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PRIVATE LIBRARY
OF
M. R. SEVERANCE
No 21.8
ARTES
31817
SCIENTIA
LIBRARY
VERITAS
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
EXCATUNIBUS UNUS
TUEBOR
SI QUÆRIS PENINSULAM·AMŒNAM
CIRCUMSPICE
THE GIFT OF
L. C. Stuart
A MANUAL
OF THE
VERTEBRATE ANIMALS
OF THE
NORTHERN UNITED STATES
INCLUDING THE DISTRICT NORTH AND EAST OF THE
OZARK MOUNTAINS, SOUTH OF THE LAURENTIAN
HILLS, NORTH OF THE SOUTHERN BOUNDARY
OF VIRGINIA, AND EAST OF THE
MISSOURI River
INCLUSIVE OF MARINE SPECIES
BY
DAVID STARR JORDAN
PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF INDIANA
SEVENTH EDITION.
CHICAGO
A. C. MCCLURG AND COMPANY
1894
Museums
GL
155
1J82
1894
COPYRIGHT
BY JANSEN, MCCLURG, AND Co.
A.D. 1876
COPYRIGHT
BY JANSEN, MCCLURG, AND Co.
A.D. 1878
COPYRIGHT
By A. C. MCCLURG And Co,
A.D. 1888
$
Museums
PREFACE
TO THE FIFTH EDITION.
THIS book is designed to give to students and collectors
a ready means of identifying the Vertebrate fauna of the
region which it covers, and of recognizing the characters
on which the families, genera, and species of these ani-
mals are founded.
To these ends, I have made use of a system of analyti-
cal keys by which differential characters are brought into
contrast. The usefulness of such keys has long been
recognized by botanists, and in ornithology the recent
works of Coues and Ridgway have proved their value to
the student.
That the book might not reach a size too large for field
or class use, I have made all descriptions very concise,
with as few repetitions as possible. I have confined the
generic characters to the analytical keys, using as a rule
only such characters as are distinctive as well as descrip-
tive. The need of condensation has caused the omission
of synonymy, and of references to authorities except in
special cases.
In the first four editions of this work (1876, 1878, 1880,
1884), large use was made of artificial characters in the
analyses of the genera. The use of such characters is
often a help to quick identification of species, but with
the disadvantage of hiding from the student the real char-
acters on which classification is based. In the present
edition, these artificial keys have been chiefly set aside,
ii
PREFACE TO THE FIFTH EDITION.
and I have tried, with more or less of success, to set be-
fore the student the essential characters of each group.
The present edition is wholly re-written and it is
printed from new stereotype plates. The order of ar-
rangement is reversed, the lowest forms being placed
first.
The region covered by the Manual has been extended
in the present edition so as to include, in addition, Mis-
souri, Iowa, Minnesota, the Provinces of Canada, and the
sea-coast from Nova Scotia to Cape Hatteras. The deep-
sea fishes of this region are, however, omitted, as well as
the tropical and semi-tropical forms which occasionally.
drift northward in the Gulf Stream, without gaining any
permanent place in the northern fauna. Several species
of birds which have been once or twice taken in our limits,
but which are merely accidental wanderers from the West
or South or from Europe, have also been omitted. I have
wished to include only those animals which really form a
part of the fauna of the region in question.
I have made free use of every available source of infor-
mation, and I believe that the present state of our knowl-
edge in this field is fairly represented. The arrangement
of the fishes is essentially that of Jordan and Gilbert's
"Synopsis of the Fishes of North America" (1883), and,
almost exactly that of Jordan's "Catalogue of the Fishes
of North America" (1885). The manuscript of the fresh
water fishes, in the present edition, has been carefully re-
vised by Prof. Charles H. Gilbert.
The arrangement of the Batrachians and Reptiles is
essentially that set forth in the various papers of Prof.
Edward D. Cope. I have made use of Boulenger's Cata-
logues of the Reptiles in the British Museum, and of the
"Catalogue of North American Batrachia and Reptilia"
by N. S. Davis and Frank L. Rice. The manuscripts of
the Reptiles and Batrachians have been revised by Prof.
O. P. Hay.
PREFACE TO THE FIFTH EDITION.
iii
In the nomenclature and classification of the Birds, I
have followed exactly the "Check List of North Ameri-
can Birds," published by the American Ornithologists'
Union. In the preparation of analytical keys to the
genera of Birds, I have made large use of Ridgway's
"Manual of North American Birds," and of Coues' "Key
to North American Birds." In the arrangement of the
Mammals, I have been guided primarily by Professor
Baird's "History of North American Mammals." In the
Rodentia, I have made use of the elaborate monographs of
Dr. Elliott Coues and Dr. J. A. Allen; and in the other
groups reviewed by Dr. Coues, I have adopted most of
his conclusions. In the Cetaceans, I have used chiefly
the papers of Mr. Frederick W. True and Prof. E. D.
Cope, and both these naturalists have kindly furnished me
with unpublished catalogues of the species recognized by
them.
In the preparation of the present edition I am also
personally indebted for aid in various ways to Prof. Ed-
ward D. Cope, Mr. Leonhard Stejneger, Prof. Charles H.
Gilbert, Prof. Oliver P. Hay, Mr. Frederick W. True, Mr.
Robert Ridgway, Mr. Amos W. Butler, Dr. J. Sterling
Kingsley, Mr. Charles H. Bollman, Dr. Stephen A. Forbes,
Mr. Barton W. Evermann, and others. I may again refer
to the obligations acknowledged in the earlier edition, -
especially to my indebtedness to Dr. Elliott Coues, Dr.
Theodore Gill, Dr. G. Brown Goode, Dr. Tarleton H. Bean,
Prof. Herbert E. Copeland, and Mr. Edward W. Nelson.
DAVID S. JORDAN.
BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA,
June, 1888.
THE VERTEBRATE ANIMALS
•
OF THE
NORTHERN UNITED STATES.
VERTEBRATA. (THE VERTEBRATES.)
THE Vertebrates are, in popular language, "animals with a
back-bone." They are distinguished from all other animals, says
Professor Huxley, "by the circumstance that a transverse and
vertical section of the body exhibits two cavities, completely sep-
arated from one another by a partition. The dorsal cavity contains
the cerebro-spinal nervous system; the ventral, the alimentary
canal, the heart, and, usually, a double chain of ganglia, which
passes under the name of the 'sympathetic.' A vertebrated ani-
mal may be devoid of articulated limbs, and it never possesses
more than two pairs. These are always provided with an internal
skeleton, to which the muscles moving the limbs are attached.'
Modern researches have shown that, besides the ordinary "back-
boned animals," certain other creatures, formerly considered as
Mollusks or Worms, are really degenerate forms of Vertebrates,
and must be considered as members, or at least as associates, of
this group. The resemblance to the other Vertebrates on the part
of the forms in question is seen in their early or larval develop-
ment, and scarcely at all in the adult condition. "Many of the
species start in life with the promise of reaching a point high in
the scale, but after a while they turn around, and, as one might say,
pursue a downward course, which results in an adult which dis-
plays but few resemblances to the other vertebrates." (Kingsley.)
These are the Tunicates or Ascidians, forming the Class or Prov-
ince of "Urochordata." The essential character of the Vertebrata,
in the broad sense of the term, is now understood to be this: "The
6
VERTEBRATA.
possession of a cellular cord, the 'notochord,' — which runs un-
derneath the central nervous system, and which in the higher forms
is surrounded by the permanent vertebral column and skull, and is
largely obliterated by the development of these structures. So the
term CHORDATA is frequently employed as synonymous with VER-
TEBRATA in its wide sense." (R. R. Wright.)
Without further discussion of the VERTEBRATA or "CHOR-
DATA" as a whole, we may proceed to the account of the several
subordinate groups or classes. The existing forms may first be
divided into about six primary groups, which have been called
"provinces " by Professor Huxley. These are (I) the Urochor-
data, including the class Tunicata; (II) the Hemichordata or En-
teropneusta; (III) the Cephalochordata, corresponding to the class
Leptocardii; (IV) the Ichthyopsida, including the classes of Cyclo-
stomi, Pisces, and Batrachia; (V) the Sauropsida, including the
Reptilia and Aves; and finally (VI) the Mammalia, correspond-
ing to the single class of the same name.
The relations of these provinces and classes are shown in the
following analysis taken, in part, from Dr. Gill's "Arrangement
of the Families of Fishes." Only the more obvious characters
are here mentioned. Others may be found in the more elaborate
works on Comparative Anatomy.
Analysis of the Classes of Chordata.
a. Anterior end of the central nervous axis not dilated into a brain, and not
surrounded by a protective capsule or skull.
b. Notochord confined to the tail and usually present only in the tadpole-
like larval stage of the animal (UROCHORDATA): adult animal not
fish-like nor worm-like, its body invested with a tough envelope or
"tunic."
TUNICATA, A.
bb. Notochord not confined to the tail, but extending forward to the anterior
end of the body; sides of body with numerous gill slits which are
persistent through life.
d. Notochord developed in anterior end of body only (HEMICHOR-
DATA): adult animal worm-like, without trace of fins; a long
proboscis before the mouth.
ENTEROPNEUSTA, B.
dd. Notochord perfect, continued forward to a point before the mouth
(CEPHALOCHORDATA): body elongate, lanceolate, somewhat fish-
like in form, not worm-like nor enveloped in a "tunic"; middle
line of body with rudimentary fins; no proboscis; the mouth slit-
like, fringed with cirri.
LEPTOCARDII, C.
•
•
aa. Anterior end of the nervous axis dilated into a "brain," which is con-
tained within a protective capsule, the "skull"; notochord not
continued forwards beyond the pituitary body; heart developed and
divided into at least two parts, an auricle and a ventricle. (CRA-
NIOTA.)
e. Respiration during part or the whole of life performed by means of
gills; blood cold. (ICHTHYOPSIDA.)
VERTEBRATA.
7
f. Skull imperfectly developed and without jaws; paired fins un-
developed, with no shoulder girdle or pelvic elements; a single
median nostril; gills purse-shaped; skin naked; skeleton car-
CYCLOSTOMI, D.
tilaginous.
ff. Skull well developed, and with jaws; shoulder girdle and pelvic
elements developed; nostrils not median.
g. Limbs developed as rayed fins (rarely abortive); rayed fins nor-
mally present on the median line of the body; respiration
throughout life by means of gills; lungs usually not developed.
PISCES, E.
gg. Limbs not developed as rayed fins, but, if present, having the same
skeletal elements as in the higher vertebrates; respiration in the
adult chiefly accomplished by means of lungs, the gills usually
not persistent; skin usually naked.
BATRACHIA, F.
ee. Respiration performed throughout life by means of lungs, the gill
slits disappearing before birth.
h. Mammary glands not present; diaphragm incomplete; a single
occipital condyle; oviparous (or sometimes ovoviviparous),
the young hatched from a rather large egg. (SAUROPSIDA.)
i. Exoskeleton developed as scales or bony plates; blood cold;
heart with three (rarely four) cavities.
REPTILIA, G.
ii. Exoskeleton developed as feathers; blood warm; heart with
four cavities.
AVES, H.
hh. Mammary glands present; the young developed within the body
from a minute egg (except in the Monotremata), and nourished
for a time after birth by milk secreted in the mammary glands;
exoskeleton developed as hair; two occipital condyles; dia-
phragm complete; heart with four cavities; blood warm.
MAMMALIA, I.
Of these classes, the Tunicata (A) and the Enteropneusta (B) are
excluded from the plan of the present work. The Tunicata are all
marine forms, of small size, the larger species being familiarly
known as "Sea Squirts," "Sea Peaches," and "Sea Pears"; but
the most of them are without common names. A considerable
number of species, representing several families, are found on our
Atlantic coast. The Enteropneusta consist of the single genus
Balanoglossus, a worm-like creature, of which two or three species
are found on our coasts. They reach a length of six to twelve
inches. They have been considered as worms having possible
affinities with the Echinoderms, but the recent studies of Mr.
William Bateson seem to show conclusively that their place is
among the Chordata.
Leaving these groups aside, we take up
8
LEPTOCARDII: CIRROSTOMI. —— I.
CLASS C. LEPTOCARDII. (THE LANCELETS.)
Skeleton membrano-cartilaginous; no brain; no skull; the noto-
chord persistent and extending to front of body; no heart, its place
being taken by pulsating sinuses; blood colorless; respiratory cav-
ity confluent with cavity of abdomen; gill slits in great number;
the water expelled from an abdominal pore in front of vent; no
jaws; the mouth inferior, slit-like, with cirri on each side. (Gr.
λεπτός, thin ; καρδία, heart.)
ORDER I.
CIRROSTOMI.
The single order of this class contains but a single family. (Lat.,
cirrus, hair; Gr. σrópa, mouth.)
FAMILY I. BRANCHIOSTOMATIDÆ. (THE
LANCELETS.)
Body elongate-lanceolate, compressed, naked, colorless, the fins
represented by a low fold which extends along the back around
the tail, past the vent, to the abdominal pore; eye rudimentary;
liver a blind sac of the simple intestine. One genus, with 5 or
6 species; small, translucent creatures found imbedded in the
sand on warm coasts. These animals are highly interesting to
the anatomist as showing the vertebrate type in its simplest
condition.
1. BRANCHIOSTOMA Costa. (Amphioxus Yarrell.)
(βράγχια, gills ; στόμα, mouth.)
1. B. caribæum Sundevall. LANCELET. Muscular bands
(myocommas) 55 to 60 (37 +14 + 9 = 60); tail short; extremi-
ties attenuate. (Otherwise as in the European B. lanceolatum,
which has 56 to 60 myocommas; 35+ 12 + 13 60). N. Y. to
S. A. buried in soft sand, locally abundant. (Name from Carib-
bean Sea.)
MYXINIDÆ. — II.
9
CLASS D. CYCLOSTOMI. (THE MYZONTS.)
Skeleton cartilaginous; skull imperfect, not separate from ver-
tebral column; no jaws; no limbs; no ribs; no shoulder girdle nor
pelvic elements; gills in the form of fixed sacs, 6 or more on each
side; nostril single, median; mouth subinferior, nearly circular,
adapted for sucking; heart without arterial bulb; alimentary
canal straight, simple; vertical fins with feeble rays. Naked, eel-
shaped animals found in all cool waters. (Gr. kúkλos, circle;
σróμa, mouth.)
Orders of Cyclostomi.
a. Nostril tube-like with cartilaginous rings, penetrating the palate; gill
openings remote from the head; no eyes.
HYPEROTRETA, 2.
aa. Nostril a blind sac not entering the palate; gill openings close behind
the head; eyes well developed in the adult. .
ORDER II.
HYPEROTRETA.
HYPEROARTIA, 2.
Characters as given above. Only one family. (vπeрa, palate;
тρητós, perforate.)
FAMILY II. MYXINIDÆ. (THE HAG-FISHES.)
Snout with eight barbels; no lips; a median tooth on the palate
and two rows on each side of the tongue, which is a powerful organ
with a strong fibrous tendon moving in a muscular sheath; each
side of abdomen with a series of mucous sacs; no eyes; intestine
without spiral valve; skin thin and loose; eggs large, with a horny
case and threads for adhesion; genera 2; species 4 or 5. Lamprey-
like animals, burrowing into the flesh of fishes, on which they feed ;
marine.
a. Gill openings one on each side, this leading by six ducts to six branchial
MYXINE, 2.
sacs.
2. MYXINE Linnæus. (Gr. µúέa, slime.)
2. M. glutinosa L. HAG-FISH, BORER. Bluish; head 3 to 4
in length. N. Atl., S. to Cape Cod. (Eu.)
10
CYCLOSTOMI: HYPEROARTIA. III.
ORDER III. HYPEROARTIA.
Characters given above. One family only. (vreрga, palate;
aрrios, complete.)
FAMILY III. PETROMYZONTIDÆ. (THE LAMPREYS.)
Body eel-shaped, naked, compressed behind; mouth subcircular,
armed with horny teeth, which rest on papillæ; gill openings 7,
arranged in a row along the side of the "chest"; lips present,
fringed; nostril on top of head, just in front of eyes; dorsal fin
more or less notched; intestine with a spiral valve; eggs small.
The lampreys undergo a metamorphosis, the larva of all species
being toothless and having the eyes rudimentary. The name
Ammocœtes was formerly applied to the larval forms; originally,
however, to that of A. branchialis. Genera 3 or 4, species about
15, chiefly of the fresh waters of temperate regions. They attach
themselves to fishes, and feed by scraping off the flesh with their
rasp-like teeth.
a. Second dorsal joined to the caudal.
b. Supraroral lamina (“maxillary tooth ") expanded laterally, forming a
crescent-shaped plate, with a cusp at each end, and sometimes a median
cusp; anterior lingual teeth serrate.
AMMOCOTES, 3.
•
bb. Supraoral lamina contracted, of two or three teeth close together; discal
teeth numerous, in concentric series; buccal disk large (in adult,
very small in larva).
PETROMYZON, 4.
•
3. AMMOCOTES Duméril. (aupos, sand; koirŋ, bed.)
κοίτη,
a. Supraoral lamina with a very small median cusp or none; edge of anterior
lingual tooth small, crescent-shaped, dentate, the median denticle en-
larged; buccal disk small, with few teeth. (AMMOCŒTES.)
3. A. branchialis (L.). MUD LAMPREY. BROook Lamprey.
Dorsal continuous, deeply notched, both parts high; about 3
bicuspid teeth on each side of buccal disk; the other teeth sim-
ple; infraoral plate with 5 to 9 blunt subequal cusps; head with
gills 4; myocommas 67, between gills and vent; an anal papilla
present in spring. Color bluish black. L. 8. Cayuga L. (Meek)
to Minn. and Ky., ascending brooks in spring. (Eu.) (P. niger,
Raf., not of Lacepède.) (Lat., having gills.)
4. PETROMYZON (Artedi) Linnæus. (Téтpa, stone;
μúcw, to suck.)
a. Anterior lingual tooth divided in two by a median groove; dorsal fin con-
tinuous, with a broad notch. (Ichthyomyzon Girard.)
4. P. castaneus (Girard). Supraoral lamina (maxillary tooth)
tricuspid; some lateral teeth bicuspid; infraoral lamina (mandib-
PETROMYZONTIDÆ. — III.
11
ulary tooth) with 7 to 12 cusps. Color yellowish. L. 10. Miss.
Valley, Minn. to Kans. and La. (Ichth. hirudo Girard.) (Lat.,
chestnut-colored.)
5. P. concolor (Kirtland). Supraoral lamina bicuspid; teeth
on disk all simple, and placed in about 4 concentric series; infra-
oral lamina with 7 cusps; head 7; with gills 4; 51 muscular im-
pressions between gills and vent. Color bluish silvery, sometimes
mottled; a small bluish spot above each gill opening, — this found
even in the larva. L. 12. L. Erie to Mo. and N., a common para-
site on the Sturgeon and other large fishes. (P. argenteus Kirtland,
not of Bloch.) (Lat., uniformly colored.)
aa. Anterior lingual tooth with a deep median groove, and extending in an
incurved point; dorsal fin divided. (Petromyzon.)
6. P. marinus L. GREAT SEA LAMPREY. "LAMPER EEL."
Supraoral lamina bicuspid; infraoral cusps 7 to 9; first row of
lateral teeth on side of mouth bicuspid; the others simple; myo-
commas, 64 between gills and vent; males in spring usually with
an elevated fleshy ridge before the dorsal. Color dark brown,
usually mottled with blackish. L. 3 feet. N. Atlantic, S. to Va.,
ascending rivers to spawn, and permanently land-locked (var. uni-
color, Dekay) in the lakes of W. and N. N. Y. The larva is blind,
toothless, with a contracted mouth, in which the lower lip forms a
lobe distinct from the upper. The eyes appear before the mouth
is enlarged. (Eu.)
In the spring the Lamprey ascends small brooks for the purpose of de-
positing its spawn. They are then often found clinging to stones and clods
of earth. Later in the season they disappear, and are seldom seen except
when attached to some unlucky fish. They are rarely seen descending the
stream, and "it is thought by fishermen that they never return, but waste
away and die, clinging to rocks and stumps of trees for an indefinite period;
a tragic feature in the scenery of the river bottoms worthy to be remembered
with Shakespeare's description of the sea floor." (Thoreau.)
12
PISCES.
CLASS E. — PISCES. (THE FISHES.)
A "fish" in the popular sense is a member of any one of the
three classes of aquatic or fish-like vertebrates, the groups here
designated as Leptocardii, Marsipobranchii, and Pisces. But the
Lancelets and the Lampreys differ so widely from the other groups
that we must exclude them from consideration as fishes. Many
writers go still further and remove from the Pisces, the Sharks,
Chimaras, and Dipnoans, but for our present purposes all these
may be referred to the same class as the true fishes, or Teleosts.
The Pisces or "Fishes " may then be defined as cold-blooded ver-
tebrates adapted for life in the water, breathing by means of gills
which are not purse-shaped, but attached to bony or cartilaginous
gill arches; having the skull well developed and with a lower jaw;
with the limbs present and developed as fins, or rarely wanting
through atrophy; with shoulder girdle present, furcula-shaped,
curved forward and with the sides connected below; with pelvic
bones present; having the exoskeleton developed as scales or bony
plates or horny appendages, sometimes obsolete, and with the me-
dian line of body with one or more fins composed of cartilaginous
rays connected by membrane. The existing representatives of the
class Pisces may be conveniently divided into four subclasses:
Selachii or Elasmobranchii, Holocephali, Teleostomi, and Dipnoi.
The last group (Ceratodus, Lepidosiren) has well-developed lungs
and the paired fins flipper-like. It forms a connecting link be-
tween the Ganoidei and the Batrachia. As there are no North
American species of Dipnoi, the group needs no further men-
tion in this work.
Subclasses of Pisces.
a. Gills not free, being attached to the skin by the outer margin. Ova few
and large, impregnated and sometimes developed internally: embryo
with deciduous external gills; membrane bones of head undeveloped,
except sometimes a rudimentary opercle; skeleton cartilaginous; skull
without sutures; tail heterocercal; ventral fins abdominal; male with
large intromittent organs or claspers attached to ventral fins; skin
naked or covered with minute rough scales, sometimes with spines; no
air-bladder; arterial bulb with three series of valves; intestine with a
spiral valve; optic nerves united by a chiasma; cerebral hemispheres
united.
b. Gill openings slit-like, 5 to 7 in number; jaws distinct from the skull,
joined to it by suspensory bones; no membrane bones; teeth distinct.
(Sharks and Skates.).
SELACHII, page 14.
PISCES.
13
•
bb. Gill opening single, leading to four gill clefts; jaws coalescent with the
skull; a rudimentary opercle; teeth coalescent forming bony plates.
(Chimæras.)
HOLOCEPHALI, page 24.
aa. Gills free, attached at base only to the gill arches; gill opening single on
each side; eggs comparatively small and numerous; no claspers; mem-
brane bones present on head; cerebral hemispheres not united. (True
Fishes.).
TELEOSTOMI, page 25.
14
SELACHII: SQUALI. — IV.
SUBCLASS SELACHII. (THE SELACHIANS.)
This group, sufficiently defined above, includes two orders, the
Sharks and the Rays, marine fishes of large size, abundant in
most seas. (Gr. σéλaxos, shark.)
a. Gill openings lateral.
aa. Gill openings ventral.
•
Orders of Selachii.
ORDER IV. SQUALI. (THE SHARKS.)
SQUALI, 4.
RAIE, 5.
The typical sharks are elongate in form, quite unlike the skates
in appearance. Intermediate forms connect the two groups so
closely that the position of the gill openings is the only constant
character by which the two orders can be separated. (Lat., a
shark, from Gr. yaλeós, allied to yaλéŋ, a weasel.)
NOTE. - The Sharks are mostly fishes of the high seas, and any of the
larger Atlantic species may stray to our coasts. Besides those here described,
the following have been at least once taken within our limits:
Echinorhinus spinosus (Gmelin), Cape Cod; Centrocyllium fabricii (Rein-
hardt), off Gloucester; Centroscymnus cœlolepis (Bocage & Capello), Glou-
cester; Pseudotriacis microdon (Capello), Long Island; Aprionodon isodon
(Müller & Henle); Isogomphodon limbatus (Müller & Henle), Wood's Holl.
Omitting extralimital families, we have the following analysis of
Families of Squali.
a. Pectoral fins moderate, without deep notch at base in front; gill openings 5.
b. Anal fin wanting.
c. Dorsal fins each with a stout spine.
cc. Dorsal fins without spine.
SQUALIDÆ, 4.
SOMNIOSIDÆ, 5.
bb. Anal fin present; both dorsals without spine, the first inserted before
the ventrals.
d. Caudal fin not lunate, the upper lobe very much longer than the lower,
with a notch below, towards its tip; side of tail without keel.
e. Last gill opening above base of pectoral.
f. Tail moderately developed, not half length of rest of body; eyes
with nictitating membrane.
g. Head kidney-shaped or hammer-shaped, much wider than long.
SPHYRNIDÆ, 6.
GALEOKHINIDÆ, 7.
gg. Head normally formed.
ff. Tail very long, as long as rest of body; no nictitating mem-
brane.
ALOPIIDÆ, &
SQUALIDÆ. — IV.
15
ee. Last gill opening before base of pectoral; dorsal fins subequal.
CARCHARIIDÆ, 9.
dd. Caudal fin lunate, the lower lobe not much shorter than the upper;
tail with a keel on each side, last gill opening before pectorals.
h. Gill openings rather large; teeth large.
•
LAMNIDE, 10.
hh. Gill openings very large, nearly meeting both above and below;
teeth small (largest of all fishes).
CETORHINIDÆ, 11.
aa. Pectoral fins very large, wing-like, expanded at the base in front, this ex-
pansion being separated from the neck by a deep notch; no anal fin.
SQUATINIDE, 12.
FAMILY IV. SQUALIDE. (THE DOG-FISHES.)
Sharks with two dorsal fins, each armed with a stout spine, and
without anal fin; no nictitating membrane; spiracles moderate;
gill openings narrow, all before pectorals; ventral fins inserted
posteriorly; teeth small, compressed; nostrils inferior, near front
of snout. Genera 6; species about 15; small sharks, chiefly of the
Atlantic. (Spinacida Auct.)
a. Teeth in both jaws, simple, subquadrate, each with a nearly horizontal
cutting edge, and a point directed outward; dorsal spines strong.
แ
5. SQUALUS (Artedi) Linnæus.
SQUALUS, 5.
7. S. acanthias L. DOG-FISH. Dorsal spines not grooved;
slate-color, back with whitish spots fading with age. L. 3 feet.
North Atl., S. to Cuba; abundant N., its liver valued for the
Dog-fish oil." (Eu.) (Gr. åkavēías, having spines.)
FAMILY V. SOMNIOSIDÆ. (The Sleeper Sharks.)
Sharks with two dorsal fins, both without spine, and no anal fin,
the first dorsal much before ventrals, otherwise essentially as in
the Squalida. Genera 5; species 5 or 6, mostly large sharks of
the Atlantic.
a. Dorsal fins about equal; upper teeth lancet-shaped, incurved; lower quad-
rate with a horizontal edge, ending in a point directed outwards; fins
very small.
SOMNIOSUS, 6.
6. SOMNIOSUS Le Sueur. (Lat., sleepy.)
8. S. microcephalus (Bloch). SLEEPER. NURSE. Color
blackish; caudal blunt. L. 10 to 18 feet. Arctic seas, S. to Cape
Cod. (Eu.) (μukpós, small; kepaλń, head.)
FAMILY VI. SPHYRNIDÆ. (THE HAMmer-Headed
SHARKS.)
Characters of the Galeorhinida, except that the head has a form
hammer-shaped or kidney-shaped, its sides being much extended,
the eyes borne at the ends of the hammer. One genus, with 4 or
5 species; large sharks of the warm seas.
16
SELACHII: SQUALI. — IV.
7. SPHYRNA Rafinesque. (An old name from σþúpa,
hammer.)
a. Teeth in both jaws oblique, each with a notch on the outside near the base;
no spiracles.
b. Head truly hammer-shaped; a long groove extending forward from
nostrils. (Sphyrna.)
9. S. zygæna (L.). HAMMER-HEADED SHARK. Width of
"hammer " twice its length. Gray. L. 15 to 20 feet. All warm
seas, N. to Cape Cod. (Eu.) (An old name from (vyóv, a cross-
beam.)
(Reniceps, Gill.)
Width of "ham-
L. 3 to 5 feet.
bb. Head kidney-shaped, the frontal groove obsolete.
10. S. tiburo (L.). BONNET-HEAD SHARK.
" not nearly twice its length. Ashy gray.
Warm seas, N. to Va. (Eu.) (Tiburo, an Italian name of some
shark.)
mer
FAMILY VII. GALEORHINIDÆ. (THE TYPICAL SHARKS.)
Sharks with two dorsals and an anal fin; no spines; tail mod-
erate, not lunate, bent upwards, the fin notched below near the
tip; basal lobe short; no caudal keel; last gill opening above base
of pectoral; eye with nictitating membrane; head normally formed.
Genera 15, species about 60, found in all seas.
a. Teeth blunt, paved, without cusps or cutting edges; spiracles present;
no pit at root of tail; labial folds about mouth.
aa. Teeth more or less compressed, with sharp cutting edges.
b. Spiracles present; teeth large; serrated.
c. Root of tail with a pit above; caudal fin with two notches.
bb. Spiracles none; teeth sharp; a pit at root of tail.
d. Teeth all serrate in the adult.
GALEUS, 8.
GALEOCERDO, 9.
CARCHARHINUS, 10.
dd. Teeth all entire, all except the median ones oblique; their points
turned away from the middle so that the inner margins are
nearly horizontal, and form a cutting edge. SCOLIODON, 11.
8. GALEUS (Rafinesque) Leach. (Mustelus Cuvier.)
(yaλeós, shark; yadéŋ, weasel.)
a. Embryo not attached to uterus by a placenta; teeth very blunt. (Galeus.)
11. G. canis (Mitchill). DOG SHARK. HOUND SHARK. BOCA
DULCE. First dorsal higher than long, its middle midway between
pectorals and ventrals; snout shortish. Pale gray. L. 3 feet.
Smallest of our sharks. N. Atl.; common N. (Eu.)
9. GALEOCERDO Müller & Henle. (yaλeós, shark;
κερδώ, fox).
12. G. maculatus (Ranzani). TIGER SHARK. Brown, with
numerous large dark spots. L. 10 feet. Warm seas; rarely N. to
N. Y. (Lat., spotted.)
ALOPIIDÆ. VIII.
17
10. CARCHARHINUS Blainville. (Carcharias Cuvier.)
(κápxapos, rough; µím, shark.)
(The largest genus of sharks, represented in most warm seas.
It is often divided into several genera, but intergradations make
it difficult to maintain these divisions. In young specimens the
serration of the teeth is not evident.)
a. First dorsal far behind pectoral, nearer root of ventral than that of pec-
toral. (Carcharhinus.)
13. C. glaucus (L.). GREAT BLUE SHARK. Snout very long;
color grayish blue. A large shark, rare on our coast. (Eu.)
(Lat., grayish blue.)
aa. First dorsal not far behind pectoral.
b. Upper teeth oblique; deeply notched on outer margin. (Platypodon
Gill.)
14. C. obscurus (Le Sueur). Pectorals large; second dorsal
evidently smaller than anal; first dorsal large; head pointed.
L. 10 feet. N. Atl. Frequently on our coast.
bb. Upper teeth sub-erect, triangular, scarcely notched at outer margin.
(Eulamia Gill.)
15. C. caudatus (Dekay). Snout moderate, its length from
mouth forward not less than width of mouth; pectoral fin not very
long. Atlantic coast: a little known species of uncertain synon-
ymy. (Lat., long-tailed.)
11. SCOLIODON Müller & Henle.
(σkoλiós, oblique; ¿dáv, tooth.)
16. S. terræ-novæ (Richardson). SHARP-NOSED SHARK.
Body slender; snout depressed; mouth with short labial grooves
on both jaws; second dorsal smaller than anal; gray, tail dusky-
edged. West Indies, N. to Cape Cod, common S. (erroneously
ascribed to Newfoundland). (Lat. terra, land; nova, new. New-
foundland.)
FAMILY VIII. ALOPIIDÆ. (THE THRESHER SHARKS.)
Body rather slender; snout short; teeth equal, flat, triangular,
entire; gill openings moderate, the last above P.; no nictitating
membrane; spiracles obsolete; first dorsal large, second dorsal and
anal very small; tail about as long as rest of body; no caudal keel;
pectorals falcate, very large. One species, a large shark, found in
most warm seas.
12. ALOPIAS Rafinesque. (áλwπng, a fox.)
17. A. vulpes (Gmelin). THRESHER. SWINGLE-TAIL. Fox
SHARK. Color gray. L. about 20 feet. Open sea; occasionally
on our coast. (Eu.)
2
18
SELACHII: SQUALL IV.
FAMILY IX. CARCHARIIDÆ. (THE SAND SHARKS.)
Body elongate, the snout sharp; mouth wide, the teeth large,
long, narrow, entire, very sharp, most of the teeth with one or two
small cusps at base; gill openings all in front of pectorals; dorsals
small, similar to the anal; tail as in Galeorhinida; no nictitating
membrane; spiracles minute. One genus and 3 species; rather
small sharks, of the Atlantic.
13. CARCHARIAS Rafinesque. (Odontaspis Agassiz.)
(kápxapos, jagged.)
a. First and fourth teeth of the upper jaw, and first tooth of the lower without
basal cusps. (Eugomphodus Gill.)
18. C. littoralis (Mitchill). SAND SHARK.
Color gray. L. 6 feet.
voracious little shark.
Pectoral short.
Cape Cod to S. C., rather common N. A
(Lat., of the shore.)
FAMILY X. LAMNIDE. (THE PORBEAGLES.)
Body robust, contracted to a rather slender tail, which has a
keel on each side; caudal fin lunate, the lower lobe nearly as large
as the upper, and not very different in form; teeth large; gill
openings wide, all in front of pectorals; first dorsal and pectorals
large; second dorsal and anal very small; a pit at root of caudal;
spiracles obsolete. Large, voracious sharks of the warm seas.
Genera 3, species about 6.
a. Teeth slender, sharp, with entire edges; tail very slender.
b. Teeth very slender, flexuous, without basal cusps
bb. Teeth broader, most of them with a small cusp on each side at base.
•
ISURUS, 14.
LAMNA, 15.
aa. Teeth broad, compressed, triangular, distinctly serrate; tail rather stout.
CARCHARODON, 16.
14. ISURUS Rafinesque. (loos, equal; oùpá, tail.)
a. First dorsal entirely behind pectorals, nearly midway between base of P.
and V. (Isuropsis, Gill.)
19. I. dekayi (Gill). MACKEREL SHARK. Color bluish.
L. 15 feet. W. I., rarely N. (For James E. Dekay, author of the
Fauna of New York.)
15. LAMNA Cuvier. (^áµva, a kind of shark.)
20. L. cornubica (Gmelin). PORBEAGLE. MACKEREL SHARK.
First dorsal close behind pectorals; snout conical, sharp; back
elevated; third tooth on each side in upper jaw small. L. 8 feet.
Warm seas, frequently N. to Cape Cod. (Eu.) (Lat., pertaining
to Cornwall.)
SQUATINIDÆ. — XII.
19
16. CARCHARODON Andrew Smith. (kápɣapos, jagged;
odov, tooth.)
21. C. carcharias (L.). MAN-EATER SHARK. GREAT WHITE
SHARK. First dorsal somewhat behind pectorals. Color leaden-
gray, P. edged with black. L. 25 feet. Most voracious of all sharks,
and next in size to Cetorhinus, weighing nearly a ton.
Warm seas,
occasional off our coasts. Linnæus says, " Jonam prophetam ut vete-
res Herculem, in hujus trinoctem ventriculo tridui spateo, bæsisse
verosimile est." The fossil teeth of a far larger extinct species,
Carcharodon megalodon, are often found in tertiary beds along our
South Atlantic coast. (Eu.) (kapɣapías, old name of large sharks.)
FAMILY XI. CETORHINIDÆ. (THE BASKING SHARKS.)
Largest of all fishes; immense sharks with the gill openings ex-
tremely wide, nearly meeting above and below; mouth moderate;
teeth very small, numerous, conical, simple; no nictitating mem-
brane; spiracles very small; first dorsal and pectorals large; sec-
ond and anal small; caudal lunate, the upper lobe the larger; tail
keeled on the side. One species, a huge, sluggish creature, found
in Northern seas.
17. CETORHINUS Blainville. (kros, whale; pívŋ, a shark.)
22. C. maximus (Gunner). BASKING SHARK. Head small,
snout blunt. Gray. L. 35 feet; depth nearly 6 feet. Open sea,
S. to Va. (Eu.)
FAMILY XII. SQUATINIDE. (THE ANGEL-FISHES.)
Ray-like sharks, with the body depressed, the pectoral fins very
large, expanded in the plane of the body, the anterior margin bear-
ing some resemblance to the bend of the wing in birds; ventrals
very large; dorsal fins two, small, subequal, behind ventrals; cau-
dal small; no anal; gill openings wide, subinferior, partly hidden
by base of pectoral; spiracles wide, crescent-shaped, behind eyes;
mouth and nostrils anterior; teeth small, conical, pointed, distant.
A single species, in most seas. The singularly formed pectoral fins
give an absurd resemblance to the conventional pictures of angels.
18. SQUATINA Duméril. (Rhina Günther.) (Latin name,
from squatus, skate.)
23. S. squatina (L.). ANGEL-FISH. MONK-FISH. Skin rough,
with small, stiff prickles; ashy gray above, usually much mottled.
L. 3 or 4 feet. Warm seas, rarely N. (Eu.)
ORDER V. RAIÆ.
RAIÆ. (THE Rays.)
The Rays, as a whole, differ from the sharks in having the
gill openings underneath the flat disk formed by the body and the
20
SELACHII: RAIÆ. — V.
expanded pectoral fins. The tail is comparatively slender, and its
fins are small. Spiracles present. The Rajida produce large eggs,
enclosed in leathery cases; most of the other Raia are ovovi-
viparous, bringing forth their young alive.
Families of Rais.
a. Tail comparatively thick, with two dorsal fins; no serrated caudal spine
nor cephalic fins.
b. Snout much produced, flat, armed with strong teeth on each side, set
at right angles to its axis; body somewhat shark-like, the disk grad-
ually passing into the tail.
PRISTIDIDÆ, 13.
•
bb. Snout not saw-like; disk ending abruptly at base of tail.
c. Electric organs wanting; skin not perfectly smooth. RAJIDE, 14.
cc. Electric organs present; a structure of honeycomb-like tubes between
pectoral fins and head; skin perfectly smooth. TORPEDINIDÆ, 14.
aa. Tail slender, with but one dorsal fin or none, and usually armed with a
serrated spine.
•
d. Pectoral fins uninterrupted, confluent about the snout; teeth small.
DASYATIDE, 15.
dd. Pectoral fins divided, leaving detached appendages (" cephalic fins ")
on the snout.
e. Teeth very large, flat, tessellated. .
•
AETOBATIDE, 16.
ee. Teeth very small, flat or tubercular; size enormous, largest of the rays.
MANTIDE, 17.
FAMILY XIII. PRISTIDIDE. (THE SAW-FISHES.)
Rays with elongate body, stout, thick tail, and a long saw-like.
snout, below which is the inferior mouth with small blunt teeth.
Dorsals and caudal well developed. One genus, with 5 or 6 species,
in warm seas.
19. PRISTIS Latham. (piorηs, one who saws; the ancient
name.)
24. P. pectinatus Latham. SAW-FISH. Saw with 25 to 28
pairs of spines. L. 10 feet. West Indies; occasional N. (Lat.,
comb-toothed.)
FAMILY XIV. RAJIDÆ. (THE SKATES.)
Rays with the disk broad, rhombic, more or less rough; the
males usually with about two rows of strong spines on each pec-
toral; tail rather stout, with a fold of skin on each side, and two
dorsal fins above; caudal fin small or obsolete; no serrated spine;
no electric organs. Egg in a large leathery case, four-angled, and
having two tubular horns at each end. Genera 4, species 40,
mostly of the Northern seas.
a. Caudal fin rudimentary; pectorals not confluent, leaving a translucent
area at the snout; ventrals deeply notched.
•
•
•
RAJA, 20.
TORPEDINIDÆ.
21
XV.
20. RAJA (Artedi) Linnæus. (Raia or Raja, the Latin name.)
a. Middle line of back and tail behind shoulders, unarmed in adult, with a row
of spines in young; outline of disk before spiracles obtuse, without
acute angle at tip of snout.
b. Rows of teeth about 58.
25. R. erinacea Mitchill. COMMON SKATE. TOBACCO-BOx.
Spines largest on front of pectorals; smaller ones on head, back,
and shoulder girdle. Light brown, with round dark spots. L. 1½
feet. Smallest and commonest of our skates, from Va. northward.
(Lat., hedge-hog.)
bb. Rows of teeth about 90.
26. R. ocellata Mitchill. BIG SKATE. Similar to preceding,
but much larger, and with additional rows of spines along the back
and on sides of tail. Light brown, with dark spots; usually a large
white ocellus with a dark centre on P. behind. L. 3 feet. Mass. N.
aa. Middle line of back and tail with a row of spines at all ages; outline of
disk before spiracles forming a more or less marked angle at tip of snout.
c. Angle at tip of snout short, obtuse; teeth 40; body and tail with
strong spines with broad stellate bases.
27. R. radiata Donovan. A median dorsal row of large spines
or bucklers; others about head. L. 1 to 2 feet. N. Atl.; rather
rare, S. to Cape Cod. (Eu.)
cc. Angle at tip of snout acute, moderately long; teeth ; no coarse spines
or bucklers.
28. R. eglanteria Lacépède. Prickles small and sharp; a large
spine on each shoulder. Brown, with darker bars and blotches.
L. 2 feet. Cape Cod southward; not common. (Eglantine, brier-
rose.)
ccc. Angle at tip of snout much produced, blunt; teeth 80.
29. R. lævis Mitchill. BARN-DOOR SKATE. Spines of body
very few and small, on head and back; a row of larger ones on
median line of tail; female rougher, as is usual among rays; snout
very long, somewhat spatulate. Color brownish, with paler spots
mostly ringed with darker. L. 4 feet. Va. N.; not rare. (Lat.
smooth.)
FAMILY XV.
TORPEDINIDÆ. (THE ELECTRIC RAYS.)
Trunk broad and smooth, the tail short and thick, with rayed
caudal and usually two rayed dorsals, the first over or behind ven-
trals; a large electric organ made up of hexagonal tubes, between
head and pectorals. Genera 6, species 15, found in most warm
seas; noted for their power of giving electric shocks.
a. Dorsal fins two; ventrals separate; spiracle placed nearly an eye's diameter
behind eye..
TORPEDO, 21.
·
22
SELACHII: RAIÆ. — V.
21. TORPEDO Duméril.
30. T. occidentalis Storer. TORPEDO. CRAMP-FISH.
FISH.
NUMB-
Black, with obscure darker blotches; spiracles with entire
edges. L. 3 to 5 feet. Cape Cod S.; not common.
FAMILY XVI. DASYATIDÆ. (THE Sting-Rays.)
Disk broad, the pectorals confluent anteriorly, forming tip of
snout; tail, usually whip-like, sometimes short and stout, with or
without fins, but never with two dorsals. Tail usually armed with
a sharp, retrorsely serrate spine above, near the base (this often
duplicated and sometimes wanting): ventral fins entire. Skin
smooth or variously rough, the adult roughest. Mouth small, with
small teeth. Sexes similar. Genera 10, species 50, in most
warm seas. The large spine or "sting" on the tail in most species
may inflict a dangerous wound.
a. Tail slender, whip-like, without caudal fin, longer than the disk; "sting
on tail strong.
DASYATIS, 22.
aa. Tail very slender and short, shorter than the very broad disk: sting
minute or wanting.
PTEROPLATEA, 23.
22. DASYATIS Rafinesque. (Trygon Adanson.)
(darús, shaggy or rough; Barís, skate.)
CLAM-
a. Tail with a fold on its lower margin only, the upper edge rounded.
31. D. centrurus (Mitchill). COMMON STING-RAY.
CRACKER. STINGAREE. Snout not prominent; disk a little wider
than long; tail usually not quite twice length of disk. Adult
with some stellate tubercles on back and tail. Color olive-brown.
L. 12 feet. Cape Cod S., common. (Kévτρov, spine; ovpá, tail.)
aa. Tail with a fold of skin on its upper as well as lower margin.
WHIP-
32. D. say (Le Sueur). SOUTHERN STING-RAY.
PAREE. Snout not prominent; disk a little wider than long; tail
nearly twice length of disk. Body and tail without large spines.
N. Y., S. (To Thomas Say, a distinguished zoölogist.)
23. PTEROPLATEA, Müller & Henle.
33. P. maclura (Le Sueur). BUTTERFLY RAY. Disk nearly
twice as broad as long, three times as long as tail; sting on tail
usually obsolete. Olive-brown, finely marbled and speckled; tail
with four dark blotches: front edge of disk with pale half-circular
spots. Va. S. (To William Maclure.)
FAMILY XVII. AETOBATIDÆ. (THE EAGLE RAYS.)
Pectoral fins interrupted, reappearing on tip of snout as one or
two detached appendages or cephalic fins; skull somewhat elevated,
so that eyes and spiracles are lateral; teeth large, flat, hexangular,
MANTIDÆ.
23
XVIII.
the middle series largest. Otherwise essentially as in Dasyatida.
Genera 3, species 20, in the warm seas.
a. Snout entire.
b. Teeth very broad, in one series.
bb. Teeth in several series.
aa. Snout emarginate; teeth in several series.
STOASODON, 24.
AETOBATIS, 25.
RHINOPTERA, 26.
24. STOASODON Cantor. (Aetobatis Müller & Henle.)
(oroá, arcade; ddoús, tooth.)
34. S. narinari (Euphrasen). BISHOP RAY. Disk twice as
broad as long. Tail very long, three or four times disk. Brown
with many round yellowish spots. Warm seas, N. to Va. (Nari-
nari, the Brazilian name.)
25. AETOBATIS Blainville (1816). (Myliobatis Duméril, 1817.)
(a:rós, eagle; Barís, ray.)
35. A. freminvillii (Le Sueur). EAGLE RAY. Skin smooth;
color reddish brown. Cape Cod S. Scarce. (For Christian Pau-
lin de Freminville, author of some papers on Plectognaths.)
26. RHINOPTERA Kuhl.
36. R. bonasus (Mitchill). COW-NOSED RAY. Cephalic fin
emarginate, and placed below level of pectorals, so that the snout
appears four-lobed when viewed from the front. Skin nearly
smooth. Cape Cod S. "He enters the bay and ranges very exten-
sively the flats where the soft clam lives. These shell-fish he is
supposed to devour, for a shoal of cow-noses root up the salt-
water flats as completely as a drove of hogs would do.” (Mitchill.)
(R. quadriloba Le Sueur.) (Lat., a buffalo.)
FAMILY XVIII. MANTIDA. (THE SEA Devils.)
Rays of immense size, similar to the Aetobatida, but with the
cephalic fins forming long ear-like appendages, and with the teeth
very small. Skin rough. Genera 2, species 7; among the largest
of all fishes, found in warm seas.
a. Teeth in lower jaw only; mouth terminal
27. MANTA Bancroft.
MANTA, 27.
(Manta, blanket, "a name used at the pearl fisheries of Panama,
for an enormous fish much dreaded by the divers, whom it is said
to devour, after enveloping them in its vast wings.")
37. M. birostris (Walbaum). SEA DEVIL. MANTA. Disk
not quite twice as broad as long; tail as long as disk. Brown;
disk 12 feet long; its breadth about 20. Tropical seas, N. to
Delaware Bay. (Lat. bis, two; rostrum, snout.)
24
HOLOCEPHALI.
SUBCLASS HOLOCEPHALI.
This group, defined on page 13, is equivalent to the
ORDER VI. HOLOCEPHALI.
Skeleton cartilaginous; gill cavity with four clefts within, but
externally with a single opening, which is covered by a fold of skin
within which is a rudimentary opercle. No spiracles. Jaws with-
out separate teeth, but armed with bony plates. Notochord persist-
ent, the vertebræ consisting of rings around a notochordal sheath.
No air-bladder; intestine with a spiral valve; skin smooth, with a
highly developed mucous system. Dorsal fin with a strong spine.
One family. (ödos, solid; kepaλý, head.)
FAMILY XIX. CHIMÆRIDÆ.
Forehead of males with a movable cartilaginous hook, turned
forward and armed with prickles at tip. Oviparous, the egg-
cases elliptical, with silky filaments. Two genera, 5 or 6 species,
in cold waters. Fishes of most singular appearance, unlike any-
thing else.
a. Snout soft, not ending in a cutaneous flap; tail not bent upward.
28. CHIMÆRA Linnæus.
CHIMÆRA, 28.
(Xipaipa, Chimæra, a fabulous monster, with the head of a lion,
body of a goat, and tail of a serpent.)
38. C. affinis Capello. Color plumbeous. Cold or deep water,
S. to Cape Cod. (Eu.) (Lat., related, —to C. monstrosa.)
TELEOSTOMI.
25
SUBCLASS TELEOSTOMI. (THE TRUE FISHES.)
Skeleton usually bony, sometimes cartilaginous. Skull with
sutures; membrane bones (opercle, preopercle, etc.) present; gill
openings a single slit on each side; gills with their outer edges
free, their bases attached to bony arches, normally four pairs of
these, the fifth pair being modified into tooth-bearing pharyngeals;
median and paired fins developed, the latter with distinct rays.
Ova small; no claspers. Heart developed, divided into an auricle,
ventricle, and arterial bulb. Lungs imperfectly developed, or modi-
fied to form a swim-bladder, or entirely absent.
We here include under one head the Ganoids and the Teleosts.
The former type is chiefly composed of extinct forms. While
many of its representatives are extremely dissimilar to the bony
fishes, there is a gradual series of transitions, and between the
Halecomorphi of the Ganoids and the Isospondyli of the true
Teleosts, the resemblance is much greater than that between the
Halecomorphi and many other Ganoids The Ganoids are, in fact,
the most generalized of the true fishes, those nearest the stock from
which the Teleosts on the one hand, and the Dipnoi and Batrachia
on the other, have sprung. The real value or rank of some of
the current orders or suborders is still doubtful. (réλeos, perfect;
στóμа, mouth.) Omitting orders not represented in our waters,
we have the following analysis of
Orders of True Fishes.
a. Arterial bulb muscular, with numerous valves; optic nerves forming a
solid chiasma; ventrals abdominal; air-bladder with a duct; tail
strongly heterocercal throughout life; some fins usually with fulcra.
(Series GANOIDEI.)
b. Skeleton cartilaginous; ventrals with an entire series of basilar seg-
ments. (Chondrostei.)
c. Maxillary and interopercle obsolete; skin naked; air-bladder cellular.
SELACHOSTOMI, VII.
cc. Maxillary and interopercle present; skin with bony shields; air-
bladder simple.
GLANIOSTOMI, VIII.
•
bb. Skeleton bony; ventrals with basilar segments rudimentary; air-bladder
cellular. (Holostei.)
d. Vertebræ opisthocœlian (concavo-convex); maxillary transversely
divided in several pieces; scales rhombic, enamelled plates.
GINGLYMODI, IX.
26
TELEOSTOMI
divided; scales cycloid.
