird more abundant than along ^ f^ -' 
 the Eed River of the Xorth, and there may be no locality where its 
 nidiflcation and breeding habits can be studied to greater advantage. 
 On entering the belt of noble timber tbat borders the Eiver, iu June, 
 we are almost sure to be saluted with the rich, rolling song of the rose- 
 
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G. MELANOCEPHALA, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK. 167 
 
 breasted male, and as we penetrate into the deeper recesses, pressing 
 through the stubborn luxuriance of vegetation into the little shady 
 glades that the bird loves so well, we may catch a glimpse of the shy 
 and retiring female, darting into concealment, disturbed by our ap- 
 proach. She is almost sure to be followed the next moment by her 
 ardent spouse, solicitous for her safety, bent on reassuring her by his 
 presence and caresses. Sometime during this month, as we enter a 
 grove of saplings, and glance carefully overhead, we may see the nest, 
 placed but a few feet from the ground, in the fork of a limb. The 
 female, alarmed, will flutter away stealthily, and we may not catch 
 another glimpse of her, nor of her mate even, though we hear them 
 both anxiously consulting together at a little distance. The nest is not 
 such an elegant affair as might be desired ; it is, in fact, bulky and rude, 
 if not actually slovenly. It is formed entirely of the long, slender, 
 tortuous stems of woody climbers, and similar stout rootlets ; the base 
 and outer walls being very loosely interlaced, the inner more compactly 
 woven, with a tolerably f]jm< brim of circularly-disposed fibres. Some- 
 times there is a little horse-hair lining, oftener not. A very complete 
 nest before toe is difficult to measure from its loose outward construc- 
 tion, but may be called six inches across outside, by four deep ; the 
 cavity ]three inches wide, by one and a half deep. The nest contained 
 three eggs, which I think is the usual number in this latitude ; four I 
 have only found once. The eggs are usually rather elongate, but obtuse 
 at the smaller end. Different specimens measure, 1.00 by 0.75, 1.08 by 
 0.70, 1.03 by 0.75, 1.02 by 0.72, 0,96 by 0.76; by which dimensions the 
 variation in shape is denoted. The average is about that of the first 
 measurement given. They are of a light and rather pale green color, 
 profusely speckled with dull reddish-brown, usually in small and also 
 rather diffuse pattern, but sometimes quite sharply marked ; the sharper 
 markings are usually the smallest. There is sometimes much confluence, 
 or at least aggregation, about the greater end, but the whole surface is 
 always marked. Most of these eggs were taken in the latter part of 
 June, some by the end of the month ; in all, incubation was in progress. 
 
 GOOTAPHEA MELANOCBPHALA, (Sw.) Gray. 
 Black-beaded Grosbeak. 
 
 Guiraca melanocephala, Sw., Philos. Mag. i, 1827, 438. — Bp., List, 1838. — Bp., Consp. Av. i, 
 1850, 502.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 498.— Coop. & SnCK., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 206.— 
 Hayd., Eep. 1862, 168.— CoCES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 88 (Arizoua, May to 
 October). — SUMicn., Mem. Best. Soc. i, 1869, 551 (Vera Cruz, alpine region and 
 plateau, 1,200 to 2,500 metres, resident).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 228.— Mere., 
 U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, 683 (Utah and Idaho).— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 8. 
 
 Cooeofhraiistes melanoceplialus, Rich., Pr. Brit. Assoc, for 1836 (1837). 
 
 Fitylus melanocephalus, Geay, Gen. of B. ii, 362. 
 
 FHngilla melanocepliala, Atjd., Oru. Biog. iv, 1838, 519, pi. 373. 
 
 Coocoliorus melanocephalus, Aud., Syu., 1839, 133. — AuD., B. Am. iii, 1841, 214, pi. 206.^ 
 PIbbrm., p. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, part vi, 51. 
 
 Hedymeles vialanocephalus, Cab., Mus. Hein. i, 1851, 153. — ScL., P. Z. S. 1857, 213 
 (Orizaba); 1858, .303; 1859, 58, 365 (Xalapa) ; Cat. 1862, 100.— B. B. & R., N. 
 A. B. ii, 1874, 73, pi. 30, lig. 1, 2. 
 
 Goniapliea (Hedijmelcs) melmiocephala, Gkay, Hand-list, No. 7547. 
 
 Goniaphea melanocejjhdla, Codes, Key, 1872, 149. — Ali^en, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 178 
 (Kansas, Colorado, and Utah). 
 
 Fringilla xanthomaschaJis, Wage., Isis, 1831, 525. 
 
 Pitylus guttatus et (?) Gtiiraca tricolm; Less., E. Z. ii, 1839, 102. — "F. epopma, Light." 
 
 Hab. — United States, Middle and Western Provinces, retiring into Mexico in winter. 
 Resident on the table-lands of Mexico. No Central American or valid West Indian 
 record. 
 
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168 G. MELANOCEPHALA, BLACK-HEADED GEOSBEAK. 
 
 List of specimens. 
 
 19355 
 19356 
 19357 
 19358 
 
 
 Stinking Creek. 
 Bighorn Eiver. 
 M. of Passoagie. 
 Bighorn Eiver. 
 
 9 
 
 June 13, 1860 
 June 5, 1'580 
 June 24, 1S60 
 June 4, 1860 
 
 G. H.Trook.. 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 8.25 
 7.50 
 
 12.75 4.25 
 13.00 4.25 
 
 do 
 
 8.25 
 
 13.00 4.25 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition.— iS60-2, Bijoux Hills ; 5586, Powder Eiver. 
 Later Expeditions. — 61635-90, Ogden, Utah ; 62274, Idaho. 
 
 This interesting western ally and representative of our Eose-breasted 
 Song Grosbeak, is of common and very general occurrence in the Middle 
 and Western Provinces of the United States. The easternmost instance 
 is, I believe, that recorded by Mr. Allen, who found the bird in Middle 
 Kansas, breeding, in June. He saw young birds on the 11th, and the 
 eggs of a second brood toward the end of the month. 1 have not 
 observed any references beyond the United States to the northward ; 
 in the other direction the bird appears to extend through Mexico, on 
 the Table-lands. Many reside in that country ; others, obeying the 
 mysterious impulse of migration, enter the United States in April, and 
 become extensively dispersed, as we have just seen, retreating to their 
 warm winter quarters in the fall. In the mountains of Arizona I found 
 it to be an abundant summer resident from the beginning of May until 
 the end of September. It appeared to shun the pine woods, preferring 
 ravines wooded with deciduous trees and upgrown to shrubbery, as 
 well as the thick willow-copses that fringe the mountain streams. Like 
 others of the same beautiful genus, it is a brilliant and enthusiastic 
 vocalist, its song resembling that of the Hose-breasted Grosbeak, and 
 having much similarity to that of the Baltimore Oriole. As 1 have 
 elsewhere remarked, its ordinary chirp, or call-note, strikingly resembles 
 that of Gambel's Plumed Quail — so closely, indeed, that I never could 
 tell which of the two I was about to see, both species often being found 
 together in the creek bottoms. It feeds at times extensively upon wil- 
 low buds, and similar soft, succulent vegetable matter; also upon seeds 
 and berries, in their season, and upon various insects. Mr. Allen has 
 noted its fondness for peas, causing it to be ungraciously regarded by 
 the agriculturists of Utah. v 
 
 According to Dr. Cooper, a nest "found May 12, at the eastern base of 
 the Coast Range, was built on a low, horizontal branch of an alder, 
 consisting of a few sticks and weeds, very loosely put together, and 
 with a lining of roots and grasses. The eggs were only three, pale 
 bluish-white, thickly spotted with brown, densely so near the large end; 
 size, 0.95 by 0.70." Dr. Heermann's account of the nidification is sub- 
 stantially correspondent, except as to the situation of the nest, which, 
 he says, is "formed with little care of twigs very loosely thrown to- 
 gether, and lined with roots ; it is placed on the branches of a bush. The 
 eggs, four in number, are greenish-blue, marked with irregular spots 
 of umberbrown, varying in intensity of shade." In nearly a dozen 
 specimens, I can find no reliable differences from the egg of the Eose- 
 breasted Grosbeak. 
 
 During Mr. Allen's western reconnoisance, the species was first met 
 with at Fort Hays, and afterward at various localities near the foot- 
 hills of the Eocky Mountains, and in the valleys, up to about 8,000 feet. 
 Its song and breeding habits, according to his observations, agree with 
 those of the Eose-breasted Grosbeak, and the nidification is very simi- 
 lar. Mr. Merriam, who found the species to be quite numerous among 
 the scrub-oaks at the foot of the Wahsatch Mountains, obtained a nest 
 on the 22d of July, iu Teton Basin, Idado. "It was on a cotton wood 
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GONIAPHEA CCERULEA, BLUE GROSBEAK. 169 
 
 sapling, about five feet above tiie ground, and was composed of pieces 
 of grass and vines laid carefully together, with their ends sticking out 
 four or live inches ; it contained two fresh eggs." Mr. Trippe writes to 
 me as follows : 
 
 " The Black-headed Grosbeak arrives in the lower valleys of Bergen's 
 Park, Colorado, about the 20th of May, and by the Ist of June has be- 
 come quite numerous throughout the park. It rarely ventures higher 
 than 7,500 feet, however, as it is rare in the valley of Clear Creek, and, 
 indeed, quite uncommon outside of Bergen's Park,' but is abundant 
 from there down to the plains. It is the exact counterpart of the Rose- 
 breasted Grosbeak in its flight, manner of feeding, and general habits 
 and actions, and its song closely resembles that of the latter bird, but 
 is nevertheless distinguishable. In September it disappears from the 
 upper range in the mountains." 
 
 GONIAPHEA CCSEtJLEA, (Linn.) Gray. 
 Bine Grosbeak. 
 
 Zoxia conrulea, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 306.— WiLS., Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 78, pi. 24, f. 6. 
 
 Chtiraca coci-ulea, Sw., Philos. Mag. i, 1827, 438 (Mexico).— Bp., List, 1838, 30.— Woodic, 
 Sitsr. Rep. 1853, 81 (Indian Territorv and Texas, very common).— Newb., P. R. 
 R. Rep. vi, 1857, 88.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 499.— Sor.., P. Z. S. 1859, 365 (Xala.pa); 
 378 (Oaxaca); Cat. 1862, 101.— HaYD., Rep. 1862, 168.— COUBS & Pi^knt., 
 Smiths. Rep. 1861 (1862), 413 (Washington, D. C, May to Sept., breeding, 
 rather rare). — Boaedm., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 127 (Calais, Me., "very uncer- 
 tain, but common in the spring of 1861"). — Veur., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1.58 
 (Maine, " accidental"). — CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 88 (Arizona, summer). — 
 Lawk., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 286 (New Yorli, rare) ; ix, 1868, 10-J (Co.sta 
 Rica) ; ix, 1869, 200 (Yucatan).— CouES, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 264 (New 
 Englaud, rare or occasional). — Codes, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 116 (South 
 Carolina, summer, not uncommon). — ToRNB., B. E. Pa. 43 (rare stragglci). — 
 SuMiCH., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 552 (Vera Cruz, wintering), — Coop., B. Cal. 
 i, 1870, 230 (whole of California).— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 77, pi. 29, f. 4, 5. 
 
 Fringilla am-ulea, Licht., Verz. 1823, 22.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 114.— Ndtt., Man. i, 183i, 529.— 
 AUD., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 140 ; t, 1839, 508; pi. 122. 
 
 Coccoborus ccerulcus, Sw., Class. B. ii, 1837, 277. — AuD., Syn. 1839, 132. — Auc, B. Am. iii, 
 1841, 204, pi. 204.— Cab., Mus. Hein. i, 1852, 152; J. f. 0. iv, 13.-;6, 9 (Cuba).— 
 PuTN., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 228 (Massachusetts, casual). — Heerm., P. R. R. 
 Rep. X, part vi, 1859, 51.— Finsch, Abh. Nat. 1870, 339 (Mazatlan). 
 
 Cyanoloxia coerulea, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 502. 
 
 Goniaphea cwrulea, ScL., P. Z. S. 1856, 301 (Cordova). — Gray, Hand-list, No. 75, 35. — 
 Cooes, Key, 1872, 149, fig. 93. 
 
 Ba&.^IJnited States, southerly, from Atlantic to Pacific. In the east, north to Mid- 
 dle States regularly; to Connecticut Valley occasionally ; to Maine casually. In the 
 interior, north to the Pl.atte. In the west, north through California. Breeds thi'ough- 
 out its United States range. Winters in Mexico and Central America. Cuba {Cahanis). 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 9285-87, Loup Fork of the Platte. 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition. 
 
 This is essentially a southern bird, whose desultory northward exten- 
 sion is perceived from the foregoing quotations. It appears to visit the 
 Middle States regularly, yet rarely, and is not common north of Mary- 
 land — in fact, I know of no locality in the United States where it can 
 be said to be abundant. I used to get it every season about Washing- 
 ton, where it breeds; it was quite common in tiie old fields and pastures 
 just north of the city. I have also shot young birds in Arizona, in 
 August. The nest is placed in the crotch of a bush or dwarfish shrub 
 — rarely on the lower limbs of trees — generally in an old, neglected 
 field, half overrun with shrubbery, or on the adjoining edge of an open 
 piece of woods. It is built of fine, dried grasses, rather inartistically, 
 and lined with rootlets or hair. The eggs are of the palest blue shade 
 
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170 
 
 — much like those of an Indigo-bird. I have never seen one with any 
 markings whatever. The variations in size, even in the few specimens 
 before me, are very great. Thus, one measures a full inch long by only 
 0.60 broad, and is as pointedly p.vriform as a Sandpiper's ; another is 
 only 0.78 by 0.65, and is almost globular, aild equally rounded at each 
 end. ' 
 
 CYAXOSPIZA AWCENA, (Say) Bd. 
 
 lazuli Finch. 
 
 Emberiza amccna, Say, Long's Exp. Rooky Mts. ii, 1823, 47. 
 
 Frmgilla {Spisa) amcena, Bp., Am. Orn; i, 18.2.^, Gl, pi. 6, f. 5. 
 
 Fringilla amosna, Bp., Syn. 1828, 106.— Norr., Man. i, 1832, 473; 2d ed. i, 1840,546.— 
 
 AuD., Orn. Biog. v. 1839, 64, 230, pis. 398. 424. 
 Sjiiza amana, Bp., List, 1838, 35.— AuD., Syn. 1839, 109.— AuD., B. Am. iii, 1841, 100, pi. 
 
 171. — WooDH., Sitgr. Eep. 1853, 87. — Heekm., P. K. E. Eep. x, 1859, part vi, 
 
 46.— Maxim., J. f. O. 1858, 283. 
 Ci/anos2}i:a amosna, Bd., B. X. A. 18.58, 504.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 
 
 205.— Ha YD., Eep. 1862, 168.— CoUES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 89.— Coop., B. Cal. 
 
 i, 1871, 233. -Allen-, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 178.— SIekr., U. S. Geol. Surv. 
 
 Ter. 1872, 683 (ITtab).— Hold., Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 201 (Wyoming).— Cooes, 
 
 Key, 1872, 149.— Snow, B. Ivans. 1873, 8.— B. B. & K., N. A. B. ii, 1674, pi. 30, 
 
 f. 11, 12. 
 Passerina amoena, Gray, Hand-list, 1870, ii, 97, No. 7436. 
 
 Hal). — United States, from the Plains to the Pacific ; southward into Mexico. No 
 Central American record. 
 
 List of Specimens. 
 
 19275 
 19354 
 
 30 
 
 Wind Eiver 
 
 Yellowstone E. . 
 
 ^ 
 ^ 
 
 May 25, 1860 
 June 22, 1860 
 
 F.V.Hayden. 
 G. H. Trook.. 
 
 5.00 
 5.50 
 
 8.50 
 8.76 
 
 2.75 
 3.00 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expeditions. — 5395-98, Fort Lookout; 5399, Fort Pierre; 8948, 
 Laramie Peak. 
 Latei- Expeditions.— 61691 to 61712, Ogden, Ut.ah ; 62324, Idaho. 
 
 The prettily-colored and delicate little Lazuli Finch is found to be 
 common in most suitable places within its range, where it entirely 
 replaces its Eastern ally, the Indigo-bird. It breeds at large, appar- 
 ently, in the portions of the United States just indicated, but its winter 
 resorts are not so clear; at least I do not find among the works at hand 
 any such satisfactory indications as I could desire. 
 
 I do not agree with some who say that the song of the Lazuli Finch 
 is entirely different from that of the Indigo-bird; on the contrary, to 
 my ear at least, it has sounded very similar. It is a simple and even 
 feeble strain, rather monotonous, and given in a tripping, desultory 
 waj', as if the little performer were tired or indifferent. At such a 
 time he is usually observed on some prominent outpost, near a grove, 
 or in an open place overgrown with shrubbery; and if we see him 
 frequently resorting to the same perch, meanwhile flying into the low 
 cover at intervals, we may be sure his home and mate are there con- 
 cealed. The first batch of eggs are laid early in May, in a gras.sy, hair- 
 lined nest of considerable buik, let down in the crotch of a low bush, 
 much like that of the Black-throated Finch {Poozpiza biUneata); the 
 eggs are three to five in number. An excellent description has been 
 given by Dr. Cooper: "A nest found May 7, in a low bush close to a 
 public road, about three feet from the ground, was built very strongly 
 supported by a triple fork of the branch, composed of grass-blade's 
 firmly interwoven, the inside lined with much horse-hair and cobweb. 
 The outside measured three inches in height, three and three fourths in 
 
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CYANOSPIZA CYANEA, INDIGO-BIRD. 171 
 
 ■width ; inside it was two wide, one and three-fourths deep. The eggs, 
 partly hatched, were pale bluish-white, and measured 0.75 by 0.56 inch." 
 He also describes nests simihir in position, but of fibrous roots and bark 
 strips as well as grasses, with a lining of plant-down or horse-hair, and 
 containing four or five eggs. These last correspond with three found 
 in Utah by Mr. Merriam ; " one was on a scrub-oak about three feet 
 high, and the other two were about two feet above the ground. The 
 eggs, generallj' four in number, are laid about the first or middle of 
 June, in a beautiful downy nest, composed of fine grasses and wool, 
 lined with hair." 
 
 According to Mr. Trippe, " the Lazuli Pinch is abundant in Colorado 
 from the plains up to about 6,000 feet, stragglers wandering into Ber- 
 gen's Park, where a few pairs breed, but never venturing beyond 7,000 
 or 8,000 feet, and rarely reaching that limit. A pretty little bird, with 
 much the manners arid voice of the Indigo-bird, and a weak, rambling 
 song, in which the relationship of the two birds is quite apparent." 
 
 '■"'^CYANOSPIZA CYANEA, (Linn.) Bd. 
 Indigo-bird. 
 
 Tanagra cyanea, LiXN., Syst. N.at. i, 1768, 315. 
 
 EnibeHza cyanm, et (.') cwrulea, et (?) ct/anella, Gm., Svst. Niit. 1788, 876, 887. 
 
 FringUla ciianea, WiLS., Am. Om. i, IHIO, 100, pi. 6, f. 5.— Bp., Am. Oru. ii, pi. 11, fig. 3 
 ( 9 ).— Bp., Syu. 1828, 107.— Nurr., Man. i, 1832, 473.— Aud., Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 
 377; V, 1839, f,03; pi. 74. 
 
 Passerina cijanea, "Vieill., 181C."— Gray, Haod-list, ii, 1870, 97, No. 7435 (according 
 to Gray, type of tbe genus, antedating Cijanospiza, Baird, 1858). 
 
 Spisa cyanea, Bp., List, 1838, 35.— Aud., Syn. 1839, 109; B. Am. iii, 1841, 96, pi. 170.— 
 Gir., B. L. I. 1844, 110.— WoODH., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 87.— Putn., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 
 1856, 210.— SCL., P. Z. S. 1856, 304 (Cordova).— Eoss, J. f. O. L-^71, 18. 
 
 Cyanospha cyanea, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 505. — SCL. & Salv., Ibis, 1859, 18 (Guatemala). — 
 SCL., Cat. 1862, 107 (Mexico and Giiatem.ala).— Boardm., Pr. Bost. Soc, is, 
 1862, 128 (Maine, "rare")-— McIlwp.., Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, ISSo, 90 (Canada West, 
 common). — SUMICH., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1839, 552 (Vera Cruz, winter), — Lawr., 
 Ann. Lye. viii, 180 (Nicaragua); ix, 1888, 103 (Costa RicaJ; 1839,201 (Yuca- 
 tan).— Salv., P. Z. S. 1870, 190 (Veragua).— Allex, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1872, 
 178 (Eastern Kansas).— CoUE.s, Key, 1872, 150.— Sxow, B. Kans. 1873, 8 (very 
 common).— B. B. &. R., N. A. B., ii, 1840, 82, pi. 30, f. 13, 17. 
 
 Cyanoloxia cyanea, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 502. 
 
 ^ ,- Sab. — Eastern Province of the United States. North to Canada and Maine. West 
 •l-O to Kansas aud Indian Territory. South through Texas to Mexico and Central America, 
 
 where it winters. Breeds through most of its United States habitat, from Texas to 
 
 Canada. Cuba (Cab., J. f. 0. iv, 1856, 8). 
 
 Although obtained by neither Expedition, this bird is known to range 
 along the Lower Missouri, having been found in Kansas by several 
 observers. 
 
 The habits of the dainty Indigo bird need not be here given ; they 
 are familiar to all interested in ornithology. The egg is variously 
 described as pure white, plain blue, or bluish, speckled with reddish. 
 The fact appears to be, not that these statements are conflicting or any 
 of them erroneous, but that diflerent eggs vary accordingly. It seems 
 to be the general rule with normally bhiish eggs, that they range in 
 shade from quite blue to Avhite, and are occasionally speckled. Such, 
 for instance, is the case W'ith the eggs of Poospiza bilineata, as notetl by 
 me in the ''American Xaturalist" for 1873, p. 323; and I presume it will 
 so prove to be with those of Cyanospiza amwiia, as it is with Calamospiza 
 hicolor, Uufipiza amerioana, and even Ttirdus fuscescens. Nevertheless, 
 all the numerous eggs before me are plain white, with a faint blue shade. 
 A fair specimen measures 0.72 by 0.52. Eggs of (J. amcena are indistin- 
 
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172 CARDINALIS VIEGINIAllUS, CARDINAL GROSBEAK. 
 
 guishable. Those of Ouiraca ccerulea are the same in color, but of course 
 larger. But another species, commonly placed in the genus Cyanospiza, 
 namely, C. ciris, lays au entirely different egg — pure white, heavily 
 speckled with reddish-brown, dark brown, or purplish-gray. This style 
 of egg is much as in Juneo, or in Sjpizella picsilla. 
 
 CAEDINALIS YIRGINIAXCS, (Briss.) Bp. 
 Cardinal Grosbeak; Virginian Redblrd. 
 
 a. virginianus. 
 
 CoccotJiraustes virginiana cardinalis dicta, Briss., Orn. iii, 1760, 252. 
 
 Cardinalis virginianus, Bp., List, 183S, 35 ; Consp. Av. i, 1950, 501. — WoODH., Sitgr. Rep. 
 1853, SI (Texas aud Indian Territory).— Bd., 'B. N. A. 1858, 509.— Maxim., J. f. 0. 
 Yi, 18.38, a(38.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1880, Xo. 169.— CouES & Pi;ext., S. I. 
 Rep. 1861, 413 (Washington, D. C, resident, abundant).— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 
 163. — Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 85 (Massachusetts, accidental in summer, 
 on NuHalVs authoritv). — CouBS, ihid. v, 1838, 284 (the sa,me). — Dress., Ibis, 
 1865, 491 (Texas).- L'awr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 286 (New York Island).— 
 TuRNB., B, E. Pa. 1869, '24 (frequent, and wintering). —Allen", Ball. M. C. Z. iii, 
 1872, 178 (Kansas).— Codes, Key, 1872, 151, fig. 96.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 8.— 
 B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 100, pi. 30, f. 6, 7. 
 
 Loxia cardinalis, Lixx., Syst. Nat. i, 1768, 300. — G.M , Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 847. — Lath., Ind. 
 Orn. i, 1790, 375.— WiLS., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 33, pi. 6, f. 1, 2. 
 
 FringUla (Coccothraustes) cardinalis, Be., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 79. 
 
 Coccothrausles cardinalis, Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. , w- t 
 
 FringUla cardinalis, Bp., Syn. 1828, 11^.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 519.— AuD., Orn. Biog.?"'' *" 
 ii, 1834, 336, pi. 159. 
 
 Pityhis cardinalis, Auc, Syn. 1839, 131; B. Am. ill. 1841, 198, pi. 203.— GiR., B. L. L 
 1844, 132.— Hoy, Smiths. Rep. 1864, 438 (Missouri). 
 
 b. coccineus. 
 
 Cardinalis rirginianns, ScL., P. Z. S. 18.56, 302 (Cordova); 1859, 365 (Xalapa); Ibis, 1859, 
 104 ; Cat. Am. B. 100 (in part).— Lawr., Ann. Lye. ix, 1860, 201 (Yucatan).— 
 Su.MiCH., Mem. Bost. Soc. 1869, 5.52 (Vera Cruz). 
 
 Cardinalis virginianus var. coccineus, Eidgw., Am. Journ. Sci. — B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, * 
 
 1874, 99. 
 
 c. igneus. 
 
 Cardinally igneus, Bd., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1859, 305 (St. Lucas). — Codes, Pr. Phila. Acad. 
 
 Jan. 1868 (South Arizona).— Elliot, B. N. A. pi. 16.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 238. 
 Cardinalis virginianus var. igneus, Codes, Key, 1872, 1851. — B. B. & E., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 
 
 103, pi. 30, f. 10. 
 Cardinalis rirginianus. Lawr., Ann. Lvc. N. Y. 1872 (Tres Marias). — FiNSon, Abh. Nat. 
 
 1870, 339. 
 
 d. carneus. 
 
 Cardinalis carneus. Less., R. Z. 1843, 209 (Acapulco and Realejo). — Bp., Consp. Av. i, 
 
 1850, 501. 
 Cardinalis virginianus var. carnfus, EiDGW., Am. Journ. — B. B. & E., ii, 1874, 99. 
 
 Bah. — The typical form from the Eastern United States, west to Kansas, Nebraska, ■ 
 
 Indian Territory, Texas (and New Mexico?). North to the Middle States commonly, 
 to New York rarely, to Connecticut casually, to Massachusetts accidentally, and in the 
 We.st to Missouri. Not south of the Eio Grande. Stationary or scarcely migratory. 
 Var. coccineus is the resident form beyond the United States, through Eastern Mexico 
 to Central America. More richly-colored, and without the grayish edgings of the 
 dorsal plumage. Var. igneus, in which the black frontlet is narrowed or wanting at 
 the base of the culmen, is from Arizona and Lower California, and southward. Var. 
 carneus, with stiffened coronal feathers, asjn the very different C. phoeniceus, is from 
 Western Mexico. The last-mentioned variety I have not seen ; the others run extremely 
 close to typical virginianus. 
 
 Mr. Allen has prepared some interesting tables showing the range of variation in 
 this species and others. He finds the southern resident birds, as might be expected, 
 smaller .than those of the Middle States. The former measure aa follows : Males- 
 length, 7.75 to 9.10; extent, 11.00 to 11.78 ; wing, 3.50 to 3.85; tail, 3.40 to 4.20; tarsus. 
 
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PIPILO ERYTHEOPHTHALMUS, TOWHEE BtJNTING. 173 
 
 0.62 to 0.80. Females— 7.50 to 8.75; 10.70 to 11.75; 3.25 to 2.85; 3.40 to 4.10; 0.62 to 0.75. 
 Average, male— 8.46 ; 11.43; 2.63; 3.87. Average, feraale—8.27 ; 11.27; 3.53: 3.75. 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition, — 4854, lovra Poiab. 
 
 Not obtaiaed Captain Raynolcls' or the later Expeditions. 
 
 The Cardinal lays rather a peculiar egg, some specimens reminding 
 one of a Night-Hawk's, in coloration at least, and others being more like 
 those of the Rose-breasted Grosbeak in the pattern of markings. The 
 ground is white, in all of about fifty cases noticed. The spotting is of 
 every shade of brown, from pale-reddish to heavy chocolate, but it is 
 usually rather dark, and there is a great show of the various purplish- 
 brown or stone-gray shell markings. The markings vary from fine 
 uniform dotting or marbling to heavy spotting, but I see none with very 
 large masses of color. Size a little over an inch by rather less than 
 three-fourths of an inch, but very variable. The egg of Pyrrliuloxia 
 sinuata is altogether similar. 
 
 ^ "^ PIPILO ERYTHEOPHTHALMUS, (Linn.) Vieill. 
 Ground Robin ; Marsh Robin ; Towhee Bunting ; Chewink. 
 
 a. erythrophthalmus. 
 
 FringiUa eri/thropMhalmus, LiXN., Syst. Nat. 1, 1766, 318.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 112.— Nutt., 
 Man. i, 1832, 515.— AUD., Oru. Biog. i, 1832, 150 ; v, 1839, 511 ; pi. 29. 
 
 Emierisa erythrophthalma, Gm., Svst. Nat. i, 1788, 874.— WiLS., vi, 1812, 90, pi. 53. 
 
 Pipilo erythrophtlmlmus, Vieill., Gal. Ois. i, 1824, 109, pi. 80.— Bp., List, 1838, 35.— AuD., 
 Syn. 1839, 124.— AUD., B. Am. iii, 1841, 167, pi. 195.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 124.— 
 Bp., Cousp. Av. i, 1850, 487.— Woodii., Sitgr. Eep. 1853, 81 (New Mexico (?), 
 Texas, and Indian Territory ).—Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 512.— Hayd., Eep. 1862, 168.— 
 Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 178.— CouES, Key, 1872, 151.— Snow, B. Kans. 
 1873, 8.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 106, 109, pi. 31, f. 2, 3; and of authors 
 generally. 
 
 Pipilo atei; Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. sxxiy, 1819, 292. 
 
 b, alleni. 
 
 (Smaller, white-eyed, with less white on wings and tail. Florida.) 
 
 Pipilo erythrophthalmus var. alleni, CoUES, Am. Nat. v, 1871, 366 ; Key, 1872, 152. — B. B. 
 
 & E., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 112, with figs. 
 Pipilo leucopia, Mayn., B. of Fla. (in press). 
 
 ]Iai. — Eastern Province of North America to Minnesota (Trippe), Canada (Mcll- 
 wraith), and Labrador {Audubon). In northern portions of its range perfectly migratory, 
 and only seen in summer. Eesident in the Southern States, and even as high as Penii- 
 sylvania, in sheltered situations (Turnhtdl). Breeds in most places throughout its 
 range. Eeaches westward through part of Kansas, and on the Missouri Eiver to about 
 43°. Fort Eandall {Haydcn'j. Meets var. arcticus in Northern Dakota. 
 
 Lieutenant TVarren's Expedition.— iSM,Io\\a, Foint; 4835, St. Joseph's ; 4834, Wood's 
 Bluff; 4328-29, 4833, 4836, Bald Island. Missouri Eiver. 
 
 Not obtained by CaiJtain Eaynolds' Expedition. 
 
 According to the authority last quoted on this subject, extensive series of Eastern 
 Pipilo present the following measurements of the males, the females being a little 
 smaller in each case : 
 
 Northern specimens.— Length, 7.50 to 8.80 ; extent, 10.00 to. 10.25 ; wing, 3.17 to 3.90 ; 
 tail, 3.30 to 3.93 ; tarsus, 0.98 to 1.13. Average : Length, 8.19 ; extent, 11.32 ; wing, 
 3.43 ; tail, 3.66 ; tarsus, 1.06. 
 
 Floridan specimens (var. alleni). — Length, 7.20 to 8.50; extent, 9.50 to 11.30; wing, 
 2.80 to 3.50 ; tail, 3.25 to 3.90 ; tarsus, 0.80 to 1.00. Average : Length, 7.88 ; extent, 
 9.88 ; wing, 3.13 ; tail, 3.56 ; tarsus, 0.94. 
 
 The little difference in total length of Northern and Southern, compared with that 
 in the wing and in alar extent, is owing to the greater relative length of the tail of 
 the Floridan form. 
 
 Audubon states that in the young the eye is sometimes yeUowish-white, and that 
 occasionally the two eyes of the same individual are not of the same color. A late anony- 
 mous writer says that the eyes turn white in winter. The Floridan form appears to 
 he resident in that State, and to always have white or whitish eyes. Its song ' ' is quite 
 
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174 PIPILO ERYTHEOPHTHALMUS, TOWHEE BUNTING. 
 
 differeut from that of the northern tinl, being ordinarily only about half as long, and /JX'-C 
 uttered with much less spirit. Theie is probably a larg'^^ propurtiou of northern birds .„ * 
 ariiong the Pipiloves of Florida in winter ; while probably iu suniuier the majority are '»'/"« 
 of the southern type above described, as are doubtless those of Middle and Southern^ '" i-^ 
 Florida at all seasons" (Bull. JI. C. Z. ii, lf-71, 2.^-J). The amount of v.hite on the tailj 7 t^_j: 
 is less— that on the outer feather of var. alhni about equaling that on the next quill of ' 
 
 ordinary e?'^(ftropft(/ia?»i«s. , ~f 
 
 Specimens from the Red River region show an interesting approach to var. arcticua , 
 in the presence of small, concealed white spots. It may bexiecessary, after all, to bring /^^'Cjj 
 the species into the same series with maculatus, and consider all the forms as varieties /" 
 of one species. 
 
 In the Middle Atlantic districts, as Maryland for instance, the Towhee 
 is cbiefly a migrant, appearing in great numbers the third or fourth 
 week in April, and so continuing until the middle of May ; while in the 
 fall it is still more numerous during the month of October. Still, I 
 used to Mud one or more families settled to breed each summer, and 
 generally saw the streaked birds of the year in July. I never ascer- 
 tained that any wintered about Washington, but should guess this to be 
 the ease, since the Eev. Dr. Turnbull states that some pass that season 
 in the most sheltered situations in Peunsylvania and Xew Jersey. With 
 the coming of other seed-eaters from the north, early in October, the 
 Towhee suddenly appears. As we walk along the weedy old "snake'" 
 fences and thick hedges, or by the briery tracts marking the course of 
 a tiny water- thread through a held, scores of the humble gray Sparrows 
 flit before us; while ever and again the jaunty Towhee, smartly dressed 
 in black, white, and chestnut, comes into view, flying low, with a saucy 
 flirt of the tail, and dashes again into the covert as quickly as it 
 emerged, crying "to;r-/tee" with startling disuincrness. In the spring it 
 is less conspicuous, and more likely to be found in low, tangled woods, 
 amid laurel brakes and the like; on the ground, rustling and busily 
 scratching the matting of last year's leaves that covers the earth, doubt- 
 less in search of insects. Its notes are then loader, and oftener heard. 
 Some say that the males precede the females in migrating; this may 
 average true, but I have constantly found the sexes together at both 
 seasons. This is only a partially gregarious bird, large gatherings being 
 Seldom witnessed. In fact it seems to prefer the society of the smaller 
 and plainer Sparrows, among which it shines without difficulty, doubt- 
 less patronizing them in the genteel way, customary with big folks, 
 that is so exasp.eratingly oppressive to the recipients. 
 
 The Towhee Bunting nests always on the ground, usually at the foot 
 of a bush by an old log, or in weedy rubbish, wliich, with the deep set 
 of the nest in the. ground, very effectually conceals it. The only one I 
 have hai>peued to find so far, was sunk to the level of the surface, rest- 
 ing upon a straggling bed of leaves, like those strewn all around, built 
 of weed-stalks and small sticks, loosely interlaced, and finished care- 
 lessly with a slight lining of fine, dried grass. It contained five eggs — 
 three Cow-bird's and two of its own, which must have been sufliciently 
 discouraging. After this infliction, when I came to take the ue^t away 
 altogether, the poor birds seemed perfectly stupefied with despair. The 
 female flew to a bush near by, with a plaintive chirp that soon brought 
 her mate, and there the two sat motionless, side by side, too sick at 
 heart, it seemed, to even remonstrate. 
 
 This was a case contrary to the general rules, that the Cow-bird lays 
 but one egg in a nest, and selects the nest of a bird whose eggs are 
 smaller than her .own. The Towhee's egg measures about 0.95 by 0.70 ; 
 the Cow-bird's about 0.75 by 0.60. There is a remarkable similarity in 
 coloration between the two — so much do they resemble each other, that 
 in the instance noted above I wondered at first how the Towhee had 
 
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175 
 
 come to lay three "runt" eggs. The ground is white, but uniformly 
 and so completely and thickly freckled in fine pattern with dull, pale 
 reddish-brown, as show as much of this color as of the white. The 
 Cow-bird's egg. is minutely freckled iu the same way, but the colors are 
 darker and more sharply marked. 
 
 Two broods of Towhees are usually reared each season, and sometimes 
 three. The young are very different from the adult, being streaky all 
 over ; yet at a very early age the black of the male, and the rich brown 
 of the opposite sex, respectively appear. 
 
 PIPILO MAOULATUS var. AETICUS, (Sw.) Coues. 
 Arctic Spotted Towliee. 
 
 a. inaculatus. 
 
 Pwilo maeiilatH3,S\v., Philos. Jouru. 1827 (Mexico).— "Jaed. & Selb., 111. pi. 31, 34."— 
 Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 487.— SCL., P. Z. S. Ittri, 304 (Oaxaca,); 1859, 380.-COUES, 
 Key, 1872, 152.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 105. 
 
 b. oregonus. 
 
 Pimlo oregmms, Bell., Ann. Lye. N. Y. v, 1852, 6 (Oregon). — Bp., C. R. xxsrii, 1853, 
 
 932; Consp. i, 1850, 487.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 513.— CooB. & Suck.. N. H. Wash. 
 
 Ter. 1860, 200.— Loed, Pr. Roy. Arty. Inst, iv, 1864, 120 (British Columbia).— 
 
 Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 241. 
 Fipilo maculatus var. oregonus, Coues, Key, 1872, 152. — B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 116, 
 
 figs. 
 Frivgilla arctica, AuD., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 49, pi. 394, nee Sw. 
 Fi^ilo arctica, AuD., Syn. 1839, 123; B. Am.'iii, 1841, 164, pi. 194. 
 
 c. arcticus. 
 
 Piirgila (Plpilo) arctica, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 260, pis. 51, ^ , 52, 9 . 
 
 Pipilo areiicus, Nurr., M.id. i, 1832, 589; iJd ed. i, 1840, 610.— Bp., List, 1838, 35; Consp. 
 i, 1850, 4b7.— Bell, Ann. Lye. N. Y. v, 1852, 7.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 81.— 
 Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 514 (also, var. snharcticus, Id., ihid. 515, in text). — Haydn., 
 Rep. 1862, 168.— Ueess., Ibis, 1865, 492 (Texas).— Hold., Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 
 202 (Wyoming).— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 465. 
 
 Pipilo eruthrophihalmus var. arcticus, Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 178. 
 
 Pipilo maculatus var: arcticus, CoUES, Key, 1872, 152. — B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 119, 
 pi. 31, f. 5, 6. 
 
 d. mcgalonyx. 
 
 Pipilo megalomix, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 515, pi. 73.-Heebm., P. R. R. Eep. x, 1859, pt. vi, 
 
 51.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 89.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 242. 
 Pipilo maculatus var. mcgalonyx, CouEs, Key, 1872, 152. — B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 113. 
 
 flaft. —Middle Province. North to the Saskatchewan. South along the Rocky Mount- 
 ains, where it runs into mcgalonyx, of New Mexico, Arizona, and California ; west to 
 Oregon and Washington, there inosculating with oregonus. East to about 43*^ north 
 latitude on the Missouri, where it meets crythroplitlialmus. The typical form Mexican. 
 
 List of speeinieits. 
 
 19277 
 
 178 Powder River.. 
 
 Sept. 24, 1860 G. H. Trook 
 
 8.00 
 
 11.25 
 
 3.50 I 
 
 Lieutenant ll'arren's Expedition. — 4839-40-45, Bon Homme Island ; 4841, The Tower ; 
 4842-43-44-47, Bijoux Hills ; 5387, Fort Pierre ; 5389, Yellowstone River ; 5388-90, Fort 
 Lookout. 
 
 Later Expeditions. — 60382-5, Wyoming. 
 
 The connection of the several spotted Pipilos of the west and of Mexico, I believe 
 first noted by Dr. Sclater, has been amply coiidrmed by subsequent investigation. They 
 unquestionably iutergrade completely, forming geographical races of one species. The 
 question is, whether to this series P. erythrophtlialmus should not also be added. In 
 the Key, I kept it apart and presented the considerations favoring this view, viz., the 
 entire absence of spotting ou the scapulars and back, the stronger sexual distinctions, 
 and the different note — the cry of the western species resembling that of the Cat-bird. 
 
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176 PIPILO CHLOEURUS, GREEN-TAILED PINCH. 
 
 It would not, however, be at all surprising if complete intergradation between erythroph- 
 thalmus and arcticus were proven by specimens from the Lower Missouri, gaining first 
 a spot or two, and then gradually assuming the fully speckled state. In that event, I 
 should not hesitate to combine the whole in one series, beginning with the black un- 
 spotted erythrophthalmus, with clear brown female, and ending with the olive-shaded, 
 spotted macuJatiis and its nearly similar female. 
 
 Dr. Haiiden has shown exactly where the two forms meet along the Missouri, at about 
 43°. In Northern Dakota var. arcticua occurs east to about 102° longitude, and my 
 Red River specimens of eryikrophthalmus show an approach toward it. 
 
 Excepting the curiously differeut call-uote, the western forms are all 
 precisely like the eastern in habits and manners. The large-clawed 
 form is very abundant in New Mexico, Arizona, and California. The 
 sexes of this race are not obviously distinguishable by any outward 
 mark — in fact, on cutting open a supposed male on one occasion, I found 
 an egg inside. Mr. Trippe sends me the following items : 
 
 " The Arctic Towhee appears in the vicinity of Idaho Springs about 
 the middle of May, and in the course of a week or two becomes rather 
 common, though never very abundant. It becomes rare above 8,500 
 feet, and above 9,000 disappears altogether, being most numerous from 
 7,500 feet down to the plains. In habits and appearance, it is quite 
 similar to the Eastern Towhee, but is much shyer and is easily fright- 
 ened, when it hides in the bushes until all appearance of danger has 
 passed by- Sometimes, though rarely, I have heard it utter the 
 "' chewink " of P. erythrophthalmus, or a note almost exactly like it, though 
 a little lower and more wiry ; but its usual call is quite different. It 
 does not sing near as frequently as the latter bird, but when it does, 
 acts in the same manner, mounting to the lower limb of a tree and 
 chanting its simple ditty at short intervals for half an hour or more. 
 This song is almost the same as the Eastern Towhees ; and it has, also, 
 the same flue drawn, wiry note. It disappears in September." 
 
 Note. — The FipUo fuscas, Sw. {mesolcuais, Bd. ; cf. Codes, Key, 152), has been taken 
 near Canon City, Colorado, by Mr. C. E. Aiken, and may extend to the head-waters of 
 the Platte. A pair were killed in winter. 
 
 PIPILO CHLOEUEUS, (Towns.) Bd. 
 
 Green-tailed Finch; Blanding's Finch. 
 
 Fringitla cWorura, Towns. — Aud., Oru. Biog. v, 1839, 336. 
 
 Zonotrichiii clilorura, Game., Journ. Phila. Acad, i, 1847, 51, pj. 9. 
 
 Emhernagra clilorura, Bp., Consp., i, 1850, 483. — Heerji., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, part vi, 
 
 46.— SCL., Cat. 1862, 117. 
 Fipilo clilorurus, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 519. — Heeem., I. c. part v, 15. — Hayd., Rep. 1862, 
 
 169.— CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 90.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 248.— Stbv., 
 
 U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 187U, 465.— Mekb., ibid. 1872, 684.— Allex, Bull. M. C. Z. 
 
 iii, 1872, 178.— CouES, Key, 1872, 153.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 131, pi. 31, f. 4. 
 Frirtgilla ilandingiana, Gamb., Pr. Phila. Acad, i, 1843, 260. 
 Zonotnchia hlandinijiana, Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 85. 
 Ertibernagra blandingiaiia, C^ass., 111. 1853, 70, pi. 12. 
 Fipilo rufipileus, Lavres., R. Z. xi, 1848, 176.— Br., Consp. i, 1850, 487. 
 Kicneria rvfipilcus, Bp., Comp. Rend, xl, 1855, 356. 
 
 jHa6.— Southern Rocky Mountain region. North to Laramie. Across from Texas to 
 Southern California. Winters on the southern United States border (Colorado Valley 
 and San Diego, Cooper). 
 
 List of specimens. 
 
 19278 
 
 16 
 
 Wind River - - . 
 
 $ 
 
 May 28, 1860 
 
 F.V.Hayden. 
 
 7.25 
 
 9.75 
 
 3.00 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 9270-77-78, Laramie Peak. 
 
 Later Ejcpedilions. — 60600-62, Little Sandy Creek, Uintah Mountains, and Green 
 Eiver, Wyoming ; 62292-94, Conaut Creek, and T<5ton Basin, Idaho. 
 
 In continuing to refer this species to the genus Plpilo, I follow custom ; but I am 
 unable to appreciate any obvious differences from Zonotrichia. 
 
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PIPILO CHLORURUS, GREEN-TAILED FINCH. 177 
 
 Within the general range just mentioned the movements of this spe- 
 cies remain to be precisely ascertained. The bird probably breeds in 
 mountains throughout its range, and lower down in higher latitudes. 
 It has been ascertained to breed in Colorado. Dr. Hayden's specimens 
 may represent its limit in one direction. In the higher portions of Ari- 
 zona, I ascertained its presence in numbers, but only during the migra- 
 tions, in April and May, and in September. It appeared to be a shy, 
 retiring bird, courting the seclusion of tangled undergrowth, where it 
 might easily be overlooked, unless diligently sought for. I generally 
 observed it in small, straggling companies, associated with otiier frin- 
 gilline birds. Dr. Cooper states that it winters in the Colorado Valley, 
 as well as in Lower California. 
 
 In a late communication to me, Mr. Allen observes : " This is one of 
 the most interesting birds met with in the wooded ijortions of the great 
 central plateau of the continent. In the mountains of Colorado it 
 ranges from the foot-hills up to the limit of trees, and throughout the 
 mountain valleys is one of the more common species. It affects the 
 moister thickets near the streams, and possesses a peculiar and very 
 pleasing song. In habits or notes it has but little resemblance to the 
 group of Towhees with which it is commonly associated by systematic 
 writers, j)resenting in these respects far more resemblance to tlie group 
 of Sparrows so familiarlj' represented in the Atlantic States by the com- 
 mon White-throat, from which it only differs structurally in its relatively 
 longer tail." Mr. Trippe's notes upon the same subject will be read with 
 interest : " The Green-tailed Finch is abundant throughout Clear Creek 
 Cou))ty, from its lower valleys up to within 700 or 800 feet of timber- 
 line, breeding throughout; but is most numerous, during the nesting 
 season, from 7,500 to 9,000 feet. It arrives at Idaho early in May. and 
 soon becomes abundant, remaining till the close of September or early 
 part of October. It is a sprightly, active little bird, with something 
 wren-like in its movements and appearance. It is equally at home 
 among the loose stones and rocks of a hill-side (where it hops about with 
 all the agiUty of the Eock Wren), and the densest thickets of brambles 
 and willows in the valleys, amidst which it loves to hide. It is rather 
 shy, and prefers to keep at a good distance from any suspicious object ; 
 and if a cat or dog approaches its nest, makes a great scolding, like the 
 Cat-bird, and calls all the neighbors to its assistance ; but if a person 
 walks by, it steals away very quietly and remains silent till the danger 
 is passed. It has a variety of notes which it is fond of uttering ; one 
 sounds like the mew of a kitten, but thinner and more wiry ; its song is 
 very fine, quite different from the Towhee's, and vastly superior to it. 
 It builds its nest in dense clumps of brambles, and raises two broods 
 each season, the first beiug hatched about the middle of June." 
 
 The eggs of this species hare recently been brought in by Mr. H. W. 
 Henshaw, one of the naturalists of Lieutenant Wheeler's Survey. 
 They are rather peculiar, being of a pale greenish or grayish-white, 
 freckled all over with rich reddish-brown, the speckling being aggre- 
 gated in a wreath or area about the larger end of the egg. Some speci- 
 mens are much more minutely and obsoletely dotted than others, but 
 in all the cases I have seen the markings are quite regular. Mr. G. H. 
 Trook also took the eggs on Snake and Henry Eiver. The nest is 
 placed indifferently on the ground or in a low bush. The egg measures 
 0.90 by 0.68. The egg is of the same general character as that of P. 
 erythropMhalmus and its allies; but entirely different from the whole 
 P.fuscus group, in which the style is curiously as in Agelceus — a pale 
 greenish ground, sharply spotted, scratched and streaked -with blackish. 
 
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178 DOLICHONYX OEYZIVOEUS, BOBOLINK. 
 
 Family lOTERID^ : American Starlings. :• 
 
 DOLICHONYX OEYZrVOBUS, (Linn.) Sw. 
 Bobolink; Keed-bird; Eice-bird 
 
 K( 
 
 Sich.). I yj-- 
 
 Emberiza onjziwra, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, Z\\.~(^Hortulanu8 carolineusis, Bniss., Gru. 
 iii, 282, pi. 15, f. 3,- Ernberiza caroliniensis, Klein, 92).— G.m., i, 1788, 880.— 
 Lati!., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 408.— Was., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 48, pi. 12, f. 1, 2. 
 
 Passerina onjzivora, Vieill., Nonv. Diet. cl'Hist. Nat. 1817, 3. 
 
 Dolkhomjx ory:h-arits, Sw., Zool. Journ. iii, 1827, 351.— S-*\-. & ElCH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 
 278.— Bp., List, 1838, 29; Cousp, i, 18o0, 437.— AxjD., Syn. 1839, 138.— Airo., B. 
 Am. iv, 184-2, 10, pi. 211.— Gould, Voy. Beagle, 1841, 106 (Galapagoes).— GiE., 
 B. L. I. 1844, 137.— GOSSE, B. Jam. 1847, 229.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 81 
 (Texas and ludian Territory, migratory).— Cab., J. f. 0. iv, 1856, 11 (Cuba).— 
 Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 522.— Maxim., J. f. 0. 1858, 266.— Bryant, Pr. Bost. Soc. vii, 
 1859 (Bahamas).- SCL., P. Z. S. 1858, 72 ; Cat. 18C2, 134 (Bolivia ; St. Martha). 
 March, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1863, 299 (Jamaica).— Scl. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1870, 78i 
 (Venezuela). — Hayd., Rep. 1862, 169 (very common to Fort Pierre). — Coop., 
 Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 78.— Trippe, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 117 (Minnesota, not 
 common). — Snow, B. Kaus. 1673 (breeding; rare). — Allen, Ball. M. C. Z. iii, 
 1872, 178 (Ogden, Utah).— Mbrr., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, G.86 (Utah).— 
 CouEs, Key, 1872, 154, fig. 97.— Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 16 (Rio Negro, 
 Rio Napo, La Plata).— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. 1864, 99 (Sombrero).— Pelz., 
 Orn. Braz. iii, 199 (Brazil).— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 149, pi. 32, t^ 4, 5. 
 
 Icterus agrijienms, Bp.,Obs. Wil.s. 1824, No. 87 ; Syu. 1828, 53.— NoiT., Man. i, 1832, 185.— 
 AUD., Oru. Biog. i, 1831, 283; v, 1839,486; pi. 54. 
 
 SoUcliOtnjx agripfiinis, Rich., Rep. Brit. Assoc. 1837. 
 
 JPsarocoUiis cmulacutua, Wa&l., Syst. Av. 1827, 32 {Bil. and Cass.). 
 
 Dolichonyx oryzhorus var. albimicha, Ridgw., Mss.— Coues, Check-list, App. //^ . 
 
 Baft.— Eastern North America. North to the Saskatchewan (latitude 40°, Eich.). 
 West to the Rocky Mountains and somewhat beyond. Utah {Allen) ; Nevada ( / 
 way); Wyoming (ifaj/tZeii); Montana (Cooper). South to Bolivia, La Plata, &c. C_ 
 pagoes. Breeds from the Middle States and Kansas northward. Does not winter^ 3 f - 
 anywhere in the United States. West ladies. Central and South America (numerous .j <^ A . 
 quotations). '' ^ ^ 
 
 Lieutenant TTarrcn's Expedition. — 5360, Fort Pierre ; 8951-52, Loup Fork of Platte. /-i 
 Late)- Expeditions.— 617-28-30, Ogden, Utah ("abundant")- •^ ■' "^ 
 
 The entire cliange of plumage which the male of this species under- 
 goes twice a year is none the less interesting because it is so well known 
 a lact in its economy. When the bird reaches the Middle districts, 
 which is usually not until May, the males, as a rule, are already in 
 nearly perfect breeding attire, but in the vast majority of instances still 
 show touches of yellowish on the belly and legs. At this period they 
 are verj' conspicuous, associated in flocks, sometimes great in extent, 
 moving restlessly about the meadows and orchards, overflowing with 
 glad music. Their number seems out of all proportion to that of the 
 females, but this is probably due to the silent and more retiring ways 
 of the latter sex. They really i^ass through, in the vernal migration, 
 quite rapidly, though they do not appear to be at all in a hurry, as we 
 see them by day. They throw themselves in a field, scatter on the 
 ground, feeding, and at the slightest alarm, or iu mere wantonness, 
 suddenly fly en masse to the nearest tree, fence, or bush, and begin to 
 sing, producing an indescribable medley, hushed in an instant only to 
 be resumed. Sometimes they sing as merrily, though with less con- 
 certed action, while they are rambling in the grass. Their day-time 
 leisure for song and food is easily explained : for they migrate, at this 
 season, almost entirely by night. Every night in early May, as we walk 
 the streets, we can hear the mellow metallic clinking coming down 
 through the darkness, from birds passing high over head, and sounding 
 clearer in the stillness. By the middle of May they have all passed ; 
 
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DOLICHONYX OKYZIVOEUS, BOBOLINK. 179 
 
 a few, it is stated, linger to breed south of New England, but the main 
 body pnsses on, spreading over that portion of the Union and the neigh- 
 boring British Provinces, occupying iu pjiirs almost every ineadovv'. The 
 change of plumage with the finishing of the duties of reproduction is 
 rapid and complete before the return movement is made, although this 
 takes place in August. As far north at least as Maryland, I never saw 
 or heard of a decidedly black individual, among the millions that re- 
 pass that State late in the summer and during September. The males 
 are, indeed, distinguishable by their superior size and a sort of diffuse- 
 ness of tawny coloration, not quite like the cleaner and lighter pattern 
 of the females, aside from the black traces that frequently persist; but 
 the difference is not great. They are now songless — who ever heard 
 Bobolink music in the fall! — they have a comfortable, self-satisfied 
 chinlc, befitting such fat and abandoned gourmands as they are, throng- 
 ing in countless hordes the wild-rice tracts and the grain fields, loafing 
 and inviting their souls. So they go, until the first cold snap, that sends 
 them into winter quarters at once — chiefly in the West Indies, but also 
 much further south. They have successively filled the role of Bobolink, 
 Eeed-bird, Rice-bird, and Butter-bird ; and as soon as the season relaxes 
 once more, in March, they will re-enter the United States, and do it all 
 over again. 
 
 The Atlantic Oodst is the favorite highway of this species, but it 
 travels also by other routes in the interior. It goes up the Mississippi 
 Valley ; there some stop to breed, as low at least as the mouth of the 
 Missouri, but numbers keep on, pushing past the United States, and 
 resting at last in the region of the Saskatchewan. The very consider- 
 able westward extension of the species has been only lately determined. 
 Thus Mr. Allen and Mr. Merriam both found it "common" in September 
 at Ogden, in Utah, where it is said to breed. Dr. Hayden remarks that 
 it is "very common at Fort Pierre," and "one of the most abundant 
 birds on the western prairies." Dr. Cooper has an interesting note 
 from an extreme locality: "At several points in the valley of the Bit- 
 terroot River, I heard and saw at a distance what I took for the Bobo- 
 link, the flight and flying-call exactly resembling that bird's. At (Joeur 
 d'Alerie Mission I again met with it, but could not get near enough to 
 shoot it or determine the species, though they frequented a wheat-field 
 for several mornings. I know no bird likely to be mistaken for it, and, 
 having been found at Fort Bridger, a few probably go north to 47° 30', 
 as they go to latitude 54° east of the mountains." The westward ex- 
 tension of several eastern birds in this latitude is apparently an indica- 
 tion of the oblique westward trend of the Eastern Province, which 
 reaches the Pacific in Alaska. It breeds very abundantly, in June, on 
 the prairies bordering the Eed River of the Horth, to 49° at least. 
 
 The Bobolink makes a rude and flimsy nest of dried grass on the 
 ground, and lays four or five eggs, 0.85 long by about 0.63 broad, dull 
 bluish-white, sometimes brownish- white, spotted and blotched with dark 
 chocolate or blackish-brown surface-marks, and others of paler hue in 
 the shell. The general effect is much as in Passerculus, or Pooecetes, 
 but the variability is very great. The nest is cunningly hidden, and 
 often further screened from threatened observation by ingenious devices 
 of the parents. 
 
 It appears to me most probable that this species and the Oow-bird 
 will require removal from the family loteridm, where they have long 
 rested, to a position nearer that assigned by the original and several 
 early describers. 
 
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180 
 
 ^ 
 
 MOLOTHRUS PECOKIS, COW-BIRD, 
 
 MOLOTHRDS PECORIS, (Gm.) Sw. ' 
 Cow-bird; Cowpen-bird ; Cow-Blackbird. 
 
 a. pecoris. 
 
 Frhtgilla pecorls, Gm., Svst. Nat. i, 17S8, 910 ( 5 ).— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 443.— 
 LiCHT., Verz. 1823, Nos. 230, 331.— Sabine, Fraukl. Journ. 676. (I'', nirginiana of 
 Brisson ; Cowpeu Finch of I'ennant, Arct. Zool. ii, 371, No. 241.) 
 
 Emhcriza pecoris, WiLS., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 145, pi. 18, figs. 1, 2, 3. 
 
 Passerina pecoris, Vieili.., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. xxv, 1819, 22. 
 
 Icterus pecm-ia, Bp., Obs. Wils. 1(^24. No. 83; Syn. 1828, 53.— Nutt., Man. i, 1S32, 178.— 
 AUD., Orn. Bioff. i, 1831, 49::; ; v, 1839, 233, 400; pis. 99, 424. 
 
 " Psarocolinf) pecoris, WaGL., Syst. Av, 1827, No. 30'' {fide Cabanis). 
 
 ilolothrus pecoris, Sw. ^ Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 277.— Bp., List. 1838, 29; Cousp. i, 1850, 
 436.-At;D., Svn. 1839, 139: B.Am, iv, 1842, 16, pi. 212.— Gii:., B. L. I. 1844, 
 139.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 524.— Trippe, Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 291 (biography).— 
 Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 405.— CouES, Key, 1872, 155.— B. B. & R., N. 
 A. B ii, 1874, 154, pi. 32. f. 6, 7 ; and of writers generally. 
 
 Mololrus pecoris, Sdndevaee, Metb. Nat. Av. Disp. Tentamen, 1872, 22 (after Cab., 
 Mus. Hein. 192). 
 
 MolotlvHS alcr, Ghay, Hand list, ii, 1870, 36, No. 6507 (after BODD., PI. Enl. 606, fig. 1). 
 
 "Oriolus fiiscus, G'^i; Syst. Nat. i, 1/88, :0.>" (thus identified by Cabanis and Graii; 
 qneried hy Haird ; probably belongs here). 
 
 "Oriolns minor. Gji., Syst. Nat. i, 1788 394 " (ajnid Cabanis and Cassiv) ; also of LatJiam. 
 
 " Iclerns emberizoides, Daudix" (fide Chraij and Cabanis). 
 
 FringiUa ambigua, NuTT., Man. i, 1832, 484 (unquestionably!). 
 
 b. obscurvs. 
 
 St)iy)nts obscurus, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 804 (S. novaliispaniai, Bkiss., ii, 448). 
 
 Sturniis jiinceti, Lath., Ind. Om. ii, 1790, 326 (=<S. obscurus, Gm.) 
 
 Molothrus obscurus, Cass.. Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 18 (Lower California and Mexico). — 
 
 Coop., B. Cal. i. 1870, 260.— Gray, Hand-list, «i, 1870, 36, No. 6508. 
 Molothrus pecoris, var. obscurus, CotJES, Key, 1872, 155 (Arizona and southward). — B. B. 
 
 & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 154 (in test), pi. 32, f. 8. 
 Molothrus pecoris, (?) SCL., P. Z. S. 18.57, 213; 1859, 365; 1860, 252.— COUES. Pr. Phila. 
 
 Acad. 1866, 90. J I - 
 
 Hab.— The typical form throughout temperate North America (excepting Pacitii; ^/ b 
 coast?). North to 68-. Breeds abundantly from about 35° northward, and winters iu <•■ "' 
 great numbers in the Southern States. Var. obscurus in Arizona, Lower California, and 
 southward. 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4355, Fort Pierre; 4365, 5368, mouth of the Yellow- 
 stone : 5327, Medicine Hill ; 9334, 9336-7, Loup Fork. 
 
 Later Expeditions. — 6045U, La Bont6 Creek, Wyoming. 
 
 The bird I have designated as var. obscurus, or the Dwarf Cow-bi'd, as above, and 
 also in the Key, is strikingly smaller thau the typical form. Indeed, Jlr. Cassin was 
 led to make it a distinct species, which, however, it is not. It is precisely like the 
 ordinary bird in color, but is much smaller, the male only about equaling the female 
 of true pecoris. The female of var. obscurus is under 7 inches long, with the wing about 
 3i, and the tail 2^ ; the female of pecoris is 7 to 7.i inches long, the wing nearly 4, the 
 tail nearly 3; while an average male pecm'is measures full 8 inches, the wing over 4, 
 and the tail over 3. 
 
 Earlier authors described the Cow-bird nnder a variety of names, and not always 
 accurately, causing uncertainty if not confusion. But we may be reasonably sure that 
 pecoris, the name usually adopted, is not the one having priority. Turning back a few 
 pages of Gmelin, from p. 910 (pecoris), we find on p. 804 a, certain Stumus obscurns, evi- 
 dently a Cow-bird, and usually held identical -with pecoris, but which, from the refer- 
 ence to <S. norw-MspanicE of Brisson, is the dwatf Mexican form. So far as this goes, 
 the above quotations ought in strictness to be reversed, giving us Molothrus obscurus 
 and M. obscurus var. pecoris. But back still farther in Gmelin, we find Oriolus minor 
 (p. 394) and 0. fuscus (p. 393), both probably Cow-birds. It appears, however, that we 
 need not employ any of Gmeliu's names ; for, according to Mr. G. R. Gray, the ater of 
 Boddaert is this species, and antedates them all. It would appear, therefore, that the 
 proper name of the species is Moloihnis ater (BoDD.), Gray, and of its variety, M. ater 
 var. obscurus (Gm.), Coubs. Even the generic name has given trouble, for' both Ca- 
 banis and Sundevall understand, upon philological grounds, that Swainson should 
 have written Molobrus instead of Molothrus. 
 
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MOLOTHEUS PECORIS, COW-BIRD. 181 
 
 Tliero is no doubt whatever that the Fringilla amUgiia of Nuttall. which Audubon 
 once* hastily surnjised to be a young Whiti'-crownefl Sparrow, is iiothin;; but a very 
 young Cow-Ulid, as questioniugly suggested by Baird. A uewly-icatherrd bird in my 
 oabiuut, shotiu the middle of July, at Wusliington, answers perfectly to NuttaU's 
 description. 
 
 Parasitism, iu the zoological sense of the term a frequent condition 
 of lower forms of life, is sufficiently rare among liigher animals to excite 
 special interest; and the exceptional absence of the .strong parental 
 instincts of birds is particularly noteworthy. Considering that con- 
 scious volition — that choice, in a word — determines the whole process 
 of perpetuation of the .species in the Cow-bird, denying all but the 
 purely sexual of conjugal relations, abrogating parental relatio;is, and 
 rendering family relations impossible, we must concede a case of para- 
 sitism having almost an ethical significance, to such an extreme is it 
 l)u.shed. Certain low organisms, like the Entozoa, for example, only 
 exist under conditions fulfilled within the bodies of higher animals, 
 presenting a case not so widely different from that exhibited in the rela- 
 tion between a plant-germ and the soil iu which it grows; but they 
 work detriment to their host, and even its death, by the irritation of 
 their presence in myriads, or their actual consumption of substance, and 
 , iu this respect are more exactly comparable to the true epiphytes, like 
 the mistletoe, drawing sap directly from the other plants upon which 
 they fix. Another kind of parasitism is illustrated by numerous insects, 
 sometimes designated as iJ/;i~o«, which are independent organisms, self- 
 supporting, yet habitually seeking to live upon other animals. Such 
 answer more nearly to the peculiar signification of a parasite, in its ety- 
 mological sense of an " uninvited guest," than the Entozoa do. and lead 
 up to cases of parasitism in its literal signification. Among mammals 
 we have pure parasitism in the asserted relationsof the jackal and lion, 
 the former being literally " beside the table " of the latter. The Jaegers 
 are similarly and more forcibly i^arasitic, feeding at the expense and to 
 the annoyance of Gulls; so are some Gulls, in their turn, parasites of 
 the Pelicans, picking small fry out of the very beak of these industrious 
 fishers. The Bald Eagle is a bold parasite of the Osprey, accomplish- 
 ing by violence what is usually done by intrigue. But all such cases 
 relate simply to procuring of food; only a few extremely "advanced 
 thinkers" among birds and the human species dispense with family ties, 
 duties, and delights, throwing the burthensome results of their sexual 
 propensities upon society. It is not difficult to trace, in either case, the 
 demoralizing effect upon the individuals themselves, or the mischief 
 wrought at large. But it may be straining an analogy to compare cases, 
 however similar, in one of which resides a moral qualitj" which we must 
 presume to be absent in the other. 
 
 However this may be, it is singular that this particular kind of para- 
 sitism should occur in the isolated cases of birds so unlike, as Cuckoos 
 and Cowbirds, and only there, so far as we know. The egg of the Cow- 
 bird is less than an inch long, by about two-thirds of an inch wide; it 
 varies a great deal in size, as is seen on comparing any large series. 
 Given the existence of the habit of laying in other birds' nests, we 
 should have anticipated its occurrence throughout some particular 
 group, rather than its seemingly "sporadic" character. But there are 
 no accidents in the order of nature; if Md could but see far enough, not 
 
 * 8'" ed. iii, 159. But later (iv, 90) he says that the youug Cow-bird from which he 
 made his drawing was sent to him by Nuttall, and that it was the same specimen as that- 
 described by Nuttall as the "Ambiguous Sparrow'' — " nothing else thafi a young Cow- 
 pen-bird, scarcely fledged." 
 
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182 MOLOTHEUS PECORIS, COW-BIRD. 
 
 only would the coDDection between the habits of the Cow-bird and 
 Cackoo be plain, but we should discern how such peculiar nioditi- 
 cations of its instinct were effected. The production of the traits in 
 question is a theme fruitful of speculation, if not of solid information. 
 Ages ago, it might be surmised, a female Cow-bird, in imminent danger 
 of delivery without a nest prepared, was loth to lose her offspring, and 
 deposited her burthen in an alien uest, perhaps of her own species, 
 rather than on the ground. The convenience of this process may have 
 struck her, and induced her to repeat the easy experiment. The found- 
 lings duly hatched, throve, and came to maturity, stamped with their 
 mothers individual traits — an impress deep and lasting enough to simi- 
 larly affect them in turn. The adventitious birds increased bj' natural 
 multiplication, till they outnumbered the true-born ones ; what was en- 
 gendered of necessity was perpetuated "by unconscious volition, and 
 finally became a fixed habit — the law of reproduction for the species. 
 Much current reasoning on similar subjects is no better nor worse than 
 this, and it all goes for what it is worth. 
 
 There are several species of the genus Molothrvs in the warmer parts 
 of America ; their habits, so far as we know, are like those of our repre- 
 sentative. The position of the genus is a little uncertain ; it has strong 
 affinity with the Blackbirds {Icteridce), yet it is difficult to see in what 
 respects it differs from certain fringilline birds. But in any event, there 
 is nothing whatever in the structui^e of the birds to give a hint of their 
 peculiar habits. Attending the central fact of reproductive parasitism 
 are numerous circumstances worthy of attention, since they all tend to 
 insure the peipetuation of these species under anomalous conditions, 
 and react against the multiplication of the various birds which are 
 selected as foster-parents. It is mysterious, indeed ; the infliction is 
 certainly an unmitigated evil to the birds who are drawn into the con- 
 nection, and yet we cannot rationally conceive of the existence of such 
 thing, except as a means of some greater good. Can it not be possible 
 that this special check upon the increase of certain kinds of birds pre- 
 serves the delicate balance of some of Xature's forces ? 
 
 I do not ieel at all sure that the small relative size of the Cow-bird's 
 egg should be accounted a circumstance favorable to the bird, as some 
 have believed, reasoning that a larger egg could not be adeijuately in- 
 cubated by the small species usually selected as nurses. Xo a priori 
 reason a])pears why the egg should not have been of ordinary dimen- 
 sions, and a different series of birds been called upon to incubate it; 
 while, as the facts stand, it is clear that the bigness of the egg, in com- 
 parison with those among which it is usually deposited, and not its 
 smallness relative to the Cow-bird's bulk, is the favoring element. For 
 the larger egg must mechanically obstruct the incubation of the smaller 
 ones, and so receive the greater share of warmth from the bird's body. 
 But perhaps both the circumstances may be brought into reasonable 
 connection. Were the Cow-bird's egg of ordinary dimensions relative 
 to the bulk of the species, it might be susceptible of successful incuba- 
 tion only by other birds large enough to remove or destroy it, as would 
 certainly be done when practicable ; it is therefore unusually small, in 
 order that it may be committed to the charge of birds able to hatch it, 
 yet too weak to eject it ; and now its superiority in size to the eggs of 
 such birds becomes a favorable circumstance. 
 
 It is stated that the Cow-bird's egg hatches sooner than that of most 
 birds, the period of incubation being not over ten days. But I am not 
 aware that the evidence in this case is either sufticient, explicit, or pre- 
 cise ; it would be well to have it checked by many additional observa- 
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COW-BIRD. 1 83 
 
 tlons. A difficulty, not usnallj- recognized, meets us here, in the variable 
 circumstances of incubation. An egg habitually intrusted to numerous 
 different birds, from the size of a Thrush down to that of the tiny 
 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, is necessarily subjected to a varying temperature 
 (within, however, narrow limits), hastening or retarding development 
 of the embryo ; even the material of so many different nests, consid- 
 ered as conductors of heat, may exercise a slight disturbing influence. 
 Under these fluctuating circumstances the duration of incubation may 
 yet be proven inconstant ; and it cannot be supposed to bear u single 
 definite relation to that of each of the birds concerned. Of its prior 
 maturity, as a rule, however, there seems to be no doubt, and the result- 
 ing advantage is obvious. The young Cow-bird immediately demands 
 and receives attention, so that incubation of the other eggs may remain 
 unfinished ; and if the latter are hatched, the chances of the younger 
 and weaker birds against the alien are very problematical. They may 
 be trampled to death, or smothered, even if they are not forcibly ejected ; 
 and they generally fail to receive sufficient nourishment, of which the 
 lion's share falls to the intruder. 
 
 There is another and a very singular element of success for the Cow- 
 bird. However indignant and despairing the nurses may be supposed 
 to feel about it at first, they generally make a virtue of necessity ; and 
 when they have once made up their minds to accept the unpleasant sit- 
 uation, they do their whole duty by it, even to the neglect of their 
 rightful offspring. As not unfrequently occurs in other cases, they be- 
 come, so far as we can judge by their actions, really fond of the found- 
 ling, and, at any rate, they give assiduous attention to its wants, and 
 care for it as tenderly as if it were their own. 
 
 It does not appear that the Cow-bird ever attempts to take forcible 
 l^ossession of a nest. She watches her chance while the owners are 
 away, slips in by stealth, and leaves the evidence of her unfriendly visit 
 to be discovered on their return, in the shape of the ominous egg. Th6 
 parents hold anxious consultation in this emergency, as their sorrowful 
 cries and disturbed actions plainly indicate. If their nest was empty 
 before, they generally desert it, and their courage in giving up a cosy 
 home results in one Cow-bird the less. Sometimes even after there is 
 an egg of their own in the nest, they have nerve enough to let it go, 
 rather than assume the hateful task of incubating the strange one. But 
 if the female has already laid an egg or two, the pair generally settle 
 into the reluctant conviction that there is no help for it; they quiet 
 down after awhile, and things go on as if nothing had happened. Not 
 always, however, will they desert even an empty nest ; some birds have 
 discovered a way out of the difficulty — it is the most ingenious device 
 imaginable, and the more we think about it the more astonishing it 
 seems. They build a two-story nest, leaving the obnoxious egg in the 
 basement. I want no better proof that birds possess a facultj^ indistin- 
 guishable, so far as it goes, from human reason ; and such a case as this 
 bears impress! ^-ely upon the general question of the difference between 
 reason and that faculty we designate by the vague and misleading term 
 " instinct." The evidence has accumulated till it has become conclusive, 
 that the difierence is one of degree, not of kind — that instinct is a lower 
 order of reason — the arrest, in brutes, at a certain stage, of a faculty 
 reaching higher development in man. Instinct, in the ill-considered 
 current sense of term, could never lead a Summer Yellowbird up to 
 building a two-story nest to let a Cow-bird's eggs addlfe below. Such 
 "instinct" is merely force of habit, inherited or acquired — a sum of ten- 
 dencies operating unknowingly and uniformly upon the same recurring 
 
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184 MOLOTHEUS PECOETS, COW-BIED. 
 
 circumstances, devoid of conscious design, lacking recognized prevision ; 
 totally inadequate to the requirements of the first special emergency. 
 What bird, possessed of only such a faculty as this, could build a two- 
 story nest to get rid of an objectionable deposit in the original single- 
 story fabric ? It argues as intelligent a design as was ever indicated in 
 the erection of a building by a human being. No question of inherited 
 tendency enters here ; and if it did, the issue would be only set back a 
 step no nearer determination, for there must have been an original 
 double nest, the result of an original idea. Nor is this wonderful fore- 
 thought very rarely exhibited; considering what proportion the double 
 nests discovered bear to the ordinary ones brought to our notice, among 
 the millions annually constructed, we can easily believe that the inge- 
 nious device is in fact a frequent resort of the birds plagued by the 
 Cow-buntiug. And how can we sufficiently admire the perseverance 
 and energy of a bird which, having once safely shut up the terrible egg 
 in her cellar, and then having iound another one violating her premises, 
 forthwith huilt a third story f She deserved better of fate than that her 
 house should at last be despoiled by a naturalist. This was a Summer 
 Yellowbird, to whom the price of passing thus into history must have 
 seemed hard. 
 
 The Cow-bird's foster-parents are numerous ; the list of those so deter- 
 mined is already large, and when completed will probably comprise 
 pretty much all of the species nesting within the Cow-bird's breeding 
 range, from the size of a Thrush down to that of the Gnatcatcher. It 
 is unnecessary to recite the long list ; I will mention, however, the Wood 
 Thrush, Yellow-breasted Chat, and Towhee Bunting, as showing that 
 the foster-birds are not always smaller than the Cow-bird itself. The 
 Summer Yellowbird, the Maryland Yellow-throat, and the Eed-eyed 
 Vireo, are among those most persistently victimized. On the prairies 
 of the west, where the Cow birds are very numerous, and breeding birds 
 restricted in number of species if not of individuals, I had almost said 
 that in a majority of the nests taken in June will be found a Cow- 
 bird's egg. 
 
 In the nature of the case it is impossible to say what is the normal 
 number of eggs usually deposited each season by a single bird — that is 
 if more than one be laid, as is probable. W^e can only presume, quite 
 reasonably, that the laying is of four or five eggs, as usual among the 
 allied species. Neither do we know whether the same individual ever 
 deposits more than one egg in the same nest — at least I am not aware 
 of observations on this score, and they would be necessarily very difii- 
 cult, if not impossible, to make. Finding several Cow-bird's eggs in a 
 nest, as frequently happens, proves nothing to this effect, for the same 
 nest might easily enough be used by different Cow-birds in succession. 
 It is rare to find more than two of the alien eggs together ; I hare found 
 three in a Towhee-Bunting's nest, and even Jive have been discovered 
 in the same nest. Singularly enough, these unusual numbers were in 
 the nest of the same species. Thus Mr. T. Martin Trippe, in his inter- 
 esting article on the Cow-bird (Am. Nat. iii, 291), cites a remarkable 
 case : "I never heard of more than two instances where there were more 
 than two eggs of the Cow-bird in a single nest. Prof. Baird and Dr. 
 Brewer once found three eggs in the nest of a Black-and-white Creeper, 
 and I once had the good fortune to discover a nest of the same bird 
 containing Jive eggs of the parasite, together with three of her own. In 
 the latter case incubation had begun, and all of the eggs contained em- 
 bryos." We may consider this pair of Creepers relieved, on the whole, 
 by Mr. Trippe's visit — the mother-bird rescued from drowning in the in- 
 
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MOLOTHKUS PECORIS, COW-BIRD. 185 
 
 undation of so many "well-springs," and the fatlier saved the necessity 
 of hanging himself from the nearest coiiveuient crotch. 
 
 It is interesting to observe the female Cow-bird ready to lay. She 
 becomes disquieted ; she betrays unwonted excitement, and ceases her 
 busy search for food with her companions. At length she separates 
 from the flock, and sallies forth to reconnoitre, anxiously indeed, for her 
 case is urgent, and she has no home. How obstrusive is the sad 
 analogy! She flies to some thicket, or hedge-row, or other common 
 resort of birds, where, something teaches her — perhaps experience — 
 nests will be found. Stealthily and in perfect silence she flits along, 
 peering furtively, alternately elated or dejected, into the depths of the 
 foliage. She espies a nest, but the owner's head peeps over the brim, 
 and she must pass on. Now, however, comes her chance; there is the 
 very nest she wishes, and no one at home. She disappears for a few 
 minutes, and it is almost another bird that comes out of the bash. Her 
 business done, and trouble over, she chuckles her self-gratulations, 
 rustles her plumage to adjust it trimly, and flies back to her associates. 
 They know what has happened, but are discreet enough to say nothing — 
 charity is often no less wise than kind. 
 
 Polygamy is rare among higher birds ; in no creatures are the parental 
 and conjugal instincts more strongly developed or beautifully displayed. 
 But the Uow-bird illustrates this mode of life, and not in the lordly 
 manner of the barn-yard cock, so devoted to his harem, so gallant and 
 just to all. As in this species there is no love of oflspring, neither can 
 there be conjugal affection; all family ties are dispensed with. The 
 association is a mere herding together in quest of food in similar resorts. 
 The Gow-birds never mate ; their most intimate relations are no sooner 
 effected than forgotten ; not even the decent restrictions of a seraglio 
 are observed; it is a perfect community of free-lovers, who do as the 
 original Cynics did. The necessary courtship becomes in consequence 
 a curiously mixed affair. During the period corresponding to the mat- 
 ing season of orderly birds, the patriarchs of the sorry crew mount up 
 the trees and fences, to do what they call their singing. They posture 
 and turn about, and ruifle their feathers to look bigger than Isature 
 made them; if their skins were not tough they would certaiisly burst 
 with vanity. They puff out their throats and pipe the most singular 
 notes, perhaps honestly wishing to please their companions of the other 
 sex — at any rate, to their own satisfaction. Meanwhile the females are 
 perched near by, but without seeming very enthusiastic — rather taking 
 it all as a matter of course, listening at times, it may be, but just as 
 likely preening their plumage, with other thoughts and an ulterior pur- 
 pose. The performance over, it is a very little while afterward when 
 the whole band goes trooping after food in the nearest cattle-yard or 
 Ijasture. 
 
 Cow-birds appear to be particularly abundant in the West; more so, 
 perhaps, than they reallj' are, for the numbers that in the East spread 
 equally over large areas are here drawn within small compass, owing 
 to lack of attractions abroad. Every wagon-train passing over the 
 prairies in summer is attended by flocks of the birds ; every cnmp and 
 stock-corral, permanent or temporary, is besieged by the busy birds, 
 eager to glean subsistence from the wasted forage. Their lamiliarity 
 under these circumstances is surprising. Perpetually wandering about 
 the feet of the draught-animals, or perching upon their backs, they be- 
 come so accustomed to man's j)resence that they will hardly get out of 
 the way. I have even known a young bird to suffer itself to be taken 
 in hand, and it is no uncommon thing to have the birds fluttering within 
 
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186 AGEL^US PHCENICEUS, EED-WINGED BLACKBIRD. 
 
 a few feet of one's head. The animals appear to rather like the birds, 
 and suffer tliem to perch in a row upon their back-bones, doubtless find- 
 ing the scratching of their feet a comfortable sensation, to say nothing 
 of the riddance from insect parasites. 
 
 A singular point in the history of this species is its unexplained dis- 
 appearance, generally in July, from many or most localities in which it 
 breeds. Where it goes, and' for what purpose, are unknown; but the 
 fact is attested by numerous observers. Sometimes it reappears in 
 September in the same places, sometimes not. Thus, in Northern Da- 
 kota, I saw none after early in August. 
 
 AGEL^US PHCENICECrS, (Linn.) Vieill. (^ 
 Sed-winged Blackbird. 
 
 a. phcenicetis. 
 
 OHolus pJueniceus, Likx., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 161.— Gji., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 386.— Lath., 
 Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 428. 
 
 Agelmns phmniceus, "ViEiLi.., "Analyse, 1816."— Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. xxxiv, 539.— 
 Gkay, Gen. of B. ii, 347 ; List of Brit. B. 1863, 92 (said to be accidental in 
 England).— Sw. & Eicii., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 2^0.— Br., List, 1838, 30; Consp. i, 
 1850, 430.— Add., Syn. 1839, 141; B. Am. iv, 1842, 31, 216.- GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 
 141.— WOODH., Sitgr. Eep. 18.53, 80.— ScL., P. Z. S. 18.57, 205 ; 18.09, 58, 3dl ; 
 Cat. 1862, 133 (Orizaba; Guatemala).- ScL. & Salv., Ibis, i, 1859, 19 (Guate- 
 mala).- Dress., Ibis, 18U5, 492 (Texas).— Maxim., J. f. O. vi, 1858, 263.— Bd., 
 B. N. A. 1858, 526; Mex. B. Surv. ii, 1859, pt. ii, 18.— Kexx., P. R. E. Eep. x, 
 1859, iv, 30. — Bryaxt, Pr. Bost. Soc. Tii, 1859 (Biiliamas).— Coop. & Sucic, 
 N..H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 207.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 1G9.— Cass., Pr. Phila. Aeau. 
 1866, 90.— Lawr., Ann. L;5C. X. Y. is, 1868, 104 (Costa Eica).— Sumich., Jlem. 
 Bost. Soe. i, 1869, 553 (Ori'zaba).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 261.— Trippi:, Pr. Ess. 
 Inst, vi, 1871, 117 (Minnesota).- Ai.i.EX, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 2-^4 (Florida); 
 iii, 1872, 178 fKansas to Utah).- Stev., U. S. Geo]. Surv. Ter. 1870, J65.— 
 Merr., ma. 1872, 686.— Sxow, B. Kans. 187.3, 8.— Coies, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 
 90 (Arizona) ; Key, 1872, 156, pi. 4.— B. B. & E.,.N. A. B. ii, 1874, 159, pi. 33, f. 
 1, 2, 3; and of late authors generally. 
 
 Icterus pk(enicni-% Daud.— Licht., Verz. 1823, No. 128.— Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 68 ; 
 Syn. 1828, 52.— NUTT., Man. i, 1832, 169.— AuD., Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 348; v, 1^39, 
 487 ; x'l. 67. 
 
 Psarocolius plioeniceus, Wagl., Syst. Av. 1827, No. 10. 
 
 Sturnus predatm-ius, WrLS., Am. Orn. iv, 1811, 30, pi. 30, fig. 1. 
 
 b. assimilis. 
 
 Agelaius assimilis, GrxDi.., J. f. 0. iv, 12 ; Pr. Bost. Soc. vi, 316 (Cuba, breeding). 
 Agelwus plioeniceus var. assimilis, B. B. &. R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 159. 
 
 c. guhernator. 
 
 Psarocolius guhernator, W.A-GL., Isis, 1832, 281. 
 
 Agelaius guitrnatm, Bp., Conip. and Geog. List, 1838, 30 ; Consp. i, 1850, 430. — Aun., 
 Syn. 1839, 141 ; B. Am. iv, 1842, 29, pi. 215.— WooDn., Sitgr. Eep. 1853, 89 (Cali- 
 foruia).— ScL . P. Z. S. 1857, 127, 213 ; 1859, 365 ; Cat. 1862, 136 (Xalapa).— 
 Newis., p. E. E. Eep. vi, 1857, ^6 (California).— Bd., ibid, ix, 529.— Kbnx., Hid. 
 X, 18.59, pt. iv, 31.— Heerm., Hid. pt. vi, 53.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 263. 
 
 Icterus guhernator, Nutt., Man. i, 2d ed. 1840, 187. 
 
 Agelaus pJiccniceus var. guhernator, COUES, Key, 1872, 156. — B. B. & E., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 
 163, pi. 33, f. 4, 8. 
 
 d. tricolor. 
 
 Icterus tricolor, Nutt., Man. i, 2d ed. 1840, 186.— Atjd., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, fi, pi. 383. 
 
 Agelwus tricolor, Bp., Comp. and Geoj;. List, 1838, 30; Consp. i, 1850, 430. — Aud., Syn. 
 1839, 141; B. Am. iv, 1842, 27, pl.214.— Woodh., Sitgr. Eep. 1853, 80.— Newb., 
 P. E. E. Eep. vi, 1857, 8G.— Bl>., ibid, ix, 1858, 530 ; Mex. B. Surv. ii, 1859, pt. ii, 
 18 (Colorado Eiver).- Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870 265.— 
 B. B. &. R., N. A. B., ii, 1874, 165, pi. 33, f. 5, 6, 7. 
 
 Agelaus phceniceus var. tricolor, Coues, Key, 1872, 156. 
 
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AGELiEUS PHCENICEUS, EED-WINGED BLACKBIRD. 187 
 
 Hab. — The typical form tbronghoiit temperate North America, and south to Centra] /^■3'_£ 
 America. Breeds in suitable places from Texas to the Saskatchewan, and along tliej\, 
 whole Atlantic coast. Winters from about 35*^ southward. Said to have occurred in ' ' ' 
 England. Var. asshnilis in Cuba. Var. giiheriiaioi- along the Pacific coast, from British^^.^ ,.; -J 
 Columbia into Mexico. Var. tricolor resident in California. 
 
 Lhiilnmnt Warren's ExjKdHion. — 47!j7, Big Nemaha; 5323-26, Medicine Creek ; 9332, ' ' 
 9331, ',):!39. 9333, 9330, along the Platte. 
 
 Later JCxjKditioiis. — 61058-89, Green Eiver ; 61725-56, Ogden, Utah. . r 
 
 We have been furnished by Mr. Allen with elaborate tables of measurements, show- j J i^ ■ .j 
 ing the sexual and individual dift'crcnces in size and proportions of specimens from the 
 same locality, as well as the variation in the same respects, according to geographical 
 distribution. The diflference in size consists in the inferiority of southern birds, ac- 
 cording to a well understood law ; it is coupled, as usual, also, with attenuation of the 
 bill. In color, southern birds differ in the more inteuse lustre of the blact and brighter 
 red. Following are the dimensions ; the numbers in parentheses are the several 
 averages. Massachusetts males : Length, 8.40 to 9.85 (9.16) ; extent, 13.95 to 15.35 
 (14.71); wing, 4.43 to 5.00 (4.69); tail, 3.12 to 3.90 (3.63); bill, 0.75 to 0.91 (0.88). 
 Massachusetts females: Length, 7.35 to 8.55 (7.53); extent, 11.25 to 13.55 (l'i.24); 
 wing, 3.63 to 4.26 (3.86) ; tail, 2.65 to 3.15 (2.93) ; bill, 0.70 to 0.82 (0.75). Southern 
 males: Length, 8.25 to 9.55 (9.02); extent, 13.60 to 14.90 (14.41); wing, 4.34 to 4.80 
 (4.62); tail, 3.35 to 3.90 (3.61); bill, 0.85 to 1.00 (0.91). Southern females: Length, 
 7.50 to 8.00 (7.73) : extent, 11.85 to 12.85 (12.44) ; wing, 3.63 to 3.90 (3.83) ; tail, 2.75 to 
 3.20 (2.99). Californian specimens are correspondent. Independent of all extrinsic 
 influences, the normal inherent variation in dimensions amounts to fifteen per cent. 
 
 The so-called species, A. gubernaior, has not the slightest claim to specific rank — in 
 fact it can hardly be rated as a fair variety. Of the same size and shape as ordinary 
 phceniceua, with the same scarlet carpus, it only differs, in extreme cases, in not having 
 this red bordered with tawny. This is produced by the restriction of the brownish- 
 yellow of the middle wing-coverts (in phceniceus occupying the whole length of these 
 feathers) to the basal portion of the feathers, their jirojecting ends being black, and so 
 failing to produce a tawny bordering of the red. But every imaginable stage is a mat- 
 ter of observation in different specimens, from one extreme to the other ; and in some 
 cases of plmniceus most of the greater coverts are likewise tawny, producing a 
 brownish-yellow patch, nearly as large as the scarlet one itself 
 
 Var. tricolor is better marked, in its smaller size and attenuated bill (thus agreeing, 
 however, with Fioridan pliwinceu^), dark blood-red wing-patch, and pure white border. 
 The better distinction in this case corresponds to the geographical restriction and com- 
 parative isolation of this local race. That it is no more, however, than a variety, 
 seems fairly inferable; the difference in the shade of red is no greater than that 
 observable in specimens o{ pltcemceus proper, while the bordering of the red in the 
 latter is sometimes nearly pure white. 
 
 The Kedshouldered Marsh Blackbird is of common occurrence in all 
 suitable places thronghout the Missouri region ; but from its nature it 
 is somewhat localized, being found only in wooded and watered por- 
 tions, except while journeying; and I am not aware that it evfr gathers 
 in such vast numbers as throng the more congenial marshy tracts of 
 the Eastern States. Some modification in habits is the necessary result 
 of topographical as well as climatic changes, which birds experience 
 in their ordinarily extensive dispersion. In Arizona, for instance, I 
 found Eedwings common in the pine-woods, miles away from any water, 
 excepting a tiny mountain stream that afforded no special conveniences 
 for them. 
 
 The Tricolor variety is extremely abundant and resident in the fertile 
 portions of Southern California. It very rarely crosses the intermediate 
 desert to the Colorado River ; this arid tract forming a barrier to the 
 eastward progress of many species, of great efficacy in distinguishing 
 the littoral fauna from that of the Colorado Valley. One who has 
 traveled this region will not bo surprised that birds with any fancy for 
 green, watery places, decline the same journey. At Wilmington and 
 Drumm Barracks I found the Tricolors flocking in vast numbers, in 
 November. They thronged the streets of the town, and covered the 
 military parade-ground ; alone, so far as their congeners were concerned, 
 but on intimate association with hundreds of Brewer's Blackbirds. Both 
 species were almost as tame as poultry, and the boys used to stone them, 
 
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188 X. ICTEEOCEPHALUS, YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD. 
 
 to their mutual amusement, I should say, for the birds were uever hit, 
 and rather seemed to like the sport. Often, as I sat in my quarters on a 
 bright sunny day, the light would be suddenly obscured, just as by a 
 quickly passing cloud, and a rushing noise ensued as the compact flock 
 swirled past the window. They often alighted by hundreds on the roofs 
 of the barracks, almost hiding the shingles, and every picket of a long 
 paling fence near by would sometimes be capped by its bird. They were 
 very noisy, chattering from daylight till dark — all the time they could 
 see to fly about. ISTobody troubled them much ; but Hawks of various 
 kinds — the Harrier, the Western Ked-breast, and the Lanier — were con- 
 tinually dashing in among them, with terrible swooping, bringing death 
 to not ii few, and dismay everywhere. At this season the sexes kept 
 mostly apart; the flocks of males seemed to largely outnumber the 
 females. Very few of those I shot and examined were in perfect plum- 
 age, much of the black being varied with different shades of brown and 
 yellowish, and the white wing-bar being imperfect. In spring the birds 
 resort together to marshy spots, breeding in loose communities. The 
 nests and eggs do not differ ax^preciably from those of the common 
 Eedwing. 
 
 XANTHOCEPHALUS ICTEEOCEPHALUS, (Bp.) Bd. 
 Yellow-headed Blackbird, 
 
 Icterus icterocephalus, Bp., Am. Ora. i, 1835, 27, pi. 3.— Ndtt., Man. i, 1832, 17G ; 2(3 ed. 
 1840, 187. 
 
 Agelteus icterocephalus, Cab., Mns. Hein. i, 1851, 188. 
 
 Xanthocejihalus icterocephalus, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 531 ; Mex. B. Surv. ii, 1859, pt. ii, 18.^ 
 Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 11 (several near Philadelphia). — CoyES, Pr. I'hila. 
 Acail. 1866, 91 (New Mexico and Arizona). — Dress., Ibis, 1865, 492.— Coues, 
 Am. Nat. v, 1671, 195 (biography).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 267.— Sxow, B. 
 Kans. (breeding). — Allen, Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 636 (Watertowu, Mass.). — Mayx., 
 Guide, 1870, 122 (same. case). -Allex, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 178 (Kansas to 
 Utah).-ALLEX, Mem. Bost. Soo. i, 1868, 498 (Iowa) ; 518 (Illinois).— Tuexb., 
 B. E. Pa. 43 (casual).— SxEV., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 46.5.— Mbrr., ibid. 
 1872, 686.— Sxow, B. Kans. 1873, 8.— Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soo. 1872, 202 (Wy- 
 oming).- CouES, Kev, 1872, 156, fig. 98.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 167, pi. 
 32, f. 9, pi. 33, f. 9. 
 
 Icterus xanthocephalus, Bp., Journ. Phila. Acad, v, 1826, 222 ; Syn. 1828, 52. — AuD., Orn. 
 Biog. V, 1839, 6, pi. 388. 
 
 Agclaius xantlioceplialws, Sw. & EiCH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 281 (north to 58°). — Bp., List, 
 1838, 29.— Add., Syn. 1839, 140.— Aud., B. Am. iv, 1842, 24, pi. 213.— WoODn., 
 Sitgr. Kep. 1853, 80.— Newb., P. E. E. Eep. vi, 1857, 86.— Hebkm., ibid, x, 1869, 
 pt. vi, 52.— Maxol, J. f. O. vi, 1858, 261.— Tkippe, Pr. Eas. Inst, vi, 1871, 117 
 (Minnesota). 
 
 Agclaius longipes, Sw., Syn. Mex. B. in Philos. Mag. i, 1827, 436, No. .57. 
 
 Icterus perspicillatus, Licht., " Mus. Berol." 
 
 Psarocolius pei'spicillatus, Wagl., Isis, 1829, 758. 
 
 Xaiithoceplmluspersj>icillatus, Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 431. 
 
 Jgelceus perspicillatus, Eelxh., Ibis, iii, 1861, 7 (Nenortalik, Greenland, Sept. 2, 1820). 
 
 " Icterus frenatus, Light., Isis, 1843, 59.— Eeixh., Kroyer's Tidskrift, iv : Vidensk. 
 Meddel. for 1853 (1854), 82 (Greenland)." 
 
 Sab. — Western North America. North to the Saskatchewan and Eed Eivcr {Richard, 
 sou). East regularly to Iowa and Illinois (^/^m), and Wisconsin (Coues). Casually to 
 Greenland (Eeinhardi), Pennsylvania {Cassin, Tumbull), and Massachusetis (4H««). 
 West to the Pacific. South into Mexico. Cape Saint Lucas, Florida (Mus. S. I.). Cuba 
 (Cab., J. f. 0. vii, 1857, 350). 
 
 list of specimens. 
 
 19367 
 19368 
 
 Devil's Gate--'. 
 Sweetwater - . . 
 
 May 15, 1860 
 May 17, 1800 
 
 G. H. Trook. 
 do 
 
 10.75 
 
 17.25 
 
 Lieutenant Warrett's Expedition. — 5323, near Fort Pierre. 
 
 Later Expeditions.— ^0737, Green Elver ; C1783-4, 61786-7, Idaho. 
 
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X, lOTEROCEPHALUS, YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD. 189 
 
 I am inclined to agree with Dr. Cabanis and others, that it is unnecessary to separate 
 this species geuerally from Ageheus. In form it dillers from the latter only very slightly, 
 and its general economy is the same. 
 
 The eastward extension of tlie species is gre.ater than was not long 
 since supposed. Essentially a prairie bird, it reaches regularly the flat 
 open portions of the States immediately east of the Mississippi, occurring 
 in Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, and Illinois, if not also more 
 rarely in Michigan and Ohio. Its presence in Greenland is doubtless 
 casual ; all the above quotations appear to relate to a single instance. 
 Other exceptional records are above quoted for Massachusetts and 
 Pennsylvania. Mr. Allen says a specimen was taken near Watertown, 
 in October, 1869, by Mr. Mayuard ; and Mr. Turubull says "Dr. Jackson 
 mentions that this species is occasionally seen along the Alleghany 
 Mountains, where a flock appeared in 1857. Mr. John Kjider shot a 
 young male near Philadelphia." Allen states that it is " said to breed 
 in great numbers in the Calumet marshes of Illinois," and also in the 
 Skunk Eiver marshes of Iowa. He saw birds in Iowa, in July, about 
 grassy ponds near Boonesboro'. I met with a few on the prairies of 
 Wisconsin, in April, 1864, and the following iionth found it abundant 
 in Kansas, and again in New Mexico, where thousands were breeding 
 in a marshy place near Laguna, just west of the Eio Grande ; they were 
 also seen in Eastern Arizona, but not in such plenty. I do not recollect 
 meeting any in California, but Dr. Cooper states that they are numerous 
 in all the valleys of the State, especially where there are grassy meadows 
 or marshes. " They winter in large numbers in the middle districts, and 
 some wander at that season to the Colorado Valley and San Diego, 
 though I doubt if any pass the summer so far south." He alludes in 
 this connection to Dr. Newberry's finding them swarming about Klamath 
 Lake, and adds, that he never saw them near the Columbia, though tiiey 
 are abundant east of the Eocky Mountains up to 58^. Dr. Heermann 
 mentions the appearance of immense flocks at Fort Inge, Texas. Dr. 
 Woodhouse speaks of its abundance in Texas and the Indian Territory, 
 and states that it winters about San Francisco, in California. I have 
 not seen it higher on the Missouri than Leavenworth, but Dr. Hrivden 
 says it is quite common throughout the northwest, in marshy spots on 
 the prairies. Finally, Sir John Richardson gives it as very numerous 
 in the interior of the fur countries, to about 58° in summer, reaching 
 the Saskatchewan by the 20th of May. 
 
 The Yellow-headed Blackbird breeds in suitable places throughout 
 the region indicated in the above paragraph. However generally dis- 
 tributed over dry places and even deserts it may be at other seasons, in 
 the breeding time it shows its affinity to the true Af/ehvi by resorting 
 to marshy spots, sometimes by thousands. The nest is placed in a tuft 
 of upright reeds or rank grasses, some of which pass through its walls, 
 fastening it securely, like that of a Marsh Wren, though it may sway 
 with the motion of the rushes. Probably, to render it light enough to 
 be supported on such weak foundation, no mud is used in its composi- 
 tion ; the structure is entirely woven and plaited with bits of dried reeds, 
 and long, coarse, aquatic grasses, not lined with any difi'erent material, 
 although the inside strands are the finer. The brim of the nest is ele- 
 vated and somewhat folded over, making a thick, firm edge ; but I am 
 not aware that the fabric is ever actually "canopied over like that of 
 the Meadow-lark," as stated by Towusend and repeated by Cooper. The 
 whole thing measures five or six inches across, and is nearly as deep. 
 The eggs may be from three to six in number; two selected specimens 
 measured 1.04 by 0.75, and 1.15 by 0.7G. They are pale grayish-green. 
 
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190 STUENELLA MAGNA, MEADOW-LARK. 
 
 spotted all over with several shades of reddish-brown, sometimes so 
 thickly, especially at the larger end, as to hide the ground-color. This 
 speckling instead of streaking, is more like that of the eggs of the 
 Scoleeopha<)i than of the Agelai. During incubation the males appear 
 to desert their mates, as Ls certainly the case with the Boat-tailed 
 Grackle. I have found the birds nesting in June, in New Mexico, and 
 during the same month in Xorthern Dakota. 
 
 At other seasons these Blackbirds are very generally dispersed. They 
 gather about stock-yards and corrals, come into the emigxants' camp at 
 evening, and ramble fearlessly among the auimals in search of food, often 
 in company with flocks of Cow-birds. They are eminently terrestrial 
 birds, as indicated by their long, strong legs, and large ra.soiial claws, 
 and always walk or run, instead of hopping on the ground. They retire 
 in cold weather from the northerly portions of their habitat. 
 
 STUENELLA MAGNA, (Linn.) Bd. " " 
 Meadow-lark ; Eield-lark. 
 
 a. magna. 
 
 Alauda magna, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1758, 167 (ex. Catesby, pi. 33) ; 1766, 289. — Gm., iUd. 
 ed. 13th, 1788, 801.— WiLS., Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 20, pi. 19. 
 
 Sturudla magna, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 53,'j; aud of many late authors. — Hayd., Eep. 1862. 
 169 (to 43°).— Allen, Mem. Best. Soc. i, 1868, 496.— Thippe, Pr. Bost. 8cc. xi, 
 1672, 239 (Iowa).— Hart., Brit. B. 1872. 118 (Ens^land).— CouES, Kcv, 1872, 
 1.57, fig. 99, and pi. 6, figs. 1, 2, 3, 4.— B. 13. & E., N. A.B. ii, 1874, 174, pl.'34. f. 2. 
 
 Stimms ludorkianus, Lixx., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 290.— Gm., i, 17H8, 802. — Latii., Ind. Orn. 
 i, 1790, 323.— Bp., Journ. Phila. Acad, iv, 1824, 180 ; Syn. 1828.— Nutt., Man. i, 
 1832, 147.— Ald., Oru. Biog. ii, 1834, 216; v, 18.39, 492; pi. 136. 
 
 SiurneUa hidoviclana, a-x ., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 262.— Bp., List, 1838, 29; Consp. i, 1850, 
 429.— Aui)., Syn. 1839, 148; B, Am. iv, 1842, 70, pi. 223.— Cab., Mub. Hein. i, 
 1851, 192.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 288. 
 
 Slurnella collaris, Vieill. Anal. 1816 ; Gal. Ois. i, 1824, 134, pi. 90. 
 
 Shrnus collaris, Wagl., Syst. Av. i, 1827, No. 1; Isis, 1831, 527. 
 
 Cadcus alaudarius, Dacd., (fide Cahanis). 
 
 b. neglecta. 
 
 Sturnella neglecta, AuD., B. Am. vii, 1843, 339, pi. 487.— WoODH., Sitgr. Eep. 18.53, 76.— 
 Kewb., p. E. E. Eep. vi, 1857, 86.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 537.— Kexx., P. E. R. 
 Eep. X, 1859, pt. iv, 31.— Heekm., iiid. pt. vi, 54.— Coop. & SuoK., N. H. Wasl. 
 Ter. 1860, 208.— Hayd., Eep. 1862, 109.— Dress., Ibis, 1865, 492 (Tcxas).- 
 Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 23.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 91.— Coop., B. 
 Cal. i, 1879, 270.— Hold., Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 203 — Trippe, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 
 239 (Iowa, -with the preceding).— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 465.— 
 Merr., ibid. 1872, 687.— S.xow, B. Kans. 1873, 8. 
 
 Sturudla Indoviciana var. neglecta, Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 178. 
 
 Sturnella magna var. neglecta, Coues, Key, 1872, 1.57.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. ii, 1874, pi. 
 34, f. 1. 
 
 " (?) Sturnella Mpxmcrepis, Heerm., Journ. Phila. Acad, ii, 1853, 269 (Suisun)." 
 
 c. Mppocrepis. 
 
 (Cuba.) 
 
 Sturnella Mjrpocrepia, Wagl., Isis, 1832, 281.— Lawr., Ann. Lye. vii, 1860, 266. — SCL., 
 
 Ibis, 1861, 179; Cat. 1862, 139 (Cuba).— Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 24. 
 Sturnella magna var. liippocry>is, B. B. & E., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 172. 
 
 d. mexicana. 
 
 (Mexico and Central America.) 
 
 (?) Sturnella magna, Sw., Syn. Mex. B. Philos. Mag. i, 1827, 436 (Mexico). 
 
 Sturnella luppocrepis, SCL., P. Z. S. 1856, 30, 301 ; 1859, 58, 365, 381 ; Cat. 1862, 139.— 
 
 SCL. &, Salv., Ibis, i, 1859, 19 ; 1860, 34. 
 Sturnella mexicana, ScL., Ibis, iii, 1861, 179. — Lawr., Ann. Lye. iii, 1865, 177 (New 
 
 Granada).— Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 24. 
 Sturnella magna var. mexicana, B. B. & E., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 172. 
 
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STURNELLA MAGNA, MEADOW-LAEK. 191 
 
 e. meridionalis. 
 (South America.) 
 
 Stumella hido^Mcma, (?) ScL. P. Z. S. 1856, 29, 142.— (?) Lawk,, Aun. Lye. ix, 1868, 104. 
 hurnella meridionalis, ScL., Ibis, 1861, 179.— Cass., Pr. Phila. Aoad. 186G, 24. 
 Stumella magna var. meridionalis, B. 13. & E., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 11)1. 
 
 Sail. — The typical form in Eastern North America to Nova Scotia, and north to 53°. 
 Breeds throughout its range. Winters from Maryland (sometimes Pennsylvania) south- 
 ward. (Accidental in England; SCL., Ibis, 1861, 176; Lloyd., The i'ield. Mar. 11, 
 1871; Hart., Man. Brit. B. 1872, 118.) At the edge. of the western prairies begins to 
 shade into var. neglecia, which reaches its maximum departure on the dry central 
 plains. Individuals indistinguishable from typical magna in Kansas, Iowa, and East- 
 ern Dakota, and reappearing on the moist Pacific coast. Individuals like neglecta 
 occur in Pennsylvania. Extralimital races, all inseparably connected, are distributed 
 as above noted. 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Erpedition. — a. magna, 9325-7, Loup Fork. — b. neglecta, 9307, 
 9312-19, 9321, Loup Fork; 9332, Platte; 4748, 4751, 47.'"3-^, "Nebraska;" 5334, 5338, 
 Fort Union ; 5336, 5341, Yellowstono ; 5335, 5339, Fort Pierre ; 5330, Fort Lookout : 
 5329, Little Cheyenne ; 4749, The Tower. 
 
 Later Expeditions.— \ar. neglecta, 54312-15, 60,444-6, 60738-43, 60808-13, 61060-9, vari- 
 ous Wyoming localities ; 61732-3, Utah. 
 
 Cases like the present have, until very recently, proven stumblijig-blocks. All the 
 facts were long in our possession before they received adequate and reasonable expla- 
 nation ; they were simply noted and left as found. It would be a curious and not 
 unprofitable enquiry, how much the progress of philosophic ornithology has been re- 
 tarded by the trammels of the binomial nomenclature, which practically forced ns to 
 either recognize as a species what we now call a race, or sink it into an unmeaning 
 synonym. To cite a striking example in this very case of Stumella : Dr. Cabanis, in 
 1856 ; Dr. Finsch, iu 1870 ; and Mr. Allen, in 1871, all came to the same couclusion, that 
 there is but a single species of the genus. But in a synouymical notation of thia fact, 
 such as that given by Mr. Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 288, the diifereuces of race are 
 ignored as completely as the resemblance is brought out. So far as his synonymy goes, 
 all the Sturuellas are repeated exactly alike, which is by no means the case. The 
 bringing into general use of the term " var." is a great practical help, albeit au instru- 
 ment too clumsy for the nice work of the future, we may confidently anticii)ate. I can 
 to-day foresee naturalists' reversion to a polynomial nomenclature, in which three or 
 more words shall express to a nicety the shades of their zoological meaning. Linnaeus 
 conferred au inestimable boon upon a century of natui'alists ; but an effective mode of 
 expressing the ideas then current has proven inadequate for present purposes. I raise 
 my voice emphatically in favor of freedom from the binomial shackles. 
 
 I have not personally mvestigated the relationships of the extralimital forms, but 
 the current views of those who have, accord with my belief. The case of Stumella 
 magna neglecta is settled and explained; Magna shades directly into neglecta, and de- 
 velopes its peculiarities precisely according to the mean annual rain-fall, and conse- 
 quently the average humidity of the atmosphere of the regions iu which it resides. 
 The change is imperceptibly effected ; distinguishable examples sometimes occur to- 
 gether; the characters culminate in the most sterile regions. The peculiarities of 
 neglecta are casually exhibited in the East. I was once shown some unlabelled speci- 
 mens, which I did not hesitate to call "neglecta," and was considerably taken aback 
 on learning they were shot near Philadelphia, by Mr. Krider. 
 
 A difference in the song, " attested by all observers from Lewis and Clarke down to 
 the present day," is very curious. My own experience in this matter agrees exactly 
 ■with that of Mr. Allen, who I will quote: "At the little village of Denison, in Iowa, 
 where I first noticed it in song, it was particularly common, and half-domestic in its 
 habits, preferring, apparently, the streets and grassy lanes, and the immediate vicinity 
 of the village, to the remoter prairie. Here, wholly unmolested and unsuspicious, it 
 collected its food ; and the males, from their accustomed perches on the house-tops, 
 daily warbled their wild song for hours together. « * » » fhy song, however, 
 was so new to me that I did not at first have the slightest suspicion its author was 
 the Western Meadow-lark, as I found it to be, the time being between daylight and 
 snnrise, and Uxe individual in question singing from the top of the court-house. It 
 differs from that of the Meadow-lark in the Eastern States in the notes being louder 
 and wilder, and at the same time more liquid, mellower, and far sweeter. They have a 
 pensiveness and a general character remarkably iu harmony with the half-dreary wild- 
 ness of the primitive prairie, as though the bird had received from its surroundings their 
 peculiar impress ; while if less loud their songs would hardly reach their mates above 
 the strong winds that almost constantly sweep over the prairies in the hot months. 
 It ditfers, too, in the less frequency of the harsh, complaining chatter so conspicuous 
 in the Eastei u birds, so much so that at first I suspected this to be wholly wanting." 
 
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192 ICTERUS SPURIUS, ORCHAKD ORIOLE. 
 
 It has often occurred to me, and I make the suggestion for what it may be worth, 
 that a different acoustic property of the dry, raritied air of the West may in somo 
 measure determine the peculiarity of the soug. In further ilhistration of this inter-, 
 esting subject, I will quote the remarks of Mr. Trippe, who evidently inclines to keep 
 the two forms apart : 
 
 "If this bird is merely a variety of S. magna, it is certainly a very remarkable one. 
 t » » » Careful observations for the last two years have convinced me of the fol- 
 lowing facts, viz., that there are two varieties or species of the Meadow-lark m 
 Southern Iowa, that possess totally different songs and notes, and that these differ- 
 ences are constant. The Common Lark is here by far the most abundant; its noteg 
 aie precisely similar to those of the same bird in the East, and its habits, also, nciirly 
 or quite the same. The Western Lark, on the contrary, 7ievcr utters the peculiar, long- 
 drawn whistle of the common species — at least I never heard it — and it has a number 
 of notes which the latter never utters, one in particular, which resembles a note of the 
 Red-winged Blackbird. The Western Lark, like the common species, has a rapid chat- 
 ter, but so different, in every bird that I have heard, that the difference was at once 
 appreciable; indeed, it is more striking than the resemblance. The Western Lark is 
 here quite a timid species, compared with the other at least, which is quite as tame as 
 the Bluebird or Chipping Sparrow. The former is never heard after the Ist of Septem- 
 ber, although it arrives as soon as, or a little before, the other — early in March — while 
 the latter remains until November. I have never heard a bird whose notes were inter- 
 mediate between the two. Here, then, we have the remarkable fact of two varieties — - 
 if they are such — of the same species, existing side by side, seldom or never mingling, 
 and each preserving its peculiar notes and habits ; yet resembling each other so closely 
 in form and plumage that the most experienced ornithologists are unable to draw the 
 dividing line between them." 
 
 In Dakota, along the Red River, I found S. neglecta alone, altho'igh the Fauna there 
 is almost exclusively Eastern. The same was the case at Fort Randall, and, in fact, 
 all along that portion of Dakota towards Sioux City, Iowa, where the birds are ex- 
 ceedingly numerous — perhaps the most abundant of all the prairie species. They 
 reach this locality early in April, and soon begin to sing. In May we cannot ride a 
 mile anywhere without seeing them, while their peculiar notes, one of the most de- 
 Jightful voices of the prairie, are continually heard. In April, before pairing, hun- 
 dreds used to frequent daily the parade-ground of Fort Randall, where, as the grass 
 was yet scarcely sprouted, good opportunity was offered of observing their character- 
 istic habit — one not so generally known as it should be, since it is related to the 
 peculiar shape of the bill. The birds may be seen scattered all over the ground, busily 
 tugging at something ; and on walking over the scene of their operations, the ground, 
 newly-softened by the spring thaw, is seen to be riddled with thousands of little holes, 
 which the birds make in se.irch of food. These holes are quite smooth — not a turning 
 over of the surface of the ground, but a clean boring, like that made by sinking in 
 the end of a light walking-stick ; just as if the birds inserted the bill and then worked 
 it about till the hole was of suiBcient size. Whether they bored at random, or were 
 guided by some sense in tinding their prey, and what particular objects they were 
 searching for, I did not ascertain ; but the habit was so fixed and so continually per- 
 severed in as to attract general attention. Silent, or nearly so, upon their first arrival, 
 the birds became highly musical during April, singing in rival groups from the trees 
 and fences in the intervals of their search for food ; and at length they paired and 
 scattered over the prairie to breed. >> one pass the winter in this latitude ; they depart 
 late in October. Further west, on the boundless prairie, they occur everywhere, but 
 not, according to my observations at least, in such large numbers as they do about 
 settlements, since they appear to prefer more fertile regions, where, doubtless, their 
 food is most plenty. 
 
 ICTERUS SPURIUS, (Linn.) Bp. 
 Orchard Oriole; Chestnut Hangnest. 
 
 a. spurius. 
 
 Oriolus spurius, Li^TC., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 162.— Gm., i, 178^!, 389. 
 
 Icterus spurius, Bp., Syn. 1828, 51; List, 1838, 29.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 165.— AuD., Orn. 
 Biog. i, 1831, 221 ; v, 1839, 485 ; pi. 42.— AvD., Syn, 1839, 144.— AtJD., B. Am. iv, 
 1842, 46, pi. 219.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 144.— Bd., B. N. A. 18oS, 547.— C iss., Pr. 
 Phila. Acad. 1860, 140 (Atrato).— ScL., P. Z. S. 1856, 301 (Cordova); 1H59, 
 365 (Xalapa) ; 1859, 380.— Lawr., Ann. Lye. viii, 1865, 177 (New Granada).- 
 MclLWr.., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 90 (Canada, casual). — Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 
 1866, 285 (Southern New England). — Su.AncH., Mem. Bost. Soc. 1869, 553 (Ori- 
 zaba).— Teippk, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 239 (Iowa, breeding).— Allex, Bull. M. C. 
 Z. iii, 1872, 17-< (Kansas and Colorado). — Skov:, B. Kans. 1873, 8.— Coues, Key, 
 1872, 158.-B. B. & g,/^^y^g^ l^mt^ShM' '■ *' "' ^ ' "°^ "^ '""«' '^"''^°'^«- 
 
ICTERUS BALTIMORE, BALTIMORE ORIOLE. 193 
 
 loiei'ua (Bananirorus) spurius, ScL., Cat. 1862, 130. 
 
 TpJiantes spurius. Be., Consp. i, 1850, 432. 
 
 Xanthornus spurius, Cab., Mus. Heiu. 1651, 184.— Lawr., Ann. Lye. ix, 104 (Costa Rica). 
 
 Pendwlinus spurius, Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1867, 61. 
 
 Oriolus varius et (?)cfflpcn»is, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 390, 392. 
 
 Xanthornus varius, Geay, Gen. of B. — Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 79. 
 
 Turdus ater, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 831. 
 
 Oriolus castanvus, Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 181 (= 0. varius, Gm.). 
 
 Icterus castaneus et flavus, Daud. 
 
 FsarcoUus castaneus, Wagl., Syst. Av. 1829. 
 
 Turdus jugularis, L.vrH., Ind. Orn, i, 1790. 361 (= T. ater, Gm.). 
 
 Oriolus mutatus, Wii^., Am. Orn. i, 1808, pi. 4, figs. 1, 2, 3, 4. 
 
 Hyplmntes solitarius ; et Pendulinus nigricoUis et Hridis, Vieill. 
 
 b. affinis. 
 
 Xanthornus affinis, Lawk., Ann. Lye. v, 1851, 113.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 79.— Scl. 
 
 & Salv., Ibis, 1859; 20 (Guatemala) ; 1860, 34. 
 Bananivorus affinis, ScL., P. Z. S. 1859, 365. 
 Pendulinus affinis, Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1867, 61. 
 Icterus spurius var. affinis, Coues, Key, 1872, 158. 
 
 Eal). — Tliroughout the United States east of the Roclvy Mountains ; rare in Northern 
 New England, and only casually to the Canadas. Breeds tliroughout its United States 
 range. South in winter into Central America. Cuba. Var. affinis from Texas south- 
 ward. 
 
 Lieutenant Wan-en's Expedition.— ^Z'AQ, Loup Fork ; 5343-53, Nebraska and Dakota. 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' nor by the later Expeditions. 
 
 The Orchard Oriole is abundant in the eastern portions of the Mis- 
 souri, and of common occurrence along the wooded streams of the 
 mountains. It is a slightly southerly species, more so than the next. 
 It is not included by Mr. Trippe among Minnesota birds, and is very rare 
 or casual in Northern New England and the British Provinces, its regular 
 limit appearing to be the Connecticut Valley. It breeds tbroughout its 
 United States range. Var. affinis consists of the smaller Southern birds. 
 
 /^f 
 
 ICTBEUS BALTIIMORE, (Linn.) Daud. - ■- 
 
 BaUimore Oriole; Golden Robio; Firebird; Hangnest. 
 
 Oriolus Baltimore, Lbstn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 162.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 381.— Was., 
 
 Am. Orn. i, 1808, 23, pi. 1, f. 3 ; vi, 88, pi. 53, f. 4. 
 Icterus haltmiore, Dadd., Tr. Orn. ii, 348.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 51 ; List, 1838, 29.— Nutt., 
 
 Man. i, 1832, 1.52.— AuD., Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 66; v, 1839, 278; pis. 12, 423; Syn. 
 
 1839, 143 ; B. Am. iv, 1842, 37, pi. 217.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 548.— Hayd., Rep. 
 
 1862, 170.— Lawe., Ann. Lye. viii, 1865, 177 (New Granada). — Sdmich., Mem. 
 
 Bost. See. i, 1869, 553 (Orizaba).— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 8.— Tkippe, Pr. Best. 
 
 Soc. XF, 1872, 239 (Iowa).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872. 173 (Kansas, Wy- 
 oming, and Colorado). — Coues, Key, 1872, 158. — Rodney, Am. Nat. 1871. — B. 
 
 B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, pi. 35, f. 5. 
 Tphantes ialiimore, ViEiix., Ency. Meth. 708; Gal. Ois. i, 1624, 124, pi. 87. — Bp., Consp. 
 
 Av. i, 1850, 432.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 79. 
 Psarocolius baltimore, Wagl., Syst. Av. 1827, No. 26. 
 
 Hyphantes baltimore. Cab., Mus. Hein. 1851, 183. — Lawr., Ann. Lye. ix, 104 (Costa Rica). 
 Icta-us haltimorensis, Bp., P. Z. S. 1837, 116. — Scl. & Salv., Ibis, 18.59, 20 (Guatemala). — 
 
 CouE.s, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 285.— Tkippe, ibid, vi, 1871, 117 (Minnesota). 
 Hyphantes baliimorensis, Sol., P. Z. S. 1859, 57, 365 ; Cat. 130 (Xalapa). 
 Icterus baliimorus, McIlwe., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 90 (Canada West). 
 
 Mah. — United States, east of the Rocky Mountains. North regularly to the British 
 Provinces. Breeds chiefly toward the northern portions of its range, but generally 
 dispersed in summer over the United States. Passes to Mexico and Central America 
 (numerous quotations). Cuba (Cab., J. f. O. iv, 10). , 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 9341, Loup Fork; 9342, Elkhorn River; 5359, Yel- 
 lowstone River ; 5357-58, Powder River; ( i7 15, Fort Lookout ; 4745, Farm Island. 
 
 Respecting the specific name of this species, it may be observed : That if Linnseus' 
 name, baltimore, is to be changed at all, it should be altered into baliimorei, not balti- ^ 
 morensis ; for the allusion is to the colors of Lord Baltimore's dress, not to the city of 
 that name. 
 
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194 ICTEKUS BALTIMORE, BALTIMORE OEIOLE. 
 
 The range of this Oriole is nearly coincident -with that of the last, 
 and, like it, it is generally dispersed along wooded streams of the North- 
 west. It regularly goes, however, somewhat further north, apparently 
 reaching the British border all along. It breeds in all suitable places 
 in its Missouri range, which reaches and somewhat overlaps that of the 
 succeeding species. It is extremely abundant about Pembina, Dakota, 
 where it breeds in June, but was not observed by me west of the Eed 
 Eiver Valley. The specimens from this region, as well as those from 
 Kansas, are remarkable for the brilliancy and intensity of the golden- 
 orange, which in some cases become almost scarlet. 
 
 The following interesting communication was prepared for the work 
 by Mr. Thomas G. Gentry, of Germantown, Pennsylvania : 
 
 " The nidification of this species is so familiar to nearly all that it 
 may seem presumptuous upon my. part to say anything in coonection 
 therewith. Nuttall has so beautifully and faithfully delineated the 
 characteristic nest of this species that it would be worse than folly for 
 me to attempt an improvement thereon. But there is a novelty, hith- 
 erto unnoticed, so far as I am aware, in a couple of nests in my collec- 
 tion, of which a description cannot be considered amiss. 
 
 " In the scores of nests which I have had the pleasure to examine, 
 exclusive of the above exceptions, all were begun as JSTuttall affirms, 
 'by firmly fastening natural strings of the flax of the silk- weed or 
 swamp-hollyhock, or stout artificial threads, around two or more forked 
 twigs, corresponding to the width and depth of the nest. With the 
 same materials, willow-down, or any accidental ravellings, strings, 
 thread, sewing-silk, tow, or ^ool, that may be lying near the neighbor- 
 ing houses, or around the grafts of trees, they interweave and fabricate 
 a sort of coarse cloth into the form intended, toward the bottom of 
 which they ijlace the real nest, made chiefly of liut, wiry grass, horse 
 and cow hair,' &c. 
 
 " To one of the nests referred to, the above partial description an- 
 swers satisfactorily; but it does appear that the birds bad, through 
 some cause or other, manifested but little judgment, so to speak, in tbe 
 selection of a suitable site; for we find, in order to make the best of a 
 bad bargain, they were constrained to erect a permanent roof to their 
 dwelling by interwoven strings, through their deprivation of the verdant 
 and agreeable canopy which the leaves would naturally afibrd. In the 
 other, economy seems to have been of paramount importance, for this 
 nest is a faithful counterpart of the real one of Nuttall's description, 
 minus, to be sure, the inclosing pouch. 
 
 " Xo. 1 is somewhat cylindrical in shape, with the long axis or dis- 
 tance from top to bottom slightly in excess of the short, or the distance 
 from side to side, the former being about five and the latter nearly four 
 and a half inches. It is composed of strings compactly woven to- 
 gether, with a slight interspersing of hairs of the horse and cow ; the 
 whole forming a structure comfortable aud cozy, and well calculated to 
 protect its inmates from the inclemency of the weather. So nicely is 
 the roof adjusted to the nest, that even the most critical investigation 
 cannot discern the union. The entrance is a circular opening situated 
 in the superior third of the nest, facing southwardly. 
 
 "No. 2 is an inverted cone, with a blunt apex. The greatest diam- 
 eter at top is four inches, and the less three and a half; depth, four aud 
 a half inches. It was built between two forks of a pear-tree. It is 
 composed almost entirely of the hairs of the horse and cow, firmly but 
 densely woven together. So slight is the texture that it can be readily 
 seen through. This specimen presents the appearance of an ordinary 
 
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ICTERUS BULLOCKII, BULLOCIc's OEIOLE. 195 
 
 nest without its customary coveriug. In Norlliumberland Count j', of 
 the State of Pennsylvania, where this nest was found in the summer of 
 1866, I am told that it is the characteristic style of nest. It is more 
 than likely that in districts far removed from the busy haunts of men, 
 owiug to a lack of the usual materials, the birds are constrained to use 
 the hairs of the domestic as well as those of wild animals in the structure 
 of their domiciles. In times very remote, before the introduction of» 
 civilized man into the country, there is no doubt that the above was the 
 only style of architecture known to the species. 
 
 " It is evident that in those days of primitive gloom, and even at the 
 present time in thickly-wooded sections, a very dense nest is not at all 
 desirable, since the birds obtain the protection which they require from 
 the weather in the beautiful covering which Nature throws around them. 
 Now, in sections where the forests have disappeared by the strokes of 
 the pioneer's axe, such a shelter would not afford the comfort and 
 security which the iiimates demand. Now, as birds are not slow to 
 discern what best comports with their security, surely the Oriole, which 
 displays so much taste and ingenuity, would readily perceive that a 
 more compact and thicker structure would be necessary. History shows 
 that the highest and most elaborate style of architecture which man is 
 now capable of achieving is but the outgrowth of the simpler and leso 
 complicated forms that preceded it. Keasouing, therefore, from anal- 
 ogy, the highest style which the Baltimore Oriole has been able to ac- 
 complish the typical nest, is but an outgrowth of the one which I have 
 described. 
 
 " From the plausible remarks advanced, the inclosing pouch is but 
 an improvement superadded to the main structure, it being a subse- 
 quent operation. This is apparent from the manner in which the initial 
 stages of the nests of Vireo olivaceus and V. novehoracensis are accom- 
 plished. 
 
 " In the first of these anomalous forms of nests still further improve- 
 ment is manifest in the closely-woven roof In the open nests this 
 protection is but partially secured in the clusters of loaves that depend 
 from above, the site being doubtless selected with a view to this natural 
 arrangement. As reason tends to improvement, and as birds are pos- 
 sessed of a share of this great gift, so it is natural to suppose that they 
 must vary their style of nest-building in favorable directions when it 
 will subserve the individual and family good." 
 
 ICTEEUS BULLOCKII, (Sw.) Bp. 
 
 Bullock's Oriole. 
 
 Xanthornus litllocUi, Sw., Syn. Mex. B. Phil. Mag. i, 1827, 436. 
 
 Ageluius iuUooMi, Eicn., List, Rep. Br. Assoc, 1837. 
 
 Icterus hulU)cMi, Bp., List, 1838, 29.— Aun., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 9, pis. 388. 433.— Atd., 
 SjD. 1839, 143.— AUD., B. Am. iv, 1842, 43, pi. 218.— Nbwb., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 
 1857,-87.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 549; Mex. B. Sxirv. ii, 1858, pt. ii, 20.— Maxim., J. 
 f. O. vi, 1858, 259.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 209.— Hayd., Eep. 
 1862, 170.— LoED, Pr. Roy. Art. Inst, iv, 121 (British Columbia).— Coues, Pr. 
 Phila. Acad. 1866, 91.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 273.— Coues, Am. Nat. v, 1871, 
 678 (biography).— HoLB., Pr. Bost. Soo. 1872, 203.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 
 1872, 178.— Mere., U. S. Geol. Surv. 1872,685,708 (eggs).— Snow, B.Kans. 1873, 
 8.— Coues, Key, 1872, 158, fig. 100.— B. B. &R., N. A.-B.ii, 1874, 199, pi. 34, f. 3, 7. 
 
 Yphantes lullocMi, Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 432. — Hebrm., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, pt. vi, 52. 
 
 Hyjghantea hullockii, Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1867, 62. 
 
 Fsarocolius auneollis, Maxim., Eeise, i, 1839, 367 (Dakota). 
 Sab. — Entire Missouri region (rare above Fort Pierre, BayAen) to the Pacific, and 
 
 southward along the Table-Lauds of Mexico. North to British Columbia. Breeds in 
 
 suitable places throughout its United States range. Passes beyoiid the United States 
 
 in winter. (City of Mexico, SCL., P. Z. S. 1869, 362). 
 
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196 
 
 ICTERUS BULLOCKII, BULLOCK's ORIOLE. 
 List of specimens. 
 
 19359 
 19360 
 19361 
 19362 
 
 ' 19288 
 
 , 19289 
 
 19290 
 
 18 
 19 
 29 
 
 Popoagie 
 
 Bighorn Mts... 
 Bighorn River . 
 
 Popoagie 
 
 Wind River 
 
 Wind River 
 
 Wind River 
 
 3 
 S 
 5 
 
 % 
 
 9 
 
 Mav 23, 1860 
 May 29, 1860 
 May 25, 1860 
 May 24, 1860 
 Mav 29, 1860 
 May 29, 1860 
 May 26, 1860 
 
 G H Trook 
 
 
 12.25 
 12.00 
 12.25 
 12.00 
 12.00 
 11.25 
 12.00 
 
 4.00 
 3.15 
 4.25 
 4.00 
 4.00 
 3.50 
 3.76 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 F.V. Haydon - 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 8.50 
 7.75 
 8.00 
 6.25 
 7.55 
 7.50 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 5354, Farm Island. 
 
 Later Exfpediiions.—UlVi-'ii, Ogden, Utah ; 61782-85, Devil's Creek, Idaho. 
 
 The occurrence of this species eastward into Kansas, where, Prof. 
 Snow remarks, it is " quite frequent," has been lately determined. Its 
 range thus largely overlaps that of the Baltimore Oriole, both being 
 found over a considerable portion of the Missouri region, along the 
 wooded streams. From the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific it is the 
 characteristic species, entirely replacing the Baltimore. I have seen 
 but one record (above given) of its occurrence in British America. It 
 appears, however, to rarely penetrate to the uppermost Missouri. It is 
 strictly migratory, like our other representatives of the family, winter- 
 ing in Mexico. It appears over our border in March, but the migration 
 is not completed until the following month, when the forests it loves to 
 dwell in are clothed in verdure. My experience with the species en- 
 abled me to give, on a former occasion, the following account : 
 
 "III the pine-clad mountains of Arizona and New Mexico, I never saw 
 it until about the middle of April ; then, and until the cool weather of 
 September, I was almost daily gratified with the sight of the gaily-hued 
 birds gleaming through the sombre foliage like tiny meteors, and with 
 the sound of their musical voices awakening echoes along the deepening 
 aisles of the woodland. 
 
 "In the countries just mentioned, the belts of thick cotton-wood and 
 willows that generally fringe the streams are favorite resorts, perhaps 
 because the pliant twigs are best suited to their wants in constructing 
 their nests. All the Orioles are wonderful architects, weaving pensile 
 nests of soft, pliable, fibrous substances, with a nicety and beauty of 
 finish that human art would vainly attempt to rival. These elegant 
 fabrics are hung at the end of slender twigs, out of reach of ordinary 
 enemies ; and though they may swing with every breath of wind, this 
 is but cradle-rocking for the callow young, and it is a rude blast indeed 
 that endangers the safety of their leafy home. 
 
 "Little time passes after their arrival before the modestly-attired 
 females, rambling silently through the verdure, are singled out and 
 attended each by her impetuous consort, who sings his choicest songs, 
 and displays the prowess she admires most. His song is an elegant 
 paraphrase of the Baltimore's, with all its richness and variety, though 
 an ear well skilled in distinguishing birds' notes can readily detect a 
 dlB'erence. Their courtship happily settled, the pair may be seen flut- 
 tering through the thicket they have chosen, in eager search for a 
 building-place ; and when a suitable one is found, no time is lost in 
 beginning to weave their future home. It is a great mistake to suppose 
 that birds of the same species always build in the same way. Though 
 their nests have a general resemblance in style of architecture, they 
 differ greatly according to their situation, to the time the birds have 
 before the nest must be used for the reception of the Cggs, and often, 
 we are tempted to think, according to the taste and skill of the builders, 
 lu their work of this sort, birds show a remarkable power of selection, 
 
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ICTERUS BULXOCKII, BtTLLOCK'S OEIOLE. 197 
 
 as well as of adapting themselves to circumstances ; in proof of which 
 we have only to examine the three beautiful specimens now lying before 
 us. Each is difierently constructed ; and while all three evince wonderful 
 powers of weaving, one of them in particular is astonishingly ingenious, 
 displaying the united accomplishments of weaving and basket-making. 
 Before proceeding, we may premise thiit the idea of the nest is a sort of 
 bag or purse, closely woven of slender pliant substances, like strips of 
 fibrous bark, grass, hair, twine, &c., open at the top, and hung by its 
 rim in the fork of a twig or at the vejy end of a iioating spray. 
 
 "The first nest was built in a pine-tree; and if the reader will call to 
 mind the stiff nature of the terminal branchlets, each bearing a thick 
 bunch of long, straight needle-like leaves, he will see that the birds 
 must have been put to tlieir wits' end, though very likely he will not be 
 able to guess hoV they made shift with such unpromising materials. 
 They made up their minds to use the leaves themselves in the nest, and 
 with this idea they commenced by bending down a dozen or twenty of 
 the stiff, slender filaments, and tying their ends together at the bottom. 
 If you have ever seen a basket-maker at work, with his upright pieces 
 already in place, but not yet fixed together with the circular ones, you 
 will understand exactly what the birds had thus accomplished. They 
 had a secure frame- work of nearly x)arallel and upright leaves naturally 
 attached to the bough above, and tied together below by the bird's art. 
 This skeleton of the nest was about nine inches long, and four across 
 the top. Tunning to a point below ; and the subsequent weaving of the 
 nest upon this basis was an easy matter to the birds, though, if one 
 were to examine a piece of the fabric cut away from. the nest, he could 
 hardly believe that thethjn yet tough and strong feltinghad not been made 
 by some shoddy coutiactor for the supply of army clothing. Yet it was 
 all designed in a bird's little brain, and executed with skilful bill and feet. 
 
 '' Perhaps the young birds that were raised in the second nest did 
 not appreciate their romantic surroundings, but their parents were 
 evidently a sentimental pair. If they did not do their courting 'under 
 the mistletoe,' at any rate they built a cosy home there, tinting the 
 sober reality of married life with the rosy hue of their earlier dreams. 
 The nest was hung in a bunch of the ArceuthoMum oxycedri, an abun- 
 dant epiphytic plant, that on the western wilds represents the mistletoe, 
 and recalls the cherished memories of holiday gatherings. The neSt 
 was a cylindrical purse, some six inches deep and four broad, hanging 
 to several sprays of the mistletoe, which were partly interwoven with 
 the nest to form a graceful drapery. The felting material was long, 
 soft, vegetable fibre of a glistening silvery lustre, in artistic contrast 
 with the dark-hued foliage. A few hairs were sewn through and 
 through, for greater security, and the pretty fabric was lined with a 
 matting of the softest possible plant-down, like that of a button-wood 
 or an Asclepias. 
 
 " The general shape and the material of the third nest were much 
 the same as those of the last; it was, however, suspended from the 
 forked twig of an oak, and draped, almost to concealment, with leaves. 
 Eut it had a remarkable peculiarity, being arched over and roofed in 
 lit the top with a dome of the same material as the rest, and had a little 
 round hole in one side just large enough to let the birds pass in. Such 
 a globular nest as this is probably exceptional ; but now it will not do 
 to say that Orioles always build pensile pouches open at the top. 
 
 "The eggs of this species are four or five in number, aud rather elong- 
 ated in form, being much pointed at the smaller end. They measure, on 
 an average, just an inch in length by about two-thirds as much in 
 
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198 SCOLECOPHAGUS FEREUGINEUS, RUSTY GRACKLE. 
 
 greatest diameter, wMcli is much nearer the larger than the smaller 
 eud. In color they are very pale bluish, or rather whitish, with a faint, 
 dull blue shade, and are everywhere irregularly overrun with fine, sharp 
 hair lines of blackish-brown, or blackish with a slight tinge of purplish. 
 These curious zigzag markings are characteristic o-f the eggs of a ma- 
 jority of the birds of the family {Icteridce). They have no definite style, 
 but wander at random over the surface, and in no two specimens are 
 they alike. Thus, in one specimen, the lines, fine as hairs, are wound 
 round and rouud the butt, with such regularity that they hardly ever 
 interfere; in others they are snarled up in difiPereiit places, and some- 
 times, particularly at a sharp turning-point, the lines spread into little 
 spots ; and there are often a few such isolated markings in various 
 places over the egg." 
 
 Further accounts of the nidification of this beautiful species are given. 
 Mr. Merriain, who found it very abundant in Utah, and collected in 
 June no less than sixteen nests, containing over sixty eggs, says : 
 
 " They build a beautiful hanging nest, often ten and a half inches 
 deep, and composed of fibres of grass, flax, and the inner bark of vines, 
 which is generally lined with wool. The first lot were deep and solid ; 
 were composed chiefly of the fibres of flax and dry grass, and had a 
 grayish appearance, while the second lot — which were built by the same 
 birds after their first Ijad been taken — were not very deep, had evidently 
 been made in haste, and were principally composed of the inner bark 
 of small bushes and vines, giving them a brownish look. They gen- 
 erally conceal their nests among the leaves on the top of a willow, from 
 eight to ten feet above the ground, in such a position that it rocks to 
 and fro whenever there is a little wind." 
 
 ' SCOLECOPHAGUS FEERUGIXBUS, (Gm.) Sw. * ' - . 
 
 Rusty Grackle. 
 
 Oriohis fetrugineus, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 393.— Lath., IncT. Orn. i, 1790, 176. 
 
 Gracula ferrvginea, WiLS., Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 41, pi. 21, f. 3. 
 
 Quiscalus ferrugineus, Bp., Obs. Wils. 18-24, No. 46; Syn. 1828, 55.— Ndtt., Man. i, 1832, 
 
 199.— Add., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 325 ; v, 1839, 483 : pi. 147 ; Syn. 1839, 146 ; B. 
 
 Am. iv, 65, pi. 222.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 146.— Maxim., J. f. 6. vi, 1858, 204.— 
 
 Tbippe, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 117 (west to Red River). 
 Scoleeoj>liagns ferrugineus, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 286.— Bp., List, 1838, 28.— Gray, 
 
 Gen. of B.— WoODH., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 78.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 551.— Coues, Pr. 
 
 Phila. Acad. 1861, 225 (Labrador, breeding).— Cass., ihid. 1866, 412.— Hayd., 
 
 Rep. 1862, 170.— Dai.1. & Baxx., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 285 (Alaska).- Mayx., 
 
 Pr. Bost. See. xiv, 1871 (Maine and New Hampshire, breeding). — Sxmv, B. 
 
 Kans. 1872 (Kansas, migratory).- Coues, Key, 1872, 159.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. 
 
 ii, 1874, 20.3, pi. 35, f. 4. 
 (?) Oriolus niger, G.M., i, 1788, 393. 
 
 Scolecophagus niger, Bp.,Con8p. i, 1850, 423. — Cab., Mns. Hein. i, 1851, 195. 
 Turchis hudsonicus, noveboracensis'et labradorius, Gm., i. 1788, 818, 832. 
 " Oriolus Jeucocephalns, et Graeula quiscala var.. Lath." 
 Fendulimis ater, ViEiix., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. 
 " Chalcophanes virescens, Wagl., Syst. Av. App. Oriolus, No. 9." f^Z 
 
 Hob. — Eastern Province of North America. West to Kansas, Nebraska, and Dakota ; ;- .«' 
 thence oblit^nely in British America to the Pacific in Alaska. Breeds from Northern "" / 
 New England northward. In winter, generally dispersed over the Middle, Southern, I ( Zi 
 and Western States. . ^ r 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — No. 5322, near Sioux City, Iowa. J?-- ■ 
 
 There are some interesting points in the geographical distribution of^'' ' 
 this species as compared with that of S. cyaiiocephalus. I3uring the^' • 
 breeding season their habitats are. entirely separate, but they overlap 5r^ - 
 during the fall migration, if not also in winter. In tlie East, the Eusty ^/,'- 
 Grackle breeds from Northern Xew England (and perhaps further south V-j x- 
 Digitized by Microsoft® . 
 
 Ji4' 
 
 1 
 
 l,i- 
 
S. CYANOCEPHALUS, BLUE-HEADED GRACKLE. 199 
 
 in mouutaius) northward, throughout a great part of the British Pos- 
 sessions, from Labrador entirely across to Alaslia. Now, to take an 
 iutennediate point — say Fort Pembina, on the Ked Eiver, the extreme 
 northeast corner of Dakota. Here, in the spring and summer, the 
 Eusty Grackle is not known, while Brewer's Blackbird occurs in great 
 abundance, breeding. In the fall, however, the Eusty Grackle enters 
 Dakota from the north on its migration, and mixes with the other 
 species. I have even found them so associated over three hundred 
 miles further west, on the head-waters of the Mouse Eiver, where they 
 came in September; and for a month the Hocks of Blackbirds about 
 our camps contained both species of Scolecophagus, associating so inti- 
 mately that the same shot would generally drop individuals of both 
 kinds. Their habits at this season are identical, but the specific char- 
 acters are always, so far as 1 know, preserved intact. I have never 
 seen any doubtful specimens of either species. 
 
 Mr. Holden's record of 8. ferrugineus breeding in Wyoming in com- 
 pany with the other species is undoubtedly erroneous; no such associ- 
 ation occurs at this season ; when the two are found together, the indi- 
 viduals of 8. ferrugineus are altogether a different lot, come from the 
 North. The case is by no means unparalleled ; in fact, a great many 
 birtls in migrating take up different lines of migration in tbe spring and 
 fall. This brings species often into association at certain seasons, while 
 never found together at other times ; and it accounts satisfactorily for 
 their abundance, during migration, at one season and scarcity at 
 another. Of this latter fact we have a striking example in the Con- 
 necticut Warbler {Oporornis agilis), a bird so abundant in New England 
 and elsewhere in the East, in the fall, that hundreds have been taken in 
 one season, while it is rarely ever seen in the spring, as at that season 
 it appears to migrate inland, up the Mississippi Valley, being, according 
 to accounts, not uncommon at some points during the vernal migration. 
 
 SCOLECOPHAGUS CYANOCEPHALUS, (Wagl.) Cab. 
 Blue-headed Grackle; Brewer's Blackbird. 
 
 Psarocolim cyanoeeplialus, Wagl., Isis, 1829, 758. 
 
 Scolecophagus cyanoceplmhts, Cab., Mus. Hein. i, 1851, 195. — Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 552. — 
 Heeum., p. R. E. Rep. x, 1859, pt. vi, 53.— Coop. & Suckl., N. H. Wash. 
 Ter. 1860, 209.— Havd., Rep. 1882, 170.— Dress., Ibis, 1865, 403 (Matamoras 
 and San Antonio, breeding). — Cass., Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1866, 413. — COUES, Pr. 
 Pbila. Acad. 1866, 90 (Arizona, resident). — Sumich., Meni. Host. Soc. i, 1859, 
 553 (plateau of Mexico, abundant). — Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 8 (Eastern Kansas). — 
 Stev., U. S. Geo). Surv. Ter. 1870, 465.— Merr., ibid, lr-72, 687.— Aiken, Pr. 
 Bost. Soc. 1872, 203 (Wyoming).— Alucx, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 178.— CouES, 
 Key, 1872, 160.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 206, pi. 35, f. 3. 
 
 Scolecophagus mcxicanus, Sw., Two Cent, and a Quarter, 1838, 302, No. 66. — Gray, Gen. 
 ofB.— Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 432.— Newh., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 86. 
 
 " Icterus ceneas, hiCHr." {Bja.) 
 
 Quismlus breweri, AuD., B. Am. vii, 1843, 345, pi. 492. 
 
 Scolecophagus "ferrugineus," Hold., Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 203 (error)(Wyoming, breeding). 
 
 Hab. — United States, from Eastern Kansas and Minnesota to tbe Pacific. South into 
 Mexico. Breeds throughout its United States range. Migratory from extremes t f its 
 range. 
 
 List of specimens. 
 
 19369 
 
 .... 
 
 S. Fork Stink. C. 
 
 S 
 
 June 14, 1860 G.H.Trook.. 
 
 9.00 
 
 14.75 
 
 5.00 
 
 Lieutenant B'arren's Expedition, — 5320, Fort Randall, Dakota; 4753-56, Upper Mis- 
 souri River. 
 
 Later Expeditions. — 60-151-57, 60721-36, G1070-73, various Wyoming localities; 61710, 
 61731, Utah; 62272-73, Idaho and Wyoming. 
 
 Digitized by Microsoft® 
 
200 S. CYANOCEPHAiUS, BLUE-HEADED 6EACKLE. 
 
 The habitat of this species is observed to overlap that of the preced- 
 ing, along the line through Eastern Kansas, Nebraska, and Dakota, as 
 well as in the country immediately along the Eed Eiver. Prof. Snow 
 states that it is " quite conimon even in Eastern Kansas ;"' and at Pem- 
 bina, on the Eed Eiver, I found it breeding abundantly. Further south, 
 in Dakota, I have not observed it east of Fort Eandall, where it is 
 common; and beyond this, in the Missouri region, it almost replaces 
 the eastern species, which, however, reaches, in Dakota, during the fall 
 migration, to about 103° west longitude at least. 
 
 1 took a single male bird at Fort Eandall, in November, after all the 
 migrants had passed southward; but its occurrence was due, I ascer- 
 tained, to an injury of one wing, which kept it from flying off with the 
 rest; and I am satisfied that none winter so far north as this, though, 
 on the Pacific coast, according to Dr. Cooper, the species is resident as 
 far north as the Columbia. In Arizona, at various seasons, and late in 
 the fall in Southern California, I found the birds in great abundance, 
 .and enjoyed excellent opportunities of studying their habits. 
 
 This species appears to leave both latitudinal extremes of its range 
 periodically, and probably all the individuals change their abode twice 
 a year ; yet the oscillation of the whole body is insuiflcient to remove 
 them entirely from most localities, the birds being-simply more or less 
 abundant according to season. Thus casual observation in Arizona 
 would lead to the belief that the species was there a winter visitant 
 only, while I am satisfied that they reside in the Territory. In Septera- 
 . ber and October their ranks are recruited by constant arrivals from the 
 north, and they are very abundant until the following May. Then the 
 flocks break up ; the incomplete migration ensues, and the remainder 
 scatter about to breed. Unlike some Blackbirds, the Scolecophagi do 
 not breed in extensive communities, nor do they necessarily resort to 
 swampy localities. Several pairs, however, are often attracted to the 
 same spot, and more than one nest may be found on the same tree or 
 high bush. The nest is placed in a crotch several feet from the ground; 
 itisa bulky structure, like a miniature Crow's nest, but deeper and 
 more compact. The basement and outer wall is an interlacement of 
 short, crooked twigs, matted with a variety of softer materials, and ma.y 
 rarely be plastered with mud. This substance, however, is not used 
 in great quantity, often apparently no more than what sticks to the 
 weeds and roots. The nest is finished inside with a quantity of hair, 
 rootlets, &c. The eggs differ entirely from those of the Agelcei, being 
 speckled, not streaked, like those of the Xanthocephalus. They are 
 hardly distinguishable from those of the Eusty Grackle. They vary in 
 number from four to six, measuring an inch or more by a little over 
 three fourths of an inch (a selected specimen was 1.05 by 0.78). They 
 are a dull, olivaceous-gray, sometimes a clearer pale-bluish or greenish- 
 gray, thickly scattered all over with various shades of brown, from quite 
 blackish or dark chocolate to light umber. None of the spots are large ; 
 they are very irregular in outline, occasionally quite linear; they vary 
 in number, sometimes being numerous enough to hide the ground-color. 
 A nest of Brewer's Blackbird before me, taken by Mr. Allen, June 24, 
 1873, on Heart Eiver, Dakota, was placed only a few inches from the 
 ground. It is large and bulky, with many projections of the small 
 sticks which form the exterior, and are mixed with grasses and weed- 
 stalks throughout the nest. The lining is distinct, of fine, tortuous 
 rootlets, very neatly disposed in a circular manner. It contained five 
 eggs, with large embryos. The ground is grayish, but it is everywhere 
 so thickly mottled, or rather clouded, with dull chocolate-brown as to 
 
 Digitized by Microsoft® 
 
S. CYANOCEPHALUS, BLUE-HEADED GRACKLE. 201 
 
 give the prevailing effect. A specimen measures 1.19 by 0.80; the 
 shape is tumid, with an obtuse smaller end. 
 
 Several kinds of Blackbirds are abundant in Arizona, but the present 
 surpasses them all in numbers, and in its general diffusion plays the 
 part that the Oow-bird takes in the farms of the East, and that the 
 Tellow-headed Blackbird fulfils in the settlements on the plains. They 
 are eminently gregarious when not breeding. Yet I never saw such 
 countless numbers as those of the Eed-winged Blackbird during its 
 migrations. Troops of twenty, fifty, or a hundred are commonly seen ; 
 they have no special fondness for watery places, but scour the open, dry 
 ground, and scatter among straggling pines and oaks ; they come fear- 
 lessly into the clearings about houses, the traveler's catnp, and the 
 stock-yards, gleaning plentiful subsistence from man's bounty or waste- 
 fulness. Much of their time is spent on the ground, rambling in hurried, 
 eager search for grain and insects; they generally run with nimble 
 steps, hopping being the exception, when they have satisfied their 
 hunger, and. are moving leisurely with no particular object in view. 
 The movements are all easy and graceful, the bird's trim form and 
 glossy color setting it off to great advantage. At full speed the head 
 is lowered and fixed : in slower progress it is held upright, bobbing in 
 time with each step. When a flock is feeding, they pass over a good 
 deal of ground, without seeming to examine it very closely ; every one 
 tries to keep ahead of the next, and thus they scurry on, taking short 
 flights over each other's head. At the least alarm, the timid birds be- 
 take themselves to the nearest tree, perching in various attitudes. A 
 favorite posture, so easy as to appear negligent, is with the body held 
 nearly upright, the tail hanging loosely straight down, while the head 
 turns in various ways, with the whim of the moment. When excited, 
 the bird often sits low down, firmly on its legs, with elevated and wide- 
 spread tail, constantly flirted, while its watchful eye peers down through 
 the foliage. However compactly a flock may fly up into a tree, they 
 generally scatter as they alight all over the branches, so that it is rarely 
 that more than two or three can be brought down at a shot. On the 
 ground the case is quite different ; there they often huddle so close to- 
 gether that the whole flock may be decimated. Their behavior in the 
 presence of man is a curious mixture of timidity and heedlessness ; they 
 come to the very door-step, and yet a sudden movement, or a shout, 
 sends them affrighted into the nearest trees. The next moment they 
 begin to straggle back again, at first singly or in little squads, till the 
 more timid ones are reassured and come streaming down together, when 
 the busy search for food is resumed. 
 
 Their hunger satisfied for the time, the birds betake themselves to 
 the trees, often passing the whole period of digestion snugly ensconced 
 in the thick foliage. Then their concert opens; and if the music is 
 neither sweet nor soft, it is sprightly, and not disagreeable, for it sug- 
 gests the careless joviality and lazy good humor of Blackbirds with 
 tfieir stomachs full, and satisfactory prospect of future supply. The 
 notes are energetic, rapid, and varied, with a peculiar delivery, which, 
 like the yelping of the prairie wolves, gives the hearer a very exagger- 
 ated idea of the number of the performers. The usual note is like the 
 sound of pebbles smartly struck together, rapidly repeated an indefinite 
 number of times; it is varied at irregular intervals by a long-drawn 
 liquid whistle, which has a peculiarly pleasing effect in breaking the 
 monotony of the other notes, and mellowing the whole performance. 
 The ordinary call-note is exactlj' between the rough gutteral "c/iMcfc" of 
 the Eedwing and the clear metallic "c/wml-" of the Eeed-bird. 
 
 In the fall, when seeds of all sorts and various insects are most readily 
 Digitized by Microsoft® 
 
202 S. CYxVNOCEPHALUS, BLUE-HEADED GEACKLE. 
 
 procured, tbe birds grow fat, and famish very good eating. They are 
 tender, like nearly all small birds, and their ftesh lacks the peculiar 
 taste and odor, not entirely agreeable, that that of the Redwing acquires 
 at the same season, when the bird feeds mostly on wild oats (Zizania). 
 At this season the lustre of the plumage is obscured, and its uniformity 
 interrupted by dull gray edging of the feathers. But even in autumu 
 some males are found nearly as richly clad as in the spring-time, and I 
 do not think that even the dullest colored females and young are ever 
 so decidedly rusty-brown as the Eastern Grackle. The sexes may be 
 known by their disparity iu size, aside from the difference in ijlumage; 
 moreover, the eye of the male is clear leraou-yellow, that of the female 
 brown. The perfect male is lustrous greenish-black, changing abruptly 
 to purplish and violet on the head ; length, 9| to lOJ; extent, 16 or 17; 
 wing, about 5J; tail, IJ; bill, 0.85; tarsus, about 1^. The female only 
 averages 9 in length, with an extent of about 15, and other dimensions 
 are correspondingly smaller than those of the male. She is dull brown- 
 ish, bhickeuing on the back, wings, and tail, where there is often a 
 greenish lustre, and with a jjlumbeous cast on the under parts; the 
 head, neck, and breast, ochrey-brown. The female and young are dis- 
 tinguished from those of 8. femigineus with some difficulty, but they 
 average larger, with the bill heavier at the base, and are probably never 
 so decidedly rustj'-brown. 
 
 Since the preceding was written, Mr. Allen has sent me an interesting 
 addendum: "Brewer's Blackbird is one of the most common repre- 
 sentatives of the .Icteridce at the western edge of the plains, and 
 throughout the mountains of Colorado. I found it abundant both at 
 Denver and Cheyenne, and along all the wooded streams southward to 
 Colorado City. It was also numerous at all favorable localities along 
 the mountain streams ; it occurred in large flocks in South Park, and 
 was met with on the Snowy Range, even above timber-line. I met with 
 it also at various points in Southern Wyoming, west of Cheyenne, and 
 saw it in the Great Salt Lake Valley, in autumn, in flocks of several 
 hundred. It is at all times more or less gregarious, and from its size, 
 color, and habits, might readily be mistaken at a little distance for the 
 Purple Grackle of the East. The latter species, however, was not seen 
 west of Middle Kansas." 
 
 Mr. Trippe also furnishes his observations upon the species at Idaho 
 Springs, Colorado : "Abundant; migratory; breeds. The Blue-headed 
 Blackbird arrives in Bergen's Park early in spring, as soon as the 
 marshes and wet meadows begin to thaw. In this park, as well as in 
 all others that I have visited, it is very abundant, but only ventures 
 outside of these limits in straggling parties, foraging up and down the 
 valleys for food, especially early in the spring and late in the fall, when 
 the supply has become precarious. In its habits and actions it shows 
 more resemblance to the Crow Blackbird than to the Rusty. It is very 
 social, and constantly in flocks, even in the breeding season associatyig 
 in small parties on its way to and from its feeding grounds. It nests 
 in wet meadows and brushy swamps, whence it makes excursions to the 
 neighboring plowed fields and hills. The nest is built late in May, and 
 the female begins to set early in June. It is placed on any dry spot in 
 the swamp, the centre of a clump of bushes being preferred, and is 
 always on the ground. It is large for the size of the bird, neatly con- 
 structed of weeds, grass, and bark, and smoothly lined with rootlets, 
 fine bark, and hair. The eggs are five, of a pale bluish-green, very 
 thickly splashed and speckled with pale chocolate-brown. Late in fall 
 this bird leaves the mountains, and gathers in large flocks on the 
 plains." Digitized by Microsoft® 
 
Q' I.^CALUS PUKPUREUS, PITRPLE GRACKLE. 203 
 
 K QUISOALUS PUEPUEEUS, (Bart.) Licht 
 Purple Grackle; Crow Blackbird. 
 
 a. piirpureus. 
 
 Gracula quiscala, LiNX., Syst. Nat. i, 1758,109; ITfiii, 103.— Osi., i, 17 -iS, 397.— Lath., 
 Ind. Oru. i, 1790, 191.— WiLS., lii, 1811, 44, pi. ■>!, {. 4. 
 
 Chalcoplianes qmaculus, Wagl,, Syst. Av. 18^7.— Cab., Mus. Heiu. i, 1851, 196. 
 
 Gracula purpurea, Baht., Trav. in Florida, 1791, 290. 
 
 Quiscttlus purpureus, LiCHT.— Gray.— 'WooDn., Sitgr. Rep. 185;!, 79.— Cass., Pr. Phila. 
 Acad. 1866, 403.— RiDOW., ibid. 1869, 133.— Allen, Bull. JI. C. Z. ii, 1871, 291 
 (includes several species); iii, 187^, 178.— CouES, Key, 1872, 160, fig. 102; pi. 
 5, figs. 1, 3, 4, 5.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 214, 215, pi. 37, f. 1. 
 
 Quiscalus versicolor, Vieill., Nouv. Diet, xxviii, 1819. 488; Gal. Ois. i, 171, pi. 108. — ,^ 
 Bp.. Obs. Wils. 1824, No. 45; Am. Orn. i, 18Aj, 45, pi. 5, f. 1 ; Syu. 182S, .54; 
 List, 1838, 28 ; Consp. i, 1850, 424.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 485.— Nutt., 
 Man. i, 1832, 194.— Add., Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 35 ; v, 1839, 481 ; pi. 7 ; Syn. 1839, 
 146 ; B. Am. W, 1842, 58, pi. 221.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 555.— Havd., Rep. 1862, 
 170.— Tkippe, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 187.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 8. 
 
 (?) Oriohis ludoricianus et Itudsonius, Gm., i, 1788, 387. 
 
 " fSturyius (jniarahis, Daudin." 
 
 Gracula bariia, Ord, Journ. Phila. Acad, i, 1818, 253. 
 
 Quiscalus uitiiw, LicilT., Verz. Doubl. 1823, 18, No. 104 (et "falgida, LiCHT.") 
 
 Quiscalus pmpuratus, Sw., Lardner's Cycl. 1838, 299. 
 
 VJialcoplianes purpuratus, Cab., Mus. Heiu. 1851, 196. 
 
 ST b. emeus. Jf 
 
 Quiscalus wneus, RiDGW., Pr. Phila. Acadt 1869, 134 (of. Aup., pi. 7; Coue's, Key, 161). 
 Quiscalus purpureus var. wneus, B. B. &, R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 218. 
 
 <!. aglcBus. 
 
 Quiscalus haritus, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 556, pi. 32 (an aucf.). 
 
 Quiscalus aglaiis, Bd., Am. Journ. Sci. 1366, 84.— Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 404. — 
 
 RiDGW., ibid. 1869, 135. 
 Quiscalus purpureus yar. aglanis, CoUES, Key, 1872, 161, pi. 5, figs. 2, 6. — B. B. & R., 
 
 N. A. B. ii, 1874, 221, pi. 37, f. 2. 
 (For other probable synouvms of this species, and names of local races, see Sw. 
 Lardner's Cycl. 299, 300, 355 ;'Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 404 et seq. ■ Allen, Bull. M. 
 C. Z. ii, 1871, 291.) 
 
 Hab. — North America, east of the Rocky Mountains. North to Labrador, Hudson's 
 Bay, and the Saskatchewan. Breeds throughout its range. \Yinters in the Southern 
 States. Var. animus from Southern Florida. 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Exped'ition. — 4761, Big Nemaha; 4768, 4762, 4758, 4730, 4707, Bald 
 Island, Missouri River. 
 
 The Crow Blackbird has lately been traced w^st to the Eocky Mount- 
 ains ; it is abundant in the eastern part of the Missouri region. It has 
 been several times accredited to Oalifornia, but the evidence remains 
 insufficient. The variety wneus is very abundant along the Eed Eiver 
 of the North, breeding in hollows of trees, and later in the season I 
 have found it far west on the Mouse Eiver, in the same latitude. 
 
 Mr. Thomas T. Gentry sends me the following paragraph : " This 
 familiar bird reaches the latitude of Philadelphia, usually about the 
 middle of March. As I write (March 21), many small flocks may be 
 seen in various directions, fluttering and chattering among the trees, 
 ifest-building has been observed even as early as March 13 ; but then 
 only in sheltered situations, such as the south slopes of a hill. Here 
 the nests are built chiefly in the branches of coniferous trees. Usually, 
 but one brood is reared each season, but I have observed instances of ;! 
 second brood, when the season has been unusually propitious. In such 
 cases the first batch of young appeared in April, the other in July. 
 Though sometimes annoying to the agriculturist by its mischief in the 
 corn-fields, this bird has nevertheless some good qualities recommend- 
 
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204 
 
 COEVUS COEAX, EAVEN. 
 
 ing it to favor. It is ob\-iously of great service iu the de^tructioa of 
 iusects. But it has oue very bad trait, perhaps not generally known. 
 Like the Crow, a not distant relative, it is fond of birds' eggs and ten- 
 der nestlings, and it destroys a great many, particularly Eobins. Cow- 
 ardlike it lurks about the Eobin's vicinity until the parents are away, 
 when it pounces on the nest, seizes an egg or a young one, and hastily 
 retreats. But wary and vigilant as it is, sometimes it is caught in the 
 act, and forced to seek safety by rapid flight from the impetuous attacks 
 of the owners. I had been aware of its fondness for eggs for several 
 years, but only lately learned of this carnivorous propensity, which is 
 doubtless the natural outgrowth of its habit of sucking eggs."' About 
 Washington, the present year (1874), the Grackles appeared in consider- 
 able number early in March, frequenting the various parks of the city 
 with Eobins, Bluebirds, Eed-wings, and other early arrivals. 
 
 The following (the only additional North American species of Quiscalus), has not 
 been found in the Missouri region : 
 
 QUISCALUS MAJOR, Vieill. 
 
 a. major, 
 
 Gracula harita, WiLS., Ind. Am. Orn. vi, 1812. 
 
 Quisculus iaritus, Peab., Eep. Om. Mass. 1839, 285 (Massachusetts; probably a mis- 
 take). — LiNSL., Am. Journ. xliv, 1843, 260 (Connecticut ; probably a mistake). 
 
 Gracula quiseala, Ord, Journ. Phila. Acad, i, 1818, 253.' 
 
 Quiscalus major, ViEiix., Nouv. Diet, xxviii, 1819, 4?7. — Bp., Am. Orn. iv, 1825, 35, pi. 
 4 ; List, 1838, 28 ; Consp. i, 18.50, 4*4.— Nctt., Man. i, 1832, 192.— Ald., Orn. 
 Biog. ii, 1834, 504 ; v, 1838, 480; pi. 187; Syn. 1839, 146; B. Am. iv, 1842, 52, 
 pi. 220.— Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 555.— Dress., Ibis, 1865, 494 (Texas).- Cass., Pr. 
 Phila. Acad. 1866, 409. — Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst. If, 1864, e5 (Massachusetts; 
 probably a mistake). — COUES, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 2-6 (New England ; prob- 
 ably a mistake). — Allex, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 295 (Florida). — Coues, Pr. 
 Best. Soc. xii, 1868, 117 (South Carolina).— Coues, Ibis, 1870, 367 (biogra- 
 phy).— Coues, Pr. PhUa. Acad. 1871, 25 (North Carolina).— CofES. Key, 1872, 
 16(1.— Coues, Check-list, 1874, No. 224.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 222, pi. 
 36, t. 3, 4. 
 
 Chalcopltanes major, Temm., Cab. Mus. Hein. 1851, 96. 
 
 b. macrouriis. 
 
 QuUealus maci-ourus, Sw., An. in Men. 1838, 299, f 51°.— Scl., P. Z. S. 1856; 300 (Cor- 
 dova); Ibis, i, 1859, 20 (Guatemala) ; ihid. ii, 1860, 112 (Honduras).- Bd., B.N. 
 
 A. 18.38, 554 ; 1860, 554, pi. 58 ; Mex. B. Surv. ii, It.'ie, Birds, 20, ]<\. 20.— Cass., 
 Pr. Phila. Acad. 1860, 138 (Carthagena).- Cab., J. f. O. ix, 1801, 82 (Costa 
 Eica). — Lawr., Ann. Lye. viii, 181 (Nicaragua) ; ibid, ix, 104 (Costa Eica). — 
 Dress., Ibis, 1865, 493 (Texas).- Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1867, 410 (critical).— 
 SuMiCH., Mem. Best. Soc. i, 1869, 553 (Vera Cruz).— Coues, Key, 1872, 160, fig. 
 159. 
 
 Chalcophanes macroxirus, Cab., Mus. Hein. i, 1851, 196. 
 
 Quiscalus major var. T>uicrouru8, B. B. & K., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 225, pi. 36, f. 1, 2. 
 
 Hob. — The typical form along the South Atlantic and Gulf coast, from the Carolinas 
 to Texas ; not authentic in New England. Var. macrourus from Texas south into Cen- 
 tral America. 
 
 Family CORVID^ : Crows, etc. 
 
 Subfamily CoEViNiE : Ravens and Grows. 
 COEVUS COEAX, Linn. 
 
 Sayeii. 
 
 Conyus corkc, Lrxx., auctorum ; Planches Enlum. 495.— Naum., Vog. pi. 53.— Gould, 
 
 B. E. pi. 220.— SCHL., Not. sur Corv. pi. 1.- Wrts., Am. Orn. ix, 1825, lie, pi. 
 75, f. 3.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 56.— Dough., Cab., Nat. Hist, i, 1830, 270, pi. 24.— Sw. & 
 EiCH., P. B. A. ii, 1831, 290.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 202.— AuD., Orn. Biog. ii, 
 
 Digitized by Microsoft® 
 
COEVUS COEAX, EAVEN. 
 
 205 
 
 1834, 4-6, pi. 101 ; Syo. 1839, 150 ; B. Am. iv, 1843, 78, pi. 224.— GiR., B. L. I. 
 1844, 149.— Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 387.— Woodh., Sitgr. Eep. 1853, 78.— Heerm., 
 P. R. E. Eep. X, 1859, pt. vi, 54.— Allen, Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 525 (Indiaua) ; 
 Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 178.— Finsch, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 40 (Alaska). 
 
 Cm-viis var. fetrcenais, Brunn. ; C. leucomelas, Wagl. ; C. leucophceue, Vibill., Gal. Ois. 
 pi. 100 (iudividuals streaked with white). 
 
 Conus cm-ax var. Uttoralis, Holb5ll, Kroyer's Tidskrift, iv, 1843, 390 (Greenland and 
 Labrador). 
 
 Corvus corax (var ?), CouES, Key, 1872, 162. 
 
 Corms corax var. eamivons, B. B. & E., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 234, pi. 37, f. 6. 
 
 Corvus maximus, Scop., Ann. i, 34, No. 45. 
 
 Corvus cUricus, Sparrm., Mus. Carls, pi. 2. 
 
 Corvus major, Vieill., et C. montamis, Tbmm. ; Le Vaill., Ois. Afr. pi. 61. — Bp., Consp. 
 i, 1850, 387 (sp. apocrypha). 
 
 Corvus carnivorus, Baet., Trav. Fla. 1793, 290.— Be, B. N. A. 1858, 560.— Coop. & 
 Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 210, pi. 21.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Eep. 1860. — 
 CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, 225 (Labrador) ; Hid. 1866, 91 (Arizona).- 
 Ha YD., Eep. 1862, 70.— Lord, Pr. Roy. Arty. Inst, iv, 1864, 121 (British Colum- 
 bia.--DEESS., Ibis, 1865, 494 (Texas).— Call & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad. 1869, 
 285 (Alaska).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 282.— Stbv., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 
 465 ; and of most late American writers. 
 
 Conits cacalotl, Wagl., Isis, 1831, 527 (Mexico).— Bp., P. Z. S. 1837, 115; Consp. i, 
 1850, 387.- Maxim., Eeise, ii, 1841, 289.— Maxim., J. f. O. 1858, 195.— Newb., 
 P. E. R. Eep. vi, 1857, 82.— Kenn., P. R. E. Eep. x, 1859, pt. iv, 31, pi. 20.— 
 Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 563.— SCL., Ibis, i, 1859, 21 (Guatemala).— Sumioh., Mem. 
 Bost. Soc. j, 1869, 553 (Vera Cruz). . 
 
 Corvus sinuatus, Wagl., Isis, 1829, 748 (Mexico). 
 
 Comts calotott, Bp., Comp. List, 1838, 28. 
 
 Corvus nolllis, Gould, P. Z. S. 183?, 79.— Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 386 (Mexico). 
 
 Corims " sphmdens, Gould," Bp., P.-Z. S. 1837, 115 (error). Not of Vielll. 
 
 Corvus lugubris, AgaS., Pr. Bost. Soc. ii, 1846, 188. 
 
 " Corvus ildbetanus, Hodgs." 
 
 " Corvus vooiferus, Cab." 
 Gray's Hand-list, Nos. 6181-84, and 6189-90. 
 
 Sa}>:—la North America, generally distributed. Thronghont British America. 
 Everywhere in United States west of the Mississippi (according to Aiken, Am. Nat. 
 vii, 16, the Eavens of Colorado are chiefly C. cryptoleucus). Eare, or wanting in differ- 
 ent parts of Eastern United States. On the Atlantic coast, regularly south to Maine, 
 where it nests (Boardman) ; rarely to Southern New England, New York, Pennsylvania, 
 and New Jersey. Formerly breeding in Middle States and mountainous parts of South 
 Carolina (jM(Z;i!iO«). Kentno^j {Audubon). Ohio (Wheaton). Indiana (flat/mortd ; for- 
 merly numerous, became exceedingly rare in 1856). Not found in the Gulf States, ex- 
 cepting Texas. South into Mexico (C " cacalotl," " sinuatus," " splendeiis," and "nobilis"). 
 Guatemala. 
 
 List of specimens. 
 
 19300 
 
 202 
 
 Loc. not given . . 
 
 F.V.Hayden 
 
 25.00 
 
 47.00 
 
 16.00 
 
 Licutenatit Wan'cn's Expedition. — 5186, Fort Eandall, Dakota ; 4546, source Little 
 Missouri River ; L'Eau qui court ; 5787, Fort Pierre. 
 
 Late)- Expeditions. — 54316, 60813, Wyoming. 
 
 It is impossible to distinguish our Eaven specifically from the European, and the 
 grounds for separating even a C. corax var. carnivorus are very slight. The American 
 bird may average a trifle larger, with a correspondingly more robust bill ; but the 
 difference in these respects is entirely within the normal individual variability of the 
 bird, being equaled if not exceeded among specimens from each country. As to the 
 Eaven of Mexico, described as distinct under a variety of names, it appears to be 
 somewhat more richly iridescent, as a consequence of its subtropical habitat ; from 
 the same circumstances, the bill and feet may average relatively larger. 
 
 It is unnecessary to mention particular localities in the West, where the Eaven is 
 more or'less numerous ; it is so generally distributed, that its great abundance, scar- 
 city, or absence at various points merely represent incidents in the career of individ- 
 uals, drawn together by abundance of food or other favoring circumstances, and dis- 
 persed under opposite conditions. In fact, the restriction of its range in the United 
 States is prqjjahly reducible to a fortuitous matter, since this bird, like some others, 
 sooner or later finds the advance of civilization uasupportable, and retires to regions 
 more congenial to its wild and wary nature.x 
 
 Digitized by Microsoft® 
 
20ff COEVUS CEYPTOLEUeuS — C. AMEEICANTJS. 
 
 CORVUS CRTPTOLEUCUS, Couch. 
 White-necked BaTen. 
 
 Corvm cri/ptoleiims, Couch, Pr. Phila. Acad, vii, 1854, 66 (Tamaulipas). — Bd., B. N. A. 
 1858, 565; Mex. B. Surv. ii, pt. ii, 1859, Birds, p. 20.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 
 284.— Dress., Ibis, 1865, 494 (Eagle Pass, Texas).— Couks, Key, 187'J, 162.— 
 Aiken, Am. Nat. vii, 1873, 16 (Cbeyeune, Wyo. Ter.). — Aikex, Pi-. Bost. Soc. 
 1872, 203 ("very common along the base of the mountains"). — B. B. & E., N. 
 A. B. ii, 1874, 242. 
 
 Sab. — Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. North to Colorado and Wyoming. South 
 into Mexico. Said to be abundant on the Llano Estacado. Found neat Tucson, Ari- 
 zona, by Lieutenant Bendire (episf.) 
 
 - The- kDown range of this species has been lately extended by Mr. C. 
 E. Aiken, who found it near Cheyenne ; this brings it within the region 
 of the Missouri. Its peculiar character, of snowy-white bases of the 
 cervical feathers, has not been observed in any other of the North 
 American Corvi, but it occurs in a number of extralimital siiecies. It 
 is described as being considerably smaller than the Common Raven, and 
 otherwise different ; but its relationship to some of its allies might iier- 
 haps be profitably investigated. In our Raven and Crows the bases of 
 the neck-feathers are plumbeous gray. The eggs of the White-necked 
 Raven are said to resemble those of the Common Raven, but to be paler, 
 and, it is to be presumed, smaller. 
 
 Mr. Trippe writes me, that in Colorado the White-necked Raven "is 
 abundant along the edge of the plains in winter; not common in the 
 mountains ; notobserved during spring and summer. I did not succeed 
 in taking any specimens of this bird, but have no doubt that it is the 
 White-necked Raven. It is called " Crow " by the inhabitant.s, to distin- 
 guish it from the Raven proper. Its croak is different from that of the 
 Eastern Crow, being much harsher ; in flight and actions it is very simi- 
 lar to that bird. I have seen this species, one hundred miles or more 
 east of the mountains, feeding on dead buffalo." 
 
 IJ- if.-^'- 
 
 CORVUS AMERICAXUS, And. c^ - ^l-^ 
 Common Crow. 
 
 a. americanus. 
 
 Corvits corone, Wils., Am. Om. iv, 1811, 79, pi. 25, f. 3.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 56.— Sw. & EiCH. ■ 
 F. B. A. ii, 1831, 291.— Ntttt., Man. i, 1832, 209. 
 
 Conns americanus, AuD., Om. Biog. ii, 1B34, 317; v, 1839; 477; pi. 15C; Svn. 1839, 
 156 ; B. Am. iv, 1842, t7, pi. 225.— Bp., List, 1838, 29 ; Consp. i, ler.U, 385.- 
 Xi-TT., Man. i, 2d ed. It40, 221.— Maxi.m., Eeise, i, 1839, 140; J. f. O. vi, 1858, J, 
 l'J8.— Gm., B. L. I. 1844, 151.— Newb., P. E. E. Eep. vi, 1857, 82.— Bd., B.N. A. 
 1858, 566.— Heeem., P. E. E. Eep. x, 1859, vi, 54.— Dkess., Ibis, 1865, 494 ' 
 (Texas).— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 211, lA. 23.— CouES, Pr.( 
 Phila. Acad. 1861, '226 (Labrador).— Stkv., V. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 465.—' 
 Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 178.— S.now, B. Kans. 1873, 8.— Hold., Pr.Bost. 
 Soc. 1872, 203 (Wyoming).— Cooes, Key, 1872, 162.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. ii, 
 1874, 243, pi. 37, f. 5 ; and of authors generally. 
 
 b "i oaurinus. 
 
 Corvus caiirinus, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 569.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 18G0, 24, pi. 
 24.— Dale & Banx., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 286.— Coop., B. Cal. i. 1870, 285.— 
 FlNSCH, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 41.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. ii, 1874, /4i. 
 
 Careus americanus var. caurinus, CouES, Key, 1872, 163. 
 
 c. fiorid-anus. 
 
 Con-US americanus var. floridamts, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 568.— CoUES, Key, 1872. 163. — B. B. 
 & E., N. A. B. U, 1874, 247. 
 
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claeke's crow. 207 
 
 Sab. — Temperate North America (to 55°, Bicliardson), excepting, probably, most of 
 the high central plains and the Southern Eocky Mountains, where the Raven abounds. 
 Var. caurinua along the Pacific coast, from Sitka to Lower California. Var. floridanua 
 is a larger-billcfl strain from Southern Florida. 
 
 Lieutenant Warreii's Expedition. — 5188, mouth of Powder River; 5189-91, Fort Union, 
 Dakota ; 5192, Vermilion River. 
 
 Lata- Expeditions. — 60461, La Bont^ Creek, Wyoming. 
 
 The Corvus oaurinus is probably not specifically distinct, bnt may represent a littoral 
 variety, distinguished by its smaller size, and some particular mode of life, circum- 
 stances probably mutually explanatory. It is hardly necessary to recognize "florida- 
 nus " by name, since it merely illustrates the usual relative increase in size of the bill 
 and feet shown by birds of corresponding latitudes. 
 
 Although apparently rare or quite wanting in a great part of the 
 West, in the interior, as above indicated, the Crow occurs along the 
 whole Missouri Eiver^ It is associated in most places with the Eaven, 
 but in general their numbers are reciprocal. The Raven spreads more 
 over the plains, while the Crow is more partial to the wooded river- 
 bottoms and the immediate vicinity of the water-courses. At Fort 
 Eandall, where the Eaven is comparatively rare, the Crow is common 
 and resident. I found many Crows along Mouse Eiver, in JSTorthern 
 Dakota, but no Eaveus. I never saw a single Crow in Colorado, New 
 Mexico, or Arizona, where the Eaven was my constant companion dur- 
 ing all my journeying and residence. 
 
 The Pish Crow, which is not found in the Missouri region, has the following syno- 
 nymy : , , 
 
 COKVUS OSSIFRAGUS, WiUon,. - 
 
 Conus ossifragus, WiM., Am. Orn. v, 1812,, 27, pi. 37, f. 2.— Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 
 39 ; Syn. 1828, 57 ; List, 183H, 27 ; Consp. i, 1850, 385.— Wagl., Syst. Av. 1827, 
 Corvus No. 12.— NUTT., Man. i, 1832, 216.— AuD., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 268; v, 
 1839, 479 ; pi. 146 ; Syn. 1839, 151 ; B. Am. iv, 1843, 94, pi. 226.— Bd., B. N. A. 
 1858, 571 ; 1860, 571, pi. 67, f. 2.— CouES & Prbnt., Smiths. Rep! 1861, 414 
 (Washington, D. C, common). — Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 85 (Southern 
 New England, occasional). — Coues, ibid, v, 1868, 286 (the same), — Lawk., Ann. 
 Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 289 (New York).— CouES, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 117 
 (South Carolina).— TUKNB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 26.— Cooes, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1871, 
 26 (North Carolina).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 297 (Florida).— Coues, 
 Key, 1873, 162.— B. B. (fc R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 251, pi. 37, f. 7. 
 
 Sab. — Coast of the United States, from New England to Florida. 
 
 PICICORVUS COLUMBIAK"US, (Wils.) Bp. 
 Clarke's Crow; American Nutcracker. 
 
 Corvus columbianus, Wils., Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 29, pi. 20, f. 2.— Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825 No. 
 38 ; Syn. 1828, 57.— Nutt., Man. Orn. i, 1832, 218. 
 
 Nucifraga columbiana, Add., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 459, pi. 362; Syn. 1839, 156 ; B. Am. iv 
 1842, 127, pi. 235.— Bp., List, 1838, 28.— Nutt., Man. i,'l840, 251. 
 
 Nucifraga {Piclconus) columbiana, Gray, Hand-list, ii, 1870, 9, No. 6165. 
 
 Fidcorvus columbianus, Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 384.— Newb., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857 pt. iv 
 83.-BD., B. N. A. 1858, 573, 925.-KENN., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859. pt. il, 32.— 
 Coop & Suck:., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 213.— Hayd., Rep. 1883, 171 (to Fort 
 Laramie).— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 91.— Lord, Pr. Roy. Arty. Inst, iv, 
 121 (British Columbia); Kat. in Vancouver (breeding near Fort Colville).— 
 Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 286 (Sitka).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 
 289.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 465.— Coues, Ibis, 1872, 52 (biography ).— 
 Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 178.— Hold.-Aiken., Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 203 (Wy- 
 oming).— Coues, Key, 1872, 162, fig. 104.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 255, pi. 
 38, f 4. 
 
 "Corvus megonyx, Wagl." — (Gray.) 
 
 jSaft.- Chiefly the coniferous belt of the West, in mountainous regions, from about 
 3.000 feet up to the highest peaks. North to Sitka {Bisclwff). Northeast to Milk Eiver, 
 Montana (200 miles east of Rocky Mountains., lat. about 49°, Sualdey). East to Fort 
 
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208> 
 
 PICICOEVUS COLUMBIANUg, CLAEKE'S CROW. 
 
 Kearney (Nebraska, long. 99° 6' W. Green-wicb, Cooper). South on high lands to MexicoT 
 (to Albuquerque, New Mexico, Kennerly; Fort Whipple, Arizona, Caueg; Fort Tejon, 
 California, Xantus). Found breeding at Fort Colville, Washington Territory {Lord). 
 
 lAst of specimens. 
 
 19291 
 19292 
 19293 
 19294 
 
 37 
 38 
 32 
 
 Grosventres E. - 
 . .. do 
 
 '$ 
 
 June 2, 1860 
 do 
 
 F.V.Hayden. 
 do 
 
 12.25 
 11.50 
 
 16.50 
 20.50 
 17.50 
 
 7.50 
 6.75 
 6.75 
 
 Mud River 
 
 Popoagie Creeli. 
 
 'f 
 
 May 30, 1860 
 May 20, 1860 
 
 do 
 
 G H Trook. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition.— W7(l-7i, Black Hills, Dakota; 8875, Rawhide Peak, 
 Wyoming. 
 
 Later Expeditions.— hiZVI-l^, Wyoming ; 59856-9, Colorado ; 60817-18, Pacific Creek, 
 Wyoming ; 61087, Green River ; 11159 (young), Wyoming. 
 
 The range of this species is nearly coincident with the zone of conif- 
 erous vegetation in the West. It rarely descends below an altitude of 
 3,000 feet, and has been observed on ]jeaks 10,000 feet high. A hardy 
 bird, finding its food at all seasons, Clarke's Crow is not a true 
 migrant; that is to say, it does not move north and south at regular 
 periods. But the individuals are never thoroughly localized ; they are 
 restless birds, scurrying continually among the mountains. The nearest 
 approach to a regular movement appears to be their flying down mount- 
 ains in severe weather, and returning to the more elevated situations 
 to breed. This seems to be the case, at any' rate, in latitudes from 45° 
 southward, although they nest quite low down in more northern situa- 
 tions. Thus, at Port Whipple, near 35° 30', and 4,000 or 5,000 feet high, 
 I never saw them in summer; but tbey were irregularly common from 
 October to March, and I have no doubt they breed in the neighboring^ 
 San Francisco Mountains. I have never seen the nest or eggs. Mr. J. 
 K. Lord, who found the bird in immense flocks, in May, near Fort Col- 
 ville, and subsequently breeding there, states that a nest was placed in 
 the top of a pine, 200 feet high ; " it was composed of fir-twigs, bark, 
 leaves of pine, and fine root-fibres, with some moss and gray lichen — 
 very large and shallow." 
 
 Like otliers of this omnivorous family, Clarke's Crow is an indiscrim- 
 inate feeder upon vegetable substances, giving preference, however, to 
 the seeds of the pine, berries of the cedar, and acorns. Prying into a 
 pine-cone with its long and peculiarly-shaped beak, it gouges out the 
 seeds, often hanging, while thus engaged, head downward, like a 
 Thistle-bird swing under the globular aiuent of a button-wood. It also 
 eats insects of various kinds, and has been observed pecking at dead 
 bark to obtain them, and making short sallies in the air for the same 
 purpose, like a Woodpecker. It sometimes descends to the ground in 
 search of food, walking easily and firmly, like a true Crow ; but we may 
 infer, from the length and sharpness of its claws, that it does not spend 
 much of its time on the ground. 
 
 According to my observations, made at all seasons, excepting during 
 the breeding time, Clarke's Crow is decidedly a gregarious bird. Flocks 
 of fifty or a hundred are oftener witnessed than single birds, and jMr. 
 Lord speaks of their appearance " by thousands." They are very noisy 
 birds, uttering a harsh, discordant scream of great volume and pene- 
 tration, and extremely wary, under ordinary circumstances, like most 
 of the larger Corvi. The ordinary flight is rapid, straight, and steady, 
 accomplished by regular and vigorous wing-beats ; but when flying 
 only from tree to tree, the birds swing themselves in an undulatory 
 course, with the wings alternately spread and nearly closed, much in 
 the manner of the Woodpeckers. 
 
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GYMNOKITTA CYANOCEPHALA, BLUE CROW. 209 
 
 The following interesting passages oeouv in Mr. Trippe's Manuscriiits : 
 "At Idaho ypriugs, in Colorado, Clarke's Crow is by no means rare; 
 nearly, or quite, resident ; breeds. Bight or ten years ago, as I have 
 been "informed by old residents, this bird was exceedingly numerous, 
 and during winter, very tamo and bold, approaching close to the cabins 
 and homes of the settlers, and devouring everything left exposed to 
 its voracity. At present it is seldom seen in numbers; but singly, or 
 in small parties, is not uncommon from about 9,000 feet up to timber- 
 line during the warmer months, descending to the lower valleys, and 
 probably to the foot-hills, during the depth of winter, a few remaining 
 in the county throughout the year. As soon as the weather has com- 
 menced to moderate a little, they begin ascending again, working up- 
 ward in advance of all other birds. 
 
 "The habits of Clarke's Crow are well indicated by its name, for they 
 are a compound of those of the Woodpecker and Crow. At times it 
 will alight on a dead limb, and hammer it precisely as a Woodpecker 
 does, the loud rattling being audible at a great distance ; at others, its 
 actions are so similar to that of a Crow, that one might readily mistake 
 it lor a smaller species of that bird were it not for its colors. It fre- 
 quently alights on the top of a tree, and utters its hoarse notes to call 
 or alarm its companions, constantly looking around in every direction 
 to detect any approaching danger, just as the Crow is in the habit of 
 doing. It is rather a shy bird than otherwise, yet not so wild but that 
 it may be shot by using a little caution in approaching it. Its flight is 
 bold and strong, with rather quick and rapid strokes, like the Blue 
 Jay's ; at times, after flying a little way from its perch, it will sail on 
 its wings in a wide circle, returning to the same tree. Near timber- 
 line I have seen dozens of them all performing this manoeuvre together, 
 sometiujes flying hundreds of feet above the trees and returning to them 
 when tired. It occasionally visits the slaughter-houses, and, like a true 
 Crow, seems to be quite omnivorous, cramming its hungry maw with 
 everything that will satisfy its voracious appetite In spring, when 
 other food is scarce, it even attacks the cones and buds of Pinus ponder- 
 osa and P.contorta; and nothing seems to come amiss. A tame one 
 which I saw preferred raw meat, but ate anything given to it with ap- 
 parent relish. 
 
 "Clarke's Crow probably breeds very early, a,s young birds are able 
 to fly in the middle of May ; its nest, however, I was never able to iind^ 
 nor even gain any idea of where it is placed. The young are cared for 
 by the parents a short time after leaving the nest, and are then left to 
 shift for themselves — hence, as the first brood is hatched so early, they 
 may raise a second ; but I never saw any young birds after the latter 
 part of June, and am inclined to think, therefore, that they raise but a 
 single brood. Of notes, this bird possesses several, all of which are 
 harsh, grating, and crow-like, many being quite loud. It is tamed as 
 easily as the Crow or Kaven, and soon becomes quite as familiar and 
 impudent, showing all the propensities to theft and mischief that mark 
 those birtls." 
 
 GYMNOKITTA CYAaSTOCEPHALA, (Maxim.) Bp. 
 Blue Crow; Cassiii's Jay; Maximilian's Jay. 
 
 Gymiiorliinus cyanoceplialus, Maxim., Eeise, ii, li^41, '21. 
 
 Gymvolcitia ci/mwccpliala, Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 382. — Uass., B. Cal. and Tex. i, ISfU, 1€5, pL 
 
 28.— Nkwb., P E. E. Eep. vi, 1857, 83.— Maxim., J. f. 0. vi, 1858, 193.— Bd., B. 
 
 N. A. 18.')8, 574.— Kenn., P. K. E. Eep. x, 1859, pt. iv, 3-'.- CoCEs, Pr. Phila.. 
 
 14 
 
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210 
 
 GYMNOKITTA CYANOCEPHALA, BLUE CROW. 
 
 Acad. 1806, 91 ; Ibis, 1872, 152 (biography) ; Key, 1672, 163.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 
 1870, 292,— Aiken. Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 204 (Wyoming).— B. B. & R., N. A. B. 
 ii, 18r4, 260, pi. 36, f. 2. 
 
 Psilorhinus cyanocephalus, Gray, Genera of Birds. 
 
 Nucifraga (Gymnokitta) cijanocephala, Gray, Hand-list, ii. 1870, 10, No. 6166. 
 
 Cyanoceplmlus wiecli, Bp., Oss. Stat. Zool. Eur. Vert. l.-<40-'41, 1842 ; see Ibis, 1873, 103. 
 
 Cijanocorax cassini, McCaix, Pr. Phila. Acad, v, 1851, 216. 
 
 -Hiifc.- Western United States, from the eastern foot-hills and spurs of the Rocky 
 Mountains to the opposite slopes of the Cascade and Coast Ranges. 
 
 List of specimens. 
 
 19370 
 19371 
 19372 
 19373 
 
 .... 
 
 Bighorn Mts-. - 
 do 
 
 S 
 9 
 2 
 
 June 1, 1860 
 , . do 
 
 G.H. Trook.. 
 do 
 
 10.50 
 10.50 
 
 18.00 
 18.00 
 
 6.00 
 6.00 
 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 .do 
 
 153 
 
 Tullock Creek. 
 
 Sept. 3, 1890 
 
 F.V.Hayden. 
 
 11.00 
 
 10.00 
 
 6.50 
 
 Not obtained by Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. 
 Later Expeditions. — 59860-3, Wyoming. 
 
 The following account, like that of Clarke's Crow, is reproduced, in 
 substance, from my article in the " Ibis," as above quoted : 
 
 For many years this species was considered a rarity, to be highly 
 prized, and may still remain among the desiderata of many or most 
 European collectors; but of late a great many specimens have been 
 gathered, notably in California, by the late Captain John Peilner, and 
 in Arizona, by myself. Prince Maximilian's original examples are 
 stated to have come from one of the tiibutaries of the Upper Missouri, 
 which locality, if not beyond the bird's ordinary range, is certainly far 
 from its centre of abundance. Dr. Hayden does not appear to have 
 met with it in that region, and probably Maximilian's quotation indi- 
 cates nearly the northeastern limit of the species, which would thus 
 pro%'e very nearly coincident with that of Clarke's Crow. Colonel McCall 
 found his Cyanocorax cassini abundant near Santa F6, New Mexico; Dr. 
 Kennerly met with great numbers near San Miguel and at Fort Web- 
 ster, in the same Territory; and Captain Feilner procured his fine suite 
 of specimens at Fort Crook, Califonia. Dr. J. S. Newberry is our princi- 
 pal Oregon reference. I have seen no Washington Territory record ; but 
 data are to be anticipated from this quarter, corresponding to those 
 respecting Clarke's Crow. In the matter of altitude, the present species, 
 has not been proven to occur so high up as Clarke's Crow has ; but the 
 evidence is only negative. It breeds at or near its limit of altitude, 
 descending in winter to the lower border of the pine-belt, if not a little 
 beyond. 
 
 At Fort Whipple, in Arizona, where my observations were made, the 
 bird may be considered a permanent resident. Thougli we did not 
 observe it breeding in the immediate vicinity, we found newly-fledged 
 youu^ in the neighboring higher mountains, showing that it nests 
 there. Like most of its tribe — in fact, like most birds largely subsist- 
 ing on varied animal and vegetable substances — it is not strictly 
 migratory, except, perhaps, at its highest point of disi>ersion. A 
 descent of a few thousand feet from mountain tops appears to answer 
 the purpose of the southward journeying most migratory species per- 
 form, as far as food is concerned, while its hardy nature enables it to 
 endure the rigors of winter in regions frequently snow-bound. It feeds 
 principally upon juniper-berries aud pine-seeds; also upon acorns, and 
 probably other small, hard fruit. 
 
 Notwithstanding its essentially corvine form, the habits of this bird, 
 like its colors, are rather those of Jays. It is a garrulous and vocifer- 
 ous creature, of various and curiously modulated chattering notes 
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PICA MELAljfOLEUCA VAIi. HUDSONICA, MAGPIE. 211 
 
 ■when at ease, and of extremely loud, harsh cries when iu fear or anger. 
 The former are somewhat guttural,' but the latter possess a resonauce 
 diiferent both from the hoarse screams of Cyannra macrolopha, and the 
 sharp, wiry voice of the Cyanocitta. Like Jays, it is a restless, impetu- 
 ous bird, as it were of an unbalanced, even frivolous, mind ; its turbu- 
 lent presence contrasting strongly with the poised and somewhat sedate 
 demeanor of the larger black Gorvi. With these last, however, it shares 
 a strong character — its attitudes when on the ground, to which it 
 habitually descends, being crow-like; and its gait, an easy walk or run, 
 differing entirely from the leaping progression of the true Jays. ID 
 shares a shy and watchful disposition with its relatives on both sides of 
 the family; its flight is most nearly like that of the Picicorvus. It is 
 highly gregarious, in the strict sense of the term. Innnense as the 
 gatherings of Crows frequently are, these birds seem to associate rather 
 in community of interest than in obedience to a true social instinct; 
 each individual looks out for himself, and the company disperses for 
 cause-as readily as it assembles. It is different with these small, Blue- 
 Jay Crows ; they flock, sometimes in surprising numbers, keep as close 
 together as Blackbirds, and move as if by a common impulse. As usual, 
 their dispersion is marked, if not complete, at the breeding season ; but 
 the flocks reassemble as soon as the yearlings are well on wing, from 
 which time until the foUovving spring hundreds are usually seen 
 together. On one occasion at least, I witnessed a gathering of probably 
 a thousand individuals. 
 The nest and eggs of this bird apparently remain unknown. 
 
 Suhfamily Garruxinje : Jays. 
 
 PICA MELANOLBUCA var. HUDSONICA, (Sab.) Coues. 
 American Magpie. 
 
 a. melanoleuca. 
 
 Conns pica, Liisnsr., Fn. Suec. 92 ; Syet. Nut. i, 1766, 157 ; and of early authors. 
 
 Pica melanoleuca, Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. xxvi, 121.' 
 
 Pica albiventris, Vieill., Fu. Frauf . 119, pi. 55, f. 1. 
 
 Pica europwa, BoiB, Isis, 1822, 551. 
 
 Pica rusticorum. Leach, Cat. 1816, 18. 
 
 Pica caiidata, Fleming, Br. An. 1828, 87 ; and of many authors. 
 
 Pica varia, Schl., Rev. Grit. Ois. Eur. 1844, 54. 
 
 Pica gei-manica, septentrionalis, et hiemalis, Buehm, V. D. 1831, 177, 178. 
 
 b. hudsonica. 
 
 Corvuspica, FoRST., Phil. Trans. Ixxii, 1772, 332.— WiLS., Am. Oni. iv, 1811, 75, pi. 35, f. 
 2.— Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 40 ; Syn. 1828, 57, No. 62.— Sw. & EiCH.. F. B A 
 ii, 1831, 292.— Nu-rr., Man. i, 1832, 219.— Add., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 408, pi. 357. 
 
 Corvus hudsonicus, Sae., App. Franklin's .Journey, 1823, 25, 671. 
 
 Pica hudsonica, Bp., List, 1838; Consp. i, 1850, 383.— Maxhi., Eeise, i, 1839, 508; J. f O 
 1858, 197.— Newb., P. E. E. Eep. vi, 1857, 84.— Bd.. B. N. A. 1858,.576.— Woodh., 
 Sitgr. Eep. 1853, 77.— Coop. .& Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 213.— Hayd., 
 Eep. 1862, 171.— LOKD, Pr. Arty. Inst, iv, 121 (British Columbia).— Dall & 
 Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 286 (Alaska).— Finsch, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 39 
 (Alaska).— Coop., B. Gal. i, 1870, 296.- Sxow, B. Kans. 1873, 8 (Shawnee 
 County, Kans.).— HoLDEN- Aiken, Pr. Best. Soc. 1872, 204 (Wyoming, abundant, 
 breeding).— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 465.— Meru., ibid. 1872, 687. 
 
 Cleptes hudsonicus, Gajib., journ. Phila. Acad, i, 1847, 47. 
 
 Pica melanoleuca, AnD., Syn. 1839, 157; B. Am. iv, 1842, 99, pi. 227. 
 
 Pica melanoleuca var. hudsonica, CouES, Key, 1872, 164, fig. 106. 
 
 Pica caudala var. hudsonica, Allen, Bull. M. G. Z. iii, 1872, 178 (Kansas, &c.). — B. B. & 
 E., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 266, pi. 38, f. 1. 
 
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212 PICA MELANOLEUCA VAR. HUDSONICA, MAGPIE. 
 
 c. nuttaUi. 
 
 Picanuttaim, AuD., Orn. Biog. iy, 163^, 450, pi. 362; Svn. 1839, 152; B. Am. iv, 1*42, 
 104, pi. 22^.— XUTT., Man. i, 1840, 236.— Woodh"., Sitgi-. Kep. 1853, 77.— Newb., 
 P. E. E. Rep. vi, 1^.57, 84, pi. 26.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 578.— Hjbekm., P. E. E. 
 Eep. X, 1859, pt. vi, 54.— Coop., B. Cal. 1, 1870, 295. 
 
 Cleptes nuttallii, Ga.mb., Journ. Phila. Acad, i, 1847, 46. 
 
 Pica melanoleuca var. nuttallii, Codes, Key, 1872, 164. 
 
 Pica caudata var. nuitalUi, B. B. & E., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 270, pi. 38, f. 2. 
 
 Hah. — Western and Northern North America. Eastward occasionally to Lake Su- 
 perior and Hudson's Bay (liiehardson). Western Kansas (Pond) and Iowa (Cones) to 
 the Pacific. Alaska (DaH). Breeds in mountains of New Mexico (Coues). Yav-niMalHi 
 in California, apparently to the exclusion of the normal form. The typical form in 
 Europe. 
 
 List of specimens. 
 
 19295 
 19296 
 19297 
 
 201 
 158 
 193 
 
 
 
 Not. 20, 1860 
 Oct. 31, 1860 
 
 F.y.Hayden. 19.00 
 G.H.Trook.- 20.00 
 do 19..''i0 
 
 26.00 8.25 
 26.00 8.75 
 25.50 8.00 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 .... 
 
 
 
 ' ' 
 
 lieutenant Wai-ren's Expedition. — 4547, 5196, Fort Pierre; 5193, Eunning Water; 5197, 
 Great Bend, Missouri Eiver ; 5198, Fort Berthold; 5194-95,5199, Fort Eandall; 9060, 
 Fork of Cheyenne Eiver; 9057-5 8-.59, 9062-63, 9067, Black Hills. 
 
 . Late)' Expediiions. —5i320, 60459-60, 60314-16, 61074-81, 61155, various Wyoming 
 localities ; 61780, Idaho. 
 
 In ascending the Missouri I saw the first Magpie near Sioux City, 
 Iowa, a point immediately on the border of its eastward dispersion. 
 Mr. Trippe does not include the species in his Minnesota list, nor does 
 Dr. Head, United States Army, mention it among the birds of Fort 
 Ripley, in that State. Prof. Snow includes it among Kansas birds, 
 stating that it has been seen in Shawnee County. Mr. Allen found it 
 in the mountains of Colorado, up to at least 11,000 feet, and elsewhere 
 in the West. Further south, Dr. Kennerly informs us that he met with 
 it soon after crossing the Rio Grande, and saw it from time to time on 
 his journey thence into California. But in following almost in Dr. Ken- 
 neriy's tracks through part of K'ew Mexico and most of Arizona, I did 
 not meet with a single one, and must conclude that it is rare in that 
 region. I, however, found it breeding east of the Rio Grande, in the 
 Raton Mountains, in June. A nest that I there found in a dense thicket 
 was a large globular mass, about eighteen inches in diameter, suspended 
 in a thick bush about ten feet high. Its walls were composed of closely- 
 interlaced twigs, and very thick, leaving but a small cavity, the en- 
 trance to which was a hole in one side, large enough to admit the hand. 
 The lining was -a little dried grass. The nest contained six young ones, 
 nearly ready to fly — a fact that disposes of one of the alleged distinct- 
 ive characters of the American as compared with the European Mag- 
 pie, namely, that it has but two young. The eggs measure from 1.40 to 
 l.UO in length by about 0.90 in breadth ; the ground-color dull pale 
 bluish or greenish, sometimes merely grayish-white, thickly marked all 
 over with spots and dots of several shades of olive-brown and clearer 
 brown, with neutral-tint and pale-purplish or lavender shell-markings. 
 
 Mr. Aiken describes a somewhat dift'erently built nest : " The nest, 
 which is quite a curious structure, is usually placed in a small scrubby 
 tree, about ten feet from the ground. They commence to build about 
 the last of March, and the eggs are laid two or three weeks later. The 
 foundation of the nest is of twigs, firmly cemented with mud. On this 
 is placed the nest proper, which is composed of finer twigs, plastered 
 with mud, and lined with rootlets. Outside of this a wall of dead twigs 
 is built up from the foundation, and arched over at the top, the whole 
 structure forming a rounded mass from one to three (!) feet in diameter. 
 
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PICA MELANOLEUCA VAE. HUDSONICA, MAGPIE. 213 
 
 The entrance is an unconspicuous hole in the side. Fall number of eggs, 
 eigiit. Young begin to fly about June 1." 
 
 Magpies are very common at Fort Eaudall through the winter, as at 
 other points higher up the river. They keep mostly in troops in the 
 wooded river-bottom, and, notwithstanding the severity of the weather, 
 they are not familiar and impudent, as they are represented to be in 
 times of scarcity. In fact I have always found them wary and watch- 
 ful, on the alert for suspicious approach, and rather difiQeult to shoot. 
 When a flock is feeding, as they habitually do, down among the bushes, 
 one or more are perched, apparently as sentinels, on the high trees over- 
 head, and the hidden birds below are instantly warned of danger by 
 their discordant screams. I have more than once succeeded in getting 
 within range of one of these picket-guards, and at the report of my 
 gun, scores of birds, of whose presence I was entirely unaware, have 
 sprung up from the bushes all around, where they had been feeding in 
 perfect silence. I once procured several specimens unexpectediy and 
 unintentionally, the birds having come to feed upon the carcase of a 
 horse I had poisoned to secure wolves. Six or eight magpies were found 
 dead next morning, besides several coyot6s and a skunk. It is stated 
 that this method has also been successfully employed to destroy the 
 birds, when, from their numbers and under stress of hunger, they 
 proved a nuisance by alighting on the sore backs of horses and mules 
 to pick at the raw flesh. An Indian boy at Fort Eandall succeeded in 
 capturing a number alive with a common " figure-of four" trap, showing 
 that their native cunning is sometimes at fault. During the whole 
 season of 1873 I did not see a single Magpie along the northern border 
 of Dakota. 
 
 This variety is scarcely at all found in California, where the yellow- 
 billed form is common west of the Sierra Nevada. That P. nuttaUtl 
 is not a valid species is sufficiently proven by the facts, that the same 
 peculiarity occurs in the European bird, and that in several species of 
 this family the bill is indifterently black or yellow. I continue to regard 
 the yellow-billed race as simply illustrating the perpetuation of a for- 
 tuitous condition. Messrs. Baird and Ejdgway agree to the reduction. 
 
 The following observations, made by Mr. Trippe in Colorado, will be 
 read with interest : 
 
 "Common; resident; breeds. The Magpie abounds from the plains 
 up to 10,000 feet, rarely venturing higher than that limit, while it is 
 most numerous below 8,500. It is a social bird, although not gregarious, 
 being usually found in pairs or small parties of from three to six or 
 eight, but quite often goes alone. It is very voracious, living upon 
 seeds, carrion, insects, &c., and being especially fond of the eggs and 
 young of other birds, of which it destroys very great quantities. It is 
 easily caught and tamed, even when old, and soon becomes very cun- 
 ning and mischievoiis, exhibiting the same traits as the Crow, and, like 
 that bird, is said to imitate the human voice with some aptitude. It 
 has almost an infinite variety of notes, some low, gurgling, and musical, 
 some harsh and discordant, others squeaky and grating. It is very- 
 noisy at times, and quite silent at others, when engaged in robbing- 
 birds' nests or foraging near dwelliugs or barns. It has a loud, rapid 
 chatter, uttered as an alarm cry, and, with its extensive vocabulary, 
 seems at no loss to convey its ideas to its fellows. It prefers, as a rule, 
 the vicinity of streams, and the brushy valleys, but often wanders 
 among the pine groves on the hill-sides, and pays frequent visits to the 
 vicinity of slaughter-houses. It is common along road-sides, where its 
 bright plumage and harsh cries attract the attention of the tra\'eler. 
 
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214 CYANUEUS CKISTATUS, BLUE JAY. 
 
 The Magpie is not a sby bird, but if frequently sbot at soon learus to 
 keep out of range. Among the foot-hills, tiie Magpie begins build- 
 ing ill April ; the nest is quite an elaborate affair, and occupies several 
 days in its construction. It is placed in the fork of a small, bushy tree — 
 which is never a pine — from six to fifteen feet from the ground, and 
 composed externally of stout sticks, ingeniously placed and wedged to- 
 gether. Upon this is a layer of smaller twigs, and then a layer of fine 
 clay one-half or three-quarters of an inch in thickness, which, being ap- 
 plied soft and well worked in, becomes very hard, and binds the whole 
 structure firmly together. On this again is a soft lining of fine twigs, 
 hair, feathers, and any proper material which they can find. Over the 
 whole, rising from the walls of the nest, is a dome of twigs aad sticks, 
 very ingeniously and securely woven together, and framing a shelter for 
 the bird while setting. There are two openings, opposite each other, 
 evidently to make room for the long tail of the bird, which could never 
 be brought within the nest. The eggs are five, of a pale greenish, very 
 thickly obscured with spots and dashes of pale purplish-brown, varying 
 somewhat in intensity and being somewhat thicker at the larger end. In 
 the foot-hills, the young are hatched about the first of June, at Idaho 
 Springs nearlj' three weeks later, or not for two months after the ap- 
 pearance of tlie broods of Picicorvus cohimhianus — a singular fact, con- 
 sidering the intimate relations of the two birds, and their similar habits, 
 range and food." 
 
 ^ / CYANUEUS CRISTATUS, (Linn.) Sw. C-'l-pl-'-M^ 
 Bine Jay. 
 
 Corvus cristatus, LiNN., i, 1766, 157.— Gm., i, 1788, 369.— Wu-s., Am. Orn. i, 1808, 11, pi. 1, 
 fig. 1.— Doughty, Cab. 1832, 62, pi. 6.— Bp., Syn. 1828, .58.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 
 224.— AUD., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 11; v, 1839, 475; pi. 102. 
 
 Garrultts cristatus, ViEiLL., Ency. Jleth. 890 ; Gal. Ois. 160, pi. 102 ; Diet. 1817, 477.— Sw. 
 & ElCH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 293.— Aud., B. Am. iv, 110, pi. 231.— GiK., B. L. 1, 1844, 
 153 —Maxim., J. f. O, 1856, 192.— Tkippe, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 177 (Minnesota, 
 resident). 
 
 Pica cristata, AVagl., Syst. Av., 1827, Pica No. 8. 
 
 Cijanurus cristatus, Sw., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 495. — Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 580; and of most late 
 writers.— DnESS., Ibis, 1865, 494 (Texas).— McIlwr., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 90 
 (Canada West, resident). — AxL7;x, Boll. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 178 (Kansas). — Snow, 
 B. Kans. 1873, 8.— COUES, Key, 1872, 165.— B. B. & R., X. A. B. ii, 273, pi. 42, fig. 3. 
 
 Cyanoeorax cristatus, BoiE. — Bp., List, 1838, 27. — Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 77 (ludiau 
 Territory). 
 
 Cijanocitta cristata, Stricki,., Ann. Mag. 1845,.261.— Cad., Mus. Hein. i, 1851, 221. 
 
 Ci/anogarriilus cristatus, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 376. 
 
 Hai. — Eastern North America. North to the Fur Countries (to 56°, Bichardson). 
 West to Kansas, Eastern Nirbraska, and Dakota. Common on the Red Kiver. Breeds / 
 tlivoiigUout its range. Resident throughout its United States range. 
 
 This abundant and familiar si)ecies of the Eastern States was unno- > 
 ti(-ed by either Expedition, and although Audubon states that it "pro-' 
 ceeds up the Missouri Eiver to the eastern declivities of the liockyt 
 Mountains," it does not appear to have been of late observed further 
 west than as above indicated. 
 
 CYANUEUS STELLEEI var. MACEOLOPHUS, (Bd.) Allen. 
 
 Long-crested Jay. - 
 
 a. stelleri. 
 
 Coitus sietteri, Gm., i, 1788, 370.— Lath., Ind. i, 1790, 138.— Pall., Zoog. i, 393.— Bp., 
 Zool. Journ. iii, 18^7, 49; Syu. 1828, 433; Am. Orn. ii, 1(^28, 44. pi. 13, fig. 1.— 
 NUTT., Man. i, 1832, 229. — Aud., Orn. Biog., iv, 1838, 453, pi. 362, fig. 2. 
 
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CYANURUS STELLEEI VAK. MACROLOPIIUS. 215 
 
 G«)t»;hs 8/f»m, ViEiix., Enc. Meth. 893; Diet. 1817, 481.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 
 litil, 294 (not pi. 54?).— AUD., Syn. 1839, 154; B. Am. iv, 1843, 107, pi. 230. 
 
 CuaiiuruH Hidkri, Sw., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 495.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 581.-Hei.:ioi., P. R. R. 
 K>-|i. X, 1859, pt. vi, 55.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. WasU. Tor. 1860, 214.— 
 Loud, Pr, Roy. Arty. lost, iv, 1864, 122 (British Colunibiii, iiestiug).— Dai.l & 
 Banx., Tr. CUic. Acad, i, 1869, 286.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 298 (includes Jron- 
 lalis).—CovKs, Key, 1S72, 165.— RiDGW., Am. Journ. v, 1873, 43.— B. B. & E., 
 N. A. B. ii, 1874, 277, pi. 39, tig. 1. 
 
 Pica Hfclkii, WaGL., Syst. Av. 1827. 
 
 Cijaiiuooyaj- stelleri, BoiE.— Bp., List, 1838, 27.— Finsch, Abb. Nat. iii, 1872, 40 (Alaska). 
 
 Ci/auocitla steUeri, Sthickl.— Cab., Mus. Heiu. 1851, 221.— Newh., P. K. R. Rep. vi, 
 1857, 85. 
 
 Vijmwgarndiis atelleri, Bp., Cousp. Av. i, 1850, 377. 
 
 b. frontalis. 
 
 Cyanura stelUri var. frontalis, RiDGW., Am. Jouru. v, 1873, 43.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. il, 
 1874, 279, pi. 39, fig. 2. 
 
 c. maerolophus. 
 
 Garruhis stelleri, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, pi. 54 (tbe text refers to true stelUri; the 
 
 plate seems to represent var. macroUiilins). 
 Cyanocorax stelleri, Woouii., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 77. 
 Cijanocitta macrolopha, Bd., Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1854, 118. 
 Cmnura macrolopha, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 582.— Kenn., P. E. R. Rep. x, 1859, 32.— CouES, 
 
 Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 92 (Aiizoua).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 300.— Stev., U. S. 
 
 Geol. Snrv. Ter. 1870, 465.— Meri!., ibid. 1872, 688.— CouES, Am. Nat. v, 1671, 
 
 770 (biography).— Elliot, B. N. A. pi. 17.— Aike.n, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 205. 
 Cmiiuri stelhri var. macrolopha, Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. 1872, 178.— CoUES, Key, 1872, 165, 
 
 fig. 107.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 281, pi. 29, fig. 3. 
 Cyanura coronata var. macrolopha, Ridgw., Am. Jour, v, 1873, 43. 
 
 d. diadematus. 
 
 Cyanogarruhis diadematus, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 377. 
 Cyanocitta diademata, ScL., Cat. Am. Birds, 1862, 143. 
 Cyanura coronata var. diademata, Ridgw., Am. Journ. v, 1873, 42. 
 Cyanura stelleri var. diademata, B. B. & E., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 272. 
 
 e. coronattis. 
 
 Garrulus coronatus, Sw., Phil. Mag. i, 1827, 437, No. 67.— Jaed. & Selby, Illust. pi. 64. 
 
 Pica coronata, Wagl., Isis, 1829, 750. 
 
 Cyanurus coronatus, Sw., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 495.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 583.— ScL., P. Z. S. 
 
 1839, 381.— ScL. & Salv., Ibis, 1859, 22. 
 Cyanacorax coronatus, Bp., P. Z. S. 1837, 115.— Ghay, Gen. of B. 
 Cyanogarruhis coronatus, Bp. Consp. i, 1850, 377. 
 Cyanocitta coronata, Stiuckl.— Cab., Mus. Hein. 1851, 222.— ScL., P. Z. S. 1858, 302, 359; 
 
 Cat. 1862, 142.— Tayloii, Ibis, 1860, 112. 
 Cyanura coronata var. coronata, Ridgw., Aul .Jouru. v, 1873, 42. 
 Cyanura stelleri var. coronata, li. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 272, pi. 39, fig. 4. 
 
 Sab. — The typical form from the Northern Pacific slopes, from Sitka southward. 
 Shading, in the Cascade, Coast Rauge, and Sierra Nevada of California, into var. 
 frontalis. Var. maerolophus in tbe central Rocky Mountain region of the United States 
 (and eastward to Fort Lyons, in the Arkansas Valley). Inosculating with stelleri 
 proper about the head-waters of the Columbia ; separated from it thence Southward by 
 the Great Basin. Passing, on. tbe Table-lands of Mexico, into var. diadematus, and 
 this last passing southward into v.ar. coronatus. 
 
 List of specimens. 
 
 19298 
 
 72 
 
 Spring Creek . . 
 
 
 June 27, 1860 
 
 F.V.Hayden. 
 
 12.50 
 
 18.00 
 
 5.75 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 8856-7, Laramie. 
 
 Later Expeditions.— m'i'ih, 62243, Wyoming; 60436, Laramie Peak ; 62241-2, Idaho. 
 
 All tbe specimens collected are of the var. macrolopha. 
 
 The infiTgradation of the various supposed species of Cyanurus quoted above, was 
 noted by Prof Baird in 1858, and subsequently by myself; but it remained for Mr. 
 Ridgway to point out exacily the links in the connected chain and define them with 
 precision. I cannot do better than to quote from his lucid exposition : " C. stelleri ex- 
 
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216 CTANUEUS STELLERI VAR. ilACEOLOPHUS. 
 
 ists iiucler two very well-marked, though of course intergrading, forms ; the typical 
 stelleri is confined to the northern coast region, from Sitka to the Columbia River, and 
 is characterized by a short crest, entirely black head without any blue on the forehead ; 
 by sooty-black body and uniform bine of wings, belly, rump and tail. From the Co- 
 lumbia, southward along the Sierra Nevada to Southern California, it is modified into 
 a well-marked form (var. frontalis), which has a longer crest, the head and crest gray- 
 ish-brown with conspicuous blue streaks on the forehead, brownish-ashy body, and two 
 different shades of blue— the indigo of the tail and secondaries being abruptly con- 
 trasted with the light azure of the lump, primaries, abdomen, and tail-coverts. This 
 form « * « » approximates closely to C. macrolopha of a parallel latitude, but 
 .does not grade into if, there never being a white supraocular spot, barred greater coverts, 
 oi- other peculiar features of the Rocky Mountain and Mexican form. That the north- 
 ern race of 0. stelleri should grade into C. macrolopha, while the southern one does not, 
 seems to be easily explained by the following facts : The habitat, longitudinally, of 
 C. coronata var. macrolopha, is exceedingly limited, it being confined to the central 
 ranges of the Rocky Mountain system ; thus it is cvery%vhere separated from the hab- 
 itat of stelleri var. frontalis, which is equally restricted longitudinally by that broad 
 desert expanse, the Great Basin, which affords no sheltering woods, such as arc fur- 
 nished on the two boundary barriers, the Sierra Nevada and the Rocky Jlountains, 
 ■which e»ch represents. The northern limit of the range of C. macrolopha passes just 
 , a little beyond the southern limit of the habitat of the northern race of the coast 
 stock, and at a latitude where the Great Basin becomes greatly reduced in width, or 
 even terminates, and where its two great mountain systems become less distinctly .sep- 
 arated. Consequently the coast stdck cannot grade into the Rocky Mountain one, by 
 approaching its habitat, until [except] before it becomes modified into var. frontalis. 
 * * * * The coast stock reaches its southern limit with the Sierra Nevada, and 
 this of course prevents it from passing into C. coronata var. diademata." 
 
 It will be observed that in this article Mr. Ridgway keeps the mountain and coast 
 stocks specifically separated, assigning the former to C, coronata as a variety. He, 
 however, admits their iutergradation, saying : " As a summary of tliese facts, it appears 
 evident that the series of forms under consideration is divided into two Avell-marked 
 stocks, but that they intergrade at one point. The conclusion then must be, that they 
 are all modifications of one primitive species, or we must accept as the only alterna- 
 tive the hypothesis of hybridization." And again, speaking of the mountain varieties, 
 he says: "It is possible, however, that even the C stelleri may yet also have to be 
 combined -with these," apparently overlooking the fact that bi th Mr. Allen and myself 
 {11. cc.) had already made the combination he indicates. Messrs. Baird and Ridgway 
 now combine the whole series as one species with five varieties, a procedure which I 
 endorsed without hesitation. 
 
 Haviug enjoyed excellent facilities for studying the liabits and man- 
 ners of the Long-crested Jay in the pine-clad mountains of Arizona, I 
 offered, on a previous occasion, an account substautiall.^ as follows : 
 
 When I was traveling westward, in the spring of 1864, I saw some of 
 these Jays in the Raton Mountains, in Xew Mexico, which I believe to 
 be about their eastern limit, at least in this latitude, for they were 
 strongly attached to pine-clad mountains, and are found as high up as 
 timber grows. In crossing the Eocky Mountains, through Whipple's 
 Pass, I did not happen to meet with any ; to the westward still, in the 
 lofty forests of the San Francisco Mountains, they were abundant, and 
 at that time (July) had just reared their families, and were rambling 
 through the tops of the trees together. The old birds were in sorry 
 plight, literally with a "crest-fallen" air, and full of pin-feathers. But 
 when I came across them the third time, in the i)ineries about Fort 
 Whipple, they were in good trim once moie, and saucy as ever. They 
 live in the mountainous parts of Arizona all the year, for they are able 
 to endure severe cold, being of hardy nature, and well clothed with 
 soft, thick plumage, while their food is such as can be procured at any 
 season. Thus being non-migratory, their permanent habitat may be 
 given with some accuracy ; it includes the wooded Rocky Mountain 
 region at large. To the north, and especially about the Columbia River, 
 they become mixed up with Steller's Jay, which is the boreal extreme, 
 reaching into Alaska; while in the opposite direction they run into the 
 Cyauura coronata on the Table-lands of Mexico. 
 
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CYANUEUS STELLEEI VAR. MACEOLOPHUS. 217 
 
 All Jays make tbcir share of noise in the world ; they fret and scold 
 about trifles, quarrel over anything, and keep everything in a ferment 
 ■when they are about. The particular kiud we are now tallying about is 
 nowise behind his fellows in these respects — a stranger to modesty and 
 forbearance, and the many gentle qualities that charm us in some little 
 birds and endear them to us ; he is a regular lillibuster, ready for any 
 sort of adventure that promises sport or spoil, even if spiced with 
 danger. Sometimes he prowls about alone, but ottener has a band of 
 choice spirits with him, who keep each other in countenance (for our Jay 
 is a coward at heart, like other budies) and share the plunder on the 
 usual terms in such cases, of each one taking all he can get. Once I 
 had a chance of seeing a band of these guerrillas on a raid ; they went 
 at it in good style, but came off very badly indeed. A vagabond troop 
 made a descent upon a bush-clump, where, probably, they expected to 
 find eggs to suck, or at any rate a chance for mischief and amusement. 
 To their intense joy, they surprised a little Owl quietly digesting his 
 grasshoppers, with both eyes shut. Here was a lark ! and a chauoe ta 
 v.ipe out a part of the score that the Jays keep against Owls for injuries 
 received time out of mind. In the tumult that ensued, the little birds 
 scurried off, the Woodpeckers overhead stopped tapping to look on, and 
 a snake that was basking in a sunny spot concluded to crawl into his 
 hole. The Jays lunged furiously at their enemy, who sat helpless, 
 bewildered by the sudden onslaught, trying to look as big as possible, 
 with his wings set for bucklers and his bill snapping; meanwhile twisting 
 his head till I thought he would wring it off, trying to look all ways at 
 once. The Jays, emboldened by partial success, grew more impudent, 
 till their victim made a break through their ranks and flapped into the 
 heart of a neighboring juniper, hoping to be protected by the tough, 
 thick foliage. The Jays went trooping after, and I hardly know how 
 the flght would have ended had I not thought it time to take a hand in 
 the game myself. I secured theOwl first,it being the interesting Pygmy 
 Owl (Glaiicidium), and then shot four of the Jays before they made up 
 their minds to be off. The collector has no better chance to enrich his 
 cabinet than when the birds are quarreling, and so it has been with the 
 third party in a difliculty, ever since the monkey divided cheese for the 
 two cats. 
 
 It is difficult to describe the not;es of this Jay, he is such a garrulous 
 creature, and has such a variety of outcries, lie ordinarily screams at 
 the top of his voice, until he is tired or something attracts his attention. 
 This cry is something like that of a Blue Jay, but hoarser and heavier; 
 its base quality distinguishes it in a moment from the harsh outcry of 
 either Woodhouse's or Maximilian's Jay, both of which birds run higher 
 up the scale. He has also a call sounding like the rataplan of a Flicker ; 
 and again, when greedily regaling on acorns, or hopping aimlessly about, 
 or peering curiously down through the pine fronds to watch a suspicious 
 character, he talks to himself in a queer way, as if thinking aloud, and 
 chuckling over some comical notions of his own. Such loquacity has 
 given a good iiame (Garridincc) to the whole tribe of Jays. 
 
 The Long-crested Jay will eat anything eatable. It is said Jays kill 
 and devour small birds, and doubtlt^ss they do so on occasion, though 
 I do not think it is habitual with them. They suck eugs, despoiling 
 many a pretty nest ; and if they cannot catch winged insects, fat larvte 
 and beetles do not come amiss ; but after all, they are principally 
 vegetarians, feeding mainly upon seeds, hard fruits, and berries. In 
 the mountains where the Long-crested Jaj' lives, pine-seeds afford most 
 of its fare. I have often watched the bird hammering away at a 
 
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218 CYANUBUS STELLEEI VAE. MACROLOPHUS. 
 
 piiie-coDe, which he would sometimes wedge in a crotch, aud sometimes 
 hold under his feet. Though most at home in the pineries, where this 
 particular source of supply is unfailing, he often strays into the adjoining 
 oak openings, and into juniper patches, after acorns or berries, or to 
 pick a quarrel with \Yoodhouse's Jay and frighten the Sparrows. 
 Wherever he goes he has it pretty much his own way, hated and feared 
 by the other birds, whom he silences with a scream aud subdues by a 
 show of authority. But who of his kind has not enemies ? Cassin's 
 Flycatcher, almost as noisy and audacious, has many a set-to with him, 
 and even the nimble little Wood Pewees pester him sometimes. The 
 Woodpeckers tease him persistently ; they can scramble about faster 
 than he can follow, and laugh at him from the other side of a bough, 
 till he quite loses his temper. But after all our Jay has his good points, 
 and 1 confess to a sneaking sort of regard for him. An elegant, 
 dashing fellow, of good presence if not good manners ; a tough, wiry, 
 independent creature, with sense enough to take precious good care of 
 liimself, as any one who wants his skin will discover. As one approaches 
 the tall pine where he is rollicking, his restless, bright brown eye marks 
 the suspicious object. Now on the alert, he leaps like a squirrel from 
 bough to bough, till he reaches the top, when he is off with a scream 
 that makes the woods echo his triumph and disdain. It is of no use to 
 follow when he is thoroughly alarmed. But on some other occasion he 
 may be inclined to take another peep, lor his curiosity is great, and thus 
 expose himself through a rift in the foliage. This moment is the chance ; 
 and with the report of the gun comes his shriek of agony as he tumbles 
 all bloody from the bough he just mounted in 'pride and strength. 
 
 The foregoing account maj^ be supplemented by Mr. Trippe's observa- 
 tions in Colorado, where he found the species "abundant and resident, 
 ranging up to timber-line and down to the plains, breeding, probably, 
 throughout — certainly from 7,000 feet up to timber-line. The Long- 
 crested Jay scarcely changes its habitat the year round, those living 
 highest up descending a little in the severest weather, but even in mid- 
 winter it IS common at elevations of 10,000 feet and over. This species 
 is known as the Blue Jay throughout the mountains, and is one of the 
 most abundant and conspicuous of all the birds. From its noisy famil- 
 iarity, its splendid plumage, and its universal presence in every locality, 
 it is quite sure to attract the attention of the tourist and stranger. It 
 has all the pertness, garrulity and vivacity, of the Eastern Blue Jay ; 
 and never being molested it becomes very tame, alighting close to the 
 door of the miner's cabin to pick up whatever crumbs and bits of food 
 it may happen to find, and evincing the same familiarity that G. cristata 
 displays in Iowa and Kansas. Its notes are harsh and jay-like — at times 
 guttural and rasping. Its favorite haunts are the valleys, aud hill-sides 
 thinly scattered with pines; yet it also frequents the densest pine forests, 
 and adapts itself to all localities. Its nest I could not find, nor even dis- 
 cover at what time of the year it breeds. It occasionally robs the nests 
 of other birds, like the Eastern Blue Jay. In December I found this 
 bird quite common in the valley of the Arkansas Eiver, near old Fort 
 Lyon aud the mouth of Sand Creek." 
 
 The egg of Steller's Jay is pale, dull bluish-green, more or less thickly, 
 but usually quite uniformly, sprinkled all over with small olive-brown 
 aud clearer brown spots. Size, 1.25 by 0.85, to 1.35 by 0.90. 
 
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APHELOCOMA FLOEIDANA VAK. WOODHOUSEI. 219 
 
 APHELOCOMA FLOEIDANA var. WOODHOUSEI, (Bd.) Alleu. 
 
 Woodhonse's Jay. 
 
 a. foridana. 
 
 Comtis floridanus, Bahtr., Trav. 1791, 291.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 58.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 230.— 
 
 AUD., Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 444, y)!. 87. 
 Garrulusfloridams, Bp., Am. Orn. ii, 1828, 59, pi. 14, f. 1.— Add., Syn, 18-39, 154 ; B. Am. 
 
 iv, 1842, 118, pi. 233. 
 Cyanurm floridanus, Sw., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 495. 
 Cyanocorax lloriduinis, Bp., List, 1838, 27. 
 Cyanociila jtoridana, Bp., Consp. 1H.50, 377.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, .586.— Allet^, Ball. M. C. 
 
 Z. ii, 1871, 298.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 28.5, pi. 40, f. 4. 
 AiJhelocoma floridana, C.vB., Mus. Hein. 1851, 221.— CoiJKS, Key, 1872, 165, f. 108. 
 Garrulus cyaneus, VlKii.i,., Nouv. Diet. d'HIst. Nat. xii, 1817, 476 (no do.scripUon). 
 Garrulus cmnilescens, "Vieii.l., ibid. 480.— OiiD, Journ. Phila. Acad, i, 1818, 347. 
 Pica coorulesceiis, Wagl., Syst. Av. 1827, Pica No. 11. 
 
 b. icoodhousei. 
 
 Cyanocorax californica, WOODH., Sitgr. Rep. 1853,77 (Arizona). 
 
 CyanociUa iroodhousei, Bd., B. N. A. 1858. 585, pi. 59; Mes. B. Surv. ii, 18.59, Birds, 20, 
 
 pi. 21.— CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 92 (Arizona).— Coop.. B. Cal. i, 1870, 304.— 
 
 Aiken, Fr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 205 (Colorado).— Stkv., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 
 
 465.— Merk., ibid. 1H72, 688. 
 AxiheJocoma floridana, var. ivoodhousei, Alixn, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 179 (Ogden, 
 
 Utah).— CouES, Key, 1872, 106. 
 Cyanocitta californica var. ivoodhousei, B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 291, pi. 40, f. 3. 
 
 e. californica. 
 
 Garrulus californicits, ViG., Zooi. Beechey's Voy. 1839, 21, pi. 5. 
 
 Cyanocitta californica. Stricki.., Ann. Mag. xv, 1845, 342. — Gamb., Jonrn. Phila. Acad, 
 i, 1847, 45.— Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 377.— Newb., P. E. R. Rep. vi, 18.')7, 85.— Bd., 
 B. N A. 1858, 584.— Kknn., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, pt. iv, 32.— Heerm., ibid. pt. vi, 
 55.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 302.— Scl., P. Z. S. 18i')7, 127; 1858, 302; 1859, 381; 
 Cat. 1862, 143.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 288, pi. 40, f. 1. 
 
 Cyanoaorax californica, Gamb., Pr. Phila. Acad, iii, 1847, 201. 
 
 Aplielocoma californica, Cab., Mus. Hein. 1851, 221. — Bp., Compt. Rend, xxxii, 1853, 828. 
 
 Ajihclocoma floridana YVLT. californica, CouEis, Key, 1872, 166. 
 
 Corvus nltramarinus, AuD., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 456, pi. 362. 
 
 Garrulus ullramarinus, AuD., Syn. 1839, 154; B. Am. \\ . 1842, 115, pi. 232 (nee Bp.). 
 
 Cyanocitta superciliosa, Strickl., Ann. Mag. xv, 1845, i.;ii'i (^fide Bd., type of genus). 
 
 " Coitus palliatus, Drapiez." 
 
 d. sumicJirasti. 
 
 Cyanocitta suviichrasti,'Rix>G\v., Rep. Geol. Surv. 40th parallel, p. — (still in press). 
 Cyanocitta californica var. sumichrasti, B. B. & R., N. A. B. ir, 1874. 283 (Mexico). 
 Aplielocoma floridana var. sumichrasti, CouES. 
 
 Sab. — The typical form in Florida only. Var. u'oodhousci from tbo Southern Rocky 
 Mountain region, Utah into Mexico. Var. californica from the Cascade Mountains and 
 Sierra Nevada of California to the Pacific. 
 
 jSot obtained by either of the earlier Expeditious. 
 
 Later Expeditions.— 5986i, 61082, Wyoming ; 61754-55, Utah. 
 
 The three forms above given, after being currently reported as distinct species for 
 several years, were united by Dr. Schlegel, whose example was followed by Mr. Allen. 
 But it appears that there are some tangible differences, warranting a geographico- 
 varietal separation. Mr. Allen subsequently modified his first impressions to agree 
 with the determination as given in the Key, above quoted. Messrs. Baird and Ridg- 
 way keep floridana separate, uniting only icoodhousei with californica ; but all three 
 forms appear to constitute links in a single chain. As for the generic name, both Gray 
 and Cabanis state that Cyanocitta (Strickland) was based upon the crested species, and, 
 therefore, is a synonym of Cyanurus, Sw. Prof. Baird states, however, that Cyanocitta 
 has as type C. californica. I have no opportunity, just at present, of satisfying myself 
 which is right. 
 
 Tlie northernmost record of var. woodhomei I bave seeu, is that given 
 by Mr. Allen, who found it at Ogden, in Northern Utah, thus bringing 
 its range to the confines of the region embraced iu the ijreseut work. 
 
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220 APIIELOCOMA FLORIDAXA VAR. WOODHOUSEI. 
 
 I judge it remains to be detected somewhere further north still, along 
 the mouutaius. It is very abuudant in the upper parts of Arizona, 
 where I saw it almost daily for two years. It may be called the charac- 
 teristic species of the subfamily in this region; for, although Maxi- 
 milian's and Steller's Jays are equally abundant, Woodhoase's is the 
 more widely and equally distributed in all sorts of places, with the 
 exception, perhaps, of the recesses of pine woods, which are generally 
 relinquished in favor of the crested species. Its preference, however, 
 is for oak openings, rough, broken hill-sides, covered with patches of 
 juniper, manzaQita, and yuccas, brushy ravines and wooded creek-bot- 
 toms. The ordinary note is a harsh scream, indefinitely repeated with 
 varying tone and measure ; it is quite noticeably difierent from that of 
 either Maximilian's or Steller's, having a sharp, wiry quality lacking in 
 these. It is always uttered when the bird is angry or alarmed, and 
 consequently is oftener heard by the naturalist ; but there are several 
 other notes. If the bird is disporting with his fellows, or leisurely pick- 
 ing acorns, he has a variety of odd chuckling or chattering syllables, 
 corresponding to the absurd talk of our Blue Jay under the same cir- 
 cumstances. Sometimes again, in the spring-time, when snugly hidden 
 in the heart of a cedar bush with his mate, whom he has coaxed to keep 
 him comi)any, he modulates his harsh voice with surprising softness to 
 express his gallant intention ; and if one is standing quite near, unob- 
 served, he will hear the blandishments whispered and cooed almost as 
 softly as a Dove's. The change, when the busy pair find they are dis- 
 covered, to the ordinary scream, uttered by wooer and wooed together, 
 is startling. 
 
 The food is varied, as with all birds of this family; but acorns 
 seem a favorite article of diet. To procure them with the least 
 trouble, the bird sometimes robs the store that the Californian Wood- 
 pecker has stuck in the bark of trees. The flight of the bird is firm 
 and direct. When going far, and high over head, in flocks, the wiug- 
 beats are regular and continuous ; among trees and bushes, the short 
 flights are more dashing and unsteady, performed with a vigorous flap 
 or two and a sailing with widely-spread wings and tail. The tail is 
 often jerked in the shorter flights, especially those of ascent or the re- 
 verse, and its frequent motion, when the bird is not flying, is like that 
 seen in Pipilo or Mbinis. Among the branches the bird moves with agile 
 hops, like all true Jays, and its movements when on the ground have 
 the same buoyant ease; it never walks, like Maximilian's and other 
 Crows. I never succeeded in finding a nest; it is to be presumed that 
 its nidiflcation and eggs are much the same as those of the California 
 variety. According to Dr. Cooper, the latter builds " a large and strong 
 nest of twigs, roots, grass, &c., in a low tree or bush, and lays about 
 five eggs, dark-green, wiih numerous pale-brown blotches and spots." 
 He found eggs laid at San Diego about the 5th of April. 
 
 Since the preceding paragraph was written, the surmise has been 
 verified. Mr. Aiken, who found the bird a common resident in South- 
 eastern Wyoming, sa.vs: "Nest composed outwardly of dead twigs, 
 then of fine roots, and lined with fine rootlets or horse-hair. The eggs, 
 four or five in number, are laid about ilay 1. They are of a light bluish- 
 green color, and with the reddish-brown specks thickest at the large 
 end. Their average length is 1.06 inches; breadth, 0.80 inch." The 
 egg of Afheloccma, of which numerous examples are before us, is dis- 
 tinguishable from that of Gyanurus, in most cases, by its richer, deeper 
 green ground, and much bolder marking of heavy spots, especially 
 large, numerous, and heavily colored about the great end. 
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PEEISOREUS CANADENSIS VAK. CAPITALIS. 221 
 
 PEEISOEEUS CANADENSIS var. CAPITALIS, Bd. 
 Canada Jay. 
 
 a. canadensis. 
 
 Conus canadensis, Linn., Syet. Nat. i, 1766, 158.— Foest., Phil. Trana. 1772, 332.— G.m., 
 Svst. Nat. i, 1788, a7G.— Wn.s., Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 33, pi. 21, f. 1.— Sab., App. 
 Fraukliii's Journ. r.72.— Bp., Obs. 1824, No. 42; Syn. 1828, 58.— Nutt., Man. i, 
 1832, 232.— Add., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 53; v, 1839, 208; pi. 107. 
 
 Garrukis canadensis, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 295.— AtiD., Syn. 1839, 155; B. A. iv, 
 1842, 121, pi. 234.— Pdtn., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 228 (Massachusetts, casual).— 
 Trippe, ibid, vi, 1871, 117 (Minnesota, resident; breeds). 
 
 Perisoreiis canadensis, Bp., List, 1838, 27 ; Consp. i, 1850, 375.— Cab., Mus. Hein. 1851, 219.— 
 Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 590.— Codes, Pr. Phila. Acad. IKil, 226 (Labrador).— Vep.r., 
 Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 152 (Norway, Me., winter).— BoAHi):vr., Pr. Bost. Sop. ix, 1862, 
 127 (Calais, Me., resident).— Lawr., Ann. Lye. viii, 1866, 289 (New York Island, 
 in summer, accidental).— McIlwr., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 91 (Canada West).— 
 CODBS, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 286.— Tuenb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 43 (winter strag- 
 gler).— Mayn., Pr. Bost. Soc. xiv, 1871, p. — (Umbagog, in June).- Codes., 
 Key, 1872, 166.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 299, pi. 41, f. 3. 
 
 Dysornithia canadensis, Sw., F. B. A. ii, 131, 495. 
 
 Garndus hrachyrhjnchus, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 296, pi. 55.— NuTT., Man. ii, 1834, 599. 
 
 Garridus fuscus, Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. xii, 1817, 479; Eucy. Meth. 892. 
 
 " Pica nuchalis, Wagl." — " Coracias m,exicanus, Temm." 
 
 b. obscurus. 
 
 Perisoreus canadensis, Newb., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 85 (California).— Coop. & Sdck., 
 N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 216 (Washington Territory).— Dali, & Baxn., Tr. 
 Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 286 (Alaska).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 397.— Finsch, Abh. 
 Nat. iii, 1S72, 40 (Alaska). 
 
 Perisoreus canadensis var. obscurus, RiDGW., Bull. Ess. Inst, v, 1874, 199. — Codes, Check- 
 list, 1874, App. No. 239".— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 302. 
 
 b. capitalis. 
 
 Perisoreus canadensis, Hayd., Rep. 1862, 171. — Aj.len, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 179 (mount- 
 ains of Colorado, &c.).— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 465 (Wyoming).— 
 Mere., ibid. 1872, 689 (Idaho and Wyoming). 
 
 Perisoreus canadensis var. capitalis, Bd. — RiDGW., Bull. Ess. Inst, v, 1874, 199. — B. B. & 
 R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 302, pi. 41, f. 4.— Codes, Check-list, 1874, App. No. 239". 
 
 Sab. — North America, to about 39° (further south along high ranges). Breeds from 
 New York, New England, and Minnesota, northward, and in the Eocky Mountains to its 
 southernmost observed limit. Rare straggler to the Middle Atlantic States in winter. 
 Var. capitalis is the Rocky Mountain form. Var. obscurus from Alaska to California. 
 
 
 
 
 List of specimens. 
 
 
 
 
 19299 
 
 210 
 
 H. waters Grosv.. 
 
 
 June 7, 1860 F. V. Hay den. 
 
 10.75 
 
 17.75 
 
 5.75 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 8847, Laramie Peak ; 8848-52, 8855-58, Black Hills. 
 Later Expeditions.— 59865, Colorado; 60819-22, Uintah Mountains; 61083-6, Henry's 
 Fork and Green River ; 62244-48, 62250-53, Idaho and Wyoming. 
 
 Dr. Hayden speaks of this bird as occnrriug ia " myriads " iu the 
 Black Hills, and the dates of his observation leave no doubt of its 
 breeding in that region. In California, Drs. Newberry and Cooper 
 found it common north of 39°; and in Colorado, at about this parallel, 
 Mr. Allen observed it in July, and noted its abundance. The birds 
 mentioned in his list of the vicinity of Mount Lincoln, Park County, 
 Colorado, doubtless breed at or near that point, as he says " the region 
 is strictly alpine in its features. Our camp was iu the valley of the 
 Platte, at an altitude of about 12,000 feet, from whence excursions were 
 made every day by some of the party to the region above the timber, 
 which is here about 13,000 feet above the sea level. Three species 
 [Antlms ludovicianus, Leticosticte tephrocotis, and Lafjopiis leucuriis) were 
 
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222 PEEISOREUS CANADENSIS VAE. CAPITALIS. 
 
 obtained above timber-line, that are truly arctic in their summer dis- 
 tribution * * * Wilsonia pusilla, Zonotriclda Uucophrys, and Melus- 
 piza lincolni, were nowhere more abundant than among the dwarfed wil- 
 lows and birches just above the general limit of the trees." All the 
 notes of this paragraph refer to var. capitalis. 
 
 In Minnesota, Mr. Trippe ascertained that this bird breeds in the 
 dense tamarack swamps. It is also known to breed in Maine. With 
 these exceptions, the United States record east of the Eocky Mountains, 
 and south of Northern New England, is entirely of straggling birds, 
 rare and only in winter, saving only Mr. Lawrence's note of an acciden- 
 tal summer occurrence. But Mr. Merriam informs me that it breeds in 
 the Adirondacks. In Colorado, says Jdr. Trippe, the Canada Jay [var. 
 capitalis] is abundant and resident, breeding. " I have never," he con- 
 tinues, " seen the Canada Jay below 9,000 feet, even in mid- winter ; and 
 but rarely below 9,500 or 10,000. During the warmer months it keeps 
 within a few hundred feet of timber-line, frequenting the darkest forests 
 of spruce, and occasionally flying a little way above the trees. It is 
 quite tame, coming about mining camps to pick up whatever is htrowu 
 out in the way of food, and evincing much of the curiosity that is char- 
 acteristic of the family. In winter, its supply of food is very precarious, 
 and it is often rediiced to mere siiin and bones ; at such times it will 
 frequently weigh no more than a plump Snow-bird or Sparrow, and 
 undoubtedly starves to death sometimes. During the latter part of 
 autumn, its hoarse croaking is almost the only sound to be heard in the 
 cold sombre forests that lie near timber-line." 
 
 The egg of Perisoreus is altogether different from that of Cyanunis 
 and Gyanocitia^ much nearer Pica, but still peculiar. The ground is 
 grayish-white, marked all over, but nearly always most heavily at the 
 but, or in a wreath around it, with several shades of a dark neutral 
 tint, mixed usually with some olive-brown spots. The markings in sev- 
 eral specimens before me are all quite fine, even those that are conflu- 
 ent at the larger end. Size, 1.20 by 0.70. The nest is built on the 
 limbs of trees, of hay, feathers, &c. 
 
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APPENDIX TO OSCINES. 
 
 [Mote.— A portion of Mr. T. M. Trippe's series of interesting observations upon the 
 birds of Colorado, having failed to reach me in time for insertion in the earlier pages 
 of this work, they are here introduced, together with various additional data respect- 
 ing the si>ecies thus far treated. The remainder of Mr. Trippe's notes is '.u substance 
 incorporated, 2)a«s^»^, in the work.] 
 
 The period during which my notes were made, extends from January, 1873, to the 
 early part of December of the same year ; the field of observation. Clear Creek County, 
 Colorado, with two or three adjacent townships of Gilpin and Jefferson counties. Dur- 
 ing different parts of the year, excursions were made throughout the whole of this 
 region ; and although these were not as frequent as could have been desired for a com- 
 plete account of the avi-fanna, yet they were so often repeated that I believe very 
 few birds escaped me, except such as are rare visitors or mere stragglers. 
 
 Clear Creek County lies on the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains, extendiug 
 from the summit of the main range some twentj- to twonty-tivo miles eastward, aifd 
 about the same distance north and south, the centre line being in latitude 39"^ 40' 
 nearly. It is traversed by a number of streams, whose valleys lie from 300 to 1,500 oi- 
 2,000 feet below the surrounding ridges and peaks. The general course of the main 
 stream. South Clear Creek, is nearly due east ; but the smaller tributaries, running at 
 various angles to this course, so out up and divide the surface as to present a confused 
 assemblage of isolated peaks and ridges, disposed in no regular order or system, and. 
 divided by deep valleys and ravines, which, toward the range, become in many instau-, 
 oes, precipitous, rooky canons. Bordering the country on the east, lies Bergen's Park ; 
 an open p.ark-liko tract of rolling, grassy prairie, interspersed with groves of pines, 
 low hills, and wet, marshy swales, a miniature of the great parks lying to the west- 
 ward of the range. The elevation of the western edge of the county, — the dividiug 
 ridge of Atlantic and Pacific waters, — is between 11,000 and 12,000 feet, isolated peaks 
 rising 1,500 or 2,000 feet higher; from this the general surface slopes eastward at the 
 average of about 300 feet per mile, the slope being much greater nearer the range 
 however, and diminishing as the distance from it increases, to the eastern border of 
 the county, which has an elevation, in its lowest part, of between 6,500 and ,7,000 feet 
 above the sea. Bergen's Park, lying for the most part in Jeii'erson County, has an 
 elevation varying between 7,000 and 7,500 feet. 
 
 The streams are for the most part mountainous torrents, rarely with a fall less thaii 
 one hundred feet per mile, and, near the range, three or four times that, being fre- 
 quently a simple succession of cascades and waterfalls for miles. These waters, save 
 when muddied by the placer workings, are always clear and cold, and abound with 
 the black-speckled trout and two or tliree species of chub and sucker, the latter, how- 
 ever, being only found iu the lower valleys, where the current is less rapid than higher 
 up toward the range. Near timber-line, nestled under the very shadows of the mam 
 divide, most frequently faced by perpendicular cliffs of rock, or abrupt, precipitous 
 and craggy slopes, are numbers of small, deep lakes, varying from mere pools to one 
 hundred acres or more in size, and usually bordered on one or more sides by deep, cold 
 bogs, wherein grow various species of arctic willows and other alj)ine plants. Their 
 surface is covered with ice from the end of October till early in July, some with north- 
 ern exposure not being free from ice till late in August ; and their waters are always 
 of an icy coldness, owing to their depth and the melted snow which is constanly 
 pouring into them. Some few of the deepest are tenanted by trout; but the majority 
 are void of life, save various forms of insects which pass the larva state in them. One 
 or two lakes at a lower elevation, near 10,000 feet, swarm with the curious Siredons or 
 Amblysiomw. Under these conditions, the absence of aquatic birds will not be sur- 
 prising ; and with a single exception no wader or swimmer can be said to be charac- 
 teristic of the region. 
 
 Great as is the diversity of the surface, the climate is perhaps still more variable. 
 The season of 1873 was in no way a remarkable one ; there was less snow frhan usual, 
 but otherwise it was a fair average of the weather since the settlement of the country. 
 During January, February, and the first half of Maich, the weather was delighttul 
 beyond comparison. No snow nor rain fell, with the exception of three or four days iu 
 February ; the mercury never sank below zero ; the days were bright, cloudless, and 
 mild, even warm, 20° or 25° Fahrenheit being a common temperature at 7 a. m., while 
 at midday it rose to 50° or 60°. On the 7ih of February the mercury stood at 71° in 
 the shade at noon, at an ele%ation of S,llUO feet. After the middle of March wintry 
 weather set in ; there was a constant succession of snow-storms, violent winds and 
 biting frosts, continuing till May. On the first of June, at an elevation of 7,800 feet, 
 
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2^4 APPENDIX TO OSCINES. 
 
 the poplars and willows had hut jnst begDn to put forth their leaves ; but once 
 started, the season advanced with great rapidity, and by the 15th, the deciduous trees 
 had attained a complete foliage up to the highest limit of the poplars, 10,500 or 11,000 
 feet. lu autumn, the difference between this climate and that of eastern localities in 
 the same latitude, is leas marked. The leaves of the poplars and -willows begin to 
 change color toward the close of September, and a month later have all fallen ; but it 
 is usually not till the middle or close of November that winter weather sets in. Heavy 
 snows sometimes fall in October, however, but unusual severity is generally followed 
 by a very mild, open winter. The nights are always cool, even in midsummer, while 
 at mid-day the heat is at times oppressive, even at great elevations ; but in exposed 
 localities this is moderated by the strong winds that are almost constantly blowing. 
 
 Above and near timber-line, which varies from 10,000 to 11,000 feet, the climate 
 partakes of an alpine nature. The immense accumulations of snow do not begin to 
 melt rapidly till about the middle of June ; but once started, they disappear very fast ; 
 the streams are swollen to thrice their usual size, and by the first of July only isolated 
 snow-fields remain, many of which are of great extent, and have sufficient depth and 
 solidity to exist throughout the summer. Frosts are almost of nightly occurrence, 
 and during summer scarcely a day passes without frequent thunder-storms, with hail, 
 sleet and rain. Light snows begin to fall in September, but it is not until November 
 that heavy snow-storms set in, and the range is usually passable till the middle of win- 
 ter, or even later, the heaviest snows falling in April and May. 
 
 Many of the wider valleys have limited tracts of great fertility, and the immense 
 quantities of potatoes, rye and barley, raised on the scattered mountain ranches, attest 
 the adaptation of the soil to such crops. Yet the sum total of all the tillable land 
 scarcely amounts to as much as one or two per cent, of the whole ; while the remain- 
 der consists of rocky ridges and peaks, gravelly hills, gently sloping plateaus of sand 
 and glacial detritus, far above the valleys, and insusceptible of irrigation, and a gen- 
 eral surface so rough, craggy and inaccessible, as to be quite beyond the capabilities or 
 desires of the agriculturist. Nevertheless, on all the mountain-sides which are not 
 absolutely precipices of bare rock, in every nook and corner and crevice where the soil 
 can lodge, various grasses grow in great luxuriance, and furnish abundant fond for num- 
 erous herds of cattle, the wild deer and sheep. Vast forests of pines and firs formerly 
 covered the whole face of the country, except the valleys and a few hill-sides, too 
 rocky or too barren even to support conifers ; but siuce the settlement of the country, 
 large tracts of timber have been cut down and their places supplied, to a great extent, 
 by young groves of poplars. Two species of Pinus (P. ponderosa et P. contorta) range 
 up to witkin 1,000 feet of timber-line ; two others (P. aristata et P. flexilU) are small 
 alpine species; while Abies meneziesii et A. engelmanni form large forests, the former 
 almost monopolizing the region near timber-line. Of Populus there are three species, 
 one growing extensively on the hill-sides, and extending up to 10,500 or 11,000 feet (P, 
 treynuloides) ; the two others, mainly confined to the valleys of- the larger streams, 
 where they grow amid dense thickets of willows, and not reaching much over 9,000 
 feet (P. dngustifolia et P. ialsamifera). These few species, with Junipenis virrjinianus, 
 which often grows to a large size, and extends, in a dwariVd form, far above timber- 
 line, comprise the limited sylva of the country. A species of Alnus, or small Betula, 
 various Salices, and a Segundo, grow in the rich bottom-lands, and flourish in rank 
 profusion on the banks of the streams, forming the densest thickets, and frequently 
 reaching a height of twenty feet or more. Different species of Euius, Bosa, Uerasus, 
 Ttiies, and other small bush-plants abound in the valleys and form thick copses on the 
 hill-sides, along with Clematis, Sumulus, Vitis, and other climbers. Among the annual 
 and biennial plants, however, the deficiency in number of species of the larger forms is 
 compensated. Although the species are quite different, the genera are for the most 
 part the same as in the eastern mountainous States, the order of flowering the same, 
 and, to a certain extent, there is the same relative proportions among families and 
 genera. Among distinctive features may be mentioned the abundance of various forms 
 of BmToginacece — Ediinospei-mwm, Lithospermimi, Cynoglossum., Mertensia, &c. ; the many 
 species of EupTiorlria, Senecio, and Erigeron, and the various alpine plants, Primula, Acti- 
 nella, &c. Yet, considering the vast intervening distance, the general aspect is strik- 
 ingly like that of the Alleghany region. The genera Viola, Castelleia, Saxifraga, Caltha, 
 Mhrmlus, Pedicularis, Polemonium, Phlox, Helianthus, Solidago, Aster, Erigeron, Senecio, 
 Cirsium, Trifol'mm, Silene, Aquilegia, Banmiculiis, Claylonia, Bosa, Biibxis, Ndbalus, Anibro- 
 sia, Bidrms, Budieckia, and scores of others, are abundantly represented, and, as in New 
 York, are the predominating features of the flora. 
 
 In the fauna we find, perhaps, more points of difference from the eastern mountain- 
 ous regions. The various genera of mammalia are the same, but nearly all the species 
 are different. Among animals common to the two faunas, may be mentioned Felis con- 
 coloi; Lynx rufas, Cani occidentalis, Gulo luscus, Zulra canadensis, ZPrsus amerieanus, and 
 Cervus canadensis, all large and, with a single exception, carnivorous species. The 
 smaller and granivorous mammals are quite distinct, and many new genera are intro- 
 duced, while others are wanting. Cervus leucurus, C. macrotis, Aploceros montanus, 
 
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APPENDIX TO OSCINES. 225 
 
 Lepus ariemisia, L. cnmpesiris, Erethi~on epixanfhvs, Arctomys flavircnier, and various 
 species of Saiiiriis, Sj>e)inophilus, Tamias, •Mephitis, Neotoma, Blariiia, and the small 
 rodeutia are cominon, all differing from the eastern representatives of the genera, or 
 even generically distinct. Above and near timber-line, and occasionally wandering a 
 long way below it, is found the Little Chief Hare, Lagomys princeps, an essentially 
 alpine form. 
 
 Reptiles are rare in the mountains. A species of rattlesnate is common in the foot- 
 hills, but is seldom found higher than 6,50U feet. A Biifo and a Rana are occasionally 
 seen in the valleys of the larger streams as high as Georgetown ; while a Tropidonotus 
 and a large blackish snake {Coluber ^ occur sparingly as high as 9,000 feet. In some 
 few lakes Siredon or Amhlystoma are found. With the lower animals the difference 
 between eastern aud western forms is much greater than it is among the higher. 
 
 Of the one hundred and twenty species of birds I have found here, eighty-three were 
 observed throughout the breeding season ; of these sixty-four were quite common, 
 while nineteen were more or less rare, and but seldom observed. Of the thirty-seven 
 remaining species, twenty-one were common and sixteen rare. Fifty-three species, or 
 nearly one-half, are different from eastern forms and peculiar to the West; but of 
 these, twenty-oue are considered by many ornithologists to be merely geographical 
 races, leavmg thirty-two species characterizing this region as distinct from the eastern 
 avi-faunal provinces. Twenty-two of the breeding species do not rear their young ■ 
 below 7,500 feet, and three, only, above timber-line. 
 
 Taking into account the varied climate, surface, and general features, the number of 
 birds that are common during the breeding season seems surprisingly small when com- 
 pared with those fouud in less diversified regions. Southern Iowa, a rolling prairie 
 country, has at least a number greater by twenty or twenty-five ; and certain portions 
 of the State, embracing the marshy haunts of acjuatio birds, have nearly twice as 
 many. Nor is the paucity of species compensated for by the number of individuals. The 
 vast, gloomy forests, the rocky precipitous mountain sides, the deep ravines and sandy 
 hill-tops scattered with straggling pines, even the broad open valleys are, save on rare 
 occasions, remarkably poor in bird-life. The greatest number of birds is to be found 
 in the parks ; but even these have more or less of the dreary, desolate aspect of the 
 great plains. It is only in a region where prairies and mountains, woods and open 
 meadow, and marsh and lake, are in close proximity, that we can look for a great 
 variety of species ; and where the mountains, the plains, the forests or the prairies, 
 extend alone over great areas, the forms of bird-life, as well as all others, must be 
 more limited. 
 
 The small areas to which the local mountain avi-faunie are confined, and the sharp 
 lines which divide tbem, may be seen by a comparison with the lists of J. A. Allen, who, 
 in 1871, made an exploration of the fauna of the South Park and adjacent mountains. 
 Five species are given as common in that region, which were not observed at all in 
 Clear Creek County, or else so rarely as to leave no doubt that they were mere strag- 
 glers; three or four others were more or less frequent, which in the latter region were 
 scarce or entirely wanting; while, on the other hand, foui' species were common in 
 Clear Creek County, and four or five more or less frequent, that are entirely wanting 
 in Allen's lists, or else given as quite rare. Yet the two regions are contiguous, have 
 nearly the same physical characteristics, and are divided simply by a spur from the 
 main range. The same abrupt transitions may be noticed in the flora, a small ridge 
 limiting the range of species and marking a local flora. The main range — Sierra 
 Madre — of course, is the most important of these dividing lines, but the subsidiary 
 and independent ridges often mark out areas almost as distinctly. Nor does elevation 
 appear to have that decided influence which it is generally supposed to exert. The 
 different temperature^ of course, depend ultimately upon it; and plant aud animal 
 life are so intimately related to climate that the one can scarcely vary without pro- 
 ducing a change in the other. Yet other causes combine to modify the infiuenco of 
 mere altitude, to a degree wholly unexpected by one who has not studied the subject 
 in all its actual aspects. Thus, the limit of the growth, supposed by most persons to 
 be represented by a nearly constant figure, varies so greatly that on Mount Lincoln it 
 is about13,000 feet (Allen), while at the South Boulder Pass it is several hundred feet 
 below the summit of the range, which is given by Prof. Hayden at 10,200 feet, the 
 latter point being not more than thirty or thirty-five miles north of the former. Ber- 
 thoud's Pass, indeed, is in no place above timber-line, though, according to the same 
 authority, it is 600 feet higher (10,800), aud is less than ten, miles south of it. Thus, 
 with a difference of 3,000 feet or more in the altitude of timber-line within so short a 
 distance, and corresponding modifications in the altitudes of all the local florte and 
 fauufe, it will be seen that an attempt to mark out zones of certain elevations, corre- 
 sponding to similar zones as determined by latitude, would be quite futile. Yet, in a 
 general way, it may be said that near the summit of the peaks and higher portions of 
 the range is an arctic region, characterized by the Ptarmigan and Gray-crowned Finch, 
 and the presence of perpetual snow-fields; that below this is a sub-atctic belt, in 
 which various forms of alpine willows and northern plants flourish, and inhabited by 
 15 
 
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226 APPENDIX TO OSCINES. 
 
 the Titlark, Green Black-capped Warbler, Lincoln's Finch, and Whito-crowned Spar- 
 row ; next, a Hudsouiaa belt, extending from 500 to 1,000 feet below the timber-line, 
 ju which may be found sub-alpine plants and such birds as the Canada Jay, Audubon's 
 Warbler, Brown Creeper, &c. ; then, of varying extent, a Canadian zone; below this, 
 an Alleghenian ; and, finally, on the plains, a Carolinian. It is quite impossible to fix 
 any precise limits to these various fannte, however; tbey pass mto each other fjuite 
 gradually, aud extend to such diflerent elevations, according to the diiierent influences 
 to which they are exposed, that sometimes two of them -^ill be side by side for some 
 distance through the same altitudes, with merely a ridge intervening. 
 
 Kevertheless, the temperature of a region, although it modifies the plant and insect 
 life to a great extent, determines entirely the range of birds. Junco hyeinaUs abounds 
 on the plains and up to 8,000 feet during winter, yet, iu company with three of the 
 other four varieties that spend the winter in the same localities, it migrates to the 
 ■north on the approach of the breeding season, while J. caniceps alone ascends the 
 mountains, and finds the requisite climate in the higher forests, which the others seek 
 at higher latitudes. Yet it is well known that the Snow-bird breeds in the AUeghanies 
 further south than this region ; and there appears no obvious reason for a northern 
 migration, when it could easdy find any desired temperature by ascending the mount- 
 ains in company with its congener, J. caniceps. On arriving ftrom the north, most 
 birds appear among the foot-hills and along the edge of the plains, some days in ad- 
 vance of their arrival higher up in the mountains; and the same thing occurs during 
 the vernal migrations, showing that most of the species prefer migrating along the 
 edge of the plains rather than through the mountains. Even so northern a species as 
 Ampelis (jarrulus, which, during midwinter, is rare among the foot-hills, frequently 
 gathers there in large flocks, iu spring, preparatory to its leaving the country. The 
 boundary between j)lains and mountains appears to be a highway for all the migratory 
 species iu spring and autumn. 
 
 The most prominent characteristic of the avi-fauna of this region — which may be 
 taken as a fair type of the Eocky Mountain chain between the thirty-eighth and forty- 
 first parallels — is, perhaps, the remarkable number of birds which are represented 
 'further east by very closely-allied races or species. Of these there are over twenty ; 
 and whll<; some are plainl;^ varieties shading into the eastern forms by such imper- 
 ceptible gradations as to leave no doubt of their specific identity, others cannot be so 
 •summarily disposed- of. No one has shown, for instance, that Gcothlijpis macrjillirrayi 
 is connected by gradual, intermediate stages, with G. pkiladclplua ; or that Junco cani- 
 ceps is .similarly related to the other forms of its genus. But are we to accept this 
 ■definition of a species ? Are only such forms entitled to specific rank which cannot 
 be shown to intergrade with others? The tendency of the day is decidedly in that 
 direction; yet, if logically carried out, this system will eventually lead to startling 
 results. It Pipilo erythroplithalmus can be shown to gradually pass into P. arcticus to- 
 ward the Rocky Mountains, and into P. allcni in Florida ; and if the former changes 
 into nrcf/oiiHs aud megaJonyx on the Pacific coast, and thus all these forms are to consti- 
 tute a single species, what reason is there for still keeping apart the various races of 
 Colaptcs, which intergrade quite as closely ? Carpodacus cassini is considered a good 
 species; yet its points of ditference from C. purptireiis are fewer aud less marked than 
 those sejiarating Contopus vircns and C. richarilsonii, which are now thiown together 
 under the same specific name. New links and new intermediate forms are constantly 
 coming to light ; and if, on discovering the gradation between any two forms previ- 
 ously held as good species, we are at liberty to combine them as races of the same 
 species, will it not be equally proper to combine other forms together, even though 
 some of the intervening links are wanting, where analogy and experience point to that 
 conclusion ? It is the exact reverse of Brehm's system, which ]^d that ornithologist to 
 find no cud of species, where others could see but one. 
 
 The results of this system of reasoniug.are already beginning to manifest themselves. 
 Different forms are thrown together with the utmost freedom, and we are learnedly 
 ■referred to "well-known laws" of geographic aud climatic variation. Yet there are 
 cases where these "laws'' will not work at all, and then they are quietly ignored. In 
 the Rocky Mountains, for example, a species of Wren is found, so well marked in its 
 notes, plumage, and habits, that the older ornithologists considered it quite distinct : 
 but being somewhat like the eastern House Wren, only grayer and paler, it is at once 
 referred to that species, and its changed color accounted for by the "law" that, iu this 
 region, the dry air and bright sunlight exercise a bleaching inlluence. In the same 
 locality, and existing under precisely similar physical conditions, is a species of Fly- 
 catcher, also supposed by Audubon and the older school to be a distinct species, but 
 which these modern ornithologists pronounce to be " var." richardsoiii of the eastern 
 Wood Pewee. Unfortunately, in this case, the bird happens to be darker than its east- 
 ern relative, and so we have not a word concerning the " laws of climatic variation" 
 and the "mean amount of rain-fall." Nor do the chief exponents of this new method 
 of reasoning find any limits to their course when once fairly started. In a review of 
 a certain genus of the Tyrannidce {Myiarchm), one of our present writers has declared 
 
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APPENDIX TO OSCINES. 227 
 
 that, the oxaraination of a large number of spocimons has resulted ia his accoptiao; a 
 luHch smaller number of species than hud previously liui-u receivetl as valid, and sig- 
 nificantly adds that, had a still more complete seriLS lieeu before liim, he would iirobably 
 have reduced the number still further. So tbeu, lu his mind, recoguitiou of specihc 
 rank is something almost dependent upon the nuraLier of specimens one has for com- 
 parison — the larger the series, the fewer the species.* Another equally well-known 
 author, iu a recent review of the tifteeu species of the genus CerihioJa, remarks that " it 
 is a nice question what are really species in this genus, and what merely races or varie- 
 ties, but it would probably be not far from correct to assume that the various forms 
 described are simply modifications of one primitive species, produced by geographical 
 distribution and external physical conditions." Is there any reason to .'5iippose that, 
 since the primitive species has become thus modiBcd by geographical distribution and 
 external physical conditions, that it was not, itself, one of the modiiiuationa of a still 
 more primitive form? Yet the progenitors of this " primitive species," which has split 
 into no less than fifteen different races, must have undergone variations brought about 
 by changed geographical habitats aud different physical conditions; unless, indeed, 
 they were special creations, and confined to a single narrow locality, a suppo-iitiou 
 which we have quite as much reason for applying to all the recent forms of Cerlkiola as 
 to the one original form. 
 
 In considering the question of specific distinction, too little importance has been 
 attached to the habits and notes of the difi'erent races, while there seems to be no iu- 
 trinsio reason why a difierence in these points should not be considered of as much weight 
 as a variation in the plumage. A series of Meadow-larks may be laid out, represent- 
 ing a gradual transition between the Eastern and Western forms, yet the notes of the 
 two are so different that, in a region where they both abound, either may be distin- 
 guished at once by its voice ; and a bird whose soug is intermediate between the two, 
 is so rare that, in a residence of two years in a region where both were abundaut, I 
 never heard one. Here, then, is an instance where the different forms may always be 
 distinguished by their notes, though sometimes ambiguous in their plumage. Again, 
 Contopus rickardsonii vesemhles Sayornis fiiscus in its habits more than it does the Wood 
 Pewee, C. lireiis, while its notes are as different from those of the latter bird as the 
 western Lark's are from the eastern's. If Macgillivray's Warbler is a geographicail 
 variety of the Monrning Warbler, it is difficult to comprehend how it could have suf- 
 fered such a complete loss of musical power, seeing that its habits are unchanged, and 
 that the external physical influences are very nearly similar. Perhaps, however, the 
 "dry, thin air" can account for it; but if this is the case, it would be interesting to 
 know why the same air has failed to change the voices of the Eobiu and Hermit Thrush 
 in the slightest degree, t AU the western species which are closely allied ro, or inter- 
 grade with eastern forms, vary from the latter, more or less, in their notes aud habits, 
 sometimes so much that a resemblance can scarcely be recognized. That this may be 
 partly due to changed conditions of life, is undeniable, yet, under the supposition that 
 it has been wholly brought about by such cause, it is very difficult to see why the same 
 changes have effected opposite results in birds of the same family aud of the same mode 
 of life. And if these supposed races are found to meet and occupy the same regions, 
 each preserving its peculiarities of notes, plumage, and habits, with a great degree of 
 constancy, how can they properly be called "geographical" varieties, or their differ- 
 ences be accounted for on the supposition of difi'erent physical conditions ? Yet of one 
 species, at least {SturneUa magna), this is absolutely true. And admitting the in- 
 fluence of these external causes to be sufficient to produce such results, the question at 
 once arises: How wide must be the gap that separates congeneric "species;" where 
 shall the limit of variation produced by such causes be placed ? 
 
 But however ornithologists may differ as to the proper rank of these forms, their 
 existence is undeniable, whether classed as species, varieties, or races, and it becomes 
 necessary to distinguish them apart in ornithological nomenclature. The usual method 
 is to give the name of the first-discovered race, together with the specific title of the 
 form referred to as a variety. Thus, Macgillivray's Warbler is spoken of as Geothli/pia 
 Philadelphia var. macgillivrayi. To follow out this method, every bird of which there is 
 more than a single form should be designated by tLreet r.ames, generic, specific, and 
 
 * Quite true. We can only predicate and define species at all from the mere circum- 
 stance of missing links. " Species" are the twigs of a tree separated from the parent 
 stem. We name and arrange them arbitrarily, in default of a means of reconstructing 
 the whole tree according to nature's ramificatious. — E. C. 
 
 tis it not quite reasonable to suppose that different animals may possess a different 
 degree of susceptibility to modifying influences, and that some may be able to resist 
 such influences altogether ? We must not presume upon uniform plastictity of organi- 
 zation. — E. C. 
 
 tl strongly advocate a return to polynomial nomenclature, as the only fit instru- 
 ment of expression of nice shades of zoological meaning. Many of us, in efi'ect, are 
 already using trinomials, the true nature of which is but partially concealed by inter- 
 vention of the term " var." — E. C. 
 
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228 APPENDIX TO OSCINES. 
 
 varietal ; but iu yiew of the now frequent consolidation of old species, and the constant 
 discovery of new geographical races, such a method threatens to become quite cum- 
 brous and inconvenient. 
 
 Throughout my notes the nomenclature of Cones, as given in his "Key to North 
 American Birds," is followed. All the statements are the result of my personal obser- 
 vations, except some few which are based upon the accounts of trustworthy persons, 
 and of which separate mention is made. 
 
 Tdrdcs migratorius, Bobin. Very'abundant ; migratory ; breeds. The Eobin is 
 perhaps the commonest bird to be found in the county. It arrives in Bergen's Park in 
 the middle of March, and slowly makes its way into the mountains, reaching the ele- 
 vation of 10,000 feet nearly a month later, and advancing as the season progresses to 
 the extreme limit of timber. From the plains up to timber-line it abounds in great 
 numbers all through the breeding season, and is nowhere more abundant than in the 
 extreme upper edge of the forests, nesting iu the very topmost trees. They raise two 
 broods, commonly; occasionally only one, and rarely three. At an elevation of 8,000 
 feet the first brood is hatched in the fore part of June, and the second toward the middle 
 of July ; near timber-line the second brood is not hatched till late in July, or even the 
 early part of August. The nest is placed in the fork of a pine, and is precisely similar 
 to those of eastern birds in construction and material. During the latter part of July 
 and early part of August the young birds from lower down ascend to the upper for- 
 ests, and abound in the woods near timber-line. They frequently wander to the very 
 top of the i-angc, feediug on the grasshoppers that swarm in countless multitudes above 
 the tree limit, toward the close of summer. They also frequent the edges of the little 
 lakes and pools which are very numerous at high elevations, where they pick up the 
 larvfe of various insects. In September they flock in great numbers to the blueberry 
 patches, of which fruit they seem extravagantly fond. Early in the autumn they 
 begin to descend, gradually working their way downward, until in November they all 
 have disappeared, except a few stragglers who linger about the juniper bushes until 
 banished by the deep snows of December. 
 
 T. swAiNSOxi, Olive-hacked Thrush. Seen in May and September only. Late in Oc- 
 tober I saw great numbers of this bird near the Hot Sulphur Springs, in the Middle 
 Park. A sudden violent storm bad occurred a day or two previous, and the snow 
 lay on the ground a foot deep. Great numbers of Titlarks, Song Sparrows, Blackbirds, 
 Bluebirds, and many other species, including the Olive-backed Thrush, had gathered 
 about the tepid pools, attracted by the warmth, and were busily searching for food 
 along the muddy banks and in the shallow water, though apparently without much 
 success, as the water is surcharged with sulphur. [This species is stated to breed about 
 New Haven, Connecticut, and also iu the mountains of Pennsylvania. — E. C] 
 
 T. FUSCESCENS, Teery. Seen but once in July, at an elevation of 8,400 feet. I looked 
 carefully for the Veery in the lower parts of the county, as Allen states that it is not 
 uncommon from the foot-hills up to 8,500 feet, but with the single exception mentioned 
 I did not see it. [The eggs of this species are occasionally spotted. — E. C] 
 
 T. VAULASl, Hermit Thrush. Abundant; migratory; breeds. The Hermit Thrush ar- 
 rives toward the end of May, and by the middle of June is abundant about timber- 
 line, below which it does not range more than 1,000 or 1,200 feet during the nesting 
 season. It is shy and retiring iu its habits, seeking the seclusion of the darkest forests, 
 and the subdued light of deep, rocky canons, where the dense foliage and precipitous 
 walls shut out the sun and a perpetual twilight prevails. It is an exquisite songster, 
 and sings at all hours of the day ; its notes are something like those of the Wood 
 Thrush, but louder, wilder, and with very much of the melancholy sweetness that marks 
 the Western Meadow-lark's song. No one who visits its haunts in June or July can 
 fail to be delighted by the singing of the Hermit Thrush ; and when several are heard 
 together, as is frequently the case, the blending and echoing of so many sweet tones 
 lends an indescribable charm to the sublime and romantic scenery, amid which only 
 aie they ever heard ; a charm heightened by the mysterious concealment of the singers. 
 Never very tame, it is so shy while singing as to be almost unapproachable, and only 
 the utmost address will enable one, at such times, to obtain sight of the bird. Its 
 voice is very loud and clear, and may be heard at a great distance. In September they 
 descend from the higher regions, and by October have disappeared from the county. 
 Among several specimens there was no appreciable difference from eastern birds. 
 
 OliEOSCOPTES MONTANUS, Mountain Mockingbird. A single specimen was taken at 
 Idaho Springs, May 10. It is a curious fact that many birds, on their first arrival in 
 spring, venture much higher and further into the mountainous regions than the local- 
 ities iu which they pass the breeding season. The migratory instinct, probably, impels 
 them to penetrate into the mouutains, until, finding the temperature too cool for their 
 comfort, they recede until they have found their proper habitat. 
 
 Mnius CAROLiNBNSis, Cat-hird. Common, from the XJlains up to 7,800 feet, and ranging 
 a lew hundred feet higher. The Cat-bird arrives among the foot-hills early in May, 
 and gradually advances into the mountains, reaching its highest point by the 20th. 
 As is the case with many other birds, it presents some strong points of dissimilarity 
 
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APPENDIX TO OSCINES. 229 
 
 from the eastern representatives of the species. One would scarcely recognize the shy, 
 almost silent bird, that sedulously hides itself from view ia the thickest shrubbery, as 
 the tame loquacious Cat-bird of the east, and, indeed, might never suspect its existence 
 in localities where it was not uncommon, from superficial observations. Although 
 quite uumerous at Idaho, where I saw it nearly every day for weeks, I never but once 
 heard the cat-like mew so common elsewhere as to have given the bird its name, and 
 only once or twice heard it attempt a song. Yet though so different in some respects, 
 in others it is precisely the same as its eastern relatives. In form, colors, size, carriage, 
 and expression, I could detect not the slighest difference, while its favorite haunts and 
 food are the same. It disappears in August. 
 
 The Brown Thrush, given by Allen as extending up to 7,500 feet, does not occur in 
 the county at all, or at least but very rarely. [Dr. Eothrock found it in Colorado. — E. C] 
 [To the synonyms of this species add ; Aiitmnmiis rufiis, Sund., Meth. Av. Disp. Tent. 
 1872, 13 (type i-m/«s).— E. C] 
 
 SiALiA ARCTICA, BJucMrd. Abundant from the plains up to timber-line, breeding 
 everywhere. Similar in its general habits to the Eastern Bluebird, the Arctic Bluebird 
 arrives in Bergen's Park early in March, and gradually working its way into the mount- 
 ains, reaches an elevation of 10,000 feet about the close of the mouth, preceding the 
 Eobin by a few days. In Bergen's Park the first brood is not hatched till June ; it 
 probably raises two broods, although of this I cauuot be certain. It nests in hollow 
 trees and similar places, and being quite familiar, though not as tame as its eastern 
 cousin, takes possession of the little bird-houses put up for its convenience by the 
 miners and ranchmen. Its flight and habits seem to be the same ; but it lacks the 
 carol of the latter bird, its only note being a disconsolate, mournful sort of plaint, 
 somewhat likei the fall note of the eastern bird. The young families of Bluebirds may 
 be seen with their parents throughout the latter part of summer, frequently wandering 
 far above timber-line, and even up to the highest peaks. It remains until late in faU, 
 migrating both in spring and autumn in flocks. In the early part of November I saw 
 a bird at Hay's City, Kansas, which I am almost certain was this species ; but not being 
 able to shoot it, I could not identify it beyond all doubt. 
 
 S. MEXic.iXA, Western Bluebird. Of this species I shot two or three, and saw as many 
 more, in the first week iu June, in Bergen's Park, where they probably breed. Of their 
 habits I learned nothing, except that they frequented the tops of the pine-trees, and 
 rarely descended to the lower limbs or ground. 
 
 CiNCLus MEXICANUS, Dijiper. Eather common, though nowhere very numerous. The 
 Dipper frequents all the mountain-streams up to timber-line, and is a constant resident. 
 It is an odd little bird, both in its notes and manners, and attracts the attention of the 
 tourist and miner, as well as the naturalist, from the singularity of its movements. 
 On being startled from the side of a brook, it flies off, flitting down the stream, close to 
 the surface, uttering a rapid, chattering note ; and having flown a certain distance, 
 alights on a stone or drift-log, in or close to the water's edge. Upon alighting it 
 begins bobbing up and down, bending the knees as though curtseying, and eyes the 
 intruder suspiciously. Having satisfied itself of safety, it walks into the water, pick- 
 ing here and there, and getting beyond its depth, spreads its wings and disappears 
 beneath the surface. Apparently as much at home under the water as above, it flies 
 some distance beneath the surface, and stays under for a minute or more. At times it 
 alights on the surface of the water and floats down the rapid stream like cork, till it 
 has found footing. In winter it frequently goes beneath the ice, walking under with 
 the utmost composure, and reappearing at some air-hole a few yards off. Its nest is a 
 large globular structure, with an entrance on one side ; it is composed of moss, lined 
 with grass, and is very neatly built. It is frequently placed in a hollow or crevice in 
 the rocks, by the side of a stream. I did not succeed in finding either the eggs or 
 young. Although its ordinary note is the rapid chatter referred to before, it has a very 
 beautiful song, whicli it utters, however, very rarely, and then only in August, after 
 the young birds are able to shift for themselves. Like the Hermit Thru.sh, it seeks 
 the wildest, darkest ravines, and is very timid while singing. It song is clear, sweet, 
 , and varied, more wren-like than anything else, yet peculiarly its own, and, only to be 
 heard amid the most romantic scenery, mingled with the music of mountain torrents, 
 has a charm that is wanting to other and finer songs. 
 
 The Dipper is called "Water Turkey" by the miners and mountaineers. One of 
 them told ine that it passed the colder part of the winter in the mud, and that he had 
 taken one out from under the ice in a torpid state. During the coldest weather it 
 descends from the higher regions to the lower and more open valleys, where the 
 streams are larger and less obstructed with ice, and it finds a better and more acces- 
 sible supply of food. 
 
 Eegui.US calexddlus, Eitby-croimed Kinglet. Abundaut; migratory; breeds from 
 9,500 or 10,000 feet up to timber-line. The Euby-crowned Wren arrives at Idaho 
 Springs in the first week of May, and disappears toward the close of the month. Dur- 
 ing the breeding season it is very abundant in the upper woods, but is never seen below 
 9,500 feet. In September it begins to descend, reaching Idaho about the 20th, and 
 
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230 APPENDIX TO OSCIXES. 
 
 finally clisappearing in October. It is a fine songster ; and its lively, animated strains, 
 of canary-like sweetness and clearness, may be heard at all hours of the day, in the 
 cool, damp woods, near the upper limit of tree-growth. The female sings at times, 
 and nearly as loudly and sweetly as the male. JR. salrapa I have not seen in these 
 mountains. 
 
 [To the synonyms of this species add : CorthnJio calendula, Cab., J, f. 0. i, 1853, 83 
 (type of the geuiis), and Si/lvia (Eegidoidea) calendula. Gray, Hand-list, i, 1669, 216, No. 
 3de8.— E. C] 
 
 [The tirst nest of Regulus calendula which lias reached naturalists was taken by Mr. J. 
 H. Batty, iu Colorado, July 21, I'^TS. It was placed on a spnice-bough, about 13 feet 
 from the ground, and contained five young and one egg. The nest is astouisbiugly 
 large for the bird ; I am not sure that its shape is preserved accurately, but the whole 
 could scarcely be got in the largest coftee-cup. It is composed of an inextricably but 
 loosely-woven mass of feathers and hair, mixed with short bits of straws and a little 
 moss. — E.G.] 
 
 Parus atricapillus var. SEPTEXTurrixAUS, Long-tailed Titmouie. Common; resident; 
 breeds. Precisely similar in habits, notes, and actions, to the typical P. atricapilliis. 
 This species does not range as high as the Mountain Titmouse, rarely veuturiug beyond 
 y,(JOO feet, while its usual rauge is from the plains up to about .~,0(jO feet. 
 
 P. -MOXTAxrs, Mountain Titmouse. Abundant ; breeding from about 8,000 feet up to 
 timber-line. In winter it descends nearly to the plains, but may be found, in the 
 most inclement weather, nearly or quite up to timber-line. Xut distinguishable from 
 the former in its notes aud habits. 
 
 SiTTA CAiiOLiXEXSis var. ACULEATA, Slender-hiUcd Xuthatch. This species arrives at 
 Idaho about the 1st of April, and gradually extends ujjward, breeding from about 8,000 
 or 8,500 feet, up to timber-line. It is not very common, but by no means rare. In its 
 motions and habits it is the exact counterpart of the White-breasted Nuthatch, but 
 its notes are quite diftereiit. The common, piping note is nearly the saaie, though in 
 a dilferent key; but the loud spring-call is very different. It is far coarser, louder, 
 and more rapid in aculeata — so loud and rattling in fact, that I have mistaken it for the 
 caU of the Red-shafted Flicker — while there is none of the soft, musical tone that 
 marks the spring-note of .S'. carolinensis. The notes, in fact, are almost as widely apart 
 as those of Sturnella magna and fi. neglecta, aud one unacquainted with the bird would 
 never suspect its relationship on first hearing its call. In October it retires toward 
 the foot-hills, where it may be found all winter. 
 
 S. PYi'.M.EA. Pijgmi/ Xuthatch. Abundant and resident ; breeding from about 6,000 
 feet up to 8,500 or 9,000. .Scarcely migratory, remaining iu nearly the same localities 
 throughout the year. The Pyguiy Nuthatch is a delicate little fellow, with more of 
 the habits and voice of .S. canadensis than of the white-breasted species ; a similarity 
 carried out by the coloration of the tail, and their half-warbler-like movements at 
 times. They are very active, and incessantly on the move, creeping over the trunks 
 aud limbs of the pines, aud tapping vigorously here and there, like a Woodpecker, and 
 far louder than the other Nuthatches do. Very social, it is fond of gathering in flocks 
 with the iloantain Titmouse, whose habits lead it into similar places, and in whose 
 society it roams through the woods in busy, twittering groups, exploring every decayed 
 limb and fallen trunk, peering with sharp eyes into each crack and cranny that might 
 form the lurking place of its insect food, and examining the pine and fir cones for the 
 same purpose, hauging from them in all passible positions, precisely like a Pine 
 Finch. Like the Canada Nuthatch, they will chase and capture an insect on the 
 wing; and freciueutly descend to the ground, alighting, warbler-like, on low bushes, 
 and then flitting back to the pine boughs. Their notes are various; a sort of shrill 
 piping, like that of the red-breasted species; a deep-toned variation of the same note, 
 uttered only iu spring ; and a twittering note, uttered at times while feeding together, 
 and u.sed as a rallying or warning cry, and when about to take wing. 
 
 Gekthia familiaris, Brou-n Creeper. Abundant during the winter, from 7,000 feet 
 up to 9,000 fe<t, and probably ranging considerably higher and lower. Breeds spar- 
 ingly in the upper woods, within a few hundred feet of timber-line. Appears at Idaho 
 late iu the fall, and becomes very common as soon as the weather becomes cold, great 
 numbers coming in fifom other regions. Similar in all respects to the eastern bird. 
 
 [Add to the synonyms of this spe?ies : Certhia fusca, Bart., Fra,:,'. Nat. Hist. Pa. 
 1799. If the American bird is to be distinguished, it is to be called V. familiaris var. 
 /«sea.— E. C] 
 
 S AT.PIXCTES OBSOLETES, i?oc7.- TTcpH. Abundant; migratory; breeds. The Rock Wren 
 arrives at Idaho about the 'JOth of May, and extends its rauge up to, and a little above, 
 timber-line. It breeds most abundantly between 6,500 and 9,500 feet, rarely nesting 
 hifher that the latter elevation, though found during summer from 12,000 feet down 
 to the plains. It is a constant re!>ideut of the piles of loose rock which lie scattered 
 on the monntainsides, in which it finds its food and rears its young, and to which it 
 retreats for safety on being alarmed. On its first arrival it is rather shy, but soon 
 becomes tame and oven familiar, haunting piles of boulders and small stones in the 
 
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APPENDIX TO OSCINES. 231 
 
 placer diggings, close to the miners' cabins. It rarely ventures far from its favorite 
 rooky retreats ; but occasionally visits the road-sides to j)iclv up flies and other insects, 
 and sometimes hops over the roofs of cabins and mills, and not infrequently chooses 
 the lidge as a convenient place from which to serenade its mate. It has a curious, 
 rapidly repeated note, that sounds like the whirring of wings ; its song is very beauti- 
 ful, louder and sweeter than that of the House Wren, though not as varied. While 
 singing, the bird usually perches on the top of a heap of stones, and stands erect, with 
 head thrown up, like the Carolina Wren. At such times it is quite timid, and if 
 alarmed, instantly ceases the song and looks anxiously around, bobbing itself up and 
 down every little while, like the Dipper, and presently creeps down into the stone- 
 heap. Late in autumn its feathers become much worn from constant creeping among 
 the rocks. In September it disappears. 
 
 [To synonyms of T. aeclon add: Hylemalhrous aedon, Cab., J. f. O. 1860, 407. — E. C] 
 
 Tkoglodytes AiiDOiJ %'ar. parkmani, Parkman's Wren. This bird, now regarded aa 
 a variety of Troglodytes aiidoH, nevertheless presents many distinguishing character- 
 istics from the latter bird, not only in size and color, but in note.s and habits; and 
 hence, though merely a geographical race, may well be designated as Parkman's Wren, 
 in distinction from the typical House Wren. It arrives at Idaho in the middle of May, 
 and soon becomes abundant, extending its range up to 10,.'j00 feet, and occasionally 
 venturing nearly up to timber-line. In many of its habits it is very similar to the 
 House Wren ; but it frequently haunts rocky hill-sides and cliffs and ledges of rock, 
 which I have never observed the latter to do. As is the case with many other birds, 
 its notes differ strikingly from those of its eastern relatives. It has far more variety 
 in its song, which at times is precisely the same as that of the House Wren, and at 
 others is very difierent, yet always wren-like — clear, ringing, and changeable. It has 
 one uote which I never heard the latter bird utter — a rapid chirruping note, more like 
 the rattling noise ])roduced by a grasshopper or cricket than that of a bird, quite 
 similar, in fact, to the peculiar sound produced by the Eock Wren, referred to previ- 
 ously. This note it rarely utters, however; nor is it as fond of the scolding chatter 
 that the House Wren uses so frequently to express its anger or alarn. It nests where- 
 ever it can find a chink or cranny to build in — between the log's of a miner's cabin, in 
 deserted mills, among the timbering about the mouths of old shafts and tunnels, and 
 in any snug little nook it can find. It raises two and sometimes three broods; and, 
 between 8,000 and 10,500 feet, the last brood is hatched in the latter part of July. The 
 eggs and nest are similar to those of eastern birds; the number of the former is usually 
 five, though sometimes only four. It disappears in September. 
 
 [_Telniotodi/tes palustria was taken by JlERiiiAJi (No. 62327, Idaho): U. S. Geol. Surv. 
 Ter. 1872, 673.— E. C] 
 
 ICislotliorus stellaris. Satisfactory evidence of the presence of this species at Utah 
 Lake was obtained by Jlr. Henshaw during the last season. — E. C] 
 
 [To synonyms of Anorlliiira troglodytes var. hi/emaUs add: Troglodytes jiarvulus var. 
 hyemalis, B. B. & E., N. A. B. i, 1874, 155.— E. C] 
 
 Ekemophila alpestkis var. criKYSOLiEjiA, It'esia-n Horned Larlc. This bird is not 
 abundant in the mountains, there being few localities suitable to its habits. It is 
 rather common in Bergen's Park, and may be seen occasionally in. the mountain val- 
 leys and meadows and on hill-sides, as well as above timber-line, breeding from the 
 foot-hills up to the summit of the range, wherever it can find a spot adaj>ted to its 
 tastes. Although abundant on the plains throughout winter, it does not enter the 
 mountains till spring. On the 11th of July I found several pairs in an extensive grassy 
 plain near James' Peak, at least a thousand feet above timber-line, that were evidently 
 breeding there, although I looked in vain for their nests. They "were a little larger, 
 apparently, than specimens from the plains,, and very brightly colored. 
 
 Anthus ludovicanus. Brown Larh. Abundant ; migratory ; breeds in great num- 
 bers above timber-line. The Titlark arrives at Idaho Springs in the early part of May, 
 frequenting (jpen hill-sides, and showing a partiality to the plowed fle.ds of mountain 
 ranches. By June it has ascended to the summit of the range, and commences nest- 
 ing almost as soon as the snow has sufficiently melted to allow the ground to dry and 
 the grass to come up, incubation beginning in the first and second weeks in July. The 
 nest is placed under the shelter of a projecting stone, and is very neatly constructed 
 of coarse grass externally, lined with fine grass, and is about three inches and a half 
 in diameter. The eggs are five in number ; the ground-color dark brownish-purple, 
 almost hidden by spots and splashes-of purplish-black. Eggs from different nests vary 
 somewhat in the intensity of the colors, some being mucLi lighter and grayer than 
 others, but the general aspect is always quite dark. Tl)ere is also considerable vari- 
 ation in the colors and size of individual birds; in some the legs being black, in others 
 lighter, occasionally light brown ; some having two bands of white on the wings, and 
 others having no trace of theto whatever; some being much darker beneath than 
 others ; with other variations. Notwithstanding which, I could not define any well- 
 marked or constant varieties, as, among a large number of specimens, the various 
 forms of coloration and size seemed to shade imperceptibly into each other. 
 
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232 APPENDIX TO OSCINES. 
 
 In its habits and notes, the Titlark is precisely the same as the abundant, well-knowu 
 bird that abounds in the Nortbcra States throughout spring and fall — restless, vacil- 
 lating creatures, ever on the move, querulous and fidgety. They are more shy during 
 summer, however, not willingly permitting one to approach nearer than fifty or sixty 
 yards. During the breeding season the males have a song unheard at other times, 
 with which they serenade their mates. Rising in the air at an angle of forty-five de- 
 grees, with a fluttering, uncertain flight, they commence singing when they are up a 
 little way, and continue till they have reached the height of a hundred yards or so ; 
 then descending, fluttering their wings as before, till they light on a stone or sod, not 
 far from where they started. They have several diftereut variations, all consist- 
 ing of two or three notes, quickly repeated over and over again, with quite a musical 
 and pleasing effect. One of these variations sounds very much like the plaint of a 
 little chicken lost from its brood. As one approaches their nests, they hover silently 
 about, uttering, at intervals, a chirp expressive of their anxiety. During their stay 
 above timber-line — they do not ever go below it during the breeding season — they 
 prefer wet, springy places, which abound near the summit of the range. They may 
 often be seen running over the vast snow-banks that remain on northern slopes 
 throughout the year. In August and September they gather into flocks, and begin de- 
 scending into the valleys, reaching Idaho toward the close of the latter mouth. Many 
 remain above timber-line until October, and some few throughout the month, or as 
 long as they can find open ground to feed in. In November they finally disappear. 
 
 [To the synonyms of Helminthophaga ruficapilla add : Helminlhophaga ruficapiUa var. 
 ocularis et var. gutiuralis, B. B. & R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 191, which may not necessarily 
 be recognized by varietal name. — E. C.] 
 
 Dendrceca iESTiVA, YeUow Warbler. The Yellow Warbler is abundant along the 
 foot-hills, and ranges as high as 6,500 feet. Stragglers undoubtedly wander as far as 
 Bergen's Park, although I did not observe any there. 
 
 D. coKdXATA, Yellow-crowned TVarhler. Abundant; migratory; does not breed. Ap- 
 pears at Idaho in the latter part of April, and goes up as high as 8,500 or 9,000 feet; 
 disappearing about the 10th of May, a few days before the following species. In fall 
 I did not observe it ; probably it does not venture in the mountains, to any extent, in 
 that season. [It has also been taken in Colorado by Mr. Hensliaw. — E. C] 
 
 D. AUDUBOM, Audubon's Warbler. Abundant; nii^^ratory; breeds from about 9.500 
 feet up to timber-line. Audubon's Warbler arrives at Idaho about the middle of Jlay, 
 bnt goes higher up into the mountains to breed, rarely being seen below 9,000 feet 
 during the latter iiart of June and July, in which months it rears its young, preferring, 
 during this season, the dense, dark forests of black spruce. In spring it haunts the 
 same localities as the Yellow-crowned Warbler, but is more partial to the under-shrub- 
 bery, and frequently ventures into open fields and clearings, alighting on bushes and 
 wieds, and even on the ground, exhibiting much of the manners of the Red-polled 
 Warbler. Its usual note is one very similar to that of the Barn Swallow ; its song is 
 a simple little carol, like that of the preceding species. In August it begins to descend, 
 by September it is common in the lower parts of the country, and by October has dis- 
 appeared. 
 
 D. NiGRESCENS, Blaclc-throated Gray Warbler. A single specimen seen at Idaho 
 Springs, May 23. 
 
 Geothlypis macgillivrayi, Macgillivraij's Warbler. Common ; migratory ; breeds 
 up to a little above 9,000 feet. Very similar in habits to the Mourning Warbler. Ar- 
 rives in the latter part of May and disappears in August and September. 
 
 Myiodioctes PUSILLUS, Green Black-capped Fhicalclier. Abundant; breeding in great 
 numbers in the bushes near timber-line. First seen at Idaho, May 5, bnt not common 
 till the m. By the middle of June all had left the valleys, and at the close of the 
 month I found them very numerous in the dense coppices of brush that extend for 
 some hundred feet above timber-line. They breed in July, reappearing at Idaho 
 toward the close of September, finally disappearing in the following month. It has 
 quite a sprightly little song, and is very active, flitting rapidly from bush to bush, and 
 xarely ascending among the trees. - 
 
 Setophaga ruticilla. Redstart. Apparently not very common ; breeds. First ap- 
 peared at Idaho Springs May 20, from which date until the 1st of June a few were 
 daily seen ; subsequently I saw but a single individual, a female, near timber-line, in 
 July. 
 
 Geothlypis trichas and Selminthopliaga celata are a'bundant along the edge of the plains, 
 l)ut probably never wander as high up as Clear Creek County. 
 
 Pyraxg.i ixdoviciaxa, Louisiana Tanager. This bird arrives at Idaho toward the 
 close of Juno, and soon becomes quite common, reraainiug till late in August or early 
 in September. It does not extend its range beyond 9,000 feet, but breeds from that 
 limit, or a little lower, all the way down to the plains. It bears a close resemblance 
 to the Scarlet Tanager, both in notes and habits ; rambling leisurely through the pine 
 -n-oods, and singing at intervals from the tree tops; descending at times to the lower 
 branches and bushes, where its bright yellow is almost as conspicuous as the flaming 
 
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APPENDIX TO OSCINES. 233 
 
 scarlet of his eastern consin ; feeding on mucli the same food, and capturing insects on 
 the wing with ertnal skill. His chirp is the same as the Scarlet Tanager's, and liis song 
 very similar ; yet a difference may be detected — a difl'urence to the prejudice of the 
 western bird. As a general rule, the western races are a little inferior in song to their 
 eastern relatives of the same species and genns, although thiro are many exceptions to 
 this — the Robin, for instance. Birds of colder and more densely wooded regions have 
 sweeter, fuller, and more melodious voices than their kindreo of wanner and more arid 
 districts. 
 
 B. 
 
 The following interesting notes were comraunicated to me by Dr. J. 
 M. WheatOQ, of Columbus, Ohio, favorably known by bis exc'ellent List 
 of the Birds of that State, so often quoted in the present work. — E. G. 
 
 Omve-backed Thrush (T. swainsoni). This is the most abundant of the Hijlnvichla 
 during the migrations. It presents greater variations of color and size than any other. 
 By far the greater number of individuals belong to the typical variety sicainsoni, but 
 we have as extremes var. aliciw, the Gray-cheeked Thrush, and a small variety, length 
 6^ inches, bill only f, with the olive of the back suffused with tawny, in this resi)ect 
 resembling var. ustulatus of the Pacific coast, but having thp spots on the breast darker. 
 The butt' of this variety is much more decided, especially on the eyelids and line from 
 above the eye to the bill. On very high colored fall specimens Jlie butf of the breast 
 is sometimes prolonged in a pa;le median line to the middle of the belly. The obscure 
 bar at the base of the secondaries and inner primaries is creamy buff in moaiiisoni 
 proper, white in var. aliciw, and brownish-white in the small variety. 
 
 The Gray-cheeked variety arrives a few days later in the spring than the Wood or 
 Wilson's Thrush, the typical Olive-back nearly a -week later, followed shortly after by 
 the small variety, which, in 1873, remained till Juno 1, and was the most terrestrial in 
 its habits, frequenting brush heaps in sparse, wet woodland. In the fall the Gray- 
 cheeked variety makes its appearance sooner than the others. 
 
 Blue Warbler (D. cffintto). Not common inmost places; is tolerably common in 
 Central Ohio. I have fonnd them in considerable numbers in May and June. Towards 
 the close of .lune I have found the young fully fledged in oak woods, where they prob- 
 ably breed. The song ot this bird liears considerable resemblance to that of the Bay- 
 wing Bunting, though less load. 
 
 Yellow-throated Warbler (D. dominlca). Has perhaps a northern limit in tliis 
 
 State. In this vicinity they are among the most regular and earliest to arrive of the 
 
 family. I have noted them before the arrival of the Yellow Warbler, and even before 
 
 the last frosts and snow. They commonly follow the streams in their migrations, and 
 
 may be readily recognized by their comparatively loud and frequent note, which almost 
 
 exactly resembles that of the Indigo-bird on its lirst arrival. They soon disperse 
 
 through the woodland and appear in the shade-trees and gardens of the city. I have 
 
 never found them breeding. Thejj return south in September by the same route as in 
 
 the spring migration. 
 
 i Cedar Bird {A. cedrorum). I have taken one spring specimen in very high pluthage, 
 
 / in which the six central tail feathers possessed the waxen tips. Tlie length of the 
 
 ' specimen was 7.05 inches, the color much darker than usual. 
 
 /Brotherly-love Vxreo ( Fireo philadeljMcus). I saw them on September 16, to the 
 number of twenty to thirty, in beech woodland, accompanying the Red-eyed Vireos 
 on their southern migration. 
 
 Loggerhead Shrike (C. hidoviciamis). Usually considered to be confined to the 
 South Atlantic and Gulf States, and the white-rumped variety (cxcubitoroUles), hereto- 
 fore supposed to ha,ve its eastern limit in Illinois; but hotli occur not uncommonly 
 with us, aud appear to be on the increase. They arrive early in April. My observa- 
 tions coincide with those made by Mr. Trippe in Iowa (Natiiralist, 1873, 497), except 
 that we have specimens which might be considered typical liidovicianus. On the 31st 
 of May, 1873, I captured a family of these birds, the male of which was clearly of the 
 white-rumped variety, but lighter than Illinois specimens of the same. The female 
 presented the typical features of hidovidantts. The length of the male was 9 inches ; 
 the female^ 8J. The young .were just from their nest in a hedge. They were light 
 ashy, dusky waved above, decidedly waved below, and with the head-stripe not meet- 
 ing in front of the eye, and considerably restricted. My observations are not sufB- 
 ciently extended to venture au opinion, but from such as I have made, I would not 
 he surprised if it should be determined, that to the north and west the White-rumped 
 Shrike passed insensibly into the northern bird (borealis), as with us it does into the 
 southern form. 
 
 Song Sparrow {M. melodia). Dr. Abbott, in the Naturalist, 1870, page 378, calls at- 
 tention to a variation in the song of this bird, and asks if others have noticed it. With 
 us it is resident in comparatively small numbers in winter. During the fall months its 
 song is seldom or never heard. In December I have observed them perched in the top 
 of a forest tree, singing with vivacity a continuous song, which was altogether differ- 
 
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234 APPENDIX TO OSCINES. 
 
 ent from their usual spring notes. The position and song -were such that I failed to 
 recognize the bird, and on two occasions have shot them before suspecting the true na- 
 ture of the case. When alarmed iu this position, they drop almost perpendicularly 
 to the ground, as in the habit of the Brown Thrush, a miniature of which, in attitude 
 and song, they seem to be. I have heard the same song near the ground, but not often. 
 Late iu January their winter song is freely varied witli passages irom their well-known 
 summer notes, and by the first of March the peculiar notes of winter have all dis- 
 appeared. 
 
 Lai!k Fixch (C. grammaca). Usually considered to find its eastern limit in Illinois, 
 is a summer resident in this locality. I am of the opinion that both it and the Shrike, 
 above mentioned, are comparatively recent additions to our fauna. I first saw it in 
 1860, since which time it has increased in numbers, and at present is not uncommon. 
 It nests iu meadows, and the young take to trees as soon as they are able to fly. I sus- 
 pect, from not meeting either these birds or the Shrikes after the breeding season is 
 fairly over, that they join their comrades in the west before going south. [This spe- 
 cies has occurred in Florida (spec, in Mus. S. I.) — E. C] 
 
 Night-Hawk ( C. pojyetue). I have noticed, when skinning this bird, that the male, 
 in spring, exhales a strong hircine odor. If this is common to all birds of the family, 
 it may have added apparent reason to the superstition from which the family name is 
 derived. 
 
 Chijixey SwjVLlow (C. pelasgia). No writer seems to have mentioned what many 
 have noticed in this bird, that the broad line of black extending from the nostrils along 
 the bill to the gape, across the lores, in front of and above the eyes, is composed of 
 feathers of different structure from those of the general plumage. These are short and 
 thick set, remarkably velvety both to the eye and touch. 
 
 There is another curious anomaly in this remarkable bird, which I have not seen 
 nientinued : On the under-surface of the wing a linear bare space will- be noticed, 
 extending from the carpal-joint to the base of the first primary. This seems to have 
 been caused by friction, and suggests that the bird uses the wings to assist the feet 
 and spiny tail in clinging to the chimney-side. That certain birds do make use of 
 their wings as supports has been affirmed in the pages of the Naturalist ; but if this 
 is really the case do they not violate the law laid down for them by Owen (?), who says 
 (Anat. of Vert. vol. ii, p. 6) : "In no case do the anterior limbs (wings) take any share 
 in stationary support or prehension." 
 
 Note. — Neither of the North American species of so-called Poospiza has occurred, to 
 my knowledge, in the Missouri region, but either may yet be found in the southwest- 
 ern portion. 
 
 Tlicse birds seem scarcely congeneric with the type oi Poospiza, Emberiza nigro-mfa, 
 D'Okbig., and, in the extreme subdivision which at present obtains, may be distin- 
 guished under the following names : 
 
 Amphispiza, Cones, n. g. (type JSnibmiza Mlineata, Cass.) 
 
 AmPHISPIZA BILINEATA, Coues. 
 
 Emheriza hilineata, Cass., Pr. A. N. S. P. v, 1850, 104, pi. 3 (Texas) ; 111. 1854, 150, pi. 23. 
 Poospiza MJmeata, Sci.., P. Z. S. 1857, 7.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 470 ; Mex. B. Surv. ii, part 
 
 ii, 1859, Birds, 15.— HEEJ:.^^., P. E. E. Eep. x, 1859, Parke's Eoute, Birds, 14.— 
 
 Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 203.— Dress., Ibis, 1865, 483 (Texas).— Cqoes, Pr. Phila. 
 
 Acad. 1866, 86 (Arizona).— CouES, Key, 1872, 140.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. i, 1874, 
 
 590, pi. 26, fig. 8. 
 Sab. — Middle Province of the United States. North 40°. South into Mexico. 
 A:iiPHispiZA BELLii, Coues. 
 
 Emberiza bellii, Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad, v, 1850, 104, pi. 4 (California). 
 
 Poospiza •bellii, ScL., P. Z. S. 1857, 7.— Br>., B. N. A. 1858, 470.— Heep.m., P. E. E. Rep. x, 
 1859, pt. vi, 46.— CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 86 (Arizona).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 
 1870, 204.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 177 (Ogden, Utah, var. )ievadensis, 
 EiDGW.).— Coues, Key, 1872, 141.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. i, 1874, 593, pi. 26, f. 9.. 
 
 Zonotriclda bellii, Elliot, B. N. A. i, pi. 14. 
 
 Bab.—Oi A. bellii proper. Southern California. Of A. bellii var. nevadensis (Eidqioav, 
 Eep. Birds 40th parallel, in press ; B. B. ^ 7?., N. A. B. i, 1874, 594), Middle Province of 
 the United States, to 40°, and somewhat beyond. 
 
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CLAMATORES: 
 
 SUBOEDEE VJjAiTlA JL vXI-CjIOi Non-melodious Passeebs. 
 
 Family TYRANNID^ : American Flycatchers. 
 
 MILVULUS FOEFIGATUS, (Gm.) Sw, 
 
 SwalloTV-tailed Flycatcher; Scissor-tail. 
 
 Muscicapa forficata, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 931 (Moucherolle Jk queue fourchue de Mexi- 
 que, Buff., P. E. 677).— Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, 71.— Steph., Shaw's 
 Gen. Zool. x, 413, pi. 3.— Bp., Am. Orn. i, 1825, 15, pi. 2, f. 1 ; Syn. 1828,275.— 
 NuTT., Man. i, 1832, 275.— AtiD., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 426, pi. 359, f. 3. 
 
 Tijrannus forficatus, Temm., Tabl. Meth. 24.— Say, Long's Exp. ii, 1833, 224.— Nutt., 
 Man. i, 2d ed. 1840, 309. 
 
 Milvulus forficatus, Sw., Classif. B. ii, 225.— EiCH., List, 1837.— Bp., List, 1838, 25.— Ano., 
 Syn. 1839, 38.— Auc, B. Am. i, 1840, 197, pi. 53.— Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 192; Not. 
 Delat. 87.- Woodh., Sitgr. Eep. 1853, 73 (Texas and Indian Territory).— Sci,., 
 P. Z. S. 1857, 204 (Xalapa).— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 169.— Cab., Mus. Heiu.ii, 1859, 
 79.— SCL., Ibis, 1859, 439; Cat. 1862, 237.— Scl. & Salv., Ibis, 1859, 121 (Gua- 
 temala).— Tayloe, Ibis, 1860, 114 (Honduras).— Cab., J. f. 0. ix, 1861, 253 
 (Costa Eica). — Lawe., Ann. Lye. ix, 1868, 116. — SuMlcii., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 
 1869, 556 (Vera Cruz).— Geay, Hand-list, i, 1869, 365, No. 5563.— Snow, B. 
 Kans. 1873 3 (Fort Eiley, Kans.). — Abbott, Am. Nat. vii, 1872, 367 (accidental 
 at Trenton, N. J.).— CouBS, Key, 1872, 169, fig. 110».— B. B. & E., N. A. B. 
 ii, 1874, 311, pi. 43, f. 1. 
 
 Tyrannus mexicanus, Steph., Shaw's Gen. Zool. xiii, pt. ii, 1826, 135. 
 
 Miisdcapa sjpectabilis, LioHT., "Mus. Berol." 
 
 Sab. — Lower Mississippi Valley, Texas, and southward into South America. 
 
 This peculiarly elegant species, not inaptly called "bird of paradise" 
 by the Texans, is merely a straggler to the Missouri water-shed. The 
 single instance I know of its occurrence in this region, is that cited by 
 Prof. Snow, on Prof. Baird's authority. It is abundant in this country 
 only in some parts of Texas ; Dr. Woodhouse, however, gives it as not 
 uncommon in the Indian Territory. Like its equally graceful relative, 
 the Fork-tailed Plycatcher, M. tyrannus, it has been known to wander 
 even to New Jersey, where a specimen was lately captured near Tren- 
 ton. Some years ago^ Dr. Prentiss and I stated that a Milvulus, -pvdb- 
 ah\y forficatus, had been seen at Washiugton, D. 0., by Mr. C. Drexler. 
 I only mention this to throw discredit upon it ; having since found rea- 
 son to believe that we were imposed upon by the collector. 
 
 The eggs of this Flycatcher are not with certainty distinguishable 
 from those of a Kingbird ; they are, however, rather smaller, and per- 
 haps on an average a little more nearly globular. Size, scarcelv 0.90 
 by 0.70. 
 
 *' TYEANNUS GAROLmENSIS, (Gm.) Temm. ' 
 Kingbird; Bee-martin, 
 
 Lanius ti/rannus, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 136 (Catesby, i, 55, pi. 55 ; Beiss., ii, 391: 
 
 ■p. E. 537).— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 302.— Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 81. 
 Lanius tyrannus var. caroUnensis ot ladovtcianua, Gm., i, 1788, 302. — Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 
 
 1790, 82 (P. E. 676). 
 Tyrannus caroUnensis, Temji., Tabl. Meth. 24. — Cab., Mus. Hein. ii, 1859, 79. — Bd., B. 
 
 N. A. 18.58, 171.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 167.— Hayd., Eep. 
 
 1862, 157.— Loed, Pr. Eoy. Arty. Inst. 1864, 113 (British Columbia).— Lawk., 
 
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236 TYRANNUS VERTICALIS, ARKANSAS FLYCATCHER. 
 
 Ann. Lye. vlii, 1865, 183 (Nicaragua).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1670, 311.— Snow. B. 
 Kans. ^73, 3.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872. 179 (Utah and Wyoming).— 
 Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 463.- Merk., ibid. 1872, 689.— Holu.-Aiken, 
 Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 205.— COUES, Key, 1872, 169, pi. 2, ligs. 1, 2 ; iig. IIO"- ; lig. 
 111.— B. B. & R., N. A. B.- iii, 1874, 316, pi. 43, f. 4; and of most late 'writers. 
 Muscicapa rex, Bart., Frag. Nat. Hist. Pa. 1799, 18. 
 
 Muscicapa lyrannus, WiLS., Am. Orn. i, 1808, 66, pi. 13, f. 1.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 66.— NuTT., 
 Man. i, 1832, 26.5.— Aud., Orn. Biog. i, 403, v, 420; pi. 79; Syu. 1839, 40; B. 
 Am. i, 204, pi. 56.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 39. 
 Ti/rannus pipiri, Vielli,., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 73, pi. 44. — Cab., J. f. 0. 1855, 478.— ScL., 
 Cat. 1862, 2.36.— GuNDL., Rep. 1865, 239 (Cuba).— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1871, 
 26.— ScL. & Salv., p. Z. S. 1866, 189 (Peru) ; 1870, 837 (Honduras). 
 Ti/rannwi intrepidus, ViEiix., Gal. Ois. i, 1.S24, 214, pi. 133; Ency. Meth. 849.— Sw., Philos. 
 Mag. i, 1827, .368 ; Quart. Journ. xx, 1826, 274.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 
 137.— Bp., List, 1838, 24.— WooDH.. Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 73.— ScL., P. Z. S. 1857, 
 232 ; 1858, 302 (Oaxaca).— Moore, ibid. 1859, 55 (Honduras).- SCL., Ibis, 1859, 
 439.— Sr:niCH., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 557 (Vera Cruz). 
 " Mjjiarchns intrepidus, Burm.,'' Verz. Mus. Hal. 46 (^Uabanis). 
 Muscicapa animosa, Licht., ^'erz. 1823, 54, No. 558. 
 Tijraiinus leucogaster, Stepii., Gen. Zool. xiii, pt. ii, 1826, 132. 
 Ti/rannus vieillolii, Sw., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 138 (=Gal. Ois. pi. 133). 
 
 Rab. — North America at large. North to " 57° or further " {Bichardaon). West to 
 the Rocky Mountains, beyond which only observed in Washington and Oregon Terri- 
 tories, and British Columbia. Breeds throughout. Winters on our extreme southern 
 border {Audubon), and thence iuto Mexico, Central and South America, to Peru. Cuba, v 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4692, 4695, Upper Missouri ; 5235-36, near Fort J 
 Pierre, Dakota ; 5237-38," Farm Island, Missouri River; 8095, Fremont, on Platte. 
 Later Expeditions.— 60440, 60765, Wyomiug ; 61770-1, 62287, 62289, Idaho. 
 
 The Missouri furnishes to this and other species a highway across the 
 central plains, of which it readily avails itself, and, crossing the mount- 
 ains of Montana, it occurs in Oregon and Washington Territories. As 
 Mr. Allen observes in a letter to mc, it is " abundant throughout East- 
 ern and Middle Kansas, and more or less common at Colorado City, 
 Denver, Cheyenne and Ogden, indicating for it a more general western 
 range than it was formerly supposed to have, and showing that it may 
 readily reach tbe coast region of Oregon by way of the passes north of 
 the mountains of Colorado, and perhaps, also, by way of the Great 
 Utah Basin and the valley of the Columbia. In Colorado it disappears 
 near the base of the foot-hills, no species of the genus being met with 
 above about 7,000 feet." Mr. Trippe also attests its abundance in Colo- 
 rado, on the plains, and it even straggles as high up as Idaho Springs. 
 Through xs^orthern Dakota, during the whole summer, I found it to be 
 one of the most abundant of all the birds wherever there was any 
 timber. 
 
 TYEANXUS VERTICALIS, Say. 
 
 Arkansas Flycatcher. 
 
 Tyrannus verticals, Say, Long's Exp. ii. 1823, (30.— XrxT., Man. ii, 1840, 360.— Bp., List, 
 1838, 3.5; Consp. i, 1850, 192.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 173.— Heerm., P. R. R. Rep. 
 X, 1859, pt. vi, 37.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 168.— Hayd., Rep. 
 1862, 157.— Lord, Pr. Arty. Inst, iv, 1864, 113 (British Columbia).— Bryant, Pr. 
 Bost. Soc. X, 1865, 96 (Plympton, Me.).— CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 59.— 
 Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 312.— Sxo\y, B. Ki.ns. 1873, 3.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. 
 Ter. 1870, 433.— Mere., ibid. 1872, 690.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. 1872, 179 (Kan- 
 sas aud westward).— Aiken., Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 205.— Coues, Key, 1872, 170, 
 figs. 110% 112.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 324, pi. 43, t. 2. 
 
 Muscicapa verticalis, Bp., Am. Orn. i, 1825, 18, pi. 2, tig. 2. — Bp., Syu. 1828, 67. — NuTT., 
 Man. i, 1832, 273.— Aud., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 422, pi. 359; Syn. 1839, 39: B. 
 Am. i, 1840, 199, pi. 54. 
 
 Laphyctes verticalis. Cab., Mus. Hein. ii, 1859, 77. 
 
 Sab. — Western United States, from Middle Kansas and Western Iowa (Allen, Mem. 
 Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 498), to the Pacific, especially abundant on the high central plains. 
 
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TYEANNUS VEETICALIS, AEKANSAS FLYCATCHEE. 237 
 
 British Columbia. Accidental at Moorestown, New Jersey (Mus. Acad. Phila. ; 
 TuKNB., B. E. Pa. 41), and at Plympton, Maine (as above). 
 
 Lientenmit Warren's Expedition. — 5263, 5265, Yellowstone ; 5264, Knife River : 5258, 
 5259, 5260, 5262, Fort Lookout ; 5240, 5242, 5243, 5246, 5252, 5253, 5256, Farm Island, 
 Missouri Eiver ; 5261, 5266, mouth Powder River ; 8896, 8898, 8899, Loup Fork. 
 
 Later i'xpedittons.— 60437-9, 61135, Wyoming ; 61748-51, Utah ; 61772, 61781, Idaho. 
 
 The very extensive series taken by Lieutenant Warren's Expedition, 
 demonstrates the abundance of the species in the Upper Missouri and 
 Platte regions. Spealiing of its occurrence with the Kingbird, Dr. Hay- 
 den says that the two are often found together, but notices that this 
 species "does not malce its appearance, however, tijl we reach a point 
 about one hundred miles below Fort Pierre, and thence to the mount- 
 ains. The T. carolinensis diminishes in numbers, while the T. verticalis 
 becomes exceedingly abundant, occurring in vast numbers along the 
 wooded portions of streams." We may accept this as indicating, in 
 general, the respective bearing of the species upon the regions in ques- 
 tion, but T. verticalis is certainly found much further east than Dr. 
 Hayden supposed, as will be observed by the above citations. I never 
 saw it, to my knowledge, in Arizona, but Dr. Cooper observed it at Fort 
 Mojave, on the Colorado. He describes a nest, taken at Santa Barbara, 
 in the following terms : " This nest was built on a branch of low oak, 
 near the town, was five inches wide, and constructed of lichens, twigs, 
 coarse grass, and wool, lined with hair; the four eggs it contained were 
 creamy-white, spotted with purple of two shades near the large end, 
 measuring 0.94 by 0.70." The habits and manners of the species are, in 
 all essentials, the same as those of Kingbird, familiar to all. 
 
 Mr. Allen has favored me with an interesting communication pre- 
 pared for the present report: "The Arkansas Flycatcher occurs 
 abundantly as far east as Fort Hays, Kansas, where it is one of the 
 most numerous and characteristic of the woodland birds. It seems 
 even more pugnacious than its relative, the Kingbird, the males fight- 
 ing with each other almost constantly ; and it is equally alert in driving 
 other birds from the vicinity of its nest. Its notes are harsher and 
 louder than those of the Kingbird, though at times rather more musical; 
 they are marked by the same general character. It is more graceful on 
 the wing than the latter bird, possessing rather superior powers of 
 flight, yet resembling it closely in general habits. It constructs a rather 
 bulky and conspicuous nest, comi^osed outwardlj' of the coarse stems of 
 plants, softly lined with finer material, generally hair; it is placed on 
 the outer and higher branches of quite large trees. The eggs, com- 
 monly five in number, in size, shape, and color so closely resemble those 
 of the Kingbird as not to be always distinguishable. Dozens of pairs 
 were breeding in the narrow belt of timber bordering Big Creek, on the 
 Military Reservation at Fort Hays. We also found them nesting in 
 isolated trees at the heads of ravines, sometimes several miles from any 
 other tree or shrub. 
 
 "The species is probably a common inhabitant of the plains, along 
 all the timbered portions of the streams, from Middle Kansas westward 
 to the Rocky Mountains. Along the South Platte and its tributaries, 
 near Denver, it is one of the most conspicuous species, but it ranges 
 only a little way into the foot-hills. I^fone were met with in South Park, 
 nor at any point in Colorado, above 7,000 feet. During the latter part 
 of August they were abundant on Crow Creek, in the vicinity of Chey- 
 enne, although the arboreal vegetation was limited to a few dwarfed 
 clumps of willows. It was here partially gregarious, loose flocks of 
 several dozens being sometimes met with, composed almost wholly of 
 young birds. These roving parties had doubtless wandered here from 
 
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238 TYHANNTJS , VOCIFEEANS, CASSIN's FLYCATCHER. 
 
 the open woodlands, tbe nearest of which were about a hundred miles 
 distant. We also met with a few individuals at Ogden, Utah, and it 
 doubtless occupies the interveniug country at all favorable points." 
 
 In Utah, according to Islv. Merriam, '"Arkansas Flycatchers are 
 numerous in the Great Salt Lake Basin, as they are among the cotton- 
 woods and bushes that border most of the streams between Salt Lake 
 and Fort Hall. From the 5th to the 28th of June I collected four of 
 their nests; they were placed on willows or cottonwoods, from eight to 
 fifteen feet above the ground ; were composed of fibrous roots, pieces of 
 dead sage-brush (Artemisia), dry grass, &c., lined with wool and other 
 soft substances. The first nest that I found was really very beautiful, as 
 ■well as curious; it was composed of fibrous roots, stalks of dry grass, 
 wool, pieces of sage-brush, with here and there a few leaves, and is 
 lined with wool, fibrous bark, and thread, with a feather occasionally 
 showing itself; there is much wool on the outside and all through the 
 nest, giving it a soft, downy appearance. This beautiful structure con- 
 tained four cream-colored eggs, spotted with reddish and dark brown, 
 the spots being most numerous near the large end." 
 
 TTKANNUS VOCIFEEAXS, Sw. 
 Cassin's Flycatcher. 
 
 Tyrannns vociferans, Sw., Quart. Jmir. Sci. xx, 1826. 273; Phil. Mag. i, 1827, 368.— Bd., 
 B. N. A. 1858, 174 ; Mex. B. Surv. ii, 1859, pt. ii, 8, pi. 10.— ScL., P. Z. S. 1859, 
 :3^;i (Oaxaca).— ScL. & Salv., Ibis, 1859, 121 (Vera Paz).— ScL., Ibis, 1859, 439 : 
 Cat. 186-3, 235 (Mexico).— CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, .59 (Arizona).— Su.aiich., 
 Mem. Best. See. i, 1869, 557 (Vera Cruz).— Coop., B. C.al. i, 1870, 314.— Aikex, 
 Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 305 (Southeast Wvomintr.— Mekr., XJ. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, 
 690.— CouKS, Key, 1872, 170, fig. llC.— B. B. & E., X. A. B. ii, 1874, 327, pi. 43, f. 5. 
 
 Zaphyctes vocife>-aii8, Cab., Mus. Hein. ii, 1859, 77. 
 
 Ti/rannus cassiin, LAWE.,-ADn. Lye. N. Y. v, 18.'j2, 39, pi. 3, fig. 2 (Texas). 
 
 Muscicapa saicllee, Licht., "Mus. Berol." (Cabanis). 
 
 Hal). — Southwestern United States ; Western Texas to Southern California. North 
 to the -yicinity of the Black Hills. South through Mexico to Guatemala. "A few of 
 this species winter at Santa Cruz, latitude 37° ; » * » • resident as far north as 
 Los Angeles" (Cooper). 
 
 Later Expeditions. — (51747, Cheyenne, Wyoming. 
 
 Mr. Aiken's memorandum of the occurrence of the species near the 
 Black Hills is the northernmost record I have found, and it extends the 
 knowu range of the bird into the Missouri region. This observer first 
 noticed it the second week in May, in the same places where he found 
 T. verticalis. Further south it is an abundant and characteristic species, 
 mostly replacing T. verticcdif; in New Mexico and Arizona. I found it 
 plentiful in both these Territories, from the main chain of the Rocky 
 Mountains, at Whipple's Pass, westward. It is only a summer resident 
 in upper Arizona, where it arrives about the middle of April, and 
 remains until toward October, frequenting all wooded localities. Its 
 habits, according to my observations, are precisely the same as those of 
 T. rertiealis ; the nidiflcatiou and the eggs are similar. 
 
 MYIAEGHUS CEIXITUS, (Linn.) Cab. 
 Great Crested Flycatcher. 
 
 a. crinitus. 
 
 Musdcctpa crinita, LiNX., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 325. — WiLS., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 75, pi. 13, 
 fig. 2.— Bp., Svn. 1828, 67.— Nun., Man. i, 1832, 271.— AuD., Orn. Biog. ii, 176; 
 V, 423 ; pi. 129; Syn. 1839, 40 ; B. Am. i, 1840, 209, pi. 57.— PcTN., Pr. Ess. Inst. 
 i, 185(i, 206 (MassacUnsetts). ,, ,,. „^ 
 
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MYIARCHUS CRINITQS MYIAECHUS CINEEASCENS. 239 
 
 Tyraunm criiiitus, S\v., Quart. Jonm. xx, 1826, 271. — Bp., Comp. List, 1838, 25. — Ndtt., 
 i, 1840, 302.— Maxim., J. f. 0. 1858, 182. 
 
 Myiobius a-initits, Gray, Genera of Birds, i, 248. 
 
 Turaniiula criiiita, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 189.— Hartl., Verz. Mus. Brem. 49.— Kaup, 
 P. Z. S. 1851, 51.— WOODH., Sitgr. Eep. 1853, 73. 
 
 Myiarchus criiiiius, Cab., J. f. O. 1855, 479.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 178.— ScL. & Salv., Ibis, 
 
 i, 1859, 121, 440.— Dress., Ibis, 1865, 473 (Texas).— McIlwe., Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 
 
 1866, 83 (Canada West).— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 3.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 
 
 1S72, 179 (Kansas).— CoUES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1872, 63 (critical).— CouES, Key, 
 
 • 1872, 171.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 334, pi. 43, fig. 3. 
 
 ITnionax ei-witus, Cab., Mus. Hein. ii, 1859, 73 (type). 
 
 Mtjiarchus {Mijionax) criiiilits, ScL., Cat. Am. B. 232. 
 
 Pjjrocephahis {Myionax) cvinitiis, Gray, Hand-list, No. 5518. 
 
 Mitscicapa ludoviciana, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 934. 
 
 Tijrcniniia hidoricianus, Vibill., Ois. Aui. Sept. i, 1807, pi. 45. 
 
 Tiirannus irrilahiUs, ViElLL., Ene. Meth. ii, 1823, 847. 
 
 " 2Iiiscivapa rirginca, MUller." 
 
 "Muscicapa riryima cristata, Briss., Orn. ii, 412 ; Planch. Enl. 569, fig. 1 " (Gray). 
 For extrali niital vars. b. and c, see CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1872, 65, 67. In there 
 
 assigning T. irritahilis, Vieillot, to the South American bird (Suiriri pardoyrojo, Azara, 
 
 ii, 143, No. 195, Paraguay), I fell into error following Bonapartt^, who makes this iden- 
 tification. I am apprized by Dr. Sclater that Vieillot's name is really based upon 
 
 Bufifon (P. E., as above) ; and is therefore the true North American crinitus. 
 
 Bab. — Eastern United States and British Provinces, but rarely beyond the Counectl- ' 
 cut Valley. Not given by Trippe as Minnesotan. West to Eastern Kansas and Indiaa . , 
 Territory. Breeds throughout its United States range. Migratory. Entirely with- \ 
 draws from the United States to winter in Central America, especially in Guatemala. * ' 
 Costa Eica {Lau'mnce, Ann. Lye. is, 1868, 115). Cuba? (G-undlach, 239) ; no other West -■■• 
 Indian quotations found. (Minnesota ? Hatch, Pr. Minn. Acad, i, 54.) 
 
 This species was not observed by any of the Expeditions, and its' 
 Missouri range is restricted, apparently, to the lowermost portions of- 
 the river. According to the observations of Mr. Allen and others, as 
 "well as of my own, it occurs abundantly in Eastern Kansas, gradually 
 becoming less numerous with the restriction of timber to the westward, 
 being already rare in Middle Kansas. Mr. Allen onlj- saw one during 
 Ms six weeks stay at Fort Hays. 
 
 S"o eggs of this country are more peculiar than those of the Myiarclii, 
 and they are alike in all our species of the genus. It is difficult to 
 convey an adequate idea of the curious pattern of coloration. Upon a 
 buff or rich clay-color ground are drawn lengthwise unnumbered mark- 
 ings of rich, dark purplish-chestnut, or purplish-chocolate, with others 
 of a paler shade of the same. The markings are of a peculiar sharp, 
 scratchy character, as if made with a fine pen. At the butt the scratches 
 are usually expansive and confluent, but elsewhere are distinct, and 
 maintain for the most part their longitudinal direction, although in 
 many samples the scratches run in every way. The size of the egg of 
 crinitus is about 0.85 by 0.62. 
 
 MYIAECHUS OINERASOENS, (Lawr.) Scl. 
 Ash-throated Flycatcher. 
 
 Tyrannula cincrascens, Lawe., Ann. Lye. N. Y. v, 1851, 109. — Newb., P. E. E. Eep. vi, 
 
 1857, 81. 
 Alyiarcluis civei-ascens, Scl., Ibis, 1859, 121 (? Guatemala), 440 ; P. Z. S. 1859, Z&i (Oaxaca); 
 
 1871, 84 ; Cat. 1862, 833 (escl. syn. T. mexicanus, Kaup).— Codes, Pr. A. N. S. 
 
 1872, 69 (critical).— CouES, Key, 1872, 171. 
 
 ilyiarclvus crinitus var. ciiierascens, B. B. & II., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 337, pi. 43, fig. 6. 
 
 Myiarchus mexicanus, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 179 (nee Kaup; nee M. mexicanus, Lawr., Ann, 
 Lye. ix, 1869, 202).— Hi:eem., P. E. E. Eep. x, 1859, pt. vi, 37, pi. 4.— Codes, 
 Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 59.— Sumich., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869,557 (Vera Cruz).— 
 Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 316.— Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 205 (near Black Hills). 
 
 Myiarchus mexieamis var. pertinax, Bd., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1859, 303 (Cape St. Lucas). 
 
 Myionax mexicanus, Cab., Mua. Hein., ii, 1859, 74. 
 
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240 SAYOENIS SAYUS, SAY's FLYCATCHER. 
 
 -HaJ.— Southwestern United States. North to the Black Hills {AHen); Utah 
 (MoCarthy); THeyaHa. (Riclgway). South through Mexico. Texas to the Pacific; Cape 
 St. Lucas ; Mazatlan {Grayson) ; Guatemala (?). Said by Dr. Cooper to winter in the 
 Colorado Valley as high as Fort Mojave. 
 
 The characters of this species, and its synonymy, -will be found fully 
 discussed in my paper of 1872, above cited. 
 
 As in the case of the preceding species, Mr. Aiken again furnishes a 
 northernmost quotation, carrying the known range into Wyoming. It 
 had before been brought from Utah and ISTevada, but its centre of abun- 
 dance in the United States appears to be somewhat further south. 
 I found it numerous in the mountains of Arizona, there occupying the 
 place of crinitus, as Cassin's does of the Arkansas Flycatcher. It is 
 there only a summer resident, arriving late in April, and remaining 
 through most of September. Avoiding the depths of the pineries, it 
 resorts to the oak openings, brushj' ravines, and the fringes of wood 
 along the streams. Its habits and manners recall those of crmitus in 
 every particular. I never found the nest, which is thus described by 
 Dr. Heermanu : "The nest, found in the hollow of a tree, or in a de- 
 serted squirrel's or Woodpecker's hole, is composed of grasses lined 
 with feathers. The eggs, five in number, are cream-colored, marked 
 and speckled with purplish-red. dashes and faint neutral-tint blotches." 
 
 The species is of very general distribution in Mexico, in many places 
 associated with the resident variety of crinitus (var. cooperi of that 
 country). In the United States it is migratory, retiring to or beyond 
 our boundary in the fall. 
 
 SAYOENIS SAYUS, (Bp.) Bd. 
 Say's Flycatcher. 
 
 Museicapa saya, Bp., Am. Orn. i, 18'2.'j, 20, pi. 2, fig. 3 ; Syn. 1828, 67. — NuTT., Man. i, 
 1832, 277.— AUD., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 428, pi. 359 ; Syn. 1839, 41 : B. Am. i, 1840, 
 217, pi. 59. 
 
 Tyrannula saya, Sw. & KiCH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 149, pi. 45.— Bp., List, 1838, 24; Consp. 
 i, 1850, 189.— Nbwb., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 81.— WOODH., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 74. 
 
 Tijranniis saya, NuTT., Mau. i, 1840, 311. 
 
 Tyrannus sayii, Maxim., J. f. O. 1858, 183. 
 
 Myiobius sayus, Gkay, Genera of Birds, i, 249. 
 
 Ochthoeca saya, Cab., Wieg. Archiv, 1847, 255. 
 
 Aulanax sayus. Cab., J. f. O. 1856, 2. 
 
 Sayonds sayus, Bd., B. X. A.. 1858, 185 ; Mex. Bound, ii, 1859, Birds, 9.— Kenn., P. R. E. 
 Rep. X, 1859, pt. iv, 24.— Heerm., ifcid. pt. vi, 37.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 158.— Cooes, 
 Pr. Phila. Acad. 1868, 60 (Arizona).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 179 (Colo- 
 rado and Wyoming).— AlKEX, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 205.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. 
 Ter. 1870, 463.— Merr., ibid. 1«72, 690.— CoHES, Key, 1872, 172.— B. B. &, R., N. 
 A. B. ii, 1874, 347, pi. 45, fig. 3. 
 
 Theromyias sayi. Cab., J^us. Hein. ii, 1859, 67 (type). 
 
 Tyrannula pallida, Sw., Phil. Mag. i, 1827, 367. 
 
 Sayomis palUdus. Scl., P. Z. S. 1857, 127, 204 ; 1859, 366 (Xalapa) ; Cat. 1862, 199 (Ori- 
 zaba).— Scl. & Salv., Ibis, 1859, 438 
 
 Hah. — Western North America, from the high central plains to the Pacific. North 
 to latitude 60"^ {Richardson). South to Mexico. Breeds apparently throughout most 
 of its range (Texas, Dre.ss , Ibis, 1865, 473), and winters along our southern border. 
 
 Lieutenant (ranew's 2?jye(Zi«o)i.— 5287, Knife River ; 5268, Fort Union ; 5269, Cannon- 
 ball River, 829.3-4, Black Hills. 
 
 Later Expeditions.— bi'iOo, 60448, 60766, Wyoming; 61769, Utah. 
 
 This is an abundant species throughout its range, in suitable places, 
 and one of the hardier birds of the family, proceeding as far north, ap- 
 parently, as any, and further than most. It is also one of the earliest 
 migrants, in this respect agreeing with S. fuscus of the East. From its 
 winter quarters along our southern border, in the valleys of the Colo- 
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SAYORNIS FUSCUS, PEWIT FLYCATCHER. 241 
 
 ratio and Gila, and ia Southern California, it begins to move in Feb- 
 ruary, and by the following month has accomplished the first stages of 
 its journey. According to Dr. Richardson, it, reaches the Saskatchewan 
 early in May. It returns very leisurely, tarrying by the way, not fairlj- 
 resuming its winter station until November. 
 
 In its habits it is nearest »S'. nigricans, but also in a noticeable degree 
 resembles the arboreal species of the East. It is a bird of open country, 
 the Flycatcher of the plains. As we ride through the rank herbage of 
 the innumerable ravines that trend toward the water-courses of the 
 west, among the sage-brush of the still more inhospitable regions, or in 
 less forbidding valleys, environed by forests, that lie among the moun- 
 tains. Say's Flycatcher may ofteu be seen, singly or in pairs, perched 
 on the stunted vegetation. We may approach quite near without 
 alarming it, hear its sharp note, observe its characteristic attitude as 
 it sits in wait for passing insects, ready for instant action, and then see 
 it sally into the air to capture its prey with a click of the bill. It has 
 the same vibrating motion of the tail so characteristic of H. ftiscus. The 
 nidiflcation is essentially similar to that of this species, in the construc- 
 tion of the nest, if not in its position. Sometimes mud is used in its 
 composition, sometimes not. The eggs, of the usual number for this 
 family, are pure white, unmarked, as in S.fusciis, and also 8. nigricans. 
 
 
 SAYORNIS FUSCUS, (Gm.) Bd. 
 Pewit Flycatcher; Phaebe-bird. 
 
 Museicapa fusca, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 9'i (M. carol inensis fiisca, Briss., iv, 367.) — 
 
 ViEiLL., Ois. Am. Sept. i, W07, 68, pi. 40 ; Encv. Meth. 829.— Bp., Obs. Wils. 
 
 1825, No. 11.5 ; Syn. 18-28, 68.— AUD., OrD. Biog. ii, 1834, 122 ; v, 1839, 424 ; pi. 
 
 120 ; Syn. 1839, 43 ; B. Am. i, 1840, 223, pi. 63.— GiR., B. L. I. 1H44, 4-2. 
 Tyrannula fusca, Rich., List in Rep. Brit. Assoc. 1837. — Bp., List, 1838, 24. 
 Tyrannus fitsciis, Nutt., Man. i, 1840, 31<2. 
 
 Myiarchm fuscus, Cab., Wieg. Arch. 1847, 248.— SCL., P. Z. S. 1859, 366 ; Ibis, 1859, 440. 
 Aulanax fuscus, Cab., J. f. O. iv, 1856, 1. 
 Sayoniis fuscus, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 184. — Sumich., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, ."i.")? (Vera 
 
 Cruz).— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 158.— Dress., Ibis, 1865, 473 (Texas).— Snow, B. 
 
 Kans. 1873, 3.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii. 1872, 179.— Codes, Kev. 1872, 172, fig. 
 
 US'".- Gentry, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1«73, 292 (nesting).— B. B. & R., N. A. B. it, 
 
 1874, 343, pi. 45, fig. 2. 
 Empidias fuscus. Cab., Mus. Hein. ii, 1859, 69 (type).— ScL., Cat. 1862, 234 (Mexico).— 
 
 Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 290. 
 Pyrocephalus (Empidias) fuscus. Gray, Hand-list, i, 1869, 363, No. 5539. 
 Museicapa atra, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 946.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 278. 
 il/«scic«p«j)/ta;6e. Lath., Ind. Oru. ii, 1790, 489. , 
 
 Mu-scicapa nuneiola, Wils., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 78, pi. 13, f. 4. ..' ^ 
 
 Myioiins nuneiola. Gray, Genera of Birds, i, 248. ■'. ' 
 
 Tyrannula nuneiola, Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 189.— WooDH., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 74. A . 
 
 Hah. — Eastern United States and British Provinces. West to the Vermilion River, ' 
 or iurther. South into Mexico (Xalapa, De Oca, Mils. Lawr.). Winters abundantly in^') / _ , 
 all the Southern States. Breeds throughout its United States range. One of the very, 
 earliest migrants in the spring, reaching the C'anadas by the middle of April. -''--' 
 
 Not noticed by the Expeditions. 
 
 The following fresh observations on the nidiflcation of this species, ' , j. 
 by Mr. Gentry, in the paper above quoted, are reproduced entire, as ;\^^ 
 being of sufficient interest : ^ v, ;; 
 
 "It is the commonly received opinion that birds of the same species' '^^ 
 uniformly build their nests of the same materials and in the same form 4 t» 
 and situation, though they inhabit different climates. This, however, oVf*'^ 
 is not iuvariably the case, as a few observations will show. On the 
 north branch of the Susquehanna, some months since, I procured several 
 16 
 
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242 SAYOENIS FUSCUS, PEWIT FLYCATCHER. 
 
 nests of our common Phoebe-bird, Sai/ornif; fuscus, which in size, strnc- 
 ture, and materials, might be taken for nests of species distinct from the 
 one under consideration. As these nests were found upon the horizon- 
 tal beams of a wagon-shed, they would not seem to require such com- 
 pactness of structure as when built in more exposed situations. 
 
 "After a careful examination of several nests from different localities, 
 I find that they are usually circular at the top, with a depth externally 
 differing but little from the average diameter. By measurement I 
 obtain the following dimensious: Diameter from side to side, 3J inches, 
 depth 3 inches ; diameter of cavity within, 2| inches, making the thick- 
 ness of the lateral walls J inch ; depth of cavity, 1^ inch, indicating a 
 thickness at the bottom of IJ inch. These nests are composed of fine 
 roots, grasses, fine mosses, and hairs, which are plastered together, and 
 to the objects upon which they are built, by pellets of mud ; within they 
 are lined with soft grasses, lint, hairs, and sometimes with wool and 
 feathers. 
 
 "No. 1 of deviation is nearly circular, with an average diameter of 4 
 inches and a depth of 2 inches, being considerably depressed. Diame- 
 ter of cavity 2^ inches, depth 1 inch ; thickness of lateral walls f inch, 
 at the bottom 1 inch. The nest is constructed wholly of the silk of 
 corn, with a few strings and hairs on the inside for a lining ; the absence 
 of moss and clay pellets being a noticeable feature of the nest ; such 
 ordinarily indispensable materials evidently not being requisite, if the 
 site of the nest affords any criterion for judging. 
 
 "No. 2 of these anomalous forms is circular, with a diameter of 5 
 inches, and a depth of 2J inches on the outside ; within, 2i inches in 
 diameter and 2 inches in depth ; lateral walls, IJ inch in thickness ; in- 
 ferior, ^ inch. The entire nest is composed of the inner bark of the 
 chestnut, plucked, doubtless, from fence rails, and reduced to very fine 
 strips for the inner part of the nest, and gradually attaining a width of 
 nearly one-fourth of an inch on the exterior. 
 
 "In an intermediate form between the ordinary form and the first de- 
 viation therefrom, I find the diameter 4i inches externally, depth 2 
 inches; cavity 2i inches, and depth 1^ inch ; lateral walls, each, 1 inch ; 
 inferior, J inch. This nest is formed of tine grasses, hair, wool, and an 
 abundance of moss externally ; within it is lined by fine grasses and 
 hairs ; the absence of clay would seem to imjjly an unexposed i)lace for 
 its site, to which theory looseness of its structure most assuredly adds 
 weight. 
 
 "That a species which has always been known to build a nest so cliar- 
 acteristic; as the Pewee should deviate so considerably and suddenly, 
 as it seems to be, from its ordinary habit of nest-building, is remarka- 
 ble. But such is the fact, as the mother-bird was discovered in the act 
 of incubation. It has been suggested that possibly these nests were 
 stolen property, and not the work of the bird in question. But this, I 
 am satisfied, is not the case. The individuals of some species do take 
 forcible possession of the abodes of others, or the cavities in which 
 such are secreted, but I have never known the intruders to occupy the 
 same, except in the case of Molothrus pecoris of America, and Cuculus 
 canorus of England. As these birds never build, but deposit their eggs 
 in the nests of other birds, I am hardly disposed to grant the propriety 
 of considering them in this light. It is well known that Troglodytes 
 aedon does, when prompted by a mischievous spirit, drive away Icterus 
 baltimore and Sayornis fus<nis from their rightful property, and take up 
 her abode therein, but not without having previously constructed her 
 rude nest of coarse stic^^y^^^yj^^j^j^^^^ers and down. 
 
CONTOPUS BOREALIS, OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER. 243 
 
 "So strong is the attachment of birds to the nests of their own con- 
 struction, that the parental instinct is often lost sight of. Proofs could 
 be cited to sustain this assertion. One, however, will suffice. Two 
 years ago, in Atlantic County, New Jersey, I came across a nest of the 
 Robin, which, on account of its curious arrangement, I desired to pos- 
 sess. Unable to wait until the unfledged brood had taken their depart- 
 ure, I conceived the plan of removing them to another nest of the same 
 species, not so neatly constructed or so tastefully arranged. But, as I 
 had anticipated, the mother deserted her offspring ; the love for home 
 predominating over every other feeling. 
 
 ■'These deviations from the usual style of nest-building by the Pewee 
 would seem to argue against the belief generally entertained, that in- 
 stinct, being a positive determinatiou given to the minds of animals for 
 certain purposes, must necessarily be perfect, when viewed in connection 
 with those purposes ; but to say that they doubtless imply a change of 
 instinct is to perplex the understanding by a perversion of language. 
 But to ascribe these changes to the operations of reason influenced by 
 motives, does seem to be the most rational view to take of the subject. 
 That reason does enter into the inferior creatures, and dictate many of 
 the changes of habit which mark their career, has been shown in many 
 instances ; but I cannot forbear to record one which came under my 
 observation in the spring of 1871. While watching a pair of Ampelis 
 cedrornm, engaged in the building of a nest on a branch of an apple- 
 tree, it occurred to me that, by supplying them with materials, I might 
 secure a nest neater and more compact than those usually made. The 
 birds entered into the i)roject with readiness, and carried away every 
 piece of colored string and cotton fabric with which 1 supplied them. 
 After 1 had ceased to' furnish the materials they would fly repeatedly to 
 the branch where the articles were deposited, as if imploring my serv- 
 ices. The result was a nest firmer, more symmetrical, and more elegant 
 in proportions than any I had ever observed. If instinct had been the 
 controlling principle in this case, the birds would not have given my 
 labors so much attention; but admitting that they had been actuated 
 by reasoning faculties in their selection, the whole thing is perfectly 
 plausible. Instinct is always the same thing ; it never advances, never 
 retrogrades ; but reason tends to improvement, when it can serve a good 
 purpose. 
 
 " As the nests which form the subject-matter of this paper were found 
 within a short distance of each other, it would seem that circumstances 
 peculiar to the neighborhood had rendered a deviation from the common 
 form necessary. Observation teaches us that when danger or any other 
 circumstance renders a change in the character of the nest necessary, 
 that deviation is made in an equal degree and in the same manner by 
 all the birds of one species, and that it does not extend beyond the 
 limits of the region where alone it can serve a good purpose.'' 
 
 CONTOPUS BOREALIS, (Sw.) Bd. T- 
 OUve-sIded Flyciitcher. 
 
 Tyramius Ixyrealis, Sw., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 141, pi. 35. 
 
 MyioMus torealis, Gray. Gen. of B. i, 248. 
 
 Contopus horealis, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 188.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 169.— 
 Sol., Cat. 1862, 230 (not of P. Z. S. 1858, 301;. 1859, 43; which are C. pm-- 
 fmax).—VERK., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 145 (Norway, Me., probably breeding, not 
 very common; qnite common about Umbagog). — Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 
 1864, 54 (Massachusetts, not very rare ; May 15 to Sept. 15).— Codes, Hid. v, 
 1868, 264.— MclLWR., iiicl. v, 1866, 84 (Toronto, two specimens).— Lawe., Ann. 
 
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244 CONTOPUS BOREALIS, OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER. 
 
 Lvc. N. Y. Tiii, 1866, 290 ; ix, 1868, 115 (Costa Rica).— Cooes, Pr. Boat. Soc. 
 xii, 1868, 118 (South Carolina).— Tuknis., B. E. Pa. 1869, 13 (very rare).— 
 Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 323.— Mayn., Guide, 1870, 125 (Massachusetts, breeds, 
 not very rare).— Mayx., Pr. Bost. Soc. 1871 (Northern New England).- Aiken, 
 ibid. 1872, 206 (Wyoming).- Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 3 (migratory).— Allen, Bull. 
 M. C. Z.iii, 1872, i79 (Colorado Mountains up to 12,000 ieet; Wahsatch Mount- 
 ains : Utah).— Merk., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, 691 (Idaho).— Coues, Key, 
 1872, 173.— Salt., P. Z. S. 1870, 199 (Veragua).— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 
 353, pi. 44, f. 1. 
 
 Saijornis borealis, Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, Birds, No. 48. 
 
 Pyrocephalus {Contopus) honcdis, Gkay, Hand-list, i, 1869, 362, No. 5507. 
 
 Musoicapa bmrnata. CoOP. & Nutt., Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 282, 2-^5. 
 
 Mnscicapa cooperi, Nutt., Man. i, 1832, :282 (not Tijrannula cooperi, of Hartl., Chili, nor 
 of Kaup, Mexico, nor Myiarckus cooperi of authors). — AuD., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 
 422, pi. 174 ; Syn. 1839, 41 ; B. Am. i, 1840, 212, pi. 58.— PuTN., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 
 1856, 206 (Massachusetts). 
 
 Tyrannus cooperi, Bp., List, 1838, 24.— Ndtt., Man. i, 1840, 298.— Rbinh., Ibis, Jan. 1861, 
 7 (Greenland). 
 
 Tyrannula cooperi, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 189. 
 
 Contopus cooperi, Cab., J. f. O. iii, 1855, 479 ; ix, 1861, 248 (Costa Rica) ; Mus. Hein. ii, 
 1859, 72 (excl. svn. C. hoi-ealis, Sclater). 
 
 Contojms.mesoleuciis, Scl!, P. Z. S. 18.^9, 43 ; Ibis, 1859, 122, 440.— Scmich., Mem. Bost. 
 Soc. i, 1869, 557 (Vera Cruz). 
 
 Miiscicapa viUica, Licht., "Mus. Berol." (Caianis). 
 
 Hob. — Entire temperate North America. Mexico. Greenland (Beinhardt). Com- 
 mon, and breeds in parts of New England. Rare in Middle and Southern Atlantic 
 States. More abundant in the West. South to Central America. 
 
 List of specimens. 
 
 19189 
 
 131 
 
 Wind. River - - 
 
 
 May 24, 1860 
 
 F.V. Hayden- 
 
 7.25 
 
 12.50 1 4.25 
 
 
 
 Later ExpeditiMis.— 61739, Utah ; 62289-90, Idaho. 
 
 The very general dispersion of this species in North America only 
 gradually become apparent. It was discovered bj^ Sir John Eichard- 
 son on the Saskatchewan, at Cumberland House, in latitude 54°, and 
 described in 1831 by Mr. Swainson, as above cited. It was rediscovered 
 by Mr. Nuttall, a specimen being obtained near Cambridge, Massachu- 
 setts, in June, 1830. This gentleman obtained several others in the same 
 vicinity, and described its notes and manners accurately. The nest, he 
 states, was on*" the horizontal branch of a tall cedar- tree, forty or fifty 
 feet from the ground. It was formed much in the manner of the King- 
 bird's, externally made of interlaced dead twigs of the cedar, internally 
 of the wiry stolons of the common cinquefoil, dry grass, and some 
 fragments of branching Lichen or JJsnea. It contained three young, 
 and had probably four eggs. The eggs had been hatched about the 
 20th of June, so that the pair had arrived in this vicinity about the 
 close of May. The young remained in the nest no less than twenty- 
 three days." The same author speaks of the eggs as '• yellowish-creamy 
 white, with spots of reddish-brown, of a light and dark shade." This 
 is exactly the character of the specimens before me. The size is about 
 0.S4 by 0.66. About the same time Dr. Brewer communicated a note to 
 Mr. Audubon, describing the nest as follows : " Measures five inches in 
 external diameter and three and a half inches in internal, and is about 
 half an inch deep. It is composed entirely of roots and fibres of moss. 
 It is, moreover, very rudely constructed, and is almost wholly flat, re- 
 sembling the nest of no other Flycatcher I have seen, but having some 
 similitude to that of the Cuckoo." Xew England quotations have con- 
 tinually multiplied, many referring to the breeding of the bird from 
 Massachusetts northward ; quite lately, Mr. Brewster says, in Mr. May- 
 nard's book above quoted, that it nests generally in the fork of a pine- 
 tree, the only nest fouq^-^g^jy^/tl/jf^(5»|^fi^ituation being placed on 
 
CONTOPUS VIEENS, WOOD PEWEE. 245 
 
 the outer limb of an apple-tree. Mr. AiuUibon mentions tbe Magdaleine 
 Islands and Labrador as other localities. In the reverse direction, the 
 bird has been traced in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, but 
 I never saw it in Maryland or Virginia ; and in including it in my South 
 Carolina list I relied entirely upon Prof. li. W. Gibbes, of Charleston. 
 He very likely included it on the strength of Audubon's statement of 
 its occurrence in Georgia. The rarity of the bird, along the whole At- 
 lantic coast south of New England, may be inferred from the foregoing. 
 Turning now to the west, we find Audubon again quoting Nuttall for 
 its occurrence "in the dark fir-woods of the Columbia." This is cor- 
 roborated by Dr. Cooper, who says that the Olive-sided Flycatcher "is 
 very common, arriving early in May, and frequenting the borders of 
 woods, where, from the summit of some tall, dead tree, its loud, melan- 
 choly cry resounds through the day, during the whole of summer. It 
 frequents the small pine-groves along the coast, as well as in the 
 interior, and remains until late iu September." More recently, the 
 same observer gives the species as "resident" in most parts of Cali- 
 fornia, stating that he found them rather common in the coast-range 
 toward Santa Cruz, where they had nests in May ; and saw them at 
 Lake Tahoe in September. Dr. Hayden's, Mr. Allen's, and Mr. Aiken's 
 Rocky Mountain references are above given. There is little doubt that 
 the bird breeds iu places in these regions. In Colorado, according to 
 Mr. Trippe, it breeds, though it is not very common. "This Flycatcher," 
 he says, "arrives at Idaho Springs late in May, and remains till late in 
 August or early in September. It is quite uncommon, only three or 
 four pairs having been observed throughout the summer, and these at 
 widely diiferent points, each pair apparently monopolizing a wide range. 
 It keeps in the tops of the trees, and is an active flycatcher ; its voice 
 is loud and distinct ; and its nest is placed in the top of a pine, and 
 zealously guarded from all intrusion with as much fierceness and energy 
 as the Kingbird's." I did not observe it any season in Arizona, but the 
 presumption is that it visits that Territory, since it is known to go south, 
 through Mexico, and to Central America. But in that region its place 
 seems to be mostly taken by the G. pertinax, a closely allied, but per- 
 fectly distinct Mexican species, there finding, probably, its northern 
 limit. I took a young bird of G. pertinax at Fort Whipple, August 20, 
 doubtless hatched in the vicinity. The differences between G. pertinax 
 and G. borealis are correctly expressed in my paper (Pr. Phila. Acad. 
 1866, 60) and in ray later work, as above quoted. Both are true 
 " Pewees," and in their general economy closely resemble G. virens. 
 
 ,/ 
 
 'y CONTOPUS VIEENS, (Linn.) Cab. ^^^ " ~~ 
 
 Wood Pewee. 
 
 MuscAcapa virens, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 327,— Gm., 936.— Lath., Ind. Oru. ii, -182 — 
 LiCHT., Veiz. 1823, 563.— Bp , S.vu. ltJ28, 68,- Kutt., Man. i, 1832, 285.— AuD., 
 Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 93 ; v, 1839, 425 ; pi. 115 ; Syn. 1839, 42 ; B. Am. i, 1840, 231, 
 pi. 64.— GiE., B. L. I. 1844, 43.— TWPPE, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 114'(JIinuesota). 
 
 Tymnnula virens, Bp., List, 1838, 24 ; Consp. i, 18.10, 189.— Woodh., Sitgr'. Rep. 1853,74 
 
 MyioUus virens, Gray, Gen. of B. i, 1840, 249. 
 
 Turantnts virens, Nutt., Man. i, 1840, 316. 
 
 Myiarchns virens. Cab., Wieg. Arch. 1847, 248.— Sci.., P. Z. S. 1855, 150. 
 
 Contopus virens, Cab., J. f. O. iii, 1855, 479; ix, 1861, 248 (Costa Rica); Mus. Hein. ii, 
 1859,71.-SCL., P. Z. S. 1859, 44.-8cl. & Salv., Ibis, 1859, 122, 441.— ScL., Cat. 
 1862, 231 (Vera Paz; Guatemala).— Bd., B. N. A. 18.58, 190.— DiiESS., Ibis, isil,',. 
 474 (Texa9, breeding).- Gundl., Rep. 1865, 239 (Cnba).— McIlwr., Pr. Ess. Inst, 
 vi, 1866, 84 (Canada).— Lawk. , Ann. Lye. ix, 1868, 115 (Costa Eica).— Sumich., 
 Mem. Host. Soc. i, 1869, 557 (Orizaba).— ScL. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1870, 837 (Hon- 
 
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246 * CONTOPUS VIRENS, WOOD PEWEE. 
 
 duras).— AiXKN, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 179 (Kansas).— CoUBS, Key, 1872, 173, 
 
 fig. 113=.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 357, pi. 44, fig. 3. 
 Pyrocephaltts (Contopus) virens, Gray, Hand-list, i, 1869, 3G1, No. 5506. 
 Muscicapa querula, Vikill., Ois. Am. Sept. 1, 1807, 68, pi. 39 (nee Wils.). 
 Museicapa rapax, Wils., Am. Orn. il, 181, 81, pi. 13, f. 5. 
 
 Mob. — Eastern United States and British Provinces. Not much west of the Missis- 
 sippi; only to borders of central plains. South to New Granada. Mexico. Breeds (^; 
 throughout its United States range. Said by Audubon to winter in Louisiana and 
 Florida ; observation unchecked by later accounts. Winters in Mexico and Central . 
 America to New Granada. A late migrant in the spring ; entering the United States 
 in March, and reaching the middle districts usually about the end of the next month. 
 Extremely abundant, in wood-land, in most localities. 
 
 I am indebted to Mr. Gentry for the following notes : "This species 
 usually makes its appearance in the eastern part of Pennsylvania in the 
 latter part of April, and commences building about the middle of May. 
 It prefers the loneliness of the forest generally, to the busy haunts of 
 man. It is described by writers as being more retired in its habits than 
 its cousins, as well as more suspicious. In my early ornithological per- 
 egrinations, I had always encountered it far from the scenes of active 
 life, its nest being found in the recesses of dense forests, saddled upon 
 the horizontal limb of some gigantic, high-towering oak. Last spring 
 I was surprised to meet with several within a few yards of occupied 
 dwellings, in the midst of a rather thickly settled portion of our town. 
 These nests were fixed upon the horizontal branches of apple-trees, at 
 elevations less than ten feet from the ground. The trees had been often 
 visited by several of my pupils, who had even whiled their leisure mo- 
 ments away underneath their sheltering boughs, while the mother-birds 
 sat within their cozy nests overhead, apparently in the enjoyment of 
 calm satisfaction and perfect security. 
 
 " It is true that birds originally conceive very unfavorable opinions 
 of man, and seek safety and immunity from his presence in intermina- 
 ble forests and impenetrable undergrowth, under the fancied belief that 
 he is their inveterate foe ; but through the habit of association, or acci- 
 dental intrusion into his presence, they have learned more of his nature, 
 particularly in these latter times when the law is their i^rotection, and 
 from holding him aloof as a being to be hated, they begin to see his 
 good qualities, and draw near to his dwellings and render to him mani- 
 fold services. 
 
 "Nuttall's description of the nest of this species, which has the credit 
 of being the best that is recorded, may have been a faithful portraiture 
 thereof in his day, and no doubt will be found to hold good in various 
 sections, as it does in New England, according to the authority of Sam- 
 uels ; but in this section of the country it is somewhat different, and 
 needs remodeling. Instead of being ' universally saddled upon an old 
 moss-grown and decayed limb,' I have frequently seen it resting between 
 the forked twigs of an oak, and one that was in a perfectly living con- 
 dition. 'The body of the fabric' occasionally consists of 'wiry grass or 
 root-fibres,' but I have never detected the "small branching lichens held 
 together with cobwebs and caterpillars' silk, moistened with saliva.' In 
 a nest which I have before me, vvhich can be taken as a type, the bulk 
 of it is made up entirely of small strips of liber plucked from trees and 
 fence-rails, tow, and wool, arranged in a circular manner, and jjressed 
 compactly together by the body of the bird. One of the most promi- 
 nent features of the nest is its external coating of bluish-gray crusta- 
 ceous lichens, of the kind that are found upon the trunks of trees, which 
 give it a very close resemblance to that of the Hummingbird, which it 
 nearly rivals in symmetry and beauty. 
 
 " When the nests are saddled upon the limb there is much saving of 
 
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CONTOPUS EICHARDSONII, WESTEKN WOOD PEWEE. 247 
 
 material, economy doubtless being practised at the expense of the com- 
 fort of the young. The bottom of the nest is so slight, that upon being 
 detached from the branch it presents a sieve like appearance. In those 
 that have been placed in the angle constituted by two uniting twigs, 
 there has always been au abundance of material, thus making a- soft 
 and comfortable nest for the tender brood. 
 
 "The habit of constructing the nest upon the superior face of a branch 
 was doubtless acquired in order to secure protection, the nest in this po- 
 sition presenting to an enemy at a distance the semblance of an anoma- 
 lous growth, overgrown with moss, such as are sometimes found upon 
 the diseased branches of the oak. 
 
 " I have taken the nests of this species during the latter part of July 
 and the early part of August, with eggs, but whether a second laying 
 or not I am not prepared to say ; possibly the work of birds that had 
 been debarred the essential duties of incubation earlier in the season, 
 since this desire is so innate as to be foregone with difticulty." 
 
 CONTOPUS (VIRENS var?) EICHAEDSOIsriI, (Sw.) Bd. 
 Western Wood Pewee. 
 
 Tyranntila ricliardsonii, Sw., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 146, pi. 46, lower fig. ( very wrongly colored). 
 
 Museicapa ricliardsonii, AUD., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 299, pi. 434. 
 
 Contopns richardmnii, Bf., B. N. A. 1858, 189.— ScL., Cat. 18lr2, 231 (Vera Paz).— Hayd., 
 
 Rep. 1802, 158.— DiiESS., Ibis, 1865, 474 (Matamoras, breeding).— Cohes, Pr. 
 
 Pbila. Acad. 1868, 61 (Arizona).— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. ix, 1868, 115 (Costa 
 
 Rica).— Coop., Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 3] (Montana).— Coop., B. Cal.. i, 1870, :,i:,. 
 
 Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 206 (Colorado).— Stbv., IT. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 
 
 463.— Merk., ibid. 1872, 691. 
 Pyrocephalus {Contnjms) rioliardsonii, Grav, Hand-list, 1869, 362, No. 5510. 
 Ti/rannula pluebe, Bp., Conip. List, 1838, 24 (not ilu^eiccqm pliwhe, Lath.). 
 Museicapa plimhe, AuD., Syn. 1839, 42 ; B. Am. i, 1840, 219, pi. 61 (Labrador quotation 
 
 probably erroneous). 
 Tyrannus pluehe, Nott., Man. i, 1840, 319. 
 Tyrannus atriceps, D'OuBiG., (fide Gray). 
 Contopus bogotensis, ScL., P. Z. S. 1858, 459. 
 Tyraiiuiilu bogotensl", Bp., Comptes Rend. 
 
 Contopus plebeitis, Cais., Mus. Hein. ii, 1859, 71 (Mexico) ; .T. f. 0. ix, 1861, 248 (Costa Rica). 
 Contopus .lordidiihis, ScL., P. Z. S. 1859, 43 ; Ibis, 1859, 491 (Orizaba).— ScL. & Salv., 
 
 Ibis, 18,59,. 122 (Guatemala). — Sumioh., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 557 (alpine 
 
 region of Vera Cruz). 
 Contopus veliei, Baird & CouES ; CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 61 (in text ; seasonal 
 
 state of plumage). 
 Contopus virens var. richardsonii, AlXEN, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 179 (Colorado and 
 
 Utab).— CoOES, Key, 1872, 174.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 360, pi. 44, f. 4. 
 
 Hab. — Western Nortb America, from higb central plains to the Pacifio. North to the 
 Saskatchewan. South through Mexico and Central America to New Granada. (?) " Lab- 
 rador" {Audubon). Breeds in suitable places throughout its range. Migrates entirely 
 beyond the United States in the fall. 
 
 lAeutenaut Tfairen's Expedition. — 8892, Loup Fork of Platte River. 
 
 Later Expeditions.— 59854, Berthoud's Pass; 60441, 60449, Bitter Cottonwood, Wyom- 
 ing ; 61740, Utah ; 62291, Idaho. 
 
 As already observed by Professor Braird, there are material discrepancies between 
 Swainson's account of Tyrannula richardsonii and the subject of the present article ; but 
 the most striking of these, the different wing formula, may be reconciled upon the 
 supposition that the type of Swainson's species was a young bird. This seems the 
 more reasonable, because of the coloration of the plate — certainly wrong for an adult, 
 yet after all not so far out of the way for the very young bird, which is rusty-tinged, 
 as in allied species. Upon the whole, in view of the facts that Swainson's bird was 
 a Contopus, and that the present is the only one ever known to inhabit the ascribed 
 locality, the identification may be safely made. 
 
 I should not be surprised if, after all, it proved that Mr. Allen and others were 
 hasty in reducing this bird to a variety of C. virens. It is true, indeed, as stated in 
 the " Key," that I failed to appreciate any perfectly constant differences, or, in fact. 
 
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248 CONTOPUS RICHAEDSONII, WESTERN WOOD PEWEE. 
 
 any decided peculiarities, ia cixaraining the very large series submitted to me by 
 several kind friends. But even in dried skins certain slight difterences may be 
 observed to hold with considerable constancy. The colors are darker (they should be 
 lighter, pali;r, in a geographicil variety from the dry, western region); the olive- 
 brown of the upper parts is more fuscous, the olive-gray shading of the sides is 
 heavier, and reaches almost or entirely uninterrupted quite across the breast, leaving 
 only the upper part of the throat, and the belly, whitish. The wings average longer, 
 owing to elongation of the primaries, by which the tip is carried further from the ends 
 of the secondary quills. It is also a significant fact, that Audubon — one of the acutest 
 of observers, and certainly not one who can be accused of wanton species-making — 
 has left no hint that he even suspected its identity with riren8. If he be not mistaken 
 in his investigations in Labrador respecting this species, the mode of nidiflcation is 
 totally different from that of the eastern Wood Pewee. The note is harsher and more 
 abrupt — has little of the plaintive, drawling intonation so characteristic of C. rirens. 
 When I reached the Kio Grande, fresh from eastern woods, where I saw the Wood 
 Pewee almost every day in summer, and had been familiar with it for years, the 
 western Pewee's note was one of the first that saluted my ears from the heavy timber 
 bordering the river ; and I well remember how peculiar it sounded, making me sure 
 my old friend was not before me; and likewise through Arizona, it never occurred to 
 mc that the birds might be the same as C. vireiis. So we return to the question, and 
 it is an open one, whether snch field observations as those of Audubon's, Allen's, Trippe's, 
 and mine, should not be allowed to turn the scale in favor of specific distinctness, 
 although in this case they are not very satisfactorily borne ont by inspection of speci- 
 mens in the closet. We may have to acknowledge, in some cases, that species are bet- 
 ter determined in the field than in the closet. If this be true in any case, it holds with 
 the little Flycatchers. 
 
 The Western Wood Pewee is exceediugly abundant in Arizona, from 
 the beginning of May until the latter part of September. I fonnd it in 
 all sorts of woodland, but more particularly in high, oi)en forest.s. On 
 entering a piece of woods the ear was sure to be saluted by the curious 
 notes of the bird, and one, or more likely several, would be seen, sen- 
 tinel-like, on the ends of dead branches, in wait for passing insects. At 
 least two broods are reared in this latitude. The bird appears to breed 
 indifferently throughout its range; in the northward migration, indi- 
 viduals drop off all along, only a small fraction reaching the extreme 
 limit of the species ; but in the fall they sweexi southward with one 
 accord, being delicate birds, unable to endure the cold of even our 
 southern districts. It would appear that a portion of them are resident 
 in Mexico and Central America; and to these, no doubt preNCuting 
 some slight peculiarities not shared by the migratory and northern-bred 
 birds, the names bogotensis, sordididus, and pleheius have been applied. 
 In most of its extent it appears to be separated a little from C. rirens; 
 but the two forms meet in their tropical winter quarters, and also, it 
 Audubon made no mistake, apain at their northern terminus, on the 
 cold and foggy shores of Labrador. 
 
 Information received from Mr. Allen since the above was written in- 
 creases the suspicion that Audubon may not have been entirely correct 
 in his description of the nidification, even if the Labrador record be not 
 itself invalidated. My esteemed correspondent, remarking that the 
 bird is more or less common at the western edge of the plains wherever 
 there are trees, and also throughout the mountains of Colorado, up to 
 about 12,000 feet, continues : "Though generally distinguishable from 
 the Eastern Wood Pewee on comparison of dried skins, it is more easily 
 recognized by the difference in its notes and breeding habits. The nest 
 is budt in the forks of a small branch, instead of being "saddled"' on 
 a horizontal limb, like that of the eastern bird. It is neat and compact, 
 resembling, both in position and general form, that of the Least Fly- 
 catcher (Empidonax minimus) of the Atlantic States, and hence differs 
 widely from that described by Audubon as observed by him in Labra- 
 dor. Its notes are harsh and less varied than those o! its eastern rela- 
 tives, lacking almost eg^p^'g^igj^^^^jg/^aracter so distinctive of 
 
ACADIAN FLYCATCHER. 249 
 
 the latter. The usual eastern type was not met with west of Eastern 
 Kansas, the western form being the only one seen in Golonido. The 
 latter was especially frequent near Fairplay, in South Park, where it 
 was breeding, but ail the uests obtained contained half-grown young." 
 The eggs are very similaV to those of G. virem. 
 
 The following' has been obligingly comuuinicated by Mr. Trippe: 
 " This bird anives in Bergen's Park, Colorado, in the latter part of 
 May, and soon becomes abundant, extending its range up to over 
 10,000 feet, and perhaps as high as timber-line. It breeds from about 
 7,000 feet upward. The nest is planted in the fork of a tree and 
 resembles that of JEmpidonax minimus, being quite different from that 
 of the Eastern Wood Pewee; the eggs, however, are entirely similar. 
 The young are hatched late in June, and only one brood is raised. It 
 is one of the first birds to leave in autumn, departing about the middle 
 of August. In notes and habits it is very different from C. virens. In- 
 stead of haunting the thickest woods, it roams over the open country, 
 shunning the deep shade of the forests, and acting in all respects like 
 Sayornis fuseus ; while its notes are far harsher and quicker than the 
 slow, melancholy plaint of the Eastern Wood Pewee, and only faintly 
 resemble it. The two varieties, in fact, are as well marked as any that 
 are supposed to belong to the same sjjecies of this family." 
 
 EMPIDONAX ACADICUS, (Gm.) Bd. 
 Acadian, or small Green-crested Flycatcher. 
 
 {'.)MusciBapa acadica, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 947.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 480.— 
 
 ViEiLL., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, 71 (not of Xiiitall). 
 Mascicapa aeadlca, Bp., Svn. 1828, 68.— AuD., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 256 ; v, 1839, 429 ; pi. 
 
 144 ; Syn. 1839, 42 ; B. Am. i, 1840, 221, pi. 62.— Gin., B. L. 1. 1844, 40.— (?) Pdtn., 
 
 Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 18o6, 206 (more likely minimus). 
 TijrannuJa acadica, S\v.— Bp., Comp. and Geog. List, 1838, 24 ; Gonsp. i, 1850, 189. — 
 
 WOODH., Sitgr. Eep. 1853, 74 (Indian Territory). 
 Myohius acadicits, Gray, Genera of Birds, i, 219. 
 MyiarcJms amdicus. Cab., Wieg. Arch. 1847, 248. 
 Empidonax acadicus. Cab., Mus. Hein. ii, 1859, 70.— Bd., B. N. A. 18.58, 197.— SCL., Cat. 
 
 1882, 229.— CotjBS & Prent., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 404.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. 
 
 Eep. No. 52.— Allen, Pr. Ess. lust, iv, 1864, 54.— Dkess., Ibis, 1835, 475 
 
 (Texas). — Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, Ir^GH, 290. — McIlvv'R., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 
 
 1866, 84 (Canada West, rare).- Coue.s, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1888. 264.- Tuk.xb., B. 
 
 E. Pa. 1869, 14.— Brew., Am. Nat. i, 18G7, 119 (important).— Co0es, Key, 1872, 
 
 174.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 374, i>l. 44, f. 11. 
 Pliroccphalus (Empidonax) acadicus, Gray, Hand-list, i, 1869, 361, No. 5492. 
 (?) " Platijrliynclius rirescens, Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. ssvii, 22" (fide Cabanis). 
 Muscicapa qaerula, Wils., Am. Oru. ii, 1810, 77, pi. 13, f. 3 (nee rieillot). 
 " Muscicapa subviriciis, Bartr., p. 289" (quoted iu Jard. ed. Wils.). 
 " Muscicapa jmsilla, Lemb., Ay. Isl. Cuba, 1850, 129" (fide Lawr.). 
 " Tyrannula pusilla, Gundl., J. f. O. 18.55, 48U" (fide Lawr.). 
 " Empidonax jjusillus, C.\B., J. f. 0. 1855,480" (fide Lawr.). 
 
 flafe.^Eastern United States; rarely north into New England, and no authentic 
 record beyond Massachusetts. Canada West (Mcllioraith). West to the Missis.'iippi 
 aud slightly beyond. Breeds abundantly iu the SJiddle Districts. Cuba (Lawk., Auu. 
 Lye. N. Y. vii, 18G0, 2S5; Gundl., Rep. 240). ("Acadicus" geographically wrong.) 
 
 The present is the most distinct and easily recognized of the four 
 species of the genus inhabiting the Eastern States. Xevertheless, it 
 has been frequently confounded with others, notably by New England 
 writers, many or most of whose citations really refer to minimus or 
 trailUi — especially the former. Thus, ^S'uttall says it is one of "our 
 most common summer birds" in Southern New England; but his whole 
 account evidently refers to minimus. Mr. Allen more correctly says it 
 is rather rare in Massachusetts, while Mr. Maynard, a trustworthy ob- 
 
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250 EMPIDONAX ACADICUS, ACADIAN FLYCATCHEE. 
 
 server, never recopfnized it from that State. The only record beyond 
 Massachusetts I have found, is Audubon's citation of " Nova Scotia." 
 This may be correct, but is more likely a mistake. The fact is, that if 
 there is any biographical circumstance distinguishing this species prom- 
 inently from its allies, it is its restricted northern range. It does not 
 ordinarily proceed beyond the Middle States, where it breeds in abun- 
 dance, in this diftiering from traillii, minimus and flaviventris, which are 
 chieily seen in the Middle States during the migration. At Washing- 
 ton, D. 0., the Acadian Flycatcher is, through the summer, very abun- 
 dant, almost as much so as the Pewee itself. It arrives from the South 
 the last week in April, and remains through September. Dr. Prentiss 
 and I observed H. flaviventris there in July, leading to the belief that it 
 may breed in that vicinity ; but with this exception acadicus was the 
 only species of the genus we ever found between the periods of migra- 
 tion. It was the only species of the genus observed in summer in West 
 Virginia by Mr. Scott. 
 
 The Muscicapa acadica of Gmelin is not certainly determinable, but 
 has become current with later authors for this species, as accurately 
 indicated by Wilson under the name of querula. I notice a quotation 
 of a Muscicapa subviridis of Bartram, which, if belonging here, antedates 
 querula; if acadica be set aside as indefinite or inapplicable, is the 
 proper name to be applied. Most of the earlier descriptions of our Fly- 
 catchers, except Wilson's, apply with about equal propriety to several 
 different ones, so that the identification is usually made, if at all, by 
 some collateral evidence. For instance, even Audubon's description of 
 ^^ acadica''' rather indicates minimus, with which he was not at the time 
 acquainted ; and the rest of his account, though apparently relating to 
 the true acadicus, requires some modification. Prof. Baii'd made a per- 
 fect discrimination of the species in 1858; and in the "Key" I endeav- 
 ored to set forth its peculiarities in such a pointed manner that there 
 need be no subsequent misapprehension respecting it. By an inadvert- 
 ence the M. aeadica of Nuttall is quoted as synonymous. It is, as I 
 have said, the most strongly marked of all our species; and how little 
 acquainted with it Xew England writers were may be inferred from the 
 fact, that so late as 1871 we find Mr. Maynard saying (Pr. Bost. Soc.) 
 that he cannot see the difference between it and traillii. [Of. Am. Nat. 
 vii, 1873, 43). I should not be surprised, indeed, if it proved that even 
 Mr. Allen, whose reliability is justly rated so high, confounded it with 
 traillii, and that, consequently, the bird remains to be detected in New 
 England. 
 
 The western limit of this species is much restricted, barely reaching 
 the eastern border of the Missouri region. The only trans-Mississippian 
 quotation I have seen is Dr. Woodhouse's, giving the bird as common 
 in the Indian Territory. 
 
 Setting Nuttall's account aside altogether, as unquestionably relating 
 entirely to minimus, we will notice Wilson's and Audubon's. The 
 former's description is unmistakable, and he says, nearly correctly : '■• It 
 inhabits the deepest, thick-shaded solitary parts of the woods; sits gen- 
 erally on the lower branches ; utters, every half minute or so, a sudden, 
 sharp squeak, which is heard a considerable way through the woods; 
 and, as it flies from one tree to another, has a low, querulous note, some- 
 thing like the twitterings of chickens nestling under the wings of a hen. 
 It arrives from the South about the middle of May ; builds on the upper 
 side of a limb, in a low, swampy part of the woods, and lays five white 
 eggs." The italics here, which are mine, indicate that portion of the 
 account which is erroneous. Audubon described the nesting as follows: 
 
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EMPIDONAX ACADICUS, ACADIAN FLYCATCHER. 251 
 
 "Early in May, in our Middle Districts, the small- Green -crested Fly- 
 catcher constructs its nest. * * * * It is placed in the darkest 
 shade of tlie woods, in the upright forks of sorae middle-sized tree, from 
 eight to twenty feet above the ground, sometimes so low as to allow a 
 man to look into it. Ithsome instances I have found it on the large hori- 
 zontal branches of an oaJc, when it looked like a knot. It is always neat 
 and well finished, the inside measuring about two inches in diameter, 
 with a depth of an inch and a half. The exterior is composed of strips 
 of the inner bark of various trees, vine-fibres, and grasses, matted to- 
 gether with the down of plants, wool, and soft moss. The lining con-^ 
 sists of fine grass, a few feathers, and horse-hair. The whole is light,' 
 elastic, and firmly coherent, and is glued to the twigs or saddled on the 
 branch with great care. The eggs are from four to six, small, and pure 
 white." 
 
 I have italicized the passages of this account that appear to be more 
 or less completely at variance with the facts. The next notice I will 
 call attention to is Mr. Giraud's. He says, in his 'f Birds of Long 
 Island," of this species, that "in habits it is solitary; generally seen 
 on the lower branches of the larger trees; utters a quick, sharp note; 
 arrives among us in the latter part of May, and retires southward early 
 in September." Mr. E. A. Samuels gives the bird as a rare summer in- 
 habitant of any of the Xew England States, seldom coming so far 
 north." He states his lack of personal experience, and even this sen- 
 tence is probably grounded on Allen, whom I believe to have been 
 mistaken in this case. Mr. Samuels, however, describes the eggs accu- 
 rately, and for the first time, upon five specimens furnished him by J. 
 P. Norris, Esq., of Philadelphia, and presumably from that locality. 
 They " are of a pale, creamy-white color, with a few thin spots of red- 
 dish-brown scattered over tbeir larger end. They vary in size from 0.78 
 inch in length by about 0.56 in breadth, to 0.72 inch in length by 0.55 
 in breadth. The form is like that of traillii, but the spots are larger 
 and more numerous." 
 
 In the American Naturalist, as above quoted, Dr. Brewer gives to 
 several writers one of the overhaulings he can admnister eifectively on 
 occasion, and, among other things, takes an opportunity of showing up 
 the misunderstanding and confusion that have prevailed respecting the 
 Acadian Flycatcher. On my applying to him for information he did 
 not give at this time, he writes me as follows : " I do not think the bird 
 occurs in New England, even in the Connecticut Valley, and believe 
 that Mr. Allen has mixed it up with traillii. I have myself no evidence 
 of its breeding northeast of Philadelphia; but it is shy and retiring in 
 its habits, and would readily escape notice, so that its presence in New 
 Jersey, New York, and New England, may not be uncommon and yet 
 we not know of it." He also kindly inclosed a passage from his then 
 forthcoming work ; it runs as follows : 
 
 "The nest is generally placed on a drooping limb of a beech or a dog- 
 wood-tree, at the height of from six to ten feet from the ground. It is 
 never saddled on a limb, like that of a Wood Pewee, neither is it pen- 
 sile, like those of the Vireos, but is built in the fork of a small limb, and 
 securely fastened tbereto by a strip of bark. TLie nest itself is mostly 
 made of fine strips of bark or weed-stalks, woven together without 
 much care as to neatness or strength, and so very slight is the structure 
 that you may often count the eggs in the nest from below. 
 
 "The eggs are generally three ii: number, and are of a rich cream- 
 color, thinly spotted near the greater end. 
 
 "A beautiful nest of this species was found by Mr. George O. Welch 
 
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252 EMPIDONAX TRAILLII, TRAILL's FLYCATCHEE. 
 
 near Indianapolis. It was fully identified and tlie parent shot. This 
 nest has a diameter of four inches and a height of Uro. Its base is 
 composed, to a large extent, of dry grasses, intermingled with masses 
 of withered blossoms of different herbaceous plants. Above this is 
 constructed a somewhat rudely-interwoven nest, composed of long, fine, 
 wiry stems of grasses. The cavity is two inches wide, and is less than 
 one in depth. The eggs, three in number, are exceedingly beautiful, 
 and differ from all tlie eggs of this genus, having more resemblance to 
 those of Contopi. They have an elongated oval shape, and are quite 
 pointed at one end. They measure 0.7S by 0.56 of an inch. Their 
 ground is a rich cream-color, tinged with a reddish-brown shading, and 
 at the larger end the eggs ;ire irregularly marked with scattered and 
 vivid blotches of red and reddish-brown." 
 
 EMPIDONAX TEAILLII, (Aud.) Bd. 
 Traill's Flycatcher. 
 
 a. traillii. 
 
 Mtiscicapa u-aiUii, AUD., Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 236; v, 1839, 426; pi. 45; Syn. 1839, 43; B. 
 Am. i, 1840, 234, pi. 65. 
 
 Tjp-annula traillii, Rich., Rep. Br. Assoc. 1837.— Bp., List, 1838, 24 ; Cousp. i, 18.^0, 189.— 
 WooDH., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 74. 
 
 Tyrannus traillii, Ndtt., Man. i, 1840, 323. 
 
 Mijiobius traillii, Gray, Geuera of Birds, i, 249. 
 
 Empidonax traillii, Bd., B. N. A. 1^58, 193. — Cab., Mus. Heiu. ii, 1859, 70 (reference to 
 Audubon is wrong). — ScL., Cat. 1862, 229.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 
 50.— CouES <fc Prent., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 404.— Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 14r> 
 (Norway, Me.). — Lawr., Ann. Lvc. N. Y. viii, May, 1863 (New Granada); viii, 
 1866, 290 (New York) ; ix, 1868,'ll4 CCosta Rica); ix, 1868, 202 (Yucatan).— 
 Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 54. — McIlwr., ibid, v, 1866, 84.— CouES, ibid, v, 
 1868, 265.— TuRNB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 13.— Mayn., Guide, 1870, 125 ; Pr. Bost. Soc. 
 1871, p. —.—.Snow, B. Kaus. 1873, 3.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1672, 179 
 (Kansas).- CouES, Key, 1872, 175. 
 
 Empidonax pusillus var. traillii, B. B. & E., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 369, pi. 44, f. 8. 
 
 b. pitsillus. 
 
 ('?) Platyrliynchns pusillus, Sw., Syn. Mex. B. in Phil. Mag. i, 1827, 366. 
 
 (?) Tyrannula pusilla, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 144, pi. 46, upper fig. (uncertain — 
 just as likely to have been minimus). — Game., Pr. Phila. Acad, iii, 1847, 156.— 
 Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 189. 
 
 Muscieapa pusilla, Aud., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 288, pi. 434; Syn. 1839, 44; B. Am. i, 1840, 
 236, pi. 66 (quotes " Labrador" and "Newfoundland"). 
 
 Tiirannns pusillus, Ndtt., Man. i, 1840. 
 
 Myiobiua pusillus, GRjiY, Genera of Birds, i, 249. 
 
 Enqiidonax pusillus, (1)Cab., J. f. 0. 1835,480. — Cab.. Mus. Plein. ii, 1859, 70 (Mexico). — 
 Bd., B. X. A. 18.58, 194.-SCL., Ibis, 1859, 441; Cat. 1862, 229.— CoOP. & SuCK., 
 N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 170.— CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 61.— Sumich., 
 Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 557 (Vera Cruz). — S.now, B. Kaus. 1873, 4. — AlKEN, 
 Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 206 (Wyoming).- Merr., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, 691.— 
 B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 366, pi. 44, f. 9. 
 
 Empidonax traillii, CoOP., B. Cal. i, 1870, 327. 
 
 Empidonaj; traillii var, pusillus, CouES, Key, 1872, 175. 
 
 Hab. — Eastern United States and British Provinces, west to the central plains, 
 whence to the Pacific replaced by var. pusillus. South to New Granada. The wesreru 
 form through Mexico. 
 
 Late Expedtions. — 81741-6, Ogden, Utah ; 61773, Idaho. 
 
 I have found it impracticable to distinguish the western bird as a 
 species, and in treating it varietally it proves difficult to assign any 
 very tangible characters. It may be noted, in this connection, that 
 Dr. Cooper has, on several occasions, insisted that the Californian 
 bird is indistinguishable from traillii. Audubon's type was taken in 
 Arkansas, and he accredits the snecies with a range thence to the 
 
EMPIDONAX TRAILLII, TRAILl's FLYCATCHER. 253 
 
 Columbia, where he also locates pusillm. Bnt it is best to accept traillii 
 as the eastern bird, taking pitsillus, as detiued by Baird more particu- 
 larly, for the western form, if this be considered worthy of a name. 
 
 In the East I never found Traill's Flycatcher abundant, having ob- 
 served it only in its passage through the Middle districts, chiefly in May 
 and September. According to New England writers, it breeds in that 
 section; and Mr. Maynard has given a valuable note respecting it: 
 "This species has a most peculiar note, like the syllables '/ceww'fc'; 
 this is not so quickly given as the ' se-wic'V of E. minimus, and is some- 
 what harsher. There is, perhaps, thirty seconds' interval between each 
 keiviii'lc. The birds while singing were perched on the top of a low alder. 
 It appears to frequent these thickets, generally by the side of streams, 
 for Mr. Brewster has repeatedly observed it in similar localities at Gor- 
 ham, where it had the same song and habits. When the bird is freshly 
 killed, the bill bears a striking resemblance to that of JE. flaviventris, 
 and having the under mandible yellow, delicately veined with purple. 
 But in the dried state this yellow fades into brown, and loses its vein- 
 ing. The whole bird then appears much like the larger and darker 
 types of B. minimus. Indeed, were it not for the slightly larger and 
 broader bill, and generally olivaceous or greenish-yellow stripe at the 
 base of the upper mandible and sides of the head of U. traillii, it would 
 be diflicult to determine the skins of the two species." I entirely agree 
 with the author so far, though the rest of his article is not so pertinent. 
 E. minimus does grade up to traillii in size, the colors are very 
 nearly the same, and the proportions of the parts scarcely different ; 
 yet no one who has had any experience in the field would say that they 
 were not different birds. 
 
 This species appears to entirely withdraw from the United States in 
 the fall, to winter in (Jentral America. 
 
 I found var. pusillus an abundant Flycatcher of the West. At Fort 
 Whi23ple, in Arizona, it is the commonest and characteristic species of 
 its group, arriving in the middle of April, and remaining through Sep- 
 tember. According to my notebook, the under mandible in my speci- 
 mens was dusky flesh-color. They averaged about 6 inches long by 9 
 in extent, thus being quite as large as ordinary acadicus. A young bird 
 was strongly suffused with olivaceous-yellow below, nearly as in Jlavi- 
 ventris, and had the under mandible bright yellow, like the inside of the 
 mouth. The species was not noticed by Dr. Hayden in the Missouri 
 region, but we have various quotations demonstrating a general range 
 from the central plains to the Pacific, north to the fur countries, and 
 south far into, if not quite through, Mexico. Mr. Merriam gives the 
 following account of its nidiflcation : 
 
 " This western race of E. traillii was very common in the Salt Lake 
 Valley, where I collected seven specimens and three nests. They build 
 a neat, compact little nest, which they place in the fork of a rose or 
 other small bush, about five feet above the ground. It is composed of 
 fibrous grasses, flax, wool, and other soft substances, interwoven with a 
 few leaves of swamp-grass. It is a curious fact that this bird places all 
 the wool and other soft, downy substances on the otitside of its nest, 
 lining it with the rough stalks of dry grass." 
 
 The eggs of this species {traillii), to judge from numerous specimens 
 before me, may be distinguished from those of acadicns in lacking much 
 or all of the creamy tinge of the latter, and in the markings being, for 
 the most part, large, bold, and blotched, rather than sharply dotted. 
 The fact that the eggs are colored mstead of colorless at once distin- 
 guishes them from, those of E. minimus, and is a point to be regarded 
 in discussing the specific relationshins of tha-two. 
 
254 EMPIDONAX MINIMUS, LEAST FLYCATCHER. 
 
 EMPIDONAX MINIMUS, Bd, 
 
 least Flycatcjier. 
 
 Mmeieapa "acadica, Gm." of Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 288; not of authors. 
 
 Tijrannula minima, W. M. &. S. F. Baird., Pr. Pbila. Acad, i, 1843, 284; Am. Journ. Sci. 
 July, 1844.— Bp., Consp. Ay. i, 1850, 190. 
 
 Musdcapa minima, AuD., B. Am. vii, 1844, 343, pi. 491. 
 
 Empidonax minimus, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 195.— ScL., P. Z. S. 18,59, 384 (Oaxaca) ; Ibis, 
 1859, 1-22 (Guatemala) ; 1859, 441 (Orizaba); Cat. 1862, 229 (Cobau, DueBas, 
 &c.).— ScL. & Salv., Ibis, 18.59, 122.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 158.— Wheat., Ohio 
 Agric. Eep. 1860, No. 51.— CouEs & Phent., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 404 — Verr., 
 Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 146 (breeding commonly about Norway, Me.).— Allen, Pr. 
 Ess. Inst, vi, 1864, 54.— McIlwe., iUd. v, 1866, 84.— CouES, ihid. v, 1868, 265.— 
 Dbess., Ibis, 1865, 474 (Texas).— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. yiii, 186!j, 290.— 
 TuRXB., B. E. Pa. 1H69, 14 (chiefly migratory, but some breeding). — Allex, 
 Jlim. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 498, 505. 517 (Iowa and Illinois).- Mayx., Guide, 1870, 
 126 ; Pr. Bost. Soc. 1871.— ScL. & S.ii.v., P. Z. S. 1870, 837 (Honduras).— 8xow, a? -9 
 B. Kans. 1873, 4.— Allex, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 179 (Kansas).— CouES, Key, 1872, . ' 
 175.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 372, pi. 44, f. 10. 
 
 Hob. — Eastern North America to the high central plains ; up the Missouri to Fort '^ ^ .' 
 Union. Breeds abundantly from Southern New England northward. Winters in ^"^ 
 Central America. 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition.— 4693, "Nebraska" (probably Dakota); 4699, 4700-1, 
 L'Eau qui court ; 4702, Vermilion River ; 5270, near Powdijr River. 
 
 It is singular that a bird so abiiudaut as this is in the Eastern United 
 States should have been overlooked by Wilson and Audubon, or, what 
 is more probable, cotifouuded with U. acadicus. Nuttall was perfectly 
 familiar with it, though he thought it was the Acadian Flycatcher. It, 
 however, escaped Audubon's attention, having only been brought to his 
 notice, by Prof. Baird, just as he was finishing his work. It is very 
 common in the Middle States during the migrations. At Washington, 
 D. C, it usually arrives the last week in April, and is seen for about 
 two weeks only ; it returns the last of August, and loiters through most 
 of September. Its arrival is about a week earlier, on an average, than 
 that of E.farireniris. I never found it in summer, and Prof. Baird, in 
 AuduboD, states that it is not seen about Carlisle, Pennsylvania, after 
 May ; but Dr. Turnbull says that a few remain to breed. It breeds 
 abundantly iu most parts of Xew England ; in Massachusetts Mr. Allen 
 found it as numerous as all the other Empidonaces put together. Some 
 individuals press on into the Hudson's Bay country, and in the West 
 its exteusiou is much greater than that of typical traiUii orflavivevrris, 
 particularly along the Missouri itself, and the Bed Eiver, where the 
 wooded ri^'er-bottoms aiford it congenial shelter. Dr. Hayden saw it 
 occasionally " throughout the West," and Audubon mentions it from 
 the Yellowstone. Like others of the genus, it penetrates to Central 
 and Northern South America in winter, and it is also quoted from por- 
 tions of Mexico. 
 
 It is not ordinarily found in gloomy woods, like U. aeadicus, nor even 
 in heavy timber of any kind ; it prefers the skirts of woods, coppices, and 
 even hedge-rows. It is readily distinguishable from aeadicus by this 
 circumstance alone, to say nothing of the several personal peculiarities — i 
 
 so to speak — slight traits, almost impossible to describe intelligently, ' 
 
 but which the field naturalist learns to recognize in a moment. Its 
 usual voice is lower and more plaintive, though one of its call-notes is 
 sharp and jerky ; and its flight is slightly difi'erent, owing to the marked 
 diiference in the shape of the wing. la all these particulars it comes 
 much nearer trailUi and flavirenlris, as has been already hinted. 
 
 The Least Flycatcher is more numerous during the breeding season 
 along the Bed Eiver of the North than I have found it to be anywhere 
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E. FLAVIVENTRIS, YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER. 255 
 
 else. It probably reaches the latitude of Pembina about the third week 
 in May, as I found it common on my arrival the lirst of June. It is 
 confined entirely to the wooded river-bottom, where, in the shadow of 
 the lofty trees, it may be observed at any time, perched on an outer- 
 most twig, uttering its peculiar note, and dashing into the air to secure 
 the passing insect, clicking its mandibles; returning to its post to sit 
 upright and motionless, after a rustle of its wings and tail as it alights. 
 Early in June it was in company with Traill's Flycatcher, but as the 
 breeding season advanced the latter appeared to pass on ; at least, I 
 found none nesting. Most of the numerous nests I took were procured 
 the third and fourth weeks in June, at which latter date incubation 
 was generally advanced. 
 
 The bird generally nests on a sapling or shrub, within ten or twelve 
 feet from the ground. One nest I reached without climbiug, and another 
 was placed on a slender swaying elm, about forty feet high; these were 
 the extremes of situation I observed. It is always placed, so far as I 
 discovered, in an upright crotch of several forks, preferably between 
 twigs no thicker than a linger. The high nest just mentioned was situ- 
 ated on the bending trunk itself, but it rested, as usual, between a little 
 set of twigs that grew upright. It is very deeply let down into the 
 crotch, and usually bears deep impressious of the boughs. The female 
 sets very closelj ; one I almost covered with mj^ hand before she flut- 
 tered off, although I stood for several moments within a yard of her. 
 On being frightened away, she retreats but a little distance, and flies 
 from one twig to another, uttering a mournful note. The nest is a neat 
 little structure; if it were only stuccoed with lichens it would be as ele- 
 gant as that of a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, which it scarcely exceeds in 
 size. The basis of the nest is a substantial intertwining of fine fibrous 
 inner bark, and the decomposing outer sub.stance of various weeds. 
 With this is matted a great quantity of sott plant-down, making a soft 
 yet firm and warm fabric. The interior is finished variously with a 
 special lining of x>la'nt-down, confined with a slight layer of horse-hair 
 or the finest possible grass-tops. The brim of the nest is firm and even, 
 with a circular arrangement of the fibres ; inside, the lining is simply 
 interlaced. In size, these elegant structures vary a good deal; the 
 smallest one before me is under two inches and a half across out- 
 side, and less than two deep ; another, which was let down very deeply 
 in a narrow crotch, is nearly three inches, both in depth and width, and 
 is quite unsymmetrical. The cavity is quite large for the outside dimen- 
 sions, in some instances the walls being barely coherent along the track 
 of the supporting twigs; it is no^ or but little, contracted at the brim, 
 and is about as deep as wide. 
 
 The eggs are generally four in number, sometimes only three ; I did 
 not find five in any one of the six nests collected. One contained a Cow- 
 bird's egg. The eggs are pure white, unmarked. They vary much in size 
 and shape. Out of twenty examples, a large elongate one measures 0.C8 
 by 0.52 ; a small globular one, 0.59 by 0.50 ; a normal one, 0.65 by 0.50. 
 
 EMPIDONAX FLAVIVENTRIS, Bd. 
 TellOTV-bellied Flycatcher. 
 
 a. fiaviventris. 
 
 Tyranmda jlmivcniriK, W. M. & S. F. Baird. Pr. Phila. Acacl. i, 1843, 283; Am. Journ. 
 
 Sri. April, 1844. 
 Musciaipa Harirenlris, Ari)., B. Am. vii, 1844, 341. pi. 490. 
 EmpidoMU- tlanrcntris, Bd., B. N. A. ISoS, 198.-.SCL., P. Z. S. 1859. 3C6; Ibis, 1859^ 441 ; 
 
 Cat. 1862, 229 (Xi|l^-g^/^()S'*tl5aM/eW9l?©#®ScL. & S.vLV., Ibis, 1859, 122 
 
256 E. PLAVIVENTRIS, YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER. 
 
 (Guatemala).— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Eep. 1860, No. 53.— C'oues & PrsENT., 
 Smiths. Rep. Ib61, 404 (migratory, perhaps breeding). — Veeu., Pr. Ess. lust, 
 iii, 146 (Maine, summer).— Allen, ibid, iv, 1864, 55 (MaMsiichusett.s, May and 
 June).- McIlwk., ibid, v, 1866, 84.— CocES, ibid, v, laHS, 2Ho.— LAWR.,"Ann. 
 Lye. N. Y. viii, 1.-63, 6 (Xuw Graoada) ; viii, 1866, 290 ; ix, 1868. 114 (Costa 
 Eica).— ScL. & Salt., P. Z. S. 1-70, 837 (Honduras).— Allen, Meiu. Bost. Soo 
 i, 1868, 518 (Illinois).- TuiiXB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 14 (breeding in New Jersey).— 
 Sdmich., Mem. Boat. Soc. i, 1869, 557 (Vera Crnz).— Mayn., Guide, 1870, 1-26; 
 Pr. Bost. Soc. 1871 (breeding commonly at Erauconia, N. II.). — Coop., B. Cal. i, 
 1870, 3J8.— Snow, B. Kans, 1873, 4.— Cooes, Kev, 1872, 175.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. 
 li, 1874, 378, pi. 44, f. 12. 
 
 Tyrannula minuta, Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 169 (so identifies Muscicapa niinuta, WiLs!). 
 
 (?) " Tyrannula pusilla, Reinh., Vidensk. Meddel. (or 1853 (1854), 82.— Gloger, J. f. 0. 
 1834, 426." — Reinh., Ibis, Jan. 1801, 7. (These citations refer to a specimen 
 taken in Godthaah, Greenland, in 1853). 
 
 Empidonax hypoxanthus, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 198 (in text). 
 
 b. difficilis. 
 
 E'.npldonax difficilis, Be, B. N. A. 1858, 198 (in text) ; pi. 76, f. 2.— Coop. & Suck., N. 
 
 H. Wash. Ter. 1880, 170, and " p. xv, errata."- CoUKS, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 
 
 62 (Arizona).— ScL., Cat. 1862, 230. 
 Empidonax flavirentris var. difficilis, Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 179 (Utah). — Coues, . 
 
 Key, 1872, 176 (in test).— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1"74, 380. J-ffl-l' 
 
 Bab. — North America, at large. (?) Greenland. South through Mexico and Central $/lQ^ff 
 America to New Granada. Breeds from the Middle States northward. The typical" 7 
 form eastern. Var. di^cHis western. 4^J.y—^ 
 
 In size between average traillii and minimus, this species differs from these and all ( -jt 
 our other Flycatchers by the decided yellowness of the uuder xjarts — a coloration ao/li 
 distinctive that the bird is always recognizable on sight. The Prince Bonaparte iden- 
 tifies it with the long lost " Muscicapa minuta " — the Small-headed Flycatcher of Wil- 
 son, Audubon, and Nuttall — a very questionable reierence. 
 
 This species reaches the Middle States a little later than the three 
 other eastern species of the genus — not ordinarily until the very last of 
 April or first week in Miiy. It is found in high open woods as well as 
 in thickets, thus differing somewhat in the situation it affects from 
 minimus. Dr. Prentiss and 1 have taken it at Washington, at different 
 Times in July, probably indicating that it breeds in the vicinity, as it 
 certainly does a little further north : Br. Turnbull inentious Trenton, 
 New Jersey, as a locality where Dr. Slack found it nesting. According 
 to Mr. Maynard, whose opportunities for observation appear to have 
 Iteeu ample, it breeds abundantly in Xorthern New England. In his 
 excellent Manual of Taxidermy, he remarks : " May 31, 1809, 1 shot the 
 first specimen I had ever seen living; the next day I took eight of both 
 sexes in a few hours. Between this time and the 10th of June I took 
 two or three more;'' this was in Massachusetts. The writer continues: 
 " I do not doubt that it has occurred in itrevious seasons, but, being 
 unaccustomed to its low note — whicAi is like the syllable j)e« very plain- 
 tively prolonged — and its retiring habits, I had not detected it before. 
 The specimens were all taken in low, swamp3' thickets, with the excep- 
 tion of the first, which was shot on a tall oak. It keeps near the ground, 
 is rather shy, and upon the appearance of an intruder instantly ceases 
 its song. ' Shot a specimen on May 25, 1869, in Watertown, Massachu- 
 setts, singing, with its peculiar note, in an apple-tree. I have shot the ]\ 
 female singing in the same manner, in August, 1867, in Franconia, New ii 
 Hampshire. The o))ly note I ever heard was the low j^m (Brewster).'" 
 In his later publication, after speaking of the abundance and breeding | 
 of the bird in Northern New England, Mr. Maynard remarks that in the | 
 dark swamps at Upton he first heard the breeding note; "it was like f 
 the syllables lil-lic, very gravely given, with a long interval between 
 each utterance. ' The song was even less energetic than that of traillii. 
 While singing, the birds were perched on low limbs. Both male and 
 female used this note." ^ygy^y^g^ f^y Microsoft® 
 
BMPIDONAX ,HAMMONDII, HAMMOND's FLYCATCHER. 257 
 
 Var. difficilis is generally dispersed in the West in all suitable wooded 
 places. It reaches the mountainous parts of Arizona by the middle of 
 April, and remains through most of September, inhabiting the more 
 open j)ine woods, the brush of ravines, and the mixed timber along 
 streams.. Dr. Cooper observed its arrival at San Diego, April 15th. 
 Mr. Allen took it at Ogden, Utah, along with obscunis and hammondii. 
 Dr. Hayden did not observe it in the Missouri region, where, however, 
 it unquestionably occurs and doubtless breeds. 
 
 The egg of flaviventris is pure white, unmarked, and not distinguish- 
 able from that of -B. minimus. 
 
 EMPIDONAX HAMMONDII, (Xantus) Bd. 
 Hnmmond's Flycatcher. 
 
 Tjjrannula TiammoncUi, Xantus, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1858, 117. 
 
 Empidonax hammondii, Bd., B. N. A. lf?38, 199, pi. 76, f. 1.— SCL.. Cat. 1863, 230.— COUES, 
 Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 62 (Arizona).— Sumich., Mem. Bost. Soo. i, 1869, 557 (Vera 
 Cruz).— Coop., R. Cal. i, 1870, 330.— Allen, Ball. M. C. Z. 1872, 179 (Utah 
 and Wyoming).— CouES, Key, 1872, 176.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 383, 
 pi. 44, f. 7. 
 
 Sah, — Rocky Mountains to the Pacific, United States, from British to Central America. 
 Later Expeditions. — 60707, Pacific Springs, Wyoming. 
 
 This appears to be, in effect, the western representative of minimus ; 
 and in spite of the tolerably well-marked characters, my present im- 
 pression is, that it will prove to be a geographical race of the species 
 just mentioned. Originally described from Southern California, its 
 range has latterly been extended, as above. Specimens were taken by 
 the late regretted Kennerly, upon the northwest boundary of the United 
 States and British America. 
 
 My personal acquaintance with its life-history is limited to finding it 
 a rather rare summer visitant in Northern Arizona, where it arrives 
 late in April, arid remains until the third week in October. Dr. Cooper 
 noted its arrival at Santa Cruz, March 13, 1866, and found it numerous 
 during the summer. " April 27th," he writes, " I found the first nest, 
 built on a horizontal branch of box-elder {Jfegundo), about eighteen feet 
 from the ground ; but in pulling down the branch the eggs were broken. 
 I found four others afterward, from four to ten feet high, either on hori- 
 zontal branches or in forks of small trees, and containing three or four 
 eggs or young. The last found with eggs was as late as June 29th — 
 probably a second attempt of a pair before robbed. All were thick 
 walled, composed externally of dry moss and downy buds, with a few 
 leaves and strips of bark, then slender fibres of bark, a few hairs and 
 feathers often lining the inside. The size outside was about four inches 
 wide, two and a half high; the cavity two iuches wide, one and a half 
 deep ; the walls nearly one and a half thick. The eggs were white, with 
 brown blotches and specks near the large end, mostly in a circle. They 
 measured 0.68 by 0.52 inch." Dr. Cooper's next paragraph, however, 
 should be reproduced with the above : " These birds frequented only 
 the darkest groves along the river, had very few simple calls of two or 
 three monotonous notes, and were so shy that I did not get near enough 
 to determine the species positively." Under these circumstances, it is 
 almost unnecessary to add, the above description of the nest and eggs 
 must be taken subject to confirmation. As the eggs of hammondii are 
 pure white, unmarked, like those of minimus, the whole account prob- 
 ably refers to var. p-usillus of trailli. 
 17 
 
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258 EMPIDONAX OBSCURUS, WEIGHT'S FLTOATCHEE. 
 
 EMPIDOFAX OBSCUEUS, (Sw.) Bd. 
 Wright's Fly catcher ; Gray Flycatcher. 
 
 (?) Tyrannnla obscura, Sw., Syn. Jlex. B. in Philos. Mag. 1, 1827, 367. 
 
 Emjndanax ohacunis, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 200 ; Mex. B. Snrv. ii, 1859, pt. ii, 8, pi. 11, f. 3.— 
 ScL., P. Z. S. 1862, 19 ; Cat. 1862, 230 (La Parada, Mexico).— CouES, Pr. Phila. 
 Acad. 18B6, 62 (Arizona).— Sumich., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 557 (Vera Cruz).— 
 Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 329.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 179 (Colorado and 
 Utah).— AiKEX, Pr. Best. Soc. 1872, 206 (Colorado).— CouES, Key, 1872, 176.— 
 B. B. & E., N. A. B. ii, 1S74, 381, pi. 44, f. 6. 
 
 Empidonax ■wi-ightii, Bd., I. v. (in text). 
 
 Sab. — Eocky Monntains to the Pacific, United States. Observed north to Colorado. 
 South through Mexico. 
 
 This species enters the United States from Mexico the latter part of 
 March, or early in April, and remains until October, some proceeding 
 as far north as the above-cited localities, and probably further. I have 
 only observed it in Arizona. Mr. Allen has obligingly placed the fol- 
 lowing notes at my disposal : 
 
 " The Gray Flycatcher was the commonest and almost the only spe- 
 cies of Empidonax met with in the mountains of Colorado. It was gen- 
 erally observed in rather wet, swampy localities, dense willow thickets 
 seeming to form its favorite resorts. It is very retiring in its habits, 
 keeping almost constantly concealed in thick copses, where it silently 
 hunts its insect prey, and is hence a difficult species to collect. Though 
 it may be approached within a few yards, it eludes capture by keeping 
 in the middle of the close willow clumps, exposing itself to view only 
 when obliged to fly across an open space, taking its departure from the 
 side furthest from the observer, and flying low and hurriedly to the 
 nearest point of concealment. The several nests found contained young, 
 and were always placed some distance within the thick copse the birds 
 had chosen for their home. The nests were usually built in the forks of 
 small branches, and in thickness and general appearance greatly resem- 
 bled the ordinary nests of the summer Tellow-bird [Bendrceca cestiva). 
 
 Mr. Trippe's manuscript contains the following interesting notes of 
 the four Flycatchers occurring in Colorado : 
 
 ^^ Empidonax obscurus. Abundant; migratory; breeds. This Fly- 
 catcher arrives at Idaho Springs about the middle of May, and soon 
 becomes abundant, extending up all the valleys to over 10,000 feet, and 
 probably ranging up to timber-line, wherever it can find localities suit- 
 able for its habitat. It is rather a shy little bird, with' more of the hab- 
 its and appearance of acadicus than any other of the genus. It loves 
 the densest thickets of poplars and willows, and rarely ventures far 
 from the streams, never ascending the mountain-sides. It breeds from 
 about 7,500 feet up to its highest limit. 
 
 " E. difflcilis. Abundant on the plains and up to 6,800 or 7,000 feet ; 
 and found, also, though unfrequently, up to timber-line, near which one 
 was shot in July. This species frequents the valleys and similar locali- 
 ties to the preceding, but often wanders among the mountains a con- 
 siderable distance from the streams, and instead of constantly hiding 
 itself amidst the densest shrubbery, frequently mounts to the dead tops 
 of trees from which it may have an extended view, and watch for in- 
 sects, which it captures with great address and returns to the same 
 l>erch again. It has one or two low notes like those of E. minimus, and 
 a loud, musical call, like ^^ pe-te, pete," quickly repeated. 
 
 E. liammondii. Two or three specimens which were taken in June 
 and July, near Idaho Springs, answered pretty well to the description 
 
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EMPIDONAX OBSCUEUS, WEIGHT'S FLYCATCHER. 259 
 
 of this species, and being nearer to it than to any other form found in 
 this region, may properly be referred to it. On the plains E. pusillus 
 was met with in small numbers in June, but not observed elsewhere. 
 It will be seen that four different species or varieties of Umpidonax, are 
 found in the same region within a short distance ; one, obscurm, breed- 
 ing from 7,000 or 7,500 feet up to timber-line, or nearly to it ; another, 
 difficilis, from the plains up to the lower limit of the former, and some- 
 times straggling higher ; a third, pusillus, restricted entirely to the 
 plains ; and a fourth, hammondii, occurring, probably, only as a strag- 
 gler. All these varieties are much alike in their habits and notes, yet 
 all present distinguishing characteristics in both ; and although among 
 a large series of specimens some will be found that are intermediate, 
 apparently, the greater number of adults can be referred with certainty 
 to one or the other of the type forms." 
 
 To complete an account of the North American small olivaceous Flycatchers, all of 
 which,. with these exceptions, have been given, I introduce the following species, par- 
 ticularly as I think they may yet be found in the southwestern part of the Missouri 
 region : 
 
 Empidonax fulvifkons var. pallescens, Cones. 
 
 a. fulmfrons. 
 
 Musdcapa fulmfrons, GiR., 16 Sp. Texas B. 1841, pi. 2 (prohably Mexico). 
 Empidonax fulmfrons, SCL., P. Z. S. 1858, 301. 
 
 Mitrephorus fulrifrons, ScL., P. Z. S., 1859, 45 ; Ihis, 1859, 442.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. ii, 385. 
 Empiioiuix ruUcundus, Cab., Mus. Hein. ii, 1859, 70. 
 
 b. pallescens. 
 
 (??) Tyranmila affinis, Sw., Phil. Mag. i, 1827, 336 (very uncertain). 
 Empidonax pygmcetts, COUES, Ibis, 1865 (in text). 
 
 Mitrephorus pallescens, CooES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 63 (Arizona). — Coop., B. Cal. i, 386. 
 Mitrephorus fulvifrons, Elliot, B. N. A. i, pi. 19. 
 
 Mitrephorus fidvifrons var. pallescens. Codes, Key, 1872, 176. — B. B. & E., N. A. B. ii, 
 1874, 386, pi. 44, fig. 13. 
 
 Hob. — Mexico. North into Arizona and New Mexico. 
 
 CONTOPUS PEKTLNAX, Cai. 
 
 Contopus iorealis, ScL., P. Z. S. 1858, 301 ; 1839, 43 ; Ibis, i, 1859, 122, 440 (nee Be). 
 
 Contopus pertinax, Cab., Mus Hein. ii, 1859, 72. — ScL., Cat. 1862, 231. — Cotjes, Pr. Phila. 
 Acad. 1866, 60 (first introduced to United States ; Fort Whipple, Arizona). — 
 Elliot, B. N. A. i, pi. 8.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 324.— Coubs, Key, 1672, 173.— 
 B. B. & E., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 356, pi. 44, f. 2. 
 
 Hal). — Mexico and Guatemala. North into Arizona and New Mexico. (Mr. H. W. 
 Henshaw recently took quite a number of both these species in Arizona.) 
 
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OEDEE FiGAKlilj". PICAEIAN BIEDS. 
 SUBORDER (j 1 Jl b-hllji I Cypseliform Birds. 
 
 Family OAPRIMULGIDiE : Goatsuckers. 
 
 '''' ANTEOSTOMUS VOCIFEEUS, (WUs.) Bp. - <?-- '■" 
 
 Whippoorwill ; Night-Jar. 
 
 " Caprimulgua minor, Foest., Cat. An. N. A. 1771, 13." (Cass.) 
 
 " Caprimulijus eurapceui, Barton, Frag. Nat. Hist. Pa. 1799, 14." {Cass.) 
 
 " Caprimulgus virginianus, Linn. — Gm." — Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, 55, pi. 23 (mixed 
 
 with Chordeiles popetue). 
 " Caprinmlgus clamator, ViEiix., Nonv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. 1817, 324." 
 Caprimulgus vodferus, WiLS., Am. Oru. t, ISVi, 71, pi. 41, fig. 1, 2, 3.— Bp., Syn. 
 1828, 62.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 336.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 614.— AuD., 
 Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 443 ; v, 405 ; pi. 82 ; Syn. 1839, 32 ; B. Am. i, 1840, 155, pi. 42.— 
 GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 31.— PuTN., Pr. Ess. Inst. 1, 1856, 205.— Maxim., J. f. 0. vi, 
 1858, 98. — Trippb, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 114 (Minnesota, very abundant, May 
 to September). 
 Antrostomus vodferus, Bp., List, 1838, 8; Consp. i, 1850, 60.— Cass., Journ. Phila. Acad, 
 ii, lS52, 122 ; 111. 1855, 236.— Brewer, N. Am. Ool. i, 1857, 84.— Bd., B. N. A. 
 1858, 148.— SCL., P. Z. S. 1859, 367 ; Cat. 1862, 2S0 (Xalapa and La Parada).— 
 Salv., Ibis, ii, 1860, 275 (Guatemala).— Sce., P. Z. S. 1866, 137.— McIlwr., Pr. 
 Ess. Inst. V, 1866, 83 (Canada).— Axeen. Mem. Bost. Soe. i, 1868, 498, 506 (Iowa, 
 and Illinois, very abundant). — Allen, Ball. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 300 (Florida, win- 
 tering) ; iii, 1872,129, 179 (Leavenworth, Kans.). — Trippe, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 
 1872, 232 (Iowa, abundant, breeding).— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 3.— CouES, Key, 
 1872, 180, fig. 116.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 413, pi. 46, f. 2. 
 Caprimulgus vodferans, Waeth., J. f. O. xvi, 1868, 369. 
 
 Hai. — ^Eastern United States and British Provinces. North to about 50°. West to '; 
 the Plains. South through portions of Mexico to Guatemala. Breeds in most of its J 
 United States range. Winters from the Gulf coast southward. Apparently replaced jj 
 in the West Indies by the closely related species, if not var., A. cuianensis (Lawe., Ann. 
 Lye. vii, 1860, 2S0— vodferus of D'OrUgny, Lemhene, and G-undtach). //li-J 
 
 Not obtained by the Expeditions. 
 
 The Whippoorwill extends onlj- to the eastern border of the Missouri 
 region, being replaced further west by the following species. It is said 
 to be rare in Kansas (where I did not find it), but abundant in Iowa, 
 there breeding. But even in the Carolinas, where it is a common and 
 characteristic bird during the summer, I did not think it present in such 
 numbers as I found it along the Eed Eiver of the iN'orth, between Da- 
 kota and Minnesota. At Pembina, every night in June we were sere- 
 naded by a chorus of these strange voices, penetrating the darkness, it 
 seemed, from all points at once along the line of heavy timber that 
 skirted the river. 
 
 The reproduction of this species is similar to that of the Night-hawk, 
 which was also breeding at the same time. It lays on the ground, in 
 the woods, constructing no proper nest, and depositing only two eggs. 
 These are elliptical, nearly or quite equal at both ends, about 1.25 long 
 by 0.85 wide, and are curiously scratched and mottled all over with 
 brown surface markings and paler purplish-gray shell colors upon a 
 whitish ground. The egg is quite variable in amount of intensity of 
 coloration, some specimens being heavily marbled, while others appear 
 as if faded or bleached, from indistinctness of the tracery. 
 
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ANTR0STOMUS NUTTALLI, NUTTALL'S WHIPPOORWILL. 
 
 261 
 
 ANTEOSTOMUS NUTTALLI, (Aud.) Oass. 
 
 Ifuttall's Whippoorwill. 
 
 Caprimulgus nuttalli, Aud., Orn. Biog. v, 1830, 335 ; B. Am. vii, 1844, 350, pi. 495 (Upper 
 
 Missouri). — Woodh., Sitgr. Eep. 1853, 63 (Arizona). 
 Antrostomus nuttalli, Cass., Jduru^ Phila. Acad, ii, 1852, 193; 111. i, 1855, 937.— Brew., 
 
 N. Am. 061. i, 1857, 86.— Newb., P. E. E. Eep. vi, 1857, 77.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 
 
 149.— IvBNN., P. E. E. Eep. x, 1859, pt. iv, 23.— HEERM.,i6id, pt. vi, 35.— Coop. 
 
 & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 166.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 157.— CouKh, Ibis, 
 
 1865, 158 (Kansas).— Dress., Ibis, 1865, 470 (Texas).— CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 
 
 1866, 58 (Arizona).— SCL., P. Z. S. 1866, 137.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 340.— 
 Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 179 (Kansas, Colorado, and Utah).— Snow, B. 
 Kans. 1873, 3.— Merr., U. S. Geol. Surv. 1879. 692 (Utah).— Aiken, Pr. Bost. 
 Soc. XV, 1872, 206 (Wvoming).— CouES, Key, 1872, 181.— CouES, Am. Nat. vii, 
 1873, 325 (eggs).— B. JB. & K., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 417, pi. 46, f. 3. 
 
 Hal). — United States, west of the Mississippi. Mexico {Salein). 
 
 List of speoimena. 
 
 19187 
 19188 
 
 184 
 157 
 
 Powder River . . 
 Bighorn River . 
 
 .... 
 
 Sept. 9, 1859 
 
 G. H. Trook.. 
 F.V.Hayden. 
 
 8.00 
 
 17.50 
 
 6.00 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Lieutenant JFan-en's ^xpediiio?^— 8876, Black Hills; 5200, Yellowstone River. 
 Later Expeditions. — 61734-5, Ogden, Utah. 
 
 In the Conspectus, at page 61, Bonaparte makes an Antrostomus californianus, with 
 which, he says, A. nuttalli should he compared. The latter being the only Californiau 
 species, we might suppose the two to be the same. Such, however, is not the case ; the 
 description indicates a bird belonging to the second of Dr. Sclater's two sections of the 
 genus, namely, that one in which there is a white wing-spot ; and the bird seems re- 
 lated to A. nigrescens of South America, the assigned locality being most probably erro- 
 neous. Dr. Selater appears to have overlooked the name in his synonymy of the 
 American Oaprimulgidw. 
 
 Niittall's Whippoorwill was discovered by Audubon, on the Upper 
 Missouri, thirty years ago; but it is only recently that much material 
 has come into the possession of naturalists. The bird is, nevertheless, 
 very abundant in most parts of the West, where it is the characteristic, 
 in fact the only, species of the genus. Audubon gave a pleasant ac- 
 count of its discovery, but nothing specially to the point respecting its 
 biography, excepting the fact that its note differs from that of the 
 eastern species in omitting one syllable. He rendered it by the word 
 "oli'-will," which is perfectly expressive, though we now generally write 
 "poor' -will." This cry is very lugubrious, and in places where the birds 
 are numerous the wailing chorus is enough to excite vague apprehen- 
 sions on the part of the lonely traveler, as he lies down to rest by his 
 camp-fire, or to break his sleep with fitful dreams, in which lost spirits 
 appear to bemoan their fate and implore his intercession. It is not 
 strange that a heated fancy should riot in the circumstances of desola- 
 tion and imminent peril under which the emigrant or the explorer must 
 often be placed in the western wilderness. Experience ^comes vividly 
 to mind as I write, of night after night, when I have gradually lost con- 
 sciousness with a mind peopled with all manner of wierd images. Clos- 
 ing my eys to the stars in the broad expanse above, my only coverlet, 
 and to the ruddy gleam from the embers of the camp fire, with a thought 
 of home and perhaps a silent aspiration, it might be long before the 
 sense of hearing, unnaturally strained, would desert its post. The mo- 
 notonous tread of the sentinel would fall heavilj^on the ear; the horses 
 would seem 1o champ as never before; the bands of vagrant coyot6s 
 would howl with redoubled energy, and all the while the Poor-wills 
 shouted their alarm. Sleep, in ai)prehension, if not really expectation 
 
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262 ANTEOSTOMUS NUTTALLI, 
 
 of danger before morniDg, is a strange state of mind — like a gun at full 
 cock, perfectly quiescent, yet on the very edge of action. A sbot, even 
 a sliout, at such a time, would bring a whole camp to its feet in a second 
 of time. So the hours wear on, till darkness and tension of mind relax 
 together, and imagination is dissipated in the very homely, prosy fact 
 of breakfast. 
 
 Like others of its family, ISluttall's Whippoorwill is oftener heard than 
 seen. When flushed from its retreat in the day time, among the shrub- 
 bery or tall weeds, it rises hurriedly with wayward flight, dashes a few 
 yards, and realights. There is something about it at such times that 
 strongly recalls the Woodcock, and the bird is quite as diflQcult to shoot 
 on the wing. 1 saw it under such circumstances in Kansas, near Fort 
 Riley, one of its easternmost recorded localities. It was not, apparently, 
 very common in that region, but great numbers are found in the warmer 
 parts of Arizona and New Mexico. Their breeding range appears to be 
 coextensive with their United States distribution. I have observed one 
 Mexican quotation ; the species appears to winter on or near our south- 
 ern border, as the eastern Whippoorwill does in corresponding localities. 
 
 An interesting and important item in the history of this species has 
 only recently come to light. Unlike most species of its genus — of its 
 subfamily, in fact — of which the eggs are known, it lays colorless instead 
 of variegated eggs. Of this fact I was first informed by my Arizona 
 correspondent, Lieutenant 0. Bendire, United States Army. He gave 
 me a minute account of the nesting, which is terrestrial, and essentially 
 similar to that of other species of the group. Lieutenant Bendire found 
 the eggs near Tuscon, in Arizona ; there were two, laid on the ground, 
 in a depression, at the foot of a bush, among dense vegetation. Eggs 
 were also taken by Mr. Eidgway in IsTevada, and by Mr. Merriam in 
 Utah. They are white, unmarked, about an inch, or rather over, in 
 length, by four-flfths broad. Both sexes incubate. 
 
 The following interesting passage occurs in the Allen Mss., -before 
 unpublished : 
 
 "Nuttall's Whippoorwill was first met with on my western expedition 
 at Topeka, Kansas, where it was by no means infrequent. We often 
 heard it at night near the outskirts of the city, and repeatedly met with 
 it in the day time in the darker and denser portions of the woodlands 
 bordering on the Kaw Eiver, reposing on the ground, like the common 
 Whippoorwill of the Eastern States. When flushed it passed rapidly, 
 with a noiseless, skimming flight, through the more open parts of the 
 undergrowth, soon realighting again on the ground. In the mountains 
 of Colorado we again met with it at a few points in great numbers, as 
 high even as 8,000 feet above the sea. At our camp of July 12, on Tur- 
 key Creek, just above the caiioii, scores were heard singing on the neigh- 
 boring slopes throughout the beautiful moon-lit night, but our pursuit 
 of them was fruitless, as they could be seen only as they flitted from 
 point to point when disturbed. We afterward heard them in consider- 
 able numbers at the Garden of the Gods, near Colorado City, and found 
 them very numerous iu September at the mouth of Ogden Caiion, near 
 Ogden City, in Utah. Here, as soon as the dusk of the evening ren- 
 dered it difficult to distinguish such small objects with distinctness, the 
 whole hill sides seemed to be alive with the tantalizing abundance of 
 these birds. Like the common Whippoorwill of the East, they seem to 
 sing at intervals throughout the season, and at this date (September) 
 appeared fully as musical as during the breeding season. It lingers at 
 its summer home till the autumn is far advanced, as we found it at 
 Ogden as late as October 6, quite far up the slope of the mountains, in 
 
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•CHOEDEILES VIEGINIAlirUS, NIGHT-HAWK. 263 
 
 the midst of a driviag snow-storm — the first of the season — the snow 
 having then already accumulated to the depth of several inches." 
 
 Mr. Merriam gives the following note in his report: "This rare bird 
 was only found on the rocky slopes at the foot of the Wahsatch Mount- 
 ains; here, on the 12th.of June, I obtained their eggs; they were pure 
 white, without spots, and were laid in a slight cavity in the bare ground, 
 without any nest. They contained full-grown embryos, and would doubt- 
 less have hatched in a few hours. The 'male bird was shot as he left the 
 nest, and as the feathers were worn off his belly by setting, it is evident 
 that both male and female take part in the incubation." 
 
 Introduction of the following species completes an account of the North American 
 species of the Caprimidgidw : 
 
 Antrostomus CjIkolinensis (Gm.) GouU. 
 
 Caprimulgus carolinensia, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 1028.— Lati-i., Ind. Om. ii, 1790, 584. — 
 WiLS., Am. Oru. ti, 95, pi. — , fig. -.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 61.— Nutt. i, 1832, 612.— 
 AuD., Orn. Biog. i, 273 ; v, 401 ; pi. 52 ; Syn. 31 ; B. Am. i, 151, pi. 41.— Waeth., 
 J. f. 0. 1868, 368. 
 
 Anatrotomus earoUnensis, Gould. — Cass., 111. 1, 1855, 236. — Cab., J. f. O., iv, 6 (Cuba). — 
 Be, B. N. A. 1858, 147.— Cab., Mus. Hein. ii, 1859, 90.— Sol., P. Z. S. 1866, 136 : 
 Cat. 1862, 280.— Dress., Ibis, 1865, 70 (Texas).- Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 
 118 (South Caroliua).— Lawr., Ann. Lvc. ix, 1868, 120 (Costa Rica).— S.iLV., P. 
 Z. S. 1870, 303 (Veragua).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 300.— Coues, Key, 
 1872, 180.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. U, 1874, 410, pi. 46, fig. 1. 
 
 Caprimulgus rufns, Vieill., 0. A. S. i, 1807, 57, pi. 25. 
 
 Caprimulgus brachypterus, Sl'KPH., G. Z. x, 159. 
 
 Hab. — South Atlantic and Gulf States. Cuba. South to Guatemala 
 Chordeiles tbxbnsis, Lawr. 
 
 Chordeiles brasilimsis, Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. v, 1851, 114 («eeGM.). — Cass., 111. 1855, 238. 
 
 Chordeiles sapiii, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 63. 
 
 Chordeiles iexensis, Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. vi, 1850, 167.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 154, pi. 44 ; 
 Mex. B. Surv. ii, 1859, Birds, 7, pi. 6.— Scl., Cat. 18G2, 279 ; P. Z. S. 1866, 134 
 (Guatemala).- Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 345.— Dress., Ibis, 1865, 471 (Texas).— 
 Cooes, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 58 (Arizona).— Lawr., Ann. Lye. ix, 1868, 120 
 (Costa Eioa), 204 (Yucatan).— Coues, Key, 1872, 181. 
 
 Caprimulgus texensis, Warth., J. f. O. 1868, 376. 
 
 Chordeiles sapiti var. texensis, B. B. & E., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 406, pi. 46, fig. 5. 
 
 Sab. — Southwestern United States, and south to Guatemala. 
 
 ,/ 
 K I 
 
 CHORDEILES VIEGINIANUS, (Gm.) Bp. 
 Jfight-hawk ; Bnll-bat ; Pisk ; riramidig< 
 
 a. virginianus. 
 
 Caprimulgus virginianus, Bkiss., Orn. ii, 1760, 477 (partim). — Gji., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 
 i028.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 585.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 62.— Aud., Orn. Biogt ii, 
 1834, 273; v, 18,39, 406; pi. 147.— Nutt., Man. i, 18.32, 619; ii, 1834, 609. 
 
 Caprimulgus (Gliordeiles) virginianus, Sw. & EiCH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 337. 
 
 Chordeiles virginianus, Bp., List, 1838, 8; Consp. i, 1850, 63.— Aud., B. Am. i, 1840, 159, 
 pi. 43; Syn. 1839, 32.— Glr., B. L. I. 1844, 72,— Woodh.. Sitgr. Eep. 1853, 63.— 
 Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1851, 186; 111. 1855, 238.— Brew,, N. Am. Ool. i, 1857, 
 87.— Nbwb., p. E. E. Eep. vi, 1857, 79.— Sol., Cat. 1862, 279 ; P, Z, S. 1866, 132 
 (Brazil),— Salv,, P, Z. S. 1870, 303 (Veragua).- CouES, Key, 1872, 181, fig. 117, 
 
 Chordedeiles virginianus, Cab,, Mus. Hein. ii, 1859, 86, 
 
 Caprimulgus popetue, Vieill., O, A. S. i, 1807, 56, pi, 24 ( 9 ),— Bp,, Obs, Wils. 1825, 177. 
 
 Chordeiles popetue, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 151.— Heerm., P. E. E, Eep. x, 1859, pt. vi, 36. — 
 Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash, Ter. 1860, 166,— Lawr,, Ann, Lvc. May, 1860 
 (Cuba).— Hayd., Eep. 1862, 157.— Sxow, B. Kans, 1873, 3,— Allen^ Bull, M, C. Z. 
 ii, 1871, 300 (excl, syn, sapiti, brasiliensis et texensis) ; iii, 1872, 179. — Coop., 
 B. Cal. i, 1870, 342.— Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc, 1872, 206.— B, B. & E,, N. A. B. ii, 
 1874, 401, 
 
 Caprimulgus am«>'icanus, WiLS,, Am, Orn. v, 1812, 65, pi. 40, figs. 1, 2. 
 
 Clwrdeiles americanus, DeKay, N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844, pi, 27, fig, 60. 
 
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-264 CHORDEILES VIEGINIANUS, NIGHT-HAWK. 
 
 b. lienryi. 
 
 Chordeiles lienryi, Cass., 111. 185.5, 239.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 153, 922 ; P. R. E. Eop. x, 
 1859, pt. iii, 13, pi. 17.— ScL., Cat. 1862, 279 ; P. Z. S. 1866, 133.— Dress., Ibis, 
 1865, 476 (Matamoras).— Cooks, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 58.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 
 1S70, 344.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 463.— aiERR., ibid. 1872, 692.— 
 Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 3. 
 
 Chordeiles popetue var. henryi, Allen, Ball. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 179. — B. B. & E., N. A. B. 
 ii, 1874, 404, pi. 46, f. 4. 
 
 Chordeiles virginianus var. henryi, Codes, Key, 1872, 181. 
 
 c. minor. 
 
 Chordeiles virginianus, Lemb., Aves Isl. Cuba, 1850, 51. — GossE, B. Jam. 1847, 33. 
 
 Chordeiles minor, Cab., J. f. O. 1856, 5 ; Miis. Hcin. ii, 1859, 86.— Lawk., Ann. Lye. May, 
 I860.— SCL., P. Z. S. 1861, 77 ; Cat. 1862, 279 ; P. Z. S. 1866, 433 (Cuba and 
 Jamaica). — March, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1863, 286 (Jamaica). 
 
 Chordeiles gundlachii, Lawk., Ann. Lye. vi, 1856, 165 (Cuba). 
 
 Bab. — Entire temperate North and Middle America. North to Hudson's Bay (Mur- 
 ray, Ediub. Phil. Journ. 1860). Cuba and Jamaica, migratory. Bahamas (Bryant, Pr. 
 Bost. Soc. vii, 1859). South to Brazil (Pelz. Orn. Braz. i, 14). Var. henryi from the 
 Southern Eocky Mountain region. Var. minor in Cuba and Jamaica (resident). 
 
 List of specimens. 
 
 49336 .... 
 
 Stinking Creek. 
 
 
 G.H.Trook 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition.— 9gn,'B\a.ck Hills; 8878, Loup Fork ; 5201-03, forty 3 J^-/ 
 miles above St. Pierre. r 
 
 Later Expeditions. — 59851, Colorado ; 60417, Laramie; 60772, Pacific Springs; 61775, r-i^ 
 62254-5, Idaho ; 6225, Wyoming. (All var. henryi.) s ' "' < 
 
 The bird described as C. henryi is merely the paler form prevailing in the dryer and . 
 unwooded parts of the West ; the gray and tawny shades in excess of the darker ' 
 colors, and the white patches more extensive. It is not larger than ordinary rirgini- 
 anus, though so stated to be ; and the plate above cited, in the Pacific Eailroad Eeport, 
 is highly exaggerated in coloring. The West Indian form, apparently resident, I can- 
 not distinguish as a species; the only ascribed character, its smaller size, is readily 
 attributable to its southern habitat. The fact that the true virginiamis also occurs in 
 Cuba is no rebutting evidence, for I suppose the individuals of the latter to have been 
 migrants; and, as is well known, the bird performs very extensive journeys — quite 
 from the Arctic regions to Brazil. 
 
 Mr. Allen is clearly wrong in allocating the C. texensis (Laicrence), sapiti (Bonaparte), 
 and brasilianus, and., among the synonyms of virginianus. I cannot here discuss the 
 question whether or not these names are synonymous inter se ; but they are, beyond all 
 question, permanently distinct from lirjiHianus, as Mr. Allen himself afterward became 
 aware. I should judge that " texensis," which is abnndant along our Mexican border, 
 constitutes a large northern race of C. aciifipennis (Boddwrl), with which sapiti (Xatt- 
 erer, Bonaparte) is synonymous. It may require to stand as C. acuiipemnis var. tmensis. 
 
 The Night-hawk is as abundant in most parts of the West as else- 
 where in North America, particularly in the spring and fall, during the 
 migration. I have seen it at these seasons wherever I happened to be; 
 and it also breeds throughout most of the country. It retires south- 
 ward in the fall, entirely withdrawing from the United States. 
 
 Mr. Allen's notice is corroborative of these statements. "It ap- 
 pears," he says in a letter to me, "to be everywhere a common inhab- 
 itant of the great central plateau of the continent. About Fort Hays, 
 Kansas, it was as abundant in June as I ever found it in any portion of 
 the Atlantic States, and presenting essentially the same habits. It 
 breeds on the bare ground, where, during our ornithological tramps, we 
 often flushed them from their quiet repose on the heated earth. We 
 also frequently found them assembled in the timber along Big Creek, 
 ceveral being sometimes observed in a single tree. They were also 
 abundant in the mountains of Colorado, being more or less common up 
 to the altitude of about 11,000 feet." 
 
 The Mght-hawk nests on the ground, lays two eggs, a.nd the young 
 
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PANYPTILA SAXATILIS, WHITE-THROATED SWIFT. 265 
 
 are batched downj-. This is a singular circumstauce, in which the 
 Gaprimuigidw resemble the lower orders of birds, and not the higher 
 groups with which they are associated. The chiciis are not, however, 
 hatched entirely clothed; for the flrst two or three days they are only 
 densely Hocculeut ou the under parts, tlie upper being but sparsely 
 downy ; soon, however, they are uniformly covered with down, varie- 
 gated above, plain below. The design of this provision is evidently 
 protection from the damp ground on which the young rest. In the 
 several instances of nesting I have found, there was nothing whatever 
 between the birds and the earth ; but occasionally, it is said, a few 
 leaves or straws lie underneath them. A favorite nesting place, in the 
 West, is the little mounds of loose soil thrown up by the gophers, either 
 in open fields or by the edge of woods. The birds are also said to lay 
 on tlie mould of stumps and logs, but I have never found eggs in such 
 situations. One of the two eggs may be hatched sooner than the otiier ; 
 in one instance I found an interval of three days to elapse, during which 
 I frequently visited a nesting place. The female, on each occasion, 
 remained near her charge until nearly trodden upon, and then fluttered 
 off, making believe she was crippled, as perfectly as I ever saw the pious 
 fraud performed in my life. Not having much, if any, legs to be lame 
 in, she simulated a broken wing, fluttering and pitching about in the 
 grass, at no time more than a few feet oft'. The statement that the bird 
 will remove her young, if disturbed, is true. The bird I am alluding to 
 carried them to another hillock, after my second visit, but only a couple 
 of yards away. The male, on each occasion, came dashing overhead, 
 sometimes darting close down, but did not join the mother in her at- 
 tempts to decoy me away. 
 
 I have found the Night-hawk nesting in the Carolinas and Dakota, as 
 it apparently does in most of its United States range. The eggs are 
 nearly elliptical, blunt at the smaller end, where nearly as large and 
 rounded as at the other. They measure about 1.30 by 0.90, but vary a 
 good deal. The coloration is blended, intricate, and diflficult of descrip- 
 tion. The ground-color is a pale stone-gray, sometimes grayish-white, 
 obscurely mottled all over with pale purplish-gray or neutral shell- 
 markings, over which is laid a marbling or scratchy fret-work of dark 
 olive-gray. The tone of the markings — rather, the number and intensity 
 of the markings, resulting in the general tone of coloration — is ex- 
 tremely variable, some very pale, scarcely clouded, eggs being met with. 
 
 Family OYPSELID^ : Swifts. 
 
 PANYPTILA SAXATILIS, (Woodh.) Goues. 
 White-throated or Rock Swift. 
 
 Acauthylis saxatiUs, WoODH., Sitgr. Eep. 1853, 64.— Cass., 111. i, 1855, 252. 
 
 PanijpUla saxatiUs, COCES, Key, 1872, 182. 
 
 Cypselus mdanolmicus, Bd., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1854, 118.— Cass., 111. i, 1855, 248. 
 
 Pamjptila meJanokitca, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 141.— Kexk., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, pt. iv, 23.— 
 Heerm., ihld. pt. V, 10; pt. vi, :i5, pi. 18, lower fig.— ScL. & Salt., Ibis, 1859, 
 125 (biograpby).— Coop., Pr. Cal. Acad. 1861, 122 (Cajon Pass, Soutbem C^ali- 
 fornia).— CouES, Phila. Acad. 1866, 57.— Scl., P. Z. S. 18S5, 607.— Coop., B. 
 Cal. i, 1870, 347.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 151, 180 (Colorado).— Aiken, 
 Pr. Best. See. XV, 1872, 206.— B. B. & P., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 424, pi. 45, f. 5. 
 
 Sab.— Southern Rocky Mountain region to the Pacific. North to headwaters of the 
 Platte at least. South to Guatemala. 
 Not noticed by the Expeditions. 
 
 Eespecting the Acauthijlis saxatiUs of Dr. Woodhouse, I remarked on 
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266 PANYPTILA. SAXATILIS, WHITE-THROATED SWIFT. 
 
 a former occasion that there was no doubt of its being the same as the 
 bird subsequently described by Prof., Baird; and although I did not 
 then consider it necessary to make the change of nomenclature, this has 
 since appeared to me to be required. While encamped at "Inscription 
 Eock" (the original locality of saxatilis), I saw great numbers of these 
 Swifts; but as I had been obliged to leave my gun behind, to accom- 
 plish the difficult and rather dangerous ascent of the cliffs, I failed to 
 secure specimens, though the birds occasionally flew almost in my face, 
 so that I could positively identify them. The only material discrepancy 
 in Woodhouse's description is the mention of a white ramp ; but I am 
 perfectly satisfied the observer mistook the character of the white lat- 
 eral flank-patches, which often in life overlie the rump till they nearly 
 or quite meet across it. The Yiolet-green Swallow shows exactly the 
 same thing. 
 
 From Inscription Eock, which lies a day's march west of Whipple's 
 Pass, between this and Znni, to the San Francisco Mountains, I saw the 
 Swifts almost daily — always when we passed the peculiar cliflfs they fre- 
 quent. In favorable places they were congregated in immense numbers, 
 and were evidently nesting in the rocks. But their strongholds were 
 impregnable, at least from the front, and as it would have delayed the 
 party a day to make a detour and scale the crags from behind, 1 cannot 
 say whether they built a nest against the open rocks or in the crevices, 
 though they certainly did so upon the face of the cliffs. With them 
 were associated large numbers of Swallows, particularly the S. luni- 
 frons. Tbey generally fly very high — far out of gunshot-range, and with 
 extraordinary rapidity. I shall never forget my disappointment when, 
 on this account, I failed to secure specimens under the most advantage- 
 ous circumstances I could reasonably expect. It was at sundown when 
 we encamped by some small pools, where the dank, hot, lower atmos- 
 phere was loaded with gnats and mosquitoes, upon which the birds c^me 
 skimming down quite to the ground to feed, as well as to sip the water 
 in passing. The associate Swallows outnumbered them ten or twenty 
 to one, and it added so much to the difficulty of shooting thein, that I 
 had to occupy precious seconds iu picking out the right birds, among 
 the hundreds dashing down to the pool, and I invariably fired either 
 prematurely or just too late ; and when the darkness closed in I had not 
 got a single Swift. 
 
 The species was observed in the same zoological area by Drs. Kenn- 
 erly and Heermann, both of whom have recorded remarks agreeing in 
 purport with my own. Br. Cooper extended the known range of the 
 species to the Pacific. "About twelve miles north of San Diego," he 
 writes, "I found them rather numerous about some high rocky bias's, 
 close to the seashore. They were there March 22, and may have been 
 about a month previously, but generally fly so high during the day that 
 they are at first betrayed by their harsh twitter when scarcely percepti- 
 ble in the zenith. Occasionally they start off like lightning for several 
 miles and back, as if it were only a slight curve in their course ; some- 
 times they sweep for a moment near the ground, and the next disappear 
 in the sky." This naturalist seems to think they winter about the canons 
 of the Colorado, noting that Dr. Kehnerly found them February 16, but 
 this appears to me improbable. Swallows often appear in our Middle 
 districts in February, allured by a few warm days to perform a flight 
 from the far South ; and the appearance of these Swifts in February is 
 nothing remarkable for the hot region of Colorado. Messrs. Sclater 
 and Salvin record the species from Guatemala, and a flight through 
 Mexico, toward the close of winter, would be a mere bagatelle to bird^ 
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CHiETUEA PELAGICA, CHIMNEY SWIFT. 267 
 
 The White-throated Swift, for all that is at present known, barely 
 reaches the southern border of the Missouri region, being noted from 
 points in Colorado not far from the headwaters of the Platte. Mr. 
 Aiken records its arrival at Caiion City, April 18 ; Mr. Allen found it 
 somewhat further north, and it probably goes as far at least as the 
 Black Hills. The last-mentioned gentleman's note is as follows : "Ob- 
 served only at the 'Garden of the Gods,' near Colorado City, where a 
 considerable colony were nesting in holes and cpevices in the clifl's, 
 usually far above gunshot. They seemed very shy, and flew mostly 
 near the tops of the highest rocks. Upon ascending the rocks most fre- 
 quented by them, they moved to other points, and thus managed to keep 
 generally out of range. By spending a considerable part of two days, 
 we procured only four specimens, though several others which were 
 killed fell in inaccessible places. They fly with great velocity, and are 
 very tenacious of life. As they swoop down to enter their nests ('al- 
 most with the velocity of a bullet,' he says in a letter), the rushing 
 sound produced by their wings can be heard to a considerable distance. 
 Hirundo thalassina was also breeding here in similar situations." 
 
 '' CH^TUEA PELAGICA, (Linn.) Bd. '- 
 (Jliimney Swift. 
 
 Jlinmdo pelagica, LiNX., Svst. Nat. i, 1758, 192. 
 
 Chcetura pelagica, B. B. & E., N. A. B. ii, 1W4, 432, pi. 45, f. 7. 
 
 " Hirundo carolinensis, Briss., Orn. ii, 1760, 501." 
 
 "Herundo cerdo, Baete., Trav. Fla. 1791, 292.— Baet., Frag. N. H. Pa. 1799, 18." 
 
 Hirundo pelasgia, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 345. — Vieill., Oia. Am. Sept. i, 1807, 73, pi. 
 33.— WiLS., Am. Orn. v, 1812, 48, pi. 39, f. 1. 
 
 Cypselua pelasgiiis, Bp., Syn. 1828, 63. — Ntjtt., Man. i, 1832, 609. — AuD., Orn. Biog. ii, 
 1835, 329; v, 1839, 419; pi. 158.— DbKay,N.Y.Zoo1. 1844,pl. 27,f.58.— Maxui., 
 J. f. O. vi, 1858, p. — . 
 
 Cliwlura ])elasgia, Steph., Shaw's Gen. Zool. xiii, 1825, 76. — Bp., Comp. List, 1838, 8. — .^ \- 
 AUD., Syn. 1839, 33; B. Am. i, 1840, 104, pi. 44.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 144.— > 
 Hayd., Rep. 1862, 156.— SCL., Cat. 1862, 282; P. Z. S. 1863, 100 ; 1865, 610.— .V' 
 Teippe, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 114 (Minnesota ; not common). — Snow, B. Kans. ^ 
 1873, 3.— AlXEN, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 301 ; iii, 1872, 180.— COUES, Key, 1872, XTi? - 
 183, fig. 119 ; and of authors generally. ' 
 
 AcanthjUs pelasgia, Temm.— Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 64. — WooDH., Sitgr. Eep. 1853,63. — "J/^ 
 Cass., 111. i, 1855, 249.— Beew., N. A. Ool. i, 1857, 108. ' 
 
 Hemiprocne pelasgia, Steeubel, Isis, 1848, 362. 
 
 Hah. — Eastern United States and British Provinces. 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4781, Bijoux Hills. 
 
 It is difficult at present to fix the western limit of this species, owing 
 to several circumstances. The accounts of the earlier wiiters, who 
 ascribe to it a range to the Pacific, must remain in abeyance until it is 
 decided whether G. •caiixii be a distinct species or only a variety ; for it 
 is certain that this is the bird they had in view. Others mention its 
 abundance along the eastern base of the Kocky Mountains, and in New 
 Mexico ; I never recognized it in the latter Territory, and I do 7)ot find 
 that later observers, such as Allen, Aiken, and Holden, have there met 
 with it. The westernmost locality of which I am iiersonally cognizant, 
 is that above quoted. Finally, Prof. Snow's remark, that it was form- 
 erly rare, but is now becoming common in Kansas, would appear to 
 indicate a shifting of its western extension, very probably with the 
 advance of civilization. Dr. Haydeu says that it is rare in the north- 
 west, where I have yet to meet with it. I am entirely in the dark re- 
 specting its winter-quarters. I find no mention of its wintering in the 
 United States, and Allen notices its entering Florida late in March j 
 yet after faithful search among the papers of Lawrence, Sclater, SaMn, 
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268 CH^TUEA PELACICA, CHIJIXEY SWIFT. 
 
 and others, 1 have failed to lay my hand on a West Indian, Mexican, or 
 Central American reference. Dr. Sclater, usually explicit, is silent in 
 the matter, in his critical notice of the Cypselidw. 
 
 The Chimney Swift reaches the Middle States early in April, and 
 leaves toward October. It is abundant in our towns and cities, and 
 familiar to all. The following account of its nidification, the most inter- 
 esting point in its economy, leaves nothing to be desired. Dr. Brewer 
 writes : 
 
 " The nest of the Chimney Swallow is one of the most remarkable 
 structures of the kind to be found among the handiwork of even this 
 interesting family, nearly all of whom are far from being undistinguished 
 for their architectural accomplishments. It is composed of small twigs 
 of nearly uniform size, which are interwoven into a neat semi-circular 
 basket. In selecting the twigs with which to construct the nest, the 
 Swift seems to prefer to break from the tree such as are best adapted 
 to its wants, rather than to gather those already scattered upon the 
 ground. This is done with great skill and adroitness, while on the wing. 
 Sweeping on the coveted twig, somewhat as a Hawk rushes on its prey, 
 it parts it at the desired place, and bears it off to its nest. This fact is 
 familiar to all who have attentively observed its habits. Each of these 
 twigs is firmly fastened to its fellows by an adhesive saliva, secreted by 
 the bird, and the whole structure is strongly cemented to the side of 
 the chimney in which it is built, by means of the same secretion. When 
 dry, this saliva hardens into a glue-like substance, apparently firmer 
 even than the twigs themselves. In separating a nest from the side of 
 a chimney, I have known portions of the brick to which it was fastened 
 to give way sooner than the cement with which it had been secured. 
 When moistened, however, by long or heavy rains, the weight of their 
 contents will sometimes cause them to part, and precipitate the whole 
 to the bottom. The young birds cling very tenaciously to the sides of 
 the chimney, with their strong claws and muscular feet, and often save 
 them selves from falling in such accidents, by this means, even at a very 
 early age, and before they have attained their sight. As the nest, even 
 when undisturbed, soon becomes too small for them, the young leave it 
 long before they are able to fly, and climb to the top of the chimney, 
 where they are fed by their parents." 
 
 The eggs, four to six in number, are pure white, unmarked, sub-ellip- 
 tical in shape, and measure 0.75 by 0.50, or slightly more. 
 
 Remaining North American species of this family are only as follows : 
 
 CiLaiTURA VAUxn (Towns.), De Kay. 
 
 Cypselus vauxii, Towns., Joum. Phila. Acad, viii, 1839, 148 (Colorado River). 
 
 Chcetura raiij-ii, DeKay, N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844, 36.— Be, B. N. A. 1858, 145, pi. 18.— Kenx., 
 
 P. R. R. Rep. X, pt. iv, 1859, pi. 18, f. 2.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 
 
 1860, 165.— Sci.. & SAiv., P. Z. S. 1860, 37 (no specific name).— Sci.., Cat. 1862, 
 
 2-i2 ; P. Z. S. 1863, 100 (Guatemala) ; 1865, 611 (critical).— Lawr., Ann. Lye. 
 
 ix, 1*^68, 204 (Yucatan).— Coop. B. Cal. i, 1670, 351.— Coles, Key, 1S72, 183. 
 Aeanthylis vauxii, Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 64 ; Comptes Rend. 1854, 660. — Cass., IU. 1855, 
 
 2,50.— Newb., p. E. R. Rep. vi, 18.57, 78. 
 Chcetura (palagica var. ?) vauxi, B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 435. 
 
 Sab. — Pacific Coast, United States, south to Guatemala. 
 
 Nephcecetes NIGER var. bokeaxis (Kenn.), Coues. 
 
 ii. niger, 
 
 Birundo nigra, Gii , Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 1025.— Lath., Ind. Orn. 11, 1790, 577 (Antilles; 
 
 based on S. apos dominicensis, Briss., ii, 514, pi. 46, f. 3). 
 Cypselus niger, GosSE, B. Jam. 1847, 63 ; 111. pi. 10.— Lawr., Ann. Lyo. N. Y. vi, 1858, 
 
 268 (Cuba). 
 Cypseloides uiger, ScL., P. Z. S. 1865, 615. 
 
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TR0CHILIDJ3, HUMMINGBIRDS. 269 
 
 b. horealis. 
 
 Cypselus horealis, Kesn., Pr. Phila. Acad, ix, 1857, 202. 
 
 Cimsdoides horealis, SCL., P. Z. S. 1865, 615. . 
 
 Nephocwtes niger, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 142.— Elliot, B. N. A. i, pi. 20.— Coop., Orn. Cal. i, 
 
 1870, 349.— SOMICH., Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 5(»J (Veia Cruz). 
 Xephwceles niger var. horealis, CouES, Key, 1872, 183. 
 Xephcecetes niger, B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 429, pi. 45, f. 4. 
 
 Hah.— The typical form in Cuba and Jamaica. Var. horealis from the Pacific coast, 
 United States ; south into Mexico. 
 
 Family TROOHILID^ : Hummingbirds. 
 
 The Hummers constitute a very large family of very small birds, and form one of 
 the most remarlrable groups in ornithology. Sharply distinguished from all other 
 birds, no less by their general appearance than by tbeir technical characters, they are 
 recognizable at a glance by the casual observer, and some representatives are familiar 
 objects to all, from the vast numbers that are set up all over the civilized world merely 
 for ornamental purposes, and the gratification of the cnrious. Tliey compete with 
 Ostrich and Bird of Paradise plumes, Rooster's hackles, Gull's breasts, and other mis- 
 cellaneous objects of natural history in the decoration of woman's head-apparel ; and 
 are prominent features of bird-stufier's show-cases. Beautiful even under such condi- 
 tions, in tbe more favorable circumstances of their native haunts they are the most 
 lovely of the feathered denizens of the air, gorgeous in color, exquisite in form, won- 
 derful in action. 
 
 Notwithstanding the ease with which these birds as a group may be known, some 
 technical comments will not be out of place here. With ordinal characters of Ploariw, 
 they associate a medium to extremely long and very slender, subulate or even acicular 
 bill, usually straight and acute, with inflected tomia, serrate or not, and short unbristled 
 gape. In some remarkable species, as the Doeimastes ensiferus, tfie bill Is actually longer 
 than all the rest of the bird, a thing not elsewhere known among birds ; and in general, 
 it is longer than the head. The tongue is peculiar ; it resembles that of the Wood- 
 peckers, in its length and lumbriciforua slenderness, as well as its susceptibility of 
 being protruded to great distance by means of its posterior prolonged " horns," that 
 curve around the skull; but in structure it is double-barrelled, consisting of two 
 thready tubes, an arrangement which, in connection with the tube-like sloping of the 
 mouth, facilitates the extraction of honey from the nectaries of flowers, by a peculiar 
 process that may be true voluntary suction, or a sort of capillary attraction, or partly 
 both. 
 
 The wings are remarkable iu several respects. In general, they are thin, sharp, and 
 pointed, with long, stiff, curved primaries, rapidly graduated, and short secondaries, 
 resulting in the sfiape especially to be called falcate. They have but six remiges, in 
 addition to the ten primaries. The upper arm-bone is extraordinarily short ; perhaps 
 representing the extreme of this condition among birds. The breast-bone is very large, 
 and has an enormous keel; this is in relation to the immensely developed pectoral mus- 
 cles that move the wing. The whole conformation illustrates perfectly a well-known 
 law, yet one not often mentioned, respecting the movements of the wing of a bird, viz., 
 that the nearer to the body the longest quill-feather is, the more rapidly is the wing 
 moved. We will assume, for example, what is very near the truth, tbat a Humming- 
 bird and an Albatross have about the same relative length of wing in the "hand" or 
 pinion portion that bears the ten primaries, and the same relative length of these 
 quills. In the Albatross, this portion of the wing is widely separated from the body 
 by the length of the humerus and fore-arm; in the former, tliie reverse extreme exists; 
 and we see the result in the long, measured sweep of the ocean-bird's wing and the 
 rapid strokes of the other's. This is in strict accordance with a mechanical law 
 respecting the ratio between time of motion and distance traversed. Given, say, a 
 Hummer's wing two inches from flexure to tip of first primary, and one inch from 
 flexure to shoulder-joint; this would make the poiut of the wing de.scribe an are of a 
 circle with a radius of three inches ; and a certain amount of muscular contraction 
 effects this in a certain time. Now, lengthen fore-arm and upper-arm till they are 
 each about two inches long, which would be something like the relative lengths in an 
 Albatross' wing; this would make the point of the wing move in the arc of a circle 
 with a radius of six inches. Now, the muscular force remaining the same, it is evi- 
 dent that the point of the wing could not move through this much larger arc in the 
 same time ; i. e., the wing-strokes would be necessarily slower. It is interesting to 
 observe how, in some other birds, a similar resnlt is brought about by difl'erent means. 
 In a Partridge, for instance, without special shortening of upper-arm or fore-arm, the 
 longest quill-feather is brought nearer the body by the roundness of the wing, that is. 
 
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270 TEOCHILID^, HUMMINGBIEDS. 
 
 the successive sliortening of several outer primaries ; and this bird, as is well known, 
 nialies correspoudiugiy more rapid wing-beats and vigorous, whirring flight. lu the 
 Humming-biid the quickness of the wiug-vibration reaches the maximum; so rapid is 
 it that the eye cannot follow the strokes, but merely perceives a film on each side of 
 the body. The flight of the bird is also the most rapid ; frequently the eye cannot 
 follow the bird itself It is almost needless to add, that the peculiar sound, from which 
 the family takes its English name, is not vocal, but produced by the wings, just as it 
 is in the cases of so many insects. 
 
 The tail is moderate, in most Hummers, but is too various in size and shape to be 
 concisely characterized here. It sometimes greatly exceeds the length of the body. 
 None of our representatives have any special developments of this member. It always 
 has ten rectricea. The feet are small and short, and usually naked, though clothed in 
 some; the toes normal; the claws rather large, relatively, and sharp. The feet are 
 scarcely used for progression; the birds take to their wings for the briefest locomo- 
 tion. 
 
 The birds are noted for their gorgeous coloring, due in most part, and in the vast 
 majority of instances, to the iridescent glitter of their plumage; the metallic sheen is 
 specially noticeable upon the throat, forming the characteristic gorget of the male sex. 
 This is commonly wanting in the female, and she is also duller, usually, and otherwise 
 so diiferent in color as to be frequently mistaken for a diiferent species. The sexual 
 difference is sometimes so great, and affects such changes in size and shape of parts, 
 that even genera have been framed upon it, or the sexes of the same species referred 
 to different genera. Various greens, particularly of the golden series, are among the 
 commonest body-colors; purples and violet-blacks oftenest tint the wings and tail; 
 the brilliant gorget changes hue in different lights, and here only, among birds, the 
 rainbow finds adequate material expression.* The crown is sometimes as brilliant as 
 the throat. Velvety-black and snowy-white occur. A part of the species are crested ; 
 others have the gorget prolonged into a ruff; many have white, cottony tufts upon the 
 flanks. 
 
 The general interest that attaches to the Hummers causes them to be eagerly sought 
 after, and one good result of their search, to offset the lamentable wanton destruction 
 of the beautiful little creatures for mercenary ends, has been the unparalleled advance 
 of our knowledge of the species within comparatively few years. Now, we know at 
 least three hundred species, apparently valid, aside from the unnumbered nominal 
 ones that have been introduced into the system. The famih' is confined to America, 
 and has its centre of abundance in the tropical parts of South America, especially New 
 Granada, although some representatives are found from Alaska to Patagonia, and 
 others live on snowy Andean peaks. The species have been almost endlessly subdi- 
 vided into subfamilies and genera ; but, while the latter are undeniably many, perhaps 
 but two of the former may be recognized with certainty and entire propriety. One of 
 these, Phaelhornithinw, embraces only about a tenth of the family, and is composed of 
 the duller-colored species, especially inhabitants of the dense forests of the Amazon. 
 The other, Trochilincs, comprehends the great variety, and is the only one represented 
 in North America, at least with the limitation of Phaetlwrnithmce just alluded to. Tho 
 localization of many species is a singular fact in the history of the family ; not a few 
 are strictly confined, so far as is now known, to particular valleys or particular mount- 
 ain peaks, only a few miles in area. Others however, are widely dispersed, as our 
 Euby-throat and the western Rufous-backed Hummer, which reaches from Alaska into 
 Mexico. .• Few of the genera now usually adopted have many species ; quite often but 
 ii single one. 
 
 There has been much conflict of opinion concerning the food of these birds. From 
 their hovering so constantly about flowers, it was for a long time believed that they 
 were nourished solely upon the sweets extracted from the nectaries. Then insecl^ 
 were found in their stomachs, and opinion veered to the opposite extreme. But doubt- 
 less both views are correct; we know that the birds are extensively insect-eaters, and 
 the few that have been preserved alive in confinement have been easily fed upon syrup 
 or sugar and water. Besides being the most active of birds, they are spirited, even 
 irascible, and at times extremely pugnacious ; the males have fierce encounters in airy 
 tournament. They are not properly gregarious, though so many often collect at 
 favorite feeding-grounds. They build exquisite nests, sometimes pensile, but ordi- 
 narily saddled upon a small bough or in a crotch, tastefully adorned outside, and at 
 the same time effectively concealed, by being stuccoed over with bits of moss or lichen ; 
 within, they are warmly lined with the most delicate silky, cottony, or downy vege- 
 table substances. They never lay more than two eggs, which are white; and the 
 period of incubation is stated to be twelve or fourteen days. 
 
 Wilson knew but one North American Humming-bird, and Audubon only two or 
 
 * It may not be generally known that under certain conditions thei plumage of our 
 dullest birds will show rainbow-colors. A Sparrow's witig, for instance, held up to a 
 strong light, and half-spread, wiU give the spectrum, by decomposition of the solar ray 
 in passing through the fine barbules and barbicels, like that seen upon a soap-bubble. 
 
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•< 
 
 TEOCHILUS CDLUBEIS, EUBY-THKOATED HUMMINGBIRD. 271 
 
 three more. In 1858, Prof. Baird nearly doubled the number, including seven in his 
 work. In 1873, I -was enabled to recognize eleven species in the " Key " ; one of these, 
 however, was purely adventitious. Since this time, a large and beautiful species (Eu- 
 gmesfulgens) has been discovered by Mr. Henshaw to occur over our Mexican border, 
 where, doubtless, additional species will eventually be found. 
 
 TEOCHILUS OOLUBEIS, Linn, i • 
 Ruby -throated Kummiiigftlrd, 
 
 ■TrooMus colubns, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 191.— Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 312.— Vibill., 
 Enc. 569; Ois. Am. Sept. i, pis. 31,32 ; Ois. Dor. i, 66, 69, 70, pis. 31, 32, 33 
 ("iJMiis").— Wlls., Am. Orn. ii, 1810, 26, pi. 10, figs. 3, 4.— Xm!d., Humm. i, 
 85, pi. 5.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 98 ; Comp. List, 1838, 10 ; Consp. i, 1850, 81.— S\v. & 
 ElCH., P. B. a. ii, 1831, 323.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 588.— Aui)., Orn. Biog. i, 
 1832, 248 ; v, 1839, 544 ; pi. 47 ; Syn. 1839, 170 ; B. Am. iv, 1842, 190, pi. 253.— 
 GiR., B. L. 1. 1844, 169.- Gould, Monog. iii, pi. 131 ; Introd. 86.— Maxim., J. f. 
 O. vi, 1858, 104.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 131.— Cab., J. f. O. iv, 1^50, 98 (Cuba) ; 
 Mus. Hein. iii, 1860,57.— ScL.. P. Z. S. 1856, 287 (Cordova) ; 1859, 367.— SCL. & 
 Salv., Ibis, i, 1859, 129 (Guatemala).— Sai.v., Ibis, 1860, 260.— Sai.v., P. Z. S. 
 1870, 208 (Veragua).— Dress., Ibis, 1865, 470 (Texas).- Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 
 3.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 301 ; iii, 1872, 180.— Codes, Key, 1872,, 184.- 
 B. B. & E., N. A. B. ii, 448, pi. 47, f. 2. 
 
 MelUsuga cohihris, Steph., Shaw's Gen. Zool. xiv, 247.— Gray, Gen. of B. i, 113.— Woodh., 
 Sitgr. Eep. 1853, 65. 
 
 Ornismyia coluhris, Less., Troch. 1, pi. 1 ; Ois. Mou. 151, pi. 48.— Dev., E. M. Z. 1852, p.—. 
 
 Cynanthiw colulrris, Jaed., Humm. ii, 143. , 
 
 Trockilus aureigaster, Lawk., {fide Bd.). 
 
 Hab. — North America, east of the Eocky Mountains. North to 57°, at least. South/ .^ 
 to Brazil. Cuba. Winters in Florida (?) •^^/a 
 
 'So Hummers appear to have been observed by Dr. Hajden ; but two ^7-^- t 
 certainly inhabit the Missouri region, while a third {8. rnfus), if not , ' .," 0^ 
 also a fourth [Stellula calliope), may occur. The present species is of ^3'- ^ 
 common occurrence in Kansas, has been taken in the Saskatchewan 
 region, and ranges also over the intermediate ground. I found it quite 
 common and breeding, at Pembina, in June. 
 
 SBLASPHOEUS PLATTCEEGUS, (Sw.) Bp. 
 Broad-tailed Hummingbird. 
 
 Trochilus platycercits, Sw., Syn. Mex. B. in Philos. Mag. i, 1827, 441. 
 
 Selasphoriis platj/cercm, Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 82. — Gould, Monog. iii, 1852, pi. 140 ; Introd. 
 89.— ScL., P. Z. S. 1863, 288 (Cordova) ; 1858, 297.— Scl. & Sala'., Ibis, i, 1859, 
 129 (Guatemala).— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 135, 922.— Bd., U. S. & Mex. B. Surv. ii, 
 1859, pt. ii, 6, pi. 5, f. 1, 2.— Cab., Mus. Hein. iii, 1860, 56.— Coop., Pr. Cal. 
 Acad. 1861, 68 ; B. Cal. i, 1870, 357.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 180 (Colo- 
 rado, Wyoming, and Utah). — Hold., Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 206 (Wyoming). — 
 CouES, Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1866, 57 (Arizona), and Key, 1872, 185.— B. B. & E., 
 N. A. B. ii, 1874, 462, pi. 47, f. 5. 
 
 MelUsuga platycerca, Gray, Gen. of B. i, 113. 
 
 Ornismyia tricolor, Less., Colibris, 125, pi. 14 (Brazil) ; Troch. 1831, 156, pi. 60 (Mex- 
 ico). — Jaed., Nat. Libr. ii, 77, pi. 13. 
 
 Cynanthus tricolor, Jard., Humm. ii, 144. 
 
 Ornismyia montana, Less., Troch. 1831, 161, pit. 63, 64 (young). 
 
 TrocMlus montanus, Jaed., Humm. ii, 67. 
 
 -5a6.— Eocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada to the Black Hills. Texas. South into 
 Mexico. 
 Not obtained by the Expeditions. 
 
 This species, one of the several ascertained of late years to Inhabit 
 the United States, long after its original description as a bird of Mex- 
 ioD, was first entered in our fauna by Prof. Baird, upon specimens taken 
 at El Paso, Texas, bv Mr. J. H. Clark. Its range was almost simulta- 
 
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272 
 
 SELASPHORUS PLATYCERCUS. 
 
 Tieously ascertained to extend through 'New Mexico, wLere Dr. W. W. 
 Anderson obtained it, at Canton Burgwyn, to Fort Bridger, then Utah, 
 now in the new Territory of Wyoming, where Mr. C. Drexler secured 
 examjjles. In June, 1864, I fonnd it on the very summit of the Kocky 
 Mountains of New Mexico, at Whipple's Pass. It appeared to be quite 
 common; many were seen feeding among the wild roses then in full 
 bloom, and excellent examples were procured. I did not recognize it at 
 Fort Whipple, where the other species of the genus, 8. ru/tts, was num- 
 erous through the summer. Dr. Cooper found it at Lake Tahoe, at an 
 altitude of 6,000 feet, -where it was breeding, his specimens being young. 
 He records his anticipation of its extension northward to tlie Blue 
 Mountains, near Snake River, in Oregon. Mr. Allen found it common 
 at Ogden, Utah, in September, at Cheyenne, Wyoming, and also in 
 Park County, Colorado, where he saw it repeatedly among the flowers 
 growing far above the timber-line of Mount Lincoln, as more fully 
 stated in the following memorandum he obligingly gave nie : 
 
 '• The Broad-tailed Hummer was common from Cheyenne southward 
 along the base of the mountains to Colorado City, and thrcughout the 
 mountains was everywhere abundant, even to above the timber-line. 
 Its flight is exceedingly swift, and characterized by a sharp whistling 
 sound ; but in all other respects it might be readily mistaken for the 
 common Ruby-throat of the East. Its nest was not discovered, but 
 hardly a day passed without a considerable number of the birds being 
 observed, often several individuals being in sight at once. The great 
 abundance of flowers throughout the mountain valleys, and which here 
 and there also nearly cover the ground, even far above the limit of trees 
 on the Snowy Range, renders this mountain region highly favorable to 
 the existence of this interesting species, and offer's a ready explanation 
 of its abundant occurrence here." Cur last record is a note, by Mr. C. 
 H. Holden, relating to his observations among the Black Hills : 
 
 " These little birds were quite common. On one occasion, while 
 skinning a Hawk, I threw a piece'of flesh into a small dead tree near 
 me. In an instant three of the birds were poised before the meat, mis- 
 taking it, no doubt, for some gaudy flower. But one nest was found. 
 It contained two young ones about a week old. I was struck by the 
 wisdom displayed by the birds in placing their nest. A small tree had 
 fallen over the brook, which was here eight feet wide. The nest was 
 placed on one of the under branches in such a way that the trunk of 
 the tree would effectually keep out the rain. The nest was liued with 
 a species of cotton obtained in the vicinity." Mr. Trippe writes as fol- 
 lows from Colorado : 
 
 S. platycercus. Broad-tailed Hummingbird. Abundant; migratory; 
 breeds. The Broad-tailed Hummingbird arrives in the vicinity of 
 Idaho Springs about the middle of May, and extends upward as the sea- 
 son advances, reaching timber-line by the 15th of June, and during 
 summer roaming far above it. It is very common, and universally dis- 
 tributed, wandering over all the mountainsides and throughout all the 
 valleys; and even penetrating at times the depths of the forest — in 
 short, wherever it can find flowers, it is at home. The sound produced 
 by its wings is very peculiar, and quite unlike the humming of the 
 Euby throat; it is a loud, rattling noise, more like the shrill chirrup of 
 a locust than the buzzing of wings. It is an expert insect-catcher, and 
 ^frequently perches on the dead limb of a tree, or some tall, dry bush, 
 whence it keeps a sharp lookout for passing insects, which it pursues 
 with lightning-like rapidity, and after capturing them returns to the 
 same perch. At times it- utters a sharp, quick note, especially when 
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CEEYLE ALCYON, BELTED KINGFISHER. 273 
 
 angry or alarmed. It has the habit, during early summer, of mounting 
 forty or fifty yards straight up in the air, poising itself a moment or 
 two, and then darting down again, repeating the sauie manoeuvre sev- 
 eral times in succession. Sometimes a score or more may be seen dart- 
 ing up and down together in this way for half an hour or more. 
 
 This Hummingbird, breeds from the plains up to timber-line, and 
 probably raises two broods each season, as I have found young birds 
 just hatched, as late as the middle- of August. Its nest is an exquisite 
 little affair, so cunningly covered with lichens as to look precisely like 
 the limb on which it rests. One which I found was placed on a sway- 
 ing bough directly over a mountain-torrent, and within two or three 
 feet of the watex. The young are cared for and fed by the old birds 
 for some time after they leave the nest. They disappear in September. 
 Mrs. Maxwell, of Boulder, who has paid much attention to the birds 
 of this region for the last few years, informs me that she has seen on 
 two or three occasions, a Hummingbird with a flaming-red throat and 
 breast, much larger than the present species, a straggler from Mexico, 
 perhaps, as yet undetected within the limits of the United States [very 
 possibly Eugenes fulgens. — E. C.]. 
 
 Family ALOEDINIDiE : Kingfishers. ^ 
 
 ^ ^ CEEYLE ALOYOlSr, (Linn.) Boie. - 
 
 BcUed Kingfisher. 
 
 Alcedo alc!ion,L,JNN., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 180.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 451.— Lath., Ind. 
 Orn. i, 1790, 257 {Ispida caroVmensis cristata, Beiss., iv, 512 ; Belted Kingfisher, 
 Gates., Car. i, pi. 69 ; Arot. Zool. ii, No. 169 ; Gen. Syn. ii, 637 ; also, MartiR- 
 peckeur de la Louisiane, P. E. 715 ; Geu. Syn. ii, 637, and M.-p. huppe de St. 
 Domingae, P. E. 593).— ViElXL., Enc. Meth. 283. — WiLS. , Am. Orn. iii, 1811, 
 59.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 48.— Sw. & Rich., P. B. A. ii, 1831, 339.— AuD., Oru. Biog. 
 i, 1831, S94, pi. 77 ; Syn. 1839, 173 ; B. Am. iv, 205, pi. 255.— Nutt., Man. i, 
 1832, 594.— Gli!.; B. L. I. 1844, 172.— Maxim., J. f. O. vi, 1858, 102.— Tbippe, Pr. 
 Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 117. 
 Cei-yle alcrjon, Boie, Isis, 1828, 316.— Bp., P. Z. S. 1837, 108 ; List, 1838, 10 ; Consp. Vol. 
 Anis. 10 ; Consp. Av. 160.— Gkay, Gen. of B. i, 82 : GosSB, B. Jam. 1847, 81 
 (Jamaica).— WooDH., Sitgr. Kep. 1853, 65.— Cass., 111. 185.5, 254; Cat. Hale. 
 Mus. Phila. 4.-Cab., J. f. O. iv, 1856, 101 (Cuba) ; Gundl., Eep. 1866, 292 
 (Cuba).— Bkew., N. A. Orn. 1357, 110, pi. 4, f. 52 (egg).- Newb., P. E. E. Eep. 
 vi, 1857,79.- Bd., B. N. A. 1858, igS.— Heeem., P. E. E. Eep. x, 1859, pt. vi, 
 57.— Moore, P. Z. S. 1859, 53 (Honduras).— NEV.r., Ibis, i? 18.S9, 07 (Santa ' 
 Cruz).- SCL., Ibis,i, 1859, 131 (Belize).— Tatloii, ifrirf. ii, 1860, 116 (Honduras).- 
 Bey., Pr. Bost. Soo. vii, 1859 (Br.hamas).- Soi.., P. Z. S. 1857, 233 ; 1859, 236, 
 367; 1860, 253 (Orizaba).— Mdeeay, Edinb. Pbilos. Journ. 1860 (Hudson's 
 Bay).— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 167.— Coues, Pr. Pbila. Acad. 
 1861, 217 (Labradoif).— Lawe., Ann. Lye. 1861, 318 (New Granada).— H.iyd., 
 Eep. 1862, 157.— Cab., Journ. 1862, 162 (Costa Rica).- Deess., Ibis, 1865, 471 
 (Texas).— Bey., Pr. Bost. Soc. 1866 (Porto Eico aud St. Domingo).— Coues, Pr. 
 Phila. Aciid. 1866, 59 (Arizona).— La VVP.., Ann. Lye. ix, 1868, 118 (Costa Eica).— 
 SnxD., Ofv. V. A. 1869, 585 (St. Bartholomew).— 'Dall& Ba.nx., Tr. Chic. Aead. 
 1, 1869, 275 (Alaska).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 336.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 
 1870, 463 '(Wyoming).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 300 (Florida); iii, 1872, 
 l'/9 (mountains up to 9,000 feet).— Aiken, I'r. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 206 (Colo- 
 rado).- Teippe, ibid. 233 (Iowa).— FiN80H,Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 29 (Alaska).— 
 Haet., Man. Br. Birds, 1872, 124 (Ireland:).- Coues, Key, 1872, 188.— Snow, 
 B. Kans., 1873, 3.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 18V 4, 392, p\. 45, f. 6.— Shaepe, Monog. 
 AlcedinidW: 
 
 Ispida alcyon, Sw., Clas'sif. of Birds, ii, 1837,336. 
 
 Megacenjle alcyon, Reich., Handbuch, i, 1851, 25, pi. 412, figs. 3108, 3109. 
 
 atreptoceryle alcyon, Cab., Mus. Hein. i, 1859, 151. 
 
 Chloroceryle alcyon, ScL., Cat. Am. Birds, 1862, 264. 
 
 Alcedo ludoviclana, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 452 (P. E. 715, v. supra). 
 
 Alcedo jaguacati, " DumOnt, Diet. Sci. Nat. i, 1816, 455." 
 
 Alcedo guacu, " ViEiLL., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. x;x, 1818, 406." 
 
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274 
 
 COCCYZUS ERYTHROPHTHALMUS. 
 
 America, and many of (.he West 9/ / 
 7, bcinsr in the north forced away '"f 
 
 Sah. — Over the waters of all North and Middle 
 Indian Islands. Resident, or imperfectly migratory, being in the north forced away" ^ 
 by the freezing of the waters. Breeds nearly throughout its range. Accidental in ^ 
 
 Ireland (in 1845, Thompson, B. Irel. i, 373). 
 
 Limdeiiant Warren's Expedition. — 4657, Little Missouri ; 5234, Yellowstone. 
 
 Later ^jpedHioflS.— 59849-50, Colorado ; 60458, 60806-7, Wyoming. 
 
 Family CUCULID^: Cuckoos. 
 
 Note. — The Ground Cuckoo, Geococcijx ealifornianus, is entered upon the Holden- 
 Aikeu List (Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872), as a resident species ; but since, in the preparation 
 of two different Mss. for the press, the editor neglected to preserve indications of locali- 
 ties with desirable precision, it is uncertain whether the species should be included in 
 the present work or not. The List covers ground partly in the water-shed of the 
 Missouri, and partly beyond it, for Mr. Aiken's observations extend as far south as 
 Canon City, Colorado. The case is parallel with that of Pipilo fuscus (" mesoleucus "). 
 Until recently, I was unaware of the extension of the Ground Cuckoo beyond the lati- 
 tude of New Mexico and Arizona, excepting in the Sacramento Valley, California, to 
 Fort Reading (latitude 40J°) ; Mr. Aiken's record is interesting in this regard. To this 
 may be added t)ie occurrence of the species on the Arkansas, near Fort Lyons, as re- 
 corded by me. Am. Kac. vii, 1873, 751. 
 
 l/. 
 
 COCCYZUS ERYTHROPHTHALMUS, (Wils.) Bp. & 
 
 Black-billed Cactoo. 
 
 Cucuhis erythroplMalmus, ^^ILS., Am: Orn. iv, 1811, 16, pi. 27, fig. 2. — Steph., Shaw's 
 Gen. Zool. xiv, 208.— Hart., Br. Birds, 1872, 124 (Ireland). 
 
 Coccyzus cri/throphthalmus, Bp., Obs. Wils. 18-2.3, No. 48; Syn. 1828, 42; Consp. i, 1850, 
 111.— AUD., Orn. Biog. i, 183^;, 170, pi. 32 ; Syn. 1839, 187 ; B. Am. iv, 1842, 300, 
 pi. 276.— GiR., B. L. 1. 1844, 183.— Gi;.i.v, Gen. of B. ii, 4.37.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 
 1653, 92.— Glooep., J. f. O. 1854, 224.— Leotaud, Ois. de Trin. 352.— ScL. & 
 Salv., Ibis, I860, 270 (Guatemala).— ScL., P. Z. S. 1859,252; 1864, 122; 1870, 
 168; Cat. 1862, 323.— COUES, Key, 1872, 199.— Sxow, B. Kaus. l:~7;j, 2.— Lawr., 
 Ann. Lye. ix, 186S, 128 (Costa Rica).— Glndl., Rep. F. N. i,186G, 295 (Cuba). 
 
 Piai/a erythrophtltalma, Le.s.s., Traits Orn. 18.:il, 141. 
 
 Erythrophrys ei'ntliropliihalmus, Bp., Comp. List, 1836, 40. 
 
 Coccygus eryfhrophthalmus, C.U3., J. f. O. 1656, 104 (Cuba, breeds). — Be, B. N. A. 1858, 
 77.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 154.- Cab. &. Helxe, Mus. Hein. iv, 1803, 76.— Lawk., 
 Ann. Lye. vii, 1862, 23 (New Granada).— ilclLWri., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 83 
 (Canada). — Teippe, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, Ud (Jlinnesota) ; Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 
 2:33 (Iowa).— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 484, pi. 48, f. 5. 
 
 Coccyzus dominicus, Null'., Man. i, 1832, 556 (not of authors). 
 
 n, 
 
 Ba6.— North America to the Rocky Mountains (Wyoming, TrooTc). North to Labra- 5 .i,' j 
 South through Mexico and Central America to the valley of the Amazon. Cuba, .>-' a J 
 
 dor. 
 
 rarely; no other Aiitillean record. Said to winter in Florida. Accidental in Europe ^S j,. 
 (Killead, Antrim County, September 25, 1871 ; Blake-Knox, Zool. 1872, 2943 (" a77icr8- >^ / *• < 
 canus," error ; Clermont, ibid, p. 3022) ; Haeting, Br. Birds, 1872, 124. — Italy, Bolle, 3 '''a ^ 
 J. f. O. 1858, 457 ; Selys-Loxg., Ibis, 1870, 4.32; Salvad., Fn. Ital. Ucc. 1871, 42. , „ .-t 
 
 List of specimens. 
 
 19337 
 
 19338 
 
 P. F. Bighorn R 
 do 
 
 June 15, 1860 
 
 G.H.Trook.. 
 
 12.00 
 12.00 
 
 15.00 
 15.00 
 
 5.50 
 5.50 
 
 ^D^H 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 5332, Fort Lookout; 5233, Moreau River; 8979-81, 
 Platte River ; B982, Loup Fork. 
 
 These specimens indicate the westernmost locality as yet on record 
 for this species, which was not previously known to cross the central 
 plains. It is true that Dr. Ifewberry quotes the species for California, 
 but he does so with a double query ; he secured no specimens, and the 
 cries he heard, if those of any Cuckoo, were doubtless of G. americanus. 
 
 This species is found throughout most of Eastern Xorth America 
 with G. americanvs, and yet there is a notable difference in their distri- 
 
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COCCYZUS ERYTHROPHTHALMUS. 275 
 
 butioii, the Black-billed Cuckoo being tbe more nortberly bird. Audu- 
 bon has lecoidcd botli species frooi Labrador, but in rather vague 
 terms, and does not appear to have actually taken any specimens; I 
 think it safe to infer that all tbe Cuckoos he may have seen there were 
 of this species. lu New England the Black-billed is the more common 
 of the two, and I think that there the Yellow-billed finds its ordinary 
 northern limit; in fact, it is extremely rare in many localities. This 
 relative distribution is susceptible of numerous illustrations. Thus, 
 Mr. Mcllwrath gives the Black-billed as a common summer resident at 
 Hamilton, Canada West, while of the Yellow-billed he says he never 
 saw but one specimen in Canada. Allen and Maynard's testimony for 
 Massachusetts, though necessarily less pointed, is to the same general 
 effect. In the Middle iStates, on the contrary, we find Dr. TurnbuU 
 giving the Yellow-billed as rather the more common of the two. At 
 Washington, D. C, the Yellow-billed is very abundant, especially in the 
 spring and fall, but also breeds plentifully; it arrives late in April, and 
 remains through September. There the Black-billed is much less 
 numerous, even when both are migrating, and breeds but sparingly. In 
 his Kansas list, Prof. Snow gives both species without remark, but 
 marks the Yellow-billed only, as breeding. The latter appears to breed 
 everywhere in its United States range, the former rarely south of the 
 Middle districts. 
 
 The habits of the two species are very similar, and the birds are com- 
 monly confounded by unscientific observers. The notes of the Black- 
 billed are less harsh and not so often repeated. The nesting is much the 
 same; the eggs deeper green, smaller (1.10 by 0.80), and less elliptical. 
 
 I found the Black-billed Cuckoo breeding in the Pembina Mountains, 
 forty miles west of the Bed Eiver. At date of July 12 the nest con- 
 tained a single young bird, just I'eady to fly; the others, if any, having 
 already, left. The nest, in this instance, was remarkable in position, 
 being placed in the crotch of an oak bush less than two feet from the 
 ground, in a dense thicket on a hill-side. .There was a large basement 
 of loosely-interlaced twigs, on which was placed a matted platform with 
 scarcely any depression, of dried leaves and poplar catkins. The young 
 one could not quite fly, but scrambled off as 1 approached, and I had 
 some little difficulty in catching it; during the capture, the old bird 
 came about within a few feet of me, and answered the cries of the 
 young with a curious guttural note. The young has the feathers of the 
 npper parts all edged with whitish, and a faint tawny-gray shade on the 
 breast; the bill and feet are pale-bluish ; the iris is brown. 
 
 COCCYZUS AMEEICANufe, (Linn.) Bp. T*^^ 
 
 Tellow-bilSed Cactoo. 
 
 Cnculus dominiccnsis, Bribs., Orn. iv, 110, pi. 9. 
 
 Cuculus dominicus, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 170.— Gm., i, 416.— Lath., Ind. Orn. i 221.— 
 
 (Not Coccygus domimcns of Nutt., or of Bp., Consp., or of SCL., Cat.) ' 
 Coccygus dominicus, Bd., Pr. PUila. Acad. 1863, 154. 
 Pimja dominica, Gray, Genera of Birds, ii, 457. 
 Cnculus carolineitsis, Briss.. Orn. iv, 112 fCoucou de la Caroline, P. E. 8161.— WiLS. Am 
 
 Orn. iv, 1811, 13, pi. 28, f. 1. > j , 
 
 Erijthroj)hri/s carolinensis, Sw., Classif. Birds, ii, 1837, 322. 
 Cucwlus americavus, Linn., S.yst. Nat. i, 1766, 170.— Gm., i, 416.— Lath., Ind. Om. i, 1790, 
 
 219.— Steph., Shaw's Gen. Zool. ix, 93.— Schl., Eev. Crit. Ois. Eur. 1844. 51.— 
 
 Hart., Man. Br. Birds, 1872, 124 (Great Britain). 
 Cocmjzus amaicanus, Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 47; Consp. i, 1850, 111.— Nutt., Man. i, 
 
 1832, 551.— AUD., Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 18; v, 1839, 520; pi. 2; Syu. 1839, 187; B. 
 
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276 COCCYZUS AMEEICANUS, YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO 
 
 Am. iv, 1842, 293, pi. 275.— Gould, B. Eur. pi. 242.— Gray, Gen. Birds, ii, 457.— 
 GosSE, B. Jam. 279.— WooDn., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 92.— Leotaud, Ois. Trin. 350.— 
 Newt., Ibis, 1859, 149.— Scl., P. Z. S. 1860, 252; 1H64, 120; 1870, 165; Ibis, 
 1860, 43 ; Cat. 1862, 322.— Lawr., Ann. Lye. ix, 1868, 128 (Costa Rica).— Grav, 
 Hand-list, ii, 1870, 210, No. 8914.— Gundl., Rep. F. N. i, 295 (Cuba).— COUES, 
 Key, 1872, 190, fig. 126. 
 
 Piaya americana, Less., Traits Orn. 1831, 142. 
 
 Eryihrophrys americatius, Bp., Comp. and Geog. List, 1838, 40. 
 
 Cureus americanus, Bp., Cat. Metod. Ucc. Europ. 1842, 50. 
 
 Coccystes americanus, Keys. & Blas., Wirbeltli. Europ. 1840, 149. 
 
 Coccygua americanus, Cab., J. f. O. 1856, 104 ; 1862, 167 ; Mas. Hein. iv, 1862, 75.— Bd., 
 B. N. A. 1858, 76.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 155.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 371.— Snow, 
 B. Kans. 1873, 2.— Allen, Bull. JI. C. Z. ili, 1872, 180.— Trippe, Pr. Bost. Soc. 
 XV, 1872, 233 (Iowa).— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 477, pi. 48, f. 4 ("3" err.). 
 
 Coccyzus pyrrhopterus, ViEiLL., Nonv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. viii, 270; Ency. Met. iii, 1343. 
 
 Cuculus cinerosus, Temm., Man. Qrn. iv, 18:i5, 277. 
 
 Coccystes flavirostris, Gloger, J. f. O. 1854, 223. 
 
 Coccyzus bairdii, ScL., P. Z. S. 1864, 120.— Gray, Hand-list, ii, 1870, 211, No. 8923.— 
 ** Pelzeln Dm. Bras. 273." 
 
 (?) Coccygua julieni' IuAWe., Pr. piiil. Acad. 1863, 106, Ann. Lye. viii, 1804. 42, 99 (Som- 
 brero). ■ ; ,:([ i 
 
 Bab. — Eastern United States and part of the British Provinces. West to the Rocky 
 Mountains. Also observed in California. South through Mexico and various West 
 India Islands and Central America into South America as far as Buenos Ayres. Acci- 
 dental in Europe. See Gould's & Schlegel's works ; also, Hart., Man. 1872, 124 (five 
 British instances, with the references). 
 
 Zieutenant Warren's Expedition.— 8980, 8987, Platte River; 8983, 8985, Loup Fork of 
 Platte : 8986, Elkhorn River. 
 
 Confusion has arisen in the employ of the name dominicus for different species. Nutt- 
 all applied it to our Black-billed Cuckoo ; Bonaparte used it for a species, of which he 
 says (correctly or not) "rostra nigerrimo ;" Sclater, for the West Indian Mangrove 
 Cuckoo ; Baird apparently relegated it to the insular variety of americanus, afterwards 
 named bairdii by Bclater. But, as Cabanis and Heine determined, there. is no doubt 
 whatever that it is merely a synonym of americanus. 
 
 I am satisfied of the necessity of reducing the C. bairdii, ScL., to americanus, and the 
 same may be found necessary with C.julieni. 
 
 Cabanis and Heine have made two species of the rusty- bellied, yellow-billed " Man- 
 grove" Cuckoos; it does not appear, however, that there is more than one species, the 
 synonymy of which may be arranged as in the accompanying foot-note.* 
 
 Having already compared the North American distribution of this 
 species with that of the Black-billed, it only remains to note its Pacific 
 
 * Coccyzus sexiculus, (Lath.) Fieill. 
 
 Cuculus minor, Gm., i, 411 (ex P. 1. 813.) (Nomen ineptum.) 
 
 Coccyzus minor, Gp-ay, Gen. of B. ii, 457 ; Hand-list, ii, 1870, 210, No. 8917. 
 
 Cuculus senieulus, Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 219.— Steph., Gen. Zool. ix, 125. 
 
 Coccyzus senieulus, ViEiLL., Ency. Meth. 1346. — Br., Consp. i, 1850, 111. — SCL., Cat. 1862, 
 
 323; P. Z. S. 1864, 121.— Taylor, Ibis, 1864, 170. 
 Coccygua senieulus, Cae. & Heine, Mus. Hein. iv, 78. 
 Coccygus lielviventris, Cais., Schomb. Guiana, iii, 714. 
 
 Sah. — Continental Tropical America. Trinidad; Dominica; Guadeloupe; Martinique. 
 
 C. SENICULUS var. NESIOTES. 
 
 Coccyzus senieulus, KcTT. JIan. i, 1832, 558.— AuD., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 390, pi. 169; Syn. 
 
 1839, 183 ; B. Am. iv, 1842, 303, pi. 277;— GosSE, B. Jam. 1847, 281.— Sall^, V. Z. 
 
 S. 1857, 234.— Newt,, Ibis, 1859, 150.— Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1860, 377.— SCL., 
 
 P. Z. S. 1861, 79.— Coues, Key, 1872, 190. 
 Eryihrophrys senieulus, Bp., Comp. and Geog. List, 1838, 40. 
 Piaya minor, Less., Traits Orn. 1831, 141. 
 Coccygua minor. Cab., J. f. 0. 1856, 104.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 76.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 
 
 1874, 482, pi. 48, f. 3 (" 4" err.). 
 Coccyzus dominicus, (?) Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 112 (gives black biU). — ScL., Cat. 1862, 323 
 
 (not of Linnaeus). 
 Coccygus nesiotes. Cab., Mus. Hein. iv, 1862, 78.— Taylor, Ibis, 1864, 170.— ScL., P. Z. S. 
 
 1864, 121.— Gray, Hand-list, ii, 1870, 210, No. 8918. 
 
 Sab. — Greater Antilles and Florida. 
 
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COCCYZUS AMERICANUS, YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO. 277 
 
 coast record. Early observers gave "Oregon" as a locality which has 
 remained unchecked to date, and, in fact, it is only recently that the 
 California quotations have been confirmed. Before, it rested upon 
 "hearsay," literally, for several persons who thought they heard its cry 
 may have been mistaken, easily enough. In the first place, the hooting 
 of the Burrowing Owl is so similar to the notes of the Eain Crow, that 
 I should have been deceived myself on one occasion had I not been fore- 
 warned by my friend Cooper ; and secondly, as this gentleman observes, 
 the noise made by the Spade-footed Toad (ScapUopus) is also very simi- 
 lar. Specimens have, however, been actually procured by Mr. F. Gruber 
 in Napa Valley. 
 
 The peculiar notes of this bird, sounding like the syllables l-oo-lcoo-lcoo, 
 indefinitely repeated, are probably uttered more frequently during the 
 atmospheric changes preceding falling weather, and have given rise to 
 the name "Eain Crow," by which both our species are universally known 
 to the vulgar. The Yellow-billed is rather the noisier bird of the two, 
 and its voice is more forcible. It is a rather shy and unfamiliar species, 
 inhabiting high, open woods, as well as the large shade-trees of parks 
 and cities, and generally remains high among the branches. When 
 dashing about, in active pursuit of the various large-winged insects that 
 form its chief food, they are conspicuous objects, the metallic olive-gray 
 flashing in the sun, and the snowy under parts contrasting with verdure. 
 But ordinarily they are hidden birds, oftener heard than seen; they 
 pass from one tree to another stealthily, with a rapid, gliding, noiseless 
 flight, and often rest motionless as statues for a long time, especially 
 when crying out, or when they have detected a suspicious object. They 
 court the seclusion of the thickest foliage. Their curiosity is not small, 
 and they may be observed to frequently peer down with inquisitive 
 looks through the dense foliage, trying to make out some unusual object. 
 Although not parasites, like the European species, devoid of parental 
 instinct, they have their bad traits, being'^even worse enemies of various 
 small, gentle birds ; for they are abandoned thieves, as wicked as Jays 
 in this respect, continually robbing birds of their eggs, and even, it is 
 said, devouring the helpless nestlings. 
 
 The nidification is not remarkably peculiar, the nest being like that 
 of a Crow in miniature, composed artlessly of many small sticks and 
 some grass, rather loosely interlaced, and forming a flatfish, unsubstan- 
 tial structure, usually saddled on a large horizontal branch. The eggs 
 are pale greenish, rather broadly oval, measuring about IJ inches long 
 by J in breadth. But the oviposition is very unusual. The fact is, that 
 the bird begins to set as soon as the first egg is laid, and successively 
 deposits the rest at such intervals that a nest may be found with afresh 
 egg in it, another partially incubated, a newly-hatched bird, and one or 
 more young more advanced. I have verified this fact ; but in place of 
 my observations I will give an extract from Audubon, which leaves 
 nothing to be desired : 
 
 "A nest, which was placed near the centre of a tree of moderate size, 
 was reached bj' a sou of the gentleman on whose grounds we were. One 
 of the old birds, which was sitting upon it, left its situation only when 
 within a few inches of the climber's hand, and silently glided off to an- 
 other tree close by. Two young Cuckoos, nearly able to fly, scrambled 
 ofl' from their tenement among the branches of the tree, and were caught 
 by us after awhile. The nest was taken, and carefully handed to me. 
 It still contained three young Cuckoos, all of different sizes, the small- 
 est apparently just hatched, the next in size probably several days old, 
 while the largest, covered with pin-feathers, would have been able to 
 
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278 HYLOTOMUS PILEATUS, PILEATED WOODPECKEE. 
 
 leave the nest in about a week. There were also in the nest two epgs, 
 one containing a chick, the other fresh or lately laid. The two young 
 birds which escaped from the nest clung so firmly to the branches with 
 their feet that our attempts to dislodge them were of no avail, and we 
 were obliged to reach them with the baud. On now looking at all these 
 young birds our .'-urprise was indeed great, as no two of tliem were of 
 the same size, which clearly showed that they had been hatched at dif- 
 ferent periods ; and I should suppose the largest to have been fully thi ee 
 weeks older than any of the rest. Mr. Rbett assured us that he had 
 observed the same in another nest placed in a tree within a lew paces 
 of his house, and w^hich he also showed to us. He stated that eleven 
 young Cuckoos had been successively hatched and reared in it, by the 
 same pair of old birds, in one seasou, and that young birds and eggs 
 were to be seen in it at the same time for many weeks in succession. 
 
 "On thinking since of this strange fact, I have felt most anxious to 
 discover how many eggs the Cuckoo of Europe drops in one season. If 
 it, as I suspect, produces as our bird does, not less than eight or ten, or 
 what may be called the amount of two broods, in a seasou, this circum- 
 stance would connect the two species in a still more intimate manner 
 than theoretical writers have supjjosed them to be allied. Antl if our 
 Cow-pen bird also drops eight or ten eggs in a season, which she proba- 
 bly does, that- number might be considered the amount ot two broods, 
 which the Bed-winged Starling usually produces." 
 
 The Yellow-billed Cuckoo is stated to winter in Southern Florida. It 
 is a partially nocturnal species, in so far at least as the fact of its often 
 crying out in the night, and being apparently in motion, may warrant 
 the statement. Besides the insects above mentioned as its food, it eats 
 various grubs, even wood-inhabiting molluscs, and also plucks diiiereut 
 kinds of berries and other soft fruits. 
 
 Family PIOIDiE : Woodpeckers. 
 
 In all-onr representatives of this family, the nesting and eggs are so similar that it 
 hecomus unnecessary to refer to the subject under heads of each species. The birds' 
 all lay in holes of trees, dug by themselves, depositing the eggs— generally to the num- 
 ber of five or six, but sometimes more or fewer — upon the chips and dust at the bot- 
 tom. The eggs are of a more nearly globular shape than is usual among birds, v.ith a 
 shell of crystal smoothness and purity, white, unmarked. Almost the only difi'erence 
 in the eggs of the species is ia size, which corresponds in general with that of the 
 parent, though, in the cases of our two largest species, the size appears disproportion- 
 ately small. Thus, an egg of H. pileafus measures only 1.25 by 0.9S, thus being not 
 much bigger than a good-sized Flicker's egg (1.18 by 0.88). 
 
 HTLOTOMTJS PILEATUS, (Linn.) Bd. 
 Pi!eate«I Woodpecker. 
 
 FicKS jnleatus, Lrsx., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 173 (Picus niger maximus cajiite ruiro. Catf.s., i, 
 17 ; P. tirijimanvj! cristattis, Brass., iv, iO ; Pic noir Inippe de Zou'idane, Buff., P. 
 E. 718).— G-V., i, 178S. 425.— Lath., Ind. i, 1790, 225 — Vieill., Gis. Am. Pept. ii, 
 1807, 58, pi. 110.--\ViL,s., Am. Orn. iv, 1811, 27, pi. 29, f. 2.— Steph., Gen. Zool. 
 is, 158, pi. 32.— V."agl., .Svst. Av. 1837.— Vieill., Nouv. Diet, xxvi, 84 ; Ency. 
 iii, 1313.— Bp., Syn. 18-:, 44.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 304.— Less., fr. 
 Orn. 1H31, 229.— NUTT., Man. i, 1832, 567.— AuD., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 7-1 : v, ]8.i9, 
 533; pi. Ill ; B. Am. iv, 226, pi. 257.— Maxim., J. f. O. vi, 1858, 352.— Sdxd., 
 Consp. Av. Pic. 1866, 8. 
 
 Dnjotomus pileatus, Sw., Cla^sif. Birds, ii, 1837, 308.— Bp., Comp. List, 1838, 39. 
 
 Dniocopns pileatus, BoiE.— Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 132.— Sci,., Cat. 1862, 332.— Gkay, 
 Hand-list, ii, 1870, 183, No. 8635. 
 
 Dn/opicus pileatus, Bp., Not. Orn. Delattre, 1654, 85. — Maih., Mod. i, 34, pi. 11, figs. 5, 6, 7. 
 
 Driocpicus pileatus, Bp., Coi#igflf(4eSSS'^^K(W©5e>#®854, 8. 
 
PICUS VILLOSUS, HAIRY WOODPECKER. 279 
 
 CampepHlna pileatus, Reich., Hand-bnch Sp. Orn. 391, pi. 647, figs. 4317, 4318. 
 flijlatormis pileatus, Bn., B. N. A. 1858, 107 ; and of most United States writers. 
 Eylotomus pileatus, Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, SQG.— Codes, Key, 1872, 192, fig. 128.— Snow, 
 
 B. Kans. 1873, 3. (rare).— B. B, & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 550, pi. 56, f. 5, 6. 
 Ccophlcetts pileatus, Cab., J. f. 0. 1862, 176. , 
 
 Phlccotomus pileatus, Cab. & Heine, Mus. Heiu. iv, 1863, 102. 
 Sat. — Timbered regions of Nortli America at large. 
 
 This large species was not noticed by either of the Expeditions, and 
 is doubtless of rare, if more than casual, occurrence in most parts of 
 the Missouri region, which is not heavily wooded enough to suit its 
 habits. It varies greatly in size according to latitude. 
 
 ' PICUS VILLOSUS, Linn. " yU 
 Hairy Woodpecker. 
 
 a. villosus. (Wing-coverts profusely white-spotted.) 
 a', niajores. (Northern examples, 10 to 11 inches long.) 
 
 Ficus villoszis, PoEST., Phil. Trans. Isii, 1772, 383.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 305.— 
 
 Dall & Bann-., Tr. Ciiic. Acad, i, 1869, 274. 
 Ficus villosus var. major, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 84. — Sund., Consp. Av. Pic. 1866, 16. 
 Ficus villosus var. canadensis, B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 503. 
 Ficus leucomelas, Bodd., Tabl. P. E. 1783, pi. 345, f. 1 (Pic du Canada, BuFlf.).— Gray, 
 
 Hand-list, ii, 1870, 185, No. 8599.— Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1863, 199. 
 Dryohates leucomelas, Cab. & Heine, Mus. Hein. iv, 1863, 67. 
 Fie^ls canadensis, Gm., i, 437 {Pious rarius canadensis; Bi:i6S., Orn. iv, 45, No. 16, pi. 2, f. 
 
 2, 9 ).— Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 230.— Stepii., Gen. Zool. ix, 173.— Vieill. 
 
 Nouv. Diet, xxvi, 92; Encv. iii, 1318.— AUD., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 188, pi. 417, 
 
 Syu. 1839, 177 ; B. Am. iv, 1842, 235 ; p!. 258 — Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 137.— Reich.; 
 
 Hand-buck Sp- Orn. 373, pi. 638, figs. 4250, 4251.— Maxh., Mon. Pic. i, 78, pi, 
 
 21, f. 4. 
 Ficus pUllipsii, AuD., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 186, pi. 417 ; Syn. 1839, 177 ; B. Am. iv, 1842, 
 
 238, pi. 259 (young, with yellow crown). — Nutt., Man. i, 1840, 686. — Malh., 
 
 Mon. Pic. i, 84, pi. 21, t 5.— Gray, Hand-list, ii, 1870, 185, No. 8601. 
 Ficus philipsii, Gray, Gen. of B. ii, 435. 
 
 Picus philipsi, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 138. ' 
 
 Pious pUlippsii, Reich., Hand-bnch Sp. Orn. 364, pi. 632, figs. 4204, 4205. 
 THchopicus pUUpsi, Bp., Consp. Vol. ZygocL, Aten. Ital. 1854, 8. 
 Ficus septentrionalis, NuTT., Man. i, 1840, 684 { = pMllipsii). 
 
 b.' medii. (Intermediate examples, 9 to 10 inches long.) 
 
 Ficus villosus, Linn.; Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 175 (Kj\lm, It. iii, 43 ; P. varius medius quasi 
 villosus, Catbs., i, 19 ; P. varius virginianus, Briss., iv, 48 ; Pic varie de Virginie, 
 Buff., P. E. 754).— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 435.— Lath., lud. Orn. i, 1790, 232 
 (England).— Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 64, pi. 120.— Wils., Am. Orn. i, 
 1808, 150, pi. 9.— Steph., Gen. Zool. ix, 171.— Vieill., Nouv. Diet, xxvi, 71 ; 
 Encv. 1305.— Ndtt., Man. i, 1832, 575.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 46 ; List, 1838, 39 ; Consp. 
 j, 1850, 137.— AuD., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 164, pi. 416 ; Syn. 1839, 179 ; B. Amer. iv, 
 1842, 244, nl. 262.— Gi;ay, Gen. of B. ii, 435.— Reich., liand-buch Sp. Orn. 374, pi. 
 638, figs. 4'i52, 4253, 4254.-Malii., Mon. Pic. i, 75, pi. 21, f. 1, 2,— Gray, Hand- 
 list, ii. 1870, 184, No. 8592.— CoUES, Key, 1872, 193. -C.4SS., Pr. Phila. Acad. 
 1863, 199.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 3.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 180.— 
 Frxscn, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 60 (Alaska).— Hayd., Rep. 155. — Hart., Man. Brit. 
 Birds, 1872, 122 (accidental in England ; three iu.stauces). 
 
 Pious villosus var medius, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 84. — Sund., Consp. Av. Pic. 1866, 16. 
 
 Picus villosus var. villosus, B. B. &, R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, .503, pi. 49, f. 3, 4, 5. 
 
 Trichopicus rilloms, Bp., Consp. Vol. Zygod., Aten. Ital. 1854, 8. 
 
 Trichopipo villosus, "Cab. & Heine, Mus. Bcrol." 
 
 Drijolates villosus, Cab. & Heine, Mus. Hein. iv, 1863, 66. 
 
 Picus leucomelanus, Wacl., Syst. Av. 1827 (young). — Malh., Mon. Pic. i, 85. 
 
 Picus martiiia, Aud., Oru. Biog. v, 1839, 81, pi. 417 ; Syn. 1839, 178 ; B. Am. iv, 1842, 
 240, pi. 260 ("Canada;" but ascribed dimensions not those of the large northern 
 race; young). — Gr.iy, Gen. of B. ii, 435. — Bp., Consp. i, 18.50, 138. — Reich., 
 Hand-buch, 364, pi. 632, figs. 4206, 4207. 
 
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280 PICUS VILLOSUS, HAIRY WOODPECKEE. 
 
 Ticus martini, Bp., Comp. List, ia38, 39.— Malh., Mon. Pic. 82, pi. 22, f. 1, 2. 
 Trichopicua marlinai, Bp., Consp. Vol. Zygod., Aten. Ital. 1854, 8. 
 Picas ruiricapillus, Nutt., Mac. i, 1840, 685, (= martinai). 
 
 c' mincres. (Southern examples, 8 to 9 inches long.) 
 
 Picas auduboni, Sw., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 306, figs. 5, 6, 7, on next page (Georgia). — Trud., 
 Jouru. Phila. Acad, vii, 1837, 404 (young, witli yellow on crown).— Auc, Orn. 
 Biog. V, 1839, 194, pi. 417; Syn. 1839, 181 ; B. Am. iv, 1842, 2r)9, pi. 265.— Bp., 
 Comp. List, 1838, 39.— Gray, Gen. of B. ii, 43;").— Bp., Consp. i, Iti.'0, 138.— Eeicii., 
 Hand-bnch, 363, pi. 632, fig. 4203.— Malh., Mon. Pic. i, 87, pi. 22, f. 4. 
 
 Tricliopicus auduboni, Bp., Consp. Vol. Zygod., Aten. Ital. 1854, 8. 
 
 Picus villosus var. minor, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 85. — Suxd., Consp. Av. Pic. 18o6, 16. 
 
 Pirns villosus var. anduboni, B. B. & E., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 503. 
 
 Picus villosus, Bry., Pr. Bost. See. 1859 (Bahamas).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 302 
 (Florida). 
 
 Picus cuvio-i, Malh., Mon. Pic. i, 85, pi. 22, f. 3 (young female). 
 
 b. harrisii. (Wing-coverts scarcely or not spotted.) 
 a', majores. 
 
 Picus Jiarrisii, AuD., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 191, pi. 417 ; Syn. 1839, 178 ; B. Am. iv, 1842, 
 242, pi. 261 (smolsy-bellied).— Gray, Gen. of B. ii, 435.— Nutt., Man. i, 1840, 
 627.— Gamb., Journ. Phila. Acad, i, 1847, 54.— Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 138.- Eeicii., 
 Hand-buch Sp. Orn. 364, pi. 633. figs. 4308, 4209.- Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 87.— Lord, 
 Pr. Arty. Inst, iv, 111.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 159.— Stev., 
 U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 463.— Meer., ibid, 1872, 693.— Malh., Mon. Pic. i, 
 73, pi. 20, f. 1, 2, 3.— SUND., Consp. Av. Pic. 186;;, 17. 
 
 Trichopieus liarrisii, Bp., Consp. Vol. Zygod., Aten. Ital. 1854, 8. 
 
 Tricliopipo harrisii. Cab., "Mus. Berol." 
 
 Dryobates harrisii. Cab. & Heine, Mus. Hein. iv, 68. 
 
 b'. medii. 
 
 Picus harrisii. Kenn., P. E. E. Eep. x, 1859, pt. iv, 21. — Eeeeji., ibid. pt. vi, 57. — Coues, 
 Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 52.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 375.— Aike>;, Pr. Bost. Soc. 
 1872, 206. 
 
 Picus villosus var. harrisii, Allex, Bull. M. C. Z. lii, 1S72, 180. — CoUES, Key, 1872, 194. — 
 B. B. & E., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 507. 
 
 Picvs hyloscojy-us, Gray, Hand-list, ii, 1870, 185, K"o. 8604. 
 
 Drijobaics hyloscopus. Cab. & Hedte, Mus. Hein. iv, 1863, 69. 
 
 c'. minores. 
 
 Picus jardinei, Malh., R. Z. 1845, 374; Mon. Pic. i, 103, pi. 25, f. 4, 5.— Geav, Gen. of B. 
 iii,App. p. 21; Hand-list, ii, 1870, 186,No. 8614.— Bp., Cousp. i, 1850, 137.-SCL., 
 P. Z. S. 1856, 308 ; 1857, 214 ; 1859, 367, 388 ; Cat. 1862, 334 (Xalapa).— SCL. & 
 Salv., Ibis, 1859, 136.— Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1863, 200.— Sdxd., Cousp. Av. 
 Pic. 1866, 17. 
 
 Phrenopicus jardinii, Bp., Consp. Vol. Zygod., Aten. Ital. 1854, 8. 
 
 Trichopipo jardini. Cab. & Heine, " Mus. Berol." 
 
 i)njobates jardinei. Cab. & Heine, Mus. Hein. iv, 18S3, 69. 
 
 Picus harrisii, Cab., J. f. O. 1862, 175. 
 
 'Picus incarnatus, LiCHT.," "ilus. Berol." (fide C^vB. = "inornatus," error, Bp.). 
 
 Sab. — The entire wooded portions of North America — the typical form east of the 
 Rocky Mountains, reachicg the Pacilic, however, in Alaska. Var. han-is'i from the 
 Eocky Mountains to the Pacific. Each variety grading in size according to latitude. 
 ..(England). 
 
 List of specimens (var. harrisii). 
 
 19179 
 
 250 
 
 Deer Creek . 
 
 $ Jan. 4, 1860 
 
 F. V. Hayden. 
 
 Lieutenant Tiarren's Expedition. — 4638, Sioux Eiver; 5226, Powder Eiver; 5227-28, / -'' y) 
 Fort Lookout. (Typical ri'ZiosHs). (f" -' 
 
 Later Expeditions. — 60360, 60802-3, Wyoming; 62260, Idaho (var. harrisii). ''■}■') 
 
 The very Interesting parallel relations subsisting between ditferent forms of this 
 species, as sketched in the foregoing synonymy, may be properly amplified. ^ =7 1- C 
 
 We have first to note that typical villosus, of the Eastern Uiiitud States, exhibits a ,>i ^^ 
 profusion of white spots on the wings, usually in six or seven pairs on the primaries, 5 • ' " 
 with several pairs on all the secondaries, and one or more such spots on each of the ^~ / -i ' 
 wing-coverts. In the other extreme, typical harrisii, there are fewer pairs (five or n , 
 
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PICUS VILLOSUS, HAIRY WOODPECKEE. 281 
 
 six) on the primaries, and none on the inner secondaries and wing-coverts. The change 
 begins iu birds from tlie eastern slopes of the Rocliy Mountains, and is effected by im- 
 perceptible degrees. Laying a few scores of specimens side by side, in linear series 
 representing the change in longitude, one may see the spots disappear one by one, or 
 by pairs, proving the complete iutergradation of the two forms. This has been known 
 to several ornithologists for some years, and hints to this effect have repeatedly been 
 given ; but, so tar as I am aware, it was not formally recognized, by reduction of liarrhu 
 to a variety, until this was done simultaneously by Mr. Allen and myself 
 
 We will next observe that the original of I'icna h-arrisii, from the Columbia River, 
 has the under parts of a peculiar smoky-gray tinge, with also more or Itss evident thin 
 black stripps along the sides. This appears chiefly in specimeus from Oregon and 
 Washington Territories, and I think is something more than mechanical soiling of the 
 feathers with carbonaceous matter from the trees, although this agent undoubtedly 
 sometimes effects a like result. All my New Mexican and Arizonian specimens are as 
 pure white below as in the eastern variety, and usually lack all traces of stripes along 
 the sides. 
 
 Resting upon these facts respecting the distinctions between the eastern and western 
 form, we'will take up the remarkable variation in size that both exhibit in a perfectly 
 parallel manner. Specimens of typical villosus occur ranging from 8 to U inches long ; 
 and this difference is found to depend upon latitude, size increasing ;jn/i^assit with 
 heightening of latitude, by insensible degrees. But there is nothing exceptional 
 about this; on the contrary, it is merely a strong illustration of the prevailing rule 
 ■with widely-distributed birds, the individuals of which are stationary or nearly so. 
 With the maximum size of the northern birds there is associated an increase of white- 
 ness, also in conformity with a general rule. These two particulars, size and hoariness, 
 give the bird a peculiar aspect, so readily distinguishable that the Pious " leiicomelas" 
 or " canadensis" has passed for a species with mauj? writers. But I see no necessity of 
 recognizing it by even varietal name; if we did, we should also, to be consistent, sep- 
 arate the Hylotomus pilealus into races founded on size, the variation being fully as 
 great in this case. The smaller size of the South Atlantic and Gulf States' ■villosus is 
 recognizable, on an average, but is not so strongly marked; in coloration they are jire- 
 cisely the same as the ordinary bird of the Middle States. 
 
 In the West, the boreal extension of var. Jiarrisii is out off by the topography of that 
 region, the westward trend of the mountains bringing the eastern zoological province 
 to the very Paciiie, and giving us var. vilJosus^instead ot harrisii. Consec[uently, typical 
 var. liarrisii is itself the largest form. It about equals ordinary villosus of the Sliddle 
 States. The New Mexican and Southern Califomian specimens are slightly smaller 
 than those of Washington Territory, but not notably so, the chief distinction being 
 the color of the under parts, as already noted (liyloscojnis, Vdbams). But the Mexican 
 extension of the species, as well as I can judge by descriptions, is strongly marked by 
 its, small size, being quite as much under the average as P. " leucomelus" is over the 
 average. This is the P. jardinei of authors. The parallelism is thus seen to be com- 
 plete; in the east, a series with a marked northern maximum of size and less con- 
 spicuous minimum ; in the west, a marked southern minimum and less conspicuous 
 northern maximum ; iu both cases, the variation directly and precisely according to 
 latitude ; while the iutergradation of the two according to longitude is perfect. 
 
 It is too late to say much about the various nominal species established upon con- 
 ditions of immaturity; they have already been satisfactorily disposed of. But, 
 although so admirable and long-experienced a field-naturalist as Audubon might well 
 he excused for proposing liarrisii and ijairdnei-i, at a time when climatic variation had 
 no place in the conceptions of naturalists, it is incomprehensible that, after years of 
 study in the field, and shooting perhaps hundreds of Hairy Woodpeckers, he should 
 never have found out that the young males have more or less of the vertex red or yel- 
 low, instead of an occipital crescent of scarlet. This crown-patch is sometimes per- 
 fectly square, and bright yellow, almost exactly as in Picoides; butit is ol'tener dif- 
 fuse, of a bronzy or coppery hue, mixed with white, iStc. P. " phillipsii" is the young 
 of the northern race ; P. " martinw '' may be so too, being from Canada, but the ascribed 
 dimensions (" length, 9^'") are those of ordinary I'illosus, to which it may be as well to 
 relegate it. " Septentrionalis" and " ruhricapillus" of Nnttall are the same as "phil- 
 lipsii" and "martinw," respectively. " Picus anduionl" is one of the curiosities of 
 ornithological literature, inasmuch as Swainson and Trudeau, without the slightest 
 reference to each other, each proposed the same name for the same bird in the same 
 plumage, and not a valid species either. 
 
 This species moults the quills and tail-feathers very tardily ; they persist with de- 
 creasing vitality, until just before they drop they are often found faded, toward their 
 ends at least, into brownlsh-iofejte. 
 
 This condition has crept into some of the published plates. Another individual 
 peculiarity is, that the occipital scarlet hand of the male is often discontinuous behind, 
 being thus resolved into two supra-auricular spots, almost exactly as in Picus querulus. 
 This may have induced Gray to ^at jardinei alongside P. borealis in the subgenus PUren- 
 
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282 PICUS PUBESCENS, DOWNY WOODPECKER. 
 
 opicus. Great as the variation of size is in this species, the minimum does not appear 
 to inosculate with the maximum of pubescens. There is a constant gap between full- 
 grown birds of about an inch (P. gairdneri being usually between seven and eight 
 inches) ; and, besides, the white tail-feathers of villosua, as against the barred ones of 
 puhescens, are perfectly distinctive. 
 
 In the Missouri region, P. villosus proper is the prevailing type; only 
 mixing with or shading into the var. harrisii among the mountains. 
 The birds are very abiindimt in the timbered bottoms along the Mis- 
 souri, as at Fort Randall and elsewhere. My Randall examples are 
 pure villosus, of rather large size, averaging 9^ or 9^- long, 16 or 17 in 
 extent, the wing 4^ or 5. One was shot that had apparently broken its 
 leg, and the union at a considerable angle threw the foot outward ; not- 
 withstanding this, the bird was scrambling as actively as any one could. 
 This species is very noticeable among the few birds that endure the 
 rigor of winter on the Upper iMissouri, apparently without the slightest 
 inconvenience. On entering the crackling, dry weed-patches of the bot- 
 tom, at such times the ear is often saluted with the shrill, startling 
 " quank'''' of the active bird, unseen in the low covert until, disturbed at 
 its meal in the snug retreat, it takes a long, swift swing up into the 
 nearest tree, or disappears in festoons further into the under-wood. 
 
 \ 
 
 ^PICUS PUBESCENS, Linn. >- '., 
 Downy Woodpecker. 
 
 a. pubescens. 
 
 Pious puhescens, Ldjn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 175 (P. varius minimus, Gates,, 21; P. varius 
 vinjinianus minor, Bmss., Orn. iv, 50). — Gm., i, 1788, 435. — Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 
 1790, 232.— ViEiLL., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 65, pi. 121.— WiLS., Am. Orn. i, 1808, 
 153, pi. 9, f. 4.— Steph., Gen. Zool. ix, 170.— Vieili.., Eucy. iii, 1311 ; Nouv. 
 Diet, xxvi, 82.— Bp.. Syn. 1828, 46.— Less., Tr. Orn. 1831, 228.— Nutt., Man. i, 
 1832, 576.— AuD., Orn. BioR. ii, 1834, 81 ; v, 1839, 539; pi. 112; Syn. 1639, 180; 
 B. Am. iv, 249, pi. 263.— Bp., List, 1838, 39.— Gray, Gen. of B. ii, 435.— Bp., 
 Consp. i, 1850, 138.— Eeich., Hand-buch Sp. Orn. 374, pi. 038, fig. 4255-57.— Bd., 
 B. N. a. 1858, 89.— Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1863, 201.— JIalh., Mon. Pic. i, 119, 
 pi. 29, f. 8, ,9, 10.— SUND., Consp. Av. Pic. 1866, 17.— Gray, Hand-list, ii, 1670, 
 184, No. 8590 (excl. syn. auduboni, Sw.).— Dall & Baxn., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 
 274.— Sxow, B. Kans. 1873, 3.— Hayd., Eep. 1882, 155.— Allex, -Bull. M. C. Z. 
 ii, 1871, 304 ; iii, 1872, 180.— FrascH, Abb. Nat. iii, 1872, 60 (Alaska).— ConES, 
 Key, 1872,194, fig. 131.— Hart., Man. Br. Birds, 1872, 122 (England).— B. B. & 
 E., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 509, pL 49, f. 6, 7 ; and of authors generally. 
 
 Picus (Dendrocopus) pubescens, Sw., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 307. 
 
 Trichopicus pubescens, Bp., Consp. Vol. Zygod. Ateneo Ital. 1854, 8. 
 
 Xrioliopipo piibescens, Cab. & Heixe, "Mus. Berol." 
 
 Dryobates pubescens, Cab. & Heixe., Mus. Hein. iv, 1863, 62. 
 
 Picus (^Dendrocopus) medianus, Sw., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 308 (New .Jersey). 
 
 Picus medianus, Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 601. — Gray, Gen. of B. ii, 435. — Br., Consp. i, 1850, 
 138.— Reich., Hand-buch Sp. Orn. 375.— Malh., Mon. Pic. i, 122.— Gk.v.y, Hand- 
 list, ii, 1870, 184, No. 8594. 
 
 Trichopicus medianus, Bp., Consp. Vol. Zygod. 1854, 8. 
 
 Picus {Dendrocopus) meridionalis, Sw., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 303 (Georgia). 
 
 Picus meridionalis, Gray, Gen. of B. ii, 435. — Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 138.— Reich., Hand- 
 bach Sp. Orn. 375.— Malh., Mon. Pic. i, 124. — Gray, Hand-list, ii, 184, No. 8505. 
 
 Trichopicus meridionalis, Bp., Consp. Vol. Zygod. Ateneo Ital. 1854, 8. 
 
 Picus leconiei, Jones, Ann. Lye. N. Y. iv, 1848, 489, pi. 17 (malformed specimen, lacking 
 hallux). 
 
 Tridactylia (!) lecontei, Bp., Consp. Zygod. 1854, 8 (made type of a genus!) 
 
 Picoides (!) lecontei, Malh., Mon. Pic. i, 182, pi. 40, f. 7. 
 
 b. gairdneri. 
 
 Picus gairdneri., AuD., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 317; Syn. 1839, 180; B. Am. iv, 1842, 252. 
 
 Reich., Hand-buch Sp. Orn. 375.^Malh., Mon. Pic. i, 123. — Be, B. N. A. 18,58 
 91, pi. 85, fig. 2, 3.— Heer.-ii., P. R. R. Rep. x, pt. vi, 57.— Coop. & Suck. N h' 
 Wash. Ter. 1860, 159.— C.\ss., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1863, 201.— Lord, Pr. Roy. Artv 
 
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PIOUS PUBESCENS, DOWNY WOODPECEEE. 283 
 
 Inst, iv, 1860, 111.— Sdnd., Consp. Av. Pic. 186C, 17.— Coop., B. Gal. i, 1870, 
 377.— Aiken, Pr. Boet. Soc. 1872, 206.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 462. 
 
 Picks gardneri, Gray, Gen. of B. ii, 435. 
 
 Pima gardineri, Sol., P. Z. S. 1857, 127. 
 
 Trichopicus gairdnen, Bp., Cousp. Vol. Zygod. Ateneo Ital. 1854, 8. 
 
 Dryobatcs gairdneri, Cab. & Heine, Mus. Heiu. iv, 1863, 64. 
 
 Picus {Diyohates) gardneri, Gkay, Hand-list, ii, 1870, 184, No. 8591. 
 
 Picus mcridionalis, Nutt., Man. i, 1840, 690. — Game., Journ. Phila. Acad, i, 1847, 55. 
 
 Pious turaii, Malh., Moii. Pic. i, 125, pi. 29, f. 5, 6.— Cass., Pr. Pliila. Acad. 1833, 202. 
 
 Drydbates tiiralii, Cab. & Heine, Mus. Hein. iv, 1863, 65. 
 
 Picits (Drgnbaies) iurati, Gray, Hand-list, ii, 1870, 185, No. 8597. 
 
 Piais homoriw, " Cab. & Heine, Mss." 
 
 Dryoiates homorus, Cab. & Heine, Mus. Heiu. iv, 1863, 65. 
 
 Picus (Dryobates) liomoms, Geay, Hand-list, ii, 1870, 185, No. 8596. 
 
 Pious pubescens var. gairdneri, COUES, Key, 1872, 194. — B. B. & E., N. A. B. ii, 1374, 512. 
 
 Sab. — Entirely correspondent -n-ith that of P. villosus. (Accidental in England.) 
 List of specimens of var. gairdneri. 
 
 19180 
 
 168 
 
 Source Cheyenne 
 
 S 
 
 Oct. 27, 1859 
 
 r.V.Hayden. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Lieuienani Warren's Expediiiou. — 4639-40, Platte Eiver; 4641, Bonhorame, Dakota.,- * ' 
 
 (typical j)«6esce?is). -ji^—O 
 
 iMter Expedilions. 60361, 61088-89, Wyoming {gairdneri). y\V - ^ 
 
 This case of the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker is exactly parallel with that of the last O , 
 species ; it passes from pubescens to var. gairdneri in the same region, aud both forms "^ '-• * ■' 
 show a gradation of size and some minor changes, according to latitude. It is unne- ^ ?/, -^ 
 cessary, therefore, to enlarge upon the matter. "There is no question of the jjertinence/ 
 of the various synonyms above enumerated. ^' 
 
 Although the range of the two species is substantially the same, they 
 beiug found together in most localities, yet, upon the whole, the Downy 
 is rather more southern than the Hairy, at least in the matter of abun- 
 dance of individuals. On the Atlantic coast, up to the Middle districts, 
 the Downy is the more numerous. It is abundant about Washington, 
 D. C, where the Hairy is comparatively rare. Mr. Allen says the same 
 for Florida. In the Missouri region, throughout which both species are 
 found in timbered places, the Hairy is the prevailing form. I was 
 rather surprised to find, in Arizona, that the latter occurred to the 
 almost entire exclusion of the ,other, which, in fact, I never identified 
 there to my satisfaction. The habits of the species differ in no appre- 
 ciable respect. Neither is there the slightest difference in the character 
 of their plumage, as implied in the names "Downy" and "Hairy" — 
 words that have only a quasi-applicatiou to these or any other Wood- 
 peckers. 
 
 Such synonymical lists as may be prepared in this case and the pre- 
 ceding one, and countless other instances, do not reflect creditably upon 
 a late state of our science — a state that we may hope soon to be able to 
 call " late" in the same sense in which the word is used respecting de- 
 funct persons. The vagaries of nomenclature are exhibited in strong 
 light by such an affair as the genus Tridactylia, based on a malform- 
 ation, either congenital or merely accidental. I may remark, in this con- 
 nection, that I once shot, at Washington, D. C, a specimen of Colaptcs 
 auratus showing the same thing, the right inner hind toe beiug want- 
 ing. It did not occur to me, however, to propose a genus Tridactylo- 
 colaptes, nor even to describe the bird as a new species of Picoides. Yet 
 my knowledge of birds at that time was much more limited than either 
 Bonaparte's or the monographer Malherbe's should be presumed to have 
 been. 
 
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284 • PICOIDES ARCTICUS. 
 
 PICOIDES AEOTICUS, (Sw.) Gray. 
 Black-backed Threc-tocd Woodpecker, 
 
 " Picus varim cayanensis, J, Briss., Orn. iv, 57" (fide Cab.; nomen geogr. ineptum, 
 liipsn ("canadensis"), sec. SuxD.). 
 
 Picus tridaciylus, Bp., Am. Orn. iii, 1828, 243, pi. 14, f. 2 ; Syn. 1828, 46.— AUD., Orn. 
 Biog. ii, 1834, 198; v, 1839, 538; pi. 132.— Nutt., Mau. i, 1832, 578. (^Not of 
 European writers.) 
 
 Picus {Apternus) arcticus, Sw., F. B. A. li, 1831, 313, pi. 57. 
 
 Picus arcticus, Auc, SyQ. 1839, 182; B. Am. iv, 286, pi. 268.— Ndtt., Man. i, 1840, 691.— 
 PuTN., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 214 (Massachusetts ; very rare). — Sdnd., Consp. 
 Av. Pic. 1866, 15. 
 
 Jpternus arcticus, Sw., Clas.sif. B. ii, 1837, 306.— Bp., Consp. List, 1838, 39; Consp. Av. 
 1, 1850, 139.— Reich., Hand-buch Sp. Orn. 36 ; pi. 630, f. 4189, 4191.— Newb., P. R. 
 E. Rep. vi, 18-57, 91. 
 
 Picoides arcticus. Gray, Gen. of B. ii, 434; pi. 108, fig. 7; Hand-list, ii, 1870, 181, No. 
 8539.— Bd., B. N. a. 18.')8, 98.— Malh., Mon. Pic. i, 174, pi. 39, f. 5, 6.— Board.m., 
 Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, ltf02, 123 (Maine ; probably resident). — Lord, Pr. Roy. Arty. 
 Inst, iv, 1864, 112 (Cascade Mountains). — Vekr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 144 (Nor- 
 way, Me. ; very common, except in summer). — Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 
 52 (Massachusetts ; vltj rare or accidental, in winter). — McIlwr., ibid, v, 
 1866, 83 (Hamilton, C' \Y. ; rare, iu winter).— Coues, ibid, v, 1868, 202.— 
 TnuNB., B. E. Pa. 1869,41 (occasional in mountains of Northern Pennsylvania, 
 Pocouo). — Mayn., Guide, 1870, 129 (Massachusetts, verv rare) ; Pr. Bost. Soc. 
 187J, p. —.—Coop., Pr. Cal. Acad. 1868 (Lalie Tahoe) ; B. Cal. i, 1870, 385 (Sierra 
 Nevada of California).- Trjppe. Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 118 (?).— Mep.k., U. S. 
 Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, 694.— COHES, Key, 1872, 194.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. ii, 
 1874, 530, pi. 50, f. 1. 
 
 Tridactylia arciica, Cab. & Heine, ;Uus. Hein. iv, 1863, 27. 
 
 " Picus koeliii, Naum.— Gloger, Hand-buch Nat. Gesch. Vog. Eur. 462" (Cab.) 
 
 nab. — Northern North America, into the Northern United States in winter, and iu 
 all probability resident along our northern frontier, as well as further south in moun- 
 tainous regions. Rarely south in winter to Massachusetts; casually to Pennsj'lvania 
 {Audubon, Turnbull). South to Sierra Nevada {Coopw). 
 
 Laic Expeditious. — 62261, Lower Geyser Basin, Wyoming. 
 
 Although this species has not, to my knowledge, been yet taken in 
 the Missouri region, there is no doubt whatever of the propriety of in- 
 cluding it in the present work, as a species to be found at least in the 
 mountainous and northern portions. Mr. TriiJjje gives it as probably 
 breeding in Minnesota, and Dr. Cooper has a more explicit notice. " I 
 found this bird," he writes, " quite numerous about Lake Tahoe, and the 
 summits of the Sierra ISTevada above G,000 feet altitude, in September, 
 and it extends thence northward, chiefly on the east side of these and 
 the Cascade Mountains, as I never saw it near the Lower Columbia. 
 At the lake, they were quite fearless, coming close to the hotel, and 
 industriously tapping the trees in the early morning and evening. * * 
 I noticed their burrows in low pine-trees near the lake, where they had 
 doubtless raised their young. I found them silent birds, though prob- 
 ably in the spring they have a great variety of calls. The only note I 
 heard was a shrill, rattling cry, suiScieutly distinct from that of any 
 other Woodpecker." 
 
 PICOIDES AMEPtlCANUS, Brehm. 
 Banded Three-toed Woodpecker. 
 
 a. americanus. 
 
 ('?'?)''■ Picus varius cayanensis, $, Briss., Orn. iv, 54" = P!c taclietd de Cayenne, F.E. 
 553 = Apternus cayanensis, Reich., Hand-buch, 363 ; nomen ineptum ; avis 
 fictita? Inde P. undulaius, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 69 ; Enc. Meth. iii, 
 1319 ("digitibus quatuor") = P. undatus, Tejim., Tabl. Meth. 63, et P. undosus', 
 Cuv., R. A. i, 1829, 451.— (Malh., Mou. i, 184, 185). 
 
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PICOIDES AMEEICANUS. 285 
 
 Ficu^ iridaot'lus var. /3., Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 439.— Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 243. 
 Ficus (Aptm-nns) tridactylus, Sw., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 311, pi. 56 {nee lAnn.). 
 Pieoides tridaeti/lus var. americanus, B. B. & E., N. A. B. ii, 1874, pi. 50, f. 3. 
 Tridaetylia midiUata, Steph., Gen. Zool. ix, 220.— Cab. & Heine, Mus. Heiii. iv, 1863, 28. 
 Pious liirsuUts, Wagl., Syst. Av. 1827, Gen. Pie. No. 102 {nee Steph., G. Z. ix, 219, pi. 
 
 38 ; nee Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 68, pi. 124 ; Enc. iii, 1324; Nouv. Diet. 
 
 xxvi, 103, qui sp. Ainer. refert, sed spee. Europ. descripsit). — Add., Orn. Biog. 
 
 V, 1839, 184, pi. 217, f. 3, 4; Syo. 1839, 183; B. Am. iv, 1842, 268, pi. 269.— 
 
 NUTT., Man. i, 1840, 622.— PuTN., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 229. 
 Apternns lursutus, Bp., List, 1838, 39 ; Consp. Av. i, 1850, 139.— EEicn., Hand-buch, 361, 
 
 pi. 630, f. 4192, 4194.— FmsoH, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 61 (Alaska). 
 Pieoides Idrsidus, Gbay, Geu. of B. ii, 434.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 98.— Verr., Pr. Ess. lust. 
 
 in. 157 (Maine, in winter;.— OouES, ibid.v, 1868, 262 (strag^l'ug to Massacbu- 
 
 setts).— Allen, Am. Nat. iii, 1870, 572 (Lynu, Mass.).— Mayn., Guide, 1870, 
 
 129 (same instance). 
 Pieoides ama-ieanus, Bebhm, Vog. Deutscbl. 1831, 195; "Vollst. Vogelf. 71."— Malh., 
 
 Mod. Pic. i, 176, pi. 39, f. 1, 2.— ScL., Cat. 1862, 335.— Gray, Cat. Brit. Mua. iii, 
 
 1868, 30.— Dale & Bans., Tr. Cbic. Acad, i, 1889, 274.— Gray, Hand-list, ii, 
 
 1870, 181, No. 8537.— COUES, Key, 1872, 194. 
 Pieoides americanus \av.faseiatus, Bd., iu Coop. B. Cal. i, 1870, 385. 
 Apternns amerieamts, Sw., Classif. B. ii, 1837, 306. 
 Pious amerieamis, Sund., Consp. Av. Pic. 1866, 15. 
 Picus arcticus, DbKay, N. Y. Zool. 1844, 190, pi. 17, f. 36 {nee Sw.). 
 
 b. dorsalis. 
 
 Pieoides dorsalis,'BD., B. N. A. 1858, 100, pi. 85, f. 1.— Malh., Mon. Pic. i, 179.— Hayd., 
 Eep. 1862, 155 (typo specimen).— Mekr., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, 694. 
 
 Tridaoiylia dorsalis, Cab. & Heine, Mus. Heiu. iv, 1863, 26. 
 
 Piexts dorsalis, Sdnd., Consp. Av. Pie. 1866, 14. 
 
 Pieoides americanus var. dorsalis. Bo., in Coop. B. Cal. i, 1870, 386. — Aixen, Bull. M. C. 
 Z. iii, 1872, 180 (mountains of Colorado, from 8,000 feet uiJ to timber-line). — 
 Coues, Key, 1872, 194. 
 
 Sail. — Tbe typical form in Arctic and Nortbem North America, straggling into the 
 United States in winter, to Massachusetts. Var. dorsalis from the Eocky Mountain 
 region as far south as Colorado. 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 8809, Laramie Peak, $ , Aug. 25, 1857 ; type of 
 dorsalis. 
 
 Later Exjiediiions. — 62262, Lower Geyser Basin, Wyoming. 
 
 As observed by Sundevall, and afterward by Baird, our three species of Pieoides 
 chiefly differ in the amount of white on the back, from none in arcticus, to a long con- 
 tinuous white stripe in var. dorsalis, much as in P. vlllosns. But although it may be 
 only a step from the darkest-backed hirsutiis to arcticus, I am not aware that the step 
 IS ever actually taken by intermediate specimens, and I therefore retain the species as 
 distinct. Between americanus and var. dorsalis, on the contrary, the intergradation is 
 complete. The character of dorsalis lies in the disappearance of the one or more trans- 
 verse black bars on each white feather of the back, leaving an uninterrupted white 
 stripe — the successive steps toward this end being as clearlv traceable as are those of 
 the changes in the white spots of P.villosus and jyuiescens. Sundevall showed that the 
 name hirsutus, of Vieillot, usually applied to this species, was based upon the European 
 bird, although ascribed to North America ; and that the P. undul-atus of the same author, 
 probably a fictitious species, is based upon P. E. 533, said to be from " Cayenne," to 
 have /owe toes, and to be otherwise entirely incompatible with the present species. 
 
 The Banded Three-toed Woodpecker is very rare in the United States — apparently 
 more so than P. arcticus. I have not learned of its occurrence further south than 
 Massachusetts, where Mr. Welch lately took specimens at Lynn. The dorsal variety, 
 on the other hand, is a common bird of the Eocky Mountain region, especially about 
 Laramie, and to judge from the dates of observation of the specimens secured, it is 
 undoubtedly there resident. Dr. Hayden's specimen, above quoted, furnished the type 
 of the description of P. dorsalis. 
 
 SPHYEAPIOUS YAEIUS, (Linn.) Bd. 
 Tellow-bellied Woodpecker. 
 
 a. varius. 
 
 Picus varius, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 176 {P. vantis minor, ventre luteo, Gates., i, 21 ; 
 varius carolinus, Bkiss., iv, 62 ; P. E. 785). — Gm., i, 438. — Lath., Ind. Orn. i, P. 
 232.— Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 63, pis. 118, 119.- Wils., Am. Orn. i, 1808, 
 
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286 SPHYEAPICUS VARIUS, YELLOW-BELLIED WOODPECKER. 
 
 147, pi. 9, f. 2.— Bp., Am. Orn. i, pi. 8, f. 2 ; Syn. 1828, 45 ; List, 1838, 39 ; Cotisp. i, 
 1850, 138.— Wagl., Syst. Av. 1827,No. 16 ;'lsis, IdJO, .^,09.— Nutt., Mau. i, lSi:2. 
 574.— Less., Tr. Oro. i, 1831,228.— AuD., Orn. Biog. ii. 1834,519; v, l.-j3'.), 537 ; 
 pi. 190 ; Svu. 1839, 182 ; B. Am. i v, 1842, 263, pi. 267.- Gray, Geu. of B. ii, 435.— 
 Eeich., Hanrlbuch Sp.'Oru. 376, pi. 039, f. 4258,4259; J. f. 0. 1856, 102.— 
 M.AXIM., J. f. O. vi, 1858, 416.— SCL., P. Z. S. 18.56, 308; 1858,305; 18.59,367, 
 38S. — Re;xh., Ibis, iii, 1861, 8 (Greenland ; two instances). — Sund., Consp. Av. 
 Pic. 1866, 33. 
 
 Picns (Dendrocoims) varius, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831. 309. 
 
 Fihimnii^ varius, Bp., Consp. Vol. Zygod. Ateneo. Ital. 1854,8. 
 
 SphympiCHs varius, Bd , B. N. A. 1858, 103. — MAl.H.,Mon. Pic. i, 1.57, pi. 37, iigs. 2,4.— 
 CoUES, Key, 1872, 195, f. 131.— Sxow.B. Kaus. 1873, 3.— BKY.,Pr. Bosl. Soc. x, 
 1855, 91 (anatomy) ; and of most late authors. 
 
 Sphxjropiens rarius, ScL. & S/U,v., Ibis, 1859, 136 (Guatemala).— ScL., Cat. 1882, 335 
 (Orizaba).— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 539, pi. 51, f. 1, 2. 
 
 Cladoscopiis varius, Cab. & Heine, Mus. Hein. iv, 1863, 80. 
 
 Picas {Splnirapicus) varius, Gray, Hand-list, ii, 1870, 186, No. 8617. 
 
 Pious atroihorax, Less., Traits Orn. i, 1831, 229.— Pdch., E M. Z. vii, 1855, 21. 
 
 " Picm galbula, Temm., Mus. Lugd."— Maxh., Mon. Pic i, 157. 
 
 b. nuelialis. 
 
 Spliyrapicus varius var. nuelialis, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 103 (in test.). — M.ieh., Mon. Pic. i, 
 161.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 180.— Coces, Key, 1872, 195. 
 
 Sphyropicus varius var. nuelialis, RiDGVif., Am. Journ. Sci. 1873, 40. — B. B. & R., N. A. B. 
 ii, 1874, 542, pi. 51, f. 3. 4. 
 
 Sphyrapicus nuelialis, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 921, pi. 35.— CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 53 
 (anatomy, &c.).— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 463. 
 
 Sphyropieus nuelialis, CoOP., B. Cal. i, 1870, 390. 
 
 Cla'doscopus nuelialis. Cab. & Heine, Mus. Hein. iv, 1863, 82. 
 
 Fieus varius, Heerji., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, pt. vi, 58. 
 
 Sphyrapicus varius. Hayd., Rep. 1862, 155.— Hold., Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 207. 
 
 Pieus varius occideutalis, Sdsd., Consp. Av. Pic. 1666, 34. 
 
 c. ruber. 
 
 Pious ruler, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 429.— Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 228.— Steph., Gen. 
 
 Zool. ix, 160.— Wagl., Svst. Av. 1827, P. No. 15.— AuD., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 179, 
 
 pi. 416 ; Syn. 1839, 181 ; B. Am. iv, 1844, 261, pi. 266.- Heerm., P. R. R. Rep. 
 
 X, 1859, pt". vi, 57.— Malii., Mon. Pic. i, 132, pi. 31, iigs. 1, 2.— Sond., Consp. Av. 
 
 Pic. 1866, 32. 
 Pieus (Sphyrapicus) ruber. Gray, Hand-list, ii, 1870, 186, No. 8616. 
 Melanerpes ruber, Rich., List, 1837.— Bp., List, 1838, 39; Consp. i, 1850, 115.— Gray, 
 
 Gen. of B. ii, 444. — Gamb., Journ. Phila. Acad. 1844, 56.— Eeich., Hand-bucli 
 
 Sp. Orn. 382, pi. 642, f. 4287, 4288.— Scl., P. Z. S. 1857, 127. 
 Pilumnus ruber, Bp., Consp. Vol. Zygod. Ateneo Ital. 1854, 8. 
 Sphyrapicus ruber, Bd., B. N. A. 1853, 104.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 160.— 
 
 Coues, Key, 1872, 195. 
 Sphyropicus ruber, CoOP., B. Cal. i, 1870, 392. 
 Cladoseopus ruber, Cab. & Heixb, Mus. Hein. iv, 1863, 82. 
 Sphyropicus varius var. ruber, RiDGW., Am. Journ. Sci. iv, 1873, 40. — B. B. & R., N. A. B. 
 
 ii, 1874, 544, pi. 51 fig. 6. 
 Pieus flaviveniris, Vieili-t, Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 67 ; Nouv. Diet, xxv, 95 ; Enc. iii, 1320. 
 " Pieus niger, ViEiLL., Nouv. Diet, xxvi, 90." 
 
 Hab. — The typical form in Eastern North America, north to 61° at least. South to 
 Guatemala (numerous extralimital quotations). Mexico. Cuba. Bahamas. Green- 
 land. Var. nuchalis from the Eocky Mountain region and Great Basin. Var. ruber 
 from Cascade Mountains and Sierra Nevada to the Pacific. 
 
 List of specimens (nuehalis). 
 
 19181 
 19182 
 19183 
 19184 
 19185 
 
 Wind River Mte. 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 Popoagie Creek. 
 
 May 28, 1860 
 June 6, 1860 
 May 26, 1860 
 May 27, 1860 
 May 25, 1860 
 
 F.V.Hayden. 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 G. H. Trnok.. 
 
 8.00 
 
 14 50 
 
 5.00 
 
 7.50 
 
 15.00 
 
 5.00 
 
 7.75 
 
 15.00 
 
 4.75 
 
 7.75 
 
 15.50 
 
 5.00 
 
 8.25 
 
 17.00 
 
 5,25 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — (varius and nuchalis); 4631-33, Big Sioux River; 
 4635, mouth of Platte River ; 4536-:W, near Council Bluflfs ; 8807, Laramie. 
 Later Expeditions.— e0804r<lo, 01090-92, 61095, Wyoming. 
 
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SPHYKAPICUS VARIUS, YELLOW-BELLIED WOODPECKER. 287 
 
 Probably no genus of the F'lcidce is more strongly marked than this 
 one. Without very striking external peculiarities, the structure of the 
 tongue and associate parts is remarkably different from that obtaining 
 in any of the North American species at least, and may justly claim 
 higher taxouomic value than that subsisting among any of the details 
 of contour of our remaining species. The peculiarities are fully set 
 forth in my paper above cited. Assertions of misinformed authors to 
 the contrary notwithstanding, the 8. '■'■ wilUamsoni''^ or thyroideus is a 
 typical Sphyrapicus, as I determined by examination of the hyoid appa- 
 ratus in freshly-killed specimens.- The regimen of both species, cor- 
 respondently with their anatomical features, is peculiar ; they denude 
 trees of their ba'-k in areas, instead of drilling holes, and feed exten- 
 sively upon soft sap-wood, as well as upon various fruits and insects. 
 
 I intimated a suspicion of the specific identity of 8. ruber and imyius 
 in the Key, as above cited. I had not, at the moment of writing, speci- 
 mens enough to satisfy myself of the complete iutergradation of the 
 two forujs, through var. nucJialis, which is simply the first step toward 
 var, riibcr. But this has been satisfactorily determined by Mr. Eidgway. 
 His remarks are so pertinent that I will transcribe them, in giving them 
 my unreserved endorsement: 
 
 "This tendency to an extension of red, as we approach the Pacific 
 coast, is strictly paralleled in the case of Sphyrapicus rarius. Taking 
 specimens of this species from the Atlantic States (tyi)ical 8. variiis), it 
 is noticed that in the male the red patch on the throat is entirely cut 
 off from the white rictal stripe by a continuous maxillary stripe of black, 
 while the nuchal band is brownish- white ; and that the ? has the throat 
 entirely white. Not more than one per cent, have a tinge of red on the 
 nape in the male, or a trace of it on the throat in the female. In speci- 
 mens from the Rocky Mountains (var. mtcJialis) we find that all have 
 the nuchal band more or less red, while the female invariably has the 
 throat at least one-third of this color ; the male, too, has the black max- 
 illary stripe interrupted, allowing the red of the gular patch to touch, 
 for quite a distance, the white stripe beneath the eye, while it invades, 
 for a greater or less extent, the black pectoral crescent. Another step 
 is seen in specimens from the region between the Eocky Mountains and 
 the Cascade Eange, in which the red is extended still more ; first, the 
 black auricular stripe has a few touches of red, the black pectoral cres- 
 cent is mixed with red feathers, aad the light area surrounding it (sul- 
 phur-yellow in the more eastern styles) is more or less tinged with red. 
 Then, as we continue westward, the red increases, until, in specimens 
 from the coast region of California, Oregon, Washington Territory, and 
 British Columbia (var. ruber), it overspreads the whole head, neck and 
 breast, in extreme examples entirely obliterating the normal pattern, 
 though usually this can be distinctly traced. With this increase in the 
 extent of red there is also a gradnally increased amount of black, strictly 
 parallel, to that in Picus mfJmus (var Imrrisii) and P. pubescens (var. 
 (jairdneri) from the same regions." 
 
 The Yellow-bellied Woodpecker is common in the wooded bottoms of 
 the Missouri region. Kansas and other eastward examples are pure 
 varius, but mo.st incline toward var nuclialis, which becomes completely 
 established on the first slopes of the mountains. I found varius breed- 
 ing commonly along the Eed Eiver of the North. 
 
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288 SPHYEAPICUS THYEOIDEUS. 
 
 SPHYEAPICUS THTROIDEUS, (Cass.) Bd. 
 
 Black-breasted or Williamson's Woodpecker. 
 
 Pious iliyrmdeus, Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad, v, 1851, 349 ( V ).— Heerm., Jovtrn. Phila. Acad. 
 
 ii, 1653, 270.— SuxD., CoDsp. Av. Pic. 1866, 32. 
 Picas (Sphyrapicus) thyroideus, Gray, Hand-list, ii, 1870, 186, No. 8618. 
 Melanerpes thyroideus. Cass., 111. B. Cal. and Tex. 1854, 201, pi. 32. 
 Pilumnus thyroideus, Bp., Cousp. Vol. Zygod. 1854, 8. 
 Colaptes thyreoideus, Reich., Hand-buch Sp. Orn. 411. 
 Sphyrapious thyroideus, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 106.— Ha-hd., Eep. 1862, 155.— CoUES, Pr. 
 
 Phila. Acad. 1866, 54.— Malh., Mon. Pic. i, 162, pi. 37, f. 2.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 
 
 1870, 394.— Merr., U. S. Geol. Surr. Ter. 1872, 694.— Coues, Key, 1872, 195.— 
 
 Hexsh., Am. Nat. viii, 1874, 242. 
 -^^ Sphyrojaicus thyroideus, B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 547, pi. 56, fig. 6. 
 Cladoscupus thyroideus, Cab. & Heine, Mas. Hein. iv, 1863, 84. 
 "Picus naialice, Malh., J. f. O. 1854, 171." 
 " Centurus natalice, Reich., Hand-buch Sp. Orn. 411." 
 Picus wilUamsoni, Newb., P. R. E. Rep. vl, 1S57, 89, pi. 34, f. 1 ( (? ).— SuND., Consp. At. 
 
 Pic. 1866, 32. 
 Sphyrapicus wilUamsoni, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 105. — Hayd., Rep. 1862, 155. — Malh., Mon. 
 
 Pic. i, 163, pi. 36, f. 4.— CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 54.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 
 
 393.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 180.— Merr., U. S. Geol. Sarv. Ter. 1872, 
 
 694.— Coues, Key, 1872, 195. 
 i6' Sphyrapicus u-itliamsoni, B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 545, pi. 51, fig. 5. 
 Cladoscopus u-illiamHoni, Cab. & Heine, Mua. Hein. iv, 1863, 82. 
 Melanerpes {Cladoscopus) u-illiamsoni, Gray, Hand-list, ii, 1870, 201, No. 8820. 
 Melanerpes rubrigularis, ScL., P. Z. S. 1858, i, pi. 131 ; Ann. ilag. Nat. Hist. 1858, 127 (g). 
 
 Sab. — ^Eocky Mountains to the Pacific, United States. 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 8S0:3-04, Laramie Peak, August 24, 1857. 
 
 Later Expeditions. — 62363 ( ^ ), Wyoming ; 62259 (jai-e/i is), Montana. 
 
 The foregoing synonymy will doubtless be viewed with surprise by 
 those not previously aware of Mr. Henshaw's discovery that '■'■william- 
 sonV is the male and ^Hhyroideus''^ the female, of one and the same spe- 
 cies. Xo point ill our ornithology could have been more novel aud 
 unexpected than was Mr. Henshaw's announcement of the fact, which 
 he determined beyond reasonable question, that he found the two sup- 
 posed species ijaired and rearing a family in the same hole. It is not 
 uninstructive now to look back upon the history of the supposed species. 
 In the first place we notice that the two have always been accredited 
 with the same geographical range, and have generally been found to- 
 gether; at least, most papers containing a notice of one, also give the 
 other. Next we observe, in most cases, hesitation and evident uncer- 
 tainty in descriptions of the sexual differences of each supposed species, 
 the female of '■'■ williamsoni" and the male of ''•thyroideus''^ having been 
 groped for indeed, but not found. Nor is there, in the fairly large amount 
 of mPuterial received at the Smithsonian, an unquestionable specimen of 
 the opposite sex of either of the supposed species. As indicating how 
 far we may sometimes go astray, these birds have been placed in several 
 diff'erent genera, so widely have the sexes of one species been dissoci- 
 ated ; while the biographical notices which have appeared are not 
 entirely concordant, showing how much our written history of living 
 birds may be tempered by evidently fortuitous circumstances of observa- 
 tion, or transient impressions of an observer. 
 
 On the systematic position of the species there is no room for ques- 
 tion. Prof. Baird correctly assigned it to the genus Spliyrapiciis, of 
 which it is a typical representative, having all the strong lingual pecul- 
 iarities of S. varius, as I showed in my paper above cited. 
 
 I frequently observed this Woodpecker in the pineries about Fort 
 Whipple, where it is resident and not uncommon, though less abundant 
 than either the Melanerpes formicivonis or Colaptes mexicanus. It ap- 
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CENTURUS CAROLINUS, • RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER. 289 
 
 peared to be nearly confined to the pine woods, and proved rather a 
 wary bird, frequenting for the most part the upper portions of tlie tall 
 trees. It has an abrupt,. explosive outcry, much liiie that of other spe- 
 cies of Woodpeckers, and also an entirely different call-note. This 
 sounds to me like a number of rolling r's, beginning with a guttural It — 
 ]d-r-r-r — each set of r's making a long syllable. This note is leisurely 
 given, and iudefluitely repeated, in a very low key. The general habits 
 of this species are most nearly like those of 8. varius, but its geograph- 
 ical distribution is much more restricted, and the bird is not, apparently, 
 migratory. It is an inhabitant more especially of mountainous regions 
 of the west, within the pine belt — the same faunal area of which Picicor- 
 vus and QymnoMtta are characteristic. 
 
 Mr. Tri})pe writes me as follows of Williamson's Woodpecker in Col- 
 orado : "Common; migratory; breeds. This Woodpecker arrives in 
 the neighborhood of Idaho Springs in the early or middle part of April, 
 and soon becomes rather common, extending its range up to 10,00(» feet, 
 and perhaps higher, but is most numerous between 6,000 and 9,000 feet. 
 It is rather unequal in its distribution, being abundant in certain locali- 
 ties and quite scarce in others, but a short distance away." 
 
 CENTURUS CAEOLmUS, (Linn.) Sw. 
 
 Red-bellied Woodpecker. 
 
 Ficm earolinus, Linn., Syst. Nat., 1766, 174 (P. wnlre nibro, Gates., i, 19).— Wii.s., Am. 
 
 Orn. i, 1808, 113, pi. 7, fig. a.— Bp., Svd. 1828, 45.— NuTT., Man. i, .572.— Aud., 
 
 ■ Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 169, ill. 415; Syn. 1839, 183; B. Am. iv, 1842, 270, pi. 270.— 
 
 GiE., B. L. I. 1844, 179.— Maxim., J. f. 0. 1853, 418.— Sdnd., Consp. Av. Pic. 53. 
 
 Centurus carolinus, Sw., Class. B. ii, 1837, 310 (" carolinensi8").-^BF., List, 1838, 40 ; Consp.. 
 i, 1850, 119.— WOODH., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 91.-BD., B. N. A. 1858, 109.— Hayd., 
 Rep. 1862, 156.— Cab., J. f. O. 1862, 324.— Dkess., Ibis, 1865, 469 (Texas).— 
 AiXEN, Pr. Ess. Inst. Iv, 1864, 53 (Massachusetts, "accidental"). — Coues, ibid.. 
 Y, 1868, 262 (rare or accidental in Southern New England). — McIlw];., ibid, v, 
 1866, 83 (Chatham, C. W., three specimens). — Allen, Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868,, 
 499, 519, 525 (Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 306 
 (Florida) ; iii, 1872, 180 (Kansas).— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 3 (abund.aut).— CouES, 
 Key, 1872, 196.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, 554, pi. 52, fig. 1, 4. 
 
 Zebrapicus carolinus, Malil, Mon. Pic. ii, 234, pi. 103, figs. 7, 8. 
 
 Picus zebra, Bodd., Planch. Enlnm. 602. 
 
 Picus (jriseus, ViEiLL., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 52, pi. 116. 
 
 " Picus erythrauclim, Wagl., Syst. Av. 1827." 
 
 Sab. — United States to the Rocky Mountains. North rarely to Southern New En- 
 gland ("Nova ^cotin," Audubon). Canada West. Not found "in Minnesota (Trijjpe). 
 Fort Thorn, New Mexico (Henry). 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition.— iGbS, St. Joseph's, Mo. ; 4624, Nemaha Reserve. 
 
 This is a rather southern species, very abundant south of 35°, but 
 not common north of the Middle districts. It very rarely extends into- 
 New England, whence we have but few quotations, and none north of 
 Massachusetts. Audubon, indeed, gives it from Nova Scotia, but sucL 
 a range has not, to my knowledge, been contirmed of late. Mr. Mcll- 
 wraith notes three specimens captured in Canada West. I used to find 
 it frequently about Washington. Mr. Trippe remarks upon its apparent 
 absence in Minnesota with surprise, since*" during the winter it is ex- 
 ceedingly abundant in Southern Iowa, from which section great num- 
 bers migrate on the approach of spring. I supposed that it crossed 
 over the prairies of Iowa and the southern part of Minnesota, and passed 
 the breeding season in the woods of the northern part of the latter State. 
 I found this to be a mistake, however, as I did not see a single individ- 
 ual during the whole year." In Kansas it is plentiful; I found it in 
 May in the timber along Ilepublican River. It must, however, fie con- 
 sidered a rare bird in most portions of the Missouri region. 
 
 19 
 
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290 MEL^'NERPES ERYTHROOEPHALTJS. 
 
 MELANEKPES ERYTHROOEPHALUS, (Linn.) Sw. 
 
 BecMieaded Woodpecker. 
 
 ^icus erythroceplialus, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 174 (Gates., i, 20 ; Briss., iv, 53, pi. 3, 
 fig. 1 ; Planch. Enlum. 117).— Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. ii, 1807, 60, i)ls. 112, 113.— 
 WiLS., Am. Orn. i, 1808, 142, pi. 9, fig. I.— Bp., Svn. 1828, 45.— Wagl., Isis, 1829, 
 518.— NaTT, Man. i, 1832, p.— AuD., Orn. BioR. i, 1832, 141, pi. 27 ; Syn. 18S9, 
 184; B. Am. iv, 1842, 274, pi. 271.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 180.— Maxim., J. f. O. 
 18o8, 419.— POTN., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 214 (Massachusetts, rare).— TnippE, 
 ibid, vi, 1871, 118 (Minnesota, abundant).— Sund., Consp. Av. Pic. 1866, .50. 
 
 MeUnerjpes erythroceplialus, Sw., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 316 (Lake Huron).- Bp., List, 1838, 40 ; 
 Consp. i, 1850, 115.— Game., Journ. Phila. Acad. 1H47, 55.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 
 1853, 91.— Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 113.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, lf)6.— Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, 
 iii, 1862, 145 (Maine, rare).- Allen, ibid, iv, 1864, 53 (Massachusetts, rare). — 
 McIlwr., ibid, v, 1866, 83 (Canada West, common).— CouES, ibid, v, 1868, 2C3 
 (New England, rare).— Dress., Ibis, 1865, 469 (Texas).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 
 402.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. 'J'er. 1870, 463 (Wyoming).— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 
 3.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 180 (Kansas and Colorado).— Hold., Pr. Bost. \ 
 Soc. 1872, 207 (Wyoming).— CoUES, Key, 1872, 196.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 
 1874, 564, pi. 54, fig. 4. 
 
 Fioui dbscurus, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 429 (juvenile). 
 
 MaJ). — Temperate Eastern North America to the Rocky Mountains. Not authenti- 
 cated on the Pacific Coast? JJovv rare iu New England. Breeds from. Texas to Nova 
 .Scotia. Utah (Hidgway). California (Gamftei). 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4625-30, Nemaha River; 5230-31, Yellowstone River; / . 
 5529, Fort Lookout ; 8808, Fr<5mont, on Platte River. ¥ "^r' 
 
 Later Expeditions. — 60348-54 Bitter Cottonwood and La Bont€ Creeks. / j, / Y 
 
 Erom time to time we have had accounts of the supposed occurrence C'^iipf'' 
 >oi this species on the Pacific coast, and elsewhere west of the Rocky /. , >, / 
 Mountains. Thus, Richardson mentions a specimen said to have come - ' j 
 from theiCohnnbia JRiver.] Gambe'l givijes it from the coast of California; ?'"i>3» 3 
 'Cooper includes it in his work, but, as in many other cases, upon sup- 
 position of its occurrence in California, " as it extends to the Rocky 
 Mountains and perhapsover them." None of these records are satis- 
 factory, however,; the most western ones upon which full reliance can- 
 be placed being those from the headwaters of the Missouri and its trib- 
 utaries, and from Salt Lake City. Of these there is no question. Dr. 
 Hayden speaks of the species as one of the most abundant biids along 
 the wooded bottoms of the Missouri. Mr. Holden and Mr. Stevenson 
 fonml it in Wyoming, and Mr. Allen in Colorado, from the plains up 
 to a-bout 11,000 feet. Mr. Trippe, also, found it common in Eergen's 
 Pass. 
 
 The Woodpeckers, as a rule, are non-migratory birds, owing to their 
 hardy nature, and the character of their food, which can be obtained at 
 all times. Most of our species are pretty thoroughly localized ; such are 
 .all thoseujf Southern portions, as the Ivory-bill and Red-cockaded in the 
 East, the Melanerpes formicivoru.'! in the West, &c., as well as the robust 
 spetjies of Picus proper, Piroides, and Sphyrapiciis. But even some of 
 these journey with the season, and others, notably the Red-bellied, the 
 Oolden- winged, and the present species, are migrants in most regions — 
 perhaps irregularly so,iudped,,but still not entirely stationary. Taking 
 an intermediate locality, as the District of Columbia, for instaTice, we 
 tind the Red-bellied and the Flicker there the whole year; but both of 
 these are partially migratory, the former being most abundant in sum- 
 mer, while the latter is so during the spring and fall, most individuals 
 going further north to breed and further south to winter. The Red-liead 
 is more decidedly migratory, and most abundant in summer. 1 never 
 found it between October and April. This corresponds with Dr. Turn- 
 bull's observations, made in Pennsylvania and Uew. Jersey, where, he 
 
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ASYNDESMUS TOEQUATt'S, LEWIS WOODPECKER. 
 
 291 
 
 says, it arrives the latter part of April and departs in September or the 
 beginning ot October. That even this si)ecies. however, sonietinies 
 lingers throngh the winter in Pennsylvania is sliown by Prof. Baird's 
 record of Carlisle specimens, among which are observed captures in De- 
 cember and February. I do not think that any Eed-heads endure the 
 severe winters of the Upper Missouri, P. riUosus and pubescens being the, 
 only species I have observed in Dakota at tbis season. 
 
 ASTXDESMUS TORQUATUS, (Wils.) Coues. 
 lewis's Woodpecker. 
 
 Picks torqiialus, WiLS.. Am. Dm. iii, Ifll, 31, pi. 20. fi<r. 3.— Bp., Syn. lt-2-?. 46.— Nutt., 
 Man. i, le3-2, o7T.— AVD., Orn. Biog. v, 1T6. ])1. 416; Stii. 1-39. Ir4 : B. Am. iv, 
 l5'4-2. 2-0. pi. 272.— SuN'B,. Consp. Av. Pic. l:^oG. 51. 
 
 ilelaneiyes targuaUis, Bp., Consp. At. i. IScO, 115.— Hfekm.. Jonni. Phil.i. Acad, ii, li-.'.o. 
 270.— Nlwb., p. R. R. Rep. vi. 1^.57, 90.— Bd., B. X. A. 1-5-;. 11.'..— Heekm.. P. 
 E. E. Rep. X, 1>59. pt. vi . 5?.— Coop. & .?r ck.. X. H. W.ish. Ter. IHdO, 161.- H.\yd., 
 Eep. 166-2, 156.— Coop., 15. Cal. i. 1^70. 40o.— Allin. Bull. M. C. Z. iii. 1^72. 1-0.— 
 Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1-72. 207.— Stev., U. S. Oeol. Siirv. Ter. 1-70.463.— Mere., 
 ibid. Ie72, 6yo.— B. B. & R., X. A. B. ii. 1?74, 561, pi. 54, fig. 5. 
 
 Cdeus iorguatus, Woodh., Sit>"r. Eep. \ioS. 90 (lscI. syn. (rui.. Less.. JTanl-) 
 
 Asyvdesmui iorquatus, Coues, Pr, Phila. Acad. 1-60. 56.— Coles. Key. 1-72, 197. 
 
 Melanerpes {Asi/ndesmus) torquatus, Gkay, Hand-list, ii. 1-70. 201, Xo. t-18. 
 
 Picus montaKus, OnD, Guthrie's Geoy;. 2d Am. ed. 1-15, 316. 
 
 " Picus hicisii, Dr a ptf.z." (Jide G. R. Gray). 
 
 Sab. — Eastern slopes and foot-hiUs of the Eocky Jlonntains to the Pacific, United 
 States. 
 
 Li-it of specimens. 
 
 191S5 82 Snake River . . . 
 lPL-6 1 10 Wind R. Mts. . . 
 19331 ' . . . . j TeUowstone E . 
 193:J2 : . . . J Bighorn Mts . . . 
 
 19333 i....| do 
 
 19334 L-.-i do 
 
 Jane 17. 1-60 
 May 26, 1-RO 
 Jnne 23. 1>00 
 June 15. 1-GO 
 June 20. 1-^GO 
 Jinie20, 1S60 
 
 F. "^ . Havden ; 
 
 do.:. ...I 
 
 G. H. Trook..j 
 
 do I 
 
 do ' 
 
 do I 
 
 11.50 
 11.75 
 11 00 
 11. .50 
 11.00 
 11.00 
 
 22.00 I 
 22.00 ■ 
 22.011 
 22.00 . 
 21.50 
 21.50 
 
 (-.75 
 6.75 
 6<f(i 
 f.-oO . 
 
 ll.CIl 
 
 6.00 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Erpedition. — Xo. 466?, Cbeyenne River; -rlO-15, Laramie Peak. 
 Later Expeditions. — 59844-46, Colorado: 54303. 60355. Wyoming, 62274-76, Idaho, 
 
 The plnmage of this remarkable Woodpecker is peculiar, both in 
 texture and color; no other species of our country shows such a rich 
 metallic iridescence, or such intense crimson, and in none is the plumage 
 so curiously modified into a bristly character. Unlike most species, 
 again, the seses are not certainly distinguishable. The youuy, however, 
 differ very materially, the under parts being dull gray, only here and 
 there slashed with red, the face lacking the crimson velvety pilous area, 
 and the upper parts being mnch less lustrous. 
 
 This fine species, like Sphyrapkus thyroideus, is chiefly a bird of tLe 
 vast forests that clothe most of our mountain ranges with permanent 
 verdure. With this limitation its distribution is extensive, as uoted 
 above. iJy own experience with the bird in life is confined to the 
 vicinity of Fort Whipple, in Arizona, where it is a very common species. 
 A bird of singular aspect, many of its habits are no less peculiar. One 
 seeing it for the first time would hardly take it for a Woodpecker, unless 
 he happened to observe it clambering over the trunk of a tree, or tap- 
 ping for insects, in the manner peculiar to its tribe. When flying, the 
 large, dark bird might rather be mistaken for a Crow Blackbird; for, 
 although it sometimes swings itself from one tree to another, in a long 
 festoon, like other Woodpeckers, its ordinary iligUt is more fii-m and 
 
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292 C0LAPTE8 AUEATUS, GOLDEN-WINGED WOODPECKER. 
 
 direct, aud accomplished with regular wiri^ beats. It alights on boughs, 
 in the attitude of ordinary birds, more fre(]neiitly than any of our other 
 species, excepting the Colapten, and, witii the same ex(;(^ption, tii[)H trees 
 less frequently than any. It may often be seen circling high in the air, 
 around the tree-tops, apparently engaged in cnptiiiiiig passing winged 
 insects; and, as it is particalaily gregarious — let me say, of a sociuble 
 disposition — many are sometimes thus ocenjiied together in airy (nolii- 
 tions about the withered head of some ancient woodland monarch fall- 
 ing to decay. At the sight, as the birds passed and repassed each other 
 in vigorous flight, while the sliecn of their dark-green plumage flashed 
 in the sunbeams, I could not help fancying them busy weaving a lauiel- 
 wreath. fitting to crown the last days of the majestic pine that had done 
 valorous battle with the elements for a century, and was soon to mingle 
 its mould with the dust whence it sjirang. 
 
 Unlike its gay, rollicking associates, the Californian Wood]ieckers, 
 Lewis' is a shy and waiy bird, not easily destroyed. In ])assiiig from 
 one part of the forest to another, it prefers, apparently through (;autions- 
 ness, to pass high over the tops of the trees rather than to thread its 
 way through their mazes. It generally alights high up, and procures 
 its food at the same elevation. I do not remember to have ever seeu 
 one descend among bushes, still less to the ground, as Flickers are wont 
 to do, in search of ants and other insects. At most times they are rather 
 silent birds for this family, but during the mating season, which always 
 calls out whatever vocal powers birds possess, their harsh notes resound 
 through the forest with startling distinctness. I have never identified 
 one of their nests, but there is no question of their breeding in the sum- 
 mits of the pines, generally a projecting top blasted by lightning or de- 
 cayed in natural jtrocess. In July the young may be seen scrambling 
 in troops about the tree tops, before they are grown strong enougfi to 
 fly ; and a curious sight they are. Having seen more of them together 
 than were at all likely to have been hatched in the same nest, i have no 
 douVjt that different families join each other as soon as the young are on 
 wing, haunting favorable resorts. The association of Californian Wood- 
 peckers and "Sapsuckers" with these more aristocratic birds seems 
 partly a matter of snflerance, partly of necessity, for the smaller and 
 moie agile birds can scramble out of the way when, as often happens, 
 Lewis' makes hostile demonstrations. 
 
 In Colorado, according to Mr. Trippe, " Lewis' Woodpecker is com- 
 mon among the foot-hills, extending up to 7,000 feet, and occasionally 
 to "5,000. It is rarely seen within the limits of Clear Creek County, but 
 IS common lower down. It is a common visitor, arriving a little later 
 than the Eed -headed Woodpecker." 
 
 '^^COLAPTES AUEATUS, (Linn.) 8w, a-^ 
 Golden-winged Woodpecker; Flicker. 
 
 Cnmlm auratus, Linn., .Syst. Nat. 10th ed. i, 17.58, 112. 
 
 r:-;,f.t auratus, Llvn., .Syst. Xut. i, I7f;(i, 174.— Fokht., PhiL Trans. Ixii, 1772, 383.— 
 Vir:iLi.., OiH. Am. S-pt. ii, l':07, fiG, pi. laS.- Wli,8., Am. Om. i, IHDH, 4.', pi '■'> 
 t 1.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 44.— Nr;ri., Man. j, lo:j2, .561.— Ai;ix, Orn. V.\„<'. i, 1«W, 
 191; V, 1839, .540 ; p). 37; 8yD. 1839, 184; B.Am, iv, 1842, 282, pi. 27:i -.Si;.\lj. 
 Cfinsp. Av. Pic. l8f;ii, 71.— TuiPi'E, Pr. Ess. lust, vi, 1871, 118 f. Minnesota). 
 
 Colaptes auralus, Sw., Zool. Journ. iii, 1-27, 3.53. — 8w. & Eicfi., F. B. A. ii, 18:il, 314. 
 
 Bp., List, 1838, 40; Oousp. i, 1850, 113.— Woodh., Sitsr. Kcji. 18.53, 91 ('indian 
 Territory^.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 118.— Maxim., J. f. O. 1858, 420.— KKi.v/r., Il>is 
 iii, 18fjl, 8 (Gref-nland; i\n<>U;'i MiWcni.Ei!,.J. f. 0. 18.50, 335j. — Diikss., ib'i, i'-.C,:! 
 470 (Texas). — H.\vl>., Kep. 1^02, 1.50. — Allex, Mem. JJo.st. S.c. \', l^-Ori VJJ 
 
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COLAPTES AURATUS, GOLDEN-WINGED WOODPECKER. 293 
 
 (Iowa).— Dall & Bans., Tr. Chic. Acad. 1869, 27.5 (Yukon River, Alaska).— 
 Fowler, Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 422 (biography).— Snow, B.Kana. l^iTS, 3.— Allen, 
 Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 180 (East Kansas).— Hart., Man. Brit. Birds, 1872, 12:i 
 (England).— COUES., Kuy, 1872, 197, fig. 132.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. ii, 1874, .-,7,5, 
 pi. 55, f. 1. 2; and of most autliors. 
 Geopicua auratus, Malh., Mon. Pic. ii, 255, pi. 109, figs. 5, 6, 7. 
 
 The following synonyms refer to specimens intermediate in varying degree between 
 amatua and mexicanua : 
 
 Colaptes ayresii, Add., B. Am. vii, 1843, 348, pi. 494 (Fort Union, Upper Missouri River; 
 
 mostly auraius, but with red moustaches). (Not of Heekm., P. R. R. Rep. x, 
 
 1859, pt. vi, 59, California, which is C. ckriisoidea.) 
 Colaptea hi/bridus, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 122 (excl. syu. Geopicua chryaoidea, Malh; gives 
 
 ail the stages).— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 156.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Terr. 1870, 
 
 463.— Skow, B. Kaus. 1873, 3. 
 riciis aurato-mexicamia, Sund., C'ousp. Av. Pic. 1866, 72. 
 
 H«6.— Eastern North America, to the slopes and foot-hills of the Rocky Mountains, 
 where in many localities it becomes mixed with C. mexicanua. Alaska {Ball). Greenland 
 (Beinhardt). Accidental in Europe (Amesbury Park, Wilts, England, one instance; 
 "Maesh, Zool. 1859, p. 6327"; Haht., Brit. Birds, 1872, 123). Breeds throughout its 
 range ; resident from the Middle States southward. I. 
 
 List of apcdmcna from the Warren Expedition. — A, true auratua : 4620, Fort Leaven- _£ ^/ -> 
 worth; 4619, Upper Missouri ; .5221, Fort Lookout; 8ri6S, fifty miles above mouth of^. / 
 Platte River ; 8866-67, Fremont, Platte River ; ti861-62, 8894-65, Loup Fork.— B, aurato^/ d - 
 mexicanua : 5214, Fort Pierre ; 5225, near Fort Pierre ; 5220, 5222-23, Squaw Butte Creek ; „ 
 5215, Powder River; 5211, 5216, Fort Union ; 5224, White Earth River ; 5212-13, SSlT-l'J," u ,■ - 
 Yellowstone River ; 8863, Loup Fork ; 8l;09, fifty miles above mouth of Platte. Of the » , o_ 
 foregoing specimens, not typical auratua, Nos. ,5211-13 have red or orange predomina-" * '' ~ 
 ting on the shafts, and are nearer mexicanua than auratua ; the remainder are yellow-.j'Sy _ 
 shafted, and nearer auratus. Jl 
 
 Later expeditions.— eO'i57 -9 (Wyoming); 60800, North Platte; 61093, Green River (sdlTlO - 
 " hylridna"). '^jl/^ 
 
 Dr. Hayden's numerous examples are prmcipally those that enabled Prof. Baird to,^ ^^ 
 elucidate one of the most remarkable cases in American ornithology — the perfect inter- " 
 gradation of two such distinct species as auratus and imxicanus. This author adopted, 
 without qualification, the hypothesis of hybridization, remarking, in proposing the 
 name the hyhridus : " By the above name I intend to cover a remarkable series of 
 Woodpeckers, from the Upper Missouri and Yellowstone, combining the characteristics 
 of Colaptes auratus and mexicanua, in proportions varying with almost each individual, 
 and leading irresistably to the conclusion that they are the descendants of originals of 
 the species mentioned above, mixed up by interbreeding of successive generations, to 
 a degree unparalleled in the annals of ornithology." He traces the successive steps of 
 departure from the typical auratua into mexicanua, and forcibly illustrates the grada- 
 tions with a comparative tabulation of the varying characters. The first deviation 
 is the appearance of red feathers in the black maxillary patches;* these increase till 
 they prevail, finally to the exclusion of the black, resulting in the wholly red patch of 
 the mexicanua. With this occurs the diminution and final extinction of the scarlet 
 nuchal crescent, where coincidently we find the characteristic golden-yellow ou the 
 wing and tail passing through an intermediate orange into the red of mexicanua, a 
 change accompanied with another aifecting the peculiar lilac-brown of the throat and 
 olive-brown of the back, which become respectively merged into ashen and purplish- 
 gray. 
 
 If there ever were a case of hybridization to an unlimited extent, resulting in fertile 
 offspring, that again and again interbred, this would appear to be one ; and it has been 
 so accepted by the majority of ornithologists without hesitation. But we may well 
 pause before committing ourselves to an hypothesis of hybridization on such an im- 
 mense scale. In the light of late researches upon the question of climatic variation 
 according to inflexible and infallible laws, most of the lesser instances of supposed 
 hybridity have seemed less weighty. The present may be considered a test case — the 
 strongest argument of those who maintain hybridity. 
 
 A slight circumstance may give a clue to the case, and lead up to impartial consid- 
 erations. As stated in the " Key" (p. 198), I am informed by Mr. Allen that Flaridan 
 examples of G. auraius sometimes shon" red touches in the black maxillary patches. 
 
 * These black patches are supposed to be entirely wanting in the female. But Mr. 
 W. D. Scott says (Pr. Best. Soc. Oct. 1872) : "An immature female (sex noted by care- 
 ful dissection) had a dark cheek-patch, differing only from that of the mature male in 
 having giay feathers mixed with the black. lu an adult female the outlines of the 
 cheek-patch can be plainly seen." 
 
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294 COLAPTES MEXICANUS, RED-SHAFTED WOODPECKER. 
 
 Mr. J. H. Batty tells rae of a New Jersey specimen, got a few years since, with mixed 
 red and black cheek patches. As C. mexioanus never occurs in these regions, hybridity 
 is there impossible; and the fact is demonstrated that C anratus may thus tend toward 
 the characters mexieanus by its own inherent susceptibility to change under climatic 
 influences. The important bearing of this fact cannot easily be over-estimated ; the 
 circumstance is, in my judgment, strongly against the theory of hybridization. 
 
 So far as I am aware, the assumed case of C. "hijiridns" was first called seriously 
 into question by Mr. Allen. Tliis writer says (p. 110): " Few congeneric species, it 
 would seem, need be more distinct than Colaptes aura'ns and C. mexkamia, the one 
 occupying the eastern and the other the western side of the continent. Yet a mixed 
 race has been long known to exist in the region where their habitats adjoin, in which 
 every possible combination of the characters of the two birds is presented, aud which 
 shade off gradually on the one side into C. auratiis, and on the other into ('.mexieanus ; 
 these, as it were, engrafted characters not entirely fading out in either direction for a 
 distance of several hundred miles ; while to the southwt^tward is a smaller synthetic 
 race (C. chrysmdes) partaking mainly of the characters CF; C. auraliiK. When but com- 
 paratively few insta^nces were known, in which specimens combined in various degrees 
 the characters of two quite distinct species, their synthetic character was generally 
 explained by the theory of hybridity ; but the irrefragibility of the evidence now ait 
 hand in proof of the gradual intergradation of such forms over large areas — tbo 
 transition being so gradual as to occupy hundreds of miles in the passage — and also 
 coincident with a similarly gradual change in the conditions of environment, together 
 with the demonstrable evidence of the power of climatic influence, seems to furnish a 
 far more satisfactory explanation of these perplexing phenomena. But an advocate of 
 the theory of hybridity might still assume that this gradual transition over a wide 
 area is no objection to the theory, since the gradual fading out of the impression of 
 contact in either direction from tlio line of junction of the respective habitats of two 
 forms is just the result that would be anticipated from sucli a sexual intermingling of 
 the forms in question. Bnt the real objection to the theory— granting the possil,ility of 
 hybridization on such a gigantic scale, which seems really improbable — is, that widely 
 difterent forms occur also at differeiit points in latitude, between which each successive 
 stage of gradual diftereutiation can be readily traced, where hybridity can scarcely be 
 supposed to account for the gradual change. Furthermore, a differentiation is now 
 icnoNvn in so many cases that it amounts to the demonstration of climatic variation as 
 a general law, by means of which a species may be safely predicted to take on a given 
 character under certain specitio climatic conditions. If the theory of hybridity ho urged 
 to account for the intergradation of forms occurring at localities differently situated in 
 respect to latitude, as has been sometimes done, it evidently falls under the weight it 
 has to support: and yet there seems to be little butter evidence in its behalf in cases 
 where the intergrading forms happen to be difl'erently situated in respect to longitude." 
 
 For my own part, I am strongly inclined to endorse this view, though I do not d-ny 
 thiit there is much to be said against it. No weak argument, indeed, is comprehended 
 in the statement, that if C. auratiis and mexieanus are not " good species," then there are 
 none such in ornithology. But I would reply, as I did on a former occasion, that it is 
 only in virtue of missing links that we are enabled to predicate species in any case. If 
 all the steps in a line of descent with moditicatiou were before our eyes, we could no 
 more draw specific, or generic, or ordinal lines of distinction, than we could say where 
 a circle begins. This particular case of Colaptes seems to be exactly parallel with that 
 of Splujraineus variiis and ruber — it is merely pushed tu a further extreme, and appeals 
 in stronger light, because of the greater amount of differentiation snffered. Such being 
 my view, I may be justly accused of incon.sistency in not formally reducing C. mexieanus 
 to C. anratus var. mexieanus ; and I would say, that such an action may yet be deemed 
 advisable, or even prove necessary. But our nomenclature is merely a matter of con- 
 venience, of little more significance than the index of a book ; the present case is 
 unique in some respects; and, especially, the hypothesis of hybridity is not yet actually 
 disproven. 
 
 lu Xortbern Dakota, beyoDd tbe Missouri water-sbed, the true C. 
 anratus occurs, without the slightest admixture of mexieanus, at least 
 lour hundred miles west of the iled Eiver — much further west than the 
 point on, the Missouri region where the gradation commences, ^^ hi/bridus^' 
 having been noted even from Kansas, and being the pievailing Missouri 
 form. 
 
 COLAPTES MEXIOANUS, Sw. 
 
 Bed-shafted Woodpecker; Mexican Flicker. 
 
 Pious cafei; Gm., Svst. Nat.i,.ltd6, 431 — LAiHy Ind^,Qrn. ii, 1790, 242 (supposed to be 
 from Cape of Good/S9'fi%ea JbyM/C/tlSO/?® ' ' ^ vi 
 
COLAPTES MEXICANUS, KED-SHAFTED WOODPECKER. 295 
 
 ri'-u.i ladiami, Wagl., Svst. Av. 1*27, Pinus Xo Sj (same as P. cafer). 
 
 Cvlaptes mcxhaniiH, y\v.,"S\-n. Mex. B. in Phil. Mag. i, l'^■i7,440; F. U. A. ii, 1?31, .'ilu.— 
 ScL., P. Z. S. l^.-j-?, 3U.5 (Oaxaca).— Xewb . P. E. E. Kep. vi, 1-57, 91.— Maxim., 
 J. f. O. vi, Id.:?', 4Jl.— Bd., B. X. A. Iro'i, 120.— Kexx., P. R. E. Ke,). x, 1-59, pt. 
 iv, ii-2.— Heehm., iVid. pt. vi, 59.— Coop. & Suck., X. H. Wash. Ter. l;au, 16;{.— 
 Lord, Pr. Eov. Artv. Inst, iv, 112 (British CoUiuihia;.— Duk.ss., Ibis, l-O.j, 470 
 (Tcx;is).— Coi ES. P'loc. Phila. Acad. 1.^66, 56.— Dai.i. & Banx., Tr. Chic. Acad. 
 i. 1-ijy. 27.') (Sitka).— Sl'mich., Mem. Bost. Sue. i, l'"G9,5f)2 (Veru Cruz).— Coop., 
 B. Cal. i, lS;ii, 4(1^.— .-^TEV.. U. S. Geol. Snrv. Ter. 1.S70, 4G.i.— Mkku., ibid. 1-72, 
 69.-).— AiLES, Bull. M. C. Z. iii. 1-72. 180.— Hold., Pr. Bust. Soc. 1S7 2. 2ii7.— 
 Codes, Key, 1872, lys.—Sxow, B. Kan.*. 1-73, 3.— B. B. & R., X. A. B. ii, 1-^74, 
 578. pi. .55, f. 3, 4 ; and of most late authors. 
 
 Picus mexicamis, AcD., Orn. Biog. v, 1839. 174, pi. 416; Syn. 1839, 185 ; B. Am. iv, 1-42, 
 295, pi. 274.— SrxD.. Mon. Pic. 1866, 72. 
 
 Pic«.s {Colaples) nifxicanus, Xutt., Man. Orn. ii, 1834, 603. 
 
 Geopicus mexicanus. M.\i,H., Mnu. Pic. ii, 262. pi. 110, f. 4. 5. 
 
 Picus rubricatus, "Licht., Mos. Berol." — Wagl., Isi-', 1-2'J. 516. 
 
 Colapies rubricatus. Bp., P. Z. S. 1-37. 109: List. 183d. 40, Consp. i, 1850, 114 (not of 
 Gray & Mitch., Gen. of B. pi. 111. which is C. mexicanoides, Lafk. : nor Geo- 
 picus rubricatus of Malh., Mun. P.c. ii, 285, pi. 110, f. 1, 2, wtich i> also niexi- 
 caiioides, Lafr.). 
 
 Colaptes coUaris, Via., Zool. Journ. iv, 1820, 384; Zoo'. Beecliey's Voy. 1839.23, pi. 9 
 (uot of Bp., Cousp. i, 18.50, 114, which is mexicanoides). 
 
 Colaptes mexicanoides, WoODH., Sitgr. Ecp. 1853, 91 (not of Lafk.). 
 
 Hah. — Eastern slopes and foot-hills of the Rocky Mountains, to the Pacific. Xorth 
 to Sitka. South into Mexico. Ea^t to Kansas. 
 
 la!c Expeditions.— WH7~i^, Soda Springs, Colorado; 54304, 50356, 60797-99, 62258. 
 Wyoming: 622.59, Idaho. 
 
 A.S will bave been gathered from tbe preceding article, tlie greater 
 part of the Missouri region is occupied either by the true G. auratus or 
 by the mixed form, the typical mexicamis beiuj;' chiefly coiifliied to tbe 
 western border, among the head-waters of the Missouri and its greater 
 tributaries. I did not observe it north of the ili.-^.souri water-shed. Dr. 
 Hayden says that he found it most abuudant about tbe Bad Lands and 
 the sources of the 3Iissouri. Prof. Baird, however, in 18.5S, quoted 
 individuals from the Eepubliean Fcjrk of the Kausas Eiver, and Prof. 
 Snow speaks of a flock which remained about tbe timber, near Lawrence, 
 for two or three weeks in December. The northernmost record I have 
 seen is Mr. Dall's: he speaks of it.s being taken at Sitka by Biscboff. 
 Tbe true auratus is found in Alaska, north of the main range of mount- 
 ains. In the Eocky Mountains tbe bird becomes fairly established, 
 mostly freed from admixture with auratus, and occurs tbence, in all 
 suitable regions, to the Pacific coast. I found it as common in some 
 parts of New Mexico and Arizona as the Flicker is in the East, tbe 
 habits of the two being identical in all essential respects. In Colorado, 
 says Mr. Trippe, the species is common and migratory. '• It breeds 
 from the plains up to timber-line. The Eed-shafted Flicker appears 
 near Idabo Springs about the middle of April, and soon becomes rather 
 common. It is never a very abuudant bird, but is to be seen, more or 
 less frequently, throughout the mountains, having very much the same 
 habits as the ftolden- winged Woodpecker. It is shy and diflicult of 
 approach. In October and November it disappears. 
 
 " Mrs. Maxwell, of Boulder, informs me that a Yellow- winged Flicker 
 has appeared in the groves that fringe the streams near tbat town, 
 within tbe last few years, and is gradually becoming more abundant. 
 From her descriptions I should suppose it to be C. auratus, but probably 
 it is some form of V. hi/bridus.'" 
 
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296 CONUEUS CAROLINENSIS, CAROLINA PAEROQtJET. 
 
 Family ARID^ : Parroquets. 
 
 CONUEUS OAEOLINENSIS, (Linn.) Knhl. 
 Carolina Parroquet. 
 
 PsUtaeus carolinenHs, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 141 (Gates., i, 11 ; Biiiss., iv, 350).— 
 WiLS., Am. Oru. iii, 1811, 89, pi. 26, f. 1.— Bi\, Sjn. 1828, 41.— NuTT., Mau. i, 
 183i, 545.— AUD., Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 135, pi. 26. 
 
 Ciynurus caroliuen^is, " Kum., Nov. Act. Acad. Cses. Leop.-Car. 1830." — Bp., List, 1838, 38 ; 
 Consp. i, 1850, p. 1.— Woodh., Sitgr. Eep. 1853, 89 (Texas and Indian Teni- 
 tory.— Max™., J. f. 0. v, 1C57, 97.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 67.— Hayd., Eep. 1862, 
 154 (Missouri Eiver below Platte).— CoUES, Pr. Bnst. Soc. 1868, 119 (South 
 Carolina, formerly).— Allen, Mera. Bost. Soc, i, 1868, 525 (Indiana, formerly).— 
 TuRNB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 41 (at rare intervals).- Allen, Bu:1. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 
 308 (Florida, still abundant); iii, 1872, 130 (Kansas, formerly).— Thippe, Pr. 
 Bost. Soc. XV, 1872, 233 (Iowa).— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 2 (Kansas, now occa- 
 sional).— Coues, Key, 1872, 199, fig. 133.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. li, 1874, 587, pi. 
 56, f. 1, 2.— FiNSCH, Die Papageien, i, 1867, 475. 
 
 " Centurus" (err.) caroUiicrisis, AuD., Syn. 1839, 189; B. Am. iv, 1842,306, pi. 278. 
 
 Psittacus ludovidanus, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 347. 
 
 Conurus ludovidanus, Geay, Cat. B. M. Psit. 1859, 36 (North America). 
 
 Psiitacus luieicapillus, Vieill., Ency. Metb. p. 1402. 
 
 Pfiittacus thalassimis, ViELLL., Ency. Meth. 1377. 
 
 Hab. — Southernmost Atlantic and Gulf States; up the Mississippi Valley to Mis- 
 souri ; up the Missouri Eiver to the Platte. 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — Nos. 4606-18, B ild Island, Missouri River, Nebraska. 
 
 According to Gray (Hand-list, ii, 147, No. 8113), the Conurus caroJinensis of Kuhl is 
 not this but a Brazilian species, C. chrysogenys of authors, perh-ips referable to the P. 
 (eruginosus of Linnseus; and he quotes "2>ertiiiax p. FlN.scii" as synonymous. 
 
 Among the more interesting ornithological results of Dr. Hayd^n's investigations 
 may be mentioned his discovery that this species is abundant at a higher point than 
 usually recognized — " along the thickly-wooded bottoms as far up the Missonri as Fort 
 Leavenworth, possibly as high as the mouth of the Platte, but never seen above that 
 point." Dr. Woodhonse, in 1853, recorded it as quite numerous iu the timber-lands of 
 the large streams of the Indian Territory and Eastern Texas. I never Ibund it along 
 the Mis ouri, or anywhere in Kansas, and neither did Mr. Allen, who merely mentions, 
 on the authority of Dr. C. A. Logan, that it was formerly common in Eastern Kansas, 
 but had not recently been observed. Prof. Snow, however, remarking upon its former 
 abundance in the woods of Eastern Kansas, states that it is still seen in thinly-settled 
 districts. In Iowa, according to Mr. Trippe, the Parrot still occurs. "A resident of 
 Decatur County told me that he had several times seen a flock of Parrots in the south- 
 ern part of the county, on a tall, dead cottonwood-tree, known to the neighboi'ing 
 people as the ' parrot-tree,' from its having been frequented at intervals by the same 
 flock for several years." 
 
 A comparison of the earlier with the more recent accounts of the general distribu- 
 tion of the Carolina Parroquet, shows that it has been steadily contracting year by 
 year. About a century ago, we are informed by Prof. Barton, writing in 1790, a flock 
 appeared in January in the neighborhood of Albany, New York, and excited great con- 
 sternation, being regarded as of ev'l pot tent. We have various records of occurrences 
 in Pennsylvania, si that, even in 1869, Prof. Tnrnbull allowed it to hold a place in his 
 list of casuals. I retained it in my South Carolina list, with the remark that it seemed 
 hardly entitled to remain there, although it was abundant in that State not many 
 years since. Audubon (1632) has an interesting paragraph upon this subject : 
 
 " Our Parrakeets are very rapidly dimmishing in number, and in some districts, 
 where twenty-five years ago they were plentiful, scarcely any are now to be seeu. At 
 that period they could be procured as far up the tributary waters of the Ohio as the 
 Great Kanawha, the Scioto, the heads of Miami, the mouth of the Manimee at its junc- 
 tion with Lake Erie, on the Illinois Eiver, and sometimes as far northeast as Lake 
 Ontario, and along the Eastern districts as far as the boundary-line between Virginia 
 and Maryland. At the present day very few are to be found higher than Cincinnati, 
 nor is it until you reach the mouth of the Ohio that Parrakeets are met with in con- 
 siderable numbers. I should think that along the Mississippi there is not now half the 
 number that existed fifteen years ago." 
 
 In 1838, Dr. J. P. Kirtland stated, that " the Parrakeets do not usually extend their 
 visits north of the Scioto, though I am informed, perhaps on doubtful authority, that 
 thirty years since flicks of them were seen on the Ohio at the mouth of Big Beaver, 
 thirty miles below Pittsburgh." Mr. J. M. Wheaton admits it in his Ohio list, but with 
 
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CAROLINA PAEEOQUET 297 
 
 tho remark, on a subsequent page, that it is not probable they extend their migrations 
 into the State at the present time. Although not given in Allen's Illinois list, tbcy 
 still exist in the southern part of that State, or did within ten or lifteen years. For 
 their occurrence in Indiana he quotes the authority of Dr. Haymond, who states, in 
 1856, that they were formerly very numerous along White Water Eiver, but bad not 
 been seen for several years. 
 
 Among the causes of this retrocession — perhaps the principal cause — is their perse- 
 cution and destruction, partly for the damage they do in grain-fields, partly in pure 
 wantonness. They may be readily killed by any pot hunter or idler, merciless ad- 
 vantage being taken, to slaughter them by scores, of the heedlets distraction and con- 
 cern they show when any of their number are brought down. Mr. Allen's paragraph 
 may well be here reproduced. In speaking of their abundance in Florida, he says: 
 '' Hundreds are captured every winter on the Lower St. Johns, by professional bird- 
 catchers, and sent to northern cities. Thousands of others are destroyed wantonly by 
 sportsmen. Concerning this needless slaughter, Mr. Boardmau thus writes : ' The little 
 Parrakeet must soon be exterminated. Some of our Enterprise party would sometimes 
 shoot forty or fifty at a few discharges, for sport, as they hover about when any are 
 shot until the whole iiock is destroyed.' From its habit of feeding upon the tender 
 maize in autumn, it is somewhat injurious to the farmer, and for this cause, also, many 
 are killed. It is also more or less hunted as a game-bird. It is well known that the 
 Parrokeet formerly inhabited large portions of the United States where it is now never 
 seen, and the cause of its disappearance has been deemed a mystery. Such facts as 
 these, however, seem to render clear what its ultimate fate muse be in the United 
 States — extermination." 
 
 The egg of the Parroquet is nearly equal at both ends, of rather rough texture, and 
 measures about 1.40 by 1.05. The color is white ; but the only specimen before me 
 shows much yellowish discoloration, like that on the eggs of many geese and ducks. 
 
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RAPTORES: 
 
 OEDBK HAl i UllliO. BIRDS OF PEEY: 
 
 Family STRIGID^ : Owls. 
 
 STEIX FLAMMBA var. AMERICANA, (Aud.) Schl. 
 American Barn Owl. 
 
 a. flammea. 
 
 Sirix aluco, Bkiss., Orn. i, 503. 
 
 Strix flammea, LixN., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 133 (Fn. Suec. No. 73 ; Noclua guttata, Frisch, 
 97 ; Aluco minor, Ald., i, 536).— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 293.— Lath., lud. Orn. i, 
 ]790, 60.— DOND., Orn. Beyt. i, 164.— Uaud., Tr. Orn. ii, 197.— Sibvw, G. Z. vii, 
 1809, pi. 33.— Ffxhst., Naturg. Dentscbl. ii, 947.— Mey., Tasch. D. V. i, 79.— 
 Temm., Man. i, 1815, 52.— Leach, Cat. 1816, 11.— Brehm, V. D. i, 105.— Vieill., 
 Fn. FrauQ. 46, pi. 22, fig. 1.— Roux, Orn. Piov. i, 81, pis 54, 55.— Beesch., Ann. 
 Sc. Nat. 2d ser. v, pi. i, pi. 2 (auat.) — Less., Man. i, 114 f Tr. 112. — Cuv., E. A. 
 2d ed. i, .342.— Naum., V. D. 1822, i, 48.3, pi. 47, fig. 2.— Macg., Hist. Br. B. iii, 
 473; Eap. Br. B. 343.— Jakd., Br. B. i, 253, pi. 27.— Thomps., B. Irel. i, 92.— 
 MoHMS, Br. B. 205, pi. 29.— Eyt., Cat. Br. B. 6.— Bp., List, 1838, 7.— Keys. & 
 • Blas., Wirb. Enr. 1840, 31.— ScHL., Rev. Crit. Ois. Eur. 15.— GR.iY, Gen. of B. i, 
 1844, 41.— Baili,., Om. Sav. i, 188.— Webb & Berth., H. N. Canar. Oru. 8.— 
 MiJLL., J. £. O. ii, 398. — Bolle, ibid. 447.— Degl., Orn. Eur, i, 137. — Strickl., 
 Orn. Syn. 1855, 178. — Gray, Cat. Br. B. 1833, 28 ; aud of authors generally. 
 
 Strix flammea var. flammea, ElDGW. — B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 11. 
 
 Jluco flammeus, Fleming. Brit. Auim. 57. 
 
 Sirix alia, Scop., Ann. i, 21, No. 14.— 6.M., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 293.— Lath., Ind. Orn. 1, 
 1790, 61.— Dacd., Tr. Orn. ii, 200.- Shaw, G. Z. vii, 247. 
 
 Strix guttata, Brehm, Vog. Deutschl. i, 106, pi. 7, fig. 3. 
 
 L'Effraye, Buff., P. E. 440.— Levaill., Ois. Afr. i, 164. 
 
 White or Barn Owl of Authors. 
 
 b. javanica. 
 
 strix flammea. Pears., Journ. A. S. B. x, 630. — Blyth, ibid, xiv, 186; Ann. N. H. xii, 93 
 
 Strix flammea yar. javanica, EiDGW. — B. B & E., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 13. 
 
 Strix javanica, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 295.— Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 64.— Daud., Tr. 
 
 Orn. ii, i02.— HORSF., Linn. Trans, xiii, 139; Isis, 1825, 1055.— Sykks, P. Z. S. 
 
 ii, 81 ; jouru. A. S. B. iii, 420.— Less., Man. i, 109. — Jekd., Madras Journ. x, 85.— 
 
 Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 55.— Gray, Gen. of B. pi. 15; List B. Brit. Mus. 109.— 
 
 Stkickx., Orn. Syu. 1855, 180. 
 
 c. delicatula. 
 
 strix flammea, ViG., Linn. Trans, xv, 190. — Less., Isis, 1832, 112. 
 
 Sirix flammea var. delicatula, RiDGW.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 13. 
 
 Strix delicatula, Goui-D, P. Z. S. iv, 140; Syn. B. Aust. iii, pi. 50, fig. 1; Inlr. B. Aust. 
 
 23; B. Aast. i, pi. 31.— Blytii, J. A. S. B. xvii, .346.— Gray, List B. Brit. Mus. 
 
 109.— Kaup, Mon. Sirig. Cent. Orn. 1552, 119.— Bp., Consp. Av. i, 18.";0, 54. 
 
 d. americana. 
 
 Strix flammea, AVils., Am. Orn. vi, 1812, 57, pi. 50, (ig. 2.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 38; Isis, 1832, 
 1140.— Nutt., i, 1832, 139.— Aud., Oin. Biog. ii, 1834, 403; v, 3.sS; pi. 171.— 
 YiG., Zool. Beechey's Vov. 16 ; Zool. Journ. iii, 438.- Gray, List B. Brit. J'us. 
 1844, 54. 
 
 Ulula flammea, Jard., ed. Wils. ii, 264. 
 
 Strix americana, Aud., Syn. 1839, 25.— AuD., B. Am. i, 1840, 127, pi. 34.— Brew., cd. 
 Wils. 687.— DeK.iy, Nat. Hist. N. Y. l-:44, 31 ; pi. 13, fig. 28. (Not of Gmelin.) 
 
 Strix flammea americana, Schl., Mus. Pays-Bas, loG'2, Striges, p. 4. 
 
 Strix flammea var. americana, Coues, Key, 1872, 201, tig. 134. 
 
 Strix pratincoU, Bp., List, 1838, 7 ; Consp. i, 1850, .55.— Cass., 111. 1854, 116. — Brew., N. 
 A. O. i, 62, pi. 4, fig. 38.— Newh., P. E. E. Rep. vi, 1857. 76.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858 
 47.— SCL., P. Z. S. 1859, 390 (Oaxaca)— Heerm., P. R. E. Rep. x, 1859, pt. vi, 34.— 
 
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STRIX FLAMMEA VAE. AMERICANA, BARN OWL. 299 
 
 Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 20.— DiiEss., Ibi,s, 1865, 330 (Texas).— 
 COUKS, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 49 (Arizona).- Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y viii, 1866, 
 281 (New York, rare).— DiiK.ss., Ibis, 1862, 49 (Texas).— CoUES., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 
 186H, 312 (Massacbusetts).— CoUES, Pr. Bost. See. 1H68, 119 (Soutli Caroliaa).— 
 Bryant, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1867, 6').— Aij,1!N, Am. Nat. iii, 570 (Springfield, Mass. ; 
 Sacbeni's Head, Conn. ; Stratford, Conn.) ; ibid. 646 (Lynn, Mass.).— Tumi., B. E. 
 Pa. 1869, 8.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 415.- Coues, Pr. Phila. Aead. 1871, 27 (North 
 Carolina).— Snow, B. Kaus. 1873, 2. 
 
 Sttix flammea var. pratincola, Ridgw.— B. B, & E., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 13. 
 
 Stiix perlata, ("LiciiT."), Kaup, Tr. Z. S. iv, 1859, 247. 
 
 e. furcata. 
 
 Strix flammea ex htsnlia AvfiU. 
 
 Sliix pratincola, GOSSE, B. Jam. 1847, 23. 
 
 SU-ix furcata, Temm., PI. Color. 4.S2 (Cnba).— D'Orb., La Sagra's Cuba,Ois. 34. 
 
 Strix flammea var. furcata, Ridgw.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 12. 
 
 f. yuatemalcB. 
 
 Strix flammea var. guaiemalai, Ridgw. — B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 11. 
 
 g. perlata. 
 
 Strix flammea, Dakw., Zool. Voy. Beag. 34.— Sciiomb., Guiana, 732.— Spix, Av. Bras, i, 21. 
 
 Strix flammea var. perlata, Ridgw. — B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 12. 
 
 <Sirij:|)e)-iata, Light., Verz. 1823, 59. — Maxim., Beit, iii, 363 (exel. .syn.) — Haute., Ind. 
 
 Azara, 3. — TsciiuDi, Wiegm. Arch, ltf-14, 267.— Bridges, P. Z. S, xi, 110; Ann. 
 
 Nat. Hist, xiii, 500.— Ka'u P, Mon. dtrig. Cont. Oru. 1852, 119.— Sti;icke., Orn. 
 
 Syn. 1855, 180 (excl. syu. furcata, Tejim.). 
 
 Hab. — The Strix flam.mea type of Owl is found in nearly all warm and temperate 
 parts of the globe. Var. flammea: Europe, Africa. \ar. jaranica: parts of Asia, 
 Java, &c. Var. delicatula: Australia, &c. Var. americana: North America aucl 
 Mexico ; not beyond the United States ; rather southerly ; rarely north to New En- 
 gland and the Columbia. Vav. furcata : West Indits (Cuba, Jamaica). Var. rjuate- 
 vialce: Central America. Yar. perlata: South America generally. 
 
 The foregoing appear to be unquestionably geographical races of a single species, 
 slightly modified, by climate and other circumstances, in size, form, or coloring, but 
 not sulBciently impressed to be permanently separable. In a number of other rfl'shoots 
 of this same Strix stock the modification has progressed further, and become sufficiently 
 profound for the characterization of "species." Instances in point are the following: 
 S PUNCTATISSIMA, Gray (Zool. Voy. Beagle, iii, 34, pi. 4), from the Galapagoes; S. cax- 
 DiDA, of Tickell (J. A. S. B. ii, 572 = .S. longimembris, Jerd., JIadras Jouru. x. 8'j), from 
 Southern Asia; S. capensis, Smith (111. S. Afr. Zool. 9; Miill., J. f. O. ii, 3',)d), of South 
 Ai ilea, where S. flammta is also found ; another form, .S. poENSis, Eraser, P. Z. S. 1842, 
 189, is described from Fernando Po; S. nov^ehollasdi.e, Steph. (Shaw's Gen.' Zool. 
 xiii, pt. ii, 61 = S. personata, Vig., P. Z. S. i, 50; Gould, B. Aust. i, pi. ■J9 = S. c-;ctops, 
 Gould, P. Z. S. iv, 140 ^ Dacti/lostrix peisovata, Kaup, Mon. Strig. Cout. Oru. 1852, 119), 
 of Australia; S. castanops, Gould (P. Z. ,S. iv, 140; B. Aust. pi. 2S = Dacti;los!ru- cas- 
 tariops, Kaup, I. c), of Tasmania; S. tenebricosa, Gouhl (P. Z. S. 1845, 80; B. Aust. i, 
 pi. '.iO = JUegastrix teuebricosa, Kaup, O]). Cit. ICO), of Australia. The last three are 
 especially well marked, and have been placed, as above noted, in ditt'ereut subgenera. 
 A still more distinct form, though most nearly related to Strix proper, is the Phodilus 
 BADIUH of Southern Asia, Java, Sumatra, &c. Its synonymy is given below.* 
 
 The American Baru Owl is an abundant bird on both sides of the 
 continent, south of a certain latitude. Unlike many of its relatives, 
 waraily clothed and of a hardy nature, withsttinding great cold, it tip- 
 pears of rather delicate and sensitive organization. In the Missouri 
 region it has only occurred, to my knowledge, in Kansas, wlieie it 
 breeds, though it is rarely found, according to Prof. Snow. 1 asuer- 
 
 "Strix hadia. House., Zool. Res. 1821, pi. 37; Liun. Trans, xiii, 139; Isis, 1^"J5, 698, 
 
 1055.— Te.mm., pi. Col. 318.— Less., -^Man. i, 114; Tr. Orn. 112.— Cuv., K. A. '.id 
 
 ed. i, 342.— Sw. Class. B. ii, 216. 
 Atline badia, IIodgs.— Gray, Zool. Misc. 82. 
 Fhodilus badiun, Geoff., Ann. Sc. Nat. xxxi, 1830, 201.— Blyth, J. A. S. B. u. s. xix. 513. — 
 
 Gray, Gen. of B. i, 1844, j)!. 15, fig. 1 ; List B. Biit. Mus. 110.— Bp., Consp. Av. 
 
 i, 1850, 55.— Strickl., Orn. Syn. 1855, 183.— ICaup, Mon. strig. Cont. Om. 
 
 18.52, 118. 
 
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300 BUBO VIEGINIANUS, GREAT HORNED OWL. 
 
 tainerl its occurrence in Arizona; once, wading through a reedy lagoon 
 at mid-day, I disturbed a Barn Owl, which rose silently and flapped 
 along till I brought it down. It is a common bird in Oalifornia — appar- 
 ently the most abundant species of its family in the southern part of 
 the State; and, according to Dr. Cooper, it extends its range to the 
 Columbia, in lat. 46°. Dr. ]!^ewberry observed an interestiug modifica- 
 tion of its habits by circumstances, which cause it to inhabit holes in 
 the perpendicular cliffs bordering the shore of San Pablo Bay. The 
 same fact has been noted by Mr. Dall, in the case of Brachyotus palusiris, 
 in the Aleutian Islands ; so that our Burrowing Owl is not the only 
 species that lives in holes in the ground. In the Atlantic States, the 
 Barn Owl is not abundant north of the Garolinas; ] found it on the 
 coast of iforth Carolina, in the salt marshes. It occurs, however, regu- 
 larly, if rarely, in New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Dr. 
 Turnbull observes : " Not rare, and more frequent in spring and autumn. 
 Its nest is generally found in a hollow tree, near marshy meadows." Its 
 occurrence in New England must be regarded as exceptional, and it has 
 not been observed in that section further north than Jlassachusetts. 
 In 1843 (Am. Journ. xliv, 253), Kev. J. H. Linsley reported the capture 
 of a specimen at Stratford Conn. According to Mr. Allen, as above 
 quoted, Dr. Wood took one at Sachem's Head, Connecticut, October 28, 
 1865. The first specimen known from Massachusetts was procured near 
 Springfield, in May, 1866, as stated in my paper above quoted ; another 
 was shot near Lynn, in the same State, in 1803, as recorded by Mr. Allen. 
 This completes the New England quotations to date. 
 
 The egg of this species is colorless, and measures about If in length 
 by 1;^ in greatest breadth. Little or no preparation is made for the re- 
 ception of the eggs, which are simply dropped on the debris — often the 
 bones and the remains of the birds' food — in the cavities or recesses to 
 which the birds resort to breed. The eggs are said to vary from three 
 to six in number. 
 
 BUBO VIEGINIANdS, (Gm.) Bp. 
 Great Horned Owl. 
 
 a. virginmnus. 
 
 Slrix virginianus, Gm., Syst. iNat. i, 1788, 287. — Lath., Ind. Om. i, 1790, 52 (Buiss., i, 
 484 ; Eagle Owl, Arct. Zool. ii, 228 ; Virginian Eared Owl, Edw., 60 ; Gen. 
 Syn. i, 119).— Daud., Tr. Orn. ii, 210, pi. 13.— Shaw, G. Z. vii, ])\. 30.— Temm., 
 Tabl. Meth. p. 7.— WiLS., Am. Orn. vi. 1812, 52, pi. .50, f. 1.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 37; 
 Isis, 1832, 1139.— Rich. & Sw., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 82 (Subg. ^m6o).— NcTT., Man. 
 i, 1832, 124.— AuD., Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 313 ; v, 393 ; pi. 01.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. 
 1844, pi. 10, flg. 22.— Peab., Rep. Orn. Mass. 1839, 87.— Thomps., N. H. Vt. 65. 
 
 Bitbo virginianus, Bp., List, 1838. 6; Consp. i, 1850, 48.— ArD., Syn. 1839, 29; B. Am. i, 
 1840, 143, pi. 39.— Gie., B. L. I. 1844, 27.— Kaup, Monog. Cont. Orn. 1852, 116; 
 Tr. Z. S. iv, 1859, 241.— Cass., 111. 1854, 177.— Brew., N. A. 0. 1857, 64.— Maxim., 
 J. f. O. vi, 1858, 23.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 49.— SCL., P. Z. S. 1859, 390 (Oaxaca).— 
 ScL. & S^iEv., Ibis, ii, 1860, 276 (Guatemala).— Scl., P. Z. S. 1860, 253 (Ori- 
 zaba).— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 154.— Beak., Ibis, iii, 1801, 
 320.— Lord, Pr. Roy. Arty. Inst, iv, 1804, 111.— Dress., Ibis, 1805, 330 
 (Texas).— CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1886, 49 (Arizona).— Lawi;., Ann. Lye. N. Y. 
 ix, 132 (Costa Rica).- Dale & Banx., Tr. Chic. Acad. i. 1869, 272 (Alaska).- 
 
 Bubo virginianus allanticus, Cass., 111. 1854, 178. 
 
 Olus virginianus, STi;pn., Shaw's G. Z. xiii, pt. ii, 57. 
 
 Vliila virginiana, Jam., ed. Wils. i, 100. 
 
 (?) Strix muximus, Bartk., Trav. Fla. 1790, 285 (" capite aurito, corpore niveo "). 
 
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BUBO VIRGINIANUS, GREAT HORNED OWL. 
 
 301 
 
 Strix pythaules, Bartr., Trav. Fla. 1790, 989. 
 Bubo ludoi'ioianus, Daud., Tr. Orn. ii, 1800, 210. 
 Bubopinicola, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1809, 51. 
 
 b. pacificus. 
 
 Bubo virginiaims var. pacificus, Cass., 111. 1854, 178.— Codes, Key, 1872, 202.— B. B. & 
 R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 61, 65. 
 
 c. arctieus. 
 
 SMx (Buho) arctieus, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 86, pi. 30. 
 
 HeUaptex arctieus, Sw., Classif. B. 1, 328 ; ii, 217. 
 
 Bubo virginiamts var. arctieus, Cass., 111. 1854, 179. — Blak., Ibia, iii, 1861, 320.— CoUBS, 
 
 Ivey, 1872, 202.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 60, 64. 
 Bubo sub-arctieus, Hoy, Pr. Phila. Acad, vi, 18.j2, 211 (WisconsiD).- Cass., IU. 1854, 117. 
 
 fl. matjellanicus. 
 
 Strix magellanicus, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 788, 286 (Sibou des terres Magellaniques, P. E. 385). — 
 
 'Baud., Tr. Orn. ii, 1800, 210.— Less., Voy. Coquille, i, 617 ; Ms, 1833, 76. 
 Biiho magellanieus, Geay, List B. Br. Mas., 1844, 46. 
 
 Bubo rirginianus var. magellanicus, Cass., 111. 1854, 178.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 61. 
 Strix bubo var. (!., Lath., Ind. Orn. 1790, 5-i {Magellanic Eared Owl, Gen. Syu. i, 118). 
 Strix nacurtitu, Vieill., N. D. d'Hist. Nat. vii, 44 ; Ene. iii, 12SI (Nacurutu, Azara, i, 192. 
 Bubo erassirostris, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. 1807, pi. 19. 
 Bubo macrorhynchus, Temji., PI. Color. 62. 
 
 Sab. — The Western Hemisphere. Common and generally distributed in wooded 
 regions in the United States. Var. magellanicus in South Americ'a. 
 
 List of spevimens. 
 
 19126 
 19127 
 19128 
 
 179 Powder River. 
 202 Deer Creek. -- 
 183 Powder River . 
 
 Oct. 5, 18.'')9 
 Nov. 21, 1859 
 Oct. 1. 1859 
 
 G. H. Trook. 
 
 ....do 
 
 ....do 
 
 23.00 
 19.50 
 21.00 
 
 56.70 
 49.00 
 52.00 
 
 17.00 
 14.00 
 15.00 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 5180-81, Fort Union, Dakota. 
 
 I divide the synonymy of this species in the conventional method, without feeling 
 in any considerable degree impressed with the necessity of so doing, but rather believ- 
 ing that, with the exception of the alpine and boreal var. arctieus, the races are 
 variously inter-related, and not satisfactorily co-ordinated with geographical distribu- 
 tion. This appears to be Mr. Cassin's later view ; for after establishing the races in 
 1854, he subsequently remarked : " These varieties are evidently not to be recognized 
 as at all strictly geographical, nor so much so as intimated in our notice of them 
 alluded to above." I have not myself critically examined the South American bird, 
 which appears to average daiker ; bnt Dr. Schlegel states that some specimens are like 
 North American ones iu every respect. Var. pacificus would also appear to be a dark 
 form, but it is not confined to the coast whence the name is derived, nor are all the 
 birds of that region alike, some being entirely indistinguishable from the ordinary 
 Atlantic styles. In the " Key," I adopted the variety entirely at the instance of Mr. 
 Ridgway, who has made our raptorial birds a special study, and followed him in pre- 
 senting "it as a dark, littoral form, " extending from Oregon northward, coastwise, to 
 Labrador," although I confess that I do not quite comprehend this peculiar alleged 
 distribution. Var. arctieus is tlie most easily recognized, being very pale-colored, fre- 
 quently quite whitish, and not distantly resembling the Snowy Owl. This peculiarity 
 of coloring seems to mark, in varying degree, alpine specimens, even so far south as 
 New Mexico. 
 
 The Great Horned Owl occurs in suitable localities throughout the 
 Missouri region, as elsewhere in North America. It is by no means 
 rare, and, conspicuous in its size, falls under frequent observation. It 
 occurs chiefly in wooded regions, where the various animals it preys 
 upon find shelter, and where it is itself in a measure concealed from view. 
 It is not migratory. In temperate latitudes, the eggs are laid iu winter; 
 and even in the fur countries, according to Sir John Richardson, the 
 young are hatched in March. It breeds indifferently, according to cir- 
 cumstances, in hollow trees, or even in the crevices of rocks ; in such 
 cases the eggs are simx)ly deposited on some grass or feathers. But, 
 perhaps oftener, a large, bulky, rude nest, of sticks and twigs, lined with 
 
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302, BUBO VIRGINIANUS, GREAT HORNED OWL. 
 
 grass and feathers, is placed among the branches of a tree, generally at 
 a great height. Tbe eggs are colorless, subspherical, measuring about 
 lij inches iu length by '2, or a little less in breadth. They are said to 
 range from three to sis in a clutch. The only instance of breeding of 
 , which I have become personally aware was at Pembiaa, Dakota, where, 
 early in June, I found two young birds in the timber-belt along tbe 
 river. Both parents were observed, perched on the tree-tops, near the 
 Jiest, and flying boldly, apparenty not in the least incommoded by the 
 light of day. That they could see perfectly well, was evidenced by the 
 care tliey took to keep at a distance. The young, two in number, were 
 found on a prostrate log; where the nest was I had no idea — perhaps it 
 was in the hollow of a large blasted tree that overshadowed the log. 
 Tlie young were entirely unfledged ; the downy covering was entirely 
 white. On approach, they resented the liberty in the usual manner, 
 clicking the bill, hissing, and throwing themselves into an upright pos- 
 ture. They could scarcely stand, however, and were easily secured. I 
 took them with me, and they were amusing pets for a whole summer, 
 during which time they traveled with me several hundred miles. They 
 got their feathers in due season, and became very finely plumaged by 
 the fall. The first plumage, after the down disappeared, was of a much 
 more uniformly fulvous cast than that ensuing when the dark gray 
 mottlins;, and distinctive white of the under parts, was assumed. The 
 birds ate freely from the first — in fact were voracious, grevv rapidly, and 
 became more tame than any other birds of prey I have ever kept. They 
 would suffer themselves to be handled without impatience, and would 
 occasionally fly up on my shoulder. Early in their lives they had two 
 different notes, one of hunger or loneliness, a querulous explosive sylla- 
 ble, and the other a harsh cry of anger, or remonstrance, when rudely 
 handled, or too nearly approached by an unfamiliar object. They did 
 not begin to hoot until they were about four months old, and then only 
 while at liberty during tbe night. For they became so thoroughly tame, 
 that, as their wings grew, enabling them to take short flights, I used to 
 release them in tbe evening from the tether by which they were usually 
 confined. They enjoyed the liberty, and eventually used to stay away 
 all night, doubtless foraging for themselves for their natural prey, and 
 returning to their shelter behind my tent in the morning. 
 
 These Owls were most active during the night; yet it would be a 
 great mistake to suppose their vision is much restricted in the day-time, 
 notwithstanding that they belong to a group of Owls commonly regarded 
 as nocturnal. They passed most of the day, indeed, crouching in the 
 shadow of the tent, and it was only toward sundown that they became 
 active, flying the length of their tether in the attempt to reach the 
 ridge of the tent ; yet their vision was acute at all hours. I often saw 
 them look up and follow with their eyes the motions of a grasshopper 
 or butterfly, flickering several yards up in the air. On one occasion, in 
 particular, I saw them both gazing steadfastly, and on looking up to see 
 what had attracted their attention, I was myself blinded by the glare, 
 for the direction was exactly in the sun's eye. But a few moments 
 afterward I discovered a pair of white Cranes, floating in circles half a 
 mile high. The Owl's eyes endured a glare that my own could not, and 
 the birds certainly saw the objects, for they slowly moved the head as 
 the Cranes passed over. The best of the supposed performances of an 
 Eagle soaring in the sun's eye, could not excel this. J^or was the inner 
 ej^elid drawn over the ball to shade it. I had abundnnt evidence, on 
 this and numerous other occasions, that tbe movements of tl>e bird's 
 iris are entirely under the control of the will, instead, as commonly 
 
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SCOPS ASIO, SCREECH OWL. 303 
 
 supposed, of being automatic, depending upon the stimulus of liglit. I 
 frequently saw them instantaneously contract or relax the quivering 
 iris in accommodating their vision to different objects, or different dis- 
 tances ; and moreover, they could move the two irides independently 
 of each other. For they often looked at objects with one eye only, the 
 other being sleepily half-closed ; and on such occasions the pupils were 
 generally of different sizes. They varied in diameter from that of a small 
 split-pea, to that of a finger-ring ; in the latter condition the iris was a 
 mere margin, about a tenth of an inch in diameter. In the nighttime, 
 I always found the pupil largely if not fully dilated ; at every stage of 
 conti'action it remained perfectly circular. 
 
 (scops ASIO, (Linn.) Bp. .J'-C'- 
 
 Red Owl; Mottled Owl; Screccli Owl. 
 
 a. asio. 
 
 Strix asio, Linn., Svst. Nat. i, 1766, 132 (Noctua aurita minor, Gates., i, 7 ; Aeio scops 
 caroUvensis^ Bmss., i, 497).— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 287.— Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 
 1790, 54.— Daud., Tr. Orn. ii, 1800, 216.-Shaw, G. Z. vii, 1809, 229.— WiLS., 
 Am. Orn. v, 1812, 83, pi. 42, f. 1.— Bl'., Syn. 1828, 36; Isis, 1832, 1139.— AuD., 
 Oru. Biog. i, 1832, 486; v, 1839, 392; pi. 97.— NuxT., Man. i, 1832, 120.— Brew., 
 ed. Wils. 687. ^ ,„„ t. 
 
 Scops asio. Bp., Comp. List, 1838. 6 ; Consp. i, 18.50, 45.— Less., Tr. Orn. 10/.— Kaup, 
 Jiou. Striq. Cont. Orn. 1852, 112.— Cass., 111. 1854, 179.— Steickl., Orn. Syn. 
 1855, 199.— Brew., N. A. Ocil. 1857, 65.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 51.-C00P. & SuCK., 
 N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 155 f — Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 420.— Mayn., Nat. Guide, 
 1870, 131.— COUES, Key, 1872, 202, fig. 136-B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 49 ; 
 and of most authors. . ,„ r. 
 
 Bvibo asio, VlElLi.., Oi.". Am. Sept. i, 1807, 53, pi. 21.— AoD., Syn. 1839, 29; B. Am. i, 1840, 
 147, pi. 40.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. 1844, pi.' 12, figs. 25, 26.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 
 28.— Maxim., J. f. O. 1858, 23. 
 
 Mihou asio, Temm., Planch. Color. No. 80. 
 
 Otus asio, Steph., Gen. Zool. xiii, pt. ii, 57. 
 
 Ephialtes asio. Gray, Geq. of B.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 62. 
 
 Strix naivia, Gji., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 289.— Lath., Iiid. Oru. i, 1790, 55.— Daod., Tr. Orn. u, 
 1800, 217.— Shaw, Gen. Zool. vii, 230.— Wils., Am. Oru. iii, 1812, 16, pi. 19, f. 1. 
 
 Asio nteria, Less., Man. Orn. i, 117. 
 
 Otus nonius, Cuv., R. A. i, 2d ed. 341. 
 
 Siirnia nwvia, Jam., ed. Wils. i, 96, 99. 
 
 Bubo strialus, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, 54, pi. 21. 
 
 "Ephialtes ocreata, Licht., Mus. Berol." 
 
 b. IcennicoitU. 
 
 Scops kennicottii. ElxiOT, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1867. 69 ; B. Am.p. xxvii, pi. 1 1.— Dall & Bann., 
 Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 18C9, 273.— Bd., ihid. 311, pi. 27 (Sitka).— FmsCH, Abh. Nat. 
 iii, 1872, 28 (Alaska). 
 
 Scops asio var. kennicotiii, CoTJES, Key, 1872, 203.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 53. 
 
 c. maccalUi. 
 
 EpUaltes choliba. Lawk., Ann. Lvc. N. Y. vi, 1853, 4 (not of ricill.). 
 
 Scops maccallii, Cass., 111. 1854, 180.— Strickl., Orn. Syn. 1855, 200.— Bkew., N. A. 051. 
 1857, 66.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 52, i)l. 39 ; Mex. B. Surv. ii, 1859, pt. ii, Birds, 4, 
 pi. 1.— Deess., Ibis, 1865, 330 (Texas). (Xot Scops trichopsis, AVagl., Isis, 1832, 
 276 : See SCL. & Salv., P. Z. 1868, 57. •) 
 
 Scops asio var. maccallii, CoUES, Key, 1872, 203.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 52. 
 
 d. floridanus. 
 
 (?) Scops asio, Cab., J. f. O. iii, 465 (Cuba). 
 
 Scops asio var. floridanus, Ridgw. — B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 51. 
 
 * Mr. Ridgway lias called my attention to the fact, that S. trichopsis of Wagler, to 
 which maccallii is referred by Sclater aud Salviu, as above .quoted, is a perfectly dis- 
 tinct species, as, on examination of typical spccipiens, I find it to be. 
 
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304 OTUS VULGAEIS VAE. WILSONIANUS 
 
 e, enano. 
 
 (,'?) Scope m-accallii, ScL., P. Z. S. 1858^296 (Oaxaca).— Scl., Ibis, 1859, 220 (Guatemala). 
 Scops asio var. enano; Lawr., MSS.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 48. 
 
 Sah. — North America at large. Var. Tcennicottii is the large, dark, northern form, from - _ 
 Alaska, &c. Var. maccallii is a small, pale, southern form, from the southwestern bor- J S 
 der and southward. Var. floriOanus, from Georgia, Florida (and Cuba ?). Var. ^^"■'^"i a* c-^ 
 from Mexico and Guatemala.* aOJ ~( 
 
 This little Owl does not appear to have been noticed by either of the 
 E2;peditions, as we Had no specimens in the collection. It inhabits, 
 however, the wooded tracts of the Missouri region, and is abundant in 
 some parts, as' in Kansas. 
 
 Without going into the history of the long controversy respecting the 
 "Eed" and "Mottled" Owls — which would involve scores of quota- 
 tionst— it will be sufficient to state, that not only are these two birds 
 identical, as iudeed has been admitted by most observers since Wilson, 
 but that, moreover, the plumages are purely fortuitous, and character- 
 istic of neither sex, age, nor season. The same rufescent phase occurs 
 in other species of Owls — notably, among ours, in the little Glaucidium 
 ferrugineum, which I recently introduced to our fauna (Key, 206) — and 
 is apparently analogous to the melanotic condition of many Hawks. 
 
 OTUS VULGARIS var. WILSONIANUS,(Less.) Allen. 
 American Ion g-earedOwl. 
 
 a. vulgaris. 
 
 Strix otns, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 132; and of early authors generally. 
 
 Bubo otus, S.4.VIG., Descr. Egypte, i, 109. 
 
 Asio otus, Less., Man. Orn. i, 116. 
 
 ijlula otus, Macgil., Eap. B. Br. 403.' 
 
 JEgoHus otus, Keys & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 32. 
 
 " Otus soloniensis, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 203" {Gray). 
 
 " Otus albicolUs et italicus, Daud., Tr. Orn. ii, 213" {Siriekland). 
 
 Otus sylvestris, arboreus et gracilis, Brehm, V. D. i, 121, 122, 123. 
 
 Otus vulgaris, Flbm., Brit. An. 56 ; and of many authors. 
 
 Otus europceus, Steph., Gen. Zool. xiii, pt. ii, 1826, 57. 
 
 Otus communis. Less., Tr. Orn. 1831, 110. 
 
 Otus aurita, Mont., Om. Diet. ed. Eennie, 262. 
 
 Otus asio, Leach, Syst. Cat. 1816, 11. 
 
 b. wilsonianus. 
 
 (?) strix americana, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 288. 
 
 Otus americanus, Bp., Comp. List, 1838, 7 ; Consp. i, 1850, 50.— Kaup, Mon. Strig. Cent. 
 
 Orn. 1852, 113 ; Tr. Z. S. iv, 1859, 233.— Maxim., J. f. O. vi, 1858, 25.— Allen, 
 
 Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 51. 
 Strix peregrinator Bartr., Trav. in Fla. 1791, 289. 
 Asio peregrinator, Strickl., Om. Syn. 1855, 207. 
 Strix otus, WiLB., vi, 1812, 73, pi. 51, f. 3.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 37.— NuTT., Man. i, 1832, 130.— 
 
 AUD., Orn. Biog. iv, 1835, 573, pi. 83.— Peab., Eep. Orn. Mass. 1839, 68. 
 Strix (Asia) otus, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 72. 
 Vlula otus, Jam., ed. Wils. i, 104. 
 
 * Another small species of Scops, occurring over our southern border, is the following : 
 Scops flammbola, Liclit. 
 
 Scops flammeola, Licht., Nomen. Mus. Berol. 7.— Kaup, Monog. Tr. Z. S. iv, 1859, 226.— 
 
 SCHL., M. P.-B. Oti, p. 27.— ScL, P. Z. S. 1858, 96.— Scl. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1868, 
 
 57 ; Exot. Orn. vi, 1868, 99, pi. 50.— Elliot, B. N. A. i, pi. 28.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 
 
 1870, 422.— COUES, Key, 1872, 203.— B. B. & E., N. A. B, iii, 1874, 58. 
 
 It was found breedilig at Fort Crook, California, by the late Captain John Feilner, 
 
 United States Army. 
 
 t Those who wish to examine the subject may refer to the following among other 
 articles : Bp., Journ. Phila. Acad, iii, 1824, 357. — Michnee, ibid, vii, 1834, 53. — Hoy, Pr. 
 Phila. Acad, vi, 1853, 306; and Trans. Wise. Agrio. Soo. ii (1852), 1853, 344.— Cabot, 
 Journ. Bost. Soc. ii, 1838, 126.— Allen, Am. Nat. ii, 1S68, 327 ; BuU. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 338. 
 
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OTUS VULGARIS VAR. WILSONIANT'S. 305 
 
 Otits wilsoiiiami«, Lkss., Tr. Orn. i, 1831, 110.— Cass., 111. 1854, 181.— Brew., N. A. 061. 
 
 ls.-,7, (;-.— Bd., B. N. a. 185^, 53.— Hayji.. Rep. lH(i'j, 1.';?.— Cooi'. & Suck., N. 
 
 H. Wush. Ter. 1800, 155.— Coi'es, Pr. Philn. Acatl. 181)0, 50 (Arizona).— Cour., B. 
 
 CVil. i, 1870,426.— Snow, B. Kaiis. 187;j.— i!i[ei;i!.,II. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, 695. 
 Otas i-idgons, Jard., ed. Wils. ii,-J78.— AuD., Syn. 1839, '28 ; B. Am. i, 1840, 136, pi. 37.- 
 
 ■(4iR., B. L. I. 1844, 25. 
 OUis rnhiaris ameiicaum, SCHL., Mus. Pays-Bas, 18'J3, Oti, p. 2. 
 Otus indqurin var. wUsomanus, Alien, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, ISO.- CoUES, Key, 1H7-2, 
 
 ■204.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 18. 
 
 Sah. — Europe, .fee. Var. wihoniuniis. Temperate North America, at large. 
 
 Lift of f^pecimcns. 
 
 19130 
 19131 
 19330 
 
 290 
 174 
 
 Willow Springs. 
 Powder River. . 
 Popoagie Creek. 
 
 "s' 
 
 Ajiril 
 i.l^t. 
 
 7, 1860 
 1, 18.J9 
 
 F.V.Hayden. 
 G. H. Tiook.- 
 do 
 
 14.50 
 
 1-1.00 
 
 13.00 
 
 36.00 
 37.00 
 35.00 
 
 11.50 ! 
 V>. 50 I 
 11.00 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition.— 45'i6, 4538, White River ; 4537,.Fort Pierre. 
 Later Exjieditions. — 61760, Devil's Creek, IcKilio. 
 
 I quote the principal synonyms of the Old World form, withont, however, additional 
 references. In the uncertainty at ijresent attending the determination of several 
 names of American forms, I only quote those of special pertinence here. 
 
 This species is of not uncommon occurrence in the northwest, as in suitable places 
 elsewhere throughout temperate North America. 
 
 "This species is quite coDnnon in Eastern Pennsylvania throughout 
 the year. It is more retiring- in its nature than Nyclale nvadica. The 
 latter prefers an orchard, in close proximity to man ; while the former, 
 according to the writer's experience, evinces by its actions a partiality 
 for deep forests of evergreens, where the hum and stir of busy farm-lite 
 is nearly unknown. The nests are usually constructed of rude sticks, 
 sometimes of boughs with the leaves adherent thereto, externally, and 
 generally, but not always, lined with the feathers of birds. The same 
 nest is made use of for several successive years. The female begins to 
 lay early in April, and sometimes produces two broods in a season. 
 The eggs are never more than four in number; sometimes as low as two 
 have been observed. It is stated, by both Audubon and Wilson, that 
 the nests of other birds, when of sufficient size, are generally used in 
 which to rear its young. Although it has not been my fortune to know 
 of such a case by personal experience, yet I cannot doubt the observa- 
 tions of these learned authorities. One of the best authenticated cases 
 is that related by Wilson, where one of these Owls bad taken possess- 
 ion, forcibly, as I am led to infer, of the nest of the Qua-bird (Night 
 Heron), and was actually setting. The common Crow occasionally 
 builds in similar situations ■ in this latitude, and there is a possibility 
 that its abandoned nests are sometimes appropriated, but this is mere 
 presumption. Within three quarters of a mile of Chestnut Hill (upper 
 part of Germantown), existed an immense forest of pines, within a com- 
 paratively recent period, which was the great place of rendezvous of 
 the Long-eaied Owl, during the dreary winter months, and where, in 
 the spring-time, the females deposited their eggs in rude and unsightly 
 nests of their own construction, The numbers that thronged this 
 thicket of pines was prodigious, so there were very few of the trees, if 
 any, that had not supported one or more nests. The many fragments 
 of the bones of mammals and birds, and the other remains of the same 
 that laid in piles upon the ground, bore testimony to the wholesale 
 destruction of life that was carried on. Within the last two years, during 
 which time many of the trees have yielded to the woodman's axe, the 
 number that visit the wood is small in comparison. The birds have 
 mostly gone to more congenial localities, and but a few remain of iill 
 that m'ighty host." — [Oentry.) 
 
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306 BRACHYOTUS PALIJSTEIS, SHORT-EARED OWL. 
 
 BEACHYOTUS PALUSTRIS, (Bechst.) Gould. 
 Short-eared Owl. 
 
 (a. general references.) 
 
 " Strix noctua major, Beiss., Orn. i, 511." (Tbisis one of the liases of Sirix ithda, L., 1766.) 
 " Noctua minor, Gm., Nov. Comm. Petrop. xv, 447, pi. 12." 
 
 " Strix siridula, , Not. Act. Reg. Ac. Sul-c. 178.!, 47." (^Striclcland.) 
 
 " Strix arctica, Spakrm., ilus. Cads. pi. 51. — D.vuD., Tr. Oni. ii, 197." 
 
 Strix trachyotus, Gm., Svst. Nat. i, 17SS, SSIL — Lath.. Iml. Orn. i, 1790, 55. — Daud., Tv. 
 
 Orn. ii, 1800, iilG.— Bechst., Naturg. ii, 909.— Siiaw, G. Z. vii, 1809, 223.— 
 
 Temm., Man. i, 89 ; iii, 51 ; Tabl. Meth. 7.— JIey , Tasch. i, 73.— FlueCH., V. D. 
 
 pi. 98.— ViBiLL., Fu. Frauf. 43, pi. 20, f. 3,— Roux, Oru. Prov. i, 75, pi. 49.— 
 
 Baill., Oru. Sav. i, 177.— Brew., Br. B. 2d ed. i, .j8, 60.— Yarr., Br. B. i, 121.— 
 
 Penx., Br. Z. i, 1812, 260, pi. 32.— Selys-Longch., Fu. Belg. 59.— Morr., Br. B. 
 
 173, pi. 2:5. 
 Otus brachijotus, BoiE, Isis, 1822, 549. — Steph., G. Z. xiii, pt. ii, 1826, 57. — Hodg., J. A. 
 
 S. B. 1837, 369.— Jexyxs, Man. 92.— Naum., V. D. i, 1822, 459, pi. 45.— Eyt., 
 
 Cat. Br. B. 6.— Schl., Kev. Crit. 14.-Gray, Gen. of B. i, 1844, 40.— Eurp., Syst. 
 
 Uebers. 12.— Crv.. R. A. ed. 2, i, 341.— Less., Tr. Orn. 1831, 111.— .Jard., Br. B. 
 
 i, 285.— Sw., Classif. B. ii, 1837, 217.— Bp., Cat. Ucc. Eiir. 1842, 23 — Selby, 111. 
 
 Br. B. i, 8fi.— Flem., Br. An. 56. — Mont., Orn. Diet. ed. Rennie, 241. — Thomps., 
 
 B. Irel. i, 88.— Watt., B. Irel. 24.— Peale. U. S. Exp. Ex. 75.— Kaup, Mou. Strig. 
 
 Contr. Orn. 18.52, 114 ; Tr. Z. S. iv, 1-.59, 236.— HuDS., P. Z. .S. 1870, 799.— Cass., 
 
 Cat. Strig. Acad. Phila. 1849, 11. 
 Asia hrachjjotun, Macgil., Brit. B. iii, 461. — Striokl., Orn. Syn. 1855, 209. 
 Vlnla trachyotus, Macgie., Rapac. B. Br. 412. 
 jErjoVim Jiraxihyoius, Keys & Blas., Wirb. Lur. 1840, 32. 
 Slrix accipitrina, Pall., Itin. i, 455. — 6m., Sib. Reiso, ii, 163 — Gm., Svst. Nat. i, 1788, 295.— 
 
 Daud., Tr. Oru. ii, 1800, 185. 
 "Strix uliila, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 294 (nee Lixx.)".— Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 60.— 
 
 Daud., Tr. Orn. ii, lf;0O, 196.— Sn-iw, G. Z. vii, 1809, 270. 
 Asio iihila, Less., Man. i, 116. 
 Otus ulula, Cuv., E. A. i, 1817, 328. 
 " titrix passerina var. B., Laxh., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 66." 
 Strix palustris. Bechst.. V. D. ii, 344. — Siemss., Hand-bucli, 35. — Lath., Ind. Om. Suppl. 
 
 13.— SiiAW, G. Z. vii, 1809, 227.— Mey., Zool. Anu. i, 332. 
 Otus palustris, Gould, Zool. Vov. Beagle, pt. iii, p. 33. — Brehm, V. D. i, 123. — Brhiges, 
 
 P. Z. S. ix, 110; Anu. Nat. Hist, xiii, .500. 
 Bracliyotas palustris, Gould, B. Eur. pi. 40. — Bp., List, 1838,7. 
 Braehij tus palustris europwus, Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 51. 
 Slrix tripennis, Scheaxk, Fn. Boica, 112. 
 Slrix hraohyura, 'SiLSS , Fn. Suec. i, 62. 
 Sirix caspia, Shaw, G. Z. vii, 1809, 272. 
 Strix cegolius, Pall., Zoog. R. A. i, 309. 
 Otus microcephalus, Leach, Syst. Cat. 1816, 11. 
 Otus agrarius, Brehm, V. D. i, 124. 
 
 (b. American references.) 
 
 Strix lyrachnotus, Foest., Phil. Trans. Ixii, 1772, 384.— WiLS., Am. Orn. iv, 1812, G4, pi. 
 o.;, f. 3.— Bp., Svd. 1828, 37.— NuTT., Man. i, 1832, 132.— AuD., Oru. Bio-, v, 
 1839, y73, pi. 432.- Thomps., N. H. Vermont, 66.— Peau., Rep. Orn. Jlass. s'J. 
 
 Strix hrachyota, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 75. 
 
 Otus Irachtjotus, Aud., Svu. 1839, 28 ; B. Am. i, 1840, pi. 38.— Jard., ed. Wils. ii, 63.— 
 Gui., B. L. I. 1844, 26.— Cass., 111. 1854, 182.— Eeixh., Ibis, iii, 1861, 5 (Greeu- 
 land).- Ali.ex, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1.-71, 340.— Sol. & S.ily., P. Z. 8. I808. 143.— 
 Pelz., Orn. Bras, i, 10.— HuDS., P. Z. S. 1870, 799. 
 
 Olus (Braehyotus) iracliyotus, B. B. & R., X. A- B. iii, 1874, 22. 
 
 Clula braehyotus, Jam., ed. ^yils. i, 106. — Philippi, Cat. (Chili). 
 
 Otus braehyotus annrieanus. ]M.iXI.^L, ,T. f. O. vi, 1858, 27. 
 
 Otus palustris, DeKay, N. Y. Zool. ii, 28, pi. 12, f 27. 
 
 Braehyotus palustris, Bp., List, 1^-38, 7.— Codes, Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1871, 27; Key. 1872, 204. 
 
 Braehyotus palustris amerieanus, Bp., Consp. i 1850, 51. 
 
 Braehyotus eassini. Bre-\v., Pr. Bost. Soc. 1856, — .-Brew., N. Am. Ool. I857. (;s. — Cab., 
 J. i. 0. ill, 465 (Cuba).— GuxDL., Rep. 1865, 225 (Cuba).— Bd., B. N. A. 18.58, 
 54. — Newb., p. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 76. — Heejim., ibid, s, 1859, pt. vi, 34.— SCL., 
 P. Z. S. 1859, 390 (Oaxaca).— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. IsGO, 155.— 
 Hayd., Rep. 1862, 154.— Dress., Ibis, 1865, 330.— Coues, Pr. Pliila. Aond. 1866, 
 
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SYRNIUM CINEREUM, GREAT GRAY OWL. 307 
 
 50— SCL. & Sai,v., p. Z. S. 18C8, J43 (Buenos Ayres).— Daij. & Bann., Tr. Chic. "^ ^^- 
 Acad. i. 180(1, 273.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 428. -Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. ' ' 
 1870, 462.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 2.— Dall, Vr. Cal. Acad. Fob. 1871! (Aleutian^ 
 Islauda). 
 
 e. galapagoensis. 
 
 Brachyotm galapagoon^'m, Gould, P. Z. S. 1837, 10. 
 
 Otus galapagoensis, Dakw., Voy. Beagle, iii, 32, pi. 3.— Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 51. — 
 
 Gray, Gen. of B. ; List B. Brit. Mus. 108. 
 Asia galapagoensis, Stmcki.., Orn. Syn. 1855, 211. 
 
 JIdli — Enropo. Asia. Greenland. America. West Indies. Var. galapagoensis from 
 the Galapagos. 
 
 Lieutenant Wan-en's Eipeditinti. — 4034, Grindstone Creek; 4539, White River. 
 Later Expeditions. — 60033, Sweetwater, Wyoming. 
 
 Tbe specific uaine of this species is highly appropriate, such is its 
 preference for low, moist, and even swampy or marshy resorts. The 
 greater part of the Missouri region being not particularly adapted to 
 its wants, it is not so common or so generally diffused in this part of 
 the country as in some other portions. I procured one specimen at 
 Fort Kandall, in the winter of 187-!-'73. It is, however, one of the few 
 species not confined to woods, but occurring in open prairie, sometimes 
 many miles from timbered land. It nests on the ground, la.ying its eggs 
 either in a bare depression, or upon a few sticks, or feathers, or a little 
 grass. The eggs, usually four or. five in number, are dull white, less 
 nearly spherical than usual in this family, and measure about an inch 
 and a half in length by one and a fourth in breadth. But its nesting 
 varies with circumstances. Mr. Dall recently found it breeding in bur- 
 rows, on the island of Oonalashka; "the hole is horizontal, and the 
 inner end usually a little higher than the aperture; lined with dry grass 
 and feathers." The burrows were not over two feet deep, usually 
 excavated in the side of a steep bank. 
 
 Being so generally diffused in this country, it is not a little surprising 
 that Dr. Brewer should have been led to say, in 1857, there was no 
 authentic case of its occurrence, south of Pennsylvania, in the United 
 States. It is decidedly the commonest Owl about Washington, D. C, 
 especially in winter. I frequently observed it in the salt-marshes of the 
 North Carolina coast at various seasons, and Mr. Allen records it as 
 quite common in the marshes of Florida. On one occasion I observed a 
 gathering of twenty or thirty individuals on the Oolorado Eiver, below 
 Fort Mojave ; others have noted similar instances of its sociable dis- 
 position. The birds were sitting quite closely together in the rank 
 herbage bordering the river ; some flapped hurriedly off as the steam- 
 boat came abreast of them, while others stood to their perches as we 
 passed. In California, Dr. Cooper observes that he has not seen it 
 south of the Santa Clara V;illey. It occurs in the West Indies, and the 
 South American form is couspeciflc. I am unable to appreciate any con- 
 stant or tangible differences between tlie European and American bird, 
 although the latter may average slightly larger, and a shade darker. 
 
 SYENIUM CmEEEUM, (Gm.) And. 
 Great Gray Owl. 
 
 a. ciiiereum. 
 
 Strix cinerea, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1768, 291.— Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 58 (based on Sooty 
 Owl, Arct. Zool. ii, 232, IS'o. 120; Cinereous Owl, Syu. Snppl. 45).— Vielll., 
 Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. vii, 23 ; Enc. Meth. iii, 1289 ; Ois. Am. Sept. i, 48.— 
 Bp., Am. Orn. pi. 23 ; Ann. Lyo. N. Y. ii, 436 ; Isis, 1832, 1140.— Nutt., Man. i. 
 
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308 SYRNIUM NEBULOSUM, BARRED OWL. 
 
 1832, 128.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 77, pi. 31.— Aud., Oru. Biog. iv, 1838, 
 364, pi. 331.— Tyzex., E. Z. IHol, .=>71. 
 
 Scotiaptex cinerea, Sw., Classif. B. ii, lw37, '217. 
 
 Ulula cinerea, Bp., Cousp. i, l^.jU, 53 (iu part). 
 
 Syrnium cinereum, Bp., List, 1-3S, 6. — AuD., Svn. 1^39, 26; B. Am. i, 130, pi. 35. — Brew., 
 ed. Wils. 1840, 687.— DeK.vy, N. Y. zbol. ii, 26, pi. 13, f. 29.— Abbott, Pr. Bost. 
 Soc. i, pp. .57, 99 (Massachusetts). — Putn., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, -204 (Massachu- 
 setts).— Cass., 111. Ir54.— Stuickl., Orn. Kyn. lt:.J5, IBd.— News., P. E. R. Rep. 
 vi, 1857,77 (Sacramento Valley, C'ul., and Oregon).- Be, B. N. A. 185^, 56.— 
 Kaup, Tr. Z. S. iv, 1-.59, 256.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. AVash. Ter. 1860, 1 ,6.— 
 Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 25.— Boahdji., Pr. Bost. Soc. is, 18u2, 1J3 
 (Maine, rare). — Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 81 (Massachusetts). — Vehr., 
 ibi<3. iii, 1862, 144 (Maine, rare).— CouES, Hid. v, 1868, 260 (New England).— 
 McIlwr., ibid. V, 1866, 82 (Canada West, in winter, rare).— Turnb., B. E. Pa. 
 1869, 40 ("several times found in New Jersey.").— Dall & Baxx., Tr. Chic. 
 Acad, i, 1869, 273 (Alaska).— Mayx., Guide, 1870, 130 (Massachusetts).— Hatch. 
 Bull. Minn. Acad, i, 1874, 52 (Minnesota, common). — Eidgw., Ann. Lye. N. Y. 
 X, 1874, 379 (IlUnois). 
 
 Syrnium. (Sootiaptex) cinercnm, B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 30. 
 
 Syrnium lapponicum var. cinereum, Eidgw., apucl CoUES, Kej', 1872, 204 ; but cinereum 
 (17dS) has priority over lapponicum (1800). 
 
 " Strix acdamator, Bart., Trav. 1790, 285 " Craore likely S. nehulosum). 
 
 " Strixfuliginosa, Shaw, Gen. Zool. vii, 1809, 244." 
 
 b. lapponicum. 
 
 Strix lapponica, Retz., Fn. Suec. 1800, 79, No. 30. — Sparrm., Mas. Carls. — Nllss., Orn. 
 
 Suec. i, 58. — Meyer, Tascheub. iii, 20.— TcMM.,Man. Orn. pt. i, 81; pt. iii, 
 
 44.— Wern., Atl. Ois. Eur. pi.— Ty'Zex., R. Z. 1851, 576. 
 Uhila Uipponiea, Less., Man. Orn. i, 113; Tr. Orn. 108.— Cuv., E. A. 2d ed. i, 342. 
 Surnia la]}ponicu, Gould, B. Eur. pi. 42. 
 Syrnium lapponicum, Sthickl , Orn. Svn. 1855, 188. 
 Strix barhala, Pall., Zool. E. A. i, 318^^ pi. 2. 
 Strix microplitlialma, Tyzex. 
 Syrnium microplithalmwm, Git.iY'. 
 
 Syrnium cinen-um, Bp. List, 1838, 6 ; Cat. Ucc. Eur. 23. 
 Ulula cinerea, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 53. 
 
 i7a6.— Northern North America, south in winter to Massachusetts (to New Jersey, 
 Turnhnll), Illinois (Bidgioay), and California. Var. lapponicum from corresponding lat- 
 itudes in the Old World. 
 
 Although this species was aot noticed by the Expeditions, it is intro- 
 duced as one undoubtedly occurring in the Missouri region in winter. 
 Dr. Cooper states that it is " common" in the dense spruce forests of 
 the Ookimbia, and probably resident in that latitude. According to 
 Dr. Newberry, proofs of its occurrence even to the Sacramento Valley 
 have been obtained. It i.s given in Mr. Wheaton's Ohio li.st, and has 
 frequently occurred in New England as far south as Massachusetts. 
 Dr. TurnbuU's notice exteuds the record to New Jersey, Mr. Eidgway's 
 to Illinois. It is said by Dr. Hatch to be very common in Minnesota. 
 
 SYBNIUM NEBCLOSUM, (Forst.) Boie. 
 Barred Oivl. 
 
 a. nehulosum. 
 
 Strix nebulosa, Forst., Tr. Philos. Soc. Isii, 1772, 386, 424.— Gm., Syst. Nat. 1, 1788, 291.— 
 Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 58.— Baud., Tr. Orn. ii, 1800, 191.— Shaw, G. Z. vii, 
 1809, 245 ; Misc. pi. 25.— Vikill., Ois. Am. Sept. 1807, pi. 17 ; Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. 
 Nat. vii, 32; Enc. Meth. iii, 1292.— Wils., Am. Orn. iv, 1812, 61, pi. 33, f. 2.— 
 Jard., ed. Wils. ii, 57 — Bp., Syn. 1828, 38 ; Isis, 1832, 1140.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. 
 A. ii, 1831,81.— NUTT., Mao. i, 1832, 133.— AuD., Orn. Biog. 1,1832,242; v, 1839, 
 386 ; pi. 46.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. l,-<44, pi. 10, f. 21. 
 
 Syrnium neliulosum, BoiE. — Gray-. Geu. of B. — Gould, B. Eur. pi. 46. — AuD., Syn. 1839, 
 27; B. Am. i, 1840, 132, pi. 36.— WooDH., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 63.— C.\ss., 111. 1854, 
 184.— Brew., N. A. Ool. 1857, 72.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 56.— Kaup, Cent. Orn. 
 
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NYCTEA SCANDIACA, SNOWY OWL. 309 
 
 1852, 12 ; Tr. Z. S. iv, 1859, 25(i.— Maxim., J. f. O. vi, 1858, 28.— Derss.. Ibis, 1865, 
 330 (Texas).— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 154.- -Allen, Muio. Bost. Soc. i, J 808, 499 (West- 
 ern Iowa) ; 506 (Illinois). — Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 431 (but never found in Cali- 
 fornia).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871,340 (Florida).— TRiPPE,Pr. Ess. Inst, 
 vi, 1871, 114 (Minnesota). — SNOvy^, B. Kans. 1873, 2 (Kansas, common). — CouEs, 
 Key, 1872, 204, fig. 137. 
 
 VluJa iiebnlosa, Stepii., G. Z. xiii, pt- ", 60.— Cuv., R. A. 2d. ed. i,342.— Jajie.'^., ed. 
 WiLs. i, 107; iv, 280.— Less., Man. i, 113: Tr. 108.— Bp., List, 1838,7 ; Consp. 
 Ay. i, 1850, 53.— ScnL.,Mus. Fnys-Bas, Siiitjcs. 1802, p. 11. 
 
 St)ix cHcliiciU, Gm., Svst. Nat. i, 1788, 296. 
 
 (?) SU-ix acclamator, Bartk., Trav. in Fla. 1791, 289. 
 
 Sirix vanus, Bart., Frag. N. H. Pa. 1799, 11. 
 
 Strix fernandica, Shaw, Gen. Zool. vii, 1809, 263. 
 
 b. sartorii. 
 
 Syrnium nebulosum var. sartorii, RiDGW. — B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 29 (Mirador). 
 
 c. fulvescens. 
 
 Syrnium fulvescens,SATAr., P. Z. S. 1868, 58 (Guatemala). 
 
 Syrnium nebulosum vox. fulvescens, Ridgw. — B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 29. 
 
 Sal). — North America, east of the Rocky Mountains. Chiefly United States. Var. 
 sartorii in Mexico. Yar, fiilresceiis iu Central America. 
 Lieutenant Jfurren's Expedition. — No. 4607, Missouri River. 
 
 This specimen of Dr. Hayden's remains, a.s it was wlien taken, the 
 westernmost on record for the species. The Barred Owl is one of the 
 few which does not appear to be equally distributed, having never yet 
 been observed west of the Eocky Mountains, where it is to some extent 
 replaced by the allied but perfectly distinct (S'. occidentale, discovered by 
 Mr. Xantus, at Port Tejon, California, and subsequently observed in 
 Arizona, by Lieutenant Bendire, United States Army. It appears to 
 be somewhat a southerly bird, very abundant in the woods of the South 
 Atlantic and Gulf States; but, although common in New England, is 
 rather sparingly represented in British America, the home of the Great 
 Gray Owl, ti. citwreum. It breeds in March, laying five or six white 
 subspherical eggs in the hollow or among the branches of a tree, some- 
 times taking possession of a deserted Hawk's or Crow's nest, sometimes 
 building for itself The eggs measure about 2 inches iu length by If in 
 breadth. Although Wilson states to the contrary, the sexes of this 
 bird are not appreciably different in size, nor otherwise distinguishable 
 by external characters. The average size appears to be 20 inches in 
 length, 47 in extent, the wing 13^-, the tail 9. 
 
 The third and only other species of Si/i-itium of North America, S. 
 occidentale, will probably, in time, be found in the Missouri region. Its 
 synonymy is given below.* 
 
 ^ 
 
 NYCTEA SCANDIACA, (Linn.) Newt. 
 Great White or Snowy Oivl. 
 
 strix eapite awito, corpore alhido. Link., Fn. Suec. 1746, 16 ; ex JBuho scandianus, Rudeb., 
 Ic. ined. (fide Walden). 
 
 Strix sca«(?i«co, LiXN., Syst. Nat. i. 1766, 132 (i'.il praiced.). — Malmg., J. f. 0. 1865, 396. 
 
 Syctea scandiaca,'t^EWT., 4th ed. Yarr. Br. B. pt. iii, 1872. 187. — Dress., B. Eur. pt. — . 
 
 Nyctca scandiaca Yar. arctica, Ridgw. — B. B. & R.,N. A. B. iii, 1874, 70. 
 
 Striv. alba freti-hudsonis.Bniss., Orn. i, 1760, .")22. 
 
 Strix nyciea, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, lii'i (ex Aluco albus diurnus,En\\., 61. — Briss., i, 
 522).— Brunn., Orn. Bor. 1764, 7.— Forst., Phil. Trans. Ixii, 1772, 38.').— G:m., 
 Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 201.— Fabr., Fu. Groeu. No. 16.— Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 
 
 "Syrnium occidentale, Xantus, Pr. PhilaJ Acad. 1859, 193.— Be, B. N. A. 1860, pl. 66 
 (not in ed. of 1858).— CouES, Key, 1872, 204.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 38. 
 
 Hah. — California (Fort Tejon, Xantus). Arizona {Bendire). 
 
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310 NYCTEA SCANDIACA, SNOWY OWL. 
 
 57.— Daud., Tr. Orn. ii, 1800, 183 — Bechst., Naturg. ii, 925 ; V. D. ii, 350.— 
 MEYEn, Tasch. i, 7:').— Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. pi. 18; Vn. Fr. 48, pi. 23, f. 2.— 
 Shaw, Gen. Zool. vii, 1809, 240.— Sab., Parry's 1st Voy. Snppl. 193.— Eicn., 
 Parry's 2(1 Vdv. App. :i42.— Paix., Zoog. E. A. i, 1831, 312.— WiLS., Am. Orn. 
 iv, 1812, 53, pi. 32, f. 1.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 34 ; Isis, 1832, 1139.— Temm., Man. pt. 
 i, p. 82 ; pt. iii, p. 45; Tabl. Meth. 6.— Nalm., V. D. 241, pi. 33, f. 66; eil. nov. 
 i, 417, pi. 41.— Yarr., Br. B. i, 134.— Fi.em., Br. An. 58.— Schinz, Pli. Helv. 56.— 
 MoxT., Diet. (ed. Eeuuie) 471.— JloRU., Br. B. i, 194, pi. 27.— Wern., Atl. Ois. 
 pi. 45.— Sw. & EiCH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 88.— Ndtt., Man. i, 1832, 116.— Aui>., 
 Orn. Biog. iv, 1834, 135 ; v, 1839, 382 ; pi. 121.— Thomps., Hist. Vt. 64.— Peab., 
 Eep. Orn. Mass. 1839, 84.— SCHi.., Eev. Grit. Ois. Eur. 17. 
 Noctua nyctea, Ci'v., E. A. i, 1817, 332.— BoiE, Isis, J822, 770.— Less., Man. i, 110 ; Tr. 
 101.— Breiim, Isis, 1834,. 240.— Bkehm, V. D. 103.— jENVj;tj, Man. Br. Vert. 
 23.— SciLL., M. P.-B. 1862, Strhjes, 45. 
 Symium nyetea, Kaup, Sk. Eut. Eur. Thierw. 1829, pp. 59, 190. 
 
 Surnia nyetea, Selby, 111. Br. Oru. i, 1833, 95, pi. 23. — Edmonst., Mera. Wern. Soc. iv, 
 l.=)7.— James., ed. Wils. i, 92.— Gould, B. Eiir. pi. 43.— Jard., Br. B. i, 303.— 
 Thomps., B. Irel. i, 95.— Eyt., Cat. Br. B. 6.— Keys & Beas., Wirb. Eur. 
 33.— AUD., Syn. 1839, 21; B. Am. i, 1840, 113, pi. 28.— DbKay,N. Y. Zool. 1844, 
 pi. 9, f. 20.— GiR.. B. L. I. 1844, 22.— PuTN., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 204.— Kaup, 
 Tr. Z. S. iv, 1859:214. 
 Syrnia nyetea, Macgil., Hist. Br. B. iii, 1840, 407 : Eep. B. Gr. Brit. 348 —Thomps., Ann. 
 
 Nat. Hist, i, 241 ; iii, 107.— Jard., ed. Wils. ii, 46.— Watt., B. Irel. 27. 
 Strix wapacuthu, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1768, 291 (ex TVapacuiJm Ott'l, Penn., Arct. Zool. Ii, 
 1785, 231, No. 119).— Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 58 (Gen. Syn. Suppl. 49).— Daui>., 
 Tr. Orn. ii, 1800, 189.— Shaw, Gen. Zool. vii, 1809, 243.— Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. 47. 
 Nyetea wapatutku, Steph., Shaw's Gen. Zool. xiii, 1826, 63, No. 2. 
 Strix arctica, Bart., Trav. in Fla. 1791, 289. 
 
 Strix nivea, Thukb., Sv. Ak. Handlung, 1798, 84.— Daud., Tf. Orn. ii, 1800, 190 (ia Choii- 
 ette Handle, LeVail., Ois. Afr. i, 1799, 174, pi. 45).— Zawad., Fn. Wirb. 1840,45. 
 Noctua nivea, Beehm, Isis, 1834, 246. 
 
 Nyetea nivea. Gray, Gen. of B. i, 1844, 34, pi. 12, f. 2 ; List, B. Br. Mus. 86; Cat. Gen. 
 8.— Bp., Consp. Av. i, 18.50, 36.— Cass., 111. 1854, 190.— Brehm, Vogelf. 1855, 35.— 
 Brew., N. Am. 061. 1857, 79.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858,63.— Kirkp., Ohio Agric. Eep. 
 1858.— Wheat., ibid. 1860, No. 28 (Ohio).— Coues & Prest., Smitb.s. Eep. 1861, 
 402, (Wasliington, D .C.).— Boardm., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 18G2, 123 (Calais, Me., 
 probably breeding).— Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 144 (Norway, Me., in win- 
 ter). — Allen, ilrid. iv, 1864, 52 and 97 (Massachusetts, Nov. to M;i,\' 20). — 
 McIlwr., ibid. V, 1866, 82 (Hamilton, C. W., in ■winter).— Coues, ibid.'v, 1868, 
 261 (New England, in winter).— Dress., Ibis, 1865, 330 (Texas).— Lawr., 
 Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 259.-COUES. Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 120 (South 
 Carolina).— TUEXB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 9 (winter, rather rare).- Dai.l & Banx., 
 Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 273 (Alaska).— Dale, Pr. Phila. Acad. Feb. l.'^73 (Aleu- 
 tian Islands).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 447 (nevnr found in California). — Snow, 
 B. Kan.s. 1873, 2 (Kansas, rare in winter). — C'oue.s, Key, 1872, 205, tig. 138. 
 ^"yctea nivea europa'a et americana, A. BiiEHJi, Vcrz. Samml. C. L. Brehm, 1866, 2. 
 Strix bubo var. albus, Daud., Tr. Orn. ii, 1800, 210 (ex Lixx.). 
 Strix Candida, Lath., Ind. Orn. Suppl. 1801, p. xiv. No. 3 (ra LeVaiill. — Ermine Owl, 
 
 Lath., Syn. Snppl. ii, 1802, 60, No. 7). 
 Nyctia eandida, Sw., Classif. B. ii, 1837, 217. 
 Nyetea Candida, Beehji, Vogelf. 1855, 35.— Bp., List, 1838, 6. — Kaup, Men. Slrig. Cont. 
 
 Oru. 1852, 107. 
 Strix erminea, Shaw, Gen. Zool. vii, 1809, 251. 
 Nyetea erminea, Steph., Gen. Zool. xiii, pt. ii, 1826, 63, No. 1. 
 Harfang, Buff., P. E. 458. 
 
 Hab. — Northern portions of the Northern Hemisphere, ranging irregnlariy sonth-r- 
 ward in winter. In North America, resident from the Canadas and probably iroxa'yj(-' ' 
 Maine, northward. Eegularly enters the Northern States in winter, frequently wan-,' -a , 
 dering to the Middle States, casually to the Southern States, even to Texas (liresser).: '' " 
 Kansas (Snoto). Kentucky and South Carolina (Audubon). Bermuda (Jardine). 
 
 Although apparently unnoticed by either Expedition, the Snowy;Jv, 
 Owl visits the Missouri region in winter, as it does the correspoudiug /a- 
 latitudes of the Eastern States. Its wanderings are more extensive 
 than those of either the Hawk Owl or the Great Gray Owl, as will be 
 seen by the above quotations, and are remarkable for a bird whose 
 whole aspect betokens a nature fitted to endure the utmost rigor of 
 climate. We have advices of its presence in winter in nearly all the 
 
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SUENIA ULULA VAE. HUDSONIA, HAWK OWL. 311 
 
 States east of the Mississij^pi, aud in Kansas and Texas; while the 
 silence of the records in the West may be in greatest part due to the 
 fact, that few explorations are conducted — even individual observations 
 being restricted — during tbe inclement season, when its visits are made, 
 if at all. But I have learned, from several residents in the vicinity of 
 Port Eandall, of its occasional appearance on tbe Missouri at that point. 
 I find no United States quotations west of the Eocky Mountains ; for 
 although the species is admitted in Dr. Cooper's work, tbis author 
 admits "there is as yet no intimation of the occurrence in California of 
 this large Owl." In New England aud a part of tbe Middle States, tbe 
 Snowy Owl is sometimes common in winter. Mr. Cassin remarks that 
 it is occasionally so numerous as to sell for a mere trifle in tbe Philadel- 
 phia markets. It does not, however, entirely withdraw from the arctic 
 regions even in winter, at which season Mr. Dall saw it flying over the 
 frozen Yukon. The probability is, that it is resident in the forests of 
 Maine. Mr. Boardman instances a pair seen in spring that probably 
 had a nest in the vicinity of Calais ; and its capture in Massachusetts, 
 as late as the 20th of May, is recorded by Mr. Alien. 
 
 According to those who have studied the bird in its native regions, 
 it is not exclusively nocturnal, but hunts by day without inconvenience ; 
 feeds on hare and grouse as well as smaller game, and is expert in fish- 
 ing ; nests on the ground, and lays three or four white eggs measuring 
 about 2f inches in length by 2 in breadth. 
 
 SUENIA ULULA var. HUDSONIA, (Gm.) Coues. 
 American Hawk Owl. 
 
 a. ulula. 
 
 Ckniietfe d, longue qiiene de Sibirie, BnKF., P. E. 463 ; Ois. Sonn. iv, pi. 30, fig. 1. 
 
 Ohouetle ^perviere, Buff., Ois. Soun., iv, 128. 
 
 Strix ulula, Linn., Svst. Nat. i, 1766, 133 (based on Fn. Suec. 78 ; Beiss., i, 511, &c.).— 
 
 DONND., Beit, i, 169.— NiLSS., Sliaud. Fu. i, 64. 
 (???) Strix ulula var. 6., Lath,, Inil. Orn. i, 1790, 60 (quotes S. arctica, Spark., Mas. Carls. 
 
 iii, p. 5). 
 Surnia ulula, Bp., Cat. Ucc. Eur. p. 22. — Gp.ay, Gen. of B. i, 1844, pi. 12, fig. 1. — Kaup, 
 
 Mon. Strig. Cout. Orn. 1852, 107.— Gkay, Hand-list, i, 1869, 39.— Ueess., B. Eur. 
 
 X3t. xii, 1872. 
 " Strix fttncn-a, Linn., Fn. Suec, 1761, 25, No. 75 " (this is also the primary l^asis of Syst. 
 
 Nat. i, 1766, 133, No. 11, with which, however, is ci,ted S. canadensis, Bki.ss.'). — 
 
 Lath., Iiid. Orn. ii, 1790, 60.— Te.mm., Man. i, 1820, 86.— Schl., Eev. Grit. 1844, 17. 
 Noctua {Surnia) funerea, Cuv., E. A. 1817, i, 332. 
 Surnia fiinerea, Bp., List, 183.8, 6. — Gour.D, B". Eur. pi. 45. — ^Less., Man. i, 110. — Sw., 
 
 Classif. B. ii, 218.-Bi;ehm, V. D. i, 101.— Keys & Blas. Wirb. Eur. 1840, 32. 
 Strix uraleiisis, Shaw, Gen. Zool. vii, 1809, 277, pi. 35 (iiec Pall.). 
 Strix nisoria, Meyer. Tasch. i, 1810, 84.— ISechst., Naturg. li, 984.— Naum., V. T>. 1822, 
 
 i, 427, p). 42, ag. 2. 
 Si/rnium nisoria, Kaop, Sli. Eut. Eur. Thierw. 1829, 59. 
 Noctua nisoria, Cuv., R. A. 2d ed. i, 1829, 344. 
 Surnia nisoria, Brehm, V. D. i, 102, pi. 7, fig. 1. 
 Strix doliata, Pall., Zoog. E.-A. i, 1811, 316, pi. 1. 
 
 (??) '■ Strix arctica, Sparrm., Mus. Carls. 51." — (GuAY; rather Brackyotui palustris). 
 "Strix accqntrina, Bechst., Vog. Deutsch. ii, 372, pi. 12." 
 
 b. liudsonia. 
 
 Strix canadensis, Brlss., Orn. i, 1760, 518, pi. 37, fig. 2.— Shaw, Gen. Zool. vii, 1809, 273. 
 
 Surnia canadensis, Steph., Shaw's Gen. Zool. xiii, pt. ii, 1826, 62. 
 
 Strix freti-hudsonis, Briss., Orn. 1760, 520 ("Little Hawk Owl," Edw., ii, 1747, pi. 62; 
 
 whence Caparaeoch, Buff., i, 1770, 306). 
 Strix fiinerea, Lln-n., Syst. Nat. i, 1706, 133 (partly; includes the European).— Fokst., 
 
 Philos. Trans. 1xi\, 1772, 38.5.— Bp., Syu. 1828, 25.— Sw. & ElCH., F. B. A. ii. 
 
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312 SUENIA ULULA VAK. HUDSOXIA, HAWK OWL. 
 
 1831, 9-2.— NuTX., Man. i, 183-2, 115,— Pe,vb., Eep. Orn. Muss. H:i.-BKEW . ed. 
 
 Wils. 686. — Thiimp.s., Vermont, 64. — AUD., Oru. Biog. Lv, 331). pi. 378.— UeKay, 
 
 N. Y. Zool. 18-44, pi. 9, fig. 19. 
 Suniia fu7ierea, DuMlSniL, Zool. Anal. If^OG, 34. — Bp., List, 1836, 6. — Jard., etl. Wils. ii. 
 
 270; Br. B. i, 514.— Aui>., .Syn. 1839, al : B. Aui. i, 1840, U-2, pi. 27 — Dke.sis. & 
 
 SlLvRPH, B. Eur. pt. xii, Aug. 1872 (Xoitli America and Great IS.itain). 
 Xoctua (Surnia) funerea, Jeny.ns, Man. Br. Vurt. 526. 
 Sjiniia Jniicrea. Macgil., Hist. Brit. Birds, iii, l'^40, 404 (fidn Du. & Sii.). 
 Nocttia funerea, Yakhkll, Hist. Brit. Biids, i, 1843, 139 {Jide Dr. & Sii.). 
 Strix caparoch, Muller, .S\ st. Nat. Suppl. 1779, i, 69. 
 Strix hudsonia, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 295.— Wils., Am. Orn. vi, 1812, 64, pi. 50, fig. 6 
 
 (Philadelphia). 
 Surnia hudsonia, Jame.sox, ed. Wils. i, 90. 
 Siiniia borealis, Lesson, Trait6 d' Oru. i, 1831, 100. 
 
 Sfrix alula of authors, partly ; excluding Coutmental European references. 
 Suniia ulula, Ca.ss.. 111. 1854, 191 (excl. partof the synonymy). — Brew., N. A. Ool. 18.57, 
 
 80 (excl. part of syns.).— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 64 (excl. pt. syn.).— Wheat. Ohio 
 Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 29.— Hoy, Tr. Wise. Agric. Soc. 18.52 ;"Fr. PhiUi. Acad. Wo'.', 
 (Wisconsin). — Board., Pr. B, Sue. ix, 1862, 123 (Calais, ile., breeding). — Verr., 
 Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 144 (Maine, autiunn and winter). — Aelev, ibid, iv, 1864, 
 
 81 (Massachusetts). — ilcIiJ.WR., ibid, v, 1866, 82 (Haniiliou, C. W., lare in win- 
 ter). — Coues, ibid. V, 1868, 261 (New England).— Lawr.. Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 
 1866, 281 (Xew York, rave). — S.vMUEL.s. B. New Engl. 1867, ed ; Rep. Agric. JIuss. 
 1863, App. — Cooper apud .S.i.muels. 81 (Quebec, winter). — Aleex Am. Nat. iii, 
 1870, 569 (Massachusetts).— TURNI!., B. E. Pa. 1869, 41 (occasional in severe 
 winters). — Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 448 (not found in Caliibrnia). — Dael & Ban:;; , 
 Tr. Cliic. Acad, i, 1869, 274 (Alaska, very couimou, breeding). — JIerr., U. S. 
 Geol. Sur\-. Ter. 1872, 696. 
 
 iSui-uia ulula var. hudsonia, Coues, Key, 1872, 205. — B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 75. 
 
 Hab. — Northern North America. Breeds from Maine northward. In winter occa- 
 sionally south to Penns.ylvania and Illinois (liidgwai), Ann. Lye, N. Y. x, 1874, 379). 
 Bermudas {Dnimmoud, Jardine, Contr. Orn. 1850, 37). Not yet observed west ot the 
 Eocky Mountains. " Great Britain." Typical ulula European. 
 
 Later Expeditions. — 62240, Madison River, Montana. 
 
 Contrary to the opinion entertained by ornithologists, of the absolute identity of the 
 American and European Hawk Owls, they prove to form two distinguishable geo- 
 graphical races, the American bird being recognized without ditUculty by its darker 
 color, and the broader reddish-brown bars of the whole breast and belly, only a small 
 gorget being left white. According to the authors of the splendid work on the Birds 
 of Europe, from which a part of the foregoing synonymy is borrowed, it is the American 
 form, and not that of Continental Europe, which inhabits Great Britain, apparently to 
 the entire exclusion of the other. 
 
 The distribution of the American Hawk Owl is quite Ml.\ worked out 
 in a communicatiou I bad tlie jjleasure of contributing to the work just 
 mentioned, and may be gathered with approximate accuracy from the 
 foregoing quotations.. The bird does not appear to ever wandet so iar 
 soitth as the Snowy Owl frequently does ; excepting the Bermnda in- 
 stance, I have never hea'-d of it .'^outh of Pennsylvania and Illinois, nor 
 has it been observed west of the Kocky Mountains. It is common in 
 the northern half of Xew England, in winter, and known to breed in 
 some parts of Maine; from Massachusetts southward its occurrence is 
 rare and fortuitous. 
 
 As is well known, this species is the most diurnal in its habits of any 
 of the family, retiring to rest at night like an ordinary bird; and it is 
 the most hawk-like Owl, not only in its habits, but in physical aspect. 
 It feeds chiefly upon the field-mice {Arvicula) which swarm'in the sphag- 
 nous vegetation of arctic lands; also upon small birds, grasshoppers and 
 other'insects. It is stated to breed oftenest in the hollows ot trees, but 
 sometimes to construct a nest of sticks, grass, and feathers, among the 
 branches. The eggs range from five to eight in number, are white, and 
 measure from If to 1| in length by 1^ to 1| in breadth. Both sexes in- 
 cubate. The parents are represented as very spirited in the defence of 
 their home ; the male bird will even attack and wound an intruder with 
 
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NYCTALE TENGMALMI VAR. EICHARDSONI. 313 
 
 its talons, sometimes meeting death in the rashness of its onslaught. 
 When wounded it displays similar courage, boldly facing the enemy 
 and preparing to defend itself with all its might — "calmly and silently 
 it maintains its ground, or springs from a short distance on ity foe. So, 
 bravely it dies, without a thought of glory and without a chance of 
 fame ; for of its kind there are no cowards." 
 
 " This species is seldom met with except in the arctic regions. Occa- 
 sionally, during severe winters, it is driven as far south as the latitude 
 of Philadelphia, owing to a scarcity of food in its natural haunts. Sam- 
 uels affirms that he 'has known several specimens to be taken in Ver- 
 mont and New Hampshire,' and expresses the belief that it builds 
 occasionally in the New England States. The writer and a very inti- 
 mate friend of his, who is a taxidermist, ha\ e taken specimens as early 
 as the middle of October. In the former's collection is a beautiful sjieci- 
 men of a female that was shot on the 15th day of last October, the tlier- 
 mometer indicating a rather high temperature at the time. It was shot 
 in the middle of the day, while careering hawk-like through the air, 
 doubtless in quest of the liekl-niouse, which is found in meadow grounds 
 in profusion, and which it prizes most assuredly as one of its daintiest 
 morsels. 
 
 "The southern appearance of individuals on many occasions, so early 
 in the fall, in rather mild weather, leads to the supposition that it is 
 either a summer resident in small numbers, and performs the essential 
 duties of nidiflcation and incubation here['?], or else, having attended to 
 these important concerns in more northern climes, journeys southward, . 
 where it meets with a temi)eratare which it has recently learned to re- 
 gard as more congenial than the rigors of an arctic autumn. The 
 writer is sanguine of the discovery of nests in this latitude. Like many 
 birds on their entrance into a new territory, this species may be shy 
 and reserved, and consequently nidificates in out-of-the-way situations. 
 Familiarity with the country and its denizens, acquired by a lew years' 
 occupancy, may operate in the production of changes of habils and dis- 
 position. Distrustfulness will undoubtedly give place to confidence, 
 and more of its history will be known. 
 
 "It is said by some writers that the species is crepuscidar rather than 
 nocturnal. The writer's experience has been thefornier. There is no donbt 
 that it frequently hunts in the twilight; but the movements of the bird 
 during the day-time, both in watching for its prey and in its capture, are 
 certain evidence to his mind of the truth of the assertion. While on 
 the alert for its prey, it stations itself upon the topmost bough of a tree, 
 and, as soon as the object of its desire comes in view, pounces down uijon 
 it like a hawk, and bears it away to devour it at its leisure. Frequently 
 it goes abroad in search of prey, skimming above meadows and low 
 fields, at a slight elevation, until its object is secured." — [Gentry.) 
 
 A 
 
 NYCTALE TENGMALMI var. EICHARDSONI, (Bp.) Eidgw.-K- w^J-^ 
 RicUardson's Owl. 
 
 a. tengmahni. 
 
 Stiix noctuu, Texg., Act. Stockli. i, 1783. - ^ 
 
 Strlx Icnqmalmi, Gsi., i, 291.— Lath., i, 64.— Daud., ii, 205.— Shaw, G. Z. vii, 1R09, 267.— Jvj£^ 
 Tj;mji., Man. 1S15, 54 ; i, 94 ; i», 49.— Vieili.., Gal. i, pi. 23 ; Pn. Frauf. 48, pi. a '^"^ 
 ■S.',, f. 1.— Nau:\[., V. D. i, 18;i-2, 501, pi. 48, f. 2, 3.— Degl., Orn. Eur. i, 134.— '*«if ./t^-J 
 SCHI,., Rev. Crit. 1844, 15. 
 Athene tengmahni, Boie, Isis, 1822, 771. 
 
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314 NYCTALE TENGMALMI VAK. EICHAEDSONI. 
 
 Noctita tengmalmi, Cuv., R. A. i, 1829, 549.— Less., Tr. Orn. 1831, 102.— Selby, Brit. Orn. 
 
 2cl ed. i, 105, pi. 26.— Jard., Brit. Birds, i, •i/O.- Jen., Man. 1835, 94. 
 JEgolms tengmalmi, Kaup, Sk. Ent. Eur. Th. 1829, 34. 
 
 Vlnla tengmalmi, Bp., Osw. Cuv. R. A. 53; Isis, 1833, 1052.— Macgil., Brit. Birds, iii, 445. 
 ScotopMlus tenqmalmi, Sw., Classif. B. ii, 217. 
 Nyctale tenqmalmi, Bp., List, 1838. 7.— Gray, Gen. of B. i, 40.— Keys & Blas., Wirlo. 
 
 Eur. 1840, 32.— Strickl., Orn. Syn. 1855, 175. 
 " Strix funci-m, Linn., Fn. Suec. 25" (Gray). 
 Nyetale funi-n-a, Bp., Cat. Ucc. Eur. 1842, 24 ; Consp. Av. 1850, 54.— Gray, Cat. B. Brit. 
 
 Mus. 94; List Brit. Birds, 1883, 22.— Kaup, Mon. Strig. Cout. Orn. 1852, 104. 
 "Sirix passwiiia, Meyer, Zool. Ann. i, 333. — Pall., Zoofj. R. A. i, 323." 
 Strix dasypins, Bechst., Naturg. Deut. ii, 972.— Meyer, Tascli. i, 82; Naturg. vi, pi. 2; 
 
 Vog. Liv. Esthl. 37. 
 Kyciale dnsjipus, Gray', Gen. of B. 
 Nyctale plaiiiaps, pinetorum et ahietum, Breiim, V. D. 1831, 112, 113. 
 
 b. richardsoni. 
 
 (?) Strix pass('ri}ia, FoEST., Phil. Trans. Ixii, 1772, 385 (Penn. Arot. Zool. ii, Suppl. 60.) 
 
 ,s7)i.c tengmalmi, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 94, pi. 82 (not of authors).- NuTT., Man. 
 i, 1834, 562.— AuD., Orn. Bios- iv, 559, pi. 380.— Peau., Rep, Oni. Mass. 91. 
 
 Kyciale tengmalmi, Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 273 (Alaska). — Allen, Am. 
 Hat. iii, 1870, 646 (Massachusetts, ti ree instances). 
 
 Nyctale lenqmalmi var. richardsoni, RiDGW., Am. Nat. vi, 1872, 285.— CouES, Key, 1872, 
 205.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 40. 
 
 VMa tengmalmi, AuD., Syn. 1839, 24 ; B. Am. i, 1840, 122, pi. 32.— Putn., Pr. Ess. Inst, 
 i, 1856, 22ii (Massachusetts).- ?Trippe, ibid, vi, 1871, ]13 (Minnesota). 
 
 Nyctale richardsoni, Bp., Comp. List, 1838, 7; Consp. i, 1850, 64. — Kaup, Mon. Strig. 
 Cnnt. Orn. 1852, 105.— Cass., 111. i, 1854, 185.— Strickl., Orn. Syn. 18.15, 176.— 
 Brew., N. Am. Ool. 1857, 73.— Bd., B. N. A. 18.58, 57.— Boardm., Pr. Bost. Soi'. 
 ix, 1862, 123 (Maine, probably resident, not common). — Vekr., Pr. Es.s. Inst, 
 iii, 1862, 157 (Maine). — Allen, ibid, iv, 1864, 52 (Massachusetts, rare, in win- 
 ter). — McIlwr., ibid. V, 1866. 82 (Canada West, rave, in winter).— CoUES, ibid. 
 V, 1868, 260 (New England).— Mayn., Nat. Guide, 1870, 133 (Mas.saohusetts).— 
 Hatch, Bull. Minn. Acad, i, 1874, 52 (Minnesota, occasionally, in winter). 
 
 Nyctala richardsoni, Gray., Hand-list, i, 1869, 51, No. 555. 
 
 Hab. — The typical form from Europe, Asia, and Northern Mrica. Var. richardsoni 
 from Northern North America ; south regularly to the United States frontier ; in winter 
 rarely through New England, beyond which no record on the Atlantic. Northern 
 Ohio ( Winslow). 
 
 Having been at first considered the same as its European representa- 
 tive, and afterward held to be a distinct species, this interesting Owl 
 baa at length settled into its true position as a geographical race of 1^. 
 tengmalmi of Europe, as ascertained by Mr. Eidgway's studies. It difters 
 from its congener, just as the American Hawk Owl does, in an excess 
 of darker colors ; the legs being ochrey-brown, much variegated with 
 darker, instead of white, with little marking; and there is more dark 
 color on the crissum. It is, perhaps, the most decidedly boreal of our 
 species of the family ; for although it does not range further north than 
 some, such as the Hawk Owl, the Snowy, and the Great Gray Owl, its 
 southern limit is more restricted. It has never been observed as far 
 south as all of the three just mentioned are known to range in winter. 
 On the Atlantic coast T find no record for Pennsylvania or IsTevv' Jersey, 
 though it is stated to have been procured in Connecticut by Dr. W. 
 W. Wood, while Mr. Allen gives several instances of its capture in Massa- 
 chusetts. In Maine, according to Mr. Boardman, it is resident; it has 
 been noticed in Wisconsin by Dr. Hoy, and the queried Minnesotan 
 record, by Mr. Trippe, is doubtless correct, as it has been lately checked 
 by Dr. Hatch. Sir John Richardson speaks of its very great abundance 
 in the region of the Saskatchewan, whence it undoubtedly visits the 
 Upper Missouri in winter. 
 
 Owls of this genus are among the most perfectly nocturnal birds of 
 the family, and appear confined to wooded regions. The food is princi- 
 
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NYCTALE ACADICA, ACADIAN OWL. 315 
 
 pally insects, although mice and the smallest birds are also captured. 
 The egg of the present bird is colorless, like that of other Owls, and 
 measures IJ inches ia length by 1 inch in breadth. 
 
 ''^''^ NYCTALE AOADIGA, (Gm.) Bp.* 
 
 Acadian or Saw-whet Owl. 
 
 Strix acadica, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 296.— Daud., Tr. Om. ii, 1800, 206.— Vieiix., Ois. 
 Am. Sept. i, 1807, 49.— Bp., Sya. 1828, 38; Isis, 1832, 1140.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. 
 A. ii, 1831, 97.— Jard., ed. Wils. ii, 66.— NuTT., Man. i, 1832, 137.— AUD.. Oru. 
 Bios- ii, 1834, 567; v, 1839, 397; pi. 199.— Peab., Eep. Oru. Mass. 1839, 70.— 
 DisKay, N. Y. Zool. 1844, pi. 11, fig. 23. 
 
 Ntjctale acadica, Bp., Comp. List, 1838, 7 ; Cousp. Av. i, 1850, 44,— Ghay, Gen. of B. 1844, 
 App. p. 3.— Kaup, Tr. Zool. Soc. iv, '206.— Strickl., Om. Syu. i, 1855, 176.— 
 Newb., p. E. E. Eep. vi, 1857, 77.— Cas.'^., 111. 1854, 186.— Brew., N. A. Ool. 
 1857, 74.— SCL., P. Z. S. 1858, 295 (Oaxaca).— Cass., B. N. A. 1858, 58.— Coop. 
 & SucKL., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 156.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 
 27.— CouES & Prent., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 402.— Boardm., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 
 123 (Maine, resident).— Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 144 (Maine, resident).— 
 Allen, ihid. iv, 1864, 52 (Massachusetts, resident).- McIlw'r., iUd. v, 1866, 82 
 (Canada West).— Codes, ihid. v, 1868, 260.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 50 
 (Arizona).— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 119 (South Carolina).— Lawr., Ann. 
 Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 2«1 (New York).— Tdrnb., B. East Pa. 1869, 9 (rare, 
 chiefly in winter).- Lord, Pr. Roy. Arty. Inst. 1864 (British Columbia).— 
 Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 436.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 2.— Ridgw., Am. Nat. vi, 1872, 
 284 (critical).— Hart., Brit. Birds, 1872, 95 (England, very doubtfully; quotes 
 MiLN., Zool. 1860, 8104).— Coues, Key, 1872, 205.— Allen, Am. Nat. vii, 1873, 
 427.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 43.— RiDGW., Ann. Lye. s, 1874, 378 (Illinois). 
 
 Nyctala acadica, Gray, Hand-list, i, 1869, 51, No. 556. 
 
 Scotophilus acadicus, Sw., Classif. B. ii, 1837, 217. 
 
 Noctua acadica, Rich., 1837. 
 
 Ulula acadica, AuD., Syn. 1839, 24 ; B. Am. i, 1840, 123, pi. 33.— Putn., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 
 1856, 204 (Massachusetts).— Schlegel, M. P.-B., 1862. Strigas, p. 8. 
 
 (•i) Strix passcrina, Forst., Phil. Trans. Ixii, 1772, 385 (Pbnn., Arct. Zool. 1785, 236).— 
 Wils., Am. Orn. iv, 1812, 66, pi. 34, f. 1. 
 
 Strix acadiemis, Lath., Ind. Oru. i, 1790, 65 (Syn. pi. 5, f. 2).— Shaw, G. Z. vii, 266. 
 
 Strix albifrons, Shaw, Nat. Misc. v, 1794, pi. 171 ; Gen. Zool. vii, 1809, 238.— Lath., Ind. 
 Orn. Suppl. 14. 
 
 Buho albifro7is, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, 54. 
 
 Scops albifrons, Steph., Shaw's Gen. Zool. xiii, pt. ii, 1826, 51. 
 
 Nyctale albifrons, Cass., 111. 1854, 187.— Cass., B. N. A. 1858, 57.— Coites, Pr. Phila. Acad. 
 1866, 50.— McIlwr., Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1866, 82 (Canada).— CoOP., B. Cal. i, 1870, 
 43.5.^Verr., Am. Nat. 1871, 119 (Maine). 
 
 KyciaJa albifrons, Gray, Hand-list, i, 1869, 52, No. 557. 
 
 Strix frontalis. Light., Abhandl. Akad. Berol. 1838, 430. 
 
 Nycldle Icirtlandii, Hoy, Pr. Phila. Acad, vi, 1852, 210.— Cass., 111. 1853, 63, pi. 11. 
 
 Strix xihakmoidi's, Dadd., Tr. Oru. ii, 1300, 206. — Lath., Ind.. Oru. Suppl. 16. — Vieill., 
 Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, pi. 15.— Shaw, G. Z. vii, 1809, 268. 
 
 Athene phalwnoides. Gray, Gen. of B. fol. 1844, sp. 43. 
 
 Athene wilsoni, Boie, Isis, 1828, 315. 
 
 "Strix dalhousei, Hall, Ms., Macg. ed. Cuv. E. A. 1829, pi. 8." 
 
 Sab. — Temperate North America, from Atlantic to Pacific ; chiefly, however, Northern - 
 United States and adjoining British territory ; ranging southward, in wooded mount- ^ •; / 
 ainous regions, into Mexico. Oaxaca (Scl., P. Z. S. 1856, 295). 
 
 Having been long aware that the so-called "White-fronted Owl," Strix albifrons, 
 S. frontalis, and N. Icirtlandii, of various authors, was simply the young of the present 
 species, I was pleased to see the case so clearly set forth as it was in Mr. Ridgway's 
 article above quoted — a paper instigated by Mr. Elliot's late erroneous identification 
 of these names as pertaining to the young of N. tengmalmi. In both species of Nyctale, 
 the plumage is mucli the same, and its changes are entirely correspondent. The young 
 have the_disc dark brown, contrasted with white superc'lia, the forehead plain, and 
 the under parts unvariegated, fading from a dark brown on the breast to ochrey-brown 
 on the belly. In the adults the disc is mostly white, the forehead is sharply streaked, 
 and the under parts are white, with lengthwise chocolate-brown markings. Specific 
 characters of the two birds are perceived in the greatly inferior size of acadica, a 
 different relative length of wings and tail, a difference in the cere and nostrjls, and 
 the black instead of yellow bill. 
 
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31 fi NYCTALE ACADICA, ACADIAN OWL. 
 
 In the paper above cited, Mr. Allen has the following ou the supposed rarity of 
 "alhifrons:" "Although the White-fronted Owl (Xyctalc albifrons, Cass.) is now cdu- 
 ceded by most, if not all, American ornithologists to be the young of the Saw-whet (j\' 
 acadica), its supposed rarity, in comparison with the adult, renders the following record 
 of recent instances of its capture in Canada of considerable interest. Mr. Eidgway, 
 in a paper published in this journal in May, lb72, in noticing Mr. D. G. Elliot's mis- 
 take of considering the K. albifrons to be the yonng of N. tengmalmi, has carefully 
 elaborated the evidence of its being the young of N. ucadica. This relationship had 
 been previously suspected, and now seems to be fully confirmed. Mr. Mcllwraith, 
 under date of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, January 20, 1873, writes as follows : ' In 
 looking over the Naturalist of April, 1871, I observe a notice of the capture of a 
 specimen of the White-fronted Owl in Maine, and the writer of the note, Prof. A. E. 
 Verril, says that the only other instance of its occurrence in the United States of 
 ■which he is aware, is the specimen taken by Dr. Hoy, at Eacine. I am a little sur- 
 prised at this, for, though not coming much in contact with collectors, I have seen or 
 heard of this [supposed] species now and then for a number of years back. My first 
 knowledge of it was from Cassin's account, and the figure given of it in his Birds of 
 America. Shortly afterward I recognized it in a small case in the possession of the 
 Rev. Professor Ingles, now of the Dutch Reformed Church, Brooklyn, New York, where it 
 was called ' Saw- whet — young.' The case was brought from Montreal. I next met 
 it in Toronto, where Mr. Passmore, taxidermist, had two specimens, one of which I 
 obtained, and have now in my collection. Again, I heard from Mr. P. H. Gibbs, of 
 Guelph, that there were several about his evergreens near the house, one of which he 
 shot. About the same time Mr. Booth, naturalist, of Drummondville, told me of a 
 specimen he had obtained. Dr. Anderson of Point Levi, opposite Quebec, had his 
 alive for a time; and I heard of still another in the hands of E. K. Winslow, esq., of 
 Cleveland, Ohio. From the foregoing it would seem to bo more common in Canada 
 than it is further south. The opinion seems to be generally held by those with whom 
 I have conversed upon the subject, that it is the young of the Saw-whet ; and yet it is 
 somewhat siiigular that it is not as often met with as its supposed parents. In the 
 month of October, a few years since, I had six in the Saw- whet form brought me by a 
 lad, who got them all near the same place on his father's farm. The theory recently 
 advanced by Mr. Elliot, in the ' Ibis,' of its being the young of the Sparrow Owl 
 {Kyciale tengmalmi), I do not think at all probable; I have the two side by side, and 
 cannot observe any resemblance to warrant such a conclusion, the difference in size 
 alone being sufficient to show the distinction. My own opinion is that it will be found 
 to be the young of Saw-whet ; but is it not possible that they do not all assume the 
 same garb — that there may be here a freak of nature, so to speak, such as there is in 
 the case of the Screech Owl, where we find both red and gray.' " 
 
 The Acadian Owl is not so boreal a bird as its congjener, being found 
 throughout the United States in suitable places, and in the more south- 
 erly i)ortions of British America. I have found no decidedly arctic 
 quotations. It is, however, more numerous in the northern half of the 
 United States; and although it has been traced far iu to Mexico, its 
 southward extension appears to be mainly along wooded mountain 
 ranges, the altitude of which compensates, in a fauual sense, for the 
 decrease of latitude. Pitted to endure great cold, it is resident in our 
 northern districts. I procured a specimen, in the depth of winter, at 
 Boar's Head, on the Xew Hamspshire coast, and anotlier at Fort Ean- 
 dall, in January, -when the temperature had been ranging far below 
 zero. The last-named, a tine adult example, was brought to me alive 
 by Lieut. W. J. Campbell, who found it in the possession of an Indian, 
 and I kept it for some time in my study before it died, probably of 
 inanition. It refused food, and after death its body was found greatly 
 emaciated. Although so puny and weak, the little bird showed good 
 spirit, setting back with an air of defiance when a|)proaibed, snapping 
 its little bill, and pecking as hard as it could when I took it in hand; 
 but alter soothiug it for a few moments, it would seem appeased, roost 
 quietly on niy finger, and apparently like to have its poll quietly 
 scratched. In its noiseless fluttering about the room by night it more 
 resembled a big bat than a bird ; in perching, as it did by preference, 
 on the edge of the table or of a pile of books, it stood with its claws bent 
 inward, so that their convexities, and not the points, rested against the 
 support. 
 
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PYGMY OWL G. PASSERINUM VAR. CALIFOKNICUM. 317 
 
 The food of this interesting little Owl, wliicli is not so large as a Eobin, 
 though it appears bulkier, consists chiefly of insects. Its nesting, ac- 
 cording to Wilson and Audubon, is various: sometimes it builds in the 
 brauiihes of trees, while at other times it will occupy the deserted nests 
 of other birds, or lay in a hollow tree. The eggs are pure white, sub- 
 sphericid, of -crystalline clearness, measuring 1^ inches by 1 J- inches. 
 
 Mr. Gentry informs me of a curious circumstance in regard to this 
 Owl. deferring to the association of the Burrowing Owl of the West 
 with the prairie-dog, ho continues : "In the hollow of an oak-tree, not 
 iiir irom Germantown, lives an individual of the common chickaree 
 nquirrel {Sciurus hudisonius), with a si)ecimen of this little Owl as his 
 sole companion. They occupy the same hole together in perfect har- 
 mony and mutual good-will. It is not an accidental tempoi'ary associa- 
 tion, for the bird and the squirrel have repeatedly been observed to 
 eater the same hole together, as if they had always shared the apart- 
 ment. But what benefit can either derive from the other ? " 
 
 While speaking of this small species, it may not be amiss to mention 
 some other little Owls of this country. Small as it is (the specimen above 
 mentioned measured only 7^ inches long, with an extetit of 19 inches, 
 the wing 5J- inches, the tail 2J inches), it surpasses several pygmies 
 found on the west coast and southward. The Pygmy Owl, Glaiicidium 
 passerinum var. calif or nicum. of the whole Pacitic region, is the most 
 abundant and best known of these. A closely allied Mexican species 
 of the same genus, and of about the same size [G. ferrnyineum), has' 
 lately been detected in Arizona by Lieut. G. Bendire, U. S. Armj'. His 
 specimen gave the first intimation of its presence in the United States, 
 as I stated in the American S"aturalist, vol. vi, p. 370. It will be found 
 fully described iu the "Bley," p. 206. Another, still smaller, and very 
 curious lilliputian Owl, was discovered at Fort Mojave, Arizona, by Dr. 
 J. G. Cooper, and has more recently been observed at Mazatlan and on 
 the island of Socorro, by Col. A. J. Grayson. It is the type of a new 
 genus [ instituted in 1866, calling it Micratliene irJiitncyi. This species 
 is only about six inches long, has the tarsi nearly bare, and isotherwise 
 peculiar. [ have the following accounts to present of these two species 
 from my x^rizona Mss. : 
 
 PYGMY OWL.* — G. passerinum var. californicum, [Sol.) Bidgio. 
 
 * The followiug is the syuouymy of this species : 
 
 a. paaserlnnm. 
 Strix jMs-ierina, LiXN., Svst. Nat. i, 17Gfi, 133. — Eetz., Fii. .Siiec. 88. — Gji., Syst. N,it. i, 
 
 1788, 296.— Latu., lud. Orn. i, 1790, 05.— NiLSS., Oi'u. Suec. i, 69, pi. 3'.— ViBllx., 
 
 Euc. Metb. iii, 1285.- Gould, B. Eur. pi. 50.— Degl., Oru. Euv. i, 136; and of 
 
 authors generally. 
 Glaucidhim passeiiinim, BoiE, Isis, 1820, 976. — Bp., List, 1838, 6; Cat. Ucc. Eur. 22 ; 
 
 Consp. Av. i, 18.50, 36.— Brehm, V6g. Deutschl. 108.— Sn. & Dr., B. Eur. pt. iii. 
 Siirnia pnsscrina, Keys & BL.i.S., Wirb. liur. 1840, 'ii. 
 Mirroptt/iix passeiiiiiim, Kadp, Mon. Strig. Cent. Oru. 1852, 107. 
 Athene passcriria, Ghay, Gen. of B. i, 1845, 35. 
 Nocfna passerUm. Schl., M. P.-B., Strir/es, 1862, 41. 
 Stri.r pusillu, DAun., Tr. Oru. 1800, 20,5 (« Li'VuiUant). 
 
 Str'ix pygmna, Bechst., Nat. Dentschl. iv, 1805, 978, pi. 24.— Meyek, Taschenb. i, 83. 
 Noclua pygmwa, Shaw. Gen. Zool. vii, 63. 
 Strix aeadica, Temji., Man. i, 1820, 96 (not of Gmelin). 
 " Athene africana, Guay," Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 36 (under G. passerinum). 
 
 b. californicum. 
 (?) "Strix elata, N.vrr., Mus. Vindob." apud Bp., Cons],. Av. i, 1850, 36. 
 (?) Glaitcidiiim elata, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 18.50, 36 (" Siniilis S. passerinm, sed canda longiori;" 
 
 most probably this form ; Mexico). 
 Strix passerinoides, AuD., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 271, pi. 432 (not of Temminck). 
 
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318 PYGMY OWL — G. PASSERINUM VAE. CALIFORNICUM. 
 
 Tlie specimens 1 took at Port Whipple euabled me to credit the Ter- 
 ritory with this line little species, before only known in the United 
 States as a bird of California, Oregon, and Washington. It inhabits 
 the whole Pacific Slope, as now appears, and extends southward into 
 Mexico. Audubon referred it to Striw passer inoides, Temniinck, and Mr. 
 Cassin, at first, to S. infuscata of the same author. Both these names 
 appear to have been bestowed upon the same species, which is South 
 American, and entirely different from the Mexican and United States 
 bird, which is more closely allied to the European passerina. Dr. Sclater 
 proposed, in 1857, to separate the North American from the Mexican, 
 under the name of G. calif ornicum. 
 
 I saw the Pyamy Owl several times at Fort Whipple, and secured two 
 specimens, which were fortunately male and female. The peculiarly 
 retiring and unobtrusive habits of the Owls renders them difiicult of 
 observation, and less frequently met with than their numbers would 
 lead us to expect. Judging with due regard for this fact, 1 take it that 
 this bird is common in the wooded regions and mountainous por- 
 tions of Arizona. Une of my specimens was moulting ; the other, taken 
 in winter, was fa. perfect i)lumage. This warrants the belief that the 
 species is resident about Fort Whipple, and that it breeds there, though 
 I was not fortunate enough to discover the nest, which, with the eggs, 
 remains almost unknown, so far as I am aware. It will probably be found 
 to mate and lay very early in the year — in March, if not in February. 
 As a well-known general rule, the Owls breed earlier than most bird's, 
 for some unexplained reason, but probably on account of their nocturnal 
 habits, and the quiet seclusion in hollow trees and other sheltered 
 places, in which most of their time is spent. Eemoved in a great meas- 
 
 Stiniia passerinoides, AuD., Syn. lii'.id, i'i ; B. Am. i, 117, pi. 30. 
 
 Glauddium infuscatum, Cass., 111. 1854, lr"-J. — Nkwb., P. E. E. Eep. vi, 1857, 77 (not of 
 
 Temmiiiek). 
 Glancidium cjnoma, C.vss., Baird's B. N. A. ISS"-'. 62 (not of Vaijler). — Heei;m., P. E. E. 
 Ei-|i. X, 1859, pt. vi, 31.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 158.— Cab., J. 
 f. O. IfGi, 336; Ueb. Berlin, ilus. 1869, 207.— Loed, Intellect. Observer, 1865, 
 409 (biography).— COUES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 50 (Arizona). 
 Glancidium californicum, SCL., P. Z. S. 1857, 4. 
 
 Glaucidium 2><i>ise>'inum var. californicum, EiDGW., apud Cot'E.s, Key, 1872, 206. — ElDGW., 
 Pr. B ^st. Soc. xvi, 1873, 92, 94 (critical examination of all the forms of the 
 genus).- B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 81. 
 Sab. — The true passerinum is European. Var. californicum is from the Western 
 Province of Xorth America. North to Oregon. East to Colorado. South on the table- 
 lands of llexico. I regard it as very probable that the Strix data of Natferer's Mss., 
 which is said by Bonaparte to differ from passerinnm in the greater length of the tail, is 
 really this variety ; for the length of tail is precisely one of the main characters ad- 
 duced by llr. Eidgway in his excellent monograph of the genus. Should this prove to 
 be the case, the bird 'will be known as G. passerinum var. datum. 
 
 The onlj' other North American species of this genus is the following : 
 Glauceditoi ferkugineuji, (Maxim.) Kaup. 
 
 Strix ferruginea, Maxim., Eeise, i, 1820, 105; Beit, iii, 234.— Tamil, P. C. 199. (Identi- 
 fied by Strickland with the Sparrow Owl of L.vth., Gen. Hi.st. i, 373, pi. 17.) 
 Noctua ferruginea, Steph., Gen. Zool. siii, pt. ii, 69. — Less., JIan. i, 111 ; Tr. Orn. 104. — 
 
 Crv., E. A. 2d ed. i, 346.— Tscn., Wiegm. Arch. 1844, 267; Fn. Peru. 19, 117. 
 Surnia ferrugin^, Bp., 0.>spi\-. Cnv. E. A. 56; Isis, 1833, 1053. 
 Athene ferruginea, Gkay, Gen. of B ; Li.st B. Brit. Mus. 92. — Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 38. — 
 
 Strickl., Orn. Syu. 18.j5, 162. 
 Glancidium ferrugineam, Kaup, Mon. Strig. Cont. Orn. 1852, 104. — Bcrm, Th. Bras, ii, 
 141, 146.— Cab., Ueb. Berl. Mus. 1869, 206.— CouEs, Am. Nat. vi, 1872, 370 
 (Arizona, Bendire; first introduction to fauna of United States). — Codes, Key, 
 1872, 206.— EiDGW., Pr. Bost. Soc. xvi, ls73, 100 (critical).— B. B. & E., N. A. 
 B. iii, 1874, 85. 
 Baft.— Eastern South America, and whole of Middle America, to the southern border 
 of the United States. 
 
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PYGMY OWL G. PASSERINUM VAR. CALIFORNICUM. 319 
 
 ure from the effects of sunlight, its vivifying and invigorating influence 
 seems replaced by the analogous effect of the warmth of their accus- 
 tomed haunts, and the same purpose of fostering vitality to be sub- 
 served. Sedentary habits, and luxurious day-dreams iu snug seclusion, 
 may have on these birds the same effect of exciting into early and 
 uncontrollable action certain vital functions, that is known to be pro- 
 duced in our own species by a similar mode of life. 
 
 The brief notice of this species that Dr. Heermann has left is iocorrect 
 in oue portion, for he says that it may sometimes " be caught perched 
 on the branch of a tree, napping, during the day-time." The fact is, that 
 it shows a decided tendency toward diurnal habits, and though thus 
 often found abroad in the daytime, it will not likely be "caught nap- 
 ping." It has appeared to me, in fact, as little inconvenienced by the 
 glare of day as the Burrowing Owl is, and it pursues its insect prey by 
 day as well as by night with activity and success. Dr. Newberry speaks 
 more to the point: "It flies about," he writes, "with great freedom and 
 activity by day, pursuing small birds, upon which it subsists, appar- 
 ently as little "incommoded by the light as they are;" thought I doubt 
 that birds form a great portion of its food. It is so small, aud its rapa- 
 cious powers, if not nature, so limited, that it must confine its pursuit 
 to the most insignificant game. The stomachs of my specimens were 
 found to be filled with fragments of grasshoppers and beetles, some of 
 which were yet scarcely altered by digestion, showing that they must 
 have beeu very recently captured. Each of the birds was killed about 
 noon. The following account of the bird is so good, and agrees so well 
 with my own observations, that I reproduce it from the Natural History 
 of Washington Territory. The first paragraph is by Dr. Cooper, the 
 other by Dr. Suckley : 
 
 "This (the smallest Owl found in the Territory) I have seen only 
 once, though it seems to be not very uncommon. On the 1st of Novem- 
 ber, 1834, I observed it among a flock of Sparrows, which did not seem 
 at all frightened by its presence. For some time I thought it was one 
 of them, though its large head and owl-like flight seemed to me strange. 
 It was plainly diurnal iu habits, not seeming to seek any shelter from 
 the sunshine. Its stomach contained only insects, and it is i^robable 
 that it does not often attack birds." 
 
 " I have obtained two specimens of this Owl at Puget Sound, where 
 it seems to be moderately abundant. It appears to be diurnal in its 
 habits, gliding about in shady situations in pursuit of its prey. I saw a 
 bird of this kind, about midday, iu a shady alder swamp near Nisqually. 
 It flitted noiselessly past me several times, alighting near by, on a small 
 branch, as if to examine the intruder. It seemed quite tame, and en- 
 tirely unsophisticated. I noticed that in flying the tail was kept rather 
 widely spread. Near a small lake in the neighborhood of Fort Steila- 
 cooui I frequently heard the voice of a small Owl, the notes of which 
 were subdued and clear, like the low, soft notes of a flute. As the only 
 small Owl I ever saw in the neighborhood belonged to this s()ecies, it is 
 probable that the sounds heard came from an individual of the kind." 
 
 The last sentence gives the only intimation of the notes of this bird 
 that we have; and, unless the writer was mistaken in his surmise, which 
 is quite possible, it is something new in the history of the family, for no 
 Owl is known to emit sounds at all comparable to the notes of a flute. 
 The Voices of most of these night birds are among the most uncouth, 
 inharmonious, and lugubrious sounds that ever break the stillness of 
 the dark scene. With an average of musical ability that birds are fa- 
 vored with, they compare as the creaking and puffing of disordered 
 
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320 Whitney's owl — miceathene whitneyi. 
 
 organ-bellows to sounds from the keys of the instrument. No wonder 
 that in classic times it was written of Owls : 
 
 "Est illis strigibus nomen ; sed noiiiinis hujus 
 Causa quod borieuda striderc uocte solent ; " 
 
 nor that later and more professedly ornithological observers of nature 
 should have heavily taxed their vocabularies in selection of epithets to 
 express the vocal eccentricities of Owls, not to allude to the liberties 
 that lay writers, whether of prose or verse, have taken, in a sujiersti- 
 tious, legendary mood, with the weird associations of these " monks 
 who cliant midnight mass in the great temple of Nature." 
 
 I am inclined to repeat in this connection a liberal proposition, made 
 by one of the most delightful of writers on birds. In his history of the 
 rapacious birds of Great Britain, Mr. Macgillivray quotes a poetic pas- 
 sage respecting Owls, and adds, in his original way, "the reader may 
 here supply a chapter on superstitions, which the author forgot ! " For 
 the Pygmy Owl, unknown to poetic and legendary fame, living to our 
 remembrance only in times when nature is questioned fearlessly, not 
 tremblingly as of old when ignorance served all purposes, has never been 
 regarded as of weird, uncanny import. Not a single irrational attribute 
 has attached to it ; nor need it be sought in greater obscurity than the 
 shade of its favorite pines. With little experience of man, it has had 
 no opportunity of gaining that sort of wisdom credibly supposed to flow 
 from such contact ; still less has it the supernatural lore attributed to 
 the bird of Minerva. It is a very straightforward, ingenious, unsas- 
 piiious little bird, meddling with no affairs but its own, and innocent 
 enough to expect like treatment from others, expectations, however, not 
 always realized. 
 
 XoTE. — Thiit there may be in future no misunderstanding regarding this Owl, and 
 for the purpose of comparing it with Whitney's, which bears some superficial resem- 
 blance, I give the following concise description, believed to be in every way pertinent. 
 Facial disk imperfect ; no ear-tufts ; tarsi densely leathered to the toes, which are 
 covered with hairs ; claws strong, sharp, much curved ; tail rather long, even : wings 
 luedinui, or rather short; the fourth primary longest ; iris, bright yellow; bill, cere, 
 and feet, dull greenish-yellow; soles, chrome-yellow ; mouth, livid flesh-color; upper 
 parts one shade of dark-brown, everywhere dotted with small circular spots of white ; 
 a collar of mixed blackish-brown and white, around the back of the neck ; breast with 
 a band of mottled-brown, separating the white throat from the white of the rest of 
 the under parts, which all have irregular lengthwise streaks of reddish-brown. Wings 
 and tail dusky-brown ; the -feathers marked on both webs with a row of round white 
 spots, largest on the inner ; under wing-coverts white, crossed obliquely by a blackish 
 bar. Ltiigtli of the male 7.00 inches, or a little less ; extent of wings, 14.50 ; wing, 
 y.7o ; tail, :!.00 ; of the female, length 7.50 ; extent, 15.50, &c. In the female the upper 
 parts are rather lighter, with fewer larger spots, and a nearly obsolete nuchal collar; 
 but both sexes vary in the tint of the upper parts, which ranges from pure deep bro%vn 
 to pale grayish, almost olivaceous brown, probably according to age and season, the 
 newer feathers being darker than they are when old and worn. 
 
 WHITNEY'S OWL *— Miceathene whitneyi, {Cooper), Goues. 
 
 This singular little Owl is one of the most noteworthy and interesting 
 of the many late additions to our knowledge of western birds. Until 
 recently, the last noticed species was properly regarded as the smallest 
 of its family in North America ; but it somewhat surpasses Whitney's 
 in size. The latter is not so long as many of our Sparrows, being the 
 
 * Athene n-hitneiii, Coop., Pr. Cal. Acad. If^Ol, 118 (Fort Moj.ave, Arizona). 
 
 Mia-athene wliiinciii, CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, Sl.^EixiOT, B. N. A. i, p. sxix, 
 
 pi. — . — Coop., B. Cal. i, 1670, 442. — Grays., apud. Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. 
 
 (Socorro).— CouES, Key, 1872, 207.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. iii, 1874. 87. 
 Sab. — Arizona, Southern California, and southward to Sccorro. 
 
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SPEOTYTO CUNICCULARIA VAR. HYPOG^A. 321 
 
 least among our raptorial birds, if not the smallest known Owl. It was 
 discovered at Fort Mojave, in 1860, by Dr. J. G. Cooper, to whose exer- 
 tions in developing the zoology of the West we are so much indebted. 
 We learn from Dr. Cooper's account that it is an arboreal, not a terres- 
 trial species, is partly diurnal, and feeds upon insects. It is probably a 
 rare bird, to judge from its having remained so long undetected. But 
 Mr. A. J. Grayson lately found it on Socoi-ro Island, off the coast of 
 Mexico, while several specimens have been taken in Arizona, by Lieut. 
 C. Bendire, and Mr. ET.'W. Henshaw. The former found it breeding 
 in the hollow of a mezquite stump. 
 
 Note.— As this species is still uot generally known, I deviate from my usual course 
 to present the following description : Bill small and weak, narrow at the base, which 
 is hidden among recurved and closely appressed bristly feathers. Facial disk imper- 
 fect. No ear-tufts. Wings very long, but rounded, the first primary only J the third 
 ■and fourth, which are equal and longest ; second equal to sixth. Tail of moderate 
 length, not graduated ; the reotrioes broad at the tip. Tarsi nearly naked, the feath- 
 ers extending but a little way below the heel-joint ; rest of the tarsus, and the upper 
 surfaces of the toes, sparsely covered with short bristly hairs. Middle toe and claw 
 about as long as the tarsus; hind toe lengthened. Claws remarkably small, weak, 
 and little curved ; hardly more than insessorial, instead of raptorial, in character. The 
 foregoing are rather the generic than the specific characters, and are those ujion which 
 the genus Micrathene was established. It agrees with Athene, to which the bird was 
 referred by its discoverer, in the imperfect disk and mostly naked tarsi ; but is other- 
 wise quite diiferent and more nearly related to Nyctale, Glaucidimn, &c., from which 
 again, it is notably distinct ; nor do I know of any established genus of Owls to which 
 the species could probably be referred. It presents an entirely peculiar combination 
 of characters. The slight claws are an especial feature. The following account of the 
 colors, &c., is compiled from the original description, as the specimen itself is not .at 
 hand at time of writing. Above light brownish-gray, thickly spotted with angular 
 pale brown dots, especially on the crown ; those on the back larger ; back also obso- 
 letely barred with wavy lines of the same color. A concealed white collar on back of 
 neck, forming a bar across the middle of the feathers, which are plumbeous at base 
 and brown at tip. Quills with three to six spots on each web, those of the inner webs 
 white, those of outer web of the fourth, third and second, white, the others brown. 
 A row of white spots on lesser coverts ; four on upper, seven on lower series, with a 
 row of light brown spots between ; outer secondaries with a few white spots ; outer 
 scapulars with a white stripe, edged by pale brown stripes nearer the back ; outer 
 wing-feathers dark brown, with pale, ashy dots near the ends of the secondaries. 
 Eectrices like the primaries, the light spots forming five broken bars and a narrow ter- 
 minal b.ar. Feathers above the eye white," with black spotted shafts ; below it, light 
 brown, obsoletely barred with dark ; bristles at base of bill black on terminal half. Chin 
 and throat white, the lower feathers light brown, the white forming abroad crescent from 
 side to side. Sides of neck narrowly barred with ashy and light and dark brown ; 
 breast imperfectly barred and blotched with the same colors ; toward the abdomen, 
 the brown forming large patches, margined with grey and white. Sides more gravish, 
 tinged with yellowish, the flanks plumbeous; tibiae narrowly barred with light". and 
 dark brown. Tarsal bristles white ; those of the toes yellowish. Bill, pale greeu ; iris, 
 bright yellow. Length, 6.25; extent, 15.25; wing, 4.50; tail, 2.25 ; tarsus, 0.90 ; mid- 
 dle toe and claw, 1.30 ; hind toe and claw, 0.50 ; gape, 0.45 ; height of bill, 0.30 ; width 
 at base, 0.40. 
 
 SPEOTYTO CUNICULARIA var. HYPOG^A, (Bp.) Coues. 
 Burrowing Owl. 
 
 a. cunicularia. 
 
 Stria cunicularia, MoL., Sagg. Stor. Nat. Chili, 1872, 343.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 292.— 
 Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 63 (Noctua coquimbana, Briss., i, 525 ; Coquimbo Owl, 
 Lath., Gen. Syn. i, 145).— Daud., Tr. Orn. ii, 201.— Meyen, N. Act. Leop. Car. 
 xvi, Suppl. 70.— LiCHT., Verz. 59.— Maxim., Beit, iii, 248 ; Eeise, ii, 191, 344. 
 
 Ulula cunicularia, FKVlujt,E, Journ. Obs. Phys. 562. 
 
 J^octua cunicii Jaria, Darw., Journ. Res. 145. — D'Orb., Voy. 128. 
 
 Otus cuniciilaria, Cnv., E6gne Anim. i, 2d ed. 341. 
 
 Surnia cunicularia, Bp., Observ. Cuv. E. A. 50. 
 
 Njjcii-petes cunicularia, Sw., Classif. Birds, ii, 1837, 218. 
 
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322 
 
 SPEOTYTO CUNICULARIA VAR. HYPOG^A. 
 
 Athene cwnicularia, Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 38.— Dahw., Voy. Beagle, iii, 31.— Schomb., Gui- 
 ana, ii, 731.— Bridges, P. Z. S. xi, 109 ; Ann. Nat. Hist, xiii, 50u.— Gray, Geu. 
 of B. 6p. 19; List Br. Mus. 92.— Peaus, U. S. Expl.Ex. 1848,77.— Hartl., Ind. 
 Syst. Azara, 4. 
 
 Pholeoptynx cunicalaria, Kaup, Mon. Strig. Cont. Orn. 1852, 106.— Sci-. & Salv., P. Z. S. 
 1868, 143 (Buenos Ayres). 
 
 Slrix grallaria, Spix, Av. Braz. 1, 21. — Temm., P. C. 146. 
 
 Koctua grallaria, Steph., Gen. Zool. xiii, pt. ii, 67. — Less., Man. i. 111 ; Tr. Orn. 102. 
 
 Koctua urueurea, Less., Tr. Orn. 103. — TscH., Wieg. Arch. 1844, 267 ; Fn. Peru, IIC. 
 
 Athene patagonica, Pealb, U. S. Expl. Exped. 1848, 78. 
 
 b. guadeloupensis. 
 Speotyto cunicularia var. guadeloupensis, Eidgw. — B. B. & E., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 90. 
 
 c. hypogcea. 
 
 Strix cunicularia, ViEiix., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, 48. — Say, Long's Exp. ii, 36, 200. — Bp., 
 Am. Orn. i, 1825, 68, pi. 7, f. 2 ; Syn. 1828, 36.— Nctt., Man. i, 1832, 118.— AuD., 
 Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 264, pi. 432. 
 
 Surnia cimicularia, AvD., Syn. 1839, 23 ; B. Am. i, 1840, 119, pi. 31.— DeKay, N.Y. Zool. ii, 23. 
 
 Athene eumcularia,Bp., List, 1838, 6 (not of Consp.). — Cass., B. N. A. 1858, 60 {nee Mo- 
 lbsta), — Kenjst., p. E. E. Eep. x, 1859, pt. iv, 20. — Heeem., ibid. pt. vi, 33. — 
 Coop. & Sdck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 157.— ICaup, Tr. Z. S. iv, 201.— Canc, 
 Am. Nat. ii, 1869, 583 (biography).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 437. 
 
 TJlula cunicularia, Jabd., ed. Wils. 1832, iii, 325. 
 
 Speotyto cunicularia var. kypogcea, Coties, Key, 207. — B. B. & E., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 90. 
 
 St7-ix hypugcea, Bp., Am. Orn. i, 1825, 72. 
 
 AOiene hypogwa, Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 39 (hypogcea). — Woodh., Sitgr. Eep. 1853, 62 (hypu- 
 gcea). — Cass., 111. 1854, 188 (hypugcea).— Brbw., N. Am. Ool. 1857, 75 (hypugcea).-^ 
 Cass., B. N. A. 1858, 59 (hi/pugcea).—NswB., P. E. E. Eep. vi, 1857, 17.— Coop. 
 & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 157.— Hayd., Eep. 1862, 154 (hypugcea).— 
 Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 448 {hypuga;a).—'ST-EV., XJ. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 462 
 (hypugaa). — Merr., iUd. 1872, 696 {hypugcea). — Allex, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 
 lyo (Kansas and Utah). — Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 2 {hypugcea). — Hold., Pr. Best. 
 Soc. 1872, 208 {hypugcea). 
 
 Athene (Speotyto) hypogwa. Gray, Hand-list, i, 1869, 43, No. 437. 
 
 Strix, cdlifornica, AuD., Orn. Biog. pi. 432 (name on plate). 
 
 Athene socialis, Game., Pr. Phila. Acad, iii, 1846, 47.— ScL., P. Z. S. 1857, 201 (Xalapa).— 
 Dress., Ibis, 1865, 330 (Texas). 
 
 NoTE.^As the older authors generally made no distinction of the races, the term 
 cunicularia includes all, in most cases. 
 
 Sal). — The true cunicularia is South American ; var. guadeloupensis is considered by Mr. 
 Eidgway as a local form, of Guadeloupe. A'ar. hypogcea is the North American form, 
 occurring in open places in the United States west of the Mississippi, and in Middle 
 America. In addition. Gray gives Antillean forms of Speotyto under the names of do- 
 mingensis. Mull, (dominicensis, G-m.),a,QAfusca, Vieill.; the latter is, however, an entirely 
 different bird, while the former is scarcely identifiable. 
 
 
 
 
 lAst of specimens 
 
 
 
 
 
 19132 
 19133 
 
 163 
 192 
 
 Powder River. . 
 Tongue Eiver. . 
 
 5 
 
 Sept. 13, 1859 
 
 G. H. Trook.. 
 do 
 
 9.00 
 9.50 
 
 23.50 
 
 25.00 
 
 7.00 
 7.00 
 
 
 
 Lieutenant JVarren's Expedition. — 5182-84, Fort Pierre ; 9965, Running Water; 9066-67, 
 Loup Fork of Platte. 
 
 Zater ^xpedJttons.— 54300-01, 60090, 60342-47, Wyoming; 59843, Soda Springs, Col- 
 orado; 60634-36, Big Sandy Creek; 61637, Utah; 61761-64, Idaho. 
 
 After examination of many Burrowing Owls from all parts of the West, in the field 
 as well as in the closet, I am of the decided opinion that the differences alleged to 
 exist between the birds of opposite sides of the Rocky Mountains have no foundation in 
 fact. The ascribed distinctions fall largely within the limit of individual variation, 
 and may be observed in any sufficient series of specimens from a single locality. Nor 
 am I, indeed, fully satisfied of the necessity of separating the North from the South 
 American bird, although in view of some slight average distinctions they may be held, 
 conventionally at any rate, as climatic races. 
 
 The Burrowing Owl is the only bird of its family inhabiting, in any 
 numbers, the entirely treeless regions of the West, and may be consid- 
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SPEOTYTO CUNICULARIA VAR. HYPOG^A. 323 
 
 ered characteristic of the plains. Wherever it can find shelter in the 
 holes of such animals as wolves, foxes, and badgers, and especially of 
 the various species of marmot squirrels, there it is fouud in abundance; 
 and iu not a few instances small colonies are observed living apart from 
 their ordinary associates, in holes apparently dug by themselves. They 
 constitute a notable exception to the general rule of arboricole habits 
 in this family, beiiig specially fitted by their conformation for the sub- 
 terranean mode of life for which they are designed, and are further- 
 more exceptional in their gregarious disposition, here carried to the ex- 
 treme. The diffusion of the species in the West is so general that there 
 is little occasion to mention particular localities. They are met with iu 
 suitable situations throughout nearly all the Missouri region, except the 
 easternmost, and are especially abundant to the south and west. The 
 most eastern point 1 have found them was a little beyond Fort Riley, in 
 Kansas; they were observed in great numbers thence to and along the 
 Arkansas River. I saw them near Fort Wingate, in New Mexico. 
 They occur in various parts of Arizona, living with the western spermo- 
 phile, Gynomys var. gunnisoni, and on the coastof Southern California I 
 found them plentiful in the burrows of SpennopJiUu^ heecheyi, which are 
 numerous on the plain that stretches from Los Angeles to the seashore. 
 In the northwest. Dr. Hayden remarks, he does not remember to have 
 ever seen a prairie-dog village that was not inhabited by one or more 
 pairs of the birds. Southward they extend into Mexico; to the north 
 I am not aware that they have been observed beyond the United 
 States border, and I saw none along the northern boundary of Dakota. 
 But Dr. Suckley found them at Fort Benton, at the head of navigation 
 ou the Missouri, and, with Dr. Cooper, in Oregon and Washington Terri- 
 tories. In further illustration of their distribution, I insert the following 
 communication from Mr. Allen, which also contains some interesting 
 biographical items: 
 
 '' We found the Burrowing Owl a more or less frequent inhabitant of 
 the prairie-dog "towns," from Middle Kansas westward to the base of 
 the mountains in Colorado, and in Southern Wyoming; also in the 
 Great Salt Lake Valley, in Utah, where they occupied the deserted 
 holes of badgers and coyotes in the absence of thote of prairie-dogs. 
 Contrary to the experience of Townsend and Say, we found them usually 
 wary and difficult to approach, and, when once fully aroused, they were 
 almost sure to keep out of reach. Occasionally, however, they showed but 
 little timidity. They appear to live in small colonies of several pairs, 
 these colonies being generally quite widely separated. We often trav- 
 eled a whole day on the plains, passing most of the time through a suc- 
 cession of prairie-dog villages, without perceiving any indication of the 
 presence of the Owls. In twice crossing South Park we saw none what- 
 ever, and in a journey thence eastward over the mountains to Colorado 
 City, -we met with the Owls but once or twice, although the western prairie- 
 dog {Gynomys xnv. gunnisoni) occurred in abundance. Though a wide- 
 ranging species, they appear to be quite locally distributed, by no means 
 inhabiting all the prairie-dog villages, as some writers have rather con- 
 fidently affirmed. Mr. Townsend says that 'the Indians assert, with 
 great confidence, that it retires into its burrow and spends the winter 
 in a torpid state.' I found, however, both the prairie-dogs and the Bur- 
 rowing Owls abroad and very active ou pleasant days in December and 
 January, on the plains of Western Kansas, although the temperature 
 often fell nearly to zero (Fahrenheit) during the nights following. I 
 was also assured by old residents of the plains that both these animals 
 
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324 SPEOTYTO CUNICULAEIA VAR. HYPOG^A. 
 
 are frequently seen ji.broacl during pleasant weather throughout the 
 winter." 
 
 Having been noticed by the earlier writers in special connection with 
 the singular settlements of the prairie-dog {Cynomys ludovicianus), and 
 the life relations of the two creatures being really intimate in very 
 many localities, an almost inseparable association of ideas has been 
 brought about, which is only partly true; and it was a long time before 
 the whole truth in the case became apparent. When competent ob- 
 servers, familiar with the animals, disagree, as they have, respecting 
 the kind and degree of relation between the bird and the mammals, we 
 need not be surprised at conflict of opinion in the books of nataralists 
 Vv'ho never saw either of them alive. The case is further complicated by 
 tiie introduction of the rattlesnakes ; and no little pure bosh is in type 
 respecting the harmonious and contidential relations imagined to sub- 
 sist between the trio, which, like the "happy family" of Bariium, lead 
 Utopian existences. According to the dense bathos of such nursery 
 tales, in this underground Elysium the snakes give their rattles to the 
 puppies to play with, the old dogs cuddle the Owlets, and farm out their 
 own litters to the grave and careful birds; when an Owl and a dog come 
 home, paw-in-wing, they are often mistaken by their respective j)rogeny, 
 the little dogs nosing the Owls in search of the maternal font, and the 
 old dogs left to wonder why the baby Owls will not nurse. It is a pity 
 to spoil a good story for the sake of a few facts, but as the case stands, 
 it would be well for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals 
 to take it up. First, as to the reptiles, it may be observed that they are 
 like other rattlesnakes, dangerous, venomous creatures ; they have no 
 business in the burrows, and are alter no good when they do enter. 
 They wriggle into the holes, partly because there is no other place for 
 them to crawl into on the bare, flat plain, and partly in search of Owls' 
 eggs, Owlets, and puppies, to eat. Next, the Owls themselves are simply 
 attracted to the villages of prairie-dogs as the most convenient places 
 for shelter and nidification. where they find eligible ready-made burrows, 
 and are spared the trouble of digging for themselves. Community of 
 iuterest makes them gregarious to an extent unusual among rapacious 
 birds ; while the exigencies of life on the plains cast their lot with the 
 rodents. That the Owls live at ease in the settlements, and on familiar 
 terms with their four-footed neighbors, is an undoubted fact; but that 
 they inhabit the same burrows, or have any intimate domi rtic relations, 
 is quite another thing. It is no proof that the quadruped c>nd the birds 
 live together, that they are often seen to scuttle at each other's heels 
 into the same hole when alarmed ; for in such a case the two simply 
 seek the nearest shelter, independently of each other. The probability 
 is, that young dogs often furnish a meal to the Owls, and that, in return, 
 the latter are often robbed of their eggs ; while certainly the young of 
 both, and the Owls' eggs, are eaten by the snakes. In the larger settle- 
 ments there are thousands upon thousands of burrows, many occupied 
 by the dogs, but more, perhaps, vacant. These latter are the homes of 
 the Owls. Moreover, the ground below "is honey-combed with commu- 
 nicating passages, leading in every direction. If the underground plan 
 could be mapped, it would resemble the city of Boston, with its tortuous 
 and devious streets. The dogs are continually busy iu fair weather in 
 repairing and extending their establishments ; the main entrances may 
 be compared to the stump of a hollow tree, the interior of which com- 
 municates with many hollow branches that moreover intersect, these 
 passages finally ending in little pockets, the real home of the animals. 
 It is quite possible t%^)^g^pe|5)5^^i§/^®ats of a dog and an Owl 
 
SPEOTYTO CUNICULAEIA VAR. HYPOG^A. 325 
 
 may have but one vestibule, but even this does not imply that they nest 
 together. It is strong evidence in point, that usually there are the 
 fewest Owls in the towns most densely populated by the dogs, and con- 
 versely. Scarcity of food, of water, or some obscure cause, often makes 
 the dogs emigrate from one locality to another; it is in such "deserted 
 villages" that the Owls are usually seen in the greatest numbers. I have 
 never seen them so numerous as in places where there were plesitj' of 
 holes, but where scarcely a stray dog remained. 
 
 As already intimated, the Owls are by no means confined to the dog- 
 towns, nor even to the similar communities of other gregarious spermo- 
 philes. They sometimes occupy the underground dens of wolves, foxes, 
 and badgers. In South America, the representative race lives among the 
 bizcachas {Lagostomus frkliodaciyluH) that inhabit the Pampas. Ou 
 some occasions the birds have been found alone, residing apparently in 
 burrows excavated by themselves, as aheady stated. They are by no 
 means nocturnal; able to endure the sunlight without inconvenience, 
 they may be observed abroad at all hours. It has been stated that, in 
 the autumn, at the approach of cold weatlier, they retire into their bur- 
 rows to hybernate — a fable matching the one that ascribes to Swallows 
 the habit of diving into the mud to pass the winter in repose along with 
 torpid frogs. In most localities the birds are abroad the year round ; 
 their disappearance, in inclement regions, is accomplished, if at all, by 
 ordinary migration. In California I saw them, bright and lively as 
 crickets, in November. 
 
 I never undertook to unearth the nest of a Burrowing Owl, but others 
 have been more zealous in the pursuit of knowledge under difSculties. 
 Dr. Cooper says that he once dug two fresh eggs out of a burrow, which 
 he followed down for three feet, and then traced five feet horizontally, 
 at the end of which he found an enlarged chamber, where the eggs were 
 deposited on a few feathers. In his interesting note in the American Nat- 
 uralist, Dr. 0. S. Oanfield gives a more explicit account of the nesting: 
 "I once took pains to dig out a nest of the Athene cunicularia. I found 
 that the burrow was about lour feet long, and the nest was only about 
 two feet from the surface of the ground. The nest was made in a cavity 
 of the ground, of about a foot m diameter, well filled with dry, sott 
 horse-dung, bits of an old blanket, and far of a coyot6 [Canis Intruns) 
 that I had killed a few days before. One of the parent birds wAs on 
 the nest, and I captured it. It had no intention of leaving the nest, 
 even when entirely uncovered with the shovel and exposed to the open 
 air. It fought bravely with beak and claws. I found seven young ones, 
 perhaps eight or ten days old, well covered with down, but Avithout any 
 feathers. The whole nest, as well as the birds (old and young), swarmed 
 with fleas. It was the filthiest nest I ever saw. In the passage leading 
 to it there were small scraps of dead animals, such as pieces of the skin 
 of the antelope, half dried and half putrifled; the skin of the coyote, 
 &c. ; and near the nest were the remains of a snake that I had killed 
 two days before, a large Coluber ? two feet long. The birds had begun 
 at the snake's head, and had picked off the flesh clean from the vertebrae 
 and ribs for about one-half its length ; the other half of the snake was 
 entire. The material on which the young birds rested was at least three 
 inches deep. * * * * There are very few birds that carry more 
 rubbish into the nest than the Athene; and even the Vultures are not 
 much more filthy. I am satisfied that the A. cunicularia lays a. larger 
 number of eggs than is attributed to it in Dr. Brewer's book (four). I 
 have frequently seen, late in the season, six, seven, or eight young birds 
 standing around the mouth of a burrow, isolated from others in such a 
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326 SPEOTYTO CUNICULAEIA VAE. HYPOGiEA. 
 
 manner that I could not suppose that they belonged to two or more 
 families." 
 
 The same writer has some further remarks, so strongly corroborative 
 of what has preceded, that I will quote his words again. Speaking of 
 the hundreds, perhaps thousands, of the birds he had seen in Galifornia, 
 he continues : " Where I have seen them, they always live in the Je 
 serted or unoccupied burrows of the ground squirrel (SpermopMJua 
 heecheyi). I came to the conclusion that they were able to drive out the 
 SpermopJiiles from their habitations, but I am not certain of this. It is 
 true that there were, in that region, a large number of unoccupied 
 burrows wherever there was a colony of Spermophlles ; so that there 
 was no lack of unoccupied habitations for the Owls to take possession 
 of. But I have noticed that wherever there was a large number of the 
 Owls, very few or no SperviopMles lived. One or ttco Owls would occa- 
 sionally be seen among a colony of SpermopMles ; but they never ap- 
 pea):'ed to enter the same hole or burrow with a squirrel, and I have 
 never seen a squirrel enter a burrow that was occupied by Owls, how- 
 ever much tempted by fear he might be to enter the first hole he should 
 come to. True, the Spermophile never likes to enter any burrow but his 
 own, and will run past any number of inviting entrances, in order that 
 he may at last hide himself iu his own domicile. But aside from this, 
 I believe that the squirrels are afraid of the Owls, and do not dare to 
 intrude upou them." 
 
 The notes of the Burrowing Owl are peculiar. The birds do not 
 " hoot," nor is there anything lugubrious or foreboding in their cry. 
 Sometime they chuckle, chatter, and squeal in an odd way, as if they 
 had caught a habit of barking from the "dogs" they live with, and 
 were trying to imitate the sound. But their natural cry is curiously 
 similar to that of the Rain Ciow, or Cuckoo of America — so much so, 
 that more than one observer has been deceived. They scream hoarsely 
 when wounded and caught, though this is but seldom, since, if any life 
 remains, they scramble quickly into a hole and are not easy to recover. 
 The flight is perfectly noiseless, like that of other Owls, owing to the 
 peculiar downy texture of the plumage. By day they seldom fly far 
 from the entrance of their burrow, and rarely, if ever, mount in the air. 
 1 never saw one on wing more than a few moments at a time, just long 
 enough for it to pass from one hillock to another, as it does by skimming 
 low over the surface of the ground in a rajtid, easy, and rather graceful 
 maune*. They live chiefly upon insects, especially grasshoppers; they 
 also feed upon lizards, as I once determined by dissection, and there is 
 no doubt that young prairie-dogs furnish them many a meal. Under 
 ordinary circumstances they are not very shy or difficult to procure ; 1 
 once secured several specimens, in a few minutes, and, I fear, left some 
 others to languish and die iu their holes. As commonly observed, 
 perched on one of the innumerable little eminences that mark a dog- 
 town, amid their curious surroundings, they present a spectacle not 
 easily forgotten. Their figure is peculiar, with their long legs and short 
 tail; the element of the grotesque is never wanting; it is hard to say 
 whether they look most ludicrous as they stand stiffly erect and motion- 
 less, or when they suddenly turn tail to duck into the hole, or when 
 engaged in their various antics. Bolt upright, ou what may be imagined 
 their rostrum, they gaze about with a bland and self-satisfied, but earn- 
 est air, as if about to address an audience upon a subject of great pith 
 and moment. They suddenly bow low, with profound gra\ity, and rising 
 as abruptly, they begin to twitch their face and roll their eyes about in 
 the most mysterious manuerj gesti^lating^wildly, every now and then 
 
CIRCUS CYANEUS VAE. HUDSONIUS, MAESH HAWK. 327 
 
 bending forward till the breast almost touches the ground, to propound 
 the argument with more telling effect. Then they face about to address 
 the rear, that all may alike feel the force of their logic; they draw them- 
 selves up to their fullest height, outwardly calm and self-contaiued, 
 pausing in the discourse to note its effect upon the audience, and collect 
 their wits for the next rhetorical flourish. And no distant likeness be- 
 tween these frothy orators and others is found in the celerity with 
 which they subside ^nd seek their holes on the slightest intimation of 
 danger. 
 
 [Note. — The foregoing pages include all the species of Strigidw at present known to 
 inh.abit North Aiperica, north of Mexico.] 
 
 Family FALCONID^ : Diurnal Birds of Prey. 
 
 CIEOUS OYANBUS var. HUDSONIUS, (Linn.) Schl 
 Marsh Hawk; Harrier. 
 
 a. cyaneus. 
 
 Falco cj/aveus, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 126 (Accipiter mn-ulcus, Edw., v, 33, pi. 225).— 
 Eetz, Fn. Suec. 64.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 276.— Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 39.— 
 Daud., Tr. Orn. ii, 1800, 174.— Shaw, Gen. Zool. vii, 163.— Temm., Man. Orn. 
 1815, 26 ; and of earlier authors generally. 
 Circus cyantiis, BoiE, Isis, 1822, 549: 1828, 306.— Less., Man. i, 105.— Feem., Br. An. 
 53.— Macgil., Rap. Br. B. 298 ; Hist. Br. B. iii, 366.- Keys &. Blas., Wirb. Eur. 
 1840, 31.— Schl., Rev. Grit. 1844, 6.— Gray, Gpu. of B. i, 32, pi. 11, f. 1.— Gould, 
 B. Eur. pi. 33.— Breioi, V. D. 93 ; Isis, 1832, 839 ; and of late authors generally. 
 Circus (Strigiceps) cijaneys; Kaup, Mus. St-uck. 1845, 258.— Geay, List Br. B. 1863, 17. 
 JBiiieo cyancns, .Jenyns, Man. Brit. Vert. An. 89. 
 SMglccps cyaneus, Bp., Cousp. Av. i, 1850, 35. 
 
 Falco pygargus, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 126 (Pygargus Antiq. ; Ace. falco torquatus, 
 Briss., i, 345).— Eetz., Fn. Suec. 65.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 227.— Lath., Ind. 
 Orn. i, 1790, 39.— Nauji., V. D. i, 1822, 391, pi. 38, 39 ; and of many authors. . 
 Circus pygargus, Cuv., E. A. i, 1817, 324.— Steph., Shaw's G. Z. xiii, pt. ii, 41.— Eyt., 
 
 Oat. Br. B. 5.— Sw., Olassif B. ii, 1837, 212. 
 Strigiceps pygargzis, Bp., List, 1838, 5. 
 
 Falco macro'urus, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 269.— Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 29 (based on 
 Accipiter macrourus, S. G. Gsi., It. i, 48 ; N. C. Petrop. sv, 439, pi. 8 ; Lepech., 
 It. i, 59).— Daud., Tr. Orn. ii, 1800, SO.— SriAW, G. Z. vii, 160 (Striclcland). 
 Falco griseus, Gil., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 275.— Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 37.— Daud., Tr. Orn. 
 
 ii, 1800, 114. 
 Falco albicans, Gji., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 276.— Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 38 (based on Ace. 
 
 laniarius albicans, Briss., i, 367). 
 Falco montanus /3, Gii., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 278.— Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 48 (based on 
 
 Aec. falco vwntanus cinereus, Beiss., i, 355). 
 Falco boliemicus, G.M., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 279.— Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 43. 
 Falco eine)-eus, PosEG., It. 29. 
 Falco rubiginosus, PosEG., It. 29.— Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 27.— Daud., Tr. Orn. ii, 1800 
 
 167.— Shaw, G. Z. vii, 170. 
 Falco ranivorm, Lath., Ind. Orn. Snppl. ii, 7 {Striclcland). 
 Falco strigiceps, NiLSS., Orn. Suec. i, 21. 
 Circus gallinarius. Save, Descr. Egyp. i, 91.— Less., Tr. Orn. 84.— Vieill., Nouv. Diet 
 
 d'Hist. Nat. iv, 459; Fn. Franf. 26, pi. ii, f. 1,2. 
 Circus variegatus, Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. iv, 466 ; Enc. Meth. iii, 1216. 
 Circus agithus, Leach, Cat. 1816, 9. 
 Circus cinereus, Brehm, V. D. 94 ; Isis, 1832, 843. 
 Accipiter variabilis, Pall., Zoog. E. A. i, 364. 
 Pygargus dispar, Koch., Syst. Baier. Zool. 128. 
 
 b. hudsonius. 
 
 Falco hudsonius, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 128 (Pygargus canadensis, Edw., 107 ; Accipiter 
 freti-hndsonis, Briss., vi, App. 18).^Gm., i, 1788, 277.— D.iUD., Tr. Orn. ii, 173.— 
 Shaw, Gen. -Zool. vii, 165 
 
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328 CIKCUS CYANEUS VAR. HUDSONIUS, MAHSH HAWK. 
 
 Cirmis hudsonius, A^ieill., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, 36, pi. 9.— Cass., 111.1,1854,108.— 
 
 Brew., N. A. 061. 1857, 42.— Cass., B. N. A. 1858, 38.— Newb., P. K. R. Kep. vi, 
 
 1857, 74.— Kenx., ibid, x, 1859, pt. iv, 19.— Heerm., ihid. pt. vi, 33.— Coop. >i; 
 
 SUCB., ibid, xii, 1859, 150.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 153.- CouES, Pr. Pbila. Acad. 
 
 1866, 49.— EiDGW., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1870, 141.— Sti;v.. U. S. Geol. Surv. Tei . 
 
 1870,462.— Meer., ibid. 1672, 6?:^.— Sxow, B. Kaus. 1873, 2 ; and of most authors. 
 Ch-cus {Sirigiceps) hudsonius, Gray, Hand-list, i, 1869, 37, No. 365. 
 Strigiceps hudsonius, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 35. 
 Falco uliginosxis, G-M., Syst. Nat. i, 1768, 278.— Lath., lud. Oru. i, 1790, 40.— DAUD.,Tr. 
 
 Orn. ii, 1800, '173.— S.VB., App. Prauk. Jouru. 671.— WiLS., Am. OrD. vi, 1612, 
 
 67, pi. 51, f. 2 {Jilarsh Mau'l; Edw., pi. 291 ; Arct. Zool. ii. No. 105 ; Gen. Syn. i, 90). 
 Circus uliginosus, Vieill., Ois. Atu. Sept. 1, 1607, 37.— DeK.vy, N. Y. Zool. ii, 20, pi. 3, f. 6,7. 
 Circus (Sirif/iceps) uliginosus, Kaup, Mus. Seuck. 1845, 258. 
 Strigiceps uiiginosus, Bp., List, 1838, 5. — Kaup, Men. Falc. Cont. Orn. 1650, 58. 
 Falco variegatus, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1768, 276. 
 Circus variegatus, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1607, 37. 
 Falco albidus, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 276. 
 
 Falco Imffonii, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 277.— Daud., Tr. Orn. ii, 172. 
 Falco ct/aneua, vars. S et y. Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 40. 
 Falco glaucus, sub-coeruleus, et ranivorus, Bartr., Trav. 1791, 290. 
 Falco europogistus, Bosc. — Daud., Tr. Oru. ii, 1800, 110. 
 Circus europogistus,YrErL\.., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1607, 36, pi. 8. 
 Falco hgemalis var., Lath., Ind. Orn. Suppl. 8 (SIricliland). 
 Falco a'ruginosus var., Shaw, Gen. Zool. vii, 117 (Strickland). 
 Falco picaius, Siiaw, Gen. Zool. vii, 167 {Strickland). 
 Falco ccesius, Ord, Guthrie's Gsog. 2d Am. ed. 315, 
 Falco cyancus, Bp., Am. Orn. ii, 30, pi. 12 ; Syn. 1828, 3;i, sp. No. 22 : Isis, 1832, 1038.— 
 
 NUTT., Man. i, 16:;;!, 109.— AuD., Om. Biog. iv, 1638, 396, pi. 356.— Peab., Rep. 
 
 Orn. Mass. 1639, 62. 
 Circus cyaneus, AuD., Syn. 1839, 19.— AuD., B. Am. i, 1840, 105, pi. 26.— Gm., B. L. L 
 
 1844, 21.— WOODII., Sitgr. Rep. 1653, 61. 
 Buteo (Circus) cyaneus? var. .' americanus, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 55, pi. 29. 
 Circus cyaneus hudsovius, Schl., M. P.-B. 1862, Circi, p. 2. 
 Circus cyaneus var. hudsonius, Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1672, 181. — CouES, Key, 1872,210, 
 
 fig. 159.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 214. 
 
 c. cinereus. 
 
 Circus cinereus, Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. iv, 1616, 454; Enc. Meth. iii, 1213.— 
 
 Darw., Vov. Bcag. iii, .30. — D'Okbig., Syn. Av. Mag. Zool. 1837; Voy. Am. 
 
 Merid. 110.— Bridge.'^, P. Z. S. is, 109; Ann. Nat. Hist, xiii, 500.— Gray, Gen. 
 
 of B. ; List B. Br. Mus. cO.— Stuickl., Orn. Syn. 1655, 254. 
 Circus cyaneus var, cinrreus, Eidgw. — B. B. & E., N. A. B. iii, 1674, 214. 
 Circus compestris, Vieill., Enc. Metb. iii, 1213. 
 Circus histrionicus, QuoY, Zool. Journ. ii, 271.— KisG, iftW. 425; Isis, 1830, 1182 ; Voy. 
 
 Beag. i, 532.— Less., Tr. Orn. 85. 
 Falco histrionicus, QuoY, Voy. Uranie, 93, pi. 15, 16. ' 
 
 Strigiceps histrionicus, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 35. 
 Spiziacircus histrionicus, KxL'P, Mon. Falc. Cont. Orn. 1850, 59. 
 
 Sab. — Enrope, Asia. Var. hudsonicus throughout North America. Var. cinereus in 
 South America. 
 
 List of specimens. 
 
 19121- 
 19122 
 
 160 
 
 161 
 
 E.F'k. Tongue E. 
 
 Sept. 15, .1659 
 
 G. H. Trook. 
 do 
 
 18.00 
 22.00 
 
 41,00 
 43.50 
 
 14.00 
 15.50 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 5160, Cedar Island; 5101, Fort Eandall, Dakota; 
 5162, Eunning Water. 
 
 Later Expeditions. — 59811, Colorado ; 60339-41, Wyoming; 60625, Uintah Mountains; 
 60626-7, North Platte Eiver ; 62237, Idaho. 
 
 With this species I begin an account of our diurnal Beptores that 
 might be indefinitely prolonged were I disposed to enlarge upon " natu 
 ral aftinities" at the reader's expense. Mr. William Swainson, an ingen- 
 ious and not entirely unimaginative writer, who entertained iieculiar 
 ideas and was not fastidious in choosing the means to uphold thera, 
 found the Marsh Hawk a more attractive, if not a more profitable, sub-" 
 
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CIRCUS CYANEUS VAR, HUDSONIUS, MARSH HAWK. 329 
 
 ject of speciulation than we are now likely to discover it to be. Since 
 mere opinions in such cases usually seem more valuable to theiy au- 
 thors than others find them, it is the more to be regretted that siience 
 requires us to disagree with the wit who met the objection that facts 
 did not support his theory, by remarking, so much the worse for the 
 facts. So far from agreeing respectiug the natural affinities of the 
 Marsh Hawk, ornithologists have not succeeded in agreeing upon a 
 name for it. If one will collate the synonyms of the species, he must be 
 prepared to contemplate a great license ornithology has taken iu the 
 manufacture of nominal species. Ornithology wears a histrionic mask, 
 never wholly laid aside ; and has its comic aspect, which becomes promi- 
 nent when we see what is often said about birds — how many parts they 
 are made to play in books, for which nature never designed them, 
 when we note their appearance in different characters at the hands of 
 successive literary costumers. After the play of birds, to which authors 
 invite us, is over, it is well, sometimes, to go into the woods and fields 
 with the birds, and see how they look with their dominos off. 
 
 It is sufflcieut for my present purpose to state, that the Marsh Hawk 
 combines, to a notable degree, the characters of several raptoriiil types, 
 being, in particular, a link between Hawks and Owls ; and that our 
 bird is a geographical variety of the European. These facts established, 
 the theories that might be based ui)OU them may be disregarded. 
 Audubon's j.late is a good portrait of the bird. It has a queer owlish 
 physiognomy, produced by the shape of the head, and especially by the 
 ruff of modified feathers, which, in its higher development, is character- 
 istic of the Strigidce. This analogy is strengthened by a peculiar soft 
 texture of the plumage. Yet the bird is not in the least degree noctur- 
 nal, as some of the Buzzards are to a certain extent. In its general 
 habits and structure, the Harrier is allied to ordinary Buzzards ; yet its 
 long wings and tail are nearer those of Hawks of the genus Accijuter, 
 birds whose spirit, however, it lacks. Its changes of plumage and sex- 
 ual differences are peculiar. It differs from most Hawks in its mode of 
 nesting. Briefly, then, birds of the genus Circus look like Owls, behave 
 like Buzzards, nest like Vultures, and change color like no other birds 
 of the group to which they belong. 
 
 The terrestrial nidiflcatiou of this bird, in which it stands apart from 
 its kind and approaches the Cathartes, is well known ; but accounts of 
 the nesting are at variance in detail. Some say that the nest is built 
 of "sticks, reeds, straw, leaves, and similar materials heaped together, 
 and is lined with feathers, hair, or other soft substances" — a statement 
 too comprehensive to be successfully attacked. Such a nest would be 
 so comfortable that it is a wonder the birds have not the good taste to 
 use it. It has been said, again, that the only materials used " were 
 dried grasses, which were woven together rather neatly." To this state- 
 ment exception is taken by a writer whose science is better than his 
 grammar, in this wise : " I should doubt the power they possess in so 
 combining the materials of their nest as to cause them to appear to be 
 woven. In many instances they merely trample down the grass iu the 
 meadow, and luy their eggs on the bare turf; and when they pretend 
 to build a nest, it will not compare in architecture with that of the com- 
 mon hen." This is rather severe on the Marsh Hav,k, though probably 
 true. But Audubon speaks of a nest that he saw : " It was made of dry 
 grass, * * * * pretty regularly and compactly disposed, especially 
 in the interior,' on which much care appeared to be bestowed. No 
 feathers or other materials had been used in its construction, not even 
 a twig." This account of Audubon's applies very nearly to the only 
 
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obV CIRCUS CYANEUS VAE. HUDSONIUS, MARSH HAWK. 
 
 nest of the Marsh Hawk I ever discovered myself — one that I found at 
 Pembina, Dakota, June 3, 1873. It was on the ground, in the midst of 
 a large patch of wild roses, near the border of the woods along the 
 river. There was no depression of the ground; the cavity of the nest 
 was slight ; its diameter, about twelve inches ; its height, about three 
 inches. The base was a few rose-bush twigs, upon which rested a mass 
 of dried grasses, rather neatly and for the most part circularly dis- 
 posed ; there was no special lining whatever. The eggs are variously 
 rated by writers from three to sis in number. In this instance there 
 were five, slightly incubated at the date mentioned. Four or five ap- 
 pears to be the ordinary number. The eggs are broadly oval, and 
 nearlv equal in contour at both ends. My specimens measured as fol- 
 lows: 1.87 by 1.45; 1.86 by 1.45; 1.82 by 1.44; 1.80 by 1.45; 1.80 by 1.42. 
 They were dull white, with the faintest possible greenish shade; there 
 were no evident spots, but much mechanical soiling. In numerous 
 other specimens I have examined, the bluish or greenish shade is much 
 stronger; and, authors to the contrary notwithstanding, some sets dis- 
 play markings, often pale and obscure it is true, but too evident to be 
 easily overlooked. These consist of irregular surface-markings, in small 
 spots and larger blotches, of pale brown, with other shell-spots of lilac, 
 lavender, or pale neutral tint. In this wide range of variation, eggs 
 from the same nest not seldom differ, though any one clutch is usually 
 much the same throughout. I have seen much smaller eggs than those 
 the measurements of which are above given. 
 