•
dd. Vertebræ amphicœlian (double concave); maxillary not transversely
HALECOMORPHI, X.
aa. Arterial bulb thin, with a pair of opposite valves; optic nerves crossing,
not forming a solid chiasma. (Series TELEOSTEI.)
e. Air-bladder (if present) connected by an air-duct with the intestinal
canal, this persistent throughout life; ventral fins (if present) abdomi-
nal, without spines, their basilar segments rudimental. (Soft-rayed
fishes.) (Physostomi.)
f. Shoulder girdle attached to the skull by means of a post-temporal bone
(suprascapula); form not eel-like.
g. Præcoracoid arch, present.
h. Maxillary bone imperfect, forming the base of a long barbel; no
subopercle nor symplectic bone; four anterior vertebræ much
modified, co-ossified, and with an ossicula auditus; supraoccipitals
and parietals co-ossified; no scales.
NEMATOGNATHI, XI.
•
hh. Maxillary bone perfect, not entering into a barbel (rarely entirely
wanting); subopercle and symplectic bone present.
i. Anterior vertebræ modified, co-ossified, and with the ossicula
auditus.
EVENTOGNATHI, XII.
ii. Anterior vertebræ similar to the others, separate, and without
ossicula auditus.
ISOSPONDYLI, XIII.
gg. Præcoracoid arch obsolete; anterior vertebræ not modified; parie-
tal bones separated by supraoccipital; head scaly.
HAPLOMI, XIV.
ff. Shoulder girdle not attached to the skull; no præcoracoid arch;
parietal bones in contact; maxillary wanting or united with the
palatines; form eel-like.
APODES, XV.
•
ee. Air-bladder without duct (in the adult); ventral fins without basal seg-
ments, usually anterior in position; spines usually present in the fins;
pectoral fins not on the plane of the abdomen; parietal bones usu-
ally separated by the supraoccipital. (Spiny-rayed fishes chiefly.)
(Physoclysti.)
j. Shoulder girdle connected to the skull by a post-temporal.
k. Lower pharyngeals co-ossified; no spines; ventrals abdominal; lateral
line on side of abdomen.
SYNENTOGNATHI, XVI.
kk. Lower pharyngeals separate (or united, and the dorsal fin with
spines.)
7. Gills tufted; pharyngeal bones and most of the branchihyals want-
ing; skin with bony plates.
LOPHOBRANCHII, XVII.
ll. Gills pectinate (as usual in fishes).
m. Superior branchihyals and pharyngeals reduced in number;
ventrals sub-abdominal.
HEMIBRANCHII, XVIII.
•
mm. Superior branchihyals and pharyngeals in normal development.
n. Ventral fins abdominal.
nn. Ventral fins thoracic or jugular.
PERCESOCES, XIX.
o. Pectoral fins not pediculate, the gill openings in front of them
p. Bones of the jaws distinct.
q. Cranium normal.
•
ACANTHOPTERI, XX.
qq. Cranium twisted, so that both eyes are on the same side
of head; no fin spines.
•
HETEROSOMATA, XXI.
ARTIFICIAL KEY.
27
pp. Bones of jaws co-ossified, the maxillary with the pre-
maxillary, the dentary with the articular.
PLECTOGNATHI, XXII.
oo. Pectoral fins pediculate, the basal bones reduced in number
and elongate, the gills in their axils. PEDICULATI, XXIII.
More than two hundred families are now recognized among the
true fishes. The characters on which family divisions are based
are usually internal, and often difficult for the beginner to ascer-
tain. The boundaries and definitions of many families are also
still uncertain. Instead, therefore, of giving a natural analysis
under each order of the families included within it, I have thought
it best to give instead an Artificial Key by which the student can
recognize any of the families of True Fishes included in this work.
For analytical keys showing, in some degree, the natural charac-
ters, the student is referred to Jordan and Gilbert's Synopsis of the
Fishes of North America. A repetition of these analytical tables
would consume considerable space, and would not be of much aid
to any but advanced students.
Artificial Key to the Families of True Fishes included in the
Present Work.
SERIES I. VENTRAL FINS PRESENT, ABDOMINAL.
A. Dorsal fins two, the anterior rayed, the posterior adipose.
B. Body naked; head with 4 to 8 barbels; dorsal and pectoral each with
a strong spine.
BB. Body scaly; no barbels; no spines.
SILURIDE, 24.
C. Maxillary wanting, or grown fast to premaxillary; head scaly.
CC. Maxillaries distinct; head naked.
SYNODONTIDEÆ, 32.
D. Scales ctenoid; margin of upper jaw formed by premaxillaries
•
alone.
PERCOPSIDE, 35.
DD. Scales cycloid; margin of upper jaw formed in part by maxil-
laries.
E. Stomach a blind sac, with few pyloric cæca. (Smelt, etc.)
ARGENTINIDÆ, 33.
SALMONIDE, 34.
EE. Stomach siphonal, with many pyloric cæca.
AA. Dorsal fin single, with free spines before it; body naked, or with bony
plates; ventral rays, I, 1,
GASTEROSTEIDÆ, 45.
AAA. Dorsal fins two, the anterior of simple rays or spines, the posterior
chiefly of soft rays; ventrals, I, 5.
F. Teeth very strong, unequal; a lateral line present.
FF. Teeth small, subequal; no lateral line.
G. Dorsal spines slender, 4 to 8; anal spine 1.
GG. Dorsal spines stout, 4; anal spines, 2 or 3.
AAAA. Dorsal fin single, of soft rays only (sometimes
followed by finlets).
H. Tail evidently heterocercal. (Ganoid fishes.)
I. Caudal forked, the lower lobe well developed.
SPHYRÆNIDE, 48.
ATHERINIDÆ, 47.
MUGILIDE, 46.
preceded by fulcra or
28
TELEOSTOMI.
J. Body naked; snout spatulate; mouth wide, without barbels; caudal
with fulcra..
POLYODONTIDÆ, 20.
JJ. Body with 5 series of bony shields; head with bony shields;
mouth inferior, toothless, preceded by 4 barbels; fins with fulcra.
ACIPENSERIDÆ, 21.
II. Caudal rounded or lanceolate; head with a bony casque.
X. Scales ganoid (rhombic, enamelled plates); no gular plate; fins with
fulcra; dorsal fin short.
LEPISOSTEIDÆ, 22.
·
XX. Scales cycloid; a bony gular plate; no fulcra; dorsal long.
AMIIDÆ, 23.
HH. Tail not evidently heterocercal (except in the very young).
Y. Scales cycloid.
K. Side of belly with a conspicuous ridge or lateral line; pectoral fins
inserted high, on or above the axis of the body; lower lobe of
caudal longest; lower pharyngeals united. EXOCETIDE, 42.
KK. Edge of belly without conspicuous ridge or lateral line; pectoral
fins inserted usually below axis of body; lower pharyngeals
separate.
M. Vent before ventrals; eyes rudimentary.
MM. Vent behind ventrals; eyes normal.
N. Head more or less scaly.
•
AMBLYOPSIDÆ, 36.
O. Upper jaw not protractile, its margin formed by maxillaries
posteriorly.
P. Teeth cardiform, unequal.
PP. Teeth villiform, equal.
ESOCIDE, 89.
UMBRIDÆ, 38.
00. Upper jaw very protractile, its edge formed by premaxil-
CYPRINODONTIDÆ, 37.
laries alone.
•
NN. Head without scales.
Q. Gill membranes united with the isthmus; lower pharyngeals
falciform; mouth toothless; anterior vertebræ coalesced.
R. Pharyngeal teeth larger, in one or more rows, the main
row with less than 8 teeth; dorsal (in native species)
with less than 10 rays.
CYPRINIDÆ, 26.
RR. Pharyngeal teeth very numerous, in one row; dorsal rays
CATOSTOMIDÆ, 25.
ten or more.
•
QQ. Gill membranes free from the isthmus; lower pharyngeals
flattish; anterior vertebræ not modified.
S. Lateral line present.
T. Lower jaw with a gular plate; fins with scaly sheaths.
TT. Lower jaw without gular plate.
ELOPIDÆ, 29.
U. Tongue with canine teeth; mouth terminal, oblique.
HIODONTIDÆ, 27.
UU. Tongue with blunt teeth; mouth inferior, horizontal.
SS. Lateral line wanting.
ALBULIDA, 28.
V. Mouth very wide, the maxillary reaching much beyond
STOLEPHORIDÆ, 31.
•
eye; snout short.
VV. Mouth moderate, the maxillary scarcely extending
CLUPEIDE, 30.
beyond eye
YY. Scales none; caudal with a long filament; snout long, tubular,
FISTULARIIDÆ, 44.
with the small mouth at the end. .
ARTIFICIAL KEY.
29
SERIES II. VENTRAL FINS PRESENT, THORACIC OR JUGULAR.
A. Eyes unsymmetrical, both on same side of head. . PLEURONECTIDÆ, 89.
AA. Eyes symmetrical.
B. Gill openings in front of pectorals.
C. Body more or less scaly, or armed with bony plates.
D. Ventral fins united into one; no lateral line; gill membranes
joined to isthmus.
DD. Ventral fins separate.
GOBIIDÆ, 82.
E. Top of head with a large sucking-disk, modified from the spinous
ECHENEIDIDE, 50.
dorsal.
•
EE. Top of head without sucking-disk.
F. Ventral rays, I, 5.
G. Suborbital with a bony stay which extends across the cheeks
to or towards the preopercle; cheeks sometimes entirely
bony.
H. Pectoral fin with 2 or 3 lower rays detached and separate.
TRIGLIDÆ, 76.
HH. Pectoral fin entire; slit behind fourth gill small, or
wanting.
I. Dorsal spines, 9 to 17; anal spines three; eyes lateral.
SCORPÆNIDÆ, 72.
II. Dorsal spines, four; eyes superior. URANOSCOPIDÆ, 81.
GG. Suborbital stay wanting; cheeks not mailed.
K. Dorsal spines all or nearly all unconnected by membrane.
L. Body elongate, subterete.
LL. Body oblong or ovate, compressed.
ELACATIDÆ, 51.
M. Caudal peduncle very slender, the fin widely forked.
Carangidæ, 56.
MM. Caudal peduncle stout, the fin little forked.
STROMATEIDÆ, 58.
KK. Dorsal spines, if present, mostly connected by membrane.
N. Dorsal and anal each with 4 or more finlets; scales minute.
SCOMBRIDÆ, 55.
NN. Dorsal and anal without finlets, or with but one each.
O. Throat with two long barbels
00. Throat without barbels.
MULLIDE, 67.
P. Anal preceded by two free spines (these often obsolete
with age).
Q. Scales very small, cycloid.
QQ. Scales moderate, ctenoid.
PP. Anal without free spines.
CARANGIDA, 56.
POMATOMIDE, 57.
R. Tail with a fleshy keel on each side.
RR. Tail not keeled.
CARANGIDÆ, 56.
S. Dorsal fin very long, without distinct spines;
CORYPHÆNIDÆ, 59.
caudal deeply forked.
•
SS. Dorsal fin with distinct spines; gill membranes
free from isthmus.
T. Vomer with teeth.
U. Anal spines none; eyes on top of head.
URANOSCOPIDE, 81.
UU. Anal spines, one or two.
30
TELEOSTOMI.
V. Anal rays more than 20.
VV. Anal rays less than 20.
UUU. Anal spines three.
W. Pseudobranchiæ small, fleshy, covered by skin.
WW. Pseudobranchiæ large, exposed.
POMATOMIDE, 57.
•
PERCIDE, 63.
CENTRARCHIDÆ, 62.
X. Maxillary slipping under preorbital for its whole length.
SPARIDÆ, 66.
'xx.
XX. Maxillary not slipping under preorbital for its whole length.
UUUU. Anal spines, 4 to 10.
TT. Vomer without teeth.
SERRANIDA, 64.
CENTRARCHIDÆ, 62.
Y. Teeth setiform (tooth-brush like); soft parts of vertical fins
densely scaly; body elevated; dorsal deeply notched.
YY. Teeth not setiform.
Z. Lateral line obsolete; dorsal spines about 4.
ZZ. Lateral line present.
a. Anal spines 1 or 2; a large slit behind fourth gill.
EPHIPPIDE, 71.
ELASSOMATIDÆ, 61.
b. Lateral line extending on caudal fin; snout scaly. . . SCIÆNIDE, 68.
bb. Lateral line not extending on caudal fin; snout scaleless.
aa. Anal spines 3.
c. Slit behind fourth gill none; lower pharyngeals completely united;
jaws with canines in front.
cc. Slit behind fourth gill large.
•
PERCIDE, 63.
LABRIDE, 70.
STROMATEIDÆ, 58.
d. Anal with more than 15 soft rays; preopercle serrate.
dd. Anal with less than 15 soft rays.
e. Maxillary slipping beneath the broad preorbital for its whole
length; dorsal spines more than 10.
•
SPARIDE, 66.
ee. Maxillary not slipping beneath the narrow preorbital.
y Dorsal spines 12; premaxillaries moderately protractile; pseu-
dobranchiæ large.
•
LOBOTIDE, 65.
yy Dorsal spines 9 or 10; premaxillaries extremely protractile;
pseudobranchiæ concealed.
GERRIDE, 69.
•
•
FF. Ventral fins with or without spine; the number of rays not I, 5.
x. Upper jaw prolonged in a sword.
xx. Upper jaw not sword-like.
f. Dorsal fin low, of spines only.
•
ISTIOPHORIDÆ, 53.
BLENNIIDÆ, 83.
ff. Dorsal fin of spines anteriorly, of soft rays posteriorly.
g. Ventral rays 7; vent anterior; dorsal spines 3 or 4.
APHREDODERIDÆ, 60.
gg. Ventral rays I, 1; dorsal spines free; vent normal; body mailed.
GASTEROSTEIDÆ, 45.
ggg. Ventral rays I, 4; body scaly; pectoral fin divided to base in
CEPHALACANTHIDÆ, 75.
fff. Dorsal of soft rays anteriorly, with low spines posteriorly.
two unequal parts.
•
ffff. Dorsal fin of soft rays only.
LYCODIDA, 86.
ARTIFICIAL KEY.
31
h. Dorsal fin very short; body mailed.
•
hh. Dorsal fin very long; body with small scales.
i. Dorsal and anal joined to the caudal.
AGONIDE, 74.
j. Gill membranes free from the isthmus; ventrals very slender,
barbel-like..
jj. Gill membranes united to the isthmus.
OPHIDIIDÆ, 87.
•
LYCODIDE, 86.
ii. Dorsal and anal free from caudal; tail isocercal. GADIDÆ, 88.
CC. Body scaleless, smooth or more or less prickly or warty.
k. Breast with a sucking-disk.
7. Gill membranes free from isthmus; no spinous dorsal.
7. Gill membranes attached to the isthmus.
m. Skin smooth.
mm. Skin warty.
kk. Breast without sucking-disk.
n. Ventrals completely united.
nn. Ventrals separate.
o. Ventral rays I, 5.
p. Dorsal and anal with finlets.
GOBIESOCIDE, 80.
LIPARIDIDE, 77.
CYCLOPTERIDE, 78.
GOBIIDÆ, 82.
SCOMBRIDE, 55.
pp. Dorsal and anal without finlets; two free anal spines.
CARANGIDÆ, 56.
oo. Ventral rays less than I, 5.
q. Upper jaw prolonged into a sword. ISTIOPHORIDÆ, 53.
qq. Upper jaw not prolonged into a sword.
•
r. Suborbital with a bony stay.
rr. Suborbital without bony stay.
COTTIDE, 73.
s. Dorsal spines two or three; teeth strong.
BATRACHIDÆ, 79.
ss. Dorsal spines 4 to 6; teeth small.
GASTEROSTEIDÆ, 45.
sss. Dorsal spines numerous; teeth comb-like.
BLENNIIDÆ, 83.
BB. Gill openings small, behind the pectoral fins, which are pediculate.
t. Gill openings in or behind lower axil of pectorals; mouth large,
terminal.
u. Pseudobranchiæ present; head broad, depressed; mouth very
large, with large unequal teeth.
LOPHIIDÆ, 96.
uu. Pseudobranchiæ none; head compressed; teeth small.
ANTENNARIIDÆ, 95.
tt. Gill openings in or behind upper axil of pectorals; mouth small,
below a projecting snout.
MALTHIDE, 94.
SERIES III. VENTRAL FINS ENTIRELY WANTING.
4. Gill membranes joined to the isthmus, so that the gill openings of the two
sides are not connected.
B. Dorsal fin single, of spines only (these sometimes slender, like soft rays).
C. Molar teeth present.
CC. Molar teeth none.
ANARRHICHADIDÆ, 85.
D. Mouth vertical; body naked.
DD. Mouth not vertical; body scaly.
•
CRYPTACANTHODIDÆ, 84.
BLENNIIDÆ, 83.
32
GANOIDEI.
PISCES.
BB. Dorsal fins two, the anterior spinous; teeth incisor-like.
BBB. Dorsal fin single, of soft rays only.
BALISTIDA, 90.
E. Snout tubular, bearing the short toothless jaws at the end; body
SYNGNATHIDÆ, 43.
mailed.
•
EE. Snout not tubular.
F. Body elongate, eel-shaped; maxillaries and premaxillaries coales-
cent with vomer and palatines.
G. Lower jaw projecting; skin covered with linear imbedded
scales arranged at right angles with each other.
GG. Lower jaw not projecting; skin scaleless..
FF. Body not eel-shaped.
H. Breast with a sucking-disk.
1. Skin smooth.
II. Skin warty.
•
HH. Breast without sucking disk.
J. Teeth in each jaw confluent into one.
K. Body compressed, the skin rough.
ANGUILLIDÆ, 40.
•
ECHELIDE, 11.
LIPARIDIDE, 77.
CYCLOPTERIDÆ, 78.
KK. Body not compressed, armed with spines.
JJ. Teeth in each jaw confluent into two.
AA. Gill membranes free from the isthmus.
L. Vent at the throat; vertical fins separate.
LL. Vent normal.
M. Caudal fin wanting; body naked..
MM. Caudal fin present.
N. Upper jaw produced in a sword..
NN. Upper jaw without sword.
0. Body ovate, much compressed.
•
MOLIDE, 93.
DIODONTIDÆ, 92.
TETRAODONTIDÆ, 91.
AMBLYOPSIDE, 36.
TRICHIURIDE, 54.
XIPHIIDÆ, 52.
. STROMATEIDÆ, 58.
00. Body oblong or elongate; gill membranes not united.
P. Jaws toothless, the lower projecting
•
AMMODYTIDÆ, 49.
PP. Jaws with teeth, the lower not projecting. OPHIDIIDÆ, 87.
SERIES GANOIDEI. (THE GANOID FISHES.)
The name Ganoidei was first used by Agassiz for those fishes
which are armed with bony plates, instead of regular cycloid or
ctenoid scales. Later, Johannes Müller, one of the greatest of
systematic zoologists, restricted the group to those fishes which
show more or less distinct reptilian or batrachian affinities, and
especially affinities with the mailed fishes of the Devonian and
Carboniferous ages. The group is a heterogeneous one, and one
practically scarcely susceptible of definition. Some of the Ganoids
are closely allied to the Teleosts; some approach the Dipnoi, and
some again resemble the Holocephali. The existence of the solid
optic chiasma, the presence of several valves in the arterial bulb,
and of a more or less developed spiral valve in the rectum, distin-
POLYODONTIDÆ.
33
XX.
guish the living Ganoids from all Teleosts, but none of these char-
acters can be verified in the extinct forms. It seems to us better
not to regard the Ganoids as a separate class or subclass, but to
unite them with the Teleosts. (yávos, splendor, from the enam-
elled scales.)
ORDER VII. SELACHOSTOMI.
This order contains but one family. (σéλaxos, shark or other
cartilaginous fish; σróμa, mouth.)
FAMILY XX.
POLYODONTIDÆ.
FISHES.)
(THE PADDLE-
Body fusiform, the skin mostly smooth; snout prolonged in a
flat, spatulate blade, which overhangs the broad, terminal mouth;
the “spatula” with a reticulated framework; teeth very numerous,
minute, disappearing with age; opercle rudimentary, its skin pro-
duced in a long flap; gills 43; no pseudobranchiæ; gill rakers very
long, in two rows, separated by membrane; gill membranes con-
nected, free from isthmus; one branchiostegal; spiracles present.
C. fin with fulcra; D. posterior; tail heterocercal, the lower lobe
nearly as long as the upper; sides of tail with rhombic plates;
air-bladder large, cellular; stomach cæcal, the pyloric cæca form-
ing a branching, leaf-like organ. Singular fishes, feeding on mud
and minute organisms which they stir up on the bottom with the
long oar-like snout. Two species, Psephurus gladius of rivers of
China, and the following.
a. Gill rakers very fine and numerous; caudal fulcra many, small.
POLYODON, 29.
29. POLYODON (Lacépède) Bloch & Schneider.
(Toλús, many; ódáv, tooth.)
39. P. spathula (Walbaum).
PADDLE-FISH.
SPOON-BILL.
Duck-Billed CAT. Olivaceous; opercular flap in adult reaching
V.; head with flap and spatula more than half length. D. 55,
A. 57, V. 45. L. 6 feet. Miss. valley; common in larger streams.
(P. folium Lac.) (Lat. spatula.)
ORDER VIII. GLANIOSTOMI.
This order contains only the family of Sturgeons. (yλávis, cat-
fish; σróua, mouth.)
FAMILY XXI. ACIPENSERIDÆ. (THE STURGEONS.)
Body elongate, fusiform, with five rows of bony keeled shields,
the skin between these rows with small or minute plates; snout
produced; mouth inferior, protractile, toothless; four barbels in a
cross-row before mouth; gills 4; an accessory opercular gill; no
3
34
VIII,
PISCES:
GLANIOSTOMI.
branchiostegals; head covered by bony plates joined by sutures;
gill membranes joined to isthmus; vertical fins with fulcra; dorsal
and anal posterior; tail heterocercal; air-bladder large, simple;
stomach not cæcal, with pyloric appendages; rectum with spiral
valve. Seas and rivers of northern regions; feeding on small
animals and plants sucked in through the tube-like mouth. Genera
2, species about 20.
The sturgeons change considerably with age. The snout be-
comes shorter and blunter, the shields smoother, and some of the
shields often fall off or are absorbed in old age.
a. Spiracles obsolete; snout broad, shovel-shaped, depressed above; rows of
bony shields coalescent behind the dorsal, so that the depressed tail is
completely mailed; gill rakers small, fan-shaped, ending in 3 or 4 points.
SCAPHIRHYNCHUS, 30.
aa. Spiracles present; snout sub-conic; rows of bony shields nowhere con-
fluent, the tail not depressed nor mailed; gill rakers lanceolate.
ACIPENSER, 31.
30. SCAPHIRHYNCHUS Heckel. (Scaphirhynchops Gill.)
(σκápη, spade; púyxos, snout.)
GEON.
40. S. platyrhynchus (Rafinesque). SHOVEL-NOSED STUR-
WHITE STURGEON. Body elongate, tapering into the
slender depressed tail, which extends in the young beyond C. as a
slender filament; shields sharply keeled; dorsal shields 15 to 18;
lateral, 41 to 46; ventral, 11 to 13. L. 5 feet. Miss. Valley, etc.,
common. (πλarús, flat; púyxos, snout.)
31. ACIPENSER (Artedi) Linnæus. (Lat., sturgeon.)
a. Plates between vent and A. large, in one or two rows.
b. Space between dorsal and lateral shields with stellate plates of moder-
ate size in 5 to 10 series: last dorsal shield of moderate size, more
than half length of one before it.
41. A. sturio L. COMMON STURGEON. First dorsal fulcrum
somewhat enlarged, its surface rough; dorsal shields 9 to 11;
lateral shields 26 to 31; ventral, 9 or 10; 2 rows of 2 shields each,
with one median shield between vent and anal. D. 40, A. 26.
L. 8 to 12 feet. N. Atlantic, ascending rivers; commonest N., S.
to S. C. (A. oxyrhynchus Mitchill, the American form; said to
have usually fewer lateral shields.) (Eu.) (Lat., sturgeon.)
bb. Space between dorsal and lateral shields with minute plates in very
many series.
c. Last dorsal shield of moderate size, more than half length of next
the last; dorsal shields 15 or 16.
42. A. rubicundus Le Sueur. LAKE STURGEON. ROCK STUR-
GEON. First dorsal fulcrum slightly enlarged; dorsal shields 15;
lateral 38, ventral 10; 3 shields in a single row between anal fin
LEPISOSTEIDE.
35
XXII.
and vent. D. 42, A. 27. Changes greatly with age, the young
with sharp snout and very rough shields, and the spines strongly
hooked; the adult with blunt snout and small smooth shields, most
of them finally lost. L. 6 feet. Miss. Valley, Great Lakes, and
N., abundant, ascending rivers in spring, but not entering the sea.
(Lat., ruddy.)
cc. Last dorsal shield very small, less than half length of next the last;
dorsal shields 10 to 12.
43. A. brevirostrum Le Sueur. Snout short, bluntish, much
shorter than rest of head. Dorsal shields 11; lateral, 30; ventral, 9;
one shield between anal and vent. D. 43, A. 24. N. Y. to Fla.,
scarce. (Lat. brevis, short; rostrum, snout.)
ORDER IX. GINGLYMODI.
This order, defined on page 25, contains but one family among
recent fishes, although it has many allies among extinct forms;
(yíyyλuµos, hinge; eidos, tooth.)
FAMILY XXII. LEPISOSTEIDÆ. (THE GAR-FISHES.)
Body subcylindical, covered with rhombic enamelled "ganoid
scales, imbricated in oblique series which run downward and back-
ward. Jaws both elongate, the upper always projecting; pre-
maxillary forming most of upper jaw, the maxillary transversely
divided into several pieces; lower jaw formed much as in rep-
tiles; both jaws with an outer series of small teeth followed by one
or two series of larger teeth of peculiar structure; close-set, rasp-
like teeth on jaws, vomer, and palatines; tongue toothless, broad,
emarginate; external bones of head very hard, rugose. Eyes
moderate; nostrils near end of snout; pseudobranchiæ present,
besides an opercular gill; B. 3; no spiracles; air-bladder cellular,
joined by a glottis to the œsophagus, resembling the lungs of rep-
tiles, and used in respiration. Fins with fulcra; D. short, nearly
opposite A.; tail heterocercal, produced as a filament in young ;
vertebræ with ball and socket joint, as in reptiles; pyloric cœca
many. One genus now living, with 3 or 4 species. Singular fishes,
inhabiting the lakes and larger rivers of Eastern North America.
The species are extremely variable in coloration, length of snout,
proportions, etc., a fact which has given rise to a multitude of use-
less specific names.
32. LEPISOSTEUS Lacépède.
(λenís, scale; doréov, bone; more correctly written Lepidosteus,
but the above is the original word.)
a. Beak long and slender, the snout more than twice length of rest of head.
44. L. osseus (L.). COMMON GAR-PIKE. LONg-nosed Gar.
BILL-FISH. Olivaceous; vertical fins and posterior parts with
36
TELEOSTEI: HALECOMORPHI. — X.
round black spots, distinct in young; very young with black lateral
band. Length of snout 15 to 20 times its least width; large teeth
of upper jaw in one row in the adult. Head 3 in length. D. 8,
A. 9, V. 6, P. 10. Lat. 1. 62. L. 5 feet.
and Mexico; abundant. (Lat., bony.)
Great Lakes to Carolina
aa. Beak shorter and broader, the snout not much longer than rest of head.
b. Large teeth of upper jaw in one row on each side in adult: (an additional
row on the palatines sometimes present in young.)
45. L. platystomus Rafinesque. SHORT-NOSED GAR-PIKE.
Snout usually 1 to 13 times rest of head, its length 5 to 6 times its
least width. Head 3 in length, otherwise almost exactly as in
L. osseus, the color rather darker, the size smaller. L. 3 feet.
Miss. valley, etc., less common N. (λarús, flat; σróμa, mouth.)
bb. Large teeth of upper jaw in two series, the inner along outer edge of
palatines.
46. L. tristœchus (Bloch & Schneider). ALLIGAtor Gar.
MANJUARI. Snout usually shorter than rest of head, its least
width 34 in its length, otherwise essentially like the others; but
reaching an enormous size. L. 10 feet. Ills. to Mexico and Cuba.
(Tpís, three; σroîxos, row.)
ORDER X.
HALECOMORPHI. (THE Bow-FINS.)
This group, characterized on page 26, contains a single family
among recent fishes. (Lat. halec, herring; μoppń, form.)
FAMILY XXIII. AMIIDÆ. (THE BOW-FINS.)
Body oblong, robust, with thick cycloid scales. Head sub-
conical, bluntish, covered above by a very hard bony helmet;
lateral margins of upper jaws formed by the maxillaries, which are
divided by a lengthwise suture. Mouth horizontal, its cleft extend-
ing beyond the small eye; lower jaw broad, a broad bony striated
gular plate placed between its rami; premaxillaries not protractile;
jaws each with an outer series of conical teeth, behind them in the
lower a band of rasp-like teeth; small teeth on vomer, palatines,
and pterygoids; anterior nostril with a short barbel; cheek with
a bony shield. B. 10 to 12. No pseudobranchiæ, nor opercular
gill; two lanceolate striate appendages on each side of isthmus;
gill rakers very short, stout. Lateral line present. Dorsal fin
long and low, nearly uniform; no fulcra; anal fin short; tail hete-
rocercal. Vertebræ double-convex, as usual among fishes. Air-
bladder, somewhat as in the Dipnoi and Batrachia, cellular, bifid in
front, connected by a glottis with the pharynx. No closed ovi-
duct; no pyloric cœca. One species known, in the lakes and slug-
gish waters of North America, a voracious fish, remarkably
tenacious of life, and with soft and pasty flesh.
AMIIDE. XXIII.
37
33. AMIA Linnæus.
(Amiatus Rafinesque.) (auía, ancient
name of some fish.)
"JOHN
47. A. calva L. Bow-FIN. MUD-FISH. DOG-FISH.
A. GRINDLE." Blackish olive, sides with greenish reticulations,
lower side of head with dark spots; with a black ocellus edged
with orange at base of C. above. Head 33; depth 4. D. 48.
A. 11. Lat. 1. 67. 18 inches; Q 24. Swamps and lakes, Vt.
to Dakota, Fla., and Texas; abundant in lowlands. A fish of
great interest to zoologists, from its relation to earlier types.
(Lat., bald.)
SERIES TELEOSTEI.
We now take up the series of Teleostei proper, or true Bony-
fishes, a group comprising the great majority of existing fishes.
It is apparently descended from the Ganoid type, the Nemato-
gnathi being apparently allies or descendants of the Glaniostomi,
and the Isospondyli of the Halecomorphi. As a whole, the Tele-
ostei differ from the Ganoids in the more perfectly ossified skeleton,
the less heterocercal tail, the degradation of the air-bladder and
the arterial bulb, and in the simplicity of the optic chiasma.
The Teleostei are divisible into two great groups, with rather
ill-defined boundaries,—the Physostomi, or soft-rayed fishes, and
the Physoclysti, or spiny-rayed. The members of the former
group have throughout life a slender duct, by which the air-bladder
is joined to the alimentary canal. In most cases the fin-rays are
soft, the ventrals abdominal, the pectorals placed low, and the
scales cycloid. Although the typical Physostomi differ in many
ways from the more specialized Physoclysti, yet as we approach
the junction of the two groups the subordinate differences disap-
pear, leaving finally the presence of the air-duct in Physostomi as
the only differential character. In view of this close relation of
the two groups, several writers, following Professor Gill, have re-
moved as separate orders various aberrant forms, leaving the bulk
of both groups in one large order, Teleocephali, with numerous
suborders. We prefer to regard most of these suborders as dis-
tinct orders rather than to treat the heterogeneous group of
Teleocephali as an "order." (Téλeos, perfect; dσréov, bone.)
ORDER XI.
NEMATOGNATHI.
This order contains several families, which agree in having the
subopercle wanting, the anterior vertebræ coalesced, and the max-
illary reduced to the bony core of a long barbel. None of the
order have scales. (vua, thread; yváłos, jaw.)
38
TELEOSTEI: NEMATOGNATHI. XI.
FAMILY XXIV. SILURIDÆ. (THE CAT-FISHES.)
Body more or less elongate, naked or with bony plates; margin
of upper jaw formed by premaxillaries only, the rudimentary
maxillaries forming the base of a long barbel; teeth in villiform
bands. Dorsal fin usually present, short, above or before ventrals ;
usually an adipose fin behind dorsal. First ray of dorsal and pec-
torals usually developed as a stout spine. Lower pharyngeals
separate. Air-bladder present, large. A vast family of more
than 100 genera and 900 species, mostly of the rivers and swamps
of warm regions, especially of South America and Africa. A few
species are marine. Many of them are excellent as food, and all
are very tenacious of life.
a. Dorsal short, placed before ventrals; adipose fin present; gill membranes
more or less free from isthmus; body naked.
b. Anterior and posterior nostrils close together, neither with a barbel, the
posterior with a valve; palatines with teeth; caudal forked. Marine
species. (Tachysurinæ.)
•
c. Lower jaw with 2 barbels; maxillary barbel band-like; dorsal and
pectoral spines ending in striated filaments. AILURICHTHYS, 34.
cc. Lower jaw with 4 barbels; spines not filamentous. TACHYSURUS, 35.
bb. Anterior and posterior nostrils well separated, the posterior with a
barbel; barbels 8; teeth in jaws only. (Ictalurinæ.)
d. Adipose fin with its posterior margin free.
e. Premaxillary band of teeth, without backward processes.
f. Supraoccipital bone prolonged backward so that its emarginate
apex fits closely around the anterior point of the second inter-
spinal, thus forming a continuous bony bridge extending from
the head to the dorsal spine. (Silvery species; C. deeply
forked.)
ICTALURUS, 36.
ff. Supraoccipital bone not reaching the second interspinal, the bony
•
bridge more or less interrupted.
g. Eyes normal.
gg. Eyes concealed by the skin.
AMEIURUS, 37.
GRONIAS, 38.
ee. Premaxillary band of teeth, with a lateral backward process on
each side; lower jaw prominent.
LEPTOPS, 39.
dd. Adipose fin keel-like, adnate to the back, more or less joined to
caudal fin; a (venom) pore in axil of pectoral. . NOTURUS, 40.
34. AILURICHTHYS Baird & Girard. (aïλovpos, cat;
ἰχθύς, fish.)
48. A. marinus (Mitchill). GAFF-TOPSAIL. SEA CAT. Dusky
bluish. Head short and broad. Maxillary barbels reaching end
of P. spine; P. filament reaching vent, D. filament to adipose fin;
upper lobe of C. longer; palatine teeth in a nearly continuous
band. Head 44. D. I. 7. A. 23.
common S., not entering streams.
L. 30 in. N. Y. to Texas,
L. 30 in.
SILURIDE.
39
· XXIV.
35. TACHYSURUS Lacépède. (Galeichthys and Arius Cuv.
& Val.) (Taxús, swift; oùpá, tail.)
a. Teeth all pointed; top of head with a bony occipital shield which is not
covered by skin; bands of palatine teeth without backward prolongation
on the median line; vomerine bands of teeth not confluent; ante-dorsal
shield small, crescent-shaped; eyes well above angle of mouth; species
with blue lustre in life. (Ariopsis Gill.)
49. T. felis (L.). SEA CAT-FISH. Interorbital area flattish
and smooth, without ridges or granulations; fins not low, the
spines more than half length of head; vomerine teeth in a small
patch; palatine teeth in a larger one, on each side, the four
patches separate; fontanelle prolonged backward as a narrow
groove; occipital process long, about head, convex at tip, with
a median keel; gill membranes not meeting at an angle; maxillary
barbel nearly as long as head. L. 24. N. Y. to Mexico; common
S. (Lat., cat.)
36. ICTALURUS Rafinesque. (ixeús, fish; aλoupos, cat.)
}
a. Anal fin very long; its rays 32 to 35; its base nearly of body.
50. I. furcatus (Cuv. & Val.). CHUCKLE-HEADED CAT. Silvery,
nearly plain; eye small, wholly before middle of head; head 41;
depth 5. Miss. valley, not uncommon. (Lat., forked.)
aa. Anal fin moderate; its rays 24 to 30; its base 3 to 4 in body.
51. I. punctatus (Rafinesque). CHANNEL CAT. WHITE CAT.
SILVER CAT. Olivaceous, rarely blackish, the sides silvery, al-
most always with small round dark olive spots; eye large, not
wholly in front of middle of head; mouth small; barbels long;
spines strong, serrate; head 4; depth 5. L. 3 feet. Montana to
Vt., Ga., and Mexico, very abundant in flowing streams. A hand-
some fish, the best in the family as food. (Lat., spotted.)
37. AMEIURUS Rafinesque.
(a privative; μelovpos, curtailed,
the tail not notched.)
a. Caudal fin forked (species approaching Ictalurus).
b. Anal rays 25 to 35; humeral process very short and blunt; usually
covered by skin, about length of pectoral spine.
52. A. nigricans (Le Sueur). GREAT CAT-FISH. MISSISSIPPI
САТ. FLANNEL-MOUTHED CAT. Slaty bluish, growing darker
with age; body stouter than in the Channel Cat, the head broader,
lower, and more depressed, the mouth wider, the caudal less forked,
the skin thicker, hiding the bones of the head; head depressed
above; supraoccipital above almost reaching second interspinal,
the bony bridge broken for a short distance only; anal about as
long as head; head 4 in length; depth 5; D. I. 5 or 6; A. 25 to
40
XI.
TELEOSTEI: NEMATOGNATHI.
32. Ontario to Florida and Texas, abundant in lakes and large
rivers, reaching 100 pounds or more.
(A. ponderosus Bean, from St. Louis, described from a specimen
5 feet long, weighing 150 pounds, is probably a giant example of
this species, differing only in having 35 anal rays. I find 25, 27,
28, and 32 in four specimens of A. nigricans.) (Lat., blackish.)
bb. Anal rays 20 to 23; humeral process very rough, more than half length
of pectoral spine.
53. A. albidus (Le Sueur). WHITE CAT. CHANNEL CAT of
THE POTOMAC. Olive-bluish, silvery below; body stout; head
broad, becoming with age very broad, the mouth in old specimens
wider than in any other species; C. shallow-forked. L. 24. Penn.
to N. C., very abundant in Potomac R. Varies much with age.
(Lat., whitish.)
aa. Caudal fin entire or very slightly emarginate. (AMEIURUS.)
d. Anal fin long, of 24 to 27 rays (counting rudiments), its base more than
length of body.
54. A. natalis (Le Sueur). YELLOW CAT. Yellowish, green-
ish, or blackish; body stout, the head short and broad, with wide
mouth. Great Lakes to Va. and Texas, common in sluggish
streams. L. 15. Excessively variable. (Lat., having large nates,
i. e. adipose fin.)
dd. Anal fin moderate, of 18 to 22 rays, its base 4 to 5 in body.
e. Lower jaw projecting.
55. A. vulgaris (Thompson). Blackish; head 31 to 4; A. 20;
P. spine 2 in head. Great Lakes to Manitoba, essentially as in
A. nebulosus, except for the form of the mouth; very likely a
variety. (Lat., common.)
ee. Lower jaw not projecting.
f. Pectoral spines long, 2 to 2 in head; anal rays more than 20.
56. A. nebulosus ¹(Le Sueur). COMMON BULLHEAD. HORNED
POUT. Dark yellowish brown, varying from yellowish to black
sometimes (var. marmoratus Holbrook), sharply mottled with
dark green and whitish; A. rays usually 21 or 22; its base 4 in
body; pectoral spines long. L. 18. New England to Wis., Va.,
1 The Horned Pout are "dull and blundering fellows," fond of the mud, and grow-
ing best in weedy ponds and rivers without current. They stay near the bottom,
moving slowly about with their barbels widely spread, watching for anything eat-
able. They will take any kind of bait, from an angle-worm to a piece of a tin tomato-
can, without coquetry, and they seldom fail to swallow the hook. They are very
tenacious of life, "opening and shutting their mouths for half an hour after their
heads have been cut off." They spawn in spring, and the old fishes lead the young in
great schools near the shore, seemingly caring for them as the hen for her chickens.
"A bloodthirsty and bullying set of rangers, with ever a lance in rest, and ready to
do battle with their nearest neighbor." (Thoreau.)
SILURIDE.
41
XXIV.
and Texas, common, the best known of the smaller Cat-fishes. In-
troduced into the rivers of Cal. (Lat., clouded.)
ff. Pectoral spines short, 2 to 3 in head (longest in the young); A. 17
to 19.
57. A. melas (Rafinesque). Adult very plump; young more
slender. Color usually blackish. A. short and deep, its rays
usually 17 to 19, its base nearly 5 in length, its pale rays forming a
sharp contrast with the dusky membranes.
N. Y. to Kansas, gen-
erally common; very close to A. nebulosus. (µéλas, black.)
38. GRONIAS Cope. (ypón, cavern.)
58. G. nigrilabris Cope. Upper parts, jaws, and fins black;
eyes nearly hidden by thick skin; barbels and spines rather short.
A. 18.
Cave stream, tributary to Conestoga R., E. Penn. A
recent descendant of A. melas or nebulosus, rendered blind by
subterranean life. (Lat. niger, black; labrum, lip.)
39. LEPTOPS Rafinesque. (λeπтós, thin; wy, face.)
59. L. olivaris (Rafinesque). MUD CAT. FLAT-HEAD CAT.
RUSSIAN CAT. BASHAW. GOUJON. Yellowish, much mottled
with brown. Body slender, the head broad and much depressed,
the lower jaw projecting; barbels short; dorsal spine very weak;
pectoral spines strong; anal short. A. 12 to 15. C. scarcely
emarginate. A very large species, reaching 75 pounds, abundant
in sluggish streams, Ohio to Ga. and S. W. A good food fish, of
unprepossessing appearance.
40. NOTURUS Rafinesque. STONE CATS.¹ (vŵTos, back;
oupá, tail.)
a. Premaxillary band of teeth with lateral backward processes, as in Leptops.
(Noturus.)
60. N. flavus (Rafinesque). Yellowish brown, nearly uniform;
body elongate; head broad and flat; barbels short; adipose fin
deeply notched; a keel on back before it; D. spines short; P.
spine retrorse-serrate in front, roughish behind; A. 16. L. 12.
Ontario to Va., Neb., and Tenn., not rare in large streams. (Lat.,
yellow.)
aa. Premaxillary band of teeth without backward processes. (Schilbeodes
Bleeker.)
b. Pectoral spine serrate on its posterior edge, roughish in front; adipose fin
notched.
1 These little fishes abound in small brooks among logs and weeds. The wounds
produced by the sting of their sharp pectoral spines are excessively painful. In the
axil is usually a pore, probably the opening of a duct from a poison gland. This
matter deserves investigation.
42
XII.
TELEOSTEI: EVENTOGNATHI.
c. Pectoral spines moderate, the inner serræ weak, not half diameter of
spine, the outer stronger, retrorse, body elongate; coloration nearly
uniform, the fins darker edged.
d. Pectoral spine short and weak, about 3 in head in adult.
61. N. exilis Nelson. Head small, rather narrow, depressed, 4
in length; depth 6; pectoral spine retrorse-serrate without, with 6
small teeth within; humeral process obscure; jaws subequal. A.
14 to 17. L. 4. Wis. to Kansas. (N. elassochir Swain & Kalb.)
(Lat., slim.)
dd. Pectoral spine longer, about 2 (18 to 21) in head.
62. N. insignis (Richardson). Head rather broad, flat and
thin, the upper jaw projecting; head 44; depth 6. A. 14 to 16.
L. 10. Pa. to S. C., common E. (Lat., remarkable).
cc. Pectoral spine very strong, curved, more than half head, its posterior
serræ recurved, their length about equal to diameter of spine, the
anterior serræ small.
e. Color much variegated; adipose fin deeply notched, but not separated
from C.
63. N. miurus Jordan. Grayish; top of head, tip of dorsal,
middle of adipose fin, and caudal black, the body with four black
cross-blotches; head not specially depressed eye 4 in head; hu-
meral process moderate; pectoral spine 1 to 1½ in head; head 33.
A. 13 to 15. L. 5. E. N. C. to Minn. and La., abundant. (μείς
oupos, curtailed.)
ee. Color nearly plain brownish, everywhere above covered with fine
small dots; adipose fin almost or quite free from caudal.
64. N. eleutherus Jordan. Head broad, flat, depressed, the
form very much as in Leptops olivaris; humeral process obscure;
eye 51 in head; pectoral spine 1 to 2 in head; head 3; A. 13.
L. 4.
White R., Ind., and French Broad R.; 3 specimens known.
(ελεύθερος, free.)
bb. Pectoral spine entire, grooved behind; adipose fin continuous with
the caudal.
65. N. gyrinus (Mitchill). Head short, broad and deep; pecto-
ral spine 2 in head; jaws subequal, yellowish brown, not blotched,
but with a narrow black lateral streak, sometimes with two above
it. A. 15 or 16. L. 5. Hudson R. to Minn. and La., common N.
(yvpîvos, tadpole.)
ORDER XII. EVENTOGNATHI. (THE PLECTOSPONDY-
LOUS FISHES.)
This group, defined on page 26, contains the great majority of
the fresh-water fishes of the world. Its essential character is in
the modification of the anterior vertebræ, as in the Nematognathi,
CATOSTOMIDÆ. — XXV.
43
without the characters of the rudimentary subopercle and maxil-
lary, and the absence of scales, which distinguish the Cat-fishes.
The chief families are the Cyprinidæ and the Characinida; the
latter, abundant in South America, have an adipose fin and usually
teeth in the jaws. (eu, well; evrós, within; yválos, jaw.)
FAMILY XXV. CATOSTOMIDE. (THE SUCKERS.)
Body oblong, covered with cycloid scales; head naked; jaws
toothless and without barbels, the maxillary forming a large part
of the edge of the upper jaw; mouth usually protractile, the lips
generally thick and fleshy; lower pharyngeal bones falciform, with
many comb-like teeth in one row; branchiostegals 3; gill mem
branes united to isthmus; dorsal fin rather long, of 11 to 50 rays,¹
without spine; anal short; caudal forked; ventrals abdominal, of
about 10 rays; pectorals low; no adipose fin. Alimentary canal
long, without cœca. Air-bladder large, divided into two or three
parts by transverse constrictions. Genera 11, species about 60,
inhabiting the rivers of North America; two species in Asia.
The Suckers feed on plants and small amimals; the flesh is rather
tasteless and full of small bones. They ascend the rivers to spawn
in spring, at which time the males have usually the A. and C., and
often other parts of the body, covered with tubercles.
a. Dorsal fin elongate, its rays 25 to 50 in number; air-bladder in two parts.
b. Fontanelle present; body oblong-ovate. (Ictiobinæ.)
•
ICTIOBUS, 41.
c. Dorsal rays 25 to 35; scales large (34 to 41)
bb. Fontanelle obliterated by the union of the parietal bones; body elon-
gate. (Cycleptinæ.)
d. Mouth small, inferior, with thick papillose lips; scales small (56).
aa. Dorsal fin short, its rays 10 to 18. (Catostominæ.)
CYCLEPTUS, 42.
e. Air-bladder in two parts; lower pharyngeals slender, with small teeth.
f. Lips thick, papillose; lateral line complete and continuous; scales
small (55 to 115); fontanelle present; mouth small, inferior.
CATOSTOMUS, 43.
ERIMYZON, 44.
ff. Lips thin, plicate; scales large (40 to 50).
g. Lateral line wholly wanting, at all ages.
gg. Lateral line imperfect in young, nearly complete in the adult.
MINYTREMA, 45.
ee. Air-bladder in three parts; fontanelle present; scales large (about
45); lateral line complete.
h. Mouth normal, the upper jaw protractile; the lips more or less
plicate.
i. Lower pharyngeal bones moderate, the teeth compressed, gradu-
ally increasing in size downward.
MOXOSTOMA, 46.
ii. Lower pharyngeal bones very strong, with the lower teeth much
enlarged, subcylindrical and truncate; the upper teeth small
and compressed.
PLACOPHARYNX, 47.
1 In this family, the rudimentary rays before dorsal and anal are not counted.
44
XII.
TELEOSTEI: EVENTOGNATHI.
hh. Mouth singular, the upper lip not protractile, greatly enlarged;
the lower split into two separate lobes; pharyngeal bones, etc.
as in Moxostoma.
LAGOCHILA, 48.
41. ICTIOBUS Rafinesque. BUFFALO-FISHES.
(This genus contains an uncertain number of species, very few
of which have been yet well defined. They are large, coarse
suckers, especially characteristic of the streams of the Mississippi
valley. The group much needs careful study, such as could only
be given by a collector resident near some large market). (ixôús,
fish; Boûs, buffalo.)
a. Mouth large, terminal, protractile forwards; lips thin; lower pharyngeals
and teeth weak. (Sclerognathus Cuv. & Val.)
66. I. cyprinella (Cuv. & Val.). COMMON BUFFALO-FISH.
RED-MOUTHED BUFFALO. Body robust, the outline somewhat
elliptical; head very large and thick; opercle coarsely striate,
nearly half length of head; lips scarcely plicate; color dull brown-
ish olive, not silvery; fins dusky. Head 3; depth 3. D. 28, A. 9;
scales 7-37 to 41-6. L. 3 feet. Miss. valley, etc., common; reaches
20 to 40 pounds weight. (Lat., a small carp.)
aa. Mouth smaller, more or less inferior, protractile downwards, and with
thicker lips.
b. Lower pharyngeal bones strong, the teeth comparatively coarse and
large, increasing in size downwards; dusky species, not silvery.
(Ictiobus.)
67. I. urus (Agassiz). RAZOR-BACKED BUFFALO. MONGREL
BUFFALO. Body not much elevated, the back not keeled, the
axis of the body not much farther from back than from line of
belly; head thicker and blunter than in 1. bubalus; eye smaller
than in I. bubalus; mouth much larger and more oblique, approach-
ing that of I. cyprinella, but with lips thicker and plicate, the folds
broken up into papillæ ; longest dorsal rays scarcely half of base of
fin, opercle coarsely striate. Color very dark; fins dark. Head
31 to 4; depth 3. D. 30; scales 8-41-7. L. 23 feet. Miss. valley,
less common than the others; certainly different from I. bubalus,
but not always distinguishable by me from I. cyprinella, and possi-
bly not really different. (Lat., a wild bull.)
68. I. bubalus (Rafinesque). SUCKER-MOUTHED BUFFALO.
SMALL-MOUTHED BUFFALO. Body considerably elevated, the
back compressed; axis of body much nearer line of belly than
back; head not very blunt, the mouth small and inferior; eye 4 to
5 in head, rather large; longest dorsal rays much more than half
base of fin in adult; coloration dusky, the fins scarcely black.
Head 4; depth 2}; D. 29; scales 8-39-6. L. 2 feet. Miss. valley,
etc., common. (Bubalichthys bubalus Agassiz.) (Lat., buffalo.)
CATOSTOMIDÆ,
45
XXV.
bb. Lower pharyngeal bones narrow, with the teeth thin and weak; species
of pale coloration, more or less silvery. (Carp Suckers.) (Carpiodes
Ratinesque.)
c. Body subfusiform, the depth about 3 in length, lips thin, silvery white in
life, the halves of the lower lip meeting at a wide angle.
69. I. carpio (Rafinesque). Back compressed, little arched;
snout not blunt, projecting little beyond the mouth, its length a
little more than that of eye; nostrils not close to tip of snout;
opercle strongly striate; longest dorsal rays & to length of base
of fin, the anterior rays sometimes thickened, never filamentous ;
eye small, 4 to 5 in head. Head short, 4 in length; depth 3. D.
25 to 27; scales 7-37-5. Color dull silvery, sometimes brassy, some
of the scales above often brownish at base. Ohio valley to Texas;
probably a valid species, but of doubtful name and synonymy.