 In the case just given, I had seen the pair of birds for several days, 
 but could not trace them .to their nest; at length, however, T stumbled 
 upon it by accident ; the female was setting, and did not fly up until I 
 was within a few feet of her, my approach being hidden by the bushes. 
 She flew hurriedly away, with loud cries, which soon brought the male; 
 and the pair circled for some minutes overhead. The male was quite 
 shy and perfectly mute ; the female, on the contrary, circled close over- 
 head, and continually uttered a harsh note. I contented mj'self with 
 securing the nest and eggs, not caring to take the life of the devoted 
 mother. The same season I almost constantly saw Marsh Hawks 
 throughout Northern Dakota; they were the most abundant and uni- 
 versally distributed of all the rapacious birds. In July, at Turtle 
 Mountain, several pairs had bred in the vicinity of one of our camps; 
 and on one occasion I secured a family of five, newly on wing — the male 
 alone escaping. Here, as elsewhere, the brown birds are much more 
 numerous than those in blue plumage; in fact, I saw scarcely a dozen 
 of the latter during the whole season. These Ijirds showed little of the 
 wariness most Hawks display, and almost any number could have been 
 secured. The craws of those examined contained insects, especially 
 grasshoppers, with remains of small quadrupeds and reptiles. 
 
 The geographical distribution of the North American Marsh Hawk is 
 coextensive with the continent. In most localities it is one of the most 
 abundant representatives of the family, and may be seen the whole 
 year. But it is, at least partially, migratory; that is to say, the same 
 individuals do not reside permanently in all localities, nor even in those 
 where the bird, as a species, is seen at all seasons. In general, the ma- 
 jority of individuals are bred further north than those places where they 
 reside most of the year ; and the further south we proceed, the fewer 
 birds are found during the summer. In most imrts of British America, 
 over the vast extent of which the bird ranges, it is stated that it is seen 
 during only a portion of the year, when the food supply is assured. 
 
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CIRCUS CYANEUS VAK. HUDSONIUS, MAESH HAWK. 331 
 
 The presence of water seems a necessary condition of its existence. 
 Along the Missouri Eiver it is the most abundant of the Hawlis, not 
 even excepting the Sparrow Hawk. I tools numerous individuals at 
 Fort Randall. On the coast of the Garolinas, over the salt-marshes, I 
 found it more plentiful than all other Hawks together. In traveling by 
 rail through the flat, fertile, and well-watered districts of Minnesota and 
 Iowa, in October, I was surprised at the number of these birds I saw; 
 they were almost continually in view, and sometimes several would be 
 seen at a time circling over the prairie, almost as if hunting in jiacks. 
 The bird may be recognized at any reasonable distance bj' its peculiar 
 configuration, produced by the length of the wings and tail, its easy 
 sailing flight, the singular bluish and white coloration of the adult male, 
 and the conspicuous white patch on the root of the tail of the female 
 and young. Probably none of our Hawks can be called properly gre- 
 garious, but the Marsh Hawk comes the nearest to being so ; the young 
 are said to hunt for some time in company, a statement that my ob- 
 servations probably confirm. When mated, the pairs of old birds 
 display the aflectiou and lidelity for which most rapacious birds are 
 noted, keeping close company as long as their cares and delights are 
 shared. 
 
 The Marsh Harrier belongs among the "ignoble" birds of the 
 falconers, but is neither a weakling nor a coward, as one may easily 
 satisfy himself by handling a winged bird. Still, under ordinary 
 circumstances, its spirit is hardly commensurate with its physique, 
 and its quarry is humble. It lacks the splendid action that insures 
 success, in the pursuit of feathered game, to the dashing Falcons 
 and true Hawks; with all its stroke of wing, it acquires no such re- 
 sistless impetus. Audubon, indeed, says that at times, when impelled 
 by hunger, it will attack Partridges, Plovers, and even Teal; but he 
 adds, that be once saw a Marsh Hen come off victorious in a battle 
 with the Harrier. It ordinarily stoops to fleld-mice, small reptiles, and 
 insects. It is particularly fond of frogs ; these goggle-eyed and perspir- 
 ing creatures suffer more from the Harriers than from all the school- 
 boys that ever stoned them of a Saturday afternoon. The birds thus 
 particularly resemble the Eough-legged Buzzards in the nature of their 
 prey, aud we can see a reason why they are so tenacious of their 
 watery preserves. They hover at no great height, keenly surveying the 
 ground below, and drop directly on their quarry when it is descried. 
 They rarely pursue their prey or transport it to any distance when 
 secured, preferring to make a meal on the spot. Hence, it frequently 
 happens that, when walking in reedy covert, the gunner puts up a Marsh 
 Hawk, disturbed at its repast in the thick vegetation that served alike 
 to screen the bird and cover his own advance. At such a time, as the 
 bird flaps up and makes off at its best pace, it may be brought down 
 with the greatest ease. With wings of ample dimensions — even to be 
 called long in proportion to its weight— the bird nevertheless does not 
 fly very last ; it proceeds ordinarilj with regular, easy strokes, three or 
 four times in succession, and then sails until the impulse is exhausted. 
 It often courses very low over the ground, aud rather swiftly, turning, 
 passing and repassing, "quartering" the ground like a well-broken dog. 
 This is the habit that has given it the name of " Harrier," and, in some 
 sections, the less elegant designation of " Bog-trotter." The old male 
 is also sometimes called " Blue Hawk." 
 
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332 jSTAUCLERUS FOEFICATUS, SWALLOW-TAILED KITE. 
 
 NAUCLEEUS FOEFICATUS, (Linn.) Eidgw. 
 
 Swallow-tailed Kite, 
 
 Falco forficatus, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, ed. x, 1758. (Prior name.) 
 
 JS'aucleriis forficatus, Ridgw. — B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 192. — Mekr., Am. Nat. viii, 
 1874, 88 (Florida). 
 
 Falco fiircatus, Lixx., Syst. Nat. r, 17fi(J. 129 (Gates., Car. pi. 4; Bmss., Orn. i, 418; P. 
 
 ■ E. 72).— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788', 262.— Lath., lud. Oru. i, 1790, 22.—l)xvi>., Tr. 
 
 Orn. ii, 1806, 152.— Shaw, G. Z. vii, 1809, 107.— Flem., Br. An. 52.— WiLS., Am. 
 
 Orn. vi, 1812, 70, iil. 51, fig. 3.— Nutt., Man. i, 18:12, 95.— AuD., Orn. Biog. i, 
 
 1830, 368 ; v, 1839, 371 ; pi. 72.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. 1844, pi. 7, fig. 55. 
 
 Mihus furcatus, ViEit,E., O. A. S. i, 1807, pi. 10.— Jen., Man. 86 — Eyx., Cat. Br. B. 66. 
 
 Elanu.s furcatus, ViG-, Zool. Jonrrj. i, 340. — Steph., G. Z. xiii. pt. ii, 49.— Cirv., E. A. 2d 
 ed. i, 334.— Bp., Syu. 1828, 31.— James., ed. Vv'il.s. i, 75.— jAl!D.,ed. Wils. ii, 275. 
 
 Elanoides furcatus, Vieill., Enc. Metb. 1204.— Gkav, G. of B. i, 24, pi. 9, fig. 9.— Stricki ., 
 Oru. Syn. 1855, 141.— 0\vi-;x, Ibis, ii, 1880, 240 (biography).— Salv., P. Z. S. 1867, 
 1.j8 (V'eragua).- Lawk., Ann. Lvc. N. Y. ix, 1868, 134 (Costa Kica). 
 
 Jfauclerus furcatus, ViG., Zool. Joiirn. ii, 182.5, 387 ; Isis, 1830, 1043.— Le.s.s., Man. i, 182'^, 
 101; Tr. Orn. 73.— Sw., Cla,ssif. B. ii, 1837, 210.— Bp., List, 1838, 4; Consp. Av. 
 i, 185U, 21.- Ac'D., Svn. 1839, 14 ; B. Am. i. Iin40, 78, )il. 18.— Gould, B. E. |)1. 
 30.— WoooH., Sitgr. Kup. 1853, 60.— Cass., 111. 18.54, 105.— Brew., N. A. 0. 18.57, 
 38.— Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 36.— ScL., Ibis, i, le59, 220 (Guatemala).— Wiikat.. Ohio 
 Agric. Eep. 1860, No. 14.— CorES & Prent., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 402.— Lawr., 
 Ann. Lye. N. Y. vii, 18!;i, 289 (Panama) ; viii, 1806, 280.— CouES, Pr. Bost. Soc. 
 xii, 1868, 120 (South Carolina).— Turnb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 40.— Allen, Am. Nat. 
 iii, 1870, 645 (Massachusetts).— Ridgw., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1870, 144.— TiappE, 
 Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1h71, 113 (Minnesota).— Allex, Bull. U. C. Z. iii, lK7-.i, 130.— 
 CoUES, Key, 1872, 211.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873.— Duess., Ibis, 1865, :?25 (Texas).— 
 Hatch, Bull. Minn. Acad, i, 1874, 51 (Minnesota). — Ridgw., Ann. Lye. x, 1>'74, 
 380 (Illinois). — Hart., Br. B. 1872, 88 (Gnat Britain, five instances, with 
 references). 
 
 Elanoides yeCapa, Vieill., Enc. Metli. iii, 1823, 1205. 
 
 Hah. — South Atlantic and Gnlf States. On the Atlantic coast not regularly beyond 
 Virginia, but casually to Massachusetts. Up the whole Mississippi Valley, however . 
 (Kansas, 6'nmc, Allen; Iowa, Cooper ; Minnesota, lat. 47°, Trippe). Up the Missouri to 
 Fort Leavenworth, at least (Coues). Cuba {Cahanis, J. f. 0. ii, p. Ixxxiii). South to 
 Brazil {Cabanis, J. f. 0. v, 41 ; Ednh., Vid. Med. 1870, 65). Accidental in Europe. 
 
 Marked among its kind by no culinary beauty of form and brilliancy 
 of color, the Kite courses through the air with a grace and buoyancy it 
 would be vain to rival. By a stroke of the thin-bladed wings and a 
 lashing of the cleft tail, its tliglit is swayed to this or that side in a mo- 
 ment, or instantly arrested. Now it swoops with incredible swiftness, 
 seizes without a pause, and bears its struggling captive aloft, feeding 
 from its talons as it flies ; now it mounts in airy circles till it is a speck 
 in the blue ether and disappears. All its actions, in wantonness or in 
 severity of the chase, display the dash of the athletic bird, which, if 
 lacking the brute strength and brutal ferocity of some, becomes their 
 peer in prowess — like the trained gymnast, whose tight-strung thews, 
 supple joints, and swelling muscles, under marvellous control, enable 
 him to execute feats that to the more massive or not so well conditioned 
 frame would be impossible. One cannot watch the flight of the Kite 
 without comparing it with the thorough-bred racer. 
 
 The Swallow tailed Kite is a marked feature of the scene in the 
 Southern States, alike where the sunbeams are ledolent of the orange 
 and magnolia, and where the air reeks with the pestilent miasm of moss- 
 shrouded swamps tliat sleep in perpetual gloom. But, imbued witli a 
 spirit of adventure, possessed of unequaled powers of flight, it often 
 wanders far from its southern home; it has more than once crossed the 
 ocean, and become a trophy of no ordinary interest to the ardent col- 
 lector in Europe. On the Atlantic coast its natural limit appears to be 
 the lower portions of Virginia, similar in physical and zoological char- 
 Digitized by Microsoft® 
 
ACCIPITER FUSCUS, SHARP-SHINNED HAWK. 333 
 
 acters to the Carolinas ; but it has more than once occurred in the Mid- 
 dle States. The Eev. Dr. Turnbull mentions an instance of its capture 
 near Philadelphia, in 1857, probably the same that Mr. Cassiu speaks of. 
 The juiine occurs in Mr. Lawrence's New York List, and Dr. DeKay 
 figures it among the birds of that State. But its greatest extension is 
 through the Mississippi Valley, where it regularly occurs above the 
 mouth of the Missouri. Dr. Woodhouse found it common in Texas and 
 the Indian Territory, and especially so along the Arkansas River. Dr. 
 Hoy records it from Wisconsin. Prof. Snow says it is rare iu Kansas, 
 wliere, however, Mr. Allen states that several pairs arrived about May 
 15, 1871, near Topeka. The northernmost quotation I have found is 
 that of Mr. Trippe, who observed the bird in Minnesota, north of Mille 
 Lao, at latitude 47°, and states that it is rather common, especially in 
 the immediate vicinity of the Mississippi. Finally, I may add, lijmad 
 the pleasure of observing it myself in Missouri, opposite Fort Leaven- 
 worth, in May, 1804, when a magnificent specimen shaped its course 
 across my path, so near that I could see the tiash of its eye as it swept 
 by in fall career. It was a beautiful sight, upon which no one could 
 look unmoved, nor without feeling that his excited senses borrowed a 
 plume from the bird itself to follow in imagination when the Kite was 
 lost to view. 
 
 I have before me an egg of this species, from the Smithsonian col- 
 lection, taken in Iowa. It measures 1.90 by 1.50 ; one end is smaller 
 than the other, though the greatest diameter is nearly equidistant from 
 either. The ground-color is white, but tinged, as if soiled or otherwise 
 mechanically discolored, with a faint brownish shade ; it is marked with 
 large irregular blotches of rusty and chestnut-brown, most numerous 
 around the smaller end. Besides these there are some specks and small 
 spots of blackish-brown. Audubon describes other eggs, no doubt cor- 
 rectly, as being "of a greenish- white color, with a few irregular blotches 
 of dark brown at the larger end," and states they were from four to six 
 in number. "The nest," he observes, "is usually placed on the top 
 branches of the tallest oak or pine-tree, situated on the margin of a 
 stream or pond. It resembles that of the common Crow externally, 
 being formed of dry sticks, intermixed with Spanish moss, and is lined 
 with coarse grasses and a few feathers." 
 
 As if iu compensation for its powers of flight, this bird's legs are so 
 short as to be scarcely serviceable for locomotion, and it rarely, if ever, 
 alights on the ground. Its food is principally reptiles and insects. It 
 is found in winter in Central and South America, and is said, whether 
 or not with entire truth I do not know, to withdraw altogether from the 
 United States in September, to return in April. It appears to breed 
 indifferently throughout its normal United States range, 
 
 ./ 
 
 ACCIPITER FUSCUS, (Gm.) Gray. 
 
 Sharp-shinned Hawk; Pigeon Hawk. 
 
 Falcofuseus, Gji., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 280.— Lath., lud. Orn. i, 1790, 43.— Baud., Tr. Orn. 
 ii, 1800, 86.— Shaw, Gen. Zool. vii, 161.- Bp., Syn. 1828, 433.— Nutt., Man. i, 
 1832, 87.— AUD., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 522, pi. 474.— Pbab., Eep. Orn. Mass. 1839, 
 78.— Brew., ed. Wils. 1840, 685. 
 
 Aceipiter fuscus, Bp., Comp. List, 1838, 5 ; Consp. i, 1850, 32.— Woodh., Sitgr.Eep. 1853, 
 61.— Cass., 1)1. i, 1854, 95; Pr. Pliila. Acad. 1855, 279.— Brew., N. A. 051. 1857, 
 18.— Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 18.— SCL., P. Z. S. 1858, 295 (Oasaca).-SCL., Ibis, i, 
 1859, 218 (Central America).— Bry., Pr. Bost. Soc. vii, 1859 (Baliamas).— Coop. 
 
 Digitized by Microsoft® 
 
334 
 
 ACCIPITER COOPERI, COOPEE'S HAWK. 
 
 & Suck. N. H. Waeb. Ter. 1860, 143.— BlaiC., Ibis, iii, 1861, 317.— Scl., P. Z. S. 
 
 1864. 176.— DltF.«P., Ibis, 1.^6'J, 324.— CouKs, Pr. Phila. Acad. l.^liG, 43 (Arizona).— 
 
 SCL. A- Salv., p. Z. S. 1B69, -^fiO (Jlosciuito Coast).— D all & Bann'., Tr. Chic. 
 
 Acad, i, 1869, 271.— Gray, Hand-list, i, 1«69, 32, No. 304. — Lawh., Ann. 
 
 Lye. N. Y. ix, 134 (Costa Kica).— Salv., P. Z. S. 1870, 210 (Veragiia).- Coop., 
 
 B. Cal. i, 1870, 466.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 319.— Stev., XT. S. Geol. 
 
 Surv. Ter. 1870, 462.— Merr., Hid. 1872, 69, 9.— Snow, B. Kans. I.s7;;.— Coues, 
 
 Key, 1872. 212 ; and of most late authors. 
 Asturfuscus, AuD.'. Syn. 1839, 18 ; B. Am. i, 1840, 100, pi 25.— DeIUy, K. Y. Zool. 1S44, 
 
 ii, 17, pi. 2, f. 2.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 19. 
 Nisus fusciis, Kaup, ilou. Falc. Cont. Orn. 1850, 64.— FixscH, Abh. Nat. in, 1872, 26 
 
 (Alaska).— B. B. & E., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 224. 
 Falco dubius, Gji., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 281.— Lath., I. O. i, 1790, 44.— Dacd., Tr. Orn. 122. 
 Accipiter striatus, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1^07, 42, pi. 14 ; Enc. Meth. iii, 12;;o. 
 Falco vclox, WiLS., Am. Orn. v, 1812, 116, pi. 45, f. 1.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 29 ; Isis, 1832, 1137. 
 Accipiter velox, ViG., Zool. Jouru. i, 338. — Steph., Gen. Zool. xiii, pt. ii, 31. 
 Asttir velox, .L\MES., ed. Wils. i, 08. 
 
 Falco pennsylvanicus, WiLS., Am. Orn. vi, 1812, 13, pi. 46, f. 1. 
 Nisus pennitilvanicua, C'uv., E. A. 2d ed. i, 334. 
 Nisn-i pensijiraiicus, Less., Tr. Orn. i, 1831, 59. 
 Accipiter j>enn8ijlranicus, Vir;., Zool. Journ. i, 338. — Steph., Gen. Zool. xiii, pt. ii, 32. — 
 
 Sw. & Eicn., P. B. A. Ii, 1831, 44.— Jard., ed. Wils. ii, 210.— Sw., Classif. 
 
 B. ii, 1837, 215. 
 Astur pcnnsijlvamcHs, Less., JIan. Orn. i, 92. — James., ed. Wils. i, 70. 
 Sparviua lineatus, Vieill., Enc. Meth. iii, 1823, 1286. 
 A'isiis malfini (juv.), Less., Traitd d'Om. i, 1831, 58. 
 Accipiter ardosiacus, Vieill., Enc. Meth. iii, 1274. 
 ' cooperi, 9 , and fringillarias, partly, Kaup" {fide Gray). 
 
 Hal). — The whole of North America. Soutli to Panama. 
 
 
 
 
 
 List of specimens 
 
 . 
 
 
 
 
 19116 
 ? 19117 
 
 154 
 
 182 
 
 Powder Eiver.. 
 
 ? 
 
 Oct. 1, 18.59 
 Sept. 9, 1859 
 
 6. H.Trook.- 
 
 14.00 
 
 25.00 
 
 8.50 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Late Expeditions. — 60624, Uintah Mountains ; 62234-5, Wyoming. 
 
 Although not noticed by Dr. Haydea during the Warren explora- 
 tions, this handsome and spirited little Hawk was observed by natural- 
 ists of the Eaynolds' Expedition, and ranges over the whole of the Mis- 
 souri region, as elsewhere ou our continent. It is one of the best known, 
 and, in most sections, one of the more abundant of our birds of this 
 family. It preys chiefly upon small birds and quadrupeds, captured in 
 the dashing manner of all the species of this group, and, like its small 
 allies, feeds to some extent upon insects. It nests in trees, or on rocks, 
 preferably the former, laying four or five eggs. They are difficult of con- 
 cise description, because so variable. The white ground-color has often 
 a livid or even purplish tint, and is marked, often so thickly as to be 
 obscured, with large, irregular splashes of various shades of brown, 
 interminably changeable in number, size, and pattern, sometimes inclin- 
 ing to form masses or a wreath, sometimes more evenly distributed. 
 The egg is of nearly equal size at both ends, and measures about 1.45 
 bv 1.15. 
 
 y A-COIPITEE COOPERI, (Bp.) Gray. 
 Cooper's Hawk; Chicken Hawk. 
 
 a. cooperi. 
 
 Falco cooperi, Bp., Am. Orn. ii, 1828, p. 1, pi. 1, f. 1 ; Syn. 1828, 433 ; Isis, 1830, 1137.— 
 NUTT., Man. i, 1832, 90.— James., ed. Wils. iv, 3.— Peab., Rep. Orn. Mass. 78. 
 
 Astnr cooperi, Bp., Comp. List, 1838,'5 ; Consp. i, 1850, 31.— Aitd., Syn. 1839, 18 ; B. Am. 
 i, 1840, 98, pi. 24.— Newb., P. E. E. Eep. vi, 1857, 74.— Maxim., J. f. O. vi, 1858, 13 
 
ACCIPITER COOPEKI, COOPEE'S HAWK. 335 
 
 Accipiter cooperi, Ghay, List B. Br. Mus. 38.— Cass., 111. 1854, 96.— Brew., N. A. 0;;i. 
 
 1857, 90, pi. 5, f. 55 (egg).— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 16; Mex. B. Snrv. ii, 1859, [,'. 
 
 ii, p. 3.— Sci.., P. Z. S. 1859, 389 (critical).- Heerji., P. E. E. Rep. x, 18.";i. pf. 
 
 vi, 33.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 145.— Blak., Ibis, iii, 1861, :!I7.— 
 
 Di:ess., Ibis, 1865, 3d3 (Texas).— CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. l«iG, 43.— Ai.lex, 
 
 Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 321.— ScL. & Sai.v., Exot. OrD. i, 1869, 170.— Lawr., Ann. 
 
 Lye. N. Y. ix, 18G8, 134 (Costa Rica).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 464.— Snow, B. 
 
 Kaus. 1873.— Coues, Key, 187-.>, 212, tig. 140. 
 Accipiter (Vooperastur) cooperi, Gi:ay, H. L. i, 1839, 32, No. 312 (" Cooperastur," Bp., 1854). 
 Falm staiileiii, AVD., Orn. Biog. i, 186, pi. 36 (Astur) ; li, 245, pi. 141, 3.— Nutt., Man. i, 
 
 1832, 91. 
 JN7.SHS cooperi,'RiDGW., Pr. Bost. Soc. xvi, 1873, 59.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. iii, 1874, S-W. 
 Accipiter iiiokanHS, Sw., F. B. A. ii, 1831,45.— Cass., 111. 1854, 96.— Stmck., Orn. Syn. 
 
 1855, 109.— Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 17.— Coop. A- SuCK., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 146.— 
 
 CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 43 (Arizona).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 465.— Stev., 
 
 U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 462. 
 Accipiter (Cooperastur) mexicanus, Gkay, Hand-list, i, 1869, 33, No. 313. 
 Xisus cooperi -var. mexicanus, Ridgw., Pr. Bost. Soc. xvi, 1873, 59. — B. B. & E., N. A. B. 
 
 iii, 1874, 231. 
 " iesUi, Licht. ; pileatus, juv. Kacp " (fide Gray'). 
 
 b. gundlacM. 
 
 Astur cooperi, Lbmb., Aves Isl. Cuba, 1850, 17. 
 
 Nisus pileatus, Leme., Aves Isl. Cuba, 1850 ; Suppl. 
 
 Astur pileatus, Gdndl., J. f. O. 1854, p. — . 
 
 AccipUer gundlachi, Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. vii, 1860, 252.— Gdndl., Eep. 224. — Sci.. & 
 
 Salv., Exot. Orn. i, 170. 
 Accipiter (Cooperastur) gutidlacM, Gkay', Hand-list, i, 1869, 33, No. 319. 
 
 Hal). — Temperate North America, and southward. Var. gundlaclii, Cuba. 
 
 Lieutenant TVarren's Expedition. — 5163, Fort Berthold ; 5164, White Earth Eiver, 
 Dakota ; 5165, mouth of the Yellowstone. 
 
 Later Expeditions.— 60629, Uintah Mountains. 
 
 As may be gathered from the above, the habitat assigned to Cooper's Hawk includes 
 that of the so-called Accipiter mexicanus. This last is a pure ingment, described by Mr. 
 Swaiason, who was apparently ignorant of A. cqoperi, and perpetuated mainly by Mr. 
 Cassin, whose authority has had weight in this instance with all American writers, 
 until quite recently. The most that can be claimed for the supposed viexicanns is, that 
 it consists of rather smaller and more heavily colored, because more southern, speci- 
 mens, of A. cooperi; but even in extreme oases, the difference is insufficient to warrant 
 retention of the name. Dr. Haydeu's specimens, originally referred to " mexicavus" 
 by Mr. Cassin, are no smaller than ordinary cooperi, and not otherwise perceptibly 
 different ; as in too many other cases, the identification, in all probability, was made 
 upon some supposed points of geographical distribution that were groundless. So far 
 as I know, the identity of mexicanus with cooperi was first published by Mr. Allen, 
 although others, mysell' among the number, had previously become convinced of the 
 fact. There is little to add to Mr. Allen's satisfactory exposition of the case. This 
 pretended species disposed of, we have in this country two species of Accipiter, identi- 
 cal in coloration, and nearly so in form, but instantly distinguished by the great dis- 
 parity in size — the difference being relatively as great as that subsisting between Pious 
 villosm and P. pubescus, and the two cases being precisely parallel. The largest females 
 of A.fuscus grade up closely toward the small males of cooperi, but there appears to be 
 a constant small gape between them, which, taking sex for sex,- is much greater. The 
 female fuscus is 12 to 14 long, the extent about 26, the wing 7 to 8, the tail 6 to 7 ; 
 the male cooperi is 16 to 18 long, about 30 in extent, the wing 9 to 10, the tail about 
 8. There is also a difference in the feet, those of fuscus being much slenderer, com- 
 paratively as well as absolutely, and relatively longer; the whole foot is not over SJ 
 long, while that of cooperi is at, least 4, generally more. In adult male fuscus the tar- 
 sal scutella frequently fuse, leaving a perfectly smooth shank — a state not observed 
 in cooperi. 
 
 Notwithstanding the abundance of this Hawk in the (Jnited States, 
 its perfectly adult plumage is rarely noted, and in fact I have never seen - 
 a description I considered entirely satisfactory — that given in the /'e ^ ~ 
 " Key " is accurate, but, like most of my accounts, necessarily much caa _,, 
 abbreviated. The adult bird is not only bkiish-gray on the upper parts, n 
 
 but has a decided shade of the same on the breast and sides. A fine 
 male I procured at Washington showed this very plainly ; yet it has 
 been supposed specifically distinctive of the Cuban variety. As usually 
 
336 ACCIPITER COOPEEI, COOPER's HAWK. 
 
 observed, in youth, the upper parts are dark brown, deepest on the 
 head, where often quite blackish, and the under parts are white or 
 ■whitish, lengthwise streaked with brown. This latter marking gradu- 
 ally changes, both in pattern and color, to a flue rusty red, in trans- 
 verse bars alternating with white. The upper parts simultaneously 
 grow bluish-gray ; the under finally acquire a similar glaucous shade. 
 There is nothing peculiar in this, however, for it is the rule among 
 Hawks, that those which on the under parts were barred crosswise when 
 adult, are striped lengthwise when young. The coloration and changes 
 of plumage of A. fuscus are precisely the same. 
 
 The birds of this geniL« are closely allied to the true Astiirs, or Gos- 
 hawks, differing mainly in smaller size, slenderer build, and conse- 
 queutlj inferior prowess ; but they are " noble " birds of prey, scarcely 
 yielding in spirit and action to the typical Falcons themselves. Coop- 
 er's is one of the largest of the genus, and an audacious highwayman 
 it is. An idea of its daring may be gathered from Audubon's account 
 of an exploit he witnessed : " This marauder sometimes attacks birds 
 far superior to itself in weight, and sometimes possessed of a courage 
 and strength equal to its own. As I was one morning observing the 
 motions of some Parakeets near Bayou Sara, in Louisiana, in the month 
 of ^November, I heard a cock crowing not far from me, and iu sight of 
 a farm-house. The Hawk next moment flew past me, and so close that 
 I might have touched it with the barrel of my gun, had I been prepared. 
 Not more than a few seconds elapsed before I heard the cackling of 
 the hens, and the war-cry of the cock, and at the same time observed 
 the Hawk rising, as if without eftbrt, a few yards in the air, and again 
 falling toward the ground with the rapidity of lightning. I proceeded 
 to the spot, and found the Hawk grappled to the body of the cock, l)oth 
 tumbling over and over, and paying no attention to me as I approached. 
 Desirous of seeing the result, I remained still until, perceiving that the 
 Hawk had given a fatal squeeze to the brave cock, I ran to secure the 
 former; but the marauder had kept a hawk's eye upon me, and, disen- 
 gaging himself, rose in the air in full confidence. The next moment 1 
 pulled trigger, and he fell dead to the ground." 
 
 On the other hand. Cooper's Hawk has occasionally been tamed, ex- 
 hibiting an intelligent docility, and no small degree of regard for its 
 master. I witnessed an interesting instance of this while in the south- 
 west, riding twenty miles one day to see some tamed Hawks that had 
 gTOwn quite famous locally. I find the following account of the visit 
 in one of my old note-books : " Our errand told, we were»made at home 
 directly, for ' Tennessee Bill,' as our host was known in these parts, was 
 proud of his pets, and doubtless gratified we had come so far to see 
 them ; besides, he was not sorry to hear the news from ' the fort,' living 
 all alone as he did. He tendered such hospitality as his log-cabin 
 afforded — of the kind that, however varied in substance, is always much 
 the same ' in spirit.' Whoso drinks iu the West is entitled to all the 
 rights, privileges, and immunities said to be accorded him who tastes 
 salt in Arabia ; but, although I have no objection to salt in its place, I 
 consider its place as limited, and, on the whole, prefer our own customs. 
 Bill promised that the birds should be duly forthcoming — 'providin' 
 they're anyways about here,' he added. He stepped to the door, and 
 blew a long, shrill whistle with his fingers in his mouth. Ko answer, 
 and he whistled again, when, like a far echo, we heard a cry from the 
 woods. ' Jes' so ; I suspicioned they were off down the crik, huntin' 
 on their own hook; thar they come; think I've got some grub for em; 
 sold, ain't they V In a moment three Hawks came dashing toward the 
 
ACCIPITER COOPERI, COOPER's HAWK. 337 
 
 house, with eager cries. Catching sight of strangers, they veered off 
 at the iast moment, and, with a graceful upward curve, settled in a tall 
 Cottonwood overhead. There they stood, peering with outstretched 
 necks down through the foliage, eager, curious, yet distrustful, and 
 occasionally uttering a whining note- Bill explained that they were 
 afraid of us, but said he 'reckoned he'd fetch 'em down,' and entered 
 the house for his rifle. I was surprised, for I thought, he was going to 
 kill one; but my companion called to my mind that Bill was still in the 
 habit of shooting small birds for them to eat, as he had done when they 
 were quite young. The birds redoubled their clamor as their owner 
 reappeared, gun in hand, and leaped lower down among the branches. 
 He stepped forward a few paces, and then, appetite overcoming their 
 mistrust, they sailed down, and flapped about over his head as he 
 walked toward the bushes. Crack ! ping ! He knocked the head pff an 
 unlucky Sparrow, picked it up, held it out in his hand, and made a 
 queer, chuckling noise, like a hen clucking to her chickens. The boldest 
 settled lightly on his shoulder, then slid down his arm, seized the bird, 
 and flew off, with the other two in full pursuit. This was the first time 
 I ever saw a Hawk at liberty come at a call, and take food from its 
 master's hands. It was worth the ride." 
 
 These three birds had been taken when very young from their nest 
 in the crotch of a cottonwood over the cabin, reared in captivity until 
 well grown, and then allowed their liberty, with the above gratifying 
 result. Both the parents had been shot. The nest, which was pointed 
 out to me, looked, from where I stood, like a Crow's. I did not venture 
 on a perilous climb to examine it more closely. Such is the situation 
 generally chosen. Audubon describes the nest as composed externally 
 of numerous crooked sticks, and lined with grasses and a few feathers. 
 Dr. Brewer mentions two, both lined with pieces of bark ; one of them 
 was between one and a half and two feet broad, the external layer of 
 sticks hardly an inch thick, " with only a slight depression in the centre, 
 hardly enough to keep the eggs from rolling out." The eggs I have ex- 
 amined measured from 1.80 by 1.55 to 2.10 by 1.60 — figures showing the 
 variation both in size and shape — they average about 1.90 by 1.50. 
 They resemble those of the Marsh Hawk so closely as to be not cer- 
 tainly distinguishable, but they are usually more globular, and with a 
 more granulated shell. The greatest diameter is at or very near the 
 middle ; difference in shape of the two ends is rarely appreciable. All 
 were more uniform in color than thoSe of most Hawks, resembling the 
 pale, scarcely, marked examples occasionally laid by most kinds of 
 Hawks ; none were conspicuously dark-marked. The ground is white, 
 faintly tinted with livid or greenish-gray; if marked, it is with faint, 
 sometimes almost obsolete, blotches of drab, liable to be overlooked 
 without close inspection ; only an occasional specimen is found with 
 decided, though still dull and sparse, markings of pale brown. Three 
 or four eggs are the usual nest-complement ; in the Northern and Middle 
 States they. are laid in May. Mr. Samuels speaks of a pair that nested 
 near Newton, Massachusetts, and were robbed of their eggs four times 
 in succession. " They built different nests in the same grove, and laid 
 in the four litters four, four, five, and three eggs, respectively. The 
 eggs of the last litter were very small, but little larger than those of 
 the Sharp-shinned Hawk." 
 
 The range of Cooper's Hawk is, in a measure, complementary to that 
 of the Goshawk ; not that the two are never found together, for such is 
 the case in all our Northern States ; but one is as decidedly southern as 
 the other is northerly. The present species does not appear to pene- 
 
338 ASTUE ATEICAPILLUS, AMEEICAN GOSHAWK. 
 
 trate any great distance into the British possessions, like its smaller 
 relative, the Sharp-shinned ; and I have found no indication whatever 
 of its presence far north. It is abundant in most parts of the United 
 States; particularlj' so in New England, where it is perhaps the most 
 numerous of all the birds of prey. It appears to breed indifferently iu 
 all suitable places throughout its United States range; and, to judge 
 by the well-known rule of difference in size according to latitude, it is a 
 resident bird. Gulf-coast examples average about two and a half inches 
 smaller than others from New England. Possessed of spirit commen- 
 surate with its physical powers, it preys upon game little if any humbler 
 than that of our more powerful Falcons. It attacks and destroys hares, 
 Grouse, Teal, and even the young of larger Ducks, in the state in which 
 they are known as ' flappers," besides capturing the usual variety of 
 smaller birds and quadrupeds. It occasionally seizes upon reptiles or 
 picks up insects. In securing its prey it gives chase openly, and dives 
 down on its quarry with almost incredible velocity. Its ordinary flight 
 is rapid, easy, and soaring, performed with alternate flapping and sail- 
 ing. When brought down winged, it shows undaunted front, and fights 
 desperately to the last gasp. 
 
 ASTUE ATIilCAPILLUS, (Wils.) Jard. 
 The AmericaD GoBhawk. 
 
 Falco atrimoillus,WiLS., Am. Orn. vi, 1812, 80, pi. 5'2, f. 3.— Wagl., lais, 1831, 517.— NuTT., 
 Mun. i, l^'?y>, 85.— Peab., Rep. Orn. Mas9;77.— Thomps., Nat. Hist. Vermont, &■>. 
 
 Hierofalco atrimpillus, Cuv., E. A. 2cl ed. i, 323. 
 
 Sparvius atricapillus, Vjeill., Ency. Metb. iii, 1823, p. 1266. 
 
 Aatur Citriaqntlus, Jaed. & Selby, lllust. 1825, pi. 121. — Bp., Comp. List, 1838, 5; CoDsp. 
 i, 1850, 31.— Kaup, Monog. Falc, 1850, 66.— Cass., HI. 1854, 93; Pr. Pbila. Acad. 
 1855, 279.— Brew., N. Am. Ocil, 1857, 17.— Newb., P. E. E. Eep. 18.57, vi, 74.— 
 Bd., B. N. A. 18.58, 15.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1S60, 144.— Lord, 
 Pr. Roy. Arty. Inst, iv, 110 (British Colnmbia). — Wheat., Ohio Agric. Eep. 1860, 
 No. (i.— Ci.)u'e.s & Pkent., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 401 (Washington, D. C, very 
 rare, in winter).— Blak., Ibis, iii, 1861, 316. — Boardm., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 
 122 (Calais, Me. ; resident, common, breeds). — Vep.r., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 
 141 (Norway, Me. ; resident, common, breeds). — Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 
 50 (Massachusetts, winter). — McIlwr., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 80 (Hamilton, 
 Canada ^Yest, rather rare). — CotE.s, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 255. — Lawr., Ann. 
 Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 280 (New York).— Tiirkb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 6 (rare).— Dall 
 & Baxn., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 271 (Alaska, common, resident).— Coop., B. 
 Cal. i, 1870, 467 (Sierra Nevada).— Snow, B. Kans. 1873 (rare).— Mayn., Pr. 
 Bost. Soc. xiv, 1871 (Northern New England, common, resident). — Fixsch, Abh. 
 Nat. iii, 1872, 26 (Alaska).- Coues, Key, 1872, 212. 
 
 Falco palumbarius, Bp., Syn. 1828, 28; Isis, 1832, 1137.— AuD., Orn. Biog. ii, 241, pi. 141. 
 
 Accipiter paluviiarius, Sw. & ElCH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, .39, pi. 26. 
 
 Astur palumharkis, AuD., Syn. 1839, 18 ; B. Am. i, 1840, 95, pi. 23.— GlE., B. L. 1, 1844, 18. 
 
 Astur palumbarius var. atricapillus, RiDGW., Pr. Bost. Soc. xvi, 1874, .C7. — B. B. & R., 
 N. A. B., iii, 1874, 237. 
 
 Astur palumbarius var. sirioiftZas, Eidgw. — B. B. & E., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 240. 
 
 Falco regalis, Temm., Planches Coloriees, No. 495. 
 
 IXBdalion pictum, Less., Traits d'Ornith. i, 1831, 67 (see Puciier., E. Z. 1850, 211). 
 
 Hab. — British America, and the Northern half of the United States — the latter chiefly 
 in winter ; farthest south along the Eocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada (" strialulus"). 
 
 
 
 
 
 List of specimens. 
 
 
 
 
 19115 
 
 .... 
 
 
 
 Mar. 28, 1860 
 
 G.H.Trook.. 
 
 24.50 
 
 44.50 
 
 14.00 
 
 
 
 Late Expeditions.— 58982, Colorado. 
 
 It is still a question whether the American Goshawk is specifically distinct from that 
 of Europe. Authorities are about equally divided in opinion, and both sides speak 
 with little, if any, reservt;. My own comparisons have not been sufficiently extensive ; 
 
FALCO MEXICANUS VAE. PGLYAGEtJS. 339 
 
 but careful examination of the material at my command shows me decided differences, 
 constant enough to fairly warrant specific discrimination, although I should not be 
 surprised if larger series led to a different result. But " var. striatulm " is untenable. 
 
 This noble Hawk, one of the handsomest birds of the family when 
 in perfect plumage, is a decidedly boreal bird, entirely wanting in the 
 southern portions of the United States, appearing only in winter, and 
 in small numbers, in the Middle districts, but common along our north- 
 ern frontier. I have myself never seen it alive. According to the 
 records examined, its southward extension is from Maryland to Ohio, 
 Kentucky, Kansas, and California. It is, as a rule, rare even in South- 
 ern New England, where, however, it appears some winters in consider- 
 able numbers. Mr. Allen remarks that it was common in Massachusetts 
 in the winter of 1859-'C0; and Mr. Samuels states that the same season 
 he received a dozen or fifteen specimens from the vicinity of Boston, 
 Audubon says his figure was drawn from a specimen taken in Kentucky, 
 and speaks of its breeding in New York and Pennsylvania. Such in- 
 stances of breeding as this must be, I think, exceptional. The only 
 region in the United States where it is reported as regularly resident is 
 Northern New England, where, both Mr. Boardman and Prof. Verrill 
 state it is of common occurrence, and breeds. On the west coast, Mr. 
 Dall gives it as abundant and resident in the Yukon region. According 
 to Drs. Cooper and Suckley, it is of frequent occurrence in Oregon and 
 Washington Territories. The specimen above quoted is the only one I 
 have ever seen from the Missouri region, where the species appears to 
 be rare, though doubtless of regular occurrence. Prof. Snow remarks 
 upon an individual killed near Lawrence, in Kansas. 
 
 According to Dr. Brewer, the egg of the Goshawk is 2^^ long by 
 Ifl broad, nearly spherical, roughly granulated, soiled white, with a 
 faint bluish shade, " marked irregularly with large but quite faint 
 blotches of di'ab and yellowish-brown." It thus closely resembles that 
 of Cooper's Hawk, differing chiefly in its larger size ; and the nidifica- 
 tion is represented as being the same in essential particulars. In the 
 nature of its prey, its mode of securing it, its general habits and nature, 
 we find it also much the same, the only difference resulting from its 
 superior prowess, if not more ferocious nature. 
 
 FALCO MEXICANUS var. POLYAGEUS, (Cass.) Cones. 
 American Lanier, or Prairie Falcon. 
 
 a. mexicamis. 
 
 Fako mexicanus, Licht., Mus. Berol. (Monterey, i)6pj)e).— ScHL., Abh. Geb. Zool. u. 
 Vergl. iv, 1841, 15 ; M. P.-B. 1862, Falcones, p. 18.— Bp., Consp. 1, 1850, 24.— 
 Gray, Hand-list, i, 1869, 20, No. 179.— Ridgw., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1870, 140 (in- 
 cludes both varieties). 
 
 Falco (Sierofalco) laniarius var. mexicamts, EiDGW., Pr. Bost. Soc. xvi, 1873, 44. — B. B. 
 & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 109. 
 
 b. polyagrus. 
 
 Falco polyagrus, Cass., IU. 1853, 88, 121, pi. 16.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 12.— Kbnn., P. E. 
 R. Rep. X, 1859, pt. iv, 19 (Arizona.) — Heerm., ihid. pt. vl, 31. — Coop. & Suck., 
 N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 143 (Oregon).— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 152.— Dress., Ibis, 
 1865, 323 (Texas).- Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 42 (Arizona).— Gray, Hand- 
 list, i, 1869, 20, No. 178.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 458 (California).— Snow, B. 
 Kans. 1873 (Kansas).— Stev., U. S. Geol. Snrv. Ter. 1870, 462 (Wyoming). 
 
 Falco mexiamus, Ridgw., Am. Nat. vi, 1872, 430 (Illinois).— Coues, Key, 1873, 213. 
 
 Falco (^Hierofalco) laniarius var. polyagrus, RiDGVT., Pr. Bost. Soc. xvi, 1873, 44.— B. B. 
 & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 123. 
 Sab. — The typical form from Mexico. Var. polyagrus from Western United States. 
 
 East to Illinois (Sargent). 
 
340 FALCO MEXICAIfUS VAR. POLYAGETTS. 
 
 List of speeimen8. 
 
 19113 
 
 68 
 
 
 
 June 18, 1860 
 
 F.V.Hayden. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 lAeutenant Warren's Expedition.— 5167, Fort Randall, Dakota ; 5168-69, Knife River, 
 Missouri. 
 
 Later Expeditions.— 60333, Laramie Peak ; 60334, Camp Carling, Wyoming ; 60616, 
 Uintah Mountains; 61094, Sulphur Springs. 
 
 The specific identity of Mr. Cassin's Falco polyagrus with the little known F. mexicamis 
 of Prof. Lichtenstein may be considered established. The discrepancies noted in ray 
 article, above cited, are in part at least due to age, sex, or other fortuitous circum- 
 stances. There may be, however, as Mr. Ridgway has probably shown, certain differ- 
 ences due to climatic influences which may warrant recognition of two varieties. But 
 I am not at present prepared to follow Mr. Ridgway in referring t hese forms to the old 
 world F. laniarius, although they are unquestionably very closely related. As Mr. 
 Cassin pointed out, the resemblance is also very great to the Indian Jugger — F. jaeger. 
 Gray, 111. Ind. Zool. ii, pi. 26 ; Jerd., 111. Ind. Orn. pi. 44 ; in fact, the specimens I have 
 examined, excepting some very old ones, come nearer the representations I have seen 
 of F. jugger than of laniarius proper. This form, jugger, is also referred by Mr. Ridgway 
 to laniarius as a variety, but, until its varietal relationship is established, it may be 
 best to keep the two apart, and also to recognize the American form as specifically 
 distinct. 
 
 The comparatively late discovery of this bird as an inhabitant of the 
 United States is particularly interesting, not only as giving us.a hitherto 
 unknown representative .of the familiar Lanier group of Falcons of the 
 Old World, but also as adding another to the numerous instances of close 
 alliance of Western American birds to certain Old World forms. 
 
 This interesting bird is of general distribution in open country 
 throughout the West, and rather common. It appears to be essentially 
 a prairie species, a circumstance probably explaining its occurrence in 
 Illinois, where it was noted by Mr. J. D. Sargent and Mr. E. Ridgway. 
 Prof. Snow catalogues it as rare in winter in Kansas. Dr. Hayden re- 
 marks that it is found at various points along the Missouri and on the 
 Platte, though not abundantly. Several observers found it in New 
 Mexico and Arizona. On the Pacific coast it is known to occur at 
 various points, from Fort Dalles, Oregon, where it was procured by Dr. 
 Suckley, to Monterey, whence came one of the types of the species. It 
 appears to be particularly abundant in the open portions of Southern 
 California, where Dr. Cooper told me he often saw it, in company with 
 the Ferruginous Buzzard, resting on the ground or flying low over the 
 surface in the neighborhood of the villages of the California ground 
 squirrel (Spermophilws beeclieyi), for which animals it was doubtless on 
 the watch. The only time I ever saw it alive was in this region. While 
 at Drumm Barracks, one of these birds dashed past, returned in an in- 
 stant, and alighted on the roof of the house, while Dr. Cooper and I 
 were standing on the porch. It had evident designs upon the Black- 
 birds, thousands of which were scurrying about. Watching the bird 
 for a few moments, and perceiving it had no intention of leaving at that 
 particular time, I went into the house for my gun, and loaded for its 
 especial benefit. The bird watched the whole proceedings, eyeing me 
 audaciously, and never stirred from its perch until I made an irresistible 
 appeal. I found it to be a young bird, the iris brown, the feet dull 
 bluish, the claws black, the bill bluish-black, with the base of the under 
 mandible yellow. 
 
 This Falcon is inferior to none of our country in strength and spirit, 
 unless it be that the Gyrfalcon surpasses it in this respect. It even 
 attacks and overpowers the great hares of the West (L. callotis and al- 
 lies) — animals actually larger and heavier than itself. With its nidifl- 
 cation I am unacquainted ; I have, however, examined its eggs, of which 
 
FALCO COMMUNIS, PEREGRINE FALCON. 341 
 
 no description has Litherto appeared. A set now in the Smithsonian 
 was collected by Dr. Hayden in the Wind Eiver Mountains, in June, 
 1860. They are rather unusually pointed at the smaller end, though 
 probably other examples might tend more nearly to the ordinary sub- 
 spherical shape prevailing among the eggs of rapacious birds. They 
 measure 3 inches in length by a triiie over 1^ in breadth. The ground 
 color is dull white, but scarcely apparent, so thickly is it clouded over 
 with dull brown, forming here and there patches of deeper shade. In 
 one specimen there is a decided purplish tint. To this identification of its 
 breeding range we may append the notice of its unfledged young, found 
 by Dr. Heermann near San Francisco. 
 
 FALCO COMMUNIS, Gm. 
 Peregrine Falcon; Duck Hawk. 
 
 a. communis. 
 
 Falco communis, Gji., Syst. Nat. i, 17S8, 270. — Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 30 {Ace. falco com- 
 munis, Briss., Orn. i, 321). — Dahd., Tr. Orn. li. 1800, 92.--SnA«', Gen. Zool.vii, 
 124.— Savi., Descr. Egyp. i, 101. — Meyeii, Tasch. i, 57. — Wils., Mem. Wevn. 
 Soc. ii, 595.— Cuv., E. A. 2cl ed. 320.— Eaffl., Linn. Trans, xiii, 278.— Less., 
 Tr. Orn. i, 88, pi. 16, fig. 1.— Schl., Krit. U^b. 14 ; Rev. Crit. 2 ; Fn. Jap. 1 ; 
 Trait6 Fancon. — ; M. P.-B. i, 1862, Falc. 1.— Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 23. 
 
 Falco pcrcr/rinus, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1783, 272.— Lath., Ind. Om. i, 1790, 33 (Bms.s., Orn. 
 i, 341).— Baud., Tr. Orn. ii, 1800, 97.— Shaw, Gen. Zool. vii, 128.— Steph., ibid. 
 xiii, pt. ii, 39.— Temm., Man. 1815, 34.— Leach, Catj 1816, 11.— Kaup, Classif. 
 Siiug. u. Vog. 110. — Bebhm, V. D. i, 63. — Fi.e.^i., Bt. An. 49. — Jeed., Mad. Jyourn. 
 X, 1839, 79.— Pall., Zoog. E. A. i, 1811, 327, pi. 3, 4.— Jenyns, Man. 82.— Nau.m., 
 V. D. i, 18^2, 285, pi. 24, 25.— JSLvCGiL., Hist. Br. B. iii, 294 ; Eap. B. 6r. Br. 159.— 
 Eyt., Cat. 1.— Bp., List, 1838, 4.— Keys. & Blas., 1840, 28.— Gray, Gen. of B. i, 
 19.— HoDG., Gray's Zool. Misc. 1844, 81.— Gould, B. Eiir. pi. 21.— Kuhl, Beit. 
 Zool. i, 78 (auat.).— Eijpp., Neue Wirb. 44; Syst. Uebere. 11. — Hardy, Eev. 
 Zool. 1844, 289.— VIEILL., Fn. Franf. 29, pi. 13, figs. 1, 2.— Kadp, Mns. Senck. 
 257.— Bailly, Orn. Sav. i, 45.— S.-Longch., Fn. Belg. 50— Lubb., Fn. Norf. 17.— 
 Roux, Orn. Prov. 1, 49, pi. 29, 30.— Bechst., Tasch. 33.— Meyer, Tasch. i, .V,.— 
 Feisch, V. D. pi. 83.— Selby, 111. Brit. Orn. i, 39, pi. 15, 15*.— Jard., Br. B. i, 
 115, pi. 4.— Thomps., B. Ireland, i, 33.— Watt., B. Ireland, 4.— Morris, Br. B. 
 88, pi. 13.— Strickl., Orn. Syn. 1855, 81.— Gray, List Br. B. 1863, 11; and ot 
 authors generally. 
 
 Falco orientalis, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 264.— Lath., I. 0. i, 1790, 22.— Daud., Tr. ii, 76. 
 
 Falco fartaricus, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 272 (Briss., Orn. i, 345). 
 
 Falco eaVulus, Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 41 {Behrec Falcon, Syn. Snppl. 35). 
 
 Falco lunulatus, Daud., Tr. Orn. ii, 1800, 122 (Strickland). 
 
 Falco ahieiinus, Bechst., Naturg. Deutschl. ii, 759. 
 
 Falco pinefarius, Shaw, Gen. Zool. vii, 195 (Stricllund). 
 
 Falco geiitilis, Wils., Mem. Wern. Soc. ii, 587 (Strickland). 
 
 Falco micrurus, Hodg., Gray'.s Zool. Misc. 1844, 81. 
 
 Falco griseiventris, Brehji, Isis, 1833, 778. 
 
 Falco cornicum, Bbbhm, V. D. i, 62. 
 
 b. melanogenys. 
 
 Falco peregrinm, YsG., Linn. Trans, xv, 183; Isis, 1830, 260 (Strickland). 
 
 Falco melanogenys, GouLD, P. Z. S. v, 139 ; Syn. B. Aust. 3 ; Introd. B. Aust. 19 ; B. Anst. 
 
 i, pi. 8.— Gray, Gen. of B. ; List B. Brit. Mns. 51; Hand-list, i, 1869, 19, Xo. 
 
 167.— Bp., Rev. Zool. 18.50, 484; Consp. i, 1850, 23.— Kaup, Mon. J'a/c. Cont. 
 
 Orn. 1850, 56.— Strickl., Orn. Syn. 1855, 84. 
 Falco macropus, Sw., An. in Menag. 341. 
 Falco communis var. melanogenys, KiDGW.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 129. 
 
 c. anatum, 
 
 Falco niger, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788. 270 (Briss., i, 327). (Strickland.) 
 
 Falco nwvius, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 17.88, 271 (Bniss., i, 329.) (Strickland.) 
 
 Falco communis, COUES, Key, 1872, 213, f. 141. 
 
 Falco communis var. anatum, Eidgw., Pr. Bost. Soc. 1873, 45.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 132. 
 
342 FALCO COMMUNIS, PEEEGRINE FALCON. 
 
 Falco peregrinus var. b. anatum. Blas., List B. Enr. 3. — Ridgw., Pr. Phila. Ac. 1870, 139. 
 
 Falco peregrinus, WiLS., Am. Om. ix, 1614. 120, pi. 76. — Ja.mes., ed. Wils. i, 51. — Jard., 
 ed. Wils. iii, 251.— Brew., ed. Wils. 077, 683.— Sab., Lion. Trans, xii, 529.— Bp., 
 Journ. Pliila. Acad, i, 1824, 342; Syn. 1828, 27; Isis, 1*J2, 1136.— Sw. & RiCH^ 
 F. B. A. 11, 1831, 23.— Rich., App. Parry's 2nd Voy- ■■!42.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 
 53.— AUD., Orn. Biog. i, 18.32, 85; v, 1839, .365; pi.' 16; .Syn. 1839, 16; B. Am. i, 
 1840, 84, pi. 20.— GiK., B. L. I. 1844, 14.— Hald., Pr. Pliila. Acad, i, 1841, 54 
 (breeding in United States).- DeKay, Nat. Hist. N. Y. 1844, 13, pi. 3, f. 8.— 
 Lemb., Av. Cubae, 1850, pi. 1, fig. 2.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1«53, 60.— Allen, 
 Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 514.— Taylor, Ibis. 1864, fJ) (Trinidad).- Trippe, Pr. Ess. 
 Inst, vi, 1871, 113 (Minnesota).— Alle.v, Bull. JI. C. Z. ii, 1871, 316; iii. 1872, 
 180.— Russ, J. [. O. 1671, 49.— Phillippi, Cut. 1869 (Chili). 
 
 Falco anatum, Be., List, IKJS, 4 ; R. Z. 1850, 484; Consp. i, 1850, 23.— GOSSE, B. Jam. 
 1847, 10.- Cass., 111. 1654, 86.— Brew., N. A Ool. 1857, 8.— Bd., B. N. A., 1858, 7.— 
 Brt., Pr. Bost. Soc. vii, 1859 ; 16(17, 66 (Babanjas). — Cab., J. f. O. ii, p. Ixxxiii. — 
 Gundl., Repert. 1665, 225.— Xewt., Ibis, i, 1859, 63 (Santa Cruz). — Wood, 
 "Hartford Times," June 24, 1861.— Blakiston, Ibis, 1661, 315.— Boardm., Pr. 
 Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 122 (Grand Menan, breeding). — March, Pr. Pbila. Acad. 
 1863, 304 (Jamaica).— Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 50; 1605, 153 (breeding).— 
 Salv., p. Z. S. 1867, 158 (Veragua).— CoCES, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1666. 254 (New 
 England).— MclLWR., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 60 (Canada West).— Tuhnb., B. 
 E. Pa. 1869, 6 (breeding on Alleghanies and clitfs along Susquehanna). — Dalt 
 & Baxn., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1669, 270 (Alaska).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1670, 457.- 
 Sxow, B. Kans. 1873 ; and of moat late American writers. 
 
 Falco nigriceps, Cass., 111. 16")3, 87 (California) ; Pr. Phila. Acad. 1855, 277 ; Gillis' U. S. 
 Astron. Exp. ii, 1855, pi. 14 (Chili); B. N. A. 1858, 6, pi. 11.— Strickl., Orn. 
 Syn. 1655, 85.- Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 142, pi. 11.— Gray, 
 Hand-list, i, 1869, 19, No. 166.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 456. 
 
 Ci) Falco communisYai. pealei, Ridgw., B. B. & R., X. A. B. iii, 1874, 137 (northwest coast ; 
 melanotic ; may require varietal recognition). 
 
 {^.) Falco cassini, Sharpe, Ann. Mag. N. H. JIar. 1873 (Straits of Magellan). 
 
 e. tninor. 
 
 Falco communis minor, ScuL., Traitd Faucon. ; M. P.-B. i, 1802, 4. 
 
 Falco minor, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1650, 23; R. Z. 1650, 484.— Stuickl., Orn. Syn. 16.5.5, 63.— 
 
 Gray, Hand-list, i, 1661.1, 19, No. 166. 
 Falco peregrinus, S.mith, S. Afr. Quart. Journ. 236 {Strickland). 
 Falco peregiinus var. capensis, ScxD. {Gray). 
 Falco peregrinoides, AllQ., {Bp.) — Smith, I. c. 235 {Strickland). 
 
 Bab. — Nearly cosmopolitan. Var. communis, from most parts of the Old World. Var. 
 melanogenys, from Australia and Java. Var. anatum, generally distributed in America. 
 Var. minor from South Africa. 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 5166, mouth of Vermilion River. 
 
 Without feeling at all assured of even varietal distinctions in this case (excepting 
 var. minor). I arrange the synonymy as above. The several sets of names may be 
 readily combined if desired, while it would be less ea.sy to separate them if the 
 synonymy were compiled indiscriminately. I quote several names, for the identifica- 
 tion of which I am not responsible, on the authorities cited in the respective cases. 
 
 The American Duck Hawk appears to ha\'e been first separated from the Old World 
 Peregrine by Prince Bonaparte, in 1636 ; but no characters were, to my knowledge, 
 then ascribed to it, and it is very doubtful that any exist. It may be presumed 
 that this author was misled by a then supposed, but since proved groundless, differ- 
 ence in the nidificatiou ; more likely, however, he proceeded upon some theory respect- 
 ing geographical distribution. The name has, however, been very generally adopted, 
 even by those who have demurred against it. One of the highest authorities on birds 
 of prey, Dr. Schlegel, states, after e.xamination of various examples from North and 
 South America and Mexico, that " le Faucon commun de I'Am^rique ne difffere en au- 
 cnne fagon du notre." Such is nearlj' my own view ; and even Bonaparte, in 1650, 
 confesses that his anatum is " forsan a F. commmii spec, hand diversus." Mr. Ridgway, 
 however, claims good varietal characters for our bird A later candidate for recogni- 
 tion is found in the F. nigriceps of Cassin, which, like F. anatum, rests upon some 
 ascribed characters, beiog said to be smaller, darker, &c. But these features appear 
 to be fortuitous, belonging to the category of individual peculiarities ; and since pure 
 anatum has been determined to occur within areas supposed to be occupied by nigriceps, 
 even its character as a geographical race disappears. Of the Australian F. melanogenys. 
 Dr. Schlegel has remarked : " La variety accidentelle fonc€e de I'Australie » » » « 
 ne mferite pas mSme le nom de conspecies." 
 
FALCO COMMUNIS, PEREGRINE FALCON. 343 
 
 A more distinct form than either of the foregoing is, according to nearly all authori- 
 ties, that found in South Africa (var. minor), it being constantly smaller. 
 
 Following Dr. Schlegel, I omit from the abiive synonymy the names of the Indian 
 Red Falcon {F. rithcr indictis, Antiq. ; F. communis indicns, G.M, ; /■'. shaheen, Jehd., Ma- 
 dras Jonrn. x, 81 ; 111. Ind. Orn. pi. 12; /■'. sulianens, YIodg., Zool. Misc. 81 ; F. niier, 
 SCHL., M. P.-B. i, 1862, 5 ; F. pereqnnator, Gjsav A: Bp., an ScxD. ?), which seems to be 
 entitled to' specific separation. By some authors, both early and latu, it is rated as a 
 variety of communis, while others hold it to be distinct. 
 
 The Peregriue occurs at intervals in all suitable places iu North Amer- 
 ica, and it is not a little remarkable that its extensive breeding range 
 should have only lately been ascertained. Even so late as 1857, Dr. 
 Brewer stated that he had only recently become aware of its breeding 
 iu the United States, and that only one authentic instance of its occur- 
 rence during the breeding season south of Newfoundland had come to 
 his knowledge. He appends a foot-note, containing information from 
 Prof. Haldeman of its breeding on a cliff along the Susquehanna, near 
 Columbia, Pennsylvania, and also, probably, at Harper's Ferry in Vir- 
 ginia. More recently Mr. Allen, with the assistance of Mr. C. W. Ben- 
 nett and Dr. W. Wood, of East Windsor Hill, Connecticut, have been 
 conspicuous in elaborating the history of the species, and especially in 
 establishing the fact that it regularly breeds on several of the mount- 
 ains on and near the Connecticut Eiver Valley. Mr. Boardman rei)orts 
 the same item from Grand Menan, where, he says, the bird is resident, 
 and regularly breeds on the cliffs. Dr. V\'ood, in the newspaper above 
 quoted, states that tour nearly fledged young were taken from a nest on 
 Talcott Mountain, near Hartford, June 1, 1861, the female parent being 
 shot. Writing in 1864, Mr. Allen states that Mr. Bennett took young 
 birds, "a few years since,-' on Mount Tom, near Springfield, Massachu- 
 setts. Shortly afterward Mr. Allen announced the discovery of the eggs 
 by Mr. Bennett, on Mount Tom, April 19, 1864 ; these were the tirst 
 known to have been procured in New England, or, indeed, in the United 
 States. The unusual interest attaching to bis article induces me to 
 quote at some length : 
 
 "Although the Duck Hawk has been long known to breed at the 
 localities in Massachusetts mentioned above [Mounts Tom and Holyoke], 
 those conversant with the fact were not aware that any special interest 
 was attached to it, or that its eggs and breeding-habits were very little 
 known to ornithologists; and so, until very recently, no particular 
 efforts have been made to procure the eggs'. Mr. Bennett, becoming 
 aware of this, resolved to procure the eggs. He accordingly visited 
 Mount Tom for this purpose, April 6th of tlie present year [1864], when 
 he searched the whole ridge of the mountain, discovered the old birds and 
 the particular part they most frequented, and also the site of a nest, 
 where the young had been raised. The old birds were continually near 
 this spot, and manifested much sobcitude when it was approached, often 
 flying within six or eight rods, and once the female came within three, 
 screaming and thrusting out her talons, w'ith an expression of great 
 rage and fierceness. The birds did not appear at all sby, being easily 
 approached quite nearly, though in walking, the cracking; of sticks anil 
 the clinking of spbnters of trap-rock made no little noise. One of the 
 birds appeared to keep close to the eyrie, and both would approach 
 whenever it was visited, screaming at and menacing the intruder, not- 
 withstanding that at that time there were no eggs. Mr. Bennett, sus- 
 pecting that incubation had commenced, visited the locality again on 
 the 9th, but only saw the old nest, the birds behaving as before. Ten 
 days later he made another visit, and, creeping carefully to the summit 
 of the cliff, at a point near the eyrie already spoken of, he saw the 
 
344 FALCO COMMUNIS, PEREGRINE FALCON. 
 
 female, on looking over the cllfif, sitting on the nest, and but five or six 
 yards distant. She eyed him fiercely for an instant, and then, scram- 
 bling from the nest to the edge of the narrow shelf supporting it, 
 launched into the air. In a twinkling Mr. Bennett's unerring aim sent 
 her tumbling dead at the foot of the precipice, several hundred feet 
 below. The nest contained four eggs, which were soon safely secured, 
 and the body of the female was obtained from the foot of the clifi'. The 
 male soon coming about was shot at, but he was too shy to come within 
 range, excepting once, when the gun was being reloaded. The eggs 
 were all laid after April 9th, and their contents showed, April 19t,h, that 
 they had been incubated but a day or two. Incubation seems, in this 
 case, to have commenced several weeks later than usual, which may 
 have been owing to the late suows and unusual coldness of the weather 
 this year during the first half of April. 
 
 " The situation of the eyrie was near the highest part of the mount- 
 ain, about one-third of the length of the mountain from its south end, 
 ou a narrow shelf in the rock, eight or ten feet from the top of a nearly 
 perpendicular cliff', 150 or 200 feet iif height, and was inaccessible ex- 
 cept to a bold climber, and at one particular point. The nest was 
 merely a slight excavation, sufficient to contain the eggs ; no accessory 
 material had been added. The site had been previously occupied, and 
 probably for several years; and for weeks before the eggs were laid 
 was carefullj' guarded by the bold and watchful birds." 
 
 These four eggs averaged 2.22 long by 1.68 broad, with 2.32 by 1.71, 
 and 2.16 by 1.65 as maxima and minima, respectively. The smallest 
 was larger than the one measured by Dr. Brewer (2.00 by 1.50), which 
 he obtained in Labrador. They also varied considerably in contour, 
 and in heaviness and extent of coloration they showed a series from the 
 darkest and most nearly uniform to the lightest and most sparsely 
 marked, in which latter the contrast between the white ground and the 
 blotches was striking. Of the darkest egg the writer says: "The gen- 
 eral color is chocolate-brown, darker and more dense and uniform about 
 the ends, the part about the middle being lighter, varied with small 
 irregular blotches and specks of a darker tint than the ground-color. 
 The color of the smaller end is a nearly uniform dull red ochre. There 
 is also an irregular belt of scattered and apparently very superficial 
 blotches of very dark brown or nearly black." Two other eggs, as 
 already mentioned, graded toward the lightest, which is thus described: 
 " The greater end of the egg, which in the eggs of most birds is the eud 
 most subject to markings and to the greatest depth of color, is white, 
 sprinkled sparingly with reddish specks ; while the smaller end is deep 
 bright brick-red, here and there relieved by small specks and patches 
 of white groundcolor. About the middle of the egg the colors are in 
 more equal proportions, the white patches becoming larger ou the 
 smaller end toward the middle, and the red patches on the larger end 
 increase toward the same point, where the colors meet and become 
 mixed in irregular patches of various sizes, from mere dots to blotches." 
 
 Viewing such variation as this, in size, form, and color, among eggs 
 of the same clutch, we see how utterly worthless are such discrepancies 
 as a means of deciding a mooted question of specific identity, or the 
 reverse, in nearly-allied birds. Yet some ornithologists will compare a 
 single egg with another, gravely note the differences, and thereupon 
 proceed to an argument with still denser gravity. Corresponding dis- 
 crepancies in the mode of nidificatiou serve as a basis for equally flimsy 
 arguments. Take the present case of the Duck Hawk, breeding ou 
 Mount Tom on the bare ground, while in other instances it is known to 
 
FALCO COLOIBAKIUS, PIGEON HAWK. 345 
 
 build a large, bulky nest of sticks and other coarse material, as noticed 
 by Dr. Wood on Taleott Mountain, and by Audubon on the cliffs of the 
 Labrador coast. The eggs of this species are also stated to be from 
 two to five in number, four being- the usual nest-complement. Oology 
 is attractive and in many respects satisfactory, but it is certainly tlie 
 most unsafe department of ornithology. 
 
 Mr. Allen continues the subject in his later communication to the 
 American Naturalist, as above quoted : " One or more pairs of these 
 birds have been seen about 3Ii)uuts Tom and Holyoke every season 
 since the first discovery of their eggs at the former locality, in IsGi. 
 Mr. Bennett has since carefully watched them, and his frequent laboii- 
 ous seai'ches for their nests have been well rewarded. In ISGG he took 
 a second set ot eggs, three in number, from the eyrie previously occu- 
 pied. Id ISOT the male bird was killed late in April, and this appar- 
 eutly prevented their breeding there that year, as they probably other- 
 wise would have doue ; at least no nest was that year discovered. Li 
 1868 Hawks of this species were seen about the mountains, and, although 
 they reared their young there, all effort to discover their nest was inef- 
 fectual. The present year (1869) they commeuced to lay in the old 
 nestiug-pl ce. but as they were robbed when but one egg had been de- 
 posited, they deserted it, and cbose a site still more inaccessible. Here 
 they were equally unfortunate; for, during a visit to the mountain in 
 company with Mr. Bennett, April 2S. we had the pleasure of discovei'iug 
 their second eyrie, and from which, with considerable difiBculty. three 
 freshly-laid eggs were obtained. 2sot discourased by this second mis- 
 fortune, they nested again, this time depositing their eggs in the old 
 eyrie, from which all, excepting the last set of eggs, have been obtained. 
 Again they were unfortunate, Mr. Bennett removing their second set ot 
 eggs, three in number. May 23d, at which time incubation had just com- 
 meuced. The birds remained about the mountain all the summer, and, 
 from the anxiety they manifested in August, it appears not improbable 
 that they laid a third time, and at this late period had unfledged young." 
 
 Accounts from the West are meagre. The only indications from the 
 Missouri region I have seen are Dr. Haydeu's and Prof. Snow's. Mr-. 
 Dall found the bird in Alaska; a j)air nested on a dead spruce, and had 
 young nearly ready to fly June Isf. Dr. Cooper observes that it is resi- 
 dent along the whole coast of Southern California, but migratory north 
 of the Cohimbia. It breeds in cavities of the lofty, inaccessible cliffs 
 overhanging the water, both along the main-land and ou the islands. 
 •■ On Santa Barbara Island, in May. a pair which probably were stiU feed- 
 ing their young, swept boldly around my head, when I must have been 
 fully half a mile from the nest, and I shot the female, a very fine speci- 
 men. I have seen one pursue a Swallow, and, turning feet upward, 
 seize it flying with perfect ease.'' 
 
 FALCO COLOIBAEIUS, Linn. 
 Pigeon Hawk. 
 
 Falco cohtmharim. LlXN.. Syst. X.nt. i. 1766, 10^ {Ac. jjahtmiarim. Cates.. i. 3 : Jc. caro- 
 liiiensis, Br.iss.. i. 375 . — Forjt.. Philos. Tr. Isii. 177-2, SrJ. — Gm., Svst. Xat. i, 
 175^. i-1.— Lath.. IdiI. Orn. i. 1790. 44. — Dacd., Tr. Om. ii. 1500. Si.— Shaw, 
 Gen. Zool. vii, 155— Crv., E. A. id ed. i. 3*J.— Wn^.. Am. Oru. ii. IrlO. 107. 
 pi. i:>, f. 3.— .Tard., ed. Wils. i. 254.— Ja5izs.. ed. Wils. i. 61.— Brew., ed. WiU. 
 6S3.— Bp.. Syn. 15'25. 3-? : Isis. 1>3J. llSii— Xutt., Man.'i. 15:'-J. 00.— Less.. Tr. 
 Oru. 9-2- ElCH. & Sw.. F. B. A. ii, 1531. 35,— Sw.. Cias-if. B. ii. 1537, -JIO.— 
 ACD.. Oru. Bii>j. i, l-3'2. 400: v, 365 : pi. iij: .*vu, l-.'.;'. 16 : B. Am. i. 1540, -5, 
 pL 21.— Bp., List, 1:35. 4.— Gir;.. B. L. L Irll, 17.— DeKay. X, Y, ZooL i, 1^44, 
 
346 FALCO COLUMBARIUS, PIGEON HAWK. 
 
 4, jjI. 4, f. 9.— Jard., Ann. N. H. xviii, 118 (Tobago).— Blak., Ibis, iii, 31,5.— 
 
 Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wasb. Ter. 1660, 142.— Coop., B. Cal. i, lt^70, 460.— 
 
 PiiDGw., Pr. Pljila. Acad. 1670, 140.— ? Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, ISO.— 
 
 Codes, Key, 1872, 214. 
 Falco (Hypotriorchis) cohimbarius of many autbors. — Cass., B. N. A. 1858, 9. 
 Tinnuncidu3 columiarius, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, pi. 11 ; Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. 
 
 xii, 104 ; Enc. Metb. iii, 1236. 
 Nism columbarius, Cdv. 
 Astiir columbarius, BoiE. 
 Syjiotriorchis columbarius, Gray, Gen. of B. ; List B. Br. JIus. 55. — Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 
 
 26.— WooDH., Sitgr. Rep. 1853,60.— Cass., 111. 1854, 90 (includes next species).— 
 
 Brew., N. A. Oiil. 1'!'.57, 12.— Newb., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 74.— Heerm., ibid. 
 
 X, 1859, pt. Ti, 31.— DnE.ss,, Ibis, 1865, 323 (Texas).— CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 
 
 1866, 42 (Arizona).— Call & Bann., Tr. Cbic. Acad, i, 1869, 270 (Alaska).— 
 
 Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. ix, 134 (Costa Rica). — Stbv., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 
 
 1870, 462 — Sxow, B. Kaus. 1873. 
 Hypotriorchis (Lithofalco) columbarius, Bp., Cousp. Av. i, 1850, 26. 
 Hypotriorchis (JEsalon) columbarius, Gray, Hand-list, i, 1869, 21, No. 193. 
 ulSsalov columbarius, Kadp, Jlonog. Falc. Cout. Oru. 18.^0, .54. 
 Falco (JEsalon) lithofalco var. columbarius, RiDGW., Pr. Best. Soc. 1873, 46 (but eo/um- 
 
 barius bas priority).— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 144. 
 Falco intermixtus, Daud., Traits d'Orii. ii, 1800, 141. 
 
 Falco temerarius, AuD., Orn. Blog. i, 1831, 381, pi. 75.— NuTl'., Man. i, 1832, 61. 
 Falco anduboni, "Blackw., Zool. Res. 1834." 
 (?) Falco (Msalon) lithofalco var. suclicyi, RiDGW.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 147 
 
 (nortbwest coast ; raelauotic ; parallel witb case of communis v ai. 2>ealei). 
 
 Hab. — Generally distributed over Nortb America. Ranging into Mexico, Central 
 America, and northern portions of South America. Ecuador (ScL. P. Z. S. 1858, 451). 
 Venezuela (ScL. & S.vLV., P. Z. S. 1869, 252). Cuba(D'ORmG., La Sagra's Cuba, Ois. 23 ; 
 Cab., J. f. O. ii, p. Ixxxiv ; Gdndi,., Rep. 1865, 255). Jamaica (GossE, B. Jam. 1847, 17). 
 
 Late Expeditions. — 6062 1 , Green River. 
 
 In ranging this bird as a variety of the European, Mr. Ridgway has apparently over- 
 looked the fact that " columbarius " has priority over " lithofalco," which latter, in event 
 he proves correct in uniting the two, will be known as F. columbarius var. lithofalco. 
 Considering, however, that in this instance the fact of varietal relationship can hardly 
 be consideied established, and that it is rarely necessary, or even expedient, to ex- 
 change one tentative view for another equally so, I follow the usual course in separat- 
 ing the two birds specifically. Upon similar considerations I retain F. richardsotii as 
 a species until its inter-gradatiou with F. columbarius is proven, although I believe 
 that most probably Mr. Ridgway's later view of its varietal relationship with F. colum- 
 barius is correct. 
 
 I have little to add to the published accounts of this elegant and 
 spirited Hawk, aptly styled " The Little Corporal." It is ;ipparently 
 not common in the interior of the West, and even less so than has been 
 supposed, a part of the quoted instances of its occurrence, like Dr. 
 Hayden's for instance, really referring to the next species, the history 
 of which has only lately beeu disentangled from that of the true Pigeon 
 Hawk. Mr. Dall gives it as resident in Alaska, and notes the fact of 
 its even destroying Ptarmigan, birds much larger than itself — proof, 
 were any needed, of its audacity and prowess. According to Dr. Cooper, 
 it ranges over the whole of California in cold weather, but he never 
 observed it m summer, even in the highest mountains. 
 
 Our accounts of its nidification are defective, and sometimes conflict- 
 ing. It appears to breed chiefly north of the United States, and accord- 
 ing to Hutchins, as rendered in the Fauna Boreali-Americana, it makes 
 a nest on rocks and in hollow trees, of sticks and grass, lined with 
 feathers. Audubon describes a nest he found in Labrador in a low fir 
 tree, ten or twelve feet from the ground, built of sticks, lined with moss 
 and feathers. The bird is unquestionably resident in Northern New 
 England, where Mr. Boardman says it breeds in hollow trees. No 
 authentic instance of its breeding further south has come to my knowl- 
 edge. Mr. Samuels, indeed, in his Catalogue, gives it as resident and 
 breeding in Massachusetts, but this is negatived by his own subsequent 
 
FALCO EICHAEDSONII, AMERICAN MERLIN. 347 
 
 stateaient, iu his later work, where he says he has no authentic iufor- 
 mation of its breediug in New England (p. 18). He, however, figures an 
 egg, received from Mr. Boardman as being of this species, from Mill- 
 town, Maine. It measures only 1.50 by 1.44, and in coloration, as rep- 
 resented on the plate, difl'ers materially from any authentic specimens 
 I have seen. It may be here remarked, moreover, that the egg figured 
 and described by Dr. Brewer proves not authentic, he having been 
 deceived by a chain of circumstantial evidence he could not but accept 
 as conclusive. In the uncertainty, I am the more pleased to offer an 
 unquestionable description, derived from examination of specimens iu 
 the Smithsonian. The size varies from 1.50 by 1.30 to l.SO by 1.30— 
 figures also indicating the range of variation in shape, some being sub- 
 spherical, others elongate-oval. Coloration ranges from a nearly uniform 
 deep rich brown (chestnut or burnt sienna), to whitish or white only, 
 marked with a few indistinct dots ot dull grayish or drab. Such ex- 
 tremes aie connected by every degree; a yellowish brown ground-color, 
 irregularly splashed with rich ruddy brown, is the usual style. The 
 markings may be very evenly distributed, or mostly gathered iu a 
 •wreath around one or the other end, or even both ends. 
 
 I may here mention a fact in oology, apparently not without its value. 
 In measuring many hundred eggs, I have noticed that the variation, 
 however great, is less in absolute bulk than in contour — in approach to, 
 or departure from, what may be regarded as the standard of shape for 
 the species. Xow this variation in shape is produced mainly by 
 difference in the length of the mnjor axis, the transverse diameter being 
 approximately constant. What additional variation in shape may occur, 
 results from slight shifting of the point of greatest breadth toward one 
 end or the other. Anatomical considerations bear this out. Taking 
 the calibre of the oviduct as an approximately fixed quantity iu the 
 same species, and remembering that varying circumstances of age, sea- 
 son, and physical vigor, determine the amount of fluids secreted to 
 envelope the ovum, it is evident that, while the whole capacity of the 
 calcareous shell must vary correspondingly, the difference will be 
 mainly in lengthening or shortening of the egg-, since the contractility 
 of the oviduct holds the transverse diameter newly fixed. ^ 
 
 There aie also few instances of greater difiereuce in the amount, 
 intensity, and distribution of pigmentary matter than those occurring 
 among Hawks, and even in eggs of the same nest-complement. I 
 think it a probable rule, that the succession of laying of the eggs can 
 b6 judged by the quantity of pigment iu the shell, those first extruded 
 being generally the most heavily colored, the others growing lighter 
 with gradual consumption of the color supply. This is strikingly illus- 
 trated in cases where the same nest has been robbed repeatedly — the 
 later laid eggs gradually losing their coloration, as well as gradually 
 growing smaller, with increasing exhaustion of the reproductive pow- 
 ers of the parent. Every poultry man is familiar with the extreme 
 instance of this, when a hen drops an egg often no longer than a 
 pigeon's, as the final effort before ceasing to lay. 
 
 FALCO EICHAEDSOXII, Eidgw. 
 
 American Merlin, 
 
 FaUo ersalmi, Sw. &. Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1^31, ;!7, pi. 25 (excl. syn.; nee (7Hct).— Nutt., 
 Mau. ii, ls:u, B.Sy.— Tnwxs., Narr. ie:».— Coop, .t Suck., X. H. Wash. Ter. 
 1,-^60, •JtfS.— CoUES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 43 (iu text). 
 
 Ht/poti-iorehis eolvmbarius, Cass., 111. 1854, 90 (partly).— Hayd.. Eep. 1862, 152.— Stev., 
 U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 462 (paxtly). 
 
 7 
 
348 PALCO EICHAEDSONII, AMERICAN MERLIN. 
 
 Falco eolumbarius, Cass., B. N. A. 1858, 9 (partly). 
 
 Falco (Sypoiriorchis) richarilsonii , Eidgw., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1870, 145 ( g type one of Dr. 
 
 Hayden's specimens). 
 SypotriorcMs richardsoni, Snow, B. Kans. 1873. 
 Falco riehardsoni, CouES, Key, 1872, 214. 
 Falco {JEsalon) lithofalco var. richardsoni, Eidgw. — B. B. & E., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 148. 
 
 Sab. — Interior of Nortli America. United States from the Mississippi to the Rocky 
 Mountains. Arctic America. 
 
 lAentenant JVumn's Expedition. — 5170-1, mouth of Vermilion Eiver, Dakota. 
 
 Later Expeditions. — 58983, Berthoud's Pass; 60385, La Bont^ Creek, Wyoming; 60617, 
 Box Elder Creek, Utah; 60618-9, Green Eiver, Wyoming; 60620, Sweetwater. 
 
 This species was first noticed by the authors of the Fauna Boreali- 
 Americana, who accurately distinguished it from the common Pigeon 
 Hawk, considering it identical with the F. cesalon of Europe. Subse- 
 quent writers attributed this last to North America, all apparently 
 having the j)resent bird in view. Mr. Cassin, with some of the speci- 
 mens before him that afterward served as the basis of Mr. Eidgway's 
 descriptions, noticed the discrepancies presented on comparison with 
 the ordinarj' F. columharius, but made no specific discrimination, citing 
 F. cesalon. of Swainson and Eichardson as a synonym. I observed the 
 same thing in 1866, remarking as follows : " In the immense series of 
 Pigeon Hawks which I have examined from all parts of the West, I 
 find a few specimens which constantly differ to a marked degree from 
 any of the diverse plumages in which F. columbarim presents itself. 
 These specimens are invariably much larger than any others in the 
 series; are much lighter colored ; and differ constantly in the increased 
 number of light and dark bars on the tail. Compared with a European 
 specimen of F. cesalon, they agree in every particular. I think it most 
 probable that future careful research will demonstrate the existence of 
 a species hitherto usually confounded with F. columhariusP This sur- 
 mise has been verified by Mr. Eidgway, who, however, has pointed out 
 some differences, before overlooked, between our bird and the true 
 cesalon, and proposed the specific name I have adopted. The bird may 
 prove, I still think, only a geographical race of cesalon ; in fact Mr. 
 Eidgway has latterly reducetl it. As the species is still very little 
 known, the description is subjoined.* It should be diligently sought 
 for in the northwest, additional specimens being very desirable. 
 
 * "Adult male: Upper plumage, dull earth-brown, each feather grayish-umber cen- 
 trally, and with a conspicuous black shaft-line. Head above, approaching ashy-white 
 anteriorly, the black shaft-stresks being very conspicuous. Secondaries, primary- 
 coverts, and primaries, margined terminally with dull white ; the primary-coverts with 
 two transverse series of pale ochraceous spots ; primaries, with spots of the same, cor- 
 responding with those of the inner webs. Upper tail coverts, tipped and spotted be- 
 neath the surface with white. Tail, clear drab, much lighter than the primaries, bnt 
 growing darker terminally, having basally a slightly ashy cast, crossed witli six 
 sharply defined perfectly continnous bands (the last terminal) of ashy-white. Head 
 frontally, laterally and beneath — a collar round the nape (interrupting the brown 
 above) — and entire lower parts, white, somewhat ochraceous, this most perceptible 
 on the tibise ; cheeks and ear-coverts with sparse, fine, hair-like streaks of black ; 
 nuchal collar, jugulum, breast, abdomen, sides and flanks, with a median linear stripe 
 of clear ochre-brown on each feather; these stripes broadest on the flanks; each stripe 
 with a conspicuous black shaft-streak; tibise and lower tail-coverts with fine shaft- 
 streaks of brown, like the broader stripes of the other portions. Chin and throat, 
 only, immaculate. Lining of the wings spotted with ochraceous-white and brown, in 
 about equal amount, the former in spots approaching the shaft. Inner webs of pri- 
 maries with transverse broad bars of pale ochraceous — eight on the longest. Wing, 
 7.70; tail, 5.00; cnlmen, 0.50; tarsus, 1.30; middle toe, 1.25; outer, 0.85; inner,0.70; 
 posterior, 0.50. 
 
 "Adult female : Differing in coloration from the male only in the points of detail. 
 Ground-color of the upper parts clear grayish-drab, the feathers with conspicuously 
 black shafts ; all the feathers with pairs of rather indistinct rounded ochraceous spots, 
 these most conspicuous on the wings and scapulars. Secondaries crossed with three 
 
FALCO SPARVERIUS, SPAEEOW HAWK. 349 
 
 This is the bird mentioned by Dr. Hayden, under name of columba- 
 rim, as abundant in the wooded bottoms of the Missouri region. One 
 of his specimens from the Vermilion Eiver served as the male type 
 of Mr. Ridgway's description ; another (No. 58983), taken by Sir. J. 
 Stevenson at Berthoud's Pass of the Eocl<y Mountains, in Colorado, 
 is the female type. The writer quotes a third, a young male, taken at 
 Fort Rice, Dakota, by General Alfred Sully. Prof. Snow records ■ it 
 among Kansas birds, on Professor Baird's authority; whether from 
 actual capture of specimens in the State, or upon the strength of its 
 known distribution, I am not informed. It is not unlikely that the pale, 
 ashy specimen noted by Dr. Cooper, as procured by him at Port Mojave, 
 Arizona, was an individual of this species. Dr. Richardson's bird was 
 an old female, killed at Carlton House, on the Saskatchewan, May 14, 
 1827, while flying with her mate ; " in the oviduct there were several 
 fnll-sized white eggs, clouded at one end with a few bronze-colored 
 spots." Another specimen is stated to have been killed at Sault St. 
 Marie, between Lakes Huron and Superior. What little information we 
 possess of the habits of the bird indicates nothing peculiar in com- 
 parison with those of F. columbarius. 
 
 FALCO SPARVERIUS, Linn. 
 Sparrow Hawk. 
 
 a. sparverius. 
 
 Falco sparrerhis, Li>'x., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 128 (Ac. minoi; Gates., i, 5; JEsalon caroli- Jc''' 
 
 nmsis, Bmss., i, S86, pi. 32, f. 1).— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 284.— Lath., I. Orn. i, -* '' - 
 1790, 42.— Daud., Tr. Oru. ii, 1800, 142, pi. 12.— Shaw, Gen. Zool. vii, p], 26.— ■ L 
 WlLS., Am. Orn. ii, 1610, 117, pi. 16, f. 1 (?) ; iv, 57, pi, 32, f. 2 ( ^ ).— Steph., /T^ 
 Gen. Zool. xiii, Dt. ii, 38. — Cuv., E. A. 2d ed. i, 322. — James., ed. Wils. 'i,^IJ'Oa 
 56, 60.— Jaed., ed. Wils. i, 262; ii, 51.— Bhew., ed, Wils. 864.— Bp., Syn. 1828, " "^ ,*''' 
 27 ; Isis, 1832, 1136.— Wagl., Isis, 1831, 517.— Sw. & ElCH., F. B, A, ii, 1831, 31, 
 pi. 24.— Sw., Classif. B. Ii, 1837, 212.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 58,— AuD,, Orn. Biog. 
 ii, 1835, 246 ; v, 1839, 370 ; pi, 142 ; Syn, 1839, 17 ; B. Am, i, 1840, 90, 22,— 
 ViBll-L,, Ency, Meth. iii, 1234.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. 1844, 16, pi, 7, f, 16,— 
 Maxim,, J. f, 0. vi, 1858, 15.— Cass,, B. N. A. 1858, 13.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. 
 Wash. Ter, 1860, 143.— Lokd, Pr. Roy, Artv. Inst, iv, 1864, 110.— Coop., B, Cal, 
 i, 1870, 462,— Allen, Bull, M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 180.— Hoijj., Pr. Bost. Soo. 1872, 
 207.— Codes, Key, 1872, 214, flg. 142 ; and of moat anthers. 
 
 Falco (Tinrmnculus) sparverius of some authors. — ElDGW., Pr. Bost. Soc. 1873, 48. — B. B. 
 & E., N. a. B. iii, 1874, 169. 
 
 Tinrmnculus sparverius, VlElLL,, Ois. Am, Sept, i, 1807, 40, pi, 12, — Grat, Gen. of B. — 
 Bp., Consp, 1, 1850, 27,— Woodh,, Sitgr. Eep. 1853, 60,— Cass,, 111, 1804, 92; Pr, 
 
 A, N, S. 1855, 278,— Brew,, N, A, 061. 1857, 16.— Newb,, P. E. E. Eep. vi, 1H57, 
 74. — Kenn,, ibid, x, 1859, pt. iv, 19, — Heeem,, ibid. pt. vi, 31. — Hayd., Eep, 
 1862, 152,— CouBS, Pr. Phila. Acad, 1866, 42.— Aixen, Mem, Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 
 499.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 462.— Meee., ibid. 1872, 696.— Snow, 
 
 B. Kans. 1873 ; and of many authors. 
 
 Tmnmiculus {FaciJornis) sparverius, Gray, Hand-list, i, 1869, 23, No. 216. 
 Cei'clmeis sparverius, BoiE. — Bp,, Comp. List, 1838, 5, 
 Pacilornis sparverius, Kadp, Monog. Falc. Cont. Orn. 1850, 53. 
 
 hands of deeper, more reddish-ochraceons. Bands of the tail, pure white. In other 
 respects exactly like the male. Wing, 9,00 ; tail, 6.10 ; culmeu, 0,55 ; tarsus, 1.40 ; 
 middle toe, 1.50. 
 
 " Young male : Differing from the adult only in degree. Upper surface with the rusty 
 borders of the feathers more washed over the general surface ; the rusty ochraceous 
 forming the ground-color of the head — paler anteriorly, where the black shaft-streaks 
 are very conspicuous ; spots on the primary coverts and primaries deep reddish ochra- 
 ceous; tail-bands broader than in the adult and more reddish; the terminal one twice 
 as broad as the rest (0.40 of an inch), and almost cream color. Beneath, pale ochrace- 
 ous, this deepest on the breast and sides ; markings as in the adult, but anal region 
 and lower taii-coverts immaculate; the shaft-streaks on the tibiaj, also, scarcely dis- 
 cernible. Wing, 7.00 ; tail, 4.60. 
 
350 FALCO SPAEVKEIUS, SPAEEOW HAWK- 
 
 h, e, d, &c. 
 
 For various races or conspecies, real or supposed, see especially Eidgw., Pr. Phiia. 
 Acad. 1870, 147-149 ; and B. B. & E., X. A. B. iii, 1874, 166-168. 
 
 Hab. — The whole of North America, aud southward. 
 
 List of xpecimena. 
 
 19114 
 
 67 I Grosv. Fork...| 9 ' June 7, IhtO j F. V. Hayden.i 10.50 
 
 7.50 
 
 Lieutenant Warren'n Expedition. — .517-2, 5177, Yellowstone Elver; 5175, Powder Eiver: 
 5178, Fort Berthold; , Farm Island, Missouri Eiver. 
 
 Later Ej-peditiom.—'o'^Mi-i, Colorado ; 60336--, Wyoming ; 60662, North Platto ; 62236-9, 
 Idaho. 
 
 "The trees, of late so richly green, now disclose the fading tints of 
 autumn; the cricket becomes mute, the grasshopper witbers on the 
 fences, the mouse retreats to her winter quarters ; dismal clouds obscure 
 the eastern hoiizon, the sun assumes a sickly dimness, hoar frosts cover 
 the ground, and the long night encroaches on the domains of light. Xo 
 longer are heard the feathered choristers of the woods, who throng to- 
 ward more congenial climes, and in their rear rushes the Sparrow 
 Hawk." So the great painter of Nature portrays the waning season, 
 graphic with pen as with pencil. The dying year may bring no dismay 
 to the intrepid little Hawk, but when its cold breath blows away the 
 delicate creatures that aftbrd his sustenance, perforce he follows after; 
 aud once with us, braves all weathers and lives in plenty. Pew, if any, 
 of our birds are more widely dispersed, few are better known, and cer- 
 tainly no Hawk is regarded with less disfavor. Too small of frame — 
 though stout hearted enough, I warrant — to commit depredations in the 
 farm-yard ; subsisting on small insectivorous birds, it is true, but also 
 destroying countless flekl-mice and noxious insects, he is to be held a 
 benefactor to the agriculturist. The prettiest and jauntiest of our 
 Hawks, and yet no prig ; a true Falcon, if a little one, with as noble 
 mien and as much pluck as the best among his larger brethren, we can 
 but admire him. Xo Hawk is more abundant in the U'est. Go where 
 we may, in summer or winter, we shall before long see l.im hovering 
 over the fields, or perched, erect and motionless, on his outpost, sweep- 
 ing the ground below with keen, audacious eye. It is a treacherous 
 calm ; the ardor of the Falcon grows with restraint. An unlucky 
 Sparrow flirts in yonder bush, and gives a flippant chirp — whisL ! and 
 it is all over. Poor, little, rollicking Sparrow ! this is no easier for yo%i 
 to bear, because it is a "law of nature," as we say. Who is ever quite 
 ready for the last ? What pang is taken away when the cry it extorts 
 is drowned in a sea of like lamentation ? We theorize best before the 
 Falcon's talon strikes. 
 
 The reader has doubtless stood, as I often have, in a thicket, peering 
 about in readiness to shoot some rare Warbler or Finch that he vainly 
 tries to discover amid the dense foliage. And not seldom — whish ! some- 
 thing flashes right by, twists with marvellous swiftness and address 
 through the tangled underwood, a cry of distress is heard, along with 
 an exultant scream, and the next moment a Sparrow Hawk glides out 
 from the thicket on the far side, bearing his quivering victim in his 
 claws, and makes straightway for the nearest stump or post to feast at 
 his leisure. As eager as we were, but keen-eyed and more skilful, he 
 snatched the prize himself, aud his beak is already buried in its breast, 
 drinking warm blood. We inwardly wish we could punish the bold rob- 
 ber, but the splendid exhibition of his powers almost makes amends 
 
FALCO SPARVERIUS, SPARROW HAWK. 351 
 
 for our loss of the specimen ; and, besides, we may reflect that if the 
 world owes us ornithology, it owes the Sparrow Hawk a living. 
 
 It is surprising what large birds the gallant little warrior will attack. 
 I have seen it overpower and bear away a Thrasher, a bird inch for inch 
 as long as itself, and nearly as heavy. Still, it usually preys upon hum- 
 bler game, particularly such birds as those from which it derives its 
 name. It also often picks the elegant little lizards [Sceloporus) off the 
 fences. Like other Falcons, it captures its prey at a dash, or not at all. 
 If it miss its aim, or the bird contrives to elude its clutch, it disdains 
 to pursue, and remounts its observatory with a crestfallen aspect, as if 
 chagrined at its want of skill, but doubtless reflecting, " better luck next 
 time." The difference between the true Falcons and the Acoipiters is 
 much like that between a tiger and a wolf. As for the Buzzards, they 
 are bears among birds ; Kites are the weasels. In the Middle districts 
 these Hawks pair in April, and immediately go to house-keeping. As 
 they breed in every section, from the fur countries to Mexico, the period 
 varies in time of the year according to the state of the season. It does 
 not appear that they ever build a nest for themselves. They generally 
 choose the hollow of a decayed limb or tall stub ; a deserted Woodpeck- 
 er's hole answers every purpose, in many cases, and they are said to 
 sometimes occupy an old Crow's nest. The skilful and industrious 
 Woodpeckers — "carpinteros," as the Mexicans aptly call them — fit up 
 residences for the Hawks, requiring no alteration. Five or six eggs appear 
 to be the usual nest-full ; seven are stated to have been found in one 
 clutch. They are nearly spheroidal, measuring about 1.33 in length by 
 1.12 in breadth. The ground-color is usually bufly, or pale yellowish- 
 brown ; this is blotched all over with dark brown, the splashes of which 
 are usually largest and most numerous toward the greater end, at or 
 around which they may run into a crown or wreath. Some eggs are 
 pale brown, minutely dotted all over with dark brown ; some are white, 
 with pale brown spots ; and a few are whitish, without any markings. 
 I have never seen the nestlings ; Audubon says they are covered with 
 whitish down. But the iirst true feathers are much like those of the 
 parents, and the sexual distinctions of plttmage are very early apparent. 
 
 These handsome little Hawks are often kept in confinement, and make 
 interesting, if not entirely agreeable, pets — at least for those who like 
 to see birds under such irnfavorable circumstances. For myself,, I dis- 
 like caged birds, and caged Hawks of all others ; the incongruity is 
 unpleasant, view it as we may. While I was at Columbia, in South 
 Carolina, a neighbor had three Sparrow Hawks for some time. As they 
 had been taken from the nest when quite young, they became in a 
 measure reconciled to captivity. They ate any kind of meat freelj% and 
 as they grew up, began to display much of their natural spirit. When 
 tormented in the various ingenious ways people have of "stirring up" 
 caged birds, they would resent the indignity by snapping the bill, beat- 
 ing with the wings, and clutching with their talons at the offending cane 
 or umbrella-tip. One of them was a cripple, having a broken leg very 
 badly set, and the other two used to bully him dreadfully. One night, 
 whether from not having been fed suflSciently, or being in unusually bad 
 humor, they set upon him, killed him outright, and then almost devoured 
 him before morning. 
 
352 BUTEO BOREALIS, BED-TAILED BUZZARD. 
 
 BUTEO HAELANI, "Aud." 
 
 Harlan's Bnzzard; Black Warrior. 
 
 Fiilco Mrlani, AuD., Om. Biog. i, 1831, 441; v, 1839, 380; pi. 86.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 
 
 10.5.— Bi:kw., ed Wile. 684. 
 Buteo harlani, Aud., Syo. 1839, 6 ; B. Am. 1, 1840, pi. 8.— Bp., Consp. List, 1838, 3.— 
 
 DeKay, N. T." Zool. ii, 1814, 11.— STRiciiL., Om. Syn. 185.n, 30.— Lawr., Ann. 
 
 Lye. V, 220.— Cass., 111. 1854, 101 ; B. N. A. 1858, 24.— CorEs, Pr. Phila. Acad. 
 
 1866, 45.— RiDGW., ibid. 1870, 142.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1670, 473.-Coues, Key. 187?, 
 
 216.— Snow, B. Kaus. 1873, — , and Am. Nat. vii, 1673, 172.— B. B. & R., N. A. 
 
 B. iii, 1874, 292. (Not of .Bryant.) (Very likely not of Audubon.) 
 
 Rab. — " Louisiana." " New Mexico." " California." " Kansas." 
 
 I regard the claims of this species to validity as not yet established. 
 Both Gray and Bonaparte quote it as a synonym of B. borealis, and it 
 appears not improbable that it represents the complete melanism of 
 that species, corresponding with the '■'■ insignatus''^ style of swainsoni. 
 A further element of doubt is found in the fact that different authors 
 have used the name for different species. Thus Dr. Bryant's " harlani'" 
 is certainly sirainsoni, while the ^'■harlanV^ of some of the older New 
 England authors is almost as certainly the black state of Archibuteo 
 lagopus. 
 
 The claim of the species to be embraced in the present work rests 
 upon the capture of a specimen near Lawrence, Kansas. On being 
 transmitted to the Smithsonian, it was pronounced by Prof. Baird and 
 jMr. Eidgway to be harlani, as understood by them. I have examined 
 this and some other specimens supposed to represent Audubon's bird, 
 and can see all the later ascribed characters, which cause rae to 
 su.spend judgment for the present, and let the bird stand on its own 
 merits, as the ditferences from any known style of boreali.s are too great 
 to be reconciled. The ^Mfeo cooperi offers much the same case; addi- 
 tional specimens, only lately received, are just like the original type, 
 and easily recognized. But Audubon's bird may be=calurus. 
 
 '^ BUTEO BOEEALIS, (Gm.) Vieill. 
 Red-tailed Buzzard; Hen Hawk. 
 
 a. borealis. 
 
 Falco borealis, Gji., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 266.— Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 25.— Daud., Tr. Orn. 
 ii, l-rOO, 157.— Shaw, Gen. Zool. yii, 112.— W its., Am. Orn. yi. 1812, 75, pi. b2, 1 1.— 
 Sabine, Frankl. Journ. 670.— Bp., Svn. 1826, 32; Isis, 1832, lloH.— Wagl., Isis, 
 1631, 517.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 102.— Arc, Orn. Biog. i, 1632, 265; v, 378; pi. 51. 
 
 Buteo borealis, Vieili.., Nouv. Diet, d' Hist. Nut. iy, 1816, 478; Enc. Meth. iii, 1222.— 
 Sw. & Rich., i\ B. A. ii, 1831, 50.— Vig., Zool. Jouru. i, 340; Beech. Voy. 15.— 
 Steph., Gen. Zool. xiii, pt. ii, 47. — Les.'s., Tr. Orn. 79. — James., ed. Wils. i, 82, 
 84.— Jard., ed. Wils. ii, 260, 2^2.- Bhew., ed. Wils. 4."i0, 684.— Bp., List, 1838, 
 3; Consp. i, l8oO, 19.— AuD., Syn. 1839, 6; B. A. i, 1640, 32, pi. 7.— GossE, B. 
 Jam. 1847, 11, pi. 2.— Lemb., Av. Cnbse, 1850, 18, pi. 1.— Cass., 111. 1854, 97; Pr. 
 
 A. N. S. 1855, 279. — WOODH., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 59 (includes western). — PuCHER., 
 Rey. Zool. 1850, 214.— Brew., N. A. Ool. 18.57, 21.— Gamb., J. A. N. S. i, 26.— 
 DeKay, N. y. Zool. ii, 9, pi. 8, fig. 17.— Peab., Rep. Orn. Mass.— Thomps., Nat. 
 Hist. Vermont, App. 63.— Pbale, U. S. Expl. Exped. 1848, 62.— Kaup, Mus. 
 Seuck. 1845, 261.— Cass., B. N. A. Ie58, 25.— Maxim., J. f. O. vi, 1858, 17.— Bd., 
 Mex. Bound. Surv. ii, 16.59, pt. ii, Birds, p. 3. — Blak., Ibis, iii, 181)1, 318.— 
 Bryant, Pr. Bost. Soc. viii, 1861, 109.— Hayd . Rep. 1662, 152.— Wood, Am. 
 Nat. iii, 1869, 393.— Allen, Mem. Bost. Soc. 18()6, 499; Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 
 322 (excl. syo. partim) ; iii, 1872, 180.— RiDGW., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1870, 142.— 
 
 B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1674, 282.— .Sxow, B. Kans. 1-73.— CocES, Key, 1872, 216, 
 Astur borealis, Crv., E. A. 2d ed. i, 332.— Sw., Olassif. B, ii, 1837, 215 {"Aster"). 
 
BUTEO BOEEALIS, EED-TAILED BUZZAED. 353 
 
 Poecilopternis 'borealls, Kaup, Monog. Falo. Cont. Ofd. 1850, 76. 
 
 Buteo ICraxirex) horealis, Gray, Hand-list i, 1869, 7, No. 46. 
 
 Falco k-veiiamis, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 266.— Lath., lud. Orn. i, 1790, 18.— Daud., Tr. 
 
 Oru. ii, 126.— Shaw, Gen. Zool. vii, 151.— WiLS. Am. Orn. vi, 1812, 78, pi. 52. 
 Falco jamaicenais, Gjt., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 266. 
 Falco aquilinm, Bartram, Trav. in Florida, 1791, 290. 
 Buteo feiruo'nnicaudus, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1807, 32.— Cuv., E. A. 2d ed. i, 337. 
 
 b. caluriis. 
 
 (??) Falco huteo, AuD., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 508, pi. 372 (not of Linnaeus ; uncertain ; more 
 
 likely sicainsoni). 
 (??) Buteo vulgaris, AuD., Syn. 1839, 5 ; B. Am. i, 1840, 30, pi. 6 (not of authors ; same as 
 
 Falco huteo, Auduhon). 
 Buteo swainsoni, Cass., 111. 1854, 98 (exclusive of the synonymy ; not of Bonaparte, nor 
 
 of Casain, 1858). 
 BttUo ealurus, Cass,, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1855, 281.— Cass., B. N. A. 1858, 22.— Brew., N. A. 
 
 Oiil. 1857, 32.— Bd., Mex. Bound. Surv. ii, 1859, pt. ii, Birds, p. 3.— Bd., P. E. E. 
 
 Eep. X, 1859, pt. iii, p. 11, pi. 14.— CouBS, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 44.— Coop., B. 
 
 Cal. i, 1870, 471.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 462. 
 Buteo montauus, Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1856, 39.— Cass., B. N. A. 1858, 26 (hut not of 
 
 Xuttall, which is sioainsoni).- Brew., N. A. Oiil. 1857, 26.— Nbwb., P. E. E. Eep. 
 
 vi, 1857, 75.— Bd., Mex. Bound. Surv. ii, 1859, pt. ii. Birds, p. 3.— Bd., P. E. E. 
 
 Eep. X. 1859, pt. iii, 12.— Kekn., ibid. pt. iv, 19.— Hebrm., ihid. pi. vi, 32. — 
 
 Coop. & Sock., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 147.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866,. 
 
 43.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 469.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv.. 
 
 Ter. 1870, 4G2.— Merr., ibid. 1S72, 697. 
 Buteo horealis of Gray, Beyaxt, and Aixex, partly. 
 Buteo horealis var. ealurus, Eidgw.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 286.— Coues, No. 351». 
 
 c. lucasanus. 
 
 Buteo horealis var. luoasatiua, Eidgw., Mss. — Cotjes, Key, 1872, 216 ; Check-Ust, 1874, 
 3511>.-B. B. & E., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 285. 
 
 d. Tirideri. 
 
 Buteo horealis var. hrideri, HooPES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1873, 238, pi. 5 (Iowa and Wiscon- 
 sin).— B. B. & E,, N. A. B. iii, 1874, 284.— Coues, Cheek-list, 1874, No. 351'^. 
 
 e. costaricensis. 
 
 Buteo horealis var. costaricenMs, Eidgw. — B. B. & E., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 258, 285 {"B. 
 horealis of Central America"). 
 
 Sah. — The whole of North America. Mexico. Cuba. Jamaica. 
 
 lAst of specimens. 
 
 19118 
 
 6 
 
 Wind E. Valley. 
 
 9 
 
 May. 28, 1859 
 
 F.V.Hayden. 
 
 22.00 
 
 50.75 
 
 17.25 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 5153, Yellowstone Eiver; 5158, Fort Randall, Da- 
 kota ; 5159, L'Eau-qui-court. 
 
 Later Expeditions.— f,S9S,i, Berthoud's Pass ; 60628-29, Wyoming ; 60630, Uintah Moun- 
 tains {mslanotic) ; 62231, Idaho. 
 
 Few of our hirds have caused more confusion among writers, or acquired a more in- 
 volved synonymy, than the Hawks of the genus Buteo. 
 
 Setting aside lineaius and pennsylvanicus, as totally distinct from each other and from 
 the rest ; ignoring for the moment " harlani " and " cooperi," we will confine ourselves to 
 consideration of the two species, horealis, Gm., and swainsoni, Bp. These may he im- 
 mediately distinguished hy the emargination of four outer primaries in horealis, and 
 only three in sicainsoni. There are other points, aside from color, which varies so greatly 
 iu each. 
 
 Borealis in all its variety of color is much the largest, the female averaging ahout 
 24 inches in length, with a stretch of wings over 50 inches ; it is very robust, with a 
 comparatively short wing, and short, stout legs. Iu the East it remains compara- 
 tively constan tin color, aside from the normal changes with age. In the West it runs 
 from a slightly darker, or more ferrugineous cast, into a quite fuliginous condition, the 
 23 
 
354 BUTEO LINEATUS, KED-SHOULDEEED BUZZARD. 
 
 several stages being inseparably connected. The slighter departures from the normal 
 Eastern s*;.udard are the montanus of Cassin, and most later writers, bat probably not 
 of Nuttall ; lUo climax is reached in calurus, Cassiu. I adopt this name for the extreme 
 Western variety, ignoring the intermediate stages, which have been usually designated 
 montanus. In all of these birds, when adult, the tail becomes chestnut-red on top, which 
 is never the casi; with swainsoni. 
 
 The Fako buteo or Buteo vulgaris of Audubon is uncertain — rather, let us say, it com- 
 prehends both the Western Red-tail and Swainsou's Buzzard, being ostensibly based 
 upon tlie latter, but the description and figure rather indicating the former. The Bu- 
 Uo r.mntarnts of Nnttull (1840; not in edition of 1832) is baaed on Audubon's "Fako 
 buteo," but the description is unmistakably that of sicainsoni. I follow Mr. Ridgway 
 in releiTHt iug both these names to swainsoni, leaving calurus as the first distinctive name 
 of the AVestern Red-tail in all its variety. 
 
 Swainsoni is the smaller species, perfectly distinct. The female is only about 21 inches 
 long ; the form is less robust ; the wings are comparatively longer ;_ the legs slenderer. 
 This species was first noticed by Richardson and Swainson, who described and figured 
 it accurately, calling it " Baleo vulgaris," under the impression that- it was identical 
 with the European bird. It was subsequently separated by Bonaparte, in 1838, under 
 the name of B. suains&ni, which it should bear. Its other synonyms are noticed be- 
 yond ; here, however, it may be remarked, that B. swainsoni of Cassin, 111. 18.34, 98, is 
 not this species, but the Western Red-tail, as shown conclusively by his description, 
 altbuugh he cites the synonymy of sioainsoni. His swainsoni of 18.58, however, is cor- 
 rectly so named. 
 
 The Hen-Hawk is abundant in all parts of the West, as elsewhere in 
 isorth America, and in all its variety has the same habits it shows in 
 the East. I have obtained several specimens, of old and young, at Port 
 Eandall, and very frequently observed the bird while I was traveling in 
 Kansas, Iowa, and Minnesota. The fuliginous styles (extreme of calurus) 
 I have never seen in the northwest, although in Arizona they were 
 nearly as common as the others, both occurring in the same localities. 
 These large Hawks are all heavy and rather in;ictive birds, ranking, in 
 these respects, next to the species of Archibul^eo. They are uufitted, 
 both by their physical organization and temperament, for the daring 
 feats that the Falcons and Hawks execute, and usually prey upon game 
 disproportionate to their size, which they snatch as they pass along. I 
 have, however, found nearly the whole of a rabbit in the craw. They 
 mate early, constructing a large and bulky, though shalloWj nest in a 
 high tree, of sticks and smaller twigs, mixed toward the centre with 
 grass, moss, or other. soft material, and often a few feathers. The eggs 
 are generally three in number, about 2.40 long by rather less than 2.00 
 broad. They are dull whitish in color, sometimes with only a few mark- 
 ings of dull brownish-gray, but oftener extensively blotched with several 
 shades of rich brown. The young are a long time in acquiring the full 
 jjlumage. They are long full grown before the red of the tail appears, 
 and this is usually in advance of the fulvous of the under parts that the 
 old birds display. I have seen specimens with nearly perfect red tail, 
 yet showing pure white on the breast and the same elsewhere under- 
 neath, though marked with the usual dark-brown spots and streaks. 
 There is a gTcat sexual difference in size, many males being found hardly 
 or not 20 inches long. 
 
 BUTEO LINEATUS, (Gm.) Jard. - ' 
 Red-shouldered Buzzard. 
 
 a. lineatus. 
 
 Falco lineatus, Gyt., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 268.— Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 27.— Datjd., Tr. 
 Orn. ii, ISOO, 158.— Shaw, Gen. Zool. vii, lb09, 113.— Cuv., R. A. i,2d ed. 334.— 
 WiLS., Am. Orn. vi, 1812, 86, pi. 53, f. 3.— Aud., Oru. Biog. i, 1832, 296, v, 1839, 
 .?S0 ; pi. 56. = I ) , . 
 
BUTEO SWAINSONI, SWAINSON'S BTIZZAHD. 355 
 
 Buim lincatus, Jaud., Am. Orn. ii, 290. — AuD., Svn. 18:59, 7. — AuD., B. Am. i, 1840, 40, 
 pi. 9.— BiiEW., 0(1.. Wils. 1840, 684.— DisKay, N. Y. Zool. 1844, pi. 6, f. 1:3.— 
 Kaip, Mils. Seuck. 1845, 2{)1.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 185:i, 59.— Maxim., J. f. O. 
 vi, 18.58, 19.— Ca.ss., 111. 1854, 99 ; B. N. k. 1858, 28.— Putn., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 
 1856, 203.— Br.KW., N. A. Oiil. 1857, 28.— Vere., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 18ii2, 141.— 
 BoARDJi., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 123.— Coues & Pkent., Smiths. Eep. 1861, 
 402.— ALI.EN, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 51.-MoIlwr., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 81.— 
 Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 256.— Tuknb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 7.— Ali.ex, Mem. 
 Bost. Soo. i, 1868, 499; Bull. M. C. Z. it, 1871, 329.— Snow, B. Kane. 1873.— 
 Cooes, Key, 1872, 216.— Eidgw., Pr. Bost. Soc. xvi, 1873, 66.— B. B. & E., N. A. 
 B. iii, 1874, 275. 
 
 Buteo (Craxlrex) lineatiis, Gray, Hand-list, i, 1869, 7, No. 53. 
 
 Pceciloptei-nls lineahis, Kaup, Monog. Falc. Cout. Orn. 1850, 76. 
 
 Falco Ttijevialis, Gm., Svst. Nat. i, 1788, 274.— Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 35.— Daud., Tr. 
 Orn. ii, 1800, 110.— Shaw, Gen. Zool. vii, 1809, 153.— Wils., Am. Orn. iv, 73, pi. 
 35, f. 1.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 33 ; Isis, 1832, 1138.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 106.— Aud., 
 Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 364, pi. 71. 
 
 Nism liyemalis, Cuv., E. A. 2d. ed. i, 37. 
 
 Circus hyemalis, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. pi. 7. — Bp., Journ. Phila. Acad, iii, 1824, 305. — 
 James.j ed. Wils. i, 85, 87. 
 
 Suteo hyemalis, Less., Tr. Orn. 81.— Bp., Comp. List, 1838, 3.— DeK^iy, N. Y. Zool. ii, 10, 
 pi. 6, f. 13. 
 
 Asiur liyemalis, Jakd., ed. Wils. ii, 72.— Vieill., Eno. Meth. iii, 1273. 
 
 B>iteo fuscus, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. pi 5. 
 
 Asiur fuseus, Bp., Osserv. Cuv. E. A. 37. 
 
 Falco buteoides, Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 100. — Peab., Eep. B. Mass. 1839, 268. — Linsl., Am. 
 Journ. Sci. 1843, 252. 
 
 Buteo " cooperi " (error), Allen", Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 518 (New England). 
 
 b. elegans. 
 
 Buteo elegans, Cass., Pr. Phila., Acad, vii, 18.55, 281.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 28.— Newb., P. 
 E. E. Eep. vi, 1857, 75.— Kesn., ibid, x, 1859, pt. iv, 19.— Heerm., ibid. pt. vi, 
 32, pis. 2, 3.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 147.— Dress., Ibis, l.^'Go, 
 325.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 45.— ScL., P. Z. S. 1869, 344 (city of Mex- 
 ico).— (?) MclLWR., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 81 (Canada). 
 
 Buteo lineaim var. eleqans, Eidgw.— B. B. & E.,N. A. B. iii, 1874, 277.— CouES, Check- 
 list, 1874, No. SSi". 
 
 flaJ.— United States aud British Provinces (Nova Scotia, Bland). Var. elegans, west- 
 ern ('? Canada, Mcllwraith). 
 
 No specimens of this species were taken by either of the Expeditions, j '- 
 and if, indeed, the bird ranges throughout the Missouri region, it must'' 
 be uncommon. The name occurs in Prof. Snow's list, but without 
 remark. The latitudinal dispersion of the species appears to be quite 
 restricted ; I have never heard of it from the fur countries, nor indeed 
 anywhere beyond the United States, excepting in (Janada and NoVa 
 Scotia. It reaches, however, across the continent ; examples from the 
 limited Pacific slopes are, as might be expected, more heavily colored 
 than ordinary, but It hardly seems necessary to recognize them by name. 
 Southern-born birds are considerably smaller than the average, as noted 
 by Prof. Verrill, in comparing Maine and Florida examples. In the 
 Atlantic States it is one of the most abundant of the birds of prey. 
 The nidiflcation is similar to that of B. horealis ; the eggs, as usual, 
 have a wide range of variation in color ; they measure from 2.00 to 2.25 
 in length by about 1.75 in breadth ; they number from two to four. 
 The general habits of the species are much the same as those of allied 
 large Hawks. 
 
 BUTEO SWAINSONI, Bp. 
 Swainson's Buzzard. 
 
 (??) Falco dbsoletus, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 268.— Lath., Ind. Orn. 1790, 28.— Daud., Tr. 
 Orn. ii, 1800, 104.— Shaw, Gen. Zool. vii, 1809, 152 (Strickland : very uncertain). 
 (?) Falco buteo, Aud., Orn. Biog. iv, 508, pi. 372 
 
356 
 
 BUTEO SWAINSONI, SWAINSON'S BUZZARD. 
 
 Bttteo viilqaris, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 47, pi. 27 (not of European writerB). — 
 NuTT., Man. ii, 1834, 539.— (?) AuD., Syn. 1839, 5 ; B. Am. i, 1840, 30, pi. 6 
 (based oa Falco huteo of folio ed. pi. 372). 
 
 Buieo montanus, Nutt., Man. 1, 2d ed. 1840, 112 (not of authors). 
 
 Buieo swainsoni, Bp., List, 1838, 3; Consp. i, 1850, 19. — Strickl., Orn. Svn. 1855, 30. — 
 Brew., N. A. 061. 1857, 24.— Cass., Baird's B. N. A. ia58, 19 (not of Cass. 111. 
 l'^34, 98).— Bd., p. E. E. Eep. x, 1859, pt. iii, 11, pis. 12, 13.— Hayd., Eep. 1862, 
 152.— Blak., Ibis, iii, 1861, 317 (eggs).— Dress., Ibis, 1865, 324 (Texas).— 
 C(JUES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 43 (Arizona). — Dall & Bann., Tt. Chic. Acad, i, 
 
 1869, 272 (Alaska).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 476.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 
 
 1870, 462.— Merr., ibid. 1872, 697.— Cooes, Key, 1872, 217. -Snow, B. Kans. 
 1873.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 263.— CouES, A. N. viii, 1874 (biography). 
 
 Snteo (Croj-irex) swainsoni, Gray, Hand-list, i, 1869, 7, No. 50. 
 
 Huteo bairdii, Hoy, Pr. Phila. Acad, vi, 1853, 451 (young ; Wisconsin).— Cass., 111. 1854, 
 
 99, 257, pi. 41.— Cass., B. N. A. 1858, 21.— Hayd., Eep. 1862, 152.— McIlwr., Pr. 
 
 Ess. Inst. V, 1866, 81 (Canada). 
 Buteo insignatus, Cass., 111. 1854, 102, 198, pi. 31 (melanotic ; Canada). — Strickl., Orn. 
 
 Syn. 1855, 38.— Cass., B. N. A. 18.58, 23.— Brew., N. A. Ool. 1857, 33.— Heerm., 
 
 P. E. E. Eep. X, 1859, pt. vi, 32.— CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 45.— Coop., 
 
 B. Cal. i, 1870, 474.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873. 
 Buieo swainsoni var. insigttatus, Dali, & Baxx., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 272 (Alaska). 
 Buteo (jutluralis, Maxim., J. f. O. vi, 1858, 17 (with eggs). 
 Buteo oxijpterm, Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad, vii, 1855, 283 ; B. N. A. 1858, 30 (young).— 
 
 Striokx., Orn. Syn. 1655, 28.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 45.— Coop., B. Cal. 
 
 i, 1.-70, 480. 
 Buteo swainsoni var. oxypterus, Eidgw. — ^B. R & E., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 266. 
 Buteo fulfjinosvs, Set., P. Z. S. 18.58, 356 ; Tr. Z. S. 1858, 267, pi. 62 {melanotic; Mexico).— 
 
 Eidgw., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1870, 142. 
 Buteo " Jiarltini, AuD." — Bryant, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1861, 115 (provisional name ; proposes to 
 
 adopt swainsoni in the probable event that the true harlani is a different species). 
 
 Sab. — Chiefly Northern and AYestern North America. Alaska. Kansas. Wisconsin. 
 Canada. Massachusetts. Also Mexico, Central and parts of South America. 
 
 List of specimens. 
 
 10119 
 19120 
 
 180 
 
 7 
 
 Powder Eiver . 
 Grosventres E. 
 
 Sept. 24, 1859 
 June 3, 1860 
 
 F. V. Hayden 22.00 
 do 19.00 
 
 50.00 
 45.00 
 
 16.50 
 15.00 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 5151, 5152, Little Missouri Eiver ; 5153 (?) Lonp 
 Fork of Platte Eiver ; 5154, mouth of Yellowstone Eiver ; 5155, Knife Eiver ; 5156, 
 mouth of White Earth Eiver ; 5157, Heart Eiver. 
 
 Later Expeditions.— hiZ^, Wyoming ; 60631-2, Sweetwater ; 61765-6, Idaho ; 62226-9, 
 Wyoming ; 62230, Montana. 
 
 As noted in a preceding article, this species may be distinguished from any style of 
 borealis in all its variations of color, by the emargination of only three, instead of 
 fonr, outer primaries. It is very truthfully figured by Dr. Richardson, and other plates 
 have been published, as above quoted, illustrating several of its plumages. " B. 
 bairdii" is now well-known to be the young bird, while "-B. f«8ignaiws" is merely a 
 melanotic condition. The species appears to inhabit chiefly the western portions of 
 America, but has occurred several times in Canada, and once in Massachusetts. Dr. 
 Hayden's numerous specimens attest its abundance in the whole Missouri region. The 
 confusion that has arisen respecting it is deplorable — the more so that there was no 
 occasion for any such misunderstanding. The mal-identification of montanus, Nutt., 
 has had much to do with causing this. It is, of course, permanently distinct from 
 borealis, although hastUy referred to this species by Mr. Allen. In bringing ' ' oxypterm " 
 and "fuliffinosus" into this connection, I follow Mr. Eidgway, who is unqne.stionably 
 correct in this determination. Even the varietal distinction he attempts to maintain 
 in his last work is untenable, as he informs me he is now satisfied himself. 
 
 This large Hawk is very abundant in JSTorthern Dakota, where it 
 came under my almost daily observation during the summer of 1873. 
 Excepting an occasional Rough-leg or Eed-tail, it was the only buteo- 
 niue species observed, and the only Hawks more common were the 
 ubiquitous Marsh Harriers and Sparrow Hawks. The species is thor- 
 oughly distinct from its nearest ally, £. borealis ; it never gains the red 
 tail, so characteristic of the latter, and differs in many other points of 
 coloration in its several stages of plumage, as noted beyond. Although 
 it.s linear dimensions intergrade with those of the Eed-tail, it is not so 
 
BUTEO SWAINSONI, SWAINSON's BUZZARD. 357 
 
 heavy nor so large a bird, and its shape differs in some points. A very 
 tangible and convenient distinctiou, to which my attention was tirst 
 called by Mr. Eidgway, and which I have verified in nnmerous in- 
 stances, is found in the emargination of the primaries. As stated in 
 my late work (Key N. A. Birds, p. 217), Swainson's Buzzard has only 
 three emargiuate primaries, while the Eed-tail has/o»)-; thefoarth ouill 
 of the former, like the fifth of the latter, is variously sinuate-tapering, 
 but never shows the decided nick or emaryinatiou of the inner web. 
 
 She following measurements, taken in the flesh, illustrate the sexual 
 difference and other variations in size : Largest adult 2 , 22 inches long, 
 64 in extent, the wing 16 ; other females, respectively, 21.50 by 51.75 bv 
 16.25 ; 21.00 by 53.00 by 15.75 ; 20.60 by 51 .00 by 15.25 ; 19.00 by 49.00 by 
 13.50 — but this last one was an ungrown young. Adult S 's, 19.00 to 
 20.00 long by about 49.00 in spread of wing, the latter 16.00 or a little 
 more. In both sexes, and at all ages, the eye is brown, but of varying 
 shade — I have seen no approach to a yellow iris. In the old birds the 
 feet, together with the cere, gape, and base of under mandible, are rich 
 chrome-yellow ; the rest of the bill, and the claws, being bluish-black. 
 In the young-of-the-year these yellow -paits much duller — grayish-yellow, 
 or yellowish clay-color. Many old birds have the integunieut of the 
 lower belly largely bare, yellowish in color, hardened and thickened 
 with warty excrescences; this disease seems the rule rather than the 
 exception. Unfledged nestlings are covered with white fluffy down ; 
 the first feathers to appear on the under parts show the charactpristic 
 color and markings of the formerly sujjposed species, " hairdii." (The 
 various plumages are given beyond.) A moult occurs in August and 
 September; it is protracted, the feathers being very gradually renewed, 
 almost one by one; the fresh heavily-colored feathers contrasting strongly 
 with the ragged and faded ones worn during the summer. The young 
 have no moult at this season, carrying the plumage in which they leave 
 the nest into the winter. I have no ob.servatious upon a spring moult, 
 which probably occurs to both old and young. I took no specimens in 
 the melanistic state of plumage in which the bird has been described as 
 another supposed species (B. imignatus); and only saw one in which the 
 entire under parts looked as dark, when the bird was sailing over me, 
 as the pectoral band of the adult iemale is. This dark plumage is an 
 individual peculiaritj-, not a normal stage of regular occurrence. 
 
 Swainson's Buzzard may be seen anywhere in the region mentioned — 
 even far out on the prairie, miles away from timber, circling overhead, 
 or perched on the bare ground. In alighting, it generally takes advan- 
 ^ tage of some little knoll commanding a view around, though it often 
 has no more prominent place than the heap of dirt from a badger's hole, 
 from which to cast about for some imprudent gopher* espied too far 
 from home, or still more ignoble game. But the bird prefers timber, 
 and, especially as its nesting is confined to trees, it is most frequently 
 observed in the vicinity of the few wooded streams that diversify the 
 boundless prairie. In Northern Dakota such streams cot their tortuous 
 way pretty deeply into the ground ; and the sharp edges of the banks, 
 lising steep on one side, and on the other stretching away on a contin- 
 uous level, are favorite restiug-spots, where sometimes a fine of several 
 birds may be observed strung along a distance of a few yards. The 
 Souris or Mouse Eiver, a stream of this description, is a. favorite resort, 
 
 '"Gopher" : Frontier vemaenlar name for all the ground-squirrels (SjiermopJtili) 
 indiscriminately. S. tyUhcem-Ti ucatus ia the commonest bind here. The pouched rats 
 are known as " pocket-gophera." 
 
358 BUTEO SWAINSONI, SWAINSON's BUZZAED. 
 
 ^^ here I found the birds more numerous than elsewhere. Much of the 
 river-bottom is well wooded with elm, oak, and other large trees; and 
 the number of nests found in this timber — sometimes several in sight of 
 each other — would be considered surprising by one not recollectiug that 
 conveniences for breeding are in this country practically limited to such 
 narrow tracts. 
 
 The nests are built at varying heights, from the intricacies of heavy 
 shrubbery, where a man may reach them from the ground, to the tops of 
 the tallest trees. They are generally, however, placed thirty or fo«ty 
 feet high, in some stout crotch or on a horizontal fork. They are bulky 
 and ragged-looking structures, from the size of sticks used for the base 
 and outside; the interior is composed of smaller twigs more compactly 
 arranged. The shape varies with the requirements of the location, 
 being more or less conical in an upright crotch, flatter on a fork. The 
 interior hollowing is slight. An average external diameter may be 
 given as two feet, and depth half as much. I was too late for eggs ia 
 the locality above mentioned ; the only nest I found with anything in it 
 contained two half- fledged young. This was on the 15th of August — so 
 late as to induce the belief that perhaps two broods may be reared in a 
 season, especially as before this date I had observed many full-grown 
 yearlings on wing. This nest was built about forty feet high, in an oak 
 tree, was very untidy, matted with excrement and the scurfy exfoliation 
 from the growing feathers of the youngsters, and encumbered with por- 
 tions of several gophers. The nestlings were too young to make any 
 resistance beyond a menacing hiss and a very mixed flapping when 
 they were unceremoniously pitched out. The mother was shot near the 
 nest with a pistol-ball, but her partner kept prudently out of the way. 
 The young had been well cared for; their crops were full of gopher- 
 meat at the time, and they were very fat. 
 
 In July I had a live young one in captivity, at about the age of 
 these two; and, early in August, possessed a completely-feathered 
 and full-grown bird of the year, probably hatched in May. This 
 shows that either two broods are leared, or that the laying season 
 runs through most of the summer. This grown young one made 
 rather an acceptable prisoner for Some days, as he was trim and 
 shapely, with a fine eye and general military bearing, as well as an ex- 
 cellent appetite. Bat then he was bad-tempered, took the most civil 
 advances unkindly, and would not even fraternize with a pair of 
 very well-disposed and sensible Owls that were picketed with him. At 
 last, when he so totally failed to appreciate his position as to use his 
 claws with jjainfnl eiJect, he was summarily executed. Both this and , 
 the younger one before him had a peculiarly plaintive whistle to signify 
 hunger or a sense of loneliness, a note that was almost musical in in- 
 tonation. This was the only cry I heard from them ; the old birds have 
 a harsh, loud scream, much alike in all our large Hawks. 
 
 The quarry of Swainson's Buzzard is of a very humble nature. I never 
 saw one swoop upon wild-fowl or Grouse, and, though they strike rabbits, 
 like the Eed-tails, their prey is ordinarily nothing larger than gophers. 
 Though really strong and sufficiently fierce birds, they lack the "snap" 
 of the Falcons and Asturs; and 1 scarcely think they are smart enough 
 to catch birds very olteu. I saw one make the attempt on a Lark 
 Bunting. The Hawk poised in the air, at a height of about twenty 
 yards, for fully a minute, fell heavily, with an awkward thrust of 
 the talons — and missed. The little bird slipped off, badly scared no 
 doubt, but unhurt, while the enemy flapped away sulkily, very likely to 
 l^rowl around a gopher-hole for his dinner, or take pot-luck at grass- 
 
BUTEO SWAINSONI, SWAINSOn's BTJZZAED. 359 
 
 hoppers. They procure gophers, mice, and other small quadrupeds, both 
 by waiting patiently at the mouth of the holes, ready to claw out the 
 unlucky animals the moment they show their noses, and by sailing low 
 over the ground to pick up such as they maj' find away from home. 
 But I question whether, after all, insects do not furnish their principal 
 subsisfence. Those that I shot after midsummer all had their craws 
 stuffed with grasshoppers. These insects, which appear sometimes in 
 almost inconceivable numbers, seem to be the natural source of supply 
 for a variety of animals. Wolves, foxes, badgers, and even rodents, 
 like gophers, supposed vegetarians, come down to them. Sand-hill 
 Cranes stalk over the plains to spear them by thousands. Wild fowl 
 waddle out of the reedy pools to scoop them up. We may kill scores 
 of Sharp-tailed Grouse, in September, to find in every one of them a 
 mass of grasshoppers, only leavened with a few grubs, beetles, leaves, 
 berries, and succulent tops of plants. It is amusing to see a Hawk 
 catching grasshoppers, skipping about in an awkward way, and looking 
 as if he were rather ashamed of being seen in such a performance. 
 Food being abundant and easily procured, the birds become extremely 
 fat early in the autumn, and lazy withal. Unaccustomed to the pres- 
 ence of man in these regions, they may be approached with little difB^- 
 culty as they perch on the trees ; and they often fly unwillingly within 
 short range. When brought down winged, they show no lack of spirit, 
 and must be prudently dealt with, as their talons are very effective weap- 
 ons of defense. 
 
 Changes of plumage -with age affect more particularly the under parts, the hack, 
 wings, aud tail being more nearly alilie at all times. 
 
 Yonng-of-ilie-year (both sexes). Entire npper parts dark brown, everywhere varied 
 with tawny edgings of the individual feathers. The younger the bird, the more marked 
 is the variegation ; it corresponds in tints closely with the color of the under parts, 
 being palest in very young examples. Under parts, including lining of wings, nearly 
 unilorm fawn-color (pale, dull yellowish-brown), thickly and sharply marked with 
 blackish-brown. These large dark spots, for the most part circular or guttiform, crowd 
 across the forebreast, scatter on the middle belly, enlarge to cross-bars on the flanks, 
 become broad arrow-heads on the lower belly and tibiae, aud are wanting on the throat, 
 which is only marked with a sharp, narrow, blackish penciling along the median line. 
 Quills brownish-black, the outer webs with an ashy shade, the inner webs toward the 
 base grayish, paler, and marbled with white, and also showing obscure dark cross- 
 bars ; their shafts black on top, nearly white underneath. Tail-feathers like the quills, 
 but more decidedly shaded with ashy or slate-gray, and tipped with whitish ; their 
 numerous dark cross-bars show more plainly than those of the quills, but are not so 
 evident as they are in the old birds. 
 
 Adults (either sex). Upper parts dark brown, very variable in shade according to 
 season or wear of the feathers, varied, with paler brown, or even reddish-brown edit- 
 ings of the feathers, but without the clear fawn-color of the young; the feathers of 
 the crown showing whitish when disturbed, and usually sharp, dark shaft-lines ; the 
 upper tail-coverts chestnut and white, with blackish bars. Quills and tail-feathers as 
 before, but the inner webs of the former showing more decided dark cross-bars upon a 
 lighter marbled-whitish ground, and the latter having broader and sharper, dark wavy 
 bars. These large quills, and particularly those of the tail, vary much in shade ac- 
 cording to wear, the new feathers being strongly slate-colored, the old ones plain dark 
 brown. The tail, however, never shows any trace of the rich chestnut that obtains in 
 the adnlt JB.borealis. Male: Under parts showing a broad pectoral area of bright 
 chestnut, usually with a glaucous cast, and displaying sharp, black shaft-lines ; this 
 area contrasting sharply with the pure white throat. Other under parts white, more 
 or less tinged and varied, in ditferent specimens, with light chestnut. In some fuales, 
 this chestnut is diminished to traces, chiefly in flank-bars and arrow-heads, and the 
 white throat is immaculate ; in others, the throat shows blackish penciling, and the 
 rest of the under parts are so much marked with chestnut, chiefly in cross-bars, that 
 this color predominates over the white, and appears in direct continuation of the pec- 
 toral area itself. Some feathers of this area are commonly dark brown. Female : Much 
 darker underneath than the male ; throat pure white, but other under parts probably 
 never whitening decidedly. Pectoral area from rich, dark chestnut or maliO;j:auy-color, 
 mixed with stUl darker feathers, to brownish-black ; aild other under parts heavily 
 
360 BUTEO PENNSYLVANICUS, BEOAD-WINGED BUZZAED. 
 
 marked with chestnut, chiefly in cross-bars alternating with whitish, but on the flanks, 
 and sometimes across the belly, these markings quite blackish. The general tone of 
 the under parts may be quite as dark as the pectoral area of the male, but it lacks 
 uniformity, and the increased depth of color of the pectoral area in this sex suffices to 
 preserve the strong contrast already mentioned. (About forty specimens examined.) 
 
 BUTEO PEKtfSTLVANICUS, (Wils.) Bp. 
 Broad-winged Buzzard. 
 
 Falco peimsylvanicus, Wils., Am. Om. vi. 1812, 92, pi. 54, f. l.-Bp., Syn. 1828, 29; 
 Isis, 1832, 1137.— Ndtt., Man. i, 1832, 105.— AuD., Orn. Biog. i, 18.32, 461 ; v, 
 1839, 377 ; pi. 91.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. 1844, 11, pi. 5, f. 11. 
 
 Suteo pennsyivanicus, Bp., Osserv. Cut. R. A. 55; List, 1838, 3. — AuD., Syn. 1839, 6; B. 
 Am. i, 1840, 43. pi. 10.— Cab., J. f.0.ii,p.lxxxii(Cuba).— Cass.,111. 1854, 100.— 
 Strickx., Orn. Svn. 1855, 32.— PuTX., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 203.— Beew., N. A. 
 Oiil. 1)^57, 31.— SCL., P. Z. S. 1857, 211 (Orizaba) ; 261 (Upper Amazon) ; 1658, 
 4.31 (Ecuador) — Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 29.— Hoy, Pr. Phila. Acad. (Wisconsin).- 
 Wheat., Ohio Agric. Eep. If60, No. 11. — CouES & Pkent., Smiths. Eep. 1861, 
 402.— BOAEDM., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 122.— Veeb., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 142.— 
 Allen, ibid, iv, 1664, 51.— McIlwr., ibid, v, 1866, 81.— Codes, ibid, v, 1868, 
 257.— Dress., Ibis, 1865, 325 (Texas).— Gcndl., Eep. 1665, 223 (Cuba).— L.iwK., 
 Ann. Lye. N. Y. vii, 1861, 288 (Panama) ; viii, 1866, 280 ; ix, 1868, 133 (Costa 
 Eioa).— TuRNB., B. E. Pa. 1869, '7.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 330.— Mayn., 
 Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873.— CouES, Key, 1872, 217.— EiDGW., 
 Pr. Bost. Soc. xvi, 1873, 65.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 2.59. 
 
 Falco laiisfiimus, Wils., Am. Orn. vi, 1812, 92, pi. 54, f. 1 (later copies). 
 
 Astur (?) latissimus, Jaed., ed. Wils. ii, 294. 
 
 Buteo ia(i«.sim».?, Lemb., Av. Cnbse, 18.50, 19. 
 
 Sparvim platypterus, Vieill., Enc. Meth. iii, 1823, 1273. 
 
 Falco wilsoni, Bp., Journ. Phila. Acad, iii, 1824, 348. 
 
 Suteo wilsoni, Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 19. 
 
 PcEcilopternis tvihoni, Kaup, Monog. Falc. Cont. Om. 1850, 75. 
 
 Sab. — Temperate Eastern North America. South to Costa Rica, Panama, and Ecua- 
 dor. Cuba. 
 
 This species was not noticed by either of the Expeditions, and the 
 only Indication I have found of its presence anywhere in the Missouri 
 region is Prof. Snow's record of its occurrence in Kansas, where it is 
 said to be not common. Its longitudinal dispersion is thus quite re- 
 stricted, contrary to the rule among our birds of this family, most of 
 which range across the continent. The Broad-winged Hawk is appar- 
 ently more numerous along the Atlantic coast than elsewhere, especially 
 in New England, where all the local writers speak of it, some giving it 
 as the most abundant summer Hawk in certain localities, as about 
 TJmbagog Lakes. It is known to breed in various parts of New En- 
 gland ; further south it is chiefly observed in the fall and winter, the 
 only seasons when I saw it about Washington, D. C. I did not meet 
 with it in either of the Carolina.s, but it is given as common in Florida, 
 known to reach southward as far at least as Ecuador, as by the above 
 quotations, and to reside in Cuba. 
 
 The nest of this species has but seldom fallen under the notice of 
 natnralists. Dr. Brewer describes the one that Audubon saw, and 
 another taken by Prof. Adams, now in the museum of Middlebury Col- 
 lege,- Vermont. Mr. Samuels states that a nest he visited the 20th of 
 May, 1864, in West Eoxbury, Massachusetts, was built in the fork of a 
 tall pine-tree, near the top, and composed of coarse sticks and twigs, 
 lined with red cedar bark, leaves, and feathers. It contained four eggs, 
 measuring from 2.00 to 2.15 long, by 1.70 to 1.72 broad ; " dirty yellowish- 
 white, covered more or less thickly in the different specimens with spots 
 and blotches of reddish-brown." Other specimens had fainter mark- 
 ings, while in others again the spots were finer and darker. 
 
ARCHIBUTEO LAGOPUS VAE. SANCTI-JOHANNIS. 361 
 
 AECHIBDTEO LAGOPUS var. SAKOTI-JOHANNIS, (Gm.) Eidg\T. 
 American Eough-legged Hawk. 
 
 a. lagopus. 
 
 Falco commvnis var., Gm., Syst. Nat. i, I'HS, 270. — Lath., Ind. Om. i, 1790, 30 (based on 
 
 Acc.falco lexcocephalus, Bkiss., Orn. i, 325; Vultur suhluteiis, Fkisch, pi. 75). 
 Falco lagopus, BrCnx.. Om. Bor. 1764, 4. — Gm., Svst. Nat. i, 1788, 260. — L-\tii., Ind. Orn. 
 
 i, 17S0, 19.— Daud., Tr. Orn. ii, 1800, 107.— Shaw, G. Z. vii, 1809, 145.— Tem.m., 
 
 Man. 1815, 29.— Naum., V. D. i, 1822, 359.— Meyer., Tasch. 37, pi. 34 ; and of 
 
 most early authors. 
 Acdpiler lagopus, Pall., Zoog. E. A. i, 1811, 360, pi. 10. 
 Buteo lagopus, Leach, Cat. 1816, 10.— Steph., G. Z. xiil, pt. ii, 47. — Rorx, Orn. Prov. i, 
 
 41, pi. 25.— Flem., Br. Am. 54.— Jen., Man. 87.— Macgil., Hist. Br. B. iii, 193 ; 
 
 Rap. B. Gr. B. p. — .— Eyt., Cat. Br. B. 4.- Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Enr. 1840, 
 
 30.— ScHL., Rev. Crit. 1844, 9.— Cuv., E. A. i, 2d ed. 336.— Selby, IU. Br. Orn. 
 
 i, 58.— Gould, B. E. pi. 15.— Sw., Classif. B. ii, 1837, 211.— Vieill., Fn. Frang. 
 
 21, pi. 9, f. 2 ; Mem. Acad. Turin, xxiii, 232.— Jakd., Nat. Lib. Br. B. i, 197.— 
 
 Degl., Orn. Eur. i, 55.— Thomps., B. Irel. i, 76.— Selys-L., Fn. Belg. 54.— Kaup, 
 
 Monog. Fale. Cont. Orn. 1850, 75. 
 TriorcMs lagopus, Kaup, Sk. Ent. Eur. Tbierw. 1829, 84. 
 ArcMbuteo lagopus. Gray', List Gen. of B. 3 ; Gen. of B. i, 12 ; List B. Br. Mus. 38 ; List 
 
 Brit. B. 8.— IfAUP, Classif. Saug u. Vog. 123.— Steickl., Orn. Syn. 18.j5, 38.— Bp., 
 
 CoDsp. i, 1850, 17. 
 Archibuico lagopus var. lagopus, RiDGW., Pr. Bost. Soc. xvi, 1873, 72. 
 ButaMtes lagopiis, Bp., List, 1838, 3. 
 
 Falco sclavonimis, Lath., I. O. i, 1790, 26.— Daud., Tr. ii, 1800, 166.— Sha^\-, G. Z. vii, 171. 
 Falco pennatus var.. Lath., Syn. Suppl. il, 24 {Stnckland). — Cuv., E. A. i, 1817, 323. 
 Falco plumipes, Daud., Tr. Orn. ii, 163. 
 Butaetes buteo. Less., Tr. Orn. 1831, 83. 
 Butaeles lessoni, A. S.mith (Gray). 
 Archibuteo planiceps et aliiceps, Bebhm, V. D. i, 46, 41. 
 
 b. sancti-johannis. 
 
 Falco sancti-joliannis, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 273.— Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 34.— Dacd., 
 Tr. ii, 1800, 105.— Shawt, G. Z. vii, 1809, 150. (Among older quotations, com- 
 pare Eougb-legged and Cliocolate-eolored Falcons of Penxaxt, Arct. Zool. pp. 
 200, 201 ; also, Placmtia Falcon of Latham, Syn. i, 76; Suppl. 19). — Bp., Syn. 
 1828, 32.— NUTT., Man. i, 1832. 98.— Linsl., Am. Journ. Sci. xl r, 1843. 
 
 Butaetes sancti-joliannis, Bp., Comp. List, 1838, 3. 
 
 Archibuteo sancti-johannis, Geay, Gen. of B. ; Hand-list, i, 1869, 10, No. 82. — Bp., Consp. 
 i, 1850, 18 (excl. syn. ferrugineua, Licht. et regalis. Gray). — Kaup, Monog. Falc. 
 Cont. Orn. 1850, 75.— Cass., 111. 1854, 103.— Beew., N. Am. 061. 18.57, 34.— Bd., 
 B. N. A. 1858, 33.— Blak., Ibis, iii, 1861, 318.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, 
 217.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Eep. 1861, No. 13.— Boardm., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 
 123.— Verk., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 143.— Allen, ibid, iv, 1864, 51.— McIlwe., 
 ibid. V, 1866, 81.— CouES, ibid, v, 1868, 258.— Lawe., Ann. Lvc. N. Y. viii, 1866, 
 280.— TuRNB., B. E. Pa 1869, 7.— Coop., B.Cal. i, 1870, 485.' 
 
 Buteo sa-ncti-johannis, Schl. M. P.-B. 1862, Buteones, p. 2 (excl. syn. ferrugin^'us, Licht.). 
 
 Archibules lagopus var. sancti-johannis, EiDGW., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1870. 142 ; Pr. Bost. Soc. 
 1873, 72.— AiLEX, BuU. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 181.— Coues, Key, 1872, 218.— B. B. 
 & E., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 304. 
 
 Falco spadiceus, Gjr., Syst. Nat i, 1788, 273. — Lath., Ind. Om. i, 1790, 27. (of Pen- 
 nant, but not Chocolate Falcon of Foester). — Daud., Tr. ii, 1800, 109. 
 
 Buteo spadiceits, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. i. 1807, 34. 
 
 Falco novw-teirce, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 274. 
 
 Falco niger, WiLS., Am. Orn. vi, 1812, 82, pi. 53, f. 1, 2. 
 
 Buteo niger, Steph., Shaw's G. Z. xiii, pt. ii, 47. — ViG., Zool. Journ. i, 340. — Jame.s., ed. 
 Wils. i, 79, 80.— Cuv., R. A. 2d ed. i, 336. 
 
 Falco lagopus, Wils., Am. Orn. iv, 59 ; v, 216 ; pi. 33, f. 1.— Bp., Syn. 1803, 32 ; Isis, 1832, 
 1138.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 97.— AuD., Orn. Biog. ii, 377 ; v, 217 ; pis. 166, 422. 
 
 Buteo lagopus, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 52, pi. 28.— Aud., Syn. 1839, 8; B. Am. i, 
 1840, 46, pi. 11.— Gil!., B. L. I. 1844, 6. 
 
 Archibuteo lagopus, Cass., 111. 18.54, 104.— Bkew., N. Am. 061. 1857, 36.— Bd., B. N. A. 
 18.58, 32 (excl. syn.).— Kenn., P. E. E. Eep. x, 1859, pt. iv, 19.— Coop. & Suck., 
 N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 148.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 48.— Dall & Baxn,, 
 Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 272.— Coop., B. Cal, i, 1870, 463.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873; 
 and of late American writers generally. 
 
362. AECHIBDTEO LAGOPUS VAE. SANGTI-JOHANNIS. 
 
 Buteo ater, Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. iv, 1816, 482 ; Enc. Meth. iii, 1227. 
 (^liuteo " Imiiani, AvD." (error), of the following New England writers: Emjkjns, Cat. 
 
 B. Mass. 1835, p. 1 ; Peabody, Rep. Orn. Mass. 1S39, 296 ; Put.nam, Pr. Ess. 
 
 Inst, i, 1856, 225. See CouES, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 2.58. 
 
 Sab. — Typical lagopus, European. Var. aancU-johannis in North America at large; 
 rather northerly. The melanotic condition chieiJy observed in the Middle Atlantic 
 States, New England, and northward. 
 
 
 
 
 List of speciment 
 
 . 
 
 
 
 
 19123 
 
 261 
 
 Fort Laramie . . 
 
 
 Feb. 2, 1860 
 
 F.V.Haydeu. 
 
 20.00 
 
 54.00 
 
 17.75 
 
 The question, long agitated, of the relationship of our " Black " and " Eough-legged " 
 Hawks may be considered settled in favor of their specific identity, the Black Hawk 
 being simply the melanotic condition of the Eough-legged. There is nothing either 
 peculiar or remarkable in this, melanism being an affection common to many or most 
 Hawks, independent of age, sex, season, or locality, and analogous to the rusty -red plum- 
 ages of Owls. It is curious, if not instructive, to nete, in the history of the contro- 
 versy, how some authors have tried to make out two species upon wholly imaginary 
 differences in geographical distribution and migration, nay, also, in habits, such as 
 nidification, and even in the eggs ; while other authors, admitting the identity of the 
 two, have made each to be the old, and then the young of the other. The record is thus 
 highly suspicious, upon a priori considerations ; and it has been proven groundless. 
 Specimens show every degree of melanism, from the first departure from normal lagopus 
 to the complete black dress ; and this is independent of age, sex, or season. 
 
 The only qualification of these remarks that seems to be required is resi^ectiug the 
 areas of distribution of the melanotic fonn. As is well known, the normal lagopui 
 ranges across the country ; but, so far as I am aware, the black plumage has not been 
 observed iu any individuals from the far west. Dr. Cooper, indeed, gives "sancii- 
 johaniiis," hut with the remark that he never saw it in California. This is the more 
 remarkable since in the West alone occur the dark {"cahtriis ") forms of borealis, while 
 the melanotic state of swainsoni (" insignatus ") has there its chief development. 
 
 As above noted, the Black Eough-legged Hawk is chiefly found in the Middle At- 
 lantic and New England States, and northward. According to my information, the 
 melanism has not been observed to occur in the European lagopus. This brings us to 
 consideration of the relationships of the American and European Archibuteo. The ma- 
 jority of writers have considered them identical ; and it is certain that normal lagopus 
 of this country cannot be speeiiically distinguished from the European bird. There 
 appear to be, however, slight discrepancies of the grade of those observed in the Hawk 
 Owls, the Marsh Hawks, and many other species common to both hemispheres, war- 
 ranting the recognition of geographical races. This is the view first taken, I believe, 
 by Mr. Eidgway, with whom I agree to separate the American bird, in all its variety, 
 from the normal lagopus plumage to the perfect melanism, from the European, as a 
 geographical race, under the name above adopted. In the foregoing synonymy, it will 
 be observed, I unite the •' sancti-johannis" with the various quotations of American 
 lagoj)iis alone. G. E. Gray has already done substantially the same, but he makes spe- 
 cific distinction. Bonaparte, in 1850 (Conspectus), also separated our bird under name 
 of saiicii-joliannis, but he wrongly adduced the synonyms of A. fcrruginciis, which is 
 apparently a distinct species. 
 
 Since Audubon remarked, in 1834, that he had never seen this species 
 west of the AUeghanies, its successive and repeated occurrences have 
 entirely negatived such implied restriction of its range. It is found 
 throughout the West — in the United States chiefly iu winter, in the fur 
 countries only in summer. Sir John Eichardsoii remarks that it arrives 
 in April or May, and departs in October. Its migrations appear to be 
 quite regular and extensive — more so, perhaps, than is generally sup- 
 posed — though probably it does not differ from most Hawks in this 
 respect. Birds ot this family must follow their prey, wherever this 
 leads them, and only a few of the more powerful species, able to prey 
 upon hares and Ptarmigan, pass the winter in our highest latitudes. 
 The Eough-legged is a rather northerly species, rarely, if ever, breeding 
 within the limits of the United States, and becoming rarer toward its 
 southern terminus. Ou the Atlantic coast I have no authentic evidence 
 of its appearance south of the United States, the maritime portions of 
 which may be regarded as its winter headquarters. It is represented 
 
ARCHIBUTEO FEREUGINEUS, FEEEUGINEOUS BUZZARD. 363, 
 
 as being particularly numerous in the low land along the Delaware and 
 Schuylkill Eivers. It winters thence northward into Maine at least, 
 where Prof. Verrill and others have found it common at that season. 
 It also endures the rigor of the year in parts of the Missouri region, 
 though probably not the northernmost. Prof. Snow marks it as abuudant 
 in Kansas in winter, but at Fort Randall, in Southeast Dakota, I never 
 saw it until April, when a fine female was secured. This was apparently 
 a very old bird, in light-colored plumage, with very little rufous, and a 
 complete broad abdominal zone of blackish-brown. Allen found it win- 
 tering in Wyoming. I took a single specimen at Fort Whipple, iu 
 Arizona, in tbe winter of 1865, and Dr. Kennerly observed the species 
 at Zuui, in Xew Mexico, in November. This brings its range almost to 
 the Mexican border. The continuous mountain- chains probably account 
 for its range in this longitude beyond that it completes on the Atlantic, 
 Dr. Cooper thinks it only a winter visitor in Ualifornia, where he did 
 not observe it beyond Santa Clara Valley, but surmises it may breed in 
 the mountains of the State, as he saw it on the Columbia in July. 
 
 JSTotwithstanding their size and apparent muscularity, Hawks of this 
 genus have none of the dash and spirit of the Falcons, and indeed seem 
 inferior to the Buteos in this respect. Their quarry, though diversified, 
 is always humble; they prey upon various field-mice and other very 
 small quadrupeds, lizards, and frogs, and even insects, rarely attacking 
 birds of any kind, and then only the most defenceless. Open fields, 
 especially^ in the vicinity of water, are their favorite resorts. They 
 appear heavy and indisposed to active exertion; flying slowly and 
 heavily, and often remaining long motionless on their perch. They 
 show some analogy to the Owls in points of structure, as well as iu 
 their partially nocturnal habits. This has long been noticed. Sir John 
 Eichardson says : " In the softness and fullness of its plumage, its 
 feathered legs and habits, this bird bears some resemblance to the 
 Owls. It flies slowly, sits for a long time on the bough of a tree, watch- 
 ing for mice, frogs, &c., and is often seen sailing over swampy pieces of 
 ground, and hunting for its prey by the subdued daylight, which, illum- 
 inates even the midnight hours in the high parallels of latitude." Wil- 
 son observes that it habitually courses over the meadows long after the 
 sun has set, and Audubon calls it the most nocturnal of our species. 
 
 The nest, which I have never seen, is said to be ordinarily built of 
 sticks, &c., in a high tree; sometimes, however, on cliffs, as noted by 
 Dr. Brewer. The eggs, three or four in number, and measuring about 2J 
 by If inches, run through the usual variations, from dull whitish, 
 scarcely or not at all marked, to drab or creamy, largely blotched 
 with different shades of brown, sometimes mixed "with purplish slate 
 markings. 
 
 AECHIBUTEO FEEEUGINEUS, (Licht.) Gray. 
 Ferrugineous Buzzard, or California Squirrel Hawk. 
 
 Biiteo fernigineus, LiCHT., Tr. Berlin Acad. 1838, 428. 
 
 Lagopiis ferrugincus, Fkaser, P. Z. S. 1844, 36. 
 
 Archihuteo fernigineus, Geay, Gen. of B. pi. 6 (name A. regalis on plate) : Hand-list, i, 
 18G9, 10, No. S3.— Cass., 111. 1854, 104, 159, pi. 26; Pr. PLila. Acad. 18. w, -JT?.— 
 Stmckl., Orn. Syn. 1655, 40.— Brew., N. A. Ool. 18.37, 37.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 
 34.— Heei!M., p. E. R. Eep. s, 1859, pt. vi, 32.— Coop. & SccK., N. H. Wash. 
 Ter. 180U, 149.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 153.— Blak., Ibis, iii, 1801, 318 (Sa.^atch- 
 ewaa).— Dkess., Ibis, 1865, 325 (Texas).- CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866^ 46 
 (Arizona; also, auafomical).— Eidgw., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1-^70, 142.- Coop., B. 
 Cal. i, 1870, 482.— CouES, Key, 1872, 218.-B. B. & E., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 300. 
 
364 AECHIBUTEO FEERUGINEUS, FERRUGINEOUS BUZZARD. 
 
 Archiiuteo regalis, Gray, List B. Br. Mus. 39. 
 Buteo californicus, Grayson, Hntchin's Cal. Mag. Mar. 1857. 
 ArcMbateo saneti-joliannis {partim), Bp., Consp. Av. i, IS.'iO, 18. 
 Buteo sancii-jokannis (partim), Schl., M. P.-B. i, 1862, Buteones, p. 2. 
 
 Mab. — Western United States, chiefly from Rocky Mountains to the Pacific. Sas- 
 katchewan (Blakiiton). Little Missouri River (Hayden). Platte River ( Wood). Texas 
 {Kennerly and Dresser). 
 
 lAeutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4544, Little Missouri River, Dakota. 
 
 In uuiting this species with A. sancti-joliannis, Bonaparte subsequently 
 received the high indorsement of Prof. Schlegel's authority ; and I 
 understand that Mr. Allen is also disinclined to allow its validity, tak- 
 ing it as a somewhat parallel case with that of Buteo "eUgans," in the 
 increased amount of reddish colors displayed. With my present infor- 
 mation, however, I must decide that it is a good species, and to my 
 closet-studies of the bird I add no little experience with it in the field. 
 It has afforded me perfectly good characters, and I have seen no indica- 
 tion of its grading into the ordinary form. In perfect plumage, not often 
 seen, the under parts are entirely pure white, excepting the rich, deep 
 chestnut legs, barred crosswise with- black ; the back and wings are 
 largely ferrugineous. The young, as usual, differ materially ; the under 
 parts are white, extensively streaked and arrow-headed with dark brown, 
 including the legs. The sexes are alike in color, but the female is larger 
 than the male, being 23 to 24 inches long, spreading about 56, the wing 
 about 17; tail, 10; cere, corners of mouth, and toes, yellow; claws, black; 
 naked skin of the superciliary shield, greenish and crimson ; bill, bluish- 
 black; eye of the old birds, pale yellow; of the young, brown. Numer- 
 ous anatomical features are given in my article of 1866, above quoted. 
 
 This large and handsome Hawk has been long described and nomi- 
 nally known, though until recently very little had been recorded of its 
 habits, and its extensive dispersion in the West remained unsuspected. 
 Originally described from California by Prof. Lichtenstein, in 1838, it 
 was first brought to the notice of American ornithologists by Mr. E. M. 
 Kern, in 1846, while attached to Colonel Fremont's Expedition. His 
 specimens from Tular6 Valley, California, came under the observation 
 of Mr. Cassin, who, in 1854, gave us a good plate and description, accom- 
 panied by the field-notes of Dr. Heermann, who met with the bird in 
 California. Since then it has been very generally noticed by naturalists 
 in California, where it is the most characteristic and one of the most 
 abundant species of its family. I frequently observed it, and procured 
 several fine specimens at Fort Whipple, in Arizona, where it is resident 
 and common. Dr. T. C. Henry noticed it in New Mexico, at Fort Fill- 
 more, and Dr. Kennerly even in Texas. It has twice been observed in 
 the Missouri region : On the Platte, by Lieutenant Bryan's party, in 
 1856, and on the Little Missouri Eiver, along the western border of 
 Dakota, adjoining Montana, by Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. These 
 latter quotations may represent its real dispersion in those directions, 
 as at any rate they do our knowledge in the matter. 
 
 Although belonging to a group technically said to be "ruling" Buz- 
 zards {^^ArcMbuteo"), it is difficult to see where the claim to royal purple 
 lies in this species and others of the same genus, for they certainly 
 lack the qualities that go to make Hawks famous. Viewing their 
 splendid presence, we wonder, as a late writer says, " that the object of 
 such an admirable organization is nothing more important than the 
 destruction of the smallest and most defenceless of quadrupeds or of 
 reptiles. Yet such is apparently the case. Many of the birds of this 
 group, though powerful in stmcture, and furnished with the usual 
 apparatus of strong and sharp bill and claws, and other accompani- 
 
ARCHIBUTEO FEERUGINEUS, FEEEUGINEOUS BUZZAED. 365 
 
 merits of predatory habits, rarely attack any animal more formidable 
 than a mouse or ground squirrel, or in some cases a frog or other of the 
 weaker species of reptiles." As in some cases of conspicuous personages, 
 become regal by the accident of a name, attributes of royalty compare 
 unfavorably with its apparatus. The contrast between the physique of 
 Eough-legged Hawks and their venatorial exploits, is striking, and 
 illustrates well the fact, that muscular eftectiveness is not always co- 
 ordinate with its mass. The force of a little Falcon's onslaught is some- 
 thing more than that of its falling weight; this would tell to little effect, 
 compared with the result of its weight at high velocity. Granting the 
 heavy Buzzards commensurate courage to act with all their force, they 
 cannot, nevertheless, acquire the requisite speed, and so fail of momen- 
 tum, the product of mass and motion. Excepting during their occasional 
 aerial evolutions, when they appear to circle lightly, they are retarded 
 by their own weight, and are generally observed winnowing low over 
 the ground with almost laborious movement. They pick up their prey 
 as they pass by, dipping obliquely, and it requires no great agility to 
 elude their clutch. Most small birds, it seems, evade capture, so that 
 the Hawks chiefly confine themselve to less active quarry. 
 
 But we must not hastily conclude that the Ferrugineous Buzzard is 
 spiritless because its courage is seldom conspicuous. I have seen it 
 fight bravely at desperate odds. Eidiug through an open glade, I once 
 observed a Hawk of this species perched on the top of a dead tree that 
 stood alone. Anxious as I was to secure it, I could only ride carelessly 
 along, for there was no cover, and the bird had alrefwly marked me. I 
 pretended not to notice it, gradually drawing nearer without altering 
 my horse's pace or making a movement. The ruse succeeded, and 1 was 
 almost to the tree before the bird unfolded his broad wings and launched 
 into the air. Without even drawing rein I threw up my gun, and the 
 report echoed from the rocks beyond. But the Hawk sailed on, and I 
 thought I had missed, till, following him with wistful eyes, I saw his 
 course gradually lower, and at last he fell heavily to the earth, several 
 hundred yards away. I hastened to the spot, flushed with gratification, 
 but it was a sad sight after all. Shot had penetrated the bird's lungs, 
 and he lay on his breast with wide-stretched wings and drooping head, 
 breathing heavily, while the blood trickled from his beak. Thinking 
 life almost extinct, I dismounted and came up to him, when in an instant 
 he roused, recognized his extremity, and dared me to touch him — for 
 with a convulsive efibrt he threw himself on his back, stretched out his 
 talons defiantly, and snapped wrathfully, while the old fire flashed again 
 in his eyes. But the efibrt was too much ; while striking wildly, a fresh 
 stream of blood welled up from his throat, he shivered, his eye grew 
 filmy again, and he lay dead on the stained greensward. Who could but 
 admire the pride that disdained to yield, even at the point of death f 
 
 This method of approaching Hawks is frequently successful, and not 
 seldom the only one that can be employed when the birds are in exposed 
 situations. Ten to one, when perched on a tree-top, they have already 
 espied you before you noticed them, and are watching your movements. 
 If you show they are observed, by attempting to work up to them, they 
 susi^ect at once, and are off at their own convenience. But they appear 
 to be less afraid of a mounted person than of one afoot, and may be 
 often approached indirectly, with the simple precaution of not making 
 them aware they are themselves observed. Eide until just within range, 
 and shoot on the instant; you will have a fair snap shot, probably just 
 as the bird spreads its wings, alarmed at your sudden stop. The same 
 
366 ARCHIBUTEO FEREUGINEUS, FEEEUGIKEOUS BUZZARD. 
 
 clay I killed the one just spoken of, and but a few moments before, rid- 
 ing through the woods, I came up to a Eed-tail, perched on a bough only 
 four or five yards overhead. I did not see it myself until I was right 
 underneath it, too near to shoot; so I rode on a few steps, wheeled sud- 
 denly, and made a successful shot as the bird flew. On another occasion 
 a large Hawk suffered a squadron of cavalry to file past him as he 
 cowered against the face of a rocky ledge, not fifteen yards away ; and 
 only took wing, a few seconds too late, on discovering, by my motions, 
 that he was observed. 
 
 According to my observations in the West, the Ferrugineous Buzzards 
 have no partiality for watery places, thus differing from the eastern 
 Eougnlegs. About Fort Whipple the birds mostly resorted to the open 
 plains and the grassy glades intervening between patches of pine- 
 woods. They could easily be distinguished by their size and the pure 
 whiteness of the under parts, and were beautiful objects, especially when 
 circling overhead. They were common, especially in winter, but were 
 apparently resident. Their cries were loudest and most frequent in the 
 spring, resembling the syllables ca ca ca, rapidly repeated in a high key. 
 In the stomachs of those examined I found the remains of burrowing 
 j)onchedrdts {Thomomys fulvus, Woodh.), the western wood-mouse {Ses- 
 peromys leucopus var. sonoriensis), kangaroo-mice {Dvpodomys ordii), and 
 some Arvicolw 1 could not identify. I was never before aware of the 
 existence of the latter in this locality, and would remark, in passing, 
 how often small mammals, reptiles, and insects, which might long re- 
 main undetected,' owing to their rarity or insignificance, are found in the 
 stomachs of rai^acious birds. Such examination of rapacious animals 
 is important, on this account, as well as to learn what is the nature of 
 their food. Ifew species have occasionally been discovered in this way. 
 The bellies of large snakes are often important repositories, and excel- 
 lent specimens may be secured, owing to the slowness of digestion in 
 these reptiles, and to their swallowing their prey entire. 
 
 This bird is known as the "California Squirrel Hawk" in some locali- 
 ties, but it is not to be inferred that they often capture the agile arboreal 
 Sciuri. The name is gained from their feeding extensively, in Cali- 
 fornia, upon the "ground squirrels" {Spermophilus beeclieyi), which 
 abound in many parts of that State. The Hawks are almost always, 
 too, observed in the vicinity of the settlements of the SpermopMli, 
 standing on the ground where there are no trees, or flying low over the 
 surface, in either case on the alert to seize any unlucky animal that luay 
 venture too far from home. They are also said to perch in wait at the 
 entrance of the burrows, ready to clutch the first animal that shows his 
 nose above ground. 
 
 Accounts of the nidification of this species, resting upon Dr. Heer- 
 mann's testimony, have proven, I have been informed, not authentic; 
 he had some other species, probably the western Eed-tail, in view. I 
 never saw a nest, to my knowledge ; but it is not to be presumed that 
 the mode of nidification is peculiar. Several authentic eggs examined 
 measured from 2.50 by 2.00 to 2.00 by 1.75, and vary so much in mark- 
 ing that no general description will suflce. Some are whitish, with 
 faint grayish or drab shade, the markings obsolete or entirely wanting. 
 Others are pure white or bufify, conspicuously blotched and splashed 
 all over with various shades of rich brown-sienna, bistre, and umber, 
 and also a few paler markings of gray, purplish-drab, and neutral tint 
 They are broadly ellipsoidal in shape, with little or no appreciable dif- 
 ference in the contour of the opposite ends. 
 
PANDION HALIAiiTUS FISH HAWK, OSPEEY. 
 
 367 
 
 ' PANDION HALIAfiTUS, (Linn.) Vuv. 
 
 Pish Hawk; Osprey. 
 
 Aquihi haliaitus, Briss., Orn. i, 440, pi. 34.— Mey., Tasch. i, 23; V. D. ii, 23.— Jexyxs, 
 Man. 81.— S.-LosGCH., Fu.'Belg. 53. 
 
 26; Isis, 1832, 1136.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 78.— AuD., Orn. Biog. i, 415; v, 362; 
 pi. 81; Svn. 18:!9, 12; B. Am.i, 1840, 64, pi. 15.— Gm., B. L. I. 1844, 11.— Maxim., 
 Trav. Bras. 334.— Nadm., V. D. (original ed.) iv, 113, pi. 11, f. 19 ; (ed. of 1822), 
 i, 241, pi. 16.— WooDH., Sitgr. Eep. 1853, 59.— Wern., Atl. Ois. Eur. pi. — . 
 
 Accipiter halimtiis, Vaia.., Zoog. R. A. i, 1811, 355. 
 
 Pandion halia-tm, Cuv., R. A. i, 1817, 316.— Less., Man. i, 86.— Stepii., G. Z. xui, pt. n, 
 12.— Sw., Classif. B.ii, 1837, 207.— KAUP,Mns. Seuck. 1845, 261.— Macgil., Hist. 
 Br. B. iii, 23.— Eyt., Cat. Br. B. 2.— Bp., List, 1838, 3 ; Cat. Uco. 19 ; Consp. Av. 
 i, 1850, 16.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 29.— Schl., Rev. Crit. 8.— Gray, 
 Gen. of B. i, 1844, 17 ; List B. Br. Mus. 22 ; List Brit. B. 5.— Strickl., Orn. 
 Syn. 1855, 63.— Taylor, Ibis, 1866, 79.— Codes, Key, 1872, 219 ; and of authors. 
 
 JBalhrnardus liaUa-tits, Flem., Brit. B. 51 {Balhuzanl, P. E. 414). 
 
 Falco anindiimceits, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 263.— S. G. Gm., Itin. ii, 163.— Daud., Tr. ii, 69. 
 
 Falco cayanenMs, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 263.— Daud., Tr. Orn. ii, 69. 
 
 . faZeo earoZtnensts, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 263 (Ace. piacatorius, Gates., Car. i, 2; Ace. 
 falco piscator anUllarum et carolinensis, Briss., Orn. i, 361, 362). — Dadd., Tr. 
 Oru. ii, 69. 
 
 Pandion carolinensis, Bp., List, 1838, 3 ; Consp., i, 1850, 16.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. Birds, 
 6, pi. 8, fig. 18.— Strickl., Orn. Syn. 1855, 64.— Cass., 111. 1854, 112.— Bp.ew., N. 
 A. O. 1857, 53, pi. 3, f. 33, 34.— News., P. E. Rep. vi, 1857, 75.— Maxim., J. f. O. \\, 
 1858, 11.— Cass., B. N. A. 18.58, 44.— Heerm., P. E. R. Eep. x, lS5i), pt. Yi, 31.— 
 Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter, 1860, 153.— Lord, Pr. Arty. Inst, iv, 1864, 
 110.— CotES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 49.— Fowler, Am. Nat. 18H8, 192 (habits).— 
 Dall & Bans., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 272.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 454.— Meer., 
 U. S. Geol. Sut-T. Ter. 1872, 698.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873; and of most late United 
 States writers. 
 
 Pandion haliaitus var. carolinensis, RiDGW., Pr. A. N. S. 1870, 143.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. iii, 
 1874, 184. 
 
 Pandion Umialis, Savi., Desor. Egyp. i, 96.— Less., Tr. Orn. 45,.46, pi. 9, f. 1.— Vieill., ?_. ' . 
 Fn. Fran?, ii, pi. 6, f. 1.— Degl., Mem. S. S. Lille, 1831, 241.— Roux, Orn. Prov. ;^ 
 i, 19, pi. 11.— Baill., Orn. Sav. i, 104.— PccH., E. Z. 1850, 209. Gl', 
 
 Triorckes fluvalis, Leach, Cat. 1816, 10. •' 
 
 Aquila piscatrix, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. i, pi. 4. 
 
 Jquila americana, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 31. 
 
 Pandion americamw, Vieill., Gal. Ois. pi. 11.— Sw., Classif B. ii, 1837, 207.— ViG., Zool. 
 Journ. i, 336. 
 
 Aquila halbuzardus, DuM., Diet. Sc. Nat. i, 351. 
 
 Pandion iclithi/aelus, Kaup, Class. Sang. u. Vog. 122. 
 
 Pandion indicus, Hodgs., J. A. S. B. 1837, 366 ; Cat. Gray's Misc. 81. 
 
 Pandionleucocephalus, Gould, Syn. B. Aust. i, 22 ; B. Aust. pi. 6 ; P. Z. S. v, 138. — Gray', 
 Gen. of B.— Bp.. Consp. i, 1850, 16.— Strickl., Orn. Syn. 1855, 65. 
 
 Pandion haliaitus var. leucocephalus, RiDGW. — B. B. & R., N. A. B, iii, 1874, 183. 
 
 Pandion gouldii, Katjp, Isis, 1847, — ; Mon. Falc. Cont. Orn. 1850, 73. 
 
 Pandion alticeps et planiceps, Beehm, V. D. i, 33. 
 
 Pandion fasciaius, Brehm, Allg. Dent. Zeit. ii, 1856, 60 ? (St. Domingo). 
 
 Hah. — Cosnaopolitan. The American and Australian, respectively, under names of 
 P. carolinensis and P. leucocephalus, have been, currently regarded as distinct races or 
 species. 
 
 List of specimens. 
 
 19125 
 
 4 
 
 Wind River . . - 
 
 9 
 
 May 26, 1859 
 
 F.V.Hayden. 
 
 23.00 
 
 56.50 
 
 20.50 
 
 Late Expeditions.— 622i2, North Fork, Idaho. 
 
 The well-known Fish Hawk is abundant throughout North America, 
 in suitable regions, especially coastwise. 
 
368 AQUILA CHEYSAETUS, GOLDEN EAGLE- 
 
 AQUILA CHEYSAETUS, Linn. 
 
 Golden Eagle. 
 
 Aqnila dlirysaetos, Briss., Orn. i, 431.— Cuv., E. A. Ist ed. i, 314 ; 2d ed. i, 324.— Pall., 
 Zoog. E. A. i, 341.- Steph., Gen. Zool. xiii, pt. ii, 15.— Flem., Br. An. 52.— 
 Jenyns, Man. 80.— Sw. & EiCH., F. B. Am. ii, 1831, 12.— Beehm, V. D. i, 21.— 
 Macgil., Hist. Br. B. iii, 204.— Eyt., Cat. Br. B. 2.— Bp., List, 1838, 2.— Benx., 
 Gaid. Z. S. ii, 155, 151.— Jakd., ed. WUs. ii, 304.— Baua., Mem. Soc. Abbeville, 
 1833, 56.— Gould, B. Eur. pi. 6.— Sw., Classif. B. ii, 207.— Sykes, P. Z. S. i,79; 
 J. A. S. B. iii, 419.— Blyth, Hid. xix, 335.— Gray, Gen. of B. i, 13, pi. 7, f. 1 ; 
 Hand-list, i, 1869, 10, No. 87 ; List B. Br. Mus. 9 ; List Br. B. 3.— Keys. & Blas., 
 Wirb. Eur. 1840, 30.— Selby, Br. B. i, 12, pi. 1, 1*, 2.— Muhlb, Orn. Grieclil. 
 20.— CoDCH, Corn. Fn. 10.— Jard., Br. B. i, 165, pi. 12.— Thomps., B. Irel. i, 1.— 
 Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 13.— Selys-L., Fn. Belg. 52.— V. d. HoBV., Hdb. Dierk. 
 812.— BoNX., Ency. Meth. 4.— Steickl., Orn. Syn. 1855, 55.— Add., Syn. 1839, 
 9 ; B. Am. i, 1840, 50, pi. 12.— Cass., 111. 1854, 109.— Bkew., N. A. O. 1857, 45.— 
 Maxim., J. f. 0. vi, 1858, 9.— Blas., Ber. xiv, Verz. Deut. Orn. J862, 83.— Allen, 
 Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 181.— Coues, Key, 1872, 219. 
 
 Aquila chrysaetos var. canadensis, EiDGW. — B. B. & E., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 314. 
 
 Falco chrysaetos, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 125 ; Fn. Suec. 54.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 
 2.56.— Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 12.— Shaw, G. Z. vii, pi. 17.— Baud., Tr. Orn. ii, 
 1800, 46.— Selby, Mem. Wern. Soc. iv, 428; 111. Br. Orn. i, 4.— Yaer., Br. B. i, 
 7.— Lubb., Fn. Norf. 13.— Abd., Orn. Biog. ii, 464, pi. 181. 
 
 Aquila melanaetus, Briss., Orn. i, 434 (Feisch, 69).— Beehm, V. D. i, 20. 
 
 Falco melanalitos, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 124.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 254.— Lath., 
 Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 10.— Daud., Tr. Orn. ii, 1800, 49.— Shaw, G. Z. vii, 174. 
 
 Aquila , Briss., i, 419; whence — 
 
 Falco fuJvus, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 125.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 256.— Lath., Ind. 
 Orn. i, 1790, 10.— Shaw, G. Z. vii, 71.— Wils., Am. Orn. vii, 13, pi. 55, f. 1.— 
 WiLS., Mem. Wern. Soc. ii, 570 ; iv, 434.— Cuv., E. A. Ist ed. i, 314 ; 2d ed. i, 
 324.— Savi., Desor. Egyp. i, 82.— Naum., V. D. i, 1822, 208, pi. 8, 9.— Tbmm., 
 Man. Orn. i, 38; iii, 19; Tab. Meth. 3.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 24; Isis, 1832, 1136.— 
 Balll., Orn. Sav. i, 86.— Nurr., Man. i, 1832, 62. 
 
 Aquila fiilm, Meyer, Taschenb. i, 24.— Kaup, Class. Sang. u. Vog. 121.— Brbhm, V. D. 
 i, 29.— SCHL., Eev. Crit. 6.— Bp., Cat. Ucc. Enr. 18.— Vieill., Fn. Fran?. 7, pi- 
 4, f. 1.— Eoux, Orn. Prov. i, 11, pi. 6.— Kuhl, Beit. Zool. 7, 8.— Tyzenh., E. Z. 
 1846, 323.-PEAB., Eep. Orn. Mass. 1839, 71. 
 
 Falco full-US var. b., canadensis, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 125.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 
 256.— Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 11 (American). 
 
 Falco canadensis, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1758, 88. 
 
 Aquila canadensis, Cass., Baird's B. N. A. 41.— Heeem., P. E. E. Eep. x, 1859, pt. vi, 30.— 
 Cooes & Prent., Smiths. Eep. 1861, 402.— CouKS, Pr. Phila. Acad 1866, 49.— 
 Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 449.— Dall & B.vnn., Tr. Chic. Acad. 1869, 272.— Snow, 
 B. Kans. 1873 ; and of most late local American writers. 
 
 Falco niger, Gji., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 259.— Daud., Tr. Om. ii, 1800, 59. 
 
 Aquila alba, Briss., i, 424 ; whence — 
 
 Falco alius, Gji., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 257 (albino). 
 
 Falco amerieanus, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 257 ?— Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 73 ? 
 
 Falco melanonotus. Lath., Ind. Om. i, 1790, 16 (^ niger, Gm.).— Shaw, G. Z. vii, 86. 
 
 Falco cygneus,IjATn,, Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 14 (=albus, Gm.).— SHjVW, G. Z. vii, 76. 
 
 Falco aquitajDwD., Tr. Orn. ii, 47.T-BEcnST., Taschenb. Deutsch. 
 
 Falco conciliator. Shaw, Gen. Zool. vii, 77. 
 
 Aquila regia, Less., Tr. Orn. 36, pi. 8, f. 1. 
 
 Aquila nobilis,FAiA.., Zoog. E.-A. i, 1811, 338, pi. 8. 
 
 Aquila daphcenia, Hodgs., Grav's Zool. Misc. 1844, 81 (India). 
 
 (?) Aquila barthelemyi, Jaub., E. M. Z. Ib52, 22. See Gcrnby, Ibis, 1864, 339. 
 (Following are the bases of most of the .ibove names : Golden Eagle, AuCT., Grand 
 
 aigle, P. E. i\0 =^ chryscetos. Black Eagle, Accx., Aigle noir. Buff., Sehu-artz-braune 
 
 Adler, Frtscs ^ melancetus. Ming-tailed Eagle, Aver., Aigle cowmun,P. E. 409 =/ttZDK5. 
 
 White-tailed Eagle, Edw., i=cana(Zensis. Black-backed Eagle, Brown, 111. 4, pi. 2 = 
 
 mctoionotws. Lath. = niger, Gm. White Eagle, Lath., Syn. i, 36 ;= ci/(/«e»s. Lath. = 
 
 albus, Gm. Eoyal Eagle = regia, Calumet Eagle, Lewis & Claeke, Trav. iii, 155.) 
 
 3ali. — ^North America northerly. South, ordinarily to about 35°. Europe. Asia. 
 
 List of specimens. 
 
 19124 
 
 200 
 
 Deer Creek.. 
 
 ....Nov. 22,1859 
 
 J. Stevenson . . . 
 
 33.00 
 
 77.00 
 
 24.00 
 
HALIAETUS LEUCOCEPHALUS, BALD EAGLE. 369 
 
 Although more particularly a species of boreal and alpine distribu- 
 tion, the Golden Eagle has an extensive dispersion in this country, 
 greater than appears to be generally known, or, at least, recognized. It 
 is of not infrequent and apparently regular occurrence in winter as far 
 south, at least, as Washington, D. 0., where, for several years, a speci- 
 men was taken almost every season, as already stated by Dr. Prentiss 
 and myself. Several individuals, procured in the Washington market, 
 are now in the Museum of the Smithsonian. Prof. Snow records its 
 capture near Lawrence, Kansas, in January. Dr. Henry procured it at 
 Fort Thorn, New Mexico, and I saw it in the mountains of Arizona. 
 Mr. Allen observed it in Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah ; and in Cali- 
 fornia Dr. Cooper states that it is common in most parts of the State 
 during the colder months. An account of its breeding on the Upper 
 Missouri is given by Nuttall' 
 
 Dr. Brewer gives it as breeding in the mountainous portions of Maine, 
 New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York, particularly instancing a 
 nest at Franconia, New Hampshire, which was resorted to for several 
 successive years. But its nidiflcation is usually in such inaccessible 
 situations, even when not in the most remote and uninhabitable regions, 
 that its eggs were for a long time special desiderata. Even in 1857 
 Dr. Brewer had no American specimens for description. I have, there- 
 fore, more pleasure in describing them, from no less than a dozen exam- 
 ples now in the Smithsonian, where, through the liberality marking the 
 attitude of that institution toward students of science, I have been able 
 to examine them. The eggs are almost spherical, the degree of prola- 
 tion being slight, and there being usually no appreciable difference in 
 the shape of the opposite ends. Four selected specimens measure, re- 
 spectively, 2.65 by 2.16; 2.90 by 2.40; 3.00 by 2.35; 3.10 by 2.25— figures 
 illustrating both the difference in absolute size and the variation in 
 shape. None are so large as the one said by Audubon to have been 
 3.50 by 2.50 ; but I can readily believe that such dimensions are some- 
 times reached. Among the twelve, only one is white and unmarked ; 
 this closely resembles a Bald Eagle's. The rest are whitish (white, 
 shaded just perceptibly with neutral tint), variously spotted and 
 splashed, without the slightest approach to uniformity in the size, num- 
 ber, or pattern of the markings. The color ranges from " bloody-brown" 
 or rich sienna, to bistre and umber. There are many other spots, more 
 or less obscure, and all apparently below the surface, showing grayish, 
 drab, purplish, and neutral tint, by overlaying of the whitish cal- 
 careous matter in different thicknesses. Most of the markings are 
 sharp-edged and distinct, but others shade off gradually, while many 
 are confluent, making irregular patches. As a rule they are pretty 
 evenly distributed, but in some specimens are chiefly gathered about 
 one or the other end, where the coloration consequently becomes con- 
 tinuous. 
 
 ^HALIAETUS LEUCOCEPHALUS, (Linn.) Sav. y 
 
 White-heatlea Eagle; Bald Eagle. 
 
 Aguila leucoceplialos, Briss., Oru. i. 1760, 423.— Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. pi. 3.— Pall., Zoog. 
 E. A. i, 1811, 347.— Sw., Clasaif. B. ii, 1837, 207.— Selys-L., Fn. Belg. 53. 
 
 Falco leueoceplialus, LiNisr., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 124 {Aquila eapite alho, Cates., i, p. 1, pi. 
 1; Aquila leiwocq>halos, Briss., i, 423; Aigle d, tete Manclie, P. E. 411). — Gm., 
 Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 255.— Lath., Ind. Oru. i, 1790, 11.— Shaw, G. Z. vii, 78.— Wils., 
 Am. Orn. iv, 1812, 89, pi. 36, fig. -.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 26 ; lais, 1832, 1136.— Nutt., 
 Man i, 1832, 72.— Green, Am. Journ. Sci. iv, 89.— Aud., Orn. Biog. i, 1832, 160; 
 ii, 1834, 160 ; v, 1839, 354 ; pis. 31, 126. -Brew., ed. Wils. 1840, 683. 
 24 
 
370 Audubon's caeacaea — ^p. tharus var. auduboni. 
 
 Saliaetus leucocephalus, Savig.— Cnv., R. A. 2d ed. 326.— Less., Tr. Orn. 40.— Steph., 
 Shaw's G. Z. xiii, pt. ii, 13.— Bp., Comp. List, 1838, 3.— AuD., Syn. 1839, 10.— 
 AuD., B. Am. i, 1840, 57, pi. 14.— GiR., B. L. 1. 1844, 9.— Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 15.— 
 Gray, Hand-list, i, 1869, 16, No. 145 (quotes alUeaJa, Paix.).— Woodh., Sitgr. 
 Rep. 1853, 59.— Cass., 111. 1-^.34, 111.— Brew., N. A. 061. 1857, 48.— Cass., B. N. 
 A. 1858, 43.— Newb., P. R. R. Rep. vi, ia57, 75.— Heerm., iUd. x, 1859, pt. vi, 
 30.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 151.— Dress., Ibis, 1865, 328.— 
 COBES, Pr PhUa. Acad. 1866, 49.— Dall & B.iNN., Tr. Chic. Acad. 1869, 272.— 
 Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 451.— Trippe, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 113.— Allen, Bull. 
 M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 333 ; iii, 1872, 181.— Ssow, B. Kans. 1873.— Hold., Pr. Boat 
 Soc. 1872, 207.— Gilpin, Am. Nat. vii, 1873, 429 (variation in tarsal scuteUa- 
 tlon).— CocES, Key, 1872, 219.— Dall, Pr. Cal. Acad. Feb. 1H73 (Aleutian 
 Islands).- B. B. &'R., X. A. B. iii, 1874, 326; and of authors generally. 
 
 Aquila (Salimtm) leucocephula, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 15. 
 
 Falco pygargm, Daud., Traits d' Orn. ii, 1800, 62 {Le pygargue, Boff., i, 99). 
 
 I'alco ossifragua, WiLS., Am. Orn vii, 1815, 16, pi. 55, fig. 2 (juvenile). 
 
 Falco washingioniana, AuD., London's Mag. i, 1828, 115. 
 
 Falco wasMngtonii, AuD., Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 58, pi. 11.— NuTT., Man. i, 1832, 67.— Brew., 
 ed. Wils. 1840, 683.— James., ed. Wils. iv, 261. 
 
 Saliaetus washingtonii, Bp., List, 1838, 3.— Aud., Syn. 1839, 10; B. Am. i, 1840, pi. 13.— 
 Cass., IU. 1854, 110; B. N. A. 1858, 42; and of many writers, especially local. 
 (Examine particularly Allen, Bull. 11. C. Z. ii, 1871, 334.) 
 
 Hob. — The whole of North America. Greenland. Casual in Europe (Temm., Man. 1, 
 25; GotjLD, B. E. pi. 11 ; Nalm., Vog. pis. 344, 345). 
 
 Of frequent occurrence throughout the Missouri region, as elsewhere 
 in this country, although less numerous than in better watered, and 
 especially maritime, ])ortions. 
 
 Breeds in suitable situations over the country at large, and resident, 
 except in the highest latitudes, whence the freezing of the waters forces 
 it to retire. Eggs dull white, unmarked, about 3 inches long by 2.50 
 broad. 
 
 From the circumstance that several years (at least three) are required 
 for the gaining of the perfect plumage, when the head and tail are en- 
 tirely white, it follows that "Gray Eagles" and "Birds of Washington" 
 are much the more frequently met with. Those who, unpracticed in 
 ornithology, may be puzzled by accounts of ilumerous Eagles, may be 
 interested to know, that only two species have ever been found in the 
 United States. In any plumage they may be instantly distinguished 
 by the legs — feathered to the toes in Aquila chrysaetus, naked on the 
 whole shank in Haliaetus leucocephalus. 
 
 Before proceeding to an account of the Vultures, I will introduce a 
 notice of a vulture-like Hawk, not found in the Missouri region : 
 
 AUDUBON'S CAEACAEA. — PoLYBOEirs thaetjs var. auduboni, 
 
 (Cass.) Bidgw* 
 
 ' The following is the synonymy of the two races of this species : 
 POLTBOKTJS THARUS, (Molina) Strickland. 
 
 Falco tharus, Molina, Chili, 1782, 234; French ed. 244.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 254.— 
 
 Lath., Ind. Om. i, 1790, 16.— Daud., Tr. ii, 41.— Shaw, Gen. Zool. vii, 170. 
 Poll/horns fhanis, Strickl., Om. Syn. 18.55, 18. (Not of Cassin.) 
 Fohjborus tharus var. tharus, Ridgw. — B. B. & E., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 177. 
 Falco eheriwaij, Jacq., Beyt. 1784, 17, pi. 4. — G.M., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 254.— Daud., Tr. ii, 42. 
 Fultur cheriway, Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 8. — Shaw, Gen. Zool. vii, 43. 
 Jqiiila citeriwaij, Meyen, Nov. Act. Ak. Leop.-Carol. xvi, Suppl. p. 66. 
 Folyborus cheriway, Schomb., Guiana, 741. — Nitzsch, Pteryl. 89. — Reesii., Vidd. Meddel. 
 
 1870, 64. 
 Falco plancus, Mull., HI. pi. 17.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 257.— Daud., Tr. ii, 42. 
 VuUvr plancas, Lath., Ind. Orn. i, 1790, 8. — Shaw, G. Z. vii, 41.— Forst., Descr. An. 321. 
 Falco hraMliensis, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 262.— Lath., Ind. Om. i, 1790, 21.— Shaw, G. 
 
 Z. vii, 106. — Daud., Tr. ii, 149.— JIaxim., Beit, iii, 190 (Caracara, AucT. ; Circus 
 
 irasiliensis, Briss., i, 405). 
 
Audubon's caeacaka — p. thai; us var. aududoxi. 371 
 
 We are not yet in position to define the geographical distribution of 
 this variety with desirable precision. If, indeed, it were not diii'erent from 
 the well-known bird of South America, the task would be easy ; for it 
 would be said to inhabit all of South and Central America, Mexico, 
 parts of the West Indies, and thence to extend northward along the 
 southern border of the United States, from one side of the republic to 
 the other. But admitting a distinction, as recently claimed by Mr. Gassin 
 (ride Pr. Acad. Nat. Sc. Phila. Jan. 1865, p. 2), between the United States' 
 bird and that of regions more tropical, we have insufficient data for 
 determination of the line along which the two varieties inosculate, as 
 they certainly do somewhere, there being no considerable portions of 
 country, from the southern boundaries of the United States to Cape 
 Horn, where Caracaras are not to be found. 
 
 On the other hand, the distribution within our limits of the Vulture- 
 eagle, or Eagle-vulture, has been accurately determined. Since its 
 introduction into our fauna bj' Audubon {vide Orn. Biog. ii, p. 350, 
 pi. 101, and B. Am. i, p. 21, pi. 1), who discovered it in Florida, it has 
 been shown to occur thence to the Pacific coast. Thus, Mr. Wurdemann 
 found it in Louisiana; Dr. Henry, in New Mexico; Dr. Heeruiann, iii 
 Arizona; Mr. Xantus, in Lower California ; while almost every naturalist 
 who has visited Texas has recorded its abundance in that State. Its 
 northward extension is thus seen to be strictly limited ; it may, in fact, 
 be taken as a type of several subtropical species which, though known 
 along onr southern frontier, never penetrate much over the border. 
 As a particular illustration of its general range, and in confirmation of 
 the remark just made, we may cite its distribution in Arizona alone. 
 There it is unknown in the northern, and even the central, mountainous 
 regions, where the climate is temperate, but is common in the valleys 
 of the G-ila and Lower Colorado, and iu the deserts of the southern por- 
 tions of the Territory at large. One of tlie authors above mentioned 
 has left us an interesting memorandum of his observations in this region. 
 " I am happy," he remarks, " to be able to add this interesting species 
 to the fauna of California, having seen it on the Colorado Eiver, near 
 Fort Tuma, in company with the Cathartes cmra. The carrion of an ox 
 
 Circaetus hrasiUmsis, Cuv., Eegne Anim. 2d ed. i, 328. 
 
 PohjUrus brasiUensis, Xia.. Zool. Journ. i, 1824, 320, 336; iii, 434.— Sw., Phil. Mag. i, 
 
 1827, 3G6; Zool. 111. ser. ii, pi. 2; Classif. B. ii, iy:37, 209.— Bp., P. Z. S. v, lUd.— 
 
 Dakw., Journ. Res. 64; Voy. Beag. iii, 9.— Bkidges, P. Z. S. xi, 108; Ann. N. 
 
 H. xiii, 499.— Gj:ay, Gen. of B. ; and of many authors, not of the United States. 
 Polylorus vulgaris, Spix, A. B. i, pi. 1". — ViBiLL., Gal. Oia, i, 23, pi. 7.— KiXG, Voy. Beag. 
 
 i,532.— ViG., Zool. Toy. Beech. 15, pi. 7.— Bp., Consp. Av. i, 1850, 13.— TsCHUDi, 
 
 Wieg. Arch. 1844, 3. 
 Caraeara vulgaris. Less., Trait(5 d'Orn. 34. 
 Pandion caraeara, Griffith's Cuv. R. A. vi, 325. 
 
 Hob. — South America. 
 PoLYEORDS THARUS var. AUDDBONi, {Cossin) Eidgwatj. 
 
 " (?) Aqiiila maculosa, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept." 
 
 Polybonis vulgaris, AuD., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 350, pi. 161 (nee Spix). 
 
 Polijborus brasiUensis, Bp., List, 1838, 2.— AuD., Syn. 1839, 4: B. Am. i, 1840 '^1 pi. 4. 
 
 Po?i/Jor«s aacHs, Cass., 111. i, 1854, 113 ; Pr. A.N. 8.-18.55. 284; Baird's B. N. \ 1858 45 — 
 Beew., N. a. 0. i, 18.57, 58, pi. 11, figs. 18, 19.— Heerm., P. E. E. Rep. x, 1859, 
 31.— SCL., Ibis, i, 1859, 214 (Guatemala).— OwBX, Ibis, iii, 67 (eggs).- Guk.x., 
 Cat. Eapt. B. 1864, 17.— Dress., Ibis, 186.5, 329 (Texas). 
 
 Polijhorus audnboni, Cass., Pr. A. N. S. 1865, 2.— Coues, iUd. 1866, 49 (Arizona).— L.vwi:., 
 Ann. Lye. N. Y. ix, 1868, 132 (Costa Eica) ; ibid, ix, 1869, 207 ( Yiicat.an).— Coop., 
 B. Cal. i, 1870, 492 (CaUfornia).— Eidgw., Pr. A. N. S. 1870, 145. 
 
 Polylorus tliarus var. auduboni, Coues, Key, 1872, 220.- B. B. & E., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 178. 
 
 -ffaJ.— Middle America. North to the southern border of the United States. Cubit 
 (Cab., J.f. 0.ji,lxxis; Gundl., Eepert. 1865, 221). (?) Trinidad (T.aylok, Ibis, 1864, 79). 
 
S72 ALT)UBO^"'S CAEACAEA — P. THARUS VAR. AUDUEONI. 
 
 was covered with Turkey Buzzards, and one specimen of the Caracara 
 Eagle was among them fbnt it proved so shy that I could not shoot it, 
 although waiting in ambush fully two hours in hopes it would return. 
 We followed this species on our survey down the Gila until we left that 
 river, seeing one or more every day, and found it again in Texas on 
 tetriking the settlements. At San Antonio, in the vicinity of slaughter- 
 houses, it is met with in great numbers, twenty or thirty often being 
 seen at one time. We found its nest on the Medina Eiver, built in an 
 oak, of coarse twigs, and lined with leaves and roots; beiug recently 
 finished, it contained no eggs." 
 
 This statement in respect of the nidification of the Caracara is 
 confirmed by other naturalists, though it may not hold good in every 
 instance. We should rather have anticipated that it would have been 
 found to breed on rocks, fallen logs, the ground, &e., after the'fashion 
 of Vultures. According to the distinguished naturalist, Mr. Charles 
 Darwin, the South American bird occasionally breeds on a low clifi", or 
 on a bush, thus evincing its vulturine alfinities; and it is not to be pre- 
 sumed that there is any striking and constant diiference in this regard 
 between the United States and the more tropical forms of the Caracara. 
 The situation of the nest doubtless varies with circumstances ; thus, I 
 have seen a memorandum from ilr. Xantus, stating that a nest he found 
 at Cape Saint Lucas was placed on the top of a giant cactus. But 
 wherever situated, the nests, like those of most Eaptores, is a rude struc- 
 ture, compared with the elaborately planned and elegantly finished 
 structures of many higher birds, being little more than a slightly hol- 
 lowed platform of small sticks and twigs, lined with somewhat softer 
 material, as dried rushes, grasses, and leaves. 
 
 It is possible, though improbable, that oology may eventually throw 
 more light upon the supposed distinctions between the two forms of 
 the Caracara. So Dr. Brewer intimates, iu an article prepared before 
 3Ir. Cassin established P. auduboni. " Mr. Cassin informs me," he coa- 
 tinues, " that his suspicions have been excited by certain variations in 
 specimens that have fallen under his notice, and Mr. Darwin states that 
 he met with individuals on the plains of Santa Cruz, which he and Mr. 
 Gould were almost persuaded to be distinct species. In partial con- 
 firmation of this suspicion, I may in this connection refer to the great 
 variations noticeable in the eggs of the Vulturine Eagle. These are 
 neither slight nor occasional, but are constant and of so radical a char- 
 acter as to excite the strongest doubts of their belonging to birds of the 
 same species, the differences afiecting.both their size and their ground- 
 color. The eggs from Cuba, so far as I am aware, represent one variety 
 exclusively, those from Brazil the other, while on the other hand, both 
 varieties were obtained on the Eio Grande by Dr. Berlandier, who 
 assigns them to a single species, which, in his manuscript notes, he called 
 Totaclie." The Brazilian specimens referred to were of course of the 
 true " Carrancha,'" as P. tliarus is called in South America ; the Cuban 
 ones were probably those of P. auduboni ; and the fact that both sorts 
 were got in Mexico may serve in investigating the limits of the two 
 birds. 
 
 In examining a large number of eggs from different localities, I found 
 differences in size, shape, and color, to be fairly called remarkable, but 
 still not uuparalleled, I think, by those known to occur in other cases 
 of unquestionably the same species of rapacious birds ; nor did I recog- 
 nize any division of the series into two distinct sets. I think it would 
 be easy to lay them all in a row in such manner that extremes in any 
 respect should be connected by intermediate examples. In studying 
 
CATHARTIDiE, AMERICAN VULTXJKES. 373 
 
 these eggs, however, I was made aware of one interesting fact, namely, 
 that some are ellipsoidal, or prolately spheroidal, having both ends of 
 the same size and shape, while others (the greater number) are truly 
 ovoidal, in the sense that one extremity is narrower and more pointed 
 than the other, and that the greatest diameter consequently lies nearer 
 one end than the other. 
 
 The eggs measure on an average a little less than 2J inches in length, 
 by a little more than If in breadth ; thus, one specimen was exactly 
 2.40 by 1.80 ; so much is easily affirmed. It is a difficult matter to 
 describe the markings. Some eggs are white, almost uniform, or with 
 numerous dots and fine points of brown evenly scattered over all the 
 surface ; others are wholly of a deep, rich, warm brown, the uniformity 
 of which is scarcely relieved, and only by a slightly paler or darker 
 clouding in some places. These are extremes, between which most 
 specimens are intermediate, ranging through every degree of blotching 
 and splashing, with various shades of dark brown upon a pale brown, 
 buffy, fulvous, or tawuy ground. The shade of these different browns 
 varies from bght sienna, almost golden or russet, to a deep red, almost 
 blackish. Some of the most beautiful specimens are those without 
 blotches, but artistically clouded with indeterminate hues. The various 
 markings generally tend to aggregate together and deepen in shade 
 around the larger end. 
 
 Audubon's biography of this species, and Heermann's noticeably 
 similar account, present the predominant traits of the bird's character. 
 It is nearly a Vulture, in almost every respect of mind, body, and — 
 egg ; approaching, in fact, those obscene birds so closely, that some 
 have entertained doubts of its proper location aniong Falconidce. It 
 surpasses Harris' Buzzard, a not distant ally, in those traits of mind 
 and conditions of body that develope to a maximum among Vultiiricke. 
 There is a naked space on the breast, and partial denudation about the 
 sides of the head near the bill ; the tibial feathers are short, not flow- 
 ing; the scutellation of the tarsus is peculiar, and there is considerable 
 webbing between the toes. The bird is a dullard ; spiritless and unam- 
 bitious; it walks and leaps like a Turkey Buzzard, and stands,like that 
 species, with its wings half spread toward the sun ; its motions are 
 sluggish and unattractive, its attitudes slouchy and negligent; finally, 
 it feeds on carrion, and its body exhales bad odors. Altogether, this 
 species is a rather difficult subject for the systematic naturalist, espe- 
 cially viewing the fact that in some structural points it comes nearest 
 the typical Falcons. 
 
 Family OATHAETIDiE : American Vultures. 
 
 The American Vultures are so remarkably distinguished from those 
 of the Old World, that they should properly constitute a family apart. 
 They are more sluggish birds, with little or none of the spirit that allies 
 the true Vultures ( Vulturinw) with the typical birds of prey. The ex- 
 ternal characters, as well as those to be drawn from the internal struc- 
 ture, are notably different. Prominent among the former is the eleva- 
 tion of the hiad toe above the level of the rest, betokening an interest- 
 ing analogy, if not actual affinity, with the gallinaceous birds ; and there 
 is something in the general aspect of our commonest species that has 
 given it the name of Turkey Buzzard. The claws are weak ; the ante- 
 rior toes long, with a web at their bases. The nostrils are very large 
 and pervious, whereas those of the true Vulttires are separated by an 
 
374 CATHARTID^, AJIERICAN VULTURES. 
 
 impervious septum ; this is a difference probably related to the oar- 
 rion-feeding habits of our species, and believed by some to be intended 
 to facilitate the freeing of the nostrils from the ioul decomposing sub- 
 stances in which the bird's beak is often plunged. The feathers lack 
 aftershafts, and the oil-gland upon the rump has no circlet of feathers ; 
 these are both present in a majority of Eaptores. There are numer- 
 ous important anatomical, and especially osteological differences, but 
 I will only mention one ; the lower larynx is undeveloped, and as a con- 
 sequence our birds are mute ; their only voice is a curious hissing 
 sound, apparently formed in the mouth, not in the windpipe. 
 
 It was long supposed, by savans as well as by those who might not 
 be expected to know better, that Vultures were chiefly guided to their 
 prey by scent ; a belief that probably arose from consideration of the 
 size of their nostrils, and the very " gamej' " nature of their usual food. 
 One of the first problems that occupied the attention of Audubon was 
 to discover whether the birds relied mainly on sight or smell. He made 
 a series of careful experiments, the results of which he laid before the 
 Wernerian Society of Edinburgh, December 10, 1826, in what he called 
 his "maiden speech," and has given a half-humorous account of the 
 feelings with which he attempted, on that, to liim, momentous occasion, 
 to demolish the then existing beliefs, and establish the truth of what is 
 now generally admitted — that Vultures are chiefly guided by their pierc- 
 ing eye-sight. Another absurd belief was, and perhaps still is, that 
 Vultures prefer putrid flesh ; in support of which one might point to a 
 group of Turkey Buzzards perched around a carcass, awaiting its de- 
 composition. But the reason is that their beaks and claws are not 
 strong enough to tear sound hide ; they can only attack a fresh carcass 
 at the eyes, nostrils, and vent, and when these parts are demolished, 
 must wait until putrescence is established, or until some carnivorous 
 bird or quadruped makes an opening. 
 
 Although the Cathartidce are indolent, cowardly birds, they some- 
 times — particularly the larger kinds — when pressed for food, attack live 
 animals, especially sick or disabled ones, and generally overpower them 
 in the end. Young pigs and lambs are sometimes killed by the Turkey 
 Buzzard, which is only of medium size. But in this connection it should 
 be remarked, that whatever damage they may thus effect is far out- 
 weighed by their good oflBces as scavengers in clearing away garbage 
 and oflal. This is the true place of these foul and unseemly birds in 
 nature's economy ; they have the beauty of utility, if no other ; and 
 their usefulness is recognized in all warm countries, where they are 
 encouraged in their familiarity with man, and rightly regarded as pub- 
 lic benefactors. ' 
 
 Curious ornithologists have gone so far as to try the flavor of almost 
 every bird. Among tbose not ordinarily used for food, and which are 
 comparatively unsavory though not positively bad, may be reckoned 
 most of the cleaner sorts of rapacious birds. Thus a young Hawk is 
 passably good, though I believe that some such quality as, that which 
 suggested the saying, " tough as a boiled Owl," renders in the whole 
 order. Crows and Eavens fall in the same category ; so do most of the 
 water-birds below the true wild- fowl, such as Pelicans, Cormorants, 
 Gannetts, Gulls, Loons, and others that feed upon fish. But Vulture- 
 meat is certainly not to be thought of. One would think that the great 
 Israelitic law-giver hardly had need to interdict it, as he did however : 
 " Of all clean birds ye shall eat. But these are they of which ye shall 
 not eat : the Eagle and the Ossifrage, and the Osprey, and the Glede, 
 and the Kite, and the Vulture after his kind." As a more modem 
 
AMERICAN VULTURES. 375 
 
 author lias remarked, " we presume this prohibition was religionsly 
 observed, so far, at least, as it related to the Vultures, from whose flesh 
 there arises such an unsavory odor, that we question if all the sweeten- 
 ing processes ever invented could render it palatable to Jew, Pag^in, or 
 Christian." Certain it is, that independent of the passing contents of 
 the alimentary canal, permanent fcetid, musky odors, exhale from the 
 bones and muscles ; and the same stench is entangled in the web of 
 feathers. It is retained for a long while even after the bird is killed and 
 stuffed. So strong is it, that one author, an excellent naturalist, too, 
 fancied it must be rather unpleasant to the birds themselves ! Thus 
 Pennant, speaking of the Vulture's habit of basking in the sun, with 
 half-opened, drooping wings, supposed that this was done " to purify 
 their bodies, which are most unpleasantly fcetid," as he naively remarks. 
 It is somewhat to be wondered that, when Audubon's experiments 
 came up, no person of an ingenious and inquiring turn advanced a 
 theory why Vultures were deprived of the sense of smell ; reasoning 
 that if their olfactories were acute they could not bring themselves to 
 eat carrion, and that moreover they would be continually unhappy in 
 the noxious atmosphere emanating from their own bodies; in short, 
 that a merciful Creator had so arranged that they might not smell 
 themselves ! 
 
 This would be about one with some of the stories that used to pass 
 current, and not rarely found their way into books when ornithology 
 was younger. Buffon is responsible for much absurdity of this sort. 
 With a vivid imagination he (Jould make, when he could not find, a way 
 to v>Tite bird-histories ; and his stories were never spoiled in the telling 
 for want of ready language. He had, moreo^•er, a supply of precon- 
 ceived ideas regarding the habits of birds that stood him in good stead 
 of observation, and made him a facile expounder of the way birds ought 
 to live, if less successful in telling how they do live. Among other no- 
 tions of his, a favorite one seems to have been, that American birds 
 were apt to be found degenerate mongrels of better-breed European 
 stock. But he has been for this and similar things already so often 
 taken to task, that we may, without comment, give his picture of Vul- 
 tures, and allow others to decide upon its faithfulness. "In every part 
 of the globe," says Buffon, "they are voracious, slothful, offensive, and 
 hateful ; and, like the wolves, are as noxious during their life as they 
 are useless after death." 
 
 One excellent service that the Turkey Vultures render in warm coun- 
 tries, is the destruction of alligators' eggs. This was referred to over a 
 century ago (in 1752) by Don [jlloa, whose remarks, as rendered by Mr. 
 Ord, may be here transcribed : 
 
 "The Gallinazos are enemies of the alligators, and employ much strat- 
 agem to obtain them. During the summer the birds make it their busi- 
 ness to watch the female alligators, for it is at that season that they 
 deposit their eggs in the sand of the shores of the rivers which are not 
 then overflowed. The Gallinazo conceals itself among the branches and 
 leaves of a tree, so as to be unperceived by the alligator, and permits 
 the eggs quietly to be laid, not even interrupting the pains she takes to 
 conceal them. But she is no sooner under the water than the Gallinazo 
 darts upon the nest, and with its bill, claws and wings, uncovers the 
 eggs and gobbles them down, leaving nothing but the shells. This ban- 
 quet would indeed richly reward its patience, did not a multitude of 
 Gallinazos join the discoverer and share in the spoil." 
 
 This author has been criticised for his assertion that the Black Vul- 
 tures attack live animals ; his account has been called " too improbable 
 
376 CATHARTICS, AMERICAN VULTURES. 
 
 to merit serious refutation;" but we see nothing improbable in it. 
 "When the Gallinazos are deprived of carrion," he says, "they are 
 driven by hunger among the cattle of the pastures. If they see a beast 
 with a sore on its back, they alight on it and attack the part affected ; 
 and it avails not that the poor animal throws itself on the ground and 
 endeavors to intimidate them by its bellowing ; they do not quit their 
 bold, and by means of their bill they so enlarge the wound that the ani- 
 mal finally becomes their prey." It is well attested that Eavens, and 
 even Magpies, during seasons of scarcity, alight on sore-backed animals 
 to pick at the raw flesh and torture the creatures, if they do not actually 
 destroy them. 
 
 The Condor of the Andes (Sarcorhamplms gryphus) is one of the larg- 
 est, and otherwise the most distinguished, species of American Vultures. 
 It has been attributed by Bonaparte and Nuttall to the United States, 
 but the evidence is not good. They seemed to have relied upon the 
 statements of Lewis and Clarke, which undoubtedly related to the Cal- 
 ifornian Vulture, not the Condor. Yet it is probable that we have a true 
 Sarcorliamphus in this country, in addition to the three species of Ga- 
 thartes. I have collected some information upon these points that I 
 cannot refrain from presenting. We have first to notice the Sacred 
 Vulture of Bartram (Vultur sacra), described by this author in his 
 "Travels in Florida" (p. 150) : 
 
 "The bill is long and straight, almost to the point, where it is hooked 
 or bent suddenly down, and sharp ; the head and neck bare of feathers 
 nearly down to the stomach, where the feathers begin to cover the skin, 
 and soon become long and of a soft texture, forming a ruff or tippet, in 
 which the bird, by contracting his neck, can hide that as well as his 
 head ; the bare skin on the neck appears loose and wrinkled, which is 
 of a bright-yellow color, intermixed with coral red ; the hinder part of 
 the neck is nearly covered with short, stiff hair, and the skin of this 
 part of the neck is of a dun-purple color, gradually becoming red as it 
 approaches the yellow of the sides of the forepart. The crown of the 
 head is red ; there are lobed lappets of a reddish-orange color, which lay 
 on the base of the upper mandible. The plumage of the bird is gener 
 ally white or cream color, except the quill-feathers of the wings and two 
 or three rows of coverts, which are beautiful dark brown ; the tail, which 
 is rather large and white, is tipped with this dark brown or black ; the 
 legs and feet are of a clear white ; the eye is encircled with a gold-col- 
 ol'ed iris, the pupil black." As Mr. Allen has remarked, in carefully 
 reviewing the subject, this is probably a mythical species, some facts in 
 connection with Haliaetus leucocephalus and Polyborus tliarus being mixed 
 in Bartram's mind with some of his ideas respecting the King Vulture. 
 
 The King Vulture {Sarcorhamphus papa) is a well-known inhabitant 
 of the warm parts of America, and has also been attributed to the 
 United States ; but accounts of its occurrence within our limits require 
 confirmation. Nuttall gave it in his Manual (i, p. 40), but so he did, 
 also, several other birds that we know are not found in our country. 
 Still it is a Mexican species, that may stray into Texas, Arizona, or 
 Southern California. I am, in fact, convinced that this, or a closely- 
 allied species, does occur in Arizona — a large Vukure, not the Condor, 
 nor the Californian, nor yet any of the smaller species of Gathartes. As 
 the determination is a matter of prime consequence, I may be allowed 
 to present the following considerations : 
 
 In Dr. Brewer's edition of Wilson (p. 671) the following extract is 
 made from Clavijero"s History of Mexico (Cullen's translation), i, p. 47: 
 "The business of clearing the fields of Mexico is reserved principally 
 
CATHAETIDiE, AMERICAN VULTUEES. 377 
 
 for tlie Zopilots, known in South America by the name of Oallinazzi ; 
 in other places by that of Aure ; and in some places, though very im- 
 properly, by that of Uamns. There are two different species of these 
 birds— the one, the Zopilot, properly so called ; the other, called Cozca- 
 quanhtli ; they are both bigger than the Eaven. These two species 
 resemble each other in their hooked bill and crooked claws, and by 
 having upon their head, instead of feathers, a wrinkled membrane with 
 some curly hairs. * * * * The two species are distinguished, how- 
 ever, by their size, their color, their numbers, and some other peculiari- 
 ties. The Zopilots, properly so called, have black feathers, with a brown 
 bill and feet ; they go often in flocks, and roost together upon trees. 
 This species is very numerous, and is to be found in all the different 
 climates ; while, on the contrary, the Gozcaquanhtli is far from numer- 
 ous, and is peculiar to the warmer climates alone. The latter bird is 
 larger than the Zopilot, has a red head and feet, with a beak of a deep- 
 red color, except toward its extremity, which is white. Its feathers are 
 brown, except on the parts about the breast, which are of a reddish- 
 black. The wings are of an ash color upon the inside, upon the outside 
 are variegated with black and tawny. The Gozcaquanhtli is called by 
 the Mexicans King of the Zopilots," &c. 
 
 The "Zopilot" above mentioned is undoubtedly the Black Vulture 
 {G.atratu8),ox some small, closely allied, species; while the "Gozca- 
 quanhtli" is certainly the common Turkey Buzzard (0. aura). The par- 
 agraph is introduced to show what names these birds bore with the old 
 authors ; and particularly, that the Turkey Buzzard used to be called 
 "King of the Zopilots." What the King Vulture really is, may pres- 
 ently appear. Mr. A. S. Taylor, in an article in the San Francisco Her- 
 ald for April — , 1859, gives the following, also from the Abbe Glavijero's 
 work, but interpolated and differently worded : 
 
 "The Gozqualitle is called by the Mexicans of the city and valley of 
 Mexico the King of the Topilotes; * # * * and they say that 
 when the two species happen to meet together, over the same carrion, 
 the Topilot6 * # # * never begins to eat until the other has tasted 
 i^_ # # # * The King of the Topilotes has a red head and feet 
 [&c. ; the same as the above description]. Bonar6 says that the Aura 
 (pronounced Owra, for the Turkey Buzzard, by the Mexicans) is the 
 Cosquath of New Spain and the Tropilot of the Indians, so that Gozca- 
 quanhtli and Tropilotl are both native Mexican-Indian names for two 
 different birds. But the bird that now goes by the name of the King 
 of the Topilotes in New Spain, seems different from the one we are de- 
 scribing. This is a strong bird, of the size of a common Eagle, with 
 stately air, strong claws, fine piercing eyes, and a beautiful blaclc, white, 
 and taicny plumage. It is remarkable, particularly, for a certain scarlet- 
 colored fleshy substance which surrounds the neck like a collar, and 
 comes over its head in the form of a little crown." * * * * 
 
 The above mentioned Vulture, "with a beautiful black, -white, and 
 tawny plumage," is the one we wish to determine. It is evidently no 
 Cathartes; apparently a SarcorMmpus; and perhaps the same bird that 
 formed the subject of a note I gave on page 16 of my Prodrome of the 
 Ornithology of Arizona, to the following effect: While encamped on 
 the San Francisco Kiver, near the mountains of the same name, in July, 
 1865, 1 saw a pair of very large rapacious birds sail over head with firm, 
 easy, graceful flight, sustained for a long time without visible motion of 
 the wings. They were about the size of Bald Eagles, but the shape of 
 the wings and its mode of flight were those of Vultures. The entire 
 under parts were pure lohite. I gazed with admiration, yet with a feel- 
 
378 CATHARTID^, AMERICAN VULTURES. 
 
 irig of bitter disappointment, as tlae majestic birds disappeared in the 
 distance, and with them went the opportunity of identifying them, mar- 
 ring the pleasure I experienced at being the first to observe the unques- 
 tionable occurrence within our limits of some Vulture, probably a Sar- 
 corhampus, not recognized as an inhabitant of our country. I cannot 
 MOW refer the birds to any species known to me, unless, possibly, they 
 were S.papa; but this is tawny or fulvous below, not white. I desire 
 to signalize the occurrence the more particularly, since the birds may 
 have been of a species unknown to naturalists. 
 
 I cannot close this account without giving insertion to an article by 
 Mr. A. S. Taylor, that appeared in the San Francisco Herald for April 
 — , 1859. It is quite worthy of being rescued from its precarious situa- 
 tion in floating literature. I copy the account (somewhat abbreviated) 
 without further comment, merely premising that, of course, there is 
 some mistake about the "four wings": 
 
 " The Queleli, a rare Mrcl of Sonora. — From the descriptions of some 
 of our friends we are placed iu possession of some curious facts relating 
 to the habits and characteristics of this rare and highly curious bird. 
 An intelligent Sonoraian of Oquitoa, near Alta, in Sonora, who resided 
 in (Jalifornia several years, gave me the following facts at Monterey, in 
 1855. It inhabits particularly the Pimeria Alta and Baja, the Papago- 
 ria, the Optaria, the Apaeharia, and other Indian and little-known 
 mountain districts of Sonora, Durango, and Sinaloa to the east and 
 south. It is called " Queleli" by the Indians, who have a great venera- 
 tion for it. Its weight is from 8 to 10 lbs. The beak is hard and curved 
 sharply down ; its color, bright lemon ; the iris is pink or light red. On 
 the crown of the head it has a fleshy caruncle or comb of black and 
 white, which forms like a cravat, and also hangs on both sides of the 
 head, and which is bare of feathers. The skin of the chops and cheeks 
 is mottled black and white ; the neck feathers are black, with a ring of 
 white feathers below, forming a ruff', like a circle of swan's-down on a 
 lady's tippet; the back is striped black and white lengthwise of the 
 bird ; the ends of the wing-feathers are tipped with white ; the tail 
 feathers are striped and tipped the same as the wings; the under sur- 
 faces of the wings are barred in the same way ; the wings measure from 
 12 to 18 inches long from the joint at the body [qu. carpus!] ; the chest, 
 belly, and lower part of the body are of lemon-colored feathers ; the 
 legs and feet are also yellow, with four toes, armed with black and very 
 sharp claws. The female bird is of smaller size, the colors similar, but 
 more subdued. The eggs are reddish [?] and mottled black, sharply 
 peaked, and weigh about 2 ounces. They make their nests in the highest 
 trees of the mountain sides and peaks, and always go in couples, and 
 never in flocks. When they rise from the ground they make a whirring, 
 rushing noise, moving very fast. They raise two young in a year, gen- 
 erally male and female ; when young the plumage is yellow, black, and 
 white. The full-grown birds are about the size of the common Turkey 
 Buzzard. They are seen at times turning over and over in the air, in 
 quick motions, whence the Indians have a superstition that they breed 
 in the air. The Indians also say that the male bird breaks the egg to 
 let the chick out. They eat dead animals, or those lately killed. The 
 tongue is red, and has a spinous process on the under part shaped like 
 a pen, said by the Indians to be used in making a loud whirring noise 
 when it rises from the ground. They eat very fast, and all other car- 
 nivorous birds hold them iu great fear. My informant says it is most 
 abundant in the Alta Pimeria, of which the Gadsden purchase forms a 
 portion. [This is now in Arizona ; and compare, also, the colors of the 
 
C-VTHAETES AURA, TURKEY BUZZARD. 379 
 
 birds as abovo giveu with those of the ones I saw ; also, the facts of 
 the .youtig iu pairs, &c.] 
 
 '' But the most singular part of this bird, and which makes it such a 
 wonder among the Sonoranians, is that it hns four wings, or appendages 
 for assisting flight ou each side of its body ; that is, a pair of wings 
 such as other birds', each with three assistant wings or winglets, joined 
 to the main ones, and folding under the main ones, next to the body. 
 
 "An officer of the revenue-service assured me that he had seen this 
 bird at Giiaymas in 1854, in possession of Captain Spence of that port, 
 and that, according to his recollection, my Sonoranian informant was in 
 the main correct. It seems to me there can be no doubt that it is a 
 ram avis unknown to naturalists. A gentleman now living in Monterey, 
 who is, like the writer, an amateur naturalist, assures me, also, that he 
 saw a bird of this kind iu Guaymas — most likely the same one — in the 
 possession of Captain Spence, or some other foreigner there." 
 
 Mr. Taylor further states that, according to this last informant, the 
 number of "winglets" on each side was three, not four ; and their posi- 
 tion is more particularly described. He devotes the remainder of the 
 article to proving that the "Queleli" cannot be the small Blexican Vul- 
 ture called King of the Topilot6s, nor the King Vulture, nor the Sacred 
 Vulture of Bartram. 
 
 Leaving now these uncertainties, however intei'esting, for something 
 more definite, and confining attention to the genus Gathartes, it is to be 
 observed that of the six or seven described species, several are not 
 ]3ermaueutly distinct. The three of the United States, C. atratns, C. 
 aura and C. california?ius, with the South American G. buryorinnus, are 
 the only recognizable ones. Of these, at present, we have only to do 
 with the following : 
 
 CATHAETES AUKA, (Linn.) 111.. 
 Turkey Buzzard. 
 
 Fultur atira, LiNN.. Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 122 (based on TzoplMl, Herx.vsd., .331 ; JJriibu, 
 Makcg., 207; Vidtiir brcmlknsis, Buiss., i, 45ti ; Buteo specie gallo-jyavunis, 
 Gates., i, 6).— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 240. — Lath., lucl. Orn. i, V'M, 4. — 
 Bartr., Trav. 1793, 285.— ViEilx., Ois. Am. Sept. i, 1S07, 25; pi. -i, 6fe.— Sn.nv, 
 Geu. Zool. Yii, 1809, 36.— WiLS., Am. Orn. ix, 1814, 99, pi. 75, f. 1.— LrcHT., 
 Verz. 1823, 63. — Aun., Edin. New Phil. Journ. ii, 172. — Darw., Jonrn. Res. 68. — 
 Wagl., Isis, 1831, 517.— Sells, P. Z. S. v, 33 ; Mag. Nat. Hist. 2d ,ser. i, 60S. 
 
 Cailiartes aura, III., Prod. 1811, 236. — Guv., E. A. i, 2d ed. 317.— Spix, Av. Bras, i, 18'i5, 
 2.— YiG., Zool. Journ. ii, 384.- Less., Man. i, 1828, 73 ; Tr. Orn. 1831, 2^.— Bp., 
 Syn. 1828, 22; Isis, 1832, 1135.— Maxim., Beit, iii, 1830, 64.— Jard., ed. AVils. 
 iii, 226.— James., ed. Wils. i, 3 ; iv, 245.— Sw. & Eicn., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 4 (Sas- 
 katchewan).— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 43.— Sw., Classif. B. ii, 1837, 205— Auix, 
 Orn. Biog. ii, 1835, 296 ; v, 1839, 339 ; pi. 151 ; Syn. 1839, 3; B. Am. i, 1640, 15, 
 pi. 2.— Bp., List, 1838, 1 ; Gousp. 1850, 9.— D'Orbig., La Sagra's Cuba, 1839, 4 ; 
 Vc.iy. Am. M(5rid. iv, 38.— ScHOMB., Guiana, 1840. 742. — Bkew., ed. Wils. 682. — 
 LiKSL., Am. Journ. xliv, 1843, 250 (Connecticut).— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. li^44, 2, 
 pi. 5, f. 12.— TSCHUDI, Wieg. Arch. 1844, 262 ; Fn. Peru, 71.— Gray, List B. Br. 
 Mus. 1844, 3 ; Gen. of B. i, 1844, 1.— Gosse, B. Jam. 1847, 1.— Peai.e, U. S. Expl. 
 Exped. 1848, 58.— Woodh., Sitgr. Eep. 1853, 58 (Indian Territorv ; New Mex- 
 ico).— Cass., 111. 1854, 57.— Brew., N. A. Oiil. 1857, 1.— Newb., P.'E. E.Eep.vi, 
 1857, 73.— Cass., B. N. A. 1858, 4 ; Pr. A. N. S. 1849, 159.— M.VXIJL, J. f. O. vi, 
 1858, 2.— Heekm., p. E. E. Eep. x, pt. vi,59.— Scl., Ibis, i, 1859, 213 (Guat emala).— 
 Bryant, Pr. Bost. Soc. vii, 1859 (Bahamas).— Scr.., P. Z. S. 18G0, 287 (Ecuador) ; 
 Ibis, ii, 1860, 222 (Honduras).— Tayl., Ibis, 18S4, 78 (Trinidad).— Coop. & 
 Srcic, N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 140.— Hayd., Eep. 1862, 151.— Dress., Ibis, 1865, 
 322 (Texas).— -CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 42 (Arizona).— Kenn., Tr. 111. 
 Agric. Soc. i, 580 (breeding).— CouES & Prent., Smiths. Eep. 1861, 401 (resi- 
 dent at Washington, D. G.).— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Eep. 16tiO, No. 1.— BOAKn>r., 
 Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 122 (Calais, Me. ; one instance).— Veru., Pr. Ess. Inst. 
 
380 CATHAETES AURA, TURKEY BUZZARD. 
 
 iii, 1862, J57 (same instance).— S.oi., App. Secy's. Rep. Agric. ilass. 1863, p. 
 xviii (Massachusetts ; two instances).— Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 81 (same 
 instances).— GnRN., Cat. Rapt. B. 1864, 42.— Dress., Ibis, 186.5, 322 (Texas).— 
 GUNDL., Eep. 1865,221 (Cuba).— CoUES, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 253 (New England 
 instances).— MclLWR., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 80 (Canada West).— Lawk., Ann. 
 Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 280 (New York).- ScL., P. Z. S. 1867, 589 (Para) ; 1868, 
 569 (Peru).— CouES, Pr. Host. Soc. 1868, 120 (South Carolina).— Pelz., Orn. 
 Bras, i, 1868, p. — .— Allex, Jlem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 499, 526 (Iowa, and resi- 
 dent in Indiana).— TruxB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 5 (resident).— Reixh., Vid. Med. 
 IttTO, 61 (Brazil).- Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. l'-'71,27 (North Carolina).- Tkippe, 
 Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 113 (Minnesota, breeding, and in December).— Allex, 
 Bull. II. C. Z. ii, 1871, 310 (critical) ; iii, 1872, 181 (Florida, Kansas, Colorado, 
 Wyoming, Utah).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 50^.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873.— CouES, 
 Key, 1872, 222.— Scott, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 229 (West Virginia). 
 
 Catharkta aura, Vieill., Gal. Ols. 1825, pi. 4.— Grait, Hand-list, i, 1869, 3, No. 18. 
 
 Perenopteriis aura, Steph., Gen. Zool. xiii, pt. ii, 1826, 7. 
 
 MkinoijrijpJtua aura, RiDGW.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 344. 
 
 VuJtur aura, ,3, Lath., Ind. Orn. 1, 1790, 5. 
 
 FuUur iota, JIolixa, Stor. Chili, 17S2, 265.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 247.— Daud., Tr. 
 Orn. ii, 1800, 20. 
 
 Catkartes iota, Bridg., P. Z. S. ix, 108 ; Ann. Nat. Hist, xiii, 498. 
 
 Cathartes ruficollis, Spix, At. Bras, i, 1824, 2 (quotes Catesby). 
 
 Cathartes septentrionalis, Maxim., Eeise, i, 1839, 162. 
 
 (?) Cathartes falklandicus, Sharpb, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. 
 
 Sab. — The whole of the United States and adjoining British Possessions. South 
 through Central and most of South America. Much confusion has prevailed in use of 
 the names aura and iota, notwithstanding the perfectly distiuct (perhaps eveu generic- 
 ally different) characters of the two species — a difficulty which the labors of Mr. Alltn 
 and Mr. Ridgway have done much to remove. It is believed that the synonymy as 
 here collated, based upon the authors just named, as well as substantially upon Strick- 
 land's prior lists, is correct. It should be observed, that aura of earlier authors appar- 
 ently included both species. 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4603, Cedar Island, Missouri River. 
 
 Although more particularly an inhabitant of the warmer parts oi 
 America, and most numerous in the Southern States, along with the 
 Black Vulture {G. atmtus), the Turkey Buzzard is nevertheless found all 
 over the United States, and a little way into British America. On the 
 Atlantic coast its ordinary limit is Long Island ; Audubon's data were 
 incomplete in rendering his statement that it is never seen beyond New 
 Jersey. It has been repeatedly observed in Southern New England, 
 and at least once in Maine. Its Xova Scotia record, as remarked by 
 Dr. Bre\s ev, is vague and probably unfounded ; and even its New En- 
 gland occurrences are rare, if not altogether casual. It is included in 
 Mr. Mcllwraith's list of the birds of Hamilton, Canada West, with the 
 remark that it is a regular summer visitor to the extensive flats near 
 Chatham, and along the shores of Lake Saint Clair. In the interior, it 
 regularly goes further north than on the coast. Mr. Trippe found it 
 abundant in Minnesota, where it breeds ; and Sir John Eichardson's 
 well-known record fixes its northern limit at about latitude 53° in the 
 region of the Saskatchewan, where it arrives in June. The highest 
 j)oint where I ever saw it myself, up to the date of present writing, was 
 Fort Eaudall, latitude 43° 11', on the IMissouri. At the close of the 
 most terrific storm of the season of 1872-73, memorable for its severity, 
 five or six birds came sailing over the fort. This was on the loth of 
 April ; none had been observed previously after October, and I do not 
 think it usually passes the inclement season at this point. 
 
 This brings us to consider the resident range of the species, as com- 
 pared with its summer dispersion. It has not been observed to winter 
 on the Atlantic beyond New Jersey, and even in that State is more 
 numerous in .summer than in winter. But at Washington, D. 0., my 
 home for a number of years, where the bird is very common, I noticed 
 no material diminution of its numbers during the colder months. The 
 
CATHAETES AUEA, TURKEY BUZZAED. 381 
 
 same is the case in both the Carolinas, where I constantly observed it 
 during a residence of three or four years. In the interior it appears to 
 winter higher up ; thus, Mr. Trippe saw it late in October, and again 
 in December, in Minnesota. But the last may have been an unusual 
 occurrence ; probably the parallel of 40°, or rather the isothermal cor- 
 responding to this latitude on the Atlantic coast may approximately 
 indicate the line of its northernmost winter residence. 
 
 As is well known, the distribution of the Black Vulture, or Carrion 
 Crow, is much more restricted than that of the Turkey Buzzard. It 
 may not be amiss to compare the two, especially since some wholly un- 
 founded reports are current. The most notable of these is the record, 
 in the Fauna Boreali- Americana, of the Black Vulture's abundance in 
 the Columbia Eiver region and elsewhere west of the Eocky Mountains. 
 But this rests entirely upon the statements of Mr. David Douglas, who 
 unquestionably mistook Turkey Buzzards for Black Vultures. The fact 
 is, that there is not a single authentic instance of the occurrence of the 
 latter on the Paciiic coast of the United States, nor anywhere west of 
 the Eocky Mountains in this country. As Dr. Cooper suggests, in ex- 
 planation of the statements of even so reliable an observer as Dr. Gam- 
 bel, the young of the Turkey Buzzard, before -acquiring the red head, 
 may have been mistaken for the Black Vulture ; and he entirely dis- 
 credits the Pacific records. For the interior we have the authority of 
 Dr. Woodhouse, which there seems to be no reason to question in this 
 instance, for the occurrence of the Black Vulture in the Creek and 
 Cherokee countries, and less numerously in New Mexico. Up the Mis- 
 sissippi Valley, it is stated to occur as far as Illinois. I find no instance 
 of its presence in the region of the Missouri or any of its tributaries, 
 so that I cannot formally introduce it in this work ; but I should not be 
 surprised if it were hereafter shown to occur about the mouth of the 
 Missouri. On the Atlantic, Mr. Audubon states, it has been found as 
 far north as Maryland, and there are several authentic instances of its 
 straggling even into New England. But its ordinary limit is, prob- 
 ably, the vicinity of Wilmington, North Carolina ; certainly, at most, 
 not beyond the maritime portions of Virginia. I never saw it at Wash- 
 ington, D. O. ; the furthest point I have traced it to being Newberne, 
 North Carolina. At Port Macon, on the North Carolina coast, opposite 
 Beaufort, it regularly occurs every summer; and I once saw numbers 
 in March at that locality (Pr. Phila. Acad. 1871, 28). But even here 
 they are far outnumbered by the Turkey Buzzards, and it is not until 
 we reach Charleston, South Carolina, that the reverse proportion of in- 
 dividuals of the two species is witnessed. They are moreover especially 
 maritime; for, even in South Carolina, as we recede from the coast, they 
 become less numerous, until at Columbia, South Carolina, the Turkey 
 Buzzards are again the more plentiful of the two. In this city both 
 species reside all the year. 
 
 No one can fail to observe with interest the great difference in the 
 form and general appearance of the two species when he compares 
 them sitting side by side sunning themselves upon chimney or house- 
 top; and especially the discrepancy in their mode of flight as they 
 wheel together overhead in endless inosculating circles. The Turkey 
 Buzzards look larger as they fly, though really they are lighter weights ; 
 they are dingy-brown, with a gray space underneath the wing ; the tail 
 is long; the fore-border of the wing is bent at a 'Salient angle, and there 
 is a corresponding reentrance in its hind outline ; the tips of the longest 
 quills spread apart and bend upward; and one may watch these 
 splendid flyers for hours without perceiving a movement of the pinions. 
 
382 CATHARTES AURA, TURKEY BUZZARD. 
 
 Comparing now the Carrion Crows, they are seen to be more thick-set, 
 with less sweep of wing and shorter and more rounded tail, beyond 
 which the feet may project; the front edge of the wing is almost straight, 
 and the back border sweeps around in a regular curve to meet it at an 
 obtuse point, where the ends of the quills are neither spread apart nor 
 bent upward. The birds show almost black instead of brown ; in place 
 of large gray area under the wing, there is a smaller paler-gray spot at 
 the point of the wing. And, finally, the Carrion Crows flap their wings 
 five or six times in rapid succession, then sail a few moments ; their 
 'flight appears heavy, and even laborious, beside the stately motion of 
 their relatives. 
 
 Turkey Buzzards are resident in the lower, hotter portions of Arizona. 
 In the mountains I never saw them in winter. At Fort Whipple, for 
 instance, they arrived the latter part of March and remained until No- 
 vember. No better opportunity could be desired of studying their 
 habits than was afforded in this place, where they were very numerous. 
 We had a large herd of cattle, one or more of which were daily slaugh- 
 tered for the supply of the garrison ; and early in the fall it was deemed 
 advisable to "jerk" all the beef that remained on the hoof, since, in this 
 state, it was always liable to be stolen by Apaches, and winter fodder 
 was procurable only in limited quantity. The shambles were located in 
 a grove of cottonwood near the fort, and day after day the meat hung 
 .drying in thin strips festooned upon ropes stretched between the trees, 
 while bones and offal covered the ground at a little distance. These 
 were high times for the Buzzards, Eavens, wolves, and all the dogs of 
 the neighborhood; the place became a rendezvous for holding high car- 
 nival. The birds and beasts feasted alternately. At nightfall tbe 
 coyote-wolves and their larger relatives, the lobos, left their hiding 
 places, emboldened by hunger and shielded by darkness, and hastened 
 to the feast. There they fed, and fought, and caroused, yelping like 
 things possessed, till daylight surprised them and forced them to slink 
 away to their rocky fastnesses. Then the Buzzards and Eavens flapped 
 lazily down from their roosting places in the tall pines round about, and 
 took their turn. We destroyed a good many of the wolves, partly for 
 the sake of their pelage, which was in fine order at that season ; partly 
 in revenge for the disturbance their perpetual orgies occasioned. But, 
 of course, there was no sensible diminution of their numbers ; those 
 who lived to get away returned the next night to feed, and their ranks 
 were continually recruited. The Buzzards were seldom molested; this 
 and their continued surfeit made them as tame as they usually are in 
 southern cities. They certainly did us good service, though, perhaps, no 
 better than that rendered by the wolves themselves. Whether the birds 
 and wolves were on good terms or not I cannot say, for they always 
 feasted apart, at different hours; but there was evidently an under- 
 standing between the Buzzards and the dogs. They fed side by side, 
 and quarrelled no more than selfish, gluttonous Vultures generally do. 
 As for details of such banqueting as theirs, too much has already ap- 
 peared in print for the comfort of fastidious readers. 
 
 Turkey Buzzards, like other American Vultures, are mute. Their 
 only voice is a kind of hiss, which has been likened to the seething noise 
 of hot iron plunged in water. Except when flying, the birds show to 
 little advantage. The color is dull; the form uncomely; the gait is con- 
 strained, and the attitudes are negligent and slothful. They walk or 
 hop indifferently, and sometimes move with a succession of leaps, accel- 
 erated with the wings. When about to take flight from the ground, 
 they stoop for an instant till the breast almost touches, and then, un- 
 
CATHAETES BUREOYIANUS — CATHARTES ATRATU8. 383 
 
 folding the wings, give a vigorous spring into the air; with a few pow- 
 erful, hurried flaps, they are fairly off. They soon begin their gyrations 
 with set wings, only beating at intervals, when they are forced to rise 
 rapidly away from some obstacle; and, circling thus, they are shortly 
 in the upper air. 
 
 The Turkey Buzzard breeds sometimes in communities and some- 
 times by single pairs, depositing its eggs on the ground, on rooks, or in 
 hollow logs and stumps. The situation is generally in thick woods; 
 and when numbers breed together, the foulness of the resort is beyond 
 description — vegetation may be entirely destroyed over large areas. 
 Even single nests are offensive from their noisome deposits, not only of 
 excrementitious matters, but of others, disgorged by the parents to feed 
 the young. The eggs are generally two in number, often only onej 
 they measure about 2^ in length by 2, or rather less, in breadth, being 
 thus notably shorter and of less capacity than those of the Black Vul- 
 ture. They are creamy or yellowish- white, variously blotched and 
 splashed with several different shades of brown, and usually showing 
 other smaller spots of lavender and purplish-drab. The young are said 
 to be covered at first with a whitish down, and to be fed for some time 
 with half digested carrion disgorged by the parents. 
 , When wounded and captured, the Turkey Buzzard warns off its ag- 
 gressor very effectually by casting up the fcetid contents of the crop, 
 but offers no resistance. Several winged birds I have handled remained 
 perfectly passive after this, and even seemed apathetic as they were 
 being put to death. I learned, on one occasion, that they will simulate 
 death. A bird that I had shot — through the lungs, as I judged from the 
 crimson froth and blood that flowed from the beak — appeared dead soon 
 after I picked it up, and I carried it home, some distance, holding it by 
 the legs dangltug, perfectly limp. I threw it carelessly down on the 
 ground by my tent and turned to something else ; but, in a few mo- 
 ments, on looking at it again, I was surprised to find the bird I had 
 thought dead had changed its position, and I caught its bright brown 
 eye glancing furtively around. On going up to it its eyes closed, the 
 body relaxed, and it lay as if dead again. I compressed the chest for 
 several minutes, till I was satisfied life was extinct, and then went to 
 supper. But the cunning bird was still "playing possum," and, I. sup- 
 pose, scrambled into the bushes as soon as my back was turned ; at any 
 rate it was gone when I returned. 
 
 The remaining species of this genus are as follows : 
 Cathartes BUBROviANns, Cassin. 
 
 Cathartes imrovianus, Cass., Pr. PhUa. Acad, ii, 1845, 212 ; 111. 1854, 59 (? Mexico) : B N. 
 A. 1858, 1.— Gray, Hand-list, i, 1869, 3, No. 19.— Codes, Key, 1872, 222. 
 
 SUnognjphus hurromanwa, Kidgw.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 344. 
 
 Cathartes uruUtinga, Natt.— Pelz., Sitzb. Ak. Wien. 1861, 7 ; Orn. Bras, i, 1868 1 — 
 Gdrn., Cat. Rapt. B. 1864, 46.— Scl. & Saiv., P. Z. S. 1867, 589 (Amazon).— 
 Elliot, B. N. A. ii, pi. 26.— Gray, Hand-list, i, 1869, 3, No. 20. 
 
 Hob. — Eastern Tropical America. . 
 
 Cathartes atratds, Bartram. 
 
 VuUur Irasilimsis, Ray., Syn. Meth. Av. 1713, 10. 
 
 CatMrtes hramliensis, Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 9. 
 
 Vultur atratus, Bartr., Trav. 1792, 289.— Meyer, Zool. Am. i, 1794, 290— Bkewst 
 Edinb. Journ. vi, 156. ' 
 
 Cathartes atratus, Less., Man. i, 1828, 73.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831 6 — TE-\ni 
 Tab. Meth. 1836, 1.— Sw., Classif. B. ii, 1837, 206.— Darw., Journ. Res. 1330, 
 68; Voy. Beagle, iii, 7.— James., ed. Wils. i, 10.— Brew., ed. Wils. 1H40, 682; 
 N. Am. 061. 1857, 5, pi. 1, f. 3, 4.— AuD., Syn. 1839, 3 ; B. Am. i, 17, pi. 3.— 
 Bridges, P. Z. S. ix, 108 ; Ann. N. H. xiii, 498.— DbKay, N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844, 
 3.— Bp., Consp. i, 1850, 9.— Cass,, HI. 1854, 58; U. S. Astron. Exp. ii, 1855, 173; 
 
384 CATHAETES CALIFOENIANUS. 
 
 B. N. A. 1858, 5.— Steicbx., Om. Syn. 1855, 2.— Pdtn., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 223 
 (Swampscott, Mass., Nov. 1850, Ji'Uson). — Scl., Ibis, i, 1859, 213 (Guaiemala). — 
 SCL., P. Z. S. 1860, 287 (Ecuador).— Taylor, Ibis, ii, 1860, 223 (Honduras).— 
 Alien, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 81 (Massachusetts, quotes JilUon, 1. c, and a second 
 specimen at Gloucester, Mass., Sept. 28, 1863, Vernll).—CouES, ihid. v, 1868, 
 254 (Massachusetts, quotes Putnam and Allen). — Mayn., B. Mass. 1870, 137 (same 
 quotations).— Dress., Ibis, 1865, 322 (Texas).— Scl. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1867, 589 
 (Para).— Pblz., Orn. Bras, i, 1868, 1 (Rio).— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 120 
 (South Carolina, resident).— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1871, 28 (North Carolina, 
 rare, March and November).— Allex, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 312 (critical).— 
 BoARDM., Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 498 (Calais, Me.). — Allen, tftieZ. 646 (Hudson, Mass., 
 in 1869; one kiUed, several seen). — CouBS, Key, 1872, 222. 
 
 CatharUta atrata, Gray, Hand-list, i, 1869, 3, No. 16 (V., Anal. 1816, 22).— B. B. & E., 
 N. A. B. iii, 1874, 351. 
 
 Vulttir aura niger, b. Kekr, Gm. 1792, 473. 
 
 Vultur aura, Daud., Tr. Om. ii, 1800, 19 (based on P. E. 187). Not of Idnnmis. 
 
 Cathartea aura, " Spix, Av. Spec. Nov. 1824, 2" (Allen). Not of authors. 
 
 Vultur urubu, Vieill., Ois. Am. Sept. 1807, pi. 2. 
 
 Catliartes urubu. Less., Tr. Om. 1831, 27 ; Voy. 614.— D'Orbig., Voy. 1844, 31, pi. 1. 
 
 Percnopterus urubu, Steph., G. Z. xiii, 1826, 7, pi. 31. 
 
 Caihartes fcetens. III., "M. Berol."— Light., Verz. 1823, 63.— Maxim., Beitr. iii, 1830, 58.— 
 ScHOMB., Guiana, 1840, 742.— TsCH., Wiegm. Arch. 1844, 262 ; Fn. Pern, 71.— 
 Hartl., Ind. Az. 1.— Gray, Gen. of B. pi. 1, f. 3.— Keinh., Vid. Med. 1870, 62. 
 
 Vultur iota, Ord, ed. Wils. ix, 1814, 104, pi. 75, f. 2 (not o{ Molina, Gmelin, or Daudin). — 
 Jard., ed. Wils. iii, 236. 
 
 CatJiartes iota, Bp., Syn. 1828, 23; Isis, 1832, 1135; List, 1838, 1.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 
 46.— AUD., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 33 ; v, 1839, 345 ; pi. 106.— Pbale, U. S. Expl. 
 Exped. 1848, 59.— King, Voy. Beagle, i, 532. 
 
 Neophron iota, Cuv., E. A. 2d ed. i, 137. 
 
 Hab. —Tropical and subtropical America. On the Atlantic coast, north regularly to 
 North Carolina, casually to Massachusetts ; resident from South Carolina southward. 
 
 Cathartes californianus, {Shaw) Cuvier. 
 
 Vultur californianus, Shaw, Nat. Misc. ix, 1797, pi. 301; Gen. Zool. vii, 1809, 10. — Latii., 
 Ind. Orn. Snppl. 2. — Dougl., Zool. Journ. iv, 328 ; Isis, 1831, 110.— James., ed. 
 AVils. iv, 259. 
 
 Cathartes californianm, Cvrv., E. A. 2d ed. i, 316.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 22; Isis, 1832, 1135; 
 List, 18;58, 1 ; Consp. i, 1850, 9.— Nutt., Man. i, 1834, 39.— Sw., Classif. B. ii, 
 1837, 206.— AuD., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 240, pi. 426; Syn. 1839, 2; B. Am. i, 1840, 
 12, pi. 1.— Brew., ed. Wils. 1840, 832.— Gray, Gen. of B. i, 1844, pi. 2.— DbKay, 
 N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844, 3.— Peale, U S. Expl. Exp. 1848, 58.— Cass., 111. 1854, 58; 
 B. N. A. 1858, 5.— Strickl., Orn. Syn. 18.55, 3.— Newb., P. E. E. Eep. vi, 1857, 
 73.— Hberm., ibid. X, 1859, pt. vi, 59.— Tay., Cal. Mag. iii, 1859, 537 (figure of 
 eggs and young).— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 141.— Gub., Cat. 
 Eapt. B. 1864, 39.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 42 (Fort Yuma, Ariz.).— Sol., 
 P. Z. S. 1866, 366, fig. — ; 1868, 183, fig. —.—Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 496.— Coues, 
 Key, 1872, 222. 
 
 Catharista californiana, Gray, List B. Br. Mus. 1844, 4 ; Hand-list, i, 1869, 3, No. 17. 
 
 Sarcorliamphus californianus, Stbph., Gen. Zool. xiii, 1826, 6. — ViG., Zool. Journ. ii, 375. — 
 Sw. &. Rich., F. A. B. ii, 1831, 1.— Light., Akad. Wissen. Berol. 424, pi. 1. 
 
 Pseudogryphus californianus, ElDGW. — B. B. & E., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 338. 
 
 Vultur columbianus, Ord, Guthrie's Geog. ii, 1815, 315. 
 
 Cathartes ifulturinus, Temm., PI. Color. 1820, 31.— Less., Man. Orn. ii, 1628, 10. 
 
 Sab. — ^Pacific coast of the United States, from the Columbia Eiver to Lower Califor- 
 nia. Utah (iZensftaw)). Arizona ( CoMes). 
 
COLUMB^: 
 
 OEDBE Ij U 1j U IVi D ilj . PIGEONS, &0. 
 
 Family COLUMBID^ : Pigeons. 
 
 OOLCTMBA FASCIATA, Say. 
 Band-tailed Pigeon. 
 
 Coluniba fasclata, Say, Long's Exp. ii, 18-23, 10.— Bp., Am. Orn. i, 1825, 77, pi. — , f. 3 ; Syn. 
 
 1828, 119; List, 1838, 41.— Wagl., S. Av. 1827.— Ndtt., Man. i, 1832, 624.— AuD., 
 
 Oru. Biog. iv, 1838, 479, pi. 367 ; Syn. 1839, 191 ; B. Am. iv, 1842, 312, pi. 279.— 
 
 WooDH., Sitgr. Eep. 1853, 92.— Newb., P. R. E Rep. vi, 1857, 92.— Bd., B. N. A. 
 
 1858, 597.— SCL., P. Z. S. 1858, 359 (Cordova) ; 1858, 304 (Oaxaca) ; lb5;), 369 
 
 (Xalapa).— Sai.v., Ibis, 1860, 276 ^Guatemala).— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. 
 
 Ter. 1860, 217.— CouES, Pr. Pliila. Acad. 1866, 93 (Arizona).— Sumich., Mem. 
 
 Bost. Soc. i, 1869, 562 (Vera Cruz).— Coop., B. Gal. i, 1870, 506.— Coop., Am. 
 
 Nat. iii, 1869, 80 (Montana Territory).— Gray, Hand-list, ii, 1870, 235, No. 
 
 9269.— COUBS, Key, 1872, 225.— SCHL., M. P.-B. 1873, 67.— B. B. & R., N. A. 
 
 B. iii, 1874, 358, 360, pi. 57, f. 2. 
 Tcenicenas fasciata, Reich., Syst. Av. pi. 223, f. 1255 ; pi. 255, figs. 2865, 2866. 
 Clilorcenas fasciata, Bp., Consp. ii, 1854, 51. 
 Columba riMnilk, ViG., Beechey's Voy. 1839, 26, pi. 10. 
 Cidorcettas moniUs, Rbich., Syst. Av. pi. 227, f. 2481. 
 
 Hab. — Eooky Mountains to the Pacific, United States, and southward to South; 
 America. 
 
 No specimens of this bird were ever taken by the Expeditions, and 
 it has not yet, to my knowledge, been actually found in the Missouri 
 water-shed. It has occurred, however, to Dr. Cooper, near the Cceur 
 d'Alene Mission, in Montana, and, as a bird of the Eocky Mountains, 
 may not improperly be brought into the present connection. There is 
 no reasonable doubt of its occasional presence about the Missouri head- 
 waters. 
 
 It is common in many parts of the West. I was, however, disap- 
 pointed in not meeting it more than once or twice in Arizona, where I 
 had anticipated its plentiful occurrence, at least during the migrations. 
 Its movements appear to be somewhat irregular; while it is abundant 
 in some regions, it is absent from others apparently equally favorable. 
 This may depend upon the precarious supply of certain favorite kinds 
 of food, and thus correspond somewhat to the more conspicuous case of 
 the Passenger Pigeon, whose notorious wanderings are mainly jirompted 
 by the same circumstances. It appears to breed indifferently in various 
 parts of its range, even so far south as Santa Cruz. The accounts of its 
 nesting that were for some years relied upon, are not entirely correct. 
 Mr. Townsend's notice, which Audubon printed, is to the effect that the 
 bird lays on the ground without any nest whatever, the eggs being " of 
 a yellowish-white color, inclining to bluish-white, with minute spots at 
 the great end. Whereas, as in other Pigeons, the eggs are pure white, 
 smooth and glistening, nearly elliptical in shape, measuring 1.50 inches 
 long by 1.20 broad." According to other authority, the bird builds a 
 simple nest of twigs in a forked branch, or on a horizontal bough. But 
 situation of a nest is among the very variable elements of the ornitho- 
 logical problem, since it depends upon many fortuitous circumstances. 
 As is well known, the Common Dove [Zencedura carolinensis) nestles 
 with equal readiness on the ground or in bushes. In colder countries, 
 25 
 
386 COLUMBA FASCIATA, BAND-TAILED PIGEON. 
 
 where reptiles are few, it generally sets on the ground ; in Arizona, for 
 instance, the paradise of snakes and lizards, it always nestles in bushes. 
 So, also, does the Griound Dove (GhamcBpelia passerina), in the same 
 Territory. The nidiflcation of the Band-tailed Pigeon may be equally 
 variable. 
 
 According to Dr. Cooper, this Pigeon is common in all the wooded 
 mountainous parts of California, descending to the valleys in search of 
 grain during autumn and winter. " North of San Francisco I have seen 
 them in flocks in the grain -fields as early as July, and along the Colum- 
 bia Eiver they spend the summer in the valleys as well as throughout 
 the mountains. They are there migratory, leaving in October, but in 
 California their wanderings are guided chieiiy by want of food. I have 
 found them breeding in the Coast Eange as far south as Santa Cruz, 
 though I did not succeed in finding any nests. I was told that they 
 built in companies, on low bushes in unfrequented parts of the mount- 
 ains, but Townsend found their eggs on the ground near the banks of 
 streams in Oregon, numbers congregating together. I have myself 
 found eggs, which I supposed to be of this bird, in a similar situation. 
 * * * * They feed on acorns, which they swallow Avhole, even when 
 very large; also on berries, especially those of the Madrona [Arbutufi), 
 grain, and seeds of various kinds. Being large, and delicate food, they 
 furnish much sport for the fowler in certain districts, but soon become 
 so watchful and shy that they are shot with difficulty, excepting when 
 young or where they can be watched from an ambush. In Oregon they 
 ■collect in flocks of thousands in the autumn, but I have never seen 
 more than a hundred together in this State." 
 
 Dr. George Suckley, whose opportunities of investigation were excel- 
 lent, has left us the following record : " The Band-tailed Pigeon is a 
 very common bird in Washington Territory, especially west of the Cas- 
 cade Mountains ; I saw but one flock, containing five individuals, east 
 of those mountains. In 1856 the first birds of this species that arrived 
 in the spring made their appearance about May 15, which is the cus- 
 tomary time every year for their arrival. One or two individuals are 
 first seen, and within two or three days thereafter the main body of the 
 migration follows. A small number remain throughout the summer and 
 breed ; the rest retire further north. Those that remain generally make 
 their nests in thick fir-forests, near water. They subsist during the 
 summer on wild cherries and other berries, and later in the season, since 
 the country has become settled, upon grain. About the first week in 
 September large flocks congregate in stubble-fields in the vicinity of 
 Foi-t Steilacoom, and for two or three weeks thereafter their numbers 
 are daily augmented by arrivals from the Iforth. Some flocks of these 
 Pigeons, that I saw in September, must have contained at least one 
 thousand individuals. I am told that in the cultivated districts on the 
 Cowlitz Eiver, at the same season, they are in still greater numbers. 
 By the 5th of October, of the year 1856, all had suddenly disapi)eared, 
 with the exception of a few stragglers, generally young birds. In fly- 
 ing, the flocks, I think, are not quite so compactly crowded as those of 
 the Passenger Pigeon. During the summer, while breeding, their cooing 
 can be heard a long distance. The name of this bird in the Jfisqually 
 language is 'hubboh,' a good imitation of its calls. * * * * in 
 autumn these birds are in excellent order for the table ; indeed I prefer 
 them to the Wild Pigeon of the Atlantic States." 
 
 There is another kind of Dove in the West which may yet be found 
 in the southernmost parts of the Missouri region, but which I have no 
 authority for introducing in the present connection. This is the White- 
 
ECTOPISTES MIGRATOEU, WILD PIGEON. 387 
 
 wiDged Dov^e {Melopelia leucoptera)*. It has somewliat tlie general form 
 and appearance of the Carolina Dove, but may be recognized by the 
 broad, white, oblique bar on the wing. Audubon appears to have first 
 noticed it as a bird of this country, under, the name of Columha trudeaui, 
 and not long afterward attention was again called to it by Colonel 
 McCall. But it remained little known until Mr. Xantus sent a fine 
 suite to the Smithsonian, from Gape St. Lucas, where he found it 
 abundant. I rarely saw it in Arizona, where it reaches at least to the 
 latitude of Fort Whipple, and breeds in that vicinity. This I ascer- 
 tained by seeing a pair of squabs in a cage ; they had been captured 
 near by. Though only half-fledged, the white on the wing was already 
 evident. The eggs of this species are 1.25 inches long by 0.95 wide, 
 and, as usual, two in number; elliptical in shape, and of a pure, 
 glistening white. 
 
 ^ ECTOPISTES MIGRATOEIA, (Linn.) Sw. ' ' *' 
 Wild Pigeon; Passenger Pigeon. 
 
 Columia canadensis, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 284.— Cm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 785. 
 
 CoJumba migratoria, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 285 {Columha americana, Frisch, pi. 1-1'3; 
 K,\LM, It. ii, 527 ; (anas), Briss., i, 100 ; Palumbus migratorius, Cates., 23). — 
 Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 389.— FoRST., Pbilos. Tr. Ixii, 1772, 3;)8.— WlLS., Am. 
 Orn. i,"l808, 102, pi. 44, fig. 1.— Bp., Obs. Wils. lt--25, No. 179; Syn. 1828, 120.— 
 NUTT., i, 1832, 629.— AUD., Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 319 ; v, 1839, 561 ; pi. 62. 
 
 Eetojnstes migratoria, Sw., Zool. Journ. iii, 1827, 355. — Sw. & Eicii., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 
 363.— Bp., List, 1838, 341 ; Consp. ii, 1854, 59.— Eeich., Syst. Av. pi. 249, figs. 1377, 
 1379.— AuD., Syn. 1839, 174; B. Am. v, 1842, 25, pi. 285.— Woodh., Sitgr. Eep. 
 1853, 92.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 600.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 218 
 (Fort Laramie, Wyo., and Milk Eiver, Mont.).— Hayd., Eep. 1862, 171.— 
 Coop., Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 80 (Montana).— Gray, Hand-list, ii, 1870, 235, No. 
 9281.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 511 (Puget's Sound).— Teippb, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 
 118.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, —.—Cooes, Key, 1872, 225, fig, 145.— B. B. & E., 
 N. A. B. iii, 1874, 308, pi. 57, fig. 4 ; and of late writers generally. 
 
 Peristera migratoria, ScHL., M. P.-B. x, 1873, 142. 
 
 Sab. — The greater part of North America, but scarcely west of the Eocky Mountains 
 (Pacific coast, near latitude 49°, Cooper ; Neyada, Bidrjmaii). Cuba {Gundlach, Eej). i, , 
 1866, 102; J. f. 0. ix, 112). Accidental in Europe {Gould, B. Eur. pi. 247; Hariing,- 
 Mau. Br. Birds, 1872, 128). 
 
 Lieutenant Warrenh Expedition. — 4856, 4857, mouth of Big Sioux River ; 5418, .above 
 the mouth of the Yellowstone Eiver. 
 
 There is no present occasion to particularize the general eastern range 
 of this species by citing the authorities for its occurrence ; suffice it to 
 
 * Columba leucoptera, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1866, 281 ("Asia," err. Turtur indicus fuscus, 
 Edw., 76 ; Columba indica, BTtiss., i, 105 ; Browne, Jam. 468). — Gm., Syst. N.at. i, 
 1788, 773.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 595 (White-winged Pigeon, Gen. Syn. iv, 
 617).— Wagl., Syst. Av. 1827, Columba, No. 71.— McCall, Pr. Phila. Acad, iv, 
 1848, 64. 
 
 Zenaida leucoptera. Gray, Gen. of Birds. 
 
 Turtur leucopterus, GossE, B. Jamaica, 1847, 304. 
 
 Melopelia leucoptera, Bp., Consp. Av. ii, 1854, 81.— ScL., P. Z. S. 1856, 309 (Cordova) ; 
 1858, 305 (Oaxaca).— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 603.— Xantus, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1S59 
 (Cape St. Lucas).— Tayi-or, Ibis, 1860, ii, 227 (Honduras).— March, Pr. Phila. 
 Acad. 1863, 302 (Jamaica), — Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. ix, 139 (Costa Eica) ; 20/ 
 (Yucatan).— CouES, Pr. Phila, Acad. 1866, 93 (Arizona).— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 
 515.— COUES, Key, 1872, 226.— Schl., M. P.-B. s, 1873, 152.— B. B. & E., N. A. 
 B. iii, 1874, 376. 
 
 {?}CoUmba hoilotl, GM., Syst. Nat. i, 17fi8, 777.— Lath., Ind. Orn, ii, 1700, 601 (White- 
 shouldered Pigeon, Gen. Syn. iv, 654). 
 
 Columba trudeaui, AuD., B. Am. vii, 1843, 352, pi. 496, 
 
 Mab. — Southern and Lower California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. South- 
 through Mexico to Central America. Also, Cuba ,aud Jamaica. 
 
388 ECTOPISTES MIGRATOEIA, WILD PIGEON. 
 
 allude to its continual wandering over the greater part of North America. 
 Bat iu the West its food supply is limited, and its presence correspond- 
 ingly restricted. Excepting along the Missouri and the principal tribu- 
 taries of that great river, the Wild Pigeon does not ordinarily exceed 
 the general line of wooded country to pass out upon the hare plains be- 
 Yond. But just as the Missouri forms for us a highway of communica- 
 tion with the vast districts which would be otherwise almost inaccessible, 
 so it seems to lead the Pigeons northwesterly, in great numbers, to 
 meridians of longitude they do not gain in the southwest. I never 
 saw or heard of one in New Mexico or Arizona, and have found no 
 quotations from Colorado, Utah, or California. But the birds reach 
 across Nebraska, probably following the Platte into Wyoming, and 
 through Dakota and Montana, being even conducted to Pacific slopes 
 along the northern border of the United States. 
 
 Many years ago Townsend mentioned the Passenger Pigeon as an in- 
 habitant of " Oregon," but that was then so comprehensive a term that the 
 confirmation of the occurrence, recently made by Drs. Cooper and Suck- 
 ley, was the more acceptable. In the work above quoted these authors 
 give the only unquestionable Pacific advices I have found. Still later 
 Dr. Cooper contributed some interesting items to the American Natu- 
 ralist on the occurrence of the species in Montana : " The Passenger 
 Pigeon, like the Cat-bird, astonished me by its frequency in the Rocky 
 Mountains, as, although I saw no very large flocks, I saw some almost 
 every day until I passed the Spokane Falls,- just north of the Columbia 
 J'lains. It thus seems to pass round to the north of that plain, and 
 occasionally to cross the Cascade Eange, as noticed by Dr. Suckley in 
 1853. Along the Missouri I often saw small flocks, and noticed quite a 
 number of their nests in small trees between Forts Pierre and Berthold. 
 I found one setting, June 7, and heard that many build farther south, 
 near Sioux City. In the mountains they fed, in August, chiefly on the 
 service berry (Amelancliier abilfolia), which, along the Hell Gate, attains 
 a size and flavor unequaled by any I have seen elsewhere." Dr. Hayden 
 remarks upon its abundance on the Lower Missouri, but considered it 
 as rarer than it really is higher up the river. Still he says he has seen 
 a hundred individuals in a season, high up on the Yellowstone, when 
 the berries were ripe. According to Sir John Richardson, it reaches the 
 fur countries in May and leaves in October, attaining latitudes fi'om 58° 
 to 620j according to climatic conditions. 
 
 The westernmost point where I have as yet myself observed the Pas- 
 senger Pigeon is Turtle Mountain, on the northern boundary of Dakota. 
 It was, however, a rare bird in that locality. But a little further east, 
 along the Red River, I observed vast flocks during the latter part of 
 May, in all the timber of the river, for many miles from Pembina south- 
 ward ; and they doubtless extended as much further north of that point. 
 As we steamed along the river, for several days the flocks were almost 
 continually in view. They generally flew high, beyond gunshot range, 
 in immense straggling flocks, or rather in successive groups, sometimes 
 stretching as far as the eye could reach ; but early in the morning and 
 toward evening, in passing to and from their roosting places, they gen- 
 erally flew lower, and numbers were readily procured. The woods along 
 the river were filled with stragglers, singly or in small troops. Many 
 nested iu this region ; I found females ready to lay, and nests, during 
 the greater part of June. The nests were usually in the horizontal forks 
 of the branches of small trees and saplings, generally ten or twelve feet 
 from the ground. During the passage, in May of 1873, the birds were 
 very numerous about Saint Paul, Minnesota, where hundreds were 
 netted, to be be used instead of tame Pigeons in shooting-matches. 
 
ZEN^DUKA CAROLINENSIS, CAROLINA DOVE. 389 
 
 Some years since a great flight of Pigeons occurred near Washington, 
 where for several days, in the fall, the woods were filled with the birds. 
 More or fewer are usually seen there every year, and I once killed a 
 specimen so newly ftom the nest as to cause me to believe that it had 
 been hatched in the vicinity. 
 
 ZENiEDUEA CAEOLINENSIS, (Linn.) Bp. ' 
 
 Carolina Dove; Common Dove. 
 
 Columba caroJinensis, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 286 (Ttirtur caroUnmsis, Gates., Car. i, ^'^ 
 24 ; Briss. i, 110, iil. 3, fig. 1).— Gm., i, 1788, 787.— L.vTii., Ini]. Oru. ii, 1790, 613.— / 
 "WiLS., Am. Oi-Q. V, 1812, 91, pi. 43, tig. l.-Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 159; Hvn. 
 1828, 119.— NUTT., Man. i, 1832, 62G.— AuD., O. B. i, 1831-, 91 ; v, 1839, 555 ; pl.'l7. 
 
 Eciopistes caroKnensis, Elcii.,List. 1837. — Bp., List, 1838,41. — AUD., Syn. 1839, 195; B. Am. 
 V, 1S42, 36, pi. 286.— WoODH., Sitgr. Eup. 1853, 92.— Newb., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 
 1857, 92.— Hkerji., ibid, x, 1859, p-t. vi, 60. 
 
 Zertaidura carolinensis, Bp., Consp. ii, 1854, 84. — Bd., B. N. A. 1858,'604. — Kenn., P. R. R. 
 Rep. 5, 1859, pt. iv, 33.— ScL., P. Z. S. 1856, 359 (Cordova) ; 1859, 391 (Oaxaca) ; 
 Ibis, i, 1859, 222 (Guatemala).— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 218.— 
 Taylor, Ibis, 1860, 227 (Honduras).— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 172.— Cobes, Pr. 
 Phila. Acad. 1866, 93 (Arizona).- Dress., Ibis, 1866, 24 (Texas).— Boardji., Pr. 
 Bost. Soc. ix, 18G2, 127 (llaiue, rare). — Allen, Pr. Ess. lust, iv, 1864, 75 (Massa- 
 chusetts, common). — Gundl., Repert. 1866, 30 (Cuba). — McIlwr., Pr. Ess. Inst. 
 V, 1866, 91 (Canada West).— Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 287.— Lawr., Ann. Lvc. 
 ix, 139 (Costa Rica) ; ix, 207 (Yucatan).— Coop., Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 81 ; B. Cal. 
 i, 1870, 512.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 181 (mountains of Colorado up to 
 11,000 feet).— Snow, B. Kaus. 1873.— Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 208.— Stev,, 
 U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 465.— Codes, Key, 1872, 226, fig. 146.— B. B. & R., 
 N. A. B. iii, 1874, 383, pi. 58, tig. 2. 
 
 Perissura carolinensis, Cab,, J. f. O. 1856, 111 (Cuba). 
 
 Cliama!pe1ia carolinensis, Giebel, Nomenc. Av. i, 633. 
 
 Peristera carolinensis, ScHL., M. P.-B. x, 1873, 142. 
 
 Colamha marginata, Linn.. Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 286.— Gm., i, 1788, 791. — Wagl., Syst. Av. 
 1827 ; Isis, 1831, 519. 
 
 Ectopistes marginata. Gray, Hand-list, ii, 1870, 236, No. 9282. 
 
 Ectopistes marginellus, Woodh., Pr. Phila. Acad. 18.52, 104 ; Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 93, pi. 5.— 
 Gray, Hand-list, No. 9283. 
 
 Zenaidura marginellus, Bp., Consp. ii, 1854, 85. 
 
 jHa6.— United States from Atlantic to Pacitic. Canada West {Mclluraith). Cuba. 
 South to Panama. 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4858, Cedar Island. 
 Later Expeditions. — 60465-66, 60770-71, Wyoming. 
 
 Unlike the last, this species is of extensive if not universal distribu- 
 tion in the West, as in other parts of the United States. It is more 
 southerly, however, considering its whole range. It is not common iu 
 the Eastern States beyond Southern New England, and I note but a 
 single instance of its occurrence iu the British Provinces. The parallel 
 of 49° is probably about its normal northern limit. Mr. Trippe does not 
 include it among the birds of Minnesota. It is a regular migrant over 
 about the northern half of the United States, resident elsewhere. I 
 have found it alike abundant in all kinds of country I have visited — 
 even in the terrible alkaline deserts of the southwest, where its presence 
 is cheering evidence that water may be found not far off. Its nidifica- 
 tion varies greatly with circumstances, the nest being placed indiffer- 
 ently on the ground, bushes, or trees; and even, according to some 
 writers, on fences, stumps, &c. The eggs, two in number, and white, 
 as usual in this family, measure about 1^ by J. They are laid, accord- 
 ing to climate, from April throughout the summer. I have found it 
 nesting in various parts of both the Garolinas, there breeding chiefly 
 on tht ground, while in Arizona, where reptiles of the most venomous 
 character abound, the bird seeks safety for its eggs by placing the nest 
 
390 ZEN-SDUKA CAE0LINENSI8, CAROLINA DOVE 
 
 on bushes. The principal bashes of some parts of the Territory are 
 cacti and other thorny growths, so terribly ])rickly that snakes can 
 scarcely climb them; indeed I have seen nests in "cholla" bnslics, 
 where it seemed scarcely possible for even a bird to alight to build with- 
 out wounding its feet, there being absolutely not a smooth .spot on the 
 whole shrub. In the wooded and mountainous parts of the Territory 
 the nidification varies. Though resident in the Territory at large, the 
 Dove is only a summer sojourner in these higher i)arts, where it arrives 
 the latter part of April and remains until the middle of October. Its 
 coming marks th(? opening of sprin;^', when the silence of the vast jiine 
 tracts, scarcely broken before but by the dismal caw of the Raven or the 
 harsh notes of the Jays and Woodpeckers, is now enlivened by the twit- 
 tering of Swallows and the agreeable songs of the, birds, as v>ell as by 
 the cooing of the Dove, which resounds in plaintive, measured cadence, 
 while the gentle bird is wooing his mate. 
 
 The Ground Dove, a very small and delicate species of the southern 
 portions of the United States, has not been known to penetrate to any 
 portion of the Missouri region. It apjtears to be, in some degree, a bird 
 of our southern coa.it regions, so rarely, in the United States at h^ast, 
 does it stray far inland. Its usual range is limited by the Carolinas, 
 but I have a record of the capture of a specimen, many years, ago, at 
 Washington, D. (J. Audubon states that a "s<iirch for them a hundred 
 miles inland would in all proljability prove fruitless;" but against this 
 statement I tind pencilled, in a co])y of his work in the State Library at 
 f olumbia, South Carolina, a note to the effect that one was shot on the 
 C(jn;i,'aree River, not far from Columbia, in December, 18.39. The species 
 oeenrs in Southern Arizona, but not, so far as I am aware, in the regiott 
 of Fort Whipple. It is also abundant at Cape Saint Lucas, and extends 
 northward into Southern California. The nidification is not peculiar. 
 The eggs are two, seven-eighths long by two-thirds broad. The syno- 
 nymy of the species is subjoined.* 
 
 ' CiiAM^PELiA PA88K11INA, (lAnnceus) Swaingom. 
 
 Coluniba pasgcrina, LiNX., Syst. Nat. i, 17G6, 285 (Sloane, .J.-irn. ii, .'iO.'), jil. 261, fig. '■>; 
 Gates., i, 26 ; JJ.'ii.s.',. i, IKi, pi. 9, fig. 1}.— G.M., .Synt. Xat. i, 178H, 7r'7.— La'i II., I. 
 Oin. ii, 179U, 611.— Wn.s., Am. Orn. iv, IHU, 1.',, ],l. 4»;, fig. -.— Wagl., .S.yst. Av. 
 Oihiniha, Xo. SH.— Ul'., .Syn. I>r28, X20,— XiTT., lliuj. i, ly-;2, a;r,.—Avi>., Orn. 
 Biog. ii, ]ri:',4.471; v, IH'ib, .5.jft ; pl. l^'2; .Syn. 18:i'J, 192: B. Aui. v, 1H42, 19, pL 
 2S-.;,— .Si:.M.., OIV. Vi't. Akad. Forb. 18(i'J, 5HH (Saint BartholoruDw). 
 
 CoJiimba (Goiira) pameriiia, Bp., 01)8. Wils. l'<2.'j, l^il. 
 
 Chv:niepi:lia pamierina, Sw,, Zool. .Jonm. iii, 1827, ;!G1.— GfiAY, Hand-list, No. 'JSM. 
 
 CI.KnujKlia jiaxKin-ina, Sw., Classif. Bird.s, ii, 1^37, '.'A'J. 
 
 Ckameptlin pcumeriiiu, Bp., List, l^'-W, 41. 
 
 Clianuepelia jiannrrina, Oiia Y, lfc41. — 0<jhSE, B. .Jam. 1846, 311 . — Bp., CoDSp. ii, 18.'*4, 77. — 
 C.Mi., J. f. O. iv, 18.^0 (Cuba).— 8c;,., P. Z. S. lc.'.7, UOr, (Xalapa); 1^:.'/J, ;!91 
 (Oaxaca) ; l'-i;4, Mr (Mexico City; ; lliis, i, 18.'>9, 2-3 (Onatoniala). — Bij., B. X. 
 A. 1-.'.'-, 60(;— Cor,-!;.., & Pp.ext., .Smiths. Jiep. 18r;i, 414.— Maiicii, Pr. PhiU. 
 Acad. I8f;3, 302 (.Jamaica).— Cor.E.S, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 93 (Sontlii-ni Ari- 
 zona). — Bi'.vant, Pi-. Host. Sue. 1800 (Port.) KicoJ. — Lawii., Ann. Lye. N. Y. ix, 
 134 (Co.sta Rica) ; ix, 207 (Yncatan j.— Coop., B, Cal. i, 1''70, .OlH.— CouKs, Key, 
 l'^72, 22!;.-B. B. & K., X. A. B. iii, l'^74, 389. pi. .'.", fij;. 6. 
 
 Cliarnti^eUa panmriiKi var. puMeyjcnh, Bd., Pr. Phila. Acad. 18.')9, 30."j.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 
 1870, 517 (Cape Sairjt Lncas). 
 
 Piirgitmnas pameiinnn, Rei<;h., Colurnljariie. 
 
 p'lr'htera pahurlna, .SCHL., il. P.-B. x, 1873, 134. 
 
 Oihiniha minuta, LlNX., Sy,->t. Xat. i, nOO, 2-^5 (Br:i*s., i, 116, pi. 8, fig. 2). — G.M., .Sy.st. 
 Xaf. 1788, 7'^^.— L.vni., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 612 (P«s«tr;«e '/'»(•(/«, Gen. Syn. i v, 660.) 
 
 f'limn'f.pdia granatina et albicitla, hi:, Consp. Av. ii, 1854, 77 (Bogota and Carthagena). 
 
 I'llrLnticnw) albivitla, Reich., Colmubariaj. 
 
 Bab. — Sonthem United States. X'urth to abont 35'--. Southward throngh Mexico 
 and Central America to Northern Sauth America. Several West India Islands. 
 
ORDER (jALLIJN &1 '. GALLINACEOUS BIRDS. 
 
 Family MELEAGRIDIDJE : Turkeys. 
 
 These are the nearest American analognes of the true Pheasants, fam- 
 ily Phasianidce, indigenous to Asia, and are sometimes placed in that 
 family. But the differences appear sufficient to warrant their family 
 separation. Their next nearest allies are the Guinea Eowls, of Africa — 
 family Numididw. 
 
 MELEAGRIS GALLOP AVO var. AMERICANA, (Bartr.) Coues. 
 Common Wild Turkey, 
 
 a. oallapavo. ■ 
 
 Meleagris gallopavo, Linn., Fn. Suec. No. 198 ; Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 268 (based on the 
 domestic Wrd, which is most like this variety. See Newt., Zool. Eec. v, 102. 
 Not of authors generally, the name usually referring to the foregoing feral 
 variety). — Stepii., Shaw's Gen. Zool. ix, iit.i, j). 156, pi. 8 (domestic).— Woodh., 
 Sitgr. Eep. 1854, S4, in part ; the paragraph on p. 93 refers to the following 
 variety. 
 
 Meleagris mcxicana, Gould, P. Z. S. 1S."'.6, 61.— Be, B. N. A. 1858, 618 ; U. S. Agric. Rep. 
 1866, 288.— Coues, Pr. A. N. S. 1866, 93.— Elliot, B. N. A. pt. x, pi. 38.— Dakw., 
 Anira. and PI. Domest. i, 992.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 523. 
 
 Meleagris gallopavo var. mexicana, B. B. & B., N. A. B. iil, 1874, 410. 
 
 b. americana. 
 
 Meleagris americaKO, B.VKTR., Trav. 1791, 290. 
 
 Meleagris gallopavo var. americana, CoUES, Key, 1872, 232. 
 
 Meleagris gallopavo, WiLS., Index, 1872, vi, p. — . — Bp., Am. Orn. 1825, i, 79, pi. 9 ; Syn. 
 18-28, 122; Comp. List, 1838, 42.— AuD., Orn. Biog. 1831, i, 1, pl.s. 1 and 6; 
 V, 559; Svn. 1839, 197; B. Am. 1842, v, 42, pis. 287, 288.— Nutt., Man. i, 1832, 
 630.— Reich., Syst. Av. 1851, pi. 26 ; Ic. Av. pi. 289.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 015.— 
 Maxim., J. f. 6. vi, 1858, 426.— McIlwh., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 91.— Catox, 
 Am. Nat. iii, pp. 28, 30 ; vii, 431.— Allex, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 342 (origin of 
 domestic Turkey, &c.) ; iii, 1872, 181 (Kansas). — Sxow, B. Kans. 1873, No. 
 193.— Allen, Mem. Bo.st. Soc. i, 1868, 500 (Iowa).— Teippe, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 
 1872, 240 (Iowa).— Hatch, Pr. Minn. Acad, i, 1874, 61 (Southwest Minnesota).— 
 B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 404 ; and of most authors. 
 
 Meleagris sylvestris, YiEii^L., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. ix, 447. 
 
 Gallopavo sglresiris, Le Coxte, Pr. A. N. S. ix, 18.57, 179. 
 
 Meleagris fera,\iE.nA.., Gal. Ois. ii, 1824, 10, pi. 10. — Geay, Cat. Gall. Br. Mus. 
 
 Wild Turlcey of authors and others. 
 
 Sab. — Of var. americana, the Eastern Province of the United States and portions of 
 Canada. Of true gallapavo, the southern portions of the Middle Province and south- 
 ward. 
 
 Dr. Hayden does not include the Wild Turkey in his report, appar- 
 ently not having met with it in the Missouri region. Its occurrence, 
 however, is sufficiently attested as far up the Missouri River as the 
 vicinity of Yankton, if not somewhat beyond. I found no evidence of 
 its presence in Northern Dakota ; I have observed but one Minnesotiau 
 record. In these longitudes it becomes abundant further south ; both 
 the Kansas authorities above cited witness its common occurrence in 
 the timbered districts of that State, as Mr. Trippe does in Southern 
 Iowa. Dr. Woodhouse states, that " throughout the wooded portions of 
 
392 FAMILY TETEAONIDJi: — THE GROUSE, ETC. 
 
 the Indian Territory and Texas this bird abounds."* The northern line 
 of its distribution may likewise be determined with approximate accu- 
 racy, though it appears to have contracted of late years. It is scarcely 
 now found in any part of Minnesota ; but Dr. Head tells me that some 
 thirty years ago, at old Fort Atkinson, a few miles west of Prairie du 
 Chien, it -was frequently killed, though its present northern limit can- 
 not be far from the southern border of Minnesota. Audubon mentioned 
 its presence in Michigan, Massachusetts, and Vermont; but in these 
 portions of New England, at least, it appears to be nearly or quite 
 extinct,! while I never have heard of it from Maine. According to Mr. 
 W. Eoss King (Sportsman and Naturalist in Canada, p. 135), it was still 
 met with in various localities in Canada, in 1866-07, and about the same 
 time Mr. Mcllwraith states that it was "common along the western 
 frontier" of the same territory. It is not necessary to instance special 
 regions within the boundary above sketched, its dispersion being gen- 
 eral, and only subject to restriction by the nature of localities unsuited 
 to its habits, or where it is exposed to persecution which it cannot with- 
 stand. Constant interference with what would otherwise be its natural 
 distribution, gradual diminution in its numbers in many places and its 
 final disappearance from others, are points, unfortunately, only too well 
 assured. 
 
 Family TETRAONIDiE : The Grouse, &c. 
 
 The Missouri region, as defined for the purposes of the present work 
 to include the entire country drained by the great river and its tribu- 
 taries, affords representatives of all the North American genera of 
 Grouse, and, in fact, furnishes us with every North American species 
 of Grouse, excepting only two kinds of Ptarmigan [Lagopus albm and 
 L. riipestrw). All these are game birds in strictness. In the following 
 account, therefore, I am at pains to give the sportsman and general 
 reader a clear and accurate idea of the whole group as represented in 
 North America. The technicalities are, it is believed, sufliicieiitly pre- 
 cise, without being unnecessarily abstruse, to enable him to determine 
 any Grouse he may procure, and establish in his mind its relationship 
 to its allies ; while I enlarge upon the biographies of the less known 
 species, as far as is at present practicable. 
 
 In striking contrast to the abundance and variety of Grouse in this 
 region, may be instanced the poverty of the same country in Partridges, 
 only one species of which is ascertained, as yet, to inhabit any portion 
 
 * This author's further observations on the Turkeys of Xew Mexico prohahly relate 
 to the var. gallapavo, as his remarks upon those of the Gila River certainly do. I ascer- 
 tained the common occurrence of this form in the mountainous portions of Arizoua. It 
 is readily distinguished from the other by its lighter general colors, and especially by 
 the pale tips of the rump feathers, as almost invariably seen in the domestic bird. Dr. 
 "Woodhonse's note on the great size of these birds is corroborated by Lieutenant 
 Charles Bendire, who mentioned to me a gobbler he killed weighing twenty-eight 
 pounds. My correspondent also informed me of an interesting fact — that the males 
 frequently lack spurs. (Set- Am. Nat. vii, 187.3, 3^6.) 
 
 t "As long ago as 18:59, Mr. Peabody tells us it had become very rare. At the pres- 
 ent day (18fi8) it is given by some Massachusetts authorities, and not by others. Mr. 
 Allen ' can tiud no authentic instance of its recent capture in this State, although it 
 has been said to occur wild on Mounts Tom and Holyoke ****»_> jjj-, Sam- 
 uels omits the species; Mr. Putnam give.s it, but entirely on the authority of th^ older 
 writers. It is contained in none of the Maine lists. Mr. Linsley wrote of it in 184:i, 
 'the last WildTurkey that Ihaveknownin Connecticut was taken » » » » about 
 thirt\ years since, on Letoket Mountain, in Northford.' " — (CouES, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 
 
SUBFAMILY TETRAONIN^, GROUSE. 393 
 
 of tbe great district under consideration. This is the familiar Eastern 
 Partridge, " Quail," or " Bob White," as it is variously termed. None of 
 the several elegant and interesting Partridges of the southwest have 
 been traced even to the southern borders of the Missouri region. ^Ye 
 may allude to them in this connection. First, we have two species of 
 the genus Lophortyx, L. calif amicus, and L. gamheli, of California, Ari- 
 zona, New Mexico, and portions of Texas, with an elegant helmet-like 
 crest of recurved feathers. Secondly, the Mountain Partridge of Cali- 
 fornia { Oreortyx piotiis), with a long, slender, flowing crest. Thirdly, the 
 Scaled or Blue Partridge {Callipepla squamata), so called from a curious 
 appearance of the plumage ; and fourthly, the Massena Partridge ( CUjrto- 
 nyx massena), remarkable for the difference between its sexes in colora- 
 tion, and the singular harlequin markings of the male. These are fully 
 noticed beyond. 
 
 The family Tetraonidai, as defined in the Key, p. 232, embraces two 
 American subfamilies — the Tetraoninw or true Groase, and the Odonto- 
 phorinm, which include all the American Partridges. 
 
 Suhfamily Tetraonin^ : Grouse. 
 
 The Grouse will be immediately distinguished from the Partridges by 
 the more or less complete feathering of the legs and nostrils, which, in 
 the Partridges, are naked and scaly ; by a more or less evident strip of 
 naked, pimply skin over the eye ; by a row of fringe-like scales on the 
 side of the toes ; and usually, by the presence on each side of the neck 
 of a tuft of lengthened or otherwise modified feathers, or a patch of 
 naked distensible skin, or both of these. I call attention, below, to the 
 fact that the Sharp-tailed Grouse {Pedioecetes pliasianellus) has fairly 
 developed air-sacs on the neck, though this has usually been overlooked. 
 
 The true Grouse, or Tetraoninw, are confined to the i^orthern Hemis- 
 phere, and reach their highest development as a group, in number and 
 variety of forms, in North America, our species being singularly diverse 
 ii the details of structure. All the American forms are noticed in these 
 pages, beyond. The Old World forms are the following : The Great 
 Capercailzie, or Cock-of-the- Woods (Tetrao urogallus), which finds its 
 analogue in our Sage Cock (Centrocercus urophasianus), though structur- 
 ally nearer our species of Tetrao; the Black Cock of Europe (Te<rao 
 tetrix), with curiously curled tail-feathers, which may be considered to 
 represent our Dusky Grouse [Tetrao ohscunis); the Siberian Tetrao f aid- 
 pennis, strict analogue of our Spruce Grouse ( T. canadensis) ; the Bonasa 
 beiuUna of Europe and Asia, equally near our Euffed Grouse ; and two 
 or three species of Ptarmigan (Lagopus), very closely allied to, or identi- 
 cal with, our own. 
 
 Any adult Grouse of our country may be readily referred to its proper 
 genus by the following table of characters : 
 
 Centrocercus. Tail equaling or exceeding tbe wing in length, wedge-shaped, of 
 twenty stiff, narrowly acuminate feathers; neck with numerous bristly lilaments, a 
 patch of curious scaly feathers, and a large naked space. Tarsi fully feathered ; toes 
 naked. Size of full grown cocks, two feet or more in length ; tail a foot long. 
 
 Pedioecetes. Tail shorter than the wing, wedge-shaped, of eighteen narrowed, 
 stiffish feathers, of which tbe central pair exceed the rest by an inch or more. No 
 evidently peculiar feathers on side of neck ; bare space not conspicuous. Tarsi feath- 
 ered to between the roots of the toes.* Markings of under parts lengthwise. 
 
 Cdpidonia. Tail much shorter than the wing, rounded, of eighteen broad, flat feath- 
 ers. Sides of neck with tufts of a few lengtheued, narrowed feathers, like little wings, 
 beneath which is a conspicuous distensible naked skin. Tarsi barely or not feathered 
 to the toes. Markings of under parts crosswise. 
 
 * In the arctic variety the feathers of the legs are sometimes so long and thick as to 
 hide the toes, almost as iu the genus Laf/opus. 
 
394 TETRAO CANADENSIS VAE. PEANKLINI, 
 
 BoNASA. Tail about as long as the wing, rounded, of eighteen broad feathers. Sides 
 of neck with tufts of very numerous, broad, soft feathers. No evident naked space on 
 the neck. Tars! bare below. 
 
 Teteao. Tail rather shorter than the wing, square, or little rounded, of sixteen to 
 twenty broad feathers. No peculiar feathers on the neck, nor evident naked spaces. 
 Tarsi feathered to the toes. 
 
 Lagopus. Characters as in Teirao, but the whole of the toes feathered. The species 
 turn white in winter. 
 
 TETEAO CANADENSIS var. FEANKLINI, (Dougl.) Ooues. 
 
 Franklin's Spruce Grouse. 
 
 a. canadensis proper (Canada Grouse ; Spruce Grouse). 
 
 Teirao canadensis, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 274 (based on Edw., Urogallus maculains can- 
 adensis, 118, pi. 118, g, and 71, pi. 71, 2 ; Bmss., Bonasia freci-hudsonis, i, p. 
 201).— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 749.— Lath., lud. Orn. ii, 17S0, 637.— Forst., Phil. 
 Trans. Ixii, 1772, 389.- Sab., Frankl. Journ. 683.— V1E11.L., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. 
 
 Nat. — , , — .— Bp., Syn. 1828, 127 ; Am. Orn. iii, 1830, pi. 21, fig. 1, 9 (not 
 
 pi. 20, ^, which is vav. fravklini) ; Am. Phil. Trans, iii, 1830, 391 ; Comp. List, 
 1838, 44.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 346, pi. 62, 9 .— Nurr., Man. i, 1832, 
 667.— AuD., Orn. Biog. ii, 1834, 437 ; v, 1839, ."ies ; pi. 176; Syn. 1839,203; B. 
 Am. v, 1842, 83, pi. 294.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 622.— Codes, Pr. Phila. Acad, fefil, 
 226. — PuTN., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 224 (Gloucester, Mass. ; in hemlock woods, Sept. 
 1851). — Yerr., ihid. iii, 1862, 153 (resident near Umbagog Lakes, Me.) — Ai.lex, 
 ibid, iv, 1864, 85.— McIlwr., ibid, v, 1666, 91.— CouES, ibid, v, 1868, 287.— Trippe, 
 ibid, vi, 1871, 118 (Minnesota, abundant, breeds). — Boardm., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 
 1862, 128 (Calais, Me. ; common, resident, breeds). — Dai.l & Banx., Tr. Chic. 
 Acad. 1869, 287 (Alaska).— Mayx., Pr. Bost. Soc. xiv, 1871, p. 27 (repaged).— 
 Mayx., Guide, 1870, 138 (Massachusetts).— Finsch, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 61 
 (Alaska).— CouBS, Key, 1872, 233. 
 
 Canaee canadensis, Reich., Svst. Av. 1851, p. xxix. — Bp., Comptes Eendus, xlv, 1857, 
 428.— Elliot, Pr. A. N. S. 1864, 23; Monog. Tetr. pi. — .— B. B. & R., N. A. B. 
 iii, 1874, 416, pi. .59, f. 5, 6. 
 
 Teirao canaee, LiXN., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 275 (based on Bortasia canadensis, Briss., Orn. i, 
 203, pi. 20, f. 1, 2). 
 
 Spotted Grouse, Pexn., Arct. Zool. ii, 307. — Lath., Syn. iv, 735. 
 
 Spruce Partridge, Wood Partridge„Swamp Partridge, Vulg. 
 
 b. franlclini. 
 
 (?) Tetrao fusca, Ord, Guthrie's Geog. 2d Am. ed. ii, 1815, 317 (based on Small Brown 
 Pheasant, Lewls & Clarke, Exp. ii, p. 182 , probably this species). 
 
 Tetrao canadensis, var., Bp., Am. Orn. iii, 1830, plate xx, male. 
 
 Tetrao franklini, DouGL., Linn. Trans, xvi, 1829, 139 (Mounts Hood, Saint Helen, and 
 Baker).— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 348, pi. 6, 3 (sources of the Missouri 
 to those of the Mackenzie).— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 623.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. 
 Wash. Ter. 1860, 220.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 529 (Rocky and Cascade Moant- 
 ains). — Lord, Pr. Roy. Arty. Inst, iv, 1863, 123. 
 
 Canaee franklini, Elliot, Pr. A. N. S. 1864, 23; Monog. Tetraonidoi, pi. — . 
 
 Tetrao canadensis var. franklini, CoUES, Key, 1872, 233. 
 
 Canaee canadensis \nr.frunlUni, B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 419, pi. 59, f. 3. 
 
 Hab. — Northern North America east of the Rocky Mountains. South somewhat be- 
 yond the northern border of the United States. Var. franlclini from the Northern 
 Rocky Mountains of the United States and northward ; also. Cascade Mountains. 
 
 In consequence of its boreal and alpine distribution, the Canada 
 Grouse is apparently not so well or generally known as our other spe- 
 cies. The cock-bird may always be recognized by the following char- 
 acters: Tail of sixteen feathers, rounded, black, with a broad orange- 
 brown terminal bar. No obviously peculiar feathers on the side of tlie 
 ueck. Legs feathered to between the toes. The usual naked, colored 
 strip of skin over the eye. Prevailing color black, with numerous .sharp 
 white bars and spots on the under parts, and on the upper parts finely 
 waved with gray or tawny. Length, about 16 inches; wing, 7; tail, oj. 
 The female is nowhere continuously black, but much variegated with 
 
TETRAO OBSCUEUS, DUSKY GROUSE. 395 
 
 brown, tawny, and white, and is rather less in size than the male: but 
 she has the orange-browu tail-bar, and is substantially of the same form 
 as the male. 
 
 Yav. fmnUini only differs in wanting the orange-brown tail-band, and 
 in having the upper tail-coverts, which are plain in true canadensis, con- 
 spicuously spotted with white. In this lack of the terminal band ou 
 the tail there is shown an interesting parallelism with the Rocky Mount- 
 ain var. richardsoni of T. ohscurus. 
 
 As already observed, the Canada Grouse is chiefly a boreal bird, 
 reaching but a little way over our border. It is common in tbe conifer- 
 ous forests of Northern New England, but only casually seen as far 
 south as Massachusetts. In Minnesota, where it finds congenial resorts, 
 it is abundant; but I never observed it in Northern Dakota, where the 
 country is too dry and open. While along the northern boundary, how- 
 ever, I heard of a "Black Chicken," which I suppose was this species, 
 and there is reason to expect its occurrence on the wooded Pembina and 
 Turtle Mountains. There is nothing to indicate that it ever comes 
 further south in this longitude. 
 
 Var. franliini is the only form to be properly included among the 
 birds of the Missouri region, and even this is only found in the mount- 
 ains, about the sources of the river and some of its tributaries. Dr. 
 Cooper, who found it abundant in the Eocky and Bitter-root Mount- 
 ains, also ascertained its occurrence in the Cascade Kange, where, he 
 says, it lives among the spruces and pines, particularly in swauipy tracts, 
 feeding on the buds and leaves of various couiferte. Dr. Suckley de- 
 termined its abundance in Saint Mary's Valley of the Eocky Mountains. 
 It does not appear to have been met with by any of the parties with 
 whicli Dr. Haydeu has been connected. 
 
 The eggs of Franklin's Grouse and the Canada Grouse are indistin- 
 guishable. They are less elongate than those of T. ohscurus, broader at 
 the butt, and more pointed — approaching the characteristic pointed 
 shape of Partridge eggs, and being like those of Ptarmigan in size and 
 shape. The following measurements of selected examples from a large 
 series show the size, shape, and range of variation : 1.70 by 1.25; 1.70 by 
 1.20; 1.G5 by 1.25; 1.(35 by 1.15. High in the oviduct the egg is creamy- 
 white, as I see by some examples in the Smithsonian stated to have 
 been cut out of the bird. This color is washed over to a varying degree 
 of intensity with rich chestnut-brown — generally pale, a " creamy "- 
 brown — and is further dotted, spotted, sometimes even splashed and 
 blotched, with a very dark, heavy shade of the same color, the mark- 
 ings being numerous, strong, and bold, of no determinate shape, and 
 wholly irregularly distributed. These markings are only an intensifi- 
 cation, in spots, of the groundcolor, but are very heavy, and, in com- 
 parison with those of other Grouse, show a decided approach to the 
 peculiarly dark and heavy pattern of Ptarmigan eggs — the nearest ap- 
 proach made among American Grouse. 
 
 TETEAO OBSCUEUS, Say. 
 Dusky Grouse; Blue Grouse; Pine Grouse. 
 
 Teirao ohscurus. Say, Long's Exped. E. Mts. ii, 1823, 14, 20a (not of Swainson and 
 Ri<:liardsoii.)~liP., Syn. 1828, 1-27 ; Am. Philos. Traua. iii, 1830, 391 ; Am. Orn. 
 iii, 1330, p. 189, pi. 18.— (?) .Mutt., Man. i, 1832, 638.— (?) Aud., Oru. Biog. iv, 
 1838, 44G, pi. 361 ; Syn. 1839, 203 ; B. Am. i, 184J, 89, pi. 295.— WooBH., Sitgr. 
 Eep. 1853, 96 (Santa F6, N. M.).— Xjswc, P. E. E. Eep. vi, 1857, 93.— ScL., P. 
 Z. S. 1858, 1.— Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 620.— Heerm., P. E. E. Eep. Ix, 18.19, [it. vi, 
 61.— Hayd., Eep. 1862, 172.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 528.— Allkx, Bull. JI. C. Z. 
 iii, 1872, 181.— Hold., Pr. Best. Soc. xv, 1872, 208.— CouES, Key, 1872, 233. 
 
396 
 
 TETEAO OBSCURUS, DUSKY GROUSE. 
 
 Canace obscura, Bp., Comptes Rendus, xlv, 1857, 438.— B. B. & K., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 
 
 422 ; pi. 59, f. 1, 2. 
 Dendragapus obscurus, Elliot, Pr. A. N. S. 1864, 23 ; Monog. Tetr. pi. — . 
 
 Hub. — Eastern spurs and foot-bills of the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific, in elevated 
 and wooded (especially coniferous) regions, exceijting where replaced by var. rlchardsoni 
 or var. fuliginosus (see beyond). South to New Mexico. / 
 
 List of specimens. 
 
 19158 
 19159 
 19160 
 19161 
 19162 
 19163 
 19164 
 19165 
 19166 
 18167 
 
 257 
 256 
 
 Deer Creek, Wy. 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 i 
 i 
 i 
 s 
 i 
 
 3 
 
 s 
 $ 
 $ 
 s 
 
 Feb. 1, 1860 
 
 6. H.Trook.. 
 do 
 
 21.00 
 23.00 
 21.00 
 
 30.00 
 32.00 
 31.00 
 31. ."0 
 30.00 
 30.50 
 30.50 
 28.75 
 27.00 
 28.50 
 
 9.50 
 
 10.0 1 
 
 10.00 
 
 10.00 
 
 9.00 
 
 9.25 
 
 10.-.i5 
 
 9.00 
 
 H.25 
 
 8.50 
 
 Feb. 21, 1860 
 Feb. 13, 1860 
 Feb. 21, i860 
 Feb. 13. 1860 
 Feb. 13, 1860 
 Feb. 13, 1860 
 Feb. 13, 1860 
 Feb. 13, I860 
 
 do - -. 
 
 259 
 
 258 
 251 
 2.52 
 253 
 255 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 -do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 -do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 F. T. Hayden . 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 21.25 
 21.75 
 20.50 
 
 20..10 
 19.50 
 18.00 
 19.00 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 8914-20, Laramie Peak, Wyoming Territory. 
 Later Expeditions. — 54302, 60833-37, Wyoming ; 60464, Bitter Cottonwood Creek. 
 
 Dwelling in remote mountainous regions not often visited by the 
 sportsman, the Dusky Grouse is not yet a well-known bird, and it will 
 be well to indicate its characters. It is very large — larger than any of 
 our Grouse, excepting the great Sage Cock, and some specimen.s are 
 little inferior in size to an average bird of this species. It is dark col- 
 ored ; the tail is brownish-black, more or less marked with gi'ay, and 
 •with a broad slate-gray terminal bar (characters not seen in any otlier 
 species). The back and wings are dark brown, finely waved in zigzag 
 with slate-gray, mixed with more or less ochrey-brown and some white 
 on the scapularies. Long feathers of the sides similar to the back ; 
 other under parts a fine bluish-gray or light-slate color (much like the 
 tail-bar), variegated with white, especially on the lower belly and under 
 tail-coverts. Cheeks black; throat sharply speckled with black and 
 white. Legs feathered to the toes ; the usual warty, colored strip of skin 
 over the eye. Female much smaller and lighter colored, being more ex- 
 tensively variegated with tawny and white, but showing the distinctive 
 slate-gray on the under parts and at the end of the tail. Length, 18 to 
 24 inches ; wing, 8 to 10 ; tail, 7 to 8 ; extent of wings, about 30.* 
 
 The eggs of the Dusky Grouse, thougli shaped much like those of the 
 Canada Grouse, are rather more elongate, and, of course, much larger. 
 Two specimens measure, respectively, 2.05 by 1.45, and 2.00 by 1.50, ex- 
 hibiting the usual range of variation in shape. They are paler and more 
 creamy in ground-color than those of T. canadensis usually are, and are 
 finely speckled all over with chocolate-brown. In most specimens these 
 markings are mere dots everywhere ; a pattern that sometimes yields to 
 
 * Specimens from Sitka and corresponding regions, with the slate-bar on the tail, as 
 in true obscurus, are very noticeably darker than even var. richardsoni ; and the female 
 is peculiar in the prevalence of rich rusty and chestnut-brown markings, mixed witl) 
 black, comparing with the female of the other varieties much as Bonasa var. sabinf.i 
 compares with the other forms of the Ruffed Grouse, and being apparently equally enti- 
 tled to varietal distinction by name. 
 
 Mr. Eidgway has lately described this form as a different variety, as follows : 
 
 Tetrao obscurus, Coop. & SrcK., X. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 219.— Lord, Pr. Roy. Arty. Inst. 
 
 iv, 1864, 122 (British Columbia).— D.ull & B.ixx., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 287 
 
 (Alaska).— Fi.vscH, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 61 (Alaska). 
 Canace obscurus var. fuliginosus, Ridgw. — B. B. & S... N. A. B. iii, 1874, 425 (Oreeon to 
 
 Sitka). 
 I have carfully examined this form, and find it quite as worthy of recognition as the 
 other varieties of this genus. 
 
TETRAO OBSCUEUS, DUSKY GEO USE. 397 
 
 larger spots, though scarcely to such bold splashes as are frequently- 
 seen in the eggs of canadensis. The range of variatiou is like that seen 
 iu Pedicecetes, but is pushed to wider limits. 
 
 A set of eight eggs of var. richardsoni taken by Mr. Trook, June 23, 
 1860, on Clarke's Fork at the headwaters of the Missouri, are notably 
 smaller than any examples of true obscurus eggs which have come under 
 our notice, measuring only about 1.75 by 1.25 ; they are also paler and 
 more minutely and sparsely dotted. It is not probable, however, that 
 these distinctions would hold through a large series. The nest which 
 contained, these eggs -was built on the ground, beneath a wild-cherry 
 bush. 
 
 For an account of the habits of this large and very presentable game 
 bird I'must refer to other authors, having never yet seen it alive. Uur 
 principal authorities are Drs. Cooper and iSuckley, who, apparently, en- 
 joyed excellent opportunities of observation. The last named writes as 
 follows in the work above cited : 
 
 "This bird, called generally in Oregon the Blue Grouse, and also 
 known as the Pine Grouse, Dusky Grouse, &c., I met, for the first time, 
 ■when our exploring party reached the main chain of the Eocky Mount- 
 ains, where we found it exceedingly abundant, but not more so than in 
 the Blue Mountains of Oregon, the Cascade Mountains, and in all the tim- 
 bered country between the last-mentioned range and the Pacifllc coast. 
 In the autumn, about November 15, they generally disappear, and it is 
 rare, indeed, to see a single individual of the si^ecies during the interval 
 between that period and about March 20 of the following year. Con- 
 cerning the whereabouts of this bird during winter, there are many 
 opinions among the settlers. Some maintain that the species, is migra- 
 tory, and that they retire to the South, while others say that they repair 
 to the tops of the highest evergreen trees, where, in the thickest foliage 
 of the branches, they pass the cold season in a state of semi-torpor, 
 rarely or never descending until warm weather comes on. As they sub- 
 sist well on the leaves of the coniferse, and can always obtain sufficient 
 water from the snow and rain-drops on the leaves to supply their neces- 
 sities, I have but little doubt that this latter is the correct account, or 
 that, if migratory, they are but partially so. 1 saw one bird of this 
 species on the ground during a fall of snow in January, 1854, near the 
 Nisqually Eiver, Washington Territory ; and 1 have been told that a man, 
 near Olympia, whose eyesight is excellent, is able any day during winter 
 to obtain several birds by searching carefully for them in the tops of the 
 tallest and most thickly-leaved firs. This requires eyesight of much 
 greater power than most men possess. Even in the summer, when these 
 birds are generally lower in the trees, it is very difficult to find them 
 among the dense branches. They have, in addition to their sombre hues, 
 the advantage of their habit of crowding very closely to the limbs, and 
 of sitting almost immovably for hours. 
 
 "The first indication in the spring of their arrival? or activity? is 
 the courting-call of the male. This is a prolonged noise, sounding much 
 like the whirr of a rattan-cane whirled rapidly through the air. It is 
 repeated quickly several times, and then stops abruptly for a brief inter- 
 val. This noise is said to be produced by inflating and contracting a 
 sac on each side of the throat, which is for the most part concealed when 
 collapsed, and is covered with an orange-yellow, thick, corrugated, un- 
 feathered skin. These birds, at Fort Steilacoom, are very abundant 
 throughout the spring and early summer. They are there mostly con- 
 fined to the forests of fir-trees {Abies douglasii). Late in the season, 
 alter hatching, they may be found generally at midday on the ground 
 
398 TETRAO OBSCUEUS, DUSKY GKOUSE. 
 
 in search of berries, seeds, &c. When alarmed, they almost invariably 
 seek safety in the dense foliage of the trees, instinctively appearing to 
 understand the advantage of thus hiding. In the autumn they are more 
 generally found on the ground feeding on sallal and other berries. Chie 
 day, in October, 1856, 1 saw on the Msqually plains, among fern and 
 grass, five of these birds, full grown and in excellent order. A man 
 killed the whole five, one by one, with a double-barreled gun, without 
 an attempt being made by a siugle individual to fly. This Grouse is a 
 very fine table bird ; the little dash of pine taste its flesh possesses only 
 adding to its game flavor. I have known males, in June, weighing three 
 and a half pounds, although they rarely exceed two and three-fourths 
 pounds. By August 1st the young are generally half grown. They are 
 then easily killed on the wing, and are excellent for the table." 
 
 In the same work Dr. Cooper remarks that the Blue Grouse is com- 
 mon in most of the forests of the Territory, though less so near thi^ 
 coast, and continues: "As it rarely appears on the open prairie, it 
 is difficult to find, if, as usual, it alights on a tree. So perfectly mo- 
 tionless does it sit, that though one may be looking straight at it, he 
 will probably mistake it for a knot or a bunch of leaves. * * ♦ * 
 During May near the coast, and until August in the mountains, the low 
 tooting of this Grouse is heard everywhere, sounding something like the 
 cooing of a Pigeon, and in the same deep tone as the drumming of a 
 Euffed Grouse. It has the power of ventriloquism, so that while the 
 bird may be sitting in a tree overhead, the sound seems to come from 
 places quite distant. I have not seen the nest or eggs, but in June 
 flocks of half-grown young are murdered by the Indians near Puget 
 Sound. In winter they are so rarely seen west of the mountains, that 
 the people think they must keep entirely in the trees. In October, 1853, 
 I saw, however, a flock running through the snow, near the Spokane 
 plains, and one of them was shot; but I have never seen them since 
 then in the winter." 
 
 The same writer has some additional remarks in his later work on the 
 Birds of California: "This fine game bird is common in Oregon and 
 Northern California, extending in the Coast Eange nearly to San Fran- 
 cisco Bay, and in the. Sierra Nevada to about latitude 38°. They are 
 brought to market in winter from the mountains near Xapa, and are 
 said to come down at times into the valleys, but have never been met 
 with in California south of San Francisco. In the Sierra Nevada, lati- 
 tude 39°, I found them rather scarce, and in September only above an 
 elevation of 6,000 feet, but was informed that they went much lower 
 down in winter, probably about as far as the snows fall, or to about 
 2,000 feet, in that latitude. I think their range is more dependent on 
 the prevalence of spruce and other dense couitierous forests tban on the 
 climate, as it is much milder near Napa than at that elevation in the 
 Sierra Nevada, and toward the north they frequent valleys. I have seen 
 them near the Columbia Eiver at all seasons, usually inhabiting the 
 dense forests. They, however, come out on the borders of prairies and 
 openings when not molested, especially in the early morning. * * * * 
 Their food consists of various berries, nuts, and seeds, besides grain 
 around farms. * * * * in winter they live much on the buds of 
 trees, even those of the coniferai." 
 
 Quotation of Dr. Newberry's notice will add to the interest of the 
 present article: "The Dusky Grouse, among American species, is only 
 second in size to the ' Sage Hen' {T. urophasianus). The cock is decidedly 
 the handsomest of all American Grouse, and the flesh is white, anil 
 equal to that of the Kuffed Grouse or the American Partridge. This 
 
TETRAO OBSCURUS, DUSKY GROUSE. 399 
 
 bird inhabits the evergreen forests exclusively, and is found not un- 
 commonly in the Sierra Nevada of California, and in the wooded dis- 
 tricts of the country lying between the Sacramento Valley and the 
 Columbia. lu the Cascade Mountains we found it associated with the 
 Eufi'ed Grouse, which it resembles in habit more than any other spe- 
 cies. When on the ground they lie very close, flying up from your feet 
 as you approach them, and when iiushed always take to a treej while 
 sitting on a tree, you may fire as many times as is necessary to hit the 
 bird before you can dislodge it. In the spring the male, seated motion- 
 less on a branch of pine or fir where it issues from the trunk, makes a 
 booming call, which, by a remarkable ventriloquial power, serves rather 
 to mislead than direct the sportsman, and, unless experienced in shoot- 
 ing this kind of Grouse, he will be likely to spend much time, with 
 nothing to show for it, in a vain search for the bird." 
 
 The habits of this species in Colorado may be elucidated by an extract 
 from Mr. Trippe's manuscripts : 
 
 "The 'Gray Grouse,' as this species is universally called, is a rather 
 common bird throughout the mountains, from the foot-hills up to timber- 
 line, and, during summer, wanders at times above the woods as high as 
 the summit of the rtrnge. Excepting for a brief period in August and 
 September, it rarely approaches the vicinity of clearings, frequenting 
 the dense pine forests, and showing a preference for the tops of rocky 
 and inaccessible mountains. In its nature, in short, it is the exact 
 counterpart of the Buffed Grouse, having the same roving, restless dis- 
 position; living upon the same diet of buds and berries; frequenting 
 the same rugged, craggy mountain haunts; and, like that bird, is more 
 or less solitary in its habits, and constantly moving from place to place 
 on foot. Its food consists principally of the leaves and berries of vari- 
 ous species of Uricacew, which abound in all its haunts. It is also very 
 fond of grasshoppers and all kinds of insects, and, while the snow lies 
 deep upon the ground, lives for the most part upon the buds and tender 
 leaves of the pines. When the grain is cut iu the valleys, the Grouse 
 are frequently to be found, in the stubble-fields and adjacent coverts, in 
 small flocks of from three or four up to eight or ten. They are then so 
 tame as to be easily approached and killed, but later in the season be- 
 come somewhat wilder, though never very shy. They never gather iu 
 large flocks, like the Pinnated and Sharp-tailed Grouse, more than a 
 single family being rarely found together. The broods separate as soon 
 as they are well grown, and, from the middle or close of autumn until 
 the succeeding pairing season, the Gray Grouse is usually found alone. 
 On being suddenly startled, this bird takes wing with great rapidity, 
 sometimes uttering a loud cackling note, very much like that of the 
 Prairie Hen on similar occasions, frequently alighting on the lower limb 
 of a tree after flying a little way, and watching the intruder with out- 
 stretched neck. Sometimes they will fly up to the top of a tall pine 
 and remain hidden in the thick toliage for a long time; nor will they 
 move or betray their position, although sticks and stones are thrown 
 into the tree, or even a shot fired. Late in summer many of them ascend 
 to the upper woods to feed upon the multitudes of grasshoppers that 
 swarm there in August and September, in the ijursuit of which they 
 wander above timber-line, and may sometimes be met in great numbers 
 among the copses of willows and juniper that lie above the forests. 
 
 "Theiiightof the Gray Grouse is rapid and powerful. Its flesh is 
 white and tender, resembling that of the Ruffed Grouse. In all re- 
 spects it seems to till the same place in the mountain fauna of Colorado 
 that is occupied by the latter bird among the mountains of New En- 
 
400 
 
 CEXTEOCEECUS UROPHASIANUS, SAGE COCK. 
 
 gland and the Middle States. Although Allen gives the Euffed Gronse 
 as an inhabitant of the 'mountains of Colorado,' the most diligent 
 search failed to discover a trace off it; while all the hunters and trap- 
 pers with whom I have conversed assured me that it is never found there 
 at all." 
 
 TETEAO OBSCUEUS var. EICHAEDSONI, (Dougl.) Cones. 
 Eicbardson's, or Black-tailed Grouse. 
 
 Tetrao richardsovi, Dougl., Trans. Linu. Soc. xvi, 141.— WiLS., Zool. Illust. pis. 30, 31.— 
 
 Lord, Pr. Eoy. Arty. Inst, iv, 1864, 122.— Gkay, Cat. B. Br. Mus. v, 1867, 86.— 
 
 Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, .5-28. 
 Dendragapus richards ni, Elliot, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1864, 23 ; Monog. Tetr. pi. — . 
 Tetrao oiscurus, S\v. & Eich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 344, pis. 59, 60, evidently this form. (Also 
 
 ot Audubon and Baird, partly. Xot oi Say.) 
 Tetrao oiscurus var. richardsoni, CouES, Key, 1872, 233.— Mere., Eep. Geol. Snrv. Ter. 
 
 1872, 698. 
 Canace ohseurus var. richardsoni, B. B. & E., NI A. B. iii, 1874, 427, pi. 59, f. 4. 
 
 Hai. — " Central Eocky Mountains, from South Pass, and northward to Fort Liard, 
 H. B. T." (Cooper.) 
 
 
 
 List of specimens 
 
 • 
 
 
 
 
 19168 
 19169 
 19175 
 
 .... W. sideE. Mts- 
 do 
 
 .... 
 
 June 5, 1860 
 May 31, 1860 
 July 23, 1860 
 
 F.V.Hayden. 
 do 
 
 G.H.Trook.. 
 
 19.00 
 19.25 
 
 22.50 
 
 28.50 
 27.00 
 31.50 
 
 0.25 
 
 Yellowstone E . 
 
 .... 
 
 Late Expeditions. — 62216-22, T^ton Canon and North Fork, Idaho. 
 
 In this slight variety of the common Dusky Grouse the general colors 
 are darker, and the terminal slate bar on the tail is reduced to a mini- 
 mum, or wanting altogether. It is clearly the form described and 
 figured by Swainson and Eichardson, as above, who speak of it as in- 
 habiting the Eocky Mountains from lat. 40° to lat. 67°, and perhaps still 
 further, and refer it to the true T. ohseurus of Say, These authors men- 
 tion one of Mr. Douglas' specimens, in the Edinburgh Museum, as being 
 younger, but " evidently the same species." Audubon made no distinc- 
 tion of the two varieties; Baird cites '■'■ ri<ihardsonV^ as synonymous, 
 but noted the above characters of certain specimens. As Dr. Cooper 
 has remarked, the apparent distribution of the variety is peculiar, it 
 being embraced to the East, West, and South, by that of the ordinary T. 
 ohseurus. 
 
 CENTEOCEECUS UEOPHASIANDS, (Bp.) Sw. 
 
 Sage Cock; Cock of the Plains. 
 
 Tetrao urophasiamis, Bp., Zool. Joum. iii, 1828, 214 ; At)p. Syn. tJ. S. Birds in Ann. Lye. 
 N. y. p. 442 ; Trans. Am. Phil. Soc. iii, 1830, 390 ; Am. Om. iii, 1830, 212, pi. 21, 
 fig. 2.— Doug., Trans. Linn. Soc. xvi, 1829, 133, sp. 1.— WiLS., Zool. Illust. 1831, 
 pis. 26, 27.— NUTT., Man. i, 1832, 666.— AuD., Om. Biog. iv, 1838, 503, pi. 371; 
 Syn. 1839, 205 ; B. Am. v, 1842, 106, pi. 297.— Be, Stansbury's Eep. 1852, 319.— 
 News., P. E. E. Eep. vi, 1857, 95.— Maxim.. J. f. O. vi, 1858, 431. 
 
 Tetrao (Centrocercus) urophasianus, Sw. & Eich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 358, pi. 58. 
 
 Cenirocercus urophasianus, Jaed., Nat. Lib. Birds, 140, pi. 17. — Bd., N. N. A. 1858, 624. — 
 Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 222.— Hayd., Eep. 1862, 172.— Coues, 
 Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 94 (Mojave Eiver, Cal., latitude about 35°).— Coop., B. 
 Cal. i, 1870, 536.— Allex, BuU. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 181.— Holden-Aiicen, Pr. 
 Bost. Soc. XV, 1872, 209.— Snow, B. Kans. 1872, No. 164 (Western Kansas).— 
 COUBS, Key, 1872, 233.— Mep.k., Eep. U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, 699.— B. B. & 
 E., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 429, pi. 60, f. 2, 4. 
 
 Cock of the Plmns, Lewis & Clarke, ii, 180, sp. 2. 
 
CENTROCEECUS UEOPHASIANUS, SAGE COCK. 
 
 401 
 
 Bo&.— Sage plains of the West. East to Western Kansas. South to about 35°. West 
 and north as far as suitable surface extends. Scarcely to be found on the Missouri. 
 
 Zist of specimens. 
 
 19134 
 19135 
 19136 
 19137 
 19138 
 49139 
 19140 
 19141 
 19142 
 19143 
 19144 
 19145 
 19146 
 19147 
 19148 
 19149 
 19150 
 19151 
 19152 
 19153 
 19154 
 19155 
 19156 
 19157 
 
 175 
 215 
 
 •2(i(i 
 217 
 
 Powder River. . 
 
 
 Oct. 7,1859 
 Deo. 29, 1859 
 Jan. 12, 1860 
 Jan. 6, 1860 
 
 G.H. Trook.. 
 
 do 
 
 F.V. Hayden. 
 
 do 
 
 .. do 
 
 21.00 
 22.00 
 28.50 
 31.90 
 
 35.00 
 35.00 
 
 42.00 
 41.50 
 
 10.50 
 10.00 
 12.00 
 12.50 
 
 
 
 Platte Valley . . 
 
 Deer Creek 
 
 . do 
 
 'y 
 
 
 do 
 
 $ 
 
 Jan. 5, 1860 
 Dec. 15, 1859 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 42.25 
 21.7.'i 
 23.00 
 31.50 
 
 40.50 
 33.00 
 34.00 
 44.50 
 
 12.50 
 
 10.50 
 
 9.75 
 
 14.00 
 
 205 
 212 
 218 
 150 
 221 
 159 
 286 
 198 
 151 
 219 
 148 
 287 
 213 
 161 
 172 
 152 
 154 
 196 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 .... 
 
 Jan. 6, 1860 
 Nov. — , 1859 
 Dec. 29, 1859 
 Nov. — , 1859 
 Apr. 14, 1860 
 Sept. 5, 1859 
 Oct. 29, 1859 
 Jan. 7, 1860 
 Oct. 27, 1859 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 . ... do 
 
 9 
 
 do 
 
 F.V. Hayden. 
 G.H. Trook.. 
 
 do 
 
 F.V. Hayden. 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 J. Stevenson . 
 F.V. Hayden. 
 G.H. Trook.. 
 
 22.50 
 
 35.00 
 
 10.00 
 
 do 
 
 TuUock's Cr. .. 
 Cheyenne Riv. . 
 Deer Creek 
 
 9 
 
 31.00 
 20.00 
 29..50 
 23.00 
 
 40.00 
 33.50 
 41.50 
 38.00 
 42.00 
 
 12.00 
 10.50 
 
 'ii.bo 
 
 13.00 
 
 Cheyenne Eiv. . 
 
 Deer Creek 
 
 do 
 
 Platte Eiver. 
 
 S 
 
 .Tan. 12, i860 
 Oct. 11, 1859 
 
 29.40 
 30.00 
 
 39.00 
 43.00 
 
 11.50 
 14.50 
 
 
 
 Tongue River. . 
 
 Clear Fork 
 
 E.F. Tongue R. 
 
 9 
 S 
 9 
 
 Sept. 16, 1859 
 Sept. 17, 1859 
 Sept. 16, 1859 
 
 G.H. Trook.. 
 F.V. Hayden. 
 G.H. Trook.. 
 
 24.00 
 22.00 
 20.00 
 
 36.50 
 34.00 
 33..50 
 
 11.50 
 12.00 
 10.50 
 
 Lieutenant TTarren's Expedition. — No. 5419, fifty miles up the Yellowstone ; 8921, 8923, 
 Cheyenne Eiver. 
 
 Later Exjjeditions.—GOiG^, Le Bont(5 Creek; 60826-32, Wyouiing; 61096-9, Henry's 
 Fork ; 62223-5, North Fork and Henry's Lake, Idaho. 
 
 The above extensive suite of specimens illustrates this sijecies under 
 the various conditions of age, sex, and season, from the downy young 
 to the largest cocks. The measurements given show the variation iu 
 size among adult birds. Some old cocks are of great size — the birds 
 apparently growing, in some instances, after they have attained normal 
 dimensions. The female, as usual, is smaller than the male, averaging 
 about one-third less. There is no occasion to describe the bird minutely 
 in the present connection; its great size and various peculiar features 
 will prevent mistake respecting it. The full-grown cocks average about 
 2J feet in length; the hens rather under 2 feet. The tail equals, or 
 rather exceeds, the wing in length, and consists of twenty very narrow 
 acuminate feathers, stiiiened and graduated in length from the middle 
 pair outward. A more remarkable feature of the cock is the immense 
 dilatable air-sac of naked yellow skin on each side of the neck, bordered 
 by a patch of tjuriously stiffened, horny feathers, like fish-scales, often 
 terminating in bristly filaments several inches long. The feet are feath- 
 ered to the toes, as iu most of our other Grouse. The most noticeable 
 color-mark is a broad black area on the under parts of the adult, 
 less extensive in the lemale; it contrasts witli the white of the breast. 
 The upper parts are varied with gray, black, brown, and tawny or 
 whitish. The cocks weigh from three to six pounds, according to age 
 and condition ; the hens are correspondingly much lighter. 
 
 The history of this species is generally dated from the account by 
 Lewis and Clarke, of a "Cock of the Plains" which they found in the 
 Rocky Mountains, about the headwaters of the Missouri, and afterward 
 more abundantly on the plains of the Columbia. The first technical de- 
 scription of the species was that of Bonaparte, who, under the name of 
 Tetrao urophasianus, noticed in various periodicals, and figured in his 
 26 
 
402 CENTEOCERCUS TTEOPHASIAlfUS, SAGE COCK. 
 
 Americau Ornitbology. a specimen in the Leadbeater collection. The 
 Prince supposed this to be a female, and, comparing it with the same 
 sex of the European Cock of the Woods {Tetrao urogallus), proclaimed 
 it to be as large as the latter, which, however, is not the case. Judging 
 from the assigned dimensions of 28 to 30 inches in length, his bird was 
 a cock, although he does not notice the tympanum or modified scaly 
 feathers of the neck, these, perhaps, not being evident in his immature 
 specimen. In 1831 Swainson framed for the species the subgenus Cen- 
 trocercus, and gave a characteristic figure. The bird being abundant, 
 and of very marked features, it soon became generally well known, and 
 is noticed by nearly all writers who have visited the regions it inhabits. 
 
 Not the least interesting fact in the natural history of the Sage Cock 
 is its strict confinement to a region of peculiar character. Its dispersion 
 over our western interior seems to be co-extensive with the treeless, 
 arid, and almost desert regions where grow the various species of Arte- 
 misia or wild sage, upon which it chiefly feeds, and from which it derives 
 its name. The largest by far of the gallinaceous birds of this country, 
 excepting the Turkey alone, and one offering attractions to the sports- 
 man, it is, nevertheless, of the least consequence of all from an econo- 
 mic point of view, since the nature of its harsh and bitter food renders 
 its flesh little acceptable — indeed unpalatable under ordinary circum- 
 stances. 
 
 As far up the Missouri as I have been (to the vicinity of Fort Steven- 
 son, l.jO miles below the mouth of the Yellowstone), I have failed to 
 note any indication of the bird's presence; while it certainly does not 
 occur to the northward anywhere east of longitude 103°. It is stated 
 to be common on the plains of Western Kansas and Nebraska, as it 
 doubtless is also in southwestern portions of Dakota, and thence west- 
 ward, iu suitable districts, to California and Oregon, east of the Sierra 
 Nevada and Cascade Ranges. As above indicated, the point of ascer- 
 tained southernmost range is the Mojave Eiver, a specimen killed there 
 having been seen by Ur. Cooper, who also found what he considered to 
 be addditional evidence of its occurrence. I do not know the line of 
 northward extension, and it is, apparently, not yet ascertained ; it will 
 probably be found to run, at some points at least, near the present 
 boundary of the United States, along tbe 49th parallel. Sir John Eich- 
 ardson gives nothing to the point on this score ; and the only indications 
 I have met with are those given by Drs. Cooper and Suckley. The for- 
 mer mentions the Spokane plains, in Washington Territory, as a locality 
 north of which none were seen, "the country being, apparently, too 
 woody for them. On those plains they were common, for though level, 
 the surface is dry, sterile, and elevated near 1,000 feet above the sea." 
 Dr. Suckley writes that they are found "on the sage barren;.; of the Ya- 
 kima and Simeoe Valleys, in Washington Territory, about latitude il3° 
 and 47° north." He also speaks of shooting it on the Jlilk liiver, Mon- 
 tana, about 200 miles west of Fort Union, the most northeastern point 
 at present on record to my knowledge. The same gentleman refers to 
 their food in the following terms : 
 
 "I have dissected these Grouse in situations where there was abun- 
 dance of grass seeds, wild grain, grasshoppers, and other kinds of food 
 that a person would imagine would be readily eaten by tbem, yet I have 
 failed to obtain a single particle of any other food in their full stomachs 
 than tbe leaves of the artemisia. This food must be either highly pre- 
 ferred, or else be essential to their existence. They seem to have the 
 faculty of doing for a long time without water, as I have found them 
 habitually in dry desert situations, during severe droughts, a long dis- 
 
CENTEOCEECUS UKOPHASIANUS, SAGE COCK. 403 
 
 tance from water. The flesh of this bird is ratlier strong and bitter, 
 from the uature of its food, and it quickly decomposes after death." 
 
 Dr. Buckley's account of the diet of these birds is, however, too ex- 
 clusive. They certainly eat various insects, especially grasshoppers, and 
 an indiscriminate variety of vegetable substances. ih\ Eidgway in- 
 forms me of an interesting fact : that the gizzard of the Sage Cock is a 
 slightly muscular membranous bag, quite different from the strong, 
 dense "grist-mill" of ordinary Gallina'. The point has been recorded in 
 the following terms : 
 
 "A peculiarity of this species, which I have not seen noticed, is that 
 its stomach, instead of being hard and very muscular as in other Galli- 
 nacea, is soft and membraneous, like that of the birds of prey. This 
 was first told me by hunters in Nevada, and I afterward satisfied myself 
 of the truth of their statement that the Sage Hen "has ao gizzard," 
 by dissecting a sufficient number of individuals. This bird is never 
 known to eat grain, but subsists almost entirely upon green leaves of 
 artemisia and on grasshoppers." — {Am. Nat. viii, 1874.) 
 
 The sanje feature is also noticed by a late writer in Fore:jt and Stream, 
 in the following article, which I reproduce, somewhat abbreviated : 
 
 "A measurement of the picture gives length of bill and head 3 inches, 
 neck 7, body 14, and tail 10 inches ; total, 'Si inches. Its actual weight 
 in feather was seven pounds, and it was a fair specimen of a full-grown 
 male bird, the female being about two pounds less. The attitude is 
 characteristic, half crouching as it steals off when alarmed. The color 
 is also true to life, black and brown, mottled with white, except the 
 breast, where white predominates. You will perceive, also, that the legs 
 are slightly feathered. A remarkable feature of the bird is, that it has 
 no gizzard ; and in hundreds examined, no seeds, grain, or insects were 
 ever found iu the craw, or rather paunch, which is very large. This lack 
 of a gizzard indicates it to be a browser, and not a grain eater. Its food 
 is principally the artemisia or wild sage, though indications of the leaves 
 and buds of the grease-wood and various grasses were sometimes found. 
 1 have never met with it where the wild sage did not abound. 
 
 "I notice that some of your correspondents state that it is scarcely 
 eatable on account of the bitter taste caused by the artemisia. Here is 
 the remedy : Immediately after killing, draw the bird, thoroughly re- 
 moving the intestines and their contents, but all other dressing can be 
 delayed till camp is reached. Treated in this manner it has uo disa- 
 greeable taste. This is what we should expect, when it is recollected 
 that iu all animals the peculiarities of food pass off by secretions 
 through the natural channels. The milk and butter of a cow feeding 
 upon wild garlic, cabbage, rag-weed, &c., will be tainted with their pe- 
 culiar qualities, but the flesh is not. So when the bird is dead the opera- 
 tions of the body cease, absorption commences, and the contents of the 
 intestines begin to affect the flesh. The power of life to resist absorp- 
 tion and decay are as wonderful as mysterious. A live fish in salt water 
 continues fresh. The rubbing of salt upon a live hog's back would 
 hardly cure the meat, but when slaughtered, it takes up the salt through 
 skin and flesh alike. But perhaps too much upon this familiar principle, 
 unless it serves to redeem this magnificent bird from its unluckj reputa- 
 tion. The flesh is quite dark and rather dry, but when the bird is about 
 two-thirds grown, with the bitter taste prevented in the manner I have 
 describetl, it is not easy for a hungry man to find fault with it, especially 
 in camp. I notice also that a correspondent says that it does not lie well 
 before a dog ; I have not found it so under favorable circumstances. 
 When there is reasonable cover, its conduct in that respect is better 
 
404 CENTEOCERCUS UEOPHASIAXUS, SAGE COCK. 
 
 than that of the Pinnated Grouse. But the peculiarities of its habitat 
 do not give the dog a fair chance to work, or do himself or the game 
 justice. The artemisia grows only upon barren prairies, from 4,000 to 
 10,000 feet above the level of the ocean, where the soil is composed of 
 dry sand, alkaline clay, granite rocks, «&c., with little other vegetation 
 but stunted shrubs, cactus, and an occasional clump of wild grass, where 
 rains rarely occur, and there is little moisture in the air or upoQ the 
 ground. It is a tough, si)rawling, crooked evergreen, or rather ever- 
 gray shrub, from six inches to six feet high, partly deciduous in appear- 
 ance, much like the garden sage, and when thick, very difficult, for man, 
 horse or dog, to get through. 
 
 "The Sage Cock is a good skulker and runner, and not easily flushed 
 if it can hide. It gets up heavily, like the Wild Turkey, laboring hard 
 with the wings until a proper height is reached and speed is obtained, 
 when it sails rapidly away, and, if alarmed, often goes from half a mile 
 to a mile before dropping. 
 
 " The packs are smaller than any other variety of Grouse, rarely ex- 
 ceeding ten. They never alight upon trees, and, indeed, I have never 
 seen them among timber. They are rarely found east of Fort Laramie 
 or of the range of Black Hills, which constitutes the first step or shelf 
 of the Eocky jMountains going west. The mountain deserts constitute 
 their home. I have met them in the Laramie plains, on the upper 
 waters of the North Platte, on Sweetwater Eiver, on the headwaters of 
 Green Eiver (the Colorado of the West), oa Lewis' Fork of the Colum- 
 bia, and ou Wind Eiver, but nowhere so numerous as on the latter stream 
 and its tributaries, where scores would be often seen in a mile's ride. 
 
 "The Sage Cock is also said to be common nortli nearly or quite to 
 the British line, and west to California, but in these observations I have 
 confined myself to the sections I have personally visited. It would be 
 safe to presume that they would be found wherever there was a barren 
 prairie stocked with artemisia. 
 
 "I have heard it said that the Sage Cock migrates, but this is not so, 
 as I have seen them at all seasons of the year on the same ground. In 
 this respect their habits are the same as other varieties of Grouse, never 
 moving far from the spot where hatched, unless compelled to do so. 
 The idea no doubt arises from the fact that they are rarely seen moving 
 in the severe weather and terrible storms of this region, their habit 
 being to lie close in ravines and hollows, and dense thickets of artemisia, 
 where they can have food and shelter." 
 
 Dr. isewberry's account, which I extract almost entire as no less 
 interesting to the sportsman than to the naturalist, will bring this great 
 ■'Bustard" vividly to mind: 
 
 "Coming into camp at evening, I had been attracted by a white 
 chalk-like bluif, some two miles to the right of our trail, which I visited 
 and examined. Near it was a warm. spring, which came out of the hill- 
 side, and, spreading over the prairie, kept a few acres green and fresh, 
 strongly contrasting with the universal brown of the landscape. In 
 this little oasis I found some, to me, new flowers, many reptiles, and a 
 considerable number of Sharp-tailed Grouse, of which I killed several, 
 the whole presenting attractions sufficiently strong — as we were to re- 
 main iu camj) one day — to take me over there next morning. I had 
 filled my plant-case with flowers, had obtained frogs, and snakes, and 
 chalky infusorial earth enough to load down the boy who accompanied 
 me, and had enjoyed a fine morning's sport, dropping as many Grouse 
 on the prairies as we could conveniently carry. Following up the little 
 sU-eam toward the spring on the hill-side, a dry, treeless surface, with 
 
CENTROCERCUS UROPHASIANUS, SAGE COCK. 405 
 
 patches of ' sage brash " {Artemism trideritata), I was suddenly startled 
 by a great flutter and rush, and a dark bird, that appeared to me as 
 large as a Turkey, rose from the ground near me, and, uttering a hoarse 
 liek hek, flew off with an irregular, but reinarkably well-sustained, course. 
 
 "I was just then stooping to drink from the little stream, and quite 
 unprepared for game of any kind, least of all for such a bird, evidently 
 a^Grouse, but so big and black, so far exceeding all reasonable dimen- 
 sions, that I did not think of shooting him, but stood with open eyes, 
 and, doubtless, open mouth, eagerly watching his flight to mark him 
 down. But stop he did not— so long as I conld see him, now flapping, 
 now sailing, he kept ou his course till he disappeared behind a hill a 
 mile away. 
 
 " I was, of course, greatly chagrined by bis escape, but knowing that, 
 given one Grouse, it is usually not difficult to find another, I commenced 
 looking about for the mate of the one I had lost. My search was not 
 a long one; almost immediately she rose from under a sage brush with 
 a noise like a whirl-wind, not to fly a mile before stopping to look 
 aroand, as the cock had done, but, by a fortunate shot, falling helpless 
 to the ground. No deerstalker ever felt more triumphant enthusiasm 
 while standing over the prost^-ate body of a buck, or fisherman when 
 the silvery sides of a salmon sparkled in his landing-net, than I felt as 
 I picked up this great, and to me unknown, bird. 1 afterward ranged 
 the hill-sides for hours, with more or less success, waging a war on these 
 birds, which I found to be quite abundant, bat very strong-winged and 
 difficult to kill. I repeatedly flushed them not ten yards from me, and, 
 as they rose, poured my whole charge, right and left, into them, knock- 
 ing out feathers, perhaps, but not killing the bird, which, in defiance of 
 all my hopes and expectations, would carry off my shot to such a dis- 
 tance that I would not follow him, even did I know he would never rise 
 again. Here, as elsewhere, 1 found these birds confined to the vicinity 
 of the ' sage bushes,' from under which they usually spring. 
 
 " A few days later, on the shores of Wright and Ehett Lakes, we 
 found them very abundant, and killed all we cared to. A very fine 
 male which I killed there was passed by nearly the whole party, within 
 thirty feet, in open ground. I noticed him as soon, perhaps, as he saw 
 us, and waited to watch his movements. As the train approached he 
 sank down on the ground, depressing his head, and lying as motionless 
 as a stick or root, which he greatly resembled. After the party had 
 passed I moved toward him, when he depressed his head till it rested 
 on the ground, and evidently made himself as small as possible. He 
 did not move till I had approached within fifteen feet of him, when he 
 arose, and I shot him. He was in fine plumage, and w^eighed over five 
 pounds. We continued to meet with the Sage Hen, whenever we crossed 
 sage plains, till we reached the Columbia. 
 
 "To the westward of the Cascade Eange this bird ijrobably does not 
 exis*", as all its habits and preferences seem to fit it for the occupancy 
 of the sterile and anhydrous region of the central desert. Its flesh is 
 dark and, particularly in old birds, highly flavored with worm-wood, 
 which, to most persons, is no proof of excellence. The young bird, ii 
 parboiled and stewed, is very good ; but, as a whole, this is inferior foi 
 the table to auy other species of American Grouse." 
 
 In the pai)er above cited, Mr. Holden remarks a habit of this Grouse 
 probably known to few. " They roost in circles on the ground," he says; 
 "I have seen a patch of groirnd, fifteen feet in diameter, completely 
 covered with their excrement. I think they resort to the same place 
 many nights in succession, unless disturbed." 
 
406 CENTEOCEECUS UEOPHASIANUS, SAGE COCK 
 
 Some of those babits of the Sage Cock -which are peculiar to the pair- 
 ing season were described by oue of the earlier writers, doubtless with 
 substantial accuracy, and are quoted in the Fauna Boreali- Americana. 
 '•Tbey pair in March and April. Small emiuences on the banks of 
 streams are the places usually selected for celebrating the weddings, 
 the time generally about sunrise. The wings of the male are lowered, 
 buzzing on tlie ground; the tail, spread like a fan, somewhat erect; the 
 bare, yellow cesophagus inflated to a prodigious size — fully half as large 
 as his body, and, from its soft, membranous substance, being well con- 
 trasted with the scale-like feathers below it on the breast, and the flexi- 
 ble, silky feathers on the neck, which ou these occasions stand erect. 
 In this grotesque form he displays, in the presence of his intended mate, 
 a variety of attitudes. His love-song is a confused, prating, but not 
 offensively disagreeable, tone — something that we can imitate, but have 
 difficulty in expressing — hurr-huyr-hurr-r-ry-hoo, ending in a deep, 
 hollow tone, not unlike the sound produced by blowing into a large 
 reed." 
 
 Even those who are familiar with the appearance of the "drums" of 
 the common Pinnated Grouse when fully inflated, may fail, without 
 actual inspection, to form a fair idea of the enormous yellow air-sacs of 
 the Sage Cock in their condition of greatest distension. Instead of 
 being regularly hemispherical, like half a small orange, they are im- 
 mense, bulging masses of irregular contour, seeming to meet in front, 
 and i.ingularly distorting the figure of the bird — surmounted with a 
 Iringe of filaments depending from the mass of erect white feathers, and 
 ending below in a solid set of white scaly plumes. Perhaps no bird of 
 our country presents a more remarkable aspect than the Sage Cock 
 under the cir(;amstanccs just noted ; while at all times his presence and 
 bearing are sufficiently striking. The mode of flight is most like that 
 of the Sharp-tailed Grouse — indeed, what resemblances the Sage Cock 
 bears to any other of our birds, are closest, in all respects, with this 
 species. There is the same complete spread of the wing, when the ends 
 of the outer quills show spaces between them — the same heavy yet 
 swift and steady course, accomplished with an alternation of a few en- 
 ergetic strokes, and a period of sailing with stiffly motionless wings, 
 until the impulse is spent. A point in which the Sage Grouse differs 
 from the Sharp-tailed, if not also from every other one of our Grouse, is 
 that it never takes to the trees, its exclusively terrestrial habits being, 
 indeed, a necessity arising in the nature of the country it inhabits. 
 
 The egg of the Sage Fowl may be recognized at a glance by its size 
 and elongated shape ; it is comparatively narrower and more pointed 
 than that of any other Grouse of this country, and our specimens, 
 selected from a great number in the Smithsonian collection, measure, 
 respectively, 2.25 by 1.50 ; 2.10 by 1.60; 2.10 by 1.50; 2.05 by 1.50. The 
 shell first forms pale grayish-white, with a faint greenish shade, and 
 subsequently becomes a grayish or greenish-drab by acquiring more or 
 less, of a brown tint ; this is spotted with chocolate-brown, mostly in 
 specks and minute dots, pretty evenly and rather thickly distributed, 
 sometimes very sparsely so marked, and occasionally with larger spots 
 (size of a split pea) tending to a circular shape, with sharp edges. The 
 same circularity may be observed in the case of the smaller markings. 
 
 An interesting law affecting egg-coloration may be deduced from 
 e::amiuation of eggs which, like those of all our Grouse and many other 
 birds, are colorless, or of uniform color at first, yet variously marked 
 when laid. In such cases, probably without exception, the markings 
 
PEDICECETES PHASIANELLUS VAE. COLUMBIANUS. 407 
 
 are entirely upon the surface, and consequently appear of the same color, 
 only varying in intensity according to tbe depth of the pigment depos- 
 ited. Tlie shell being entirely formed in an upper portion of the oviduct, 
 where there are no cells for the elaboration of special pigments, these 
 various colorations are never obscured by being overlaid with shell sub- 
 stance ; whereas in those cases where special coloring matter is early 
 laid down, during the formation of the shell, we have different sets of 
 spots, some in the shell, others on its surface, the former being those so 
 often conventionally described as "lilac," "lavender," &(;., but being in 
 reality the various browns and reds, like those of the surface, only over- 
 laid with the white or whitish calcareous substance. 
 
 The young Sage Fowl shows features parallel with those of the young 
 Sharp-tailed, as might be expected from the affinity of the two. We 
 find the same sharp, white shaft-lines in various places on the upper 
 parts, and the same brown speckling of the plumage of the breast. We 
 find, at a very early age, indication of the future black abdominal area 
 in a dark brown patch on the belly. 
 
 PEDICECETES PHASIANELLUS var. COLUMBIANUS, (Ord,) Cs. 
 Southern Sharp-tailed Grouse. 
 
 a. pliasianelliis proper. 
 
 Tetrao jj/iosiancHus, LiXN., Syst. Nat. i, lOtli ed. 1758, \f}^ {T. vrogallus B., pliasiancUus, 
 of 12tli ed. p. 273).— FoRST., Philos. Tr. Ixii, 1772, pp. 394, 495.— Gm., Syst. Nat. 
 i, 17cd, 747. — Lath., lud. Orn. ii, 1790, 635. — Sab., App. Frank. Journ. p. OdO. — 
 Bp., Aui. Orn. iii, 1828, 37 ; text of ^ from Arctic America, but not tbe plate. 
 
 Tctrao (Ceiityocemis) phasianclliis, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 361 (relates cbiefly to 
 the present, tbongb including tbe following variety). 
 
 Pediocaetes jihasianellus, Elliot, Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1862, 403 (not of United States writ- 
 ers).— M UK., Edinb. Journ. 1859.— Gkay, Cat. B. Br. Mns. v, 1867, 88.— D all 
 & Bank., Tr. Cbic. Acad, i, 1869, 287 (Yukon). 
 
 Pediwcetes jiliatiiunelhis, CouES.Ke.v, 1872, 234.— B. B. AE., N. A.B. iii, 1874, 434, pi. 69, f. 3. 
 
 Pcdioca'tes leimicotiii, SuCK., Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1861, p. 361. 
 
 Zmtg-iailed Grouse ( Urogallus minor), Edv.^., iii, 117. 
 
 Sharp-tailed Grouse, Pexn., Arct. Zool. ii, 306. 
 
 b. columbianiis. 
 
 Phasiamis columManus, Ord, Guthrie's Geog. 2d Am. ed. 1815, 317 (based on Columbian 
 
 Pheasant of Lewis and Clarl-e, ii, 180). 
 Pediocaetes columbianus, Elliot, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 403 ; Monog. Tetr. pi. — Hold.- 
 
 AiKBN, Pr. Bost. Soc. XV, 1872, 208. 
 Pedicecetes columbianus, CoOP., B. Cal. i, 1870, 532. 
 Pedicecetes phasianellus var. columbianus, CouES, Key, 1872, 234. — Allen, Bull. JI. C. Z. 
 
 iii, 1S72, 181.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 436, pi. 60, f. 1. 
 Tetrao phasianellus, OiiTi, Gnthrie's Geog. 2d Am. ed. 1815, 317? — Bp., Syn. 1823, 127 ; 
 
 Am. Orn. iii, 1828, 37, pi. 19 (not description of g , ■which was from Arctic 
 
 America).— NtiTT., Man. i, 1832, 669.— AuD., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 569, pi. 382 ; 
 
 Syn. 1839, 205; B. Am. v, 1842, 110, pi. 298.— Newb., P. E. E. Kei>, vi, 18-57, 
 
 94.— Maxui., J. f. O. vi, 1858, 435.— Twppe, Pr. E. Inst. 1871, 118 (Minnesota). 
 Pediocaetes phasianellus, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 626.— Coop. & Suck., N. I-I. Wash. Ter. 1860, 
 
 223.— Lord, Pr. Roy. Arty. Inst, iv, 1864, 123.— S^now, B. Kaus. 1873.— Thippe, 
 
 Pr. Bost. Soc. XV, 1872, 240. 
 Peclia'cetes phasianellus, Hayp., Rep. 1802, 172.— Mere., Rep. U. S. G. S. Ter. 1872, 699. 
 Telrao urophasianellus, DouGL., Tr. Linn. Soc. xvi, 1829, 136. 
 
 Sab. — Of the northern variety, or true phasianeUus, the interior of British America, 
 east to Hudson's Bay, north and west to Fort Yukon, south nearly to the United States 
 boundary, where it shades iuto var. columbianus. The. latter inhabits tbe western por- 
 tions of Minnesota and Iowa, all of Dakota, thence diagonally across Nebraska 
 and Kansas to Colorado, thence in suitable districts across the country to the Sierra 
 Jfevada and Cascade Eanges. 
 
408 
 
 PEDICECETES PHASIANELLUS VAR. COLUMBIANUS. 
 
 List of specimens. 
 
 19173 
 19174 
 19175 
 
 195 
 225 
 
 02i 
 
 Rosebud Creek- 
 Deer Creek 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 ? 
 9 
 9 
 
 "5" 
 
 Sept. 8, 1801 
 Jan. 5, 1860 
 Jan. 1, 1860 
 Jan. 7, 1800 
 Dec. 29, 1859 
 Jan. 11, 1860 
 
 G. H. Trook.. 
 
 r.V.Hayden. 
 
 do 
 
 16.50 
 17.00 
 
 2.-.50 
 25.00 
 
 9.00 
 8.00 
 
 19176 
 19177 
 19178 
 
 224 
 204 
 220 
 
 G. H. Trook . 
 do 
 
 19.00 
 
 29.00 
 
 9.00 
 
 F.V.Haydeu. 
 
 19.00 
 
 29.00 
 
 9.50 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition.— hiW, Fort Union ; 5421, 5422, mouth of Vermilion 
 Elver ; 5442, 5443, Fort Pierre. 
 
 Later Expeditions.— 5iZ^, Wyoming; 60463, Le Boutd Creek; 61792-3, Port Nenf 
 River, Idaho. 
 
 The nomenclature of the Sharp-tailed Grouse became somewhat involved when it 
 was found necessary to distinguish by name the two geographical races which consti- 
 tirte the species. Prior to 1661 there was supposed to be but a single kind, the Tetrao 
 phasianellus of authors. At that time examination of numerous si)ecimensfrom Arctic 
 America, and their comparison with the ordinary bird of the United States, showed the 
 existence of two forms of Sharp-tailed Grouse, and the northern variety was published 
 by Dr. Suckley as a new species under the name of Pediocaetes Tcennicottii. The follow- 
 ing year, however, Mr. Elliot showed that this northern form was really the one upon 
 which Linnaeus originally based the name of Tetrao phananeUus, and that it was the 
 southern one, therefore, that required to be distinguished by a separate name. He 
 very properly adopted for the latter the term columbiamis, after Ord, whose bird was 
 the " Columbian Pheasant " of Lewis and Clarke, unquestionably our common Sharp- 
 tailed Grouse. Dr. Suckley and Jlr. Elliot, alike right in distinguishing the two varie- 
 ties, went too far in supposing thera to be different species ; for, as stated in the " Key," 
 p. 234, they are simply geographical races shading into each other, as I shall point 
 out more particularly in this article. To the northern, British American, form 
 belongs the name Tetrao pkasianelhis of Linnaeus, and of those early writers who drew 
 their inspiration from him, as well as the Pcdioewtes phasianellus of those late writers 
 whose notices are based upon the same bird. To the southern form, var. colunibianusi 
 belongs the name Tetrao pliasianellus, or Pediacetes phasianelhis, of those writers who 
 refer to the United States bird. Certain authors, however, obviously include hoth 
 forms in their articles; thus Bonaparte, in the American Ornitholof,'y, describes the 
 male from Arctic America, and figures the female var. columManus ironi the United 
 States ; while Richardson, whose account relates, of course, chiefly to the northern 
 bird, includes the southern in his statement that the species is found down to latitude 
 41° on the Missouri. 
 
 But sncli bibliographical points, the establishing of which is a part 
 of the drudgery the closet naturalist must perform, have little or no 
 general interest, and 'n^willingly turn to a more inviting aspect of our 
 subject, the proper natural history of the Sharp-tailed Grouse. While 
 some descriptions of the colors of the bird have been minute even to 
 tediousness, no one, as it seems to me, has been sufficiently explicit iu 
 regard to certain points of structure which can only be satisfactorily 
 ascertained in examining the freshly-killed bird, or respecting the 
 changes of ijlumage. If, as I shall presently show, the egg-shell, which ex- 
 ists but a few days, is very differently colored at different periods of its 
 existence, what variation may we not expect to find in the coloration of 
 the bird itself, which lives for several years ? We will begin by noting 
 those differences which, owing to the operation of climatic influences, 
 subsist between the average bird of Arctic America and that of the 
 United States prairies. That these two are not distinct species, but 
 only geographical varieties of the same species, will be as evident to the 
 sportsman and amateur naturalist from their points of view as it is to 
 the technical scientist from his. 
 
 The northern variety, or true plia.sianellus, is much darker* and more 
 heavily colored than its southern representative, var. columManus. 
 
 * The eggs of this northern form differ from those of the southern in a manner analo- 
 gous to the difference in plumage, averaging decidedly darker and browner drab, some- 
 times attaining a chocolate-brown color, and showing greater tendency to spotting. 
 
PEDICECETES PHA.SIANELLUS VAR. COLUMBIANUS 409 
 
 There is miicli less of the buff', tawny, or brownish-yellow variegation, 
 so conspicuous in the latter. The general colors might be called browu- 
 ish-blacii and white in the former, the markings disposed in a jtatteru 
 common to both varieties, yet the fulvous of var. columbianus assuming 
 a dark browu cast. In the northern bird the angular dark-markings 
 on the white ground of the under parts are almost black, and acutely 
 arrow-head shaped for the most part; in the southern, these markings 
 are much lighter brown, and, excepting generally the hinder ones, have 
 a more rounded outline. In the northern bird the throat is white, 
 speckled with blackish ; in the southern it is tawny, and nearly or quite 
 unmarked. Now these are the prominent characteristics, as they obtain 
 in the more strongly marked examples. But it must be remembered 
 that they are mixed and obscured in every degree in the complete and 
 gentle intergradation which obtains between the two varieties, ]>roving 
 them to be but a single species; Along the United States northern 
 boundary, and rather to the northward, specimens are more or less per- 
 fectly intermediate between the two extremes above noted. There is, 
 moreover, in both forms, such a difference between the breeding and 
 the autnmnal plumages (the latter being the lighter), as to further 
 prove the impossibility of specific distinctions being established. Birds 
 that I killed in June and July along the northern border of Dakota, 
 decidedly approached the dark northern form ; their offspring, shot in 
 the same locality the following September, when they were full grown, 
 very clearly pertained to the southern. They were all, indeed, much 
 lighter than the heaviest colored a»ctic birds ; but the old ones had the 
 white and speckled instead of buff throat, and so had the young ones 
 through the summer; they only assumed the buff throat, and thus dis- 
 tinctively showed their relationship with the southern form, after the 
 September moult. Speaking geographically, as well as zoologically, it 
 is impossible to assign limits to the two forms. All the United States 
 specimens I have seen, however, are unquestionably var. colmnhianus ; 
 and we may as well conventionally fix its limit along our present politi- 
 cal boundaiy, although the other variety only attains its special char- 
 acteristics in all their purity considerably further north. 
 
 The northern line of distribution of var. cohimbianns being thus deter- 
 mined, we have to note its dispersion in other directions. Its eastern 
 limit offers interesting considerations of a different character; for in 
 this direction we find the bird to have been affected, not by climatic 
 influence modifying its physical characters, but by less obscure agencies 
 operating to gradually restrict its range. These agencies are directly 
 consequent ui)on the advance of civilization, which, very singularly, 
 pushes the Sharp-tailed Grouse continually westward, and at the same 
 time carries along with it the Pinnated Grouse. There is abundant 
 evidence that the Sharp-tailed once ranged much further east than it 
 does now ; and so rapidly is it being driven westward that a decided 
 change has been affected within the memory of those now living. How 
 far eastward it may have once ranged is uncertain. We have in the 
 earlier accounts some vague and evidently not reliable allusions to the 
 Sharp-tailed Grouse as an inhabitant of Virginia. This may or may not 
 have been the case, most probably it was an entire mistake ; and yet 
 there is no a priori reason against it. The Sharp-tailed is no more 
 exclusively a prairie-bird than the Pinnated, which we know once 
 ranged across the whole country, and lingers to this day in certain 
 isolated localities in the Middle States and even New England. Under 
 later and more authentic dates we find the Sharp-tailed Grouse men- 
 tioned by Audubon, in 1838, as " accidental in the northern parts of 
 
410 PEDIOSCETES PHASIANELLUS VAR. COLUMBIANUS. 
 
 Illinois." This leads to the inference that not long previously the bird 
 inhabited all suitable prairie land of Michigan,* Minnesota, and Iowa, 
 intervening between the point indicated and its present habitat. What 
 this now is 1 am able to show with accuracy, thanks to the kindness of 
 several friends, who have noted, in Minnesota, a gradual restriction of 
 the Sharp-tailed and corresponding advance of the Pinnated. My friend. 
 Surgeon J. F. Head, United States Army, writes me that General H. H. 
 "Sibley, a keen sportsman and pretty accurate scientific observer, who 
 lived at the mouth of the Minnesota Eiver long before St. Paul was 
 settled, states that formerly the Sharp-tailed Grouse was the prevailing, 
 if not the only, species there, and that it has been replaced by T. ctipido 
 ■within his own memory. A paper which Dr. Head prepared in 1853, 
 gave T. enpido as the Grouse about Fort Kipley, Minnesota, but he lately 
 told me that this was a mistake, the bird of that vicinity being then the 
 Sharp-tailed, and the Pinnated being only just now approaching that 
 locality. For in September, 1873, the Doctor, witb some friends, shot a 
 young but full-grown solitary T. cupido — " so far as I know," he writes, 
 "the first instance of its occurrence in this vicinity. The iilacewas 
 remote from any cultivated ground ; and within a few minutes several 
 individuals of the Sharp-tailed Grouse were shot." In another commu- 
 cation kindly offered me. Dr. Head states further : " The Sharp tailed 
 Grouse is found in great abundance from the Mississippi to the Eed 
 Eiver of the Iforth j * * * * the Grouse now inhabiting the region 
 about St. Paul is the T. cupido — a few of the Sharp-tailed are still 
 found near White Bear Lake, abemt twelve miles north of this city. 
 The dividing line between T. cupido and T. phasianelhis runs probably 
 not more thim fifteen or twenty miles north of the Falls of St. Anthony, 
 bending thence to the southwest, or in the direction of Yankton. T. 
 c%ipido appears to replace the other as the wheat-fields advance." 
 
 The accuracy of this line determined by Dr. Head is verified by other 
 observations. Its southwest trend is confirmed by Mr. Trippe, as above 
 cited, who believes that the Sharp-tailed scarcely t comes into Iowa; 
 and more particularly by my own observations, between Fort Eaudall 
 and Yankton. In this stretch of seventy-five miles along tne Missouri 
 the normal dividing-line runs somewhere — the two species interdigita- 
 ting, however, to such an extent that it cannot be precisely fixed. How 
 many Sharp-tailed, if any, are still found about Yankton, 1 cannot say; 
 but there the Pinnated is the prevailing form, and so numerous that I 
 have known them to be trapped and used instead of tame Pigeons in a 
 shooting-match. Starting up the river they accompany us part of the 
 day, till suddenly one of the " White-bellies " whirs up from the road- 
 side, and we are soon fairly among them. At Fort Eandall they are 
 the prevailing species ; so nearly exclusively, that in the course of my 
 six months' residence there, I never became aware of the occurrence of 
 the other, excepting in three instances, although officers and others, 
 beside myself, did a good deal of shooting. The Gupidones are unques- 
 tionably creeping up the Missouri, just as the Quail have already done, 
 although they have not, apparently, as yet progressed quite so lar ; and 
 with their advance, the Sharp-tailed are probably receding along this 
 line as elsewhere. There may be some antagonism, or other incompati- 
 bility, between the two species; but more probably the different con- 
 ditions of environment, induced by the settling of the country, are the 
 
 * p^ort William, on the northern shore of Lake Superior, is among the earher 
 localities cited. 
 
 + But I am reliably informed of its occurrence, with Oupidonia, in northwestern por- 
 tions of Iowa. 
 
PEDIOECETES PHASIANELLUS VAE. COLXJMBIANUS. 411 
 
 main cause of tbe change — what the Pinnated likes best being not to 
 the taste of the other. Jnst as the Quail is a " home bird," loving the 
 stubble-field and hay-rick near the owner's house, so the Pinnated pre- 
 fers to glean over cultivated fields, while the wilder Sharp-tailed clings 
 to its native heath. The railroad will take the former along and warn 
 away the latter. 
 
 Proceeding now nearly due south, we find the line of distribution 
 (however it may lead to the right or left, according to the nature of 
 special locality) gives over the greater portion of Nebraska to this 
 species, and i^asses nearly through the middle of Kansas to the vicinity 
 of Fort Hays, where the bird was found by Mr. Allen. This is the 
 easternmost point in this latitude that I have ascertained, and may 
 represent the southernmost limit of distribution, or nearly so — about 
 38°. Prom the line above sketched the species reaches across the 
 entire country, in suitable regions, to the east side of the Sierra Nevada 
 of California, and of the continuation of the same range into Oregon 
 and Washington — the Cascades. It does not, apparently, cross this 
 range into the valleys on the west side; nor has it been found in 
 California quite so far south as in Kansas and Colorado — not quite to 
 latitude 40°. In fact it has only lately been included in the fauna of 
 that State. Dr. Newberry saw it about fifty miles northeast of Port 
 Beading, near Canoe Creek, on the prairie near Pitt Eiver, about the 
 Klamath Lakes, and in the Des Chutes basin to the Dalles. In Wash- 
 ington Territory Dr. Cooper says it is found only in the low alluvial 
 prairies of the streams emptying into the Columbia east of the Cascade 
 Mountains ; but this restriction probably requires to be removed. He 
 mentions an interesting fact in contrast of the present bird and the 
 Blue Grouse {Tetrao obsGiirus): "They shun high grounds and forests 
 entirely; and within a distance of half a mile I have seen both these 
 and the Blue Grouse (which avoids open plains altogether) as I passed 
 from prairie to forest." Dr. Suckley noticed the " exceeding abundance" 
 of the species from the mouth of the Yellowstone to the Cascades, 
 wherever there is open country and a sufficiency of food. The bird is 
 probably nowhere more numerous than in the regions where I have had 
 opportunity of studying it, namely, in th« vicinity of Fort Eandall on 
 the Missouri, from October to May ; at Fort Pembina, on the Eed Eiver, 
 in June, and at various points along the Souris or Mouse Eiver, Dakota, 
 during the rest of the year. 
 
 We may begin with the egg, and will take it a little earlier in its 
 history than usual. High up the oviduct, when the shell first forms, it 
 is of a uniform pale, dnll green color. The first one I ever saw was of 
 this description; it was brought to me as having been "cut out of a 
 Prairie Chicken," which I could scarely credit, though I could not help 
 believing my informant ; and as the egg had been boiled, I set it down 
 to this having somehow changed the color. Soon after, however, I 
 killed a hen off her nest, and found in her a duplicate of the first 
 specimen. As the egg passes down it acquires a deposit of brown pig- 
 ment, which, mingled with the green, or overlying it, produces the 
 characteristic olive or drab tint of the mature egg. When this brown 
 is in less quantity, a pale, dull drab, nearly uniform, results ; when in 
 excess, the tint is a darker olive, and in most specimens, further deposit 
 of brown, not fairly mixed with the original green, produces a minutely 
 dotted egg, the dark brown being picked into the shell, as it were, in 
 points. These markings are rarely, if ever, aggregated into spots of 
 any considerable size (any larger than a pin's head), and are uniformly 
 distributed; at least I have seen no specimens otherwise marked. 
 
412 PEDICECETES PHASIANELLUS VAE. COLUMBIANUS. 
 
 During incubation they usually acquire a variety of scratches or other 
 abrasions, in which the pale underlying color appears. The eggs are 
 shaped like those of the common hen' (though more pointed, and nearer 
 a perfect oval), and vary as much, in size and shape, as those of the 
 same breed of domestic fowl commonly do. They are always quite dif- 
 ferent from those of the Pinnated Grouse. They measure from l.GO to 
 1.80 inches in length by 1.20 to 1.30 in breadth, averaging about 1.75 
 by 1.25. (Thirty specimens measured.) The clutch varies greatly, as 
 usual in the cases of those birds which lay many eggs. The largest 
 number I ever found in a nest was thirteen, but I suppose a few more 
 may sometimes be laid. The fewest I have noticed, after incubation 
 had commenced, showing that no more would have been laid, was Ave. 
 In the latitude of Pembina they are laid late in May and through part 
 of June* — probably a little earlier farther south. 
 
 But we have come to speak of the eggs without reference as yet to 
 the preliminaries needful for their production. The Grouse revive from 
 the stolid and apathetic mood in which they pass the winter early in 
 the spring — often previous to the severe snow-storms and cold that may 
 prevail in April in part of the regions they inhabit, and the earliest 
 indication of their renewed activity is their sexual excitement. I shall 
 never forget the first time their strange booming fell upon my ear — a 
 new experience to me, though I had for months been familiar with the 
 birds under the influence of their winter regime. It was on the 1st of 
 April, and I think that had the birds awakened sooner, the fact would 
 not Lave escaped uie. It was in the vicinity of Fort Randall. I was 
 miles away from the fort or any other human habitation, whither I bad 
 gone into lonely bivouac the night before to make sure of securing some 
 wild fowl at the break of day. Awakened before it was light by the 
 sonorous cries of the wild fowl making for the reedy lake where I had 
 encamped, 1 arose — there was no need to dress — pushed off' into the 
 expanse of reeds in a light canoe I had brought with me, and with my 
 gun across my knees, sat quietly waiting for light to come. The sense 
 of loneliness was oppressive in the stillness that preceded morning, 
 broken only by the quack or x^lash of the Wild Duck, and the distant 
 honking of a train of ^Yild Geese winnowing their sinuous way afar. I 
 felt desolate — almost lost — and thought how utterly insignificant man 
 is in comparison with his self-assertion. The grand bluffs of the Mis- 
 souri, rising past each other interminably, were before me in shadowy 
 outline, that seemed to change and threaten to roll upon me; all around 
 stretched the waste of reeds, secret, treacherous, limitless — unmoved, 
 yet whispering to the water about their roots with a strange trickling. 
 But the light came on ; the distant hills took shape and settled in firm 
 gray outline against the sky, and a breath of fresher, purer air, mes- 
 senger of morning, passed over the lake, dispelling the vapors that 
 Lung reluctant, and causing the reeds to sway in graceful salute to the 
 coming sun. A Sparrow chirped from her perch with joy ; a Field Lark 
 rose from her bed in the gTass, tuning her limpid pipe to a song of 
 gladness ; and the wild fowl plashed about right heartily, when the 
 highest hill-top was touched with gold, and another and another, till 
 the scene was illumined to the very bosom of the lake. The feathered 
 orchestra sounds never so impressive as when it ushers in the day; 
 
 ' Says Dr. Snckk-v : "At Fort Dalles, ou the 1st of April, l&'.j.'), a young bird, scarcely 
 two days old, was brought to me. This early incubation would lead us to suspect that 
 the species, in favorable situations, has two or more broods during the season." But 
 this is certainly not the case in auy locality I have observed the birds — they have all 
 they can do to get one brood ofip their hands by the end of the summer. 
 
PEDIOECETES PHASIANELLUS VAR. COLUMBIANUS. 413 
 
 never so fine and complete as when familiar voices sing the higher notes 
 to the strange deep bass of the Grouse ; heard for the first time, as it 
 was on this occasion, the effect is indescribable. No one could say- 
 whence the sound proceeded, nor how manj^ birds, if more than one, pro- 
 duced it; the hollow reverberations filled the air, more like the lessen- 
 ing echoes of some great instrument far away, than the voice of a bird 
 at hand. I listened to this grand concert, absorbed in the reflections it 
 stirred within me, ng longer alone, but in company I love, till the boom- 
 ing fell less frequently upon my ear, and then ceased — it was broad 
 day; the various birds were about their homely avocations, and I must 
 betake m> self to practical concerns. 
 
 Thus, in no faltering accents of timid expectancy, but in the bold tone 
 of assured success, the Grouse calls upon his intended mate to forget 
 the shyness that will no longer serve their iiurpose; nor does the invi- 
 tation lack defiance to a rival who may j)resume to dispute his rights. 
 At the rallying cry the birds assemble, in numbers of both sexes, at 
 some favorable spot, and a singular scene ensues as the courtship pro- 
 gresses. There is a regular "walk-around," as ludicrous, to the disin- 
 terested observer, as some of the performances on the comic stage. The 
 birds run about in a circle, some to the right, others to the left, crossing 
 each other's path, passing and repassing in stilted attitudes, stopping 
 to bow a,nd squat in extravagant postures, and resuming their course, 
 till one would think their heads as well as their hearts were lost. But 
 this is simply their way, and they amuse themselves in such fashion till 
 the affair is settled. The cocks have bristled and swelled, strutted and 
 fought, till some have proven their claims to first choice, and others have 
 concluded to take what they can get. Their subsequent history, I am 
 sorry to state, is neither particnlarly creditable to themselves nor of 
 absorbing interest to us. Leaving them to go about their business in 
 their usual humdrum way, let us look to what now occupies their mates. 
 
 A nest will soon be required for her eggs, and the hen has to select 
 suitable premises, though, being an architect of only the humblest 
 order, she has little building work to do ; and, moreover, not being- 
 fastidious, her choice is made without difSculty. I have found the nests 
 in such various locations that I can hardly determine what her prefer- 
 ence is, if, indeed, she have any. I suppose the site depends much upon 
 circumstances. She will enter a tract overgrown with the low, scrubby 
 willow bushes, so abundant in our higher latitudes, and settle beneath 
 one of these ; she will ramble along the edge of a wooded stream and 
 hide in a patch of tall weeds; she will stroll out on the boundless, bare 
 prairie, and take a tuft of grass at random. But wherever she makes 
 down her bed she is solicitous to conceal it, not only from the rude 
 glances of men, but from the equally cruel eye of her many four-footed 
 enemies. Her method of concealment is most artful — perfected by its 
 witlessness. With admirable instinct, she will avoid a place that offers 
 such chances of concealment as to invite curious search ; her willow 
 bush is the duplicate of a thousand others at hand ; her tuft of grass 
 on the prairie is the counterpart of a million others around ; her nest 
 will be found by accident oftener than by design. And when, stooping 
 over a warm nest on the prairie, whence she has just fluttered in dis- 
 may, we note how exposed it seems, now that it is found ; we wonder 
 how the dozen blades of grass that overarch the eggs, or the rank weed 
 that shadows them, could have hidden the home so effectually that we 
 nearly trod upon the bird before we saw her. She is now but a few yards 
 off', in plain view, amid the scrubby prairie herbage, perhaps squat- 
 ting, but more likely moving away with a swaying motion of the head 
 
414 PEDIOECETES PHASIANELLUS YAE. COLUMBIANUS.. 
 
 at each step. We will not combine murder with the robbery we are 
 about to coiumit, and let us hope she will be consoled in time. Lifting 
 up the e<igs carefully, one by one, we find the nest to be merely a few 
 spears of grass, pressed down and somewhat circularly arranged with, 
 in all probability, a few feathers that appear to have rather been me- 
 chanically detached from the mother binl than laid down by design. If 
 the pliice' is near our northern border, and early in June, we shall prob- 
 ably find the eggs quite fresh ; but. by the third \veek of that month 
 they will be about hatching. At this period should we, for any suffi- 
 cient re;ison, destroy the setting bird, we should find her in sad plight — 
 her plumage, harsh and worn, entirely gone from a large sx>ace on her 
 belly; her flesh thin and flabby, and her crop containing only a few 
 buds of some weed that grows close by her nest, with some grasshop- 
 pers or other insects. 
 
 No bird is a more faithful mother than this Grouse; no one clings to 
 her eggs more steadfastly, or guards her young with more sedulous care. 
 In proof of how close she will set while incubating, let me mention two 
 instances that came under my observation. One poor bird was actually 
 trodden upon and killed, and some of her eggs smashed. On another 
 occasion, I drove a large four-mule ambulance over a nest; the animals 
 shied as they stepped over it, when the bird fluttered out from between 
 their legs. Stopping instantly, I discovered the nest just between the 
 hinder wheels. The Grouse lies hard and close, never relinquishing 
 hope of escaping observation until the last moment. 
 
 The young, as usual among gallinaceous birds, run about almost as 
 soon as they are hatched; and it is interesting to witness the watchful 
 solicitude with which they are cherished by the parent when she first 
 leads them from the nest in quest of food, glancing in every direction, . 
 in her intense anxiety, 1 jst harm befall them. She clucks matronly to 
 bring them to brood under her wings, or to call them together to scram- 
 ble for a choice morsel of food she has found. Should danger threaten,. a 
 different note alarms them; they scatter in every direction, running, like 
 little mice, through the grass till each finds a hiding place; meanwhile, 
 she exposes herself to atti-act attention, till, satisfied of the safety of the 
 brood, she whirrs away and awaits the time when she may reassemble 
 her family. In the region where I observed the birds in June and Julj^, 
 they almost invariably betook themselves to the dense, resistent under- 
 brush, which extends for some distance outward from the wooded 
 streams, seeking safety in this all but impenetrable cover, where it was 
 nearly impossible to catch the young ones, or even to see them, until 
 they began to top the bushes in their earlj^ short flights. The wing and 
 tail-feathers sprout in a few days, and are quite well grown before 
 feathers appear among the down of the body. The first coveys seen 
 able to rise on wing were noticed early in July ; but by the middle of this 
 month most of them fly smartly for short distances, being about as large 
 as Quails. Others, however, may be observed through August, little, if 
 any, larger than this, showing a wide range of time of hatching, though 
 scarcely warranting the inference of two broods in a season. 
 
 Eeturning to the newly-hatched chicks, we will note their character- 
 istics as they progress toward maturity. The down in which they are 
 clothed when hatched is rather dingy yellow, mottled on the crown, back, 
 and wings with warm brown and black; it extends to the toes, but leaves 
 a bare strip along the hind edge of the tarsus; the bill and feet are light 
 brown. They are about as large as Bantam chickens of the same age, and 
 very pretty little things, indeed. They are very quick in.their movements, 
 scrambling to squat and hide, on the least alarm, even at this early age.. 
 
PEDKECETES PHASIANELLUS VAR. COLUMBIANUS. 415 
 
 Th6 first feathers — those of the wings — are light brown, with broken 
 black bars, and strong shaft-lines of pure white, as well as edging of 
 the same. The tail sprouts next. Then some brown feathers appear on 
 the crown. Next, two broad strips of white feathers, with circular 
 brown spots, appear on each side of the breast, coalescing and gradually 
 extending down the side ; meanwhile the scapular and dorsal feathers 
 appear, and the feathering finishes with the neck, when the birds are 
 about one-third grown. With the final disappearance of the down the 
 birds are in a plumage which differs materially from that of the adults, 
 and may be thus described: Grown, warm rich brown, variegated with 
 black. White shaft-lines of the upper plumage persistent, making 
 sharp, white, lengthwise stripes, which, together with a black area on 
 each feather, contrast with the fine gray and brown mottling of the 
 upper parts. Wing-coverts and inner quills somewhat like the back, on 
 their outer webs at least, but with whitish spots along the edge. Sev- 
 eral inner tail-feathers with a shaft-line of white, and otherwise mottled 
 blackish and brown. Lower throat and breast with a bufty suffusion, 
 and with numberless dark brown spots ; sides, similar, but the markings 
 lengthened into streaks. Bill, brown above, light-colored below. 
 
 This plumage lasts through the greater part of September, and is one 
 of several distinctive evidences of immaturity. Sometime during this 
 month a moult occurs, and the perfect plumage of the fall and winter 
 is gained with its completion. By the time of the moult the birds are 
 well grown — sometimes full grown — and delicate for table; but it is 
 hardly fair to shoot them before the change is completed, i hough they 
 fly well enough, they lack spirit and vigor, drop at a touch of small shot, 
 and, altogether, try the qualities of the sportsman little more than gun- 
 ning in a hen-yard would. They should be let alone till they are 
 stronger, warier, and clothed in the fresh, crisp plumage they are about 
 to assume, and which, when completed, makes a bird like this: 
 
 Nech without obviously peculiar feathers, like those of either of the 
 Pinnated orEuffed Grouse or Sage Cock, but with a hidden, definitely 
 circumscribed space on each side of reddish, vascular, and distensible 
 skin, constituting an undeveloped tympanum, over which lies a lateral 
 series of slightly enlarged feathers. Sead lightly crested, the longest 
 feathers of the crown falling on the occiput; a crescentic naked patch 
 over each eye of numerous orange or chrome-yellow fringe-like pro- 
 cesses, in several parallel curved rows. BUI and toings of an ordinary 
 gallinaceous character. Feet full-feathered to between the bases of the 
 toes, with long, hair-like plumage reaching to or beyond the end of the . 
 hind claw. Toes above with one row of broad, transverse scutella, a 
 row on each side of smaller rounded scales, and a conspicuous fringe of 
 horny processes ; beloic, bossed and scabrous. Tail much shorter than 
 the wings, normally of eighteen true rectrices, of which the central pair 
 are soft, parallel-edged, and square-tipped, projecting an inch or two 
 beyond the next pair; the rest rapidly graduated, stiffish, and crisp 
 (making a creaking sound when rubbed together), and, though at first 
 about straight-edged, soon becoming club-shaped (with a constriction 
 near the apex) by mutual attrition. Sexes similar, but cock rather 
 larger and darker than the hen, with more prominent supraciliary 
 papillae. Length, 18 or 20 inches ; extent, 24 to 30 ; wing, 8 to 9 ; mid- 
 dle tail-feathers, 4 to 6 ; shortest tail-leathers (outermost), about IJ ; 
 tarsi, 2 inches ; middle toe and claw, about the same ; culmeu of bill, 
 about f ; gape' of bill, 1 to IJ ; depth of bUl at base, J, or rather less. 
 Colors : Upper parts closely and pretty evenly variegated with black- 
 ish-brown, reddish-brown, and grayish-brown, the pattern smallest on 
 
416 PEDICECETES PHA8IANELLUS VAE. COLTOIBIANUS. 
 
 the ramp and lower back, where the blackish is mostly in sharp-angled 
 stars ; the reddish most conspicuous on the upper back, and both the 
 lighter colors everywhere finely sprinkled with blackish. Wing-coverts 
 like the upper back, but with numerous conspicuous rounded white 
 spots, one on the end of each feather. Crown and back of neck nearly 
 like the back, but in smaller pattern, and the markings mostly trans- 
 verse. An illy-defined white area on each side of the neck, over the 
 tymiianum, and slight, whitish stripe behind the eye. Throat, fine light 
 buff, usually immaculate, but sometimes finely speckled quite across. 
 CTnder parts white, more or less tinted with buff toward the throat ; the 
 breast with numerous regular dark-brown U-shaped spots, one on each 
 feather; similar but smaller, sharper, and fewer such spots thence scat- 
 tered over most of the under parts, only the middle of the belly being 
 left unmarked. Long feathers of the sides under the wings matching 
 the upper wing-coverts nearly ; under wing-coverts and axillaries pure 
 white, not marked ; flanks \^'ith bars or U-spots of dark brown. Legs 
 grayish-white, unmarked. Quills of the wings fuscous ; outer webs of 
 the secondaries with equidistant, squarish, white or tawny spots, the 
 secondaries tipped and imperfectly twice or thriced barred with white, 
 and gradually becoming sprinkled with the varied colors of the back, 
 so that the innermost of them are almost precisely like the greater 
 coverts. Four middle tail-feathers variegated, much like the back; 
 others white, or grayish- white, on the inner web, the outer web being 
 mottled; a few under tail-coverts spotted, the rest white; upper tail- 
 coverts nearly like the rump. Iris, light brown; bill, dark horn-color; 
 part of under mandible, flesh-colored ; claws, like the bill ; toes on top, 
 light horn-color, the soles darker. 
 