(Lat., carp.)
cc. Body ovate-oblong, the back elevated, the depth about 2 in the length.
d. Opercle strongly striate.
e. Lips thin, silver-white in life, the halves of lower lip meeting at a
wide angle, as in I. carpio.
70. I. difformis (Cope). Similar to I. velifer, but with very
blunt snout, the maxillary reaching front of pupil; nostril very
near tip of snout and above or before upper lip; eyes large (3½ to
4 in head); dorsal very high. Head 4; depth 23. Ohio valley.
71. I. thompsoni (Agassiz). Resembles I. velifer, but with
the head small and pointed, the snout considerably projecting;
eye small, 5 to 5 in head. Back arched. Head 44; depth 24.
Great Lakes, abundant (specimens examined from Toledo). (For
Rev. Zadock Thompson.)
ee. Lips full, thick, flesh-colored in life, the halves of lower lip meeting
at an acute angle.
72. I. velifer (Rafinesque). QUILL-BACK. SKIM-BACK. CARP
SUCKER. RIVER CARP. Snout sub-conic, projecting; anterior
nostril distant from snout more than half an eye's diameter and
considerably behind front of upper lip; maxillary reaching about
to front of orbit; eye moderate or small, 4 to 5 in head; ante-
rior rays of dorsal always elevated and filamentous, infrequently
as long as base of fin. Head 3 to 41; depth 2 to 3. D. 26;
scales 7-37-5. Coloration usually pale. Miss. valley, etc., very
abundant; variable. (Lat., bearing sails.)
dd. Opercle nearly smooth.
73. I. cyprinus (Le Sueur). CARP SUCKER. Body rather
deep, the eye quite small, the dorsal fin high, otherwise essentially
as in 1. velifer. Pa. to Va., chiefly about Chesapeake Bay. (Lat.,
carp.)
46
XII.
TELEOSTEI: EVENTOGNATHI.
42. CYCLEPTUS Rafinesque. (kúkλos, round; λeπrós, slender;
deñtós,
according to Rafinesque, small round mouth.)
74. C. elongatus (Le Sueur). BLACK HORSE. GOURD-SEED
SUCKER. MISSOURI SUCKER. Head small, short and slender,
rounded above; opercles small; eye small; fins large. Color
blackish; ♂ in spring covered with small tubercles. Head 7
depth 41; D. 30; scales 9-56-7. L. 2 feet. Miss. valley, rather
common in larger streams.
43. CATOSTOMUS Le Sueur. FINE-SCALED SUCKERS.
(káτw, inferior; σтóμa, mouth.)
a. Scales very small, much reduced and crowded anteriorly, about 100 in the
lateral line. (Catostomus.)
75. C. catostomus (Forster). NORTHERN SUCKER. Upper lip
thin, with 2 to 4 rows of papillæ; snout long, overhanging the large
mouth. Males in spring profusely tuberculate and with a broad
rosy lateral band. Great Lakes to Alaska, very abundant N.
aa. Scales larger, but small and crowded forwards, about 65 in the lateral
line. (Decactylus Rafinesque.)
76. C. teres (Mitchill). COMMON SUCKER. WHITE SUCKER.
Upper lip thin, with 2 or 3 rows of papillæ; snout shorter than in
the preceding, the mouth smaller. Color olivaceous, dusky above;
sides rosy in spring. Head 44; depth 44. D. 12. Scales 10–64
to 70-9. L. 18. Canada to Montana and Fla.; commonest of the
Suckers, and extremely variable. (Lat., terete.)
aaa. Scales large, scarcely crowded anteriorly, 48 to 55 in the lateral line.
(Hypentelium Rafinesque.)
77. C. nigricans Le Sueur. HOG SUCKER. STONE ROLLER.
STONE LUGger. STONE TOTER. HAMMER-HEAD. CRAWL-A-
BOTTOM. HOG MOLLY. HOG MULLET. Head flattened above,
concave between eyes; the frontal bone thick, broad and short;
eyes small, placed high; upper lip thick, with 8 to 10 rows of
papillæ; lower fins large. Color brassy olive, the back with dark
cross-blotches, disappearing with age; lower fins red. Head 4;
depth 4. D. 11. Lat. 1. 48 to 55. L. 2 feet. Lakes and clear
streams, W. N. Y. to Ala. and Kans. (Lat, blackish.)
44. ERIMYZON Jordan. (èpɩ, an intensive particle;
μúcw, to suck.)
78. E. sucetta (Lacépède). CHUB SUCKER. SWEET SUCKER.
CREEK-FISH. Scales crowded, deeper than long; mandible oblique.
Color dusky, brassy below; young with black bands or bars and
pale streaks. Head 4; depth 24 in adult; spring males with 6
tubercles on snout. D. 11 to 13. Scales 43-15 in the northern
form, var. oblongus Mitchill (the true sucetta, southern, with scales
CATOSTOMIDÆ.
47
XXV.
36-15). Mass. to Dakota and S., very common. (Var. sucetta, Va.
to Fla. and Texas.) (Fr. sucet, sucker.)
45. MINYTREMA Jordan. (uvós, lessened; тphua, aperture;
from the imperfect lateral line.)
79. M. melanops Rafinesque. STRIPED SUCKER. Body
subterete, little compressed; mouth small, inferior; eye small;
scales little crowded forwards. Color dusky, coppery below, a
dusky blotch behind dorsal; each scale with a dark spot at its
base, most distinct in adult, these forming longitudinal stripes;
A tuberculate in spring; lateral line wanting in young, imperfect
at 8 inches, nearly complete in adults. Head 41; depth 3 to 41.
D. 12 to 14. Scales 46-13. L. 15. Great Lakes to S. C. and Texas.
(µéλas, black; w√, look.)
46. MOXOSTOMA Rafinesque. RED HORSE. (μúčw, to suck ;
στóμa, mouth.)
a. Lips distinctly plicate.
b. Dorsal large, with 15 to 18 developed rays, its free edge not concave.
80. M. anisurum (Rafinesque). WHITE NOSE SUCKER. Body
robust, compressed; mouth large, inferior, the upper lip thin, the
lower strongly Ʌ-shaped; D. high and large, the first ray about as
long as fin; upper lobe of C. narrow, longer than lower. Color
pale; C. smoky gray; lower fins red. Head 4; depth 34. D. 15
to 18. L. 18. N. C. to Ohio R., Great Lakes, and N. (Catost.
carpio C. & V., not of Raf.; Mox. valenciennesi Jordan; Ptychosto-
mus velatus and collapsus Cope. (avioros, unequal; oupá, tail.)
bb. Dorsal fin moderate, of 12 to 14 rays; lower lip full, scarcely Ʌ-shaped,
nearly truncate behind.
c. Dorsal fin with its free margin nearly straight.
d. Head large, 4 to 43 in length.
81. M. macrolepidotum (Le Sueur). COMMON RED HORSE.
Horse.
WHITE SUCKER. "MULLET." Head broad, flattish above; mouth
large, with thick lips; depth of cheek usually more than half dis-
tance from snout to preopercle; eye large; edge of D. nearly
straight, its first ray shorter than head; C. lobes subequal. Oliva-
ceous, with bright reflections; sides silvery; lower fins always
orange-red, C. sometimes so. Head 4 to nearly 5; depth 34.
D. usually 13; A. 7. Scales as in other species 5-45-4. L. 2 feet.
Chesapeake Bay to Dakota and Ala., very abundant; the western
form (var. duquesnei Le Sueur) with head and mouth rather
larger than in the eastern form, which approaches M. aureolum.
(μακρός, large ; λεπιδωτός, scaled.)
dd. Head short and small, 4 to 5 in length.
82. M. aureolum (Le Sueur). LAKE RED HORSE. Head
shorter and smaller; mouth rather small, with thick lips; snout
48
XII.
TELEOSTEI: EVENTOGNATHI.
bluntish; eye moderate; C. lobes subequal; D. rather low, its
longest ray less than base of fin. Coloration of preceding, the
tail as well as lower fins always red. D. 13; depth 34. Great
Lakes, etc. Sometimes confounded with the next, from which it
is well distinguished, but it may intergrade with the preceding.
(Lat., gilded.)
cc. Dorsal falcate, the free margin deeply incised.
83. M. crassilabre¹ (Cope). Form of a Coregonus, with deep,
compressed body, small head, and sharply conic snout, which over-
hangs the very small mouth; eye small, 5 in head. D. high, the
anterior rays 1 to 1½ times base of fin; free margin of fin con-
cave, so that the fin is decidedly falcate. C. lobes very unequal,
the upper always longest; A. large, falcate, reaching beyond front
of C. D. and C. bright red. Head 5 to 54; depth 31 to 31;
lat. 1. 45. Ohio R. to N. C. (Ptychostomus crassilabris, conus, and
breviceps Cope; M. anisura Jor. & Gilb., not of Raf.) (Lat.
crassus, thick; labrum, lip.)
bbb. Dorsal fin quite small, of 10 to 12 rays; lower lip thick, truncate
behind.
84. M. cervinum (Cope). JUMP-ROCKS. JUMPING MULLET.
Head very short, rather pointed; mouth rather large, the lips
strongly plicate; eye small; fins all small; free edge of dorsal
straight, its longest ray less than head. Color greenish brown, a
pale blotch on each scale, these forming continuous streaks; back
with brownish blotches; fins brownish, scarcely red. Head 5;
depth 4. D. 11. Scales 6-44 to 49-5. L. 10 inches. Va. to Ga.,
not rare. (Lat., tawny, like a deer.)
47. PLACOPHARYNX Cope. („λág, a broad surface ;
pápvy, pharynx.)
85. P. carinatus Cope. A large, coarse sucker, externally
similar to the species of Moxostoma, from which genus it differs
only in the remarkable development of the lower pharyngeals and
their teeth; the bones are very strong, and 6 to 10 of the lower
teeth are enlarged, little compressed, with a broad rounded or
flattened grinding surface; the mouth is larger and more oblique
than in M. macrolepidotum and the lips are thicker. Head broad
and flattish above, its upper surface somewhat uneven; longest
rays of dorsal longer than base of fin, 1 in head; free edge of D.
concave; upper lobe of C. narrower than lower, and more or less
longer. Color dark olive-green, the sides brassy; no silvery lustre ;
C. and lower fins orange-red. Head 4; depth 3. D. 12. Scales
6-45-5. L. 30. Ohio to Ga. and Ark., abundant in larger
streams. (Lat., keeled.)
1 This description is from notes of Dr. C. H. Gilbert, taken from Ohio R.
specimens.
CYPRINIDÆ. XXVI.
49
48. LAGOCHILA Jordan & Brayton.
(Quassilabia Jord. & Brayt.; Lagochila being set aside, on account
of its similarity to Lagocheilus.) (Aayós, hare; xeos, lip.)
86. L. lacera Jordan & Brayton. HARE-LIP SUCKER. RABBIT-
MOUTH SUCKER. PEA-LIP SUCKER. CUT-LIPS. SPLIT-MOUTH.
Upper lip plicate, much prolonged; lower reduced to two separate
elongate, papillose lobes, the split between them reaching the
dentary bones, which have a horny sheath; lower lip separated
from upper by a deep fissure at angle; skin of cheeks sheathing
this fissure; body rather slender, much as in M. cervinum; oper-
cle small; head very small, conical; dorsal low. Color pale, lower
fins slightly reddish. Head 5; depth 44. D. 12. Scales 5-45-5.
L. 18. Wabash R. (Evermann), Scioto R., Clinch R., Chicka-
mauga R., and White R., Ark.; most common in the Ozark
Mountains; a most singular fish. (Lat., torn.)
FAMILY XXVI. CYPRINIDÆ. (THE MINNOWS.)
Head naked, body usually scaly; margin of upper jaw formed
by premaxillaries only; mouth toothless; barbels 2 to 4 (absent in
most of our genera and not large in any); lower pharyngeal bones
well developed, falciform, nearly parallel with the gill arches, each
provided with one to three series of teeth in small number, rarely
more than seven on each side; belly usually rounded, rarely com-
pressed, never serrated; gill openings moderate, the membranes
joined to the isthmus; no adipose fin; dorsal fin (in American
species) short, with less than ten rays; air-bladder usually large,
commonly divided into an anterior and a posterior lobe, rarely
wanting; stomach without appendages, appearing as a simple en-
largement of the intestines.
Fishes of moderate or small size, inhabiting the fresh waters of
the Old World and of North America. Genera about 200, species
nearly 1,000; excessively abundant where found, both in individ-
uals and in species, and from their great uniformity in size, form,
and coloration constituting one of the most difficult groups in
zoology in which to distinguish species. Ours are mostly of
smaller size than those of the Old World, several of the larger
European types being represented in America by Catostomoid
forms. Our largest eastern species, Semotilus bullaris, rarely
attains a weight of three or four pounds, and a length of nearly
eighteen inches. The smallest species of Notropis scarcely reach
a length of two inches.
The spring or breeding dress of the male fishes is often peculiar.
The top of the head, and often the fins, snout, or other portions of
the body, are covered with small tubercles, outgrowths from the
4
50
XII.
TELEOSTEI: EVENTOGNATHI.
epidermis. The fins and other parts are often charged with pig-
ment, the usual color being red, but sometimes satin-white, yellow-
ish, or black.
NOTE. -Young Cyprinidæ are usually more slender than adults of the
same species, and the eye is always much larger; they also frequently show
a black lateral stripe and caudal spot, which the adults may not possess. In
the following descriptions, the rudimentary rays of dorsal and anal are not
counted. The fins and scales are often, especially in specimens living in small
brooks, covered with round black specks, parasitic plants. These should not
be mistaken for true color-markings.
No progress can be made in the study of these fish without careful attention
to the teeth, as the genera are largely based on dental characters. The
pharyngeal bones in the smaller species can be removed by inserting a pin (or,
better, a small hook) through the gill opening, under the shoulder girdle.
The teeth should be carefully cleaned with a tooth-brush, or, better, a jet of
water, and when dry may be examined by any small lens. In most cases a
principal row of four or five larger teeth will be found, in front of which is
a set of one or two smaller ones. The two sides are usually, but not always,
symmetrical. Thus, "teeth 2, 4-5, 1," indicate two rows of teeth on each
side, on the one side four in the principal row and two in the lesser, on the
other side five in the main row and one in the other. "Teeth 4-4" indi-
cates a single row of four on each pharyngeal bone, and so on.
In the Leuciscine genera, these teeth, or the principal ones, are "rapta-
torial," that is, hooked inward at the tips. A grinding or masticatory surface
is an excavated space or groove, usually at the base of the hook. Sometimes
the grinding surface is very narrow and confined to one or two teeth. Some-
times a bevelled or flattened edge looks so much like a grinding surface as to
mislead a superficial observer. In some cases, the edge of the tooth is crenate
or serrate.
Besides the native species here mentioned, representatives of two other
genera have been introduced from Europe, and have become inhabitants of
some eastern streams. These are Cyprinus Linnæus, and Carassius Nilsson.
The first is distinguished by the very long dorsal, which, like the anal, is pre-
ceded by a strong spine, serrated behind. About the mouth are four long
barbels, and the teeth are molar, 1, 3–3, 1. This genus is represented by
the Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). The carp is normally covered with large
scales. In domestication, however, variations have arisen, prominent ones
being the "Leather Carp," naked, and the "Mirror Carp," with a few series
of very large scales.
Carassius Nilsson differs from Cyprinus, chiefly in the absence of barbels,
and in having the teeth compressed, 4-4. The Gold-fish (Carassius auratus
L.) is originally olivaceous, but only the orange-red variety is valued for
aquaria. Both Carassius and Cyprinus are native in China.
a. Air-bladder surrounded by many convolutions of the very long alimentary
canal, which is 6 to 9 times the length of the body. (Campostominæ.)
b. Teeth 4-4, or 1, 4-4, 0, with oblique grinding surface and slight hook;
peritoneum black (as usual in herbivorous fishes). CAMPOSTOMa, 49.
aa. Air-bladder wholly above (dorsal) of the alimentary canal.
c. Alimentary canal elongate, more than twice length of body; teeth one-
rowed, the grinding surface well developed, the hook usually slight
or wanting; peritoneum usually black. Species chiefly herbivorous.
(Chondrostominæ.)
CYPRINIDÆ, - XXVI.
51
d. Teeth 5-5 or 4-5; dorsal inserted behind ventrals; scales very small;
anal short.
e. Pseudobranchiæ none; lower jaw thin, with sharp, hard edge; upper
jaw protractile, with fleshy covering; lateral line complete; body
elongate, subterete.
OXYGENEUM, 50.
•
ee. Pseudobranchiæ present; lips thin, normal; upper jaw protractile;
lateral line incomplete.
CHROSOMUS, 51.
dd. Teeth 4-4; pseudobranchiæ present; dorsal over ventrals; scales
rather large.
1
f. First (rudimentary) ray of D. slender, firmly attached to the first de-
veloped ray; jaws sharp-edged, the lower with a slight projection in
front; scales before D. large (less than 15). HYBOGNATHUS, 52.
ff. First (rudimentary) ray of D. well developed, bluntish, separated
from the first developed ray, to which it is joined by membrane
(this character never conspicuous except in adult males; often ob-
scure in young); scales before D. small (more than 20.)
PIMEPHALES, 53.
cc. Alimentary canal short, less than twice length of body; teeth hooked,
the grinding surface, if present, narrow and rudimentary; peritoneum
usually pale; species mostly carnivorous.
g. Dentary bones parallel, united for their whole length (the lower jaw
reduced to a tongue-like projection, which has a fleshy lobe on each
side. (Exoglossinæ.)
h. Premaxillaries not protractile; upper lip thickened; scales moder-
ate; teeth 1, 4-4, 1, without grinding surface. EXOGLOSSUM, 54.
gg. Dentary bones broadly arched, as usual among fishes, and united
only at the symphysis. (Leuciscinæ.)
i. Abdomen behind V. not compressed to an edge, the scales passing
over it; anal basis generally short (the rays 7 to 12).
j. Teeth in the main row, 4-4.
k. Maxillary without traces of barbel.
x. [Premaxillaries protractile.]
1. Lower lip thin or obsolete (except in one or two species), not
developed as a fleshy lobe on each side.
m. Mandible, interopercle, and suborbital not evidently cavernous.
n. 1 First (rudimentary) ray of D. enlarged and bluntish, sepa-
rated from the first developed ray by membrane (as in Pime-
phales), this most evident in ; scales before D. small,
♂
about 28; teeth 4-4; [black blotch on front of dorsal and
one at base of caudal always present.]
•
CLIOLA, 55.
nn. First (rudimentary) ray of D. small, closely joined to the
first developed ray; teeth 2, 1 or 0, 4-4, 2, 1 or 0; scales
rather large; scales before D. large or small (12 to 30).
NOTROPIS, 56.
mm. Mandible, interopercle, and suborbital with conspicuous
externally visible cavernous areas (like silvery cross-
bars); teeth 1, 4-4, 0; scales large; D. above V.
ERICYMBA, 57.
1. Lower lip developed as a fleshy lobe on each side; teeth 4-4,
without grinding surface; D. before V.; isthmus very broad.
PHENACOBIUS, 58.
1 This character is more or less obscure in females and young examples.
52
XI.
TELEOSTEI: EVENTOGNATHI.
xx. [Premaxillaries not protractile; scales very small; barbei
present, but minute]
RHINICHTHYS, 59.
•
kk. Maxillary with a small barbel at its extremity (rarely obsolete).
n. Premaxillaries not protractile; teeth 2, 4-4, 2; scales small;
dorsal behind ventrals.
RHINICHTHYS, 59.
nn. Premaxillaries protractile.
o. Teeth 4-4, or 1, 4–4, 1, or 1, 4-4, 0; scales not very small.
HYBOPSIS, 60.
oo. Teeth, 2, 4–4, 2 or 1.
p. Head transversely convex above; teeth without grinding
surface
COUESIUS, 61.
pp. Head flattened above; teeth with grinding surface;
PLATYGOBIO, 62.
scales large
•
jj. Teeth in the main row 5-5 or 4-5.
q. Maxillary with a minute barbel placed before its tip; premax-
illaries protractile; teeth, 2, 4-5, 2, without grinding surface;
caudal fin symmetrical
SEMOTILUS, 63.
qq. Maxillary without barbel; premaxillaries protractile; anal
basis short.
•
•
r. Teeth two-rowed, 2, 4-5, 2, or 2, 5-5, 2, strongly hooked;
scales moderate or small
PHOXINUS, 64.
[As above, the head broad and bluntish; the barbel so minute
as to be indistinguishable, in the young of SEMOTILUS, 63.]
rr. Teeth one-rowed, 5-5, with serrate edges; mouth very small,
terminal; D. inserted over V.
OpsopŒodus, 65.
ii. Abdomen behind V., compressed to an edge, the scales not crossing
it; anal basis elongate (the rays 12 to 18); teeth 5-5, with grind-
ing surface and serrate edges; gill rakers rather long; no bar-
bels; D. inserted behind V.
NOTEMIGONUS, 66.
•
49. CAMPOSTOMA Agassiz. (κaµπý, curve; σróµa, mouth.)
87. C. anomalum (Rafinesque). STONE LUGGER. STONE
ROLLER. Brownish, with a brassy lustre above, the scales mot-
tled; a black vertical bar behind opercle; iris orange; D. and
A. each with a dusky cross-bar about half-way up, rest of the
fin in spring orange; in spring with many rounded tuber-
cles on head and body; young mottled brownish, the fins plain;
scales crowded forward; intestinal canal six to nine times the total
length of the body, its numerous convolutions passing above and
around the air-bladder, an arrangement found in Campostoma alone
among all the vertebrates. D. 8; A. 7. Scales 7-53-8. Teeth 4-4.
L. 4 to 8. W. N. Y. to Texas, and Tenn. in small streams, every-
where abundant; one of the most curious of American fishes. Very
variable.
50. OXYGENEUM Forbes. (ogós, sharp; yévos, chin.)
88. O. pulverulentum Forbes. Form of Moxostoma: head
small, conical; mouth large, terminal; gill rakers slender; eye 4
in head; 31 scales before dorsal; breast scaly. Color pale, the
CYPRINIDE.
53
XXVI.
back and sides dusted with dark specks. Head 41; depth 5.
D. high, 8. A. 7 Lat. 1. 63. L. 2. Illinois R. (Lat., dusted).
51. CHROSOMUS Rafinesque. (xpás, color; oŵµa, body.)
89. C. erythrogaster Rafinesque. RED-BELLIED MINNOW.
Brownish olive, with black spots on the back, a blackish band from
above eye, straight to the tail, sometimes breaking up in spots be-
hind; another below, broader, running through eye, decurved
along the lateral line, ending in a black spot at base of C.; belly
and space between bands bright silvery, brilliant scarlet red in
spring males, as are the bases of the vertical fins; females ob-
scurely marked. D. 8; A. 9. Scales 16-85-10. L. 2. Penn. to
Dakota and Tenn., abundant in small clear streams; one of the
most beautiful of our fishes; in high coloration the fins are bright
yellow. It is the most desirable of all our minnows for aquarium
purposes, being hardy, graceful, and gaily colored. (épvpós, red;
γαστήρ, belly.)
52. HYBOGNATHUS Agassiz. (ißós, gibbous; yválos, jaw.)
a. Teeth comparatively long, and scarcely hooked; silvery species. (Hybo-
gnathus.)
b. Suborbitals broad, the anterior, about twice as long as deep.
c. Mouth narrow, its cleft not reaching nearly to eye; lower jaw shorter
than upper, obtuse at tip.
90. H. nuchalis Agassiz. Body rather slender; head rather
short, the profile evenly curved; eye moderate, 4 in head; lateral
line decurved; 13 large scales in front of D.; intestine 7 to 10
times length of body. Silvery green, sides bright silvery, with an
underlying plumbeous shade; fins all pale. Head 4 to 5; depth 4.
D. 8, A. 7. Scales 5-38-4. L. 4 to 9. N. J. to S. C., Dakota, and
Texas, common near large rivers. Variable; notable varieties are
placita Girard, Arkansas and Missouri rivers, the eye smaller,
5 in head, the snout depressed and blunt, with very small mouth;
var. regia Girard, Potomac River, larger (7 inches long), with
deeper body and larger eye, 3 in head. (Lat., pertaining to the
nape.)
cc. Mouth wide, its cleft reaching about to eye; jaws subequal, the lower
acutish at tip.
91. H. argyritis Girard. Silvery. Upper Missouri and Red
R. of North. (Lat., silvery.)
aa. Teeth comparatively short, distinctly hooked; suborbitals very narrow;
plumbeous species. (Dionda Girard.)
92. H. nubila (Forbes). Maxillary 3 in head; snout short, not
very blunt; eye 3 in head; 12 scales before D. Head 44; depth
4. Scales 5-37-3. Olivaceous with plumbeous or dusky lateral
54
TELEOSTEI: EVENTOGNATHI. — XII.
band; no caudal spot; fins mostly red. L. 21. N. III. to Ozark
region. (Lat., dusky.)
53. PIMEPHALES Rafinesque. (Tipeλýs, fat; keþaλý, head.)
a. Lateral line wanting or more or less imperfect. (Pimephales.)
93. P. promelas Rafinesque. Body more or less short and
deep; head short, blunt, almost globular in adult ; V. reaching
beyond front of A.; scales before D. about 27. Olivaceous, a black
bar across middle of D. (faint in young); a dark shade along cau-
dal peduncle; adult ♂ dusky, the head jet-black, with large tuber-
cles on snout. Head 4; depth 4. D. I. 7. A. 7. Scales 7-47-6.
L. 23. L. Champlain to Dakota and Texas, abundant in sluggish
brooks. Very variable; S. W. specimens (var. confertus Girard)
have the lateral line almost complete. (pó, before; péλas, black.)
aa. Lateral line complete. (Hyborhynchus Agassiz.)
94. P. notatus (Rafinesque). Body rather elongate; head
rather long, the snout abruptly decurved; mouth horizontal, small;
V. not to vent; scales before D. small, crowded, about 23. Color
olivaceous, little silvery, sides bluish; a dusky shade toward base of
D.; a black blotch on front of D., wanting in young; head wholly
black in spring males, the snout with 14 large tubercles. Head 4½;
depth 5. D. I. 8. A. 7. Scales 6-45-4. L. 4. Quebec to Del.,
Miss., and Kansas, very abundant, variable. (Lat., marked.)
54. EXOGLOSSUM Rafinesque. (¿w, outside; yλŵoσa,
tongue.)
95. E. maxillingua (Le Sueur). CUT-LIPS. STONE-TOTER.
Body rather stout; eye small; head large, with tumid cheeks;
lower jaw included. Color dusky, a blackish bar behind head; a
dusky shade at base C.; fins plain. Head 4; depth 4. D. 8. A.7.
Scales 8-53-5. L. 6. Hudson R. to Va., abundant. A curious
fish, remarkably distinguished from all other Cyprinide by its
3-lobed lower jaw. (Lat. maxilla, jaw; lingua, tongue.)
55. CLIOLA Girard. (A coined name.)
96. C. vigilax (Baird & Girard). BULL-HEAD MINNOW. Body
rather stout, compressed, with deep tail; head heavy, blunt; snout
short, decurved; mouth terminal, slightly oblique; eye 3 in head;
teeth strongly hooked; scales in front of D. small, crowded. Pale
olivaceous, with a plumbeous lateral band, always ending in a black
spot at base of C.; a conspicuous black spot on middle of front of
D. Head 44; depth 4. D. I. 8. A. 7. Scales 8-42-6; 28 scales
before dorsal. L. 3. Ind. to Miss. and Texas, very abundant.
Resembles Pimephales notatus, but distinguished by the short in-
testine, larger mouth, paler coloration, with more definite markings.
CYPRINIDÆ.
55
XXVI.
(Hybopsis tuditanus Cope; Alburnops taurocephalus Hay.) (Lat.,
watchful.)
56. NOTROPIS Rafinesque. (AMERICAN MINNOWS.)
(MINNILUS Rafinesque, etc., etc.)
(As now understood, this genus contains upwards of a hundred
species of small Cyprinoids, all of them confined to the waters of
E. N. A. They are feeble fishes, of rather low organization, none
of them of any value as food to man, but of great importance as
food for the larger predatory fishes. The species are highly vari-
able, readily affected by surrounding conditions, while the per-
manently distinctive characters are few. The identification of
species in this group is therefore very difficult, and in the case
of young specimens often impossible. The following analysis must
be used with caution, as all characters are subject to occasional
or individual variations.) (vŵтos, back; тρómis, keel; but the
back is not keeled. Rafinesque's types had been shrivelled by
drying.)
a. Teeth 4, 4, or 1, 4-4, 0, or 1, 4-4, 1 (sometimes 1, 4-4, 2 in N. hudsonius).
b. Scales not closely imbricated, not notably deeper than long; D. inserted
nearly over V.; A. short, its rays 7 or 8.
c. Teeth 4-4, the grinding surface more or less developed.
d. Lateral line usually incomplete; scales before D. large, 13 in num-
ber. (Hemitremia Cope.)
e. Snout very obtuse; lower jaw not projecting.
97. N. bifrenatus (Cope). Body slender, the tail contracted;
upper lip on level of lower part of pupil; jaws subequal, eye large,
3 in head; lateral line very short. Straw-color, with jet-black
lateral band, bordered with orange on snout. Head 44; depth 4.
D. 8. A. 7. Scales 5-36-3. L. 2. Mass. to Md. (Lat., two-
bridled.)
98. N. anogenus Forbes. Very similar to N. heterodon, but
with lateral line usually complete; the mouth very small and very
oblique, the lower jaw included, the upper lip above level of pupil;
snout short, blunt. Dusky, a very distinct lateral band and a black
spot at base of C.; a black speck on each pore of lateral line.
Head 44; depth 43. A. 7. Lat. I. 34 to 37. L. 11. W. N. Y.
(Ithaca, Meek) to Ill. (a, without; yévus, chin.)
ee. Snout pointed; lower jaw projecting.
99. N. heterodon Cope. Body rather stout; eye 3 in head;
lateral line usually developed about half-way, sometimes nearly per-
fect. Olive, sides with dusky plumbeous band, fainter than in
preceding. Head 4; depth 4. A. 8. Scales 5-36-3. L. 21.
Teeth crenate. W. N. Y. to Kans.; common. (Other specimens
from Ind. and Ill. have lateral line complete, and teeth 2, 4–4, 2.
56
XII.
TELEOSTEI: EVENTOGNATHI.
Whether a variety or a distinct species is not certainly known.¹)
(ërepos, different; ¿doús, tooth.)
dd. Lateral line complete. (Miniellus Jordan.)
f. Lips thin, not fleshy; scales before D. large, in 13 to 17 rows.
g. Body rather elongate, the depth less than the length.
100. N. procne (Cope). Slender, with the tail long; snout
blunt; mouth inferior, small; 13 scales before D.; eye large. Oli-
vaceous, a dark lateral band. Head 44; depth 51. Scales 5-32-3.
A. 7. L. 24. W. N. Y. to Md. (прóкvŋ, a kind of swallow.)
101. N. fretensis (Cope). Slender, compressed; mouth oblique;
eye 31 in head; 17 scales before D.; lateral line decurved. Olive,
a plumbeous lateral shade and dark spot at base C. Head 4;
depth 5. A. 8. Scales 6-35-3. L. 21. Great Lake region (un-
known to me.) (Lat., inhabiting straits, i. e. Detroit R.)
102. N. spectrunculus (Cope). Body elongate, head large and
broad; eye 3 in head; snout thick; mouth terminal, oblique; pre-
maxillaries in front on level of middle of pupil; 15 scales before D.
Olivaceous, dark above, a plumbeous lateral band and distinct
black caudal spot; ♂ with fins orange. Head 4; depth 5½. A. 9.
Lat. 1. 37. L. 3. Tenn. R.
Tenn. R. (Lat., a little image.)
103. N. deliciosus (Girard). Body stoutish, little compressed;
head rather broad, the mouth small, inferior, horizontal; snout
obtuse; eye large, 3 in head; 12 to 15 scales before D. Pale
olivaceous, sides usually pale; sometimes with a dusky stripe, but
no dark C. spot. Head 4; depth 5. L. 24. Great Lakes to Va.
and Texas; an insignificant little fish. Variable, running into
several varieties. Var. deliciosus, Mo. and S. W., lat. l. 32 to 35;
var. stramineus Cope, Miss. Valley, lat. 1. 34 to 38 (5–36-4); var.
longiceps Cope, Va., lat. 1. 33 to 36; a distinct lateral stripe, snout
longer and fins higher; var. volucella Cope, Mich., snout longer;
fins longer; P. reaching V.
gg. Body rather stout, the depth more than the length.
104. N. topeka Gilbert. Body compressed, stout; snout blunt;
mouth small, terminal, oblique; eye 4 in head; 14 scales before
D; lateral line anteriorly decurved. Olivaceous, a dusky lateral
streak, ending in a small caudal spot; males with sides and fins
bright red. Head 4; depth 3g. A. 7. Scales 5-35-4. L. 24.
W. Iowa to Kans.
ff. Lips thick, fleshy.
105. N. phenacobius Forbes. Mouth small, inferior; body
short and deep; snout long; eye very large, 31 in head; breast
naked; fins low. Head 4; depth 3. A. 8. Lat. 1. 35. L. 24.
¹ See Gilbert, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1884, p. 207.
CYPRINIDÆ.
57
XXVI.
Silvery, sides with some black specks. Illinois R. (Probably not
a Notropis.)
cc. Teeth 1, 4-4, 0; 1, 4-4, 1; or 1, 4-4, 2; the grinding surface more or
less developed.
h. Head comparatively large, 3 to about 4 in length; teeth 1, 4–4, 1
species of small size. (Alburnops Girard.)
i. Eye moderate, 4 in head in adult.
106. N. gilberti Jordan & Meek. Slender, with long tail; head
long, flattish above; snout moderate; mouth rather large, little
oblique, the lower jaw included. Scales before D. 17; D. slightly
behind V. Greenish, sides with dusky streak and dark specks.
Head 4; depth 5. A. 9. Scales 5-35-4.
Scales 5-35-4. L. 2. Iowa and Mo.
(To Prof. Charles Henry Gilbert.)
ii. Eye very large, 2 to 3 in head.
107. N. boops Gilbert. Body compressed, the back elevated;
tail slender; snout short, not blunt; mouth terminal, very oblique,
lower jaw not included; maxillary to front of eye; D. over V.;
12 scales before dorsal. Head 33; depth 4. A, 7. Scales 5-36-2.
Teeth 1, 4-4, 1, with deep, grinding surface, the inner edge strongly
crenate. L. 3. Olivaceous sides with dusky streak and dark specks.
S. Ind. to Iowa and Ark., common S. W. in cold streams. (Boûs,
bull; &√, eye.) N. scabriceps Jordan & Gilbert, not of Cope.)
hh. Head short, bluntish, about 5 in length in adult; species of large
size and silvery coloration. (Hudsonius Girard.)
SPAWN-EATER.
108. N. hudsonius (De Witt Clinton).
"SMELT." Body elongate, moderately compressed; head short,
with blunt snout; eye very large, 3 to 34 in head; mouth small,
subinferior; lateral line slightly decurved; 12 to 18 scales before
dorsal; fins rather small. Pale olive, young always with a round
black spot at base of caudal; sometimes a dark lateral band; fins un-
marked. Head 4 to 5; depth 4 to 5. D. 8. A. 8. Scales 5-39-4.
Teeth variable, sometimes 2 in one of lesser rows, sometimes none
of them with grinding surface. L. 10. Lake Superior to N.Y.,
and S. in coastwise streams to Ga., abundant and very variable. N.
specimens usually have teeth 2, 4-4, 1. Southern examples, Va.
to Ga. (var. amarus Girard), usually have teeth 1, 4-4, 1 or 0.
The species seldom ascends small streams. (From Hudson R.)
bb. Scales very closely imbricated along sides of body, most of them deeper
than long; body usually compressed.
j. Pharyngeal teeth usually 4-4, their edges serrate. (Moniana Girard.)
109. N. lutrensis (Baird & Girard). Adult with the body
deep, strongly compressed, the back arched; young variously elon-
gate or elliptical; head short, blunt; mouth moderate, oblique, the
lower jaw included; eye small, about 4 in head; lateral line strongly
;
58
XII.
TELEOSTEI: EVENTOGNATHI.
♂
decurved; 13 to 15 scales before D. steel-blue, profusely
tuberculate, belly and fins blood-red; a violet and a crimson cres-
cent behind shoulder; Q plain; fins unspotted. Head 33; depth
2§ (adult) to 4 (young). A. 8. Scales 6-35-2. Teeth sometimes
1, 4-4, 1. L. 3. S. Ill. to Rio Grande, very abundant S. W.; a
very brilliant and very variable little fish. (Lat. lutra, otter; first
known from Otter Creek, Ark.)
. Pharyngeal teeth 1, 4-4, 1, their edges often crenate; ours with narrow
grinding surface; adult males with a large black blotch on upper pos-
terior rays of D. (Cyprinella¹ Girard.)
x. Anal short, its rays 8 or 9; D. inserted just behind V.; ♂ in spring
with the fins charged with satin-white pigment.
110. N. whipplei (Girard). SILVER-FIN. Body subelliptical,
the adult much compressed; head short, not very blunt; mouth
rather small, oblique, the lower jaw shorter; eye small, 4½ in head;
males with high fins. Bluish silvery; scales dusky edged; a dark
vertebral line; dorsal blotch large in adult, wanting in young;
no creamy band across base of C. Head 41; depth 4. A. 8.
Scales 5-38-3. Teeth serrate. L. 4. W. N. Y. to Va. and
Minn., S. to Ark., abundant. (To Capt. A. W. Whipple, U. S. A.)
111. N. galacturus (Cope). Similar to the preceding, but
larger, more elongate and less compressed, the scales less closely
imbricated, lateral line less decurved; teeth usually not serrate;
the lower jaw included. Color like preceding but more silvery; C.
dusky, its basal third bright creamy yellow. Head 4; depth 4}.
A. 8. Scales 6-41-3. L. 6. Ozark region, E. to E. Tenn. and
Savannah R. in mountain streams. (yáλa, milk; ovpá, tail.)
112. N. camurus Jordan & Meek. More robust than the pre-
ceding, the back elevated; anterior profile steep, the snout bluntly
decurved; mouth small, oblique; teeth crenate. Color much as in
N. whipplei. Head 41; depth 3½. A. 9.
A. 9. Scales 6-38-4. L. 4.
Ark. R., N. E. to S. Missouri. (Lat., blunt-faced.)
aa. Teeth 2, 4-4, 2; lateral line complete.
y. Base of anal short, its rays 7 to 9.
k. Scales on sides much deeper than long, especially in the adult, and so
closely imbricated that the exposed edges are very narrow; body
deep; D. fin inserted above V. (Luxilus Raf.)
113. N. megalops (Rafinesque). COMMON Shiner; Red-FIN.
DACE. Body short, compressed in the adult, in the young elon-
gate; head heavy, interorbital area rounded; snout bluntish;
mouth moderate, little oblique; lower jaw included; eye moderate,
4 to 5 in head; lateral line decurved; about 20 (15 to 25) scales
before D. Adult steel-blue, with gilt lines in life, sides silvery;
1 Numerous species of this group, some of them very delicately colored, abound in
the rivers of the South.
CYPRINIDÆ.
59
XXVI.
•
spring males tuberculate,
Head 41; depth 3 to 5.
fins pale; a dark shade behind shoulder;
with the belly and lower fins bright rosy.
A. 9. Scales 6-41-3. L. 8. In all brooks from Maine to Rocky
Mts. except those of the Carolinas and Texas; excessively abun-
dant and variable. (Luxilus cornutus (Mitchill).) (µeyáλos, big;
√, eye.)
kk. Scales on sides less closely imbricated,1 scarcely deeper than long;
body not elevated; small fishes often brilliant in the nuptial
season. (Hydrophlox 2 Jordan & Brayton.)
m. Teeth with narrow grinding surface; D. inserted more or less be-
hind V.
n. Lower jaw distinctly projecting beyond upper.
114. N. coccogenis (Cope). Body elongate, compressed; head
pointed; mouth large, very oblique, the maxillary past front of
eye; eye very large, 3 in head; 20 scales before D. Olivaceous,
silvery below; males with a scarlet vertical brand on preopercle;
a red axillary spot; snout and belly rosy; a dark scapular band;
outer half of D. and C. dusky. Head 4; depth 44. A. 9. Scales
7-42-3. L. 5. Mountain streams, Ky. to Ga. (KóкKos, cherry-red;
γένειον, cheek.)
nn. Lower jaw little if at all projecting.
115. N. zonatus (Agassiz). Body rather elongate; head long,
not acute; jaws equal; maxillary 3 in head, not to eye; snout
shortish; eye very large, 3 in head; lateral line decurved; 16
scales before D. and young olivaceous, with plumbeous lateral
band and no caudal spot. ♂ in spring with black lateral band,
sides and lower parts flame-red. Head 44; depth 4}. A.9. Scales
6-39-4. L. 5. Ozark region.
116. N. lacertosus (Cope). Body stout, with large head;
mouth wide, the lower jaw projecting; eye large, 34 in head, equal
to snout or interorbital; maxillary not to eye. Silvery. D. dusky;
no red. Head 4; scales 5 above lat. 1. L. 43. Holston R. (Lat.,
lizard-like.)
Head rather
eye large, 3
♂ blue, with
117. N. rubricroceus (Cope). RED FALL-FISH.
pointed; mouth oblique, rather large, the jaws equal;
in head; lateral line decurved; 19 scales before D.
black lateral band, the whole body more or less suffused with
blood-red; ? pale. Head 4; depth 41. A. 9. Scales 7-38-8.
L. 24. Mountain torrents, on both sides of Great Smoky range.
(Lat., saffron-red.)
118. N. chalybæus (Cope). Body slender, the back elevated;
snout pointed; mouth oblique; lower jaw projecting; lateral line
'This character is not of much value, as in some of the species the scales become
quite closely imbricated in adult specimens.
* Numerous species of this type, gaily colored little fishes, are found in the
southern streams.
60
TELEOSTEI: EVENTOGNATHI. — XII.
decurved; eye 3 in head; 18 scales before D. Brown, a jet-black
lateral band; ♂ orange below. Head 34; depth about 41. A. 8.
Scales 6-35-3. L. 2. Delaware R. (Lat., steel-colored.)
mm. Teeth without grinding surface; D. fin nearly opposite V.
o. Base of C. with a black spot; snout and base of D. red in
spring.
119. N. leuciodus (Cope). Slender, the snout rounded; mouth
oblique, the lower jaw not projecting; lateral line nearly straight;
12 scales before D. Silvery, a purplish lateral band. Head 412.
A. 8. Scales 5-39-3. L. 3. Holston R. (λeukós, white.)
oo. Base of C. without black spot in adult; ♂ without red.
p. Eye rather large, 3 to 33 in head.
Pale, a silvery lateral band
A. 7. Scales 5-37-3. L. 3.
120. N. jejunus (Forbes). Slender; snout blunt; mouth rather
large, oblique; 16 scales before D.
over plumbeous. Head 4; depth 43.
Penn. to Kans. (Lat., hungry.)
121. N. scabriceps (Cope). Stout, head heavy, flattish above,
with blunt snout; mouth little oblique; eye 3 in head; lateral line
decurved; fins small. Olive, with a silvery plumbeous lateral band.
Head 4; depth 41. A. 8. Scales 6-38-3. Kanawha R. (Lat.
scaber, rough; ceps, head.)
pp. Eye very large, about 23 in head.
122. N. ariommus (Cope). Body stout, compressed; head
large; snout rather blunt; mouth moderate, oblique, the jaws
equal; eye much longer than snout, larger than in any other of
our Cyprinidae; 15 scales before D.; lateral line much decurved.
Olivaceous, sides silvery. Head 3; depth 41. A. 9. Scales
6–39–2. L. 5. Ind. to N. Ala. (api, an intensive prefix; oµµa,
eye; i. c. big-eyed.)
yy. Base of anal comparatively elongate, its rays 10 to 12; D. inserted
behind V.
q. Scales comparatively small, closely imbricated along sides; scales be-
fore D. small, 20 to 30; teeth with narrow grinding surface; nuptial
colors brilliant. (Lythrurus Jordan.)
r. A very distinct roundish black spot at base of first rays of D.
123. N. ardens (Cope). RED-FIN. Body more or less elon-
gate, strongly compressed; head rather pointed; mouth large,
rather oblique, the chin somewhat projecting; eye moderate; D.
high; about 30 scales before it; lateral line much decurved. 오
​very pale, the dorsal spot usually distinct; steel-blue, belly and
lower fins brick-red in spring. Head 44; depth 44. D. 8. A. 11
or 12. Scales 9-50-3. L. 31. Minn. to Va. and Tenn., abundant.
Very variable, but the varieties (lythrurus, atripes, cyanocephalus)
are hardly worthy of separate names. (Minnilus diplemius Jordan
& Gilbert; not diplemius Raf.) (Lat., burning.)
CYPRINIDÆ. - XXVI.
61
rr. No distinct black spot at base of D. in front.
s. Body rather deep and compressed, the depth 23 to 44 in length.
124. N. umbratilis (Girard). ♂ with the body very deep; ?
comparatively elongate; snout short and blunt; mouth terminal,
wide, oblique; lower jaw included; eye about 4 in head; 30 scales
before D. Olivaceous, thickly dusted with black specks; fins in
♂ all jet-black; paler or dusky in ?; body and fins flushed with red
in spring. Head 4; depth (male) 23. A. 10 or 11. Lat. 1. 40. L. 3.
Ill. to Kansas and S., locally common. Very variable. (N. macro-
lepidotus Forbes (Ill.) seems to be the same, but with 19 scales
before D.) (Lat., shady.)
ss. Body elongate, the depth even in males about the length.
125. N. lirus Jordan. Very slender; eye 3 in head. Color
pale, silvery; sides with a band of metallic blue; series of black
dots on bases of D. and A.; males with red fins. Head 41; depth
5. A. 10. Scales 8-45-4. L. 21. Tenn. and Ala. (λeɩpós, pale.)
qq. Scales comparatively large, not closely imbricated; scales before D.
large, in about 15 rows; teeth without grinding surface; D. inserted
behind V.; mouth oblique, the lower jaw scarcely shorter; elon-
gate, silvery species, the males usually with snout and base of dorsal
rosy. (Notropis.1)
t. Fins moderate, the ventrals extending beyond middle of dorsal.
126. N. photogenis (Cope). Slender, compressed; mouth ob-
lique, the jaws subequal; maxillary not quite to orbit; lateral line
decurved; eye large, 3 in head, as long as snout. Greenish, sides
silvery. Head 41; depth 5. A. 10. Scales 6-40-3. L. 3. Penn.
to W. Va. and S. (pás, light; yévus, cheek.)
127. N. telescopus (Cope). Similar to preceding, the D. farther
forward, not much behind V., midway between snout and C.; eye
very large, 24 in head; mouth oblique, the jaws subequal; scales
above dark-edged. Head 44; depth 5. A. 10. Scales 5-38-3.
L. 3. Tenn. R. (TηλeσкÓTOS, far-seeing.)
128. N. dilectus (Girard). Body moderately elongate, the back
scarcely elevated, the tail slender; head longer than in related spe-
cies, rather pointed; mouth rather large, oblique, the jaws subequal;
eye moderate, 4 in head. Olivaceous, sides silvery; vertebral line
faint. Head 41; depth 44. A. 10. L. 24. Ohio to Neb. and
Ark. Common. Much smaller than N. atherinoides, with longer
head. (Alburnellus rubrifrons and percobromus Cope.) (Lat.,
delightful.)
129. N. atherinoides (Rafinesque). Body comparatively elon-
gate, compressed, the back not elevated; head short, blunt; mouth
moderate, very oblique, maxillary reaching front of eye; eye large,
1 The species of this group are extremely closely related, and in some cases
scarcely distinguishable.
62
XII.
TELEOSTEI: EVENTOGNATHI.
31 in head, about equal to snout; fins low; dorsal well behind ven-
trals; lateral line decurved. Greenish, pale above; sides silvery ;
a dark vertebral line. Head 4; depth 5. A. 11. Scales 5-38–3.
L. 5. Great Lakes to Tenn., abundant in lakes and rapids in
rivers. Variable. (Alburnus rubellus Agassiz.) (Minnilus dine-
mus Raf., with shorter snout and smaller eye, is probably the same,
as also Alburnellus jaculus Cope; the latter, from Michigan and
S., is slenderer, depth 6 in length.) (Like Atherina.)
130. N. arge (Cope). Eye very large, longer than snout, 3 in
head; lateral line nearly straight; head large, the snout not very
blunt; mouth large, the chin projecting. Pale, the silver band on
sides bounded above by a blackish line; a dark vertebral streak.
Head 44; depth 6. A. 11. Scales 5-39-3. L. 31. Wabash Val-
ley (Evermann) and S. Mich.; slenderer than N. atherinoides,
with much larger eye, but very likely a variety. (ápyýs, shining
white.)
tt. Fins all small, the short V. not reaching vent, and barely to middle
of D.
131. N. micropteryx (Cope). Very slender, compressed; head
rather pointed; mouth large, oblique, the jaws subequal; eye mod-
erate, 3½ in head; lateral line decurved; D. inserted well behind
V. Pale dive; sides bright silvery, base of C. dusky. Head 41
depth 5. A. 10. Scales 6-39-2. L. 24. Ozark region, E. to
E. N. C., in mountain streams. (μikρós, small; πrépvέ, fin.)
57. ERICYMBA Cope. (¿pɩ, an intensive particle;
Kúμẞn, cavity.)
132. E. buccata (Cope). Body rather elongate, little com-
pressed, head long, with broad, prominent snout; mouth small,
subinferior, the lower jaw shorter. Suborbitals broad, silvery,
crossed by conspicuous translucent or silvery mucous channels, as
are also the interopercle and lower jaw; 15 scales before D.; lat-
eral line straightish; eye large, 4 in head. Olivaceous, sides silvery;
sexes alike. Head 4; depth 5. D. 8. A. 8. Scales 5-33-3.
L. 4. Mich. to Kans. and W. Fla., abundant in small, clear brooks,
remarkably distinguished by the structure of the bones of the head.
(Lat., big-jawed.)
58. PHENACOBIUS Cope. (pévaέ, deceptive; Bíos, life.)
a. Scales rather large, 40 to 52.
b. Breast scaly.
133. P. teretulus (Cope).
Body slender, subterete; snout
thick, decurved; mouth small; eye large, high up, 3½ in head.
Yellowish, darker above, a plumbeous lateral band. Head 43.
depth 42. D. 8. A. 7. Scales 6-43-5. L. 3. W. Va. (Lat.,
terete.)
CYPRINIDÆ. XXVI.
63
bb. Breast naked.
134. P. mirabilis (Girard). Body rather slender, the caudal
peduncle short; snout blunt, prominent; eye 4 in head. Pale
greenish, a silvery lateral band and a conspicuous black spot at
base of C. Head 41; depth 43. A. 7. Scales 6-50-5; lateral
line varying from 43 (var. scopifer Cope) to 52. L. 4. Ill. R.
to N. Texas, abundant; sexes similar. (Lat., wonderful.)
aa. Scales small, about 60 in lateral line; breast naked.
135. P. uranops Cope. Body very slender; tail long; head
long, flattish above; snout broad, blunt; mouth inferior, larger
than in other species; eye large, 3 in head, placed high and be-
hind middle of head; 24 scales before D. Head 42; depth 6.
A. 7. Scales 7-60-6. L. 4. Tenn. R. (oupavós, sky; &, eye.)
59. RHINICHTHYS Agassiz. (¡ív, snout; ixús, fish.)
a. Snout long and prominent, projecting notably beyond the mouth, about
twice length of eye in adult.
136. R. cataractæ (Cuv. & Val.). LONG-NOSED DACE. Body
elongate, subterete; eye nearly median, 5 in head; barbel evident;
P. enlarged in males. Dusky olive, irregularly mottled; no dis-
tinct lateral band; a dusky spot on opercle; male with lips, cheeks,
and lower fins crimson in spring. Head 41; depth 51. D. 8. A. 7.
Scales 14-65-8. L. 6. Mass. to Va. and Montana, in clear moun-
tain streams. Larger than the next and with longer snout. (Leu-
ciscus nasutus Ayres.) (Lat., of the cataract; first taken at
Niagara.)
aa. Snout moderate, projecting little beyond the small mouth; its length 1†
times eye.
137. R. atronasus (Mitchill). BLACK-NOSED DACE. Body
moderately elongate; head rather large; eye small, 4 in head;
fins small; barbel minute, sometimes obsolete. Blackish, the scales
mottled above; a black or brown lateral band, bordered above and
below by pale; spring ♂ with this band and lower fins crimson, the
color changing to orange in summer. Head 4; depth 43. D. 7. A.
7. Scales 4-63-8. L. 3. Maine to Iowa and Ala., very abundant
in all clear brooks. Variable. (Lat. ater, black; nasus, nose.)
60. HYBOPSIS Agassiz. (Nocomis Girard; Ceratichthys Baird.)
(ißós, gibbous; ovis, face.)
a. Species of moderate or small size, the mouth inferior, horizontal. Color
silvery; preorbital broad; sexes more or less alike. (Hybopsis.)
b. Eye moderate or small, 3 to 5 in head; barbel very long (rarely dupli-
cated); lower lip rather thick; D. usually more or less behind V.;
small, slender species.
C. Teeth 4-4.
d. Dorsal fin without black blotch; scales large.
64
XII.
TELEOSTEI.
EVENTOGNATHI.
1
e. Lower lobe of C. chiefly black; upper lobe pale; color pale, un-
spotted.
138. H. gelidus (Girard). Very slender; snout long, thick, blunt,
overhanging the rather large mouth; barbel as long as eye; eye
41 in head; fins all high; P. as long as head; C. deeply forked.
Head 4; depth 5. A. 7. Lat. 1. 44. L. 2. Missouri River, abun-
dant in the river channels but not ascending brooks; a singular
little fish. (Lat., frigid.)
ee. Lower lobe of C. pale, like the upper; body dusted with dark
specks.
139. H. hyostomus (Gilbert). Body and head very slender;
snout long, acute, projecting beyond mouth for half its length;
mouth short, wide, inferior; eye 31 in head; barbel long; P.large,
other fins small; 13 scales before D. Head 4; depth 5½. A. 8.
Lat. 1. 37. L. 21. Silvery, dusted with dark specks. Ind. to
Iowa. (Similar species are H. æstivalis Girard, Ark. to Mexico,
still more slender, with longer snout and much smaller eye, 4 in
head, and H. tetranemus Gilbert, Kansas, nearly like H. aestivalis,
but with two barbels on each side.) (ús, hog; σróμa, mouth.)
dd. Dorsal fin with a large black blotch on its last rays; scales small.
140. H. monachus (Cope). Body slender; head long and
slender; eye 4 in head; 24 scales before D. Olivaceous, sides
silvery; a black spot at base of C.; no lateral band; scales not
speckled. Head 4; depth 51. A. 8. Scales 8-56-4. L. 4. Tenn. R.
(Lat., solitary.)
bb. Eyes very large, 2 to 3 in head; barbels conspicuous; D. inserted more
or less before V.; body not conspicuously speckled.
f. Teeth 4-4; sides with dark blotches.
141. H. dissimilis (Kirtland). Body very long and slender;
head long, the snout blunt at tip, projecting beyond the small
mouth; eye 28 in head; P. long; 22 scales before D. Olivaceous,
with dusky lateral band, along which are several large round dusky
spots, the most distinct at base of C. Head 41; depth 51. D. 8.
A. 7. Scales 6-47-5. L. 5. Lake Erie to Ky. and Iowa. (Lat.,
unlike.)
ff. Teeth, 1, 4-4, 1 or 0.
g. Sides with a dark lateral band overlaid by silvery.
142. H. amblops (Rafinesque). Body slender, the head large,
flattish above; eye longer than snout, 3 in head; mouth small;
snout bluntly decurved; 16 scales before D. Greenish; sides with
a blackish or plumbeous band extending around snout, overlaid by
silvery. Head 4; depth 5. Scales 5-38-4. L. 4. Ohio Valley to
Ala., common. Smaller than the next, and somewhat different in
color. (àµßλús, blunt; √, face.)
CYPRINIDÆ. · XXVI.
65
gg. Sides bright silvery, without dusky shade.
143. H. storerianus (Kirtland). Body rather elongate; back
elevated; tail long. Head short, broad between eyes; eye equal
to snout, three in head; preorbital broad, conspicuous, silvery;
snout abruptly decurved, its tip fleshy; lateral line decurved; fins
high. Light olive, sides brightly silvery; fins all pale.
41; depth 4. D. 8. A. 8. Scales 5-42-4. L. 4 to 8.
to Neb. and Tenn., abundant in larger streams. (Ceratichthys
lucens Jordan.) (To David Humphreys Storer, author of Fishes
of Mass.)
Head
Ohio
aa. Species of large size, little silvery, the mouth nearly terminal; D. slightly
behind V. (Nocomis Girard.)
144. H. kentuckiensis (Rafinesque). HORNY HEAD. RIVER
CHUB. JERKER. Robust; head large, broad above, the snout long,
bluntish; mouth large, little oblique, the lower jaw shorter; eye
small; suborbitals narrow; barbel evident; scales not crowded
forwards, 18 before D. Bluish olive, with coppery shades; a dark
bar behind opercle; fins pale orange, unspotted; young with a
black spot at base C. Adult males in spring with a much swollen
crest and large tubercles; a round crimson spot on each side of
head. Head 4; depth 44. D. 8. A 7. Scales 6–41–4. Teeth
4–4 or 1, 4–4, 1. L. 10. Penn. to Dakota and Ala., very abundant
in the rivers, rarely in small brooks; variable. (Ceratichthys bigut-
tatus Kirtland.)
61. COUESIUS Jordan. (To Dr. Elliott Coues.)
a. Scales small, about 68 in the lateral line.
145. C. plumbeus (Agassiz). Body rather elongate; head
small; snout bluntish; mouth rather small, terminal; eye 4 in
head; D. above V. Dusky, a plumbeous lateral band, fins plain.
Head 5; depth 5. D. 8. A. 7. Scales 11-68-7. L. 6. Teeth
usually 2, 4-4, 2. N. N. Y. (Mather) to L. Superior, chiefly in
(Lat., leaden.)
or near cold lakes.
aa. Scales larger, about 60 in the lateral line.
146. C. dissimilis (Girard). Body more robust, with lateral
line more decurved. Mouth oblique, subterminal, resembling that
of Semotilus. Dusky. Head 41; depth 4. Lat. 1. 60. L. 6. Minn.
to Montana.
62. PLATYGOBIO Gill. (λarús, broad; Lat. gobio, gudgeon.)
147. P. gracilis (Richardson). FLAT-HEADED CHUB. Body
elongate; head short, small, very broad and depressed above, the
interorbital area 2 in head; mouth large, oblique; eye small, 6 in
head; fins large; 23 scales before D. Very pale, sides silvery,
5
66
TELEOSTEI: EVENTOGNATHI. — XII.
young with dusky lateral shade. Head 44; depth 4. D. 8. A. 8.
Scales 6-50-5. L. 12. Missouri Basin, abundant in river chan-
nels, N. to Saskatchewan, S. to Cairo, Ill. (Lat., slender.)
63. SEMOTILUS Rafinesque. (σnμa, banner; the remainder,
according to Rafinesque, means "spotted.")
a. Scales scarcely crowded anteriorly, about 8-45-5; no black spot at base
of dorsal in front.
148. S. bullaris (Rafinesque). FALL-FISH. CHUB. ROACH.
D. inserted midway between nostril and base of C.; barbel very
small; eye 4 in head; 22 scales before D. Bluish above, sides
silvery; fins plain. Head 4; depth 4. D. 8. A. 8. L. 18. Quebec
to Va., abundant E., the largest of the Cyprinidae E. of the Rocky
Mts. On the Pacific slope are species (Ptychocheilus, Mylopharo-
don, etc.) 5 to 6 feet in length. "The chub is a soft fish; it tastes
like brown-paper salted." (Thoreau.) (Lat., bulla, bubble.)
aa. Scales small, crowded anteriorly, about 10-54-7; lat. 1. 52 to 65; a round-
ish black spot at base of D. in front.
149. S. atromaculatus (Mitchill). HORNED DACE. CREEK
CHUB. D. inserted midway between pupil and base C.; body
robust; head large and broad; barbel minute, not evident in the
young; mouth large, lower jaw included; eye small; 30 scales be-
fore D. Dusky, little silvery, a dark bar at shoulder; young with
dark lateral band; more or less red and with coarse tubercles
in spring. Head 34; depth 4. D. 7. A. 8. L. 12, or less. W.
Mass. to Dakota, Va. and La., very abundant, especially in small
clear brooks. Variable. (Semotilus corporalis of authors, not of
Mitchill.) (Lat. ater, black; maculatus, spotted.)
64. PHOXINUS Agassiz. DACE.
(As here understood, a very large genus, one of the largest in
Ichthyology, comprising a great number of species, mostly of
Europe, Asia, and Western North America, distinguished from
Notropis, in general by the better developed dentition; the teeth
2, 4–5, 2, or 2, 5–5, 2, and by the larger size of the body; the
scales being in general smaller than in Notropis. We here unite
Squalius (lat. 1. complete) with Phoxinus (lat. 1. incomplete).
When we consider European species only, the two genera appear
to be widely separated, but the intergradation is almost perfect
when American species are taken into account. (Old name from
pogós, tapering.)
a. Lateral line complete (Squalius Bonaparte).
b. Teeth without grinding surface; caudal peduncle rather slender; anal
basis short.
CYPRINIDÆ.
67
XXVI.
c. Mouth very wide, the lower jaw much projecting, the maxillary reach-
ing to below pupil; body elongate, compressed; D. well behind V.;
scales quite small; size small. (Clinostomus Girard.)
d. Scales very small, 63 to 70 in the lateral line.
150. P. elongatus (Kirtland). Body elongate, compressed;
head long, pointed; mouth larger than in any other of our Cypri-
nidæ. Eye 4 in head; lateral line decurved. Dusky bluish, mottled
with paler; a broad black lateral band, the front half of which is
bright crimson in spring males. Head 4; depth 5. A. 9. Scales
10-70-5. L. 4. Penn. to Minn., chiefly northward, in clear
brooks. (Clinostomus proriger Cope.)
dd. Scales larger, 48 to 55 in the lateral line.
e. Mouth very large, the gape half head, the maxillaries reaching to
opposite middle of orbit.
151. P. estor (Jordan & Brayton). Body elliptical, compressed;
head very large; eye 4 in head; lateral line decurved; 23 scales
before D. Dark olive, mottled with darker; sides silvery; no broad
black lateral band; males largely crimson. Head 33; depth 44.
A. 8. Scales 8-50-5. L. 4. Cumberland and Tenn. Rivers
(Lat., devourer.)
ee. Mouth smaller, the maxillaries not reaching to opposite middle of
eye.
ƒ. Body deep, the depth in adult 33 in length.
152. P. vandoisulus (Cuv. & Val.). Head large; eye 3 in
head; bluish, some scales irregularly blackish; no black lateral
band; spring males rose-red, especially anteriorly. Head 3. A. 8,
lat. 1. 53. Va. to Ga., common. (Fr. vandoise, dace.)
ff. Body rather slender, the depth in adult 41.
153. P. funduloides (Girard). Head and mouth smaller than
in any of the preceding species. Eye 3 in head. Dusky, a dark
lateral band with a pale streak above it; males red below in
spring. Head 41. A. 8. Scales 9-48-4. Penn. to N. C. (Lat.,
like Fundulus.)
cc. Mouth moderate, terminal, oblique, the chin usually not projecting;
premaxillary below level of pupil, the maxillary not reaching
pupil. (Tigoma Girard.)
g. Anal short, with about 8 rays.
154. P. margaritus (Cope). Body robust, little compressed;
head blunt, thick, rounded; mouth small, the maxillary not to eye;
eye rather large; lateral line decurved; dorsal behind ventrals.
Dusky, sides plumbeous silvery, crimson in spring males. Head
4; depth 4. A. 8. Scales 11-58-8. L. 3. Susquehanna R. A
pretty fish, similar to the typical species of Phoxinus in all respects,
but the lateral line is complete. (Lat., pearly.)
68
TELEOSTEI: EVENTOGNATHI. — XII.
aa. Lateral line incomplete. (Phoxinus.)
g. Scales very small, 75 to 90 in the lateral line.
155. P. neogaus Cope. Body robust, little compressed; head
very large, broad, with blunt snout; mouth moderate, oblique;
the chin projecting, the maxillary beyond front of orbit. Eye 31
in head; dorsal well behind ventrals. Blackish, sides plumbeous
with a dusky lateral band; lower parts crimson in spring males.
Head 39; depth 44. A. 8. Scales 18-80-11. L. 3. Miss. Valley,
rare; the few specimens known, from Mich., Wis., and Ark. (véos,
new; yea, world; this being a near relative of the "Minnow" of
Europe, P. phoxinus L.).
gg. Scales moderate, 40 to 45 in the lateral line.
h. Body not very slender, the depth about 4 in length.
156. P. flammeus Jordan & Gilbert. Head rather short, the
snout bluntish; mouth small, oblique; the jaws equal, the maxil-
lary to front of eye; lateral line with pores on 14 scales; color of
preceding; the males largely scarlet; dark spot at base of C.
Head 4. A. 8. Scales 7-43-5. L. 23. Tenn. R. (Lat., flaming.)
hh. Body slender, the depth 54 in length.
157. P. milnerianus Cope. Mouth larger, the maxillary about
to pupil. Color of preceding; a dark spot at base of C. Head 4;
eye 3 in head. A. 8. L. 21. Upper Missouri R. (To James
W. Milner, of the U. S. Fish Comm.)
65. OPSOPOODUS Hay. (ỏоñоiew, to feed daintily; odoús,
tooth.)
158. O. emiliæ Hay. Body elongate, compressed; head short,
the snout blunt and rounded; mouth very small, terminal, ob-
lique, smaller than in any of our Cyprinida; jaws equal; eye
very large, 3 in head; D. behind V.; P. very small; breast naked;
16 scales before D.; lateral line usually incomplete. Yellowish,
sides silvery; a dark lateral stripe; D. with a black blotch on its
last rays. Head 42; depth 42. D. 9. A. 8. Scales 5-40-3. L.
24. S. Ind. to Ark. and Miss.; not common. (Trycherodon mega-
lops Forbes.) (To Mrs. Emily Hay.)
66. NOTEMIGONUS Rafinesque.
(vŵtos, back; hµɩ, half; yŵvos, angle.)
159. N. chrysoleucus (Mitchill). GOLDEN SHINER. BREAM.
Body more or less elongate, much compressed; head short, low,
compressed; mouth small, oblique, the maxillary not to eye; eye
moderate, or large, 3 to 4 in head; lateral line much decurved.
Greenish above, sides silvery with golden reflections; fins yel-
lowish. Sexes similar. Head 4; depth about 3. D. 8. A. 13
HIODONTIDE.
69
XXVII.
(12 to 14). Scales 10-51-3. L. 12. Maine to Dakota and La.,
everywhere abundant in sluggish or weedy waters.
S. E. (N. C. to Ala.) occurs var. bosci (Cuv. & Val.) with A.
longer, about 16; the scales larger, 8-43-2, and the lower fins scar-
let in males. The two forms intergrade and both are very varia-
ble. (Cyprinus americanus L., 1766, not of 1758) (xpvσós, gold;
λευκός, white.)
ORDER XIII. ISOSPONDYLI. (THE SAlmon, HERRING,
ETC.)
This order contains a great variety of soft-rayed fishes, which
agree in lacking the modified vertebræ and the falciform pharyn-
geals of the preceding order, and in having a more complex struc-
ture of the shoulder-girdle than the Haplomi. There are 20 or 25
families, most of them marine; some in the deep seas. (loos, equal;
σπóvoνλos, vertebra).
FAMILY XXVII. HIODONTIDE. (THE MOON-EYES.)
Body oblong, much compressed, covered with large, silvery cy-
cloid scales; head naked; mouth terminal, oblique; margin of
upper jaw formed by intermaxillaries mesially and by maxillaries
laterally; maxillaries entire ; no barbels; no adipose fin; lateral
line distinct; abdomen compressed, not serrated; moderate sized
teeth on jaws, vomer, sphenoid, hyoid, pterygoid, and palatine
bones; tongue with sharp canines; gill rakers few, short, thick;
eye very large; gill openings wide; one pyloric appendage; air-
bladder simple; no oviducts. One genus, with three species, inhab-
iting our Western Streams and the Great Lakes, handsome fishes,
of little value as food.
67. HIODON Le Sueur. (vocions, hyoid (bone); odwv, tooth.)
a. Belly strongly carinate, both before and behind V.; D. very small, of nine
developed rays.
160. H. alosoides (Rafinesque). Body deep, closely com-
pressed; snout blunter than in other species; eye moderate, 3 in
head; P. short, nearly as long as head, about reaching V.; longest
dorsal ray about half longer than base of fin; sides with golden
lustre. Head 4; depth 31. D. 9. A. 32. Scales 6-56-9. L. 12.
Ohio Valley to Saskatchewan R., common N. (Lat., alosa, shad;
eidos, form.)
aa. Belly scarcely carinate before V.; dorsal rays (developed) 12.
b. Belly carinate between V. and A.
161. H. tergisus Le Sueur. MOON-EYE. SILVER Bass.
TOOTHED HERRING. Snout rounded, shorter than the large eye,
which is 3 in head. Olivaceous, sides brilliantly silvery. Head
70
XIII.
TELEOSTEI: ISOSPONDYLI.
41; depth 3. D. 12. A. 28. Scales 5-56-7. L. 15. Great
Lakes and Mississippi Valley, abundant; one of our most beautiful
fresh-water fishes. (Lat., polished.)
bb. Belly nowhere carinate.
162. H. selenops Jordan & Bean. Body elongate, less com-
pressed; eye very large, 21 in head. Head 41; depth 4. D. 12
A. 27. Cumberland R. to Ala. (σeλývn, moon; w¥, eye.)
FAMILY XXVIII. ALBULIDÆ. (THE Lady-fishes.)
Body elongate, little compressed, covered with small, silvery
scales; head naked; snout conic, pig-like, overhanging the small,
inferior mouth; maxillary short, with supplemental bone; preorbi-
tal very broad; sides of upper jaw formed by maxillaries; eye
large, with an adipose eyelid; gill rakers tubercle-like; preopercle
with membranous edge; villiform teeth on jaws, vomer, and pala-
tines; coarse blunt teeth on tongue and roof of mouth; lateral line
present; belly flattish, not carinate; D. moderate, inserted before
V.; A. very small; no adipose fin; C. forked. One species, in
most warm seas.
68. ALBULA (Gronow) Bloch & Schneider. (Lat., white.)
163. A. vulpes (L.). LADY-FISH. BONE-FISH. MACABI.
A band of elongate scales along middle of back; brilliantly silvery.
Head 3; depth 4. D. 15. A. 8. Scales 9-71-7. L. 30. Warm
seas, N. to Cape Cod. (Lat., fox.)
FAMILY XXIX. ELOPIDÆ. (THE TARPUMS.)
Body elongate, more or less compressed, covered with silvery,
cycloid scales; mouth large, terminal, the lower jaw prominent;
maxillary long, of three pieces, forming side of upper jaw; an elon-
gate bony plate between branches of lower jaw (as in Amia); bones
of mouth almost all with villiform teeth; eye large, with an adipose
eyelid; gill rakers long and slender; belly not compressed, covered
with ordinary scales; D. over or behind V.; C. forked; no adipose
fin. Genera 2, species 4 or 5, in warm seas.
a. Body elongate, with small scales; A. smaller than D.; pseudobranchiæ
present. (Elopinœ.)
ELOPS, 69.
aa. Body oblong, compressed, with very large scales; no pseudobranchiæ;
last ray of D. much produced. (Megalopinæ.). MEGALOPS, 70.
69. ELOPS Linnæus. (λoy, name of some sea-fish.)
164. E. saurus L. TENPOUNDER. Silvery, darker above; gular
plate about three times as long as broad; eye large; tail very long;
C. deeply forked. Head 44; depth 51. D. 20. A. 13. Scales
12-120-13. L. 36. Warm seas, N. to Cape Cod; remarkable for
CLUPEIDE. XXX.
71
the development of membranous sheaths at bases of fins and else-
where. (σaupos, name of some sea-fish.)
70. MEGALOPS Lacépède. (µéyaλoų, large eye.)
165. M. atlanticus Cuv. & Val. TARPUM. TARPON. GRANDE
ÉCAILLE. SILVER-FISH. Sabalo. SAVANILLA. Brilliantly
silvery. Mouth large, its cleft oblique, extending beyond the very
large eye; lower jaw very prominent; D. inserted behind V.; dor-
sal filament as long as head. Head 4; depth 4. D. 12. A. 20.
Lat. 1. 42. L. 6 feet. West Indies and Gulf Coast, occasional N.
to Cape Cod; remarkable for its enormous scales, sometimes three
inches across.
FAMILY XXX. CLUPEIDA. (THE HERrings.)
Body oblong, covered with cycloid scales; head naked; side of
upper jaw formed by maxillaries; maxillaries composed of 2 or 3
pieces; teeth feeble or wanting; dorsal moderate; anal often very
long; caudal forked; no lateral line; no gular plate; branchios-
tegals 6 to 15; the tips of the larger ones abruptly truncate; pseu-
dobranchiæ present; gill rakers long and slender; gill openings
wide.
Genera about 17; species 120; found in most seas, many spe-
cies entering fresh water to spawn, a few remaining permanently.
Many are highly valued as food fishes. It is probable that the
Clupeidæ are more numerous in individuals than any other family
of fishes.
a. Maxillary large, of about three pieces; mouth terminal, the jaw scarcely
shorter; carnivorous fishes, with simple not muscular stomach.
b. Belly rounded, with ordinary scales; the body subterete, supplemental
bones of maxillary very narrow. (Dussumieriinœ.)
c. V. small, behind D.; teeth small, persistent.
ETRUMEUS, 71.
bb. Belly compressed to an edge and more or less serrated; body com-
pressed; bones of maxillary broad. (Clupeinæ.)
d. Scales with their posterior edges entire and rounded.
•
e. Last ray of D. not produced; scales loosely attached; vertebræ 47
to 56.
CLUPEA, 72.
ee. Last ray of D. produced in a long filament; scales rather firm;
vertebræ 48.
OPISTHONEMA, 73.
dd. Scales with their posterior margins vertical, and pectinate or fluted;
head very large; D. small, posterior..
Brevoortia, 74.
aa. Maxillary short and narrow, with a single supplemental bone; mouth
smail, inferior, the lower jaw much shorter; mud-eating fishes, with the
stomach muscular, like the gizzard of a fowl. (Durosominæ.)
f. Last ray of D. produced in a long filament.
DOROSOMA, 75.
71. ETRUMEUS Bleeker. (From the Japanese name.)
166. E. sadina (Mitchill). ROUND HERRING. Mouth small,
reaching front of orbit; eye large; fins all very small. Bluish,
72
TELEOSTEI: ISOSPONDYLI. — XIII.
sides silvery. Head 4; depth 6. D. 18; A. 13. L. 5. N. Y. to
Fla., scarce. (Alosa teres Dekay.) (Corruption of sardine.)
72. CLUPEA (Artedi) Linnæus. (Lat., herring.)
a. Vomer with an ovate patch of minute teeth; serratures on belly very
weak.
167. C. harengus L. COMMON HERRING. Body elongate,
the scales deciduous; cheeks longer than high; upper jaw scarcely
emarginate; gill rakers X + 40; D. inserted before V.; lower fins
small; peritoneum dusky. Blue, silvery on sides.
Head 4;
depth 41. D. 18. A. 17. Lat. 1. 57. Scutes, 28+ 13.
N. Atlantic, everywhere, S. to Cape Cod; spawns in the sea. (Eu.)
(Low Latin, herring.)
L. 12.
aa. Vomer without teeth; ventral serratures very strong; upper jaw emar-
ginate.
b. Cheeks notably longer than deep, the preopercle produced forward
below; body not very deep; depth 3 or more in length. (Pomolobus
Rafinesque.)
c. Teeth in jaws all disappearing with age, a small patch sometimes re-
maining on tongue.
d. Peritoneum pale.
168. C.mediocris Mitchill. TAILOR HERRING. FALL HER-
RING. MATTOWACCA. Head rather long, the profile straight and
not very steep; form more elliptical than in the next and less
heavy forwards; opercles less emarginate below; fins low. Bluish
above; sides with faint longitudinal streaks. Head 4; depth 3§.
D. 15. A. 21. Lat. 1. 50. Ventral scutes, 2016. Cape Cod to
Fla., chiefly S.
GASPEREAU.
169. C. pseudoharengus Wilson. ALEWIFE.
BRANCH HERRING. WALL-EYED HERRING. Body deep, heavy
forward; head short, nearly as deep as long; eye large, 31 in head;
gill rakers long, about X + 35; first ray of D. about equal to base
of fin; lower lobe of C. longer; fins rather high. Bluish, sides
silvery, with faint dark streaks along rows of scales; a round dark
spot at shoulder. Head 44; depth 3. D. 16. A. 19. Lat. l. 50.
Scutes 21+14. L. 15. Newfoundland to S. C., abundant, entering
streams to spawn; landlocked in lakes of W. N. Y. (Clupea ver-
nalis Mitchill, 1815, but according to Dr. Gill, the paper of Alex-
ander Wilson was published before 1814. See McDonald, Nat.
Hist. Aquat. Anim. 580, 594.) (yeûdos, false; herring.)
dd. Peritoneum black.
170. C. æstivalis Mitchill. GLUT-HERRING. BLUE-BACK.
BLACK-BELLY. SUMMER HERRING. Very close to the preced-
ing, the body more elongate, the fins lower, and the eyes smaller,
the back darker. First ray of dorsal not equal to base of fin.
CLUPEIDE, XXX.
73
Head 5; depth 3. With C. pseudoharengus, but running later,
less abundant and much less valuable as a food-fish. (Lat., belong-
ing to summer.)
cc. Teeth on jaws; usually persistent at tip of both jaws; peritoneum
pale.
171. C. chrysochloris Rafinesque. SKIP-JACK. Body ellipti-
cal; head slender, rather pointed; lower jaw strongly project-
ing; maxillary reaching posterior part of eye; eye large, 4 in
head; fins moderate; gill rakers not numerous, rather stout, about
X+23; opercles striate. Bright blue, sides with golden reflec-
tions. Head 38; depth 32. D. 16. A. 18. Lat. l. 52. Scutes 20+13.
L. 18. Miss. Valley, etc., abundant and resident in larger streams,
introduced into Great Lakes. Also in Gulf of Mexico. A hand-
some but lean and poor fish in the rivers, becoming excessively fat
in salt water. (xpvσós, golden; xλwpós, green.)
bb. Cheeks little if at all deeper than long, the preopercle scarcely pro-
longed forward below; body deep; depth of body 2 to 3; teeth few
or none. (Alosa Cuvier.)
172. C. sapidissima Wilson. SHAD. Body rather deep;
mouth large, the jaws subequal; gill rakers very long and slender,
X+40 to 60; fins low. D. nearer snout than C. Bluish, sides
more or less silvery; usually a dark blotch behind opercle, and
often several in a row behind this; peritoneum white. Head 41;
depth about 3. D. 15. A. 21. Lat. 1. 60. Scutes 21+16. L. 30.
Atlantic coast from the Miramachi to the Alabama, ascending
rivers to spawn; one of the best of food-fish. Introduced in Ohio
R. etc. (Superlative of Lat., sapidus, good to eat.)
73. OPISTHONEMA Gill. (öлσe, behind; vîμa, thread.)
173. O. oglinum (Le Sueur). THREAD HERRING. Body
compressed; belly strongly serrate; jaws toothless; dorsal filament
about as long as head. Bluish, silvery below; a bluish shoulder spot;
dark streaks along scales of back. Head 4; depth 34. D. 19. A.
24. Lat. l. 50. Scutes 17+11. L. 12. West Indies, N. to Cape
Cod.
74. BREVOORTIA Gill. (To James Carson Brevoort, late of
Brooklyn, N. Y.)
174. B. tyrannus (Latrobe). MENHADEN. MOSSBUNKER.
BUG-FISH. FAT-BACK. Body compressed, deep, heavy anteriorly;
no teeth; gill rakers very long and slender; scales very closely
imbricated, irregularly arranged; fins small. Bluish, sides silvery
or brassy; fins yellowish; a dark scapular blotch, behind which are
usually smaller spots. Head 31; depth 3. D. 19. A. 19. Lat. 1.
60 to 80. Scutes 20+12. L. 20. Cape Cod to Florida; very abun-
74
XIII.
TELEOSTEI: ISOSPONDYLI.
dant, spawning in sea; used for oil and manure. (A parasitic
crustacean, Oniscus prægustator Latrobe, is found in the mouth of
this fish. The names of both species refer to this fact; the ancient
Roman Emperors (tyranni) having had their tasters (prægusta-
tores) to try their food before them, to prevent poisoning.)
75. DOROSOMA Rafinesque. (dopós, lance; σôµa, body.)
175. D. cepedianum (Le Sueur). GIZZARI SHAD. HICKORY
SHAD. MUD SHAD. WHITE-EYED SHAD. HAIRY-BACK. Body
deep, compressed; the scales thin, deciduous; head small; snout
short, blunt; mandible enlarged at base; gill rakers very slender,
not very long; an adipose eyelid; D. about median, its filament
about as long as head; C. widely forked, its lower lobes longer;
belly sharply serrate. Bluish, sides silvery; young with a round
dark shoulder spot. Head 41; depth 2} (2 to 3); eye 4½ in head.
D. 12. A. 31. Lat. l. 56. Scutes 17+12. L. 15. Cape Cod to
Mexico; abundant S. entering all rivers; permanently resident
throughout the Miss. Valley. A handsome, mud-loving fish, nearly
worthless as food. (To Bernard Germain Etienne, Comte de La
Cépède, afterwards "Citoyen Lacépède.”)
FAMILY XXXI. STOLEPHORIDÆ. (THE ANCHOVIES.)
Body elongate, compressed, with thin, deciduous scales; mouth
very large; the pointed, pig-like snout, usually extending beyond
it; maxillary very long and slender, of about 3 pieces, extending
backward far beyond the eye; premaxillaries small; teeth usually
very small; eye large, well forward; gill rakers long and slender.
B. 7 to 14; no lateral line; belly rounded, or weakly serrate; no
adipose fin; C. forked. Small fishes swimming in large schools,
abundant in all warm seas. Genera 9, species about 65, most of
them belonging to Stolephorus.
a. Gill membranes scarcely connected; gill openings very wide; no pectoral
filaments; A. moderate, beginning behind D.; lower jaw included; max-
illary not extending beyond gill openings; teeth very small or wanting,
STOLEPHORUS, 76.
76. STOLEPHORUS Lacépède. (Engraulis Cuvier.) (σroλń,
a stole; popós, bearing, in allusion to the silvery band.)
a. Body compressed, moderately elongate, the depth more than one-fifth the
length; insertion of D. nearer C. than tip of snout.
b. Anal long, its rays about 26, its base 33 in body.
176. S. mitchilli (Cuv. & Val.). Snout rather blunt, little pro-
jecting; body much compressed; both jaws with teeth; eye very
large. Pale, a narrow, diffuse, silvery lateral band, little broader
than pupil. Head 34; depth 4. D. 14. A. 26. Lat. 1. 37. L. 24.
SYNODONTIDÆ.
75
XXXII.
Cape Cod to Texas, common S. (To Prof. Samuel Latham Mitch-
ill, of New York, an early ichthyologist.)
bb. Anal fin moderate, its rays about 20, its base 4 in body.
177. S. browni (Gmelin). Snout pointed, considerably pro-
jecting; belly somewhat serrated; eye 31 in head; teeth in both
jaws. Translucent, silvery band; sharply defined, about as broad
as eye. Head 3; depth 4. D. 15. A. 20. Lat. l. 40. L. 6. Cape
Cod to Brazil, exceedingly abundant S. (To Mr. P. Browne,
author of Nat. Hist. of Jamaica, in 1756.)
an. Body elongate, less compressed, the depth less than one-fifth the length;
insertion of D. midway between snout and C.
178. S. argyrophanus (Cuv. & Val.). Tail long and slender;
snout pointed, projecting; belly not serrated; eye 4 in head; teeth
in jaws present, feeble; anal short, its base 5 in body; silvery
lateral band broad, diffuse, broader than eye. Head 38; depth 6.
D. 14. A. 19. L. 4. Wood's Holl, Mass., and S. (S. eurystole
Swain & Meek.) (äpyupos, silver; paívw, to show.)
FAMILY XXXII. SYNODONTIDÆ. (THE LIZARD-FISHES.)
Body elongate, subterete, covered with cycloid scales; head de-
pressed; mouth very wide, its margin formed by the slender pre-
maxillaries; the maxillaries closely joined to them; teeth usually
strong, cardiform, the large ones often depressible; no barbels;
sides of head usually scaly; adipose fin usually present; D. short,
median; C. forked. Air-bladder small or wanting; skeleton weakly
ossified; no phosphorescent spots. Ovaries with an oviduct.
Genera 6 or 8; species about 25, mostly of deep waters in warm
regions. (More or less related to this family are several others:
Stomiatidæ, Scopelida, Chauliodontidæ, etc., found in the deep
waters off our coasts. Most of these deep-sea forms are provided
with phosphorescent spots. A very full account of them has been
lately published by Dr. Günther, Deep-sea Fishes of the Chal-
lenger Exped.)
a. Teeth not barbed; maxillary not dilated behind; teeth on palatines in a
single band on each side; shore-fishes.
SYNODUS, 77.
77. SYNODUS (Gronow) Bloch & Schneider.
(ovvódovs, ancient name of some fish).
179. S. fœtens (L.). LIZARD-FISH. SNAKE-FISH. Dorsal
slightly higher than long; snout longer than broad; lower jaw in-
cluded; scales of cheeks in 7 rows; ventrals 2 in head. Olivaceous,
back mottled; top of head vermiculated; V. and mouth yellow.
Head 4; depth 6 or 7. D. 11. A. 11. Scales 4-64-6. L. 12.
Cape Cod to Fla., on sandy coasts. (Lat., ill-scented.)
76
TELEOSTEI: ISOSPONDYLI, - XIII.
FAMILY XXXIII. ARGENTINIDA. (THE SMELTS.)
The smelts may be looked upon as reduced Salmonida, the only
important difference being in the form of the alimentary canal.
The stomach is a blind sac, the oesophagus and the pylorus opening
close together, and the pyloric cœca are very few or wanting,
Genera 7 or 8, species about 20, chiefly small fishes of the North-
ern Seas, some of them descending to considerable depths. All are
silvery and none have phosphorescent spots.
a. Mouth large; V. before middle of D.
b. Scales very small, some of them modified in males; teeth feeble; P.
large, of 16 to 20 rays, adipose fin with long base. MALLOTUS, 78.
bb. Scales moderate, all alike; teeth stronger, those on tongue enlarged;
P. moderate, of about 12 rays; adipose fin short. OSMERUS, 79.
78. MALLOTUS Cuvier. (paλλwrós, villous).
•
•
180. M. villosus (Müller). CAPELIN. ICE-FISH. Dusky,
sides grayish. Old males with scales above lateral line and on
side of belly, elongate, closely imbricate, forming villous bands.
Head 41; depth 6. D. 12. A. 18. Lat. l. 150. L. 12. Arctic,
S. to Maine.
79. OSMERUS (Artedi) Linnæus. (ooμnpós, odorous.)
(οσμηρός,
a. Vomer with 2 to 4 fang-like teeth; lat. 1. about 68.
181. O. mordax (Mitchill). SMELT. FROST-FISH. Greenish,
sides with a silvery band; back with dark points; teeth strong,
gill rakers shortish, eye. Head 4; depth 61. D. 10. A. 15.
Lat. l. 68. L. 12. Nova Scotia to Va., entering rivers, sometimes
land-locked. (Lat., biting.)
FAMILY XXXIV. SALMONIDA.¹ (THE SALMON.)
Body oblong, covered with cycloid scales; head naked; mouth
terminal or subinferior, of varying size; teeth various; maxillary
with supplemental bone, forming side of upper jaw; pseudobran-
chiæ present; no barbels; D. median; an adipose fin; C. forked;
V. median; lateral line present; belly not compressed; vertebræ
about 60. Stomach siphonal, with 15 to 200 pyloric cœca. Eggs
large; no oviduct. Genera 8; species about 80; peculiar to the
northern regions, most of them in fresh waters, the larger species
ascending rivers to spawn. In beauty, activity, gaminess, quality
as food, and even in size of individuals, different members of this
group stand easily with the first among fishes.
a. Jaws toothless or nearly so; scales large; A. rather elongate (10 to 12
rays); maxillary short and broad.
COREGONUS, 80.
1 For a detailed account of the fishes of this family see Jordan, Science Sketches,
p. 35.
SALMONIDÆ.
77
XXXIV.
aa. Jaws with distinct teeth; scales smaller.
b. Dorsal very long and high, of about 20 rays; scales medium; tongue
toothless.
THYMALLUS, 81.
bb. Dorsal moderate, its rays 9 to 15; tongue with teeth; teeth strong; A.
short, of 9 to 11 developed rays.
c. Vomer flat, its toothed surface plane, the teeth on its shaft in one or
two rows, sometimes deciduous; species black-spotted, with con-
spicuous scales.
SALMO, 82.
cc. Vomer boat-shaped, the shaft strongly depressed, without teeth;
scales very small, more or less imbedded; species with red or gray
spots.
SALVELINUS, 83.
80. COREGONUS (Artedi) Linnæus. WHITE-FISHES.
(This genus contains about forty species, lake-fishes of northern
regions, usually spawning in shallow waters or in brooks in late
fall or winter. All are excellent food-fishes, and all are very varia-
ble.) (The old name, of uncertain origin.)
a. Lower jaw included; premaxillaries broad, placed more or less vertically,
or the lower edge turned inward; the cleft of the mouth less than one-
third the head.
b. Gill rakers short, thickish, about X + 16; preorbital broad, wider than
pupil; maxillary short, broad, not reaching to eye; the supplemental
bone narrowly elliptical; supraorbital broad; mouth very small.
(Prosopium Milner.)
182. C. quadrilateralis Richardson.
FISH.
ROUND-FISH. PILOT-
SHAD-WAITER. MENOMONEE WHITE-FISH. Body sub-
terete, the back broad; maxillary 5 in head; head long, the snout
compressed and bluntly pointed; preorbital wider than pupil.
Dark bluish, sides paler. Head 5; depth 44. D. 11. A. 10.
Scales 9-85-8. N. H. to L. Superior, Alaska, and N. Through-
out the Rocky Mountains is found a closely related species, C. wil-
liamsoni Girard, with shorter snout and longer maxillary. (Lat.,
4-sided).
bb. Gill rakers numerous, long and slender, X + 20 to 25; preorbital long
and narrow; maxillary rather long, the supplemental bone ovate.
(Coregonus.)
c. Tongue toothless; body robust, elevated at the shoulders in the adult;
the head very small, especially in old examples.
183. C. clupeiformis (Mitchill). COMMON WHITE-FISH.
Snout bluntish, obliquely truncate; preorbital not half pupil; max-
illary past front of orbit, 4 in head; eye large; gill rakers eye.
Color pale, scarcely silvery. Head 5 to 6; depth 2 to 4. D. 11.
A. 11. Scales 8-74-9. L. 30. Great Lakes and N.; by far the
most valuable of the American white fishes. Very variable; feeds
on minute organisms. (Clupea, herring; forma, shape.)
cc. Tongue with about 3 series of small teeth; body rather elongate; the
back scarcely elevated.
78
XIII.
TELEOSTEI: ISOSPONDYLI.
184. C. labradoricus Richardson. SAULT WHITE-FISH.
MUSQUAW RIVER WHITE-FISH. " WHITING." Head com-
pressed, rather long; mouth rather small, the jaws equal; maxillary
to front of pupil; eye 44 in head; supraorbital narrow; D. high
in front, its last rays short. Bluish, sides little silvery; fins dusky.
Head 4; depth 4. D. 11. A. 11. Scales 9-80-8. L. 20.
White Mts. to Labrador and L. Superior; abundant N.
aa. Lower jaw projecting; premaxillaries narrow, not vertically placed; pre-
orbital elongate; gill rakers very long and slender, about X + 30; the
cleft of the mouth 21 to 3 in the head.
d. Body elongate, herring-shaped; scales small, uniform, the free edges
convex. (Argyrosomus Agassiz.)
e. Lower fins pale, or tipped with dusky.
f. Scales brilliantly silvery, without dark specks.
185. C. hoyi (Gill). LAKE MOON-EYE.
LAKE MOON-EYE. CISCO OF LAKE
MICHIGAN. Head rather long, lower jaw barely included; maxil-
lary 3 in head to middle of pupil; eye very large, 31 in head; lower
jaw little projecting; gill rakers nearly as long as eye; fins low;
free edge of D. very oblique. Color bluish, sides brilliantly silvery,
as in Hiodon and Albula. Head 44; depth 42. D. 10. A. 10.
Scales 7-75-7. L. 12. Smallest and prettiest of our white-fishes,
from Skaneateles L., N. Y., to L. Mich., in deep water. (To Dr.
Philo R. Hoy, of Racine, Wis.)
ff. Scales more or less punctulate with darker.
186. C. artedi Le Sueur.
LAKE HERRING. CISCO. MICHI-
GAN HERRING. Maxillary 3 in head, reaching middle of pupil;
eye 4 to 5 in head. Bluish or greenish, sides silvery; scales and
fins with dark specks. Head 41; depth 41. D. 10. A. 12. Scales
8-75 to 90-7. L. 15. Great Lakes to Labrador; very abundant,
usually in shoal waters, also land-locked in lakes of N. Ind. and
Wis. (var. sisco Jordan), where it lives in deep water, spawn-
ing near shore in December. (To Peter Artedi, the "father of
ichthyology.")
ee. Lower fins blue-black.
187. C. nigripinnis (Gill). BLUE-FIN. Body more robust than
in C. artedi; mouth large; eye 4 in head; teeth present, minute.
Dark bluish, sides silvery, punctulate. Head 4; depth 34. D. 10.
A. 12. Scales 9-88-7. L. 20. L. Mich., in deep water. (Lat.,
niger, black; pinna, fin.)
dd. Body short, deep, compressed; the curve of back similar to that
of belly; scales large, larger forwards, closely imbricated; the
free margin little convex. (Allosomus Jordan.)
188. C. tullibee Richardson. TULLIBEE. "MONGREL WHITE-
FISH." Head much as in C. nigripinnis; maxillary as long as
eye; jaws equal when closed; eye as long as snout, 41. Bluish,
SALMONIDÆ.
79
XXXIV.
silvery; outside dotted, the
Head 4; depth 3. D. 11.
Great Lakes, N., scarce. (An
sides white; centre of each scale
sides thus with faint pale stripes.
A. 11. Scales 8-74-7. L. 18.
Indian name.)
81. THYMALLUS Cuvier. (Oúµaλλos, ancient name of the
Grayling.)
189. T. signifer Richardson. AMERICAN GRAYLING. Body
compressed, rather elongate; head short, subconic; mouth moder-
ate, the maxillary to middle of eye; jaws subequal; teeth on tongue
disappearing with age; eye large, 3 in head; a bare space on
breast; gill rakers slender, X+11; D. very high, especially in
males, highest in specimens from far North. Purplish gray, with
small black spots; ventrals dusky, with pale lines; dorsal highly
variegated, with crimson and dusky streaks and greenish and rose-
colored spots. Head 44; depth 4. D. 20. A. 10. Scales 8-90
to 100-9. L. 18. Arctic America, in clear, cold streams. The
Michigan Grayling is var. ontariensis Cuv. & Val. (=T. tricolor,
Cope), with rather longer head and lower dorsal, its height rarely
greater than depth of body; in a few streams in N. Mich. and Mon-
tana; a remnant perhaps of the glacial fauna. (Lat., bearing a
banner.)
82. SALMO (Artedi) Linnæus. (Lat., salmon, originally from
salio, to leap.)
(Besides the native Salmon, the following species have been
introduced into waters within our limits: Salmo fario L., the
"Brook-trout," or "Brown Trout," of Europe, with the vomerine
teeth well developed and the scales rather large, about 120. Salmo
gairdneri Richardson, the “Rainbow Trout" of California, similar
to the last, and with about 130 scales. Salmo mykiss Walbaum,
the Red-throated or Rocky Mountain Trout, with larger mouth
and the scales about 175. Besides this, the great Salmon of the
Columbia, the Quinnat or King Salmon, Oncorhynchus tschawytscha
(Walbaum), has been introduced. This, the most valuable of all
Salmonidæ, may be known by the presence of 16 anal rays, and by
the black spots on back and upper fins. Its scales are about 145.)
a. Marine Salmon, anadromous, with the vomerine teeth little developed,
those on the shaft of the bone few and deciduous; scales large (lat. 1.
120); C. deeply lunate, truncate in old age; no hyoid teeth; sexual
differences strong; breeding males with the lower jaw hooked upwards,
the upper emarginate or perforate, to receive its tip (Salmo).
190. S. salar Linnæus. COMMON SALMON. Mouth moderate,
maxillary reaching past eye, 2 to 3 in head; preopercle with a
distinct lower limb. Brownish above, the sides silvery; many black
spots on head, body and fins, these sometimes X-shaped; sides with
80
XIII.
TELEOSTEI: ISOSPONDYLI.
red patches in males; young (parr; smolt) with dark cross-bars
and red spots. Head 4; depth 4. B. 11. D. 11. A. 9. Scales
23–120-21; vert. 60; pyl. cæca 65; usual weight 15 pounds, but
often much larger. N. Atlantic, S. to N. Y. and France, ascend-
ing all suitable rivers; often (var. sebago Girard), land-locked in
lakes. One of the best known and most valued of food-fish. Vari-
able. (An old name, from salio, to leap.) (Eu.)
83. SALVELINUS (Nilsson) Richardson. CHARRS. (An o'd
name, allied to the German, Sälbling.)
(The species of this group are in general smaller, finer, hand-
somer, and more wary than the Salmon, and they inhabit in general
colder waters. Besides the native species, attempts have been
made to introduce the following: Salvelinus alpinus L., the Euro-
pean charr, Sälbling, or Ombre Chevalier, a species very close to
S. oquassa and S. malma (Walbaum), the "Dolly Varden Trout,”
or "Bull Trout" of the Rocky Mountain slope; very close to S.
fontinalis, the back as well as the sides, with red spots).
a. Hyoid bone (base of tongue) with a band of strong teeth (besides the
usual teeth around edge of tongue); head of the vomer with a raised
crest, which projects backward, free from and parallel with the shaft;
this crest with teeth; lake trout, very large, spotted with gray. (Cristi-
vomer Gill & Jordan.)
191. S. namaycush (Walbaum). GREAT LAKE TROUt.
MACKINAW TROUT. SALMON TROUT (of the Lakes, not of
England, nor of Oregon, nor of the Gulf of St. Lawrence).
LONGE. TOGUE. Head very long; mouth very large, the maxil-
lary reaching much beyond eye, 2 in head; teeth very strong;
C. well forked. Dark gray, varying in shade; everywhere with
round pale spots; head above, and D. and C. reticulate with
darker; eye large. Head 44; depth 4. B. 12. D. 11. A. 11.
Lat. 1. 185 to 205. L. 3 feet or more. Great Lake region, and
lakes from New Brunswick to Montana, British Columbia and
Alaska, abundant, variable. A food-fish of high value. In Lake
Superior is found var. siskawitz Agassiz, the Siscowet, similar, but
less elongate and inordinately fat. (Indian name.)
aa. Hyoid bone with a very few feeble teeth or with none; vomer with teeth
on its head only and without posterior crest; red-spotted species. (Sal-
velinus.)
b. Hyoid teeth none; head large, 4 to 4 in length; red spots of body on
sides only.
192. S. fontinalis (Mitchill). BROOK TROUT.¹
SPECKLED
TROUT. Head large, the snout bluntish; mouth large, the maxil-
1 "This is the last generation of trout fishers. The children will not be able to find
any. Already there are well trodden paths by every stream in Maine, in New York,
and in Michigan. I know of but one river in North America by the side of which you
SALMONIDÆ.
81
XXXIV.
lary reaching beyond eye; eye large; C. lunate, forked in young.
Dusky greenish, sides with red spots mostly smaller than pupil;
back mostly unspotted, barred or mottled with dark; D. and C.
mottled or barred; lower fins dusky, with an orange band followed
by a darker one; belly mostly red in males. Very variable. Sea-
run individuals (var. immaculatus H. R. Storer) are silver-gray,
nearly plain, and they reach a large size. Specimens from Dublin
Pond, N. H. (var. agassizii Garman) are likewise pale, looking like
Lake Trout. Head 41; depth 4½. D. 10. A. 9. Scales 37-230–30.
Gill rakers 6 + 11. L. 5 to 20. Greatest weight about 11 pounds.
Our finest game fish, abounding in clear cold streams from Maine
to Dakota and N. to Arctic Circle; S. in Mts. to Chattahoochee R.
(Lat., living in fountains.)
bb. Hyoid teeth present, feeble, often lost; head smaller (about 5 in length);
mouth small, the maxillary scarcely reaching past middle of eye.
c. Gill rakers curled at the ends.
193. S. aureolus Bean. SUNAPEE LAKE TROUT. Maxillary
reaching middle of eye, 23 in head; eye a little longer than snout,
44 in head; P. largest in ♂. Brownish, sides silver gray, with small
orange spots above and below lateral line; C. grayish; belly orange;
A. orange, edged before with white; V. orange, with white band
on outer rays; no mottlings anywhere. Head 4; depth 4. D. 9.
A. 8. Scales 35-210-40. L. 12, or more. Sunapee Lake, N. H.,
very close to S. oquassa, but reaching a larger size. (Lat., gilded.)
cc. Gill rakers straight.
194. S. oquassa (Girard). BLUE-BACK TROUT. RANGELEY
LAKE TROUT. Body elongate, compressed; head small, flattish
above; eye 3 in head; P. and V. not elongate; C. deeply lunate;
opercles without striæ. Dark blue, the red spots smaller than
pupil, on sides only; traces of dark bars on sides; lower fins varie-
gated as in other charrs. Head 5; depth 5. D. 10. A. 9. Lat.
1. 230. Gill rakers 6+11. L. 12. Smallest and prettiest of our
Salmonidæ, and most like the European Salvelinus alpinus, found
only in the Rangeley Lakes in S. W. Maine, and (S. naresi Gün-
ther), in some lakes in Arctic America. Perhaps a variety of S.
stagnalis Fabricius, of Greenland. (From Oquassoc, one of the
Rangeley Lakes.)
will find no paper collar or other evidence of civilization. It is the Nameless River.