 As already intimated, this rich plumage of the fall and winter differs 
 a good deal from that of the breeding season. In summer there is 
 much less of the rusty tinges, the colors being nearly blackish, gray, 
 and white. The throat is more nearly white and speckled. I have shot 
 (September) birds moulting in which the old feathers of the throat were 
 of this character, mixed with new ones of a rich, pure buff. There are 
 other characters; the bare stripe over the eye is more conspicuous, more 
 pimply, and more brightly colored. The legs are very much less heavily 
 clothed; in fact, scarcely more feathered than those of the Pinnated 
 Grouse. The tail of this bird is among its peculiarities, and has occa- 
 sioned comment. The long central pair of feathers appear to belong to 
 the coverts, as stated in my work, p. 233, from examination of dried 
 skins alone ; but this is not so. They are true tail-feathers, implanted 
 fairly in line with the others, as any one can satisfy himself on examin- 
 ation of a fresh-killed bird; the longest coverts belong to a different 
 set, as shown by their site as well as form. It is not easy to describe 
 the shape of the tail-feathers, since they are continually changing their 
 form by wearing away in rubbing against each other. Before the Septem- 
 ber moult, these feathers in the young-of-the-year are rather short and 
 indeterminate in shape, and they are all shed nearly simultaneously; I 
 have shot birds without any tail at all. The new ones are generally as 
 above described, but constantly wear; by June following they often be- 
 come mere shafts with ragged edges. The decided tympanum that this 
 species possess has not received sufficient attention. In both sexes 
 during winter, and in the female at all times, it is not conspicuous, but 
 during the breeding season becomes much enlarged in the cock, and 
 susceptible of very considerable distension. Thus, it shows plainly in a 
 poorly-prepared dried skin now before me. In investigating the nature 
 of these air-sacs I was unable, after several trials, to find any direct 
 
PEDICEOETES phasianellus var. columbianus. 417 
 
 communication with the wind pipe, and came to the conclusion that air 
 ■was admitted from the lung through an opening similar to those by 
 which air gains access to others of the various air-cells in birds' bodies ; 
 that, therefore, the tympanum is simply an exaggerated cervical cavity, 
 belonging to the general system of pneumatic cells. On introducing a 
 blow-pipe into the trachea, I could fully distend the air-sacs, but only 
 coincidently with the general inflation of the body which ensued. 
 
 To return to the habits of this interesting bird. Throughout the 
 region of the Eed, Pembina, and Souris or Mouse Eivers, where I 
 observed the birds during the summer, I found them mostly in the 
 underbrush along the streams, which they seemed to seek instinctively 
 as affording the best shelter and protection, as well as plenty of food. 
 Where thej' were most abundant 1 frequently observed the " scratch- 
 ing holes" in the bare earth among the bushes, where they resorted to 
 dust themselves, and most probably, in the instances of ungrowu cov- 
 eys, to roost. Late in the summer and in September, those who cared 
 to shoot the tender young found them to lie well to a dog ; in fact, to lie 
 so close that they were flushed with difficulty without one. No game 
 birds could be tamer or more readily destroyed. Except when tempo- 
 rarily scattered by molestation, the coveys kept close together, and only 
 occasionally left the covert to stray on the adjoining prairie. They 
 appeared to be feeding chiefly on wild-rose seeds, and those of another 
 kind of plant equally abuTidant along the river-bottoms. The majority 
 of these birds were ungrown up to September, and scarcely any had at 
 that date begun to assume their new plumage. Up to this time I do 
 not recollect that I ever saw one alight in a tree ; and they were still, 
 for the most part, under charge of the parent, as separate families, 
 rather than as the indiscriminate packs in which they afterward asso- 
 ciate. With the advance of the month these family associations seemed 
 to break up, the change of plumage was finished, the birds grew strong 
 of wing, and able in all respects to look after themselves. No longer 
 solicitous of shelter, they haunted the innumerable ravines that make 
 down to the streams, and strolled in company far out on the prairie. 
 In this region, at least, they showed little wariness all through the 
 month. I could generally walk up to a covey in fair view on the bare 
 prairie, even to within a few feet, before they would fly, and they sel- 
 dom went far before re-alighting. Their appearance when not obscured 
 by the herbage is characteristically peculiar. The.^ seem to stand re- 
 markably high on their legs, and generally carry tlieir short, pointed 
 tail somewhat elevated ; the singularity is increased when the long neck 
 is outstretched, as it generally is when they are on the lookout. 6n 
 alighting after being flushed, if not much alarmed, they often stand 
 motionless at full height, but if badly scared, squat closely, and are then 
 difficult to find if not exactly marked down. If without a dog, one may 
 pass and repass among them without finding one, unless he happen to 
 stumble on them ; and often, going away after such want of success, 
 one may look back to find the heads of the whole lot raised above the 
 grass, intently regarding his retreat. It" is astonishing how closely they 
 can squat— even laying the head flat upon the ground, and appearing 
 scarcely half their natural size. At this season their food appears to 
 be chiefly grasshoppers. I have opened qurabers to find their crops 
 crammed with these insects, only varied with a few flowers, weed-tops, 
 succulent leaves, and an occasional beetle or spider. 
 
 By the first of October the Sharp-tailed Grouse have mostly finished 
 the renewal of their plumage, are all full grown and strong of wing ; 
 their habits are considerably modified. They grow wary and watchful, 
 27 
 
418 PEDICECETES PHASIANELLUS VAR. COLUMBIANUS. 
 
 flushing often at long distances to fl.y clear out of sight, and running 
 far on the ground. They also begin to alight on trees, a habit, however, 
 not confirmed until somewhat later, when with the advance of cold 
 weather and the failure of former supplies of food, they assume the 
 rontiue of their winter life. The close coveys of the earlier season are 
 for the most part broken up, and the birds wander often alone in search 
 of food. They haunt the interminable ravines along the Missouri, mak- 
 ing away from the river-bottoms in search of food, but mostly returning 
 at evening to roost in the trees. Early in the morning they may be 
 seen leaving their perches in straggling troops, flying high and swiftly 
 to other feeding.grounds ; and again in the evening, if one loiter beneath 
 the immense cottonwoods where, during the day, scarcely a chicken was 
 to be seen, he will observe their return, till the trees are almost covered, 
 and the air resounds with the hoarse kuk-kuk-Tihlx. Frequently, in very 
 cold and especially in falling weather, the Grouse will not leave their 
 perches during the day, but may be seen at any hour roosting quietly 
 in the tops of the tallest cottonwoods. They are decidedly not graceful 
 objects under these circumstances. They look very large, sharply 
 defined among the bare straggling branches against the gray sky, and 
 assume ungainly attitudes, particularly when standing erect on their 
 long legs, with outstretched necks and upturned tails. Their behavior 
 under these circumstances varies in a manner to me inexplicable. Some- 
 times a grpup thus scattered among the tree-tops will permit the closest 
 approach desired, and more than one may be brought down before the 
 rest are off in alarm ; not seldom one may fire twice or thrice at the 
 same Mrd without dislodging it, or kill several without stirring from his 
 tracks. But ordinarily the chickens' wits serve them to better purpose 
 than this. As we approach, when just beyond-range, the crackling of 
 the underbrush attracts the attention of one of the birds, which before 
 had been squatting " like a bump on a log" ; he rises on his feet and 
 twists his neck around to have a look. The rest follow his example. 
 A moment more, the warning 'kuk-lcul;-'k sounds, and the nearest bird 
 leaves his perch — the cry is taken up bj' the rest, and the whole are off 
 to settle again a few hundred yards away, and tempt renewed pursuit 
 that is likely to end as unsuccessfully. From the sportsman's standpoint, 
 the arrangement is wholly unsatisfactory when the birds behave so; 
 nor when they are tame is it much more attractive ; for, unless a supply 
 of meat be the only point, dropping chickens from the trees is no more 
 exciting than robbing a hen-roost. Killed under these circumstances, 
 the food of the G-rouse is readily ascertained ; in the dead of winter it 
 consists chiefly of the berries of the cedar, and buds of the poplar or 
 Cottonwood and willow, still closely sealed, awaiting the coming of 
 spring. I have taken from one crop a double-handful of such food, 
 almost as dry as when swallowed. This diet does not improve the 
 quality of the flesh ; a chicken at this season is quite a different thing 
 from one killed earlier in the season. The rating of the Grouse as an 
 article of food necessarily varies, not only with circumstances, but 
 according to individual preferences. I myself do not esteem it very 
 highly. A tender young Grouse, early in the season, is not to he des- 
 pised, but all such specially-flavored meat is likely to soon become 
 distasteful, especiallj- if, on one or two occasions, a person has been 
 forced upon a surfeit of it. Confined to Grouse for a few days, most 
 persons, I should judge, would find relief in mess-pork. 
 
 The mode of fbght of this species is not peculiar; it rises with a 
 startling whirr from the ground, till it attains a certain elevation — its 
 straight, steady course, performed with great velocity by alternate sail- 
 
PINNATED GROUSE. 419 
 
 ing and flapping, are points it shares with its relatives. The wing-licats 
 are rapid and energetic, giving it an im|)ulse that enables it to sail long 
 distances, when the ^\ ings are held stiffly expanded to their full extent, 
 somewhat deenrved, and with the points of the qnill-Jeathers separated. 
 The bird's voice is highly characteristic. It is so almost invariably 
 uttered during flight, at particular moments with reference to the de- 
 livery of the wing-strokes, that for some time after my first acquaint- 
 ance with the birds I was in doubt whether the sound were mechanical 
 or vocal; nor was the uncertainty removed until 1 had heard it from 
 the birds at rest. The ordinary note of alarm is almost invariably 
 sounded just before the bird takes wing, whether from the ground or 
 from a tree, and is usually repeated with each succeeding set of wing- 
 beats, seeming to be jerked out of the bird by its muscular efforts. But 
 we hear it also when, the bird being at rest, it becomes alarmed, yet not 
 sufflcieutly to fly away; and when a bird is passing at full speed, sufii- 
 oiently near, we may clearly distinguish the mechanical whirring sound 
 of its wings, as well as, sometimes, the creaking rustle of its tail-feath 
 ers as it turns its flight. When roosting at ease among the trees, and 
 probably at other times, the Grouse have a different set of notes — a 
 sociable cacliling or clucking, with wliich they entertain each other. 
 
 In conversation with Captain Hartley, of the Twenty-second Regiment, 
 an accomplished sportsman, well acquainted with the waysof onr game 
 birds, I was informed of an interesting point of difference in the habits 
 of this bird and the Pinnated Grouse. In entering a cultivated field 
 the latter goes on foot, and may consequently be readily trailed bj- a 
 dog, while the Sharp-tailed flies in, and is only likely to be overhauled 
 by the dog's winding it, or coming accidentally upon it. The same 
 gentleman has noted the preference of this sjiecies for the skirts of 
 woods, brush, and broken places generally, in contrast to the entirely 
 open places which the Pinnated Grouse frequents. 
 
 CUPIDONIA OUPIDO, (Linn.) Bd. 
 Pinnated Grouse; Prairie Hen. 
 
 a. cupido. 
 
 Tetrao Biqrido, Linn., Syat. Nat. i, 1766, 274 (based on Gates., iii, 1, pi. 1 : Bmss. i, 212).— 
 Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 751.— Lath., lud. Orn. ii, 1790, 638.— Wils., Am. Orn. iii, 
 1811, 104, pi. 27.— Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 183; Syn. lt<28, 126; MoDog. 
 Tetrao, iu Am. Pbil. Trans, iii, 1830, 392.— Nutt., ilau.i, 18^2. 662.— AuD.. Orn. 
 Biog. ii, 1834, 490 ; v, 1839, 559 ; pi. 186 ; Syn. 1839, 204 ; B. Am. v, 1842, 23, pi. 
 296.— EuJioxs, Cat. B. Mass. 1835, 4.— Kocii, AViet;. Arcbiv, 1836, l.",9.— Peap.., 
 Eep. Orn. Mass. 1339, 355.— Cabot, Pr. Bost. See. v, 1855, 154 (Long- Island).— 
 LixsL., Cat. B. Conn., Am. Jonrn. 1843, 264.— DeKay, N. Y. Fauna, 1844, 
 205.— Putn., Pr. Ess. Inst. i. 1856, 229 (Massachusetts).— WooDH., Sitgr. Kep. 
 1853, 96 (Arkansas and Eastern Texas).- JIaxim., J. f. 0. vi. 1858, 439. 
 
 JBonasa cupido, Steph., Shaw's Gen. Zool. xi, 299.— Gray, Cat. Gall. Br. Mus. 1867. 88. 
 
 CiipUlonia cupido, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 628.— AViieat., Ohio Agric. Eep. 1860, No. 178 (Ohio, 
 few remaining in northwest portions). — Ha yd.. Rep. 1862, 172 (up the Missouri 
 to the Niobrara).— Sa.m., App. Secy's Kep.. Cat. B. Mass. 1864, p. 11 (Martha's 
 Vineyard and Naushon). — Allen, Cat. B. Mass., Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1804, 8.) 
 (nearly extinct in Massaohu.setts). — Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 291. — 
 COUBS, Pr. Ess. Inst. vi. 1868, 287.— TuRNB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 27'(uow very rare ; 
 few still in Monroe and Northampton Counties, Pa., and Nev,- Jersey Plains). — 
 Allen, Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 500 (Western Iowa, abundant).— A'lLen, Bull. 
 M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 181 (Middle and Western Kansas).— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 
 9.— Trlppe, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 240 (Iowa).— JIayn., Liiiide, 1870, 138 
 (Massachusetts).- COUES, Key, 1872, 234, fig. 148.— B. B. .t E., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 
 440, pi. 61, figs. 1, 7. 
 
 Cupidonia americana, Rbich., Syst. Av. 1850, p. xxix. — Bp., Comptes Eend. xlv, 1857, 428. 
 
420 BONASA UMBELLUS, RUFFED GEOUSE. 
 
 b ? pallidicinctus. 
 Cvpidonia cupido var. pallidicinctus, Ridgw. — B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 446 (Texas). 
 
 Sab. — Fertile prairie country of the United States, nearly to eastern foot-hills of the 
 Rocky Mountains in some latitudes — especially Illiuois, Iowa, Missouri, eastern half of 
 Minnesota, Southeastern Dakota, Middle and Eastern Kansas and Nebraska, Arkansas 
 and Eastern Texas. Var. pallidicinctua from Western Texas. Still lingers in certain 
 localities in the iliddle States and New England. 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition.— ibiO-il, Big Sioux River ; 5423, Mouth of Niobrara. 
 
 It is well known that formerly the Pinnated Grouse inhabited various 
 Eastern regions where it has been almost entirely extirpated. The 
 principal localities where it still lingers are cited above. At present its 
 centre of abundance is the Upper Mississippi Valley, for a considerable 
 distance on either side of the river. Our notice of the distribution of 
 the Sharp-tailed Grouse involved some particulars respecting the west- 
 ern limits of the present species. I have no reason to believe that it 
 occurs at all in Xorth western Minnesota or Northern Dakota, where the 
 other species is so abundant. Its progress upon the Missouri River has 
 been traced by Dr. Hayden further than by myself — to the Niobrara ; 
 and this writer adds that it may proceed to the White Eiver. Lower 
 down, as at Council Bluffs, he sjjeaks of its occurrence "in myriads." 
 Mr. Allen notes its westward spread from Middle Kansas ; but I have 
 found no record of its reaching, as yet, either Colorado or Wyoming. 
 Southward it reaches Texas and Louisiana. I have met with no indica- 
 tion of its occurrence north of the United States boundary. 
 
 It is unnecessary to renew an account of the habits of this abundant 
 and well-known game bird. The eggs are usually distinguished from 
 those of the Sharp-tailed Grouse by being shorter and rounder, as well 
 as rather smaller, though some of the more elongate samples cannot be 
 recognized with certainty. Two specimens will show the greater range 
 of variation in shape — 1.82 by 1.20 ; 1.58 by 1.25. The color is a pecu- 
 liar, very pale, greenish-gray, usually unmarked, though often with uni- 
 form, fine, brown dotting. The variation is much as in Pedioecetes, but 
 the tendency to spotting is not so strong. Eggs of both these birds 
 sometimes show a peculiar glaucous cast, something like the "bloom" 
 on a grape, 
 
 ^ '^ BONASA UMBELLUS, (Linn.) Steph. i - - 
 
 Rnffed Groase. 
 
 a. umbellus j)roper (Brown Enffed Grouse, called "Partridge" in the 
 Northern States, and '■ Pheasant'' in the Southern). 
 
 ■Teirao nmbellns, Lixx., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 275 (based on Edw., p. 79, pi. 248, and Bkiss., 
 p. 214).— Gm., Svst. Xat. i, IT^id, 7t-i.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii. 17'J0, 638.— WiLS., 
 Am. Om. vi, IS 12. 46, pi. 49.— Bp., Obs. "Wils. !••■£>, 182; Syn. 1528, 136; Am. 
 Philos. Trans, iii, 1S30, 389. — Xdtt., Man. i, 1632, 657. — S.iBrKK, App. Frankl. 
 Journ. 679.— Doughty. Cab. N. H i, 1830, 13, pi. 2.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. 
 ii, 1831, 342?— AuD., Om. Biog. i, 1831, 211; v, 1839, 560; pi. 41; Syn. 1839, 
 202 ; B. Am. v, 1842, 7-j, pi. 293.— PuTX., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, Ir^iQ, 215.— Trippe, Pr. 
 Ess. Inst, vi, lc71, 118 (Minnesota) ; and of earlier authors generally. 
 
 Bonasa umbellus, Steph., Shaw's Gen. Zool. xi, 1824, 300. — Bp., Comp. & Geog. List, 
 1838, 43 ; Comptes Rendus, xlv, 1857, 428.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 630.— Elliot, 
 Monog. Tetraonidw. — McIlwk., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 91 (Canada West). — 
 FoWLEK, Am. Nat. iii, 1869. 365 (biography).— Allex. Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 501 
 (Iowa).— D.a.L & B.vxx., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 2r'7 (Nulato, Alaska).- Sxow, 
 B. Kans. 1873, 9 (very rare).— Tkippe, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 240 (Iowa).— 
 CoUES, Key, 1872, 235, fig. 149.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 448, pi. 61, figs. 
 3, 9 ; and of later authors generally. 
 
 Tetrao togatus, Fokst., Phil. Trans. Ixii, 1772, 393.— Lixx., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 275. 
 
 Buffed Grouse of authors and others. 
 
BONASA UMBELLUS, KUPFED GROUSE. 42*1 
 
 b. var. tunbelloides (Qray Euffed Grouse). 
 
 Tetrao umMloides, DotiGL., Tr. Linn. Soo. xvi, 18-29, 148. 
 
 Bonasa mnUllm var. umbelloides, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 925.— Couns, Key, 1872, 235.— Mehr., 
 Eeii. U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, 699.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 453, pi. 61, f. 10. 
 Bonasa mnUllus, Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1873, 181 (Rocky Mountains). 
 
 c. var. sabinii (Red Euffed Grouse). 
 
 Tetrao sabinii, DouGL., Tr. Linn. Soc. xvi, 1829, 137.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831,343, 
 
 foot-note. 
 Bonasa sabiriU, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 631.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. ler.O, 224.— 
 
 Lord, Pr. Arty. Inst. 1864, 123.— Elliot, Mooog-. Tcli: pi. —.—Coop., B. Cal. i, 
 
 1870, 540.— Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic, Acad, i, 1809, 2^7 (Sitka). 
 Bonasa umbellus var. sabinei, CouES, Key, 1872, 235.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 454. 
 Tetrao umbellus, Newb., P. E. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 94 (Oregon). 
 
 ffab. — Of tbe typical form, the United States to tUe high central plains, in wooded jl/J^- - c- 
 districts. Canada, and interior of the fur countries, to Nalato, Alaska (Dall). (But I ^ ,r 
 am informed hy Mr. Eidgway that the British Americiin— even Canadian — specimens /2~ £> 
 are all more or less referable to var. unibelloides, being grayer than those of the United / -^ 
 States.) Of var. umbelloides, the Rocky Mountain region. Of var. sabinii, the Pacificj"-. • ^ 
 province, from the northern border of California to Sitka. 
 
 The Euffed Grouse occurs over only a very limited portion of the 
 Missouri region, by far the greater part of the country not fulfilling its 
 requirements, which are those of an exclusively woodland bird. Dr. 
 Hayden does not mention the species at all, and I never saw it in the 
 Missouri region. It apparently occurs only toward the mouth of the 
 river and in the adjacent country. I have seen no Nebraskau record. 
 In Kansas Mr. Snow says it is "very rare," and it is, no doubt, confined 
 to the eastern part of the State, where it probably breeds. It is given 
 as abundant in Southern Iowa by Mr. Trippe, and occurs in various 
 parts of Missouri. At the other extreme of the Missouri region it is 
 represented by var. umbelloides, as noted beyond. 
 
 It is somewhat singular that a misapprehension should subsist, even 
 among well-informed persons, in regard to this species. The confusion 
 in the minds of some is, doubtless, partly due to the fact that the bird 
 goes under different names in different parts of the country ; and we 
 are often asked, is it a Partridge, or is it a Pheasant"? to which reply 
 may be made that it is neither, but a Grouse. " Pheasant" is a name of 
 a variety of birds of the family Fhasianidce, indigenous to Southern 
 Asia, and not represented in this country at all. The best known spe- 
 cies is that one long ago introduced into England, and there thoroughly 
 naturalized. (The nearest American representative of the Pheasants is 
 tbe Wild Turkey, which is sometimes included in the family Fhasian- 
 idce.) " Partridge" is the name of a group of small gallinaceous birds, 
 which, like the Phasianidce, belong exclusively to the Old World, our 
 American Partridges, so called, being quite a different set of birds. A 
 poverty of our language in the matter of names of various American 
 birds has caused them to become known by some term really belonging 
 only to their (real or supposed) nearest European relatives. It would 
 simplify matters much to discard altogether the terms " Pheasant" and 
 " Partridge," by whicli this species is known in, respectively, the North- 
 ern and Southern Slates, and call it by its proper name. of " Eutied 
 Grouse." The bird itself is unmistakable ; no other species has the con- 
 spicuous ruffle of lengthened, broad, soft, silky feathers on the neck ; 
 and the only other species with any feathery neck-appendages is the 
 Pinnated Grouse, where the appendages are like little wings of narrow, 
 straight, pointed feathers. The Rufi'ed Grouse may be confounded by 
 some with the Canada Grouse, or "Spruce Partridge" (Tetrao cana- 
 densis); but this has no lengthened feathers on the neck, and is other- 
 
422 BONASA UMBELLUS, RUFFED GROUSE. 
 
 wise entirely different. Xor need any one misunderstand the subject 
 through observing that three kinds of Euffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) 
 are here presented. They are Euffed Grouse, each and all of them, and 
 he may ignore the varieties unless he desires to be very precise. They are 
 merely geographical races of the same bird, differing a little in color 
 according to certain climatic influences to which they are respectively 
 subjected. 
 
 The habits of the Euffed Grouse are perfectly well known to those 
 who have been interested in the matter. The eggs are very character- 
 istic — cream-colored — from a creamy-white to a rich creamy-brown, 
 usually immaculate, or scarcely dotted in minute points, but sometimes 
 with small round spots of pale chocolate, irregularly and sparsely set in 
 among numerous uniform dots. In shape they are very near those of 
 Partridges, approaching the pyriform contour, very broad and blunt at 
 one end and pointed at the other.* They measure about 1.66 inches long 
 by 1.20 broad. 
 
 The "drumming'' of the Euffed Grouse has always excited interest, 
 and furnished occasion for various speculations upon the way in which 
 the peculiar noise is made. It was at first supposed to be a vocal effort, 
 and, in fact, the name Bonasa was given on this score ('■'■ bonasus^p a 
 bull, in allusion to the bellowing). This, of course, is entirely errone- 
 ous, the sound being produced with the wings. An account is given by 
 Mr. Eidgway, in a late number of the "American Sportsman," which I 
 transcribe entire, as it furnishes a resume of various earlier views of 
 ornithologists : 
 
 " I send you a few facts bearing upon the subject of why does the 
 Euffed Grouse drum, which I have been able to gather from some of our 
 best authorities, and supplement them by the opinions of some reliable 
 sportsmen of my acquaiutance. As regards my own views, I have none, 
 since my opportunities for observing this species in a state of nature 
 have been very limited, in consequence of its scarcity in the portions of 
 the country where I have hunted. 
 
 "The question of tcliy the Euffed Grouse drums is, perhaps, more 
 easily answered than that of how this sound is produced; and, since the 
 latter has been very erroneously described by our highest authorities 
 on ornithology, I impose upon your space by considering both questions 
 together. Audubon's account of the drumming of the Euffed Grouse is 
 as follows : 
 
 " 'Early in April the Euffed Grouse begins to drum immediately after 
 dawn, and again toward the close of the day. As the season advances, 
 the drumming is repeated more frequently at all hours of the day; and 
 where these birds are abundant, this curious sound is heard from all 
 parts of the woods in which they reside. The drumming is performed 
 in the following manner: The male bird, standing erect on a prostrate, 
 decayed trunk, raises the feathers of its body in the manner of the 
 Turkey-cock, draws its head toward its tail, erecting the feathers of the 
 latter at the same time, and raising its ruff' around the neck, suffers its 
 wings to droop, and struts about on the log. A few mome'nts elapse, 
 when it draws the whole of its feathers close to the body, and, stretch- 
 ing itself out, beats its sides with its wings in the manner of the do- 
 mestic cock, but more loudly, and with such rapidity of motion, after a 
 few of the first strokes, as to cause a tremor in the air, not unlike the 
 rumbling of distant thunder.' (Birds of America, octavo edition, vol 
 V, pp. 77 and 78.) 
 
 "The egg of one of our Partxidges (Oreortyx pictus) is a perfect miniature of that 
 of the Euffed Grouse, and only distinguishable from the unmarked specimens of the 
 latter bv its smaller size — 1.45 by 1.10 
 
BONASA TJMBELLUS, RUFFED GROUSE. 423 
 
 " Wilson's ac'couut is substantially the same, though he does not say 
 that the bird beats the body with its wings. We quote his own words: 
 
 "'The drumming, as it is called, of the Pheasant is another singu- 
 larity of this species. This is performed by the male alone. This 
 drumming is most common in the spring, and is the call of the code to 
 Ms favorite female. It is produced in the following manner : The bird, 
 standing on an old, prostrate log, generally in a retired and sheltered 
 situation, contracts his throat, erects his expanded tail, elevates the 
 two tufts of feathers on his neck, and inflates his whole body, some- 
 thing in the manner of the Turkey-cock, strutting and wheeling about 
 with great stateliuess. After a few manoeuvres of this kind, he begins 
 to strike with his stiffened wings in short and quick strokes, which 
 become more and more rapid until they run into each other, as has 
 been already described.' (American Ornithology, Wilson and Bona- 
 parte, vol. ii, pp. 266 and 267.) 
 
 "Nuttall describes it more in the manner of Audubon, and is more 
 satisfactory in his conjectures as to ichy this sound is produced. Ac- 
 cordingly we quote his account in full : 
 
 " ' In the month of April the Euffed Grouse begins to be recognized 
 by his peculiar dyimiming, heard soon after dawn and toward the close 
 of evening. At length, as the season of pairing approaches, it is heard 
 louder and more frequent till a later hour of the day, and commences 
 again toward the close of the afternoon. This sonorous, crepitating 
 sound, strongly resembling a low peal of distant thunder, is produced 
 by the male, who, as a preliminary to the operation, stands upright on 
 a prostrate log, parading with erected tail and ruff, and with drooping 
 wings, in the manner of the Turkey. After swelling out his feathers 
 and strutting forth for a few moments, at a sudden impulse, like the 
 motions of a crowiug-cock, he draws down his elevated plumes, and, 
 stretching himself forward, loudly beats his sides with his wings with 
 such accelerating motion, after the first few strokes, as to cause the 
 tremor described, which may be heard reverberating, in a still morning, 
 to the distance of from a quarter to a half a mile. This curious signal 
 is repeated at intervals of six or eight minutes. The same sound is also 
 heard in autumn as well as in the spring, and is given by the caged bird 
 as well as the free, being, at times, merely an instinctive expression of 
 hilarity and vigor. The drumming parade of the male is often likewise 
 the signal for a quarrel ; and when they happen to meet each other in 
 the vicinity of their usual and stated walks, obstinate battles, like those 
 of our domestic fowls for the sovereignty of the dung-hill, but too com- 
 monly succeed.' (Manual of Ornithology, Land Birds, second edition, 
 pp. 96 and 97.) 
 
 " Most writers follow Audubon and Nuttall in saying that the drum- 
 ming is produced by striking the wings against the body ; but, from 
 the accounts given me by reliable sportsmen, there is no doubt that the 
 above high authorities are in error. Wilson, as will be seen above, 
 does not say that the wings are struck against the body, though it is 
 somewhat uncertain whether he meant to say so or not, since the rest of 
 his descriptiou is, substautially, that of Audubon and Nuttall. 
 
 " My esteemed friend, Mr. H. W. Heushaw, of Cambridge, Massachu- 
 setts, has furnished me with what I believe to be a reliable account of 
 the manner in which the drumming is produced. His authorities are 
 his father and Mr. William Brewster, of Cambridge — the latter an ac- 
 complished sportsman, whose statements 1 can vouch for myself. Mr. 
 Henshaw describes the drumming process as follows : 
 
 " The bird sits crosswise upon the log, resting upon the ba<}k of the 
 
424 BONASA UMBELLUS, EUFFED GROUSE. 
 
 tarsi (not standing- erect, as described by some writers), its tail project- 
 ing nearly horizontally behind (not erected) and spread; the head is 
 drawn back, the feathers pressed close to the body. The wings are then 
 raised and stiffened, and drumming commences by a slow, hard stroke 
 with both wings, downward and forward ; but they are stopped before 
 they touch the body. The rapidity of this motion is increased after the 
 first few beats, when the wings move so fast that only a semi circular 
 haze over the bird is visible, this rapid vibration causing the rolling 
 noise with which the sound terminates. The movements of the wings, 
 and the rumbling thereby produced, are entirely analogous to those 
 produced by the Hamming-bird when hovering over a flower. This I 
 believe to be the true description of the manner of drumming, and, I am 
 happy to add, that my father, who has often crawled up to within twenty 
 feet of the bird at such times, corroborates it in every particular. 
 There are, doubtless, among those who read the 'Sportsman,' many who 
 have had opportunities to watch the operations of the Eufled Grouse 
 when engaged in drumming, and the exxierience of each one would be 
 a very acceptable contribution to our knowledge of the habits of this 
 very interesting species. 
 
 " The fact that the drumming of the Euffed Grouse is heard as often 
 in autumn as in spring, has raised the question of ichy this sound is pro- 
 duced. In regard to this, Xuttall is i)robably correct in saying that it 
 is often ' an instinctive expression of hilarity and vigor,' as well as the 
 call-note of the male during the breeding season." 
 
 To tliis article Mr. J. H. Batty replies in the following terms : 
 
 " In Xo. 21 of the ' Sportsman' I find an article of my friend, Mr. Eidg- 
 way, 'Why and how does the Euifed Grouse drum?' I solved the 
 mystery, to my own satisfaction, some five years ago, when living at 
 Springfield, Massachusetts. The peculiar noise made by the Euffed 
 Grouse is caused by the backs or exterior sides of the wings striMmj 
 each other as they are forcibly raised over the back of the bird. I have 
 seen the Grouse drum, within a few yards of me, a number of times. 
 On one occasion I was sitting on a log in the woods, by a stone wall, 
 eating my lunch. While thus engaged, a Eufied Grouse mounted the 
 wall, about fifty yards from my position, and commenced walking on it 
 directly toward me. I immediately laid down behind the log on which 
 I had been sitting, and awaited the approach of the bird. V/hen it had 
 reached a point opposite me it mounted a large elevated stone on the 
 top of the wall and commenced drumming, after a series of struttiugs 
 backward and forward on the wall, as described by Audubon, Wilson, 
 and others. When the bird was drumming its back was toward me, 
 and I had an unobstructed view of it against the sky. The Grouse first 
 struck its wings together slowly and strongly, then gradually increased 
 these strokes until the single strokes could not be detected. During 
 tlie more rapid beating of the wings the 'semi-circular haze' caused by 
 the wings was observable, as stated by Mr. Henshaw. The wings of 
 the Grouse were stiffened and the strokes given from the shoulder (if I 
 may so speak), and the wings did not appear to touch the bird's sides. 
 
 " This occurred in October. Later in the season, when going the 
 round of my mink and muskrat traps, I found a male Eufled Grouse 
 caught in one of them by the leg. The bird had evidently been caught 
 but a short time before tny arrival, and, as the trap which held it was a 
 small and weak one, and the jaws were filled with leaves, the bird's leg 
 had not been broken. I carried the Grouse home and put it in a large 
 feed-box, which was standing in the open air under the shade of an 
 apple-tree. Wheu returning from a hunting excursion one day, one of 
 
LAGOPUS LEUCUKUS, WHITE-TAILED PTARMIGAN. 
 
 425 
 
 my neighbors said, 'Your Partridge has been drumming.' I put an old 
 stump in the box of my captive and it had the desired results, for the 
 next morning it was drumming loudly. I observed its motions when 
 drumming, through a hole in the box, and I am confident that tiie noise 
 was caused by the wings coming forcibly in contact with each other. 
 Let any person taiie the wings of a dead Grouse in his hands and beat 
 them quickly together over the bird's back, and they will see at once 
 that the peculiar sounds made by the Ruffed Grouse, and called drum- 
 ming, is naturally produced. The 'young-of-the-year' of the male 
 Grouse drum in the autumn more frequently than the adult males, as I 
 have ascertained by shooting them when in the act. I have found great 
 difficulty in stalking the Grouse at their drumming-posts, and have 
 often failed in my attempts to do it. The male birds fight hard battles 
 in the spring, and I once caught an old cock by the legs in a snare that 
 had its head cut and bruised very badly, and portions of its neck almost 
 destitute of feathers, the effects of fighting." 
 
 I have myself never witnessed the act; but my i^resent view is, that 
 the noise is made by beating the air simply — not by striking the wings 
 either together or against the body, or any hard object. 
 
 B0NA8A UMBELLUS var. UMBELLOIDES, (Dougl.) Bd. 
 
 tiray Enffed Gfrouse. 
 
 (For synonymy and habitat of this variety, see preceding article.) 
 List of ■■ip<.cime]is. 
 
 19170 
 19171 
 19172 
 19374 
 
 Grosv. Fork . . . 
 
 do 
 
 , do 
 
 Pry or's Fork . . . 
 
 June 2,1860 
 June 2,1860 
 June 3,1860 
 June 19, 1860 
 
 F.V. Hayden. 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 G. H. Trook.. 
 
 17.75 
 16.00 
 16.50 
 17.00 
 
 21.00 
 21.25 
 20.00 
 23.00 
 
 5.00 
 7.00 
 7.00 
 
 Not obtained by Lieutenant Warren's Exi^edition. 
 
 Later Expeditions. — 60823-5, Uintah Mountains ; 62353-7, Idaho and Wyoming. 
 
 The preceding article presents the synonymy of this variety in con- 
 nection with that of the typical umhellus and of the Pacific Province 
 var. sahinii. Its varietal character lies chiefly in the prevalence of slate- 
 gray color ; it is one extreme (of paleness), of which the reddish-brown 
 var. sabinii is the other. This bird has only been noted from the Eocky 
 Mountain region, and occurs about the sources of the Missouri and some 
 of its principal tributaries. Mr. 0. H. Merriam found it in Idaho and 
 Wyoming, and states that, although not abuindant, it was found through- 
 out the pine forests from T6ton Canon to the Yellowstone. As already 
 noticed, all the British- American Buffed Grouse, excepting those of var. 
 sabinii, are grayer than the ordinary bird of the United States, more or 
 less nearly approaching var. umbelloides. Its habits are, beyond doubt, 
 substantially the same as those of the common bird. 
 
 LAG0PU8 LBUCUEUS, Sw. 
 
 White-tailed Ptarmigan. 
 
 Tetrao (Lagopus) leucwrus, Sw. & Rich., P. B. A. ii, 1831, 356, pi. 63.— Nhtt., Man. ii, 
 1834, 612 ; 2d ed. 1840, 820.— AuD., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 200, pi. 418. 
 
 Lagopus leucurus, Km>., Syn. 1839, 208 ; B. Am. v, 1842, 125, pi. 302.— Be, B. N. A. 1858, 
 636.— CouES, Pr. A. N. S. Phila. 1866, 94 (Canton Burgwyn, N. M., latitude 
 37").— Elliot,^ Mon. Tdraonida, pi. — .— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 542.— Allen, 
 Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 164 (common in mountains of Colorado, above timber- 
 
426 LAGOPUS LEUCUEUS, WHITE-TAILED PTARMIGAN. 
 
 line).— Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 209 (Snowy Range of Colorado).— CoUES, 
 Key N. A. B. 1-7:2, 236.— B. B. & E., N. A. U. iii, 1S74, 464, pi. 62, f. 6. 
 
 Hah. — Rocky Mountains, from the Arctic Ocean to latitude 37°. Higher mountains 
 of Washington Territory and British Columbia. 
 
 Ptarmigan may be said to be simply Grouse which turn white in 
 winter. They are the only members of this family of birds in which 
 such a remiukable seasonal change of plumage occurs. All the Ptar- 
 migan are Giouse of boreal or alpine distribution, only reaching sea- 
 level in the higher latitudes, elsewhere confined to mountains. There 
 are fl^e or six species of the Northern Hemis])here, three of which in- 
 habit Xorth America. The present species is immediately distinguished 
 from the rest by having the tail white at all seasons, as implied in it« 
 name ; this member, in both our other species, being wholly bfack, and 
 being at least in part black in the species of the Old World. In size, 
 form, and general aspect, the Ptarmigan come nearest the Spruce Par- 
 tridge {Tetrao canaclensis) ; like this species lacking any peculiar feathers 
 on the neck ; their most notable characteristic is the dense feathering 
 of the feet, in adaiJtation to the boreal regions they inhabit. The feath- 
 ers reach quite to the claws, and cause the bird's feet to look something 
 like a ralibit's — a similarity that suggested the technical term Lagopus, 
 or "hare-foot." The same thing occurs in the Snowy Owl, to the same 
 purpose. In winter this Ptarmigan is entirely snow-white ; in summer 
 the plumage is variegated with ochrey and tawu\ , in finely undulated 
 pattern, much of the under parts, however, and wings, remaining white. 
 It shows little or nothing of the rich brown and chocolate colors that 
 the other Ptai-migan display. 
 
 This i.s the only Ptarmigan of regular occurrence in the United States 
 (exclusive of Alaska). Another species, the Willow Ptarmigan {Lago- 
 pus alhus), is occasional in northernmost New England, but in winter 
 only. Amlubon, indeed, gives it from the " Eocky Mountains," but there 
 is nothing to show that he means that portion of the mountains within 
 the Tnited States. The White-tailed Ptarmigan is found on the highest 
 mountains of the main chain, as far south as latitude 37°, and on the 
 peaks of Washington Territory and British Columbia. Little has been 
 recorded of its habits, which, however, are probablj" not materially dif- 
 ferenttrom those of its better-known allies. Mr. Aiken, as above quoted, 
 states that it is said to be common on the Snowy Range of Colorado, 
 and gives a description of the nest, upon a miner's authority, as com- 
 posed of leaves and grass, placed on the ground, among bushes on a 
 side-hill. "Eggs fourteen in number, light bluish-brown, spotted with 
 dark brown." The following description of the egg, furnished by Mr. 
 Allen, who took it on the Coloradan Mountains, above timber line, where 
 he found the bird common, is more precise : "The onl5' egg of this spe- 
 cies I have seen, was an imperfect one presented to me at Montgomery, 
 Colorado Territoiy, by Mr. A. G. Mead, who obtained it a few days be- 
 fore on Mount Lincoln. It is thickly sprinkled with small, bright red- 
 dish-brown spots, on a chocolate-colored ground, and measui es about 2.00 
 inches in length by 1.20 inches in diameter. The White-tailed Ptarmi- 
 gan breeds above timber-line, probably throughout the snow-capped 
 range of the Eocky Mountains, descending into the timbered valleys in 
 winter, when many are killed for food by the miners." 
 
 The following interesting communication was prepared for this work 
 by Mr. Trippe, from his observations in Clear Creek County, Colorado : 
 
 "The White-tailed Ptarmigan is a very abundant bird on the main 
 range, living entirely above timber-line the year round, except during 
 the severest part of winter, when it descends into the timber tor shelter 
 
LAGOPUS LEUCURUS, WHITE-TAILED PTARMIGAN. 427 
 
 and food, occasionally straggling as low as 10,000 feet. It begins to 
 change color about tbe middle of March, when a few specks of blackish- 
 brown begin to appear in the plumage of the oldest males ; but the 
 change is very slow, and it is late in AprU before there is much black 
 visible, and the close of May, or early in June, before the summer plum- 
 age is perfect. The Ptarmigan builds its nest in the latter part of June, 
 and commences hatching toward the close of the month or early in July. 
 The nest — which is almost always placed on or near the summit of a 
 ridge or spur, many hundred feet above timber-line — is merely a depres- 
 sion in the ground, lined with a few straws and white feathers from the 
 mother's breast. The eggs are eight in number, of a light buffbrown, 
 thickly sprinkled with spots of dark chocolate-brown, somewhat thicker 
 at the larger end. While on her nest, the bird is very tame. Once, 
 while walking near the summit of the range, I chanced to look down, 
 and saw a Ptarmigan in the grass, at my very feet ; at the next step I 
 should have trodden upon her. Seeing that she did not appear fright- 
 ened, I sat down gently, stroked her on the back, and finally, putting 
 both hands beneath her, raised her gently ofl' the nest and set her down 
 on the grass, while she scolded and pecked my hands like a setting hen ; 
 and on being released, merely flew off a few yards and settled on a rock, 
 from which she watched me till I had gone away. Late in July I came 
 across a brood of young ones, apparently not more than four or five days 
 old. They were striped with broad bands of white and blackish-brown, 
 and looked precisely like little game chickens. The mother flew in my 
 face and hit me with her wings, using all the little artifices that the 
 Quail and Partridge know so well how to employ, to draw me away ; 
 while her brood, seven or eight in number, nimbly ran and hid them- 
 selves in the dense grass and among the stones. On another excursion 
 above timber-line, toward the close of August, I found most of the young 
 ones nearly grown and strong on the wing ; but one brood was of the 
 size of Quails, showing that some birds must begin breeding much later 
 than others, or that they occasionally raise two broods. These little 
 ones were colored much like the older birds, having blackish-brown 
 bodies and pure white tails. About the first of September the Ptarmi- 
 gan begins to change color again; but, as in the spring, the process is 
 very gradual, white feathers appearing, one by one, and taking the place 
 of the dark ones. The white on the lower parts enlarges first; then the 
 white areas on the wing ; and next, white specks appear on the upper 
 parts, becoming larger and more numerous as the season wears on ; but 
 so gradual is the change, that a month after it begins there is not much 
 difference in the plumage perceptible, the general aspect being that of 
 summer. There is much more of the light rufous, however, and the ap- 
 pearance is lighter and grayer, as though bleached. The dark areas 
 predominate, however, throughout October ; and, as I have been in- 
 formed by persons who have killed them througbout the yeai', it is late 
 in December or January before tliey become pure white, some few birds 
 showing occasional dark spots even throughout the latter month. 
 
 " The Ptarmigan feeds upon the leaves and stalks of various alpine 
 plants, being particularly fond of those of a species of Cassia (1), the 
 flowers of which I have frequently taken from its crop. It also lives 
 largely upon insects, and in winter is said to subsist on the buds and 
 leaves of the pines and firs. Its flesh is light colored, though not as 
 white as that of the Gray Grouse, to which it is usually considered 
 inferior for the table. In localities where it is seldom molested it is 
 very tame, and I have been inforiued by persons whose word is worthy 
 of belief, that they have frequently killed it with sticks. But when 
 
428 LAGOPUS LEUCIXEUS, WHITE-TAILED PTARMIGAN. 
 
 persistently persecuted, it soon becomes wild, and leaves the range of 
 a shot-gun with surprising quickness. After hunting several large 
 flocks for three or four days, they grew so shy that it was difiBcult to 
 approach within gunshot, although at first they had been comparatively 
 tame. Nimble of foot, the Ptarmigan frequently prefers to run away, 
 on the approach of danger, rather than take wing, running over the 
 rocks and leaping from point to point with great agility, stopping every 
 little wliile to look at the object of alarm. I have sometimes chased 
 them half a mile or more, over the rocky, craggy ridges of the main 
 range, without being able to get within gunshot, or force them to take 
 wing. The fliglit of the Ptarmigan is strong, rapid, and at times sus- 
 tained for a considerable distance, though usually they fly but a few hun- 
 dred yards before alighting again. It resembles that of the Prairie 
 Hen, consisting of rapid flappings of the wings, alternating with the 
 sailing flight of the latter bird. The note is a loud cackle, somewhat 
 like the Prairie Hen's, yet quite different ; and when uttered by a large 
 flock together, reminds one of the confused murmur and gabble of a 
 flock of shore-birds about to take wing. It is a gregarious bird, asso- 
 ciating in flocks throughout the year, except in the breeding season. 
 The different broods gather together as soon as they are nearly grown, 
 forming large flocks, sometimes of a hundred or more. The colors of 
 this bird closely resemble those of the surrounding objects, at all seasons 
 of the year. In its summer plumage of speckled black and gray, it is 
 very difficult to detect while sitting motionless among the gray and 
 lichen-covered rocks. The Ptarmigan is apparently well aware of this, 
 and often squats and remains quiet while one is walking past, trusting 
 to its resemblance to the surrounding rocks to escape observation. So 
 perfect is this resemblance that, sometimes on seeing one alight at a 
 certain spot and withdrawing my eyes from it a moment, I have been 
 unable to find it again, although I knew the exact place where it sat, 
 until a movement on the part of the bird betrayed its position. In 
 summer the white areas of the plumage are completely hidden, while 
 the bird is squatting, although plainly visible while on the wing ; in 
 winter, the first appearing black specks are concealed beneath the white 
 feathers; and at this period, as I am informed, is almost indistinguish- 
 able from the snow. On being pursued, it will dive into the snow and 
 reappear at a considerable distance." 
 
 In further illustration of the history of this species, I reproduce the 
 following interesting communication from Mr. J. H. Batty, of Dr. Hay- 
 den's survey. It appeared in "Forest and Stream," of January 29, 
 1874. That the bird never lays more than four eggs is, however, open 
 to question. 
 
 "The Lagopiis leucurus is the smallest of its genus, and inhabits the 
 highest ranges of the Eocky Mountains. It was first taken by Douglas 
 and presented to the Zoological Society of London. Since then, speci- 
 mens of it have been taken by the United States expeditions, and during 
 the last summer I collected several adults and one young cbick while in 
 the Sierra Madre Mountains with the United States Geological Survey 
 under Dr. F. V. Hay den. The White-tailed Ptarmigan is the only one 
 of its family that is found in the Southern Eocky Mountains. During 
 the summer months they are found in pairs near the snow-banks on the 
 bare tops of the mountains. Their nests I have seen on several occa- 
 sions, all of which had been deserted by the young. They are generally 
 placed iu some little cavity among the loose rocks, and are constructed 
 of dried grasses. The nests are small in proportion to those of the 
 diflereut species of Grouse, and scantily built. In fact, they select just 
 
LAGOPUS LEUCUEUS, WHITE-TAILED PTARMIGAN. 429 
 
 such places for their nest in the rocks of the mountains as the iTria 
 <7r2/He ( Black Guillemot) would on the rocky islands of the Atlantic 
 Ocean. I do not think the Lagopiis leucurus ever has more than three 
 or four young at a brood, as I have seen pairs of old birds with thL-ir 
 young on several occasions, and at such times have never observed 
 more than four chicks in a family. It is barely possible that their num- 
 bers may have been lessened by being devoured by Hawks or by the 
 cold rains, which may have chilled and killed them. It is a well-known 
 fact to most naturalists that large numbers of the young EuSed Grouse 
 often j)erish from exposure during late springs accompanied by cold 
 rains. I have several times found them dead and in a dying state, 
 caused by exposure in the woods near Springfield, Massachusetts. I do 
 not think that is the case with the young Ptarmigans, however, as they 
 are hatched late in the season, and last spring was a favorable one for 
 their propagation. ISTeither do I think they are destroyed by Hawks, 
 as there are none where the Ptarmigans breed, with the exception of a 
 few straggling Sparrow Hawks, which are rarely seen. Therefore I 
 think the Lagopus leucurus has but three or four eggs at a sitting, and 
 but one brood in a season. They have a continued moult which lasts 
 during the summer months, and the variation in their plumage is so great 
 that it is almost impossible to find two individuals in the same plumage. 
 During the months from April to September their plumage is very scant 
 and ragged ; but when in their full winter plumage their feathers are 
 heavy and compact, which gives them a much larger appearance than 
 when seen in the summer dress, mottled with brown and grayish-white. 
 Tbe tail at all times is pure white. They are generally known in Colo- 
 rado as White and Mountain Quails by the hunters, miners, and ranch- 
 men. When with their young they will fight the ornithological robber, 
 flying so near as to hit one with their wings, in their endeavor to pro- 
 tect their chickens. Both male and female are equally courageous, and 
 will defend their young. In the summer they are very tame, and when 
 approached will run among the rocks or in the dwarf willows, a few 
 yards from the hunter, and squat, and will not continue their retreat 
 until the hunter is upon them. When raised they fly in a straight line 
 for seventy-five or a hundred yards, and alight on some elevated rock, 
 stretching out the neck its full length to see if they are followed, and if 
 nothing is seen to excite their suspicion they walk otf from the rocks 
 and commence to feed as usual. During deep snows in the winter the 
 Ptarmigan descend from the mountains and feed in the edges of the 
 timber and on the hill-sides. Last winter some were seen as far east as 
 South Park, Colorado, feeding on the foot-hills. Thej^ are gregarious in 
 winter. The White-tailed Ptarmigan is 26.25 inches in extent, and 14.50 
 inches long ; eye, hazel ; superciliary membrane, red ; toes, feathered 
 half their length in summer, and entirely covered with hair-like feathers 
 in the winter ; claws, blackish, lighter at their tips, long, broad and strong, 
 rounded above, concave beneath, arched, edges sharp; and in some in- 
 dividuals the claws are notched on the sides." 
 
 Note. — The only North American Teiruomvce not treated of in the foregoing pages 
 are two species of Ptarmigan, the synonymy of 'which is given in the accompanying 
 foot-note, to complete a view of the snbfamily.* 
 
 "1. Lagopus albus, (Gmelin), Audubon. 
 
 Tetrao albus, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 750.— Lath., Ind. Om. ii, 1790, 639 {Lagopedede la 
 Bale d'Hudson, Bujtf., ii. 276 ; Wliite Partridge, Edvi:, 72 ; JT'7(We G4'o«s, Pexn., 
 Arct. Zool. ii, No. 183 ; Lath., Gen. Syn. iv, 743). 
 
 Lagopus albus, Add., Syn. 1839, 207 ; B. Am. v, 1842, 114.— Bp., List, 1838, 44.— Nutt., 
 Man. i, 2d ed. 1840, 816.— Coues, Pr. A. N. S. 1861, 227 (Labrador).- Verb., Pr. 
 
430 ODONTOPHORIN^, AMEKICAN PAETEIDGES. 
 
 Subfamily Obontophoeinjg : American Partridges. 
 
 As previously remarked, the Partridges are distinguished from the 
 Grouse by the nakedness of the feet and nostrils, and other characters. 
 They average much smaller — the largest of our species is smaller than 
 the least of our Grouse. The American Partridges have been separated 
 as a subfamily from those of the Old World, but this division, however 
 convenient and geographically distinctive, does not appear to rest upon 
 structural peculiarities of any considerable moment. They are stated 
 to be peculiar in the presence of a tooth or notch on the edge of the under 
 mandible, but this character is often obscure and sometimes inappreci- 
 able. There may be, however, some anatomical differences not yet fully 
 elaborated. The group is represented by numerous species, some of 
 great beauty, of Central and South America, and several others which 
 reach over our southern border. The familiar and well-known Par- 
 tridge of the Southern States — and Quail of the S^orthern — is one of the 
 most attractive game birds of this country. The several United States 
 genera may readily be distinguished, as follows : 
 
 Ortyx. An inconspicuons crest, scarcely visible except in life. Tail about two- 
 thirds as long as the wing. Coloration everywhere variegated. (One species). 
 
 Caixipepla. a short, soft, full crest. Tail nearly as long as the wing. Coloration 
 much the same all over, showing curious semicircular markings. (One species). 
 
 Okeortyx. a long slender arrowy crest, two or three inches long, of two narrowly 
 linear feathers. Tail two-thirds (rather less) as long as the wing. Parti-colored, but 
 the coloration chiefly in masses. (One species). 
 
 LopHOKTVX. A long, recurved, helmet-like crest, of several imbricated plumes, 
 enlarged at the extremity. Tail about as long as the wing. Coloration chiefly in 
 masses. (Two species). 
 
 Cyrtoxyx. a short, soft, full crest. Tail scarcely half as long as the wing. Colora^ 
 tioQ peculiar. (One species). 
 
 As all these genera have each but a single species in this country, excepting Lnphor- 
 tyx, the foregoing is nearly equivalent to a determination of the species. 
 
 Ess. Inst, iii, 1662, 158 (Maine).— Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 289 (Northern 
 New England). — Geay", Cat. Gallina; Br. Mus. 1867, 80. — Daxl & Bank., Tr. 
 Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 287 (Alaska).— FixscH, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 62 (Alaska).— 
 Coues, Key, 1872, 235.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 457, pi. 62, f. 1, 2, 3. 
 
 Tetrao saliceti, Temm., Man. ii. 471. — Sab., App. Frank. Joum. G81. — EiCH., App. Parry's 
 2d Voy. 347.— AUD., Om. Biog. ii, 1834, 528, pi. 191. 
 
 Tetrao (Lagopus) saliceti, Sw. & ElCH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 351. 
 
 (?) Tetrao lagopus, FoEST., Philos. Tr. Ixii, 1772, .390. 
 
 Tetrao lapjponicus, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 751. — Lath., Ind. Om. ii, 1790, 640. 
 
 " Tetrao rehmak, Temji., Pig. et Gall, iii, 225." 
 
 Zagopus subalpinus, Nils., Orn. Suec. i, 307. 
 
 Lagopus brachydactylus, Temji., Man. Orn. iii, 328. — Gould, B. E. pi. 256. 
 Sai. — Northern North America, into the northernmost States. 
 
 2. Lagopus rupestris, (Gmelin), Leach. 
 
 Tetrao rupestris, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 751.— Lath., Ind. Om. ii, 1790, 640 (Rod Ctrous, 
 Penjs., Arct. Zool. ii, No. 184 ; Lath., Syn. Suppl. 217). — Sab., Suppl. Parry's 
 Ist Voy. p. cxcv.— EiCH., App. Parry's 2d Voy. 348.— AuD., Orn. Biog. iv, 1338, 
 483, pi. 2HS. 
 
 Tetrao (Lagopus) rupestris, Sw. & EiCH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 354, pi. 64. 
 
 Lagopus rupestris, Leach, Zool. Misc. ii, 290. — Bp., List, 1838, 44. — ^AUD., Syn. 1839,208; 
 E. Am. V, 184-2, 122, pi. 301.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 635.— Coues, Key, li;72, 235. 
 
 Attagen ru2>estris, Eeich., Syst. Av. 185] , p. xxix. 
 
 Tetrao (Lagopus) mutus, Sw. & EiCH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 350 (quote Tetrao lagopus, Sab., 
 Suppl. Parry's Ist Vov. p. cxcvii; Sab., Frank. Jonrn. 682; EiCH., App. 
 Parry's 2d Voy. 350). 
 
 Tetrao mutM8, AuD., Om. Biog. v, 1839, 196. 
 
 Lagopus viutus, Bp., List, 1838, 44.— Gray, Cat. Gall. Br. JIus. 1867, 91. 
 
 Lagopus mutus var. rupestris, B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 462, pi. 62, f. 4, 5. 
 
 Lagopus americamus, AuD., Syn. 1839, 207 ; B. Am. v, 1842, 119, pi. 300. 
 
 Lagopus islandorum, Faber, Prod. M. Orn. 6. 
 
 Lagopus reinliardtii et grooenlandicus, Brehm. 
 Sal}. — Arctic America. 
 
431 
 
 / 
 
 ORTYX VIEGINIANUS, (Linn.) Bp. 
 Virginia Partridge, or Quail; Bob White. 
 
 a. virginianus. 
 
 Tetrao virginiar.us, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 277 (baaed on Perdix virqiniana, Gates., Car. 
 
 i, 12, pi. 12; Beiss., Orn. i, 230).— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1786, 7{il. 
 Perdix rirginiana, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 650. — Wixs., Am. Orn. vi, 1812, 21, pi. 47.— 
 
 Bp., Syn. 18'IS, 124 (subg. Orfi/x).— Dough., Cab. Kat. Hist, i, 1830, 37, pi. 4.— 
 
 Bp., Journ. Pbila. Acad, iv, 18v!5, 368, No. 203.— Add., Orn. Biog. i, 1831, 388; 
 
 V, 1839, 564 ; pi. 76.— Nott., Man. i, 1832, 646. 
 Ortyx virginianus, Jard., JStat. Lib. Birds, iv, 101, pi. 10. — Bp., List, 1838, 43. — AuD., 
 
 Syn. 1839, 199 ; B. Am. v, 1842, 59, pi. 289.— Gould, Moncg. Odontophorinw, pi. 
 
 1.— WOODH., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 94 (Indian Territory and Texas).— Bd., B. N. A. 
 
 1858, 640.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 173 (Missouri River to White River).— Ai.i.en, 
 
 Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 352 (critical) ; iii, 1872, 181 (Kansas).— Trippe, Pr. Ess. 
 
 Inst, vi, 1871, 118 (Minnesota) ; Pr. Bost. Soo. xv, 1872, 240 (Iowa).— Snow, B. 
 
 Kans. 1873, 9, No. 197 (Eastern and Middle Kansas).— CoUES, Key, 1872, 236.— 
 
 B. B. & E., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 468, pi. 63, f. 1, 2 ; and of authors generally. 
 Tetrao marilandicus, Linn., Syst. Nttt. i, 1766, 277 (based on Perdix novw anglice,Q^iSS.,^ 
 
 i, 329).— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 761. 
 Perdix marilandica, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 650. 
 Tetrao minor, Bartr., Trav. in Fla. 1791, 2906i3. 
 Perdix iorealis, Vieili,., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. ; Gal. ii, 44, pi. 214. 
 Ortijx horeaUs, Steph., Shaw's Gen. Zool. xi, 1819, 377. — Jaed. & Selby. 111. 
 Perdrix {Ortyx) mexicanus, Less., Tr. 507 (quotes Gm., and P. E. 149). 
 (?) Oriyx castameus, Gould, P. Z. S. x, 182 ; Monog. Odont. pi. 3 {melanotic f). 
 
 b. texanus. 
 
 Ortyx texanus, Lawe., Ann. Lye. N. Y. vi, 1853, 1.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 641 ; Mex. Bound. 
 
 Surv. ii, 1859, pt. ii, p. 22, pi. 24. 
 Ortyx virginianus var. texanus, CoUES, Key, 1872, 237. — B. B. & E., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 474, 
 
 pi. 63, f. 3, 4. 
 
 c. floridanus. 
 
 Ortyx virginianus var. fimidanus, CouES, Key, 1872, 237. — B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 522. 
 
 d. cuhanensis. 
 
 Ortyx cuhanensis, GouiD, Monog. Odont. pi. 2. — Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 514. 
 Ortyx virginiamis var. cuhanensis, B. B. & E., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 468. 
 
 fla6.— Eastern United States. North to Massachusetts and slightly beyond ; Canada 
 West ; Minnesota. West to high central plains. Up the Missouri to White River 
 {Hayden). Salt Lake Valley, introduced {AXlen). Var. texanus in Texas. Var. fiori- 
 danus in Florida, and very similar sp^iciraens up the Mississippi Valley to Southern 
 Illinois {Bidgway). Introduced in Bahamas {Bryant) and Santa Cruz {iteioion). 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4859, Iowa Point. 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition. 
 
 I find no record of the Quails in ISTew England beyond Massachusetts, 
 and it does not go much further north. In Minnesota it is abundant 
 in southern portions of the State, and appears to be spreading with 
 the advance of the settlements, like the Pinnated Grouse. I found no 
 indication of its presence along the Red River, or anywhere in Northern 
 Dakota. Along the Missouri River it is abundant upito Fort Randall, 
 where I have enjoyed as fine Quail shooting as I have found anywhere ; 
 and, according to Dr. Hayden, it has followed up the course of the river 
 to the White River. In this region, according to my observation, they 
 are strictly confined to the wooded and brushy portions of the river- 
 bottoms, which form an interrupted series of natural " preserves," in 
 every way adapted to the shelter of the bird, and the affording of a supply 
 of food. Even in this rigorous climate, where the thermometer falls 
 every winter to 20° or 30° below zero, the birds show no disposition to 
 migrate, and generally succeed in braving such severe cold, although I 
 have authentic information of instances in which a whole covey has 
 
432 PLUilED QUAIL LOPHORTYX GAMBELI. 
 
 been found frozen to death, huddled together in the vain attempt to 
 preserve their warmth. At Fort Randall, a place where the river flows 
 nearly due east, I observed that the Quail were all on the north bank, 
 although the other afforded equally attractive resorts; this may be 
 accounted for by a suggestion of Captain Hartley's, that they choose 
 the sunny side of the river, the south side being overshadowed by the 
 bold bluffs. 
 
 Stjpplementaey account of ODONTOPHORIN^. 
 
 As the Missouri region furnishes but a single species of this interest- 
 ing group, I will illustrate it further with an account of all the remain- 
 ing species of the United States, derived chiefly from my observations 
 in Xew Mexico, Arizona, and California. The distinctive characters of 
 the genera have already been given. 
 
 PLUMED QUAIL. — Lophoetyx gambeli,* Wutt. 
 
 As the principal game bird of Arizona, and in fact the only one found 
 all over the Territory since the Turkeys and water-fowl are necessarily 
 of partial distribution, the Plumed Quail claims the special attention of 
 the sportsman, as well as naturalist, and has charms for both. It is resi- 
 dent in all parts of the Territory, and always at hand to furnish healthful 
 and agreeable sport, no less than to contribute a dainty to larders that 
 are rarely overstocked. 
 
 The geographical distribution of this species has been determined 
 with precision, thanks to the observations of several naturalists besides 
 myself, who have recorded their experiences in different localities. In 
 general terms, the Territories of Xew Mexico and Arizona may be called 
 its habitat; biit this indication may be given with more exactitude. To 
 the eastward the bird has been found as far as the Rio Pecos, in Texas, 
 a region that seems to be its limit in this direction, the Massena replac- 
 ing it beyond. The Colorado nearly defines it western extension, but 
 this statement requires the qualification given below. The conditions 
 of the Quails existence are fulfilled throughout the broad region 
 between the rivers just named; whfle to the northward enough is now 
 known of its extension to make it certain that it reaches somewhat 
 further than the limits Colonel McCall assigned in his extremely inter- 
 esting contribution to Mr. Cassin's work. This gentleman gives the 
 habitat as lying between the 31st and 34th parallels ; but I found it 
 abundant at Fort Whipple, a little north of 35°, and think the limit 
 should not be fixed lower than 30° at least. But its numbers dwindle 
 as we approach its northern confines, and the broken mountain portions 
 of Northern Arizona appear less suited to its wants than the plains and 
 
 * The followiug ia the synonymy of this species : 
 
 Lophortijx gambeli, "Nutt."— Gamb., Pr. A. N. S. i, 1843, 260; Jonru. A. N. S. i, 219.— 
 McCali., Pr. A. N. S. 1851, 221.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 645.— Kbnn., P. K. K. 
 Eep. X, 1859, Whipple's Route, Birds, 33. — Heeem., ibid. Parke's Route, BirdS; 
 19.— Bd., Mes. B. Surv. ii, 1859, Birds, 23.— COUES, Ibis, 1866, 4,6 (biogra- 
 phy).— Cooes, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 94.— Dkess., Ibis, 1866, 2d.— Coop., B. 
 Cal. i. 1870, 553.-COUES, Key, 1872, 236.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 482, pL 
 64, f. 4, 5. 
 
 CalUpepla gambeli, Gould, Monog. Odont. 1850, pi. 17. — Cass., 111. i, 1853, 45, pi. 9. — 
 Heeem., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, Williamson's Route, Birds, 60. 
 
 Callipepla venusta, Gould, P. Z. S. xiv, 1846, 70. 
 
 Lopliortyx " californiciw," CouES, Ibis, 1865, 165 (error). 
 
PLUMED QUAIL — ^LOPHOETYS GAMBELL 433 
 
 deserts further south. We may without hesitation fix upou the valleys 
 of the Gila and Colorado as its (ientres of abundance ; about Fort 
 Yuma, for example, there were more Quails to the square mile than I 
 ever saw elsewhere, and, indeed, I could scarcely see how many more 
 could well have been accommodated with food and hiding-places. Ihe 
 numbers diminish but little up the river to Fort Mojave, but they soon 
 after decrease. Quail being so abundant at Fort Whipple, I regarded 
 it as a little singular that I saw none at all in approaching that locality 
 from the eastward, along the same parallel ; but such was the case. 
 Numerous observers, however, attest its presence at various points 
 along the Eio Grande. Southward the Quail passes beyond the United 
 States, and spreads over contiguous portions of Mexico. 
 
 An interesting fact in the distribution of this species is the effect of 
 the Colorado desert in shutting it off from the fertile portions of Cali- 
 fornia. This dreary, sterile waste offers a barrier to its westward exten- 
 sion that is only exceptionally overcome. Although the birds enter the 
 desert a little way, they rarely reach far enough to mix with the repre- 
 sentative species of California (L. californicus). The strip of country 
 that mostly assists in their occasional passage westward is along the 
 Mojave Eiver, a stream arising in the San Bernardino Mountains, and 
 flowing eastward toward the Colorado, from which it is shut off by a 
 range of hills, and consequently sinks in the desert at Soda Lake. 
 Among other birds, the two kinds of Plumed Quail — Gambel's and the 
 Californian — meet along this comparatively fertile thoroughfare, upon 
 neutral ground, as Drs. Heermann and Cooper, as well as myself, have 
 witnessed. Much further south, Colonel McCall found birds at Alamo 
 Mucho, forty-four miles west of the Colorado ; but still the desert is 
 in effect the barrier I have represented, and the two Quails, speaking 
 generally, do not meet. One wonders the less at this who has any good 
 idea of the Colorado desert, such as may be gained, for example, from- 
 the following passage from Colonel McCall's article, which remains 
 associated in my mind with the Plumed Quails with all the freshness 
 of first impressions. Speaking of the Alamo, where he shot a pair, 
 "Here is in truth a desert!" exclaims the Colonel. "Figure to your- 
 self, if you can, a portion of this fair earth, where, for some hundreds 
 of miles, the whole crust seems to have been reduced to ashes by the 
 action of internal fires ; behold avast plain of desolation surrounded, 
 and at intervals intersected, by abrupt mountain ranges, which are 
 little better than gigantic heaps of scoria; imagine this scenery to be 
 actually glowing under the direct rays of a midsummer sun, and you, 
 may have some idea of the prospect that meets the eye of the traveler 
 who looks out upon the desert from the well of the Alamo. Ton may 
 perceive in his rear a few stunted cottonwood-trees scattered along the 
 edge of a channel, in which, apparently, water once was, but now is, 
 not ; while around him, here and there, is a light-leafed mezquite, that 
 stretches forth its slender arms and appears to invite him to a shade 
 that is but a mockery. Here it was that I first heard the iilaiutive 
 voice of this bird as he strove to cheer his mate while occupied in the 
 tedious task of incubation." And singularly enough, the bird is almost 
 equally hemmed in by desert to thfe eastward as well; for according to 
 the same writer's accounts, "a sandy desert, between the Pecos and 
 Devil's River, is the barrier beyond which the species under consider- 
 ation has not extended its range." 
 
 Such a glimpse of the haunts of the Plumed Quail make one wonder 
 how it ever became a game bird at all ; how sportsmen could be able 
 to make game of it, without being themselves rather made game of! 
 28 
 
434 PLUMED QUAIL — LOPHOETYX GAMBELI. 
 
 But great as are the natural disadvantages of the surronndings, tbe 
 bird's attractions are still greater, and partly so from this very fact. 
 But Arizona is a large place, and one need not always endure desert in 
 his Quail- shooting. There is a much brighter side to the picture^ we 
 have just seen only the darkest possible. Perhaps no Territory rivals 
 Arizona in variety of climate, physical geography, and natural produc- 
 tions. Between rugged mountains that lift snow-capped peaks among 
 the clouds lie hidden pleasant green valleys, whose fresh verdure con- 
 trasts with surrounding desolation. Vast primaeval forests stretch for 
 leagues, or are only interrupted by oak and cedar openings. Bright 
 fringes of cottonwoods and willows mark the devious course of streams, 
 where walnut and cherry are scattered, and grape-vines cling to them, 
 and roses bloom beneath leafy boughs. Here is plenty at least, if not 
 Ijeace. Nothing mars the pleasures of the chase, but the chances of 
 being chas^ed. Were it not for Indians, we should have here the acm6 of 
 Quail-shooting. 
 
 Gambel's Quail may be looked for in every kind of cover. Where 
 they abound it is almost impossible to miss them, and coveys may 
 often be seen on exposed sand-heaps, along open rrads, or in the cleared 
 patches around settlers' cabins. If they hare any aversion, it is for 
 thick high pine-woods, without any undergrowth ; there they only 
 iCasually stray. They are particularly fond of the low, tangled brush 
 .along creeks, the dense groves of young willows that grow in similar 
 j)laces, and the close set chaparral of hillocks or mountain ravines. 
 I have often found them, also, among huge granitic boulders and 
 jnasses of lava, where there was little or no vegetation, except some 
 .straggling weeds ; and have flushed them from the dryer knolls in the 
 midst of a reedy swamp. Along the Gila and Colorado they live in 
 such brakes as I described in speaking of Abert's Finch; and they 
 frequent the groves of mezquite and mimosa, that form so conspicuous 
 a feature of the scenery in those places. These scrubby trees form 
 dense interlacing copses, only to be penetrated with the utmost dif- 
 ficulty, but beneath their spreading scrawny branches are open inter- 
 secting ways, along which the Quail roams at will, enjoying the slight 
 shade. In the most sterile regions they are apt to come together in 
 numbers about the few water-holes or moist spots that may be found, 
 and remain in the vicinity, so that they become almost as good indi- 
 cation of the presence of water as the Doves themselves. A note- 
 worthy fact in their history, is their ability to bear, without apparent 
 inconvenience, great extremes of temperature. They are seemingly at 
 ease among the burning sands of the desert, where, for months, the 
 thermometer daily marks a hundred, and may reach a hundred and 
 forty, " in the best shade that could be procured," as Colonel McCall 
 says; and they are equally at home the year round among the mount- 
 ains, where si:ow lies on the ground in winter. 
 
 The Quail's food is made up of various substances. Like the rest of 
 its tribe, it is chiefly granivorous, eating seeds of every description ; 
 but fruits and insects form a large portion of its fare. It devours 
 insects of such sorts as it can capture, and particularly those kinds 
 that infest plants. In the fall it gathers cherries and grapes, and other 
 "fruits" properly speaking, as well as the various berries not usually so 
 called. It visits patches of prickly-pear {Opuntia) to feed upon the soft 
 Juicy "tmias." that are eaten by everything in Arizona, from men and 
 bears, to beetles. In the spring it shows fondness for the buds of differ- 
 ent plants, particularly mezquite and willow ; birds shot at this time 
 are Irequently found with sticky bits of the buds about their bills. But 
 
PLUMED QUAIL LOPHORTYX CAMBELL 435 
 
 though tbey thus feed so extensively upon this substance, containing 
 salicine, I never noticed that the flesh acquired a bitter taste. There is 
 as yet little cultivated grain in Arizona ; but doubtless some future 
 historian will have to add our cereals to the bird's list, and speak of 
 Gambel's Quail as frequenting old corn and wheat-fields, and the neigh- 
 borhood of hay -ricks, where a large share of its food is to be gleaned. 
 Like other Gallinw, it swallows quantities of sand and gravel to 
 facilitate, it is supposed, the trituration in the gizzard of the harder 
 kinds of food. 
 
 I believe that the Quail moults at least twice a year; but the spring 
 change is apparently less complete, and certainly more gradual than 
 that of the fall, the birds seeming rather to furbish up a part of their 
 plumage than to furnish themselves with entirely new attire. By the 
 latter part of summer* the plumage is faded aud worn with incubation 
 and the care of the young, and the renewal begins as soon as the latest 
 brood is reared. The process is a long one, and birds are rarely found 
 at any season in such poor condition as to be unfit for preservation, nor 
 are they ever deprived of flight. No crest is occasionally found for a 
 short time in early autumn; but new feathers generally sprout before 
 all the old ones are dropped. I think they are shed from beltind for- 
 ward, so that the front ones are lost the last. The fully-developed crest 
 is a striking and beautiful ornament, hardly to be surpassed in stylish- 
 ness and jaunty effect. It averages an inch and a half in length, aud 
 sometimes reaches two inches in the most vigorous males ; in the 
 females it is rarely over an inch. The male's is glossy jet-black ; the 
 female's has a brownish cast. The number of feathers composing it is 
 variable; five or six is usual, but there may be ten. They all spring 
 from a single point on the top of the head— just behind the transverse 
 white line that crosses the crown from eye to eye. The teatht-rs are 
 club-shaped, enlarged at the tip, and curling over forward, together 
 formiug a helmet-shaped bundle. The webs are loose ; they bend back- 
 ward from the shaft, so that this forms the front border of the feather. 
 Each feather is thus folded or imbricated over the next succeeding, and 
 the whole are packed iuto a single fascicle in this manner. The crest is 
 freely movable, and its motions are subject to voluntary control. It is 
 usually carried erect, but sometimes droits forward, or obliquely over 
 one eye; and occasionally is allowed to hang backward, though it can- 
 not be made to lie close over the occiput. The crest sprouts when the 
 chicks are only a few days old, about the time that the first true 
 feathers appear upon the wings and tail. It then cousists of three or 
 four feathers, forming a short tuft, brown instead of black, not club- 
 shaped, nor recurved, nor imbricated. Even in the adult female, thj/ugh 
 the crest has the same general characters as that of the male, it is only 
 slightly, if at all, recurved, and is always shorter, as we have seen. 
 
 The hen may easily be distinguished from the cock by other differ- 
 ences ; she is smaller, averaging an inch less in length ; she has no pure 
 black, white, or chestnut about the head, and wants the great black 
 spot upon the belly. Similar in other respects, there is still a general 
 dullness and want of tone about all her colors, as well as less sharpness 
 of definition of the several differently colored areas. The sexual char- 
 acters are evident before the birds are half grown. The chicks in the 
 downy state, a few days old, do not in the least resemble either parent. 
 They are very prettily marked ; in fact they are more attractive before 
 they have any feathers than afterward, until mature; just as little 
 
 *I speak of observations as made at Fort Whipple, unless the contrary is stated. 
 
436 PLUMED QUAIL — LOPHOETTX GAMBELI. 
 
 cliildren aud grown folks are about equally agreeable, while balf-fledged 
 people are apt to be more or less offeusive. The bill is bright-reddish, 
 with the under mandible nearly white ; the feet are flesh-colored ; the 
 head yellowish-white, with a pure brown spot on the nape, and a few 
 black feathei's on the crown, each streaked with white; the upper parts 
 tawny or brownish-gray, mottled and clouded with black, and conspic- 
 uously streaked with long, narrow, sharply-penciled whited -white lines ; 
 the primaries dusky, marbled with lighter and darker colors on the 
 outer webs; throat whitish; all other under parts with narrow, blended, 
 transverse bars of black and yellowish-white. The little things, in this 
 condition, are about 3J inches long, and may be found up to the last of 
 August, though by this time most of the summer's brood are partly 
 grown. "When the chicks are six or seven inches long the general color 
 is dull, leaden-gray, becoming ochraceous on the scapulars and wing- 
 coverts, which are still mottled, as just described ; the chin and belly 
 are nearly whitish ; the breast still has a few longitudinal white Unes, 
 but is mostly waved across with dark shades of gray ; the flanks become 
 tinged with brown, and the sides with fulvous, though, as yet, without 
 distinct white and chestnut stripes ; there is a broad white superciliary 
 line; the crest is brown, half an inch long. Progressing from this stage 
 to one nearly complete, birds occur, in September, October, and part of 
 Xovember, with the bill black and feet dark colored; the crest an inch 
 long, and beginning to recurve; the white lines about the head of the 
 young males now apparent ; the sides rusty-brown, with traces of defi- 
 nite white stripes; black becoming evident on the abdomen; on the 
 breast, clear plumbeous feathers, mixed with light gray waved ones ; 
 the upper parts mostly clear plumbeous, but still somewhat waved and 
 marbled with pale gray. 
 
 All Quail are Prcecoces, as already explained ; and the chicks of this 
 species are certainly precocious little things, if we may judge by their 
 actions when they are disturbed. They run about as soon as they are 
 hatched, though probably not "with half shell on their backs," as some 
 one has said. In a few days they become very nimble, and so expert in 
 hiding that it is difficult either to see or catch them. When the mother 
 bird is surprised with her young brood, she gives a sharp warning cry, 
 that is well understood to mean danger, and then generally flies a httle 
 distance to some concealed spot, where she crouches, anxiously watch- 
 ing. The fledglings, by an instinct that seems strange when we con- 
 sider how short a time they have had any ideas at all, instantly scatter 
 in all directions, and squat to hide as soon as they think they have 
 found a safe place, remaining motionless until the reassuring notes of 
 the another call them together again, with an intimation that the alarm 
 is over. Then they huddle close around her, and she carefully leads 
 them off to some other spot, where she looks for greater security in the 
 enjoyment of her hopes and pleasing cares. As long as they require 
 the parent's attention they keep close together, and are averse to fly- 
 ing. Even after becoming able to use their wings well, they prefer to 
 run and hide, or squat where they may be, when alarmed. If then 
 forced up, the young covey flies off, without separating, to a little dis- 
 tance, often realighting on the lower limbs of trees or in bushes, rather 
 than on the ground. As they grow older and strong of wing, they fly 
 further, separate more readily, and more rarely take to trees; and some- 
 times, before they are fully grown, they are found to have already be- 
 come wary and difficult of approach. As one draws near where a covey 
 is feeding, a quick, sharp cry from the bird who first notices the approach 
 alarms the whole, and is quickly repeated by the rest, as they start to 
 
PLUMED QUAIL LOPHORTYX CAMBELI. 437 
 
 run, betraying tlieir course by tbe rustling of dried leaves. Let liim 
 step nearer, and they rise with a whirr, scattering in every direction. 
 
 Newly-hatched birds may be found all summer ; and incubation goes 
 on from, say, early in May until the middle of August. Not that any 
 single pair are engaged so long, but that different broods may be hatched 
 during all this time. The greater number of old birds pair in Apiil, 
 and hatch their first brood some time during the following mouth. 
 Most of them doubtless raise another. Others appear to defer incuba- 
 tion for a month or two, and have but one brood. The first chicks that 
 I saw in the summer of 1865 were hatched in May ; and I found others, 
 the same year, only a few days old in August; but by this month almost 
 all the birds of the year were well grown, and by September were in 
 condition to afford legitimate sport. In October a few are found not 
 yet ready to be shot ; but the great majority are as large as the parents, 
 and nearly as strong of wing. The season may, therefore, be said to 
 begin in October and continue into March, but birds should not be pur- 
 sued later than the middle of this month. For although few bird.«, if 
 any, actually mate before April, it is cruel as well as injudicious to dis- 
 turb them while they are preparing to do so. The beginning of the 
 pairing season may be known to be at hand when certain peculiar cries, 
 different from any usually emitted during the fall and winter, are heard. 
 
 These notes are a sign that the coveys are breaking up and mating 
 about to commence. They are analogous to the "bob- white" of the 
 Eastern Quail [Ortyx virginiamts), and are uttered, as with that species, 
 more particularly in the breeding season. The note is a loud, energetic, 
 two-syllabled whistle, delivered in a clear, ringing tone. It is difficult to 
 write down intelligently, but, once heard, is not likely to be afterward 
 mistaken, except for one of the cries of the Black-headed G-rosbeak. It 
 sounds, to my ears, something like the forcible pronunciation of the 
 syllables ^^killink, Mllinlc,'" indefinitely repeated, sometimes with a rising, 
 sometimes a falling, intonation. The old cocks, if they can be seen so 
 engaged, are found strutting along some fallen log, or gesticulating from 
 the top of some broad rock, or stepping with dignified air along a path- 
 way under the bushes; sometimes even perched in a tree or bush, with- 
 out other motion than the heaving of the chest. But, wherever they 
 may be, they have one mind in common ; their only thouglit, to secure 
 the admiration and then the favor of birds more modest if not more fair. 
 
 A beautiful sight it is to see the enamored birds pressing suit with 
 all the pomp and circumstance of their brilliant courtships. The firm 
 and stately tread, with body erect and comely shape displayed to best 
 advantage; the quivering wings; the motion of the plumes, that wave 
 like the standard of knights-errant; the flashing eyes — bespeak proud 
 consciousness of rnasculine vigor. The beautiful bird glances defiance 
 and challenges loudly, eager for a rival ; but none disputes, and he may 
 retire, his rights proven. Only a gentler bird is near, hidden in a leaty 
 bower, whence she watches, admiring his bearing, fascinated by the 
 courage she sees displayed, hoping every moment that the next will 
 bring him, dreading lest it may. As their eyes meet, she trembles and 
 would turn to fly, but cannot; his glow again, but with a different light, 
 even more intense than before. With an exultant cry, be flies straight 
 to her, and, like the true knight he is, for just one instant bends till his 
 breast touches the ground, and is then erect again. He leans toward 
 her, half-spreads his wing over her, and pleads in under-toue. She 
 listens, but draws away ; she listens, but only stands irresolute ; she 
 listens, and, listening, yields. 
 
438 PLUMED QUAIL — LOPHOETYX GAMBELT. 
 
 Tbcy must prepare for new duties. With deep sense of responsibility 
 and earnest solicitude, the pair now cast about for a suitable spot for 
 their home. They search through the tall, rank herbage alongside the 
 stream, through the willow- copses, among fallen moss-covered logs that 
 are scattered around the glen, and at length make up their minds. 
 Little more is needed than to fix upon the spot, for the nest is a simple 
 affair, the work of a few hours perhaps, scratching a suitable depression 
 and lining it with a few dried grasses pressed together. Day by day 
 eggs are laid, till a dozen or more fill the nest. They cannot be distin- 
 guished from those of the California Quail. They measure an inch and 
 a quarter in length by an inch in breadth, and are almost pyramidal in 
 shape, the larger end flattish and very broad, the other narrow and 
 poijited. The color is a buff or rich creamy, dotted and spotted all over 
 with bright brown, and splashed here and there with large blotches of 
 the same. When the female is not pressed to lay, the pair ramble about 
 together, in close company, until the complement is finished. Then she 
 gives up all recreation, grown already quite sober and maternal, and 
 resolutely sets about her long tour of duty. But she is not forgotten 
 because she can no longer share the idle pleasures of her lord. Mounted 
 on a stump or bush near by, he stands watch, and continually solaces 
 her with the best music he can make. It is not very harmonious, to be 
 sure ; in fact his ditty at such times is a medley of odd notes, sounding 
 rather lugubrious than hilarious, but it is presumably satisfactory to 
 the one most concerned. So the long days pass for two weeks or more, 
 till feeble cries come from the nest; the mother dries and cuddles 
 the curious little things, and the delighted birds, brimful of joy, lead 
 their family off in search of food. 
 
 From the number of eggs sometimes found in a nest, it becomes a 
 question whether birds, hard pressed, may not occasionally deposit in 
 nests not their own. We have no positive evidence that it may 
 occur, but observation has rendered it highly probable that such is the 
 case with some other birds, as the Rails, and, I think, the Virginia 
 Quail. However this may be, it is pretty certain that broods of young 
 sometimes coalesce, at a varying time after hatching. 1 do not remem- 
 ber to have myself seen a covey of more than twenty; but it is ciu'- 
 rently reported, upon good authority, that troops numbering as many 
 as fifty partly-grown birds, and including several old ones, may be met 
 with. This raises, of course, the question of polygamy, so common in 
 birds of this order; and something may be said in favor of the view. 
 The same surmise has been made in the case of L. californieus, but I 
 believe it remains to be proven. I am bound to observe, that I have 
 never witnessed anything supporting this view ; had I done so, what 
 has just gone before would not have been written. 
 
 In an article communicated some years since to the " Ibis," I used the 
 following language, which I have since found no reason to modify : 
 
 "Compared with the Eastern Quail (0. virginiantis), from the sports- 
 man's stand-point, Gambel's Plumed Quail is more difficult to kill. Not 
 that it rises with more startling suddenness, or flies faster, for I noticed 
 no material difference in these respects. But when a bevy is flushed 
 and one, or at most two, birds secured, it is exceedingly difficult, and 
 usually only by chance, that other .shots are obtained. For, except under 
 certain circumstances, they lie very badly ; and when tliey drop, after 
 being for the first time started, it is usually not to squat and remain bid, 
 but to run as fast and far as possible ; so that if found at all, it will be 
 dozens of yards from where they were marked down. This propensity 
 to run, which is also a great obstacle to their being flushed within proper 
 
VALLEY QUAIL OF CALIFOENIA ^L. CALIFOBNICCS. 439 
 
 distance, is exceedingly troublesome both to the sportsman and his dog; 
 so mnch so, that the best trained dogs can often be of little or no serv- 
 ice. It is true that this habit of running affords many shots on the 
 ground, and often places the whole bevy directly under fire ; but no true 
 sportsman would thus ingloriously fill his bag by 'potting' a bevy of 
 such noble game birds. Like all their tribe, their flight is exceedingly 
 rapid and vigorous : but it is always even and direct, so that it only 
 requires a very quick hand and eye, and the usual intuitive calculation 
 for cross shots'^, to kill them readily. Xotwithstauding all I hare heard 
 to the contrary, I consider them far from being tough birds, and ^o. 8 
 shot is abundantly large enough for them. The fault in most cases, I 
 presume, is with "the shooter rather than the shot. I may add, that 
 many of the places in which bevies are found would compare unfavor- 
 ably Vith the worst Woodcock-brake of the Eastern States, as regards 
 facilities for obtaining a fair shot. I have had a bevy flushed all around 
 me, and hardly caught a glimpse of a feather. But these and all other 
 difficulties should only increase one's ardor, and confer additional value 
 on the lovely birds when obtained." 
 
 Man is, I suppose, the Quail's worst enemy; what the White does with 
 dog and gun the Eed accomplishes with ingenious snares. The Indians 
 take gTeat numbers alive in this way, for food or to trade with the 
 whites along the Colorado ; and they use the crests for a variety of pur- 
 poses that they consider ornamental. I saw a squaw once who had at 
 least a hundred of them strung on a piece of rope-yarn for a necklace. 
 But the birds have other foes: the larger Hawks prey upon them, so 
 also do the wolves, as I had good evidence upon one occasion, when 
 hunting in a precipitous, rocky place near Fort Whipple. I heard a 
 covey whispering about me as they started to run off in the weeds, and 
 followed them up to get a shot. They passed around a huge boulder 
 that projected from the hill-side, and then, to my surprise, suddenly 
 scattered on wing in every direction, some flying almost in my face. 
 At the same instant a wolf leaped up from the grass, where he had been 
 hiding, a few feet off, intending to waylay the covey, and looking very 
 much disappointed, not to say digusted, at the sudden flight. We had 
 marked the covey together, and were hunting it up from opposite sides, 
 and neither of us could account for their flushing so unexpectedly ; then 
 he caught sight of me, and it was a question which of us was most sur- 
 prised. However, I felt that I owed him a private grudge for getting 
 in the way of the birds and spoiling my shot ; so I fired both barrels in 
 quick succession. With nothing but mustard-seed in my gun, I hardly 
 expected to more than frighten the beast, but he was so near that he 
 rolled over quite handsomely, his hindquarters paralyzed with a charge 
 that took eft'ect in the smaU of the back. I kept his skin as a trophy, 
 and since that time have had unlimited confidence in small shot ! 
 
 VALLEY QUAIL of CALLFOEXIA.— Lophoettx CALIFOE^^CA.* B^). 
 
 This species is readily distinguished from the last. In place of the 
 large black area on the belly, there is a tract of rich golden-brown or 
 
 * Tetrao caJifornicus. Shaw, Nat. ilise. pi. 345. 
 
 Perdix califomicus. Lath.. Ind. Om. Snppl. ISiH. p. Ixii. — AuD., Orn. Biog. v. 1Sj9. 1.5'2, 
 
 pi. 413.— Bp., Syn. 152S, 125 (subg. Oj-tyj).— Hutchix's Cal. Mag. ii, liil, -241. 
 Ortyx califoriiica, Steph., Shaw's Gen. Zool. si, 1619. 3S4. — jAitD.. >>Lit. Lib. iv. 104, nl. 
 
 11.— Cuv.. E. A. (illnst. ed.) Ois. pi. 64.— Besijett. Gard. & Men. Z. S. ii, 29, 
 
 fig. — .— AuD.. Syn. 1839, 199; B. Am. v, li4-2. 67, pi. -290. 
 CMipepla californica, GouuD. ilonog. Odant. 1.?. pi. 16.^Eeich.. Syst. At. l-ir.O. pi. 27. — 
 
 Xewb., p. K. K. Eep. vi, ldo7, 92. — Heerm., ibid, x, 15.59, pt. vi, 60. 
 
440 MOUNTAIN QUAIL OF CALIFORNIA — O. PICTU8, 
 
 oraiige-chestnat, where the feathers are sharply edged with black. The 
 forehead is whitish, with black lines, instead of black with whitish 
 lines; the occiput is smoky-brown, instead of chestnut-browii ; there is 
 a small white loral stripe ; the vent, flanks and crissum are tawny, with 
 dark stripes; the long feathers of the sides are like the back, with 
 sharp, white stripes. In the hen bird the belly is whitish, or tawny, 
 with black semicircles, as in the cock ; while in the hen of gambeli the 
 same parts are whitish, with lengthwise dark marks. 
 
 This species replaces the last in the Pacific coast region, from Wash- 
 ington Territory southward. It is abundant from the Columbia River 
 to Cape Saint Lucas, on the plains and in the valleys. In California 
 they are mostly restricted to the regions west of the Sierra Nevada, 
 which, with the Great Colorado Desert, form a barrier to their spread 
 eastward. But they do reach nearly. to the Colorado River, following 
 along the course of the Mojave River to the spot where it sinks in the 
 desert, there meeting the western extension of the range of L. gambeli. 
 Up the mountains it does not appear to reach a higher altitude than 
 three or four thousand feet, beyond which it is replaced by the Oreortyx 
 pictus. In its general habits it is the counterpart of Gambel's Quail. 
 
 MOUNTAIN QUAIL OP CALIFORNIA.— Oeeorttx picttjs,* Bd. 
 
 This is a magnificent species, much the largest and handsomest Quail 
 of this country. Its distribution is limited and rather peculiar, as it in- 
 habits almost exclusively the mountain ranges of Oregon and California. 
 Having never yet seen the bird alive, I can say nothing from personal 
 observation of its habits. Dr. Cooper furnishes the following account: 
 
 " This bird, one of the most beautiful of its family, is common in the 
 higher ranges of California and Oregon, and I think a few are found 
 north of the Columbia. South of San Francisco they are unknown near 
 the coast, unless some birds seen by members of the Survey, in the 
 Mount Diablo range, at an elevation of over 3,000 feet, were of this 
 species. In the Sierra Nevada they have been obtained at Fort Tejon, 
 at about 4,000 feet elevation, and were seen at Cajon Pass, in winter, 
 about the same elevation, and in latitude Si^. They probably extend 
 further south in the mountains. At latitude 39° they descend in winter 
 to about 3,000 feet, and are found lower toward the north, until, in 
 Oregon, they frequent tlie borders of the Willamette Valley, but little 
 above the sea-level. They are not common anywhere within the range 
 of the gunners who supijlj the San Francisco market; all those I have 
 seen there having been brought alive from the Sierra Nevada. They 
 abound in summer up to 7,000 feet in that range, where I found them 
 in Septem.ber, the young not quite full grown and the old birds moult- 
 ing. In habits and flight they have considerable resemblance to our 
 
 Lophortijx californica, Bp., List, 1833, 42.— Ndtt., Man. i, 2d ed. 1840, 789.— Bd., B. N. A. 
 1858, 644.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 225.— Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 
 549.— CouES, Key, lc572, 238.— B. B. & E., N. A B. iii, 1874, 479, pi. 64, figs. 1, -Z- 
 
 * Ortyx picla, DouGL., Ti. Linn. Soc. xvi, 1829, 143. 
 
 CalUpepla picta, Gould, Mmiog. Odont. 1850, 18, pi. xv. — ^Newb., P. E. K. Eep. vi, 93.— 
 
 Heerm., ibid, x, 1859, Williamson's Route, Birds, 61. 
 Oreortyx picius, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 642.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 225.— 
 
 Coop., B. Cal. i, 1870, 546.— Coues, Key, 1872, 237.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. iu, 
 
 1874, 475, pi. 63, fig. 5. 
 Ortyx plumifera, Gould, P. Z. S. v, 1837, 42.— AuD., Syn. 1839, 200 ; B. Am. v, 1842, 69, 
 
 pi. 291. (May represent a slight variety.) 
 Perdix plumifera, AoD., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 220, pi. 422. 
 Lophorlyx plumifera, NuTT., Man. i, 2d ed. 1840, 791. 
 
BLUE QUAIL OALLIPEPLA SQUAMATA. 441 
 
 other Qna.il, but their cries are quite different. Their note of alarm is a 
 rather faint chirp, scarcely warning the sportsman of their presence be- 
 fore they fly. They scatter in all directions when flushed, and then 
 call each other together by a whistle, very much like that of a man call- 
 ing his dog. According to Newberry the hen has a cluck, much like 
 that of the common hen, when calling together her young brood, about 
 the first of August. The chickens also utter a piping note, scattering 
 and concealing themselves in the grass. * # * * They do not seem 
 anywhere to associate in flocks of more than fifteen or twenty, and from 
 the rugged, shrubby character of the country they inhabit, they are not 
 easily shot, except in the early morning, when they come out into the 
 roads and openings to feed. They live on seeds, berries, and insects, 
 and are very good for the table. As with the other species {L. califor- 
 nicus), more are taken in traps than with the gun. When hunted ia 
 thick brush they generally run some distance before flying, and then 
 rise singly, scattering so that only one can usually be killed at a shot. 
 I have never seen them perch in trees, like the other species." 
 
 BLUE QUAIL.— Callipbpla sqtiamata,* {Vig.) Gray. 
 
 As we have already referred the three Arizonian Quails to as many 
 genera, we may briefly notice some of the points of their structure. 
 That of the Blue Quail is most like Gambel's in bill, wings, tail, and 
 feet, but entirely different in the crest, which, instead of being helmet- 
 like, of club-shaped, recurved feathers, is short, soft, and full, and, 
 though capable of erection in a conspicuous manner, can be laid quite 
 flat, out of sight. The Blue is also called the Scaled Quail, from the 
 peculiar appearance of the plumage of the under parts, which is seem- 
 ingly abnormal in texture or disposition; but this is merely an optical 
 effect of the singular coloration of the feathers, simulating imbricated 
 scales or tiles. A corresponding result is said to appear, from the same 
 cause, in the plumage of the under parts of young Gaunets. The Mas- 
 sena Quail has the crest in general similar to that of the Blue, but differs 
 from this species, as well as from Gambel's, in the structure of the wings 
 and tail. These are both short ; the wing-coverts and tertials are re- 
 markably enlarged, hiding the primaries when the wing is closed, and 
 the tail-coverts are so long as to conceal the true tail-feathers, which are 
 soft and weak. The Massena is of striking and elegant colors, having 
 sharply contrasted round spots upon a rich ground, and other peculiari- 
 ties ; both it and Gambel's are singularly, almost fantastically, striped 
 about the head; the Blue is of plainer, though scarcely less-pleasing 
 tints. Thus each species shows some marked features with one of the 
 other two, but none of consequence with both ; and each has peculiari- 
 ties of its own not shared by either of the others. 
 
 The Blue Quail has another peculiarity, of a different sort ; the two 
 sexes differ but little iu appearance. As a general rule the sexual dif- 
 ferences among gallinaceous birds are very striking — more so, perhaps, 
 than in any other group. Contrary to the rule in our own species, the 
 male is gaudily attired, while the female is of plain and homely appear- 
 
 • Ortyx aquamata, Vig., Zool. Journ. 1830, 375.— Abbrt, Pr. A. N. S. iii, 1847, 221. 
 
 CalUpepla aquamata, Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 1846, 514.— Gould, Monog. Odont. 1850, pi. 19. — 
 McCaix, Pr. A. N. S. v, 1851, 222.— Cass., 111. i, 1854, 129, pi. 19.— Bd., B. N. A. 
 1858, 646.— Coop., B. Cal. 1, 1870, 556.— Coubs, Pr. A. N. S. 1866, 95.— Coues, 
 Key, 1872, 238.— B. B. & E., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 487, pi. 63, fig. 6. 
 
 CalUpepla atremia, Wagl., Isis, xxv, 1832, 278. 
 
 Telrao criatata, De La Llave, Eegistro Trimeatre, i, 1832, 144. 
 
442 BLUE QUAIL — CALLIPEPLA SQUAMATA. 
 
 ance, as ■well illustrated by the domestic Cock and Hen, and especially 
 by the Peafowls. Among Arizonian Gallince, the Massena differs most 
 in sexual distinctions of color, for the female is quite subdued in her 
 dress, while the male is showy in coloration. The Blue presents the 
 other extreme, as if, with tender gallantry, he were unwilling to outshine. 
 
 This species is a bird of noticeably terrestrial habits, rarely taking to 
 trees or bushes unless hard pressed in one of those extremities into 
 which some people are fond of forcing any birds large enough to be 
 worth a charge of shot, and wary enough to make it exciting sport to 
 penetrate their poor bodies with it. It generally trusts to its legs rather 
 than its wings, though these are not at all deficient in size or strength. 
 On level ground it glides along with marvellous celerity, and makes 
 good progress over tiie most rocky and difficult places. As a conse- 
 quence it is rather diJBficult to shoot fairly, though it may be " potted " 
 in great style by one so disposed ; and it will probably require several 
 generations in training before it can be taught to lie well to a dog. I 
 am inclined to think, indeed, that the lying of Quail, an essential feature 
 for the chase in its perfection, is almost as much a result of education 
 as the "pointing" that the intelligent brute who helps us kill them has 
 learned. In a primitive and strictly natural condition. Quail, as a gen- 
 eral rule, rather use their legs to escape pursuit than squat and attempt 
 to hide. That the reverse is the case with the Virginia Quail 1 am per- 
 fectly aware, but this proves nothing to the contrary, and I am inclined 
 to think its crouching, till almost trodden upon, to be an acquired trick. 
 This would surely be a poor way of escape from any of its natural 
 enemies — any carnivorous bird or mammal ; yet they found it to succeed 
 so well against their chief persecutor, that he has had to call in the 
 aid of a sharper-sighted, sharper-nosed brute than himself, else he might 
 stumble over stubble-fields all day without seeing a bird, except by acci- 
 dent. I presume that Virginia Quail, in the days of Captain Smith and 
 Pocahontas, were very much in the social status of the Arizonian to-day; 
 and these certainly trust to their legs and wings rather than to the 
 artifice of thrusting their heads in tussock of grass, and then fancying 
 they are safe. 
 
 Like our other southwestern species, the Blue Quail has a rather re- 
 stricted range in the United States. The valley of the Eio Grande at 
 large may be given as its especial habitat ; it is said to be more abun- 
 dant there than I have found it to be in other regions. Colonel McCall, 
 with that accuracy for which he has well-deserved name, states that 
 this valley, "though comparatively narrow, contains a country of great 
 extent from north to south, and embraces, in its stretch between the 
 Eiocky Mountains and the Gulf of Mexico, every variety of climate, 
 from the extreme of cold to that of tropical heat. This entire region, not 
 even excepting the narrow mountain valleys, covered in winter with 
 deep snows, is inhabited by the species under consideration. I have 
 met with it on the Eio Grande and its affluents from the 25th to the 38th 
 degree of north latitude — that is to say, from below Monterey, in Mexico, 
 along the borders of the San Juan Eiver to its junction with the Eio 
 Grande ; and at different points on the latter as high up as the Taos 
 and other northern branches which gush from the mountain sides. I 
 have also found it, though less frequently, near the head of the Eiado 
 Creek, which likewise rises in the Eocky Mountains and flows eastward 
 to the Canadian." I did not meet with the bird near Taos, and we have 
 no knowledge of its occurrence so far north, except that afforded by 
 Colonel McCall's observations ; I presume this must be the extreme limit 
 of its range. The only naturalist of the Eailroad Surveys who appears 
 
MASSENA QUAIL — CYETONYX MASSENA. 443 
 
 to have met with it was Dr. Heermann, who found it on the San Pedro, 
 a branch of the Gila, east of Tucson, and thence to Liiupia Springs. 
 Those of the Mexican Boundary Survey, however, all observed it, and 
 Dr. Kennerly makes the summary statement, that it was "found every- 
 where where there was permanent water, from Limpia Greek, Texas, to 
 San Bernardino, Sonora." Lieutenant Couch records it from "about 
 sixty leagues west of Matamoras ; not until free from prairie and bottom- 
 land;" an observation confirmed by Mr. Clarke, who states that it 
 " does not occur on the grassy prairies near the coast." I was rather 
 surprised to find no Blue Quail about Port Whipple, since it seemed 
 that that locality was in their ordinary range ; and probably my ob- 
 servations, or rather want of observations in this particular, represent 
 the actual truth, as I was repeatedly assured that none live there. In 
 Arizona they appear really to be confined to what is called the "lower 
 country," that is, to the valleys of the Gila and Colorado, in a restricted 
 sense. On the latter river it must ascend at least as high as Fort Mo- 
 jave ; and to the eastward, to the country about the Hassayampa. 
 
 The egg of the Blue Quail differs in color from that of the Oalifor- 
 nian or Gambel's, though of the same size and shape. A specimen 
 measures 1.20 by 1.00 ; it is buffy-white, or with the faintest possible 
 brownish-yellow tinge, and is very regularly and thickly dotted with 
 minute specks of light brown. The usual large number are laid for 
 each setting. 
 
 MASSBISTA QUAIL.— Otktontx massbna,* (Less.) Gould. 
 
 I found no Massena Quail about Fort Whipple until a few days before 
 my final departure. A pair were then procured, setting at rest the 
 doubts I had all along entertained regarding the veracity of reports I 
 had often received, of the occurrence there of Quail different from Gam- 
 bel's. But the species must certainly be rare in that region, since I 
 could not otherwise have overlooked it for so long a time. 
 
 This remarkable Quail was described about forty years ago by several 
 writers, nearly simultaneously. For a long while it was only known as 
 a Mexican species. It remained for American naturalists and, I may 
 add, officers of the Army to show its existence in our country, and give 
 us something definite about its habits. In Colonel McCall's observa- 
 tions upon Texan and New Mexican birds, published in the Philadelphia 
 Academy's proceedings for 1851, we find the following interesting 
 account : 
 
 "The species was not seen before crossing the San Pedro, but it was 
 not long before it made its appearance in the waste and rocky region 
 into which we then entered. And from that time until we reached the 
 Eio Pecos, a distance of one hundred and forty miles (westwardly by 
 the route we traveled), it was frequently seen, though I should not say 
 
 * Ortyx massena, Less., Cent. ZooL 1830, 189.— Fdjsch, Abh. Nat. Bremeu, 1870, 357 
 
 (GuadalnsLira). 
 Cyrtonyx massena, Gould, Monog. Odont. 1850, 15, pi. 7.— McCaix, Pr. A. N. S. v, 1851, 
 
 •2-il.—C.\ss., 111. i, 1853, 21, pi. 21.— Eeich., Syst. Av. 1850, pi. 27.— Bd., B. N. A. 
 
 1858, 647 ; Mes. B. Saw. ii, 1859, Birds, 23.— CouBS, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 95.— 
 
 Deess., Ibis, 1866, 29.— GR.i.Y, Cat. GalUnw Br. Mus. 1867. 74.— Coop., B. Cal. 
 
 i, 1870, 558.— CouKS, Key, 1872, 239.— B. B. & R., N. A. B. iii, 1874, 492, pi. 
 
 64, f. 3, 6. 
 Ortyx montezuma:, ViG., Zool. JourQ. v, 1830, 275.— Jard. & Selby, HI. pi. 126. 
 Odontoplioriis iiteicaf/ris, Wagl,, Isis, xsv, 1832, 279. 
 Tetrao guttata, De La Lla^^e, Eegistro Trimestre, 1, 1832, 145. 
 " PerUix perspiciUaiu, Licht," 
 
444 MASSENA QUAIL — CYKTONYX MASSENA. 
 
 it was very common. This regiou is a desert of great length from north 
 to south, our trail crossing it at nearly right angles. The general face 
 of the country is level, and consists of either a crumbling' argillaceous 
 limestonCj or a coarse, gray sand, producing nothing but a sparse growth 
 of sand plants. Water is found only at long intervals, and, except at 
 those points, there is little cover for game, and apparently less food — 
 the principal growth being Cacti, of which the most common is Cactus 
 arboreseens ; yet here, among projecting rocks, or on the borders of dry 
 gullies or in loose scrub, I found the Massena Partridge in all the beauty 
 of his rich and varied plumage. 
 
 "The habits of this species are different from those of any other 
 species of Partridge that I have met with. They were in coveys of 
 from eight to twelve individuals, and appeared to be extremely simple 
 and affectionate in disposition. In feeding they separated but little, 
 keeping up a social "clucJc" all the time. They were so gentle as to 
 evince little or no alarm on the appearance of man, scarcely moving out 
 of his way as he passed, and only running off or flying a few yards, 
 when perhaps half their number were laid low by a shot. This inclined 
 me to think that they might with little difficulty be domesticated, 
 although I found them here in a barren, boundless waste, and nowhere 
 near the habitation of man. This trait of gentleness is the very oppo- 
 site of those manifested by the Scaly Partridge {Gallipepla squamata), 
 which I always observed to be, though found perchance in grounds as 
 little frequented as these, remarkably vigilant, shy, and difficult to ap- 
 proach. The call or signal note of this species is peculiar. I never 
 saw it after crossing the Pecos." 
 
 This account of the gentle and confiding disposition of the Masseua 
 Quail, so at variance with the character of nearly all the other species, 
 agrees entirely with the representations which were made to me at Fort 
 Whipple ; and the same trait has also been noticed by other writers. 
 Don Pablo de la Llave noticed it in his original account of the birds in 
 the following terms, which I copy from Mr. Cassin's translation of his 
 
 article: " and in everything it shows an amiability, and, so to 
 
 speak, a kindness of character [iina bondad de caracter) which is not 
 found in any other species of this genus, and it is naturally so tame and 
 domestic as to permit itself to be caught with the hand." So, also, Dr. 
 Woodhouse, in the following paragraph from Sitgreave's Eeport : 
 
 "My attention was first called to this beautiful bird a few miles be- 
 yond the head of the Eio San Pedro, where we started three of them, 
 and Major Backus succeeded in procuring a female specimen, which is 
 now in my collection. This was the only time that I observed this bird. 
 Captain S. G. French, Assistant-Quartermaster United States Army, in- 
 forms me that in the year 1849, when he first passed over this road, he 
 met with these birds in a number of localities — at the head of the San 
 Pedro, Howard's Springs, and also at the Eagle Springs — showing evi- 
 dently that it has a range over the country lying between the Eio 
 Grande and San Pedro Eivers. He also stated that he had never met 
 with it near the settlements, but always among the wild, rocky, and 
 almost barren hills of this country. They are more sociable and not so 
 shy as others of the same family. Their food appears to be principally 
 insects." 
 
 To give, as nearly as possible, a complete view of what has been put 
 on record concerning the habits of the beautiful Massena, I continue 
 with the following quotations from the notes made by the naturalists of 
 the Mexican Boundary Survey. It will be noticed that Mr. Clark's 
 account is considerably at variance with those just presented : 
 
MASSENA QUAIL CYRTONYX MASSEXA. 445 
 
 "Ouce, on flnsliing a covpy of Ortyx texana, my attention was 
 attracted by a bird which remained behind, showing no inclination to 
 follow the rest. It attempted to hide in the grass, but not to tly, and 
 on being shot proved to be a male Massena. It occurs in pairs or flocks, 
 and when flushed it flies further than the Virginia Quail, and does not 
 lie so close. They may be approached within a few feet, and followed 
 up, particularly wlien in pairs, running along before you like, so many 
 domestic fowls'. It is quiet as well as retired ; a subdued though sharp 
 note is the only noise I ever heard it make, and that only when fright- 
 ened. I have seen it pursued, and all the barrels of a six-shooter tired 
 at it without giving it alarm, and finally forced to fly only by an attack 
 of stones and clubs. It was first met in the neighborhood of San An- 
 tonio, and thence sparsely distributed, as an inhabitant of both prairies 
 and mountains, as far westward as Sonora. It is a much wilder bird 
 than the squamata; less conspicuous, as also less noisy, and never seen 
 ;n flocks, living about old camps, as is often the case with the latter. 
 Its haunts are far removed from the habitation of man, and the indiffer- 
 ence it sometimes manifests to his presence is due to its ignorance of 
 his power and attributes. Though distributed over the same country 
 as the squamata, it is not found in such barren regions as the latter fre- 
 quently is, preferring those regions most luxuriantly covered with vege- 
 tation."— J. R. Clark. 
 
 "First seen in the Caiion Guapuco, twelve leagues south of Monterey. 
 Though rather shy, it seemed quite at home in the cultivated fields and 
 stubbles of the ranches."' — B. N. Couch. 
 
 " This bird I have never seen further south in Texas than Turkey 
 Creek. In this vicinity it was very common, and also at various points 
 thence to the Eio Grande. In the valley of this river it is very rarely 
 seen, giving way apparently to the Scaly and Ganibel's Partridges. 
 ^'^'est of the river it was very common as far as we traveled, wherever 
 there was fresh and permanent water. In the valley of the Santa Cruz 
 Eiver, and among the adjacent hills, it was extremely abundant. In 
 the months of June and July it was observed there, always in pairs, 
 while in Texas, in the months of October and November, it was found 
 in very large flocks, sometimes of various ages, from tlie very small 
 and partly fledged to the full-grown bird. When hunted it hides itself 
 very closely in the grass, and I have often known Mexican soldiers in 
 Sonora to kill them with their lances, by striking them either while on 
 the ground or just as they rise. Some of these men are very expert in 
 this business, and will kill many in the course of a day's travel." — C. B. 
 E. Kennerly. 
 
 It is not difiicnlt to gain from these accounts a pretty definite idea of 
 the range of the species in the United States, though we do not know 
 how far south it penetrates in Mexico, which is really its native country. 
 We have no record of it as yet as a bird of California. To the indica- 
 tions of its range in Texas and iSTew Mexico, I have only to add, as just 
 now done, its occurrence in Arizona at Fort Whipjjle, a locality at some 
 distance from those i^reviously recorded, and further north, as well as 
 west, than any before known. There it is rare, as stated, nor do I think 
 that the species can be very abundant even in the southern portions of 
 the Territory, unless it be at the southeast corner. 
 
 We see that none of the fragmentary published accounts are more 
 than isolated facts of an imperfect history ; yet they do good service as 
 contributions toward a biography. The bird is mentioned as an in- 
 habitant of the most barren, desolate, and unfrequented regions, as well 
 as the vicinity of cultivated ranches ; as very unusually tame, or quite 
 
446 MASSENA QUAIt — CYETONYX MASSENA. 
 
 wild; as occurring in pairs or in flocks : each account being circumstan- 
 tial and limited. But this very diversity of statement helps to a knowl- 
 edge of the bird ; and here, as elsewhere, I cannot refrain from pressing 
 the importance of the record of any facts whatever, however isolated, 
 that may be gleaned by personal observation upon the habits and man- 
 ners of birds, no matter how small and unpromising the field, or how 
 often it has been gone over before. Any information, so be it that it is 
 accurate, is better than none; though still it should be remembered 
 that ex parte statements are liable to mislead, particularly when used in 
 generalizations, the inductive not being in natural history, as it is in 
 the more exact sciences, always a safe method of reasoning. 
 
 There are two points in the history of this species to which attention 
 may profitably be directed. One is the bird's remarkable unsophistica- 
 tion. Living in what we should consider lonely desolation, but which 
 is to it a happy home, the bird has not yet learned to throw aside the 
 gentle, confiding disposition its Maker gave. Xo contact with the lords 
 of the universe, guardians of civilization and progress, jobbers in ethics 
 and aesthetics, has yet begotten in its ingenious nature the wholesome 
 change that the requirements of self-preservation will some day demand, 
 and which it will instinctively adopt. Birds that live in populous dis- 
 tricts have had a lesson to learn of bitter experience, and its fruits have 
 been instilled through. generation after generation, till a second nature 
 replaces the first, and a shrewd distrust of the whole human race is 
 instilled. . It is a nauseous dose that these Quail, like innocent chil- 
 dren, have to swallow ; but the medicine acts vigorously and bene- 
 ficially, heart-longings and soul-breathings, and the like, giving way to 
 something more substantial and sensible. Some day a fine old Cock 
 Massena shall say to his family, "iimeo Danaos et dona ferentes ;^ the 
 newly-born wisdom shall take well, and become gospel to succeeding 
 generations, to outlive in the code of Quail ethics the memory of the 
 ^neid in the minds of men. 
 
 We are familiar with the structural peculiarities of the Massena Quail, 
 and it is not likely that these deviations from a common standard are 
 not reflected in some way in the bird's habits and manners; but how, 
 we are still ignorant. Nothing accounting for these peculiarities has 
 yet been learned; and yet there must be some traits that, for their 
 proper exhibition, require the special modification that we find. These 
 individualizing traits offer an inviting field for investigation. Sir. Cas- 
 sin has, perhaps, taken the initiative toward such discovery, in an ob- 
 servation founded upon consideration of the bird's colors. " The circu- 
 lar spots," he says, "which are numerous on the inferior parts of the 
 body in this Partridge, appear to indicate as a character an analogy to 
 the Guinea-fowls, which is further sustained by its habit of uttering its 
 note continually when in company with its fellows, or when feeding." 
 
 Adult male: Bill convex, very stout, the under mandible doubly toothed^ legs large 
 and strong, toes very short, claws long, strong, much curved ; wings moderate, the 
 tertials and coverts highly developed ; tail very short and soft, not reaching beyond 
 the thick, long coverts ; a short, full crest. Under parts pure velvety black, with a 
 broad longitudinal band of deep chestnut, the black parts on the sides beautifully 
 marked with distinct, rounded white spots, several on each feather; upper parts vary- 
 ing shades of yellowish or tawny white, and most of them with narrow transverse 
 bars of blackish, changing into spots on the wing-coverts ; primaries dusky, barred 
 with reddish or yellowish-white; crown variegated with black, brownish, and yellow- 
 ish; the crest yellowish, nearly white behind; other parts of ttut head white, or ashy, 
 fantastically edged and striped with black ; chin black, separated by a white stripe 
 from a maxillary black line, this latter by white from a triangular black patch below 
 the eye; a black stripe from the nostrils over the side of the crown, separated by a 
 white line from the central black on the forehead. Iris, brown ; bill, deep bluish horn- 
 
MASSENA QUAIL — CYETONYX MASSENA. 447 
 
 color I legs, pale dull bluish. Length, 9^ inches; extent, 18; wing, 5; tail, 2; bill, 
 0.70; tarsus, IJ. 
 
 Adult female: Like the male ou the upper parts, but wanting the distinct markings 
 on the head ; colors of the under parts entirely difi'ereut ; the crest less de\eloped ; 
 the size of the whole bird less; no black about the head; chin yellowish or tarruy 
 white; whole under parts plain, pale brownish-white, inconspicuously marked with a 
 few little black, spots. BiU, liglit horn-color ; upper mandible with a tinge of reddish, 
 lower nearly white; iris, brownish-olive; legs and feet, livid bluish-white, with a 
 yellowish tinge behind. Length, 9 inches ; fextent, 17 ; wing, 4J ; tail, 2 ; tarsus, 1.20. 
 
 Young, scarcely fledged: Bill, reddish-brown above, whitish below; feet, dull brown- 
 ish. General plumage of the upper parts light, warm brown, variegated with black, 
 and very boldly striped with white — each feather having a broad, sharp, white shaft- 
 line, hammer- headed or transversely enlarged at apex, bordered ou either side by the 
 areas that cause the variegation. A few of the inner wing-quills like the back ; the 
 rest dusky, with whitish shafts, and interruptedly barred, chiefly on the outer webs, 
 with light, dull bnfty-brown, or whitish. Feathers of under parts white, with a slight 
 huffy suffusion, boldly marked with innumerable spots of brownish-black, paired on 
 each feather, quite circular and sharp ou the breast, further back widening into trans- 
 verse bars. The head of the specimen is still in the down, except a feather or two just 
 sprouted ou the vertex ; these feathers are like the back ; there is a triangular chest- 
 nut-brown area on the crown ; the head is otherwise light grayish-brown, fading into 
 white on the chin and throat, and with a dusky auricular mark. Length of the speci- 
 men about 3,^ inches. 
 
 For opportunity of describing this early stage, hitherto unpublished, so far as I know, 
 and quite new to me, I am indebted to Lieutenant 6. M. Wheeler, Corps of Engineers, the 
 accomplished officer in charge of the Explorations and Surveys west of the 100th 
 meridian, which are doing so much to develop the resources of the AVest. I was 
 kindly shown, by Dr. H. C. Yarrow, the well-known naturalist in charge of the 
 Natural History Department, several specimeus of the species from Arizona, forming 
 part of the collection made during the season of 1873 by H. W. Henshaw — one of the 
 largest, best prepared, and most valuable suites of bird-skins ever brought from our 
 Western Territories. 
 
 Note. — The foregoing account of Gallince includes all the species known to inhabit 
 North America, north of Mexico. 
 
ORDEE (jIlALLAiOiljio I WADING BIRDS. 
 
 SUBOEDEE LlMlCuLilj: SHOEE BIEDS. 
 
 These two groups, represented by a great variety of forms, are sufficiently defined 
 for our present purposes in tlie Key, p. 239. The Limicolce, or Shore Birds (as distin- 
 guished from the other two groups of the order, Herodiones, or the Herons and their 
 allies, and Aleetorides, or the Cranes, Eails, and their allies), comprehend all kinds of 
 Plover, Snipe, Woodcock, and birds collectively known as " Bay Snipe," as well as 
 Phalaropes, Avocets, Stilts, Turnstones, and Oyster-catchers. 
 
 Family CHARADRIID^ : Plover. 
 
 Subfamily Ohaeadeun^ : True Plover. 
 
 Besides the birds properly so called, several others are loosely designated as Plovers 
 by unscientific experts iu ornithology. The principal of these is the so-called "Upland 
 Plover," which is a true Tattler of the family Scolopacidw, its proper name being the 
 Bartramian Tattler (Aciiturus iartramius) — see under this head. Our true Plover may be 
 recognized by the shortness and stoutness of the bill, as compared with this member 
 iu the Scolopacidw, and especially by having only three toes. The only American excep- 
 tions to this last statement are the Black-bellied Plover, or Bull-head (Sqiiatarola 
 keh-etico), in which there is a rudimentary hind toe, and the curious Surf Bird of the 
 Pacific coast (Jphriza virgata), in which the hind toe is as well developed as is usual in 
 the Scolopacidce (where perhaps it belongs). The only three-toed American bird of the 
 family Scolopacidw is the Stilt (Himantopus nigricoUis). 
 
 SQUATAROLA HELYBTIOA, (Linn.) Brehm. 
 Black-bellied Plover. 
 
 Tringa kdvetica, Li>'x., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, "250 (based on Vanellus Tidrdicna of Bkiss., v, 
 108, pi. 10, f. 1).— FOEST., Phil. Trans. Ixii, 1772, 412 ; PI. Enlum. 853, 854, 923. 
 
 Squatarola helvetica, Brehji, V. D. 554.— Bp., Comp. List, 1638, 46; K. & B., Wirb. 
 Eur. 207. — Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 543; and of most late authors.— Cass., Pr. 
 Phila. Acad. 1858, 195 (Japan) ; iUd. 1860, 195 (Carthagena).— Cab., J. f 0. iv, 
 1856, 423 (Cuba).— Bky., Pr. Bost. Soc. vii, 1859 (Bahamas).— Eeixh., Ibis, iii, 
 1861, 9 (Greenland).— Dbess., Ibis, 1866, 34 (Texas).— Salv., Ibis, 1866, 196 
 (Guatemala).— LiWR., Ann. Lye. N. Y. ix, 210 (Yucatan). — Pelz., Om. Braz. 
 iii, 296 (Brazil).— Bd, B. N. A. 1858, 697.— Coop. & Slcic, N. H. Wash. Ter. 
 1860, 232.— Dall & Banm., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 290.— CouES, Key, 1872, 243, 
 fig. 154.— Sxow, B. Kans. 1873, 10, Ko. 212 (Kansas).— G!;ay, Hand-list, iii, 
 1871, Nos. 9980, 9981.— Sh. & Dress., B. E. pt. vi, Aug. 1871. 
 
 Vanellus helveticus, Vieill., Ency. Meth. iii, 1823, 1077. 
 
 Charadrius helveticus, LiCHT., Verzeich. 1823, No. 728.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 298, No. 221.— 
 NUTT., Man. ii, 1834, 26.— AUD., Om. Biog. iv, 1838, 280, pi. 334 ; Syn. 1839, 
 221 ; B. Am. v, 1842, 199, pi. 315.— Kjjshb., Naum. 1850, 6. 
 
 Charadrius {Squatarola) helvetica, ElDGW., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 3-'3. 
 
 Tringa varia, LiNJJ., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 252 (based on Vanellus varius, Beiss., v, 103). 
 
 Charadrius varius, FlNSCH & Hautl., Vog. Ost. Afr. 1871, 644. 
 
 Pluvialis varius, Schl., Mus. P.-B., Cut-sores, 1865, .53.— Deal. & Geebe, O. E. 1867, 127. 
 
 Tringa squatarola, Lixx., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 252 (based on Pluvialis cinerea of various 
 authors, and Vanellus griseus of Beiss., v, 100, pi. 9, f. 1). 
 
 Pluvialis squatarola, Macgil., Man. N. H. Orn. ii, 48; Hist. Br. B. iv, 1852, 86. 
 
 Charadrius squatarola, Na€M., Yog. Deutschl. vii, 1834, 265, pi. 178. 
 
 Vanellus squatarola. Sckl., Eev. Crit. 1864, 84. 
 
 Squatarola cinerea, Flejiimg, Br. Anim., 1828, 111. — Eyt., Cat. Br. B. 34. 
 
 Charadrius hypomelanus, Pall., Eeise, iii, 1773, 699; Zoog. E.-A. ii, 1811, 138, pi. 59. 
 
 Charadrius pardela. Pall,, Zoog. E.-A. ii, 1811, 142. 
 
 Squatarola grisea. Leach, Cat. B. Br. Mus. 1816, 29.— Steph., Shaw's Gen. Zool. xi, p. 505. 
 
 Vanellus griseus, Jenyis'S, Man. Br. Vert. 181. 
 
CHAEADRIUS PULVUS VAR. VIRGINICUS. 449 
 
 VanelJus melanogaster, Bkchstein, Naturg. Dent. 1809, 356.— Tbmm., Man. 1815, 345 ; ii, 
 
 547.— Sab., App. Frank. Journ. 684.^RiCH., App. Parry's 2d Voy. 352.— Sw. & 
 
 Rich., P. B. A. ii, 1831, 370. 
 Sqnatarola melanogaster, Malh., Pn. Orn. Sicil. 1840, 166. 
 CharadHws ajmcarliis, WiLS., Am. Orn. vii, 1813, 41, pi. 57, f. 4. 
 Squatarola wilsoni, LiCHT., Nomencl. Av. 1854, 95. 
 Charadrius longirostns, Bkkhm, J. f. 0. 1854, 79. 
 Squatarola australis, Bonaparte. 
 Squatarola rhijnchomega, Bp., Compt. Rend. 1856, 417. 
 Squatarola megarhynohus, Brehm, Vollst. Vogelf. 1855, 284. 
 Figured.— Sw., Cat. of B. fig. 321; Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 542, pi. 145, f. 9.— Reich., Syst. 
 
 Av. pi. 18— Gould, B. E. pi. 290 ; B. Aust. vi, pi. 12.— Naum., Vog. pi. 178. 
 Black-'belUed, Gray and Swiss Plover. Beetle-head, Bull-head Plover. Oxeye, and a 
 
 variety of other names. 
 Hob. — Nearly cosmopolitan. 
 
 With a close general resemblance to the Golden Plover, especially 
 when in fall plumage, this species will be immediately recognized by 
 the presence of a small hind toe, no trace of which occurs in any of our 
 other Plovers. There are also additional characters. 
 
 In the United States — in fact in most parts of North America — the 
 Black bellied Plover is less abundant than the Golden Plover, and such 
 is particularly the case in the Missouri region, where I never observed 
 it, and where, so far as I have determined, it is recorded only by one 
 writer. Although stated by Audubon and others to breed from Virginia 
 and the Middle States northward, no such instances have come to my 
 knowledge ; and in the United States the species is only known with 
 certainty to occur now during the migrations. In the extensive journeys 
 it performs it gives evident preference for coast-lines of travel, being 
 decidedly more numerous along either of our coasts than in the interior. 
 Nevertheless Dr. Suckley states that he found it " moderately abundant" 
 in Minnesota (where it was not observed by Mr. Trippe or myself). Dr. 
 Cooper remarks that it seems to be a resident bird near the mouth of 
 the Columbia, as he there shot young birds in July; this, however, is 
 not proof that they were actually bred in the vicinity. 
 
 Eggs of this species in the Smithsonian cabinet, collected by E. 
 MacFarlane, esq., on the Arctic coast, east of Anderson Eiver, July 4, 
 1864, aftbrd the following description : Size, 2.10 by 1.40, to 1.90 by 
 1.40, in a set of four. Color, brownish-drab, or rather dark brownish- 
 clay color, very thickly marked at and around the larger end, for nearly 
 half the length of the egg, with irregularly sized and shaped spots and 
 blotches of brownish-black, and over the rest of the surface thinly 
 spotted with smaller marks of the same color. The larger markings 
 around the butt are to a great extent confluent, producing an imperfect 
 wreath. A very few paler shell markings are noted on close scrutiny. 
 The nest was a depression of the ground on the side of a slight 
 eminence, lined with a few dried grasses. Another set of four from the 
 same source average more elongated, the most pointed one being 2.30 
 long by 1.45 broad ; the markings are much more evenly distributed 
 over the whole egg, are smaller, and tending to a confused, scratchy 
 pattern, as well as rather lighter in tone. A third set of four, collected 
 by Mr. MacFarlane, at Franklin Bay, are intermediate between the 
 other two in these respects, though most like the first described. 
 
 CHAEADRIUS FULVUS var. VIEGINICUS, (Bork!) Coues. 
 American Golden Plover. 
 
 a. fulvus. 
 
 Charadrius fiilriis, Gil., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 687 ; and of authors. 
 Pluvialis fiilrus, Bp., C. E. 1856, 417.— Schl., M. P.-B. 1864, 50. 
 
 29 
 
450 CHAEADEIUS FULVUS VAR. VIRGINICUS. 
 
 Charadrius plumalis, HoRSP., Linn. Tr. xiii, 1822. 187.— Pealb, U. S. Expl. Ex. 1848, 239. 
 
 Charadriusxanthocheilua, Wagl., S. A. 1827.— Gould, B. A. vi, pi. IS.^Cass., Expl. Ex. 325. 
 
 Pluvialis xanthocheilus, Bp., C. R. 1856, 417. 
 
 Charadriws taitensis, Less., Man. ii, 1828, 321. 
 
 Pluvialis taitensis, Bp., C. E. 1856, 417. 
 
 Charadrius virginianus, Jaed. & Selb., 111. ii, pi. 85.^Haetl., Wieg. Arch. 1852, 134. 
 
 Charadritis glaucopus, Foest., Descr. An. ed. Licht. 1844, 176. 
 
 Charadrius tirginieus, Blyth, Cat. B. Mns. As. Soc. 1849, 262. 
 
 Charadrius longipes, "Temm., Mns. Lugdun." 
 
 PlumaUs Imgipes, Bp., C. E. 1856, 417. 
 
 Charadrius auratus orientalis, Temji. & ScHL., Fn. Japon. pi. 62. 
 
 Charadrius auratus, Scheenck, Eeise Amur, 1860, 410. 
 
 b. virginicus. 
 
 Charadrius dominicus.ilvT.L'ER, Syst. Nat. 1776, 116. — Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1864, 241. 
 Charadrius pluvialis, WilS., Am. Orn. vii, 1813, 71, pi- 59, f. 5. — Sab., Suppl. Parry's Ist 
 
 Voy. p. cxcJx; Frank. Joiirn. 683.— Bp., Syn. 1828, No. 220.— Sw. & EiCH., F. 
 
 B. A. ii, 1831, 369.— NCTT., Man. ii, 1834, 16.— AuD., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 623; 
 
 not of Linnwus, nor of European writers. 
 Charadrius pluvialis var. virginicus, EiDGW., Ann. Lyo. x, 1874, 383. 
 Charadrius virginicus, "Bobk., Mus. Berol." — Licht., Verzeicbniss, 1823. No. 729. — 
 
 Meyen, Nova Acta K. C. L. Acad, xvi, Suppl. 1834, 106, pi. 18.— NE\yB., P. E. 
 
 E. Eep. vi, 1857, 97.— Bd., B. N. A. 1S58, 690.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. 
 
 Ter. 1860, 229.— Hayd., Eep. 1862, 173.— Dress., Ibis, 1866, 33 (Texas).— Dall 
 
 & Bank., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 289.— Eeinh., B. of Greenland, 9, No. 40 (c/. 
 
 Comptes Rendus, xliii, p. 1019).— Stev., Eep. U. S. Geol. Snrv. Ter. 1670, 465, 
 
 No. 96.— Sxow, B. Kans. 1873, 9, No. %07.— Telppe, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1H72, 
 
 240 ; and of nearly aU the late local lists.— (See H/vET., P. Z. S. 1871, 116 ; critical.) 
 Pluvialis virginicus, Bp., C. E. 1856, 417. 
 Charadrius marmoratus, Wagl., Sywt. Av. 1827, No. 42. — AuD., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 575, 
 
 pi. 300; Syn. 1839, 222; B. Am. v, 1842, i03, pi. 316.— Putn., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 
 
 1856, 216. 
 (?) Charadrius pectoralis, ViEiLL., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. xxvii, 1819, 145. 
 Pluvialis fulmts ainericanns,SCBL,., M. P.-B. 1865, Cursores, 53. 
 Charadrius fahus var. virginicus, Coues, Key, 1872, 243, fig. 155. 
 
 Extralimital quotations.— CxB., J. f 0. iv, 1H56, 432 (Cuba).— Newt., Ibis, i, 1869, 
 255 (Santa Cruz).— L.iWR., Ann. Lvc. N. Y. viii, 1864, 99 (Sombrero).— Sukd., OiV. Vet. 
 Ak. 16G9, .588 (St. Bartholomew).— Finsch, P. Z. S. 1870, 587 (Trinidad).-. ScL., Ibis, 
 1859, 227 (Guatemala).— BuRM., Eeise, 501 (La Plata).— Dakw.. Voy. Beagle, 126.— 
 SCL. & S-VLV., P. Z. S. 1666, 567(Ucayali); 1667, 331 (Chili); l.-;0'J, 596 (Peru).— Lawk., 
 Ann. Ltc. ix, 1868, 141 (Costa Eica).— Phii.ippi, Cat. 69 (Chili).— Pelz., Om. Bras. 297 
 (Brazil).— Eeinh., Vid. Med. Nat. For. 1670, 34 (Brazil). 
 
 Sab. — Var. fulvus, Asia and Pacific regions generally. Prybilov Islands (Elliot). 
 Var. nr^jnieifs, all of North America. Greenland. Accidental in Europe. (Heligoland, 
 Mus. GiBtke,.^(?e Plasius, List B. Eur. 1862, 17.) 
 
 Lieutenant ' Warren's Expedition. — 4551, 5425, at and near Saint Pierre ; 5426, Fort 
 Bcrthold ; 5427, " Nebraska." 
 
 Later Expeditions. — 61100-2, Camp Dawes, on Eock Creek, Wyoming. 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Eaynolds' Expedition. 
 
 Presenting the extensive and somewhat intricate synonymy of the 
 typical /wJrifs,* I also give the principal references to the Xorth Ameri- 
 can variety. Our Golden • Plover is distinct from that of Europe, C. 
 apricarim ov pluvialis of authors, to both of which it has been referred ; 
 for, although very similar, it may always be distinguished by the color 
 
 * I have at length the pleasure of announcing the true Ch. fulvus as an inhabitant 
 of North America, a specimen having been lately transmitted to the Smithsonian from 
 the Prybilov Islands, collected May 2, 1673, on Saint Paul Island, by Mr. H. AV. EUiot, 
 who has so ably elucidated the birds of that group of the Aleutians. Examining this 
 specimen, I was at once struck with a peculiarity of its general Appearance, and on 
 comparing it with Chinese, Japanese, Fiji Island, and other specimens in the National 
 Museum, I found it to be identical. It is smaller than var. virginicus — length, about 
 9.50 ; wing, 6.40 ; tail, 2.60 ; tarsus, 1.60 ; middle toe and claw, 1.10 ; culmen, 0.95. 
 There is a yellowish suffusion about the head, and especially along the supraciliaty 
 stripe, hardly to be noticed iu the ordinary North American bird in corresponding 
 plumage. (C/. Coues, Elliot's Prybilov Islands, App. 1873, p. — .) 
 
CHAEADEIUS FULVUS VAR. VIJ^GINICTJS. 451 
 
 ;0f the lining of the wings, which is pure white in the European, and 
 ashy-gray in the American species. It cannot, however, be specifically 
 separated from the G. fulvus of Asia, the G. xanthocheilus, longipes, or 
 taitemis of various Pacific regions — being only varietally distinguishable 
 by its somewhat superior size and usually a slight disproportion in the 
 lengths of the tarsi and toes. My view of the relationships of these 
 several forms is at present substantially the same as that of Prof. 
 Schlegel. 
 
 The Golden Plover migrates through Dakota in large numbers. 
 While traveling over the prairie between Fort Randall and Yankton, 
 early in May, I was delighted to meet with flock after flock of the birds, 
 in more nearly perfect nuptial attire than I had before seen them any- 
 where in the United States, the under parts appearing, at a little dis- 
 tance, perfectly black. I noticed them particularly in the early morn- 
 ing, feeding at their leisure in scattered parties over the prairie, in com- 
 pany with Bartramian Tattlers and Esquimaux Curlew. They were 
 not at all shy, and numbers might have been procur(^i.had I been so 
 disposed. They ran rapidly and lightly in search of rood, flew with a 
 mellow, whistling note, and settled again with a momentary graceful 
 poise of the upturned wings. Their stay at this season is brief com- 
 pared with their loitering in the fall, when I again saw them at various 
 points along the Mouse Eiver and the Missouri, in the vicinity of Fort 
 Stevenson, where they reappeared late in September. At this season 
 they coursed over the prairie, often in extensive flocks, feeding on grass- 
 hoppers, and often frequented the pools, forming part of the varied 
 company of waders that flocked to the same resorts. Their favorite 
 associates were the Eed-breasted Snipe, with which they mingled on 
 the most intimate terms. Both of these birds, when not too much 
 molested, are gentle and unsuspicious — excellent company for each 
 other, and equally attractive to the sportsman. The earlier arrivals 
 were not in particularly good condition, after the journey from their 
 distant breeding places, but food was abundant and easily procured, so 
 that in a short time the birds became exceedingly fat — some of them 
 weighing five or six ounces. Being in such excellent order and so easily 
 procurable, the savory morsels often varied our hard fare. 
 
 The Golden Plover breeds only far northward, and is not ordinarily 
 seen in the United States in the advanced breeding plumage above 
 noted. It appears to have no special lines of migration, but passes over 
 the country at large, sometimes in vast flocks, its autumnal progress 
 being more leisurely than its advance in the spring. It reaches its 
 breeding grounds late in May — the Barren Grounds of British America, 
 and the coasts and islands of the Arctic Ocean. It is found throughout 
 Alaska, according to Mr. Dall, and is common all along the Yukon. 
 The same writer states that the nests are made in a hillock of grass, of 
 the same material, and frequently a few feathers, the eggs being gener- 
 ally only two in number; this, however, is not the rule, the eggs being, 
 as usual in this family, oftenest four in number. They are of the ordi- 
 nary pyriform shape, pointed at one end and very obtuse at the other. 
 The following measurements may indicate extremes of variation in 
 shape— 2.00 by 1.35 ; 1.80 by 1.40. They are distinguished from those 
 ot-S. helvetica hj their decided average smaller size; and though the 
 general pattern of coloration is similar, the shade is not quite the same. 
 The ground-color is rather a pale, brownish-clay color, than a drab, in 
 most specimens, although some shade quite closely into the drab of 
 helvetica. A few specimens in the large series before me have the 
 ground-color extremely pale grayish-white, nearly dead white. On all 
 
452 iEGIALITIS VOCIFEEA, KILLDEEE PLOVER. 
 
 the eggs the markings are exceedinglj' bold, dark and numerous; it is 
 impossible to describe adequately the endless variations in precise pat- 
 tern. The average egg is heavily marked about the butt with black- 
 ish-brown, in large irregular spots and blotches ; while similar smaller 
 spots are sparsely distributed over the rest of the surface. Sometimes 
 the markings are much lighter brown, a rich, dark sienna, and they are 
 sometimes distributed over the whole surface with approximate uniform- 
 ity, but the decided tendency is to aggregate around the butt in semi- 
 confluent masses, or a wreath. Various labels of the collection before 
 me state that the nest is a mere depression in the ground, lined with a 
 few dried grasses or leaves. 
 
 Some of the birds begin to work southward almost as soon as they 
 are full grown, though others linger till driven away by the cold. 
 
 ^GIALITIS VOCIFEEA, (Linn.) Bp. 
 Kllldeer PloTcr. 
 
 Chm-adrius vociferus, Likx., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 253 (based on FluviaJis vociferus, Gates., 
 Car. i, 71, pi. 71 ; P. virginiana torquata, Bkiss., Orn. v, 68). — Gm., Svst. Nat. i, 
 1788, p. 685.— Lath., Ind Orn. ii, 1790, 742.— WiLS., Am. Orn. vii, 1613, 73, pi. 
 59, f. 6.— Bp., Syn. 1828, No. 219.— ViG., Zool. Jonrn. xii, 448.— Sw. & EiCH., F. 
 B. A. ii, 1831, 368.— NX7TT., Man. ii, 1834, 22.— Atro., Orn. Biog. iii, 18.^o, 191 ; 
 V, 1839, .577, pi. 225 ; Syn. 1839, 222 ; B. Am. v, 1842, 207, pi. 317.— Schl., Mas. 77' ' 
 Pays-Bas, 1865, Cursores, 23.— Woodh., Sitgi-. Eep. 1853, 96.— Newb., P. R. E. yy-'^l- 
 Eep. vi, 1857, 97.— Pdtn., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 216.— Tkippe, ibid, vi, 1871, ' 
 119 ; and of earlier authors generally. 
 
 jSigialiiis vociferus, Bp., Comp. List, 1838, 45. — Cab., J. f. 0. iv, 1856, 424 (Cuba). — 
 Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 692.— SCL., P. Z. S. 1859, 393 (Oaxaoa).— SCL., Ibis, i, 1859, 
 227 (Guatemala). — Brt., Pr. Bost. Soc. vii, 1859 (Bahamas). — Coop. & Suck., 
 N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 230.— Taylor, Jbis, 1860, 313 (Tigre Island).— Dress., 
 Ibis, 1866, 33 (Texas).- Lawr., Ann. Lye. ix, 1868, 209 (Yucatan).— Hatd., Rep. 
 1862, 173.— ScL., P. Z. S. 1864, 178 (Mexico) ; 1868, 176 (Islay).— Salv., iUd. 
 1870, 219 (Veragua).— AiXEK, Mem. Boat. Soc. 1868, 501 ; Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 
 1872, 181.— HoLD.-AiKBN, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 209.— Trippb, iUd. xv, 1872, 
 240.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 466.— Meer., iUd. 1872, 699.— Coues, 
 Key, 1872, 244, fig. 156 ; and of most late writers. 
 
 Oxiiechus vociferus, Eeioh., Syst. Av. 1853, p. — . 
 
 Charadrius torquatus, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 255 (based on Pluvialis' dominicensis tor- 
 quata, Briss., V, 70, pi. 6, f. 2). 
 
 Charadrius jamaicensis, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 685 (based on Sloan, 318, pi. 265, f. 3). 
 
 Hal). — All of temperate North America. West Indies. Central and South America 
 in winter. Accidental in Europe. (See Sci.., Ibis, 1862, 275 ; Hart., Br. Birds, 1872, 134.) 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4646, White Eiver ; 5428, Yellowstone ; 6591, Cedar 
 Creek. 
 
 Later Expeditions. — 60377-81, Camp Carling, Wyoming ; 60789, Fort Bridger ; 61645, 
 Salt Lake, Utah ; 62362, Lower Geyser Basin, Wyoming. 
 
 Not noticed by Captain Eaynolds' Expedition. 
 
 Abundant throughout the Missouri region, as elsewhere in suitable 
 localities in North America. The Killdeer is conspicuous among the 
 few waders that breed at large through the United States, the great 
 majority of these birds passing further northward for this purpose. 
 Being, also, one of the most numerous and widely diffused, few birds are 
 more familiarly known. It must not be inferred, however, from its 
 general dispersion at various seasons that it is non-migratory. On the 
 contrary, it performs extensive journeys, reaching even to South Amer- 
 ica. I think it migrates chiefly by night. As I sit at midnight penning 
 these pages, in the town of Columbia, South Carolina, in February, I 
 continually hear their well-known piercing notes, as they pass rapidly 
 on through the darkness. 
 
 The eggs of the Killdeer measure about an inch and a half in length 
 
^GIALITIS SEMIPALMATA, SEMIPALMATED PLOVEE. 453 
 
 by oue and one-eighth in breadth, and are of a creamy clay-color, vari- 
 ously bat usually thickly marked with blackish-brown. The marks are 
 usually of small size, tending to speckles and scratches rather than full 
 spots, only a few specimens of the large series before me being boldly 
 spotted around and at the butt. The markings tend to aggregate about 
 the larger end, but are usually quite numerously distributed all over. 
 The ground-color sometimes tends to a brownish-drab rather than the 
 color above mentioned. 
 
 ^ iEGIALITIS SBMIPAiMATA, (Bp.) Cab. 
 Semipalmated or Ring Plover. 
 
 Tnnga hiaticula, WiLS., Am. Orn. vii, 1813, 65, pi. 59, f. 3. 
 
 Charadrius hiaticula, Okd, ed. Wils. vii, 69.— Sab., Frankl. Journ. 684.— EiCH., Parry's 
 
 2d Voy. 351. 
 Charadrius {JEgialitis) hiaticula var. semixmlmatus, ElDGW., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 383. 
 Charadrius aemipalmatwi, Bp., Obs. Wils. 18-25, No. 219 ; Syn. 1828, 296 ; Am. Oin. iv, 
 
 1832, 92, pi. 25.— Kaup, Isis, 1825, 1375, pi. 14.— Wagl., Syat. Av. 1827, No. 23.— 
 
 Sw. & ElCH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 367.— Ndtt., Man. ii, 1834, 24.— AuD., Orn. Biog. 
 
 iv, 1838, 256 ; v, 579 ; pi. 330 ; Syn. 1839, 224 ; B. Am. v, 1842, 218, pi. 320.— L 
 
 PUTX., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 18.i6, 216.— Schl., M. P.-B. 1865, Cursores, 30.— Gray, 
 
 Hand-list, iii, 1871, 16, No. 10009. 
 ^gialiiis semipalmaius, Bp., Comp. List, 1838, 45.— Cab., J. f. O. 1856, 428.— Bd., B. N. 
 
 A. 1858, 694.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 231.— Coues, Pr. Phila. 
 
 Acad. 1861, 228.— Coues & Prent.. Smiths. Eep. 1861, 415.— Wheat., Ohio 
 
 Agric. Eep. 1860, No. 193.— Verr., Pr! Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 22.— Boardm., Pr. Bost. 
 
 Soc. ix, L862, 128.— Dress., Ibis, 1866, 347 (Texas, -wintering).- Coues, Pr. 
 
 Phila. Ac. 1866, 96.— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 122.— McIlwb., Pr. Ess. Inst. 
 
 v, 1866, 92.— Coues, ibid, v, 1868, 291.— Dall & B.inn., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 
 
 290.— TURNB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 29.— Matn., Nat. Guide, 1870, 139.— AiXEsr, Bull. 
 
 M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 355.— Coues, Pr. PhUa. Acad. 1871, 28.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 
 
 9.- Coues, Key, 1872, 244. 
 Jlgialeus semipalmaius, Eeich., Syst. Av. 1853. — Allen, Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 501 ; 
 
 Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 77. 
 Charadrius hrei-irostris, Maxiji., Beitr. iv, 769 (Brazil). — ScHOMB., Guiana, iii, 750. — 
 
 BuRM., Ueb. iii, 359. 
 " Charadrius collaris, Licht. nee Vjelll." {ScUegel.) 
 
 Extralimital quotations. — Cab., J. f. O. iv, 1856, 428 (Cuba).— Bry., Pr. Bost. Soc. vii, 
 1859 (Bahamas).— SuND., Ofv. Ak. 1869, 588 (St. Bartholomew).— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. 
 Y. viii, 1864, 101 (Sombrero); ix, 238 (Puna Island).— ScL., Ibis, 1866, 197 (Guate- 
 mala). — Pelz., Orn. Braz. 297 (Brazil). — Darw., Voy. Beagle, 128 (Galapagos). • 
 
 Hah. — Continent of North America, breeding chiefly in higher latitudes, -wintering 
 from our southern border to Brazil.* 
 
 The American Semipalmated or Ring Plover — " Eingneck," as it is 
 familiarly called — is at once distinguished from its European congener, 
 as well as from any species of this country, by the extent of the basal 
 webbing of the toes. The web between the middle and outer toe is 
 larger than in any other, while that between the middle and inner (rudi- 
 mentary in our other species) is as large as that between the outer and 
 middle toes 6f the rest. A glance at these two decided webs is suffi- » 
 cient to determine the species. 
 
 As noted above, its dispersion is more than coextensive with the con- 
 tinent of North America ; for, in winter, although many individuals pass 
 that season on our southern coasts, others penetrate far into South 
 America. In the Middle States it is chiefly a bird of passage, and it is 
 only known to breed regularly t in higher latitudes. Along the coast of 
 B'orth Carolina it appears in great numbers in April, and remains 
 
 * Dr. Sehlegel cites a specimen from Brazil, type of the Prince of Wied's C. brecirostris. 
 t The breeding of a pair on Muskeget Island, off the Massachusetts coast, in June, 
 1866, is noticed by Mr. Samuels, Orn. New England, p. 420. 
 
454 ^GIALITIS SEMIPALMATA, SEMIPALMATED PLOVER. 
 
 through May, after which none are to be observed until late in August 
 following, they being engaged to the northward in the duties of repro- 
 duction. Before their departure from our coasts in the spring, they 
 assume the perfect breeding dress, with brightly- colored bill, feet, and 
 eye-lids, and perfect black bars. Eeturning in August, in limited num- 
 bers, the great body come after in September, thronging the beaches in 
 company with various Sandpipers. In Labrador, where I found them 
 breeding abundantly, they remained, apparently as plenty as ever, up 
 to the first week in September, frequenting both the sea-beaches and 
 the mud-flats, with Bonaparte's and the Semipalmated Sandpipers, in 
 scattering troops, eagerly searching for food. Here they were more than 
 ordinarily gentle and unsuspicious, especially the young ones, wholly 
 unaccustomed to the presence of man. Subsequently, after persecution 
 by the boys and pot-hunters, to whom they are objects of wanton pur- 
 suit, they seem to acquire a little wisdom by experience, though they 
 cannot be regarded as wary under any circumstances. Their call-note 
 is a mellow whistle, much like that of their allies, yet distinguishable. 
 In the interior of our country the Plovers are nowhere so numerous, 
 according to my observations, as they are along the coasts ; yet they 
 migrate in considerable numbers along the main water-courses, and are 
 of regular occurrence each season, in April and May, September and 
 October. Such is more particularly the case in the better-watered east- 
 ern portions of the Missouri region than in the dryer districts westward. 
 I ha\e, however, met with it on the Oolorado Eiver, which penetrates 
 hundreds of miles into the desert. 
 
 The nesting of the Semipalmated Plover is not peculiar, the arrange- 
 ments being the same as those made by most birds of the family. The 
 eggs are laid in a depression of the ground, in a grassy or mossy spot, 
 lined with a few blades of the same substances. The eggs vary in number 
 from two* to four, the fewer being laid, it would appear, in the higher 
 latitudes. They are hardly or not distinguishable from Killdeer eggs 
 excepting by their smaller size, having the same ground-color and tone 
 of the markings. The ground ranges from quite olivaceous-drab to 
 pale clay-color, or even grayish-white, some of these lightest and least 
 
 * There are numerous exceptions to the rule of four eggs among the limicoline hirds. 
 Wilsonife Plover is another instance, the more unexpected in that the bird breeds in 
 comparatively low latitudes of the Middle and Southern States, along the coast. In 
 none of the many nests I found on the sea-shore of North Carolina were there more 
 than three eggs. Tuey offer the following characters : Length, 1.22 to 1.45; breadth, 
 1.00 to 1.05; ground-color, pale olive-drab, more inclining to green in some cases, to 
 brown in others, but always very pale, thickly marked all over with blackish-brown 
 in irregular, sharply-defined spots, small splashes, andjine dots. " In some specimens 
 the markings show a tendency to run into tine lines, and in these are the smallest, 
 darkest, most numerous [most evenly distributed], and most sharply outlined ; but 
 ordinarily the distinctive speckled character is maintained. Commonly the markings 
 are rather larger, and consequently more thickly set, on the larger part of the egg, 
 where there is also some tendency to run together, though scarcely to form a ring 
 around the butt ; but in none of the specimens examined was the pointecl end free from 
 spots. Here and there may usually be observed a few pale, obsolete spots, but they 
 are not conspicuous ; in fact, hardly to be detected without close scrutiny." (Cohes, 
 Am. A'at. iu, 1869, p. 348.) 
 
 Comparing the eggs of all the species of .^ialitis mentioned in this work, as they 
 lie before me in large series (excepting those of .<®. moutanus, of which I have only three), 
 we see that the Kildeer's and Eingneck's are essentially alike, only of different sizes. 
 Wilson's and the Piping Plover's are approximately similar, both averaging lighter in 
 ground-color and of fewer markings, but the latter are very appreciably paler and less 
 marked than the former ; and the egg of ^. montanus stands somewhat alone, not only 
 in its dark-olive ground-color and nearly even, fine speckling, but also in in its shape, 
 which is notably less pyriform than that of the others, or than that of Plovers in 
 general. 
 
M. MELODA VAB. CIRCUMCINCTA, PIPING PLOVER. 455 
 
 marked specimens resembling the egg of JS. meloda. Compared with 
 Killdeer's eggs, the markings are more detiuite, axeraging larger and 
 bolder, with little of the scratchiness observable in the latter. The 
 largest Eingneck's egg does not equal the smallest Killdeer's, being only 
 1.40 by 0.95, and thence running down to 1.20 by 0.90. A few obscure 
 shell-markings may usually be observed. 
 
 iEGIALITIS MELODA var. OIECUMCmCTA, Eidgw. 
 Fiplng Plover; Ring Plorer. 
 
 a. meloda. 
 
 Charadrius MaticuJa var., Wii,s., Am. Oru. v, 1812, 30, pi. 37, f. 2. 
 
 Chamdriiismelodus, Ord, ed. Wils. vii, 1824, 71.— Bp., Am. Orn. iv, 1832, 74, pi. 24.— 
 NUTT., Man. ii, 1834, 18.— AuD., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 154; v, 1839, 578; pi. 220; 
 B. Am. V, 1842, 223, pi. 321.— PUTN., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 216.— SCHL., M. P.-B. 
 1865, Cm-sores, 29.— Gkay, Haud-list, 1871 , 16, No. 10010.— FiNSCH, Abh. Nat. lu, 
 1872, 62 (Alaska). 
 
 Charadrius (MgialiHs) melodiis, Eidgw., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 333 (Illinois). 
 
 Mgialitis melodns. Bp., Comp. List, 1838, 45.— Cab., J. f. 0. iv, IS.'iG, 424 (Cuba).— Bd., 
 B. N. A. 1858, 695.— Bkyant, Pr. Bost. Soc. vii, 1859 (Bahamas).- ScL., P. Z. S. 
 1861, 80 (Jamaica).— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 173.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, 
 No. 194.— Vkrr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 22 (coast of Maine, breeding).— Boardji., 
 Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 123 (breeds).— CoTTES, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1868, 122.— McIlwr., 
 Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 92.— COUES, ibid, v, 1868, 292.— TuRNB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 
 29.— Mayn., Nat. Guide, 1870, 39.— Allen, BuU. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 355.— CouBS, 
 Pr. Phila. Acad. 1871, 28.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 10.— CouES, Key, 1872, 244. 
 
 jBSgialens melodus, Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 86. 
 
 Charadrius okeni, Wagl., Syst. Av. 1827. 
 
 b. circumcincta. 
 
 Mgialitis melodus var. circumoinctus, Ridgw., Am. Nat. viii, 1874, 109. — CouES, Check- 
 list, App. p. 133, No. 400'>. 
 
 Sal). — United States and British Provinces, east of the Rocky Mountains (beyond 
 which apparently replaced by ^. cantiana). Abundant along the Atlantic coast of 
 the United States, breeding north to the St. Lawrence, and wintering from the Caro- 
 linas southward. Cuba. Bahamas. Jamaica. Var. circumcincta from the Missouri 
 region. 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition.— 90^8, 9034-5, 9038-9, Fork of the Platte (types of 
 var. circumcincta). 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition or the later ones. 
 
 As observed sometime since by Mr. Cassin, Dr. Hayden's specimens are in full breed- 
 ing dress, with the black pectoral band complete, instead of forming, as in most in- 
 stances, an area on either side of the breast. This is the basis of Mr. Ridgway's new 
 variety. This condition, and the date of collection (July 8), warrant the inference 
 that the species breeds in Nebraska — a surmise not yet confirmed, but strengthened by 
 the general facts of the distribution of the species. For, unlike its near relative (JE. 
 semipalmata), the Piping Plover does not proceed to high latitudes to breed, being 
 quite unknown in the fur countries, and, indeed, in British America, excepting the 
 portions immediately bordering the United States. It is content to find its summer 
 home in the northern half of the United States, especially along the Atlantic coast 
 from New Jersey to the St. Lawrence. I think that though some breed so far south 
 as the Carolinas, the fact escaped me during the two years I spent on the coast, 
 at Fort Macon, paying much attention to the ornithology of the locality. There the 
 Piping Plovers were chieiJy migrants, coming and going with the Semipalinated, 
 and were not nearly so abundant. It is noted as a common summer bird of the New 
 England coast, and is said to breed in abundance along the shores of Maine. The 
 nest, which I have not myself observed, is stated to be made preferably along the sea- 
 beach of the main land and adjoining islands, and to be merely a slight hollow of 
 the sand, lined or not -with a few grasses or bits of sea-weed. This is somewhat dif- 
 ferent from the nidification of the Semipalmated Plover, which selects a mossy or 
 grassy spot away from the beach; and entirely like the Wilsonian Plover. 
 
 The eggs of the Piping Plover may be distinguished at a glance from those of the 
 Kingneck by their light color and fine, sparse speckling. The ground is clay-color, or 
 palest possible creamy-brown, marked nearly uniformly all over, but sparsely, with 
 
456 EUDEOMIAS MONTANUS, MOUNTAIN PLOVER. 
 
 small blackish-brown dots and specks, but no spots of any size nor scratchy lines; the 
 largest markings observed scarcely exceed a pin's bead. T)io dotting; is sometimes ex- 
 tremely fine, mere jjoiuts, and with it appe.-ir to be iilways mingled a few obscure 
 .fhell-markings of lilac or lavender. The ei,'K appears to lie about of the same size 
 (cai)aeity) as that of thi; Ringneck, but is nitlier lc:;9 elonj^ate and jioiriti^d. Several 
 specimens measure : 1.30 by 1.00; 1.2.0 by O.'X, ; 1.25 by 1.00 ; 1.20 by O.'Xt,' &e. 
 
 The following North American species of this genus have not been found in the 
 Missouri region : 
 
 .^GiALiTis WILSONIA, (Ord,) Casein. 
 
 CharadriiiH v:ihoiiiiiH, 0];i), ed. Wils. ix, 1825, 77, pi. 73, fig. 5.— Br., Syn. 29R.— NUTT., 
 Man. ii, IK'A, 21.— AUD., O. B. iii, lrj:i.O, T.;-. v, 1839, i')77; pi. 2H4 ; K.yn. 1839, 
 2-23; B. Am. v, H42, 214, pi. 319.— Gu:., B. L. I. 1844, '2I(i.— Pkab., J;ep. Om. 
 Mas8.'l8:i9, 360 ("Nahant, Aug. 1838").— Li.nsi,., Am. .Journ. 8ci. xliv, 18i:i, 265 
 (Connecticut).— PijT.n-., Pr. Ess. lust, i, 18.Vi, 224 (quotes Ftahody). 
 
 JEfiiulili:!! -iriUoniun, Bl'., List, 18.'!8, 45. 
 
 0/:l(flioiliomu8 wilminus, Ki;icn., .Sy.st. Av. 18.',3, p. xviii. — Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 
 8(j (Massachusetts; quotes I'eabodi)). — Allen, Am. Nat. iii, 1870, 637. 
 
 MyialiliH wihoiiinn, Cass., Baird's Ji. N. A. 18.58, 693. — Sam., iJescr. Cat. B. Mass. ii, 
 ("couimou, spring and fall"?).— DJ'.k.ss., Ibis, 1866, 34 ('i'exasj, — Lawk., Ann. 
 Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 294 (Long Island).- COUES, Pr. liss. liist. v, ]8i;8, 291 
 (Connecticut, Livuley, and (?)Ma8saelinsetts, I'aihtiili), iSmniidh — amislake?)- — 
 CouES, Pr. Best. S(«;. xii, 1868, ];J2 (South C:iroliii:i j.— T(;i;mj., B. E. P:i. 1869, 
 28 (New .Jersey, rather rare). — Coi.ks, Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 337 (biograjijjy and 
 e;,'(;s). — Ali,i;,S', Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, '.',hU (Florida, wintering). — CouKS, Key, 
 1872, 244. 
 
 CharadriuH crassiroslria, Splx;, Av. Bras, ii, 1825, 77, pi. 94 (cf. i'F.i./.., Om. Bras. 1870,297). 
 
 JETah. — Atlantic and Gulf coasts. United States. North to Long Island and Oonnecti- 
 cnt, prehably to Massaeljusetts, but rare beyond New .lersey . Also on the Pacilie side 
 to Calil'omia(?)- Middle and South America and West Imiies C(/nba, Cm;., J. f. 0. iv, 
 i'i4; Lah.'iiiias, Bry., Pr. Bo.st. 8oe. vii, 1850; Saint Thomas, Ca.s.S., Pr. Pliila. Acad. 
 ]8f;0, :578; <;uatemala and Honduras, Salv., Ibis, 1366, 197; Venezuela, Sci.. & Salv., 
 P. Z. S. 1808, 169; Brazil, Si-ix; Pklz., Orn. Bras. 297). 
 
 iEfiiALiTls ciXTiANA var. NIVCSA, (Camiln,) liidgway, 
 
 JEfjialilin (LfiumpolinH) nirona, Cass., Baird's B. N. A. ]8.'8, 696 (San J'raiieiseo, G'al.). — 
 CouKS, Iliis, 1866. 274 (San Pedro, Cal.).— (?)Salv., Ibis, 1866, 196 (Chiapam).— 
 Sc;,. & Salv., P. Z, S. Ir;!;-, 176 (Islay, Peruj. — Lawi;., Ann. Lye. N. Y. ix, 186rt, 
 209 (Yucatan). 
 
 Charadrius r:antianm, Heep.m., P. R. K. Kep. x, 18.'9, pt. vi, 64. 
 
 JUriialifin cantianm, Cours, Key, 1^72, 245. 
 
 Jli'jial itin 'Mittiamts var. nivosus, ItiDGW., Am. Xat. viii, 1874, 109. — CouK.s, Check-list, 
 Ai>p. No. 401. 
 
 Hab. — Coa.st of California, and southward to Peru. East probably to the Rocky 
 Mountains, Utah, Itreeding {I:ld;/ii:aij). 
 
 MaiAnns jiicnoKiiYNcnA, liidgway. 
 
 ^gialHis mi/roijiiiiulins, RluGW., Am. Nat. viii, 1874, 109 (San Franci»co).^Coi;E.s, 
 Check-list, No. 400i(«. 
 
 Rah. — Coast of California. 
 
 EUDIiOMIAS .MONTANUS, (Towns.) Ilarting. 
 
 Lloantain Plover. 
 
 CharadriiiH montanm, Tovv.vs., Journ. A. X. S. vii, 1837, YU: Narr. 1^.!9, 319.— Ai:i)., Orn. 
 BioK. iv, 1^538, ."//i, pi. 350 : Syn. 1839, 22:3; B. Am. v, 1842, 213, pi. 3J8. 
 
 ' TIjc eggs of the Sijowy Plover {A. nixom of Cassiu) are much like those of J. me- 
 lo:a, bein^^ of about the same size, and having the same lighr, jrround and fine mark- 
 ings. The markings, however, are more nnmerons and scratchy, comparing with those 
 of meloda in this respect, much as the ef,'(;s of the Killdeer do wit b those of the Kingnexk. 
 The coloration is very nearly as in xrilitonia, though the size is mnch less. Two eggs 
 mea.snre each 1.20 by 0.90 ; these were from a set of three taken by I)r. Cooper, May ^ 
 1862, at S;ir] Pedro, .Southern California, where, aa I found the species in November, it 
 is probably resident. Another egg, in the Smithsonian collection, wa.s procured by Mr. 
 Hepburn at San Francisco. 
 
EUDROMIAS MONTANUS, MOUNTAIN PLOVER. 
 
 457 
 
 Mgialitia montanns, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 693— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 18C0, 
 231.— llAYD., Eep. im-i, 173.— Dress., Ibis, 1866, 33 (San Antonio, Texas).— 
 Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 187:^, 181.— Aiken, Pr. Boat. Soc. xv, 1872, 209.— 
 Snow, B. Kaus. 1873, 9, No. 209. 
 
 Podasocys montanus, CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 96. — Elliot, B. N. A. ii, pi. 39. 
 
 Charadrius {Podasocys) montanua, Gray, Hand-list, iii, 1871, 15, No. 9997. 
 
 jEgialitis asiaticus var.* montanus, Codes, Key, 1872, 245. 
 
 Etidromias montamtn, Hauting. — CouKS, Check-list, App. No. 402. 
 
 JSab. — Western United States, from the plains of Middle Kansas and Nebraska, and 
 Western Dakota, to the Pacific. Texas {Dresser). Also, Florida (Maynaid). 
 
 List of specimens. 
 
 19301 
 19302 
 19303 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 32 
 
 92 
 
 Otter Creek 
 
 Smith's Pork .. 5 
 
 May 29, 1860 
 July 7,1860 
 
 F. V. Hayden 
 do 
 
 
 
 
 9.00 
 
 18.75 
 
 6.75 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 9043-44, Loup Fork of the Platte. 
 Later Expeditiom. — 59866, Middle Park, Colorado {Stevenson). 
 
 Although this beautiful and iuterestiug bird Is strictly a western 
 species, still its range is more extensive than was formerly supposed, 
 both in latitude and longitude. ISo one has found it, so far as I am 
 aware, north of the United States boundary, but it probably penetrates 
 some little way, at least, into the British possessions, while, on the other 
 hand, it enters Mexico, and may even, as Mr. Oassin surmises, migrate 
 into South America in winter. But this is not yet determined. Its 
 Eastern limit is pretty nearly ascertained. The farthest point recorded 
 is the vicinity of Port Hays, near the centre of Kansas, where Mr. Allen 
 found it "moderately common," and it is known to occur in Nebraska 
 in a corresponding longitude. Further north, however, its range seems 
 to trend somewhat westward, for I never saw it in the eastern half of 
 Dakota, over much of which I have traveled, nor in the northern part 
 east of 103°. We have, nevertheless, a record of its occurrence and 
 breeding in Southwestern Dakota, in the vicinity of the Black Hills. 
 From the region thus indicated it may be found, in suitable situations, 
 to the Paciiic coast. 
 
 The name of "Mountain Plover" does not appear to be well chosen, 
 further than as an expression of very general import. Though found 
 on highly elevated plateaux, it is not a bird of the mountains, but of 
 the plains. While most other Plovers haunt the vicinity of water, to 
 which some are almost confined, the present species is not in the least 
 degree of aquatic habits, but, on the contrary, resorts to plains as dry 
 and sterile as any of our country — sometimes the grassy prairies, with 
 Shore Larks and Titlarks, various Ground Sparrows, and^the Burrowing 
 Owl; sometimes sandy deserts, where the sage brush and the " chamizo," 
 the prickly pear and the Spanish bayonet, grow in full luxuriance. It 
 approaches the Paciiic, but will never be found on the beach itself, with 
 maritime birds, nor even on the adjoining mud-flats or marshes, prefer- 
 ring the flru), grassy fields further back from the water. 
 
 *It appears from Mr. Hartins's recent critical article on Charadrius asiaticus (Ibis, 
 1870, 201, pi. 5), that I may have too hastily united our monimia with that sveoies— a 
 course in which I relied upon Prof Schlegel's authority, not having the opportnuity of 
 a direct comparison of specimens. As mentioned in the Check-list, the bird should 
 probably stand as Eudromias montanus. (Compare, however, Finscii, Ibis, 1>172, p. 144.) 
 
 I have only recently had an opportunity of examining the species in perfect dross. 
 There is no pectoral band of black, but a broad, transverse, coronal, black bar of vary- 
 ing width (sometimes occupying half the pileum, sometimes a mere line), and another 
 sharp, black, loral line separating the white forehead find superciliary stripe from the 
 white of the chin and throat. There is a little ochraoeous edging of tlie feathers of the 
 upper parts, and a similar shade suifuses the breast. 
 
458 EUDROMIAS MONTANUS, MOUNTAIN PLOVER. 
 
 In the desert region of New Mexico, between the Eio Grande and the 
 base of tlie mountains to the westward, 1 found these Plovers abundant, 
 late in June, together with the Long-billed Curlews, and presume that 
 they breed there, although I found no nests. The old birds that I shot 
 were in poor condition and worn plumage. A few were seen in Arizona, 
 at various seasons, but they did not again occur to me in abundance 
 until I reached Southern California, in November of the following year. 
 In the vicinity of Los Angeles I found them in large flocks on the dry 
 plain which stretches down to the ocean. They were not difficult of 
 approach, and 1 had no difficulty in securing as many as I desired. On 
 being disturbed by too near approach, they lower the head, run rapidly 
 a few steps in a light, easy way, and then stop abruptly, drawing them- 
 selves up to their full height and looking around with timid yet unsus- 
 picious glances. Their notes are rather peculiar, as compared with those 
 of our other Plovers, and vary a good deal, according to circumstances. 
 When the birds are feeding at their leisure, and in no way apprehensive 
 of danger, they utter a low and rather pleasing whistle, though in a 
 somewhat drawling or rather lisping tone; but the note changes to a 
 louder and higher one, sometimes sounding harshly. When forced to 
 fly by .persistent annoyance, they rise rapidly with quick wing-beats, 
 and then proceed with alternate sailing and flapping, during the former 
 action holding the wings decurved. They generally fly low over the 
 ground, and soon realight, taking a few mincing steps as they touch the 
 ground ; they then either squat low, in hopes of hiding, or stand on tip- 
 toe, as it were, for a better view of what alarmed them. 
 
 The Mountain. Plover's food consists principally, if not wholly, of in- 
 sects. I examined the stomachs of a great many with reference to this 
 matter, finding in them nothing whatever but insects, excepting, as usual, 
 a little sand or gravel. Grasshoppers, in their season, seem to be the 
 bird's maiu reliance, though numerous other insects, as crickets and 
 beetles, are also eaten; and I suppose that worms and small land-mol- 
 luscs would not come amiss. In tlie fall, when food is plenty, the birds 
 become very fat, tender and juicy, afibrdlng excellent eating. 
 
 No previous writer upon this bird has said anything of its nest and 
 eggs, which remained until lately unknown. In the Key I gave a brief 
 description of the eggs, which I can now make more extended, adding 
 an item regarding the nest. The two eggs I described were, as I am 
 informed by Mr. Stevenson, of Dr. Hayden's party, who took them him- 
 self, only half of the nest-complement, the other two having been acci- 
 dentally destroyed. They were discovered July 13, 1859, on the North 
 Fork of the Platte, about one hundred and twenty miles west of Port 
 Kearney, and contained large embryos. They difi'er in size and shape, 
 though from the same nest, one being more pointed and longer than 
 the other. The measurements are: 1.50 by 1.10, and 1.40 by 1.10. 
 The form is notably less pointed than usual in this genus, and alto- 
 gether the eggs are peculiar. In color they are about alike, olive-drab, 
 with a decided shade of brown, thickly marked all over, but especially 
 at the larger end, with blackish, very dark brown, and neutral tint. 
 All the spots are small — in fact, mere dots and specks — the largest 
 scarcely exceeding a pin's head. They show no tendency to aggregate 
 into splashes, and the edges of the markings are sharp. Mr. Stevenson 
 tells me that the nest was a mere depression in the bare ground, lined 
 with a few grass-blades. The eggs would probably have hatched in 
 another week. Another egg, in the Smithsonian, is nearly a duplicate 
 of these, but rather browner, with rather smaller and more numerous 
 markings. It is also more pointed; size, 1.48 by 1.12. Mr. Allen 
 
STREPSILAS INTERPEES, TTJENSTONE. 469 
 
 saw newly-hatobed young, and others full grown, the 27th and 28th of 
 July, in South Park, Oolorado, showing that the time of laying varies. 
 Yet the range thus indicated is nothing unusual ; I have observed much 
 the same thing with regard to the Bartramian Sandpiper ahd other 
 species which I have had an opportunity of observing closely. 
 
 Mr. Allen communicates the following notes : " The Mountain Plover 
 {^(llalitis Montana), though scarcely to be regarded as an abundant 
 species, occurs with considerable frequency throughout the plains from 
 Middle and perhaps Eastern Kansas westward. In the breeding sea- 
 son it is generally seen in isolated pairs, usually in the dryest situatious, 
 and is silent and unsuspicious. Later in the season it occurs occasion- 
 ally in small parties, composed of one or two broods of young, accom- 
 panied by their parents. Newly-hatched young were observed at 
 Intervals throughout the month of July. This species was also often 
 met with in South Park, as well as on the high tablelands that occur 
 at intervals thence eastward to the plains." 
 
 The Turnstone has not, to my knowledge, been found in the Missouri region, but is 
 reported from Lake Erie and Minnesota. Following is its synonymy : 
 Strbpsilas intbrpkes, {Linnmiis,) lUiger. 
 
 n. interpres. 
 Tringa interpres, Linn., Fn. Suec. C3 ; Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 248 (based on Areiiaria, Biuss., 
 V, 1:32; AlormeUusmarinus,WnkvG.,231,-pl.:id; M. canadeiisis,Ei>w., Ay.141). — 
 Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 671.— Lath., Ind. Oru. ii, 1790, 738.— WiLS., Am. Orn. 
 viii, 1813, 32, pi. 57, f. 1. 
 Strepsilas interpres, III., Prod. 1811,263.— Leach, Cat. 1816, 29.— Sthph., G. Z. xi, 520.— 
 Bp., Syn. 1828, 299; List, 1838, 46.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 371.— Ndtt., 
 Man. ii, 1834, 30.— Flem., Br. An. 110.— Nauji., V. D. vii, 1834, 303, pi. 160.— 
 Jbnyks, Man. 1835, 182.— Eyt., C;it. Br. B. 43.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 
 1840, 71.— Macgil., Man. ii, 57.— Schl., Ect. Crit. 1844, 85.— AuD., Orn. Bioo- 
 iv, 1838, 31, pi. 304 ; Syn. 1839, 227 ; B. Am. v, 1842, 231, pi. 323.— Cass., fn 
 Bd. B. N. A. 1856, 701.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 196 (Lake Erie).— 
 Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 233.— Cooes, Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1861 
 128 (Labrador); 1871, 29 (Carolina).— COUES, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1836, -29 i (Ne^v 
 Englaud).— Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 290 (Alaska).— Fi.nsch, Abh. 
 Nat. iii, 1672, 62 (Alaska).— Cour.s, Key, 1^72, 246.— Newt., Ibis, i, 1859, 256 
 (Santa Cruz).- Cab., J. f. 0. iv, 1856, 4'i3 (Cuba).— Swish., Ibis, 1663, 414 
 (Formosa).— Daew., Voy. Beagle, 132 (Peru and Galapagos).— Lawb., Ann. 
 Lye. N. Y. viii, 1864, 101 (Sombrero).— Newt., Ibis, 1865, 5^05 (Spitzbergen).— 
 Salv., Ibis, 1866, 198 (Guatemala).— Haetl., P. Z. S. 1867, 831 (Pelew Islands).— 
 Haeting, p. Z. S. 1868, 118 (Pelew Islands).— Philippi, Cat. 33 (Chili).— SuxD. 
 Ofv.Vet. Akad. 1869, .588 (St. Bartholomew).- Pelz., Orn. Braz. 1870, 297 (Bra- 
 zil).— Hatch, Bull. Minnesota Acad, i, 1674, 63 (Minnesota). — Ridgw., Ann 
 Lye. N. Y. X, 1874, 383 (Lake Michigan). 
 Cimlus interpres, Geay, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 549; List Br. B. 1663, 143. 
 Ttinga morinella, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 246 {Morinellus marimts, Gates., i, 72 ; Are-, 
 
 naria cinerea, Briss., v, 137, pi. 11, f 2).— Gji., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 671. 
 Oinclus morinellus. Gray', List of Gen. of B. 1841, 87. 
 
 Trimja hudsonica, MiJLL., Syst. Nat. Suppl. 1776, 114.— Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1664, 246. 
 Morinella collaris, Meyer, Vog. Liv. u. Esthl. 210. 
 
 Strepsilas eollaris, Temm., Man. 1815, 349; ii, 553. — Brehm, V. D. 556.— Sab., Suppl. Par- 
 , ry's Ist Voy. p. cc.— Sab., Fraukl. Journ. 684.— Rich., App. Parry's 2d Voy. 352. 
 Charadrius cinclus, Pall., Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, 146. 
 Tringa oaliuensis, "Blox., Voy. 251." (Gray.) 
 Strepsilas borealis et littoralis, Beehm, V. D. 558, 560. 
 Sab. — Sea-coasts of nearly all countries. Less frequent in the interior. 
 
 b. melanoceplialus. 
 Strepsilas melanoceplialus, ViG., Z. J. iv, 1829, 356 ; Voy. Bloss. 1839, 29.— Game., J. A 
 N. S. Pa. 2d ser. 1849, 220.— Cass., Baiid's N. A. B. 1858, 702.— Heerm., P. E. R. 
 Rep. X, 1859, pt. vi, pi. 7.— Coop. & Sock., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 234— Dall & 
 BjVNN., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 290. 
 Strepsilas interpres var. melanooephalus, CoOES, Key, 1872, 246, 
 
 Sab. — Pacific coast, North America. 
 
460 RECUEVIEOSTRA AMERICANA, AVOCET. 
 
 Family B,EOURVIROSTRIDiE: Avocets. 
 
 EEOUEVmOSTRA AMERICAlJrA, Gm. 
 
 ATOcet. 
 
 Beciirvirostra americana, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 693.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 787.— 
 
 WiLS., Am. Orn. vil, 1813, 126, pi. 63, f. a.— Bp., Syn. 1828, No. 280.— Sw. & v^ 
 Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 375.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 75.— Bp., List, 1838, 54.— AuD., , /-^ 
 0. Biog. iv,1838, 168, pi. 318; SyD. 1839, 252; B. Am. vi, 1843,24, pi. 353.— Emm., 
 Cat. B. Mass. 1835, 5.— Gm., B. L. I. 1844, 269.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 100 
 (Indiau Territory and New Mexico). — Putn., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 230.— Cab., 
 J. f. O. iv, 1856, 422 (Caba).— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 703.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. 
 Wash. Ter. 1860, 234.— Wheat., Ohio Agrio. Rep. 1860, No. 197.— Hayd., Rep. 
 1862, 173 (Yellowstone).— Veer., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 158 (coast of Maine, one 
 instance). — Bo.iKDM., Pr. Boat. Soc. ix, 1862, 128 (same instance). — Aixen, Pr. 
 Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 86.— Lawk., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 295.— CouES, Pr. 
 Phila. Acad. 1866, 97 (Arizona).— McIi.WR., Pr. Ess. Inst, t, 1866, 92 (Toronto).— 
 Dress., Ibis, 1866, 35 (Texas).— Salv., Ibis, 1866, 198 (Guatemala).— CouES, 
 Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 124 (South Carolina).— CouES, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 
 292 (New England, rare or accidental).— Tuknb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 28 (rather 
 rare).- Mayx., Guide, 1870, 143.— Stey. ,U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 466 (North 
 Platte).— CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1871, 33.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 357 
 (Florida, in winter) ; iii, 1872, 182 (Great Salt Lake).— Mbrr., U. S. Geol. Surv. 
 Ter. 1872, 701 (Great Salt Lake).— Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 209 (Arkansas 
 River).— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 10, No. 213.— Gray, Hand-list, iii, 1871, 47, No. 
 10288.— Cooes, Key, 1872, 147, fig. 159.— Eiugw., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 385 
 (Illinois). 
 
 Securvirestra occidentalis, ViG., Zool. Jonrn. iv, 1829, 356 ; Zool. Voy. Blossom, 1839, 28, 
 pi. 12.— Wagl., Isis, 1831, 520.— Gray, Gen. of B. pi. 155.— Bd., Stansbury's 
 Rep. 1852, 334.— Cass., 111. 1855, 232, pi. 40.— Newb., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 18.57, 
 99. {Young.) 
 
 American .4»osi<, Penn., Arct. Zool. ii, 502, pi. 21. — Lath., Syn. v. pi. 93. 
 
 Hob. — United States and British Provinces. North to the Sa.skatchewan and Great 
 Slave Lake. Rare or casual in New England. Breeds throughout. Winters on our 
 southern border and beyond (to Guatemala). 
 
 Ltst of specimens. 
 
 19376 
 
 
 Fort Randall... 
 
 
 Sept. 12, 1860 
 
 G. H.Trook-- 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 5446, Yellowstone River. 
 
 Later Expeditions.— 59872-d, Colorado ; 60775, North Platte ; 61641-2, Great Salt Lake. 
 
 The Avocet is irregularly distributed over nearly all of temperate 
 North America ; that is, from rather high latitudes in British America 
 to Mexico and the Gulf, and from one ocean to the other. Neverthe- 
 less, there are large tracts of country that it scarcely ever visits ; thus, 
 it is little more than a straggler in New England, though not rare 
 southward on the Atlantic coast. It is, perhaps, more abundant than 
 elsewhere in the interior of the United States, along the Mississippi 
 Valley, and thence westward, in all suitable localities, to -the Eocky 
 Mountains. Several observers state that they have never met with it 
 on the Pacific coast; and Dr. Suckley records that a single specimen he 
 procured in Washington seemed to be astray, and was unknown to the 
 settlers. This writer speaks of its abundance in Dakota, and notes the 
 fact, perhaps not generally known, that it frequented the banks of run- 
 ning brooks as well as the margins of still pools. These latter, how- 
 ever, together with swampy places throughout the interior, and marshy 
 places along the coast, are its favorite resorts. Some have asserted that 
 it gives preference to salt or brackish waters, as would seem to be indi- 
 cated by its abundance at Great Salt Lake, in Utah, and about the alkaline 
 waters of Dakota, as just noticed; but it is found to be equally abun- 
 dant upon fresh lakes and rivers throughout the interior. 
 
 In the United States and northward the Avocet is chiefly a summer 
 
EECURVIEOSTEA AMERICANA, AVOCET. 461 
 
 visitor, entering our limits from the South in spring, though many winter 
 along our border. A part of the birds scatter over the United States, 
 and others go further north, to breed; for they raise their young with 
 equal facility from the latitude of the Middle States — or even further 
 south, especially in the West — to that, for instance, of Great Slave Lake. 
 Their wide distribution in the West, during the breeding season, is evi- 
 denced, among other things, by the number of localities whence we have 
 records of the "White-necked Avocet" (-B. occidentalis), which is, in re- 
 ality, only the young of this species. It was first described by Mr. 
 Vigors, the distinguished English naturalist, in 1829, and has only 
 recently been determined to be the same bird in immature plumage. 
 Mr. Oassin gives a handsome plate of it in his " Illustrations." 
 
 My first acquaintance with Avocets was made on the plains, early in 
 June, 1864. I found plenty of the birds in some shallow reedy ponds, 
 near the Arkansas Eiver, in company with several other waders, among 
 them Wilson's Phalaropes and some Gulls {Ghroecocephalus franlcUni) ; 
 while on the dry ground near by were great numbers of the Burrowing 
 Owls, living, as usual, in a prairie-dog town. The Avocets were in full 
 plumage, with the head and neck cinnamon color ; and, from their 
 actions, I had no doubt they had nests somewhere about the ponds. 
 They were quite gentle and familiar, and not at all disturbed by my ap- 
 proach, displaying a characteristic of theirs during the breeding season, 
 at least in regions where they are not often molested, and have, there- 
 fore, not learned a wholesome dread of man. They walked leisurely 
 about, up to the belly in the water, with graceful, deliberate steps, 
 each of which was accompanied by a swayi.jg of the head and neck, as 
 usual with birds of similar form. When approached too closely, they 
 rose lightly from the water, uttering their peculiar cries, flapped leis- 
 urely to a little distance, and again alighted to pursue their peaceful 
 search for food, forgetting, or at least not heeding, their recent alarm. 
 As they rose from the water, their singular, long legs were suffered to 
 dangle for a few moments, but were afterward stretched stiffly back- 
 ward, as a counterpoise to their long necks ; and, thus balanced, their 
 lithe bodies were supported with greatest ease by their ample wings. 
 When about to realight, they sailed without flapping for a little dis- 
 tance, just clearing the water, their legs again hanging loosely; as they 
 touched the ground, their long wings were held almost upright for an 
 instant, then deliberately folded and settled in place with a few slight 
 motions. Contrary to what I had expected, they showed no sympa- 
 thetic concern, and, indeed, only moderate alarm, when some of their 
 number were killed; for I must confess that after learning something of 
 their ways by observing them alive, I was anxious for a still closer ac- 
 quaintance, and therefore destroyed several individuals. In one of the 
 poor birds I found an egg almost ready to be laid, confirming my sup- 
 position that the birds were then in the place where they hoped and 
 fully intended to raise their families. Though there were a great many 
 of them associating together, those that were already paired kept closer 
 by each other, I thought, than the rest of the flocks. Some isolated 
 pairs, that I subsequently observed on a pond near Fort Larned, kept 
 side by side during the whole time that I watched them. 
 
 Contrary to my expectations I saw no Avocets on the Eio Grande, 
 though the Stilts— birds very closely allied and often found with the 
 Avocets— were plenty. On the Colorado, in the fall of 1865, 1 saw both 
 kinds flocking on the sand-bars and hard, dry flats. This was in Sep- 
 tember, when all the Avocets that I noticed were white-neckpd, showing 
 that they were young birds, either bred in that vicinity or else then on 
 their southward migration from some distant birth-place. 
 
462 HIMANTOPUS NIGRICOLLIS, BLACK-NECKED STILT. 
 
 Avocets and Stilts correspond with each other in habits as closely as 
 they do in form. One of the most marked physical differences is found 
 in the structure of the feet. Avocets have a hind toe, which the Stilts 
 have not, and their feet are almost completely webbed, so that they are 
 among the best swimmers of the long-legged fraternity. Stilts, on the 
 contrary, scarcely swim at all, and never except on an emergency. 
 When the Avocets are wading about, it often happens that they get be- 
 yond their depth, when, instead of rising on wing, they keep on as if 
 nothing had happened to take them off their feet. If they are wounded, 
 they sometimes escape by diving as well as swimming. 
 
 It is scarcely necessary to proceed further with the history of a bird 
 whose general habits are already known through several earlier biogra- 
 phies. Wilson has written an excellent account, upon which Nuttall's 
 is in a great measure modeled. Audubon's history is specially good ; at 
 once complete, accurate, and full of interest. jSTothing so good as his 
 model piece of biography, chiefly taken up with an account of a pair of 
 birds he watched near Vinceunes, Indiana, has been written on this 
 subject. 
 
 An egg which I took from the oviduct of an Avocet killed near Port 
 Lyons, on the Arkansas, is the shortest and comparatively thickest of 
 a dozen now before me, measuring only 1.80 by 1.37. It was, however, 
 perfectly formed and just ready to be laid, as shown by the perfection 
 of the markings. Other specimens run up to 2.10 in length by 1.44 in 
 breadth. One of the longest specimens is also the narrowest — ^2.10 by 
 only 1.25. This is one of a set of three taken by Mr. Eidgway at Soda 
 Lake, near Carson Desert, June 28, 1873. They were deposited in a 
 depression of the alkaline incrustation of the ground. The ground- 
 color of this series ranges from a dark olive through a lighter olivaceous- 
 drab to brownish-drab, and thence to a fine creamy-brown or buft, 
 nearly as in the Shanghai breed of fowls. The eggs are nearly uni- 
 formly marked all over with spots of several shades of chocolate-brown, 
 all on the surface, and others of neutral tint in the shell. In only one 
 of the specimens is there any decided tendency to aggregation about 
 the larger end or confluence of the spots any« here. The spots are of 
 small to moderate size and indeterminate shape, none being blotches of 
 any considerable dimensions. All the markings are sharp. Those of 
 the buff eggs are the most numerous and finest, while the spots of the 
 darkest, olivaceous eggs are the boldest. 
 
 The young Avocet has the head and neck white, with an ashy or plumbeous shade, 
 instead of chestnut or cinnamon-red. In this condition it constitutes the B. occlden- 
 talis of authors. Of the adult, the bill is black ; the iris, bright red ; the legs and feet, 
 clear, pale blue, with part of the webs flesh-colored. The plumage is wliite, changing 
 to cinnamon or chestnut on the neck and head ; the back, wing-coverts, and primaries 
 black, contrasting with the white of the scapulars and rump. In size the bird is ex- 
 tremely variable; perhaps seventeen inches in total length by thirty in extent repre- 
 sents average measurements. Contrary to the rule among waders, the female is 
 smaller than the male. 
 
 HIMAISTTOPUS NIGEICOLLIS, Vieill. 
 Black-necked Stilt. 
 
 a. nigricoUis. 
 
 Charadrius meMcamts, MCllee, Syst. Nat. 1776, 117.— Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1864, 246. 
 Simantopus mexicaniis, Ord, ed. Wils. vii, 1824, 52. — Maxim., Beitr. iv, 741.— BURM., 
 
 Syst. Ueb. iii, 367.— Wagl., Isis, 1831, 530.— Bp., Comp. List, 1838, 54. 
 Ckuradrius liimantopus, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 741 (in part ; inclu<]es the American 
 
 species, quoting Arct. Zool. ii. No. 405, &c.). 
 
HIMANTOPUS NIGEICOLLIS, BLACK-NECKED STILT. 463 
 
 Eecurvirostra liitnantopiis, WiLS., Am. Orn. vii, 1813, 48, pi. 58, f. 2. 
 
 Bimantopua nigricollis, Vibill,, Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Niit. x, 1817, iH ; Eqo. Meth. 340 ; 
 Gal. Ois. ii, 1834, 85, pi. 229.— Bp., Svn. 1828, 322 ; List, 1838, 54.— Nutt., Man. 
 ii, 1834, 8.— AUD., Oru. Biog. iv,1838,247, pi. 328; Syn. 1839,253; B. Am.vi, 1843, 
 31, pi. 354.— Emm., Cat. B. Mass. 1835, 5.— Pbab., Rep. Oin. Mass. 1839, 358.— GiH., 
 B. L. 1. 1844, 270.— PuTN., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 230.— Newh., P. E. E. Eep. vi, 
 1857, 99 (California to the Columbia Eiver).— S.vuj5, P. Z. S. 1857, 237.— Sol., 
 Ibis, i, 1859, 228 (Guatemala).— Newt., iiid. 260 (Santa Cruz).— Dkess., iUd. 
 
 1866, 33 (Texas) — Bky., Pr. Host. Soo. vii, 1859 (Bahamas).— ScL., P. Z. S. 13.57, 
 206; ibid. 1864, 178 (Mexico); ibid. 1860, 290 (Ecuador); 1866, 567 (Ucayali); 
 
 1867, 591 (Mexiana) ; 1870, 323 ; 1873, 310, 453 (Peru).— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 704.— 
 Wheat., Ohio Agrio. Eep. 1860, No. 193.— Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, lii, 158 (coast 
 of Maine, one instance). — Boardm., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 128 (same instance). — 
 Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 86.— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, ie63-'6C, 295 
 (Panama and New York).— CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 91 (Arizona).- CouES, 
 Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 124 (South Carolina).— CouES, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 
 292 (New England, rare or accident.nl).— Allen, Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 638 (Jlas- 
 saohnsetts). — Tuhnb., B. E. Pa. 18C9, 29 (rather rare, breeding).— Mayn., Guide, 
 1870, 143.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 356 (Florida, in winter) ; iii, 1373, 
 172 (Great Salt Lake).— Merr., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, 702 (Great Salt 
 Lake).— Gray, Hand-list, iii, 1871, 48, No. 10294.— CouES, Key, 1873, 247, fig. 
 160.— ElDGW., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 385 (Illinois). 
 
 JSypsibaies nigricollis, Cab., Sehomburgk's Eeise, iii,- 758. 
 Maorotarstis nigricollis, GuNDL., J. f. 0. iv, 1856, 422. 
 
 b? brasiliemis. 
 
 Simantopus melamirus, Vibill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. x, 1817, 42 ; Ency. Meth. 340 
 
 (from Zancudo, Az., Apunt. iii, 299?). 
 Himantopus leucunia, Vieill. (Gray.) 
 
 Himantopus mexicanus, Hartl., Ind. Azara, 25 (not of authors). 
 Himantopus nigricollis, Gay {Sclater). — Cass., Gillis's Exp. ii, 196. — BuKM., Eeise, ii, 502 
 
 (La Plata).— Darw., Beagle, 130 (La Plata).— Scl., P. Z. S. 1867, 339 (Chili).— 
 
 Scl. & Salv., p. Z. S. 1868, 144 (Buenos Ayres). 
 Himantopus bnisiUcnsis, Brehm, Vog. Deutschl. 1831, 684. — Scl. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1873, 
 
 454 (figures of heads of the two varieties). 
 
 Hab. — The typical form from the United States generally, Mexico, part of West In- 
 dies, Central America, and South America to Peru and Brazil. Var. brasiUensis from 
 South Brazil, Argentine Eepnblic, and Chili. 
 
 Eespecting the var. brasiUensis, Mr. J. E. Harting, in a letter to Prof. Baird, which has 
 been sent to me, states : "The difference in the measurements of the two species is 
 very striking ; the wing, tibia and tarsus iu the southern brasiUensis being all, resjieet- 
 ively, about an inch longer than in the northern nigricollis." A point not given in 
 Messrs. Sclater and Silvin's paper is, that the disposition of the colors of the upper 
 parts also differs, the black of the neck being out off from that of the back by a white 
 interval ; this being, Mr. Harting remarks, a resemblance to the H. leucocephahis of 
 Australia and New Zealand. The foi'm may prove to be specifically distinct. 
 
 Not obtained by either of the earlier Expeditions. 
 
 Later Expeditions.— Ql&io-i, June 19, 1872, Great Salt Lake, Utah {Meniam). 
 
 Some of the vagaries that from time to time have fouud their way 
 into priot, representing; sober opinions of naturalists who, from the most 
 superficial observation of Stilts and Avocets, might have learned better, 
 are extremely curious. The slight upward curvature of the Avocet's 
 bill has served whereon to hang fables and theories too absurd to de- 
 serve a moment's serious consideration ; and it has been repeatedly 
 caricatured in illustrations. The imagination has also been stretched 
 out of all due proportion to treat of the really very long legs of the Stilts, 
 and drawn upon to support hypotheses even more feeble and tottering 
 than the gait which some authors attribute to the bird. It is easy to 
 see how such notions had their origin. Descriptions and figures were 
 at first taken from stuffed specimens, awkward preparation of which, or 
 else the unavoidable shrinkage of the delicate and vascular bill, resulted 
 in a false shape. It would be hard to find the bill of a live Avocet of 
 the shape represented by Wilson and Nuttall ; Audubon's figure is the 
 most accurate one I have seen. The other fallacy, respecting the gait 
 
4G4 HIMANTOPUS NIGRICOLLIS, BLACK-NECKED STILT. 
 
 of the Stilt, probably grew out of some such statement as that of Wil- 
 son, which, while perfectly true, has been improperly taken. "As they 
 frequently alight on the bare marsh," says the author, referring to Stilts, 
 "they drop their wings, stand with their legs half bent and trembling, 
 as if unable to sustain the burden of their bodies. In this ridiculous 
 posture they will sometimes stand for several minutes, uttering a cur- 
 ring sound, while from the corresponding quiverings of their wings and 
 long legs they seem to balance themselves with great difficulty." Now 
 Wilson generally wrote whereof he had seen and knew, and it is safe to 
 accept his statements for facts, whatever we may think of his opinions. 
 But a sensational or meretricious writer could easily make a sufficiently- 
 startling story out of the above, to the effect that the Stilt's legs are not 
 strong enough to support its body. We may, however, turn aside from 
 such stories as these, assured that, sooner or later, like curses and chick- 
 ens, they will come home to roost with their authors. 
 
 Palpable fabrications aside, there are still some questions to be settled, 
 one of which is respecting the construction of the nests. Wilson says 
 they are at first slightly built of grasses, and afterward elevated and 
 strengthened, as the birds lay and set, by the addition of dry twigs and 
 various other materials; to which statement Audubon takes exception, 
 and, in fact, is evidently inclined to discredit the whole story. It is 
 certainly unusual for nests to be worked upon after incubation has com- 
 menced, and probably those that Wilson describes were not then fitted 
 for the reception of the eggs. But we know, also, tliat the stress the 
 mother bird may be under to deposit an egg may sometimes demand 
 hasty dropping, even before her nest is as elaborately finished as it would 
 otherwise have been. The conflicting statements are probably to be re- 
 conciled in this way. Writers are also largely at Aariance respecting 
 the degree of swimming power that these birds possess; doubtless a 
 result of varying facilities they Lave enjoyed for forming an opinion. 
 And in general I think that it may be safely asserted that different cir- 
 cumstances of observation play as active a part in producing discrepant 
 statements as all other causes combined. The degree to which many or 
 most birds differ in habits, according to circumstances, is not sufficiently 
 recognized. Partial statements, based upon imperfect or insufficient 
 observation, are usually neither entirely true nor wholly false, but be- 
 come the more fmitful sources of error from the very admixture of 
 truth that is in them. Error is never so captivating as when truthfully 
 dressed. The fact in this case is, that the Stilts are wretchedly poor 
 swimmers, as might have been expected from the condition of their legs 
 and absence of webs. As waders they are a great success ; but when 
 out of their depth, which is rarely, if ever, the case from choice, they 
 only make shift to keep their heads above water, and progress in the 
 most helpless and uncertain way. The Avocets, on the contrary, are 
 fiair swimmers. 
 
 Though Audubon's statement, that the Stilt is rarely found at any 
 great distance from the sea-shore, may apply ou the Atlantic coast, it is 
 manifestly correct in any general application. Thus, Dr. Henrj- has 
 taken it at Fort Thorne, New Mexico ; Mr. Xantus at Fort Tejon, Cali- 
 fornia ; Dr. Xewberry at Ehett Lake ; and, not to multiply previous 
 instances, I found it abundant on the Rio Grande near Albuquerque, and 
 again on the Colorado. It occurs, in fact, on most of the lakes and 
 rivers of the West, hundreds of miles from the ocean. It is also found 
 occasionally in some dry localities, where one would hardly expect to 
 meet with any wader. On the plains it appears to be of unusual occur- 
 rence, and I am not aware that it proceeds north of the United States. 
 
HIMANTOPUS NIGEICOLLIS, BLACK-NECKED STILT. 465 
 
 Except in this last respect, its range may be said, in general terms, to 
 be nearly the same as that of the Avocet, with which it often associates. 
 It breeds wherever found in summer, and is a migratory bird, departing 
 for the South in autumn, to spend the winter. 
 
 While at Los Piuos, Kew Mexico, late in June, 18G4, 1 had an excel- 
 lent opportunity of studying the habits of the Stilts. There are large 
 shallow "lagunas" near this place, whose muddy flats and reedy margins 
 are well adapted to the wants of these birds, as well as other waders, 
 particularly Avocets, and a few Ducks, chiefly Mallards. The Stilts had 
 evidently bred there, though I found no nests or very young birds. 
 They were in flocks of twenty or thirty, keeping closely together. All 
 those I shot appeared to be in perfect plumage, with greenish-black 
 backs, this color running in full intensity up the back of the neck, black 
 bills, crimson eyes, and carmine or lake-red legs. They offered a very 
 striking and i)leasing eifect, wheeling in easy flight, the flock appearing 
 one moment black, the next white, as they showed alternately the upper 
 and under parts, with the long bright-tinted legs heightening the con- 
 trast of color. Although not heedless or unduly familiar, they were not 
 very shy, and I secured as many as I wished without much trouble. 
 Besides being almost unacquainted with the danger that may lie in 
 man's approach, they appeared of a gentle, unsuspicious nature, the 
 more noticeable in contrast with the restlessness and watchfulness of 
 most waders. Thus I remember to have approached, on one occasion, 
 within a dozen paces of a large flock, with no other artifice than stoop- 
 ing a little and walking quietly and slowly. The birds had observed me, 
 of course, as the grass was only a few inches high and the ground per- 
 fectly flat, but they stood motionless, looking with more of curiosity 
 than fear. It was a picturesque group ; still as statues the birds stood 
 in the water,- raised only a little above it, on their firm, though so slen- 
 der, supports, their trim bodies drawn up to full height, and their large, 
 soft eyes dilated in wonder. In an instant, however, as if they had but 
 one mind in common, a thought occurred, and quick as the thought they 
 were oflf. A flash — a rejport — the leaden pellets followed after j the 
 thinned ranks kept on, with x^iteous cries, while the stricken ones 
 dropped heavily into the water and lay motionless, or fluttered helpless 
 with broken wings, vainly essaying to dive. I had to wade into the 
 water to secure the specimens, which, however, was of little consequence, 
 as I was already wet and muddy to the waist ; picked up the dead ones 
 from the crimsoned water, and had an exciting chase after the wounded. 
 It was painful to witness their struggles, and I almost wished they could 
 be restored to the health and pleasure they had enjoyed up to the last 
 moment. But the mischief was not to be undone, and it was the part 
 of mercy then to put those still living out of their pain. This I did, 
 and, resolving to use all my specimens to the best advantage and take 
 no more innocent lives, I left the Stilts to their peaceful occupations. 
 
 The wings of the Stilt are very long and pointed, as well as ample in 
 width ; its flight, in consequence, is firm, vigorous, and swift. When 
 folded they reach beyond the tip of the tail, and as the under-coverts 
 reach to the end, the bird tapers off behind to a flue point. The black 
 shorter quills and secondaries meet across the back, hiding the whit« 
 rump and tail. On the ground, whether walking or wading, the bird 
 moves gracefully, with measured steps : the long legs are much bent at 
 each step (only at the joint, however I), and planted firmly, perfectly 
 straight ; except under certain circumstances, as those Wilson narrates, 
 there is nothing vacillating, feeble or unsteady, either in the attitudes 
 or movements of the birds. When feeding, the, legs are bent backward 
 30 
 
466 PHALAROPODID^ — PHALAEOPES. 
 
 with an acute augle at the heel-joint, to bring the body lower ; the latter 
 is tilted forward and downward over the centre of equilibrium, where 
 the feet rest, and the long neck and bill reach the rest of the distance 
 to the ground. Its food consists of aquatic* insects of all sorts, proba- 
 bly also of the ova or smallest fry of fish, and various kinds of lacus- 
 trine vegetation ; in seeking it, the whole head is frequently immersed 
 in the water. The eggs appear very large for the size of the bird ; they 
 are pyriform in shape, broad at one end and pointed at the other ; four 
 constitute a nest-full. But both size and shape vary a good deal. Two 
 specimens I selected as representing the extremes in a large series, 
 measured, respectively, 1.S5 by 1.15, and 1.70 by 1.25; the former being 
 long and narrow, the latter short and comparatively blunt. The color 
 is dark ochraceous, or pale brownish-olive, blotched all over with spots 
 and splashes of brown and blackish-brown, of irregular size and shape. 
 The exact time required for hatching is not known. Both sexes are 
 said to incubate ; and the j oung birds, though able to run about as soon 
 as hatched, are assiduously cared for by the parents for some time. 
 
 Family PHALAROPODID^ : Phalaropes. 
 
 Several wading birds, properly so classed, furnish exceptions to the rule that these 
 hirds have hut slight powers of swimming, only exercised in an emergency. The, 
 Avocct is a fair swimmer, the toes being nearly full webbed ; still better swimmers 
 are the Coots and Phalaropes, birds not very closely allied, yet alike fitted for highly 
 aquatic life and habitual swimming by the presence of broad lobes on the toes. Pha- 
 laropes are swimming Sandpipers — with the modihcation of the feet just mentioned, 
 a thin shank to cut the water, a depressed boat-shaped body to rest upon it, and thick- 
 ened duck-like under plumage to prevent wetting of the body. Not one of the waders 
 surpasses the Phalaropes in ease and variety of movement, grace and elegance of form, 
 or beauty of color when in perfect plumage. Like other i>eculiar or somewhat excep- 
 tional groups of birds, the family is a small one, of not more than three well-ascertained 
 species, all of which occur in this country; two, if not also three, inhabiting the 
 Missouri region. I shall bring them all into the present account. Wilson's Phalarope 
 is indigenous only in America ; the other two are dispersed over the Northern Hemis- 
 phere. The following is an analysis of the technical characters of the three genera, or 
 rather subgenera, which the three species may be taken to represent : 
 
 Steg,.vnopi'.s, Vieillot, l>i:io (type F. ivilsoni ; Holopodma, Bp., 1828; (t) Anibhjr'hynchus, 
 Xutt., 1834, nen Leach, 1814). Bill long, equaling the tarsus, exceeding the head, 
 extremely slender, terete and acute. Culmen and gonys broad and depressed. Lateral 
 grooves long and narrow, reaching nearly to tip of bill. Interramal space narrow and 
 very short, extending only half way to the end of the bill. Nostrils at the extreme 
 base of the bill. Wings of moderate length. Tail short, deeply, doubly emargiiiate; 
 legs greatly elongated ; tibiaa bare for a considerable distance ; tarsus exceeding the 
 middle toe. Toes long and slender, broadly margined with an even, unscoUoped mem- 
 brane, united but for a brief space basally. Claws moderately long, arched, and acute. 
 
 LoBiPKS, Cuvier, 1817 (type Tringa hyperhorea, Linn.). Bill generally as in Stegano- 
 pu8, but shorter, basally stouter, and tapering to a very acute, compressed tip; ridge 
 of culmen and gonys less depressed ; interramal space longer and broader. Wings 
 long. Tail short, greatly rounded. Legs and feet short ; tibiae denuded for but a 
 brief spa<3e; tarsus not longer than the middle toe. Toes very broadly margined with 
 a membrane which is scolloped or indented at each phalangeal joint, and united 
 basally as far as the second joint between the outer and middle toe, and as far as the 
 first joint between the inner and middle toe. The feet are thus semipalmated. Claws 
 very small and short. 
 
 Phalaeopus, Brisson, 1760 (type Tringa fuKcaria, Linn.; Crymophilus, Vieilh, 1816), 
 Bill scarcely longer than the head or tarsus ; very stout for this family ; much de- 
 pressed ; so broaid as to be almost spatulate, the tip only moderately acute. Upper 
 mandible with the ridge broad and flattened, its apex arched and decurved, its lateral 
 grooves wide and shallow. Interramal space broad and very long, extending nearly 
 to the end of the bill. Nostrils subbasal, at some distance from the root of the bill. 
 Wings long and pointed. Tail long, rounded, the central rectrices projecting, rather 
 acuminate. The legs and feet are much as in Lohipes, but the semipalmation is of less 
 extent. 
 
STEGANOPUS WILSONI, WILSON'S PHALAEOPE. 467 
 
 * 
 
 STEGAXOPUS WILSOXI, (Sab.) Coues. 
 Wilson's Fbalarope. 
 
 ['!)T)inga gJacialis," Gm., Syst. Xat. i, 17^^, 6/5 (based on Plain Phalarojpe of Pexx., 
 
 Arct. Zool. ii, 495, No. 415, and Lath., Syn. v, 173. 
 (?) Phalaropus gladalis. Lath., Ind. Orn. 1790, 776 (same basis). 
 (?) Amblyrhynckus gladalis, NciT., ilan. ii, lr<:i4, 247 (same basis). 
 
 Phalaropus lohatus, Ord, ed. WiLS., Am. Orn. is, l&v!5, 7-2, pi. 7;!, fig. 3. (Not of Linnaus.) 
 Phalaropiis wihoni, Sab., App. Frank. Journ. 1-23, 691.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 
 
 4115. pi. 69 (uortb to the Saskatchewan, latitude .54^).— XrxT., Man. ii, 1834. 
 
 •24.5.— AUD., Orn. Biog. iii. 1835, 400, pi. 254.— Gray, Gen. of B. iii, pi. 158.— 
 
 Be, B. X. A. 1858. 705.— "Wheat., Ohio Agric. liep. i860, Xo. 199— Ha yd.. Rep. 
 
 1-62, 174 (Lower Missouri, abuudaut).— SCL., P. Z. S. 1864, 179 (city of ilexico, in 
 
 breeding pluma^r).- Alles, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 18G4, 86 (Massachusetts).— 
 
 DEES.S., Ibis, 1866, 35 (Texas).- .Salv., Ibis, 1866, 198 (Guatemala).— Al.i.icx. 
 
 Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 182 (Great Salt Lake). — L.nvu., Ann. Lye. X. Y. viii, 
 
 1,866, 295 (New York) — ScHL., Mus. Pays-Bus, Scolopaces. GO.— Stev., U. S. 
 
 Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 466 (Wyoming).— Snow, B. Kans. lr:73, 10 (Kansas).- 
 
 Pelz., Orn. 313 (Brazil). 
 Phalaropus (Eolopodius) wilsoni, Bi>., Syn. 1828, 342, No. 279 : A. 0. iv, 1832, 59. pis. 24, 25. 
 BolopocliHs uihoni, Bp., Comp. & Geog. List, 18:>.8, 54. — Less., Tr. Oru. 1831, 503. 
 Lohipes xcihoni, Add., Svn. 1839, 241 ; B. Am. v, 1842, 299, pi. 341.— Gib., B. L. L 1844, 
 
 246.— PCTX., Pr.'Ess. Inst, i, 18.50, 217. 
 Phalaropus {Sieganopus) wih-oni, Gray, Hand-list, iii, 1871, 55, No. 10362. 
 Steganopus wilsoni, CocES, Ibis, Apr. 1865; Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 97 (Colorado River) ; 
 
 Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 186-*, 292 (New England, rare or casual). — Allex, Mem. Bost. 
 
 Soc. i, 1868, 501 (Western Iowa).— C.)tlES, Key, 1872, 248, fig. 161 (head). 
 Phalaropus frenatus,-ViEnjL., Gal. Ois. ii, 1:25, 178, pi. 271. 
 Phalaropus stejiodacti/lus, Wagl., Oken's Isis, 1831, 523. 
 Phalaropus fimbriatus, Tejdi., Planches Coloriees, v, pi. 270. 
 Lohipes incanus, Jaed. & Selby, HI. Orn. i, pi. 16. 
 Steganopus trieolor, Vieill. 
 Lohipes aniareticus, Le.ss.— (.See Feazee, P. Z. S. 1843, 118 ; ScL., iUcl. 1867,332. — Pelz., 
 
 Novara Eeise, Aves, 132). — Philippi, Cat. 37. 
 
 Hah. — United States and British Provinces, generally. North to the Saskatchewan. 
 Rare or casual in the Eastern United States. Common in the Mississippi Valley and 
 westward. Breeds in Western United States and in the interior of the fur countries 
 in the lower latitudes. Mexico, Central and South America, in winter. 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4876-80, Omaha and Council Bluffs ; 5444-5, Medicine 
 Creek. 
 
 Later Expeditions. — 60376, Camp Carling, Wyoming. 
 
 Not procured by Captain Rayuolds' Expedition. 
 
 Adult in breeding dress : Bill, legs, and feet, pure black ; crown of head, pale ash, 
 jjassing into white along a narrow strip on the nape. A n rrow, distinct, pure white 
 line over the eye. Sides of neck intense purplish-chestnut, or dark wine-red ; ante- 
 riorly deepening upon the auriculars into velvety black ; posteriorly continued, some- 
 what duller in tint, as a stripe along each side of the back to the tips of the scapulars. 
 Other upper parts pearly-ash, blanching on the rump and upper tail-coverts. Wings 
 pale, dull grayish-brown ; the coverts slightly white-tipped, the primaries dusky- 
 brown, their shafts brownish-white, except at tip. Tail marbled with pearly-gray 
 and white. All the under parts pure white, but the forepart and sides of the breast 
 washed with pale chestnnt-browu, as if with a weak solution of the rich color on the 
 Beck, and a faint tinge of the same along the sides of the body to the flanks. The 
 female is identical with the male in color. 
 
 Specimens just fully fledged are in a plumage not generally known, and one of which 
 I have seen no adequate description : Bill, blackish, about 1.10 long ; legs, dull yeUow 
 {tarsus, 1.20 ; middle toe and claw, 1.05). Upper parts, including crown and upper 
 surface of wings, brownish-black, each feather edged with rusty-brown, very conspicu- 
 
 * I do not agree with those authors who unhesitatingly refer the " Plain Phalarope " 
 of Pennant and Latham to P. fulicarius, as I am by no means satisfied it was not a 
 young Wilson's Phalarope. The diagnosis given corresponds quite as well to the latter 
 as to the former, and in one item, namely, " toes bordered with a plain or unscolloped 
 membrane," is applicable only to the latter. I therefore range Tringa or Phalaropus 
 slacialis here, with a query. It is also quite possible that some of the older synonyms 
 adduced under P. hypertoreus may really belong to P. wilsoni ; but they are so uncer- 
 tain, and different accounts are so involved, that it would probably not be now possible 
 to determine the point, even were it particularly desirable to do so. 
 
468 SNEGANOPUS WILSONI, WILSON's PHALAROPE, 
 
 ous on the long inner secondaries, and giving a general aspect like that of a Sand- 
 piper of the genns Actodromas. Upper tail-coverts pure -white. Tail clear ash, edged 
 and much marbled with white, the ash darker at its line of demarcation from the 
 white. Line over eye, and whole under parts white, the breast with a faint rusty 
 tinge, and the sides slightly marbled with gray. Quills dusky, the secondaries white- 
 edged, and the shafts of the primaries T\hitish. — This stage is of extremely brief dura- 
 tion, beginning to give way, almost as soon as the bird is full grown, to the clear uniform 
 ashy of the upper parts oif the fall and winter condition. The change, in some speci- 
 mens shot early in August, is already very evident, clear ashy feathers being mixed, on 
 the crown and all the upper ijarts, with such as just described. Size of tbe smallest 
 specimen only 8.'2ri in length by 14.50 in extent ; the wing 4.60. 
 
 In full plumage this is the handsomest of the three Phalaropes, as 
 well as the largest, and one of the most elegant birds of the entire 
 group of waders. It was apparently first noticed by the gifted natur- 
 alist to whom it was subsequently dedicated, under the previously 
 occupied name of P. lobatus. To those familiar with Wilson's writings, 
 which portray his own character with the same fidelity that the birds 
 it was his passion to depict are rendered, his name brings sadness to 
 the mind, and tempts a question of the wisdom of a dispensation that 
 took him away, while countless useless and hurtful lives were spared. 
 His friend and admirer, Thomas Nuttall, expresses thoughts that find 
 an echo in our own hearts : " Hurried to the tomb from amidst his 
 unfinished and ill-requited labors, his favorite Orpheus and Wood- 
 thrush pour out their melody in vain. The Bluebird, which hastens to 
 inform us of the return of spring, delights no longer the favorite of their 
 song. Like his own beautiful and strange bird now before us, his tran- 
 sient visit, which delighted us, has ended; but his migration, no longer 
 to be postponed, has exceeded the bounds of the earth, and spring and 
 autumn, with their wandering hosts of flitting birds, may still return ; 
 while he, translated to Eiysian groves, will only be remembered in the 
 thrill of the plaintive iSTigiitingale ! * * *." 
 
 Wilson's Phalarope is of very general distribution and common occur- 
 rence in the United States from the Mississippi Valley westward, but 
 apparently rare, or even exceptional, in most of the Eastern States. Our 
 Xew England and Middle States' records are comparatively few, and 
 agree in attesting the rarity of the species in those sections. I never 
 saw it in Maryland, Virginia, or either of the Carolinas — all places 
 where my protracted collecting would doubtless have brought it to my 
 notice had it been of regular occurrence. Its line of migration appears 
 to be mainly the Mississippi Valley,and thence to ii:eEocky Mountains, 
 and in this region it may be called common. It does not go far north 
 to breed; in this being strikingly contrasted with the other two. Latitude 
 54° is stated to be the limit, in the region of the Saskatchewan, while 
 the greater proportion of individuals nest within our limits — in Dakota, 
 Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Idaho, Utah, Kansas, and even Illinois, 
 from all of which places we have authentic advices. Perfectly dressed 
 specimens are taken even so far south as Texas. I am under the belief 
 that I found it breeding along the Arkansas Eiver, between Forts 
 Larned and Lyons, on some of the many pools that dot the prairie. 
 There were many water birds here, among them Franklin's Gull, the 
 Black Tern, and the Avocet, the latter certainly breeding. My speci- 
 mens of the Phalarope were in full plumage, and appeared, by their 
 actions, to have established themselves for the summer, although I 
 found no eggs. This was in June. The same month, nine years sub- 
 sequently, I found the Phalaropes breeding on reedy pools, together 
 with Godwits, Curlew, Black Terns and Coots, and various Ducks, 
 along that portion of the Eed Eiver of the North which separates Min- 
 nesota from Dakota ; and later, in the beginning of August, I took 
 
NORTHERN PHALAROPE. 469 
 
 newly-fledged .young on tbe Mouse Eiver, in Dakota, near Turtle 
 Mountain. These young were specially interesting to me, as showing 
 a plumage with which I had up to that time been unacquainted. It is 
 described above. In all such breeding localities, where the birds feel 
 at home, and have none of the restlessness they show wlien migrating, 
 their habits may be studied to the best advantage. I had excellent 
 opportunity of seeing how gentle and conliding the birds become when 
 not molested, and how surprisingly graceful they are, either pacing the 
 brink of their favorite pool, or swimming buoyantly upon its surface. 
 1 had no heart to destroy any of the beautiful creatures, much as 1 
 desired some for my cabinet, alter a scene I had witnessed when I had 
 secured some Avocets. Three PhalaroiJes came in great coucern and 
 alighted on the water where a dead Avocet was floating, swimming 
 back and forth and almost caressiug it with their bill. The Avocet's 
 mate himself, who was not long in reaching the spot, showed no more 
 agitation than his little friends and neighbors, the Phalaropes, did ; and 
 though it was only birds "of a low order of beings" who thus exhibited 
 sympathy and grief, who could look on such a scene unmoved ? 
 
 The eggs of "Wilson's Phalarope are from 1.20 to 1.35 inches long, by 
 about 0.1)0 broad, thus being of an elongate as well as pyriform shape. 
 The ground ranges from a clay color to a brownish-drab; it is very 
 heavily overlaid with the markings, sometimes to such extent that the 
 ground struggles to appear amid the alniost contincus overlying color, 
 and an egg like a Ptarmigan's results. Ordinarily the markings con- 
 sist of numerous large, heavy splashes and sizable spots of indetermi- 
 nate contour-, mixed with numberless specks and fine scratches ; occa-' 
 sional eggs are much more lightly and sparsely speckled in finer 2>at- 
 tern. The color of the markings is a varying shade of dark bistre- 
 brown, sometimes chocolate. Shell-markings are not ordinarily notice- 
 able. 
 
 LOBIPES HYPEEBOEEUS, (Linn.) Cuv. 
 
 Ifortlieni Phalarope. 
 
 Irmga hyperborea. LnsN., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 249 (based on Fu. Suec. 179: Edw., 143; 
 Will., i70; Ray, V.i'i; Flialaropus cinereus, Briss., vi, 15). — Bnt'KX., Oru. Bor. 
 1764, 17-'.— Fabr., Fii. Gi-oen. 1760, No. 75.— G.M., Syst. Nat., i, 17cS, 675. 
 
 Phalaropiis lujpa-horeus, $ , Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 775 (excl. svu. of suppo.sed female = 
 F. fiiUcariiis); Plancli. Eolnm. 766.— Tejim., Man. 1815, 457; ii, 1S20, 709.— 
 Sab., Fraukl. Journ. 690.— Bp., Syn. 1^28, 34-2.- Nutt., Man. ii, l,'-34. 239.— 
 AuD., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 116; v, 1839, 595 ; pi. 215.— Newb., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 
 lt-57, 98 (Des Chutes River, in summer).— Be, B. N. A. 1858, 706.— ScL. & 
 Salv., Ibis, ii, 1860, 277 (Guatemala).— S^■^^x., Ibis, 1863, 415 (Formosa).— 
 Co<;>p. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 236.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, 
 No. 200.— Yerr., Pr. Ess. Inst. iii. 1802, 158 (Maine, possibly breeding). — 
 (?)Boai;dm., Pr. Bost. Soe. ix, 1862, l'28(Bayof Fundy).— Lawr., Ann. Lyc.N. Y. 
 \iii, 1866, 295 (New York).- Allex. Pr. Ess. Inst. iv,'l8(i4, 86 (Massachusetts). — 
 McIi.wj:., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 9-.i (Canada West).- Schl., Mus. Pays-Bas, Scolo- 
 jiaces, 58.— TuENB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 29 (May and September).— Stev., U. 8. Geo]. 
 Snrv. Ter. 1870, 466 (Wyoming). 
 
 Phalaropuf {Lobipea) hyperhoreus, Gray, Hand-list, iii, 1871, 55, No. 10861. 
 
 Lobipes hiiperboreus, Cvx., R(5gne Auiuj. i, 1829, 532. — Steph., Gen. Zool. xii, 169, pi. 21. — 
 Elem., Br. An. 100.— Bkehm, Y. D. 676, pi. 35, f. 4.— .Jex., Man. Br. Yert. 214.— 
 Eyi., L'at. Br. B. 43.— Macgil., Man. N. H. Oru. ii, 84.— Bp., List 1838. ,54.— 
 AuC, 8yu. 1839, 24(.) ; B. Am. v, 1842, 295, pi. 340.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 248.— 
 CorES, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1868, 292 (migratory along tlie coast, perhaps breed- 
 ing).— D all & Baxx., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 290 (Alaslsa).- CouES, Key, 
 1872, 248, flg. 161 (foot).— RiDGW., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x. 1874, 385 (Illinois). 
 
 0)TilHga lobata, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 249 (based on Fn. Suec. No. 179; Tringa 
 grisea, Briss., ii, 206, pi. 208; Phil. Trans, vol. 1, 255, pi. 6: Edw., pi. 308; 
 Pkalaropiis, Briss., \-i, p. 12).— Brixx., Orn. Bor. 1764, 51.— MtJLLER, No. 195. — 
 Fabr., Fn. Groen. 1780, No. 75.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 17s8, 674. 
 
470 LOBIPES HYPEEBOREUS, NORTHEKN PHALAEOPE. 
 
 {1) Phalaropus lohaius, Lath., lud. Orn. ii, 1790, 776. 
 
 Tringa fusca, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 675. 
 
 Phalaropus fuscus, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 776 (Briss., vi, 18). 
 
 Phalaropus ruficolUs, Pall., Zoog. E.-A. ii, 1811, 203. 
 
 Plialaropus cinerascens, Pall.. Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, 204. 
 
 PMlaropus cinereus, Met. & Wolf, Tascb. ii, 417.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 73.— 
 
 SCHL., Eev. Crit. 94.— FrxscH, Abb. Nat. lii, 1872, 65 (Alaska). 
 PhaJaroims angustirosfris, Nauji., Vog. Deutschl. viii, lii'.id, 240, ij1. 205. 
 Phalaropus australis, Temm. & Bp. {SclilegeV.) 
 Phalaropus willlamsii, Simji., Linn. Trans, viii, 264. 
 
 ^aj.—Northem Hemisphere, penetrating to very high latitudes to breed, migratory 
 sometimes into tbe tropics in winter. Generally distributed, but more particularly 
 maritime. 
 
 Not noticed by Captain Eaynolds' or Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. 
 
 Later Ejqjeditions.— 59867 , lliddle Parlr, Colorado ; 60796, Big Sandy Eiver, Wyoming. 
 
 Specimeus of the Northern Phalarope, just from the egg, were lately 
 procured by Mr. Henry W. Elliott, on St. Paul Island, one of the 
 Prybilov group, outliers of the Aleutians. They are very pretty little 
 creatures indeed. The whole head and upper parts are clear, warm, 
 brownish-yellow, or rich buff, variegated with black ; the under parts, 
 from neck to rump, are white with a slight silvery-gray cast. The black 
 variegation occupies a triangular area on the crown (where it is mixed 
 with buff), forms a long stripe down the back, bounded by a streak over 
 each hip and a spot on each shoulder, and terminates by a cross-bar on 
 the rump. The bill is only a third of an inch long, and no larger than 
 a dressing-pin ; the total length of the bird is about 2| inches. As with 
 others of the family, the changes of plumage with age, and especially 
 'with season, are very great; but in any condition the species maybe 
 recognized by its small size and scolloped toe-membranes, in compari- 
 son with P. wilsoni, and by its slender, subulate bill, as compared with 
 the broad, flattened one of P. fulicarius. 
 
 In the interior of the United States the Northern Phalarope is no- 
 where so abundant as Wilson's, and appears to be of less general dis- 
 persion, though it occurs, sometimes in large flocks, in particular 
 localities. It is oftener seen flocking along either coast. On the 
 Atlantic I have not been able to trace it beyond the Middle States, 
 although it certainly winters along the Gulf of Mexico. Mr. Giraud 
 quotes a letter of Prof. Baird's, dated Carlisle, Pennsylvania., October 
 10, 1842, in regard to its occurrence in that locality; and Dr. Turnbull 
 states that it is "rare; arriving early in May, and again in September; 
 being more frequent in the autumn." On the coast of New England it 
 is more abundant and of regular occurrence during the migrations, 
 some apparently breeding among the islands in the Bay of Fundy. It 
 appears to migrate mainly off the coast, in flocks of considerable size, 
 and doubtless many of the occasions of its capture along our coast are 
 the result of storms driving it inshore. On the Pacific side, says Dr. 
 Cooper, " the Lobefoot passes in spring and fall through Washington 
 Territory in small flocks, which associate sometimes with the Sand- 
 pipers, but appear to prefer wetter feeding-grounds, wading in the 
 shallow creeks at low tide, and even swimming on the ocean, several 
 miles off shore. In August, 1853, I saw a pair, either of this or the 
 next species, swimming on a small lake on the summit of the Cascade 
 Mountains, where they probablj' had a nest. The young birds appear 
 near the mouth of the Columbia early in July." Dr. Suckley also found 
 them about Puget Sound in August, becoming quite abunciant during 
 the month, and keeping principally among beds of kelp and floating 
 patches of sea-weed. Dr. Bannister mentions eggs brought from tbe 
 vicinity of Unalaklik, Alaska, and Mr. Dall states that the bird is very 
 
PHALAEOPUS FULCAEIUS, EED PHALAEOPE. 471 
 
 common all aloug the Yukon Eiver, as well as at its mouth. " I 
 observed it," he continues, "running among stranded blocks of ice on 
 the muddy beach at I^Tulato, stopping and glancing around every few 
 steps ; the pure white of the breast more conspicuous by the black mud 
 over which it passed. Two eggs, in a small, round nest, lined with 
 grass, were found at Pastolik." 
 
 A very large series of eggs of this Phalarope has been received at the 
 Smithsonian, collected by Messrs. Kennicott and Macfarlane, and 
 others, in the Anderson and Yukon Eiver regions. They show such a 
 range of variation in color that it is scarcely possible to describe them 
 intelligibly. The ground varies from dark greenish-olive or brownish- 
 olive, through various lighter drab-tints, nearly to a bufty-brown, and 
 in one instance to a light grayish-drab. The markings are usually very 
 bold and heavy, consisting of large spots and the still larger splashes 
 produced by their conflaence, mingled with dots and scratches in inter- 
 minable confusion. The markings are, in general, pretty evenly dis- 
 tributed, sometimes aggregated about the butt, and in rarer instances 
 forming a complete, definite circle. In a few instances all the markings 
 are mere dots. In general, the heaviness and size of the markings 
 bear some proportion to the intensity of the ground-color. The color 
 of the markings is dark bistre, chocolate, and sometimes still lighter 
 browns. The longest and narrowest egg measures 1.30 inches by only 
 0.75 ; a short and thick one only 1.10 by 0.82 ; average, about 1.20 by 
 0.80. The eggs are three or four, oftenest four, and are laid in June — 
 more frequently in the latter half of the month — in a depression of the 
 ground, variously lined with withered vegetation. 
 
 PHALAEOPUS FULCAEIUS, (Linn.) Bp. 
 Bed Phalarope. 
 
 Triwi/a/uZicariffl, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766,249 (based on Phalaropiis rufuscens, Briss., vi 
 
 20, and Edw., pi. 142).— Fabr., Fn. Gran. 1780, No. 76.— Gm., S. N. i, 1783, GT6. 
 Phalaropus hjijerboreus, 9 , Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 775 (excl. syn. of supposed male).— 
 
 Wits., Am. Orn. ix, 75, pi. 73, f. 4. 
 Plialaropus funcanus,Bv., Journ. Pblla. Acad, iv, 1825, 232; Syn. 1823, 341; List, 133fl 
 
 54.- Sw. & EiCH., P. B. A. ii, 1831, 407.— Nurr., Man. ii, 1834, 236.— AuD., Orn. 
 
 Biog. ili, 1835, 404, pi. 255; Syn. 1839, 239; B. Am. v, 1842, 291, pi. 339.-Gii!., 
 
 B. L. I. 1844, 245.— Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 586.— Newb., P. R. E. Ecp. vi, 
 
 1857, ^6 (off California coast).— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 707.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. 
 
 Wasb. Ter. 1860, 236.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 201.— Codes, Pr. 
 
 Pliila. Acad. 1861, 228 (Labrador).— Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864,86.— NE^yT., 
 
 Ibis, 1865, 505 (Spitzbergen).— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 295.— Codes, 
 
 Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1868, 292 (migratory along the coast).— Dall & Bann., Trans. 
 
 Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 291 .(Alaska).— Schl., JIus. Pays-Bas, 1865, Scolonoces, p. 
 
 58.— Newt., P. Z. S. 1367, 165, pi. 15, f. 1 (egg).— Gray," Hand-list, iii, 1871, 55, No. 
 
 10360.— Codes, Key, 1872, 248.— Ridgw., Ann. Lvc. N. Y. x, 1874, 385 (Illinois). 
 Phalarnpus rufus. Pall., Zoog. E.-A. ii, 1811, 205-, pi. 63.— Bechst., Nature. Bent, iv 
 
 381.— Brkhm, V. D. 678, id. 35. f. 3. 
 Crymopldlus ?-m/«s, Vieill., Nonv. Diet. Nat. d'Hist. viii, 521. 
 Phalaropus platyrliynchus, Temm., Man. 1815, 459; ii, 712.— Brehji, V. D. 679 — Naum 
 
 V. D. viii, 1836, 255, pi. 206.— Sad., Greeul. Birds, 536 : Suppl. Parry's 1st Voy! 
 
 p. cei.— ErcH., App. Parry's 2d Voy. 335.— Erra, Atti Soc. Ital. 1860, ii, 58. 
 Phalaropus riifescens, Briss., vi, 20.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Enr.73.— Schl., Rev. Crit. 94. 
 Phalaropus griseiw, Leaoh, Cat. Mam. and B. Br. Mas. 34. 
 
 Hab. — Essentially the same as that of L. hyperhoreus. 
 This species was not noticed by any of the Expeditions. 
 
 I introduce this species, although it has not yet been found in the 
 Missouri region, as one which unquestionably occurs at times, and in 
 order to complete an account of the family. It is more particularly a 
 
472 PHILOHELA MINOR, WOODCOCK. 
 
 maritime bird, yet we have accounts of its occurrence in the interior of 
 the United States. It is mentioned by Mr. Wheaton among the birds 
 of Ohio, and by Mr. Eidgway among those of Illinois. 
 
 The nidiiication of this species is the same as that of the preceding, 
 and the eggs are so similar that they cannot be distinguished with cer- 
 tainty in any given instance. Several specimens are in the collection 
 from Franklin Bay, on the Arctic coast, east of Anderson Eiver. They 
 were taken early in July, by Mr. MacFarlane, who states that they are 
 deposited in a depression of the ground lined with withered leaves. 
 Their average capacity is greater than those of L. liyperhoreus. The 
 longest specimen measures 1.30 by 0.90; the shortest, 1.15 by 0.90; 
 another, 1.25 by 0.85. 
 
 Family SCOLOPAOID^: Snipe, &c. 
 
 The great unmber of birds belonging to this family which claim the attention of 
 the sportsman, the epicure, and the amateur ornithologist, renders it especially an 
 interesting one. Here are classed nearly all the " long-billed fraternity," as these birds 
 are called, somewhat facetiously, but nevertheless with technical accuracy — the Wood- 
 cock and the true Snipe, the Sandpipers in all their variety, the Godwits, Curlews and 
 Willets, the Yellowlegs, and all the numerous birds that pass under the loose name of 
 " Bay Snipe." They may be distinguished from any kind of Plover by the slenderness 
 •an'd sensitiveness of the bill, as well as, usually, by its length, which for the most part 
 exceeds the head, and absence of any constriction between the nasal and terminal parts. 
 It is always furnished with long, deep grooves on both mandibles, and may be either 
 straight, curved down, or a little recurved. The gape of the mouth is usually very 
 much contracted. The Scolopacidai are probably without exception migratory, and 
 some of them pass to the highest latitudes where birds can live, to breed, nesting 
 always on the ground, and laying three or four eggs, placed with the small ends to- 
 gether in a sliglit nest or on the bare ground. The North American species are numer- 
 ous, and nearly all occur in the Missouri region. For convenience of reference we 
 here bring them together in the several natural groups in which they fall : 
 
 A. Woodcock, Wilson's Snipe, and Eedbreasted Snipe. 
 
 B. Godwits, of four species, large, with the bill a little turned up. 
 
 C. Sandpipers, numerous species, all but one with short, straight bill ; going iu 
 
 large flocks on the beaches and elsewhere. 
 
 D. Tattlers, various species of different sizes, with rather long bill, harder than 
 
 in the foregoing, straight or very slightly turned up. Here belong some spe- 
 cies improperly called " Plover," as the " Upland Plover," " Yellowshank 
 Plover," (fee, together with Willets, or " Stone Snipe," " Teeter-tails," &c. 
 
 E. Curlew, distinguished from all the others by the downward curve of the long 
 
 and slender bill. 
 
 Vi 
 
 PHILOHELA MraOE, (Gm.) Gray. 
 
 American Woodcock. 
 
 Scolopax minor, Gir., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 661. — Lath., Ind. Cm. ii, 1790, 714 (based on "LH- 
 tle Woodcock" of Lath., Syn. v, 131, and Pexx., Arct. Zool. ii, 43o, No. 365, 
 pi. 19).— WiLS., Am. Orn. vi, 1812, 40, pi. 48, f. 2.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 331.— Aud,, 
 Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 474, pi. 268; also of various sporting authorities. 
 
 liusticola minor, "Vieill., Anal. 1816 ; Gal. Ois, ii, 1834, 112, pi. 142.— Bp., List, 1638, 52. 
 
 Eusticola {Microjptera) minor, NuTT., Man. ii, 1834, 194. 
 
 PhiloJtela minor, Gray, Gen. of B. 1849.— Woodh., Sitgr. Itep. 1853, 101 (Indian Terri- 
 tory, rare).— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 709.— Hayd., Eep. 18B2, 174 (Loup Fork).— Mc- 
 Ilwr., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 92 (Hamilton, C. W. ; summer, common). — Allex, di ?• 
 Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 301 (Western Iowa).— Scoir-, Pr. Best. Soc. xv, 1872, 227 '^ ' 
 (West Virginia, breeding). — Sxow, B. Kans. 1873, 10 (Kansas, rare).— Codes, /IJ ' 
 Key, 1872, 251, fig. 162; and of most late authors. 
 
 Mieroniera americana, Aud., Syn. 1839, 250 ; B. Am. vi, 1843, 15, pi. 352.— GiE., B. L. I. 
 1814, 266. 
 Sai. — Eastern United States and British Provinces. North to Nova Scotia (J«<Z«- 
 
 hon) and Canada (Mclluraith). Northwest to Fort Eice, Dakota (Coues). West to , 
 
 Kansas (iSnotc) and Nebraska (Hayden). Xo extndimital record. 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 9140, Loup Fork of the Platte. 
 Not obtained by Captain Eaynolds' Expedition. 
 
PHILOHELA MINOR, WOODCOCK. 473 
 
 The restriction of tlie range of the Woodcock is a siugalar circum- 
 stance in the history of a family of birds noted for their wide dispersion 
 and extensive migrations. It is only linown to inhabit the United States 
 and immediately adjoining portions of the British possessions, while in 
 the West its extension is equally limited. To Dr. Hayden's instance of 
 its occurrence in Nebraska, hitherto the westernmost on record, I am 
 enabled to add another, which somewhat extends the range. While I 
 was at Fort Eandall I was assured by several ofdcers, and particularly 
 Captain Hartley and Lieutenant Campbell, that a Woodcock had been 
 shot considerably further up the river, at Fort Eice. It would appear 
 that the bird is creeping up the river, like the Quail, though it is still 
 rare. Mr. Trippe did not meet with it anywhere in Minnesota; but 
 in a list of the game birds found about Saint Paul, kindly furnished by 
 Dr. A. Heger, United States Army, I find it included as a summer resi- 
 dent, and until the end of September. Its time of arrival was not 
 noticed. Mr. Allen states that it is common in Western Iowa, where, 
 however, Mr. Trippe did not observe it; and according to Prof Snow 
 it occurs, though rarely, in Kansas, where it breeds. Dr. Woodhouse 
 found it rare in the Indian Territory. These references probably fully 
 exhibit the limit of its western extension. I myself never saw it any- 
 where in Dakota. 
 
 There is no occasion at present to enter into the history of the Y\^ood- 
 cock, which is well known to those who are interested in the subject ; 
 in fact, most competent sportsmen are more familiar with the bird than 
 some who have written about it appear to be. I wish, however, to call 
 attention to a point of nomenclature, in which some of the best field 
 naturalists are often at fault. It is a common practice of untechnical 
 observers to use the term " Scolopax^' as a designation of various Amer- 
 ican birds of the family Scolopacidce, to no one of which can it be prop- 
 erly applied in strictness. This term belongs to the European Wood- 
 cock, quite a different bird from ours, and still more different from the 
 other scolopacine species. Our Woodcock might be called Scolopax 
 minor, as it used to be, without violent stretching of the significance of 
 the term; but the name Scolojyax had much better be left where it be- 
 longs — to the European species. Ours differs from that one, beside 
 being smaller and somewhat differently shaped and colored, in having 
 the first three quills of the wing very narrow and scythe-shaped. This 
 is a structural peculiarity, important enough, in connection with some 
 other points, to warrant our putting the bird in a different genus, and 
 calling it Pkilohela minor. 
 
 Accounts sometimes reach us of an extraordinarily big Woodcock 
 killed in this country — say about a third larger and heavier than the 
 ordinary bird. It is probable that in every such instance the specimen 
 was a European Woodcock that had somehow straggled to this country. 
 The point can always be decided, independently of size, by the above 
 character of the quill-feathers. The European Woodcock {Scolopax 
 rusticola) is perfectly authentic as a casual inhabitant of this country, 
 having been found in Newfoundland, Long Island, and New Jersey. 
 Dr. Lewis, author of the admirable volume, "The American Sports- 
 man," speaks of a bird which was undoubtedly of this sort, in the foot- 
 note on p. 109 of the edition of 18C8; and other unquestionable instances, 
 in which the specimen was examined by a competent ornithologist, have 
 come to our knowledge. (See Lawrence, Ann. Lye. N. Y. 1866, 292 ; Baird, 
 Amer. Journ. Sci. xli, 1866, 25.) The species was formally introduced 
 to our fauna in 1872, in my late work, where these and other technical 
 points are presented. Such occurrences of stragglers from another con- 
 
474 PHILOHELA MINOR, WOODCOCK. 
 
 tiuent are very interesting, and should be published without delay by 
 any one who is fortunate enough to observe them. 
 
 Of all sportsmen who habitually enjoy cock-shooting, know every 
 trick of the bird's, just where to find them at any time, and how to 
 bring them to bag, how many have seen a nest or eggs? Yet the bird 
 breeds, in greater or less abundance, over nearly all of its range, and 
 especially in the Middle and Eastern States. One reason doubtless is, 
 that of course sportsmen are not after Woodcock in the breeding sea- 
 son ; and another, that, were they so disposed, they might search long 
 and fruitlessly for the nest, so careful are the birds, in general, to con- 
 ceal it in the most secluded resorts. It is placed in low, thick, swampy 
 woods or brakes, on the ground, at the foot of a bush or tussock, or on 
 some fallen log or decaj-ed stump, and it is formed of a few dried leaves 
 or a little grass, just enough to keep the eggs from the cold or moist 
 ground. The Woodcock is an early layer, generally in April, but even, 
 according to Audubon, in March or February at the South — the period 
 varying a month or more according to latitude. The eggs may be rec- 
 ognized by the following description, as they are quite unlike those of 
 any of their allies, not only the coloration, but also the shape, being 
 peculiar : Instead of a pointedly pyriform egg, such as most waders 
 lay, we find a bluntly-rounded form, the diameter being comparatively 
 great for the length. The shortest and broadest egg of a dozen before 
 me measures only 1.40 by fully 1.20 ; a long, narrow specimen is 1.55 by 
 1.15; an average is about 1.50 by 1.15. This rotund shape corresponds 
 to the j)lump figure of the bird, as compared with other slenderer 
 waders. The groundcolor is a light clay, with more or less of a brown- 
 ish cast, sometimes quite buffy-brown, sometimes merely grayish-white. 
 The spots are mostly small and not very bold; they consist of numerous 
 chocolate-brown surface markings, with many other pale, stone-gray 
 shell spots. The size and intensity of the markings generally corre- 
 spond with the depth of the ground-color. 
 
 As the habits of the Woodcock during the mating season are very 
 little known, the following account is copied from Audubon as one of 
 interest: "At this season its curious spiral gyrations, while ascending 
 or descending along a space of fifty or more yards of height, when it 
 utters a note somewhat resembliug the word Icwanlc, are performed every 
 evening and morning for nearly a fortnight. When on the ground, at 
 this season as well as in autumn, the male not unfrequently repeats this 
 sound, as if he were calling to others in his neighborhood, and on hear- 
 ing it answered he immediately flies to meet the other bird, which in the 
 same manner advances toward him. On observing the Woodcock while 
 in the act of emitting these notes, you would imagine he exerted him- 
 self to the utmost to produce them, the head and bill being inclined to- 
 ward the ground, and a strong forward movement of the body taking 
 place at the moment the kwank reaches your ear. This over, the bird 
 jerks its half-spread tail, then erects itself, and stands as if listening for 
 a few moments, when, if the cry is not answered, it repeats it. I 
 feel pretty confident that, in the spring, the female, attracted by these 
 sounds, flies to the male ; for on several occasions I observed the bird 
 that had uttered the call immediately caress the one that had just ar- 
 rived, and which I knew from its greater size to be a female. I am not, 
 however, quite certain that this is always the case, for on other occa- 
 sions I have seen a male fly off and alight near another, when they 
 would immediately begin to fight, tugging and pushing at each other 
 with their bills, in the most curious manner imaginable." 
 
 The Woodcock is by no means so exclusively an inhabitant of bog 
 
GALLINAGO WILSONI, AMERICAN SNIPE. 475 
 
 and brake as those who are not entirely iamiliar with it may suppose. 
 It frequently visits corn-fields and other cultivated tracts in the vicinity 
 of swampy grounds, and often betakes itself to the woods, where it 
 rustles among the dry leaves, turning them ov^er to search for food. It 
 is erratic, or rather capricious, in its resorts as well as in its general 
 movements north and south. A few linger, unless the season be very 
 severe, in the Middle districts all winter, but they are generally off for the 
 South with the freezing of the ground. A cold snap will suddenly drive 
 them away altogether from places where, a few hours before, they had 
 been found in numbers. The general and regular movement occurs 
 cbiefly in March and October. Some reside in the South, but the greater 
 number pass north, to return again in the fall. None appear to winter, 
 except casually, beyond our Middle districts. 
 
 A 
 
 GALLINAGO WILSONI, (Temm.).Bp. 
 American Snipe; Wilson's Snipe. 
 
 Scolopax galliimgo, WiLS., Am. Orn. vi, 1812, 18, pi. 47, fig. 1. 
 
 Scolopax wilsoni, Temm., PI. Color, v, lirr. Isviii (iii text). — Bp., Syn. 1823, 330.— Sw. & 
 Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 401.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 185.— Acd., Oru. Biog. iii, 
 18S5, 322; v, 1839, 5S3; pi. 243; Syn. 1839, 248; B. Am. v, 1842, 339; pi. 350.— 
 Gri!., B. L. I. 1844, 261.— Trippb, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 119 (Minnesota); and 
 of many earlier authors. 
 GaUinago ^vi!son^, Bp., Comp. List, 1838, 52.— ScL., P. Z. S. 1856, 310 (Cordova).— Bd., 
 B. N. A. 1858, 710.— Salv., Ibis, 1859 (Honduras).— Newt., iTjid. 2.>^ (Santa 
 Crnz).— Taylor, ibid. 1860, 314.— Dkess., ihid. 1860, 36.— Cab. J. f. O. iv, 350 
 (Cuba). — Bryant, Pr. Bost. Soo. vii, 1859 (Babamas).— Coop. & Suck., N. H. 
 Wash. Ter. 1860, 237.— Ha yd., Rep. 1862, 174 (Loup Fork and Black Hills).— 
 SCL., P. Z. S. 1861, 80 (Jamaica) ; 1864, 178 (ilexicn) ; 1837, 280 (Mosquito Coast).— 
 Salv., iUd. 1870, 219 (Veragua).— Boaedjl, Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 128 (Maine, 
 breeds).- Codes, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 97 (Arizona).— D all & Banx., Tr. Chic. 
 Acad, i, 1869, 291 (Alaska).— Allen, Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 501 (Iowa) ; Bull. 
 M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 181 (Utah).— Lawk., Ann. Lye. ix, 141 (Costa Rica).— Sund., 
 Ofv. Koug. Vet. Ak. 587 (St. Bartholomew).— TiiiPPE, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 
 240 (Iowa).— AiKBN, iUd. 209 (Colorado, wintering).— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. 
 Ter. 1870, 466 (Wyoming).— Mbrr., ibid. 1872, 700 (Montana).- Sxow, B. Kans. 
 1873, 10.— CoUES, Key, 1872, 262, tig. 163 ; and of authors. 
 
 Gallinago galUnaria var. wilsoni, RlDGW., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 383. 
 
 GalUiia/jo hrehmii, Bp., Obs. Nomen. Wils. 1825, No. 204. (Not of Kaup.) 
 
 iScolopax dclicatula, OitD, ed. Wils. ix, 1825, 218. 
 
 Scolopax drummondii, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 400.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 190. — 
 AuD., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 319; Syn. 1839, 249; B. Am. vi, 1843, 9. 
 
 GalVmago drummondii, Bp., List, 1838, 52. 
 
 Scolopax douglasii, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 400.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 191. 
 
 (!) Scolopax Ifueiirus, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 501.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 617. 
 
 (?) GaUinago leacurus, Gray, Genera of Birds, pi. 157. 
 
 -ffaft.- The whole of North America, and southward to South America. Mexico. / 
 West Indies. (?) Accidental in England (Haet., Br. Birds, 1872, 143). Breeds froni ' 
 Northern New England northward. 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition.— ii^li, Mouth of Bighorn River; 9041-42, Black Hills. 
 
 Later Expeditions.— 61103, Fort Sanders, Wyoming; 62370, Fort Ellis, Montana: 
 61157, Wyoming. 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition. 
 
 The name of "English" Snipe, of common but erroneous application 
 to this bird, is wholly a misnomei-, the bird being entirely dift'oreut' from 
 that of England, as any one may perceive on comparing the two. It is 
 another of the deplorable instances iu which paucity of language has 
 caused American birds to be called by the name of their nearest^Euro- 
 pean relative, real or supposed — a circumstance tending to promulgate 
 error and confusion. We should do our best to suppress such wrong 
 names iu every instance, even without such an example as the well-nigh 
 
476 MACEOKHAMPHUS GRISEUS, RED-BEEASTED SNIPE. 
 
 hopeless muddle about our Bob Wbite before us. "Jack Suipe" is 
 another soubriquet of this bird, of do obvious application, indeed, but 
 not particularly bad, though the same term is also used to designate 
 the Pectoral Sandpiper (Actodromas maculata). 
 
 Throughout the greater part of the United States the Snipe is found 
 only during the migrations, and in winter. It breeds, however, in 
 ZsTorthern New England, and may do so along other portions of our 
 northern border, although I have not so determined. Mr. Trippe speaks 
 of its common occurrence in Minnesota, from April to the close of Octo- 
 ber, but adds that he did not observe it to breed. In Northern Dakota, 
 likewise, where I enjoyed excellent Snipe-shooting late in September, I 
 found nothing to indicate its summer residence there. It is almost ex- 
 clusively a migrant through the Missouri region, though some probably 
 winter in the southern portions. Its migrations are pushed, at that 
 season, even to South America, and it also occurs in Mexico, Oentral 
 America, and the West Indies, according to numerous extraliniital 
 quotations. The eggs of Wilson's Snipe are moderately pyriform, and 
 measure about 1.60 by 1.13 ; some, however, being so small as 1.50 by 
 1.05. The ground color is a grayish-olive, with more or less brownish 
 shade in different specimens. The markings are numerous, generally 
 heavy, and often massed, though, as a rule, distinct; they may appear 
 all over the surface, but are always thickest and largest on the major 
 half of the egg. The color is umber-brown, of varying shade, according 
 to the depth or quantity of pigment. With these surface markings ;ire 
 associated some paler or obscure shell spots, not ordinarily so noticeable, 
 however, as in some other species. And over all we find, in occasional 
 specimens, curious sharp, straggling lines of what apjiears to be pure 
 black. The other markings have the ordinary splashed or blotched 
 character. The nest-complement is three or four. A set of eggs in the 
 Smithsonian is labeled Oneida County, New York. The nest is a mere 
 depression in the grass or moss of a boggy meadow ; the down of the 
 newly-hatched young is mottled with white, ashy, ochrey, and dark 
 brown. 
 
 MACEOEHAMPHUS GEISBUS, (Gm.) Leach. 
 
 Eed-breasted Snipe; Gray Snipe. 
 
 ScolojKuc i/risea, Gm., S.vst. Nat. i, 1788, 6.58.— Lath., Ind. Om. ii, 1790, 724 (based on 
 Brown Snipe, Pekn., Arct. Zool. ii, 464, No. 369; Lath., Svn. v, 154). — Te.mm., 
 Man. ii, 18:20, 679.— Plem., Br. An 108.— Jexvxs, Man. Brit. Vert. 207.— ScHi-, 
 Eev. Crit. Ois. Eur. 86. 
 
 Scolojnix (Macrorhamplms) grisea, Bp., Syu. 1828, 330, No. 267.— NuTT., Man. ii, 1834, 181. 
 
 Macrorhamphus griseus, Leach, Cat. Brii. Jlus. 1816, 31. — Steph., Shaw's Gen. Zool. xii, 
 1824, 61.— Eyt., Cat. Br. B. 40.— Keys, dc Blas., Wirb. Eur. 7.5.— Macgil., JIan. 
 
 Sal^'., Ibis, 1860, 277 ; 1865, 191 (Guatemala).— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, 
 No. 204.— Eeixh., Ibis, iii, 1861, 11 (Greenland).— Blvs., B. Eur. ed. Newt. 1862, 
 18 (England; quotes Yaep.., ii, 621).— Boap.dm., Pr. Bost. Soc. is, 1862, 128 
 (Maine, summer visitant).— Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 159 (Maine, coast in 
 
 brero); viii, 1866, 293.— DitE.s.*., Ibis, 1866, 36 (Matamoras).— Dall & B.orx., 
 Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 291 (Alaska, breeding).— Tuunb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 30 
 (April and August).— Cotes, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 122 (South Carolina) ; Pr. 
 Phila. Acad. 1861, 259 (Labrador); 1866, 97 (Arizona); 1871, 30 (North Caro- 
 lina).— Allex, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 181 (Utah).— Tkippe, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 
 1S72, 241 (Iowa).— Ma YX., Guide, 1870, 139 (Massachusetts, migratory).— CoUES, 
 
MACEOKHAMPHUS GRISEUS, RED-BREASTED SNIPE. 
 
 477 
 
 Key, 1872, 2fi3, fig. 164.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 10 (Kansas, migratory).— Pelz., 
 Oru. Bras. 313 (Para).- Scl. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1873, 455. 
 
 Limosa grisea, 8cifL., Mus. Pays-Bas, Scolop. \>. 26. 
 
 Scolopax nomhoracensls, Gsi., Syst. Nat. i, 17«8, G58.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 72:5 (based 
 ou Eed-lireasted Snipe, Penn., Arct. Zool. ii, 464, No. 368; Lath., Syn. v, lo4).— 
 WiLS., Am. Orn. vii, 1813, 45, pi- 58, fig. 1.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 398.— 
 AuD., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 288, pi. 399; Syn. 1839, 249; B. Am. vi, 1843, 10, pi. 
 351.— GiR., B. L. 1. 1844, 263.— Pqtn., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 218 (Massachusetts). 
 
 Totanus novchoracmsis, Sabine, Franklin's Journ. 687. 
 
 Limosa scolopacea, Say, Long's Exp. Rocky Mountains, ii, 1823, 170. 
 
 Alacrorhawphus scolopaceiis, Lawk., Ann. Lye. N. Y. v, 1852, 4, pi. 1 ; ibid, vii, 273 (Cuba) ; 
 ibid, fiii, 1866, 293; ibid, ix, 1868, 142 (Costa Rica).— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 712 — 
 Elliot, B. N. A. pi. 40.— Coues, Ibis, 1866, 271 (California).— Dall & Bank., 
 Tr. Chic. Acad. i, 1669, 291 (Alaska, breeding).— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 10 (Kan,sa.s). 
 
 Scolopax lonijiiostris. Bell, Ann. Lye. v, 1852, 3. 
 
 Scolopax paijluUii, Nilsson, Orn. Saec. ii, 106. 
 
 " Scolopiax Ivucophwa et ferriigineicoUis, Vieill." (Gray.) 
 
 Uab. — The whole of North America. Greenland. Mexico. West Indies. Central 
 America. Much of South America. Brazil (Pelz., Orn. 313); Chili (Phil., Cat. 36). 
 Breeds iu high latitudes. Chiefly migratory iu the United States. Winters in the 
 Sonth, and beyond, as above. Of frequent casual occurrence in Europe. (See Hakt., 
 Br. Birds, 1872, 144; fifteen occurrences in Great Britain recorded, with references. 
 Gould, B. Eur. pi. 323). 
 
 Limdeiiant irarren's Jixpedition.— 4871, Omaha City. (Omitted from Hayden's Report.) 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' or later Expeditions. 
 
 This Snipe is about as large as Wilson's, and the bill is exactly as in that species. It 
 is distinguished by the greater length of the legs, the whole naked portion being 3i to 
 4 inches long, of which the bare part of the tibia is three-quarters of an inch or more ; 
 by a web between the outer and middle toes; by 12 instead of 16 tail feathers, and 
 many points of coloration. Tail and its coverts, T\ith lining of wings and axillars, 
 beautifully barred with black and white or tawny ; shaft of first primary white. In 
 breeding plujnage, browuish-black above, variegated with bay ; reddish-brown beloi\', 
 ^'ariegated with dusky ; a tawny saperciliary and dusky loral stripe. At other seasons, 
 dark gray above, the feathers with dusky centres and pale gray or whitish edges ; 
 lower back pure white ; superciliary line and spot oh under eye-lid white ; below, wlsite, 
 the jugulum, fore-breast, and sides heavily shaded with gray, leaving chin whitish,; the 
 flanks and crissum with wavy, dusky spots or bars. Length, l0.25 to 12.50 ; extent, 
 17.50 to 20.25; wing, 5.40 to 6.10; bill, 2.20 to 3.26; whole naked leg, 3.40 to 4.1.5. 
 Weight, 2 oz. 7 dr. to 4 oz. 4 dr., according to condition. 
 
 The supposed species (M. scolopaoeus), based on larger size and larger bill, is not oven 
 entitled to rank as a variety. Almost any flock contains a per cent, of such individuals. 
 The difference in these respects is merely the normal individual variation. The follow- 
 ing fresh measurements of nine individuals, shot out of the same flock, exhibit the ex- 
 tremes connected by imperceptible gradations, and will convince tho.se most skeptical 
 of the identity of the two supposed species : 
 
 Total length 
 
 Extent of wings - 
 
 Wing 
 
 Whole naked leg. 
 Bill 
 
 10.95 
 
 17.50 
 
 5.40 
 
 3.40 
 
 2.20 
 
 10.50 
 
 18.00 
 
 5.50 
 
 3.40 
 
 2.40 
 
 11.00 
 
 18..50 
 
 ■5.65 
 
 3.40 
 
 2.50 
 
 11.25 
 19.25 
 
 5.80 
 3.35 
 
 2.85 
 
 11.50 
 
 19,00 
 
 5.75 
 
 4.00 
 
 2.90 
 
 11.75 
 
 19.50 
 
 5.90 
 
 4.10 
 
 2.90 
 
 11.90 
 
 19.75 
 
 6.00 
 
 4.00 
 
 2.95 
 
 12.25 
 
 20.25 
 
 6.10 
 
 4.10 
 
 3.05 
 
 12.50 
 
 19.50 
 
 5.85 
 
 4.15 
 
 3.25 
 
 These nine specimens are graded according to length of bill, with which it will be 
 seen other dimensions grade approximately, though not corresponding in every in- 
 stance. The length of bill varies over an inch, or about .34 per cent, of the mean 
 length, which is 2.77 inches; that is to say, its variation is about one-third of the 
 whole length. The variation is next greatest in the length of leg. There is nothing 
 peculiar in this variation. The bill of Ereunetes pusillus, of Nwmenius lonyirosi ris, and 
 doubtless of other waders, is quite as variable. 
 
 This species lias a very extensive distribution iu the Western Hemis- 
 phere, and is one of those most frequently occurring as a straggler in 
 the Old World. Its regular migrations are of immense extent, and are 
 performed with great expedition. Passing the Middle- districts in April, 
 the birds wend their way to the far North, where they breed, and are 
 again among us before the end of August. The line of migration seems 
 immaterial; many pass along either coast, while as great numbers fly 
 
478 MACEOEHAMPHUS GEISEUS, EED-BEEASTED SNIPE 
 
 over the interior, along our larger water-courses. The spring passage 
 is performed with greater celerity than the return in the autumn, when 
 they linger leisurely over suitable feeding grounds all the way along. 
 Many winter in the southern portions of the Union, though others reach 
 South America, even Brazil and Chili. I have found them in ISTovem- 
 ber in Southern California and the Carolinas, in both of which regions 
 some probably winter. In the spring passage many are found in nearlj' 
 or quite perfect dress, like the Golden Plovers, but in the fall the gray 
 plumage is mostly assumed before they reach the United States, the 
 change doubtless occurring as soon as the duties of incubation are com- 
 pleted, though traces of the summer vesture, in a few black, bay-edged 
 feathers of the upper parts, and a slight rnfescence of the under plumage, 
 may frequently be observed until October. The earliest period when 1 
 have seen the birds anywhere in the United States was the first week 
 in August, in Northern Dakota, and I was led to infer, from the evident 
 youth of the specimens then secured, that they were bred there, or not 
 far off. We have, however, no more unquestionable instance of the 
 breeding within our limits. Writers upon Maine birds speak of the spe- 
 cies as a " summer visitor," and Dr. Suckley, in Washington Territory, re- 
 fers to a May specimen he supposed to be breeding. So little has hith- 
 erto been made known of the breeding of the species, that I have the 
 more pleasure in giving an account. Mr. Dall found it nesting in Alaska, 
 and the eggs are in the Smithsonian. "I found a nest of this species," 
 he says, "on the 3d of June, and on the 6th secured the parent bird with 
 the eggs. The nest was a simple hollow in the ground, in a grassy 
 hummock, in the centre of a marshy spot, with scarcely any lining what- 
 ever — nothing in the shape of a nest to bring away. The female, when 
 startled from the nest, shuftied off with gxeat rapidity among the grassy 
 hummocks, making a very diflicult mark to shoot at." Yery little has 
 been recorded of the breeding resorts of the Macrorhamphus, while the 
 eggs are almost unknown. Several sets are in the Smithsonian Insti- 
 tution, collected by the indefatigable MacFarlane, at the Anderson 
 Eiver Eort, and on the Arctic coast, east of that river. They were 
 taken late in June, at which season they appear to have been fresh, or 
 nearly so. The labels state that the eggs were placed on a few dried 
 leaves, in or around a marshy tract. One set contains four eggs, another 
 three, another only two ; but we must presume that four is the regular 
 nest-complement. The eggs are not peculiar among their allies in any 
 respect, and probably no description would suffice for their positive 
 identification. The following-measurements indicate the size and shape: 
 1.75 by 1.15 (unusually long, narrow, and pointed}; 1.70 by 1.15; 1.62 
 by 1.12 (about an average) ; 1.68 by 1.10 ; 1.55 by 1.10 (very short). 
 Tbe ground-color is the same as in Gallinago, with all its variation, 
 while the general character of tbe markings is identical, even to the 
 occasional occurrence of sharp, black tracery over the ordinary spots 
 and blotches. One of the eggs has the markings rather chocolate than 
 umber-brown, and much smaller and more diffuse than they are in any 
 of the examples of Gallinago which happen to be before me. 
 
 On the sand-bars, muddy flats, and marshy meadows of the North 
 Carolina coast I found the Gray-backs very common, in flocks, all 
 through the fall, associated with Godwits, Telltales, and various Sand- 
 pipers. But nowhere have I seen them so abundant as in Dakota 
 during the fall passage — everywhere on the ponds, and especially in the 
 saline pools of the alkali region along the Upper Missouri. There the 
 birds were loitering in great flocks, wading in water so loaded with 
 alkali that it looked sea-green and blew off a white cloud with the slight- 
 
MACKOEHAMPHUS GEISEUS, EED-BKEASTED SNIPE. 479 
 
 est breeze, while the edges for several yards all around were snow-white 
 with solid efflorescence. Gazing only at the pool, one would fancy him- 
 self on au ice-bound Arctic region, while the surrounding country was 
 desolate to match. Around such ijools, the water of which was utterly 
 uudrinkable for man or beast, were numerous Ducks and waders, espe- 
 cially Teal, Plover, and these Snipe, swimming, wading, or dozing in 
 troops on the banks in the yellow light of autumn, all in excellent order 
 for the table. They were loaded with fat, though it seemed incredible 
 that they could thrive iu such bitterly nauseating and purgative waters. 
 
 The Eedbreasted Snipe is a gentle and unsuspicious creature by 
 nature, most sociably disposed to its own kind, as well as toward its 
 relatives among the Ducks and waders. In the western regions, where 
 they are not often molested, no birds are more confiding, though none 
 more timid. They gather in such close flocks, moreover, that the most 
 cruel slaughter may be effected with ease by one intent only on filling 
 his bag. As we approach a pool we see numbers of the gentle birds 
 wandering along the margin, or wading up to the belly iu the shallow 
 parts, probing here and there as they advance, sticking the bill perpen- 
 dicularly into the mud to its full length with a quick, dexterous move- 
 ment, and sometimes even submerging the whole head for a second or 
 two. All the \Fhile they chat with each other in a low, pleasing tone, 
 entirely oblivious of our dangerous proximity. With the explosion that 
 too often happens, the next moment some stretch dead or dying along 
 the strand, others limp or flutter with broken legs or wings, while the 
 survivors, with a startled weet, take wing. Not, however, to fly to a 
 place of safety; in a compact body they skim away, then circle back, 
 approaching again the fatal spot with a low, wayward, gliding motion, 
 and often realight in the midst of their dead or disabled companions. 
 No birds fly more compactly, or group together more closely in alight- 
 ing; it seems'as if the timid creatures, aware of their defenceless con- 
 dition, sought safety, or at least reassurance, in each other's company. 
 Thus it happens that a whole flock may be secured by successive dis- 
 charges, if the gunner will seize the times when they stand motionless, 
 in mute alarm, closely huddled together. In a little while, however, if 
 no new appearance disturbs them, they cast off fear and move about 
 separately, resuming their busy probing for the various water-bugs, 
 leeches, worms, and soft molluscs, which form their food, as well as the 
 seeds of various aquatic plants. When in good order, they are excel- 
 lent eating. 
 
 Being partly web-footed, this Snipe swims tolerably well for a little 
 distance in an emergency, as when it may get for a moment beyond its 
 depth in wading about, or when it may fall, broken-winged, on the water. 
 On such an occasion as this last, I have seen one swim bravely for 
 twenty or thirty yards, with a curious bobbing motion of the heatl and 
 corresponding jerking of the tail, to a hiding place in the raiik grass 
 across the pool. When thus hidden they keep perfectly still, and may 
 be picked up without resistance, except a weak flutter, and perhaps a 
 low, pleading cry for pity on their pain and helplessness. When feed- 
 ing at their ease, in consciousness of peace and security, few birds are 
 of more pleasing appearance. Their movements are graceful and their 
 attitudes often beautifully statuesque. 
 
480 MICEOPALAMA HIMANTOPUS, STILT SANDPIPER. 
 
 MICROPALAMA HIMAjS^TOPUS, (Bp.) Bd. 
 Stilt Sandpiper. 
 
 Tringa Mmaniojiuf, Bp., Ann. Lye. N. Y. ii, 182C, Il.7.— Less., Man. ii, 1828, 284.— Sw. & 
 EiCH., F. B. A. 3i, 1831, 380.— Bp., Am. Ora.iv, 1833, 89, pi. 25, f. 3.— An.., Orn. 
 Biog. iv, 1833, 332, pi. 334 ; Syn. 1839, 235 ; B. Am. v, 1842, 271, pi. 334.— Giis., 
 B. L. I. 1844, 23-2.- SCHL., M. P.-B. Scolopaces, 54. 
 
 Tringa (Hemipalama) liimantopus, Bp., Specc. Comp. 1827, 61 ; Syn. 1828, 316.— NuTT., Man. 
 ii, 1834, 13y. 
 
 Hemipalama Umanlopua, Bp., List, 1338, 49.— DeKw, N. Y. Zool. 1844, 235, pi. 86, fig. 196. 
 
 Totanus himantopus, Lemb., Av. Cuba, 1850, 95. 
 
 Mici-opalama Mmaiiiopus, Bd., B. N. A. 185S, 726.— Salv., Ibis,i, 1859, 229 (Guatemala).— 
 Wheat., Ohio Agrie. Rep. 1860, No. 213 (Ohio).— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, 
 174.— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 294 ; viii, 1864, 101 (Sombrero).— CouES, 
 Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 294.— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 122 (South Caro- 
 lina). -SCL., P. Z. S. 1860, 290 (Ecuador).— Dkess., Ibis, 1866, 37 (Texas).- 
 SCL. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1866, 199 (Peru).— Tuknb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 31 (New Jer- 
 sey ; May and Aug.). — Allen, Am. Nat. iii, 1870, 639 (Massachusetts and New 
 Hampshire).— Ste v., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 466 (Fort Bridger).— Mayn., 
 Guide, 1870, 140 (New Hampshire).- Bkewst., Am. Nat. vi, 1872, 307 (Massa- 
 chusetts and New Hampshire).— Coues, Key, 1872, 253.— ScL. & Salv., P. Z. 
 S. 1873, 309 (Peru).— EiDGW., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874. 383 (Illinois). 
 
 Ereunetes himantopus, Sund., Ofv. Kongl. Vet. Ak. Forh. 1869, 587, 602 (St. Bartholo- 
 mew and Porto Rico). 
 
 Micropelama himanlopus, Ghay, Hand-list, iii, 1871, 48, No. 10298. 
 
 Tringa mnlHfmciaia, LiCHT. {Gray.) 
 
 Hmupalama multi^lriata, Gray, G. of B. iii, 1849, 578, pi. 156, f. 2.— Pblz., O. Bras, iii, 311. 
 
 Tringa douglasii, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 379, pi. 66. 
 
 Eringa {Hemipalama) douglasii, Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 141. 
 
 Tringa {Hemipalama) auduboni, NuTT., Man. ii, 1834, 140. 
 
 Hob. — North America generally. Not observed west of the Rocky Mountains. Rare 
 in the United States. West Indies, Central America, and most of South America. 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Eaynolds' or Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. 
 
 Later Expeditions. — 60790, Fort Bridger, Wyoming {Stevenson). 
 
 This is a very remarkable Sandpiper, connecting this group with the true Snipe by 
 means of Macrorhamphus, with which its relationships are very close. Its pattern of 
 coloration and changes of plumage are much as in M. griseus. The bill is quite snipe- 
 like, though shorter; the legs are very long, relatively exceeding those of Macrorliam- 
 plms, and there are two basal webs to the toes, as in Ereunetes. Full descriptions appear 
 in my Monograph above cited, and in the Key. 
 
 I have never yet seen the Stilt Sandpiper alive, and it appears to be 
 rather rare in the United States, through which it passes during the 
 migration, some probably wintering toward the South. It occurs both 
 along the coast and in the interior. Its range is probably much the same 
 as that of Macrorhamphus griseus ; like this species, it is extensively dis- 
 persed over the West Indies, in Central and part of South America 
 during the winter. It is only known to breed in high latitudes, beyond 
 our border. Several collectors have lately taken it during the migra- 
 tion along the New England coast, where, however, like Tringa bairdii, 
 it appears to be of rare occurrence, as elsewhere on the Atlantic coast. 
 I placed it in my South Carolina list on Prof. Gibbes' authority. Mr. 
 Stevenson procured it at Port Bridger. It undoubtedly migrates gen- 
 erally through the Missouri region. 
 
 Two sets of eggs, purporting to be of this species, are in the Smith- 
 sonian ; bat it does not appear that the parent was secured, or, at least, 
 received, and I question the identification, believing the eggs to be 
 those of Tryngites rufescens. At any rate, if they are not the latter, 
 they are absolutely identical with them in every respect, as fully de- 
 scribed farther on. 
 
EEEUNETES PUSILLLUS, SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER. 481 
 
 BEBUNETES PUSILLTJS, (Linn.) Cass. 
 Semipalmated Sandpiper. 
 
 Tringa ptmlla, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 252 (based on Tringa cinclus dominieensis minor, 
 Briss., V, 222, pi. 25, f. 2. Not of Meyer, nor of Beohstein, nor of Wihon).— 
 Gm., Syst; Nat. i, 1788, 681,— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 7OT.— (?) Vieill., Nouv. 
 Diet. d'Hist. Nat. xxxiv, 1819, 452.— Sent., M. P.-B. Scolopaces,55. 
 
 Ereunetes pimllns, Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad, xiii, 1860, 195 (Carthagena).— Coues, iUd. 
 1861, 177, 233.— CouES & Peent., Smiths. Rei). 1861, 416.— Boaiidm., Pr. Bost. 
 Soc. ix, 1862, 129.— Vere., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 159.— Allen, ibid, iv, 1S64, 
 87.— MclLWE., iUd. v, 1866, 93.— Coues, ibid, v, 1868, 294.— Lawk., Ann. Lye. 
 N. Y. viii, 1864, 101 (Sombrero) ; vjii, 1866, 294.— Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic. 
 Acad, i, 1869, 292.— Sund., Ofv. Vet. At. 1869, 587, 602 (St. Bartholomew 
 aud Porto Rico).- Mayn., Guide, 1870, 140.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 97; 
 1871, 31.— Allen, Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 501.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 
 355; iii, 1872, 182.— CouBS, Key, 1872, 254, fig. 165.— RiD(}W., Ann. Lye. N. Y. 
 X, 1874, 384. 
 
 Ereunetes petrificatus, III., Prod. 1811, 262 (Bahia).— Cass., Baird's B. N. A. 1858, 724.— 
 Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 212.— Ha yd., Rep. 1862, 174.— Turnb., B. 
 E. Pa, 1869, 31.— Teippe, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 241.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 10. 
 
 Tringa semipalmata, WiLS., Am. Ora. vii, 1813. 131, pi. 63, f. 3 ; Ord's ed. iii, 1829, 132 ; 
 Brewer's ed. 1840, 542, fig. 225 ; Syn. 725.— Vieill., Nouv., Diet. d'Hist. Nat. 
 xxxiv, 1819, 462.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 381.— Aud., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 
 iii, pi. 408 ; Syn. 1839, 236 ; B. Am. v, 1842, 277, pi. 336.— Gm., B. L. I, 1844, 
 239.— PuTN., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 217.— Newb., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 100.— 
 FiNSCH, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 65. 
 
 THnga {Seniipalama) semipalmata, Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 212 ; Specc. Comp. 1827, 62. 
 
 Bemipalama semipalmata, Lemb., At. Cuba, 1850, 96. 
 
 Tringa (Heteropoda) semipalmata, NuTT., Man. ii, 1834, 136. 
 
 Seteropoda semipalmata, Bp., List, 1838, 49.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. 1844, 236, pi. 86, fig. 
 195.— Geay, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 580, pi. 156, f. 1. 
 
 Ereunetes semipalmata. Cab., Schomb. Reise, iii, 758 ; J. f. O. 1856, 419, — Bp., Comptes 
 Rendus, xliii, 1856, p. — . 
 
 Tringa brevirostris, Spix, Av. Bras, ii, 1825, 76, pi. 93. 
 
 Pelidna brissoni. Less., Man. ii, 1628, 277 (" T. pusiUa L."). 
 
 Heteropoda mauri, Bp., List, 1838, 49.— Gundl., J. f. 0. 1856, 419 (Cuba). 
 
 Semipalama minor, Lemb., Av. Cuba, 1850, 97. 
 
 Ereunetes occidentalis, Lawr., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1864, 107 (var. ? Pacific coast). 
 Quotations additional to the above are : Saj:.v., Ibis, i, 1859, 259 (Guatemala) ; Newt.,. 
 
 ibid. 258 (Santa Cruz) ; Bry., Pr. Bost. Soc. vii, 1859, p. — (Bahamas) ; SCL. & Salv.,. 
 
 P. Z. S. 1867, 592 (Amazon); Pelz., Orn. Bras. 311 (Brazil; March and April). 
 
 Sab.— The whole of North and Central, and most of South America. West Indies.. 
 ' Lieutenant Warren's Expedition.. — 4870, Bijoux Hills ; 9045, 9047, 9048, Loup Fork. 
 Not procured by either of the later Expeditions. (The bird so quoted by Stevenson,. 
 p. 466, is Tringa minutilla.) 
 
 This abundant and well-known little bird occurs throughout the 
 Missouri region, in suitable places, during the migration, as elsewhere 
 in the United States. 
 
 A very large series of the eggs of Ereunetes shows the variations- 
 probably always observable when great numbers of any limicoline 
 wader's eggs are examined. Some of them are nearly like the Butt- 
 breasted Sandpiper's eggs described beyond, and such appears to be the 
 normal pattern. Others, however, are quite different. One variation 
 affects the ground-color, which, instead of being clay colored (very pale 
 grayish or greenish-drab), is decidedly olivaceous ; and in these eggs 
 the markings are correspondingly heavy, rather umber-brown than 
 chocolate. In another decided variety the markings, instead of being 
 bold blotching, massed at the large end, are exceedingly fine dotting, 
 uniform over the whole egg, drawn like a veil, as it were, over the 
 ground, giving the predominant complexion to the egg. The following 
 are several measurements: 1.22 by 0.84; 1.24 by 0.83; 1.20 by 0.8o. 
 The sets, complete, contain three or four eggs ; those with one or two 
 31 
 
482 TEINGA MINUTILLA, LEAST SANDPIPER. 
 
 are presumably incomplete. They were mostly collected late in June 
 and early in July, by Mr. MacFarlane, in the Anderson liiver region, 
 the Barren Grounds, and the Arctic coast, at Franklin Bay. Others 
 are from Hudson's Bay. According to the labels, the nests are, as 
 usual, a depression of the ground, lined with a few dried grasses or 
 leaves, and are generally situate in or near marshy tracts. 
 
 ^ TEINGA MINUTILLA, Vieill. r- '^^•^ii- '4»<fc^ X^''' 
 least SaDdpiper. 
 
 Tringa minutilla, Vieu-l., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. xxxiv, 1819, 452.— Gray, Geu. of B. 
 iii, 1849, 579.— SCHL., Mus. Pays-Bas, Scolopaces, p. 48.— Sharpe & Dresser, 
 B. Eur. pt. xii, Aug. 1872.— CouES, Key, 1872, 254.— Finsch, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 
 65.— SCL. & Salv., p. Z. S. 1873, 456 (Peru). 
 
 Actodromus minutilla. Bp., Comptes Eendus, 1856. 
 
 Actodromas minutilla, Coues, Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1861, 191, 230.— CouES, Pr. Fhila. Acad. 
 1866, 97 ; ihUl. 1871, 30.— Coues, Ibis, 1866, 269.— CouBS, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 
 1868, 122.— Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 294.— Dress., Ibis, 1866, 37 (Texas).— 
 Coues & Prext., Smiths. Eep. 1861, 415. — Lawr., Ann. Lye. viii, 1866, 294. — , 
 Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 77.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 356 ; iii, 1872, Jj^ 
 182.— Allh^, Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 501.— Vere., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 159.— S r i- 
 BOARDM., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 128.— Veer., ibid. 138.— Newt., P. Z. S. 1867, '^l, 
 165, pi. 15, f. 4 (egg).— Dall & Baxn., Tr. Chio. Acad, i, 1869, 292 (Alaska).— /■J> 
 Mayn., Guide, 1870, 140.— Dall, Pr. Cal. Acad. Feb. 1873 (Aleutian Islands).- 
 EiDGW., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 384. 
 
 Tringa imailla, Wils., Am. Orn. v, 1813, 32, pi. 37, f. 4 (not of lAnnwus and European 
 ■writers).— Oed, ed. Wils. iii, L-^^O, 134.— Beew., ed. Wils. 1840, 347, fig. 161.— 
 Bp., Comp. Specc. I«a7, 237 ; Syn. 1828, 319.— Sw. & EiCH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 
 386.— AUD., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 180, pi. 320 ; Syn. 1839, 237 ; B. Am. v, 1842, 
 280, pi. 337.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 240.— WoODH., Sitgr. Eep. 1853, 100.— Putn., 
 Pr. Ess. lust, i, 1856, 217.— HoY, Smiths. Rep. 1864, 438.— Hart., Br. Birds, 
 1872, 143 (European). 
 
 Pelidna pusilla, Bp., List, 1838, 50.— GossB, B. Jam. 1847, 348. 
 
 Tringa wiUoni, NuTT., Man. ii, 1834, 121.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 721.— Coop. & Sock., N. 
 H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 240.— Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad, xiii, 1860, 196 (CartUagena).— 
 AVhbat., Ohio Agric. Eep. 1860, No. 209.— Turnb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 31.— Tkippb, 
 Pr. Bost. Soc. XV, 1872, 241. 
 
 Actodromus ivilsoni, Bp., Comptes Eendus, 1856. 
 
 {1)Tringa campestris, LiciiT., Verz. Doubl. 1823, 74 (may be iairdii or ionapartW). 
 
 Tringa nana, LiCHT., Nomen. Av. 1854, 92. 
 
 Tringa georgica, Licht. (Gray.) 
 Exiralimilal quotations.— Sci.., P. Z. S. 1856, 311 (Cordova) ; ScL., Ibis, 1859, 229 
 
 (Guatemala) ; Newt., ibid. 258 (Santa Cruz) ; Cab., J. f. O. iv, 422 (Cuba) ; Bry., Pr. 
 
 Bost. Soc. vii, 1859 (Bahamas) ; ScL., P. Z. S. 1860, 263 (Orizaba) ; 1861, 80 (Jamaica) ; 
 
 Lawe., Ann. Lvc. N. Y. 1861, 334 (Panama) ; Darw., Voy. Beagle, Birds, 131 (Gala- 
 pagos) ; ScL., P. Z. S. 1864, 178 (Mexico) ; SCL. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1867, 591 (Amazon) ; 
 
 Pelz_, Orn. 311 (Brazil). 
 
 Sab. — North, Central and South America, and West Indies. Accidental in Europe 
 (Coruwall, Eodd, Zool. 1854, 4297 ; Devon, Id., ibid. 1869, 1920 ; fide Harting). 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 9046, Loup Fork. 
 Laltr Expeditions. — 00792, North Platte. 
 lSo% obtaiued by Captain Eaytolds' Expedition. 
 
 Abundant in the Missouri region during the migrations, as every- 
 where else, in suitable places, throughout the United States. Finding 
 it in July, in the Eed River region, I am led to believe it may some- 
 times nest so far south, but of this I am not certain. 
 
 This little bird is one of several species that collectively inhabit all 
 the world, and resemble each other so closely that naturalists have 
 difticulty in telling them apart. Perhaps they all sprung from the pair 
 that Noah kept, but this is doubtful. Difference of species aside, I 
 should be afraid to say how many millions of the little creatures ran 
 about the sand and mud of this world to-day ; and in thinking of any 
 single one of them, a grain of sand comes to mind. We remember the 
 
TRINGA MINUTILLA, LEAST SANDPIPER. 483 
 
 •pretty fable of the drop of water that, complaining to the gods of its 
 utter uselessness and insignificance, evaporated into mist, and, distilled 
 as a dew-drop, fell into the open shell of an oyster, to become a pearl 
 that flashed in the coronet of kings. Such exaltation of the little bird 
 as this may never be ; it would be a difficult task, indeed, to select any 
 one of the species and distinguish it from, still less above, the others. 
 Tet who knows just how much even a single one of the birds may feel ? 
 Fogs hang low and heavy over rock-girdled Labrador. Angry waves, 
 palled with rage, exhaust themselves to encroach upon the stern shores, 
 and baffled, sink back howling into the depths. Winds shriek as they 
 course from crag to crag iu mad career, till the humble mosses that 
 clothe the rocks crouch lower still in fear. Ovei'head the Sea Gulls 
 scream as they winnow, and the Murres, all silent, ply eager oars to 
 escape the blast. What is here to entice the steps of the delicate birds ? 
 Tet they have come, urged by resistless impulse, and have made a nest 
 on the ground in some half-sheltered nook. The material was ready 
 at hand, in the mossy covering of the earth, and little care or thougiit 
 was needed to fashion a little bunch into a little home. Four eggs are 
 laid (they are buffy-yellow, thickly spotted ov'er with brown and drab), 
 with the points together, that they may take up less room and be more 
 warmly covered ; there is need of this, such large eggs belonging to so 
 small a bird. As we draw near the mother sees us, and nestles closer 
 still over her treasures, quite hiding them in the covering of her breast, 
 and watches us with timid eyes, all anxiety for the safety of what is 
 dearer to her thau her own life. Her mate stands motionless, but not 
 unmoved, hard by, not venturing even to chirp the note of encourage- 
 riient and sympathy she loves to hear. Alas ! hope fades and dies out, 
 leaving only fear; there is no further concealment — we are almost upou 
 the nest — almost trodden upon she springs up with a piteous cry and 
 flies a little distance, realightiug, almost beside herself with grief; for 
 she knows only too well what is to be feared at such a time. If there 
 were hope for her that her nest were undiscovered, she might dissimulate, 
 and try to entice us away by those touching deceits that maternal love 
 inspires. But we are actually bending over her treasures, and decep- 
 tion would be in vain ; her .grief is too great to be witnessed unmoved, 
 Still less portrayed ; nor can we, deaf to her beseeching, change it into 
 despair. We have seen and admired the home — there is no excuse for 
 making it desolate ; we have not so much as touched one of the precious 
 eggs, and will leave them to her renewed and patient care. 
 
 This is one verse in the little Sand-bird's life, with the wolf at the 
 door of what would seem the perfect security of an humble home. Now 
 later in the season, when the young birds are grown strong of wing, 
 family joins family, and the gathering goes to the sea-beach. Stretches 
 of sand, or pebbly shingle, or weed-loaded rocks, or muddy flats be- 
 strewn with wrack, invite, and are visited iu turn ; and each yields 
 abundant sustenance. The unsuspecting birds ramble and play heed- 
 lessly in the very front of man, unmindful of, because unknowing, dan- 
 ger; they have a sad lesson to learn the coming winter, when they are 
 tormented without stint, and a part of their number slaughtered in 
 more civilized countries for mere sport, or for the morsel of food tlieir 
 bodies may afi'ord. Blasts fiercer than they ever knew before come out 
 of the north ; autumn is upon them, and they must not wait. Flocks 
 ris4 on wing, and it is not long before the beaches and the marshes of 
 the States are thronged. 
 
 But except from ourselves, the birds have little to fear. Their 
 enemies are few, they lead a meiry, contented life, and it is no wonder 
 
484 TEINGA BAIRDII, BAIRD's SANDPIPER. 
 
 they increase and multiply till they become like armies as to numbers. 
 Besides being gregarious among themselves, they are sociable with 
 other birds, and there is hardly a gathering of waders of any sort any 
 where that the Peep family is not represented in. Gadabouts, perhaps, 
 they are, but no scandal mongers ; ubiquitous, turning up everywhere 
 when least expected, but never looked ill upon ; bustling little busy 
 bodies, but, minding their own business strictly. Besides environing a 
 continent on three sides at least (and perhaps on the Arctic shores as 
 well), not a river or lake, not a creek or pond, the banks of which are 
 not populated at one season or another ; the track of their tiny feet, 
 imprinted on the sand of the sea-shore and the soil of the inland water, 
 shows where they have gone. Their numbers swell in no small degree 
 the great tide of birds that ceaselessly ebbs and flows once a year in the 
 direction of the polar star ; they taken away, a feature of the land 
 would be lost. Altogether, they become imposing, though singly in- 
 significant. If we do not know just what part is given out to them in 
 the grand play of Nature, at least we may be assured they have a part 
 that is faithfully and well performed. 
 
 TEINGA BAIEDII, Coues. 
 
 Baird's Sandpiper. 
 
 (f)Tringa melanotos, Vieill. (based on Clwrlito lomo negro of Azara.) 
 
 (?) Tringa pectm-alis, Cass., Gilliss' Exp. ii, 185.5, 195. 
 
 Tiiaga schinzii, WooDH., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 100 (excl. syn. ; nee Srehm). 
 
 Tringa honapartii, Cass., Baird's B. N. A. 1858, 722 {parlim; nee Schlegel). —Hayd., Eep. 
 1862, 174 (error).— Elliot, Introd. B. N. A. (jpaHim). 
 
 Tringa maoulata, ScHL., M. P.-B. Scolopaces, 1864, 39 (partim). 
 
 Actodromas bairdii, Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, 194; 1866, 97.— SCL., P. Z. S. 1862, 369 
 (Mexico).— Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 292 (Alaska).— Stev., U. S. 
 Geol. Snrv. Ter. 1870, 466 (Wyoming).— Aixbn, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 182 
 (Colorado).- Bkbwst., Am. Nat. vi, 1872, 306 (Boston, Mass.).- Snow, B. Kans. 
 1873 10 
 
 Tringa iairdii, ScL., P. Z. S. 1867, 3.32 (Chili).— ScL. & Salv., Hid. 1868, 144 (Conchitas).— 
 Hart., Ibis, 1870, 1.52 (Panama, New Granada, and Peru).— Newt., P. Z. S. 
 1871, 577 (egg).— Ander., B. Daraaraland, 1872, 308 (Walwich Bay, South 
 Africa).- Meer., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, 70O (Wyoming).— Coues, Key, 1872, 
 255.— ScL. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1873, 455.— Ridgw., Ann. Lye. x, 1874, 384 (Illinois). 
 
 Tringa (Heteropygia) bairdii, Gray, Hand-list, iii, 1871, 49, No. 10308. 
 
 Bab. — North America, chiefly in the Interior. Rare on the Atlantic coast. Mexico, 
 Central and South America. Accidental in Africa. 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4869, Omaha City ; 5442, Yellowstone River; 5443, 
 Cedar Creek. 
 
 Later Expeditions.— 5i^)i7 , 61154, Wyoming ; 60791, 60793-5, North Platte and Little 
 Sandy ; 62361, Lower Geyser Basin, Wyoming. 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Eaynolds' Expedition. 
 
 Erroneously given in Dr. Hayden's Report as " Tringa honapartii," upon Mr. Cassin's 
 identification, who, in 1858, gave these three specimens as bonapariii, together with 
 two others, Nos. 8800, 8769, of the Smithsonian Register, taken by Dr. Cooper, while 
 f II route from Fort Kearney to Fort Laramie. Dr. Woodhouse's specimens, from Zuni, 
 New Mexico, as above cited, are this species, though given as " T. schinzii" in his 
 report. 
 
 It is not a little singular that this perfectly distinct species should ever have been 
 confounded with I. fuseieoUis, to which it bears only a superficial resemblance. It is 
 really much nearer both T. maeulafa and T. minutilla, between which it stands exactly 
 intermediate, though readily distinguished from either. Of its characters I have 
 nothing to add to the perfectly accurate account given in my works above quoted, 
 and here partly reproduced in substance. As Dr. Sclater has shown, since the species 
 has been ascertained to inhabit Central and South as well as North America, the name 
 bairdii is quite probably anticipated by at least one other; but this point has not been 
 determined. 
 
TEIXGA BAIEDII, BAIED's SANDPIPEE. 485 
 
 Jdiilt $. — Bill wholly black, small and slender, slightly shorter than the head, just 
 as long as the tarsus or as the middle toe and claw, slightly expanded or lancet shaped 
 at the end, the point acnte ; grooves long, narrow, deep ; feathers on side of lower 
 mandible evidently reaching further than those on upper. Upper parts brownish- 
 black (deepest on the rnmp and middle upper tail-coverts, and lightest on the neck 
 behind), each feather bordered and tipped with pale brownish-yellow, the tippiDg ol 
 the scapulars broadest and nearly white, their margining broad and brightest in tint, 
 making several deep scollops toward the shafts of the feathers. Only the outer series 
 of upper tail-coverts on each side varied with whitish. Middle tail-feathers brownish- 
 black, the others plain gray, with paler margins. Jugulum tinged with light, dull 
 yeUowish-brown, spotted and streaked with illy-defined blackish markings, as are aKo 
 the sides under the wings. Throat and the other under parts white, unmarked. Feet 
 black, like the bill. Length, 7J: extent, I5i; wing, i^\ bill, 0.<>: tarsus, and middle 
 toe and claw, the same. The 9 is entirely similar, but slightly larger. The young 
 have the upper parts wholly light browuish-ash, darker on the rump, and all the 
 feathers with a dark field, and pale or whitish edging; waves of brownish-black on 
 the scapulars. Jugulum and breast suff'used with dull, light reddish-brown ; the spot- 
 ting small, sparse, and very indistinct. 
 
 T. fuscieoUis is a little larger, on an average ; the bill noticeably stouter, flesh- 
 colored at base below ; the feathers on the sides of the lower mandible dp not extend 
 noticeably beyond those on the upper ; the .scapular edging is bright chestnut ; the 
 jugulum is white, or barely perceptibly ashy with numerous narrow, distinct streaks ; 
 and the upper tail-coverts are white. T. iairdii is exactly intermediate in size 
 between T. maculata and T. miniitilla, and is almost identical with the latter in pattern 
 of coloration, but the markings upon the breast are not thick and heavy, and the edg- 
 ings of the scapulars not bright chestnut. The species scarcely requires comparison 
 with maculata; the latter is much larger; it diflersin the colors and proportions of the 
 bill; the pattern (plain, unscolloped) of coloration of the scapular edgings; the abrupt 
 transition from the color of the crown to that of the hind neck; the heavy pectoral 
 markings, A:c. T. iairdii, like all its allies, is subject to a partially melanotic condition 
 of plumage. 
 
 Dr. Hayden's specimens, above ennmerated, "were the first I saw of this 
 species ; they were in autumnal or otherwise imperfect plnmage, as were 
 also Dr. Woodhouse's. Some time afterward a fine and extensive suite, 
 in breeding plumage, was procured in Arctic America, by ^Ir. Keuni- 
 cott and Mr. Eoss, in the vicinity of Fort Eesolution, Great Slave Lake. 
 It has since been found in various localities in Alaska, where it also 
 breeds; and is very generally dispersed through the interior of Xorth 
 America, east of the Eocky Mountains. Until recently, we had uo 
 evidence of its occurrence on the Atlantic coast, where it was lately 
 taken by Mr. Henshaw, the specimen being forwarded to me for identi- 
 fication. The extralimital quotations are numerous and varied, demon- 
 strating a range in general coincident with that of other small waders 
 of this country. Its line of migration seems to be chiefly in the interior, 
 between the Eocky Mountains and the Pacific. During the passage it 
 is generally distributed over the Missouri region, and is rather common. 
 It enters the United States as early as August, spreading during the 
 following month, when I have found it at various points in Dakota, in 
 small flocks, associating with several other small species, such as the 
 Eed-breasted Snipe and Wilson's Phalarope, along the sandy margins 
 of small streams, and around muddy sloughs. It has a soft, mellow 
 pipe, like others of its genus, and appeared very innocent and confiding. 
 In its general habits and manners I noticed nothing peculiar. 
 
 Mr. Trippe informs me that during the latter part of August he found 
 large flocks of this species near the summit of Mount Evaus, Colorado, 
 between 13,000 and 14,000 feet above sea-level, feeding upon grass- 
 hoppers. 
 
 The egg of this species was first described by Professor Xewton from 
 a defective specimen, not permitting a complete account. The Smith- 
 sonian has several full sets, of three or four eggs each, all taken by Mr. 
 MacParlane, on the barren grounds of the Anderson Eiver region, and 
 on the Arctic coast, east of that river. They were collected in I860, late 
 
486 TRINGA MACULATA, PECTORAL SANDPIPER. 
 
 in June, and were the first, if not the only, specimens which have 
 reached naturalists. The labels give no items of the nidification, but 
 this is undoubtedly not peculiar in any respect. The shape and colora- 
 tion conform to the usnal styles of the restricted group Actodromas. 
 The ground of the egg of hairdii is clay-colored, tending in some cases 
 to gray, in others to buffy. The spotting is ot'rich umber and chocolate 
 browns of varying shade or depth, with the usual paler shell-markings. 
 In most instances the markings are fine and innumerable, of indefinite 
 small size and shape, and though thicliest and laigest at the greater 
 end, only occasionally mass there into great blotches. Some specimens 
 show a little black tracery over all at the large end. Several specimens 
 n>easure as follows : 1.30 by 0.90 inches ; 1.35 by 0.94 ; 1.28 by 0.92. 
 Some were taken early in July, at which date they contained advanced 
 embryos. 
 
 TRINGA MACULATA, Yieill. 
 Pectoral Sandpiper; Grass Snipe; Jack Snipe. 
 
 Tringa maculata, ViEiix., N. D. xxxiv, 1819, 465.- Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 
 208.— SCHLKG., M. P.-B. Scolopaces, 39.— Blas., List B. Ear. 1862, 18.— Tuknb., 
 B. E. Pa. 1869, 31.— Tkippe, Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 241.— Dress., Ibis, 1866, 36.— 
 Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 10.— Suxd., Ofv. Vet. Ak. 1889, 587 (St. Bartholomew).— 
 Haet., Br. Birds. 1872, 140.— Codes, Key, 1872, 255.— ScL. & Sai.v., P. Z. S. 
 1873, 455. 
 
 Tiinga {Actodromas) maeulata, Cass., B. N. A. 720. — RiDGW., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 384. 
 
 Tiiiiga (Linmocinclm) maeulata. Gray, Hand-list, iii, 187], 49, No. 10303. 
 
 Pclidna maeulata. Pakz., Cat. Oia. Eur. 1H.36, 15. 
 
 Actodromas maeulata, COUES, Pr. Phila. Acad. ]861, 197 and 230.— CouES & Prent., 
 Smiths. Rep. 1861, 415.- CouES, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 294.— McIlwr., ibid. 1866, 
 93.— Allex, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 77.— Verr., ibkl. iii, 1862, 1.53.— Boakdm., 
 Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 128.— Lawh., Ann Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 294.— Coop., Pr. 
 Cal. Acad. 1868.— Allen, Mem. Bost. Soc. i. 1868, .501.— CouKS, Pr. Bost. Soc. 
 xii, 1868, 122.— Dall & Baxx., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 292.— Mayn., Guide, 
 1870, 140.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 182. 
 
 Pelidna peetoraVs, Bp., Comp. List, 1838, 50 ; Cat. Meth. 1842, 60.— (?) Cass., V. S. Ast. 
 Exp. ii, 1855, 195 (may be bairdii). 
 
 Tringa pecioralis. Say, Long's Exp. R. Uts. i, 1823, 171.— Bp., Am. Orn. iv, 1833, 43, pi. 
 23; Syn. 1828, 318.— NuTT.. Man. ii, 1834, 111.— .Jex.. Man. 1835, 210.— Yaur., 
 Br. Birds, ii, 6.54 ; iii, 82.— Eyt., Cat. Br. Birds, 41.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 
 77.— AUD., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 601 ; v, 1839, 68i ; pi. 294 ; Syn. 1839, 232 ; B. 
 Am. V, 1842, 259, pi. 329.— Macgil., Man. Br. Birds, ii, 1842, 69.— Temm., Man. 
 iv, 1840, 397 — GiR., B. L. L 1844, 233.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool, 1844. 242, pi. 85, f. 
 193.— SCUL , Rev. Crit. Ois. Eur. 1844, 89.— Gray. (ie.u. of B. iii, 1849, 579.— 
 Lemiseye, Av. Cuba, 1850, 98.— Woodh., Sitgv. Rep. 1853, 100.— Meyer, Br. 
 Birds, v. 1857, 89.— PuTx., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 18.30, 216.— Hoy, Smiths. Rep. 1864, 
 438.— Reixh., Ibis, iii, 1859, 10 (Greenland).- Suxd., OIV. Vet. Ak. 1869, 602 
 (Porto Rico). 
 
 Tringa dominicensis, Degl., Orn. Eur. ii, 1849, 232. 
 
 (?) " Tringa eampestris, LlCHT., Verz. I&23, 74." {Gray.) 
 
 Among the extralimital quotations are: ScL., P. Z. S. 18.56, 310 (Cordova); ibid. 1858, 
 566 (Ecuador) ; ibid. 1866, 189 (Peru) ; ibid. 1867, 754 (Huallajo) ; ibid. 1869, 598 (Peru).— 
 ScL., Ibis, i, 229 (Guatemala). — Newt., Ibis, i, 2.58 (Santa Cruz). — Bry., Pr. Bost. Soc. 
 1>67, 69 (Bahamas).— La WR., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 63 (Panama). — Cab., J. f. O. iv, 421 
 (Cuba).— Pelz., Orn. Bras. 311 (Brazil). — Godld, B. Eur. pi. 327. — Hartlng gives six- 
 teen British instances, with references. 
 
 Bab. — North, Central, and South America. West Indies. Greenland. Europe. 
 Not obtained by any of the Expeditions. 
 
 Under the various names above given, and also under that of " Meadow 
 Suipe," the Pectoral Sandpiper is well known to sportsmen and others, 
 and is frequently sought after, as its somewhat game-like habits of lying 
 to a dog and flushing correctly from the grass, like a true Snipe, render 
 it an attractive object of pursuit ; beside which, in the fall it becomes 
 very fat, and it is then excellent eating. Unlike most Sandpipers, it 
 
TKINGA FUSCICOLLIS, BONAPARTE's SANDPIPER. 487 
 
 does not flock, at least to any extent, being oftenest fonud scattered 
 singly or in pairs. In the United States it is chiefly, it not wholly, a 
 bird of passage ; for, though some may winter along our southern border 
 and others breed along the northern tier of States, such probabilities 
 require to be confirmed. As may be gathered troni the above quota- 
 tions, its winter range is very extensive, yet some individuals may be 
 found in the Middle States as late as November. 1 found it in July 
 along the forty -ninth parallel, where it probably breeds, though I did 
 not ascertain the fact. It occurred sparingly about pools on Turtle 
 Mountain, in company with T. minutilla. It is a very abundant bird 
 in summer in Labrador, where it frequents low, muddy flats, laid bare 
 by the tide, and the salt-marshes adjoining. When they arise from the 
 grass to alight again at a little distance, they fly in silence or with a 
 single i«-eef, holding the wings deeply incurved; but when suddenly 
 startled and much alarmed, they spring quickly, with loud, rejieated 
 cries, and make off iii a zigzag, much like the common Snipe. Some- 
 times, gaining a considerable elevation, they circle for several minutes 
 in silence overhead, flying with great velocity, perhaps to pitch down 
 again nearly perpendicularly to the same spot they sprang from. The 
 southward migration begins in August, and is usually completed by the 
 following month. 
 
 TRINGA FUSCICOLLIS, Vieill. 
 Bonaparte's Sandpiper; White-rnniped Sandpiper. 
 
 Ti-inga fmcicollis, ViEiix., Xouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. xxxiv, 1^19, 461 (based on Clwrlito 
 pestoi-ejo jpardo, Azaka, Apiint. iii, 17t^5, 322 (Parai;uav). — Di;es.s., B. Eur. pt. 
 XX, Aug. 1873 (Europe).— (?)Tscm]Di, Fn. Peiu. 'lS44, 51 (Peru ; uncertain; 
 quotes minutilla, Vieii.l., and campe^tri.i, Licut.). 
 
 Tritiga ciiiclus. var., Say, Long's Exp. R. Jits, i, ISU'i, 172. 
 
 Tringa schiii:ii, Bp., Syn. 1S28, 249.— Bp., Am. Orn. iv, 1833, 69, pi. 24, f. 2.— NrxT., Man. 
 ii, 1834, 109.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1^31, 384.— A ld., Orn. Biog. iii, 1S33, 529, 
 pi. 278.— AUD., Syn. 1839, 236.— Aid., B. Am. v, 1842, 275, pi. 335.— (?)Nai;m., 
 Yog. Deutscli. vii, 1834, 453. — Eyt., Ann. Mag. N. H. ii, 53. — Macgil., Man. 
 Orn. ii, 72.— Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 579.— Gin., B. L. I. 1844, 241.— DeKat.', Zcol. 
 N. Y. 1844, 241, pi. 84, f. igi.-PcT.N., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 217.— Reinh., Ibis, 
 iii, 1861, 10 (Greenland). (Not of Brelim.) 
 
 Felidna schinzii, Bp., List, 1838, 50.— Bp., Cat. Met. 1842, 60. 
 
 Tringa bonapariii, Schl., Rev. Crit. Ois. Eur. 1844, ^9.— Schl., M. P.-B. Scol02)aces, 42. — 
 Cass., B. N. A. 1858, 722, j)a;-Hm (of the specimens there eunmerated only one. 
 No. 3451, is of tliis species; tbe others belong to T. iaiiclii). (Not of Hay'd., 
 Rep. 1862, which actually refers to T. hairdii.) — Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860. — 
 Gr.ay, List Br. Birds, 1863, 167,— Tl-rnb., B. E. Pa. lf(;9, 31.— CouKS. Key, 
 1872, 255.— SCL. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1872, 455 (Panama to Falkland).— EiDGW., 
 Ann. Lye. N. T. x, 1874, 384. 
 
 Actodromas (Heteropygia) lonaparlii, CoiES, Pr. Phil. Acad. 1861, 199 : iVid. 1861, 232. 
 
 Tringa {Heteropygia) ionapariei, Gray', Hand-list, iii, 1871, 49, No. 10307. 
 
 Actodromas honapartii, CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1871, 30.— Coi'es, Pr. Best. Soc. xii, 1868, 
 162.— CouBS, Ibis, Apr. 1865, p. — .— CuUES, Am. Nat. v, 1871, 197.— CouES, Pr. 
 Ess. Inst. V, 1868, 294.— Ai.lex, Bull. il. C. Z. ii, 1871, 356.— Allen, Pr. Ess. 
 Inst, iv, 1864, 87.— Lawr., Ann. Lye. viii. 1866, 294.— BoAiiWi., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 
 1862,129.— Vekr., iftid. 139; Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 18C2, 159.— Ma yn., Guide, 1870. 140. 
 
 Tringa mrfa«o<HS,-BLAS.,List B. Eur. 1862, 19 (accidental in Europe). (A>c Vieill.) 
 
 Acrodromus melanotos, Bp.. E. and M. Z. ix, 18.57, .59 (Europe). 
 
 Pelidna melanotos, Degland-Gei;be, Ois. Eur. ii, 202. — Bp. Comp. Rend. 18.56, 596. 
 
 Tringa dorsalis, Light., Nomenc. Av. Ic54, 92 (fide Dresser). 
 
 Hal). — North America, east of the Rocky Monntains. Not observed in Alaska. Breeds 
 in the far North. Migratory through the United States, iu the Eastern Pi uvince. Win- 
 ters in the Southern States. Greenland. West Indies (Cuba, Lembeye, Aves. 1850, 
 98 ; CiB., J. f. 0. iv, 421 ; Jamaica, Sci,., P. Z. S. 1861, 80). Central and South America 
 (Amazon, Scl. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1867, 591 ; Falklands, ibid. 1860, 387 ; Buenos Ayre^ 
 
488 TEINGA MAEITIMA, PUEPLE SANDPIPEE. 
 
 ibid. 1868, 144 ; Brazil, Pelz., 311). Europe, rarely (Gould, B. E. pi. 3.30 ; Schl., I c. ; 
 Degl., Orn. Eur. ii, 1849, 2X1; Mkyek., Brit. B. v, 1f.')7, 90; Hart., Man. Knt. B. 1872, 
 142 ; this author enumerates fourteen British instances, with the references). 
 Not obtained by either Expedition. 
 
 Dr. Haydeu's quotation of Tringa bonapartii, p. 174 of his Report, is 
 erroneous, being based, as stated in the last article, ui)on Tringa bairdii. 
 The claim of fuseicollis to a place among the Missouri birds rests, there- 
 fore, upon my discovery of it in Kansas, where I found it, migrating 
 northward in flocks. May 22, 1864, on the Eepublican Fori? of the 
 Kansas Eiver. As Dr. Richardson cites an example from the Saskatch- 
 ewan, we may be sure it ranges over the intermediate ground. It is a 
 very abundant bird along the whole Atlantic coast from Labrador to 
 Florida, occurring in most of the States during the migration only, being 
 found in Labrador in July, August, and September, and wintering far 
 southward. 
 
 Mr. Dall did not, it appears, meet with it in Alaska, where, however, 
 I presume it will be at length found. During the migrations it associ- 
 ates freely with other small allies along the sea-shore and in the muddy 
 flats back of the beaches. Its general habits are much those of its allies, 
 though it has some traits of its own, among them a peculiarly low, soft 
 '^ tweet," and a remarkable familiarity, or, rather, heedlessness. It may 
 be distinguished, even at a distance, by its white upper tail-coverts, 
 which show conspicuously when not covered by the folded wings. A 
 fuU account of its technical characters, as well as other items, may be 
 found among my various papers above cited, and Sharpe & Dresser's 
 great work on the Birds of Europe, in which country, it seems, the 
 species is of comparatively frequent, although only casual, occurrence. 
 
 To judge from the only two sets I have examined, said to i»e of Bona- 
 parte's Sandpiper, the egg is altogether peculiar and unmistakable. 
 But the eggs resemble those of the Sanderling (Calidris) so very closely 
 that I fear the identification is not beyond question. The label states 
 that the female was shot, but it was not received at the Smithsonian 
 with the other collections of 1865, made by MacFarlane on the Arctic 
 coa.st and Anderson liiver region. Tbese eggs being somewhat sus- 
 picious, I will not describe them further than may be implied in the 
 remark that they are absolutely indistinguishable from an unquestion- 
 able set of Calidris aretiaria procured in the same region. 
 
 TEINGA MAEITIMA, Brunn. 
 
 Purple Sandpiper. 
 
 Tnnga mariiima, Bnt)NN., Orn. Bor. 1764, .54.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 678.— Lath.. Ind. 
 Orn. ii, 1790, 731.— ViKiLL., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. xxxiv, 1819, 471.— Tk.mm., 
 Man. ii, 1820, 619.— Less., Man. ii, 182d, 283.— Sab., B. Greenl. 532; App. Par- 
 ry's Ist Voy. p. cci.— Rich., Parry's 2d Voy. 354.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 
 11^31, 382.- Bp., Syn. 1828, 318.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 11.5.— Naum., Vog. Deuts. 
 vii, 1834, 467, pi. 188.— .Jknyns, Man. 1835. 211.— AuD., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 
 558, pi. 284 ; Syn. 1839, 233 ; B. Am. v, 1842, 261, pi. 330.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. 
 Eur. 1840, 76.— Macgil., Br. Birds, ii, 1842, 67.— SciiiNZ, Eur. Fn. i, 1840, 324.— 
 SciiL., Rev. Crit. 1844, 88 ; M. P.-B. Scolop. 30.— Giu., B. L. I. 1844, 236.— De- 
 Kay, N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844, 237, pi. 87, f. 98,— HoLn., Fn. Groen. 1846, 39.— Degl., 
 Orn. Eur. ii, 1849, 222.— Gkay, Gen. of B. iii, 1819, 579.— Pahz., Cat. Ois. Eur. 
 1856, 14.— Meyeh, Br. Birds, v, 1857, 80.— Nilss., Scand. Fn. ii, 18.58,235.— 
 EEmH., Ibis, iii, 1861, 11.— Newt., ibid. 1865, 505.— Gould, B. Eur. pi. 344.— 
 Hoy, Smiths. Rep. 1864, 438 (Western Missouri).- Putn.. Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 
 216.— Wheat., Ohio. Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 208.— Turkb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 30 
 (rare).— Dall & Bank., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 391.— Coues, Key, 1872, 255.— 
 FiNSCH, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 65. 
 
TKINGA ALPINA VAE. AMERICANA, AMERICAN DT:NLIX. 489 
 
 Tringa (Arqiiahlla) maritima, Bd., B. N. A. 18o-^, 717.— Geav, Hand-list, iii, 1-71, 49, 
 
 Xo. 10303.— RiDGW., Ann. Lye. X. Y. x, 1874, 384 (Illinois). 
 ArquateUu maritima, CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 18(31, 183.— Boards!., Pr. Bost. Soc. i'x, 
 
 186.2, 128.— Vebr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 159.— Allex, ihid. iv. 1864, 37.— 
 
 Coles, ihid. v, 1868, 293.— Lawb., Ann. Lye. X. Y. viii, 1866, 294.- iUyx., 
 
 Gaide, 1870, 140. 
 Tringa (Pelidna) maritima, Batl, Pr. Cal. Acad. Feb. 1873 (Alentians)^ 
 Felidna maritima, Bp., List, 18:38, 49 ; Cat. ilet. 1642, 60 ; Rev. Crit. 1850, 185. 
 Totanua maritimus, Steph., Gen. Zool. xii, 1824, 146. 
 (t) Tringa striata, Llnx., Svst. Xat. i, 1766, 248.— Gm., ibid. 1788, 672.— Fab., Fn. Groen. 
 
 1789, Xo. 73.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 733 {Striated Sandpiper, Pesn., Arct. 
 
 Zool. ii, 1785, 472).— Flem., Brit. An. 110. 
 Tringa undata, BkCsn., Orn. Bor. 17C4, 55. — Gm., .Svst. Xat. i, 1788, 678,— Lath., Ind. 
 
 Orn. ii, 1790, 732.— Vieili.., Xouv. Diet. d'Hist. Xat. xxxiv, 1819, 470. 
 Tringa nigricans, MoxT., Linn. Tr. iv, 1796, 40.— Leach, Cat. l':16, 30.— Brehm, V. D. 652. 
 Trynga arquatella. Pall., Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, 190. 
 
 T)-inga canadensis. Lath., Ind. Orn. Snppl. 65.— Vieill., X. D. d'H. X'at. xxxiv, 1819, 453. 
 (f ) Tringa lincolnienais. Lath., I. Orn. ii, 1790, 734 {Bla<;k Sandpiper, Br. Zool. ii, No. 197). 
 Tringa littoralis, Brehm, Vog. Deutsehl. 652. 
 
 Hai. — North America, northerly and chiefly coastwise. South to the Middle States 
 in winter. Great Lakes. Greenland. Europe. Asia. 
 Not noticed by the Expeditions. 
 
 This species is included in the present work on the strength of its 
 occurrence in Western Missouri, attested by Dr. P. E. Hoy, as above 
 cited. Its presence, however, may be regarded exceptional. As its sci- 
 entific name implies, it is chiefly a coastwise bird, though also occurring 
 ou the larger inland waters. It is said to be common on the shores of 
 Lake Michigan. It is eminently a boreal bird, breeding very far to the 
 northward, and only rarely reaching the coast of the Middle States in 
 winter, beyond which its occurrence is open to question. It is rather 
 plenty along the New England coast in autumn, winter and spring, when 
 it frequents chiefly rocky shores covered with sea-weed, rather than the 
 bare sandy beaches. 
 
 The egg of Tringa maritima is of the usual pyriform shape, and 
 measures about l.J:0 by 1.00. The ground is clay color, shaded with 
 olivaceous; the markings are large, numerous and distinct, of rich umber- 
 brown of different depths and intensity, occurring all over the shell, 
 but being most numerous as well as largest on the major half With 
 these spots are associated shell-markings of pale purplish-gray and light 
 neutral tint. 
 
 TEINGA ALPIXA var. A^IERICAXA, Oass. 
 
 American Danlin; Black-bellied or Red-breasted Sandpiper, 
 a. alpina. 
 
 Tringa alpina, Lixs., Fn. Suec. 64 ; Syst. X'at. i, 1766, 249 (Cinclus tarquatus, Briss., v, 
 216, pi. 19, f. 2).— LE.iCH, Cat. 1816, 30.— BoiE, Isis, 18-22. 561.— Flem., Br. B. 
 108.— Xauii., V. D. vii, 1834, 427, pi. 186.— Gray, List Br. B. 18iJ3, 167. 
 
 Pelidna alpina, BoiE. — Brehm, V. D. 661. 
 
 Tringa cinclus. Lixx., Svst. Xat. i, 1766, 251 (Bmss., v, 211, pi. 19, f. 1).— Leach., Cat. 
 1816, 30.— Keys. & Blas,, Wirb. Eur. 1840, 76.— ScHl., Rev. Crit. 1844, 89.— 
 SIaCGH.., Man. Orn. ii, 70.— Grat, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 579. 
 
 Pelidna cinclus, Bp., List, 1838, 50. 
 
 " Tringa pusilla, Gm., Sy.st. Xat. i, 1785, 663," according to Gray ; but very dubious. 
 
 Tringa ruficoUis, P.iLL., Reis. iii, 700. 
 
 Xamenius rariabilis, Beciist., Xatnrg. Deutsehl. iv, 141. 
 
 Tringa variaUlis, Meyer, Tasch. ii, 397.— Temm., Man. i, 1815, 395. — Jesyxs, Man. 
 Br. Vert. 209. 
 
 Pelidna variabilis, Steph., Gen. Zool. xii, 98. — Beehji, V. D. 662. 
 
 Pelidna schimii, Bbehm. (Var. ?) Xot of American writers. 
 
490 TEINGA CANUTUS, EED-BEEASTED SANDPIPER. 
 
 b. americana. 
 
 Tringa alpina, Wils., Am. Orn. vii, 1813, 25, pi. 56, f. 2.— OnD, ed. Wils. iii, 1829, 126.— 
 
 Brew., ed. Wils. 1840, 475, fig. 220.— Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825; Syn. 182«, 317.— .S\v. 
 
 & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 383.— \utt., Man. ii, le34, 106.— AoD., Orn. Biog. 
 
 iii, 1835, 580, pi. 290 ; Syn. 1839, 234 ; B. Am. v, 1842, 266, pi. 332.— Gut., B. L. 
 
 I. 1S44, a^ri.— Xewb., p. E. E. Eep. vi, 1857, 100.— Putn., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 
 
 217.— WiiE.^T., Ohio Agric. Eep. 1860, No. 2U7. 
 Tringa (Scltaniclus) alpina var. americana, CaSS., Baiid's B. N. A. 1858, 719. 
 Tringa (Pelidna) alpina var. americana, ElDGW., Ann. Lye. X. Y. x, 1874, .384. 
 Tringa alpina var. americana, CoOP. & SuCK., X. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 239.— TuKNB., B. 
 
 E. Pa. 1869, .30.— CouES, Key, 1872, 2.56, fig. 166.— Sxow, B. Kans. 187;!, 10. 
 Pelidna alpina var. americana, Ai.u;n, Bull. II. C. Z. iii, 1872, 182. — Dall & Bans., Tr. 
 
 Chic. Acad, i, l^iiiy, 291. 
 Pelidna americana, CuuES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, 18^.— Vekr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 
 
 159. — Allex, ibid, iv, 1864, 77. — Coues, ibid, v, 1868, 294. — Bo.ujdm., Pr. Best. 
 
 Soc. ix, 1862, 128.— Lawk., Ann. Lvc. viii, 1866, 294.— CouES, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 
 
 1868, 122.— CoUES, Pr. Phila. Acad.' 1871, 30.— Mayx., Guide, 1870, 140.— Allen, 
 
 Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 355. 
 Tringa variabilis. Sab., Suppl. Parry's 1st Voy. p. cc. — Sab., Frankl. Journ. 686. — EiCH., 
 
 Parry's 2d Voy. 353. 
 Tringa cincliis, Wils., Am Oru. vii, 1813. 39, pi. 57, f. 3.— Oi!D, ed. Wils. iii, 1829, 138.— 
 
 Bkkw., ed. Wils. 1840, 484, fig. 225.— DeKat, N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844, 84, fig. 292. 
 Pelidna cinclus, Bp., Li.'^t, lr:o8, 50. 
 Pelidna pacifica, CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, 189 (in text). 
 
 Hab. — ^North America, especially coastwise. Migratory and wintering in the 
 Uiiited States. Breeding in high latitudes only. 
 X'ot noticed by either of the Expeditions. 
 
 The Dunlin has only been observed by Mr. Allen, so far as I am aware, 
 in the Missouri region, he finding it near Leavenworth. Like the pre- 
 ceding and following species, it is especially a coast bird, uiigratiug in 
 abundance along both our shores in spring and fall, when it occurs often 
 in large flocks. I found them very plentiful along the Carolina coast in 
 April and May, and in October. Some of them obtain a perfect dress 
 before leaving in the spring, although they have far to go before 
 reaching their breeding grounds. These are only in high boreal regions, 
 as along the Arctic coast and the Yukon Eiver region. The vernal 
 change begins early in April, during the migration; in the fall many 
 retain the summer plumage until they reach the Southern States, though 
 most come in plain gray attire. 
 
 TRIXGA CANUTUS, Linn. 
 
 Eetl-breasted Sandpiper; Bobin Snipe; Knot. 
 
 Tringa canutus, Lixx., Svst. X'^at. i, 1766, 251.— G^r., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 679.— Lath., Ind. 
 Orn. ii, 1790, 738.— Beunu., Orn. Bor., 1764, Xo. 182.— Pall., Zoog. E.-A. ii, 
 1811, 197.— ViEiLL , Xouv. Diet. d'Hist. Xat. xxxiv, 1819.— Temm., Mau. Orn. 
 ii, 1820, 627.— Flem., Bnt. An 109.— Jex., il;m., 1835,213.— Eyt., Cat. Br. B.rds, 
 41.— Keys. &. Blas., Wirb. Eur. 76.— Bp., List, 1838, 49.— SCHixz, Eur. Fn. i, 
 1840, 326.— M.VCGIL., Man. Br. Birds, ii, 1842, 67.— DeKay, X. Y. Zool. ii. 1844, 
 243, pi. 85, fig. 194; pi. 97, fig. 218.— Schl., Eev. Crit. Ois. Eur. 1844, 88.— Guay, 
 Gen. iii, 1849, .579.— Degl., Orn. Eur. ii, 1849, 219.— Bp., Cat. Met. 1842, 61 ; Eev. 
 Crit. IriiO, 185.— Mey., Br. B. v, 1857, 67.— X.«M., Yog. pi. 183.— Gould, B. Eur. 
 pi. 324.— Schl., M. P.-B. Scolop. p. 29.— Cass., B. X. A. 1858, 715.— Coles, Pr. 
 Phila. Acad., 1861, 180, and 229.- Wheat., Ohio Agric. Eep., 1860, Xo. 205.— 
 BoARDM., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 128.— Veisr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 159.— 
 Allex, ibid. iv,. 1864, 83.— Coles, ibid, v, 1868, 293.— MoIlwu., ibid, v, 1866, 93.— 
 L.iWR., Ann. Lye. X. Y. viii, 1863, 294.— M.iYX., Guide, 1870, 140.— Coues, Pr. 
 Bost. Soc. xli, 1868, 122.— Dali, & Baxx., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, l8S'J, 291.— CouES, 
 Key, 1872, 256. — Sxow, B. Kans. Ia73, 10 (Kansas, common).— EiDGW., Ann. 
 Lye. X"". Y. X, 1874, 384 (Illinois). 
 
 Tringa cinerea, Butjxx., Orn. Bor. 1764, 53.— 6m., Syst. Xat. i, 1788, 673.— Lath.. Ind. 
 Orn. ii, 1790. 733.— Wils., Am. Orn. vii, 1813, 36, pi. 57, f. 2.— BoiE, Isis, 1822, 
 560.- -Oed, ed. Wils. iii, 1:29, 142.— Brew., ed. Wils., 1840, 482, fig. 224 ; Syn. 
 
BLACK-BREASTED SANDPIPER TEINGA PTILOCNEMIS. 491 
 
 725.— LiCHT., Verz. 1623, 72— Less., Man.ii, 1828, 283.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. 
 
 ii, 1831, 3f<7.— NuT-r., Mau. ii, 1834, 125. 
 CamUus cii)(Ti-us, Brehm, Vog. DeutscUl. 655, pi. 34, f. 2. 
 Ddnrja islanttlca, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 17t<8, CH2.— Lath., Iiid. Orn. ii, 1790, 737.— Br., Specc. 
 
 Comp. 1827, 62; SyD. 1828, 3,'>0.— AuD., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 130, pi. 315 ; Syn. 
 
 1839, 232 ; B. Am. v, 1842, 254, pi. 3J8.— Gm., B. L. I. 1844, 224.— HoLB., Fn. 
 
 Groeu. 1846, 38.— Nii.Sb., Scaud. Fn. ii, 1858, 252.— Nacm., Viig. Deut. vii, 1834, 
 
 372, pi. 183.— PuTN., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 216. 
 Canutus islaiidicus, Breh.m, Viig. Doutschl. 654. 
 
 Tiivga ncn-ia, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 681.— Lath., lud. Orn. ii, 1790, 732. 
 Trirtqa rjrisea, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 681.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 733. 
 (?) tiinga australis, Gm., Svst. Nat. i, 1788, 679.— Lath.. Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 737. 
 {t.^Trivga ferrmiliH-u, Bru'nn., Orn. Bor. 1764, 53.— Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. 
 
 xxxiv,'l819, 466.— Meyer, Tascb. ii, 395. 
 Tnnga riifa, WiLs., Am. Orn. vii, 1813, 43, pi. 57, f. 5.— Ord, cd. Wils. iii, 1829, 140.— 
 
 Brew., ed. Wils. 1840, 4p7, fig. 227 ; Syn. 725.— Bp., Oba. Wils. 1825, 93. 
 " Tnnga calidris, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 253." 
 " Tnnga utopiensis, Muller." 
 " Tringa lomaiina, Light." 
 
 Hah. — Northern Hemisphere. Australia. New Zealand. South America (C<iB., 
 Maxim., andBuRM.; see SCL. & Salv. P. Z. S. 1873, 456.) 
 Not obtained by the Expeditions. 
 
 This species is introduced on the authority of Prof. Snow, who states 
 that it is " com in on" in Kansas. It is also given by Mr. Wlieaton as 
 occurring in Ohio, and may not be rare on our larger inland waters, 
 though, like the two preceding species, it is more particularly maritime. 
 It occurs along the whole Atlaijtic coast during tlie migatious or in 
 winter, and is plentiful. Its breeding resorts are far beyond our limits. 
 
 Note. — As completing an acconnt of the North American Sandpipers, I introduce 
 the following species, which are not known to occur in the Missouri region : 
 
 BLACK-BREASTED SANDPIPER.— Tkinga FJiLOCXE:Mrs, Cones. 
 
 Tringa a-assiroitris, Dall, Am. Nat. viii, 1873, 635 (St. Paul's Island). — CoUES, App. 
 
 Rep. Prybilov Isl. 1873 (not paged) ; Check-list, 1874, 85, No. 4266is (same local 
 
 ity). (Not of Temm. and tSchl.) 
 Tringa ptilocnemis, CouEt*, op. et loc. at., 1873 (based on same specimens). 
 " Tringa gracilis, Hartixg, P. Z. S. 1874" (iu press ; fide Hart, epist.) 
 
 Hah. — Prybilov Islands. (The large suite of specimens brought in by Mr. H. W. 
 Elliot, the Siiuie as formerly identified with T. crassirostris by Mr. Harting, are fully 
 discussed iu my work above cited, where the species is named T. ptilocnemis.) 
 
 COOPER'S SANDPIPER.— TiiixGA cooperi, Baird. 
 
 Tringa cooperi, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 716, pi. 89, f. 1. 
 Tringa (Aclodromas) cooperi, Coues, Key, l'^72, 255. 
 Aetodromas {HeU-roptjgia) cooperi, CouES, Pr. A. N. S. 1861, 202. 
 Tringa {Heleropygia) cooperi. Gray, Hand-list, iii, 1871, 49, No. 10309. 
 
 Hah. — Long Island. The type specimen remains unique. 
 
 CURLEW SANDPIPER.— Tui^-GA subarquata, (Guld.) Temm. 
 
 ficolopax snharquata, Guld., Nov. Comm. Petrop. xix, 1775, 471, pl. 18. — Gm., Syst. Nat. 
 i, 17c8, 6.58. 
 
 " Xanieniiis subarquata, Beciist., Natnrg. Deutschl. iv, 135." (Not of authors.) 
 
 Tringa suharquata, Te.aoi,, Man. i, 1815, 393; ii, 1820, 609. — Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. 
 Nat. xxxiv, 1819, 454.— Boie, Isis, 1822, ,'^60.- Bp., Soecc. Comp. 1827, 62.— 
 Flem., Br. An. 107.— Jen., Man. Br. Vert. 1835, -..118.— Eyt., Cat. Br. B. 42.— 
 N.\UM., V. D. viii, 1834, 408. pl. 185.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 104.— Ai'D , Orn. Biof. 
 1835, 444; Syn. 1839, 234 ; B. Am. v, 1842, 269, pl. 333.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. 
 Eur. 1840, 76.— SCHINZ, Enr. Fn. i, 1840, 320.— Macgil., Man. Br. Oru. ii. lf-'42, 
 71.— Schl., Rev. Crit. Ois. Eur. 1844, 88.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 237.— DeKay, N. 
 y. Fn. 1844, 239, pl. 95, flg. 213.— GR.iY, Gen. of B.. iii, 1849, 579.— Degi... Oru. 
 Eur. ii, 1849, 225.— Meyer, Br. BIkIs, v, 1857, 91.— Nilssd.v, Scaud. Fn. ii, 1858, 
 239.— SCHL., M. P.-B. vi, Scolopaces, p. 31.— TuiiXB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 44 (occasion- 
 ally shot at Egg Harbor) ; and of authors geuorally. 
 
 Tringa (^Anci/loclieilus) lubarqnata, Bp., Cat. Met. 1842,60. — Gr-AY, List Br. Birds, 169 ; 
 Hand-list, iii, 1871, 50, No. 10319.— Coues, Key, 1872, 256. 
 
492 SANDERLING CALIDEIS AEENAEIA. 
 
 Trinr/a (Erolia) suiarquata, Cass., in Baird's B. N. A. 1858, 718. 
 
 Pelidna suharquata, Cuv., E. A.— Beehm, V. D. 657.— Bp., List, 1838, 50. 
 
 Ancyloeheilus suharquata, Kaup, Sk. Ent. Eur. Thiei w. 1829, 50.— CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 
 
 1861, 185.— BOARDM., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 128 (Maine).— Vekr., Pr.Ess. Inst. 
 
 ill, 1862, 159 (Maine).- Lawe., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, lf^66, 294.— Allen, Pr. Ess. 
 
 Inst, iv, 1864, 87.— Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 29a (New England, rare).— 
 
 CoUES, Pr. Bost. Soe. xii, 1868, 122 (South Carolina, ^de Gibhes). 
 Scolopax afrkaniis, Gji., Syst. Nat. i, 1783, 655. 
 
 ytmienius afrieanus, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 712 (Cape Curlew, Gen. Syn. v, 126). 
 yuvienius pygma^us, Bech.st., Naturg. Deutsohl. iv, 148. 
 Tringa pijgviaa, Leach, Cat. 1816, 30. (Not of authors.) 
 (?) Tringa ialartdica, Eetz., Fn. Suec. 192. 
 (?) Tringa ferruginea, BnOxN., Orn. Bor. 1764, No. 180. 
 Jfumeniusferrugineus, Meyer & \Voi.P, Tasch. Dentschl. Vog. ii, 356. 
 Trijnga falcineUa, Pall., Zoog. R.-A. ii, 188. 
 Pelidna macrorluincha, Brehm, V. 1). 658. 
 EroUa variegata, Vieill., Anal. 1816, 55 ; Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. 1817, 409. — Less., Man. 
 
 ii, 1828, 302. 
 Mrolia varia, Vieill., Gal. Ois. ii, 1834, 89, pi. 231 (=Erolia vanegata). 
 Scolopax detjiardingii, Siemssen. {Gray.) 
 " Falcinellus cursoi-ius, Temm." 
 
 Other names of tliis species, according to Gray, are : caffra, Fokst. ; longirosira, 
 Graba ; jrisf «.s. Less. ; cfcmexsis, Gr. ; cuvieri,BF.; s»6arc«afe, Finsch & Haktl. It is 
 figured, besides as above, in P. E. 851 ; P. C. 510 ; Gould, B. E. pi. 328 ; B. A. vi, pi. 32. 
 
 Hai. — The greater part of the Old World. In America, rare and scarcely more than 
 a straggler along the Atlantic coast. 
 
 SANDEELING. — Calidris arexarh, {Linnceus) Illiger. 
 
 Tringa arenaria, LiXN., Svat. Nat. i, 1766, 251. — ScHL., Rev. Crit. 1844, 90. — AuD., Dm. 
 Biog. iii, 1835, 231 ; v, 1839, 582 ; pis. 285. 230 ; Syn. 1839, 237 ; B. Am. v, 1842, 
 287, pi. 338.— ScHL., Mns. P.-B. ; Scolopaces, p. 55.— Phil., Cat. 36 (Chili). 
 
 Calidris armaria, III., Prod. 1811,249.— Leach, Cat. 1816, 28.— Te.mm., Man. ii, 524.— 
 LiCHT.. Verz. 1823, 72.— Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, 105; Syn. 1828.— Flem., Br. An. 
 112.— Brehm., V.D. 673.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831,366.— Nutt., Man. ii, 
 1834, 4.— Naum., V. D. vii, 1834,353, pi. 182.— Jen., Man. 1835, 183.— Eyt., Cat. 
 Br. B. 42.— Bp., List, 1838,50; Cat. Met. 1842, 61.— Macgil., Man. Brit. Orn. ii, 
 1842, 65.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 75.— GiR., B. L. 1. 1844, 243.— Gray, G. 
 of B. iii, 184!,), 581.— Bp., Rev. Crit. 1850, 184.— Cass.,U. S. Astron. Exped. ii, 1855, 
 194; Baird'sB. N. A. 1858, 723; Pr. Phila. Acad. 1860, 195 (Carthagena).— 
 NiLSS., Scand. Faun, ii, 1858, 255.— Coop. & SccK., K H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 241.— 
 Lawr., Ann. Lye. ix, 1868,210 (Yucatan).— ScL. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1868, 176 
 (Peru).— Pelz., Orn. Bras. 312 (Brazil).— Dall & Baxx., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 
 1869, 292 (Alaska).- FiNSCH, Abh. Nat. iii. 1872, 65 ^Alaska).— CouES, Pr. Phila. 
 Acad. 1861, 181 (critical) ; iUd. 1871, 31 (North Carolina, wintering); Pr. Ess. 
 Inst. V. 1868, 293; Key, 1872, 257, fig. 167.— Eidgw., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 
 384 (Illinois) ; and of authors generally. 
 
 Omradrins calidris, Lixx., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 255.— Wils., Am. Orn. vii, 1813,68, pi. 59. f. 
 4 ; Ord's ed. iii, 1829, 167 ; Brewer's ed. 1840, 503. 
 
 Arenaria calidris, Meyer, Tasch. Deutschl. Vog. 68, pi. 59, f. 4. — Degl., Orn. Eur. ii, 
 1849, 240.— Lemb., Av. Cuba, 1850, 100. 
 
 Charadrius rubidus, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 688.— WiLS., Am. Om. vii, 1813, 129, pi. 58, f. 
 3 ; Ord's ed. iii, 1829, 170 ; Brewer's ed. 1840, 541. 
 
 Arenaria vulgaris, BECHST.f Tasch. Deutschl. ii, 462. — Tejum., Man. Om. ii, 1815, 334. — 
 Steph., Gen. Zool. xi,490, pi. 35. 
 
 Arenaria orisea, Bechst., Naturg. Deutschl. iv, 368. 
 
 Calidris grisea, Brehm, Vog. Deutschl. 674. 
 
 Trynga tridactyla,V^JL., Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, 198. 
 
 Calidris tringoides, Vieill., Gal. Ois. ii, 1634, 95, pi. 234. 
 
 Calidris americana, Brehm, Vog. Deutschl. 1831, 695. — Brehm, Nanmannia, 1850, 68. 
 
 Calidris nigellus, Vieill. 
 
 Hal}. — Sea-coasts of nearly all countries. 
 
 LIMOSA FEDOA, (LinD.) Ord. 
 
 Great Marbled Godwit, 
 
 Scolopax fedoa, Lixx., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 244 (based on Fedoa americana, Edw., 137, and 
 Limosa americana rufa, Briss., v, 287).— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 663.— Lath., 
 
LIMOSA FEDOA, GREAT MARBLED GOD WIT. 493 
 
 Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 718 {American Godwit, Arct. Zool. ii, 465, No. 371 ; Lath., 
 Syn. V, 142).— WiLS., Am. Orn. vii, 181:^, 30, pi. 56, f. 4. 
 
 Limicida fedoa, Vikcll., Analyse, 1816. « 
 
 Limosa fedoa, Okd, ed. Wils. vii, 1825, — .— Bp., Obs. Wiis. 1825 ; Syn. 1828, 328 ; List, 
 1838, 52.— Sab., Fraukl. Journ. 689.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 395.— Nutt., 
 Man. ii, 1834, 173.— Add., Oru. Biog. iii, 1835,287 ; v, 590 ; pi. 238 ; Syn. 1839, 
 246 ; B. Am. v, 1842, 331, pi. 348.— Gin., B. L. I. 1844, 259.— PuTN., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 
 1856, 217.— Nkwb., p. E. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 100.— Cass., B. N. A. 18,58, 740.— 
 Heerm., p. R. K. Rep. x, 18.':9, pt. vi, 65.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 
 1860, 245.— Cab., J. f. O. iv, 350 (Cuba).— SCL., Ibis i, 1859, 230 (Belize).— 
 Lkyl., p. Z. S. 1859, 64 (Honduras).— Salv., Ibia, 1865, 190 (Guatemala).— 
 Dress., Ibis, 1866, 39 (Texas).— La WR., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 294 ; ix, 210 (Yu- 
 catan).— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 221.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 175.— Hoy, 
 Smiths. Rep. 1864, 438 (Missouri).— Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 159.— Allex, 
 ibid, iv, 1864, 87.— McIi.WE.,i6td. v, 1866, 93.— CoUES, ibid, v, 1868, 296.— Tkippb, 
 ibid, vi, 1871, 119 (Minnesota).— CouES, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 123.— Tuhnb., 
 B. E. Pa. 1868, 32.— Mayn., Guide, 1870, 142.— Coues, Pp. Phila. Acad. 1871, 
 32.— AiXEN, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 3,56 (Florida, in winter).- Trippe, Pr. Bost. 
 Soc. XV, 1872, 241 (Iowa).— CouES, Key, 1872, 257.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 10.— 
 RiDGW., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 384. 
 
 Scolopax mai-TKorata, L.\th., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 720. 
 
 Limicula marmoraia, Vieh,!.., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. ; Gal. Ois. ii, 1825, 115, pi. 243. 
 
 Limosa amaicana, Steph., Shaw's Gen. Zool. 
 
 Limosa adsx^ersa, LiCHT. 
 
 Hob, — Entire temperate North America ; Central and South America. West Indies. 
 Breeds in the Missouri and Upper Mississippi regions, and thence to the Saskatchewan. 
 Winters in the Southern States and southward. 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition, — 4884, Kanesville ; 5450, Fort Uuiou. 
 
 Not observed by Captain Eaynolds' Expedition, nor by the later ones. 
 
 Comparatively little has beea learned of the breeding resorts and 
 habits of this Godwit, though it is such a common and generally distri- 
 buted bird during its migrations and in winter. Audubon surmises that 
 it may breed in South Carolina and perhaps also in Texas, where, as 
 Mr. Dresser found it in summer, it probably does. Occurring in abun- 
 dance along most of the Atlantic coast, it nevertheless appears less 
 common north of Massachusetts, and has not, it would appear, been 
 observed much, if any, beyond New England in that longitude. The 
 centre of its abundance in summer, and its main breeding ground, is, 
 apparently, the Northern Mississippi and Eastern Missouri regions, and 
 thence to the Saskatchewan ; for, unlike its relative [L. Imdsonica), it 
 does not proceed very far north to nest. It breeds in Iowa, and in Min- 
 nesota and Eastern Dakota, where I observed it in June, and where the 
 eggs have been procured. I found it on the plains bordering the Eed 
 Eiver, in company with Long-billed Curlews and great numbers of the 
 Bartramian Sandpipers, nesting, like these species, on the prairie near 
 the river and about the adjoining pools, but not necessarily by the 
 water's edge. In its habits at this season it most nearly resembles the 
 Curlew, and the two species, of much the same size and general appear- 
 ance, might be readily mistaken at a distance where the difference in 
 the bill might not be perceived. On intrusion near the nest, the birds 
 mount in the air with loud, piercing cries, hovering slowly around with 
 labored flight in evident distress, and approaching sometimes within a 
 few feet of the observer. 
 
 The only perfect set of eggs of the Godwit I have seen were taken 
 June 1, 1871, fifty miles northwest of Saint Paul, Minnesota ; both pa- 
 rents were secured and deposited in the Saint Paul Academy, where I 
 examined them ; so that the identification is unquestionable. There are 
 three eggs in this set, measuring 2.30 by 1.60, 2.28 by 1.56, and 2.25 by 
 1.62. The color is a clear, light olivaceous-drab; the markings are 
 small and numerous, but not very strongly pronounced — there is nothing 
 (in this set) of the heavy blotching and marking usually seen in waders' 
 
494 LIMOSA HUDSONICA, HUDSONIAN GODWIT. 
 
 eggs. The spots are pretty evenly distributed, though rather larger in 
 two instances, and more numerous in the other instance, about the butt 
 than elsewhere. These 'markings are of various umber-brown shades, 
 with the usual stone-gray shell spots. 
 
 LIMOSA HUDSONICA, (Lath.) Sw. 
 
 Hudsonian or Black-tailed Godwit. 
 
 Scolopax alba et Candida, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 247 (based on Fedoa canadensis, Edw., 
 pi. 139; Limosa Candida, Briss., v, 290; Totanus canadensis, Edw., pi. 139, f. 1; 
 Totoniis candidus, Briss., v, 207 : whence also Limosa edtoardsii, Sw. & EiCH., 
 F. B. A. ii, 1831, 398). 
 
 Scolopax lapponica, var. /?, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788. 
 
 Scolopax hudsonica, Lath., Ind. Orn. li, 1790, 720. 
 
 Limosa kudsonica, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831 (Edw., pi. 138). — Nutt., il, 1834, 175. — 
 AuD., Oru. Biog. iii, 1835, 426; v, 592; pi. 258; Syn. 1839, 247 ; B. A. v, 1842, 
 335, pi. 349.— Bp., List, 1838, 52.-GIR., B. L. 1. 1844, 260.— Pdtn., Pr. Ess. lust, 
 i, 1856, 217.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 741.— ScL., P. Z. S. 1860, 387 (Falklands).— 
 Cab., J. f. O. iv, 350 (Cuba).— Dakw., Voy. Be.agle, Birds, 129 (Chiloe).— Pklz., 
 Novara Eeise, Vog. 128 (Chiloe).— Phil., Cat. 35 (Chili).— SCL. & Sai.v., P. Z. 
 S. 1869, 202 (Veuezuela).— ScL., P. Z. S. 1860, 387 (Magellan Straits and Falk- 
 lands).— Pblz., Orn. Bras. 308 (Brazil).— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Eep. 1860, No. 
 222. — BOARDM., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 129 (Maine, migratory). — Verr., Pr. Ess. 
 Inst, iii, 1862, 159.— Aixen, iftid. iv,1864, 87.— McIWR., ihid.'v, 1866, 93.— Coues, 
 ibid. Y, 1868, 296.— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 123.— Dall & Bann., Tr. 
 Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 293.— Tuknb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 32.— Mayn., Guide, 1870, 142.— 
 Coues, Key, 1872, 258.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 10.— Scl., P. Z. S. 1873, 456 (Sonth 
 America). — Eidgw., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 385 (Illinois). 
 
 Limosa melamiru, Bp., Specchio Comp. 1827, No. 204; not of authors. 
 
 Limosa mgocephala, Bp., Syn. 1828, 327; not of authors. 
 
 Limosa australis, Grav, Cat. Br. Mus. 1844, 95. (Selater.) 
 
 Eai. — ^Northern and Eastern North America. West Indies. South America. Breeds 
 far northward. Not noted west of the Rooky Mountains. Rare along the Atlantic. 
 Observed by none of the Expeditions. 
 
 This Godwit is much less abundant in the United States than the 
 preceding, and appears to range chiefly along the Atlantic coast. It is, 
 however, included by Prof. Snow among the birds of Kansas on Prof. 
 Baird's authority. I have never seen it alive. Its breeding resorts are 
 eutirelj' beyond our limits, iu hyperborean regions. A set of four eggs 
 of Limosa hudsonica is in the Smithsonian, from Anderson Eiver, where 
 they were secured by Mr. MacFarlane, June 9. They measure 2.15 to 
 2.20 in length by about 1.40 in breadth. The ground is a very heavily- 
 shaded olive-drab, much darker (almost as in a Loon's or Jiiger's egg) in 
 two of the specimens than in the other. In these darker specimens the 
 markings are almost lost in the general heavy color, merely appearing 
 a little darker ; they are chiefly evident at the greater end. In the 
 other the markings, of the same general character, are, however, much 
 more conspicuous, owing to the lighter ground. 
 
 TOTANUS SEMIPALMATUS, (Gm.) Temm. 
 
 Semipalmated Tattler; Willet; Stone Snipe. 
 
 Scolopax semipalmata, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 659. — Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 722 (Arct. 
 
 Zool. ii. No. 380, pl.'20, f. 2; Lath., Syn. v, 152).— WiLS., Am. Orn. vii, 1813, 27, 
 
 pi. 56, f. 3. 
 Totanus semipalmaius, Temm., Man. Orn. ii, 637.— Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 206.— Sw. Su 
 
 Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 388, pi. 67 (north to 56°).— AuD., Oru. Biog. iii, 1835* 
 
 510; V, 1839, 585; pi. 274; Syn. 1839,245; B. Am. v, 1842,324, pi. 347.— GiR., B. 
 
 L. I. 1844, 254.— WooDH., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 99 (New Mexico).— Putn., Pr. Ess. 
 
 Inst, i, 1856, 217.— Heerm., P. R, R. Rep. x, 1859, pt. vi, 65.— CoUES, Key, 258. 
 Toianus (Cafoplyophoriie) semipalmaius, Bp., Syn. 1828, 328. — Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 144. 
 
TOTANUS SEMIPALMATUS, WILLET. 495 
 
 Catopfrophorus seniipalmatiis, Bp., List, 1838, SI.^Blas., List B. Eur. 18G'2, 18 (Sweden). 
 
 Gtoltis seinipalmuta, Nilsson, Fn. Siiec. 1817. 
 
 Hodiles semipalmata, Kai.'p, Sk. Ent. Eur. 1829. 
 
 SijinpkemiasimiiiMlma1a,'RAKn.., R. Z. 184,'i, .342.— Bd., B. N. A. 18.58, 729.— Buy., Pr. 
 Bust. Soc. vii, 1859 (Bahamas).— Cais., J. f. O. iv, 351 (Cuba).— Sci.., P. Z. S. 
 1860, 253 (Orizaba).— Cass., Pr. Pbila. Acad. IHfiO, 195 (Cartbagena).— Coop. & 
 Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 240.— Wheat., Obio Agric. Rep. 186U, No. 214.— 
 CouBS & PnENT., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 416.— Boakdm., Pr. Host. Soc. ix, 18(i2, 129 
 (Maine, breeds). — Cooes, iftW. xii, 1868, 122 (South Carolina, resideut). — Vbhr., 
 Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 159. — Allkn, ibid, iv, 1864, 77 (Massachusetts, perhaps 
 breeding). — CouES, ihid. v, 1868, 295 (New England, in summer) — Diiics.s., 
 Ibis, 1866, 37 (Texas).— Salv., Ibis, 1860, 178 (Guatemala).- Lawh., Ann. Lye. 
 N. Y. vii, 272 (Cuba); viii, 1866, 294; ix, 210 (Yucatan).- Tuknb., B. E. Pa. 
 1868, 31 (in summer).— Mayn., Guide, 1870, 141.— Allen., BuH.M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 
 356 (Florida, resident).— CoUES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 97 (.'irizona); 1871, 32 
 (North Carolina, breeding and resident). — Sxow, B. Kans. 1873, 10.— Merk.. U. 
 S. Geol. Surv. 'Per. 1872, 700 (Utah and Idaho).— RidgW., Anu. Lye. N. Y. x, 
 1874, 384 (Illinois). 
 
 Totavus crassirosiris, Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. 1816, 406. 
 
 Siimpheniia atlaiitica, Raeinesque, Journ. Phys. Ixxxviii, 1819,417. 
 
 (?) Totanns speculifei-us, Cuv., R. A. i, 1817, 351.— PucH., E. and M. Z. iii, 1851, 569. 
 
 Rab. — Temperate North America, north to 56", but chiefly United States. Breeds 
 throughout its United States range. • Resident in the Southern States. Common in 
 the interior, but more so along the coast. West Indies. Central and South America 
 (Pelz., Oru. Bras. 309). Accidental in .Europe (Gould, B. Eur. pi. 311). 
 
 Lieutenant JI'mTeii's Exptdiiwn. — 5434, Medicine Creek; 8998, (no label). 
 
 Latei- Expeditions.— b9H70, Colorado ; 61638-9, Salt Lake, Utah ; 62358, N. Fork, Idaho. 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition. 
 
 The Willet is distributed across ISTorth America; but, unlike many of 
 its allies, its uorthern dispersion is restricted, and it breeds anywhere 
 ^n the United States in suitable resorts. 1 have found it wherever I 
 have been in the United States. There were a few on tiie Upper Rio 
 Grande when I crossed that river in June, 1864, and during the same 
 month I saw many more westward, in New Mexico, especially along the 
 Zuni River, where I am sure they were breeding. Some resided in a 
 marshy tract near Fort Whipple, in Arizona. Others occurred to me 
 in June and July in Eastern Dakota. On the North Carolina coast I 
 found the bird breeding in great numbers in the marshy flats just back 
 of the beach in May and June. 
 
 The nest is placed near the water of some secluded pool, or in the 
 midst of a marsh, whether fresh or salt, in a tussock of grass or rushes. 
 It is a rnde structure, of the simplest materials, raised a little way from 
 the ground, and with a shallow indentation. The eggs are very vari- 
 able in all respects. As to size and shape, the following measurements 
 show the differences: 1.90 by 1.45; 1.95 by 1.50; 2.00 by 1.50; 2.05 by 
 1.55; 2.12 by 1.50; averaging about 2,00 by 1.50. They are less point- 
 edly pyriform than the eggs of the smaller Tattlers and Sandpipers. 
 The ground is sometimes brownish-olive, or drab, or clay-color ; some- 
 times, again, quite buff'v'brown ; in a few cases greenish or grayish- 
 white. The spotting is bold and distinct, but little massed even at the 
 greater end, where, though the spots are largest and most numerous, 
 they generally remain distinct. The spots are mostly clean-edged and 
 sharp, of moderate size, but sometimes quite fine and scratchy. They 
 are of various umber-brown shades, and accompanied with the usual 
 obsolete shell-markings. 
 
 Under ordinary circumstances Willets are notoriously restless, wary, 
 and noisy birds; but their nature is changed, or, at any rate, held in 
 abeyance, during and for a short time after incubation. They cease 
 their cries, groT less uneasy, become gentle, if still suspicious, and may 
 generally be seen stalking quietly about the nest. When Willets are 
 found in that humor — absent-minded, as it were, absorbed in reflection 
 
496 TOTANUS MELANOLEUCUS, GREATER YELLOWSHANKS. 
 
 upon their engrossing duties, and unlikely to observe anything not di- 
 rectly in front of their bill — it is pretty good evidence that they have a 
 nest hard by. It is the same with Avocfts, and i)robably many other 
 waders. During incubation the bird that is "off duty" (both parents 
 are said to take turns at this) almost always indulges in revery, doubt- 
 less rose tinted, and becomes in a corresponding degree oblivious to out- 
 ward things. If then they are not set upon in a manner entirely too 
 rude and boisterous, the inquiring ornithologist could desire no Ijutter 
 opportunity than he will have to observe their every motion and atti- 
 tude. But once let them become thoroughly alarmed by too open ap- 
 proach, particularly if the setting bird be driven from her nest, and the 
 scene quickly shifts; there is a great outcry, violent protest and tumult, 
 where was quietude. Other pairs, nesting near by, join their cries till 
 the confusion becomes general. But now, again, their actions are not 
 those they would show at other times ; for, instead of flying off with the 
 instinct of self-preservation, to put distance between them and danger, 
 they are held by some fascination to the spot, and hover around, whc^cl- 
 ing about, flying in circles a little ways to return again, with unremit- 
 ting clamor. They may be only too easily destroyed under such circum- 
 stances, provided the ornithologist can lay aside his scruples and steel 
 himself against sympathy. 
 
 The half-webbing of the toes renders this species something of a swim- 
 mer, if necessity arise; but it only takes to water beyond its depth 
 under urgent circumstances. In size as well as in plumage it is very 
 variable; the length of the legs, particularly, varies in difterent indi- 
 viduals to a surprising degree. 
 
 TOTA^fUS MELANOLEUCUS, (Gm.) Vieill. 
 
 Greater Telltale ; Greater Tellowslianks ; Tattler. 
 
 Scolopax melanolema, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 6.59. — ^Lath., Ind. Om. ii, 1790, 72:'. 
 
 Totanus melanolnncins, Vieuj,., Js'oav. Diet, d'llist. Nat. It^lfj. — Liciir., Verz. 1823, No, 
 750.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 324 ; List, 18:i8, TA.—AvM., Om. Biog. iv, 1838, 68, pi. 
 308.— Wooi/H., Sitgr. Rep. 18.'j;j, 99.— Xewb., P. R, R. Rep. vi, 1857, 98.— 
 Heerm., iUd. X, 1859, pt. ti, G.j.— Coues, Key, ]'^72, 258. — Fmscn, Abh. Nat. 
 iii, 1872, 63.— RiDGW., Ann. Lye. X. Y. x, 1874, 384. 
 
 Ganibetta melanoleuca, Bp., Comptes Rendus, 1856, p. — . — Bd., B. N. A. 18.58, 731. — 
 Coop. & .Si;ck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 18C0, 242.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, 
 No. 215.— C'OUES & Peent., Smiths. liep. 1861, 416.— Hayd., Rep. 18fa, 174.— 
 BOAT.DM., Pr. Boat. Soe. ix, 1862, 129.— Vep-e., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, ].5;3 
 (Maine, in snmmerj. — Ali.i;.v, ibid, iv, 1864, 77. — McIlwk., ibid, v, 1866, 93. — 
 CouES, iMd. V, I8(i8, 20.5.- CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 18S1, 234 (Labrador) ; 1866, 
 98 (Arizona); 1871, 32 (North Carolina).- DnK.s.s., Ibis, 18WJ, 38 (Texas),— 
 CoUES. Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 122.— La Wis. , Ann. Lye. viii, 1866, 294; ix, 
 1868, 141 (Cf«ta Rica).- Tuexb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 31.— Dall & Bann., Tr.Chic. 
 Acad, i, I'-CO, 292 (Alaska).- Mayx., Guide, 1870. 141.— Allen, Bnll. M. C. Z. 
 ii, 1871, 356 (Florida) ; iii, 1872, 182.— Stev., II. ,S. Geol, Surv. Ter. I'iTO, 
 4f;6.— ilKiii:., ibid. 1872, 700 (Wyoming).— Mayx., Pr. Bost. .Soc. 1871.— Tp.ippe, 
 Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 241.— Ssow, B. Kang. l'^73, 10. 
 
 Scolopax rociferus, WiLS., Am. Om. vii, 1813, 57, pi. .58, f. 5. 
 
 Totanus vociferus, Sais., Frank. .Jonm. 087.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 389. — Ncrr., 
 Man. ii, 1834, 148.— AuD., Svn. 1839, 244 ; B. Am. v, 1842, .316, pi. :{45.— GiR., 
 B. L. I. 1844, 252.— PuTX., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 217.— Tkipits, iM. vi, Ull, 
 119.— Hoy, Smiths. Rep. 1804, 4:;8. 
 
 TolMtius sasafihew,\iEUJL., Nonv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. 1816. 
 
 Totanus chilensia, Philippi. 
 Extralimital quotations are : Ecuador, 8CL., P. Z. S. 18.58, 461 ; GuaUmala, Scl., Ibis, 
 
LESSEE YELLOWSHANKS. 497 
 
 Soc. 1867, 69 ; Buenos Jyres, ScL. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1868, 144 ; Peru, ScL. & Salv., P. 
 Z. S. 1869, 156; Saint Bartholomew, Sund., Ofv. Vet. 1869, 588; Brazil, Pblz., Orn. 308. 
 
 Sab. — The Western Hemisphere. In the United States, chiefly migratory, and iu 
 •winter. Breeds mostly in high latitudes. Abundant. 
 
 List of specimens. 
 
 19305 
 
 194 
 
 Big Sandy Fork. 
 
 .... 
 
 Sept. 30, 1860 
 
 G. H. Trooli. 
 
 15.00 
 
 25.00 
 
 8.00 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4860, Saint Joseph's, Missouri ; 5435, Fort Berthold, 
 Dakota. 
 Later Expeditions.— mm^-Z ; 60776-84, 61104-6, 62360, Tarious Wyoming localities. 
 
 Occurs wherever there is water throughout the Missouri region ; espe- 
 cially niimerous during the migration, and in some places one of the 
 most abundant of all the waders. The eggs I have never seen. 
 
 TOTANUS FLAVIPES, (Gm.) Vieill. 
 
 lesser Telltale; Lesser Tellowshanks, 
 
 ScoZoyax^Zaripes, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 659.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 723.— WiLS., 
 Am. Orn. vii, 1813, 55, pi. 58, 4. 
 
 Totanus flavipes, Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. 1816, 400.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 324; List, 
 1838, 51.— Sab., Frank. Jouru. 688.— Sw. & EiCH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 390.— 
 NUTT., Man. ii, 1834, 152.— AuD., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 573; v, 586 ; pi. 22S ; 
 Syn. 1839, 243 ; B. Am. v, 1842, 313, pi. 344.— GiK., B. L. 1. 1844, 2.50.— Woodh., 
 Sitgr. Eep. 1853, 99.— Mosciil., J. f. 0. 1856, 335 (Greenland).— PuTx., Pr. Ess. 
 Inst, i, 1856, 217.— Eeinh., Ibis, iii, 1861 (Greenland).— Yark., Br. Birds, ii, 
 637 (England).— Nbwb., P. E. E. Eep. Ti, 1857, 98 (California and Oregon).— 
 Milker, Zool. 1858, p. 5958 (England).— Hoy, Smiths. Eep. 1864, 438.— Newt., 
 P. Z. S. 1867, 166, pi. 15, f. 5 (egg).— Trippe, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 119.— 
 EODD, Zool. 1871, 2807 (England^- COUES, Key, 1872, 259.— ElDGW., Ann. 
 Lye. N. Y. X, 1874, 384. 
 
 Gamhetta flavipes, Bp., C. E. 1856.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 732.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Eep. 
 1860, No. 216.— Codes & Prekt., Smiths. Eep. 1861, 416.— Boardm., Pr. Bost. 
 Sac. ix, 1862, 129.— Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 153 (Maine, perhaps breed- 
 ing).— Allen, ihid. iv, 1864. 77.— McIlwr., ibid, t, 1886, 93.— COUBS, iMd. v, 
 1868, 295.— Dress., Ibis, 1866, 38 (Texas).— CouES, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 
 122.— COUES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1871, 32.— Lawr., Ann. Lye. 1861, 334 (Panama) ; 
 Tiii, 1864, 101 (Sombrero); viii, 1866, 294 (New York); ix, 18G8, 141 (Costa 
 Eica) ; ihid. 210 (Yucatan).— Turnb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 32.— Dall & Bann., Tr. 
 Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 292 (Alaska).— Mayn., Guide, 1870, 141.— Allen, Bull M. 
 C. Z. ii, 1871, 356 (Florida) ; iii, 1872, 182 (Colorado and Utah).— Stev., U. S. 
 Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 466 (Wyoming).— Mayn., Pr. Bost. Soc. 1871 — Tkippe, 
 Pr. Bost. Soc. 1872, 241 (Iowa).— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 10. 
 
 Totanus natalor et fuseocapillus, Vibill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. 1816. 
 
 " leucopjjga, Tllgek." (Gray.) 
 
 Viddensk. Meddel. 1870, 37 ; La Plata, Burm., Eeise, 503 ; Bahamas, Bry., Pr. Bost. Soc. 
 1867, 69 ; Mejciana, ScL. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1867, 592 ; Buenos Ayres, ibid. 1868, 144 ; Chili, 
 Phil., Cat. 35; Saint Bartlwlommo, Sdnd., Ofv. Vet. Acad. 1869, 588; Great Britain, 
 Hart., Br. Birds, 1872, 137 ; Peru, Scl. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1873, 310. 
 
 iZa5.— Western Hemisphere. Breeds from the Northern States northward. Many 
 ■winter in the Southern States. Accidental in Europe. 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition.— i861. Council Bluffs (omitted from Hayden'a Eeport). 
 
 Later Expeditions.— 5QB69, Soda Springs, Colorado ; 60304-9, Bitter Cottonwood and 
 La Bont6 Creek ; 60785, North Platte. 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Eaynolds' Expedition. 
 
 Occurs with the preceding, under similar conditions, and in equal 
 abundance. 
 
 This species appears to be more numerous and generally distributed 
 east of the Eocky Mountains than on the Pacific side, where, however, 
 a doubt of its occurrence is no longer entertained. 
 32 
 
498 TOTANUS 80LITAKIUS, SOLITARY TA'l'l'LKK. 
 
 The Yellowshank, so far an known, iicHts only in liiK'i liititiidcs. Tlio 
 eggs arc, <lc]i(),sit(;d on the ground, in a. little dejuession, lim-d with a 
 few dried leaves or grasses. They are three or four irj nuifii)er, irarrowly 
 and pointedly pyriforrn, irieaHuring Iroin 1.58 by 1.18, f,o 1.78 by 1.15; 
 the longest eggs not being always also the broadest. The ground is a 
 clean clay-eolor, sometimes tending more to buffy or cicainy, sometimes 
 rather to light brown. The marking is bold and heavy, but iiresents 
 the customary great diversity, some eggs being very heavily splashed 
 with blotches continent about the laiger end, wliili; others have smaller 
 clean-edged spots all over the, surface. The markings are rich umber- 
 brown, often tending to chocolate, sometimes almost blackish, 'i'ln^ 
 X)aler shell-markings arc usually numerous and noticicable. An occa- 
 sional " alVjino" egg is seen, whitish, with scarcely any markings. All 
 the many eggs examined are from Ai'ctic America. 
 
 TOTAIN'US SOLITAEIIJB, (Wils.) And./" 
 Solitary Tattler ; Wood Tattler. 
 
 'Ht- 
 
 /r/ 
 
 Triii(/a ochinpiin var. /?, La'hi., bid, Om. ii, 1790, TM). 
 
 Trivffa Hollluria, Wji.s., Am. Oni. vii, l!^i:{, ti'.i, )il. 08, f. :'. 
 
 ToianuH noVilariiiH, Ai;i>., S.vii. IHIili, ^42; B. Am, v, 1842, '.'M, pi. ;i4:i.— (ifn., 15. Ij. J. 
 ]r'A4,'2:,t;.—\'iyis.,'i'r. J>,,h. Inst, i, ]>;.'.(;, 21(i,—Tuii'i'i-:, Pr. Ens. IriMl. vi, 1871, 
 119.— Ifov, HiiiitliH. ]!(]i. 1^04, 4:;>^.— Kciii.., .VI. J'.-)i. Kailop. ]r'i;2, p. 7:;.— (;r:,\y. 
 Ibis, 1«0, 292; JJ. Wcht HcothiiMl, 29.5.— tlAiri., IJr. iSiiilH, IH7i!, 1:57.- CoUK.s, 
 Key, l''//2, 2."j9. 
 
 nil ijaciqili 11.11^ iioliloriiiH, (Jas.s,, I'aird's Ii. N, A. I^'.'H, T.','.'.. — Vinv.yv., Oliio \ma. \ii\t. 
 \m), No. 217.— Coi.Ks &,PHK.\T., .SiritliH. \W.i>. ]K;i, 41*;.— IIaYIj., Kcp. lw;2, 
 174,— B(MI!I^M., J'r, liost. 8or. ix, ]H(;2, 129.— Vk):ic., Pr. Kwi. Inst,, iii, W,2, 
 1,';;.— Ai,i.ic,s, (/;irf. iv, If^M, 77.— Coi.ES, ^//(V/. v, 1W;H, 29.',,— (J(>r:F,H, I'l. I'.imt. 
 Soc. xii, IHtW, 122.- C'crK.s, Pr. Philii. AcikI. I^OC, 9r! (Arizenu;; )r!7!,:;2 CNortli 
 (;;)fr,|in;j;.— Tci.'.M)., IS. K. Pfi. ]y;9, ;',2 (.\i,-iy In 8i|il,>— ni:^.'-,'i,, H/Ih, Ir-C^J, ;:h, 
 fMatiirnoniM, summer), — L.\WJi,, Ann. Lye. IHOI, :;:',4 fPiinfiiiiB) ; viii, IrifKi, 294 ; 
 ix,1>!<;^, l41(C'ostiil;i<;i;.-tJ,\;.i,&l!A.NN,,'I'r, (;^lic.Aci«l.i,l^t;9,2;«fA^mka).— 
 AI,I-K.^•, Hull. ,M, C. Z, iii, l'-,72, 182 (KixnsiiM, Oiloiiulo, and WyomiliK),— 'I'laW'K,, 
 Pr. IVmt, Soo. XV, l-^/Ti, 211 (^<,\:;i).— 'S\,\ys., CuuU-,, l^'.-yO, 141; !'/■, D'jhI,, Hoe, 
 1^71 CNew Ilarnpsliirc, lirri-dinK;,— H.vow, JJ, Kans. )>i7:i, iO (Kaiihas, nircj. — 
 Stkv,, I;. S. Get,]. Siirv. Tcr. I'i/O, 4WJ CWyorrjing). 
 
 Tdlimvh ihloro/iiiri var. noHlarlim, l!n,f;w., Aiiu. I.ye, >,'. Y. x, 1H74, :W4 
 
 Toianus (:hlor(jpii<f(Wi,yn.UA.., ,\oijv. Diet, d'HJ-,t, j\;i1. vj, IHIC. 401,— lie,, (MiS. Wiln, 
 l>;2.o, No, 2i0; Syu, 1^28, :!2.', ; List, )H:;H, 51.— Sw. &,l;icn,, P, Ii, A. Ii, IKil, 
 :"i;i. — Vv'jif;;,., I.niH, l^^:!!, ,';21,— Null,, .Miir;. ii, 1'^:;-!, 1,7). — Ai;i,,, Oru. Uiog, iii, 
 18:;',, .'7G ; V, ,',%:; ; j,l, 2%9. 
 
 J;In/nrnpliilu.K nliloropi/i/hjli, lie,, Comjites Rendns, 18",fi. 
 
 'Jniiiiiiiy. filareota, ()iil>, ed. Wils, vii, 182.',, ,',7, 
 
 'J'lilaniiH maoroiriJira, Sl'JX, Av. IJniH, li, 182,',, 70, 92, 
 
 " (!) I'otanuD 'mH/juIhh, Lkavt." (Gmij.) 
 
 " Tofani/n f/iiffahjffj l/,r,rr;KIi." {(iriiij.j 
 Jddilhiial i/mlotiorix.—CM:., J. f, O, iv, :!,'2 CC'nba),— F','/.,, P. Z, S. 18fil, 80 
 
 (.Jainaiea;.— N>;WT., Ibis, i, U:,'.i, 2,'7 CS-anta Ciiiz;.— Kr-M,., Ofv. Vet, Ak, ]8r,9, r,87 
 
 (Saint Bartholomew;,— S;c;„, P. Z. 8. ]8.v*;, :;10 f Cordova); )8f;o, 2.',4 fOrizaliii) ; l''>i4, 
 
 17ft Ccity of Mexico;; IcCT, ,',92 r.\Ie>.iana;,— 8',;,., P. Z. 8, ]8,'8, 4«1 M;fiiador;.-Hf;i„, 
 
 Ibi.s, i, i8.',9, 229 rOiiaf..jii;,laj.— 8',;,. & 8,\;,v. P, Z, 8. ]8f«i, 199 (Ka-.tern J'em); Irfi?, 
 
 'J79; ]8«8, 109 fVenezuela); 1809, .^J", (Pern;; 1872, :;09 (p.-ni),— Pki.z,, Oin, Br.'is, .W, 
 
 /A/^A — Wc.st(:rri HemJHj.ljcie, Aef;id< utal in Knrope. Nortli to Alaska. Breeds in 
 Xortbeni Lnifed 8tates and nortliv, aiil, if not al.^o tlironf^liont most of its L'nitcd 
 States range. Abnndant. Mij^ratory, Winters ebiefly or altogether hcyond our 
 limits, in Mexico, Central and 8outb America, and Went Indies, 
 
 Lii:ul.i:naiit fy'arren'ii K.ijiiiJdion.—i'-.Cf,, Omaha; 5'!;;7, Port P'nion ; 8992-4, Ppji' 
 Missouri. 
 
 Xa'^)- Expi-jliiioiin. — 00:;70-3, 0077:', ('iniip liaynolds and Fort P''etternjan, \\yoming. 
 
 Not oljtained bj- Captain KaynolUs' JCxpeditiou. 
 
 In mo.st of the United States this is a bird of passage, chiefly observed 
 in the spring and fall, but I am satisfied that it breeds, in suitable 
 
TOTANUS SOLITAEIUS, SOLITARY TATTLER. 499 
 
 places, over a much more extensive area than is generally supposed. 
 Indeed little has been put on record, or apparently known, respecting 
 its breeding resorts. Wilson says tbat it breeds on mountains in Penn- 
 sylvania, and such is undoubtedly the case. In Maryland and Virginia, 
 and in nearly correspondent latitudes in the West, 1 have shot birds in 
 August so young as to leave no doubt in my mind that they were bred 
 in the vicinity. Mr. Maynard makes substantially the same observation 
 about the Frauconia Mountains, in New Hampshire ; and I have found 
 young birds in July in Northern Dakota, about the pools of Turtle 
 Mountain. In the Carolinas I only observed it during the migration, 
 though Professor Gibbes marks it as resident. It seems to be very 
 retiring and secretive in its habits during the breeding season, which 
 may, perhaps, in part, account for the lack of observations renpecting it 
 at this season. At the same time it is not to be inferred that it is re- 
 stricted in its northern dispersion, for it occurs on the Yukon, where, 
 according to Mr. Dall, it arrives early in May. Other writers give it 
 from various portions of the fur countries. 
 
 The only eggs supposed to be of the Solitary Tattler I have seen, are 
 two in the Smithsonian collection from Cleveland, Ohio (Dr. Kirtland). 
 The size is 1.50 by 1.05 ; the shape ordinarily pyriform. The ground is 
 clay-colored, without olivaceous or other shade. The markings are 
 heavy and numerous on the larger half of the egg, smaller and fewer 
 elsewhere. They are very dark — quite blackish-brown — lacking the 
 slightest shade of the rich umber or chocolate which most waders show- 
 more or less evidently. The shell-spots are similarly of a darker neutral 
 tint than usual. The identification of these eggs, however, is open to 
 question : they may be those of the Killdeer. 
 
 About Washington, D. C, the Solitary Tattler is very common indeed 
 at certain seasons. It arrives from the South late in April, and for two 
 weeks or so is to be found in all suitable situations ; then none are to 
 be seen, except a few straggling young just at the end of summer, until 
 late in September ; when, after an equally late sojourn, the birds pass 
 on. In the Carolinas I have seen them nearly a month earlier in the 
 spring. They differ from most of their relatives in their choice of 
 feeding-grounds, or of places where they usually alight to rest while 
 migrating; a difference accompanied, I suppose, by a corresponding 
 modification in diet. Their favorite resorts are the margins of small, 
 stagnant pools, fringed with rank grass and weeds; the miry, tide-water 
 ditches that intersect marshes; and the soft, oozy depressions in low 
 meadows and watery savannas. They frequent, also, the interior of 
 woods not too thick, and collect there about the rain-puddles, the water 
 of which is delayed in sinking by the matted layer of decaying leaves that 
 covers the ground. After heavy rains I have seen them running about 
 like Grass Plovers, on open, level commons, covered only with short 
 turf. They also have a fancy, shared by few birds except the Titlarks, 
 for the pools of liquid manure usually found in some out of the way 
 place upon the thrifty farmer's premises. They find abundant food in 
 all these places; aquatic insects of all sorts, and especially their curious 
 larvse, worms, grubs, and perhaps the small-est sorts of molluscs ; with 
 all these, they also take into their gizzards a quantity of sand and 
 gravel, to help along the grinding process. With food to be had in such 
 plenty with little labor, the birds become, particularly in the fall, 
 extremely fat. 
 
 They cannot be said with entire propriety to be " solitary," though 
 this name is well enough to indicate less social propensities than most 
 of the waders possess. I generally found from two or three to half a 
 
500 TOTANUS SOLITARIUS, SOLITARY TATTLER. 
 
 dozen together; frequently only one at a time; occasionally, but not 
 often, upwards of a score, that seemed, however, to be drawn together 
 by their common tastes in the matter of feeding-grounds, rather than 
 by any gTCgarious instinct. They are, moreover, pretty exclusive in 
 their own set; rather declining than encouraging familiarity on the 
 part of other waders ; though the Peetweets and others sometimes 
 intrude hoydenish society upon the more sedate and aristocratic mem- 
 bers of the long-legged circle. They should rightly, however, rather 
 embrace, than merely endure such company, for they are of easy-going, 
 contemplative natures, and their sharper-eyed associates often do them 
 good service in sounding alarms. 
 
 These Tattlers indulge on all occasions a propensity for nodding, like 
 Lord Burleigh or the Chinese mandarins in front of tea shops ; and 
 ■when they see something they cannot quite make out, seem to reason 
 ■with themselves, and finally come to a conclusion in this way ; impress- 
 ing themselves heavily with a sense of their own logic. They go through 
 the bowing exercise with a gravity that may quite upset that of a disin- 
 terested spectator, and yet all through the performance, so ludicrous in 
 itself, contrive to preserve something of the passive sedateness that 
 marks all their movements. This bobbing of the head and foreparts is 
 the correspondent and counterpart of the still more curious actions of 
 the Spotted Tattlers, or " Tip-ups," as they are aptly called, from this 
 circumstance ; a queer balancing of the body upon the legs, constituting 
 an amusement of which these last-named birds are extremely fond. As 
 often as the Tip-up, or "Teeter-tail," as it is also called, stops in its pur- 
 suit of insects, the fore part of the body is lowered a little, the head 
 drawn in, the legs slightly bent, whilst the hinder parts and tail are 
 alternately hoisted with a peculiar jerk, and drawn down again, with 
 the regularity of clock-work. The movement is more conspicuous in 
 the upward than in the downward i^art of the performance; as if the 
 tail were spring-hinged, in constant danger of flying up, and needing 
 constant presence of mind to keep it down. It is amusing to see an old 
 male in the breeding season busy with this operation. Upon some rock 
 jutting out of the water he stands, swelling with amorous pride aud 
 self sufficiency, puffing out his plumage till he looks twice as big as 
 natural, facing about on his narrow pedestal, and bowing with his hinder 
 parts to all points of the compass. A sensitive and fastidious person 
 might see something derisive, if not actually insulting, in this, and feel 
 as Crusoe may be presumed to have felt when the savages who attacked 
 his ship in canoes showed the signs of contumaceous scorn that DeFoe 
 records. But it would not be worth while to feel offended, since this is 
 only the entirely original and peculiar way the Tip-up has of conducting 
 his courtships. Ornithologists are not agreed upon the useful purpose 
 subserved in this way, and have as yet failed to account for the extraor- 
 dinary performance. The Solitary Tattlers, that we have lost sight of 
 for a moment, are fond of standing motionless in the water when they 
 have satisfied their hunger, or of wading about, up to their bellies, with 
 slow, measured steps. If startled at such times, they rise easily and 
 lightly on wing, fly rather slowly a little distance with dangling legs 
 and outstretched neck, to soon realight and look about with a dazed 
 expression. Just as their feet touch the ground, the long, pointed wings 
 are lifted, till their tips nearly meet above, and are then deliberately 
 folded. The Esquimaux Curlews and some other birds have the same 
 habit. The Tattlers are unusually silent birds ; but when suddenly 
 alarmed, they utter a low and rather pleasing whistle as they fly off, or 
 even without moving. 
 
SPOTTED SANDPIPER. 501 
 
 These birds seem rather delicate of body, aud may be killed with a 
 touch of shot. I have frequently brought them down, particularly when 
 they were ou wing, with the sides of the body therefore unprotected by 
 strong feathers, at very long range, and with shot so flue that it would 
 not have mutilated a Warbler at half the distance. I think they differ 
 noticeably in this respect from the majority of waders, which require 
 to be pretty bard hit; the Peetweets, in ]iarticular, are rather tough 
 birds for their size. Xeither do they attempt to escape, when wounded, 
 by diving, at which the last-named is expert under similar circumstances. 
 At least such has been my experience, which 1 am tbe more careful to 
 give, since others have stated just the contrary. I think them gentle 
 birds, almost like Doves among their kind. They yield captives with- 
 out a struggle. They show concern and sympathy for a dead or wounded 
 comrade. I have seen them gather around to gaze upon one of their 
 number that had fallen, so taken up with whatever their emotions were 
 that they quite forgot they were in like danger. Though under some 
 circumstances rather watchful, they sometimes show a curious insou- 
 ciance that borders on what might be called stuj)idity, and is quite a 
 different thing from the reckless familiarity of such birds, for example, 
 as the timid yet confiding little Sandpeeps. An illustration may stand 
 in good stead of further explanation. Once coming up to a fence that 
 went past a little pool, and peeping through the slats, I saw eight 
 Tattlers of this species wading about in the shallow water, searching 
 for food. I pulled trigger on one ; the others set up a simultaneous 
 outcry, and I expected them, of course, to fly off, but they presently 
 quieted down and began feeding again. Without moving Irom my 
 place, I fired three times more, killing a single bird at each discharge ; 
 still no effect upon the survivors, except «s before. Then I climbed 
 over the fence, and stood in full view of the four remaining birds : they 
 merely flapped to the further side of the pool, and stood still looking at 
 me, nodding away, as if agreed that the whole thing was very singular. 
 I stood and deliberately loaded and fired three times more, taking one 
 bird each time; and it was only as I was ramming another charge, that 
 the sole surviving bird concluded to make off", which he did, I will add 
 in justice to his wits, in a great hirrry. The seven birds were all killed 
 with mustard seed, at from twelve to twenty paces. 
 
 t' TEI:N'G0IDES IIACULAEIUS, (Linn.) Gray.- 
 Spotted Sandpiper. 
 
 Trlnga macularia, Lcor., .Syst. Xat. i, 1766. 249 (liased on Trbum maculata, Edw.. ii. 139, 
 pi. 277. fig. '2; Tur(lus aquaticus, Bmsj.. v, 2551.— Gm.. Svst. X'at. 17^^, ti72. — 
 Lath., Ind. Oru. ii, 1790. 734 {Spotted Sa.idj.i^ei- of Arer. Z'ool. ii. Xo. 355; Gea. 
 .SyB. T. 179~i.— WiLS.. Am. Orn. vii, 1-13, liU. pi. 59. fig. 1. 
 
 Ibtanus maciilarius, Te^oi.. Man. 1^15, 4->2; ii, 1-20. 656.— BoiE. Isis, 1^22. 560.— Fi.EM.. 
 Br. An. 103.— Jext^-s. Man. 199.— Eyt., Cat. Br. B. 44.— Bkehm, V. D. 646.— 
 Bp., Obs. Wils. li^as, Xo. 211 ; Svn. Ir2?. 325.— Xcrr., Man. ii. 1^34. 102.— ALT)., 
 Orn. Biog. iv, 1>3-?. SI. pi. 310: Svn. 1530. 242: B. Am. t. 1-42, 303, iil, 342 — 
 GiR., B. L. I. 1544. ^-17.— PUTX.. Pr. Ess^, Inst, i, lro6, 217,— Hov, Suiith\ Eep. 
 1^64, 43?.— Tr.iPPE. Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1?71. 119. 
 
 Actitig maculariaii. BoiE, Isis. 152o. 979.— Xacm., V. D. viii, 1530, 34, pi. 195.— Bp.. List. 
 1?3S, 51.— Keys, i Bi_v-,, Wirb, Eur. 73.— Schl., M. P.-B. Scjlj^mts. ?:'., — 
 Frs'SCH, Alih. Xat, iil. 1-72, 63, 
 
 Tringoides maculariiis, Gkav. Geu. of B. iii. I'^l?. 574. — WooDn.. .Sitsir. Kep. 1-53, 99. — 
 Bd., B. X, A, 1-,?-, 7:^,— Coop. & .Suck., X. H. Wasli. Ter."l5o0. 244.— CorEs. 
 Pr. Phila. Acad. 1561. 235 (Labrador, breeding); 1566. 9- ^Arizona). — Hayd., 
 Eep. 1562. 174,— liEESS,, Ibis, 1-66, 3? vTesas).— Dale & B ax.n., Tr. Chic. Acad. 
 1-69. 293 (Alaska\— 5IAY.V., Guide. 1-70. 139.— Aleex, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1-71, 
 356; iii, lr72, 152 (mountains of Colorado, np to 13,000 feet).— Stev., U. S. 
 
502 ACTITUEUS BARTEAMIUS, BARTEAMIAN SANDPIPER. 
 
 Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 466.— Merr., ihid. 1872, 701.— Trippb, Pr. Boat. Soc. xv, 
 1872, 241.— AiKEX, Hid. 210.— Snow, B. Kacs. 1873, 10.— CouES, Key, lw72, 260, 
 fig. 172 ; and of most late United States writers. 
 
 J'lingoidcs hypoleucus var. macidarius, Ridgw., Anu. Lye. x, 1874, 384. 
 
 Tiingites macidarius, SCL. & Salv., Pi Z. S. 1^73, 309 (Peru). 
 
 Jrinijd Ho<a(a, IixiGER. (Gray.) 
 
 Actiiis notata et ukdi, Bp. (Gray.) 
 
 Other quotaiiona.—Sc-L., P. Z. S. l?oS, 460 (Ecuador, winter) ; 1860, 2.54 (Orizaba) ; 
 
 18:37, 592 (Mexiana); 1868, 629 (VeuezMela) ; Ibis, i, 1S.'9, 2.30 (Guatemala).— L.uvj:., 
 
 Ann. Ltc. 1861, 334 (Panama); ibid. laG8, 142 (Costa Rica).— C,\B., J. f. 0. iv, 417 
 
 (Cuba).— Newt., Ibis, i, 1859, 257 (Santa Cruz).— Bry., Pr. Bost. Soc. 1866 (Porto Rico).- 
 
 ScL., P. Z. S. 1861, 80 (Jamaica).— Taylor, Ibis, 1864, 93 (Tiinidad).-ScNi>., Ofv. Vet. 
 
 Ale. 1869, 587 (St. Bartholomew).— Pei.z., Oiu. Bras. 309 (Brazil).— Gould, B. Eur. pi. 
 
 317 (Europe).— Naum., V6g. pi. 195 (Europe).— Hart., Br. Birds, 139 (Great Britain, 
 
 numerous instances, with the references). 
 
 Hai. — North America, at large. Breeds nearly throughout its North American range. 
 Winters in the Southern States and beyond. Central and South America, to Brazil. 
 West Indies. Casual in Europe. (No Greenland record.) 
 
 List of specimens. 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 8995, Loup Fork; 5439, Knife Eiver; 5440, mouth -^Jl 
 Powder River. ""'^ 
 
 Later Expeditions. — 59868, Middle Park, Colorado; 603<4-75, Fort Fetterman : ijic -, / 
 North Platte ; 61160, Wyoming; 623.59, Idaho. 
 
 Altbough reaching high latitudes, such as that of the Yukon, this 
 little species, unlike most of its allies, breeds with equal readiness 
 almost throughout the country, and is one of the best known and most 
 abundant of its tribe. It nests in a field or orchard, generally near 
 water, laying four creamy or clay-colored eggs, blotched with blackish- 
 brown and neutral tint. From the Southern States, where it spends the 
 winter, as it also does much further south, it reaches the Middle dis- 
 tricts about the 15th of April, and is found along the streams and ponds 
 of the interior, as well as on the coast, ilany stop to breed all along 
 the line of migration, while others pass on at least to Labrador. Eggs 
 may be found all through June and July, according to latitude, and 
 perhaps in some cases more than one brood may be raised. 
 
 According to Mr. Trippe, in the mountains of Colorado this is the 
 only species of its family that is abundant throughout the summer. It 
 arrives at Idaho Springs early in May, leaving in September. It pushes 
 up all the larger streams to an altitude of 8,000 or 9,000 feet, and even, 
 occasionally, to the shores of the lakes near the timber-line. 
 
 19304 
 
 26 
 
 Wind River . . . 
 
 5 
 
 May 26, 1860 j F. V. Hayden. 
 
 7.50 
 
 .13.50 
 
 4.25 
 
 y; 
 
 ACTITUEUS BAETEAMIUS, (Wils.) Bp. 
 
 Bartramian Sandpiper or Tattler; Upland Plover. 
 
 Tringa lartramia, Wlls., Am. Orn. vii, 1813, 63, pi. 59, fig. 2.— Add., Syn. 1839, 231; B. 
 Am. V, 1842, 248, pi. 327.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 226 (breeding in Pennsylvania 
 and Illinois).— PuTX., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1-50, 216.— Trippe, iUd. vi, l.-:i71, 119 
 (Minnesota, abundant). 
 
 Tringa (Euliga) iartramia, Nutt., Man. li, 1834, 168. 
 
 Totanus bartramius, Tf.^lm., Man. ii, 1^20, 650.— Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 209; Syn. 1828, 
 262.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 391 (Saskatchewan).— AuD., Orn. Biog. iv, 
 1838, 24, pi. 303.— Hoy, Smiths. Rep. 1864, 438 (Missouri). 
 
 Actiturus bartramius, Bp., Saggio, 1831 ; List, 1838, .51.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 737.— Wheat., 
 Ohio Agric. Rep. No. 219.— Coues & Prent., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 416 (Washing- 
 ton, summer).— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 174.— Board.m., Pr. Bost. Soc. is, 1862, 129 
 (Maine, summer). — Veri:., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 1.53 (Maine, breeding).— 
 Allen, ibid, iv, 18G4, 78 (Massachusetts, breeding.)— Coces, ibid, v, 1868, 295 
 (New England, summer). — McIlwr., ibid, v, 1866, 93 (Canada West, uncom- 
 
ACTITURUS BAETEAMIUS, BARTRAMIAN SANDPIPER. 503 
 
 mon).— Lawr., Ann. Lye. 1861, 334 (Panama) ; 1868, 141 (Costa Rica) ; viii, 186G, 
 294iNew York).— ScL., Ibis, i, 18.59, 230 (Guatemala).— Deess., iUcl 1866, 38 
 (Texas).— Cab., J. f. O. iv, 418 (Cuba).— ScL., P. Z. S. 1860, 253 (Orizaba) ; 1866, 
 567 (Ucayali River) ; 1867, 979 (Pern) ; 1868, 169 (Venezuela); 1869, 598 (Peru).— 
 Lord, Pr. Roy. Arty. Inst, iv, 1-24 (Colvillo Bay).— Eeixii., Vid. Med. Nat. For. 
 1870, 38 (Brazil).— BuEM., Reise, 503 (La Plata).— CouES, Pr. Bost. Soo. xii, 
 1868, 123 (South Carolina, migratory).— Allen, Mem. Bost. Soo. i, 1868, 501 
 (Iowa).— Daix & Banx., Tr. Ohio. Acad, i, 1869, 293 (Fort Yukon).— Tuknis., 
 B. E. Pa. 1869, 32 (April to September).- Mays., Guide, 1870, 141 (Massachu- 
 setts, breeding).- Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 182 (Kansas and Colorado).— 
 Tbippe, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 241 (Iowa, breeding).— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 10 
 (Kansas, breeding).— Hart., Br. Birds, 1872, 137 (Great Britain,fourin3tanccs).— 
 Codes, Key, 1872, 260.— Scl. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1873, 309 (Peru).— Ridgw., Ann. 
 Lye. N. Y. X, 1874, 384 (Illinois). 
 
 Tiingoides barlramius, Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, — .— Woodh. Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 99 (Ar- 
 kansas).— Pelz., Orn. Bras. 310 (Brazil). 
 
 Tringoides (Bartramm) hartramius, Gray, Hand-list, iii, 1871, 46, No. 10281. 
 
 Actitis hartramius, Schl., M. P.-B. Scolopdccs, 78. 
 
 Tiinga Imigicauda, "Bechst., Viig. Deutscbl.— Naum., Nachtrage, pi. 38." 
 
 JeiiUirus longicaudus, Blas., List. B. Eur. ed. Newton, 1862, 18 (Germany and England). 
 
 Bartramius longicaudns, Bp., R. and M. Z. 1857. 
 
 " Tntanus melanopygius et campestris f ViElLL., Nouv. Diet." 
 
 Totanits variegatus, ViEiLL., Nouv. Diet, vi, 1816, 317 ; Gal. Ois. ii, 1825, 107, pi. 239. 
 
 Bartramia laticauda, Less., Traits d'Orn. 1831, 553. 
 
 Hab. — North America. North to the Yukon. Not observed in the United States 
 west of the Rocky Mountains. Atlantic coast to Nova Scotia. Breeds from the Middle 
 districts northward. Winters in Mexico, "West Indies, Central and South America, to 
 Brazil. Casual in Europe (Sweden, A'lZsson ; Germany, Naum., V. D. viii, 61 ; Gould, 
 B. Eur. pi. 313 ; Great Britain, Reid, Zool. 1852, 3330 ; Gueney, ibid. 3388 ; More, ibid. 
 1854,4254; Ballmoee, iSid. 1866, 37 ; Cornish Fn. 31 ; Yaeb., Br. Birds, ii, 633; Teaele, 
 111. Lond. News, .Jan. 20, 1855, with figure ; Moeeis, Br. Birds, iv, 296 ; See Harlmg, I. c). 
 Australia (Gould, B. Aust. Suppl. iv, 1867). 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4629, Fort Pierre; 4633, Fort Union; 4868,. Loup 
 Fork ; 5432, Medicine HilJ, 8988-91, Loup Fork and Platte River. 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' or by the later Expeditions. 
 
 Bartram's Tattler, or the "Upland Plover," as it is generally called by 
 sportsmen, is a bird of wide and general dispersion in the Western 
 Hemisphere, while its casual occurrence in Europe is attested, and it is 
 even stated to have been found in Australia. It inhabits at different 
 seasons nearly all of North America, and in winter pushes its migra- 
 tion even to Central and South America, as well as into the West Indies. 
 But it has not, to my knowledge, been found in the United States west 
 of the Eocky Mountains. It occurs in summer as far north as the 
 Yukon, though thousands of the birds also breed within the limits of 
 the United States. 
 
 On its presence and movements in the East I have made few observa- 
 tions, and know nothing beyond the general items familiar to all si)orts- 
 men who, with good reason, consider the Upland Plover, or Grass Plover, 
 as a prime game bird, wild and difficult to secure, best hunted from a 
 carriage, and capital for the table. It is said to breed from the IMid- 
 dle districts, as in Illinois and Pennsylvania, northward. The principal 
 shooting is done in August and September, as the birds move south- 
 ward by the end of the latter month. 
 
 In most parts of the West, between the Mississippi and the Rocky 
 Mountains, this Tattler, commonly known as the " Prairie Pigeon," is 
 exceedingly abundant during the migrations — more so than I can sup- 
 pose it to be in settled portions of the country. In Texas, I am told, it 
 occurs in flocks "of thousands." In Kansas, during the month of May, 
 it migrates in great numbers, being scattered over the prairies every- 
 where, and it is so tame that it may be destroyed without the slightest 
 artifice; I have seen it just escape being caught with the crack of a 
 coach- whip. Passing northward, it enters Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota 
 
 ;^- 
 
504 ACTITURUS BAETRAMIUS, BARTUAMIAN SANDPIPER. 
 
 the same month. About the middle of May it reaches the latitude of 
 Fort Eandall, with great numbers of Golden Plover and Esquimaux 
 Curlew, flecking the prairies everywhere. Its breeding habits may be 
 studied with perfect success in I^orthern Dakota, where it is the most 
 abundant of all the waders. We can scarcely cross a piece of prairie, 
 or travel a mile along the roads anywhere, without seeing it. Its gentle 
 and unsuspicious ways, its slender and graceful shape, and the beauty 
 of its markings, are all alike attractive, while the excellence of its flesh 
 is another point not less interesting, but less favorable for the bird. 
 Too many are destroyed at this season when they are pairing, for few 
 can resist the tempting shots, as the birds step along the road-side or 
 stand erect in the scanty grass, gazing at the passing vehicle with mis- 
 placed confidence. By the end of May those that are to breed further 
 north have passed on, while the remainder have paired and are about to 
 nest. 
 
 As soon as they are mated the pairs keep close company, being rarely 
 bej ond each other's call, and are oftenest seen rambling together through 
 the grass. At such times they seem very slender, as indeed they are, 
 overtopping the scanty herbage with their long, thin necks, swaying 
 continually in graceful motion. Their ordinary note at this, as at other 
 seasons, is a long-drawn, soft, mellow whistle, of a peculiarly clear, reso- 
 nant quality ; but beside this, they have a note peculiar, 1 believe, to 
 this period of their lives. This is a very loud, prolonged cry, sounding 
 more like the whistling of the wind than a bird's voice ; the wild sound, 
 which is strangely mournful, is generally uttered when the bird, just 
 alighted, holds its wings for a moment perpendicularly, before adjusting 
 them over its back. It is frequently heard in the night, all through the 
 breeding season, and is, I think, one of the most remarkiible outcries I 
 ever heard. There is yet another note that the Tattler utters, chiefly 
 wlien disturbed breeding ; this is a harsh scream, quickly and often 
 repeated, much like that given by other waders under the same circum- 
 stances. 
 
 In Northern Dakota the eggs are mostly laid by the second week in 
 June; the time is quite constant ; and, so far as I kn,ow, only one brood 
 is raised each year. The nest, like that of other bi/ds breeding on the 
 open prairie, is hard to find, as there is nothing whatever to guide a 
 search, and the herbage of the prairie, flimsy as it usually is at this 
 season, is sufficient to hide the variegated eggs which assimilate with 
 the colors of their surroundings. The nesting is quite similar to that 
 of the Curlews and Godwits. I have found nests on the open prairie 
 without landmarks; but, perhaps, oftener they are placed in the vicinity 
 of pools and sloughs, or along the edge of a piece of woods — always, 
 however, in an open spot. The female is a close setter, and will suffer her- 
 self to be almost trodden upon before she will quit her charge — ^indeed 
 nests are oftenest found by the fluttering of the female from under 
 ■one's feet. Early in incubation she generally flies to a little distance 
 and realights, walking leisurely about the grass; but if the eggs be far 
 advanced she is more solicitous, and will feign lameness, in hope of 
 drawing attention from the nest. The male soon joins her, and the pair 
 hover low of the ground, flying slowly around with incurved wings, 
 uttering their cries of distress ; and as several pairs are usually nesting 
 within hearing, they, too, become alarmed, and the general clamor is 
 continued until the intruder withdraws. The scene is much the same 
 as when the breeding places of the Curlews, Willets, or Godwits are 
 invaded. 
 
 The nest is flimsy — merely a few straws to keep the eggs from the 
 
ACTITURUS BAETEAMIUS, BAETEAMIAlSr SANDPIPER. 505 
 
 ground, in a slight depression. The eggs are ordinarily fouf in num- 
 ber, as usual among Waders. The numerous specimens I have collected 
 are somewhat notablj' constant in characters, both of size and coloration. 
 In dimensions they range from 1.90 by 1.30 inches, to 1.70 by 1.25, 
 averaging about 1.75 by 1.28. The ground is pale clay-color, or a very 
 light drab — sometimes the palest possible creamy-browu — with scarcely 
 a shade of olivaceous. They are spotted all over, but m,uch more thickly 
 at the larger end, with rather small, sharp, surface markings of umber- 
 brown, overlaying a smaller number of purplish gray shell-markings. 
 However thickly they may be sprinkled, the spots are rarely, if ever, 
 confluent into masses of any size, the largest I have seen not exceeding 
 the diameter of a pea. These larger blotches are irregular in contour, 
 but the smaller ones are mostly rounded. 
 
 Young birds are abroad late in June — curious little creatures, timid 
 and weak, led about by their anxious parents, solicitous for their well- 
 fare, and ready to engage in the most unequal contests in their behalf. 
 When half grown, but still in the down, the little creatures have a 
 curiously clumsy, top-heavy look ; their legs look disproportionately 
 large, like those of a young colt or calf; and they may be caught with 
 little difiBculty, as they do not run very well. I once happened upon a 
 brood, perhaps two weeks old, rambling with their mother over the 
 prairie. She sounded the alarm, to scatter her brood, but not before I 
 had secured one of them in my hand. I never saw a braver defence 
 attempted than was made by this strong-hearted though powerless bird, 
 who, after exhausting her artitices to draw me in pursuit of herself, by 
 tumbling about as if desperately wounded, and lying panting with out- 
 stretched wings on the grass, gave up hope of saving her young in this 
 way, and then almost attacked me, dashing close up and retreating 
 again to renew her useless onslaught. She was evidently incited to 
 unusual courage by the sight of her little one struggling in my hand. 
 At this downy stage the young birds are white below, finely mottled 
 with black, white, and rich brown above; the feet and under mandible 
 are light colored; the upper mandible is blackish. 
 
 Although these Tattlers are generally dispersed over the prairies dar- 
 ing the summer, yet they affect particular spots by preference. Away 
 from the river valleys, such spots are the numerous depressions of 
 rolling prairie, often of great extent, which are moist or even watery 
 at some seasons, and where the vegetation is most luxuriant. Here 
 they gather almost into colonies. Riding into some such si)ot in July, 
 when the young birds are being led about by their parents, some old 
 bird more watchful than the rest, or nearest to the person approaching, 
 gives the alarm with a loud outcry, the young scatter and liide, and all 
 the old birds are soon on wing; hovering in the air, o1 ten at a great 
 height, crossing each other's path, and ceaselessly vociferating their 
 displeasure. I have often seen a dozen or twenty overhead at once, all 
 from a little spot only a few acres in extent. Later in the season, when 
 all the summer's broods are on wing, they make up into flocks, often of 
 great extent, and old and young together assunie the ordinary routine 
 of their lives. They leave these northern regions early. I saw none 
 after the forepart of September. 
 
 The food of this Tattler is mainly insects, especially grasshoppers, of 
 which they must devour enormous quantities in the aggregate. They 
 also feed on other small animal substances, as well as upon various 
 berries. I have found them very well conditioned even in the spring, 
 and in the fall they grow surprisingly fat. They are a tender and well- 
 
506 TEYNGITES EUFESCENS, BUFF-BEE ASTED SANDPIPEE. 
 
 flavored bird. Being so delicate, they are easily killed, dropping to a 
 touch of the finest shot. 
 
 There is but little difference in the plumage of these birds at any 
 season, and their size is also quite constant. The sexes are not dis- 
 tinguishable by any outward marks (though the female averages slightly 
 larger than the male), and the young closely resemble the parents upon 
 their first complete feathering. In measuring a great number of fresh 
 specimens, 1 found the length to vary only from 11.50 to 12.75 ; the 
 extent, 21.50 to 23.00; the wing, 6.25 to 7.00 ; the tail is about .3.60 ; the 
 tarsus about 1.75; the bill, 1.00 to 1.25, measured along the culmen. 
 
 TRYNGITES EUFESCENS, (Vleill.) Cab. 
 
 Baff-l)reaste(l Sandpiper. 
 
 Tringa rufescens, Tieiix., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. xssiv, 1819, 470 (Louisiana) ; Ency. 
 Meth. ii, 1823, 1050; Gal. Ois. ii, 1825, 105, pi. 238.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 113.— 
 Bp., List, 1838, 50.— Tejim., Man. Oru. iv, 1840, 408.— AuD., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 
 451, pi. 265; Syn. 1839, 235; B. Am. v, 1842, 264, pi. 331.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 
 230.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 77.— Jenyxs, Man. 214.— Eyt., Cat. Br. B. 
 41.— Macgil., Man. ii, 68.— Gkay, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 579.— Jakd., Br. Birds, 
 iii, 235.— Yaee., Tr. Linn. Soc. XYi, 109, pi. 11; Br. Birds, iii, 60 (European).— 
 PUTN., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 217 (autumn, rare). 
 
 AcUturus nifescena, Bp.— Blas., List B. Eur. 1862, 18 (England and Heligoland). 
 
 Tnjngites rufescens, Cab., J. f. 0. iv, 418 (Cuba).— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 739.— Coop. & 
 Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 244 (Shoalwater Bay, migratory).- "Wheat., 
 Ohio Agr. Eep. 1860, No. 220.— Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 78 (migratory, 
 rare).— Coues, iUd.v, 1868, 296.— Dress., Ibis, 1866, 39 (Texas).— Lawr., Ann. 
 Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 294.— Scl. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1866, 199 (Ueayali, Eastern 
 Peru) ; 1866, 567 ; 1867, 754, 979.— CoUES, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1858, 123 (South 
 Carolina, migratoiy).- Tuknb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 32 (autumn, rare). — Dall & 
 Baxn., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 293 (Nulato and Sitka ; breeding abundantly in 
 the Anderson River region).— Ma vx., Guide, 1870, 142 (Massachusetts, migra- 
 tory, rare).— Codes, Key, 1872, 260, fig. 173.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 10 (occar 
 sional).— Scl. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1873, 309 (Peru).— Eidgw., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 
 1874, 385 (Illinois). 
 
 ActUis rufescens, ScHL., Eev. Crit. Ois. Eur. 92 ; M. P.-B. Scolopaces, 79. 
 
 Tringoides rvfescens, Pelz., Orn. Bras. 310 (Brazil, October to April). 
 
 Tringoides {Tryngites) rvfescens, Gr-vy, Hand-list, iii, 1871, 46, No. 10283. 
 
 Tringa suliriificoltis, Vieillot. (Gray and Schlegel.) 
 
 Tringa brevirosiris, Lichtexsteix. (Gray and Schlegel.) 
 
 Aciidurus noevius, Heerm., Pr. Phila. Acad, vii, 1854, 179; P. E. E. Eep. x, pt. vi, 1859, 
 20, pi. 6 (Texas). 
 
 Hob. — The whole of North America. Migratory in the United States. Eather un- 
 common along the eastern coast. Breeds in the interior of the fur countries, and in 
 Alaska. South America. Montevideo (Darwin, Voy. Beagle, Birds, 130 ; and as above). 
 Europe (Gouu), B. E. pi. 331 ; H^veting, Br. Birds, 1872, 138 ; numerous British in- 
 stances, with references). 
 
 [Note. — Examining the types of Tringa pamirostris, Peale, which has been referred 
 to T. rufescens, with a query, by Dr. Schlegel, and made a variety of the same by 
 Bonaparte, I find that not only is it au entirely diflferent bird, specifically, but that it 
 is scarcely congeneric. Having the extremely small bill of T. rufescens, this organ is 
 smaller still, slenderer, and without the peculiar forward outline of the feathers at its 
 base, which characterizes T. rvfescens. In the mounted specimens, the wings fall far 
 short of the end of the tail instead of reaching rather beyond. There is none of the 
 peculiar mottling of the primaries, which is such a strong feature of T. rufescens; the 
 tail is barred transversely, and there are other differences in coloration. Should it be 
 deemed worthy ot subgeueric separtion, it may be called ^chmorhynchus jmnirostris.l 
 
 Not obtained by any of the Expeditions. 
 
 Though usually classed as a Sandpiper in the genus Tringa, mainly, it would seem, 
 on account of its short, straight bill, this remarkably interesting little bird is really 
 a Tattler, and its nearest relative, among our species, is the Bartramian Tattler, 
 Actiturua liartramins. Its aspect is peculiar ; no other species very closely resembles it. 
 The bill is very short and small, and appears still more so by the great forward exten- 
 sion of the feathers on its base — to the nostrils on the upper mandible, still further on 
 
TRYNGITES EUFESCEXS, BUFF-BEEASTED SANDPIPEE. 507 
 
 tlie sides of the lower mandible, and all the way into the intenamal space. In any 
 plumage it may be recognized by tlie unique coloration of the primaries, which are 
 silvery-gray or white on the inner webs, beautifully and curiously mottled with fine, 
 wavy, black tracery. It has many names, both generic and specific, but appears to 
 have been first described by the voluminous French ornithologist above cited. 
 
 This species I have uever yet seen alive. Its habits, as described, 
 appear to be most like those of the Bartramian, in its preference for 
 dry fields and plains, -where it feeds upon grasshoppers and other in- 
 sects. In the United States, -where it is only kaown as a migrant, it 
 appears to be nowhere very abundant, and this is particularly the case 
 along the Atlantic coast. But great numbers nest in the Anderson 
 Eiver region, as shown by the large series of eggs in the Smithsonian, 
 and these must pass through the United States along some line of mi- 
 gration, where the species may yet be found in abundance. Dr. Cooper 
 calls it "common" at Shoalwat'er Bay, during the migration. Accord- 
 ing to Mr. Giraud, "the Buff-breasted Sandpiper is not a very common 
 bird, though its occurrence is by no means unusual. Almost every 
 season a few are observed along the sonthern shores of Long Islancl, 
 and during autumn we occasionally find it in our markets. * * * * 
 In August, 1841, 3Ir. Brasher met with a party of five on the shore of 
 Gowannus Bay, which number is larger than I have seen in one group. 
 He informs me that they appeared very gentle, allowing him to advance 
 within shooting distance without seeming to notice his presence. At 
 the first discharge of his gun (which procured him three), tlie sur\iviug 
 two made a short flight over the water, returning in a tew minutes to 
 the shore, at a short distance from where they had previously taken 
 wing, which gave him an opportunity of securing the whole number." 
 
 Of the very rare and scarcely known eggs of the Bufi'-breasted Sand- 
 piper I have examined about a dozen sets in the Smithsonian, all col- 
 lected by Mr. MacFarlane in the Anderson Eiver region and along the 
 Arctic coast to the eastward. They are very pointedly pyriform. The 
 following measurements indicate the size, shape, and limits of variation: 
 1.50 by 1.03; 1.48 by 1.10; 1.45 by 1.02 ; 1.40 by 1.04. The ground is 
 clay, sometimes with a slight olivaceous or drab shade, oftener with a 
 clear grayish cast, of rather peculiar shade. The markings are ex- 
 tremely bold and sharp, though not heavier than usual. Taking a speci- 
 men in which the markings are most distinct, we find heavy blotches 
 and spots of indeterminate size and shape all over the egg, but largest 
 and most numerous on the major half of the egg, of rich umber-brown, 
 deeper or lighter according to the quantity of pigment. Xearest these 
 blotched varieties come the splashed ones, in which the markings mass 
 more heavily about the larger end, and are elsewhere splattered over in 
 rather small markings. This is the more frequent pattern; and in some 
 cases the splashing hides the gTound-color at the large end. Other ex- 
 amples are spotted with rather narrow markings that seem to radiate 
 from the large end, becoming largest and thickest around the greatest 
 diameter of the egg, and being much smaller elsewhere. All the eggs 
 have the usual neutral or stone-gray shell-markings, and in most of 
 them there are at the large end a few spots or scrawls of blackish over 
 all the other markings. According to the labels, the nidificatiou is not 
 peculiar, the nest being a slight depression of the gTound, lined with a 
 few dried grasses or leaves. The eggs axe four in a majority of instances, 
 
508 NUMENIUS LONGIROSTRIS, LONG-BILLED CURLEW. 
 
 NUMENIU8 LONGlllOSTlMS, Wil8. 
 
 long-blllcd (Jurlew. 
 
 ScolojMx arquata var, /?, Gm., SyKt. Nat. i, 178H, CM. 
 
 Numenius arquata var. B, Lath., Ind. Oin. ii, 171K), 710. 
 
 Numeniu« loiiiiironlrin, "Wilh., Am. Oni. viii, )H14, 24, jil. 64, f. 4.— liP., Olw. Wilg. )8','r), 
 No. iud; Hyii. 1H28, 314; List, 18W, 49.— Sw. & Kicii., K. 1!. A. ii, ]«!!, 376.— 
 i\i:tt,, Man. ii, lKi4, 94.— Ai;d., Oni. Jiioj;. iii, IWl.'i, Si40 ; v, IHIi!), r.H7 ; ))1. y;;i ; 
 Hju. 1K!'J, -SA; 15. Am. vi, l84:i, I!.'), jil, :',:,:,. —Om., U. L. I. 1844, -271.— Wooijii., 
 .SitKf. ]{Bp. 18.r,;i, 08.— PuTN., I'r. Khh. Inst, i, V.-,(i, 21-^,— .N'lowji., 1'. R. R. Itcii. 
 vi, l'-.'i7, 99 (Ciiliforniii).- Hioni!M., i/jiV;. x, ]8.'!», pf. vi, 66 (Calil'oiiiiii).— IJD,, 
 B. N, A. 1858, ~V,.—lj,\ii}, I'r. i.'oy. Any. Inst, iv, V2r,.—(Ui(ii: & S(K;ii., N. H. 
 Wash. Tcr. 1866, i;4.").— (Jock.s, Pr. Pljiia. Acad, 1861, 2;i5.— ISdahi.m., Pr. Bost. 
 Soc. 186-^ i.\-, 129(Maine, n:iif;i;il.ory).— ViciiU., Pr. Ksh. Inst, ili, 18(i2, l.')9.— Ai.i.kn, 
 iftirf. iv, I8(i.l, H'.—Mc.li.wit., ibid, v, 18i;(;, iC! ((Jarjuda Wost, ran;).— (JoiiK.s, ibid. 
 V, lWi8, 2't(; (New I'.iigland).— 'I'lMi'i'i;, ibid, ix, 1871, 119 ('Minnesota). —Coijkm, 
 Pr. Pl.ila. Acad. 18(ii;,98 CArizoiia),~(J«i:i;s, Pr. liost. Soc. xii, 1868, W:.; (Koiitli 
 Carolina;.— IIoY, Sirjitli.H. Rep. 1864, 438 (MisKouri).— C'Aii., .1. C. (). iv, 349 
 ((Jiiha).— ScL., 1-". Z.S. 18(;4, 78 (Mexico). —DliJcs.s, Ibis, 1866,4(1 (Mafanioras).— 
 i^M.v., Ibis, 1866, 197 (Guatemala).— La WJ!., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866,294,— 
 Trii.Ni!., Ii. E. Pa. 1869, :',;>.— AUA'.^, Mem. Best, i, 1868, nOl (Iowa).— .M,*Y.\,, 
 Guide, 1870, 142.-Al;j:.\-, Bull. M. C, Z. ii, 1871, ;i.-,6 (Florida); iii, 1872, iw;^ 
 (Kauhah). — (J<n:i-;s, Pr. PLi!a. Acad. 1871, :"i(.N'oi til Carolina, reHid(;nt),— Mi;i:li., 
 U. ,S, Ocol. Surv. 1872, 701 (Utah).— Titii'J'J-;, Pr, Bost, Soc. xv, 1872, 241 (Iowa, 
 breeding).— FlN.scil, Abb. Nat. iii, 1870, 36:! filazatlai]).— (Jol;K.■^, Key, 1872, 
 262, fig. 174.— S.vow, Ji. Kans., 1873, 10.— KiUGW., Ann. Lye. NV V. x, 1874, 38.-) 
 (Illinois). 
 
 J^tuntviun riifiiH, ViKlLL., Galerie Ois. ii, 1825, 118, pi. 245 (in part). 
 
 NumeniuH occidaiialiH, Woowi., I'r. I'bila. Aead. vi, 18.52, 194 ; fSitgr. Rep. ]':;.53, 98, pi, 6 
 (Yonui;; ADiuquerque, New Mexico). 
 
 (?) XiimniHiiH mdanojiun, ViKJLL. 
 
 .,?) j\. hraMieiiHiH, M,\xi.m. (Brazil.) (Cray.) 
 
 JIuh. — IJnited 8tates and British Provinces, Breed.s nearly thronghont its range, 
 and resident in the .South, South to .Mexico, Guatemala (J to Brazil). Cuba, 
 Not oVjtained by Captain Kaynolds' Lxtjcdition. 
 Later IC'j-pi'dAliiiiiH. — .59871, Colorado; 61649, Utah. 
 
 The (Juilew issues from the egg clothed in whifi.sh down, thickly liloteljcd above 
 •with brownish-blaek, and with the bill straight, about an inch long. This member 
 rapidly grows to a lengtli of three or four inches, and becomes decurved. Up to the 
 time when the bill is still no longer than that of'.V. ImdHonicuH, if, may readily be distin- 
 guished from that species by the strong rufescence of the under )iarts, nearly clear of 
 the ha.state or sagittate dark markings which occur in A'. hudHDniciin ; by its rather 
 larger size, even at an early age, and the usual evidences of iuiuiaturity in the texture 
 of the plumage. .V. orxidentaJii of Woodhouse is a bird apparently of this sort. 
 
 Unlike our other two Hpecif.-.s of Curlew, tlie Lonff-billed is perfectly 
 at lionie in most parts of the United Stat(.-.s, rearing its .young even 
 down to our southern border. Its northern range is re.stii(;ted, appar- 
 ently, Ijy the rcj^ion of the Saskatchewan, as intimated by Richardson, 
 and the length of the British I'roviiices adjoining the United StHtes. I 
 wa.s, however, a.ssured of its occurrence in Jjubrador, though I did not 
 see it myself. In New England it appears to be rather uncommon, ac- 
 cording to all accounts, and I have found no record of its nesting in that 
 quarter. I found it resident on the North Carolina coast, when; it un- 
 doubtedly breeds. I found it breeding with Godwits and liartramian 
 Tattlers on the [irairies of .Minne.sota and Eastern i>akota, and likewise 
 observed it in June, apparently breeding, in New .Mexico, near Fort Win- 
 gate, just west of the liio Grande. I procured it at Fort Wliij)ple to- 
 ward the close of sumnjer. Dr. Woodhouse saw large flocks on the 
 prairies of Texas and the Indian Territory. According to the authors 
 above quoted, it breeds in Kansas and Iowa, as well as about Great Bait 
 Lake, in Utah. 
 
 It is by no means confined to the vicinity of the water, but, ou the 
 
HTFDSOXIAN CUELEW. 509 
 
 contrary, is often seen on extensive dry plains, where it feeds on various 
 molluscs, insects, and berries, which it deftly secures with its extra- 
 ordinarily long bill. The length and curve of this member, measuring 
 sometimes eight or nine inches in length, gives the bird a singular and 
 unmistakable appearance, either in flight or when gathering its food. 
 Its voice is sonorous and not at all musical. During the breeding sea- 
 son, in particular, its harsh cries of alarm resound when the safety of 
 its nest or young is threatened. In the fall, when food is plenty, it be- 
 comes very fat, and affords delicate eating. 
 
 Dr. Newberry found the Curlew quite abundant in the vicinity of San 
 Francisco, and throughout the Sacramento Valley during the autumn 
 and winter, though there were comparatively few in the summer before 
 the rainy season. " In our march," he adds, " through the Sacramento 
 Yalley and northward, we did not meet with it until we came down into 
 the plains bordering Pitt Eiver, above the upper canon. Here we found 
 them in immense numbers, and they formed a valuable addition to our 
 bill of fare. This prairie is entirely covered with water during the wet 
 season, as is proven by the myriads of aquatic shells (Planorbis, Phym, 
 &c.) scattered over the ground in the grass, and as it does not dry up so 
 completely as the other valleys, the Curlews apijarently pass the sum- 
 mer there. Around the Klamath Lakes and others of that group they 
 were abundant in August, and we found them associated with the Geese 
 and other water-birds, which were congregated in countless numbers on 
 the low lands borderfng the Columbia, in October." 
 
 The eggs of the Long-billed Curlew are not often so pyriform as among 
 the smaller waders, being in shape not unlike a hen's eggs. Different 
 specimens measure : 2.45 by 1.85 ; 2.60 by 1.80 ; 2.65 by 1.80 ; 2.70 by 
 1.90 ; 2.80 by 1.90. They are clay-colored, with more or less olivaceous 
 in some instances, and in others decidedly buffy shade. The spotting 
 is generally pretty uniformly distributed and of small pattern, though 
 in many cases there is larger blotching and even massing about the 
 great end. The color of the markings is sepia or umber, of different 
 shades in the buffy-tinged specimens, rather tending to chocolate. The 
 shell-markings are commonly numerous and evident. 
 
 ]SrUMEXIUS HUDSONICUS, Lath. 
 Hndsonlan Curlew. 
 
 Scolopax torealis, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 654 (not of Forster, 1772).— Wils., Am. Orn. vii. 
 1813, 22, pi. 56, fig. 1. 
 
 Xumenius iorealis, Okd, ed. Wjls. 1825.— Brew., ed. Wils. 1840, 473 (excluding the syn- 
 onymy which, with part of the account, belongs to true lorealia; description, 
 with most of the account, is of Tiuds^nicus). 
 
 Numenim hudaonieua, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 712 (based on Esquimaux Curlew, Arct. 
 Zool. ii, 461, No. 364, pi. 19, and Hudsonian Curlew, Lath., Syn. Suppl. vii, 243) — 
 Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 201 ; Syn. 1828, 314 ; List, 1838, 49.— Sw. & KiCH., F. B. A. 
 ii, 1831, 377.— NuTT., Man. ii, 1834, 97.— AuD., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 283 ; v, 589, pi. 
 237 ; Syn. 1839, 254 ; B. Am. vi, 1843, 42, pi. 356.— GiK., B. L. 1. 1844, 272 — Bd 
 B. N. A. 1858, 744.— Taylor, Ibis, ii, 1860, 313 (Fonseca Bav).— Reinh., Ibis, 
 iii, 1861, 10 (Greenland).— Dkess., ibid. 1866, 40 (Texas).— Salv., ibid. 197 
 (Chiapam, Gnat.).— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 224.— Coues, Pr. Phila. 
 Acad. 1861, 235 (Labrador).— Boardm., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 129 (Maine, mi- 
 gratory, rare).— Coues, ihid. xii, 1868, 123 (South Carolina, wintering).— Verr., 
 Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 1.59 (Maine, migratory, not common). — Allen, ihid. iv, 
 1864, 87 (Massachusetts, migratory, rare).— Coues, ibid, v, 1868, 296 (New En- 
 gland, migratory, rare).- McIlwk., ibid, v, 1866, 93 (Canada West).— Lawr., 
 Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1864, 101 (Sombrero) ; 1866, 294.— ScL. & Salv., P. Z. S. 
 1867, .333 (Chili) ; 1868, 176 (May).— Darw., Voy. Beagle, 129 (Chiloe).— Pklz., 
 Novara Eeise, 128 (Chiloe).— Phil., Cat. 34 (Chili).— Tcrkb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 32 
 (New Jersey, " plentiful ").— Dall & Bans., Tr. Chic, i, 1869, 293 (Alaska).— 
 
510 NUMENIUS BOEEALIS, ESQUIMAUX CURLEW. 
 
 Hayx., Guide, 1870, 142 (Massachusetts, migratory, rare).— FixsCH, Alib. Nat. 
 iii, l-'TO, 3a3 (Mazatlau).— Newt., P. Z. S. U'l, 57, pi. 4, fig. 3 ((.■{;};)•— Allex, 
 Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 356 (Florida, winter).— CouES, Key, 187-2, 2t)2.— S.xow, 
 B. Kans. 1873, 10.— Scl. & Saiv., P. Z. S. 1873, 456.— EiDGW., AuD. Lye. N. Y. 
 X, 1874, 3-5 (Illinois). 
 
 Xumeniiis intermedius, NcTT., Man. ii, 1834, 100. 
 
 Numenius rufiventris, VlG., Zool. Journ. iv, 1829, 356 ; Voy. Bloss. 1839, 28. 
 
 Xuniaiius pha'opus. Cab., Scbomb. Guiana, iii, 757. — Pelz., Oru. Bras. :')08. 
 
 yuTiienius brasiliensis, Maxim, et Bcem. (Sclater.) 
 
 Hah. — North America. Greenland. Central and South America. No West Indian 
 
 record. Breeds in high latitudes. Migratory through the United btates, wintering in 
 
 the Southern States and far beyond. 
 Not obtained by any of the Expeditions. 
 
 The Hiidsonian appear.s to be much less abundant everywhere in the 
 United States than either of the others, although generally distributed, 
 and moving over much the same area as the Esquimax Curlew. I found 
 it sparingly in Labrador, amid the countless thousands of N. borealis 
 that throng those shores in August and September. According to all 
 observers it is rare in New England, but more common on the New Jer- 
 sey coast. It is included among the birds of Kansas, on Prof. Baird's 
 authority. The extent of its southern dispersion in winter is as great 
 as that of N. borealis, and, like the latter, it breeds only in high lati- 
 tudes. I am not at all familiar with its habits, concerning which veiy 
 little has been recorded. 
 
 The eggs are always larger than those of K. iorealis, but cannot be 
 otherwise distinguished with certainty, for both show the great range 
 of variation indicated in my description of the latter. The size is from 
 2.12 to 2.30 iu length, by about 1.60 in width. 
 
 NUMEXIDS BOREALIS, (Forst.) Lath. 
 Esctuimanx Curlew, 
 
 Scolopax iorealis, Fokst., Philos. Trans. Ixii, 1772, 41 1 (not of Wilson). 
 Xumenius iorealis, Lath., Ind. Ora. ii, 1790, 712.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 314.— Bp., Am. Om. iv, 
 lis, pi. 26, fig. 3.— Bp., List,- 1838, 49.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, .378, pi. 
 6.5.— NuTT., ii, 1834, 101.— Add., Orn. Biog.iii, 1835, 69; v, 1839, 590; pi. 208.— 
 AuD., Sjn. 1839, 255.— Auc, B. Am. vi, 1843, 45, pi. 357.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 
 274. — PuTN., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 218 (Massachusetts, migratory, rare).— Bd., 
 B. N. A. 1858, 744.— CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, 236 (Labrador, migratorj-, 
 abundant). — Hayd., Rep. 1862, 175 (Upper Missouri, not uncommon). — Veiih., 
 Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 159.— Boahdji., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 129 (Calais, Me., rare, 
 migratory). — Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 67 (Massachusetts, rare, spring and 
 fall ; " occasional in uinter "(i ?). — Relnh., Ibis, iii, 1861, 10 (Greenland).— Salw, 
 aid. 356 (Central America).— Dress., iUd. 1866, 40 (Texas).— ScL., P. Z. S. 1867, 
 333 (Chili).— Lawk., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1868, 294.— Codes, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 
 1868, 296 (New England, migratory, not common). — Codes, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 
 1868, 123 (Sonth Carolina, winter (?).—Tdrnb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 33 (Jlay and 
 September, rarher rare).— Call & Baxx., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 293 (Alaska).— 
 Mayx., Guide, 1870, 142 (Massachusetts, migratory, not uncommon). — Newt., 
 P. Z. S., 1871, 56, pi. 4, fig. 1 (egg).— Allex, Bull. M. C. Z. 1871, 356 (Florida, 
 winter (?).—Allex, ihid. iii, 1872, 182 (Kansas, in June).— Codes, Key, l!^72, 
 2iJ2.— Sxow, B. Kans. 1873, 10.— ScL. & S.iLV., P. Z. S. 1873, 456.— Ridgw., Ann. 
 Lye. N. Y. X, 1874, 385 (Illinois).— Dres.s., B. Eur. pt. xvi, 1873 (Europe). 
 Numeniits brevirostris. Light., Verz., 1823, 75.— Darw., Voy. Beagle, iii, 129 (Buenos 
 
 Ayres).— Pelz., Orn. Bras. 308 (Brazil). 
 yiimetiius microrhyncltus, Phil. & Laxdb., Wieg. Arch. 1866, 129 (Chili); Cat. 35. 
 
 Hab.—'Sorth and Middle America. Not recorded west of the Rocky Mountains. 
 Alaska. Breeds within the Artie circle. Migratory through the United States, where 
 rarely if ever observed to winter, never to breed. Extraordinarily abundant in Lab- 
 rador in Angust. Winters in Middle and South America. No West Indian record. 
 Accidental iu Europe (Great Britain, four instances. Hart., Man. Br. Birds, 1872, 145). 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 4881, 5572, Upper Missouri River. 
 Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition, nor by the later ones. 
 
 The Esquimaux Curlew migrates through the Missouri region, in 
 
NUMENIUS BOREALIS, ESQUIMAUX CUELEW. 511 
 
 immense numbers, in May. During the second week of that month 1 
 saw numerous flocks of fifty to several hundred on the prairies along 
 the road between Fort Eandall and Yaukton. Snow, many feet in depth, 
 still filled the ravines, where it had accumulated from the memorable 
 storm of April 15-17, but the hills and flat prairie were bare, soft, and 
 oozy, and about springing into the life of the new season. The Cur- 
 lews were scattered everywhere, dotting the prairie with the Bartramian 
 Sandpipers and Golden Plovers, in large, loose flocks, which, as they 
 fed, kept up a continuous, low, piping noise, as if conversing with each 
 other. Their return in the fall along this line of migration, I have not 
 remarked ; but my observations in Labrador, in 1860, were extended. 
 I quote from my article in the Philadelphia Proceedings, above cited : 
 
 " The Curlews associate in flocks of every size, from three to as many 
 thousand, but they generally fly in so loose and straggling a manner 
 that it is rare to kill more than half a dozen at a shot. When they 
 wheel, however, in any of their many beautiful evolutions, they close 
 together in a more compact body, and offer a more favorable opportunity 
 to the gunner. Their flight is firm, direct, very swift, when necessary 
 much protracted, and is performed with regular, rapid beats. They 
 never sail, except when about to alight, when the wings are much in- 
 curved downward, in the manner of most waders. As their feet touch 
 the ground, their long, pointed wings are raised over the back, until 
 the tips almost touch, and then deliberately folded, much in the man- 
 ner of the Solitary Sandpiper (Rhyacopliilus soUtarius). Their note is an 
 often-repeated, soft, mellow, though clear, whistle, which may be easily 
 imitated. By this means they can readily be decoyed within shot, if 
 the imitation is good and the gunner is careful to keep concealed. The 
 smaller the flock the more easily are they allured, and a single indi- 
 vidual rarely fails to turn his course toward the spot whence the sound 
 proceeds. When in very extensive flocks, they have a note which, when 
 uttered by the whole number, I can compare to nothing but the chat- 
 tering of a flock of Blackbirds. When wounded and taken in hand, 
 they emit a very loud, harsh scream, like that of a common hen under 
 similar circumstances, which cry they also utter when pursued. 
 
 "Their food consists almost eutii-ely of the crow-berry {Empctrum ni- 
 grum), which grows on all the hill-sides in astonishing profusion. It is 
 also called the 'bear-berry' and 'curlew-berry.' It is a small berry, 
 of a deep purple color, almost black, growing upon a procumbent, run- 
 ning kind of heath, the foliage of which has a peculiar moss-like ap- 
 pearance. This is their principal and favorite food, and the whole 
 intestine, the vent, the legs, the bill, throat, and even the plumage, .are 
 more or less stained with the deep purple juice. They are also very 
 fond of a species of small snail that adheres to the rock in immense 
 quantities, to procure which they frequent the land-washes at low tide. 
 Food being so abundant, and so easily obtained, they become excess- 
 ively fat. In this condition they are most delicious eating, being tender, 
 juicy, and finely flavored ; but, as might be expected, they prove a very 
 diflScult job for the taxidermist. 
 
 " Although the Curlews were in such vast numbers, I did not find 
 them so tame as might be expected, and as I had been led to suppose 
 by previous representations. I was never able to walk openly within 
 shooting distance of a flock, though I was told it was often done. The 
 most successful method of obtaining them is to take such a position as 
 they will probably fly over in passing from one feeding ground to 
 another. They may then be shot with ease, as they rarely fly high at 
 such times. The pertenacity with which they cling to certain feeding 
 
512 NIMENIUS BOEEALIS, ESQUIMAUX CURLEW. 
 
 grounds, even when much molested, I saw strikingly illustrated on one 
 occasion. The tide was rising and about to flood a muddy flat, of per- 
 haps an acre in extent, where their favorite snails were in great quan- 
 tities. Although six or eight gunners were stationed upon the spot, and 
 kept up a continual round of tiring upon the poor birds, they continued 
 to fly distractedly about over our heads, notwithstanding the numbers 
 that every moment fell. They seemed in terror lest they should lose 
 their accustomed fare of snails that day. On another occasion, when 
 the birds had been so harassed for several hours as to deprive them of 
 all opportunity of feeding, great numbers of them retired to a very 
 small island, or rather a large pile of rocks, a few hundred yards from 
 the shore, covered with sea-weed and, of course, with snails. Flock 
 after flock alighted on it, till it was completely covered with the birds, 
 which there, in perfect safety, obtained their morning meal." 
 
 Some of these Curlews may winter on our southern border, but I am 
 not aware that such is the case. The great extent of their southward 
 movement at this season into Central and South America may be gath- 
 ered from the above citations, which attest their presence in Brazil, 
 Chili, and Buenos Ayres. For their summer resorts we must turn to 
 the far North, where the species breeds in numbers commensurate with 
 the hordes that pass regularly through the United States. They occur 
 on the Yukon Eiver, though they are not yet known to take up a line of 
 migration along the Pacific side of the Eocky Mountains. (Compare, 
 however, Seerm., P. E. E. Eep. x, pt. vi, 66.) We learn of extensive 
 breeding-grounds from the series of eggs transmitted to the Smithso- 
 nian, by Mr. MacFarlane, from the Arctic coast, east of Anderson Eiver. 
 
 This species breeds in great numbers in the Anderson Eiver region, 
 usually making up its nest-compleraent of four eggs by the third week 
 in June. The nest is generally in an open plain, and is a mere depression 
 of the ground, lined with a few dried leaves or grasses. The eggs vary 
 to the great extent usually witnessed among waders. The ground is 
 olive-drab, tending either to green, gray, or brown in different instances, 
 The markings, always large, numerous and bold, are of different depths 
 of dark chocolate, bistre, and sepia brown, with the ordinary stone-gray 
 shell spots. They always tend to aggregate at the larger end, or, at 
 least, are more numerous on the major half of the egg ; though in a few 
 instances the distribution is nearly uniform. Occasionally the butt end 
 of the egg is almost completely occupied by confluence of very dark 
 markings. Eggs vary from 1.90 by 1.40 to 2.12 by 1.33, averaging 
 about 2.00 by 1.45. 
 
SUBORDER jLLlljXtUJJiUJNJlib I HERONS AUD THEIR ALLIES. 
 
 Family TANTALID^ : Ibises, &c. 
 
 Ibises inhabit the warmer ijarts of both hemispheres. They are nearly related to 
 Herons, but diifer in the shape of the bill, sometimes thick and heavy, or even spoon- 
 shaped, sometimes Tery long, slender, and decurved, like a Curlew's; in the more or 
 leas extensive baldness of the head, absence of pectination of the middle claw, and 
 other characteristics. We have several species, the Wood, Glossy or Bay, White, and 
 Red Ibis, and the Spoonbill, which also belongs here. The Jabiru of tropical America 
 (Mycteria ammcana), may be brought under this family, though generally referred to the 
 Storks (Ciconiidffi). This singular bird was once taken in Texas, though the fact is 
 known to few, the bird having been but lately introduced to our fauna (CorES, Check- 
 list, 1874, App. 135, No. 4486is). 
 
 Two species of Ibis, the Wood and Bay, are known to occur so near the Missouri 
 region, that I shall introduce them here, confident that they have a place about the 
 mouth of the river, though not yet actually detected there. 
 
 Subfamily Taktalinje : ^Yood Ibises. 
 
 TANTALUS LOCULATOE, Linn. 
 
 Wood Ibis. 
 
 Tantalus locuJatm;l.J^-^., Svst. Nat. i, 1766, 240 (Cates., i, SI ; Brass., v, 335).— Gm., 
 Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 647.— Lath., Ind. Cm. ii, 1790 (Wood Ibis, Arct. Zool. ii,No. 
 360; Gen.Svn. v, 104 ; PI. Eul. 8(i8j.— WrL!3.,Am.0m. viii, 1814,39,pl. 66,f. 1.— 
 Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 197; Syn. 1828, 310; List, 1838, 48; Consp. ii, 1855, 
 149.— Wagl., Isis, 1831, 530.— Ndtt., JJau. ii, 1834, 82.- Ai'D., Om. Biog. iii, 
 1835, 128, pi. 216 ; Syn. 1839, 259 ; B. Am. vi, 1843, 64, pi. 361.— Ke^'x., Pr. 
 Phila. Acad, v, 1850, 391- (Southern Illinois). — GusD., J. f. O. iv, 18.j6 348 
 (Cuba).— Bd., B. X. A. 1858, 652.- ScL., Ibis, i, 1859, 227 (Guatemala).— ScL., 
 P. Z. S. 1860, 253 (Orizaba) ; iiid. 290 (Ecuador).— La WR., Ann. Lvc. 1861, 334 
 (Panama).— Dbess., Ibis, 1866, 32 (Texas).- Sex. & Saev., P. Z. S. Ie66, 199 ; 
 1873, 305 (Ucayali, Peru).— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, p. 21 of reprint 
 (quotes IDinois and Wii^consiu).— CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 18e6, 96 (Colorado 
 River up to Fort Mojave).— CouES, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868. 123 (South Caro- 
 lina).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 360 (Florida).— Pelz., Orn. Bras. 305 
 (Brazil).— Reixh., Vid. Med. Nat. Forh. 1870, 23 (Brazil).- CoUES, Kev, 1872 
 262, fig. 175.— RiDGW., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 385 (Illinois). 
 
 Tantalus plumicoUis, Spix, Av. Bras. pi. 85. 
 
 "Ibis nandasson ; I. nandapoa, Vieill." {Gray ^- iJp.) 
 
 Hab. — South Atlantic and Gulf States, and across in corresponding latitudes to the 
 Colorado River. North to Ohio, Illinois, and the Carolinas (accidentally to Penn- 
 sylvania, Chester County ; Vincent Barnard, in letter to Prof. Baird). Cuba. Mexico. 
 Central and South America. La Plata {Burmeister). 
 
 The Wood Ibis is a remarkable and interesting bird. In its general 
 size, shape and color, it might be likened to a Crane, being about lour 
 feet long, and standing still higher when erect; white in color, with 
 black-tipped wings and black tail. The head is peculiar, being entirely 
 bald in the adult bird, and having an enormously thick, heavy bill 
 tapering and a little decurved at the end. In Florida it is sometimes 
 called the " Gannet " ; on the Colorado it is known as the Water Turkey. 
 
 Mr. Allen found the birds common in the Upper Saiut John's, in 
 Florida. " In March they were undergoing their spring moult, and were 
 consequently in poor plumage. According to Dr. Bryant, who, so far 
 as I am aware, is the first and only writer who has minutely described 
 their eggs and breeding habits, incubation is generally commenced by 
 33 
 
514 TANTALUS LOCULATOE, WOOD IBIS. 
 
 the first of April. Dr. Bryant visited two of tlieir breeding places, one 
 of wliicli was between New Smyrna and Enterprise, in a large cypress 
 swamp on the border of Lake Ashby. He estimated that a thousand 
 pairs were breeding there. There is a singular discrepancy in the 
 accounts of authors in respecH to the habits of this bird. Bartram 
 mentions It as solitary in its habits, not associating in flocks. Audu- 
 bon, always iinding it in large flocks, calls attention to this remark of 
 Bartram's as being wholly erroneous. Dr. Bryant fully corroborates 
 Bartram's account, and censures Audubon for not remembering that 
 birds vary in their habits at different times and places. He says he 
 never saw it in flocks except at its breeding places, and that they 
 usually went off and returned either singly or in pairs. I almost invari- 
 ablj' saw them in flocks, both at their feeding grounds and flying in 
 the air, they varying in number from a dozen to a hundred. While 
 more or less gregarious at all times, they often doubtless also separate 
 into pairs, or wander singly." My experience agrees with Mr. Allen's, 
 as the following account will show. 
 
 While I would not advise the reader to visit such an uncomfortable 
 place as Fort Yuma, from any great distance, merely to study the hab- 
 its of this bird, yet, if he should by any unfortunate chance find him- 
 self at the " Botany Bay of America " (as I have heard it called in the 
 Army), he will have an excellent opportunity of doing so ; for the Water 
 Turkeys are very common there. Meanwhile, let my experience answer 
 the purpose. 
 
 We will walk abroad, in imagination, this fine September morning. 
 We leave camp as soon as it is light enough to see, for when the sun is 
 two or three hours high, we shall be glad enough to return to the shel- 
 ter of the verandah. Just now it is pleasant and comparatively cool, 
 for since midnight the thermometer has fallen below 90° ; it was 115° 
 in the shade yesterday afternoon, and will mark 100°, perhaps, to-day, 
 at breakfast time, when we return with an Ibis or two. Xo wonder we 
 prefer early rising. 
 
 The Colorado makes a broad bend around the bluff we stand on, a 
 promoiitory with a neck of low laud, and the water on either side. The 
 Ibises will very likely be found in this swampy covert, into which we 
 descend by a steep, well-worn path, and are at once lost in the bushes. 
 Certainly, it is hard work to push along ; the bushes are thick and 
 determined enough to hold us back, even were they such well-disposed 
 and respectable members of the vegetable kingdom as grow in civilized 
 countries. But in Arizona, " no bush without a thorn ; " even the oaks 
 have prickly leaves. Wide-spreading mimosas stretch out their skinny 
 arms and clutch us, and the claws of straggling acacias and mezquites 
 take hold. Lesser shrubs rattle i)rickly seeds around us ; we are con- 
 fronted with great piles of driftwood, and hedged about with compact 
 heaps of twigs and rushes, stranded by the last overflow. But fortu- 
 nately the place is intersected with cattle-paths, along which we can 
 thread a devious way ; and though no Ibises are yet in sight, plenty of 
 other birds whistle and chirp encouragement. Coveys of Plumed Quail 
 are trooping along half-covered ways, clinking in merry concert ; Abert's 
 Finches rustle in every tangle ; in the green willow clumps Orange- 
 crowned Warblers are disporting, and sipping dew from leafy, scroll- 
 like cups. Now the path grows soft and oozy — we must take care, and 
 leap from log to log, or we shall sink up to the knees ; while here and 
 there the shallow, stagnant pools we are searching for appear. It is 
 to be hoped some Ibises are feeding around them ; let us creep now as 
 quietly as we can, and, if inclined to curse the twigs that crackle under 
 
TANTALUS LOCULATOE, WOOD IBIS. 515 
 
 foot, let us do it in an nndertone. We peer now tlirongh a thick fringe 
 of arrow-wood, but only in time to see a flock of Ibises burryiiig over 
 the tops of the copse beyond, croaking dismally, it seems to us, though 
 doubtless in exultation. Never mind ! we are used to this sort of thing, 
 and know that neither pet nor wild birds always do just as we would 
 have them— but what is this ! " Croak, croak, croak ! " right overhead ; 
 a pair of birds, flapping along from the direction we have come, doubt- 
 less to join the feasting party they expected to find here. That was a 
 good shot! so was that! An Ibis each time, at forty or fifty yards. 
 There lie the birds, one quite dead, floating on the slimy pool, the 
 other winged, with a pellet in his brain, too, perhaps, he tumbles so 
 wildly over the mud, soiling his snowy plumage. How the birds for 
 half a mile around are croaking! there'll be no more shooting at this 
 particular spot ; we may as well go home to breakfast. It is eight 
 o'clock, and already the sun glares fiercely. 
 
 We have skinned and put away the dead Ibises, after careful meas- 
 urements, and noting the colors of the parts that fade in drying. The 
 usual question arises, how to worry through with the day, as we loiter, 
 sweating, half undressed, under the verandah on the shady side of the 
 house. To go out after birds at noon-day is impossible ; will not some 
 birds kindly come to us 1 Fulfilment we have, even in the expression 
 of the wish; there are birds to lend wings to leaden hours even during 
 the sun's reign of terror at Fort Yuma. A long white line, dimly seen at 
 first in the distance, issues out of the gray-green woods. It is a troop 
 of Wood Ibises, leaving their heated covert for what seems the still 
 less endurable glare of day, yet reckoning well, for they have before en- 
 joyed the cooler currents of the upper air, unheated by reflection from 
 the parched and shrinking sands. They come nearer, rising higher as 
 they come, till they are directly over head, in the bright blue. Flap- 
 ping heavily until they had cleared all obstacles, then mounting faster 
 with strong, regular beats of their broad wings, now they sail in circles 
 with wide-spread, motionless pinions, supported as if by magic. A 
 score or more cross each other's jiaths in interminable spirals, their 
 snowy bodies tipped at the wing-points with jetty black, clear cut 
 against the sky ; they become specks in the air, and finally pass froni 
 view. 
 
 I am not aware that the Ibises circle about as I have described at 
 particular hours of the day, but I generally saw them so occupied in the 
 forenoon. The habit is constant with them, and quite characteristic. 
 They are often joined by numbers of Turkey Buzzards — birds that have 
 the same custom. Those familiar with the aerial gyrations of these birds, 
 when, away from their loathsome feasts, they career high over head, 
 will have, by adding to the Buzzard's movements the beauty of plumage 
 that the Ibises possess, a good idea of the pleasing appearance of the 
 latter. Audubon says that their evolutions are performed when diges- 
 tion is going on, and continued until they again feel the cravings of 
 hunger. He has so well described their mode of feeding, that I cannot 
 do better than quote his paragraph. "The Wood Ibis," he says, " feeds 
 entirely upon fish and aquatic reptiles, of tvhich it destroys an enormous 
 quantity, in fact more than it eats ; for if they have been killing fish for 
 half an hour, and gorged themselves, they suffer the rest to lie on the 
 water untouched, to become food for alligators. Grows, and Vultures. 
 To procure its food, the Wood Ibis walks through shallow, muddy lakes, 
 or bayous, in numbers. As soon as they have discovered a place abound- 
 ing in fish, they dance, as it were, all through it, until the water becomes 
 thick with the mud stirred from the bottom with their feet. The fishes, 
 
516 TANTALUS LOCULATOE, WOOD IBIS. 
 
 on rising to the surface, are instantly struck by the beak of the Ibises, 
 and on being deprived of life they turn over and so remain. In the 
 course of ten or fifteen minutes, hundreds of fishes, frogs, young alli- 
 gators, and water-snakes, cover the surface, and the birds greedily swal- 
 low them until they are completely gorged, after which they walk to the 
 nearest margins, place themselves in long rows, with their breasts all 
 turned toward the sun, in the manner of Pelicans and Vultures, and 
 thus remain for an hour or so." 
 
 The great abundance of the Wood Ibis on the Colorado, especially 
 the lower portions of the river, as at Fort Tuma, has not been generally 
 recognized until of late years. It is probably as numerous there as any- 
 where in the United States, though I have never seen flocks " composed 
 of several thousands," such as Audubon speaks of. Oftenest the num- 
 bers together would fall short of an hundred, and single birds were very 
 frequently seen flapping overhead or wading in the shallow pools. But 
 they are like all of their great tribe, gregarious birds, spending most of 
 their time in each other's society. I doubt that any are found on the 
 Colorado higher than Fort Mojave. They probably occur along the 
 greater part of the Gila, but how far up I am unable to say. I have 
 not noticed them in Arizona except on these two rivers. Wherever 
 found in the Territory they are permanent residents, as elsewhere in 
 most parts of the United States. In the Eastern province they reach 
 to the Carolinas. They are said to ascend the Mississippi to Ohio; but 
 the swampy tracts and bayous of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and 
 Florida, are, with the lagoons of the lower Colorado, their favorite 
 homes. I do not know of them in California, except as along the river 
 just named. 
 
 The carriage of the Wood Ibis is firm and sedate, almost stately; 
 each leg is slowly lifted and lalanted with deliberate precision, before 
 the other is moved, when the birds walk unsuspicious of danger. I 
 never saw one run rapidly, since on all the occasions when I have been 
 the cause of alarm, the bird took wing directly. It springs powerfully 
 from the ground, bending low to gather strength, and for a little distance 
 flaps hurriedly with dangling legs, as if it was much exertion to lift so 
 heavy a body. But fairly on wing, clear of all obstacles, the flight is 
 firm, strong, and direct, performed with continuous moderately rapid 
 beats of the wing, except when the birds are sailing in circles as above 
 noted. When proceeding in a straight line the feet are stretched hori- 
 zontally backward, but the head is not drawn closely in upon the 
 breast, as is the case with Herons, so that the bird presents what may 
 be called a top-heavy appearance, increased by the thick large bill. 
 
 The eggs of the Wood Ibis are like Heron's, in being nearly ellipsoi- 
 dal, but differ from these, as well as from those of the Bay Ibis, in color, 
 which is uniform dull white, without markings. The shell is rather 
 rough to the touch, with a coating of softish, flaky, calcareous sub- 
 stance. A specimen that I measured was exactly 2f inches in length 
 by If in breadth. Two or three are said to be a nest-complement. Ac- 
 cording to Audubon the young are entirely dusky -gray, with brownish- 
 black wings aud bill. The head is at first covered, but becomes par- 
 tially bare after the first moult. Four years are said to be required for 
 the bird to iittain its full plumage, though it may breed at two or three 
 years of age, and is largely white or whitish after the first moult. The 
 head and upper part of the neck of the adult are wholly bare, and of a 
 livid bluish color, tinged with yellowish on the forehead. The bill is 
 yellowish ; the legs blue, becoming blackish on the toes, aud tinged with 
 yellow on the webs. The female is considerably smaller than the male. 
 
IBIS FALCINELLUS VAE. OEDII. GLOSSY IBIS. 617 
 
 SubfamUij Ibidix^ : True Ibises. 
 
 IBIS FALCIXELLUS var. OEDII (Bp.) Cones: 
 Glossy or Bay Ibis. 
 
 Tanlalus mexicanus, Ord. Jonrn. Pliila. Acad, i, ISIT. 53 i New JerserV 
 
 IbisfaJeinelliis, Bp., Obs. Wils. IrJ.'S. Xo. 19l» : Am. Oru. ir. 1-:U. 23. pi. -23. f. 1 ; Syn. 1-J-. 
 31'2. — XuTT., Man. ii, 1S!4. ^?. — AuD., Oru. Biog. iv, 1-;!t. 60-.pl. o?7 : Sm. 
 ■r>T ; B. Am. vi, 1-43. 50, pi :':-.— Emm.. Cat. B. Ma.-s. ISIo, 5.— Peab., Eep." B. 
 llass. l?oii, 365. — LtNJL.. Am. Jonrn. Sci. xliv. 1^43. -3*; ^Connecticut). — PcTX., 
 Pr. Ess. Inst. i. l^.'fi, '330 iMassachusettsV— Cabot, Pr. Bost. Soo. iii. 313. Moli. 
 :S5: iv, 346.— Anu-c, Bnll. il. C. Z. ii. 1^71. 361 (Florida'.— Hi Dsox, P. Z. s. 
 IrTO, 799 (biography'i.^RlDGW.. Ann. Lye. X. Y. x, lt74, om; (Illinois). 
 
 Ibis faleindlus var. ordii. CoiF.s, Key. 1^T J. OiiS. 
 
 Ibis ordii. Bp.. List. lr:l^. 49.— Bd.. B. X. A.. 1-5?, 6:>5.— Wheat.. Ohio Agric. Eep. liiV), 
 Xo. IPO (one or two occasions). — Allex, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1n34. -<!i i^Massachn- 
 sens. occasional, inegular). — LiyVR.. Ann. Lye. X. Y'. viii, l^ijt3. ■2i>3 i^Xew York, 
 rare"). — CorES, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 15l■^, iiO v^LissaeLiiSflts. except ion;illj-). — 
 CouES. Pr. Bost. Soc.xii, 1m"^. 103 (South Carolina, summer), — Turn.. B.E. Pa. 
 1S19. 44 (X'ew Jersey, occasional"!. — Mayx., Guide. 1-70, 145 ^ Massachusetts >. — 
 Attt- \- Am. Xat. iii, 1-70, 637 (Massachusetts andXen" Hampshire). 
 
 Faldndhis ordii, Up., Consp. ii. 1-^o5. 150.— Ctn es. Pr. Phila. Acad. ISOu, 9(3 (Arizona). 
 In the present nncertainty attending the discrimination of species. I only quote the 
 
 references to the ordinary X'orth American bird. 
 
 Mab. — TJnit«d States, southerly, straying north to Massaclmsens and Ohio. 
 
 The Glossy Ibis is not fio^ired iu Wilson's OrnithologY, and remained 
 an unknown inhabitant of the United Stares np to the termination of 
 that author's labors. In 1S17 a specimen was taken iu Xew Jersy. and 
 anuounced by Mr. Oixi under the name of laittahis meiicaruis. Siuee 
 that time it has been found at irregular intervals along our coast, chiefly 
 in the Southern and Middle districts, but occasionally as far north as 
 Massachusetts: where, ho"vrerer, its occurrence must be considered as 
 accidental. Audubon says that he found it in flocks in Texas, but gives 
 only a meagre account of its habits, yuttall's article is mainly an ac- 
 count of Ibises in general, devoted principally to mention of ancient, 
 and particularly Egyptian, chronicles and superstitions regarding them. 
 The United States species was first separated under the name of ordii 
 by Bonaparte, 1S3S. 
 
 The eggs of Ibises are very difierentfrom those of Herons. The shell 
 is heavier, rougher, and more granular, the difference in texture being 
 very apparent : and are ovoidal, not ellipsoidal, with considerable dif- 
 ference in the degree of convexity of the two ends. Those of the Glossy 
 Ibis measure from 1.90 by l.io to 2.10 by 1.50. and are of a doll greenish- 
 blue color, without marfciugs. The number usually deposited is believed 
 to be three. 
 
 Family AEDEIDJE: Herons. 
 
 Subfamily AEDEix.a;: True Herons. 
 
 AEDEA HERODIAS. Linn. 
 
 Great Bine Heron. 
 
 Ardea berodim, Ltn-n.. Syst. X"at. i, 1766, 037 ^based on Cates.. iii. 10. and Bmss,, v, 
 416).- Gm.. Syst.' Xat. 17Sr, 030.— Lath,. lud. Orn. ii, 1700, I'OC (Aret, Zool. ii, 
 •234 : Gen. Svii. v. S5\— "n'lLS.. Am. Orn. viii. 1^14. 0-, pi. 65. tig. 5.— Temm., Man. 
 ii, 1--30. SiW.— Bp..Obs."Wils. Ir25. Xo. 15S; Svu, l--2r,3o4: List. 1-3-. 47 : Consp. 
 ii, IS.Vi. 11-2.— Sw, & Rich.. F. B. A. ii, l^ol. :T7:1 (Hudson's Bav\— Xutt., Man. 
 ii, 1534, 42.— ACD., Om. Biog. iii, 1-35, -7 ; v, 59i> : pi. -211 ; Svu. 15C.0. 265; B. 
 
518 AEDEA HEKODIAS, GREAT BLUE HERON. 
 
 Am. vi, 1543, 122, pi. 369.— GiR., B. L. I. 1544, •^7i^.—T)^R\v., Yoy. Beagle, 123 
 (Galapagos). — Woodh., Sitgr. Eej). l-'-oS, 97 (Arkansas, Texas, and Nuw Mcx- 
 ico).«-PuTN., Pr. E.S8. lust, i, 15.36, 215 (Massachusetts, sniumur). — Glnhf... .J. 
 f. O.dv, 1856, 340 (Cuba, breeds).— News., P. E. E. Kep. vi, li^57, 97 (California, 
 common).— Bd.,B. X. A. 1555, C65.— SCL., lljis, i, I'^'iiO, 220 (Guateuiala).— N'kwt., 
 ibid. 263 (Santa Cruz).— Bry., Pr. Bost. Soc. 1539 (Bahamas).— Heei!M., P. R. 
 R. Rep. X, 15.59, pt. vi, 63 (California).- Coop. & Suck., X. H. Wash. Ter. l-TiO, 
 225 (Puget Sound).- IL\YD., Rep. 1562. 173.— Wheat., Ohio At,rric. Rep. 15(;u, 
 No. 155.— Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1660, 196(Atrato).— Coues & Prent., Smiths. 
 Rep. 2561, 415 (Washington, summer).- ScL., P. Z. S. 1561, 51 (Ji.maica).— 
 BOARDM., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1562, 128 (Maine, breeds, common). — Verr., Pr. Ess. 
 Inst, iii, 1662, 153 (Maine, breeds). — Au.F.s,iMd. iv. 1564,76 (Massachusetts, 
 breeding).— McIlwr., Hid. 1866, 91 (Canada West).— Coues. ibid, v, 1565, 259.— 
 L.vwR., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1863 (Panama) ; viii, 1864, 99 (Sombrero) ; ix, 1868, 
 152 (Costa Rica); 210 (Yucatan) ; viii, 186B, 292.— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1865, 
 123 (South Carolina, resident.) — CoUES, Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1866, 95 (Arizona, 
 breeding) ; 1871, 33 (Xorth Carolina).— Sdxd., Ofv. Vet. Ak. Forh. 1569, 559 (St. 
 Bartholomew). — Allex. Jlem. Bost. Soc. i, 1865, 501 (Iowa). — Dall & Baxn., 
 Tr. Chic. Acad. 1869, 253 (Sitka, Alaska).— Tdrnb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 29 (sum- 
 mer).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 358 (Florida) ; iii, 1879, 182 (Kansas and 
 Utah).— M.'.YX., Guide. 1870, 143 (Massachusetts) ; Pr. Bost. Soc. 1571 (New 
 Hampshire).— Teippe, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1572, 240 (Iowa).— Coues, Key, 1872, 
 267.- Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 9.— Eidgw., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 386 (Illinois). 
 Ardea Imdsonias, Lrs'^'., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 335 (EDW.,pl. 135; Briss., v, 407). — Gm., Sv.st. 
 Nat. i, 1788, 631.— Lath., I. O. ii, 1790, 693 ( Arct. Zool. ii. No. 342 ; Gen. Syn. v, 56). 
 
 Sab. — North America, to Hudson's Bay and Sitka. South to Guatemala and Gala- 
 pagos. West Indies. Breeds throughout its range, and winters in the South. ^ 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 5454, near Big Sioux River. ip I , 
 Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition, nor by the later ones. '^ 
 
 ZSTo species of Heron has a wider distribution in Xorth America, and 
 only the Bittern equals it in the extent of its dispersion. It appears to 
 be more common, however, in the United States than further north, and 
 is resident south of the Middle districts. Herons, as a group, are rather 
 southern birds ; only these two just named proceed beyond the United 
 States, and most, if not all, are more abundant in the southern portions 
 of the Union. They are particularly numerous in the South Atlantic 
 and Gulf States, where they breed by thousands, and in which districts 
 several species occur that are not found in corresponding latitudes in 
 the West. On the Pacific side we have no peculiar species, all that 
 occur there being of wide distribution. 
 
 The breeding places of the Great Blue Heron on the Colorado Eiver 
 offer no such scenes as those of the same bird do in Florida, for in- 
 stance. There may, indeed, be places along this river overgi'own with 
 low, dense woods, simulating a cypress swamp, where the birds may 
 resort to breed, along with the Wood Ibises ; but, for the most part, the 
 Herons that wend their way along the Colorado are only screened by low, 
 straggling mezqnite, that scarcely hides them, or patches of arrow-wood 
 {Tessaria borealis), that they can overlook. Where the river flows deep- 
 est and swiftest, cutting itsway through bold caiions that rise frowning 
 on either hand like the battlemeuts of giant castles — where the fervid 
 rays of the sun heat the rocks till they almost crack, and the sand 
 blisters the feet — there the Herons fix their nests, overhanging the ele- 
 ment whence they draw subsistence. The face of the cliffs in many 
 places is covered with singular nests of the Eave Swallow, breeding by 
 thousands: while on the flat projecting shelves of rock we find, here and 
 there, the bulky platforms of twigs and sticks, and perhaps see the 
 sedate bird herself, setting motionless on the nest, hopefully biding her 
 time, cheered during her long waiting by the joyous troops of the Swal- 
 lows that flutter incessantly around. 
 
 Wherever placed, on tree, bush, or rock, the nest of the Heron is a 
 large bed of twigs, more or less matted together with grasses and weeds, 
 
AEDEA EGEETTA, GREAT WHITE EGRET. 519 
 
 some two feet in diameter and about one-third as high. Two or three 
 eggs are laid, probably never more; they measure about 2.50 by 1.50, 
 and are rather narrowly elliptical, with both ends of about the same 
 shape ; the color is a pale, dull, greenish-blue, varying in shade in dif- 
 ferent specimens, but always uniform over the same egg. 
 
 I have not observed the breeding of the Heron in the Missouri region, 
 but have noticed the bird high up the river as late as the end of October. 
 
 ARDEA EGEETTA, (Gm.) Gray. 
 
 Great White Egret; White Heron. 
 
 Ardea egre.tta, GM.,Svst. Nat. i, 1788, 629.— Lath., Iiicl. Orn. ii, 1790, 694.— WiLS., Am. 
 Orn. vii, 1813, 106, pi. 61, f. 4.— Nutt., Mau. ii, 1834, 47.— AuD., Orn. Biog. iv, 
 1838,600, pi. 386; Syn. 1839, 26.''); B. Am. vi, 1843, 132, pi. 370.— Woodh., Sitgr. 
 Rep. 1853, 97 (Texas and Indi.an Territory).— Putn., Pr. Ess. Inst.i, 1856, 218 
 (Massacliusetts, very rare).— Tujjkb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 27 (rather rare). — CouES, 
 Key, 1872, 267. 
 
 Serodias egrelta, Ghay, Gen. of B. iii, 1849.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 666.— Wheat., Ohio 
 Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 184 (not very uncommon).— CouES & Pijknt., Smiths. 
 Rep. 1861, 415 (Washington, occasional). — AIJ.EN, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 86 
 (Boston).— CouES, ihid. v, 1868, 290 (New England, to Massachusetts).— McIlwr., 
 ibid. V. 1866, 91 (Hamilton, C. W. ; rare).- Dress., Ibis, 1866, 31 (Texas).- Lawk., 
 Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 292 (New York).— Codes, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 123 
 (South Carolina, summer, common). — CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 95 (Colo- 
 rado River, common) ; ihid. 1871, 33 (North Carolina, common). — M.\YN., Guide, . 
 1870, 143 (Massachusetts, casual). — Jones, Trans. Nova Scotia Inst, ii, 1868, 72 
 (Nova Scotia). — Allen, Am. Nat. iii, 1870, 637 (Massachusetts). — Allen, Bull. 
 M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 358 (Florida, .abundant, breeding).— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 9 
 (Kansas, one instance). — Hatch, Bull. Minnesota Acad, i, 1874, 62 (Minnesota). 
 
 Herodias alba var. egretia, Ridgway, Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 386 (Illiuois). 
 
 Serodias egrrttu var. californica, Baird, B. N. A. 1856, 667 (larger). 
 
 Ardea letice, Illiger. — Lichtenstein, Verz. 1823, No. 793. 
 
 JEgrefta Uuee, Bonaparte, List, 1838, 47 ; Consp. ii, 1855, 114. 
 
 Herodias ?('hcp, Brehm, Hand-buch, 1831, 585. 
 
 Ardea alba, Bonaparte, Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 189 ; Syn. 1828, 304 (not of lAnnceu,^). 
 
 Ardea " occideutalis" Nbwb., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 27 (California). (Not of Audubofii). 
 
 Extralimital quotations. — Gusdl., J. f. O. iv, 1856, 341 (Cuba).— Bry., Pp. Bost. Soc. 
 vii, 1859 (Bahamas).- SCL., P. Z. S. 1861, 80 (Jamaica).— ScL., P. Z. S. 1860, 253 (Ori- 
 zaba); 290 (Ecuador).— ScL. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1866, 199 (Peru); 1867, 334 (Chili); 1869, 
 156 (Peru); 1873, 305 (Peru).— ScL., Ibis, 1859, 226 (Central America).— Taylor, Ibis, 
 1860, 312 (Tigre Island, Honduras). — Lawr., Ann. Lye. viii, 63 (Panama) ; ix. 142 (Costa 
 Rica). — Pelz., Orn. Bras. 300 (resident). — Phll., Cat. 33 (Chili). — Darw., Voy. Beagle, 
 128 (Maldonado and Patagonia). 
 
 Sab. — tjuited States, southerly, straggling northward to Nova Scotia (Jones), Massa- 
 chusetts, Canada West, and Minnesota. West Indies ; Mexico ; Central and S. America. 
 Not obtained by any of the Expeditions. 
 
 The only instance of the occurrence of this species in the Missouri 
 region which has come to my knowledge is that of a specimen taken at 
 Lawrence, Kansas, August 15, 1872, as stated by Prof. Snow. It must 
 be, however, of at least occasional occurrence on the Lower Missouri. 
 
 This fine bird may be immediately recognized by its color — pure white 
 at all seasons, with yellow bill and black legs, with its large size — about 
 three feet in length. The head is not adorned with a crest, but in the 
 breeding season the back has a magnificent train drooping beyond the 
 tail. The Little White Egret is much smaller, only about two feet long, 
 and has a recurved crest, lengthened breast-feathers, and a recurved 
 train, in the breeding season. An erroneous impression prevails that 
 an "Egret" is something different from a Heron; but all Egrets are 
 Herons, although all Herons are not Egrets. It is a term applied to 
 certain Herons, especially white ones, that have long plumes (aigrettes); 
 but the distinction is entirely arbitrary. The Eeddish Egret, for in- 
 
520 HEEODIAS EGEETTA, GEEAT WHITE EGRET. 
 
 stance, and the Louisianan, are not white ; while the small Green Heron 
 has long, flowing dorsal plumes. 
 
 Audubon has a paragraph upou this species susceptible of extensive 
 application, and expressing a favorite idea of mine, strengthened into 
 conviction hj repeated observation. Speaking of finding Egrets much 
 wilder in early spring than after they had settled to their duties of re- 
 production, he says : " I have supposed this to be caused by the change 
 of their thoughts on such occasions, and am of opinion that birds of all 
 kinds become more careless of themselves. As the strength of their 
 attachment toward their mates or progeny increases through the process 
 of time, as is the case with the better part of our own species, lovers 
 and parents perform acts of heroism which individuals having no such 
 attachment to each other would never dare to contemplate. In these 
 birds the impulse of affection is so great that, wben tliey have young, 
 they allow themselves to be approached so as often to fall victims to the 
 rapacity of man, who, boasting of reason and benevolence, ought at 
 such a time to respect their devotion." No one unfamiliar with birds' 
 natures, as exhibited at different seasons of the year, and at varying 
 ages, can have adequate conception of the oxjposite traits they display. 
 Even Doves, those meekest of birds — the emblems of " peace on earth 
 and good- will" — fight furiously when the furor amantium is on them; 
 the wariest birds forget to consider personal danger in defence of their 
 young; suspicious birds sometimes grow impudently familiar; knowing 
 birds appear stupid ; dull birds become frisky, and frisky birds beside 
 themselves, when in love ; silent birds cry out, and singing birds sing 
 all the time. 
 
 Another point may be mentioned here. The young, even of birds by 
 nature shy and suspicious, require some time to get over their early 
 verdancy and acquire a wholesome degree of caution. Instincts of this 
 sort are undoubtedly hereditary, and sufSciently well marked to enable 
 us to predicate it, in a certain greater or less degree, of all birds ; and 
 circumstances of subsequent experience, moreover, have much control 
 over its development and exhibition. But, beyond these variations, it 
 is unquestionable that, other things being equal, young birds are for a 
 while less wary than their parents, as certainly as in the case of our 
 own species. The White Egret is an illustration in point. We are 
 familiar with the difficulty that Audubon records of his experience in 
 attempting to shoot these birds ; and those of us who have tried can 
 attest the same thing. But such strategy is not always required, late 
 in the summer and early in the fall, to obtain birds of the year. At 
 Fort Tuma, where the birds were very common, I had frequent occa- 
 sion to wonder at their want of shyness in the fall, not to say their ab- 
 solute stupidity. On one occassion that I remember I came upou a 
 young bird that was quietly feeding at a little pool. Notwithstanding 
 that I was on horseback and had come clattering along, the bird, not 
 frightened at the noise and sudden appearance, merely drew itself up at 
 full height to look a moment, and then bent its long neck again to re- 
 sume its meal, within fifteen steps of me. It was to have been hoped 
 that it could have lived long enough to learn better. Speaking in gen- 
 eral terms, and without considering the artificial frame of mind brought 
 about by man's interference, the shyness of anj' Heron corresponds ex- 
 actly to its size; and it is so with many other birds, particularly Gulls — 
 the larger the species, the more wary: The smaller kinds, as the Green 
 Heron and the Least Bittern, show little concern at being approached. 
 It would almost seem as if the greater birds were aware how likely to 
 attract harmful attention their. imposing appearance made them, and as 
 if the little ones trusted to their insignificance for protection. It is only 
 
AEDEA C.V:N-DIDISSIMA, LITTLE ^VHITE EGRET. 521 
 
 another interpretation of La Fontaine's crowned rats. The gradation 
 in size among Herons calls up one other point. Such species as the 
 Great Blue and the Great White are certainly to be considered of dig- 
 nified bearing, and their motions have something of grace and beauty as 
 ■well. But, though the Green, and the Least, and others have almost 
 exactly the tame form and the same attitudes and movements, they 
 would never be called diguifled or elegant birds. Analyzing this ditfer- 
 ence in the way the birds -impress us, I cannot see that anything but 
 si:e is in question. This is the real secret; the large Blue Heron is dig- 
 nified by its size alone ; the little Green Heron, that copies every 
 posture and action of the other, only succeeds in being grotesque, if not 
 actually ridiculous — the more so from the very fact of its imitation. 
 The iiarallel that may be drawn is a broad and long one. 
 
 The White Egret is rather a delicate bird, preferring warm weather, 
 and consequently restricted in geographical distribution. In Xew En- 
 gland it is only a rare visitor, and is' not known to breed. 1 may here 
 observe that a certain northicard migration of some southei'ly birds at 
 this' season is nowhere more noticeable than among the Herons and their 
 allies, the migrants consisting chiefly of birds hatched that year, wliich 
 unaccountably stray in what seems to us the wrong direction. Massa- 
 chusetts is the northernmost record of the species in S^ew England. Tt 
 is rather decidedly a maritime bird, like its smaller relative (Arclea 
 candidissima), and seldom penetrates any distance inland except along 
 our largest rivers — tbe Mississippi, Eio Grande, and Colorado. 1 never 
 saw it in the interior of the Caroliuas, along the coasts of which I found 
 it very abundant, and throughout the low, flat, marshy or swampy dis- 
 tricts. On the Pacific coast it is not recorded uorth'of (?alifornia. I 
 met with it frequently in Southern California near the coast, and on 
 a few occasions on the 3Iojave Eiver, not far from Soda Lake, perhaps 
 rather an exceptional inland locality, as the desert environing on all 
 sides but one mast be a great barrier. The Arizonian birds are gathered 
 chiefly along the Colorado, particularly its lower portions. 
 
 ^ 
 
 ^* AEDEA CAXDIDISSLMA, Gm. 
 little White Egret; Snowy Heron. 
 
 Ardea nirea. J.vCQ., Beitr. 1TS4.— Lath.. Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 696 (j)artim).—LicWF., Verz. 
 ISiS, Xo. 795. (Name preoccupied.) 
 
 Egreita mrea. Cab. (nee auct). (Bp.) 
 
 Ardea candidissima, G.M.. Svst. Xat. i, 17SS. 633. — WlM.. Am. Oru. vii. Irl3. 100 p] 62 
 f. 4,— Bp., Obs. Wils. 1S2.5, Xo. 174 : Svn. ISis, 30.".— Xutt., Man. ii, 1^34. 49.—' 
 AuD., Om. Biog. iii, 1635, 317 ; v. 1839, 606 ; pi. 24-2 : Svn. 1<39. 267 ; B. Am. vi, 
 1643. 163, pi. 374.— Gii:., B. L. 1, 1644. 2.-3.— Woodh. . Sitgr. Rep. 1633, 97 (Indian 
 Territory and Texas).— PuTX., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1656. 216 (Jlassachusetts, very 
 rare).— Heer.m., P. R. E. Rep. x, 1659, pt. vi, 63 (California).- Pelz., Orn. Bras. 
 300 (resident).— Coves. Key, 267.— ScL. .t SAI.^^. P. Z. S. 1^73. 305 (E. Peru). 
 
 Egretta candidissima, Bp., List> 163~.'47.— GosSE, B. Jam. 1.--47, 336. 
 
 Eerodias candidissima. Gray. Gen. of B. iii, 1649.— Gdxdl., J. f. O. iv, 1656. 342. 
 
 Gavzctta candidissima, Bp., Consp. At. ii, 1855, 119.— Bd., B. X. A. 1656, 665. — Cass., Pr. 
 Phila. Acad. 1680, 196 (Cartbagena, Darien).— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 16r.O, 
 N^o. 183 (very rare).— Coras & Prent., Smiths. Rep. 1661. 415 (not uncom- 
 mon).— Allex, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1>64. 66 (Massachusetts, accidental). — Coues. 
 ibid. T, 1666. 290.— Dress., Ibis, 1666, 31 (Texas).— Sex. & Sal^.. P. Z. S. l-iio, 
 199 (Eastern Pern).— Coves, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866. 95 (Colorado River, abun- 
 dant) ; 1871, 31 (North Carolin.T ).— Coves, Pr. Bos't. Soc. xii, 1666. 123 (South 
 Carolina).— Lawr., Ann. Lye. X. Y. viii, 1866, 292 (Xew York): ix, 1666, 142 
 (Costa Eica); 210 (Yucatan).- Joxes, Ti-. Nova Scotia lust, ii, 1666. 72 (X^^ova 
 Scotia).— Atxen, Am. Xat. iii. 1=70, 637 (Massachusetts) ; Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1671, 
 356 (Florida).— TuRXB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 27 (not uncommon).- JLivx., Guide, 
 1870, 143 (Massachusetts).— Sxow, B. Kans. 1673, 9.— Rtogw., Ann. Lye. X. Y. 
 X, 1674, 366 (Illinois). 
 
522 AEDEA VIEESCENS, GEEEN HEEON, 
 
 Ardea carolinensis, Oed, ed. Wils. yii, 1825, 125. 
 
 Additional extralimital quotations. — SCL., P. Z. S. 1861, 81 (Jamaica) ; 1864, 179 (Mexico) ; 
 1867, 334 (Chili).— ScL. & Salv., ibid. 1867, 280 (Mosquito Coast).- ScL,, Ibis, i, 1859, 
 226 (Central America). — Bry., Pr. Bost. Soc. vii, 1859 (Bahamas). — Pelz., Novara Eeise, 
 Vog. 118 (Chili).— Phil., Cat. 33 (Chili). 
 
 Hab.— United States, southerly. North regularly to the Middle States, casually to 
 Massachusetts, and even Nova Scotia (^Jones). Kansas {Snow). Mexico. West Indies. 
 Central and South America to Chili. Breeds throughout its regular United States 
 range, and resident in the Gulf States and further south. 
 
 Obtained by none of the Expeditions. 
 
 Among the American Herons this species is only liable to be confounded with the 
 yoking of the Little Blue Heron {A. coenilea), which is white for a time, and of about 
 the same size. It is recognized, however, by certain differences in the proportions and 
 color of the bill, legs, and feet ; and- it never shows any trace of bluish or ashy, as is 
 usually the case with the young A. coerulea. 
 
 The introduction of this species into the present connection rests on its occurrence 
 in Kansas, as recorded by Prof. Snow, I. c. (Topeka, July 25, 1872). The range of the 
 last species and of this smaller hnt equally elegant and showy one, appear to be nearly 
 or quite coincident, and their habits are much the same. 
 
 The Little Blue Heron {A. ccerulea) will probably be found about the 
 Lower Missouri, but at present 1 have no authority for introducing it here. 
 
 A 
 
 ^' 
 
 AEDEA VIEESCENS, Linn. vL- 
 Green Heron; Poke. 
 
 Ardea virescens, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 238 (based on Ardea minor, Gates., Car. i, 80 ; 
 Cancrojahagus viridis, Biiiss., v, 486, pi. 38, f. 1). — Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 635. — 
 Lath., lud. Om. ii, 1790, 684 (Green Heron, Arct. Zool. ii, 447; Gen. Svn. v, 
 68).— Wils., Am. Om. vii, 1813, 97, pi. 61, f. 1 ; Ord's ed. 102.— Bp., Obs.'Wils. 
 No. 190.— Wagl., Syst. Av. 1827, No. 36.— Ndtt., Man. ii, 1834, 63.— Aud., Orn. 
 Biog. iv, 1838, 247, pi. 333 ; Syn. 1839, 264 ; B. Am. vi, 1843, 105, pi. 367.— GiR., 
 B. L. I. 1844, 284.— WOODH., Sitgr. Eep. 1853, 97.— Pcxx., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 
 218.— SUND., Ofv. Vet. Ak. 1869, 589 (St. Bartholomew).— Heerji., P. E. E. Eep. 
 X, 1p59, pt. vi, 63 (California). — Trippe, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 119 (Minne- 
 sota).— CodES, Key, 1872, 268. 
 
 Ardea (Botaurus) virescens, Bp., Specc. Comp. 1827, No. 180 ; Syn. 1828, 307. 
 
 Herodias virescens, BoiE. — ^Bp., List, 1838, 47. — GossE, B. Jam. 1847, 340. 
 
 Egretta virescens, Sw'., 2^ Cent. 1838, No. 156. 
 
 Agamia virescens, Eeich., Icones Avium ; Syst. Av. pi. 131, figs. 489, 490. 
 
 Ocniscus virescens, Gu^'DL., J. f. O. iv, 1856, 343 (Cuba). 
 
 Butorides virescens, Bp., Consp. Av. ii, 1855, 126. — ScL., P. Z. S. 1856, 310 (Cordova). — 
 ScL. & S.\LV., ibid. 1867, 250 (Mosquito Coast) ; 1869, 252 (Venezuela).— Salv., 
 ibid. 1870, 218 (Veragua).— Bd., B. N. A. 1«58, 676.— Scl., Ibis, i, 1859, 227 
 (Guatemala).— Newt., ibid. 261 (Santa Cruz).— Tayl., ibid. 1864, 93 (Trinidad) ; 
 171 (Porto Eico). — Bky., Pr. Bost. Soc. vii, 1859 (Bahamas). — Wheat., Ohio 
 Agric. Eep. 1860, No. 188. — Coues & Prent., Smiths. Eep. 1861, 415 (summer, 
 abundant). — Boardm., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 128 (Maine, common, breeds). — 
 Coues, ibid, xii, 1868, 123 (South Carolina).^ScoTT, ibid. Ie72, 227 (Virginia). — 
 Trippe, ibid. 240 (Iowa). — Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 158 (Maine). — Ali.en, 
 ibid, iv, 1864, 76. — McIlwr., ibid, v, 1866, 91 (Canada West, rare). — Coues, ibid. 
 vi, 1S68, 290.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad, 1866, 95 (Arizona) ; 1871, 33 (North Car- 
 olina).— Lawe., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 292 ; ix, 1868, 142 (Costa Eica).— 
 Turns., B. E. Pa. 1869, 28.— SIay.v., Guide, 1870, 144.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 
 1871, 359 (Florida) ; iii, 1872, 182 (Kansas). — Allen, Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 
 501, 507, 520, 526 (Iowa, Illinois, Indiana).— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 9.— Eidgw., 
 Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 386 (Illinois). 
 
 Ardm ludoviciana, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 630 (not of Wilson).— LxTS., I. 0. ii, 1790, 690. 
 
 Ardea torguata, iliL.1.., HI. -pi. 60. {Gray.) /fZ" 
 
 Ardea cliloroptera et maculata, Bodd. ; P. E. 909, 912. {Gray.) -v r 
 
 flaft.-^United States generally, breeding throughout, and wintering in the South. r 
 
 Canada West {Mclhvraith). Mexico. West Indies. Central America to Venezuela. ^Z i . 
 
 Not noticed by the Expeditions. ^73- 
 
 Occurs chiefly in the southern and eastern portions of the Missouri ^^t 
 region. ' _ (^^^ 
 
NYCTIAEDEA GEISEA VAR. NiEVIA, NIGHT HERON. 523 
 
 NYCTIAEDEA GRISEA var. N.EYIA, (Bodd.) AUeu. 
 American Night ILeroii. 
 
 Botaiirus iia-riiis, Beiss., Orii. v, 1760, -l(i2. 
 
 Ardea naria, Bodd., Planch. Enluin. Tab). 1784, pi. 939 (young). (Gray.) 
 
 Nijcliardea iim-ia, GliAY, Hand-list, iii, 1871, 33, No. 10175. 
 
 Xiicticorax iiuTia, Geay, G. ol' B. iii, 558.— SCL. & Salt., P. Z. S. 1873, 305 (Eastern Pern). 
 
 yildktrdea grisea var. iiwi-ia. Ai.len, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 182.— CoUEs, Key, 1872, 269. 
 
 y/icticontx grisens, Eeikh., Vicl. Nat. For. 1870, 25 (Brazil).— Allen, Bull. M. Z. C. ii, 359. 
 
 {i) Ardea jamaicensis, GM.,ST,sr. Nat. i, 1788, 625. — Lath., lud. Oru. li, 1790, 679 (Ja- 
 rjinica Xight Heron of Gon. yyn. v, 54 ; rather J. riolacms). 
 
 Ardea liomtli,GM., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 630. — L.vni., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790,700 (A. mexicana 
 a-istata, Bkiss. v, 218 ; Day Heron of Gen. Syn. v, 100). 
 
 Ardea garden!, G.M., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 645. — Lath.', lud. Orn. ii, 1790, 685 {Gardenian 
 and Spotted Heron, Gen. Syn. 70, 71 ; Arct. Zool, Nu. 355). 
 
 Xycticorax gardeni, Jakd., Notes Wils. Orn. — Bp., C. A. ii, 1855, 141. — GuNDL., .7. f. 0. iv, 
 1856, 346.— SCL. P. Z. S. 18G0, 387.— SCL. & Salv. P. Z. S., 1866, 199 ( ll Pern). 
 
 Nyctiardea gardeni, Bd., B N. A. 1858, 678.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. \A'ash Ter. 1^60, 223.— 
 Wheat., Ohio Agric. Eep. 1860, No. 189 (rare).— CouEs & Pin;xT.. S. I. Rep. 
 1861, 415 (occasional).— BOAKDJL, Pr. Best. Soc. ix, 1862, 1^:8.- VEr,R.,Pr. Ess. 
 Inst, iii, 1862, 158 (Maine, breeding). — Allen, iWrf. iv, 1864, 76 (breeding abun- 
 dantly). — Coles, ibid, v, 1868, 290. — McIlwe., ibid, v, 1866, 92 (common). — 
 CouES, Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1866, 95 (Arizona). — Lawk., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 
 992.— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii. 1868, 123 (South Carolina) —TunxB., B. E. Pa. 
 1869, 28.— Allen, Mem. Boat. Soc. i, 1868, 507 (Illinois).- Mayx., Guide, 1870, 
 144.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 9. 
 
 Nyctiardea grisea var. gardeni, Eidgw., Ann. Lye. N. Y. s, 1874, 386 (Illinois). 
 
 Ardea nycticorax, Wils., Am. Orn. vii, 18-13, ICil, pi. 61 , f . 2 (uot of Linnwiis). — Bp., Obs. 
 Wils. 1825, No. 193; Syn. 1828, 306.— AuD., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 275; v, 1839, 
 600 ; pi. 236 ; Syn. 1839. 261 ; B. Am. vi, 1843, 82, pi. 363. 
 
 Ardea maculata, FiiiscH, Av. ii, pi. 9. 
 
 Ardea discors, NuTT., Man. ii, 1834, 54. 
 
 Xycticorax americanus, Bp., List, 1838, 48. — TscH., Fn. Peru, 50.— GOSSE, B. Jam. 1847, 344. 
 
 Hab. — United States and British Pro-\'inces. Breeds abundantly in New England. 
 AVinters in the South and beyond. Part of the West lodie.s. Mexico. Central Amer- 
 ica. South America (Peru, Tschudi, Scluter 4- Salrin; Chili, Danoin; Brazil, Pelzeht; 
 Falkland, Sclater). (Compare A. obscura, Lichtenstein.) 
 
 Not obtained by the Expeditions. 
 
 Observed by me on tbe Eed Eiver of the Nortb, near Pembina, Dakota, 
 in May. Like the ^i. herodias and Botauriis minor, this species goes quite 
 far north — a little beyond the limits of the United States. It breeds in 
 suitable places throughout its range, in colonies, sometimes of great 
 extent; and is resident in £he South. 
 
 X 
 
 BOTAUEUS MmOE, (Gm.) Bole. 
 
 American Bittern. 
 
 Botaurua freti-luidsonis, Bkiss , Orn. v, 449, pi. 37, f. 1.— Degl., Orn. ii, 309. 
 
 Ardea freti-hudsonis, Schlegel, Mus. Pays-Bas; Ardew, p. 49. 
 
 Ardea luidsonias, Merr., Ersch. Grub. Ency. x. 175. 
 
 Ardea stellaris var., Forst., Phil. Trans. Ixii, 1772, 410. 
 
 Ardea stellaris var. 3, Botaurus freti-hudsonis, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 680 (Edw., pl. 
 136; Gen. Syn. v, 58; Arct. Zool, ii, 451.) 
 
 Ardea stellaris var. B, minor, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 635. 
 
 Ardea minor, Wils., Am. Orn. viii, i814. 35, pl. 65, f. 3.— Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 186.— 
 AuD., Oi-D. Biog. iv, 183.-<, 296, pl. 337.— Newb., P. E. E. Eep. vi, 1857, 9() (Cali- 
 fornia and Oregon). 
 
 Botaurus minor, BoiE, Isis, 1826, 979.— Br., List, 1838, 48; Cousp. ii, 1855, 136.— GuxDL., 
 J. f. O. iv, 1856, 346 (Cuba).— Gray, Haud-list, iii, 1871, 32, No. 10163.— Cuujjs, 
 Key, 1872, 269. 
 
 Ardea lentiginosa, Mont., Oru. Diet. Suppl. 1813.— Jen., Man. 191.— Leach, Cat. 33.— 
 TEJirir., Man. Orn. iv, 381.— Flem., Brit. An. 96.— Eyt., Brit. B. 37.— Keys. & 
 Blas., Wirb. Eur. 80.— S.vb., Frankl. Journ. 683.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 
 
524 BOTAURUS MINOR, BITTERN. 
 
 374.— NCTT., Man. ii, 1834, 60.— AuD., Svn. 1839, 263; B. Am. Ti, 1843, 94, pi 
 365.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 285.— Putn., Pr. Ess. lust, i, 1856, 218.— Teippe, iWd. 
 vi, 1871, 119. 
 Botaurns UiUiginohis, Steph., Shaw's Gen. Zool. xi, 1819, 596. — Macgii.., Man. ii, 124.— 
 Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 557.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 674 ; Max. Bound. Surv. ii, pt. ii, 
 1839, 24 (Matamoras).— Heehm., P. K. R. Rep. s, 1859, pt. vi, 63 (California.)- 
 Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 2-28.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, 
 No. 187.— CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, 2'27 (Labrador) ; 1866, 95 (Arizona) ; 1871, 
 34 (North Carolina). — Coues & Peent., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 415 (resident).— 
 Hayd., Rep. 1862, 173.— Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 321 (California).— Boardm., 
 Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 128 (Maine, common, breeds). — Coues, ibid, xii, 1868, 123 
 (South Carolina, resident). — Mayn., ibid. 1871 (New Hampshire). — Aiken, ibid. 
 1872. 209 (Colorado).— Teippe, ibid. 1872, 240 (Iowa, abundant, breeds). — Veer., 
 Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 153 (Maine, breeds).— Allen, ibid, iv, 1864, 76.— McIlwr., 
 ibid. V, 1866. 91 (Canada West, abundant, summer). — CoUES, ibid, v, 1868, 290. — 
 Hoy, Smitlis. Rep. 1864, 438 (Missouri).— La we., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 292.— 
 Dress., Ibis, 1866, 32 (Texas).— Salv., Ibis, 1866, 196 (Guatemala). — Alle.v, 
 Mem. Bust. Soc. j, 1868. '501, 507, 520 (Iowa and Illinois).— Ajli-en, Bull. M. C. Z. 
 ii, 1871, 359 (Florida) ; iii, 1872, 182 (Kansas aod Utah).— Tuexb., B. E. Pa. 
 
 1869, 28. — May.x., Guide, 1870, 144 (Massachusetts, April to October).— Endi- 
 COTT, Am. Nat. iii, 1869, 169 (best biography). — Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 
 
 1870, 465 (Wyoming). — Snow. B. Kans. 1873, 9.— Ridgw., Adu. Lye. N. Y. x, 
 1874, 386 (Illinois). 
 
 Butor lentiginosus, Jaed., Br. Birds, iii, 147. 
 
 Bittor ama-icana. Swains., Classif. B. ii, 1837, 354. 
 
 Ardea mokolco, Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. xiv, 440. — Wage., Syst. Av. 1827, No. 29. 
 
 Ardta adsperaa, Light., "Mus. Berol." 
 
 Botc^urus adspevsus, Cab. (iJjJ.) 
 
 Sab. — Entire temperate North America (up to 58° or 60°). Cuba. South to Guate- 
 mala. Breeds chiefly from the Middle districts northward, wintering thence south- 
 ward. Regularly migratory. Accidental in Europe (Gould, B. Eur. pi. 281. — Thomp., 
 Ann. Mag. N. H. xvii, 1846, 91. — Hart., Brit. B. 1«72, 150; numerous instances). 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 54.")5, Vermilion River; 8911, Platte River. , - 
 
 Later Expeditions. — 60774, Sweetwater. ,*, < ' — 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition. ". 
 
 The very great variation in size of this species has not usually been recognized. I / 
 have measured individuals from 23 to 34 inches iu length, with an extent of wing from,' *'*■ 
 32 to 43 inches; the wing 9^ to 13, and other measurements to correspond. The colora- ^^.j^.'^ 
 tion varies interminably; even the characteristic velvety black spot on the side of the' J 
 
 neck is sometimes obsolete. 
 
 Audubon has giveu accounts of nearly all our Herons, with which he 
 Tras very familiar, in a series of admirable biographies, leaving little to 
 be desired. He was less fortunate in the case- of the Bittern, admitting 
 that he never had a good opportunity of observing all its habits. This 
 being the case with " the American Woodsman,"' it is less singular that 
 no other writer has completed the history of the species. Latterly, 
 however, ilr. Endicott has gone far toward supplying the deficiency, in 
 his excellent article above cited ; and Mr. Samuels gives some interest- 
 ing j)articulars. Every one knows the Bittern by sight, and has a gen- 
 eral, if vague, idea of its character, but few have become familiar with 
 its ways. Wilson conveys but little information, and that not entirely 
 to the point. Eichardson fixes its northern limit at 58°, but has httle 
 more to say. Kuttall's account is chiefly a compilation from these two 
 sources. Although I am tolerably familiar with the bird, I have never 
 seen its nest, or found it where 1 could suppose it was breeding. 
 According to the best accounts, its i^ecnliarities in respect of nidifica- 
 tion are, that it does not assemble in communities, at any rate of large 
 extent, to breed, and that the nest is usually placed on the ground. 
 Mr. Samuels says : "It breeds in communities, sometimes as many as a 
 dozen pairs nesting within the area of a few rods. The nests are placed 
 on low bushes, or thick tufts of grass, sometimes in low, thickly-wooded 
 trees ; and are composed of coarse grasses, twigs, and a few leaves. I 
 
BOTAUEUS MINOE, BITTEEN. 525 
 
 know of no other place in New England where these birds breed in such 
 abundance as in the neighborhood of Kichardson's Lakes, in Maine* 
 There, in some of the tangled, boggy, almost impenetrable swamps, 
 these birds have several herouies, which they have inhabited for years." 
 It will be observed that this account is directly contradictory of a state- 
 ment of Audubon's : "Although in a particular place, apparently favor- 
 able, some dozens of these birds may be found to-day, yet, perhaps, on 
 visiting it to-morrow, you will not find one remaining, and districts re- 
 sorted to one season or year, will be found deserted by them the next." 
 
 With' these accounts we may compare Mr. Endicott's observations : 
 "Some speak of finding the Bittern breeding in colonies in trees. Good 
 observers say so, and I believe them ; but I think that all such cases 
 are owing to accidental circumstances, such as the inundation of their 
 marshes. Certain it is, that I have never found them so associated. 
 'Le butor,' says M. Holandre, 'est tres sauvage, farouche, solitaire.' 
 One tiger's den to a jungle, one eyry to a mountain, and one pair of 
 Bitterns to a bog, seems to be the rule. In the place where I have found 
 them there is retired feeding ground for a thousand ; dense cedar 
 swamps, extensive enough for as many nests, if they only chose to 
 congregate, like their sociable cousins, the Herons ; and yet two by 
 two they live, their next neighbors nobody knows how far away — not 
 in the same swamp at any rate; and on the ground, the bare ground, 
 they lay their four or five eggs, among low laurel, tufts of grass, or, as 
 in the case of the first nest I ever found, at the foot of a swamp huckle- 
 berry, from which the callow young, unable yet to stand, tried to drive 
 me away bj- repeated tumbling charges, menacing me by clumijiug their 
 soft mandibles, and by sending angry hisses from their wide-yawning 
 yellow throats." 
 
 Mr. Eudicott remarks very pointedly upon the general uncertainty 
 that pervades ornithological writings respecting the color of the Bit- 
 tern's eggs, "finding the enumerated authorities determined that the 
 eggs should have green on them of some shade or other." He calls 
 them "a dark drab"; Mr. Samuels says "a rich drab, with sometimes 
 an olive tinge." The color of the several sets before me may be called 
 a bnownish-drab, with a shade of gray. It is a difficult color to name, 
 and doubtless varies in tint in difl'erent specimens ; but it is probably 
 never anything like the clear, pale greenish of the eggs of ordinary Her- 
 ons. Specimens measure 1.90 by 1.50, to 2.00 by 1.50; the nest-comple- 
 ment is three to five. 
 
 The "booming of the Bittern" is an expression, alliterative if not 
 accurate, which generally gets into writings upon this bird. I have 
 never heard any sound from our species which could be called booming, 
 bleating, bellowing, or even neighing — all of which words, among others, 
 have been used to suggest the queer, uncouth voice of the bird. On 
 this subject I will again have recourse to Mr. Endicott for an extract. 
 "Mudie speaks as follows of the European Bittern's voice : 'Anon a 
 burst of savage laughter breaks upon you, gratingly loud, and so un- 
 wonted and odd that it sounds as if the voices of a bull and a horse 
 were combined ; the former breaking down his bellow to suit the neigh 
 of the latter, in mocking you from the sky.' 'When the Bittern booms 
 and bleats overhead, one certainly feels as if the earth were shaking. 
 * * * * Chaucer speaks as follows in The Wife of BatNs Tale : 
 
 ' Aud as a Ititore bumWeth in the mire, 
 She laid hire mouth into the water doun, 
 Bewray me not, thou water, with they soun', 
 Quod she, to the I tell it, and no mo, 
 Min husband hath long asses eres two.' 
 
526 BOTAUEUS MINOR, BITTERN. 
 
 Another notion was tbat the bill was put inside a reed to increase the 
 sound ; the truth is, of course, that the bird uses no means to produce 
 its bellow but its own organs of voice. Our own Bittern has no such 
 roar, but, as its name in most parts of the country denotes, makes a 
 noise very much like driving a stake with an axe. It has also a hollow 
 croak at the moment of alarm." This is exactly true. The curious noise 
 is spoken of in Audubon as a " hoarse croaking, as if the throat were 
 filled with water." Xuttall makes a successful attempt to suggest the 
 sound by the syllables ^pump-au-gah. But I prefer, on the whole, Mr. 
 Samuels" rendering. "In the mating season," he says, "and during the 
 first part of the period of incubation, the male has a peculiar love-note, 
 that almost exactly resembles the stroke of a mallet on a stake ; some- 
 thing like the syllables chunk- a-lunk-chmilc, qiumlc chunk-alunk-chunk. I 
 have often, \rhen in the forests of Northern Maine, been deceived by 
 this note into believing that some woodsman or settler was in my neigh- 
 borhood, and discovered my mistake only after toiling through swamp 
 and morass for perhaps half a mile." Besides this peculiar call-note, 
 the bird has another, its ordinary cry, when its breast is not in the least 
 swelling with the tender passion. This is a single, abrupt, explosive 
 syllable, something like quarh, or liaulc, delivered with a rough, gutteral 
 intonation. It is always uttered when the bird is surprised while feed- 
 ing, or when its haunts are invaded. As it lives so much among reeds 
 and rushes, very often the first intimation one has of its presence is the 
 energetic utterance of this note, to be followed in an instant by the 
 heavy form of the bird itself, as it tops the tall weeds. Ordinarily, 
 however, the Bittern is decidedly a silent bird, as it were mistrusting 
 its vocal ability ; besides, noisiness is not altogether compatible with its 
 sedate ways and contemplative turn of mind. 
 
 We might expect to find in the wind-pipe some peculiarity to account 
 for such vocal efforts. In such instances as those of the Ti-umpeter 
 Swan, and Whooping Crane, for instance, the remarkable notes emitted 
 depend evidently upon the peculiarly convoluted structure of the trachea. 
 But ordinarily, little connection can be traced between quality of voice 
 and tracheal structure. The curious cartilaginous or osseous bulbs at 
 the lower larynx of most Ducks seem to have no influence on the voice. 
 Who would suspect the marvellous musical ability of a Mocking Bird, 
 from comparison of its vocal organ with that of a Crow for instance, a 
 bird which anatomically considered, is truly oscine, for all that its croak 
 is so harsh. The conformation of the Bittern's windpipe is not remark- 
 able, according to descriptions; there is no dilation into a membranous 
 or gristly tympanum, nor any convolution, nor is the muscular arrange- 
 ment remarkable. The calibre of the tube is perhaps greater, propor- 
 tionately, than is usual in Herons, with laterally compressed walls, 
 narrow rings, and wide spaces, but for all that we can discover by 
 examination of the organs, the voice of the Bittern is likely to remain 
 its own secret. 
 
 The Bittern is migratory, and its movements are regular. Excepting 
 the Great Blue Heron, no bird of its tribe in this country is so exten- 
 sively dispersed. It reaches the Northern States in March, or early in 
 April, and may pass still further north. I ascertained its occurrence at 
 Eigolet, in Labrador, and it is stated to reach 58° or 60° in the interior. 
 It has frequently been shot in Europe, though not recorded from Green- 
 land. It reaches across our continent. To the south, its movements 
 extend to Guatemala, although it winters in the Southern States as 
 well, and also, I am inclined to think, even in the Middle States, as I 
 
BOTAURUS MINOE, BITTERN. 527 
 
 hare procured it in January at. Washington. It visits some of the West 
 Indian Islands. In September I found it migratory through Dakota in 
 comparative plenty. It may breed in almost any portion of its range, 
 but nests preferably toward the North. 
 
 The Bittern, as has been said, is essentially " wild, shy, and solitary." 
 We oftener start one from his lonely vigils in the bog, than find several, 
 or even a pair together, excepting in the breeding season. No doubt 
 he enjoys life after his own fashion, but his notions of bappiriess are 
 peculiar. He prefers solitude, and leads the eccentric life of a recluse, 
 "forgetting the world, and by the world forgot." To see him at his 
 ordinary occupation, one might fancy him shouldering some heavy 
 responsibility, oppressed with a secret, or laboring in the solution of a 
 problem of vital consequence. He stands motionless, with his head 
 drawn in upon his shoulders, and half-closed eyes, in profound medita- 
 tion, or steps about in a devious way, with an absent-minded air ; for 
 greater seclusion, he will even hide iii a thick brush-clump for hours 
 together. Startled in his retreat wliilst his thinking-cap is on, he seems 
 dazed, like one suddenly aroused from a deep sleep ; but as soon as he 
 collects Ms wits, remembering unpleasantly that the outside world 
 exists, he shows common sense enough to beat a hasty retreat from a 
 scene of altogether too much action for him. Some such traits have 
 doubtless led to the belief that he is chiefly a nocturnal bird ; but such 
 is not the case. He may migrate by night, but so does the Killdeer, 
 and the Bobolink, and many other birds not in the least nocturnal. 
 Nor is the Bittern either lazy or stupid, as some may suppose. He is 
 simply what we call a shady character — one of those non-committal 
 creatures whom we may invest, if we please, with various attributes, 
 and perhaps consider very deep, without sufficient reason ; the fact 
 being, that we make the mystery about him. There is nothing remark- 
 able in the fact that he prefers his own company, and dislikes to be 
 bored. He lives in the bog, where he finds plenty to eat that he likes 
 best, and is satisfied to be simply let alone. 
 
 When the Bittern is disturbed at his meditation, he gives a vigorous 
 spring, croaks at the moment in a manner highly expressive of his dis- 
 gust, and flies off as fast as he can, though in rather a loose, lumbering 
 way. For some distance he flaps heavily with dangling legs and out- 
 stretched neck ; but when settled on his course he proceeds more 
 smoothly, with regular measured wing-beats, the head drawn in closely 
 and the legs stretched straight out behind together, like a rudder. He 
 is very easily shot on the wing — easily hit, and dropping at a touch 
 even of fine shot. When winged, he croaks painfully as he drops, and 
 no sooner does he touch the ground than he gathers himself in defen- 
 sive attitude to' resent aggression as best he can. He tights well, and 
 with more spirit and determination than he might be expected to show — 
 like many other quiet inoffensive creatures when quite sure they have 
 a grievance and are pushed to desperation. He has a very ugly 'way of 
 pointing his, resistance with quick thrusts of his spear-like bill, capable 
 of inflicting no slight wound on an incautious hand. But it avails 
 little ; a kick from a cowhide boot, or a thump with the butt of a gun, 
 generally decides the unequal contest. 
 
 The food of this bird consists of various kinds of small aquatic 
 animals. In its stomach may be found different mollusccs, crawfish, 
 frogs, lizards, small snakes and fishes, as well as insects. Such prey is 
 captured with great address, by spearing, as the bird walks or wades 
 stealthily along. The thrust of the bill is marvellously quick and skil- 
 
528 AEDETTA EXILIS, LEAST BITTEEN. 
 
 ful — more action is displayed on such occasions than probably under 
 any other circumstance. As an article of food itself, the Bittern is not 
 a success, notwithstanding eminent authority to the contrary. I have 
 several times seen it brought to table, under favorable culinary circum- 
 stances ; but in each instance it furnished occasion for a Joke at some 
 one's expense, as little relished, apparently, as the meat itself. 
 
 AEDETTA EXILIS, (Gm.) Gray. 
 
 Least Bittern. 
 
 Ardea cxUu, Om., Syst. Nat. i, 17H8, 645.— Lath., Ind. Ora. ii, 1790, i)K; (brwed on 
 Mhiiili: Jlillern, of Gen. Syn. v, fifi).— WUA, Am. Om. viii, 1 H14, :',7, pi. 05, /'. 4.— 
 Wa(;/.., Syst. Av. 1^27, ylrdca No. :',(;.— Nil'] 'j'., Man. ii, ltti4, (ill— Ann., Orri. 
 Bioff. iii, 18:3.5, 77 ; v, IKi'J, 606 ; pi. 2]0 ; Syn. 18;!!», Uir.', ; ii. Am. vi, iHi:',, 100, 
 pi. :',<■,(;.— GiR., B. L, I. 1844, 287.— PUTN., Pr. Ksh. iiiHt,. i, ]8.''>6, 210 (MiiHsiicIiu- 
 hbUs).— Newu., p. H. K. IJop. vi, lft.'>7, 'JH (Sacramenlo Valley, Cal.). 
 
 Ardea (Ardcola) exllis, Bl'., 01)S. WilH. 182.5, No. I'Jl ; Syn. 1828, ;!08. 
 
 Ardeola exilie, Bi-., List, I'^JW, 47 ; C. A. ii, 18.55, 134.— Gossio, B. Jam. 1847, :j43.— Hoy, 
 Smith.s. Ri-.p. 1864, 4:;8 (.Missouri). 
 
 Dutor exilis, Sw., Claasif. of Birds, ii, 1837, 354. 
 
 Ardetta i:xitin, Gkay, Gen. of B. iii, 1849; Hand-list, iii, 1871,. 31, No. 101.50 (snbgcnim).— 
 (ivsh., J. f. O. iv, 18.56, 34.5 (Cuba;.- Bi-.., B. N. A. 18.58, 673.- WnisAT., Ohio 
 Agric. Ucp. 1860, No. 186.— Scf,., P. Z. S. lrt61,81(.Juir.aica).— (Joukh & I'lncvi,, 
 Smiths. ];i;p. 1861, 41.5.— Vj:i;i;., I'r. Ess. lust, iii, 1862, 1.58 (.Maine, riroj.— 
 Ai.LKN, ihid. iv, 1864, 76 CMasHacliusetts, very rare).— iMclLWlt., ibid. V, 1866, 91 
 (Canada West, common summer resident;. — Coi;i;s, ihid. v, 1868, 290. — LAWii., 
 Ann. Lyr:. N. Y. viii, ]8(;3 (J^anama) ; 1866, 292.— Cockh, Pr. I'hila. Acad. ]'i60, 
 9.5 (Arizona).— CoLMS, J'r. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 123 CSouth Carolina').— iJiiHHS., 
 Ibis, 1'^.66, 32 (Texan;.— Buy., I'r. Bost. Soo. 1866 (Porto Eico).— Salv., Ibis, 
 1866 196 (•Guatemala;.— AiXKX, Mem. BrjHt. Soc. i, I'-ild, rm (Illinois).— Tri;,vj!., 
 B. K. Pa. I'i69, 28.— A;,l,i;.N-, Bull. .M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 3.59 (I'lorida, not common); 
 iii, 1''.72, 182 (Kastcrii Kansas;.— May.x., Gnidi:, 18/0, 144 (.M.-issachusettH, very 
 rare;.— Coi;j;m, Key, 1872, 270.— S.ndw, B. Kans. Ifi?:'., 9.— Biijow., Ann. Lye. 
 N. Y. X, lr;74, 3'i6 (lUiiioi.H;. 
 
 Hab. — United States and British Provinces. Breeds tbroughout its United Stoteg 
 ran^;!!, wintering in the South. Cuba. Jamaica. Central Ameiica. (?) South America. 
 Not obtained by any of the Exx)edition8. 
 
 Although very generally distributed, this curious little Heron Aocm 
 not appear to be anywhere abundant. 1 have seen it alive but few 
 times, and am not scry fainiliar with its habits. I have invariably 
 found it in reedy swamps — just such places as the liuils frequent- 
 where, when startled, it flies up in a manner reminding one of a Jiail. 
 Like the Bittern, it is regularly migratory, pa.s.sing northward in April, 
 and returning in September. It is said to reside in the Gulf StatcK, 
 and to be more numerous there than elsewhere. It does not apiK^ar to 
 gather in communities to breed, like most of the Herons, but is oftencst 
 found singly, in pairs, or at most, three or four pairs. It is also an 
 exception to the general rule among Herons that the sexes are alike in 
 color. It bears a curious likeness, or rather analogy, in several respects 
 to the Rails. 
 
 The nest I have never seen. According to Audubon, it is " some- 
 times placed on the ground, amid the rankest grasses, but more fre- 
 quently it is attached to the stems several inches above it. It is flat, 
 composed of dried or rotten weeds, and in shape resembles that of the 
 Louisiana Heron, though this latter employs nothing but sticks. * * 
 * * In two instances I found the ne.sts of the Least Bittern about 
 three feet above the ground in a thick cluster of smilax and other briaiy 
 plants. In the first, two nests were X'laced in the same bush, within a 
 few yards of each other. In the other instances there was only one 
 
AEDETTA EXILIS, LEAST BITTERN. 529 
 
 nest of this bird, but several of the Boat-tailed Grakle, and one of the 
 Green Heron, the occupants of all of which seemed to be on friendly 
 terms. When startled from the nest, the old birds emit a few notes 
 resembling the syllable qua, alight a few yards off, and watch all your 
 movements. If you go toward them, you may sometimes take the 
 female with the hand, but rarely the male, who generally flies off, or 
 makes his way through the woods. ***** ^ixe food of this 
 bird consists of snails, slugs, tadpoles, or young frogs and water-lizards. 
 In several instances, however, I have found small shrews and field-mice 
 in their stomachs." 
 
 The eggs, three to five in number, are elliptical, or equal at both 
 ends, from 1.20 by 0.90, to 1.25 by 0.95 in size, and white, with the 
 faintest bluish tint. They look very much like pigeon's eggSj except in 
 the equality of the ends 
 34 
 
SUBORDER ALliGTOIilDES I CRANES, RAILS, &c. 
 
 Family GEUID^ : Cranes. 
 
 GEUS AMERICANA, (Linn.) Temm. 
 
 White or Whooping Crane. 
 
 Jrclea amei-icana, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1776, 234 (based on Edw., pi. 132 ; Gates., pi. 75 ; 
 Bkiss., V, 382).— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 621.— Fokst., Phil. Trans. Ixii, 1772, 
 382 (York Fort).- Lath., Ind, Orn. ii, 1790, 675 (Arct. Zool. ii, 442 ; Gen Syn.. 
 V, 42 , Planch. Enlum. 889).— Wjxa., Am. Orn. viji, 1814,20, pi. 64, f. 3. 
 
 Grus americana, TE^rM., Analyse. — Ord, ed. Wils. viii, 1825. — Bp., Obs. Wils. 1835, No. 
 195 ; Syn. 1828, — ; List, 1838, 46 ; Consp. ii, 1855, 99.— Sw. & RicfH., F. B. A. 
 ii, 1831, 372 ("every part of the Fur Conntries").— NnTT., Man. ii, 1«34, 34.— 
 AuD., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 202, pi. 226; Syn. 1839, 219; B. A. v, 1842, 188, pi. 
 313.— Bry., Pr. Bost. Soo. iv, 1853, 303 (critical).- Putn., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 
 229 (Massachusetts, very doubtful ; based on Emmons, Cat. B. Mass. 135 ; see 
 COUES, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 289).— Bi>., B. N. A. 1858, 654.— Maxi.h , J. f. 0. 
 vii, 1859, 82 (immature). — Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 181 (Ohio, orca- 
 sional). — Dkess., Ibis, 1866, 30 (Lower Rio Grande). — CouES, Pr. Bost. Soc. 
 xii, l-;68, 123 (South Carolina in winter, doubtful ; on authority of Prof . Gibbes, 
 probably referring back to Audubon, who did not distinguish between this and 
 G. canadensis). — Tdrnb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 43 ("now very rare;" three iit Bees- 
 ley's Point, in 1851). — Trippe., Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 118 (iilinnesota, "qnite 
 common at certain seasons, occasionally breeding"). — Tkippb, Pr. Bost. Soc. 
 XV, 1672,240 (Decatur County, Iowa, "quite a number"). — Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. 
 XV, 1872, 209 (Colorado, migratory, occasional). — Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 
 182 (Kansas). — Snow, B. Kans. 1673, 9 (rare in migration). — Coues, Key, 
 1872, yTl.- EiDGW., Ann. Lye. N. Y. s, 1874, 387 (Illinois). 
 
 G'-us clamator, Bahtkam, Trav. in E. Fla. 1791. 
 
 Gnts stritlhio, WaGLER, Svst. Av. 1627, Grus No. 6. 
 
 ■Grus hojaiius, Dudley, Pr. Phila. Acad, vii, 1854, 64.— Hartl., J. t O. iii, 1855, 336, 
 427. -(See Stimpson, Mem. Chic. Acad, i, 1868, 129, pi. 19.) 
 
 Hab. — Interior of North America. Up the Mississippi Valley, spreading through the 
 Fur Conntries. Texas to Florida, and occasionally up the coast to the Middle States. 
 Not obtained by any of the Expeditious. 
 
 It is unnecessary, at tbis late day, to argue the question of tbe dis- 
 tinctness of ttiis species and its formerly supposed young, G. canadensis. 
 But a very remarkable anatomical difference between the two species 
 may be presented, as a structural character of G. americana not gen- 
 erally recognized, if indeed it be not altogether unknown. In G. cana- 
 densis the trachea is stated to be simple ; in G. americana it is remark- 
 ably convoluted within the sternum, to a degree perhaps not surpassed 
 by any bird whatever, and certainly equaled by few. This is an instance 
 of an anatomical peculiarity like that of the Trumpeter Swan [Gygnits 
 buccinator), in comparison with some allied species, and it appears to ex- 
 ercise a similar direct influence upon the voice, in each case. 
 
 My attention was first directed to this peculiarity by Dr. E. O. Sweeny, 
 of Saint Paul, when visiting the Museum of the Academy of iSTatural 
 Sciences in tliat city, where I was shown a beautiful preparation of 
 the sternum and trachea, exhibiting the entire course of the windpipe 
 inside the keel of the bone. The sternal keel is broad and tumid, and 
 is entirely excavated. The greater part of the excavation is occupied 
 by the singular duplications of the trachea, to be presently described; 
 but there are two — an anterior and a posterior — large empty air cells 
 iu the bone, with smooth walls, and two other air cells — one superior 
 
GEUS AMERICANA, WHOOPING CRANE. 531 
 
 and one along the edge of the keel — filled with light, bony meshwork. 
 Excepting these cancellated portions, the whole keel is hollow, and is 
 occupied by the folds of the windpipe, iis follows: Conjing down the 
 throat, the trachea enters the sternal keel at its anterior inferior apex, 
 and runs along the lower edge of the keel, inside, altuost to the very 
 posterior angle ; curving abruptly upward and forward, at about 45°, 
 it runs along the top of the keel just under the body of the bone to the 
 very front, where it appears ; curving next downward, it reenters the 
 keel just alongside its original entrance, passes about a third way to 
 the posterior end of the bone, then coils upward with a strong curve, 
 folding on itself, to reemerge from the bone close alongside its first 
 entrance ; and thence passes up to the bronchi with a strong curve. In 
 •fewer words, the trachea, entering the apex of the keel, traverses the 
 whole contour of the keel in a long vertical coil, emerges at the front 
 upper corner of the keel, enters again at the lower corner of the keel 
 and makes a smaller vertical coil in the center, emerging again where it 
 ■went in. On looking at the object from the front, we see three parallel 
 vertical coils, side by side ; the middle one is the trachea coming down 
 from the neck above ; on the left hand is the bulge of the first great 
 coil ; on the right is the windpipe passing to the lungs after it has made 
 its second coil inside. Measuring loosely, with a thread laid along the 
 track of the folds, I find there are about ticenty eight inches of windpipe 
 coiled away in the breast-bone — certainly over two feet; from upper 
 larynx to the entrance is about twenty-two inches, and there are about 
 eight inches more of the tube from its exit from the bone to the forks 
 of the bronchi; altogether, _/}/Y)/-ei^/t< inches. The Whooping Crane has 
 a windpipe between four and five feet long — quite as long as the bird 
 itself. 
 
 The distribution of the Whooping Crane appears to be somewhat pe- 
 culiar, as may be gathered from the foregoing indications. It is said to 
 be found throughout the Fur t^ountries ; bat in the United States its dis- 
 persion is limited, and there is a difliculty in determining from the 
 accounts, since several authors have confounded it with the Saudhill 
 Crane. I find no satisfactory evidence of its occurrence in New England, 
 and Mr. Lawrence omits it from his New York list. Dr. Turnbull gives 
 it as now very rare, but remarks that in Wilson's time it bred at Cape 
 May, New Jersey. It is said to be common in Florida, where, however, 
 Mr. Allen "saw no White Cranes." It occurs in Texas. I have never 
 seen it alive excepting in Northern Dakota, where I observed it in 
 August, September, and October, and where, probably, it breeds. Its 
 principal line of migration appears to be the Mississippi Valley at large ; 
 accounts of its presence all along this belt, from Texas to Minnesota, 
 for a considerable breadth, are unanimous and conclusive. Here it 
 seems to be chiefly migratory, but there is every reason to believe that 
 it breeds in Minnesota and, as just said, in Dakota, as it also does 
 further north. 
 
 Two eggs of the Whooping Crane are in the Smithsonian from Great 
 Slave Lake, where they were taken by Mr. J. Lockhart. Though from 
 the same nest, one is noticeably more elongated than the other, meas- 
 uring about 3.90 by 2.65, the other being about 3.C0 only, with the same 
 width. The shell is much roughened with numerous elevations, like 
 little warts, and is, moreover, puuctulate all over. The ground is a 
 light brownish-drab ; the markings are rather sparse, except at the 
 great end; they are large irregular spots of a pale dull chocolate-brown, 
 with still more obscure or nearly obsolete shell-markings. A queried, 
 but probably correct set of eggs is in the collection Irom Dubuque, Iowa. 
 
532 GEUS CANADENSIS, SANDHILL CEANE. 
 
 This tall and stately white bird, of the most imposing appearance of 
 any of this country, I have only seen on the broad prairie, or soaring 
 on motionless pinion in spiral curves high overhead. Its immense 
 stature is sometimes singularly exaggerated by that quality of the 
 prairie air which magnifies distant objects on the horizon, transforming 
 sometimes a weed into a man, or making a Wild Turkey excite suspicion 
 of a buffalo. The most fabulous accounts of a Crane's size might read- 
 ily arise without intentional deception. I have known a person to mis- 
 take a Sandhill Crane for one of his stray mules, and go in search ; 
 and another enthusiastic teamster once declared that some he saw were 
 " bigger than his six-mule ;team." Once, while antelope-shooting on 
 the prairie, my comiDanion — a good hunter — and myself saw what we 
 took to be an antelope standing quietly feeding with his broad, white 
 stern toward us, and only about five hundred yards off. We attempted, 
 for at least fifteen minutes, to " flag" the creature up to us, waving a 
 handkerchief on a ramrod in the most approved style. This proving 
 unavailing, my friend proceed to stalk the game, and crawled on his 
 belly for about half the distance before the "antelope" unfolded his 
 broad black-tipped wings and flapped off, revealed at length as a 
 Whooping Crane. 
 
 GEUS CANADENSIS, (Linn.) Temm. 
 
 Brown or Sandhill Crane. 
 
 Ardea canadensis, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 234 (Edw., i, 33 ; Briss., v, 385). — FoRST., 
 Philos. Trans. Ixii, 1772, 382, 409 (Severn Eiver).— Gji., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 6-20.— 
 Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 675 (Arct. Zool. ii, 443; Gen. Syn. v, 43). 
 
 Grus canadensis, Temm., Anal. p. c. — Bp., Syn. 1828, No. 225; Consp. ii, 1855, 98. — Sab., 
 Frankl. Journ. 685.— EiCH., Parry's 2d Voy. 353.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 
 373.— NtTT., Man. ii, 1834, 38.— Bry., Pr. Bost. Soc. iv, lbo3, .303 (critical); -sii, 
 1859, p. 14. — WooDH., Sitgr. Eep. 1853, 96 (New Mexico and Arizona).— Gdkw,., 
 J. f. O. iv, 1856, 339 (Cuba, breeding).— Newb., P. K. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 97 (Pacific 
 coast).- Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 655.— Heerm., P. R. E. Eep. x, 18.59, pt. vi, 62 (Cali- 
 fornia).— iLixra., J. f. 0. vii, 1859, 84.— Coop. & Suck., X. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 
 227.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 182.— Hayd., Eep. I>i62, 173 (Ne- 
 braska). — Hoy, Smiths. Eep. 1864, 438 (Western Missouri). — Dress., Ibis, 1866, 
 30 (Texas).— CoUES, Pr. PMla. Acad. 1866, 95 (Colorado and Gila Rivers, abun- 
 dant). — Allen, Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 1868, 501 (Iowa, migratory and breeding). — 
 Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad. 1, 1869, 289 (Alaska, common, breeding).— Allen, 
 Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1«71, 357 (Florida, abundant). — Trippe, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 
 118 (Minnesota, very common, breeding); Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 240 (Iowa, 
 " vast numbers in migration"). — Aiken, ibid. 209 (Colorado, common in migra- 
 tion).— Merr., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1872, 702 (Idaho).— CoUES, Key, 1872, 
 271. — Snow, B. Kans. 1673, 9 (abundant in migrations). — Eidgw., Ann. Lye. 
 X. Y. X, 1874, 387 (Illinois). 
 
 Ardea canadensis var. /3, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 676 (Mexico). 
 
 G-riis mer.icana, MtJLLEK (Briss., v, 380). 
 
 Gilts pratenms, Bartr., Trav. in Florida, 1791, p. — . 
 
 Grus fiisca, Viehx., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. vii, .548. 
 
 Grus poUophcea, Wagleu, Syst. Av. 1827, Grus No. 7. 
 
 Grus americana, Add., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 441 (in part), pi. 261 ; Syn. 1839, 219 (in 
 part); B. Am. v, 1842, 188 (in part); pi. 314 (supposed young). 
 
 Grus fraterculus, Cass., Baird's B. N. A. 1858, 656 (New Mexico). 
 
 Conipiirc Grus longirostris, Bp., C. A. ii, 1854, 98 (Fu. Japon. pi. 72.) 
 
 i?a&.— United States, from Florida and the Mississippi Valley to the Pacific, and in- 
 terior of the Fur Countries. X'orth to the Yukou (Dall) and west coast of Baffin's Bay 
 (latitude 72^ ; Ibis, ii, 167). Breeds apparently nearly throughout its range. Cuba. 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 8914, Sand Hills, Xobraska (erroneously given as G. 
 americana in Dr. Hayden's earlier report). 
 
 Later Expeditions. — 62369, X'orth Fork, Idaho. 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Eaynolds' Expedition, nor by the later ones. 
 
 I find no indication of the occurrence of this species anjwhere in the 
 Eastern or Middle States, nor indeed east of the Mississippi and its 
 
GEUS CANADENSIS, SANDHILL CRANE. b33 
 
 tributaries, excepting in Florida. There it is almiidant, accordiiig to 
 several observers. l3r. Bryant refers to its breeding, stating tliat two 
 eggs are laid, from early in Felnuaiy until about the middle of April. 
 I have met with it in various parts of the West, finding it breeding in 
 Northern Dakota, quite plentifully, on the broad prairie. Newly-hatched 
 young were secured in July, near Turtle Mountain. Late in Septeml)er 
 and early in October numbers of this species and G. americana together 
 were migrating through the same region; they appeared to journey 
 chiefly by night. Often, as we lay encamped on the Mouse River, the 
 stillness of midnight would be broken by the hoarse, rattling croaks of 
 Cranes coming overhead, the noise finally dying in the distance, to be 
 succeeded by the shrill pipe of numberless waders, the honking of 
 ■ Geese, and the whistle of the pinions of myriads of wild fowl that shot 
 past, sounding to sleepy ears like the rushing sound of a far away loco- 
 motive. 
 
 We have accounts of the Sandhill Cranes from the wbole extent of 
 the Mississippi Valley (in the broad sense of the term), and of their 
 breeding in Iowa and' Minnesota, as well as in Dakota. In Alaska, Mr. 
 Dall says, it is a common bird at St. Michael's and around the mouth 
 of the Yukon, but less so in the interior, as at Nulato. "The egy-s, 
 obtained June 17, on the Yukon Eiver, are laid in a small depressiou 
 on the sandy beach, without any attempt at a nest." He adds thiit the 
 fibula is a favorite pipe-stem with the Indians, who, also, are fond of 
 domesticating the young; the birds eating up vermin and insects, as 
 well as refuse scraps of food about the settlements. Further south, on 
 the Pacific coast, says Dr. Suckley, Sandhill Cranes are very abundant 
 at Paget Sound, on the Nisqually plains, in autumn. "They there 
 commence to arrive from the summer breeding grounds about the last 
 week in September, from which time until about the 10th of November 
 they are quite plentiful. After this they disappear, probably retiring 
 to warmer latitudes during the cold mouths. In the iall they are found 
 on all the prairies near Fort Steilacoom, but are not indifferent to choice 
 of certain spots. These are generally old 'stubble-fields,' or spots of 
 ground that have been ploughed. They rise heavily and slowly from 
 the ground on being disturbed, and, flying in circles, at length acquire 
 the desired elevation. When proceeding from one favorite resort to 
 another, or ^vhen migrating, the flight is high, and not unfreqneutly 
 their approach' is heralded, before they are in slight, by their incessant, 
 ■whooping clamor. While feeding they are generally silent." To thits 
 account Dr. Cooper adds that the Brown Cranes are common summer 
 residents in Washington Territory, "arriving at the Straits of Fuca in 
 large flocks, in April, and there dispersing in pairs over the interior 
 prairies to build their nests, which are placed amid the tall fern on the 
 highest and most open ground, where they can see the approach of 
 danger. They frequent, at this season, tlie mountains to the height of 
 6,000 feet above the sea. The young are often raised from the nest by 
 the Indians for food." 
 
 "In the autumn and winter," Dr. Newberry observes, "it is abundant 
 on the prairies of California, and is always for sale in the markets of 
 San Francisco, where it is highly esteemed as an article of food. In 
 August we irequently saw them about the Klamath Lakes, and early in 
 September, while in the Cascade Mountains, in Oregon, the Cranes were 
 a constant feature of the scenery of the beautiful but lonely mountain 
 meadows in which we encamped. We found them always exceedingly 
 shy and difQcult of approach, but not unfrequently the files of their tail 
 forms stretching above the prairie grass, or their discordant and far- 
 
534 GRUS CANADENSIS, SANDHILL CEANE. 
 
 .souuding screams, suggested the presence of the humau inhabitants of 
 tile region, whose territory was now, for the first time, invaded by the 
 white man. The Cranes nest in these alpine meadows, and retreat to 
 the milder climate of the valleys of California on the approach of winter. 
 In Oregon they begin to move southward in October." 
 
 Thousands of Sandhill Cranes repair each year to the Colorado Eiver 
 Valley, flock succeeding flock along the course of the gxeat stream, from 
 their arrival in September until their departure the following .spring. 
 Taller than the Wood Ibises or the largest Herons with which they are 
 associated, the stately birds stand in the foreground of the scenery of 
 the valley, the water now reflecting the shadow of their broad wings, 
 then the clear blue sky exhibiting in outline their commanding forms. 
 Such ponderous bodies, moving with slowly-beating wings, give a great 
 idea of momentum from mere weight — of force of motion without swift- 
 ness ; for they plod along heavily, seeming to need every inch of their 
 ample wings to sustain themselves. One would tbink they must soon 
 alight fatigued with such exertion, but the raucous cries continue, and 
 the birds fly on for miles along the tortuous stream, in Indian file, under 
 some trusty leader, who croaks his hoarse orders, implicitly obeyed. 
 Each bird keeps his place in the ranks; the advancing column now 
 rises higher over some suspected sijot, now falls along an open, sandy 
 1 each, swaying meanwhile to the right or left. As it passes on, the in- 
 dividual birds are blended in the hazy distance, till, just before lost to 
 view, the line becomes like an immense serpent gliding mysteriously 
 through the air. When about to alight, fearful lest the shadows of the 
 woods harbor unseen danger, the Cranes pass by the leafy intricacies 
 where the Ibises and other less suspicious birds feed, and choose a spot 
 for the advantage it may ofier of uninterrupted vision. By nature one 
 of the most wary and discreet of birds, his experience has taught the 
 Crane to value this gift and put it to the best use. His vigilance is 
 rarely relaxed, even when he is feeding where less thoughtful birds 
 would feel perfectly secure. After almost every bending of his long 
 neck to the ground, he rises erect again, and at full length glances 
 keenly on every side. He may resume his repast, but should so much 
 as a speck he cannot account for appear to view, he stands motion- 
 less, all attention. I^Tow let the least sound or movement betray an 
 unwelcome visitor — he bends his muscular thighs, sprea-ds his ample 
 wings, and springs heavily into the air, croaking dismally in warning to 
 all his kind within the far-reaching sound of his voice. 
 
 The eggs of the Sandhill Crane are of the same general character as 
 those of G. americana, in texture of shell, its color, and markings, but, 
 to judge from limited comparisons, are usually more elongate, if not also 
 somewhat less capacious— 3.80 by 2.60; 3.90 by 2.60; 4.10 by 2.40 (long 
 and narrow); 3.65 by 2.10; the latter remarkably small, as well as 
 unusually narrow. Eggs are in the collection from Liverpool Bay, on 
 the Arctic coast; from Great Slave Lake; from Washington Territory; 
 Fort Crook, California; Lake Simpson, Utah; Iowa, Florida, and Cuba, 
 They cannot be positively distinguished, in any given instance, Irom 
 those of 6. americana. 
 
 Family EALLID^ : Eails. 
 
 Subfamily Eaxlin^: True Bails. 
 
 Tbe Eails inhabit all temperate countries ; they are remarkably distiugnished by the 
 extreme narrowness or compression of the liody, T\hich enables them to thread a way 
 through the closest reeds and rushes of the marshes where they always live. Instead 
 
RALLUS ELEGANS, KING RAIL. 535 
 
 of long, flat, pointed, narrow wings, with flowing tertials, characteristic of the great 
 Plover-snipe group, they have short, concave, rounded wiugs, and tneir flight is con- 
 sequeiitly of a different sort. They are neither swift nor vigorous on wing. Whea 
 flushed, a matter of some 'difficult}', they fly in so feeble and vague a way that it is not 
 very easy to understand how they make the extensive migrations for which, noverthe- 
 les9, they are noted. The legs, as well as more particularly the feet, are large and 
 strong ; the thighs extremely muscular ; they trust rather to these members than to 
 their wings in avoiding pursuit or escaping danger; probably no birds are more ac- 
 complished pedestrians than they are. There is generally, if not always, a slight 
 membrane between the base of the toes, but nothing amounting even to semipalma- 
 tiou ; nevertheless, some of the species swim short distances with ease. While not 
 exactly gregarious, since they do not go in flocks that are actuated by a common im- 
 pulse and the instinct of socialism, nevertheless they frequent, through community of 
 tastes and wants, the marshes in immense numbers; where they breed, and where they 
 appear during the migration, particularly the autumnal, the marshes appear full- 
 stocked with them. Their cries are loud, dry, and harsh; in the spring time the 
 marshes resound. They scream piteously when wounded and caught, ami fight as well 
 as they can with their strong claws. Their food consists of all sorts of aquatic animals 
 small enough to be swallowed — little crabs, snails, and other small molluscs, grubs, 
 worms, and insects. They probably all live at times, and in a measure at least, upon 
 the seeds and tender shoots of aquatic plants. They lay many white or whitish, 
 much-spotted, oval or elliptical eggs, in a rude flat nest, built of sticks, rush-stalks, 
 and grasses, upon the ground. The young, of which more than one brood may be an- 
 nually raised, are generally black in the downy state, whatever the color of the adults. 
 They appear to be of somewhat nocturnal habits, and probably migrate mostly by 
 night. The flesh of some of our species is esteemed good eating, and great numbers 
 are annually destroyed for the table, in the fall, when they are generally very fat. 
 
 EALLUS ELEGANS, Aud. 
 King Rail; Fresh-water Marsh Hen. 
 
 a. elegans. 
 
 Ballus crepitans, Wils., Am. Orn. vii, 1813, pi. 62, f. 2 (figure, but not the description. 
 Not of authors). 
 
 Ballus eUgans, AuD., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 27, pi. 203 ; Syn. 1839, 215 ; B. Am. v, 1842. 160, 
 pi. 309.— Bp., List, 18j8, 53.— Lixsl., Am. JouVn. Sci. xliv, 1843, 267 (Connecti- 
 cut).— GlE., B. L. I. 1834, 209.— GuxDL., J. f. O. iv, 1856, 427 (Cuba, breeding) ; 
 Eeperto. i, 360.— Newb., P. E. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 96 (California).— Bd., B. N. A. 
 1858, 746.— Hekrm., P. R. K. Rep. x, 1859, pt. vi, 62 (California).- Coop. & 
 Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 246.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 226.— 
 CouES &. PREpx., Smiths. Eep. 1861, 416.— Hoy, Smiths. Rep. 1864, 438 (IVIis- 
 sourl).— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 295.— Codes, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 
 296 (Connecticut).— COUBS, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 124 (South Carolina, resident).- 
 SCL. & Sai,v., p. Z. S. 1868, 444 (critical).— Tunrb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 33.— Allex, 
 Bull. JI. C. Z. ii, 1871, 357 (Florida.)— Cotjes, Key, 1872, 273.— Snow, B. Kans. 
 1873, 10 (rare).- RiDGW., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 387 (Illinois). 
 
 Aramiis {PardiraUns) elegans, Gray, Hand-list, iii, 1871, 59, No. 10417. 
 
 Sallm longirostris, ScL., P. Z. S. 1864, 179 (error). (Mexico.) 
 
 b. obsoletus. 
 
 Ballus elegans var. oisoletiis, Ridgw., Am. Nat. viii, 1874, 111.— CoUES, Check-list, App. 
 1874, 137, No. 466" (California). 
 
 jffijJ.— United States, rather southerly. North on the Atlantic coast regularly to the 
 Middle States, casually to Connecticut ; in the interior to Kansas and Missouri at least ; 
 on the Pacific side to Oregon or Washington. Cuba. Mexico. Winters in the South- 
 ern States. 
 
 Not obtained by any of the Expeditions. 
 
 The King Eail is more limited in dispersion tlian any other one of our 
 species of the family. The extralimital quotations are few, and to the 
 northward its range is likewise restricted. None of the later New En- 
 gland writers mention it except myself, and I have only the authority 
 of Mr. Linsley for its occurrence near Stratford, Connecticut. Accord- 
 ing to Mr. Turnbull it is "rather scarce'' along the New Jersey coast. 
 In the District of Columbia it is often observed early iu the fall, when 
 
536 EALLUS VIEGINIANUS, VIRGINIA EAIL. 
 
 the common Spra is so abundant in the marshes bordering: on the Poto- 
 mac. On the Pacific side it is stated to be common in California as far 
 as San Francisco, and to reach Humboldt Bay, In the interior it has 
 only been traced to Kansas and Missouri. 
 
 What little has been placed on record respecting its habits does not 
 indicate anything pecaliar. The eggs are precisely like those of R. 
 crejntans, of which I have the following account, in substance, in the 
 American l*raturalist, iii, 601: Sizes: 1.80 by 1.10; 1.70 by 1.20; 1.66 by 
 1.00; 1.60 by 1.16; 1.50 by 1.15; 1.50 by 1.05; average about 1.66 by 
 1.10. Ground-color, from dull white to creamy or pale buff. Markings, 
 either sparse or plentiful, evenly or very irregularly distributed, vary- 
 ing from mere dots to large splashes, on the same or different eggs, but 
 usually largest at or around the great end, where they are apt to be- 
 come confluent. The markings are reddish-brown of variable shade, 
 but never pure brown ; with these are always a number of shell spots 
 of lilac, lavender or pale-purplish. 
 
 I am not aware that the Clapper Eail {R. longirostris) has yet been 
 observed anywhere on the Missouri. It is chiefly confined to salt 
 marshes, along the coasts, but has been noted also in the interior, as at 
 Great Salt Lake, and may not improbably be detected in some of the 
 alkaline portions of the Missouri region. The accompanying foot-note 
 gives a portion of the synonomy of the species.* 
 
 EALLUS VIEGLNIAXUS, Linn. 
 
 Tirginia Sail. 
 
 Ballus virginianus, Les'X., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 263 (based on Gates., 70, and Bmss., r, 
 175).— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1688, 716.— Wrts., Am. Orn. vii, 1813, 109, pi. 62, f. 1.— 
 Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 210 ; Syn. 1828, 334 ; List, 183S, 5,J.— Ndtt., Man. ii, 
 1834, 205.— AcD., Orn. Biog. iii, 41; v, 1839, 573; pi. 205; Syn. 1839,216; B. 
 Am. V, 1842, 174, pi. 311.— GiE., B. L. I. 1844, 208.— WooDH., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 
 101 (Rio Lagnua).— Gu^DL., J. f. 0. iv, 1856, 427 (Cuba) ; Rep. Fis. i, 361.— 
 Newb., p. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 96 (California).— Heerm., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, 
 pt. vi, 62 (California).— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 748.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. 
 Ter. 1860, 247.— ScL. & Salv., Ibis, 1860, 277 (Guatemala).— Dr.E.ss., ihid. 1866, 40 
 (Texas).— ScL. & Saiv., Exot. Orn. i, 196 (diagnosis) ; P. Z. S. 1868, 445.— Schl., 
 M. P.-B. Balli, p. 11.— Allen, Mem. Best. Soc. i, 1868, 501 (Iowa).— Ho v, Smiths. 
 Rep. 1864, 438 (Missouri).- CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 98 (Arizona).— CouBS, 
 Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868,297 (breeding north to Maine). — CouES, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 
 1868, 124 (South Carolina).— Codes & Prent., Smiths. Rep. 18iU, 416.— Pdtx., 
 Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 216 (Massachusett, in summer). — Verr., ibid, iii, 1862, 159 
 (Maine, breeds).) — ^Axlen, ibid, iv, 1864, 78 (Massachusetts, breeding). — Mc- 
 
 * Ballus longirostris, BoDD., Tabl. Planch. Enlum. 1784, pi. 489. — Bukm., Syst. Ueb. iii, 
 361 (Bahia).— Newt., Ibis, 1859, 260 (Santa Cruz).— GossE, B. Jam. 1847, 364.— 
 Leot., Ois. Trinidad, 491.— Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 18G0, 378 (St. Thomas).— 
 ScL. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1868, 444 (critical).— CouES, Key. 1872, 273, fig. 178. 
 
 Aramus (Pardirahts) longiroslris, Gray, Hand-list, iii, 1871, 59, No. 10418. 
 
 Ballus crepitans, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 713. — Wils., Am. Cm. vii, 1813, 112 (not the 
 plate).— Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825 ; Syn. 1828, 334 ; List, 1838, 53.— Nutt., Man. ii, 
 1834, 201.— AuD., Om. Biog. iii, 1835, 331, pi. 214 ; Syu. 1839, 215 ; B. Am. v, 
 1842, 165, pi. 310.— GiR., B. L. L 1844, 206.— GuNDL., J. f. O. 1856, 427 (Cuba); 
 Rep. Fis. Nat. i, 491.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 747.— Cab., Schomb. Guiana, iii. 76.- 
 SCL., P. Z. S. 1861, 81 (Jamaica).— Bry., Pr. Bost. Soc. vii, 1859 (Bahamas).— 
 CouES, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, lji68, 296 (Massachusetts).- Putk., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, ia56, 
 229.— Allen, Pr.Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 87.— Cabot, Pr. Bost. Soc. iii, 326.— Lawr, 
 Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 295.— McIlwr., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 93 (Canada 
 West).— TuKXB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 33.— CouES, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 124.— 
 CouES, Am. Nat. iii, 1870, 600 (biography).— Ma yu.. Guide, 1870, 145 (Massa- 
 chusetts).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 357 (Florida) ; iii, 1872 (Salt Lake, Utah). 
 Hab. — Atlantic coast from Massachusetts to Brazil. Canada West 'Mcllwraiih), 
 
 Great Salt Lake {Allen). 
 
KALLUS VIRGINIANUS, VIRGINIAN RAIL. 537 
 
 Ilwi!., iUd. V, 1866, 92 (Hamilton, C. W.).— Trippe, ibid, vi, 1871, 118 (Miune- 
 sota, breeds).— Lawi!., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 295.— Tuknb., B. B. Pa. 1869, 
 3.1 (not uncommon). — Mayn., Guide, 1870, 145. — Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1H71, 
 357 (Florida); iii, 1872, 182 (Kansas).— Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc.sv,1872, 210 (Col- 
 orado, breeding).— CouES, Key, 1872, 273.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 11. — Ridgw., 
 Ann. Lye. N. Y. s, 1874, 887 (Illinois). 
 
 Aramus (Pardirallus) virginimius, Gray, Hand-lLst, iii, 1871, 59, No. 10419. 
 
 Ballus aquaticus var. (S, Lath., Ind. Orn. il, 1790, 755. 
 
 Ballus limicola, Vielll., Ency. Meth. 1823, p. 1059. 
 
 Eab. — Entire United States and British Provinces. Breeds commonly in New Eng- 
 land. Winters in the Southern States and beyond. South to Guatemala. Cuba. 
 Not obtained by the Expeditions. 
 
 A night at Soda Lake, the d6bouclmre of that singular river, the Mo- 
 jave, was one of the strangest, as well as most uncomfortable, I ever 
 passed. It was late in October, and the full moon threw a pale, uncer- 
 tain light upon a scene of desolation and of death. On one side stretched 
 the interminable desert of shifting sand, broken here and there by 
 clumps of the foul creasote plant, straggling patches of grease-wood 
 and bitter sage, and scattered, sentinel-like, Spanish bayonet. Along the 
 road just traversed were strewn bleached skeletons of beasts that had 
 fallen in their tracks beneath the scorching rays of the sun. At the 
 foot of some cliffs near by lay whitening the heads and horns of the 
 argali ( Ovis montana), shot by previous travelers. The bare bones looked 
 of double size and fantastic shape in the uncertain moonlight. Before 
 us lay a dead-white sea of salty efflorescence, where the lake had evap- 
 orated or sunk in the sand, leaving its saline matter. It was dry, ex- 
 cept toward the middle, where dark green masses of Tule reeds, con- 
 trasting with the snowy whiteness all around, showed that a little water 
 was left. Our animals, like ourselves, were exhausted ; one poor crea^ 
 ture, cruelly over-tasked, had given birth to a foal, and lay groaning by 
 the wayside, unable to rise. The water was too nauseous to drink, and 
 hardly answered to cook with. After a poor meal, we lay down with 
 gloomy thoughts. But sleep was impossible, though wrapped never so 
 closely, head and all, in our blankets. We contended with a blood- 
 thirsty swarm of mosquitoes, wafted like a cloud from the stagnant 
 pools. Every breath of air seemed to vibrate to the continuous hum of 
 the insects; it was open onslaught, as well as stealthy attack, with 
 them, as we huddled around the camp-fire, on the side to which the 
 smoke was wafted, enveloped in blankets, and impatiently waiting the 
 day. We were bitten on every exposed point ; for days afterward our 
 hands and faces were sore and swollen, inflamed by the tinj^ drops of 
 poison instilled into each wound. 
 
 But even under such circumstajpces I was gratified by the presence of 
 feathered friends. At nightfall some Mallard and Teal settled into the 
 rushes, gabbling curious vespers as they went to rest. A few Marsh 
 Wrens had appeared on the edge of the reeds, queerly balancing them- 
 selves on the thread-like leaves, seesawing to their own quaint music. 
 Then they were hushed, and as darkness settled down, the dull, heavy 
 croaking of the frogs played bass to the shrill falsetto of the insects. 
 Suddenly they too were hushed in turn, frightened, may be, into silence ; 
 and from the heart of the bnllrushes, "crik-crik-riJc-lc-Jc-h," lustily 
 .shouted some wide-awake Eail, to be answered by another and another, 
 till the reeds resounded. Then all was silent again till the most cou- 
 rageous frog renewed his pipes. The Eail are, partially at least, noc- 
 turnal. During such moonlight nights as this they are on the alert, 
 patrolling the marshes through the countless covered ways among the 
 reeds, stopping to cry "all's well" as they pass on, or to answer the 
 challenge of a distant watchman. That they feed by night, as well as 
 
538 POEZANA CAEOLINA, CAROLINA RAIL. 
 
 by day, cannot be doubted. Their habit of skulking and hiding in the 
 almost inaccessible places they frequent renders them difiBcult of ob- 
 servation, and they are usually considered rarer than they really are. 
 During the spring migration they seem to pass more swiftly and secretly 
 than in the fall, when, their ranks recruited by the summer's broods, 
 they become more noticeable. Some, like the Clapper Eail {B. longi- 
 rosiris), are almostesclusively maritime, andneverquit the salt-marshes; 
 others, as the Fresh-water Marsh Hen (E. elegans of Audubon), of which 
 the present species is a perfect miniature in size, are generally distrib- 
 uted in the interior. The Virginia Rail extends across the continent ; 
 it is strictly a bird of passage, proceeding to and somewhat beyond our 
 northernmost States, and returning in the fall. At the approach of cold 
 weather it retires still farther southward. Still, numbers breed in vari- 
 ous latitudes within our limits. I have not myself met with the nest 
 of this species. It is described as a slightly hollowed platform of mat- 
 ted grass and reeds, placed in a tussock of grass or directly on the 
 ground, in the interior of secluded bogs and morasses. The eggs, of 
 which a large number are before me, are eight or ten in number. They 
 are exactly like those of the Elegant and Clapper Eails, only much 
 smaller, measuring about 1.25 by 0.96. The groundcolor distinguishes 
 them from those of the Sora, which, of about the same size and shape, 
 always show a sbade of soiled greenish or olive-drab. 
 
 POEZANA CAEOLINA, (Linn.) Cab. 
 
 Carolina Eail; Sora; "Ortolan." 
 
 Eallus oaroUmcs, Ijiot., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 263.— Gm., Svst. Nat. i, 1788, 715.— Bp., Syn. 
 18^8, No. 272.— Dough., Cab. N. H. i, 1830, 206, pi. 18.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. 
 ii, 1831, 403.— Add., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 251 ; v, 1839, 572; pi. 233. 
 
 Rallus (Crex) caroUnus, Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 230.— Ndtt., Man. ii, 1834, 209. 
 
 Gallinula Carolina, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 771 (Edw., 144 ; Briss., r, 541 ; Gates., i, 
 pi. 70 ; Arct. Zool. ii, 491 ; Gen. Syn. v, 262).— Sab., Frank. Jonrn. 690. 
 
 Ortygomeira Carolina, Bp., List, 1838, 53.— AuD., Syn. 1839, 213 ; B. Am. v, 1842, 145, pi. 
 306.— GOSSB, B. Jam. 1847, 371.— GiR., B. L. 1. 1844, 201.- Leot., Ois. Trinidad, 
 493.— WooDH., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 101.— Potn., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 216.— Rekh., 
 Ibis, iii, 1861, 12 (Greenland). 
 
 Porzana Carolina, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 749 ; and of all late U. S. ■vrriters.— Gundl., J. f. 0. 
 iv, 1856, 428 (Cuba).— ScL., Ibis, i, 1859, 230 (Guatemala).- Newt., iUd. 260 
 (Santa Cruz).— Dress., iUd. 1866, 40 (Texas).— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 175 (Nio- 
 brara).— Scl., P. Z. S. 1861, 81 (Jamaica).— Scl. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1864, 179, 
 372 (Mexico) ; 1868, 450 (critical) ; 1869, 252 (Venezuela) ; 1870, 219 (Vera- 
 gua).— Bky., Pr. Bost. Soo. 1866 (Porto Rico).— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. vii, 479 
 (Panama).— SuxD., Ofv. Vet. Ak. 587 (St. Bartholomew).— Codes, Key, 273. 
 
 Aramides (JMusteJiraUiis) Carolina, Gray, Handjlist, iii, 1871, 61, No. 10431. 
 
 Crex Carolina, Hart., Br. Birds, 1872, 152 (accidental in Great Britain ; cf. Newt., P. Z. 
 S. 1865, 196 ; Eyre, Zool. 1865, 9540 ; Kennedy, B. of Berks and Bucks, 196). 
 
 Hallos stolidus, Vieill., Ency. Meth. 1823, p. 1071. 
 
 Ba!).- Entire temperate North America; especially abundant along the Atlantic /''( 
 coast during the migrations. Breeds from the Middle districts northward. Winters 
 in the Southern States and beyond. South to Venezuela. Various West Indian Islands. 
 Greenland. Accidental in Europe. 
 
 Lieutenant Tfarren's Expedition. — 4875, Yankton Camp. 
 
 Latei' Expeditions. — 61646, Ogden, Utah. 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition. 
 
 The Sora does not appear to occur anywhere in the Missouri region 
 in such, numbers as it does along the Atlantic coast, probably on ac- 
 count of lack of the peculiar resorts best suited to its wants. I observed \ 
 it migrating southward in September, along the Mouse Eiver, in North- 
 ern Dakota, but it was not very abundant. It has not been much | 
 noticed in the West, nor by any means throughout that portion of our 
 
POEZANA JAMAICENSIS, LITTLE BLACK RAIL. 539 
 
 country. Mr. Allen found it in Utah, about Great Salt Lake, and I in 
 Arizona. 1 bave also taken it, in tbe breeding season, in Montana. 
 
 The eggs of Forzana Carolina are spotted just like those of the fore- 
 going RaUl, but are readily distinguished by their strong drab g-round- 
 color, instead of the white or creamy and pale buffy of the former. They 
 are rather smaller than those of B. virginiaims, and perhaps more ob- 
 tuse, measuring about 1.20 by 0.90. 
 
 P0RZA:N^A S^OVEBOEACENSIS, (Gm.) Cass. 
 little Yellow Kail. 
 
 FuVica noreboraccnsis, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 701. 
 
 GaUinula novehoracensis, Lath., Ind. Om. li, 1790, 771 (Arot. Zool. ii, 491 ; G, S. Y, 262). 
 
 Ortygometra novehoracensis, Steph., Shaw's Gen. Zool. xii, 1834. — Bp., List, 1838, 53.— 
 AuD., l^yn. 1839, 213; B. Am. v, 1842, 152, pi. 307.— LlNSL., Am. Journ. Sci. xliv, 
 1843, 268 (Connecticut).- GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 204.— Puts., Pr. Ess. lust, i, 1856, 
 229 (Massachusetts; compare Peab., Eep. Orn. Mass. 375 ; Ernjioss, Cat. 6). 
 
 Ballus noveioraeensis, Bp., Speco. Comp. 1827, 212 ; Syn. 1828, 335 ; Am. Orn. iv, 1832, 
 136, pi. 27, f. 2.— NuTT., Man. ii, 1834, 215.— Sw. & EiCH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 402 
 (Hudson's Bay).— AuD., Om. Biog. iv, 1838, 251, pi. 329. 
 
 Coturnicops noveloracensis, Bp., Ann. Sc. Nat. i, 1854, 46. 
 
 Forzana norehoracensis, Cass., Baird's B. N. A. 1858, 750.— Wheat., Ohio Agrio. Eep. 
 
 1860, No. 229.— Codes & Peent., Smiths. Eep. 1861, 416.— AixEx, Pr. Ess. Inst, 
 iv, 1864, 87 (Massachusetts, rare). — Codes, ibid, v, 1868, 297. — Dkess., Ibis, 
 1866, 40 (Texas).— Codes, Pr. Best. Soc. xii, 1868, 124 (South Carolina, migra- 
 tory).— Scl. & Salv., p. Z. S. 1868, 457.— Lawr., Ann. Lye. viii, 1866, 295.— 
 Tdexb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 33 (rare).— AxtEN, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 357 (winter- 
 ing in Florida, common). — Mayx., Guide, 1870, 146 (Massachusetts, migratory, 
 rare, perhaps breeding). — ^Allen, Am. Nat. iii, 1870, 639 (Massachusetts). — 
 Codes, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1871, 35 (North Carolina).— Codes, Key, 1872, 274.— 
 Hatch, Bull. Minn. Acad. Sci. i, 1874, 65 (Minnesota). — Eidgw., Ann. Lyo. 
 N. Y. X, 1874, 387 (Illinois). 
 
 Aramides {Cohmiicops) novehoracensis, Gray', Hand-list, iii, 1871, 61, No. 10448. 
 Perdix Itudsonica, Lath., Ind. Orn. li, 1790, 655. 
 
 Ballus riificollis, "\iEiix., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. xxviii, 556 ; Enc. Meth. 1070 ; Gal. 
 bis. ii, 168. pi. 266. 
 
 Sah. — Eastern North America. North to Hudson's Bay, but in New England not 
 observed beyond Massachusetts. Apparently nowhere aljundaut. Winters in the 
 Southern States. (No extralimital record). 
 
 The Smithsonian has a set of six eggs of P. novehoracensis, taken May 
 17, at Winnebago, Illinois. They are the only ones I have seen, and 
 differ from all those of P. Carolina in the color of the ground, which is 
 a rich, warm buffy-brown, marked at the great end \Yith a cluster of 
 reddish-chocolate dots and spots. Size 1.15 by 0.85, to 1.05 by 0.80; 
 shape as in the foregoing. 
 
 POEZAJirA JAMAICENSIS, (Gm.) Cass. 
 little Black Kail. 
 
 a. jamaicensis. 
 
 Eallus jamaicensis, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 718. -Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 761 (Bkiss., 
 Suppl. 140 ; Edw., pi. 278 ; J3rowne, Jam. 479 ; Gen. Syn. v, 239). — Auu., Orn. 
 Biog. iv, 1838, 359, pi. 349. 
 
 Ortygometra jamaicensis, Steph., Shaw's Gen. Zool. — Bp., List. 1838, 53. — Add., Syn. 
 1839, 214 ; B. Am. v, 1842, l-i7, pi. 308.— GoSSE, B. Jam. 1847, 375.— Bp., Comptes 
 Eendus, xliii, 599.— Saiv., Ibis. 1866, 198 (Duenas, Guat.). 
 
 Creciscns jamaicensis, Cab., J. f. 0. iv, 1856, 428 (Cuba). — Gdndl., Eep. Fis. i, 362 (Cuba) 
 
 Forzana jamaicensis, Ca-ss., Baird's B. X. A. 1838. 749. — Codes & Prext.. Smiths. Eep. 
 
 1861, 416 (Washington, D. C, accidental).— Scl., P. Z. S. 1861, 81 (Jamaica)'; 
 1807, 333, 343 (Lima, Peru).— Scl. it Salv., P. Z. S. 18ti8, Am (.critical).— Schi_, 
 M. P.-B. Ealli. p. 07.— Codes Pr. Bost, Soc. xii, 183?, 124 South Carolina).— 
 
 • 
 
540 GALLINULA GALEATA, FLOEIDA GALLINULE. 
 
 Tdrnb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 33 (breeding in marshes of Cape May County, N. J.).— 
 Codes, Key, 1872, 274.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 11 (Kansas, one specimen, 
 Allen).— RiDGW., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 387 (Illinois, summer). 
 
 Aramides (Creeiseus) jamaicensis, Gray, Hand-list, iii, 1871, 61, No. 10444, 
 
 Crex pygmcea, Blackwell, Brewster's Journ. vi, 1832, 77. 
 
 Ortj/gometru cMlensis, Bp., Comptes Eendus, xliii, 599. 
 
 Bdllua salinasi, Phil., Wiegen. Archiv, 1867, 262. 
 
 " Gallinula salinasi, Phil., Cat. 1869, 38." 
 
 b. coturniculus. 
 
 Forzana jamaicensis var. coturniculus, Bd., mss. — RroGW., Am. Nat. viii, 1874, 111. — 
 CouES, Check-list, 1874, App. p. 137, No. 470>. 
 
 Sab. — South America to Chili. Central America. West Indies. In North America 
 to New Jersey and Kansas, rare. Var. coturniculus, Farallone Islands {Gruber, Mus. 
 Smiths. Inst. ; types of the variety). 
 
 The introduction into the present connection of the Black Rail, which 
 appears to be very rare everywhere in J^^orth America, rests upon the 
 authority of Mr. Allen, who found a specimen in Kansas. Several of 
 the rare eggs of the Little Black Eail are in the Smithsonian from New 
 Jersey. They are altogether different, again, from those of the Sora, or 
 the Eed-breasted, being creamy-white, sprinkled all over with fine dots 
 of rich, bright reddish-brown, and with a few spots of some little size 
 at the great end. They are most like the more finely speckled exam- 
 ples of the eggs of the large Ealli. Dimensions, 1.05 by 0.80. 
 
 Subfamily Fulicinje : Gallinules and Coots. 
 
 The birds of this group will be immediately recognized by the presence of a broad, 
 horny plate (an expansion of the bill), which covers the forehead. In the structure of 
 the feet the Gallinules are much like ordinary Rails, having little or no marginal fringe 
 on the toes ; but the Coots are conspicuously lobe-footed, the toes being furnished with 
 a series of broad, semi-circular flaps. 
 
 GALLINULA GALEATA, (Licht.) Bp. 
 
 Florida Galllnule. 
 
 Crexgaleata, Licht., Verz. Doubl. 1823, 80, No. 826. 
 
 Gallinula galeata, Bp., Am. Orn. iv, 1832, 128 ; List, 1838, 53.— Ntjtt., Man. ii, 1834, 
 221.— Maxim., Beitr. iv, 1833, 807.— Schomb., Guiana, iii, 760.— TscH., Fn. Pern, 
 302.— BUEM., Syst. Ueb. iii, 389 ; La Plata Eeise, ii, 505.— Gay, Fn. Chilen. 
 437.— GOSSE, B. Jam. 1847, 381.— Gundl., J. f. O. iv, 1856, 428; Eep. Fis. 362 
 (Cuba).— Sall:^, P. Z. S. 1857, 237 (St. Domingo).— NE\yB., P. R. E. Rep. vi, 
 1857, 96 (San Francisco).— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 752.— Hkeijm., P. E. E. Eep. x, 
 13.59, pt. vi, 61 (California).— Newt., Ibis,i, 1859, 260 (Santa Cruz, breeding).— 
 Bky., Pr. Bost. Soc. vli, 1859 (Bahamas).— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Eep. 1860, No. 
 231 (occasional ; north to Lake Erie). — Taylok, Ibis, 1860, 314 (Honduras). — 
 Scl., p. Z. S. 1861, 81 (Jamaica) ; 1867, 339 (Chili).— Scl. & S.vxv., P. Z. S. 
 1868, 176 (Islay, Peru); ibid. 462 (critical).— Salv., Ibis, 1866, 198 (Guate- 
 mala).— McIlwr., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 93 (Canada West, common).— Lawb., 
 Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 185 (Nicaragua) ; ibid. 295 (New Y'ork).— Bry., Pr. Bost. 
 Soc. xi, 1866, 97 (Porto Eico). — Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 87 (Massachn- 
 . setts).- EuLER, J. f. O, 1867, 419 (Brazil, egg).— Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 
 297 (Massachusetts).- Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 124 (South Carolina, 
 resident).— TuRXE., B. E. Pa. 1869, 34 (New Jersey, rare, May to Oct.).— Allen, 
 Am. Nat. iii, 1870, 639 (Massachusetts, breeding).— Ma vx.. Guide, 1870, 146 
 (Massachusetts, accidental, probably breeds).— Salv., Ibis, 1870, 115 (Costa 
 Eica).— EEDfH., Ved. Med.' Nat. For. 1870, 40 (Brazil).— L]5oT., Ois. Trinidad, 
 503.— Phil., Cat. 39 (Chili).— Jelz,, Orn. Bras. 318 (Brazil).— Allen, Bull. 
 M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 3.57 (Florida, wintering).— Coues, Key, 1872, 275.— Sxow, B. 
 Kans. 1673, 11 (Kansas, Baird). — Hatch, Bull. Minnesota Acad, i, 1874, 63 
 (Minnesota). 
 
 Gallinula cMoropus, Bp., Syn. 182=<, 336.— AuD., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 330, pi. 224 ; Svn. 
 1839, 210 ; B. Ara. v, 1842, 132, pi. 304.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 197. 
 
 Gallinula chloropus, var. galeata, H a b il. & Finsch.— ElDGW., Ann, Lvc. N. Y. x, 1874, 
 387 (Illinois). ■ , "' • ' 
 
FULICA AMEEICANA, AMERICAN COOT. 541 
 
 B-nJ.—United States, southerly. Resident in the Southern States. Northward to 
 Massachusetts rarely, to Canada West, Kansas, Minnesota, and San Francisco. 
 West Indies. Central America. South America to Chili. 
 
 Not obtained hy the Expeditions. 
 
 I have not taken occasion to institute direct comparison of specimens, but believe 
 that our bird Tvill be found to be merely a variety of the European G. chloropus, as held 
 by Drs. HartJaub and Finsch, and as indicated in my work above cited. 
 
 Included in the present connection on the strength of its occnrrence 
 in Kansas, as by the foregoing authority. Its dispersion in tropical 
 America is general and very extensive. In the United States it appears 
 to extend regularly only to the Middle districts, though apparentlj' 
 breeding occasionally in Massachusetts, and recorded as "common" 
 about Hamilton, Canada West, as well as occurring in Minnesota. It 
 winters in the South Atlantic and Gulf States. 
 
 FULIGA AMEEIOAXA, Gm. 
 American Coot; Miid Hen. 
 
 FuUca ameiicana, Gm., Svst. Nat. i, 1788, 704.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 779 (Cinereous 
 Coot of Gen. Syii. v, 279).— Bp., Obs. Wils. If 25, No. 234 ; Syn. 1828, 338 ; List, 
 
 1838, 53.— Sw. & EiCH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 404.— Sab., Frank. Journ. 690.— Nutt., 
 Man. ii, 1834, 229.— AuD., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 291 ; v, 1839, 568 ; pi. 239 ; Syn. 
 
 1839, 212 ; B. Am. v, 1842, 138, pi. 305.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 751.— CouES, Key, 
 1872, 275 ; and of all late American writers. — Habti,., J. f. 0. i, 1854, estra-h. 
 87 ; 1855, 99.— Gundl., J. f. 0. Iv, 1856, 430 (Cuba).— Bry., Pr. Bost. Soc. vii, 
 1859 (Bahamas).— GossB, B. Jam. 1847, 304 (Jamaica).— Leot., Ois. Trinidad, 
 504 (casually).— Gundl., Rep. Fis. i, 363 (Cuba).— Sci.., Ibis, i, 1859, 230 (Gua- 
 temala).— Newt., iUd. 260 (Santa Cruz).— SCL., P. Z. S. 1857, 206 ; 1859, 369.— 
 MOOKE, P. Z. S. 1859, 64.— SCL., P. Z. S. 1861, 81 (Jamaica) ; 1866, 179 (Mexico). — 
 Reixh., Ibis, iii, 1861, 12 (Greenland).— La we., Ann. Lyo. N. Y viii, 1864, 101 
 (Sombrero).— SCL. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1868, 468, f. 10.— Sitxd., Ofv. Vet. Ak. 1869, 
 587 (St. Bartholomew).— Salv., P. Z. S. 1870, 219 (Veragua).— Dall & Bank., 
 Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 293 (Alaska).— Eidgw., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 387 
 (Illinois). 
 
 Fuhea wilsoni, Steph., Shaw's Gen. Zool. sii, 1824, 236. 
 Fuliea atra, Wjxs., Am. Orn. ix, 1825, 61, pi. 73, f. 1. 
 
 Hob. — Entire temperate North America. Alaska {Vail). Greenland {Eeinliardt). 
 Mexico. West Indies. Central America. In South America replaced by an allied 
 form. 
 
 List of speeimens. 
 
 19377 
 
 ....M'thG.BullC'k. 
 
 $ 
 
 June 5, 1860 
 
 G.H.Trook.. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 8906, Upper Missouri ; 8907, Loup Fork of Platte. 
 Later Expeditions. — 59874-6, Colorado ; 60773, North Platte. 
 
 Not only is the Coot extensively and very generally dispersed over 
 North America, but, unlike most water-birds, its breeding range is 
 almost equally wide. It has been observed to nest in various parts of 
 British America, in New England, in the Missouri region, along the 
 Pacific coast, and in the Gulf States. There is, nevertheless, a regular 
 migration in the spring and fall, when, in company with other water- 
 fowl, most of the Coots pass through on their way to or from the rather 
 northerly regions where they especially breed, only a few lingering in 
 suitable places along the route to nest. It appears that the whole body 
 of the birds leave the British Provinces and even the northern tier of 
 States in the fall to winter in the Southern States and beyond ; some 
 penetratiug into Mexico, the West Indies, and Central America. 
 
 During the migrations, and especially that of the fall, the species is 
 frequently exposed for sale in our markets, and I have observed the 
 bird in every portion of our country where I have been, at one season 
 
542 FULICA AMEEICANA, AMERICAN GOaT. 
 
 or another. I found it breeding along the Eed River of the I^orth, 
 about Pembina, in the reedy pools bordering the river, and in the 
 jirairie sloughs, there as well as elsewhere in Nortern Montana and 
 Dakota. Eggs procured at Pembina, June 19th, contained young nearly 
 ready to hatch ; and during the following month I frequently saw newly 
 hatched young swimming about with their parents. They are very 
 pretty and curious little creatures, covered with sooty-blackish down, 
 fantastically striped with rich orange-red, and with vermilion bill, 
 tipped with black. The nidification of the Coot is not the least inter- 
 esting portion of its history. The mode of nesting is most like that of 
 the Grebes. The nest is said to be sometimes a floating one, moored to 
 the stems of reeds, rising and falling with the tide. One author, in 
 illustration of the insecurity of the bird's home, has related that once 
 during a storm a nest became detached from its moorings by a rise of the 
 water, and drifted about, the parent nevertheless remaining at her post 
 of duty, and safely hatching out her brood during the cruise. This may 
 or may not have been a strict statement of fact. Among many Coots' 
 nests I have found, one was built in a clumj) of reeds where the water was 
 about knee-deep ; it was a bulky affair, resting securely on a mass of 
 reedy debris. The nest itself was built of the same materials, heaped up 
 and little hollowed ; it was about fifteen inches in diameter, and half as 
 high. The reed-stems appeared to have been bitten by the bird into 
 short pieces ; there was no special lining. This nest was a floating one, 
 in the sense that the platform of broken-down reeds upon which it was 
 built rested on the water ; but it was perfectly secure, raised out of the 
 wet, and though loosely constructed, could be lifted up intact. It con- 
 tained eleven eggs nearly ready to hatch. They measured from 1.75 to 
 2.00 in length, by 1.20 to 1.35 in breadth, exhibiting the usual variation 
 in contour as well as in absolute size. The shape is much like that ot 
 an average hen's egg — perhaps rather more pointed. The ground is 
 clear clay-color, uniformly and minutely dotted all over with innumer- 
 able specks of dark brown ; a few of the bolder markings are of the 
 size of a pin's head, but the greater number are mere points. But the 
 eggs are not always so uniformly and finely dotted as those of this set 
 were ; sometimes the spots being aggregated into blotches of some size, 
 or tending chiefly to wreath around the larger end. Various other 
 nests examined contained an average of ten eggs; some were built just 
 like the one described, while others were on the ground, in compara- 
 tively dry spots around the margin of the pools, hidden in rank grass; 
 in all the materials and mode of construction were much the same. 
 
 In the southwest, where the Coots are apparently resident, I fre- 
 quently observed them, and they are probably more abundant than one 
 might suppose; for, like their allies the Bails, they are naturally much 
 withdrawn from general observation by their habits, and by the intri- 
 cate character of their resorts. While steaming along the Colorado 
 Eiver, in September, Coots frequently appeared for a moment in places 
 where the banks were fringed with reeds, to croak a note or two at 
 sight of tbe boat, and then paddle out of sight again. The most satis- 
 factory observations 1 ever made upon them was at a point on the Mojave 
 Eiver, in California, where the stream became a broken chain of reedy 
 lagoons, alternating with half-submerged tracts of oozy marsh, grown 
 ra/to short crisp grass. There were great numbers of Ducks here, in 
 J^tober, along with Hutchins' and Snow Geese, Herons, and a variety 
 01 small waders. While wading about waist-deep, in default of any 
 more elegant or less fatiguing method of duck-shooting, I continually 
 heard the gabbling of the Coots among the rushes, where they wera 
 
FULICA AMERICANA, AMERICAN COOT. 543 
 
 disporting in flocks of a dozen or more, and noisy enougli to be quite 
 troublesome, since I was in urgent need of more desirable game for the 
 table. But with all their clamor and apparent heedlessness, they were 
 shy birds, and it was only by stratagem that, after securing all the wild- 
 fowl I desired, I got an opportunity of watching them at my leisure. 
 Standing motionless just within the edge of a clump of reeds bordering 
 an open space, and perfectly concealed, 1 could see the birds, after what 
 appeared to be a council as to the expediency of their proposed move, 
 come out of the rushes on the other side, swimming silently at first and 
 glancing stealthily around to make sure the coast was clear before com- 
 mencing their gambols. They swam with ease and gracefully ; the head 
 now drawn back and held upright over their plump bodies, that floated 
 lightly and changed their course at a movement of their broad paddles, 
 now stretched out to full length as the birds hurried about, throwing 
 off the ripples from their half-submerged breasts, crossing and recross- 
 ing each others path, in wanton sport, or attracted by some delicacy 
 floating at a little distance. They were as gay and careless a crew as 
 one could wish to see — yet not altogether given up to sport, for ou the 
 slightest movement on my part, their suspicions were aroused, and oft 
 they scurried into the impenetrable masses of vegetation that effectually 
 hid them from view and precluded pursuit. I have several times since 
 met with the birds under somewhat similar circumstances, in ponds near 
 the sea-coast of Southern California, and in Dakota, always finding 
 them much the same when not breeding. Though as shy as Ducks, they 
 have not the wariness and wildness of those birds, to teach them to fly 
 from danger; but perhaps the nature of the resorts to which they trust 
 for concealment serves as well for their protection. I do not recollect 
 when, if ever, I have seen Coots fly up into the air and away. If they 
 are surprised too far from their retreats to gain them in an instant, 
 they splatter along just over the water, half flying — a habit which has 
 gained for them in some districts the name of " Shufflers " or " Flnster- 
 ers." They are generally, however, called Mud Hens — a name shared by 
 some Grebes — as well as Poules-d'eau, White-bills, and other local desig- 
 nations. As an article of food they may take fair rank, though they 
 are to be considered, on the whole as inferior to most Ducks. 
 
ORDER LAMELLIE/Oblltlib I anserine birds 
 Family ANATID^ : Swan, Geese, and Ducks. 
 
 • Subfamily CYGNiN-as : Swan. 
 
 CYGNUS BUCCINATOR, Eich. 
 Trumpeter Swan, 
 
 Cygnus iiwoinafor, Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 464 (Hudson's Bay). — Yarrbll, Trans. Linn. 
 Soc. xvii, 1834 (anatomy of trachea, &c.). — Wyman, Pr. Bost. Soo. (sternum). — 
 NoTT., Man. ii, 1834, 370.— Bp., List, 1838, 55.— Auc, Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 536: 
 V, 1839, 114 ; pis. 376, 406; Syn. 1839, 274 ; B. Am. vi, 1843, 219, pis. 382, 383.— 
 Eyt., Monog. Anat. 1838. 100.— Newb., P. R. K. Rep. vi, 1857 (California and 
 Oregon).- Bd., B. N. A.' 1858, 758.— Maxim., J. f. O. vii, 18.59, 162.— Coop. & 
 Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter., 1860, 248.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 234 
 (to Lake Erie). — Hayd.* Rep. 1862, 175 (breeding about the Yellowstone). — 
 Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 294 (breeding on Frazer River and the 
 Yulion). — TURNB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 45 (Chesapealce Bay, casual). — Trippe, 
 Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 119 (Minnesota, not common). — Mbrk., V. S. Geol. Surv. 
 Ter. 1872, 703 (Wyoming).— CoUES, Key, 1872, 281.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 11 
 (migratory ; breeds in Iowa).-^RrDGW., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 388 (Dlinois). 
 
 Olor iuccinator, Wagl., Isis, 1832, 1234. — Bp., Comp. Rend, xliii, 1856, p. — . 
 
 Cygnus passmorei, Hincks, Pr. Linn, viii, 1864, 1 (Toronto); P. Z. S. 1868, 211 (see 
 Moore, P. Z. S. 1867, 8). 
 
 JECdb. — Chiefly from the Mississippi Valley, and northward, to the Pacific. Hudson's 
 Bay. Canada. Casually on the Atlantic coast. Breeds from Iowa and Dakota north- 
 ward. In winter, south to the Gulf. Said to have occurred in England ; see Harting, 
 Br. Birds, 155. 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 5476, Yellowstone River. 
 
 Later Expeditions. — 62367-8, Snake River, Wyoming. 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition. 
 
 The vocal apparatus of this species is peculiar, causing its remarkably raucous voice. 
 Richardson simply states that "a fold of the windpipe enters a protuberance on the 
 dorsal or interior aspect of the sternum at its upper part, which is wanting in both 
 Cygnus ferns and hewickii." Mr. Yarrell, as above, has made the organ the subject of a 
 more extended article. In C. americanus, according to Audubon, the trachea " reaches 
 the curve of the fnrcnla, bends a little upward, and enters a cavity formed on the ster- 
 num, along which it passes to the length of six inches, bends upon itself horizontally, 
 returns, passes up between the crura of the furcula, bends backward and enters the 
 thorax." The external distinctions are the (usually) twenty-four-feathered tail of 
 buccinator, and wholly black bill rather larger than the head, with the nostrils fairly in 
 its basal half; in C. americanus the tail having usually only twenty feathers, and there 
 being a yellow spot on the bUl, which is shorter than the head, with the nostrils at its 
 middle. The superior size of C, tuccinator is another mark, though one not always 
 reliable. Audubon mentions one nearly ten feet in alar expanse, and weighing above 
 thirty-eight pounds. 
 
 I have observed the Trnmpeter Swan on but few occasions, in Dakota 
 only, late in September and during the first half of October, when the 
 birds were migrating southward with great numbers of Canada and Snow 
 Geese and various Wild Ducks. Their loud and strange — almost start- 
 ling — notes were oftenest heard during the night, as the birds passed 
 overhead ; but I also saw some Swans flying in the day time near Fort 
 Stevenson, on the Upper Missouri. According to Dr. Hayden, the 
 birds breed in the Yellowstone region, as they also do, according to 
 other writers, in Minnesota and Iowa. We have other accounts of their 
 breeding in Alaska ; and Dr. Eichardson, who gives it as the common- 
 
CYGNUS AMEEICANUS, AMERICAN SWAN. 545 
 
 est species in tlie interior of the far countries, states tbat it nests " prin- 
 cipally within the Arctic Circle." In the fall, the birds proceed along 
 the whole course of the Mississippi; Audubon states that they make 
 their appearance on the lower waters of the Ohio about the end of Octo- 
 ber, and that they are frequently exposed for sale in the New Orleans 
 market, being procured on the ponds of the interior, and on the great 
 lakes leading to the Gulf of Mexico. The record of the bird east of 
 the Mississippi is not so satisfactory. Mr. Wheaton mentions its occa- 
 sional presence on Lake Erie ; in Mr. Turnbull's List the species " is 
 included on the authority, of reliable sportsmen who have shot it on 
 the Chesapeake, as also on Delaware Bay." The so-called G. passmorei 
 furnishes a Canadian instance. 
 
 On the West Coast, according to Dr. Newberry, "the Trumpeter 
 Swan visits California with its congeners, the Ducks and Geese, in their 
 annual migrations, but, compared with the myriads of other water birds 
 which congregate at that season in the bays and rivers of the West, it is 
 always rare. Before we left the Columbia, early in November, the 
 Swans had begun to arrive from the jiorth, and frequently, while at Fort 
 Vancouver, their trumpeting drew our attention to the long converging 
 lines of these magnificent birds, so large and so snowy white, as they 
 came from their northern nesting places, and, screaming their delight at 
 the appearance of the broad expanse of water, perhaps their winter 
 home, descended into the Columbia." 
 
 CYGNUS AMERICAN CrS, Sharp. 
 
 American or Whistling Swan. 
 
 Cygnus musicus, Bp., Syn. 1828, 379, nea awct. — Linsl., Am. Journ. xliv, 1843, 268. 
 
 Ci/gniis leivicUi, Bw. & EiCH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 465, nee auct.—Svn., Man. ii, 1834, 372. 
 
 Cygntis ferns, NuTT., Man. ii, 1834, 366, nee auct. 
 
 Cygmis amei-icanus, Sharp., Douglity's Cab. N. H. i, 1830, 185, pi. 16; Am. Journ. Sci. 
 xxii, 1831, 83.— Macgll., Man. Orn. ii, 157 (Scotland).— AuD., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 
 133, pi. 411; Syn. 1839, 274; B. Am. vi, 1843, 220, pi. 384.— GlK., B. L. I. 1844, 
 298.— Newb., p. E. E. Rep. vi, 1857, 100.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 
 1860, 248.— Br>., B. N. A. 1858, 758.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 223.— 
 CouES & Pkent.. Smiths. Eep. 1861, 417 (Washington, D. C.).— Codes, Pr. 
 Phila. Acad. 1866, 98 (Colorado River).- CouES, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 297 (New 
 England, rare or irregular).— Cotjes, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 124 (South Caro- 
 lina, in winter).— MclLWE., Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1866, 94 (Canada West, minra- 
 tory).— Lawe., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 295.— Turnb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 34 
 (frequent on Chesapeake Bay, during the migrations and in winter). — Dall & 
 BiUSTN., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 293 (common, and breeding all along the Yu- 
 kon).— Mayn., Guide, 1.870, 146 (Massachusetts, very rare, in winter).- CouES, 
 Key, 1872, 281, fig. 182.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 11 (rare).— Eidgw., Ann. Lvc. 
 N. Y. X, 1874, 388 (Illinois). 
 
 Otoe americanus, Bp., Comptes Eendns, xliii, 1856, p. — . 
 
 Hob. — Continent of North America ; breeding only in the far North ; wintering in 
 the United States. Accidental in Scotland (Macgil., Hist. Br. B. 682; Man. Br. B. 157: 
 Haet., Br. B. 154). ' 
 
 Not noticed by either of the Expeditions. 
 
 Excepting Sir John Kichardson's short note of the breeding of this 
 species within the Arctic Circle, nothing appears to have been definitely 
 ascertained in the matter until Mr. Dall made his observations in Alaska. 
 The Swan, he observes, is " common all along the Yukon. Arrives with 
 the Geese about May 1, but in a contrary direction, coming down instead 
 of up the Yukon. Breeds in the great marshes near the Yukon mouth. 
 The eggs, two in number, vary from pure white to fulvous, as do the 
 parents on the head and neck, apparently without regard to age. The 
 eggs are usually in a tussock quite surrounded with water, so that the 
 35 
 
546 ANSEE ALBIFEONS, WHITE-PEONTED GOOSE. 
 
 female must sometimes set with her feet in the water. They are usually 
 laid about May 21 at Xulato, but later at the Yukon mouth. In July 
 the Swans moult and cannot fly, and the Indians have great sport 
 spearing them with bone tridents. They are very shy birds, and usually 
 shot on the wing or with a bullet. This species, if hung long enough, 
 is tender, well-flavored, and excellent eating." 
 
 This Swan is only seen in the United States during the migrations, 
 and in winter. It does not proceed much beyond the Middle districts, 
 being apparently unknown in the Gulf States, although reaching our 
 southern border "on the Pacific side. One of its favorite resorts is Chesa- 
 peake Bay, where it is comparatively abundant from November, as 
 attested by its constant exhibition at restaurants of Philadelphia, Bal- 
 timore and Washington. It appears to come inland from the North, 
 for it is very rare or merely casual in New England, where it has not 
 been traced, so far as I am aware, beyond Massachusetts. In the Mis- 
 sissippi Valley it is apparently rare, at least in comparison with the 
 Trumpeter, but it is much more plentiful along the Pacific coast, where 
 it winters. 
 
 The eggs of the Swan vary in size from about 4J inches in length by 
 2^ in breadth, down to 4 by 2J, and are nearly ellipsoidal in shape. The 
 shell is more or less roughened, and is dull, dirty white, with a wholly 
 indeterminate amount of brownish discoloration. The eggs of the 
 Trumpeter may average a little larger, but cannot be distinguished. 
 The largest number I have known of in a nest is five. Numerous speci- 
 mens are examined from various points in British and Russian America. 
 
 The yellow spot on the bill is not constant ; in young birds, especially, 
 often no trace can be observed. In such cases the species would be dis- 
 tinguishable from G. bucGinator by the smaller size, fewer tail-feathers, 
 and shorter, differently shaped bill. The proper name of this species 
 is, most probably, Gygnus columbianus, after Anas coliimbianus of Ord 
 (Guthrie's Geog. 2d Am. ed. 1815, 319), based on the Whistling Swan 
 of Lewis & Clarke (ii, 192), who correctly distinguish the two species. 
 
 Subfamily Anserine; Geese. 
 ANSEE ALBIFEONS var. GAMBELI, (Hart.) Coues. 
 
 TTMte-fronted Goose; Speckle-belly. 
 
 a. albi/rons. 
 
 Anas alUfrons, Gm., Syst. Nat. 1, 1788, 509. — -Temm., Man. 1815, 529. 
 
 Anser alhifrons, Bechst., Natnrg. iv, 898. — Leach, Cat. 1816, 36. — Bote, Isis, 1822, 563.— 
 Steps., Gen. Zool. xii, 25.— Brehm, V. D. 843.— Bp., List, 18.38, 55.— Jenyns, 
 Man. 222.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 83.— Nauji., V. D. xi, 1842, 352, 
 pi. 289.— Macgil., Man. ii, 1842, 149.— Schl., Eev. Crit. Ois. Eur. 1844, 110.— 
 Newt., P. Z. S. 1861, 99 (critical). 
 
 Anser erythropus, Fi.E5i., Br. An. 127.— Gkay, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 607.— Sohl., M. P.-B. 
 ix, Anseres 110. (According to Newtox, this is not eri/thropus of Linncms, 
 which is temminckii, Boie, and minuhis, Naumann.) 
 
 I' Anas casarca, Git." 
 
 (?) "Anser inUrmedius, "Saxth." 
 
 (?) "Anser medius, Temm." 
 
 (?) " Anser pallidipes, Sely'S." 
 
 h. <}ambeli. 
 
 Anser alUfrons, Bp., Syn. 1828, 376.— Sw. & EiCH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 466 (Mackenzie 
 Eiver region north of 67°, and Arctic coast, breeding; Hudson's Bay).— Nnrr., 
 Man. ii, 1834, 3;46.— AuD., Orn. Biog., iii, 1835, 568, pi. 286 ; Syn. 1839, 272 ; B. Am. 
 vl, 1843, 209, pL 380.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 296.— Henry, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1855, 
 
ANSER ALBIFROl^S, WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE. 547 
 
 316.— Maxim., J. f. O. vii, 1859, 166.— Hberm., P. E. E. Rep. x, 1859, pt. vi, 68 
 (California).— H(JY, Smiths. Rep. 1864, 438 (Missouri).- Teippe, Pr. Ess. Inst, 
 vi, 1871, 119 (Minnesota, common). 
 
 Anser gamheJi, Hart., E. M. Z. 1852, 7.— Cab., J. f. 0. v, 1857, 926 (Cuba).— Bd., B. N. A. 
 l,'^r.8, 761.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 249.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. 
 Eep. 1860, No. 236.— Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 87 (Massachusetts).— CouKS, 
 ibid. V, 1868, 298 (New England, very rare or accidental).— Codes, Pr. Phila. 
 Acad. 1866, 98 (Arizona).— Codes, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 124 (South Caro- 
 lina).— Dress., Ibis, 1866, 42 (Texas).— Codes, Ibis, 1866, 269.— Brown, Iliis, 
 1868, 425.— Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1889, 294 (Yukon, breeding).- 
 Tdenb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 35 (rare).— B.ujn., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1870, 131 (critical).— 
 Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 11 (two instances). 
 
 Anser alhifrona var. gamheli, Codes, Key, 1872, 282.— Eidgw., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 
 388 (Illinois). 
 
 Anser erythropus, Bd., Stansbury'a Rep. 1652, 321.— WooDH., Sitgr. Eep. 1853, 102.— 
 News., P. R. E. Eep. vi, 1857, 101. 
 
 Anser frontalis, Bd., B. N. A 1858, 562 (New Mexico).— Henry, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1859, 
 109.— MclLWR., Pr. Ess. Inst. >', 1866, 94 (Canada.) (Toung.) 
 
 jHa6.— Continent of North America ; breeding in the far North ; wintering in the 
 United States. Cuba. 
 Not noticed by the Expeditions. 
 
 As Audubon suggests, this bird may, in highest breeding-plumage, be entirely black 
 below. The amount of black blotching in United States (winter) specimens is ex- 
 tremely variable ; sometimes there are only a few scattered and isolated black feathers, 
 and sometimes the uniformity of the black is only here and there interrupted by a few 
 gray or whitish feathers. While the species is distinguishable on sight from all other 
 North American ones, it is so closely allied to the European A. albifrons as to be only 
 with difficulty separated in a satisfactory manner. It apparently only differs in the 
 larger bill ; that of albifrons is said to measure 1| inches along the culmen, and that of 
 gambeli 2 inches ; but I suspect that so great a difference does not always obtain. 
 Audubon's measurement of our bird's bill is If; Baird's are 1.86 and 2.00. Dr. H. 
 Schlegel gives for the iidult European bird 19 to 22 lines (twelfths of an inch), and for 
 the young 17 to 18. These observations indicate that the ordinary variation in either 
 case is as great as the difference supposed to distinguish the two species, and that, 
 moreover, the bills of some American specimens are no longer than those of some Euro- 
 pean ones. A slight average discrepancy, therefore, is probably all that can fairly be 
 said to exist. 
 
 Many thousands of the White-fronted Geese inhabit California during 
 the winter, at which season they are distributed over the United States at 
 large, though not in such prodigious numbers in the Bast and interior 
 as along the Pacific coast and slope. It leaves its northern breeding- 
 grounds generally in September, and accomplishes its migration during 
 the following month. From the numbers that pass the winter with us 
 it is to be inferred that its southward extension is generally not much, 
 if any, beyond our limits. Some remain in Galifornia in April, but the 
 great body depart the month before. None, to our knowledge, breed in 
 the United States ; a statement that also holds good with reference to 
 all our other species, except the Canadian. 
 
 The " Speckle-bellies," as they are called in California, associate freely 
 at all times with both the Snow and Hutchius' Geese, and appear to 
 have the same general habits, as well as to subsist upon the same kinds 
 of food. Their flesh is equally good for the table. As is the case with 
 the other species, they are often hunted, in regions where they have 
 become too wild to be otherwise successfully approached, by means of 
 bullocks trained for the purpose. Though they may have learned to 
 distrust the approach of a horse, and to make off with commendable dis- 
 cretion from what they have found to be a dangerous companion of that 
 animal, they have not yet come to the same view with respect to horned 
 cattle, and great numbers are slaughtered annually by taking advantage 
 of their ignorance. The bullock is taught to feed quietly along toward 
 a flock, the gunner meanwhile keeping himself screened from the birds' 
 view by the body of the animal until within range. Though I have not 
 
548 ANSEE HYPERBOREUS, SNOW GOOSE. 
 
 myself witnessed this method of hunting, I should judge the gunners 
 killed a great many Geese, since they talk of its "raining geese" after 
 a double discharge of the tremendous guns they are in the habit of 
 using. Man's ingenuity overreaches any bird's sagacity, no doubt, yet 
 the very fact that the Geese, which would fly from a horse, do not 
 yet fear an ox, argues for them powers of discrimination that command 
 our admiration. 
 
 The White-fronted Goose is said to leave the United States at the 
 same time as the Snow, and a little before the Canadian, and to migrate 
 apart from other kinds. According to Richardson, it breeds in woody 
 districts north of the 67th parallel, and thence to the Arctic Ocean. 
 Mr. Dall says it is extremely common on the Yukon, arriving at Nulato 
 about May 6 to 10, and breeding all along the river, from Fort Yukon 
 to the sea, gregariously, laying from six to ten eggs in a depression in 
 the sand, without any kind of nest or lining. A set of eggs in the Smith- 
 sonian, selected for description, contains seven ; the accompanying label 
 states that the nest was lined with down and feathers. There are con- 
 siderable differences in the seven in respect of size and shape ; the 
 greatest variation was between two that measured respectively 3.30 by 
 2.10 and 2.90 by 2.10. This constancy of the minor axis, with the varia- 
 tion of the major, results in a great discrepancy in shape. In general 
 the eggs are nearly elliptical, one end being scarcely larger than the 
 other. The shell is perfectly smooth, and dull yellowish in color, with 
 a shade of greenish, obscurely marked in places with a darker tint, as 
 if soiled, or with an oily discoloration. Out of a large number examined, 
 I found none so small as to correspond with Audubon's measurements, 
 viz : 2| by If; he may have had an egg of another species before him, 
 but the color is as he says. 
 
 As attested by observers along the Pacific coast, the numbers of 
 White-fronted Geese wintering there are out of all proportion to those 
 which visit other parts of the United States. They are particularly rare 
 on the Atlantic coast, where they have not to my knowledge been traced 
 beyond Massachusetts. In the interior, according to Audubon, they are 
 often and regularly seen, even reaching Xew Orleans. He states that 
 in Kentucky they generally arrive and depart before the Canada Goose, 
 along with the Snow Goose, but in separate flockti. I have myself never 
 recognized them in the Mississippi or Missouri logions, nor seen them 
 anywhere further eastward. 
 
 AIn^SER HYPERBOREUS, Pall. 
 Snow Goose; White Brant. 
 
 a. hyperborem. 
 
 Anser hyperboreus, Pall., Spic. Zool. viii, 1767, 80, 25, pi. 65; Zoog. R.-A. ii, Ir'll, 2-27.— 
 ViEHL., Enc. Jleth. 1823. 112.— Steph., Gen. Zool. xii, pt. ii, 1824, :i3.— Bp., 
 Syn. 1828, 376.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A, ii, 1831, 467.-Nutt:, Man. ii, 1-^34, 344.— 
 Sw., Classif..B. ii, 1837, 365.— Aud., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 562, pi. 381 ; Syn. 1839. 
 273; B. Am. vi, 1843, 212. pi. 381.— Eyt., Mon. Anat. 1839, 92.— Te.mm., Man. 
 iv, 1840, 516.— Natoi., V. D. xi, 1842, 213, pi. 284.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 297.— 
 Dekay, N. Y. Zool. 1844, ii, 350.— ScHL., Rev. Grit. 1844, 109; M. P.-B. viii, 1865, 
 107.— Gkay, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 401.— Lemb., Av. Cnb. 1850, 111.— Woodh., .Sitgr. 
 Rep. 1853, 101.- Putx., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 219 (Massachn.sett8, rare).-^CAss . 
 Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1856, 11; 1861, 72.— Cab., J. f. O. r, 1857, 225 (Cnba).-XF.\VB., 
 P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 101 (California).— Heerji., iUd. s, 1859, 68.— Bd., B. N. A. 
 1838, 760.— WH35AT., Ohio Agi-ic. Rep. 1860, No. 235.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. 
 Wash. Ter. 1830, 249.— Reinti., Ibis, iii, 1861, 12 (Greenland).— Blak., Ibi.s, 
 1863, 139.— Boakdm., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 129 (Maine, rare).— Ross, Canad. 
 Nat. vii, Apr. 1862, p. — .— Bkee, B. Eur. iv, 1863, 126, pi. — .— Veur., Pr. Es.s. 
 
549 
 
 Inst, iii, 1862, 159 (Maine, winter, rare).— Allen, iUd. iv, 1864, 87.— McIlwr., 
 ibid. V, 1866, 94 (Canada "West, frequent).— Codes, ibid, v, 1868, 297.— Tuippe, 
 ibid, vi, 1871, 119 (Minnesota, common).— Swln'H., P. Z. S. 1863, 323 (Cliina).— 
 Dress., Ibis, 1866, 41 (Texas).— Lawr., Ann. Lyo. N. Y. viii, 1866, 295.— Coues, 
 Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 98 (Arizona, common).— CoUES, Pr. Bost. Soo. sii, 1868, 123 
 (Soutli Carolina).— Brown, Ibis, 1868, 425.— Turnb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 34 (lutber 
 rare).— D all & Bann., Tr. Cliic. Acad, i, 1869, 294 (Alaslia, breeding).— Banx., 
 Pr. Phil. Acad. 1870, 131.- Mayx., Guide, 1870, 147.— Alli:x, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 
 1872, 183 (Utah).— Trippb, Pr. Bost. Soc. x\-, 1872, 241 (Iowa, migratory, com- 
 mon ).—Couss, Key, 1872, 282.— Snow, B. Kaus. 1873, 11,— Ridgw^, Am, Nat. 
 Yiii, Feb. 18M (semi-domestic).— RiDGW., Ann. Lye. N.Y.x, 1874, 388 (Illinois). 
 
 Anas Tiyperboi-eus, Gil, Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 504.— L.vth., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 837.— WlL,-,,, 
 Am. Orn. viii, 1814, 76, pi. 68, f. 3.— Eicii., App. Parry's 2nd Voy. 365.— Tejlm., 
 Man. 1835, 816. 
 
 Often Jimerhoreus, BoiB, Isis, 1832, 563; 1826, 981.— Bp., List, 1838, 55; Compt. Eend. 
 Sept. 1856.— GosSE, B. Jam. 1847, 408.— Blas,, List, 1862, 20 (Europe).— Gundl., 
 Cat, Aves Cuban. 1866, 387.— bEGL.-GERBE, Orn. Eur. ii, 1867, 493. 
 
 Chionoclieii hyperborea, Eeich., Syst. Av. 1>'52, 9. 
 
 Anas nivalis, Forst., Phil. Trans. Ixii, 1772, 413. 
 
 Anser uiveus, Briss., Orn. vi, 288.— Brehji, Eur. Vog. 1823, 766. 
 
 Tadorna nivea, Brehm, Vog. Deutschl. 1831, 854. 
 
 White Brant, Lawson, Car. 147. — Lewis & Clarke, ii, 58. 
 
 Snow Goose, Penn., Arct. Zool. ii, No. 479.— Lath., Gen. Syn. vi, 445. 
 
 b. alhatus. 
 
 Anser alhatus, Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1856, 41 ; 1861, 73.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 925.— 
 TCRXB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 45 (casual). -Sadnd., P. Z. S. 1872, 519 (Ireland).— 
 Hart,, Br. Birds, 1872, 155 (same instance). 
 
 C/jen albatus, Elliot, B. Am. ii, pi. 42. 
 
 Anser hi/2)erboreus var. albatus, CouES, Key, 1872, 282. 
 
 Bai. — The whole of North America. Breeds in high latitudes, migrating and winter- 
 ing in the United States ; abundant in the interior and along the Pacific coast, rare on 
 the Atlantic. Greenland, transient. Cuba. Rare or casual in Europe (Nauji,, V. D. 
 xi, 221, pi. 284 ; GoULD, B. Eur. pi. 346). 
 
 On the question of the relationships of the lesser Snow Goose, var. albatus, there is 
 little to be noted beyond the fact of smaller size on an average. The variety appears 
 to bear much the same relationship to hyperboreus that Branta hutcMnsii does to cana- 
 densis. Measurements of a jjair lately taken in Wexford, Ireland, as given bj' Mr. 
 Howard Saunders : 2f to 3 for tarsus, and 2 to 2J for bill. 
 
 Dispersed over all of North America, the Snow Goose is nowhere a 
 permanent resident; its migrations are extensive, and performed with 
 the utmost regularity; the maximum variation, depending- upon the 
 advance or retardation of the season — less strictly speaking, upon the 
 weather — is slight. It is never seen in the United States in summer, 
 for it returns to high latitudes to breed. Along the Atlantic coast, and 
 indeed through the whole Eastern Province, it may be called rare, at 
 least in comparison with its great abundance in various parts of the 
 West. Those found in Texas, and anywhere about the Gulf of Mexico, 
 undoubtedly migrate inland, following tlie course of the larger rivers ; 
 while those that pass along the Atlantic seaboard generally hug the 
 coast, and are hardly to be met with beyond maritime districts. In 
 Arizona, this Goose is abundant in the winter; it arrives at the Colorado 
 Basin in October, with hordes of other water-fowl, and remains until 
 spring opens. Some disperse over all the permanent waters of the 
 Territory, but these are few in number compared with the assemblages 
 on the Colorado. Thus I saw some, and took one, in October, on the San 
 Francisco Eiver, not far from Fort Whipple; on the Mojave River, in 
 California, the same month of the following year, I met with great 
 numbers, in some reedy lagoons. Though they could not have been 
 much molested there, they were shy, and none would have been pro- 
 cured were it not that the nature of the locality offered good opportuni- 
 ties of unseen approach. On the Pacific coast itself, particularly that 
 
550 ANSEE HYPERBOEEUS, SNOW GOOSE. 
 
 of California, the birds are probably more abundant, in winter, than 
 anywhere else. Upon their arrival in October, they are generally lean 
 and poorly flavored, doubtless with the fatigue of a long journey; but 
 they find abundance of suitable food, and soon recuperate. At San 
 Pedro, in Southern California, in November, I saw them every day, and 
 in all sorts of situations — some on the gras.sy plain, others among the 
 reeds of a little stream or the marshy borders of the bay, others on the 
 bare mud-flats or the beach itself. Being much harassed, they had 
 grown exceedingly wary, and were suspicious of an approach nearer 
 than several hundred yards. Yet with all their sagacity and watchful- 
 ness — traits for which their tribe has been celebrated ever since the 
 original and classic flock saved Kome, as it is said — they are sometimes 
 outwitted by very shallow stratagem — the same that I mentioned in 
 speaking of the Speckle-bellies. It is strange, too, that the noise and 
 general ajipearance of a carriage should not be enough to frighten thein, 
 but such is the case. I have driven in a buggy, along the open beach, 
 directly into a flock of Snow Geese, that stood staring agape, " grin- 
 ning" the while, till they were almost under the horse's hoofs; the laziest 
 flock of tame Geese that were ever almost run over in a country by-road 
 ■were in no less hurry to get out of the way. Advantage is often taken 
 of this ignorance to shoot them from a buggy ; and, though they have 
 not yet learned that anything is to be dreaded when the rattling affair 
 approaches, yet no doubt experience will prove a good teacher, and its 
 acquirements be transmitted until they become inherent. A wild Goose 
 of any sjiecies is a good example of wariness in birds, as distinguished 
 from timidity. A timid bird is frightened at any unusual or unexpected 
 appearance, particularly if it be accompanied by noise ; while a wary 
 one only flies from what it has learned to distrust or fear, through its 
 acquired perceptions or inherited instincts. Audubon has a paragraph 
 to the point, and one also showing that birds can and do communicate 
 to each other their individual experiences. 
 
 "When the young Snow Geese first arrive in Kentucky, about Hen- 
 derson, for instance, they are unsuspicious, and therefore easily pro- 
 cured. In a half-dry, half-wet pond, running across a large tract of 
 laud, on the other side of the river, in the State of Indiana, and which 
 was once my property, I was in the habit of shooting six or seven in a 
 day. This, however, rendered the rest so wild, that the cunning of any 
 'Eed-skin' might have been exercised without success upon them ; and 
 I was sorry to find that they had the power of communicating their 
 sense of danger to the other flocks that arrived. On varying my opera- 
 tions, however, and persevering for some time, I found that even the 
 wildest of them suffered ; for having taken it into my head to catch them 
 in large traps, I tried this method, and several were procured before the 
 rest had learned to seize the bait in a judicious manner." 
 
 Dr. Heermann's notice of this species gives an idea of the immense 
 numbers of the birds in some localities, besides relating a novel method 
 of hunting them. He says they "often cover so densely with their 
 masses the plains in the vicinity of the marshes, as to give the ground 
 the appearance of being clothed in snow. Easily approached on horse- 
 back, the natives sometimes near them in this manner, then suddenly 
 putting spurs to their animals, gallop into the flock, striking to the right 
 and left, with short clubs, and trampling them beneath their horses' feet. 
 I have known a native to procure seventeen birds in a single charge of 
 this kind, through a flock covering several acres." 
 
 In Alaska, Mr. Dall states, the Snow Goqse is common in the spring, 
 arriving about May 9th, flying up the river from the south, and leaving 
 
ANSER HYPEEBOEEUS, SNOW GOOSE. 551 
 
 iTsually by the end of the month. " They do not breed in the vicinity of 
 the Yukon, nor do they return in the fall by the way they came; they 
 only stop to feed and rest on the marshes, during the dusky twilight of 
 the night, and are off again with the early light of an arctic spring." 
 Sir John Eiohardson, in the Fauna Boreali- American a, after noting the 
 abundance of the birds, continues: "The eggs, of a yellowish-white 
 color, and regularly ovate form, are a little larger than those of an 
 Eider Duck, their length being three inches, and their greatest breadth 
 -two. The young fly in August, and by the middle of September all 
 have departed to the southward. The Snow Goose feeds on rushes, 
 insects, and in autumn on berries, particularly those of the Empetrum 
 nigrum. When well fed it is a very excellent bird, far superior to the 
 Canada Goose in juiciness and flavor. It is said the young do not attain 
 their full plumage before their fourth year, and until that period they 
 appear to keep in separate flocks. They are numerous at Albany Port, 
 in the southern part of Hudson's Bay, where the old birds are rarely 
 seen ; and on the other hand, the old birds in their migrations visit 
 York Factory in great abundance, but are seldom accompanied by the 
 young. The Snow Geese make their appearance in spring a few days 
 later than the Canada Geese, and pass in large flocks both through the 
 interior and on the coast." Examples of the eggs in the Smithsonian 
 agree exactly with the above description, biit show the usual variation 
 in size, some being noticeably less than three inches in length by over 
 two in breadth. 
 
 In the Territory of Dakota I have observed the movements of the 
 Geese during both seasons. They reach the southern portions of the 
 Territory, as the vicinity of Fort Eandall, for example, very early in 
 April, or ev.en during the latter part of March, but may be observed 
 during the greater part of the former month. On the 1st of April I saw 
 many in flocks on a reedy lake near Eandall, and they were still flying 
 up to the 20th of that month. Higher up on the Missouri, in the vicinity 
 of Fort Stevenson, and also in the neighborhood of Fort Wadswortb, I 
 again saw numerous flocks during the first half of October, frequenting 
 the saline pools which occupy much of that portion of the Territory. 
 In this region they are universally known as White Brant. I can say 
 nothing from personal observation of the bird's movements along the 
 Atlantic coast. According to Dr. Turnbull they are rather rare in New 
 Jersey, arriving in November, and again late in February. 
 
 I was lately shown, by Mr. Eidgway, a fine specimen of the Snow 
 Goose, which had voluntarily become semi-domesticated. He has given 
 the following account in the jSTaturalist : "On the 6th of October, 1873, 
 1 shot at Mount Carmel, Illinois, a fine adult male Anset- Jiyberboretis, 
 which had been living with a flock of tame Geese for nearly a year. 
 The bird had been crippled in the wing the preceding fall, but the 
 wound, which was merely in the muscles, soon healed, and it escaped 
 by flight. It flew about half a mile, and, observing a flock of tame 
 Geese upon the grassy 'commons' between the town and the river, 
 alighted among them. It continued to stay with them, going home 
 with the flock regularly every evening, to be fed and inclosed in the 
 barn-yard. My attention was attracted to this bird by its owner, Mr. 
 Thomas Hoskinson, from whom I got the above facts, and who kindly 
 told me that if I would shoot the bird he was willing to ha^e it sacrificed 
 to science. Accordingly, I repaired to the 'commons,' and found the 
 flock at a locality designated. After some little search the ' W^hite 
 Brant' was discovered, being distinguished by its black quill-featbers, 
 rather smaller size, shorter neck, black instead of bluish eyes, and the 
 
552 ANSER HYPEEBOEEUS, SNOW GOOSE. 
 
 black space along the commissures of the bill. When unmolested this 
 bird was as unmindful of a person as the tame Geese, and it recjuired 
 chase to make it endeavor to escape, which it always did by 'rising 
 easily from the ground, and flying to the river — sometimes half a mile 
 distant. The specimen was in fine plumage and excellent condition, 
 and made a very clean, perfect specimen, when prepared. It measured 
 as follows: Length, 27 inches; extent, 57; wing, 17; culmen, 2.25; tar- 
 sus, 2; middle toe, 1.75. Its weight was 5^ lbs.. Bill deep flesh-color, the 
 upper mandible with a salmon-colored tinge, and the lower with a rosy- 
 pink flush; the terminal unguis nearly white; the commissures inclose 
 an elongate oval space of deep black ; iris very dark brown ; eyelids 
 greenish- white; tarsi and toes purple-lake, the soles of the feet dingy 
 Sraples-yellow. A remarkable feature of this specimen is that one or 
 two of the primaries are entirely pure white, while most of the remain- 
 ing ones have longitudinal spaces, of greater or less extent, on the inner 
 webs. The question arises, whether this is merely a case of partial albin- 
 ism, or a change produced by the modified condition of its food and 
 mode of life." 
 
 "The bill of this bird," says Wilson, "is singularly curious. The 
 edges of the upper and lower gibbosities have each twenty-three 
 indentations, or strong teeth, on each side ; the inside, or concavity of 
 the upper mandible, has also seven lateral rows of strong projecting 
 teeth, and the tongue, which is horny at the extremity^, is armed on 
 each side with thirteen long and sharp, bony teeth, placed like those of 
 a saw, with their points directed backward ; the tongue, turned up and 
 viewed on its lower side, looks very much like a human finger with its 
 nail. This conformation of the mandibles, exposing two rows of strong 
 teeth, has probably given rise to the epithet ' Laughing,' bestowed on 
 one of its varieties, though it might, with as much propriety, be named 
 the 'Grinning Goose.'" Eo one familiar with the appearance of the 
 Snow Goose will fail to recognize the aptness of the suggestion with 
 which Wilson concludes his truthful, if not quite technically accurate, 
 description, conveying an idea of the bird's queer physiognomy. The 
 design and use of the conspicuous corneous lamellse (common to other 
 Geese, but remarkably developed in this one) are evident, when we 
 know the bird's food and its manner of procuring it. It teeds upon 
 reeds, grasses, and other herbs, which it forcibly pulls up by the roots, 
 or twitches in two. The shape and singular armature of the bill admir- 
 ably adapt it for seizing and retaining firm hold of yielding plant-stems. 
 The bird's " horrible smile," then, so far from being a sign of vapid and 
 inane character, is at once the mark and the means of the praiseworthy 
 industry by which it gains an honest livelihood. 
 
 Various kinds of ordinary grass form a large part of this bird's food, 
 at least during their winter residence in the United States. They 
 gather it precisely as tame Geese are wont to do. Flocks alight upon a 
 meadow or plain, and pass over the ground in broken array, cropping to 
 either side as they go, with the peculiar tweak of the bill and quick jerk 
 of the neck familiar to all who have watched the barn-yard birds when 
 similarly engaged. The short, turfy grasses appear to be highly relished ; 
 and this explains the frequent presence of the birds in fields at a dis- 
 tance from water. They also eat the bulbous roots and soft succulent 
 culms of aquatic plants, and in securing these the tooth-like processes 
 of the bill are brought into special service. AVilson again says that, 
 when thus feeding upon reeds, " they tear them up like hogs;" a ques- 
 tionable comparison, however, for the birds pttU up the plants instead 
 of pushing or "rooting" them up. The Geese, I think, also feed largely 
 
BRANTA CANADENSIS, WILD GOOSE. 553 
 
 upon aquatic insects, small molluscs, and marine invertebrates of vari- 
 ous kinds; for tliey are often observed on mud-flats and rocky places by 
 the sea-side, where there is no vegetation whatever ; and it is probable 
 that when they pass over meadows they do not spare the grasshoppers. 
 Audubon relates, that in Louisiana he has often seen the Geese feeding 
 in wheat-fields, where they plucked up the young plants entire. 
 
 ANSEPv EOSSII, Bd. 
 
 Horned Wavy ; Ross' Goose. 
 
 Horned Wavy of Hbakne. 
 
 Anset-rossi, Bd., Mss.— Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, 73.— CouBS, Key, 1872, 282. 
 
 Exanthemops rossi, Elliott, B. N. A. pt. ix, pi. 44. 
 
 Hab. — Arctic America. South to Sau Francisco in winter. 
 
 This curious little Chen, in which a long-lost species is perfectly recog- 
 nized, is an inhabitant chiefly of Arctic America, but, like the Snow 
 Goose, is now known to migrate into the United States in winter. It 
 has been taken at San Francisco. With exactly the coloration and form 
 of A. hyperboretis, it is immediately recognized by its small size, being 
 no larger thau a Mallard, less exposure of the teeth of the bill, corruga- 
 tion of the base of the bill, and the nearly straight instead of strongly 
 convex outline of the feathers at the sides. 
 
 AS SEE CCERULESCENS, (Linn.) Vieill. 
 Blue Goose. 
 
 Anas exrulescens, Linn., Sysfc. Nat. i, 1766, 198.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 513.— Lath., 
 
 lud. Orn. ii,rl790, 836. 
 Anse)- ccerulescens, ViBiLL., Ency. Meth. i, 1823, 115. — Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1856, 42; 
 
 1861, 73.— Breb, B. Eur. iv, 1863, 132.— CouES, Key, 1872, 282.— Rldgw., Ann. 
 
 Lye. N. y. X, 1874, 388 (Illinois). 
 Anser hyjierloreus, jia: of some authors. 
 
 Bai. — North America generally. 
 
 This proves to be a perfectly distinct species from A. Jiyperhoreus, the 
 young of which, however much resembling it, is quite different. In 
 adult plumage it bears a curious superficial resemblance to Philacte 
 eanagica, the distribution of the colors being much the same. Speci- 
 mens are in the Smithsonian from Chicago, and various localities in 
 North America, where its distribution is apparently general. 
 
 **'^BEAIsrTA CANADENSIS, (Linn.) Gray. 
 Canada Goose; Common Wild Goose. 
 
 a. canadensis. 
 
 Anas canadensis, Lesn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 198.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 514. — Foest., 
 Phil. Trans. Ixii, 1772, 414.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 838.— WiLS., Am. Orn. 
 viii, 1814, 52, pi. 67, f. 4 ; and of all earlier authors. 
 
 Anser canadensis, Vibill.,Nouv. Diet. d'Hist.Nat. ; Ency. Meth.i, 1823, 114. — Flem., Brit. 
 An. 128.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 82.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 377; List, 1838, 5.5.— 
 Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 468.— Nutt., Mau.'ii, 1834, 349.— AuD., Orn. Biog. 
 iii, 1835, 1 ; v,1839, 607 ; pi. 201 ;.Syn. 1839, 270 : B. Am. vi, 1843, 178, pi. 376.— 
 Eyt., Mon. Anat. 1838.— DEK.4.Y, N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844, 348.— GosSE, B. Jam. 1847, 
 408.— GiE., B. L. I. 1844, 289.— Bd., Stansbury's Rep. 18.52, 321.— Maxim., J. f. 
 O. vii, 1859, 164.— SCHL., M. P.-B. ix, 1865, Ansers, 105. 
 
 Cygnus canadensis, Steps., Shaw's Gen. Zool. xii, 1824, 19. — Eyt., Cat. Br. Birds, 65. — 
 Jen., Man. 1835, 227. 
 
554 BRANTA CANADENSIS, WILD GOOSE. 
 
 Bervida canadensis, Bom, Isis, 1826, 921.— Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 608.— Woodh., 
 Sitgr. Eep. 1853, 102.— Bp., Compt. Eeud. Sept. 1856.— Newb., P. E. E. Rep. 
 Ti, 1857, 100.— Heerm., ibid, x, 18.59, pt. vi, 66.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. 
 Ter.1860,250.— MuR.,Edin. New Phil. Journ. 1859, 225.— C0UE.s,Pr. A.N. S. 1861, 
 238 ; 1866, 62.— Eoss, Canad. Nat. 1862.— Ha yd., Eep. 1862, 175 (some breeding 
 on the Yellowstone).- Veer., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 153.— Board:*!., Pr. Bost. 
 Soc. iv, 1862, 139.— Blak., Ibis, 1862, 9.— Eeixh., Vid. Med. f. 1864, 1865, 246 
 (Disco, Greenland).— Hoy, Smiths. Eep. 1864, 438 (Missouri).— Dress., Ibis, 
 1866, 42.— CouEs, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1868, 298.— BroWxV, Ibis, 1868, 425.— Dall 
 & Bajmn., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 295 (Alaska).— CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. IcTl, 
 35 (North Carolina, probably breeding). — Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 
 466 (WyomiDg),— S^-ow, B. Kans. 1873, 11 ; and of most late authors. 
 
 Brania canadensis, Gr^iy.- Banx., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1870, 131.— Codes, Key, 283, fig. 18.5". 
 
 Bernicla {Lencoblepharon) canadensis, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, pp. xlix, 764. 
 
 Branta (Leucoblepharon) canadensis, Gray, Hand-list, iii, 1871, 76, No. 10578. 
 
 " Cjignopsis canadensis, Brandt." (Gray.) 
 
 Anser parvipes, Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1852, 158 (Vera Cruz). 
 
 Bernicla barnstoni, Eoss, Canad. Nat. vii, Apr. 1862. 
 
 b. leucopareia. 
 
 Anser canadensis, Pall., Zoog. E.-A. ii, 1811, 230. 
 
 Anser lencopareius. Brandt, Bull. Sc. Acad. St. Peters, i, 1836, 37 (Aleutians) ; Descr. et 
 
 Ic. Av. 1836, 13, pi. 2. 
 Bernicla leiicopareia, Cass., 111. 272, pi. 45. — Dall & Baxn., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 295. 
 Bernicla (Leitcoblepharon) leiicopareia, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, pp. xlix, 765. 
 Branta (Leitcoblepharon) leucopareia. Gray, Hand-list, iii, 187] , 76, No. 10580. 
 Branta canadensis yar. leucopareia, CouES, Key, 1872, 284, fig. ISS"". 
 Bernicla occidentalis, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 766, in text. 
 
 Bernicla canadensis var. occidentaUs, Dall & Bans., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 295. 
 (?) Bernicla leucolwma, MoR., Edinb. Phil. Journ. Apr. 1859, 226, pi. 4, i. 1. 
 
 c. Imtcliinsii. 
 
 Anas bernicla var. b, EiCH., App. Parry's 2d Voy. 368. 
 
 Anser hntehinaii, S\v. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 470. — NuTT., Man. ii, 1834, 362. — AuD., 
 Om. Biog. iii, 1835, 226, pi. 277 ; Syn. 1839, 271 ; B. Am. vi, 1843, 198, pi. 377.— 
 Bp., List. 1838, 55.— Llnsl., Am. Journ. sliv, 1843, 249 (Connecticut).— GiR., B. 
 L. I. 1844, 292.— PuTX., Pr. Ess. In.st. i, 1856, 219 (Massachusetts). 
 
 Bernicla hulchinsii, WooDH., Sitgr. Eep. 1823, 102 (California). — Newb., P. E. E. Eep. 
 vi, 18."7, iOl (California). — Heerm., ibid, s, 1859, pt. vi, 67 (California). — Coop. 
 & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 251.— MuR., Edinb. Phil. Journ. xi, 1853, 228, 
 pi. 4, fig. 2. — Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 87 (Massachusetts, rare). — Coues, 
 ibid. V, 1868, 298.— Lawr., Ann. Lye. viii, 1866, 296.— Turnb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 45 
 (occasional). — Dall & Banx., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 295 (Alaska). — Snow, B. 
 Kans. 1873, 11. 
 
 Bernicla (Leucoblepharon) hidchinsii, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, pp. xlix, 766. 
 
 Branta (Leucoblepharon) hutchitisii, Gray, Hand-list, iii, 1871, 76, No. 10579. 
 
 Branta hutchinsii, Banx., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1870, 131. 
 
 Branta canadensis var. hutchinsii, CoUES, Key, 1872, 284. 
 
 Anser (Branta) canadensis var. hutchinsii, 'Ridgw., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 388 (Illinois). 
 
 Sab. — The whole of North America, breeding in the United States, as well as 
 further north. Accidental in Europe (see above quotations). Var. hutchinsii with 
 nearly coincident range ; especially abundant on the west coast in winter. Var. leuco- 
 pareia from the northwest coast. 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — .5471, Yellowstone Eiver. 
 
 Later Eipedilions. — 00000-0, Sweetwater Eiver. 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Eaynolds' Expedition. 
 
 Both Hutchias' and the Common Wild Goose I have found migrating 
 through Dakota, in April and October, in considerable numbers, and 
 Dr. Hayden states that the latter breeds on the Yellowstone. That it 
 occasionally nests at large through the United States is abundantly at- 
 tested. "While in North Carolina I had reason to believe that it did so 
 in the vicmity of Fort Macon, as stated in my article above quoted. 
 But the most interesting information of its breeding that I have to 
 offer is that it nests in various parts of the Upper Missouri and Yel- 
 lowstone regions, in trees. This fact of arboreal nidiflcation is proba- 
 bly little known, and might even be doubted by some ; but, although 
 
BEANTA CANADENSIS, WILD GOOSE. 555 
 
 I have not myself seen the nests in trees, I am perfectly satisfied of the 
 reliability of the accounts furnished me by various persons, among 
 whom I need only mention Mr. J. Stevenson, of Dr. Hay den's party. 
 While I was in Montana I found the circumstance to be a matter of 
 common information among residents of that Territory, who expressed 
 surprise that it was not more generally known. The birds are stated 
 to build iu the heavy timber along the larger streams, and to transport 
 the young to the water in their bills. This corresponds with the habit 
 of the Wood Duck ; while the exceptional mode of nesting is paralleled 
 in the case of the Herring Gull, which, according to Audubon, has been 
 found breeding in communities in trees, though, as is well known, it 
 ordinarily nests on the ground. 
 
 While ascending the Missouri in June, 1874, I saw broods of young 
 geese on several occasions, apparently two or three weeks old, swim- 
 ming in the river near the bank. Later in the same season, along the 
 northern border of Montana, many geese were observed breediug in 
 small lakes. At one of these, several dozen were killed with clubs by 
 some members of the Survey. The old birds being then in moult, were 
 consequently unable to fly, while the young were also still deprived of 
 the power of flight. At this point one of the birds furnished an in- 
 stance of voluntary semi-domestication much like that narrated by Mr. 
 Eidgway in the case of tlie tame Snow Goose ; it entered camp, as if to 
 escape the sad destruction that was carried on, became perfectly tame, 
 and at last accounts was being carried along by the party as a pet. 
 
 Hutchins' Goose has not, to my knowledge, been known to nest within 
 our limits. A set of four eggs before me, collected on the Arctic coast 
 east of Anderson Eiver, July 4, 1863, are larger than as described by 
 previous writers, measuring 3.40 by 2.25; they are almost perfectly 
 ellipsoidiil, and, while appearing to have been originally white, are now 
 tinged with dirty-yellowish, as if soiled or discolored. Mr. Dall states 
 that in Alaska, where it is the most common of all the Geese, breeding 
 at Saint Michael's and Pastolik, as well as all along the Yukon, it lays 
 six or eight eggs on the beaches, like A. gamheli, with which species it 
 arrives in the spring, departing about the end of October. Along our 
 Atlantic coast this variety appears to be rare, and not to proceed further 
 than the Middle districts; but its great resemblance to the common 
 variety may cause it to be overlooked in a measure. But, as Audubon 
 surmised, its regular occurrence has been established. " I had occasion 
 to allude," he continues, " to a small species, called by the gunners of 
 Maine the Winter or Plight Goose, which they described to me as re- 
 sembling the large common kind in almost every particular except its 
 size." Both Mr. Lawrence and Mr. Turnbull include it in their lists, as 
 do various New England writers. We must, however, visit the regions 
 west of the Eocky Mountains to find the Hutchins' Goose plentiful in 
 its favorite winter residences, and observe it under the most favorable 
 circumstances. On river, lake and marsh, and particularly along the 
 sea coast, it is found in vast numbers, being probably the most abundant 
 representative of its family. It enters the United States early in Oc- 
 tober, or sometimes a little earlier, according to the weather, and iu the 
 course of that month becomes dispersed over all its winter feeding 
 grounds. It is generally in poor condition on its arrival, after the severe 
 journey, perhaps extending from the uttermost Arctic laud ; but it finds 
 abundance of food, and is soon in high flesh again. During the rainy 
 season in California the plains and valleys, before brown and dry, be- 
 come clothed iu rich verdure, and the nourishing grasses afford susten- 
 ance to incredible numbers of these and other Geese. Three kinds, the 
 
556 BEANTA BEENICLA, BEANT GOOSE. 
 
 Snow, the White-fronted, and the present species, have almost precisely 
 the same habits and the same food during their stay with us, and asso- 
 ciate so intimately together that many, if not most, of the flocks con- 
 tain representatives of all three. At least, after considerable study of 
 the Geese in Arizona and Southern California, I have been unable to 
 reeognize any notable differences in choice of feeding grounds. 
 
 The following extract on Hutchins' Goose, from Dr. Heermann's Report, 
 will be found interesting: "While hunting during a space of two mouths 
 in the Suisun Valley I observed them, with other species of Geese, at 
 dawn, high in the air, winging their way toward the prairies and hilly 
 slopes, where the tender young wild oats and grapes offer a tempting 
 pasturage. Their early flight lasted about two hours, and as far as the 
 eye could reach the sky was spotted with flock after flock, closely fol- 
 lowing in each other's wake, till it seemed as though all the Geese of 
 California had given rendezvous at this particular point. Between 10 
 and 11 o'clock they would leave the prairies, first in small squads, then 
 in large masses, settling in the marshes and collecting around the ponds 
 and sloughs thickly edged with heavy reeds. Here, swimming in the 
 watei', bathing and pluming themselves, they keep up a continual but 
 not unmusical clatter. This proves the most propitious time of the day 
 for the hunter, who, under cover of the tall reeds and guided by their 
 continual cackling, approaches closely enough to deal havoc among 
 them. Discharging one load as they sit on the water and another as 
 they rise, I have thus seen twenty-three Geese gathered from two shots, 
 while many more, wounded and maimed, fluttered away and were lost. 
 About 1 o'clock they leave the marshes and return to feed on the prai- 
 ries, flying low, and affording the sportsman again an opportunity to 
 stop their career. In the afternoon, about 5 o'clock, they finally leave 
 the prairies, and, rising high up in the air, wend their way to the roost- 
 ing places whence they came in the morning. These were often at a 
 great distance, as I have followed them in their evening flight until they 
 were lost to view. 3Iauy, however, roost in the marshes. Our boat, 
 sailing one night down the sloughs leading to Suisun Bay, having come 
 among theai, the noise they made as they rose in advance of us, emit- 
 their cry of alarm (their disordered masses being so serried that we 
 could hear their pinions strike each other as they flew), impressed us 
 with the idea that we must have disturbed thousands. Such are the 
 habits of the Geese during the winter. Toward spring they separate 
 into smaller flocks, and gradually disappear from the country, some few 
 only remaining, probably crippled and unable to follow the more vigor- 
 ous in their northern migration." 
 
 BEAB'TA BBEXICLA, (Linn.) Scop. 
 
 Brant Goose; Black Brant. 
 
 a. bernicla. 
 
 Jnas ftOTiiciff, Lixx.. Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 198.— G>i., Syst. Xat. i, 1788, 513.— Lath., Ind. 
 
 Orn. ii, 1790, 844.— WiLS., Am. Ora. viii, 1814, pi. 72, f. 1.— Temm., Man. 181.5, 
 
 531 ; ii, 1835, 8-24.- Less., Man. ii, 1828, 408. 
 Branta hernida, Scop., Bemerk. Naturg. 1770, 73.— Gray, Hand-list, iii, 1871. 76, Ko. 
 
 10.57^,.— Banx., Pr. Pliila. Acad. 1870, 131.— COUES, Key, 1872, 284, f. 184". 
 Jnsei- iernicla^lLh., Prod. 1811, -277.— Vieill., Enc. JXeth. i, 1823, 121.— Bp., Syu. 1828, 
 
 378.-tSw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 469.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 359.— Tejim., 
 
 Man. iv, 1840, 522.— Aud., Orn. Biog- v, 1839, 24, 610, pi. 391 ; Syn. ia39, 272 ; 
 
 B. Am. vi, 1843, 203, pi. 379.— Sw., Classif. B. ii, 1837, 365.— Selys-L., Fd. Belg. 
 
 i, 1^42, 139.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 293.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. 1844, 351.— SCHL., 
 
 Eev. Grit. 1844, 100; M. P.-B. vii, 18(35, 105.— Degl., Orn. Eur. ii, 1849, 404.— 
 
 PCTX., Pr. Ess. iDSt. i, 1856, 219. 
 
BEANTA BERNICLA, BKANT GOOSE. 557 
 
 Anser hrenta. Pall., Zoog. E.-A. ii, 1811, 229.— Leach, Cat. 1816, 37.— Flem., Br. An. 
 127.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 83.-Swinh., P. Z. S. 1863, 323 (Chiua). 
 
 BtrnlcU trenta, Steph., Gen. Zool. xii, pt. ii, 1824, 46.-EYT., Cat. Br. B. 62; Mou. Anai. 
 1838, 85.— Bp., List, 1838, 56; C. R. Sept. 1850.- Gi:ay, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 607; 
 Cat. Br. B. 1863, 184.— Reich., Syst. Av. 1852, ix, — — Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 
 102— Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 767.— REixn., Ibis, iii, 1861, 12 (Greenland).— Ro.s.s, 
 Cauad. Nat. vii, Apr. 1862.— Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst. 1862, 153.— Blak., Ibis, ISCB, 
 145.— Malmg., J. f. 0. 1865, 209 (Spitzbergen).- Dress., Ibis, 1866, 42(Texa,s).— 
 Degl.-Gekbe, Orn. Eur. ii, 1867, 489.— Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1868, 298 ; Pr. 
 Phila.. Acad. 1871, 36 (Nortli Carolina). 
 
 Ansir form/ate, FRlscH,V6g.Deutschl. ii, pi. 156.— Brehm, Eur. Vog. 1833,777.— NiLSS., 
 Orn. Suec. 117.— Jen., Man. 1835, 224.— Naum., V. D. xi, 1842, 391, pi. 292. 
 
 Bernh-la iorquata, Boie, Isis, 1822, 563.— Brehm, V. D. H.'il. 
 
 Bertnda mdanopsis, Macgil., Man. Orn. ii, 1842, 151. 
 
 Bcrnicla glmicogastcr, micropus, platyurus, collaris, Brehm., V. D. 849-851. 
 
 b. nigricans. 
 
 Anser nigricans, Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. iv, 1846, 171, pi. — . 
 
 Bernicla nigricans, Cass., 111. 1853, 52, pi. 10.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 767.— Coop. & Suck., 
 N. H. Wasb. Ter. 1860, 252.— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 296 (Long 
 isl.and).— Brown, Ibis, 1868, 425.— Dall & Bank., Tr. Chio. Acad, i, 1869, 295 
 (Alaska).— TuRNB., B. E. Pa. 1849, 46 (rare). 
 
 Branfa nigricans, Bann., Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1870, 131. 
 
 Branta bernicla var. nigricans, Cohes, Key, 1872, 284, fig. 1841=. 
 
 Hai. — Europe. North America ; rare or casual on the Pacific. Var. nigricans, rare 
 or casual on the Atlantic. 
 
 Not obtained by the Expeditions. 
 
 While ascending the Missouri in October, 1872, I observed vast num- 
 bers of the Oommon Brant in flocks on the banks and mud-bars of the 
 river. It is generally dispersed over the continent, but chieflj' in its 
 eastern portions, where var. nigricans is rare. The latter almost entirely 
 replaces the commou form on the Pacific side. 
 
 In the paper by Messrs. Dall and Bannister, above quoted, the fol- 
 lowing passages relating to the Black Brant occur : "This Goose arrives 
 in immense flocks, in the spring, along the sea-coast, but is rarely seen 
 on the Yukon. 1 killed one. May 29, 1868, at Nulato, which was said 
 to be a very rare visitor. They pass Fort Yukon in the spring, as they 
 do at Saint Michael's, being present but a few days, and breeding on 
 the shores of the Arctic Ocean. I was informed at Fort Yukon that it 
 is not seen there in the fall. Unlike the White Geese, they return to 
 Norton Sound in small numbers in the fall. * * * * The few that 
 appear at Norton Sound in the fall are the last Geese excepting the 
 canagica. A few of this species were killed at Saint Michael's the season 
 I was there; it was said to be altogether less abundant that spring than 
 ordinarily. It arrives there about the 12th of May, almost the last of 
 all the migratory birds. They were observed in the fall of 1865 (Sep- 
 tember 23), on their return. Usually the Black Brant is said to come in 
 immense flocks, and to afford more profitable sport for a few days than 
 all the other species put together. The flight of the main body of these 
 migratory birds seems to me to be along the western edge of Saint Mi- 
 chael's Island, touching Stewart's Island, and then directly northward, 
 across the open sea, to Golownin Sound. I saw no such large flocks 
 passing the fort as 1 saw down the canal flying toward Cape Stephens." 
 According to Dr. Suckley these Brant are extremely abundant about 
 the Straits of Fuca in winter, preferring the vicinity of the coast, and 
 subsisting by choice upon sedge-grass growing near ; alt water. On the 
 Atlantic coast I have noticed the common variety as i\\v as the Garolinas. 
 The following Anserince of North America have not been found in the Missouri region : 
 
558 PHILACTE CANA6ICA, EMPEROE GOOSE. 
 
 Branta lbucopsis (Bote). Barnacle G-oose. 
 
 (?) "Anas eriifhrnpm, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 513.— Degl., Orn. Eur. ii, 1849, 402." 
 
 Bet-nida eryihropus, Steph., Gen. Zool. xii. lt'24, 49. 
 
 Anas leucopsis, Temii., Man. 1815, 531 ; H,'l835. 8-23. 
 
 Anser leucopsis, Bechst., Tasch. ii, 1810, 557;'Naturg. iv, 921.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 377.— 
 
 NuTT., Man. Orn. ii, 1834, 355.— Jex., Man. 1835, 224.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. 
 
 Eur. 1840, 83.— Naum., V. D. xi, 1842, 378, pi. 291.— ScHL., Kev. Grit. 1844, 109.— 
 
 Atjd., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 609, pi. 296 ; Syn. 1839, 271 ; B. A. vi, 200, pi. 378. 
 Bernicla leucopsis, Boie, Isis, lf'2-2, 563.— Kaup, Sk. Ent. Eur. Ttiierw. 1829, 25.— Brkhm, 
 
 V. D. 847.— Eyt., Cat. Br. B. 18—, 62.— Macg., Man. ii, 1842, 150.— Gbay, G. of 
 
 B. Iii, 1849, 607 ; List Br. B. 1863, le4.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 708.— Eeinh., Ibis, 
 
 iii, 1861, 12 (Greenland). 
 Branta leucopsis, Baxn., Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1870, 131. — Gray, Hand-list, iii, 1871, — , No. 
 
 — .— COUES, Key, 1872, 283. 
 Anser bernicla, Leach, Cat. 1816, 37.— Fleji., Br. An. 127.— Paix., Zoog. E.-A. ii, 230. 
 
 ffab. — Europe. Very rare or casual in North America (Hudson's Bay, Bd., Am. Nat. 
 ii, 49 ; North Carolina, Lawr., ibid, v, 1871, 10). 
 
 Philacte canagica, Bann. Emperor Goose. 
 
 Anas canagica, SeVjISt., N. Act. Petrop. xiii, 1800, 346, pi. 10. 
 
 Anser canagicus, Brandt, Bull. Acad. Sc. St. Petersb. i, 1836, 37 ; Descr. An. i, 1836, 7, 
 
 pi. 1.— ScHL., M. P.-B. viii, 1865, 113.— FiNSCH, Abh.Nat. iii, 1872, 66. 
 Bernicla canagica. Gray, G. of B. iii, 1849, 607.— Degl.-Gerbe, O. E. 1867, 492. 
 ChloHphaga canagica, Bp., C. R. xlii, Sept. 1856.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 768.— Elliot, B. N. 
 
 A. pi. 45.— Dale & Baxx., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 296. 
 Philacte canagica, B.\:xx., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1870, 131.— CouES, Key, 1873, 283, f. 183.— 
 
 Codes, in Elliott's Prybilov Islands, App. p. — . 
 Hab. — Northwest coast of America. 
 Dendrocygna adtumnalis (Linn.) Eyton. 
 
 Anas autumnalis, Lixx., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 176. — Gil., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 537. — Lath., 
 lud. Orn. ii, 1790, 852.— Vieill., E. M. 1823, 140.— Light., Verz. 1823, 84.— 
 Steph., G. Z. xii, pt. ii, 1824, 99.— Burm., Th. Brae, iii, 1856, 436. 
 
 Dendronessa autumnalis, Wagl., Isis, 1832, '282. 
 
 Dendroeygna autumnah^i, Eyt., Mon. Anat. 1838. — Gray, Cat. Br. M. 1844, 131 ; G. of B. 
 iii, 1849, 612 -GossE, B. Jam. 1847, 398.— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. 1851, 117.— 
 Bd., Stansbnrr's Eep. 1852, 334 ; B. N. A. 1858, 770; 1860, pi. 63, f. 2; Max. B. 
 Surv. 1859, ii, pt. ii, 26, pi. 25 (Texas).— Bp., Compt. Eend. 1856, 648.— Scl., P. 
 Z. S. 1858, 360 (Honduras) ; 1864, 299 (Guatemala).— Scl. & S.u-v., P. Z. S. 1864, 
 372; 1866, 200 (Peru).— CiSS., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1860,197 (Darien).— Taylor, 
 Ibis, 1864, 172 (Porto Eico) ; 1860, 315 (Honduras).— Dresser, Ibis, 1866, 42 
 (Texas).— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 63 (Panama) ; ix, 1869, 143 (Costa 
 Eica).— Pelz., Orn. Bras. 320 (Brazil).— Codes, Key, 1872, 284. 
 Hab. — Central and South America. Southwestern United States. West Indies. 
 
 Dendrocygxa fdlva (G«t.) Burm. 
 
 "Penelope mexicana, Briss." 
 
 Anasfulva, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 530.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 863.— Vieill., Nouv. 
 Diet. d'Hist. Nat. v, 1816, 127 ; E. M. 1823, 137.— Steph., G. Z. xii, 1819, 204.— 
 Wagl., Isis, 1831, 532.— Burm., Thier. Bras, iii, 1856, 435. 
 
 Fuligula fulva, Steph., Geu. Zool. xii, pt. ii, 1824, 204. 
 
 Dendronesta fulra, Wagl., Isis, 1832, 281. 
 
 Dendroeygna fuha, BuuM, E-ise La Plata, 515.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 770 (California).— 
 Pelz., Orn. Bras. 319.— Xaxtds, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1859, 192 (Port Tejon).— 
 Dress., Ibis, 1866, 42 (Texas).— Codes, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 98 (Arizona).— 
 Moore, Am. Nat. — , (New Orleans, Louisiana). — Schl., M. P.-B. Anaeres p. 87. 
 
 Anas rirgata, JIaxevi., Beit. Nat. Bras, iv, 918 ; Eeise Bras, i, 322. 
 
 "Anas sinuata, LiCHT., Mus. Berol." 
 
 "Anas blcolor, Vieell., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. v, 136." 
 
 "Anas coUaris, Merrem." 
 
 Sab. — Central and South America. North to Arizona and California. 
 The following species of Dendroeygna may yet he detected in North America: 
 Dendrocy'GNa aeborea (Linn.) Sio. 
 
 Anas arborea, Lenx., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 176.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788. 540.— Lath., Ind. 
 
 Orn. ii, 1790, 852.— ViEnx., E. M. 1823, 141.— Steph., 6. Z. xii, pt. ii, 1824, 98.— 
 
 Burm, Thier. Bras, iii, 1856, 436. 
 Dendronessa arborea, Wagl., Isis, 1832, 282. 
 
MALLAED. 559 
 
 Dendromiqna arborea, Sw., Classif. B. ii, 1837, 365.— Eyt., Mod. Anat. 1838, 110.— GossB, 
 B. Jam. 1847, 395.— Gray, G. of B. iii, 1849, 612.— Keich., Syst. Av. 1852, 10.— 
 Bd., Stansbury's Rep. 1852, 334.— Br., Compt. Eend. xlii, 1852, 648.— Bry., Pr. 
 Bost. Soc. viii, 1859; 1867, 70 (Bahamas).— ScL., P. Z. S. 1864, 300 (Jamaica).— 
 Newt., Ibis, 1859, 366 (Santa Cruz).— Schl., M. P.-B. viii, 1865, Anseres 84.— 
 GuNDL., Av. Cnb. 1866, 387. 
 
 Dendrocygna viduata {Linn.) Mijt. 
 
 Anas mduata, Linn., Syst. Nat, i, 1766, 205.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 536.— Lath. Ind. 
 
 Orn. ii, 1790, 858.— Steph., G. Z. sii, pt.ii, 1824, 102.— Maxim., Beit. Bras, iv, 
 
 1833, 921.— BURM., Tbier. Bras iii, 1866, 434. 
 Dendrocygna viduata, Eyt., Mou. Anat. li-:i^, 109.— TscH., Pn. Pern. 54.— Gray, G. of B. 
 
 iii, 1849, 612.— Lawr., Anu. Lyc.N. Y. vii, May, 1860, 274 (Cuba).— Sol. P. Z. 
 
 S. 1864, 299 (Guiana, Brazil,'&c.).— ScL. & Salt., P. Z. S. 1865, 200.— Schl., 
 
 M. P.-B. viii, 1865, Anseres 90.— Guxdl., Av. Cub. 1866, 388.— Pelz., Orn. Bras. 
 
 319.- Reinh., Vid. Meddel. 1870, 21 (Brazil). 
 
 The following is the synonymy of the Musk Duck, domesticated iu this country : 
 Hyonetta moschata, (Linn.) Sund. 
 
 Anas moschata, Linn., Fn. Suec. 41; Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 199.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 
 515.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 846.- Vieill., Ency. Meth. 1823, 129 ; Nouv. Diet. 
 d'Hist. Nat. v, 1816, 129.— Light., Verz. 1823, 84.— M.vxiM., Naturg. Bras, iv, 
 1833, 910.— Degl., Orn. Eur. ii, 1849, 421.— Schl., M. P.-B. viii, 1865, 73. 
 
 Anas (Moachatus) moschata, Less., Man. Orn. ii, 1628, 416. 
 
 Anas {Gymnathus) moschata, Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 403. 
 
 Branta moschata. Scop., Bemerk. Naturg. 1770, 74. 
 
 Cairina moschata, Flem., Br. Anim. 1828, 122.— Jen., Man. 1835, 230.— Eyt., Cat. Br. B. 
 65 ; Monog. Anat. 1838, p. —.—Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 85.— GossB, B. 
 Jam. 1847, 408.— Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 618 ; Cat. Br. B. 1863, 198.— Reich, 
 Syst. Av. 1852, IO.-Bubm., Th. Bras, iii, 1856, 440.— Bp., Compt. Rend, xlii, 
 1856, 649.— SCL. & Salv., Ibis, 1, 1859, 232 (Central America).— Tayl., Ibis, 
 1860, 315 (Honduras).— SCL. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1864, 373 ; 1865, 200 (Ucayali).— 
 Lawe., Ann. Lye. N. Y. April, 1863. — Pelz., Orn. Bras. 320 (Brazil). — Eeinh., 
 Viddensk. Meddel. Forh. 1870, 21 (Brazil). 
 
 Hyonetta moschata, SusD., Meth. Av. Nat. Disp. Tent. 1873, 146. 
 
 Cairina sylvestris, Steph., Gen. Zool. xii, pt. ii, 1824, 79. 
 
 For synonymy of hybrids of this species with A. ioschas, see that species. A descrip- 
 tion of the usual hybrid condition is given by CouBS, Forest and Stream, Feb. 19, 1874. 
 
 Subfamily AnatiNjE : River Ducks. 
 
 ANAS BOSGHAS, Linn. 
 
 Mallard. 
 
 Anas boschas, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 205.— Scop., Bemerk. Naturg. 1770, 68. — Fok.st., 
 Phil. Trans. Ixii, 1772, 383.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 538.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 
 1790, 8.50.— Pall., Zoog. R. A. ii, 1811, 255.— WiLS., Am. Orn. viii, 1814, 112, pi. 
 70, f. 7.— BoiE, Isis, 1822, 564.— Licht., Verz. 1823, 84.— Steph., Gen. Zool. xii, 
 pt. ii, 1824, 84.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 383; List, 1838, 56.— Brehm, V. D. 1831, 862.— 
 Wagl., Isis, 1831, 531.— Tbmm.. Man. ii, 1835, 855; iv, 1840, 531.— Eyt., Mon. 
 Anat. 1838, p. — .— ViG., Zool. Beech. Voy. 1839, 30.— Aud., Orn. Biog. ui, 1835, 
 164, pi. 221 ; Syn. 1839, 276 ; B. Am. vi, 1843, 236, pi. 385.— Kjsys. &. Blas., 
 Wirb. Eur. 1840, 85.— Macgil., Man. ii, 1842, 165.— Selys-L., Fn. Belg. i, 1842, 
 140.— Naum., V. D. xi, 1842, 575, pi. 300.— Gray, Cat. B. Br. Mus. 1844, 135; G. of 
 B. iii, 1849, 615 ; List Br. B. 1863, 193.— DbKay, N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844, 347.— GiR., 
 B. L. I. 1844, 299.— Schl., Rev. Crit. Ois. Eur. 1844, 113 ; M. P.-B. 1865, 40.— 
 Gi.sSE, B. Jam. 1847, 408.— Degl., Orn. Eur. ii, 1849, 425.— Cass., U. S. Expl. 
 Ex. 1858, 340.— Reich., Syst. Av. 1852, 10.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 774.— Woodh., 
 Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 103.— Nbwb., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 102.— MuR., New Ediub. 
 Phil. Journ. 1859, 229.— Coop. & SucK., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 253.— Coues, Pr.. 
 Phila. Acad. 1861, 238 ; 1866, 98 ; Pr. Ess. Inst. 1868, 298.— Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 
 1862, 153.— Ross, Canad. Nat. vii, Apr. 1862.— Hayd., Eep. 1862, 175.— Swinh., 
 P. Z. S. 1863, 324.— Jerd., B. India, iii, 1864, 798.— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. Apr. 
 1863.— GuNDL., Av. Cuban. 1866, 388.— Degl.-Grebe, Orn. Eur! 1867, 506.— 
 Stev., U. S. G6o1. Surv. Ter. 1870, 466.— Merb., ibid. 1872, 703.— Coues, Key, 
 1872, 285 ; and of authors geiiorally. 
 
560 
 
 ANAS OBSCURA, DUSKY DUCK. 
 
 Anas adunca, Lixx., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 206.— 6m., Syst. Nat. i, 1783, 538.— Jex., Man. 
 
 234.— Donovan, Br. Birds, is, pi. 218. 
 Anas domestica, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 538. 
 
 Anas (Boschas) domestica, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 442.— Nutt., Man. ii, 18^4, 378. 
 Anas curvirostra, Paix. (Gray.) 
 Anas freycineii, Bp. {Gray.) 
 
 Anasfera, Beiss. — Leach, Cat. M. and B. Br. Mus. 1816, 39. 
 Anas archiboschas, subboschas, conboschas, Bkehm, V. D. 862, 864, 865. 
 
 Among hybrids, proven or presumed, of the Mallard with other Dncks, are the fol- 
 lowing : 
 
 Anas purpnreovmdis, SCHinz. (ICtiscovy ?) 
 Anas maxima, GosSE, B. Jam. 1847, 399. (Muscovy?) 
 Anas bicolor, Doxovax, Br. Birds, is, pi. 212. (Muscovy?) 
 Anas breweri. Aw., Otd. Biog. iv, 1838, 302, pi. 338 (("glociians"); Syn. 1839,277; B. 
 
 Am. vi, 1843, 252, pi. 387. (Gadxoallt or Canvasbacl'^) 
 Anas ancluboni, Bp., List, 1838, 56 (" bimaculata"). (Same as ireweri.) 
 Fuligula jiio^a, Bell, Ann. Lye. N. Y. v, 1852, 219. (Muscovy 1) 
 Anas iopareia, Phil., Arch. Naturg. i, 1860, 25; P. Z. S. 1866, 531. (Muscovy.) 
 
 JSab. — Nearly cosmopolitan, and nearly everywhere domesticated. Wild throughout 
 the whole of North America, breeding sparingly throughout the United States, as well- 
 as further north. Very rare and scarcely found in New England beyond Massachu- 
 setts, where apparentlv replaced bv the Dusky Duck. Greenland (Eelnh., Ibis, iii, 
 1861, 13). Cuba (Cab.'J. f. 0. v, 1857; 229). Bahamas (Bey., Pr. Bost. Soc. viii, 1859). 
 Panama (Lawe., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 63). 
 
 List of specimens. 
 
 19306 
 19507 
 19308 
 
 289 
 288 
 169 
 
 Deer Creek 
 
 .... do 
 
 Rosebud 
 
 Apr. 13, 1860 
 Apr. 13, 1860 
 Sept. 15, 1860 
 
 F.V.Hayden. 
 
 ..-.do..' 
 
 G.H. Trook.. 
 
 20.00 
 
 37.25 
 
 10.75 
 
 15.50 
 
 33.25 
 
 9.25 
 
 21.25 
 
 34.90 
 
 11.50 
 
 Lientenant Warren's Expedition. — No. 9691, Upper Missouri. 
 
 Later Expeditions.— 59877 , Colorado; 60853-7, Sweetwater and North Platte; 61107-7, 
 Bass Creek and Green River ; 62464-5, North Fork, Idaho. 
 
 Abundant throughout the Missouri region, in suitable situations, 
 especially during the migrations. Many breed in various places, and 
 during the fall movement Mallards are conspicuous among the hordes 
 of wild fowl that throng the waters of this part of the continent. 
 
 AlifAS OBSOURA, Gmelin. 
 Dusky Duck; Black Duck. 
 
 a. dbscura. 
 
 Anas ohscura, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1783, 541.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, S71. — WlLS., Am. 
 Orn. viii, 1814, 141, pi. 72, f. 5; Ord's ed. viii, 155.— Vieill.,Nout. Diet, v, 1816, 
 131 ; Eno. Meth. i, 1823, 146.— Steph., Gen. Zool. xii, 1824, 104.— Bp., Obs. Wils. 
 182.=S, No. 260 ; Syu. 1828, 234 ; List, 1838, 56 ; C. R. 1856, 649.— Nurr., Man. ii, 
 1834, 392.— Gray, List B. Br. Mus. 1844, 135 ; Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 615.— AUD., 
 Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 15, pi. 302; Syn. 1839, 276 ; B. Am. vi, 1843, 244, pi. 386.- 
 Eyt., Mon. Anat. 1838, 140.— GiK., B. L. I. 1844, 301.— DbKay, N. Y. Zool. ii, 
 1844, 344.— C.tB., J. f. 0. V, 1857, 229 (Cuba).— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 775.— PuTX., 
 Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 219. — Verr., ibid, iii, 1862, 154 (Maine, breeding). — AixESf, 
 ibid, iv, 1864, 78 (Massachusetts, breeds). — McIlwe., ibid, v, 1866, 94 (Canada 
 West).— Codes, ibid, v, 1868, 298.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 241.— 
 CotjES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, 238 (Labrador, breeding).- CouES & Prext., 
 Smiths. Rep. 1861, 417 (winter).— Boakdm., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 129 (Maine, 
 resident).— Blak., Ibis, 1863, 146.— Schl., Mus. P.-B. viii, 1815, 41.— Lawe., 
 Al'u. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 296.— Dress., Ibis, 1866, 42 (Texas).— CouES, Pr. 
 Bo-it. Soc. xii, 1868, 724 (South Carolina, winter). — Allex. Mem. Bost. Soc. i, 
 1868, 502 (Iowa, in summer).— Turxb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 35.— Mayn., Guide, 1870, 
 147 (Massachusetts, breeding) ; Pr. Bost. Soc. 1871. — Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 
 1871, 363 (Florida).— CoUES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1871, 36 (North Carolina).— 
 CouES, Key, 1872, 285.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 11 (Kansas). 
 
DAFILA ACUTA, PINTAIL. 661 
 
 b. fulvigida. 
 
 Anaa dbscura vav.fulvigula, Eidgw., Am. Xat. yiii, 1ST4, p. — . — CouES, Cheek -list, App. 
 p.—. 
 
 i7o6.— Eastern North America, especially along the Atlantic coast, from Labrador to 
 Texas. Iowa and Kansas. Cuba. Var./?;fi'i(;K?a, retideut in Florida. 
 
 The Dusky Duck is peculiar among our species for its partial distri- 
 bution, being coufinetl to the Eastern Province. It was not noticed by 
 either of the Expeditions, and probably only reaches the border of 
 the ^Missouri region. Its occurrence in Iowa and Kansas is sufficiently 
 attested. I never saw it, to my knowledge, in Dakota. In 1860 I found 
 it abundant in Labrador, where it was breeding, in pools back of the 
 coast, though occasionally seen also on the islands where the Eiders 
 were nesting. It moults there in July, when the young aie able to take 
 care of themseh'es, and is for a time unable to fly owing to loss of the 
 quills. It also breeds plentifully in Xew England, especially in Maine, 
 being there, as in Labrador, one of the most abundant and character- 
 istic Ducks during the summer. I have traced it along the Atlantic 
 coast as far as the Carolinas ; it is found still further, in Florida and 
 Texas, as well as, according to Gabanis, in Cuba; and, during the winter, 
 is one of the common market ducks of our Atlantic cities. The north- 
 ward migration appears to be incomplete, many individuals nesting on 
 our Southern coasts; Audubon states that it breeds iu Texas "and 
 throughout the United States." The eggs, of which eight or ten are 
 laid, are not distinguishable from those of the Mallard, being pale, dirty 
 yellowish-drab, averaging about 2^ inches in length by 1^ in breadth.. 
 The nest is .quite compactly and carefully built of weeds and grass, with 
 a slight hollow lined with the parent's feathers. 
 
 DAFILA ACUTA, (Linn.) 
 Pintail; SprigtaiL 
 
 Anas acuta, Lixx., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 202.— Gm., Svst. Nat. 175S, 25S.— LATH.,.rnd.CJrir. 
 ii, 1790, 864.— Temm., Man. l^ilo, 540.— BoiE, Isis, lf2>. 564.— Licht., Verz. 
 l^iS, d4.— Less., JIan. ii, l&iS. 417.— Flem., Br. An. 124.— Brehji, Y. D. leSl, 
 S66. — Wagl., Isis, 18.31. 5ol. — J ex.. il;iu. 332. — Temm., Slan. ii, 1^'io, *i8; iv 
 1S40, 532.— Keys. & Bi^s., Wirb. Eur. 8.:i.— Naoi., V. D. xi, 1842, li38, pi. 301.— 
 Degl., Orn. Eur. ii, 1849. 428.— Schl.. Rev. Crit. Ois. Eur. 115 : M. P.-B. 1865, 
 37.— Selys-L., Fn. Belg. i, 1842, 142.— Wils.. Am. Orn. viii, X;14, pi. 68. t. 3.r— 
 Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 258; Svn. 1828. 383: List, 1838, 56.— NuTT., Man. ii 
 1834, 386.— AuD., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835. 214; v, 1839, 015; pi. 227; Svn. 1639; 
 279 ; B. A. Ti, 1843, 266, p). 390.— ViG., Zool. Beeobev's Tot. 1839, ;iL-^GlR., B. 
 L. I. 1844, 310.-DeKay.N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844, 341.— Lemb., Av. Cub. leSO. 113. — 
 FixscH, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872. 66.— Sw.. P. Z. S. 1863, 324. 
 
 Trachelotietta acuta, Katp, Natur. Syst. 1829, 115. 
 
 Phasiamtrus acutus. Wage.. Isis, 1832, 1235. 
 
 Dafila acuta, Bp., List, 1-38. 56.— Gr.vy, List. B. Br. Mns. 1844, 134; G. of B. iii. 1-^49 
 615; List Br. B. 1863, 192.— GossE. B. Jam. 1847, 402.— Eeich., Svst. Av. 
 1852, s.— Cass, Orn. U. S. Espl. Exped. 1858, 431.— Bd., Stanbury's Rep. 1852, 
 323.— WooDH., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 103 (New Mexico aud California).— Newc. P. 
 E. E. Eep. Yi, 1857, 102 (California and Oregou).— Cab., J. f. O.y, 1-57, 229 
 (Cuba).— Bd., B. N, A. 1858. 776.— ScL., Ibis, i. 185LI, 231 (..Honduras).— Heeioi., 
 P. E. E. Eep. X. 1S59, pt. vi, 69 (California).— MuK.. Edinb. N. Phil. Journ. 1>'59, 
 229.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 252 (Oregon and Washington).— 
 Newt., P. Z. S. 1861, plate 68 (hybrid with Mallard).— HayDi, Eep. 1862, 175 
 (Nebraska). — Eoss, Canad. Nat. Apr. 1862. — Jekd., B. India. 18ti4, -03.— 
 GuxDL., Av. Cub. 1866, 388.— CoUES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1>66. y^ ^Arizona).— 
 L.VWR., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1566, 163 (Panama) ; ix, 1869. 14 (, Costa Rica).— 
 Dress., Ibis, 1862, 42 (Texas).— Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, y, 1868. 298.— Verk.. Pr. 
 Ess. Inst, iii, 1882. 158.— Dale & Baxx., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 297 i^ Alaska, 
 breeding).- Degl.-Gerbe, Orn. Eur. 1867, 515.— Allex, BuU. M, C. Z. iii, 
 
 36 
 
562 DAFILA ACUTA, PINTAIL, 
 
 1872, 183 (Utah).— Aiken, Pr. Boat. Soc. xv, 1872, 210 (Colorado).— Trippb, 
 ibid. 241 (Iowa).— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 466 (Wyoming).— Merr,, 
 ibid. 1672, 703 (Wyoming).— CouES, Key, 1872, 286, fig. 186.— Snow, B. Kans. 
 1673, 11 ; and of anthors generally. 
 
 Qverqucdula acuta, Selby, Brit. Om. ii, 311. 
 
 Anas alandica, Spaekmann, Mus. Carls, iii, pi. 60. 
 
 ^7108 sparmianni, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790. 876. 
 
 Avaa caudacula, Paix., Zoog. E.-A. ii, 1811, 280.— Leach, Cat. M. & B. Br. Mus. 1816, 38. 
 
 Dafila caudacuta, Steph., Shaw's Gen. Zool. sii, 1824, 127, pi. 49. — Jaed., Br. Birds, iv, 
 120— Eyt., Mon. Anaiidos, 1838, 113. 
 
 DaphUa caudacuta, Sw., Classif. B. ii, 1837, 367. 
 
 Avas {Dafila) caudacuta, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 441. 
 
 Querquedula caudacuta, MaCGIll., Man. Orn. ii, 1842, 170. 
 
 Jvas longicauda, Bbiss., Om. vi, 366, pi. 34, f. 1, 2.— Brehm, V(5g. Dentschl. 868. 
 
 Anas caudata, Brehm, Vog. Deutschl. 869. 
 
 Dafila acuta var. americana, Bp., Comj)t. Eeud. xlii, 1856. 
 
 iJa6.— North America and. Europe. Breeds chiefly in high latitudes. In winter 
 south to Panama. Cuba. 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 8910, "Nebraska." 
 
 Latn- Expeditions. — 61109, Eock Creek, Wyoming. 62366, Shoshone Lake, Wyoming. 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Eaynolds' Expedition. 
 
 The Pintail is emphatically a "river" Duck, being far more abundant 
 on the pools and streams of the interior than along either coast. It is 
 one of the earlier arrivals in the United States, passing our northern 
 boundary- early in September, with the Teal, and becoming generally 
 distributed during the iollowing month. It is one of the most elegant 
 and graceful of our Ducks, either on the land or water, walking and 
 swiming with the long pointed tail elevated, and the thin sinuous neck 
 swaying in all directions. It is shy and vigilant, but owing to its habit 
 of clustering close in groups about the margins of pools where the reeds 
 or brush-wood favor approach, it is sometimes slaughtered in numbers 
 with ease; and if the gununer be ready with another barrel, additional 
 birds may usually be procured, as they fly off in a compact flock. 
 
 Few Ducks exceed the Pintail in extent and regularity of migration. 
 In the spring it withdraws altogether from most parts of the United 
 States to high latitudes to breed, and in winter i)ushes its migration 
 even to Panama. While its general habits when with us are well 
 known, little has been ascertained respecting its breeding in this 
 country ; and I have therefore greater pleasure in being able to attest 
 its nesting withiu our limits. Although I have not recognized it in the 
 Missouri region proper during the breeding season, yet 1 found it to be 
 one of the commonest of the various ducks that nest in the country 
 drained by the Milk River and its tributaries, throughout most of the 
 northern parts of Montana. In traveling through that country in July, 
 I found it on all the prairie pools and alkaline lakes. At this date the 
 young were just beginning to fly, in most instances, while the old birds 
 were for the most part deprived of flight by moulting of the quills. 
 Many of the former were killed with sticks, or captured by hand, and 
 afforded welcome variation of our hard fare. On invasion of the grassy 
 or reedy pools where 'the ducks were, they generally crawled shj ly out 
 upon the prairie around, and there squatted to hide ; so that we pro- 
 cured more from the dry grass surrounding than in the pools them- 
 selves. I have sometimes stumbled thus upon several together, crouch- 
 ing as close as possible, and caught them all in my hands. 
 
 The following note from Mr. Dall continues this subject: "Extremely 
 common in all parts of the Yukon, and on the marshes near the sea 
 coast. In the early spring, arriving about May 1 at Xulato, it is grega- 
 rious; but as soon as it commences to breed, about May 20, or later, 
 they ar« generally found solitary or in pairs. Their nest is usually 
 
CHAULELASMUS STREPEEUS, GAD WALL. 503 
 
 in the sedfje, lined witli dry grass, and, ia the absence of both parents, 
 is covered with dry leaves and feathers. # * * * They lay from 
 six to ten, or even twelve eggs, and as soon as the young are hatched, 
 they withdraw from the river to the small creeks and rivulets, where 
 they remain until the ducklings are fully able to fly, when all repair to 
 the great marshes, where, on the roots of the horsetail [Equisetum), 
 they grow so fat that frequently they cannot raise themselves above 
 the water." 
 
 A nest-complement of seven eggs, from the Yukon, now in the Smith- 
 sonian, furnishes the following characters : size, 2.10 by l.oO, to 2.30 by 
 1.55; shape, rather elongate ellipsoidal; color, uniform dull grayish- 
 olive, without any buff or creamy shade. 
 
 Hybrids of this species with the Mallard are of comparatively fre- 
 quent occuirence ; and in at least one instance (that recorded by Prof. 
 A. Newton, as above cited) these have proved fertile inter se. Those 
 that I have examined show uhmistakably the characters of both parents 
 in about equal proportions. 
 
 CHAULELASMUS STEEPERUS, (Linn.) Gray. 
 Gadwall; Gray Duck. 
 
 A7ias alrepera, LiNN , Syst. Nat. i, 1776, 200.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 520.— Lath., iDd. 
 Orn. ii, 1790, 849.— WiLS., Am. Orn. viii, 1814, 120, pi. 71.— Temm., Man. 1>^15, 
 539 ; ii, 1835, 837 ; iv, 1840, 532.— BoiB, Isis, 1832, 564.— Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 
 257 ; Syn. 1828, 383.— Steph., Gen. Zool.xii, 1824, IOS.-Flem, Br. An. 1828, 124.— 
 Brehm, Vog. Deutscb. 1831, 870.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 383.— Aud. Orn. Biog. 
 iv, 1838, 353, pi. 348 ; Syn. 1839, 378; B. Am. vi, 1843, 254, pi. 388.— Nauji., Vr.^r. 
 Deatsch. xi, 1842, 659, pi. 302.— ICeys. & Bl,AS.. AVirb. Eur. 1840, 85.— Selys-L , 
 Fn. Belg. i, 1842, 141.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 314.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. ii, 1S44, 
 343.— ScHL., Kev. Crit. 1844, 115; M. P.-B. viii, 1865, 48.— Degl., Orn. Eur. ii, 
 1849, 430.— Newb., P. E. E. Eep. vi, 1857, 102.— Swix., P. Z. S. 1803, 124 ; and of 
 most earlier authors. 
 
 Anas {Chauliodus) strepera, Sw. & EiCH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 440.— Jen., Man. 1835, 231.— 
 Sw., Classif. B. ii, 1837, 360. 
 
 Chauliodus strepera, Sw., Journ. Eoy. Inst, ii, 19. — Eyt., Cat. Br. B. 1836, 60. 
 
 Ktinorhynchus strepera, Eyt., Monog. Anat. 1838, 137. 
 
 Chaulelasmus streperm, Gray, 1838 ; List B. Br. Mus. 1844, 139 ; List of Gen. of B. 1840, 
 74 ; Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 617 ; List Br. B. 1863, 196.— Bp., List, 1838, 56.— Gos.sF., 
 B. Jam. 1847, 408.— Eeich., Syst. Av. 1852, 10.— Woodh., Sitg. Eep. 1853, 104. 
 Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 782.— Coop. & SncK.,N. H. AYasb. Ter. 1860, 256.— Heerm., 
 P. E. E. Eep. X, 1859. pt. vi, 69.— Gondl., Av. Cub. 1866, 389.— Jerd, B. India, 
 iii, 1864, 892.— Cooes, Pr.Phila. Acad. 1886, 99 (Arizona).- Degl.-Gerbe, Orn. 
 Eur. ii, 1867, 516.— Dress., Ibis, 1866, 43 (Texas).— Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic. 
 Acad, i, 1869, 298.— Mere., U. S. Geol. Snrv. Ter. 1872. 704 (Idaho).— AiXEX, 
 Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 183 (Colorado).— Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 240 
 (Colorado).- CouES, Key, 1872, 286.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 11 ; and of authors 
 gener.illy. 
 
 Querquedula strepera, Macgil., Man. Orn. ii, 1842, 169. 
 
 Anas strepera amenmna, Maxim., J. f. O. vii, 1859, 169. 
 
 ChaulelasniHs anwricana, Bp. (Gh'ay.) 
 
 Anas dnerea ot suhulata, S. G. Gmelin. (Gray.) 
 
 Anas Tcekusohlca, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 531. — Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 877. 
 
 ^«as rnaiZ, Hodgson. (Gray.) 
 
 Jna« copensjs, SWAINSON. (Gray.) 
 Hob. — North America generally. Europe. Asia. Africa. Generally distributed in 
 
 this country. 
 Not obtained by Captain Eaynolds' or Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. 
 Later Expeditions. — 62363, Idaho. 
 
 The Gadwall breeds in various parts of the United States, and does 
 not appear to proceed to the extreme Korth like some other spen.es, 
 Mr. Dall mentions a British Columbian specimen, with merely the piob- 
 ability that the species reaches as far as Sitka. Audubon notes the 
 breeding in Texas, and in the Middle States and New England, while I 
 
564 MAEECA AMERICANA, WIDGEON. 
 
 have sePD eggs from Sacramento, California. These are of the usual 
 shape, of a uniform creamy-buff color, and measure a trifle over 2 inches 
 in length by about 1.50 in breadth. 
 
 I found Gadwalls quite common in September, in Northern Dakota, 
 with Mallard, Teal, and Widgeon; some doubtless had bred in the 
 vicinity, as the species certainly does in Montana, along the Milk Eiver 
 and its tributaries. I found unfledged young late in August. 
 
 MAEECA AMERICANA, (Gm.) Steph. 
 American Widgeon; Baldpate. 
 
 Avas amei-ieana, Gm.. Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 526.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 861.— WiLS., 
 Am. Om. viii,'l814, 86, pi. 69, f. 1.— Bp., Obs. Wils. 1B25, No. 259; Syn. W28, 
 384.— Ndtt., Man. ii, 1834, 389.— AuD., Orn. Biog. iv, 18:;8, 337, pi. 345; Syn. 
 1639, 279 ; B. Am. vi, 1H43, 259, pi. 389.— GiK., B. L. I. 1844, 306.— SCHL., Rev. 
 Grit. 114; M. P.-B. viii, 1865, 45.— FrNScg, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 66 (Alaska).- 
 DeKay, N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844, 345. 
 
 Mareca amencana, Steph., Shaw's Gen. Zool. xii, 1824, 135.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 
 ' 1831, 445.— Sw., Classif. of B. ii, 1837, 366.— Bp., Li.st, 1838, 56 ; C. E. xlii, 1856, 
 650.— Eyt., Mon. Anat. 1838, 116.— Thomp., Ann. Mag. N. H. 1845, 310.— Gray, 
 Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 613 ; Cat. Br. B. 1863, 192.— GossE, B. Jam. 1847, 408.— Bd., 
 Stansbury's Rep. 1852, 322.— Woodh., Sitgr. Eep. 1853, 102.— Cab., J. f. 0. v, 
 1857, 227 (Cuba).— Newb., P. E. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 102.— Heerm., iUd. x, 1859, 
 pt. vi, 68.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 783 ; Mex. B. Surv. ii, 1859, Birds, p. 27.— Cass., 
 U. S. N. Astr. Exp. 1858, 432.— Scl., Ibis, i, 1859, 231 (Guatemala).- MuR., 
 Edinb. N. Philos. Journ. 1859, 229.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 
 256.— Ross, Canad. Nat. April, 1862.— Vbrr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 158.— 
 Ha YD., Rep. 1862, 176.— Blak., lbis,1863,147.— Dress., Ibis, 1866, 43 (Texas).- 
 Bkown, Ibis, 1868, 426.— Gund., Av. Cub. 1866, 388.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 
 1866, 99 (Arizona).— Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 299.— Daix & Bank., Tr. 
 Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 298 (Yukon).— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 466 
 (Wyoming).— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 183 (Utah).— Coues, Key, 1872, 
 286.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 11.— Hakt., Br. Birds, 1872, 159 (Great Britain, 
 several instances). 
 
 Mareca penelope, b, Blas., List B. Eur. 1862, 21. 
 
 Sab. — North America. South to Guatemala. Breeds in various parts of the United 
 States. Cuba. Accidental in Europe. (Degl.-Gerbe, Orn. Eur. 1867, 514.) 
 Not obtained by Captain Raynolds' Expedition. . 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 5453, Bijoux HiUs. 
 Later Eapeditions. — 61110, Pass Creek, Wyoming. 
 
 The Widgeon breeds in abundance in Northern Dakota and Montana 
 along the banks of the streams and pools. Some such places which I 
 visited, the resort of many pairs of various Ducks during the breeding 
 season, and of innumerable flocks during the migrations, resemble the 
 duck-yard of a farm, in the quantities of moulted feathers and amount of 
 ordure scattered everywhere. I was surprised to find young Widgeons, 
 still unable to fly, even as late as the middle of September, at a time 
 when all the other Ducks observed were well on the wing. Although 
 this bird passes far north, many nest in various parts of the United 
 States. Audubon notices its breeding in Texas, and others in the Mid- 
 dle States, about the Great Lakes, and in Oregon. Mr. Dall found it 
 nesting along the Tukou, with the Pintail. 
 
 The Widgeon's eggs are eight to twelve in number, about 2 inches 
 long by IJ broad, of a dull, pale buff color. 
 
 Obs. — The European Widgeon (Mareca penelope) is said to have oceurred in Wisconsin 
 (Kumlein), and in Illinois ; its casual presence in the Missouri region is to be antici- 
 pated. Following is its synonymy : 
 
 Mareca penelope, (Linn.) Selby. 
 
 Anas penelope, Linn., Svst. Nat. i, 1766, 202.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 527.— Lath., Ind. 
 Orn. ii, 1790, 860.— Pall., Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, 251.— Leach, Cat. 1816, 37.— BoiE, 
 Isis, 1822, 564.— ViEiLL., Enc. Meth. 1823, 141.— Licht., Verz. 1823, 84.— Brehm, 
 
QUEEQUEDULA CAROLINENSIS, GREEN-WINGED TEAL. 565 
 
 Eur. Vog. 1823, 798.— Flkm., Br. An. 124.— Brehm, V. D. 1831, 874.— Temm., 
 Man. ii, 1835, 840 ; iv, 1840, 532.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Enr. 1840, 84.— Nau.ai., 
 V. D. xi, 1842, 724, pi. 305.— Selys-L., Fn. Belg. 1842, 142.— Schl.. Rev. Crit. 
 1844, 114; M. P.-B. viii, 18S5, 44.— DbKay, N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844,34B.— Gik., B.L. 
 I. 1844, 307.— Degl., Orn. Eur. ii, 1849, 431.— Reinh., Ibis, iii, 1861, 13 (Green- 
 land).— Swinh., P. Z. S. 1863, 324.— Weight, Ibis, 1864, 155. 
 
 Mareca pcnelope, Selby, Br. Orn. ii, 324. — Jen., Man. 1835, 236. — Bp., List, 183S, 56 ; 
 C. R. xlii, 1856, 650.— Macg., Man. ii, 1842, 174.— Gray, List B. Br. Mus. 1844. 
 133; Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 614 ; List Br. B. 1863, 191.— Reich., Syst. Av. 18.52, 
 ix.— Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 784. -Swinh., Ibis, 1861, 345.— Jerd., B. Ind. iii, 1864, 
 804.- Degl.-Gerbe, Orn. Eur. 1867, 512.— Codes, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 299 
 (New England).- COUES, Key, 1872, 268. 
 
 Alias kagolka, Gm., Svst. Nat. i, 1788, 527.— Brehm, V. D. 872. 
 
 Mareca fistuJaris, Stbph., G. Z. xii, pt. ii, 1824, 131, pi. 50.— Eyt., Mob. Anat. 1838, 118. 
 
 Anas fiatularis, Brehm, V. D. 674. 
 
 QUEEQUEDULA CAROLINENSIS, (Gm.) Steph. 
 Green-winged Teal. 
 
 Ana« crecca, var., Forst., Philos. Tr. Ixii, 1772, 383, 419. 
 
 Anas (Boschas) crecca, -vaT.. Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831,443.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 400. 
 
 Anas crecca, WiLS., Am. Orn. viii, 1814. 101, pi. 60, f. 1.— Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 2G3; 
 Syn. 1828, 386.— AUD., Orn. Bi'og. iii, 1835, 218 ; v, 1859, 616, pi. 228. 
 
 Anas camlinensis, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 533. — Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 874.— Arn., 
 Syn. 1839, 281 ; B. Am. vi, 1843, 281, pi. 392.— GiR., B. L. L 1844, 314.— DeKay, 
 N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844, 340.— Lemb., Av. Cub. 1850, 114.— Reinh., Vid. Med. 1853, 
 (1854) 84 ; Ibis, iii, 1861, 13 (Greenland).— Maxim., J. f. 0. vii, 1859, 172.— 
 Trippe, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871. 119 (Minnesota). 
 
 Querquedmla carolinensis, SlEPH., Shaw's Gen. Zool. xii, 1824, 128.— Eyt., Mou. Anat. 
 1838.— Bp., List, 1838, 57 ; C. R. 1856, 650.— Gray, Cat. B. Br. Mus. 1844, 137 ; 
 Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 616.- Bd., Stansbury's Rep. 18.52, 322.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 
 1853, 103.— Cass., U. S. N. Astr. Exp. 1858, 342.— Newb., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 18.")7, 
 102.— Heerm., ibid. X, 1859, pt. vi, 69.— ScL., P. Z. S. 1859, 237; 369 ; 1860, 254.— 
 SCL. & Salv., Ibis, i, 1859, 231.— CouBS, Key, 1872, 287. 
 
 Nettion carolinensis, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 777 ; Mex. B. Surv. ii, pt. ii, Birds, 26. — CooP. & 
 Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 254.— Coues, Pr. A. N. S. Pbila. 1861, 208 (Labra- 
 dor).— Hay'd., Rep. 1862, 175.— MooKE, P. Z. S. 1859, 65 (Honduras).— Cab., 
 J. f. O. V, 1857, 229 (Cuba).— Ross, Canad. Nat. 1862.— Blak., Ibis, 1862, 9 ; 1863, 
 146.— Bry., Pr. Best. Soc. vii, 1859 (Bahamas).— ScL., P. Z. S. 1860, 254 
 (Orizaba).— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 98 (Arizona).— Dress., Ibis, 1866, 43 
 (Texas).— GUNDL., Cat. Av. Cub. 1866, 389.— Brown, Ibis, 1868, 426.— Daxl & 
 Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 297 (Alaska, breeding).— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. 
 Ter. 1870, 466 (Wyoming).- Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 183 (Kansas and 
 Utah).— Trippe, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 241 (Iowa).— Aiken, ibid. 210 (Colo- 
 rado ; and of late American writers generally. 
 
 Anas americana, Vieill., Enc. Meth. 1823, 155. 
 
 Qtierguedula americana, MuR., Edinb. New Philos. Journ. v, 1859, 230. 
 
 '^Anas sylvatica, Vieill. ?" {Gray.) 
 
 Sab. — The whole of North America. Greenland. Mexico. Cuba. South to Hon- 
 duras. Breeds from the northern border of the United States northward. 
 
 
 
 
 List of specimens. 
 
 
 
 
 19314 
 19315 
 19316 
 19317 
 
 159 
 142 
 190 
 
 Rosebud 
 
 do 
 
 .... 
 
 Sept. 10, 1860 
 Oct. 20, 1860 
 do 
 
 G. H. Trook.. 
 
 Dr. Hines 
 
 F. T. Hay den. 
 do 
 
 14.00 
 14.50 
 13.00 
 16.50 
 
 27.00 
 24.00 
 23.00 
 25.00 
 
 7.50 1 
 7 50 ' 
 
 
 
 6 00 
 
 
 
 8 00 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 5461, Blackfoot Country ; 5462, Big Bend, Missouri 
 River. 
 
 Later Expeditions. — 59878-80, 60842-50, various Wyoming localities ; 61112-15, Green 
 River. 
 
 The Green-winged Teal enters the Missouri region from the north 
 in August, among the earliest arrivals of the water-fowl, and soon 
 becomes extremely abundant over all the pools and vcater-courses. It 
 may breed in Northern Dakota, but I have not satisfied myself of the 
 
566 QUERQUEBULA DISCORS, BLUE-WINGED TEAL. 
 
 fact ; and I am still uncertain whetlier some eggs of Teal taken along 
 the Milk Eiver, in Montana, were of this or the succeeding species. 
 According to Mr. Dall it breeds in Alaska, about the 20th of May. 
 The eggs are about eight in number, of a pale, dull, greenish color, 
 measuring from 1.75 to 1.90 in length, by 1.20 to 1.30 in breadth. The 
 nest is built on the ground, of grass and weeds, lined with feathers. 
 
 XOTE.— The European Green-winged Teal, which occurs as a straggler to this coun- 
 try, has the followiug synonymy : 
 QUEEQUEDULA CKECCA, {lAnn.) Steph. 
 
 Anas erecia, Lixx., Fn. Snec. 45. 
 
 Jnas crccca, LixN., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 204.— Gm., Svst. Nat. i, 1788, 532.— Lath., Ind. 
 
 Ora. ii, 1790, 872.— Pall., Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, 263.— Temm., Man. 1815, 547.— 
 
 BoiE, Isis, 1822, .564.— Licht., Verz. 182;!, 84.— Flem., Br. An. 1828, 125.— 
 
 Brehm, V. D. 1831, 884.— .Jex., Man. 18:S, 23').- Temm., Man. ii, 1835, 846; 
 
 iv, 1840, 539.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 85.— Selys-L., Fn. Belg. i, 
 
 1842, 142.— Naum., V. D. xi, 1^42, 701, pi. 304.— Schl., Rev. Crit. 1844,113; 
 
 M. P.-B. viii, ]86o, 52.— Degl., Oru. Eur. ii, 1849, 438.— Swmn., P. Z. S. 1863, 
 
 324 (Chiua).— Jbed., B. Ind. iii, 1864, 806. 
 Querquedrda creeca, Steph., Shaw's Gen. Zool. xii, pt. ii, 1824, 146.— Eyt., Mon. Anat, 
 
 1838.— Bp., List, 1838, 57.— JIacg., Man. ii, 1842, 167.— Gkay, Cat. Br. Mus. 
 
 1844, 137 ; Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 616 ; List Br. B. 1863, 194.— Reich., Syst. Av. 
 
 18.52, ix.— DEGL.-GEiiBE, Oru. Eur. ii, 1867, 521.— Coles, Key, 1872, 287. 
 Nettion creeca, Kaup, Sk. Ent. Eur. Th. 1829, 95.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 778. -COUES, Pr. 
 
 Phila. Acad. 1861, 238 (Labrador).- Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 298. 
 (jHirquedula suhcrecca et creucoides, Beehm, V. D. 885, 886. 
 
 QUEEQUEDULA DISCORS, (Linn.) Steph. 
 Blae-winged teal. 
 
 Anas discors, LiXN., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 205 (quotes Querq. amei: variegaia, Gates., 100; 
 TBeiss., vi, 452, and Querq. anter.J)m:a, Gates., 99, and Querq. rirginianajBuiss., 
 vi, 455).— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 535.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 854.— WiLS.,- 
 Am. Orn. viii, 1814, 74, pi. 68, f. 4.— Vieill., Enc. Moth. 1823, 156.— Bp., OIjs. 
 Wils. 1825, No. 262 ; Syn. 1828, 385.— WaGL., Isis, 1831, 531.— AuD., Orn. Biog. 
 iv, 1838, 111, pi. 313 ; S> n. 1839, 282 ; B. Am. vi, 1843, 287, pi. 393.— Gin., B. L. 
 I. 1844, 315.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844, 339.— Tbippe, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 
 119 (Minnesota).— SCHL., M. P.B. viii, 1865, 50. 
 
 A7>as (Boschas) discors, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 444. — Nctt., Man. ii, 1834, 397. 
 
 Qnerquedula discors, Steph., Shaw's Geu. Zool. xii, 1824, 149. — Gray, Cat. B. Br. Mns. 
 1844, 138.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 779; Mex. B. Surv. 1859, 26.— Cab., .7. f. 0. v, 
 ltf.07, 228 (Cuba).- MOOEE, P. Z. S. 1859, 64 (Honduras).- SCL., ibid. 393 
 (Oaxaca); 1860, 83 (Ecuador) ; 1860, 254 (Orizaba) ; 1861, 82 (Jamaica).— ScL., 
 & Salv., ibid. 1869, 252 (Venezuela).— .ScL. & Saxv., Ibis, i, 1859, 231 (Guate- 
 ' mala).— Tayl., ibid. 1860, 315 (Tigre Island).- Blak., ibid, iv, 1862, 9 ; v, 1863, 
 146.— Dress., iUd. 1866, 43 (Texas, breeding).— Eoss., Canad. Nat. April, 
 1862.— Veer., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 153.— Bey., Pr. Bost. Soc. vii, 1859 (Baha- 
 mas).— Lawk., Ann. Ltc. viii, 1864, 102 (Sombrero); 1869, 143 (Costa Rica).— 
 SrxD., Ofv. Vid. Med". 1869, 591 (St. Bartholomew).— Degl.-Gerbe, Orn. 
 Eur. 1867, 520.— Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 299.— Dall & Baxx., Tr. Chic. 
 Acad, i, 1869, 297 (Alaska, breeding).— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 176.— Coop. & Suck., 
 N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 254.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 183 (Kansas).— 
 Aiken, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1«72, 210 (Colorado).- Trippe, ibid. 241 (Iowa).— 
 Coues, Key, 1672, 287.— Sxow, B. Kans. 1873, 11. 
 
 Cyanopterus discors, Eyt., Mon. Anat. 1833. — Bp., List, 1838, .57. — GosSE, B. Jam. 1847, 
 101.— Blas., B. Eur. 1862, 21 (France). 
 
 Fterocyunea discors, Bp., Comptes Rendus, xlii, 1856, 650.— Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 
 617.— AVooDH., Sitgr., Rep. 1853, 103.— Newb., P. E. E. Rep. vi, 1857, 103? (CaU- 
 fornia and Oregon ; may rather refer to Q. cyanoptera). 
 
 JSab. — North America, chieily east of the Rocky Mountains. To the Pacific coast in 
 Alaska. West Indies. Mexico. Central and South America to Ecuador. Accidental 
 in Europe (France, Revue Zool. 1857, 62). 
 
QUERQUEDULA CYANOPTERA, CINNAMON TEAL. 
 
 667 
 
 
 
 
 Li8t of specimeiii 
 
 . 
 
 19313 189 
 19378 .... 
 
 Eosebud 
 
 Bighorn 
 
 5 
 
 Sept. 9, 18B0. 
 June 5, 1860. 
 
 O.H.Trook.. 14.50 24.00' 7.50 
 
 do ! ; 
 
 1 i 
 
 Luutenaiit Wan-en'a Expedition. — 5464, Vermilion Eiver ; 5465, loua River. 
 Not obtained by the later Expeditions. 
 
 This Teal is very abundant in the Missouri region during the migra- 
 tions, and doubtless also breeds there, as it does iu various parts of the 
 United States, as well as farther north. It is the species most fre- 
 quently noticed by extralimital writers, as opcurriug in troi)ical Amer- 
 ica, though it also winters in the Southern States. It is one of the few 
 Ducks apparently not equally abundant on both sides of the continent, 
 and, in fact, its presence on the Pacific coast, south of Alaska, is still 
 questionable. Br. Newberry can hardly be right in stating that it is 
 common throughout California and Oregon, having probably confounded 
 it with the next species. 
 
 The eggs are of the same size and shape as those of the Green-winged 
 Teal, but rather lighter colored. A nest, believed to be of this species, 
 containing eight eggs -with advanced embryos was found on the Milk 
 Eiver early in July ; it was built on dry prairie many yards from the 
 nearest water, of dried grasses and weeds, carefully finished with the 
 parents' down. 
 
 QUEEQUEDULA CYANOPTEEA, (Vieill.) Cassin. 
 Cinnamon Teal; Retl-breasted Teal. 
 
 Avas cyaiwptera, Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'H. N. v, 1816, 104.— Schl., M. P.-B. viii. 1665, 51. 
 
 Qutrqueitida cyanopiera, Cass., U. S. N. Astr. Exp. ii, 1855, 202; III. 18.=;5, 82, pi. 15 
 (Utah, California, Louisiana, Chili).— SCL., P. Z. S. 1855, 104; 1859, 237.— 
 Bd., B. N. a. 1858, p. 780 (Rocky Mountains to Pacific) ; Mex. B. Snrv. ii, pt. 
 ii, 1859, Birds, p. 26 (Texas).— Kenx., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, Whipple's Route, 
 Birds, p. 35 (Arizona and California).— Heeum., ibid. Williamson's Route, 
 Birds, p. 69 (New Mexico and California).— Coop. & Suck., ihid. sii, 1860, p. 
 255 (Oregon).— Abbott, Ibis, 1861, 161.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 62 
 (Arizona).— SCL., P. Z. S. 1860, 389 (Falklauds) ; 1867, 335 (Chili).— ScL. & 
 Salv., ihid. 1869, 160 (Buenos Avres).— SCL. & Salv., Ibis, 1869, 189.— BuiiJi., 
 Reise, 577 (La Plata).— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 466 (Wvominff).— 
 MBnH., iiid. 1872, 703 (Idaho, breeding).— Aikeu, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872", 210 
 (Colorado).— Allek, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 183 (Utah).— CouES, Key, 1872, 288. 
 
 Anas rafflesii, King, Zool. Jnurn. iv, 1828, p. 87 ; Suppl. pi. 29 (Magellan Straits).— 
 Cass., Journ. A. N. S. Phila. iv, 1848, p. 195 (Louisiana). 
 
 Cywnoptera rafflesi, Eyt., Mon. Anat. 1838. 
 
 Picrocyanea rafflesii, Bd., Stausbnry's Rep. 1852, p. 322 (Great Salt Lake). 
 
 Pte-oc^aiiea eoiraZcata, ("Light").- Gkay, Gen. Birds, iii, 1849, p. 617. — Lawe., Ann. 
 Lye. Nat. Hist. N. Y. v, 1852, p. 220.— Woodii., Sitgr. Rei). 1853, p. 103 (Texas, 
 New Mexico, California).— Bp., C. R. 1856, 650.-Newb., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 
 p. 103 (Southern California).- Phil., Cat. 1869, 42 (Chili). 
 
 Querquediila cwruleaia, Bkidges, P. Z. S. 1842, 118.— Gray, Cat. B. Br, Mus. i, 1844, 13i^.— 
 Gay, Fn. ChiJeu. i, 1847, 452.— Gould, P. Z. S. 1859, 96. 
 Sab. — South America, westerly. In North America, from the Rocky Mountains to 
 
 the Pacific, north to the Columbia. Louibiana. Florida :'?? {Maynard). 
 
 List of specimens. 
 
 19310 
 19311 
 19312 
 
 5 
 
 .!!!!!.!.!! 
 
 <? 
 5 
 
 
 F. V. Haydeu 
 
 13.50 
 
 
 
 6 50 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 Popoagie Cr'k . 
 
 May 22, 1860 
 
 G. H.Trook.. 
 
 14.50 
 
 22.75 
 
 6.50 
 
 Not obtained by Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. 
 
 Later Expeditions. ~6()8:i8-il, Sweet Water and Platte Rivers; 61648-9, Ut.ah. 
 
 It has not often occurred that an abundant bird of North America 
 
568 QUEEQDEDULA CYANOPTEEA, CINNAMON TEAL. 
 
 has been first made generally known from the extreme point of South 
 America, and for a long time recognized only as an inhabitant of that 
 continent. Yet this species furnishes such a case, having been early 
 named by K^ing Atms rafflesi, from a specimen taken in the Straits of 
 Magellan. It is, moreover, a singular fact, that it was first discovered 
 in the United States in a locality where it is of very unusual and 
 probably only accidental occurrence. It has not, to my knowledge, been 
 found in Louisiana since its discovery in that State, at Opelousas, in 
 1849. Mr. Cassin notices this occurrence, in the journal cited above, 
 as that of a bird new to our fauna, and subsequently makes tbe follow- 
 ing remarks in his " Illustrations," &c. : " In a communication tons, 
 accompanying one of the first specimens obtained by him [Dr. E. Pi- 
 late], and intended for the collection of the Philadelphia Academy, that 
 gentleman mentions having occasionally seen it iu company with other 
 species of ducks, but regards its appearance as unusual in Louisiana." 
 Our next notice, after Mr. Cassin's original one, is Prof Baird's, of 1852, 
 also above cited. This author observes : " This beautiful species is now 
 for the second time presented as an inhabitant of North America. * * 
 It appears to be a common bird in Utah." The same year it is also 
 given by Mr. Lawrence ; the following one. Dr. Woodhouse recorded it 
 as " very abundant throughout Western Texas, Xew Mexico and Cali- 
 fornia." In 1855, Mr. Cassin, in the work just mentioned, describes and 
 figures the species, alluding to previous discoveries, and to the occur- 
 rence of the bird iu Chili, as shown by the collections of the United 
 States Astronomical Expedition. By this time, it had become known 
 as a bird of Western North America at large, numerous fragmentary 
 accounts having been given by the naturalists attached to the various 
 Pacific Railroad Surveys, who observed it in many different localities. 
 ' Among these, Dr. Suckley's is of special interest. "I myself," he says, 
 alluding to its previously noticed occurrences, " have carried its recorded 
 Babitat as far north as the Columbia Eiver, where, at Fort Dalles, I 
 obtained several specimens. Fort Dalles is situated about latitude 46° 
 45' north. I presume this forms the northernmost limit of the species, 
 excepting, perhaps, a narrow point of the same general geographic re- 
 gion which, crossing the Columbia, extends north of Fort Dalles about 
 100 miles. This is the culmination northwards of the great wedge- 
 shaped northern prolongation of the Southern fauna, occuring in the 
 arid interior of Oregon and Washington Territories. Near Fort Dalles 
 this Teal seems to be an annual summer resident, where it breeds on 
 the lagoons of the Columbia, and near the small lakes and pond-holes 
 in the basaltic trap of the vicinity." 
 
 Tbe CinnamoQ Teal was found breeding in Idaho by Mr. Merriam, 
 who took a set of nine eggs, containing large embryos, on the 29th of 
 June, on Marsh Creek. The nest was in swamp grass, and lined with 
 down. The eggs of this bird are strictly oval in shape, one end being 
 much smaller than the other — more so than is usual in this family. 
 They are creamy-white or pale buft, not shaded perceptibly with the 
 grayish or olive-drab so commonly observable in Ducks' eggs. Two 
 specimens, selected as extremes, measured 1.75 by 1.30 and 1.90 by 1.35, 
 respectively ; the set to which they belonged, now in the Smithsonian, 
 was taken at Fort Crook, California, by JVIr. J. Feilner. I do not think 
 that the bird breeds in Arizona ; at least, I have not been able to deter- 
 mine satisfactorily that it does so, as it always appeared to me to come 
 in the fall, in September and October, with other species of wild-fowl, 
 and to leave in the spring with them. But its movements are not yet 
 clearly defined, especially since we have to take into consideration those 
 
QUEKQITEDULA CYANOPTEEA, CINNAMON TEAL. 569 
 
 of the South American representatives of the species. It has not yet 
 been determined whether these are coincident in migration or not; but 
 the supposition that they are so is the more improbable one. It is also 
 a question whether the species was indigenous to both or only one of 
 the divisions of the hemisphere ; and if the latter, which one, and at 
 what time did the migration into the other occur. Some may incline 
 to the opinion that it was originally a bird of South America that only 
 recently extended into our country, arguing from the extreme improba- 
 bility of so conspicuous a bird as it now is remaining so long undiscov- 
 ered. It being first detected in Louisiana, where it is now scarcely or 
 not at all to be found, strengthens the belief that the Louisiana birds 
 were among the first to apper in the country, at a time befoi-e the spe- 
 cies determined for itself the habitat that it subsequently found best 
 suited to its new conditions. 
 
 There appears to be nothing in the habits of this Teal noticeably 
 different from those of its well-known ally, the Blue-winged, and 
 probably little need be said on this score. But I never think of the 
 bird without recalling scenes in which it was a prominent figure. I 
 have in mind a picture of the headwaters of the Eio Verde, in Novem- 
 ber, just before winter had fairly set in, although frosts had already 
 touched the foliage and dressed every tree and bush in gorgeous colors. 
 The atmosphere showed a faint yellow haze, and was heavy with odors — 
 souvenirs of departing flowers. The sap ot the trees coursed sluggishly, 
 no longer lending elastic vigor to the limbs, that now cracked and broke 
 when forced apart ; the leaves loosened their hold, for want of the same 
 mysterious tie, and fell in showers where the Qnail rustled over their 
 withering forms. Woodpeckers rattled with exultation against the re- 
 sounding bark, and seemed to know of the greater store for them now in 
 the nerveless, drowsy trees, that resisted the chisel less stoutly than when 
 they were full of juicy life. Ground squirrels worked hard, gathering, 
 the last seeds and nuts to increase their winter's store, and cold blooded 
 reptiles dragged their stiffening joints to bask in sunny spots, and 
 stimulate the slow current of circulation, before they should withdraw 
 and sink into torpor. Wild fowl came flocking from their northern 
 breeding places— among them thousands of Teal, hurtling overhead and 
 plashing in the waters they were to enliven and adorn all winter. 
 
 The upper parts of both forks of the Verde are filled with beavers, 
 that have dammed the streams at short intervals, and transformed 
 them, in some places, into a succession of pools, where the Teal swim in 
 still water. Other wild fowl join them, such as Mallards, Pintails, and 
 Green-wings, disporting together. The approach to the open waters is 
 difficult in most places, from the rank growths, first of shrubbery, and 
 next of reeds, that fringe the open banks ; in other places, where the 
 stream narrows in precipitous gorges, from the almost inaccessible 
 rocks. But these difficulties overcome, it is a pleasant sight to see the 
 birds before us — peri aps within a few paces, if we have very carefully 
 crawled through the rushes to the verge — fancying themselves jierfectly 
 secure. Some may be quietly paddling in and out of the sedge on the 
 other side, daintily |)icking up the floating seeds that were shaken down 
 when the wind rustled through, stretching up to gather those still hang- 
 ing, or to pick of little creatures from the seared stalks. Perhaps a 
 flock is floating idly in midstream, some asleep, with the head resting 
 close on the back and the bill buried in the plumage. Some others swim 
 vigorously along, with breasts deeply immersed, tasting the water as 
 they go, straining it through their bills, to net minute insects, and gab- 
 bling to each other their sense of perfect enjoyment. But let them 
 
570 SPATULA CLYPEATA, SHOVELLER. 
 
 appear never so careless, they are quick to catch the sound of coming 
 danger and take alarm ; they are alert in an instant ; the next incau- 
 tious movement, or snapping of a twig, startles them ; a chorus of 
 quacks, a splashing of feet, a whistling of wings, and the whole com- 
 pany is off. He is a good sportsman who stops them then, for the 
 stream twists about, the reeds confuse, and the birds are out of sight 
 almost as soon as seen. 
 
 Much as elsewhere, 1 presume, the Duck hunter has to keep his wits 
 about him, and be ready to act at very short notice ; but there is double 
 necessity on the Verde. The only passages along the stream are Indian 
 trails, here always war paths. In retaliation for real or fancied wrongs — 
 or partly, at least, from inherent disposition — these savages spend most 
 of their time in wandering about, in hopes of plunder and murder ; this, 
 too, against each other, so long as the tribes are not leagued in common 
 cause against a common enemy. On the day I have in mind more par- 
 ticularly, we passed a spot where lay the bodies of several Apaches; 
 from the arrows still sticking in them we judged, afterwards, that they 
 had been killed by a stray band of Navajos. But this was not what we 
 thought most about at the time ; we were only four together, and this 
 was close by the place we designed to spend the day in hunting and 
 fishing. Contemplation of the decaying Indians was not calculated to 
 raise our spirits ; for though, of course, we knew the danger beforehand, 
 and meant to take our chances, it was not pleasant to have the thing 
 brought up in such a way. We kept on through the canon a little more 
 cautiously, talked a little more seriously, and concluded to look for 
 game in places where there was the least likelihood of an ambuscade. 
 I confess that the day's sport was rather too highly spiced to be alto- 
 gether enjoyable, and suspect that others shared my uncomfortable con- 
 viction of foolhardiness. However, the day passed without further in- 
 timation of danger ; game was plenty, and the shooting good. Out of 
 the woods, and with a good bag, we were disposed, and could better 
 afford, to laugh at each other's fears. 
 
 SPATULA CLYPEATA, (Linn.) Boie. 
 Shoveller; Spoonbill Duck. 
 
 Anas clypeata, Linn., Svst. Nat. i, 1766, 200. — Scopoli, Bemerk. Naturg. 1770, 63. — Gm., 
 Svst. Nat. i, 1788, 518.— Lath , Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 856.— III., Prod. 1^11, 276.— 
 Pall., Zoog. ii, 1811, 282.— Vieill., Enc. Meth. 1823, 150.— Bkehm., Eur. Vog. 
 1823, 788.— Licht., Verz. 1823, 84.— WiM., Am. Orn. viii, 1814, 65, pi. 67, f. 7.— 
 Temm., Man. Orn. 1815, .544.— Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 255; Syn. 1828, 382.— 
 Wagl., Isis, 1831, 531.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 439.— Nltt., Man. ii, 
 1834, 375.— Jen., Man. 18.35, 230.— Temm., Man. ii, 1835,842; iv, 1840,540.— 
 Sw., Classif. B. ii. 1837, 367.— AuD., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 241, pi. 337; Syn. 283; 
 B. Am. vi, 1843, 293, pi. 394.— Naum., Vog. Deutschl. xi, 1842, 747, pi. 306.— GiR., 
 B. L. 1. 1844, 317.— Dekay, N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844, 342.— Schl.. Rev. Grit. 1844, 115; 
 JIus. Pays-Bas, 1865, 33.— Degl., Orn. Eur. ii, 1849, 423.— Lbmh., Av. Cub. 
 1830, 115.— SwJ^■H., P. Z. S. 1863, 324.— Wright, Ibis, 1864, l.W; and of earlier 
 authors generally. 
 
 Spatula clypeata, Boie, Isis, 1822, 564; 1826, 980.— Gray., List B. Br. Mus. 1844, 139; 
 Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 618 ; List Br. B. 1863, 197.— Woodh., Sitgr. Rep. 1853, 
 104.— Cass., Orn. U. S. X. Astr. Exp. 343.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 781 ; Mox. B. 
 Sui-v. 1859, 27.— HEER5I., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, pt. vi, 69.— ScL., Ibis, i, 1859, 231 
 (Guatemala).— Cab., J. f. 0. v, 228 (Cuba).— ScL., P. Z. S. 1861, 82 (Jamaica).— 
 Coop. & Sock., X. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 255.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 176.— Lawr., 
 Apn. Lye. 1860, 28.— Swinh., Ibis, 1863, 434.— Blak., Ibis, 1862, 9 ; 1863, 146.— 
 Ross, Canad. Nat. 1862.— CuuES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 99 (Arizona).— CoUES, 
 Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 299.— Vkhu., ihid. iii, 1862, 158.— Daxl & Bann., Tr. Chic. 
 Acad, i, 1869, 297 (Alaska).— Jerd., B. India, iii, 1864, 796.— Gundl.. Cat. Av. 
 Cub. 1866, 389.— DEGL.-GEiiBE, Orn. Eur. 1867, 503.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. 
 
SUMMEE DUCK. 571 
 
 Ter. 1870, 466 (Wyoming).— A ixen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 183 (Utah).— CouES, 
 Key, 1872, 288.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 11 ; and of most lute writers. 
 
 Spathxilea chjpeata, Flem., Br. Aiiiiu. 18-28, 123. 
 
 Bhynchuspis clypeata, Leach. — Steph., Geu. Zool. xii, pt. ii, 1824, 115, pi. 48. — Bp., List, 
 1838, 57 ; Comp. Kend. 1856.— ViG., Zool. Beechey's Voy. 1839, 31.— Selys-L., 
 Fn. Belg. i, 1842, 143.— Macg., Man. ii, 1842, 172.— GOSSE, B. Jam. 1H47, '10.-'.- 
 Eyt., Cat. Br. B. 61; Mod. Anat. 1838, 134.— Keys. & Bi.as., Wirb. Ear. 85.— 
 Newb., p. E. E. Eep. vi, 1857, 103.— MuR., Edinb. New Phil. Journ. 1859, 229. 
 
 Anas miens, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 419. — Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 857. 
 
 (?) Anas mexicana, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, S.W. 
 
 Clypeata macrorhynchus, plalyrhynchus, trachyrhynchus, pomarina, Bebhm, Vog. DeutscLI. 
 876, 877, 878, 879. 
 
 Hal). — North America. Europe. Asia. Australia. In this country throughout the 
 continent, breeding from Texas to Alaska, and -wintering abundantly from the Middle 
 districts southward to Guatemala, Mexico, Cuba, and Jamaica, Eeplaced in South 
 America by a nearly allied species, A. platalea, Vieillot. 
 
 
 
 List of specimens 
 
 
 
 
 
 17309 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 G. H.Trook.. 
 
 20 00 
 
 34., 'iO 
 
 10.00 
 
 
 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — No. 5452, Ayoway River. 
 Later i'jjjediuons.— 60851-2, Sweetwater; 61111, Green Eiver. 
 
 1 have found the Shoveller to be abundant in season in all parts of 
 tlie West, and determined its breeding in Northern Dakota, where I 
 found young still unable to i3y in August, on the Mouse Eiver; and in 
 Montana, along the Milk Eiver and its tributaries, where the bird is 
 coiiiiiion through the Rummer. The eggs have not, so far as I know, 
 been described from American si)eciuiens. They measure on an aver- 
 age 2.10 iu length, by 1.50 in breadth ; the shape is as usual in the 
 family; the color a uniform dull, pale, greenish-gray, sometimes with a 
 faint bluish tinge. These eggs were taken on the Yukon; the nest com- 
 plement was eight. Others from the region last mentioned are entirely 
 similar. 
 
 /. 
 
 AIX SPONSA, (Linn.) Boie. S' h 
 Summer Dnck; Wood Dsick. 
 
 Anas sponsa, Linn., Svst. Nat. i, 1766, 207.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 539.— Lath., Ind. 
 Orn. ii, 1790, 876.— WiLS., Am. Orn. viii, 1814, 97, pi. 70, f. 3.— Vieill., Eucv. 
 Meth. 183;'., 130.— LiciiT., Verz. 1823, 85.— Stepii., Gen. Zool. xii, pt. ii, IS'24, 
 96.— Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 261.— Ndtt., Man. ii, 1834, ;ffl4.— AUD., Orn. Biog. 
 iii, 1835, 52; v, 1839, 618; pi. 208; Syu. 18.39, 280; B. Am. vi, 1843, 271, pi. 391— 
 ViG., Zool. Beechev's Voy. 1839, 30.— Gil!., B. L. I. 1844, :U2.— Keys. & B1..4.S., 
 Wirb. Eur. 84.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844, 338.— Degl., Orn. Eur. ii, 1849, 
 440.— Max., J. f. Orn. vii, 1859, 170, pi. 2, f. 1. 2 (anatomical). 
 
 Aix sponsa, Boie, Isis, 1826, 329.— Eyt., Mod. Anat. 1838, 120 ("-.-lia").— Bp., List, 1838, 
 57 ; Comp. Rend. 1856.— Gray, Geu. of B. iii, 1849, 614 ; Cat. Br. B. 18CS, 196.— 
 GossE, B. Jam. 1S47, 408.— Woodh., Sitgr. Een. 1853, 102.— Cab., J. f. O. v, 220 
 (Cuba).— Newb., P. E. K. Rep. vi, 18,57, 102.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 785.— Heeem., 
 P. E. R. Rep. X, 1859, pt. vi, 68.— Coop, i Suck., N. H. Wash. Tcr. 1860, 256.— 
 Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 153.— Coues, ihid, 1868, 299.— Hayd., Eep. 1862, 
 176.— Gdsdl., Cat. Av. Cub. 1866, 389.— Dress., Ibis, 866, 43.-Carus, Hand- 
 buch, i, 1.868, 352. — CouES, Key, 1872, 288; and of most late writers. 
 
 Dendronessa sponsa, Sw. &. ElCH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 446. 
 
 Lampronessa sponsa. Wage., Isis, 1832, 282. 
 
 Cosmonessa sponsa, Reich., Syst. Av. 1852, x. 
 
 Hab.— North America, especially United States, breeding throughout in suitable 
 places, and wintering chioiiy in the south. Cuba. 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition.— 5i56, 5460, Vermilion Eiver ; 5457, Heart Eiver; 5458, 
 Nishualitra; 5459, loway Eiver. 
 
 Not obtained by Captain Eaynolds' or the later Expeditions. 
 
 The beautiful Wood Duck breeds more generally throughout the 
 
572 AIX SPONSA, WOOD DUCK. 
 
 United States than any other, and is further notable for furnishing a 
 conspicuous exception to the general rule that Ducks nest on the 
 ground : for it breeds in trees. The following account of Audubon's of 
 the nidification of the species, its most interesting peculiarity, leaves 
 little to be desired : \ 
 
 " The Wood Duck breeds in the Middle States about the beginning 
 of April, in Massachusetts a month later, and in Xova Scotia, or on our 
 northern lakes, seldom before the first days of June. In Louisiana and 
 Kentucky, where 1 have had better opportunities of studying their 
 habits in this respect, they generally pair about the first of March, 
 sometimes a fortnight earlier. I never knew one of these birds to form 
 a nest on the ground, or on the branches of a tree. They appear at all 
 times to prefer the hollow, broken portion of some large branch, the 
 hole of our large Woodpecker (Picus principalis), or the deserted retreat 
 of the fox squirrel ; and I have frequently been surprised to see them 
 go in and out of a hole of any one of these, when their bodies while on 
 •wing seemed to be nearly half as large again as the aperture within 
 ■which they had deposited their eggs. Once only I found a nest (with 
 ten eggs) in the fissure of a rock, on the Kentucky Eiver, a few miles 
 below Frankfort. Generally, however, the holes to which they betake 
 themselves are either over deep swamps, above cane-brakes, or on 
 broken branches of high sycamores, seldom more than forty or fifty 
 feet from the water. They are much attached to their breeding-places, 
 and for three successive years I found a ijair near Henderson, in Ken- 
 tucky, with the eggs, in the beginning of April, in the abandoned nest 
 of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker. The eggs, which are from six to fifteen, 
 according to the age of the bird, are placed on dry plants, feathers, and 
 a scanty portion of down, which I believe is mostly plucked from the 
 breast of the female. They are jierfectly smooth, nearly elliptical, of a 
 light color, between buff and pale green, two inches in length by one 
 and a half in diameter. 
 
 " No sooner has the female completed her set of eggs than she is 
 abandoned by her mate, who now joins others, which form themselves 
 into considerable flocks, and thus remain apart till the young are able 
 to fly, when old and young of both sexes come together, and so remain 
 until the commencement of the next breeding season. In all the nests 
 I have examined I have been rather surprised to find a quantity of 
 feathers belonging to birds of other species, even those of the domestic 
 fowls, and particularly those of the Wild Goose and Wild Turkey. On 
 coming on a nest with eggs when the bird was absent in search of food, 
 I have always found the eggs covered over with feathers and down, 
 although quite out of sight, in the depth of a Woodpecker's or squirrel's 
 hole. On the contrary, when the nest was placed on the broken branch 
 of a tree, it could easily be observed from the ground, on account of the 
 feathers, dead sticks, and withered grasses about it. If the nest is 
 placed immediately over the water, the young, the moment they are 
 hatched, scramble to the mouth of the hole, launch into the air with 
 their little wings and feet spread out, and drop into their favorite 
 element ; but whenever their birth- place is some distance from it, the 
 mother carries them to it one by one in her bill, holding them so as not 
 to injure their yet tender frame. On several occasions, however, when 
 the hole was thirty, forty, or more yards from a bayou or other piece of 
 water, I observed that the mother suffered the young to fall on the 
 grasses and dried leaves beneath the tree, and afterward led them 
 directly to the nearest edge of the next pool or creek. At this early 
 age, the young answer to their parents' call with a mellow pee, pee, pee-e, 
 
FULIGULA MAEILA, SCAUP UTJCK. 573 
 
 often and rapidly repeated. The call of the mother at such times is low, 
 soft, and prolonged, resembling the syllables jpe-ee, pe-ee. The watch- 
 note of the male, which resembles Jioe-egk, is never uttered by the female; 
 indeed, the male himself seldom uses it, unless alarmed by some uncom- 
 mon sound, or the sight of a distant enemy, or when intent on calling 
 passing birds of his own species." 
 
 Subfamily Fuligulin.^: Sea Ducks. 
 
 FULIGULA MAEILA, (Linn.) Steph. 
 
 Greater Scaup Duck; Big Black-head; Blue-bill; Broad-bill; Staufflcri 
 
 Anas marila, Linn., Svst. Nat. i, 1766, 196.— Gm., i, 1788, 599.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 
 85;J.— Pall., Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, 248.— Temm., Man. Orn. 1815, 562.— Leach, 
 Cat. 1815, 39.— ViEiLL., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. 1816, 127; Enc. Meth. i, 1823, 
 152.— LiCHT., Verz. 1823, 85.— Temm., Man. ii, 1835, 865 ; iv, 840, 545.— Schl., 
 Eev. Crit. 1844, 120.— Naum., V. D. xii, 1844, 84, pi. 311.— ?WiLS., Am. Orn. 
 viii, 1814, 84, pi. 69, f. 3 (ma,.v r.ather be the next species). 
 
 FuUgula marila, Stbph., Gen Zool. xii, pt. ii, 1824, 198.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 392 : List, 1838, 
 58.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 453 (includes a#nis).— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 
 437 (iucludesa#»i8).— jElsr.,Man. 1835, 243.— Eyt., Mon. Anat. 1838, 156.— ViG., 
 Zool. Beecli.Voy. 1839, —.—Keys. & Blas., Wirb.Eur. 1840,87.— SELYS-L.,Fn. 
 Belg. 1842, 145.— Macgil., Man. ii, 1842, 188.— Aud., B. Am. vii, 1843, 355, pi. 
 498 (not of vi, 1843, 316, pi. 397, nor of bis earlier works).— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 
 321.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844, 323.— Gray, List B. Br. Mus. 1844, 143 ; Gen. 
 of B. iii, 1849, 621 ; List Br. B. 1863, 199.— Degl., Orn. Eur. ii, 1849, 453.— Cass., 
 Orn. U. S. Expl. Exped. 1858, 343.— S>\-inh., Ibis, 1860, 67 ; 186.3, 324.— Reinh., 
 Ibis, iii, 1861, 13.— Jerd., B. India, iii, 1864, 814.— Schl., Mns. P.-B. viii, 1865, 
 26.— Dbgl.-Gekbe, Orn. Eur. ii, 1867, 536.— CoOES, Key, 1872, 289. 
 
 Jfyroca marila, Flem., Br. Anim. 122. 
 
 Aythya marila, BoiE, Isis, 1822, 564.— Brehm, V. D. 912.— Bp., List B. Eur. 1842. 
 
 Fulix marila, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 791. — Bry., Pr. Bost. Soc. vii, 1859 (Bahamas). — Coop. 
 «fc Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 18G0, 258.— Ross, Canad. Nat. 1862.— Blak., Ibis, 
 
 1863, 147.— Dress., Ibis, 1866, 43.— Brown, Ibis, 1868, 426.— Dall & Bann., Tr. 
 Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 298.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 183 (Kansas and 
 Utah).- Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 11. 
 
 Anasfrenata, Sparrm., Mus. Carls. 1786, pi. 38. 
 Marila frenaia, Bp., Comptes Rendus, xlii, 1856, 
 FuUgula gesneri, Eyt., Cat. Br. Birds, 58. — Jard., Br. Birds, iv, 138, pi. 5. 
 
 Sab. — The whole of North America. Greenland. Europe. Asia. 
 Not obtained by the Expeditions. 
 
 I frequently saw Black heads in Dakota and Montana, especially 
 during the migrations, but whether this species was with the succeeding 
 was not determined. It is abundant in summer in Alaska, where Mr. 
 Dall procured eggs, early in June, at the mouth of the Yukon. The nest 
 was "very rude, a mere excavation with a few sticks about it." 
 
 FULIGULA AFFimS, Byton. 
 leaser Scaup Duck; little Black-head; Blue-bill; Broad-bill. 
 
 "Anas marila, Forst., Phil. Trans. Ixii, 1772, No. 44." 
 
 Fuligala marila, Aud., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 226: v, 1839, 614; pi. 229; Syn. 1839, 286; 
 
 B. Am. vi, 1843, 316, pi. 397. 
 FuUgula affinis, Eyt., Monog. Anat. 1838, 157.— GossE, B. Jam. 1847, p. — . — Turnb., B. 
 
 B. E. Pa. 1869, 36.-COUES, Key, 1872, 289. 
 Marila affinis, Bp., Comptes Rendus, xlii, 1856. 
 Fulix affinis, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 791.— ScL., Ibis, i, 1859, 231 (Guatemala).— Lawr., Ann. 
 
 Lye. ix, 1869, 143 (Costa Rica); 210(yucatan).— Dress., Ibis, 1866, 43(Texas).— 
 
 Salv., p. Z. S. 1870, 219 (Veragua).— Newt., ibid. 1867, 167 (egg).— Dall & 
 
 Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 298 (Yukon, breeding).— Wheat., Ohio Agrio. 
 
 Rep. 1860, No. 250.— CouES & Prent., Smiths. Rep. 1881, 417.- Boardm., Pr. 
 
 Bost. Soc. iv, 1862, 129.— Vbrr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 159.— Allen, ibid, iv, 
 
 1864, 88.— CouES, ibid, v, 1868, 299.— McIlwr., ibid, v, 1866, — .— CouES, Pr. 
 
'574 FULIGULA COliLAEIS, RING-NECKED DUCK. 
 
 Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 129.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871, 363 (includes the pre- 
 ceding).— Mayn., Guide, 1870, 148.— CouBS, Pr. Pbila. Acad. 1871, 37.— Aiken, 
 Pr. Boat. Soc. xv, lt^72, 210.— Snow, B. Kaas. 1873, 11. 
 
 FuliguJa mariloides, ViG., Zool. Voy. Blossom, 1839, 31. 
 
 Fuligula minor, GiK., B. L. I. 1844, 323.— Bell, Pr. Phila. Acad, i, 1842, 141. 
 
 Sab.— The, whole of North America, and south to Guatemala in winter. Breeds in 
 high latitudes and southward at least to the United States border. Part of the West 
 Indies. 
 
 Not obtained by the Expeditions. 
 
 Authors are at variance concerning the relationship of the bird to the 
 preceding, and the question is not yet settled. For myself, I am rather 
 inclined to keep the two apart, notwithstanding their very close resem- 
 blance, and admitting the probability that intermediate examples may 
 be Ibund. There appears to be something different in their range, the 
 F. offinis being the more southerly. Not that it does not, in the breed- 
 ing season, reach as high latitudes as the other, but that its autumnal 
 movement is pushed to the West Indies and Central America, where 
 the true F. marila is not recorded as occurring. It is imi>robable that 
 two varieties, if they be really such, should preserve this difference. 
 Good observers have also noted some differences in habits and resorts, 
 and gunners, practically very familiar with both birds, recognize a dis- 
 tinction. The Lesser Black head seems to be more generally distributed 
 in the interior of the United States than the other, and probably most 
 of the "Scaups" from such regions are of this kind. All of the 
 numerous Scaups that I found breeding along the Upper Missouri and 
 Milk Eiver appeared to be of this species, as were the several specimens 
 examined. In some places they seemed more abundant than any other 
 species, and they were the principal reijresentatives of the Fuligulince, 
 the Buffle-head itself' not excepted. 
 
 FULIGULA COLLARIS, (Doiiov.) Bp, 
 Ring-necked Buck. 
 
 Anai collaris, DoNOV., Br. Birds, vi, pi. 147 (England). 
 
 Fuligula collaris, Bp., List Eur. Birds, 1842.— Gkay, List B. Br. Mus. 1844, 142; Gen. of 
 B. iii, 1849, 621; List Br. B, 1863, 199.- Blas., List B. Eur. 1862, 21 (England; 
 quotes De Selys, Mem. Liege, iv, 9). — Schl., M. P. B. viii, 1865, 26. — Dbgl.- 
 Gerbe, Om. Eur. 1867, 535.— Tubnb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 36.— Coues, Key, 1872, 2«9. 
 
 Fulix collaris, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 792 ; Mex. Bound. Surv. 1859, Birds, 27.— Bry., Pr. 
 Bost. Soc. vii, 18.59 (Bahamas). — Ross, Canad. Nat. 1862. — Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, 
 iii, 1862, 153.— CouES, ihld. v, 1868, 299.— Salv., Ibis, ii, 1860, 277 (Guatemala).— 
 Dress., ibid. 1866, 43 (Texas).— Blak., iUd. 1863, 14^.- Brown, ibid. 1868, 420.— 
 GuNDL., Av. Cub. 1866, 390.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Snrv. Ter. 1870, 466.— Aiken, Pr. 
 Bost. Soc. XV, 1872, 210 (Colorado). — Trippe, ibid. 241 (Iowa).— Snow, B. Kans. 
 1873, 11 ; and of most United States writers. 
 
 Marila collaris, Bp., Comptes Eendus, 1856, 651. 
 
 ^nfl«/«Hi7afe, WiLS., Am. Orn. viii, 1814, 66, pi. 67, f. 5 (not of iinnojus).— Temm., Man. 
 ii, 1835, 873 ; iv, 1840, 549. 
 
 Anas (Fuligula) rufitorques, Bp., Joum. Phila. Acad, iii, 1824, 381. 
 
 Anas rvfitorques, Ord, <iA. Wils. viii, 1825, 61.— ScHL.. Rev. Crit. 1844, 119. 
 
 ■Fuligula rufitorques, Bp., Syn. 1828, 393; List, 1838, 58.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 
 1831, 454.— NuTT., Man. ii, 1834, 439.— Aor>., Orn. Biog. iii, 183.'i, 259, pi. 234 ; 
 Syn. 1839, 287; B. Am. vl, 1843, 320, pi. 398.— Eyt., Moo. Anat. 1838, 158.— Gib., 
 B. L. I. 1844, 324.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. 1844, 325.— GosSE, B. .Jam. 1847, 408.— 
 Lbmb., Av. Cub. 1850, 117.— Cass., Orn. U. S. Expl. Exped. 1858, 343.— Maxim., 
 J.f.O.] 8.59, 176. 
 
 Hah. — The whole of North America, breeding far north, wintering in the United 
 States and beyond. South to Guatemala. Cuba. Jamaica. Accidental in Europe. 
 Not obtained by either of the earlier Expeditions. 
 Latei- Ex})edHions.^-6lllt5, Green R;\!;r, Wyoming. 
 
PULIGULA VALLISSEKIA, CAXVAS-BACK DUCK. 575 
 
 FULIGULA FEEIXA var. AMEEICAXA. (Evt.) Coaes. 
 American Pochard; Bed-bead. 
 
 Anasferina, "WiLS., Am. Om. \'iii, ISU, flO, pi. 70, f. 6.— DoUGH., Cab. X. H. ii, l-o2. 
 
 40. (Not of Earopean writers.) 
 Ana-i {FitUgiila) ferina. Bp.. Obs. Wils. 1^-25, Xo. 270. 
 FuUgula terina, Bp., Svu. l^•2:^, oM.— S>w. .S: KiCH.. F. B. A. ii. lr.31, 452.— Xrn., Man. 
 
 ii, 1834. 434.— ACT>., Oni. Biog. iv, lc3-, 19- : pi. 3-^2 : Svu. 1-31', '2^7 ; B. Am. vi, 
 
 l-a, 3il, pi. 396.— GiR., B. L. I. 1-44, 3-iO. 
 Xi/roca ferina, WoODH., Sitgr. Kep. 1-53, 104. 
 Aylhi/a ferina var. americana, Allen, Boll. M. C. Z. iii, 1S7-2, 1S3. 
 Fiiligiila ferina var. americana. CocES, Key. Ir72. 2-9. 
 
 Aythija eri/throcephala, Bp., List. 1?3-. o-. — Xewu.. P. R. E. Eep. vi, 1557. 103. 
 Xyroca erythrocephala. HiKRii., P. E. E. Eep. x, 1659, pt. vi, 70. 
 FuUgula americana, T.YT., Monog. Anat. ]-3r. 155. — GosSE. B. Jam. 1547. — ^TcKSB., B. 
 
 E. Pa. l!ro9, 36.— MAxmi., J. f. O. vii, 1-59, 175. 
 Sgroca americana. Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 1849. 
 Aijthya americana, Bp., Comptes Eendus, 1-50.— Bp.. B. N'. A. 18.58. 793 : and of most late 
 
 United States writers. 
 
 Hab. — Whole of North America, bnt more particularly Eastern North America. 
 Breeds in the Fur Countries. Bahamas {Brgant). 
 
 List of specimens. 
 
 19-21- 
 
 35 Otter Creek : Mar. -27,1-00 F. Y. Hayden. -20.00 i 31.50 7.50 
 
 Not obtained by Lieutenant Warren's Expedition, nor by the later ones. 
 
 FULIGULA TALLISXEEIA, (Wik.) Steph. 
 Canyas-liack Duck. 
 
 Anas vallisneria, Wils,, Am. Om. viii, 1814, 103, pL 7. f. 3. — DoroH., Cab, N. H. ii, 
 153-2, 36, pi. 4, 
 
 Fuligula rallisneria, Steph., Shaw's Gen. Zool. xii. pt. ii, l-"24, 196. — Bp., Svn. 1-^-2-', 
 3!;i-2.— Sw. & ElCH, F. B. A. ii, 1-31, 451.— Nutt.. Man. ii. 1-34. 43u.— E^-r., Mod. 
 Anat. 1535.— AUD..Om. Biog. iv,lr35.1: pi. oMl: Svn. 1539. ■255: B. Am.vi,l-43, 
 299, pL 395.— GiR., B. L. I. 1544. 315.— DeKay, N. Y. ZooLii, lr44. 3-21.— ScHL.. 
 M. P.-B. -s-iii, 1S»J5, 25.— TciiSB. B. E. Pa. 15!.9, :;o.— Coles. Key, 1-72. 290. 
 
 Aythja rallisneria. Bote, Isis. 1-2:;. 9-0. — Bp., List. 153-. 5- : Compt. E«nd. 1556. 651. — 
 Newb., p. E. E. Eep.. vi. 1857. 103.— Bd., B. N. A. 1-55. 794 —Coop, i S( CK., 
 N. H. AYash. Ter. 1-60. ■2.55.— Eoss. Canad. Nat. Apr. 15ir2.— Blak.. Ibis, 1- :2. 
 10; 1563. 14^.- Dress., Ibis. 1566. 43 (Texas,).— Salv., ibid. 1886, 19^ (Guate- 
 mala).— Bkowx. Ibis. 1-^65, 426.— Dale i Ba>n., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1;69, 295 
 (Alaska), — Aiken, Pr. Bost. See. x\-, 1872. 210. — Sxow, B. Kans. 1-73, 11 ; and 
 of most late writers. v 
 
 Xgroca rallisneria. Gray. List B. Br. Mns. 1544. 43 : Gen. of B. iii, 1549. 621. — WOODH., 
 Sitgr. Eep. 1.-53. 104.— Heeem., P. E. E. Eep. x, l-!59, pt. vi, 70. 
 
 Aristonetia rallisneria, Bd., B. N. A. 156-r, 793 (in text). 
 
 Anas ralliinieriana, Sabixe, App. Fraukl. Jour. bJ9. 
 
 Hab. — The whole of North America. Breeds from the Northern States northward. 
 Winters from the Middle States southward to Guatemala. 
 Not procured by the Expeditions. 
 
 Some persons experience difficiiltj" in discriminating between the 
 Canvas- back and Eed-head, but there is no occasion for this, at least 
 in the case of males. In the Eed-head, the whole head is clear chest- 
 nut-red, with copperj- or bronzy reflections, and the bill is clear pale 
 grayish- bine, with a dark tip. In the Canvas-back, nearly aU the head 
 is obscured with blackish-brown, and the bill is dusky throughout. 
 There is also a marked difference in the shape of the head and bill : in 
 the Eed-head, the head is pnffy and globose, sloping abrux)tly down to 
 the base of the bill; in the Canvas-back, the head is longer and nar- 
 rower, and slopes gradually down to the bill, which rises high ou the 
 
576 BUCEPHALA CLANGULA, GOLDEN-EYE. 
 
 forehead. These distinctions of form hold with the females, though 
 less evident in that sex. In the Canvas-back, moreover, the back has 
 much more light than dark color, instead of an equal amount or less, 
 the fine black lines being very narrow and mostly broken up into minute 
 dots. 
 
 The Canvas-back does not appear to nest anywhere in the Eastern 
 States, but does so in the West. I found younglings, unable to fly, in 
 July, on Turtle Mountains, latitude 49°, and others attest its breeding 
 in the Rocky Mountains even further south, and in Upper California. 
 Dr. Newberry states : "During the summer we found them more numer- 
 ous than any other Ducks in the lakes and streams of the Cascade 
 Mountains. In those solitudes they nest and rear their young, as we 
 frequently saw broods there, though the period of incubation had 
 passed." " The breeding range extends from these regions very far 
 North; Mr. Dall found Canvas-backs breeding in abundance on the 
 Yukon. In most of the Missouri region, the Canvas-back is not so com- 
 mon as the Eed-head ; still it is found throughout, in suitable places. 
 
 ^ ^BUCEPHALA CLANGULA, (Linn.) Coues. 
 Golden-eye; Whlstle-wlng ; Garrot. 
 
 ulnas eZanjaZd, LiNX., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 201.— Scop., Bemerk. 1770, 64.— Foest. , Phil. 
 Trans. Ixii, 1772, 365, 417.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 523.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 
 1790, 867.— III., Prod. 1811, 276.— WiLS., Am. Orn. viii, 1814, 62, pi. 67, f. 6.— 
 Temji., Man. 1815, 566.— Leach, Cat. 1816, 37.— Vieell., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist Nat. 
 V, 1816, 117 ; Enc. Meth. i, 1823, 138.— Dough., Cab. N. H. i, 1830, 110, pi. 10.— 
 TEMjr., Man. ii, 1835, 870; iv, 1840, 555.— Naum., V. D. xii, 1844, 162, pi. 316.— 
 Schl., Rev. Crit. 1844, 118 ; M. P.-B. viii, 1865, 20.— Swinh., Ibis, 1863, 324. 
 
 Clangula clangula, BoiE, Isis, 1822, 564. 
 
 Glaucion clangula, Kaup, Sk. Ent. Eur. Thierw. 1829, 53.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. 1840, 86. 
 
 Fuligula clangula, Bp., S.yu. 1828, 393.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 441.— AuD., Orn. Biog. iv, 
 1838, 318, pi. 342; Syn. 1839, 292; B. A. vi, 1843, 362, pi. 406 (includes isZan^ 
 tco).- GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 334.— Degl., Orn. Eur. ii, 1849, 443.— Maxim., J. f. 0. 
 vii, 1859, 178.— TuKNB., B. E. Pa. 1889, 86.— Finsch, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 66. 
 
 Bucephala clangula, CouE's, Key, 1872, 290. 
 
 Anas glaucion, Link., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 201.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 525.— Lath., Ind. 
 Orn. ii, 1790, 868. 
 
 Clangula glaucion, Bp., List, 1838, 58. — Gray, List B. Br. Mus. 1844, 140 ; Gen. of B. iii, 
 1849, 622 ; List Br. B. 1863, 202 ; Hand-list, No. — . 
 
 Anas peregrina, S. G. Gmelln'. {Gray.) 
 
 Anas hyemalis. Pall., Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, 270. 
 
 Clangula vulgaris, Fleji., Br. An. 120. — Sw. & EiCH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 456.— Sw., Classif. 
 B. ii, 1837, 369.— Eyt., Mon. Anat. 1838. 
 
 Clangula chrysophfhalmus, Steph., G. Z. xii, pt. ii, 1824, 182, pi. 56. — Jen., Man. 1835, 
 246.— Macgil., Man. Orn. ii, 1842, 183. 
 
 Clangula americana, Bp., List, 1838, 58 ; Compt. Eend. 1856. — ^Eyt., Mon. Anat. 1838. — 
 Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 622.— Newb., P. E. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 104. 
 
 Bucephala americana, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 796.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 
 259.— Ross, Canad. Nat. Apr. 1862.— Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 153.— Coues, 
 iUd. V, 1868, 200.— Blak., Ibis, 1862, 10 ; 1863, 148.— Brown, Ibis, 1868, 426. 
 
 Clangula leucomelas, peregrina, glaucion, Brehm, V. D. 927, 929, 929. 
 
 Bat. — All of North America. Cuba. Europe. 
 Not obtained by any of the Expeditions. 
 
 I have not myself observed the Golden-eye in any portion of the Mis- 
 souri region, nor was it brought in by any of the Expeditions ; and we 
 may conclude that it is rare in this part of the country, where its little 
 congener, the B. albeola, is very common. This Duck is only known to 
 breed far to the North. Mr. Dall records its early arrival on the Yukon 
 in the beginning of May ; it is common there, and the eggs were ob- 
 tained from the Pastolik Marshes. 
 
BUCEPHALA ALBEOLA, BUFFLE-HEAD. 577 
 
 BCrCEPHALA ISLANDIOA, (Gm.) Bd. 
 Barrow's Golden-eye; Rocliy Mountain Carrot. 
 
 Anas islandica, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 541. — Lath., lud. Orn. ii, 1790, 871. — Vibill., 
 
 NouT. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. v, 1816, 121; Enc. Metb. i, 1823, 133.— Naum., V. D. 
 
 xii, 1842, 186, pi. 317. 
 Clangula islandica, Bp., List B. Eur. 1842 ; Compt. Eend. 1856, 651.— Gray, Li.st B. Br. 
 
 Mus. 1844, 145 ; Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 623.— Reinh., Ibi8,iii, 1861,14 (Greenland, 
 
 breeding). — Degl.-Gerbe, Orn. Eur. 18B7, 544. 
 Bucephdla islandica, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 796.— Elliot, Ann. Lye. N. Y. vii, Jan. 1862 
 
 (critical); B. N. A. ii, pi. 46.— Boajidm., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 129 (JIaine).— 
 
 Bl,\k, Ibis, 1863, 148.— CotTES, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 300 (New England).— D all 
 
 & Bakn., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 298 (Sitka and tbe Yukon).- CouES, Key, 290. 
 Fidigula islandica, Schl., M. P.-B. viii, 1865, 121. — FixscH, Abb. Nat. iii, 1872 (Alaska). 
 Clangula Mrrovil, S\v. «& EiCH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 456, pi. 70.— Sw., An. in Menag. 1838, 
 
 271.— Bp., List. 1838, 58.— Eyt., Mou. Anat. 1838, 165. 
 Fuligula ftan-ouji, Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 444. — Selys-L., Fn. Bolg. 1842, 146. — Degl., Orn. 
 
 Eur. ii, 1S49, 446.— Pkeybh, Eeise, 1862, 409.— Bree, B. Eur. iv, 1863, 164. 
 Clangula scapularis , Brehm, Vog. Deutschl. 1831, 931. 
 Fuligula clangula, var., AuD., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 105, pi. 403 ; Syn. 1839, 292 (in part); 
 
 B. a. Tii, 1843, 362 (in part ; describes tbe species as supposed summer plumage 
 
 of B. clangnla). 
 
 Sab. — North America, northerly ; south to New York and Utah. Greenland. Ice- 
 land. Europe (Gould, B. E. pi. 380 ; Nadm., pi. 317). Probably breeds in the Rooky 
 Mountains of the United States. 
 
 Not procured by the Expeditions. 
 
 Barrow's Golden-eye, upon which some doubt has been cast by my- 
 self, among others, appears, nevertheless, to be a valid species; the 
 differences pointed out in the Key, and in other works above cited, being 
 apparently constant as well as appreciable, and there being, moreover, 
 certain anatomical peculiarities in the form of the skull, of which I have 
 only lately become aware. Originally described in 1788, and subse- 
 quently renamed and figured in 1831, the species was ignored by Audu- 
 bon, who mistook it for the summer plumage of the common Golden- 
 eye. It is the most northerly species of the genus, having apparently 
 a circumpolar distribution, breeding only (?) in high latitudes, and pene- 
 trating but a limited distance south in winter. Its claim to a place in 
 the present connection rests upon its occurrence in the Eocky Moun- 
 tains, and as far south as Utah, where it was lately procured by Mr. H. 
 W. Henshaw. On the Eastern Coast it occurs as far south, in winter, 
 as Xew York. 
 
 BUCEPHALA ALBEOLA, (Linn.) Bd. 
 Bnffle-head ; Butter-ball ; Dipper ; Spirit Duck. 
 
 Anas albeola, Linx., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 199.-Foest., Phil. Trans. Ixii, 1772, 383, 416.— 
 Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 517.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 866.— WiLS., Am. Orn. 
 viii, 1814, 51, pl. 62, f. 2, 3.— Schl., Rev. Crit. 1844, 119. 
 
 Fuligula albeola, Bp., Syn. 1828, 394.— Nutt., Miin. ii, 1834, 445.— AuD., Orn. Bio"-. iv, 
 1838, 217 ; pl. 225 ; Syn. 1839, 293 ; B. Am. vi, 1843, 369, pl. 408.— Giif., B. L. I. 
 1844, 335— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844, 329.— Schl., M. Pays-Bas, viii, 1865, 22. 
 
 Clangula albeola, Steph., Gen. Zool. xii, pt. ii, 1824, 184.— BoiE, Isis, 1836, 980. — Sw. & 
 ElCH.,F. B. A. ii, 1831, 458.— Jen., Man. 1835, 246.— Eyt., Mon. Anat. 1^38, 164.— 
 Bp.,List, 1838, 58.— ViCt., Zool. Beech. Voy. \>^?,9, 32.— Gray, List B. Br. Mus. 
 1844, 144 ; Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 622; List Br. B. 1863, 203.— Bd., Stansbury's Rep. 
 1852, 324.— Newb., P. R. R. Rep. vi, 18.57, 104.— MuRR., Ed. N. Phil. Journ. 1859, 
 230.— Heerm., p. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, pt. vi, 70.— Reinh., Ibis, 1861, 14.— Degl.- 
 Geebe, Orn. Eur. ii, 1867, 545.— Newt., P. Z. S. 1871, 57 (egg). —Hart., JIan. 
 Br. Birds, 1872, 161 (Great Britain). 
 
 Buoepliala albeola, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 797.— Coop. & SucK., N. H. "Wash. Ter. 1860, 
 259.— Dress., Ibis, 1866, 44 (Texas).— Coues, Pr. Phila. Ac. 1866, 99 (Arizona).— 
 Dall A; Bann., Tr. Cbic. Acad, i, 1869, 298 (Alaska, breeding).— Stey., U. S. 
 37 
 
578 HISTEIONICUS TOEQUATUS, HARLEQUIN DUCK. 
 
 Gecl. Surv. Ter. 1870, 466 (Wyoming).— Aiken, Pr. Boat. Soc. xv, 1872, 210 
 (Colorado). — CoUES, Key, 1872, 290. — Snow, B. KaDS. 1873, 11 ; and of most 
 
 Anas liicephala, LrNN., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 200 ( g ).— Gii., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 521. 
 Anas rustka, Linn., Syet. Nat. i, 1766, 201 ( 5 ).— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 524. 
 
 iTaJ.— North America. Mexico. Cuba (Cab., J. f. O. v, 230). Greenland. Accidental 
 in England (Hart., I. c, several instances). 
 
 Not procured by the earlier Expeditions. 
 
 Later Expeditions. — 61118, Fort Sanders, Wyoming. 
 
 I have reason to believe that this DucIj, not hitherto reported as 
 breeding in the United States, nests in Northern Dakota, as it certainly 
 does in the same latitude in Montana, along Milk Eiver and its tribu- 
 taries. I found very young birds, in July, about TurtJe Mountain, on 
 the boundary line, but they were all able to fly, and may have been 
 hatched a little further north. In the autumn, winter, and spring, the 
 species is very abundant on the waters of the Missouri, much as else- 
 where in suitable places throughout the United States. Some indi- 
 viduals reach Mexico and Cuba ; further south than this I have no 
 records. 
 
 The Buffle-head is not often seen in the United States, exceiJt from fall 
 to spring; as it usually retires to high latitudes to breed, as along the 
 Tukou and elsewhere in boreal America, its nidiflcation is consequently 
 not generally known. A set of fourteen eggs taken, the accompanying 
 label states, from a feathery nest in a dead poplar, some distance from 
 the ground, furnishes the following description : Shape, perfectly ellip- 
 soidal ; size, slightly over 2 inches in length by 1^ in breadth ; color, a 
 peculiar tint, just between rich creamy-white and grayish-olive, unva- 
 ried by raaikings. Other eggs are described as being about If long by 
 IJ broad, and buff-colored. 
 
 HISTEIONICUS TOEQUATUS, (Linn.) Bp. 
 Harlecinin Duck. 
 
 Anas kistrionica. Linx., Svst. Nat. i, 1766, 204.— Fohst., Phil. Trans. Ixii, 1772, 383, 
 419.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 534.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 849.— Beuxx., Orn. 
 Bor. 176!, 84.— P.U.L., Zoog. E. A. ii, 1811, 273.— WiLS., Am. Om. viii, 1814. 13D, 
 pi. 7i, f. 4.— Tem.m., Man. 1815, 574 ; ii, 1835, 878 ; iv, 1840, 549.— Xauji., V. D. 
 xii, L-44, l'J9, pi. 318.— ScHL., Eev. Crit. 119.— SwiXH., Ibis, 1863, 324. 
 
 Anas (Fuligiila) hi^triuuica, Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 277. 
 
 FiiUguIa (Clangula) hisiiionica, Bp., Syn. l.?23, 394. — Nutt., ilan. ii, 1834, 448. . 
 
 Fuligula hisirionica, AuD., Orn. Eiog. iii, 163.5, 612 ; v, 1839, 617 ; Syn. I.i39, 294'; B. Am. 
 vi, 1843. 374, pi. 409.— Selys-L., Fn. Bel;;. 1842, 147.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. ii, 
 1844, 331.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 336.— DegL, Orn. Eur. ii, 1849, 451.— SceL., M. 
 Pays-Bas, viii, 1865, 23. 
 
 Cosmone-fiia Mstrionica, Kaup, Sk. Ent. Eur. Th. 1829, 40. 
 
 Clangula Idstrionicu, BoiE, Isi?, 1822, 564. — SxEPH., Gen. Zool. xii, 1824, 18n, pi. 57.— 
 Flem., Br. Anim. 120.- Jex., Man. Br. Vert. 246.— Sw. & EiCH., F. B. A. ii, 
 1831, 459.— Eyt., Mon. Anat. 1838, 163.— Macgil., Man. ii, 184.— Gray, Geu. of 
 B. iii, 1869, 622.— Bp., List, 1838, 58.— Eeixh., Ibis, iii, 1801, 14 (Greenland). 
 
 Hareldaldstnoiiica, Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1640, 67. — Bp., List Eur. Birds, 1842.— 
 FixscH, Abb. Nat. iii, 1872, 67 (Alaska). 
 
 Phylaconettu lihirionica, Braxdt, Mem. Acad. St. Petersburg, vi, 1849, 9. 
 
 Bucepliala (Ristrionicm) hisirionica, Gray, Hand-list, iii, 1871, 87, No. 10700. 
 
 Histrionicus torquatus, Bp., C'omptes Eendus, xliii, 1856. — Bd., B. N. A. 16.58, 796. — Coop. 
 & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 260.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Eep. 1860, No. 256,— 
 Eoss, Canad. Nat. 1862.— Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 158.— Dall & Baxx., 
 Tr. Chic. Acad. 1869, 298 (Yukon, breeding). — Boardm., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1832, 
 130 (breeding, rarely, in Bay of Fundy).— Codes, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868,300 
 (New England).— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1666, 297.— Tdexb., B. E. Pa. 
 1868, 46 (very rare).— Coces, Key, 1872, 291.— Eidgw., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 
 390 (Lake Michigan).— CouES, Am. Nat. 1874 (breeding in Eocky Mountains 
 of the United State.s). 
 
 Anas minuta, Lestn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 204 ( $ ). 
 
HAEELDA GLACIALIS, CAMPTOLiElIUS LABKA0ORIUS. 579 
 
 Sab. — Nortli America, northerly and chiefly coastwise. South in winter to the Mid- 
 dle Status and Uulifornia. Eocky Mountains of the United States, breeding. 
 
 List of specimens. 
 
 19320 
 19321 
 
 Mount. Stream . 
 do 
 
 May 31, 1860 
 May 31, 1>I50 
 
 F. V. Hayden 
 do 
 
 17.50 
 
 2.5..50 
 
 25.50 7.r,n \ 
 ■25..')U ', 7..JU i 
 
 This species is included on the strength of the abore-named speci- 
 mens ; it is doubtless of rare occurrence, being chiefly a maritime and 
 more northerly bird. In the female was found an egg nearly ready for 
 extrusion. It breeds in the ^STorthern Eocky Mountains of the United 
 States. In August, 1874, I found broods, still unable to fly, swimming 
 in the clear streams which empty into Chief Mountain Lake. 
 
 SeTeral of the maritime and boreal species have occurred on the Great Lates, and 
 may be hereafter added to the Missouri region. These, with the other Fidiguliuw of 
 North America, are as follows : 
 
 Hakelda GLACIALIS, (Linncms') Leach. 
 
 Anas glacialis, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 203. — Forst., Linn. Trans. Ixii, 1772, 418. — G>r., 
 Syst. Nat. i, 17tf8, 529. — Lath., lud. Orn. ii, 1790, 8u4.— Pall., Zoog. E.-A. ii, 
 1811, 276.— WlLS., Am. Orn. viii, 1814, 93, 96, pi. 70.— Vieiix., Enc. Mtth. i, 1823, 
 129. — LiCHT., Terz. i, 1823. 85, — Tem:m,, Man. i, 1815. 558 ; ii, 1835, 800 : iv, 184U. 
 553.— Naum., V. D. sii, 1844, 210, pi. 319.— SCHL,, Kev, Grit. 1844, 117. 
 
 Anas (Fidigula) glacialis, Bp., Obs. \yils. 1825, No. 275. 
 
 Clangula glacialis, Bole, Isis, 1822, 569.— Fllm., Br. An. 1828, 121. — Brehii, V. D. 937. 
 
 Platypus glacialis, Brehm, Eur. Vua;, 1823, 840, 
 
 Pagonetta glacialis, K-iUP, Sk. Ent. Eur. Tkierw. 1829, 66. 
 
 Harelda glacialis, "Leach." — Steph., Gen. Zool. xii, pt. ii, 1824, 175, pi. 58. — Sw. .!c 
 EiCH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 460.— Jen., Man. 1835, 247.— Eyt., Mon. 1838, 162.— Sv,-., 
 Classif. B. ii, 1837, 369.— Bp., List, 1838, 59.— Keys. & Bl.vs., "Wirb. Eur. 1-44, 
 87.— Gkay, List B. Br. Mus. 1844, 145 ; Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 6^2 : List Br. B. 
 1863, 203.— Eeich., Syst. Av. viii, 1852.— Bp., Comp. Eend. 185G.— Newb., P. E. 
 E. Eep. vi, 1857, 104.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 800.— :Murk., Edinb. N, Phil. Journ. 
 1859, 230.— Coop. & SrcK., N. H. Wash. Ter, 1860, 261.— Eeinh., Ibis, iii, 18J1. 
 14.— Eoss, Canad. Nat, Apr. 1862.— Veer., Pr. Ess. lust, iii, 1862, 153.— Bo vudii., 
 Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 139.— Blak., Ibis, 1863, 149,— NE\^^.■., Ibis, 1865, 515.— 
 Degl.-Gerbe, Orn. Eur. 1867, 549. — CoUES, Pr. Ess. lust, v, 1868. 206.— Carus, 
 Hand-hnch Zool. i, 1868, 3.52. — Brown, Ibis, 1868, 426. — Dall Sl Baxn.. Tr. 
 Cliic. Acad, i, 1869, 298.— Fes'sch, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 67.— Coxes, Kev, 1-72, 
 291. — EiDGW., Ann. Lye. s, 1874, 390 (Lake Michigan). 
 
 Fuligula {Clangula') glacialis, Bp., Syn. 1828, 395. 
 
 Fuligula {Harelda) glacialis, Nxitt., Man. ii. 453. — Brandt, M. Ac. St. Petersb. ri. 1849. -. 
 
 Fuligula glacialis, AuD., Orn. Biog, iv, 1838, 403, pi. 312; Svu. 1-39, 295; B, Am. vi, 
 1843, 379, pi. 410.— SELY.S-L., Fd. Belg. i, 1842. 146.— DeKLvy, N. Y. Zool. 1-44. 
 328.— Gir., B. L. L 1844, 337.— Degl., Orn. Eur. ii, 1849, 447.— Schl., Mus. 
 Pays-Bas, viii, 1865, 23. 
 
 Crymonessa glacialis, Macgu.., ;Uan. Orn. ii, 1842, 186. 
 
 Anas hjemalis, Linn., Fn. Suec. 44.— Scop., Bemerk. 1770, 66.— G.M., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, .529. 
 
 Clangula hiemalis, Brehji, Vog. Deutschl. 933. 
 
 Anas miclonia, Bodd. (Gray.) 
 
 Anas leticoceplialus, Bechst. (Gray.) 
 
 Anas bracliyrhynchus, Beseke. {Gray.) 
 
 Clangula faberi, megauros, mitsica, brachyrhyncltas, Brehji, V. D. 935, 936, 937, 935. 
 
 Hab. — Northern Hemisphere. Chiefly maritime. Also on the Great Lakes. 
 Camptoljemds LABR.iBOEitis, {Gmelin) Gray. 
 
 Atuis labradora, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 587. — Lath., lud. Orn, ii, 1790, 859. — Wils.. Am. 
 
 Orn. viii, 1814" 91, pi. 69.— Tieill., N. D. v, 1816, 132 ; Enc. Meth. i, 1823, 132. 
 Anas {Fuli^iula) labradora, Bp., Obs. ATils. 1835, No. 276. 
 Fuligula labi-adora, Bp., Syn. 1828. 391. — Nurx., Man. ii, 1834, 428, — Aid., Orn. Bioir. iv. 
 
 1838, 271, pi. 332'; Svn. 1839, 288 ; B. Am. vi, 1843, 329, pi. 40ii.— DeK.v.y. V. Y. 
 
 Zool. ii, 1844, 3:26.— GiR., B. L. L 1844. 3t7.— Schl., Mus. P.-Bas, viii, 1865. 19. 
 Shyncliaspis labradora, Steph., Gen. Zool. xii. pt. ii, 1824, 121. 
 Kamptorhynclius labradin-ius, Eyt., Monog. 1838, 151. — Bp., List. 1838, 58, 
 Camptolcemus labradorius. Gray, List Gen. of B. 1840; List B. Br. ilus. 1844. 141 : Gen. 
 
 of B. iii, 1649, 623.— Eeich.; Syst. Av. 1-52, 8.— Bp., Compt. Eend. Sept. 1-56, 
 
580 SOMATERIA STELLEEI, STELLEe's DUCK. 
 
 651.— Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 803.— CouES, Pr. A. N. S. Phil. 1861, 239.— Vere., Pr. 
 Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 158.— CouES, iUd. v, 1868, 200.— Turnb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 37 
 (rare).— Codes, Key, 1872, 291. 
 Sah. — Northeastern coast of North America, rarely south to New Jersey. 
 
 SOMATERIA STELLERI, (Pall.) Jard. 
 
 Anas steUeri, Pall., Spic. Zool. vi, 1765, 35, pi. 5 ; Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, 208.— Gm., Syst. 
 
 Nat. i, 1788, 518.— SCHL., Rev. Crit. 1844, 116.— Swinh., P. Z. S. 1863, 324 (China). 
 Clangnla stelleri, Boib, Isls, 1822, 564.— Macgil., Man. Orn. ii, 1842, 183. 
 Fiiligula (Clangula) stdleri, Bp., Syn.'1828, 394. 
 FuUgula {Macropus) stelleri, Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 451. 
 FuUgula {Folysticta) stelleri, Brandt, Mem. Acad. St. Petereb. vi, 1849, 7. 
 FuUgula stelleri, Degl., Orn. Eur. ii, 1869, 469. 
 Folysticta stelleri, Eyt., Cat. Br. B. 58 ; Mon. Anat. 1838, 150.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 801.— 
 
 Ball & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869. 299. 
 Eniconetta stelleri. Gray, List Gen. of B. 1840, 95 ; Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 624; List Br. B. 
 
 1863, 204.— Degl.-Gerbe, Orn. Eur. ii, 1867, 553. 
 Heniconetta stelleri, Ag., Ind. Univ. 1846, 178. 
 Earelda stelleri, Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 87. 
 Somateria stelleri, Jaed., Br. B. iv, 173.— Newt., P. Z. S. 1861, 400 (eggs).- Dress., B. 
 
 Eur. pt. — , pi. — .— CouES, Key, 1872, 291 ; Elliott's Prybilov Islauds, App.— . 
 Anas disjxir, Sparrm., Mus. Carls. 1786, pis. 7, 8.— Gii., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 535.— Lath., 
 
 Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 866.— ViEiLL., Enc. Meth. i, 1823, 145.— Temm., Man. iv, 1840, 
 
 547.— Naum., V. D. xii, 1844, 240, pi. 320. 
 FuUgula dispar, Steph., Gen. Zool. xii, pt. ii, 1824, 206.— Jen., Man. 1835, 243.— AuD., 
 
 Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 253, pi. 430 ; Syn. 1839, 293 ; B. Am. vi, 1843, 368, pi. 407.— 
 
 DeKat, N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844, 334.— Schl., Mus. Pays-Bas, viii, 1865, 15. 
 Stelleria dispar, Bp., List, 1838, 57 ; Compt. Eend. Sept. 1856, 650. 
 Anas occidua, Shaw, Nat. Misc. pi. 34. — Vieill., Enc. Meth. i, 182S, 130. 
 (?) Anas heringii, Gji., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 508. 
 
 Hal). — Arctic and high northern coasts of both hemispheres. 
 Somateria fischeri, {Brandt) Coues. 
 
 FuUgula (Lampronetta) fischeri, Brandt, Mem. Ac. St. Peter, vi, 1849, 6, 10, 14, pi. 1, f. 1-4. 
 Lampronetta fischeri, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 803.— Elliot, B. N. A. pt. v, pi. 47.— Dall & 
 
 Bank., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 299. 
 Arctoneita fischeri. Gray, P. Z. S. 1855, 212, pi. 108. 
 Somateria fischeri, CoUES, Key, 1872, 292. 
 
 Sab. — Northwest coast. 
 Somateria jiollisslma var.(?) dressbei, Sharpe. 
 
 a.(?) mollissima. 
 Anas mollissima, Linn., Svst. Nat. i, 1766, 198. — Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 514. — Lath., Ind. 
 
 Orn. ii, 1790, 845".— Licht., Verz. 1823, 85.— Vleill., Nonv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. v, 
 
 1816, 112.— Temm., Man. 1815, 549 ; ii, 1835, 848 ; iv, 1840, 541.— Naum., V. D. 
 
 xii, 1844, 252, pis. 321, 322.— Schl., Ois. Eur. Rev. Crit. 1844, 116. 
 Somateria mollissima, Bote, Isis, 1822, 564. — Steph., Gen. Zool. xii, pt. ii, 1824, 224, pi. 
 
 60.— Jen., Man. 1835, 227.— Sw., Classif. B. ii, 1837, 368.— Bp., List, 1838, 57; 
 
 Comptes Eend. 1856.^Macgil., Man. ii, 1842, 177.— Gray, Cat. B. Br. Mus. 1844, 
 
 141 ; Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 624 ; List Br. B. 1863, 205.— Reich., Syst. Av. 1852, 
 
 viii.— (?)Malmg., J. f. 0. 1865, 214.— Newt., Ibis, 1865, 515.— Degl.-Gerbe, 
 
 Orn. Eur. ii,- 1867, 5.55 ; and of authors generally. 
 Anser molUssitnus, Vieill., Ency. Meth. i, 1823, 119. 
 Platypus molUssimus, Brehm, Eur. Yog. 1823, 809. 
 Ftdigula mollissima, Selys-L., Fn. Belg. i, 1842, 143.— Degl., Orn. Eur. ii, 1849, 463.— 
 
 Schl., Mus. P.-B. viii, 1865, 14. 
 Anas cuthhe>-ti, Pall., Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, 235. 
 Somateria st. cutliberti, Eyt., Cat. Br. B. 58 ; Mon. Anat. 1838, 149. 
 Anser lanuguiosus,'LEAeH, Cat. 1816, 37. (Gray.) 
 (i) Somateria thuUnsis, M-U,MG., Kongl. Vet. Ak. Ofv. 1864, 380; J. f. 0. 1865, 396(Spitz- 
 
 Ijergcn). 
 Somateria danica, noru-egica, platymos, faroensis, megauros, islandica, borealis, leisleri,plani- 
 
 frons, Brehm, V. D. 890, 891, 892, 693, 894, 895, 896, 897. 
 b.(?) dresseri. 
 Anas mollissima, WiLa., Am. Orn. viii, 1814, 122, pi. 71. 
 Anas (FuUgula) mollissima, Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 244. 
 iuligula (Somateria) mollissima,Bp., Syn. 1828, 388. — NuTT., Man. ii, 1834, 407. — Brandt, 
 
 Mem. Acad. St. Petersb. vi, 1849, 5. 
 FuUgula mol':sswia,Ani>.,OTu. Biog. iii, 1835.344; v, 1839, 611; pL246; Syn. 1839,291; 
 
 B. Am. vi, 1843, 349, pi. 405.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844, 332.— GiR., B. L. 1. 331. 
 
SOMATERIA SPECTABILIS, KING EIDER. 581 
 
 Somateria molUssima,B-p., List, 1838, 57.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 809.— Rein., Ibis, iii, 14.— 
 COTTBS, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, 239.— Buv., Pr. Bost. Soo, viii, 1861, 66.-B()AM>ti,, 
 Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 139.— Veru., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 1.09.-00111'-..^, ihid. 
 V, 1868, 200.— Blak., Ibis, 1863, 150.— Lawe., Ann. Lyo. N. Y. viii, 1866, -Jd; .— 
 TuKNB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 46 (New Jersey).— Coues, Key, 1872, 293. 
 
 Somateria dresseri, Shaepe, Ann. Mag. N. H. July, 1871, p. — , tigs. 1,2. 
 JSab. — Atlantic and Arctic coasts. 
 
 SoMATBRiA v-NiGRA, Gray. 
 
 Somatenn v-nigra, Gray, P. Z. S. 1855, 212, pi. 107.— Bp., Comptes Rend. 1856, 650.— Bd., 
 B. N. A. 1858, 810.- MUR., Edinb. N. Piiil. Jouru. 1859, 229.— Ross, Canadian 
 Nat. Apr. 1862.— Blak., Ibis, 1863, 150.— Elliot, B. N, A. pi. 48.— Dall & Bans., 
 Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 300.— Coues, Key, 1872, 293. 
 Sab. — Northwest coast. Great Slave Lake. 
 
 Somateria spectabilis, (Linn.) Boie. 
 
 Anas speciabilis, Linn., Fn. Suec. 39 ; Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 195. — Gji., Svst. Nat. i, 1788, 
 507.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 845.— Pall., Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, 236.— Vikill., 
 Ency. Meth. i, 1823, 125.— Temm., Man. ii, 1835, 851 ; iv, 1840, 541.— Naom., V. 
 D. xii, 1844, 285, pi, 322, f. 1 ; pi. 323.— Schl., Rev. Crit. Ois. Eur. 1844, 115.— 
 SwiNH., P. Z. S. 1863, 324 (China). 
 
 Somateria spectabilis, Boie, Isia, 1822, 564; 1826, 980. — Steph., Gen. Zool. xii, i)t. ii, 1824, 
 229.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 447.— Jen., Man. 1835, 238.— Sw., Classif. 
 B. ii, 1837, 368.— Eyt., Mon. Anat. 1838, 148.— Bp., List, 1838, 57 ; Compt. Rend. 
 1856.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 8S.— Macgil., Man. ii, 1842, 178.— 
 Gray, List B. Br. Mus. 1844, 141 ; Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 624 ; List Br. B. 1863, 
 206.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 810.— Reinh., Ibis, iii, 1861, 14.— Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, 
 iii, 1862, 159.— BOARDM., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 140.— Blak., Ibis, 1863, 150.— 
 Newt., Ibis, 1865, 516 (Spitzbergen).— Degl.-Gerbe, Orn. Eur. ii, 1867, 557. — 
 Codes, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 201.— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 298.— 
 D.UX & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 301.— Turnb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 46 (New 
 Jersey, in severe winters). — Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 259 (Lake 
 Erie!)— Harting, P. Z. S. 1871, 118 (figs, of heads).— Coues, Key, 1872, 293. 
 
 Platypus spectabilis, Brbhm, Eur. Vog. 1823, 809. 
 
 Fuligula {Somateria) spectabilis, Bp., Syn. 1»28, 389. — NuiT., Man. ii, 1834, 414.^Braisidt, 
 Mem. Acad. St. Petersb. vi, 1849, 5. 
 
 FuliguU spectabilis, AuD., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 523, pi. 276 ; Syn. 1839, 291 ; B. Am. vi, 
 1843, 347, pi. 404.— Selys-L., Fn. Belg. i, 1842, 143.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. 1844, 
 334.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 333.— ScHL., Mus. P.-B. viii, 1865, 13.— Degl., Orn. 
 Enr. ii, 1849, 466. 
 Hab. — Northern North America and Europe. Chiefly coastwise. South to New Jer- 
 sey. In the interior to Lake Erie. 
 
 (EDBMIA AMERICANA, ( Wils.) Sw. 
 
 Anas nigra, WlLS., Am. Orn. viii, 1814, 135, pi. 72 (not of Linnwus). 
 
 Anas (Fuligula) nigra,Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 267. 
 
 Fuligula (Oidemiia) nigra,Bp., Syn. 1828, 390. 
 
 QSdemia TO(/»-ovar. americaxa, Ridgw., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 390 (Lake Michigan). 
 
 Oidemia americana, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 450 — Bp., List, 1838, 53 ; Compt. Reud. 
 Sept. 18.56, 650.— Gray, List B. Br. Mus. 1844, 140 ; Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 625.— 
 Nbwb., p. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857, 104.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 807.— MuE., Edinb. 
 N. Phil. Journ. 1859, 231.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 263.— Verr., 
 Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1»62, 159.— Blak., Ibis, 1863, 149.—? Swinh., P. Z. S. 1863, 
 324.— Codes, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 201 ; Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 125 ; Pr. Phila. 
 Acad. 1871, 27.— Tdenb. B. E. Pa. 1869, 37.— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. \iii, 1866, 
 297.— Brown, Ibis, 1868, 426.— Finsch, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872,68.— Codes, Key, 293. 
 
 Fuligula (Oidemia) americana, Ndtt., Man. ii, 1834, 422. 
 
 Melanitta americana, Eyt., Mon. Anat. 1838, 144. 
 
 Fuligula americana, AvD., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 117, pi. 408; Syn. 1839, 290; B. Am. vi, 
 1843, 343, pi. 403.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844, 336.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 330.— 
 Schl., Mus. P.-B. viii, 1865, 19. 
 Hab. — North America, both coasts, and larger inland waters. 
 
 (Edbmia fdsca, (var?). 
 a.(?) fusca. 
 
 Anasfuaca,ljwef., En. Suec. 39 ; Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 196.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 507.— 
 Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 848.— Temm., Man. 1815, 552.— Schl., Rev. Crit. 1844, 
 117.— Naum., V. D. xii, 1844, 123, pi. 313. 
 
 Melanitta fusca, Boie, Isis, 1822, 564.— Brehm, V. D. 905. 
 
582 CEDEMIA PEESPICILLATA, SURF DUCK. 
 
 Oidemiafusca,'S'\MM., Phil, of Zool. ii, 1823, 260.— Steph., Gen. Zool. xii, xtt. ii, 216.— 
 Flem., Br. An. 1828, 119.— Jbn., Man. 1835, 239.— Bp., List, 1838, 57.— Eyt., 
 Cat. Br. B. 5h.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Ear. 1840, 86.— Macgil., Man. ii, 1842, 
 180.— Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 625 ; List Br. B. 1863, 206. 
 
 ^ims/dZii/mosa, Bechst., Naturg. iv, 962, pi. 36. 
 
 Anas carlo, Paix., Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, 244. 
 
 Melanitta hornschuchii, megapus, platyrliynchus, Brehm, V. D. 904, 906, 907. 
 
 1>.(?) velvetina. 
 
 Anas fu8ca, WiL8., Am. Orn. viii, 1814, 137, pi. 72. 
 
 Anas (Fuligula) fusca, Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 266. 
 
 Fitligula {Oidemia) fusca, Bp., Syn. 1828, 390.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 419. 
 
 Oidemia fusca, Sw. & Rich., ii, 1831, 449.— Turnb.. B. E. Pa. 1869, 37.— CouES, Key, 294. 
 
 Fuligula fuaca, AuD., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 454, pi. 247 ; Syn. 1839, 280; B. Am. vi, 1843, 
 
 332, pi. 401.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844, — .— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 328. 
 Fuligula Umaculata, Herbert, Field Sports, 2tl ed. ii, 1848, 366, fig. — (immature). 
 Oidemia (Pelionetta) bimaculata, Be, B. N. A. 1858, 808. 
 
 Oidemia velvetina, Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad, t, 1850, 126.— Finsch, Abb. Nat. iii, 1872, 68. 
 Melanetta velvetina, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 805.— Coop. & Suck., N. II. Wasb. Ter. 1860, 
 
 262.— CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, 239.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 
 
 258 (Lake Erie).— Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 153.— Boaedm., Pr. Bost. Soc. 
 
 ix, 1862, 130.— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 297.— Cooes, Pr. Ess.' Inst, v, 
 
 1868, 200.— Codes, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 125.— Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad. 
 
 1869, 300.— RiDGW., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 390 (Lake Michigan). 
 Oidemia deglandii, Bp., Rev. Crit. Degland, 1850, 108 ; Compt. Rend. 1854. 
 Melanetta deglandii, Bp., Compt. Rend. Sept. 1856. 
 
 flai.^^Europe and America, chiefly maritime, but also on the inland waters. The 
 assigned characters of the American bird are very slight, certainly not warranting spe- 
 cific distinction, and scarcely affording grounds lor varietal recognition. 
 
 CEdemia perspicillata, (Linn.) Steph. 
 
 a. perspicillata. 
 