Not that trout will cease to be. They will be hatched by machinery and raised in
ponds and fattened on chopped liver, and grow flabby and lose their spots. The
trout of the restaurant will not cease to be. He is no more like the trout of the
wild river than the fat and songless reed-bird is like the bobolink. Gross feeding
and easy pond life enervates and depraves him. The trout that the children will
know only by legend is the gold-sprinkled living arrow of the White-water, able to
zigzag up the cataract, able to loiter in the rapids, whose dainty meat is the glancing
butterfly." (Myron W. Reed.)
6
82
TELEOSTEI: HAPLOMI. — XIV.
FAMILY XXXV. PERCOPSIDÆ. (THE TROUT PERCHES.)
Body elongate, covered with moderate-sized, thin, strongly ctenoid
scales; head naked; no barbels; opercles well developed; gill open-
ings wide; an adipose fin; mouth small, horizontal; teeth very
small, villiform; no teeth on vomer or palate; margin of upper
jaw formed by premaxillaries alone, these short and not protrac-
tile; gill rakers tubercle-like; cavernous structure of the skull
highly developed, as in Stelliferus, Acerina and Ericymba; fins much
as in Salmonida; pellucid; branchiostegals 6; stomach siphonal
with about 10 pyloric cæca; ova large; no oviduct. A single spe-
cies inhabiting cold fresh waters in the northern U. S. Interest-
ing little fishes, with the general characters of Salmonida, but
having the mouth and scales decidedly Perch-like.
84. PERCOPSIS Agassiz. (Téρкη, perch; ois, appearance.)
195. P. guttatus Agassiz. TROUT PERCH. Silvery; upper
parts with rounded dark spots made up of minute dots; lower jaw
included; tail long. Head 34; depth 43. D. 11. A. 8. Lat. 1.
50. L. 10. Great Lakes and tributaries, rarely S.; Ohio R.
(Jordan); Potomac R. (Baird); Delaware R. (Abbott); Kansas
(Gill). (Lat., spotted.)
ORDER XIV. HAPLOMI. (THE PIKE-LIKE FISHES.)
This order differs from the other soft-rayed fishes, chiefly in the
simpler structure of the shoulder girdle, which lacks the præcoracoid
arch. There is never an adipose dorsal; the dorsal is posterior in
position and the head is depressed and usually more or less scaly.
The pseudobranchiæ are wanting or glandular. The group is made
up chiefly of fresh-water species. (árλóos, simple; wμos, shoulder.)
FAMILY XXXVI.
AMBLYOPSIDÆ
FISHES.)
(THE CAVE
Body elongate, with long depressed head; mouth large, the lower
jaw projecting; premaxillaries scarcely protractile, forming whole
edge of upper jaw; teeth villiform; eyes sometimes rudimentary
and concealed under the skin; head naked, with papillary ridges;
body with small, cycloid scales, irregularly arranged; no lateral
line; D. far back, opposite A.; C. rounded; V. small, or wanting;
vent at the throat, as in Aphredoderus; gill membranes joined to
isthmus; stomach cæcal, with pyloric appendages; some (and
probably all) viviparous. Genera 3; species 5.
Fishes of small size living in subterranean streams and ditches of
the central and southern U. S., probably remnants of an ancient
fauna.
CYPRINODONTIDÆ. — XXXVII.
83
a. Eyes rudimentary, concealed under the skin; body colorless; one pyloric
cæcum.
b. Ventrals present, small.
bb. Ventrals entirely wanting.
•
AMBLYOPSIS, 85.
TYPHLICHTHYS, 86.
aa. Eyes well developed; body colored; no ventrals; two pyloric cæca.
CHOLOGASTER, 87.
85. AMBLYOPSIS DeKay. (ảµ‚¾λús, obtuse; ö↓ɩs, vision.
196. A. spelæus DeKay. BLIND FISH OF THE MAMMOTH
CAVE. Head 3; depth 41; D. and A. equal, well developed; head
and body with papillary ridges; scales small; colorless. D. 10. A.
9. V. 4. P. 11. L. 2 to 5. Subterranean streams of Ky. and
Ind., Mammoth Cave, etc. (Lat., living in caves.)
"If the Amblyopses be not alarmed, they come to the surface to feed, and
swim in full sight, like white aquatic ghosts. They are then easily taken by
the hand or net if perfect silence be preserved, for they are unconscious of the
presence of an enemy except through the sense of hearing. This sense is
however very acute; for at any noise, they turn suddenly and hide beneath
stones at the bottom. They take much of their food near the surface, as the
life of the depths is apparently very sparse. This habit is rendered very easy
by the structure of the fish, for the mouth is directed upwards, and the head
is very flat above, thus allowing the mouth to be at the surface." (Cope.)
86. TYPHLICHTHYS Girard. (τυφλός, blind; ἰχθύς, fish.)
197. T. subterraneus Girard. General character of A.
spelæus, but the head rather blunter and broader forwards; the
mouth smaller. D. 8. A. 8. P. 12. L. 2. Caves and wells in Ky.,
Tenn., Ala.; as common as the preceding, of which it is perhaps a
variation.
87. CHOLOGASTER Agassiz. (xwλós, maimed; yaoσrip, belly.)
198. C. agassizii Putnam. Eyes large; uniform light brown;
fins speckled. P. a little more than half way to D. Head 4;
depth 4. D. 9. A. 9. L. 14. Subterranean streams in Tenn.
and Ky. A closely related species (C. cornutus Ag.), is known
from a rice-ditch in S. C. (For Louis Agassiz.)
199. C. papilliferus Forbes. Yellowish brown, dark above;
sides with three dark streaks, the middle streak pale behind head;
C. dark, with cross-rows of white specks; eye small, 6 in head,
above and well behind maxillary; P. reaching half way to D.; body
with tactile papillary ridges. Head 31. L. 1 inch. Cave spring,
Union Co., Ill. (Lat., bearing papillæ.)
FAMILY XXXVII. CYPRINODONTIDÆ. (THE KILLI-
FISHES.)
Body oblong, depressed in front, more or less compressed be-
hind, covered with adherent cycloid scales; no lateral line; head
scaly; mouth small, terminal, extremely protractile; the edge of
84
TELEOSTEI: HAPLOMI. XIV.
upper jaw formed by premaxillaries; teeth various; gill membranes
somewhat connected, free from isthmus; B. 4 to 6; D. single,
inserted posteriorly, rarely preceded by a spine; C. not forked;
stomach siphonal, without pyloric cæca; sexes unlike; some spe-
cies ovoviviparous. Genera 30; species 140; in fresh and brackish
waters of all warm regions. Most of them are small in size, and
some species of Heterandria are perhaps the smallest of fishes. The
species here mentioned are carnivorous, surface swimmers; many
southern species feed on mud and slime.
a. Intestinal canal short, but little convoluted; dentary bones firmly united;
teeth fixed; carnivorous species.
b. Oviparous species, the anal fin of the male not modified into an intromit-
tent organ. (Cyprinodontinæ.)
c. Teeth in a single series, incisor-like, notched; dorsal of 10 or 11 rays,
the first ray small; gill openings restricted above; body stout and
deep.
·
•
cc. Teeth pointed; ventrals present; air-bladder present.
e. Teeth in more than one series.
CYPRINODON, 88.
f. Dorsal rather large, well forward; its rays usually 11 to 18, the
first above or in front of A.
FUNDULUS, 89.
f. Dorsal small and posteriorly placed, its rays 7 to 10; the first
generally behind front of the small anal; size small.
ZYGONECTES, 90.
ee. Teeth in one series; D. inserted before A.; D. and A. short, of 9
•
to 13 rays.
LUCANIA, 91.
bb. Ovoviviparous species, the anal fin of the male advanced and modified
into a sword-shaped intromittent organ. (Anablepinæ.)
g. Eye normal, not divided by crosswise partition; jaws short;
fins small; D. inserted behind A. .
GAMBUSIA, 92.
88. CYPRINODON Lacépède. (купрîvos, carp; ódwv, tooth.)
200. C. variegatus Lacépède. Body short, deep, compressed;
humeral scale 4 times size of others; ♂ steel-blue, more or less
copper-red below; C. with black bar at base and tip; Q oliva-
ceous, sides silvery, with irregular dark cross-streaks; a dark spot
on D. behind. Head 3; depth in adult about 2. D. 10. A. 10.
Scales 25-12. L. 2 to 4 inches, southern specimens being larger
and more brightly colored. Cape Cod to Texas, in brackish
waters.
89. FUNDULUS Lacépède. (Lat., fundus, bottom; they
often bury in the mud.)
a. Scales comparatively large, about 36 in a lengthwise series, 13 in a cross-
series.
b. Branchiostegals 6; with dark cross-bars and a black dorsal spot; ?
with longitudinal black bands.
201. F. majalis (Walbaum). KILLIFISH. MAY-FISH. Head
long, with long snout; D. moderate; A. very high in ♂; eye mod-
erate; olivaceous, brassy on sides; with about 12 bars of color
CYPRINODONTIDE.
85
XXXVII.
of back; a black spot on D.; lower fins sometimes yellow, and top
of head black; ? much larger than ♂, paler, a black band on
level of eye with two shorter bands below it; one or two black
cross-bars at base of C. Head 3º; depth 4. D. 12. A. 10. Scales
36-13. L. 6. Cape Cod to Fla.; the largest of the genus, common
in shallow bays. S. occurs F. similis Baird & Girard, with scales
33, and both sexes resembling of F. majalis. (Lat., pertaining
to May.)
bb. Branchiostegals 5: ♂ with silvery spots and bars; nearly plain oliva-
ceous; young with black cross-bars.
202. F. heteroclitus (Linnæus). COMMON KILLIFISH. MUм-
MICHOG. MUD-FISH. Body short, deep, the head short, broad;
eye about equal to snout; dark green, sometimes orange below,
sides with scattered yellowish spots, sometimes running into silvery
cross-bars; vertical fins dark, with pale spots, usually a black spot
on D.; young with 9 or 10 silvery bars; young Q with 9 or 10
black bars; adult nearly plain. Head 33; depth 31. D. 11.
A. 10. Scales 35-12. L. 2 to 5. Maine to Mexico; everywhere
common along shore, in shallow water; S. specimens (var. grandis
Baird & Girard) larger and brighter. (F. pisculentus Mitchill;
F. nigrofasciatus Le Sueur.) (repos, different; Kλrús, slope.)
aa. Scales moderate, 43 to 50 in longitudinal series.
c. Dorsal inserted before A.; sides with many dark cross-bands.
203. F. diaphanus (Le Sueur). Body rather slender; head
slender, flat above; fins low. Olivaceous, sides silvery, with 15 to
25 narrow dark cross-bands; fins nearly plain. Western specimens,
var. menona Jordan & Copeland (Ohio, W.) have the bands very
distinct, and somewhat irregular; the back always spotted; some-
times silvery cross-bands replace the darker. E. specimens (Cay-
uga L., N. Y. Bay) have the back plain, the bands faint and
A. 11. Scales 46-12.
regular. Head 31 to 4; depth 5. D. 13. A. 11.
L. 4. Great Lakes and tributaries, E. to coast of Mass., S. to N.
Ind., W. to Colorado, ascending clear streams to their sources, also
in lakes and river mouths.
cc. D. inserted over front of A.; sides with regular series of orange or
brown spots.
204. F. catenatus (Storer). STUD-FISH. Body long, com-
pressed; head broad; color greenish; ♂ with an orange spot on
each scale, with smaller brown spots, these forming continuous
stripes. Head 4; depth 4. D. 14. A. 15. L. 7. Mountain
streams, E. Tenn. and Ozark region; very pretty. In Alabama
R. is a still brighter species (F. stellifer Jordan), with scattered
orange spots. (Lat., with chain-like lines.)
aaa. Scales very small, about 60 in a longitudinal series; sides barred.
86
TELEOSTEI: HAPLOMI XIV.
205. F. zebrinus Jordan & Gilbert. Body slender, the head
long; fins low; greenish, sides silvery white, with 14 to 18 cross-
bars of the color of the back; fins plain. Head 3; depth 4.
D. 14. A. 13. Scales 60-21. L. 3. Kansas to Texas. (Lat.,
like a zebra.)
90. ZYGONECTES Agassiz. (Čvyóv, yoke; výkτŋs, swimmer ;
they being said to swim in pairs.)
a. Sides with a broad blue-black lateral band; vertical fins dotted.
206. Z. notatus (Rafinesque). TOP-MINNOW. Body rather
elongate; head low; snout long; eye 3 in head; fins moderate;
outer teeth enlarged; lateral band darkest in ♂, serrated in young;
back dotted; a translucent spot on top of head. Head 4; depth
41. D. 9. A. 11. Scales 34-11. L. 3. Mich. to Ala. and Tex.,
abundant in quiet waters. (Lat., noted, i. e. spotted.)
aa. Sides with 10 to 12 dark vertical bars, but without longitudinal stripes;
D. in ♂ with a large black ocellus, edged before with white, behind
by yellow.
Body rather elongate; green-yellow
about 4. D. 8. A. 9. Scales un-
L. 1.
L. 1. Beesley's Point, N. J., not
Lucy Baird, daughter of Professor
207. Z. luciæ (Baird).
below. Head about 31; depth
described, probably about 35.
lately recognized. (Named for
Baird.)
aaa. Sides with about 10 stripes of orange-brown following the rows of scales,
a spot on each; ♂ with the lines interrupted and with 9 dark cross-
bars; a black blotch below eye.
208. Z. dispar Agassiz. Body deep, compressed; head short,
very broad; fins low; D. much smaller than A. Bluish olive,
lateral stripes wavy. Head 34; depth 34. D. 7. A. 9. Scales
35-10. L. 24. Lakes and ponds, Ohio to Iowa. (Lat., dissim-
ilar.)
aaaa. Sides plain olivaceous, without spots or lines.
209. Z. sciadicus (Cope). Body short, deep; fins small. Head
31; depth about 3. D. 10. A. 12. Scales 39-13. L. 2. Platte
R. etc.
91. LUCANIA Girard. (A name of euphony without meaning.)
210. L. parva (Baird & Girard). RAIN-WATER FISH. Body
rather deep, ♂ dark olive. D. dusky orange with black and orange
ocellus at base in front; other fins chiefly orange; Q larger, the
fins plain. Head 3; depth about 3. D. 10. A. 10. Scales 26–8.
L. 2. L. I. to Key West, in tide pools, etc. (Lat., small.)
UMBRIDÆ.
87
XXXVIII.
92. GAMBUSIA Poey,
(From the Cuban word Gambusino, which signifies nothing, with
the idea of a joke or farce. Thus people say, one fishes for Gam-
businos," when he catches nothing. Poey.)
211. G. patruelis (Baird & Girard). TOP-MINNOW. Body
plump; tail rather long; snout broad; eye about 3. Olivaceous,
usually a dark streak along upper part of side; a blackish area be-
low eye, usually distinct; D. and C. mostly with dark cross-streaks;
usually a dusky blotch on sides in females (the dark interior show-
ing through translucent skin); small specimens often uniform yel-
lowish. Head 33; depth 34 to 4. D. 7 to 9. Scales 28-7. L. 21
9.1. Very abundant in all lowland waters from the Poto-
mac to Ill. and the Rio Grande. The males are scarce and very
small, the anal process about as long as head. The young are born
at the length of about inch, in the spring. The gravid females
are recognized without difficulty, the others are easily mistaken for
Zygonectes, and have been repeatedly described as such. (Lat.,
cousin.)
FAMILY XXXVIII. UMBRIDÆ. (THE MUD-MINNOWS.)
Body formed as in Fundulus; head large, flattened above;
mouth moderate, the premaxillaries not protractile, the maxillaries
forming lateral margin of upper jaw; jaws, vomer, and palatines
with villiform teeth; gill openings wide; gill rakers obsolete;
scales cycloid on head and body; no lateral line; C. rounded; P.
narrow. Intestinal canal without cæca; air bladder simple. Ovi-
parous, sexes similar. Carnivorous fishes living in mud in the clear
waters of sluggish streams and ponds in cool regions, extremely
tenacious of life. One genus with 2 species, Umbra crameri of
Austria and U. limi.
"A locality which, with the water perfectly clear, will appear
destitute of fish, will perhaps yield a number of mud fish on stir-
ring up the mud at the bottom and drawing a seine through it.
Ditches in the prairies of Wisconsin, or mere bog-holes, apparently
affording lodgment to nothing beyond tadpoles, may thus be found
filled with Mud-minnows." (Baird.)
93. UMBRA (Kramer) Müller. (Lat., shade.)
212. U. limi (Kirtland). MUD-MINNOW. DOG-FISH. Ventrals
slightly before D.; A. much smaller than D. The typical form
(Great Lakes and W.) is dull olive green, with about 14 narrow
pale bars, faint in young; black caudal bar faint; lower jaw pale ;
the Eastern form, var. pygmæa DeKay (Conn. to N. C.), with
narrow pale lengthwise streaks instead of bars; dark caudal bar
88
XIV.
TELEOSTEI: HAPLOMI.
very evident; lower jaw black. Head 34; depth 3. B. 6. D. 14.
A. 9. Scales 35-15. L. 4. N. C. to Conn. and Ontario, W. to
Ind. and Minn., in cool weedy streams and swamps. (Lat., of the
mud.)
FAMILY XXXIX. ESOCIDÆ. (THE PIKES.)
Body elongate, somewhat compressed, with rather small, cycloid
scales; lateral line present, more or less imperfect; head long, the
snout much prolonged and depressed; mouth very large, the lower
jaw longest; upper jaw not protractile, most of its edge formed by
the maxillaries; premaxillaries, vomer, and palatines with bands of
more or less movable cardiform teeth; lower jaw with strong, un-
equal teeth; tongue with small teeth; head naked above, scaly on
sides; gill rakers tubercular; B. 12 to 20; D. opposite A. as in
other Haplomi; C. emarginate; P. small; intestinal canal simple,
with cæca; air-bladder present. One genus, with 5 species, one
in the fresh waters of both continents, the rest all American. All
are noted for their voracity, “mere machines for the assimilation
of other organisms." The flesh is white, flaky, and excellent.
The Pike is "a solemn stately ruminant fish, lurking under the
shadow of a lily-pad at noon, with still, circumspect, voracious eye,
motionless as a jewel set in water, or moving slowly along to take
up its position; darting from time to time at such unlucky fish or
frog or insect as comes within its range, and swallowing it at a gulp.
Sometimes a striped snake, bound for greener meadows across the
stream, ends its undulatory progress in the same receptacle."
(Thoreau.)
94. ESOX (Artedi) Linnæus. (An old name of the Pike).
a. Cheeks and opercles entirely scaly.
b. Branchiostegals 12 (11 to 13): scales 105 to 108; D. 11 or 12; A. 11 or
12; snout short, the middle of eye nearer tip of lower jaw than edge of
opercle; species of small size.
213. E. americanus Gmelin. Head short, 34; snout 2 in
head; eye 2 in snout. Dark green, sides with about 20 distinct
curved dusky bars; fins plain. Depth 54. L. 12. Mass. to Fla., in
coastwise streams.
214. E. vermiculatus Le Sueur. LITTLE PICKEREL. Head
longer, 34; snout 2 in head; eye 21 in snout. Olive green; sides
with many darker curved streaks, usually distinct and more or less
reticulate; fins mostly plain; depth 5. L. 12. Miss. Valley, etc.,
very abundant in small streams and bayous. (Lat., having marks
like worm-tracks.)
bb. Branchiostegals 14 to 16; D. 14 (developed rays); A. 13; scales
about 125; snout long, the middle of eye midway between chin and
edge of opercle.
ANGUILLIDÆ.
89
XL.
EASTERN PICKEREL. Head
215. E. reticulatus Le Sueur.
long, 3; snout 2 in head; eye 3 in snout. Greenish, with
numerous narrow dark lines and streaks, mostly horizontal and
more or less reticulated; fins plain; depth 5. L. 30. Me. to Ala.,
abundant in coastwise streams, not W. of Alleghanies. (Lat.,
having a net-work of marks.)
aa. Cheeks entirely scaly; lower half of opercles bare; B. 14; D. 16 or 17;
A. 13 or 14; scales about 123.
216. E. lucius L. PIKE; NORTHERN PICKEREL. Head long,
31; snout 2 in head; eye 3 in snout; eye placed as in preceding.
Grayish, with many round whitish spots; the young with pale
bars; D., A. and C. spotted with black; a white horizontal streak
bounding naked part of opercle. Depth 5. L. 30 to 50. N. Eur.,
Asia, and N. Am. from L Champlain to N. Ind. and N. W. to
Alaska; abundant, N. (Eu.) (Lat., pike.)
aaa. Cheeks as well as opercles scaleless on the lower part; B. 17 to 19; D.
17, A. 15; scales about 150.
217. E. masquinongy (Mitchill). MUSKALLUNGE. MASKINONGY.
Head large, 3; snout 2 in head; eye 4 to 5 in snout; eye placed
as in E. reticulatus. Dark gray, sometimes (var. immaculatus Gar-
rard) immaculate, usually with small round blackish spots on a paler
ground; fins spotted with black. Depth 6. L. 8 feet. A magni-
ficent fish, one of the largest in fresh waters. Great Lake region
and N. W.; occasional in the Ohio valley. "A long, slim, strong,
and swift fish, in every way fitted for the life it leads, that of a
dauntless marauder." (Hallock.) (The Indian name.)
ORDER XV. APODES. (THE EELS.)
Scapular arch free from the cranium; no præcoracoid arch;
body much elongate, with many vertebræ; no ventral fins; maxil-
laries and premaxillaries united with other bones or else wanting;
pharyngeal and opercular bones more or less deficient; no fin
spines; gill openings narrow; no pseudobranchiæ; scales minute
or wanting. A large group, as yet of uncertain boundaries, com-
posed of degenerate Physostomi, its origin and relationship as yet,
however, uncertain. Most of the Eels are tropical and marine, and
many belong to the deep seas. Numerous genera and species not
here included occur in the deep waters off our coast. (a, privative;
ToÚs, foot.)
FAMILY XL. ANGUILLIDE. (THE TRUE EELS.)
Body compressed, covered with small, imbedded scales, linear in
form, placed obliquely, some of them at right angles to others; lat-
eral line present; head long; mouth large, the lower jaw project-
090
.XV.
TELEOSTEI: APODES.
ing; teeth small, subequal, in bands on jaws and vomer; pterygoid
bones slender; tongue free in front; nostrils lateral; lips full;
opercles developed; vertical fins confluent; D. beginning well be-
hind head; P. present; gill openings moderate. Sexual organs in-
conspicuous. One genus with four or more species, crawling in the
mud and ooze of brackish and fresh waters of most regions, absent
on the Pacific coast of America. They are among the most vora-
cious of fishes. “On their hunting excursions, they overturn alike
huge and small stones, beneath which they find species of shrimp
and cray-fish, of which they are excessively fond. Their noses are
poked into every imaginable hole in their search for food, to the
terror of innumerable small fishes." (W. H. Ballou.)
The eels often move for a considerable distance on land, in damp
grass. High waterfalls, dams, and other obstructions are often
passed in this way. It is thought that eels spawn only in the
sea, and that the female spawns once and then dies. The females
are larger than the males, paler in color, with smaller eyes and
higher fins.
95. ANGUILLA Thunberg.
218. A. anguilla (L.). EEL. Brown, more or less tinged with
yellowish. Head 81. L. 40. N. Atlantic, from Maine to Brazil,
ascending all streams; found throughout Mississippi valley, never
in the open sea. The American Eel (var. rostrata Le Sueur) has
the distance from front of D. to front of A. a little less than head;
in the European form this is a little greater, the D. being a little
farther back in the former. (Eu.) (Lat., eel.)
FAMILY XLI. ECHELIDÆ. (THE CONGEr Eels.)
Eels closely related to the Anguillidæ, but without scales, and
with the ovaries in the female evident, and with comparatively
large eggs similar to those of fishes generally. D. commencing not
far behind head. Genera 3 or 4; species about 10, all strictly
marine. Leptocephalus morrisi Gmelin, a translucent, ribbon-shaped
creature, with very small head, and no generative organs, is occa-
sionally taken on our coasts. This is thought to be a stage of ar-
rested development of the young of Echelus, a larval form which
goes on increasing in size without ever reaching the characters of
the perfect animal.
a. Jaws with an outer series of close-set teeth; lower jaw not projecting; dor-
sal beginning behind root of pectorals.
ECHELUS, 96.
96. ECHELUS¹ Rafinesque. (eyxeλus, eel, softened into
Echelus.)
1 In strictness, the name Leptocephalus should supersede Echelus, but there may be
some doubt as to the identification of L. morrisi, and for the last hundred years Lepto-
cephalus has been used as a general name for these peculiar immature forms.
EXOCETIDÆ.
91
XLII.
219. E. conger (L.). CONGER EEL. Cleft of mouth reaching
beyond middle of the large eye; dark brown above, paler below.
D. and A. usually pale, with broad, black margin; P. dusky, pale-
edged; pores of lateral line whitish; body sometimes wholly black.
L. 6 feet. Open sea, not rare on our coast. (Eu.) (yóyypos,
Conger, the ancient name.)
SERIES PHYSOCLYSTI.
We now begin the division of fishes in which the air-bladder in
the adult loses all connection with the alimentary canal. This
character in itself is of slight importance, but it is associated with
gradual modifications in other respects, of such character that
the typical Physoclyst is quite unlike the average Physostome.
Most of the Physoclysts have spines in some of the fins; the ven-
tral fins are normally thoracic, each with a spine and five rays,
while the pectorals are inserted high. But there are many excep-
tions to each of these characters. We commence the series with
the forms most closely related to the Haplomi and other soft-rayed
forms. (puoa, bladder; Kλelorós, closed.)
ORDER XVI. SYNENTOGNATHI. (THE SYNENTOGNA-
THOUS FISHES.)
Physoclistous fishes without spines in the fins, with the ventrals
abdominal and the lower pharyngeals fully united. This peculiar
transitional group contains a single family divided by osteological
characters into two strongly marked groups, called families by Dr.
Gill. These are the Belonida and the true Exocœtidæ or Scom-
beresocida. (oúv, together; evrós, within; yválos, jaw.)
FAMILY XLII.
EXOCETIDÆ. (THE NEEDLE-FISHES.
FLYING-FISHES.)
Body oblong, compressed, with cycloid scales; a ridge, apparently
representing the lateral line, running along side of belly; head
scaly; premaxillaries not protractile, but with a hinge at base,
forming most of margin of upper jaw; teeth various. D. poste-
rior, similar to anal; ventrals inserted posteriorly; P. inserted
high; C. usually forked, the lower lobe the longer; gill openings
wide; pseudobranchiæ hidden; air-bladder large; intestinal canal
simple. Genera about 11; species about 100; in all warm seas,
some of them endowed with remarkable power of flight.
a. Jaws with sharp, unequal teeth; both jaws much produced; no finlets;
maxillaries grown fast to premaxillaries; ovary single. (Beloninæ.)
x. Gill rakers none; no teeth on vomer; D. and A. falcate; C. lunate.
92
. XVI.
TELEOSTEI: SYNENTOGNATHI.
b. Body little compressed, its breadth more than its greatest depth.
TYLOSURUS, 97.
bb. Body much compressed, its breadth not half its greatest depth.
ATHLENNES, 98.
aa. Jaws with minute teeth or none.
c. Maxillary grown fast to premaxillary; one or both jaws produced in
a long beak.
d. D. and A. with finlets; scales small; both jaws produced. (Scom-
beresocina).
SCOMBERESOx, 99.
dd. D. and A. without finlets; upper jaw short, the lower much pro-
duced. (Hemiramphinæ.)
e. Pectorals moderate, not longer than head without beak; body
rather stout; sexes similar.
HEMIRAMPHUS, 100.
ee. Pectorals very long, twice head without beak; V. short; body
very slender, almost band-like. EULEPTORHAMPHUS, 101.
cc. Maxillary distinct from premaxillary; both jaws short. (Exocœ-
tina.)
•
f. Roof of mouth with teeth; body elliptical in cross-section; V.
long, inserted behind middle of body; D. high, its base about
equal to anal base; snout and lower jaw short.
PAREXOCETUS, 102.
f. Roof of mouth nearly toothless; body quadrate in cross-section;
P. long, about reaching base of C.
g. Ventrals inserted anteriorly, much nearer tip of snout than
base of C., small, not used as organs of flight.
HALOCYPSELUS, 103.
gg. Ventrals inserted posteriorly, nearer base of C. than snout,
used as organs of flight.
ExOCTUS, 104.
97. TYLOSURUS Cocco. (rúλos, callus, i. e. keel; ovpá, tail.)
a. Caudal peduncle depressed, with a dermal keel.
b. D. and A. short, each of 14 to 16 rays; last rays of D. low; jaws slender.
220. T. marinus (Bloch & Schneider). GAR-FISH. BILL-FISH.
NEEDLE-FISH. SILVER Gar.
GAR.
Scales and bones green; green, a silvery lateral band; a dark
bar on opercles; P. pale. Head 24; depth 5½ in head. Lat. 1. 300.
L. 4 feet. Maine to Texas, abundant; ascending rivers.
bb. D. and A. long, each of 21 to 24 rays; last rays of D. sometimes ele-
vated; caudal keel black.
221. T. acus (Lacépède).
HOUND-FISH. AGUJON. Beak
long, twice rest of head. Green, no lateral stripe. Lat. 1. 380. L.
5 feet. West Indies and Mediterranean; occasional N. to Cape
Cod. (Eu.) (Lat., needle.)
98. ATHLENNES¹
Jordan & Fordice.
Jordan & Fordice.
(åßλevvýs, without mu-
cosity, an ancient epithet applied to Belone belone.)
222. A. hians (Cuv. & Val.). Jaws long and very slender, the
upper arched at base, so that the mouth cannot be closed; tail not
1 This name was inadvertently printed "Athlennes," and may remain so;
was intended.
nes"
"Ablen
EXOCETIDÆ,
93
XLII.
keeled; eye very large, scales minute; D. elevated behind. Green,
sides silvery; young with round dark spots. D. 25. A. 26. Lat. 1.
520. L. 40. W. Indies, occasional N. (Lat., gaping.)
99. SCOMBERESOX Lacépède.
(SCOMBER+Esox.)
a. Jaws produced in a slender beak; the snout longer than rest of head.
223. S. saurus (Walbaum). SAURY. SKIPPER. Fins small;
C. forked. Olive, sides with distinct silvery band. Head 3;
depth 9. D. 9-VI. A. 12-VI. Lat. 1.110. L. 18. Open Atlan-
tic, not rare; in large schools, skipping along the surface. (Eu.)
(An old name, “ lizard-fish.”)
100. HEMIRAMPHUS Cuvier. (μ-, half; páµþos, beak.)
a. Ventrals inserted midway between eye and base C.; A. about as long as
D., both with 14 to 16 rays; last ray of D. not produced.
224. H. unifasciatus Ranzani. HALF-BEAK. Green; lower
jaw red; sides with a silvery band. Head 4; depth 6 to 74. Lat. l.
54. L. 12. W. Indies, etc.; the typical form with shortish jaw,
from Florida Keys, S. Var. roberti, Cuv. & Val., more slender,
with longer lower jaw, longer than rest of head, ranges N. to Cape
Cod. (Lat., one-banded.) (From Va., S., occurs H. balao Le
Sueur, with V. midway between middle of P. and base of C.)
101. EULEPTORHAMPHUS Gill. (evλeπrós, very slender;
ράμφος, beak.)
225. E. longirostris (Cuvier). Lower jaw much longer than
rest of head; no lateral band. Head 63; depth 10. D. 22. A. 19.
L. 18. Open sea, occasional N. to Cape Cod.
snouted.)
(Lat., long-
102. PAREXOCOTUS Bleeker. (πapá, near; Exocœtus.)
226. P. mesogaster (Bloch). Second ray of P. divided; D. very
high. Blue; sides silvery; D. largely black, other fins pale. Head
43; depth 5. D. 12. A. 13. Lat. l. 38. L. 6. Open sea, N. to
R. I. (μéσos, middle; yaσrýp, the position of V.)
103. HALOCYPSELUS Weinland. (aλs, sea; kúpeλos,
swallow.)
227. H. evolans (L.). Second ray of P. divided; A. nearly as
long as D.; D. low; P. dark above, pale below; other fins pale;
V. white. Head 4; depth 51. D. 13. A. 13. Lat. l. 42. L. 9.
Open sea, N. to Cape Cod. (Lat., flying away.)
104. EXOCETUS¹ (Artedi) Linnæus. (FLYING-FISHES.)
(The flying-fishes live in the open sea, swimming in large schools.
They will "fly" a distance of from a few rods to more than an
1 For a detailed account of the American Flying-fishes, see Jordan & Meek, Proc.
U. S. Nat. Mus., 1885, p. 44.
94
XVI.
TELEOSTEI: SYNENTOGNATHI.
eighth of a mile, rarely rising more than 3 or 4 feet. Their move-
ments in the water are extremely rapid; the sole source of motive
power is the action of the strong tail while in the water. No force
is acquired while the fish is in the air. On rising from the water,
the movements of the tail are continued until the whole body is out
of the water. While the tail is in motion, the pectorals seem to be
in a state of rapid vibration, but this is apparent only, due to the
resistance of the air to the motions of the animal. While the tail
is in the water, the ventrals are folded. When the action of the
tail ceases, the pectorals and ventrals are spread and held at rest.
They are not used as wings, but act rather as parachutes to hold
the body in the air. When the fish begins to fall, the tail touches
the water, when its motion again begins, and with it the apparent
motion of the pectorals. It is thus enabled to resume its flight,
which it finishes finally with a splash. While in the air it resem-
bles a large dragon-fly. The motion is very swift, at first in a
straight line, but later deflected into a curve. The motion has no
relation to the direction of the wind. When a vessel is passing.
through a school of these fishes, they spring up before it, moving
in all directions, as grasshoppers in a meadow.¹
The young of different species often have long fleshy barbels at
tip of the lower jaw. These are lost with age. They were formerly
placed in a separate "genus," Cypselurus Swainson. (KOLTOS,
(ἐξώκοιτος,
sleeping outside; an old name of some fish imagined to sleep on
the beach at night.)
a. Anal long, its base nearly equal to that of D., its first ray opposite first of
D.; anal rays 11 or 12; dorsal rays 11 or 12. (Exocœtus.)
b. Second ray of P. simple, as well as the first; 4th and 5th rays longest;
V. largely black.
c. Second ray of P. scarcely longer than first.
228. E. exsiliens Müller (1776). V. 2 in body, reaching C.;
P. 11; eye large. Head 4; depth 5. Scales 48. L. 10. P.
and V. marbled with black and white; D. with black spot anteri-
orly; A. white; a dark blotch at base C. Open sea, occasional N.
(E. exiliens Gmelin, 1788.) (Lat., leaping out.) (Eu.)
cc. Second ray of P. nearly half longer than first.
229. E. rondeletii Cuv. & Val. V. 3 in body, reaching last
A.; P. 1 in body; eye moderate. Head 4; depth 5. Scales 50.
Ventrals chiefly black; P. dusky; no black on D. or A. Open sea,
frequently N. (Eu.) (For Guillaume Rondelet, one of the fathers
of ichthyology.)
bb. Second ray of P. divided; 3d or 4th longest.
1 Observations on the flight of these fishes have been made under very favorable
conditions by Prof. C. H. Gilbert, and the writer. Several species have been thus
observed, especially the largest of the group, E. californicus Cooper.
SYNGNATHIDÆ.
95
XLIII.
d. Ventrals chiefly black, inserted midway between eye and base C.
230. E. vinciguerræ Jordan & Meek. P. dusky, uniform or
with a small white cross stripe; D. and A. without black. Head
41; depth 61. Scales 48. L. 12. Atlantic, N. to Grand Banks.
(Eu.) (To Dr. Decio Vinciguerra, of Rome.)
dd. Ventrals nearly white; inserted midway between opercle and tail.
231. E. volitans L. P. dark brown, with an oblique whitish
band from axil to middle of fin; D. and A. without black. Head
41; depth 64. D. 12. A. 11.
to Grand Banks, frequent. (Eu.)
Scales 55. L. 12. Atlantic, N.
(Lat., flying.)
aa. Anal short, its base half to two-thirds that of dorsal, its first ray behind
first of D.; anal rays 9 or 10; dorsal 12 to 14. (Cypselurus Swainson.)
e. Second ray of pectoral divided (first simple); 3d and 4th longest;
V. midway between eye and tail; P. without round black spots;
young with barbels.
f. D. and A. plain whitish; V. pale.
232. E. heterurus Rafinesque. P. with an oblique white band
on lower half. Head 4; depth 5. Scales 58. L. 12. Atlantic,
the commonest species on our coasts. (Eu.) (repos, unequal;
oupá, tail.)
f. D. and A. blotched or spotted with black; V. chiefly black.
233. E. furcatus Le Sueur. P. black, with a white band; C.
with 3 dusky cross-bars. Head 41; depth 51. Scales 46. L. 12.
Warm seas, N. to Cape Cod. (Eu.) (Lat., forked.)
ee. Second ray of P. simple, like the first; V. chiefly black.
234. E. gibbifrons Cuv. & Val. Snout more bluntly rounded
than in any other species, 4 in head; V. midway between eye
and C.; P. dusky, paler at base; vertical fins plain, rather dusky.
Head 4; depth 5. Scales 46. L. 12. N. Atlantic, rare. (Lat.,
gibbus, swollen; frons, front.)
ORDER XVII. LOPHOBRANCHII. (THE TUFT-GILLED
FISHES.)
Gills contracted, tufted, composed of small rounded lobes, at-
tached to the gill-arches; pharyngeal bones reduced in number;
mouth very small, toothless, at the end of a tubular snout; post-
temporal grown fast to skull; anterior vertebræ modified, with ex-
panded apophyses; gill covers reduced to a simple plate; skin with
bony plates arranged in rings; fins small. Two families, the E.
Indian Solenostomatida have spinous dorsal and ventral fins; ours
lack both. (ópos, tuft; ẞpáyxia, gills.)
(λόφος,
FAMILY XLIII. SYNGNATHIDÆ. (THE PIPE-FISHES.)
Body elongate, covered with bony rings; gill openings reduced
to a small aperture behind upper part of opercle; no spinous dor-
96
TELEOSTEI: HEMIBRANCHII. —— XVIII.
sal nor ventral fins; caudal small or wanting; anal minute, of 1 or
2 rays; tail long. Male fishes with an egg-pouch, usually placed
on under side of tail and formed of two folds of skin which meet on
the median line. The eggs are received from the female into this
pouch, and retained for some time after hatching, when the pouch
opens and the young, then to inch long, escape. Genera about
14; species 150, in all warm seas. (ovv, together; yválos, jaw.)
a. Axis of head in a line with axis of body. (Syngnathinæ.)
b. Humeral bones united below; C. present; P. well developed; D. oppo-
site vent; shields not spinous.
SIPHOstoma, 105.
aa. Axis of head forming an angle with axis of body; the head and neck
horse-shaped, or like that of a "Knight" at chess. (Hippocampinœ.)
c. Body compressed; occiput with a narrow, bony crest, surmounted
by a star-shaped coronet; shields tubercular or spinous; egg-sac
in male at base of tail, which is prehensile and without fin.
HIPPOCAMPUS, 106.
105, SIPHOSTOMA Rafinesque. PIPE-FISHES. (oipov, tube;
στóμa, mouth.)
235. S. fuscum (Storer). COMMON PIPE-FISH. Top of head
slightly keeled; D. covering 4 body rings and 5 behind vent; rings
18 to 20 +36 to 40; dorsal rays 36 to 40; snout moderate. Head
9; L. 7. Olivaceous, sides mottled. Newfoundland to Va., com-
Numerous other species occur S. (Lat., dusky.)
mon.
106. HIPPOCAMPUS Rafinesque. SEA HORSES.
(These small fishes inhabit grassy bays and often the open sea
in warm regions. They are wont to twist the very prehensile tail
around pieces of floating sea-weed or eel-grass. They are thus often
drifted to great distances in the sea. The species are very simi-
lar to each other, and not easily distinguished.) (Ancient name
from Tos, horse, and κáµños, a wriggling creature.)
236. H. hudsonius DeKay. SEA HORSE. Dusky, unspotted,
but with grayish blotches, edged with blackish; D. with dark band;
snout 1 in head; spines on head weak, with cirri; spines all blunt-
ish. D. 19, on 3 of the 11 body rings. L. 6. Cape Cod to Fla.,
not common. Several other species occur S.
ORDER XVIII. HEMIBRANCHII. (THE HALF-GILLED
FISHES.)
Gills normal, but the branchihyals and pharyngeals reduced in
number; V. more or less abdominal. A small group of 5 or 6 fam-
ilies, intermediate between the Lophobranchii and the true Acan-
thopteri. (μ-, half; ẞpáyxia, gills.)
FISTULARIIDÆ. XLIV.
97
FAMILY XLIV. FISTULARIIDÆ. (THE TRUMPET-
FISHES.)
Body elongate; naked, with some bony plates; snout produced
in a long dilatable tube, with the short jaws at the end; teeth
minute; no spinous dorsal; C. forked, its middle rays produced in
a long filament; V. small, with 6 rays. Tropical seas; one genus,
3 species.
107. FISTULARIA Linnæus. (Lat., fistula, a tube.)
1
237. F. tabaccaria L. TRUMPET-FISH. Brown, with blue
spots. Head 2. D. 14. A. 13. Warm seas, rarely N. to N. Y.
(Lat., pertaining to tobacco-pipe.)
FAMILY XLV. GASTEROSTEIDÆ. (THE STICKLEBACKS.)
Body elongate, with slender tail, naked or shielded with bony
plates; head large, compressed, the snout not tubular; mouth
moderate, the chin prominent; teeth sharp, in jaws only; sub-
orbital large. B. 3; opercles unarmed. D. with 2 to 15 free
spines; A. with one spine; V. subabdominal, I, 1. P. short, well
behind gill openings, preceded by an area covered with smooth
skin. Genera 5, species about 20, in fresh and brackish waters of
Northern regions; small fishes, lively, greedy and quarrelsome,
and exceedingly destructive to the spawn of large fishes. Most
of them build nests, which they defend with much spirit.
a. Innominate bones joined, forming a median plate on belly, behind V.
b. Gill membranes joined, their border free from isthmus; spines small.
c. Dorsal spines 7 to 11, divergent; pubic bones long, weak, widely di-
vergent; body slender, mostly naked.
PYGOSTEUS, 108.
•
cc. Dorsal spines 5, in right line; pubic bones short, widely divergent;
body stout, naked.
EUCALIA, 109.
bb. Gill membranes not free from isthmus; dorsal spines 3 or 4, strong,
divergent; pubic bones broad, little divergent; form robust; skin
usually mailed.
GASTEROSTEUS, 110.
aa. Innominate bones not joined, each extending as a strong process under
skin, outside of V., the area between them flat and not bony; pubic bones
weak; dorsal spines 4, divergent; gill membranes joined to isthmus;
tail very slender; skin smooth.
APELTES, 111.
108. PYGOSTEUS Brevoort. (vý, rump; ỏσtéov, bone.)
238. P. pungitius (L). NINE-SPINED STICKLEBACK. Olivace-
ous, punctulate and irregularly barred with black. Tail keeled; eye
large. Head 4; depth 5 to 6. D. IX-I, 9. A. I, 8. L. 21. New
York to L. Mich., N. to Greenland, in fresh waters and entering
sea. (Eu.) (Lat., pungent.)
109. EUCALIA Jordan.
239. E. inconstans (Kirtland).
spring jet black, reddish-tinged;
(ev, good; kaλiá, nest.)
BROOK STICKLEBACK. ♂ in
olivaceous, mottled and dotted,
7
98
XIX.
TELEOSTEI: PERCESOCES.
no dermal plates, the bones and spines all feeble; tail keeled. Head
31; depth 4. D. IV-I, 10. A. I, 10. L. 21. N. Y. to Kansas
and Greenland, abundant N. W. in small brooks; S. to Greensburg,
Ind. (Shannon.) Var. cayuga Jordan (W. N. Y.) has V. spines
longer, longer than innnominate bones, and other trifling differences.
110. GASTEROSTEUS (Artedi) Linnæus.
(yaorńp, belly; ỏσréov, bone.)
a. Sides partly covered with bony plates, the tail naked.
b. Lateral plates 2 to 7.
c. Ventral spine without cusp at base; lateral plates 2 or 3.
240. G. wheatlandi Putnam. No mucous pores; tail com-
pressed. Blackish. D. II, I, 10 to 12. A. I, 8. Cape Cod, N.
scarce. (To Dr. Richard H. Wheatland, of Salem, Mass.)
cc. Ventral spine with a strong cusp at base behind; lateral plates
about 7.
241. G. gymnurus Cuvier. Tail keeled. Grayish, dotted.
D. II, I, 12. A. I, 8. L. 21. Newfoundland to Greenland, etc.
(G. dimidiatus Reinhardt.) (Eu.) (yvuvós, naked; oupá, tail.)
bb. Lateral plates 15; tail keeled.
242. G. atkinsii Bean. Slender; V. long. Head 31; depth 5.
D. II, I, 11. A. I, 8. L. 14. Maine. (To Charles G. Atkins,
Fish Commissioner of Maine.)
aa. Sides entirely covered with (28 to 33), bony plates; tail keeled; V. spine
with cusp at base.
243. G. aculeatus L. COMMON STICKLEBACK. Olivaceous,
sides silvery; back dotted; opercles striate; rugose plates at base
of spines; spines serrate. Head 31; depth 4. D. II-I, 13. A.
I, 9. L. 4. N. Y. to Greenland and Europe, abundant, variable.
(Eu.) Perhaps all the preceding are forms or varieties of this.
(Lat., bearing prickles.)
111. APELTES DeKay. (a, privative; Têλτη, shield.
244. A. quadracus (Mitchill). Olive, mottled; males nearly
black, the V. red in spring; body plump, with long slender tail;
skin naked. Head 4; depth 4. D. III, I, 11. A. I, 8. L. 2.
N. J. to Labrador; abundant along coast. (Lat., four-spined.)
ORDER XIX.
PERCESOCES.
This group comprises Physoclysti, which have the general char-
acters of the great group of Acanthopteri, but in which the ventral
fins are abdominal, the pelvic bone not being attached to the
shoulder-girdle. Scales cycloid, opercles unarmed. The spinous
dorsal is short and sometimes (Ophiocephalidae) wanting. (Lat.,
MUGILIDÆ. XLVI.
99
Perca, perch; Esox, pike; intermediate between Pikes and
Perches.)
FAMILY XLVI. MUGILIDÆ. (THE MULLEts.)
Body oblong, with large cycloid scales; no lateral line; mouth
small, nearly toothless; upper jaw protractile; gill membranes free
from isthmus; gill rakers long, slender; pseudobranchiæ large.
Dorsals separate, the anterior with four spines; anal similar to soft
dorsal, its spines 2 or 3. Air-bladder large; intestinal canal long;
vertebræ 11+1324. Genera 5, species 75; in fresh waters
and seas of warm regions, feeding on mud.
a. Jaws with tooth-like cilia; stomach muscular, gizzard-like; anal spines 3.
MUGIL, 112.
112. MUGIL (Artedi) Linnæus. (Ancient name from mulgeo,
to suck.)
a. Adipose eyelid well developed. (Mugil.)
b. Soft D. and A. nearly naked; A. III, 8.
245. M. cephalus L. STRIPED MULLET. COMMON Mullet.
Silvery, darker above; dark stripes along the rows of scales; a
dusky blotch on base P. Head 4; depth 4. D. IV - I, 8. Scales
40-13. L. 24. Warm seas; common N. to Cape Cod, ascending
streams. (M. albula L.) (Eu.) (An old name, from κepaλý,
head.)
bb. Soft D. and A. scaly; A. III, 9.
246. M. curema Cuv. & Val. WHITE MULLET. BLUE-BACK
MULLET. LIZA. Silvery; scales without dark stripes; a dark
spot at base P.; P. not nearly reaching D. Head 4; depth 4.
D. IV – I, 8. Scales 38-12. L. 18. Warm seas, N. to Cape Cod,
scarce N. (M. brasiliensis Günther, not of Agassiz.) (A Brazilian
name.)
-
FAMILY XLVII. ATHERINIDÆ. (THE SILVERSIDES.)
Body elongate, compressed, with cycloid scales; no lateral line;
mouth moderate; teeth small; opercles unarmed; gill membranes
free; pseudobranchiæ present; gill rakers slender. Dorsals well
separated, the first of 3 to 8 slender spines; A. similar to soft D.,
with one spine; V. I, 5; air-bladder present; vertebræ numerous.
Genera 8; species 50, fishes living in schools along coasts of warm
regions, a few in rivers. (åðepívn, the old name from ảðŋp, a dart.)
a. Premaxillaries freely protractile; their posterior end broad; teeth in bands.
none on vomer; a silvery band along side.
•
b. Jaws both short, the upper scarcely longer than eye..
MENIDIA, 113.
bb. Jaws both produced in a short beak; the upper about half longer than
eye.
•
•
LABIDESTHES, 114,
100
XIX.
TELEOSTEI: PERCESOCES.
113. MENIDIA Bonaparte. (An old name, from µývŋ, moon.)
a. Scales entire; soft D. and A. naked.
b. Anal rather long, its rays I, 22, to I, 25.
COMMON SILVERSIDE.
FRIAR.
247. M. notata (Mitchill).
Body slender; transparent green; scales speckled. Head 5;
depth 6. D. IV-I, 8. Scales 46-10. L. 5. Maine to Va., very
common N. (Lat., marked.)
bb. Anal rather short, I, 15, to I, 18.
248. M. beryllina (Cope). First D. over vent, nearer base C.
than snout. Head 44; depth 6. D. “V-I, 11." L. 24. Poto-
mac R., only the type known. (Lat., beryl-color.)
aa. Scales with ragged edges especially on back; soft D. and A. scaly.
249. M. laciniata Swain. Green; back with dark points form-
ing streaks along rows of scales. Head 4; depth 54. D. IV - I, 8.
A. I, 19 to I, 21. Scales 50-7. L. 5. Va. to S. C.; probably a
var. of M. vagrans Goode & Bean, S. C. to Texas, which has A. I,
14 to I, 18. (Lat., gashed.)
114. LABIDESTHES Cope. (^aßís, a pair of forceps;
éobiw, to eat.)
Translucent
250. L. sicculus Cope. BROOK SILVERSIDE.
green, back dotted; silver band very distinct; body very slender
scales entire. Head 4; depth 6. D. IV-I, 11. A. I, 23. Lat. 1.
75. L. 3. Mich. to Perdido Bay and Kans., abundant in quiet
waters; a most graceful little fish. (Lat., dry, i. e. found in half-
dry pools.)
FAMILY XLVIII. SPHYRÆNIDÆ. (THE BARRACUdas.)
Body elongate, subterete, with small, cycloid scales. Head very
long, pointed; mouth large, with unequal teeth, some of them very
large; lower jaw projecting, a very strong tooth at tip; gill rakers
obsolete; gill openings wide; lateral line present; air-bladder
large; P. short; V. I, 5. Dorsals separate, the first with 5 stout
spines; A. with one spine; C. forked; vertebræ 24. One genera
with 15 species; voracious pike-like fishes of warm seas, some of
them very large, all excellent as food.
115. SPHYRÆNA (Artedi) Bloch. (Ancient name, from
opupa, hammer.)
a. Scales small, 130 to 150 in lateral line.
251. S. borealis DeKay.
LITTLE BARRACUDA. Olivaceous,
silvery below; young with dusky blotches; P. not nearly reaching
D.; maxillary not nearly to eye. Head 3; depth 8. D. V-I, 9.
A. I, 9. L. 12. Cape Cod to Va., not rare N. (Lat., northern.)
AMMODYTIDÆ.
101
XLIX.
aa. Scales moderate, about 110 in lateral line.
252. S. guachancho Cuv. & Val. P. about reaching spinous
D. Head 31; depth 7. D. V – I, 9. A. I, 8. L. 24. West
Indies, rarely N. (The Spanish name.)
We place next a family of uncertain relationship.
FAMILY XLIX. AMMODYTIDA. (THE SAND LANCES.)
Body elongate, compressed, with small, cycloid scales; lateral line
along side of back; mouth large, toothless, the chin projecting; up-
per jaw very protractile; gill membranes separate, free; gill rakers
long and slender; pseudobranchiæ large; D. long and low, of soft
rays only; A. similar, shorter; C. forked; no ventrals; P. low.
No air-bladder. Vertebræ 63. Genera 4; species 8. Small fishes
swimming in large schools, and burying themselves, by a quick move-
ment, in sand. Coasts of N. regions. The relations of the family
are still uncertain. They may be Anacanthini, Percesoces, or pos-
sibly allies of the Scombroids. In many regards, especially the struc-
ture of the gills, they resemble Sphyræna.
a. Body with many transverse oblique folds; a fold of skin along edge of
belly; vomer unarmed.
AMMODYTES, 116.
116. AMMODYTES (Artedi) Linnæus.
•
(äµµos, sand; dúw, dive.)
LANT.
Olivaceous; a
Head 44; depth 10.
North Atlantic and
253. A. tobianus L. SAND LANCE.
steely lateral stripe; P. reaching front of D.
D. 60. A. 28. Lateral folds 125 to 130. L. 6.
Pacific, S. to N. J.; common N. (Eu.) The American form (var.
americanus DeKay) has dorsal beginning a trifle further back. (An
old name, unexplained.)
ORDER XX. ACANTHOPTERI. (THE SPINY-RAYED
FISHES.)
This order contains the great bulk of the spiny-rayed fishes, and
includes a far greater variety of forms than any other of the so-
called orders. In all, the ventrals, if present, are thoracic, or jugular,
normally I, 5, the opercles and pharyngeals are well developed, the
gills normal, usually 4 in number, and the premaxillary forming the
whole border of the mouth. Usually the anterior rays of D. and A.
are simple or spine-like. (akavea, spine; πтeрóv, fin.)
πτερόν,
The various suborders of this group have not yet been fully de-
fined or generally adopted. The following ten, of varying value,
may be recognized for the fishes discussed in the present work:
Discocephali, Scombriformes, Perciformes, Pharyngognathi, Epe-
lasmia, Cataphracti, Haplodoci, Xenopterygii, Scyphobranchii, and
Anacanthini.
102
XX.
TELEOSTEI: ACANTHOPTERI.
DISCOCEPHALI. Of these various suborders, we notice first
the DISCOCEPHALI, a small group characterized by a singular modi-
fication of the dorsal fin.
FAMILY L. ECHENEIDIDE. (THE REMORAS.)
Body fusiform, elongate, with minute smooth scales; mouth wide,
with villiform teeth; lower jaw projecting. Spinous dorsal changed
into a sucking disk placed on top of head and composed of a double
series of transverse movable cartilaginous plates. Opercles un-
armed, P. placed high. V. I, 5. D. and A. long, similar; gill-
rakers short; no pseudobranchiæ; no air-bladder. Vertebræ more
than 24. Genera 3, species 10. Of the open seas, attaching them-
selves to sharks, sword-fishes, tunnies, and floating objects, and thus
carried for great distances in the sea. The relationships of this
group are still uncertain. Their resemblance to Elacate is such that
they apparently should not be placed very far away from the next
family.
a. Body slender; vertebræ 14+16=30; disk of 21 to 25 laminæ; not more
than body.
ECHENEIS, 117.
aa. Body robust; vertebræ 12+15=27; disk more than body, of 16 to 18
laminæ.
b. Pectoral rays normal, soft.
bb. Pectoral rays stiff, broad, ossified.
REMORA, 118.
RHOMBOCHIRUS, 119.
117. ECHENEIS (Artedi) Linnæus. (èxevis, an ancient name
meaning one who holds ships back.)
D. XXI to XXV –
254. E. naucrates L. SUCKING-FISH. PEGADOR. Blackish,
belly dark; a black lateral stripe; corners of C. pale. Head 51;
disk 3, shorter than D.; width between P. 71.
32 to 41. A. 32 to 38. L. 30. Warm seas.
the commonest species, on sharks, etc. (Eu.). (vavкpárηs, pilot.)
118. REMORA Gill.
a. Dorsal about XVIII-23.
N. to Cape Cod;
(Ancient name, meaning one who holds
back.)
(Remora.)
255. R. remora (L.). REMora. SUCKING-FISH. Uniform
dusky; head 4; disk 24, longer than D.; width between P. 51. A.
25. L. 12. Warm seas, N. to N. Y. (Eu.)
aa. Dorsal about XVI-30. (Remoropsis Gill.)
256. R. brachyptera (Lowe). SWORD-FISH REMORA. Light
brown. Head 4; disk shorter than dorsal; width between P. 61.
A. 26. Warm seas, rarely N.; on sword-fish. (ẞpaxús, short;
πτερόν, fin.)
119. RHOMBOCHIRUS Gill. (póµßos, rhomb; xeip, hand.)
257. R. osteochir (Cuvier). SPEAR-FISH REMмORA. Light
brown; mouth small; disk very large. Head 5; disk 24; width
ELACATIDE. - LI.
103
between P. 5. D. XVIII-21. A. 20. W. I., rare N. COσTÉOV,
bone; xeíp, hand.)
The position of the next family is still uncertain. Common
opinion places it between the Remoras and the mackerel-like fishes.
FAMILY LI. ELACATIDA. (THE COBIAS.)
Body elongate, fusiform, with very small, smooth scales; head
long, low; mouth moderate; jaws with bands of small teeth; chin
projecting; lateral line present, wavy. Dorsal spines about 9, low,
all separate; second D. and A. long; two weak anal spines; V. I, 5.
C. forked; no air-bladder; no sucking disk; pyloric cæca branched.
One species, in all warm seas.
120. ELACATE Cuvier. (λakárŋ, spindle.)
(ἠλακάτη,
258. E. canada (L.). COBIA; Crab-eater; SERGEANT-FISH.
Dusky, sides with a broad black band. Head 44; depth 5; D. IX,
33. A. II, 25. L. 5 feet. Warm seas, N. in summer.
We now begin the great series or suborder of ScOMBRIFORMES
or mackerel-like fishes, with one of the most aberrant members of
the group.
FAMILY LII. XIPHIIDÆ. (THE SWORD-FISHES).
Body elongate, naked; bones of upper jaw consolidated into a
long stiff "sword"; teeth disappearing with age; D. long, without
distinct spines, the rays enveloped in the skin; the fin divided into
two in the adult; A. similarly divided; tail slender, keeled; C.
widely forked; V. wanting. Gills peculiar, the laminæ of each
arch joined in one plate by reticulations; air-bladder simple; py-
loric cæca numerous. Vertebræ short, the neural and hæmal spines
normal; ribs very few. One species, a very large fish of the open
sea, much valued as food.
121. XIPHIAS Linnæus. (§ıpías, ancient name from έipos,
sword.)
259. X. gladius L. SWORD-FISH. Dark bluish. Head 21;
depth 5; snout 3. D. 40-4. A. 18-14. L. 15 feet or more. Open
sea, N. to Nova Scotia. (Eu.) (Lat; sword.)
FAMILY LIII. ISTIOPHORIDE. (THE SAIL-FISHES.)
Similar to the Sword-fishes, but with rudimentary scales, small per-
sistent teeth, and ventral fins of 1 or 2 rays; air-bladder sacculated;
rays of fins distinct, not embedded in skin. Vertebræ "elongate
hour-glass-shaped; neural and hæmal spines flag-like; ribs well-de-
veloped." Two genera, with 5 species. These are smaller than
the Sword-fishes, but similar in character and habits.
104
TELEOSTEI: ACANTHOPTERI, XX.
a. Ventral rays united into one; D. low.
aa. Ventral rays 2 or 3; D. very high.
.
·
TETRAPTURUS, 122.
ISTIOPHORUS, 123.
122. TETRAPTURUS Rafinesque. (rérpa-, four; πteρóv, fin;
oupá, tail.)
260. T. albidus Poey. SPEAR-FISH. BILL-FISH. Blue-black;
head (with sword) 24; depth 74. D. III, 39–6. A. II, 13–6. L. 8
feet. W. I., N. to Cape Cod. (Lat., white.)
123. ISTIOPHORUS Lacépède. (iσríov, sail; popéw, to bear.)
261. I. americanus Cuv. & Val. SAIL-FISH. SPIKE-FISH.
Bluish-black; dorsal very high, its membrane with round black
spots. Sword, from eye, 23 times rest of head, nearly twice as
broad as deep. Head 24; depth 6. D. XLI-7. A. 9-7. L. 6 to
8 feet. Warm seas, N. to Cape Cod.
FAMILY LIV. TRICHIURIDÆ. (THE SCABBARD-FISHES.)
Fishes closely related to the Scombridæ, but having the vertebræ
very numerous, and the dorsal fin long and low, its spines and soft
rays indistinguishable from each other, and without finlets. Ven-
tral fins rudimentary or wanting. Genera 6; species about 15, in
the warm seas.
a. No caudal fin; tail tapering to a point; no ventrals; teeth very strong,
unequal, some of them barbed..
TRICHIURUS, 124.
•
124. TRICHIURUS Linnæus. (Tpíxtov, a little hair;
262. T. lepturus L.
oupá, tail.)
SCABBARD-FISH.
CUTLASS-FISH. SIL-
lower jaw longer.
Warm sea, N. to
VER EEL. Silvery, D. dark-edged; snout long;
Head 71; depth 16. D. 135. A. very low, 100.
N. Y. ETTÓS, thin; oùpá, tail.)
FAMILY LV. SCOMBRIDÆ. (THE MACKERELS.
Body subfusiform or compressed, with small cycloid scales, those
at the shoulders sometimes enlarged, forming a corselet; lateral line
present. Head pointed; mouth large, not protractile; teeth sharp,
large or small; opercles unarmed; gill openings very wide; pseudo-
branchiæ large. Dorsals two, the first of slender spines, the second
usually followed by detached finlets; tail slender, keeled, its fin
widely forked; V. thoracic I, 5. Vertebræ in increased number, 30
to 70; pyloric cæca many. Coloration metallic, the sexes similar.
Genera about 17; species about 70. Fishes of the high seas, many
of them cosmopolitan, coming to northern shores to spawn, and
often irregular in their visits. Most of them are valued as food,
but the red, oily flesh of some is very coarse.
SCOMBRIDE.
105
LV.
a. Finlets present (5 to 10 in number) behind D. and A.; dorsal spines less
than 25. (Scombrinæ.)
b. Caudal peduncle with median keel, a small keel above and below this.
c. Body wholly covered with small scales, those on the "corselet" and
lateral line sometimes larger; vertebræ normal.
d. Teeth of jaws strong, subtriangular, more or less compressed; teeth
on vomer and palatincs villiform; gill rakers few; corselet ob-
scure; dorsal spines 14 to 18; body compressed; head short;
vertebræ 45. .
SCOMBEROMOrus, 125.
dd. Teeth of jaws subconic, scarcely compressed; gill rakers numerous;
corselet distinct.
e. Vomer toothless; palatines with one row of strong conical teeth;
body elongate; vertebræ about 52.
SARDA, 126.
ee. Vomer and palatines with sand-like teeth; body robust; vertebræ
40.
ALBACORA, 127.
cc. Body scaleless, excepting on corselet and about lateral line; abdo-
minal vertebræ with enlarged foramina and a trellis-like structure
between the vertebra proper and the hæmapophyses; vertebræ
about 38.
f. Dorsals close together, the interspace about 5 in head; palatine
teeth villiform; no teeth on vomer. . GYMNOSARDA, 128.
ff. Dorsals well separated, the interspace more than half head;
teeth small, on vomer and not on palatines; gill rakers
numerous.
•
AUXIS, 129.
bb. Caudal peduncle without median keel (the two lesser keels present as
usual); dorsals well separated, the interspace more than half head;
spinous dorsal short; body scaly; corselet obsolete; vertebræ normal,
about 31, in number; teeth slender, on jaws, vomer and palatines;
gill rakers long, numerous.
SCOMBER, 130.
125. SCOMBEROMORUS Lacépède. (σkóµßpos, Scomber;
öμopos, near.)
a. Gill rakers short, thick, less than X +8; dorsal spines 14 or 15.
263. S. cavalla (Cuvier). KING-FISH. Lateral line abruptly
bent below soft D. Iron gray, nearly plain; spinous D. not black.
Head 5; depth 6. D. XV-15-VIII. A. II – 15-VIII. L. 6.
W. Indies, rarely N., a fine food-fish. (Spanish, horse.)
aa. Gill rakers rather long and slender, more than X+8; dorsal spines 17
or 18; lateral line wavy, not abruptly bent; teeth strong; spinous dor-
sal largely black.
b. Side with one or two narrow blackish stripes breaking up posteriorly
into irregular spots; similar spots usually present below these.
264. S. regalis (Bloch). SIErra. PINTADO. Teeth 40 in
each jaw; snout bluntish. Head 44; depth 41. D. XVIII-16 –
VIII. A. II-14-VIII. L. 23 feet. W. Indies, rarely N.
bb. Sides with numerous round bronze spots, but never with dark longitu-
dinal stripe.
265. S. maculatus (Mitchill). SPANISH MACKEREL. Bluish
above, sides silvery; teeth about 30 in each jaw; snout pointed.
106
- XX.
TELEOSTEI: ACANTHOPTERI.
Head 4; depth 5. D. XVIII-17-IX. A. II-18-VIII. L. 21
feet. Tropical America, N. in summer, a favorite food fish. (Lat.,
spotted.)
126. SARDA Cuvier. (Lat. name, from Sardinia, where it
abounds.)
266. S. sarda (Bloch.) BONITO. Steel-blue, with several black-
ish streaks obliquely downward and forward from back. Head 3§;
depth 44. D. XXI −1, 13 – VII. A. II-13-VII. L. 4 feet. At-
lantic, abundant N. to Cape Cod. (Eu.)
127. ALBACORA Jordan (gen. nov.)
(Orcynus and Thynnus Cuvier, both names preoccupied.) (Albacore,
a word said to be of Moorish origin.)
a. Pectoral fins short, about reaching 9th dorsal spine, and 6 to 7 in body.
(Albacora.)
267. A. thynnus (L.). GREAT TUNNY. ALBACORE. Very ro-
bust. Dark blue, dusky below with obscure paler spots. Head 38;
depth 4. D. XIV-1, 12-VIII. A. II-12-VIII. L. 12 to 15
feet. Atlantic, everywhere, one of the largest of fishes, sometimes
reaching 1500 lbs. (Oúvvos, tunny.) (Eu.)
128. GYMNOSARDA Gill. (Euthynnus Lütken.)
(yvμvós, naked; Sarda.)
a. Lateral line abruptly curved behind second dorsal.
268. G. pelamis (L.). OCEANIC BONITO. Bluish; four brown
stripes on each side of belly. Head 33; depth 4. D. XV-12-
VIII. A. 12-VII. Atlantic, scarce, W. (Eu.) (reλaµús, tunny.)
aa. Lateral line without abrupt curve.
269. G. alletterata (Rafinesque). LITTLE BONITO. Bluish; no
stripes on lower parts; several oblique wavy dark streaks above
lateral line, about 5 blackish spots below P. Head 3; depth 41.
D. XV-12-VIII. A. 12-VII. L. 2 feet. Warm seas, rarely
N. (Eu.) (From alletteratu, the Sicilian name.)
(avĝis, a young tunny.)
129. AUXIS Cuvier.
270. A. thazard (Lacépède). FRIGATE MACKEREL. Blue,
somewhat mottled with darker. Head 4; depth 44. D. X-12-
VIII. A. 13-VII. L. 18. Warm seas, occasional schools on
our coast. (Eu.) (From tassard, the French name.)
130. SCOMBER (Artedi) Linnæus. (σкóµßpos, Scomber,
mackerel.)
a. Air bladder none; top of head without translucent area. (Scomber.)
271. S. scombrus L. COMMON MAckerel. Dark blue
above, silvery below, the lower parts unmarked; eye moderate;
CARANGIDÆ.
107
LVI.
back with about 35 dark wavy stripes.
Head 3; depth 3. D.
XI-12-V. A. 12-V. L. 2 feet. Atlantic, everywhere abundant,
one of the best known of food fishes.
bb. Air bladder small; top of head with a translucent area. (Pneuma-
tophorus Jordan & Gilbert.)
272. S. colias Gmelin. CHUB-MACKEREL. THIMBLE EYE.
Dark blue; sides soiled silvery, in the adult showing dusky cloud-
ings; back with about 30 dark wavy streaks, extending to just below
the lateral line; eye large. Head 3; depth 34. D. IX or X-12-V.
A. 12-V. L. 12. Warm seas, not rare N., a food fish of much
less value than the mackerel. (Eu.) (koλías, old name of some
mackerel.)
:
FAMILY LVI. CARANGIDA. (THE POMPANOS.)
Fishes closely allied to the Mackerels, but with the vertebræ in
moderate number, about 25. Anal fin always preceded by two
spines, which sometimes disappear with old age; finlets usually
few or none. Teeth all small. Coloration usually metallic silvery.
Genera, 25; species 180; in all warm seas; most of them excellent
as food.
a. Premaxillaries not proctractile (except in the very young); soft dorsal
similar to anal, both very long. (Scombroidinæ.)
b. Maxillary without supplemental bone; no pterygoid teeth: scales linear,
imbedded.
OLIGOPLITES, 131.
aa. Premaxillaries protractile.
c. Pectoral fins long, falcate; anal similar to soft dorsal, its base longer
than abdomen; maxillary with supplemental bone. (Caranginæ.)
d. Dorsal outline not less curved than ventral.
e. D. and A. each with one free finlet; body slender.
ee. D. and A. without finlets.
DECAPTERUS, 132.
f. Lateral line with well developed scutes for its entire length.
TRACHURUS, 133.
ff. Lateral line with scutes on its straight posterior portion only
(these sometimes few and small in species with the body
compressed).
g. Shoulder girdle with a deep cross-furrow at its junction with
the isthmus; body oblong.
gg. Shoulder girdle normal.
TRACHUROPS, 134.
h. Body oblong or moderately elevated, not as below.
CARANX, 135.
hh. Body oblong-ovate, very strongly compressed, its out-
lines all trenchant, the anterior profile vertical; scutes
VOMER, 136.
almost obsolete.
•
fff. Lateral line without any scutes anywhere; body short and
elevated, strongly compressed. .
SELENE, 137.
dd. Dorsal outline less strongly curved than ventral; body compressed,
with trenchant outlines; scutes of lateral line obsolete.
CHLOROSCOMBRUS, 138.
108
TELEOSTEI: ACANTHOPTERI. - XX.
cc. Pectoral fins short, not falcate.
i. Maxillary without supplemental bone; anal similar to soft dorsal;
its base much longer than abdomen; tail unarmed. (Trachinotinæ.)
j. Forehead convex; teeth small, lost with age; membrane of spinous
dorsal disappearing with age.
TRACHINOTUS, 139.
•
•
ü. Maxillary with supplemental bone; A. shorter than soft D., its base
not longer than abdomen. (Seriolinæ.)
k. D. and A. without finlets.
7. Membrane of D. spines disappearing with age.
7. Membrane of D. spines persistent.
NAUCRATES, 140.
SERIOLA, 141.
kk. D. and A. each followed by a two-rayed finlet. ELAGATIS, 142.
131. OLIGOPLITES Gill. (ỏλiyos, small; óñλíτŋs, armed.)
273. O. saurus (Bloch & Schneider). LEATHER-JAcket.
RUNNER. Bluish, silvery below; fins yellow. Body lanceolate;
fins low. Head 5; depth 4. D. V-1, 20. A. II-1, 20. L. 18.
Warm seas; rarely N. (σaupos, old name of some fish that skips
like a lizard.)
132. DECAPTERUS Bleeker. (deka, ten; πrepóv, fin.)
a. Scutes about 40; teeth present.
274. D. punctatus (Agassiz). SCAD. CIGAR-FISH. ROUND
ROBIN. Bluish; a dark opercular spot; about twelve small black
spots on lateral line anteriorly. Head 41; depth 5. D. VIII – 1,
30-I. A. II,-1, 24-I. L. 12. W. I., etc.; occasional N.; com-
mon S. (Lat., dotted.)
aa. Scutes about 25; teeth obsolete.
275. D. macarellus (Cuv. & Val.). Lateral line unspotted;
D. soft rays 33. A. 27; depth 5. W. I., rarely N.
133. TRACHURUS Rafinesque. (rpáxovpos, ancient name, from
τραχύς, rough ; οὐρά, tail.)
276. T. trachurus (L.). HORSE-MACKEREL. SAUREL. Scutes
all large, about 72 (35+37) in number; depth about 4. D.
VIII-1, 29. A. II-1, 28. L. 12. S. Europe, etc., occasional
on our coast. (Eu.)
134. TRACHUROPS Gill. (Trachurus; &¥, appearance.)
277. T. crumenophthalmus (Bloch). BIG-EYED SCAD. CHI-
CHARRO. GOGGLER. Eye very large, 3 in head, with very large
adipose eyelid; scutes 40. Head 31; depth 31. D. VIII–1, 26.
A. II-1, 22. L. 12. Warm seas. N. to Cape Cod. (Lat.,
crumena, purse; ¿0paλµós, eye.)
135. CARANX Lacépède. (A corruption of the Portuguese
Acarauna, French Carangue.)
a. Teeth in jaws in few series, unequal, those above enlarged, those below
uniserial; teeth on vomer, palatines and tongue; soft dorsal and anal
falcate in front; maxillary broad. (Caranx.)
CARANGIDÆ.
109
LVI.
b. Body subfusiform, the depth less than the length; breast scaly; no
canines; scutes numerous, 40 to 50.
278. C. chrysos (Mitchill.) HARD-TAIL. YELLOW MACKEREL.
COJINERA. Greenish, yellow below; a black blotch on opercle;
none on P; breast scaly; arch of lateral line about half straight
part. Head 34; depth 31. D. VIII – 1, 24. A. II, 1, 19. Scutes
50. L. 18. Cape Cod, S., rather common. (xpvoós, gold.)
bb. Body oblong-ovate, the depth more than
stronger; scutes larger, 25 to 30; silvery species.
the length; outer teeth
c. Breast entirely scaly; opercular spot inconspicuous; lower jaw with-
out distinct canines.
279. C. latus Agassiz. JUREL. Pectoral spot usually wanting.
Head 3; depth 24. D. VIII– 1, 22. A. II-1, 16.
L. 18. Warm seas, rarely N. (Lat., broad.)
Scutes, 30.
cc. Breast naked, except a small rhombic scaly area before V.; lower
jaw with two small canines; adult with a large black spot on
opercle, and one towards base of P.
280. C. hippos (L.). CREVALLÈ.
CAVALla.
Warm seas,
Head large
and deep, especially in adult, mouth large. Head 31; depth 2 to
3. D. VIII–1, 20. A. II–1, 17. Scutes 25. L. 36.
N. to Cape Cod; common S.
aa. Teeth of jaws equally small; breast naked, spinous dorsal disappearing
with age; soft dorsal and anal with 3 to 6 anterior rays produced in
long filaments. (Alectis Rafinesque.)
(ππоs, horse.)
281. C. gallus (L.). THREAD-FISH. Body very deep, broadly
ovate, its edges trenchant; scales minute; scutes very feeble; sil-
very, darker above; a dark blotch on opercle; changes greatly with
age. Head 3; depth 2 (young as deep as long). D. VI-1, 19.
A. 16. Scutes 9 to 12. L. 2 feet. Warm seas, N. to N. Y. (The
American fish, called Caranx crinitus Mitchill, seems to be the same
as the East Indian C. gallus.) (Lat., cock.)
136. VOMER Cuvier. (Lat., ploughshare.)
282. V. setipinnis (Mitchill). MOON-FISH. HORSE-FISH. Body
oblong, excessively compressed, but less elevated than in C. gallus
or in Selene vomer; fins in adult all very low, none filamentous;
head very gibbous above eye; scutes minute. Head 34; depth 2
(deeper in young). D. VIII-1, 21 to 25; A. II-1, 18 to 20.
L. 18. Tropical America, N. to Maine. (Lat., seta, bristle;
pinna, fin.)
137. SELENE Lacépède. (σeλývŋ, the moon.)
a. D. with 22 soft rays; A. with about 18; anterior profile of head from base
of snout to occiput almost straight, the bones of the head being much
distorted.
110
XX.
TELEOSTEI: ACANTHOPTERI.
283. S. vomer (L.). MOON-FISH. HORSE-HEAD. LOOK-DOWN.
Adult with soft rays of D. and A. much produced; young with
dorsal spines and V. variously elongate, these fins short with age.
Silvery. Head 3; depth 1½. L. 12. Warm seas, frequently N.
to Cape Cod.
138. CHLOROSCOMBRUS Girard. (xλwpós, green; σкóμßpos,
mackerel.)
284. C. chrysurus (L.). BUMPER. CASABE. Greenish;
sides and below golden; a dark blotch on back of tail; head deep;
mouth very oblique; P. very long; chord of arch of lateral line 1
to 14 in straight part; no scutes. Head 34; depth 2}. D. VIII – 1,
26. A. II-1, 26. L. 9. W. Indies, rare N. (xpvσós, gold;
oupá, tail.)
(τραχύς,
139. TRACHINOTUS Lacépède. POMPANOS. (τpaɣús,
rough; vôros, back.)
a. Dorsal with 19 to 20 soft rays; anal with 17 to 19.
b. Body broadly ovate, its depth at all ages more than half the body; sides
without black bars.
285. T. falcatus (L.). ROUND POMPANO. PALOMETA. Body
deep; profile from nostril to dorsal everywhere about equally con-
vex; lobes of D. and A. high, reaching in adult beyond middle of
fin; bluish, sides silvery; lobes of D. black in young; no axillary
spot. Head 34; depth 13. L. 20. Warm seas, occasional N. to
N. Y. (T. ovatus (L.); T. rhomboides Bloch.) (Lat., scythe-
shaped.)
aa. Dorsal with 25 soft rays; anal with 22; body oblong, rather robust.
286. T. carolinus (L.). COMMON POMPANO. Bluish, golden
below; changes greatly with age, the young deeper, with conspic-
uous fin-spines, and with teeth in jaws; D. and A. lobes about
reaching middle of fins. Head 4; depth 23. L. 18. Gulf Coast,
etc., N. to Cape Cod, common S.; a famous food fish.
140. NAUCRATES Rafinesque. (vavкpárns, pilot.)
287. N. ductor (L.). PILOT-FISH. ROMERO. Bluish with
about 6 broad dark vertical bars. Head 4; depth 4. D. IV-1, 26.
A. II-1, 16. Pelagic; occasional on our coast. (Eu.) (Lat.,
guide.)
141. SERIOLA Cuvier. AMBER-FISHES. (An Italian name.)
288. S. zonata (Mitchill). RUDDER-FISH. Bluish, with 6
broad black bars, which fade or disappear with age; an oblique
dark band from eye to spinous dorsal; V. mostly black. Head
longer than deep; occiput compressed; tail keeled.
Head 31;
depth 3. D. VII-1, 38. A. II-1, 21. L. 30. Cape Cod to
W. I, not rare. (Lat., banded.)
POMATOMIDÆ. - LVII.
111
142. ELAGATIS Bennett. (λakárη, spindle.)
ἠλακάτη,
289. E. bipinnulatus (Quoy & Gaimard). Blue, yellow be-
low; side with 3 longitudinal bluish stripes. Head 3ğ; depth 3%.
D. VI-1, 27 –II. A. II-1, 17-II. L. 18. Warm seas, rarely
N. to L. I. (Meek.) (Lat., bis, two; pinnula, little fin.)
FAMILY LVII. POMATOMIDÆ. (THe Blue-fishes.)
Closely allied to the Carangida but with the scales larger and
weakly ctenoid. Mouth large, oblique, with very strong, compressed,
unequal teeth; premaxillaries protractile; caudal peduncle stout,
the fin forked, with broad lobes; preopercle serrate; lateral line
unarmed. First dorsal of about 8 fragile spines; second D. and A.
long; anal spines minute. A single species, in most warm seas.
143. POMATOMUS Lacépède. (Tμa, opercle; тoμós, cutting.)
290. P. saltatrix (L.). BLUE-FISH. SKIP-JACK. Bluish, sil-
very below; a black blotch at base P.; body robust, somewhat com-
pressed; P. inserted low, nearly 2 in head. Head 31; depth 4. D.
VIII – 1, 25. A. II −1, 26. Lat. 1. 95. L. 3 feet.
Warm seas,
common on our Atlantic coast; an excellent and gamy fish, but very
destructive to other species. (Lat, leaper.)
>
FAMILY LVIII. STROMATEIDÆ. (THE Butter-fishes.)
:
This family is also very close to the Carangida, differing chiefly
in the presence of numerous horny, barbed or hooked teeth in the
œsophagus, and in the greater number of vertebræ (30 or more).
There are no free anal spines, and the spinous D. is very much re-
duced or even wanting. Some of the species differ from other
mackerel-like fishes in having the gill membranes attached to the
isthmus, while still others have no ventral fins. Genera 5; species
about 30; of the warm seas.
a. Ventral fins I, 5, well-developed; premaxillaries protractile; gill openings
wide; caudal peduncle stout. (Centrolophinæ.)
b. Preopercle finely serrate; dorsal spines short and stout; anterior rays of
D. low; scales moderate.
LEIRUS, 144.
•
aa. Ventrals minute or absent; premaxillaries not protractile; caudal pe-
duncle slender; the fin widely forked; opercles entire; scales minute;
spinous D. almost obsolete. (Stromateinæ.)
c. Gill membranes free from isthmus.
STROMATEUS, 145.
144. LEIRUS Lowe. (epós, thin.)
291. L. perciformis (Mitchill). BLACK RUDDER-FISH. Black-
ish-green everywhere; eye large; snout blunt. Head 31; depth 23.
D. VII – 1, 20. A. III, 16. Lat. I. 75. L. 12.
rare N. (Lat., perca, perch; formis, shape.)
Maine to N. J., not
112
XX.
TELEOSTEI: ACANTHOPTERI.
145. STROMATEUS (Artedi) Linnæus. (orpwμareús, ancient
name.)
a. Pelvis ending in a small spine; V. wanting.
b. D. and A. little falcate, their lobes shorter than head; a row of con-
spicuous pores along side of back above lateral line. (Poronotus Gill.)
292. S. triacanthus Peck. DOLLAR-FISH. BUTTER-FISH.
Bluish; silvery below; body oval, compressed; snout very blunt.
Head 4; depth 24. D. III, 45. A. III, 37. L. 10. Maine to
Florida, common N. (rpís, three; åkavêa, spine.)
bb. D. and A. falcate, their lobes longer than head; back without evident
pores. (Rhombus Lacépède.)
293. S. paru L. HARVEST-FISH. Bluish, yellow below; body
almost round, with vertical snout. Head 4; depth 13. D. III, 45.
A. II, 43. L. 8. Cape Cod to S. A., rare N. (Brazilian name.)
FAMILY LIX. CORYPHÆNIDÆ. (THE Dolphins.)
Body elongate, compressed, with small, cycloid scales; mouth
wide, with moderate teeth; opercles entire; occipital crest extend-
ing well forward, becoming very high in the adult . D. contin-
uous from nape nearly to C., without distinct spines; A. similar,
shorter; V. I, 5; P. short; C. widely forked. Gill openings wide.
No pseudobranchiæ nor air-bladder. Vertebræ more than 24. One
genus, with 2 or 3 species; large vigorous fishes of the open seas.
The bright coloration grows pale at death, but the accounts of this
change have been much exaggerated.
146. CORYPHÆNA (Artedi) Linnæus. (Kópus, helmet;
pivo, to show.)
294. C. hippurus L. COMMON DOLPHIN. DORADO. Very
bright olive-green, with small round blue spots; V. inserted slightly
behind upper ray of P. Head 4; depth 41; V. 14 in head; P. 14.
D. 59 to 63. A. 29. L. 3 to 5 feet. Open sea, N. to Cape Cod,
abundant S. (πоs, horse; oupá, tail.) (Eu.)
With the Dolphins, we close the series of fishes having Scombroid
affinities, and begin the equally important series of PERCI-
FORMES, those related in some degree to the common Perch.
The Perch-like fishes have usually larger and rougher scales than
the Scombroids, and the development of the spinous armature of
the fins is in general more pronounced. We begin with one of the
most aberrant forms, the small
FAMILY LX. APHREDODERIDÆ. (THE PIRATE
PERCHES.)
Body oblong, with thick, depressed head and compressed tail;
mouth moderate, the chin projecting; teeth in villiform bands on
ELASSOMATIDÆ. LXI.
113
jaws, vomer, and palatines; premaxillary not protractile; maxil-
lary simple; preopercle and preorbital serrate; opercle with a
spine; bones of skull somewhat cavernous; gill rakers tubercle-
like; gill membranes slightly joined to isthmus; no pseudobranchiæ ;
gills complete. B. 6. Scales strongly ctenoid; no lateral line.
Vent anterior, below the preopercle in adult, farther back in young,
its position changing by a lengthening of the rectum. Dorsal small,
with 3 or 4 spines; anal with 2; ventrals without spine and with
seven soft rays (all other perch-like fishes having one spine and five
rays); C. rounded. Vertebræ 29. Air bladder large. Pyloric
One species, a small fish of nocturnal habits, abounding
in sluggish grassy lowland streams throughout the Eastern U. S.
cæca 12.
147. APHREDODERUS Le Sueur. (apodos, excrement;
dépn, the throat.)
295. A. sayanus (Gilliams). PIRATE PERCH.
profusely dotted with black; two dusky bars at base
3; depth 3. D. III, 11. A. II, 6. Lat. l. 48 to 58.
to La., and N. to Minn. and Lake Erie; variable.
Say, the entomologist.)
Dark olive,
of C. Head
L. 6. N. Y.
(To Thomas
FAMILY LXI. ELASSOMATIDÆ. (THE TINY PERCHES.)
Body oblong, compressed, with large cycloid scales; mouth small;
teeth conic, strong, on jaws, a few on vomer; upper jaw very pro-
tractile; opercles entire; gill membranes broadly united, free from
the isthmus; gill rakers tubercle-like; lower pharyngeals narrower,
with sharp teeth. B. 5. No lateral line; pseudobranchiæ rudi-
mentary. V. normal (I, 5). Dorsal small, with 4 spines; anal
with 3; C. rounded. Vertebræ 24. One genus, with two species,
E. evergladei Jordan, of Florida, and the following. They in-
habit sluggish, lowland waters of the E. U. S., and they are among
the smallest of all fishes.
148. ELASSOMA Jordan. (λáoowµa, a diminution.)
296. E. zonatum Jordan. Olive green, finely speckled; sides
with 11 dark bars; a round black spot on side behind shoulder;
fins spotted; a bar at base of C. Eye large; mouth small. Head
3; depth 31. D. V, 9. A. III, 5. Scales 40-19. L. 1 to 11.
S. Ill. to Ark. and La., in grassy brooks. (Lat., banded.)
FAMILY LXII, CENTRARCHIDÆ. (THE SUN-FISHES.)
Body more or less shortened and compressed, so that the regions
above and below the axis of the body are nearly equal and corre-
spond to each other. Mouth terminal; teeth small; premaxillary
protractile; maxillary with a supplemental bone which is sometimes
8
114
ACANTHOPTERI. - XX.
TELEOSTEI:
minute or obsolete; preopercle entire or nearly so; preorbital deep,
not sheathing the maxillary; gill membranes separate, free from
isthmus; pseudobranchiæ small, concealed. B. usually 6; lower
pharyngeals separate; scales usually large; lateral line present.
Dorsal continuous, with 6 to 13 spines; anal spines 3 to 8. Ver-
tebræ about 30. Intestines short, with a few cæca. Sexes similar,
but the changes in form due to age often considerable. Genera 10;
species about 25; carnivorous fishes especially characteristic of the
Mississippi Valley, all but one (Archoplites interruptus of Cal.)
confined to the waters of the E. U. S. Some species build nests,
and all are voracious and gamy.
a. Dorsal fin scarcely larger than anal; gill rakers very long and slender.
b. Spinous dorsal longer than soft, its spines 12; anal spines about 8.
CENTRARCHUS, 149.
bb. Spinous dorsal shorter than soft, with 6 to 8 spines; anal spines 6.
POMOXIS, 150.
aa. Dorsal fin much larger than anal; gill rakers shorter.
c. Body comparatively short and deep, the depth usually more than
the length; dorsal fin not deeply divided.
d. Tongue and pterygoids with teeth; mouth large (the maxillary
reaching past middle of eye).
e. Scales ctenoid; caudal concave behind.
tegals 6.
•
•
f. Opercle emarginate behind; anal spines usually 6; branchios-
AMBLOPLITES, 151.
ff. Opercle ending in a black convex process or flap; anal spines 3.
CHÆNOBRYTTus, 152.
ACANTHARCHUS, 153.
ee. Scales cycloid; caudal convex.
dd. Tongue and pterygoids toothless; mouth small (the maxillary barely
to middle of eye).
g. Caudal convex; opercle emarginate, without flap.
h. Dorsal fin continuous, normally with 9 spines; anal nor-
mally with 3 spines.
ENNEACANTHUS, 154.
•
hh. Dorsal fin angulated, some of the median spines elevated;
dorsal spines 10; anal 3.
MESOGONISTIUS, 155.
•
•
gg. Caudal margin concave; opercle prolonged behind in a con-
vex process or flap which is always black; dorsal spines
normally 10; anal 3.
•
LEPOMIS, 156.
cc. Body comparatively elongate, the depth in adult about the length;
D. low, deeply emarginate, with 10 spines; mouth large; C. lunate.
149. CENTRARCHUS Cuv. & Val.
ἀρχός, anus.)
MICROPTERUS, 157.
(Kévτρov, spine;
(κέντρον,
297. C. macropterus Lacépède. Body ovate; fins high. Green,
with rows of dark brown spots along sides; fins reticulated; young
with a black ocellus on D. behind. Head 34; depth 2. Scales
5-44-14. D. XI or XII, 12. A. VII or VIII, 15. L. 6. N. C.
to Ill., and S., in lowland streams. (μakpós, long; πтeρóv, fin.)
CENTRARCHIDÆ.
115
LXII.
150. POMOXIS Rafinesque. (μa, opercle; ¿gús, sharp.)
a. Dorsal spines 7 or 8; A. reticulate, like soft D.
298. P. sparoides (Lacépède). CALICO BASS. GRASS-BASS.
BAR-FISH. STRAWBERRY BASS. Body oblong, compressed, the
profile comparatively even; fins very high. Silvery olive, much
mottled with clear green; vertical fins with green reticulations
around pale spots.
Head 3; depth 2. D. VII, 15. A. VI, 17.
Lat. 1. 41. L. 12.
aa. Dorsal spines 6; A. fin whitish, nearly plain.
N. J. to Minn. and La.; commonest N.
299. P. annularis Rafinesque. CRAPPIE. BACHELOR. NEW
LIGHT. CAMPBELLITE. SAC-A-LAI. Profile more or less distinctly
S-shaped, the nape gibbous, the head depressed, the snout project-
ing; mouth very large. Silvery olive, mottled with dark green.
Head 3; depth 24. D. VI, 15. A. VI, 18. Lat. 1. about 40.
L. 12. Variable. Miss. Valley, in quiet waters, common S. (Lat.,
ringed.)
151. AMBLOPLITES Rafinesque. (außλús, blunt;
óлλírηs, armed.)
300. A. rupestris (Rafinesque). ROCK BASS. RED EYE. GOG-
GLE-EYE. Body oblong; eye very large. Olive green, sides brassy,
much mottled with dark green; young with blackish bars; adult
with rows of dark spots along sides; iris red. Head 24; depth 2.
D. XI, 10. A. VI, 10. Scales 5-40-12. L. 12. Vt. to Manitoba,
S. to La. and N. C., common W. (Lat., living among rocks.)
152. CHÆNOBRYTTUS Gill. (xaivw, to yawn; Bryttus
i. e. Lepomis.)
301. C. gulosus (Cuv. & Val). WAR-MOUTH. RED-EYED BREAM.
Body oblong, robust; eye moderate. Olive green, sides brassy with
blotches of bluish, greenish, and copper-red; cheeks with 3 or 4
dark bands; fins dusky, mottled; a dark spot on last D. rays;
young barred; some specimens with rows of dark spots on sides.
Head 2; depth 24. D. X, 10; A. III, 9. Scales 6-40–12. L.
10. L. Michigan to Va. and Texas, abundant S. in sluggish waters.
Northern specimens are deeply colored, the adult with blue and
copper-red; the D. is usually a trifle farther forward, over opercular
spot; this is var. antistius McKay. (Lat. big-mouthed.)
153. ACANTHARCHUS Gill. (äκavba, spine; ápxós, anus.)
302. A. pomotis (Baird). MUD SUN-FISH. Form of the Rock
Bass. Dark-green, with 2 or 3 faint dusky longitudinal stripes;
cheeks with dark oblique bands; fins plain. Head 2; depth 2.
D. XI, 10. A. V, 10. Scales 6-43-12. L. 6. Hudson R. to
N. C. in sluggish streams coastwise. (Pomotis=Lepomis.)
116
XX.
TELEOSTEI: ACANTHOPTERI.
154. ENNEACANTHUS Gill. (evvéa, nine; ăκavoa, spine.)
a. Depth usually more than half length; opercular spot large, more than
half eye.
303. E. obesus (Baird). Olivaceous, with 5 to 8 distinct dark
cross-bars; spots on body and fins golden or purplish; cheek with
lines and spots; a dark bar below eye; cheek with 4 rows of scales;
lateral line usually incomplete; fins moderate, spine of V. not
reaching vent. Head 2; depth 1. D. IX, 10. A. III, 10.
Scales 4-32-10. L. 4. Mass. to Fla., common coastwise. (Lat.,
fat.)
aa. Depth usually less than half length; opercular flap small, bordered with
pearly and blue.
304. E. simulans (Cope). Dark olive, young faintly barred; a
dark bar below eye; with head, body and vertical fins with
round sky-blue spots; ? duller, with lower fins and larger, faint
spots; lateral line usually complete. Head 24; depth 24. D. IX,
10. A. III, 9. Scales 3-30-9. L. 5. N. J. to S. C., com-
mon coastwise; (number of spines sometimes variable). (Lat.,
resembling.)
305. E. eriarchus (Jordan). Olivaceous; vertical fins with
round pale spots; lateral line incomplete; fins very large, espe-
cially A., which is reached by the ventral spines; scales on cheek,
in 3 rows.
Head 24; depth 24. D. X, 9. A. IV. 8 (in typical
example probably abnormal). Scales 4-33-10. L. 3. Wis. to
Mo.; two specimens known. (épɩ, an intensive particle; ápxós,
anus.)
155. MESOGONISTIUS Gill. (μéros, middle; ywvía, angle;
ἱστίον, sail.)
306. M. chaetodon (Baird). Body suborbicular, the mouth
very small, the fins high. Straw-color, with dark clouds; 6 to 8
irregular, sharply-defined black bars across body and fins, the first
bar through eye. Head 3; depth 13. D. X, 10. A. III, 12.
Scales 4-28-10. L. 3. N. J. to Md., in sluggish streams; hand-
somest of the sun-fishes. (A genus of fishes.)
156. LEPOMIS Rafinesque. SUN-FISHES. (Ichthelis, Pomotis,
and Apomotis Rafinesque.)
(A large genus, one of the most difficult in our fauna, as the
species are subject to great individual variations, especially with
age. On the other hand the numbers of scales and fin-rays are
essentially alike in all, and nearly all the distinctive characters are
subject to intergradation. The spines are generally higher in the
young, while the "ear-flap" is fully developed only in the adult.)
(λeπís, scale; Tôμa, opercle.)
CENTRARCHIDÆ.
117
LXII.
a Lower pharyngeals narrow, the teeth not paved.
b. Pharyngeal teeth all, or nearly all, slender and acute.
c. Supplemental maxillary well developed; palatine teeth present; gill
rakers comparatively stiff and strong. (Apomotis Rafinesque.)
d. Scales rather small, more than 40 in lateral line.
e. D. and A. in adult, with a conspicuous black spot at base of last
ray.
307. L. cyanellus (Rafinesque). GREEN SUN-FISH. Body
oblong, the back not elevated; mouth large, the maxillary nearly
to middle of eye; dorsal spines low, about equal to snout; oper-
cular flap short, with pale margin. Green, with brassy lustre, each
scale with a blue spot and gilt edging; fins largely blue, A. edged
with orange; iris red; cheeks with blue stripes. Head 3; depth
21. D. X, 11. A. III, 9. Lat. 1. 48. L. 7. Great Lakes to Ga.
and Mexico; very abundant in small brooks, especially S.; very
variable. (Kúavos, dark-blue.)
ee. D. and A. without black spot.
308. L. phenax (Cope & Jordan). Body rather deep; mouth
small, the maxillary to middle of eye; opercular spot longer than
eye. Plain olive green; scales 6-43-14. L. 16. N. J. (péva§,
false.)
dd. Scales rather large, less than 40 in lateral line.
309. L. symmetricus Forbes. Body short, deep; mouth mod-
erate. Dark green, sides with 10 vertical bars; dorsal in ? with
black ocellus on last ray; cheek not striped; opercular spot higher
than long; spines low. Head 2; depth 14. Scales 6-34-14.
L. 2. Ill. to La., not rare; a neat and very small species.
cc. Supplemental maxillary reduced to a slight rudiment; the mouth
small, the palatine teeth few or none.
d. Gill rakers stiff, not very short. (Lepomis.)
e. Opercular flap short, little larger than eye, even in adult.
310. L. ischyrus Jordan & Nelson. Body robust, mouth large,
the maxillary to middle of eye; profile depressed above eye; scales
on cheek in 6 rows; opercular flap broad, with a broad pale edge.
Dusky, mottled with blue and orange; cheeks with wide blue bands;
a dark spot on D. and A. behind. Head 24; depth 21. Scales
5-46-14. L. 7. Ill. R.; only the type known. (loxvpós, robust.)
311. L. macrochirus Rafinesque. Steel-blue with bronze orange
spots, so arranged as to form series of vertical chain-like bars; fins
with bronze and orange; no blue stripes on cheek; P. long, reach-
ing A.: gill rakers slender, 11; 7 rows of scales on cheeks. Head
3; depth 21. Scales 6-42-15. L. 5. Ohio valley, rare. (μakpós,
long; xeíp, pectoral.)
ee. Opercular flap in adult becoming more or less elongate and con-
spicuous.
118
TELEOSTEI: ACANTHOPTERI. — XX.
f. Scales large, 5-34-11; opercular spot wholly surrounded by a very
broad red margin.
312. L. humilis (Girard). Body oblong; spines high; cheeks
with 5 rows of scales. Olive, with greenish specks, posteriorly;
sides with round orange spots; belly and lower fins red. Head 2;
depth 24. L. 2. Ky. to Neb. and Texas; very abundant S. W.
(Lat., humble.)
ff. Scales rather small, 42 to 50 in the lateral line.
g. Opercular flap in the adult, very broad, without pale edge; D. and
A. in adult with a large black spot on the last rays.
313. L. pallidus (Mitchill). BLUE SUN-FISH. COPPER-NOSED
BREAM. DOLLARDEE. Body deep, compressed, the young slen-
der, the adult yery deep; tail slender; head small; mouth quite
small, the maxillary barely to eye; gill-rakers slender, about 10;
D. spines higher than in related species. Olive green; young pur-
plish silvery, with greenish cross-bars; no blue stripes on cheek; no
red on fins; old specimens often dusky, with the belly coppery red.
Head 3; depth 2. Lat. l. 44. L. 10. Great Lakes to N. Y., Kans.,
Fla. and Mexico; very abundant. Very variable, but usually known
by the black dorsal spot, which it shares with L. cyanellus. (Lat.,
pale.)
gg. Opercular flap in the adult, very long and narrow, not wider than
eye, its lower margin pale; dorsal and anal usually without dark
spot.
314. L. auritus (Linnæus). LONG-EARED SUN-FISH. Body
rather elongate; mouth moderate, the maxillary past front of eye;
gill rakers quite short, but stiff and rough; scales on cheek in 7
rows. D. spines low. Olive, belly and lower fins largely red;
scales on sides with bluish spots; bluish stripes on head, especially
before eye. Head without flap, 3; depth 24. Lat. 1. 47. L. 8.
Me. to La., only E. of the mountains; very abundant; usually
known at sight by the long, narrow ear-flap. S. replaced by var.
solis Cuv. & Val., with larger scales on cheek and belly, the former
in 5 or 6 rows. (Lat., long-eared.)
dd. Gill rakers very short, weak and flexible; no palatine teeth; opercu-
lar flap in adult extremely long, with or without pale margin,
variously shorter in young; head with blue streaks. (Xenotis
Jordan.)
315. L. megalotis (Rafinesque). Body short and deep, the
profile steep; mouth small, the maxillary to middle of eye; scales
on cheek in 5 rows. Brilliant blue and orange, the former color
predominating below, the blue in wavy streaks, the orange in spots;
head with conspicuous blue stripes; fins mostly with membranes
orange, the rays blue; V. dusky; no black spot on D. or A. Head
without flap, 3; depth 1 to 24. Scales 5-38-14. L. 6. Mich.
to Dakota, S. to S. C. and Mexico; very abundant, especially in
CENTRARCHIDÆ.
119
LXII.
small brooks. The adult is readily recognized; the young may
be known by the small gill-rakers and blue on head. (μeyáλos,
large; ous, ear.)
: 316. L. garmani Forbes. Body rather deep; mouth moderate;
maxillary not to front of pupil; eye large; cheeks with 5 rows of
scales. Dusky; sides with rows of bronze spots, one to each scale,
and about 7 rows below lateral line; opercular flap eye. Head
24; depth 24. Scales 5-34 to 41-14. L.4. Wabash Valley. (To
Harry Garman, of Champaign, Ill.)
bb. Pharyngeal teeth mostly bluntly conic; gill-rakers stout, rather short.
(Xystroplites Jordan.)
317. L. euryorus McKay. Body very robust, the back high;
gill rakers about 8; eye small; scales on cheek in 6 or 7 rows;
opercular flap nearly as long as snout, with a very broad paler
margin; spines low; P. short. Greenish, nearly plain. Head 38;
depth 24. Scales 6-43-14. L. 7. Fort Gratiot, L. Huron; one
specimen known. (eupus, wide; opos, margin.)
aa. Lower pharyngeals very broad, the teeth paved, almost spherical, and
truncate at tip; gill-rakers small; opercular flap rather short and
broad; its lower posterior edge always bright scarlet; no distinct black
spot on D. (Eupomotis Gill & Jordan.)
h. Body compressed, the back elevated; a considerable angle formed
above the eye by the projecting snout; sides silvery-olive, scarcely
spotted with orange; cheek without distinct blue lines.
318. L. holbrooki (Cuv. & Val.). Eye large, the maxillary reach-
ing its front; cheeks with 5 rows of scales; spines high; P. long,
longer than head; opercular spot large. Dusky olive, silvery below;
somewhat mottled; belly yellow; fins nearly plain, the lower yellow.