 Anas perspicillata, Lixx., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 201.— Forst., Phil. Trans. Ixii, 1772, 417.— 
 Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 17S8, 524.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 847.— Wils., Am. Orn. 
 viii, 1814, 49, pi. 67.— Temm., Man. Orn. ii, 1835, 853; iv, 1840, 542.— Vibill., 
 Ency. Meth. i, 1823, 138.— Naum., V. D. xii, 1844, 140, pi. 314.— ScHi.., Rev. Crit. 
 Ois. Eur. 1844, 117. 
 
 Anas {Fuligula) perspicillata, Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 265. 
 
 Anas (ilacrorhamplms) perspicillata, Less., Man. ii, 1828, 414. 
 
 Fuligula (Oidemia) perspidllaia, Bp., Syn. 1828, 389.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 416. 
 
 Melanitta perspicillata, Boie, Isis, 1822, 564. — Eyt., Mon. Anat. 1838, 146. 
 
 Platypus perspicillatus, Brehm, Eur. Vog. 1823, 823. 
 
 Oidemia xwrspidllata, Stkph., Gen. Zool. xii, pt. ii, 1824, 219. — Flem., Br. An. 1828, 
 119.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii. 1H31, 449.— Jen., Man. IH?,^, 240.— Sw., Classif. 
 B. ii, 1837, 368.— Bp., List, 1838, 57.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 86.— 
 Macgil., Man. ii, 1842, 181.— Gray, List B, Br. Mus. 1844, 141 ; Gen. of B. iii, 
 1849, 625 ; List Br. B. 1663, 207.— GosSB, B. Jam. 1847, 408.— Newb., P. R. R. 
 Rep. vi, 1857, 104.— Cass., Orn. U. S. Expl. Exp. 1858, 344.— Mdrr., Edinb. N. 
 Phil. Joum. 1859, 230.— Reinh., Ibis, 1861, 14.— Degl.-Gerbb, Orn. Eur. 1867, 
 563.— ToRNB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 37.— Newt., P. Z. S. 1867, 167 (egg).— Coues, 
 Pr. Phila. Acad. 1871, 27.— Hart., Br. B. 1872, 162 (Great Britain, many in- 
 stances). — COUBS, Key, 1872, 294. 
 
 Pelionetta perspicillata, Kaup, Sk. Ent. Em. Thierw. 1829, 107. — Reich., Syst. Av. 1852, 
 X.— Bp., Compt. Rend. Sept. 18.^6.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 806.— Coop. & Suck., N. 
 H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 262.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, 239; Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 
 1868, 200 ; Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 125.— Ross, Canad. Nat. 1862.— Verr., Pr. 
 Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 153.— BoARDM., Pr. Bost. Soc. Ix, 1862, 130.— Blak., Ibis, 
 1863, 149.— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 297.- Brown, Ibis, 1868, 426.— 
 Dall & Baxx., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 300. 
 
 Fuligula perspicillata, AuD., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 161, pi. 317 ; Syn. 1839, 289 ; B. Am. vi, 
 1843, 337, pi. 402.— Selys-L., Fn. Belg. i, 1842, 143.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844, 
 335.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 329.— Degl., Orn. Eur. ii, 1849, 474. 
 
 b. troivhridgei. 
 
 Pelionetta trou'lrridgii, Bd., B. N. A. 1858, '806.— Elliot, B. N. A. pi. — . 
 Oidemia perspicillata var. trotvbridgei, Coues, Key, 1872, 295. 
 
 ITab. — North America, coastwise. Jamaica. Europe, rare: Gould, B. Eur. pi. 377 ; 
 EoDD, Zool. 1865, p. 9794. Var. trotvbridgei on the coast of California. 
 
ERISMATUEA EUBIDA, RUDDY DUCK. 583 
 
 ERISMATURA RUBIDA, (Wils.) Bp. 
 . Ruddy Dnck, 
 
 Jnas ruliila, Wils., Am. Orn. viii, 1814, 198, 130, pi. 71, f. 5, 6.— Sab., Frankl. Journ. 700. 
 
 Anas (FuUgula) rubida, Bp., Obs. Wils. 18-25, No. 268. 
 
 Fuligula (Oxyura) niMda, Bp., Syn. 1828, 390. 
 
 FuUgula {Crymnura) rubida, Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 426. 
 
 Fuligula ruWda, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 455.— Acd., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 326 ; pi. 
 343 ; Syn. 1839, 288 ; B. Am. vi, 1843, 324, pi. 399.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 326.— 
 DbKay, N. y. Zool. ii, 1844, 327.— Lbmb., Av. Cub. 1850, 118. 
 
 Cerconectes rubida, Wagl., Isls, 1832, 282. 
 
 Erismatura rubida, Bp., List, 1838, 59; Compt. Rend. Sept. 1856, 652.— Eyt., Mon. Anat. 
 1838, 171.— Gray, List B. Br. Mus. 1844, 146 ; Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 627.— Bd., B. 
 N. A. 1858, 811.— SCL., P. Z. S. 1859, 393 (Oaxaca) ; Ibis, i, 1859, 232 (Guate- 
 mala, breeding). — Heei!M., P. E, R. Rep. x, 18S9, pi. vi, 70 (California). — Ross, 
 Canad. Nat. 1862.— Hayd., Rep. 1862, 176.— Blak., Ibis, 1862, 150.— Verr., Pr. 
 Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 159.— Coues, ibid, v, 1868, 201.— Gundl., Av. Cuba, 1866, 
 390.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 466.— Coues, Key, 1872, 295 ; Am. Nat. 
 viii, 1874, p. — . 
 
 Biziura rubida, Schl., Mus. P.-B. viii, 1865, 11. — Giebel, Nomencl. Av. i, 1872, p. — . 
 
 Anas jamaicenms, Ord, ed. Wila. viii, 1825, 138. 
 
 Erismatura "dominica"* (err.), Holden, Pr. Bost. Soo. xv, 1872, 210. 
 
 Hal). — North America at large. South to Guatemala, where found breeding at Du- 
 enas. Cuba (Cab., J. f. O. v, 1857, 230). 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 5472, Mouth of the Platte. 
 Later Expeditions. — 60862, Pacific Creek, Wyoming. • 
 
 This species occurs throughout the Missouri region in suitable situa- 
 tions, during the migrations, and also breeds within such limits. I 
 found it nesting in numbers in the pools about Turtle Mountain, Da- 
 kota, where the young were swimming in July. It was also observed 
 during the breeding season in Montana, along the Milk River and its 
 northern tributaries. 
 
 Subfamily MEEGlNiE: Mergansers. 
 
 MERGUS MERGANSER, Linn. 
 
 Mergauser; Goosander; Sheldrake; Fishing Dnck, 
 
 Mergus merganser, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 208. — Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, .544. — Lath., 
 lud. Orn. ii, 1790, 828.— WiLS., Am. Orn. viii, 1814, 68, pi. 68.— Temm., Man. 
 1820, 575.— Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 248 ; Syn. 1828, 397.— Doughty, Cab. N. 
 H. i, 1830, 109, pi. 10.— Flbm., Br. An. 128.— .Jen., Man. 249.— Sw. & Rich., P. 
 B. A. ii, 1831, 461.— NUTT., Man. ii, 1834, 460.— Atjd., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 261, 
 pi. 331 ; Syn. 1839, 297 ; B. Am. vi, 1843, 387, pi. 411.— GiR., B. L. I. ]S44, 339.— 
 Naum., V. D. xi-i, 1844, 356, pi. 326.— Schl., Rev. Crit. 121.— Max., J. f. 0. vii, 
 1859, 241.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 183.— Coues, Key, 1872, 296 ; and of 
 authors generally. 
 
 * The synonymy of E. dominica is as follows : 
 Anas (Jommicffl, LiNN"., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 201.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 521. — Lath., Ind. 
 
 Orn. ii, 1790, 874.— ViHiix., Ency. Meth. i, 'l823, 157.— Maxim., Naturg. Bras. 
 
 iv, pt. ii, 1833, 938.— Burm., Th. Bras, iii, 1856, 439. 
 Fuligula dominica, Steph., Gen. Zool. xii, pt. ii, 1824, 203. 
 Erismatura dominica, Eyt., Mon. Anat. 1838, — . — Gray, Cat. B. Br. Mus. 1844, 146 ; Gen. 
 
 of B. iii, 1849, 627.— Bp., Compt. Rend. 1856, 652.— Cab., J. f. 0. v, 1857, 231.— 
 
 Newt., Ibis, 1859, 367.— Sol., P. Z. S. 1860, 254.— Gundl., Av. Cuba, 1866, 391.— 
 
 Rbinh., Vid. Med. 1870, 20.— Coues, Key, 1872, 295. 
 Biziura dominica, Schl., Mus. P.-B. viii, 1865, 9. 
 Anas spinosa, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 522.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 874.— Burm., Th. 
 
 Bras, iii, 1856, 440. 
 Cerconectes spinosa, Wagl., Isis, 1832, 282. 
 Erismatura spinosa, Gosse, B. Jam. 1847, 404. 
 Erismatura ortygoides, Gosse, B. .lam. 1847, 407.— Bp., Compt. Rend. 1856, 652. 
 
 Hai. — West Indies and South America. Accidental in North America. (Lake Cham- 
 plain, Cabot, Pr. Bost. Soc. vi, 375, and Wisconsin, ibid, xiv, 154, and Am. Nat. v, 441.) 
 
584 
 
 MEEGUS SEEEATOK, EED-BEEASTED MEEGANSEE. 
 
 Mergus CMtor, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 209.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 545.— Lath., Ind. 
 Orn. ii, 1790, 829.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 88.— Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 629. 
 
 Merganser castor, Bp., Comp. List, 1838, 59.— Macgil., Man. Om. ii, 194. 
 
 Mfrganaer castor var. americanus, Bp., Compt. Eend. xliii, 1856. 
 
 Merganser rail, Leach, Syst. Cat. M. and B. Br. Mus. 36. 
 
 Merganser gulo, Steph., Gen. Zool. xii, 161, pi. 53. — Leach, I. c. 
 
 Mergiu americanus, Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1853, 187.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 813.— Coop. & 
 Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 263.— Ha yd., Eep. 1862, 176.— Dkbss., Ibis, 1866, 
 44 (Texas).— Stev., TJ. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 466.— Dall, Pr. Cal. Acad. 1873 
 (Aleutians).— Daix & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 301 (Alaska).- Finsch, 
 Abb. Nat. iii, 1872, 70.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 11 ; and of many late United 
 States writers. 
 
 Sah. — North America. Europe. Asia. 
 
 List of specimens. 
 
 19322 
 19323 
 19324 
 19325 
 19326 
 19327 
 
 293 
 
 156 
 177 
 170 
 171 
 
 Deer Creek 
 
 do 
 
 Powder River. . 
 do 
 
 S 
 
 May 3, 1860 
 May 18, 1860 
 May 19, 1860 
 May 18, 1860 
 Sept. 19, 1860 
 Sept. 19, 1860 
 
 G.H. Trook-- 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 26.00 
 26.50 
 25.50 
 22.00 
 26.00 
 
 36.00 
 37.00 
 35.50 
 36.00 
 36.00 
 
 11.00 
 11.50 
 10.00 
 
 do 
 
 do 
 
 .... 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Lieutenant TTan-en's Expedition. — No. 5473, Yellowstone Eiver. 
 Later Expeditions. — 60858-60, Fort Bridger and Sweetwater. 
 
 MEEGUS SEREATOE, Linn. 
 Bed-breasted Merganser; Fishing Duck. 
 
 Mergus serraior, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 208.— Gm., Syst. Nat. 1788, 546.— Lath., Ind. 
 Orn. ii, 1790, 829.— Pall., Zoog. E.-A. ii, 1811, 287.— III., Prod. 1811^ 278.— 
 WiLS., Am. Om. viii, 1814, 81, pi. 69.— Tbmm., Man. 1815, .579 ; Ii, 1835, 884 ; 
 iv, 1840, 556.— BoiE, Isis, 1822, 564.— Licht., Verz. 1823, 85.— Bkehm, Eur. Vog. 
 1823, 855.— Bp., Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 249 ; Syn. 1828, .397.— Flem., Br. An. 1828, 
 129.— Sw. & Eich., F. B. a. ii, 1831, 462.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 463.— Jen., Man. 
 1835, 249.— Eyt., Mon. Anat. 1838, 175.— AuD., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 92, pi. 401 ; 
 Syn. 1839, 298 ; B. Am. vi, 1843, 395, pi. 412.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 
 88.— Selys-L., Fn. Belg. i, 1842, 147.— Macgil., Man. ii, 1842, 194.— Nadm., V. 
 D. xii, 1844, 333, pi. 325.— Geay, List B. Br. Mus. 1844, 147 ; Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 
 629 ; List Br. B. 1863, 209.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844, 319.— GiR., B. L. 1. 1844, 
 342.— SCHL., Eev. Grit. 1844, 121 ; Mus. P.-B. viii, 1865, 3.— Degl., Orn. Enr.ii, 
 1849, 480.— Eeich., Syst. Av. 1852, ix.— Bp., Compt. Eend. Sept. 1856.— Newb., 
 P. E. E. Eep. vi, 1857, 104.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 814.— Mder., Edinb. N. Journ. 
 
 1659, 231.— Maxlai., J. f. O. vii, 1859, 242.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. "Wash. Ter. 
 
 1660, 264.— SwiNH., Ibis, ii, 1860, 67 : iii, 1861, 344 ; v, 1863, 434 ; P. Z. S. 1863, 
 323.— Eeinh., Ibis, iii, 1861, 14.— Co'uES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, 241 ; Pr. Bost. 
 Soc. xii, 1868, 125 ; Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1808, 201; Pr. Phila. Acad. 1871, 27; Key, 
 1672, 296.— Eoss, Canad. Nat. Apr. 1862.— Vbrr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 153.— 
 BOARDM., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 140.— Blak., Ibis, 1863, 150. —Wright, Ibis, 
 1864, 156.— Degl.-Gerbe, Om. Eur. 1867, 570.— Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad. 
 1869, 201.— Ttjrnb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 37.— i^iNSCH, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 72.— Snow, 
 B. Kans. 1873, 11. 
 
 Merganser serrator, Vieill., Ency. Meth. i, 1823, 102.— Steph., Gen. Zool. xii, 1824, 165 
 
 (■' serrata").—Bp., List, 1838, 59. 
 Mergus niger, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 546. 
 Mergus eristatus, BRfjNN., Om. Bor. 1764, No. 95. 
 Mergus leucomelas, Brehm, V. D. 1831, 947. 
 
 Mab. — ^Northern hemisphere. 
 
 MEEGUS CUGULLATUS, Linn. 
 Hooded Merganser. 
 
 Mergus cucullatus, Linn., Syet. Nat. i, 1766, 207.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 544.— Lath., 
 Ind. Ora. ii, 1790, 830.— Bp., Obs. WUs. 1825, No. 251 ; Syn. 1828, 397.— Sw. & 
 EiOH., F. B. a. ii, 1831, 463.— Nctt., Man. ii, 1834, 465.— Jen., Man. 1835, 249.— 
 
MEKGUS CUCULLATUS, HOODED MEEGANSEE. 585 
 
 AUD., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 246, pi. 233; Syn. 1839, 299; B. Am. vi, 1843, 4tl2, pi. 
 413.— Eyt,, Mon. Anat. 1838, 177.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 88.— Temji., 
 Man. iv, 1840, 557.— Geay, List B. Br. Mus. 1844, 147 ; Geu. of B. iii, 1849, 629 ; 
 List Br. B. 1863, 209.— Schl., Eev. Grit. 1844, 121 ; Mus. P.-B. viii, 18ii5, 5.— 
 DeKay, N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844, 320.— GlK., B. L. 1. 1844, 341.— De'JL., Orn. Eur. ii, 
 1849, 483.— Newb., P. E. K. Eep. vi, 1857, 104.— Cas.s., U. S. Expl. Exp. 1858, 
 345.— Mt;rk., Edinb. N.Pbil. Joum. 1859, 231.— SCL., P. Z. S. 1859, 237.— Degl.- 
 Geebe, Orn. Eur. ii, 1867, 572.— CouES, Key, 1872, 296. 
 
 Merganser mwullatus, Steph., Gen. Zool. xii, pt. ii, 1824, 168. — Bp., List, 1838, 59. — 
 Macgil., Man. Orn. ii, 1842, 196. 
 
 Lophodytes cucullatois, Ebich., Syst. Av. 1852, ix. — Bp., Comptes Eend. xliii, 1856. — 
 Bd., B. N. a. 1858, 816.— ScjL., P. Z. S. 1859, 369.— Coop. & SncK., N. H. Wasb. 
 Ter. 1860, 265.— Hayd,, Eep. 1862, 176.— Veke., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 159.— 
 Codes, ibid, v, 1868, 201.— Gundl., Av. Cuba, 1866, 391.— Dress., Ibis, 1866, 
 144.— Dall &. Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 202.— Stev., U. S. Geol. Surv. 
 Ter. 1870, 466.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 12.— Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 183 ; 
 and of many writers. 
 
 Hob. — The "whole of North America. Europe : for occurrences, see authors above 
 quoted. Cuba (Cab., J. f. O. v, 1857, 231). 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 5475, Yellowstone Eiver. 
 Later Expeditions. — 60861, Green Eiver. 
 
 The Hooded Merganser is the most abundant one of the three in the 
 Missouri region. M. serrator is the rarest; I have not myself met with 
 it. M. cucullatus breeds in Northern Dakota, and also on the Upper 
 Missouri and Milk Elvers. 
 
ORDER STEGANOPODES! TOTIPALMATE birds. 
 
 Family PELEOANID^: Pelicans. 
 
 PELECAIsUS TRACHTRHYNCHUS, Lath. 
 
 White Pelican. 
 
 Pelecanus enjfhrorhynchua, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 571.— Donnd., Beytr. Om. ii, 850.— 
 Bonn., Ency. Meth. 1791, 44.— Schl., Mus. P.-B. livr. iv, 35.— Bd., B. N. A. 1858, 
 868.— Coop. & Sdck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 265.— Wheat., Ohio Agrio. Eep. 
 1860, No. 278 (rare).— Elliot, P. Z. S. 1869, 588 (monographic).— CoUBS, Ibis, 
 1866, 271 (coast of California). — Dkess., Ibis, 1866, 45 (Texas, in winter, com- 
 mon).— Codes, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1866, 100 (Arizona).— Boaedm., Pr. Bost. Soc. 
 ix, 1862, 130 (Calais, Maine, accidental).— Verb., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 160 
 (same). — Allen, iUd. iv, 1864, 89 (same). — CouES, ibid, v, 1868, 302 (same). — 
 ilClLWK., iUd. Y, 1866, 95 (Canada West, two instances).- Allen, Bull. M. C. 
 Z. ii, 1871, 364 (Florida, winter, common, and said to breed) ; iii, 1872, 183 
 (Utah).— Codes, Pr. Boat. Soc. xii, 1868, 125 (South Carolina).— Tuenb., B. E. 
 Pa. 1869, 46 (rare).— Lawe., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 298 (New York).— 
 Teippe, Pr. Bost. Soc. xv, 1872, 241 (Iowa).— Gilman, Am. Nat. iv, 1871, 758 
 (Lake Huron ).— ? Mayn., Guide, 1870, 149 (Nantucket).— Claekb, Am. Nat. v, 
 1871, 252 (Lake Michigan).— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 11.— Eldgw., Ann. Lye. N. 
 Y. X, 1874, 390 (Illinois). 
 
 Pelecanus trachyrhynchus, Lath., Ind. Om. ii, 1790, 884 (based on Bough-Klled Pelican of 
 Gen. Syn. vi, 586).— Steph., Shaw'.s G. Z. xiii, 1825, 117.— Licht., Abb. Akad. 
 Berl. 1838, pi. 3, f. 5.— Bp., List, 1838, 60.— Geay, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 309.— ScL., 
 P. Z. S. 1868, 269; Ibis, i, 1859, 233 (Western Central America).— Newb., P. E. 
 E. Rep. vi, 1857, 109.— Heeem., ihid. x, 1859, pt. vi, 72.— Maxlm., J. f. 0. vii, 
 18.^9, 259.— Bd., Stansbury's Eep. 1852, 324.— Woodh., Sitgr. Eep. 1853, 105.— 
 CouES, Key, 1872, 300. 
 
 Cyriopelicanus trachyrhynchus, Reich. — Bp., Consp. Av. ii, 1855, 163. 
 
 Pelecanus onocrotalua var., Foest., Phil. Trans. Ixii, 1772. 
 
 Pelecanus anocrotalus, Bp., Syn. 1828, 400.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 472 (north to 
 61°).— NuTT., Man. ii, 1834, 471. (Not of European writers.) 
 
 Pelecanus americanus, Add., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 88, pi. 311 ; Syn. 1839, 309; B. Am. vii, 
 1844, 20, pi. 422. — Tkippb, Pr. Ess. Inst, vi, 1871, 119 (Minnesota, common, mi- 
 gratory). 
 
 "Pelecanus Irachydactylus, Licht. ?" 
 
 (?) Pelecanus occipitalis, Eldgw., "American Sportsman," iv, 1874, 297 (Nevada). 
 
 Hai. — ^North America, up to lat. 61° at least. Eare or casual in the Middle States 
 and New England. Abundant in the interior, especially west of the Mississippi. Texas 
 and Florida. South to Central America. 
 
 The geographical distribution of the White Pelican may be clearly 
 traced from the above quotations. Its occurrence in New England at 
 the present time is wholly fortuitous, though it has been observed in 
 Maine and Massachusetts. But Mr. Allen's record of a flock at Nan- 
 tucket (Am. Nat. iii, 640) is erroneous, as he subsequently pointed out 
 {ibid, iv, 68), P. fuscus having been mistaken for it. It is of scarcely 
 often er occurrence in the Middle States and most portions east of the 
 Mississippi, but is said to be common in Florida. In the West I have 
 found it in many localities — on the Red River of the North and some of 
 its affluents, oh the Colorado of the West, and on the coast of Southern 
 California, It formerly bred in immense numbers about Great Salt 
 Lake, where it has decreased in abundance of late. Mr. Ridgway tells 
 me of vast bands now nesting about Pyramid Lake in Nevada, where 
 he took over a hundred eggs from as many nests ; these were merely a 
 
GEACULUS DILOPHUS, DOUBLE-CEESTED CORMOEANT. 687 
 
 heap of eartb scraped up to the height of a few inches. He has also 
 shown that the curious horuy comb or crest of the bill, being deciduous, 
 is regularly shed in a manner somewhat analogous to the casting of 
 deers' horns. The breeding range of the species is very extensive, ap- 
 parently determined less by latitude than by the occurrence of suitable 
 places anywhere within the general range of the species. I have not 
 noted any breeding resorts within the Missouri region, though doubtless 
 there are such. The large numbers of Pelicans I observed, however, in 
 Northern Dakota, at various times in the summer, leads me to presume 
 that they nest in that region, especially about the Lake Eiver, a short 
 expansive affluent of the Mouse Eiver, more like a great prairie slough 
 than an ordinary river. In May, 1873, 1 took a female on the Eed Eiver, 
 near Pembina ; the specimen was in very poor flesh, with worn, harsh 
 plumage, which was attributable to a disease of the pouch. On the in- 
 side of this organ were fastened in clusters great numbers of a louse- 
 like parasite, which produced an induration, ulceration, and, finally, 
 perforation of the membrane in several places, so that the bird must 
 have had difficulty in feeding. The intestines were loaded with some 
 kind of ascarides. In the stomach were found about fifty crawfish 
 (Astacus). 
 
 Eamily PHALAOEOOOEACID^ : Cormorants. 
 
 GEACULUS DILOPHUS, (Sw.) Gray. 
 Double-crested Cormorant; Shag. 
 
 a. dilophus. 
 
 Felecanus (Carlo) dilophus, Sw. &. Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 473. 
 
 Cario dilophus, Game., Jouin. Pbila. Acad, i, 1849, 227. 
 
 Pha.lacrocorax dilophu8,'SvTT., Man. ii, 1834, 483.— Bp., List, 1838, 60.— Add., Orn. Biog. 
 iii, 183,5, 420 ; v, 1839, 629 ; pi. 257 ; Svn. 1839, 302 ; B. A. vi, 1844, 423, pi. 41G.— 
 GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 344.— Bd., Stansbury's Eep. 1852, 324 (Great Salt Lake).- 
 Pdtn., Pr. Ess. lust, i, 1856, 221.— Bry., Pr. Boat. Soc. viii, 1861, 71 (Gulf of 
 Saint Lawrence, breeding). — TuRNB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 38 (winter, rare). 
 
 &raculu8 dilopJim, Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, — . — Bp., Consp. Av. ii, 1855, 172 ; Compt. 
 Eend. 1856, 766.— Bd., B. N. A. 185S, 877 ; Pr. Phila. Acad. Nov. 1859 (Cape 
 Saint Lucas).— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 267.— Coues, Pr. Phila. 
 Acad. 1861, 241 (Labrador) ; 1866, 100 (California) ; 1871, 38 (North Carolina, 
 common in winter). — Boaedm., Pr. Boat. Soc. ix, 1862, 130 (Maine, in winter). — 
 CoHES, ihid. xii, 1868, 126 (South Carolina, in winter). — Allex, Pr. Ess. Inst, 
 iv, 1864, 89 (New England coast, in winter). — Veimj., ibid, iii, 1862, 160 (the 
 same).— Codes, iUd. v, 1868, 302 (the same). — Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 
 298.— Daix & Bank., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 302 (Alaska).— Allen, Bull. M. C. 
 Z. iii, 1872, 183 (Great Salt Lake).— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 11 (migratory).— 
 Codes, Key, 1872, 303.— Eidgw., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 390 (Illinois). 
 
 Flialaurocorax floridanus, Maxim., J. f. 0. vii, 1859, 260 (Missouri). 
 
 Graoulus fioridanus, McIlwe., Pr. Ess. lust, vi, 1871, 95 (Canada). 
 
 b. fioridanus, 
 
 Phalaa-ocorax fioridanus, Add., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 387 ; v, 1839, 632 ; pi. 251 ; Syn. 18,39, 
 
 303 ; B. Am. vi, 1843, 430, pi. 417. 
 Graculus fioridanus, Bp., Consp. Av. ii, 1855, 172; Compt. Eend. Ixii, 1856, 766.— La:wr., 
 
 B. N. A. 1858, 879.— Bry., Pr. Bost. Soc. vii, 1859.— Schl., Mus. P.-B. livr. iv, 
 
 1863, 23 (in part; includes meximnus and " toivnsendii") — Allen, Bull. M. C. Z. 
 
 ii, 1871, 365.— Codes, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1871, 38 (north to North Carolina). 
 Graculus dilophus, Gray, Gen. of B. iii (in part). 
 Graculus dilophus var. fioridanus, Codes, Key, 1872, 303. — Eidgw., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 
 
 1874, 390 (Illinois). 
 Phalaei-ouorax brasiliensis, Bp., Comp. List, 1838, 60. (Whether of authors ? If found 
 
588 GEACULUS MEXICAKUS, MEXICAN CORMORANT. 
 
 not specifically distinct from d'doplius, the name will take priority for this species. 
 Schlegel unites the two.) 
 
 Bah. — North America atlarge, in the interior as well as coastwise. Var. floridanus 
 from the South Atlantic and Gulf States, ranging north to the Ohio {Audubon) and to 
 North Carolina (Coues). 
 
 This is the only species of Cormorant known to range generally 
 throughout the interior. Most of the several species attributed to North 
 America occur on the Pacific coast alone, G. carbo being the Atlantic- 
 coast species, and G. mexicanus being from the Gulf and someways up 
 the Mississippi Yalley. 
 
 I am credibly informed of breeding places of this species on the Mis- 
 souri, where, however, I never recognized the bird myself, though I saw 
 it on the Eed Eiver of the North in May. It was first described by 
 Swainson from the Saskatchewan, and it ranges southward through the 
 Missourrregion. It has been found to breed in Labrador and the Gulf 
 of Saint Lawrence, whence it migrates southward in the fall, wintering 
 along the coast from Maine to the Carolinas. Its occurrence at Great 
 Salt Lake and various points on the Pacific coast, from Sitka to Cape 
 Saint Lucas, has been noted. 
 
 GEACULUS MEXICA:jrUS, (Brandt) Bp. 
 
 Mexican Cormorant. 
 
 Carbo mexicanus, Bk^iitdt, Bull. Sc. Aca4. St. Petersh. iii, 1837, 56. 
 
 Graculus mexicanus, Bp., Consp. Av. 11, 1855, 173. — Lawk., B. N. A. 1858, 879.— Sxow, B. 
 
 Kans. 1873, 12 (specimen near Lawrence, Kansas, April, 1872. — CouES, Key, 203. 
 Graculus "floridanus et" mexicanus, Schl., Mus. P.-B. Uvt. iv, 1863, 24 (excl. syn. "toum- 
 
 sendii, AuD.") 
 " Carbo graculus, ex parte, Tejui." {Schlegel.) 
 " Phalacrocorax lacusiris, Gdndl., Mss." {Laivrence.) 
 " Phalacrocorax re^plendens {ad.), et toumsendii 0«''-)) Lemb., Aves de Cuba." 
 
 Hab. — Southern United States and southward. Up the Mississippi Valley to Illinois 
 {Eidgrcay) and Kansas {Snoio). Texas. New Mexico {Henry). Matamoras {Dresser, 
 Ibis, 1866,45). Honduras (Tajtor, Ibis, 1860, 315). Cnha {Lawrence, Gundlach, Lembeye). 
 
 In my present judgment, this species is entirely distinct from G. dilophiis, though 
 nearly allied. Dr. Schlegel is certainly wrong in identifying it with the P. floridanus of 
 Audubon, and in citing as synonymous P. townsgndii ; the latter belongs to penicillatus. 
 
 The claim of this species to a place in the present work rests upon 
 the announcement of its occurrence in Kansas, by Prof. Snow, as above. 
 
 Of the five remaining families of North American birds {ProceUariidie, 
 LaridcE, GolymMdce, Podidpidce, AlcidcB), the first and fifth are marine, 
 and have no representatives in the Slissouri region. They will, there- 
 fore, not be considered in this volume, my material on Procellariidw and 
 AlcidcB being reserved for elaboration in another connection. The other 
 three families will here be treated monographically, to include all the 
 known North American species, biographical items of those found in the 
 Missouri re^on. being added, in correspondence with the general plan 
 of this work. 
 
MONOGRAPH OF THE NORTH AMERICAN 
 
 Several years have passed since the writer began to pay special attention to this 
 interestinK and difficult group. He has already published, in the Proceedinss of tl"® 
 Philadelphia Academy of 1862-'63, revisions of the North American forms of the prin- 
 cipal subfamilies, preliminary to the present more complete work. This memoir has 
 lain in Mss. since 1864, being retouched from time to time, as additional material 
 offered. Final revision has been made within the present year, bringing the subject 
 up to date. Since the earlier papers were published, my views of what constitutes a 
 species have been modified, while a few mistakes in those articles have been corrected ; 
 but I find comparatively little to alter. The article on Laridw. in the " Key to North 
 American Birds" (1872), expresses very nearly my present views, though one or two 
 hasty steps in that portion of the work require to be retraced. 
 
 Containing the richest collection of American Laridce in the world, the Smithsonian 
 Museum offers great facilities for this study — facilities of which the liberality of the 
 policy of the Institution has permitted me to fully avail myself. I have also examined 
 the specimens in other of our large public collections, while many have been furnished 
 me from private sources. For favors of this kind I am particularly indebted to my 
 friend Jlr. Lawrence. I have aimed to make the present article strong enouyli to bear 
 the term '• monograph." It embraces all the species known to occur in Xorth America. 
 These are treated in full, with frequent reference to estralimital allies. As will be ob- 
 served, extensive synonymical lists have been prepared, embracing, it is believed, nearly 
 all the names which have been proposed, with many additional references forgeo- 
 gra'phical distribution, &c. Most of the quotations have been personally made or ver- 
 ified ; iu cases in which this was impracticable, the authority is generally added. No 
 one need be reminded how difiicult it is to get such lists of thousands of figures printed 
 correctly, there being, of course, no guiding contest for the compositor. I can only 
 hope that, as elsewhere in this volume, references to dates, volumes, pages, and plates, 
 will be found generally correct. Most points of synonymy are freelv discussed, with- 
 out the slightest personal bias. The matter of geographical distribution receives 
 special attention. Seasonal changes of plumage, and those dependent on age — great 
 in this family, and frequently perplexing — as well as individual variations in size and 
 coloration, are given in full, so far as I am acquainted with them. The chief anatom- 
 ical peculiarities of the subfamilies and leading genera are presented from original 
 dissections. 
 
 A beautiful series of colored illustrations of the head, wing, and other characteristic 
 parts, prepared for this memoir by a competent artist, will be presented in the cou- 
 cluding volume of Prof. Baird's work, now publishing, it being impracticable to print 
 them here. 
 
 It is unnecessary to advert to various classifications of the Xa;-if?iHe birds which have 
 been proposed and received more or less support. Authors differ even as to the limita- 
 tions of the group, while no two are entirely in accord as to its subdivisions. Prof. 
 Huxley unites the Laridw and ProceJlariidw with the Alcidce, <tc., in a group Cecomor- 
 pliw. Eespectiug the Laridw alone, most authors make them a family with either two 
 or four suijfamilies. The genera which have been proposed are altogether too many. 
 There are but four leading genera, corresponding to the four subfamilies ; and but 
 few others need or even permit recognition. I subdivided too much in my earlier 
 papers, and now throw most of the so-called genera under Larus and Sterna respect- 
 ively. 
 
 Disclaiming any desire to institute comparisons between this and other memoirs on 
 the subject, a few leading ones may be noticed. One of the earliest special papers of 
 any consideralde merit, is Macgillivray's, in the "Wernerian Society's ^Memoirs ; it is 
 very good, as far as it goes.' The same cannot be said of certain later articles. Brut"h 
 and Bonaparte, it is believed, have been signally unsuccessful in handling these birds. 
 Bruch's work of l.^.jS required in 1855 altogether too many changes to leave much to 
 be said in its favor ; while his later paper itself might be very harshly criticized. The 
 character of Bonaparte's general work just before his death, which occurred while the 
 article on Laridw was printing in the " Conspectus," is too well known to require com- 
 ment. Prof. Schlegel's articles in the " Museum Pays-Bas" are much more satisfactory, 
 though some species are rejected which he might have retained had he seen them. Mr. 
 Lawrence's contribution to Prof. Baird's work of 1858 is an important advance from 
 
590 LAEID^ GULLS, ETC. 
 
 the AndTibonian period, as far as the North American species are concerned. Dr. Bla- 
 sius's review of the family (J. f. O. 18&>-'66) is a very important contribution, sis is 
 also Messrs. Sclater and Salviu's paper, in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society 
 of 1871, on the Neotropical forms. 
 
 Determination of species in this family is difficult. Without reference to the abstract 
 questions involved of the nature of species, it is practically impossible to reiognize or 
 define a considerable number of species which authors holding such views as Bruch and 
 Bonaparte do, have sought to maintain. The same laws of variation urjder latitude, cli- 
 njate, and other physical influences which have been proven elsewhere, hold here, re- 
 quiring recognition of various geographical races, rather than species, many forms 
 »lieing found to grade into each other. Further difiBcnlty arises in the circumstance 
 ihat while the sexes, as a rule if not without exceiition, of Laridm are alike, the indi- 
 vidual differences in size and plumage, according to age and season, an; at a high rate, 
 requiring large allowances. Characters must be decided to furnish grounds for species 
 in this jyroup ; and, although very nice distinctions frequently subsist (among Ster- 
 riino; particularly), it must be confessed that every large collection contains doubtful 
 specimens. The shade of the " gull-blue" of the mantle of most species of thin family 
 varies within wide limits, according to age and wear of the feathers, season, locality, 
 and even as a purely fortuitous circumstance. The pattern of the primaries when 
 marked, as is usual, with black and white in certain areas, is only approximately con- 
 stant for the same age of individual feathers ; for the rest, it is subject to nearly conlin- 
 uozxs progressive changes with age and " wear" of the quills. In their progress toward 
 maturity, young Laridm are usually subject to a series of changes affecting tin- color 
 of the plumage and of the bill and feet very materially, as well as the stature. There 
 are also, among the Jaegers, special states of plumage. The moult appears to be always 
 double, vernal and autumnal ; from this result the seasonal changes which are over 
 and above the others referred to ; these are almost always strongly jironounoed, The 
 moulting of the wing-quills is always gradually successive, almost feather by feather, 
 so that the birds are at no time deprived of flight. The change may be advantage- 
 ously studied in ihe Terns, from the heavily-silve,red fresh quill to the worn dusky- 
 brown one. The uli'itii areas on the quills of Gulls and Terns appear to have less vital- 
 ity than those parts which are loaded with pigment, for we frequently find the quills 
 worn away according to the jiattem of their markings. Some rules of change in 
 plumage are these : Young birds have their own livery ; at first darker than that of 
 the adults, or at least mottled with dark colors ; there may be several different stages. 
 Sexes are alike. Winter and summer vestures are different; black on the head, and 
 rosy on the under parts, are greatly restricted or wanting in winter; even a black body 
 may be changed to light. In white-headed species, dusky variegation of the head and 
 jjeck occurs. Ordinarily more than a year is cf)nsumcd in the progress to maturity ; 
 such is jjarticularly the case with the larger Gulls and Jaegers. 
 
 Anatomical characters are very constant throughout the family. The osteology- is 
 almost the same throughout, excepting the skull oi likyn chops ; minor skeletal features 
 are given under several heads beyond. Other peculiarities are nearly confined to de- 
 tails of the digestive system. Of the pterylosis it may be observed, after Nitzsch, that 
 the general character is perfectly scolopacine ; that the tracts and spaces arc narrowed 
 in Stin-riuifp, and somewhat peculiar in Lestridinw, there approaching the Fmcellariitke. 
 It is a curious rule (subject, however, to exceptions) that three of the four subfamilies 
 are distinguished by shape of tail — cuneate in Lestridivw, square in Larinw, forked in 
 Siern'nin- and lihynchf/pincB. 
 
 The biljliography of the family is extensive and involved, though perhaps not nn- 
 nsually so, and certainly not more so than would be exi)ected in a group whei e it is 
 difficult to discriminate the species even upon examination of specimens, let alone 
 descriptions. I have done my best in this matter, following the law of priority in the 
 selection of names, excepting only when earlier ones would, if used, supersede those 
 LinnaMis, and taking this author at IT'tt. 
 
 More or fewer (in some cases scores) of specimens of all the North American Laridei 
 have been personally examined, excepting these : Ehodosteihia rosea and Xewa funatum. 
 The available material includes a large xiroportion of tyjjes, among them those of Audu- 
 bon, Eichaidsou, Peale, Gambel, Cassin, Lawrence, Baird. 
 
 Family LAEID^. 
 
 Ch. Isatatore.s longipennes, nariiu^ perviis, lateralihus, halluce libra. 
 
 The preceding brief diagnosis distinguishes the Laridw from other families of the 
 Xntatores. Jnseres and Pygopodes differ in their short wings, &c. ; the filnjanopodet, 
 which are longipennine, are separated by their totipalmated feet; while the FroceVa- 
 rii/t<e, the associates of Laridm under Longipenves, are recognized by the peculiarities 
 
LARID^— GULLS, ETC. 591 
 
 of the nostrils, beside some anatomical features. The family, thus separated from other 
 Xatatores, may be fully defined as follows : 
 
 Bill of moderate leugth, entire, or furnished with a cere, the upper mandible longer 
 than, as long as, or shorter than the under; the culmen convex; the commissure very 
 large, the cutting edges without lamellae, the symphysis of the inferior mandil>ular 
 rami complete for a considerable distance, an eminence being formed at their junction. 
 Xo gular sac. Feathers usually extending further on the sides of the upper mandible 
 than on the culmen, and further between the rami than on the sides of the under 
 mandible. 
 
 Nostrils linear or oval ; direct, pervious, lateral, opening on the basal half of the bill. 
 
 Eijes of moderate size, placed about over the angle of tlie mouth. 
 
 Wings long, broad, strong, pointed, with little or no concavity. Primaries very long^ 
 more or less acute, the first longest, the rest rapidly graduated. Secondaries numerous, 
 short, broad, with rounded or excised tips. Tertials of moderate length, straight, 
 rather stiif. 
 
 Legs placed well forward on the abdomen, more or less perfectly ambulatorial. 
 Thighs entirely covered and concealed. 
 
 Tibi(e projecting; feathered above; a considerable portion below naked, covered with 
 more or less dense, sometimes reticulated, skin. 
 
 Tarsi of moderate length or rather short ; compressed ; rather slender ; anteriorly 
 transversely scutellate, posteriorly and laterally reticulate. 
 
 Jnterw toes of moderate length, the middle usually about equal to the tarsus; the 
 outer shorter than the middle, intermediate between it and the inner; scutellate supe- 
 riorly ; all of normal number of segments (3, 4, 5). 
 
 Hallux present ; very small, short, elevated above the plane of the other toes ; en- 
 tirely free and disconnected ; of the normal number of segments, (2) — except in liissa. 
 
 Webs broad and full, extending to the claws; their surfaces finely reticulated, their 
 edges usually more or less incised, sometimes rounded. 
 
 Claws fully developed, compressed, curved, more or less acute, the edge of the middle 
 dilated, bat not serrated. 
 
 Tail very variable. Body generally rather full, and sometimes slender. Xeol: rather 
 long. Head of moderate size. Plumage soft, close, thick; its colors simple — white, 
 black, brown, or pearl-blue predominating ; bright tints hardly found, except ou the 
 bill or feet, or as a temporary condition ; the sexes alike in color, but the jilumage 
 varying greatly with age and season. Eggs generally three, light-colored, with numer- 
 ous heavy dark blotches. Nidification normally terrestrial ; reproduction altrical ; 
 young ptilojjaedic. 
 
 Palate with a median and two lateral ridges, papillate. Xasal aperture long, linear, 
 its edges papillate. Opening of Eustachian tube conspicuous. Tongue fully formed, 
 tleshy, apically more or less corneous and bifurcate, posteriorly bipartite, papillate. 
 Mouth capacious. 
 
 (Esophagus capacious, muscular, very distensible, but straight, without permanent 
 dilatations, its mucous membrane longitudinally plicate. Prorentriculus directly con- 
 tinuous with cesophagus, saccular; its glands simple follicles, forming a complete zone. 
 Gigeriuni nearly directly continuous with the proventriculus ; moderately muscular, its 
 cuticular lining dense, hard, rugose. No fully-formed pyloric valves. Duodenal fold 
 of ordinary character. Intestines of moderate length and calibre. CoUn very short. 
 Cceca coH always present, but extremely variable in length. A capacious globular 
 eloata. A more or less perfectly developed urinai-y bursa. 
 
 Lobes of liver unequal, connected loosely superiorly. No lobulus spigelii. Pancreas 
 well developed. Hepatic and pancreatic ducts opening usually close together, at the 
 termination of the duodenal fold. Gall-bladder and spleen usually if not always pres- 
 ent ; the latter small, elongated. 
 
 Kidneys more or less completely divided into lobules, especially in Sternince. Open- 
 ings of ureters and vasa deferentia upon minute papillse, side by side, on the fold of 
 mucous membrane separating the two portions of the cloaca. No intromittent male 
 organ. 
 
 Opening of the glottis rather large, linear, its edges papillate. Superior larynx with 
 a median longitudinal internal crest. Ti achea straight, simple, vdthout folds or dilata- 
 tions; flattened above, cylindrical and smaller in calibre below; its rings cartilagi- 
 nous, numerous, closely apposed ; each varying in width trom right to left successively. 
 Inferior larynx small and simple. Bronchi of moderate and about equal length; an- 
 teriorly with numerous rings, of unvarying width ; posteriorly entirely membranous. 
 
 General osteology closely correspondent with ibhat of Pygopodes. No basiptery- 
 goids(?), nor accessory ossicles in the elbow, nor tibial apophysis ; no long bones flat- 
 tened as in Sphenisd. 
 
 The above characters define a natural group of birds found in every part of the 
 world. Kegarding the value of the group, however, and of its subdivisions, authors 
 are greatly at variance. It has usually been lield to be of family rank, and to com- 
 prise four subfamilies, with numerous genera. Again, it has been divided into two 
 
592 OSTEOLOGY OF LAEIDiE. 
 
 groups, Lari and Sterna ; the former comprising Lcstris and Larus ; the Ijitter, Sterna 
 and Ehynckops. Yet, once more, some recent ornithologists have judged that the 
 Jaegers, Gnlls, Terns, and Skimmers each represent a distinct family. Not to mention 
 other classifications of the group, I am iu favor of the first of these modes of subdi- 
 vision. The value of the characters which separate the Laridw from the FrocellariidcB 
 is the same as of those distinguishing other families of Natatores; the line dividing 
 them is trenchant ; and there are no aberrant forms in either.* 
 
 The four subfamilies of the Laridw, while equally well defined, have yet genera 
 upon their coniines which serve to connect them with each other and with other 
 families. Witness the cered biU of Stercorarivs, by which it approaches the Procellariida, 
 but is in nearly every other particular essentially a Gull. Such subgenera as Xema and 
 Creagrua among Larincn change the Larine very gradually to the Sternine form, meet- 
 ing, on the confines of the latter subfamily, such a subgenus as the thick-billed, short- 
 tailed Gelochelidon, to render the transition still less abrupt. And the Ehyiichopince are 
 in every respect true Terns, exce^it in the feature of the unique bill. Examination of 
 the internal as well as the external characters of the four subfamilies (Lestridince, La- 
 rina, Siernin(B, and Bhynchopinw) demonstrates that the first and second and the third 
 and fourth are more nearly related to each other than are the second and third. 
 
 With these brief remarks upon the family in question, I proceed to give a detailed 
 account of Its osteology, the skeletons of the four subfamilies being so similar that I 
 have thought it best to consider them collectively, indicating subfamily discrepancies. 
 The splanchnology of the four differs more extensively ; and I have, therefore, consid- 
 ered the viscera of each under the head of its typical species, except as regards those 
 of the Rhynchopirue, which are so similar to those of the Siernbice that I have omitted 
 them altogether. Other minor points of splanchnic details I have presented when 
 considering the more marked species. I had hoped to have given the myology of the 
 family in detail, but want of time and space forbade. 
 
 OSTEOLOGY. 
 
 Craxia. — The skull of the Ehynchopwce differs in so many and so essential respects 
 from that of the other three subfamilies that it has been deemed advisable to describe 
 it sejjarately. The others may Ije most conveniently described together, in connection 
 with the general osteology of the family, any differences of importance being, as is the 
 case with the rest of the skeleton, pointed out. The skulls selected for description are 
 those of Stei'coraritis pomatorkinns, Laints argentatm, and Sterna hirundo, each being con- 
 sidered as typical of its respective subfamily. In this case I use ordinary anatomical 
 terms, for the most part, without reference to any theory of the composition of the skull. 
 
 The general shape of the skull, as in by far the majority of Aves, is that of an elon- 
 gated pyramid with a tetragonal base. Its greatest length is from the occipital pro- 
 tuberance to the apes of the intermaxillary bone ; its greatest depth from the middle 
 of the parietal anchylosis directly downward to the base of the sphenoid ; its greatest 
 width is from one tympano-zygomatic articulation to the other. This pyramid is 
 shortest and broadest iu Stercorarius, narrowest and most elongated in Sterna. 
 
 On the base of the pyramid the superior curved line of the occiput is well marked ; 
 the perpendicular spine less developed ; the surrounding surfaces of boue are only 
 slightly depressed. Tlieforamen magnum is rather large, and of a nearly circular shape. 
 The occipital condyle is small, but stands out as a prominent very convex hemisphere. 
 There are well developed " mastoid" processes. 
 
 The temporal fossa on either side of the superior aspect of the skull is not very 
 deep, indicating a rather small aggregate of temporal and masseter muscles. It is 
 incompletely divisible into two portions — a posterior, which stretches toward the 
 median line just anterior to the occipital ridge ; and an anterior, which constitutes the 
 depression just behind the posterior orbital processes. This division is most marked 
 in Larus, and is hardly apparent in Stercorarius. In neither of the subfamilies do these 
 fossae approach very near to the median line, and there is thus left a much more ex- 
 tensive, elevated, smooth portion on the vertex than exists in other natatorial genera, 
 as Puffimis, Colynibvs, &c., where the broad and deep fossse are only separated bj a 
 narrow ridge. The vertex is marked by a smooth longitudinal depression denoting 
 the bi-parietal suture. The anterior and posterior orbital processes are well developed, 
 the former esx^ecially, which project directly outward and backward, with no down- 
 ward obliquity. The posterior ones incline at a considerable angle downward. The out- 
 line of the orbital ridge included between them differs in each subfamily, owing to the 
 difference in the shape and position of the " nasal " glands. In Larus these glands are 
 almost wholly contained, except jnst at their anterior termination, in very deep, well- 
 marked fossse, so that they project but little over the real bony margin of the orbit. 
 In Stn-na, on the contrary, the concavity of the outline of the orbital ridges is very 
 great, the skull being exceedingly narrow at that point, and therefore the glands 
 
 ' Audubon has, indeed, included the Jaegers among the Procellariidce, on the strength 
 of their unentire bill. The error of such a procedure, however, needs no comment. 
 
OSTEOLOGY OF LARID^. 593 
 
 lie rather in grooves along the edges of the orbital ridges than In true fossie, and con- 
 sequently project so as to form more of the roof of the orbit thin is afforded by its 
 bony pariot«s. Stercoranus is intermediate between the two, but much nearest to Larus. 
 In all three of the subfamilies, however, the internal or convex borders of these supra- 
 orbital fossa3 meet on the median line, where they are merely separated by a longitud- 
 inal ridge ; and the fossse are so deficient anteriorly that the ducts of the glands do 
 not pass through a foramen in the roof of the orbit as in some genera of brachypterous 
 JS'atatores, but pass directly beneath the anterior orbital processes. 
 
 The iorehead is rather broad and flat, with a slight concavity both longitudinally 
 and transversely. It is bounded posteriorly by the broad and prominent anterior or- 
 bital processes ; anteriorly by the fronto-maxillary suture. This suture is only very 
 moderately moveable (very different in this respect fiom that of likyiiohojia), and is 
 somewhat concave from the projecting backward of the articulatioa of the nasal bones 
 behind that of the intermaxillary. In the most adult skulls the nasal bones may be 
 distinctly traced, lying on either side of and closely apposed to the intermaxillary bone 
 at its base, running forward for a short distance, and then becoming perfectly anchy- 
 losed with the latter. Just external to the nasal bones, on either side, is the "nasal 
 process of the superior maxillary," running upward and backward from the superior 
 maxillary, to join the frontal bone at its edge just anterior to the orbital process. This 
 bone, which forms the posterior boundary of the anterior nasal fossaj, is usually called 
 the " maxill.iry or descending ramus of the nasal bone ;" and such is its true character, 
 as appears even in such a nearly allied genus as Pvffinus. But here this bone seems 
 quite disconnected with the nasal bone proper, and at the same time to be completely 
 consolidated with the superior maxillary. The separation is well marked in the three 
 subfamilies, especially in Sterna. 
 
 The chief difference in the intermaxillary bones of the three subfamilies is, that in 
 Larina; and Lesiridinw the apex is decurved at a considerable angle over the apex of 
 the inferior maxilla ; while in Sierniiin: there is no such deflection. The coalescence of 
 the two mandibular with the superior mesial process is also here more extended than 
 in the other subfamilies, and consequently the bony margin of the nasal aperture is of 
 less extent. In all, the mesial process is thin and depressed, flat beneath, trans- 
 versely convex above, rising gradually to the fronto-maxillary suture ; and there is 
 but a slight angle between the planes of the frontal and intermaxillary bone, very 
 different from what obtains in Shytichops. This mesial process always retains more or 
 less distinctly marked the longitudinal line denoting its original separation into two 
 halves. The mandibular processes, as usual, are weaker and slenderer thau the mesial, 
 though not greatly so ; they diverge from it, and from each other, at a very slight angle. 
 They are horizontal and quite straight, and lie nearly in a direct line with the zygo- 
 matic bones. 
 
 The orbits, as usual among the Natatorea, are large and irregularly shaped, being de- 
 ficient as to their bony parietes. Beside the difference in their roofs, already detailed, 
 each of the subfamilies varies as to the character of the ethmoidal plate which forms 
 the inter-orbital septum. In Lams* this plate is perfect, and the two orbits are com- 
 pletely separated by bone. In Stercoranus the moderate-sized oval foramen exists in 
 the centre of the plate, while in Sterna there can hardly be said to be a bony septum 
 at all, beyond a slight backward projection of the ethmoidal plate from the middle of 
 the anterior walls of the orbit. The septum between the orbits and the interior of the 
 cranium is also exceedingly defective in Sterna, all the anterior nerves escaping by one 
 large orifice, which extends from, the roof to the floor of the cavity. There is seen, 
 however, an indication of the more complete foramina which exist ih the other sub- 
 families, in processes which project inward from the edges of this large orifice. They 
 do not, however, meet each other, nor yet meet the process of the ethmoidal plate 
 which extends backward. Even the olfactory nerves have not distinct foramina of 
 egress, but escape by the common orifice. In all the subfamilies the course of the ol- 
 factory nerve is indicated by a distinct deep groove along the roof of the orbit. In 
 the skulls of Larus and Stercoranus before me, the foramen, or rather canal, which con- 
 ducts this nerve from the orbit into the nasal passages, is large and conspicuous ; in 
 Ste>-na it is much more contracted. The anterior parietes of the orbits, which separate 
 them from the nasal passages, is very deficient below, but superiorly it is more com- 
 plete, and there pierced by two foramina ; one, just described, for the olfactory nerve; 
 the other for the duct of the nasal gland. The extremity of this bony septum is acute, 
 and extends downward nearly to the level of the zygoma in Larus and in Sterna ; in 
 Stercorarius it is much shorter and more obtuse. 
 
 The skull presents on its inferior aspect the shape of an almost perfect isosceles tri- 
 angle. The base of this triangle is a little wider in the Lestridiua- than in the other 
 two subfamilies, in consequence of the greater divergence of the mandibular processes 
 of the intermaxillary bone, and, beyond them, of the malar bones. These last form, as 
 usual, with the thin flat rami of the inferior mandible the lateral boundaries of this 
 
 'Skulls may vary in this respect. I describe the three subfamilies from the samples 
 I have before me. 
 
 38 
 
594 OSTEOLOGY OF LAEID^. 
 
 aspect of the skull. Along the median line the stout, broad edge of the conjoined 
 bases of the occipital and sphenoid, and further on of the sphenoid and ethmoid, ex- 
 tend about as far as opposite the fronto-maxillary suture ; there they terminate in a 
 small acutely-pointed process. 
 
 The palate bones are rather widely separated anteriorly ; but posteriorly, by an in- 
 crease of their width, they are brougbt into close apposition, and nearly meet together 
 over the ridge of the sphenoid. They are exceedingly thin and delicate ; their external 
 borders straight ; their posterior extremity more or less abruptly rounded or truncated, 
 bearing at its internal angle the usual small projecting process for the pterygoid artic- 
 ulation. They are completely anchylosed with the superior maxillary, so that all traces 
 of their union are lost. They vary slightly in shape and in comparative length, in the 
 different subfamilies, but not to any notable degree. The inferior surface in all of them 
 is more or less concave in a transverse direction, from the curving downward of the 
 margins. 
 
 The internal or mesial edge of the palate bone has joined to it, along its anterior 
 moiety, the vomer. This is small and light, projecting forward from between the di- 
 vergence of the palatals, on the median line, to divide the nasal passages into two. 
 This bone is bifid for about its third, when the two sides become firmly united, present- 
 ing inferiorly a sharp, narrow edge ; superiorly a broader margin, which is deeply 
 grooved for nearly its whole length, to enable it to ride over the ridge of the ethmoid. 
 The bone is thin and delicate throughout, terminating anteriorly in an extremely at- 
 tenuated apex. 
 
 The malar bones, or "zygomatic arches," are long and slender, having a considerable 
 outward convexity. They are thin and compressed throughout their length, except just 
 where they fuse with the superior maxillary, when they become perpendicularly de- 
 pressed instead of laterally compressed, so that they may yield by their elasticity to an 
 upward motion of the facial bones. 
 
 The malar process of the os pedicellatum is elopgated and well developed, carrying 
 the head of the zygoma far outward and downward. The articulation is of the ordi- 
 nary character. The orbital process of the tympanic bone is moderately long, and 
 compressed and broad, and with a wide, truncated, somewhat nodulated, extremity. 
 The body of the bone is short and thin, being compressed in a lateral direction, but, 
 like the orbital and malar processes, its other processes are all largely developed and 
 quite strong. Its articulation with the os temporale proper is by two very convex, 
 rounded eminences on either side of the articulating head of the bone, separated by a 
 deep notch, which is deprived of a smooth articulating surface. The proper articula- 
 tion of the pterygoid bone is merely a very small prominent convex condyle, which is 
 received into a corresponding cavity in the head of the pterygoid bone. The head of 
 the latter, however, is rather wide, and is in apposition with the edge of the pedicel- 
 latum for a greater extent than is apparent on a slight inspection. In consequence 
 of the development of the malar and pterygoid eminences of the pedicellatum, the ar- 
 ticulating surface for the inferior maxilla is much elongated transversely, and very 
 narrow antero-posteriorly. Its surface, as usual, is irregular. 
 
 The pterygoid bones are of moderate length, nearly straight, their superior borders 
 thin and sharp ; their anterior extremities slightly curved, and with something of a 
 groove to play along the edge of the basilar process of the sphenoid. Their articula- 
 tion with the palate bones is of the ordinary character. 
 
 Lack of basipterygoids may prove a diagnostic feature of Laridm as compared with 
 Procellariidm ; for they are certainly present in many of the Cecomorphw, contrary to 
 the original definition of that group. A late writer has shown that they occur per- 
 haps throughout Procellariidce, and has proposed upon this basis to separate the latter 
 under the name of Xcctriomorpliai. 
 
 The superior maxillary bones are small and inconspicuous. They are so wedged 
 between the intermaxillary, malar, and palatal, that, if we except that process 
 which perhaps belongs to them, which forms the posterior boundary to the nasal aper- 
 ture, they are only apparent internal and superior to the palatal bones, where they 
 form on either side a broad, thin concavo-convex dOation, the concavity of which pre- 
 sents outward and downward. The inferior curled margins of this, their dilation, may 
 be seen on the inferior aspect of the skull, just within and between the palatals, on 
 either side of the vomer, commencing about opposite its extremity. 
 
 The inferior maxillary bone retains at all ages, as usual among Natatores, very evi- 
 dent traces of the original elements of which it was composed. The suture by which 
 the symphyseal elements are united to the supposed conjoined angular and supra-an- 
 gular is specially noticeable, and the splenial element may be distinctly traced on the 
 iusiiie of the ramus of the jaw. This sjplenial element is very short (especially in 
 Siercorarius), and has but little of a forward obliquity. The union of the other pieces 
 of the jaw is complete in adult life. The rami are united at the symphysis for an ex- 
 ceedingly short distance iu Larus and Stercorarius, more extensively in Sterna. The 
 coronoid jjrocess is moderately arched, but the convexity is very gradual, and has no 
 sharp apex. The angle on the lower margin of the jaw, just at the gomphosal suture, 
 is pretty prominent. The outline of the tomial edge of the rami is nearly straight to 
 
OSTEOLOGY OF LARID^. 
 
 595 
 
 the tip, where it is considerably decnrved, in Lams and Stercorariiis ; in Sterna no such 
 deflection exists. The articulating surface has, as usual, an internal deep concavity, 
 and au external more shallow portion, both being bounded posteriorly by a raised 
 border. The internal process of the articulating surface is well developed and rather 
 acute ; and from the external edges of the articulation there proceeds downward and 
 forward on the edge of the jaw a raised line, for muscular attachments, most conspicu- 
 ous in Larus. The surface of bone just posterior to the articulation, for the attachment 
 of the digastricus, is of a triangular shape, and its face presents backward and down- 
 ward instead of backward and upward, as in some other natatorial genera. 
 
 The tomial edges of the inferior maxilla are thin, sharp, and erect ; while tho.se of 
 the mandibular processes of the intermaxillary are broad and ilat, without sharp edges. 
 
 § Table ahcnoing the comparative prox)ortions, and rdalirc sizes 
 
 families of Laridw. 
 
 of tJw 
 
 si'H.Hs 
 
 / the four sub- 
 
 Dimensions. 
 
 w 3 
 
 be . 
 
 a.' 
 
 O 
 
 Length from apex of intermaxillary to occipital protub. .. 
 Length from apex of intermaxillary to fronto-max. suture. 
 Length from apex of intermaxillary to occipital condyle. - 
 
 Length from apex of intermaxillary to end of palatals 
 
 Length from apex of intermaxillary to end of malar 
 
 Length from apex of intermaxillary to post-orbital proc's. 
 Length from apex of intermaxillary to ante-orbital proc's . 
 Length of malar bones .. ._ . 
 
 «3.60 
 2.00 
 3.25 
 2.55 
 3.00 
 2.95 
 2.20 
 1.25 
 1.05 
 0.48 
 0.55 
 1.45 
 0.75 
 1.40 
 1.00 
 0.40 
 0.31 
 0.80 
 1.45 
 0.22 
 0.60 
 0.50 
 0.85 
 3.00 
 
 5.00 
 2.70 
 4.55 
 3.55 
 4.35 
 4.20 
 3.25 
 1.85 
 1.15 
 0.79 
 0.78 
 1.95 
 0,95 
 1.70 
 1.20 
 0.58 
 0.58 
 1.00 
 1.90 
 0.30 
 0.70 
 0.85 
 1.00 
 4.35 
 0.70 
 0.45 
 0.48 
 
 2.85 
 1..50 
 2.50 
 2.00 
 2.40 
 2.35 
 1.75 
 1.00 
 0.55 
 0.34 
 0.34 
 0.90 
 0.55 
 0.85 
 0.68 
 0.25 
 0.20 
 0.68 
 0.80 
 0.20 
 0.30 
 0.74 
 0.60 
 2.40 
 0.22 
 0.58 
 0.20 
 
 5.10 
 3.20 
 4.75 
 4.10 
 4.65 
 4.50 
 3.85 
 1.35 
 0.70 
 0.56 
 0.66 
 1.50 
 0.75 
 1.10! 
 LIO! 
 0.60 
 0.58 
 0.78 
 
 "o'.io 
 
 2.25! 
 0.50! 
 4.60 
 0.55 
 2.90! 
 0.55 
 
 
 Length of pterygoid bones 
 
 Length of ossa pedicellata (greatest) 
 
 Width of skull across tympano-zygomatio articulation . .. 
 
 Width of skull across mastoid processes 
 
 Width of skull across post-orbital processes 
 
 
 Width of skull across fronto-m axillary suture 
 
 Width of skull across narrowest point of orbital roof 
 
 From ante to post-ofbi tal processes 
 
 
 Diameter of foramen magnum (antero-post.) 
 
 
 Length of symphysis of rami of intermaxillary 
 
 
 
 
 tO.45 
 0.28 
 0.63 
 
 Length of symphysis of inferior maxilla 
 
 
 
 * Inches and hundredths. 
 
 + The greatest depth in Larinm, Lestridinw, and Sierninw is opposite the coronoid pro- 
 cess. In BhynchopincB the depth just anterior to the symphysis exceeds this, the depth 
 at the coronoid process being only 0.45. 
 
 SpiNAi COLUMN. — The number of vertebrse throughout the four subfamilies is nearly 
 constant, varying at most by one or two vertebrai, if at all. The Sterninw appear to 
 have one less vertebra in the sacrum, i.e., eleven instead of twelve ; but this is the 
 only difference that I have been able to discover. The following table exhibits the num- 
 ber of vertebrae belonging to the different spinal regions in three of the four groups : 
 
 Species. 
 
 O 
 
 Stercorarius pomatorhinus 
 
 Larus argentatus 
 
 Sterna hirundo 
 
596 OSTEOLOGY OF LAKID^. 
 
 The above table differs from those given by Owen, Totld's Cyclop. Auat. and Phvs., 
 Art. Aces, andbyEYTOX, Osteol. ATium. Prof. Owen's figures are : " Ciitai-ractes." lo — 
 9— 13— t-; "aull" IS— Ji^ll— 5^; " Tmi," 14— !?— 10— ?. "Mr. Ey ton gives: Larus ridi- 
 linidns. 14 — 7 — 1-2 — 7; S/friia arctica, 13 — li — V2 — li; ifAj/wcAops liiffCfl, 13 — 6 — 12 — S. It 
 is to be expected that discrepant statements should occur in the enumeration of the 
 sacral vertebrie, as the composition of that most complex of all bones is difficult to 
 interpret. In the other instances we may presume that there is actually a variation 
 with the species in number, of vert^bne of tlie several regions. I give the numbers as 
 determined by myself in the specimens of the three species above mentioned, adding 
 the formula; of Owen and Eyton for comparison. 
 
 The peculiarities of the several regions, and of the difl'ereut vertebrie composing 
 them, may be briefly noticed : 
 
 Cervical ^"EKTebr^. — The alias is little more than a simple ring, its foramen slightly 
 flattened inferiorly. Its '' body '' is merely a slight projection on the inferior edge of its 
 circumference ; bearing, cephalad, a perfectly circulsir facet for articulation with the 
 occipital condyle; and caudad, and ujion its superior margin, a deep longitudinal 
 channel, so deep as almost to amount to a canal for the reception and retention of the 
 axial odontoid process. Superiorly on each side are indications of transveree pro- 
 cesses; inferiorly there is the rudiment of a " ventral spine," 
 
 Axis,— ^This is of a somewhat peculiar shape. The spinous and transverse processes, 
 both of which are quite well developed, seem to lie considerably posterior to the 
 body of the vertebra, in consequence of an obliquity backward of the neural arch 
 from the centrnm. The ventral spine is well developed, thin, with an anteriorly con- 
 vex, posteriorly concave margin ; oblique in duectiou, projecting backward as well as 
 downward. The body of the vertebra proper consists of little more than a base for 
 the support of the odontoid process, which latter is acute, well developed, semicylin- 
 drical, its surface toward the spinal canal being flattened. The transverse articulating 
 facets are small, subcircular, slightly concave, situated beneath the processes, at their 
 bases. The other articulation is elongated, compressed, vertically concave, hori- 
 zontally convex. The motion between the atlas and the third vertebra is very free iu 
 a vertical direction, less so in a horizontal, while rotation is greatly restricted. 
 
 The third and fourth vertebra? somewhat resemble the axis in having a broad, thin, 
 longitudinal lamina of bone extending between the anterior and posterior articular 
 processes. They are also very short and broad. The other vertebra> all diftev some- 
 what, but the difference is so gradual that they may most conveniently be described 
 collectively, Tlie lowest or doi'sad vertebrie are the largest and broadest, but com- 
 paratively the shortest. Their posterior articular processes are short and slightly 
 divaricating; as we proceed up the neck they become longer, more attenuated, and 
 more widely diverging. This attennation is greatest on about the fifth vertebra. 
 The transverse processes are very wide below, and extend directly outward from the 
 median line. Further up the neck they are less px-ominont, and have also an anterior 
 obliquity. This process on the last vertebra does not form a canal for the passage of 
 the artery; the canal commences on the twelfth, as a simple foramen, becoming nar- 
 rower in diameter, but at the same time more and more lengthened and caual-like, up 
 to the atlas. 
 
 Superior spinous processes, or the "neural spines," are well developed on the first 
 five vertebra?, but they diminish in size from the third to the sixth, when they become 
 quite obsolete, and do not reappear. Inferior or ventral siiinous processes are found 
 very well developed on the first four vertebra', being largest on the atliis ; they then 
 entirely disappear, and are not found again until about the eleventh vertebra, where 
 they are slightly elevated, longitudinal, vertical lamella". Styloid jirocesses are found 
 thronghout the whole length of this portion of the spine, except the atlas and axis, 
 and, usually, the last vertebra. They commence on the third vertebra, elongate on 
 each successively to the sixth or seventh, where they are longest and thinnest, meas- 
 uring two-thirds the length of the body of the vertebra. They then regularly grow 
 shorter and more obtuse till they are hardly perceptible on the thirteenth and quite 
 obsolete on the fourteenth or last cervical. 
 
 Air is admitted into the vertebra; by numerous foramina on the sides of the bodies, 
 about the roots of the transverse processes and in the canal for the artery. 
 
 There is the ordinary difference iu the calibre of the spinal canal iu the centre and 
 at the extremities of each vertebra. The planes of the articular surface are, as usual, 
 so disposed as to produce, iu the most natural position of the head and neck, the ordi- 
 nary sigmoid flexure, When the neck is extended there is on the doraal surface a 
 large diamond-shaped space between each vertebra and the next covered in only by 
 ligamentous tissue. 
 
 DouSAL VEETEBRJE, — If we regard the presence of a rib as characteristic of the ver- 
 tebra' of this region of the spine, wo shall have eight as the total number of dorsal 
 vertebra', Bnt the two last of these are perfectly consolidated with and continuous 
 T,ilh (he first sacral; and their transverse and spinous processes also have a lateral 
 -ai:<l superior auchylosis with the iliac bones. At the same time there is a perfect artio- 
 
OSTEOLOGY OF LAEIDiE. 597 
 
 ulation lietween these two last vertebrro and the one just before them, producing a 
 Boraewhat moveable joint, never so firmly consolidated as are the other dorsal vertebrae 
 with each other. But for the fact that they are oostiferous, therefore, the two last 
 vertebrfB might be considered as a portion of the sacrum. 
 
 On the first dorsal there commence abruptly prominent subrectangular spinous 
 processes, which are a distinguishing feature of this portion of the column. These 
 processes of any two contiguous vertebra' are in contact for their whole extent, and 
 more er less completely consolidated. Scleroskeletal tendons extend backward from 
 the posterior apices of eaeh of them. The transverse processes are all broad, thin, flat, 
 horizontal, stretching outward and a little backward, strengthened by a lirop, which 
 proceeds from the sides of the bodies of the vertebric to the apices of these processes. 
 Their apices bear the ordinary facet for the articnlat ion of the rib, and from each there 
 stretches backward an osseous tendon. 
 
 The bodies of the vertebra^ are uot so deep vertically nor so compressed as usual. 
 Anteriorly, indeed, they are wider tban deep; their free ventral surface broad and 
 roughened, either with or without tubercles, as far as the fourth, for the attachment 
 of the longus colli. The other posterior vertebra' are thinner, being especially com- 
 pressed at their centres. 
 
 Although the vertebriB of this region canuot be said to be anchylosed, except per- 
 haps in -^ery old birds, yet they enjoy but very little motion upon each other, par- 
 ticularly the more central ones. The first is usually moveable to a degree, while some 
 little motion is permitted between the sixth and seventh. 
 
 Sacral ■S'ERTEBR.e. — It is difficult to ascertain the number of vertebrfe in the sac- 
 rum, but, as well as can be made out, the Slerniiiw have one less than the other sub- 
 families. Tlie elements of the sacrum are comiiletely consolidated into one piece, 
 together with the last two dorsal; so that it is ouly by counting the number of trans- 
 verse processes which stretch outward to abut agaiust the innominate bones that 
 their number can be estimated. The body of the sacrum is thickest in the middle, 
 taperini; somewhat toward both extremities; the tapering, however, of the anterior 
 extremity is only apparent, since it makes up by increased depth for decreased width. 
 The body is decidedly curved, giving a notable degree of antero-posterior concavity to 
 the dorsum of the pelvis. Anteriorly the iliac bones unite on the median line, and the 
 united spinous processes of the sacrum are completely anchylosed with them as well 
 as the transverse. About the middle of the sacrum the ele\ated longitudinal ridge 
 formed by the united spinous [irocesses disappears, and the median line of the bone is 
 smooth and flat. There are no signs of inferior or ventral spinous processes on any 
 part of the length of the sacrum. The transverse processes of the fir.st three vertebrae 
 are conspicuous, and project directly outward to be consolidated with the middle of 
 the under surface of the ilia ; the next three are short and inconspicuous, very little 
 more than ridges on the body of the sacrum. The seventh pair, however, suddenly 
 become the longest of all, running far outward, reaching even qnite to the margins of 
 the acetabula, and they are strengthened by a thin vertical plate of bone, which 
 stretches down from them to the dorsum of the ilia. The succeeding transverse pro- 
 cesses are well developed, projecting obliquely outward and backward to join the 
 margin of the ischia. 
 
 Coccygeal vertebrje. — ^The coccyx has constantly eight segments. These are 
 chiefly noticeable for the length and width of their transverse processes. In Stercora- 
 riiis they are larger than elsewhere, being all of nearly the same length, whereas iu 
 other genera the anterior ones are more or less shortened, and do not reach their full 
 development until the fourth or fifth vertebra. These processes become very small on 
 the sixth, and are obsolete on the seventh. Superior spines are present, moderately 
 well developed, hut short. Ventral spines are wanting on the iirst three, but quite 
 largely developed on the last five vertebra?. Tliey are much the largest in Slercorarius, 
 and bifid at their extremity. 
 
 The pygostyle is large, of an irregularly trihedral shape ; its superior margin convex, 
 its inferior a little concave; its base thickened for articulation with the seventh. Its 
 two superior angles are thin and rounded ; the inferior is prolonged into a thick, stout 
 nodulated apex. ■ 
 
 EiBS. — The ribs are eight in number. Of these all are articulated with the spine, 
 there being none disconnected with it, as in some other genera of Xatatores. Six have 
 a sternal attachment as well as a spinal, while five possess retrocedent processes. The 
 first is an exceedingly slender elongated spiculum of bone, tapering to a very acute 
 apex, which is free. It extends to about opposite the process on the second rili. The 
 next five ribs have both vertebral and sternal portions movably articulated. Of these 
 the former are greatly the longest, and elongate rapidly with each successive rib. The 
 sternal portions are very much shorter, but also lengthen rapidly from before back- 
 ward. The splints which stretch backward and inward between one rib and another 
 are well developed. In the unexpanded thorax they reach quite across two intercostal 
 spaces. The " sacral ribs" are very long and extremely slender. Tho first articulates 
 
598 OSTEOLOGY OF LAEID^. 
 
 ■with the sternum; the last one does not, although it has a sternal rib attached to it. 
 Neither of them shows traces of posterior oblique processes. 
 
 Sternum. — The stermim varies more in the different subfamilies than any other por- 
 tion of the skeleton except the skull. It will, therefore, be necessary to institute com- 
 parisons between the four types, although a general description may still be made for 
 either of the groups. I describe it held upside down. 
 
 The body of the bone is pretty regularly n-ctangular, and about twice as long as 
 broad across the middle. In Lesiridinai and Slernina; the lateral borders are nearly 
 straight or but slightly concave, while in Larina the outline is very conca^'e from the 
 protrusion of the costal processes. This much greater development of the costal pro- 
 cesses in Larus gives a greater breadth anteriorly, and detracts from the more perfectly 
 rectangular shape which obtains in the other subfamilies. Just posterior to the costal 
 I)rocesses are the six articulating facets for the sternal ribs. These are simply linear 
 perpendicular eminences, separated by curved sulci from eaoli other. They extend 
 bnt little more than half the length of the sternum, the remaining portion of the bor- 
 der being thin and j)hiin. 
 
 The anterior border is very convex, running forward a considerable distance from 
 the costal i)rocesses, having on the median line a large semicircular, well-developed 
 manubrial process. The outer half of this border is thin, corresponding with the costal 
 processes; the inner very thick, and deeply grooved to form the coracoid facets. These 
 facets are of a shape somewhat peculiar, as they curl downward and inward toward 
 each other, to meet on the median line beneath the manubrium, which consequently 
 overhangs them. In the middle of their course they are very shallow, but again, at 
 their outer extremity, become sulci by means of a short, stout process of bone which 
 overhangs them. 
 
 The posterior border differs in the Lcstridino: from the other subfamilies. It has but 
 a single long, slender incurved process, forming with the xiphoid cartilage a single 
 deep oval excavation. In the other subfamilies the outer process is not so long and 
 slender, it projecting but little if any beyond the extremity of the xiphoid; and there 
 is, in addition, a second small, short, slender process midway between the externa] one 
 and the xiphoid, which divides the single membranous space of the Lesiridinw into two 
 small sijaees, each of a more or less oval shape. 
 
 The dorsum of the sternum is strongly vaulted, both transversely and longitud- 
 inally. The amount of convexity both waysis gi'catest in Lcniridhue, least in Sleniiiw. 
 In Lealridina; also, the convexity is very much the greatest anteriorly, while in the 
 other subfamilies the whole dorsum is more equally vaulted. The most noticeable 
 feature of the dorsum is the prominent ridge which extends from the osseous i)rojec- 
 tion at the extremity of the coracoid facets obliquely backward and inward to meet 
 the keel near its posterior extremity. This ridge limits the attachment of tlie pec- 
 toralis medius muscle to the sternum. It is proportionally shortest in the Leslridinw. 
 
 The keel is umarl-.ably well developed, rising high above the dorsum. Its height is 
 equal to half the average width of the Ijone. Its ridge is very convex, and does not 
 lose itself in the dorsum until it has quite reached the end of the bone. Its anterior 
 border curves forward with a strong, wide, and deeply concave margin, being ternji- 
 nated by a well developed and greatly projecting though not very acute apex. 
 
 The xiphoid process is broad, rounded, and flattened in Lculridince, and extends a 
 little way beyond the subsidence of the keel. lu Larince it is narrow and more acute, 
 and the keel is continued to its very tip, while in Sterninw it is so compressed as to ap- 
 pear simply like the termination of the keel, slightly broadened. 
 
 The jmeumatic foramina are very numerous. They are situated along the whole 
 length of the median line of the inner surface; at the base of the anterior border of 
 the keel ; in the sulci between the costal facets, &.c. 
 
 The coracoids are of moderate length and stoutness. The shaft of the bone centrally 
 is snbcyiindrical, bnt at either extremity is greatly expanded in various directions. 
 The basal articulating surface, besides being deeply concave, is twisted upon itself in 
 a peculiar manner to adapt it to the shape of the sternal facet. The inner margin of 
 the bone is thick and rounded, the outer thin and sharp, and expanded into a well 
 maiked rounded i>rocess. The head of the bone presents a large irregular expansion, 
 generally convex in its outer aspect, but made exceedingly thin by a deep concavity 
 or excavation on its inner side. A prominent process at the inner and inferior border 
 (-f the head supports the tip of the furculum. Between this projection and the pro- 
 ce!;S which supports the head of the scapula ia a deep groove, which extends some dis- 
 tance along the shaft. It is nearly bridged over and converted into a canal by an 
 overhanging projection of the scapular process. A dense ligament cimpletes that por- 
 tion of the canal which wants osseous parietes, and through it plays the tendon of the 
 pectoralis medius. 
 
 On the outer aspect of the head of the bone is the depression which contributes to 
 form the glenoid fossa. Neither it, however, nor the scapula itself, present any peculi- 
 arities worthy of special notice. 
 
 The clavicles have, as usual, a scapular as well as a coracoid articulation. The former 
 
OSTEOLOGY OF LAEID^. 599 
 
 is, however, merely the apposition of the extreme tip of the bone with the inner aide 
 of the head of the scapula. There is a well developed tubercle and articulating facet 
 for the head of the coraeoid. The bones are not connected except ligamentously with 
 the sternum. Thev unite at about the same angle, and have much the same amount 
 of longitudinal curvature in all the subfamilies. The symphysis is perhaps a little 
 broader and stronger in the ii^/ridiiifr than in the others. There is a well developed 
 projecting process at the symphysis, most marked in the Vtt)-nincc. The bones curve 
 greatly downward and backward toward the sternum, and then approach each other 
 with a still greater amount of inclination; so that while the angle the shafts of the 
 bone make with each other is small, the real angle of the union of the two is very 
 obtuse. This gives the bones the ^ellui^>ite amount of power in preventing the ap- 
 proximation of the heads of the coracoids. 
 
 Hl^^rERUS. — This hone presents several interesting features. The superior or anterior 
 crest is short but very high ; it rises abruptly from the shaft, and from the upper ex- 
 tremity of the head of the bone, with perfectly plane, smooth sides The inferior or pos- 
 terior crest, on the other hand, is broadly convex both longitudinally and transversely on 
 its outer aspect ; its longitudinal convexity gives the head of the bone nearly all of its 
 obliquity with reference to the axis of the shaft. It arches over the posterior aspect 
 of the end of the shaft, this vaulting being formed by a deep excavation or concavity 
 on its posterior aspect. This excavation is complete and open in Lariiicc and Stemini, 
 and is divided in two by a prominent longitudinal ridge ; while in the Leittridince the 
 excavation is partially closed in by a plane prolongation of the shaft, which leaves 
 only a rather small oval foramen to open into the excavation. The apes of the crest 
 has a considerable prolongation backward, separated from the articularhcad by a deep 
 notch. Its convex siiriace is marked near the head of the bone by two deep grooves, 
 one parallel with, the other perpendicular to, the axis of the shaft. The articular head 
 of the bone is narrowly oval, but very convex, its long axis lying between the extrem- 
 ities of the two crests. A prominent ridge of bone arises from the shaft, and runs up 
 between the two crests to the head. The greater part of the expansion about the head 
 of the bone is rough, for the attachment of ligaments and tendons. 
 
 The most notable feature of the lower extremity of the bone is the presence on its 
 outer edge, just above the radial tubercle, of a prominent, well developed, acnte "sty- 
 loid" process. This projects directly from the side of the bone, and at right angles 
 with it. It serves for the origin of the tendon of the extensor carpi radialis longior. 
 On the opposite side of the bone, jnst above the ulnar tubercle, there is a slight promi- 
 nence, but nothing deserving the name of a process. I have observed none of the sup- 
 plementary bones lately described by Prof, Keinhardt as occurring in a majority of the 
 ProceUariUla:, and do not think any such exist. 
 
 The elongation and obliquity of the radial facet are well marked, but present nothing 
 unusual in shape or size, as is the case with the rounded ulnar tubercle. There is a 
 very large and deep ccronoid fossa on the anterior aspect of the bone just above the 
 condyles, most extensive in the Larinof, shallowest in the Lestridina;. There is no 
 olecranoid depression, but in place of it the extremity of the bone posteriorly pre- 
 sents a deep longitudinal groove on the ulnar side, which condncts the extensor tendon. 
 This groove is bounded internally by a well developed ulnar condyle ; extemallv bv 
 a slight ridge, which separates it from a narrow, shallow groove that runs over the 
 radisS side of the extremity of the bone. 
 
 Bo^"ES oy the foreaem, — The ulna is considerably longer than the humerus, and 
 very stont and strong. It is considerably curved on its axis, the convexity presentino- 
 backward. Its posterior aspect is marked with two or three rows of slight ronchened 
 eminences, denoting the attachment of feathers. The head is large and stout, its artic- 
 ulating facets presenting forward. The inner of these is a perfectly circular cup-shaped 
 depression, the anterior margin of which forms what there is of a coronoid process. 
 while a considerable projection posteriorly to it constitutes the olecranon. Just beside 
 this facet there is on the radial side of the head of the bone the smooth concavo-convex 
 depression, which forms, together with the head of the radius, the elongated oblique 
 facet for articulation with the radial tubercle of the humerus. The distal extremity 
 of the bone presents the usual curved surface on its radial aspect, over which the ex- 
 panded and deflected extremity of the radius is applied. Below and posterior to this 
 is an elongated, smooth, Ifcngitudinally convex and transversely concave trochlea.' 
 surface. 
 
 The radius is, as usual, very slender and cylindrical. Its head is rather oval than 
 round, but its facet is nearly circular. Its distal extremity is laterally expanded and 
 deflected, to overlie the extremity of the ulna. It is marked with a slight loniritudinal 
 groove along which plays the tendon of the extensor. ° 
 
 The radio-carpal bone is comparatively very small, being much less than the "pisi- 
 form." It is of an indescribably irregular fonn. It has three smooth articulating sur- 
 faces; a deep, oval transverse one for the raditis ; a very small, shallow one besfde it 
 for the ulna ; and on the opposite side a larger, somewhat crescentic, concavo-convex 
 
600 OSTEOLO&T OP hASlDM. 
 
 one for the head of the metacarpus. Its superior non-articular surface is grooved for 
 the passage of the extensor tendon. 
 
 The ulnar carpal or so-called pisiform bone is very large. The notch on its metacarpal 
 aspect is exceedingly broad and deep ; so much so that the bone is saddled, as it were, 
 on the inner ridge of the metacarpal articulating surface, along which it rides freely. 
 The inner prong of the bifurcation is greatly elongated ; the outer is shorter and 
 stouter ; and it is by the extremity of this that the bone chiefly articulates with 
 the metacarpus. The ulnar articulating surface is merely a slight oval depression. 
 The apex of the bone is tolerably acute, and rough for the attachment of tendons. 
 
 The composition and movements of the wrist-joint, as well as those of the elbow, 
 afford an interesting study ; but as there is nothing in them peculinr to the group 
 under consideration, I pass' them over with the foregoing brief descriptiou. 
 
 The metacarpal segment of the arm is about half the length of the autibrachium. 
 The two principal bones of which it is composed are entirely separate, except at their 
 extremities, where they arg firmly consolidated. Of these the radial one is much the 
 largest, the ulnar being merely a delicate cylindrical shaft, somewhat broadened and 
 flattened toward its proximal extremity. The main shaft of the bone is rather flat- 
 tened than cylindrical. The superior edge of the proximal extremity bears a short but 
 unusually prominent and well-developed crest, with a tuberculated apex, for the at- 
 tachment of the extensor tendon. Its distal extremity is abruptly truncated, for 
 the articulation of the poUes. Just at its base, on the inner or under aspect of the 
 bone, is a small osseous projection, either for the attachment of a tendon or the confin- 
 ing of some that go to the digits. The articulating face of the bone is very long, ex- 
 tending from the superior border over the head, and some distance along the inferior 
 aspect. It is transversely deeply concave, having raised borders, the inner and most 
 prominent of which is received in the bifarcation of the " pisiform" bone. 
 
 The pollex is simply a small, slender, straight, compressed spiculuni of bone, movea- 
 bly articulated with, and projecting directly from, the truncated extremity of the 
 metacarpal crest. The "ulnar finger" in like manner projects from the extremity of 
 the ulnar segment of the metacarpus, being closely bound to the under surface of the 
 first phalanx of the radial finger. 
 
 The radial finger, or the proper continuation of the limb, consists of two phalanges 
 only, each rather more than half as long as the metacarpus. The first of these some- 
 what resembles the metacarpus, in being wide, thin, and compressed, and partially di- 
 vided into two longitudinal parallel segments. The distal is simply a straight, slender, 
 tapering and acutely-pointed spiculum, articulating with the preceding by a somewhat 
 enlarged head. 
 
 OssA l^^■OMI^'AT.v. — The pelvis has, for a natatorial family, considerable depth and 
 concavity. Anteriorly it is flat, its parietes very deficient ; but posteriorly the large 
 ischia project downward and backward, forming extensive and solid walls ; while me- 
 dially there is a subrectangular deep fossa formed by the vaulting of the innominate 
 bones for the reception of the renal organs. 
 
 The ilia are rather small and thin bones projecting as far forward as the seventh 
 dorsal vertebra. The dorsum is slightly concave In every direction ; the venter is 
 about flat; the external margins deeply concave; the anterior broadly convex; the 
 internal meeting and being anchylosed with its fellow and with the 'superior sacral 
 spines over the median line. It receives the transverse processes of the sacrum against 
 its inferior surface and inner margin. Toward the posterior border, and opposite the 
 acetabulum, the bone spreads out and becomes much arched and expanded, to form 
 with a similar enlargement on the anterior portion of the isohia, the chief part of the 
 concavity proper of the pi Ivis, that wh'ch contains the kidneys. 
 
 The ischia stretch downward, backward, and outward, as broad, thin planes, flat, ex- 
 cept at the commencement near the acetabulum, where they are vaulted. The proper 
 " tuber ischii" is merely a small projection on the posterior margin of the bones ; what 
 is properly the "ascending ramus'' continues directly onward and forms the real ex- 
 tremity of the bone, which is remarkably elougated and tapering. The ischiadic notch 
 is, as usual, converted into a foramen, in this case very large, subcircular, situated just 
 posterior to the acetabulum. 
 
 The pubis is merely a long, thin, flexible, nearly straight spiculum of bone, a little 
 curved jnward, and dilated at its floating extremity. It commences at the acetabu- 
 lum, which, as usual, it contributes to form, and runs backward, outward, and down- 
 ward, lying parallel to the anterior edge of the ischium and abutting against, but 
 being quite disconnected with its extremity. Thus the obturator foramen is converted 
 into an exceedingly long, deep, narrow notch, resulting from the concavity of the border 
 of 'the ischium being applied against the straight edge of the pubis. Perhaps, how- 
 ever, the real obturator is to be found in a small oval or subcircular dilatation at the 
 apex of the notch, which is wider than the notch itself, partly shut off from it by lig- 
 aments, and, with its edges, thickened and smooth. 
 
 The acetabulum is situated at the confluence of the three pelvic bones, just at the 
 middle of the inferior border. As usual, it is a simple ring, entirely deficient internally, 
 
OSTEOLOGY OF LARIDJE. 601 
 
 ■with smooth, thickened, elevated edges, and a prominent overhanging articulating facet 
 on its supero-pos.terior border, for the trochanter major of the femur to rest upon. 
 
 Femur.— This 'bone is exceedingly short, but quite straight (difiering greatly in this 
 respect from Puffams), and only moderately .stout. The shaft is nearly cylindrical, in- 
 clining above slightly inward toward the median line of the body, its lower extremity 
 presenting somewhat backward. Superiorly the bone expands into a large, thick, stout 
 trochanter, much elevated, and with a well-marked margin, which rises high above, 
 curves toward and slightly overhangs the head of the bone. From the inner side of this 
 trochanter the head projects directly inward ; there is no coustrictiou of the '-neck," 
 except 10 a very slight degree below; above, the articalar head of the Ixme is directly 
 continuous with a smooth concavo-convex space between it and the cirest of the troch- 
 anter. The shape of the articulating surface is such that it permits the head to sink 
 but slightly into the acetabular ring, the chief weight of the bird being borne by the 
 superior aspect of the trochanteric prominence, Avhich is accurately coaptatcd to the 
 overhanging abutment which projects from the superior margin of the acetabulum. 
 The fossa for the ligamentum teres is directly on the superior aspect of the head. The 
 whole outer aspect of the trochanter is rough for tendinous and ligamentous attach- 
 ments. 
 
 The femoral condyles differ markedly in size and shape. The outer is the longest, 
 and very ranch the largest. The two are widely separated by a deep groove, whicli 
 runs up a considerable distance on the anterior face of the bone, and on the posterior 
 is continuous with the popliteal depression. The outer projects much the furthest out- 
 ward, downward, and especially backward. Its face, posteriorly, is divided by a longi- 
 tudinal groove. This groove receives the antero-posteriorly elongated head of the 
 fibula, forming the chief part of the femoro-fibular articulation ; while the ridge which 
 bounds the groove internally dips down into the space between the heads of the fibula 
 and tibia. The inner condyle has a broad, flat, oval face, which is applied directly to 
 the plane bead of the tibia. 
 
 The two tibial crests are peculiar in shape and situation. The anterior of these is 
 short, but very high, rising as a thin, vertical lamina to quite an apex ; being trian- 
 gular, and nearly as high as long at the base. It is exceedingly thin, its sides perfectly 
 plane and vertical. Thp other crest is at right angles with the first ; looking directly 
 outward instead of forward, and having its side instead of base applied to the bone. 
 Its base is nearly identical with the base of the first, hut is at right angles with it. 
 The superior margins of these crests unite at their termination, and Ijoth rise above 
 the level of the head of the bone. The lateral crest being transverse to the line of 
 motion in the joint, forms a protecting wall or face in front of the joint, between the 
 margins of which, and the head of tl*e bone proper, there is a gentle and regular con- 
 cavity. The inner edge of the true head of the bone is directly contiouous with the 
 base of the anterior crest ; but between the outer edge and the extremity of the lateral 
 crest there is a deep notch. 
 
 The head of the fibula is on the same plane with, and at the inner edge of, the head 
 of the tibia. It is narrowly oval, almost crescentic, its long axis antero-posterior. It 
 is only ligamentously connected with the tibia ; below, after a short space, it becomes 
 more or less completely anchylosed ; becomes again detached from the tibia, to finally 
 disappear a little below the middle of the bone. 
 
 The tibial condyles, as usual, project further forward than backward. They are 
 much of the same size and shape, and on the same plane ; the inner, however, is less 
 stout and projects more, both inward aud forward. Posteriorly the condyles subside 
 into two acute ridges, having between them a smooth, laterally concave surface, ove" 
 which pass the extensor tendons. Above and between the two condyles on the anterior 
 surface of the bone, there is the ordinary fossa, partijUy converted by a bridge of bono 
 into a canalfor the confinement of the tendon of the extensor digifonim. 
 
 The metatarsus is moderately long, contained 1-i times in the tibia. Its shaft is com- 
 pressed into a pretty regular quadrilateral shape, the lateral sides, however, remaining 
 a little convex. The tendons that go to the toes are mostly aggregated upon the ante- 
 rior aud posterior aspects of the bone. Above, the bone expands into a large, irregu- 
 lar head, widened- laterally for the reception of the two condyles, and posteriorly by 
 a short, high crest, into which is inserted the gastrocnemial tendon. This crest has also 
 several longitudinal grooves, deep and distinct, which conduct tendons to the toes. 
 The facets for the reception of the tibial condyles are merely two small subcircular de- 
 pressions near the edge of the bone, not differing much from each other in size or shape. 
 They are separated by a prominent process on the edge of the bone anteriorly on the 
 median line. The end of the bone is, as usual, divided into three heads, separated by 
 narrow but very deep sulci. Of these heads the middle is the largest, and directly in 
 the line of the bone ; the outer is placed a little higher up, but nearly in the same plane. 
 The inner, however, beside being much higher up, is placed far around toward the pos- 
 terior aspect of the bone. The articular faces of these heads present in a high degree 
 of perfection the peculiar shape by which extension of the toes at the same time 
 abducts them, and vice versd. 
 
602 LESTRIDINJE — JAEGERS. 
 
 The four toes have all the normal number of segments : 2, 3, 4, 5. They present 
 nothing of special interest, being of the ordinary size and shape. The hallux, and its 
 accessory metatarsal bone, may, however, be here described. It does not differ appre- 
 ciably throughout the family, except in the genus Missa of Larince, for the characters 
 of which, see under the head of the genus. 
 
 Were it not for analogy, the o« metatarsale accesaorium might bo considered as a pha- 
 langeal rather than metatarsal stKrij(!Dt. It is nearly or quite as long as the first true 
 phalangeal bone. It is obliquely )J;i,tteiied, and somewhat twisted upon itself, tapering 
 to a'thin, rather acute, apex. Its distal extremity is broadened and oval, bearing a 
 slightly convex articulating surface, which is coapt.atcd with that of the first phalanx. 
 There is no eminence or depression of any consequence for its attachment with the 
 metatarsus ; it is only loosely connected by ligaments, and enjoys all the freedom of 
 motion which the hallux itself possess. Its essentially metatarsal character is nev- 
 ertheless demonstrated by its irregular and peculiar shape ; by the formation of its two 
 extremities ; and by the want of ajjroper articulation (capsulated and with a synovial 
 membrane) with the metatarsus. 
 
 This bone in the Lestridinw differs from that of the other subfamilies in being shorter, 
 stouter, with a broader metatarsal extremity, and having a constriction about its 
 middle. 
 
 The proximal phalangeal segment is a very short, stoat, straight bone, irregularly 
 cylindrical, with slightly enlarged extremities. These have subcircular articulating 
 facets, the proximal concave, the distal convex. The distal segment is merely a mi- 
 nute, irregularly shaped, osseous nodule, supporting the claw. 
 
 Subfamily Lesteidin^. 
 DiAG. LAniD.E rostra ccrd instructo, rectridJma mediia elongatis, unguibus validiaaimw. 
 
 Ch. Tip of the upper mandible overhanging that of the lower. Covering of upper 
 mandible not continuous, the basal half being furnished with a corneous cere, beneath 
 the edges of which the nostrils open. Culmen at first about straight, then rapidly con- 
 vex. Commissure slightly sinuate, declinato-convex on the terminal portion. Gonys 
 short, about straight. Rami widely divaricating, their outline about straight. Kmi- 
 nentia symphysis well marked. Nostrils lateral, pervious, somewhat club-shaped, being 
 widest at their distal extremity. Wings long, strong, pointed ; the primaries broad 
 and rigid, more or less rounded at the tips. Tail square, or nearly so, the centra! feath- 
 ers projecting to a greater or less distance beyond the others ; either rounded at their 
 tips, or attenuated and filiform. Legs decidedly ambulatorial, placed well forward, 
 supporting the Ijody in a horizontal posture. Tibiaj denuded of feathers on the lower 
 third. Tarsi rather stout, anteriorly transversely reticulated, posteriorly and laterally 
 reticulated, the plates more or less elevated and acutely pointed. Proportions of toes, 
 and their segments, as in other Laridce. Webs broad and full, their margins rounded, 
 not excised. Claws large, strong, curved and acute. Of moderate and large size. The 
 body fnll, the general organization strong and powerful. The changes of plumage in 
 most of the species, with age and season, very great. 
 
 The anatomical characters of this subfamily are fully given under one of its most 
 common and tyiiical species, the Stercorarius pomatorhinus. 
 
 5. Analytical table of the subgenera and species of North American Lestridima. 
 
 I. Staturfl, maximns, et form^robustissimus; pedibus et rostro validis ; 
 tarso medio digito com ungue breviore ; caud4 brevi, rectricibus 
 
 mediis latis, vix nltih ca:teras porrectis JBuphagus. 
 
 a. Rostri longit. 2.00 poll, et ultra.; altitude 0.75 ; ab oris angnlo 
 
 ad apicem 3.00 B.skua. 
 
 n. Staturd minores, et forml graciliores ; pedibus et rostro gracili- 
 oribus ; tarso medio digito cum ungue non breviore ; caudJ, elon- 
 gate, rectricibus mediis valde ultra CEsteras porrectis Stercorarius. 
 
 a. Tarsis posticfe asperrimis ; rectricibus mediis latis in apices 
 
 ipsas, flexibilibus, c^eterLs 4 jjollices longioribus 8. pomatorhinus. 
 
 b. Tarsis posticb subasperis ; rectricibus mediis acnminatis, ri- 
 
 gidis, ejeteris 4 pollices longioribus S. parasiticus. 
 
 c. Tarsis postice subasperis ; rectricibus mediis longissimis, 
 
 flexibilibus, ca;teris S ad 10 poUices longioribus S. buffoni. 
 
LESTKIDINiE JAEGEES. 603' 
 
 Subgenus Buphagus, (Moeh.) Cones. 
 
 = Bupliagus* Moeh., Gen. Av. 1752, No. 71 ; typus Larus catarraetes, Linn.— CoTJES, Eev. 
 
 Lestridince, in Pr. A. N. S. Phila. May 1863, p. 1-20. 
 <^Stercoi-arius, "Bkiss. ;" Vieili,., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. 1817, 153; typus idem. (Sed 
 
 non verus Slercorariun, Briss. ; cujus typus Larus parasiticus, Linu.). — Gray, 
 
 Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 651.— Degl., Orn. Eur. 1849, ii, 287.— Bp., Con.sp. At. lco(i, 
 
 206.— Lawr., Baird's Birds N. A. 18.38, 8j8. 
 <C Catharacta, BrOsn., Orn. Bor. 1764, 32 ; typus Catharacia skua, Briiun. 
 < Gataracta, Bp., Comp. List, 1838, 63. 
 ^Lancs (partim), Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766.— Gmel., Syst. Nat. 1788.— Lath., Ind. Orn. 
 
 1790 — Mey. & Wolf, Tasch. 1810. 
 <; Catarraetes, Pall., Zoog. Eosso-As. ii, 1811, 308 ; typus C. skua. — Steph., Sbaw's Gen. 
 
 Zool. xiii, 1825, 214. 
 <^Lestris, "III.;" Temm, Man. Orn. 1820-40; typus L. catarraetes (Sed non verus 
 
 Lestris, 111. ; cujus tvpus L. parasitica, Linn.). — Faber, Pr. Isl. Orn. 1822. — 
 
 Less., Traits d'Ornith. 1831.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. i, 1840, 239 ; et auct. al. 
 — Megalestris, Bp., Consp. Av. ii, 1856, p. 206 ; typus Larus catarraetes, Linn. 
 
 Gen. char. Bill shorter than the middle toe without the cla-sv ; exceedingly robust ; 
 width at base about equal to the height, which is a third of the length of culmen. 
 Striai and sulci numerous and well marked. Encroachment of feathers on bill moder- 
 ate, and nearly the same on both mandibles. Occiput scarcely crested. Wings only 
 moderately long for this subfamily ; the primaries very broad, and rounded at their 
 tips. Tail very short, broad, nearly even, the feathers truncated ; central pair project- 
 ing but little, and broad to their very tips, which are also truncated. Feet large 
 and stout ; tarsi shorter than the middle toe and claw. Size large ; form robust and 
 heavy; general organization very powerful. Colors much the same over the whole 
 body ; not subject to any very remarkable changes with age, sex, or season. 
 
 The essential characters lie in the large size and strong form, exceedingly robust 
 bill and feet, the middle toe of which latter is longer than the tarsus ; and in the very 
 short truncated tail, the broad central rectrices of which project but slightly beyond 
 the tips of the others. A discrepancy between it and Stereorarius is found in the changes 
 of plumage to which it is subject. These are slight, being chiefly of intensity, and have 
 little in common with the widely varying stages for which the species of Stereorarius 
 are noted. Its species when adult are of nearly uniform colors, presenting no indica- 
 tions of the trenchant lines of division of light and dark areas which are found in 
 Stereorarius. North America contains a single representative of the genus, B. skua, 
 referred by most authors to Stereorarius. 
 
 The synonyms of this subgenus require to be considered at length and with care, to 
 avoid confounding them with those of the succeeding, with which they always have been 
 to a greater or less degree mingled. The first distinctive appellation of the genus in ques- 
 tion appears to be Bupliagus, Moeh. 17.52. This is unquestionably based upon the Larus 
 catarraetes of Linnaeus, and the diagnosis of the genus (vide infr^t) is as definite and 
 pertinent as perhaps any one throughout Moehring's work. This being the case, it is 
 a little singular that the name has not come into general employ, along with such gen- 
 era as Philomachus, Collyrio, Trogon, &c., which have, by Gray, I5aird, Cassin, Bryant, 
 and other authors, been accorded that precedence to which their early date entitles 
 them. The rule generally acknowledged by authors, which would cause the adoption 
 of the genera of Moehring and other pre-Linnoean writers, provided they are identified 
 and do not conflict with Linnjeus' titles, does not appear to have been adhered to in 
 this instance. But if we are to be guided by the law ot p^-iority, and are to accord jus- 
 tice to a pre-Linntean writer, we cannot avoid the adoption of Moehring's name ; since 
 there is no Linnwan appellation with which it conflicts, as the latter author ranged all 
 the Jaegers known to him under Larus. Moehring's not being a binomalist, or rather 
 his not dealing at all with species, can have no weight in the question of the adoption 
 
 * In the synonymy of this article I use the convenient signs introduced by Strick- 
 land to indicate the relative value of the various generic names quoted. Being not in 
 general use, they will require explanation. The sign of equality signifies that the 
 word before which it stands was originally employed in the same sense as here meant; 
 thus, Supliagus and Megalestris are based upon the same type as Bupliagus of the pres- 
 ent paper, and are therefore coequal with it. The sign <[ indicates that the name be- 
 fore wlaich it stands was originally used in a more extended sense than is here meant, 
 and must consequently be restricted to become completely synonymous Tlius, Catli- 
 araeta of Briinnich, included, besides C. skua, pomarinus and parasiticus. TJie sign ]> 
 is the converse of the last. 
 
 t Moehring, Genera avium, l'<52, page 66, No. 71. '•Rostrum postice rectum, membrana 
 callosa ad uares usque tectum, versus apicem incurvum, lateribiis compressis. Femora 
 extra abdomen. Digiti antici tres membraua intermedia to ti coba;rentes, ijostious liber." 
 
604 BUPHAGUS SKCA, THE SKUA. 
 
 of his genera. Guided by these considerations, in the Proceedings of the Philadelphia 
 Academy, as above, I revived the name Buphagus, and gave it that precedeuce over 
 other appellations to which it is entitled. , 
 
 " Stercorarius, Briss., 1760," is the name wiiich has lately been most frequently em- 
 ployed for tliis subgenus. But this is clearly an error ; for the type of Stercorarius, aa is 
 evident by Brisson's elaborate description, is the Larus parasiticus of LinniEus, and not 
 the catarrhaetes. Regarding this latter species, it is surprising that Brisson should 
 have been so far at fault in his estimation of its affinities as to separate it from its con- 
 geners, and range it with the true Gulls under the name of Larus fuacus. If Slei'corariua 
 is to be used at all, it must be for the group of \!}i\ch parasiticus is typical. 
 
 Catharacta of BrUnnich (1764) has as its type catarrhaetes, though all the other species 
 known to that autiior are included in it. But this name, besides being antedated by 
 Bnphagus, is also anticijiated by Catarraetes of Mciehring, a name applied to a pygopo- 
 dous genus, of which Vria troile is the type, and whicli has been accepted and employed 
 by late writers, as Cassin, Bryant, and others. This is in effect the same word as Briin- 
 nicli's Calharaefa, both having the same root, viz, Kcira and ^r/ym/^c, whence Ka-npijaKryf;, 
 " a robber or despoiler." Brtinnich's spelling of the word might perhaps lead us to 
 suppose it derived from Kaflmijo, "to cleanse or purify:" but this is evidently not the 
 case — the latinization of the word formed from the latter root giving us cathartes, Illi- 
 ger's genus of American Vultures. Therefore, unless we allow a varying orthography 
 of the same word to stand for two different genera, Brtinnich's name must be super- 
 seded. Besides the above spelling we also tiud cataracta, calaractes, caiarracta, calarr- 
 Tiaeta, and catarrluictes. The last is the proper orthography, as is evident from the 
 etymology of the word. 
 
 Lestris of Illiger ( 1611) is based upon parasitica, and, although used subsequently by 
 many authors for the present subgenus, has really no connection with it. 
 
 Mcgalestris, Bonaparte (1856), is based upon the catarrhaetes, and is strictly its only 
 synonym. The choice is therefore between MegalestriH and Buphagus. Of these I pre- 
 fer the latter, which 1 shall continue to use as heretofore. 
 
 BUPHAGUS SKUA, (Briinn.) Coues. 
 The Skua. 
 
 a. sima. 
 
 Catarracfa aldravandi, Will., Orn. 265. 
 
 Slcua hojcri, Ray, Syn. Av. 128. 
 
 Larus fuscus, Biiiss', Orn. vi, 1760, 165.— Scop., Bemerk. Nat. 1770, 90. 
 
 Catarracta fusca, Lkach, Syst. Cat. 1816. 40. 
 
 Larus varius aire skua, Briss., Orn. vi, 1760, 167 (juv.). 
 
 Larus catarraetes, Schaeff., ilus. Orn. 1779, 63, pi. 39. 
 
 Catharacta skua, Bruxn., Oru. Bor. 1764, 33. 
 
 Catarracta skua, Retz., Fu. Suec. 1800, 161.— Bp., Cat. Meth. Ucc. 79; Rev. Crit. 1850, 202. 
 
 Catarraetes skua. Pall., Zoog. E.-A. ii, 1811, 309.— Steph., Gen. Zool. xiii, 1825, 215. 
 
 Calaractes skua, Macgil., Man. ii, 1842, 255. 
 
 Cataracta skua, Bp., List, 183i, 63. 
 
 Lestris skua, Brehm, Vog. Deutschl. 1831, 716. 
 
 Buphagus skua, Cotes, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1863, 125; Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 305. 
 
 Stercorarius (Buphagus) skua, CotJES, Key, 1872, 309. 
 
 Calaractes rulgaris, Fle.m., Brit. Anim. — , 137. 
 
 Larus catarraetes, Lixx,, Syst. ISfat. i, 1766, 226 (based on Will., Ray & Briss., supra; 
 Edw., 149, &c.).— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1768, 603.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 818. 
 
 Lestris catarraetes, III., Prod. 1811, 272.— Te.mm., llan. 1815, 511 ; ii, 1620, 792 ; iv, 1840, 
 494.— Fab., Prod. Isl. Orn. 1822, 102.— Boie, Lsis, 1822, .562.— .Jen., Man. 1835, 
 260.— Eyt., Cat. Br. B. 51.— Bp., Syn. 1826, No. 304.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1634, 312.— 
 Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 239.— Naum., V. D. x, 1840, 470, pi. 270.— SCHL., 
 Ri-v. Crit. 1644, 84. > ^ 1 1 ) 
 
 Lestris catharactes, Bueh.m, Naturg. Eur. Vog. 1823, 739. 
 
 Lestris catharractes, Schixz, Eur. Fn. i, 1840, 387. 
 
 Lestris catarrhaetes, Kaup, Sk. Ent. Eur. Thierw. 1829, 64. 
 
 Stercorarius catarrhaetes, ViEiLL., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. iv, 1817, 154 ; Fu. Franc. 1838, 
 365.— Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 6.52; Cat. Br. B. 1863, 227.— Degl., Orn. Eur. 
 ii, 1649, 289.— Blas., J. f. O. 1865, 384. 
 
 Stercorarius catarraetes, Bp., Consp. Av. ii, 1856, 206 ; Tabl. Longip. Compt. Rend. xlii. 
 770.— Lawr., Baird's B. N. A. 1858, 838.— Schl., M. P.-B. iv, 1863, 45.— Elliot! 
 B. N. A. ii, pi. 56. 
 
 Stercorarius calaractes, Selys-L., Fn. Belg. 1642, 155. 
 
 Stercorius catharactes, Des Mors, Trait(S Oiil. 1860, 551. 
 
BUPHAGUS SKUA, THE SKUA. 605 
 
 Stercorarius pomarintts, Vieiix., Gal. Ois. ii, 1334, 220, nee Auct. 
 Larua Iceeask, Lath., lud. Orn. ii, 1790, 818. 
 
 b. antarcticus.* 
 
 Lestris catarrartea, QuoT et G.U5I.. Voy. Uran. Ois. 3S. 
 
 Sli-rcorariiis caiai-racles. ScHi.., Mus. P.-B. iv, 1863, Lari, p. -15. 
 
 Lestris aviarciieus, L,T.i^s., It. Oru. 1*51, 606.— ScL., P. Z. S. 1-60, 390.— Abhott, Ibis, 
 
 1861, 165.— ScL. & Salv., Ibis, l-f09, 284 ; P. Z. S. 1871, 579.— Phil, i Lands., 
 
 Cat. At. Chili, 47.— HuTTOX, B. X. Z. lo71, 39. 
 Stercorarius antarcdeiis, Bf., CoDSp. ii, 185G, 207. — Pelz., Orn. ^0Tara, 150. 
 Buphagm antarcticus, Cov^^, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1863, l.i7. 
 
 DiAG. B. maximus, robtistissimus, tarso hreriore digitis mediis cum ungue ; rectriciius mediis 
 lalis rijr ultra, ccpteras porrectis. rLOsIri lougit. 2ipoll, Aug. 
 
 Sal). — .Seas and sea-coasts of tbe Xortbem Hemispheie, chiefly in the more arctic 
 regions. Var. antarcticus, Southern seas. 
 
 Adult, breeding plumage. — Bill about as long as or a little shorter than the head, shorter 
 than the tarsus, ri,bust, somewhat broader than high at the base, compressed from the 
 middle, its sides bulging; culmeu broad, flattened, rery slightly concave, or nearly 
 straight on the ceral portion, the concavity increased by the great convexity of the 
 unguis, which rises higher than the ceral portion ; unguis smooth, broad, rounded, 
 so decurved that the apex overhangs the tip of the lower mandible nearly perpendic- 
 ularly. Outline of rami and gonys both slightly concave, the former very loug. Emi- 
 nentia symphysis well marked. Divarication of rami very slight. Tomia of upper 
 mandible sinuate, at first ascending, then deflected, then again gradually ascending 
 to beyond tbe nostrils, where it curves sharply downward. Ceral longer than the 
 ungual portion of the bill, its anterior extremity projecting further on the sides than 
 on the culmen, so that a <^-shaped recess is formed ; its inferior edge curving gradu- 
 ally upward from the base, to give passage to the nostrils; provided at the base with 
 several striae. Nostrils lateral, pervious, somewhat club-shaped, broadest anteriorly ; 
 a sulcus on the unguis leads into them from before. Several oblique striae on the 
 inferior maxilla. Feathers extend on the sides of the superior mandible in a rather 
 a<;ute angle, leaving a deep recess on the culmen ; retreating on the sides of the bill 
 so nearly parallel with the tomia as to leave the edges of the superior mandible ex- 
 posed nearly to the angle of the mouth. Their extent on the lower madible is less, but 
 is broader, and n ith a ronnded extremity. Between the rami the feathers reach two- 
 thirds the way to the symphysis, the remainder being naked intearumeut. Eye of 
 moderate dimensions, placed directly over the angle of the mouth. Wings rather short 
 for the subfamily ; the primaries regularly graduated, very broad, with rounded apices ; 
 rachis stiff and strong ; secondaries short, broad, flexible, with broad rounded tii)s, 
 formed entirely by the inner web. Tertials in the folded wing ending about 3^ inches 
 from apex of first primary. Tail short, broad, strong, even, or nearly so; the feathers 
 rather broad, with square, almost truncated extremities. Central pair much the same 
 in shape as the lateral ; of equal breadth, projecting one or two inches. Superior and 
 inferior tectrices very long and thick, the latter reaching ciuite to the end of the taiL 
 Feet large and strong ; the tarsi as long as the middle toe without the claw. TibiiE 
 nude for nearly an inch. That part of the tibia which is bare, the tibio-tarsal articn- 
 latiou aU around, and the sides and posterior aspects of the tarsus, and both surfaces 
 of the webs, covered with small, irregular polyhedral plates ; these plates largest and 
 most regular (being hexagonal) on the sides of the tarsus ; very small and numerous 
 on the webs ; elevated, rough, and conical on the joints and inner surfaces of tbe toes. 
 Anteriorly the tarsus and toes are covered with imbricated scutella, regular and 
 transverse on the toes, but with exceedingly oblique edges ou the tarsus, on the upper 
 third of which they bifurcate into two rows. Toes very long; middle longest ; outer 
 but little less ; inner only two-thirds the middle ; hallux exceedingly abbreviated. 
 Claws all large, strong, much arched, very acute, the middle one dilated on its inner 
 edge, but not serrated. Membranes long, broad, full, uuincised. Dorsal feathers broad, 
 rounded, rigid, closely imbricated, not very thick. Inferiorly the plumage is exceed- 
 ingly long, thick, compact, almost moUipilose. Latero-nuchal feathers elongated, 
 rigid, with long disconnected fibrillae. Above blackish-brown, more or less variegated 
 with chestnut and whitish ; each feather being dark-colored, with a spot of chestnut 
 toward its extremity, which in turn fades into whitish along the shaft toward the tip 
 of each feather. On the latero-nuchal region and across the throat tbe chestnut light- 
 ens into a decided reddish-yellow, the white being as a well-defined, narrow, longitud- 
 inal streak on each feather. The crown, post-ocular, and mental region have but little 
 whitish. Inferiorly the plumage is of a blended fusco-rufous, lighter than ou the 
 dorsum, with a peculiar indefinite plumbeous shade. The wings and tail are black- 
 
 * The only discrepancy I find, in examination of several from Southern seas, is the 
 shorter, stouter, and more obtuse bUl. 
 
606 BrrHAGi's skua, the ttKiw. 
 
 isli ; tlioir vliixohiilos wliite. oxoojit towanl tlio rtpiors; tlio nnHigvs and iictiiioa wliito 
 for somo ilistnnot' tVoin tlio b:>sos. This wliito on tlio tMil is rouoonlod l'\ I ho Kuij; liiil- 
 oovorts, bnt appoai's on tho outov viriuiarios as a lonsiiiciionsspot. Tlio bill ami claws 
 aiv blaokish lunu ; tho feet j>mt> black. Kill, from baso to ti\>, 0.10; to oiul ol' loro. 
 l.--'0: jiapo, ;!,00: heishtat base, O.T,">: width a littlo less: raitii. l.iiO: goiixs, tl.olt; w iug, 
 lo.OO ; tail, ti.OO ; tarsus, -J.Tt) ; mi Ullo too niul olaw. ;!.10. 
 
 i"0H«9-i/-()it-i/iiii- (Spi'O. No. •.'•J','ii(i, Mils. S. 1. iVoiii Ki'hmd, shot 8optombor 1, 1S:;'.>1. — 
 The si/.o is mnrh U\ss thau that ol' tho adults: tlio bill o\oiy \\a.\ woiikor and slon- 
 doivr : tho ooro illy dovelopod ; strift^ are not yot apuaront, and its ridf;os and aiiijlos all 
 want sharimoss of'dotiniiion ; the sonys is oxtroinoly short. Wiiii^s oxooodiiiL^ly slunr 
 and roiiiuU'd, tho ipiilU having voVy diffoi-eut proportional Uniiith tVoin those of tho 
 adnlts; tho soooiul boiuo longost. tlio third next ami bnt littlo slunter; tlio lirst about 
 oipial to tho tbnrth. I'ho inner or lonnost sooondarios roaoli, when tho wiiii;- is I'oldod, 
 to within an inoh or so of tho tip of tho lonijost primary. The oontral rotrioos are, if 
 anythins;, «. littlo shortor than the next. The oolors jionoraJly are ns in tho adult, but 
 ovoryw horo dnllor and more blended, having tow or no white spots; an<l though the 
 reddish spots are numerous and ooonpy a largo sjiaoo on oaoh I'oathoi', yot. in oolor thoy 
 are very dark and dull. Those dull reddish spots are ospooially numorons along tho 
 edge of tho forearm and on the least and lessor ooverts. l>n the nndor parts the oolors 
 are lighter, chiller, and still moio blended than iibovo. Tho prevailing tint is a light, 
 dull rnfoiis, most mnrkod on tho abdomen; but tlioio and olsow hero more or loss ob- 
 sonrod with an ashy or plnuibeons hue. Tho primaries, sooondarios, and tertials, 
 together with the reotrioos, are dull brownish-blaok: tlu-ir shafts yellowish-white, 
 darker terminally. At tbo bases of tho primaries there exists tho ordinary largo white 
 space, bnt it is more restriotod than in the adults, and so mnoh hidden by the bastard 
 Unills that it is hardly appai'ont on tho outside of tho wing, though very oonspii'uous 
 on the inferior snrfaoo. 'l"ho logs and foot .ii'o parti-i'olovod — brownish-blaoK, varie- 
 gated with yellowish. Hill, along onlnien, 1.7.">: along gape, .'.T."!; height at basi-, tl„''ill ; 
 length of gonys. O.lvi ; tarsus, '.'.(111 : middle too and olaw tho same. \Ving, from llie 
 lloxuro. VJ.-Jfi. Tail, :"i.7ri. 
 
 This .s)iooios ro(|nii'os eomparison with no other of Noitli .Vnu-rioa. H. aiiliiivliciis, 
 tVoin the soa-ooasts of tho ."^unlhorii llomisphere, ditVors somewhat iu the shape of tJie 
 bill. This ia shorlor, deeper, and more obtuse at tho tip. 
 
 Although this spooios is luuthonod with an extensive synonymy, yot in eonsocpieneo 
 of its marked oharactoi- Iho list is \irotly dolinito. It is one of the very oldest spooios, 
 being well known to pro-l.innoaii writers. It is well do.soribed by both Itnssou and 
 Briiunioli, the former oonsidering it as a Gull, the latter inakiu<; it tho type of his 
 genus Ciitlt(fr<fclu. The l.itnis kreask oi' Latham is stated to be 'JO inelios, with a bill of 
 o inches, and ils habitat is given as " Hudson's llay." Tlioi'o ia no one of tho /.< ,s/n'rf i/ift) 
 inhabiting North Amorioa but tho prosont, which is of snob huge dimensions. The 
 plate which MoiUot ((.ialoi io dos Oi.si'aux) givi's of his SUnvruriiis jioiiutriinirs show s cou- 
 spionously tho largo white al:ir spot, which is diagnostic <if the pri'sent spooie.s. Vioill- 
 lot had previously i'coogiiizo<l the characters of tlio species with prooision. 
 
 8ubgeni(s Stercouaiuus, Briss. 
 
 = Sla-roniriii!), liuiss., Oi'n. v, 17(50. 149. (Type 7.,inis paratiiiicim, Linn.). — Covi's, Tv. 
 
 rhila. .\ead. If^d:!, I'Jf^ ; and of many autliois. 
 <CCiiUhu-(icla, liiitlNN., Orn. Bor. 17lil, :'.'->. 
 
 ■^I.arii.i, p. LiNN., Syst. Nat. 17(i(i. Alsa of (!in., Lath., Meyer. 
 = ttiilriti, li.i.,, rrod. 1811, '-'7'.'. (Typo L. piirasitiviin, Liiiii,). And of most authors. 
 = I'r<r(lniri.r, Vimix., Aual. 181(1, (!'.'. 
 = l.iibtiiis. K'Ai,'., 181(1. 
 "^Cojnvlluirs, K'f.icii., ISM. 
 
 Gkn. Cum;, — Bill o(|ual to middle too without (ho olaw, moderately robust, tll(^ height 
 at base more than a third the length of the enlineii ; stria' and siilei few and sliglitlv 
 marked. Kneroachniont of foathors on bill very great, especially on tho nppiT niiuidf- 
 bio, where it gr<-ally exceeds that on the lower, and ia of a dilU'ront outline from tliat 
 of Jliiiihiirfiis. Occiput decidedly siibercstod. \\'iiigs exeoedingly long, the primaries 
 narrow, tapering, with (|nito ;ioulc lips. Tail long; tho lali'ial foalhers more or loss 
 graduated; the central pair considcraldy, sometimes excessively, elongated, laperlng, 
 and aoniiiinato. Foot, rather slender, the tarsi equal to or slightly longer than the 
 middle l<io and cla-w. 8izo moderate or small. l'\)i'm loss robust, genenil oiganizatioii 
 much less powerful than in Uiijtliiri/iiH. Nearly bieolor when aduK ; passing t hrongh vari- 
 ous stales of plumage before arriving at, iiiatuiity. 
 
 Tho preceding paragiaiih expresses the ehief diagnostic features of this anbgenns. 
 A comparison with ItiqilKKiiis has already boon instilulod, and an aualylieal table of 
 its species given on a preceding page. It only roiiiaius to uotioe its" bibliography. 
 
STEECOEAEIUS POMATORHINUS, POMARINE JAEGER. 607 
 
 Tho first distinctive name was proposed by Brisson in 1760. This lias as typo the 
 ;S. parasitica, and may include all the species of thcsublamily excepting Biqiliagiis skua. 
 I aceept and employ it exactly as it was constituted liy its author. LvkIi-ik, Illiger 
 (It^U ) ; ri<i(Uitrix, Vieillot (ISIti) ; Labbiis, Raiinesque (18lii) ; and Coproihircx, Keichen- 
 hach (1850), are all based npon species of the subgenus as here restricted, and are there- 
 fore synonymous with, and must be superseded b,v, Stcrcorarius. Calharrueia, Briin- 
 nich, has already been treated of. By LiuniBus, Gmclin, and Latham the species were 
 arranged under Larus, which thus becomes a partial synonym. 
 
 STEECOEAEIUS POMATORHINUS, (Temin.) Yieill. 
 
 Tlio Pomarlne Jaeger. 
 
 stcrcorarius siriatu.^. Briss., Orn. vi, ITtiO, 152, pi. 13, f. 2 (juv.). 
 
 Lcstrh airiatus, Eytox, Cat. Br. B. lS;ili, 51. 
 
 Xtii-HS paraniticHS. Meyek, Tasoh. Deutsch. ii, 1810. -400 ; not of authors. 
 
 (f ) Larus crepidaius. Gm., 8vst. Nat. i, 1788, dO-'.— Lath,, Ind. Orn. ii, IT'.lii, 819 (juv.). 
 
 Lestrh pomariiiHS. Tkmm., Man. 1815, 514 ; ii, 1820. 70:! ; iv, 1840, 495.— Faber, Prod. Isl. 
 Orn. 1822, 104.— Bono, Isis, 1822. 5li2.— Bkkhm. Eur. Voa;. 182:!. 741.— Bp., Syn. 
 18-J8, Xo. :!05 ; List, 18:!8, t!:!.— Less., Man, ii, 1828, 388.— Kaup, Sk. Eut. Eur. 
 Tliierw. 1820, (!4.— Sw. & EiCH., F. B. A. ii. 18:U, 420.— NrxT., Man. ii, 1834, 
 315.— Aui>., Orn. Biog. iii, 18;!5, 30(!; Svn, 18:10. :i:!2 ; B. Am. vii. 1844, 18ti, pi, 
 4,M.— Keys. A Bi.as.. Wirb. Eur. 1840", 240.— 8cniNZ, Eur. En. i. 1840, :i88.— 
 Nai-m., V. D. X. 1840. 470. pi. 270.— Bp., Oat. Met. Ucc. 1842, 80 ; Rev. Crit. 1850, 
 2t>2.— 8CHL., Kev. Crit. 1844, 84; Mus, I'avs-Bas, iv, 1805, 47.— DeKay', N. Y. 
 Zool. ii, 1844, 310, pi. 133, f 202.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, — ,— Thomp.. Xat. Hist. 
 Irel. iii. 1851, :!02.— iliDD., Sib. Eeise, ii, 18.".3, 240.— Bp.. Consp. Av. ii, 1850, 
 207.— Des MURS, Traile d'Ool, 1800. 551.— Bj.as.. List B. Eur. l^^i2, 23 (subge- 
 nus CojnvthtTcs). — Newt., P. Z. S. 1801, 401 (eggs). 
 
 Stcrcorarius pomariiius, ViEtLL., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. xxxii, 1819, 158 : Fu. Fi'anc. 
 18-28. 387.— Selys-L., Fn. Belg. 1842, 155.— Degl., Orn. Eur. ii, 1840, 291,— 
 Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, t!52 ; List Br. B. 1803, 227.— Lvwi!., B. X. A. 18.58, 
 8:!8.— Reixh., Ibis, iii, 1801. 10.— CouES, Pr. Phila. Aead. 18iil, 243; ibid. liHi3, 
 129.— BoARBM., Pr. Bost. Soe. ix, 1802. 130.— Vekr., Pr. Ess. Inst. iii. 1m • . li'.O.- 
 Allen, ibid. iv. 1804, 00.— Coves, ibid. v. 18(38, 3tt5.— Trii^u., B. E. I'a. 1869, 47. 
 
 Cataractes jiomarinus, Stepii.. G. Z. xiii, 1820. 216, pi. 24. — JIacgil., JIan. ii, 1842, 25(>. 
 
 Coprotlicr^g pomarinus, RprCH., Svst. Av. 1850. 52. — Bp., Comp. Rend, xlii, 1850. 770. — 
 Bus., J. f. 0. 1805, 384. ' 
 
 Stcrcorarius pomatorliiiiuf, NE^^"T.. Ibis, 1805, 509. — L.vwR., Ann. Lvc. X. Y. viii, 1866, 
 208.— Coi-ES. Key. 1872. 309.— CoUES, Elliot's Prybilov Islands, 1.^74, p. — . 
 
 Caiarractcs paraaitd var. comtschaticd, Pall., Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, 312. 
 
 Leslris spha'riiiros. Brehm, V. D. 18:!1, 718. 
 
 Dlig. S. tarsis posticc asperrimis ; rcctricibus mediis latis in apices ipaas, ulirci- cccttras i 
 poUiccs porrcctis. 
 
 Hab. — Seas and sea-coasts of Europe, Asia, and America. Interior of North America. 
 
 Adult, breeding plumage (,X'o. 2;W15, Smithsonian Museum). — Bill shorter than the 
 head, or three-fourths the ttirsus, about two and one-half times its own height at the 
 base : width about the same as the height ; horn-colored, growing black at the tip. Feet 
 black. Tail somewhat less than half the wing. First primary but little surpassing 
 the second. Occiput suborested. Feathers of the neck rather ligid and aenuiinafe, 
 their fibrillar disconnected. Caudal feathers, including the cimtral. broad quite to the'-f 
 tips, which are truncated, the rhachis projecting as a small mucro. The central pair 
 project abont :! inches : are broad to ne;ir the tip, where they form an ani^le of 4,." 
 witii the rhachis. Their fibrillar exceedingly long i,2J inches"!, while those of the lateral 
 feathers .arc only IJ. Tail slightly graduated. Inferior teetriees reach within i inch 
 of end of tail. Tibia' bare for J of an inch, scutellate for i inch. Tarsi very rough ; 
 anteriorly covered with a single row of scutella. except toward the tibio-tarsal articu- 
 lation, where these scutella gradiuilly degenerate into small, irregular polygonal plates. 
 with which the whole of tho rest of the tarsus is reticulated. These plates are largest 
 on the sides of the tai-sus externally ; ou the heel-joint, and posterior aspeet of the 
 t.'u'sus generally, they become raised into small conical pyramids, acutely pointed. Tho 
 scutella of the anterior portion of the tarsus is continuous with the superior snrfiice of 
 the toes, while the polygonal reticulation occupies both surfaces of the webs, and the 
 inferior surface of the toes. Hallux extremely short, its uail stout, conical at the base, 
 acute, little curved. Anterior claws all very strong and sharp ; inner most so ; the 
 middle expanded ou its inferior edge, not serrated. Webs broad, full, Quincised, their 
 free margins a little convex. 
 
6t)8 STEECOEAEIUS POMATOEHIXUS, POMAEINE JAEGEE. 
 
 The " cere" has a straight, smooth, convex culmen ; its inferior bonier curves gently 
 upward to give passage to the nostrils. The uniou of the two lateral halves leaves a 
 ■well-marked acutely-angular recess over the culmen. There is a well-marked Interal 
 longitudinal groove, denoting the uniou of that part of the eere which is attached to 
 tbe culmen, with that part which depends over the nasal fossal. Curve of nail regu- 
 lar, gradual. Commissure straight to the nostrils, then gradually declinato-convex. 
 Eauii of both mandibles divaricate at a considerable angle, making the base of the hill 
 very broad. Eminentia symphysis slightly marked ; commissure long, gouys short, a 
 little concave, gape wide. Outline of feathers on the bill much as in the LariiKv, but 
 supero-lateraliy they do not run so far forward, nor with so acute an angle. Nostrils 
 placed far forward,' lateral, liuear, direct, pervious, their opening a, little club-shaped. 
 Bill horn, deepening into black ; feet black. Pileuui and occipital crest brownish- 
 black ; this color extending much below the eyes, and occu]iying the feathers on the 
 ramus of the inferior maxilla. Acuminate feathers of the neck light yellow. Back, 
 wings, tail, upper wing-coverts, under tail-coverts as far as the flanks, deep blackish- 
 brown. Under parts, from chin to abdomen, and neck all round (except the acuminate 
 feathers), pure white. (A state of plumage not often met with. The var. "C" of 
 Temminck.) 
 
 Kearly adult. — Generally as in the preceding, but with a row of brown spots across 
 the breast ; the sides under the wings transversely barred with white and brown; the 
 purity of the dark color of the abdomen interrupted by some touches of white. The 
 legs wholly black, and the tail feathers projecting as much as in the fully adult. (A very 
 common state of plumage, described by most authors as fully adult, Temminok's 
 var. "B.") 
 
 Intel-mediate stage. — The band of dark spots across the breast has widened and enlarged, 
 so that the whole breast appears brown, mottled with white ; the sides under the wings 
 are conspicuously barred with white and brown ; the white of the under parts is con- 
 tinued down over the abdomen to the under tail-coverts ; the pure brown of these parts 
 which obtains in the adult, now ouly appearing as transverse bars among the white. 
 Tlie upper tail-coverts and some of the wing-coverts are barred with white. The bases 
 of the primaries are interiorly white. The contrail tail feathers now only project au 
 inch. The tarsi are quite changed in color ; they are now irregulai'ly blotched with 
 chrome-yellow — the hind toe and nail being of this color. (A very common stage, cor- 
 responding to var. "A" of Temminck.) 
 
 I)usky stage. — The bird is very nearly unicolor ; blackish-brown all over ; this color 
 deepening into quite black on the pileum ; lightening into fuliginous brown on the ab- 
 domen, with a slight gilding of the black on the sides of the neck. The whitish bases 
 of the primaries exist. The feet are in the chromo-variegated condition. The central 
 tail feathers scarcely project half an inch. (Var. "D" of Temminck.) 
 
 Touiig-of-the-year. — Bill much smaller and weaker than in the adult, light colored to 
 beyond the nostrils, when it becomes brownish-black. Feet aud toes mostly hright 
 yellow, the terminal portions of the latter black. The whole body is everywhere trans- 
 versely waved with dull rufous. On the head, neck, and under parts, this rufous forms 
 the predominating color ; and the bands are exceedingly numerous, of about the 
 same width as the intervening dark color. On the flanks aud under tail-coverts the 
 bars become wider, and almost white in color. On the back and wing-ooverts the 
 brownish-black is the predominating color ; and if any rufous is present, it is merely 
 as a narrow edging to the feathers. The under wing-coverts have irregularly-angular 
 transvei-se waves of brownish-black and white. The remiges and reotrices are brown- 
 ish-black, darker at their tips ; fading into whitish toward the bases of the inner vanes. 
 On the nead and neck the light rufous decidedly predominates, and seems indistinctly 
 but thickly nebulated with dusky ; this dusky forming a conspicuous spot just at the 
 anterior canthus of the eye. (In this plumage the bird is the Stercorarius striatua of 
 Brisson, and probably the Larua crepidatua of Gmelin aud Latham.) 
 
 The above stages are gradual, and merge Into each other, so that one can without 
 difUcnlty be traced into another. As a brief exposition of the mode in which the 
 change from the young bird, in the variegated state of plumage and with particolored 
 feet, it may be stated that the light and dark colors, at first everywhere intermingled, 
 gradually grow more and more distinct, being separated by lines becoming more and 
 more trenchant, until the two colors occupy entirely diflfercnt regions of the body, and 
 are wholly separated from each other. Tiie feet gradu.illy lose their yellow blotches 
 and become black. 
 
 If we examine Temminick's Manual of 1840, page 491, we find that he presents four 
 " varietifes " of this species. Comparison of his diagnosis of these supposed varieties 
 with the four stages of plumage characterized above, it will be seen that they corre- 
 spond. The adult plumage above described is his variety " C," of which he correctly 
 says, that it is not very olten met with. Our "nearly adult" is his variety "B;" our 
 third intermediate stage is about his variety "A;" while the fasco-unicolor state corre- 
 sponds to his " D." He early maintained the opinion that this dusky stage is entirely 
 independent of sex ; but he subsequently gives as his mature opinion that the white- 
 
STERCORAEIUS POMATORHINUS, POMARINE JAEGER. 609 
 
 bellied birds are males, the others females. This view is combatted by most ornithol- 
 ogists; and some even of those who admit that the difference in color is a sexual 
 peculiarity, say that it is the males and not the females that are dusky all over. This 
 diversity of opinion I consider as strong evidence that soc does not determine the plum- 
 age. I think that the four "varieties" which Temminck characterises are really the 
 progressive stages of the same individual— stages which every Jaeger must pass through 
 or attain to in arriving at maturity. The birds which are in the unicolor state, so dif- 
 fereut from that of the adults, all have weaker bills, less elongated central rectrices, 
 particolored titrsi, and are generally smaller and less robust than the adults, all of which 
 points indicate immaturity. As regards the other conditions, the fact of our being 
 able to trace one directly from another, seems to me proof that they are not permanent 
 during the life of any single individual. (See continuation of the discussion of this 
 question under head of S. ■parasitioaa.) 
 
 Anatomical characters. — The mouth is capacious. It is quite narrow at the tip of the 
 bill, but by the rapid divergence of the rami of the mandibles, quickly becomes very 
 broad. The palate is not arched nor vaulted at all, but quite flat ; but the integu- 
 ment, and membranes forming the floor of the mouth are very loose, and capable of 
 considerable distension. The membrane at the angle of the mouth is loose and full ; 
 and a longitudinal elevation of it on the lower mandible is received into a correspond- 
 ing depression in the upper. 
 
 The palate is quite soft and easily movable. On it there is a central very prominent 
 longitudinal ridge, which commences at the very apex of the bill. There it is exceed- 
 ingly narrow, but it widens and becomes less prominent as it goes backward. About 
 half way to the nasal aperture there are a few reversed papillas. Somewhat less thani 
 an inch and a half from the tip of the bill this ridge bifurcates, being longitudinally 
 divided by the slit forming the opening of the uares. The edges of this slit, accurately 
 coaptated, are about three-fourths of an inch long, and beset with reversed acute pa- 
 pilla}, which are especially large at the posterior extremity of the sides of the slit. By 
 the approximation of these straight edges the nasal aperture can be perfectly closed ; 
 but posterior to where they terminate, the nares remain permanently open. 
 
 Ou either side of this central ridge is another, quite high and prominent, which, 
 however, subsides an inch from the tip of the bill. Posteriorly this ridge also is beset 
 ■with line reversed setiB. The space between this and the median ridge is quite smooth 
 and flat for some distance further back, where it is terminated by a single fringe of 
 long, slender papillae. 
 
 The membrane of the floor of the mouth is loose, flaccid, and, in the nndistended 
 state, longitudinally wrinkled. The tongue is stout ; tapers but little, and is fleshy 
 quite to the tip itself, which is scarcely at all horny, but bifid. The dorsum of the 
 tongue is longitudinally channelled for its entire length ; its sharp sides rising up from 
 the longitudinal central depression. The base is square and terminated by a fringe of 
 papillae pointing outward and backward. The tip is quite deeply notched, the base 
 emarginate, with a lateral projecting papillated cornu on either side. 
 
 About half an inch behind the base of the tongue the rima glottidis is found. As 
 usual, it is a simple slit ; about half an inch liTng in this species. The elevation over 
 the larynx, in the centre of which the glottis opens, is on its posterior hiilf, thickly be- 
 set with stout, rapidly tapering, conical papilla). 
 
 The basi-hyal element of the hyoid bone is about a third of an inch long ; flattened, 
 subrectangular, tapering anteriorly to an obtuse, nodulated, deflected extremity, which 
 supports the glosso-hyals. It articulates moveably with the glosso- and apo-hyals, im- 
 moveably with the uro-hyal. The glosso-hyal elements are chiefly cartilaginous ; they 
 lie side by side imbedded in the substance of the tongue, being articulated with the 
 hasi-hyal by their under surfaces, so that their posterior extremities project backward 
 beyond their articulation, as two prominent cornua, which support the posterior ex- 
 tremity of the tongue. The uro-hyal is consolidated with the basi-hyal. It is osseous 
 for about a fourth of an inch, when it becomes cartilaginous and tapers gradually to a 
 very acute apex. 
 
 The apo-hyals are about one and a third incljes long. They are nearly straight, en- 
 tirely osseous, cylindrical,e njoying free motion at their basi-hyal articulation. From 
 their extremities the cerato-hyals, chiefly cartilaginous, curve upward and outward for 
 about an inch. 
 
 The (esophagus measures about ten inches from the glottis to the cardiac oriiice of the 
 gizzard. It is very capacious, and capable of being exceedingly dilated. In the un- 
 distended state the lining mucous membrane is thrown up into numerous very prom- 
 inent longitudinal rugte, which of course disappear upon dilatation. These rugae are 
 perfectly straight in the lower three-fourths of the canal, but toward the fauces they 
 become wavy and zigzag. The contractile power of the tube is very great, as is evi- 
 denced by the thickness of the planes of muscular fibres by which it is enveloped. 
 These fibres are both longitudinal and circular, and increase in volume toward the pro- 
 ventriculus. 
 
 The normal diameter of the canal seems to vary but slightly throughout its whole 
 
 39 
 
610 8TEEC0EAEIUS POMATORHINUS, POMAEINE JAEGEB. 
 
 extent. At the proventricnlug it is somewhat enlarged, but the dilatation is by no 
 means very marked, and there is no change in the direction of the tube. The belt of 
 gastric glands in the proventriculus is abont an inch in uniform breadth, and forms a 
 complete uninterrupted zone. The line of demarcation between it and the simple mu- 
 cous membrane of the oesophagus is very distinct and quite straight. The color is quite 
 different, being of a slaty tinge, while that of the (Esophagus is rather reddish ; and it 
 has a peculiar soft velvety feel. The openings of the gastric tubules may l>e readily 
 seen with the naked eye, scattered thickly and evenly over the whole surface. On 
 making an incision into the proventricular walls, the follicles themselves are plainly 
 discernably lying imbedded in the tissue side by side. As well as can be made out with 
 an ordinary magnifying glass, they seem to be simple, straight, cylindrical tabes, of a 
 nearly uniform diameter, commencing by a free, rounded, closed extremity ; and pro- 
 ceeding directly to open on the surface of the gastric mucous membrane. Their length 
 is but little less than the thickness of the proventricular parietes. The zone of glands 
 is directly continuous with the lining membrane of the gizzard. 
 
 The gizzard is situated behind and somewhat posterior to the left lobe of the liver, 
 lying far back in the abdomen, opposite the space between the last rib and the ramus 
 of the pubis. It is a regular flattened oval in shape, one and three quarters of an inch 
 long bv one and a quarter wide, and three quarters thick. It coiitinues in a direct line 
 from the proventriculus. The central tendons are of rather small extent, most of the 
 parietes being muscular ; but the bulk of the muscular fibre seems small, when we 
 reflect that fishes, &c., are swallowed almost entire, and that consequently the bones 
 require trituration. The thickest part of the muscular walls of the gizzard in its nncon- 
 tracted state, is only about a fourth of an inch. 
 
 The cuticular lining of the gizzard is thrown up into rugie and folds, which, on the 
 sides, are tolerably regularly arranged longitudinally ; but at the bottom of the cul-de- 
 sac, and about the cardiac aud pyloric orifice, are irregularly reticulated. This mem- 
 brane is of a dark or reddish color, and very strong and tough ; but it is of uniform 
 width, presenting little or no thickening opposite the bellies of the lateral muscles. It 
 terminati'S abruptly at the two orifices of the gizzard by a simple free extremity. 
 
 There is hardly any constriction of the proventriculus at the commencement of the 
 gizzard, so that the cardiac orifice is nearly as large as the proventriculus itself. The 
 pyloric orifice, on the contrary, is quite small. There does not appear to be any valve 
 protecting it, other than the puckering of the membrane surrounding it. 
 
 The intestinal canal is berrween twenty-eight and thirty inches in length, from the 
 pylorns to the anus. The duodenal fold begins almost immediately from the pylorus, 
 curling around the right side of the gigerium to get behind and below it, and not as- 
 cending very high; it is about two inches and a half in length, as usual containing 
 in its concavity the pancreas. Just beyond the termination of the fold are the open- 
 ings for the hepatic and pancreatic ducts, in very close proximity to each other. 
 . The cwea are present and well developed, being quite long, when we consider the pisci- 
 vorous character of the bird. They arise about two and a half inches from the auus, 
 and measure two and three quarter inches in total length. They are throughout ap- 
 posed to the intestine ; they increase inoiilibrefrom their originto the extremities, which 
 . are free and club-shaped. The large intestine is thus very short and straight, and does 
 not differ materially in size from the other portion of the intestines. The rectum ter- 
 minates in a large globnlar cloaca. 
 
 The spleen is a small, narrow, elongated organ, about half an inch in length, of a 
 slightly elliptical shape, rounded extremities, and of a light, dull-reddish color. Its 
 situation in the specimens examined was, as nearly as could lie, determined, behind and 
 to the right of the proventriculus, between it aud the corresponding hepatic lobe. 
 
 The liver is of moderate size, consisting of two unequal lobes ; of these the right one 
 is much larger than the left, measuring two and a quarter inclies in length, while tlie 
 other is less than two inches. Both are of about the same width, measuring nearly an 
 inch, and are of an irregularly triangular shape on a transverse section. The right is 
 more elongated, with sharper edges and thinner extremities than the left. They are 
 quite separated from each other except superiorly, where rather a thin but broad band 
 of glandular substance stretches betwrtjn and unites them. There is no indication of 
 a third posterior lobe — a " lobulus Spigelii." I have failed in detecting a gall-bladder. 
 The two lobes lie in close apposition, except abo , e, where they divaricate for the re- 
 ception of the apex of the heart. 
 
 The kidneys commence opposite to the interspace between the penultimate and the 
 antepenultimate ribs, immediately below the termination of the lungs, and extend to 
 the end of the sacrum. They are, as usual, accurately moulded to the bony depress- 
 ions and elevations in their course, their anterior surfaces being more smooth and 
 rounded. They are divided into only two pretty distinct and nearly disconnected por- 
 tions. The superior of these is much the larger and is broader, with more decidedly 
 convex borders. 
 
 The cloaca is very capacious and of a nearly globular shape, inclining somewhat to 
 the conoidal from the stretching up of its fundus to join the rectum. The division 
 
STEECOEARirS PABASITICUS, PARASITIC JAEGER. 611 
 
 into the large aoterior cavity, the cloaca proper, and the posterior dilatation is nn- 
 nsually well marked by a very prominent projecting ridge or fold of mucons mem- 
 brane. Jnst anterior to this ridge, oq either side, open tiie ureters, and in the male, 
 in close proximity to them, the orihces of the vasa deferentia. The papillae denoting 
 the terminations of these tubes, as well as the orifices themselves, are exceedingly 
 minute and require careful search for their discovery. The posterior dilatation of the 
 cloacal parietes leads through a very narrow canal — a fourth ot an inch or there- 
 about in length — into a well- developed ftursa. This pouch is quite capacious, measur- 
 ing nearly a third of an inch in length by a fourth in breadth. It is of a flattened 
 oval shape, with a rounded free extremity, and in situ lies pretty closely opposed to the 
 posterior wall of the cloaca. 
 
 The superior larynx is small and very simple in structure, being, as usual, merely a 
 flattened conical cavity formed by the plane thyroid cartilage inferiorly, supporting at 
 its anterior extremity the arytenoid cartilages which form the rima glottidis on the 
 superior aspect of the larynx. This aperture is commanded by the ordinary con- 
 strictor and dilator muscles. 
 
 The trachea measures five inches in length from the superior to the inferior larynx. 
 It is, as usual, flattened antero-posteriorly. The compression is more marked near the 
 anterior extremity; the tube becomes more rounded and narrower toward the lower 
 larynx. It is composed of about ninety rings. But few of these rings are of nuilbrni 
 width for the whole of their circumference. They are mostly troader at one point 
 than at another, the narrow part of one being opposite a correspondingly broadened 
 portion of the one next succeeding, so that the inequalities of any two riag 5 mutually 
 correct each other. Along each side of the trachea a quite distinct band of muscular 
 fibres runs the whole length of the tube. 
 
 The cartilage composing the lower larynx is much firmer and denser than that of the 
 upper. The rings of which this portion of the air passage was originally composed 
 are on its posterior aspect still distinctly traceable, but anteriorly the marks of sepa- 
 ration are quite lost, and the surface of the larynx is quite smooth. The shape of the 
 larynx is that of a truncated pyramid, with a subtriangtUar base, whose posterior plane 
 has a concave indentation, and whose anterior edge has become obsolete. Above, the 
 opening of the larynx is a simple flattened oval, similar in shape to the trachea. Be- 
 low it is divided in two by a cartilaginous tTabectdum, which is thrown across from 
 the posterior side to the anterior apex of the base of the pyramid. The shape of tliis 
 septum is such that it forms of the lower apertttre of the larynx two oval openings — 
 the commencements of the two bronchi. 
 
 The bronchi consist of about twenty half rings, their posterior parietes being en- 
 tirely membranous. These rings are slender and of uniform width, the membrane 
 connecting them, and completing the canal posteriorly, being delicate and elastic. 
 They are of about equal length. 
 
 Synampny. — The account of Stercorariua striatug is one of the earliest and an accurate 
 description of this species. The Larus erepidalus of Gmelin and Latham is in all prob- 
 ability based upon the young ; and, if so, has of course priority over pamalorhinus. But 
 the description is short, unsatisfactory, and not diagnostic ; while, being based upon 
 an immature state of plumage, which the Pomarine Jaeger shares -vrith paraiitk-KS. I do 
 not think it advisable to supersede a long and well-known name. The sterujrarius 
 crepidatus of VieiUot is, however, the true parasiticus, as is also the Leitris crej/idatn r t 
 Degland, and of Schinz: bat the Lestris erepidata of Brebm refi^rs to .S. buffoni. ( Vidi: 
 synonyms of these two species.) The only instance I have found of the application of 
 the name j)arasj(ic«« to this species is that of Meyer and Wolf. The rest of the synon- 
 ymy does not require special notice. For a discussion of Catharacta cepphus of Briin- 
 nich see remarks under S. iuffoni. 
 
 STEECOEAPvIUS PARASITICUS, (Briinn.) 
 
 Parasitic Jaeger, 
 
 Lams parasiticus, Lets., Fn. .Snec. .>5 ; >vst. Xat. i, 1766, 226.— Gm., .>Tst. Xat. i 17-- 
 601.— Lath., Ind. Om. ii, 1790. ?i9. 
 
 Catliaraeta paramtica, Bmrsy., Om. Bor. 1764, 37. 
 
 Cataracta parasitica, Eetz.. Fn. .Snec. l^iAi, IbO. 
 
 Caiarractes parasiticus, FuEM., Br. An. 13S. 
 
 Lestris parasitica. In., Prod. 1-11. 273.— TEirw., Man. ii, li20. 79?) (include^ next spe- 
 cies).— Faber, Prod. Isl. Orn. 1->J, 10.5 (both species?;.— BoiE, Isis. l^-.'2. 56J.— 
 Bkehsi, Eur. Vog. ISi*?. 744.— Kaup, Sk. Em. Ear. Thierw. l-2y. 47.— Le->., 
 Tr. Om. 1S31, 616.— SCHixz., Eur. Fn. i, 1^40. .390.— Xacji., V. D. x, l-4i>, .510, 
 pis. •27-2, -273.— Bp., Consp. ii, 1t.56, 205 ; Compt. Eend. xlii, l-.3c;, 7711.— Blas,. 
 J. f O. l-i3.5. 354. 
 
 Lestris parasitica var. coprotheres, Br., Consp. Av. ii, 1656. iOy. 
 
612 STEECORARIUS PARASITICUS, PARASITIC JAEGER. 
 
 Stercorarhis parasiticus, ScHjEPF., Mus. Orn. 1779, 62, pi. 37 (/mscms).— Selys-L., Fn. Belg. 
 
 1842, 155.— Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 653; List Br. B. 1863, 228.— Lawk., B. 
 
 K. A. 1858, 839 ; Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 299.— Coites, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, 
 
 243 ; ihid. 1863, 132 ; Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 305 ; Key, 1872, 309 ; Elliot's Prybi- 
 
 lov Is. 1874.— Malm., J. f. 0. 1865, 205.— Newt., Ibis, 1865, 570.— Schl., Mus. 
 
 P.-B. iv, 1863, 47.— Dall & Bans., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 303.— Tuunb., B. E. 
 
 Pa. 1869, 47. 
 Catharacla coprotheres, BrUnn., Orn. Bor. 1764, 38. 
 Zestris coprotheres, Des Mors, Tr. OiJl. 1860, 551. 
 Caiarractes parasita. Pall., Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, 310. 
 Lestria parasita. Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 95.— Bp., Cat. Met. Ucc. 1842, 80; Rev. 
 
 Crit. 1850, 202.— Schl., Rev. Crit. 1«44, 85.— Midd., Sib. Reise, li, 1853, 241. 
 Cataracta cepphus, Leach., Syst. Cat. 1816, 39. 
 Stercorarius cepphus, Stbph., Gen. Zool. xiii, 1826, 211, pi. 23.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 
 
 1831, 432.— Degl., Orn. Eur. ii, 1849, 295. (Not of authors.) 
 Stercorarius erepidaius, Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. 1819, 155. (Nee Gm., Lath. ?) 
 Zestris crepidata, Temm., Man. 1815, 515.— Degl., Mem. Soc. Roy. Lille, 1838, 108.— 
 
 SCHINZ, Eur. Fn. 1840, 390. (.Juv.). 
 Lestris richardsoni, Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 433, pi. 73.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 319.— 
 
 Bp., List, 1838, 63.— Eyt., Cat. Br. B. 1836, 51.— AuD., Om. Biog. iii, 1835, 503 ; 
 
 Syn. 1839, 332; B. Am. vii, 1844, 190, pi. 452.— Tbmm., Man. iv, 1840, 499.— 
 
 S'cHiNZ, Eur. Fn. i, 1840, 392.— Giu., B. L. I. 1844, 367.— Thomps., Nat. Hist. 
 
 Ireland, iii, 1851, 394. 
 Cataravten richardsonii, Macgil., Man. ii, 1842, 257. 
 Stercorurhis richardsoni, Couics, Eev. Lestrid. Pr. Phila. Acad. 1863, 135. 
 Zestris ioji, schleepii, benickii, Brehm, V. D. 719, 720, 723. 
 (?) Lestris hardyi, spinicauda, Bp., Consp. ii, 1856, 210. (Blasius puts these under huffoni.) 
 
 DiAG. St. rectricibus mediis rigidis, acuminatis, ultra cceteras 4-pollices porreatis ; tarsis suh- 
 asperis, 
 
 Bai. — North Atlantic Ocean, and sea-coasts of Europe and America. Interior of 
 Arctic America. 
 
 Adult, breeding plumage (No. 16802, Mus. Smithson.). — Bill much shorter than the head 
 or tarsus ; as high as broad at the base; basally rounded, compressed from nostrils to 
 tip ; rather robust, the sides converging from base to apex. Culmen broad, flattened, 
 scarcely appreciably convex to the unguis, which rises slightly above the level of the 
 ceiH, is moderately convex, tip not very strongly deflexed. Rami very long; gonjs 
 very short ; both somewhat concave in outline. Eminentia symphysis small but well 
 marked. Tomia of superior mandible at first ascending and a little concave; then 
 descending and a lit'le convex ; again, very decidedly concave as it decurves toward 
 the tip. Cere without oblique striae ; with a straight longitudinal sulcus on each side 
 of the culmen. Feathers extending far forward on superior mandible, with a curved 
 free outline, so broad that the feathers of the sides meet over the culmen. Feathers on 
 inferior mandible also project considerably, almost filling the triangular sulcus on the 
 side as well as the angular space between the rami. Middle of eye just over angle of 
 mouth. Wings moderately long, strong, pointed ; first primary much the longest ; rest 
 regularly and rapidly graduated ; all rather narrow and taperiug to an acute apex, 
 somewhat rigid and falcate. Secondaries short and inconspicuous ; broad, the tips of 
 the outer ones nearly square, of the inner obliquely incised, the apex being formed by 
 the inner web alone. Tertials long, soft, flexible. Tail moderately long, contained 
 not quite two and a half times in the wing; very slightly rounded, the graduation 
 l)eing only half an inch. Feathers moderately broad quite to their tips, which are 
 truncated. The central pair project three to four inches. They begin to taper about 
 four inches from their apices, and regularly converge to a very acute tip. Upper tail 
 coverts moderately long; the inferior still longer, but neither as long as in skua. Feet 
 rather short and quite slender ; tarsi as long as the middle toe and claw. Tibia naked 
 half an inch above the joint. The tcutellation and reticulation is the same as that 
 already described, but the nails are weaker and less arched, though fully as acute. A 
 decided occipital crest and a calotte. Nuchal region with the feathers acuminate and 
 rigid, with loosened fibrillte. Pileum, occipital crest, and whole upper parts deep 
 brownish-black, with a somewhat slaty tinge, and a slight but appreciable metallic 
 shade; this color deejiening into quite black on the wings and tail. Rhachides of 
 primaries and rectrices whitish, except at thoir tips ; the inner vanes albescent ))aso- 
 internally. Chin, throat, sides of head, neck all round, and under parts to the vent, 
 pure white ; the feathers of the latero-nnchal region rigid, acuminate, with discon- 
 nected fibrillae, light yellow. Under tail coverts like the upper parts, but somewhat 
 of a fuliginous tint ; the line of demarcation from the white of the abdomen very 
 trenchant. 
 
 Xtarlg mature (No. 20144). — Size and form of the adult. Pileum and latero-nuchal 
 
STEECOEAEIUS PAEASITICUS, PAKASITIC JAEGER. 613 
 
 region, and whole upper parts, as in the adnlt. The under parts white (as in the 
 adnlt), but clouded everywhere with dusky patches, most marked across the brea--t, on 
 the sides, the flauks, and under tail coverts, and leaving the middle of the belly and 
 throat nearly pure. Varying degrees of this dusky uubilation approach in some speci- 
 mens neaily to the uniform dusky below characterized : in others fade almost into the 
 pure white of the adult, connecting the two ages perfectly. The tarsi of the most 
 dusky specimens have small yellow blotches ; the others nor. 
 
 Dusiy stage {"So. 20362;. — With the size and proportions of the adult. Wholly deep 
 dusky ; darker and more plumbeous superiorly ; lighter, and with a fuliginous tinge, 
 inferiorly; the ijileum quite black; the latero-nuchal re^^'ion yellon'; the remige.^ and 
 rectrices quite black ; feet black. 
 
 Immature (Xo. l-(>52j. — .Size and general proportions nearly those of the adult. BiU 
 and cere perfectly formed ; feet mostly black, but with some yellow blotches. The 
 upper parts are unadulterated with auy rufous bars ; the deep brosvnisb-black pileum 
 has appeared, and the sides of the neck have obtained their yellow shade, which con- 
 trasts conspicuously with the fuliginous background. Evidences of immaturity, 
 however, are found on the under parts, where the dark color is mixed with the illy- 
 defined transverse bars of ochraceous. Enfous is al.-o found at the bend of the wing 
 and on the under wing and tail coverts. The primaries are still whitish at the ont- 
 side, as are also the rectrices. The central rectrices project 2^ inches, and ha^ e the 
 tapering form of those of the adults. 
 
 Younger (Xo. ■27.j4). — Tfle juvenility of the specimen is attested by its small ^ize, 
 delicate bill and feet, little projection of the central rectrices, general muUi pilose eou- 
 dition of plumage, &c. The rufous of the very youug bird, instead of giving way 
 everywhere to dusky, yields to this color only on the upper i)aLts and crown ; on the 
 sides of the head, neck, and the whole under parts, whitish being the predominating 
 color ; the continuity of this last being interrupted by indistinctly marked dn-ky bars. 
 The yellow of the sides of the neck has not yet appeared. There is the same white 
 space on the bases of the wings and tail that exists on the very young. The central tail 
 feathers only project about 2J inches. 
 
 Toung-of-ihe.-ijear in August. — Size considerably less than that of the adnlt, form every 
 way more delicate. Wings more than an inch shorter ; bill and feet much glen.lere'r 
 and weaker. Bill in some specimens light bluish-horn ; in others greenish-olive, the 
 terminal portion brownish-black. Tarsi and greater part of the toes yellow. The 
 bird is everywhere rayed and barred with rufous and brownish-black. On the head 
 and neck the rufous has a very light ochraceous tinge, and is by far the predominating 
 color, dark only appearing as a delicate line along the shaft of each feather. There is 
 an aggregation of the brown into a spot at the anterior cauthus of the eye. Proceed- 
 ing down the neck to the back, the longitudinal lines become larger, and gradually 
 spread wider and wider, until between the shoulders they occupy the whole of each 
 feather, except a narrow border of rufous, which latter is of a deeper tint than on the 
 head. Passing down the throat to the breast, the rufous becomes decidedly lighter — 
 almost whitish — while the brown, which on the throat exists only as a light longitud- 
 inal line, changes on each feather to transverse bars of about equal width with the 
 light rufo'_s bar's with which it alternates. This pattern prevails over the whole under 
 parts, the transverse bands being broadest on the flanks aud under taU and wing 
 coverts, narrowest in the middle of the belly. The primaries are brownish-black, nar- 
 rowly tipped with rufous, their shafts yellouish, their inner webs fading basally into 
 white. • The tail has the same coloration as the wings. The central feathers project 
 about three-fourths of an inch. 
 
 In this species we can favorably study the changes of plumage which are character- 
 istic of all the species. I am enabled by the extensive series at my command to trace 
 the various stages of the present species. 
 
 Beginning with the stage last descnbed, that of the young-of-the-year, we find it 
 characterized essentially by the presence of rufous or ochraceous, disposed chiefly in 
 tramrerse bars, or spots, or waves, which alternate with similarly shaped dusky or 
 brownish-black markings. The birds are much smaller than the adnlts, the bill and 
 feet more delicate. As the bird grows older the bill and feet become stouter, the «ere 
 better developed, and the rufous everywhere grows first lighter and then more re- 
 stricted, giving way to an encroachment of the blackish. This increase of the darker 
 color is particularly rapid on the upper parts, which become tmifbrmly dustv before 
 the under parts do. When this has taken place the bird is in the plumage of Xo. li6.!.-2. 
 The tarsi and feet are still mostly yellow; there is stiU the white space at the leases of 
 the primaries ; the central rectrices still have only a partial development. By the 
 time the rufous mentioned in >.o. 166.52 as existing on the alar coverts, under parts, 
 tic, has entirely disappeared, the bird has become half-grown, and is now in that 
 peculiar state of plumage characterized in the description of No. 20362. This is a defi- 
 nite stage. Bnt some few specimens in the collection do not seem to pass through this 
 dusky epoch in arriving at maturity. The rufous yields to black only on the upper 
 parts ; on the under parts the blackish bars as well as the rufous ones become chan ■ d 
 
614 STEECOEAEIUS PARASITICUS, PARASITIC JAEGEE. 
 
 to white : so that the bird tends at once to assume the bicolor plumage of the adults 
 without going through the dusky-unicolor stage. This is one of the perplexing facts 
 ■we encounter in studying the question. We tiud that the very immature plumage of 
 the young birds in August can be traced through one series directly into the fusoo- 
 uuicolor stage ; through another into a state which seems to jiass directly into that of 
 the normally-colored, fully adult bird. Various explanatious have been offered to ac- 
 count for the dusky stage of plumage. Some authors consider it as a sexual feature, 
 regarding it as the normal adult plumage of one sex (according to some the male ; to 
 others the female!) Others look upon it as a seasonal feature, attained at a certain 
 time in each year, and regularly recurring each successive season. Still others, again, 
 consider it as a distinct I'arkty, accidental and irregular according to some, permauent 
 according to others. With regard to the question of the seiuuJ nature of this state, I 
 think the evidence is decidedly against such a belief. The very fact that those authors 
 ■who Qontend for this opinion difter as to wMch sex — some affirming that they found 
 testicles and others that they saw ovaries in the dusky birds they dissected— seems to 
 me conclusive evidence that the state of plumago in question is common to both sexes. 
 I cannot admit the hypothesis that this state constitutes a permanent or accideutal 
 variety. I do not think it possible that normally-colored adult birds can have young 
 which attain at once this dusky state and retain it during their lives ; still less that 
 they can transmit their abnormal characters to their offspring, as would be neces- 
 sary to constitute a permauent variety. The supposition that it is a purely accidental 
 variety — i. e., that certain individuals, without any cause, by a freak of nature as it 
 were, become thus colored and remain so for their whole lives — seems still less worthy 
 of credence. Examples of this condition of plumage are too numerous, and bear alto- 
 gether too definite relations with certain other stages, uot to be brought about by aud 
 dependent upon some definite law. The preceding suppositions being untenable, I 
 think there can be no reasonable doubt as to the true character of the stage of plum- 
 age in question, from the amount of evidence which we have tending to prove it de- 
 pendent upon age and season. I do not hesitate, therefore, to express the decided 
 opinion that this unicolor state is a transient, immature stage of plumage, perfectly 
 normal, and universal, or nearly so, independently of sex, which every Jager — or at 
 least the great majority of individuals — passes through in its progress toward ma- 
 turity, after leaving the plumage it first assumed, and before it arrives at the plumage 
 ■which is indicative of maturity. The ouly question is, exactly what age this plumage 
 is indicative of, and whether, after once having attained to this fully mature condition, 
 the adults do or do not return to this unicolor state at certain season of each year. 
 lly opinion is, that it supervenes, ordinarily at least, directly upon the disappearance of 
 the rufous, which is characteristic of the very young bird, and therefore is probably as- 
 sumed after the first moult and retained until the second. I do not think it prohaWe 
 that the adults which have passed through this state ever return to it ; for, as remarked 
 uuder head of S. pomatorhintis, we nearly always find these unicolor birds possessed of 
 of smaller, weaker bills, and slenderer, generally particolored, feet ; all of which char- 
 acters are invariably indicative of the immature bird. 
 
 Synonymy. — It is difficult, perhaps impossible, to say whether the names and descrip- 
 tions of authors before 1800 really refer to this species or to the buffoni. It is most 
 probable, however, that the former is really the species meant, both because it is the 
 most abundant and well known, and because Retzius, in his edition of the Fn. Snec. 
 (in which work the species is definitely settled by giving the exact length of the cen- 
 tral rectrices *), cites as synonymous nearly all the names and descriptions in question. 
 He errs, however, in adducing S. longicaudatus, Brisson, which is the huffoni. Catha- 
 racta parasitica of Briinnich and the Larus parasiticus of Linu£eus, Gmelin, and Latham 
 in all probability really refer to this species, and it is from the former of these authors 
 that the specific name is accepted. But Lams parasiticus of Latham (1790) may have 
 been based upon the long tailed species, for the reason that the length of his bird is 
 given as 21 inches — a dimension never attained by parasiticus. The synonyms of the 
 two species are indiscriminately cited. 
 
 The Catharacta coprotheres of Briinnich is this species in its fusco-unicolor stage. On 
 its very first introduction, in 1764, Briinnich himself doubts its validity as a species, 
 and says of it: "An precedenti— parasiticus — seom vel specie diversa" ? Yet down to the 
 present time it has always been held by some authors as distinct. Thus, in 18GG, Bona- 
 parte gives a variety (coprotheres), and still later, in 1860, Des Murs presents a species 
 {Lesttis coprotha-es). 
 
 An early, detailed, and unmistakable description of this species is that of Brisson, in 
 17(10, who gives an accurate account of it under the mononomial appellation sterco- 
 rarius. The species serves as the type of his genus. 
 
 The Stircorarius crepidatus of Vieillot (ut supril) is based upon this species, although 
 his specific name is taken from Gmelin and Latham, who probably based their de- 
 scripl ions of crepidatus upon the young pomatorhinus. So, also, the Lestris orepidaia of 
 
 * Fn. Suec. p. 180 : " Ecctrices 6, C (i. e., the central pair) Cisteris 4 poll, longiorea." 
 
STEECOEARIUS BUFFONI, LONG-TAILED JAEGER. 615 
 
 Degland (1838), and, following his authority, Sobinz (1840) are both synonyms of the 
 young of tbo present species, according to Degland's subsequent admission. 
 
 The name eepplms has been applied to this species by very few writers, the principal 
 of which I have given in the synonymy. Those writers who use this name for the 
 present species apply to the long-tailed species aithav parasitica, or longlcaudata, or 6m/- 
 foni. For the discussion of the names of those authors who thus interchange cepphua 
 and parasiticus, see remarks under head of l>i(ffoni. 
 
 The Lestris parasitica of Temmiuck (1820) is a mixture of the present species and the 
 long-tailed one, as is shown by his list of authorities cited as well as by his descrip- 
 tion. This error Temminck soon afterward became aware of, and in subsequent editions 
 corrected by coutradiatiDguishing the two species. The same combination probably 
 exists in Faber's description of his Lestris parasiticus. 
 
 In 1863 I indorsed the validity of S. richardsoni as diifcrent from parasiticus, but not 
 without heBitation, and I am now of opinion that it is inseparable. It is, it is true, 
 larger in all its parts, and the specimens I have exammed have a longer and appar- 
 ently more rounded tail than nsua,l, with broader reotrices ; but with increased knowl- 
 edge of the range of individual variability in this genus, I scarcely think the name 
 tenable even as that of a variety. 
 
 The name has been quite generally employed, especially by American writers, for the 
 true parasiticus (to which it belongs, but is of course antedated). How this came about 
 is readily explained. The two species of Jiigers — the Common and the Long-tailed— 
 were generally confounded by authors (except Brisson) down to a comparatively re- 
 cent date, or at least the two names "parasiticus" and "cepphus," were used indiscrim- 
 inately for either species by those even who recognized two. Thus, in 1820, Temminck, 
 then perhaps the best authority on the subject, gives but a single species, under the 
 name of "parasiticus, Brilnnich," which, according to his description and synonymy, is 
 a combination of both. He soon after, however, became aware of his error, and 
 acknowledges it in 1840, saying that "comme uotre article du Stercoraire parasite on 
 labbe, renferme * * * les synonymes de deux esp&ces destinctes * » * n est 
 necessaire de refaire en totality toutes les indications," &c. But in the mean time 
 Swainson's richardsoni had been described and figured, and Temminck, looking for a 
 name under which to present the Common Jiiger (for he considered the name "para- 
 sitica" as referring to the Long-tailed species), adopted Swainson's appellation for it. 
 His example has been followed by Audubon and other American as well as by some 
 European writers. 
 
 ' STERCORAEIUS BUFFONI, (Boie) Coues. 
 
 Buffon's or the long-tailed Jaeger. 
 
 Stercorariws longicaudatus, Briss., Orn. vi, 1760, 15.5. — Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. Nat. 
 
 xsxii, 1819, 1.57.— Dbgl., Orn. Eur. ii, 1849, 293.— Sblys-L., Fn. Belg. 1842, 
 
 156.— SCHL., Mus. P.-B. iv, 1863, 49. 
 Lestris longicaudatus, Thomps., N. H. Irel. iii, 1851, 399. 
 Cataractes longecauda, Macgii.., Man. ii, 1842, 258. 
 Stercorarius longicauda,'!ilEif/T., Ibis, 1865, 571. 
 (?) Catharacta cepphus, BhOnn., Orn. Bor. 1764, 36. 
 Lestris cepphus. Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 240.— Bp., Cat. Met. Ucc. 1842, 80; 
 
 Rev. Crit. 1850, 202; Consp. ii, 1856, 209.— Des Murs, Tr. Ool. 1860,551.— Blas., 
 
 J. f. O. 1865, 384. 
 Stercorarius cepphus. Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 653 ; List Br. B. 1863, 229.— Lawr., B. 
 
 N. A. 1858, 840.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, 243.— ScnL., Mus. P.-B. iv, 1863, 
 
 49.— BoAHDM., Pr. Best. Soc. ix, 1862, 131.— Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 100.— 
 
 Allen, ibid, iv, 1864, 90. 
 (1) Larus parasiticus, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 819. Uncertain. 
 Cataractes parasitica. Pall., Zoog. E.-A. ii, 1811, 310. — Macgil., Br. B. v, — . 
 Lestris parasitica, Tem,-\i., Man. Orn. iv, 1840, 502.— Lesson, Man. ii, 1828, 388 —Sw. & 
 
 Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 430.— Ndtp., Man. ii, 1834, —.—Jen., Man. 1835, 283.— 
 
 Eyt., Cat. 1836, 52.— AUD., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 470 ; Syu. 1839, 333 ; B. Am. vii, 
 
 1844, 192, pi. 452.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 364. 
 Lestris T)uffoni,Bom, "in Meyer's Tasch. iii, 1810, 212;" Isis, 1822, 562.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 
 
 No. 300 ; List, 1838, 63.— Kaup, Sk. Ent. Eur. Thierw. 1829, 47.— Less., Tr. Orn. 
 
 1831, 616.— SCHiNZ, Eur. Fn. i, 1840, 391.— Schl., Rev. Crit. 1844, 135.— DeKaYj 
 
 N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844, 315, pi. 133, f. 291.- Midd., Sib. Reise, ii, ISM, 241. 
 Stercorarius buffoni, Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1863, 136 ; Pr. Ess. Inst, v, IKGS, 305 ; Key, 
 
 1872, 309 ; Prybilov Isl. 1874, — .— Malmg., J. f. 0. 1805, 206.— Lawr., Ann. Lye. 
 
 N. Y. viii, 1866, 299.— Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 304. 
 Lestris crepidata, Brehm, Eur. Vog. 1823, 747 ; V. D. 724.— Naum., V. D. x, 534, pi. 274. 
 Lestris tessoni, Degl., Mem. Acad. Eoy. Lille, 1838.— ScHiNZ,.Eur. Fn. 1840, 392. ( Young.) 
 " Lestris brachyrhynchus, in icrorhyuchws, Beehm." 
 
616 STERCOEARIUS BUFFONI, LONG- TAILED JAEGER. 
 
 DiAG. jS. rectiicibui mediis ultra cccteras 8 ad 10 poll. porrectU. 
 
 IBab. — Coasts of North America aud Europe, chiefly in higher latitudes. Interior of 
 Arctic America. 
 
 AAult, breeding plumage. — Bill shorter than the head, less than the middle toe without 
 the claw ; stout, compressed, higher than broad at ihe base, its sides regularly con- 
 verging. Ceral ponion of culmen broad, flat, depressed, slightly concave in outline; 
 lingual portion very decidedly declinato-convex to the greatly overhanging tip ; nar- 
 rower than the ceral. Tomia of superior mandible sinuate ; at first concave aud ascend- 
 ing ; then convex and descending ; again very concave as they decurve towai'd the 
 deflected tip, just posterior to which there is an imperfect notch. Tomia of inferior 
 maxilla nearly straight to the tip, where they are decurved. Gonys very short, slightly 
 concave in outline. Eminentia symphysis ocute, but not very large ; rami very long 
 as compared with the gonys, but absolutely rather short, from the encroachment of the 
 feathers. Cere very short, being scarcely if at all longer than the unguis ; its lower bor- 
 der curving upward to give passage to the nostrils. The encroachment of the feathers 
 on the bill is greater than that of any other species ; on the upper mandible they ex- 
 tend within half an inch of the distal end of the cere, having a broad, rounded termi- 
 nation, the feathers of the two sides meeting on a.nd covering the culmen some distance 
 from its real base. The feathers on the sides of the lower mandible extend nearly as 
 far as on the upper, and those between the ran i quite to the symphysis. Wings ex- 
 ceedingly long ; first primary much the longest ; rest rapidly graduated ; all rather 
 narrow, tapering, falcate, actually pointed, their rhachides stiff and strong. Second- 
 aries sliort and inconspicuous ; rather broad ; their apices as in the other species. 
 Tertials moderately long, very straight, flexible, rounded at their extremities, the 
 edges of their vanes convoluted. Tail very long ; longer, both absolutely and rela- 
 tively, than in any other North American species, being half as long as the wings; 
 graduated, the lateral feather being three-fourths of an inch shorter tlian the next to 
 central pair ; all the feathers moderately broad, converging somewhat to their rather 
 broad, rounded tips. Central rectrices extremely lengthened, exceediug the wings ; 
 projecting 8 to 10 inches beyond the tips of the lateral ones. They are extremely rigid 
 at the base, being there much stififer than the other feathers, but gradually become 
 flexible, and at length iilamentous in character, but preserve great elasticity through- 
 out. They are about the same as the other feathers at their bases ; thence taper uni- 
 formly to their exceedingly acute tips. Their edges are sinuate Superior teotrices 
 moderately long ; the inferior reaching nearly to the tips of the rectrices. Feet quite 
 slender ; tarsus equal to middle toe and claw. Tibiae bare of feathers for tliree- 
 fourths of an inch. The reticulation of the feet is identical with that already des- 
 cribed under other species. The scutella of the anterior face of the tarsus, however, 
 show a tendency to degenerate into minute plates near the tibio-tarsal joint. Propor- 
 tions of the toes as in other species, but the claws are comparatively small and weak, 
 and but moderately curved and acute. 
 
 Occiput decidedly suborested. The latero-nuchal region has its feathers length- 
 ened, with disconnected fibrillje, but they are hardly acuminate or rigid. The plum- 
 age about the bill is short, thick, and compact ; that of the upper parts is soft and 
 flexible, only moderately imbricated and compact ; that of the under parts is long, soft, 
 and very thick. 
 
 Bill dusky, its nail almost black. Tarsi deep leaden-blue ; tibiae, phalanges, interdig- 
 ital membranes, and claws black. Occiput subcrested, more decidedly than in any other 
 species, forming a calotte of brownish-black, which color extends downward on the 
 cheeks, the feathers before and below the eye aud on the sides of the bill being of this 
 color. Neck all round, but especially the sides of the head and the peculiarly-formed 
 feathers on the latero-nuchal region, light straw-yellow. Whole upper parts, with 
 upper wing and tail coverts, deep slate, which, on the primaries, secondaries, lateral 
 tail feathers, aud distal half of central pair, deepens into a lustrous brownish-black. 
 Under surface of wings and tail deeper slate than the black, but not so deep as the 
 upper surfaces. Chin, throat, and upper breast white, gradually becoming obscured 
 with dusky-plumbeous, which deepens posteriorly, so that the abdomen and under tail 
 coverts are nearly as dark as the back. Ehachides of first two or three primaries pure 
 white, deepening into brownish-black at their tips ; of the other primaries, aud of the 
 tail feathers (including the central pair), brown, except just at the base, blackening 
 terminally. Under surfaces of all the rhachides are white for nearly their whole length. 
 
 Dimeyisiotis. — Length of culmen, 1.15 inches; gape, 1.70; cere, 0.60; unguis about the 
 same ; gonys, 0.30 ; from feathers on sides of bill to tip, 0.90 ; wing, 12.50 ; tail, 6.25 ; 
 central pair, 14.00 to 16.00; the projection, 8.00 to 10.00 inches; tibiai bare, 0.75 ; tarsus, 
 1.60 ; middle toe without claw, 1.40. 
 
 The changes of plumage of this species being exactly like those of S. parasitioiw, it 
 is unnecessary to repeat them. 
 
 Synonymy. — As already remarked, while speaking of S. parasiticus, it is exceedingly 
 difficult to determine to which of the two species of Jiiger the names " XHirasiticus" and 
 
STERCOEARIUS BUFFONI, LONG-TAILED JAEGER. 617 
 
 " cepphus " really refer. This difficulty results partly from the brevity aiid vague char- 
 acter of the diagnoses given, and partly from the fact that the two species were really 
 confounded (except by Brisson) until a comparatively recent date. From this it re- 
 sults that many of the older names and citations may without difficulty be refuired to 
 either species. This has been done ; some authors considering Briinnich's or Liunteus' 
 "parasiticwa " to refer to the Long-tailed, and others thinking that it was based upon 
 the common species, until the identification of this name has become almost a matter 
 of choice, or rather of tacit understanding. A glance at the synonyms of the two spe- 
 cies will show that authors are about equally divided on this point. Before the intro- 
 duction of " richardsoni" by Swaiuson, the Common Jager usually received the appel- 
 lation of parasiticus, but after the adoption of Swainson's name for this species by 
 Temminck and others, the name parasiticus was for some years almost universally 
 applied to the Long-tailed Jager. Within the last few years, however, the name has 
 again reverted to the common species, and Buffou's Jiiger has usually been called 
 "cepphus." This identification of Briinnich's name is sanctioned by Gray, Bonaparte, 
 and other writers. The following are my reasons for rather referring it to the young 
 poniarinus : 
 
 It is apparent, from almost every sentence of Briinnich's description of eepplms, that 
 he had in view a young bird of the year, in the state in which it is transversely waved 
 with rufous and dusky, &c. The only point to determine is, what species it is the 
 young of Regarding its size, Briinuich compares it with his Catkaracta slcua, saying 
 that it is much smaller than that species, and the size oi parasitita. The young-of-the- 
 year of pomatorhinus is more nearly the size of the adult parasiticus than is the young of 
 the Long-tailed Jiiger. The account of the colors, proportions, &c., which follows, 
 agrees precisely with those of the joang 2iomatorhinua ; and when we remember that at 
 that time the differences between the Common and Bnffon's Jiiger were not appreciated, 
 it seems by no means certain that Brlinnich had the latter in view in drawing up his 
 description. He would in that case have doubtless compared it with the paramticiis. 
 Moreover, authors who wrote but shortly after Briinnich's time, considered his cepphus 
 to be the pomatorhimus ; thus, e. g., Latham places it as a synonym of that species. I by 
 no means insist upon its reference to pomatorhimus, but merely wish to show that it very 
 possibly belongs there, and that it is altogether too indefinite to be employed in either 
 connection. 
 
 The name longicaudatm of Brisson (1760) is the very first one accompanied by a suf- 
 ficiently definite description to enable the species to be identified. As Brisson is no au- 
 thority for species, the name huffoni, proposed by Boie, is the fii'st tenable specific 
 designation. 
 
 I have already given my reasons for referring the Larus parasiticus, Latham, to this 
 species, rather than to the parasiticus of Brlinnich. 
 
 The Lestris lessoni of Degland (1838) is, according to that author's own admission, 
 based upon the youg iuffoni. This same immature plumage of this species has served 
 as the basis of Lestris crepidata of Brehm (1823). 
 
 Subfamily Labin^. 
 
 DiAG. Laridae rostro Integra, maxillce supericris apice aduncd, inferiorem excedente. 
 
 Ch. Bill entire ; the apex of the upper mandible overhanging the tip of the lower. 
 General shape of the bill as in Lestridinos. Eminentia symphysis always prominent. 
 Rami of inferior mandible divaricating at an acute angle. Submental space partially 
 feathered. Feathers of forehead extending further on the sides than on the oulmen of 
 upper mandible. Nostrils direct, linear-oval, somewhat club-shaped, pervious, situated 
 on the side of the upper mandible near its base. Wings long, strong, and acutely 
 pointed, the first primary usually longest. Tail usually square, or very slightly emar- 
 giuate ; sometimes forked ; in Bhodostethia cuneate. Legs ambulatorial, of moderate 
 length, jjlaced far forward. Tibiae denuded for a greater or less space below ; moder- 
 ately stout, anteriorly scutellate, posteriorly smoothly reticulate. Toes as in the other 
 subfamilies. Webs moderately full, always more or less emarginate. Hind toe always 
 fully developed, except in Bissa. Of very variable size, from the largest of the family 
 to nearly the smallest. Plumage full and thick, especially beneath ; varying in color 
 greatly with age and season, hardly, if at all, with sex. Sexes of nearly ecjual size, 
 female usually a little the largest. 
 
 Anatomical characters. — For these see the account of the anatomy of L. argentatus 
 (smithsonianus), a typical species well illustrating the internal structure of the whole 
 subfamily. 
 
 The numerous species of this cosmopolitan group have been unwarrantably subdi- 
 vided into a large number of genera, so-culled by modern systematists. It may uot be 
 possible, even were it judged expedient, to define these genera as such ; for with the 
 exception of the cuneate-tailed lihodostolhia, and the fork-tailed A'ama, no characters 
 are observed beyond those of pattern of coloration, by which the groups can be trench- 
 
618 SUBFAMILY LAEIN^, GULLS. 
 
 antly separated, as the species are all variously interrelated.* Among the North Amer- 
 ican forms we may distingnish three genera, one of them with several eeotious, as 
 follows : 
 
 Aruilytical table of the North American genera and eeciions of Larinm. 
 
 1. Tail square Lakus. 
 
 A. Head never hooded ; under parts never rosy-tinted; Size me- 
 
 dium and large ; bill stout. 
 a. Hallux well developed, with perfect claw. 
 
 1. Adult white, with a colored mantle Larus. 
 
 2. Adult dark, with white head Blaaipm. 
 
 3. Adult entirely white Pagophila. 
 
 h. Hallux usually defective Eima. 
 
 B. Head in summer hooded, and under parts rosy-tinted ; size 
 
 medium and small; bill slender Chrcecocephalug. 
 
 II. Tail wedge-shaped ; neck collared ; small Ehodostbthia. 
 
 III. Tail forked; small; hooded and collared Xkma. 
 
 large; hooded, not collared Creagrus. 
 
 Subgenus Laeus, Linn. 
 
 <C Larus, Linn., Syst. Nat. 1735-1766; el ami. 
 <^ Gavia, Mokiir., Gen. Av. 17.52. 
 
 > Lencus, Kaup, Sk. Ent. Eur. Thierw. 1829, 86. (i. marinus.) 
 
 > Laroides, Brbhm, 1830. — Bp., Cousp. ii, 1850, 217. (i. a/rgentatm.) 
 yPlautus, Eeich., 18.53. {L. argeniatus.) 
 
 S Glaucm, Bruch, J. f. 0. 1H53, 101. (i. glaums.) 
 '^Dominifinnus, Bruch, J. f. O. IS'>-', 100. (L. marinua.) 
 
 'Laroides, Bruch, J. f. O. 1855, 281. (i. glaucus.) 
 
 . Garina, Bp., Consp. Av. 185*;, 222. (L. audomni.) 
 
 ■ Leucus, Bp., Consp. Av. ii, 1856, 215. (i. glaucus,) 
 
 ' Clupeilarus, Bp., Consp. Av. ii, 1856, 220. (i. fuscus.) 
 
 • Gabianus, Bp., Consp. Av. ii, 1856, 212. (i. paeificus.) 
 
 Gen. char. Bill shorter than the head or tarsus, large, strong, more or less robust, 
 usually very stout, deep at the base, higher than btoad, compressed throughout, the 
 apex not very acute and never much attenuated or decurved. Culmen about straight 
 to beyond the nostrils, then convex, the amount of curvature increating toward the 
 end, varying in different species. Commissure slightly sinuate at its extreme base, 
 then about straight to near the end, where it is more or less arcuato-declinate. Emi- 
 nentia symphysis always large, prominent, and well defined, rather obtuse, seldom 
 acute. Nostrils placed rather far forward in a well-defined nasal fossa, lateral, longi- 
 tudinal, pervious, rather broader anteriorly than posteriorly. Feathers of forehead 
 extending considerably farther on the sides of the upper mandible than on its culmen, 
 but falling considerably short of the nostrils. Wings when folded reaching beyond the 
 tail, the remiges strong, not very acute, first longest, second but little shorter, rest rap- 
 idly graduated. Tail of moderate length, always even, never forked nor rounded. 
 Legs rather slender, of moderate length; tibise bare for a considerable distance above 
 the joint, the naked part smooth. Tarsi about equal to or a little longer than the mid- 
 dle toe and claw, varying but slightly in proportions among the different species ; anteri- 
 orly scutellate, posteriorly and laterally reticulate. Hallux fully developed and always 
 present. Anterior claws stout, strong, little curved, rather obtuse, the inner edge of 
 the middle one dilated. Webs full and broad, scarcely incised. 
 
 Of very large or medium size, never very small. Eobust and powerful. Comprising 
 the largest species of the subfamily and those typical of it. White, with a darker 
 mantle, without a hood ; the head and neck in winter streaked with dusky. 
 
 The preceding paragraphs express the essential characters of the subgenus Larus, as it 
 is here accepted. I take as my type of the section the old Linnsean L. canus, and con- 
 sider as congeneric with that species all the true Gulls which are white, with yellow- 
 ish bills, with a darker mantle, without hoods, and with the head and neck streaked 
 with dusky in winter, and whieh have squarely truncated tails and perfectly developed 
 
 * The character of defective hallux, supposed to distingnish /'issa, does not always 
 hold ; for in a North Pacific form, not specifically distinguishable from B. tridactyla, the 
 hind toe is perfectly formed. Pagrtphlla has stout, roughi.sh tarsi. The species of 
 "Hooded Gulls" (Chrcecocephalus, &c.) are generally small and delicate slender-billed 
 species ; but one, at least, is among the largest of the Gulls, while from the slender, 
 tem-iike form of the bill, seen in 6'. minutus and Philadelphia, the transition is gradual 
 and unbroken to species with a very stout hooked bilL 
 
SUBFAMILY LAEIN^, GULLS. 619 
 
 halluces. It will be seen that the definition excludes all the Xemce, which seem to form 
 a very natural section by themselves, and, among the Larem proper, excludes Rissa, 
 with its naually imperfect hallux ; Pagophila, with its entirely white color and some 
 peculiarities of form ; and the whole group of dark colored, usually red-billed, Gulls, 
 comprising Leacophcena, Blasipm, Adelarus, &c. 
 
 The old genus, Larus, has been, to an entirely unwarrantable extent, subdivided by 
 some late systematists. There being scarcely any appreciable diflerences of form among 
 most of the Lari, these authors have based generic characters upon the colw of the 
 mantle and primaries. But between two extremes of color, e. g. L. marinus and glaiicus 
 (from slaty black to the lightest of pearly or whitish blue), there is found evtry shade, 
 and such features as these should not be made grounds for generic divisions. If it 
 be admitted that the " genera" of Lari typici are quite arbitrary, established to facili- 
 tate the determination and recollection of species, somewhat after the fashion of an 
 index, in which subjects are arranged after some fixed and previously agreed upon 
 order of sequence, their usefulness cannot be questioned, but I do not think that they 
 are natural genera. 
 
 We iind among the Zarl three, perhaps four, groups, the species of each of which are 
 more closely allied among themselves than are those of the dift'erent groups. They 
 may be thus arranged and defined : 
 
 A. " Wlnte-winged GulU." — Of large size, inhabiting exclusively the higher latitudes 
 of the Northern Hemisphere ; with exceedingly light-bluish, sometimes almost white, 
 mantles, and white or bluish primaries, without any black on them ; light yellow biils ; 
 flesh-colored legs. This group constitutes the genus (JZatfcwsof Bruch (1853); Laroides 
 of Brnch (1855) ; Leucus of Bonaparte (1856). AH the well-accredited species are rep- 
 resented in North America. They are three in number — glaums, J^ucopterus, and glau- 
 cescens. 
 
 B. ' ' Black-baclced Gulls." — Of the very largest and medium size, cosmopolitan ; with 
 slaty-black mantles ; primaries crossed with black ; yellowish bills, flesh-colored legs. 
 They again are of two types — a larger, embracing the most powerful known Gulls {ma- 
 rinus, &c.), upon which is founded Bruch's genns Bominicanus ; and a smaller, com- 
 prising L.fuscm and its representative species from various parts of the world, serving 
 as the type of Bonaparte's genus Clupeilarus. 
 
 C. " Herring Gulls." — Of rather large and medium size, cosmopolite ; the quite numer- 
 ous species all having the bill yellowish, with a spot of red at the eminentia ; the legs 
 flesh-colored ; the mantle some shade of blue ; the primaries crossed with black. Upon 
 the type of this section is based Laroides of Brehm. The type is the European Her- 
 ring Gull — argentatvs of Brunnich ; intimately allied species or varieties are, smiih- 
 so«Ja;i«*, Cones ; micAa?irf?estt, Bruch ; occirfeKfaZis, Audubon; (?) 6o)'t'a?is, Brandt. Cali- 
 fornicus, Lawrence, is exactly intermediate between this and the succeeding section. 
 
 D. " Aleic Gulls." — Of medium and small size, inhabiting the Northern Hemisphere ; 
 greenish-yellow bill, not very robust ; bluish mantles ; primaries crossed with black ; 
 legs greenish-yellow, instead of flesh-color. Typical Larus of Linnaeus, comprising 
 delavarensis, Ord ; canus, Linnseus ; brachyrhynchus, Richardson ; and other representa- 
 tive species and varieties. 
 
 The North American species may be tabulated as follows : 
 
 Analysis 0} the North American Lari. 
 
 A. Large and robust : mantle whitish or pale-pearly ; no black on 
 
 primaries at any age. 
 
 a. Mantle very pale; primaries the same, fading insensi- 
 bly into white far from the tips. 
 
 1. Larger : length, about 30 inches ; wing, 18.00 or 
 
 more ; bill and tarsus, each, about 3.00 glaucus. 
 
 2. Smaller: length, about 24 inches; wing, 17 or 
 
 less ; bill, about 2 ; tarsus, 2.25 lbucopterusI 
 
 J. Mantle light blue; primaries the same, with definite 
 
 white tips Giaucescexs. 
 
 B. Very large: mantle slaty-blackish; primaries crossed with 
 
 black; size of the first maeincs. 
 
 C. Large : mantle some shade of blue, darker than in A, lighter 
 
 than in B; primaries crossed with black; feet flesh-colored. 
 
 1. Mantle grayish-blue; bill moderately ro- 
 
 bust -* AKGENTATUS var. smithsonianws. 
 
 2. Mantle slaty-blue; bill very robust.. argestatus var. occidentalis. 
 
 D. Medium and small : primaries crossed with black ; feet dark ; 
 
 webs yellow. 
 
 1. Tarsus obviously longer than the middle toe 
 and claw : bill of adult greenish-yellow, en- 
 circled with a black baud ; first primary 
 usually with a sub-apical white spot ; 
 length, about 18 — 20 inches delawaeensis. 
 
620 LARDS GLAtrCUS, GLAUCOUS, GULX. 
 
 1». Tarsns little if any longer than middle toe 
 and claw ; bill with a red spot, but an im- 
 perfect black hand, if any; first primary 
 usnally with the end broadly white; length, 
 about 20—22 inches delawaiibnsis var. caJifornicua. 
 
 2. Tarsns little if any longer than the middle 
 toe and claw ; bill slender, without a black 
 band or red spot ; size, very small ; length, 
 16 or — inches ..- casus var. braehyrhynchus. 
 
 LAEUS GLAUCUS, Briinn. 
 
 Glancons Gnll; Burgomaster. 
 
 Larua glaucus, BRtji™., Orn. Bor. 1764, 44.— Sab., Linn. Trans, xii, 757.— TEini., Man. ii, 
 
 1820, 757.— Bole, Isis, 1822, 562.— Steph., Gen. Zool. xiii, 1626, 189.— Flem., Br. 
 
 Anim. 1828, 139.— Bp., Svn. 1828, 361 ; List, 1838, vi3.— Sw. & Eich., F. B. A. ii, 
 
 1831, 416.— NUTT., Man. "ii, 1834, 306.— Jen., Man. 1835, 279.— Eyt., Cat. Br. B. 
 
 1836, 53.— Brehm, V. D. 1831, 733.— Ace, Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 59, pi. 396; Syn. 
 
 1839, 329 ; B. Am. vii, 1844, 170, pi. 449.-Xai;m., V. D. x, 1^40, 350, pi. 264.— 
 
 Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 96.— Macgel., Man. ii, le42. 247.— GiR., B. L. 
 
 I. 1844, 363.— SCHE., Eev. Crit. 1844, 125.— Grat, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 654 ; List 
 
 Br. B. 1863, 230.— Midd., Sib. Reise, ii, 1853, 241.— Lawr., B. N. A. 1858, 842.— 
 
 Eeixh., Ibis, iii, 1861, 16.— Cooes, Pr. A. N. S. 1861, 243 ; 1862, 294 ; Pr. Ess. 
 
 Inst. V, 1868, 306 ; Key, 1872, 311.— Newt., Ibis, 1865, 509.— Scm., Mus. P.-B. 
 
 iv, 1863, iari, 4.— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 299.— Dai,e & Baxn., Tr. 
 
 Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 304.— Elliot, introd. B. N. A. fig. — .— Eadde, Eeisen, ii, 
 
 1863, 382 (Siberia).— Blas., J. f. O. 1865, 381. 
 LeucM glmwm, Kaup, Sk. Ent. Eur. Thierw. 1829, 86.— Bp., Consp. Av. ii, 1856, 215 ; 
 
 • Compt. Eend. xlii, 1856, 770. 
 Plautus glaucus, Eeich., Syst. Av. pi. 47, figs. 316-17-18. 
 iMroides glaucus, Bruch, J. f. O. 1855, 281. 
 
 Larus glacialis, ISexicken. — Macgil., Mem. Wem. Soc. v, 1824, 270. — Brehm, V. D. 732. 
 Glavcns glacialis, Bruch, J. f. 1853, 101, pi. 2, f. 14 (Schlegel says this =leMcoptefus). 
 Laroides glacialis, Brcch, J. f. O. 1855, 282. 
 " Larus giganteus, Benicken." 
 
 Larus consul, Boie, " ATied. Zool. Mag. i, 757.-'— Brehm, T. D. 1831, 735. 
 Glaucus consul, Bruch, J. f. O. 1853, 101. 
 Larus islandicus, Edmoxstox, Mem. Wem. Soc. iv, 1822, pp. 176, 182; not of Edmon- 
 
 STON, Hid. 1823, which = Zeuco^fents. 
 Larus MtcMnsii, EiCH., F. B. Am. ii, 1831, 419.— Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 290.— 
 
 Codes, ibid. 294.— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. T. viii, 1866, 299.— CouES, Pr. Ess. Inst. 
 
 V, 306.— Elliot, B. N. A. ii, pi. 53.— Dall & Bakn., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 304. 
 (^)Leucus arctieus, Bp., Consp. ii, 1856, 216. 
 " Larus leucerHes, Schleep." 
 " Larus leuconotus, Auct." — (Bp.) (But what authors ?) 
 
 DiAG. L.pallio all>ido aut dilute perlaceo, primariis similiius versus apices sensim nee statim 
 albis, staiura inter maximos. Long. 30 poll., rostr. et tars. 3 -{-poll. 
 
 Hai. — Northern and Arctic Seas, circumpolar ; south in winter on the Atlantic coast 
 of North America to Long Island. 
 
 Adult summer plumage. — Very large, nearly or quite equaling i. marin«s. Bill large 
 and strong ; very wide, but not so deep at the angle nor so much arched toward the 
 termination of the culmen as in marinus. Bill about as long as the middle toe and 
 claw. Second primary nearly equaling the first. Bill chrome-yellow, -n ith a tinge of 
 olivaceous, the tip diaphanous, the sides of the symphyseal eminence with a small spot 
 of vermilion. Mantle very light pearl-blue (or bluish-white). Primaries a shade 
 lighter than back, fading insensibly into pure white a considerable distance from their 
 tips. Shafts of primaries straw-yellow. Legs and feet pale flesh-color. Otherwise 
 wholly white. 
 
 Adult in %iinter. — The head and neck are streaked with pale brownish-gray. 
 
 Yonng-of-the-year. — " Streaked longitudinally on the neck with pale wood-brown ; 
 the upper plumage barred transversely with ashy-gray and grayish-yellow ; the tail 
 irregularly spotted. The shafts of the primaries white, and the spots on the webs 
 much paler than in the young of L. marinus and argentatus. The biU horn-colored at 
 the base; brownish-black at the tip. Feet flesh-colored." — [iJicft.] 
 
 Dimensions of adult. — Length, 30 inches; extent of wings, 62; wing from carpus,^ 
 
LAEUS GLAUCUS, GLAUCOUS GULL. 621 
 
 18.50 ; till along culmen, 2.75 to 3.00 ; along rictus, 3.75 ; depth opposite nostrils, 0.80 ; 
 at angle, 0.85 ; tarsus, 3.00 ; middle toe and claw, 2.75. 
 
 One of the largt-st and most powerful of the subfamily, nearly equaliug in these 
 respects the L. mai-inui. The combination of the large size and the extremely light 
 colors render it perfectly easy to distinguish it at a glance. The well-defined, rounded, 
 white apical spots of the primaries of glaucescens at once separate that species. The 
 differences of leucopterus, as shown by the dimensions, may be seen by comparing the 
 measurements given. 
 
 All authors are agreed as to the great variation in size which this species presents. 
 Sabine found one to measure 32 by 65 inches, with a tarsus 3.50 and a bill upward of 
 4 mches long. The dimensions given are, it is believed, about the average. 
 
 Note. — "Larus hutcMnsii/' — In earlier papers I recognized this as a species distinct 
 from L. glaucus, basing characters as follows : 
 
 AduU{Wl)— Entire plumage pure white; shafts of primaries straw-yellow. Bill 
 flesh-colored, blackish on the terminal third. Feet flesh-colored. 
 
 Young. — Head, neck, and upper parts white, mottled with light reddish-brown, ap- 
 pearing on the back as irregular patches, and on the rump as more or less regular 
 transverse bars. Under parts nearly uniform, very pale reddish-brown ; the under tail 
 coverts barred with white. Wings and tail pure white, with yellow shafts. 
 
 Bimendms. — Length, 27.50; extent, 60.00; wing, 17.75; bill along culmen, 2.40 ; along 
 gape, 3.20 ; height at nostrils, 0.70 ; tarsus, 3.40 ; middle toe and claw, 3.50. 
 
 The particular coloration of the bill, however, is against the supposition that the 
 bird is adult, as this coloration is the ordinary style in young birds of this group. I 
 am now disinclined to allow that the bird is anything more than some stage of i. glau- 
 cus, although it is difficult to account for the absence of any shade of pearly-blue on the 
 mantle. In the foregoing synonymy I assign it to glaucus, with this explanation ; and 
 in further elucidation of the question I present the following remarks, just as I find 
 them in my Mss. prepared in 1863 : 
 
 "•Under the above name, and by the foregoing description, I wish to indicate a form 
 of Gull as large, or almost as large, as glaucus, differing from this species mainly iu 
 being pure white all over, and in having a differently colored bill. It looks, indeed, 
 like an albino glaucus ; but, as other species of Gulls are equally liable to albinism, we 
 should not find so many albinos oi glaucus to so few, if any, of other species. Glaucus, 
 as is well known, grows lighter with age, but is never wholly pure white ; at least I 
 have seen none such, nor have I found descriptions of such a condition. And, more- 
 over, the bill of an old glaucus is never of the color of what I call Imtchiiisii. In this 
 respect the bird is like young glaucus, leucopierus, &c. This fact excites suspicion that 
 the bird may be an immature, if not an abnormal, glaucus ; yet I have no more au- 
 thority for saying so than for denying that it is so. I do not know that I clearly recog- 
 nize, or could separate, specimens of young hutchinsil (supposing it to be distinct) from 
 young glaucus, but the adults are not to, be mistaken for each o.ther. 
 
 " I revived this overlooked species in the ' Proceedings,' as above. We have now 
 several specimens in the Smithsonian, from widely separated localities. One of them 
 was taken in winter in New York State. Other specimens are iu Captain Eodgers' 
 collections, from the North Pacific, where the bird is represented to be common. These 
 are noticed by Mr. Cassin, as above quoted. There is a New England specimen in the 
 Museum of the Peabody Academy, at Salem, Massachusetts, mentioned by me, as 
 above, in the Essex Institute Proceedings. In selecting a name for this bird I have 
 been perplexed, rather from not knowing which one to choose than from any dearth of 
 names. Ornithologists differ as to the synonymy. Bonaparte (Oonsp. Av.) calls it 
 ' arcticus, Macgill.' and puts ' argentatus, Sabine,' as a synonym. Both of these au- 
 thors speak of their subjects as having a notable amount of blue on the back — the 
 latter writer especially dwelling on this character ('back pure pearl-gray, with a good 
 .deal of blue,' &c.) Their descriptions, beyond question, refer to leucopterus, as, indeed, 
 one of them (Macgillivray) subsequently affirmed. Sabine gives (Mem. B. Greenland, 
 Trans. Linn. Soc. xii, 1818), under head of L. glaucus, a full and accurate description 
 of hutchinsii, which he considers as a variety of glaucus, ' caused by sickness or a 
 scarcity of supply of food. I have not been able to examine the original notice of L. 
 glacialis, Benicken ;' but Bruch, who adopts that name, speaks of the gull-blue of the 
 upper parts. The name is therefore not to be used in this connection. Bonaparte 
 gives as a synonym ' leuconotus, Auct.', though what authors he refers to I have not 
 been able to determine. This name would seem to belong here. I do not know 
 whether or not it antedates hutcMnsii, proposed in 1831, for a bird that can be no other 
 than the one now under discussion. Bonaparte's Conspectus Gaviarum differs much 
 from his Conspectus Avium with regard to this species. In the latter he admits it as 
 valid, assigning specific characters and synonymy. In the former he discards it, and 
 scatters the synonymy indiscriminately among several species." 
 
622 LAEUS LEUCOPTEHUS, WHITE-WINGED GULL. 
 
 LAEUS LEUCOPTERUS, Faber. 
 
 Whltc-wlngea Gull. 
 
 Larus argmtatus, Sabine, Linn. Trans, xii, 181«, 546. Not of authors. 
 
 LaruH art/entatue, var., 'j'kmm., Man. ii, 764. 
 
 Larun leiicopUrun, ] ■aber, Prod. Isl. Orn. 1H22, 91.— Bp., Syn. lt!28, 301 ; List, 1838, 63.— 
 Sw. & ]£;oM., V. Ii. Am. ii, 1831, 418.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, ;i(ir,.— Auu., Orn. 
 Biog. iii, ]H:ir,, .%:;, [,], S82; Syn. 1839, 327 ; B. Am. vii, 1844, — , i>\. —.—Kvt., 
 Cat. Br. B. Vn:;r,, ,03.— Tumm., Man. iv, 1840, 467.— Nad.m., V. D. x, 1840, 367, pi. 
 as.— KiCYS. & BLAS.,Wirl). Eur. 1840, OO.— Macoil., Man. ii, 1842,247.— 8cm,., 
 R«v. Crit. Oi8. Eur. 1844, IS.').— Gray, Ocn. of 1(. iii, 1849, 654 ; List Br. Ii. 1863, 
 230.— MiDJ.., Sib. EeiHe, ii, 1853, 242.— Lawk., B. N. A. 1858,843; Ann. Lye. N. 
 Y. viii, l«0(i, 299.— CouKS, Pr. Pliila. Acad. 1862, 294 ; Pr. Ehh. lunt. v, 1868, 
 306; Key, 1872, ;U1.— RiDGW., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 39:! (Ohio, Wheaton.).— 
 Vkj'.i;., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 160.— Allkn, ibid, iv, 1864, 90.— Uall &, Bann., 
 Tr. Chic. Acad. 1869, 304.— Sciil.., Mus. I'.-B. ix, 186:5, Lari, 5.— Blab., J. f. 0. 
 1865, :}82. 
 
 Plautua UncopteruH, Reicji. 
 
 Glaucus hucopta-iiH, Bim.oii, J. f. O. 18.53, 101.— Bp., Conap. ii, 1856, 217. 
 
 Laroiden li-ucopln-ux, ii);i;(jii, J. f. O. 1*55, 281.— BuBHM, V. D. 18;il, 745. 
 
 Larus arctiem, Macgil., Mom. Wern. Soo. v, 268. 
 
 Larus gUiumides, " TuM.w .'' — Boii:, Isis, 1822, 562. — Tem.m., Man. iv, 1840, 469. 
 
 Laroiden glaucoides, I'.fti.iiM, V. D. 744. 
 
 iMnu ieicmdicm, Eomonht., Mem. Wern. Soc. iv, 1823, 503; not of JOjj.monst., 1822. — 
 Fi.KM., Br. An. 1828, 139.— J ion., Man. 18:i5, 279. 
 
 laroides minor, Bi'.eiim, V. D. 1831, 736, pl. ;37, f. 2. 
 
 Laroidea eubleucfjiiltrm, Bkehm, V. V. 746. 
 
 DiAG. L. glauco omnino eimilis, sed minor. Long, iipedalis ; roetr. 2.00 poll., tan. 2. 25. 
 Bioft.^With the preceding. 
 
 Adult in mmmer.— BiW rather small, the symphyseal eminence very lar(;ely devel- 
 oped; the depth at the angle but little more than at the nostrils. l''iiHt primary 
 longest. Titisus not longer than the middle toe and claw. Bill fjiei nish-yellow, 
 chrome along tlje toiiiia and toward the extidnity ; the tip diaphanous ; the vermilion 
 spot on the lower mandible rather small. Mantle and wings light jjearl-blue, this color 
 toward the tips of the primaries, secondarieh, and tcrtials fading insensibly into wliite. 
 Bases of the primaries the same color as the body of the feather; without woU-delincd, 
 rounded white iipices, their rJiachides straw-yellow. Legs and feet flesh-colored. 
 
 Adult in winter. — As in summer, but the head and neck narrowly streaked with 
 dusky-giay. 
 
 Young. — " Pale, dusky cinereous, with a few slightly darker spots ; the primaries 
 somewjiat darker at their tips." — [-Bp.] 
 
 Dlmemume. — Length, 24 inches ; wiug, 16.75 ; hill along culmerj, 1.80 ; along rictus, 
 2.ri0 ; depth at angle, 0.65 ; tarsus, 2.25 ; middle toe and elaw the same. 
 
 This species is a peilect counterpart of L. f/l.uiicnh : hut, although (|uite identical in 
 colors, may be readily distinguished by its greatly iijfenor size. Beside this lijere, are 
 some diilerences of proportion. The specimens before me have disproportionally weaker 
 bills than has the adult glaucus; the tarsus is not longer than the middle toe a ml claw, 
 and the first primary is decidedly longe.<»t. The rather larger size, darker i)rimaries, 
 and their their veU.-defi.ned, round, apical spots re-adily diHtirjguish the glaiiaMirnn, 
 
 There is a remarkable discrepancy in the statements of authors corjcerning the di- 
 mensions of this sjiecie-s. Thus, Bonaparte gives 20 inches, while Richardson says 26! 
 The specimens before me average about 24 inches, as above given. 
 
 The discnss'on of the synonyms " argcntatus, Sabine," and " arctictii, Macgill." is jire- 
 sented under tbo head of L. hutchinsii. Maogillivray's name is certainly a synonym of 
 leucoptiriiH, Fuber, an he himself subsequently admits; nolwitbhtanding which, Bona- 
 parte, in his Conspectus, a^loiits it for what I call hutcfiimtii., upon what grounds docs 
 not ajipear. Temminck at first considered this specie.-i as a varii:ty of the comnjon 
 Herring Gull (A. argcntatus). He subsequently, however, became convinceil of his 
 error, and nanje,d it L. glaricoides — an ai»propriate title, but iintedated. In I'fy:' Kd- 
 monston (op. cil ) applies the name islandicm to this species, only a jear aftc:r he bad so 
 named the L. glaucus. 
 
 LAEU.S GLAUGESCE:N-S, Licht. 
 Glaacons-winged Gall. 
 
 Larus glauce«cens,'Llcm.—TuAyrR., B. X. A. 1858, 842.— CoiKs, Pr. Phila. Acad, 1862, 
 29.5; Key, 1872, 311.— Coop. & Suck,, X. 11. Wash. Ter. 1860, 270.— Eu.iot, B. 
 
LAEUS GLAUCESCEXS, GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL. 623 
 <r 
 
 N. A. Introd. fig. of primaries (with labels of thisaod the accompanyinjr figure 
 tiaosposed). — Dall & Ba.vx., Tr. Chic. Acad. ItOO, 304.— Fixsch, Abh. Nat. iii, 
 
 Glancus glaucescens, Bi;uCH, J. f. 0. 1853, 101. 
 
 Laruides glaucesceitu, Br.uCH, J. f. O. 1855, 281. 
 
 Zeucus glaucescens, Bp., Consp. Av. ii, 1856, 216 ; Compt. Eend. xlii, 1?56, 770. 
 
 Lama glaucopterus, " Kn'rLi rz." 
 
 Glmicits glaucopterus, Beuch, J. f. O. 1853, 101. 
 
 Zaroides chalcopterun, Bruch, J. f. O. 1^'jp, 2-<2. 
 
 Zeucus clialcoplerus, Bp., Consp. Av. ii, 1856, 216 ; Compt. Rend, xlii, 1^56, 770. 
 
 Zarus chalcoptet-us, Lawi;., B. N. A. 18.oci, 843.— CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 295. 
 
 DiAO. L.paUio cwruUo-perlaceo fere ut in Z. argentato, pnmariis dorio concoloribus, apid- 
 iii8 statim nee sen»im alhis. 
 
 (The shade of the mantle is almost exactly as in argentatiis, and the primaries are 
 pictnred exactly as in that species, the black of argenlatua being replaced by a pearly- 
 blae like the mantle.) 
 
 Sp. Ch.— Bill long and rather weak, the upper mandible acnte and projecting con- 
 siderably beyond tip of the nnder, the convexity near the end comparatively slight ; 
 angle pretty well defined, the outline between it and the tip about straight. First 
 primary longest ; the tarsus rather longer than the middle toe and claw. 
 
 Adult in summer. — Bill light yellow, an orange spot at the angle of the lower mandi- 
 ble, and a dusky one just above. Mandible pearl-blue, much the same shade as in 
 argeniatus. Primaries scarcely darker than the back, all with well-defined, rounded 
 apical spots of white. First, the base not appreciably lighter than the body of the 
 feather, with a well-defined white spot on both webs near the end, separated from the 
 white tip by a transverse band of the color of the body of the feather ; second, third, 
 and fourth, basal portions notably lighter than the terminal, fading into pure white at 
 their juncture with the latter, without spots except at the apex ; filth, sixth, basal por- 
 tions the color of the back, fading into white near the end, separated from the white 
 apices by a band, narrowest on the sixth, of the color of the outer primaries. Inner 
 primaries like the secondaries, with plain broadly white ends. Feet light flesh-color. 
 
 Adult in lointer. — Head, neck, and breast thickly nebulated with light grayish-dnsky, 
 the throat mostly immaculate. 
 
 Approaching maturity. — Bill dark-colored, yellowish along the cnlmen and gonys. 
 Wings and tail light grayish-ashy, the former without sbarply-defiued white tips or 
 spots. Under parts generally marked with dusky, the wing coverts marked with 
 dusky and white. Feathers of the back narrowly edged with gray. 
 
 Zntermediate. — Bill flesh-colored, the terminal portion black. Win£;s and taU darker 
 than in the preceding, especially on the outer webs of the former. Everywhere du.sky- 
 gray, more or less mottled with white, the gull-blue of the upper parts appearing as 
 mottling of greater or le.s3 extent. 
 
 Taung-of-the^ear. — Bill black. Everywhere deep grayish-dusky, somewhat mottled 
 with whitish; the feathers of the back, wings, and upper tail coverts edged, tipped, 
 and crossed with mere or less regular transverse bars of grayish-white. 
 
 XestUng, nearly fledged. — Dark gray; under parts, wiD{,'.s, and tail transversely waved 
 with mfons ; under parts nearly pure dark ashy-gray : bill and feet black. 
 
 Nestling, unfledged. — Bill and feet black ; head and neck dull whitish, irregularly 
 spotted wit h blackish ; upper parts spotted with grayish-black and gray ish -white ; 
 under parts more uniform gray, the abdomen fading into white. 
 
 Dimensions. — Length, about 27 inches; wing, 16.75; bill above, 2.25; gape, 3.25; 
 height at angle, 0.70; tarsus, 2.60 ; middle toe and claw, 2..50. 
 
 ITaJ). — Pacific coast of North America. 
 
 The present is a well characterized species. The most striking peculiarity of form 
 is ia the bill, in the very slight comparative convexity of the culmen near the end, the 
 tip being slender and acute and projecting considerably over the tip of the lower man- 
 dible. This form of bill is recognizable even in the yonng-of-the-year, in which the 
 bill is every way much smaller than in the adult. The color of the upper parts is 
 much that of Z. argentatus. The terminal spots of the primaries are as well defined as 
 in the species with black primaries, and are much and regularly rounded. The shafts of 
 the quill-feathers are much the color of the webs. The dusky of the young birds is very 
 light, and, except in the early stages, is much mottled with grayish-white. The upper 
 parts soon become very light-colored by the broad whitish margins of the feathers. 
 The primaries early acquire notably lighter tips, but do not obtain the well-defined 
 white terminal apexes, nor the spot on the first primaries, till maturity. The prima- 
 ries of the youngest birds have a shade of silvery-gray, which is quite peculiar, and very 
 different from the color of those parts in the young of the Gulls with black primaries. 
 
 Zarus glaucescens may be considered a well-established species. As already noted, 
 it is when adult almost exactly like an argentatus with the black of the primaries re- 
 
624: LARUS MARINUS, BLACK-BACKED GULL. 
 
 placed by a pearly gray-bine shafle like that of the mantle. Young birds in all stages 
 are paler and grayer than the corresponding stages of argeniatxis. Agreeing with leiv- 
 copleru/) in respect of size, glaucescens may be immediately known by the pattern of the 
 primal ii-s ; the pearly-blue color continuing undiminished in intensity to the tips of 
 the feathers, instead of fading gradually into white as in glaucm and leiicopterus. 
 
 I have never seen a specimen purporting to he " chalcopterua," which Mr. Lawrence 
 admitted In 1858. As described, it is " exactly like leueopteru8, except on the primaries, 
 lyhich are ashy-gray, with rounded white apical spots" — which is precisely the char- 
 acter of glaucescens. The young are said to be " dark gray, as in glaucopterus" (of Kitt- 
 litz, = glaucmeens, Licht.) There is not the slightest likelihood that it is anything 
 more than glaucescens, probably in somewhat immature condition. 
 
 LAEUS MAEmUS, Linn. 
 
 Great Black-backed Gull. 
 
 Larus marinus, Lrxx., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 225.— Gm., Svst. Nat. i, 1788, 598.— Lath., Ind. 
 Orn. ii, 1790, 1513.— Temm., JIan. 1815, 490.— BoiE, Isis, 1822, 562.— Steph., Gen. 
 Zool. xiii, 1826, 186.— Flem., Br. An. 1828, 140.— Bp., Syn. 1828, — ; List, 1838, 
 63.— NuiT., Man. u, 1834, 308.— Brbhm., V. D. 1831, 731.— .Jen., Man, 18.35, 
 278.— Eyt., Cat. 1836, 53.— AuD., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 305 ; v, 1839, 636 ; pi. 241 ; 
 Svn. 1839, 329; B. Am. vii, 1844, 172, pi. 450.— Naum., V. D. x, 1840, 439, pis. 
 268, 2G9.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 97.— Macgil., Man. Om. ii, 1842, 
 244.— GiE., B. L. L 1844, 361.— ScHL., Rev. Crit. 1844, 124 ; Mus. P.-B. ix, 186.3, 
 Lari, p. —.—Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 654; List Br. B. 1863, 231.— Lawr., B. 
 N. A. 1858, 844 ; Ann. Lye. N. Y. yiii, 1866, 299.— Bry., Pr. Bosr. Soc. viii, 1861, 
 72.— CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, 244 ; ibid. 1862, 295; Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 
 306 ; Key, lis72, 312.— Boaedm., Pr. Boat. Soc. ix, 1862, 131.— Veer., Pr. Ess. 
 Inst, iii, 1862, 160.— Ai,len, iUd. iv, 1864, 90.— Sharpe & Dress., B. Eur. pt. 
 XV, Dec. l.~72. — RiDGW., Ann. Lye. x, .391 (Lake Michigan, Velie); and of authors. 
 
 Leucus marinus, Kaup, Sk. Ent. Ear. Thierw. 1829, 66. 
 
 Bominicamis marinus, Bruch., J. f. 0.1853,100; 1855, 280.— Bp., Consp. Av. ii, 1856, 
 213; Compt. Rend, xlii, 1856, 770. 
 
 Lams niger, Beiss., Orn. vi, 1760, 158. 
 
 Zarus na:rius, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 225.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 598.— Lath., Ind. 
 Orn. ii, 1790, 814. 
 
 Zarus albus, Mull., Syst. Nat. Suppl. 1776, 108. 
 
 Zarus maculatus, BoDD., Tabl. P. E. 1783, 16. 
 
 Zarus maj-imus. Leach, Cat. 1816, 40.— Brehm, V. D. 1831, 728. 
 
 Zarus mulleri etfabricii, BEEH.At, V. D. 1831, 729, 730. 
 
 DiAG. Z. staturd maximus, pallia scMstaceo-nigro. Long. 30.00 poll. 
 
 Sal). — ^American and European coasts of the Atlantic. South in winterj^to Long 
 Island (to Florida, Aud.). Great Lakes and the Mississippi (Aud.). 
 
 Adult, breeding plumage. — Size very large ; general form strong, compact, and power- 
 ful. Bill very stout, deep at the angle, rather short for its height ; culmen toward the 
 end exceedingly convex, so much so as to make a tangent to it at the point where the 
 tip of the lower mandible touches it perpendicular to the commissure. Symphyseal 
 eminence very large and prominent ; tarsus but little if any longer than the middle 
 toe and claw, compressed, rather slender for the size of the bird. Interdigital mem- 
 branes broad, scarcely emarginate. Bill bright chrome, the tip of both mandibles 
 diaphanous. A large bright vermilion spot occupies nearly the terminal half of the 
 lower mandible and encroaches a little on the upper. Edges of jaws bright vermilion. 
 Palate and tongue pale orange-red. Eyelids vermilion. Iris pale lemon-yellow. Legs 
 and feet pale flesh-color. Mantle intense slate-color, nearly black, with a purplish re- 
 flection. The secondaries and tertials broadly tipped_ with white, the line of demarca^ 
 tion distinct. Primaries : first, black, scarcely lighter at its base, its tip white for 2J 
 inches, its shaft white inferiorly, and superiorly along the white portion of the feather ; 
 second, like the first, but its base lighter, the white tip less extensive, and interrupted 
 by a narrow bar of black on one or both webs; third, fourth, fifth, broadly tipped with 
 white, their bases of a lighter shade of slate than the second, aud fading into white at 
 the junction with the broad black aubterminal band. 
 
 Adult in u-intir. — As in summer, but the head and neck streaked with dusky. 
 
 Young-of-the-year. — As large as the adult ; the bill as large, but not so scrong, nor the 
 eminence so well developed ; wholly black. Upper parts wholly dusky chocolate- 
 brown, mottled with whitish and 1-ght rufous, the latter on the back aud wings, the 
 feathers being tipped and the wing coverts deeply indented with this color. Under - 
 parts mottled with white or rufous-white and dusky, the throat mostly immaculate. 
 
LARUS AEGENTATUS, HERRING GULL. 625 
 
 Primaries and tail deep brownish-black, tbe former tipped, sabterminally barred, and 
 its enter feather mottled, with whitish. 
 
 Dimensions. — Lenth, 30.00 inches ; extent, 65.00 ; wing from the carpns, 1?.50 ; bill 
 above, ■2..')0 ; rictus, ;i..')0 ; height at nostril, 0.85 ; at angle, 0.95; tarsus, 3.00; njiddle 
 toe and claw slightly less. 
 
 The very large size of this bird and its dark colors at once separate it from any other 
 of North America, and render comparisons uunecessary. 
 
 I cannot understand the following statement of Audubon (B. Am. vii, p. 178) : " The 
 most remarkable circumstance relative to these birds is, that they either associate with 
 another species, giving rise to a hybrid breed, or that when very old they lose tbe dark 
 color of the back, which is then of the same tint as that of L. argentatiis, or even 
 lighter." It is difficult to understand how Audubon could have eutertaiued such an 
 opinion. That the marinus should accidentally hybridize with argentatiis or glaucus is 
 not impossible, though improbable; but to suppose that it regularly does so. or that 
 it "grows gray" with the advancing years, seems unreasonable. Audubon's state- 
 ment that the Larm argentatiis (smithsonianus) is not found on the Labrador coast, is 
 equally erroneous. 
 
 Both Bonaparte and Brnoh give several species of Dominicanus, all more or less closely 
 allied with the present. Tbe species found in North America is the true marinus of 
 Linnieus, whatever may be said of the relationships of the others. 
 
 For so long knuwn a species the present has remarkably few synonyms, owing to the 
 many distinctive characters presented by it. Xa'vius of Gmelin, and also probably 
 macnlatns of Boddiert, are based upon the immature bird. Maculatus of Briinnich, 
 however, cannot be this species, since it is said to be of tbe same size as L. camis. As 
 usual, several nominal species have been instituted by Brehm. 
 
 LAEUS AEGENTATUS, Bruun. 
 Herring Gull. 
 
 a. argentatus. 
 
 Lxrus einereus. Beiss., Orn. vi, 1760, 160, pi. 14. 
 
 Larus argentatiis, ButJNN., Orn. Bor. 1764, 44.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788,600.— Te^vim., Man. 
 1850, 764 ; iv, 1840, 470.— BoiE, Isis, 1822, 562.— Wolf & Mey., Zusiit. Tasch. 
 1822, 195.— Steph., Gen. Zool. xiii, 1826, 191.— Flem., Br. An. 1H2H, 140.— Jen., 
 Man. 1835, 276.— Eyt., Cat. 1836, 52.— Bp., List, 1838, 63.— Keys. & Bl.4S., Wirb. 
 Eur. i, 1840, 96.— M.\CGii.., Man. ii, 1842, 246.— Schl., Rev. Crit. 1644, 124.— 
 Degl., Orn. Eur. ii, 1849, 306.— Ghay, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 054; List Br. B. 186;^ 
 232.— Haktl., Syst. Orn. W. Afr. 1857, 251.— ScHi,., Mus. P.-B. iv, 186.3, Lari, 16 
 (includes the other varieties).— Bocage, Joru. Sc. Lisbon, 1868, 149, 330. — ' 
 I5la8., J. f. O. 1865, 380 (unites leucophwus. micliahellesii, and caeliinnans). — 
 Dress., B. Eur. pt. — . pi. — . 
 
 Laroidcs argentatus, Bkehm, V. D. 1831, 740.— Brhch, J. f O. 1855, 282.— Bp., Consp. ii,. 
 1856, 218 ; Naum. 1854, 212. 
 
 Glaucus argentatus, Broch, J. f. 0. 1853, 101. 
 
 Larus fuscus, Penx., Brit. Zool. ii, 1768, 131.— JN^ec Auctt.— Mont., Orn. Diet. 1802. 
 
 Go'eland ct maiiteau gris, Buff., Hist. Nat. Ois. viii, 1781, 406, pi. 32.— P. E. 253. 
 
 Larus marinus, var. j}.. Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 814. 
 
 Larus glaueus, Eetz., Fn. Suec. i, 1800, 156.— Wolf & Mey., Tasch. ii, 1810, 471.— 
 Benick., Ann. Wett. Ges. Nat. iii, 1812, 138.— Tejim., Man. 1815, 493 (partly).— 
 JVee Auctt. 
 
 Larus argenteus, Brehm, Beit. Vtigelk. iii, 1822, 781, 799. 
 
 Laroides argenteus, Brehm, V. D. 1831, 741. 
 
 Larus argemtatoides, Brehm, Beit. Vogelk. 1822, 791, 799 (partly). 
 
 Laroides argentatoides. Breh.m, V. D. 1831, 742. 
 
 Larus argentatoides, Thomps., P. Z. S. 1835, 83 (Ireland). 
 
 Laroides major, Brehm, V. D. 1831, 738. 
 
 Laroides argenfaceiis, Brehm, V. D. 1831, 742.— Bp., Consp. ii, 1856, 218. 
 
 b. smithsonianus. 
 
 Larus argentatoides, Brehm, Beitr. Vogelk. 1822, 791, 799 (in part; "Germany and 
 America.")— (?) Bp., Syn. 1828, 360, No. 299 (may be dciaitarensis).- (?) Sw. & 
 Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 417 (may be caH/o7-«ic«s).— Schinz, Eur. Fn. i, 1840,380 
 ("North America").— Bp., Rev. Zool. 1855, 16 ("North America"). 
 
 Glaucus argentatoides, Bruch, J. f. O. 1853, 101 ("North America"). 
 
 Laroides argentatoides, Bp., Naum. 1&54, 212 ("North America"); Consp. ii, 1856,, 218.— 
 Bhuch, .J. f. 0. 1855, 282 ("North America"). 
 40 
 
626 LARUS ARGENT ATUS, HERRING GULL. 
 
 Larus argentatus, Bp., Syn. 1828, 360, No. 300.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 304.— Aud., Oro. 
 Biog. iii, 1835, 588 ; v, 1839, 638 ; pi. — ; Syu. 1839, 3-i8 ; B. Am. vii, 1844, 163, 
 pi. 448.— DeKay, N. Y Zool. ii, 1844, 306, pi. 122, f. 270 ; pi. 129, fig. 284 ; pi. 
 130, fig. 286.— Giu., B. L. 1. 1844,— .—Cab., J. f. O.v, 236 (Cuba).— Lawu., B. N. 
 A. 185H, 844; Aun. Lyo. vii, 275.— Reinh., Ibis, iii, 1861, 37 (Greenland, rare).- 
 CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861.245.— Bry., Pr. Bost. Soc. viii, 1861, 72.— Wheat., 
 Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 266.— Boaedm., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 131.— Verr., 
 Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 154.— Tursb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 38.— Dali. & Baxn., Tr. 
 Chic. Acad, i, lb69, 305.— Sci,. & Saj.v., P. Z. S. 1871, 576.— Codes, Key, 1872, 312. 
 
 (?) Larus americanus, Brhem, V. D. 1831, 743 (= argentatoides, Br.). 
 
 (?) Larus aflnis, Reinh., Vid. Med. 1853, 78 ; J. f. O. 1854, 433 ; Ibis, iii, 17 (Greenland). 
 
 Larus smithsonianus, Cooes, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 296.— Coues & Prent., Smiths. Rep. 
 1861, 418.— Alles, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 80.— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 
 299.— Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 306.— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1871, 39.— 
 GUNDL., Kep. Fn. Nat. i, 391 (Cuba). 
 
 Larus argentatus var. smitlisonianns, Coues, Check-list, 1874, 103, No. 547''.— Ridgw., 
 Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 391 (Illinois). 
 
 c. occiflentalis. 
 Larus occidentalis, AuD., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 320 ; Syn. 1839, 328; B. Am. vii, 1844, 161.— 
 
 Lawr., B. N. A. 1858, 845.— Heerm., P. E. E. Rep. x, 1859, pt. vi, 73.— Coop. & 
 
 Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 271.— Elltot, B. N. A. ii, pi. 52.— Coues, Pr. A. N. 
 
 S. 1862, 296.— SCHL., Mus. P.-B. iv, .1863, Lari, p. 15.— (?) Swinh., P. Z. S. 1863, 
 
 326 (China).— Blas., J. f. 0. 1865, 379. 
 Glaucus oeeidentalis, Bruch, J. f. O. 1853, 101. 
 
 Laroides occidentalis, Bruch, J. f. O. 1855, 282. — Bp., Consp. ii, 1856, 219. 
 Larus argentatus var, occidentalis, Coues, Key, 1872, 312. 
 
 d. borealis. 
 Larus iorealis, Brandt.— Dall & Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 305.— Bd., ibid. 324. 
 Laroides liorealis, Bp., Consp. Av. ii, 1856, 219. 
 {^) Larus cacMnnans, PALL.,Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, 318. 
 
 (1) Larus argentatus, MiDD., Sib. Reise, ii, 242. — Radde, Reisen, ii, 1863, 383. 
 (?) Larus argentatus var. Cuchinnans, Schrenk, Reise, i, 504. 
 
 e (?). leucophcBus. 
 
 Larus argentatus, Bp., Ic. Fn. Ital. Ucc. 1832-41, p. — . — Cara, Omit. Sard. 1842, 172 
 (Sardinia).— Costa, Fu. Napoli, Ucc. 1857, 73. — Heugl., Syst. Uebers. 1855, 
 69.— ScHL., Mus. P.-B. iv, 1863, Lan, p. 17 (partim).— Blas., J. f. O. 1865, 380 
 (partim).- Hume, Lahore to Yarkand, 1873, 299; Stray Feathers, 1873, 270 
 (Kashmir and Scinde). 
 Laroides argentattts, Bp., Cat. Met. Ucc. 1842, 79 (partim). 
 Larus cacMnnans, '■ Paix." — MunLE, Orn. Griech. 1842, 143 (Greece ; nee Pall.) — Meves, 
 
 Ofv. K. Vet. Ak. Forh. 1871, 786 (Cholmogory). 
 Glaucus leucophceun, (" Licht.")— Bruch., J. f. 0. 1853, 101 (Red Sea). 
 Larus leucopltaus, iiicwi., Norn. Av. Mus. Berol. 1853, 99 (Arabia ; descr. nulla). — Bp., 
 R. M. Z. 1855, 16.— Salvad., Cat. Ucc. Sardegna, 1864, 129.— Finsch & Hartl., 
 Vog. 0st.-Afr. 1870, 818.— Dress., B. Eur. pt. — , pi. — . 
 Laroides leucoplimus, Bp., Naum. 1854, 212; C. Rend, xlii, 1856, 644; Consp. ii, 1856,219. 
 Glaucus michahellesii, Bruch, J. f. O. 1853, 101. 
 Larus michahellemi, Bp., R. M. Z. 1855, 16. 
 
 Laroides michahellesii, Bruch, J. f. 0. 1855, 282. — Bp., Compt. Rend, xlii, 1856, 644 ; Consp. 
 ii, 1856, 219. 
 Note. — The foregoing synonymy includes the severaJl races of this species I con- 
 sider it necessary to adopt. I bring L. leucophwus into this connection with some hesi- 
 tation, but I do not observe any ascribed characters which may not be accounted for 
 npon a supposition of merely varietal distinction. As, however, I have had no oppor- 
 tunity of studying this supposed species satisfactorily, my present view must be 
 regarded as tentative. Most of its synonymy is adapted from Mr. Dresser's work, as 
 prepared by Lord Walden. Without furtlier reference to this form or to typical argen- 
 tatus of Europe, I proceed to consider the North American representative : 
 
 Var. SMITHSONIANUS, Coues. 
 
 DiAG. L. argentato vera simUlimtis, sed major, alis cauddque longionbus, rostro pedibusgue 
 validioribtts, remige primo scepius macula alba subapicali, rarius late albo-terminato. Long. 
 iio.OOpoll. ala, 18.C0; rostr. 2.25; tars. 2.50. 
 
 Hab. — North America, generally ; especially along the Atlantic coast. Cnba to La- 
 brador; breeding from New England northward. Alsj in the interior, and occasion- 
 ally on the Pacific coast. 
 
LARUS AEGENTATUS, HERRING GULL. 627 
 
 Adult. — Bill rather less than the tarsus, shorter than the head ; robust, its heijjht at 
 the angle slightly more than at the base. Culmen nearly straight at the nostrils; (ben 
 rapidly convex to the stout, deflected, overhanging apex. Outline of rami slightly 
 concave ; gonys about straight ; eminence at symphysis large and prominent, but its 
 apex not very acute, '^'ings long-pointed ; the first primary always longest. Tail 
 even. Feet of moderate size; tarsi compressed, anteriorly scutellate, laterally and 
 posteriorly reticulate. Membranes full and broad, scarcely incised. Claws obtuse, 
 but little arched ; the inner edge of the middle one dilated, but not seriated. 
 
 Breeding plumage. — Bill bright chrome, its tip diaphanous ; a vermiliou spot at the 
 angle, with sometimes a small black one just anterior to it. Legs and feet pale flesh- 
 color; the claws blackish. Mantle typical "gnll-blue," much lighter than in oeci- 
 dentalis ; lighter than in hrachyrhynchus ; of much the same shade as in delawarensis or 
 glaucescens ; darker than in j!a»c»« or teitcoptoMS. The bases of the ijrimaries are the 
 same as the back, or very slightly lighter, not so light, nor of so great extent (being 
 exceedingly short on the first primary), nor so broad at the end, as in californiais. On 
 the /rst primary this light basal portion is very short, hardly reaching within six or 
 seven inches of the tip of the primary. It is not lighter at its junction with the black, 
 nor does it extend further on the central portion than on the edge of the feather. On 
 the second, third, and fourth primaries the bluish of the basal portions of the feather 
 extends about the same djstacce on each (within four inches of the tip of the second), 
 and runs up further on the centres of the feathers than on their edges, and grows 
 nearly white at its junction with the black portion of the feathers. First primary 
 Kith a sutapical u-ltite spot near its tip; small, rounded, not much over an inch in diam- 
 eter ; generally not longer on the outer vane than on the inner ; sometimes wanting 
 on the former ; in oldest birds this spot enlarging to coalesce with the white tip of the 
 feather, but such state rarely observed; second primary usually without a subapical 
 spot, or if one is present it is very small. All the primaries with small rounded white 
 apices, and black from these apical spots to their bluish-white bases ; this band of 
 black growing narrower from the first toward the seventh, where it is a mere point. 
 
 Winter plumage. — The head and neck are streaked with dusky. The bUl is less 
 brightly colored. Otherwise as in summer. 
 
 Immature. — The feathers of the back have gray margins, and the upper wing coverts 
 are mottled with dusky gray. An imperfect subierminal bar of dusky on the tail. 
 
 Young of first irinter.- Head, nek, and whole under parts more or less thickly mot- 
 tled with dusky, as are the wing-coyerts, secondaries, and tertials. The gull-blue of 
 the upper parts appears in irregular patches, mixed with gray. Eemiges and rectrices 
 brownish-black, with very narrow whitish tips, the former wanting both apical and 
 subapical white spots. Bill flesh-color, its terminal third black. Feet dull flesh-color. 
 Younger. — Entirely a deep dull brownish; the throat lightly streaked and the rump 
 transversely barred with whitish ; the feathers of the back with yellowish or grayish- 
 white edges; wings and tail'black; bill black; legs and feet dusky flesh-color. 
 
 Dimensions of adult. — Length, 34 to 25 inches; extent, 54 to 58; wing, 17. '25 to 18.00; 
 bill along culmen, 2.40 ; height at nostril, 0.75 ; at angle, 0.80 ; tarsus, 2.75 ; middle toe 
 and claw the same. Female a little and young considerably less than the above. j 
 Other rariations. — These are very considerable as regards size and proportions. The 
 bill along the culmen varies from 2.55 to 2.20 inches, being, however, in adult birds, 
 generally very near the former measurement. The tarsus will vary more than a fourth 
 of an inch — from 2.75, its usual length, to about 2.40. The diiference in the length of 
 the wings is slight for so large a Gull, only about an inch. The younger the bird the 
 smaller it is, the weaker and shorter its bill, and the slenderer its feet. A'ery old birds 
 sometimes become almost abnormally big, as is the case with X. glauous and others. 
 
 Between the time of leaving the nest and of assuming the complete plumaife of the 
 adult bird the changes are very great. AVhile the uniform dusky of the body is turn- 
 ing to pure white and clear blue, and while the black tail is whitening and the black 
 primaries are assuming their peculiar characteristic markings, the variations in degree 
 and extent of all the colors are endless. It is hardly possible to characterize any defi- 
 nite stages, as they glide insensibly into each other. But in adult birds, which have 
 attained their second or third summer, the colors of the whole body and the markinn-s 
 of the primaries are so constant that, taken in connection with the size, form, and 
 other pjirticulars, they afford fair varietal characters. I do not mean to assert that 
 there is no variation in these points, but that adult birds generally preserve a certain 
 definite pattern of coloration of the primaries. 
 
 In this species this "pattern" may be summed up, briefly, as: The presence of a 
 black band on the first seven primaries, which takes in nearly the whole of the first, 
 and rapidly narrows until on the seventh it is a mere spot; bluish bases to all the 
 primaries, of a width iuverccly as that of the black portion; small white apical spots 
 on all the primaries ;* and a large rounded subapical white spot on the first (rarely 
 becoming confluent with the white apical spot), with or without a smaller one on the 
 second. 
 
 * These may be absent, being worn off from very old feathers, just before the moult. 
 
628 LARUS AEGENTATUS, HERRING GTILL. 
 
 The characters afforded liy the markings of the primaries— and especially of their 
 bases — have been usually disregarded or lightly passed over by some in the preparation 
 of diagnoses. Others, myself probably included, have inclined to lay too much strees 
 upon these features, which are to b« found varying to a great degree in different exam- 
 ples of the same species, as a consequence of immaturity. Birds of this family may be 
 of full size, possessing powers of reproduction, before they have attained the ultimate, 
 and then unvarying, picture of the primaries. Take a case susceptible of demonstra- 
 tion. Mr. Lawrence describes californicus as having the white apical spac9 on the first 
 primary crossed by a black subterniinal bar. So it is in his type-specimen now lying 
 before me. But this expression does not characterize the adult of the species. If his 
 type had lived longer the subterminal bar would have broken in two, become iirst a 
 spot and then a mere scollop on each web, and finally disappeared, leaving the broad 
 white apical space on the first primary, which is characteristic of the species, as at- 
 te.sted by a multitude of specimens taken in the highest stage of spring plumage. 
 
 It must also be borne in mind that the expression " immature " may also be applied 
 to the primaries themselves as well as to the age of the bird. For it is most probable 
 that at each successive moult, after the bird itself is fully adult, the new primaries, 
 when they first sprout, have a inelura somewhat different from that finally attained 
 when they are of full length; but the perfect feather has practically characteristics 
 often distinctive of species. 
 
 Mr. Audubon always maintained an opinion of the continual variability of the pri- 
 maries : " From the examination of individuals of this species [" argeniatus "] it would 
 appear that little reliance can be placed on the markings of the quills as affording a 
 specific character" (B. X. Amer. vii, p. 169). Let us examiue the facts he adduces in 
 suijport of his views. He continues: " Four undoubted specimens of Lurus argentaius 
 now before me have a white spot, varying in length from one to two inches and includ- 
 ing both webs, near the end of the first quill. One has no spot on the second qnill. 
 Another has a spot on both webs of the second quill of one wing, and a smaller spot 
 on part of the inner web of the same quill of the other wing. The third has a very 
 small spot on part of tbe inner wel> of the same quill of both wings. The fourth has 
 a large circular spot on the inner web of that quill of both wings." Although these 
 paragraphs seem to indicate material discrepancies, yet such is not really the case. 
 The white subapicalspot on the first primary existed in all his specimens, only varying 
 somewhat in size; and tlie same is the case with the spot on the second primary, which 
 so often makes its appearance with increasing age, thongh in perhaps the majority of 
 specimens it is wanting. In all his specimens the differences were only in the minor 
 details of a certain pattern which was not departed from. 
 
 In examining the Herring Gulls contained in all the large collections of the Eastern 
 United States I have met with two specimens — one in the Cambridge Museum, and the 
 other in Mr. Lawrence'6 private cabinet — which present the distinctive characters of 
 the European bird. They are smaller than the average of smilhaonianus, and have the 
 apex of the first primary broadly white. Prof. Baird's opinion on these specimens, in 
 ■which I coincide, is that they are probably stragglers from Europe. The fact that 
 these specimens could be distinguished under circumstances so prone to cause doubt 
 and confusion renders them quite the reverse of counter-arguments to the separation 
 of the two varieties. 
 
 It was with some hesitation that I separated, some years since, the American from 
 the European Herring Gull, fully anticipating the adverse criticism which such a pro- 
 cedure would call forth. A recent and more thorough reexamination of the whole 
 subject confirms my general conclusions, thongh I by no means insist upon or even 
 admit specific distinction. Provided the specimens before me exhibit typically the 
 characters of the European bird, which there is no reason to doubt, certain slight dif- 
 ferences do exist almost throughout extensive series compared. These points are the 
 following : 
 
 First. The American bird averages larger in all its dimensions than the European. 
 The difference in length of wing of the two averages froiu one to two inches. The 
 feet, including both tarsus and toes, are about half an inch longer and proportionally 
 stouter. The bill, especially, is longer and stouter, particularly at the base. 
 
 Second. There is generally preserved, in adult birds, a somewhat different pattern of 
 coloration of the primaries. In that of Europe the first primary has a white terminal 
 space* two inches long ; the second primary a large, rounded, subter-minal white spot, 
 usually occupying both vanes. The first primary of the American bird usually has a 
 rounded white subapical spot on the first primary (much like that on the second 
 primary of the European), alnwt always separated from the white apex; and if a spot 
 is present on the second \ rimary, it is small. By these features together, the Ameri- 
 can bird may usually be recognized as a variety, which should not be wholly ignored. 
 
 There is another consideration to be taken in connection with the points already 
 
 * This is precisely as in caJifornicus ; and, as in the latter species, the feather when 
 imperfect has .-i uanow, transverse, subterminal bar of black, which gradually resolves 
 into two spots or scoUojis, and finally disappears. 
 
LARUS ARGENT ATUS, HERRING GULL. 620 
 
 detailed heightening tbe probability of the varietal distinction of L. smitlisonianus. 
 Tlie Herring GuUa of both continents differ from such species as glaucm, Icucopterns, 
 &c., in not being truly boreal birds. They migr.nte northward only to breed, and re- 
 turn south as soon as the duties of incubation are accomplished. The American spe- 
 cies, at least, rarely passes beyond Labrador, and is more abundant in its souihern 
 than its northern portions. It is well known that the nearer to either pole is the 
 habitat of a species the more likely it is to range indiscriminately on both hemis- 
 pheres; and, conversely, the more tropical a species the more likely it is, coclerin pari- 
 bus, to be specifically distinct from its transoceanic representative. We can see here a 
 reason why svilthsoniamis may be somewhat different, while L. glaacus, leucopterui, and 
 F. eburnea are identical. This fact is adduced merely to show why we may expect to 
 find the differences which do exist in var. smitlisonianus and are absent in glaucus ; 
 thongh, at the same time, I separate the variety upon its physical characters alone, 
 irrespective of any preconceived theory of geographical distriljution. 
 
 Synonymy. — Laroides argentatoicles, Brehm, appears to include both the European and 
 American bird. His americanns indicates a bird smaller and less robust than European 
 argentatus, and may be consequently inapplicable here. It corresponds more nearly 
 with " californiciis.'' The argentaioides of i3.onaparte's Synopsis, represented as common 
 along the Atlantic coast, may really lefer to ddawarensis. L. afflnis of Reinhardt, of 
 Greenland, I have not been able to identify. 
 
 Anatomical characters. — The month, in capacity, is intermediate between that of Ster- 
 corarius and of Sterna ; the angle of divergence of the mandibular rami being less than 
 in the former, bnt greater than in tbe latter. The palate is quite flat both transversely 
 and longitudinally, being not at all vaulted and scarcely concave, except toward the 
 tip of the bill, where it curves downward with a considerable degree of convexity. 
 The palate is soft and vascnlar to within about an inch of the tip, where it becomes 
 corneous and divided by five or six longitudinal striai. At the commencement of the 
 more vascular jiart of the palate there begins a median elevation; quite broad and 
 without a central ridge, which continues back for more thau two inches. This is 
 everywhere beset with stout, reversed papillte, the largest of which are along the me- 
 dian line". The central elevatitn is bifurcated for nearly its posterior half, to form the 
 opening of the posterior nares, the edges of which fissure are thickly papillate, as are 
 the posterior extremities of the elevation itself. This median longitudinal prominence 
 is separated on each side by a deep sulcus from a lateral ridge. This lateral ridge an- 
 teriorly sinks insensibly into the common level of the palate ; posteriorly it rises up 
 very broad and thick, and, together with its extremity, is papillate. Just external to 
 these ridges are the deep depressions in which the tomia of the lower mandible are 
 received. 
 
 Posterior to that portion of the palate just described, there is a large, vaulted, sub- 
 triangular space, extending quite to the extremity of the palate. This space is 
 bounded anteriorly by the termination of the central median elevation already de- 
 scribed ; laterally by the continuation backward of the lateral ridges ; more posteriorly, 
 where the sides of the triangle come together to form the apex, by a very perfect 
 fringe formed by a single thick-set row of slender, acute papilla:, placed obliquely, 
 their posterior extremities divaricating, their anterior meeting on the median line. 
 The place thus inclosed is quite smooth, being free from sulci or rugse, and presents the 
 orifice of the Eustachian tube. It is fissured along the median line by the posterior 
 continuation of the nasal aperture. The edges of the fissure cannot be accurately co- 
 aptated, as can tliat portion of it more anterior, the portion of the posterior nares con- 
 sequently remaining always more or less patent. The edges of the opening terminate 
 each in a soft papilla. On separating them, the vomer is seen nearly for its whole 
 length, dividing the nasal aperture into a right and left. Posterior to the termination 
 of the nasal fissure is the usual median, longitudinally oval foramen, the opening of 
 the Eustachian tube ; measuring in this species a full fourth of an inch. All around 
 this central smooth portion the mucous membrane of the mouth is thrown up into 
 more or less irregular rugse, mostly longitudinal, and continuous with the ordinary 
 oesophageal folds. 
 
 The floor of the mouth is of a very regularly triangular shape, the sides being 
 scarcely at all concave. The rising up of the tomia of the mandible on either side gives 
 it a very considerable depth and almost perpendicular sides, especially anteriorly. The 
 muscular and other layers composing the floor, are very distensible and elastic. The 
 mucous membrane, in its uudilated condition, is everywhere thrown up into rugse, 
 chiefly longitudinal, except just over the larynx. The muscular layers are well 
 marked, but present notliiug peculiar either in shape or distribution. The tongue is 
 just two inches long. It is stout and fleshy almost to the tip, which is obtuse, flat- 
 tened, slightly bifid. Its dorsum is longitudinally channeled ; its under surface trans- 
 versely convex ; its posterior extremity prolonged into two short, obtuse cornna, whicli 
 are thickly papillate. The triangular, smooth eminence which is borne upon the sur- 
 face of the larynx, measures about an inch in extent by half as mnch in breadth. The 
 opening of the glottis divides it longitudinally for its Svhole length. The rima is quite 
 
630 LAEUS AE<JENTATCS, HEREING GULL. 
 
 smooth, except .just at its termination, where the mucous membrane is prolonged into 
 long, acute papilliB ; and from this, as a centre, extends on either side a triangular bed 
 of- large, acute, reversed papillae, stretching quite to the borders of the laryngeal 
 elevation. . . 
 
 The oesophagus is, as in all the family, very capacious, and capable of great distension, 
 lu its undilated state its mucous membrane is thrown up into exceedingly prominent 
 longitudinal striae, nearly all of which run the whole length of the tube. The muscu- 
 lar layers, both circular and longitudinal, are also extremely thick and posverful. 
 The (Esophagus itself is quite straight and of pretty uniform calibre. At the proveu- 
 tricnlus it dilates a little, and at the same time bulges a little to the left. The gizzard, 
 also, is not in a direct line with the oesophagus, but its greatest convexity inclines con- 
 siderably to the right. 
 
 Just at the proventriculus the straight longitudinal esophageal folds become convo- 
 luted (in the undilated state of the organ), and then gradually lose themselves in the 
 irregular eminences of the soft, very vascular, proventricular mucous membrane. This 
 portion of the tube is, when contracted, divided into six or eight large prominent folds, 
 divided by deep narrow sulci, corresponding to similar elevations and depressions in 
 the cuticular lining of the gigerium. The solvent glands form a perfect uninterrupted 
 zone, quite around the tube, which has a w( 11-defined and straight termination in the 
 ordinary (esophageal nmcons membrane. The sensible differences of this portion of 
 the canal are the absence of longitudinal rng£e, the substitution for them of irregular 
 eminences and depressions, its grayer color, soft velvety feel, greater vascularity and 
 thickness, and the presence of minute puncta, which are scattered thickly over its en- 
 tire surface — the mouths of the solvent glands. In cutting into the walls of the pro- 
 ventriculus these glands may be seen with an ordinary lens, or even with the naked 
 eye, as simple follicles, with a somewhat bulging outline, proceeding straight from their 
 blind extremities to their opening in the mucous membrane. They lie side by side im- 
 bedded in the tissue of the walls of the proventriculus, and are of a length but little 
 less than the thickness of the parietes itself. 
 
 The gigerium, in situ, is far back in the abdomen, its middle about opposite the last 
 rib and to the left, side, lying nearly apposed to the abdominal parietes. It is in shape 
 a somewhat irregular and flattened ovoid ; its walls comparatively thicker and more 
 powerful than in the other subfamilies. The musculi laterales, at their thickest portions, 
 measure a third of an inch or more in thickness. If we consider the gizzard as extend- 
 ing upward as far as the cuticular lining extends, ). e., to where the zone of gastric 
 glands begins, it is divisible into two portions : a lower, with strong, thick, muscular 
 walls, and very convex outline; and an upper, narrower, more constricted portion, 
 wilh much thinner and less powerfully contractile parietes. The hard cuticle lines 
 both these portions uninterruptedly, extending quite to the glandular zone. It pre- 
 sents the ordinary rugse and convolutions. 
 
 The duodenal fold is rather short, scarcely two inches in length. After forming this 
 fold, the intestine proceeds in a pretty straight course to make a second fold, longer 
 than the first, and quite disconnected with it. After that the intestine forms a mass of 
 closely aggregated convolutions. Between six and seven inches from the coeca the in- 
 testine returns toward the dnodenum, near the gizzard, and forms a definite fold, much 
 of the same character as, and closely apposed to, the first duodenal fold, with which it 
 is connected for tbo greater i)art of its course. There are only slight convolutions be- 
 tween this last fold and the coeca, beyond which the intestine proceeds in a nearly 
 straight course to the cloaca. 
 
 The iuti-stines measure, from the pylorus to the anus, a little over forty inches. 
 There is but little difference in calibre throughout their length until we reach the cloaca ; 
 the duodenum being, however, if anything, a little the largest. A little beyond the 
 termination of the duodenal fold, just four and a half inches from the pylorus, the he- 
 patic duct opens ; one inch further down the cystic duct is received by the intestine ; 
 and just half way between the two is the orifice of the pancreatic duct. These three 
 ducts, which convey the hepatic and pancreatic secretions into the intestine, open 
 nearly on a line with each other on the mesenteric edge of the intestine. 
 
 Tlie coica resemble those of Slerninfi:, and differ greatly from those of Lestridince. 
 They arise within an inch and a quarter of the large globular cloaca, and are very 
 short, measuring only about a fourth of an inch in total length. 
 
 The "large" intestine is very short and perfectly straight. Its calibre is a little 
 greater than that of the ileum just anterior to the cfeca, but it is not as large iii cir- 
 cumference as is the dnodenum. It differs from the other portions of the intestine in 
 the thickness of its muscular walls, the increased amount of muscular tissue being 
 quite appreciable to the eye. 
 
 After but a little more than an inch of length the colon terminates in the cloaca. 
 This is exceediugly capacious and distensible, measuring, when fully inflated, au inch 
 and three quarters in length by one and a half in breadth. It is of a nearly globular 
 shape ; its superior portion, however, being somewhat conical and tapering where it 
 contracts into the rectum. It is very slightly and incompletely divided into two ua- 
 
LARUS AEGENTATUS, HERRING GULL. 631 
 
 equal portions by a crescentic fold or reduplication of mucous membrane. The anterior 
 or internal of tliis is tbe cloaca proper, and is greatly tbo largest ; the posterior or ex- 
 ternal forms the "bursa Fahricii," and consists merely of a bulginp; or unequal dilation 
 of that portion of the cloacal parietes that is beyond the curved iold of mucous mem- 
 brane already mentioned. Just beside this fold, about a fourth of an inch on either 
 side of the median line, on the posterior aspect of the cloaca, are tvvn small papilliB, 
 placed side by side and in close contact. On the summits of these papilla) terminate 
 the ureters and vasa deferentia, the excretory ducts of the sexual and urinary orgaua. 
 
 The pancreas occupies the whole length of the concavity of the duodenal fold. It is 
 therefore of an elongated shape, and is somewhat triangular on a cross-section. The 
 rounded free extremity of the gland is rather larger than the other end, the whole 
 organ being somewhat club-shaped. Its long slender duct opens into the duodenum 
 between the hepatic and cystic ducts. The two lobes of the liver are of very uneijual 
 size, the right being much the largest. It measures about three inches in length, while 
 the left is only a little over two. Their internal or apposing surfaces are flat, and in 
 contact for the greater part of their length, only separating ahovo to admit the apex of 
 the heart between' them. They are both somewhat of a triangular shape on a cross- 
 section ; rising up high, and thick in the middle; tapering toward both extremities; 
 the right being the most elongated and attenuated. They are somewhat loosely con- 
 *neoted by a thin, flat band of hepatic substance. The surface of both presents several 
 eminences and depressions, produced by the impact of neighboring 'organs and parts. 
 
 The hepatic duct proceeds from the middle of the under surface of the left lobe, near 
 the commissure ; has a length of about two inches, and opens into the duodenum, as 
 already described. 
 
 The gall-bladder lies in a depression on the under surface of the right lobe, and is 
 ■well developed. It is of an ovoid shape, tapering toward its proximal extremity ; 
 more obtuse at its distal. The cyst-hepatic duct is very short, opening directly into the 
 base of the bladder. The cystic duct arises about midway between the two extremi- 
 ties of the hlad(3er, on its posterior aspect. It is larger, but shorter than the hepatic 
 duct, and opens into the duodenum an inch further down. 
 
 The kidneys measure about two and a fourth inches in total length, but are of very 
 varying breadth at different points along their extent. They are irregularly divided 
 into several lobes, which are not, however, of regular shape, and closely adapted to 
 each other, as in Sterna ; nor do they appear to be constant as to their mode of subdi- 
 vision. The upper lobe of each is the largest, and has the most convex outline. The 
 next is very narrow, serving as a connection between the anterior and posterior ex- 
 tremities, and is sometimes almost divided into two. The posterior lobe is nearly rect- 
 angular in shape ; about twice as long as broad ; and has a deep, longitudinal sulcus 
 upon its surface, in which is received the ureter. 
 
 The sexual organs lie superimposed upon the superior lobes of the kidneys, closely 
 bound down to them. Their efferent ducts run along in close apposition with the 
 ureters, and terminate in the cloa'ca side by side with the orifices of the urinary ducts, 
 as has been already described. 
 
 The superior larynx is composed of four principal elements : A thyroid cartilage, two 
 arytenoid, and a cricoid, the latter dividqd into three separate portions. The thyroid 
 is much the largest of these, forming all of the anterior or inferior portion of the organ. 
 It is of a tapering, subconical form, with an ovoid truncated extremitj', and an obtuse 
 tip. Its lateral edges curl over upward, especially posteriorly, where it supports the 
 cricoid, forming all of the cartilaginous lateral parietes which the laryux possesses. 
 Its inferior surface is marked with a longitudinal groove ; its internal with a well-de- 
 veloped eminence, situate on the median line, not distantly resembling the crista galli 
 of the human ethmoid bone. Anteriorly the thyroid extends forward as a mere flat 
 lamina, with scarcely any convexity. The posterior portions of the thyroiii support 
 the two lateral elements of the cricoid. These are quite broad at their base ; curl over 
 toward the median line ; growing narrower as they approach each other, till they com- 
 plete the circle of the larynx posteriorly by uniting with the central azygoid element. 
 This IS a small, irregular, cartilaginous nodule, situate on the median line, having, pos- 
 teriorly, two surfaces for the reception of the lateral cricoid elements ; more anteriorly 
 two others for the articulation of the two arytenoid cartilages. These latter are of 
 denser consistency than the rest of the larynx, being sometimes almost osseous. They 
 are four-tenths of an inch long. Their base presents on their inner surfaces the facet 
 for the articulation with the azygos element of the cricoid. They are so twisted or 
 curled upon their own axes, that their lateral edges, at tirst horizontal, are afterward 
 perpendicular, rising above the level of the rest of the larynx, and lying paraliel to 
 each other, thus forming the rima glottidis. These several cartilagMoiis pieces of the 
 larynx are all connected by a delicate, elastic, fibro-cellular tissue. The motion which 
 they possess is limited almost entirely to the opening and shutting of the arytenoid 
 cartilages, effected by the muscles attached to them ; the motion being chiefly at the 
 aryteno- cricoid articulation. These proper muscles of the larynx are the thyro-ary- 
 
632 LAEtfS ARGENTATU^, HEEEING GULL. 
 
 tenoid or dilatores ffloUidis, and the consirictores glottidis, having the ordinary form and 
 disposition. 
 
 The larynx thus composed is a flattened, tapering organ, situate between the apd- 
 hyals, near the base of the hyoid, supported by the uro-hyal, which runs along its infe- 
 rior surface. It measures seven-teuths of an inch in length ty about half au inch in 
 breadth at its widest part posteriorly. It is connected with surrounding parts by con- 
 densed cellular tissue ; by the prolongation into it of the mucous membrane of the 
 mouth, and by various muscles. 
 
 The trachea measures nine inches in length. It is not of uniform width thronghout, 
 hut superiorly it is broad and flattened, having much the'sLape of a trai sverse section 
 of the larynx; while as it proceeds downward it becomes smaller and almost perfectly 
 cylindrical. The rings are there also much denser and more resisting, so that the tube 
 is much less compressible below than above. The tracheal rings ai'e about one hun- 
 dred and forty in number. As usual, they are alteruately broader from right to left; 
 the increased width on the right of one riug being compensated for by the narrowness 
 of the next, at the same point of its circnmference. 
 
 The aterno-tracheal muscles arise from the sternum, just above the sterno-coracoid ar- 
 ticulation ; reach the tr.achea an inch or so above the inferior larynx, and run as narrow, 
 flattened bands, one on each side of the windpipe, quite to the thyroid cartilage; being 
 then continued on to the hyoid bone, lorming the thyro-byoids. These muscular band# 
 arc well developed. . Snjall fibrous oti'scts proceed from the supra-clavicular fascia to 
 the trachea at its termination, and, with others from the intra-clavicular air-cell, pro- 
 ceeding to the posterior part of the lower larynx, aid to hold the parts in situ. 
 
 The lower larynx does not differ in any essential points from that of Stercm-arius, 
 already described in sufficient detail. The bronchial half rings are twenty-four in 
 number. They are all of equal width at all points of their circumference, and thin and 
 delicate, except the first one, which is larger aud stouter, and bears to the lower larynx 
 ranch the relation that the cricoid does to the upper. 
 
 My earlier experiences with this Gull were along the coast of Labra- 
 dor, in 1860 ; it is there the most abundant representative of its family, 
 spending the summer and breeding plentifully on the mossy islands, and 
 retiring southward in September. On approaching one of the breeding- 
 grounds where, from a distance, numerous birds could be observed 
 sitting on their nests, or walking leisurely about, we soon .gave au 
 alarm, when all would rise on wing, with loud screams, and circle high 
 over head. The nests were found scattered irregularly over the ground, 
 with little choice as to situation, except that the birds seemed to rather 
 prefer moss-covered rocky places, and dry, bare spots ; the grassy patches 
 being generally appropriated by Eider Ducks. The numbers of Ducks 
 and Gulls on any island were u.sual]y complementary, there being more 
 of the latter than of the former on the bare islands, and conversely. 
 The Gulls' nests were large and bulky, com[)osed of dry grass, moss, and 
 lichens, gathered into a heap, with a slight cavity, as if merely result- 
 ing from the weight of the birds. The eggs, in all the instances that 
 came under my observation, were three in number; in other respects 
 they showed the great variation customary in this family. They aver- 
 aged about 2.80 in length by about 1.90 in width. Some were light 
 bluish or greenish, others deep brownish-olive ; while the dark markings 
 were of every size and shape, very irregularly distributed. Early in 
 July eggs were found in every stage of development, though injiiost 
 instances the embryos were advanced. At the same time many newly- 
 hatched birds were caught skulking beneath stones or scrambling over 
 the luxuriant moss. These downy nestlings are curious objects, like 
 soiled carded wool, variegated with anguhir, dusky markings. On 
 being caught they would squeal loudly, and fight with spirit. Placed 
 on water they swam easily, and seemed quite at home. They fed freely 
 from the first on tish and pork scraps. 
 
 Terrestrial nidiflcation is the rule with this species, as.it is throughout 
 the family ; yet there are authentic accounts — as that given by xVndu- 
 boji — of their nesting in colonies in trees. During the summer, in Lab- 
 rador, the principal food appears to be the lance tish {MaUotus vUlosusj, 
 
LAEUS AEGENTATUS, HERRING GULL. 633 
 
 TTbich s'obools in myriads along the coast, affordidg the fishermen almost 
 their only bait for cod. The breeding range is chiefly from New En- 
 gland to Labrador. Birds occasionally reach Greenland, yet Labrador 
 is the regular tenninus. When the fall migration occurs they are spread 
 along our whole Atlantic coast, but principally from New England to 
 the Garoliuas, where many winter. I observed them constantly at Fort 
 Macon, North Carolina, from September through May. In wiut»?r they 
 are very abundant, being, in fact, the characteristic and only common bird 
 of the family. There is little falling off in their numbers during March .; 
 most wend their way north early in April, when the Terns and Hooded 
 Gulls make their appearance, but some linger through May. In the 
 fall some arrive in September, but they are not plentiful until the latter 
 part of October. Being here rarely molested, they get quite tame, often 
 mixing with the domestic Geese around the fort, and sometimes permit- 
 ting an approach within a fevv feet, though in general they show an ap- 
 preciation of the limits of gunshot range. Most of the mature birds 
 gain their nuptial livery before leaving. They are nearly silent during 
 the winter, except when quarreling over their food ; but they grow 
 noisy in April, at the approacli of the breeding season, and before they 
 finally' depart the air fairly resounds with their harsh cries. 
 
 A great part of their food at this season consisted ot the refuse from 
 the fort ; they were always hovering over the spot where the garbage 
 was thrown, contending for the booty with Turkey-buzzards and Fish 
 Grows. At ebb-tide they frequently strung along the beach, at the 
 water's edge," "gathering various animal and vegetable substances 
 stranded by the receding waves. A favorite resort was the large sand 
 spots and muddy flats of the harbor, where they gathered soft molluscs, 
 ascidians, and other matters. They seemed particularly fond of a kind 
 of bivalve there, the Cytharea gigantea. Holding the shell under their 
 feet, as a Hawk would its quarry, they hammered with the beak until 
 the shell was broken in, and feasted on the contents. They managed 
 the Pectens (P. dislocatus) in the same manner, but the quahogs were 
 too much for them. I once found remains of a marsh hare in the 
 stomach of one of these Gulls. 
 
 In the interior, I have found this species on the Upper Missouri, and 
 ■we have authentic advices of its occurrence in sevei'al of the States, par- 
 ticularly those in the region of the Great Lakes. I have also seen speci- 
 mens from the Pacific coast. 
 
 Va/r. occiDENTALis, (Aud.) Coues. 
 
 DiAG. L. argentaio similis, sedpalHo valde obscuriore {intense pluvtVeo) et rosiro brevi, alti- 
 ore, roiustissimo. 
 
 Hab. — Pacific coast of North America (and Asia?) 
 
 Bill large, very stout and deep ; tbe sulmen convex at the end ; the c.ngle stronglv 
 developed, niakiuK the under outline doubly concave. Feet lurge and stout ; the tarsus 
 equal to the middle toe and claw. 
 
 Adult, summer jjlumage.—Bin bright ehromc-ycllow ; a vermilion spot, more or less 
 extensive, at the angle. Mantle dark blnisli-ash, almost slate-color ; the tips of thu 
 secondaries- and tertials white; the line of demarcation distinct. Primaries: first 
 three black throughout their exposed porlions, the outer white for some distance at 
 the tip (1.75.inohes), crossed near the end with an irregular black bar, the shalts en- 
 tirely black ; second, without a white spot, but its tip, and the tips of all tbe others, 
 white. Legs aud feet flesh-color. 
 
 Approaching maturiig.—As in the preceding, but the upper parts rather lighter, and 
 the tail with an imperfect subterrainal bar. 
 
 Iiitemitdiate.—BU\ much as in the adult. White of the head, neck, and under parts, 
 more or less mottled with dusky ; " gull-blue" of the upper parts appearing in irregular 
 patches; most of the feathers tipped with light gray. Primaries awd tail uniform 
 deep blackish-brown, with scarcely lighter tips, the former without spots. 
 
634 LARUS CALIFOENICUS,. CALIFORNIAN GULL. 
 
 Young-of-the-year, — Bill entirely black, rather shorter than in the adults, but at the 
 same time with great comparative depth at the angle. Everywhere a deep black- 
 ish-brown, mottled with grayish-white, the feathers of the upper parts being tipped 
 and edged with that color. Kunip and upper tail-coverts barred with whitish and 
 dusky. Wings and tail as jn the preceding. 
 
 Winter plumage. — This species seems to form an exception to the rule which olitains 
 so extensively among large Gulls, siuce in winter the head and neck behind are not, 
 ordinarily at least, streaked with dusky. I do not mean to assert that such a plumage 
 is never acquired ; but many hundred individuals which I have otwi-rved, under pecu- 
 liarly favorable circumstances, at this season, all bad the head and neck imniaculiitely 
 white, as in summer. The fact was brought more prominently into my notice from 
 the fact that these Gulls were usually seen in company with three other species, every 
 individual of which latter were, as usual, streaked on the head and neck. 
 
 Dimenriona. — Length, 24 inches ; extent, 55 ; wing, 15.50 ; bill above, 2.30 : along 
 ga^e, 3.10 ; height at nostril, 0.75 ; width, 0.40 ; height at angle, 0.85 ; tarsus, and mid- 
 dle toe and claw, 2.75. 
 
 This is a strongly-marked variety. Its most striking peculiarity of form lies in the 
 rather short and remarkably robust bill, the depth at the angle being very great. It 
 is about the size of argentatiiH, but, in addition to the stout bill, may be distinguished 
 from that species by its very dark upper parts (a slate, approaching that of marinun in 
 intensity), and the black, or nearly black, bases of the three first primaries. Thii spe- 
 cies hardly requires comparison with caliJornUms ; its superior size, very robust bill, 
 dark mantle and bases of the primaries, and restricted character of the subterminal 
 spots, readily distinguish it. With one specimen, however (No. 22020, a bird of the 
 year), we are in a little doubt. In size and general very dark colors it agrees with 
 specimens of undonbted occidentalis ; but the bill is small, perhaps less than the aver- 
 age of adult cxdifornicua, and with comparatively little dei)th at the angle. Although 
 the yonng ocddenialis has the depth of bill at the angle, compared with that at the 
 nostrils, fully as great as in the adult, yet it is according to analogy with the feature 
 presented by most Gulls, that the bill should be smaller every way in the young ; and 
 we therefore do not consider the discrepancy as irreconcilable to the species. 
 
 The specimens before us do not seem to indicate so great a diversity in size as exists 
 among some large Gulls. The dift'erence in the length of the longest and slmrtest 
 wings amounts to scarcely an inch. The .bill, however, varies greatly in size and pro- 
 portions. The character of the changes of plumage is much that of argenlaiim, but the 
 two birds may be distinguished by their bills. Without an undoubted young californi- 
 cus, we cannot institute a comparison ; but the differences will doubtless be those of 
 smaller size, much weaker bill, and, jirobably, lighter colors generally. 
 
 Bruch is greatly in error in saying that this species is "not larger than L. zovm-liyv- 
 chus." We see little grounds for the assertion of Bonaparte, that it is "intermediate 
 between Laroidts argenlatoides and LarvH zonorhynchus." Bonaparte's diagnosis is oth- 
 erwise very accurate. 
 
 I have quoted with a querj', as synonyms of this species, the names of the large, 
 dark Asiatic bird, considered as di.stinct by Bonajiarte, but which Schlegel unhesitat- 
 ingly assigns here. I have never had an opportunity of examining a specimen from that 
 locality ; but judging from descriptions, the bird is exceedingly closely related to, if 
 not identical with, the present. 
 
 LARUS CALIFOENICUS, Lawr. 
 
 Californian CtuU. 
 
 0)Larus argentatoides, Bp., Syn. 1828, .360.— EiCH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 417. 
 
 Larus californicus, Lawr., Ann. Lye. X. Y. vi, 1854, 7il ; H. N. A. 1858, 84fi.— Bp., Compt. 
 
 Eendus, 1856, 770.— CoOP. &■ SuCK., N. H. Waeh. Ter. i860, 273.— CoUE.s, Pr. 
 
 A. X. .S. 1862, 300. 
 Laroides mliformctis, Bf., Consp. Av. ii, 1856, 226. 
 Laruh delau-arentds var. californicus, COUES, Key, 1872, 313. 
 
 DiAG. Larus pedibus fusco-oUvaceU, remige primo lata spatio apicali albo. 
 
 Hal). — Pacific coast of North America. California. Interior of Arctic America, on 
 the grc.it lakes and rivers. 
 
 Note. — Believing that I may have been hasty in reducing this supposed species, in 
 the Key, to a variety of delawaremis, I shall here treat it as distinct, at the s^-me time 
 urging the probability that it will be found to intergrade completely with that species. 
 
 Bill moderately stout and strong, the angle well developed ; varying considerably in 
 size, larger than in delawarensis, sometimes nearly equaling that of argentatus in size. 
 Tarsus equal to or slightly longer than the middle toe and claw. 
 
LARUS CALIFORNICUS, CALIFOENIAN GULL. 635 
 
 Jiiilt, summer plumage. — Bill chroine-yellow, tiuged with greenish ; a vermilion spot 
 oil lower manflible at angle ; a black spot just above, forming, with a very small black 
 spot on the upper mandible, an Imperfect transverse band. Feet dusky bluish-green, 
 the webs lighter. Mantle pearl-blue, much as in hraohyrhi/nchiia, lighter than in carms 
 (Linn ), perhaps slightly darker than in argentatm. Primaries : bases of all light 
 bluish-white, internally almost white, especially on the outer, and of great extent on 
 all ; first with a white space at the end for about two inches, rather further on the 
 outer than inner web, the shaft white along the white portion of the feather ; second 
 with a white spot near the end on the whole of the inner and most of the outer web, 
 divided by the black shaft ; tips of all white ; black forming merely a narrow subterm- 
 inal band on the sixth. Tips of inner primaries white, as are also the tips of the sec- 
 ondaries and tertials, the line of demarcation between the white aud the blue of the 
 mantle pretty distinct. 
 
 Adult, ireeding plumage.— EjeliUs bright saffron-yellow. Upper maudible bright 
 chrome, the greater part of the lower vermilion, the rest chrome. Gape of mouth dtwp 
 crimson. 
 
 Adult, winter plumage.— Bill dully colored. Head and neck behind streaked and mot- 
 tled with dusky. 
 
 Nearly mature. — As in the preceding. Tail with an imperfect subterminal black bar. 
 Some of the feathers of the upper parts edged with gray. White space at end of first 
 primary crossed by a transverse black bar ; no spot on second primary. 
 
 Toung. — Bill yellowish flesh-color, black on the terminal half. Head, neck, rump, 
 wing-coverts, tertials and secondaries, mottled with dusky. Primaries aud tail uni- 
 foinily brownish-black, scarcely lighter at the tips. Back as in the adults, but the 
 feathers with grayish edges. 
 
 Dimensions. — Length, 20 inches ; wing, 15 to 16 ; bill, 1.60 to 1.90 ; depth at emi- 
 nentia symphysis, 0.56 ; tarsus, 2 to 2.25 ; middle toe and claw, about the same. 
 
 A very full series of this species in the collection, embracing specimens in every stage 
 of plumage, except that of the young-of-the-year, euables us to give full diagnoses of 
 the difl'crenf ages, and to present its variations. The latter, as regards size, and es- 
 pecially the size and shape of the bill, are very great, equaling, if not exceeding, those of 
 any other species. In the smallest specimen before mo the wing, bill, and taisus, meas- 
 ure, respectively, 14.25, 1.65, and 2.15 ; in the largest, 16.75, 2.20, and 2.60, making the 
 difference in these parts 2.50, 0.55, and 0.40 inches, respectively. Yet with these varia- 
 tions it is not difficult to recognize the species. The bill is larger than in delaiearensis 
 or variety Bruchii, aud has seldom or never the perfect black baud near the tip ; the 
 npper parts are darker than iu either, and the character of the primaries is quite dif- 
 ferent, in the long, white space on the first, instead of a white subterminal spot. From 
 0' cidenfalis it may always he known by its much less robust and deep bill, with lighter 
 upper parts, aud the light bases of the primaries. Though usually cousiderably smaller, 
 with a smaller, weaker bill than in argtntalw, mature birds from high latitudes some- 
 times approach or nearly equal the latter in size, and one specimen before lis has 
 actually a larger bill than in one undoubted argentatus. But the darker upper parts of 
 c ilifornicus, and the very differect character of the primaries, both basally and termin- 
 ally, separate the two without difficulty. 
 
 The first primary of this species, though white for about two inches iu mature birds, 
 has, perhaps usually, a uarrow, irregular, black band across oue or both webs, near the 
 end, dividing the white into a subterminal spot and broad tip. The shaft is always 
 ■white along the white portion of the feather. The spot on the second primary some- 
 times extends only on the inner webs ; the shaft is always wholly black. The shafts 
 of all the primaries are white at the white tips. The orange eyelids and crimson gape 
 are retained only for a short time during the breeding season. In winter the head and 
 neck are streaked with dusky. 
 
 The type-specimen of caHfornicits, kindly furnished for examination by Mr. Lawrence, 
 is moulting, and some of the primaries are not fully grown out. The white apical 
 space on the first primary is crossed by a narrow, transverse, black bar. A large series 
 of skins, however, demonstrates that the black bar is soon resolved Into two spots, or 
 indentations, on the edges of the feather, and then quite disappears, leaving the i)ri- 
 mary purely and uninterruptedly white at its tip for about two iuches. 
 
 Synonymy. — I incline to the ■opiniou that californhus is not the first designation of 
 this species, believing that argentatoides of Richardson (18'-!1) was based upon it. Very 
 numerous specimens of a Gull from the interior of Arctic America are doubtless of the 
 species which Eichatdson calls argentatoides. Their size is somewhat greater than that 
 of Typical examples from California, though no more so than might be expected from 
 their more northern habitat ; and they are a shade lighter in the color of the man le, 
 but otherwise so entirely similar to califorriiciis proper that they were unhesitating y 
 referred to the latter species by both Prof. Baird and myself. The only real diserep- 
 aucy to be reconciled in Richardson's description is the statement that the legs are 
 "flesh-colo'ed," those of the true californicus beingof a dtisky olivaceous, with chrome- 
 yellow webs, much as in delawarensis. In this respect, as well as iu a less powerful 
 
fiSG LARUS DELAWAKEN8I8, RING-BILLED OXTUj. 
 
 organization, woakcr 1»i]l, &c., it hIjouh an evidont approach to the "Mcv. fInllH" 
 (delawarimxiH, caniiH, &(;.), and apparently connectH the latter n'onp wit li lar(;(;r llcrring- 
 GiilJs with ll(-hl]-f;oloi(!(l fci;t. But tho lialjility to error in Kiving thi- colorH of the U-vt, 
 &c., of water hirJs, is very great; Mr. Lawrence! liirnHclf (li. N, A. p. H4()) Hinting lh;i,t 
 the legH are " flcuh-colored," although their tint wan corn^ctly giviii by hiiu wlieji 
 introducing the species. 
 
 For a iiion; i-xteiiHlvo discnssion of t,h(! point, I rc.U-.r to my piiper in the I'hlladc.lphia 
 Academy " I'roiiwdings." Wliile it, is proljable l.lial, Ricbardson's name i<;li;rH to tlio 
 species described by Mr. L.-twrenni!, I liy no means insist nporj this iderilifi(;;ilJoii, nor 
 would wish to 8n|>i',r»itdc, the n.'irrii: enlijorriiciiK. 
 
 Comparison of L. californifuv ir/i.tli. the, liuriiiimii L. ariientattiH. — 'I'ho termifjiil tnaiklngs 
 of thi- primaries of tho two iiie identical, arid in sizii thesficcies iire not vi ry dissiniilur. 
 Thi! color of till; f(ti-t is strikingly divcu-He fdnsky gieenislj iji oalifiirninm ; ib'Hli-colori-il 
 in arr/f.ntataii) ; and the picture of the liam-H of tiic, i)iirn:irii-H very difliTent, as follows : 
 In eai(/ornic«« the bluish color is very light in tint, in fact alnrost whilr; teriniicdiy ; 
 extends very far along l.hc! feathers (espi-ei:illy on the lirst quill), its edge parallel with 
 the rhachis for nearly its whole length, and then it turns suddenly off at an acute 
 angle, running up nearly as far on the eilge ri.s in the centre of the iimcr VMue of the 
 feather. In rirr/i-jilahii the color is but little, if any, lighter than the nuintle; it ex- 
 tends along the feather with an outline ohliijue to the shaft ; runs np nnuli further in 
 the centre of the inner web than along its edge, alorjg which latter the black dc^wM-rids 
 a little way as a narrow ifjarginal line. In cdliforniciiH the line of demareatiou of tho 
 two colors is njuch more trenchantly marked than it is in aryeniatun. 
 
 LARUS DELAWAREXSI8, Old. 
 
 Bing-btlled Gull. 
 
 Xarus delairarenhiH, Out), Guthrie's Geog. 2<{ Am. ed. ii, \Slf>, 'M'.t. — Lawk., IS. N. A. l^^FiR, 
 fc4(;; Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, Irffii;, ^9:) —Coot-. &, .St(;K„ N. H. Wash Tcr. It-{i(), 
 273.— Wlii'.Ai., Ohio Agrie. Itep. IWiO, No. 267,— O.CKS, I'r. Phila. Aciid. Hdl, 
 246; 1862, ;iO:i.~(Joi,|,„s, Smiths. Ke|>. Ifiol, 418 — Vjoitn., Pr. Ess. Inst, lii, I'-iW, 
 160.— IJu,M!i)M., J'l. lio.st. ,Soc. ix, 186^, i:!l.— Hem,., .\IUfi. I'.-B. iv, IWi:',, Lari, ji. 
 22.— AiJ.L.v, I'r. Ess. Inst, iv, 1861, riO,— (Joi.ks, I'r. I'.o.st, .Soc. xii, IWi-j, \-m;.— 
 'I'l i:,\n., h. K. Pa. l-^ri'.i, :W.— (;or;i,s, Pr. X'hila. Acad. 1^,71, liy.—Oni'.,',, Key, 
 187:^, ;il:j.— i;iii(;w., Ann. Lye. N. Y, x, 1874, ;W (Illinoi.H;. 
 
 Larun imiiuh, I',v., .Syn. 1828, 259. Not of anthors. 
 
 Ldrim zoiiHrhijiinkuH, KiCd., F. I). A. ii, 18:il, 421. — ,\r;TT., Man. ii, 18;'.4, ;S00. — A(:i>., Orn. 
 Biog. iii, 18:',.j, 98 ; v, I8:i9, 6:i8 ; pi. 212 ; Syn. 18:i9, :W7 ; 1!. Auj. vii, 1844, 1.'.2, pl. 
 446.— Gn:., J). L. I. 1844, •MVI.—iii:, Compt(« Kendn.s, 1856, 771 ; (Jon.sp. Av. ii, 
 18.'j6, 224.— liLAS., J. f. O. 186.'., •.',r;(l. 
 
 Larut zonorlii/iiikiiii var. hnichii, Hi'., Gonsp. ii, 18.')6, 224. 
 
 Larun zoiiorhijnihuH var, riKMcaiiuM, Bp,, Gonsp. ii, l8,'j6, 224. 
 
 CrlauimH z<in(jrliiiiii:hiiH, lilM.cn, J. f. O, 18.')ii, 102. 
 
 Oariiia zonorhijtiduj,, IJi-., .\anm. iv, 18.")4, 2IU.—finx:(:u, .J. f. 0. 18/,.',, 282. 
 
 Gar/iKU hruchii, Br., .Nuuru. iv, l8.'il, 2^)2. — IU:i:<:u, J. f. O. 18,v'i, ii'^.'-i. 
 
 DiAf>, L. ronlro vigrocincU/, pallio i:i/rukii-perLaiu:o, rcmiiji; priruo Hpatio huhapicaliatbft, tano 
 diiiilo medio lour/ion;. 
 
 Hah. — North America generally; throughout the int^^rior Jis well as coastwise. Cnba 
 (Cah,, J. f. O. v, 2;;6j. 
 
 Adult in KunirnfT. — Bill rather sfcont, as long as the middle toe and claw ; the npper 
 mandible considerably corjvex at the end; under nianilible much thickcnci at the 
 angle, which is prominent ; the outline from base to angle, and fronj arjgle to tip, both 
 concave. Middle toe and claw .icari:ely more than turee-fourtbh the tarsus. Ii,ll 
 grccni.sh-ycllow, at tip chrome, encircled at the angle with a broad band of black, 
 Jjcgh and feet dusky bluish-green. .Vlajjtle light pearl-blue, fading into white at the 
 end.s of the .secondaries and tertials, the line of demarcation indistinct. Priniaiies: 
 first black, the basal [KJi-tion of the inner wi^b very light bluish- white, almost pnn-, 
 with a spot of white alwnt 1.2.') inches long near the end^ of etjnal extent on Wolh webs, 
 divided by the black shaft ; second with a small w hitx; S[Mit on the inner web, and the 
 inner web whitish at base, for a longer distance ; the whitish of the bases of the jirirna- 
 rJes regiilaily increasics inward and the black dccrcas<;s, until on the ,sixth it is merely 
 a transver.se bar. Apex of first pi imar,y black, of others white, the sjMit being very 
 minute on the second, and gradually increasing; seventh Jind innermost primaties 
 without any black, like tlie secondaries. 
 
 Adult in iriiitfi: — As in sumiucr, but the h«a<l and neck behind spotted (not streaked 
 nor nebulatedj with dusky. 
 
 YoijiiOjfirnl ii:iiil.er. — IJpiier parts irregularly motthjd with dusky brown and the pearl- 
 
LARIJS DELAWAEENSIS, RING-BILLED GULL. 637 
 
 blue of the adults, tbe wing coverts being almost entirely dusky, with lighter margins 
 to the feathers. Head, neck, and under parts, mottled with white and dusky. Prima- 
 ries uniformly black ; secoudaries with a patch of browuisb-black near the ends ; 
 tertials wholly browuisb-black, narrowly tipped with whitish. Tail winh a broad, 
 subterminal band of black, narrowly tipped with white. Terminal half of bill black, 
 the extreme tip yellowish. 
 
 Young-of-the-year in Jugwst. — Everywhere mottled thickly with brownish-black, on 
 the upper parts the feathers with yellowish-white edges, the pearl-blue of the adults 
 scarcely apparent, except on the wing-coverts. Terminal two-thirds of bill with the 
 tip black, the rgst light flesh-color. Other parts as in the preceding. 
 
 Xiime»«io«s.— Length, 19.75 ; extent, 48.50 ; wing, 14.75 ; bill above, 1.70 ; gape, 2.30 ; 
 height at nostril, 0.45 ; at angle, 0.50 ; tarsus, 2.05 ; middle toe, 1.80. 
 
 The anatomical charaotei'S of this species do not differ in any notable degree from 
 those of L. smi'hsonianus, already fnlly described. i 
 
 Although of about the same size as L. vanns, this species may readily be distinguished 
 from it. It is rather larger ; the bill, somewhat longer, is much more robust, the angle 
 much more strongly developed, and are both mandibles crossed by a well-defined bar near 
 the angle, wanting in canns. The upper parts are very decidedly lighter, being a very 
 light pale blue, instead of darker bluish-gray. The characters of the primaries are 
 quite different. In delawarensis the bases of the primaries are very light bluish-white, 
 on the first almost pure white, and extending to within three inches of the tip of the 
 second. In canus the light bases of the feathers are very much more restricted, the 
 difference especially conspicuous on tbe second primary, the color of the bases bluish- 
 gray, scarcely lighter than the back. The subterminal spots on the first and second 
 primaries in delaivarensis are small, divided by the black shaft, and not longer on the 
 outer than on the inner vane, while in canus the spots are nearly twice as large ; that 
 on the first longer on the outer than on the inner vane, and not divided by the black 
 shaft. Canus has, moreover, a spot on the third primary, wanting in delawarensis. 
 
 The relationship of this species to the L. brachjrhynclms of Richardson will be found 
 discussed under the head of the latter. There is no other North American Gull with 
 which the present requires comparison. 
 
 This species, in common with others of the genus, varies very considerably in size. 
 The difference in the length of wing and tarsus of the largest and smallest specimen 
 before us amounts to a full inch in the former, and 0.35 of an inch in the latter. The 
 longest tarsus measures 2.25, the shortest 1.90. The difference in the bills is consider- 
 able. The smallest specimen before me is an adult female from Laramie River ; the 
 largest a young bird of the year from Labrador. Both Bonaparte and Bruch present a 
 species or variety in their monographs, distinguished from sonorhynchus by its larger 
 size, more robust bill> &c. An adult winter specimen before me, from Nebraska, dif- 
 fers in these and some other re.spect3 from the ordinary standard. The bill is every way 
 larger and stouter, the culmen terminally more convex, the eminentia symphysis 
 perhaps less strongly developed. The head and neck are streaked rathf r than spotted 
 with dusky, and the first primary has a more decidedly white apex. The chord of the 
 culmen measures 1.75 ; height of bill at nostrils, 0.53 ; at eminentia symphysis, hardly 
 greater. The wing is 15.25 inches from the carpal joint. The feet are not larger nor 
 stouter than average of delawarensis. A second specimen, from the interior of Arctic 
 America, a little surpasses these measurements, being so large that it would be taken 
 at first sight for californicus, but for the ring around the bill and the different ijattera 
 of the primaries. Without feeling assured that these specimens constitute even a de- 
 cided variety, I present the above considerations to show how greatly the species may 
 vary in size, and to indicate exactly in what consists this species or variety of the 
 authors quoted. 
 
 Although the present is a marked and w(.'ll-characterized species, there has been con- 
 si<lerable confusion respecting it, occasioned by its beiug confounded by some authors 
 with the European canus, and by othcru, and the greater majority, with the canms of 
 Richardson, which is the succeeding species. It may therefore be well to trace its his- 
 tory from the beginning. 
 
 In 1815 a "Tooth-billed Gull" (L. delawarensis) is characterized by Ord, in Guthrie's 
 Geography, as above. This, as Mr. Lawrence has shown, can be no other than the 
 present bird. " His account of the measurements and coloration agrees precisely with 
 the adult L. zonorhynclms, the only character to reconcile is the toothed bill. This I 
 consider as a possible malformation, or probably an accidental toothing, caused by its 
 being worn in some particular mode of feeding." — (Lawh.) In an adult and very old 
 bird before us, the culmen along its entire length ia jagged and irregularly serrate. 
 This same feature along the commissure would produce precisely the "Tooth-billed 
 Gull" of Ord. Moreover, this malformation actually exists along the commissure of 
 a Lams occidentalis, now before us, thus proving that the character is entirely acci- 
 dental and not confined to a single.species, and fully confirming the position assumed 
 by Lawrence. Delawarensis being undoubtedly, therefore, the present si)ecie8, is the 
 first distinctive appellation, and must take priority over the more usual name of zono- 
 rlmjnclius Richardson. 
 
638 LAKUS CANUS VAE. BKACHYEHYNCHUS, MEW GTJLL. 
 
 Bonaparte, in his Synopsis, presents the species under the name of " L. canus Linnaens.'' 
 The description is that of an immature bird, in which the primaries have not yet at- 
 tained their white tips. The measurement, "tarsus a little more than two inches," 
 excludes the irachyrhynchn^ Eichardson, to which the description might otherwise apply. 
 
 The species was definitely characterized by Eichardson in IH'il, under the name 
 zanorliynchus, and separated from the 1)rachyrhynchu8 of that author. This name was in 
 almost universal employ, until Mr. Lawrence showed that it had not rightful priority. 
 But authors have greatly srred in assigning as synonyms of this species canus and 
 Irachyrhynchus of Eichardson, the former being the adult and the latter the young of 
 a \ery diflerent species. Neither is this species the " L. canus from North America of 
 authors," as stated by Bonaparte, which citation is only referable to the succeeding 
 species. A fuller elucidation of these names will be found under head of £. brachyrhynchus. 
 
 The RiDg-loilled Gull is more generally distributed throughout the 
 interior than the Herring Gull, occurring on the larger waters of the 
 Missouri region, and elsewhere. It migrates through the interior, up 
 the Mississippi, as well as along the coast. Prof. Snow does not give it 
 in his Kansas List, but in my copy received from him I find a penciled 
 note of its occurrence at Lawrence in April, 1873. This was the Gull 
 I oftenest observed in Northern Dakota ; I found it in large numbers in 
 September, on Lake Eiver, a tributary of the Souris: and again in Sep- 
 tember of the following year on the Upper Missouri, in company with 
 Herring Gulls. They were mostly young birds, apparently hatched not 
 lar off. Along the Atlantic coast I have traced the bird from Labrador 
 to the Garolinas, finding it numerous in the former locality in summer, 
 with Herrings and Black-backs. It winters abundantly on the coast of 
 the Middle States ; 1 saw it constantly during two winters over the har- 
 bor of Baltimore, where it flies among the shipping with Bonaparte's 
 Gull and several kinds of Terns. 
 
 LARUS CANUS var. BRACHYEHTNGHUS, (Rich.) Coues. 
 American Mew Gall. 
 
 a. canus. 
 
 Larus canus, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 224.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 596.— Lath., Ind. 
 Orn. ii, 1790, 815.— Temm., Man. 1815, 499.— Leach, Cat. 1816, 40.— BoiE, Isis, 
 1822, 563.— Steph., Gen. Zool. xiii, 1826, 198.— Flem., Br. An. 1828, 140.— Jen., 
 Man. 1835, 275.— Eyt., Cat. 1836, 52.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 96.— 
 Naum., V. D. X, 1840, 301, pi. 261.- Macgil., Man. ii, 1842, 248.— SCHi.., Eev. 
 Crit. 1844, 125.— Bp., Consp. ii, 1856, 223.— Schl., Mus. P.-B. iv, 1863, Lari, p. 
 23.— Gray, List Br. B. 1863, 233.— Blas., J. f. 0. 1865, 380.— Sharpe & Dress., 
 B. Eur. pt. xvii, Apr. 1873. 
 
 Laroides canus, Brehm, V. D. 1831, 751. 
 
 Gavina cana et Glaumia canus, Beuch. 
 
 Larus cinereus, Scop., Ann. Hist. Nat. i, 1768, 80. 
 
 Larus hybermts, 6m., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 596 (Gavia hyierna, Briss., Orn. 1760, 189, pi. 16, 
 f. 2).— Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 654.— Bp., Consp. ii, 1856, 223. 
 
 Larus cyanorJiynchus, Mey. & Wolf, Tasch. ii, 1810, 480. 
 
 "Larus cyanopus, Bechst." • 
 
 Larus procellosus (partim), Bechst., Orn. Tasoh. 1802, 373 ; Naturg. Dent, iv, 647. 
 
 Laroides procellosus, Bkehm, V. D. 1831, 750. 
 
 Laroides canescens, Brehm, V. D. 1831, 753. 
 
 b. niveus. 
 
 Lams niveus, Pall., Zoog. E.-A. ii, 1811, 320, pi. 76.— Bp., Consp. ii, 1856, 224. 
 
 Larus camis var. major, Midd., Sib. Eeise, ii, 1853, 243, pi. 24, f. 4.— Schl., Mus. P.-B. iv, 
 
 1863, Lari, p. 26. 
 Larus heinei, Homeyer, Naum. 1853, 129. 
 " Gavina heinii, Beuch, J. f. O. 1855, 283 (partim)." 
 Larus canus, Bp., Consp. ii, 1856, 223 (parHm).— Schr., Eeise, 511. 
 Larus kamtschatkensis, Bp., E. and M. Z. vii, 1855, 16. 
 Qavina citrirostris, Bruch, (jpartim). 
 
LAEUS CANUS VAR. BRACHYEHYNCHUS, MEW GULL. - 639 
 
 c. hrachyrhynchus. 
 
 Lams cams, EiCH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 4520 (adult) ; not of authors.— Nutt., Man. 
 
 if, 1834, 300. 
 Larus hrachyrhynchus, Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 421 (juvenile).— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 301.— 
 
 COUES, Pr. A. N. S. 1862, 302.- Elliot, B. N. A. ii, pi. 53.— Dall A- Bann., Tr. 
 
 Chic. Acad'. 1869, 30,5.— FiNSCH, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 84. 
 Larus eanus var. hrachyrhynchus, CoUES, Key, 1872, 313. 
 Larus suckleyi, Lawk., Ann. Lye. N. Y. 1854, 204 ; B. N. A. 1858, 847 (young).- Coop. & 
 
 Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. I860, 274.— Sohl., Mus. P.-B. iv, 1863, Lari, p. 27.— 
 
 Blas., J. f. O. 1865, 381. 
 Bissa septentnonalis, Lawis., Ann. Lye. N. Y. 1854 ; B. N. A. 1858, 854.— Coor. & Slck., 
 
 N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 277. 
 Note. — The foregoing synonymy is based upon the consideration that there are three 
 recognizable varieties, but not species, of the canus group : 1. The typical European 
 bird. 2. The larger and perhaps otherwise distinguished bird of Asia, L. can us major 
 of Middeudorfif and Schlegel (see Blas., J. f. 0. 1865, 330). 3. The North American 
 bird, of which the adult as canus, and the young as hrachyrhynchus, were described by 
 Richardson, and subsequently as Bissa septcntrionalis (adult) and L. suckleyi (iuvenile) 
 by Lawrence. We have here only to do with the latter. 
 
 Var. BRACHYEHYNCHUS, {Bicli.) Coues. 
 
 DiAG. L. cano {Europce) similis ; minor, rostro hreviore, culmine magis conrexo, pallio dilu- 
 tiore, tarso vix longiore quam digitum medium cum ungue. 
 
 Hah. — Interior of Arctic America, and Pacific coast generally. Not authenticated as 
 occurring on the Atlantic coast. 
 
 Sp. ch. Bill small, somewhat stout for its length, much shorter than the head or 
 tarsus. Upper mandible straight to the end of the nostrils, moderately convex to the 
 tip, rather more so than in canus. Angle of lower mandible pretty well developed, 
 comparatively more so than in canus; the lower outline considerably concave posterior 
 to it, somewhat so before it. Commissure about straight to near the tip. Tarsus and 
 middle toe and claw about equal, the former but little if any longer than the latter. 
 
 Adult in summer. — Bill bluish-green, its terminal third bright yellow. Lege and feet 
 dusky bluish-green, the webs yellowish. Mantle light grayish-blue or dark pearl-blue, 
 a shade lighter than in can us, much darker than in delawarensis. Primaries : the bluish- 
 gray bases rather lighter than iu canus, much darker than in delawarensis, but fading 
 into nearly pure white on all but the first at the juncture with the black portion ; these 
 bluish-gray bases of the feathers extend toward the ends much further than in canus, 
 as far as in delawarensis, and, as in that species, on the second, third, and fourth, extend 
 further along the central portions of the inner web than at the edges, so that they are 
 bordered for some distance with the black of the terminal portions of the feathers. 
 The black takes in the outer web of the first primary and nearly the whole of the inner, 
 but rapidly becomes narrower, till it is merely a subterminal transverse bar on the 
 sixth. The seventh has frequently a spot of black on one or both webs. First, with a 
 large white spot near the end two inches long, longer ou the outer than on the inner 
 web, not divided by the black shaft, the tip of the feather black ; second, with a sim- 
 ilar spot, but smaller, not longer on the outer than on the inner web, and divided by 
 the black shaft ; the extreme apex white, as are the apices of all the other primaries 
 except the first. 
 
 Adult, high hreeding plumage. — Eyelids, ocular region, and gape of mouth, bright 
 orange-yellow, which color extends over the tip and cutting edges of the bill. The 
 green of the bill with a peculiar hoary glaucesceuce. Legs and Jeet bluish-green, the 
 webs bright gamboge-yellow. Otherwise as in the preceding stage. 
 
 Adult in winter. — The head and neck all round, with the upper part of the breast, 
 mottled with dusky. 
 
 Approaching maturity. — Head and neck faintly mottled. Primaries brownish-black, 
 without decided white tips ; the spots'on the first and second restricted. Tertials with 
 a dusky spot on each -web near the end. Tail with a more or less perfect subterminal 
 band. 
 
 Young, first winter. — Bill, basally, flesh-color ; black on the terminal half. Legs and 
 feet light yellowish. Head, neck, rump, and whole under parts, mottled irregularly 
 with dusky. Back as in the adult, but the feathers with grayish edgings. Wing- 
 coverts, secondaries, and tertials, dusky ; darkest on the latter ; all with light edgings. 
 Primaries uniform brownish-black, without white sjpots, tips, or lighter bases. Tail 
 almost entirely brownish-black, with a narrow border Of white. 
 
 Young in August. — Bill and legs as in the preceding. Everywhere whitish-gray ; the 
 white of the under parts appearing as mottling, and the blue of the upper parts as 
 irregular patches. Otherwise as in the preceding. 
 
 Dimensions. — Length, 17.50; extent, 42; wing, 13.75; bill above, 1.40 ; gape, 2 ; width 
 
G40 LARUS CANUS VAR. BRACHYRHYNCHUS, MEW GULL. 
 
 at nostrils, 0.25; height, 0.35; height at angle, 0.35; tarsus, and miadle toe and 
 claw, 1.80. 
 
 The variations in size presented by this species, thouah considerable, are not greater 
 than those of others of the genus. The difference in the lengths of the wiug, tarsns, 
 and bill, of the largest and smallest specimens before me, amounts to, respectively, 1.80, 
 0.30, and 0.20 inches. There is a considerable difference also in general size, which, 
 however, is not always accompanied with corresponding discrepancies in length of bill 
 and feet, small birds having sometimes longer bills and tarsi than those whicli surpass 
 them in total length ; the indefinite character of these variations showing pretty con- 
 clnsively that they are those of a single species. As might be expected, adult birds, 
 as a general rule, are larger, with longer and stouter bills than the young. As will be 
 seen in the diagnosis, during the breeding season the bill, mouth, eyelids, and feet, be- 
 come very highly colored, although the bright tints are retained for only a short time. 
 There may also be .sometimes detected a faint rosy blush on the under parts during 
 this season. In adult birds the markings of the primaries are very constantly pre- 
 served. The relative proportions of the tarsus 'and toes vary a little, but tho former 
 never greatly exceeds the latter in length, as is always the case with canus and 
 zonorhynchus. 
 
 I have before me the type-specimen of Richardson's Larus hranhyrliynchus — the 
 original of his description in the Faun. Bor. Am. — " a female, killed on the 23d of May, 
 1826, at Great Bear Lake." "Some brown markings on the tertials, primary coverts, 
 and bastard wiug, with an imperfect subterminal bar on the tail, point it out as a 
 young bird, most probably commencing its second spring." The specimen in qnestioQ 
 is labeled in a handwriting unknown to me, " 2 , May 23, 1826, Great B ar Lake," and 
 corresponds in every detail with Richardson's description, so there can be no doubt of 
 its identity. This author, in drawing up his diagnosis of the species from a young 
 bird, fell into the error of saying "remigibus apicfe concoloribas," whereas in the adult 
 the primaries are as broadly white tipped as in other species. In this type-specimen 
 the bill is very small, bearing perhaps less than the average even of young birds, but 
 in other specimens before me it is quite as short. 
 
 This is the North American representative of the European canus, but is varietally 
 distinct in the following features : The tarsus little if any longer than the middle toe 
 and claw, instead of beujg a fourth longer. The bill is shorter and smaller in all its 
 proportions, with a rather more convex culmen and less developed eminentia. The 
 bluish bases of the primaries are much lighter, fading nearly into white at their junc- 
 tion with the black portion ; extend for a greater distance along the feathers, and rnn 
 up further in the centre than along the edge of the inner vane. The average size of 
 the bird is less, and the color of the mantle rather lighter. 
 
 The differences between this species and delawarensis, the only other American species 
 which it at all resembles, are so palpable that a detailed comparison is scarcely necessary. 
 
 Synonymy. — Much confusion prevails in the synonymy of this species, for which there 
 is really no occasion, as it is perhaps the most thoronghly marked of all our North 
 American species. Most authors present it as a synonym of zonorhynchus (delawarensis) ; 
 and in addition several nominal species must be referred to it. The difficulty doubtless 
 originated in the reference by some of Larus canus "Linn." of Richardson to the true 
 European canus, and by others to the zonorhynchus Richardson. Brachyrhjnchus Rich- 
 ardson being founded upon an immature bird naturally excited suspicion as to its 
 validity, heightened by the fact that Richardson himself expresses doubts of its dis- 
 tinction from his canus. 
 
 The proper location of Larus niveus Pallas is a point upon -wliich authors widely 
 differ. Bonaparte considers it as a valid species. Cassin queries it as a synonym of 
 occidentalis Audubon. Bruch, and following him Lawrence, consider it as a Rissa, iden- 
 tifying it with iracliyrhyncha* Gould (uot of Richardson). I see nothing in Pallas' 
 description or piate which renders its reference to the large Asiatic form of canus inad- 
 missible. The jilate, it is true, shows no subterminal spots on the primaries, but this 
 is contradicted by the text, which says that the bird is in this respect "entirely like 
 the preceding," -which is L. cachinnans Pallas, a species the description of whose pri- 
 maries shows it to be not essentially diverse from brachyrhynchus Richardson. The 
 measurements given are those of an adult irachyrhynchns. The doubt involved appears 
 to be this. Pallas' bird is from Kamtschatka, and is doubtless the species described by 
 Middendorfif as L. canus major (Siberische Eeise, Birds, p. 213). The question then 
 really hinges upon the identity or distinction of the Asiatic and American bird. The 
 former, according to Middendorffj is larger than canus, and has a bigger bill, while the 
 American bird is as much smaller and weater billed. But it appears that there is in 
 Siberia, &c., a distinct variety, larger than the standard European canus, just as there 
 is in North America one smaller than the latter. In view of these considerations there 
 seems to be no doubt that niveus Pallas is the larger form, which I recognize as L. canus 
 var. nireiis. 
 
 * For discussion of this view see lielow, under head of Bissa hrachyrhyncha. 
 
LARXJS HEERMANNI, WHITE-HEADED GULL. 641 
 
 Bonaparte, in his Conspectus, places Lis own Gacina or Lams Tcamfsrhailcensis as a 
 synonym of niimts Pallas, and also quotes with a query the Gaviita cilriroslria Bruch, a 
 species founded upon Larus c'lirirostris Schiniper. Bruch says that camtsehatkensis is an 
 "undoubted synonym "of his [Bruch's] citrirostris. Upon the authority, then, of these 
 writers, their species are reduced to the iiiveus Pallas. 
 
 lu 1H31 Richardson gives as species of North American '■ Mew Gulls," canus "Liun.," 
 and zoiiorlujiichus and brachyrhynch us Richardson. The error here is in giving canus as 
 identical with that of Europe, and in separating hrachyrhynohus from it ; a mistake 
 magnified by nearly all authors, considering all tl(ree names as referring to a single 
 species, zonorkynchus. Camis of Nuttall's Manual (1834) is the same as that of Rich- 
 ardson ; catius of Bonaparte's Synopsis (18'28) is the ddawarensis. 
 
 Examination of the type-specimens of i«i'«.s sucMeyi and Bissa septenirionaKs of Law- 
 rence, and comparison of them with the type of L. bracliyrhnncluis Richardson, shows 
 all three to be identical. Most of tlie specimens of " sucldeyi " are immature, and agree 
 in the minutest particulars with Richardson's type. The type of Eissa seplcntrionaUs 
 is quite mature, and agrees entirely with the large series of skins from the interior of 
 Arctic America, representing what Richardson called "canus." In this connection it is 
 due to Mr. Lawrence to state that at the time of the founding of his species he had 
 not Richardson's type to guide him ; and as " brachyi-hynchus Rich." had always been 
 quoted (though erroneously) as the young zonm-liyndius, he was obliged to take for 
 granted existing opinions on the subject. 
 
 It is probable that the species sometimes reaches the Missouri region, 
 but I have never seen it there, nor indeed anywhere, alive. 
 
 Subgenus Blasipus, Bp. 
 
 = Larus, Cass., 111. 1853, 28. (L. heemianni.) 
 
 = Blasipus, Bp., Mss.— Brdch, J. f. O. 18,'>3, 108 (see Bp., R. Z. 1855, 21 ; ScL. & Salv., 
 P. Z. S. 1871, 573).— Bp., Consp. ii, 1856, 211 (type B. Aeei-manHi).-LAWK., B. N. 
 A. 1858, 848.— COUES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 204. 
 = Melarus, BEncH, J. f. O. 1853, 106 ; 1855, 278. t 
 
 = LeucoplicBus, Bp., Consp. ii, 1856, 231 (type scoresbyi, Trail). 
 
 Bill shorter than head or tarsus, rather slender, moderately compressed, the tip 
 rather acute ; its color red in part in the adult. Folded wings reaching beyond the 
 tail. Tail of moderate length, even, slightly emarginate in the young. Feet rather 
 large. Tarsus equal to the middle toe and claw. General colors dark ; tail mostly 
 blackish. 
 
 This section scarcely differs in form from Lartis proper, and is only worth recognition 
 as a convenient means of grouping certain species which differ from ordinary Lari in 
 the pattern of coloration, being mostly dark colored, with black or largely dark tail, 
 and not showing the usual " mantle" contrasted with pure white. 
 
 Bonaparte's Conspectus recognizes three species of Blasipus as restricted : heemianni 
 (type), bridgesi (modestus Tschudi), and crassirostris. He, however, has another " genus " 
 LeucophcFMs, in which he places scoresbyi Traill (hwmatorhyncMts King), fullginosus Gould, 
 and belcheri Vigors. The first two of these I have never seen ; the first is said to be 
 peculiar in the depth of its bill ; belcheri has a bill much stouter than that of heermanni. 
 
 LAEUS (BLASIPUS) HEBEMANOT, Cass. 
 
 Heermann's White-headed Gull. 
 
 Larus heemianni, Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad, vi, 1852, 187; 111. 1853, 28, pi. 5 (adult and 
 
 juvenile).— Heeem., P. R. E. Rep. x, 1859, pt. vi, 74. 
 Larus (Blasipus) heermanni, ScL. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1871, 574, oitm fig. 
 Blasipus heermanni, Bp., Consp. Av. ii, 185C, 211 ; Compt.- Rend. 1856, 770. — LiWE., B 
 N. A. 1858, 848.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 18()0, 275.— Coues, Pr. Phila. 
 Acad. 1862, 304 ; Ibis; 1864, 388.— Saiv., ibid. 1866, 198. 
 Adelams heermanni, Bruch, J. f. 0. 1853, 107 ; 1855, 279. 
 Larus belchei-i, Schl., Mus. P.-B. Lari, p. 9, partim. (Unites several species.) 
 Larus {Blasipus) belcheri, Coues, Key, 1872, 314, excl. ByD.fuliginosus Gould. (JV'ec Vig.) 
 DiAG. Adultus plumbeo-schistaceus subtus dilutior, capite sensim albo, caudd totd nigricanie, 
 
 albo-ferminata, teclricibus superioribus albicantihus ; remigibus caicdd concoloribus, prima- 
 
 riis interioribus secondariisque albo-tei-niinaiis, rostro plei-umque rubra, pedihus rubro- 
 
 nigricantibus. Long. tot. sesquiped. ; at. 14 poll. ; Baud. 5 ; rostri culm. 1.75 ; tars. 2.25. 
 
 Junior : sat similis, sed obscuHor, capite fusco-variegato, rostro viz incarnato, apice nigro. 
 
 Juvenis ; minor ; corpore toto cum capite fuUginoso, plus minusve albido variegato, remigi- 
 
 bns ct rectricibus vix albb-terminatis, rostro magnd ex parte nigro. 
 
 Hab. — Pacific coast of North America, British Columbia to Panama. 
 
 Adult, breeding plumage.— BiU bright vermilion red, black for its terminal third, some- 
 times wholly red ; a red ring around eye. Head white ; this color gradually merging 
 41 
 
 ^:.. 
 
642 LAEUS HEERMANNI, WHITE-HEADED GULL. 
 
 on the neck into plumbeous ash, which extends oTcr the whole under parts, being 
 lighter on the abdomen and under tail-coverts than elsewhere. The baois is deep 
 plumbeous slate, lighter on the rump. Upper tail-coverts clear ashy. Upper surfaces 
 of wings like the back ; the primaries black ; the tips of all, except the two or three 
 outer ones, narrowly white. Tail black, narrowly tipped with white. Legs and feet 
 reddish-black. 
 
 Yomg-ef-the-year.—Smallev than the adult. Bill and feet brown ish-blaek. Entire 
 pliunage deep sooty or fuliginous blackish ; all the feathers, but especially those of 
 the back and upper wing-coverts, edged with grayish-white. Primaries and seconda- 
 ries black, as in the adults, with only traces of white tips on the former. Tail black, 
 very narrowly tipped with dull white. 
 
 Immature. — Considerably larger than the above-described adult, the length being 
 from 18 to 21 inches. Bill as in the adult. Head all round, and the throat, mottled 
 with brownish-black and dull white, the latter color predominating on the forehead 
 and throat. Upper tail-coverts lighter than in the adult, and the white tips of the tail- 
 feathers broader^ otherwise generally as in the adult, but with all the colors rather 
 deeper. 
 
 Dimensions.— "i^ength, about 17.50; wing, 13.50; tail, 5.50." (No. 58797, Isabella 
 Island, adult) : Length of skin, 18.50 ; wing, 14 ; tail, 5.75 ; bill along culmen, 1.80 ; 
 along gape, 2.40 ; depth at base, 0.55 ; at angle, about the same ; tarsus, 2.20 ; middle 
 toe and claw, a little less. (No. 30t;4^l, Guatemala, young) : Wing, 12.25 ; tail, 4.75 ; bill 
 along culmen, 1.60 ; depth at base, 0.50 ; at angle, 0.45 ; tarsus, 1.90. Length of some 
 skins up to about 20 inches. 
 
 This species varies materially in size, though not beyond the usual limits in this 
 family. The £gure8 above given are near the extremes I have observed. At first the 
 bird is a nearly uniform smoky-brown all over, with blackish quills and tail-feathers, 
 usually varied with whitish edgings of .the feathers of the upper parts, particularly 
 those of the scapulars and wing-coverts. The bill is pale, with a dark tip. This stage 
 gives way to a slaty plumage, paler below, with the ends of the secondaries and the 
 upper tail-coverts growing more and more pale ashy, the tail acquiring a whitish tip, 
 the head mottled with fuscous or whitish, and the bill reddening. With the clearing 
 of all these colors, the head grows pure white, gradually shading into the slaty-ash of 
 the fore-parts. The feet appear to be always blackish. The first and final stages are 
 excellently wellxepreseutedin ilr. Cassin's plate, above cited. 
 
 This species seems to me to be thoroughly established. Soon after its original de- 
 scription.Mr.Lawrence noted some similarity of its characters to the description of Larue 
 helcjieri, Vigors, and likewise of ir/rHs/iiZiginosHS, Gould, suggestiug a prohable identity. 
 Prof. Schlugel went further, unhesitatingly uniting the three, an error that I unfortu- 
 nately adqpted in the "Key;" being at that time without the means of satisfying 
 myself. .Latterly Messrs, Sclater and Salvin have unraveled the synonymy of these 
 and some allied species, showing that they are perfectly distinct. I have lately gone 
 over the Smithsonian serieis, in company with Mr. Salvin, finding the specimens, as far 
 as they go, to verify all the points given in the paper just referred to. L. fuliginosus, said 
 to be only. from the Galapagos, I have not seen ; the specimens before me are of vw- 
 destiis, lieermaiini, and Mcheri. The latter are labeled by Mr. Cassin " L. fuliginosus 
 Gould,";and are those referred to in his Ornithology of the United States Exploring 
 Expedition, ,1858, p. 378, under such name. An older label on each of the same speci- 
 mens says " h(smatorhynchus Uing," apparently Mr. Peale's original identification; 
 whereas. Mr. Salvin points out to me that the birds are neither fuliginosus nor licemator- 
 hynchus ^=seo-resT)yi Traill), but are helcheri Vigors. This wrong labeling, which I had 
 no reason to suspect, was what threw me off- the scent altogether. Granting these 
 specimens to be JbeJcheri, they are altogether different from heermanni, as claimed by 
 Messrs. Sclater and Salvin. They are much larger ; the bill and feet, in particular, are 
 very mueh larger /and stouter..; the mantle, instead of being slaty-gray, is of a blackish- 
 slate, much as in L, dominicanus. Most of the under parts, and the upper tail-coverts 
 and endS'Of the secondaries, are.ashy white. The tail, instead of being black, white- 
 tipped, may be better described.as white, with a broad, black subterminal bar — indeed 
 the outer web of the outer ieather is entirely white ; the black bar on the inter web 
 of this feather is only about an inch broad, and on the middle feathers is only about 
 half as bread as the tail is long. The bird is not a " white-headed " Gull at all, having 
 a dark hoetl like the mantle. ■J-also verify the curious restriction of the frontal antia;, 
 as flguredby the authors just mentioned. Wing, 14.25 ; tail, 5.50 ; bill along culmen, 
 2 ; its depth, at angle, 0.70 ; the aEgle well defined, the tip obtuse, the whole bill very 
 stout ; depth at base, about the same as at angle ; tarsus, 2.40. The bill in its present 
 state is light^eolored, with a. dark subterminal zone, and the tarsi are rather light, but 
 the bird Jias'heen dried many years .(described from No. 15693 Callao, Peru). No. 15692, 
 from the same locality, is altogether similar. No. 15513, from Orange Bay, Terra del 
 Fuego, is a. very young bird, in the smoky-brown state of plumage, like that of heer- 
 mainii, but very extensively varied with whitish on the upper parts; and although so 
 young, the tail is already whitening at the base. These three specimens are the basis 
 of " liwmaim^j/nclnis Peale, 184S, Mec King," and of "fuliginosMs Cassin, 1858, nee Gould." 
 
LARUS HEERMANNI, WHITE-HEADED GULL. 643 
 
 As just stateil, I have not seen the true fiiKghiosiis Gould from the Galapagos. Sclater 
 and Salvin describe the adnlt as "nearly uniform cinereous, with a well-marked black- 
 ish hood ; the wing-primaries black; the tail cinereous, like the body, witli tbo upper 
 coverts grayish- white and the under coverts still paler ; the legs and feet black ; the 
 bill black, with the point of the upper mandible reddish." These features are strongly 
 at variance with those of heermanni or belcheri. The young ftiUgiiiosus is stated to be 
 "uniform brown, very similar to the corresponding stage of L. heermanni, but immedi- 
 ately recognizable by its much stouter bill." 
 
 Nor have I seen the L. scoresbyi (== hwmatorJtynchiw King), from Chilce and southward, 
 which the authors mentioued place in a diilerent genus Leiicophwus, on account of the 
 singular short, stout, obtuse aud curiously wrinkled bill. It is stated to have a brown 
 hood, when young, like L. belcluri, but to lose this when old. I should not be surprised 
 if /,. bdcheri finally lost this hood, and in fact I consider the indications to bo that way ; 
 but this would not invalidate its specific characters. 
 
 A fifth species of this group is the L. modestus of Tsohudi {^=bridriesi Fraser), from 
 Peru aud Chili. Of this I have before me a good example. No. 31977, from Chili, the 
 basis of Mr. Cassin's notice iu Gillis's U. S. Astron. Exped. p. 205. This is a "white- 
 headed" Gull, with a general superficial resemblance to heermantii, though perfectly 
 distinct, as it also is, according to Sclater and Salvin, who examined the type of 
 " hridgesi," from L. fiiliginosus. The head is white, shading into the clear, light plumbe- 
 ous of the whole body (much lighter than iu heermanni), and nearly uniform above and 
 below. The tail aud its coverts are like the body, with a rather narrow and not sharply- 
 marked subterminal black bar. The primaries are black, with the innermost whitish 
 tipped, and the secondaries arc broadly white tipped. The bill aud feet are wholly 
 reddish-black. The bill is different in shape from that of jny of the species here dis- 
 cussed, being much compressed, very slender, less deep at angle than at base, with an 
 attenuated, deourved, and acute tip, bringing the point down to the level of the gony- 
 deal angle. This is very peculiar, and reminds one of the shape in Chcecocephalus atri- 
 cilla or liissa tridactyla. Wing, 13 ; tail, 5 ; tarsus, 1.95; middle toe and claw, decidedly 
 less ; bill along culmen, 1.75 ; depth at base, 0.50 ; at angle, 0.40. 
 
 The following determinations, it will be observed, of the five species discussed, arc 
 substantially the same as those of Messrs. rSclater and Salvin, P. Z. S. 1871, 573 et scq. 
 
 1. L. MODESTUS, Tschudi, Wieg. Arch. 1843, 389 ; Fn. Peru. 306, pi. 35. — L. bridgesi, Fras., 
 
 P. Z. S. 1845, 16 ; Zool. Tvp. pi. 69; Cass., U. S. Naval Exp. 205. — Blasipns bridgesi, 
 Bp., R. Z. 1855, 21 ; Consp. ii, 212. 
 Bab.— Peru; Chili. 
 
 2. L. ruLiGiNOSDS, Gould, Zool. Voy. Beagle, iii, 141 ; ScL. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1870, 323; 
 
 . 1871,.573(notof Cassjii, 1858). — Leucophceusfuliginosus, Bp., Consp. ii,232; Comptes 
 Eendus, 1856, 771. — " Adelarus neptmius, Bp." 
 Eai. — Galapagos. 
 
 3. L. HEERMANNI, Cossin, as above. 
 
 Hab. — Pacific coast of America to British Columbia. Panama. 
 
 4. L. BELCHERI, Vigors, Zool. Journ. iv, 1829, 358 ; Beechey's Voy. 39 ; Scl. & Salv., 
 
 P. Z. S. 1867, 991 ; 1871, 575 (not of CouES, Key, 1872, which = keermanni) ; .Schleg., 
 Mus. P.-B., Lari, p. 9 (partim; excl. syu. heermanni et fiiKginosits). — Adelarus 
 belchei-i, Bruch, J. f. 0. 1853, 107 ; 1855, 279. — Lenviipiioms belcheri, Bp., Consp. ii, 
 232; Comptes Reudus, 18,56, 771 (quotes Bp., Rev. Zool. 18.55, 20; Waum., 1854, 
 
 17). — Lartis "hwrnatorhi/nchus, King," Peale, U. S. Expl. Exped. 1848, {nee 
 
 King; tesHbus speco. ipsis). — Lams "ftiliginosus, Govi.d," Cas>j.,U. S. Expl. Exped. 
 1858, 378) nee Gould; testibys specc. ipsis). — Larus frobeeni. Ph. & Landb., Wieg. 
 Arch. 1861, 292 ; Cat. Av. Chil. 48 {fide S. & S.). 
 Hah. — Peru to Straits of Magellau. 
 
 5. L. SCORESBYI, Traill, Mem. Wern. Soc. iv, 1823, 514 ; Pelz., Orn. Nov. Exp. 151 ; 
 
 Abbott, Ibis, 1861, 165 ; Scl., P. Z. S. 1860, 391.— Leucophmus scoresbii, Blas., J. f. O. 
 1865, 378 ; Scl. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1871, 579.— iaews Immatorlujncluis, Klng, Zool. 
 Jouru. iv, 1828, 105 ; Jard. & Selby, 111. Orn. jil, 106 ; Dahw., Voy. Beagle, iii, 
 142 (not of Peale, 1848, which =^helche~i). — Lencophwus hcematorhynehus, Bruch, 
 J. f. O. 1853, 108 ; 1855, 287. 
 
 Hab. — Chiloe. Patagonia. Falklands. 
 
 Subgenus RissA, Leach. 
 
 •^ Larus, Linn., Syst. Nat. 1758. {Gray.) 
 = Gaiia, BoiB, Isis, 1822, 563. 
 
 = Rissa, Leach, Stephen's Gen. Zool. xiii, 1825, 180 {Larus rissa, BriJnn). 
 = Cheimonea, Kaup, Sk. Ent. Eur. Thierw. 1829, 84 (same type). 
 =: Pulocondora, Rbichenbach. {Bp.) 
 Gen. chak. Of medium size. Bill rather short, stout, and little compressed at the 
 
644 LARUS TEIDACTYLXJS, KITTIWAKE GULL. 
 
 base, shorter than the head, equal to middle toe without the claw, longer than the 
 tarsus ; the tip decurved and«attennated ; the convexity of culmen regular and gradual 
 from base to tip; gonys concave, in consequence of the great deflexion of the apex of 
 lower mandible; outline of rami slightly concave ; cmiuentia symphysis well marked 
 and acute, but not large. Wings very long, pointed, reaching beyond the tail ; the pri- 
 maries pointed, first longest. Tail moderately long, even ; slightly emarginate in the 
 young. Legs stout and short. Tarsus shorter than middle toe alone ; anterior toes all 
 long, and united by broad, full webs with unincised margins. Hallux rudimentary, 
 or not well formed, the ungual phalanx being generally obsolete. 
 
 Anatomical characters. — Generally as in Larus, except those of the hallux. 
 
 A small genua, differing from Larus in few particulars : the attenuated, decurved 
 sliape of the bill and concave gonys ; the short tarsi ; the piittern of coloration of the 
 long, pointed wings ; the full, rounded interdigital membranes ; and esx>ecially the 
 rudimentary character of the hallux of the typical species, readily distinguish it from 
 Larus. The markings of the primary quills are different. The changes of plumage of 
 the young, and the winter vesture, are also characteiistic. 
 
 In Larns tridactylus the two bones composing the hallux are very small, both together 
 forming merely a knob on the metatarsus. The accessory metatarsal is a small, flat 
 bone, scarcely longer than wide, with a rounded, thin, proximal extremity, lying in 
 apposition, but loosely connected with the side of the metatarsus, and freely movable, 
 being held only ligameutously. Its distal extremity is somewhat enlarged, and has a 
 convex facet for articulation with the phalangeal segment. The latter is a short, ir- 
 regularly-cylindrical ossicle, niovably articulated by a circular, concave facet, with the 
 accessory metatarsal. It tapers somewhat to a rather acute, free, distal extremity, over 
 which the metatarsal skin.is stretched. The ungual phalanx is obsolete in most in- 
 stances, yet we occasionally find it bearing a well-formed olavr. 
 
 There are bnt two species of this group satisfactorily determined. One is the common 
 bird of the North Atlantic, which has a varietal representative in the North Pacific ; 
 the other is a very distinct species, confined to the last-mentioned region. They may 
 be th us tabulated : 
 
 1. Feet dark; bill clouded with olivaceous. Bill, about 1.50 long; 
 
 wing, 12.00. 
 
 a. Hallux rudimentary, without a claw-bearing terminal pha- 
 
 lanx TRIDACTYHTS. 
 
 b. Hallux better formed, bearing a claw var. kotzehui. 
 
 2. Feet coral red (drying yellow) ; bill clear yellow. Bill, about 1.20 ; 
 
 wing, 1.3.00 liREVIROSTRIS. 
 
 It may be proper here to remark upon the bibliography of the species collectively, a 
 point much needing of critical consideration. The sy n-onymy of B. tridactyla is definite 
 enough ; we have only to do with the two northwest JBissce. 
 
 A great mistake of authors, I hope I have been able to prove, is in considering the 
 Larus niveus of Pallas as a Eissa, and deducing therefrom a liissa mrea to antedate and 
 take the place of llUsa irachyrliynclia or Brandt's M. irevirostris. Then from the fact 
 of the characters and relationships of these two very distincf northwestern species not 
 being clearly understood, different authors have indiserimi ^ately adduced the syno- 
 nyms of both species for either of them, others often giving tlie synonyms of Kotzeind 
 for what, according to their description, is the hrevirostris, and vice versa. Quite re- 
 cently the subject has been further complicated by the introduction of a Eissa septen- 
 trionalis, which is no Eissa, but a true Larus, and nothing more nor less than the lesser 
 American Mew-Gull, the adult of which was described by Richardson in 1831 as L. canus, 
 and the young as L. brachyrhynchus. 
 
 The whole matter may thus be summed up : There are on the northwest coast of 
 North America two forms of Rissa (neither of which is L, niveus Pallas). The first of 
 these is the representative of E. tridactyla, the proper name of which is (probably) 
 Kotzcbui. The other is a v<!ry difl'erent species, with a short, bright yellow bill, coral- 
 red or orange-yellow feet ; described by Brandt as L. brevirostris, and by Gould as Larus 
 brachyrhynchus. 
 
 This is the gist of my views on the subject. The matter is more fully discussed under 
 the heads of the two species. 
 
 LAKUS (RISSA) TEIDAOTYLUS, Linn. 
 
 The Common Kittiivake. 
 
 Larus rissa, Bnttxx., Orn. Bor. 1764, 43.— Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 224.— Gm.. Syst. Nat. 
 
 i, 1788, 594.— Leach, Cat. 1816, 40.— Flbm., Br. An. 1828, 141. 
 Laroides rissa, Brehm, V. D. 1831, 755, pi. 37, f. 3. 
 Larus riga, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 594.— Less., Tr. Orn. 1831, 619. 
 
LAEUS TRIDACTYLUS, KITTIWAKE GULL 645 
 
 Lams tridaciylm, Linn., Fn. Suec. 55; Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 224.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 
 .'J95.— Lath., Iiid. Orn. ii, 790, 8i8.— Eetz., Vu. Siiec. 1800, 154.— Nilss., Fn. 
 Siieo. ii, 174.— .SoiiiEifi''., Mus. Orn. 17T9, 64.— Mev. & Wolf, Tascli. Duuts. ii, 
 1810, -180.- Temm., Man. 18ir>, 502 ; ii, 1820, 774.— ViKu.r.., Nonv. Diet, xxi, 1818, 
 503 ; Fn. Franf. 39.— Fabeh, Prod. Isl. Ovn. 1820, — .— Breiim, Eur. Vcig. 18-2:3. 
 705.— Br., Svn, 1828. 359.— S\v. et Eicn., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 423.— Norr., Man. ii, 
 183J, 298.— Jen., Man. 1835, 274.— AuD., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 186, pi. 224 ; Syn. 
 1839. 326 ; B. A. vii, 1844, 146, pi. 444.— Sciiixz, Eur. Fn. 1840, ;!85.— Xaum., V. 
 D. X, 1840, 322, pi. 202.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 9,5.— ScriL., Kev. Grit. 
 1844, 126.— DeKay, N. V. Fauna, ii, 1844, 313.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 361.— Schl., 
 Mus. P.-B. iv, 1803, Lan, p. 30.— COUES, Key, 1872, 314. 
 
 Caria tridavhjJu, BoiE, Isi'.i, 1822, 563. 
 
 Cheimoneu iridaotyla, Kaup, Sk. Eut. Eur. Thierw. 1829, 84. 
 
 Laroides iridaotyla, Bkehm, V. D. 1831, 754. 
 
 Bissa tridactijltt, Bl'., List, 1838, 62 ; Consp. Av. ii, 1856, 225 ; Conipt. Eeud. 1856, 770.— 
 Macuil., Man. ii, 1842, 250.— Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 655.— Bruch, J. f. O. 
 1853, — ; 1855, 284.— Lawr., B. N. A. 1858, 854.— CorivS, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, 
 247; ibid 1862, ,304.- -Wheat., Ohio A^uic. Rep. l8fiU, No. 270 (Lake Miehi- 
 gan).— ElDGW., Ann. Lye. N. V. x, 1874. 393 (the .same).— BoARDJi., Pr. Bo.st. 
 Soc. ix, 1862, 131.— Verk., Pr. Es8. Inst, iii, 1862, 101.— Allen, ibid, iv, 1864, 
 90.— CouES, ibid. V, 1868, 30S.— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1806, 2ii9.— Malmg., 
 J. f. O. 1865, 202.— Kewt., Ibis, 1805, 508.— Dale & Bann., Tr. Chic. Ac.ad. 1869, 
 305 (fJTotefZiOT).— TiiRM'.., B. E. Pa. 1869, 38.— Finsch, Abb. Vat. iii, 1872 
 (tioke&MJ)-— Blas., J. f. 0. 18G5, 384. 
 
 Larus ncnius, Sciijefh., Mus. Orn. 1779, 64. 
 
 Larus torquaius, " caiiiis" et garia, Pali.., Zoog. R. A. ii, 1811, 328, 329, 330. 
 
 Bissa briinnichii. Leach, Stepb. Gen. Zool. xiii, 181, pi. 21. 
 
 Rma cinerca. Eyt., Cat. Br. B. 1836, 52. 
 
 Laroides minor, Brehm, V. D. 1831, 756. 
 
 DiAG. L. pidihus sub-iridaciylis, fuscis, rostro Jiaco-riiescente. 
 
 Hab. — Arctic regions of both hemispheres. South in winter on the Atlantic coast to 
 the Middle .States. 
 
 Bill rather longer than the tarsus, about equal to the middle toe without the claw, 
 stout at the base, ta.pering toward the tip, which is attenuated, acute, and decurved. 
 Convexity of culiueu regular from the base to the apex. Eminentia symphysis mod- 
 erately developed, but acute. Gonys concave, as are also the rami. Nostrils rather far 
 forward, lateral, linear, direct. Feathers encroach far on the upper mandible, within a 
 tenth of an inch of the nostrils, and meet over the culmea some distance in front of 
 the base. Their extent on the sides of the lower mandible is uuich less, but between 
 the rami they reach to the apex of the mental space, which is narrow and acute autc.> 
 riorly. The formation of the palate as in Larus generally, but the ridges all broad and 
 distinct, more thickly covered with larger papillse than in most species. Tongue large, 
 fleshy, corneous only for its anterior half. Wings very long and acute ; first primary 
 largest, second nearly equal to it, rest rapidly graduated. Tail rather long for this 
 subfamily, perfectly square. Feet short and stout, the tarsus little comi)ressed ; the 
 reticulations on its posterior aspect, as well as on the inferior surface of the toes, 
 rougbeued and elevated into small conical papillse. The scutellatiou of the tarsus an- 
 teriorly breaks up into small polygonal reticulations some distance below the tibio- 
 tarsal joint. Anterior toes all long; the interdigital webs broad, full, with unincised 
 margins. Hallux typical of the genus. Claws short, stout, little arched, not very 
 acute, absent on the hallux. 
 
 Adull, brcediny plumage.— Color of bill light yellow, clouded with olivaceous. Head 
 and ueck all round, under parts aud tail, pure white. Mantle rather dark bluish or 
 cinereous-blue, the tertiaries aud secondaries of the same color nearly to their tips, 
 which are white. Primaries; the first very light bluish-white, w.thout white apex, its 
 outer web, and its inner web for about two inches from thb tip, black ; second like the 
 first, bnt without the black outer web, its tip beirg black for nearly the same dihtanoe 
 as the first, its apex with a minute white spot ; on the thir.l and fourth the black tips 
 grow shorter, while the af ices are more broadly white ; this lessening of the black on 
 each feather is exactly proportional to the shortening of the successive quills, causing 
 the bases of all the black tips to be in the same straight line. A sub-apical black spot 
 is usually present on one or both webs, but is sometimes absent. Legs and feet dusky 
 olive. 
 
 Adult in u-hitn: — Occiput, nape behind, and sides of the breast, clouded over with 
 the color of the back, deepening into slate over the anriculars. A very small but well- 
 defined ante-ocular lunula. Otherwise as in summer. 
 
 Young. — Bill black; an ante-ocular lunula, and a post-ociilar spot, dusky slate. A 
 broad transverse bar across the neck behind, the whole of the lesser and median wing- 
 coverts, the bastard quills, the tertiaries, except at their edges, aud a terminal bar on 
 
646 LARUS BREVIEOSTEIS, KED-LEGGED KITTIWAKE. 
 
 the tail, black. The outer four primaries with their enter webs, outer half of inner 
 webs, and tips for some distance, black, the rest of the feathers pearly white. Tips 
 only of the fifth and sixth black, their extreme apices with a white speck. 
 
 Dimensions.— Wing, 12.25 ; bill above, 1.40 to 1.50 ; along rictus, 2.10; height at base, 
 0.59 ; at angle, 0.40 ; tarsus, l.:!0 ; middle toe and claw, 1.80. 
 
 Regarding so long and well known a species as the present, any further remarks upon 
 its characters and relationships are unnecessary. Its principal synonyms are given in 
 the preceding list. The relationships of the other North American species will be 
 found discussed under their respective heads. 
 
 Laetjs tridacttltts var. kotzebtji, (Bp.) Coues. 
 
 {1)EiS8a Irachijrhxjndha, Beuch, J. f. O. 1853, 103, sp. 31. 
 
 Risaa nivea, BuuCH, J. f. O. 1855, 2d5, sp. 36 (excl. syn.). Not Lams niveus, Pall. 
 
 Eissa kotzehid, Bp., Consp. Av. ii, 1^56, 226.— Bp., Compt. Rend. 1856, 771.— CoUES, 
 
 Pr. A. N, S. Phfla. lf^62, 305.— Cass., Pr. A. N. S. Phila. 1862, 325.— Elliot, 
 
 B. N. A. pi. 54. 
 " Eissa hrevirostris, Beaxdt," Lawh., B. N. A. 1858, 855, partim. Sed non Brandtii, quse 
 
 species sequens. 
 Larus tridactylus var. koizebni, CouES, Key, 1872, 314 (see CODES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1869, 
 
 207, foot-note). — CouES, Elliot's Prybilov Islands, 1874, App. p. — . 
 
 DiAG. Eissa tridaclylcB simillimus ; nonnisi liaUuce magis explicato differt. 
 Hob. — The North Pacific, American and Asiatic. 
 
 There is no occasion to describe this form, because it is exactly the same as E. tri- 
 daciyla, except in the singular character given in the diagnosis. 
 
 I have now a great number cf specimens, enabling me to speak confidently of the bird. 
 A part of the Kittiwakes from the North Pacific are not distinguished in any tcay 
 from the common North Atlantic bird. Others have the hind toe as perfectly formed 
 and proportionally as large as it is in any species of Larus ! And there is a gradation 
 up to this feature. 
 
 A specimen (No. 50197, September, 1867, Plover Bay) exhibits the extreme of this 
 variation. The hallux is two- tenths of an inch long, and bears a perfect claw. In fact 
 this bird is not " Einsa," but Larus, in respect of its feet. 
 
 It is certainly a singular fact, that while the Atlantic bird is not known to vary in 
 this respect, the race inhabiting the North Pac'fic should exhibit the anomaly. 
 
 No comparison of this form with the succeeding species is required. 
 
 Synonymy. — In the next article some points will be discussed that have a hearing here 
 also. I have now only to speak of the above-cited names. E. brachyrhyncha, Bruch, 
 J^853, is to me doubtlul ; I scarcely know where to locate it ; probably it comes here, 
 ratlier than under the next head. Brnch's Eissa nivea (of 1855) must fall here, because 
 he says that it has the hind toe better developed ; whereas it is his other species whereof 
 he says "feet coral-red" (i. c. Jireiirostris). His species 36 therefore being thus Icotzebui, 
 he is wrong in adducing " h'ackyrhyncha Gould" as a synonym. Still, if reference to 
 authors is allowed to override description as an index, E. nivea Bruch is the next species. 
 B. kotzcbui Bonaparte is diagnosticated much as abos'e ; no questions have arisen about 
 it ; Cassiu and I have used it in precisely its author's acceptation. The " E. brevirostris 
 Brandt" of Lawrence is partly this species, partly the succeeding, as evident from his 
 brief diagnosis ("hind toe better formed" ^l{otzebui ; "feet coral-ied" = l)revirostris). 
 But E. hrevirostris Brandt is really the next species. I rather think that almost all, if 
 not all, the various Eissa synonyms really go to the next species, and that Bonaparte 
 alone, in his E. kotzebui, has exactly hit off the bird I am now defining ; at any rate no 
 description that speaks of red or yelljw legs — no matter what is said of the hind toe — 
 can come here. 
 
 It will thus he seen that the views I printed in 1862, with an expressed doubt as to 
 their entire accuracy, meet \vith confirmation ; the only modification I offer is not be- 
 lieving in the permanent distinction of Icotzebui and tridactyla, examination of many 
 specimens having shown that but one of the supposed and accredited differences has 
 any special siguificance, and that this one is inconstant. 
 
 LARUS (RISSA) BREVIROSTRIS, (Braudt) Coues. 
 RecHegged Kittiwake. 
 
 {1) Eissa nivea, Gray, Gen. of B. 1849, iii (sed non Larus niveus. Pall.). — Bp., Compt. 
 Rend, xlii, 1856, 771. — Lawr., B. N. A. 1858, 855 (descriptionem LaH brachy- 
 rhynclii Gouldii transcripta est). — Elliot, Birds N. Am. pi. 54. 
 
 Larus brachyrjiynclius, Gould, Pr. Zool. Soc. July, 1843, 106. — Godld, Zool. Voy. 
 Sulphur, 50, pi. 34. (Not of Richardson.) 
 
LARUS BEEVIEOSTEIS, KED-LEGGED KITTIWAKE. G47 
 
 (^)Iii8sa h-achi/rhyncha, Brdch, J. f. O. 1853, 103. 
 
 Missa brachtjrhi/iidia, Bp., Consp. Av. ii, 1856, 226.— CoUES, Pr. A. N. S. Phila. 1862, 306. 
 
 Eissabreriroslris, "Bkandt."— Bruch, J. f. 0. 1855, 285.— Lawp,., B. N. A. 1858, 855 
 
 {parnm).—DA.Lh & Bann., Tr. Chic. Aciul. i, 1«69, 30.5. 
 Larus hrerii-oslrls, Codes, Key, 1872, 315 ; Elliot's Prybilov Islands (biography, &c.). 
 (?)ia»-H.s loarncclcii, Comde, K. M. Z. 1860, 401. 
 
 DiAG. L. albus, paUio cinereo, pagonio exieriore ct apice remigis 1"' nigris, rcmigiius 2^", 
 Sti", et 4'° notd apicali cinercu, 5*° vittd nigra et apice cinereo ; rostro Irevi, flamssimo, pedi- 
 bus rubroflavis. 
 
 Hob. — North Pacific, both Asiatic and American. 
 
 Sp. ch. AdtiU. breeding plumage. — (No. 24296, Smithsonian Museum ; from Kamt- 
 schatka; received from Mr. Gould.) Bill very short, stout, wide at the base, the upper 
 mandible much curved, though not attenuated nor very acute. Convexity of culmen 
 very great toivard the tip ; the culmen beiug, from the nostrils to the apex, almost the 
 arc of a circle, whose centre is the syraphyseal eminence. Outline of rami of under 
 raaudible and gonys both somewhat concave ; the eminentia symphysis but slightly 
 developed. Tarsus very short, hardly more than two-thirds the middle toe and claw. 
 Wings exceedingly long, reaching, when folded, far beyond the tail. Tail of moderate 
 length; even. 
 
 BUI a uniform clear light straw-yellow, with no tinge of olivaceous (some speci- 
 mens, however, are thus tinged). Head and neck all round, under parts and tail, pure 
 white. Mantle deep leaden or bluish-gray, much darker thau in B. tridactyla ; the 
 color on the wings extending to withiu half an inch of the apices of the secondaries, 
 which terminal half inch is white. Primaries: the fimt has its shaft and outer vane 
 black, but has on its inner vane a space of dull gray (not tvhite), which at the base of 
 the feather occupies nearly all the vane, but gradually grows narrower until it ends by 
 a well-defined rounded termiuatiou half as broad as the vane itself, about 2-J inches 
 from the tip of the feather, these 2^ inches being black, like the outer vane. Second : 
 The outer vane is of the same leaden gray as the back, to within 4 inches of the tip ; 
 the inner vane is of a rather lighter shade of the same color, to within 3 inches of the 
 tip, the gray ending abruptly, being in fact almost truucated. Third : Like the secoud, 
 hut the gray extends further, leaving only a space of 2 inches black ; and the tip has 
 also a minute apical gray spot. Fourth : Wholly bluish -gray to within li inches of the 
 tip, which has a larger gray apical spot thau has the third, so that the black is less 
 than li inches long. Fifth : The gray extends so far that it is separated from the well- 
 defined white apical spot by a band of black less than 1^ inch wide. Sixth : Gray, 
 fading into white at the tip, and with the black reduced to a small subapical spot on 
 one or both wehs ; other primaries like the sixth, minus the black spot. (This " gray " 
 of the primaries is the color of the mantle.) Legs and feet in the dried specimen clear 
 straw-yellow (in life coral-red, especially the toes and webs ; the tarsi themselves not 
 quite so bright). Claws black. 
 
 Dimensions. — Bill, along culmen, 1.20 inches ; along rictus, about 1.70 ; from nostril t:> 
 tip, 0.60; depth at base, 0.50 ; width, 0.42 ; depth at symphyseal eminence, 0.42 ; wing, 
 13 ; tail, about 5 ; tarsus, 1.25 ; middle toe and claw, nearly 2 ; length of the whole 
 bird, apparently about 14 inches. 
 
 In the above specimen the feet are plain yellow ; in one more recently obtained (No. 
 54695, St. George's Island, August 15, 1868 — W. S. Dall) the toes and webs are coral, 
 almost vermilion red ; the tarsi nearly yellow, but apparently already faded some- 
 what. This bird agrees minutely with Gould's typical specimen ; the bill, however, is 
 a little more attenuated toward the tip, with less convexity of the culmen, and is 
 clouded with olivaceous. It appears to be perfectly mature. I have since examined 
 scores of specimens from the Prybilov Islands — they are all alike red-legged. 
 
 I know of no species that resembles this one so intimately that detailed comparison 
 is required for the separation of the present. The species is in fact one of the more 
 strongly marked of the subfamily : The shape and color of the bill ; the relative pro- 
 portions and color of the feet ; the dark mantle and peculiar pictura of the primaries, 
 stamp it with an individuality not easily overlooked or misunderstood. 
 
 Young birds I have not seen ; but I presume that the changes of plumage will he 
 found correspondent with those of B. tridactyla. The bill may be hlack, very likely ; 
 there may be a bar of black on the wings, and another across the back of the neck ; 
 but this, it must be cautioned, is merely supposititious on my part. Of the color of the 
 feet of the young I prefer not to conjecture. 
 
 So much has been said of the hind toe of Pacific Bissw that it is incumbent upon me 
 to add my testimony in resi^ect of this species in this particular. The hallux of B. 
 brevirostris is not appreciably larger than that of tridactyla ; it bears a minute, abortive 
 black claw — a mere speck of corneous, as distinguished from cuticular, tissue. I should, 
 not on this account, say that the hind toe was better developed than in B. tridactyla ; 
 hut some authors may have done so, thus further entangling the Bissa question ; for it 
 
648 LAEUS EBUENEUS, IVOEY GULL. 
 
 is to snoh a coiiditiou of the hallux as I have described nnder R. hotzebui that such 
 expression properly applies. 
 
 Synonymy. — I might discourse at great length on this subject, but it would scarcely 
 be profitable ; and I -will therefore confine myself to the more definite among the many 
 things that might be said. In the first place, I throw Larus niveita Pallas entirely out 
 of the present consideration (see elsewhere in this memoir, and also my discussion of 
 the point in Pr. A. N. S. Phila. 1862, p. 307). Nevertheless other writers have come to 
 different conclusions, and taking up the name, give us Bissa nivca for the bird, as shown 
 in the above synonymy. But Bruch's Bissa nivca of 1855 is, 1 take it, from his descrip- 
 tion, rather B. Tiotzebui than this species. Bissa Tirevirostris of Brandt (whose original 
 notice I have not seen) is, by both Bruch and Bonaparte, located here ; I presume that 
 there is no reasonable doubt on this score. Bruch's brevirostris is certainly this species. 
 Lawrence's brevirostris is mixed; his expression, feet "coral-red," brings it here ; the 
 rest of his brief diagnosis carries it elsewhere; but I have no doubt be meant this 
 species rather than kotzebui. 
 
 This is Larus brachyrliynchus Gould, above quoted, just as described and figured by 
 him. It is to be carefully distinguished from Larus bracJiyrhynchus Eichardson, which 
 is simply the American form of caniis. 
 
 Some authors have here located Larus citrirostris, Schimper (see, however, Blasius, 
 J. f. O. 1866, 73). 
 
 Subgenus Pagophila, Kaup. 
 
 < Garia, BoiE, Isis, 1822, 563. 
 
 = PaaopluJa, ILiDP, Sk. Ent. Eur. Thierw. 182[», 69. 
 
 = CL-tusj)uructes, Macgilliveay, Man. Br. Orn. ii, 1842, 251 (by err. Calosparactes, Gray). 
 
 Gen. char. Bill very short, much less than the head, about equal to the greatly 
 abbreviated tarsus, very stout, but little compressed. Nasal sinus deep, the nostrils 
 placed far forward. Legs and feet very short and stout, the scales of the tarsus and 
 toes large and rough. Tibia feathered to near the joint; tarsus about equal to the 
 middle toe without the claw ; claws all large, stout, and much curved. Interdigital 
 webs narrow and deeply incised. "Wings very long, the j>rimaries more or less falcate 
 and attenuated. Size moderate ; general form stout ; color entirely white. 
 
 Payopbila differs from other Larinai in it.s short, stout, obtuse bill ; much abbreviated, 
 very stout and roughened tarsus and toes ; feathered tibia, deeply excised webs, &c. • 
 and constitutes one of the better-marked subgenera of the subfamily. The habits of 
 the species composing the genus also differ notably from those of other Gulls, as 
 attested by all observers. 
 
 Cctosparactes of Macgillivray (1842), based upon the Larus eburneus, is antedated by 
 Payopldla of Kaup (1829) with the same type. Gaviu, applied by Boie to this group, 
 was first used by Moehring in a different connection. 
 
 LARUS (PAGOPHILA) EBUENEUS, Gm. 
 
 iTory Gull. 
 
 Larus eburneus, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 596.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 816.— Temm Man 
 1815, 498 ; ii, 1820, 769.— Vieill., Nouv. Diet. 1818, 494 ; Fn. Fran?,. 1828, 369.— 
 NiLSS., Orn. Suec. ii, 1823, 171.— Steph., Gen. Zool. xiii, 195.— Less., Tr Orn 
 1831, 61.S.— Bp., Syn. 1.-28, No. 297.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 301.— Jen., Man 1835 
 276.- AUD., Orn. Biog. iii, 1.-^35, 571 ; Syn. 1839, 326; B. Am. vii, 1S44, 150 tl' 
 445.— Keys. At Beas., Wirb. 1840, 96.— Nausi., V. D. x, 1840, 341 pi 263 — Schl 
 Eev. Grit. 1844, 126 ; Mus. P.-B. iv, 1863, Lari, p. 5.— Codes, Key, 1R72 313 '' 
 
 Gavia eburnea, BoiE, Isis, 1822, 563.— Bkeh.m, V. D. 1831, 765.— Bp., List 183-' 62 
 
 Pagophila eburnea, Kaup, Sk. Ent. Eur. Thierw. 1829. 69.— Gray, Gen. of B 'iii 184'» 
 655 ; List Br. B.- 1863, 237.— Lawu., B. N. A. 1858, 836.— Bp., Consp. ii l.-^5(V 
 230; Compt. Rend. 1856, 771.— Newt., P. Z. S. 18G1, 400 (eggs): Ibis 1865' 
 507.— COTTES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 308.— Malmg,, J. f. O. 1§S5 200 —Bias 
 J. f. 0. 1865, 384. ' ' 
 
 Cffosparactes eburneus, Macgil., Man. ii, 1842, 252 ; Hist. Br. B. v 
 
 Larus alius, Sch^eff., Mus. Orn. 1779, 65, pi. 42. ' j • 
 
 Lams cniididus, Faer., Fn. Groenl. 1780. — Flem., Br. An. 142. 
 
 Larus nivews. Mart., Spitzb. 77, pi. 4, f. A. (nee auct.}. 
 
 Garia itivea, Brbhm, V. D. 1831, 766, pi. 38, f. 1. 
 
 Payopkila nivea, Bp., Consp. Av. ii, 1856, 230 ; Compt. Eend. 1856 771. 
 
 Larus braehytarsus, IIolb., Fn. Groenl. 1846, 52. ' 
 
 Pagophila b>-achyiarsu8, Bmrcu, J. f. O. 1855, 287.— La w-r,, B.N A 18.58 a5fi_rnrrs 
 Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 309. -->-, ooo. uoies. 
 
LAEUS EBUEXEUS, IVOEY GULL. 649 
 
 DiAO. L. corpore tola alio, rhachidibiis remigum flacis, pedibus nigris, rosiro rlicscciih-JIavo. 
 Hah. — Arctic seas, coming southward in winter. 
 
 AduU, breeding plumage. — Cnlmen straight to the nostrils, then rugnlarly coii\ es ; 
 commis.sare gently cnrved to the tip, where it is considerably deciu ved : ;,)Dys straight 
 to near the angle, which is well defined, the outline from angle to tiii ])ertectly straight. 
 Feathers extending between the rami nearly to the angle. Wiu-- lorg and poiuted, 
 reacLS'jg beyond the t.ail : primaries gradually attenuated to the ti|>. 
 
 Entirely pure white, the shafts of the primaries straw-yellow. Bill dusky greenish, 
 Yellow at ti|j and along the cutting edges. Legs and feet black. 
 
 FouH;'.— Front, chin, and sides of the head, grayish dujky ; the upper jjart of the net ic. 
 all round, irregularly spotted with the same. Seapolars, and upper and under wiiig- 
 oovert<, spotted with brownish-black, the spots most numerous along the lejser overrs. 
 Tips 01 the primaries and tail feathers with a dusky spot. Otherwise as iu the 
 preceding. 
 
 Dimetis.yn-.— Length. 19..50: wing, 13.25 ; bill above. 1,4U : clong gape, 2.10 ; height at 
 nostrils, 0.45 ; tarsus, about 1.45 : middle toe and claw, 1.75. 
 
 The bill of this species, in five specimens before me. varies greatly in size. The dif- 
 ference in shape is also quite notable. But it is in the tarsns that the greatest, variatii.as 
 are found. The shortest tarsus before me measures hut l.-O. This would nearly do for 
 the Lants 6rac?ii;(('i<i(S of HolboU,but the other characters do n.t correspond with tho^e 
 ai ven by that author. This specimen is fioiu ilr. Audubon's collection, and corresponds 
 minutely with his plate. 
 
 The present being a bird of such marked character, there are no quest!ui;» of doubt- 
 ful synonymy which here need special mention. The quotations ■■ albua Scha»ft'er, ITl'y,' 
 and candidus Fabricius, as well as nirens Martens, are all undoubtedly relerable to the 
 inesent species. The other synonyms of the speeies arise chieily from the vaiiun.s gen- 
 era to which the bird has been referred. There is no reasonable doubt that the mi [iposed 
 •■ L. bradq/tarsus" is the same bird ; the description gives no tangible characters. 
 
 Sithgenus Chececocephalus. Eyton. 
 
 ^Xemc. BoiE. Isis. 1~\12. .563, nee LrACir. * 
 
 > Gana. Kaup, Sk. Ent. Eur. Thierw. l:;^^. 93 (Z. ridibundus'), nee JIohe. 
 
 > /■ r, •.•luai'tiia. KiCP, op. tit. 99 (i. ichtliiia:ii!^. Pai.i_ V 
 
 > JJildroiolocus. Kaup. op. cit. 99 (i. miiiiitiis, Paix.). 
 
 :=c7i)0«.j(.f(i/(ii'«s. EvT.. Cat. Br. B. l-.iG. -jo (Z. capistratus, Temm.). — Lawi;., B. X. A. 
 
 lS.:r-. >50.— COUES. Pr. Phila. Acad. l-'>2. 309. 
 X Garia, MaCGil.. Man. Orn. ii, 1-42. 239, nee MoHE. 
 yjliiciUa, Bp., 1^54 (A. cattsbai. Bp.). 
 ^M'Jagaria, Bp., lr.;4 (I. franlUni). 
 
 > Cirrhocephahts, Bisuch. J. f. O. lio5, 2^^ (i. cin-hocephaJus, ViEiix.). 
 ^ CUracoceplialui. .Strickl. — Cocxs. 
 
 ^ Chroocephalus. Scl. i: salv. 
 
 Ch-AE. Form as in Larus proper, hut general organization less robust (with some 
 exceptions) and the bill usually weaker, slenderer and more acute, and less hooked. 
 Head enveloped in a hood in the breeding season, and white of under parts then usually 
 rosy-tinted. Tail square, or nearly so. 
 
 There are no marked peculiarities in form of this group, the pattern of coloration 
 being mainly its bajis. The species average smaller than those of Larus proper, though 
 the C. iehih:iai'lui is among the largest of the subfamily. The group approximates to 
 Xema and ii'/iotZo ?e(Aia in nearly all respects, but the tail is neither forked nor ccneate. 
 Its subdivision, as indicated iu the above synonymy, is entirely unrequired. 
 
 There are hut three established Xorth American species : the ' '. cucuUaius proving to 
 be the same as C. fraiilUni, while C. minulns is not proven to inhabit this couutiy. 
 These species may be tabulated as follows : 
 
 Anahi>ii of species. 
 
 a. Tarsus longer than the middle toe and claw. 
 
 1. BiU reddish, feet the same ATpaciLL-v. 
 
 ft. Tarsus not longer than the middle toe and claw. 
 
 2. Bill reddish, feet the same filanklixi. 
 
 3. Bill black, feet red or yellow phlladejlp;iia, 
 
 c. Tarsns shorter than the middle toe without claw. 
 
 4. Wings underneath, dark plumbeous Mixrns. 
 
650 LAEUS ATRICILLA, LAUGHING GULL. 
 
 LAEUS (CHECECOGEPHALUS) ATEICILLA, Linn. 
 Laughing Gull. 
 
 Larus atricilla, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 225 (L. major, Gates., i, 69, but alwo incluileH 
 the Eiirop('a,n species).— Temm., Man. ii, 1820, 779.— Stepii., Gen. Zool. xiii, 
 1825, 20'5.— Fi.EM., Br. An. 1828, 142.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 3.'59.— Niirr., Man. ii, 1834, 
 291.— ,Jkn., Man. 1h:;.^,, 273.— Aud., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 118, pi. 314; Syn. 1839, 
 324 ; B. Am. vii, 1844, 136, pi. 443.— Keys. & Bi.as., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 9(i.— Giu., 
 B. L. I. 1844, 358.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844, — , — .— Sciii.., Rev. Crit. 
 1844, 127.— GiiAY, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 654.— Pura., Pr. Ess. Inst, l^'5(;, 221 
 (Massuchusetts).- TUHNB., B. E. Pa. 1669, 38.— Pelz., Orn. Bras. 32;!.- .ScuL., 
 Mils. P.-B. iv, lH<i3, Lari, p. 44.— Gray, List Br. B. ]8(;4, 231— Tayi.oi:, Ibis, 
 18C4, 172 (Porto Rico).— Sum.., Ofv. K. Vet. Ak. 1809, .590 (St. Bartholomew).- 
 Sci.. & Salv., p. Z. S. 1871, 576.— Haiiting, Br. B. 1872, 175.— CoUEs, Key, 
 1H72, 315.— RiDQW., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 391 (Illinois). 
 
 Xcma alriciUa, BoiE, Isis, 1822, 563.— Bp., List, 1«3H, (12. —Cab., Schouib. (Juiaiiii, iii, 761. 
 
 Garla alriiUIa, Macgil., Man. Orn. ii, 1842, 240.— Blas., J. f. 0. 1865, 378. 
 
 Chrokmcphabis atricilla, Lawk., B. N. A. 1858, 850.— SCL., Ibis, i, 1859, 223 (Belize).— 
 Newt., Ibis, i, 18.59, 372 (St. Thomas).— Bry., Pi: Bost. Soo. vii, 18.59, 134 (Ba- 
 hamas).- Wheat., Ohio Agi'ic. Rep. 1860, No. 268.— Coukh & Prent., Smiths. 
 Rep. 1861, 418 (Washington, D. C.).— Cuueh, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 310.-S(;i,., 
 P. Z. S. 1864, 179 (Mexico).— Lawr., Ann. Lye. viii, 1864, 104 (Sombrero) ; viii, 
 1866, 299 (New York).— Boardm., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 131 (Maine). -Verr., 
 Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 160 (Maine).— Allen, ibid, iv, 1864, 90 (Massachusetts " in 
 winter;" an error).— Couem, ibid, v, 1868, 307 (New Euyland, "winters:" 
 error).- Coues, Ibis, 1864, 388 (Central America, both coasts). — Coi.kk, Pr. 
 Phila. Acad. 18ii6,99(ColoradopLiver).— IJRHSS., Ibis, 1866, 44 (Texas).— Gundl., 
 Kep. Fis. Nat. i, 391 (Cuba).— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 126 (South Caro- 
 lina).— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1871, 40 (North Carolina).— Hatch, Bull. Minn. 
 Ae;;d. i, 1874, 67 (? Minnesota). 
 
 Lanta lidihmidus, WiLS., Am. Orn. ix, 89, pi. Ti.—hv.tn-., Ois. Trin. 532. 
 
 " Luvnx jilimibiceps, Brehm, Lehrb. 722." (Gray.) 
 
 Atricilla caieshcei, Bp., Conipt. Rend. 18.56, 771.— lii'.L'Cii, J. f. 0. 18.55, 287. 
 
 .Ilricilla mi(-ropt<:rns, Brugu, J. f. 0. 1855, 287. 
 
 Jlridlla mhiiir et maeroptera, Bp., Compt. Rend. 1856, 771. 
 
 DiAG. L. tnrfio medium digilum superante, rostro niyrescente-rubro apice acuminato, nmiiyi- 
 buH nigris, albo-terminatis. 
 
 Hub. — Troiiical and temperate America. In the United States north on the Atlantic 
 ill summer to Maine ; in the interior to Ohio ; on the Pacific to California. Central 
 America, both coasts, and various West Indies. In South America to the Lower Amar 
 /.on. Casual in Europe. 
 
 Bill longer than the middle toe and claw, shorter than the tarsus or hi'.'ul, rnoderatelj 
 ccjriipressed, rather stout for this genus. Culinen and eoniniissuro both decurved at the 
 end, the latter somewhat sinuate at the base. Omiys considerably concave in front of 
 the angle, somewhat so bet^veen the angle and tip ; although tho angle is well defined, 
 the tip of the bill is so decurved that a chord from tip to base does not touch it. Mid- 
 dle toe barely three-fourths the tarsus. 
 
 Adult in summer. — Bill deep carmine ; legs and feet brownish-red. Hood deep i)lnm- 
 beous grayish-black, extending further on the throat than on the nape. Eyelids white 
 posteriorly. Neck all round, rump, tail, broad tips of secondaiies and tertials, and 
 whole under parts, white, the latter with a rosy tinge. Mantle grayish-plumhcoue. 
 Outer six primaries black, their extreme tips white ; their bases tor a very short dis- 
 tance on the first, and only in the inner web, and for a successively increasing distance 
 on both webs of the others, are of the color of the back. 
 
 Adu.lt in winter. — Under parts simply white, not rosy: hood lost, the bc^ad being 
 white, inttrraixed with blackish. Bill and feet more dull in color. Otherwise as in 
 summer. 
 
 Imviature. — Bill and feet brownish-black, tinged with red. Plumbeous of the upper 
 parts more or less mixed with irregular patches of light jjrayish-brown. Primaries 
 wholly deep brownish-black, fading at the tip. Seeondanes brownish-black on the 
 outer web. Tail feathers more or less tinged with plumbeous, and with a broad term- 
 inal band of brownish-black, the extreme tips of the feathers white. Uppi'r tail- 
 coverts white. 
 
 Tountj-of-lhe-year. — Entire upper parts, and neck all round, light brownish-gray ; the 
 feathers tipped with grayish or nifous white, broadly on the scapulars and tcjitials, the 
 blue of the adults appearing on the wing-coverts. Eyelids whitish; a dusky space 
 about the eye. Forehead, throat, and under parts, dull whitish, more or less clouded 
 
LAKUS ATRICILLA, LAUGHING GULL. 651 
 
 vrith gray, especially on the breast, where this is the prevailing color. Wings and tail 
 as in the preceding. 
 
 Dimensions.— hength, 16.50 inches; wing, 13; tail, about 5; bill above, 1.75; along 
 gape, 2.25 ; height at nostril, 0.4.j ; tarsus, -2 ; middle toe and claw, 1.50. 
 
 This is the largest species of the group inhabiting North America, and one not easily 
 confounded with any other. The bill is large and stout for a Chracocephahn,, but the 
 tip is attenuated and much decurvcd, the convexity of the culmen regular and grad- 
 aal. The most striking peculiarity of form lies in the proportions of the tarsus and 
 toes, the former being fully a fourth longer than the middle toe and claw. The hood is 
 lighter than that of the other Xorth American species of the genus. The rosy of the 
 under parts is retained in greater or less degree until the autumnal moult is accom- 
 plished (September to October). 
 
 Bonap;irte and Bnieh recognize a genus Atricilla upon the proportions of tarsus and 
 toes, with the A. catesicei, Bonaparte, as type. In this genus are compri-ed, according 
 to Bonaparte (Comptes Eendus, 1656, xlii, p. 771), three species, viz : the type and com- 
 mon species of Xorth America, and two others — one, AtriciUa macropteia, Boiuiijarte 
 (with sen-anus and megalopterus of Bruch as synonyms), v.-hich is larger thau the type ; 
 and the other, Airioilla minor, Bonaparte i^with mieropterm. Bnich, and {^.) poUoceplialiii . 
 Temm., as synonyms), which differs in its smaller size. Whether these two "species" 
 be anything more than races, I am unable to say; hut I have seen undonbteil speci- 
 mens of Chraeocephalus atricilla as much larger and as much smaller than the a-'erage, 
 as are these supposed species of Bonaparte's and Bruch's. A difference of half an inch 
 or more in the wing of a bird as large as the present, is by no meaos an unusual dis- 
 crepancy. Southern birds will, I think, be found usually smallest. 
 
 An immature Chrcecoceplialus, from the Pacific coast of Mexico, differs from the usual 
 type of atricilla in being decidedly smaller, with somewhat unusual proportions of the 
 tarsi and toes. The latter are nearly as long as those of an average atricilla, while 
 the tarsus is disproportionately shorter. The bird being so young, it is difficult to 
 say what the markings of the adult would have been ; hut in these features just 
 detailed there is an approach to franklini. 
 
 This species was enoncously referred by Wilson to the ridihundus of Europe. Bona- 
 parte, in taking the specific name for the genus, dedicated the species to Catesby. who 
 had described it ander the name of Lams major. According to Bruch, the L. poVionplialus 
 of Temminck appears to be the same bird. The other synonyms I quote refer to larger 
 and smaller races, which, however, I do not think to be constant, nor yet to mark dis- 
 tinct geographical areas, although as a general rule southern birds may be found 
 smaller. 
 
 This species is given by Dr. Hatch among the birds of Minnesota, but 
 the observation may perhaps require conlirmation. It i.s es.seiitiaily a 
 southern species, and more particularly one of tlie Gulf and South At- 
 lantic States, though its summer range extends to Xew England. On 
 the coa.st of iXorth Carolina, ■which is therefore au intermediate point, 
 it is, according to my observations, mainly, if not wholly, a misrant. It 
 appears early in April, and remains through the greater part of May ; 
 in fact I have seen some so late in the spring that I thought they could 
 not proceed very far to breed ; but I am not aware that any nest south 
 of the Middle Districts. It returns in September, and thousands .spend 
 this month and the next on the coast, retiring further south at the ap- 
 proach of real cold weather, though a few linger in November. It is no 
 exaggeration to say, that a flock 1 have seen lise on wing simultaneously 
 from a sand-bar, where they had been resting, must have contained a 
 thousand individuals. These were mostly gray young birds. Some old 
 ones, shot in September, were then moulting, and still showed traces of 
 the rosy on the under plumage. This species is among our more espec- 
 ially maritime ones, and does not often go inland beyond tide-water ; 
 but there are some notable exceptions to this rule. While at Fort Win- 
 gate, Xew Mexico, in June, I was shown a .specimen captured there, 
 many miles from the nearest water of consequence. This was evidently 
 a stray bird in that particular locality; but its occurrence shows that it 
 must have come up the Eio Grande. I think that I also saw it on the 
 Colorado, but cannot be sure, owing to the circumstances of observation, 
 yone of the naturalists of the Pacific Eailroad .surveys mention it as a 
 bird of the Pacific slope or coast ; and until quite recently it was sup: 
 
652 LAEUS ATEICILLA, LAUGHING GULL. 
 
 posed not to inhabit that side of the continent. The contrary, however, 
 was proven by Mr. Xantus, as I satisfied myself by examination of spec- 
 imens in his collections from the California coast. In the general inte- 
 rior of the United States the bird may be said to be still almost 
 unknown. 
 
 A distinguishing feature of birds of the genus Chroecocephalus is the 
 dark-colored hood that ornaments both sexes at times ; this envelopes 
 the head and descends some distance on the nape or throat ; it is usually 
 relieved by some white spots about the eyes. It is assumed with the 
 vernal moult, worn all summer, and then lost with the autumnal change, 
 the only winter traces being a few dark feathers scattered over the head, 
 or gathered in a patch over the nape and ear-coverts. Another change 
 heightens the beauty of the birds when they are to be decked for their 
 nuptials in full attire; they gain a rich rosy tint over all the white plum- 
 age of the under part ; then few birds are of more delicate hues than 
 these. Nature blushes, filling the bird's breast with amorous imagery, 
 till the feathers catch a glow and reflect the blush. Burning with in- 
 ward fire, the whole frame thrills with the enthusiasm of sexual vigor. 
 The dark glittering eye is encircled with a fiery ring ; now it flashes de- 
 fiance at a rival ; now tenderly melts at sight of his mate, soon to be 
 sacrificed to masculine zeal. The breath of desire seems to influence 
 the mouth till it shares the carmine hue that tinges other parts. The 
 birds speed on high with vigorous pinion, making haste to the wedding 
 with joyful cries till the shores resound. But such ardor is too consum- 
 ing to last; with the touch of a moment, the life-current flies like an 
 electric shock, lighting a fire in another organism, only to be subdued in 
 the travail of maternity. Not only once, but often, till the tide ebbs 
 that at its flood transfigured the bird. Its force all spent, the change 
 comes ; the red mouth pales again ; the glowing plumage fades to white ; 
 tbe bird is but the shadow of his former self, dull colored, ragged, with- 
 out ambition beyond the satisfaction of a gluttonous appetite. He loit- 
 ers southward, recruiting an enervated frame with plenteous fare in this 
 season of idleness, till the warm rays of another spring restore him. 
 
 Audubon mentions some interesting facts that show the dependence 
 of the plumage upon the sexual condition. "At the approach of the 
 breeding season, or, as I like to term it, the love season," he says, "this 
 species becomes first hooded, and the white feathers of its breast, and 
 those of the under surface of its wings, assume a rich blush of roseate 
 tint. If the birds procured at that time are several years old, and per- 
 fect in their powers of reproduction, their primary quills show little or 
 no white at their extremities, and their hood descends about three quar- 
 ters of an inch lower on the throat than on the hind part of the head, 
 provided the bird be a male. But should they be barren birds, the hood 
 ■ivill be wanting, that portion of their plumage remaining as during win 
 ter; and although the primaries will be black, or nearly so, each one of 
 them will be broadly tipped, or marked at tbe end, with a white spot, 
 which in some instances will be found to be half an inch in size ; yet 
 the tail of these birds, as if to prove that they are adults, is as purely 
 white to its extreme tip as in those that are breeding; but neither the 
 breast nor the under wing coverts will exhibit the rosy tint of one in the 
 full perfection of its powers." Upon the same subject Audubon contin- 
 ues with an observation in which he is alone, so far as I know : " Pre- 
 viously to my visit to that interesting peninsula [Florida] I had not 
 unffequeutly noticed indications of strong amatory propensities in sev- 
 eral species of Galls, but never to the extent exhibited by the present 
 sisecies, many of which I saw copulating in the latter part of autumn, 
 
LARDS FEANKLINI, FEANKLIn'S ROSY GULL. 653 
 
 and in winter, fnlly three months before the usual time of depositing 
 their eggs in that country. * * * On some such occasions, when I 
 was at St. Augustine, in the month of December, I have observed four 
 or five males of the present species paying their addresses to one female, 
 who received their courtesies with evident welcome. Yet the females 
 in the country did not deposit until the 20th day of April." These facts 
 are curious. That males should in and out of season attemi)t to prevail 
 with the opposite sex is not at all singular ; but that the females should 
 accept attentions so offered, at a time, too, when there was no chance of 
 profiting by their misdeeds, in the substantial matter of eggs, is unusual, 
 to say the least. As is well known, birds are among the most truly pe- 
 riodic of animals as to their reproductive functions, having neither 
 appetite nor potency during the greater part of the year. 
 
 From personal observation, I only know of this bird breeding north 
 of the Carolinas ; but it is said to breed from Texas to Massachusetts. 
 Its Pacific breeding grounds, if there are any, have not been brought to 
 light. Its nesting is a simple process ; it builds upon the ground, near 
 the sea, generally gathering for this purpose into large communities. 
 The nests, of which there may be many close together, are formed with 
 little art, being mere hollowed heaps of sea-weed, eel-grass, or other 
 vegetable substances, two or three inches high, and thrice as wide. The 
 eggs are mostly three In number, never more, and occasionally only 
 two. Their ground color is some sliade of olive, ranging from dull gray- 
 ish to deeper greenish; this is thickly marked all over with spots and 
 splashes of brown, blackish, dull reddish, and pale purplish ; but some- 
 times the markings are mostly collected in an irregular band about the 
 larger end of the egg. 
 
 One noticeable habit of this bird is its incessant persecution of the 
 Pelicans, to obtain food that may drop from the capacious pouch of 
 these forced purveyors. I have seen the same thing in the case of the 
 White headed Gull of California {Blasijms hcennanni), which makes a 
 business of harassing the Brown Pelicans. Both these Gulls are as 
 truly "parasitic" as the Jaegers themselves. 
 
 LAEUS (CHECECOGEPHALUS) FEANKLINI, Eich. 
 Franklin's Rosy Gull. 
 
 "Lariis atricilla, Fr.vnklix." 
 
 Larus franlcUni, Rich , F. B. A. ii, 1831, 424, pi. 71.— AuD., Oru. Biog. y, 18?.9, 324 (not 
 
 figured;; Syn. 1839, 325; B. Am. vii, 1(^44. 145.— SCHi.., Mus. P.-B. iv, 1863, 
 
 Lari, p. ,36.— Sukd., OIV. Vet. Akad. 1860, 590 fSt. Bartholomew).— Newt., P. 
 
 Z. S. 1871, 57, pi. 4, f. 4 (Manitoba ; breeding, -with description of egg). — 8ci, 
 
 & Salv., p. Z. S. 1871, 577.— CoXJES, Key, 1872, 316.— ElDGW., Ann. Lvc. N. Y. 
 
 X, 1874, 39 (Illinois). 
 Xetna franhlinl, Br., List, 1838, 62. 
 Chroecocephalus fravklini, Br.uCH, J. f. O. 1855, 289. — L.vwE., B. N. A. 1S58, 851.— Hi. yd 
 
 Rep. 1 862, 176.— COUES, Pr. Ph. Ac. 1862, 310.— Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 12 (Kansas)! 
 Garia {Melaqavin) franJcHni, Bp., Conipt. Eend. 1856, 771. 
 Gavia fmnldini, Blas., J. f. O. 1865, 371. 
 LariiS jiijiixcan, Wagl., Isis, 1831, 515 {fidn Salvin). 
 
 Larus eucullatus, Light., Nomencl. 98 {dtscr. ntdla) ; see Blas., J. f. 0. 1865, 371. 
 ChroicocepTialus eucullatus, Bruch, J. f. 0. 1855, 290. — Lawr., B. K. A. 1858, 851.— Coci:,'^ 
 
 Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 309.— CouES, Ibis, 1864, 388 (Chiapam).— Salv., Ibis, 
 
 1866, 198. 
 Lams cinereo-caudatus, Phil. & Landb., Wieg. Arch. 1861, 293. 
 (?) Ch-oscocephalus MtiUtzii, Bruch, J. f. O. 1853, 104. 
 (,?) Chroecocephalus subulirostris, Bp. ; Bruch, J. f. 0. 1853, pi. 3, f. 44. (Scblegel.) (C/. 
 
 Blas., J. f. O. 1865, 371.) 
 
654 LAEUS FKANKLINI, FRANKIjIN's ROSY GULL. 
 
 DiAG. L. rostra rubra, cueuUa schisiacea-nigra, pallia griseo-cceruJea, caudd perlaced, remi- 
 gibiis primis sex nir/ro-cinctis lath albo-terminatis, rhachidibits alMs, j)atjonio extervo primi 
 nigra nisi in apieeni. Long. tot. 14.00 poll. ; al. 11.25; tars. 1.60. 
 
 B^aft.— North America to high latitudes, but only in the interior (observed on neither 
 coast). Mexico. Part ot the West Indies. Central and South America to Chili. 
 
 Hetilenant Warren's Expedition.— i8S7, Nebraska. 
 Later Expeditions. — 58981, Upper Jlissouri. 
 
 Amlt, breeding plumage.— BU\ rather slender, attenuated and a little decurved at the 
 tip, which is acute ; outline of both rami and gonys concave. Bill shorter than bead ; 
 tarsus equal to middle toe and claw. Bill red (carmine, lake, or vermilion), crossed 
 with black near the end. Legs dusky reddish. Edges of eyelids orange. Eyelids 
 white, this color also reaching a little behind the eye. Hood deep slaty or plumbeous 
 black, encircling the upper part of the neck as well as the head, and extending further 
 on the throat than on the nape. Mantle uot quite so dark as in atricilla (more blue), 
 darker than in Philadelphia. First primary with the outer vane black to within an 
 inch of the tip; the inner pearly white, crossed an inch or more from the tip by an 
 isolated black bar an inch broad, thus leaving the feather white on both webs for an 
 inch or more from the tip. The next five primaries are basally of the color of the 
 back, paler on tie inner web, and both webs fading toward their tips into white; each 
 is crossed by a black bar near the end, two inches wide on the second primary, narrow- 
 ing on successive feathers to a small bar or pair of little spots on the sixth ; the tips of 
 all these primaries pure white. Other primaries, with secondaries and tertials, colored 
 like the back, fading at the tips into white ; shafts white, sometimes black along the 
 black portion of the feather. Tail very pale pearly blue, the three lateral pairs of rec- 
 trices white — or rather tail white, lightly washed with pearly on the six central feathers. 
 Neck all around, rump, broad tips of secondaries and tertials, and whole under parts, 
 white, the latter rosy. 
 