Head 3; depth 2. Scales 6-45-14. L. 8. S. Ill., to S. C. and S.,
in lowland streams. (The western form, var. notatus Agassiz, has
perhaps the scales larger, 4-35-13, and 4 rows on cheek.) (To
John Edwards Holbrook, author of Ichth., S. C.)
hh. Body robust, the back elevated, but not much compressed; the profile
steeper, scarcely forming an angle above eye; the short snout little
projecting; sides bluish, profusely spotted and blotched with orange;
cheeks orange, with blue wavy streaks.
319. L. gibbosus (L.) COMMON SUN-FISH. BREAM. POND-
FISH. PUMPKIN-SEED. SUNNY. Eye large, the maxillary reaching
its front; cheeks with 4 rows of scales; spines moderate; P. scarcely
longer than head; opercular spot moderate. Greenish olive, the
sides bluish, the belly and lower fins orange; the sides profusely
mottled with orange; D. bluish, orange-spotted. Head 34; depth
2. D. X, 11. A. III, 10. Scales 6-47-13. L. 8. Minn. and
Great Lakes to Me., and S. to S. C.; exceedingly abundant N. and
E., but in Western rivers rarely coming south of the latitude of
120
XX.
TELEOSTEI: ACANTHOPTERI.
Chicago. A familiar and active inhabitant of clear brooks, defend-
ing its nests with great spirit. "A very beautiful and compact fish,
perfect in all its parts, looking like a brilliant coin fresh from the
mint." (Lat., gibbous.)
157. MICROPTERUS Lacépède. BLACK Bass. (μikpós,
small; πτеρóν, fin.)
a. Mouth moderate, the maxillary in adult not extending beyond eye; scales
small, about 11-74-17; young more or less barred or spotted, never with
a black lateral band.
320. M. dolomieu Lacépède. SMALL-MOUTHED BLACK BASS.
Body ovate-oblong, growing deep with age; scales on the cheek
small, in about 17 rows; D. less deeply notched than in the next;
the ninth spine about half as long as the longest. Coloration vari-
able, the young dull golden-green, with darker spots on sides which
tend to cluster in short vertical bars; 3 bronze bands across cheeks;
C. yellowish, next black, with a white tip; D. with bronze spots.
Adult nearly uniform olive-green. Head 31; depth 33. D. X, 13.
A. III, 10. Scales 10 or 11-72 to 75-17. L. 1 to 2 feet; weight
2 to 7 pounds. St. Lawrence River to Dakota, S. to S. C., Ala.,
and Ark., preferring clear and running streams; hence less common
S. than the next, and for the same reason usually considered the
better game-fish. "The Black-bass is eminently an American fish;
he has the faculty of asserting himself and of making himself com-
pletely at home wherever placed. He is plucky, game, brave, un-
yielding to the last, when hooked. He has the arrowy rush and
vigor of a trout, the untiring strength and bold leap of a salmon,
while he has a system of fighting tactics peculiarly his own.
I con-
sider him inch for inch and pound for pound the gamest fish that
swims." (J. A. Henshall.) (To M. Dolomieu, a scientist of Paris.)
aa. Mouth very large, the maxillary in the adult extending beyond the eye;
scales rather large, about 7-68-16; last spines of D. very short, so that
the fin is almost divided into two; young with a blackish lateral
band.
321. M. salmoides (Lacépède). LARGE-MOUTHED BLACK
BASS. GREEN BASS. OSWEGO Bass. BAYOU BASS. Body
rather deeper and more compressed than in the preceding, growing
deeper with age; scales on cheek large, in about 10 rows; 9th D.
spine not half length of longest. Color dark green, silvery below;
sides with a broad blackish band in young, with some dark spots
above and below it; three dark stripes across cheeks; C. pale at
base and tip, mesially dusky. Adult dull green, nearly plain. Head
31; depth 3. D. X, 13. A. III, 11. Scales 8-68–16. L. 1 to 24
feet; weight 3 to 8 pounds. Dakota to N. Y., S. to Florida and
Mexico; everywhere abundant, preferring lakes, bayous, and slug-
gish waters. Variable. (Lat., Salmo, salmon; eidos, like, which it
is not.)
PERCIDÆ. — LXIII.
121
FAMILY LXIII. PERCIDE. (THE PERCHES.)
Body elongate, with rather small ctenoid, adherent scales; lateral
line usually present, not extending on caudal fin; mouth various,
the teeth usually villiform; no supplemental maxillary; opercle with
a flat spine; B. 6 or 7; gills 4, a slit behind the fourth; gill mem-
branes free from isthmus; gill rakers slender, toothed; pseu-
dobranchiæ small, often concealed by skin; lower pharyngeals
separate, with sharp teeth; air-bladder usually small or wanting,
adherent to abdominal walls. Fins usually large; dorsal fins sepa-
rate, the first with 6 to 15 spines; anal spines 1 or 2; V. thoracic,
I, 5;
intestinal canal short; pyloric cæca few; vertebræ more
numerous than in Serranidæ, 30 to 45. Genera about 7; species
about 100, in the fresh waters of the Eastern United States, Europe
and Northern Asia. The great majority of the species belong to
the singular genus or subfamily, Etheostoma, including the Darters,
a most singular group of dwarfed perches, peculiar to the waters of
Eastern America.
a. Pseudobranchiæ imperfect or wanting; preopercle entire or nearly so;
branchiostegals 6; anal papilla usually present; pyloric cæca 2 or 3;
supraoccipital crest low; fishes of small size (Etheostomatinœ).
ETHEOSTOMA, 158.
aa. Pseudobranchia well developed; preopercle serrate, the teeth on its lower
margin retrorse; branchiostegals 7; no anal papilla; premaxillaries
protractile; size large. (Percina.)
b. Canine teeth none; body oblong..
bb. Canine teeth on jaws and palatines; body elongate.
PERCA, 159.
STIZOSTEDION, 160.
158. ETHEOSTOMA Rafinesque. DARTERS.
This group comprises a great variety of forms, and it has been
usually divided into 10 to 16 genera. It is, however, impossible to
maintain most of these subordinate groups as genera on account of
intergradations of all sorts. There is no considerable variation in
the osteology ¹ of the species, except in regard to the numbers of
the vertebræ. The group is apparently one of comparatively recent
origin, and the differential characters do not seem to have become
very firmly fixed. On the other hand, the extremes of the group
(as E. pellucidum or E. microperca) have diverged very far from
their perch-like ancestors.
The relations of the Darters to the Perches have been aptly ex-
pressed by Dr. Stephen A. Forbes: "Given a supply of certain
kinds of food nearly inaccessible to the ordinary fish, it is to be ex-
pected that some fishes will become especially fitted for its utiliza-
1 For an account of the osteology of this group, see Jordan & Eigenmann, Proc.
U. S. Nat. Mus. 1885, 68. For a popular account of the habits of the species, see
Jordan & Copeland on "Johnny Darters," in "Science Sketches."
122
XX.
TELEOSTEI: ACANTHOPTERI.
tion. Thus Etheostoma is to be explained by the hypothesis of
the progressive adaptation of the young of certain Percina to a
peculiar place of refuge and a peculiarly situated food supply.
These are the mountaineers among fishes. Forced from the popu-
lous and fertile valleys of the river beds and lake bottoms, they
have taken refuge from their enemies in the rocky highlands, where
the free waters play in ceaseless torrents, and there they have
wrested from stubborn nature a meagre living. Although diminished
in size by their constant struggle with the elements, they have de-
veloped an activity and hardihood, a vigor of life and a glow of
high color, almost unknown among the easier livers of the lower
lands. Notwithstanding their trivial size, they do not seem to be
dwarfed so much as concentrated fishes."
Their colors are often very brilliant, the males of some species
being among the most brilliant fishes known. The sexes are usually
unlike; the females being generally dull and speckled. They
usually prefer clear running water, where they lie on the bottom
concealed under stones, darting, when frightened or hungry, with
great velocity for a short distance, by a movement of the large pec-
torals, then stopping as suddenly. They rarely leave the bottom,
and are never seen suspended in the water. A few species prefer
a sandy bottom, where they lie buried in the sand, with only the
eyes visible. The Darters feed chiefly on the larva of Diptera.
The largest reach a length of 8 inches, but the average is about 2
inches. (The name Etheostoma is said by Rafinesque to mean
"various mouths" (repos, various; σróμa, mouth?), the three species
known to him caprodes, blennioides, and flabellare, differing much
in this respect.)
a. Body extremely elongate, hyaline, subterete, the belly mostly naked;
lateral line complete; head, long, pointed; gill membranes somewhat
united.
b. Premaxillaries protractile; dorsal spines 7 to 11.
c. Anal spine single; A. nearly as large as 2d D. (Ammocrypta ¹
Jordan Pleurolepis Baird.)
www
d. Cheeks and opercles scaly.
322. E. pellucidum Baird. SAND DARTER. Scales of body
not very rough, only those along lateral line and on tail well imbri-
cated; nape thinly scaled, becoming usually wholly naked on median
line; belly naked; maxillary barely reaching the large eye; P.
short. Translucent, finely dotted above; a series of small square
olive blotches along back, and another along lateral line, the latter
connected by a gilt band; fins pale. Head 41; depth 7. D. X–10.
A. I, 8. Scales 6-75-X. Vert. 44. L. 24. Ohio Valley and
N. W., abounding in clear sandy streams, where it buries itself in
the sand by a sudden plunge, and lies with only the eyes uncovered.
1 άμμος, sand ; κρυπτός, concealed.
PERCIDE.
123
LXIII.
From Ind. W. and S. occurs var. clarum (Jordan & Meek).
Differs from var. pellucidum in having no scales along nuchal region,
and none on sides anteriorly except the 5 or 6 rows along lateral
line. Cheeks with few scales.
From S. Ill., S., and W. is found var. vivax (Hay), better scaled
than var. pellucidum, the region before dorsal being more or less
closely covered with scales; scales firmer and rougher; a dusky
bar across base of soft dorsal.
cc. Anal spines two; anal small. (Ioa¹ Jordan & Brayton.)
323. E. vitreum (Cope). Side of head closely covered with
large, rough-ctenoid scales; middle and lower part of side with
rough scales, breast and part of belly naked as is front of back;
fins low; P. long. Translucent, with small dark spots on back and
sides; fins plain. Head 41; depth 7. D. VII to IX-11 to 13.
A. II, 7. Scales 60. L. 2. Va. and N. C., common in Neuse R.
(Lat., glassy.)
bb. Premaxillaries not protractile; dorsal spines 14; anal fin large. (Crys-
tallaria 2 Jordan & Gilbert.)
324. E. asprellus (Jordan). Eyes very large; mouth moderate;
cheeks and opercles well scaled; nape scaly; throat and belly
naked; fins large; C. lunate; hyaline olive; sides with 10 dark
quadrate blotches, small and far apart; body sometimes with 4 or 5
broad dark cross-bands; fins plain; a dusky shade through eye.
Head 4; depth 7. D. XIV-13. A. I, 12. Scales 7-93-X. L. 4.
S. Ind. (Rising Sun; O. P. Jenkins) to Ill., Ala., and Ark., in clear
water, much the largest of the hyaline or "sand" Darters, approach-
ing the type of E. aspro. (Diminutive of Aspro.)
aa. Body less elongate, not hyaline, almost entirely covered with scales.
e. Premaxillaries protractile.
f. Anal spine single, obscure; dorsal spines usually 9; anal smaller than
soft dorsal.
g. Lateral line complete or very nearly so. (Boleosoma 8 DeKay.)
h. Soft dorsal with 12 to 14 rays.
i. Cheeks and opercles scaly; D. IX−14.
325. E. olmstedi Storer. Body rather slender; fins very high;
the spines weak; nape and breast usually naked (closely scaled in
var. atromaculatum Girard, Cayuga L. and S.); olivaceous; sides
with blotches and zigzag markings; fins speckled; head black in
males in spring. Head 4; depth 54. A. I, 9. Lat. 1. 50. L. 34.
Mass. to W. N. Y., S. to Ga., abundant; probably a variety of the
next. (To Mr. Olmsted who discovered the species in the Conn.
Valley.)
ii. Cheeks almost always naked; opercles scaly; breast naked.
1 iós, arrow.
2 κρύσταλλος, crystal. 3 Boλís, dart; oŵµa, body.
124
TELEOSTEI: ACANTHOPTERI. — XX.
j. Scales about 5–50–9; D. IX-12; lateral line often incomplete behind;
fins moderate.
326. E. nigrum Rafinesque. "JOHNNY." Body slender, fusi-
form; snout somewhat decurved; mouth small, sub-inferior; pale
olive, back speckled with brown; sides with numerous W-shaped
blotches; males in spring dusky anteriorly, sometimes entirely black.
Head 41; depth 5. D. IX-12. A. I, 8.
D. IX-12. A. I, 8. Vert. 152237.
L. 24. Dakota to W. Penn. and Mo., very abundant in small
brooks. (Boleosoma maculatum Agassiz.)
yy. Scales about 5-40-6; dorsal rays IX-13; lateral line complete;
fins very high.
327. E. effulgens (Girard). Snout much decurved; brown, with
9 spots on side; fins black; 2d D. and C. with white specks. Head
41; depth 5. L. 24. Penn. to N. C., probably a variety of B.
nigrum. (? B. asopus Cope; D. VII-14.) (Lat., shining.)
hh. Soft dorsal with 10 or 11 rays.
i. Cheeks naked; opercles scaly; scales 4-35-6.
328. E. vexillare Jordan. Body rather stout; nape naked;
snout decurved; fins very high; ♂ dusky olive, faintly barred;
2d D. and C. with pale spots; other fins mostly black. Head 4;
depth 5. D. VIII-10. A. I, 7. L. 24. Rappahannock R., Va.,
one specimen known. (L., bearing a standard.)
ii. Cheeks and opercles wholly naked; scales in lateral line 45.
329. E. susanæ (Jordan & Swain). Very slender; head short
and small, the snout decurved; head, nape, breast, and middle of
belly naked; fins low. Color of E. nigrum. Head 44; depth 61.
D. VIII-10. A. I, 8.
L. 2. Cumberland R., abundant in S. Ky.
(To Mrs. Susan Bowen Jordan.)
gg. Lateral line ceasing near middle of body. (Vaillantia¹ Jordan.)
330. E. chlorosoma (Hay). Body slender, with long tail; back
somewhat elevated; mouth small, inferior, the snout strongly de-
curved; cheeks, opercles and breast scaly, nape naked; fins small.
Olivaceous, the back spotted; about ten dark spots on sides; a dark
opercular spot; head spotted above; D. and C. barred. Head 44;
depth 54. D. X-10. A. 1, 8. Scales 5-56-10. Vert. 38. L. 24.
Ill. to Ala. and Ark., common S. W. (Boleosoma camurum Forbes).
(xλapós, green; σ@ua, body.)
ff. Anal spines two, well developed, the first usually the longer.
m. Gill membranes more or less broadly united; belly with ordinary
scales.
n. Maxillary normal, free from the preorbital. (Ulocentra 2 Jordan.)
1 To Léon Vaillant, author of a monograph of the Darters.
2 ovλos, complete; κévтpov, spine.
PERCIDE. - LXIII.
125
331. E. simoterum (Cope). Body short and deep; head small,
the snout very obtuse; cheeks, opercles and breast scaly. Oliva-
ceous; back and sides each with a series of quadrate, blackish green
blotches; belly saffron; upper parts with red spots; 1st D. with
red spots and orange-red edge; 2d D. largely red; C. brown,
barred; male in spring with head and fins largely dusky. Head
4; depth 4. D. X-11. A. II, 7. Scales 10-52-12. Vert. 38.
L. 3. Tennessee and Cumberland basins. (Ulocentra atripinnis
Jordan.) (ouós, snub-nosed.)
nn. Maxillary adnate to the preorbital for most of its length, and there-
fore nearly immovable; mouth very small, inferior; no teeth on
vomer. (Diplesion 1 Rafinesque.)
332. E. blennioides Rafinesque. GREEN-SIDED DARTER. Body
elongate, little compressed, the head thick, its profile very convex ;
eyes large, high up, close together; cheeks, opercles and neck scaly;
breast naked; spines strong. Olive green, mottled above; sides
with 8 double transverse bars, each pair forming a Y-shaped figure
of a deep green color; sides with orange dots; fins blue green,
marked with orange red; duller. Head 4; depth 4. D.
?
XIII-13. A. II, 8. Lat. 1. 65 to 78. Vert. 42. L. 5. Penn.
to Ala. and Kans., common, one of the prettiest of the darters.
(Blennius, eidos, like.)
mm. Gill membranes scarcely connected; anal usually not smaller than
second D.
o. Belly with enlarged scales on middle line; these falling off, leaving
a naked strip. (Cottogaster 2 Putnam.)
Lat. 1. 56.
333. E. copelandi (Jordan). Body slender; head large, nar-
rowed in front; mouth small, subinferior, the snout decurved;
cheeks and breast naked; opercles and nape with few scales. Pale
olive, speckled above, a series of horizontally oblong black blotches
along lateral line; fins somewhat barred, dusky in ♂; a black spot
on front of first D. Head 44; depth 53. D. XI-10. A. II, 9.
Vert. 18+20=38. L. 2. White R., Ind., to Ark.
(To the late Herbert Edson Copeland, the discoverer of the species,
and one of the most careful and enthusiastic students of these fishes.)
334. E. putnami (Jordan & Gilbert). Close to the preceding,
but with larger scales; lateral spots quadrate; spinous D. with a
dusky band. Head 4; depth 6. D. XI-11. A. II, 8. Lat 1. 44
to 48. L. 21. L. Champlain to L. Huron. (To Frederick Ward
Putnam.)
oo. Belly with ordinary scales posteriorly, its anterior part naked.
(Imostoma & Jordan.)
q. P. extremely long, 1 times length of head, reaching front of A.
1 dís, two; manσíov, near, i. e. nearly two dorsals.
• Cottus, yaorńp, belly.
8 eius, to move; σróµa, mouth.
126
TELEOSTEI: ACANTHOPTERI. — XX.
335. E. longimane Jordan. Body moderately slender; head
long, bluntish anteriorly, profile of snout steep and nearly straight;
mouth moderate, included; maxillary to front of eye; cheeks nearly
or quite naked; opercles somewhat scaly, nape naked; dorsals very
high; A. spines small. Olivaceous, with 5 dark cross-shades; a
dark spot at base C., fins nearly plain. Head 4; depth 5. D. IX
or X-12 or 13. A. II, 8. Scales 6-43–7. L. 21. James R., Va.
(Lat., longus, long; manus, hand.)
qq. P. moderate, not reaching A.
336. E. shumardi (Girard). Body robust; head broad and
thick; mouth large, scarcely inferior; cheeks, opercles and nape
scaly; breast naked; fins all large. Dark olive, blotched with
darker; sides with 8 to 10 vague bars; a small black spot on front
of spinous D.; a large one behind; fins barred; suborbital stripe
large, black. Head 3; depth 5.
depth 5. D. X, 15. A. II, 11. Scales
Wabash R. to Ark., in larger streams. (To
6-56-11. L. 3.
Dr. George C. Shumard.)
ee. Premaxillaries not protractile (the skin of the middle of the upper jaw
continuous with that of the forehead).
p. Cranium broad between the eyes; snout conic, pig-like, projecting be-
yond the inferior mouth; ventral line with a series of larger scales
which fall off, leaving a naked strip; dorsal spines 13 to 15; gill
membranes separate; scales small; vertebræ 23 + 21 = 44. (Per-
cina ¹ Haldeman.)
1
337. E. caprodes Rafinesque. LOG PERCH. HOG-FISH.
CRAWL-A-BOTTOM. Body elongate; fins rather low; cheeks and
opercles scaly. Yellowish green with about 15 dark cross-bands,
these usually alternating with shorter and fainter bands; a black
spot at base of C.; fins barred. Head 4; depth 6. D. XV – 15.
A. II, 9. Lat. 1. 92. L. 6 to 8. Great Lakes to Va., Ala., and
Texas, abundant, the largest of the darters, and the one most
nearly allied to the Perch and similar fishes. N. and E. occurs
var. zebra Agassiz, with nape naked, etc.; the ordinary form is
scaly. (kápos, the wild boar; eldos, like.)
pp. Cranium not broad between the eyes; mouth less inferior, the snout
usually not projecting much beyond it.
r. Ventral line with the median series of scales more or less enlarged
or (if these are fallen) with a naked strip; anal fin large; lateral
line complete.
s. Palatine teeth present; dorsal spines 11 to 15.
q. Preopercle strictly entire; gill membranes scarcely united across
isthmus. (Alvordius 2 Girard.)
t. Cheeks and opercles wholly naked; head large and long.
338. E. macrocephalum Cope. Body slender; head eel-like;
maxillary reaching eye. Brown, back with dark quadrate spots;
I Dim. of Perca.
* To General Benjamin Alvord, U. S. A.
PERCIDE.
127
LXIII.
sides with 9 blackish oblong spots, alternating with smaller ones;
fins mottled; 1st D. with median dark band. Head 3; depth
7. D. XV-13. A. II, 11. Scales 11-77-15. L. 3. Ohio Valley,
rare W. (μakρós, large; кepaλn, head.)
tt. Cheeks naked; opercles scaly above only; nape and breast naked;
muzzle blunt.
339. E. peltatum Stauffer. Body rather stout; mouth moderate,
maxillary reaching eye; ventral shields large. Olive, the back with
short cross-bars; sides with broad brownish shades; a dark blotch
on neck and opercle; snout and space below eye with the usual
bars; fins barred; 1st D. with a black band. Head 4; depth 5.
D. XII, 12. A. II, 8.
Scales 7-53-9. L. 4. Penn. to S. C.,
E. of Mts. (E. nevisense Cope; Alv. crassus Jor. & Brayton.)
(Lat., having shields.)
ttt. Cheeks usually with small scales; opercles with larger ones.
u. Head not very slender, the muzzle moderate, the lower jaw in-
cluded.
340. E. aspro (Cope & Jordan). BLACK-SIDED DARTER.
Body fusiform, rather elongate; maxillary reaching just past front
of eye; breast naked; nape scaly or not. Greenish yellow with
dark tessellations and marblings above and about 7 large dark
blotches along side, more or less confluent; fins barred; a small
spot at base C. Head 4; depth 6. D. XIII to XV, 12. A. II, 9.
Scales 9-65–17. Vert. 42. L. 3 to 4.
L. 3 to 4. W. Penn. to Dakota and
Ark., abundant, one of the most elegant of the darters. (Aspro, a
related genus of European Percidæ, from Lat. asper, rough.)
uu. Head very slender, with long-acuminate snout; jaws subequal.
341. E. phoxocephalum Nelson. Body slender; mouth large,
maxillary reaching eye; nape scaly; breast naked. Yellowish
brown, the lateral spots smaller than in E. aspro and more numer-
ous, quadrate in form; a small dark spot at each end of lateral line.
Head 4; depth 5. D. XII-13. A. II. 9. Scales 12-68-14.
Vert. 39. L. 4. Ind. to Kans. and Ark., common S. W. (φοξός,
tapering; «eþaλń, head.)
qq. Preopercle more or less distinctly serrate, especially in the young;
gill membranes broadly united. (Serraria 1 Gilbert.)
342. E. scierum (Swain). Body rather stout; head short,
bluntish; mouth small, the lower jaw shorter; maxillary not reach-
ing eye; cheeks and opercles scaly; breast partly scaled; scales of
median line of belly slightly enlarged, probably deciduous; fins very
large. Yellowish olive, everywhere vaguely blotched with black,
especially along sides; with head and most fins blackish; ?
paler. Head 4; depth 5. D. XIII, 14. A. II, 9. Scales 7-65–11.
1 Lat., serra, saw.
128
XX.
TELEOSTEI: ACANTHOPTERI.
Vert. 40. L. 4. Ind to Ark. and Texas. S. W. occurs var. ser-
rula J. & G., with preopercle more sharply serrate; markings more
definite; lat. 1. 68 to 71; breast naked.
Resembles E. aspro.
(σxieρós, shaded.)
ss. Palatine teeth obsolete; dorsal spines 10 to 12; ♂ with the lower
fins tuberculate in spring. (Ericosma ¹ Jordan.)
343. E. evides (Jordan & Copeland). Body rather stout, com-
pressed; head heavy, rather blunt forward; eye large; mouth
smallish, the maxillary reaching eye; lower jaw included; cheeks,
nape and breast naked; ventral scales moderate; fins large. Dark
olive, tessellated above; back with 7 broad transverse bars which
extend below lateral line; these bars are black in ?, with yellowish
interspaces; in deep blue-green, the interspaces yellow with
copper-red blotches; throat, cheeks, upper fins, and two spots at
base C., largely orange; A. and V. chiefly blue-black; fins not
barred; a black spot on last D. spines; Q with paler colors. Head
41; depth 51. D. XI-11. A. II, 8. Scales 9-65-9. Vert. 40.
L. 3. Ind. to Iowa and Ark; one of the most brilliant of the
darters. (evelons, comely.)
rr. Ventral line covered with ordinary scales, which are never shed in
life.
v. Lateral line complete 2 (with rare exceptions; see E. nianguœ).
w. Anal fin large,2 little if any smaller than the soft dorsal.
x. Gill membranes nearly 2 separate from each other. (Hadropte-
rus 3 Agassiz.)
y. Scales very small, lat. 1. about 85.
344. E. aurantiacum (Cope). Elongate; snout longer than
eye; lower jaw included; cheeks and opercles scaly; throat smooth.
Golden brown, a series of small round brown spots traversed by a
black lateral band which extends around snout; yellow below; fins
plain. Head 44; depth 6. D. XV-15. A. II, 11. L. 4. Upper
Tenn. R. (Lat., orange.)
yy. Scales moderate, lat. 1. 55 to 75.
345. E. cymatotania Gilbert & Meek. Body robust; head
short, the snout short and slender; mouth small, oblique, included;
maxillary nearly to front of eye; eye large, 4 in head; cheeks,
opercles, nape and breast with large scales; preopercle entire; gill
membranes narrowly joined, the degree of union variable, usually
very slight; 1st A. spine long and strong; P. short. Greenish,
with fine dark points; two pale streaks along sides, below the lower
a broad dusky wavy band; a small black spot at base C.; fins trans-
1 hp, spring-time; koσµéw, to adorn.
• These characters are none of them of high importance and are subject to some
variations.
8 αδρός, strong ; πτερόν, fn.
PERCIDÆ. — LXIII.
129
lucent, with dark lines. Head 44; depth 5. D. XII to XIV –13.
A. II, 10. Scales 7-64 to 70-12. L. 4. Ozark region, S. Mo.
(Kûμa, wave; тaivía, band.)
346. E. nianguæ Gilbert & Meek. Body elongate, terete; head
very long and slender, the snout deep and narrow, vertically rounded
at tip; mouth large, maxillary beyond front of orbit; eye shorter
than snout, 5 in head; cheeks with a few rudimentary scales ;
opercles and breast naked; nape scaled; A. rather smaller than
2d D.; 1st A. sp. short. Olivaceous, the back with 8 to 10 wide
dusky cross-bars, which extend on sides; ♂ with the dark bars
encircling body; back and sides with carmine-red spots in the pale
interspaces, most numerous in ; two black spots at base C.; 1st
D. dusky, spotted with red, and with red edge; other fins mostly
mottled with red. Head 3; depth 6. D. XÌ or XII-13 or
14. A. II, 11 or 12. Scales 11-74-16. L. 38. Niangua R., S.
Mo. Var. spilotum Gilbert, from Kentucky R. is similar, but with
the scales much larger (lat. 1. 58 to 60), and the lateral line
incomplete.
xx. Gill membranes more or less broadly united.
z. Scales very small, 10-82-18; preopercle entire.
347. E. squamatum Gilbert & Swain. Body elongate, the head
long and slender, the snout long-acuminate; mouth long and nar-
row, the lower jaw included; maxillary to front of eye; eye moder-
ate; 1st D. low; A. high, its spines strong; cheeks, breast, nape,
and opercle scaly; an enlarged black humeral scale. Yellow-olive,
with 10 broad dusky bars on back, and 10 dark blotches along sides;
a small black spot at base C.; 1st D. pale, with broad, orange band;
2d D. and C. barred with dusky and orange. Head 35; depth 51.
D. XIV-13. A. II, 10. L. 4. French Broad R. (Lat., scaly.)
zz. Scales large, 8-51-9; mouth small, low, horizontal (transition to
“Nanostoma"). (Poecilichthys 1 Agassiz.)
348. E. variatum Kirtland. Body rather robust, the head short
and thick, with short blunt snout, the anterior profile convex; eyes
large, 3 in head; maxillary to front of eye (4 in head); top of
head rugose; head almost naked; nape and breast scaled; fins all
very large; A. large, a little smaller than soft D.; P. reaching front
of A.; ♂ dusky greenish, finely punctate; belly and sides orange
yellow; posterior part of body with 5 orange bands; 1st D. with
dark blue band; 2d D., A. and P. blue-black, shaded with orange;
? paler. Head 3; depth 4. D. XIII-13. A. II, 9. L. 4.
Ohio Valley, scarce. (Lat., variegated.)
ww. Anal fin rather small, notably smaller than soft dorsal.
a. Gill membranes broadly united across the isthmus; mouth small, sub-
inferior. (Nanostoma 2 Putnam.)
1 ποίκιλος, variegated ; ἰχθύς, fish.
2 vavós, small; σróμa, mouth.
130
XX.
TELEOSTEI: ACANTHOPTERI.
349. E. zonale (Cope). Body slender; head small and short,
the snout obtusely decurved; cheeks and opercles scaly; breast
scaly, or naked (var. arcansanum Jordan & Gilbert); teeth feeble;
dorsals separate. Olivaceous; 6 brown quadrate spots on back,
connected by alternating spots with a broad, brown lateral band,
from which 8 narrower dark bluish bands nearly or quite encircle
the belly; P., A. and C. golden, speckled with brown; middle half
of 1st D. crimson; base of 2d D. with round red spots; a black
spot on opercle and one at base P.; Q duller, with V. barred.
Head 41; depth 5. D. XI-12. A. II, 7. Scales 6-43 to 50-12.
Vert. 39. L. 2. W. Penn. to Kans. and Miss., in clear streams;
variable. (Lat., belted.)
aa. Gill membranes scarcely united. (Nothonotus ¹ Agassiz.)
b. Head short, the muzzle abruptly decurved; scales 7-53-8; 2d D., A. and
C. black edged.
350. E. camurum (Cope). BLue-breasted DARTER. Body
stout; mouth somewhat inferior; C. truncate. blackish olive, breast
and throat deep rich blue; sides profusely sprinkled with crimson
dots; faint dark lines along rows of scales; 1st D. with a black spot
in front, above and behind which is a crimson one; 2d D., A., and C.
crimson, bordered with yellow and then by blue-black; P. and V.
crimson-edged; ? greenish, faintly barred. Head 4; depth 43.
D. XI −13. A. II, 8. Scales, 7-53-8. L. 21. Ind. to Tenn., in
clear streams, perhaps the most beautifully colored of all our fresh-
water fishes. (Lat., blunt-headed.)
bb. Head rather long and pointed, the snout not decurved.
c. Dorsal spines 10 or 12.
d. Scales 9-58-10; vertical fins without black border.
351. E. maculatum Kirtland. Body moderately elongate, with
very deep tail; eye large, maxillary to front of eye; fins short;
1st A. spine large. Olive black, with a wavy leather-colored dorsal
band; throat blue; back and sides with crimson spots; 1st D. with
a black spot at base in front; 2d D. blood-red; C. with two con-
fluent crimson spots at base; P. and V. without red border; ?
dull, the fins speckled and without red. Head 4; depth 51. D.
XII-12. A. II, 9. Scales 9-58-10. Vert. 39. L. 21. W. Penn.
(Pœc. sanguifluus Cope.)
to E. Tenn., scarce.
dd. Scales 6-45-7: A. and C. narrowly black-edged.
352. E. rufolineatum (Cope). Stout, the back elevated; snout
short, as long as the small eye; tail deep. Olive, with numerous
narrow longitudinal streaks including irregular quadrate spots of
brick-red; breast blue; belly orange; head with 2 brown bands, and
5 red spots on each side; fins all broadly bordered with crimson;
two orange spots at base C.; A. scarlet-yellow at base, edge black;
1 vólos, prominent; voros, back.
PERCIDÆ. — LXIII.
131
olivaceous, barred; fins speckled. Head 4; depth 43. D. XI-12.
A. II, 8. Scales 6-45-7. L. 3. French Broad R. (Lat., rufus,
red; linea, line.)
cc. Dorsal spines 14; scales 8-53-9.
353. E. vulneratum (Cope). Body stout, fusiform; tail deep;
form of E. maculatum. Light olive with 8 dark bars, interrupted
above, and a few crimson spots; fins mostly plain; 1st D. with a
series of red spots; C. orange, with narrow black edge, as has also
2d D. Head 4; depth 43. D. XIV-13. A. II, 8. L. 2. French
Broad R. (possibly the young of E. camurum). (Lat., wounded.)
vv. Lateral line incomplete or wanting (sometimes nearly or quite com-
plete in E.jessiæ.)
e. Lateral line developed anteriorly.
f. Gill membranes broadly united (Etheostoma).
1
g. Head entirely naked; lower jaw prominent; lateral line developed
about half way.
354. E. flabellare Rafinesque. Body long and low, the back
not arched; head long and pointed; fins low; 1st D. in ♂ half as
high as 2d; the spines with fleshy tips, spines higher in ?; nape
and throat naked. A conspicuous black humeral scale. Dusky
olive, with dark longitudinal streaks, ♂ with dark cross-bars; 2d D.
and C. sharply barred; 1st D. in ♂ tipped with orange. Head 4;
depth 5. D. VIII–12. A. II, 8. Scales, 7-50-7. Vert. 13+
20=33. L. 21. W. N. Y. to N. C., and W. in clear streams,
abundant and variable; the typical form from Ind. E. Var. lineola-
tum Ag., from Ind. N. W., has a black spot on each scale, these marks
forming very conspicuous stripes along side. Var. cumberlandicum
Jordan & Swain, from Cumberland R., has thicker head, and the
adult is almost plain olivaceous, except for the black humeral spot
and the barred fins. This is the most active and wary of the dart-
ers, and the most hardy in the aquarium. (Lat., Aabellum, a fan ;
i. e., fan-tailed.)
gg. Head more or less scaly.
h. Cheeks, opercles, nape, and breast scaly; jaws equal; lateral line
nearly complete.
355. E. squamiceps Jordan. Body less elongate than in the
preceding, the head shorter and thicker. Dusky olive, without
well-defined marks; mottled, with 6 cross-blotches and the lower
fins black; vertical fins cross-barred; a black humeral spot. Head
31; depth 5. D. IX-12. A. II, 7. Scales 5-50-6. L. 3. S.
Ind. to W. Fla. (Lat., squama, scale; ceps, head.)
hh. Cheeks naked, or with embedded scales; opercles scaly.
356. E. whipplei (Girard). Body rather deep, compressed,
with deep tail; mouth terminal, oblique; maxillary to eye, 31 in
head. Grayish, mottled with darker and with faint bars; sides
132
XX.
TELEOSTEI: ACANTHOPTERI.
with small round scarlet spots; two orange blotches at base of C.;
a black humeral spot. Dorsals barred with dusky and orange; A.
similar, more orange; C. barred, its margin black.
Head 31;
depth 4. D. IX to XII-12 to 14. A. II. 7. Scales 8-60 to
70-X. Vert. 36. L. 23. Ozark region and S., abundant. (To
Lieut. A. W. Whipple, U. S. A.)
ff. Gill membranes little if at all connected.
i. Lateral line nearly straight, not arched above P. (Oligocephalus 1
Girard.)
j. Humeral region with a small, black, scale-like process.
k. Cheeks, opercles, and nape naked, or very nearly so.
7. Scales small, 63 to 73 in a longitudinal series; mouth large,
terminal.
357. E. sagitta (Jordan & Swain). Body slender, with long
tail; head long, very slender, the snout sharp; mouth very large,
oblique; maxillary reaching front of pupil, 34 in head; jaws sub-
equal; fins high. Green, with faint olive cross-bars; a dark spot
at base of C.; sides with orange spots; fins with orange shades.
Head 31; depth 44. D. X-13. A. I, 10. Lat. 1. 68 (48 tubes).
L. 23. Cumberland R., Ky. (Lat., arrow.)
358. E. punctulatum (Agassiz). Body slender, the snout sharp,
the mouth vertical; eye large; fins rather low. Dark slaty green,
with faint dark bars; belly orange red; body and fins profusely
dusted with black specks. 1st D. with black band; other fins with
wavy bars of dark specks. Head 31, depth 53. D. X or XI – 14.
A. II, 8 or 9. Lat. 1. 63 to 73; pores 50. L. 2. Ozark region,
S. Mo. (Lat., dotted.)
11. Scales rather large, about 53 in lat. 1.
359. E. virgatum (Jordan). Form and appearance of E. fla-
bellare; head long-pointed; jaws subequal; maxillary reaching
pupil; preopercle crenulate. Greenish, each scale with a dusky
spot, these forming lengthwise stripes; sides with faint bars. D.
and C. barred. Head 33; depth 5. D. IX-10. A. II, 8. L. 21.
Rock Castle R., Ky. (Lat., striped.)
kk. Cheeks, opercles, and nape scaly.
360. E. boreale (Jordan). Body rather elongate, the head
heavy, the snout bluntly decurved; mouth small, horizontal, the
lower jaw included; humeral scale small; lateral line very short;
dorsals short and small. Gray (in spirits) with 11 or 12 very
distinct (blue?) cross-bands, each alternate one meeting its fellow
below; 1st D. with a median dark band; 2d D. barred; ? paler.
Head 3g; depth 5%. D. VIII-9. A. II, 7. Scales 4-53-10. L. 24.
Montreal.
jj. Humeral region without black scale-like process,
1 ὀλίγος, small; κεφαλή, head.
PERCIDE.
133
LXIII.
m. Cheeks naked, or very nearly so; opercles scaly.
361. E. cœruleum Storer. RAINBOW DARTER. SOLDIER-
FISH. Body rather stout; head large; mouth moderate, the lower
jaw the shorter, the maxillary to front of orbit; neck and breast
usually naked. ♂ olivaceous, blotched above with darker; sides
with about 12 oblique bars of indigo-blue running downwards and
backwards, the interspaces bright orange; cheeks blue; breast
orange; fins chiefly orange and deep blue; Q duller, with little blue
or red, the vertical fins barred. Head 34; depth 41. D. X-12.
A. II, 7. Scales 5-45-8; pores 33. Vert. 15+21=36. L. 21.
W. Penn. to Iowa and Ky., extremely abundant; one of the gaudi-
est of fishes. Var. spectabile Agassiz, Ind. to Kans., has distinct
dark streaks along the rows of scales on back. (Lat., blue.)
mm. Cheeks and opercles more or less scaly.
362. E. jessiæ (Jordan & Brayton). Body fusiform, rather stout,
compressed, with rather deep caudal peduncle; head moderately
pointed; mouth terminal, the lower jaw included; cheeks sealy or
partly naked; brownish, with cross-bars or blotches of greenish;
sides with dark blue quadrate cross-bars; fins speckled with golden.
Head 4; depth 5. D. XII-12. A. II, 9. Scales 6-47-7, with
tubes on 35 scales. Tenn. to Wabash Valley,¹ (Evermann) Ills.
and E. Texas. (To Mrs. Jessie Dewey Brayton.)
363. E. iowa Jordan & Meek. Similar to preceding, but slen-
derer and with notably smaller scales. Green, blotched with darker;
first D. shaded with red, its edge very dark. Head 3§; depth 51.
D. IX-11. A. II, 7. Scales 5-59-9. L. 2. S. Iowa.
364. E. saxatile (Hay). Form of E. nigrum; snout slender
and sharp, profile gently decurved; mouth terminal; lower jaw in-
cluded; body slender, the caudal peduncle also slender; gill mem-
branes narrowly united; P. as long as head. Dorsals well separated;
the spines very slender. Olivaceous with 6 dark cross-shades on
back, and with dark marks, much as in E. nigrum; from the
N-shaped marks on sides light blue bands pass down around belly
and tail; two black spots on base of C; a black spot behind eye.
Head 4; depth 6. D. XI to XIII-11 or 12. A. II, 9. Lat. 1.
50 to 55. L. 2. Tenn. to Ark. and S. (Lat., pertaining to rocks.)
365. E. luteovinctum Gilbert & Swain. Compressed, the back
elevated, the tail very slender; head compressed, with short, high
snout, its profile strongly decurved; mouth low, horizontal; gill
membranes narrowly connected; dorsals low, well separated. Very
1 The form from Ind. and Ill. is probably not different from E. jessic. It may
be called Var. asprigene (Forbes). Body rather stout; head somewhat pointed;
eye large, longer than snout; mouth terminal; dorsals separate. Dark greenish, much
mottled; 1st D. dusky behind with a broad band of blue and crimson; soft fins
speckled. Head 4; depth 41. D. XI - 12. A. II, 8. Lat. 1 49; tubes on 34 to
41. L. 24.
134
TELEOSTEI: ACANTHOPTERI. — XX.
pale olive, with 7 dark cross-bars on back; sides with 9 dark green-
ish blotches, between which are orange-yellow cross-bars; small
black spots at base of C.; spinous D. with a median orange band,
and a dark blotch behind; 2d D. and C. barred. Head 38; depth
48. D. IX or X-13. A. II, 7. Scales 6-49 to 55–11.
L. 2.
Stone R., Tenn. (Lat., luteus, yellow; vinctus, banded.)
i. Lateral line forming a slight curve above P.; body fusiform; dor-
sals separate, subequal. (Boleichthys Girard.)
n. Cheeks scaly.
366. E fusiforme (Girard). Body slender, terete; snout short,
bluntish; mouth small, oblique; maxillary reaching beyond front
of eye; eye large, longer than snout; C. rounded; A. spines small.
Olivaceous, mottled with brownish; back with 12 green cross-shades;
sides with similar shades, sometimes with red spots; 1st D. black
below, with reddish spots above. Head 38; depth 6. D. IX or
X-10. A. II, 6. Lat. l. 50 (10 to 20 pores). Vert. 16+20=36.
L. 2. Mass. to S. C., Ind., Ark. and Texas, in lowland streams
and mud-holes, variable. Southeastward occurs a form or variety,
barratti Holbrook, similar but without red or blue. (Lat., spindle-
shaped.)
367. E. eos (Jordan & Copeland). Body elongate, slender, the
tail very long; head long, the snout decurved; mouth small, little
oblique, the lower jaw slightly included. Dark olive, with darker
markings; about 12 dark-blue cross-bars on back, with as many
short dull-blue bars between them on sides; interspaces more or
less marked with red; lower parts with irregular dark specks and
short lines; 2d D., C. and P. barred; 1st D. with blue and red.
Head 4; depth 5. D. IX-11. A. II, 7. Lat. 1. 58; about 25
pores. L. 24. Ind. to Minn.; abundant. (Probably a variety of
the preceding.) (ós, sunrise.)
ee. Lateral line wholly wanting. (Microperca Putnam.)
368. E. microperca Jordan & Gilbert. LEAST DARTER. Body
rather short and deep, compressed; snout somewhat decurved;
cheeks naked; opercles scaly; nape and breast naked; fins small;
anal spines strong. Olivaceous much speckled, and with zigzag
markings; 2d D. and C. barred; a dark humeral spot. Head 34;
depth 4. D. VI or VII-10. A. II, 6. Lat. 1. 34. Vert. 14 +16
=30. L. 1 to 13. Smallest of the darters, and one of the small-
est of fishes; common from N. Ind. to Minn. (Microperca punctu-
lata Putnam.) (μikρós, small; πéρêŋ, perch.)
159. PERCA (Artedi) Linnæus. (Latin name from réρkŋ, origi-
nally from réρкos, dusky.)
369. P. flavescens (Mitchill). YELLOW PERCH. RINGED
PERCH. Body oblong, somewhat compressed, the back elevated;
cheeks scaly; opercles mostly naked, striate; premaxillaries pro-
SERRANIDE.
135
LXIV.
tractile, preorbital serrate; snout projecting; maxillary reaching
middle of pupil; top of head rugose; gill rakers stout, the longest
but 3 times as high as broad. Dark olivaceous, sides golden yellow;
6 to 8 broad dark cross-bars from back to below middle of sides;
lower fins orange, upper olivaceous; spinous D. without distinct
black spot. Head 34; depth 34. D. XIII-1, 14. A. II, 7. Scales
5-55-17. Vert. 21+20=41. Pyloric cæca 3. L. 15. Minn. to
N. Ohio and Quebec, S. to S. C. E. of Alleghanies, not in Ohio
Valley or S. W.; abundant. (Lat., growing yellow.)
160. STIZOSTEDION Rafinesque. (oricw, to prick; orηiov,
little breast; "the name means pungent throat." Raf.)
a. Pyloric cæca 3, subequal, all about as long as stomach; D. XIII-1, 21.
(Stizostedion.)
370. S. vitreum (Mitchill). WALL-EYE. GLASS-EYE. PIKE
PERCH. JACK SALMON. Body elongate, growing deeper with
age, the back more arched than in the next; head sub-conic, long;
cheeks, opercles and top of head more or less scaly; opercle with
radiating striæ, ending in spinules; D. spines high, soft D. nearly
as long as spinous. Dark olive, mottled with brassy; sides of head
vermiculated; 1st D. with a large jet-black blotch posteriorly, other-
wise nearly plain dusky; 2d D. and C. mottled olive and yellowish;
base of P. without black spot. Head 43; depth 4 to 6. A. II, 12.
Lat. 1. 90. L. 1 to 3 feet. Great Lakes, Miss. Valley, E. to Va.
commonest N., where it is one of the leading food-fish. Absurdly
called “Salmon” in parts of the South.
aa. Pyloric cæca 4 to 7, unequal; D. XIII-1, 18. (Cynoperca Gill &
Jordan.)
371. S. canadense (C. H. Smith). SAUGER. SAND PIKE.
GRAY PIKE. HORN-FISH. Body elongate, more terete than in
the preceding, the flesh more translucent; head depressed, pointed;
opercular spines variable. Eye small, 5 in head. Olive gray, sides
brassy or orange, with dark mottlings, more distinct in young; 1st
D. with 2 or 3 rows of round, black spots; no black blotch on last
spines; 2d D. with 3 irregular rows of dark spots; a large black
blotch on base of P.; C. dusky and yellowish. Head 31; depth 44
to 5. A. II, 12. Lat. 1. 95. Vert. 232245. L. 18. Great
Lake region to Ohio Valley and Dakota; common N. (Var. cana-
dense in St. Lawrence region has bones of head especially rough,
the head more scaly and about 4 opercular spines; Var. griseum, of
the Great Lakes, etc., with smoother head, and Var. boreum, of the
Upper Miss., etc., with slenderer and more "snake-like” head.)
FAMILY LXIV. SERRANIDE. (THE SEA BASS.)
Body oblong, with adherent, mostly ctenoid scales; mouth usually
large, with villiform teeth and sometimes with canines; teeth on
136
XX.
TELEOSTEI: ACANTHOPTERI,
vomer and palatines; maxillary broad, not slipping for its whole
length beneath the preorbital; gill rakers stiff, toothed; gills
normal; pseudobranchiæ large; lower pharyngeals separate, with
pointed teeth; gill membranes separate; B. normally 6 or 7.
Preopercle usually serrate; opercle with flat points or spines. Lat-
eral line present, not on the caudal. Dorsal variously developed;
anal shortish, with three spines (these wanting in one genus). V.
normal. Tail stout, its fin not deeply forked. Vertebræ usually
10+14= 24. Intestine short, the stomach cæcal, with pyloric
appendages. Carnivorous fishes, chiefly of the warm seas, often of
large size, most of them valued as food. Genera about 40, species
200. This group may be regarded as the most typical among
the Percoid fishes, and it is perhaps the one nearest the parent
stock from which the others have sprung. (Serran, the French
name, from Lat. serra, saw.)
a. Anal spines 3; dorsal spines 8 to 14.
b. Dorsal fins separate, or joined at base only; the rays VII to XI - 1, 12 to
14; maxillary without supplemental bone; teeth all villiform, without
canines. (Latinæ.)
c. Caudal lunate; tongue with teeth; preopercle without horizontal spine
or antrorse hooks.
x. Dorsal fins separate; spines weak; anal rays about III, 12, the
spines graduated; lower jaw projecting; base of tongue with
teeth.
Roccus, 161.
xx. Dorsal fins joined; spines strong; anal rays III, 9, the spines
not graduated; jaws subequal; base of tongue toothless.
•
MOKONE, 162.
bb. Dorsal fin continuous, not deeply notched.
d. Maxillary without supplemental bone; canine teeth, if present, on
sides of jaw as well as in front; no depressible teeth; temporal
crests on cranium small; gill rakers rather short; lateral line not
very high; dorsal spines X; anal rays III, 7, supraoccipital
crest not extending far forward on top of skull, leaving a
smooth area before it. (Serraninæ.)
e. Smooth area on top of cranium very short and small, the supra-
occipital crest long: C. not lunate, usually ending in 3 points;
teeth small; head naked above; dorsal rays X, 11.
CENTROPRISTIS, 163.
dd. Maxillary with a supplemental bone; canine teeth usually present,
in front of jaws; inner teeth of jaws depressible; scales small,
firm; head more or less scaly above; supraoccipital crest en-
croaching on top of skull, so as to leave no smooth area at vertex;
temporal crests distinct; scales small. (Epinephelinæ.)
f. Dorsal rays about XI, 16; anal rays III, 8; preopercle without
antrorse spines; canine teeth in front of both jaws; temporal
crests moderate; scales of lateral line simple, without radiat-
ing ridges.
CERNA, 164.
161. ROCCUS Mitchill. (From vernacular Rock-Fish.)
a. Teeth on base of tongue in two patches; body elongate, little compressed.
(Roccus.)
SERRANIDÆ. – LXIV.
137
372. R. lineatus (Bloch). STRIPED BASS. ROCK-FISH. ROCK.
Body slender, growing deep with age; spines slender, the 2d anal
spine 5 to 7 in head. Olivaceous silvery, sides with 7 to 9 blackish
lengthwise stripes. Head 31; depth 3. D. IX-1, 12. A. III, 11.
Lat. 1. 65. L. 3 to 5 feet. Nova Scotia to La., entering rivers to
spawn, one of our finest game fishes. (Lat., striped.)
aa. Teeth on base of tongue in one patch; body deep, compressed. (Lepi-
bema Rafinesque.)
373. R. chrysops (Rafinesque). WHITE BASS. Back arched;
2d A. spine 3 in head. Silvery, greenish above, sides with several
dusky longitudinal streaks, those below lateral line more or less in-
terrupted. Head 31; depth 24. D. IX-1, 14. A. III, 12.
1. 55.
Lat.
L. 15. Great Lakes and Upper Miss. Valley, rather com-
mon. (xpvoós, gold; &↓, eye.)
162. MORONE Mitchill. (Name unexplained.)
a. Sides striped with black.
374. M. interrupta Gill. YELLOW BASS. Body oblong, ovate,
the back elevated; anterior profile concave; 2d A. spine about 2 in
head; spines very strong. Brassy, sides with 7 very distinct black
stripes, those below lateral line interrupted behind, and beginning
lower down. Head 3; depth 23. D. IX– 1, 12. A. III, 9. Lat.
1. 50. L. 12. Lower Mississippi, N. to Brookville, Ind. (A. W.
Butler) and S. Ill. (M. mississippiensis Jordan and Eigenmann,
the name interrupta being preoccupied in the genus Roccus, from
which Morone is scarcely distinct.)
aa. Sides with faint pale streaks.