 Younger, that is to say, in summer plumage, and with a perfect hood, red bill, &c., 
 but the primaries not yet having attained their perfect pattern: — General coloration 
 exactly as before. Shafts of first three primaries black, of the rest gray, except along 
 the black portion of the feathers ; fi.rst primary with the outer web wholly black, the 
 inner web pearly gray, much like the back but lighter, to within two or three inches 
 of the tip, then black for the rest cf its extent ; second like the first, but the base of 
 the outer web like the inner ; on the third, fourth, and fifth, succeseively, the black 
 decreases in extent, till on the sixth it is merely a little bar, or pair of spots ; tips of 
 fill the primaries white ; that of the first primary smallest, that of the others success- 
 ively increasing in size. 
 
 The bird in this plumage just described, is what Mr. Lawrence and myself have been 
 calling " ciicullatus Lieht." for some years. It has all the marks of being an adult bird, 
 and so we were misled — the more easily, because the original specinien (No. 4320, Mus. 
 Smiths., Calcasieu Pass, La.), type of pi. 93, fig. 1 , Atla-s B. N. A., identified as cucuUatus, 
 has an unusually small, short bill,* a small hood, and certain other marks a little dif- 
 ferent from anything we had then seen in franklini. There are now, however, in the 
 Institution plenty of specimens showing that our cucuUatus is only a state of franklini, 
 jost before absolute maturity. In No. 4320 the hood is a good deal speckled with 
 white, but I have seen others (e. g. No. 27621) with perfectly black hood, and the pri- 
 maries identical with those of 4320. Without going into any further explanations, I 
 may simply state that this identity of the supposed two species is established. 
 
 ■\Vith this reduction, a number of names range as synonyms ot franklini. I have not 
 been able, of course, to verify Lichtenstein's cucuUatus as appertaining to what Law- 
 rence and I have been calling cucuUatus, but I presume there is no doubt on that score. 
 There are some other names, as pipixcan Wagler, and that go wherever cucuUatus does. 
 In fact, any knowu Chroicocephalus in North America or Mexico, that is uol. atricilla nor 
 Philadelphia, must be franklini; for it is certain that we have only these three distinct 
 species, as far as known. 
 
 To resume description of franklini : A specimen (No. 45688, Selkirk settlement) 
 shows exactly how the pictura of the primaries changes from that last described (the 
 formerly considered cucuUatus) to the perfect condition. It is just half way between. 
 The terminal black on the first primary is disappearing, to leave the tip pure white for 
 an inch or more, but a remnant of it is left. This bird is otherwise mature (black hood, 
 red bill, 4&c.). 
 
 Winter plumage. — As in summer ; the hood wanting or indicated by a few slaty feath- 
 ers about the eyes, on the auriculars and nape ; the rosy wanting ; the bill and feet dull 
 colored. I have no winter specimens that have attained their perfect picture of the 
 primaries, but presume that the primaries wlU be found, in adult birds, to be colored 
 as in summer. 
 
 * As an example of extreme variation of this species in size and shape of bill, I give 
 these measurements : No. 4320, along cnlmen, 1.20 ; height opposite nostril, 0.35. No. 
 27621, along culmen, 1.40 ; height at nostril, only 0.35, as before. 
 
Bonaparte's gull. 655 
 
 Young. — Bill black ; feot dusky. Traces of a hood or nape, largely slaty, &c., accord- 
 ing to precise age. Outer live or six primaries wholly black in their continnitj', rather 
 lighter and somewhat slaty at base, with or without a minute white speck at the tip. 
 Mantle gray or brown, more or less mixed with blue, according to age. Tail ashy 
 white, with a broad, black subterminal bar. Under parts white. This appears to be 
 the usual plumage of birds of the first autumn. 
 
 Dimensions. — Length, about 14 inches ; extent, 35 ; wing, 11.25 ; tail, about 4.50 ; bill, 
 along culmen, 1.30 ; along gape, 1.75 ; height at nostril, 0.35 ; tarsus, 1.60 ; middle toe 
 and claw, about the same. The young are a little smaller, with the bill especially 
 shorter and smaller. 
 
 This beautiful bird requires no special comparison with any other. The case of 
 " cucullaius" being disposed of, there remains little to be said on points of synonymy. 
 
 A Lams melmiorlijinchiis of Temminck (of which I know nothing) has been adduced 
 by some authors among the synonyms of " cucullatus ; " Schlegel puts it under philaclel- 
 phia ; Messrs. Sclater and Salvin do not enumerate it in their late paper. These authors 
 query the Cli. hitilitzii of Bruch, which Schlegel, without hesitation, assigns to franklini. 
 The last-named author adduces Ch. suliuVirosfris of Bonaparte and Bruch. According 
 to Messrs. Sclater and Salvin, the L, lAnereo-candatns of Philippi and Landbeck belongs 
 here. 
 
 In North America, as far as is known, this Gull is confinecl to the 
 interior, west of the Mississippi. I have met with it on several occa- 
 sions ; in Kansas, during the spring migration, and in Northern Dakota, 
 where, at Turtle Mountain, I took in July a bird so young that I felt 
 satisfied it had been hatched not far off. It breeds in the adjoining 
 British province of Manitoba, as attested by eggs in the Smithsonian, 
 one of which was lately described by Prof. Newton, as above cited. The 
 egg is 2^ inches long, If broad, and closely resembles that of the Esqui- 
 maux Curlew in size, shape, and color, though the dark splashes are 
 more evenly distributed over the surface. The very young bird, just 
 mentioned, measured 13.75 x 33.75 x 9.75 ; tail, 4 ; bill, 1.10 ; tarsus, and 
 middle toe and claw, each, 1.65. The bill was livid blackish, with pale 
 base of under mandible ; the feet were iiesh-colored. The habits of the 
 species are essentially the same as those of its congeners ; its extensive 
 dispersion through Middle and South America is perceived from the 
 foregoing quotations. 
 
 LAEUS (OHRCEGOCEPHALUS) PHILADELPHIA, (Ord) Gray. 
 
 Bonaparte's Gull. 
 
 sterna Philadelphia, Ord, Guthrie's Geog. 2d Am. ed. ii, 1815, 319. 
 
 Chrcecocephahts Philadelphia, Lawk., B. N. A. 1858, 852; Ann. Ltc. N. Y. viii, 1866, 299.— 
 Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 276.— Wheat.', Ohio. Agric. Eep. 1S60, 
 No. 269.— CouES & Pkent., Smiths. Eep. 1861, 418 (Washington, D. C.).— Ooues, 
 Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861, 247 (Labrador) ; ibid. 1862, 310 (critical) ; ibid. 1866, 99 
 (Arizona); ibid. 1871, 41 (North Carolina).— CouES, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 186S, 307 
 (New England). —Cooes, Pr. Best. Soc. xii, 1868, 126 (South Carolina).— Verr., 
 Pr. Ess, lust, iii, 1862, 155 (Maine).— Boaedm., Pr. Bost. Soc. is, 1862, 131 
 (Maine,).— Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1804, 80 (Massachusetts).- Dall & Bvyjs-., 
 Tr. Chic. Ac. 1869, 305 (Alaska).— Mayx., N. Guide, 1870, 151 (Massachusetts).— 
 Newt., P. Z. S. 1871, 57, pi. 4, f. 6 (egg). 
 
 Larus Philadelphia, Gkay, List Br. B. 1863, 235 (Great Britain).— Hart., Br. B. 1872, 172 
 (Great Britain; six instances).— Coues, Kev, 1872, 316; Check-list, 1874. No. 
 556.— Eldgw., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 391 (Illinois). 
 
 Larus pMladelpMcus, Turnb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 38. 
 
 Larus capisiratus, Bp., Am. Orn. iv, ; Syu. 1623, 358. (Not of authors.) 
 
 Larus bonapartei, ElCH., F. B. A. ii. 1831, 425, pi. 7-2,- Nutt.. Man. ii, 1834, 294.— AuD , 
 Orn. Biog. iv, 212, pi. 324 ; Syn. 1839, 323 ; B. Am. vii, 1844, 131, pi. 452.— Gii;., 
 B. L. I. 1844, 359.— Pdtn., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 221.— Schl., Mns. P.-B. i\', 1863, 
 Lari, p. 41. (Not of SCL. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1868, 178 (Peru), which is L. sevra- 
 nus; see ibid. 1871, 577.) 
 
 Xema honapartei, Bp., List, 1838, 62. 
 
 Chroicocephalus bonapartei, Bruch, J. f. 0. 1855, 292. 
 
 Garia bonapartei, Bp., Compt. Eend. 1856, 771.— Blas., J. f. 0. 1865, 371. 
 
 {1) Larus minutus. Sab., Frankl. Journ. 693.— EiCH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 426 (most probably). 
 
 0) " Lams r>ielanurus, Ord." (Fide Bp.) (Where?) 
 
 (0 ■' Larus melanorhynchus, Temm, Mus. Lugd." (Fide Said.) (Cf. Blas., J. f. O. I860, 371.) 
 
656 LARU8 i'lIILADKLJ'IIIA, UONAPAJM'k's OIILL. 
 
 DiAii. /y. iiiU:r mimimon, riiHiro Klmiino, jnV/ro, pcdIhiiH JlartH, rliiicliiillhuH r(miif/iiiii pritiiu- 
 riormii tjt/iiiijuc alhin ujyiiihuH nujr'tH, 
 
 y/ofc.- C'cjriliiiciit of North AiJHiii-.-i, f?)Mi:xi<;o and Mifldli- AijuTiitii (liul. no vulid 
 rc)c)rir<-'', M-cn). C'lihiial in lairopc (<;r<al, l',ii(iiiii). In iicl(lit.ioi) to llii-, ii.liovc, (jiiotu,- 
 tionBri(y(e: Tiiomi\, Ann. Mjik- N. II. IJ-Irt, l!«; Zool. ]H'1:j, yoiilt.— I,nn if, Zool. IKM^ 
 :ill7; Wi7, l*(i(l.— yAliii., Br. I!, lii, .^'j.S.— I'owYS, Zool. 1H.',.% /ITCii.- Knox, Zool. IHQ), 
 :iO(;.— rtiiijlj, Zool. Jl^fw, '.l.'.Ol ; fulc, llarliiiij). 
 
 Aitiill, litre diiir) ]jhiniof/i:-- ]',]]] slioiliT tlian (Ijc. Iii'.-id or tarHiiH, mncl) comprcHSi^d, vory 
 sloniltr and stcrnini;; l.otli njandiblcH wit.h a Hliglit Inil. diMt,in(;l, notclj near Mm (ip. 
 Convcxit.v ol' (Milrrh'ti hi i 1^1] I, gradual from liuHcto apox. itanii Hl)({lill.y <:<trii:;ivi; ; f^onyH 
 alioni, HtiaiKlil. NoMlriln laliial, liniar, diii;i:t., jMrvionH, i;xl,ri-.n]i;ly narrow. 'I'arMN.s 
 (.•i|na] to middle (oo and claw, willi llii; oidinary Hiulcllation un<l rc.lii;nl;ition. WoIih 
 rnodcralily t)n:ad, Honjc^uljat inriM-.d. Win;;H and lail oC ordinary 'haiaoti'-rH, tbij latti.r 
 Konjinvliat cinarKitato in IIjo yonn^. Bill black. Month and lyilidM carniim-. l^ofjH 
 and Icct coral-icd, fin{,'(;d with viiniiiion. WcIik hrif^Jit virjoilion. Hood plninhcoiis 
 slate, not m dciji u» in frdiil.lini, cnvoloiiiriK the, Inail anil np|ii-r part of the; ricrtk, 
 ri'ai:hing iiiitliiT Ijcforo Hian linhind. Whid'. palc.hiH on I'yclidM nairow, and lialC poH- 
 tirioi to tho (:y. Mantlo pcarl-blni:, much lij^hlcr than in fraiililiiii, not no li^ht aw in 
 iniiiiiliiH. JCnilh of tlio tori ial» and hoapnlarH n:aricly lightor than tlio l)a(d<, J'rirnariiM: 
 nbaftw of Iho first tivo or nix white, except at Ihcir i-.itri^nic! tipH, th<; otherH d;irk col- 
 oicd ; l/rst, outer ■wilj anrl cxticific. tip black, rihl, white, ; Hccond, vvbife, itH tip black 
 for a greater diHfani'c than (In-, (irst, and on ojn: or botli we.tjH, for a f;reate,r oi- lesH did- 
 tanee ((-ornclinieH half way down tbc feathery narrowly borilenrl svitb bJaek ; t/rird, 
 fonrth, tiflh, sixtJi, black at the erjilH irjr abont tin; Manic diHtanci; on each, the black 
 licideiiiiK the inner web inneh I'nrthcr llian tlie onler; tlie inner wehHof thelhird and 
 fonrlb, and l.otli webs of the flfih and sixth, of a, rather liKJiter Hbado of the <'ol(]r of 
 the baek. Olbcr firirnarjcKlike tlic back, the, scventli and cifijith witb a toneh oC black 
 on one or both webs near the tip. 'I lie tbiid 1o nixtb piiniaiiiH with a white or pearly 
 white hpei'k at extreme tip. Ah ih not the c;aH,e. with r;ilher of <jnr other hjieeicH of the 
 geniiB, the jjiiniary wiiif^-covertH, bastaid (|ni]lB, A,e., arewholly or in >;ieat part w)iite 
 (much as in drTliocr-pliuhjii or fillji/jniirlH ot .South Aineiica;, wliich can.sen the whole 
 wing to be boideieil with white as far a,H the carpiiH. Neck all around, and under 
 parth, including under win^-coverts, jiuie while; the belly, &.C., rosy in hriiediriK tirnc. 
 'J'heie IS no din'erciK:e, in r;(,lor bctwei;n the He,xes, 
 
 Aditll.'iiiiitir jilniiKiijr. — Bill light colored at ba.Hc below; feet flesh-color. Crescent 
 hetoje, till' e,^ e, and jiatch below the auricnlars, deep nlate. (Jrown and occipnt mottled 
 with giayinb-blaok and while. Back of neck washed over with tlie color of the, man- 
 tle, foreliiad, sideH of the hi:ad and throat, wliite, continnous with the white of the 
 nndrr parts. Otherwise as in hninmer. 
 
 Yoiiiiii, Jii-itl 'iiiriUi: — Bill dnnky flesh-color, cx';ept toward the end; legs and feet 
 light llc-ib-color. Without the hiaty mottling of the crown. AnricnJar jiatch diilinct. 
 J.e " I wing-coverts and terlialt dn.sky brown, lighter along their eilgc.s. Hecondaries 
 with a patch of dusky near the end, whii:b on the iiinerinost three or (onr SuMnntn 
 resliicte-d tii the outer web. first piiinary, with about ha)f the inner web ahmg the 
 .shaii,, black ; wjcoiid and third with the outer webh wholly lilacl;, and a narrow line of 
 black on the inner, along the shaft. Tail with a snbterminal brownish-black bar. 
 
 VktiI yomif/. — Bill flesb-color, dusky on the terminal half, t.'rown of head, and neck 
 behind to the inteihcapniars, clomleil with dnsky blnisli-gray, heightening on the sides 
 of the neck info ligtit gTayi.sh-ochrons. Hcapnlars and loiddh: of the back ligljt gnil- 
 blne, as in tte adnJt, but the feathejs so broadly (for i inch) tipped with giayisb-brown, 
 fading into (I nil white at tip, that tlie original eoJor is nearly lost. Jjcsser wing-covert,') 
 and tertial* loov. nish-lilack, tlie latter edged with the color of the c<lgings of the back. 
 Bastard qnills and fealbers along the, edg(; of the wing variegated with black and white, 
 l^rimariirh black ; the outer two-thirds of I he, inner vane of the lirst fonr blnish-v, hitc 
 to near the C;d ; both vanes of the otbeisof tbat color for a little distance; the extreme 
 tips of all bi.t the two lirst, white. .Secondaries light gnll-blue, c-ich with a large ter- 
 minal blacki-h spot continuous v/ith the black ends of tlie inner primaries, 'fail with 
 a broad terirrinaf bar of black, and very narrowly tipped with dull white. 
 
 ItUiiKiinot:-. — Length, 14 inches; extent, :;2; wing, 10.5i.O; bill above, 1.20; gape,1.7.': 
 height at nostrils, 0.2.'j ; tarsus, or middle foe and clav/, 1.40. 
 
 Aii(i.li}m'i(:( I i:hvra(;Urn. — 'Jbe median palatal ridge is well debned, broad, bcginnln); 
 six-tenthB • f an inch from the tip. .Jnct at its centre the ajierture of the posterior 
 nares begin*. Anteriorly it is thickly papillate along ilsmedian line; posteriorly there 
 are )iapilia; only on its edges and terminally, 'i'bcfvso lateral palatal iidg(«, separated 
 from the median by a rather illy-ilefined siilcns, do not, as iisnal, terminate ubrnptly 
 in a pajjillated rallied extremity, but gradnally lose themselves in a fold of mncotis 
 membrane at the ani^e of the month. 'Ihe posterior vaulted space is well defined; 
 bounded posteriorly by a fiuadiaut of well-dcvclojied slender acute j/apilla;, 'iongiie 
 measures a little more than an inch, of tlu; i/rdinary shape and conMstency. Nasal 
 apcj Hire O.'.O long. 
 
LARUS PHILADELPHIA, BONAPARTe's GULL. 657 
 
 The specimen examined was shot while feeding, and the whoJe digestive apparatus 
 was in full play. (Esophagus measures between six and seven inches in length, pre- 
 senting the usual characteristics of muscularity and dilatability. It was cuntractud 
 and longitudinally plicate to within an inch of the proventriculus, where it was dis- 
 tended with an enormous wad of coleopterous and hynienopterous insects ; this part of 
 the canal being, of course, devoid of rugai, and its walls thin and tense. The dilh-rencu 
 in appearance of the proventricular portion of the tube was very marked. Its color 
 was gray; the mucous membrane soft velvety to the touch, without ruga;, marked 
 everywhere with thickly aggregated puncta. The solvent follicles were <-o"n/crf, and 
 found to amount to 1,643. The gastric zone was 0.6 broad. The insects in this portion 
 of the canal were in a perfect state of integrity, as in the oesophagus, Ijut were much 
 softened. Gizzard of proportionate size, and with the general characteristics of the 
 Larinai. 
 
 Intestine 24 inches from pylorus to anus. Besides the ordinary duodenal fold, there 
 is another which commences 4 or 5 inches from the cceca, aud runs up behind the giz- 
 zard as high as the O-'sophagus, and then descends in a pretty straight line to the cceca. 
 The cceca are hardly 0.1'^ loug, but are broad and capacious, with rounded free extrem- 
 ities. They lie closely apposed to the gut, 0.75 of an inch from the cloaca. Cloaca, as 
 usual, large, capacious, globular. Its posterior division is small, but marked by 
 a well-developed ridge of mucous membrane. Orifices of urinary and seminal ducts 
 in the usual position. 
 
 Lobes of liver of nearly equal size, 1.75 inches long; the right is a little the most 
 attenuated, left the thickest. They are connected by a broad, thiu band of glandular 
 substance. 
 
 Kidneys chiefly divided into three lobes, of which the superior is the largest and 
 most convex ; the infciior smallest ; the central connecting lobe irregular in outline. 
 
 Trachea 4 inches long, flattened above, tapering and cylindrical below ; its rings; 
 weak and cartilaginous, numbering about 120. The sterno-trachealis inserted only 0.3. 
 above the lower larynx. A single pair of inferior laryngeal inserted into the fb'st 
 bronchial half ring. Bronchial rings abut 22. 
 
 Very numerous specimens of this species now before me exhibit little variation jn 
 colors other than those dependent on age and season ; though, as will be seen from the 
 preceding paragraphs, its normal changes of plumage are very great. The differences 
 are chiefly in the amount of the narrow edging of the black of the tips of the prima- 
 ries, which runs along to their bases ; in the amount of black on the seventh and eighth 
 primaries ; and in the size of the white apices of all 8f them. The difrerence iu size 
 is more notable ; the specimens being marked according to collectors' measurements 
 as from 12 to 14.50 in total length, though I think that so great a di.screpancy may be 
 accounted for by supposing slightly different methods of measurement, and errors of 
 carelessness and otherwise. I have never seen a specimen so large as is indicated by 
 Richardson, viz, 15.60 inches. The bills differ somewhat in stoutness; in the young 
 they are always slenderer and weaker. The notch toward the extremities of the tomia 
 is always quite distinct. 
 
 By both Audubon and Bonaparte the female of the present species is said to have a 
 brown instead of a black head ; and Audubon's plate shows an entirely different color 
 of the hood of the female from that of the male. This statement is at variance with 
 Richardson's account aud with the experience of authors, except those two above 
 mentioned, which has invariably shown the hoods of the two sexes to be colored alike. 
 I have never seen any brown-headed examples ; and as the species is so abundant that 
 the difference, if it really existed, would have been readily detected, I think it is safe to 
 assert that it does not. Still it is difficult to see how both Audubon and Bonaparte fell 
 into such au error, and I can offer no explanation of the matter. 
 
 Bibliography. — The first specific name of this species is, as proven by Mr. Lawrence, 
 philddelphia of Ord. "The slender aud tern-like form of the bill probably induced Mr. 
 Ord to put it in Sterna." Until the name of Mr. Ord's was revived by Mr. Lawrence, 
 the species almost universally received the appellation of honaparlei, imposed upon it 
 by Richardson in 1831. It was referred to the genus Chrwcocejihalus, by Bruch, in 1855. 
 Bonaparte in his American Ornithology, and in his Synopsis of 1828, before the intro- 
 duction of Richardson's specific name, referred the bird very eironeously to the capis- 
 tratus of Temminek, which is quite another thing. In his subsequent works he adopts 
 the name bestowed in honor of himself, referring the bird to the genera X'-ma and 
 Gavia, I quote "Larua melanurus Ord" as a synonynj of the young, on the authority 
 of Bonaparte. The Larus melanorhynchus of Temminek is, by Dr. Scblegel, considered 
 as referring to this species. By other authors it is placed as a synonym of " cucullatus." 
 L. subuUrostris may belong here rather than to franldini. 
 
 No one of our species is more widely dispersed than this. Go where 
 
 we may in North America, the pretty bird m;iy be seen at one or another 
 
 season, if we are not too far from any considerable body of water. The 
 
 Gull holds its own from the Labrador crags, against which the waves of 
 
 i2 
 
658 LAEUS PHILADELPHIA, BONAPAETE's GULL. 
 
 an angered ocean ceaselessly beat, to the low, sandy shores of the Giilf, 
 caressed by the soothing billows of a tropical sea. It follows the sinu- 
 osities of the two coasts with wonderful pertinacity, making excursions 
 np every bay and estuary, and threads the course of all our three great 
 rivers, while performing its remarkably extensive migrations. Consid- 
 ering in what high latitudes it breeds, it Is astonishing how early toward 
 the fall it again appears among us after its brief absence. The last 
 birds have not all left the United States in May ; some time in August 
 the young come straggling back, though they are not numerous until 
 the autumn has fairly set in. Perhaps some breed in the United States ; 
 of this, however, I have no personal knowledge, and at any rate, they 
 only do so along our northern tier of States. Very little is recorded of 
 Its nidification and special breeding habits, and this is not so definite as 
 could be wished. Audubon says, at second hand, that it breeds on the 
 islands off Grand Menan ; I only know of its nesting in British America, 
 and this too merely from the labels of specimens examined. But I saw 
 a great many in Labrador, and about the mouth of the St. Lawrence, at 
 such time that, rendered it pretty certain they had not bred far off. 
 
 While in North Carolina I made some observation on the vernal mi- 
 gration, that I thought interesting. There these Gulls are simply birds 
 of passage, none wintering or breeding. They appear early in April, or 
 with the first genial weather, and may be seen through part or most of 
 jMay ; then they go off, to return in September, and stay a month or so. 
 But in spring it was a succession of birds passing, rather than the same 
 individuals remaining so long. Thus from the first of April to the 
 twenty-second, in 1869, great numbers were over the bay, with a decided 
 preponderance of full-plumaged individuals. Then, without any marked 
 change in the weather or other apparent reason, none were to be seen 
 for a week or ten days. The first week in May, however, they became 
 more numerous than ever, and, what seemed singular, this last lot was 
 almost entirely composed of young birds — that is, birds only a year old, 
 as was shown by the plumage, lacking the hood, having the black bar 
 •on the tail, and the up[)er parts imperfectly blue, variegated with gray 
 and brown. Evidently the old birds, hurrying north to breed, led the 
 van ; and the young, with no such important business on hand, came 
 trooping leisurely in the rear. The question was, what would these 
 young birds do the ensuing summer? Would they reach the boreal 
 regions to which the great majority of the perfect fertile birds repair, 
 after loitering so late on the Carolina coast ? or did they only propose 
 to go part way, spend the summer frolicking, and return with sobeivr 
 intentions for another year ? I doubt that any breed until they are full 
 plumaged. 
 
 Note. — The ChrwcoceplKilus minutus, by some included among Nortli American birds, 
 has no grounded claim to be so considered. I therefore omit the species, which I can- 
 not recognize as an inhabitant of this country until some conclusive evidence is 
 brought forward. The whole claim may be seen to rest upon an identification of 
 Sabine's, who, in all probability, mistook philadelpMa for minutus. 
 
 Qenus EHODOSTETHIA, Macgil. 
 
 Lams, Macgil., 1824 : Ercn., l>^-2.5 {nee Linn.). 
 Eossitt, Bp., Comp. List, 183d, 62 {nee OwEX). 
 
 Bhodostethia, Macgil., Man. Orn. ii, 1842, 253 (type Larua roseus, Macgil.). — Lawr., B. N. 
 A. Id.^f , &5j.— Coles. Pr. A. X. S. Phila. 1862, 311.— Gray, List Br. B. 1863, 229. 
 
 Gen. char. " Body moderate ; neck rather short ; head ovate ; bill short, rather 
 slender r upper mandible with the dorsal line straight for half its length, arcuate-de- 
 curvate toward the end ; lower mandible with the iutercrural space narrow, the knot 
 slight, the dorsal line concave, the tip narrow; legs short; tibise bare for a very short 
 
EHODOSTETHIA EOSEA, WEDGE-TAILED GULL. €59 
 
 space ; tarsus rather stout, auteriorly scutellate, rough behind ; first toe short, with a 
 large curved claw ; auterior toes moderate, \vith their webs entire; claws rather large, 
 arched, compressed, acute ; plumage soft and full ; wiugs long, rather narrow, pointed ; 
 tail cuneate, of twelve feathers, of which the central are much larger than the lateral." 
 
 Never haviug seen a specimen of the type of this genus, I have borrowed my diag- 
 nosis from Macgillivray. Its essential character lies in the cuneate tail, which is a pe- 
 culiarity not shared by any other species of the subfamily. The pattern of coloration 
 too is peculiar. 
 
 The type of the genus was first named under, and for some years referred to, the 
 genus Larus. In 1838 Bonaparte first separated it generically under the name of Bossia. 
 This name, however, had previously been applied by Prof. Owen to a genus of cepha- 
 lopods. Shodostethia of Macgillivray is based upon the same type, and is the proper 
 name to be employed. The only known species of the genus is an inhabitant of the 
 arctic regions of North America, and corresponding latitudes in the Old World. 
 
 EHODOSTETHIA EOSEA, Macgil. 
 
 Wedge-tailed Gull. 
 
 ianis roseus, Macgil., Mem. Wern. Soc. v, 1824, 249.— Jakd. & Selby, 111. Br. Orn. 1.S28, 
 
 pi. 14.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 95. 
 Bossia rosea, Bp., List, 1838, 6i. 
 Bhodosteihia rosea, "Bp." (?Naum. 18,54, 212: ? Rev. Zool. Guer. 1855, 278).- BRrcii, 
 
 J. f. O. 1853, 106.— Brijch, J. f. O.' 1855, 278.— Bp., Consp. ii, L-5fi, 230.— 
 
 La WE., B. N. A. 1858, 856.— Cohes, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 311 ; Key, 1872, 316 ; 
 
 Check-list, 1874, No. 557. 
 Larus rossii, EiCH.. App. Parry's 2d Vov. 1625, 359 ; F. B. A. ii, 1831, 427.— WiLS., 111. 
 
 1831, pi. 3.— NUTT., Man. ii, 1834, .— Aun., Orn. Biog. v, 18.39, 324 ; Syu. 
 
 1839, 323 ; B. Am. vii, 1844, 130 (not figured).— Scm.., Eev. Grit. 1844, 128.— 
 
 Naum., V. D. xiii, 1844, pi. 388, f. 3, 4.— Miln., Zool. 1847, 1694.— Ciiari.ks^w., 
 
 Zool. 1847, 1782.— Degl., Orn. Eur. ii, 1849, 332.— Hakt., Br. B. 1872, 173 
 
 (British instances). 
 Ehodostethia rossii, Macgil., Man. Orn. ii, 1842, 253 ; Br. B. v, 618. — Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 
 
 1849, 653 ; List Br. B. 1863, 229.- Bp., Coiupt. Eend. 1856, 771.— Blas,, J. f. 0. 
 
 1865, 370. 
 " Larus richardsoni, WiLS." (i^'irfe Bp.) (Where?) 
 
 -Diag. B. caudd cuneatd, torque collari nigro, rostro nigra, pedibus riihris. 
 
 Hob. — Arctic regions. No United States record. Europe. Great Britain (see Gray 
 & Harting, I. c). Heligoland ; Ibis, 1865, 103. 
 
 Sp. ch. " Color. — Scapulars, interscapulars, and both surfaces of the wings, clear 
 pearl-gray ; outer web of the first guill blackish-brown to its tip, which is gray ; tips 
 of the scapulars and lesser quills whitish ; some small feathers near the eye, ami a 
 collar round the middle of the neck, pitch-black, rest of the plumage white ; the neck 
 above, and whole under plumage, deeply tinged with peach-blossom red in recent spec- 
 imens ; bill black ; its rictus, and the edges of the eyelids, reddish-orange ; legs and 
 feet vermilion-red ; nails blackish. 
 
 "Form. — Bill slender, weak, with a scarcely perceptible salient angle beneath ; the 
 upper mandible .slightly arched and compressed toward the point ; the commissure 
 slightly curved at the tip. Wings an inch longer than the decidedly cuneifonn tail ; 
 the central feathers are an inch longer than the outer ones. Tarsi rather stout ; the 
 thumb very distinct, armed with a nail as large as that of the outer toe. 
 
 "Dimensions. — Length, 14 inches; wing, 10.50; tail, 5.50; bill above, 0.75, along 
 gape, 1.25; tarsus, 1^." [Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 427.] 
 
 The Smithsonian Institution contains no specimens of this exquisite Gull ; and having 
 been unable to examine an individual elsewhere, I have been obliged to copy Ei chard- 
 son's description, as given in the Fauna Boreali-Ameiicana. There is little dyngi^r that 
 in the accounts by American authors of this spec.es there will be found material dis- 
 crepancies, since I have not met with a single one who has not t.akeu his description 
 wholly or in part from the same source. 
 
 There are no specimens in America, to my knowledge. According to the editor of 
 the Ibis (1865), no more than five specimens were then known : the one from M( Iville 
 peninsula, June, 1823, in the University Museum, Edinbuigh ; another in the L'erhy 
 Museum, believed to be from the same source; one at Mayence, from Kumtschafka; 
 one in the Gsetke collection, from Heligoland ; and one in possession of Heir Beuzou, 
 of Copenhagen, obtained on the Fieroes in February, 1863. Mr. Harting cites an exam- 
 ple recorded (Zool. as abo\'e) irom Yorkshire, bat adds that accounts difier as to locality 
 and date of capture. 
 
 Discussion of synongmy. — This Gull had the misfortune to be ushered into ornitholo- 
 
660 XEMA SABINEI, FORK-TAILED GULL. 
 
 gical literatnre under trying circumstances, which caused pointed personalities. I 
 think, however, that its proper name is not doubtful, as may he made evident. The 
 bird was first mentioned by Macgillivray in the Memoirs of the Werneriau Society for 
 January, 1824, under the name oi Larm roaeus. This author does not, it is true, give a 
 formal description of the species ; and also acknowledges in his subsequent works, that 
 his name was only a " provisional" appellation. In the following year Kichardson, in 
 the Appendix to Parry's Second Voyage, named the bird Larua roasii, and accompanies 
 his name with a description ; and although this latter author admits that the bird was 
 ■called roaeua before he named it rosaii, yet he claims precedence for his name, on the 
 grounds that his was the first published description. The priority of Macgillivray's 
 -rosma being clearly established, and his name indisputably referring to the species 
 under consideration, the only question is whether it is to be set aside because it was 
 only a "provisional" designation given by one not "commissioned" to describe the 
 object. I think that no valid reason can be given for changing the name. Bnles of 
 nomenclature require the adoption in every instance of the firat published name when 
 it is by any means identifiable. The first identifiable name to go on record, no matter 
 how it gets there, must be used if it be not antedated in the same genus, and not 
 wholly inept ; and an author has no more right to change a name of his own than any 
 one else's. Furthermore, no one can introduce a " provisional " name without becoming 
 bound by it. I am ignorant of what the "personal" or "ofiScial" circumstances of this 
 case were ; but according to the record, Macgillivray's only fault was in not standing 
 by the name he originally bestowed. 
 
 Genus XEMA, Leach. 
 
 ^ Larua, Sab., Linn. Trans, xii, 1818, 520 (L. sabinei). 
 
 == Larua, Peev. & Des Murs, Voy. Venus, 1855, 277 (i. fureatua). 
 
 > Xema. Leach, Koss's Voy. App. 1825, p. Ivii (i. aabinei). 
 = Jc-ma; Bkuch. J. f. O. 1853, 103. 
 
 < Garia, MaCGIL., Man. ii, 1842, 241 {L. sdbinei). 
 
 > Creaij)-U8, Bp., "1854" (i. furcatua). 
 
 Gen. char. Tail forked (here only in Larince). Head hooded, with a more or less 
 evident darker collar. Bill black, with light tip. Size moderate and small. 
 
 With a general bearing toward Chroeeocephalua, in the hooded head and other features, 
 the genus is distinguished from this or any group of Larince by the sternine character 
 of forked tail. The name is generally restricted to the type, a " genus " Creagrus being 
 employed for the second known species ; but the latter is apparently a true Xema. The 
 two are readlily distiuguished, as follows : 
 
 Small : Wing, 11 inches or less ; tail, lightly forked ; a definite black col- 
 lar bounding the hood ; feet, black sabinei. 
 
 Large : Wing, 16 inches or more ; tail, deeply forked ; black collar incon- 
 conspicnous ; feet, red eurcatum. 
 
 XEMA SABmEI, (Sab.) Leach. 
 Fork-tailed Gull. 
 
 Lams aaUnei, 3. Sab., Linn. Trans, xii, 1818, .522, pi. 29.— Jex., Man. 1828, 270.— Was., 
 111. Zool. 1831, pi. 8.— Sw. & EiCH., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 428.— Non'., Man. Om. ii, 
 1834, 295.— AuD., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 561, pi. 285 ; Syn. 1839. 323 ; B. Am. vii, 
 1844, 127, pi. 441.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 95.— Temji., Man. iv, 1840, 
 488.— Naum., V. D. xiii, 1844, pi. 388, f. 1, 2.— Schl., Rev. Crit. lf^44, 128 ; Mus. 
 P.-B. iv, 1863, Lari, p. 44.— Degl., Orn. Eur. ii, 1849, 332.— JliDD., Sib. Reise, 
 ii, 1853, 244, pi. 24, f. 5, pi. 25, f. 1 (pullus et oium).- Hart., Br. B. 1872, 171 
 (Great IJritain, numerous instances). 
 
 Xema sdbinei, Leach, App. Ross's Voy. 1825, p. Ivii, iig. — ; Gen. Zool. xiii, 1826, 177, 
 pi. 20.— Eyt., Cat. Br. B. 1836, 54.— Bp., List, lrt38, 62 ; Comptes Reudus, 1856, 
 771.— Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 655 ; List Br. B. 1663, 2.36.— Bruch, J. f. 0. 
 1855, 292.— Blas., ibid. 1865, 370.— Lawr., B. X. A. 1858, 807.— Xewt., P. Z. S. 
 1861, 401 ; 1871, 57, pi. 4, f. 5 (egg).— CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 311.— Lawr., 
 Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 299 (New York).— CouES, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 307.— 
 Dall & Baxn., Tr. Chic. Acad. 1869, 306 (Alaska).— Axlen, Bull. M. C. Z. ui, 
 1872, 183 (Great Salt Lake).— CouES, Key, 1872, 317 ; Check-list, No. 558. 
 
 Gama sabini, Macgil., Man. Orn. ii, 1842, 241. 
 
 " iarus coJtem, Sab." {FideBp.) (Where?) 
 
 ".Temo co?(am, Leach." {Fide Gvl&y.) (Where?) 
 
XEMA FUECATUM, SWALLOW-TAILED GULL. 661 
 
 DiAG. X. minor, caudd evmrginatd, capite cucullato, collo torquaio, rosiro nigra apice flavo, 
 pedibus nigris^ Long. tot. 14.00 ^oH. 
 
 Hai. — Arctic regions of toth liemispheres. Spitzbergen. In America, south in win- 
 ter to New York, and Great Salt Lalce, Utah. 
 
 Adult, breeding plumage. — Bill black to the angle, abruptly bright chrome from angle 
 to tip. Mouth bright orange ; eyelids orange ; legs and feet black. Hood uniform clear 
 deep slate, bounded inferiorly by a ring, narrowest on the nape, of deep velvety black. 
 Lower part of neck all round, tail and its coverts, four inner primaries, secondaries, 
 greater part of greater coverts, tips of tertials, except the innermost, and whole under 
 parts, pure white. Mantle slate-blue, extending quite to the tips of the inner tertials. 
 Edge of wing, from the carpal joint with the bastard wing, black. First live prima- 
 ries, with their shafts, black ; their extreme tips, and the outer half of the inner webs, 
 to near the end, white. Other primaries white, the sixth with a touch of black on the 
 out/sr web. Emargination of tail 1.25 inches. 
 
 Dimensions. — Length, 13.75 ; wing, 10.75; bill, 1 ; along gape, 1.50 ; height at angle, 
 0.30 ; tarsus, 1.25 ; middle toe and claw, same. 
 
 Yming-of-the-year.—i'So. 50182, Plover Bay, Sept. 1867.) Tail forked, nearly as in the 
 adult. Bill small and weak, flesh-color and dusky. Legs apparently flesh-colored. 
 No hood nor collar. Most of the head, the back of the neck, and upper parts in gen- 
 eral, slaty-gray, transversely waved With brownish-white ; each feather being tijipied 
 with this color. Under parts white. Tail white, wiih a broad teiminal bar ot black, 
 an inch wide on the central rectrices, growing narrower on the others successively ; on 
 the outermost sometimes iuvading only one web. This black bar very narrowly edged 
 with white. Wings surprisingly similar to those of the adult, but the white on ihe 
 inner webs more restricted, and the white tips very small or wanting altogether. 
 Dimensions a little less than those of the adult. 
 
 The pictura of the primaries in the above-described specimen is remarkably like the 
 adult's, considering how young the specimen is; but I presume the condition is con- 
 stant, or at least usual. As the bird advances toward mai uritj the primaries gain more 
 decided white tips ; the black bar disappiars from the tail ; the upper parts become 
 first mottled with the clear pearl-blue of the adnlts, then lose altogether the feathers 
 of the present hue and pattern. Exactly at what time the hood and collar are assumed 
 I cannot say ; I should j adge not till the second year. 
 
 The yellow tip of the bill varies greatly in size. Half of the bill may he yellow ; 
 or the yellow may be reduced to nil ; but birds with an entirely black bill are not often 
 seen. The adult winter plumage I have not seen, and cannot say Whether the hood is 
 lost or not; but I should judge, from analogy, that it is not retained. The species 
 varies less than most Gulls ; in fact I have little to add to the above on this score. The 
 bill varies, as usual, in length and stoutness. Young birds look something like young 
 Chrcecocephalus Philadelphia, bnt I believe the tail is always at least emarginate. 
 
 This species was first in i reduced in 1818 by Capt. J. Sabine as I.arus sabinei, but its 
 peculiarities were almost immediately made the basis for generic separation by Leach. 
 Macgillivray referred it to the genus Gavia. I have not been able to verify Bouiiparte's 
 quotation of " Lai~us collaris Sabine." The same author incorrectly gives Leach as 
 authority for the specific name. 
 
 XEMA FUECATUM, (Neb.) Bruch. 
 
 Swallow-tailed Gull. 
 
 Motiette a queue fourchiie, Neboux, Eev. Zool. iii, 1840, 290. 
 
 Larus furcatus, PuBV. & Des Muhs, Zool. Voy. Venus, Ois. 1855, 277, pi, 10. 
 
 Xenia furcatum, Bkuch, J. f. O. 1853, 103.— Codes, Key, 1872, 317 ; Check-list, No. 559, 
 
 Creagrus furcatus, Bp., " 1854."— Bbuch, J, f. O. 1855, 292.— Bp., Compt. Eend. 18.jC, 
 
 771.— Lawe., B. N. a. ]fc58, 8.J7.— CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 18b2, 312.— Blas., 
 
 J. f. O. 18t)5, 370. 
 
 DiAG. " L. supra cineracrus, eapitecolloquef uliginos^ nigrcscmlibus ; eubUis albus ; atrigdpost- 
 oculari et basi frontali albis ; palpebrit- aurantiis, tarsis palmisque rubris." 
 
 Sab. — Coast of California, f?) Also, Arctic regions. 
 
 Adult. — Bill of moderate robustness, much bent at the tip, black at its base, white 
 toward its apex, with "a small rounded white spot on either side oi the base of the 
 upper mandible." Tarsi, toes, and interdigital membranes, red ; the claws black. 
 Irides red. the [edges of the] eyelids orange. Head, and greater part of the neck all 
 round, black [_" gris brun," Neboux; "/uliginose nigresceniibus," PnE^'OS•r and Des 
 MUES]. Mantle light gray I" blanc gris," Neboux]. Breast, belly, under surfaces of 
 
 the wings, and the tail, pure white. The folded wings reach inches beyond the 
 
 tail. Primaries bordered both internally and ex.ernally with black. Middle wing- 
 
662 STEENIN^, TEENS. 
 
 coverts white ; greater coverts slaty-gray [_ardoi8ee'], bordered with white. Tail deeply 
 loi kcd ; the external pair of rectrices having an elongation not met with in any other 
 species of the subfamily. 
 
 I regret exceedingly that I have had no opportnnity of examining a specimen of this 
 rare and remarkable Gull. The Smithsonian has never received an example, and I am 
 not aware of the existence of one in any American collection. This is the more to be 
 regretted since the original description by Neboux, which has served uh the basis of 
 nearly all subsequent accounts, both of American and European ornithologists, is brief, 
 deficient, and unsatisfactory. Fortunately, however, the species is one presenting such 
 peculiar features, that no confusion has arisen concerning it. I have taken my diag- 
 nosis from the Zoology of the Voyage of the Venus, and compiled the above outline 
 description from Neboux's original account. I transcribe the further remarks of MM. 
 Provost and Des Murs : 
 
 " In spite of the great diflSculty usually experienced in determining the species com- 
 posing the genus Zants, on account of their close resemblance to each other, and the 
 many variations in colors which each presents, the one in question may bo distinguished 
 at a glance by its orange eyelids and red legs and webs, and y)articularly by the two 
 white spots which ornament the forehead at the upper mandible ; though the red feet 
 are indeed shared by several other species, e. </., L. hcematorhjnehus King, and bonapartei 
 Eichardson. We lay no stress upon the semicircular white spot on the under eyelid, 
 )>ecause this also exists in the franklini and bonapartei of Eichardson. The two other 
 most striking and remarkable features of the species lie in the deeurved bill, which is 
 a little like that of Larua modestm Tschndi ; and in the deeply forked shape of the tail, 
 which is elsewhere only found among typical Stemimw." 
 
 Bibliography. — The species was first introduced by Neboux, as above, in 1840, under 
 the appellation of " La mouette S. queue fourchue," no Latin binomial designation 
 being given. Upon this name and description MM. Provost and Des Murs founded 
 in ly'jfj their Larus furcutus. In conseciuence, doubtless, of its forked tail, it was in 
 Ihii'.i referred by Bmch to the genus Xema. A distinct genus was first framed for it by 
 Bonaparte in 1854. 
 
 Since the foregoing was penned I have been favored, through the courtesy of Howard 
 Saunders, esq., with an original description of a specimen in the British Museum. 
 Under date of March 6, 1873, Mr. Saunders writes me that the bird is a true Xema, and 
 has the appearance of being an Arctic species. " Head, neck, and throat, of a sootier 
 color than in X. sabinei, darkening toward the base of the hood, but not forming a dis- 
 tinct black collar, as in this species ; a white frontal band ; under jiarts and tail pure 
 white, the latter more deeply forked than in sabinei; mantle jtale pearl-gray, somewhat 
 darker on the wing-coverts; primaries blackish-brown on outer webs and continuation 
 of inner webs, thence white, except at tip; secondaries white, tinged with gray at 
 their tips ; bill blackish, tipped with horn-yellow from the angle. Wing, 16.50 inches ; 
 tarsi, nearly -Z inches ; middle toe the same ; hind toe very small, but bearing a well- 
 developed claw." 
 
 Subfamily Steeninje. 
 
 DiAG. Laridoe rostro integro, paragnatho. 
 
 C'h. Bill entire, its upper and under mandible of equal length ; always compressed, 
 and higher than broad. Curve of culnien gentle and gradual from base to apex. 
 Commissure gently declinato-convex, sometimes slightly sinuate at base. Symphysis 
 of inferior mandibular rami much more extensive than in LmlrUJinm or Lorince, V)utthe 
 eminentia symphysis lesi marked. Intenamal space narrow. Encroachment of feath- 
 ers on the bill as in Larina. Xostrils linear-oblong, lateral, direct, pervious, varying 
 with genera as regards degree of approximation to the base of the bill. Wings ex- 
 tremely lengthened, narrow, and acute, the first primary much the longest, the rest 
 rapidly graduated. Secondaries short and inconspicuous. Tail usually ranch elongated 
 and deeply forked, the lateral feathers being more or less att<;nuated and filiform ; only 
 occasionally short and broad (Gelochelidon), or graduated (Anous, iSui.). Legs placed 
 rather further back, and less decidedly ambulatorial than in Larino). Tibia denuded 
 for a varying distance. Tarsi short and usually slender ; scutellate and reticulate, as 
 in Larinw. Toes of moderate length, and of the usual relative x>roportions. Webs 
 rather narrow, and (except in AnouH, &c.) more or less excised. Claws small, com- 
 pressed, but mflch curved and acute. Size moderate, or very small. General form 
 .slender and delicate. Plumage as in other subfamilies, but the pterylai narrow, the 
 sexes hardly differing in coloration, but the variations with age and season very great. 
 
 For anatomical peculiarities of the subfamily, see under head of Sterna hirimtUt. 
 
 The generic and subgenerie groups of the Stemince are rather better rnarkeil than 
 those of the Larince. They are in number about thirteen. Of these more than half 
 (seven) are represented in North America. PhcBthum, (xDgin, and several subgenera near 
 Anoun are extralimital. The Xorth American forms may readily Ije distinguished by the 
 following analysis, ffydrochdidon and Anous may be regarded as genera, the remainder 
 being subgenera of Sterna. 
 
STERNIN^, TERNS. 663 
 
 Analysis of the North American forms of Sterninai. 
 
 A. Nostrils sub-basal. Frontal antize prominent, embracing base of 
 
 culmen. Tail more or less forked. Tarsus not shorter than 
 middle toe without the claw. Lateral toes much shorter than 
 
 the middle. Webs excised Group Stekke.®. 
 
 a. Webs moderately indeed. Tail well formed, generally 
 more than half as long as the wing. Under parts white 
 or light. 
 a'. Upper parts pearl-gray. Cap in summer black, or 
 a black bar through eye. 
 
 1. Bill short and very stout, somewhat gull- 
 like, black. Tarsi much longer than the 
 toes, black. Tail lightly forked. Medium 
 
 size GeloelieUdon. 
 
 •X. Bill long, large, bright colored, or with yel- 
 low tip. An occipital crest. Feet black. 
 Forking of tail variable. Of large size.. Thalasseus. 
 
 3. Bill moderate, slender, usually bright col- 
 
 ored, like the feet. No crest. Tail long, 
 deeply forked. Size medium and small.. Stebna. 
 
 h'. Upper parts dusky. Cap like the back. 
 
 4. Bill and feet black. A white frontal cres- 
 
 cent Haliplana. 
 
 i. Webs deeply incised (feet little more than semipalmate). 
 Tail merely emargiuate, hardly or not half as long as 
 the wing. Under parts in summer black Hydeocheltdon. 
 
 B. Nostrils nearly median. No frontal antise, the feathers extending 
 
 further on culmen than at the sides. Tail doable-rounded. 
 Tarsi very short. Toes lengthened, the lateral nearly as long 
 
 as the middle, with fuU webs Group Axoe^. 
 
 Color fuliginous Anous. 
 
 Subgenus Gblochelidon, Brehm. 
 
 <^Sterna, Mont., Orn. Diet. Suppl. 1813. (5. anglica.) 
 
 X Thalasseus, BoiB, Isis, 1823, 563 (not type). 
 
 X Viralva, Steph., Gen. Zool. xiii, 1826, 174 (not of Leach). 
 
 = Gelochelidon, Bkehji, Naturg. Vcig. Deutscli. 1831, p. — . (S. angliea.) 
 
 =Laropis, Wagl., Isis, 1832, 1225. (S. angliea.) 
 
 Char. Bill rather shorter than the head, exceedingly robust, not very acute, com- 
 pressed ; the culmen nearly straight to beyond the nostrils, then very declinato-couvex 
 to the tip, rather broad and rounded for its whole length ; the gonys about straight; 
 rami slightly concave ; symphyseal eminence well marked; tomia of lower mandible 
 inflected ; commissure gently curved. Height of bill at base, a third of total length. 
 Nasal groove exceedingly short and broad, not deep ; nostrils short, widely oval, placed 
 very near the base of the bill, just beyond the termination of the feathers. Wings 
 exceedingly long and acute, each primary surpassing the next by a full inch ; the sec- 
 ondaries short, soft, obliguely incurved at their extremities. Tail rather short, con- 
 tained 2^ times in tlie wing from the carpus ; deeply eniarginate, but its lateral feathers 
 not elongated nor attenuated. Feet long and stout for this subfamily. Tarsus shorter 
 than the bill, longer than the middle toe and claw. Hind toe remarkably developed, 
 being unusually long for this subfamily ; inner shorter than outer ; interdigital mem- 
 branes moderately broad, deeply incised, especially the inner. Tibia naked for half an 
 inch. Claws slender, slightly arched, acute. Scutella as in Sterninw generally. Size 
 moderate. Tail and ramp concolor with the back. Anatomical characters those of 
 Sterninw generally. 
 
 The above diagnosis is of a group which differs chiefly from other Sterninai, in the robust 
 and obtuse bill, though other characters may be noted. The bill not distantly resembles 
 that of Larinoe, and the group may be looked upon as thu connecting link between the 
 two subfamilies. It differs in pattern of coloration from most other Terns, in having 
 the color of the mantle continued uninterrnptedly on to the tail. Anatomical differ- 
 ences between it and Sterna proper are hardly to be appreciated, excei)t, of course, 
 those characters of the bones upon which the proportions of the bill and feet depend. 
 
 Of the several accredited species supposed to compose the genus. North America 
 possesses but one, which is identical with that of Europe. 
 
 The genus has but few synonyms, the species comprised in it having been ordinarily 
 referred to Sterna. Wagler's synonym {LarSpis) is antedated by Gelochelidon of Brehm, 
 which latter is the first distinctive name. 
 
664 STERNA ANGLICA, GULL-BILLED TERN. 
 
 STEENA (GELOGHELIDON) ANGLICA, Mont. 
 
 Gnll-billed Tern. 
 
 Sterna amjlica, Mont., Orn. Diet. Suppl. 1813, p. —.— Leach, Cat. 1816, 41.— Temm., Man. 
 6m. ii, 1820; 745.— Flem., Br. Ad. 1828, 143.— Kutt., Man. ii, 1834, 269.— Jen., 
 Man. 1835, 269.— Eyt., Cat. Br. B. 1836, 54.— AUD., Orn. Biog. v, 1839, 127 pi. 
 410 ; Syn. 1^39, 316 ; B. Am. vii, 1844, 81, pi. 430.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 
 1840, 98.— SCHINZ, Eur. Fd. 1840, 374.— DeKay, N. Y. Zool. 1844, 301, pi. 127, f. 
 270.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 353.— ScHi.., Rev. Crit. Ois. Eur. 1844, 130.— Geay, G. 
 of B. iii, 1 849, 659 ; List Br. B. 1863, 241.— Degl., Orn. Eur. ii, 1849, 336.— Putn., 
 Pr. Ess. Inat. i, 1856, 230 (quotes Emm., B. Mass. p. 6).— Tup.nb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 
 38.— Maxim., Beit, iv, 867 (Brazil).— Radde, Reise, ii, 1863, 388 (Siberia).— 
 CoUES, Key, 1872, 319.— RiDGW., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 391 (IlUnois). 
 
 Thdlaaseus anglicus, Boie, Ibis, 1822, 563. 
 
 Viralva anglica, Steph., Gen. Zool. xiii, 1826, 174. 
 
 Zaropis anglica, Wagl., Isis, 1832, 1225. 
 
 Gelochelidon anglica, Bp., List, 1838, 61 ; Compt. Eend. 1856, 772.— Boie, Isis, 1844, 187.— 
 Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 536 (critical).— CouES, Ibis, 1864, 389 (Guate- 
 mala).— Salv., Ibis, 1866, 199 (Guatemala).- Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868. 308.— 
 Lawk., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii. 1866, 299 (New York).— Coues, Pr. Boat. Soc. xii, 
 1868, 126 (S. Carolina).— GuNDL., Rep. F. N. i, 392 (Cuba ; Cab., J. f. O. v, 234).— 
 SCL. & Salv., p. Z. S. 1871, .572 (Tropical America).— Blas., J. f. 0. 1866, 82. 
 
 Sterna stubberica. Otto, "Deuts. tjbers. Buifon." 
 
 Sterna aranea, "WiLS., Am. Orn., viii, 1814, 143, pi. 72, f, 6.— Vieill., Nouv. Diet. d'Hist. 
 Nat. 1819, 169 ; Fn. Franj. 1828, 398.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 354.— Lawk., E. N. A. 
 1858, 859.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Rep. 1860, No. 272.— Coues & Pkent., Smiths. 
 Rep. 1861, 418.— Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 90.— Feess., Ibis, 1866, 44 
 (Texas). — Pelz., Orn. Bras. 325 (Brazil). — Burm., Syst. Uebers. iii, 452. 
 
 Gelochelidon aranea, Bp., List, 1838, 61. 
 
 Sterna risoria, Bkehm, Lehrb. 1823, 683 ; " Beitr. iii, 650." 
 
 Sterna macrotarsa, Gould. 
 
 Sterna afflnis, Horse, {fide Blas.). 
 
 Gelochelidon palustris, Macgil., Man. ii, 1842, 2.37 ; Br. B. v, — . 
 
 Gelochelidon balthica, agraria, meridionalis, Bkehm, V. D. 772, 773, 774. 
 
 DiAG. S. rosiro brevi, robusto ; rosiro pedibusque nigris ; pallio cwrulescente-perlaoeo, uropy- 
 gio concolore, Cauda emarginatd. 
 
 Sab. — Nearly cosmopolitan. In North America, chiefly Eastern United States ; not 
 detected on the Pacific side. Patagonia (Darwin, Voy. Beag. 145). 
 
 Adult in summer. — Bill with the culmeu regularly declinato-convex from near the 
 base to the tip ; the culmen broad and flattened, especially basally. Outline of rami a 
 little concave ; gonys very long, its outline about straight. Depth of bill at base a 
 third of total length ; its width very much less than its height. Both mandibles 
 marked with numerous longitudinal strise. Angle between the rami moderately acute ; 
 the symphyseal eminence well marked ; the tip not very acute. Nasal groove exceed- 
 ingly short, wide, of somewhat triangular shape, not deep. Nostrils unusually wide, 
 broadly oval, short, lateral, pervious, placed very- far back, only just anterior to the 
 termination of the feathers. The feathers extend on the side of the bill but little fur- 
 ther than on the culmen, the re-entrant angle formed there being very obtuse. Those 
 on the side of the lower mandible do not extend so far as on the upper. Submental 
 space feathered almost to the symphysis. Head of ordinary sternine aspect ; body 
 rather stout, full, and thick set. Wing lengthened, as long as the whole body and tail. 
 Primaries exceedingly long, narrowing regularly from base to tip, which latter is atten- 
 iiated and acute. The first surpasses the second by a full inch ; the rest are rapidly 
 graduated. Secondaries short and inconspicuous. Tertials rather long, broad, and 
 flowing. Tail quite short for this subfamily, contained 2^ times, or more, on the wing 
 from the carpus. The emargination is moderate, amounting to about If inches. The 
 middle pair of feathers are broad almost to their very tips, which are rounded, with 
 only a slightly acute apex just at the tip of the rhachis ; the lateral ones grow success- 
 ively more elongated and tapering ; the outer pair maintains its breadth until within 
 about an inch of the tip, when it rather suddenly narrows and grows acute. The feet 
 are rather long ; the tarsus considerably exceedina; the middle toe and claw. The tibise 
 are long, naked for half an inch, but have no feathers inserted into them for three- 
 fourths of an inch, and are perfectly smooth, with no scutellae or reticulations. The 
 tarsus is compressed, moderately smooth, anteriorly defended with the ordinary row of 
 scutella, which break up toward the tibio-tarsal joint into two or more rows ; posteri- 
 orly and laterally it is reticulated with small, smooth, very regular polygonal (chiefly 
 hexagonal) scales. Anterior toes of ordinary relative length ; but the hallux is remark- 
 
STEENA ANGLICA, GULL-BILLED TERN. 665 
 
 ably developed for this subfamily, and is inserted rather low down. Webs only mod- 
 erately broad, and deeply incised, especially the outer one. Claws exceedingly slender, 
 little arched, very acute, the inner edge of the middle one moderately dilated, not 
 serrated. 
 
 Crown and long occipital crest deep glossy greenish-black. This pilenm extends on 
 each side to a level with the lower border of the eye, and leaves only a very narrow 
 line of white to run along the edge of the feathers on the sides of the upper mandible ; 
 and it grows even wider on the latero-nuchal regions behind the eyes. Neck all round, 
 and under parts, white. Mantle light pearl-blue, this color extending on the rump to 
 the tail, .and quite to the tips of the rectrices. The tail feathers indeed are deepest 
 colored at their tips, fading into nearly pure white toward their bases, on that portion 
 of each feather which is covered with the next one. The color of the mantl(! extends 
 quite to the tips of the tertials, but dilutes a little toward the apices of the seconda- 
 ries. Shafts of primaries yellowish-white. Primaries all grayish-black, deepest on the 
 outer vane of the first ; but this color is so heavily silvered as to be really much lighter 
 in appearance. All the primaries have on their inner webs a space of white, which ex- 
 tends toward their apices for a varying distance on each. On the first the white is 
 largest, purest, and extends furthest ; is distinctly defined from the black, and has hot 
 a margin of black along itsMnner border, except just at its apex. The amount of the 
 white diminishes in length and breadth with each successive primary, until on the last 
 one it is inconspicous ; still it is quite perceptible on all. The bill is black, with or 
 without a minute yellowish tip. The legs and feet are greenish-black. 
 
 Adult, tvinter plumage. — The winter plumage of this species, as usual among Steniinw, 
 hardly differs, except in the character of the pileum. The black usually becomes re- 
 stricted chiefly to the occiput and nape, extending forward o\'er the auricular and 
 temporal regions to the eye, and sometimes almost entirely disappearing, leaving the 
 whole head pure white, except a slight dusky trace through the eye and on the auric- 
 ulars. There is the usual ante-ocular lunula. The forehead is entirely pure white ; on 
 the crown this color decreases in amount, becoming mixed with blackish-brown, and 
 on the occiput almost entirely disappears. The general tint of the upper parts is per- 
 haps rather lighter than in summer. For a while after the autumnal moult the prima- 
 ries are also rather lighter than in summer, but toward spring they become fully 
 as dark. 
 
 Young-of-the-year. — The bill is blaoklsh-brown, lighter toward its tip, dusky yellowish 
 or dull flesh-color toward the base of the under mandible. Legs and feet dull brown- 
 ish, the claws blackish-brown. The general color of the upper parts is light pearl- blue, 
 as in the adults, extending over the whole back from the neck to the upper tail-coverts, 
 and including the median and greater coverts, and the tertials. The contin uity of this 
 color, however, is interrupted by numerous more or less distinct crescentic or hastate 
 spots of dull brownish. Each feather bears a spot toward its extremity ; its extreme 
 tip, however, being yellowish or ochraceous-white, much lighter than the ground color 
 of the upper parts. Along the edge of the fore-arm there is the ordinary band of 
 brownish-black on the least coverts. The forehead and greater part of the vertex is 
 white ; but this color is interrupted on the latter by narrow lines of black along the 
 shaft of each feather ; these lines growing larger and wider toward the occiput and 
 nape, where the white nearly disappears. An ante-ocular crescent and jiost-ocular 
 space of brownish-bla^k. The neck all round, and the whole under parts, including 
 the inner wing-coverts and upper as well as under tail-coverts, pure white. Primaries 
 Inuch as in the adults ; their shafts white. Secondaries as in the adults. The tail i« 
 less deeply forked ; the rectrices much as in the adults, but fading into pure or yellow- 
 ish-white at their tips, each having a more or less distinct hastate subterminal spot of 
 brownish. The general proportions are somewhat less than in the adult, especially as 
 regards the length of the bill and of the lateral rectrices. 
 
 Dinwnsions. — Length, 13tol4.50inche8;»extent of wings, 33to35; bill, 1.40; the gape, 
 2 ; gonys, 0.60 ; height at base, 0.45 ; tibiae naked i inch, no feathers inserted for f 
 inch ; tarsus (average), 1.30 ; middle toe and claw, 1.10 ; hallux, with its claw, 0.40 ; 
 wing, from carpus, 11.75 to 12.25 ; tail, to end of outer feather, 5.50 | depth of emargin- 
 ation, 1.50 to 1.75 inches. "Average weight 6f oz. a voird." Female usually, but not 
 always, smaller than the male. 
 
 The anatomical characters of the species do not present any special peculiarities, and 
 therefore it has not been deemed necessary to introduce a description of them. 
 
 This strongly marked and well-known species requires no further description than 
 the above, TThe chief variations to which it is subject appear to be those of dimensions. 
 In the above paragraph I have given what will, J think, be found to be the average. 
 The amount of variation is well displayed in the table given by Audubon. Most authors 
 assert that the female is the smaller ; but although this seems usually to be the case, it 
 does not always hold. The amount of emargination of the tail in adult birds seems 
 to be pretty constant, being, comparatively, free from both accidental or stxual variation. 
 The comparisons I have made of S. anglica with S. " aratieu " have convinced me that 
 there is not the slightest grounds on which to found a species distinct from the Europ- 
 
G66 STERNA AN6LICA, GULL-BILLED TEEN. 
 
 ean. I have been unable to detect any discrepancieB, nor do I think that any charac- 
 ters have ever been assigned to our bird. Wilson, in liia description, does not compare 
 it with the European, doubtless for the best of reasons — that he did not know it. His 
 name, however, has been generally adopted for our bird since the time of its use in that 
 connection by Bonaparte, in 1838. 
 
 Synonymy. — The name angllca is rather an unfortunate one, since the bird, though 
 then described from specimeos shot in England, seems to be much less abundant in that 
 country than in most other places where found. As, however, there is implied in the 
 name no actual geographical error, it is unnecessary to change it, as was done by 
 Macgillivray. Several names, additional to those above cited, appear to belong here, 
 but as I have made no critical examination of these supposed species, I do not here 
 consider them. Schlegel unites a number of current species, and is probably right in 
 so doing. 
 
 Subgenus Thalassetjs, Boie. 
 
 < sterna, Pall., Nov. Coram. Petrop. xiv. 
 
 < ThaUsseus, BoiB, Isis, 1822, 563 (type S. caspia, Pall.).— Coues, Rev. Sterninw N. A. 
 
 Pr. A. N. S. Phila. Dec. 1862, 536. 
 > Sydroprogne, Kaup, Sk. Ent. Eur. Thlerw. 1829, 91. {S. caspia.) 
 y. Sylochelidon, Beehm, Vog. Deutsch. 1831, 770. (S. caspia.) 
 S^Helopus, Wagl., Isis, 1832, 1224. (S. caspia.) 
 p- Aciochelidon, Kaup, Sk. Ent. Eur. Thierw. 1829, 31. (Sterna cantiaca.) 
 
 Gen. chak. Bill as long as, or longer than, the head ; robust ; its height at the base 
 a fourth to a third of its length along culmen. Culmen variable in amount of curva^ 
 ture, from nearly straight to very convex. Gonys of variable length. Wings only 
 moderately long for this subfamily ; pointed, but the first primary not surpassing the 
 second by as much as the second does the third. Tail moderate or very short, in the 
 type of the genus greatly abbreviated, being contained three times in the wing from 
 the carpus, and but moderately emarginate. In other species more elongated and quite 
 ■ deeply forked, contained about twice in the wing. Feet stout, of moderate length ; 
 tarsi usually about two-thirds the bill ; as long as, or somewhat exceeding, the middle 
 toe and claw. Hallux exceedingly short. Webs moderately broad, quite deeply incised, 
 especially the inner one. Of variable size, from the largest of the subfamily to quite 
 moderate. General form always more or less robust. A decided occij)ital crest. Under 
 parts always white. Feet black. 
 
 The essential characters of the subgenus, as compared with Sterna proper, are found in 
 the very large size and robust form j in the depth and stoutness of the bills ; iu the 
 stouter feet ; and in the shorter tail, which is usually rather emarginate than forked, 
 and never so deeply forked as in Sterna. The pattern of coloration is different in some 
 respects, and there is a decided occipital crest. Gelochelidoii is apparently the most 
 closely allied, but this differs remarkably in the bill ; there is no occipital crest, the 
 ■wings are longer, the interdigital webs more deeply incised. 
 
 I have been obliged, in the preceding diagnosis of this group, to define it with con- 
 siderable latitude, in consequence of the somewhat dissimilar types which I have re- 
 ferred to it. I have not, however, felt assured of the propriety of dividing it, as now 
 limited, into two or more groups, in consequence of the close connection which the dif- 
 ferent extremes of form present through intermediate species. Thus the Thalasseus 
 caspius and T. caniiaciis differ considerably in such features as shape and robustness of 
 bill, length and emargination of tail. If we examine, however, other species, such as 
 T. regins and elegans of North America, relax of Europe, &c., we shall find some charac- 
 ters of form which are different in nearly every species, as e. g., proportions of tarsus 
 and toes in regius and elegans ; and we shall moreover be able to trace gradual transi- 
 tions in every respect, from one species to another. I prefer to retain all these large 
 species under the same subgenerio designation, as they all possess strong points of sim- 
 ilarity among themselves, and recognizable discrepancies from Sterna in its restricted 
 sense. 
 
 Thalasseus is the first distinctive name which was proposed for this group, and is the 
 one now in most general employ. It is based upon Sterna ca»pia, as are also all the other 
 synonyms quoted at the head of this article, with the exception of Actoohelidon, which 
 has Sterna cantiaca as type. 
 
 Analysis of the jVbcft American speoies of Thalasseus. 
 
 A. Of large size and robust form. Bill entirely bright colored, feet blaek. 
 Tail slightly forked, with little or no attenuation of the outer 
 feathers. 
 
 a. Tail merely emarginate. Primaries concolor on both webs (with- 
 out white stripe on inner web). Bill red. Largest : Wing 
 about 16 inches ; tail only 5 to 6 ; bill nearly 3 caspia. 
 
CASPIAN TERN. 667 
 
 6. Tail forked. Primaries with white stripe. 
 
 1. Bill orange, stout, 2.25 to 2.75 long, 0.50 to 0.66 deep at 
 
 base ; gonys only about 1 long ; wing, 14 to 15 ; tarsus, 
 about 1.25, decidedly not longer than middle toe and 
 claw - regioe. 
 
 2. Bill orange, comparatively slender, about 2.50 long, less 
 
 than 0.50 deep at base ; gonys, about 1.50 long ; wing, 
 12 to 13 ; tarsus, about 1, decidedly longer than middle 
 
 toe and claw galericulata. 
 
 B. Smaller and less robust. Bill blaclf, tipped with yellow. Tail deeply 
 
 forked, with narrow outer feathers cantiaca. 
 
 STEENA (THALASSEdS) GASPIA, PaU. 
 
 Caspian Tern. 
 
 Sterna caspia, Pall., Nov. Comm. Petrop. xiv, 1770, 582 ("Mus. Carls, fasc. iii, pi. 62").— 
 Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 17S8, 603.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 803.— Eetz., Fn. Snec. 
 1800, 164.— Temm., Man. 1815, 476 ; ii, 1820, 733.— NiLSS., Orn. Suec. ii, 1821, 
 155.— Beehm, Eur. Vog. 1823, 680.— Stbph., Gen. Zool. xiii, 145.— Jen., Man. 
 1835, 264.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 97.— Naum., V. D. x, 18-JO, 18, pi. 
 
 248.— Macgil., Man. ii, 1842, 230 ; Brit. B. v, .— Schl., Eev. Crit. Ois. Eur. 
 
 1844, 128.— Degl., Orn. Eur. ii, 1849, 337.— Gkat, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 658 ; List 
 Br. B. 1863, 238.— Lawk., B. N. A. 1858, 859.— Tuknb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 47 (New 
 Jersey).— Eaddb, Eeise, ii, 1863, 388 (Siberia).— Coues, Key, 1872, 319. 
 
 Thalasseus caspius, BoiB, Isis, 1822, 563.— Codes, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 537.— Vekr., Pr. 
 Ess. Inst, iii, 1862, 161 (Maine).— CoUES, itid. v, 1868, 308.— Lav/k., Ann. Lye. 
 N. Y. viii, 1866, 299.— Elliot, B. N. A. pi. 56. 
 
 Thalasseus caspius var. imperator, CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 538 (in text). — Eidgw., 
 Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 391 (lUinois). 
 
 Hydroprogne caspia, Kattp, Sir. Ent. Eur. Thierw. 1829, 91. 
 
 Helopus caspius, Wagl., Isis, 1832, 1224. 
 
 Sulochelidon caspia, Beehm, V. D. 1831, 770.— Bp., List, 1838,62; Compt. Rend. 1856^ 
 772.— Lawr., Ann. Lyo. N. Y. v, 1850, 37.— Blas., J. f. 0. 1866, 82. 
 
 Sterna ischegrava, Lepech., Nov. Comm. Petrop. xiv, 1770, 500, pi. 13, f. 2. 
 
 Sterna megarhynchos, Meybk, Tasch. Deut. Vog ii, 457. 
 
 Sterna strenna, GoULD, 
 
 Thalassites melanotis, Sw. (Fide Blas.) 
 
 Sylochelidon halthica et schillingii, Brehm, V. 1). 769, 770. 
 
 (?) Sylochelidon cayanensis, Bp., Compt. Eend. 1856, 772 (gives regia also). 
 
 Sab. — The Northern hemisphere. Arctic America, and south along the Atlantic 
 coast to New Jersey. 
 
 Adult, breeding phimage. — (No. 17978. Mus. S. I., from Hudson's Bay.) Bill about the 
 length of the head, very much longer than the tarsus, exceedingly robust, much com- 
 pressed, deep at the base, its tip not very acute. The culmen is broad and flattened at 
 the base, more compressed and narrow anteriorly ; very regularly decliuate convex 
 throughout its whole length. The commissure is curved from the angle of the mouth 
 to the tip, the amount of declination increasing toward the tip. The outline of the 
 mandibular crura is slightly concave ; the gonys is about straight ; the symphyseal emi- 
 nence only tolerably well marked. The nasal groove is short and wide, and becomes 
 quite obsolete before it reaches the tomia. The nostrils are of the ordinary shape and 
 size, or slightly widened, placed at the anterior extremity of the nasal fossa. Several 
 striae proceed out from them on the upper mandible, but the lower is quite smooth. The 
 submental space is tolerably broad, bare of feathers for about half its length. The 
 outline of the feathers on the upper mandible is as in Sterna generally, but those on the 
 side are rather broad and rounded. 
 
 The palate is antero-posteriorly very concave, but transversely it is very flat and 
 little arched or vaulted. For three inches from the tip the roof of the mouth is quite 
 smooth, with only slight indications of a median ridge ; but there is on each side a 
 deep groove, just along the edge, for the reception of the inferior mandible. The nasal 
 aperture begins 2f inches from the tip, and is rather more than an inch long. The two 
 lateral ridges are short, beginning only slightly in advance of the nasal aperture ; but 
 they are greatly elevated, very conspicuous, and their ridges so largely papillate as to 
 appear almost serrated. 
 
 Wings of ordinary length and shape for this subfamily. The primaries are quite 
 broad at their bases, but about two or three inches from their Hps become r.apidly nar- 
 rower, and taper to their slender rounded apices. The first surpasses the second by 
 
fi68i STERNA CASPIA, CASPIAN TERN. 
 
 fully as much as the latter surpasses the third. The tail is of peculiar shape ; it is 
 short, the emargination being ouly 1^ inches. The middle feathers are broad to their 
 very ends, which are rounded ; the lateral ones become successively more lengthened 
 and acute, till the external pair narrows rapidly to a fine point ; but this pair has 
 nothing of the slender and filamentous character common to most of the species. 
 
 The feet are short, and of moderate robustness. The tibise are bare for only about 
 I of an inch, or rather less than in regia, which is a much smaller bird. The tarsus is 
 peculiar in having the scutella on its anterior aspect replaced by polygonal plates of a 
 similar character to those of the lateral aspect, but larger, smoother, more regular. 
 The toes superiorly have something of this reticulation. The tarsus is elsewhere cov- 
 ered with small, rough, elevated plates of irregular shape, as is also the superior sur- 
 face of the webs. The middle toe is a little less than the tarsus ; the outer is nearly 
 as long, the tip of its claw reaching beyond the base of the middle claw ; the inner is 
 very ghort, its claw not reaching the base of the middle one. The hallux is extremely 
 abbreviated. The claws are all short, stout, little curved or acute. The interdigital 
 membranes are rather narrow and deeply incised, especially the inner one, the emargin- 
 ation of which reaches to between the second and third joints of the median digit. 
 
 Bill dark vermilion red, growing lighter and somewhat "diaphanous" toward the 
 tip. Pilenm and occipital crest glos.sy greenish-black, extending to below the lower 
 level of the eyes, and occupying the termination of the feathers on the side of the man- 
 dible to the exclusion of the white. The lower eyelid is white, forming a noticeable 
 spot on the greenish. A white streak along the sides of the upper mandible, not, how- 
 ever, exteuding to the end of the feathers. Mantle pearl-blue, the line of demarcation 
 between it and the white rather indefinite, both on the nape of the neck and on the 
 rump ; most of the tail feathers, and especially the central ones, retaining a more or 
 less notable pearly tint. The rhachides of the piiniaries are yellowish- white; the pri- 
 maries themselves grayish-black, but when new, so heavily silvered over as to appear 
 of a light boary gray, especially on their superior aspects. On the inner web of all 
 there is a central light field ; this is very narrow, even on the first primary, although 
 it mns for some considerable distance, and on the others it rapidly grows less ; and it 
 has no trenchant line of division on any of the primaries from the darker portions of 
 the feather. The whole inner web of the secondaries is pure white, the outer pearl- 
 blue. Legs and feet, with their soles, black. 
 
 Adult, winter plumage. — The winter plumage of this species, as is the case with other 
 Terns, is chiefly distirguished by a diminution in the brightness of the colors of the 
 bill, and by a change in the character of the pilenm. The vermilion is replaced by 
 light orange-red, growing still yellower toward the tip of the bill and along the tomia. 
 The forehead is white, usually quite pure ; the crown white, with small, narrow, dis- 
 tinct streaks of brownish-black along the shaft of each feather. Ou the sides of the 
 head, before and behind the eyes, and over the auriculars, the black is more largely 
 intermixed with the white ; and on the nape of the neck, that is toward the termina- 
 tion of the occipital crest, the black is the predominating color, being only slightly 
 variegated with white. There is no essential difference in the amount of emargination 
 of the tail, but it has ordinarily at this season more of a pearl-blue tinge than in 
 summer. 
 
 Yoimg-of-tlie-year.—^very way much smaller than the adult, the bill especially 
 smaller, shorter and weaker, and of a duller red, more inclining to orange. Upper 
 parts as in the adult, but the pearl-blue everywhere spotted with very numerous 
 rather small roundish or hastate spots of brownish-black, largest on the tertials. Fore- 
 head grayish-white ; vertex speckled nnto grayish-white and black, the latter color 
 increasing in amount until it becomes nearly or quite pure on the short occipital crest. 
 Wings much as in the adult. Tail much shorter and less forked ; the rectrices with 
 brownish spaces near their tips, chiefly on their inner wets. Under parts dull white. 
 Legs and feet rather shorter and weaker than those of the adult, but of much the same 
 color. 
 
 A series of American skins, compared with a fully adult bird from Europe, differ in 
 size and proportion, as shown by the following table of comparative measurements : 
 
 Comparative measurements of American and European tirds. 
 
 Amer. Enr. 
 
 Length of bill along culmen 2.75 2.40 
 
 Length of bill along gaoe 4.00 3.55, 
 
 Height of bill at base..' 0.90 0.75 
 
 Width of bill opposite nostrils , jO 0.50i 
 
 Length of wing from flexure 16.50 15.00 
 
 Length of tarsus , 1.75 1.65 
 
 Length of middle toe and claw 1,65 1.55 
 
 Length of tail 5.75 5.25 
 
 From these measurements it is apparent that the American bird is decidedly larger 
 than the European. The bill is nearly a third of an Inch longer, and at the same times 
 
STERNA REGIA, ROYAL TERN. 669 
 
 is especially remarkable for its great comparative depth at the base, the width at the 
 base beiug no greater than that of the skins from Europe. This gives to the bill qnite 
 a diilfereut shape. The next most striking discrepancy is found in the length of the 
 ■B-ing from the carpal joint, in which dimension the American bird surpasses the Europ- 
 ean by fully li inches. The greatest variation I have fonnd in specimens fiom the 
 same continent is only about i an inch. Indeed the wing of the adult European hardly 
 exceeds that of a young American bird of the year. But there are no other discrepan- 
 ancies, and as it is probable that a larger suite of skins than that examined would 
 show a wider range of individual variation, it may not be necessary to recognize 
 var. imperator. 
 
 STERNA (THALASSEUS) EEGIA, Gamb. 
 Royal Tern. 
 
 (?) Grande Hirondelle de me)- de Cayenne, Bufp., viii, 346 ; whence Sterna maxima, Bodd., P. 
 E. 988 ; S. cayenneneis, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 604 ; Cayenne Tern, Lath., Syn. 
 vi, 352 ; S. caiiana, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 804. (Doubtful.) 
 
 Sterna maxima, ScL. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1871, 567 (Middle and South America).. 
 
 Sterna cayeimensis, Le6t., Ois. I'rinidad, 535. 
 
 Stei-na cayana, Bp., Syn. 1828, 353.— Nnrr., Man. ii, 1834, 268.— Add., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 
 505 ; V, 1839, 639 : pi. 273 ; Syn. 1839, 316 ; B. Am. vii, 1844, 76. pi. 429.— DE- 
 Kay, N. Y. Fauna, ii, 1844, 299, pi. 127, f. 277.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 355. 
 
 Thalasseus cayanus, Bp., List, 1838, 61.— GossE, B. Jam. 1847, 431. 
 
 Sterna regia, Game., Pr. Phila. Acad, iv, 1848, 228.— Lawr., B. N. A. 1858, 859.— Newt., 
 ibis, i, 1859, 371 (Santa Cruz).— Cab., J. f. 0. v, 234 (Cuba).— Brt., Pr. Bost. 
 Soc. vii, 1859, 134 (Bahamas).— ScL., P. Z. S. 1861, 82 (.Jamaica).— Duess., Ibis, 
 1866, 44 (Texas).— TuENB., B. E. Pa. 1S69, 47 (New Jersey).— CouES, Key, 1872, 
 319. — EiDGW., Rep. Surv. 40th parallel (in press ; Nevada, breediug).— Kidgw., 
 Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, 391 (Illinois). 
 
 Thalasseus regius. Game., Jouru. Phila. Acad, i, 2d series, 1849, 228.— Codes, Pr. Phila. 
 Acad. 1862, 539.— Codes, Ibis, 1864, 388 (Guatemala).— Salv., Ibis, 1866, 199 
 (Guatemala). — Lawk., Ann. Lvc. N. Y. viii, 1864, 104 (Sombrero); viii, 1866, 
 299j;New York) ; ix, 1868, 210 (Yucatan).- Gdndl., Eepert. 1866, 392 (Cuba).— 
 Codes, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 126 (South Carolina).— Codes, Pr. Phila. Acad. 
 1871, 42 (North Carolina; biography). 
 
 Phcetusa regia, Bp., Compt. Rend. 1856, 772. 
 
 (J) " Stei-na erythrorhynchus, Maxim., Beit, iv, 857. — Tschddi, F. N. Pern. Avr^, 305. — 
 BuHM., Syst. tJbers. iii, 450" (Scl. & Salv.). 
 
 "Sterna galeriealata, Pelz., Orn. Bras." (error for this species, sec. Scl. & Salv.', 
 P. Z. S. 1871, 565). 
 
 {^^) Sterna cliloripoda, VlElLL., Nouv. Diet, xxxii, 171 ; E. M. 349(ffa(e' coyote obscuro, 
 Az., Apunt. iii, 372). (Very uncertain.) 
 
 Hab. — More southern portions of the Atlantic coast ; north to Long Island. Gulf of 
 Mexico. On the Pacific side north to California. Nevada, breeding (i?i(?</iw.i/). South- 
 ward into the Antilles and Central America.* South Aniericn, to Brazil and Peru. 
 
 Adult, spring plumage. — Bill about as long as that of T. caspins, but of very different 
 shape, being much slenderer, its height at base being only from a fourth to a fifth of its 
 total length. Culmen gradually declinato-couvex from base to tip, the amount of curv- 
 ature increasing but slightly toward the apex, which is not very acute. Commissure 
 somewhat sinuate basally, regularly declinato-convex for the rest of its length. Rami 
 decidedly a little concave along their edges. Gonys straight, shorter than the rami, 
 the prominence between the two illy developed. Wings of ordinary length, the primar 
 ries of the usual shape and relative lengths. The tibiaj are bare for a considerable 
 distance (0.90 of an inch). The tarsus is not longer than the middle toe and claw. Its 
 anterior aspect shows a tendency toward reticulations instead of transverse scntella, 
 but there are usually some scales which extend quite across it. The lateral and poste- 
 rior aspects are thickly reticulated, as in caspias, but the plates are not so rough nor 
 elevated. The toes have the usual relative length for this genus. The interdigital 
 membranes are as described under caspius, but the emargination is not quite so great. 
 The tail is long for this genus, and quite deeply forked. The central feathers are 
 broad to their very tips, which are rounded ; the lateral ones grow successively more 
 elongated and narrower toward their tips, the external pair being slender and quite 
 filamentous for some distance from their narrow rounded apices. 
 
 * Audubon says that these birds are found in Labrador. This is certainly an error; 
 and the birds that he observed there, and mistook for this species, must have been in- 
 dividuals of the iS. caspius. 
 
\ 
 670 STEENA EEGIA, EOYAL TEEN. 
 
 The glossy greenish-black pileum does not extend below the eyes, and is so narrow 
 on the sides of the upper mandible that it allows a broad white streak to extend along 
 the edge of the mandible to the extreme tip of the feathers. The mantle is exceed- 
 ingly light pearl-blue, fading imperceptibly into white on the rump and toward the 
 extremities of the tertials. The tail is white, with a faint tinge of pearly, especially 
 on the central feathers and inner webs of the others. The secondaries are pure white 
 for their whole length, except a small space on the outer web near the tip, which is 
 grayish-blue, deeper than the mantle. The outer web of the first primary is grayish- 
 black ; the inner web of the same has a space of black extending the whole length of 
 the feather, very narrow at the base, widening as it runs toward the tip, within IJ 
 inches of which it occupies the whole web, to the exclusion of the white portion ; the 
 rest of the web is white, separated from the black by a straight distinctly-defined 
 trenchant line of division. The second, third, fourth, and fifth primaries have the same 
 general characteristics, but the white space rapidly grows narrower and shorter, and 
 runs up further in the centre than along the edge of the web, so that for a little way 
 from its end it has a border of blackish along its outer margin. The other primaries 
 have no grayish-black, but are wholly pearl-blue, their inner webs margined with 
 white. The bill is coral or orange-red, with a slightly lighter tip. The feet are black- 
 ish, their soles dull yellowish. 
 
 Winter plumage. — Bill less brightly colored than in summer, its apex and tomia dull 
 yellowish. Front white ; crown variegated with black and white, the former color in- 
 creasing on the occiput and nuchal crest, which latter, though shorter than in summer, 
 is almost or quite unmixed with white. This black extends forward on the sides of 
 the head to the eye, which it includes. The tail is not pure white, as in summer, but 
 is glossed over with the bluish of the mantle, which deepens toward the tips of the 
 feathers into dusky plumbeous. It is also considerably less deeply forked, the lateral 
 feathers having little or nothing of a filamentous character. Otherwise as in summer. 
 
 ¥oung-of-the-year in August. — Bill considerably smaller and shorter than in the adult ; 
 its tip less acute, and its angles aud ridges less sharply defined ; mostly reddish-yellow, 
 but light yellowish at tip. Crown much as in the adults in winter, but the occipital 
 crest scarcely recognizable as such. Upper parts mostly white ; but the pearl-gray of 
 the adults appearing in irregular patches, and the whole back marked with small, 
 irregularly shaped, but well-defined spots of brown. On the tertials the brown occu- 
 pies nearly the whole of each feather, a narrow edge only remaining white. Lesser 
 wing-coverts dusky plumbeous. Primaries much as in the adults, but the line of de- 
 marcation of the black and white wanting sharpness of definition. Tail basally white, 
 but soon becoming plumbeous, then decidedly brownish, the extreme tips of the feath- 
 ers again markedly white. Otherwise as in the adults. 
 
 Dimensions of ihe adults. — Length, 18 to 20 inches ; extent of wings, 42 to 44 ; wing, 
 from carpal joint, 14 to lii ; tail, G to 8 ; the depth of forking, about 3 to 4 ; bill, aloug 
 culmeu, 2..50 to 2.75 ; along commissure, 3.75 ; its height at base, 0.70 ; its width, 0.50; 
 gonys, 1 to 1.25 ; tibife base, 0.90 ; tarsus, 1.37 ; middle toe and claw, 1.40.* 
 
 Other variations.— For so large a species, aud one of this family, the variations are not 
 very great. Wbeu found, they consist chiefly in differences of dimensions, as usual, 
 aid in a less degree in the shape and size of the bill. The measurements indicated 
 above are, I believe, about the average. There seems to be no difference in the sexes. 
 The young are invariably smaller, with weaker bill and feet, and only slightly forked 
 tail. The relative proportions of the tarsus and tail of the adults, as well as the ab- 
 solute length of these parts, seem to be very constant, and always preserve the radical 
 difference from those of elegans, which is noticed below. , 
 
 Immature birds, of course, exhibit every gradation, bet ween the state of plumage 
 above described, and that of the adults. When very young, however, they preserve 
 pretty constantly the pattern of coloration given. The adults, in winter, vary a good 
 deal as to the exact amount of black remaining in the pileum ; but the essential char- 
 acters of white front, spotted vertex, nearly black occiput, and variegated lateral stripe 
 along the sides of the head, are always found. In the plumage of adult summer birds 
 I have found no variations worth noticing. 
 
 Comparison with allied species. — The species is liable to be confounded with only one 
 other of North AmeTicSk—galerieulata. While the biU is nearly or quite as long' as is 
 that of casimts, it is of a very different shape, being every way weaker, with a straighter 
 culmeu. Besides, the coloration of the primaries of caspius is peculiar in lacking the 
 white stripe on the inner webs of the primaries. S. galericulata is more nearly allied ; 
 but it is considerably smaller, with the bill, though as long or nearly so, much slen- 
 derer and differently shaped (compare descriptions), with a different proportionate 
 length of tarsus aud toes, a rich rosy blush in the breeding season, &c. 
 
 Bihliography. — While I agree with Messrs. Sclater aud Salvin that S. maxima Bodd. 
 (^cai/enHeHsis Gm., coi/ana Lath.) is not improbably this species, I cannot make the 
 identification satisfactorily. The description (of a young bird) is too short and vague 
 to be determined positively. It might have been based on Phatusa magnirostris. The 
 
 * Audubon's measurements, "tarsus, 3t^; middle toe, 1; its claw, ^;" are so glaringly 
 erroneous, that they must be either typographical or clerical mistakes. 
 
STERMA GALEEICULATA, ELEGANT TEEN. 671 
 
 name had better rest, at least until it is certain there is no other large species of Trop- 
 ical America to which it can apply. Besides, the name maxima involves an iDucciiracy. 
 Gamble's name, regia, is perfectly definite. I quote S. erijtlirorhynchos as doubtless con- 
 specific with regia, but should not be surprised if some varietal distinctions were found 
 in this case. <S. cliloripoda Vieill. I can make nothing of. 
 
 My personal observations on this species are confined to the coast of 
 North Carolina ; on a former occasion I gave the following account : 
 This Tern certainly breeds somewhere in the vicinity of Fort Macon ; 
 for, although I did not find any nests, I saw it constantly through two 
 summers, and occasionally noticed birds so young that they were still 
 receiving attentions from their parents ; while in Jnne and July small 
 flocks were often noticed pursuing so straight a course for long distances, 
 that I had no doubt they were passing directly between their nests and 
 their feeding-places. It commonly arrives from the south early in April, 
 and through this and the next month is more abundant than at other 
 times until the fall — a part, I presume, passing further north. It 
 becomes numerous again in September, and .so contiuues until the end 
 of November. I cannot say whether or not any remain all winter, but 
 think that, if observed at that season, it will be an exceptional case. It 
 is more wary than any of the other Terns, and is always the first to rise 
 among the miscellaneous troops that fleck the sand-bars. It is conspic- 
 uous by its size and bright red billj and the young are easily distinguished 
 by the smaller size, yellow instead of red bill, and spotted plumage. 
 The old birds lose the black pileum in September, the crown then 
 becoming white, bordered behind by the long, loose blackish feathers of 
 the occiput, and a few other dark ones on the sides of the head. The 
 bill in winter is not so vivid in color as in summer, and much shorter. 
 All the changes of the old are finished by October ; but the young 
 remain blotched, and with mere traces of the pearl-blue mantle, all the 
 fall. I took one old bird with the feet curiously mottled with yellowish 
 and black, and yellow claws — probably a pathological state, although 
 the bird appeared perfectly healthy. These are vigorous, spirited birds, 
 showing good fight when captured, and strong enough to bite pretty 
 severely. Their voice is loud and raucous, though still without the deep 
 guttural intonation of that of the Shearwaters. 
 
 STERNA (THALASSEUS) GALEEICULATA, Licht. 
 
 Elegant Tern. 
 
 Sterna galericnlaia, Licht., Verz. 1823, 81 (Brazil).— Schl., Mus. P.-B. Sterna;, p. 7.— 
 
 FiNSCii, Abh. Nat. 1870, 359 (Mazatlan).— ScL. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1871, 568.— 
 
 Codes, Key, 1872, 319. 
 (?) nialasseus galcriculatiis, Blas., J. f. 0. 1866, 82. 
 Sta-na elegans, Game., Pr. Phila. Acad, iv, 1848, 129 (immature).— Lawr., B. N. A. 1858, 
 
 860.— Bd., B. N. a. 1860, pi. 94.— Le6t., Ois. Trinidad, 542. 
 Thalasseiis elegans, Gajib., Journ. Phila. Acad, i, 2d series. 1849, 228.- Bp., Conipt. Eend. 
 
 1856, 772.— CoUES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 540.— Coues, Ibis, 1864, 389 (San 
 
 Salvador).— Salv., Ibis, 1866, 198. 
 Sterna comata, Phil. & Lands., Wieg. Arch. 1888, 126 {Scl. & Sah:). 
 "Sterna cayennenm, Pelz., O. B." (err. for this spec, jffde Scl. & Sala'., P. Z. S. 1671, 565). 
 (?) " Sterna cristata, Sw." 
 
 flfflJ.— Middle and South America. Up the Pacific coast froin Peru (Frohecn) to Cali- 
 fornia (GamSeZ). Tehuantepeo (SumicJirast). Trinidad (Leotaud). Brazil {LiclitensUin). 
 Not observed on the Gulf or Atlantic coast of the United States. 
 
 Adult, winter plumage.— {^o. 24281, Mus. Smith. Inst., from San Francisco, Cal.; the 
 type of the above-cited plate.) Bill much longer than the head, exceeding the tarsus, 
 middle toe and claw together; much compressed, very slender, its tip attenuated. 
 Culmen quite straight to beyond the nostrils, then slighily and equably convex for the 
 rest of its length ; broad basally, more compressed and transversely convex anteriorly. 
 Commissure declinato-convex for nearly its whole length. Mandibular rami very short, 
 decidedly concave in outline, their aUgle of divergence very acute. Gonys extremely 
 
672 STERNA GALEEICULATA, ELEGANT TERN. 
 
 long, exceeding the crnra of the mandible, its outline straight. Tomia of both man- 
 dibles sharp and much inflected. Nasal groove long, fully half the culmeu, narrow, 
 not deep, directed obliquely downward and forward toward the tomia ; but it becomes 
 obsolete, however, before reaching them. A few oblique indistinct strise on both man- 
 dibles. The outline of the feathers on the bill is as usual. The bill is orange-red, 
 insensibly fading into yellow on the tip and cutting edges. 
 
 The naked portions of the tibise, the tarsus and the toes, -with the claws, are black ; 
 the soles of the feet mostly yellowish. The most striking peculiarity of the feet is the 
 length of the tarsus, as compared with the toes. The former is very much longer than 
 the middle toe alone, and slightly exceeds the middle toe and claw together.* The feet 
 are of the ordinary shape and stoutness, with the usual extent of the tibise bare. The 
 outer toe, without its claw, is very long, being but very slightly shorter than the mid- 
 dle ; while the extremity of the claw of the inner toe falls short of the base of the claw 
 of the middle. Hallux of usual dimensions. Claws all moderately long, arched, acute ; 
 the inner edge of the middle very much thinned and dilated, auid usually more or less 
 serrate. The emargination of the webs is moderate, that of the inner only reaching 
 to the third joint of the middle toe. The wings present no special peculiarities of 
 form or color, being in both these respects quite similar to regius, already fully described. 
 The markings of the primaries are quite identical. The tail also has the form of that 
 of regius. Ju the winter skin before me, it has considerably less elongated tail feathers 
 than it will have in summer. All the feathers are also washed over with a very nota- 
 ble amount of grayish-blue, most conspicuous in their outer webs. The lateral feathers 
 iu this specimen have little or none of this bluish tinge, and still preserve a consider- 
 ably elongated and tapering shape. The forehead, and feathers on the side of the bill, 
 are pure white ; on the vertex this white becomes variegated with rounded, rather illy- 
 defined spots of grayish-black, which all have pure black centres along the shaft. On 
 the occiput the black preponderates largely over the white, which is only left as 
 a slight tip to each feather. The long-flowing nuchal crest is glossy greenish and 
 black, unadulterated with white ; and this color extends forward on the sides of the 
 head as a well-defined band, passing through and a little beyond the eyes. Even in 
 this winter specimen the rosy hue of the under parts is perceptible. 
 
 Dimensioiis of name apecimen. — Culmen, 2.60 ; rictus, 3.75 ; gonys, 1.40 ; height of biU 
 at base, 0.50 ; width, 0.4.5 ; "length, 17 ; " wing, 12.25 ; tail, 4.75 ; depth of fork, 2.25 ; 
 tarsus, 1.25 ; middle toe, 0.85 ; its claw, 0.30. 
 
 The above is taken from a perfect winter specimen (the original of the figure in the 
 Atlas of Birds N. A.), which does not differ materially from Gambel's type. The follow- 
 ing gives the perfect summer plumage : 
 
 Adult. — Bill bright red, salmon-colored toward tip. Feet black ; soles and under 
 surfaces of claws slightly flavescent. Crown of head, including long-flowing occipital 
 crest, pure black, reaching down on the sides of the head to a straight line just on a 
 level with the lower border of the eye ; the white of the cheeks, &c., accompanying 
 the black to the foremost point of extension of the feathers in the nasal fossai. All the 
 under parts rosy-white, with satin gloss. Tail entirely pure white, longer and more 
 deeply forked than iu winter. Back and wings pale pearl-blue ; the usual pattern of 
 coloration of the primaries. "Length, 19 ; extent, 48" (label) ; culmen, 2.75 ; wing, as 
 before ; tail, 7.50 ; depth of fork, 3.50 ; tarsus, 1.25 ; middle toe and claw, the same. 
 
 This species scarcely requires comparison with any other. The following measure- 
 ments give the difference in size and shape between it and regia — the only North 
 American species with which it is likely to be confounded : 
 
 S. regia : Bill along culmen, 2.60 (average) ; depth at base, 0.75 (or about 0.333 its 
 length) ; gonys 1.25, about equal to rami of lower mandible, measured from the feathers 
 on the side ; wing, 14.50 to 15 ; tibise, bare, 0.90 ; middle toe and claw, 1.30 to 1.40 ; 
 tarsus, 1.25. 
 
 S. galei'lculata : Bill along culmen, 2.60 (average) ; depth at base, 0.50 (or about 0.2 
 of its length) ; gonys 1.40, or rather longer than rami, measured as above ; wing, 12.25 
 to 12.50 ; tibiae, bare, 0.65 ; middle toe and claw, about 1.15 ; tarsus, 1.25. 
 
 Compare also Gambel's original description and remarks. Galericulata is a smaller 
 bird than regia, yet with bill, tail, and tarsi as long ; the bill much slenderer ; the toes 
 shorter ; the under parts colored as they never are in regia. 
 
 I now follow several European ornithologists iu referring the species generally known 
 as "elegans" to S. galericulata of Lichtenstein — a name which had escaped me in my 
 earlier studies of this group. Messrs. Sclater and Salvin say that comata PUil. & Landb. 
 is the same bird. 
 
 * The species may always be diagnosed from S. regia by the measurements of these 
 parts, the toes being in galericulata considerably shorter, compared with the tarsus, 
 than in regia. In regia the middle toe and claw are somewhat longer than the tarsus; 
 in galericulata the two are of about the same length. The tarsus of regia but very 
 slightly surpasses the middle toe without its claw ; the tarsus of galericulala is nearly 
 a fourth of its own length longer than the middle toe without its claw. 
 
STEKXA CAXTIACA, SANDWICH TEEX. 673 
 
 STEE:s'A (THALASSEUS) CAXTIACA, Gm. 
 
 Sandwich Tern. 
 
 Sterna catriiaca, Gm., Svst. Nat. i. 1788, 606.— Tesm.. JIan. 1815. 479.— Stfph., Gen. Zool. 
 xiii, 14T.— JF\-., Man. 1H35, -ilio.- Eyt., Cat. Br. B. 18;!G. 54.— Kicvs. & Blas., 
 Wirb. Eur. 1840, 97.— Naum., T. D. x, 1840, 51, pi. -250.— ScHL., Eev. Crit. 1-41, 
 129 ; Mus. P.-B. Stemce, p. 5.— Gray, Geo. of B. iii, 1849, 658 ; List Br. B. 1863, 
 239.— AUD., Oru. Biog. iii. 1>3:>, ,531, pi. 279 ; Syn. 1^39, 317 : B. Am. vii, 1844, 
 87. pi. 431.— DeKay, N. Y. F. ii, ls44, 303, pi. 124, f. 274.— Tttrnb., B. E. Pa. 
 1^09. 47 (New Jersey; straggler).— ScL. & Salv., P. Z. 8. 1-71, oli9.— Allen., 
 Am. Nat. iii, 1870, &14 (Massachusetts).— Coves. Key, 1;72. 320.— P£lz., Orn. 
 Bras. 324 (Brazil). 
 Thalasseiis cantiaeus, BoiE, Isis, 1822, 563.— Bp., List, 1?38, 61.— Blas., J. f. O. It(i6, 81 
 
 (locates nubilosa, Spakkm., here). 
 ActodieJiflon canliacui. K.irp, Sk. Ent. Enr. Thierw. 1829, 31. 
 
 (t1 Sterna africana. Gjl, Svst. Nat. i. 1788. 605.— Lath.. Ind. Orn. ii, 1790. 805 (nneertam). 
 (?^ Sterna striata, Gm., Svst. Nat. i, 17.-8. 009.— Lath., lud. Orn. ii, 1790. -■07 (uncertain). 
 Sterna *<^v«'i. Lath., Imi. Orn. ii. 1790, 806 (=cantiaca, Gm.).— Leach, Cat. l^l(i. 41.— 
 Flem., Br. An. 182-, 142.— Nnr., Man. ii, 1834, 276.— Macgil., Man. ii, 1842, 230. 
 Sterna columhina, ScHRK. (FiffeBLAS.) 
 •■ Sterna na'ria, Bewick, Br. B. ii, 1804. 207." {Gray.) 
 Sterna stuherica, Bechst., Naturg. Deut. iv, 679. 
 Sterna caneacens, Meyek, Tasch. Deut. Tog. ii, 458. 
 Thala^eeus cant&cens et caudicans, Brehm, V. D. 1831, 776, 777. 
 Sterna acuHarida, C.vB., Pr. Best. Soc. ii, 1847, 257.— Lawr., B. N. A. 1858, 860. — BitY^., 
 
 Pr. Bost. Soc. vii, 1859. i:i4 (Bahamas). 
 Thalasseu$ actiflaridiw, CorE.*. Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862. 540.— Coves. This, 1864. 389 (Central 
 America). — S.vLV.. Ibis. 1866, 198 (the same).— Guxdl., Eepert, 1866, 392. — 
 Lawr.. Ann. Lvc. N. Y. viii, 1866, 299 (New York) ; ix, 210 (Yucatan).- CouES, 
 Pr. Ess. Inst, t, 1868. 60 i.Nevr England).— CoiES. Pr. Bost. Soc. xii. 1868. 12& 
 (South Carolina).— CouES. Pr. Phila. Acad. 1^71, 42 (North Carolina). 
 Bfl6. — Atlantic coast of North America to Southern New Englaud. Bahamas ; Cuba ; 
 Jamaica ; ranging Into Central America (both coasts). Honduras, breeding {Salciti). 
 South into Brazil {Pehehi). 
 
 Ad«It, breeding plumage. — Bill much longer than the head, exceeding in length the 
 tarsus, middle toe and claw together ; quite slender and attenuated for this genus, the 
 tip excessively acute. The convexity of the culmen. from tip to base, is regular, but 
 very slight. The commissure is gradually declinato-convex throughout its whole 
 length. The outline of the mandibular crura is decidedly concave ; that of the gonys 
 about straight. An eminentia symphysis is hardly appreciable. The submental or 
 intercrural space is very short and extremely narrow, the feathers only covering its 
 posterior half. Nasal groove very long, narrow, not deep, extending more than half 
 the length of the bUl, and subsiding at the tomia. Both mandibles are marked with 
 oblique longitudinal striae. The outline of the feathers on the bill is as usual in this 
 subfamily. Wings of moderate length, of ordinary shape ; the primaries quire broad 
 to within a short distance of their rounded, not very narrow nor acute, tips. The 
 formation of the tail is exactly as in regia. The feet are quite slender, moderately 
 compressed, anteriorly scutellate, laterally and posteriorly reticulate, as usual in the 
 subfamily. Webs moderately incised for this genus ; relative proportions of the tnes 
 as in other species. Claws all long, strong, arched, acute, the inner edge of the middle 
 one greatly dilated. 
 
 Bill black; the tip for ^ to f of an inch bright yellow, sharply defined against the 
 black; "inside of mouth deep blue." Feet dull blatk. Pileum and occipital crest 
 glossy black, with a tinge of green ; the color extending just below the eyes, but leav- 
 ing a space along the side of the mandible white to the extremity of the feathers. The 
 mantle is exceedingly light pearl-blue, fading on the rump and npper tail-coverts into 
 pure white ; but the rectrices themselves have a slight shade of pearly bluish. The 
 primaries are colored ex.ictly as in regia. On the inner web of the fii-st the black space 
 is broad and deep in color : when about Ii inches from the apex of the quUl it quite 
 suddenly grows wider, so as to exclude the white jiortion fiom the tip altogether. The 
 second, third, and fourth primaries have the same general pattern, but the white runs 
 up further on the central portion thau on the edge of the web, so that toward its end 
 it receives a narrow edging of blackish. The other iiriniaries have no blackish, but 
 are simply pearl-blue, with broad white margins along the whole 1. ugth of their inner 
 ■webs. The outer primaries are all heavily silvered when the quills are new. 
 
 Dimensions of the adult. — Length, 15 to 16 inches : extent, ; wing, from the carpus, 
 
 12.50 ; tail, 6 ; depth of emargination, 2.35 ; bill, along culmen, 2.'25 ; along gajie, 3 ; 
 its height at base, 0.48 ; width, ditto, 0.37 ; length of rami from feathers on side of 
 
 43 
 
674 STEENA CANTIACA, SANDWICH TEEN. 
 
 lower mandible, 1 ; gonys, 1.20 (longer than rami) ; tarsus, 1 ; middle toe and claw, 
 very slightly longer. 
 
 Adult, winter plumage. — The yellow tip of the bill decreases in extent and intensity 
 of color ; the front is white, either pure or speckled with black ; the crown variegated 
 with black and white, the former color consisting of small, narrow, distinct streaks 
 along the shaft of each feather ; but the long occipital crest, which does not entirely 
 disappear at this season, usually remains of an unmixed brownish-black. The lateral 
 tail feathers are shorter than in summer. 
 
 Young-of-fhe-year in Jiti/iist.— Considerably smaller than the adult, as is usual m 
 this subfamily, the wing being a full half inch shorter. The bill is shorter and weaker, 
 and is without any very sharply-defined angles and ridges. It is brownish-black, the 
 extreme point only yellowish. The crown, front, and occiput, are brownish-black, va- 
 riegated with white ; the white touches very small on the forehead. The upper parts 
 are as in the adult, but everywhere marked with irregularly-shaped but well-defined 
 spots and transverse bars of decided brownish-black. There is no well-formed occip- 
 ital crest until after the first moult. The primaries are like those of the adults. The 
 tail, however, is very different. The feathers for three-fourths their length are of the 
 color of the back ; this color gradually deepens, until toward the tips it becomes 
 brownish-black, each feather having a terminal irregular edge left whitish. The tail, 
 in shape, is simply deeply emarginate, the outer feathers being but slightly longer than 
 the second. 
 
 Other variations. — The yellow tip of the bill varies greatly in extent, and has also a 
 varying outline and distinctness of definition from the black. The length of this yel- 
 low tip appears to depend in a good measure ujjon the age of the bird, while the 
 intensity of the color is apparently affected most by the season of the year. The dif- 
 ference between the longest and shortest tips that have come under my observation is 
 full half an inch (varying from i to f). The length of the tarsus and toes seems very 
 constant, as are the markings of the primaries in their extent and distribution. The 
 difference in length of wing from the carpus is only about one-half an inch in adnlt 
 birds. The forking of the tail varies somewhat, but never equals that of the species 
 of Sterna proper. 
 
 A series of winter skins from Jamaica in, probably, their first moult (if they really 
 belong to this species), differ from adult examples from various points on the Atlantic 
 doast in being every way considerably smaller. The bills are about a third of an inch 
 shorter than the average ; and other parts differ proportionally. 
 
 Buropean : White margin of inner web of outer three or four primaries wide, ex- 
 tending quite to tip, which it wholly occupies. Breadth of white portion one and a 
 half inches from tip of first primary, 0.25 of an inch. 
 
 American : White margin of inner web of three or four outer primaries narrow, 
 falling short of tip, which is wholly occupied by the black portion. Breadth of white 
 ■margin one and a half inch from tip of first primary, 0.10 of an inch. 
 
 The foregoing expresses certain points of difference I have found to subsist between 
 the American and European birds, but I do not now attach to them any importance, 
 since they may depend mainly upon age of the individual quills. Whether or not i 
 can agree with my friends. Dr. Sclater and Mr. Salvin, "that Dr. Cones has ably dis- 
 cussed the subject," I am ready to concede that he "has succeeded in reducing the 
 ■differences to a minimum which is too small to warrant specific separation ! " 
 
 Subgenus Sterna, Linn. 
 
 <C sterna, Linn., Syst. Nat. 1748, et auct. (Type S. hirundo, Linn.) 
 
 > Thalassea, Kaup, Sk. Ent. Eur. Thierw. 1829, 97. (Type S. paradiaea, BrOnn.) 
 S- Sifdroeccropis, BoiE, Isis, 1844, 178. (Same type.) 
 
 > Sternula, BoiE, Isis, 1822, 563. (Type S. minuta, Linn.) 
 
 Gen. chak. Bill about as long as, or a little shorter than, the head, much longer than 
 the tarsus; variable iu stoutness, but gent- rally quite slender, compressed, very acute; 
 the culmen declinato-convex, gradually and regularly curved from base to apex ; the 
 commissure gently curved ; the outline of the rami straight, or a little concave ; the 
 gonjs quite straight, slightly ascending; the eminentia symphysis well marked, but 
 not very prominent. Wings long and pointed, typical of the subfamily. Tail long, 
 forked ; varying in these respects ; but the lateral feathers always elongated, tapering, 
 and filamentous, and the depth of the forficatiou very considerable. Tarsus slender, 
 compressed, a little shorter than the middle toe and claw, slightly longer than the 
 middle toe alone, much shorter than the bill, about as long as the ramus of the inferior 
 maxilla. Toes moderately long. Webs moderately broad and incised ; varying in this 
 respect, but never so deeply cut out as iu Hijdroclielidon. Size moderate, or very small ) 
 general form slender and graceful. Head without a decided occipital crest. A black 
 pileum ; the back some shade of blue ; the primaries variegated with black and white, 
 and silvery ; the under parts white, with or without a plumbeous or rosy tinge. 
 
STERNA TEUDEAUI, TEUDEAIj's TEEN. C75 
 
 The genus Sterna, as restricted by most later ornithologists, includes the nuraeroas 
 species which are clcsely allied to S. hirundo. They agree very closely in size, general 
 form and prf>portion, and pattern of coloration, as well as in seasonal changes of X''"™- 
 age. So closely is this resemblance maintained, that it is with some difficulty that the 
 gronp can be divided into sections. Specific characters likewise aje sometimes a little 
 obscnre, especially when we have to deal with immature specimens. 
 
 In winter the species lose the bright color of the bill and tarsi, to a greater or less 
 degree, and also the black pileum, which is mostly restricted to an occipital patch, and 
 a rascia on each side of the head. The long-forked tail is shortened ; the lateral feath- 
 ers have little of the elongated filamentous character they possess in summer. The 
 yonng-of-the-year resemble the adults in winter in most points, but are generally vari- 
 egated on the upper parts with brown markings. 
 
 Of the many species of the genus, nine or ten are known to inhabit North America. 
 Of these, three {hirundo, macrura, and paradisea) are common to Europe and America, 
 while of those remaining, two have a wide tropical dispersion. They may be recognized 
 by the following brief diagnoses : 
 
 Analysis of North American species of Sterna. 
 
 A. Mantle pearl-gray. 
 
 I. No black cap. 
 
 Head whitish, with black bar through eye ; under parts like the 
 
 mantle trudeaui. 
 
 II. A black cap. 
 
 u.. No white frontal crescent. 
 
 a'. Bill wholly or mostly red or reddish. 
 
 Bill red, blackening at end. Feet coral-red. Outer 
 web of outer tail feather, white ; inner, gray or 
 
 dark. Tarsus 0.90, or more forsteri. 
 
 Bill red, blackening at end. Feet coral-red. Outer 
 web of outer tail feather, gray or dark; inner, 
 white. Tarsus about 0.75. Under parts decidedly 
 
 paler than upper Tiirundo. 
 
 Bill wholly red. Feet vermilion. Tail feather as in 
 the last. Tarsus 0.65, or less. Under parts nearly 
 
 like upper macrura. 
 
 v. Bill black, often red at the base. Feet reddish paradisea. 
 
 h. A white frontal crescent. 
 
 Bill yellow, tipped with black. Feet yellow supei-ciliaris. 
 
 Bill and feet black aleulica. 
 
 B. Mantle dusky. A white frontal orescent. Bill black. 
 
 Mantle blackish-brown ; crown the same fuliginosa. 
 
 Mantle smoky gray ; crown much darker anostlusta. 
 
 Note. — The above analysis is based upon adult summer birds, and is nob available for 
 the young in which the characters, especially of color of the bill and feet, may be materi- 
 ally different. These, especially of Sec. II, can only be determined by reference to the 
 detailed descriptions. S. porllandica is not presented here. 
 
 STEEISTA TRUDEAUI, Aud. 
 
 Trndeau's Tero. 
 
 sterna trudeaui, Aud., Om. Biog. v, 1839, 125, pi. 409 ; Syn. 1839, 319 ; B. Am. vii, 1844, 
 105, pi. 435 (New Jersey and Long Island). — GiK., B. L. I. 1844, 354. — Lawr., 
 B. N. A. 1858, 861.— CouBS, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 542.— Schl., Mus. P.-B. Sternm, 
 p. 29.— SCL. & Salv., p. Z. S. 1871, 570.— COHES, Key, 1872, 322. 
 
 Thalasaeus trudeaui, Bp., Comptes Eendus, 185(5, 772. 
 
 Phoetusa trudeaui, Blas., J. f. 0. 1866, 73. 
 
 Sler*na frobeeni, Phil. & Landu., Wieg. Arch. 1863, 125 ; Cat. Av. Chil. 49. (Sol. & Salv.) 
 
 DiAG. S. corpore perlaceo, capite et tectricihus alarum inferioribus albis, vittd transoculari 
 nigrd, rostra rubescente, nigro-dncto, apicc fiavicante. 
 
 Hob. — South America. Brazil {Scl. & Sab:). Chili (Phil. & Landb. ; Leybold). Bue- 
 nos Ayres {Mus. S. I.}. Atlantic coast of United States {Auditbmi & Trudeau). 
 
 Adult, perfect plumage. — The bill is noticeably stout for its length, especially deep at 
 the base. The culmen is regularly curved ; the outline of the rami is a little concave, 
 
676 STEENA F0R8TEEI, FORSTEK's TKEN, 
 
 tijat of tho gonys Btraight and iiH(;cndin(; ; tlio KiiP'- followu nearly tlio i^iiivc. ol tho 
 culineu. In shape tlic bill, in fact, alinoHt reinalh y'(;c«/ni, and avcragiiH tliu Hainn in 
 length. The tip is broadly Htraw-yellow ; at the liaw! it uppiiuH to have bcten liriKhl. 
 colored (probably reddish); a broad band of black iiiterveneH. The whole head w Jiiire 
 white, including all. the parts about the Ijase of the bill ; this dei-,penH insenHibly into 
 the pearly color all around. 'J'here is a narrow distinct bar of slaty-black on the side 
 of the head, passing through the eye from a point just in advance of tho auriciilars, 
 where the fa.Hcia widens and bends down a little,. All the rest of the, phiitiugo, lielow 
 as well as above, is of a uniform lustrous pale pearly, with tho following exce,|)tions : 
 The under surfaces of the wings are jmre white; thi! tail, with its coverts and the 
 rumj), are white, but still with an appieeiablo pearly tini, ; the tips, and iiarl of the 
 inner vanes of the secondaries and tertials, are white ; the priuiaries have tho picture 
 common to most Terns, wilh a white space on the inm;!- wclis; their darker portions 
 are beautifully silvered over with hoary gray, which makes then] iippeai paler than 
 usual; the shafts are white above and below, except at the extreme tips; the hict 
 appear to have been reddish or yellowish, certainly of some bright color. 
 
 bimmsions.—V/ini^, l():Z^>; tail, G.fjO; depth of the foik, ;i.7.'. ; bill, along ciilmen, \SiO; 
 its depth at base, 0.:JH ; length if gonys, 1.75; tarsus, 0.!»0 ; njiddle toe and claw, 1.0.'<. 
 
 A specimen belonging to J. I'. Girand, i-sq., beiievcd to be Ihe original of Anilubon'it 
 plate and description, agrees minutely with tho (me frorrj which tlnv for<!going deserip- 
 tiou was taken from Buenos Ayres (No. iWtW, MuH. Hmiths.). In my a,bove-(| noted 
 article 1 discussed the relationships of Auduljon's tyjie to 8. fwHlnri, rather elaboralely, 
 but not very satisfactorily, in as far as considering it as possibly that species is concerned. 
 I was deceived by the great similarity in its size and proportions to Jhrnl.(ri, and was 
 under the wrong imijression that it might gain a black cap. It is clear to me that 
 triidmid is pcifectly distinct from all other North AujiM-ican species, and that it never 
 gains a black cap; it is, in fact, one of the most remarkablo of all the Terns. I am 
 under the impression that irudeaui is not its first name, believing it to be one of Vieil- 
 lot's species ; but I cannot now make a di:ti:rn]ination. 
 
 The species requires comparison with no other, its coloration being peculiar if not 
 unique. In addition to the two specimens above referred to, 1 have, if my mcjmory be 
 not at fault, seen another in the La I'resnaye collection, now in liostou, labidiid with a 
 Vieillotian name. 
 
 I'he only question is regarding the projiriety of introducing the sjiecies among Nrirth 
 American birds. I'or myself, I doubt that it was ever actually taken within our limits; 
 but I have no means of disjiroving one author's positive a«Bertion to tluit etieot. 
 
 STEEXA FOJtHTEIil, Nutt. 
 
 Forster's Tern. 
 
 Sterna hirtmdo, 8w. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, ^''i■',l, 412; not of authors, 
 
 aterna fornteri, Xt;TT., Man. ii, 18:14, 274 (foot note ; based on 8. hininihi, Sw. & RiCJi.), — 
 Lawj!., Ann. Lye. N. Y. v, 185^, 22Ji.— Jii-., Coraiit. Kerid. IKii), 772.— Lawk., B. 
 N. A. 1828, 802.— C'o(jj:,s, \'v. Phila. Acad. 1862, 544.— lOi.i.ioi, B. N. A. Int/od. 
 (figure of tailj.— Coi K8, Ibis, 1864, :i90 ('f;oateniala;.— Sai,v., Ibis, 18<)(), \W 
 (the same).- ];i„iH., J. f. 0. 18(;fi, 74, 78.— Lawk., Ann. Lye. N. V. viii, IcWl, 2!)y 
 (l^im^ Island). — Cocks, I'r. Phila. Acad. 18W), 'J'J CAiJzona). — Coi.km, )'r. Ivis. 
 Inst. V, 18G8, aO'! (New Ivngland).— Sc;,. & Bai.v., P. Z. ,S. 1871, 'ifi'.t (Tiuatfjmala 
 and Brazil).— Coi;j,s, Pr. Pbila. Aca<l. 1871, 44 (.North Carolina;.— fJoc/.H, Kev, 
 1872, 321.— 8.VOW, B. Kaus. 187:'., 12.— iiii.GW,, A. Lye. N. Y. x, 1874, D'Jl f Illinois). 
 
 Sterna laxvlli, Ai;d., Orn. Biog. v, 18:39, 122, pi. 4f/J, f. 1 ; Syn. 18:):i, :)18 ; Ii. Am. viii, 
 1844, lO:;, pi. 4:i) (young or winter pbimage). — LaWU., B. N. Am. 1858, ik'A.— 
 CoUK.s, I'r. Phila. Aca/I. 18(i2, .54:} (refers it to forxli;ri,). 
 
 Gelochelidon futi-idl.i, Bi-., Comptes Kendus, l8.5(i, 772. 
 
 DiAG. S. Skrria: Idnuidiiti. nimiliH, nedmajor, ciiudd longiim, ma(/iiifi/rfi.t:aUt, alia hrmorihuH, 
 ronlro robuKtiore, lamiH hiifijiori-han, iimjutdo inttrno rcclri'M iixIcruiriH <jrlw.(), cMirnn alho, 
 gantraso albido. 
 
 //ah. — North America at large. Middle America. South America to Brazil. Only 
 known to breed in the liigher latitudes. 
 
 Adult, spring x/lumaye. — Bill orange-yellow, black for nearly its terminal half, the 
 extreme point.ii of both matubhles yellowish ; robast, deep at the ba<Mj ; colmen mark- 
 edly declinato-convex, eminence at symphysis well developml ; in total Ujngth from 
 iV to -('.j oi an inch longer than that of S. Urundti. The black pilenm does not extend 
 go far down on the side^ of the head as it does in h.irundo, barely eii/lira<;ing the eye 
 (the lower lid of which ut white), and leaving a congiderably wider white sjiace between 
 
STERXA FOESTERI, FORSTEE's TERX. 677 
 
 the eye and commissural edge of superior maxilla than in hirundo. The color of the 
 back hardly differs appreciably from that species ; it is perhaps a shade lighter. The 
 wings are comparatively considerably shorter than those of hirundo, being abhulutely 
 1 little shorter, thongh forsteri is a larger bird. They are very light colored, beiujj 
 strongly silvered witn the peculiar hoariness common to most of the species of the 
 genus, this light color being very observable even on the coverts. The outer web of 
 the first primary is not black, but silvery like the others ; all the primaries want the 
 very decided white space on the inner webs which exists in hirundo and macnira ; there 
 are indications of it, indeed, on the three or four outer primaries, hut the others are a 
 nearly uniform dusky gray, moderately hoary. The entire under parts are white, with 
 scarcely a trace of the plumbeous which is so evident in hirundo, and amounts to so 
 decided a color in macrura. The tail is a slightly lighter shade of the color of the m^^n- 
 tle, separated from the latter for a short space by the decidedly white rump. The 
 lateral feathers are much more lengthened than in hirundo, the elongation generally 
 quite equaling that of macrura, and sometimes even exceeding it. These two lateral 
 feathers are white on the outer web, dusky gray on the inner. This being exactly the 
 revefte of hirundo, and a very noticeable feature, was the first to draw attention to the 
 bird ; and this character being so tangible and convenient, writers have perhaps laid 
 too much stress upon it, to the exclusion of others quite as evident and more important. 
 The feet are bright orange, tinged with vermilion ; the tarsus shorter than the middle 
 toe and claw ; the feet longer and stouter by over 0.10 of an inch than the same parts 
 in hirundo. 
 
 Adult, winter plumage. — The black of the terminal portion of the bill increases so 
 much in extent that nearly the whole bill becomes dusty, except a small space at the 
 base of the under mandible, and a terminal space of varying extent. The feet lose 
 their vermilion tinge and become dusky yellowish. The black pilenm is more or less 
 variegated with white on the forehead to the almost complete exclusion of the black ; 
 but there is always considerable black left on the nape, and a more of less broad and 
 distinct bar always extends along the sides of the head, embracing the eyes. The lat- 
 eral tail feathers have not the elongation and attenuation of those of summer, being 
 but little, if any, longer than those of hirundo during the breeding season. The color 
 of the inner web is usually somewhat darker, and sometimes extends on the outer as 
 well as the inner, especially toward the tip of the feather. 
 
 At the time of the moult the old primaries lose their silvering and become plain brown 
 and white, their shafts being of a decided yellow. The inner webs at this season have 
 white spaces, with nearly as distinctly-defined margins as are found in hirundo and 
 macrura. 
 
 Young. — Bill in all its proportions considerably smaller and weaker than that of the 
 adults, and wanting its very acute tip and sharply-defined ridges and angles ; brown- 
 ish-black, fading into dull flesh-color at the base of the under mandible. Front white, 
 but the crown and nape show considerable traces of the black that is to appear, which 
 is now mixed with a good deal of light brown. The pearl-blue of the back and wing- 
 coverts is everywhere interrupted by irregular patches of light grayish-brown, showing 
 a tendency to become transverse bars ; this grayish-brown on the tertials deepens into 
 brownish-black, and occupies nearly the whole extent of each feather. The primaries 
 differ from those of the adult in having less of the silvery gloss, and the inner white 
 spaces are more marked, being in fact like those of the adult hirundo. The rump and 
 under parts are pure white. The tail intensifies, so to speak, its adult characters as 
 regards color ; and, independently of any other feature, will always serve to identify 
 the species. It is deeply emarginate, but the lateral feather is not greatly produced, 
 surpassing the second by scarcely more than the latter surpasses the third. Its inner 
 web, for an inch or so from the tip, and both webs of the other feathers, are quite de- 
 cidedly grayish-black; the intensity of this color, and also its extent, decreasing suc- 
 cessively on each feather from without inward, so that the central pair scarcely deepen 
 their color at the tips. The outer web of the lateral feather generally stays pretty 
 uninterruptedly white, but sometimes is just at the tip invaded by the darker color of 
 its inner web. 
 
 The foregoing descriptions embrace all the stages of plumage of this species which 
 are well characterized. Between them, of course, there will be found every gradation. 
 The number of immature specimens of this species which are found in collections, as 
 compared vrith the adults, is surprising. Fully one-half of all the examples before me 
 are in the "hareUi" state of plumage, having white fronts and the ordinary ocular 
 fascia. This is doubtless owing to the northern localities in which the bird breeds 
 Few, if any, United States specimens are to be taken, except in winter. 
 
 Sterna forsteri alfords a good illustration of a species bearing so intimate a general 
 resemblance to another as to be confounded with it at first glance, and yet when care- 
 fully examined proving to be totally distinct. It is perfectly easy to separate it from 
 the hirundo by its characters of bill, wings, tail or feet, either of which, taken, alone, 
 would identity it. The following table will exhibit at a glance the distinctive features 
 of our three most intimately allied species. 
 
678 
 
 STERNA FORSTERI, FOKS lEK S TERN. 
 
 Differential iliagiiost-s of S. ./orsfcii. hiruiido, and macriira. 
 
 S. forsteii : Bill ^;ivorii<;e), l.OH iildiis' ciilinoii ; doii'lli ;\t l):i,so. 0. Id; mlmsl. Bill 
 orange-yollow, noiul.v lis (oniiiiiHl lialf bhiok. Wliiti' spnci' liolwi-rii oxo luiil onlliiitt 
 L'dgo of upper uiiimliblo bvoad. UiuUm' parts wliito. Ouirr web of liist iniiiiaiy sil- 
 voiy; the iuaer wobs also ol" t!io ollu'is strongly lioary, without woll ib-iiiu'il wbilo 
 spaces. Tail bluish-pearl, like the baek, its lateral leather i;reaHy pnnliieed (,a\i-ra,i;e 
 uoiu'ly 7 iuehes iu length) ; its outer web w bite, inner the eolor ol the rest ol Ihe tail. 
 Legs long aud stont. ' Ijengtb ol' tarsns (a\ i>rage) rather over 0.90 of an ineli ; orange- 
 yellow, tiuj^ed with vermilion. Lenglli of tarsns. middle toe and elaw, !i inches. 
 
 .*•'. hirimdo: BilUaverage), 1. 1.", along enlnien ; depth at base. 0.;i:l ; moderate. Mill 
 vermiliou-red, its terminal third hlaeU.' White spaei> betwei-n i>ye niid enlting edg(^ of 
 ti)iper maudible narrower than iu fomtiri. Uuder parts lightly washed with plumbe- 
 ous, fadiug into white ou tlu' throat and abdomen. ()nti>r wcl) of first primary Idaek ; 
 inner webs of the others ,sonu>what lioary, with well-d<<liiied white spaees. fail wliile, 
 diflereut from the haek. its lateral feather moderately prodneed i,average(i inelies in 
 length); its outer web grayish dusky, inner white. Legs moderate. Length of larsiis 
 abiuit 0.80 of an inch ;' light vormilion-red. Length of tarsns, middle toe and elaw, 
 LTo inches. 
 
 .S'. maenira : Bill (average), l.;U) along eulinen; depth at base, O.iiO ; slend(>r. Bill 
 wholly deep carmine-red. White space iii'tween eye and cutting edge of upper mandi- 
 ble narrower than in liiniiido. Under parts deeideilly pluinlu-ous, e\li>iidiiig froiii vent 
 to throat, both of which beeoinc iibruptly wliite. rriinaries as in hiniiiiUi. Tail with 
 the elongation o( forstcri, or rather exceeding it (average 7.i">0 inelies), and the color of 
 liintiido. liCgs very short and slender. .Length of larsiis (average) 0.0^ of an ineli; 
 deep vermilion, almost lake, licngth of tarsns, middle toe ami claw, about l.fiO ini'lies. 
 
 ComiHirinoii of the \iiiiiiiii-i\f-llii-\jitir of .s'. forslcri iind hiruiido. — The bill ami feel con- 
 stantly present dilfeieiiees proportional to tluvse which exist in tl'.e lulnlls, as r<'gard8 
 length and stoutness. The hill of hiriiiido is more decidedly yellowish at the base of 
 the lower mandiblci than in that <A' J'orKlcii, and tlie feel are clear yellow iimtead of 
 being tinged with dusky. The mottled and variegated crown and Ujipcr parts are iiiueh 
 the same in both, and the markings of the quills iiiiile ideuticiil. The tail, however, 
 ditl'ers remarkably. In liiruiido the enter webs of all the feathers are dusky tfray. Iu 
 fitmlffi the revi'rso is the ease. The dilVereuee is even more marked than ill the inlnlts. 
 
 Sunvni/iiii/. — This species was ilrst indicated by Swainson and Ivielnirdson, as above, 
 uuder tlie iianie of KIrnia hiiiiiulo, these aiilhors, liowcvi'r, appreeiiitiing and eoiii- 
 meiiting n)Hiii the dill'erences from that species. Nutlall was the lirsl, to give it. a spe- 
 ci(l(^ name, based upon the indications alloiili'd by the aiilhoi's above mentioned. To 
 llr. (.1. N. Lawrence, liow'(>ver, is really due the credit of first establisliinjj; the spei ies 
 by giving eoiiiplete descriplious, and of showing its rivlat ionsliips to iS', hirmiilo. This 
 niisa|iplicatiim of Linna'ii.s' iiaiiie by Swainson and hichardson is, I believe, the only 
 spccilii^ synonym (excepting Amlnbou's " luu'elli"), nulcss the Sti-nui indltdli of Null all's 
 w'orU (from Audubon's Jlss.) is to bo reierred here, as is probably the case. In Iloiia- 
 jiarle's fable of .Longipeunos (('. h'. xlii, isrili, ]). 7(i.S) not, only is lidrcUi seiiarated spe- 
 eiUcally tvomfoi-nlfri, but it is jilaeed in a dill'erent genus ((Irlochfliildii,), wtiilo Inididiii 
 is made a Tli<ihrKi«iin. It is dillicult to aceouii» for such a, misapprehension of tin ii' 
 allinities, hut vagaries of this sort are too often found in the latest, works of this illii.s- 
 trious author. It is nnneeessary to reiirodiice hero I, he argiinient by which I showed 
 (I'r. A. N. S. I'liil. ISli-J, p. M'A) the identity of /i(ti'c//i and /iirnliri, for the fact is fully 
 established. 
 
 I append the measnreuiouts of several speoiinens of /oi'n/cri, showing llie limits of 
 its variation iu size: 
 
 i o 
 
 
 
 
 ,jq 
 
 z>^ 
 
 
 
 
 M 
 
 ■3^ 
 
 Locality. 
 
 
 ik 
 
 y 
 
 
 M 
 
 .a 
 
 ::j 
 
 ry.. J 
 
 
 C/J 
 
 it 
 
 ^ 
 
 ^ 
 
 131274 
 
 New .lersev 
 
 10. 00 
 
 (i. 00 
 
 1;2I1'.)2 
 
 ....do 
 
 X 
 
 ;». 50 
 
 7.70 
 
 IKiLil 
 .1028 
 
 do 
 
 X 
 
 9 
 
 11). 10 
 
 10. ;to 
 
 (i. 75 
 5. 00 
 
 Florida 
 
 
 .. ilo 
 
 X 
 X 
 
 0. 75 
 !) 70 
 
 7. 00 
 Ii 00 
 
 '.n)7;i 
 
 Sac Vallev . ..... 
 
 i;ii7;i 
 
 Utah 
 
 0.70 
 
 7.70 
 
 
 
 X 
 
 10 :io 
 
 7 20 
 
 4:n7 
 
 Louisiiiiifi ■ 
 
 10. ao 
 
 li.OO 
 
 
 O 
 
 
 
 MM 
 
 a 
 
 ■*- ■V 
 
 a 
 
 
 
 4.00 
 
 I.li5 
 
 0.40 
 
 5. 00 
 
 1.5H 
 
 0. 40 
 
 :t. (10 
 
 1 . (i 1 
 
 0.40 
 
 2. ;io 
 
 1.50 
 
 0. :i5 
 
 1.10 
 
 l.tiO 
 
 0.40 
 
 4.00 
 
 1. 5(1 
 
 0.40 
 
 4.70 
 
 1. ,")(! 
 
 0.40 
 
 ;i.70 
 
 Lfif) 
 
 0. :ts 
 
 :i. .'i5 
 
 1 . 54 
 
 0. :i5 
 
 fS 
 
 
 0. 94 
 
 LIT) 
 
 0.01 
 
 1.10 
 
 0.00 
 
 1. 15 
 
 0. 05 
 
 1. 14 
 
 0, 05 
 
 1. 05 
 
 0. !I0 
 
 1, 10 
 
 0. 0:t 
 
 I.OH 
 
 0, 00 
 
 1. ir> 
 
 0, i)0 
 
 I.OH 
 
STEKNA FORSTERI, FOKSTER's TEEN. 679 
 
 The history of Forster's Tern is interestiug. It is singular that so 
 couiiiion and widely-distributed a species should have remaiued unrec- 
 ognized as long as it did. Swainson and Eichardson described it as 
 the Oomiuon Tern ; Wilson did not know it at all, and Audubon only be- 
 came aware of it in the imperfect plumage which he described as " ha- 
 vein." Nuttall doubtingly gave it a name upon the strength of Eich- 
 ardson's description. Mr. Lawrence, in 1858, was the first t.o elucidate 
 its characters satisfactorily, while it was not until the appearance of my 
 paper that its changes of plumage became known. It bears, indeed, a 
 close resemblance to Wilson's Tern, yet is perfectly distinct, the curious 
 difterence in the colors of the two webs of the outer tail feathers being 
 only one of several strong characters. In (act, I learned to distinguish 
 the two species at gun-shot range, when they are in winter dress, so 
 different are they at that season. Forster's then has the crown white, 
 the occiput blackish, and a remarkably distinct black transocular fascia, 
 better marked than in any other species of ours. The bill is nearly as 
 in summer, but not so bright ; the feet are orange instead of red. This 
 plumage was finished in all of a number of old birds shot the second 
 week in September. The young-of the-year have the whole head white, 
 faintly washed with brownish, except the transocular fascia, which is 
 pure black, and very sharply defined; but nearly all the feathers of the 
 crown have dusky bases, that will increase during the fall and coming 
 winter until the condition above noticed is attained. The eye-stripe is 
 IJ inch long and about ^ an inch wide, reaching from the lores through 
 tbe eyes to and over the auriculars. The blue mantle only partly ap- 
 pears at this time, being lightly washed over with gray and clear brown ; 
 the rectrices are heavily duskj', as in hirundo at the same season, but 
 the dark color is on opposite webs in the two species. The wing-feathers 
 are new and perfect, and more hoary-silvery than those of hirnndo of 
 the same age ; but the pattern of coloration is exactly duplicated. The 
 feet are yellow, more or less obscured with dusky. 
 
 No Tern of this country is more widely and generally distributed than 
 this one. It may be found in every part of the country, at one season 
 or another, and in the interior, especially, almost replaces hirnitdo, being 
 in fact the most characteristic of the species. Doubtless some of the 
 local quotations of ^'■Mrundo^^ from interior States really refer to this 
 species. It appears to be hardier than some of its allies, as it winters 
 on our Atlantic coast north of Long Island, while most others proceed 
 further south at this season. It is the commonest Tern, in winter and 
 during the migrations, in the harbor of Baltimore. Nevertheless, its 
 wandering's at this season are pushed to South America. On the Caro- 
 lina coast it is chiefly a migrant, but also a winter resident. Compar- 
 ing it with hirundo, it is there seen to be the more northerly species of 
 the two, migrating earlier in the spring and later in the fall, besides 
 wintering where 8. hirundo does not. A few of Forster's Terns come 
 back to the Caroliuas in August; they become abundant the following 
 mouth, and there is little or no decrease of their numbers until Decem- 
 ber, when a i»art go further south, to return the latter part of March, 
 and the rest remain. It is one of the most plentiful Terns on the harbor 
 of Beaufort in October and November, when it may be distinguished 
 at any reasonable distance with ease, Wilson's Tern being tbe only one 
 at all resembling it, and this being differently marked about tbe head at 
 this season. Quite early in the spriug it leaves for its northern breed- 
 ing-grounds, generally acquiring its complete plumage before it leaves 
 tbe United States. It breeds in the interior of British America, and 
 
680 STERNA iriBUNDO, COMMON TERN. 
 
 very abundantly, to judge from the Kw.nt niinihcr of effffH Croi-i thiit 
 regiou 1 have seen, it may ynt In; Ibiiiid to m^Mt on oi' nciir tlin noitliern 
 tier of States. Of its gcrKMul habits there is little to be said, hh tliey 
 agree entirely with those of its well-known iillies. 
 
 STERNA IJIIUJNIK), Aiict. 
 (/ommon Tern. 
 
 Sternu Mrundo, CIjLinn., Fn. Siiec. I5H; SyHt Nat. i, 227 (S. maim; liiir.HH,, Oru. vi, 
 203, pi. I'J, f. 1; " roHlnim prdnmiiii; riil)ri."—iuiiy liiivo l)i',i;n nidcnii'd). (Not 
 of liiiiriiiii;!), FaliriciiiH, l''itl>(;r, or Rir'liiinlHoii.)— H(,M/i:i' I'., Mum. Oiii, 1779, 
 Of).— (i.M., Sy«t. Nut. i, 17HH, fHKi.— La'iii., liiil. Oni. ii, I7',(0, H()7. - liKiJIIHT., 
 NutciiK. iv. HOi!, (W;i.— Mi;v. & Wof.F, TuhhIi. ii, 1H10, 4.')!).— -Wilm., Airi, Orn. 
 vii, 1813, 70, |i]. CO, f. 1.— 'I'jomm., Miiri. iHl.'',, 4H1. I.kai;ii, CmI,. IrtlO, 41.— 
 Vlicif.L., N. D. xxxii, IrilO^ 17y.— 'I'k.m.m., Man. ii, Irt-.iD, 740.— Nii,hh., (Jiii. Hjicc. 
 ii, ^'■9J, !.",(;.— lioiK, IhIh, IH-.ia, .'',(;:).— Kri:i'fi., C Z. xii, l.'iO, III. ]H.— Virai,!,., I'li. 
 i<'niiii;. l«2rt, 401.— Hi-., Syo. 1H2K 3.'',4.— Fi,i;m., lir. An. \»2H, 143.— K.mip, 
 8k. Erit,. Kur. Tbiorw. IH'io, 2f;.— J5hi;mm, V. \). \K',\, '/H\.—Ia'mh., Tr. Orn. 
 1>^;!1, (121.— NU'IT., Man. ii, \K\A, a71.— .JlCN., Miui, In;).''., 2(1(;.— lii-., IjhI,, i^:w, 
 61.— Ai;o., Orn. liioK. iv, IKW, 74, pi. ;!0!l ; Hyii. W.V.i/MH; Ii. Am. vii, IH'14,!)7, 
 pi. 4:!;i.— KMYft. &. lii.AS., Willi, ICiir. 1^40, !i7.— Hoiiin/,, Vaiv. V'w. 1^,40, :i7:!. - 
 Nai;\i., V. IJ. X, 1H40, HI), pi. 252.— .VIa(J(;ii,., Miin. Orn. ii, IH42, 2:'.l.— .Sciri,., 
 Rev. Grit. OiH. Eiir. )H,44, 129.— 1)K Kay, N. V. I'n. ii, Vr'M, 2!W, pi. 12.'., (1«h. 
 275, 27G.— On:., U. L. 1. H44, ;il7.- I)i:i;i,., Orn. lOiir. ii, lH4',t, 342— (JjtAY, Oiiii. 
 of Ii. iii, ]^<'l;», 05;); I.iHt lir. 13. |H(;3, 240.— I ffoMl'H., Nat. HiHL liv.l. iii, 1H5I, 
 
 2r!l.— Pi;iN., I'r. Km. Iimt. i, 1»^.5(;, '2il.— Ooi.kh, I'r. J'liila. A<;u(l. !H(;2, .547 
 
 VKIili., I'r. Ehh. IiiHt. iii, IH(i2, lOI (MiiiiM!), — liLAH., .1. i. O. lUGfi, 7H,-(mwk., 
 Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, IHW, 20!) fNcu York;.— Ai.i.HN, I'r. IOhh. Jimt.. iv, iw;4, ;)0 
 (New Kiif^himl). — Cooi.h, i7/iV;. v, IWW, 30H (tlie Hiimi-,).— Coi;km, I'r. I'.oHt. Hoe. 
 xii, IHiirt, I2(i fSi.iith Oiiroliri:i).— Ar,i,i:,\, Am. .\:il,. iii, IH70, !i4l.~-'riii:,',ii., 15, V\. 
 Va. ]H(;<.), ;',!).— Coii.s, I'r. I'liilii, Aeuil. IH71, 43 (Norlh (Jiirnlirm, iiii(,naldiy.)— 
 (Joui.s, Key, 11-72, ;!20. — Oii.IvS, (;lie,ek-linf,, No. 5(15,— A/.i.i:n, Hnll, M. (-'. Z, li, 
 1^71 (Mori'ila, winter).— .May.n., Oiiide, 1H70, 152.— Ulimw., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 
 1874, 3'JI (Illinoin). 
 
 JTiidrooi-r/ipiH hiriiiido, Hon;, IhiH, l'<44, 170. 
 
 Sterna vilotira, IIa.^.si.uj. (Fiili; lilau.) 
 
 filcniaJlMoialil'iK.'SMM., Isi.s, 1H20, p. — . — lilci'.ii.vi, V. 1.). 1831,, 770,— Hi-,, fjoiiifiL Reiiil. 
 185(1, 772.— Okay, lliiiiil-liht, iii, 1^71, 118, No. 11021. 
 
 SI cm a jio marina, BiiKii.M, V. M. iHll, 7^1, 
 
 Sterna lil/mii, lii:hll,vi, (tlrai/ ) 
 
 {'!) Sli-riia riiariiiu, ICv'i., (/iit. lir. Ii. 183(1, .5.5 ("liy Home UHMiiineil to mtUyruru). 
 
 Sterna wilMiii, hi'., Lint, 1838, 01.- Lawi:., li. N. A. 1858, 8(11.— JJuy., J'r. lioHt. Hoe. vii, 
 18,50, 134 Cliali.-imas;. — Wiii.Ai., ')hio A^ne. Ke.p. 18(10, No. '273.— (Ji)i;|'.h, I'r. 
 riiilii. Aeiid. 18(11, 247 (Lalirmlorj.— (Joi;i„4 &, [■i-.i-.si., Hniitlis. Rep. |8!;|,418 
 (Wanbiiif^loii, D. (.'.j.— JJiiAi'.n.M., I'l'. liowt. Hoe. ix, l8(12, ]:'l (.Maine). — ])i:r,s.s., 
 IbiH, 18(1.5, 44 (Texan, In eeilb).— H.sow, li, Kan». 1873, 12 (KmiMiw, rarej. 
 
 DlAC;. S. riiKiro rntira, in. aiAmm nii/rienvte, peiJiljUK ri/hrh, piliii riii/ro, patliii perlaeetj, 
 fjaHira'it ex (dti'idn pertfieen, puipiinii ej-Jeritiri reelrnrii eMcriiiriH i/r'fHfO-ptarntteo vet fnH';o. 
 
 //«fc.— Europe. North Anieriea generally. .\ot on Mie I'aeilie Midi; (?;. lialiainiM. 
 No West Inilian or fjeolral Amerieaii reeord ( !j. lln-.edH varioiihly in ilh .S'orlli Aniiii- 
 eari raiit^*- ; winter.-i in tlie I.'iiited Ht.ate.s riort,li to 57- ; [laHseH Ix-yoiid '\'i-y.:m(Aiulnl)on). 
 (i'Et.7A.I,s'b record ot " icllmiii," p. 325, lirazil, really ref'er.H to nany.'uii. ; Jide Hi;i„ &, Halv., 
 1'. Z. .S. 1^71,5(15.) 
 
 Adult, Hurnmer plvmarje — Bill as lonjf iiM tlie lie.ad, aliont e(|iialiriK the tarxnH and mid- 
 dle toe without the ela'.v, of modciiite, iolinril,m-H», itH lir:ij;lil, at the, liui,e hi-iii;^ eon- 
 tained a little inoii: than live tinieH in the, leni^th of iti eiilmen. (ionyn Jii«t ah loni^ im 
 the rami, measiiied Cioni the featlierx on the side of the maiidililo to tlie f!niiiie,iilia 
 symphyHih, which latter i.s lint Hli;;lifly marked. .\a>*al (groove loode.ialely loni^ and 
 deeji, a Solon's, bounded above and below by a utria, iiroei-eding from il, ai'iterioily U> 
 be lost at the tomia about tvvo-tliird» the way to (he tip. In eolor it i« bright eoral, or 
 light vermilion, on its b;jsal half, or rather more than half, (he remainder }i]iu;k, i;X- 
 ee|ii the extreme, tips of the mandibles, whieli are .\idlowmli. Thr, pilemii islrmtroiis 
 velvety-Mack, with aslight tinj^e of gloHsy-(,Meen. It extends to the, |r,,ver level of the 
 eyes, but leavi-H the lov.er lids ivbit«, and it i» ho broad on the Ions Ibut the white 
 line of feathers along the side of the mandible in veiy narrow, and Jiaidly reaebi^H to 
 
STERNA HIEUNDO, COMMON TEEN. 681 
 
 the very extremity of the feathers. The whole npper parts are grayish-blue, or rather 
 deep pe'arl-lihie, this color commencing insensibly on the back of the neck, deepening 
 on the dorsum, and extending, quite undiluted, almost to the extreme apices of the 
 tertials. The bluish color, however, ends quite abruptly and distinctly on the rump, 
 so that the superior caudal rectrices are pure white. The under parts are of a consid- 
 erably lighter shade of the color of the back. On the throat, toward the chin and 
 along the borders of the black pileum, it fades into nearly or quite pure white, as it 
 does also on the inferior caudal teotrices and the circumanal region. The inferior 
 surfaces of the wings and the axillary feathers are pure white. The shafts of all the 
 prim.iries are on their superior and inferior aspects white, but deepen into blackish 
 toward their apices. The outer web of the first primary is black, with scarcely any 
 hoariness. The first four or five primaries are grayish-black, with a very strong sil- 
 very hoariness ; their inner webs with a space of white along their inner margins. 
 This space on the first primary at the base occupies the whole web, becomes narrower 
 as it ascends, and ends, or becomes a mere line, about an inch from the apex of the 
 quill. On the other primaries it is of less extent, aad runs up along the centre of the 
 sliaft a little further than on the edge. On the innermost primaries, again, it is very 
 narrow, but forms an entire margin to the inner webs, running quite to their tips. 
 The inner primaries have scarcely any grayish-black, but are rather of the color of the 
 mantle. The secondaries are mostly purs white, but toward their ends have a space 
 grayish-blue of about equal extent on both webs. The tail is moderately elongated 
 and forked, contained about If times in the wing ; the folded wings reach one to two 
 inches beyond it. The central feathers are broad to their evenly rounded tips ; the 
 lateral ones successively narrower, more tapering and acute. The under tail-coverts 
 reach to the very tips of the central rectrices ; the upper fall a little short of them. The 
 rectrices are on their outer webs light pearl-gray (very like the back), their inner webs 
 nearly pure white. The external pair, however, are on most of their inner webs, 
 especially terminally, grayish-blue, while their outer webs are dark grayish-black.* 
 Legs and feet light coral-red. 
 
 Dimensionii. — Length (average), 14.50 inches ; extent, about 31 ; wing, from the car- 
 pus, 10.50; tail, 6: depth of fork, 3.50 (average); bill, along culmen, 1.35; height .it 
 base, 0.33; from feathers on side of lower mandible to tip, 1.60; gonys, 0.80; gape, 
 2.10 ; tibiai bare, 0.50 ; tarsus, 0.80 to O.bS ; middle toe 0.75, its claw 0.30 ; outer 0.70, 
 its claw 0.16 ; inner 0.48, its cl.aw 0.14 ; hallux, with its claw, 0.28 ; whole foot, about 
 1.75. Mr. Allen has given some elaborate tables of measurements, showing the follow- 
 ing range of variation in size of adult birds from the same locality in the breeding 
 season. The extreme range, so far as I am .aware, is as follows : length, 13 to 16 ; ex- 
 tent, 29 to 32; wing, 9.75 to 11.75; tail, 5 to 7; tarsus, 0.66 to 0.87 ; bill, 1.25 to 1.50. 
 Females average a little less than the malts. Young fall under the above minima; 
 length down to 12, wing to 9, tail to 4, bill to 1.12, &c. 
 
 Youny-of-ilie-year in Awjiist. — Upper mandible brown, becoming blackish on the cul- 
 men toward the tip, and somewhat fleth-colored basally along the tomia. Under 
 mandible light yellow, darkening into brown toward the tip. Mouth yellow ; feet 
 dull yellow, with scarcely a tinge of reddish. Forehead grayish-white ; on the vertex 
 this gray is intermixed with large, roundish, illy-defined spots of bl.ackish ; on the 
 occiput and nape the black is the prevailing color, the extreme tips of the feathers 
 only being gray. On the sides of the head, as far as the eyes, the black is also nearly 
 pure. The ground color of the upper parts is a rather lighter shade of the pearl-blue 
 of the adults, but every feather is tipped with dull, light gray, and has a subterminal 
 spot (generally a crescent or semicircle) of light brown. These spots and tips are quite 
 conspicuous, and give perhaps the predominating color to the upper parts ; but they 
 are not so distinctly defined, nor so dark, as in macrura. The lesser wing-coverts along 
 the edge of the fore-arm form a continuous band of nearly pure brownish-black. The 
 lesser and median coverts are conspicuously tipped with yellowish-gray. The greater 
 secondaries, however, fade into nearly pure white at their tips. The secondaries are 
 white, with the outer web, except at tip, and the median portion of tlie inner web, 
 dark plumbeous or ashy-gray. The primaries are colored almost exactly as iu the 
 adults. The rump is white, with a tinge of pearl-blue. The tail is but slightly forked, 
 the emargination being but little more than an inch. The inner webs of all the rec- 
 trices are nearly pure white, but the outer webs .are plumbeous-gray, increa ing in 
 intensity from within outward; so that the outer pair of rectrices, which are but 
 little tapering or elongated, have their outer webs grayish-black, deepest toward 
 their tips. The entire under plumage, including the under wing-coverts, is pure 
 white, with no trace of the plumbeous wash of the adults. 
 I hove never seen the adult winter plumage of this species, and am therefore unable 
 
 * I have seen a single undoubted specimen of this species which had the outer web 
 of the exterior tail feathers, as well as the inner, almost pure white, both webs being 
 of the same color as in ^aratZisea. This, however, must be very rare. 
 
6S2 STEKNA HIRL^XDO, COMMON TERX. 
 
 to pre-seut it. Tbis I regret the more siDce it does not seeiu to be generally known, 
 and even qnite dirn-se accounts of its winter dress are gi\-en by authors. Toiuiiiinck, 
 for example, S;1ys that in winter the adults do not lose the black of the cr«wn : •■ elle 
 est seulemeut plus terne." Other authois ascribe to it a condition of plumage very 
 similar to that presented by S.forsteri or maerui-a, and I have myself little doubt but 
 that such is really their condition at that season. Xauuiauu, one" of the most exhtuist- 
 ive desciibers of the changes of plumage of biixls. is unable to siive a very s;it islactory 
 account of this plumage, for the reason, as he says, "that so long as the winter rauge 
 of habitat of this species remains unknown to us^ it will always be difficult to give an 
 account of the winter plumage of the fuUy moulted bini."' He says, however, that 
 the forehead and cheeks are white, more or less variegated wiih black ; the middle of 
 the crown white, lightly spotted or streaked with black; occiput and nape almost 
 wholly black. In other respects, I think that the upper and under parts will both be 
 found to be lighter than in summer, the latter especially approaching to the pure 
 white of the young bird; the tail will be shorter aud less deeply forked ; the bill aud 
 feet duller red, the former more invaded by the blauk of the termiUiU portion. Audu- 
 bon says that "in winter the bill is black, with the base pale orauge aud the tip yel- 
 lowish; the feet orange-yellow. The colors are as in the adults, tlie forehead white, 
 the rest of the head dusky, the upper parts having the feathers slightly edged with 
 lighter." 
 
 Other rariations. — These consist, as usual in the subfamily, chiefly in the total size, 
 individuals varying considerably in this respect. ^See above measurements.) I soanely 
 find any variations iu color worth noticing in specimens of equal ages at corresponding 
 seasons. The amount of black on the bill may be incie.ised or diminished, but 1 have 
 never fcen it eqn.ll in amount to that of ^J. fosteri or longipt ;iiii.<. nor yet entirely absent, 
 as is usually the ease with ^^. macrura. 
 
 Comparison trilh aUifS ^jitcit-s. — The present being the typical spetnes of the giviip, it 
 is taken as the standard with which to compare other species; and the differeueos of 
 each of them from it will bo found under their respective heads. 
 
 Deglaud, in his Ornithol >gie Enrepeeuiie. speaks of the occurrence of a hybrid of 
 this species aud the ^. macrura partaking in a varying degree of the charactei's of 
 either parent. Though I have never met with a specimen which I could not unhesi- 
 tatingly refer to one or the other species, it is not improbable that hybrids should 
 really occur. 
 
 Comparhoii of American ami Eiiro2)eiin hird. — Being desirous of determining definitely 
 the relationships of our bird to that of Europe, I procured for examination an exten- 
 sive series from both countries, comprising some fifty specimens. These I c;vrelnlly 
 compared iu their most miutite details, and in no respect could 1 detect the slightes^ 
 discrepancy. This is contrary alike to late high authority on the subject aud to m"v owu 
 preconceived ideas. It would be difficult to say upon what groumls the validity of 
 ^. •■ wil-^oiii " has been maintained, since no definite characters havi' ever been laid down 
 whereby it may be separated from ,S. hiriintlo. The American bird was first distin- 
 guished from the European by B.-naparte, in l>o~, in his Comparative List ; but no 
 diagmsis is oftered. ^'. -'irihoni" is one of several species introduced by this aitlhor 
 in the same work, for the distinguishing of which from their European representatives 
 he seems to have relied upon some preconceived theory of gi ographieal distribntiou, 
 rather than upon any characters atforded by the birds tlie.Kselvcs. I present the 
 detailed measurements of five American and five European birds, taken at random from 
 a large series. It wiU be noticed that in no respect do the dimensions of the binls freni 
 the two continents present greater dilferences than are foitnd iu the several examples 
 from either. 
 
 A. — S. liintndo ex EuropS. 
 
 ( 
 
 
 Locality. 
 
 1 
 
 Tail. 
 
 Bill. 
 
 X 
 
 I 
 
 - i 
 
 §2 ! 
 
 r S 
 
 
 5: ^3 
 
 2 ^ 1 
 
 i 9559 1 
 
 9 
 
 i 
 s 
 
 
 10. 30- 
 
 9.^0 
 10. >0 
 10. 60 
 
 10. so 
 
 5. TO 
 
 5. 00 
 0. -20 
 5.90 
 
 6. 50 
 
 •3. 65 
 
 ■i.m 
 
 •i. TO 
 •-\ TO 
 3.00 
 
 1. 3- 0. 33 
 1.51 1 0.31 
 1.45 ; 0.36 
 1. 45 0. 30 
 1. 35 0. 31 
 
 0, SI 
 
 0. TS 
 
 0. so 
 
 0. S4 
 O.SO 
 
 07 
 
 j •>4-,'^0 
 
 Holla nd- 
 
 0.90 
 0. 90 
 0.96 
 0.90 
 
 j 'JUVO 
 
 1 -23444 
 
 ;?344o 
 
 Huugarv 
 
 ....do ..■ 
 
 ....do 
 
 •^ Inches and hundredths. 
 
STEEXA HIRUXDO, COMMON TEEN. 681: 
 
 B.^S. hirundo ex AmericS. 
 
 
 
 
 
 lj\^34 
 
 X 
 
 .^l.>i- 
 
 X 
 
 1149 
 
 9 
 
 •2US11 
 
 ,T 
 
 li4T4 
 
 S 
 
 Locality. 
 
 Labrador ' 11.00* 
 
 Massachusetts j 10.40 
 
 CapeM:iv, X. J ! 10.60 
 
 Hmlsou's" Bay ' 10. 40 
 
 Utah 1 ! 10.50 
 
 Tail. 
 
 Bill. 
 
 
 r ^, 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 -Z 
 
 ^ 
 
 — 
 
 -? 
 
 y 
 
 tt 5 
 
 I 
 
 ^r: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 :i 
 
 - 
 
 ™ 
 
 - 
 
 — ^ 
 
 rt 
 
 '^ " 
 
 
 — 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 "" 
 
 
 " 
 
 
 {X 
 
 .-,0 
 
 3. 
 
 10 
 
 1.50 
 
 0. 3-2 
 
 0.-4 
 
 0.0. 
 
 i>. 
 
 90 
 
 3. 
 
 0-2 
 
 L41 
 
 0. 31 
 
 0.7^ 
 
 0. 03 
 
 i li. 
 
 40 
 
 
 
 ^.'l 
 
 L36 
 
 0.31 
 
 0.7:- 
 
 0. 93 
 
 
 90 
 
 
 
 -;, 
 
 1. 50 
 
 0. ;« 
 
 0.7- 
 
 0.95 
 
 \6. 
 
 00 
 
 .") 
 
 50 
 
 1.51 
 
 0.35 
 
 V. :rU 
 
 0. 05 
 
 * Inches and hundredths. 
 
 AnatomimJ characters. — The mouth is only moderately large, it being exceedingly 
 narrow anteriorly, and only widening toward the fauces, where, however, the diverg- 
 ence of the tomia gives it considerable breadth. The palate is concave aotero-posteri- 
 orly. but is nearly flat laterally. It is soft and vascular only for about two-thirds its 
 length, the anterior third being corneons, and being merely a deep, narrow, longitud- 
 inal depression for the reception of the closely-approximated rami of the inferior max- 
 illa. This single depression bifurcates about three-fourths of au inch from the Tip. and 
 for the rest c f the extent of the palate there is a deep depres-ion on each siik, just 
 within the snpirior tomia and zygoma, for the reception of the devarici'tiug rami of 
 the inferior maxilla. On the median line there is a slightly marked ridge, very short, 
 however, and quickly bifni'catlng to form the fissure of the posterior mues. The edgee 
 of this median elevation, on which the unres oi>eu. are beset \\'ith a single row of small 
 obtuse papill*. On either side of the median line is a longitudinal su'cns, which sei>- 
 arates a lateral longitudinal ridge, which is beset posteriorly with more prominent and 
 acutely-pointed papillse. These various ridges and sulci all terminate in papillated 
 extremities. Beyond them the palate is quite smooth, somewhat vaulted, still divided 
 in two by the backward continuance of the nasal fissure. This vaulted portion is 
 1h iinded posteriorly by two obliquely-placed curved rows of small acute papillfe, con- 
 taining between them an oval foramen, the opening of the Eustachian tube. 
 
 The floor of the month has the form of an elongated, narrow isosceles triangle with 
 concave sides. The i-.;mi are so closely approximated ifrom the commencement of the 
 symphysis as merely to leave room for the reception of the tongue. The floor of the 
 mouth, though dilatable, is not so much so as in the other subfamilies, and the soft 
 membranes terminate fully an inch from the tip. The tongue arises about oppo- 
 site the termination of the feathers on the side of the mandible. It measnvcs an 
 inch and a quarter in length; it is exceedingly slender throughout its whole length, 
 and tapers to a very fine and acute apex, which is not bifid. It is soft and fleshy only 
 for a third of its length, the remainder being quite corneous. Its dorsum has a pretty 
 well-marked longitudinal sulcus. It Terminates posteriorly in an elevated, bifid, papil- 
 lated extremity, the ends of the eornua being free and projecting. Th'> rima glottidis 
 begins about a third of an inch from the end of the tongue, and is two-tenths of an 
 inch long. It has no papillie along its edges, but its termination is papillate, and a 
 row of papiUse extend transversely on either side. Near the angle of the mouth the 
 mucous membrane is thrown up iuto irregular folds, the beginning of the reguhu- 
 longitudinal cesophageal ones. The disposition of the muscular layers of the floor of 
 the month presents nothing peculiar-. 
 
 The a?sophagus measures about four inches in total length, including the proven- 
 Triculus. It is of preTTy uniform diameter throughout, but enlarges a little toward its 
 teru;inaiion : but the proventriculus is the direct continuation of it, and is not sud- 
 denly nor notably largt-r tliau the gullet itself. It is, as usnal, capable of great dis- 
 tension. When undistended, the mucous membrane is thrown up into numerous longi- 
 tudinal folds, quite straight except just at the commencement of the tube, where they 
 are somewhat waved. The eunal has evidently great contractile power, from the 
 thickness of the two layers of muscidar fibres which inclose it. 
 
 The belt of proventrieular glands is about a third of an inch broad. They form an 
 uninterruiited zone quite around the circumference of the can.il, the margin of the 
 girdle being straight and well defined. The color of the mucous membrane is here 
 darker than elsewhere, and has also a dilierence of texture quite appreciable to the 
 naked eye and to the touch. Tne orifices of the solvent glands may be seen as minute 
 punctures, scattered thickly and evenly over the whole surface. 
 
 The gigerinm is very small, not larger in external circumference than tlie proven- 
 tricnlus. It supervenes without any interval, and without any change of direction, 
 diredly upon the proventriculus, with which it communicates by a large orifice. It 
 
684 STERNA IIIRUNDO, COMMON Ti:RN. 
 
 Is flattened and Huhoval; its distal extremity a little (Oongaliil, ho as to Rlvri it Hotnn- 
 wbat of a cordiform contour. It is evidently not very powerful, its niuwIiH Iicuik 
 hardly a tenth of an inch thick. 'J'lie tendinous portion of its pitrintcH ih of HUiiill ex- 
 tent. Its cuticular lining is dense and iirni, iind tlirown np into Hoinewliiit in(!(;ul«r 
 hut chiefly longitudinal folds. CorrcHpondinf; (tlitviitions iirjil drprcHHioiiH ure lonnd on 
 the inner surface of the i)ropcr p;iri(^tiH of tin-organ. 'I'lMire are no pyloric valves, hut 
 only corrugations of the cuticnlar lining at this orilice. 
 
 The intestinal canal is very short, measuring only lidwei-n l,u<dv(! and tliirtcen 
 inches between the pylorus and anus. 'I'lic duodcniil fold is about omo and a half 
 inches in length. The ijuncreas stretches the whole li^ngtli of tho coneavify betwei'n 
 the two folds, and ap[)i;ars as if doubh;, thi-.ic, being an elongated, narrow, ilaXtcnr'd 
 mass of the glarulular substance on each side of the fold. After forming this fold the 
 intestines become convoluted and coiled upotj each ot lier to within tliroe, or four inches 
 of the ccftoa. There anolber regular looii or fold of the infestinc! occurs, nearly as 
 large and perfect as the duodenal one itself, iigamst which it is oppoN<td for Jiearly its 
 whol(! extent, and connected by relleetions of t,lie uicHcntcry. 
 
 There are two Cffica eoK, situate about oiuj iuid a half inclies from the anus. Tlii'y 
 differ greatly from those of Lml.riduKi: and Lor'niw in their extreme brevity. 'J'liey 
 measure only about two-tenths of an inch in total length, and are so closely appliitd 
 and bonnd down to the colon that they might readily lie overlooked. 
 
 The "large" intestine is excerdingly short, straight, and scarcely, if at all, larger 
 than tho small intestine. It preserves a pretty uniform width to near the anus, where 
 it suddenly expands into a capacious globular cloaca. Tho cloaca is eojiipletely 
 divided into two parts — a larger anterior and internal portion, and a smaller [lohlerior 
 and external. Tho latler is a slight pcjueh, or vul-de-ma, partially separatctd from the 
 former by a projecting transverse reduplication (jf the lining membrane, ./list above 
 the edge of this fold, at the extremity of the inner compartment of the eloar^a, there is 
 on each side of the median lino a small oval depreshion, surroundi'd by a curriigated, 
 ephincter-liko elevation of mucous membrane, in whicli the efferent ducts of the 
 urinary and seminal organs terminate. 
 
 The kidneys are quite peculiar in shape. Tho entire renal mass is nearly as long as 
 broad, and in shape almost jierfectly rfectangnlar. The njiper lolies have but a slight 
 convexity of contour, and are but little larger than the lower. lOaeh kidney is divided 
 into from four to six irregularly reclangnlar or polyhedral niaKses, These lobes are 
 more or less completely separated from each other, but are closely coaptutr-d, the sides 
 and angles of each mass being adapted to those of the maHses whicli lie about, it. 
 The ureters, formed by the union of the efferent, ducts from each one of these ina'sett, 
 run along nearly parallel to each other on each side of the median line of the spine, nt 
 .a little distance from it, converging somewhat toward their termination to open in tho 
 cloaca, as already described. 
 
 The testes lie immediately superimposed ufion the superior lobes of the kidneys. 
 Their size varies greatly with ;'ge and season. The vas defen^ns runs backward in 
 close relation to the ureters, to terminate in the above-mentioned depreKsions on each 
 side of the cloaca. 
 
 Th(! other organs of this species do not diiler snflieiently from those of Larun to re- 
 quire special mention. 
 
 Jjihliography. — This is one of the "anti(|ne" Hpeeies, though its synonyms are com- 
 paratively few. A chief point that arises is, whether the uiime '' hirumU)" belongs here 
 or to tho Arctic Tern (macrura, Naum.;. 'J'he name has been with much re.ason re- 
 ferred to the latter, where it probably lielongs; but it scarcely Kei.ms neceshary to 
 make the change in this instance. The earlier diagnoses may apply to either, and, in 
 fact, probably included both, for it will be rememberi:d that the two were not gen- 
 erally distinguished until about 1H20. LinnaMis' Mrundo may as well be kept for this 
 species, with which it is commonly associati^d in ornithological record. //iru.ri(Jo iif 
 Briinnich, Faber, and J'';il)ricins, is apparently mai?rura; liirimd/i of l(ieh:ird«on mfHrn- 
 teri. Brisson called the bird filerna mujor, a name of cours<! to be dihrej/iirded in binom- 
 inal nomenclature. Kyton has it S. rnurina, after a pre-Lin;iaan writer. " H'ilHOni, 
 Bi'.," and " fluvial. Hi n, Naum.," are the two most firmly-cstaliiisbed hynonyrns; but the 
 latter only arose upon reference of Uirundo, Linn., to macrura, while, as i have shown, 
 the former has no basis at all. 
 
 It is somewhat singular that the North Anxiiican range of so common 
 and well known a hix-cAch as this slioiild not Ik; better made out than it 
 is. A similar uncertainty respecting at least its winter vaui^i: sefitns U) 
 prevail in the matter of its European distribution. In this country it is 
 attributed to Brazil by J'elzeln, but this is the sole, extralimital record 
 I have found, except Dr. Bryant's Bahamari quotation. Messrs. H(;iater 
 and Salvin do not give it among Xeotropical Lari/Ja-. Tlie truth [irob- 
 ably is, that it does not proceed beyond the l/nited States, as a rule at 
 
STERNA MACEUKA, AKCIIC TEEN. 685 
 
 least. We have some citations from the interior, but none that I am 
 aware of from the Pacific side. Its track appears to be mainly along 
 the Atlantic coast from Texas to Labrador. My own experience with 
 it is confined to this line, from the Carolinas to Labrador. I find no 
 record north of the last-named region ; the bird is obviously not so bo- 
 real as macrura. It appears to breed at places all along the line indi- 
 cated. I found it in Labrador in summer, and Mr. Dresser speaks of its 
 breeding in Texas. The New England breeding references are numer- 
 ous and unanimous. In North Carolina the bird is very common during 
 the migration, arriving from the south early in April, passing on during 
 the following month, and being again abundant during September and 
 October. The numerous specimens I observed at the latter season all 
 retained the black cap, though even in September they had mostly com- 
 pleted the fall moult, being newly feathered, except on the crown, where 
 the black was worn and faded, yet not much mixed with white, except- 
 ing, perhaps, a few specks on the forehead. The change of the pileum 
 appears to be very gradual, and, as already intimated, it probably never 
 progresses to a stage in which the cap is mostly white. At this season 
 the feet were simply orange-yellow, not vermilion, and the bill was 
 shaded with dusky throughout. Some of the year's young had nearly 
 perfect wing and tail feathers; but the mantle showed dusky mottling, 
 with some blackish areas on the wing-coverts. Still youni,er birds were 
 beautifully variegated with gray and light brown. In all the young the 
 feet were yellowish, more or less obscured with dusky ; the bill was 
 mostly black, with yellow or orange on the basal part of the under man- 
 dibles ; the bill was invariably smaller than it is when adult, not so 
 hard, and more obtuse at the tip. 
 
 STBENA MACRUEA, Naum. 
 
 Arctic TerD. 
 
 (?) Sterna hirundo, BRt)NN., Orn. Bor. 1764.— Fabric, Fn. Groenl. 1780, 105.— Fabek, 
 Prod. Isl. Orn. 1822, 68 (certainly belongs here).— Lesx., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 227. 
 
 Sterna hirundo, Bp., Compt. Eend. 18.56, 772.— Grat, Hand-list, iii, ] "71, 116, No. 11020. — 
 Dress., B. Enr. pt. xii, 1872; and of other authors who thus identify hirundo, 
 Linn. 
 
 (?) Sterna paradiaea, BRtJNN., Om. Bor. 1764, 42 (most probably).— Blas., J. f. O. 1866, 
 74, 78. 
 
 Sterna macrura, Naum, Isis, xii, 1819, p. 1847. — Brehm., V. D. ]e31, 784. — Nalii., V. D. 
 X, 1840, 114, pi. 253.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 97.— Degl., Om. Eur. 
 ii, 1849, 344.— Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 659; List Br. B. Id63, 240.— IIidd., 
 Sib. Eeise, ii, 1853, 245.— Lawr., B. N. A. 1858, 862.— Wheat., Ohio Agric. Eep. 
 1860, No. 274.— Cass., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 325 (Bering Straits).- CouES, Pr. 
 Phila. Acad. 1862, .549.— Boardm., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 131 (Maine, breed- 
 ing). — Verr., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix, 1862, 141 (Anticosti). — Verr., Pr. Ess. Inst, iii, 
 18H2, 161 (Maine, breediugj.— Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 90 (Jlii«sachu- 
 setts).- CouES, ibid, v, 186s, 308 (New England).— Eaddb, Eeise, ii. 1863, 388 
 (Siberia).— Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 299 (Ne-n- York).— Malmg., J. f. 0. 
 1665, 200 (Spitzbergen).— Newt., Ibis, 1865, 506.— Call & Bakx., Tr. Chic. 
 Acad. 1869, 306 (Alaska).— Allex, Am. Nat. 1870, 642.— Mayn., Guide, I'fiO, 152 
 (Massachusetts, breeding).— CouES, Key, 1872, 321; Check-list, No. 567. — Ball, 
 Pr. Cal. Acad. 1873 and 1«74, p. — (Aleutian Islands). 
 
 Sterol arctica, Tbmm., Man. ii, 1820, 742.— Bens, Isis, 1^2, 563.— Steph., G. Z. xiii, 152.— 
 Flem., Br. B. 1828, 144.— Bp., Svu. 1828, 354.— Kaup, Sk. Ent. Eur. Thierw. 
 1829, 26.— Brehm, V. D. 1831, 785— Less., Tr. Om. 1831, 631.— Sw. & Eicu., 
 F. B. a. ii, 1631, 414.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 275.— Jen., Man. 1835, 267.— Eyt., 
 Cat. Br. B. 1336, 54.— AuD., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 366, pi. 250 ; Syn. 1839, 319 ; 
 B. Am. vii, 1844, 107, pi. 424.— Bp., List, 1638, 61.— Schinz, Eur. Fn. 1840, 373.— 
 Macgil., Man. ii, 1842, 232.— Schl., Eev. Crit. 1844, 129.— Pctn., Pr. Ess. Inst, 
 i, 1856, 221 (Massachusetts).— Bry., Pr. Bost. Soc. vi, 1858, 120.— Turxb., B. E. 
 Pa. 1869, 139 (autumn and winter). 
 
686 STERNA MACRUKA, ARCTIC TERN 
 
 Sterna argmlata, Brehm, Bcitr. iii, lS'2i. (i93; V. D. 1831, 'S-2, pi. H8, fig. r.. 
 Stvrna ariiaiiacva, Bumm, V. D. lH;n, 7s:t. 
 
 Stmia iiitzKchii, Kxvv, Isis, 1H2I, K.:!.— Bukiim, V. D. IKU, 781!.— Hi-., C. IJ. 18r>(i, 772. 
 Siena hrachijlmsa, GIUUA, lieiso naob Faidc, 1830, ai8. 
 Ktiriiu hriwhypus, SwAlNsoN, B. \V. Afr. ii, 1837, 2.V2. 
 Skrnn oocviiiciroHlris, Khicti. {fide CJuay). — Bp., Compt. IJciul. IKM, 77,*. 
 Stcnia piled, L\\\ii., Aun. h\v. N. Y. vi, 18,'-i3. 3 ; B. N. A. 18r.8, S,-,;i, pi. il.'i.— Br., Ooiupt. 
 Roud. 1856, 172 {" i'i!ihii").—CovKf^. \'r. I'liila. Acud. 18««, iM). 
 
 DiAQ. SI. rostro i/raeilc, riihro ; pcdihiin brfinHnimin, riibrin ; covimni c(vnilin('ciilc-iiliiiiilwo, 
 auhlua liiUition' ; ckhiW, uropjiijio, iiolrivihiisniiv miiiiulihim iiiftnoribm albia ; iri'iriir 
 lulcrali valdd elongatd, pogonio vxlvrno grimv-fiiniv. 
 
 Bab. — Europe. Asia. Afiica. North America generally, Bouth to tli(> Middle States, 
 and on tlie raciflo side to California. Breeds from Massacbusetts northward. No valitl 
 extniliniital record south of the United States; compare, however, PlULUi'i'i, Cat. I8(i',), 
 49 (Chili II?). 
 
 Adult ill breeding ptumage. — Bill shorter than tho head, equal to the middle toe and 
 taiHus together, slender, compressed, acute. Cnlmeu somewhat broad and flaltish 
 toward the base, more compressed niul narrower anteriorly; about straight to be.voiid 
 the nostrils, declinato-convex for the rest of its length. Connuissnre very sliijiitly 
 curved. Gonys about as long as the rami ; perl'eetly straight ; the outline of the latter 
 a little concave. luter-crnral sjiace very narrow; about half filled with foatheis. 
 Nasal groove rather long, but becoming obsolete before it reaches th(> toiuia. A quite 
 prominent stria jiroeeeds from its anterior extremity totbetomia, bnt little behind the 
 tip of the bill. Tho bill is deep carminti, or lake red ; usually without any bhieli, but 
 this color sometimes ajipoars in a limited degree. 
 
 The feet are remarkably small and weak. Tho tibia< are bare for a moderate dis- 
 tance. The tarsi are exceedingly short, being less than the middle toe without its 
 claw, or, at least, only eijual to it. The toes are rather long for th^^ size of the I'eet; 
 the outer falls but little short of tho middle one, while tho tip of the claw of the Inner 
 hardly reaches beyond the third articulation of the middle oiui. Hallux of ordinary 
 relative length. Webs rather narrow; moderately omarginated ; the inner, as nsiiai, 
 the most so. The feet are a lighter tint of the color of the bill, s(uuewhat tending 
 toward vermilion or coral-red, but are not so light as those of liiriiiiilo. 
 
 The wings are very long ; the primaries attenuated, narrow, tapering to their round- 
 ish bnt slender apices. The tertials are short, aiul do not reaoh halfway to the tips of 
 the primaries in the folded wing. Th(^ slial'ts of all are white, with scarcely darker 
 tips. The outer web of the iirst primary is grayish-black, lif;htening into silvery-gray 
 at its tip; its inner web is white, with only a very narrow lino of grayish-dusky along 
 the shaft. This longitudinal dnsky space is very much narrower and lighter than in 
 liiruvdo, so much so, that it is placed as a diagnostic feature by Naumauu in his 
 " Keunz/cichen der Art." The next four or liviN primaries are silvciy-gray, darkest 
 toward their tips; their inner webs mostly white (wholly so at their liascH); but the 
 ■white does not extend so far toward the tips of the feathers as on tlie first primary, 
 and it runs up farther in tho centre of the web than on*the ( dg(( of it. The inner jiri- 
 maries are tho color of the back, broadly tipiied and margined internally with white. 
 
 The tail Is exceedingly long, the exterior feather liinng as much leugtheiu'd, and as 
 narrow, tapering and acute, as in S. piirodixoa. The tail i'eatbers roach beyond the lips 
 of tho folded wings. The under coverts reach to the extremity of the l)ri)ad and 
 rounded central rectrices; the uj)per ones fall short of this length. Tho tail is pure 
 white, the outer web of its exterior feather being grayish-black, lighter basally, and 
 its inner web, and the outer webs of the next two rectrices, having n. considerable wash 
 of pearl-blue. 
 
 The pileum is pure, lustrous greenish-black, so lirond on the checks as to leave only 
 a slender line of white to extend along the edge of the featbors on tho side ol' tho 
 upper mandible. The whole upper parts, as far as the superior caudal reclriiM s, imd 
 including the alar coverts, ])earl-blue, of about tho same shade as in hiriiiido. This 
 color, however, fades into white at the tips of tho tertials and inner secmnlarics. 
 The under parts are but a little ligbli^r shade of the color of the back, this color fading 
 insensibly into whitish on tho chin, throat, and edges of the black pilenm, and ending 
 abruptly at the under tail-coverts, which are jnu'e while, in marked contrast to the 
 rest of the under parts. The inferior alar rectricea and axillary IVatliiiH are also pure 
 ■frhite. 
 
 Winlir plumage of the adult«. — Differs from the above-described summer plumage 
 chiefly in the color of tho fealbers of the head, as usual in the subfamily. The fore- 
 head is white; the crown white, but marked with nanow shaft-lines of black, which 
 increase from before backward until, on the nape, the black is nearly or quite ])nro. 
 A lateral stripe, nfore or less pure and distinct, extcMids forward on the sides of the 
 head over the auriculars, to just, in front of the eyi', leaving, bowivcr, tho (\velid8 
 ■white. Ui>per parts much as in snmmcr, but the under parts from tlio chin to the vent, 
 
ARCTIC TEEN. 687 
 
 have a much Mghter wash of plnmbeons. The deep carmine of the bill and feet 
 bL( omes lighter and duller, but does not assume the coral-red tint of the feet of Idrundo 
 or forsteri. Otherwise generally as in summer. 
 
 Flumage of lite young-of-the-year. — The bill is much smaller than in the adults, being 
 only 1^ inches long; brownish-black toward its tip ; the gonys and the sides of the 
 lower mandible toward the angle of the mouth dull orange-color, as are also the 
 month and tongue. The feet are only orange-colored on the soles, being otherwise 
 browuish-red. The tail is much shorter than in the adults, being only 4.75 to 5 
 inches long, and the outer pair of rectrices are much broader and scarcely at all taper- 
 ing in form. The forehead is white, the crown streaked with narrow, longitudinal 
 'spots of ^^hite upon a black ground color, which extends as far as the eyes, and runs 
 back over the temples and auriculars as far as the nape ; whole under parts, from the 
 chin, including the inferior caudal tectrices and under surfaces of the wings, pure 
 white. On the back there predominates everywhere a uniform, light bluish-gray 
 (somewhat darker than in 5. Mrundo), all the feathers tipped with yellowish-white or 
 white, most of them with a blackish-brown streak or crescent-shaped spot near the end ; 
 these spots darkest on the tertials and inner secondaries, and aggregated into a single, 
 broad, slate-colored streak on the least wing-coverts along the edge of the wing The 
 ashen-blue primaries deepen into slate color toward their tips ; their shafts are white, 
 tLuir inner webs with a longitudinal space of white, the outer web of the first slaty- 
 black. The inner tail feathers are white, as are their shafts; their apices white, each 
 with a subterminal crescent-shaped spot of brownish-black. 
 
 When the young have flown for some time, the bill and feet become considerably 
 redder, and the dark spots on the back lighter, though still not so much so as in the 
 young Mrundo. After their first moult, which begins while they are migrating and 
 only ends when they have reached their winter habitat, they acquire a plumage very 
 like that of the old birds in winter, but still distinguishable from it by the yet remain- 
 ing dark tips of the tail-feathers. These, however, are gradually lost, growing lighter 
 and lighter until, by the following spring, they difl:er but slightly from the adults.* 
 
 The brilliant color of the feet is sometimes washed off on the plumage, staining it 
 red or salmon color. 
 
 Dimensions of the adnlt. — Length (extremely variable from the varying length of the 
 tail), 14 to 17 inches; extent, 29 to 33 ; wing, from the carpus, 10 to 10.75 ; tail, usually 
 7 to 8, sometimes 6.50 to 8.50 ; depth of fork, 4 to 5 ; tibise bare, 0.45 ; tarsus, 0.55 to 
 0.65; middle toe and claw, 0.80 to 0.85 ; inner toe and claw, 0.55 ; bill, along culmen, 
 1.20 to 1.40; height at base, 0.30; from feathers of side of lower mandible to tip, 
 1.40 ; gape, 1.90; gonys, 0.75. 
 
 Accidental variations. — These are chiefly noticeable in dimensions, and in the intensity 
 of the color of the under parts. The species is subject to very considerable variations 
 in size, even among apparently equally adult examples. The bill, particularly, is some- 
 times very much smaller than is usual, and much more slender. Thus, e. g., a female 
 from Nova Scotia, before us, has a hill only 1.08, or less than that assigned to Sterna 
 pilcei; and it is quite as slender as in that species. The tail, as might be expected from 
 its shape, varies greatly. Two adult summer birds before me difter two inches in the 
 amount of elongation of the external rectrices ; and one and a half inches is a very 
 
 * The two preceding paragraphs are compiled from Naumann's Naturgeschichte 
 Vogel Deutschlands. Mr. Maynard gave the following description of the same stage : 
 
 " The young-of-the-year in autumn differs from the preceding in having the forehead 
 quite white ; a few white feathers on the back of the head ; the black is not quite as 
 intense — more brownish. The feathers of the back are edged with rufous. The should- 
 ers are darker. The tips of the tail-feathers are rufous. The whole under parts are 
 pure white. The white line from the base of the bill is discontinued just in front of 
 the eye, and the portion occupied by it is quite dusky, almost black. The feet are dull 
 orange. The bill is black, with the base of the lower mandible orange. « » * » 
 Toung-of-the-year are readily distinguished [from Mrundo"] by the rump of Mrundo 
 being ashy, the feet larger, the tarsi longer, with a smoother appearance. The bill is 
 much the same color, but in Mrundo it is longer. It never has the dusky appearance 
 below the eye seen in macrura." 
 
 Messrs. Sharpe and Dresser give the following : 
 
 " Toung-bird-of-the-year. — The upper plumage, though gray like the adult's, is much 
 mottled with blackish, and has all the back-feathers conspicuously tipped with white, 
 the wings and tail feathers being marked in the same manner; the forehead is white, 
 and the hinder part of the head black, mixed on the forepart with a few whitish spots; 
 the cheeks, hinder neck, and entire under surface of the body are pure white, 
 without any admixture of gray ; bill black, reddish at base of lower mandible. 
 Nestling : Covered with golden-buff down, inclining to ochre, the upper surface varied 
 with little blackish markings ; the forehead and throat brownish-black ; under surface 
 of the body yellowish-white, with the flanks and lower abdomen inclining to 
 brownish.'" 
 
688 STERNA DOUGALLI, ROSEATE TERN. 
 
 common amount of difference. The wing, from the flexure, differs among the several 
 specimens before me almost or quite an inch. The usual length appears to be about ten 
 inches, though many are half an inch longer, and some hardly over nine. The tarsus 
 and toes, both in their relative and absolute lengths, are very constant, hardly varying 
 appreciably in the large series before me. 
 
 The color of the bill is pretty constant, a uniform deep lake. Sometimes, however, 
 it acquires considerable of a blackish tinge toward the tip; but the black never 
 equals that of S. Mrundo in extent. The shade of the color of the under parts may be 
 lighter or darker, but in summer birds it is always darker than in Hrundo, and extends 
 in nearly or quite full intensity to the under tail-coverts. Its other variations in color_ 
 are unimportant. 
 
 The North Pacific birds of this species are perhaps rather smaller, npon an average, 
 with somewhat slenderer bill and shorter wings, than those of the Atlantic. 
 
 Synmiymy. — The questions arising chiefly relate to the "liirundo" of some of the ear- 
 lier authors, already considered ; but, as intimated under head of the last species, it 
 may not be absolutely necessary to make a change so likely to provoke confusion. 
 Temminck named the bird arctica in 1820, but the designation must yield to macrnra, 
 Naumann (1819), the priority of which Temminck admits, but does not make valid 
 claim to his name in the fact that it is the more appropriate one. Cocdneirostris of 
 Reichenbach is considered by both Gray and Bonaparte, who separate the North Amer- 
 ican bird from the Europe.an, to belong to the former. I have seen no authentic spec- 
 imen of it, but it is quite certain that no differences subsist between the birds of the 
 two continents. There seems to be no question whatever of the pertinence here of the 
 names argentata, argentacea, Trrachytaraa, nitzscliii and trrachyjms. In considering "pikei of 
 Lawrence to belong here, I am guided by a very thorough re-examination of the type- 
 specimen, which was not readily accessible when, in the Key, I too hastily referred it 
 to longipennis. Satisfied that it was not a distinct species, I followed other authority 
 in assigning it there ; but I now find nothing in S. pilcei not nearly matched by some 
 of the Pacific specimens of S. maerura I have latterly examined. What is left of the 
 broken-off bill is rather slenderer than usual, but not noticeably more so than in some 
 young specimens of maerura. 
 
 STEENA DOUGALLI, Mont. 
 Roseate Tern. 
 
 (H^) sterna paxadisea, BRtJNN., Orn. Bor. 1764, 46 (more likely maerura). 
 
 Sterna paradisea, Keys. & Blab., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 97. — Schl., Rev. Grit. Ois. Eur. 1844, 
 130.— Degl., Orn. Eur. ii, 1849, 346.— Gray, Gen of B. iii, 1849, 659 ; List Br. B. 
 1863,239.— Bp., Compt. Rend. 1856,772.— Lawr., B. N. A. 1858, 863.— (?) Wheat., 
 Ohio Agrio. Eep. 1860, No. 275.— CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 551.— Le6t., Ois. 
 Trinidad, 539.— CocES, Ibis, 1864, 389 (Honduras).— Salv., Ibis, 1866, 199 (the 
 same).— GuNDL., Report. F. N. i, 392 (Cuba). — Lawr., Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 
 299 (New York). — Allen, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 90 (Massachusetts, rare). — 
 CoUES, ibid, v, 1868, 60 (Massachusetts, common, breeding). — CouES, Pr. Boat. 
 Soc. xii, 1868, 126 (South Carolina, in summer). — Mayn., Guide, 1870, li6 
 (Massachusetts, common). — Allen, Am. Nat. iii, 1870, 643 (Massachusetts, 
 breeding).- CouES, Key, 1872, 321. 
 
 Sterna dougalli, Mont., Orn. Diet. Suppl. 1813. — Leach, Cat. 1816, 41. — Vieill., Nouv. 
 Diet. d'Hist. Nat. xxxii, 1819, 438.— Tbmm., Man. ii, 1820, 738.— BoiE, Isis, 1822, 
 363.— Steph., Gen. Zool. xiii, 1826, 153.— Flem., Br. An. 1828, 143.— Less., Tr. 
 Orn. 1831, 691.— Brehm, V. D. 1831, 779.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 278.— Jen., 
 Man. 1835, 265.— Eyt., Cat. Br. B. 1836, 55.— Bp., List, 1838, 61.— AuD., Orn. 
 Biog. iii, 1835, 296, pi. 240 ; Syn. 1839, 320 ; B. Am. vii, 1844, 112, pi. 437.— 
 Nadm., V. D. X. 1840, 78, pi. 251.— Gib., B. L. I. 1844, 351.— Cab., Pr. Bost. Soc. 
 ii, 248 (Massachusetts). — Pdtn., Pr. Ess. Inst, i, 1856, 221 (Massachusetts). — 
 Turnb., B. E. Pa., 1869, 38.— Sund., Ofv. K. A. Forh. 1869, 589 (St. Bartholo- 
 mew).— Scl. & Salv., p. Z. S. 1871, 571 (Tropical America). 
 
 Thdlasscea dougalli, Kaup., Sk. Ent. Eur. Thierw. 1829, 97. 
 
 Sydrocecropis dougalli, BoiE, Isis, 1844, 179. 
 
 Sterna macdougalli, Macgil., Man. ii, 1842, 233. 
 
 Sterna dauglasi, Blas., J. f. O. 1866, 80. 
 
 Sterna hieuspis et tetmirostris, Light. (Fide Blas.) 
 
 DlAG. S, rostro tenue, nigra, ad basin rubescente, pedibus rubro-aurantiaeis, caudd longis- 
 simd, albidd, remigibits albo-marginatis ad apices ipsas ; pallia perlaceo, gastrwa rosaceo- 
 albo. 
 
 Saft.r— Europe. In North America, observed from Massachusetts to Florida, thence 
 to Central America. Various West Indian Islands. Breeds apparently throughout its 
 range. No United States record of wintering. 
 
STERNA DOUGALLI, KOSEATE TERN. 689 
 
 Adult, breeding plumage. — Bill aliout equal to the head, nearly as long as the tarsus, 
 middle toe and claw, together ; straight, slender, much compressed, much higher than 
 broad at the base, the tip excessively acute, culinen very narrow and transversely very 
 convex, evuu at the base ; gently and equally curved from base to tip. Commissure a 
 little sinuate toward the base, gradually declinato-convex for the rest of its length. 
 Gonys very long, much exceeding the rami, its outline very sharp, perfectly straight. 
 Outline of crura decidedly concave ; the intercrural space very narrow, two-thirds 
 filled with feathers; the eminentia symphysis very acute, but not prominent. Tomia 
 of both mandibles inflected, and, from the great compression of the bill, very closely 
 approximated for two-thirds their length. Nasal groove moderately long and wide, 
 but so exceedingly shallow as hardly to merit the name of sulais. It terminates 
 before it reaches the tomia, and a well-defined slender ridge runs forward from its an- 
 terior extremity till it is lost in the tomia. Nostrils of ordinary size and shape. 
 Encroachment of the feathers on the bill as usual. Wings considerably short for this 
 genus, a little rounded ; the first primary only moderately longer than the second ; all 
 rather obtuse, with rounded tips. Tertials and inner secondaries rather long and flow- 
 ing. Tail exceedingly long, contained scarcely 1^ times in the wing ; the central 
 feathers short and rounded at their ends ; the lateral excessively elongated, slender, 
 tapering regularly to a very acute point.* The feet are of moderate length and stout- 
 ness. The tibise are bare for only a remarkably short distance. The usual scutellation 
 and reticulation. Tarsus a little longer than the middle toe alone; a little shorter 
 than the middle toe and claw. Lateral toes short ; the outer not reaching the base of 
 the claw of the middle ; the tip of the claw of the inner falling short of the base of 
 the claw of the middle. Webs of moderate width and amount of emargination. 
 Claws rather short, and all remarkably arched and curved, moderately acute, the edge 
 of the inner a little dilated. 
 
 Bill pure black ; its tip in cxtremo slightly yellowish ; its base for a varying distance, 
 and the inside of the mouth, bright red. Pileum pure, lustrous, velvety black ; extend- 
 ing far down on the nape and also very broad, reaching to the lower level of the eyes, 
 and widening somewhat on the temples and auriculars. Under eyelid, however, white, 
 as is also a rather broad streak which runs along the side of the upjier mandible to 
 the extremity of the feathers. Neck all round and whole under parts, including the 
 under surfaces of the wings, pure white, with a more or less notable tinge of a delicate 
 rosy color. On the back of the neck the white insensibly shades into the very light, 
 delicate pearl-blue which extends over the whole upper parts, including the rump and 
 base of the tail, where, however, it is slightly lighter than on the dorsum. The tips 
 of the tertials and the inner vanes of the secondaries fade into pure white. The shafts 
 of all the primaries are on both sides pure white nearly to their tips. The outer web 
 of the first primary is deep grayish-black, lighter at the tip. All the primaries are 
 light grayish-black, very strongly silvered over. The inner webs of all of them are 
 pure white for more than half their breadth ; this white portion being broadest on the 
 first, toward the base of which it occupies the whole web ; and on all of them contin- 
 uing quite to the apices of the feathers, and even going around the tips slightly on to 
 the onter web. The long rectrices are white, with just an appreciable shade of 
 pearly. The legs and feet bright yellowish-red ; the webs lighter, the claws black. 
 
 Adult, winter plumage. — Bill dull black ; the tip for a greater distance dull yellowish ; 
 the base of the under mandible somewhat brownish. The forehead and cheeks white. 
 The crown of the head, the occiput, nape, auricular and circumocular regions, brown- 
 ish-black, almost or quite unmixed with white, except just on the vertex. There is, 
 therefore, a greater extent and iierraanency of the pileum than in most other species. 
 Neck all round and under parts white, without any roseate tinge. Lesser coverts along 
 the edge of the fore-arm brownish, but the band narrow and not very dark colored. 
 Something of the brownish is also to be traced along the edge of the metacarpus. Pri- 
 maries and secondaries much as in summer. The tail has, however, quite lost its length, 
 the external rectrices being so much abbreviated as to produce only oue or two inches 
 of emargination, and the tail, with its coverts, may be pearly like the back. 
 
 Toung-of-the-year he/ore the moult. — Length 10.00 to 11 inches. The bill is exceedingly 
 smalt, slender, and weak ; its tip obtuse ; its ridges and angles poorly defined ; and it 
 is everywhere covered with skin so soft as to wrinkle in drying. It measures hardly 
 1.10 inches in length by 0.25 in height at the base (compare dimensions of adult) ; it 
 is wholly dull greenish-black, a little lighter at the base of the lower mandible. The < 
 primaries have not fully grown out, so that the wing from the carpus measures only 
 7.25; the second primary is longest, third nearly equal, first short, scarcely exceeding 
 the fourth. The primaries are colored, however, almost exactly as in the adults, as 
 regards their pattern, the broad white inner margins extending around their tips. 
 The shafts of all are pure white, except apically. 'J he outer web of the first primary 
 
 * The external rectrices of this species are for the Stcrninm almost what the central 
 rectrices of Slercorarins Imffoni are for the Lestridinw, in comparison with other species 
 of their respective subfamilies. 
 
 44 
 
690 STERNA DOUGALLI, EOSEATE TERN. 
 
 is nearly pnro black, lightening a little at the tip. The davt portion of the feathers 
 grows lighter on each successively, until the inner ones are very light pearl — so light 
 as to appear to fade insensibly iuto the white Avhich broadly margins them. The sec- 
 ondaries are white, with the greater part of their outer and a small part of their inner 
 ■webs pearl-blue. The tail is exceedingly short, measuring less than four inches, the 
 amount of emargin.ation being only one inch, or even less. The outer pair of rectrices 
 are narrower than the others, but hardly longer than the next pair, and not more 
 acutely pointed. The rectrices are pearl-blue, darkest on their outer vanes, so light as 
 to be almost white on their inner. The outer web of the outer feather, however, is not 
 so dark as the next. Toward the extremities of the rectrices there is a subterminal 
 border of brownish-black extending around the tip, and for half an inch or more down 
 on e'lch .side. External to this rim of black there is another, which ends the feather, 
 of pure or yellowish white. The markings of the tail are abrupt and well defined. 
 The legs and feet are dull greenish-black, like the bill, with a shade of reddish 
 slightly apparent over some of the joints ; the soles inclir ing to yellowish, the claws 
 black, with whitish tips. Length of tarsus, 0.75 ; middle toe and claw, 0.90. The 
 ground color of the upper parts is a very light pearl-blue, much as in the adults, and 
 is pretty pure and uninterrupted on the rump and greater wing-coverts. But on 
 the back, the hind neck between the shoulders, the scapulars, tertials, median coverts 
 and inner secondaries, this color Is almost completely obscured and hidden by a very 
 beautiful, fiue, delicate, continuous mottling of black and light yellowish or fawu- 
 color. This black is disposed chiefly in narrow, irregular, zigzag transverse lines, but 
 their continuity everywhere interrupted by the mottling of fawn-color. TLis appear- 
 ance is very difficult to describe ; it is quite unlike anything else I have seen among 
 Terns, and rather reminds one of the delicately but inextricably blended colors of a 
 Scops, a Caprimulgns, or perhaps of some Scolopacince. On the tertials, inner secondaries, 
 inner longest coverts, the pattern of mottling becomes larger and more distinct, for 
 the feathers are, toward their termination, almost wholly black, with yellowish borders. 
 The head is as peculiar as the back. The forehead and cheeks are of a uniform, deli- 
 cately blended, and soft, light grayish-brown, which on the vertex and occiput becomes 
 resolved into small, broad, indistinct longitudinal stripes of quite deep black and dull 
 fawn-color, the streaks again being lost on the nape in perfectly uniform dull blackish. 
 Just before and above the eye there is a spot almost pure silvery white ; the eye is en- 
 circled by nearly pure black, aggregated into a pretty well-defined semiluiie before it, 
 stretching out behind it as an extensive spot, covering the auricular and temporal 
 legions ; pretty sharply defined with the white below ; being insensibly blended with 
 the color of the occiput above. The under parts are pure white ; but on the sides of 
 the breast, or quite across it, the extreme tips of the feathers are a little obscured by 
 dusky, causing them to appear exactly as if .soiled. There is the ordinary band along 
 the edge of the fore-arm of dull black, but it is obscured by some light fawn-colored 
 tips of the feathers. 
 
 Dimensions of the adult. — Length, 14 to a little over 15 inches; extent, about 30 ; 
 wing, from carpus, 9J to 9f ; tail, 7i to 7| ; depth of fork, :i-J to 4-J- ; bill, aloug culmen, 
 1.50 ; from nostrils to tip, 1.25 ; from feathers on side of lower mandible to tip, 1.75 ; 
 height at hose, 0.35; gonys, 1; rami, 0.75; tibia3 bare, 0.40; tarsus, 0.85; middle toe 
 toe alcne, 0.75 ; its claw, 0.25. 
 
 Dimensions of young-of-year. — Length, average, about 11 inches ; extent, 28 ; wing, 
 from cai-pus, 9.25; tail averaging 4 inches, with a depth of forliiug only 1 to 1^; 
 length of bill, 1.35; its other dimensions, and those of the feet, correspondingly less 
 than in the adult. (Compare also measurements given in the description of the young- 
 of-the-year before the first moult.) 
 
 Though of about the same size as the typical species of Sterna, its form is more slen- 
 der. The bill is relatively longer, slenderer, more acute, with a but slightly convex 
 culmen, f.nd the gonys longer than, instead of about equal to, the exposed portion of 
 the rami. The wings are shorter, with less tapering and acute tip. The relative 
 length and attenuation of the exterior rectrices surpasses that of auy other species of 
 Sterna. The tibiae are bare for a considerably shorter space. The claws are remark- 
 ably arched, especially that of the outer toe. In the pattern of coloration it adheres 
 more closely to the type, though the bill is black and the pilenm of a diflferent shape 
 and degree of persistency in winter. No other species of bterna proper has so marked 
 a roseate tint on its under parts, it being in this respect, for its genus, what galericulata 
 is for " Thalasseus," 
 
 The bill of perfectly adult birds is pure black, except the extreme base, which, with 
 the mouth, is bright red. In immature specimens of various ages it is, for a greater 
 or less extent toward the base, light-colored, with considerable of a vermilion or 
 rather light carmine tint during life. In others the whole bill is pure black. I have 
 never seen it, however, so largely red as it is represented to be in Audubon's plate. 
 The other variations, beyond those normal and constant ones of age and sea' on above 
 detailed, consist chiefly in a greater or less elongation of the tail. 
 
 It is impossible to confound this species, in mature summer plumage, with any other 
 
STEENA PORTLANDICA, PORTLAND TEEN. 691 
 
 of Noith America, and consequently no comparisons need be made. The young bird- 
 of-tbe-year resembles a good deal tbe same age of macruni, so miicb so tbat Naumann 
 is at considerable pains to contradistinguiab tbeni. As the bird is tbeii smaller than 
 T\'ben adult, with a very short tail, ftesh-colored or reddish bill ; and as tbe macrura ia 
 then pure white below, they might perhaps be confounded. S. doiigaUi is, ho\vc\er, at 
 once to be known by the different character of its more persistent and larger pileum ; 
 much lighter color of the upper parts, and lighter and more obsolete and indistinct 
 color of its spots, when young enough to have any ; the lighter color of the web of 
 its exterior tail-featber ; much shorter wings and larger and longer feet, &.c. 
 
 I have been unable to detect any difference between numerous examples of this spe- 
 cies from Europe and America. 
 
 Though this species has often of late years been called " pvadisea'' yet the ques- 
 tioEiible identification of Briinnich's name had probably best give way to that one to 
 which no doubt attaches. 
 
 STERNA POETLANDIGA, Eidgw."^ 
 Portland Tern. 
 
 sterna partlandica, Eidgw., Am. Nat. viii, 1874, 433. 
 
 AdidtCi), Slimmer plumage.— (So. 64394, Mus. Smith. Inst., Portland, Maine, July, 1S73, 
 F. Benntr ; type of the species, as described I. c). Forehead, sides of head, neck .all 
 around, upper tail-coverts, and whole under parts, including lining of wings, pure 
 white. Occiput, crown from opposite eyes, and space around eye, slaty-black. Man- 
 tle an average shade of pearl-gray. A slaty bar along cubit.al edge of wing. Prima- 
 ries light-silvered duskj', with white shaft, tbe outer web of the i:rst black, tbe inner 
 webs of all with large and. long white space, which occupies the whole width of the 
 web at base, and on the first reaches nearly to the tip. Tail white, with light pearly 
 shade; the outer web of the outer feather dusky. Bill and feet black, but the latter 
 with a perceptible reddishness. Bill in size and shape identical with that of a young 
 dougalli. Feet very small (just as in maanira) ; the t.arsus notably shorter than the 
 middle toe and claw. Length, about 12.50 (tail defective ; size apparently of dougalli) ; 
 wing, 9.75; tail, 5 (with perhaps an inch gone) ; the fork, 2.25 (probably over 3) ; bill, 
 along cnlmen, 1.20; along gape, 1.60 ; tarsus, only 0.60 ; middle toe and claw, d.'iD. 
 
 The subject of the present article differs materially from any other 
 Tern I have seen. I cannot refer it to any species known to me. It 
 apparently comes nearest dougalli, vrith which it is to be particularly 
 compared. I will first observe that, though shot in July, it is by no 
 means certain that it is an adult bird; in fact the chances are the other 
 way. The white of the forehead is not a firm, sharp lunule, but, on the 
 contrary, an indefinite restriction of a black cap to the vertex and occi- 
 put, the black and white shading gradually into each other. The pat- 
 tern of the head is identical with that of a specimen of undoubted 
 dougalli before me. Another strong mark of immaturity is seen in the 
 slaty bar along the cubital border of the wing. This is also precisely 
 as in the specimen of dougalli just mentioned. The pure white of the 
 whole under parts and of the cervix, as well as the size of the white 
 areas on the inner webs of the primaries, are exactly as in dongalU. 
 The bill, in size, shape, and color, is identical with that of dougalli. So 
 far we see nothing incomi^atible with the characters of dougalli. But 
 ia doug(illi the mantle is extremely pale pearly, extending uninterrupted 
 over the rump and tail ; in portlandica the mantle is about as in hinmdo, 
 and the rump is white. (However, a winter specimen of dougalli has the 
 mantle scarcely paler than ia ;portlandica.) In dougalli the feet are coral- 
 red or orange, obscured in the young in winter, and the tarsi are scarcely 
 or not shorter than in the middle toe and claw ; in portlandica the feet are 
 quite blackish, and the tarsus is 0.25 shorter than the middle toe and 
 claw. In the proportions of the feet, in fact, portlandica is the same as 
 macrura. From macrura, portlandica is at once separated by its black 
 bill and feet, and pure white under parts. 
 If it could be shown that the tarsi of dougalli are ever so short as this, 
 
692 S. SUPEECILIAEIS VAE. ANTILLAEUM, LEAST TEEN. 
 
 perhaps the other differences from dougalli might be reconciled with the 
 varying characters of age or season in that species ; but at present the 
 discrepancies are insurmountable. I have therefore no alternative to 
 accepting Mr. Eidgway's name, at least for the present. On examining 
 the type-specimen with him, I had a suspicion that the bird might be 
 longipennis, and he has expressed this doubt ; but on conferring with 
 Middendorff, Schrenck, and Eadde, we find that the characters of longi- 
 pennis do not agree at all with those of our bird.* 
 
 A second specimen of portlandica has been taken by Mr. William Brews- 
 ter in Massachusetts. It agrees exactly, except that the black cap is 
 more restricted, the white reaching along the middle line over the vertex 
 to the occiput (comprising mj' view of the instability of this character). 
 It is slightly larger. "Wing, 10.2S ; tail, 6.30 ; culmen, 1.25 ; tarsus, 0.65; 
 middle toe wiflwut claw, the same. 
 
 This specimen was not included in the analysis of the subgenus on 
 p. 675, and its supposed validity requires confirmation. 
 
 STEENA SUPEECILIAEIS var. ANTILLAEUM, Coues. 
 least Tern. 
 
 a. superciliaris. 
 
 sterna supereiliaris, ViBiTA.., Nouv. Diet, xxxii, 1819, 126; E. M. 250 (Rati eeja blanca, 
 Az., Apunt. iii, 377).— Coues, Ibis, 1864, 390.— Blas., J. f. O. 1866, 74.— Sci,. & 
 Salv., p. Z. S. 1866, 200 (Ucayali) ; 1867, 593 ; 1871, 571 ; 1873, 310.— Eeinh., 
 Vid. Med. 1870, 19 (Brazil). 
 
 Sterna maculata, Vieiix., E. M. 350 (Rati iacheti, Azara). 
 
 Sterna argentea, Maxim., Beit, iv, 871. — Bubm., Syst. XJebers. iii, 542 ; Eeise, ii, 519. — 
 Pelz., 0. B. 325 (Brazil). 
 
 b. antillarum. 
 
 Sterna minuta, WiLS., Am. Orn. vii, 1813, 80, pi. 70, f. 2 (not of Linniens and European 
 •writers).— Bp., Svn. 1828, 355.— AuD.. Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 175, pi. 319; Syn. 
 1839, 321 ; B. Am. vii, 1844, 119, 439.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 350.— Pdtn., Pr. Ess. 
 Inst. i. 1856, 221 (Massachusetts). 
 
 Sterna minuta americana, SuxD., Ofv. K.-A. Forh. 1869, 589 (Porto Eico). 
 
 Sterna argentea. Ndtt., Man. ii, 1834, 280.— Bp., List, 1838, 61.— Le6t., Ois. Trinidad, 545. 
 
 Sternula antillarum, Less., Descr. Mammif. et Ois. 1847, 256. 
 
 Sterna antillarum Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 552 (critical).— Coues, Ibis, 1864, 390 
 (Belize). — Coues, Ibis, 1866, 64 (coast of California) — Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 
 lS66, 100 (the same).- Coues, Pr. Ess. Inst, v, 1868, 308 (New England, breed- 
 ing). — Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 126 (South Carolina). — Coues, Am. Nat. 
 iii, 1869, 337 (biography).— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1871, 45 (North Carolina, 
 breeding).— Lawr., Ann. Lye. viii, 1864, 107 (Sombrero); viii, 1866, 299 (New 
 Yort).— Dress., Ibis, 1866, 44 (Texas).— Gundl., Eepert. F. N. i, 1865, 393 
 (Cuba).— ScL. & Salv., P. Z. S. 1871, 571 (Central America).— Eidgw., Ann. 
 Lye. N. Y. X, 1874, 391 (Illinois). 
 
 Sternula melanorhyncha, Less., op. et. loo. dt. (juv.). 
 
 Sterna frenata, Gajib., Pr. Phila. Acad, iv, 1848, 128.— Lawr., B. N. A. 1858, 864.— Wheat., 
 Ohio Agric. Eep. 1860, No. 276.— Coues & Prent., Smiths. Eep. J861, 418 
 (Washington, D. C). — Hayd., Eep. 1862 (Missouri region). — Allen, Pr. Ess. 
 Inst, iv, 1864, 90 (Massachusetts).- Tuexb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 39.— Snow, B. Kana. 
 1873, 12 (rare). 
 
 Sternula frenata, Bp., Compt. Eend. 1856, 773. 
 
 Sterna superciKaris, Cab., J. f. O. v, 232 (Cnba).— Coues, Key, 1872, 322 (North America). 
 
 Sterna {Sternula) superciliaris. Gray, Hand-list, iii, 1871, 121, No. 11066 (includes both). 
 
 ' Since wriling the foregoing, I have had an opportunity of inspecting a tine example 
 of longipennis, through the kind attentions of Dr. Otto Finsch, of Bremen. I fail to see 
 iow longipennis differs from Mrnndo (auci.) except in the more extensively black bill. 
 It is of exactly the same size, proportion of parts, and general aspect. The species (if 
 it be one) has given ornithologists some trouble, apparently ; but the only question 
 eeems to me to be its distinctness from Mrundo. 
 
S. SUPERCILIAEIS VAE. ANTILLAKUM, LEAST TEEN. 693 
 
 DiAG. S. mimitai similis ejusdemque statural ; sed uropygio canddque cum pallio concolori- 
 
 ius, rostro hreviore, graciliore, viitd frontali migustiore; rostroflavo, apice nigra, pedibu8 
 
 flams. 
 
 i7a6.— Temperate North America, especially along the Atlantic coast of the United 
 States, but also on the larger inland waters. Up the Pacific coast to California (^Xantus, 
 Coues). South into the Antilles and Middle America generally. Apparently winters 
 beyond the United States. (The typical siqyerciliaris from South America; Brazil, Para- 
 guay, &c.) 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition.— 900b, FHtteHiTeT; 9007, Loup Fork ; 8999, Yellow- 
 stone River. 
 
 Adult, hreeding plumage. — Bill about as long as the head, slightly exceeding the tarsus 
 and middle toe together without the claw ; compressed; only moderately robust; the 
 tip very acute, but not much attunuated nor decurved. Culmen straight to the nos- 
 trils, slightly but equally decurved for the I'est of its extent; commissure curved 
 throughout ; rami concave in outline, short ; gouys straight, much longer than the 
 ramus. Nasal groove tolerably wide, but very short, aud not deep. Tomia slightly 
 inflected. Wings of moderate length ; first primarj' but very slightly longer than the 
 second; the rest successively more and more rapidly graduated. Tertials and inner 
 secondaries very short, reaching in the folded wing only half way to its tip. Tail 
 rather short, and only moderately forked ; the central rectrices broad, with broadly 
 rounded tips ; the external pair narrowing rapidly to a very acute tip. Tibiae bare but 
 a very short distance. Feet small, short, slender ; t.arsus equal to middle toe and half 
 its claw ; of ordinary characters as legiirds scutellation and reticulation. Outer toe 
 almost or quite as long as the middle, with its claw very much shorter and weaker; 
 iuner toe short, its claw just reaching to the base of the middle claw. Unguis of hal- 
 lux extremely minute. Webs moderately broad; the outer only slightly, the inner 
 very considerably, incised. 
 
 Bill yellow, its tip for usually an eighth to a fourth of an inch black, but sometimes 
 altogether yellow. The junctiou of this black with the yellow is quite straight and 
 perpendicular, as it does not run off on the gonys, nor culmen, nor tomia. Pileum 
 glossy greenish-black. On the forehead a naiTvw lunula of white, the posterior border 
 of which is very concave, the narrow cornua of which extend over the eyes just to 
 their posterior borders. This crescent extends quite to the bill, but is separated from 
 the white of the cheeks by a narrow line of black, which runs forward as a prolonga- 
 tion of the pileum, through the eyes, to the extreme tip of the feathers on the side of 
 the bill. The entire upper parts of the bird, including its rump, nape, upper tail- 
 coverts, and the rectrices themselves, are pearl-blue, with a considerable tinge of 
 plumbeous. This color extends undiluted quite to the black pileum, on the sides of 
 the neck and head fading insensibly into the pure white of the under parts. The rec- 
 trices are about the color of the back, only they grow lighter toward their bases, and 
 their under surfaces, together with the outer web of the first, are nearly white. The 
 color of the hack extends undiluted to the extreme apices of the secondaries and ter- 
 tials, but the inner webs of these feathers are bosally nearly white. The shafts of the 
 first two primaries are white iuferiorly, black superiorly ; the webs themselves black, 
 the inner with a considerable space white ; this white space separated from the black 
 by a tolerably distinct line of definition, not extending to the tip of the feather. The 
 other primaries are a considerably darker shade of the color of the back, their inner 
 webs fading into whitish along their borders, which thus become conspicuously mar- 
 gined with white quite to their tips. Whole under parts, including the inferior alar 
 tectrices, pure white, without the least wash of plumbeous or tinge of rosy. Feet 
 orange yellow, the claws black. 
 
 Toward the middle or latter part of July, the bird above described begins to change, 
 and, until it has fully completed its autumn moult, its plumage is as follows : 
 
 Adults duriiig the August moult. — Bill mostly black, but a greater or less degree of 
 yellow remaining. The black pileum has already become variegated with white, the 
 front beiug mostly of that color. The upper parts are as in summer, but there are 
 indications of the dusky band that is to appear along the fore-arm. Tail scarcely at 
 all forked, from wearing away of the central rectrices. A larger number of the pri- 
 maries are blackish, without a silvery tinge, and this grayish-black extends along the 
 radial edge of the metacarpus to the carpal joint on the feathers of the ala spuria. 
 
 At the finishing of the moult we have the — 
 
 Adult, tcinter plumage. — Bill black ; legs and feet dull yellowish. Forehead aud lores 
 pure white ; vertex white, with more or less numerous, narrow, longitudinal lines of 
 black; occiput and nape wholly brownish-black, sending forward on each side over 
 the aurioulars, to just in front of the eye, a band of the same. The upper parts are as 
 in the adults in summer, but rather darker, and the mantle does not, as in summer, 
 extend quite up to the nape, but leaves a portion of the neck behind white, as are also 
 the whole under parts. There is a continuous band of grayish-black along the fore- 
 arm ; the bend of the wing from the primaries to the carpal joint is also of this color. 
 
694 S. SUPERCILIARIS VAR. ANTILLARUM, LEAST TERN. 
 
 The primaries are abont as described last. The tail is colored much aa in summer, but 
 the lateral fciathers have not the elorifjation that they acciuire during that season. 
 
 The immature u-intcr plumage, or that of a young bird which has just completed its 
 first autumn moult, difters from the above as follows: It is somewhat smaller, with 
 considerably weaker bill, the basal portions of which are still more or Ic.'is dirty flesh- 
 color. The forehead and vertex are rather giayish-whito than pure white, and the 
 brownish-black of the nape is interrupted with light grayish. Tlio nniformif.y of the 
 colors of the upper parts is interfered with by the still remaining lighter tips of most 
 of the feathers, while some may yet retain the brownish subai>ical spots of the aris 
 Tiornolina. The tail has still some traces of dark subapical spot.i. It is only in early 
 winter that this particular plumage can be seen, lor toward spring the birds are 
 hardly to be distinguished from the adults. 
 
 We have yet to describe the bird-oft he-year in July and August, before its first 
 moult ; the Ibllowing is the plumage of the — 
 
 Jris lioriiolina. — Bill nearly as stout at the base as in the adults, but shorter, more 
 obtuse, with illy-developed symphyseal eminence ; brownish-black ; under mandible 
 basally dull flesh. Frons mostly white : the vertex and occiput variegated with 
 brownish-black and white, the former color mostly aggregated into a post-oenlar patch. 
 Dorsum and alar tectrices lightly washed with the pearl-gray of the adults, but the 
 continuity of this color greatly interiuj>ted by hastate or crescentie spots of brown, 
 which mottle the whole upper parts, one or more being on each feather. Primarica 
 grayish-black, growing lighter from without inward. Their inner wobs are bordenjd 
 with white, broadest on the outer primary, growing narrower and longer on the others 
 till, on the inner ones, it goes quite around the tip of the feather on to the outer web; 
 outer web of first immary, and shafts of all the primaries, pure black snperlorly, pure 
 white inferiorly. Tail deeply emargiuate, the lateral feathers scarcely elongated ; 
 pearl-blue, deepening towards the tips of the rectrices into dusky-gray, the extreme 
 apices again white. Whole under parts pure white. Size somewhat less than f lie adults. 
 
 Dimensions of the adult. — Length, about 9 ; extent, 20 ; wing, (i.Gti ; tail 3..50, its fork 
 1.75; bill along culmen, l.yO ; depth at base, 0.28; tarsus, O.fcitj ; middle toe and claw, 
 0.72. Touni) correspondingly smaller in all dimensions: Length, about 8.50; wing, 
 6.35 ; tail, 3.25 ; bill down sometimes to 1. 
 
 Other rarialioiis. — As in all Terns, there is a notable variation in the length and 
 stoutness of the bill ; but the largest I have seen do not equal those of either miitula 
 or siiperciViaris jjroper. But when we come to compare tyiiical superciliaris of South 
 America with minnta, we find no notable difi'erence; so that size of the bill can only 
 be used to distinguish the North American variety of superciliaris from miriula — not 
 whole American form from its iMiropean representative. In color, the bill of var. 
 aniiJlarum usually presents us with a black tip one-eighth to one-fourth of an inch long; 
 while in svperciliaris the bill is wholly yellow. But, in enumerating the dilferent 
 points oi superciliaris and antillarum, Messrs. Sclater and Salvin, who separate the two, 
 have overlooked the fact, which I only lately learned myself, that in a certain percent- 
 age of avtillarum itself the bill is wholly yellow, and that soiuetinies the bill of nuper- 
 dlinria is dark at the tip.* In examining a great many fresh specimens oi antillarum, 
 
 * This is the case, for example, with No. 210'!!2, from the Parana, South America, in 
 ■which the bill is yellow, clouded with olivaceous on the under mandible, and with the 
 tip brownish for nearly a fcui th of an inch. The bill is notably l.jnger and larger 
 than in var. anlillarum — almo.st 1.40 along culmen, and 0.30 deep at base. The bird is 
 also larger — the wing 7,15, or about an inch longer than usual in antiUuriini. 
 
 A specimen of S. nereis, Gould, from New Zealand (No. 6fi2()H, Dr. J. Haast), agrees 
 substantially with European minuta, in the pearly-gray not extending on the tail, and 
 large dark-tipped bill. The hill is, however, even stouter, especially deeper at the 
 base than in minuta, and the general size is notably greater; wing, 7.10; bill 1.25 
 along culmen, 0.32 deep at base, 
 
 S. exilia of Tschudi (Peru) I have not seen. As understood by Messrs. Sclater and 
 Salvin (who refer to it S. loricata, Ph. & Laxdii., Wieg. Arch. 1803, 124, Hay of Arioa), 
 it apjiears decidedly different from the rest. Without considering the question of posi- 
 tive taxonomic rank, the several forms just mentioned may be thus tabulated : 
 
 A. Entirely white below, 
 
 a. Pearly of mantle not extending on tail, which is white, 
 
 1, Smaller; wing, under 7 ; bill, about 0.25 deep at base minnta. 
 
 2, Larger; wing, 7 or more; bill, 0,30 or more at baae -nereis. 
 
 b. Pearly of mantle extending uninterrupted on tail, 
 
 3, Smaller ; wing, under 7 ; bill, under 1.25, usually black 
 
 tipped-.- antillarum, 
 
 i. Larger; wing,over7; bill, over 1.25, seldom blacktipped-. suptrciliaris. 
 
 B. " Gray " below ; bill very slender, its terminal half black acilia. . 
 
S. SUPEECILIAEIS VAR. ANTILLAEUM, LEAST TEEN. 695 
 
 •wLich I shot on the Carolina, coast in the breeding season, I fonnd many ■with the black 
 tip rednced to a mere point, and a few without trace of black. This supposed distinc- 
 tion, therefore, fails as a test, though an average difference in this respect really holdis, 
 enough perhaps to -warrant our recognition of a var. antillarum, coupled as this charac- 
 ter is with the notably smaller size, especially of the bill. But I feel quite confident 
 that I was right in uniting antillarum specifically with superciliaru, aa I did in the 
 " Key," following Hartlaub, Cabanis, and Gray. 
 
 AniUlarum being referable specifically to superdliaris, which latter has a bill equaling 
 in size that of niiHu/a' of Europe, we are reduced, in separating these two species, to the 
 character of extent of the pearl-gray mantle of supei-ciliaris over the rump and tail, 
 which latter parts are in miinita pure white, like the belly. In the American bird, 
 according to my observations, the white frontal lunula at least averages considerably 
 narrower than that of the European, but this is not a very reliable character. I con- 
 tinue to separite the two specifically, though there is much to be said in favor of their 
 merely varietal difference, as held by Snndevall. 
 
 The term minuta, used by earlier American writers, being preoccupied for the Euro- 
 pean bird, while superciliaris may perhaps be best restricted to the South American 
 (where its synonymn argeiitea also belongs); the n.ime antUlariini, Lessou (1-47), ante- 
 dating Gambel's frenata of ]f:4:^, may be applied to the North and Middle American 
 form, as I pointed out in l'^62. There is no question of its pertinence here, nor that 
 Lesson's mclanorliyncha is the young of the same. 
 
 Although this species is more particularly abundant along the 
 Atlantic coast, yet its distribution in the interior of the United States, 
 along the larger water-courses, is more general than has been com- 
 monly supposed. Dr. Hayden got it in various parts of the Missouri 
 region, and Prof. Snow has it in his list. It migrates up the Mississippi 
 from the Gulf, though most of the individuals prefer to pass along the 
 coast. On the Pacific side it reaches California. It breeds at various 
 points all along, and in winter retires far south, as seen by the above 
 quotations. The best opportunity I have had of studying its habits 
 occurred to me on the Xorth Carolina coast, where it is a summer resi- 
 dent, from e.irly in April until October, and, except at the height of the 
 influx of the other kinds, the most abundant Tern of all. It breeds 
 there in great numbers. A specimen, shot May 17, had then an egg 
 ready to be laid; but most of the eggs ar-e deposited toward June, and 
 during the fore part of that mouth. The first young birds I noticed 
 were flying June 20 ; but this was early for them, the broods not being 
 fairly on wing until the middle of July. During all of May and June, 
 indeed, there are plenty of immature birds about; but these, it should 
 be observed, are of the last summer's broods, rendering the conclusion 
 obvious that at least two years are required to assume the perfect dress. 
 These birds have the bill black, no black cap or white crescent, slaty 
 auriculars and occiput, dark bar along the front edge of the wing, 
 imperfectly-colored primaries, and slightly forked tail; thus not possibly 
 to be confounded with birds of the season, which are curiously varie- 
 gated with gray-brown and white, and show no pearly-blue. The year- 
 lings were in plenty with the adults at the breeding-grounds; but 
 whether or not they were paired and had eggs too, was plainly impos- 
 sible to determine, as Terns' eggs are almost never identified as to the 
 exact parent, when numbers of the birds are breeding together, as they 
 were in this case. The usual number of eggs is two, not three, and 
 often only one is laid ; they do no not average over 1^ by 1 inch. The 
 eggs here were laid on the pebbly shingle just back of the beach, among 
 the sand-dunes, and were deposited on the bare ground all around, in a 
 scarcely perceptible depression, or none at all. During the season the 
 air is filled with the shrill cries of the birds winging overhead ; they are 
 fearless in attemjited defence of their charge, often dashing down 
 within a few feet of one's head. The eggs are very difficult to find, even 
 when numerous, as they are colored much like their surroundings. The 
 

 696 SIEENA ALEUTICA, ALEUTIAN TERN. 
 
 ground color varies froai clear, pale greeiiisb-wbite to pale dull drab or 
 olivaceous. The markings are numerous, aud generally distributed, 
 though they frequently tend to wreathe around the large end, especially 
 when they are of large sizej they consist of small splashes, irregular 
 spots, and mere dots of clear brown of several shades, together with 
 numerous pale, ill-defined lilac or gray shell-markings. 
 
 STEENA ALEUTICA, Bd.^ 
 Aleutian Tern. 
 
 Sterna aleutica, Bd., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 321, pi. 3t, f. 1.— Dall & Bann., ibid. 307 
 
 (Kodiak).— Codes, Key, 1873, 322. 
 Sterna " camtscliatica, Pall.," Finsch, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 85 (Alaska). 
 
 DiAG. S. rostro, pedibus, vertice, nuehd, et fascia transoculari, nigris ; lunula frontali, gwld, 
 genis ctcaudd, albis ; corpora griseo-plumbeo, subtus dilutiore, magis perlaceo ; magnitudine 
 cireiter S. macruros. 
 
 Hab. — Aleutian Islands. (Kodiak.) 
 
 Adult.— {TSo. 52517, Mas. Sniitlis. ; Kodiak, June 12, 1868. The type of the species.) 
 The hill has the usual sh.ape, as in hirmtdo, niaa-ura, ic. It is entirely black. The feet 
 are small, as in the species just named, but depart somewhat from the typical condi- 
 tion of this genus in having the webs more deeply incised. The emargination is not so 
 great, however, as in the genus Sydrochelidon. It is much as in JBaliptana. The tibiae 
 are bare to the usual extent. The wiugs and tail are exactly as in Sterna proper, the 
 latter, in its length aud depth of fork, recalling macrura and forsteri. The crown and 
 nape are black ; there is a large white frontal crescent, the horns of which reach to the 
 posterior border of the eyes, the convexity of which extends into the nasal fossas, the 
 concavity of which is opposite the anterior border of the eyes. It is thus seen to ho 
 broader than in most species similarly marked. The black vertex sends through the 
 eye a band that crosses the cheeks and reaches the bill just posterior to the point of 
 greatest extension of the feathers on the latter. The chin, auriculars, and other parts 
 of the he.ad bordering this vitta below, .are pure white, presently deepening iuseosibly 
 into the hue of the under parts. The tail is wholly pure white ; no pearly wash on 
 either vane of any of the feathers. The upper parts at large are of a dark pearl-gray, 
 with a dull leaden hue, different from the clear pearly of rnacrura, &c., yet not of the 
 smoky cast oi panaycnsis, &c. ; it is a tint intermediate between these, that I find diffi- 
 cult to name satisfactorily. The whole under parts, from the white of the chin, 
 just noticed, to the under tail-coverts, are of a paler and more decidedly pearly tint 
 of the same color, more nearly as in fuU-plumaged macrnra, yet more grayish. Both 
 under and upper tail-coverts are, like the tail, white. The color of the b.aok mounts 
 on the neck behind to the black of the nape without intervention of white. The under 
 wing-coverts and the edge of the wing are pure white ; so also are all the sh.afts of the 
 primaries. The primaries are blackish lead-color, with silvery hoarlness, and each with 
 a large white space on the inner web. This white space on the first primary occupies 
 at the base the whole width of the inner web, but grows narrower toward the tip of 
 the feather, ending about an inch from the tip, which is wholly blackish. le.ad-color, 
 a.s just described, this color funning down as a narrow margining of the inner vane for 
 two inches or more. On the other prim.aries successively this white space diminishes 
 an size, and is also less distinctly deiined. The secondaries are colored much like the 
 back, hut the greater part of the iuner web of all is white, and there is a narrow 
 oblique touch of white on the outer web near its end, which forms a bar .across the 
 wing when closed. 
 
 ' Divieiisions. — Bill along culmen, 1.40; along gape, 1.70; height at base, 0.30; length 
 of gonys, 0.80; wing, 9.75; tail, 6.50: depth ot fork, about 2.40; tarsus, 0.60; middle 
 toe alone, 0.80 ; its claw, nearly 0.30. 
 
 No special comparison with any other known species is required. 
 
 This Tern, recently described (as above), is interesting in several respects. It is 
 singular that so strongly marked a species should have remained so long unnoticed, 
 but. we find no indication of it in the names or descriptions of previous writers. It 
 gives us a new style of coloration for North American species. At first sight it sug- 
 gests species of Haliplana, without, however, presenting anything like the special 
 coloration of the type of that subgenus, fuUginosa. It more nearly resembles the-paler- 
 colored species of the genus, as panayensis for example ; and, again, comes nearer still 
 to certain southern forms of what are usually rated as Sterna proper ; for instance, <S. 
 lunald, Peale. The black bill and feet, white frontal lunula, dullness of the upper 
 pairts, &c., which suggest RaUplana, are supplemented by an approach to that genus 
 
 '/ / ' — .. '/ • J ^' ' ,'., .1 - / 
 
STEENA ALEUTICA, ALEUTIAX TEEN. 697 
 
 from anotlier direction, viz, tlie deep incision of tbe webs, which is as well marked 
 perhaps as in H.fuligiiwsa, bnt which eviiltiitly falls short of the requirements of Hi/- 
 drochelidon in this respect. With all this mimetic resemblance to several s|ieuies of a 
 different group, S. alcutica cannot be severed froiu ibose of Sltiiia proper. ILie species 
 of Haliplana are white below, and have the tail more or less similarly colored with 
 the upper parts ; ^. aleutica, like macrura and its allies, is strongly washed on the under 
 parts with a diluted tint of the sime color as the upper parts, the tail remaining pure 
 white, in strong contrast. 
 
 The differences between S. fuliginosa and one of the typical Slenia;, as hinindo for 
 example, are strongly marked, and were only th:s species to be taken into considera- 
 tion, it might seem advisable to separate it generically ; but iuvejtigation of inter- 
 mediate forms shows the propriety of retaining Haliplana to be very questionable. 
 From the extreme of form and pattern of coloration that fidigiiwsa shows, there are 
 easy gradations toward Sterna proper through panayeims, and certain species, usually 
 called Sterna, as infuscata, lunata, and perhaps other exotics with which I inn not well 
 acquainted, these being referable to either genus with equal propriety. Finally, 
 another strong link is afforded by this S. aleutica, which is unquestionably a Sterna, yet 
 leans in the direction oiHaliplana in certain points both of form and coloration. 
 
 At present only the original specimen of this species is known. It is iu mature, 
 doubtless breeding plumage, having been shot in June. In winter the species may be 
 expected to differ in wanting the pure black of the crown, which may then be largely 
 replaced by white, obscuring the outlines of the frontal lunula. The stripe through 
 the eye will probab ly be retained ; so will some black upon the occii)ut. The general 
 colors will be paler, the wings more canescent. Touug birds will differ in imperfec- 
 tion of the head m.arkings, much as just suggested ; the bill and feet may be in jnirt 
 light colored ; tbe under parts pure white. \ 
 
 Since the foregoing was penned, three more specimens have come to hand, from the 
 s-ime region as the type, and are exactly like it. Dr. Finsch's determination that the 
 species is camtuchatica of Pallas, is open to grave doubt ; I cannot make such an identi- 
 fication, after careful examination of Pallas's description. 
 
 St(bge)iiis HALrPLAiN'A, Wagl. 
 
 <^ Sterna, Gm., Syst. Xat. i, 1TS6, 605, et aliq. 
 
 = Onychoprion, Wagl., Isis, 183'2. 277. {Sterna serrnta, Fokst.) 
 
 = Planetis, Wagi.., Isis, ] t*3-2, 1-22-2 (type — ?). 
 
 ^Haliplana, Wagl., Isis, lt^:5'2, 1224." {S. fuliginosa, Gm.) 
 
 = Haliplanes, apud Blas., List B. Enr. 16'&2, 22. 
 
 "^Anom, Less., Descr. Maamif. et Ois. lr^47, 255, nen Leach. 
 
 <^ Bydroehelidon, Bp., List, 163,?, 6\, pnrlim ; nee BoxE. 
 
 = Thalasdpora, BoiE (fide Gray ; type given as " infuscata, Licht."). 
 
 = Melanostema, Bl. (fide Gray). 
 
 Gen. CH.tR. Bill as long as the head, scarcely exceeded by the tarsus and middle too 
 together, staight, stout at the base, where it is nearly as broad as high, but tapering ; 
 the tip rather acute. Culmen brJhd, especially at the base, and bnt slightly convex ; 
 gonys straight, ascending, making the commissure scarcely at all decurved ; the rami 
 slightly convex;, the eminentia symphysis obtuse and little developed ; the tomia of 
 both mandibles inflected. Xasal groove long and deep, but rather irregularly defined, 
 terminating beyond the middle of the bill; the nostrils more anterior than in Sterna, 
 though not so much so as in Anous. Outline of feathers on bill as iu Sterna. Wings 
 exceedingly long, pointed, but the first primary scarcely longer than tbe second. Tail 
 very long, very deeply forked, as in Sterna, but the feathers broader and stiffer, and 
 not so regularly tapering. Feet moderately long, the tibiae denuded for a consider- 
 able distance ; toes all short, the inner extremely so ; the middle, with its claw, 
 scarcely longer than the tarsus, which is of moderate length, slender. The webs mml- 
 erately broad, the outer very lightly, the inner more deeply incisetl. Of. moderate 
 size and slender, graceful form. Bicolor. Characters of mouth as in Sternina: gen- 
 erally. Trachea of sm.iU calibre flattened above, but socm becoming quite cylindrical. 
 Lower larynx very small, its muscles feeble. Bronchial half-rings very delicate, but 
 distinct from the first, which is as usual larger and stronger. Zone of prorentricular 
 glands unusually narrow. Hep.atic and cystic ducts very short. Cceca* minute, 
 
 * I cannot reconcile Audubon's description of the organs of digestion with the results 
 obtained by my own scalpel. In the specimens examiued the oesophagus was not 
 " within the thorax dilated into an enormous sac," nor were its walls " extremely thin, 
 80 as to be membranous and transparent." The organ in question was of pretty uni- 
 form calibre throughout, and as muscular as in any other Tern. There must have 
 existed in Audubon's specimen a temporary and accidental dilation, as might readily 
 be the case. I cannot account for the difference in length of coeca as given by him, 
 and as I have found. In iny specimens the cceca, instead of being like those of the 
 Leatridina, are exceedingly short, and strictly stemine iu character. 
 
608 STEENA FT)7JGIN0SA, SOOTY TEKN, 
 
 scarcely two-tciitliB of an incli Ion};. J.'cctiirn cxtrcmelj' Bljort. (iloiic.'i If.rgo (iiid 
 globular. Kidirr^ys only divided into llinc. or four IoIich. 
 
 'J lii.H Miilit;(;iniH in iii.-irij lewpectH in alli<;(l tcj Aikiiih, iipiniri-ntly coniiccUcK (lui two Hce- 
 tioiiH Htcniiii: iiiid AiioiUr., tlioiiuli unqurHtionably licloiif^iiiK to tli<: lijniiii'. lU fHHential 
 fcaluriM lie, in llic, »haiii; of tlio bill, poHilion of tlio icont,rilM, &,c. In jiul-l.i rii of color- 
 ation lliirc, is a couBiderable deviation lioni lli(t ordinary tyim. Then; -iie few notiee- 
 able anatomical pointH, tlie ejjief brirjj; tbe, HiciidcriieHH of the trachea, wculifieB of the 
 lower l.'iiynx, iinil uyiiowiMkH of tlie iniivirif rioiilar zorji'. 
 
 Tbiee iiaini h iirojiosed for I hi: genoH are Ijy Ihe name anthor and hear the. Harnr; date. 
 ]n this in.Mlance. it heeins (o be a inattcT of cljoice which to adojrf;; and, iilMion(;h lliill- 
 'jiluiia w ijihlilnled several jiafieH aftei- (Jinichdjirion and J'lmitil.in, 1 piefer to adopt it, s\M 
 Uh type is tlie uell-kijown ii.fi(lii/inom, and as it is the most I'uplionious, 
 
 Until H-eentiy lint a nin^^le hjieeiis oi' the Meetion was l^nown to inhabit North Amer- 
 ica. Mr. a. Is. J^awrenee introdneed the (Central American mionlliirla (" iliHc.ohir") into 
 our fauna, by virlne, of KpeeimeiiH in hisealiinet from Mr. Audubon's eollee.tion, labeled 
 as having been taken in 1 loiida. It ajipeara to bo a common bird of the Central 
 American coa.st and iHlands. 
 
 The followinfr analytical tahlewill serve to diHtin^iiiKli the two North American 
 species of the section—//. Ivnulii, Peale, not an inhabitant of NoiHi America, being in- 
 troduced for furtlier comparison : 
 
 Common cliarucltrK. — Bill and feet black. Under parts and a frontal lunula, white. 
 I. Back like eiown. 
 
 1. Above, deep brownish-black fnliiiivom. 
 
 II. Back not like crown ; oinvn black. 
 
 2. Back deep smoky-gray imifntlicla. 
 
 '■J, Back light jiearl-gray Iwnaia. 
 
 STEENA (DALIPLANA) FULIOINOSA, dm. 
 Sooty Tern. 
 
 Sterna fuUfihiijua, O.M., Kyht. A'at. i, 17H8, CO.',.- La'ih., Ind. Oiti. ii, 804 ("lirij-., viii.JMS; 
 Sooli/ Tcni, AiiA.. Zool. ii, No, 447 ; Oen. Kyn. vi, li.'2, Ac.j. — Wiix., Am. ')rn. 
 viii, I'^l'l, 14.",, pi. 72, f. — .- Jif., ,Syn. 1828, .Ti.'.— Ni.Ti,, Man, ii, l'";i4, 284.— 
 kv.u., Orn. liioe. iii, 18:;.''), 20!!; v, IHM, Ml ; pi. 2:;.',; 8yn. I8:!'J, lil?; Ii, Am. 
 vii, 1844, !iO, 111. 4;;2.— C,\J;., .1. f. 0. v, '£',:; Cfjubaj.— L>\vvi!., B. N. A. l'^r,8. rr,].— 
 CAh^., Oni. i;. .S. Ex, K.v.p, l^.-)8, :W;.— lUim,., Ibi.^ 18.'!*, IJf.O (?Ked Sea).— B)!Y., 
 Pr. Bost. Soc. vii, l8.'/J, I;M (Bahamas).— Ajxk.v, J 'r. Ksh, Jn,Ht, iv, 1804,!)0 (.Man- 
 sachnsetts, breeding). — lJi:i:,'-,s,, Ibis, I'^OO, 44 (Texifs).— 'J ayi,i,i:, Jbis, )^(;4, 172 
 est. Thomas).— .Si;,n;,,, Ofv. Vet. Ak. I-orh. J8ttt, r,H'.) r.St, Dartholoniew).— 
 ilM-.nsi,, Br. B. 1^72, 10!> (Tutbuj y, lOngland, M'isi;j,Ky, N. fl. '1 nth. 110; 
 iJAjni.sf;, y/ii: Viihl, .June HI], 1800 ; Zool. ]80'J, ji. 18<;7). 
 
 Sterna (Oii;irliiijjrioii)futi!jiiioKii, Okay, Elst Br. B. I'^.o;;, 242 Ci mbury, Kn;;]and ; (jucjtes 
 l;i:<i«,v, Zool, 1^.',:;, ;i7:'..', ; Yaki'.., lir. B. :id ed. .',42;. 
 
 Sterna (^lluliplamn) /ulir/iiioHa, Bla.i., List B, iUiT. 22 *j notes Magdeburg, ^■,^ i;,\i., v, 412). 
 
 Sterna (//otijilunajJuUg'inota, Coi.h,--,, Key, 1872, :i22. 
 
 OnyKlioprion fiiliiiiiii,i',a,'\\M,L., i-.'n, 'ir':.;2, 277.— 0')r;ij,, Introd. B. Anst. 1>'4'^, IK!; Ii. 
 Anst. pi. ;;2.— H';j.., V. Z. 8, 18.-,o, 144 (Ascension Island;.— 8oL. & Halv., P. 
 Z. .S, 1871, .',72 ^Middle Anniriea;. 
 
 IloXqilii na fidigiriona, \\.\(,i,., I-i.s, ]8;!2, 1224, — Bp., Comjit. Rend. IK'/;, 772.— (Jor;i;%Pr. 
 i'iiiia, Acad. 18f;2, .'.'/; (cjitical).—€of;K,s, Ihis, 18fi4, lite f ll<,riilnra,i;,- Haj.v., 
 il,i,s, I'^W, 200 (tbe same;.— OcvjjL., Kep. I'. ,N. i, ]8(;r,, :','X; CCiiba),— Cocks, i'r. 
 £i«.JiMt.v, H€8, :;0!)(?.MasHacliuri<;ttH, breeding;.— CofKH, I'r.Phila. Aciid.1'^71, 
 40 (North C.-ifolina;.— Lawj:., Ann. Lyo. N. Y. viii, b^t fSiicajagna;.— Ai,r,r„s, 
 Am. Nat. iii, l';70, 044 Cocenrrence in Mas'iaehn setts disnied by Or. Brewer;. 
 
 Jfi/drocliclir/oii fiili;iirio>:iini., B/-., Bi.st, 18:i8, 01, — Go-i.sK, IJ. Jam. ]''/l7, 4;!:;. 
 
 hli^rrio. nerrata, \<>\:fi'r., UiiacT. An. ed. Lieht. 1844, i:70. 
 
 (jniicliDprioii herrula, Wa';/,., Isis, ]''.',',i, ■ill. 
 
 Jlalqildna Hiridlu, liv., Compt. Kend, li^.'^O, 772. 
 
 hlenia ipjUato, Vouhl., JJe.Hcr, An. ed. Licbt. 1844, 211. (-/,;,•,; 
 
 Jinoiu I'l't-rminirii, lA.yiH , lJ<:M;r. MamroJf. et Ois. 1S47, 2.",.'< f Antilles). (./«r,; 
 
 Sterna infUmiijilira. Svv. < JifJe Bt.A.s.). 
 
 Stl^nui ijiiiilij}!, iii.lCH. ( Jiili: Ov.,\y'). 
 
 Sterna ludnotu, I'uii,. &. L,\,\j,i!., Wieg. Arch, 1806, 12/; (fide ,S<;;,. & Sai.v,). 
 
 Sterna fuUifuiOHii var. erhnnlii;, Hu., apnd Lawb., Pr, Bost, .Soc. 1871 CSoeoiio). 
 
 IjiaO. S. hicolf/T, r.orpitii: f.ujira, TitKlro, jic.d'dmH mmijihii^iiii.e ■iuijt'i.';, infra imtn ri/:l.rU^, latc- 
 rati niii in iijiii/-, alhin ; tit Id front ali al.tid, freno prr Vrra ibiiMi niifro. .fur. arrriwe Into 
 hrnnneo-vigr'i. milifni'. fjilntiori-, dorno travuxernm rnfu-n nduluto, iilidnmint, i^ixudtjiii: ijriino- 
 alt/in, li-':lri(:il/tiH alarum alho-U-rminalin. 
 
 Zfaft.— Warmer parts of the world. South Sea I.sland.<). Australia. Ee<l ,Sea(?;. 
 
STERNA FULIGINOSA, SOOTY TEEN. 699 
 
 Casual in Europe (as above). Ascension Island (Collingwood, Zool. 980; Sperling, Iliis, 
 18(jB, 286). South America to Cliili {Fliil. & Landh.). Middle America and various West 
 Indian islands. Pacific coast of Mexico (Socorro, Graysoii). In North America on the 
 South Atlantic and Gulf coast; north regularly only to the Carolinas; casu.iUy to Penn- 
 sylvania (Chester County, Barnard, in lit, Baird) ; extension to New England denied. 
 
 Adult in spring plumage. — With the form, &c., as already detailed under head of the 
 subgenus. Bill black. Legs and feet black. Claws black. Iris dull red. On the fore- 
 head is a broad lunula of white, the cornua of which extend baekw.ard over tbe eye to 
 about opposite its middle ; its convex borders separated from the white of the lower 
 part of the cheeks by a straight rather broad band of brownish-black, which extends 
 from the eye obliquely downward and forward to the bill. The entire upper parts are 
 black, deep and uniform, with considerable of a greenish gloss, specially noticeable on 
 the crown. Entire under parts from chin to end of inferior tail-coverts, sides of the 
 head below the eye, sides of the neck more than half way around, with inferior alar 
 teotrices, pure white. Primaries deep brownish-black, lighter on the inner Avebs ; their 
 shafts superiorly light brown, inferiorly white. Secondaries like the primaries, but 
 the greater part of their inner webs whitish. Tail glossy brownish-black above, duller 
 below ; the elongated exterior rectrices white, with white shafts, deepening into black- 
 ish toward the extremities, priucip.ally of their inner webs. 
 
 Young-of-thc-year. — Smaller than the adults, tbe bill especially much smaller and 
 weaker. Upper mandible black ; the under dull reddish, deeper toward the tip ; eyes 
 and feet dull reddish. The entire plumage is of a nearly uniform brownish or grayish 
 fuliginous ; darker on the upper parts ; still deeper on the primaries, where it is almost 
 black; lighter on the under j)arts, so much so as to fade on the abdomen into grayish- 
 white. The superior alar tectrices and the scapulars are all broadly tipped with white, 
 which gives a very peculiar spotted aspect to the parts. The feathejs of the back, 
 rump, and upper tail-coverts, are all margined and tipped with dull rufous, which 
 causes these parts to present a remarkable transversely-waved appearance. The i.ail 
 is uniformly of much the same color as the wings, all the rectrices fading toward their 
 apices into dull brownish. It is simply emargiuate, instead of being deeply forked 
 the lateral rectrices having but a slight elongation. 
 
 Dimensions of (lie adult. — Average length, about 16..50; extent of wings, 33 to 35. Wing 
 from the carpus, 12; tail, 7 to 7.50 ; depth of fork, 3. to 3.50. Bill along culmen, ].80j 
 along commissure, 2.50 ; from feathers on side of lower mandible, 1.90 ; height at base 
 0.50. Tibize bare, 0.70 ; tarsus, 1 ; middle toe and claw, 1.20 ; outer ditto, 1.05 ; inner 
 ditto, 0.75 ; hallux and its claw, 0.30. 
 
 This species is too well known, and too distinct from any other of North America, to 
 require any further description or comparison. The plumage of the young, above de- 
 tailed, is very peculiar, and interesting as being a state upon which one or two nominal 
 species have been founded. It is very difterent from that of the adults. As the bird 
 in this condition grows older the abdomen .ind under parts generally become lighter 
 at the same time that the upper portions of the body deepen in color. The rufous 
 margins of the feathers of the laack and the white tips of the alar tectrices gradually 
 disappear, and the white front begins to make its appearance. The lateral feathers of 
 the tail acquire length and tenuity and become whitish. While the bird is undergo- 
 ing these changes it has also been characterized by some authors as a distinct species. 
 
 A specimen from Socorro (No. 50861, A. J. Grayson), and another from Isabella 
 Island, are different in some respects from any others I have seen. The under parts 
 from the middle of the belly backward, including the tail-coverts, are distinctly washed 
 over with clear, pale slate-gray, which appears in striking contrast to the pure white 
 of the rest of the under parts. The line of demarcation of the two colors is evident. I 
 have not specimens enough to say whether this is a constant feature of the birds from 
 that locality. This is the form named var. o-issalis, as above. 
 
 A large suite of specimens from various Pacific localities, in the Smithsonian, col- 
 lected by the United States Dxploring Expedition, shows me no characters by which a 
 second species may be distinguished iiom fidiginosa. 
 
 Anatomical characters. — The mouth presents but slight variations from the ordinary 
 type. Median ridge commences an inch and a quarter from the tip; is broad and not 
 very prominent ; small obtuse papillie are thinly scattered over its whole surface. 
 Lateral ridges are somewhat sinuate, and extend backward hardly beyond the termina- 
 tion of the median ridge. They are thickly papillate. Opening of posterior nares 
 three-fourths of an inch long. Palate posteriorly considerably vaulted ; the oval aper- 
 ture at its extremity short ; the oblique fringe of papillse that proceed on uitlu-r side 
 short and slightly developed. This portion of the mouth is marked with delicate 
 oblique striae. There are several folds of mucous membrane at the angle of the mouth. 
 Tongue one and a quarter inches long ; very acute, corneous on its anterior two-thirds ; 
 its posterior extremity obtusely emargiuate, thickly papillate. Eima glottic! is one- fourth 
 long; situate rather mora than this distance from the base of the toDgue ; its edges 
 smooth, terminally papillate, and these papillin extend for some distance on either side. 
 
 (Esophagus between five and six inches long, including the proventriculus ; present- 
 
700 STERXA FULIGIKOSA, SOOTY TEEN. 
 
 ing: the ordinary characters as to mnscularity and dilatability ; of pretty nnifonn 
 calibre throngbont. The gastric zone is Tery narrow, less than half an inch. The 
 mncous membrane differs but little in color from that of the tesophagns, bnt is some- 
 what darker, with broader and more irregular mgs, and presents the usual soft, vel- 
 Tet}-, v.-iicnlar appearance. The gigeriuui is situate far back, and turns a little to the 
 right frnm tlie line of the cesophagus. It measures when empty about one by one and 
 a half ir.cbes. presenting the nsnal constriction at its neck. Its cuticnlar lining is 
 thrown np intonnmeroos longitudinal ruga, eseejit over the tendons of the mnscnli 
 laterales, where there is a smooth button formed. 
 
 The duodenal fold is short, only .ibout IJ inches ; just at its termination the intestine 
 receires the hepatic, cystic, and pancreatic ducts, the latter piercing the intestine be- 
 tween the two former.' All are quite short and open near each other. The li\ er ii of 
 ordinary size, the right lobe nearly double the size of the left. The two are loosely 
 connected by a fibrous band, but little if any of the glandular substance being inter- 
 posed. Gall-bladder present, of ordinary size and shape. The kidneys measure one 
 and a half long by about one in breadth." Each i^ divided into three or four lobes, of 
 which the superior are strictly reniform, the inferior ne.-u-ly rectangular, the median 
 irregularly oval and elongated. 
 
 The iLtestines n:eLi?ure about sixteen inches from pylorus to anus. The coeca are 
 extremely short, only about two-tenths in length ; oval in shape. Eectnm short, only 
 about half an inch long. The cloaca large ami globular. It is fully described, with 
 the oviduct, infra. 
 
 The trachea is about four inches long, consisting of from ninety to ninety -five rings. 
 It is weak and thin, and of small calibre throughout. Superiorly it is very flat, but 
 about an icch from the larynx becomes almost perfectly cylindrical, and continues >o 
 for the rest of its length. The lower larynx U extremely small and delicate, compara- 
 tively mcite sn than in other sjiecies : its cartilage appears softer and le-s den-e. Its 
 anterior wall is very short, scarcely one-tenth of an inch. Its anterior inferior apex 
 and lateral inferior angles are very prominent and acute, the edges between them con- 
 cave, ris 15 also the posterior wall. The lateral bronchial apertures are narrow. The 
 bronchial half-riu;;s are about twenty-sis in number, delicate, but quite distinct up 
 to the first one, vLich, as usual, is larger and stronger than the rest. The laryngeal 
 and tracheal ntis ;les are as in the other species, but saiidl and weak. 
 
 The following description of the ovaries, ovidact, and cloaca of this species was 
 taken from a perfect female, obtained in l--"^-. at Bird Keys. Florida : 
 
 The condition of the organs show that tLe bird was taken while these were at their 
 period of full activity . The left ovary, the one developed, as nsnal, contains a large 
 quantity of ova, the majority of which are of the size of a pin-he<id. Five or six. how- 
 ever, h.nve attiiined the size of peas, and hang out from the rest of the ujass upon long, 
 siemier, well-developed pedicles. Upon the largest of these the vessels are di-tinctly 
 visible, ramifying over its surtace, and conveging toward the white zone, already 
 well marked, which indicates the place where the envelope is to be ruptured for the 
 exclusion of the ovum. A calyx larger than .iny of the others has been emptied of its 
 contents, and hangs by a very long i)edicle in a shrunken, collapsed condition. The 
 line of rupture is quite straight .ind smooth, extending over -omewhat les? than a 
 third of the circumference of tbe envelo]>e, and is located on that part directly oppo- 
 site to the pedicle. Thp walls are quite thick, and have a fibrons feel between the 
 fingers, but they are delicate and easily torn. Their internal snrface is soft and per- 
 fectly smooth, and sttidded everywhere with minute puncta. The pedicle is about an 
 eighth of an inch long. 
 
 The oviduct measures, when outstretched, about ten inches in length. In situ, how- 
 ever, its length is only from the anus to the extremity of the kidneys, a distance of 
 about two and a half inches. It is coLSeqnently much convoluted. Its two extremi- 
 ties are widely diverse in appe.irance, the upper being so delictite and attenuated that 
 it cr.n hardly be examined except under water, while near tl.e cloaca it is a stont, 
 thick, mnscnlar tube, half an inch in diameter. For two or three inches it is simply 
 a very delicate membrane, upon which no sfrueture is recognizable- by the naked eye 
 beyond a few slender, muscular fasciculi, arranged chiefly in a longitudinal direction. 
 The tube then becomes quite abruptly thicker and stouter, and its lining membrane is 
 fiirown np into well-marked longitndinal rugit. which have a good deal the appear- 
 ance of the ordinary 'esophageal folds. They are, however, more irregular and convo- 
 luted, and no one fold extends the whole length of this portion of the tube, they saij- 
 sidiug into the level of tt e canal at Tarious places, and beinj; interrupted by nmneroiu 
 transverse depressions. They cannot be made entirely to disappear by stretching the 
 membrane transversely. On this portion of the duct, which is about four inches in 
 length, both circular and longitndinal mnscnlar fibres are very apparent. Beyond 
 tLis the tnbe, for a short distance, again becomes more delicate, resembling somewhat 
 the superior p<irtions, bnt with the lon^tudinal rugae still distinct. It then resumes 
 the physical characters of the second portion, until within an inch and a half of its 
 termination, where lx)th the mueotis and muscular coats undergo a total change. The 
 
STEEXA Ayj:STHETA, BRIDLED TEEX. 701 
 
 former is greatly increased in thictoei*. so as to gire great contractfle power to this 
 portion of iJie duct, enabling it to expel the fiillT-formed egg. Simultaneously with 
 this increase of the mnscnlar parieres, the longitudinal rujpe become rastly augmented 
 in size, and lose their straight character. They become highly convolnted and irregu- 
 lar, and in the uudilated stare of tlio parts present, on cutting into the tube, the 
 apptirance of nnmerens. wared, flattened folds, pressed closely together side by 
 side. The .iggregate thickinrss uf these mucous rug;v and the muscle together, mske 
 ihe diameter of the tube scarcely less than half an" inch. The lining ol'this portion 
 of the CiUial is parti-colored, being variegated with irregular patches of black. 
 
 The cloaca is, as tisual in the family, very capacious, and of a globular shape. Ine 
 two portions into which it is divided are better marked than in any other si>ecies I 
 have examined. The seii.ieireular fold of mucous membrane is very distinct, and 
 the part beyond it is deepened into a perfect poach or bursa, the orifice of which can 
 be closed by the apposition of the elev.-jted fold of mucous membrane against the 
 posterior border of the .anus. Just above this fold the ureters open upon papilte in 
 the usual position. To the left of the left orifice, on the side of the cloaca, is the 
 opening of the oviduct, ordinarily tightly closed by a spincter, which produces puck- 
 ering and eormgation of the membrane around the oriBce, similar to those eans^rd by 
 the ipiceter ani. 
 
 .>'.MOiiy»jr. — The Atlantic references to this bird are comparatively few and definite, 
 there being scarcely a synonym excepting AHoag rhermhiieri. Les*.. and this xmqnes- 
 tionably l^eloDgs here. His bird ^ as fix>m the Antilles, and the description is appli- 
 cable in every particular to the characters of the very young bird above described. 
 There are. however, a considerable number of Pacific quotations which will bear ili;- 
 cnssion. Wc may first state tha: .S. serrala of Fon>tei (the basis of 0»jfcJkoj>rioii, Wagl.), 
 is undoubtedly founded upon the adult of this species. Forsters guilala is also, no 
 doubt, a synonym of the young of this species, in the curiously spotted coudition of 
 early immaturity, yet with the white ftxint and whitish under parts appearing. The 
 .?. oiAaais's of Bloxham is nncertain : it m.ay have been either this or the succeeding 
 species. I quote several other n;'mes, of which I know nothing myself, upon authority 
 cited with each. 
 
 STEEXA (HALIPLAXA) A^'^STHETA.* Scop. 
 Bridled Tern. 
 
 (f)Sferii<» Kubilosa, Spakkm.. Mns. Carls, pi. 6-2 ^fide Strsi). V— .Str^'B.. Ofv. Vet. .\i. Forh. 
 
 l^f't'. o-ii , St. Bartholomew.) ^^ .•>. boi/Hi. var. ; , Lath.) 
 StiTna aiio-:?iata. Scop, es Scixn.. Toy. pi. r4 : Panay). 
 Siemc .Saliplana) ano<Tf''Ttti. Coms. Key, l~Tv!, 32"2." 
 
 HydrochelidOH (Haliplana) aHogth(FUi-. GkaT, Hand-list, iii, 1?71, l->2. Xo. 110h1. 
 Sterna pcRajfmsis, Gyi., Syst. Xat. i. ITrr. 6(J7 ycx L'hiroxdeUe de mer de rule de r^ray, 
 
 SoNTC., 1. e. p. 125 1. 
 BaliploHa panayeiigig, Saiv., Ibis. 1564, 3S1. 39-2 : Hid. 15<i6. 199 (Honduras). 
 Ottj/dioprioa paHagensis. ScL. A: Salt.. P. Z. S. 1~T1. 572 (Middle America). 
 S'crna panaga. Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, ITi"'. -05 (same as panayen-iis, Gm.). 
 OnyekoprioH pamaga, GotTLD, B. Anst. vii, pi. 33. 
 HaJiplana panaya. CoTTES, Ibis, 1S<>1. S)l (Honduras^. 
 (f)5fe7-Ha antarciicn, Crv.,^<fe Grat et Blas. i^Bp. says ^ fuUgiaosa). 
 (?) Sterna oakHenn?. Elox., Toy. Blonde, 15^26. 251, f,de Gray et Blas. (Cass, s^iys = 
 
 fitUgtHosa). 
 HaJiplana discolor. CouES, Ibis, l-n-i. 392 (Honduras). — ^Lawb., Ann. Lye. X. T. viii, 105 
 
 (Sombrero). — ^Elliot, B. S. Am. ii, pi. 57. (May be a fair variety.)' 
 Sterna " mtlaaoptera, Sw.,' apud Grat (Blas. says ^fuhgihoyj). 
 Sterna - infuseata, BuPP. : JvligiHOfa et fuligula, Licht. ;" apud Blis.. J. £ O. 15t*, -1. 
 
 Diag. 5. gupra einereo-hmnnea, alia dnereo-nigrii. rtctricibus extenoribui duaim fere ex 
 toto aXbis, pUeo nigra, cerrice ei albido cinerascente. lunnld frontdli aJba, angustatd, pogt 
 oailos porrecta, freno nigra per oculos in frontem eitrtvmm eitenso. 
 
 Sab. — Warmer parts of the globe. Originally described from the Philippine Islands. 
 Australia. Middle America. West Indies. Florida (spec, in cab. G. X. L^ so labeled 
 by Audubon). The American may be varietally distinguishable. 
 
 Bcfcription (from an adult Florida specimen, received from Mr. Audubon, in the 
 cabinet of G. y. Lawrence) : Form typical of the genus, as already described. Bill 
 and feet black. Crown, and a moderately broad stripe through the eyes to the nostrils, 
 
 * I have not seen the origiual, which Gray quotes as " anosthatug : " but if, as I pre- 
 sume, the word is allied to anasitheaia. ana-^thdic. in allusion to an apparent stolidity of 
 temper of the bird, this spelling is evidently more nearly correct. 
 
702 STERNA AN^STHETA, BRIDLED TERN. 
 
 black. The frontal white lunula is narrower than fuTiffinom, of about the same width 
 as in lunula, and, as in that species, extends some distance behiud the eye, which is not 
 the case in fulitjinosa. The black pilcum is, on the nape, sharply defined against ashy- 
 white, which, as it proceeds backward, gradually deepens iut-o the cinereous-brown, 
 which is the prevailing color of the upper parts, the wings, and especially the prima- 
 ries, are darker than the rest of the upper parts, aud have scarcely a shade of cniereous; 
 the tail, with its coverts, however, is much lighter and more ashy, approaching the 
 nape in color. The primaries, as in lunata, have well-defined, pure white spaces run- 
 ning for a considerable distance from their bases along the inner web, while in 
 fuliginosa the inner webs are simply grayish-brown, with no well-marked pictura. A 
 large part of the inner webs of the secondaries and tertials are also white. All the 
 under wing-coverts are pure white. The central tiil feathers are, as already described, 
 brownish-ashy, concolor with their coverts. The lateral on«s have much white toward 
 their bases, especially on the inner webs, and this increases on each feather success- 
 ively to such an extent that the next to the outer one is wholly white except a small 
 space at its tip, while the outermost is entirely white. In fuliginosa only the outer- 
 most one is white. (Compare descriptions.) The shafts of the primaries are brownish- 
 black above, white beneath ; of the rectrices, dark along the cinereous, and white 
 along other portions of the feathers. Below the bird is entirely pure white. 
 
 Z)!n!CHsions.— Length, 14 to 15 inches; wing, from the carpus, 10.50 ; tail,6to7;* bill, 
 1.40 to 1.60 ; height at base, 0.35 to 0.40 ; width, slightly less ; tarsus, 0.85 ; middle toe 
 the same, with the claw 1.20; outer toe and claw, 1.00; inner, 0.75. These measure- 
 ments, it will be seen, are intermediate between those of fuliginosa and lunata. 
 
 Immature plumage.— k specimen (No. 11394, Nicaragua, Oct., 1858, Dr. Caldwell), 
 probably a bird of the first year, is slightly smaller, as would have been expected, but 
 in form is the same. The differences in the plumage are : The black of the pileum is 
 imjierfect, largely mixed with white on the vertex, so that it fades insensibly into the 
 whit« of the lunula, which latter is thus obscured. The black frenum is corre. pond- 
 ingly imperfect. The upper parts are paler and grayer, some of the feathers being 
 margined with whitish. The lateral rectrices are not wholly white. The under parts 
 are pure white, as before. This is probably not the youngest plumage (of which I 
 have yet to see specimens, that may perhaps be all dusky, white-spotted, \\]i.e. fuliginosa), 
 but rather represents a plumage that closely resembles, if it be not identical with, the 
 ordinary winter plumage of the adult. 
 
 This bird scarcely requires comparison with fuliginosa. The light ashy-white nape 
 and hind neck ; the black cap contrasting vrith the color of the back, besides being 
 separated by the whitish cervix ; the wings darker than the back ; the amount of white 
 on the tail ; the narrowness and length of the frontal lunule ; the differently-shaped 
 bill and the smaller size, at once distinguish it. The species in fact comes nearer lunata, 
 Peale, a rather dark-colored species, in which the crown and back are also conspicu- 
 ously different from each other in color. S. lunata, however, is a smaller bird, with a 
 grayish-plumbeous mantle, more nearly as in typical Sternw. It is well described aud 
 figured by Mr. Cassin in the Ornithology of the United States Exploring Expedition. ■ 
 
 Synonymy. — In 1864 I reached, by some devious path 1 do not now remember, the 
 conclusion that panaycnsis, Gm. (or panaya. Lath.), were rather referable to fuliginosa 
 than to this species ; but upon reconsideration of the subject, I see that the less said on 
 this score the better. It was upon this erroneous consideration that I proposed the 
 term discolor, not that I desired to separate the American bird from that of other 
 regions. The names of Gmelin and Latham are current for the species, but they are 
 based upon Sonnerat (as above), and upon the same basis appears the name " anosilice- 
 tns" (as given by Gray), which has priority. Sundevall, indeed, finds a still earlier de- 
 signation in nuKlosa, " Sparmm., Mus. Carls, t. 62." This I have not been able to look . 
 up, but as there seems to be some uncertainty about it, it may be best held in check. 
 Thus Gr.ay, in the Hand-list, gives "nuMlosa, Sparmm., M. C. t. 63," as a synonym of 
 No. 11082 (" infttscata, Licht.") ; while in 1863, in his List of British Birds, he has a 
 "nebulosa, Sparmm., M. C. t. 63," under Sterna eantiaca, t Gm. Without the work before 
 me, I can only presume that Sundevall's quotation of "t. 62" is pi. 62, and that Gray's 
 "nebulosa" is a slip for nuMlosa. 
 
 In not adopting this name nuMlosa for the present species, I am influenced by the 
 following considerations : There appears to be another very closely-related species, or 
 rather variety, and it is uncertain to which one of the two nuMlosa belongs. This 
 species is given -by Gray, No. 11082, as "infuscata, Licht.," and put in a different sub- 
 genus. There are in the Smithsonian two specimens which I take to be this species : 
 one, No. 57093, from the Schlatter collection, marked " Sterna fuscata, $, ad., Insel 
 Candia;" and another, No. 28475, marked "Bengal," but without further labeling. 
 
 * But the length of the tail, as in all Terns, varies very greatly, according to the age 
 of the elongated lateral feathers. A discrepancy of several inches is by no 'means 
 unusual in this subgenus and in Sterna. 
 
 + Latham quotes "nuMlosa, M. C. t. 63, pullus," as a synonym of his S. loysii var. y. 
 
STERNA LUNATA, PEALE'S TERN. 703 
 
 These two are the same bird, and I presume them to be the "infvscata, Licht.," of 
 Gray's Hand-list, though I have no means of satisfying myself that such is the case. 
 These birds run extremely close to the subject of the present article (my former dis- 
 color) — too close to be specifically separated, though a geographical variety is indicated. 
 The bill is much slenderer, only 0,30 high at the base. The frontal lunula reaches but 
 little beyond the eyes, instead of nearly half an inch behind them ; the loral blacls 
 stripe is narrower. The black cap is separated from the smoky-gray bacli by a very 
 narrow, sharp, cervical collar, instead of a more gradual change. Only the outer t.ail 
 feather is mostly white, instead of the two outer. The size of equally adult specimens 
 is noticeably less — wing about 9.75 instead of 10.50. Now there is no reasonable doubt 
 that Gray's Nos. 11080 and 11083 are one and the same bird ; i. e., that there is but one 
 of these "sooty" Terns heside fiUiginosa ; Blasius has already said so, and I entirely 
 agree with him. The question is as to the distribution of the synonymy between the 
 two varieties. Gmelin's and Latham's names, panayensis and pancya {hoth= anaatheia, 
 Scop., I. c), apply as well to one as to the other. As to nuhilosa, Sparmm., Gray has it 
 under ivfuscata, while Blasius assigns it far elsewhere — to cantiaca; the name is thus 
 obviously too uncertain to be used. 
 
 Blasius recognizes but three species of Haliplana ; lunata, Peale, panayensis and fu- 
 liginosa ; and such is empliatically my own decision. To the latter, fuliginosa, he 
 assigns as synonyms infuscata, Licht., and melanoptera, Sw., besides the well-known 
 serrata and guttata of Forster, throwing upon panayenda all the rest of the synonymy, 
 namely, fuliginosa and fuligula, Licht. ; infuscata, Eupp. ; antarctica, Cuv. ; oahuensis, 
 Blox. ; and discolor, Cones. It is probably not possible to locate all these names satis- 
 factorily, nor to reconcile the conflicting views respecting them. 
 
 To complete an account of this group of dark-colored Terns with white frontal lu- 
 nula and white under parts, and black bill and feet, I append a notice of iS. lunata, 
 Peale.* 
 
 Genus HYDROCHELIDOlsr, Boie. 
 
 X Ballus, sp., Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1758 (ed. x), 153. 
 < Sterna, Linn., Syst. Nat. 
 
 = Hydrockelidon, Boie, Isis, 1822, 563. (Type S. nigra, Linn.) 
 = Firalva, Leach, Gen. Zool. xiii, 1826, 166. (Same type.; 
 
 = Pelodes, Kaup, Sk. Ent. Eur. Thierw. 1829, p. 107. (Type S. leucopareia, Natterer ; 
 =liyl)nda, Pall.) 
 
 Gen. ch. Bill a little shorter than the head, longer than the middle toe and claw ; 
 very delicate, slender, acute; culmen and commissure decidedly declinato-convex, the 
 amount of curvature increasing toward the tip ; outline of rami and gonys both eon- 
 cave, the former most so ; eminentia symphysis prominent and very acute. Wings 
 exceedingly long, pointed, of same color as baf.k, without distinct m-arkings on either 
 web. Primaries broad and not very tapering, not acute ; the terti.ils very short, 
 rounded, not slender nor flowing, reaching in tlie folded wing only half way to the tip 
 of the longest primary. Tail ratlter short, contained 2| times in the wings, only moder- 
 ately emarginate (much as in GelocJielidon), the lateral feathers but little exceeding the 
 next, not tapering and acuminate; all the feathers broad and rounded. Feet-slender 
 and short ; tarsi much abbreviated, rather less than the middle toe alone. Toes mod- 
 erately long ; the webs rather narrow, and very deeply incised. Size small, general form 
 delicate ; colors mostly Hack, the tcings and tail plumbeous, in type of the genus. 
 
 The group of Terns, of which S, larifomiis of Linnjeus may be taken as the type, forms 
 a natural assemblage very closely allied to Sterna^ proper, but differing in certain 
 
 * Sterna lunata, Peale, U. S. Expl. Exped. 1846, No. 725; Cass., Hid. 1858, No. 716; 
 PiNSCH & Hartl., Fn. Central Pol. pi. 18, f. 3. — Sydrochelidon (Haliplana) lanata, 
 Gray, Hand-list, No. IW81.— Haliplana lunata, Blas., J. f. O. 1866, 80. (Description 
 froin the type of the species. No. 15744, Paumotn Islands (Vinceunes), Se£it. 1839.) Bill 
 and feet black. Cap black, with a long, narrow, white frontal lunule, whose horns 
 reach behind the eyes, cutting off a black stripe through the eye to the base of the bill 
 at the nasal fossa, tfpper parts uniform dark grayish plumbeous (not smoky gray), 
 the color extending on the wing-coverts and tail. Cubital edge of fore-arm rather 
 darker than other upper parts. Quills fuscous, silvered with the color of the mantle, 
 their inner webs with the usual white stripe, which, however, does not nearly reach 
 their ends. Ou the longer primaries, where this stripe is sharpest, it is bordered inter- 
 nally with a narrow prolongation of the fascous along the margin of the inner web. 
 Outer tail feather white tor all that portion which is overlaid by the next feather, its 
 • outer web white to the tip ; next tail feather with considerable white basally on the 
 inner webs. Entire under parts pure white. Length may have been about 13 inches; 
 wing, 10.25 ; tail about 6, forked full half its length ; bill along culmen, 1.60 ; tarsus, 
 0.75; middle toe and claw, rather over 1. This species is the obvious link between 
 "Haliplana" and Sterna proper. 
 
704 HYDEOCHELIDON LAEIFOEMIS, BLACK TEEN. 
 
 features. These consist principally in the extreme slenderness of the bill, and the 
 amount of deflection of its very acute tip ; in the narrow and very deeply incised 
 iuterdigital membraDes ; in the short and not deeply forked tail. The size is small, 
 and the pattern of coloration peculiar. In the character of the tail the genus ap- 
 proaches GelocTididon, but there the resemblance ends. It seems, -while most closely 
 allied to the typical Stcniw, to form the connecting link between them and Haliplcma; 
 and among the Megalopterew, to have affinity with such genera as that of which Gould's 
 Anous plumbeiis is typical. 
 
 North America has a single representative of this genus, the young of which was 
 described by Wilson as S. phtmiea, but which is apparently identical specifically with 
 the S. flssipes of Europe. The European species are three — lariformis, Linn. {Sterna 
 nigra, Briss., and of many authors) ; nigra, Linn, {leucoptera, Auct.); and hylrida. Pall. 
 (hucopdreia, Natt., and most authors). The second of these has lately been detected in 
 North America, but can only be considered as a straggler. 
 
 The first distinctive name for the genus is that of Boie of 1822. Leach's Viralva of 
 1826, and Kaup's Pelodes of 1829, are entirely synonymous. Of the several species of 
 this genus indicated by authors, the two occurring in North America may be distin- 
 guished from each other and from M. hylrida, as follows : 
 
 A. Head all around, and under parts, black ; the crissum abruptly white. 
 
 Small. Wing under 8. Bill dark. 
 
 a. Wings and tail above plumbeous, like the back lariformis. 
 
 1>. Wings whitening along fore-arm border; tail with its upper 
 
 coverts white nigra. 
 
 B. Cap alone black ; body above and below, with wings and tail, dark 
 
 pearly plumbeous, whitening on crissum and sides of head. Large. 
 
 Wing over 9 ; bill light hybrida.* 
 
 HYDEOCHELIDO:^^ LAEIFOEMIS, (Linn.) Coues. 
 Black Tern. 
 
 a,. (Uuropean references.) 
 
 Battus larifomnn, LiNN., Syst. Nat. i, ed. 10th, 1758, 153 {^ S. nmvia of ed. 12th). 
 
 Sterna flssipes, LiNX., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 228 (based primarilv on S. nigra, Briss., Om. 
 vi, 211, pi. 20, f. 1).— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 610.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 
 810.— Schjeff,, Mus. Orn. 1779, 65.— BrIjnn., Orn. Bor. 1764, No. 153.— Degl., 
 Orn. Eur. ii, 1849, 349. 
 
 Sydrochelidon flssipes, Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 660 ; List Br. B. 1863, 243.— Blas., 
 J. t. O. 1866, 82. 
 
 Sterna nigra, Briss., Orn. vi, 1760, 211, pi. 20, f. 1.— Eetz., En. Succ. 1800, 164.— Mey., 
 tasch. ii, 1811, 461.— Temm., Man. 1815, 484 ; ii, 1820, 749.— Leach, Cat. 1816, 
 41.— ViEiLL., Nouv. Diet, xxxii, 1819, 170 ; En. Franc. 1828, 400.— Fjlbm., Br. 
 B. 1828, 144.— NiLSS., Orn. Suec. ii, 1821, 160.— Less., Tr. Orn. 1831, 622.— Jen., 
 Man. 1835, 268.— Eyt., Cat. 1836, 55.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 98.— 
 SCHiNZ, Eur. En. 1840, 375.— Naum., V. D. x, 1840, 198, pi. 256.— Macgil., Man. 
 Orn. ii, 1840, 933 ; Br. B. v, — .— Schl., Eev. Crit. Ois. Eur. 1844, 130. 
 
 Sydrochelidon nigra, Boie, Isis, 1822, 563.— Kabp, Sk. Ent. Eur. Thierw. 1829, 109.— 
 Brehm, V. D. 1831, 793.— Bp., List, 1838, 61. 
 
 Viralva nigra, Leach, Gen. Zool. xiii, 1826, 167. 
 
 Sterna ncevia, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 228 (based on S. nwvin, Briss., vi, 217, pi. 20, f. 
 2, and Eallus lariformis of ed. x, 1758, 153). — Schjefp., Mus. Orn. 1779, 66. — 
 Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 609 {Sterna hoysii var. B. of Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 806, is 
 the same as this). 
 
 (?) Sterna obscura, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 608.— Lath., Ind. Om. ii, 1790, 810. 
 
 Sydrochelidon nigricans et obscura, Brbhm, V. D. 1831, 794, 795. 
 
 *Ste>-na ht/brida, Pai,l., Zoog. E. A. ii, 1811, 338.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 98. 
 Sydrochelidon hybrida. Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 660 ; List Br. B. 1863, 242.— Blas., 
 
 J. f. 0. 1866, 82. 
 Sterna leiicopareia, Natt.— Temm., Mau. ii, 1820, 746.— Naum., V. D. x, 1846^ 168, pi. 255. 
 Viralva leiicopareia, Stbph., Gen. Zool. xiii, 1826, 171. 
 Pelodes leucopareia, ILvup, Sk. Ent. Eur. Thierw. 1829, 107. 
 Sydrochelidon leiicopareia, Boie.— Brehm, V. D. 1831, 797, pl. 39, f. 1. 
 Sterna delamottei, Vieill., Enoy. Meth. 350. 
 
 " Sterna grisea, HoRsr. ; indica, Steph. ; albistriata et similis, Gray ; fluviatilis, Gould ; 
 'delalandii, Bp." {Fide Blas., J. f. O. 1866, 82.) 
 Since the term "hybrida" is obviously meaningless in such employ — in fact wholly 
 incorrect and inapplica,ble — should it not be passed over, like any other glaringly inap- 
 propriate designation, in favor of the better known and well-fitting, though subsequent, 
 appellation leucopareia ? 
 
HYDEOCHELIDON LAKIFORMIS, BLACK TERN. 705 
 
 b. {American references.) 
 
 Shrna siirinamcnsis, Gar., Syst. Nat. i, 17^8, C04. — Lath., lod, Orn. ii, 1790, 804 (Surinam, 
 
 Tern, Gen. Syn. vi, 352). 
 HildrocluUdon surinnmtnsis, Bp., Comptes Renilus, 1856, 773. 
 Bjjdrochelidoii (Pelodcs) surniamensis, Ghay, Hund-list, iii, 1871, 122, No. 11074. 
 Sterna pi umhea, WiLS., Am. Orn. vii, 1813, 83. pi. CO, f. — (young). — Pelz., Novara 
 
 Reise, Orn. 155. 
 Hydroclielidon plumbca, Lawr., B. N. A. 1858, 864. — Wheat., Ohio Agric. Eep. 1860, No. 
 277.— COUES & PiiEN'T., Smiths. Rep. 1861, 418.-Hayd., Ru.p. 1802, 176.— Cab., 
 J. f. 0. V, 232 (Cuha).-SCL., P. Z. S. 1864, 179 (Mexico).-Di!ESS., Ibis, 1866, 
 45 (Texas).- Snow, B. Kans. 1873, 12. 
 Stei-na nigra, Bp., Syn. 1828. 355.— Sw. & Eicii., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 415.— Nutt., Man. ii, 
 1834, 282.— Atjd., Orn. Biog. iii, 18:i5, .''.93; v, ]8;;0, 642; pi. 180; Syn. 1839, 
 320 ; B. Am. \-ii, 1844, 110, pi. 438.— DeKav, N. Y. Zool. ii, 1844, 300, pi. 126, f. 
 278.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 352.— Hoy, Smiths. Rep. 1864, 438.— Trii-pe, Pr. Ess. 
 Inst. Ti, 1871, 119 (Minnesota).- Aiken, P. Boet. Soc. xv, 1872, 210 (Colorado). 
 Hydrochelidou nigrum, Bp., List, 1838, 61. 
 
 Bydroclielidon fissipes, Codes, Pr. Phila. Acad. 18G2, 554 (critical). — Coues, iiid. 1866, 
 99 (Colorado River) ; ibid. 1871, 46 (North Carolina, migratory).- CouE.s, Pr. 
 Ess. Inst. V, 1868, 309 (New Euglaud).— Coues, Pr. Bost. Soc. xii, 1868, 127 
 (South Carolina, in summer). — Coues, Ibis, 1864, 391 (Honduras). — Salv., 
 Ibis, 1864, 385 (the same).— Gundl., Rep. F. N. i, 18C5, 393 (Cuba).— Lawk., 
 Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 299 (New York).— Ali.en, Pr. Ess. Inst, iv, 1864, 91 
 (Massachusetts).— McIlwr., ihid. v, 1866, 96 (Canada).— Daix & Bann., Tr. 
 Cbic. Acad. 1869, 307 (Alaska).— Allen, Am. Nat. iii, 1870, 644.— Mayx., Guide, 
 1870, 157.— ScL. & S.\LV., P. Z. S. 1871, 573 (Middle America).— Allen, Bull. 
 M. C. Z. iii, 1872, 183 (Kansas, .fcc). 
 Slerna fissipes, TURNB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 39. 
 
 Sterna "frenata," Salv., Ibis, 1860, 278 (error ; see Ibis, 1866, 205). 
 
 Dug. S. nigra, dorso, alis, cauddque plumleis, remigiius nigro-griseis rhacliidiiu^ alMs, 
 crisso alio. 
 
 Sab. — Europe, &c. North America generally. Alaska. Middle America. South 
 America to Chili. Breeds at large in North America. Winters chiefly or entirely extra- 
 limital. 
 
 Adult, breeding plumage. — The cnlmen is throughout exceedioglj' narrow, and trans- 
 versely very convex, even at the the base it being scarcely at all broadened or flattened. 
 The bill is strongly compressed from the nostrils, causing the gonys as well as the 
 cnlmen to bo very sharp and narrow. The nasal fossa is notably short, becoming 
 obsolete rather abruptly, and in the middle of the upper mandible. The nostrils 
 nearly fill its whole length, are pretty large and wide, of ordinary general character- 
 istics. The feathers on the sides of the mandible extend but little further than on the 
 culmen, and have a broad rounded outline. Those on the submental or intercrnral 
 space nearly fill it. This space is very narrow and elongated. The tibiae are bare for 
 a moderate distance. The very short tarsus is (|uito smooth, being covered posteriorly 
 and laterally with small, smooth, regular plates, anteriorly with equally smooth trans- 
 verse scutella. The toes are very long, the middle one without its claw fully equal- 
 ing the tarsus. The outer is as long as, perhaps even slig.htly exceeding, the middle; 
 the claw of the inner just reaches to the base of the middle claw. The emarginatiou 
 of the inner web extends to opposite the second articulation of the middle toe, that of 
 the outer to the middle of the second phalanx of the same toe. The claws are all 
 moderately arched, slender and compressed, acute, the inner edge of the middle one 
 but slightly dilated. The remiges and rectrices are notable for their great breadth,, 
 and neither tapers to a very acute point, but are rather broad to near the apices, 
 which .are rounded. The inferior caudal tectrices are very long and full. 
 
 Head and neck all round, and under parts to the vent, pure black. On the back of 
 the neck, and between the "shoulders, the black becomes gradually changed into leaden- 
 gray or plumbeous, which extends undiluted to the very apices of the tail feathers.. 
 The tertials are of the same color as the back ; the secondaries even a little darker, 
 tending toward the color of the primaries. The shafts of all the primaries are 
 whitish, deepening into black at the tips. The primaries are blackish or deep plum- 
 beous-gray, darkest on the outer web of the first, the inner webs of all, but especially 
 the outer one, fading into lighter on their margins. The superior surfaces of all the 
 primaries have a considerable amount of the ordinary silveriuess. The under surfaces! 
 of the wings are white, but considerably deepened by a iflumbeous wash, this plum- 
 beous-white extending sligjitly over the edge of the wing on to the lesser coverts. The 
 long, full, under tail-coverts are pure white, in marked contrast to the black of the 
 rest of the under parts. 
 Adult, in winter plumage. — Very different from the adult in summer. The forehead, 
 
 45 
 
706 HYDROCHELIDON LARIFORMIS, BLACK TERN. 
 
 thfi sides of the head below the eyes and ear-coverts, the chin, throat, iiei'1< all round, 
 and the whole under parts, pure while. The under wiufr-coverts retain a good deal ot 
 their jdnnilieoiis hue. Tlie npjjer iiarts freiiniilly, and eN)icc,ia]ly the primaries, are 
 nineli as in MUiinier; hut the tint of the iihimhidiis, (■.sp( eially on the rump, i» consid- 
 erably lighter, and the feathers have faint whitish niarfjins. The hack hetween the 
 shoulders is considerably lighter tlian in summer, but a little darker than the rump. 
 Along the Ibje-aru], just beyond the whitish edge of the wing, there is a, rather broad 
 hand of grayish-black, formed by sevcial rows of the lesser coverts. Along the dorsal 
 aspeet of Uie arm, al.so, there is something of this black band, but the color is con- 
 cealed l->y the scapular featbc rs. Tlie hcroiidaries are considerably darl';(!r than in 
 summer, lieii}g in this rts)M'ct fully equal lo the jirimaries ; and the comparative shades 
 of Ihcir inner and outer webs are exactly as in llie primaries. On tlie crown the white 
 of the foreliead lieeomes obscured and vaiiegated with b]acki,sh or grayish-plumbeons, 
 which glows darker on the na]ie, and on llie sides of the head sends forward a band 
 through tlie eye, to become intensified into a blacker spot just anterior to it. The 
 feet are brownihh-hlack, with little or no reddish ; the bill pure black. The rhaehides 
 of the primal lis are darker than in summer. There is no appreciable difference in the 
 eniarginalion of the tail, nor in the 8hai)e of its individual leathers. 
 
 Wliile chuvymg, w Jiigimt. iliiriiig tli: invvU, the adults are in a peculiar state of 
 •plnimige. The entire under parts (except the inferior caudal teetriees), and the head 
 and sicik all round, are remarlably variegated with pure white and pure black. The 
 relative amounts of the two colors varies with almost every specimen, depending of 
 coui.se u]ioii the particular stage arrived at. In general, the foichead and throat, as 
 far as the l)reast, become first pretty nninterrnptedly white. The crown, occiput, and 
 nape are then ei|ually vaii<'gafed with the two colors, in small spots and lines ; but the 
 auriculars, and a .spot just liefcjre the eye, ale usually pretty purely black. The should- 
 eiK ar>d I'dges of the wings show traces of the giayish-black that is to ajijiear. The 
 ]]ow old and worn-out primaries have lost most of their silvery hoarincss, and the 
 shafts are nearly jiure yellowish-white, except at their extreme apices. The bird in 
 other respects is generally as in summer. 
 
 yoiiinj-iif-llie-iiciir in August. — The size is less than that of the adults; the hill is 
 smaller, weaker, .softer, without very sharply defined angles or ridges. The em.argina- 
 tiou of llie tail is very slight, being only about half an inch, and the lateral Kjctricea 
 want iven the slight elongatiiui and tap(iing which those! of the adults have, being 
 broad lo their very apices, whieh are somewhat oblique truncated. There is an inde- 
 eerilial)le softiiess and gen(;ral mollipilose conditicui to the plumage, readily recogniz- 
 able, both by sight and touch, to the exjiert in such matters. 
 
 Bill brownish-black, tla; base of the lower mandible dull, dirty flesh-color, the 
 inside of the month yellow. Legs and feet light brown. I'Virehead grayish-white, 
 this color extending over the eyes as such, but deepening on the crown and occiput 
 into grayish-brown. This color extends over the nape down to the biick, and there 
 obscures the general idumheous hue of the parts. On the middle of the back, between 
 the slionhh^rs, this brown is quite uuiform; on other parts it meiely forms tips and 
 margins for the feathers, including the sujierior alar and caudal teetriees, and the ter- 
 tials and seajiulars. The row of le.ast upper wing-coverts is grayish-black, as in the 
 adults in winter. The tertials have also whitish tips, in addition to their subtermin.al 
 blown ones. lii'forc thi' eye is a crescent of deep, pure black; behind the eye a patch 
 of jiure black extends over the anriculars and a little distance on the sides of the neck. 
 The under parts are pure white; on each side of the breast there is a large spot of 
 pliimbeocB-brown, which, howevr, does not meet its fellow of the opposite side. The 
 sides under the wings are very light plumbeous, mnch the same hue as the inferior alar 
 teetiires and axillary leathers. The teeondaries are like those of the adults in winter; 
 the, primal ies like those of the full-pluDiaged summer birds, oi ly that their shafts arc 
 HU|ieri(n-ly brown, not white. 
 
 Diwdinioiih of the adult. — Bill above, 1.10; along commissure, l.flO; from feathers on 
 side of lower mandible, l.OfJ ; gonys, O.fiO; height at base, O.-i.''. ; length, 9.25; extent 
 of wings, 24 to 2.'»; wing from cai'iius, ft.'25; tail, :i.7.5; depti of forking, (i.'.Hl; tarsus, 
 0.68; middle toe and claw, O.'JO ; tibias bare, 0.40. 
 
 Dimeyisiotis of the yoiivg-of-Uic-ycar. — Bill above, 0.95 to 1 ; depth at base, 0.20; from 
 feathers on side of lower mandible, 0.'J.'>; gcjuys, 45; tarsus, n,«i() ; middle toe and claw, 
 O.^r.'i; length, 7.7.") to 8; extc'nt of wings, Sti.CO to24 ; tail, 3; depth of emargi nation, C.oO. 
 Ayiuloiiiical cJiaraclem. — The mouth is narrow, its sides concave, and its tip att<'iiii- 
 ated, beyond that of any other species. The palate is soft and vascular to within half 
 an inch of the tip. The median palatal ridge commences far forward; it is narrow, 
 but prominent, its iedges posteriorly, and the edges of the nasal aperture, slightly papil- 
 late. The- sulcus between it and the lateral ridge is well marked and deep. The lateral 
 ridges au! short and sinuate, extending no further back than the median. The poste- 
 rior vaulted space small but well arched, the nasal slit extending far into it. Posteiior 
 fringe of oblique i)apilla; well developed. Tongue exceedingly acute, narrow, longi- 
 tudinally grooved along the dorsum, anteriorly corneous, its apex bilid, its posterior 
 
HYDEOCHELIDON LAEIFORMIS, BLACK TERN. 707 
 
 extremity emarginate, slightly papillate; uiue-tenths long. Eima glottidis one-fourth 
 of an inch long ; sparsely jjapillate. 
 
 The ahiuentary canal is exceedingly similar in all respects to that of Sterna. 
 CEsophagns, proven trienlus, and gigeriuin in a straight line, all of ordinarj' charaeters, 
 the former 3| to 4 inches long. Proventricnlar belt 0.3 to 0.4 wide, forming a complete 
 zone, as usual. Duodenal fold 1.40 long. Hepatic and cystic ducts short, opening 
 into intestine at the ordinary place. Lobes of liver of nearly equal size; their anterior 
 snrfiice convex, their posterior slightly concave; their apices divaricating, as usual, to 
 receive the heart between them, their inferior extremities in apposition. They are 
 connected by glandular substance. The chief fold after the duodenal is a short dis- 
 tance •ibove the cceca, and lies apposed to the posterior surface of the gizzard ; after 
 ■which the intestine proceeds in a slightly convoluted course to the cojca. These are 
 the shortest throughout the subfamily measuring hardly one-eighth of an inch in length. 
 Eectum moderately long (for this subfamily), measuriug six-tenths. Cloaca large and 
 globular; three-fourths long. Its posterior diviKi(m sn)all, but well marked. Orifices 
 of ureters and vasa deferentia in the usual place. The kidneys, as in Sterna, are 
 divided into five or six lobes by the segmentation of the middle portions. The whole 
 renal mass measures about an inch in length by six-tenths in breadth. The trachea 
 is about 2i- inches long, of the usual number of rings. It is flattened superiorly; 
 below it becomes perfectly cylindrical and narrower. The lower larynx is exceedingly 
 small, measuring only one-tenth of an inch across its widest part. Its sides are C(ra- 
 cave, its apices acute and projecting. Bronchial apertures extremely narrow, of an 
 oval, inclining to a crescentic, shape. The sterno-traclieales join the trachea only 
 one-fourth of an inch above the larynx. Bronchi of ordinary length, of about twenty- 
 two half rings. 
 
 Syvomimy. — The first tenable binomial name of this species appears to be lariformu, 
 Linn., 1758, in adopting which I h<pe not to be acccused of arbitrary innovation. No 
 valid reason appears why Linnseus should not be adopted at this date, rather than at 
 1766, and in spite of custom to the contrary, this view is constantly gaining grouid. 
 I myself am entirely in favor of it. The changes it requires are not many, and they 
 are in some cases desirable ones, as, for instance, when we are furnished with Chalnra 
 pelagica (1758) instead of the unmeaning C. pelasgia of 1766 This bird is also the 
 S. fissipes, Linn. ; a name not commonly adopted until after Mr. Gray's rectificatien of 
 the synonymy, the term nigra (ex Briss.) having been generally employed. But iiiqra, 
 Linn., cleaily belong.s to Imieoptera, Meisuer. Other old names of this species are navia, 
 oliscura, and siiriiiamnisis, all based upon immature conditions of plumage. Latham 
 put naria down as S. Iiogsii var. B. Wilson renamed the species pliimhea, doubtless in 
 simple ignorance of the prior designations. 
 
 I must continue to disagree with several ornithological friends, for whose opinions 
 I have great respect, in holding the American bird to be specifically identical. Never- 
 theless, in deference to their views, I have collated the synonj'm.V in two sets. 
 
 In my review of the Sterninm, I state that " the birds of the two continents were first 
 formally separated by Bonaparte in his Comparative List of 18:i8." This is a slip of 
 the pen. Both' are there given as Hydrocheltdon vigrum ; he makes the distinction in 
 1856 (Tabl. Longip. C. E.), giving the American as Hgdrochelidoii surinamensis. 
 
 Lieiitmaiit Warren's Expedition. — 9023, Loup Fork of the Platte. 
 Later Expeditions. — 54322, Wyoming. 
 
 The Black Tern migrates both coastwise and over the water-conrses 
 of the interior. On the coast of North Carolina I saw none, in spring', 
 until the second week in May, when they became very abundant for a 
 few days and then disappeared on their way north. These spring birds 
 were always, so far as I ascertained, in full plumage. The Terns revisit 
 the same region very early, in advance of most of the migrants, in the 
 fore part of August, and proceed much more leisurely than in spring. 
 For about two mouths they were constantly to be seen hovering over 
 the marshes in airy troops, fluttering hither and thither like so many 
 Swallows or Night-ha^^■ks, busily foraging for iiiseuts. These fall 
 arrivals were chiefly young birds; and of the old ones, none were seen 
 still wearing the breeding dress, which, therefore, must be early laid 
 aside. These Terns, like the other smaller species, but just the reverse 
 of the large kinds, are perfectly familiar, or rather heedless, at all times. 
 In the spring, at their breeding resorts, they dash close down to an 
 intruder, repeating with angry vehemence their shrill crik, cn'k, crik ; 
 in the fall, when nearly silent, they are equally regardless of api>roaeh, 
 
708 HYDROCHELIDON NIGRA, WHITE-WINGED TERN. 
 
 often fluttering within a few feet of one's head, and then sailing off 
 again, in the manner of Swallows. The flight is buoyant in the extreme, 
 and wayward, desultory, uncertain ; perhaps no bird of this country has 
 so great an expanse of wing for its weight, and certainly none fly more 
 lightly. In hovering along on the lookout for insects, they hold the bill 
 pointing straight downward, like others of the family. In the sijring 
 I have observed them plunging, like other Terns, into the water for food, 
 probably small fry, but in the fall they seem to feed chiefly on vinged 
 insects, which they capture like Mght-hawks, as noted above. 
 
 The Black Tern I have found breeding in various parts of the West. 
 On the 10th of June, 1864, I passed a large colony which h-id settled on 
 a marshy tract along the Arkansas River, near Fort Lyons. The birds 
 were all in full plumage, and doubtless had eggs at the time, although, 
 from the untoward circumstances of observation — hurried traveling by 
 stage — I could not examine the nesting places as I wished. In June 
 again, 1873, 1 found a colony breeding in a prairie slough along the Eed 
 Eiver; shot the greater part of the whole number, and secured many 
 eggs. The birds were breeding in company with a great number of 
 Yellow-headed Blackbirds, some Eed-wings, and Short-billed Marsh 
 Wrens. The eggs, in every instance, were placed on masses of floating 
 debris of last year's reeds, where the water was two or three feet deep, 
 in the midst of the slough. They had to be closely looked after, for 
 they were laid directly on the moist matting, without any nest in any 
 instance, and readily eluded observation, from their similarity in color 
 to the bed of reeds they rested on. They were two, oftener three, in 
 number, and resembled those of some Sandpipers in size, shape, and 
 coloration. The shape is pointedly pyriform, yet with considerable 
 bulge at the sides; the dimensions, 1.35 by 0.95, with the usual varia- 
 tion either way. The ground color is brownish-olive, rather light and 
 clear, this thickly marked with spots and blotches of every size, from 
 mere points up to masses, but for the most part large and bold, with a 
 tendency to aggregate at the but, or, at least, around the larger half of 
 the egg. ]Sro part of the surface, however, is nnspotted. The coloration 
 is a rich, warm brown, of every shade, from light brown to blackish- 
 brown, according to the quantity of pigment. With these markings are 
 associated a few neutral tints or stone-gray spots, in the shell. 
 
 HYDEOCHELIDON NIGEA, (Linn.) Gray. 
 White-winged Blncli Tern. 
 
 sterna atrieapilla, Briss., Orn. vi, 1760, 214. 
 
 Sterna nigra, Linn., Fn. Suec. 56, No. 159 ; Syst. Nat. i. 1766, 227.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 
 
 608.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 810 (quotes S. atrieapilla, Briss., vi, 214). 
 
 (Not of Briss., nor of many authors.) 
 Hijdroelieli'lou viqra, Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 660 ; List Br. B. 1863, 243 ; Hanil-list, iii, 
 
 1871, 121, No. 11070.— Blas., J. f. 0. 1866, 82. 
 Sterna lev.eoptera, Meisner, Vog. Schweiz. 1815,264.— TEJUt., Man. ii, 1820, 747.— Naum., 
 
 Y. D. X, l-!40, 215, pi. 257.— Keys. & Blas., AVirb. Eur. 1840, 98.— .«chl., Eev. 
 
 Grit. 1844, 131.— McCoy, Ann. Mag. N. H. 1845, 271.— CouES, Check-list, 1874, 
 
 No. 575 his (first introduced into Fauua N. Am. ; spec, in Mus. Smiths. Inst., 
 
 from Wisconsin, T. KnmMn, through Dr. Sreu-ej-). 
 Sterna {Hydrodlielidon) leitcoptcra, Schrenck, Reise, 511.— Eadde, Reisen, ii, 1863, 389. 
 Hi/drochelidon leueoptera, BoiE, Isis, 18-^2, 563.— Kacp, .Sk. Ent. Eur. Thierw. 1829, 109. — 
 
 Brehm, V. D. 18:n, 796. 
 Firalva leneoptera, Leach, Steph. Gen. Zool. xiii, 1826, 170. 
 Sterna Jissipes, Pall., Zoog. R. A. ii, 1811, 338. (Adult. Not of authors; quotations of 
 
 tiaefissipes, hut description unmistakably of this species.) 
 Sterna naria, Pall., Zoog. R. A. ii, 337. (Young. Not of authors ; identified on same 
 
 grounds as the preceding.) 
 
WHITE-WINGED TERN. 709 
 
 DiAG. H. nigra, palUo acMstaceo-nigro, caiitld criaaoqiie allis, ant'^brachiis alhicaniibus, alis 
 plumbcis, i-emigibus argenlato-fuscis rliauliidibua albh, rosiro r.ubescente-nigro, pedibus 
 riibris. 
 
 Sab. — Europe, &c. Accidental iu North America (one instance known). 
 
 Jdiilt, summer plumage. — (No. 66213, Mus. Smiths. Inst. 9 , Lake Koskonong, Wiscon- 
 sin, July 5, 1873, T. Kumlein.) Bill hlack, with a rcdOish tinge ; feet red ; c]aw.s black. 
 Head and neck all around and whole under parts (o the crissum pure black, shading 
 on the back and scapulirs into dark slaty-plumbeous. Wings dark silxery-plumbeous, 
 foding into white along the tore-arm border; the quills silvered dusky, with white 
 shafts and a dull white area on the greater part of the inner webs of the prinjarie.s. 
 Lining of wings sooty-blackish, varied with dull white along the border. Tail, with 
 its coverls, both above and below, white, abruptly contrastiug with the blaclv of the 
 helly and the dark slate of the rump. The tail feathers shaded with pearly-gray to- 
 ward the ends. 
 
 Length (of skin), 8 ; wing, 7.50 ; tail, 2.7'5 ; the eraargination undSr 0.50 ; bill along 
 culmeu, 0.90; aloug gape, 1.20; height iit base, 1.20; tarsus, 0.7.j; middle toe and 
 claw, 0.87. 
 
 The scries of specimens before mo does not fully illustrate the changes of plumage 
 of this species. It shows, however, that the various plumages are closely coincident 
 with those of H. lariformis, already detailed. Immature birds, plumbeous aljove and 
 mostly white beneath, may be recognized from the same stage of JS. luriforiiiis by the 
 hoary-white fore-arm border of the wing, and contrast of white upper tail-coverts with 
 the plumbeous of the back. 
 
 As stated in the Check-list, p. 137, a specimen of White- winged Tern 
 ■was taken in "Wisconsin, July 5, 1873, by Mr. Thure KuQilein, and pre- 
 sented to the Smithsonian by Dr. T. M. Brewer. The individual is a 
 female, in perfect breeding dress, and was said to have contained well- 
 formed eggs iu the ovary, leading to the belief that it would have 
 bred in the vicinity before loug. This, so far as I know, is the first and 
 only instance of the occurrence of the species in this country. I have 
 carefully compared the specimen with EuroiJeau ones, finding it identi- 
 cal in every particular. • 
 
 Section JlBGALOPTERE^E. 
 
 I have already presented the character of ibe " Noddy " group of Terns, as drawn 
 from the, leading genus, ^«o«s. Beside this principal lorm, with its several species, 
 there are two others, namely, Na'nia* and Proci'hta"na\. The last named is cinereous, 
 and very near Anous ; the former is unique, in possession of long, white, curly plumes 
 on each side of the head. GyglsX is a peculiar intei-mediate genus, pure white, with a 
 singularly shaped bill. Anous alone occurs in this country. 
 
 Genus AXOUS, Leach. 
 
 < Sterna, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1758, iiec 1735. 
 
 < Garia, Bkiss., Orn. vi, 1760, 199, nee Mohr. — Sw., Classif. B. iij 1837, 373 (siolida). 
 " Xodinus, Raf., lylo :'" (Gray). 
 
 = Noddi, Cuv.,^R. A. i, 1817, 521 (stolida). 
 
 = Anous, Leach, Steph. Gen. Zool. xiii, 1826, 139 {slolida). 
 
 = Megalopterus, IBoiE, Isis, 1826, 980 (stoltda). 
 
 = Stolida, Less., Tr. Orn. 1831, 620 {stolida). 
 
 = Aganaphron, Gloger, 1842. (Gray.) 
 
 Gen. Chab. Bill nuich longer than the tarsus, rath'er exceeding the middle toe aud 
 claw, about equaling the head, moderately robust, depressed, and as broad as high at 
 
 'N^NIA, Boie. Isis, 18J.9, 189 (=Larosterna, Bi,yth, Cat. Asiat. Soc. 1849, 293 = i'iiC((, 
 Jard., Contr. Orn. 1850, 31). 
 
 NvExiA INCA. — sterna inca, Less., Voy. Coqnille, 1826, 731, pi. 47; Anous inca. Gray, 
 Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 661 ; Laroslerna inea, Blyth, I. c. ; Inea mystacalis, Jard., I. c 
 
 Hab. — South America (Peru and Chili). 
 
 t Procelsterxa, Lafr., Rev. Zool. 1841, 242. The several nominal species of this 
 section may be reduced to two at most ; I have recognized but one. South Seas and 
 Australia. 
 
 i Gygis, Wagl., 1832; type alba. The single species inhabits the South Seas. 
 
710 ANGUS STOLIDUS, NODDY TEEN. 
 
 tbe base; elsewhere depressed, taperiDgto an acuminate and somewhat decnrved tip. 
 Fore end of nostrils nearly half- way to end of bill, tbe fossse long and deep. No frontal 
 antise ; outline of featber's on base of bill convex (reverse of Sieriia). Wings but mod- 
 erately long for this subfamily, tbe second primary but little shorter than tbe first. 
 Tail very long, broad, fan-shaped, double-rounded, i. p., graduated laterally, \et with 
 central feathers shorter than the next. Tarsi very short, robust, less than the middle 
 too without its claw. Lateral toes, especially the inner, unusually lengthened ; h.illux 
 well developed. Webs broad and full, not incised. CHws short, stout, little curved, 
 but very acute. Podotheca nearly smooth, from tendency to fusion of the plates, there 
 being but a single defined row of scutella in front, with delicate reticulations else- 
 where ; the soles of the webs are perfectly smooth. Edges of middle claw dilated and 
 somewhat pectinate. Plumage dark or nearly unicolor. 
 
 In addition to these external characters may be noted : Eyes small, the anterior can- 
 thus just over the angle of the mouth. Lobes of liver very unequal. Proveutricular 
 zore narrow, with small follicles. Caeca reraaikably long for this subfamily. Duo- 
 denal fold very short. Hepatic and pancreatic ducts opening close by each other. 
 Bronchial half-rings weak and imperfect, the upper part of the tube being almost mem- 
 branous. Lobulation of the kidneys more as in Larua than in' Sterna. 
 
 The generic synonyms above given all apply to slolida and its immediate allies, of 
 which there are several. Only one occurs in North America ; a second, A. tenuirostris* 
 is found in Middle America. 
 
 ANGUS STOLIDUS, (Linn.) Gray. 
 Noddy Tern. 
 
 Sterna siolida, Linn., i, 1766, 227 (Amoen. Acad. 240 ; Hirundo marina major, capite alio, 
 Si.OAXE, Jam. i, 31, pi. 6, f. 3 ; Cat., Car. i, HO; Laws garia fwsca, Briss., vi, 
 199, pi. 18, f. 2; Passer siultus, Ray, 154).— Gji., Syst. Nat. i, 17e8, 605.— Lath., 
 Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 805.— Less., Voy. Coq. i, ltfi!6, 244 (Chili).— Bp., Svn. l-S-28, 
 356.— Nbtt., Jlan. ii, 1834, 285.— AuD., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 516; v, 1839, 642; 
 pi. 275 ; Syn. 1839, 322; B. Am. vii, 1844, 153, pl,440.— Jekyns, Man. 1835, 270 
 (Ireland).— ScHL., Rev. Crit. 1844, 131 (Europe).— Thomps., Trans. Linu. Soc. 
 1835 ; Nat. Hist. Ireland, iii, 308 (Ireland).— Kkox, Zool. 1866,306 (Ireland).— 
 Hartixg, Br. B. 1872, 170 (Ireland).— JlAxnr., Beitr. iv, 874.— Bur.m., Syst. 
 Uebers. iii, 543. 
 
 Megalopterus stoUdus, Bp., List, 1838, 61. — Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1640, 98. — Macgil., 
 Man. ii, 1842, 236. 
 
 Anous stolidus, Gray, List Gen. of B. iii, 1841, 100 ; Gen. of B. iii, 1849, 661 ; List Brit. 
 B. 1863, 244 (Ireland).- Cab., J. f. O. v. 234 (Cnlia).— Lawr., B. N. A. 1858, 
 865.— Sci,., Ibis, i, 1859, 233 (Central America).— Bry., Pr. Bost. Soc. vii, 134 
 (Bahamas).— Blas., List B. Eur. 1862, 22 Cquotes Yaer., iii, 417).— Coles, Pr. 
 Phila. Acad. 1862, 557.— Coues, Ibis, 1864, .393 (Honduras).— Lawr., Ann. Lye. 
 N. Y. viii, 1864, 106 (Sombrero).— Guxdl., Rep. F. N. i, 393 (Cuba).— Slnd., 
 Ofv. K. A. V. Forh. (St. Bartholomew); P. Z. S. 1871. 125 (Galapagos).— SCL. 
 & Salv., P, Z. S. 1871, 556 (Middle America, south to Brazil and Chili).— 
 (?)HrTTOX, B, N. Zeal. 1871, 43— Coues, Key, 1872, 323. 
 
 Anous niger, Steph., Gen. Zool. xiii, 140.— Eyt., Cat. IBr. B. 1836, 55. 
 
 Gavia leucoceps, S\v., Classif. B. ii, 1837, 373 (type P. E. 997). 
 
 (?) Anous f rater, Coues, Pr. Phila. Aciid. 1862, 558 (Pacific). (Var. ?) 
 
 (?) Sterna pileata, ScOP., Sonu. Voy. 125, pi. 85. 
 
 (?) Sterna plnlippina, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 805 {=pileata,8cov.). 
 
 " Anous rousseaui, HARTL.,'\/irfe Gray & Blas. 
 ■ " Anous unicolor, Erm., _;«i'.," fide Gray & Blas. 
 
 "' Stei'na tenuirostris, BLYTH,"^e Blas. (Not of Tejim.) 
 
 DiAG. A. fuliginosus unicolor, alis canddque nigrescentihus, fionti et vertice albis, pedibus 
 rubescente-f uscis, rostro nigra. Long. 16.00 j>oll. ; «to 10.00-10.50; roslr. 1.7 »; tars. l.OO. 
 Hab. — South Atlantic and Gulf coast of North America. Bahamas. Cnba. Middle 
 
 America generally, both sides. South to Brazil and Chili. Various warm seas. Aus- 
 tralia (Gould) ; New Zealand (Hutton). Accidental in Europe. 
 
 'Anous tenuirostris {Temni.'). 
 Sterna tenuirostris, Temm,, P. C. 202. 
 
 Anovs tenuirostris, Coues, Ibis, 1864, 393 (Honduras).— Salv., Ibis, 1866, 200 (the 
 same).— ScL. & Salv., P. Z. S. l';71, 566 (the same). 
 This is readily distinguished from A. stolidus by its blackish instead of fuliginous 
 plumage, slender bill, and other chnractera. The discrimiuation, however, of the sev- 
 eral current blackish species is difficult. Gray places tenuirostris, Temm., as a synonym 
 of svncx. Leach, and gives the habitat as Afrcia. 
 
ANGUS STOLIDUS, NODDY TERN. 711 
 
 AduU, ireeding plumage. — Both mauclibles marked vi iih more or less distinct longi- 
 tudiual sf liip ; thoir tomia iuflected. Nasal sulcus deep aiul long, formed by the 
 rounded culmen and a iiromineut ridge, which runs along the upper mandiOle from its 
 base to beyond the nostrils, where it is gradually lost. Just above the base there is a, 
 small but distinct fossa, separated by. an oblique ridge from the large nasal sulcus. 
 Ciilraen about straight for half its length, regularly decurved toward the tip, basally 
 broad aud flat. Commissure slightly decliuatd-convux. Outline both of rami and 
 gonys concave, the former most so ; eminenlia sympliysis illy deliiied and not acute. 
 Primaries uuicolor, very broad almost to their ti|is, which arc rounded ; first primary 
 scarcely surpassing the second. Tail very long and much graduated; but tlieie is 
 also a slight emargination, the two central rtctriccs being a little shorter than 
 the next pair. Bill and claws black. Mouth black to a little beyond the angle of the 
 jaws, the fauces yellowish. Tarsi and Iocs dark reddish-brown, nearly black in the 
 dried skin. - Occiput bluish-plumbeous, becoming pure white on the front. Hides of 
 the head and neck all round with a decided wash of bluish-plumbeous. The whole 
 body is a deep fuliginous-brown, growing almost black on the remiges aud rectrices, 
 with a very dark spot anterior to and just above the eye. 
 
 IJhiiensions. — Leugth, 10 inches; extent of wings, 31 ; wing from flexure, 10 to 10.50; 
 tail, about 6 ; hill along culmen, 1.75 ; height or -width at base, 0.:J8 ; tarsus, 1 ; middle 
 toe aud claw, 1.4.5; outer ditto, but slightly shorter; inner ditto, 1.20; hallux, 0.40; 
 breadth of webs, 0.90 ; diameter of eye, 0.30.' 
 
 Anatomical cluiravlcrs. — Jlouth long aud narrow, its lateral outlines slightly concave. 
 Palate nearly flat behmd ; longitudinally arched before ; soft and vascular to withm an 
 inch of the tip. A prominent central ridge, beset with olituse papilUc, bifurcated poste- 
 riorly for 0.6, to give passage to the posterior nares. The narrow well-marked lateral 
 ridges commencing one and a half inches from the tip of the bill, extending beyond the 
 tcimination of the median ridge, smooth anteriorly, thickly papillate posteriorly. On 
 each side, just within the tomia, is a groove for the reception of the inferior maiiilla. 
 The palate is black nearly as far as the angle of the mouth ; the fauces ^ ellowish. 
 Posterior nares 0.9 long, anteriorly smooth, terminally papillate. Rima glottidis 0.25. 
 The oblique converging rows of papillae on the vaulted space at the back of the palate 
 are hut slightly developed. Tongue 1 90 long, very acute, corneous for more than two- 
 thirds it-i length ; its posterior extremity emarginate, papillate. CEsophagns very long, 
 measuring, wi h the proventriculus, 6 inches; as usual, very muscular and distensible. 
 Proventriculus a straight contimiation of the canal; its zone of gastric follicles very 
 narrow, the glands exceedingly small. This portion of the tube does not present the 
 marked differences from the OBSophagus as regards its lining membrane that is ordi- 
 narily found. Gizzard situate very far back in the abdomen, deflected at a consider- 
 able angle toward the right; its middle about opposite the ramus of the pubis. The 
 oesophagus is not of eqn.il calibre throughout, but dilates a good deal toward the pro- 
 ventriculus, where the muscular parietes are thicker, and the longitudinal rugie of 
 uincous membrane more numerous than elsewhere. The intestine measures 14 inches 
 in total length, from pylorus to anus. The duodenal fold is exceedingly short, being 
 less than one inch. It curves round to the left beneath the gigerium. Lyingbelow 
 the duodenal fold, and in contact with it, is the last intestinal fold, which has its apex 
 about three inches from the origin of the cceca. The coica are elongated, being longer 
 than in any other representative of the subfamily. They measure 1.40 inches. They 
 .are club-shaped, growing broader toward their extremities, after a .small uniform 
 diameter for half their leugth. Rectum exceedingly short, barely three-quarters of an 
 inch. Cloaca, as usual, very capacious, globular, 0.75 long. The urinary anQ spermatic 
 ducts open upon well-marked elevated papillaj, side by side, and close to the posterior 
 median line. Posterior division of the cloaca well marked by elevated folds of mucous 
 niembraue. The pancreas is very short, scarcely an inch in length, owing to the short- 
 ness of the duodenal fol3. The lobes of the liver are of very unequal dimensions, the 
 left being so small as to appear but a mere appendage to the right. The former meas- 
 ures one and a half in length by one in breadth ; is thick, with a rounded smooth sur- 
 face. The latter is scarcely three-quarters long by one-half broad. It is of much the 
 same shape as the right, to which it is closely connected by a short band of glandular 
 substance. The pancreatic and hepatic ducts pierce the intestine in close proximity, 
 about two inches below the pylorus. The kidneys are one aud a quarter inches long 
 by three-quarters broad. They are much less lohulated than in ^Ici-iia, and are more 
 like those of Larus. Their upper lobes are smaller than their lower, having very eon- 
 vex borders. The lower are suhquadraugular in shape ; the central ones only partially 
 divided into several small irregular masses. Pleart elongated, tapering, acute ; its 
 width across the base.of the ventricles seven-tenths. The trachea is short, being little 
 more than three inches ; its rings about one hundred ; flattened above, becoming more 
 cylindrical as it proceeds downward. Bronchi very short and quite wide. They are 
 very feeble at their commencement, being almost entirely ruemuranous, the half-riugs 
 hardly distinct enough to be counted. These number about twenty-four. Muscles as 
 
712 RHYNCHOPIN^, SKIMMEES. 
 
 in tbe Sterninm generally ; the Bterno-tmclieales join the trachea only three-tenths 
 above the lower larynx. 
 
 Considerable floa'bt has been expressed -whether the Noddies of the siolxdus pattern 
 (excluding those of the blackish tenmi\afris type) are all identical. Jlr. Cai-sin, in 
 lb58, remarks upon certain observable discrepancies; and later I proposed the term 
 frater for the Pacific bird, upon examinaiion of the matter in company with Mr. Cas^siu 
 and Prof. Baird, who both agreed that there were recognizable peculiarities. The 
 Pacific material in the Smithsonian shows a deeper, though not longer, and cousequeutly 
 differcntly-.sliaped bill ; a diflerent proportion of tarsus to toes ; a much longer toil, 
 with greater emargination and somewhat diflerent coloration. While I would by no 
 means now iusist upon, or even cimcede specific validity in this case, I still think tliere 
 may be a varietal diiference. The case may be sunmied as follows, although there is 
 little or no probability that the name frater is not anticipated. 
 
 Far. STOLiDCS : Wiug, 10 to 10.50 ; tail about 6, the emargination slight ; bill, 0.38 
 deep at base ; tarsns, 1 ; middle toe and claw, 1.45. Occiput bluish-plumbeous, purely 
 -nhiteuing on forehead. Sides of head and neck washed with bluish-plumbeous. Feet 
 drying black. 
 
 Far. FiiATER : Wing, 11 to 11.25 ; tail 7, the emargination 0.50 ; hill, 0.43 deep at 
 base ; tarsus 1 (as in atolidus), but middle toe and claw 1.60. Occiput brownish-ash, 
 becoming ashy- white on the forehead. Sides of head and neck like rest of body. Feet 
 drying reddish-brown. 
 
 Subfamily Ehynchopin-s; : Shimmers. 
 
 DiAG. Laridw hypogmailxe, rosiro cultrato, mandiJmld maxilla longiore. 
 
 Body slender and elongate. Neck of moderate length. Head large ; the forehead 
 high and broad. Upper mandible shorter than the under, its cutting edues rapidly 
 converging to the nostrils, thence parallel and closely soldered to the tip. Mandibular 
 rami at first widely separated and nearly jiarallel, then rapidly converging to the sym- 
 physis, the union then complete both of tomial and gonydeal margins. Nostri?s basal, 
 inferior, their near end behind the projection of the feathers on the culmeu. Interra- 
 mal space fully feathered. Tibise anteriorly scutellate. Eemiges, 10 ; rectrices, 12 ; and 
 other general characters of Sterninm. 
 
 Upper mandible very freely movable, owing to the mobility of the fronto-maxlllary 
 suture. Mouth short, broad, of moderate gape. Palate flat; internal nares long. 
 Tongue short, broad, fixed. Digestive and respiratory organs, in all essential respects, 
 similar to those of Ster)nii(r. 
 
 The Skimmers are so much the Teras in general character, that no detailed account 
 is required ; but the remarkable peculiarities of the skulls merit special attention. 
 
 Skull. — The most important dift'erences are found in the shape of the cranium ; in the 
 fronto-maxillary suture, and other elements which enter into and produce the mobility 
 of the superior mandible ; and in the shape and character of the mandibles themselves. 
 In the terms used in the following description, reference is always had to the normal 
 Laridiiie type, as compared with the special modification of it under consideration. 
 
 The cranium is exceedingly narrow posteriorly, at that portion which forms the en- 
 cephalic cavitj'. The post-orbital are hardly, if at all, more widely separated than are 
 the ante-orbital. The convexity of the vertex of the cranium antero-postei iorly is very 
 slight indeed, and the superior curved line of the occiput rises high up and is exceed- 
 ingly prominent. Its inferior extremities curve greatly forward and outward, forming 
 very protuberent zygomatic processes overhanging the articulation of the tympanic 
 bone. At the same time the occipital ridge is hardly ajjpreciable as such ; the dorsum 
 of the occipital hone being very flat, o^ even a little concave. The crotaphyte de- 
 pression between the zygomatic and post-orbital processes is very deep, ftom the great 
 bulk of the muscles lodged in it. This increased volume of muscle is also indicated by 
 the meeting on the median line of the skull of the two roughened depressions which 
 lodge the temporalis, these depressions being only separated by a narrow longitudinal 
 ridge, as in Puffinus or Golymbus, instead of by a wide space. The anterior division of 
 this temporal fossa (distinctly separated froui the posterior by a well-marked ridge) is 
 also deep, and extends further toward the median line of the skull. 
 
 From the narrowness and straightness of the posterior parts of the craniuTn, the 
 orbits are notably wide and shallow. Their posterior processes are very small and 
 slightly developed, being iu fact much smaller and uo more widely separated from each 
 other than the anterior processes. These latter are remarkably developed, being 
 large, broad and heavy, and projecting backward and outward with very convex out- 
 lines. The supra-orbital ridge included between them is not nearly so deeply concave as 
 in the other subfamilies, both on account of the closer approximation of the'post-orhital 
 
RHYNOHOPIN^, SKIMMERS. 713 
 
 processes, and of the character of the dtpression for the nasal gland. The convex 
 borders of the fossa; do not nearly aiiproach each other on the median line, bnt are 
 widely separated. The fossie themselves are narrow and imperfect, not neaily contain- 
 ing the whole of the glands, which conseqnently project gi'catly over the cd^^e of the 
 orbit. The foss;e are continued each as a well-marked groove, nnder the anteorbital 
 processes, their ducts passing throiij;b a very large foramen on their way to the lining 
 membrane of the nose. The interortital septnm is complete. The olfactory nene 
 mns along iu a furrow so deep as to be almost a canal. From the corajileteuess ot the 
 septum, between the orbits, the foramina of exit of the nerves at the posterior part of 
 the orbits are more perfect and less closely approximated than in the other subfamilies. 
 The conjointed bases of the sphenoid and ethmoid, a\ hich form the inferior bordi'r of the 
 septum, and along which the palatal and vomerine bones slide, is much thicker and 
 stouter than ordinary, and does not extend nearly so far forward, nor has it an acute 
 apex nor deeply concave anterior edge. 
 
 The forehead is exceedingly broad, and slopes down from the vertex at an tinusually 
 great angle of descent. In its centre it is slightly concave laterally, owing to the de- 
 velopment and prominence of the anteorbital processes. Anterior to these it is perfectly 
 plane, wide, with parallel, straight sides, dipping down deeply with a square truncated 
 base which forms, wijh the superior mandible, the very peculiar fronto-niazillary 
 suture. This " articulation " admits of a far greater degree of motion than exists in the 
 other subfamilies, and greatly exceeds that usually found among birds, excepting, of 
 course, the Psittaci. The connection between the bones of the cranium and superior 
 mandible is perfectly straight and transverse ; very wide (being the whole width of 
 the broad frontal bone), and at the same time exceedingly thin and elastic. On the 
 superior surface of the suture there is a deep groove between the bones, a little wider 
 at either extremity than in the middle, bnt the under surface is quite smooth. The 
 osseo-cartilaginous connective substance is pliable and elastic, so much so, that in an 
 old and dried preparation before me, the original mobility of the parts is in a great 
 measure retained. 
 
 In the adult skull bt-fore me there are no discernible traces of any nasal bones, prop- 
 erly speaking ; but the suture is formed entirely by the apposed terminations of the 
 broad frontal, and equally broad mesial process of the intermaxillary. That portion 
 of bone usually known as the "maxillary" or descending process of the nasal, exists, 
 unusually developed, and in an unusual position. Below it is iirmly anchylosed and 
 completely consolidated with the mandibular ramus, just anterior to the maJar anchy- 
 losis. From this base it extends upward and backward as a long, very slender, com- 
 pressed bone, running parallel with, but not touching the sides of, the os frontis, to be 
 received by this thin, flat, laterally expanded termination into a slight depression in 
 the under and anterior edge of the ante-orbital process. As it participates in all the 
 movements of the upper jaw, its union with the ante-orbital processes is a movable 
 suture, of apparently the same general characters as the fronto-maxillary suture, of 
 which it is to be considered as really a part. 
 
 The other elements which assist to produce the movements of the upper jaw,'are all 
 by their shape or position subservient to its increased mobility. The ossa pedicellata 
 are long and strong, and especially remarkable for the increased development of their 
 malar eminences, which carry the ends of the zygomata far outward and downward, 
 and thus are enabled, with an ordinary degree ot motion of the tympanic bones them- 
 selves, to impress upon the malar, and through them upon the superior maxillary bones, 
 an increased amount of motion. They also produce a somewhat peculiar shape of the 
 articulaticg surface for the inferior mandible. The orbital processes of the tympanic 
 hones are very short, small, and exceedingly acute. The pterygoid bones prctseut no 
 special peculiarities of shape, but, from the narrowness of the skull, are not so widely 
 divergent as in the other subfamilies. The palatal bones are remarkable for stout- 
 ness and width, and also for the solidity and extent of their anchylosis with the supe- 
 rior maxillaries. The outline of their posterior margins is very oblique, and they 
 terminate with qnite prominent processes for the pterygo-palatal articulation. Poste- 
 riorly their inferior surfaces have considerable lateral concavity from the elevation of 
 their borders ; more anteriorly they are plane and smooth, their surface being directly 
 continuous with the plane of the maxillaries. The vomer is shorter than usual, and 
 bifurcate to a less extent. The malar bones are perfectly straight ; their axes in a line 
 with the general inclination of the axes of the mandibular processes of tbe intermax- 
 illary ; but just at their union with the maxillary bones there is a considerable angle 
 formed, from the increased divergence of the latter at that point. They are throughout 
 laterally compressed, except just at their anterior extremities, where they become hor- 
 izontally depressed and flattened, to give them the necessary mobility of elasticity iu 
 au upward and downward direction. 
 
 The intermaxillary bone is entirely peculiar iu shape and general characters. It 
 is remarkable for the preponderance in size of the mesial over the mandibular pro- 
 cesses, and for the unusual extent to which the latter are united with the former 
 
714 EHYNCHOPIN^, SKIMJtERS. 
 
 The consolidation is perfect for fully tT?o-tliirds of the length of the bill, causing the 
 nasal apertnre formed by the divergence of these processes to be extremely sniall, 
 short, and narrow. The' mandibular processes are also closely approximated to each 
 other (only a narrow groove being left between them) for two-thirds their length, 
 when they rather suddenly divaricate at a considerable angle. The palatal iissure llius 
 left between them is very" short, and only commences about opposite tbe termination 
 of the palate bones, instead of much further forward, as in the other subfamilies. The 
 superior or mesial process of the intermaxillary is thus almost wholly concerned in the 
 production of the shape of the upper mandible. It is large at tbe base, being there as 
 broad as the osfrontis, and about half as high as broad, with inflated, very convex and 
 bulging sides. Beyond the nostrils it becomes more compressed and deeper, and begins 
 to present a ridge along its culmeu in place of the groove which exists at its base. The 
 sides become, as they advance, more -ind more compressed, and less bulging and convex, 
 nntil tliey terminate in a very acute point. This bone is remarkable in being hollow 
 thronghont, from base to extreme apex, with very thin walls, and consequently very 
 light. Its interior is partially ocrupied by a very light, delicate web of open cancel- 
 lated structure, most marked toward the base ; more anteriorly its complete hoilow- 
 ness is only interrupted by delicate trabeciilse of bone, which extend across, from side 
 to .'•ide, in every direction. This peculiarity of structure calls to mind the bill of the 
 EhamphasUdce. 
 
 The bony frame-work of the under mandible, though not abnormal in structure, has 
 yet even a more peculiar shape than that of the upper. The rami of the inferior max- 
 illa are at first nearly parallel, and are very thin and delicate. Toward their 
 symphysis they become stouter, and very suddenly converge toward each other with 
 a considerable degree of convexity. At the symphysis, which is strong and tirm, 
 the tomial as well as the dorsal edges of the bone at once unite; and the rami, thus 
 completely consolidated, extend forward as a straight, thin, sharp prolongation of 
 bone, with iiat, erect sides, and perfectly straight edges, which converge toward an 
 acute apex. The axis of the symphysis declines downward at a considerable angle of 
 divergence from the axis of the rami. The conjoined tonjia are at their base on a level 
 with the superior edges of the rami, but the dorsal outline is at its beginning much 
 below the level of the inferior edge of the rami, in consequence of a marked deepening 
 of the bone just at its symphysis. On account of the peculiar direction of the inferior 
 maxilla, the tomial edges of the two mandibles are not usually in contact throughout 
 -in their ordinary positions. Posteriorly the upper outline of the rami dips down with 
 a. considerable angle to the articulating surface. This latter differs from the ordinary 
 type in its width, which is great, in consequence of the development of its internal 
 and external angular processes, and in the depth of the internal concavity. These 
 differences correspond to the differences in shape of the face of the tympanic bone ; 
 in the prominence of its malar and iiteij'goid processes, and the depth of the sulcus 
 between them. The roughened ridgts and eminences about the joint for muscular at- 
 tachment are all well marked. The triangular space just posterior to the articulation, 
 for the attachment of the digastricus, does not present so much downward and for- 
 ward as in the other subfamiles. 
 
 The single known genus of this subfamily is represented in North America by its 
 type species, the long and well-known B. nigra. 
 
 Genus EHYNCHOPS, Linn. 
 
 * 
 
 Flialacrocorai, Moi:HR., Gen. Av. 17.52. 
 
 Bynchopa, Lixx., Syst. Kat. i, 1758; 1766, 2-28 {B. nigra). 
 
 Eiigchopmlia, Briss., Orn. vi, 1860, 223. 
 
 Blij/nchops, L.iTH., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 802. 
 
 Avisnrhamplius, Ddm. {Gray). 
 
 Psalidorliavi2>hus, Eaxz, \82'A (Gh-ay). 
 
 Bhijnclwpaalia, Glogbr, 1842 (Gray). 
 
 The characters of the single genus being the same as those of the subfamily, it is 
 unnecessary to repeat them. 
 
 Moehring^s name unquestionably belongs here, but is used in a different acceptation. 
 Eynclwps of Linnsens, more correctly written Bhynchops, may be employed instead, 
 though I hardly know upon what grounds, for a,s Linnaeus called the Cormorants Pdc- 
 canits, PhaJacrocorax, Moehr., does not conflict with a Liun£ean name, and we date some 
 accepted genera back to 1735. The original Bygchopsalia of Brisson is variously 
 spelled by subsequent authors. I quote Anisorhamphtis and Psalidorliamphus on Gray's 
 authority, having no means of verifying or completing the references. 
 
EHYNCHOPS NIGRA, BLACK SKIMMER. 715 
 
 EHYNCHOPS NIGEA, Liuii. 
 Black Skimmer; Cut-water. 
 
 Shjnclwps nnint, Ljnn., 8yst. K;it. i, 17fi6, 2;iS.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 176'<, 611.— Lath., lucl. 
 Otv. ii, 17'JO, t^dvj; ami of autbors fjcDcrally. — BuiiJi., S\.st. libers, iii. 4.54; 
 Eeisc, 5-'0 (La. Plata).— Lici'm, Ois. Triuidad, 534.— Maxim , Beit, iv, rtT. — 
 Pelz., Orn. Bras. 324.— Pii. & LA^'DB.. Cat. SO (Cbili).— Gukdi.., E<-13- P- N. i, 
 393 (Ciilja).— Sai.v., Ibis, l.-t;,':i, 193 ; l,-^6li (Guatemala).— Sci.. A Sai.y., P. Z. 8. 
 le:>, 77 (Eio Nnpo); 1.-^71, 506 (south to 45-, Dui-wi>i).—i<CL., P. Z. 8. 1W.7, 340 
 (Cbili).— 8CL., P. Z. S. 1864, 179 (Mexico).— lUiK.s.s., Ibis, 1806, 45 (Texas).— 
 Lawh., B. N. Am. 1858, 866.— Lawi;., Alh. Lye., viii, 1800, 299 (New Yoik).— 
 TUKNB., B. E. Pa. 1869, 39 (New Jersey, Irequeiit).— Coves, Pr. Ess. Inet. v, 
 1808. 309 (f New Englaud ; quotes Ejimonm, Cat. B. Mass. 1835. ; Linsi,., Am. 
 Jouru. 8ei. xliv, 1843, 249 ; Pitn., Pr. Ess. lust, i, 1850, 231).— Couks >,V Piient., 
 Smiths. Rep. 1861, 419 ("\\ ashiugtou, D. C.).— Ciiuics, Pr. Bost. Sec. xii, 1^08, 
 127 (South Caioliua).— Ali.i X, Bull. M. C. Z. ii, 1871. 308 (Florida, in wiuter).— 
 CouKS, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1871, 40 (North Caroliua).— COUES, Key, 1872, 324. 
 
 Eliijiicliops J'uha, LiNX., Sjst. Nat. i, 1700, 229.— G.ai., Syst. Nat. i, 17f8, Oil. 
 
 Jihyvcliops ciixruicais et bririros(i-is, Spix, A. B. pis. 102, 103 {jimiores). 
 
 Bnynchops mehrainis, BoiE.— 8w., An. iu Men. 1838, 340 (Deniarara). — Cab., Seljomb. 
 Guiau. iii, 701.— Scl. & Salt., P. Z. S. 1800, 201 (Ucayali) ; lt07, 593 (Mexiana) ; 
 1807, 7iS4 (Peru). 
 
 Shijnclwjis honalis, Sw., An. in Men. 1838, 340. 
 
 DiAG. E. rosiro ruhro Jiigro dimidialo, tiota'o cum primariis 6 exteriorihiis nigris, pogoniis 
 inteniis ^yumarioium 4 iiilmormn ct ajiiciliis alhis, fronU et gasircvo aWis plus minnsvc 
 rosaceis, caudU albd nigro dimidiatd, pedibus rubris. 
 
 Sab. — 'Warmer parts of America. South to 45" (Darwin). Various West Indian 
 Islands. In North America, Gulf and Atlantic coasts regularly to New Jersey ; casually, 
 if at all, to New England. 
 
 Jdult. — Upper mandible with its culmen curved for its whole length, sinking .a little 
 at the base; highest just beyond the nostrils; gradually curved to the tip, which is 
 more acute than that of the lower mandible, but still very convex iu profile ; the ridge 
 sharp and narrow for its whole length. The sides of the upper mandible are, from the 
 base for half its length, very convex and bulging, to as to give to the base of the biU 
 a much ronijdcd transverse outline ; hut the sides gradually become more aud more 
 conqiessed, till they hardly project at all, but are quite perpendicular. The tomia of 
 the superior mandible, from the angle of the mouth, at first converge very rapidly, at 
 a quite obtuse angle, aud at the same time are so much iijflected that the sides of the 
 mandible just above them look almost directly downward as far as the distal extremity 
 of the nostrils; there the tomia are parallel, very closely approximated, with perfectly 
 perpendiculai: sides, leaving between them only a narrow groove for the reception of 
 the tomial symphysis of the inferior mandible. The nasal groove is short and wide, 
 and rather shallow, its width and shallowness being caused by the great difference in 
 amount of divergence of the nasal and mandibular processes of the intermaxillary bone. 
 The nostrils are situated at the anterior extremity of this groove, aud are of ordinary 
 laridine shape and size. The feathers run far forward ou the broad and depressed base 
 of the culmen, with a rather obtuse angle, and then slope backward to the angle of 
 the mouth with a sinuate outline, at first concave, then convex. The lower mandible 
 is compressed for the whole of the extent which is bare of feathers, except just at the 
 extreme base, where the rami are rapidly approaching the median line ; very flexible, 
 being capable of being greatly bent in a lateral direction ; its tip with a very thin, 
 sharp edge, and a broadly cc nvex perpendicular profile outline. Its sides are nearly 
 erect aud flat, bulging but slightly at the base, not at all terminally ; marked with 
 about sixty straight, very oblique ridges and sulci, runniug at au angle of about 
 45° downward aud backward ; of a length equal to about half the height of the 
 mandible; most distinct toward the middle of the bill, more obsolete toward either 
 extremity. The tomial edges, of which the symphysis is complete from a point about 
 opposite the nostrils to the tip, are slightly convexo-declinate for their whole length; 
 the gony.s, which is as thin and sharp as the tomium, is somewhat more decidedly con- 
 cavo-declinate. The outline of the inferior mandibular rami is perpendicularly very 
 concave, horizontally sinuate, the submental space being filled with feathers to the 
 very symphysis. The basal half, or a little less, of both mandibles are carmine-red, 
 the terminal half black. 
 
 The feet are of moderate length for this family. The tibiae are naked for a very 
 considerable space, nearly half their total length. This bare portion shows a decided 
 tendency, most marked ou its anterior face, to become transversely scutellate, like the 
 tarsus. The tarsus is defended anteriorly by a single row of scutella, which become 
 
716 EHYNCllOPS NIGRA, BLACK SKIMMER. 
 
 obsolete toward the joint, and have exceedingly oblique margins. Laterally and pos- 
 teriorly there are plates, small, regular, smooth, of a polyhedral (mostly hexuKoual) 
 shape, largest and flattest on the sides of the tarsus, smaller and more roughened 
 behind and on the joint. The toes superiorly are delended, as is the tarsus, by scutella, 
 the webs by small reticulated plates; on the inferior surfaces of both the plates are 
 nearly obsolete. The middle and outer toes are of much the same length, the inner 
 much shorter, the tip of its claw reaching the base of the middle claw. The hallux is 
 of moderate length for this family ; its claw short, stout, blunt, little curved. The 
 anterior claws are all long, slender, depressed, moderately arched, rather acute, the 
 inner edges of all dilated, that of the middle one most so. The interdigital membranes 
 are of the ordinary width and amount of emuryination. The feet in life are carmine- 
 red, in the dried state dull yellowish, with a tinge of pink. 
 
 The wings are excessively long and powerful. The primaries are broad, their 
 rhachidea strong, outer five or six of a somewhat falcate shape, narrowing rather sud- 
 denly when near the tip to their only moderately acute and r.ather rounded apices. 
 'J'he secondaries are short, broad to their very tips, which are rounded, with a very 
 slight amount of excision of the extremities of their outer webs. The superior surface 
 of the wings is glossy black, like the back ; their inferior aspect, except a narrow lino 
 along their metacarpal edge, white; this color deepening toward the ends of the pri- 
 maries, first into grayish, and then into blackish. The first six primaries are concolor, 
 black, pure and ticep on their outer web, lighter and of a brownish tinge on their 
 inner; their rhachides black. The inner lour primaries are brown; their inner webs, 
 and the tips of both webs, white. The secondaries are white, with a space of dark 
 brown occupying nearly the whole of their outer and a small part of their inner 
 webs. The amount of brown is least on the outjr ones ; increases on each leather suc- 
 cessively, till the last four secondaries and the tertials arc brownish-black, except a 
 narrow apical margin. 
 
 The tail is of moderate length, being contained rather less than three times in the 
 wing. It is moderately emarginate. The feathers are rather narrow, the central pair 
 rounded at their tips, the lateral ones converging to a very obtuse point. The upper 
 tail-coverts are short, being scarcely half the length of the tail; the inferior oneH, how- 
 ever, reach within a short distance of the tips of the, central rectrices. The tail and 
 its under coverts are white, the inner webs of all the rectrices more or less obscured 
 witli dark brown, deepest on the central pair. The superior coverts are Ijlack like the 
 hack, except the outer row on each side, which are white. 
 
 Crown of the head, its sides just below th(! eyes, the back of the neck, and whole 
 npper parts, pure glossy black. The forehead, cheeks, sides of the head bcjlow the 
 eye, sides of the neck, and whole under parts, pure white ; tinged in life, during the 
 nuptial season, with rosy. 
 
 Vimensions. — Length (of males), 20; extent of wings, 49; wing from flexure, 16 to 
 16..50; from apex of longest secondary to tip of first primary, 6; tail, •)S)(J to 6; depth 
 of fork, 1 to 1.25; upper mandible along culmen, 3; along g.ape, 4; height opposite 
 middle of nostrils, 0.60; width at same place, 0.4r>; length of nasal foss.a, 0.75; of 
 nostrils, 0.40 ; under mandible along gonys, 3.75; along fused tomia, 3.60; along gape, 
 4.50 ; from feathers on its side to tip, 4.10 ; itsdepth at deepest part, just anterior to 
 beginning of symphysis, 0.60 ; dei)th ni tip, about 0.25 ; length of longest oblique 
 stria, about 0.40 ; tibiaj bare, 1.10; tarsus, 1.45; middle toe and claw, 1.30; outer toe 
 and claw, 1.20 ; inner toe and claw, 0.95 ; hallux and claw, 0.35. 
 
 The preceding description was taken from a large and very perfect siiecimen obtainc;d 
 in Florida. The dimensions are perhaps somewhat greater than the average of exam- 
 ples, but not more so than is frequently found to be the case. Individuals vary 
 greatly in size, many apparently equally adult examples being much smaller than the 
 one whose dimensions I have just given. I believe that Audubon is quite correct in 
 saying that the females are smaller than the males. They will not average probably 
 more than 16 or 17 inches in length, by about 42 in extent of wings, as he has said. 
 I have also found the bills to be much thinner, lighter, and weaker. In colors the 
 sexes hardly differ notably. 
 
 Toung-of-the-year. — Bill smaller th.an in the adult, thinner, weaker, its ridges less 
 sharply defined, and the two mandibles of less unequal length. General proportions 
 less than in adult. Bill brownish-black for three-fourths of its length, fading into dull 
 horn-color just at its tip, lightening into more or less intense flesh color, or light red- 
 dish, toward the base. The strite on the sides of the lower mandible are as numerous as, 
 but much less distinct than, in the adult. Tail shorter and less deeply emarginate. 
 Legs and feet dull light reddish. Entire upper parts a rather light grayish-brown, 
 deepest on the wing-coverts and tertials ; each feather with a tolerably broad margin 
 and tip of white, broadest and most conspicuous on the wing-coverts and tertials. 
 Forehead, sides of the head below the eyes, the neck all round, the edge of the fore- 
 arm, inferior surfaces of the wings, and whole under parts, white. Primaries almost 
 exactly as in the adults, except that the innermost have more white, and there is a 
 
EIIYNCHOPS NIGRA, BLACK SKUIMEE. 717 
 
 sliglit white termiDal margin as far as the fourth or fifth. Secondaries ahont as in the 
 adults, but their brown portions lighter and duller. Tail white; the greater p;irt of 
 tlie two central rectriees, and the inner webs of the others, with a tinge of dull gray- 
 ish-brown, deepest on the middle pair. 
 
 I once saw a single specimen of this bird on the Potomac Eiver, near 
 "Washington. Otherwise my personal observations are confined, up to 
 the present time, to the coast of North Carolina, where the birds are 
 plentifol. There I only noticed them late in the summer and during 
 the autumn, though I presume they pass by in the spring; none breed 
 there, to my knowledge. In September they become plentiful, and so 
 continue until the latter part of November, some doubtless remaining 
 later. In examining large numbers of specimens I found a great differ- 
 ence in size, and particularly in the bill. Some individuals are fully a 
 third heavier than others. The bill varies over an inch in length, and 
 especially in the length of the under mandible. Sometimes the differ- 
 ence between the two mandibles is hardly a third of an inch, at others 
 over an inch. The oblique strife on the under one are sometimes obso- 
 lete. In high condition the bill is bright red (vermilion) and black ; 
 otherwise orange and black, or even mostly dusky, only yellowish at 
 base. The young in the fall are curiously variegated with dusky and 
 whitish above, few specimens being exactly alike. The note of this 
 species is instantly distinguished from that of any of our other species 
 of this family by its deep guttural intonation, more like the croaking of 
 some Herons than the cries of the Gulls and Terns- The bird also 
 differs from its allies in going in true flocks, as distinguished from the 
 gatherings, however large, in community of interest, that occur with 
 the Gulls and Terns. The birds move synchronously, which is not the 
 case with any of the others. They feed chiefly by night, or at any rate 
 in the dusk of the evening, at which time, in passing over the harbor, 
 one may hear their hoarse notes on every hand, and see the birds gliding 
 swiftly along just over the water, either singly or in small flocks. 
 During the daytime, when the Gulls and Terns are busy fishing, the 
 Skimmers are generally seen reposing on the sand-bars. They never 
 drop on their ijrey on the wing, like their allies. Their mode of feeding 
 is not exactly made out, but it is believed they skim over the surface 
 with the body inclined downward, the bill open, and the under mandible 
 in the water, so they really take their prey in a manner analogous to 
 the feeding of whales. 
 
PYGOPODE 
 
 OEDER r 1 VjUrUL'JlO. DIVIXG BIRDS. 
 
 Exclndiug tbe Sphenisci, or Penguins, which may form a group of e(|ual value with 
 Fygopodes, the latter consist of three families, reidily distinguished, as follows : 
 
 Common characters. — Feet palmate or lobate. Legs feathered to tbe heel-joint, buried 
 iu common integument nearly to the same extent, situate far posterior, restricting ter- 
 restrial locomotion, and necessitating more or less nearly erect attitude on land. Hal- 
 lux ele%'ated, free or joined by lobe to base only of inner toe, small or altogether 
 wanting. Bill of indeterminate shape, corneous, not lamellate or serrate, not furnished 
 with a gular pouch. Nostrils variable in shape and position, naked or feathered. 
 Wings short, stiff, stout, never reaching when folded to the end and often not to the 
 base of the tail. Tail always short, sometimes rudimentary. Palate schizognathous. 
 Carotid sometimes single (in Podiceps and Mei-gulus). Tibia often with a long apophy- 
 sis. Sternum variable. Nature altricial or prs3cooial; young ptilopaedic. Habit highly 
 natatorial and iirinatorial. 
 
 Cohjmbidai. — Feet completely palmate, four-toed, the hallux joined by its slight flap 
 to base of inner toe. Tarsi reticulate, extremely cimpressed, with smooth sharp hinder 
 edge. Tibio-tarsal joint feathered. Claws strong, narrow, arched. Bill lengthened, 
 tapering, acute, straight, wholly hard. Tail perfect, of many feathers. Wings %vith 
 stiff inner secondaries much shorter than the primaries, the primaries not emarginate. 
 Lores completely feathered. Nostrils linear, reached by the frontal antise, their upper 
 edge lobate. Eye large. Back of adult spotted ; young not striped on head ; no 
 crests or ruffsat any season. Seasonal changes of plumage slight. Sternum with long, 
 broad xiphoid prolongation and shorter lateral apophyses. A long tibial apophysis. 
 Carotids double. Nature praecoci;il. Eggs few, variegated in color. The very few 
 species confined to the Northern hemisphere. 
 
 Podicipidw. — Feet lobate and semipalmate, four-toed, the hallux free, with large lobe. 
 Tar->i transversely scutellate, compressed, the hinder edge serrate, with a double row 
 of small pointed scales. Til)io-tarsal joint naked. Claws broad, flat, obtuse. Bill 
 usually lengthened and straight, but the tip sometimes decurved. Tail rudimentary— 
 a mere tuft of downy feathers. Wings with long, broad inner secondaries overlying 
 the primaries when closed ; primaries eleven, seveial emarginate. Lores with a naked 
 strip. Nostrils linear, oblong or ovi.l, not lobed, not reached by the frontal feathers. 
 Size medium and small. Back of adult not spotted; young usually with striped 
 head; adults in breeding season usually with lengthened colored crests or ruffs or 
 bristly feathers. Seasonal changes of plumage great. Sternum short in middle line, 
 with long lateral apophyses. A h ng tibial apophysis. Carotids usually (alwayst) 
 single. Nature prsecocial. Eggs numerous, plainly colored. The numerous species 
 cosmopolitan. 
 
 Alcidce. — Feet palmate, three-toed (hallux wanting). Tarsi reticulate or partly scu- 
 tellate. Tibio-tarsal joint naked. Claws ordinary. Bill of wholly indeterminate shape, 
 often much as in Colymhidce or Podicipidw ; often curiously shaped, with various 
 ridges, furrows, or horny protuberances. Tail perfect, of few feathers. Lores com- 
 pletely feathered. Nostrils wholly variable in shape and position, naked or feathered. 
 Legs very variable. Coloration variable : head often with curious long curly crests. 
 Ko tibial apophysis. Usually (always ?) an anconal sesamoid, sometimes double. 
 Carotids usually double (single in MenjnIitH).. Nature altricial. Eggs few or single, 
 plain or variegated. The numerous species confined to the Northern hemisphere. 
 
 As stated at p. 589, the Alcidw — marine species without representatives iu the Mis- 
 souri region — will not be presented in this work, while the Colymbidw and Podicipidw 
 of North America will be treated monographically. The basis of the following account 
 was i^repared by the present writer several ye.ais ago for a report upon which he was 
 then engaged with Dr. George Suekley.* It has, however, been entirely recast for tue 
 present purpose, and is altogether a different ijaper. 
 
 Eamily COLYMBIDW: Loons. 
 
 For diagnosis see above. 
 
 By many modern writers the Loons and Grebes are held as respectively ce-mposing 
 the subfamilies Coli/mhiiice and Podicipinw, of a sin.le family, Coli/mbida; These divi- 
 sions correspond with the Cohjmbi pedibui palmaiis and C. pedibvb lobatis of Gmelin, the 
 
 • An abstract of which was published in the Proceedings of tbe Philadelphia Acad- 
 emy of Natural Sciences for 1862, pp. 226-&33. 
 
COLYMBUS TORQUATUS, GREAT NORTHERN LOON. 719 
 
 geiiora Cohjmbus nnd Podicep't of Latham, and nearly with the Cepphi and ColymU of 
 Pallas. All were united under the genus Coli/miiis by Linnieus.* But the groups are 
 snfflciently distinct to bear family rank. Teuimiuck, indeed, separated them widely by 
 iuf iTvention of the Longipennes and Avseres, though this seems hardly permissible. As 
 this family contains but one genus, further charauters are cousidered, under that head. 
 
 Genus GOLYMBUS, Unn. {emend.) 
 
 < Colymhm, Linx., Svst. Nat. 1735-1766, and of o.uthors. (Not of Illiger, 1811, nor of 
 
 Pallas, 1811, nor of BrissOn,,lT60.) 
 
 < Cepphus, MOhhing, Gen. Av. 1752, 69. 
 <? Mergus, Bhisson, Orn. 17C0. 
 
 X Cepphaa, Pall., Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, 339. 
 
 = Eudgles, Illiger, Prod. 1811, 2»i. 
 
 = EudUes, KaUP, Sk. Ent. Eur, Thierw. 1829, 144. 
 
 Ch. BillloDgjStrong, straight, .acute, compressed. Culmen convex or nearly straight, 
 commissure corresponding, gonys generally convex. Rami long separate, the gonydeal 
 union usually denoted by a groove sometimes almost to tip, the angle always evident. 
 Maxilla more or less striate basally. Mandible dilated along tomia, with groove just 
 below. Nasal fossae well marked, continued anteriorly in sulci. Nostrils long, linear, 
 pervious, subbasal, reached by the autite, and having a peculiar flap hanging from the 
 upper border. Head densely and evenly feathered, with long acute autise running into 
 the nasal fuss£8 ; no naked spaces nor bristly nor lengthened feathers about the head 
 or neck. Ear small and inconspicuous. Eye with its anterior canthus just over the 
 angle of the mouth. Wings moderately long (for this group), very powertul, coueavo- 
 convex, with somewhat falcate primaries, the first longest, the rest rapidly graduated, 
 the inner secondaries short, stiff, broad, falling far short of the ends of the primaiies 
 in the closed wing. Tail .short, but fully developed, rounded, with stiffish acuminate 
 feathers, but upper and under coverts reaching nearly to the end. Legs short, very 
 stout and powerful ; tibiae feathered on the sutfrago ; tarsi, extremely compressed, en- 
 tirely retjiulated, with small polygonal scales and smooth sharp fore and hind edges. 
 Toes lengthened, exceeding the tarsus, outer lougest, inner shortest of the anterior 
 ones, all full-webbed; hallux small, slightly lobed with a flap contiuuous with base of 
 second toe. Claws strong, narrow, obtuse, convex above. 
 
 The three species which compose the genus are ch.aracteristic of the Northern hemis- 
 phere. They are heavy, powerful, and hardy birds, emiueut in powers of flight and 
 in swimming and diving, but progressing on land with difliculty. They are migratury, 
 breeding far north, generally dispersed in winter. The voice is loud, penetrating, and 
 raucous ; the nature wild and wary. The eggs are few, generally two or three. The 
 youi'g betake themselves directly to the water, near which the nest is placed — a rude 
 structure of rushes or other aquatic vegetation, built on the ground. The sexes are 
 alike ; the young are different from the old. 
 
 y 
 
 COLYMBUS TORQUATUS, Brliun. 
 Great Jforthem Loon, or Diyer. 
 
 a. torquatus. 
 
 Coljimbus torquatus, ButJxx., Orn. Bor. 1764, No. 134.— Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 
 91.— Lawk., B. N. A. Itud, S88.— Coop. &■ Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1;^6U, 278.— 
 CoUEs, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1861,248; 1862, -227 ; 1864, 21.— CouES, Mem. Bost. 
 8oc. N. H. i, 131 (osteology aud myology). — Coues, Key, 1872,334; and of 
 most late United States writers. 
 
 Cepphus torquatus, Pall., Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, 340. 
 
 Colijiuius glacialis,'Li'sy., Sjst. Nat. 1,1766,221. — Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788,588. — Lath., 
 Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 799.- FonsT., Phii. Trans. Ixii, 1772, 383.— Tem.m.. JIan. Orn. 
 1815, 597.— Stepii., Gen. Zool. xii, 1824, 233, pi. 61.— Gray, Gen. of B. iii, 631.— 
 SuxD., .Svensk. Fogl. pi. 53.— WiLS., Am. Orn. ix, 1824, '^4, pi. 74.— Bp., Svn. 
 1828, 42U ; List, 1838, 65.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. Am. li, 1831, 474.— Nm., Man. 
 ii, 1834, 513.— Aud., Orn. Biog. iv, 1838, 43, pi. 306; Syu. 18:i9, 353 ; B. Am. vii, 
 1844, 282, pi. 476.— Giu., B. L. I. 1844, 378 ; and of most authors. 
 
 Eudijt.es ylacialis, Illigei;, Prodrouius, 1811, 282. — Naum., \. D. xii, 1844, 397, jd. 327. 
 
 Eututts rjlacialis, Kaup, 8k. Ent. Eur. Thierw. 1829, 144. 
 
 * Admitting the pertinence of the remarks of Suudevall (Jleth. Av. Tent. Disp. 1873) 
 and others ou the question of nomenclature, we do not find it necessary to use Eudijtis 
 of Illiger for the Loons, to leave the name Colymbus for the Grebes. 
 
720 COLYMBUS TORQUATUS, GKEAT NORTHERN LOON. 
 
 Co'lymhua immer, Lixx., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 222.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 588.— Lath., Ind. 
 
 Orn. ii, IT'JO, 800.— Leach, Cat. Ir^lB, 36. 
 Cohjml'is atrigulnris, JIbykr, Taschenb. Viig. Deutsohl. ii, 449. 
 Colymhus maximm et Memalis, Bkkhm, V. D. 971, 972. 
 
 b. adamsii. 
 
 Cohjmbus adamsii, Gkat, P. Z. S. 1S59, 167 (Russian America).— CouES, Pr. Pliila. Acad. 
 
 1S32. 227; 1864, 21 (cranium).— Ellu>t, B. N. A. pi. 63.— Dall & Baxx., Tr. 
 
 Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 308 (Alaska).— Finsch, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872 (Alaska). 
 Colynibus torquatun var. adamsii, CouES, Key, 1«72, 334. 
 Colymbus glacialis, var., Swinhoe. 
 
 Bab. — The Northern hemisphere. Var. adamsii from Alaska and interior of Arctic 
 America ; also, Asia. " England." 
 
 Var. TOEQTJATTJS : Common Loon. 
 
 Adult. — Bill black, the tip and cutting edges sometimes yellowish. Feet black. Head 
 and neck deep glossy greenish-black, with lustrous purplish reflections on the front 
 and sides of the head. A patch of sharp white streaks on the throat, and another 
 larger triangular patch of the same on each side of the neck lower down, the two last 
 nearly or quite meeting behind, separate in front. Sides of breast striped with black 
 and white. Entire upper parts, wing-coverts, inner secondaries, and sides under the 
 wings, deep glossy bluish-green ; all except the sides thickly marked with white spots ; 
 those of the scapulars, tertials, and middle back, large, square, .and regular ; those of 
 other parts smaller, oval, smallest on rump, most numerous on wing-coverts. Upper 
 tail-coverts greenish-black, immjiculate. Wing-quills brownish-black, lighter on inner 
 webs. Under surface of wings, axillars, and under parts generally from the neck, pure 
 white ; the lower belly with a dusky band. 
 
 Young. — Bill smaller than in the adult, bluish-white, with dusky ridge. Crown and 
 cervix dull brownish-black ; other njiper parts similar, but the fe.athers, especially of 
 the foreback, with light gray edgings. Primaries black, with brown inner webs. Tail 
 feathers with gray tips. Traces of lighter and darker lineation on sides of breast. 
 Sides of head mottled with ashy and whitish; chin, throat, neck in front, and whole 
 under ijarts, white. 
 
 Dimensions. — Length 31 to 36 inches; wing, 12.50 to 14.2.5; bill, 2.75 to 3 along oul- 
 men ; gape, 4 to 4.25 ; height at nostrils, about 0.80 ; width there, about 0.40 ; tarsus, 
 3 to 3.50 ; middle toe and claw, 4.25 to 5. 
 
 Bab. — The Northern hemisphere. In winter, gener.illy dispersed in the United States. 
 
 The white throat-patch consists usually of five or six streaks; in this, as iu the lat- 
 eral neck-stripes, the individual feathers are broadly black, with sharp white edges 
 toward their ends. The texture of the feathers is peculiar — the outer surface is hol- 
 lowed, with raised edges of specially firm, smooth, polished character, so that these 
 patches may be felt as well as seen. The white spots on the back occur in a pair on 
 each feather near its end, their aggregation iu any region being therefore determined 
 by the size of the feathers themselves. 
 
 Beginning binomial nomenclature at 1758, the name tnrquatus, Briinn. (1764), ante- 
 dates glacialis, Linn. (1766). No synonyms require discussion. 
 
 Var. adajvisii : Yellow-hilled Loon. 
 
 Ch. Larger than C. torquatus, with the bill rather larger and somewhat differently 
 shaped and colored. Bill about equaling head, longer than tarsus, ninch compressed, tip 
 very acute, not at all decurved, the culmeu being almost perfectly straight, as the com- 
 missure also is. Gonys straight or nearly so to the angle, which is very prominent. 
 Frontal antiiE reaching beyond middle of nostrils. Bill fine light yellowish horn-color, 
 only dusky at base. Head and neck deep steel-blue, with purplish and violet reflec- 
 tions, glossed only on the cervix with deep green. Throat-patch of white streaks 
 smaller than in torquatus, but the individual streaks larger, as are those of the neck- 
 patches. White spots of upper parts larger than in torquatus, rectangular instead of 
 sijuare on the scapulars and tertials, being somewhat longer than broad. Bill along 
 culmen, 3.50 to 3.75; along gape. 5 to 5.25 ; height at nostrils, 0.95 to 1.10 ; width, 0.40 to 
 0..50 ; tarsus, 3.50; outer toe, 4.65 to 5.10. General dimensions somewhat exceeding 
 those of torquatus, but not so much so as in the bill. 
 
 A comparative table of characters is subjoined : 
 
 lar. TOKQUATCS : Culmen, 2.75 to 3 ; gape, 4 to 4.25 ; height of bill at nostrils, aver- 
 age, uiider 1. Bill along culmen shorter than tarsus. Color of bill mostly black, its 
 
COLTMBUS AECTICUS, BLACK-THEOATED DIYEE. 721 
 
 c.uliiion convex; commissure somewhat decnrved; gouys convex, with slight angle. 
 Frontal antia- falling short of middle of nostrils. Gloss of head and neck mostly j,'reen. 
 White spots of back nearly square. 
 
 I'ar. ADAMSii : Culmen, aboat 3.75 ; gape, about 5 ; height of bill at nostrils, aver- 
 age, over 1. Bill along culmen longer than tarsus. Color of bill mostly yellow ; its 
 culmen nearly straight; commissure straight; gonys straight, with prominent angle. 
 Frontal anti* reaching middle of nostrils. Gloss of head and neck mostly blue. ^Yhite 
 spots of back longer than broad. 
 
 The type of this form was from Enssian America, now Alaska. Numer- 
 ous specimens in l-reeding i^lumage have been received at the Smith- 
 souian from various parts of Arctic America. The form appears to have 
 been also recorded in Asia, and is even quoted from England. I have 
 seen uo United States examples ; nor have I recognized the bird in its 
 young' i)htmage, wheu. ijrobably, it coidd not be distinguished with any 
 certainty from ordinary torquatus. Specimens are labeled as having 
 the iris light reddish-brown, the feet olivaceous. 
 
 yotwithstandiug the distinctions in the size, shape, and color of the 
 bill, I am now rating this bird as- a variety of torquatus, being satis- 
 fied that the characters iutergrade with those of the latter. 
 
 COLTMBUS AECTICUS, Linn. 
 ^ Black-throated Direr. 
 
 a. arctieux. 
 
 Colijmhus arctiats. Lixx.. Svst. Xat. i, 1766, •J-::!!.— Cm.. Svst. Xat. 1, ITSS. .=i?7.— Lath., 
 Ind. Orn. ii, 17^0. >tO.— Brlxx., Orn. Bor. 17G4. \o. 133.— TEini., Man. Om. 
 1;1.5. 599.— Steph.. Gen. Zool. xii, 1S24. 236.— Keys. & Bias., "SVirb. Eur. 1S40, 
 91.— Gkat, Gen. of B. iii, 631, pi. 171.— Sl-xd., Svcnsk. Fiigl. pi. 53.— Bp.. .Syn. 
 1^2~, 4C0; Lisr. 1?:!^, 65 — Arc., Orn. Biog. iv, 163:^. 345. pi. 346: Svn. l-!39, 
 3,")4 ; B. Am. vii, 1~44. iQj, pi. 477.— Xutt., Man. ii, 1^34, 517.— Sw". i Rich., F. 
 B. A. ii, l;ol. 475.— Lawk., B. X. A. 1-5::. c55 ; Ann. Lvc. X. Y. viii, 1866, 3C0 
 (Xew York).— Corrs. Pr. Phlla. Acad. 1S62, ii?.- Cour j. Pr. Ess. Inst. v. 1S6^. 
 309 iXew England).— Daix A: Baxx., Tr. Chic. Acad. 1.-59, 307 (Alasku).- 
 F:xsCH, Abh. Nat. iii, 1>7-', 74 (^Uaska).— Cotxs. Key, 1-72, 334.— Cori:~, Elli- 
 otts Pryhilov Islands, 1>74. — Etdgw., Ann. Lye. X. Y. x, 1^74, 392 (Illinois) ; 
 and of authors generally. 
 
 Ceppltm artik-tts. Pall., Zoog. U'-A. ii, IS 11, 91. 
 
 Eudijtes arciiciis. Ill,, Prod. 1611, 282.— Xaum., V. D. xii, 1544, 418, pi. 328. 
 
 Coli/mbus macrorhi/tichos, Brehji, Y. D. 1831. 974. 
 
 Colifmhus megarhynehos. Bi;ehm, Xaum. v, 1855, :W0 ; V. D. 974. 
 
 C'llymlius baWtkus, Hop.x.?ch., Verz. Pommersch. Vog. 21. 
 
 " Coli/mbus ignolus et leucopus, Becust., Xaturg. iv, 7^2." 
 
 b. pacijicus. 
 
 CvJiDiilus pacifiais, Lawr., B. X. A. 18.3-, 889.— CouES. Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862. 228.— Coop, 
 & Suck., X. H. Wash. Ter. 1860. 279.— Coces. Ibis, 1666, 273 (Southern Cali- 
 fornia). — CouES, Pr. PhOa. Acad. Is66, luO. 
 
 Colymbus arciicus var. padficus, CciUES, Key, 1872, 335. 
 
 Sab. — The JTorthem hemisphere. Yar. pacijicua from the Pacific coast of Xorth 
 America. 
 
 This species, which was not noticed by either of the Expeditions, appears to be a 
 more northerly bird than the last, and, according to my experience, it is rare in the 
 United States, Audubon, however, states that it comes as far south as Texas. The 
 Pacific variety is a common bird on the coast of California in winter. 
 
 Tar. AECTicrs : Black-tliroated Diver. 
 
 Ch^vt.. BUI generally as in torquatus, but smaller ; color black. Chin, throat, and 
 neck in front, black, with purplish and violet reflections oil the sides of the head, grad- 
 ually fading into a fine, clear bluish-gray, deejiest on the forehead, ligbest behind, and 
 separated from the black of the throat by a series of white streaks. A crescent of short, 
 white streaks across upper throat ; sides of breast striped with pure white and glcssv 
 46 
 
722 COLYMBUS AECTICUS, BLACK-THROATED DIVEE. 
 
 black, these stripes nearly meeting in front. Entire upper parts deep, glossy greenish- 
 l)lack, each feather of scapulars and interscapulars with a white spot near end of each 
 ■web ; those of the scapulars largest, forming four patches in transverse rows. Wing- 
 coverts thickly speckled with small ovate white spots, inner webs of quills and tail 
 feathers below, light grayish-brown. Sides under wings like back. Lining of wings 
 and entire under parts from the neck, pure white, with a narrow dusky band across 
 lower belly ; under tail-coverts dusky, tipped with white. 
 
 ¥oung.—B\\l light bluish-gray, dusky along the ridge. Iris brown. Feet dusky. 
 Upper part of head and neck dark grayish-brown ; sides of head dark grayish-white, 
 minutely streaked with brown. Upper parts with a reticulated or scaly appearance, 
 the feathers being brownish-black with broad bluish-gray margins ; the rump dull 
 brownish-gray. Primaries and their coverts brownish-black ; secondaries and tail 
 feathers dusky, margined with gray. Forepart of neck grayish -white, minutely and 
 faintly dotted with brown ; jts sides below streaked with the same. Lower parts, in- 
 cluding under surface of wings, pure white, the sides of the body and rump, with part 
 of the lower tail-covcrts, dusky, edged with bluish-gray. (^Audubon.) 
 
 Dimensions. — Wing, 11.75 ; bill along culmen, 2.45 ; along gape, 3.40 ; its height at 
 nostrils, 0.65 ; its width there, 0.35 ; tarsus, 2.90 ; outer toe and claw, 3.80. 
 
 The foregoing description is taken from a fine adult European specimen, no unques- 
 tionable North American one being before me. The account of the young is derived 
 from Audubon. I am not sure that I have recognized it from North America, the young 
 of the arcticus type before me being apparently all var. pacificus. It may be distin- 
 guished from the young of torquatus by its decidedly inferior size. The questions 
 arising from consideration of var. pacificus are treated under the next head. 
 
 Var. PACiFiCTJS : Pacifie BlacTc-throal^d Diver. 
 
 In 1858 Mr. Lawrence separated, "with some hesitation," two specimens of the 
 arciicns type from that species, under the name of pacificus, on the ground of smaller 
 size, and especially smaller, weaker bill. A young bird in the Philadelphia collection, 
 "which may have come from the Pacific," being exactly like the types of j)ac(/ZcM« ; 
 and the fact that young arcticus is described as closely resembling young torquatus, 
 whereas the types of pacificus are quite different, strengthened the opinion that pacificus 
 was distinct, and I so treated it in 1862. . But now, with Mr. Lawrence's types and 
 several fully adult specimens before me, I reduce the differences merely to a point of 
 size, which, as is well known, is very variable in this family. The bird is evidently 
 only a slight variety, as will be perceived by the following examination of specimens : 
 
 No. 21795, Mus. Smith. Inst., adult, Europe : Bill moderately stout, little compressed, 
 shorter than head or tarsus, tip rather acute, culmen regularly convex throughout, 
 commissure greatly decurved, under outline straight to the angle, gonys straight, angle 
 well defined. Culmen, 2.45 ; gape, 3.40 ; height at nostril, 0.65 ; width there, 0.35 ; 
 wing, 11.75. 
 
 No. 1601-!, adult, Fraser's River, collected by Dr. Kennerly on the Northwest Bound- 
 ary Survey : Apparently pure arcticus. Wing, 11.75 ; tarsus, 2.90 ; outer toe, 3.80 ; thus 
 fully as large. The upper mandible is shot away from the nostrils, but according to 
 the under mandible the bill was 0.25 shorter than in the preceding ; its height at base 
 is the same. 
 
 No. 170.32, intermediate in age, California : Smaller. Wing, 11.30; tarsus, 2.85; outer 
 toe, 3.55 ; culmen, 2 : gape, 2.90 ; height of bill at base, OA^. The bill is considerably 
 shorter and slenderer than in the European ; the culmen decidedly convex ; gonys 
 convex. 
 
 No. 20229, adult. Great Slave Lake : Smaller than either of the preceding. Wing, 
 only 11 ; tarsus, 2.60 ; outer toe, 3.60 ; culmen, 2.05 ; gape, 3.20 ; height of bill at base, 
 0.50. The bill thus differs little from the preceding. 
 
 No. 9924, young, Puget's Sound : A type of the species ; about the size and propor- 
 tions of 17052. Wing, 11.20; tarsus, 2.80 ; culmen, 2.12; gape, 3; height, 0.50. This 
 has the bill a little larger than in 17052, the culmen considerably curved, the gonydeal 
 angle pretty well defined. (Difference in length of culmen between this and the Eu- 
 ropean specimen, about 0.30 ; the wing only 0.75 shorter.) 
 
 No. 20231, adult, M'Kenzie's River : Small. Wing, barely 11 ; tarsus, 2.50 ; outer toe, 
 3.50 ; culmen only 1.90 ; height of bill, 0.45. This has the smallest, straightest, and 
 slenderest bill of all. The culmen is even a little concave at the nostrils ; commissure 
 perfectly straight ; gonydeal angle slight. Were this shape and size of bill constant, 
 a species might be predicated. 
 
 No. 11862, young, Fraser's River: Smallest of the specimens. Wing, 10.75 ; tarsus, 
 2.75 ; outer toe, 3.80 ; culmen, 2 ; gape, 2.85 ; height of bill, 0.45. The bill resembles 
 some others of the foregoing more than it does that of 20231. 
 
 The complete graduation is established by the above series, showing that we can only 
 recognize a var. pacificus as one extreme of an unbroken chain. 
 
COLYMBUS ARCTICUS, BLACK-TUROATED DIVER. 723 
 
 Tbero is soinetliiiig very curious iu the relationships that many birds of the families 
 Coli/mhidce and PodicipuUv bear to each other. Most of the specieK are, as it were, dupli- 
 cated ; that is, there is another scarcely differing except in the size, one being the 
 frateraile, or "little brother," of the other. This fact is easily illustrated, taking our 
 several species as esamx)le8. Our common Loon is the fraterciile of C, acHmsii, describeil 
 by Mr. Gray, in 1859, from Russian, and lately found extensively dispersed in British 
 America. It is larger than torquaius, with a relatively as vrell as absolutely larger bil), 
 diifurt-iitly shaped, and mostly yellow instead of wholly lilack; there are also some 
 differences in the coloration of the plumage. The Pacific Uiver is the smaller repre- 
 fentative of the Black-throated ; it has also a disproportionately smaller and sleDderer 
 bill. It was first described by Mr. Lawrence, in 18.58, from young birds taken on the 
 Pacific coast of the United States ; but since that time great numbers of the adults 
 have been secured, my examination of which has convinced me that the only differ- 
 ences are those just stated. The Red-throated Loon also has its smaller race, though 
 I am not aware that it has been formally recognized ; I have seen some full-grown ones 
 scarcely two-thirds the average size. Among the Grebes the rule is finely illustrated in 
 the cases of P. occidentalis and P. darl^ii. All the American Red-necked Grebes I have seen 
 have been larger, and otherwise different from the European P. (jrisrigena, I recognize 
 them asvarietally distinct under Reinhardt's name of P. hoWvUi. There are said to lie 
 similar races of the Horned Grebes (P. cormitus), but here the difference is not very 
 evident. The American and European Eared Grebes are singularly correlated : while 
 of the same size, they diflfer constantly in the amount of white on the wing, as I showed 
 some years since, in separating our bird, undel" the name of P. caUfornicns, from P. au- 
 ritiis. ' There are relations of corresjioncling character between the Dabchick of Europe 
 {Sylbcoajclua minor) and that of Central America (S. dominicus) ; between the North and 
 South American Dabchick ( Podilymhus podiceps and P. antarcUctis) ; while among exotic 
 forms several geographical races or subspecies are easily recognized. 
 
 The Pacific Diver, as its name indicates, is confined to the West, and 
 in the United States chiefly to the coast itself; but it occurs abundantly 
 iu Western British America. With ns it is only known as a winter res- 
 ident, at which season it reaches our extreme southern border, if not 
 still further; iu the spriuj? it passes north, and breeds as high as ex- 
 plorers have penetrated. I had rare opportunities of studying these 
 birds while I was in Southern California, iu November, 1865. They 
 were very plentiful about the baj' of San Pedro. The first thing that 
 attracted my attention was their remarkable familiarity ; they were tamer 
 than any other water-fowl I have seen. They showed no concern at the 
 near approach of a boat, scarcely availed themselves of the powers of 
 diving, in which the whole family excels, and I had no trouble in shoot- 
 ing as many as I wanted. They even came up to the wharves, and 
 played about as unconcerned as domestic Ducks ; they constantly swam 
 ^around the vessels lying at anchor In the harbor, and all their motions, 
 Doth on and under the clear water, could be studied to as much advan- 
 tage as if the birds had been placed in artificial tanks for the i)urpose. 
 Now two or three would ride lightly over the surface, with the neck 
 gracefully curved, propelled with idle strokes of their broad paddles to 
 this side and that, one leg after the other stretched at ease almost hori- 
 zontally backward, while their flashing eyes, first directed upward with 
 curious sidelong glance, then peering into the depths below, sought for 
 some attractive morsel. In an instant, with the peculiar motion, impos- 
 sible to describe, they would disappear beneath the surface, leaving a 
 little foam and bubbles to mark where they went down, and I could 
 follow their course under water ; see them shoot with marvellous swift- 
 ness through the limpid element, as, urged by powerful strokes of the 
 webbed feet and beats of the half opened wings, they iiew rather than 
 swam ; see them dart out the arrow-like bill, transfix an unlucky fish, 
 and lightly rise to the surface again. While under water, the bubbles 
 of air carried down with them cling to the feathers, and they seem be- 
 spangled with glittering jewels, borrowed for the time from their native 
 element, and lightly parted with as they leave it, when they arrange 
 their feathers with a slight shiver, shaking off the last sparkling drop. 
 
724 COLYMBUS SEPTENTEIONALIS, EED-THROATED DIVER. 
 
 The feathers look as dry as if the bird had never been under water ; the 
 fish is swallowed head first, with a curious jerking motion, and tlie bird 
 again swims at ease, with the same gracelul curve of the neck. 
 
 COLYMBUS SEPTENTRIONALIS, Linn. 
 Red-throated Diver. 
 
 CoJi/nibua scptcrtirionalis, Lixx., Syst. Xat. i, 1766, 220 (adult).— Lath., Incl. Orn. ii, 1790, 
 801.— Temm., Man. iei5, 602.— BoiB, Isis, lfc:2-2, 561. — Steph., G. Z. xii, 18:4, 
 238.— Kkys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 91.— Gkay, Gen. of B. iii, 631.— Su^'o., 
 Svensk. Fo^l. pi. 5:?.- Bp., Syn. 1828, 421 ; List, 18:!8, 6.5.— Sw. & Eicii., F. B. 
 A. ii, 1831, 476.— NuTT., Man. ii, 16:j4, 519.— Ai;d., Oru. Biog. iii, 1835, 20, pi. 
 202; Svn. 1839, 3.54; B. Am. vii, 1844, 299, pi. 478.— Gjk., B. L. I. 1844, 380.— 
 Lawr.,' B. N. a. lf^.58, 590 ; Ann. Lye. X. Y. viii, lf^66, 300 (New York).— CouES, 
 Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 228.— Newt., Ibis, 1865, 317 (Spitzbergen).— Coop. & 
 Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 279.— Dall & Baxx., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 307 
 (Alaska).— FiNSCH, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 75 (Alaska).- Tdrnb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 
 39 (rather rare). — CouES, Key, 1872, 335 ; and of authors generally. 
 Cepphis septentrionalis, Pali,., Zoog. Rosso- As. ii, 1811, 342. 
 
 Eudijtes septentrionalis, III., Prod. 1811, 282.— Nauii., Vog. Deut. xii, 1844, 435, pi. 329. 
 Colymbus lumme, ButJNN., Oru. Bor. 1764, 39 (adult). 
 Cohjmbus stellaius, Bp.uxx., Orn. Bor. 1764, No. 130 (young).— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 
 
 687.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 600.— Leach, Cat. 1816, 35. 
 Cnpphus stellatua, Pall., Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, — . 
 ColymluH lorcalis, BRtJxx., Orn. Bor. 1764, No. 131.— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 801.— 
 
 Beehm, V. D. lt?A, 979. 
 Cohjmhus striatns, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 586 (young).— Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 802. 
 Coli/mhus riifogularis, Meyer, Tasch. Deutscb. Vog. ii, 453. 
 Colijnibm microrhynchua, Brehm., Naum. v, 1855, 300. 
 iZV(&.— The Northern hemisphere. 
 
 Char. Bill usually slenderer than in the foregoing; culmen slightly concave at the 
 nostrils, gently convex to tip, Tvhich is rather obtuse and a little decurved. Outline of 
 rami nearly straight; gonys slightly convex. Front.il antia; scarcely extending beyond 
 base of nostrils. Tarsus relatively rather longer than in foregoing species, about four- 
 fifths the middle toe. 
 
 Adult. — Bill black, rather lighter at the tip. Crown and broad cervical stripe glossy 
 greenish-black, the latter thickly streaked with white, which streaks, on the sides of 
 the breast, spread so as to nearly meet in front. Throat and sides of head clear bluish- 
 gray. A large, well-defined, triangular, chestnut-brown throat-patch. Entire upper 
 parts and sides under the wings deep brownish-black, with greenish gloss, everywhere 
 profusely spotted with white, the spots small, oval. Primaries blackish, paler on the - 
 inner webs. Tail n.arrowly tipped with ^Yhite. Under parts and lining of wings white, 
 the axillars with narrow, dusky shaft-streaks, and the lower belly, with some of the 
 under tail-coverts, du.sky. 
 
 Yuung. — Bill mostly light bluish -white, with dusky ridge. Crown of head and neck 
 behind blaish-gray, the feathers of the former bordered with whitish. Entire upper 
 parts brownish- or grayish-black, everywhere' profusely marked with small oval and 
 linear spots of white. Throat without red patch, its sides and those of the the he.id 
 mottled with dnsky. Other parts as in the adult. 
 
 Dimensions. — Length, about 27 ; wing, 11 or less ; bill along culmen, 2 ; along gape, 3 ; 
 heiglit at nostril, 0.50 ; width there, 0.35 ; tarsus, 2.75 ; outer toe, 3.50. 
 
 Tliis species varies greatl,y in general size, and in the size and shape of the bill. 
 Nevertheless, it may always be recognized by the peculiar profuse spotting of the upper 
 Iiarts, as well as, when adult, by the red throat-patch. The spots are smallest and most 
 numerous on the wing-coverts aud upper back, where they grade into the streaks of 
 the bind neck ; largest on the tertials, scapulars, and sides under the wings, where they 
 are rather lines than spots, and are fewest, or almost wanting, on the middle of the 
 back. The marking results from a small spot or stripe ne.ir the end of each feather, 
 on the edge of each web ; there is occasionally a second pair nearer the base of the 
 feather. The amount of spotting is very variable with individuals ; in the young the 
 spots are always larger aud more numerous than in the adults, and usually lengthened 
 into oblique lines, producing a regular diamond-shaped reticulation. 
 
 A specimen (No. 9923) collected by Mr. George Gibbs, on the Northwestern Bound, ry 
 Survey, is an albino — a state I have not observed in either of the other species. T.*;e 
 neck and upper parts are pure white, irregularly mottled with patches of light reddish- 
 nsb, of which color are the primaries, wing-coverta and flanks. The bill is slenderer 
 and more recurved than usual, the culmen being concave throughout. The specimen 
 measured 24 by 44 in extent, the wing 9.90. 
 
PODIClPIDiC, GEEBES. 725 
 
 Family PODIOIPID.E : Grebes. 
 
 Bill of variable length, much longer or shorter than head ; culmen asually about • 
 straight, sometimes a little concave, or quite convex, especially at the end. Commis- 
 sure nearly straight, but more or less'correspondiDg with the carve of the culmeu, 
 usually sinuate at base. Under outline of bill in general convex, -with slight gonydeiil 
 augle or none. Sides of bill more or less striate. Nasal fossiB well marked, the nostrils 
 near their termination. Nostrils line.ar and pervious (broader in P(jdH//m6Ms), upper 
 edge straight, not lobed. Frontal extension of feathers considerable, and usually 
 antias run still fnrther into the nasal fossa. A groove along the symphysis of the man- 
 dible extends often nearly to tlio tip. Eyes far forward, with a loral strip of bare skin 
 running thence to base of upper mandible, very narrow in the typical forms, broader 
 in Tacliyhaptcs and Podilymhus. Head usually adorned in the breeding season with 
 variously lengthened colored crests or rufi's ; when these are ^\anting the frontal feath- 
 ers may be bristly. Neck usually long, slender, and sinuous. Plnmage thick and com- 
 pact, smoothly imbricated above, below of a peculiar smooth, satiny texture. ^Yings 
 short bnt ample, very concavo-convex; primaries eleven* narrow, somewhat falcate, 
 graduated, the three or four outer ones attenuate on one or both webs; secondaries 
 short and broad; tortials very long, hiding the rest of the quills when the wing is 
 closed. Bastard quills unusually long, their tips reaching over half way to the ends 
 of the primaries. Greater coverts also very long. Tail rudimentary, represented by 
 a tnft of downy featbers.t Characters of the feet peculiar; for in other lobe-footed 
 birds, as Phalaropes and Coots, the Jobation is of a different character. Tarsi exceed- 
 ingly compressed, with only a slightly thickened tract within which the tendons pass. 
 Front edge a single smooth row of overlapping, the hinder serrate, with a double row 
 of pointed scales ; sides regularly transversely scntellate, as are the upper surfaces of 
 the toes, the latter being inferiorly reticulate with an edging of pectinated scales. 
 Toes flattened out and further widened with broad lobes, especially wide toward the 
 end, and at base connected for a varying distance by interdigital webs. Hind too 
 highly elevated, broadly lobate, free. Claws short, broad, flat, obtuse, of squarish 
 shape ; that of the hallux minute. Tarsus no longer or much shorter than the middle 
 toe and claw ; outer toe usually rather longer than the middle ; the inner the shortest 
 of the anterior ones. 
 
 This is a very natural group of numerous closely-related species. Extremes of form 
 may be.seen in Podiceps occidcnialis and Podilt/ntbus podiceps. There are but two strongly 
 marked genera, though many have been instituted. These genera, one of which has 
 several subdivisions, may be defined as follows, to include all the subgenera found in 
 North America : 
 
 Analysis ofXortli American gen'yra and. subgcnei'a. 
 
 A. Bill slender or only moderately stout, paragnathous, acute. Nostrils 
 narrow or linear. Loral bare strip narrow. Frontal feathers normal. 
 Tarsus generally but little, if any, shorter than the middle toe^at 
 least three-fourths as long. Semipalmation of toes moderate. 
 Lobe of hallux broad. Usually with conspicuous crests or ruff's 
 , during the breeding season Podiceps. 
 
 1. Bill longer than head, extremely slender an 1 acute. Tarsus 
 
 equal to the middle toe and claw. Crests and ruffs slight. 
 
 Large J^climo^jhonis. 
 
 2. Bill not longer than bead, moderately stout. Tarsus shorter 
 
 than middle toe and claw. Crests and ruffs decided. Size 
 
 over 10 inches. Podiceps. 
 
 3. Bill much shorter than head, not two-thirds the tarsus, quite 
 
 stout. Tnrsus about three-fourths the middle toe. Outer 
 and middle toes equal. No decided crests or ruff's. Small ; 
 length 10 inches or less Taclujlaples. 
 
 * A greater number than have been shown to occur in orher birds, with few excep- 
 tions. The same number is stated to occur among Phasianidw. 
 
 t"The tail of the Grebes is usually described as a small tuft of feathers, but on 
 carefully removing the coverts and downy parts the tail may be satisfactorily traced. 
 In this species [P. aistatusj there are fourteen feathers ; on each side seven, arranged in 
 a semicircular manner. The two middle feathers are separated to the distance of about 
 OEe-twelfth, and the two outer or lateral approach each other below, leaving an interval 
 of about the same space. When the feathers are broken across their bases, which they 
 frequently are, there is thus produced an appearance of a small circular tuft. Wheiu 
 perfect, they are about IJ inches long, and arched, with loose barbs, downy at their 
 extremity." (Auduhon.) 
 
726 PODICIPIDiE, GEEBES. 
 
 B. Bill stout, epignathous, obtuse. Commissure decurved abruptly at 
 eud. Nostrils broadly oval. Loral bare strip broad. Frontal 
 feathers bristly. Tarsus not three-fourths the middle toe. Semi- 
 palmation of toes extensive. Lobe of hallux moderate. No decided 
 crests or ruffs -.--- Pomlymbhs, 
 
 The foregoing appears to be a natural sequence of the forms; and the analysis is 
 nearly carried down to the species, there beiug but one group in North America contain- 
 ing two or more species, ^chmophorus, in its large size, slender form, very long, slender, 
 acute bill, and long tarsi, forms one extreme. Nest comes Podicepa proper, as illustrated 
 by P. cristatus, in -which the ruffs and crests reach their highest development In P. cor- 
 nutus, auritiis, and griseigctia, the crests and ruffs decrease in development successively, 
 ■while the bill grows stouter; in the latter, moreover, the tarsus is relatively the 
 shortest. But these four species need not be even subgenerically distinguished. The 
 way is directly opened to the subgenus Tachyliaptes, very small, with short, stout bill, 
 short tarsi, and absence of decided crests or ruffs, furnishing in some sense a link with 
 the quite distinct genus Podilymbus. 
 
 Genus PODICEPS, Lath. 
 
 < Colymbus, Briss., Orn. vi, 1760, 33; not of Linnaeus, nor of authors. 
 = Colymhus, Iix., Prod. 1811, 281.— Sund., Meth. Av. Disp. 1873. 
 
 = Colymbus, Pallas, Zoog. K.-A. ii, 1811, 352. 
 
 < Podiceps, Lath., lud. Orn. ii, 1790, 780. (C. cristatus, Linx.) 
 = Podiceps, AncT. recent. 
 
 > Pedetaithya,* Kaup, Sk. Ent. Eur. Thierw. 1829, 44. (C. griscigeiia, Bodd.) 
 
 > LopJiaithyia, Kavp, op. cit. 72. (C. cristatus, LiN>f.) 
 
 > Lophwthyia, Agass. 
 
 ^ Bytes, Kaup, op. cit. 41. (C. cornatvs, Gm.) 
 
 > Proctopus, Kaup, op. cit. 49. (C. auritus.) 
 
 > PoUoeephalus, Selby. (Fide Gray; type ncstor, Gould.) 
 
 > Tachybapics, Reich. (C. minor, Gm.) 
 
 > Otodytcd, Eeich., Handb. Sp. Orn. (= Proctopus, Kaup.) 
 'y Calipareus, Bp.,liibo. (Gray.) (P. kalipareuK, Ga-RTX.) 
 
 > RoUandia, Bp., 1856. (Gray.) (P. roUandi, Q. & G.) 
 
 > Sylbcocylus, "Bp.," apud Gkay. (Xcc Bp., whose typo was C. podhcps, Linn.) 
 5> Jiclivn.oplionis, CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 229. (P. occidentalig, Lawb.) 
 
 3> Cciiiropelmn,, SCL. & Salv., Exot. Orn. pt. xii. (P. micropterus, Gould.) 
 
 ■\Vhile most of the above names are purely synonymical, others may be entitled to 
 enbgeneric rank, especially TacTiybaptes, yEclimopliorus, aud Centropclma. The general 
 characters of the genus having been sufficiently elucidated, we may at once proceed to 
 consider the North American species, under the three subgenera JEchniopliorus, Podiaps, 
 and Tachybaptes. 
 
 Subgenus ^chmophokus, Cmiss. 
 
 McTimoplcrus, CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 229. 
 
 Char. Bill very long, exceeding the head, straight or slightly recurved, very slender, 
 attenuate, and acute. Culmen straight or slightly concave ; commissure about straight, 
 somewhat sinuate at base; under outline concave at base, without angle a.t symphysis. 
 Bare loral strip very narrow. Wings comparatively long, with much attennated outer 
 primaries. Legs long ; tarsus exceeding the bill, as long as the middle toe and claw. 
 Basal webbing of toes slight. Size large; body slender; neck long. Crest and ruffs 
 inconspicuous (not found colored in the North American species). 
 
 ' This section is quite well marked. A South American species, P. leucojHcrus, King, 
 appears to belong here. Schlegel, indeed, unites all the largest American Grebes t 
 under our specific name. They may be identical specifically, but I have yet to see 
 either of our North American forms with any decided coloration about the head, though 
 we have them in breeding plumage, as I correctly stated in 1862 (op. cit. 404). This 
 statement, made with reference to var. clarkii, has been confirmed by Mr. Eidgway, 
 who found numbers of occidentaUs breeding at Pyramid Lake, Nevada, late in May. 
 Thty were also seen at Great Salt Lake in June. They were all in the same dress — no 
 colored crests or rnffs ; no bright colors at all about the head and neck. It is certainly 
 singular that this species should thus depart from the rule of seasonal changes of 
 
 * Found spelled, among writers, Pedctaithyia, Podetaithjiia, Pedeaithyia, &c. 
 t The references are: C. major, BoDD., P. E. 404 ; = C. cayennensis, Gm. ; P. cayana, 
 Lath. ; P. bicornis, Light. ; longirostris, Jaub. ; leucopterus, Ki;-;a. 
 
PODICKPS OCCIDENTALIS, WESTERN GEEBE. 727 
 
 plumage in tliis family, lint sucb is apparently the case. Under tbeee circumstances 
 it is obviously proper to hold Sclilegel's determination in check. 
 
 There are two well-marked forms of this species, quite easy to recognize in their 
 extreme manifestations, yet apparently not separable specifically. They may be dis- 
 tiuguished as follows: 
 
 I'ar. OCCIDENTALIS : Large; length (extreme), about 29 inches; wing, about 8 ; bill 
 and tarsus, each about 3. I5ill equal to tarsus, straight, mostly dark olivaceous, 
 brighter yellowish at tip and along cutting edges. Under outline of bill straight from 
 base to the slight angle, gonys thence straight to tip. Lores ashy-gray. 
 
 r<o'. CLAKKii : Small; length, about 22 inches; wing, about 7; bill, 2.25; tarsus, 
 2.75. Bill shorter than tarsus, slightly recurved, under outliue almost regularly con- 
 vex from base to tip, with barely appreciable angle. Lores pure white. 
 
 PODIOEPS (^CHMOPHOEUS) OCCIDENTALIS, Lawr. 
 Western Grebe. 
 
 a. oecidentalis. 
 
 Podiceps ocoidentalis, Lawk., B. N. A. 1858, 894.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Ter. 16C0, 
 
 281, pi. 38.— COUES, Key, 1872. 336. 
 JEchmophorns occidevtalis, CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 229. — CouBS, Ibis, Apr. 1866, 
 
 273 (Southern California). 
 
 b. clarTiii. 
 
 Podiceps clarkii, Lawr., B. N. A. 1858, 895. 
 
 JEchmophorns darkii, CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 229 ; Hid. 404 (breeding plumage). 
 
 Podiapf! oecidentalis var. clarkii, CouEs, Key, 1872, 336. 
 
 Eab. — Both varieties occur together in the United States west of the Eocky 
 Mountains. 
 
 Var. OCCIDENTALIS: Western Orebe. 
 
 Adult. — Culmen and gonys dusky olivaceous, the bill becoming yellowish toward 
 the end and along the cutting edges. Iris orange-red with a j)inkish shade, surrounded 
 with a white ring. Hard parts of palate in life like the bill ; soft parts light purplish 
 or lavender. lusides of tarsi and soles black ; outsides of tarsi and top of foot dull 
 bluish-green, becoming yellowish in centre of the webs. Forehead and lores dark 
 silvery-ash. A short occipital crest and indications of cheek ruffs, but neither brightly 
 colored, agreeing with the plain dark and white colors of the parts. Top of head and 
 line down back of neck fuliginous blackish, fading on the back and upper parts gener- 
 ally iuto a lighter, rather brownish-black, the feathers of the back with grayish mo.rgins. 
 Primaries mostly deep chocolate-brown, basally white, their shafts whitish at base, 
 black terminally. Secondaries mostly white, but more or fewer of the outer webs, 
 wholly or in part, dark. Sides under the wings washed with a pale shade of the color 
 of the back. Lining of wings and whole under p.arts from the bill pure silky white. 
 
 X»i)HeHsioHS.— Length, 24 to 29 inches ; wing, about 8 ; bill along culmen, tarsus, and 
 middle toe with claw, each, 3 ; gape of bill, 3.60 ; its height at nostril, 0.50. 
 
 This is a remarkable Grebe, the largest of this country, and one re- 
 qniriiig comparison with no other for its determination. It was originally 
 described from the Pacific coast, along which it is found from Oregon 
 and Washington Territories to Southern California, or farther : while 
 latterly it has been found breeding in Nevada and Utah by Mr. Eidgway. 
 I observed it frequently on the California coast, at San Pedro, in Novem- 
 ber, where it was common on the waters of the harbor, with the Pacific 
 Diver, Cormorants, and numerous other water-fowl. It is a fine-looking 
 bird ou the water, has a trim and shapely aspect, like a clipper ship, 
 while its long sinuous neck is held in a graceful curve, or variously de- 
 flected to either side. A specimen which I opened had the stomach tilled 
 with a kind of aquatic grass. The birds were not very shy, and several 
 were readily procured, notwithstanding their great powers of diving. 
 
 Among Dr. Kennerly's Mss. I find the following : "This species, and 
 
728 PODIOEPS OCCIDENTALIS, WESTERN GEEBE. 
 
 the Podiceps cornuttis, are very common ou Ptiget Sound. They are 
 rather more rare during the summer months than in the autumn and 
 winter. During the latter seasons they may almost always be found- 
 two, rarely more, in company — coasting near the shore, diving rapidly in 
 search of food. When desirous of descending beneath the water, they 
 seem to raise themselves partially from the surface, and describing, as 
 they descend, almost a perfect arc of a circle. Few birds are more 
 graceful on the water than these interesting species ; and it has afforded 
 us many moments of real enjoyment to watch them gliding rapidly and 
 smoothly over its surface, or performing in rapid succession their grace- 
 ful curves as they disappear beneath its surface. They do not often take 
 to wing, relying more on their powers of swimming and diving as a 
 means of escape from enemies ; when they do flj', they rise very awk- 
 wardly from the water, often for a long distaiuce dragging their dangling 
 legs before they succeed, and often, under such circumstances, abandon- 
 ing the effort, they stop and suddenly disappear beneath the surface. 
 They follow up the streams emptying into tiie Sound for long distances, 
 niatiy of them, spending their summer ou the lakes far inland, iu the 
 neighborhood of which they probably breed with the Large Loon (G. 
 torquahis). I have often seen large flocks of them on Chiloweyuck Lake 
 from August to September, and perhaps later." 
 
 Yar. CLARKii: Clarice's Grebe. 
 
 Bill about as loug as the head, shorter than the tarsus, slightly recurved, extremely 
 slender and acute ; the culmen a little concave, the under outline almost one unbroken 
 curve from base to tip. 
 
 Adult lit breeding plumage. — Under mandible, and tip and cutting edges of the upper, 
 chrome-yellow, in marked contrast to the black of the culmen. Loral bare strip leaden- 
 blue. Crown, occiput, and hind neck deep grayish-black ; almost pure black ou the 
 hind head, fading gradually along the neck into the lighter blackish-gray of the upper 
 parts generally. Lores broadly pure white, as are tbe entire under parts, with a sbarp 
 line of demarcation along the sides of. the bead and neck. A decided occipital crest, 
 the feathers about an inch long and quite filiform, but not colored apart from the gen- 
 eral coloration. No decided ruffs — no colored ruJfa at all ; but the white feathers of 
 the sides of the head behind and across the throat are longer and fuller than else- 
 where — about as in griseigena. Wings and general coloration (except the white lores) 
 exactly as iu var. occklentalis. 
 
 Winter dress not materially different from the foregoing. 
 
 Dimensions. — Length, about 22 inches ; extent, 28.50 ; wing, 7 ; bill along culmen, 
 2.30 ; along gape, 2.75 ; height at nostrils, 0.40 ; tarsus, and middle toe Avith claw, 
 each, about 2.75. 
 
 With only extremes before us of the two varieties, one might well consider them 
 distinct species; but other specimens show the intergradation. Thus, Nos. 9344 and 
 9938, especially the latter, differ from typical clark'.i in stouter and less recurved as 
 well as darker-colored bill, the culmen not obviously concave, and the under outline 
 not regularly curved. The loral sijace has an ashy tinge in the white. The general 
 dimensions are those of clarkii. In size the two varieties inosculate at about two feet 
 of totallength. ^ 
 
 In examining more extensive material than 1 formerly possessed, lack of specific dis- 
 tiuction between the two forms becomes still more obvious. Thus we freqnentlj' find 
 specimens as small as typical elarkii, and with equally slender bill, yet with the color 
 of the bill wholly olivaceous and the lores ashy, as in typical ociAdentaUs. 
 
 Subgenus Podiceps, Lath. 
 
 CriAK. Bill moderately stout, usually more or less compressed, equaling or shorter 
 than the head or tarsus. Tarsus obviously shorter tbau the middle toe and claw. 
 Outer lateral toe a little longer than the middle. Head iu the breeding season with 
 lengthened colored crests or ruffs, or both. (Including, among North American repre- 
 sentatives, Pedetaithi/ia, Lophaithyia, Dytes, Otodt/tes, and Proctopui.) 
 
 Thus lestricting Podiceps to exclude, of American forms, the subgenera jHchmophorus 
 and Jacliybaptes, as well as the genus Podilymbus, we find that the four North American 
 representatives may be thus analyzed : 
 
PODICEPS CMSTATUS, CEESTED GEEBE. 729 
 
 A. Large ; length, over 15 inches. Bill more or less nearly equaling the 
 
 head or tarsus in length. 
 
 1. Crests, and especially ruffs, long and conspicuons. Neck with- 
 
 out red or gray in front ; under parts pure silky white. Tar- 
 sus averaging equal to the middle toe without its claw cristalus. 
 
 2. Crests moderate; rnlfs inconspicuous. Neck with red or gray 
 
 in front; underparts watered with dnsky (sometimes but 
 slightly). Tarsus averaging less than the middle toe and 
 claw yrweigena var. liolholU. 
 
 B. Small; length, under 15 inches. Bill much shorter than head; little 
 
 over half the tarsus. 
 
 3. Bill compressed, higher than hroad at the nostrils. Crests and 
 
 ruffs very conspicuous ; neck red in front cornutus. 
 
 4. Bill depressed, broader than high at the nostrils. Crests in form 
 
 of auricular tufts; neck black in front aurilits var. californicua. 
 
 In 1862 I adopted an analysis of this section, resting primarily upon the shortness 
 of the tarsus in Pedataithyia {(griaeigeyia) an contrasted with its greater length rela- 
 tively to the toes in a-istatus, corniitiis, and auntiis. This holds good with typical grhei- 
 gena, but is subject to some uncertainty of determination in its application to the 
 American var. Iwlliolli or " coojyeri," as I now liud upon jesamiuation of further material. 
 It is also practically difficult to establish a division u'pon tliis basis, not only because 
 the limits of individual variability are wide, but because different methods of measur- 
 ing the peculiarly-shaped feet of these birds give different results. The subject is 
 discu.ssed further on. Meanwhile, the foregoing is presented as a more convenient 
 analysis, since it is probably available for determination of young as well as old birds. 
 
 rODICEPS CEISTATUS, (Linn.) Lath. 
 Crested Grebe. 
 
 Colymhus cristahis, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 222.— Naum., V. D. ix, 1838, 636, pi. 242.— 
 
 Gloger, J. f. 0. 1866, 285 (albino). 
 Fodicqjs cristatus, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 780.— Temm., Man. 1815, 462.— Boie, Isis, 
 1822, 561.— Steph., Gen. Zool. xiii, 1825, 3.— Keys. &. Br^iS., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 
 90.— Macgil., Man. ii, 202.— Gpay, Gen. of B. iii, 633.— Schl., Mus. P.-B. livr. 
 ix, 34.— Sdnd., Svensk. Fogl. pi. ,54.— Sw. & Eicii., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 410.— Nurr., 
 ilan. ii, 1834, 250.— Bp., Svu. 1828, 417; List, 1838, 65.— Aui>., Orn. Biog. iii, 
 1835, 598, pi. 292; Syn. 1839, 356; B. Am. vii, 1844, 308, pi. 479.— Giit., B. 
 L. L 1844, 383.— Lawr., B. N. A. 185^, 893; Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 300.— 
 COHES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 230.— Coop. & Suck., N. H. Wash. Tor. 1860, 
 280.— BOAKDM., Pr. Bost. Soc. ix. 1862, 131 (Maine, breeding).— CouE.s, Pr. Ess. 
 Inst. V, 1868, 310.— Turnb., B. E. Pa. 1869, 39 (" not uncommon ").— CoUES, Key, 
 1872, 336 ; and of authors generally. 
 Lopliairthyia crislata, Kaup, Sk. Ent. Eur. Thierf . 1829, 72. 
 Colymhus urinator, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1706, 223. 
 Colymhus cornutus, Pall., Zoog. E.-A. ii, 1811, 353. (Not of Gmeliii.) 
 {^) Podiceps australis, Gould. — Diggles, Orn. Aust. pt. sx, pi. — . 
 jPodiceps longirostris, Bp. 
 
 Podiceps mitraius et patagiatus, BREror, V. D. 953, 954. 
 (?) Podiceps hectori, Bullee, Ess. Orn. N. Zeal. 19.— Hutton, B. N.' Zeal. 1871, 39. (See 
 
 FiNSCH, Ibis, 1869, 380.) , 
 "Podiceps widhalmi, G6bel, J. f. 0. qviii, 1870, 312." 
 
 Adult, breeding plumage. — Crown and long occipital crests glossy black ; terminal half 
 of the long ruff the sfime, the basal part bright reddish-brown, fading gradually into 
 pare silky-white of the throat and sides of head. Superciliary and loralline white, 
 more or less tinged with fulvous. Neck behind and general upper parts dark brown, 
 the feathers of the back with gray margins. Primaries deep chocolate-brown, with 
 black shafts, the tips of the inner ones white, as are all the secondaries and long 
 humeral feathers, excepting a little part of the outer webs of the former. Inner webs 
 of greater wiug-coverts white, outer chocolate-brown; lesser coverts wholly brown. 
 Under parts pure silky-white, without a trace of the dusky mottling seen in P. grisei- 
 geiia; the sides of the neck and body tinged with reddish and mixed with dusky on 
 the tlanks, where also the feathers have blackish shaft-lines. "Bill in life blackish- 
 brown, tinged with carmine; bare loral space and eyelids dusky green; iris carmine; 
 feet greenish-black ; webs grayish-blue." 
 
 Dimensions. — Length, 24; extent, 33; wing, 7; hill along culmen, 2; along gape, 
 2.70; height at nostrils, 0.50 ; tarsus 2.50 ; middle toe and claw, 2 65. 
 Sab. — North Ameiica generally. Europe, and various other parts of the Old '\^'orld. 
 
730 PODICEPS HOLBOLLI, RED-NECKED GREBE. 
 
 The elianges of plumage of this species chiefly affect the head, in the absence of the 
 crest and ruffs, the parts being plainly colored, correspouding to the dark of the crown 
 and nape and white of the nides o( the head and throat. In any plumage, the species 
 may be known by its subgeueric characters ; and from P. griseigena, the only one of 
 Podiceps proper that approaches it in size, by the pure white instead of dusky-mottled 
 tinder parts, mcire white on the wing, relatively longer tarsi, itc. 
 
 1 see no difference between American and European specimens. 
 
 PODICEPS GEISEIGBXA var. HOLBOLLI, (Eeinh.) Coues. 
 Red-necked Grebe. 
 
 a. griseigena. 
 
 Colymbiis griseigena, Bodd., Tab. PI. Enl. 55 ; pi. 404, fig. 1. 
 Podiceps griseigena, Gkay, Gen. of B. iii, 633. — ScHL , M. F.-B'. ix, 38. 
 Colymbits parotis, Sparem., Mus. Carls, pi. 9. — Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, .')92. 
 Colymbns siibcristatus, Jacq., Beit. 1784, 37, pi. 18.— Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 1788, 590. 
 Podiceps subcrisiatus, Bechst., Naturg. Deutschl. 540.— Buehm, Vijg. Dentschl. 957. — 
 
 Keys. & Blas., Wirb. Eur. 1840, 90. 
 Pedeaitliyia mbcristafa, Kaup, Sk. Ent. Eur. Thierw. 1829, 44. 
 Podiceps rubricolKs, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 783.— Tem.m., Man. 1815, 4C5.— Steph., G. 
 
 Z. xiii, 18-25, 8. — Beehm, V. I). 950. — Macgil., Man. ii, 203; and of European 
 
 authors generally. 
 Oolymbus cucullatus et nwvias, Pall., Zoog. R.-A. ii, 1811, 355, 356. 
 Podiceps canigularis, Beeh.m., Vog. Deutschl. 958. 
 
 b. holbolK. 
 
 Podiceps rubricoUis, Bp., Syn. 1828, 417 ; List, 1838, 05.— Sw. & Rich., F. B. A. ii, 1831, 
 
 411.— NUTT., Man. ii, 1834, 253.— AuD., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835. 617, pi. 298; Syn. 
 
 1839, 357 ; B. Am. vii, 1844, 312, pi. 480.— GiR., B. L. I. 1844, 384.— TuEHB., B. E. 
 
 Pa. 1869, 39. 
 Podiceps griseigena, Lawe., B. N. A. 1858, 892; Ann. Lye. N. Y. viii, 1866, 300.— Daix & 
 
 Bann., Tr. Chic. Acad, i, 1869, 308 (Ala-ska) ; 'and of most late United States 
 
 writers. 
 Podiceps holbolll, Reinh., Ibis, iii, 1861, 14 (Greenland). — CouES, Pr. Phila. Acad. 
 
 1862, 231. 
 Podiceps i/riseigeiia var. holbolli, CoUES, Key, 1872, 337. — RiDGW., Ann. Lye. N. Y. x, 
 
 1874, 392 (Illinois). 
 Podiceps cooperi, Lawe., B. N. A. 1858 (in test).— Coues, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 230.— 
 
 FixscH., Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 75 (Alaska). (Beyond doubt!) 
 (?) Podiceps affinis, Salvad., Atti Soc. Ital. Sc. viii. 1866. — Elliot, B. N. A. (Introd. No. 
 
 98 with fig. of head).— Von Martens, J. i. 0. 1863, 70. 
 
 Sab. — The typical form in Europe. Var. Iwlbiilli from Greenland and North America; 
 
 with this Asiatic and Japanese specimens are stated to aOTee. 
 
 Adult, breeding plumage. — Crests short, and ruffs scarcely apparent. Bill black, the 
 tomia of the upper mandible at base and most of the lower mandible yellowish. 
 Crown and occiput glossy greenish-black ; back of the neck the same, less intense, and 
 the upjier parts generally the same, with grayish edgings of the featliers. Wing-cov- 
 erts and primaries uniform chocolate-brown, the shafts of the latter black. Seconda- 
 ries white, mostly with black shafts and brownish tips. Lining of wings and axillars 
 white. A broad patch of silvery-ash on the throat, extending around on sides of head, 
 whitening along line of juncture with the black of the crown. Neck, except the dorsal 
 line, deep brownish-red, which extends diluted some distance on the breast. Under 
 parts silky-white, with a shade of silvery-ash, each feather having a dark shaft-line 
 and terminal spot, producing a peculiar dappled appearance. 
 
 VTiiiter plumage, and yotrng.— Crests scarcely appreciable. Bill mostly yellowish, the 
 ridge more or less dusky. Red of the neck replaced by brownish-ash of very variable 
 shade, from quite dark to whitish. Ash of throat and sides of head replaced by pure 
 white. Under parts ashy-white, the mottling not so conspicuous as in summer. 
 
 Dimensions. — Length, about 19; wing, 7.60; bill along culmen, 1.90; along gape, 
 2.40 ; height at nostrils, 0.55 ; tarsus, 2.10 ; middle toe and claw, 2.65. 
 
 This bird could only be confounded with cristatus in immature dress. It is smaller, 
 stouter, and more thick-set, with stouter bill, with nebulated under plumage, and 
 usually has rather shorter tarsi — only about four-fifths the middle toe and claw, 
 instead of about equal to the middle toe alone, as in ariatatus. 
 
PODICEPS CORNUTUS, HORNED GREBE. 
 
 731 
 
 Until tbo appearance of ^ly article, the present bird was consiclcred identical 
 with that of the Old World. Such, however, is not the case. The ditferences prove 
 to be even more decided and more constant than I at tirst supposed; in ftct, I am 
 almost inclined to hold them as of specific value. The size is uniformly greater ; the 
 bill disproportionately larger, stouter, differently shaped and colored ; the tarsus 
 longer, both absolutely and relatively to the length of the toes ; in fact, so mnch longer 
 as to rather invalidate one of the distinctions I drew between ci'iatatue and ruhricoUis. 
 
 Upon attentive re-examination of the types of Podicepa cooperi, which, in 18C<!, I 
 followed Mr. Lawrence in comparing with cristatus, finding evident distinction from 
 the latter, I am now satisfied that they belong to the American var. lionuilii of griseU 
 geiia. The types were young birds, in very poor preservation, showing little or no dis- 
 tinctive color- marks, while the length of the tarsus, grading into the particular pro- 
 portions of tarsus and toes of cristatus, misled me as to their ijroper position. We have 
 now numerous specimens from the northwest coast, some just like the types, others iu 
 better plumage, showing the reddish of the neck of var. holbolli, and all insciJafable 
 from unquestioned American griscigena. My suspicions were first aroused by detecting 
 on the under parts of the type of cooperi truces of the peculiar dusky mottling charac- 
 teristic of griseigena and Iwlbolli, as contrasted with the pure silky-white of the under 
 parts of cristatus ; when further examination, and especially careful measurements of 
 the feet, led to the above-mentioned result. I append a table of measurements, &c., 
 of various American IwlholU, the types of "cooperi" typical griseigena of Europe, and 
 typical ciistatus. 
 
 
 Species or 
 variety. 
 
 Locality. 
 
 a 
 
 Bill. 
 
 i 
 
 ':3 
 
 a 
 
 Is; 
 
 
 S.I. 
 
 'a 
 
 fa 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 a: 
 
 11 
 
 Eemarks. 
 
 
 
 
 g 
 
 < 
 
 < 
 
 a 
 
 B 
 
 3 
 
 
 16905 
 
 cristatus 
 
 Europe 
 
 6.80 
 
 2.00 
 
 2.40 
 
 0.48 
 
 S.40 
 
 2.05 
 
 Adult ; perfect plumsise. 
 
 sni)7 
 
 ffriseigena . . . 
 
 Deimiarlt 
 
 6.00 
 
 1. 50 a. 00 
 
 
 2.10 
 
 2.53 
 
 Do. 
 
 18906 
 
 gribeinena . . . 
 
 Kussia 
 
 6. 20 
 
 1. 60 1. 95 
 
 6.'40 
 
 2.00 
 
 2.40 
 
 Do. 
 
 i:iii5 
 
 Vnr.lwlhUUi. 
 
 EedKiver 
 
 7.00 
 
 2. 00 2. 60 
 
 0.48 
 
 Zr,0 
 
 2.80 
 
 Adult : nearly perfect plumage. 
 
 44503 
 
 Yar. holbiJlln 
 
 Great Slave Lake 
 
 7.30 
 
 ('■■) 1 (*) 'O. 52 
 
 2.35 
 
 2.80 
 
 Adult ; perfect plumage. 
 
 CI6S4 
 
 Var. holhMii 
 
 Unalashka 
 
 7.50 
 
 ■3. 20 2. 75 0. 6f> 
 
 2.00 
 
 3.05 
 
 Adult : traces of red neck evident. 
 
 ieoi7 
 
 Yii. holbSUii 
 
 Paget Soiiad 
 
 7.50 
 
 1. 90 ... . 
 
 0.50 
 
 2.50 
 
 2.85 
 
 Young J neck gray; trades of mott- 
 ling on under parts. 
 
 56163 
 
 YaT.holl'oUil 
 
 Kodiat, Alaska .. 
 
 7.50 
 
 2. 15 2. 80 
 
 t 
 
 0.51 
 
 2.50 
 
 2.85 
 
 AVinter; neck dark gray; mottling 
 of breast, ttc, very evident. 
 
 4500 
 
 Yai.homUii. 
 
 Shoalwater Bay . . 
 
 7.00 
 
 i. 10 2. 60 
 
 1 
 
 0.50 
 
 2.35 
 
 2.25 
 
 A type of coopei-i ; youug ; neclc 
 gr;iy ; mottling barely appreciable. 
 
 4499 
 
 Yar. holbiJUii 
 
 do 
 
 7.80 
 
 2. 40 3. 10 
 
 0.55 
 
 3.50 
 
 2.90 
 
 The type of cooperi; young; necli 
 gray ; mottling slight but evident. 
 
 *E111 broken. 
 iN'oTE. — The wing is measured with a straight -edge under the border, not over its convexity. Depth 
 of hill at posterior extremity of nostrils. Tarsus in Iront, from protuberimce in middle of tihio-tarsul 
 joint to tbo nick on the skin over the joint of middle toe. Middle toe from the last-named point to end 
 of the claw. 
 
 There aeems to be little doubt tliat P. affinis, Salvaclori, belongs here, to judge from 
 the ]ife-size figure of the head published by Elliot, which is exactly matched by some 
 of the apecimeus of " coope)^^^ before me. 
 
 ^PODICEPS CORNUTUS, Lath. — ^^a,-^ - 
 
 Horned Grebe. .■■' ."■'-■ 
 
 Colymhus aiiritus, Linn., partim. ,.'■■■ 
 
 Cuhjmbus dupUvalus, MtJLL., Syst. Nat. 1776, 107. 
 
 Colgmbus cormitus, Gm., Syst. Nat. i, 591.— Nadm., Vcig. Deutschl. ix, 1838, 739, pi. 2J4. 
 
 l'oclice2)s cornutus, hATH.j Ind. Orn. ii, 1'90, 783. — Temm., Man. Orn. 181,'), 466.— BoiE, 
 Isis, 182-2, 561.— Steph., G. Z. xiii, 1835, 9.— Keys. & Blas., "Wirb. Eur.— Gkay, 
 Gen. of B. iii, 633.— Schl., M. P.-B. ix, 36.— Bp., Syn. 1828, 417 ; List, 1838,65.— 
 Sw. & EiCH., F. B. Am. ii, 1831, 411.— Nutt., Man. ii, 1834, 254.— Auc, Orn. 
 Biog. iii, 1835, 429, pi. 259 ; Syn. 1839, 357 ; B. Am. vii, 1844, 316, pi. 4'^1.— 
 GiR., B. L. I. 1844. 381.— L.iW]!., B. N. A. 1858, 895.— CooP. & Suck., N. H. 
 Wash. Ter. 1860, 281.— Codes, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 231.— Dall & Banx., Tr. 
 Cbic. Acad. 1869, 208.— Fiksch, Abh. Nat. iii, 1872, 76.— Coues, Key, 1872, 
 337.— Snow, B. Kaus. 1873, 12 ; and of authors generally. 
 
 Dytcs cornutus, Kaup, Sk. Eut. Eur. Thierw. 1829, 41. 
 
(O- rOPIOErS COEMl'Tl'S. nOENED GEEBE. 
 
 Cohiinhn^ ol'sainm. (\-s\., Syst, Nat, i, 17?^^, ,'.ll,\ 
 
 ]'o,iii-c^>s orisTiirii.f, l.Aiii.,'liul. l)rn. ii, UMO, <S.'.— l.v. veil, 0:-.t. l>*lti. X'. 
 
 i'tthimbun iin'iticHf, 8. G. (iM., Ki'iso, iv. V.u. — l!>i., 8ysl. Nat. i, IT?."^, ."Ai. 
 
 I'otUvtpf^ Ciis/iitiis. Li.vni.. liui. (>rii. ii. \~W. TSI, 
 
 Cohimhit^ iiiiiricans. Sooi'OU, Ami. i. No. 101 (?). 
 
 7/ii/'. — North Amorion. Euixip". Asia, 
 
 /.i.s'f or'.viKrimcii.'.'. 
 
 li);!J!l I....' ' ; F. V. llayiloii 
 
 JiJiilt, hnrdiri) |)fiimiii;c.— Bill blarl;, tipivil with yellow. A hrownish-yi-Uow .siiiiio 
 ovoi- oyo. witU'iiiiig liohiiul ami (U'l'iiouius iu color at tlio omls of tlio Iomk orc'sts. .lud 
 lieiuyt dark ihostmit between eyi> aiul bill. C'rowii, ehiii. and the ver\ full vutf j;lossy 
 iTi-eeiiish-blaek. Tiiper parts browiii.^ih-blaek. \\ ith paler edf;es of the fe.itlii-rs. I'ri- 
 iuariis rather lislit elioeolate-brown, with blaek shafls. exeept at the base. Seeoiul- 
 aries white. Neck all romul. except siripe down behind and sides of the body, rieh 
 dark luownisb-ieil or jjiirplisli w ine-red, mixed ^\■itU dnsky on the llank.-i. I'nder parts 
 pnri' silky-white. 
 
 11 inter pluiiiaiit, oik? iioiiiiii.— liill diiskx , mueh of the under mandible bluish or \ el- 
 lowish-white. Indications of ercsis and rnff in the length and uilliiess of the fealhers 
 of the parts. Crown and neck behind, and sidi's of the lioily, sooty-blackish. ()iher 
 npiHT paits and the wings as in the adnlf. Chin, throat, and sides of liea<l, pure white, 
 tills color nearly cncirclini; the nape. Neck in IVoiit and lower belly lij;litl\ washed 
 w ith ashy-ijray. ITndev parts as before. 
 
 yfirlii-iUdiial I/"'"'.'/ '"'c ciuionsly striped on the head willi rnfoiis, dusky ivnd while, 
 as ill rodiljimhnx and elsew here. 
 
 jyniuiisioiis. — Length, aluinl \\ inches; extent. '-' I; wing, ri.7.">; tarsus, 1. To ; middle 
 toe and claw, '.MO; bill along cnlnien, about H.'.HI ; alonjj gape, l.IiO; its lieight at the 
 nostrils, |).:U1; its width there, d.'Jo. 
 
 The bill in this species is coni]ire.sscd, (aiiering. with considerably curved eiihneu — 
 <|uite ditterent iVoni the broad deiues.sed LiiU with slraight li|iaml nuieh ascending 
 goiiys of r. (Utfitus. It varies miu'h in si/e. eviMi auiong equally adnll examples; iu 
 the young it is always smaller and weaker than in the old. Black, yellow-tipped in 
 the old, we hud it variously lightt>r iu the young — usuall,\ dusky on the ridgi', id.se- 
 w here tinged with olivaci'ons, yt^llow isli, or e\tMi orange or t^xttMisividy binish-w lii1(\ 
 Iu breeding plumage this bird is cons|iicnoiisly dilVerent Irom any other; but llu',\onng 
 are much lik(> those of 7'. (iiinViis, veipiiring.somelimcs care fill discri mi nation, as pointc<l 
 out under head of the latter. 
 
 This sptH'ios is iiinclt more abniiil;iii( ;iiul fjoiu'iallv disjiorscd in wiiilcr 
 in tlie ITiiitoil States than either of the two lai ocr ones, and it also nests 
 within our limits. I found it breedinif at vaiions points in Ndill^iern 
 DalvOt:i, as along the K'ed IJiver, in the prairie slouo'hs, with Cools, 
 I'halaropes, and Viirions Diu'ks, and in pools ;iboiil th(> base of 'I'nrtle 
 Monnhiiii in eomiiany w ith I'. cali/oniicKs and the Dabehielw 1 tool; 
 liesli ec;os on the L'Otli of Juno, at l\>nil>iii:i. lindino- them se;itteretl on 
 a soakino bed of (leea\ed reeds, ;is thex li;i(l doubtless been disturbed 
 by the Imsty movements of the partnits in tiuittino' the nest ; theix> wero 
 Oidy lour; i)robidily more would have been laid. They are ellii>tieul 
 in .shape, with little or no ditl'erenee in eontonr at eidier (>nil ; dtdl 
 whitish, with ii very faint sli:ide, (piite smooth, and nu^asnre aboni 1.70 
 by 1.20. On Turtle Mountain, late in -Inly, 1 procured iie\vly-l:atciied 
 youiij;', swimming with their iiarenis in the \arious pools. At (hiscaily 
 stage the neek is striped as in the eomnion l):ilieliiek. filler in thi< 
 season, during the migration, the Horned Ciicbes wme numerous all 
 along the Souris or ]\lous(^ b'iver, in ('oinp;iiiy with an etinid or ommi 
 greater nniidier of I'jared (Irelies, nearly all ot both species being tlit* 
 yonng-ol-the-ye;ir. Jn their immature jilnmagt^ tiit^ two I'aniiol. be dis- 
 tinguished on the water, iind indeed siiecimens sometimes occur w liich 
 are with ditlieulty di.scrinunaled at this early age. lint the sniiilier si/,e, 
 somewhat dillercnl proiiortions of tarsus and toes, ;iinl tin* natliT, cttiu- 
 [lartitively broader bill t)l' I'. anriUiK, is genei';illy cliaracteristie. 
 
AMERICAN EARED GREBE. 733 
 
 I ODcc noticed a singular fact connected with the power these birds 
 have, in common with other Grebes, of sinking quietly into the water. 
 By the respiratory process they are able to a ery materially reduce or 
 enlarge their bulk, with the conse([uence of displacing a varying bulk 
 of water, and so of changing their speeiiic gravity. Once holding a 
 wounded Grebe in my hand, I observed its whole body to swell with a 
 labored inspiration. As the air permeated the interior, a sort of ripple 
 or wave passed gradually along, puffing out the belly and raising the 
 plumage as it advanced. With tlie exjiiration, the reverse change oc- 
 eiured from the opposite direction, and the bird visibly shrunk in dimen- 
 sions, the skin fitting tightly and the feathers lying close. 
 
 PODICEPS AUKITUS var. CALIFOENICUS, (Heerm.) Coues. 
 American Eared Grebe. 
 
 a. auritus. 
 
 Colymhis anrUits, Linn., Syst. Nat. 1766, 2^-2 (j)«r<i?ii).— Naum., Vog. Dentschl, ix, 1838, 
 
 7(i8, pi. 24C.. 
 Fodiccpa aui-itus, Lath., lud. Oru. ii, 1790, 781.— Ticmm., Man. 1815, 4C9.— Boie, Isis, 
 
 182->, 561.— STKrii., Geu. Zool. xiii, 1825, fi.— Keys. & BiJiS., Wirb. Eur. 18-lU, 
 
 90._SoiiL., Rev. Crit. 105; M. P.-B. ix, 40.— Macgii.., Man. ii, 204.— Gi:av, 
 
 Geu. of B. iii, 6o3 ; aud of European authors generally. 
 ri-aiiopiis auritus, Kavp, Sk. Ent. Eur. TlIier^v. 1829, 49. 
 Otodiitfs auritus, Rkicuekbach. 
 rodict-ps ot Coli/mbus iiif/riwllis, Sundevall. 
 
 b. caVifovnious. 
 
 Fodiccps auritus, NiiTT., Man. ii, 18:M, 250 ("will probalilv 1)0 fonnd in Nortli Amer- 
 ica ").— Aud., Oru. Biog. v, 1^39, 108, pi. 404 ; Syn. 1839, 358 ; B. Am. vii, 1844, ■ 
 322, pi. 4S2 (described "from species said to bo North American). — Bi>., List, 
 1838, 64.— Lawi!.,B. N. A. 1858, b97.— Maxim., J. f. 0. vii, 1859, 246 (description). 
 
 Podiccps califoriiicus, HeeKiM., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1854, 179; P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, 76, pi. 
 8 (y'ouugl.— Newb., p. R. R. Rep. vi, 1857. 110.— LA^^■H., B. N. A. 1858, 890.— 
 Coop. &"Suck„ N. H. Wash. Ter. 1860, 282.— Havd., Rep. 1862, 176.— Stev., 
 U. S. Geol. Surv. Ter. 1870, 466 (North Platte).— Elliot, B. N. A. pi. 64.— Codes, 
 Ibis, 1866, 273.— SCL., P. Z. S. 1864, 179 (city of Mexico, in full plumage).— 
 DnEss, Ibis, 1866, 46 (Texas, winter).- Salv., Ibis, 1866, 200 (Guatemala). 
 
 Podiceps (Proctopus) californicus, Cot'E.^, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 231, 404. — Codes, ibid. 
 1866, 100 (Arizona). 
 
 Podicips auritm var. catifoniicus. Codes, Key, 1872, 337. — Codes, Am.Nat. viii, 1874 (Da- 
 kota). — Hensiiaw, Am. Nat. viii, 1874, 243 (breeding). — RiDQW., Ann. Lye. N. 
 Y. X, 1874, 392 (Illinois).— Sn'o>\", Am. Nat. viii;, 1874, 757 (Kansas). 
 
 Sab. — The typical form from Europe, Asia, and Africa. Var. californicus from West- 
 ern North America, from Groat Slave Lake to Guatemala. East to Texas, Dakota 
 (^Coucs, Am. Nat. vii, 1873, 745), Kansas (iSnow), and Illinois (Eidgway). Breeds 
 appaix>ntty throughout its range. 
 
 Lieutenant Warren's Expedition. — 5476, Fort Berthold; 5477, Snake River. 
 Later i'.rjjtrfi/ioiis.— 60863, North Platte. 
 
 Jdult, breeding plumage.— 'Bill shorter than head, rather stout at base, innch depressed, 
 broader than high at the nostrils, tip acute, not decurved, gonys straight, ascending, 
 culmen a little concave basally, iiearly straight terminally. Tarsus about equal to 
 middle toe without its claw. ISill entirely black. Conspicuous, long auricular tufts, 
 golden-brown or tawny, flnel.v displayed upon a black ground. Crown, chin, and neck 
 all round, black. All the primaries entirely chocolate-brown, with usually a wash of 
 dull reddish-brown exterually. Secondaries white, but the bases of all, aud a consid- 
 erable part of the two outer ones, dusky ; their shafts mostly all dusky. Sides deep 
 purplish-brown or wine-red ; this color washed across the breast, behind the black of tho 
 neck, and also across the anal region. Under parts silky-white, the abdomen grayish. 
 
 Young — Bill shaped generally as in the adult, but smaller, with less tirm outlines, 
 BO thiit its distinctive shape is somewhat obscured. Little or no trace of the auricular 
 tufts. Crown, sides of head, aud neck all around, «ooty-grayish, paler and more ashy 
 on the foreucck. Upper parts rather lighter aud duller colored than in the adults. 
 
734 PODICEPS CALIFORNICUS, AMERICAN EARED GREBE. 
 
 Primaries as in tbe adnlts, but -without the reddish tinge ; a few of the innermost ones 
 sometimes white tipped. Sides under the wings washed with, a lighter shade of the 
 color of the back ; lower belly grayish. 
 
 Dimensions.— Length, 12 to' 14 inches, nsnally 13 or less; extent, 21.50 to 24; wing, , 
 4.75 to 5.25 ; bill, 1 or less; along gape, 1.25; height at nostril, 0.22 ; width there, 0.26; 
 tarsus, 1.60; middle toe and claw, 1.95. 
 
 While the breeding plumages of P. comutun and the present species are widely differ- 
 ent, there is much similarity between the young and winter dress of the two species. 
 As a rule, auritus is smaller; even traces of ruffs are less appreciable ; the fore-neck is 
 scarcely lighter than the hind-neck ; the back is rather deeper colored aud more uni- 
 form. The shape and proportions of the bill, however, furnish the most reliable char- 
 acters. The differences may be thus tabulated : 
 
 P. cornuius : Bill rather slender, much compressed, tip rather obtuse ; lateral outlines 
 concave ; height at nostrils greater than width ; culmeu nearly straight over nostrils, 
 very convex at the end ; gonys convex, little ascending, with little appreciable angle. 
 
 P. auritus : Bill rather stout, much depressed, tip very acute ; lateral outlines con- 
 vex ; height at nostrils less than width ; culmen decidedly concave at nostrils, scarcely 
 convex at tip ; gonys straight, or even concave, much ascending, with quite an angle. 
 
 As I pointed out in ldG2, the type of "californktis" is merely the young of the Amer- 
 ican Eared Grebe, uow well known from Western United States in all its plumages. I 
 continue to use the name as indicating a bird varietally distinct from the true aunius 
 of Europe. I verify the following distinctions : 
 
 In the American bird, the primaries are all entirely dark ; the first two secondaries 
 are mostly the same, while the bases and shafts of all are for some distance dark. In 
 European auritus, the inner four primaries are entirely pure white, and all the rest 
 have more or less white, while the secondaries are all entirely white, except a few of 
 the innermost, which have a slight dusky spot near the end. Thus the European has 
 much more white on the wing, and this white is moreover bodily shifted, as it were, 
 nearer the outer edge of the wing. I do not know how much the extent of the white 
 may change with age, or what is its limit of individual variability; but the above dif- 
 ferences hold throughout a quite extensive series of specimens examined. 
 
 The Colyrribus auritus of Linnajus has been by many referred to P. cornutus, Gm., and 
 the name nigricolUs, after Sunde\all, adopted for the present species. The case seems 
 parallel with that of Sterna hirundo, Linn., aud I see no necessity for the undesirable 
 change of names, especially as Linnosus apparently included both species under the 
 term auritus. Audubon's auritus may have been really based upon auritus proper, but 
 lie meant the American bird. 
 
 The abundance and general dispersion of this species in the West 
 have only latelj' become known. The earlier authors were not aware of 
 its existence in this country ; Audubon figures and describes specimens 
 said to be Xorth American, and his account is copied, so late as 1858, 
 by Mr. Lawrence, in default of specimens. In the article above quoted 
 I showed that P. ^' californicus'" was the young of the Ear^d Grebe, 
 pointing out, at the same time, certain distinctions between the bird of 
 this country and of Europe, which I considered suf&cient to warrant 
 their separation. The points mentioned appear to hold good, though I 
 am at present disinclined to accord them more than varietal signifi- 
 cance. In 1859 Maximilian gave a full account of the bird, and of late 
 quotations have multiplied until its range has been determined as above 
 given. 
 
 I first saw the species alive in Southern California, where I found it 
 to be very common, both on the waters of the bay of San Pedro and in 
 the sloughs back of the coast. They were of course in immature dress, 
 the season being S'ovember. During the past year I was pleased to 
 find the birds breeding, in pools about Turtle Mountain, with various 
 other water-fowl. This is apparently the northeasternmost iioint at 
 which the species has been observed. Visiting this locality in July, I 
 was too late for eggs, for the young were already swimming, and, in 
 most cases, fledged. The birds were very common, rather more so than 
 P. cornutus, with which they were associated. Many specimens were 
 secured in their full nuptial dress. The change begins in August, but it 
 is not completed until well into the following month, as traces of the 
 breeding plumage persist several weeks after it has grown faded and 
 
PODXCEPS CALIFOKNICUS, AMERICAN EARED GREBE. 735 
 
 obscure. On the breeding grounds, as just said, the Eared Grebes were 
 more plentiful than the Horned, since a majority of the latter breed 
 further north ; but upon the migration, when these come south, the pro- 
 portion is reversed. Both species were to be seen together upon all the 
 water-courses of Northern Dakota when I left the country in the middle 
 of October. I saw nothing notably different in their general habits. 
 
 Other observers have found the "Eared Grebe in full dress, and nest- 
 ing, in various of our western Territories, demonstrating a very general 
 breeding range. Mr. Henshaw has lately taken the eggs in Southern 
 Colorado. He informs us that he found them, in the absence of pa- 
 rents, completely covered over and concealed by reedy material, so that 
 they were discovered by mere accident. The following is his article in 
 the American Naturalist above quoted : 
 
 " In a series of alkali lakes about thirty miles northwest of Fort Gar- 
 land, Southern Colorado, I found this species common and breeding. 
 A colony of perhaps a dozen pairs hod established themselves in a small 
 pond four or five acres in extent. In the middle of this, in a bed of 
 reeds, were found upward of a dozen nests. These in each case merely 
 consisted of a slightly hollowed pile of decaying weeds and rushes, four 
 or iive inches in diameter, and scarcely raised above the surface of the 
 water upon which they floated. In a number of instances they were 
 but a few feet distant from the nests of the Coot {Fulica americana), 
 which abounded. Every Grebe's nest discovered contained three eggs, 
 which in most instances were fresh, but in some nests were consider- 
 ably advanced. These vary but little in shape, are considerably elon- 
 gated, one end being shghtly more pointed than the other. They vary 
 in length from 1,70 to L80, and in breadth 1.18 to 1.33. The color is 
 a taint yellowish-white, usually much stained from contact with the 
 nest. The texture is generally quite smooth, in some instances rough- 
 ened by a chalky deposit. The eggs were wholly concealed from view 
 by a pile of weeds and other vegetable material laid across. That they 
 were thus carefully covered merely for concealment I cannot think, 
 since in the isolated position in which these nests are usually found the 
 bird has no enemy agaiust which such precaution would avail. On first 
 approaching the locality the Grebes all congregated at the further end 
 of the pond, and shortly betook themselves through an opening to the 
 neighboring sloug.h; nor, so far as I could ascertain, did they again ap- 
 proach the nests during mv stay of three days. Is it not, then, possible 
 that they are more or less clependent for the hatching of their eggs upon 
 the artificial heat induced by the decaying vegetable substances of 
 which the nests are wholly composed?" 
 
 Subgenus Tachybaptes, Beicli. 
 
 Bill very short, much less than the head, scarcely over half the tarsus ; stout, little 
 compressed, rather obtuse. Lateral outlines nearly straight; culmen slightly concave 
 at the nostrils, elsewhere convex; commissure straight, except ii little sinuation at 
 base ; under outline straight to angle, gonys thence straight to tip, the angle well de- 
 fined. Wings short, with considerable and abrupt attenuation of the outer iirimaries. 
 Tarsus stout, little over three-fourths the middle toe and claw; outer lateral about equal 
 to the middle toe. Size very small ; body full ; neck short ; no decided crests or ruffs. 
 (Type P. minor : these characters drawn from F. dominicus.) 
 
 This section in a measure connects Fodimps with Fodihjmbus. By G. R. Gray Sylbeo- 
 cjiclus, Bp., is given as founded on P. minor ; but Bonaparte expressly says (Cat. Met. 
 Ucc. 184a, 83) that this was a typographical error, he having intended the name for C. 
 podiceps, Linn. Dr. Sclater has lately called attention to the point (Ibis, Jan. 1874). 
 It may i>e a technical question, however, after all, whether an author must not be held 
 to what he did say, rather than to what he meant to say. 
 
736 PODICEPS DOMINICUS, ST. DOMINGO GEEBE. 
 
 PODICEPS (TACHYBAPTES) I30MIXICUS, Linn. 
 St. Oomingo Grebe. 
 
 Colymbus dominicus, L:^-^•., Svft. Nat. i, 1766, 223 (C. fluviatilis dominicensis, Briss., vi, 
 64, pi. 5, f. 2).— Gm., Svst. Kat. i, 17S8, 593. 
 
 Fodiceps dominicus, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 71^5.— Spix, Av. Brae. pi. 101.— Bd., lies. 
 B. Surs-. li, 1859, pt. ii, Birds, 28 ; B. N. Am. 1860, pi. 99, f. 1 (no text, and not 
 in ed. of 18i8).— ScL., P. Z. S. Ic57. 207.— Lawe., Ann. Lye. N. Y. vii, 1861, 334 
 (Panama).— SCL. & Salv., Exot. Orn. i, 1869, 190.— Eeinii., Vid. Med. 1870, 
 17 (Brazil). 
 
 Fodiceps (Sijlbeocyclus) dominicus, Geay, Hand-list, iii, 1871, 94, No. 10768. 
 
 Sylbcocxjclus dominicm (Bp. ?) COUKS, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 232. 
 
 Tachybaptes dominions, Coues. 
 
 Sah.— Warmer parts of America. West Indies. North to tbo Eio Grande. Califor- 
 nia (Gambel). 
 
 Adult— Form as aljove described nnder head of the subgenns. Crown and occiput 
 deep glossy steel-blue. Sides of head and neck all arouud dark ashy-gr.ay, darkest 
 behind, where tinged with bluish. Chin varied with ashy and white. Upper parts 
 brownish-black, with glcssy-greenish reflections. Primaries chocolate-brown, the 
 greater portion of the inner vanes of all, and nearly all of the inner four or five, to- 
 gether with all the secondaries, pure while. Under parts silky-white, thickly mottled 
 with dusky. Upper mandible dusky, the lower mostly yellowish. 
 
 Dimensions.— Length, about 9.50 ; wing, 3.60 ; bill along culmen, 0.70 ; along gape, 1 ; 
 tarsus, 1.25 ; middle toe, 1.75. 
 
 This small Grebe, the ouly North American* representative of the group, has only 
 lately been ascertained to reach our southern border. It requires comparison with no 
 other of our couutry, its small size alone being diagnostic. Without a series of speoi- 
 imens I cannot present the changes of plumage. 
 
 Genus PODILTMBUS, Less. 
 
 < Cohjmbus, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 17G6, 223 (not type). 
 
 < Fodiceps, Lath., lud. Orn. ii, 1790 (not type). 
 
 := Fodilymbus, Lkss., Tr. Orn. i, 1831, £95 (P. enrolinensit. Lath.). 
 = Sylhcocyclus, Bp., Saggio, 1834 (same type intended). 
 ^ Bydroka, NUTT., Man. ii, 1834, 259 (type carolinensis). 
 
 Char. Bill shorter than head, stoutest in the family, compressed, with obtuse and 
 hooked tip ; culmen about straight to the nostrils, thence declinato-convex ; gonys 
 regularly convex without decided angle ; commissure slightly sinuate at basfl, then 
 straight, then much deflected. Upper mandible covered with soft skin to the nostrils, 
 between which are two fossa;, the anterior shallow, oblong, the other deep, triangular, 
 separated from the bare loral space by an intervening ridge. Nostrils broadly oval, 
 far anterior. No crests or ruffs, but shafts of frontal feathers prolonged into bristles. 
 Eyelids peculiarly thickened. Outer three or four pftmaries abruptly sinuate near the 
 end. Tarsus much abbreviated, comparatively stout, about three-fourths as long as 
 middle toe and claw. Middle and outer toes nearly equal. Basal semipalm.ation of 
 toes more extensive than in Fodiceps. Lobe of hind toe moderate. 
 
 The essential characters of this genus lie in the stout hooked bill, broad anterior 
 nostrils, absence of crest or ruff, bristly forehead, great emargination of primaries, and 
 extensive semipalmation of the toes. The genus Dasypiilus of Swaiuson (Classif. B. 
 ii, 1837, 369), which has been referred here, agrees very well as to the characters as- 
 signed, hut P. poliocephalns is given as type. In any event the name is a synonym, 
 being anticipated in publication. Eydroka is based upon carolinensis, but is antedated. 
 Sylbeocyclus, Bp., was meant for this genus, but, it seems, was by a blunder given over 
 head of F. minor. 
 
 There is apparently but a single good species of this genus, although several are 
 indicated by authors. The P. aniarct'cus of Lesson (with which P. hreriroslris, Gisay, 
 Gen. of B. iii, 1849, pi. 172, is synonyiiious), from South America, is a recognizable race 
 which may be defined as follows : 
 
 PODILYMBUS PODICEPS var. ANTARCTICDS {Less.) Coues. 
 
 Nos. 15663, 15664, Mus. Smiths. Inst., Chili, U. S. Astron. Exped. : Size, coloration, 
 and general appearance of P. podiceps. Bill not shorter than m this species, but stouter 
 
 *P. minor is given l)y Nuttall as inhabiting this country, but the evidence is alto- 
 gether unsatisfactory. 
 
PODILYMBUS PODICEPS, PIEB-BILLED GREBE. 737 
 
 toward the end, where more obtuse and less hooked ; commissure not so suddenly dc- 
 curved, nor to such extent. Legs rather longer and stouter than in P. podictp^. Gular 
 patch extending further around on sides of head ; under parts more heavily mottled 
 ■with dusky. 
 
 PODILYMBUS PODICEPS, (Linn.) Lawr. 
 Pied-billed Grebe; Diibchick; Water-witch. 
 
 a. podiccps. 
 
 Colymlus podiceps, Linn., Syst. Nat. i, 1766, 22.3 (bsised on P. mifloi- rosiro ratio, Gates., 
 
 91; C.fiuviatiUn caioVmmsis, Biiiss., vi, 6;i).— Gm., Syst. Nar. i, 176-^, 51)4. 
 Pndihjvibus podiccps, Lawk., B. N. A. IHiiS, 898.— Coop. & Suck., N. K. Wash. Ter. 1860, 
 
 283.— Codes, Pr. Phila. Acad. 1862, 233.— Codes, Key. 1872, 338; aud of most 
 
 late United States writers. 
 Sylhcocyclus podiccps, Bp. 
 
 Colymbus ludovicianns, Gm., Syst. N.at, i, 1788, 592. 
 Podiceps Ivdovieianus, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 785. 
 Podiccps caroUnensis, Lath., Ind. Orn. ii, 1790, 785.— Bp., Svn. 1828, 418.— Sw. & Eicn., 
 
 r. B. A. ii, 1831, 412.— Ndtt., Man. ii. 1834, 259.— Add., Orn. Biog. iii, 1835, 359; 
 
 Syn. 1839, 358 ; B. Am. vii, 1844, 324, pi. 483.— Gin., B. L. I. 1844, 382.— Max., 
 
 J^ f. O. vii, 1869, 248 ; and of writers generally. 
 Sylbeoajclus caroUnensis, Bp., List, 1838, 64. 
 Podilymhus Uiicaius, Heeem., Pr. Phila. Acad. 1854, 179; P. E. E. Eep. x, 1839, 77, pi. 9- 
 
 (very youug). 
 Sylheocyclus lineatus, Bp. 
 
 b. antarcticus. 
 
 Podiccps caroUnensis, Spix, A. B. pi. 100. 
 
 Podiccps antarcticus, Lesson. 
 
 Sylbeocyclus antarcticus, Bp. 
 
 Podilymbus antarcticus. Gray, Hand-list, iii, 1871, 95, No. 10771. 
 
 Podiccps brevirosiris, Gkay, Genera of Birds, iii, 1839, pi. 172. 
 
 Quid " euryies, Bp."— Geay, Hand-list, No. 10772, ex Montevideo ? 
 
 Hah. — North, Centr.al, .and part of South America. West Indies. (Guatemala, 
 breeding, ScL., Ibis, i, 1859, 234. Yeragu.i, Salv., P. Z. S. 1870, 219. Venezuela, SCL. 
 & Salv., P. Z. S. 1869, 252. Brazil, Pelz., O. B. 322; Eeinh., V. D. Med. 1870, 18. 
 Cuba, CaI!., J. f. 0. iv, 1656, 431. Jamaica, ScL., P. Z. S. 18C1, 81.) Var. antarcticus 
 from Southern South America. 
 
 Adult, breeding plumage.— ^iW light dull bluish, dusky on upper mandible, encircled 
 with a»broad bl.ick band. Frontal and coronal bristles black. Crown, occiput, and 
 neck behind, grayish-black, the feathers with slightly lighter edges. Sides of heacl aud 
 neck brownish-gray. A broad black throat-patch, extending on sides of lower man- 
 dible. Upper parts brownish-black, the feathers with scarcely lighter edges. Prima- 
 ries aud secondaries chocolate-brown, the latter frequently with a white area on the 
 inner webs. Under parts ashy, washed over with silvery-gray, thicklj', though obso- 
 letely, mottled with dusky ; these d.irk spots most numerous and evident on the sides. 
 Lower belly nearly uniformly du.sky. 
 
 Winter plumage.— \i\\\ light dull yellowish, without a dark baud, more or less dusky 
 on the ridge. No gular patch. Crowu and occiput dusky browo. Upper parts with 
 more evident pale edgings of the feithers than in summer. Neck, breast, and sides, 
 light brown, darker posteriorly, where more or less conspicuously mottled with dusky. 
 Under parts otherwise pure silky-white, immaculate; lower belly grayish. 
 
 Tottng-of-tlie-year. — White gular patch invaded by streaks of the brownish of the 
 head, and the latter much streaked with white. Otherwise as iu the preceding. 
 
 Dimensions. — Length, about 13 ; extent, 24 ; wing, about 5 ; bill along culmeu, 0.75 ; 
 along gape, 1.20; height at nostrils, 0.40; width, 0.25; tarsus, 1.50; middle toe .and. 
 claw, 2.15. 
 
 There is no species of this country with which the present requires comparison, as- 
 its generic peculiarities suffice for its recognition under auy circumstances of plumage. 
 The slight peculiarities of var. antarcticus have been already giveu. 
 
 Published Deccnibei; 1874. 
 
 -47 ■ 
 
 — ^^//^ 
 
INDEX. 
 
 [Note.— Sppciflc Eamca of sliffhtlv differont terminations, like amerieanw—a-^m, wilsoni and ml 
 sonii, bonapartei and bonapartii, are treated as one. Generic names of Tar3-ing_ ojrtliograpliy are 
 
 j^enerally distingui&licd. 
 capital.] 
 
 Specific names begin witli a small letter ; generic and all Englisb, witli a 
 
 abietirms, 
 
 Falco 341 
 abietum, 
 
 Nyctalo 314 
 Acadian 
 
 Flycatcher 249 
 
 Owl 315 
 acadicus, 
 
 Empidonax 247 
 
 Musclcapa 249, 254 
 
 Micarchus 249 
 
 Myobius 249 
 
 Noetua 315 
 
 Nyctala 315 
 
 Nyctalo 315 
 
 Pyrooephalus 249 
 
 Scotopbilus 315 
 
 Strix 315, 317 
 
 TyraDnula249 
 
 Ulula 315 
 acadieusis, 
 
 Strix 315 . 
 Acautbis 
 
 linaria 114 
 Acanthylis 
 
 pela.sgia 267 
 
 saxatilis 2G5 
 
 vauxii aO':! 
 Accentor 
 
 aurocapillus 70 
 
 Orange-crowned 70 
 Accipiter 
 
 autillarum 367 
 
 ardosiacns 334 
 
 carolinensis 345, 367 
 
 communis 341 
 
 cooperi 334, 335 
 
 falco 367 
 
 freti-budsonis 327 
 . fnacus 333 
 
 gundlachl 335 
 
 baliaetas 337 
 
 laijopus 361 
 
 leucocephalns 361 
 
 mexicauus 335 
 
 minor 349 
 
 palumbarius 338, 345 
 
 peunsylvanicus 334 
 
 piscator 367 
 
 piscatorius 367 
 
 ruficaudus 353 
 
 slriatus 334 
 
 variabilis 327 
 
 accipitrina, 
 
 Strix 306, 311 
 acclaruator, 
 
 Strix 308, 309 
 Actidurus 
 
 naevius 506 
 Aotitis 
 
 bartramius 503 
 - macularins 501 
 
 notata 502 
 
 rufescens 506 
 
 •wiedl 50S 
 Aotitnrus 
 bartramius 502 
 
 lougicauda 503 
 
 rufescens 506 
 Actocbelidon 
 
 cantiacus 673 
 Actodromas 
 
 bairdii 484 
 
 bonapartii 487 
 
 cooperi 491 
 — ~ maculata 486 
 
 melanotus 487 
 — — miuutilla 482 
 Actodromus 
 
 fuscicollis 482 
 
 minutilla 482 
 
 wilsoni 482 
 acuflavida, 
 
 Sterna 673 , 
 
 Tbalasseus 673 
 aculeata, 
 
 Sitta 24, 230 
 acuta. 
 
 Anas 561 
 
 Daflla 561, 562 
 
 Pbasiauurus 561 
 
 Qaerquedula 562 
 
 Tracbelonetta 561 
 adamsii, 
 
 Colymbus 720 
 Adelarus 042 
 
 beermanni 642 
 adspersa, 
 
 Ardea 524 
 
 Botaurus 524 
 
 Limosa 493 
 adunca, 
 
 Anas 560 
 .iEcbmopborns 725, 726 
 
 clarkii 728 
 
 occideutalia 727 
 aijdon, 
 
 Hylematbrous 231 
 
 aedoD, 
 
 Troglodytes 32, 231 
 segolius, 
 
 Strix 306 
 .(Egialeus 
 
 melodus 455 
 
 semipalmatus 453 
 .Slgialites 
 
 wilsonia 456 
 .ffigialitis 
 
 asidtica 457 
 ^antiana 456 
 
 circumcincta 455 
 meloda 455 
 
 inicrorbyncba 456 
 
 m on tan a 457 
 
 uivosa 456 
 
 semipalraata 453 
 
 vocifera 452 
 
 wilsonia 456 
 .iEgiotbas 
 
 canescens 115 
 
 exilipes 115 
 
 fuscescens 114 
 
 linavla 114, 115 
 SEgocepbala, 
 
 Limosa 494 
 Jigolius • 
 
 braobyotus 306 
 
 otus 304 
 
 tengmalmi, 314 
 aagithus. 
 
 Circus 327 
 a^neus. 
 
 Icterus 199 
 
 Quiscalus 203 
 ajquinoctialis, 
 
 Sylvia 73 
 iErolia 
 
 varia 492 
 JBruginosus, 
 
 Falco 328 
 jE salon 
 
 carolinensis 349 
 
 colnmbarins 346 
 
 litbofalco 346, 348 
 
 ricbardsoni 348 
 
 suckleyi 346 
 oesalon, 
 
 Falco 347 
 oestiva, 
 
 Dendr(Bca 54, 232 
 
 Motacilla ."4 
 
 Pyranga 82 
 
 Kbimaupbus 54 
 
IXDEX. 
 
 739 
 
 sestiva, 
 
 Sylvia :a 
 
 Syhicola 34 
 
 Taoagra ^'J 
 ivstivalis. 
 
 Peneaa 140 
 affinis. 
 
 Bananivoms 193 
 
 Ful'giila 573 
 
 Fulis -"Til 
 
 Ictenij 193 
 
 Larus oJT 
 
 Marila :>r3 
 
 Pendulinxis 193 
 
 Podiiei>5 730 
 
 Sterua 664 
 africana, 
 
 Athene 317 
 
 Charaiirius 449 
 
 !S'iimeuiui 4yi 
 
 :?colopax 492 
 
 Sreroa oTo 
 
 Tjraunnla -o9 
 
 Xantbomns 193 
 Agamia 
 
 virescens oO"3 
 Aganaphron 709 
 Airelsiis 
 
 assimilii 1~0 
 saberuator I'^p 
 
 icrerocirphaiiis 1?S 
 
 persipicillatus 1^~ 
 
 ph<Enic<"n5 lr<3 
 
 tricolor lio 
 Agelains 
 
 asiiuiilii IH) 
 
 biiUockii 195 
 
 gnbernator 1?G 
 
 loug:iV5 15- 
 
 Siinthoecphaius ISS 
 agl.tns. 
 
 Qaifcalus OiJo 
 agraria. 
 
 GriLvhrlidon 664 
 
 Otus306 
 agripennis. 
 
 Doliehonyx 175 
 
 Icrerns 175 
 Agrodoma 
 
 spragnel 42 
 aikeoi, 
 
 Juneo 141, 145 
 Ais 
 
 spi^csa 571 
 alaadica, 
 
 Anas 562 
 a2ascensis. 
 
 Anorthura 33 
 
 Troglodytes 33 
 Alaada 
 
 alpestris 37 
 
 ehrysoi.Bina 35 
 
 cornut<) 3;- 
 
 Indoviciana 40 
 
 magna 190 
 
 minor 35 
 
 peDDjy.vanica 40 
 
 rabra 40 
 
 nifa 3-, 40 
 
 spragaci 42 
 
 alandarius, 
 
 Cacicus 190 
 Alandidiv 37 
 alaudioa, 
 
 Zonotricbia 125 
 
 Passercalns 125 
 alba, 
 
 Aqiiila 3d-. 369 
 
 Ardea 519 
 
 Gygis 709 
 
 Hcrodias 519 
 
 Sculopax 494 
 
 srrix 309. ■^c'5 
 albatiis. 
 
 Anser 549 
 
 Chen 549 
 albeola. 
 
 Anas 577 _ 
 
 Uiieopbala 5, , 
 
 L'langiila 577 
 
 Fahgula 577 
 albescens. 
 
 Parns 21 
 albicans, 
 
 Falco 327 
 albicollis. 
 
 FriDgilla 151 
 
 Orns' 304 
 
 Triiglodyres 25 
 
 Zonotricbia 151 
 allddus. 
 
 Srris: 309 
 
 Falco 325 
 albifrons. 
 
 Anas 546 
 
 ADser .543. 547 
 
 Bubo 315 
 
 Certhia 25 
 
 Xyctala 315 
 
 Xyctale 315 
 
 Scops 315 
 
 Srrix 315 
 albinucha, 
 
 Dolicbonys 175 
 albiveurris. 
 
 Pica 211 
 albivitta, 
 
 Cbamaepelia 390 
 
 PjTgitcenas 390 
 albas, 
 
 AquUa 369 
 
 Falco 3.3; 
 
 La -.'opus 4-29 
 
 Larn- i:i5. 649 
 
 Srrix 310 
 
 Tetrao 429 
 Alcedinidse 273 
 Alcedo 
 
 ale von 273 
 
 jai'uacaii 273 
 
 Indoviciaua 273 
 
 guaca 273 
 Alectoridci 529 
 alcyon, 
 
 Alcedo 273 
 
 Cerjle 273 
 
 Chloroceryle 273 
 
 Ispida 273 
 
 llegaceryle 273, 
 
 S:reptoceryle 273 
 
 231 
 
 aldrovandi, 
 
 Catarracta 605 
 Aleutian Ti-ru 690 
 aleutica. 
 
 Sterna 075. 690 
 alicire. 
 
 Tardus 4 
 alleni. 
 
 Pipilo 173 
 alpestris, 
 
 Alauda 3,7 
 
 Eremophila 37. ; 
 
 Otocoris :o 
 
 Ou'corys 35 
 
 Phileremos 35 
 alpina, 
 
 Pelidna 459. 490 
 j Scboeniclns 490 
 
 I Tringa 4-9. 490 
 
 j altice]>s. 
 { Arehibuteo 361 
 
 Paudion 3' 7 
 Aluco 
 
 ilammeus 295 
 alnc. 
 
 >rvis 29- 
 aml,ii;u.i. 
 
 Fringi'.la 150 
 Amblyrbynehus 
 
 glacialis 407 
 American 
 
 Avosit 400 
 
 Barn On"! 29? 
 
 Barn Snallow tj 
 
 Bittern 523 
 
 Bipper 10 
 
 Dunlin 4-9 
 
 Eared Grebe 732 
 
 Flrcatchers 23>.5 
 
 Golden Plover 44J 
 
 Goldfinch 116 
 
 Goshawk 33- 
 
 Hawk-Owl 311 
 
 Lanier 3:59 
 
 Long-eared Owl SW 
 
 Magpie 211 
 
 Merlin 317 
 
 Xight Heron 523 
 
 Xnccracker 2o7 
 
 Partridges 430 
 
 Pochard 575 
 
 Ked Crossbill 109 
 
 Eough-leirg'd Huwk yjl 
 
 Snipe 475 
 
 Starlings 175 
 
 Swan o45 
 
 Tnltnres 373 
 
 Warblers 45 
 
 "^idireon 564 
 
 TVinter Wren 33 
 
 ■\Voodcock 472 
 ameiieana. 
 
 Ampelis 93 
 
 Anas 564. 505 
 
 Apt emus 255 
 
 AquiLi :;37 
 
 Ardea 529 
 
 Avthva 575 
 
 Bombycilla 93 
 
 BrachVoCus 306 
 
74T) 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 amcncana, 
 
 Bucephala 376 
 Buteo 328, 353 
 Butor 524 
 Calidris 492 
 Caprimulgns 263 
 Cardnelis 116 
 Certhia 26 
 Chaulelasmns 563 
 Chordeiles 263 
 Cinclus 10 
 Circus 328 
 Clangula 576 
 Coccygus 276 
 Coccystes 276 
 Coccyzus 275 
 Compsothlypis 46 
 Corvus 206 
 C'ncnlus 275 
 Cupidonia 419 
 Curens 276 
 Cnrvirosfra 109 
 Cygnus 545 
 Datila 562 
 Emberiza 164 
 Erythroplirys 276 
 Euspina 165 
 Euspiza 164, 165 
 Falco 368 
 Fringillal64, 165 
 Fulignla 57(3, 582 
 Grus 529, 531 
 Hirundo 85, 90 
 Lagopiis 430 
 Larus 627 
 Limosa 4Q2, 493 
 Linaria 114 
 Loxia 109 
 Mareca 564 
 Melanitta 562 
 Meleagris 391 
 Mergus 5S4 
 Microptera 472 
 Motacilla 46 
 Nyctea 310 
 JSycticorax 523 
 Syioca 575 
 ffidemia 5^2 
 Oidemia 5H2 
 Olor 545 
 
 Otns 304, 305, 306 
 Paudion 367 
 Parnla 46 
 Earns 46 
 Pelecanus 557 
 Pelidua 490 
 Piaya 276 
 
 Picoides 283, 284, 285 
 Picus 285 
 Pinicola 105 
 Pluvialis 450 
 Querquedula 565 
 Eecun'irostra 460 
 Spiza 164 
 Strix 298, 304 
 Sylvia 46 
 Sylvicola 46 
 Tringa 489, 490 
 Troglodytes 32 
 
 Ammodromiis 
 
 bairdii 125 
 
 cassini 140 
 
 georgiana 137 
 
 henslowi 133 
 
 lecontii 134 
 palustris 137 
 passerlnus 132 
 
 samuelis 139 
 
 savanna 128 
 amcena, 
 
 Cyanospiza 170 
 
 Emberiza 170 
 
 Eringilla 170 
 
 Passerina 170 
 
 Spiza 170 
 Ampelidse 91 
 Ampelis 
 
 americana 93 
 
 carolinensis 93 
 
 cedrorum 93, 233 
 
 garrulus 91, 93 
 
 sialis 13 
 Amplaispiza 234 
 
 bellii 234 
 
 bilineata 234 
 anaestheta 
 
 Haliplana 701 
 
 Sterna 701 
 Anas 
 
 acuta 561 
 
 adunca 560 
 
 alandlca 562 
 
 albeola 577 
 
 albifrous 546 
 
 americana 564, 565 
 
 arborea 558 
 
 archiboschas 560 
 
 auduboni 560 
 
 autumnalis 558 
 
 beringii 581 
 
 beruicla 554, 556 
 
 bicolor 558, 560 
 
 boscbas 559 
 
 bracbyrhyncha 579 
 
 breweri 560 
 
 bucepbala 578 
 
 canadensis 553 
 
 canagica 558 
 
 capensis 563 
 
 carbo 583 
 
 carolinensis 565 
 
 casarca 546 
 
 caudacuta 562 
 
 caudata 563 
 
 cioerea 563 
 
 clangula 576 
 
 clypeata 570 
 
 ccerulescens 553 
 
 coUaris 558, 574 
 
 crecca 565, 566 
 
 crecia 566 
 
 cuthberti 581 
 
 cnrvirostra 560 
 
 cyanoptera 567 
 
 discors 566 
 
 dispar 580 
 
 domestica 560 
 
 dominica 583 
 
 Anas 
 
 erythropus 558 
 
 fera 560 
 
 feriua 575 
 
 fistularis 565 
 
 frenata 573 
 
 freycineti 560 
 
 fuliginosa 582 
 
 fuligula 574 
 
 fulva 558 
 
 fulvigula 561 
 
 fusca 582 
 
 glacialis 579 
 
 glauciou 576 
 
 histrionica 578 
 
 byperborena 549 
 
 hyemalis 576, 579 
 
 iopareia 560 
 
 islaudica 577 
 
 jamaicensis 583 
 
 kagolka 565 
 
 kekaschka 563 
 
 labradora 579 
 
 leucocepbalus 579 
 
 leucopsis 558 
 
 long] Cauda 562 
 
 mail 563 
 
 marila 573 
 
 maxima 560 
 
 mexicana 571 
 
 miclouia 579 
 
 minuta 578 
 
 mollissima 580 
 
 moschata 559 
 
 nigra 581 
 
 nivalis 549 
 
 obscnra 560, 561 
 
 occidua 580 
 
 penelope 564 
 
 peregrina 576 
 
 perspicillata 582 
 
 purpureoviridis 560 
 
 rafflesii 567 
 
 rubens 571 
 
 rnbida 583 
 
 rufitorques 574 
 
 rustica 578 
 
 siuuata 558 
 
 sparrmanui 562 
 
 spectabilis 581 
 
 spinosa 583 
 
 sponsa 571 
 
 stelleri 580 
 
 strepera 563 
 
 subulata 563 
 
 sylvatica 565 
 
 vallisueria 575 
 
 viduata 559 
 
 virgata 558 
 Anatidae 544 
 Anatinae 559 
 anatum, 
 
 Falco 341, 342 
 Ancylocbeilus 
 
 subarquata 491 
 anglica, 
 
 Gelocbelidon 664 
 
 Laropis 664 
 
 Sterna 664 
 
INDEX. 
 
 741, 
 
 anglica, 
 
 Thalasseus G(i4 
 Viralvtt 664 
 
 angustirostria, 
 
 Phalaiopus 470 
 
 aniniosa, 
 
 Muscicapa 236 
 
 AuisorhampUus 714 
 
 annectens, 
 
 Junco 143, 145 
 
 Anoi'thma 
 
 alascensis 33 
 hyemalis 33, 231 
 troglodytes 33, 231 
 
 anosthseta, 
 
 Haliplana 701 
 Hvdrochelidon 701 
 Sterua 675, 701 
 
 Anous 663, 697, 709 
 frater 710 
 iuca 709 
 Phermiuieri 698 
 niger 710 
 rousseaui 710 
 stolidiis 710 
 unicolor 710 
 
 Anser 
 
 albatus 549 
 albifroDS 546, 547 
 "bernicla 556, 558 
 canadensis 553, 554 
 caragicus 558 
 coenilescens 553 
 erythropus 546, 547 
 frontalis 547 
 gambeli 546, 547 
 hntchinsii 554 
 hyperboreus 548, 549 
 hyperboreus juv. 553 
 intemiedius 546 
 lanuginosus 580 
 leucopareius 554 
 leucopsis 558 
 medius 546 
 molliesimus 580 
 nigricans 556, 557 
 Biveus 549 
 pallidipes 546 
 parvipes 554 
 roBsii 553 
 torquata 556, 557 
 
 Anserine Birds 544 
 
 Anserinse 546 
 
 antarcticus, 
 
 Buphagus 606 
 Lestris 606 
 Lobipes 467 
 Podiceps 738 
 Podilymbus 738 
 Stercorarius 606 
 Sterna 701 
 Sylbeooyclua 738 
 
 antbinus, 
 
 Passerculus 128 
 
 anthoides, 
 Sylvia 71 
 
 Anthus 
 
 aquations 40 
 I'lJerininieri 71 
 ludoviciauus 23, 40 
 
 Anthus 
 
 penusylvanioua 40 
 
 pipiens 40 
 
 rebena 40 
 
 reinhardtii 40 
 
 spinoletta40 
 
 spraguei 42 
 antillarum, 
 
 Accipiter 367 
 
 Sterna 692 
 
 Steruula 692 
 Antimimns 
 
 rufns 228 
 Antroatomus 
 
 carolinensia 263 
 
 nuttalli 261 
 
 vociferua 260 
 aoualasohka, 
 
 Turdua 3 
 Aphelocoma 
 
 californica 219 
 
 floridana 219 
 
 suuiichrasti 219 
 
 woodhousei 219 
 Appendix to Osciues 223 
 Aptornus 
 
 a.mericanua 285 
 
 arcticus 284 
 
 cayaneusia 284 
 
 birsutns 385 
 
 tridactylus 285 
 aquaticus, 
 
 Anthus 40 
 
 Seiurus 71 
 
 Tnrdus 71 
 Aquila 
 
 alba 368, 369 
 
 aniericana 367 
 
 balbuzardus 367 
 
 barthelemyi 368 
 
 canadensis 368 
 
 cheriway 370 
 
 chrysaetos 368 
 
 fulva 368 
 
 haliiEeta 367 
 
 leuoocephala 369, 370 
 
 maculosa 371 
 
 melanaetus 368 
 
 nobilis 368 
 
 piscatrix 367 
 
 regia 368 
 aquila, 
 
 Daphsenia 368 
 
 Falco 368 
 aquiliuus, 
 
 Falco 353 
 Aramus 
 
 elegana 534 
 
 longirostris 535 
 aranea, 
 
 Gelochelidon 664 
 
 Sterna 664 
 arborea, 
 
 Anas 558 
 
 Dendrooygna 558, 559 
 
 Dendronessa 558 
 
 Fringilla 146 
 
 Otus 304 
 archiboschas, 
 
 Auas 560 
 
 Archibuteo 
 
 alticepa 361 
 
 ferrugineus 361, 363 
 
 lagopna 361 
 
 planiceps 361 
 
 regalis 361, 364 
 
 saucti-johannis 361, 364, 
 Arctic 
 
 Spotted Towhee 175 
 
 Torn 685 
 arcticus, 
 
 Apternus 284 
 
 Bubo 301 
 
 Cepphus 720 
 
 Colymluis 721 
 
 Einberiza 128 
 
 Erythaca 14 
 
 Eu'dytes 721 
 
 Enapiza 128 
 
 Eringilla 128, 175 
 
 Heliaptex 301 ' 
 
 Larus 623 
 
 Leucus 621 
 
 Nyctea 309 
 
 Picoides 284 
 
 Pious 284, 285 
 
 Pipilo 175 
 
 Podiceps 732 
 
 Pyrgita 175 
 
 Sialia 14, 229 
 
 Sterna Gb5 
 
 Strix 306 307, 310, 311 
 
 Sylvia 14 
 
 Tridaotylia 284 
 
 Zonotrichia 128 
 Arctouetta 
 
 fiscberi 580 
 arctoua, 
 
 Passer 111 
 Ardea 
 
 adsperaa 524 
 
 alba 51'9 
 
 americaua 529 
 
 canadensis 531 
 
 candidissima 521 
 
 carolinensis 522 
 
 chloroptera 522 
 
 discors 523 
 
 egretta 519 
 
 exilia 528 
 
 freti-hudsonis 523 
 
 gardeni 523 
 
 herodiaa 517 
 
 hoactli 523 
 
 hudsouias 518, 523 
 
 jamaiceusis 523 
 
 lentiginosa 523 
 
 leiico 519 
 
 ludoviciana 522 
 
 maculata 522, 523 
 
 minor 523 
 
 mokoko 524 
 
 niEvia 523 
 
 nivea 521 
 
 nycticorax 523 
 
 occidoutalis 519 
 
 stellai'is 523 
 
 torquata 522 
 
 virescens 522 
 Ardeidas 517 
 
742 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Ardeinao 517 
 Ardeola 
 
 exilis 528 
 Ardetta 
 
 exilis 528 
 ardosiacus, 
 
 Accipiter 334 
 Arenaria 
 
 calidris 492 
 
 grisea 492 
 
 vulgaris 492 
 arenaria, 
 
 Calidris 492 
 
 Tringa 492 
 argentaceus, 
 
 Laroides 626 
 
 Sterna 686 
 argentatoides, 
 
 Glaucus 626 
 
 Laroides 626 
 
 Larus 625 
 argentatus, 
 
 Glaucus 626 
 
 Larus 625, 626, 627 
 
 Sterna 686 
 argenteua, 
 
 Jjarus 626 
 
 Laroides 626 
 
 Sterna 692 
 Aridaj 296 
 Aristonetta 
 
 vallisneria 575 
 arizouoa, 
 
 Chrysomitris 117 
 
 Spizella 148 
 Arkansas 
 
 Goldfinch 136 
 
 Flycatcher 236 
 arquata, 
 
 Numenius 508 
 
 Scolopax 508 
 Artinatella 
 
 maritina 489 
 arquatella, 
 
 Tringa 489 
 arundinaceus, 
 
 Falco 367 
 
 Telmatodvtes 35 
 
 Thryothorns 29, 35 
 
 Troglodytes 29 
 Ash-throated Fly catch'r 239 
 asiatica, 
 
 iEgialitis 457 
 Asio 
 
 brachyotus 306 
 
 galapagoensis 307 
 
 nasvia 303 
 
 otus 304 
 
 peregrin ator 304 
 
 ulula 306 
 asio, 
 
 Bubo 303 
 
 Ephialtes 303 
 
 Otus 303, 304 
 
 Scops 303 
 
 Strix 303 
 assimilis, 
 
 Agelteus 186 
 Astragalinus 
 
 columbianus 117 
 
 Astragalinus 
 
 mexicanua 117 
 
 tristis 116 
 Astur 
 
 atricapOlus 338 
 
 borealis 352 
 
 columbarius 346 
 
 cooperi 334, 335 
 
 fuscus 334, 355 
 
 hyemalis 355 
 
 latlssimus 360 
 
 palumbarius 338 
 
 pennsylvanious 334 
 
 pileatus 335 
 
 striatulus 338 
 Asyndesmua 
 
 torquatus 291 
 ater, 
 
 Buteo 262 
 
 Molotbrus 180 
 
 Pendulinus 198 
 
 Pipilo 173 
 
 Turdus 193 
 Athene 
 
 africana 317 
 
 cunicularia 322 
 
 ferruginea 318 
 
 hypuga^a 322 
 
 passerina 317 
 
 patagonica 322 
 
 phalEEuoides 315 
 
 socialis 322 
 
 tengmalmi 313 
 
 ■wbitneyi 321 
 
 Tvilsoni 315 
 atlauticus. 
 
 Bubo 300 
 
 Symphemia 495 
 atra, 
 
 Muscicapa 241 
 atrata, 
 
 Catharista 384 
 
 Cathartes 383 
 
 Friugilla 142 
 
 Vultur 3b3 
 atricapillus, 
 
 Astur 338 
 
 Falco 338 
 
 Fringilla 159 
 
 Emberiza 159 
 
 Hierofalco 333 
 
 Parus 20, 21, 230 
 
 Pcecile 20 
 
 Spapvius 338 
 
 Sterna 708 
 atriceps, 
 
 Tyrannus 247 
 Atricilla 650 
 
 catesbiei 651 
 
 minor 651 
 
 macroptera 651, 657 
 atricilla, 
 
 ChrcEcocephalus 651 
 
 Gavia 651 
 
 Larus 651, 654 
 
 Xema 651 
 atrignlaris, 
 
 Colymbus 720 
 
 Spinites 151 
 
 Spizella 151 
 
 atrirerntalis, 
 
 Strutbus 151 
 atrothorax, 
 
 Picus 285 
 Attagcn 
 
 rupestris 430 
 auduboni. 
 
 Anas 560 
 
 DendrcEca 58, 232 
 
 Falco 346 
 
 Hemipalama 480 
 
 Picus 2e0 
 
 Polyborus 370 
 
 Sylvia 58 
 
 Sylvicola 58 
 
 Trichopicus 280 
 
 Tringa 480 
 
 Turdus 3 
 Audubon's 
 
 Caracara 370 
 
 Warbler 58, 232 
 Aulanax 
 
 fuscus 241 
 
 aayus 240 
 aura, 
 
 Catharista 380 
 
 Cathartes 379, 384 
 
 Percnopterus 380 
 
 Ehinogryphus 380 
 
 Vultur 379, 380, 384 
 aurato-mexicanus, 
 
 Picus 293 
 auratus, 
 
 Charadrius 450 
 
 Colaptes 292 
 
 Cuculus 292 
 
 Geopicns 293 
 
 Picus 292 
 aureigaster, 
 
 Trochilus 271 
 auricollis, 
 
 Icteria 77 
 
 Psarocolius 195 
 auritus, 
 
 Colvmbns 731, 733 
 
 Otodvtea 733 
 
 Otus"304 
 
 Podiceps 733 
 
 Prootopus 733 
 aurocapillus. 
 
 Accentor 70 
 
 Enicocichla 70 
 
 Friugilla 159 
 
 Henicocichla 70 
 
 Motacilla 70 
 
 Seiurus 70 
 
 Sylvia 70 
 
 Turdus 70 
 
 Zonotrichia 159 
 australis, 
 
 Leucosticte 111 
 
 Liniosa 494 
 
 Phalaropus 470 
 
 Podiceps 728 
 
 Squatarola 449 
 
 Tringa 491 
 autumn alls, 
 
 Anas 558 
 
 Dendrocygna 558 
 
 Dendronessa 558 
 
INDEX. 
 
 743 
 
 autmnnalis. 
 
 Sylvan ill. 61 
 A voce t 460 
 Avosit, 
 
 Aiuerie;',n 460 
 avresi, 
 
 Colaptes 293 
 AytLya 
 
 amei'icana 575 
 
 crytUroci'phala 575 
 
 feriua 57 o 
 
 iiiarila 57:! 
 
 vallisueiia 575 
 azuiea, 
 
 Sialia U 
 
 Sylvia 57 
 
 B. 
 
 Bajolophus 
 
 bicolor 19 
 taiidii, 
 
 Actoclroinas 4S4 
 Ammoclroums 125 
 Buteo o5(> 
 Centronyx 12o 
 Coccyzus 271) 
 Coturniculus 125 
 Emberiza 125 
 Heteropygia 484 
 Passevculus 125 
 Tiinga 464 
 Baiicl's 
 
 Sandpiper 484 
 Sparrow 125 
 Balbusardus 
 
 haliiBtus 367 
 balbuzardus. 
 
 Aquila :i67 
 Bald Eagle 309 
 Baldpate 564 
 baltbicus, 
 
 Colymbus 721 
 bsltbiea, 
 
 Gelocbelidou 664 
 Sylocbelidou 667 
 Baltiujore Oriole 193 
 baltiniore, 
 
 Hypbantes 193 
 Icterus 193 
 Oriolus 193 
 Psarocolius 193 
 Ypbautes 193 
 baltimorensis, 
 
 Hypbautes 193 
 Icterus 193 
 baltiuiorus, 
 
 Icterus 193 
 Bauaiiivorus 
 affiuis 193 
 spurius 193 
 Baud-tailed Pigeon 385 
 Banded Tbree-toed Wood- 
 pecker 284 
 Bank Swallow 89 
 barbata, 
 
 Strix 303 
 barita, 
 
 Gracula 203, 204 
 Quiscalus 203, 204 
 
 Barn Owl 298 
 
 barnstoni, 
 
 Bernicla 5b4 
 
 Barred Owl 308 
 
 barrovii, 
 
 Clangnla 577 
 Fuligula 577 
 
 Barrow's Golden-eye 577 
 
 bartbelomyi, 
 Aquila 368 
 
 Bartramia 
 
 bartramius 503 
 laticanda 503 
 longicauda 503 
 
 Bartramian 
 Tattler 502 
 Sandpiper 502 
 
 bartramius, 
 Actitis 503 
 Actiturus 502 
 Bartramia 503 
 Euliga 503 
 Totauus 503 
 Triuga 502 
 Triugoides 503 
 
 Bay-breasted Warbler 61 
 
 Bay-winged Buutiug 129 
 
 Bee-Martin 235 
 
 Beetle-bead Plover 449 
 
 belcberi, 
 
 Blasipus 642 
 Larus 642 
 
 bellii, 
 
 Ainpbispiza 234 
 Emberiza 234 
 Poospiza 234 
 
 Bell's Vireo 101 
 
 Belted Kinglisber 273 
 
 benickii, 
 
 Lestris 613 
 
 beringii. 
 
 Anas 580 
 
 berlandieri, 
 
 Thryothorus 29 
 Troglodytes 29 
 
 Bernicla 
 
 barnstoni 554 
 brenta 556, 557 
 canadensis 554 
 cauagica 558 
 collaris 556, .557 
 erytbropus 558 
 glaucog.aster 556, 557 
 hutchiusii 554 
 leucol.ioma 554 
 leucopareia 554 
 leucopsis 558 
 melanopsis 550, 557 
 micropus 556, 557 
 nigricans 556, .557 
 occidentalis 554 
 platyurus 556, 557 
 torquata 556, 557' 
 
 bernicla. 
 
 Anas 554, 556 
 Anser 550, 558 
 Branta 556, 557 
 
 bewickii, 
 
 Cygnus 545 
 Telmatodytes 31 
 
 bewickii, 
 
 Tbryotborus 31 
 
 Troglodytes 31 
 Bewick's Wren 31 
 bicolor, 
 
 Anas 558, 560 
 
 Biuolopbus 19 
 
 Calamospiza 163 
 
 Cbelidou 80 
 
 Corydalina 163 
 
 Doliebouyx 163 
 
 Fringilla 163 
 
 Herso 86 
 
 Hirundo 86 
 
 Lopbopbaues 19 
 
 Parus 19 
 
 Petrocbelidon 86 
 
 Tacbycineta 86 
 bicornis, 
 
 Podiceps 725 
 bicuspis. 
 
 Sterna 086 
 bil'asciata, 
 
 Sylvia 57 
 Big Black-bead Duck 573 
 biliueata, 
 
 Ampbispiza 234 
 
 Emberiza 234 
 
 Poospiza 234 
 bimaculata, 
 
 Fuligula 582 
 
 Peliouetta 582' 
 
 Oidemia 582 
 Birds, 
 
 Anserine 544 
 
 Cypselitbnn 260 
 
 Diurnal of Prey 327 
 
 Diving 717 
 
 Gallinaceous 391 
 
 Picariau 260 
 
 Totipahnate 587 
 Birds of Prey 298 
 Bird, 
 
 Butcber 101 
 
 Cedar 93. 233 
 
 C berry 93 
 
 Mocking 8 
 Bittern, 
 
 American 523 
 
 Least 528 
 Biziui'a 
 
 dominica .583 
 
 rubida 583 
 Black Braut 556 
 
 Duck 560 
 
 Eagle 366 
 
 Skimmer 715 
 
 Tern 704 
 
 Warrior 352 
 Black-and--wbito Creeping 
 Warbler 45 [02 
 
 Black-and-yellow Warbler 
 Black-backed 
 
 Eagle 368 
 
 Tbree-toed Woodpeck- 
 er 284 
 Black-bellied 
 
 Longspur 122 
 
 Plover 448, 449 
 
 Sandpiper 489 
 
744 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Black-billed Cuckoo 274 
 Blackbird, 
 
 Brewer's 199 
 Crow S03 
 Eed- winged 186 
 Yellow-headed 188 
 Black-bie.-isted 
 Sandpiper 491 
 Woodpecker 288 
 Wackburrjue, 
 Dendru?ca 59 
 Mniotilta 59 
 Mdfacilla .:9 
 Ebinianphus 59 
 Svlvia 59 
 Sylvicolu 59 
 Blackburuian Warbler 59 
 Black- capped Chickadee 20 
 Blaclj-lieaded Grosbeak 167 
 Black-necked Stilt 462 
 Black poll Warbler 60 
 Black-throated 
 Bunting 164 
 Diver 720 
 
 Gray Warbler 55, 232 
 Green Warbler 54 
 blandiugiana, 
 
 Embernagra 176 
 Fringilla 176 
 Zouotrichia 176 
 Blauding's Finch 176 
 blasii, 
 
 Sterna 680 
 Blasiijus 642 
 belcberi 642 
 heermanni 642 
 Blue-bill Duck 573 
 Bluebird, 
 
 Eastern 13, 229 
 Eocky Mountain 14 
 Wustl'm 14, 229 
 Blue Crow 209 [49 
 
 Golden-wi nged Warbler 
 Goose 553 
 Grosbealc 169 
 Grouse 395, 553 
 Jay 211 
 Quail 441 
 
 Warbler 233 [46 
 
 Yellow-backed Warbler 
 Blue-gray Gnat-catcher 17 
 Blue-headed 
 Crackle 199 
 Virpo 99 
 Blue-winged 
 Teal 566 
 
 Yellow Warbler 49, 54 
 Bobolink 178 
 Bob White 431 
 bogotensi'i, 
 
 Contopus 247 
 Tyrannula 247 
 
 Vireo 96 
 Bohemian Wax-wing 91 
 bohemica, 
 
 Bombycilla 92 
 Falco 327 
 "boji, 
 
 Lestris 613 
 
 Bombycilla 
 
 americana 93 
 
 bohemica 92 
 
 cedrorum 93 
 
 garrula 92 
 bombycilla, 
 
 Parua 92 
 Bombyciphora 
 
 poliocoelia 92 
 Bombycivora 
 
 garrula 92 
 Bonaparte's Gull 656 
 
 Sandpiper 487 
 bonapartei, 
 
 Actodromas 487 
 
 Chroicocephalus 656 
 
 Coccothraustes 104 
 
 Gavia 656 
 
 Heteropygia 487 
 
 Lams 656 
 
 Loxia 104 
 
 Myiodioctes 80 
 
 Mu^cicapa 80 
 
 Setophaga 80 
 
 Svlvania 80 
 
 Tringa 484, 487 
 
 Wilsonia 80 
 
 Xeraa 656 
 Bonasa 
 
 cupido 419 
 
 sabiufi 421 
 
 nmbelloides 421, 425 
 
 umbellus 420, 421, 425 
 boreal is, 
 
 Astur 352 
 Buteo 352, 353 
 Collurio 101, 102 
 CoUyrio 102 
 Colymbus 723 
 Contopus i!43 
 Craxirex 3.73 
 Cypseloides 269 
 Cypselus 269 
 Falco 352 
 Fringilla 114, 115 
 Lanius 101 
 Laroides 627 
 Larus 627 
 Linaria 115 
 Linota 115 
 Mniotilta 45 
 Myobius 243 
 Nephcecetes 268, 269 
 Nunienius 509, 510 
 Ortyx 431 
 Perdix 431 
 PoBcilopternis 353 
 Pyrocephalus 244 
 Ehyncbops 715 
 Sayornis 244 
 Scolopax 509, 510 
 Soraateria 580 
 Strepsilas 459 
 Surnia 312 
 Tyrannus 243 
 boschas. 
 
 Anas 559 
 Boschas 
 
 crecea 563 
 
 Boschas 
 
 discors 506 
 domestica 560 
 Botaurus 
 
 adspersus 524 
 freti-hudsouis 523 
 lentiginosus 524 
 minor 523 
 nsevius 523 
 virescens 522 
 boysii. 
 
 Sterna 673 
 brachydactylus, 
 Lagopus 430 
 Trichas 74 
 Pelecanus 557 
 Brachyotus 
 
 americanus 306 
 cassini 306 
 europseus 306 
 ■galapagoensis 307 
 palustris 306 
 brachyotus, 
 
 ^golius 306 
 Asio 306 
 Otus 306 
 Strix 306 
 Ulula 306 
 brachypterus, 
 
 Caprimulgus 263 
 brachypus. 
 
 Sterna 686 
 bracbyrhynoha. 
 Anas 579 
 Clangula 579 
 Clypeata 571 
 Garrulus 221 
 Lestris 616 
 / Larus 639, 640, 647 
 
 Eissa 647, 648 
 braebytarsus, 
 Larus 649 
 Pagophila 649 
 Sterna 686 
 brachyura, 
 
 Strix 306 
 Brant, 
 
 Black 556 
 White 548, 549 
 Brant Goose 556 
 Branta 
 
 bernicla 556, 557 
 canadensis 553, 554 
 hutchinsii 554 
 leucopareia 554 
 leucopsis 558 
 moscfiata 559 
 nigricans 556, 557 
 brasiliensis, 
 
 Cathartes 383 
 Chordeiles 263 
 Circaetns 371 
 Circus 370 
 Falco 370 
 Himantopns 563 
 Phalacrocorax 588 
 Polyborus 371 
 Vultur 383 
 
INDEX. 
 
 745 
 
 brehmi, 
 
 Gallinago 475 
 broDta, 
 
 Anser 550, 557 
 
 Bernicla 550, 557 
 brevirostris, 
 
 Cbaradrins 453 
 
 Larus 047, 048 
 
 Numeiiius 510 
 
 Podiceps 7IW 
 
 Ehyucbops 715 
 
 Eissa 047, 04,-( 
 
 Triuga 4til, 506 
 
 Troglodytes 36 
 breweri, 
 
 Anas 560 
 
 Quiscaliis 199 
 
 Spizella 151 
 
 Zonotriuhia 151 
 Brewer's Blackbird 199 
 Brewer's Spari'ow 151 
 Bridled Teru 701 
 brissoui, 
 
 Pelidna 481 
 Broad-bill Diiek 573 [971 
 Broad-tailed Hnmmiug-bird 
 Broad-wiDgt'il Buzzard 360 
 Brotherly -iovo Vireo 97, 233 
 Brown Crane 531 
 
 Creep, r 26, 230 
 
 Lark 231 
 bruchii, 
 
 Gavina 637 
 
 Lams 637 
 briinnichii, 
 
 Eissa 046 
 Bubo 
 
 albifrous 315 
 
 arcticus 301 
 
 a.sio 303 
 
 atlanticiis 300 
 
 crassirostris 301 
 
 ludoviciamis 301 
 
 ma.crorbyuehns 301 
 
 magellanicus 301 
 
 otus 304 
 
 pacificiis 301 
 
 pinicola 301 
 
 scandiacus 309 
 
 striatns 303 
 
 8ub-arct,icii8 301 
 
 virginianus 300, 301 
 Dubo, 
 
 Strix 301, 310 
 buccinator, 
 
 Cyguns 544 
 
 Oior 544 
 Bucepbala 
 
 albeola 577 
 
 americana 576 
 
 claugula 576 
 
 bistrionica 578 
 
 islandica 577 
 bucepbala. 
 
 Anas 578 
 Buff-breasted Sandp'er 506 
 Bufflle-bead Dnck 577 
 buffonii, 
 
 Palco 328 
 
 Lestris 616 
 
 Stercorarius 616 
 
 Buffon's Jaeger 616 
 Bull-Bat 263 
 Bull-Leaded Plover 449 
 buUockii, 
 
 Agelaius 195 
 
 Hyphantes 195 
 
 Icterus 195 - 
 
 Xantbornus 195 
 
 Yphantes 195 
 Bullock's Oriole 195 
 Bunting, 
 
 Bay-winged 129 
 
 Black-tbroated 164 
 
 Cbestnut-collared 122 
 
 Henslow's 138 
 
 Lark 163 , 
 
 Maccowu's 124 
 
 Oonalasbka 162 
 
 Painted Lark 121 
 
 Towhee 173 
 Buphagus 004 
 
 antarctieus 606 
 
 skua 605 
 Burgomaster 621 
 burro viauus, 
 
 Catbartes 383 
 
 Ebinogrypbus 383 
 Burrowing Owl 321 
 Butaetes 
 
 buteo 361 
 
 lagopus 361 
 
 lessoni 361 
 
 sancti-johannis 361 
 Butcber Bird 101 
 Buteo 
 
 americanus 328, 353 
 
 ater 362 
 
 bairdii 356 
 
 boreal is 352, 353 
 
 californicus 364 
 
 calurus 353 
 
 cooperi 355 
 
 costaricensis, 353 
 
 cyaneus 327, 328 
 
 elegiius 355 
 
 ferrugineicaudus 353 
 
 ferrugineus 361, 364 
 
 fulginosus 356 
 
 fulvus 353 
 
 fuscus 355 
 
 guttural is 356 
 
 barlani 352, 356, 362 
 
 byemalis 355 
 
 insignatus 356 
 
 krideri 353 
 
 lagopus 361 
 
 latissiiuus 360 
 
 lineatus 354, 355 
 
 Incasanus 3o3 
 
 montauus 353, 356 
 
 niger 361 
 
 oxypterus 356 
 
 penusylvanicus 360 
 
 sancti-johannis 361, 364 
 
 spadiceus 361 
 
 swainsoni 355, 356 
 
 vulgaris 353, 356 
 
 wilsoni 360 
 buteo, 
 
 Butaetes 361 
 
 Falco 353, 355 
 
 buteoides, Falco 355 
 Butor 
 
 americanus 524 
 
 exilis 528 
 
 lentigiuosus 524 
 Butorides 
 
 virescens 522 
 Butter-ball 578 
 Buzzard, 
 
 Broad-winged 360 
 
 Ferrugineous 363 
 
 Harlan's 352 
 
 Eed-shouldered 354 
 
 Eed- tailed 352 
 
 Swainson's 355 
 
 Turkey 379 
 
 cacalotl, 
 
 Corvus 205 
 cacbinnans, 
 
 Larus 627 
 Cacius 
 
 alaudarius 190 
 coeruleata, 
 
 Pterocyanea 567 
 
 Querquedula 567 
 coesius, 
 
 Falco 328 
 cafer, 
 
 Picus 294 
 Cairina 
 
 moschata 559 
 
 sylvestris 559 
 Calamospiza 
 
 bicolor 163 
 oalcarata, 
 
 Cenlropbanes 120 
 
 Fringilla 120 
 
 Plectrophanes 120 
 calendula, 
 
 Cortbylio 230 
 
 Motacilla 15 
 
 Pbyllobasileus 16 
 
 Eeguloides 16, 230 
 
 Eegulus 15, 229 
 
 Sylvia 15 
 Calidris 
 
 americana 492 
 
 arenaria 492 [Kansas, 
 
 grisea 492 
 
 nigellus 492 
 
 triugoides 492 
 calidris, 
 
 Charadrius 492 
 
 Tringa 491 
 calidus, 
 
 Falco 341 
 Californian 
 
 Squirrel Hawk 363 
 
 Gull 635 
 californianus, 
 
 Catharista 384 
 
 Catbartes 384 
 
 Geoeoccyx 274 
 
 Pseudogrypbus 384 
 
 Sarcorbaraphus 384 
 
 VulCur 334 
 
746 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 californica, 
 
 Aphelocoma 219 
 
 Buteo 3G4 
 
 Callipepla 439 
 
 Carpodacus 106 
 
 Cyanocitta 219 
 
 Cyanocorax 219 
 
 Gariulus 219 
 
 GlaucidiuLu 318 
 
 Laroides 035 
 
 Lavus 635 
 
 Lophortyx 439, 440 
 
 Ortyx 439 
 
 Perdix 439 
 
 Podiceps 733 
 
 Proctopus 733 
 
 Strix 322 
 
 Tetrao 439 
 ealigatus, 
 
 Totanns 498 
 Calipareus 726 
 Callipepla 430 
 
 californica 439 
 
 gambeli 432 
 
 picta 440 
 
 squamata 441 
 
 strenua 441 
 
 veniista 432 
 Calumet Eagle 368 
 calurus, 
 
 Buteo 353 
 Campephilus 
 
 pileatua 279 
 campestris, 
 
 Circus 328 
 
 Leucostiote 111 
 
 Totanus 503 
 
 Triuga 482, 486 
 Camptolajmus 
 
 labradorius 581 
 camtschatica, 
 
 Catarractes 608 
 
 Sterna 696 
 cana, 
 
 Gavina 639 
 
 Glaucus 639 
 
 Laroides 639 
 
 Lams 637, 639, 640, 646 
 
 Motacilla 17 
 
 Spizella 151 
 
 Sylvia 17 
 Canace 
 
 canadensis 394 
 
 frankliui 394 
 
 fnliginosus 396 
 
 obscurus 396, 400 
 
 richardsoui 400 
 canace, 
 
 Tetrao 394 
 Canada 
 
 Goose 553 
 
 Grouse 394 
 
 Jay 221 
 canadensis, 
 
 Anas 553 
 
 Anser 553, 554 
 
 Aquila 368 
 
 Ardea 531 
 
 Bernicla 554 
 
 Branta 553, 554 
 
 canadensis, 
 
 Canace 394 
 
 Coccothraustes 104 
 
 Colnmba 387 
 
 Corvns 221 
 
 Corytbus 104 
 
 Cyguopsis 554 
 
 Cygnus 553 
 
 Dendrocca 56 
 
 Dendroica 56 
 
 Dysornitbia 221 
 
 Emberiza 146 
 
 Euthlypis 80 
 
 ralco368 
 
 Friugiila 146 
 
 Garrulus 221 
 
 Grus 531 
 
 Leucoblepharon 554 
 
 Mniotilta 56 
 
 Motacilla 56, 53 
 
 Muscieapa 80 
 
 Myiodioctes 80 
 
 Passer 146 
 
 Perisoreus 221 
 
 Picas 279 
 
 Pinicola 104 
 
 Pygargns 327 
 
 Ebimanpbua 56 
 
 Setopbaga 80 
 
 Sitta 25 
 
 Spizella 146 
 
 Strix 311 
 
 Surnia 311 
 
 Sylvia 56 
 
 Sylvicola 56 
 
 Tetrao 394 
 
 Tringa 489 
 
 Turdus 1 
 Canadian [80 
 
 Fly - catcbing Warbler 
 
 Sparrow 146 
 canagica. 
 
 Anas 558 
 
 Anser 558 
 
 Bernicla 558 
 
 Cbloijpbaga 558 
 
 Pbilacte 558 
 candicaus, 
 
 Thalasseus 673 
 candidus, 
 
 Larus 649 
 
 Nyctea 310 
 
 Nyctia 310 
 
 Scolopax 494 
 
 Strix 310 
 candidissiuja, 
 
 Ardea 521 
 
 Egretta 521 
 
 Garzetta 521 
 
 Herodias 521 
 canescens, 
 
 ^giotbus 115 
 
 Laroides 639 
 
 Sterna 673 
 
 Thalasseus 673 
 caniceps, 
 
 Junco 143, 144, 145 
 
 Strutbus 143 
 canigularis, 
 
 Podiceps 730 
 
 cantatrix, 
 
 Muscicapa 100 
 cantiacus, 
 
 Actochelidon 673 
 
 Sterna 673 
 
 Tbalasseus 673 
 cantianns, 
 
 ^gialitis 456 
 
 Cbaradrlns 456 
 cauus (see caua) 
 C.anutus 
 
 cinereus 491 
 
 isla-ndicns 491 
 canutus, 
 
 Tringa 490 
 Cauvas-back Duck 575 
 cajjarocb, 
 
 Strix 312 
 capensis. 
 
 Anas 563 
 
 Falco 342 
 
 Oriolus 193 
 capistratus, 
 
 Larus 656 
 capitalis, 
 
 Perisoreus 221 
 Caprimulgidai 260 
 Caprimnlgus 
 
 americanus 263 
 
 brachypterus 263 
 
 carolinensis 263 
 
 europajns 260 
 
 minor 260 
 
 nuttalli 261 
 
 popetue 263 
 
 ruiuB 263 
 
 texensis 263 
 
 virginiauus 260, 263 
 
 vociferus 260 
 Caraca.ra, 
 
 Audubon's 370 
 Caracara 
 
 vulgaris 371 
 caracara, 
 
 Pandion 371 
 carbo. 
 
 Anas 583 
 Carbo 
 
 dilopbns 588 
 
 graculus 589 
 
 mexicanns 589 
 Cardinal Grosbeak 172 
 Cardinalis 
 
 carneus 172 
 
 coccineus 172 
 
 igneus 172 
 
 virginianus 172 
 cardinalis, 
 
 Fringilla 172 
 
 Loxia 172 
 
 Pitylus 172 
 Carduelis 
 
 americana 116 
 
 mexicana 117 
 
 psaltria 116 
 
 tristis 116 
 carneus, 
 
 Cardinalis 172 
 carnivorus, 
 
 Corvus 205 
 
INDEX. 
 
 747 
 
 Carolina 
 
 Dove 389 
 Parroquet 296 
 Waxwing 93 
 
 carolinensis, 
 
 Aocipiter 345, 367 
 ^salou 349 
 Ampelis 93 
 Anas 565 
 Antrostomus 263 
 Ardea 522 
 Caprimulgus 263 
 Centurus 296 
 Cbamiepelia 389 
 Columba 389 
 Conurus 296 
 Cuculus 275 
 Ectopistes 389 
 Erythrophrys 275 
 Falco 367 
 Felivox 9 
 Galeoscoptes 9 
 Hirundo 267 
 Lanius 235 
 Mimus 8, 228 
 Muscicapa 8 
 Nettion 565 
 Orpbens 8 
 Pandioii 367 
 Perissnra 389 
 Peristera 389 
 Picus 285 
 Pofiiceps 738 
 Psittacus 296 
 Querquedula 565 
 Sitta 23, 24, 230 
 Sylbeooyclus 738 
 Sylvia 54 
 Tardus 8 
 Tyrannus 235 
 Zentedura 389 
 
 Carolinian a, 
 Certbia 29 
 
 carolinus, 
 
 Centurus 289 
 Picus 289 
 Zebrapicus 289 
 
 Ca.rpodacus 
 
 californicus 105 
 cassiui 106 
 familiaris 107 
 frontaUs 107, 108 
 bEemorrhous 108 
 obscurus 107 
 purpureus 106 
 rbodocolpus 108 
 
 casarea, 
 
 Anas 546 
 
 Caspian Tern 667 
 
 caspicu.s, 
 
 Colymbus 732 
 Podiceps 732 
 
 caspius, 
 
 Helopus 667 
 Hvdroprogne 667 
 Stris 306 
 Sterna 667 
 Sylocbelidon 667 
 Thalasseus 667 
 
 cassmi, I 
 
 Aniraodromus 140 
 Brachyotiis 306 
 Carpodacus 106 
 Cvanocorax 210 
 Falco 342 
 Lanivireo 99 
 Passerculus 140 
 Peucaea 140 
 Tyrannus 23B 
 A'ireo 99 
 ZonotricMa 140 
 
 Cassin's 
 
 Crow 209 
 Flycatcher 238 
 Pine Finch 140 
 Purple Finch 106 
 
 castanea, 
 
 Dendroeca 61 
 Icterus 193 
 Mniotilta 61 
 Oriolus 193 
 Ortyx 431 
 Psarocolius 193 
 Ebimanphus 61 
 Sylvia 61 
 Sylvicola 61 
 
 castor, 
 
 Merganser 584 
 Mergus 584 
 
 Cataracta 604 
 ceppbus 613 
 parasitica 612 
 skua 605 
 
 Cataractcs 
 
 longicanda 616 
 parasitica 616 
 pomarinus 608 
 richardsoni 613 
 sliua 605 
 vulgaris 605 
 
 cataractes, 
 
 Stercorarius 605 
 
 Catarracta 
 
 aldrovandi, 605 
 f usoa 605 
 skua 605 
 
 Catarractes 604 
 
 camtschatica 508 
 paraaita 608, 613 
 parasiticus 612 
 skua 605 
 
 catarractes, 
 Larus 605 
 Lestris 606, 606 
 
 catarrbactes, 
 Lestris 605 
 Stercorarius 605 
 
 Catbird 8, 228 
 
 catesbsei, 
 
 Atricilla 651 
 
 Catbaracta 604, 607 
 ceppbus 616 
 ooprotherea 613 
 parasitica 612 
 skua 605 
 
 catharactes, 
 Lestris 605 
 Stercorarius 605 
 
 catbarraotes, 
 
 Lestris 605 
 Catbarista 
 
 atrata 384 
 
 aura 381 
 
 californiana 384 
 Catbartes 
 
 atratus 383 
 
 aura 379, 384 
 
 brasilieusis 383 
 
 burrovianus 383 
 
 californianus 384 
 
 falklandicus 380 
 
 fcEtens 384 
 
 iota, 3fJ(J, 384 
 
 ruficoUis 380 
 
 septeutrionalis 380 
 
 urubitinga 383 
 
 urubu 384 
 
 vulturinus 384 
 Catbaxtida) 373 
 Catberpes 
 
 conapersus 28 
 
 mexicanus 28 
 catotol, 
 
 Friugilla 117 
 Catoptrojjborus 
 
 semipalmatus 494, 495 
 caiidacuta. 
 
 Anas 562 
 
 Dafila 562 
 
 Daphila 562 
 
 Friugilla 132 
 
 Psarocolius 178 
 
 Querquedula 562 
 oaudata. 
 
 Anas 562 
 
 Mimiis 8 
 
 Pica 211, 212 
 caurinus, 
 
 Corvus 206 
 cay an a, 
 
 Podiceps 726 
 
 Sterna 669 
 
 Thalasseus 669 
 cayanensis, 
 
 Apternus 234 
 
 Falco 367 
 
 Picus 284 
 
 Sylocbelidon 667 
 cayennensis, 
 
 Podiceps 726 
 
 Sterna 669, 671 
 Cecropis 
 
 thalassina 86 
 
 violacea 91 
 Cedar Bird 93, 233 
 cedrorum, 
 
 Ampelis 93 
 
 Bonabycilla 93 
 Celeus 
 
 torquatus 291 
 celata, 
 
 Helinaia 52 [232, 
 
 Helmintbopljaga 52, 
 
 Helmitberus 52 
 
 Sylvia 52 
 
 Sylvicola 52 
 
 Vermivora 52 
 
748 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Ceoplitous 
 
 pileatua 279 
 CeDtrocei'cus 
 
 phasianellus 407 
 
 urophasianus 400 
 Centronyx 
 
 bairdii 125 
 
 ocbrocephalua 125 
 Centropbanes 
 
 calcaratus 120 
 
 lappouicus 120 
 
 ornatus 122 
 
 pictus 121 
 
 smitbii 121 
 Centropelma 726 
 Ceoturus 
 
 carolinensis 296 
 
 caroliDus 289 
 Cepphus 719 
 
 areticus 721 
 
 septeutrionalis 724 
 
 stellatns 724 
 
 torquatus 719 
 cepphue, 
 
 Cataracta 613 
 
 Catbaracta 610 
 
 Lestiie 616 
 
 Stercoraiius 613, 616 
 Cercbiieis 
 
 sparverius 349 
 Cerconectes 
 
 rnbida 585 
 
 spiuosa 585 
 cerflo, 
 
 Hirundo 267 
 Certhia 
 
 albifrons 28 
 
 americana 26 
 
 caroliniana 29 
 
 familiaris 26, 230 
 
 fusca^26 
 
 maciilata 45 
 
 mexicana 27 
 
 palustris 34 
 
 piuus 49 
 
 Yaria 45 
 Certbiidai 26 
 Ceryle 
 
 alcyon 273 
 Cetosparactes 649 
 
 eburneus 649 
 Chsetura 
 
 pelagi-a 267, 268 
 
 pelasffia 267 
 
 vauxii 234, 268 
 Cbalcopbanes 
 
 macronrua 204 
 
 major 204 
 
 puipuratus 203 
 
 quiscalus 203 
 
 virescens 198 
 cbalcopterus, 
 
 Laroides 624 
 
 Larus 624 
 
 Leucns 624 
 chalybea, 
 
 Hirundo 91 
 Cbamaipelia 
 
 albivitta 390 
 
 cai'olinensis 389 
 
 ChamjEpelia 
 
 graDatina 390 
 
 pallescens 390 
 
 paaaerina 390 
 Cbaradrius 
 
 apricariua 449 
 
 aiiratua orientalis 450 
 
 auratua 450 
 
 brevirostris 453 
 
 calidria 492 
 
 cantianua 456 
 
 oinclus 459 
 
 coUaria 453 
 
 craasirostria 456 
 
 dominicua 450 
 
 fulvua 449, 450 
 
 glaucopua 450 
 
 hclveticus 448 
 
 biaticula 453, 455 
 
 bimantopua 462 
 
 hypounelaa 448 
 
 jamaicenais 452 
 
 ioDgipea 450 
 
 longirostria 449 
 
 marmoratua 450 
 
 melodus 455 
 
 mexicanua 462 
 
 iDontanus 456, 457 
 
 okeni 455 
 
 pardela 448 
 
 pectoralia 450 
 
 pluvialis 450 
 
 rubidua 492 
 
 semipalmatna 453 
 
 taitenaia 450 
 
 torquatns 452 
 
 wilsonina 456 
 / virginiarms 450 
 
 virgiaicua 449, 450 
 
 Tociferua 452 
 
 santhocheilua 450 
 Cbat, 
 
 Yellow-breasted 77 
 Cbaulelaamua 
 
 americana 563 
 
 streperua 563 
 Cbauliodua 
 
 etrepera 563 
 Cbeimonea 644 
 
 tridactyla 646 
 Cbelidon 
 
 bicolor 86 
 
 leucogaatra 86 
 
 tbalassina 86 
 
 viridis 86 
 chemungeiiaia, 
 
 CoUyrlo 102 
 Cben 
 
 albatua 549 
 
 byperboreua 549 
 cheriway, 
 
 Aqulla 370 
 
 Faloo 370 
 
 Polyborns 370 
 
 Vultur 370 
 Cherry Bird 93 
 Cbestnut Haugnest 192 
 Cheatnut-backed Chicka- 
 dee 22 [122 
 Chestnut-collared Bunting 
 
 Chestnut-sided Warbler 62 
 
 Chewink 173 
 
 chichitli, 
 
 Strix 309 
 Chickadee, 
 
 Black-capped 20 
 
 Chestnut-backed 22 
 
 Long-tailed 21 
 
 Mountain 22 
 
 White-browed 22 
 Chicken Hawk 334 
 children!, 
 
 Sylvia 54 
 chileuaia, 
 
 Tetanus 496 
 Chimney 
 
 Swallow 234 
 
 Swift 267 
 Chipping Sparrow 148 
 Chionochen 
 
 byperborea 549 
 Chloepbaga 
 
 canagica 558 
 chloripoda. 
 
 Sterna 669 
 Chloroceryle 
 
 alcyon 273 
 Chlorcenas 
 
 fasciata 385 
 
 monilis 385 
 chloroptera, 
 
 Ardea 522 
 cbloropus, 
 
 Totanus 498 
 chloropygius, 
 
 Ehyacopbilua 498 
 
 Totanus 498 
 ohlorura, 
 
 Embernagra 176 
 
 Fringilla 176 
 
 Pipilo 176 
 
 Zonotricbia 176 . 
 
 Chocolate Falcon 361 
 Chocolate-colored Falcon 
 
 361 
 choliba, 
 
 Ephialtes 303 
 Chondestes 
 
 grammaca 159, 234 
 
 strigatus 159 
 Chordeiles 
 
 americanus 263 
 
 braailienais 263 
 
 gundlachii 264 
 
 benryi 264 
 
 minor 264 
 
 popetue 260, 263, 264 
 
 sapiti 263 
 
 texensis 263 
 
 virginianns 263 
 Chro2cocepbalus 650 
 
 atricilla 651 
 
 frauklini 654 
 
 kittlitzii 654 
 
 Philadelphia 656 
 
 subulirostris 654 
 Chroicocephalua 650 
 
 bonapartei 656 
 
 cucullatus 654 
 Chroocephalus 650 
 
INDEX. 
 
 749 
 
 cbrrsacto!*, 
 
 Aqnila 3CiS 
 
 Falio :>C.S 
 
 Pandiou :i6? 
 chrysocephala. 
 
 " Jlotaeilla o9 
 chv.TsoUema, 
 
 AlaaOa ;;r 
 
 Otocory^ oS 
 
 Eiemoiibila 38 
 Chrysoniitria 
 
 aiizonje 117 
 
 colniiibiaua 117 
 
 niacroptria 115 
 
 mtxicaua 117 
 
 r.ai-.a 117 
 
 lunns 115 
 
 psjiltria 116, 117 
 
 tribtis ll(i 
 
 xaDtbogastra 117 
 chrysopbthaliuas, 
 
 Clangula 576 
 chrysops, 
 
 Emberiza 1"JS 
 chrysoptera, 
 
 Hclinaia 49 
 
 Helmiutbopbaga 49 
 
 Helmitherus 49 
 
 Motacilla 49 
 
 bylvia 49 
 
 Syjvicola 49 
 
 Teimivora 49 
 Cinclida; 10 
 Cinclns 
 
 amerieaDus 10 
 
 interpres 459 
 
 mesioaDDs 10, ii9 
 
 iDorinellas 459 
 
 mortoui 10 
 
 palla^ii 10 
 
 towusendii 10 
 
 anicolor 10 
 cini.lus. 
 
 Char.idrins 459 
 
 PeiidDa489.490 
 
 Tringa 4-ii. 490 
 
 ClDCtUS, 
 
 Motacilla 58 
 Cinnamon 
 
 Teal 50? 
 cinerascens, 
 
 ilyiarchos 239 
 
 Pbalaropus 470 
 
 Ebynebops715 
 cinerea, 
 
 Auas 563 
 
 Canutns 491 
 
 Circus :j'28, 329 
 
 Emberiza 139 
 
 Falco 3-27 
 
 Jiineo 143 
 
 Hirando 90 
 
 Earns (jJG. 639 
 
 MelosDiza 139 
 
 PassLR-lla 139 
 
 Phalaropns 470 
 
 Kissa646 
 
 .Scotiaptes SO-? 
 
 Squatarola 443 
 
 Suix 307 
 
 cmerea, 
 
 Sviuiara 307, 303 
 Triiiga 490 
 T\ rannula 239 
 riula 308 
 
 cinereo-caad'itus, 
 Earns 654 
 
 cineru^ns, 
 
 Cueukis '276 
 
 Circaetns 
 
 brasiliensis 371 
 
 circnniciucta, 
 
 JELiialitis 455 
 
 Circus 
 
 a?githns 327 
 americanns 328 
 brasilieusis 370 
 campestris 32- 
 ciuercus 327, 328 
 cyaneus 327, 328 
 europogistu:^ 328 
 gallinarius 3J7 
 bistnouicus 328 
 budsonins 327, 328 
 hyeoialis 355 
 pygargus 327 
 strigiccps 327 
 nliginosns 328 
 Tariugatus 327, 328 
 
 Cirrbocephalus 0.")0 
 
 Cistothoras 
 elegans 36 
 paludicola 35 
 palnstris 34. 35 
 stellaris 36, 231 
 
 citTfea, 
 
 Helmintbopbaga 47 
 ilniotilta 47 
 Motacilla 47 
 Protonotaria 47 
 
 citrinella, 
 S-ylria 54 
 
 citrinus, 
 
 Khimanphns 54 
 
 citripistris, 
 Gavina a39 
 
 Cladoscopns 
 
 nucbalis 286 
 rnber 286 
 tbyroidens 288 
 varins 285 
 williamsoni 288 
 
 clamator. 
 Grus529 
 
 Clamatores 235 
 
 Clangula 
 
 albeola 577 
 americana 576 
 barrovii 577 
 bracbyrbyncba 579 
 chrysopbtbalma 576 
 clangula 576 
 faberi -579 
 glacialis 579 
 glaucion 576 
 bistriouiea ."wS 
 hyemalis 579 
 islandica 577 
 lencomelas 576 
 megauros 579 
 
 Clangula 
 
 musica 579 
 
 peregriiia 576 
 
 scapnlaris .577 
 
 stelieri.'irO 
 
 vulgaris 576 
 clangula, 
 
 Anas 57ti 
 
 Bucephala .570 
 
 Clangula 576 
 
 Fuligula 576, 577 
 
 Claucion 570 
 Clarke's 
 
 Crciw 207 
 
 Grebe 728 
 clarkii, 
 
 JEchmopboms 727 
 
 Podiceps 727 
 Clav-eolored Sparrow 143 
 Cleptts 
 
 budsonicus 211 
 
 nuttallii 212 
 clericus, 
 
 Corvus 205 
 Cliff Swallow -8 
 Clupeilarus 619 
 Clypeata 
 
 bracbyrhyucbns .571 
 
 macrorbyncbus 571 
 
 platyrbyncbns 571 
 
 pomarina 571 
 clypeata, 
 
 Anas 570 
 
 Ebyncluispis -571 
 
 SiuUula .570 
 
 Spatbulea571 
 cobanensis, 
 
 Vireosylvia 97 
 coecineirostiis. 
 
 Sterna 686 
 coccineus. 
 
 Cardinalis 172 
 Coccoborus 
 
 ccemleus 169 
 
 Indovicianns 166 
 
 melanocepbalus 167 
 Coccotbraustes 
 
 bonapartii 104 
 
 canadensis 104 
 
 Indoviciana 166 
 
 melanocepbalus 167 
 
 rubricoUis 166 
 
 Tespertiua 104 
 
 yirgiuiana 172 
 Coccygus 
 
 americanns 276 
 
 dominicus 275 
 
 erytbropbtbalmus 274 
 
 belviventris 270 
 
 julieni 270 
 
 minor 276 
 
 nesiotes 276 
 
 seniculus 2r6 
 Coccystes 
 
 americanns 276 
 
 flavirostris 276 
 Coceyzus 
 
 americanns 275 
 
 bairdii 270 
 
 dominicus 274. 276 
 
75.0 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Coccyzns 
 
 eryllirophtbalmus 274 
 
 minor '476 
 
 pyrrhopteriis 276 
 Cock of the Plaius 400 
 Cock, 
 
 Sage 400 
 coernlea, 
 
 Cnlicivoia 17 
 
 Cyauoloxia 169 
 
 Deiidioeca 56 
 
 Eiiibeiiza 171 
 
 Friugilla 169 
 
 Gouiaphea 160 
 
 Gniraca 169 
 
 Hiruudo 91 
 
 Loxia 169 
 
 Mniotilta 56 
 
 Motacilla 17 
 
 iluscicapa 17 
 
 Polioptila 17 
 
 .Sylvauia 17 
 
 Sylvia 17, 56 
 
 Sylvicola 56 
 
 Warbler 56 
 coeruleicollis, 
 
 Sialia 14 
 coETulescens, 
 
 Ad a 8 £53 
 
 Anser 553 
 
 Dendrceca 55, 56 
 
 Garrulus 219 
 
 Motacilla 55 
 
 Pica 219 
 
 Sylvia 55 
 coernleas, 
 
 Coccoborus 169 
 Colaptes 
 
 auratiis 292 
 
 ayresi 293 
 
 collaris 295 
 
 hybridus293 
 
 mexicanoides 295 
 
 uiexicanus 294, 295 
 
 rubricatus 295 
 
 thyroideus 288 
 collaris, 
 
 Anas 558, 574 
 
 Bernicla 556, 557 
 
 Cbaradrius 453 
 
 Colaptes 295 
 
 Fuligula 574 
 
 Fulix 574 
 
 Larus 661 
 
 Marila 574 
 
 Morinella 459 
 
 Strepsilas 459 
 
 Sturuella 190 
 
 Xema 661 
 Collurio 
 
 borealis 101, 102 
 
 elegans 103 
 
 excnbitoroides 102 
 
 latora 103 
 
 Indovicianus 102, 233 
 
 robustus 103 
 cohibris 
 
 Cyauthus 271 
 
 Jlellisnga 271 
 
 Ornismyia 271 
 
 colubris, 
 
 Trochilus 271 
 Collyrio 
 
 cbeniuDgeDSis 102 
 
 boiealis 102 
 
 clegaiis 103 
 
 excnbitoroides 102 
 Coluniba 
 
 canadensis 387 
 
 carolincnsis 389 
 
 fasciata 385 
 
 hoilotl 387 
 
 indica 387 
 
 leucoptera 387 
 
 marginata 389 
 
 migratoria 387 
 
 minuta 390 
 
 monilis 3^'5 
 
 passerina 390 
 
 trudeau 387 
 Columbaj 385 
 columbarius, 
 
 ^salon 346 
 
 Astur 346 
 
 Falco 345, 346, 348 
 
 Hypotriorcbis 346, 347 
 
 Lithofalco 346 
 
 Nisus 346 
 
 TinuuDculus 346 
 colnmbiancs, 
 
 Astragalinus 117 
 
 Chi-ysomitris 117 
 
 Corvus 207 
 
 Nucifraga 207 
 
 Pediocajtes 407 
 
 Pediocetes 407 
 
 Pbasianus 407 
 
 Picicorvus 207 
 
 Vuitur 384 
 Columbida) 385 
 colurabina. 
 
 Sterna 673 
 Colymbida) 718 
 Colymbus 719, 726, 737 
 
 adamsii 720 
 
 arcticus 721 
 
 atrigularis 720 
 
 auritus 731, 733 
 
 balthicus 721 
 
 borealis 724 
 
 caspicus 732 
 
 cornntus 729 
 
 crista.tus 729 
 
 cucullatus 730 
 
 dominicus 737 
 
 dnplicatus 731 
 
 glaciali8 719, 720 
 
 griseigena 730 
 
 biemalis 720 
 
 ignotus 721 
 
 immer 720 
 
 leucopus 721 
 
 ludovicianus 738 
 
 lumme 724 
 
 macrorbynchus 721 
 
 maximus 720 
 
 megarhynchas 721 
 
 microrbynchus 724 
 
 naevius 730 
 
 nigricans 732 
 
 Colymbus 
 
 nigricollis 733 
 obscuius 732 
 paciticns 721 
 parotis 730 
 podiceps 733 
 rufogularis 724 
 septentrionalis 724 
 steliatus 724 
 striatus 724 
 subcristatus 730 
 torquatns 719, 720 
 urinator 729 
 
 comata, 
 
 Fringilla 157 
 Sterna 571 
 Zonotricbia 157 
 
 Common 
 
 Crow 206 
 Dove 389 
 Kittiwake 645 
 Loon 720 
 Tern 680 
 Wild Goose 553 
 Wild Turkey 391 
 
 communis, 
 
 Accipiter 341 
 Falco 341, 342, 361 
 Otus 304 
 
 CompsotWypis 
 americaua 46 
 protqpotarius 47 
 
 conciliator, 
 Falco 368 
 
 concolor, 
 
 Progne 91 
 
 confinis, 
 
 Poocsetes 129 
 Turdus 1 
 
 conspersus, 
 
 Catherpes 28 
 
 consul, 
 
 Glaucus 621 
 Larus 621 
 
 Contopus 
 
 bogotensis 247 
 borealis 243 
 cooperi '244 
 mesoleucus 244 
 plebeius 247 
 richardsonii 247 
 sordidulus 247 
 veliei 247 
 virens 245, 247 
 
 Conurus 
 
 caroliuensis 296 
 ludovicianus 296 
 
 Cooperastur 
 cooperi 335 
 gundlacbi 335 
 mexicanus 335 
 
 cooperi, 
 
 Accipiter 334, 335 
 Actodromas 491 
 Astur 334, 335 
 Buteo 355 
 Contopus 244 
 Cooperastur 335 
 Falco 334 
 Heteropygia 491 
 
INDEX. 
 
 751 
 
 coopen, 
 
 Muscicapa 244 
 Nisus o;;5 
 Podiceps 730 
 Pyrauga H'2 
 Triugii 491 
 Tyrauuiila 244 
 Ty ran BUS <J44 
 
 Cooper'a 
 
 Hawk 334 
 Sandpiper 491 
 
 Coprotheres C07 
 poiuariaus 608 
 
 coprolberes, 
 
 Catbaracta 613 
 Lestris 612, 613 
 
 corax, 
 
 Corvns 204 
 
 Cormorant, 
 
 Double-crested 588 
 Mexican E89 
 
 Cormorants 588 
 
 comicum, 
 Falco 341 
 
 coruuta, 
 
 Alauda 38 
 Colymbus 729 
 Dytes 731 
 Eremophila 38 
 Otocorya 38 
 Pbileremos 38 
 Podiceps 731 
 
 coronata, 
 
 Cyanocitta 215 
 Cyanocorax 215 
 Cyanogarrulus 215 
 Cyanura 215 
 Cyanurus 215 
 Dcudrceea 57, 232 
 Emberiza 150 
 Gar'rulus 215 
 Mniotilta 58 
 Motacilla 57 
 Pica 215 
 Sylvia 57 
 Sylvicola 57 
 Tardus 70 
 Zonotrichia 159 
 
 corone, 
 
 Cor%'Us 206 
 
 CorvidfB 204 
 
 Corvus 
 
 americanus 206 
 cacalotl 205, 207 
 canadensis 221 
 carnivorus 205 
 caurinus 206 
 clericus 205 
 columl)ianus 207 
 corax 204 
 corone 206 
 oristatus 214 
 cryptoleucus 206 
 ferroensis 205 
 floridanns 206, 219 
 hudsonina 211 
 lencomelaa 205 
 leucopbEBUs 205 
 llttoralis 205 
 Ingubris 205 
 major 205 
 
 Corvus 
 
 ruaximus205 
 
 megonyx 207 
 
 montanns 205 
 
 iiobills <;05 
 
 os8i tragus '207 
 
 palliatus 219 
 
 pica 211 
 
 sinuatus 205 
 
 splendens 205 
 
 stolleri 214 
 
 tbibetanns 205 
 
 ultraiuariiins219 
 
 vociferus 205 
 Corydalina 
 
 bicolor 163 
 Corytbus 
 
 canadensis 104 
 
 enuclcator 104 
 
 splendens 104 
 Cosmonessa i 
 
 histrionica 578 
 
 aponsa 571 
 costaricensis, 
 
 Buteo :!53 
 Coturniculns 
 
 bairdii 125 
 
 lecontei 134 
 
 heuslowi 133 
 
 paaseriuua 131, 132 
 
 perpallidus 132 
 
 tixicrua 132 
 Cotyle 
 
 flu^datilis 90 
 
 microrbyncbus 90 
 
 riparia 89 
 
 serripennis 90 
 Cow-bird 180 
 Cow-blackbird 180 
 Cowpen-bird 180 
 Cowpen Einch 180 
 Crane 
 
 Brown 531 
 
 Sandhill 531 
 
 Wblte 529 
 
 Wbooping 529 
 Cranes 529 
 orassiroatris, 
 
 Bubo 301 
 
 Cbaradrius 456 
 
 Totanua 495 
 
 Tringa 491 
 Craxirex 
 
 borealis 353 
 
 lineatua 355 
 
 swainaoni 356 
 Creagrus 661 
 
 fnrcatus 662 
 crecca. 
 
 Anas 565, 566 
 
 Boacbas 565 
 
 Nettiou 566 
 
 Querquedula 566 
 creccoides, 
 
 Querquedula 566 
 crecia, 
 
 Anas 566 
 Creeper, 
 
 American, 26 
 
 Brown 26, 230 
 Creepers 26 
 
 crepidatus, 
 
 Larua 608 
 
 Lestris 613, 616 
 
 Stercorarius 613 
 crepitans, 
 
 Eallus 534, 535 
 Crested Grebe 729 
 crinlta, 
 
 Muscicapa 233 
 
 Myiarcbus 238, 239 
 
 Myiobins 239 
 
 Myionax 239 
 
 Pyrocepbalus 239 
 
 Tyranuula 239 
 
 Tyranuus 239 
 cristatua, 
 
 Colymbus 729 
 
 Corvus 214 
 
 Cyanocitta 214 
 
 Cyanocorax 214 
 
 Cyanogarrulus 214 
 
 Cyanurus 214 
 
 Garrulus 214 
 
 Lopbaitbyia 729 
 
 Mergus 585 
 
 Muscicapa 239 
 
 Pica 214 
 
 Podicc'iis 729 
 
 Eegulua 17 
 
 Sterna 671 
 
 Tetrao 441 
 Crossbill, 
 
 Eed 109 
 
 Wbite-winged 110 
 Crow-blackbird 203 
 Crow, 
 
 Cassin's 209 
 
 Clarke's 207 
 
 Common 206 
 
 Fish 207 
 Crucirostra 
 
 leucoptera 110 
 Crymoneaaa 
 
 glacialia 579 
 Crymophiins 
 
 rutua 471 
 cryptoleucus, 
 
 Corvus 206 
 
 Progne 91 
 cuhanensis, 
 
 Ortyx 431 
 Cuckoo, 
 
 Black-billed 274 
 
 Yellow-billed 275 
 Cuckoos 274 
 Cuculidai 274 
 cucullatus, 
 
 Chroicocephalus 654 
 
 Colymbus 730 
 
 Larus 654 
 
 Lophodytes 5S5 
 
 Mergus 584, 585 
 
 Muscicapa 78 
 Cuculus 
 
 americanus 275 
 
 auratus 232 
 
 carolineusis 275 
 
 cinerosus 276 
 
 dominicus 275 
 
 douiinicensis 275 
 
 erythropbtbalmus 274 
 
752 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Cuculns 
 
 miuor 276 ■ 
 senicnlas 276 
 
 Culiciyora 
 coorulea 17 
 uiexicaua 17 
 
 cnnicularia, 
 AtLi-uc 322 
 Noctna 321 
 Nyctipetes 321 
 Otus 321 
 Pholeoptynx 322 
 Speotyto'321, 322 
 Suruia 321, 322 
 S fix 321, 322 
 Ulula 321, 322 
 
 cupido, 
 
 Bonasa 419 
 Cupidonia 419, 420 
 Tetrao 419 
 
 Cupidouia 
 
 americana 419 
 cupido 419, 420 
 pallidicinctus 420 
 
 Cureus 
 
 americanus 276 
 
 Curlew, 
 
 Esquimaux 510 
 Hndsouian 509 
 Long-billed 508 
 
 Curlew Saudpiper 491 
 
 cursorins, 
 
 Faleineljus 492 
 
 Curvirostra 
 
 americauii 109 
 leucoptera 110 
 xnexieana 109 
 
 curvirostra, 
 Anas 560 
 Loxia 109 
 
 cuthberti, 
 Anaa 580 
 Soniateria 580 
 
 Cut-water 715 
 
 cnvieri, 
 
 Picus 2S0 
 Eegulus 17 
 
 cyanea, 
 
 Cyanolosia 171 
 Cyanospiza 171 
 Emberiza 171 
 Passerina 171 
 Spiza 171 
 Tanagra 171 
 
 cyaneus, 
 
 Cu-cus 327, 328 
 Buteo 327, 328 
 Falco 327, 328 
 
 cyanella, 
 
 Emberiza 171 
 
 cyaneus, 
 
 Garrulus 219 
 Strigiceps 327 
 
 Cyanocepbalus 
 wiedi 210 
 
 cyanocepbalus, 
 
 Gyinnokitta 209 
 Gymnorhlnus 209 
 Nncifraga 210 
 Psarocolius 199 
 
 cyanocepbalus, 
 
 Psilorbiuus 210 
 
 Scolecophagus 199 
 Cyanocitta 
 
 californica 219 
 
 coronata 215 
 
 cristata 214 
 
 diadeuiii.ta 215 
 
 floridaua 219 
 
 macrolcpba 215 
 
 sumicbrasti 219 
 
 stiUeri 215 
 
 siipercilidsa 219 
 
 woodhousei 219 
 Cyaiiocorax 
 
 californica 219 
 
 cassiui 210 
 
 cristatus 214 
 
 coronatus 215 
 
 florldanus 219 
 
 stelleri 215 
 Cyanoloxja 
 
 coerulea 169 
 
 c.sanea 171 
 Cyanogairulus 
 
 coronatus 215 
 
 cristatus 214 
 
 diadematus 215 
 
 stelleri 215 
 Cyauura (see Cyanurns) 
 C'yanurus 
 
 coronatus 215 
 
 cristatus 214 
 
 diademata 215 
 
 floridanus 219 
 
 frontalis 215 
 
 maerolopba 214, 215 
 
 stelleri ■J14, 215 
 cyanojitera, 
 
 Querquedula 567 
 Cyanopterus 
 
 discors 566 
 
 rafflesi 567 
 cyanopus, 
 
 Larus 639 
 cyanopyrrba, 
 
 Hirundo 85 
 cyanorbynchus, 
 
 Larus 639 
 Cyanospiza 
 
 amoena 170 
 
 cyanea 171 
 Cyanthua 
 
 colubris 271 
 
 tricolor 271 
 cygneus, 
 
 Falco 368 
 Cygninae 544 
 Cygnopsis 
 
 canadensis 554 
 Cygnus 
 
 americanus 545 
 
 bewickii 545 
 
 buccinator 544 
 
 canadensis 553 
 
 ferus 545 
 
 mnsicus 545 
 
 passmorei 544 
 Cypseli 260 
 Cypselidse 265 
 
 Cypseliform Birds 260 
 C'ypseloidcs 
 
 borealis 269 
 Cypselus 
 
 nielan<)lencu8 265 
 
 niger 268 
 
 pelasgius 267 
 
 vauxii 266 
 Cyrtonyx 430 
 
 luasscua 443 
 Cyrtopclicauns 
 
 tracbyrbyucbus 587 
 
 D. 
 
 Dabcbick 738 
 dacnis, 
 
 Sylvia 47 
 Daedalion 
 
 pictum 338 
 Dafila 
 
 acuta 561, 562 
 
 americana 562 
 
 caudacuta 562 
 dalhousei, 
 
 Strix 315 
 danica, 
 
 Somateria 580 
 Daphila 
 
 caudacuta 562 
 dapbcenia, 
 
 Aquila 368 
 dasypus, 
 
 Nyctale 314 
 
 Strix 314 
 delatieldii, 
 
 Tricbas 74 
 delamottei. 
 
 Sterna 704 
 delawarensis, 
 
 Larus 635, 637 
 delicatula, 
 
 Scolopax 475 
 
 Strix 298 ' 
 
 deglanlii, 
 
 Jlelanetta 582 
 
 Oidemia 582 
 Dendragapas 
 
 obscurus 396 
 
 ricbardsoni 400 
 Dendrocopus 
 
 niedianns 282 
 
 meridionalis 282 
 
 pubescens 232 
 Dendrocygna 
 
 arborea 558, 559 
 
 autuninalis 558 
 
 fulva 558 
 
 Tiduata5o9 
 DendrcEca 
 
 aistiva 54, 232 
 
 auduboni 58, 232 
 
 blackburnite 59 
 
 canadensis 56 
 
 castanea 61 
 
 coerulea 233 56 
 
 cojrnlescens 55, 56 
 
 coronata 57, 232 
 
 discolor 63 
 
 dominiea 66, 233 
 
INDEX. 
 
 753 
 
 DendroBca 
 
 ioterDccpliala 62 
 
 kirtliiutlii [specimen of 
 this extiBUiely rare 
 sp. from Hami] ton 
 Co. Oliio, May, 187-2] 
 
 maculosa (v2 
 
 montii.iia 54 ' 
 
 nigresceus 55, 332 
 
 palmamm 67 
 
 penusylvanica 62 
 
 pinns 60, 69 
 
 striata 60 
 
 Buperciliosa 66 
 
 Yariiis 285 
 
 vireus 54 
 Dendroica {see Dendrceca) 
 Dendronessa 
 
 arborea 558 
 
 autuuinalis 558 
 
 fulva 558 
 
 sponsa 572 
 densns, 
 
 Turdus 2 
 dethardingii, 
 
 Scolopax 492 
 diadematae, 
 
 Cyanocitta 215 
 
 Cyanogarrulus 215 
 
 Cyanura 215 
 difBoilis, 
 
 Empidonax 256 
 diloplius, 
 
 Carbo 588 
 
 Graciilus 588 
 
 Pelecauus 588 
 
 Phalacrocorax 588 
 Dipper 10, 229, 579 
 Dipper, 
 
 American 10 
 Dippers 10 
 discolor, 
 
 Dendro3ca 63 
 
 Haliplana 701 
 
 Mniotilta 63 
 
 Rhimauphus 63 
 
 Sylvia C3 
 
 Sylvicola 63 
 discors, 
 
 Anas 566 
 
 Ardea 5'J3 
 
 Bosch as 566 
 
 Cyanopterus 566 
 
 Pterocyauea 566 
 
 Querquedula 566 
 dispar, 
 
 Anas 580 
 
 Fuligula 580 
 
 Pygargus 327 
 
 Stelleria 580 
 Diurnal Birds of Prey 327 
 Diver, 
 
 Black- throated 722 
 Paciiic 722 
 Red-throated 724 
 Diving Birds 718 
 doliata, 
 
 Strix 311 
 
 48 
 
 Dolychonyx 
 
 a.gripeunis 178 
 
 albiuucha 178 
 
 bicolor 163 
 
 oryzivoras 178 
 domestica, 
 
 Anas 560 
 
 Boschas 560 
 
 Sylvia Si 
 Dominicauus 619 
 
 marinus 625 
 domiuica, 
 
 Anas 583 
 
 Biziura 583 
 
 Charadrius 450 
 
 Coccygus 275 
 
 Coccyzus 274, 276 
 
 Colymbus 737 
 
 Cuculus 275 
 
 Dendrceca 66, 233 
 
 Erismatura 583 
 
 Fnligula 583 
 
 Motacilla 66 
 
 Piaya 275 
 
 Podiceps 737 
 
 Svlbeocyclus 737 
 
 T'achybapte^737 
 domiuicensis,, 
 
 Cuculus 275 
 
 Tringa 486 
 dorsalis, 
 
 Junco 143 
 
 Picoides 285 
 
 Picas 285 
 
 Tridactylia 285 
 
 Tringa 484 [588 
 
 Doable-crested Cormorant 
 dougalli, 
 
 Hydrocecropis 688 
 
 Sterna 688 
 
 Thalassaia 688 
 douglassii, 
 
 Hemipalama 480 
 
 Sterna 688 
 
 Tringa 480 
 Dove, 
 
 Carolina 389 
 
 Common 389 
 Downy Woodpeclier 282 
 dresseri, 
 
 Somateria 581 
 drammondii, 
 
 Gallinago 475 
 
 Scolopax 475 
 Dryobates 
 
 gairdueri 283 
 
 harrisii 280 
 
 homorus 283 
 
 hyloscopus 280 
 
 jardinei 280 
 
 leuconielas 279 
 
 piibescens 282 
 
 turati 283 
 
 villosas 279 
 Dryocopas 
 
 pileatus 278 
 Dryopicus 
 
 pileatus 278 
 
 Dryotomns 
 
 pileatus 278 
 dubius, 
 
 Falco 334 
 Duck, 
 
 Big Black-head 573 
 
 Black 560 
 
 Blue-bill 573 
 
 Broad-bill 573 
 
 Canvas-back 575 
 
 Dusky 560 
 
 Fishing 583, 584 
 
 Greater Scaup 573 
 
 Harlequin 578 
 
 Little Black-head 573 
 
 Eiug-necked 574 
 
 Ruddy 583 
 
 Shuffler 573 
 
 Spirit 577 
 
 Spoon-bill 570 
 
 Summer 571 
 
 Wood 571 
 Duck Hawk 341 
 Ducks 544 
 Ducks, 
 
 River 559 
 
 Sea 573 
 dumicola, 
 
 Icteria 77 
 Dunlin, 
 
 American 489 
 duplicatus, 
 
 Colymbas 731 
 Dusky Duck 560 
 
 Grouse 395 
 Dysornithia 
 
 canadensis 221 
 Dytes 726 
 
 cornutus 731 
 
 E. 
 
 Eagle, 
 
 Bald 369 
 
 Black 368 
 
 Black-backed 368 
 
 Calumet 868 
 
 Golden 368 
 
 Ring-tailed 368 
 
 Royal 368 
 
 White 368 
 
 AVhite-headed 369 
 
 AVhite-tailed 368 
 Eastern Bluebird 13 
 
 Snow-bird 141 
 Eave Swallow 88 
 eburneas, 
 
 Cetosparactes 649' 
 
 Gavia 649 
 
 Larus 649 
 
 Pagophila 649 
 Eotopistes 
 
 carolinensis 389 
 
 marginata 389 
 
 marginellus 389 
 
 migratoria 381 
 Egret, 
 
 Great White 519 
 
 Little White 521 
 
754 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Egret ta 
 
 caDdidissima 521 
 
 leuce 519 
 
 nivia 521 
 
 virescens 522 
 egretta, 
 
 Ardea 519 
 
 Herodias 519 
 Elanoides 
 
 furcatns 332 
 
 yetapa 332 
 Elanus 
 
 farcatus 332 
 elata, 
 
 Glaucidium 317 
 
 Strix 317 
 elegans, 
 
 Aram us 534 
 
 Butco 355 
 
 Cistothorns 36 
 
 CoUurio 103 
 
 Collyrio 103 
 
 Lanins 103 
 
 Pardiiallus 534 
 
 Progne 91 
 
 Eallns 534 
 
 Steroa 671 
 
 Thalassens 671 
 Elegant Tern 671 
 Emberiza 
 
 americana 164 
 
 atnttua 170 
 
 arctica 128 
 
 atricapilla 59 
 
 liairdii 125 
 
 belli i 234 
 
 bilineata 234 
 
 canadensis 146 
 
 chrysops 12ri 
 
 cinerea 139 
 
 ccerulea 171 
 
 coronata 159 
 
 cyanea 171 
 
 cyanella 171 
 
 erythrophthalmus 173 
 
 glacialis 118 
 
 graniinea 129 
 
 grammaca 159 
 
 henslowi 133 
 
 hyemalis 141 
 
 lappoaLca 120 
 
 leoontii 134 
 
 lencophrys 154 
 
 mexicana 165 
 
 montaua 118 
 
 niustelina 118 
 
 nivalis 118 
 
 ornata 122 
 
 oryzivora 178 
 
 pallida 14-^. 151 
 
 passerina 131 
 
 pecoris 180 
 
 picta 121 
 
 pratensis 161 
 
 pusilla 148 
 
 rufina 139, 162 
 
 sandvicensis 128 
 
 sandwicliensis 128 
 
 savanna 127 
 
 shattnckii 149 
 
 Emberiza 
 
 smithii 121 
 
 socialis 148 
 emberizoides, 
 
 Icterus 180 
 Embernagra 
 
 blandingiana 176 
 
 chlorura 176 
 Empidias 
 
 fuscus 241 
 Empidonax 
 
 acadicus 247 
 
 difflcilis 256 
 
 flaviventris 255 
 
 fulvifrons 259 
 
 hammondii 257 
 
 hypoxanthns 256 
 
 minimus 254 
 
 obscurus 258 
 
 pallescens 259 
 
 pusillus 249, 252 
 
 pygniEens 259 
 
 rnbicundns259 
 
 traillii 252 
 
 Tvrightii 258 
 enano, 
 
 Scops 304 
 Enicocichla 
 
 aurocapilla 70 
 Eniconetta 
 
 stfelleri 580 
 enucleator, 
 
 Corvthus 104 
 
 Fringilla 104 
 
 Loxia 104 
 
 Pinicola 104 
 
 Pyrrhula 104 
 
 Strobilophaga 104 
 Epbialtes 
 
 asio 303 
 
 choliba 303 
 
 ocreata 303 
 eques, 
 
 Motacilla 46 
 Eremopbila 
 
 alpestris 37, 38, 231 
 
 cbrysolaema 38, 231 
 
 cornuta 36 
 
 leucolsema 38 
 
 peregrima 38 
 Erennetes 
 
 himantopns 480 
 
 occidentalis 481 
 
 petrificatus 481 
 
 pusillus 481 
 
 semipalmata 481 
 Erismatura 
 
 dominioa 583 
 
 ortygoides 583 
 
 rubida 583 
 
 spinosa 583 
 erminea, 
 
 Nyctea 310 
 
 Strix 310 
 Erolia 
 
 snbarquata 492 
 
 varicgata 492 
 Erythaca 
 
 arctica 14 
 
 wilsoni 13 
 
 erythrauchen, 
 
 Picus 289 
 erytbrocepbala, 
 
 Aytbya 575 
 
 Melauerjies 290 
 
 Nyroca 575 
 
 Picns 290 
 erythrogpster, 
 
 Hirundo 85 
 erytbromclis, 
 
 Pyranga 82 
 Erytbropbrys 
 
 amcricanus 276 
 
 carolinensis 275 
 
 erythrophtbalmus 274 
 
 seniculus 276 
 erytbrophtbolmus, 
 
 Coccygus 274 
 
 Coccyzua 274 
 
 Cuculus 274 
 
 Emberiza 173 
 
 Erytbropbrys 274 
 
 Fringilla 173 
 
 Piaya 274 
 
 Pipilo 173, 175 
 erytbropis, 
 
 Pyranga 83 
 erythropus. 
 
 Anas 558 
 
 Anser 546, 547 
 
 Bernicla 558 
 erytbrorbynchus, 
 
 Sterna 669 
 
 Pelecanus 587 
 Erythrospiza 
 
 frontalis 107, 108 
 
 purpurea 106 
 
 tepbrocotis 111 
 Esquimaux Curlew 510 
 Eudites 719 
 
 glacialis 719 
 Eudromiiis 
 
 montanus 456, 457 
 Eudytes 719 
 
 arcticus 721 
 
 glacialis 719 
 
 septentrionalis 724 
 Euliga 
 
 bartramla 503 
 europseus, 
 
 Brachyotus 306 
 
 Caprimulgus 260 
 
 Nyctea 310 
 
 Otus 304 
 
 Pica 211 
 
 Sitta 23 
 
 Troglodytes 33 
 europogistus, 
 
 Circus 328 
 
 Falco 328 
 Euspina 
 
 americana 165 
 Euspiza 
 
 americana 164, 165 
 
 arctica 128 
 Eutblypis 
 
 canadensis 80 
 Evening Grosbeak 104 
 evura, 
 
 Spizella 151 
 
INDEX. 
 
 755 
 
 Exanthemops 
 
 rossi 553 
 excubitor, 
 
 Lanius 101 
 excnbitoroides, 
 
 CoUurio 103 
 
 Collyrio 102 
 
 Lanius 102 
 oxilipes, 
 
 iEgiothus 115 
 exilis, 
 
 Ardea 528 
 
 Ardeola 528 
 
 Ardetta 528 
 
 Bator 528 
 
 F. 
 
 faberi, 
 
 Clangula 579 
 fabricii, 
 
 Larus 625 
 Falcinellns 
 
 cnraorius 492 
 
 ordii 517 
 falcinellna, 
 
 Ibis 517 
 
 Trynga 492 
 falcirostra, 
 
 Loxia 110 
 Fa] CO 
 
 abictinus 341 
 ffirngiiiosus 328 
 
 ffisalon 347 
 
 albicans 327 
 , albidus 328 
 
 albns 368 
 
 americanus 368 
 
 anatum 341, 342 
 
 aqnila 368 
 
 aquilinus 353 
 
 arundinaccns 367 
 
 atricapillus 338 
 
 auduboni 346 
 
 bohemicus 327 
 
 borealis 352 
 
 brasiliensis 370 
 
 buffonii 328 
 
 buteo 353, 355 
 
 buteoides 355 
 
 cajsius 328 
 
 oalidus 341 
 
 canadensis 368 
 
 capensis 342 
 
 carolinensis 367 
 
 caseini 342 
 
 cayauensis 367 
 
 cheriway 370 
 
 cbrysjBtos 368 
 
 oinereua 327 
 
 columbarius 345, 346, 348 
 
 communis 341, 342, 361 
 
 conciliator 368 
 
 cooperi 334 
 
 cornicum 341 
 
 cyaneus 327, 328 
 
 cygneus 368 
 
 dubius 334 
 
 europogistus 328 
 
 forficatus 332 
 
 Falco 
 
 fulvus 368 
 furoatus 332 
 fuscus 333 
 gentilia 341 
 glauocis 328 
 griseus 327 
 griseiventris 341 
 haliaetus 367 
 barlani 352 
 histrionicus 328 
 budsonius 327 _ 
 byemalis 328, 355 
 intermixtuB 346 
 jamaioensis 353 
 lagopus 361 
 laniariu^ 339^ 
 Jatissimus 360 
 leucocephalus 361, 369 
 leverianus 353 
 liueatua 354 
 litbotalco346, 348 
 lunulatus 341 
 niacropus 341 
 macrourus 327 
 njelauaetos 368 
 melanogenys 341 
 melanouotus 368 
 mexicanus 339 
 micrurua 341 
 minor 342 
 montanua 327 
 
 I18Bviu8 341 
 
 Diger 341, 361, 368 
 nigriceps 342 
 obsoletus 355 
 orien talis 341 
 oaaifragus 370 
 palumbarius 338 
 pealei 342 
 pennatus 361 
 pennsylvanicus 334, '60 
 peregrinoidea 342 
 peregrinus 341, 342 
 picatns 328 
 pinetariue 341 
 plaucus 370 
 plumipea 361 
 polyagrus 339 
 pygargua 327, 370 
 ranivorua 327, 328 
 regalia 338 
 ricbardaoni 347, 348 
 rubiginosus 327 
 sancti-jobannis 361 
 solavonicns 361 
 spadiceus 361 
 sparverius 349 
 stauleyi 335 
 strigiceps 327 
 subccBruleus 328 
 suckleyi 346 
 tartaricus 341 
 temerarius 346 
 tharus 370 
 uliginosus 328 
 Tariegatus 328 
 TeJox 334 
 
 "wasbingtonianus 370 
 wasbingtouii 370 
 
 Faloo 
 
 wilaoni 360 
 falco, 
 
 Accipiter 367 
 Falcon, 
 
 Cbocolate 361 
 
 Chocolate-colored 361 
 
 Peregrine 341 
 
 Placentia 361 
 
 Prairie 339 
 
 Eougb-legged 36 
 Falconidas 327 
 falklandious, 
 
 Cathartes 380 
 faUax, 
 
 Melospiza 139 
 familiaris, 
 
 Carpodacus 107 
 
 Certbia 26^230 
 faroensis, 
 
 Somateria 580 
 fasciata, 
 
 Cblorfenas 385 
 
 Columba 385 
 
 Friugilla 138 
 
 Pandion 367 
 
 Picoides 285 
 
 TsBuioena 385 
 
 Zouotrichia 139 
 fedoa, 
 
 Limoaa 492, 493 
 
 Limicula 492 
 
 Scolopax 492 
 Felivox 
 
 carolinensis 9 
 felivox, 
 
 Mimua 9 
 
 Orpheus 9 
 
 Tardus 9 
 fera, 
 
 Anas 560 
 
 Cygnus 545 
 
 Meleagris 391 
 feriua, 
 
 Anas 575 
 
 Aytbya 575 
 
 Fub^ula 575 
 
 Nyroca 575 
 fernaadica, 
 
 Strix 309 
 ferroenais, 
 
 Corvus 205 
 ferrugineicaudus, 
 
 Buteo 353 
 ferrugineicollis, 
 
 Scolopax 477 
 Ferrugineous Buzzard 363 
 ferrugineus, 
 
 Arebibuteo 361, 363 
 
 Athene 318 
 
 Buteo 361, 364 
 
 Glaucidinm 318 
 
 Gracula 198 
 
 Fringilla 161 
 
 Lagopus 363 
 
 Noctua 318 
 
 Numenius 492 
 
 Oriolus 198 
 
 Quiacalus 198 
 
 Soolecopbagus 198, 199 
 
756 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 fermgineus, 
 Strix 318 
 
 Surnia 318 
 
 Triuga 491, 492 
 Pioednla 
 
 ludoviciana 46 
 
 trichas 74 
 Field Lark 190 
 
 Sparrow 148 
 fimbriatiis, 
 
 Phalaropus 467 
 Finch, 
 
 Blanding's 176 
 
 Cassin's Pine 140 
 
 Cowpen 180 
 
 Grass 129 
 
 Gray-crovrned 111 
 
 Green-tailed 176 
 
 Larli 159, 234 
 
 I.aznli 17U 
 
 Purple 106 
 Finches, etc. 104 
 Firebird 193 
 fischeri, 
 
 Arctonetta 580 
 
 Fnligula 580 
 
 Lampronetta 580 
 
 Soniateria 580 
 Fish Hawk 367 
 Fishing Iiuck 583, 584 
 tissipes, 
 
 Hydrochelidon 704, 705 
 
 Sttrna 704, 705, 708 
 listularis, 
 
 Anas 5C5 
 
 Jlareca 565 
 flammeola,. 
 
 Scops 304 
 fiammeus, 
 
 Aluco 298 
 
 Strix 298, 299 
 
 Ulula 296 
 flavicauda, 
 
 Motacilla 81 
 flavicollis, 
 
 FrJngilla 165 
 
 Motacilla 66 
 
 Sylvia 66 
 flavifrons, 
 
 Lanivireo 98 
 
 Motacilla 49 
 
 Sylvia 49 
 
 Vireo 98 
 
 Vireosylvia 98 
 flavipes, 
 
 Gambetta 497 
 
 Scolopax 437 
 
 Totanus497 
 ilavirostris, 
 
 Coccystes 276 
 flaviventris, 
 
 Einpidonax 255 
 
 Muscicapa 255 
 
 Picus 286 
 
 Tyraunula 255 
 flavus, 
 
 Icterns 193 
 
 Sylvia 54 
 
 Xanthornus 193 
 
 Flicker 292 
 
 Mexican 294 
 floridana, 
 
 Aphelocoma 219 
 
 Corvus 206, 219 
 
 Cyanocitta 219 
 
 Cyanocorax 219 
 
 Cvanurus 219 
 
 Garrnlus 219 
 
 Graculus 588, 589 
 
 Ortyx 431 
 
 Phalacrocorax 588 
 
 Scops 303 
 fluvialis, 
 
 Pandion 367 
 
 Triorches 367 
 fluviatilis, 
 
 Cotyle 90 
 
 Slerna680 
 Flycatcher, 
 
 Acadian 249 
 
 Arkansas 236 
 
 Ash-throated 239 
 
 Cassin's 238 
 
 Gray 258 
 
 Great-crested 238 
 
 Green Bl'k-capped 232 
 
 Hammond's 257 
 
 Least 254 
 
 Olive-sided 243 
 
 Pewit 241 
 
 Say's 240 
 
 Small Gr'n-crested 249 
 
 Swallow-tailed 235 
 
 Traill's 252 
 
 Wright's 258 
 
 YeUow-bellied 255 
 Flycatchers, 
 
 American 235 
 fcetens, 
 
 Cathartes 384 
 forfieatus, 
 
 Falco 332 
 
 Milvulus 235 
 
 Muscicapa 235 
 
 Nauclerus 332 
 
 Tvrunuus 235 
 Fork-tailed Gull 661 
 formosus, 
 
 Myiodioctes 73 
 
 Oporornis 73 
 
 Sylvania 73 
 
 Sylvia 73 
 
 Sylvicola 73 
 
 Trichas 73 
 forsteri. 
 
 Sterna 676 
 Forster's Tern 676 
 Fox Sparrow 160 
 frauklini, 
 
 Canace 394 
 
 Chroecocephalus 654 
 
 Gavia 654 
 
 Larus 654 
 
 Melagavia 654 
 
 Tetrao 394 
 
 Xema 654 
 Franklin's 
 
 Rosy Gull 654 
 
 Franklin's 
 
 Spruce Grouse 394 
 frater, 
 
 Anous 710 
 fraterculus, 
 
 Grus 531 
 frenata. 
 
 Anas 574 
 Icterus 188 
 
 Marila 573 
 
 Phalaropus 467 
 Sterna 692, 705 
 Sternula C'J2 
 Fresh-water Marsh Hen 534 
 freti-hudsouis, 
 
 Accipiter 327 
 
 Ardea 523 
 
 Botaurus 523 
 
 Strix 311, 319 
 freycineti, 
 
 Anas 560 
 Fringilla 
 
 albicoUis 157 
 
 ambigua 180 
 
 americana 164, 165 
 
 amcena 170 
 
 arborea 146 
 
 arctica 128, 175 
 
 atrata 142 
 
 atricapilla 159 
 
 aurocapilla 159 
 
 bicolor 163 
 
 blandingiana 176 
 
 borealis 114, 115 
 
 calcarata 120 
 
 canadensis 146 
 
 cardinalis 172 
 
 catotol 117 
 
 caudaciita 132 
 
 chlorura 176 
 
 cinerea 139 
 
 ccerulea 169 
 
 coraata ir)7 
 
 enocleator 104 
 
 erythrophthalmus 173 
 
 fasciata 138 
 
 ferruginea 161 
 
 flavicollis 165 
 
 frontalis 107, 108 
 
 gambeli 156 
 
 georgiana 137 
 
 grammaca 159 
 
 grammmea 129 
 
 griseinucha 111 
 
 guttata 139 
 
 hifimorrhoa 108 
 
 harrisii 157 
 
 heuslowi 133 
 
 hudsonia 141, 142 
 
 hyemalia 141 
 
 iliaca 160 
 
 juncorura 148 
 
 lapponica 120 
 
 leucophrys 154 
 
 lincolnii 135 
 
 ludoviciana 166 
 
 melanocephala 167 
 
 melanoxantha 117 
 
 melodia 138 
 
INDEX. 
 
 757 
 
 Fringilla 
 
 meruloides 162 
 
 montana 146 
 
 montioola 146 
 
 nivalis 141 , 
 
 oregona 142 
 
 palustris 137 
 
 passerina 131 
 
 pecoris 180 
 
 pennsy Ivanioa. 151 
 
 pinus 115 
 
 psaltria 116 
 
 punicea 166 
 
 purpurea 106 
 
 pusilla 148 
 
 querula 157 
 
 rufa 161 
 
 savanna 127 
 
 savaunarum 132 
 
 socialis 148 
 
 tephrocotis 111 
 
 texensis 117 
 
 townsendii 162 
 
 tristis 116 
 
 unalaskeusis 162 
 
 vespertina 104 
 
 virgiuiana 180 
 
 xauthomaschalis 167 
 Fringillidae 104 
 frobeeni, 
 
 Sterna 675 
 frontalis, 
 
 Anser 547 
 
 Carpodaous 107, 108 
 
 Cyanura.215 
 
 Erythrospiza 107, 108 
 
 Fringilla 107 
 
 Pyrrhula 107, 108 
 
 Strix 315 
 fnlgidus, 
 
 Quiscalus 203 
 fulicaria, 
 
 Tringa 471 
 fulicarius, 
 
 Phalaropus 471 
 fuliginosa, 
 
 Anas 582 
 
 Buteo 356 
 
 Canace 396 
 
 Haliplana 698 
 
 Haliplanes 698 
 
 Hydrochelidon 698 
 
 Lams 644 
 
 Onychoprion 698 
 
 Sterna 698 
 
 Strix 308 
 Fuligula 
 
 alHuis 573 
 
 albeola 577 
 
 americaua 575, 581 
 
 barrovii 577 
 
 bimaonlata 582 
 
 clangula 576,577 
 
 collaris 574 
 
 dispar 580 
 
 dominica 583 
 ferina 575 
 fisoheri 580 
 falva 557 
 fusca 582 
 
 Fuligula 
 
 gesneri 573 
 
 glacialis 579 
 
 histrionica 578 
 
 islandica 577 
 
 labradora 579 
 
 marila 573 
 
 minor 574 
 
 mollissima 580 
 
 nigra 581 
 
 perspicillata 582 
 
 rubida 583 
 
 rufitorques 574 
 
 spectabilis 581 
 
 stelleri 580 
 
 vallisneria 575 
 
 viola 560 
 fuligula, 
 
 Anas 574 
 FuliguliuEe 573 
 Fulix 
 
 affiuis 573 
 
 collaris 574 
 
 marila 573 
 fulva. 
 
 Anas 558 
 
 Aqnila 36S 
 
 Buteo 353 
 
 Charadrius 449, 450 
 
 Dendrocygna 558 
 
 Dendronessa 558 
 
 Falco 368 
 
 Fuligula 558 
 
 Herse 88 
 
 Hirundo 88 
 
 Pluvialis 449 
 
 Rhyncbops715 
 
 Troglodytes 32 
 fulvescens, 
 
 Syrnium 309 
 fulvicapilla, 
 
 Vermivora 48 
 fulvifrons, 
 
 Empidonax 259 
 
 Mitrephorus 259 
 
 Muscicapa 259 
 fulvigula, 
 
 Anas 561 
 fulvus americanus, 
 
 Pluvialis 450 
 funerea, 
 
 Noctua 311, 312 
 
 Nyctale 314 
 
 Strix 311, 314 
 
 Surnia 311, 312 
 furcatus, 
 
 Creagrus 662 
 
 Elaiioides 332 
 
 Elanus 332 
 
 Falco 332 
 
 Larus 662 
 
 Milvus 332 
 
 Nauclerus 332 
 
 Progne 91 
 
 Strix 290 
 
 Sema 662 
 furvus, 
 
 Troglodytes 32 
 fuscescens, 
 
 ^giothus 114 
 
 fuscescens, 
 
 Turdus 5, 228 
 fuscicollis, 
 
 Actodromus 482 
 
 Tringa 482, 487 
 fuscocapillus, 
 
 Totanus 497 
 fuscus, 
 
 Acoipiter 333 
 
 Anas 581, 582 
 
 Astur 334, 355 
 
 Aulanax 241 
 
 Buteo 355 
 
 Catarracta 605 
 
 Empidias 241 
 
 Falco 333 
 
 Fuligula 582 
 
 Garrulus 221 
 
 Grus 531 
 
 Larus 605, 626 
 
 Melanitta 581 
 
 Muscicapa 241 
 
 Myiarchua 241 
 
 Nisus 334 
 
 (Edemia 581 
 
 Oidemia 582 
 
 Oriolus 180 
 
 Pbalaropus 470 
 
 Pipilo 274 
 
 Pyrocephalus 241 
 
 Sayornis 241 
 
 Tetrao 394 
 
 Tringa 470 
 
 Turtur 387 
 
 Tyranuula 241 
 
 Tyrannus 241 
 
 G. 
 
 Gabianus 619 
 Gadwall 563 
 gairdneri, 
 
 Dryobates 283 
 
 Picus 2S2. 283 
 
 Trichopicus 283 
 galapagoensis, 
 
 Asio 307 
 
 Bracliyotus 307 
 
 Otus 307 
 galbiila, 
 
 Picus 286 
 
 [Coracias, i., S. Nat. i, 
 1758, 108, = Icterus 
 galbula n.] 193 
 Galeoscoptes 
 
 carolinensis 9 
 galerioulata. 
 
 Sterna 671 
 
 Thalasseus 669, 671 
 Gallinai 391 
 Gallinago 
 
 brebml 475 
 
 drummondii 475 
 
 gallinaria 475 
 
 wilsoni 475 
 gallinago, 
 
 Scolopax 475 
 gallinarius. 
 
 Circus 327 
 
 Gallinago 475 
 
7.58 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 gallopavo, 
 
 Meleagris 391 
 gambeli 
 
 Anser 456, 457 
 
 Callipepla 432 
 
 Fringilla 156 
 
 Lophortyx 432 
 
 Zouotrichia 156 
 Gambetta 
 
 flavipes 497 
 
 melanoleuca 496 
 gardeni, 
 
 Ardea 523 
 
 Nyctiardea 523 
 
 Nycticorax 523 
 Garrot 576 
 Carrot, 
 
 Golden Eyo 576 
 
 Rocky Mountain 577 
 Garrulinae 211 
 Garrnlus 
 
 bracliyrhynclins 221 
 
 californicus 219 
 
 canadensis 221 
 
 cceruleaoens 219 
 
 coronatus 215 
 
 cristatus 214 
 
 cyanens 219 
 
 floridanus 219 
 
 fuscus 221 
 
 stelleri 215 
 
 ultramarinus 219 
 garrulus, 
 
 Ampelis 91, 93 
 
 Bombycilla 92 
 
 Lanius 91 
 Garzetta 
 
 candidissima 521 
 Gavia 619, 644, 649, 650, 651 
 
 atricilla 651 
 
 bonapavtei 656 
 
 eburnea 649 
 
 t'ranklini 654 
 
 leucoceps 710 
 
 nivea 649 
 
 sabinei 661 
 
 tridactyla 646 
 gavia. 
 
 Lams 646 
 Gavina 
 
 bruchii 637 
 
 caua 639 
 
 citi'irostris 639 
 
 heinei 637 
 
 zonorhyncha 637 
 Geese 544, 546 
 Gelocbelidon 663 
 
 agraria 664 
 
 auglica 664 
 
 aranea 664 
 
 baltbica 664 
 
 havelli ti/G 
 
 meridionalis 664 
 
 palustris 664 
 gentilis, 
 
 Falco 341 
 Geococcys 
 
 calitbrnianus 274 
 Geopicns 
 
 auratus 293 
 
 Geopicns 
 
 mexicanoides 295 
 
 mexicanus 295 
 
 rubricatuB 295 
 georgiana, 
 
 Ammodromns 137 
 
 Fringilla 137 
 georgica, 
 
 Tringa 482 
 Geotblypis 
 
 macgillivrayi 75, 232 
 
 pbiladelpbia 75 
 
 trichas 74, 232 
 germanica. 
 
 Pica 211 
 gesneri, 
 
 Fuligula 573 
 giganteus, 
 
 Larns 621 
 gilva, 
 
 Mnscicapa 97 
 
 Vireo 97 
 
 Vireosylvia 98 
 glacialis, 
 
 Amblyrhynchns 467 
 
 Anas 579 
 
 Clangnla 579 
 
 Colymbus 719, 720 
 
 Crymonessa 579 
 
 Emberiza 118 
 
 Fuligula 579 
 
 Glaucus 621 
 
 Harelda 579 
 
 Laroides 621 
 
 Larus 621 
 
 Pagonetta 579 
 
 Platypus 579 
 
 Pbalaropus 467 
 
 Tringa 467 
 glareola, 
 
 Totanns 498 
 glaucescens, 
 
 Glaucus 624 
 
 Laroides 624 
 
 Larus 623 
 
 Leucus 624 
 Glaucidium 
 
 californicum 318 
 
 elatura 317 
 
 ferrugineum 318 
 
 gnoma 318 
 
 infuscatuni 318 
 
 passerinum 317, 318 
 Glauciou 
 
 clangnla 576 
 glaucion. 
 
 Anas 576 
 
 Clangnla 576 
 glaucogaster, 
 
 Bernicla 556, 557 
 glaucoides, 
 
 Laroides 623 
 
 Larus 623 
 glaucopterus, 
 
 Charadrius 450 
 
 Larus 624 
 Glaucous Gull 621 
 Glaucous-winged Gull 623 
 Glaucus 
 
 argentatoides 626 
 
 Glaucus 
 
 argeutatns 626 
 
 cauus 639 
 
 consul 621 
 
 glacialis 621 
 
 glaucescens 624 
 
 leucophsBUS 627 
 
 leucopterus 623 
 
 michabi'Uesi 627 
 
 occidentalis 627 
 
 zonorbynchus 637 
 glaucus, 
 
 Falco 328 
 
 Laroides 621 
 
 Larus 626 
 
 Leucus 621 
 
 Plautus 621 
 Glossy Ibis 517 
 Glottis 
 
 semipalmata 495 
 Gnat-catcher, . 
 
 Blue-gray 17 
 gnoma, 
 
 Glaucidium 318 
 Goatsuckers 260 
 Godwit, 
 
 Black- tailed 494 
 
 Great Marbled 492 
 
 Hudsonian 494 
 Golden 
 
 Eagle 368 
 
 Eobin 193 
 
 Warbler 54 
 Golden-crested Kinglet 16 
 Golden-crowned Thrush 70 
 Golden-eye 576 
 Golden-eye, 
 
 Barrow's 577 
 
 Eocky Mountain 577 
 Golden-winged 
 
 Blue Warbler 49 
 
 Woodpecker 292 
 Goldfinch, 
 
 American 115 
 
 Arkansas 116 
 Goniapbea 
 
 ccerulea 169 
 
 ludoviciana 166 
 
 melanocephala 167 
 Goosander 583 
 Goose, 
 
 Blue 553 
 
 Brant 556 
 
 Canada 553 
 
 Common 553 
 
 Gambel's 546 
 
 Koss's 553 
 
 Snow 548, 549 
 
 White-fronted 546 
 
 Wild 553 
 Goshawk, 
 
 American 338 
 gossi, 
 
 Seiurus 71 
 gouldii, 
 
 Melospiza 139 
 
 Pandion 367 
 
 Sterna 698 
 Goura 
 
 passerina 390 
 
INDEX. 
 
 759 
 
 gracilis, 
 
 Otus 304 
 
 Ti'inga 491 IBart, 1874, 
 nee Miliie-Ed.2 
 Grackle, 
 
 Blue-headed 199 
 Purple 203 
 Kusty 198 
 Gracula 
 
 barita 203, 204 
 forruginea 198 
 purpurea '-'03 
 qniscala 198, 203, 504 
 Graculus 
 
 dilophus 588 
 floridanus 588, 529 
 mesicanus 589 
 graculus, 
 
 Carbo 589 
 grail aria, 
 
 Strix 322 
 Grallatores 448 
 grammaca, 
 
 Cbondestes 159, 234 
 Emberiza 159 
 PriDgiUa 159 
 graminea, 
 
 Fringilla 129 
 Emberiza l'-'9 
 Pooecetes 189 
 Zouotrichia 129 
 granatina, 
 
 Chamaepelia 390 
 Grass 
 
 Finch 129 
 Suipe 486 
 Gray [55 
 
 Black-throated Warbler 
 Duck 563 
 Flycatcher 258 
 Plover 449 
 Ruffed Grouse 425 
 Snipe 476 
 Gray-crowned Finch 111 
 Gray-headed Snowbird 143 
 Great 
 
 Black-backed Gull 625 
 Blue Heron 517 
 Carolina Wren 29 
 Gray Owl 307 
 Horned Owl 300 
 Marbled Godwit 492 
 Northern Loon 719 
 "White EgreU 519 
 White Owl 309 
 Great-crested 
 
 Flycatcher 238 
 Greater 
 
 Scaup Duck 573 
 Telltale 496 
 Yellowshanks 496 
 Grebe, 
 
 American Eared 733 
 Clarke's 728 
 Crested 729 
 Eared 733 
 Homed 731 
 Pied-billed 738 
 Eed-necked 730 
 St. Domingo 737 
 
 Grebe, 
 
 Western 727 
 Green [er 232 
 
 Bl'k-capped Flycatch- 
 Black-tliroated Warb- 
 ler 54 
 Heron 522 
 Greenlets 96 
 Green-tailed Finch 176 
 Green-winged Teal 565 
 grisea, 
 
 Arenaria 492 
 Calidris 492 
 Falco 327 
 Limosa 477 
 Macrorhamphus 476 
 Nyctiardea 523 
 Nycticorax 523 
 Phalaropus 471 
 Picus 289 
 Scolopax 476 
 Squatarola 448 
 Sterna 734 
 Tringa 491 
 Vanellus 448 
 griseigena, 
 
 Colymbns 730 
 Podiceps 730 
 griseigenys, 
 
 Leucosticte 111 
 griseiuncha, 
 
 Fringilla 111 
 Linaria 111 
 Leucosticte 111 
 Montifringilla 111 
 Passer 111 
 griseiventris, 
 Falco 341 
 griseus (see grisea) 
 grojnlandicus, 
 
 Lagopus 430 
 Grosbeak, 
 
 Black-headed 167 
 Blue 169 
 Cardinal 172 
 Evening 104 
 Pine 104 
 
 Rose-breasted 166 
 Ground Robin 173 
 Grouse, 
 
 Black-tailed 400 
 Bine 395 
 Canada 394 
 Dusky 395 
 Frauidin's 394 
 Gray Ruffed 425 
 Long-tailed 407 
 Pine 395 
 Pinnated 419 
 Richardson's 400 
 Rnfted 420 [407 
 
 Southern Sharp-tailed 
 Sharp-tailed 407 
 Spotted 394 
 Spruce 394 
 Gruidaj 529 
 Grus 
 
 americana 529, 531 
 canadensis 531 
 clamator 529 
 
 Grus 
 
 fratereulus 531 
 
 fusca 531 
 
 hoyanus 529 
 
 longirostris 531 
 
 mexicana 531 
 
 poliophsea 531 
 
 pratensis 531 
 
 struthio 529 
 guacu, 
 
 Alcedo 273 
 guadeloupensis, 
 
 Speotyto 322 
 guateuialiB, 
 
 Strix 299 
 gubernator, 
 
 Agelaius 186 
 
 Icterus 186 
 
 Psarocolius 186 
 Guiraca 
 
 cccrulea 109 
 
 ludoviciana 166 
 
 melanocephala 167 
 
 tricolor 167 
 Gull, 
 
 Black-backed 625 
 
 Bonaparte's 656 
 
 Californian 635 
 
 Fork-tailed 661 
 
 Franklin's 054 
 
 Glaucous 621 
 
 Glaucous winged 623 
 
 Great Bl'k-backed 625 
 
 Heermauu's 642 
 
 Herring 626 
 
 Ivory 049 
 
 Laughing 651 
 
 Ring-billed 637 
 
 Ross's 660 
 
 Rosy 660 
 
 Wedge-tailed 660 
 
 White-headed 642 
 
 White-winged 623 
 Gull-billed Tern 664 
 gulo, 
 
 Merganser 584 
 guudlachi, 
 
 Accipiter 335 
 
 Chordeiles 204 
 
 Cooperastnr 335 
 guttata, 
 
 Fringilla 139 
 
 Melospiza 139 
 
 Muscicapa 3 
 
 Passerella 139 
 
 Pitylus 167 
 
 Sterna 698 
 
 Tetrao 443 
 
 Tetanus 498 
 
 Turdus 3 
 
 Zouotrichia 139 
 guttulatus, 
 
 Thryothorus 28 
 gutturalis, 
 
 Bateo 356 
 
 Helminthophaga 232' 
 Gygis 
 
 alba 709 
 Gymnatbus 
 
 moschatus 559 
 
760 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Gymnokitta 
 
 cy anocephala 209 
 Gymnoihiuus 
 
 cyauocephalus 209 
 Gynaiiura 
 
 rubida 584 
 
 H. 
 
 [hsemastica, 
 
 Scolopax, Linn., S. Nat. 
 1756, p. 147, = ii»i08a 
 hamiastica n.] 494 
 hiEmorrlious, 
 
 Carpodacus 108 
 
 Fringilla 108 
 Hairy Woodpecker 279 
 Haliaetus 
 
 leucoeephalus 369, 670 
 
 wasbingtouii 370 
 haliietus, 
 
 Accipiter 367 
 
 Aquila 367 
 
 Balbusardus 367 
 
 Falco 367 
 
 Pandion 367 
 Haliplana 697 
 
 anaistheta 701 
 
 anostbjeta 701 
 
 discolor '01 
 
 fuligiDosa 698 
 
 luuata 703 
 
 panaya 701 
 
 panayensis 701 
 
 serrata 098 
 Haliplanes 097 
 
 fnligiuosa 698 
 balsei, 
 
 Sylvia 55 
 hammoDdii, 
 
 Empidonax 257 
 
 Tyrannula 257 
 Hammond's Flycatcher 257 
 Han gn est. 
 
 Chestnut 192 
 
 Baltimore 193 
 hardyi, 
 
 Lestris 613 
 Harelda 
 
 glacialis 579 [Illiiiois, 
 Eidgwaij2 
 
 histrionica 578 
 
 stelleri 5S0 
 Larlani, 
 
 Buteo a52, 356, 362 
 
 Falco 352 
 Harlan's Buzzard 352 
 Harlequin Duck 578 
 Harporhynchus 
 
 longicauda 9 
 
 rufiis 9 
 Harrier 327 
 iarrisii, 
 
 Dryobates 280 
 
 Friugilla 157 
 
 Picus 280 
 
 Trichopicus 2^0 
 
 Trichopipo 280 
 Harris's Sparrow 157 
 
 Woodpecker 280 
 
 Hawk, [361 
 
 American R'gh-legged 
 Californi;' Squirrel 363 
 Chicken 334 
 
 Cooper's 334 
 
 Duck 341 
 
 Fish 307 
 
 Hen 352 
 
 Marsh 327, 328 
 
 Pigeon 333, 345 
 
 Eough-legged 361 
 
 Sharp-shinued 333 
 
 Sparrow 349 
 havelli, 
 
 Gelochelidon 676 
 
 Sterna 676 
 hectori, 
 
 Podiceps 729 
 Hedymeles 
 
 ludoviciana 166 
 
 m el anocephala 167 
 heermanni, 
 
 Adelarus 642 
 
 Blasipus 642 
 
 Larus 642, 644 
 
 Melospizal39 [Gull 642 
 Heermann's White-headed 
 heiueii, 
 
 Gavina C39 
 
 Larus 639 
 Heliaptex 
 
 arcticus 301 
 Heliuaia 
 
 celata 52 
 
 chrysoptera 49 
 
 peregrina 53 
 
 rubricapilla 50 
 
 solitaria 49 
 
 vermivora 48 
 Helmitherus 
 
 celata 52 
 
 chrysoptera 49 
 
 migratorius 48 
 
 peregriua 53 
 
 protonotarias 47 
 
 rubricapilla 50 
 
 solitarius 49 
 
 vermivorus 48 
 Helminthophaga 
 
 celata 52, 2M 
 
 citraja 47 
 
 chrysoptera ,49 
 
 guttnralis 2;!2 
 
 leucobronchialis [is a 
 supposed uew spec, 
 from JIass. (Brewst. 
 Am. Sportsm. v, Oct. 
 17, 1874, p. 34)]. 
 
 ,u.8. ? [FromN. 
 
 Jersey, SerHck.'] 
 
 lutesceus .52 
 
 ocularis 232 
 
 peregriua 53 
 
 pinus 49 
 
 rubricapilla 51 
 
 rnficapilla 50, 232 
 
 solitaria 49 
 
 virginiae 51 
 Helopus 
 
 caspius 667 
 
 Helospiza 
 
 lincolni 136 
 palustris 137 
 helveticus, 
 
 Charadrius 448 
 
 Pluvialis 448 
 
 Squatarola 448 
 
 Triuga 44'-< 
 
 Vauellus 448 
 helviventris, 
 
 Coccygus 276 
 Hemiijalama 
 
 auduboni 480 
 
 douglassii 480 
 
 himantopus 460 
 
 minor 481 
 
 multi striata 480 
 
 semipalmata 481 
 Hemiprocne 
 
 pelasgia 266 
 Hen Hawk 352 
 Hen, 
 
 Prairie 419 
 Henicocichla 
 
 aurocapilla 70 
 
 ludoviciana 72 
 
 major 72 
 
 motacilla 72 
 
 noveboracensis 71 
 Heniconetta 
 
 stelleri 580 
 Henslow's Bunting 133 
 henslowi, 
 
 Ammodromus 133 
 
 Coturiiiculus 133 
 
 Emberiza 133 
 
 Fringilla 133 
 henryi, 
 
 Chordi'iles 264 
 hepatica, 
 
 Pyranga 82 
 Hermit Thrush 2, 228 
 Herodias 
 
 alba 519 
 
 candidLssima 521 
 
 egretta 519 
 
 leuce 519 
 
 virescens 522 
 herodias, 
 
 Ardea 517 
 Herodiones 513 
 Heron, 
 
 American Night 523 
 
 Great Blue 517 
 
 Green 522 
 
 Night 5-J3 
 
 Snowy 521 
 
 White 519 
 Herons 517 
 Herring Gull 626 
 Herse 
 
 bicolor 86 
 
 fulva 89 
 
 thalassina 86 
 Hesperiphona 
 
 montana 104 
 
 vespertina 104 
 Hesperocichla 
 
 ntevia 2 
 
INDEX. 
 
 761 
 
 Heteropoda 
 
 laaui'i 481 
 
 semipalmata 481 
 Iloteropyfiia 
 
 bairdii 484 
 
 bonapartii 487 
 
 cooperi 491 
 hiaticuja, 
 
 Charadrius 453, 455 
 
 Triuga 453 
 Hierofalci) 
 
 atricapillus 338 
 
 laniarius 339 
 
 mexicauus 339 
 
 polyagi'Lis 339 
 Himautopus 
 
 brasiliuusis 463 
 
 leucurus 463 
 
 melauurns 463 
 
 mexicanns 462. 463 
 
 nigricoUis 462, 463 
 himantopus, 
 
 Charadrius 462 
 
 Ereuuetes 480 
 
 Heiiiipalama 480 
 
 Micropalama 480 
 
 Eecnrvirostra 463 
 
 Triuga 480 
 hippocrepis, 
 
 Sturnella 190 
 hirsiitus, 
 
 Ai5ternus 285 
 
 Picus 285 
 
 Picoides 285 
 Hirundinidje 85 
 Hirundo 
 
 araericana 85, 90 
 
 bicolor 86 
 
 caroliueosis 267 
 
 cerdri ;Hi7 
 
 chalybea 91 
 
 cinirea 90 
 
 coerulea 91 
 
 cyanopyrrba 85 
 
 erytbiogaster 85 
 
 fulva 88 
 
 horreorum 85 
 
 leucogaster 86 
 
 ludoviciaDa 91 
 
 lunifrous 88 
 
 nielauogaster 89 
 
 nigra 268 
 
 opifes 88 
 
 polagica 267 
 
 pelasgia 267 
 
 purpurea 91 
 
 respublicaua 88 
 
 iiparia89 
 
 rufa 85 
 
 rustica 85 
 
 serripennia 90 
 
 subis 91 
 
 thalassina 86 
 
 versicolor 91 
 
 violacea 91 
 
 viridis 86 
 hirundo, 
 
 Hydrocecropis 680 
 
 Sterna 670, 680, 685 
 
 histrionica, 
 
 Anaa 578 
 
 Bucephala 578 
 
 Circus 328 
 
 Clangula 578 
 
 Cosmonessa 578 
 
 Falco 328 
 
 Fuligala 578 
 
 Harelda 578 
 
 Histrionicus 578 
 
 Pliylaconetta 578 
 
 ypiziacircus 328 
 
 Strigiceps 328 
 Histrionicus 
 
 histrionica 578 
 
 torquatus 578 
 hoactli, 
 
 Ardea 523 
 Hodites 
 
 semipalnaata 495 
 hoilotl, 
 
 C'olumba 387 
 hojeri. 
 
 Skua 605 
 holbolli, 
 
 Podiceps 730 
 Holopodius 
 
 Avilsoni 467 
 homorus, 
 
 Dryobates 283 
 
 Picus 283 
 Hooded [78 
 
 Fly-catching Warbler 
 
 Merganser 584 
 Horned 
 
 Grebe 731 
 
 Lark 37 
 
 Wavy 553 
 horreornu), 
 
 Hirundo 85 
 hornschuchii, 
 
 Melanitta 582 
 House Wren 32 
 hovannas, 
 
 ' Grns529 
 Hudsonian 
 
 Curlew 509 
 
 Godwit 494 
 hudsonias, 
 
 Ardea 518 
 hudsouicus, 
 
 Liniosa 494 
 
 Numenius 509 
 
 Pica 211 
 
 Scolopax 474 
 
 Strix3ll,312 
 
 Triuga 459 
 
 Turdus 198 
 hudsonius, 
 
 Ardea 523 
 
 Circus 327, 328 
 
 Corvus 211 
 
 Falco 327 
 
 Fringilla 141, 143 
 
 Oriolus 203 
 
 Stvigiceps 328 
 
 Suruia 311, 312 
 HuDiraiug-bird, 
 
 Broad-tailed 271 
 
 Humming-bird, 
 
 Euby-throated271 
 Humming-birds 269 
 hutchinsii, 
 
 Anser 554 
 
 Bernicla 554 
 
 Branta 554 
 
 Larus 621 
 
 Leucoblepharon 55 i 
 hybernus, 
 
 Larus 639 
 hybridus, 
 
 Colaptes 293 
 
 Hydrochelidon 704 
 
 Sterna 704 
 Hydrobata 
 
 mexicana 10 
 Hydrocecropis 
 
 dougalli 688 
 
 Mrundo 680 
 Hydrochelidon 697, 703 
 
 auosthsetns 701 
 
 fissipes 704, 705 
 
 fuliginosum 698 
 
 hybrida 704 
 
 lariformis 704 
 
 leucopareia 704 
 
 leucoptora 708 
 
 lunata 703 
 
 nigra 704, 708 
 
 nigricans 704 
 
 nigrum 705 
 
 obscura 704 
 
 surinamensis 705 
 
 plumbea 705 
 Hydrocoloaus 650 
 Hydroprogne 
 
 caspia 667 
 Hydroka 737 
 hyemalis, 
 
 Anas 576 
 
 Anorthura 33, 231 
 
 Astur 355 
 
 Buteo 355 
 
 Circus 355 
 
 Clangula 579 
 
 Colymbus 720 
 
 Emberiza 141 
 
 Falco 328, 355 
 
 Fringilla 141 
 
 Junco 141-145 
 
 Niphoea 141 
 
 Nisus 355 
 
 Pica 211 
 
 Struthus 141 
 
 Troglodytes 33, 231 
 Hylatomus 
 
 pileatus 279 
 Hylemathrous 
 
 aijdon 231 
 Hylocichla 
 
 mustelina 2 
 hyloscopus, 
 
 Drvobates 210 
 
 Picas 280 
 Hylotomus 
 
 pileatus 278, 279 
 Hyonetta 
 
 moschata 559 
 
762 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 hyperborens, 
 
 Anas 549 
 
 Aiiser 548, 549, 553 
 
 Chen 549 
 
 Chionochen 549 
 
 Lobipes 469 
 
 Phalaropus 469, 471 
 
 Tringa 469 
 Hypbantes 
 
 baltimore 193 
 
 baltimorensis 193 
 
 bullockii 195 
 
 solitarius 193 
 hypogaea, 
 
 Athene 322 
 
 SpeotYto .321, 322 
 
 Strix 322 
 hypoleucus, 
 
 Tringoides 502 
 hypomelas, 
 
 Charadrius 448 
 Hypotriorchis 
 
 columbaiius 346, 347 
 
 ricbardsoni 348 
 hypoxanthus, 
 
 Empidonax 256 
 Hypsibates 
 
 nigricollis 463 
 
 Ibidinaj 517 
 Ibis 
 
 falcinellus 517 
 
 nandapoa 513 
 
 nandasson 613 
 
 ordii 517 
 Ibis, 
 
 Bay 517 
 
 Glossy 517 
 
 Wood 513 
 Icbthyaetus 650 
 ichtbyaiirus, 
 
 Pandiou 367 
 Icteria 
 
 aiiricollis 77 
 
 dnmicola 77 
 
 longicauda 77 
 
 velasquezii 77 
 
 virena 77 
 
 viridis 77 
 IcteridiE 178 
 icterocepbala, 
 
 Agelaius 183 
 
 Dendrffica 62 
 
 Icterus US 
 
 Sylvia 62 
 
 Sylvicola 62 
 
 Xantbocepbalus 188 
 Icterus 
 
 ajueus 199 
 
 affinis 193 
 
 agripennis 178 
 
 baltimore 193 
 
 baltiuiorensis 193 
 
 baltimoms 193 
 
 bullockii 195 
 
 castaueus 193 
 
 emberizoides 180 
 
 Icterus 
 
 flavuB 193 
 
 frenatus 188 
 
 gubernator 186 
 
 icterocephalus 188 
 
 peooris 180 
 
 perspicillatus 188 
 
 pbcenicens 186 
 
 spurius 192 
 
 tricolor 186 
 
 xantbocepbalus 188 
 igneus, 
 
 Cardinalis 172 
 iguotus, 
 
 Colymbus 721 
 iliaca, 
 
 Fringilla 160 
 
 Passerella 160, 162 
 
 Zonotricbia 160 
 immer, 
 
 Colymbus 720 
 imperator, 
 
 Thalasseus 667 
 Inca 709 
 
 mystacalis 709 
 inca, 
 
 Anous 709 
 
 Larosterna 709 
 
 Nsenia 709 
 iucanus, 
 
 Lobipes 467 
 
 Motacilla 59 
 incarnatus, 
 
 Pious 280 
 indica, 
 
 Columba 387 
 
 Panditin 367 
 
 Turtur '4^:7 
 Indigo-bird 171 
 infuscatum, 
 
 Glaucidium 318 
 
 Sterna 701 
 inornatus, 
 
 Lophopborus 20 
 
 Muscicapa 244 
 
 Parus 20 
 
 Picns 280 
 insignatus, 
 
 Buteo 346 
 insignis, 
 
 Melospiza 139 
 intermedins, 
 
 Anser 546 
 
 Nnmeuius 510 
 
 Zonotricbia 156 
 intermixtus, 
 
 Falco 346 
 interpres, 
 
 Ciuclus 459 
 
 Strepsilas 459 
 
 Tringa 459 
 intrepidus, 
 
 Myiarcbus 236 
 
 Tyrannus 236 
 iopareia. 
 
 Anas 560 
 iota, 
 
 Cathartes 380, 384 
 
 Neophron 384 
 
 iota, 
 
 Vultur 380, 384 
 
 irritabilis, 
 
 Tyrannus 239 
 
 islandica, 
 Anas 577 
 Bucepbala 577 
 Cauntus 491 
 Clangula 575 
 Fulgula 577 
 Larus 621, 622 
 Somateria 580 
 Tringa 491, 492 
 
 islandornm, 
 
 Lagopus 430 
 
 Ispida 
 
 alcyon 273 
 
 italicus, 
 
 Otus 304 
 
 Ivory Gull 649 
 
 Ixoreus 
 
 nsBvius 2 
 
 Jacksnipe 486 
 Jaeger, 
 
 Buffon's 616 
 
 Long-tailed 616 
 
 Parasitic 612 
 
 Pomariue 608 
 jaguacati, 
 
 Alcedo 273 
 jamaiceusis, 
 
 Anas 583 
 
 Ardea 523 
 
 Charadrius 452 
 
 Falco 353 
 
 Porzana 
 
 Eallus 
 
 jardinei, 
 
 Dryobates 280 
 
 Phrenopicus 280 
 
 Picus 280 
 
 Tricbopipo 280 
 javanica, 
 
 Strix 298 
 Jay, 
 
 Blue 214 
 
 Cauada 221 
 
 Long-crested 214 
 
 Maximilian's 209 
 
 Woodhouse's 219 
 jugularis, 
 
 Turdus 193 
 julieui, 
 
 Coccygus 276 
 junceti, 
 
 Sturnus 180 
 Junco 
 
 aikeni 141, 145 
 
 aunecteus 143, 145 
 
 caniceps 143, 144, 145 
 
 cinereus 143 [Arizona, 
 typical form, Sen- 
 
 dorsalis 143 
 hyemalis 141, 145 
 oregoDus 142, 144, 145 
 
INDEX. 
 
 763 
 
 juBCorum, 
 
 Fringilla 148 
 Motacilla 148 
 Sylvia 148 
 
 K. 
 
 kagolka, 
 
 Anas 565 
 Kamtorhynchns 
 
 labradoricus 579 
 kamtschatkcnsis, 
 
 Larus 638 
 
 Larus 606 
 keknschka, 
 
 Anas 563 
 kennicottii, 
 
 Pediocsetea 407 
 
 Scops 303 
 Kentucky Warbler 73 
 Kieneria 
 
 rufipileus 176 
 Killdeer 452 
 Kingbird 235 
 Kingfisber 273 
 Kinglet, 
 
 Golden-crested 16 
 
 Euby-crowued 16, 229 
 King Rail 534 
 kirtlaudii, 
 
 Nyctale 315 
 Kite, 
 
 Swallow-tailed 332 
 Kittiwake, 
 
 Common 645 
 
 Red-legged 649 
 kittlitzii, 
 
 Cbroicocephalus 654 
 Knot 490 
 kocbii, 
 
 Picas 234 
 kotzebui, 
 
 Larus 647 
 
 Eissa 647 
 krideri, 
 
 Buteo 353 
 litinorbynchus 
 
 strepera 563 
 
 L. 
 
 Labbus 607 
 labradora. 
 
 Anas 579 
 
 Camptolsemus 579 
 
 Fuligula 579 
 
 Kamptorhyncus 579 
 
 Rbyncbaspis 579 
 
 Tardus 198 
 lacuatris, 
 
 Pbalacrooorax 589 
 Lagopus 
 
 albus 429 
 
 americanus 430 
 
 bracbydactylus 430 
 
 ferrugineus 363 
 
 grojnlandicas 430 
 
 islandorum 430 
 
 leucurus 425 
 
 Lagopus 
 
 mutus 430 
 
 reinhardtii 430 
 
 rupestris 430 
 
 saliceti 430 
 
 subalpinus 430 
 lagopus, 
 
 Acoipiter 361 
 
 Arcbibuteo 361 
 
 Butaetes 361 
 
 Buteo 361 
 
 Falco 361 
 
 Tetrao 430 
 
 Triorchis 361 
 Lamellirostres 544 
 Lampronetta 
 
 iiscberi 580 
 Lampronessa 
 
 sponsa 571 
 laniarius, 
 
 Falco 339 
 
 Hierofalco 339 
 Lanier, 
 
 American 339 
 Laniidae 101 
 Lauius 
 
 borealis 101 
 
 carolineusis 235 
 
 elegaus 103 
 
 excubitor 101 
 
 excubitoroides 102 
 
 garrulus 91 
 
 ludovicianus 102, 235 
 
 luexicanus 103 
 
 olivaceus 96 
 
 septentrionalis 102 
 
 tyiannus 235 
 Lanivireo 
 
 oassini 99 
 
 flavifrons 98 
 
 plumbeus 100 
 
 solitarius 99, 100 
 lanuginosus, 
 
 Anser 580 
 Lapland Longspur 120 
 Lapbyctes 
 
 verticalis 236 
 
 vociferans 238 
 lapponica, 
 
 Ceutropbanes 120 
 
 Emberiza 120 
 
 Friugiila 120 
 
 Plectropbanus 120 
 
 Scolopax 494 
 
 Strix 308 
 
 Surnia 308 
 
 Syrnium 308 
 
 Tetrao 430 
 
 Ulula 308 [72 
 
 Large-billed Water Thrusb 
 LaridsB 591 
 lariformis, 
 
 Hydrocbelidon 704 
 
 Eallns 704 
 Larinae 618 
 Lark 
 
 Bunting 163 
 
 Finch 159, 234 
 Lark, 
 
 Brown 231 
 
 Lark, 
 
 Horned 37 
 
 Shore ^7 
 
 Western Horned 231 
 Larks 37 
 Laroides 619 
 
 argentaceas 626 
 
 argentatoides 626 
 
 argentatus 626, 627 
 
 argenteus 626 
 
 borealis 627 
 
 californious 635 
 
 canescens 639 
 
 canus 639 
 
 chalcopterus 624 
 
 glacialis 621 
 
 glaucesceus 624 
 
 glaueoides 623 
 
 glaucus 621 
 
 leucopbieus 627 
 
 leucopterus 623 
 
 major 625 
 
 micbabellesii 627 
 
 minor 646 
 
 occidentalis 627 
 
 prooellosus 639 
 
 rissa 645 
 
 sublencopterus 623 
 
 tridactyla 646 
 Laropis 
 
 auglica 664 
 Larosterna 709 
 
 inca 709 [659, 661 
 
 Larus 604, 607, 619, 644, 
 
 affiuis 627 
 
 albus 625 
 
 albus 649 
 
 americauus 627 
 
 arctious 623 
 
 argentatus 623, 626,627 
 
 argentatoides 626, 635 
 
 argeuteus 026 
 
 atricilla 651, 654 
 
 belcheri 642 
 
 bonapartei 656 
 
 borealis 627 [640, 647 
 
 brachyrhynehus 639, 
 
 brachytarsus 649 
 
 brevirostris 647, 648 
 
 bruchii 637 
 
 californious 635 
 
 caudidus 649 
 
 canus 637, 639, 640,646 
 
 capistratus 656 
 
 catarractes 605 
 
 cachinnaus 627 
 
 chalcopterus 624 
 
 cinereo-caudatus 654 
 
 cinereus 626, 639 
 
 collaris 661, 
 
 consul 621 
 
 crepidatus 608 
 
 cucuUatus 654 
 
 cyanopus 639 
 
 cyanorhynchus 639 
 
 delawarensis 635, 637 
 
 eburueus 649 
 
 fabricii 625 
 
 franklini 654 
 
 fuliginosus 644 
 
7&4 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Lams 
 
 furcatus 662 
 
 fuscus 605, 626 
 
 gavia 646 
 
 giganteus 621 
 
 glacialis 621 
 
 glaucescens 623 
 
 glaucoides 623 
 
 glaucopterus 624 
 
 glaucus 621, 626 
 
 heernianui 642, 644 
 
 heinei 639 
 
 hutohimsii 621 
 
 hybernus 639 
 
 islaodicus 621, 623 
 
 kamtschatkenais 639 
 
 keeask 606 
 
 kotzebui 647 
 
 leucerotes 621 
 
 leuconotus 621 
 
 leucophseus 627 
 
 leucopterns 623 
 
 maculatus 625 
 
 major 639 
 
 maiiaus 625, 626 
 
 maxirau8 625 
 
 melanorhynchus 656 
 
 melanurus 656 
 
 mexicauus 637 
 
 michahellesii 627 
 
 minor (123 
 
 miiiutus 656 
 
 modestns 644 
 
 mulleri 625 
 
 ntevius 625, 646 
 
 niger 625 
 
 niveiis 639, 649 
 
 occideu talis 627 
 
 parasii icus 608, 612, 616 
 
 pLiladelphia 656 
 
 philadelphicus 656 
 
 pipixcau 654 
 
 plumbieeps 659 
 
 procellosus 639 
 
 ridibundus 651 
 
 richardsoni 660 
 
 riga 645 
 
 rissa 645 
 
 rosBus 660 
 
 rossii 660 
 
 sabinei 661 
 
 Bcoresbyi 644 
 
 smithsouianas 627 
 
 suckleyi 640 
 
 torquatus 646 
 
 tridactylas 645, 647 
 
 Tarius sive skua 605 
 
 ■n-ariieckii 648 
 
 zouorhyiichus 637 
 lateralis, 
 
 Sylvia 651 
 lathami, 
 
 Picus 295 
 laticanda, 
 
 Bartramia 503 
 latissimus, 
 
 Astur 360 
 
 Buteo 360 
 
 Falco 360 
 
 latora, 
 
 Collurio 103 
 Laughing Gull 651 
 Lazuli Finch 170 
 Least 
 
 Bittern 528 
 
 Flycatcher 254 
 
 Sandpiper 482 
 
 Tern 692 
 lecoutii, 
 
 Ammodromus 134 
 
 Coturniculus 134 
 
 Emberiza 134 
 
 Picoides 282 
 
 Picus 282 
 
 Tridactylia 2S2 
 Leconte's Sparrow 134 
 leisleri, 
 
 Somateria 581 
 lentiginosa, 
 
 Ardea 523 
 
 Botaurus 524 
 
 Butor 524 
 Lesser 
 
 Scaup Duck 573 
 
 Telltale 497 
 
 Yellou-shanks 497 
 lessoni, 
 
 Butaetes 361 
 
 Lestri8 616 
 Lestridinae 603 
 Lestris 604, 607 
 
 antarcticus 606 
 
 benickii 613 
 
 boji 613 
 
 bracbyrhynchus 616 
 
 buffoni 616 
 
 catarractes 605, 606 
 
 catarrhactes 605 
 
 catharactes 605 
 
 catharractes 605 
 
 cepphus 616 
 
 coprotheres 612, 613 
 
 crepidata 613, 616 
 
 hardyi 613 
 
 lessoni 616 
 
 longicaudatus 616 
 
 microrhynchus 616 
 
 parasitica 612, 613, 616 
 
 pomarinus 608 
 
 richardsoni 613 
 
 schleeiiii 613 
 
 skua 605 
 
 sphjEriuros 608 
 
 spinicauda 613 
 
 striatus 608 . 
 leuce, 
 
 Ardea 519 
 
 Egretta 519 
 
 Herodias 519 
 leuceretes, 
 
 Larus 621 
 Leucoblepharon 
 
 canadensis 554 
 
 hutchinsii 554 
 
 leucopareia 554 
 leucocephalus, 
 
 Accipiter 361 
 
 Anas 579 
 
 leucocephalus, 
 
 Aquila 369, 370 
 Falco 361, 369 " 
 Haliaiitus 369, 370 
 Oriolus 198 
 Pandion 367 
 leucoceps, 
 
 Gavia 710 
 leucogastra, 
 Chelidon 86 
 Hirundo 86 
 Sylvia 51 
 Tbryothorus 31 
 Troglodytes 31 
 Tyrannus 236 
 leucolaiuia, 
 
 Beruicla 554 
 Eremophila 38, 231 
 leuconielanus, 
 Picus 279 
 leucomelas, 
 
 Clangula576 
 Corvus205 
 Dryobates 279 
 Mergus 584 
 Picus 279 
 leuconotus, 
 
 Larus 621 
 leucopareius, 
 Auser 554 
 Bernicla 554 
 Brauta 554 
 Hydrochelidon 704 
 Leucoblepharon 554 
 Pelodes 704 
 Sterna 704 
 Viralva 704 
 LencophEeus 642 
 leucopbtEus, 
 Corvus 205 
 Glaucus 627 
 Laroides 627 
 Larus 627 
 Scolopax 477 
 leucophrys, 
 
 Emberiza 154 
 Fringilla 154 
 Zonotrichia 154, 156 
 leucopis, 
 
 Pipilo 173 
 Leucopolius 
 
 nivosa 456 
 leucopsis, 
 Anas 558 
 Anser 558 
 Bernicla 558 
 Branta 558 
 leucoptera, 
 
 Columba 387 
 Crucirostra 110 
 Curvirostra 110 
 Glaucus 623 
 Hydrochelidon 708 
 Laroides 623 
 Larus 623 
 Loxia 110 
 Melopelia 387 
 Orpheus 8 
 Plautus 623 
 
INDEX. 
 
 765 
 
 lencoptera, 
 
 Podiceps 726 
 
 Sterua 708 
 
 Sylvia 56 
 
 f iirtur 387 
 
 Viialva 708 
 
 Zeuaida 387 
 leucopus, 
 
 Colymbus 721 
 leucopyga, 
 
 Totanus 497 
 Leucosticte 
 
 atrata n. a. lEidg., Am 
 Spoitsm. iv, July 18 
 1^74, 241, Colorado] 
 
 anstralislllCsoodsp.C?)] 
 
 canipestris 111 
 
 griseigeuys 111 
 
 griseiniiclia 111 
 
 littoralis 111 
 
 tephrocotis 111 
 leucurus, 
 
 Himantopus 463 
 
 Lagopus 425 
 
 Scolopax 475 
 
 Tetrao 425 
 Leucus 619 
 
 arcticus 621 
 
 cbalcopterus 624 
 
 glaucesceDS 624 
 
 glancu8-621 
 
 marinus 625 
 leverianus, 
 
 Falco 353 
 lewisii, 
 
 Picus 291 
 Lewis's Woodpecker 291 
 Limicolae 448 
 limicola, 
 
 Eallus 537 
 Limiciila 
 
 fedoa 492 
 
 marmorata 593 
 Limnocinclus 
 
 toaculata 486 
 Limosa 
 
 adspersa 493 
 
 SBgocephala 494 
 
 americaoa 492, 493 
 
 australis 494 
 
 fedoa 492, 493 
 
 grisea 477 
 
 tisemastica 760 
 
 hudsonica 494 
 
 melanura 494 
 
 Tufa 492 
 
 soolopacea 477 
 Linaiia 
 
 ainericana 114 
 
 borealis 115 
 
 griseiuucba 111 
 
 lincolnii 135 
 
 minor 114 
 
 pinus 115 
 
 savanna 127 
 
 tephrocotis 111 
 linarla, 
 
 Acantliis 114 
 
 ^giothus 114, 115 
 
 Liuota 114 
 
 linaria, 
 
 Passer 114 
 
 Spinas 114 
 lincolnieusis, 
 
 Tringa 489 
 lincolnii, 
 
 Fringilla 135 
 
 Hulospiza 136 
 
 Linaria 135 
 
 Melospiza 135 
 
 Passei cuius 135 
 
 Peucsaa 135 
 
 Zoijotricbia 135 
 Lincoln's Si)arrow 135 
 lineatus, 
 
 Buteo 354, 355 
 
 Craxirex 355 
 
 Falco 354 
 
 Podilymbus 738 
 
 PcEcilopternis 355 
 
 Sparvius 334 
 
 Sylbeocyolus 738 
 Linnet, 
 
 Pine 115 
 
 Eed-poll 114 
 Linota 
 
 borealis 115 
 
 linaria 114 
 Litbofalco 
 
 columbarius 346 
 litbofalco, 
 
 ^salou 346, 348 
 
 Falco 346, 348 
 Little 
 
 Black-bead Duck 573 
 
 Brown Sparrow 148 
 
 Wbite Egret 521 
 littoralis, 
 
 Corvus 205 
 
 Leucosticte 111 
 
 Montifringilla 111 
 
 Strepsilas 459 
 
 Tbryothorus 29 
 
 Tringa 489 
 lividus, 
 
 Tnrdus 9 
 lobatus, 
 
 Pbalaropiis 467, 470 
 
 Tringa 469 
 Lobipes 466 
 
 antarcticua 467 
 
 byperboreus 469 
 
 iucanus 467 
 
 wilsoni 467 
 loculator, 
 
 Tantalus 513 
 Loggerbead Sbrike 233 
 lomatiua, 
 
 Tringa 491 
 longicauda, 
 
 Actiturus 503 
 
 Anas 562 
 
 Bartramius 503 
 
 Cataractes 616 
 
 Harporbyncbus 9 
 
 Icteria 77 
 
 Stercorarius 616 
 
 Tringa 503 
 longicaudatus, 
 
 Lestris 616 
 
 longicaudatus, 
 
 Stercorarius 616 
 lougiiies, 
 
 Agelaius 188 
 
 Cbaradrius 450 
 
 Pluvialis 450 
 longirostris, 
 
 Aramus 535 
 
 Cbaradrius 449 
 
 Grus 5:!2 
 
 Numenius 508 
 
 Mniotilta 45 
 
 Pardirallus 535 
 
 Podiceps 72(i, 729 
 
 Eallus ,534, 535 
 
 Scolopax 477 
 Long-billed 
 
 Curlew 508 
 
 Marsb Wren 34 
 Loug-crested Jay 214 
 Longspur, 
 
 Black-bellied 122 
 
 Lapland 120 
 Long-tailed 
 
 (jbickadee 21 
 
 Grouse 407 
 
 Titmouse 230 
 Loon, 
 
 Common 720 
 
 Great Nortbern 719 
 
 Yellow-billed 720 
 Loons 718 
 Lopbijetbyia 726 
 
 cristata 727 
 Lopbodytes 
 
 cucuUatns 585 
 Lophopbanes 
 
 bicolor 19 
 
 inornatus 20 
 
 missouriensis 19 
 Lopbortyx 430 
 
 californioa 432, 439, 440 
 
 gambeli 432 
 
 plnmifera 440 
 louisiansB, 
 
 Thryotborus 29 
 Louisiana Tanager 83, 232 
 Loxia 
 
 americana 109 
 
 bouaijartii 104 
 
 cardinalis 172 
 
 coerulea 169 
 
 curvirostra 100 
 
 euucleat.or 104 
 
 falcirostra 110 
 
 leucoptera 110 
 
 ludoviciana 166 
 
 mexicana 109 
 
 obscura 166 
 
 rosea 166 
 lucasauus, 
 
 Buteo 353 
 Inctuosa, 
 
 Sterna 698 
 ludoviciana, 
 
 Alauda 40 
 
 Alcedo 273 
 
 Antbus 40, 231 
 
 Ardea 522 
 
 Bubo 301 
 
766 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 ludoviciana, 
 
 C'occoborus 166 
 
 Coccotbraustes 166 
 
 Collurio 102, 233 
 
 Colymbiis 738 
 
 Couurus 296 
 
 Ficedula 46 
 
 Fringilla 166 
 
 Gouiapbea 166 
 
 Guiraca 166 
 
 Hedyiiieles 166 
 
 Henicocichla 72 
 
 Hiruudo 91 
 
 Lanius 102, 235 
 
 Loxia 166 
 
 Motacilia 46 
 
 Muscicapa 239 
 
 Oriobis 203 
 
 Podiceps 738 
 
 Psittacus 296 
 
 PyraDga n:i, 232 
 
 Pyrrbula 166 
 
 SeiuriLS 72 
 
 Sturnella 190, 191 
 
 Sturnus 190 
 
 Sylvia 29 
 
 Tanagra 83 
 
 Thrvcitb()rus29 
 
 Troglodytes 29 
 
 Turdns 72 
 
 TyrauDus 239 
 Ingubris, 
 
 Curvus 205 
 lumme, 
 
 Colymbus 724 
 liinata, 
 
 Haliplaua 703 
 
 Hydrocbelidon 703 
 
 Sterna 7U3 
 lunifrons, 
 
 Hirundo 88 
 
 Petrochebdon 88 
 lunulatus, 
 
 Falco 341 
 luteicapillus, 
 
 Psittacus 296 
 luteseens, 
 
 Celata 52 
 
 Helmiuthophaga 52 
 
 M. 
 
 maccallii, 
 
 Scops 303, 304 
 luaccowiiii, 
 
 Plectropb^nes 124 
 JIaccown's Bunting 124 
 macdongalli. 
 
 Sterna 688 
 macgillivrayi, 
 
 Geothlypis 75, 232 
 
 Sylvia 75 
 
 Svlvicola 75 
 
 Trichas 75 [232 
 
 Maegillivray's Warbler 75, 
 macrolopba, 
 
 Cvanocitta 215 
 
 Cyanurus 214, 215 
 macroptera, 
 
 Atricilla 651 
 
 macroptera, 
 
 C'ljrysomitris 115 
 
 Si alia 14 
 
 Totauus 498 
 Macropus 
 
 stelleri 580 
 macropus, 
 
 Falco 341 
 
 Sylvia 56 
 Macrorbamphus 
 
 griseus 476 
 
 perspicillata 582 
 
 scolopacens 477 
 macrorbyucbus, 
 
 Bubo 301 
 
 Clypeata 571 
 
 Colymbus 721 
 
 Pelidna 492 
 macro tarsa. 
 
 Sterna 664 
 Macrotarsns 
 
 nigricoUia 403 
 [macroura, 
 
 Columba, Linn., S. Xat. 
 i, 1758, IG-l, =Ecto. 
 macroura, u.] 387 
 macrourns, 
 
 Cbalcophaues 204 
 
 Qniscalus 204 
 
 Sterna 685 
 maciilarius, 
 
 Actitis 501 
 
 Totauus 501 
 
 Tringa 501 
 
 Tringites 502 
 
 Tringoides 501, 502 
 maculata, 
 
 Actodromas 486 
 
 Ardea 522, 523 
 
 Certhia 45 
 
 Larus 625 
 
 Limnocinclus 486 
 
 Pelidna 4?G 
 
 Pipilo 175 
 
 Sterna 692 
 
 Tringa 484, 486 
 maculosa, 
 
 Aquila 371 
 
 Dendrceca 62 
 
 MotaciUa 62 
 
 Ebimanpbus 62 
 
 Sylvia 63 
 
 Sylvicola 62 
 mageilanicus, 
 
 Bubo 301 
 
 Strix 301 
 magna, 
 
 Alauda 190 
 
 Sturnella 190 
 magnolia, 
 
 Sylvia 63 
 Magpie, 
 
 American 211 
 mail, 
 
 Anas 563 
 major, 
 
 Chalcopbanes 204 
 
 Corvus 205 
 
 Henicocichla 72 
 
 Laroides 626 
 
 major, 
 
 Larus 639 
 
 Noctua 306 
 
 Picus 279 
 
 Podiceps 726 
 
 Quiscalus 204 
 
 Strix 306 
 malfini, 
 
 Nisus 334 
 Mareca 
 
 americana 564 
 
 fistularis 565 
 
 penelope 564, 565 
 marginellus, 
 
 Ectopistes 389 
 
 Zenaidura 389 
 marginata, 
 
 Columba 389 
 
 Ectopistes 389 
 Marila 
 
 affinis 573 
 
 collaris 574 
 
 frenata 573 
 marila. 
 
 Anas 573 
 
 Aytbya 573 
 
 Fuligula 573 
 
 Fulix 573 
 
 Kyroca 574 
 marilandica, 
 
 Perdix 431 
 
 Sylvia 74 
 
 Tetrao 431 
 
 Tricbas 74 
 mariloides, 
 
 Fuligula 574 
 marina, 
 
 Dominicanus 625 
 
 Larus 625, 626 
 
 Lencus 625 
 
 Sterna 680 
 maritima, 
 
 Arquatella 4$9 
 
 Totanus 489 
 
 Tringa^489 
 marmorata, 
 
 Cbaradrius 450 
 
 Scolopax 493 
 Marsb Hawk 327, 328 
 
 Eobin 173 
 Marsh Hen, 
 
 Fresb-water 534 
 Martiu, 
 
 Purple 91 
 martina;, 
 
 Picus 279, 280 
 
 Trichopicus 2^0 
 Maryland Yellow-throat 74 
 massena, 
 
 Cyrton^x 443 
 
 Ortyx 443 
 Massena Quail 443 
 mauri, 
 
 Heteropoda 481 
 maxima, 
 
 Auas 560 
 
 Colymbus 720 
 
 Corvus 205 
 
 Larus 625 
 
 Picus 278 
 
INDEX. 
 
 767 
 
 maxima, 
 
 Spizella 154 
 Sterna 669 
 Strix 300 
 Maximilian's Jay 209 
 Meadow Lark 190 
 medianus, 
 
 Dendrocopus "282 
 PicuB 2H2 
 medius, 
 
 Auser 546 
 Picua 79 
 Megaceryle 
 
 alcyoii 273 
 Megalestris 604 
 megalonyx, 
 
 Pipilo 175 
 Megalopterns 709 
 
 stolidus 710 
 megapus, 
 
 Melauitta 582 
 raegarbynchus, 
 Colyiubus 721 
 Passerella 162 
 Sterna 667 
 meganioa, 
 
 Clangula 579 
 Somateria 580 
 megonyx, 
 
 Corvus 207 
 Melagavia 
 
 franklini 654 
 melanaetus, 
 
 Aquila 368 
 . Falco 368 
 Melanerpes 
 
 erytlirocephalus 290 
 ruber 286 
 lubrigularis 288 
 thyroldeus 288 
 torquatus 291 
 williamsoni 288 
 Melanetta 
 
 deglandii 582 
 velvetina 582 
 Melanitta 
 
 americana 581 
 fnsca 581 
 hornscliuchii, 582 
 megapus 582 
 platyrhynchus 582 
 melanocepbala, 
 Coccoborus 167 
 Coccothraustes 167 
 Fringilla 167 
 Hedymeles 167 
 Gonipbea 167 
 Guiraoa 167 
 Sitta 24 
 Strepsilas 459 
 melanogaster, 
 Hirundo 89 
 Petrochelidon 89 
 Vanellus 449 
 melanogenys, 
 Falco 341 
 melanoleucus, 
 Cvpselns 265 
 Gambetta 496 
 Panyptila 265 
 
 melanoleucus, 
 Pica 211 
 Seolopax 496 
 Totanus 496 
 melanomns, 
 
 Plectropbanes 122 
 melauonotus, 
 Falco 368 
 melanopsis, 
 
 Beruicla 556, 557 
 melanoptera. 
 
 Sterna 698, 701 
 melanopus, 
 
 Numenius 508 
 melanopygius, 
 
 Totanus 503 
 melanorhoa, 
 
 Sylvia 59 
 melan orby n cba, 
 
 Larus 656 
 
 Sterna 692 
 Melanosterna 697 
 melanotis, 
 
 Tbalassites 667 
 melauotus, 
 
 Aotodromas 487 
 
 Pelidna 487 
 
 Tringa 484, 487 
 melanoxantba, 
 
 Fringilla 117 
 melanura, 
 
 Hiniantopus 463 
 
 Larus 656 
 
 Liuiosa 494 
 
 Ebyncbops 715 
 Meleagrididai 391 
 Meleagris 
 
 americana 391 
 
 fera 391 
 
 gallopavo 391 
 
 mexicana 391 
 
 syh-estris 391 
 meleagris, 
 
 Odontophorus 443 
 Mellisuga, 
 
 colubris 271 
 
 platyoerea 271 
 melodia, 
 
 Fringilla 138 
 
 Melospiza 138, 139, 
 
 Muscicapa 98 
 
 Zonotrichia 138 
 melodus, 
 
 jEgialeus 455 
 
 j3igialitis 455 
 
 Charadrius 455 
 
 Turdus 2 
 Melopelia 
 
 leucoptera 387 
 Melospiza 
 
 ctnerea 139 
 
 fallax 139 
 
 gouldii 139 
 
 gattata 139 
 
 heermanni 139 
 
 insignis 139 
 
 lincolnii 135 
 
 melodia 138, 139, 234 
 
 me5ica,na 139 
 
 palustris 137 
 
 Melospiza, 
 
 pectoralis 139 
 rufina 139 
 eamuelia 139 
 meridionalih, 
 
 Dendrocopus 282 
 Gelocbelldon 664 
 
 Picus ■2i:2, 283 
 Sturnella 191 
 
 Trichopicus 283 
 Merganser 583 
 
 castor 584 
 
 gulo 584 
 
 raii 584 
 
 serrator 584 
 Merganser, 
 
 Hooded 584 
 
 Eed-breasted 584 
 merganser, 
 
 Mergna 583 
 Merginai 584 
 Mergus 719 
 
 americauus 584 
 
 castor 584 
 
 cristatus 584 
 
 cucullatus 584, 585 
 
 leucomelas 584 
 
 merganser 583 
 
 niger 584 
 
 serrator 584 
 Merlin, 
 
 American 347 
 Merula 
 
 niigratoria 1 
 
 minor 6 
 
 mustelina 2 
 
 olivacea 4 
 
 silens 3 
 
 solitaria 3 
 
 wilsoni 4, 6 
 meruloides, 
 
 Fringilla 162 
 
 Mimus 2 
 
 Orpheus 2 
 mesoleucus, 
 
 Contopus 244 
 
 Pipilo y74 
 Mexican 
 
 Cormorant 589 
 
 Siskin 116 
 
 "Wren 28 
 mexicana, 
 
 Accipiter 335 
 
 Anas 571 
 
 Astragalinus 117 , 
 
 Garbo 589 
 
 Cardnelis 117 
 
 Catberpes 28 
 
 Certhia 27 
 
 Charadrius 4G2 
 
 Chrysomitris 117 
 
 Cinclus 10, 229 
 
 Cooperastur 335 
 
 Culioivora 17 
 
 Cnrvirostra 109 
 
 Emberiza 165 
 
 Falco 339 
 
 Geopicns 295 
 
 Graculus 589 
 
 Grus 531 
 
768 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 niexicana, 
 
 Hierofalco 339 
 Himantopus 462, 463 
 Hydrobata 10 
 Lanius 103 
 Larus 637 
 Loxia 109 
 Meleagris 391 
 Melospiza 139 
 Myiarchus 239 
 Myionax 239 
 Kisus 335 
 Ortyx 431 
 Penelope 558 
 Perdix 431 
 Picus 295 
 Salpmctes 28 
 Scolecophagus 199 
 Sialia 14 
 Tautalua 517 
 Thryothorns 28 
 Troglodytes 28 
 Tyrannus 235 
 mexicanoides, 
 Colaptes 295 
 Geopicue 295 
 mexicauns {see mexicana) 
 michahellesii, 
 Glaucus 627 
 Laroides 627 
 Larns 627 
 niiclonia, 
 
 Anas 580 
 Micrathene 
 
 ■whltneyi 320 
 microcex)haliis, 
 
 Otus 306 
 Micropalama 
 
 himantopus 480 
 microphthalmum, 
 Syrnium 308 
 Micioptera 
 
 americana 472 
 minor 472 
 micropterue, 
 
 Atricilla 651 
 micropus, 
 
 Bernicla 556, 557 
 microrbyncha, 
 ^gialitis 456 
 Colymbus 724 
 Cotyle 90 
 Lestris 616 
 Nuuienius 510 
 Microptynx 
 
 passerinum 317 
 micrurus, 
 
 Falco 341 
 migratoria, 
 
 Coluraba 387 
 Ectopistes 387 
 Helmitherus 48 
 Merula 1 
 Peristera 387 
 Planesticus 1 
 Tardus 1, 228 
 Migratory Thrush 1 
 Milvulns 
 
 forficatus 235 
 Milvus 
 
 furcatus 332 
 
 Miminae 7 
 
 Mimus 
 
 carolinensis 8, 228 
 caudatus 8 
 felivox 9 
 meruloides 2 
 montanus 7 
 polyglottus 8 
 rufus 9 
 
 minimus, 
 
 Empidonax 254 
 Muscicapa 254 
 Picus 282 
 Turdus 4 
 Tyrann ula 254 
 
 minor, 
 
 Accipiter 349 
 Alauda 38 
 Ardea 523 
 Atricilla 651 
 Botaurus 523 
 Caprimulgus 260 
 Chordeiles 264 
 Coccygos 276 
 Coccyzus 276 
 Cuculus 276 
 Falco 342 
 Fuligula 574 
 Hemipalama 481 
 Laroides 646 
 Larus 623 
 Linaria 114 
 Merula 6 
 Microptera 472 
 Nootua 306 
 Philohela 472 
 Piaya 276 
 Picus 280, 282, 285 
 Podiceps 737 
 Eusticola 472 
 Scolopax 472 
 Tetrao 431 
 Turdus 3, 4, 6 
 Urogallus 407 
 
 miuuta, 
 
 Anas 578 
 Columba 390 
 Larus 656 
 Sterna 692 
 Sylvia 63 
 Tyrannuia 255 
 
 minutilla, 
 
 Actodromas 482 
 Actodronms 482 
 Tringa 482 
 
 Missouri Sky-lark 42 
 
 missouriensis, 
 
 Lophopbanes 19 
 Sylvia 53 
 
 mitrata, 
 
 Motacilla 78 
 Myioctonus 78 
 Myiodioetes 78 
 Podiceps 729 
 Setophaga 78 
 Sylvania 78 
 Sylvia 78 
 Sylvicola 78 
 Wilsonia 78 
 
 Mitrephorus 
 
 fulvifrons 259 
 
 Mitrephorus 
 
 pallescens 259 
 Mniotilta 
 
 blackburnia) 5y 
 
 borealis 45 
 
 canadensis 56 
 
 castane;x_6L 
 
 citra;a 47 
 
 coerulea 56 
 
 corouata 58 
 
 discolor 63 
 
 longiiostris 45 
 
 nigrescens 55 
 
 noveboracensis 71 
 
 parus 59 
 
 rubricapilla 51 
 
 striata 60 
 
 superciliosa 66 
 
 varia 45 
 
 virens 54 
 Mockingbird 8 
 Mockingbird, 
 
 Mountain 228 
 
 Sandy 9 
 Mocking Thrushes 7 
 modestus, 
 
 Larus 644 
 
 Progne 91 
 mokoko, 
 
 Ardea 524 
 moUissima, 
 
 Anas 580 
 
 Anser 580 
 
 Fuligula 580 
 
 Platypus 580 
 
 Somateria 580, 581 
 Molobrus 
 
 pecoris 180 
 Molothrus 
 
 ater 180 
 
 obscurns 180 
 
 pecoris 180 
 monilis, 
 
 Chloroenas 385 
 
 Colomba 385 
 montana, 
 
 Jjlgialitis 457 
 
 Buteo 353, 356 
 
 Chi.radrius 456, 457 
 
 Corvus 205 
 
 Dendroeca 54 
 
 Emberiza 118 
 
 Eudromias 456, 457 
 
 Falco 327 
 
 Friugilla 146 
 
 Hesperiphona 104 
 
 Mimus 7 
 
 Oreoscoptes 7, 228 
 
 Ornismyia 271 
 
 Parus 22, 230 
 
 Picus 291 
 
 Podasocys 457 
 
 Pcecile 22 
 
 Sylvia 54 
 
 Sylvicola 54 
 
 Trochilus 271 
 
 Turdus 7 
 montezumse, 
 
 Ortyx 443 
 monticola, 
 
 Fringilla 146 
 
INDEX. 
 
 769 
 
 monticola, 
 
 Spinitc's 146 
 
 Spizella UG 
 
 ZonotiicUia 146 
 Montifringillii 
 
 griseiuiiolia 111 
 
 littoralis 111 
 Moriuella 
 
 coUaris 459 
 moi'inellus, 
 
 Cinclus 459 
 
 Triuga 459 
 mortoni, 
 
 Cinclus 10 
 moschata, 
 
 Anas 559 
 
 Branta 559 
 
 Cairiua 559 
 Gymnathus 559 
 Hyonetta 559 
 Moschatus 559 
 Moschatus 
 
 mosobata 559 
 Motacilla 
 sestiva 54 
 am en can a 46 
 auiocapillns 70 
 l)laclibuiniEB 59 
 calendula 15 
 cana 17 . 
 canadensis 56, 58 
 cbvysocephala 59 
 chrysoptera 49 
 ciuctus 58 
 citraja 47 
 cceralea 17 
 cosrulescena 55 
 coi'ouata 56 
 dominica 66 
 eques 46 
 flavicauda 81 
 flavicollis 66 
 flavifrous 49 
 in can a 59 
 jnncorum 148 
 ludoviciana 46 
 maculosa 63 
 mitrata 78 
 palmarum 67 
 pensilis 66 
 pennsylvanica 62 
 pileolata 79 
 piuguis 58 
 protoQotaria 47 
 sialia 13 
 striata 60 
 superciliosa 66 
 nmbria 58 
 varia 45 
 ■s'ermivora 48 
 virens 54 
 motacilla, 
 
 Henicocicbla 7S 
 Seiurns 72 
 Turdus 72 
 Motacillidas 40 
 Mottled Owl 303 
 Mountain 
 
 Chickadee 22 
 Mocking-bird 228 
 
 49 
 
 Mountain 
 
 Plover 456 
 
 Quail 440 
 
 Titmouse 230 
 Mourning Warbler 75 
 Mud Hen 541 
 muUeri, 
 
 Larua 625 
 multifasciata, 
 
 Triuga 480 
 multistriata, 
 
 Hemipalama 480 
 murariua, 
 
 Troglodytes 28 
 Muscicapa 
 
 acadica 249, 254 
 
 animosa 236 
 
 atra 241 
 
 bouapartii 80 
 
 canadensis 80 
 
 cantatrix 100 
 
 carolinensis 8 
 
 ccerulea 17 
 
 cooperi 244 
 
 crinita 238 
 
 cristata 239 
 
 cucullata 78 
 
 flaviventris 255 
 
 forficata 935 
 
 fulviti'ous 259 
 
 fusca 241 
 
 gilva 97 
 
 guttata 3 
 
 inornata 244 
 
 ludoviciana 239 
 
 melodia 98 
 
 minima 254 
 
 noveboracensis 100 
 
 nunciola.241 
 
 olivacens 96 
 
 pba5be241,247 
 
 pusilla 79, 249, 252 
 
 querula 246, 249 
 
 rapax 246 
 
 rex 236 
 
 ricbardsonii 247 
 
 rubra 62 
 
 ruticilla 81 
 
 satelles 238 
 
 saya 240 
 
 selbyi 78 
 
 solitaria 99 
 
 spectabilis 235 
 
 striata 60 
 
 subviridis 249 
 
 sylvicola 98 
 
 traillii 252 
 
 tyranuus 236 
 
 verticalis 236 
 
 villica 244 
 
 virens 215 
 
 virgin ea 239 
 
 viridis 77 
 
 wilsonii 79 
 musica, 
 
 Clangula 579 
 
 Cygnus 545 
 
 Vireo 100 
 mustelina, 
 
 Emberiza 118 
 
 mustelina, 
 
 Hylocicbla 2 
 
 Morula 2 
 
 Turdus 2, 5 
 mutatus, 
 
 Oriolus 182 
 mutus, 
 
 Lagopus 420 
 
 Tetrao 430 
 Jlyiadestes 
 
 towiisendii 93, 94 
 Jlyiarcbus 
 
 acadicus 249 
 
 cinerascens 239 
 
 criuitus 2;!8, 2:'.9 
 
 fuscus 241 
 
 intrepidus 236 
 
 mexicanus 239 
 
 pertinax 239 
 
 virens 245 
 Myobius 
 
 acadicus 249 
 
 borealis 243 
 
 crinitus 239 
 
 nuuciola 241 
 
 pusillus 252 
 
 eayus 240 
 
 traillii 252 
 
 virens 245 
 Myioctonus 
 
 mitratus 78 
 
 liusillus 79 
 Jlyiodioctes 
 
 bouapartii 80 
 
 canadensis 80 
 
 formosus 73 
 
 mitratus 78 
 
 pardalina 80 
 
 pileolata 79 
 
 pusillus 79, 232 
 
 wilsonii 79 
 My ion ax 
 
 crinitus 239 
 
 mexicauus 239 
 Myiothera 
 
 obsoleta 27 
 mystacalis, 
 
 Inca 709 
 niystaceus, 
 
 Eegulus 74 
 
 N. 
 
 uacurutu, 
 Strix 301 
 
 Nseuia 709 
 inca 709 
 
 use via, 
 
 Actidurus 506 
 Ardea 523 
 Botaurus 523 
 Colymbus 730 
 Falco 341 
 Hesperocicbla 2 
 Ixoreus 2 
 Larus 626, 646 
 Nyctiardea 523 
 Nvcticorax 523 
 Otus 303 
 Sterna 673, 704, 708 
 
770 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 niL'via, 
 
 Strix 303 
 
 Suruia 303 
 
 Triuga 491 
 liana, 
 
 Cbrysomitris 117 
 
 Tringa 482 
 
 Turdns 3, 4 
 nandapoa, 
 
 Ibis 513 
 naiidasson. 
 
 Ibis 513 
 uasbvillei, 
 
 Sylvia 57 
 Nasbville Warbler 50 
 iintaliaa. 
 
 Centiirns 288 
 
 Picus 2rtS 
 natator, 
 
 Totanus 497 
 Xauclerus 
 
 forficatus 332 
 
 furcatus 332 
 nebulosa, 
 
 Strix 308 
 
 Svniiuui 308,309 
 
 U'hila 309 
 neglecta, 
 
 Stnrnella 190 
 Neocorys 
 
 spragoei 42 
 Neophrou 
 
 iota'384 
 NephcEcetes 
 
 borealis 268, 269 
 
 niger 268, 269 
 nesiotes, 
 
 Coecygus 276 
 
 Coccyzus 276 
 Nettion 
 
 carolinensis 565 
 
 crecca 566 
 nigellus, 
 
 Calidris 492 
 niger (see nigra) 
 Nigbt-hawk'234,263 
 Nigbt-jar 260 
 nigra, 
 
 Anas 581 
 
 Adous 710 
 
 Buteo 361 
 
 Cypseloides 268 
 
 Cypselus 2G8 
 
 Falco 341,361,368 
 
 Fiiligula 582 
 
 HIrnudo 2ti8 [708 
 
 Hydroehelidon 704, 705, 
 
 Lariis 625 
 
 Meigus 584 
 
 Nepbcecetes 268, 269 
 
 OEdemia 5sl 
 
 Oidemia 581 
 
 Oiiolus 198 
 
 Picus 278, 286 _ 
 
 Ebyncbops 715 
 
 Scolecopbagus 198 
 
 Sterna 704,705,708 
 
 Viral va 704 
 
 Vnltur 384 
 
 nigrescens, 
 
 DondroBca 55, 232 
 
 Jiniotilta 55 
 
 Ebimanpbus 55 
 
 Sylvia 55 
 
 Sylvicola 55 
 
 Vernivora 55 
 nigricans, 
 
 Anser 556, 557 
 
 Bernicla 556, 557 
 
 Branta 556, 557 
 
 C'olymbus 732 
 
 Hvclrocbelidon 704 
 
 Tringa 489 
 nigriceps, 
 
 Falco 342 
 uigricincta, 
 
 Setopbaga 80 
 nigricollis, 
 
 Colymbus 7^3 
 
 Hiuiantopus 462, 463 
 
 Hypsibates 463 
 
 JIacrotarsus 463 
 
 Passeriua 165 
 
 Penduliuus 193 
 
 Podiceps 733 
 nigrum (see nigra) 
 nilotiea, 
 
 Sterna 680 
 Nipbffia 
 
 byemalis 141 
 
 oregona 142 
 nisoria, 
 
 Noctua 311 
 
 Strix 311 
 
 Snrnia 311 
 
 Syrnium 311 
 Xisus 
 
 columbarius 346 
 
 cooperi 335 
 
 fusciis 334 
 
 byemalis 355 
 
 nialficl 334 
 
 niexicanus 335 
 
 pennsylvauicus 334 
 
 pennsylvaticus 334 
 
 pileatus 335 
 niteus, 
 
 Pbajnopepla 94 
 
 Qiiiscalus 203 
 nitzscbii, 
 
 Sterna 686 
 nivalis, 
 
 Anas 549 
 
 Emberiza 118 
 
 Fringilla 141 
 
 Plectropbanes 118 
 niveus, 
 
 Anser 549 
 
 Ardea 521 
 
 Egretta 521 
 
 Gavia 649 
 
 Larus 639, 649 
 
 Xoctua 310 
 
 X'yctea 309, 310 
 
 Pagopbila 649 
 
 Eissa 647 
 
 Strix 310 
 
 Tadoma 549 
 
 nivosa, 
 
 iEgialitis 456 
 
 Leiicopolius 456 
 nobilis, 
 
 Afjuila 368 
 
 Curvii8 205 
 Noctua 
 
 acadica 315 
 
 cnnicalaria321 
 
 ferruginea 318 
 
 fuuerea 311, 312 
 
 major 306 
 
 minor 300 
 
 nisoria 311 
 
 nivua 310 
 
 uyctea 310 
 
 passeriua 317 
 
 pygniiea 317 
 
 teugnuiliui 314 
 noctna, 
 
 Strix 306, 313 
 Nodinus 709 
 Noddy Tern 710 
 Xou-inelodiousPa8seres235 
 Northern 
 
 Pbalarope 469 
 
 Shrike 101 
 norwegica, 
 
 Soraateria 580 
 notata, , 
 
 Actitis 502 
 
 Tringa 502 
 noveboracensis, 
 
 Araniides 539 
 
 Cotnrnic :ps 539 
 
 Fulica 539 
 
 Gallenula 539 
 
 Henicocichla 71 
 
 Muiotilta 71 
 
 Muscicapa 100 
 
 Ortygometra 539 
 
 Porzana 539 
 
 Eailus 539 
 
 Scolopax 477 
 
 Seiurus /"I 
 
 Sylvia 71 
 
 Totanus 477 
 
 Turdus71,198 
 
 Vireo 100 
 uubilosa. 
 
 Sterna 701 
 Nucifraga 
 
 Columbiana 207 
 
 eyauocepbala 210 
 Numenius 
 
 afrieanus 492 
 
 arquata 508 
 
 borealis 509, 510 
 
 brasiliensis 508, 510 
 
 brevirostris 510 
 
 ferrugineus 492 
 
 hudsouicus 509 
 
 intermedins 510 
 
 longirostris 508 
 
 melauopus 508 
 
 microrbyncbus 510 
 
 occideutalis 508 
 
 phoeopus 510 
 
 pygmseus 492 
 
INDEX. 
 
 . 771 
 
 Nnruenius 
 
 ruliventris 510 
 
 rufiis 508 
 
 suliarquata 491 
 
 variabilis 4Ki) 
 micbalis, 
 
 Cladoscopus 286 
 
 Pica 2-31 
 
 Spliyrapicus 286 
 nunciola, 
 
 Musoicapa 241 
 
 Myobius 241 
 
 Tyrannula 241 
 Nutcracker, 
 
 American 207 
 Nuthatch, 
 
 Pygmy 25 
 
 Eea-belliecl 25 
 
 Sleuder-billed 24, 230 
 
 White-bellied 23 
 nuttalli, 
 
 Antrostomus 261 
 
 Caprimulgus 261 
 
 Cleptes 212 
 
 Pica 212 
 Nuttall's Whippoor will 261 
 Nyctala 
 
 acadica 315 
 
 albifroDS 315 
 
 richardsoni 314 
 Nyctale 
 
 abietum 314 
 
 acadica 315 
 
 albifrons 315 
 
 Candida 310 
 
 dasypus 314 
 
 fiineiea 314 
 
 liirtlandii 315 
 
 pinetorum 314 
 
 planiceps 314 
 
 richardsoni 313, 314 
 
 tengmalmi 313, 314 
 Nyctea 
 
 americana 310 
 
 arctica 309 
 
 erminea 310 
 
 eiiropa^a 310 
 
 nivea 309, 310 
 
 scaudiaca 309 
 
 wapacuthii 310 
 nyctea, 
 
 Noctua 310 
 
 Strix 309 
 
 Surnia 310 
 Nyctia 
 
 Candida 310 
 Nyctiardea 
 
 garden! 523 
 
 grisea 523 
 
 niBvia 523 
 Nyctieorax 
 
 americanns 523 
 
 gardeui 523 
 
 griseus ri23 
 
 niBv.a 523 
 nyctieorax, 
 
 Ardea 523 
 Nyctipetes 
 
 ounicularia 321 
 Nyroca 
 
 americana 575 
 
 Nyroca 
 
 erythroccphala 575 
 ferina 57.") 
 marila 573 
 vallisneria 575 
 
 0. 
 
 oahuensia. 
 
 Sterna 701 
 
 Tringa 459 
 obscurns, 
 
 Anas 560, 501 
 
 Canace 396, 400 
 
 Carpodacus 107 
 
 Colymbus 73i 
 
 Dendragapus 396 
 
 Empidouax 258 
 
 Hydrochelidoa 704 
 
 Loxia 160 
 
 Molothrus 180 
 
 Passcrella 161 
 
 Picus 290 
 
 Podiceps 732 
 
 Sterna 704 
 
 Sturuus ISO 
 
 Tetrao 395, 396, 400 
 
 Tyrannula 258 
 ohsoleins, 
 
 Talco 355 
 
 Mviothera 27 
 
 Eallus 535 
 
 Salpinctea 27, 230 
 
 Thryothorus 27 
 
 Troglodytes 27 
 occidentalis, 
 
 ^chmophorus 727 
 
 Ardea 519 
 
 Beruicla 554 
 
 Ereunetes 481 
 
 Glaucus 627 
 
 Laroides 627 
 
 Larus ti27 
 
 Numenius 508 
 
 Otocorys 38 
 
 Picus 286 
 
 Podiceps 727 
 
 Eecurvirostra 460 
 
 Sylvia 14 
 oecidua. 
 
 Anas 580 
 ocbrocephalus, 
 
 Centronyx 125 
 ochropus, 
 
 Tringa 498 
 Ocbtbodromus 
 
 wilsoniua 456 
 Ochtboiica 
 
 sa>a 240 
 Ocniscus 
 
 viresceus 522 
 ocreata, 
 
 Epbialtes 303 
 ocularis, 
 
 Helminthophaga 232 
 Odontopborinai 430, 432 
 Odontopborus 
 
 meleagris 443 
 CEdemia 
 
 americana 581 
 
 fusoa 581 
 
 CEdemia 
 
 perspiciUata 582 
 
 trowbridgei 582 
 Oidemia 
 
 americana 581 
 
 bimaculata 582 
 
 deglandii 582 
 
 fusca 582 
 
 nigra 581 
 
 perspiciUata 582 
 
 velvetina 5^2 
 okeni, 
 
 Charadrius 455 
 olivaceus, 
 
 Lauius 98 
 
 Mernla 4 
 
 Muscicapa 96 
 
 Phyllomanes 96 
 
 Eegulus 17 
 
 Vireo 96 
 
 Vireosylvia 96 
 
 Turdus 4 [233 
 
 Olive-backed Thrush 4, 228, 
 Olive-sided Flycatcher 243 
 Olor 
 
 americanus 545 
 
 buccinator 544 
 onocrotahis, • 
 
 Peleeanus 587 
 Ouycboprion C97 
 
 fuliginosa 698 
 
 panaya 701 
 
 panayensis 701 
 
 t errata 098 
 Oonalashka Bunting 162 
 opii't'X, 
 
 Hirundo 88 
 Oporornis 
 
 formosus 73 
 Orange crowned 
 
 Accentor 70 
 
 Warbler 70- 
 Orcbard Oriole 192 
 ordii, 
 
 Falciuellus 517 
 
 Ibis 517 
 Oregon Snowbird 143 
 oregoua, 
 
 Fringilla 142 
 
 Junco 142, 144, 145 
 
 Niphfea 142 
 
 Pipilo 175 
 
 Struthus 1-12 
 Oreortyx 430 
 
 pictus 440 
 Oreoscojites 
 
 niontanus 7, 228 
 orientalis, 
 
 Charadrius 450 
 , Falco 341 
 Oriole, 
 
 Baltimore 193 
 
 Bullock's 195 
 
 Orchard 192 
 Oriolus 
 
 l)altimore 193 
 
 capensis 193 
 
 cahtaneus 193 
 
 ferrugiue'us 193 
 
 fuscus 180 
 
 hudsonius 203 
 
772 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 OrioluH, 
 
 lniic,oc,(i|iliuluH H)H 
 liHl(ivii;i;iiinH ;.!(Ki 
 iimtatim \'>'.' 
 iiip-r IDH 
 |illil^llifcllH IHO 
 H|llllillH 11)2 
 
 oriiiita, 
 
 <,'crilio|]|i;iMcM \;!2 
 JCidlxTizM, Itji 
 I'Icm;Iji,|>Ii,'iiii-m I2i 
 
 Or']iiH]]]yiii, 
 
 liii)ljl.'in;i ''71 
 tiJiiikii- 271 
 OrphciiH 
 
 <-;il(tlifH'rjsiH r 
 li'llVOX II 
 
 l('.IH-'i|i(rl'ils f^ 
 ni'-liil'-idr'; 'J 
 pill;, ;■lollll^ 8 
 I lilils !# 
 Orf.yx 
 
 liorciilis Kil 
 ciililiiijiii:;! '!:i!( 
 r.:iMl:i(icii,s 'VM 
 ('.lll):iIMT)Hk4 4!il 
 
 ii.,ii.iMiiM 4;n 
 
 jn;isM<-ij;i 'Mil 
 
 riirxiciiijiiH '!:!! 
 
 nioiif(!/,iiiiii)! 44:j 
 
 |ii(l;i 440 
 
 jilijiriir.in, 410 
 
 Hqii;tiiiut,.'i. 'I'll 
 
 ti'XJiniiM 4:11 
 
 vifi<irii;Miiis 4:il 
 oil v;;iii(l(M, 
 
 J'iriHrriiil.iir.'i .■'ir;4 
 Oil,v^'i,rrir-li;i 
 
 'riiili-,Ji:-,is .'140 
 oryzivor.'i, 
 
 iJi.lichdnyx 17^ 
 
 JOrnlx-i i/,:i ]7ri 
 
 I'a-viin;, 178 
 Oi'i'in."; 1 
 
 A|i)ii'iiili;-: to, 22:; 
 O-prr V :"r/' 
 OS- llr;i;.'iii, 
 
 C'orv 11-1207 
 
 J'nico :;70 
 01.01:01 'n 
 
 ;i)p(:htii'-i l!8 
 
 (^ooulojituli s II'-. 
 Olof:OI->^ 
 
 aJpi^stiJM IJ'i 
 
 clirvH,ol;/;m:i :ir! 
 
 comiita IW 
 
 Olodytc-, -r.'S, 
 
 :iui itiiT 7litJ 
 Otii', 
 
 aj;T,'iriii4 '■',()(', 
 
 aliiioollis :;01 
 
 arin;rii::iiiin '.',01, oO.". 
 
 ai liojciiH iiOl 
 
 a-sio ;;o:!, ;;04 
 
 aiJiIf.nH ;iO't 
 braclijotUHSOC 
 
 OUlH 
 
 (MiiiihiiitilM :!04 
 ciniiciihifia. '.'<t\ 
 oiiropii-.tiH :'>01 
 jfiilapa^^oi'nuiH iH)7 
 
 fri'llcillH 1104 
 
 il.aliciiH :'.(I4 
 MiiiroiwpliiiInH MOO 
 iia:viiiN IIO;i 
 |ialiinl-riH :I00 
 (■lolorH'nhi.K IW)4 
 HylvcHi j'in :i04 
 ii'liila :!Oli 
 viiMinianilH !iOO 
 viilijariH :!01, :'.05 
 wilsoiiiaiiiiM IJO'l, IiOo 
 
 ol,IIH, 
 
 ylO^oliiiH ;i04 
 
 Asir> ;!i)i 
 JJiilio :;oi 
 ,Slri>: :;o4 
 
 i;iiiiii:!Oi 
 
 Oiiz. 1, 
 
 Watrr 10 
 Owl, 
 
 /icaOiaii ;{15 
 
 liarji ;i:w 
 
 I'.arnil :iO;-i 
 liiirro A ill}; It'^l 
 (;ical. (;r;iv ISOO 
 (ircal. lloriM'd :;00 
 (Jical, Wliilo 'MI'.I 
 ilawk lill 
 |joii};-i-aiT,(l :(04 
 
 MotiiMi ■■■.<)■,; 
 l'v«iMv :ii7 
 I i;rii ■.'.II.; 
 
 /i'i']j;i iOmou'm III II 
 ;-ia,w-v/lic-l, III-', 
 Kri-ci-i-l] |;0IJ 
 Sliorl-(-.aii-(l lIOi; 
 ,ShOV/y IIOII 
 
 whii,.'-, -.i'.y. :!oy 
 
 Wliit.iii^v'.s IliO 
 r).Y-(:,y<-, l'lo',-.:r 44!) 
 OA,yri;liMH 
 
 vociC'-riiM 4.'2 
 o;-,y|iti-.niM, 
 
 /lilt 00 ll.'if) 
 0:-:yii/a, 
 
 flililila r,^,ii 
 
 I ^'• 
 
 fv<a- -;>■:! 
 
 I'acilic iJlacI.-tliroalod l)i- 
 
 pacilioijM, 
 
 liiilioliOl 
 
 Col', ,nl,.M7-,il 
 
 l'.-lidi,a 400 
 
 'J'io;.|o<lytj-i nil 
 I'a^'oiii Ita 
 
 {l\:in:iUH :,7'.) 
 , I'a<.;o[.hila OlO 
 j l>ia<diylaiHiiM 040 
 
 ;00 iiivi-a 010 
 
 J'aintial J^ark Iliinlirii,' 12) 
 Iialla-i, 
 
 Oin'liiM 10 
 
 'J iiidii-', 2, 'MH 
 
 palli-sriMiH, 
 
 (lliaiiiii'pidia. 1100 
 
 Miiipiiloiiax ITiO 
 
 .Mil n-.plioruH ',i'i'.> 
 |>allial iiH, 
 
 < lorv'illi lilO 
 pallida., 
 
 I'aiilM-.riza. 148, 151 
 
 SayoniiN ;J4'J 
 
 Mpinil.r.H 140 
 
 Spi/.i'lla. I4H, ir.l 
 
 'ryiaiiiiillillilO 
 
 Zoiioliir-lda, 140 
 pallid icini'ln:^, 
 
 (llipidoliia. 4;,'0 
 ]mlll(li|H-«, 
 
 Aiif.r.r MC) 
 pahiianiiii, 
 
 l)i-iiili(iM'a, fi7 
 
 Mol.ai'.illa, 07 
 
 Hy I via, or 
 
 ,Syl vifola. 07 
 p.'illldirola., 
 
 (li'il.ol.honiii lir. 
 jialiiiiiOariiiH, 
 
 Af;(!l|iilc,r I1II8, ll'tfi 
 
 A Hill I- IIIiH 
 
 l''a.loo IIII8 
 [laliiKl.riH, 
 
 AiriiiiodioiniiM III7 
 
 lliai-.liyid.iii. 1101; 
 
 C'r.rl.liialM 
 
 (:i:',l,ollioriiK IM, iir, 
 
 l'riiii,'illa 1117 
 
 Oclochi-lidoii 004 
 
 I iidoMpiza. 1117 
 
 ,\I..lo.H[,iza 1:57 
 
 oi.M'i lioi; 
 
 I'aMwai-iiliiH ll!7 
 
 I'arii.H '.ill 
 
 Spizii 1117 
 
 filii'.. 1100 
 
 Sylvia, .'0 (iilll 
 
 'IVIiiialodyli-.H 114, II.'>, 
 
 'l'lii\ollioin-i 114 
 
 'rio;!^lorlyl,.-f-i 114 
 piiiiava, 
 
 IOil;plana70I 
 
 Oiiychopiioii 701 
 
 Sloiria, 701 
 j»aiia'\ crisis, 
 
 I'laliplaiia 701 
 
 Oiiyidiopi ion 701 
 
 .Sl.i-.roa 701 
 I'aiidioii 
 
 allir:i-p', IIT/ 
 
 aini:t'io:ijiiis 1107 
 
 laiacara 1171 
 
 i:aroliii<-ij-ii,s 1107 
 
 'dily.Hij.l-.l IIS IIO.'^ 
 
 lasoialiis 11(17 
 
 llir. iaii -, .1<;7 
 
 j.^'.uidii i:;,7 
 
 lialia-./-la '.lir/ 
 i'Olli,y;i' his lir,7 
 iod '11 , -.■.i;-/ 
 l<-ll(:Ofa-|,lia)|)H 1107 
 pla.fiiocpH 1107 
 jiaoiioHa, 
 
 Hylvicola.'.O 
 
INDEX. 
 
 73 
 
 Panyptila \ 
 
 nielauolciioa 265 
 saxatilis 205 
 paiiidiseii, 
 
 .Sliiviiii, Cit-Ti, 088 
 parasita, 
 
 Oatarractes 008, (il3 
 r'iuasilui Jai'^wr 012 
 parasitica, 
 
 Calaracta 01'3 
 CataiiH'U'H 010 
 Larus 008, 012, GIG 
 Lestris012, 01:!, 010 
 .ShTcdiaviiis 012, 013 
 paiilaliiiM, 
 
 M.viddioc-tt'M f^O 
 iSvlviaHO 
 hlylvicola 80 
 pardela, 
 
 Cliaradrius 448 
 Pardirallus 
 elegans 535 
 loLKii'ostris 53G 
 Parida' lit 
 parkmaui, 
 
 Trofjlodytrs 33, 231 
 Parkuiau's Wicu 231 
 parotis, 
 
 Colymbus 730 
 Parroqueti, 
 
 Caroliua 2'JG 
 Parroquets 296 
 Partridges, 
 
 Aiiiorican 430 
 Partridge, 
 
 Spnico 394 
 Swauij) 394 
 Virginia 431 
 Wood 394 
 Parula 
 
 ameiicana 46 
 Parus 
 
 albescens 21 
 anicricauus 46 
 atricaiiillus 20, 21, 2:')0 
 bicolor 19 
 boinbycilla 92 
 iiiornatus 20 
 moutauus 22, 230 
 paliish'is 20 
 rnfcsci'BS 22 
 scptnitrioualis 21, 230 
 virgiuiauiis 58 
 parus, 
 
 Jluiotilta ri9 
 Rbiiiiaiiplins 59 
 Svh ia 09 
 Sylvic(]la59 
 parvipcs, 
 
 Anser 551 
 parN'iilns. 
 
 Tn.glc.(lyt-fs2:',l 
 Passciigrr I'lgcoii 387 
 J^asscr 
 
 arctons 111 
 caiuulcusis 146 
 griscumclia 111 
 liiiaria 114 
 Passercnins 
 
 alaudiuns 128 
 
 Paaserctilus 
 
 antliiuus 128 
 
 bairdii 125 
 
 cassiiii 140 
 
 liiicoliiii 135 
 
 paliiatris 137 
 
 sandvicensis 128 
 
 Kiivaiiua 127, 128 
 
 zonarius 130 
 PasscicUa 
 
 ciiicr<'a 139 
 
 guttata 139 
 
 iliaoa 100, 102 
 
 iiicgarliyijcba 102 
 
 oliscura 101 
 
 ruliua 139 
 
 scbistiicca 102 
 
 toxMiscndii 102 
 
 unalascbkensis 162 
 Passcrcs, 
 
 Ni>n-me]odiou8 235 
 Passeriua 
 
 anid'na 170 
 
 c> aiica 171 
 
 iiigiH'ollis 105 
 
 ory/.ivora 178 
 
 Iiccoris 180 
 passeriua, 
 
 Aiiirnodromus 132 
 
 Alhcuc 3,17 
 
 Cl]iiiiia'pclia390 
 
 Columba 390 
 
 Coturiiiculns 131, 132 
 
 Emlun'iza KJl 
 
 Kringilla 131 
 
 Glaiicidinm 317, 318 
 
 Goura 390 
 
 jMicrujitynx 317 
 
 Noctiia 317 
 
 I'cristcra 390 
 
 Pyigiticiias 390 
 
 Spiza 131 
 
 .Sirix 300, 314, 315, 317 
 
 Suraia 317 
 passeriiiiiidcs, 
 
 Strix 317 
 
 Suruia 318 
 passmorci, 
 
 Cygaus 544 
 patagoiiica, 
 
 Afliciio 322 
 patagiatus, 
 
 i'udiccps 729 
 paykuUii, 
 
 Scolupax 477 
 pcalci, 
 
 I'aleo 3 12 
 pccoris, 
 
 Einlicriza 180 
 
 Pringilla 18U 
 
 Icterus 1811 
 
 Jliilobras 180 
 
 Mololbrus 180 
 
 Passeriua 180 
 
 Psarcolius 180 
 Pectoral Sandpiper 486 
 pectoralis, 
 
 CbaradriiiH 450 
 
 ]\lelos|iiza 139 
 
 Polidua 480 
 
 ' pectoralis, 
 
 Trin;ia484, 486 
 Pedeaitbyia 
 
 subci istata 730 
 Pedetaitbya 720 
 Pcdio'cclcs 
 
 pbasiauellus 417 
 Pediocaite.s 
 
 eolumbiaiins 107 
 kenuicottii 407 
 pbasiauellus 407 
 pelagica, 
 
 C'hujtura 23,4, 207, 208 
 Hirundo 207 
 Delasgia, 
 
 Acauthylis 267 
 (^ba3tura 2(37 
 Cji>si-lns207 
 Heuiipnicue 207 
 Hiruudo 207 
 Pelecanklie 5^7 
 Pelecanus 
 
 americaiius 587 
 bracbydactylus 587 
 diloj>bus 588 
 erytbrorbyuchus 587 
 ouctcrotalirs 587 
 tracbyrbynchus 587 
 Pelicau, 
 
 Wbite 587 
 Pelicans 587 
 Pelidna 
 
 alpina 489, 490 
 auiericaiia 490 
 brissoni 481 
 ciQclus 489, 490 
 macrorbyucba 492 
 macnlata 480 
 uiaritima 481_l 
 luelanotus 487 
 pacitiea 490 
 pieotoralis 480 
 pusilla 482 
 scbinzii 487, 489 
 subarquata 492 
 variabilis 489 
 Pelionetta 
 
 bimaeirlata 582 
 perspicillata 582 
 Pcl<>des703 
 
 leucopareia 704 
 surinameusis 705 
 Penduliims 
 attiuis 193 
 ater 198 
 nigricollis 193 
 Btnirius 193 
 viridis 193 
 Peuelope 
 
 mexicana 558 
 pcue]o[ie. 
 
 Alias 501 
 i\lareca 5<j4, 565 
 pcuuatus, 
 
 Faloo 301 
 peiinsylvauicus, 
 Accipiter 334 
 Alanda 40 
 Autbus 40 
 Astur 334 
 
774 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 pennsylvanicus, 
 
 Buteo 360 
 
 Calendula 15 
 
 Di/ndroeca 62 
 
 Falco 334, 350 
 
 Fringilhi 151 
 
 Motacilla 62 
 
 Nisus 3;>4 
 
 Sylvia V,2 
 
 Vi.'imivoia 48 
 peniisylvaticus, 
 
 Nisus 334 
 pensilis, 
 
 Mot:i cilia 66 
 
 Rbimauphus 66 
 
 Sylvia 66 
 
 Sylvicola 66 
 
 VerniiVDia 66 
 Percnopterus 
 
 aura 3^0 
 
 urubu 384 
 Peidix 
 
 borealis 431 
 
 californicns 439 
 
 marilaudica 431 
 
 niexicana 431 
 
 perspicillata 443 
 
 plumil'era 440 
 
 virginiaua 431 
 peregriua, 
 
 Anas 570 
 
 Clangula 576 
 
 Eromophila 38 
 
 Heleuaia 53 
 
 llelniinthophaga 53 
 
 Heliuitherus 53 
 
 Oh icons 38 
 
 Sylvia 53 
 
 Svlvicola 53 
 
 A't-rinivtiia 53 
 peregiinator, 
 
 Asio 304 
 
 Sr Jx 304 
 Pcrc^rine Falcon 341 
 I>eregLiDoi(les, 
 
 Falco 34v; 
 pereijriuus, 
 
 Falco 341 
 Perisoreus 
 
 ci'.nadeDsis '2iil 
 
 capitalis 'J'-il 
 
 obycuriis ^-1 
 Pei'i-sura 
 
 caroliuensis or'O 
 Periijtcra 
 
 carolinciisis 389 
 
 iiiigrat<jria 3,-^7 
 
 liahbcriua 390 
 peilata, 
 
 Strix 299 
 perpallidus, 
 
 Cotuniiculus 132 
 personatas, 
 
 Tiicba^ 74 
 per8]iicil!atMs, 
 
 Agelaaus 188 
 
 Alias 582 
 
 Fnligula 58-.' 
 Icterus 186 
 
 perspicillatus, 
 
 Macrorbamplius 582 
 
 CEdemia 582 
 
 Oidemia 582 
 
 Pelionetta 582 
 
 Perdix 443 
 
 Psarocolius 188 
 
 Xantboccpbaliis 188 
 pertiuax, 
 
 Xlyiarchus 239 
 petecbia, 
 
 Seiurus 68 
 
 Sylvia 68 
 
 Sylvicola 68 
 petriMcatus, 
 
 Ereunotes 431 
 Petrochelidoii 
 
 bicolor 86 
 
 luiiifrons 88 
 
 melanogastra 69 
 
 S\vain80ui89 
 
 tbalassiua 86 
 Peueaja 
 
 tEstivalis 140 
 
 cassini 140 
 
 lincolnii 135 
 
 Western "Wood 247 
 
 Wood 245 
 Pewit Flj catcher 241 
 Pb;cDOpepla 
 
 niteus 94 
 pha?(jpns, 
 
 XuuitTiius 510 
 PbalacrocoiacidiB 588 
 Phalaci<)coiax712 
 
 brasilieusis 588 
 
 dilopbus 588 
 
 floridanus 5?8 
 
 lacustrirt 5ra 
 
 resiilendci!-; ■'■^9 
 
 townsendii 5tO 
 phalaiQoide.s, 
 
 Atbeiie 315 
 Pbalarope, 
 
 Northern 469 
 
 Red 471 
 
 Wilson's 4r.7 
 Phalaropodida,' 466 
 Phalaropes 4i)'<i 
 Phalaropus 466 
 
 angustiiostris 470 
 
 australis 470 
 
 cinerascens 470 
 
 cincrns 470 
 
 iJmbriatn.s 4i;7 
 
 Ironatus 467 
 
 fuliearias 471 
 
 fuBcus 470 
 
 glacialis 4G7 
 
 .iiriscus 471 
 
 bvperboreus 469, 471 
 
 lubatus 467,470 
 
 platyihyncbus 471 
 
 rufesceus 471 
 
 ruficollis 470 
 
 rufns 471 
 
 stenodactylus 467 
 
 willianisii 470 
 
 Phalaropns 
 
 wilsoni 467 
 phasianellus, 
 
 Centrocercus 407 
 
 Pcdiiecetes 407 
 
 PediociBtes 407 
 
 Pedicccete.s407 
 
 Tetrao 407 
 Pbasianurus 
 
 acntus 561 
 Pbasianus 
 
 colnmbianus 407 
 Pbilacte 
 
 canagica 558 
 Philadelphia, 
 
 Chroecocepalus 656 
 
 Geothlypis 75 
 
 Larus 656 
 
 Sterna 656 
 
 Sylvia 75 
 
 Trichas 75 
 
 Viico97,233 
 
 Vireosylvia 97 
 Phileremos 
 
 alpestris 38 
 
 cornutus 38 
 philippiua, 
 
 Sterna 710 
 pbillipsii, 
 
 Picas 279 
 
 Trichopicus 279 
 Philohefa 
 
 minor 472 
 Phlccotoiiins 
 
 pileatus 279 
 Pbcebe-bird 241 
 pbcebe, 
 
 Muscicapa 241,247 
 
 Tyrannula 2J7 
 
 Tyrannus 247 
 phcenicens, 
 
 Agelaeiis 186 
 
 Icterus 186 
 
 Oriolns 186 
 
 Psarocolins 186 
 PhcEQicosoma 
 
 rubra 82 
 Phocuisonia 
 
 rubra 82 
 Phcetusa 
 
 regia 669 
 
 triideaui, 675 
 Pholeoptynx 
 
 cuiiicularia 322 
 Phrenopicns 
 
 jardinii 280 
 Phyllobasilens 
 
 calendnla 16 
 Phyllomanes 
 
 olivaceiis 96 
 Phylaconetta 
 
 histrionica 578 
 Piay.i 
 
 aracricana 276 
 
 domiuica 275 
 
 erythropbthalma 274 
 
 minor 276 
 Pica 
 
 albiventris 211 
 
INDEX. 
 
 775 
 
 Pica 
 
 eaud.itaSll 
 
 caM'iilesceus '2t9 
 
 corouata 215 
 
 cristata 214 
 
 europtea 211 
 
 geruiauica 211 
 
 Eienialis 211 
 
 Imdsoiiica 211 
 
 melauoleiicu 211 
 
 nnttallii 212 
 
 Buclialis 221 
 
 rnsticorum 211 
 
 septenti'ionalis 211 
 
 stelleri 215 
 
 ■varia 211 
 pica, 
 
 Coryus 211 
 Picaria) 260 
 Picarian Birds 2(10 
 picatus, 
 
 Falco 328 
 Picicorvus 
 
 coluniliiaDiis 207 
 Picida) 278 
 Picoides 
 
 amevicamis 284, 2Sr> 
 
 arcticus 2ri 1 
 
 dorsalis 2::Ti 
 
 fasciatus 285 
 
 liii&alus 285 
 
 lectiiitui 2^2 
 
 tridaclyliis 285 
 picta, 
 
 CaUipepla,440 
 
 Centrophaiies 121 
 
 Dajdalion 338 
 
 Emberiza 1'21 
 
 Oreoitvs 440 
 
 Ortyx 440 
 
 Plectrophanes 121 
 Picus 
 
 americanus 285 
 
 arcticus 284, 2f<5 
 
 atrotliurax 285 
 
 auduboni 280 
 
 aurato-mexicanus 233 
 
 auratus 292 
 
 cafer 294 
 
 cauydeusis 279 
 
 caroliuus 285, 289 
 
 cayaaensis 284 
 
 ca-\ieri 280 
 
 dorsalis 285 
 
 crytbraucbon 289 
 
 erytbrocepbalus 290 
 
 flavivcutris 266 
 
 gairdneri 282, 283 
 
 galbula 286 
 
 grisens 289 
 
 liarrisii 280 
 
 birsnt-us 285 
 
 boraorus 283 
 
 byloscopus 2.-^0 
 
 incarnatus 289 
 
 jardiiiei 280 
 
 kocliii 284 
 
 latbami 295 
 
 lecoDtei 282 
 
 leucomciauus 279 
 
 Piciia 
 
 leiicomelas 279 
 
 lewisii 291 
 
 major 279 
 
 martina) 279 
 
 martini 280 
 
 maximus 278 
 
 mediauus 282 
 
 luedius 279 
 
 meridioiialis 282,283 
 
 mexicauus 295 
 
 miuiimis 282 
 
 miuor 280, 282, 285 
 
 montanus 291 
 
 natalia! 288 
 
 niger 278, 286 
 
 obacuriis 290 
 
 occidentalis 286 
 
 pbilippsi 279 
 
 pileatus 27.8 
 
 pnbcbci.-n.s 282,283 
 
 ruber 28() 
 
 rubricapillus 280 
 
 riibricatns 2'J5 
 
 septeiitrionalis 279 
 
 tbvroideus 288 
 
 tofqnatus 291 
 
 tridactylus 284, 285 
 
 turati 283 
 
 undosus 284 
 
 uudulatns 284 [286 
 
 varius 279, 282, 284, 285 
 
 ^■illosus 279,280 
 
 virgiiiianus 279, 282 
 
 "U'illiarusoui 288 
 
 zebra 289 
 Pied-billed Grebe, 738 
 Pigeon Hawk 333, 345 
 Pigeon, 
 
 Band-tailed 3-5 
 
 Passenger 387 
 
 ^Yild 387 
 Pigeons 385 
 pigm- (see pygm- ) 
 piiiei. 
 
 Sterna 686 
 Pileated Woodpecker 278 
 pileatus, 
 
 Astnr 335 
 
 Campepbilus 279 
 
 Ceoijblffius ".^79 
 
 Dryopicus 2i8 
 
 Dryocoxjns 278 
 
 Dryotomus 278 
 
 Hylatoraus 279 
 
 Hylotorans 278, 279 
 
 Nisus 335 
 
 Phlceotonras 279 
 
 Picus 278 
 
 Sterna 710 
 pileolata, 
 
 Motacilla 79 
 
 Myiodioctes 79 
 Pilumn-us 
 
 ruber 286 
 
 tbyroideus 288 
 
 Tarins 285 
 Pine-creeping Warbler 69 
 Pine Grosbeak 104 
 Linnet 115 
 
 Pine Grouse 395 
 piuetarius, 
 
 Falco 341 
 pinetorium, 
 
 Nyetale 314 
 pinguis, 
 
 Motacilla 58 
 Pinicola 
 
 americana 105 
 
 canadensis 104 
 
 enucleator 104 
 pinicola. 
 
 Bubo 301 
 Pinnated Grouse 419 
 Pintail 561 
 pinus, 
 
 Certhia 49 
 
 Cbrysomitris 115 
 
 Deudrceca 60, 69 
 
 Fringilia. 115 
 
 Plelmintbophaga 49 
 
 Liuaria 115 
 
 libimanpbus 69 
 
 Sylvia 49, 69 
 
 Sylvicola 69 
 
 Thryotborus 69 
 Pipilo 
 
 alleui 173 
 
 arctica 175 
 
 ater 173 
 
 cblorurus 176 [175 
 
 erytbrophthalmus 173, 
 
 fuscus 274 
 
 leueopis 173 
 
 maculatus 175 
 
 magalonyx 175 
 
 mesoleucus 274 
 
 oregonus 175 
 
 rufipileus 176 
 pipiens, 
 
 Anthus 40 
 Piping Plover 455 
 pipiri, 
 
 Tyrannus 236 
 pipixean, 
 
 Earns 654 
 Pipra 
 
 polyglotta 77 
 Piramidig263 
 I)iscator, 
 
 Accipiter367 
 piscatorius, 
 
 Accipiter 367 
 piscatrix, 
 
 Aqnila 367 
 Pisk 263 
 Pitylus 
 
 cardiualis 172 
 
 guttatns 167 
 Placentia Falcon 361 
 Plain-crested Titmouse 20 
 Plains, 
 
 Cock of tho, 400 
 plancns, 
 
 Falco 370 
 
 Vultur 370 
 Planesticus 
 
 niigratorius 1 
 Planetes 097 
 
77fi 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 planiceps, 
 
 Archibnteo 361 
 
 N.vctale 314 
 
 Paiulion 367 
 plaiiifroDs, 
 
 Soiiiiiteria 5^0 
 platvcerca, 
 
 Mellisiiga 271 
 
 Si.'lasphorus ~:71 
 
 Trocbilus 271 
 platyptciiis, 
 
 Sijarvius 360 
 Platypus 
 
 glacialis 579 
 
 luolUssimu.s 580 
 
 sp<'ctabilis o^l 
 Platyrliyuchiis 
 
 pusillua 2j2 
 
 virescens 249 
 platyrliyiichus, 
 
 Clvpeata .'172 
 
 MelauittaOSl 
 
 Plialaropiis 471 
 platyiiros, 
 
 Bernicla 556, 557 
 
 Souiatei'ia 5:~0 
 Plaiitus 619 
 
 glancus 621 
 
 leucopteriis 623 
 plebeins, 
 
 Contopus 247 
 Plectrojibaues 
 
 calcarata 120 
 
 lapponica 120 
 
 maccownii 124 
 
 nielanomns 122 
 
 nivalis 118 
 
 oriiata 122 
 
 picta 121 
 Plover 418 
 Plover, 
 
 Ainerican Golden 449 
 
 Bet- tie-bead 449 
 
 Black-bellied 448, 449 
 
 Bull-bead 449 
 
 Galden 449 
 
 Gray 449 
 
 Killdeer 452 
 
 iilonutaia 456 
 
 Ox-eye 449 
 
 Piping 455 
 
 Ring 455 
 
 Semipalmated 4-53 
 
 Swits 449 
 
 Upland 502 
 plumbea, 
 
 Hydiochelidon 705 
 
 Lanivireo 100 
 
 Psaltria 23 
 
 P:5altriparns 23 
 
 Sterna 705 
 
 Vireosylvia 100 
 Plumbeous Vireo 100 
 plunibicpps, 
 
 Larus 651 
 Plumed Quail 432 
 pluuiicoUis, 
 
 Tantalus 513 
 plumilbra, 
 
 Loi)hortyx 440 
 
 plamifera, 
 Oi tyx 440 
 Per'dix 440 
 
 pluniipes, 
 Falco 361 
 
 Pluvialis 
 
 americanus 450 
 fulvus 449, 450 
 helveticns 448 
 longipes 450 
 squatarola 448 
 taitensis 450 
 varins 448 
 virgicicus 450 
 xauthocheilus 450 
 
 pluvialis, 
 
 Cbaradrius 450 
 
 Pocbard, 
 
 American 575 
 Red-bead 575 
 
 Podasocys 
 
 moutanus 457 
 
 Podiceps 726, 728, 737 
 alianis730 
 antarcticns 738 
 arcticus 732 
 auritus 733 
 australis 729 
 bicoruis 726 
 ljr"virostris 7:58 
 californicus 733 
 canigularis730 
 carolinensis 738 
 caspicns 732 
 cayana 726 
 eayeunensis 726 
 clarkii 7'S 
 cooperi 730 
 coruutus 731 
 cristatus 729 
 domiuicus 737 
 L,'riseigena 730 
 bectciri 729 
 holbolU 730 
 leucopterus 72(i 
 longirostris 72;i, 729 
 ludoviciauus 738 
 major 726 
 minor 737 
 mitratus 729 
 nigrieollis733 
 obscurus 732 
 occideutalis 727 
 patuf^iatus 729 
 rubiieoUis 730 
 sclavus 7:!2 
 subcristatus 730 
 ■widbalmi 729 
 
 pcdiceps, 
 
 Colvmbus 738 
 Podilymbns 737, 738 
 Sylbeocyclus 738 
 
 Podicipidae 725 
 
 Podilymbns 737 
 
 antarcticus 737, 738 
 lineatus738 
 podiceps 737, 738 
 
 Pcecile 
 
 atricapillus 20 
 Diontanns 22 
 
 Pcecile 
 
 rnfescens 22 
 Pfficilopternis 
 
 borealis 353 
 
 lineatus 355 
 
 wilsoni 360 
 Pcecilornis 
 
 sparverius 349 
 Poke 522 
 
 PolioceiJhalus 725 
 jjolioccelia, 
 
 Bombyciiibora 92 
 poliophiea, 
 
 Grus 532 
 Polioptila 
 
 co3rnla 17 
 
 niexicaiia 17 
 PolioptiliuiB 17 
 polyagrus, 
 ' p^alco 339 
 
 Hierofalco 339 
 Polyborus 
 
 auduboni 370 
 
 brasiliensis371 
 
 cberiway 370 
 
 tbarus 370 
 
 vnlgaris 371 
 polyglottns, 
 
 Mimus 8 
 
 Orpbeus 8 
 
 Pipra 77 
 
 Tardus 8 
 polygotbus, 
 
 Oipbeus 8 
 Polysticta 
 
 stelleri 560 
 pomariuus, 
 
 O.itaractes 608 
 
 Ciypeata571 
 
 Coprotberes 608 
 
 Lehtris 608 
 
 Stercorarius 606, 608 
 
 Sterna 680 
 Pomarine Jaeger 608 
 pomalorhinus, 
 
 Stercorarins 608 
 Poocajtes 
 
 cou finis 129 
 
 gramineus 129 
 Poospiza 
 
 belli! 234 
 
 biliueata 234 
 popetue, 
 
 Caprimnlgus 263 
 
 Cbordeiles 234, 260, 263 
 poxjulorum, 
 
 Sylvia 57 
 Portland Tern 691 
 portlandica, 
 
 Stei-na 691 
 Porzana 
 
 Carolina 538 
 
 coturnicnlua 540 
 
 jamaieensis 539 
 
 uoveboracensis 539 
 Prairie 
 
 Falcon 339 
 
 lieu 419 
 
 Warbler 63 
 Praidatrix 607 
 
INDEX. 
 
 777 
 
 pratensis, 
 
 Eaiberiza IGl 
 
 Griis 5:W 
 
 Strix 298, 299 
 
 Sturnus 186 
 Prey, 
 
 Birds of 298 
 
 Diurnal Birds of 327 
 procellosus, 
 
 LaroidfS 639 
 
 Larus G39 
 Procelsterua 709 
 Proctopns 726 
 
 auritus 7:i3 
 
 califoruiciis 733 
 Progne 
 
 cODColor 91 
 
 cryptoleAica 91 
 
 ek'gaus 91 
 
 furcata 91 
 
 modesta 91 
 
 purpurea 91 
 
 subia 91 
 Protliouotary Warbler 47 
 Protonotavia 
 
 citrasa 47 
 protonotarius, 
 
 Helmitherus 47 
 
 Helinaia 47 
 
 Motacilla 47 
 
 Sylvia 47 
 
 Veruiivora 47 
 Psalidorbamphus 712 
 psaltria, 
 
 Carduelis 116 
 
 Chrysomitris 116, 117 
 
 Fringilla 116 
 Psaltria 
 
 plumbea 23 
 Psaltriparus 
 
 plumbeus93 
 Psarocolius 
 
 auricoUis 195 
 
 baltimore 193 
 
 castauens 193 
 
 caudacutus 178 
 
 cyaiiocepbalus 199 
 
 guberDator l^iG 
 
 pecoris 180 
 
 perspicillatus 188 
 
 pboBuiceus 186 
 •Pseudogrypbns 
 
 californianus 384 
 Psilorhiuus 
 
 cyauoeepbalus 210 
 Psittacns 
 
 carolineusis 296 
 
 ludoviciauus 296 
 
 luteicapilhis 296 
 
 tbalassinua 296 
 Ptarmigan, 
 
 Wliite-tailed 425 
 Pterocyanoa 
 
 ca-ruleata 567 
 
 discors 566 
 
 raffleaii 567 
 ptilocDcmia, 
 
 Tringa 491 
 Ptiliogonys 
 
 towusendii 93 
 
 pnbescena, 
 
 Dendrocopus 282 
 
 Dryobatts 282 
 
 Picns 282, 283 
 
 Tiicbopicus 282 
 
 Trichopipo 2s2 
 Pulocoudora 644 
 puuicea, 
 
 Fringilla 166 
 Purple 
 
 Finch, Cassin's 106 
 
 Fiucb 106 
 
 Grackle 203 
 
 Martiu 91 
 
 Sandpiper 488 
 purpuvatus, 
 
 Cbalcopbauca 203 
 
 Quiscalus 203 
 purpurea, 
 
 Carpodacus 106 
 
 Erytbrospiza 106 
 
 Fringilla 106 
 
 Gracula 203 
 
 Hirundo 91 
 
 Progno 91 
 
 Quiscalus 203 
 purpureoviridis, 
 
 Anas 560 
 pusilla, 
 
 Emberiza 148 
 
 Empidonax 249, 252 
 
 Ereuuetes 481 
 
 Fringilla 148 
 
 Muacioapa 79, 249, 252 
 
 Myiobius 252 
 
 MyioctoQua 79 
 
 Myiodioctea 79, 232 
 
 Pelidna 482 
 
 Platyrbynchua 252 
 
 Scolopax 487 
 
 Sitta 25 
 
 Spinites 148 
 
 Spizella 148 
 
 Strix 317 
 
 Sylvania 79 
 
 Sylvia 46, 56 
 
 Svlvicola 46 
 
 Tringa 481, 489 
 
 Tj-rau aula 249, 252, 256 
 
 Tyrannus 252 
 
 Wilson ia 79 
 
 Zonotricbia 148 
 Pygargus 
 
 canadensis 327 
 
 dispar 327 
 pygargus, 
 
 Circus 327 
 
 Falco 327, 370 
 
 Strigiceps 327 
 pygmcea, 
 
 Crex 540 
 
 Empidonax 259 
 
 Noctua 317 
 
 Numenius 492 
 
 Sitta 25, 230 
 
 Strix 317 
 
 Tringa 493 
 Pygmy 
 
 Nutbatcb 25, 230 
 
 Owl 317 
 
 Pygopodes 717 
 Pyrauga 
 
 lestiva 82 
 
 cooperi 82 
 
 erytbroniohis 82 
 
 erytliro[tsis 83 
 
 hepatica 82 
 
 ludoviciana 83, 232 
 
 rubra 82 
 Pyrgita 
 
 arctica 175 
 Pyrgitcenaa 
 
 albivitta 390 
 
 passerinus 390 
 Pyrocepbalua 
 
 acadicus 249 
 
 borealis 244 
 
 crinitus 239 
 
 fuscua 241 
 
 ricbardsonii 247 
 
 virens 246 
 pyrrbopterus, 
 
 Coccyzus 276 
 Pyrrbula 
 
 enucleator 104 
 
 frontalis 107, 108 
 
 ludoviciana 166 
 pytbaules, 
 
 Strix 301 
 
 Q. 
 
 Quail, 
 
 Blue 441 
 Californian 439 
 Gambel's 432 
 Massena 443 
 Mountain 432 
 Plumed 432 
 Valley 439 
 Virginian 431 
 
 querula, 
 
 Fringilla 157 
 Museioapa 246, 249 
 Zonotricbia 157 
 
 Querquedula 
 acuta 562 
 americaua 565 
 csruleata 566 
 carolineusis 565 
 caudacuta 562 
 crecca 566 
 creccoides 566 
 cyanoptcra 566 
 discors 566 
 strepera 56::! 
 snbereeca 566 
 
 Quiscalus 
 
 teneus 203 
 agheus 203 
 baritiis 203, 204 
 breweri 199 
 ferrugineus 198 
 fulgida 203 
 macrourus 204 
 major 204 
 niteus 203 
 purpuratus 203 
 purpureus 203 
 versicolor 203 
 
778 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 qniscaliis, 
 
 Cbalcoplianea 203 
 Gracula 198, 203, 204 
 Sturnus 203 
 
 R. 
 
 i-afflesii, 
 
 Auas 567 
 
 Cyanoptera 567 
 
 Pterocyaaea 567 
 raii, 
 
 Merganser 585 
 Rail, 
 
 Black 539 
 
 Carolina 533 
 
 King 534 
 
 Virginia 535 
 
 Yellow 539 
 Rails 534 
 Rallida; 534 
 Rallus 703 
 
 aquaticus 537 
 
 carol inus 538 
 
 crepitans 535, 536 
 
 elegans 535 
 
 jarnaicensis 539 
 
 lariformls 704 
 
 limicola 537 
 
 longiroscris 535, 536 
 
 noveboracensis 539 
 
 obsoletus 535 
 
 ruficollis 539 
 
 siilinasi 540 
 
 stolidus 538 
 
 virginianus 536 
 ranivoius, 
 
 Falco 327, 328 
 rapax, 
 
 Muscicapa 246 
 Raptores 298 
 rara, 
 
 Sylvia 57 
 
 Verniivora 57 
 ratlibonia, 
 
 Sylvia 54 
 Raveu 204 
 Raven, 
 
 Wbite-necked2Q6 
 Recurvirostra 
 
 aniericaiia 460 
 
 liiiuant:jpus 4Li3 
 
 occidentalis 460 
 Red 
 
 Crossbill 100 
 
 Owl 303 
 
 Pbalarope 471 
 Red-bellied 
 
 ISuthatch 25 
 
 Woodpecker 2S9 
 Redbird, 
 
 iSnmmer 82 
 
 '\'irginiaa 172 
 Red-breasted 
 
 Merganser 584 
 
 Sandpiper 490 
 
 Snipe 476 
 
 Teal 566 
 Red- eyed Yireo 96 
 Red-beaded 
 
 Pochard 576 
 
 Woodpecker 290 
 
 Red-legged Kittiwalce 647 
 Red-necked Grebe 730 
 Red-poll LiMi:et 114 
 Iced-sUaft'd Woodpeok'r294 
 Red-sbonlder'd Buzzard 354 
 Redstart 81, 232 
 lied-tailed Buzzard 352 
 Red-throated Diver 724 
 Red-wiuged Blackbird 186 
 Reed-bird 178 
 regalis, 
 
 Archibuteo 361, 364 
 
 Falco 338 
 regia, 
 
 Aqnila 368 
 
 PhoBtusa 669 
 
 Sterna 669 
 
 Tbalasseus 669 
 RegulinaJ 15 
 Reguloides 
 
 calendula 16 
 Regains 
 
 calendula 15, 329 
 
 cristatus 17 
 
 cuvieri 17 
 
 mystateus 74 
 
 olivaceus 17 
 
 rubiueus 16 
 
 satrapa 16 
 
 tricolor 17 
 regulus, 
 
 Sylvia 17 
 rebusak, 
 
 Tetrao 430 
 reinbardtii, 
 
 Antbus 40 
 
 Lagopus 430 
 resplendens, 
 
 Pbalacrocorax 589 
 respublicaiia, 
 
 Hirundo 88 
 rex, 
 
 Muscicapa 236 
 Rhimanphus 
 
 sestivus 54 
 
 blackburnisB 59 
 
 canadensis 56 
 
 castaneus 61 
 
 citrinus 54 
 
 discolor 63 
 
 niaculosus 62 
 
 ni;^'re.sce.Q8 55 
 
 panis 59 
 
 ponsilis 66 
 
 piuus 69 
 
 ruticapillus 68 
 
 striatus 60 
 
 virenb 54 
 Rbinogryphus 
 
 burrovianus 383 
 rbodocolpuK, 
 
 Carpodacus 103 
 Rhodostetbia 659 
 
 rosea 660 
 
 rossii 660 
 Rhyacophilus 
 
 chloroijygius 498 
 
 solitarins 493 
 Rbyncbaspis 
 
 clypeata 571 
 
 labradora 579 
 
 RhyncliopiniB 712 
 Rhyiicbops 712 
 
 borealis 715 
 
 bruvirostris 715 
 
 cinerascens 715 , 
 
 fnlva 715 
 
 melanuriis 715 
 
 nigra 715 
 Rhynohopsalia 712 
 Rice-bird 178 
 richardsoni, 
 
 ^saloQ 348 
 
 Caiiace 400 
 
 Cataractes 613 
 
 Contopus 247 
 
 Dendragapus 400 
 
 Falco 347, 343 
 
 Hypotriorchis 348 
 
 Larus 660 
 
 Lestris 613 
 
 Muscicapa 247 
 
 Xyctala 314 
 
 Nyctale 313, 314 
 
 StercQrarius 613 
 
 Tetrao 400 
 
 Tyrannula 247 
 Richardson's 
 
 Grouse 400 
 
 Owl 313 
 Ridgway's Sparrow 156 
 ridibundus, 
 
 Larus (351 
 riga, 
 
 Larus 645 
 Ring Plover 455 
 Ring-billed Gnll 637 
 Ring-necked Duck 574 
 Ring-tailed Eagle 368 
 riparia, 
 
 Cotyle 89 
 
 Hirundo 39 
 Rissa 644 
 
 brachyrb yncba 647, 648 
 
 Ijrevirostris 647, 648 
 
 brlinnichii 646 
 
 einerea IJ46 
 
 kotzebui 647 
 
 nivea 647 
 
 septeutrionalis 640 
 
 tridactyla 645, 646 
 rissa, 
 
 Laroides 615 
 
 Larus 645 
 risoria. 
 
 Sterna 651 
 River Ducks 559 
 Robin 1, 223 
 Robin, 
 
 Golden 193 
 
 Ground 173 
 
 Marsh 173 
 Robin Snipe 490 
 robustus, 
 
 Collnrio 103 
 Rock Sv.-ilt 235 
 
 Wren '27, 230 [14 
 
 Rocky Mountain Bluebird 
 
 Garrot 577 
 Rollandia 725 
 roscoe, 
 
 Sylvia 74 
 
INDEX. 
 
 779 
 
 roscoo, 
 
 Tricbas 74 
 rosea, 
 
 Losiii J.66 
 
 Ehodosietbia 660 
 
 Eossia 660 
 Eoseato Teru 088 
 Eose-breastcd Grosbeak 166 
 Eossia 659 
 
 rosea 660 
 rossii, 
 
 Anser 553 
 
 Exautbeuiops 553 
 
 Larus 660 
 
 Ebodostetbia 660 
 Boss's Goose 55;i 
 Eoiigb-leKsed Hawk 361 
 Eougb-wiuyed Swallow 90 
 rouEseaui, 
 
 Anous 710 
 Eoyal 
 
 Eagle 368 
 
 Tern 669 
 rubeus, 
 
 Anas 571 
 
 Antbus 40 
 ruber (sec rubra) 
 rubicundus, 
 
 Empidonax 259 
 rubida, 
 
 Anas 583 
 
 Bizlura 583 
 
 Cerconectes 583 
 
 C'baradrius 493 
 
 Erisruatura 583 
 
 Fulignla 583 
 
 Gyninura 583 
 
 Oxjura 583 
 rubigiuosus, 
 
 Kalco 327 
 rubineus, 
 
 Eegiilus 16 
 rubra, 
 
 Alauda 40 
 
 Cladoscopus 288 
 
 Melaneipes 286 
 
 Muscicapa 82 
 
 Pbceniso]ua 83 
 
 Pilunmus 2SlJ 
 
 Picus 278, 286 
 
 Pyranga 82 
 
 Spbyrapicus 286 
 
 Tanagra S2 
 rubricapilla, 
 
 Heliuaia 50 
 
 HelmitberuaSO 
 
 Helmintbopbaga 51 
 
 Mniotilta 51 
 
 Picus iiS) 
 
 iSvlvia 50 
 
 Sylvicola 50 
 
 Vermivora 50 
 rnbricatus, 
 
 Colaptes 295 
 
 Geopicus 295 
 
 Picus 295 
 rubricollis, 
 
 Coccotbraustes 166 
 
 Podiceps 730 
 rubrignlaris, 
 
 Melauerpes £88 
 
 Eubv-crowned 
 
 kiuglot 229 
 
 Wren 16 [bird 271 
 
 Euby-tbroated HuuiLuing- 
 Euddy Duck 583 
 rufa, 
 
 Alauda 38, 40 
 
 Antiniinius 228 
 
 Caprimnlgus 263 
 
 Cryinopbilus 471 
 
 Fringilla. 161 
 
 Harporbyncbus 9 
 
 Hiruudo 85 
 
 Miraus 9 
 
 Numenius 508 
 
 Orpbeus 9 
 
 Otocorys 38 
 
 Pbalaropns 471 
 
 Tosostonia 9 
 
 Triuga 491 
 
 Turdiis y 
 rufescens, 
 
 Actitis 506 
 
 Actiturus 506 
 
 Parus 22 
 
 Pbalaropus 471 
 
 Pojcilo 22 
 
 Trlnga 508 
 
 Tringoides 506 
 
 Tryugites 505 
 Euffed'Grouse 4-^0 
 ruiicapilla, [232 
 
 Helmintbopbaga 50, 
 
 Ebimanphus 68 
 
 Sylvia 50 
 
 Sylvicola 68 
 ruficaudus, 
 
 Accipiter 353 
 ruficollis, 
 
 Catbartes 380 
 
 Pbalaropus 470 
 
 Eallus 539 
 
 Tringa 489 
 rufina, 
 
 Emberiza 139, 162 
 
 Melospiza 139 
 
 Passerella 139 
 
 Zonolricbia 162 
 ruflpileus, 
 
 Kieueria 176 
 
 Pipilo 176 
 rufitorques, 
 
 Anas 574 
 
 Fulignla 574 
 rufiventris, 
 
 Numeuius 510 
 rufogularis, 
 
 Colynibus 724 
 rufus {see rufa) 
 rupestns, 
 
 Attagen 430 
 
 Lagopus 430 
 
 Tetrao 430 
 rustica. 
 
 Anas 573 
 
 Hirundo 85 
 Eusticola 
 
 minor 472 
 rusticorum. 
 
 Pica 211 
 i Eusty Grackle 198 
 
 ruticilla, 
 
 Muscicapa 81 
 
 Setopliaga 81, 232 
 
 Sylvauia 81 
 Eygcbopsalia 712 
 ryncbomega, 
 
 Squutarola 449 
 Eyncbops 712 
 
 fulva715 
 
 nigra 715 
 
 sabinei, 
 
 Bonasa 421 
 
 Gavia 661 
 
 Earns 661 
 
 Tetrao 421 
 
 Xuma 661 
 Sago Cock 400 
 saliceti, 
 
 Lagopus 430 
 
 Tetrao 430 
 salinasi, 
 
 Gallinnla 540 
 
 Eallus 540 
 Salpiiictes 
 
 mexicanus 28 
 
 obsoletus 27, 230 
 samuelis, 
 
 Amuiodromns 139 
 
 Melospiza 139 
 sancti-jobannis, 
 
 Archibuteo 361, 364 
 
 Butaetea 361 
 
 Buteo3Gl, 364 
 
 Falco 3(31 
 Sanderling 492 
 Sandpiper, 
 
 Baird's 484 
 
 Bartraraian 503 
 
 Black-b.dlied 489 
 
 Black-breasted 491 
 
 Bonaparte's 487 
 
 Bufl-ljreasted 506 
 
 Cooper's 491 
 
 Curlew 491 
 
 Least 482 
 
 Pectoral 486 
 
 Purple 489 
 
 Eed-breasted 4S9 
 
 Scmipalniated 48t 
 
 Spotted 501 
 
 StUt 480 
 
 Wbite-rumped 487 
 Sandwich Tern 073 
 sandwichensis, 
 
 Emberiza 128 
 
 Passerculus 128 
 Sandy Mockingbird 9 
 sapiti, 
 
 Chordeiles 263 
 Sarcorbampbus 
 
 califoruicus 384 
 sartorii, 
 
 Syrnium 309 
 sasasbew, 
 
 Totanus 496 
 satelles, 
 
 Muscicapa 238 
 satrapa, 
 
 Kegulus 16 
 
780 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Savanna Sparrow 127 
 savanna, 
 
 Amnwclromus 128 
 
 Emborizii 127 
 
 Fringilla 127 
 
 Linaria 127 
 
 Pab-i-reulus 127, 128 
 savaunarum, 
 
 Fringilla lo2 
 Saw-whet Owl 315 
 saxatilis, 
 
 Acanthylis 265 
 
 Panyptila 2()5 
 Saxicola 
 
 sialis 13 
 Saxicolidse 13 
 saya (see sayus) 
 sayi, 
 
 Theromyias 240 
 
 Tyrannus 240 
 Sayornis 
 
 borealis 244 
 
 fascus 241 
 
 pallidns 240 
 
 say lis 240 
 Say's Flycatcher 240 
 sayus, 
 
 Aulanas 240 
 
 Muscicapa i40 
 
 Myiobius 240 
 
 Ochthoeca 240 
 
 Sayornis 240 
 
 Tyrannula 240 
 
 Tyrannus 240 
 Sea Ducks 573 
 scandiaca, 
 
 Bubo 309 
 
 Nyctea X.OO 
 
 Strix 30& 
 scapnlaris, 
 
 Clangala 377 
 Scarlet Tauager 82 
 schillingii, 
 
 Syloclielidon 6G7 
 schinzii, 
 
 Pelidna 487, 489 
 
 Tringa 484, 487 
 schistacea, 
 
 Passerella 162 
 schleeijii, 
 
 Lestiis 613 
 Scboeniclus 
 
 alpina 490 
 Scissor-tail 235 
 sclavonicus, 
 
 Falco 361 
 sclavns, 
 
 Podiceps 732 
 Scolecophagus 
 
 cyanocephalus 199 
 
 ferrngineus 198, 199 
 
 mexicanus 199 
 
 niger 198 
 scolopacea, 
 
 Limosa 477 
 
 Macrorbamphns 477 
 ScolopacidsB 472 
 Scolopax 
 
 africanus 492 
 
 alba 494 
 
 Scolopax 
 
 arquata 508 
 
 borealis 5U9, 510 
 
 Candida 494 
 
 delicatnla 475 
 
 detbardiugii 492 
 
 drummondii 475 
 
 fedoa 492 
 
 ferrngineicollis 477 
 
 flavipes 497 
 
 gallinago 475 
 
 grisea 476 
 
 hudsonica 494 
 
 lapponica 494 
 
 leucopbEea 477 
 
 leuenrus 475 
 
 loDgirostris 477 
 
 marmorata 493 
 
 nielanoleuca 496 
 
 minor 472 
 
 noveboracensis 477 
 
 paykullii 477 
 
 pnsilla 487 
 
 eemipalmata 494 
 
 snljirquata 491 
 
 vocifenis 496 
 
 wilsoni 475 
 Scops 
 
 albifrons 315 
 
 asio 303 
 
 enauo 304 
 
 flammeola 304 
 
 floridanus 303 
 
 kennicottii 30!! 
 
 maccallii 303, 304 
 scoresbyi, 
 
 Larus 044 
 Scotiaptex 
 
 cinereum 308 
 Scotophilus 
 
 acadicus 315 
 
 tengnialmi 314 
 Screech Owl 303 
 Seiurus 
 
 aquaticus71 
 
 aurocapillus 70 
 
 gossii 71 
 
 ludovicianus 72 
 
 motacilla 72 
 
 noveboracensis 71 
 
 petechia G8 
 
 snlfurasceus 71 
 
 tenuirostris 71 
 Selasphorus 
 
 platyceiciis 271 
 selbyi, 
 
 Muscicapa 78 
 Semiiialmated 
 
 Plover 453 
 
 Sandpiper 481 
 
 Tattler 494 
 semipalmatus, 
 
 ^gialeus 453 
 
 ^gialitis 453 
 
 Catotrophorus494, 495 
 
 Charadrius 453 
 
 Ereunetes 4:<1 
 
 Glottis 495 
 
 Hemipalama 481 
 
 Heteropoda 481 
 
 semipalmatus, 
 
 Hoditrs 495 
 
 Scolopax 494 
 
 Sympbc-niia 495 
 
 Totanus 494 
 
 Tringa 4«1 
 scniculus, 
 
 Coccygus 276 
 
 Coccyzus 276 
 
 Cuculus 276 
 
 Erythrophrys 276 
 septentrionalis, 
 
 Cathartes 380 
 
 Cepphus 724 
 
 Colynibus 724 
 
 Eudytes 724 
 
 Lauius 102 
 
 Larus 21 
 
 Parus 230 
 
 Pica 211 
 
 Picus 279 
 
 Rissa 640 
 serrata, 
 
 I-Ialiplana 698 
 
 ODychoprion 698 
 
 Sterna 698 
 serrator, 
 
 Merganser fiSl 
 
 Mergus 584 
 serripennis, 
 
 Cotyle 90 
 
 Hirundo 90 
 
 Stelgidopteryx 90 
 Setophaga 
 
 bonapartii 80 
 
 canadensis 80 
 
 mitrata 78 
 
 nigricincta 80 
 
 ruticilla 81, 232 
 
 wilsonii 79 
 Shag V -8 
 
 Sharp-shinned Hawk 333 
 iharp-tailed Grouse 407 
 shattuckii, 
 
 Emberiza 149 
 
 Spizella 149 
 Sheldrakfi 58:! 
 Shore Birds 448 
 Shore Laik 37 [36 
 
 Short-billed Marsh Wren 
 Short-eared Owl 306 
 Shoveller 570 
 Shrike, 
 
 Loggerhead 233 
 
 Northern 101 
 
 WUite-runiped 102 
 Shuffler Duck 573 
 iSialia 
 
 aretica 14, 229 
 
 azurea 13 
 
 Cffiruleicollis 14 
 
 niacroptera 14 
 
 mexicana 14, 229 
 
 occidentalis 14 
 
 sialis 13 
 
 wilsoni 13 
 sialis, 
 
 Ampelis 13 
 
 Saxicola 13 
 
 Sialia 13 
 
INDEX. 
 
 781 
 
 eialis, 
 
 Sylvia 13 
 
 Motacilla 13 
 sileus, 
 
 Merula 3 
 
 Turdus (i 
 sinuata, 
 
 Anas 558 
 
 Corvus 205 
 Siskin, 
 
 Mexican 116 
 Sitta 
 
 aculeata 24, 230 
 
 canadensis 25 
 
 carolineusis 23, 24, 230 
 
 europa^a 23 
 
 melanocepliala 24 
 
 pusilla 25 
 
 pygmsea 25, 230 
 
 stulta 25 
 
 varia 25 
 Sittidte 23 
 Sliimmer, 
 
 Black 715 
 Skna 605 
 
 hojeri 605 
 skna, 
 
 Bupliagus 605 
 
 Cataracta 605 
 
 Cataractes 605 
 Catarracta 605 
 
 Catarractes 605 
 Catliai-acta 605 
 
 Lestris 605 
 Stercorarins 605 
 Skylark, 
 
 Missouri 42 
 Slate-colored Sparrow 162 
 Slender-billed Nnthatch 24, 
 smithii, [230 
 
 Centrophanes 121 
 
 Emberiza 121 
 smitbsonianus, 
 
 Larus 627 
 Snipe 472 
 Snipe, 
 
 American 475 
 
 Grass 4f56 
 
 Gray 476 
 
 Jack 486 
 
 Ked-breasted 476 
 
 Eobin 490 
 
 Stone 494 
 
 Wilson's 475 
 Snowbird, 
 
 Eastern 141 
 
 Gray-beaded 143 
 
 Oregon 142 
 Snow Buutiug 118 
 Snow-flake 118 
 Snow Goose 548, 549 
 Snowy Heron 521 
 socialis, 
 
 Atbene 322 
 
 Emberiza 148 
 
 Fringilla 148 
 
 Spinites 148 
 
 Spizella 148 
 
 Zonotricbia 148 
 
 solitaria, 
 
 Helinaia 49 
 
 Helmintbopbaga 49 
 
 Heliuitberus 49 
 
 Hypbantes 193 
 
 Lanivireo 99, 100 
 
 Merula 3 
 
 Muscicapa 99 
 
 Ebyacopbilus 498 
 
 Sylvia 49 
 
 Sylvicola 49 
 
 Totanus 498 
 
 Triuga 498 
 
 Turdus 3, 4 
 
 Vermivora 49 
 
 Vireo 99, 100 
 
 Vireosylvia 99 
 Solitary 
 
 Tatler 498 
 
 Vireo 99 
 soloniensis, 
 
 Otus 304 
 Somateria 
 
 borealis 579 
 
 cutbberti 579 
 
 danica 579 
 
 dresseri 580 
 
 farojnsis 579 
 
 fiscberi 579 
 
 island ica 579 
 
 leisleri 579 
 
 megauros 579 
 
 mollissima. 579, 580 
 
 Dorwi'giea 579 
 
 plamfrous 579 
 
 platyuros 579 
 
 spectabilis 581 
 
 St. cutbberti 579 
 
 stellevi 579 
 
 tbuleusis 579 
 
 v-uigra 580 
 Song Sparrow 138, 234 
 Sooty Tern 698 
 Sora 538 
 sordidulus, 
 
 Contopna 247 [407 
 Soutb'n Sb'p-tailed Grouse 
 spadicius, 
 
 Buteo 361 
 
 Falco 361 
 sparrmanni. 
 
 Anas 562 
 Sparrow, 
 
 Baird's 125 
 
 Brewer's 157 
 
 Canadian 146 
 
 Chipping 148 
 
 Clay-colored 148 
 
 Field 148 
 
 Fox 160 
 
 Harris's 157 
 
 Leconte's 134 
 
 Lincoln's 135 
 
 Little Brown 148 
 
 Eidgway's 156 
 
 Savanna 127 
 
 Slate-colored 162 
 
 Song 138, 234 
 
 Swamp 137 
 
 Sparrow, 
 
 Tree 140 
 
 Wbite-crowued 154 
 White-tbruated 157 
 Yellow-winged 131 
 
 Sparrow Hawk 349 
 
 si^arvorius, 
 
 Cercbneis 349 
 Falco 349 
 Pcecilornis 349 
 Tinuunculus 349 
 
 Sparvius 
 
 atricapillus 338 
 lineatus S.U 
 platyjjterus 300 
 
 Spatula 
 
 clypeata 569 
 
 Spatbulea 
 
 clypeata 570 
 
 Speckle-belly 546 
 
 spectabilis. 
 Anas 580 
 Fulignla 580 
 Muscicapa 235 
 Platypus 580 
 Somateria 580 
 
 speculiferus, 
 Totanus 495 
 
 Speotyto 
 
 cunicnlaria 321, 322 
 guadcloupensis 322 
 bypogtea 321, 322 
 
 spbairiuros, 
 Lestris 608 
 
 sphagnosa, 
 Sylvia 56 
 
 Spbyrapicus 
 
 nucbalis 286 
 ruber 2-^6 
 tbyroideus 288 
 varius 2^5, 280 
 Williamson i 288 
 
 Spbyropicus 
 
 nucbalis 286 
 ruber 2-6 
 tbyroideus 288 
 varius 285, 286 
 williamsoui 288 
 
 spilurus, 
 
 Thryothorus 31 
 Troglodytes 31 
 
 spinicanda, 
 Lestris 613 
 
 spinoletta, 
 
 An thus 40'- 
 
 spinosa, 
 
 Anas 583 
 Cerconectes 583 
 Erismatura 583 
 
 Spinus 
 
 linarius 114 
 
 Spinites 
 
 atrigularis 151 
 monticolus 146 
 pallidas 149 
 pusillus 148 
 socialis 148 
 
 Spirit Duck 577 
 
782 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Spiza 
 
 anierieana 164 
 
 auicena 170 
 
 cjimea 171 
 
 palustiis 137 
 
 passeriua 131 
 Spizella 
 
 arizoiiiE 148 
 
 atiigularis 151 
 
 liix'wuri 1.>1 
 
 caiia 151 
 
 cauadenbis 146 
 
 evura 151 
 
 maxima 154 
 
 monticola 146 
 
 pallida 14^, 151 
 
 puhilla 148 
 
 sbattuokii 149 
 
 soeialis 148 
 Spiziacircns 
 
 histiionieus 328 
 splendens, 
 
 Cor V us 205 
 
 Corytbus 104 
 sponsa, 
 
 Aix 570 
 
 Auas 570 
 
 Cosmonessa 570 
 
 Dendronessa 570 
 , Lamproncssa570 
 S|oon-bill Duck 570 
 Spotted 
 
 Grouse 394 
 
 Sandpiper 501 
 spraguoi, 
 
 Agrodoma 42 
 
 Alauda 42 
 
 An thus 42 
 
 Neocorys 42 
 Sprigtail 5'jl 
 .-ipruce 
 
 Grouse 394 
 
 Partridge 394 
 spurius, 
 
 Bananivorus 193 
 
 Icterus 192 
 
 Oriolus 192 
 
 PunOulinus 193 
 
 Xantliornns 193 
 
 Yphautes 193 
 squ.imata, 
 
 Callipepla 441 
 
 Ortyx 441 
 Squatarola 
 
 australis 449 
 
 cinerea 448 
 
 grisea 448 
 
 Eelvetica 448 
 
 rbynchomega 449 
 
 wilsoni 449 
 squatarola, 
 
 Plnvialis 448 
 
 Tringa 448 
 stanleyi. 
 
 Falco 335 
 Starlings, 
 
 American 178 
 St. Douiiugo Grebe 737 
 Stegauopodes 587 
 
 Steganopus 466 
 tricolor 467 
 wilsoni 467 
 
 Stelgidopteryx 
 serripennis 90 
 
 stellaris, 
 
 Ardea 523 
 Cistothorus 36, 231 
 Tbryothorus 3(i 
 Troglodytes 36 
 
 stellatus, 
 
 Cepphns 725 
 C'olymbus 725 
 
 atelleri, 
 
 Anas 579 
 Clangula 579 
 Corvus 214 
 Cyanocitta 215 
 Cyanocorax 215 
 Cyanogarrulus 215 
 Cyauurus 214, 215 
 Enicooetta 579 
 Fuligula 579 
 Garrulus 215 
 Harelda 579 
 Heniconetta 579 
 JIacropus 579 
 Pica 215 
 Polysticta 580 
 Soraateria 5s0 
 
 Stelleria 
 
 dispar 580 
 
 stenodactylus, 
 
 Phalaropus 467 
 
 Stercorarius 604, 607 
 antarcticus 606 
 butl'oui 616. 
 catarractes 605, 606 
 catarrhactes 605 
 catbaractes 605 
 cepphus 613, 616 
 crepidatus 613 
 longicauda 616 
 longieaudatus 616 
 parasiticus 612, (513 
 pomariuus 606, 608 
 poraatorbinus 608 
 ricbardsouii 613 
 skua 605 
 striatus 608 
 
 Sterna 674,703,709 
 acuflavida 673 
 afSnis 664 
 africana 673 
 aleutica 696 
 aaiericana'692 
 anajstbeta 701 
 anglica 684 
 anostbiEta 701 
 antarctica 701 
 antillarnm 692 
 aranea 664 
 arctica 685 
 argeutacea 686 
 argentata 686 
 argentea 692 
 atricapilla 708 
 bicuspis 688 
 blasii 680 
 
 Sterna 
 
 boysii 673 
 bracbypus 686 
 brachytarsa 686 
 camtscbatica 696 
 cauescens 673 
 cantlaca 673 
 caspia 667 
 cay an a 669 
 cayeniiensis 669, 671 
 cbloripoda 669 
 coccinc'irostris 686 
 colnmbiua 673 
 comata 871 
 cristata 67 1 
 delauiottei 704 
 dougallL 668 
 douglasi 688 
 elegaus 671 
 erythrorhyncbua 669 
 fissipes704,705,708 
 fluviatilis 6-0 
 forsteri 676 
 frenata 692, 705 
 frobeeni 675 
 fuliginosa 698 
 galericulata 669, 671 
 grisea 7U4 
 gouldii 698 
 guttata 698 
 havelU 676 
 birundo 676, 680, 685 
 hybrida 704 
 infuscata 701 
 leucopareia 704 
 leucoptera 708 
 luctuosa 698 
 Innata 703 
 macdougalli 688 
 macrotarsa IJG4 
 macrura 685 
 maculata (i'J2 
 marina 680 
 maxima 669 
 megarbyncbos 667 
 melauorbyncha 692 
 melanoptera 698, 701 
 minuta 692 
 minuta americana 692 
 nubilosa 701 
 najvia 673, 704, 708 
 nigra 704,705,708 
 nilotica 680 
 nitzschii 686 
 oabuensis 701 
 obscura 704 
 panaya 701 
 panayensis 701 
 paradisea 6~5, 668 
 pbiladelphia 656 
 philiiii)iija710 
 pikel 666 
 pileata710 
 plumbea 705 
 pomarina 680 
 portlandica 691 
 regia 669 
 risoria 664 
 serrata 698 
 
INDEX. 
 
 783 
 
 sterna 
 
 stolida 710 
 streima 6G7 
 striata 673 
 stiibberica 6()4 
 stuberica 67)! 
 superciliaris 692 
 suriuamensis 705 
 teniiirostris 688, 710 
 trndeaui 675 
 tscliegrava 667 
 wilsoui 680 
 Sternina) 66'2 
 Steruula 
 
 antillarum 692 
 I'reuata 692 
 superciliaris 692 
 Stilt, 
 
 iilack-nccked ,402 
 Stilt Samlpiper 480 
 Stolida 709 
 stolida, 
 
 Auous 710 ' 
 Mi'saloptems 710 
 Uallns 5S8 
 Sterna 710 
 Stoue 
 
 Chats 13 
 Snipe 494 
 strenua, 
 
 Sterna 667 
 Callipepla 441 
 strepera. 
 
 Anas 563 
 
 Cbaiilelasmus 563 
 Cliaiiliodus 563 
 Ktinorhyncbus 563 
 Qiierquedula 563 
 Strepsilas 
 
 borealis 459 
 collaris 459 
 interpres 459 
 littoralis 459 
 nieluuocepbalus 459 
 Streptoceryle 
 aleyou 273 
 striatnlus, 
 
 Astur 338 
 striatus, 
 
 Accipiter 334 
 Bubo 303 
 Colymbus 724 
 Dendrceca 60 
 Lustris 608 
 Jlotacilla 00 
 Mniotilta CO 
 Muscicapa 00 
 Rbimanplius 60 
 Stercurarius 608 
 Sterna 673 
 Sylvia 60 
 Sylvicola 60 
 Triuga489 
 stridula, 
 
 Strix 306 
 strigatus, 
 
 Cbondestes 159 
 Strigiceps 
 
 cyaueus 327 
 histrionic as 328 
 
 Strigiceps 
 
 Iindsonlns 328 
 
 pygargiis Vyil 
 
 nglinosus 328 
 strigiceps. 
 
 Circus :i27 
 
 Falco 327 
 Strigidas 298 
 Strix 
 
 acadica 315, 317 
 
 acadieusis 315 
 
 accipitrina 300, 311 
 
 acclamator 308, 309 
 
 aigolius 306 
 
 alba 298, 309 
 
 albidus 309 
 
 albiii'ons 315 
 
 albus 310 
 
 aluco 298 
 
 auiericana 298, 304 
 
 arctica 306, 310, 311 
 
 arcticns 301 
 
 asio 303 
 
 b.irbata 308 
 
 bracbyotus 306 
 
 bracbyura 306 
 
 bubo 301, 310 
 
 californica 322 
 
 canadensis 311 
 
 Candida 310 
 
 caparocb 312 
 
 caspia 306 
 
 chicliictU 309 
 
 cinerea 307 
 
 cuuioularia 321, 322 
 
 dalhoiisei 315 
 
 dasvpus 314 
 
 delicatula 298 
 
 doliata 311 
 
 elata 317 
 
 ermiuea 310 
 
 fernaudica 309 
 
 forruginca 318 
 
 flaiumea 298, 2l)9 
 
 freti-budsouis 309, 311 
 
 frontalis 315 
 
 fuliginosa 308 
 
 funerea 311, 314 
 
 furcata 21)9 
 
 grallaria 322 
 
 gnatemahe 299 
 
 guttata 29-! 
 
 hudsonica 311, 312 
 
 bypoga^'a 322 
 
 javaniea 298 
 
 lappouica 308 
 
 magellanicus 301 
 
 major 306 
 
 niaxiuius 300 
 
 microphthalma 308 
 
 nacurutu 301 
 
 naevia 303 
 
 nebulosa 308 
 
 nisoria 311 
 
 nivea 310 
 
 noctua 306, 313 
 
 nyctea 309 
 
 otus 304 
 
 palustris 306 [317 
 
 passerina 306, 314, 315 
 
 Strix 
 
 passeriuoides 317 
 peregrinat(]r 304 
 per'lata 2U9 
 pbala^uoides 315 
 pratinc:,la 298, 299 
 pusilla 317 
 
 ItigUKL'U 317 
 
 pythanlcs 301 
 
 scandiaca. 309 
 
 stridula 306 
 
 tengmaliui 313, 314 
 
 tripennis 3()i; 
 
 nlula 306, 311, 312 
 
 uralensis 311 
 
 iirucurca :'>22 
 
 varius 309 
 
 virgiuianns 300 
 
 \'ulgaris 371 
 
 wapacntbu 310 
 Strobilophaga 
 
 euucleator 104 
 strutbio, 
 
 GruH 530 
 Stratbus 
 
 atriuieutalis 151 
 
 cauicep.s 14:! 
 
 byeuialis 141 
 
 oregonus 142 
 stubberica , 
 
 .Sterna 664, 673 i 
 
 stnlta, * 
 
 Sitta 25 
 Sturuella 
 
 ' collaris 190 
 
 bi])poeri'pis 190 
 
 ludoviciana 190, 191 
 
 magna 190 
 
 meridioualis 191 
 
 mexicana 190 
 
 ueglecta 190 
 Sturnns 
 
 junceti 180 
 
 ludovicuums 190 
 
 obscurus 180 
 
 predatorius 186 
 
 quiscaluy 203 
 subalpinus, 
 
 Lagopus 430 
 subarcticus. 
 
 Bubo 301 
 subarquata, 
 
 Ancylocheilus 491 
 
 Erolia 492 
 
 Numenios 491 
 
 Pelidna 492 
 
 Scolopax 491 
 
 Triuga 491 
 subeceruleus, 
 
 15'alco 328 
 subcrecca, 
 
 Querqu'sdula 566 
 suberistatus, 
 
 Colymbus 730 
 
 Ped'oaithyia 730 
 
 Podiceps 730 
 subis, 
 
 Hirundo 91 
 
 Progne 91 
 
x5' 
 
 r^ 
 
 784 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 subleucopterns, 
 
 Laroides 623 
 subruficollis, 
 
 Triiiga 506 
 Bubtridactyla, 
 
 Tringa 449 
 subulata, 
 
 Anas 563 
 subulirostris, 
 
 CbrtEcocephalus 654 
 subviridis, 
 
 Muscicapa 249 
 suckleyi, 
 
 ^salon 346 
 
 Falco 346 
 
 Lams 640 
 snlfurascf.'us, 
 
 Seiurus 71 
 sumiobrasti, 
 
 ■jApbelocoma 219 
 
 Cyanooitta 219 
 Summer 
 
 Duck 571 
 
 Keclbird82 
 
 Warbler 54 
 superciliaris, 
 
 Sterna 69'2 
 
 Stern ula 692 
 superciliosa, 
 
 C'.vanocitta 219 
 
 Dciidroeca 66 
 
 Muiotilta 66 
 
 Motaeilla 66 
 surinaniensis, 
 
 Hydrocbelidon 705 
 
 Pelodes 7fl5 
 
 Sterna 705 
 Surnia 
 
 borealis 312 
 
 canadensis 311 
 
 cuuicularia 321, 322 
 
 ferruginea 318 
 
 funerea 311, 312 
 
 budsonia 311, 312 
 
 lajiponiua 30d 
 
 naivia 303 
 
 nisoria 311 
 
 nyctea 310 
 
 passerina 317 
 
 passerinoides 318 
 
 ulula 311, 312 
 STvainsoni, 
 
 Buteo 355, 356 
 
 Crasirex 356 
 
 Petrochelidoii 89 
 
 Turdua 4, 228, 233 
 
 Tireo 98 
 
 Vireosylvia 98 
 Swainson's Buzzard 355 
 Swallow, 
 
 American Barn 85 
 
 Bank 69 
 
 C'bimnev 234 
 
 Cliff 88' 
 
 Eave 88 
 
 Eougb-wiuged 90 
 
 ^'iolet-green 86 
 
 Wbite-ljellied 86 
 Swallow-tailed 
 
 Flycatcher 235 
 
 Gull 662 
 
 Swallow-tailed Kite 332 
 
 Swallows 85 
 
 Swamp 
 
 Partridge 394 
 
 Sparrow 137 
 Swan 544 
 Swan, 
 
 American 545 
 
 Trumpeter 544 
 
 Whistling 545 
 Swift, 
 
 Chimney 267 
 
 Eock 265 
 
 White-tbroated 265 
 Swifts 265 
 Swiss Plover 449 
 Sylbeocyclns 726, 737 
 
 antarcticus 738 
 
 cafolinensis 738 
 
 dominicus 737 
 
 lineatus 738 
 
 podiceps 738 
 Sylocbelidon 
 
 baltbica 667 
 
 caspia 667 
 
 cayanensis 667 
 
 scbillingii 667 
 Sylvania 
 
 bonapartii 80 
 
 coerulea 17 
 
 formosa 73 
 
 mitrata 78 
 
 pusilla 79 
 
 ruticilla HI 
 
 wilsonii 79 
 sylvatica. 
 
 Anas 565 
 sylvestris, 
 
 Cairina 559 
 
 Gallopavo 391 
 
 Meleagris 391 
 
 Otus 304 
 
 Troglodytes 32 
 Sylvia 
 
 sequinoctialis 73 
 
 iEstiva 54 
 
 americana 46 
 
 anthoides 71 
 
 arctica 14 
 
 audubonii 58 
 
 aurocapilla 70 
 
 autumnalis 61 
 
 azurea 57 
 
 bifasciata 57 
 
 blackburnise 59 
 
 calendula 15 
 
 can a 17 
 
 canadensis 56 
 
 carolinensis 54 
 
 castauea 61 
 
 celata 52 
 
 childreni 54 
 
 chrysoptera 49 
 
 citrinella 54 
 
 coerulea 17, 56 
 
 coerulesceus 55 
 
 coronata 57 
 
 dacnis 47 
 discolor 63 
 domestica 32 
 
 flava 54 
 
 Sylvia 
 
 flavicoUis 66 
 
 flavifrons 49 
 
 formosa 73 
 
 balsei 55 
 
 ioterocepala 62 
 
 juncorum 148 
 
 lateralis 59 
 
 leucogastra 51 
 
 leucoptera 56 
 
 ludoviciana 29 
 
 macgillivrayi 75 
 
 macropus 56 
 
 maculosa 62 
 
 magnolia 63 
 
 marilandica 74 
 
 melanorboa 59 
 
 mexicana 51 \. 
 
 miuuta 63 • 
 
 missouriensis 53 *i 
 
 mitrata 71-! '* 
 
 montana 54 ', 
 
 nashvillei 51 ^ 
 
 nigrescens 55 
 
 noveboracensis 71 
 
 occidentalis 14 
 
 palmarum 07 
 
 palustris 56 
 
 pardalina 80 
 
 parus 59 
 
 pennsylvanica 62 
 
 pensilis 06 
 
 peregrina 53 
 
 petechia 68 
 
 Philadelphia 75 
 
 pinus 49, 69 
 
 popnlorum 57 
 
 protonotarius 47 
 
 pusilla 46, 56 
 
 rara 57 
 
 rathbonia 54 
 
 regulus 17 
 
 roscoe 74 
 
 ruficapilla 50 
 
 sialis 13 
 
 spbagnosa 56 
 
 solitaria 49 
 
 striata 60 
 
 tennesseei 53 
 
 tolraiffii 75 
 
 torquata 46 
 
 trichas 74 
 
 troglodytes 33 
 
 varia 45 
 
 vermivora 48 
 
 vigorsii 69 
 
 virens 54 
 
 xanthopygia 58 
 
 xantboroa 58 
 
 wilaonii 79 
 Sylvias 15 
 Sylvicola 
 
 ajstiva 54 
 
 americana 46 
 
 audubonii 58 
 
 blackburniiE 59 
 
 canadensis 56 
 
 castauea 61 
 
 celata 52 
 
 chrysoptera 49 
 
 ccerulea 56 
 
INDEX. 
 
 785 
 
 Sylvicola 
 
 corouata 57 
 discolor 63 
 formosa ":! 
 icterocephala 63 
 macgillivrayi 75 
 maculosa 62 
 mitrata 78 
 montana 54 
 muscicapa 98 
 nigrescens 55 
 palm arum 67 
 pannosa 56 
 pardalina 80 
 parus 59 
 pensilis 66 
 peregrina 53 
 petechia 68 
 
 pinus 69 
 
 pusilla 46 
 
 xubricapilla 50 
 
 xuficapilla 68 
 
 solitaria 49 
 
 striata 60 
 
 ■varia 45 
 
 vermivora 48, 50 
 
 virens 54 
 Sylvicolidse 45 
 Sylviidas 15 
 Symphemia 
 
 atlantica 495 
 
 semipalmata 495 
 Syrnea 
 
 nyctea 310 
 Syrnium 
 
 cinereum 307, 308 
 
 fulvescens 309 
 j fuDerea 312 
 
 lapponicum 308 
 
 microphthalmum 308 
 
 nebulosum 308, 309 
 
 Bisoria311 
 
 nyctea 310 
 
 sartorii 309 
 
 T. 
 
 Tachybaptes 726, 735 
 
 dominicus 737 
 Tachyaineta 
 
 bicolor 86 
 
 thalassina 86 
 Tadorna 
 
 nivea 549 
 Taenicenas 
 
 fasciata 385 
 Tanager, 
 
 Louisiana 83, 232 
 
 Scarlet 82 
 Tanagers 82 
 Tanagra 
 
 sestiva 82 
 ' cyanea 171 
 
 ludoviciana 83 
 
 rubra 82 
 Tanagridae 82 
 tartensis, 
 
 Charadrius 450 
 
 Pluvialis450 
 
 50 
 
 TantalidEB 513 
 Tantalinse 513 
 Tantalus 
 
 loculator 513 
 
 mexicanus 517 
 
 pluuiicoUis 513 
 tartaricus, 
 
 Falco 341 
 Tattler 496 
 Tattler, 
 
 Semipalm^ted 494 
 
 Solitary 498 
 
 Wood 498 
 Tawny Tbrush 5 
 Teal, 
 
 Blue- winged 566 
 
 Cinnamon 566 
 
 Green- winged,565 
 
 Eed-breasted 566 
 Telltale, 
 
 Greater 496 
 
 Lesser 497 
 Telmatodytes 
 
 arundinaoeus 35 
 
 bewickii 31 
 
 palustris 34, 35, 231 
 temerarius, 
 
 Falco 346 
 tengmalmi, 
 
 iEgolius 314 
 
 Athene 313 
 
 Noctua 314 
 
 Nyctale 213, 214 
 
 Scotophilus 314 
 
 Strix 313, 314 
 
 Ulula 314 
 tennesseei, 
 
 Sylvia 53 
 Tennessee Warbler 53 
 tenuirostris, 
 
 Seiurus 71 
 
 Sterna 688, 710 
 tephrocotis, 
 
 Erythrosplza 111 
 
 Fringilla 111 
 
 Leucosticte 111 
 
 Linaria 111 
 Tern, 
 
 Aleutian 696 
 
 Arctic 685 
 
 Black 704 
 
 Bridled 701 
 
 Caspian 667 
 
 Common 680 
 
 Elegant 671 
 
 Forster's 676 
 
 Gull-billed 664 
 
 Least 692 
 
 Noddy 710 
 
 Portland 691 
 
 Eoseate 688 
 
 Eoyal 669 
 
 Sandwich 673 
 
 Sooty 698 
 
 Trudeau's 675 [708 
 
 White - winged Black 
 Tetrao 
 
 albns 429 
 
 californicus 439 
 
 Tetrao 
 
 canace 394 
 
 canadensis 394 
 
 cristata 441 
 
 cupido 419 
 
 frankliuii 394 
 
 fusca 394 
 
 guttata 443 
 
 lagopus 430 
 
 lapponicus 430 
 
 leucurus 4"<!5 
 
 marilandicus 431 
 
 minor 431 
 
 mutns 430 
 
 obscurus 395, 396, 400 
 
 phasianellus 407 
 
 rehusak 430 
 
 richardsoni 400 
 
 rupestris 430 
 
 sabiuii 421 
 
 saliceti 430 
 
 togatas 420 
 
 umbelloides 421 
 
 umbellus 420, 421 
 
 urophasianus 400, 407 
 
 Virginian us 431 
 Tetraonidae 392 
 Tetraoniuai 393 
 tesanus, 
 
 Ortyx; 431 
 teseusis, 
 
 Caprimulgus 263 
 
 Chordeiles 263 
 
 Fringilla 117 
 Thalasssea 
 
 dougalli 688 
 Thalassipora 697 
 Thalasseus 666 
 
 aouflavidus 673 
 
 anglicus 664 
 
 candicans 673 
 
 canesceus 673 
 
 cantiaea 673 
 
 caspius 667 
 
 cayauns 669 
 
 elegans 671 
 
 galericulatus 671 
 
 imperator 667 
 
 melanotis 667 
 
 regius 669 
 
 trudeaui 675' 
 thalassina, 
 
 Cecropis 86 
 
 Chelidon 86 
 
 Herse 86 
 
 Hirundo 86 
 
 Petrochelidon 86 
 
 Psittacus 296 
 
 Tachycineta 86 
 tharus, 
 
 Failco 370 
 
 Polyborus 370 
 Theromyias 
 
 sayl 240 
 thlbetanus, 
 
 Corvus 205 
 Thistle-bird 116 
 Thrasher 9 
 
786 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Thrnsh, 
 
 Golden-crowned 70 
 
 Hermit 2, 228 
 
 Large-billed Water 72 
 
 Migratory 1 
 
 Olive-tacked 4, 228, 233 
 
 TawDy 5 [ing 93 
 
 Townsend's Flycatch- 
 
 Water 71 
 
 Wilson's 5 
 
 Woods 
 Thrushes, 
 
 Mocking 7 
 Thryothorus 
 
 arundinaceus 35 
 
 arundineus 29, 35 
 
 berlandieri 29 
 
 bewickii 31 
 
 guttulatus 28 
 
 latifasciatus 27 
 
 leucogaster 31 
 
 littoral is 29 
 
 louigiaua! 29 
 
 ludovicianus 29 
 
 mexicanus 28 
 
 obsoletus 27 
 
 palustris 34 
 
 pinus 69 
 
 spilurua 31 
 
 stellaris 36 
 
 torquatns 46 
 thnlensis, 
 
 Somateria 580 
 thyroideus, 
 
 Cladoscopns 288 
 
 Colaptes 288 
 
 Melanerpes 288 
 
 Pious 288 
 
 Pilumnus 288 
 
 Sphyrapicus 288 
 
 Sphyropicus 288 
 Tinnnuculus 
 
 columbarius 346 
 
 sparverius 349 
 Titlark 40 
 Titmice 19 
 Titmouse, 
 
 Long-tailed 230 
 
 Mountain 230 
 
 Plain-crested 20 
 
 Tufted 19 
 tixicrus, 
 
 Coturnicnlus 132 
 togatus, 
 
 Tetrao 420 
 tolmioei, 
 
 Sylvia 75 
 
 Trichas 75 - 
 
 torquata, 
 
 Anser 556,557 
 Ardea 522 
 
 Asyndesmus 291 
 
 Bernicla 556, 557 
 
 Celeus 291 
 
 Cepphus 719 
 
 Charadrius 452 
 Colymbus 719,720 
 Histrionicus 578 
 Larus 646 | 
 
 torqnata, 
 
 Melanerpes 291 
 
 Picus 291 
 
 Sylvia 46 
 
 Thryothorus 46 
 Totanus 
 
 bartramlns 503 
 
 caligatus 498 
 
 campestris 503 
 
 chilensis 496 
 
 chloropus 498 
 
 chloropygius 498 
 
 crassirostris 495 
 
 flavipes 497 
 
 fuscocapillus 497 
 
 glareola 498 
 
 guttatus 498 
 
 leucopyga 497 
 
 macroptera 498 
 
 macnlarius 501 
 
 maritimus 489 
 
 melanoleucus 496 
 
 melanopygius 503 
 
 natator 497 
 
 noveboracensis 477 
 
 sasasbew 496 
 
 semipalmatus 494 
 
 solitarius 498 
 
 speeuliferus 495 
 
 variegatus 503 
 
 Tociferus 496 
 Totipalmate Birds 587 
 Towhee, 
 
 Arctic Spotted 175 
 
 Bunting 173 
 townsendii, 
 
 Cinclus 10 
 
 Fringilla 162 
 
 Myiadestes 994 
 
 Passerella 162 
 
 Phalacrocorax 589 
 
 Ptilogouys 93 
 Townsend's Fly - catching 
 
 Thrush 93 
 Toxostoma 
 
 rnfum 9 
 Trachelonetta 
 
 acuta 561 
 trachyrhynchuB, 
 
 Cyrtopelicanns 587 
 
 Pelecanus 587 
 trailii, 
 
 Empidonax 252 
 
 Muscicapa 252 
 
 Myiobius 252 
 
 TjTannula 252 
 
 Tyrannus 252 
 Traill's Flycatcher 252 
 Tree Sparrow 146 
 Trichas 
 
 brachydactylus 74 
 
 delafieldii 74 
 
 formosa 73 
 
 macgillivrayi 75 
 
 marilandica 74 
 personatus 74 
 Philadelphia 75 
 roscoe 74 
 tolmioei 75 
 
 Trichas 
 
 vegeta 75 
 trichas, 
 
 Ficedula 74 
 
 Geothlypis 74, 232 
 
 Sylvia 74 
 
 Turd us 74 
 Trichopicus 
 
 anduboni 280 
 
 gairdneri 283 
 
 harrisii 280 
 
 martinse 280 
 
 meridionalis 282 
 
 phillipsi 279 
 
 pubescens 282 
 
 villosns 279 
 Trichoijipo 
 
 harrisii 280 
 
 jardini 280 
 
 pubescens 282 
 
 villosus 279 
 tricolor, 
 
 Agelseus 186 
 
 Cyanthus 271 
 
 Guiraca 167 
 
 Icterus 186 
 
 Ornismyia 271 
 
 Eegulus 17 
 
 Steganopus 467 
 tridactyla, 
 
 Apternus 285 
 
 Cheimonea 646 
 
 Gavia 646 
 
 Laroides 646 
 
 Larus 645, 646, 647 
 
 Picoides 285 
 
 Picus284,285 
 
 Rissa 645, 646 
 Tridactylia 
 
 arctica 284 
 
 dorsalis 285 
 
 lecontei 282 
 
 undulata 285 
 Tringa 484 
 
 alpina 489, 490 
 
 americana 489, 490 
 
 arenaria 492 
 
 arquatella 489 
 
 auduboui 480 
 
 australis 491 
 
 bairdii 484 
 
 bartramia 502 
 
 bonapartii 484, 487 
 
 brevirostris 481, 506 
 
 calidris 491 
 
 campestris 482, 486 
 
 canadensis 489 
 
 canutus 490 
 
 cinclus 487, 489, 490 
 
 cinerea 490 
 
 cooperi 491 
 
 crassirostris 491 
 
 dominicensis 486 
 
 dorsalis 484 
 
 douglassi 480 
 
 ferrugiuea 491, 492 
 
 fulicaria 471 
 
 fuscicollis 482, 487 
 
 fusca 470 
 
INDEX. 
 
 787 
 
 Tringa 
 
 georgica 482 
 glacialis 467 
 gracilis 491 
 grisea 491 
 helvetica 448 
 liiaticula453 
 himantopus 480 
 hudsonica 459 
 hyperborea 469 
 interpres 459 
 i8laudica491,493 
 lincolniensis 489 
 littoralis 489 
 lobata 469 
 lomatina 491 
 longicauda 503 
 macularia 501 
 maculata 484, 486 
 maritiuia 488 
 melanota 484 
 melanotus 437 
 morioella 459 
 miuutilla 483 
 multifaRciata 480 
 nsevia 491 
 nana 482 
 nigricans 489 > 
 notata 502 
 oahuensis 459 
 ochropus 498. 
 pectoralis 484, 486 
 ptilocnemia 491 
 pusilla 481, 482, 489 
 pygmaea 492 
 ruia 491 
 rufesceus 506 
 ruficollis 489 
 schinzii 484, 487 
 semipalmata 481 
 solitaria 498 
 squatarola 448 
 striata 489 
 subarquata 491 
 subruiicollis 506 
 subtridactyla 449 
 undata 489 
 utopiensis 491 
 Taria 448 
 -variabilis 489, 490 
 wilsoni 482 
 
 Tringites 
 
 macularius 502 
 
 Tringoides 
 
 bartramius 503 
 bypoleucus 503 
 macularins 501, 502 
 rufescens 506 
 
 tringoides, 
 
 Calidris 492 
 
 Triorches 
 
 fluvialis 367 
 lagopus 361 
 
 tripennis, 
 Strix 306 
 
 tristis, 
 
 Astragalinus 116 
 Carduelis 116 
 Chrysomitris 116 
 Fringillalie 
 
 Trochilidas 269 
 
 Trochilus 
 
 aureigaster 271 
 
 colubris 271 
 
 montanus 271 
 
 platycercus 271 
 Troglodytidse 27 
 Troglodytes 
 
 aedon 32, 231 
 
 alasoensis 33 
 
 albicollis 28 
 
 americanus 32 
 
 arundiuaceus 29 
 
 bewickii 31 
 
 brevirostns 36 
 
 europsBUS 33 
 
 fulvus 32 
 
 furvus 32 
 
 byeraalis 33, 231 
 
 leucogastra 31 
 
 ludovicianus 29 
 
 mexicanus 28 
 
 murarius 28 
 
 obsoletus 27 
 
 pacificns 33 
 
 paluatris 34 
 
 parkmanni 32, 231 
 
 parvulus 231 
 
 spilurus 31 
 
 stellaris 36 
 
 sylvestris 32 
 troglodytes, 
 
 Anortbnra 33, 231 
 
 Sylvia 33 
 trowbridgei, 
 
 CEdemia 582 
 
 Peliouetta 582 
 trudeaui, 
 
 Columba 387 
 
 Phoetusa 675 
 
 Sterna 675 
 
 Thalasseus 675 
 Trudeau's Tern 675 
 True 
 
 Ibises 517 
 
 Herons 517 
 
 Rails 533 
 Trumpeter Swan 544 
 trydaotyla, 
 
 Tringa 492 
 Trynga 
 
 falcinella 492 
 
 tridactyla 492 
 Tryngites 
 
 rufescens 506 
 tschegrava. 
 
 Sterna 667 
 Tufted Titmouse 19 
 turati, 
 
 Dryobates 283 
 
 Pi ens 283 
 Turdus 
 
 alicise 4 
 
 aonalascbka 3 
 
 aquations 71 
 
 ater 193 
 
 audubonii 3 
 
 aurocapillus 70 
 
 canadensis 1 
 
 carolinensis 8 
 
 coufinis 1 
 
 ooronatus 70 
 
 Tuidus 
 
 densus 2 
 felivox 9 
 
 fuscescens 5, 228 
 
 guttatus 3 
 
 liudsonicns 198 
 
 jugularis 193 
 
 labradorius 198 
 
 lividus 9 
 
 ludovicianus 72 
 
 melodus 2 
 
 migratorius 1, 228 
 
 minimus 4 
 
 minor 3, 4, 6 
 
 montanus 7 
 
 motacilla 72 
 
 mustelinus 2, 5 
 
 nanus 3, 4 
 
 noveboracensis 71, 19i5 
 
 olivaceus 4 
 
 pallasi 2, 228 
 
 polyglottns 8 
 
 rufus 9 
 
 silens 6 
 
 solitarias 3,4 
 
 swaiusoni 4, 228, 233 
 
 tricbas 74 
 
 ustulatus 4, 5 
 
 Yirens 77 
 
 "wilsoni 6 
 Turkey Buzzard 379 
 Turkey, 
 
 Common Wild 391 
 Turkeys 391 
 Turtur 
 
 fuscus 3S7 
 
 indicus 337 
 
 leucopterus 387 
 Tyrannidse 235 
 Tyrannula 
 
 acadica 249 
 
 affinis 259 
 
 bogotensis 247 
 
 cinerascens 239 
 
 cooperi 244 
 
 crinita 239 
 
 flaviventria 255 
 
 fusca 241 
 
 bammondii 257 
 
 minima 254 
 
 nunciola 241 
 
 obscura 258 
 
 pallida 240 
 
 phoebe 247 
 
 pusilla 249, 252, 256 
 
 ricliardsonil 247 
 
 saya 240 
 
 traillii 252 
 
 virens 245 
 Tyranuus 
 
 atriceps 247 
 
 borealis 243 
 
 carolinensis 235 
 
 cassini 238 
 
 cooperi 244 
 
 crinitus 239 
 
 forficatus 235 
 
 fuscus 241 
 
 intrepidus 236 
 
 irritabilis 239 
 
 leucosaster 236 
 
788 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Tj'rannns 
 
 ludovicianus 239 
 
 mexicanus 235 
 
 rainuta 255 
 
 phosbe 247 
 
 pipiri 236 
 
 pnsillus 252 
 
 saya 240 
 
 savii 240 
 
 traillii 252 
 
 verticalis 236 
 
 Tieillottii 236 
 
 virens 245 
 
 vociferans 238 
 tyrannus, 
 
 Lanius 235 
 
 Musoicapa 236 
 
 U. 
 
 nligiuosus 
 
 Circus 328 
 
 Falco 3^8 
 
 Strigiceps 328 
 Ulula 
 
 acadica 315 
 
 brachyotus 306 
 
 oinwrea 308 
 
 cunicularia 321, 322 
 
 flammea 298 
 
 lapponica 308 
 
 nebulosa 309 
 
 otua 304 
 
 teugmalmi 314 
 
 virginiana 300 
 nlula, 
 
 Asio 306 
 
 Otus 306 
 
 Strix 306, 311, 312 
 
 Suruia 311,312 
 ultramarinus, 
 
 Corvus 219 
 
 Garrulus 219 
 umbelloides, 
 
 Bouasa 421, 425 
 ninbcllus, 
 
 Bonasa 420, 421, 425 
 
 Tetrao 420, 421 
 umbria, 
 
 Motacilla 58 
 unalaskensis, 
 
 Fringilla 162 
 
 Passerella 162 
 undata, 
 
 Picus 284 
 
 TriDga 489 
 ■undosus, 
 
 Picus 284 
 nudulatus, 
 
 Picus 234 
 
 Tridactylia 285 
 iinicolor, 
 
 Auous 710 
 
 Cinclus 70 
 Upland Plover 502 
 tiralensis, 
 
 Strix 311 
 urinator, 
 
 Colymbus 729 
 
 urophasianellus, 
 
 Tetrao 407 
 urophasianus, 
 
 CentrocercBS 400 
 
 Tetrao 400 
 urubitinga, 
 
 Caihartes 383 
 uiubu, 
 
 Cathartes 384 
 
 Percnopterus 384 
 
 Vultur 384 
 urucurea, 
 
 Strix 322 
 ustulatus, 
 
 Tardus 4, 5 
 utopiensis, 
 
 Triuga 491 
 
 [439 
 Valley Quail of California 
 vallisneria. 
 
 Anas 575 
 
 Aristonetta 575 
 
 Aythya 575 
 
 Fuligula 575 
 
 Nyroca 575 
 Vanellus 
 
 griseus 448 
 
 helveticus 448 
 
 melanogaster 449 
 varia, 
 
 ^rolia 492 
 
 Certhia 45 
 
 Cladoscopus 285 
 
 Dendrocopus 285 
 
 Larus 605 
 
 Motacilla 45 
 
 Mniotilta 45 
 
 Oriolus 193 
 
 Pica 211 [286 
 
 Picus 279, 282,284, 285; 
 
 Piluranus 285 
 
 Pluvialis 448 
 
 Sitta 25 
 
 Sphyrapicus 285, 286 
 
 Strix 309 
 
 Sylvia 45 
 
 Sylvicola 45 
 
 Tringa 448 
 
 Xantborus 193 
 variabilis, 
 
 Accipiter 327 
 
 Numenius 489 
 
 Pelidua 489 
 
 Tringa 489 
 variegatns, 
 
 Circus 327, 328 
 
 Erolia 492 
 
 Falco 328 
 
 Totanus 503 
 varius («ce varia) 
 vauxii, 
 
 Acanthvlis 268 
 
 Chsetura 268 
 
 Cypselus 268 
 Veery 5, 228 
 vegeta, 
 
 Sylvia 75 
 
 Trichas 75 
 
 velasqnezii, 
 
 Icteria 77 
 velei, 
 
 Contopns 247 
 velox, 
 
 Falco 334 
 velvetina, 
 
 Melauetta 582 
 
 Oidemia 582 
 venusta, 
 
 Callipepla 432 
 Vermivora 
 
 celata 52 
 
 chrysoptera 49 
 
 fulvicapilla 48 
 
 nigrescens 55 
 
 pennsylvanioa 48 
 
 peregrina 53 
 
 proton otaria 47 
 
 rara 57 
 
 rubricapilla 50 
 
 Bolitaria 49 
 vermivora, 
 
 Helmitberus 48 
 
 Helinaia 48 
 
 Motacilla 48 
 
 Sylvia 48 
 
 Sylvicola 48, 50 
 verticalis, 
 
 Laphyctes 236 
 
 Muscieapa 236 
 
 Tyrannus 236 
 yespertina, 
 
 Coccothraustes 104 
 
 Fringilla 104 
 
 Hesperiphona 104 
 versicolor, 
 
 Hirundo 91 
 
 Quiacalus 203 
 viduata. 
 
 Anas 559 
 
 Dendrocygna 559 
 vieilloti, 
 
 Tyrannus 236 
 vigorsii, 
 
 Sylvia 69 
 
 Vireo 69 
 villica, 
 
 Muscieapa 244 
 villosus, 
 
 Dryobates 279 
 
 Picus 279, 280 
 
 Trichopicus 279 
 
 Trichopipo 279 
 viola, 
 
 Fuligula 560 
 violacea, 
 
 Cecropis 91 
 
 Hirundo 91 
 Violet-green Swallow 86 
 Viral va 703 
 
 anglica 664 
 
 leucopareia 704 
 
 leucoptera 708 
 
 nigra 704 
 virens, 
 
 Contopus 245, 247 
 
 Dendr(Eca 54 
 
 Icteria 77 
 
 Mniotilta 54 
 
INDEX. 
 
 789 
 
 virens, 
 
 Motacilla 54 
 
 Myiarcbus 245 
 
 Myiobius 245 
 
 Pyrocephalus 246 
 
 Ehimanpbus 54 
 
 Sylvia 54 
 
 Sylvicola 54 
 
 Tardus 77 
 
 Tyrannula 245 
 
 Tyrannua 245 
 Vireo, 
 
 Bell's 101 
 
 Blae-lieaded 99 
 
 Brotherly-love 97, 233 
 
 Plumbeous 100 
 
 Eed-eyed 96 
 
 Solitary 99 
 
 Warbling 97 
 
 White-eyed 100 
 
 Yellow-throated 98 
 Vireo 
 
 belli 101 
 
 bogoteusis 96 
 
 cassini 99 
 
 flavifrons 98 
 
 gilvus 97, 98 
 
 musicus 100 
 
 noveboracensis 100 
 
 olivaceus 96 
 
 philadelphicus 97, 233 
 
 plumbeus 100 
 
 solitarius 99, 100 
 
 awainsoui 98 
 
 vigorsii 69 
 
 virescens 96 
 VireonidsB 96 
 Vireosylvia 
 
 cobanensis 97 
 
 flavifrons 98 
 
 gilva 98 
 
 olivacea 96 
 
 pbiladelpbica 97 
 
 plumbea 100 
 
 solitaria 99 
 
 swainsoui 98 
 
 vicinior [Arizona, Hen 
 shaw ; several speci- 
 mens; first discovered 
 since the type] 
 virescens, 
 
 Agamia 522 
 
 Ardea 522 
 
 Botaurus 522 
 
 Butorides 522 
 
 Chalcophanes 198 
 
 Egretta 522 
 
 Herodias 522 
 
 Muscicapa 245 
 
 Ocniscus 522 
 
 Platyrhynchus M9 
 
 Vireo 96 
 virgata. 
 
 Anas 558 
 virginea, 
 
 Muscicapa 239 
 virgiuiEB, 
 
 Helminthophaga 51 
 
 Virginia's Warbler 51 
 Virginian 
 
 Partridge 431 
 
 Quail 431 
 
 Eail 535 
 
 Eedbird 172 
 virginianus, 
 
 Bubo 300, 301 
 
 Caprimulgus 260, 263 
 
 Cardinalis 178 
 
 Cbaradrius 450 
 
 Cbordelles 263 
 
 Coccotbraustes 172 
 
 Fringilla 180 
 
 Ortyx 431 
 
 Otus 300 
 
 Parus 58 
 
 Perdix 431 
 
 Picus 279, 282 
 
 Eallua 536 
 
 Strix 300 
 
 Tetrao 431 
 
 Ulula 300 
 virginicus, 
 
 Cbaradrius 449, 450 
 
 Pluvialia 450 
 viridis, 
 
 Cbelidon 86 
 
 Hirundo 66 
 
 Icteria 77 
 
 Muscicapa 77 
 
 Pendulinus 193 
 v-nigra, 
 
 Somateria 581 
 vocifera, 
 
 ^gialitis 452 
 
 Antrostomus 263 
 
 Caprimulgus 260 
 
 Cbaradrius 452 
 
 Oxyechus 452 
 
 Scolopax 496 
 
 Totauus 496 
 vociferans, 
 
 Laphyctes 238 
 
 Tyrannus 238 
 vulgaris, 
 
 Arenaria 492 
 
 Buteo 353, 356 
 
 Caracara 371 
 
 Catarractes 605 
 
 Clangula 576 
 
 Otus 304, 305 
 
 Polyborus 371 
 Vultur 
 
 atratus 383 
 
 aura 379, 380, 384 
 
 brasiliensis 383 
 
 californicus 384 
 
 cheriway 370 
 
 columbianus 384 
 
 iota 380, 384 
 
 niger 384 
 
 plancus 370 
 
 urubu 384 
 Vultures, 
 
 American 373 
 vulturiuus, 
 
 Cathartes 384 
 
 W. 
 
 Wading Birds 448 
 Wagtail 40 
 wapacuthu, 
 
 Nyctea 310 
 
 Strix 310 
 Warbler 
 
 Audubon's 58, 232 
 
 Bay-breasted 61 
 
 Black-and-white 45 
 
 Black-and-yellow 62 
 
 Blackburniau 59 
 
 Black-capped Green 79 
 
 Black-poll 60 [232 
 
 Black-throated Gray 55, 
 
 Black-tbro'ted Green 54 
 
 Blue 233 
 
 Blue Golden- winged 49 
 
 Blue-winged Yellow 49, 
 233 
 
 Blue Yellow-backed 46 
 
 Canadian Flycat'ng 80 
 
 Chestnut-sided 62 
 
 Coerulean 56 
 
 Creeping 45 
 
 Plycatching 70 
 
 Golden 54 
 
 Gray Black-throated 55 
 
 Green Black-capped 79 
 
 Green Black-tbro'ted 54 
 
 Hooded Fly catching 78 
 
 Kentucky 73 
 
 Maogillivray's 75, 232 
 
 Mourning 75 
 
 Nashville 50 
 
 Pine-creeping 69 
 
 Prairie 63 
 
 Prothonotary 47 
 
 Eed-poU 67 
 
 Summer 54 
 
 Tennessee 53 
 
 Virginia's 51 
 
 Wilson's Flycateh'g 79 
 
 Worm-eating 48 
 
 Yellow Eed-poll 67 
 
 Yellow-rumped 57, 233 
 
 Yello w-tbroat'd 66, 233 
 Warbling Vireo 97 
 warneckii, 
 
 Larus 648 
 Warrior, 
 
 Black 352 
 washingtonii, 
 
 Falco 370 
 
 Haliaetus 370 
 Water 
 
 Ouzel 10 
 
 Thrush 71 
 Water-witch 738 
 Wavy, 
 
 Horned 553 
 Wax wing, 
 
 Bohemian 91 
 
 Carolina 93 
 Wedge-tailed Gull 660 
 Western Bluebird 14, 229 
 Grebe 727 
 
7^0 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Western 
 
 Horned Lark 231 
 
 House Wren 32 
 
 Pewee 247 
 Whippoorwill 260 
 Whippoorwill, 
 
 Nnttall's 261 
 Whistle-wing 576 
 Wliistling Swan 545 
 Wliite 
 
 Brant 548, 549 
 
 Crane 529 
 
 Eagle 
 
 Heron 519 
 
 Owl 298 
 
 Pelican 587 
 White-bellied 
 
 Nuthatch 23 
 
 Swallow 86 
 White-browed Chickadee 22 
 White-crowned Sparrow 154 
 Wbite-eyed Vireo 100 
 White-fronted Goose 540 
 White-headed Eagle 360 
 Wliite-neeked Eaven 206 
 White-rumped 
 
 Sandpiper 487 
 
 Shrike 102 
 White-tailed 
 
 Ptarmigan 425 
 
 Eagle 368 
 White-throated 
 
 Sparrow 151 
 
 Swift 265 
 
 Wren 28 
 White- winged 
 
 Ci:oasbill 110 
 
 Gull 623 
 
 Tern 708 
 whitneyi, 
 
 Athene 320 
 
 Micrathene 320 
 Whitney's Owl 320 
 Whooping Crane 529 
 widhalmi, 
 
 Podiceps 729 
 Widgeon, 
 
 American 564 
 wiedi, 
 
 Cyanocephalus 210 
 
 Actitis 502 
 Wild Pigeon 387 
 Willet 494 
 williamsii, 
 
 Phalaropus 470 
 mllianisoni, 
 
 Cladoscopus 288 
 
 Melanerpes 288 
 
 Picas 288 
 
 Sphyrapicus 288 [288 
 Williamson's Woodpecker 
 wilsoni, 
 
 Actodromas 482 
 
 Athene 315 
 
 Buteo 360 
 
 Erytha<4a 13 
 
 Falco 360 
 
 Pulica 541 
 
 Gallinago 475 
 
 Holopodius 467 
 
 wilsoni, 
 
 Lobipes 467 
 
 Mernla 4, 6 
 
 Muscicapa 79 
 
 Myiodioctes 79 
 
 Phaloropus 467 
 
 Pcecilopternis 360 
 
 Scolopax 475 
 
 Setophaga 79 
 
 Sialia 13 
 
 Sterna 680 
 
 Sqnatarola 449 
 
 Steganopua 467 
 
 Sylvania 79 
 
 Sylvia 79 
 
 Tringa 482 
 
 Tardus 6 
 Wilsonia 
 
 bonapartii 80 
 
 mitrata 78 
 
 pusilla 79 
 wilsonianus. 
 
 Otus 304, 305 
 wilsonius, 
 
 ^gialitis 456 
 
 Charadrins 456 
 
 Ochthodromus 456 
 Wilson's [79 
 
 Black-capped Warbler 
 
 Flycat'ing Warbler 79 
 
 Green Warbler 79 
 
 Phalarope 467 
 
 Plover 456 
 
 Sandpiper 482 
 
 Snipe 475 
 
 Thrush 5 
 
 Warbler 79 
 
 Woodcock 473 ' 
 Wood 
 
 Duck 571 
 
 Ibis 513 
 
 Partridge 394 
 
 Pewee 245 
 
 Tattler 498 
 
 Thrush 2 
 woodhousei, 
 
 Aphelocoma 219 
 
 Cyanocitta 219 
 Woodhouse's Jay 219 
 Woodpecker 
 
 Banded Three-toed 284 
 
 Black-backed 284 
 
 Black-breasted 288 
 
 Downy 282 
 
 Golden-wiuged 292 
 
 Hairy 279 
 
 Lewis's 291 
 
 Mexican 294 
 
 Pileated 278 
 
 Red-bellied 289 
 
 Eed-headed 290 . 
 
 Eed-shafted 294 
 
 Williamson's 288 
 
 Yellow-bellied 285 
 Worm-eating Warbler 48 
 Wren, 
 
 Bewick's 31 
 
 Carolina 29 
 
 House 32 
 
 Long-billed Marsh 34 
 
 Wren, 
 
 Marsh 34 
 Mexican 28 
 Parkman's 231 
 Eock 27, 230 
 Eubv-crowned 16 
 Short-billed Marsh 36 
 Western House 32 
 White-throated 28 
 Winter 33 
 
 Wright's Flycatcher 258 
 
 X. 
 
 Xanthocephalus 
 
 icterocephalus 188 
 
 perspicillatus 188 
 xanthocephalus, 
 
 Agelaius 188 
 
 Icterus 188 
 xanthocheilus, 
 
 Charadrius 450 
 
 Pluvialis 450 
 xanthogastra, 
 
 Chrysomitris 117 
 xanthomaschalis, 
 
 Fringilla 167 
 xanthopj'gia, 
 
 Sylvia 58 
 Xanthornus 
 
 affinis 193 
 
 bullockii 195 
 
 flavus 193 
 
 spurius 193 
 
 varius 193 
 xanthoroa, 
 
 Sylvia 58 
 Xema 650, 651 
 
 atricilla 651 
 
 bonapartei 656 
 
 collaris 661 
 
 franklinii 654 
 
 furoatum 662 
 
 sabinei 661 
 
 Yellowbird 116 
 Yellow 
 
 Bine-winged Warbl'r 49 
 
 Eail 539 
 
 Eed-poll Warbler 67 
 
 Warbler 67 [ler 40 
 
 Yellow-backed Blue Warb- 
 Yellow-bellied 
 
 Flycatcher 255 
 
 Woodpecker 285 
 Yellow-billed 
 
 Cuckoo 275 
 
 Loon 720 
 Yellow-breasted Chat 77 
 Yel'w-of own'd Warbl'r 232 
 Yellow-headed Bl'kbird 188 
 Yellow-rump'd Warbler 57 
 Yellowthroat, 
 
 Maryland 74 
 Yellow-throated 
 
 Vireo 98 
 
 Warbler 66, 233 
 
INDEX. 
 
 791 
 
 Yellowslianks, 
 
 Greater 496 
 
 Lesser 497 
 Yellow-wing'd Sparrow 131 
 yetapa, 
 
 Elanoides 332 
 Yphantes 
 
 baltimore 193 
 
 buUockii 195 
 
 spurius 193 
 
 zebra, 
 
 Picus 289 
 Zebrapicus 
 
 caroliDUS 289 
 Zenaida 
 
 leucoptera 387 
 
 Zenaidura 
 
 caroliuensis 389 
 margiuellus 389 
 
 zouarius, 
 
 Passerculus 136 
 
 zonorbyncha, 
 Gavina 637 
 Glaucus 637 
 Larus 637 
 
 Zonotrichia 
 
 alaudina 128 
 albicollis 151 
 arctica 128 
 aiirocapilla 159 
 belli 234 
 
 blandingiana 176 
 brewcri 151 
 cassini 140 
 chlorura 176 
 
 Zonotrichia 
 comata 157 
 corouata 159 
 fallax 139 
 fasciata 139 
 gambeli 156 
 gramiuea 129 
 guttata 139 
 iliaca 160 
 intermedia 156 
 leucopbrys 154, 156 
 lincolnii 135 
 melodia 138 
 moDticola 146 
 pallida 149 
 pusilla 148 
 querula 157 
 rufiua 162 
 sooialis 14>'i 
 
 Additions and Corrections to Index. 
 
 aaiericana, 
 
 Ardea 530, nee 529 
 
 Fiilica 541 [530 
 
 Grus 530, 531, nee 529, 
 Aramides 
 
 Carolina 538 
 
 jamaicensis 540 
 Aramus 
 
 elegans 535, nee 534 
 Ardea 
 
 americana 530, nee 529 
 
 canadensis 532, nee 531 
 atra, 
 
 Fulica 541 
 Black Rail 539 
 canadensis, 
 
 Grus 532, nee 531 
 Carolina Eail 538 
 Carolina, 
 
 Aramides 538 
 
 Crex 538 
 
 Galliuula 538 
 
 Porzaua 538 
 
 Eallus 538 
 chUensis, 
 
 Ortygometra 540 
 clamator, 
 
 Grus 530, nee 529 
 
 Coot 541 
 Crecicus ■ 
 
 jamaicensis 540 
 crepitans, [535 
 
 Eallns 535, 536, nee 534, 
 Crex 
 
 Carolina 538 
 
 galeata 540 
 
 pygmsea 540 
 elegans, 
 
 Pardirallus 535, nee 534 
 
 Eallus 535, nee 534 
 Florida Gallinula 540 
 fraterculus, 
 
 Grus 532, nee 531 
 Fulica 
 
 americana 541 
 
 atra 541 
 
 noveboracensis 539 
 
 "wilsoni 541 
 fusous, 
 
 Grus 532, nee 531 
 
 Crex 540 
 Galliuula 540 
 Galliuula 
 
 Carolina 538 . 
 chloropus 540 
 
 Gallinula 
 
 galeata 540 
 noveboracensis 539 
 salinasi 540 
 
 Grus [529, 531 
 
 americana 530, 532, me 
 canadensis 532, nee 531 
 clamator 530, nee 529 
 fraterculus 532, nee 531 
 fusca 532, nee 531 
 boyanns 230, nee 529 
 longirostris 532, nee 531 
 mexicana 532, nee 531 
 poliopbiBa 532, nee 531 
 pratensis 532, nee 531 
 struthio 530, nee 529 
 
 hoyanus, 
 
 Grus 530, nee 529 
 
 jamaicensis, 
 
 Aramides 540 
 Crecicus 540 
 Ortygometra 540 
 Porzaua 540 
 Eallus 540 
 
^^(C 
 
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