375. M. americana (Gmelin). WHITE PERCH. Body oblong,
not strongly compressed; 2d A. sp. about 3 in head; spines strong.
Olivaceous, sides silvery. Head 3; depth 3. D. IX-1, 12. A.
III, 9. Lat. 1. 50. L. 10. Nova Scotia to S. C., common, ascend-
ing streams.
163. CENTROPRISTIS Cuvier. (Kévτpov, spine; πρíστηs, saw.)
(κέντρον,
376. C. striatus (L.). BLACK SEA BASS. BLACK-FISH. BLACK-
WILL. Body robust; head large; mouth moderate; teeth small, in
broad bands; dorsal spines strong, with short filamentous append-
ages; P. long Blackish, more or less mottled, with traces of pale
streaks along the rows of scales; D. with rows of whitish spots;
young with dark cross shades and dusky lateral band. Head 2º;
depth 24. D. X, 11. A. III. 7. Lat. 1. 50. L. 14. Cape Cod to
Fla., common. (C. atrarius (L.); the name striatus is still earlier.)
(Lat., striped.)
138
TELEOSTEI: ACANTHOPTERI. XX.
164. CERNA Bonaparte. GROUPERS. (Epinephelus authors, not
of Bloch.) (Italian name for the genus.)
a. Second dorsal spine high, not lower than third or fourth; C. lunate.
1
377. C. morio ¹ (Cuv. and Val.) RED GROUPER. Preopercular
angle little salient, without enlarged teeth. Brown, clouded with
whitish; lower parts flushed with orange-red; small dark spots
about eye; vertical fins broadly edged with black. Head 24; depth
3. D. XI, 17. A. III, 9. Lat. 1. 106. L. 3 feet. West Indies,
sometimes N. to N. Y. (French, mérou ?)
FAMILY LXV. LOBOTIDÆ. (THE FLASHERS.)
This family is closely allied to the Serranidæ, from which it dif-
fers chiefly in the absence of teeth on the vomer and palatines.
The lips are thick, the upper jaw very protractile, the lower longer,
and the bases of the high soft dorsal and anal thickened and scaly.
The single species is a large fish, found in most warm seas.
165. LOBOTES Cuvier.
(Aoßórns, lobed.)
378. L. surinamensis (Bloch). FLASHER. TRIPLE-TAIL.
Head small, the anterior profile concave, the back elevated.
Blackish above, sides grayish, often blotched with yellowish. Head
3; depth 21. D. XII, 18. A. III, 11. Lat. 1. 47. L. 3 feet.
Tropics, frequently N. to N. Y.
FAMILY LXVI. SPARIDA. (THE PORGIES.)
Body oblong or elevated, with adherent scales which are usually
scarcely ctenoid. Mouth various, usually terminal, the teeth of vari-
ous forms. Premaxillaries protractile; maxillary for its whole length
slipping into a sheath formed by the edge of the preorbital; gills and
gill membranes normal; pseudobranchiæ large. Preopercle serrate
or not; opercle unarmed. Dorsal fin usually continuous, with 8 to
13 spines; anal spines 3. V. normal, usually with an enlarged scale
at base; lateral line continuous, not extending on C. Air-bladder
present. Fishes of the warm seas, some carnivorous, others herbi-
vorous, the latter with very long intestines. As here understood, a
rather heterogeneous group of some 60 genera and nearly 500
species, distinguished as a whole from the Serranidæ chiefly by the
sheathed maxillary. Probably the group needs further subdivision.
(σnáρоs, Sparus, ancient name.)
a. Species carnivorous, with short intestines and few pyloric cæca; teeth not
all incisor-like.
b. Vomer with teeth; no incisors or molars; jaws with canines; D. con-
tinuous. (Lutjaninœ.)
1 Numerous related species of Cerna and Epinephelus occur off our Southern Coast,
and come to the northern markets. For an account of these, see Jordan & Swain,
Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus. 1884.
SPARIDÆ.
139
LXVI.
c. Interorbital area not flat; fronto-occipital crest not continued forward
to snout; no pterygoid teeth; C. lunate.
LUTJANUS, 166.
bb. Vomer without teeth.
•
d. Teeth all pointed; no incisors or molars; preopercle serrate. (Hamu-
linc.)
e. Mouth small; chin with a large pore; anal fin long, its rays III,
11 to III, 14, its spines small, graduated. ORTHOPRISTIS, 167.
dd. Teeth on sides of jaws molar; preopercle entire. (Sparinæ.)
f. Second interhæmal spine normal, not "pen-shaped;
" front
;
teeth broad, incisor-like; no canines; first spine-bearing in-
terneural developed as an antrorse spine before D.
g. Occipital and temporal crests of skull nowhere coalescent
interorbital area not swollen, its bones thin, transversely
concave; incisors deeply notched. . LAGODON, 168.
gg. Occipital and temporal crests coalescent anteriorly, both
merging into the gibbous interorbital area, the bones of
which are honeycombed; incisors entire or nearly so.
ARCHOSARGUS, 169.
ff. Second interhæmal spine enlarged, hollowed anteriorly, pen-
shaped, receiving the posterior end of the air-bladder in its
anterior groove; front teeth incisor-like, but very narrow; an
antrorse spine before D.; lateral crest not coalescing with
occipital crest; interorbital area flattish.. STENOTOMUS, 170.
aa. Species herbivorous, with long intestines and many pyloric cæca; front
teeth all incisor-like. (Kyphosinæ.)
g. Vomer with teeth; soft fins densely scaly; incisors entire at
tip, with horizontal backward projecting roots, the bands
of small teeth behind them narrow.
KYPHOSUS, 171.
166. LUTJANUS Bloch. SNAPPERS. (Ikan Lutjang, Japanese
name of the typical species.)
a. Anal fin low, rounded; color chiefly greenish.
-shaped
379. L. griseus (L.). MANGROVE SNAPPER. GRAY SNAPPER.
LAWYER. CABALLEROTE. Snout pointed; mouth large; lower
jaw not projecting; canines strong; vomerine teeth in a
patch; preorbital deep; rows of scales of sides of back becoming
oblique and irregular behind. Dark green, reddish below; young
with dusky streaks; vertical fins blackish, tinged with red in life.
Head 24; depth 24 to 3. D. X, 14. A. III, 8. Scales 6-50-12.
L. 18. West Indies, N. to N. J.; very common S. especially along
shore among mangroves. (Lat., gray.)
aa. Anal fin high, angulated, the middle rays elevated; color chiefly red.
380. L. aya (Bloch). RED SNAPPER. Body robust; upper
canines strong, lower small; teeth and scales much as in L. griseus.
Rose-red, nearly uniform, young with a blotch on lateral line.
Head 28; depth 28. D. X, 14. A. III, 9. Scales 7-60-15.
L. 30. West Indies, etc., rarely N. to Block Island (Goode),
abundant on the Gulf Coast, in rather deep water. (L. blackfordi
Goode & Bean.) (A Brazilian name.)
140
XX.
TELEOSTEI: ACANTHOPTERI.
167. ORTHOPRISTIS Girard. (ópós, straight; πpíσrns, saw.)
381. O. chrysopterus (L.). PIG-FISH. SAILOR'S CHOICE.
Body compressed, the head long; mouth low, with small teeth;
spines slender. Grayish, sides with many yellow spots, forming
series along the rows of scales, those above lateral line oblique,
those below parallel with lateral line; fins and head spotted.
Head 31; depth 3. D. XII, 16. A. III, 12. Lat. 1. 57 (rows).
L. 12. N. Y. to Texas and Cuba, common S. (Numerous species.
belonging to the allied genus Hæmulon are found S. of Cape Hat-
teras.) (xpvoós, gold; πτeρóv, fin.)
168. LAGODON Holbrook. (Mayós, hare; odwv, tooth.)
382. L. rhomboides (L.). CHOPA-SPINA. PIN-FISH. BREAM.
Body elliptic-ovate, compressed; head pointed; upper molars in
two rows. Olive, sides silvery, with faint stripes of blue and gol-
den; 6 dark vertical bars growing faint with age; a large dark
blotch above P.; fins streaked with yellowish; 2d A. spine scarce-
ly enlarged. Head 3}; depth 24. D. XII, 11. A. III, 11.
L. 6. N. Y. to Cuba and Texas; very com-
Scales 8-68-18. L. 6.
mon S.
169. ARCHOSARGUS Gill. (äpxwv, ruler; σápyos, Sargus.)
383. A. probatocephalus (Walbaum). SHEEPSHEAD. Body
deep, robust, the back arched; occipital crest strong; 2d A. spine
much enlarged. Gray, with 7 broad black cross-bars; no gilt
streaks or shoulder spot. Head 31; depth 2. D. XII, 11. A.
III, 10. Scales 7-48-15. L. 30. Cape Cod to Texas, one of the
best of our food-fishes. (póẞarov, sheep; kepaλý, head.)
170. STENOTOMUS Gill. (orevós, narrow; Touós, cutting.)
384. S. chrysops (L.). SCUP. SCUPPAUG. PORGEE. Body
ovate, compressed, the back elevated; incisors very narrow, re-
sembling canines; third dorsal spine elevated; 2d A. spine slightly
enlarged. Purplish gray; sides silvery; vertical fins somewhat
mottled; young faintly barred. Head 31; depth 2. D. XII, 12.
A. III, 11. Scales 8-49-16. L. 12. Cape Cod to S. C., abundant
N.; a valuable food-fish. (Farther S. occur numerous species of
the related genus Calamus, with the front teeth conical.) (xpvoós,
gold; 3, eye.)
171. KYPHOSUS Lacépède. (Pimelepterus Lacépède.)
(Kupós, gibbous.)
385. K. sectatrix (L.). Rudder-fish. "CHUB." Body
ovate, compressed; mouth small; interorbital space gibbous, the
snout truncate; fins all very low; C. forked; head, body and fins
all closely scaled. Dusky-gray; sides with many pale stripes; pre-
MULLIDE. LXVII.
141
orbital with a silvery streak. Head 4; depth 24. D. XII, 12.
A. III, 11. Scales 10-66-20. L. 24. West Indies, rarely N. to
Cape Cod. (Pimel. bosqui Lacépède.) (Lat., one who follows.)
FAMILY LXVII. MULLIDÆ. (THE Surmullets.)
Body elongate, with large, ctenoid scales; head with large scales;
profile of head blunt; mouth small, the teeth various; premaxil-
laries protractile; maxillary simple, partly hidden by the broad
preorbitals; throat with two long barbels. Dorsals two, well sep-
arated, the first of about 7 high spines, the second short; A. short,
with two small spines; V. and gill structures normal. Tropical
seas, 5 genera and 35 species, rather small, carnivorous fishes
mostly valued as food.
a. Teeth in lower jaw and on vomer and palatines; none in upper jaw; in-
terorbital space flat and broad; opercle without spine. MULLUS, 172.
172. MULLUS (Artedi) Linnæus. (Ancient name from μúλos,
lip.)
386. M. surmuletus L. SURMULLET. Red: sides with three
yellow stripes; barbel 1 in head, reaching beyond lower anterior
angle of opercle; eye smallish, 5 in head. Head 31; depth 4.
D. VII-1, 8. A. II, 6. Lat. 1. 36. L. 10. Europe, one of the
most esteemed of food fish, very rarely taken on our coast. (Wood's
Holl; N. Y.; Pensacola.) Our form (var. auratus Jordan & Gil-
bert) differs slightly from the European. (Eu.) (Low Lat.,
"above mullets.")
FAMILY LXVIII. SCIENIDE. (THE Drums.)
Body elongate, more or less, with weakly ctenoid scales. Lat-
eral line continuous to the end of caudal fin. Head covered with
scales; cranium cavernous, the muciferous system highly developed,
surface of the skull very uneven; chin with pores; mouth and
teeth various; maxillary without supplementary bone, slipping be-
neath preorbital; premaxillaries protractile; gills and gill struc-
tures normal. D. deeply notched, its soft part long; A. short, with
1 or 2 spines; V. normal. Ear bones very large. Vertebræ about
24; air-bladder usually large and complicated, its structure enabling
the fish to make grunting or drumming sounds. Carnivorous fishes,
most of them valued as food. Genera 25; species 130, in all warm
seas, some genera confined to fresh waters.
a. Vertebræ typically 14 + 10, the number in the abdominal region always
greater than that in the caudal; lower jaw prominent; teeth not villi-
form; preopercle entire; anal spines very weak. (Otolithinæ.)
b. Anal moderate of 7 to 13 rays, its length not half that of soft D.; tip of
upper jaw with (usually) 2 pointed canines; none at tip of lower.
CYNOSCION, 173.
142
XX.
TELEOSTEI: ACANTHOPTERI.
aa. Vertebræ typically 10 +14; second anal spine well developed. (Sci-
œnina.)
x. Lower pharyngeals separate.
y. Lower jaw without barbels.
c. Teeth well developed, permanent in both jaws; lower pharyngeals
narrow, with sharp teeth.
d. Gill rakers slender, rather long; mouth oblique; A. inserted rather
posteriorly; preorbital narrow; slits and pores of upper jaw little
developed; preopercle serrate, its lowest spine enlarged, turned
downward; head not very broad, not spongy above.
BAIRDIELLA, 174.
dd. Gill rakers rather short and thick; anal further forward; snout
with large pores, and 2 to 4 slits on its edge; preorbital broad;
mouth inferior.
SCIENA, 175.
cc. Teeth very small, subequal, those in lower jaw lost with age; lower
pharyngeals broad, with paved teeth; gill rakers short, but slender,
otherwise as in Sciana.
LEIOSTOMUS, 176.
yy. Lower jaw with one or more barbels (otherwise essentially as in Sci-
ana).
serrate.
e. Lower jaw with several slender barbels at its rami; preopercle
MICROPOGON, 177.
ee. Lower jaw with one thickish barbel at its tip; no air-bladder;
anal spine single; body long and low; preopercle crenulate.
MENTICIRRHUS, 178.
xx. Lower pharyngeals very large, completely united, with coarse paved teeth;
snout, etc., as in Sciana.
f. Lower jaw with numerous barbels along the rami; preopercle
nearly entire.
•
POGONIAS, 179.
APLODINOTUS, 180.
ff. Lower jaw without barbels; preopercle obscurely serrate.
173. CYNOSCION Gill. (kúwv, dog; okíawa, sciœna.)
a. Soft dorsal and anal closely scaled.
b. Back and sides nearly uniform silvery, without spots.
387. C. nothus (Holbrook). WHITE WEAK-FISH. Body rather
deep; snout short, bluntish; eye very large, 4 in head. Head 34 ;
depth 34. D. X-1, 28. A. II, 9. Scales 6-60-7. L. 12. Va.
to Fla. (Lat., spurious.)
bb. Back and sides with irregular dark spots in undulating streaks.
388. C. regalis (Bloch & Schneider). WEAK-FISH. SQUE-
TEAGUE. Silvery, brownish above, and with bright reflections; fins
without distinct spots; snout sharp; eye moderate, 5 to 7 in head.
Head 31; depth 44. D. X-1, 29. A. I, 13. Lat. 1. 80. L. 27
feet. Cape Cod to Fla., an abundant and most excellent food-fish.
aa. Soft dorsal scaleless; back and upper fins with many conspicuous round
black spots.
389. C. nebulosus (Cuv. & Val.). SPOTTED WEAK-FISH. Sil-
very, back bluish. Head 3; depth 5. D. X-1, 25. A. I, 10.
SCLÆNIDÆ. —LXVIII.
143
Lat. 1. 85. L. 2 feet. N. J. to Texas, common S. All these species
are absurdly called "Trout" in the Southern States, a name also
applied in the same regions to the Black Bass.
174. BAIRDIELLA Gill. (To Spencer Fullerton Baird.)
390. B. chrysura (Lacépède). SILVER PERCH. YELLOW-
TAIL. MADEMOISelle. Jaws subequal; teeth in lower mostly
in one series; second anal spine moderate, 2 in head; eye large.
Greenish, sides silvery; scales and fins much punctulate; lower fins
yellow. Head 3; depth 24. D. X-1, 22. A. II, 9. Lat. 1. 50.
L. 9. Cape Cod to Texas, abundant S. (xpvoós, golden; oupá,
tail.)
175. SCIÆNA (Artedi) Linnæus. (Corvina Cuvier.) (Old
name, from σêɩá, shade.)
a. Preopercle serrate in young, the teeth disappearing with age; body elon-
gate, little compressed. (Scianops Gill.)
391. S. ocellata L. RED-FISH. CHANNEL BASS. Head long;
eye small; mouth large, nearly horizontal; teeth in both jaws in
bands, the outer enlarged above; anal spines moderate. Grayish-
silvery, dark points on the scales, forming undulating brown streaks;
a jet black spot edged with orange on base C. above, this sometimes
duplicated. Head 31; depth 31. D. X-1, 24. A. II, 8. Scales
4–50–7. L. 4 feet. Cape Cod to Mexico; an important food-fish, S.
176. LEIOSTOMUS Lacépède. (eios, smooth; σrópa, mouth.)
392. L. xanthurus Lacépède. SPOT. GOODY. LAFAYETTE.
Compressed; profile steep; snout blunt, fins low. Bluish, sides
with 15 dark oblique bars; a round black spot behind shoulder.
Head 31; depth 3. D. X-1, 32. A. II, 12. Lat. 1. 60. L. 12.
Cape Cod to Texas. (§aveós, yellow; oùpá, tail, but the C. is never
yellow.)
177. MICROPOGON Cuv. & Val. (μikpós, small; άywv, beard.)
393. M. undulatus (L.). CROAKER. Body rather elongate,
with rather long head and large mouth. Grayish-silvery, back and
sides with undulating dark streaks; dorsals with lines of dots.
Head 31, depth 3. D. X-1, 27. A. II, 8. Lat. 1. 60. L. 18.
N. Y. to Texas.
178. MENTICIRRHUS Gill. (Lat., mentum, chin; cirrus,
barbel.)
a. Gill rakers obsolete; lower pharyngeals narrow, their teeth slender; outer
teeth of upper jaw enlarged; scales on breast large; maxillary reaching
beyond front of eye, more than head. (Menticirrhus.)
b. Outer teeth of upper jaw very strong; lower lobe of C. not black.
394. M. americanus (L.). WHITING. D. a little lower than
in the next species, the spines barely reaching soft rays. Silver-
144
XX.
TELEOSTEI: ACANTHOPTERI.
gray, usually with faint oblique bars; snout projecting. Head 31;
depth 4. D. X −1, 25. A. I, 7. Lat. l. 65. Md. to Brazil, abun-
dant S. (M. alburnus L.)
bb. Outer teeth of upper jaw little enlarged; lower lobe of C. mostly black.
395. M. saxatilis (Bloch). KING-FISH. BARB. SEA MINK.
D. high. Dusky gray, the back and sides with oblique dark cross-
bands; one at the nape vertical, forming with the next a V-shaped
blotch; a dark lateral streak, extending on C. Head 4; depth 43.
D. X-1, 26. A. I, 8. Scales 7-53-14. L. 18. Cape Cod to Fla.,
common N. (Lat., living among rocks.)
aa. Gill rakers present, small; lower pharyngeals broad, their teeth mostly
molar; outer teeth scarcely enlarged; scales on breast small. (Um-
brula Jordan & Eigenmann.)
396. M. littoralis (Holbrook). SILVER WHITING. SURF
WHITING. Snout projecting, 3 in head; maxillary to eye, 31 in
head. Silver-gray, almost plain; tip of C. black. Head 31; depth
4. D. X-1, 24. A. I, 7. Scales 6-53-12. L. 18. Va. to Texas.
(Lat., belonging to the shore.)
179. POGONIAS Lacépède. (πwуwvías, bearded.)
397. P. cromis (L.). DRUM.
DRUM. Robust; 2d A. spine large.
Grayish-silvery or brassy; 4 or 5 dark vertical bars lost with age.
Head 31; depth 24. D. X-1, 20. A. II, 6. Lat. 1. 50. L. 4 feet.
Cape Cod to Brazil. (Old name from xpéμw, to neigh.)
180. APLODINOTUS Rafinesque. (árλóos, simple; vôτos,
back.)
398. A. grunniens (Rafinesque). FRESH-WATER DRUM.
Gaspergou.
“SHEEP'S-HEAD.” WHITE PErch. CROAKER.
THUNDER-PUMPER. Snout blunt; back compressed; 2d A. spine
very strong; C. rhombic. Grayish-silvery, more or less dotted.
Head 31; depth 3. D. IX-1, 30. A. II, 7. Lat. l. 55. L. 2 feet
or more. Great Lakes to Texas and Ga., abundant; a large, coarse
fish of the larger streams and lakes. (Lat., grunting.)
FAMILY LXIX. GERRIDE. (THE MOHARRAS.)
Body compressed, with large, smoothish scales; lateral line con-
tinuous; mouth small, the premaxillary excessively protractile, the
spines of the premaxillaries extending backward in a deep groove
on top of head; maxillary simple, not sheathed by the narrow pre-
orbital; mandible scaly, with a slit behind it, to permit motion;
teeth small, in jaws only; preopercle entire or serrate; pseudo-
branchiæ concealed; gills normal; gill membranes separate; lower
pharyngeal bones close together, usually loosely united; D. single,
with 9 spines; A. with 3 or 2; V. I, 5; air-bladder present. Verte-
LABRIDE. LXX
145
bræ 10+ 14. Oviparous, carnivorous. One genus, with 30 species;
in the warm seas. Silvery fishes, probably allied to the Sparidæ,
but with no near relatives.
181. GERRES Cuvier. (Old name of some fish.)
a. Preopercle and preorbital entire; body oblong; spines moderate. (Diapte-
rus Ranzani.)
b. Premaxillary groove scaled across anteriorly so that the posterior part
appears as a naked pit.
399. G. gula Cuv. & Val. Silvery, faintly barred; 3d D. spine
not half head; 2d A. spine short. Head 31; depth 24. D. IX, 10.
A. III, 8. Scales 5-43-10. L. 6. N. J. to Brazil, common S.
(Lat., throat, the fish being called "Petite-Gueule” in W. I.)
PHARYNGOGNATHI. This family closes the series of fishes hav-
ing Percoid affinities. We now pass to the group or suborder
PHARYNGOGNATHI, those forms allied to the Lubroids, and distin-
guished especially by the complete union of the lower pharyngeal
bones. Of these, the typical forms, Labridæ, Pomacentrida have
the gills reduced, 3 in number; the last gill slit wanting or nearly
So. Some of them (Pomacentrida, Cichlida) differ from other
spiny-rayed fishes in having but one nostril on each side; still others
(Embiotocida) are viviparous. The Pharyngognathi being chiefly
tropical are scantily represented within our limits.
FAMILY LXX. LABRIDE. (THE WRASSES.)
Body oblong, covered with cycloid scales; lateral line usually in-
terrupted or angularly bent. Mouth terminal, protractile; the
teeth of the jaws generally strong; no teeth on vomer or palatines;
maxillaries simple, slipping under membranous edge of preorbital;
lower pharyngeals solidly united, with blunt teeth; D. continuous,
with 8 to 20 spines, the number greatest in Northern forms, which,
as usual among fishes, have also an increased number of vertebræ ;
anal spines 2 to 6, usually 3. V. normal. Pseudobranchiæ present.
Gills 3½, usually no slit behind the last; nostrils double; air-bladder
present. Genera 65; species 450, chiefly of the tropical seas.
Many of them are brilliantly colored and some are valued as food.
The teeth are adapted for the crushing of shells. (Labrus, an old
name from labrum, lip.)
a. Vertebræ in increased number, 30 to 38; dorsal spines 16 to 20; teeth in
jaws distinct, the anterior canine; no posterior canines; lateral line con-
tinuous; lips thick. (Labrinæ.)
b. Preopercle serrate; cheeks and opercles scaly; teeth in more than two
series, the outer enlarged.
CTENOLABRUS, 182.
bb. Preopercle entire; cheeks scaly; opercles naked; teeth in about two
HIATULA, 183.
series.
10
146
XX.
TELEOSTEI: ACANTHOPTERI.
182. CTENOLABRUS Cuv. & Val. (Kreis, comb; Labrus.)
a. Interopercle naked; snout not very sharp. (Tautogolabrus Günther.)
400. C. adspersus (Walbaum). CUNNER. CHOGSET. BER-
GALL. BLUE PERCH. Brownish blue, with brassy shades; young
with a black dorsal spot. Head 31; depth 3. D. XVIII, 10.
A. III, 9. Lat. 1. 45. L. 10. Newfoundland to Va., common N.
about rocks. (Lat., speckled.)
183. HIATULA Lacépède. (Old name; hio, to gape.)
401. H. onitis (L.). TAUTOG. OYSTER-FISH. BLACK-FISH.
Blackish; young greenish, irregularly barred. Head 31; depth 3.
D. XVI, 10. A. III, 8. Lat. 1. 60. L. 16. Maine to S. C., a
common food-fish. (Meaning unknown.)
EPELASMIA. The rest of the Pharyngognathi are beyond our
limits, as are also the great bulk of the next group, or suborder, the
Squamipennes, or Epelasmia (Cope). Of these only a single species
comes N. of Va. In this group the post-temporal is simple, and the
upper pharyngeals reduced to thin laminæ. The group includes
the Chaetodontidæ, Acanthuridæ, Teuthididæ, and the small
FAMILY LXXI. EPHIPPIDÆ. (THE ANGEL-FISHES.)
Body compressed and elevated; scales ctenoid densely covering
the body and the soft parts of the vertical fins; lateral line present.
Mouth small, terminal, with bands of setiform (tooth-brush-like)
teeth; premaxillary protractile; maxillary simple, partly slipping
under preorbital; gill membranes broadly attached to the isthmus;
gill rakers very short; pseudobranchiæ present. Dorsal deeply
notched, with 8 to 11 spines, the soft part very high, as is also the
soft anal; A. spines 3 or 4; C. subtruncate; P. short; V. normal.
Air-bladder large. Genera 6; species about 15, in the warm seas.
(epinπоs, on horseback, from the long dorsal spine.)
a. Anal spines 3; dorsal spines 8 or 9, the third elevated; profile very steep;
scales small.
CHÆTODIPTERUS, 184.
184. CHÆTODIPTERUS Lacépède.
δίς, two ; πτερόν, fin.)
(xaíтodwv, Chætodon;
402. C. faber (Broussonet). ANGEL-FISH. SPADE-FISH. Gray-
ish, the young with 4 to 7 black cross-bands; soft vertical fins, be-
coming falcate with age. Head 3; depth 14. D. VIII-1, 20.
A. III, 18. Lat. 1. 60. L. 24. Warm seas, N. to N. Y.; a
good food-fish. (An old name, meaning blacksmith.)
CATAPHRACTI. We next pass to the group of Cataphracti or
Cottoid fishes, an assemblage of families, characterized as a whole
by the development of a "suborbital stay,” a bony process extend-
ing from the suborbital ring backward across the cheeks to or to-
wards the preopercle. In the extreme forms (Agonidæ, etc.), the
SCORPÆNIDÆ.
147
-
LXXII.
cheek is wholly mailed. In others, as Cyclopterus, this stay is
little conspicuous. The Cataphracti agree with the Scyphobranchii
in having the third upper pharyngeal large, basin-shaped, but they
differ much among themselves, the Hexagrammide and Scorpœnidæ
resembling the Perciform fishes, while some of the others are widely
aberrant.
FAMILY LXXII. SCORPÆNIDÆ. (THE ROCK-FISHES.)
Body oblong, robust, usually covered with ctenoid scales; lateral
line present. Head large, with spinous ridges above; opercle with
two spinous processes; preopercle with five. Mouth large, the jaws
with villiform teeth; premaxillaries protractile; maxillaries broad,
simple, not sheathed by preorbital; bony suborbital stay present,
usually covered by skin and usually not reaching preopercle. Gill
membranes free and separate. Gills 33, with no slit behind the last.
V. normal, I, ō. D. continuous, with 8 to 16 strong spines. Arctic
species have more spines and more vertebræ than tropical species.
Vertebræ 24 to 32; A. short, with 3 spines; P. broad. Pseudo-
branchiæ and air-bladder large. Genera 20; species 200. Carniv-
orous fishes living about rocks in all seas, often at considerable
depths, especially abundant about Cal. and Japan. Non-migratory;
excellent as food, and usually red in color. Most are viviparous,
the young inch long when born. (σкоρπíos, scorpion.)
a. Dorsal spines 15; vertebræ 12+ 1931; palatine teeth present; head not
very rough above.
SEBASTES, 185.
185. SEBASTES Cuvier. (σeßaσrós, magnificent.)
403. S. marinus (L.). ROSE-FISH. HEMDURGAN. NORWAY
HADDOCK. Body ovate; top and sides of head evenly scaled;
cranial ridges low and sharp; preocular, supraocular, postocular,
tympanic, and occipital ridges present; eye very large; chin prom-
inent. Orange red, some dusky on opercle. Head 3; depth 24.
D. XV, 14. A. III, 8. Lat. 1. 40, tubes 85. N. Atl., S. to
Cape Cod; common N. Specimens in shallow water are smaller
and brownish. (Var. viviparus Kröyer.) (Eu.)
FAMILY LXXIII. COTTIDE. (THE SCULPINS.)
Body elongate, more or less, the head usually large and depressed;
eyes high; bony stay conspicuous, but not covering the cheek; pre-
opercle armed; teeth in villiform bands; maxillary simple; gills 3
or 4; gill membranes connected, often joined to isthmus. Body
naked, or irregularly scaled or warty, never evenly scaled; lateral
line present. Dorsals usually separate, the spines slender; A.
without spines; P. large, with broad procurrent base, the lower
rays simple; V. thoracic, usually I, 3 or I, 4, sometimes wanting,
never united. Pseudobranchiæ present. Vertebræ, as usual in
148
TELEOSTEI: ACANTHOPTERI. —— XX.
Arctic fishes, numerous, 35 to 50. Genera 40; species 150, mostly
of the springs, rock-pools, and seashores of Arctic regions; a few in
the deep sea. Singular fishes, mostly of small size, and of little
value as food. The fresh-water species are very destructive to
eggs of other fishes.
a. Spinous D. longer than soft part, of more than 14 spines. (Hemitrip-
terinæ.)
b. Spinous D. deeply notched, the anterior spines highest; skin with prickles
and warts; teeth on vomer and palatines; gill membranes free from
isthmus; no slit behind last gill.
HEMITRIPTERUS, 186.
aa. Spinous D. shorter than soft part, of less than 13 spines; dorsal spines not
concealed; gill openings not very small. V. present. (Cottinæ.)
c. Vomer with teeth.
d. Slit behind last gill obsolete or reduced to a round pore; skin with-
out true scales.
Gill membranes broadly united to the isthmus, not forming a fold
across it; head feebly armed; palatine teeth few or none.
COTTUS, 187.
ee. Gill membranes free from isthmus or else forming a broad fold
across it; head well armed.
f. Palatine teeth none; skin naked or prickly.
ACANTHOCOTTUS, 188.
ff. Palatine teeth well developed; skin smooth.
Artediellus, 189.
dd. Slit behind last gill small, but evident; no palatine teeth.
g. Skin smooth; gill membranes not quite free from isthmus;
preorbital, etc., strongly cavernous.
•
TRIGLOPSIS, 190.
gg. Skin with minute prickly scales, and with plates along back
and lateral line; gill membranes free from isthmus.
TRIGLOPS, 191.
cc. Vomer without teeth; preopercular spine antler-like; a fold across
isthmus and no slit behind last gill; no scales.
GYMNACANTHUS, 192.
186. HEMITRIPTERUS Cuvier. (μ-, half; тpeîs, three;
πτερόν, fin.)
404. H. americanus (Gmelin).
with many humps and ridges above.
variegated with blackish. Head 22;
SEA RAVEN.
Head large,
Brown, body and fins much
depth 38. D. IV, XII, 1, 12.
A. 13. Lat. 1. 40. L. 18. Cape Cod to Arctic Sea.
187. COTTUS (Artedi) Linnæus. (Uranidea DeKay.) MILLER'S
THUMB. (Ancient name of C. gobio, from κorrós, head.)
a. Palatines with teeth; ventrals I, 4 (the spine obscure).
b. Preopercular spine large, as long as eye, strongly hooked upward; skin
above with coarse prickles (Tauridea Jordan & Rice).
405. C. ricei Nelson. Head broad, body contracted at base of
tail. Olivaceous, finely speckled. Head 38; depth 5. D. VIII-17.
A. 12. L. 21. Lake Mich. and L. Ontario, rare. (To Frank L.
Rice.)
COTTIDE.
149
LXXIII.
bb. Preopercular spines small, mostly concealed by the skin; skin smooth
or prickly in or behind the axil only. (Potamocottus Gill.)
406. C. richardsoni Agassiz. MILLER'S THUMB. BLOB.
MUFFLE-JAW. Body rather stout, the head very broad; pre-
opercle with a short, sharp, straightish spine, turned upward and
backward, with 2 smaller spines below it. Olivaceous, much barred
and speckled. Head 3; depth 4 to 6. D. VI to VIII-16. A.
12. V. I, 4. L. 3 to 7. Lake Superior to Ark., Ga., Md., and
Canada very abundant in springs, caves, cold lakes, and rocky
brooks. Very variable. The numerous varieties or nominal spe-
cies are hardly worthy of recognition by name. (To John Rich-
ardson, author of the "Fauna Boreali-Americana.”)
aa. Palatine teeth, none; V. I, 3; skin mostly smooth. (Cottus.1)
c. Anal rays 13 or 14.
d. Preopercular spine large, hooked upward.
407. C. pollicaris (Jordan & Gilbert). Light olive, blotched
and spotted with black, but not speckled; upper fins spotted. Eye
5 in head. Head 38; depth 4. D. VII-19. A. 13. L. 5.
Lake Michigan. (Lat., thumb-like.)
408. C. spilotus (Cope). Olive, everywhere closely speckled
with darker except on belly; sides barred with blackish; fins
barred and spotted. Eye 4 in head. Head 31; depth 5. D.
VIII-17. A. 13. L. 3. Grand Rapids, Mich. (σπιλωτός,
spotted.)
dd. Preopercular spine short, acute, turned obliquely upward.
409. C. viscosus Haldeman. Stout, with many mucous pores;
fins low. Olivaceous, body and fins mottled with dark; 1st D. with
red edge. Head 31; depth 44. D. VI-18. A. 14. Penn. to Md.
cc. Anal rays 11 or 12.
e. Preopercular spine short, scarcely hooked.
f. Preopercular spine bent upward and backward.
410. C. gracilis Heckel. Body rather slender; fins large. Oliva-
ceous, mottled, 1st D. edged with red. Head 3; depth 41 to 51.
D. VIII-16. A. 12. L. 4. N. Eng. and N. Y. (Var. gobioides
Grd., with robust body, and var. boleoides Grd., with slender body
and long fins, have been described.) (Lat., slender.)
ff. Preopercular spine directed backward and scarcely upward.
411. C. hoyi Putnam. Slender; prickly above; jaws nar-
rower and mouth smaller than in C. gracilis; another spine below
it turned downward, and one or two others still lower. Olivaceous,
speckled and barred. D. VI-15. A. 11. L. 2. L. Michigan.
(To Dr. Philo R. Hoy.)
ee. Preopercular spine distinctly hooked.
1 The species of this group have never been critically studied; some of them are
doubtful, and most of them may prove to be mere varieties of Cottus gracilis.
150
TELEOSTEI. - ACANTHOPTERI. — XX.
412. C. franklini Agassiz. Short and stout; fins low. Head
31; depth 41. D. VIII-17. A. 12. L. 3. L. Superior. (To
Sir John Franklin.)
413. C. formosus Girard.
D. VIII-16. A. 11. L. 34.
Slender; head small, 44; depth 51.
L. Ontario. (Lat., pretty.)
188. ACANTHOCOTTUS Girard. SCULPINS. (akavea, spine;
Cottus.)
a. Anal fin short, with 10 rays.
414. A. æneus (Mitchill). GRUBBY. Upper preopercular
spine shorter than eye, nearly twice length of next. Grayish
brown, much variegated with blackish; no large white spots.
Head 2; depth 4. D. IX-13. A. 10. V. I, 3. L. 6. Maine
to N. Y., common. (Lat., brassy.)
aa. Anal fin long, of 14 rays.
b. Upper preopercular spine about as long as eye, reaching middle of
opercular spine, not twice length of the spine below it.
415. A. scorpius (L.) DADDY SCULPIN. BIG SCULPIN.
Dark brown, with darker bars; belly in ♂ dusky, with round
black spots; fins spotted and barred; top of head with spinous
tubercles; eye large. Head 21; depth 4. D. X-17. A. 14.
V. I, 3. L. 25. N. Atlantic, S. to N. Y. The American form is
var. grænlandicus C. & V., distinguished by its larger size, broader
interorbital, and higher fins; the var. scorpius ranges S. to Me.
(Eu.) (Lat., a scorpion.)
bb. Upper preopercular spine very long, longer than eye, reaching beyond
tip of opercular spine, its length more than 4 times that of the spine
below it.
416. A. octodecimspinosus (Mitchill). Body slender, with
long, narrow head; a strong spine above eye; top of head with
ridges; eye very large. Olivaceous, with dark bars; fins mottled.
Head 21; depth 54. D. IX-15. A. 14. V. I, 3. L. 15. N. Y.
to Nova Scotia. (Lat., octodecim, eighteen; spinosus, spined.)
189. ARTEDIELLUS Jordan. (Diminutive of Artedius, a
related genus.)
417. A. uncinatus (Kröyer). Eye very large; spine of pre-
opercle large, hooked upward. Olivaceous, mottled and barred.
Head 3; depth 41. D. VIII-13. A. 11. L. 4. Cape Cod, N.
(Lat., hooked.)
190. TRIGLOPSIS Girard. (rpíyλa, Trigla; ovis, appearance.)
418. T. thompsoni Girard. Body very slender; head long,
depressed; eye very large, 4 in head; skull extremely cavernous;
preopercle with 4 short, sharp spines; soft D. and A., very high;
lat. 1. chain-like. Olivaceous, with faint dark blotches. Head 3;
AGONIDÆ.
151
LXXIV.
depth 6. D. VII-18. A. 15. V. I, 3. L. 3. Deep waters of
(To Rev. Zadock Thompson, author
L. Michigan and L. Ontario.
of Nat. Hist. of Vermont.)
191. TRIGLOPS Reinhardt.
(rpiyλa, Trigla; y, appearance.)
419. T. pingeli Reinhardt. Head slender; eye large; tail very
slender; preopercular spines small, simple; sides with peculiar
scales and prickles. Olivaceous, variegated with darker; sides
spotted with dark; a black ocellus on spinous D. Head 3; depth
about 51. D. IX-21. A. 21. L. 5. Arctic seas, S. to Cape Cod.
192. GYMNACANTHUS Swainson. (yvμvós, naked;
ǎκavoa, spine.)
420. G. tricuspis (Reinhardt). Eye very large; skin mostly
smooth; preopercular spine broad, shorter than eye, with 3
points; V. very long. Dark brown with darker bars; axils dusky
in ♂ with round white spots. Head 31; depth 43. D. XII-16.
A. 18. V. I, 3. L. 12. Arctic, S. to Me. (Eu.) (Lat., tris,
three; cuspis, cusp.)
FAMILY LXXIV. AGONIDÆ. (THE ALLIGATOR-FISHES.)
Fishes allied to the Cottide and similar in general structure, but
with the body completely covered by a coat of mail composed of
about eight series of large bony plates; head entirely bony exter-
nally; suborbital stay covering the cheek; gills 34, no slit behind
the last, pseudobranchiæ large. Vertebræ (as in other Arctic
fishes) numerous, 35 to 40. Spinous dorsal sometimes wanting.
Small fishes, chiefly of the Arctic seas; genera 10, species about
20. (a, privative; ywvía, joint; i. e., rigid.)
a. Spinous dorsal obsolete; gill membranes free from isthmus. (Aspidopho-
roidinæ.)
b. Bony plates keeled, without spines; fins very small; teeth on vomer.
ASPIDOPHOROIDES, 193.
193. ASPIDOPHOROIDES Lacépède.
to bear; eidos, form.)
(domís, shield; popéw,
a. Snout with two large diverging spines above; no other spines present.
421. A. monopterygius (Bloch). Body elongate, subterete, re-
sembling that of a pipe-fish; eyes very large. Brownish, obscurely
banded. Head 5; depth 9. D. 5. A. 6. Lat. 1. 50. L. 6. Cape
Cod, N. (μóvos, single; répug, fin.)
FAMILY LXXV. CEPHALACANTHIDA.
(THE FLYING Gurnards.)
Body elongate, with bony keeled scales; head blunt, cuboid, its
surface almost entirely bony; nuchal shield with a strong spine on
152
- XX.
TELEOSTEI: ACANTHOPTERI,
each side; preopercle with a very long rough spine; opercle
small; isthmus very broad, scaly; gill rakers minute; mouth
small, with granular teeth in jaws only; tail with 2 serrate, knife-
like appendages. Spinous D. short, its first spines free; an im-
movable spine between dorsals; C. small, lunate; P. divided to
base, the anterior part corresponding to the free rays in Triglidæ,
of about 6 rays connected by membrane; the posterior part very
long (reaching C. in adult), the rays slender and simple; V. close
together, I, 4. Air bladder complex; vertebræ 9+13. Two
species in the warm seas, able to flutter for short distances in
the air.
194. CEPHALACANTHUS Lacépède.
άκανθα, spine.)
a. Occiput without filament.
(kepaλý, head;
(κεφαλή,
422. C. volitans (L.). FLYING GURNARD. SEA ROBIN.
Greenish and brown, mottled with orange or red, the belly usually
orange; P. with blue streaks and spots; C. with reddish bars.
Color very variable. Head 41; depth 51. D. II, IV −8. A. 6.
P. 28–6. L. 12. Atlantic, N. to Newf'd. (Eu.) (Lat., flying.)
FAMILY LXXVI. TRIGLIDÆ. (THE GURNards.)
Body subfusiform, covered with scales or bony plates; head
entirely covered with rough bones, most of them armed with
spines; mouth moderate, with small teeth or none; maxillary
simple; gills 4, a slit behind fourth; pseudobranchiæ present;
V. I, 5, wide apart, separated by a flat area. Spinous D. short;
A. without spines; C. narrow. P. large, with broad base, the
2 or 3 lowermost rays detached from the rest and separate. Air
bladder present. Vertebræ about 24, as in nearly all tropical
fishes. Genera 5; species 40, in all warm seas. (τρίγλα, old
name of Mullus.)
a. Body scaly; teeth present on jaws, vomer and palatines; free P., rays 3.
PRIONOTUS, 195.
195. PRIONOTUS Lacépède. SEA ROBINS. (πρíшv, saw;
vwTOS, back.)
a. Mouth rather small, the maxillary not head; a cross-groove on top of
head behind eye; a black ocellated spot on spinous D.
423. P. carolinus (L.). Body rather stout; preopercular spine
with no smaller one before it; P. short, not body; P. appendages
broadened at tip; gill rakers about 10; bones of head compara-
tively smooth. Olive, back with 4 dark cross-shades; pale oblique
streaks on 1st D. Head 3; depth 5. D. X-13. A. 12. Lat. 1.
58 (pores). L. 12. Cape Ann to S. C. (S. occurs P. scitulus
J. & G., slender, with short head and spotted body.)
LIPARIDIDÆ.
153
LXXVII.
aa. Mouth rather large; the maxillary about 2 in head; no cross-groove on
top of head; black spot on 1st D. diffuse; preopercular spine with a
smaller one before it.
b. Cheek bone without distinct spine at centre of radiation; edge of pre-
orbital granular serrate; spines on top of head not knife-like.
424. P. strigatus Cuv. & Val. Head not very broad; gill rakers
long, 15 to 20; interorbital area flattish. Brownish, side with a
distinct bronze band parallel with lateral line, this breaking up in
spots behind; head spotted; body and fins with dark clouds; P.
finely barred with black. Head 24; depth 4. D. X-12. A. 11.
Scales 10-60-23. P. 2 in body. L. 12. Cape Cod to Va. (Per-
haps a variety of P. evolans L., which has scales larger, P. not
barred, etc.; N. C., S.) (Lat., striped.)
bb. Cheek bone with a spine at centre of radiation; bones of head sharply
striate; head broad, the spines above compressed and knife-like,
especially in young.
425. P. tribulus Cuv. & Val. Spines much larger than in
others, still larger in young; spines on snout and side of cheek in
line with preocular spine; gill rakers thickish, about 10. Brown-
ish, much clouded; no lengthwise stripe. Head 21; depth 41. D.
X-12. A. 11. Lat. 1. 50. L. 12. P. 2 in body. N. Y. to Texas.
(Lat., a thistle, or other source of tribulation.)
FAMILY LXXVII. LIPARIDIDÆ. (THE Sea-snails.)
Body oblong, covered with lax, naked skin; head broad, obtuse;
suborbital stay slender; teeth small, mostly tricuspid; opercles un-
armed; gill openings small, the membranes joined to the isthmus;
gills 3, no slit behind last; no air bladder; pseudobranchiæ
rudimentary. D continuous, the spines feeble. A. without spines.
V. I, 5, the two fully united, forming the bony centre of a broad
sucking-disk or else wanting. P. broad, the base procurrent, the
lower rays longer than those above them. C. short. Vertebræ 40
to 45. Genera 3; species about 20. Small fishes of the Arctic
seas, some of them in deep water. Although very different in ap-
pearance, they are closely related to some of the Cottidæ.
a. Ventral disk present. (Liparinæ.)
b. Ventral disk well developed; vent well behind head. LIPARIS, 196.
•
196. LIPARIS (Artedi) Fleming. (mapós, sleek-skinned.
a. Dorsal fin continuous; separated by a notch from caudal.
426. L. montagui (Donovan). Snout very broad. Yellowish,
the fins dark-edged. Disk not quite half head. Head 31; depth
41. D. 28. A. 24. C. 14. P. 30. L. 3.
C. 14. P. 30. L. 3. Cape Cod, N. (Eu.)
(To Mr. G. Montagu, a writer on British fishes.)
aa. Dorsal fin joined to the caudal.
154
XX.
TELEOSTEI: ACANTHOPTERI,
427. L. liparis (L.). SEA SNAIL. Body thick; yellowish with
purplish stripes. Disk 2 in head. Head 4; depth 31. D. 33.
A. 28. P. 34. L. 5. Cape Cod, N. (Eu.)
FAMILY LXXVIII.
CYCLOPTERIDÆ.
(THE LUMP Suckers.)
Closely related to the Liparidida, but with the body short and
thick, covered with thick skin, which is often tubercular or spinous.
Vertebræ fewer, about 28. Adhesive ventral disk well developed,
enabling the fishes to fasten themselves firmly to rocks. Genera 3;
species 4. In the Arctic seas.
a. Spinous dorsal present; skin with bony plates and tubercles.
b. Dorsal spines not disappearing; gill opening a small slit on level of eye;
sucking disk large.
EUMICROTREMUS, 197.
•
•
bb. Dorsal spines in adult enveloped in a fleshy hump; gill openings larger;
disk small.
CYCLOPTERUS, 198.
197. EUMICROTREMUS Gill. (evμkpós, very small; тpîμa,
aperture.)
428. E. spinosus (Müller). Shields with small tubercles and
slender flexible prickles. Olivaceous, the naked skin punctate.
Head 3; depth 2. D. VII-11. A. 10. C. 10. Maine, N. (Eu.)
(Lat., spined.)
198. CYCLOPTERUS (Artedi) Linnæus. (kúkλos, circle;
429. C. lumpus L.
πτερόν, fin.)
LUMP-SUCKER.
LUMP-FISH. Shields
without spines. Olivaceous, punctulate; young black, with green
specks (Kingsley). Head 38; depth 2. D. VII-10. A. 10. L. 15.
Chesapeake Bay, N. (Eu.) (English, lump.)
HAPLODOCI. The next group shows no close relation to any
other of our families. On account of the simple post-temporal (bifur-
cate in most fishes), Professor Cope has made of the BATRACHIDE
a special suborder, HAPLODOCI.
FAMILY LXXIX. BATRACHIDÆ. (THE TOAD-FISHES.)
Body depressed anteriorly, with compressed tail; head large, de-
pressed, with well-developed mucous channels; mouth very large,
with strong teeth; gills 3, a slit behind the last; no pseudobranchiæ;
gill membranes broadly united to isthmus; no bony suborbital stay;
post-temporal (suprascapula) undivided; scales cycloid, small or
wanting; dorsals separate, the first of 2 or 3 low stout spines, the
second, like the anal, very long. V. jugular, I, 2 or I, 3; P. broad,
procurrent; no pyloric cæca. Vertebræ 30 to 45. Carnivorous fishes,
chiefly of warm seas, some of them very large. The young attach
themselves to rocks by means of an adhesive ventral disk, which
GOBIESOCIDÆ.
155
LXXX.
soon disappears. Some species have poison glands at base of dorsal
and opercular spines.
a. Body naked; lateral line indistinct, without shining bodies; dorsal spines
3; a foramen in the axil; no poison glands; teeth strong, blunt.
BATRACHUS, 199.
199. BATRACHUS Bloch & Schneider. (Bárpaxos, frog.)
430. B. tau (L.). TOAD-FISH. OYSTER-FISH. SAPO. Pores
on jaws with cirri; subopercie with a strong spine. Blackish green,
with dark markings; fins with dark bars. Head 23; depth 43. D.
III-27. A. 24. L. 18. Cape Cod to W. I., very abundant. (T.,
from the form of the bones of the top of the head.)
XENOPTERYGII. We pass next to the suborder XENOPTERYGII,
a little group, distinguished by the peculiar sucking disk at the
breast, formed from the skin of the body and not from the ventral
fins. There is no spinous dorsal or suborbital ring, and the pala-
tine arcade is said to be materially modified. The relations of these
fishes are obscure, but they are probably descended from Batrachoid
or Cottoid forms.
FAMILY LXXX. GOBIESOCIDÆ. (THE CLING-FISHES.)
Body elongate, the head very broad and depressed, the skin
smooth, naked; mouth moderate, upper jaw protractile; teeth coni-
cal or incisor-like; opercle reduced to a spine; pseudobranchiæ
small or 0; gills 21 or 3; gill membranes broadly united; D. small,
posterior, similar to anal, both of soft rays only; V. I, 4 or I, 5;
the fins wide apart, and between them a very large sucking disk
composed chiefly of folds of skin. No air-bladder. Vertebræ 26 to
36. Small carnivorous fishes of the warm seas, living in tide pools
and clinging firmly to stones. Genera 10; species 30.
a. Gill membranes free from isthmus; gills 3; lower jaw with incisors; pos-
terior part of sucking disk without free anterior margin.
GOBIESOX, 200.
200. GOBIESOX Lacépède. (Gobius +Esox.)
431. G. strumosus Cope. Lower incisors not serrate. Head
very wide, its width 2ğ in total (with C.); eye small; teeth ; no
canine. Plumbeous, fins blackish. D. 11. A. 10. Va. to S. C.,
scarce. (Lat., swollen.)
SCYPHOBRANCHII. The Blennioid, Gobioid, and Uranoscopoid
fishes show more or less definite affinities with each other, and in
some degree with the HAPLODOCI and CATAPHRACTI. Like the
latter they have the third upper pharyngeal enlarged and basin-
shaped, but they have no suborbital stay, unless the bony cheek in
URANOSCOPIDE be regarded as representing the latter. They
156
TELEOSTEI: ACANTHOPTERI. — XX.
form together a group or suborder called by Professor Cope the
SCYPHOBRANCHII.
FAMILY LXXXI. URANOSCOPIDÆ. (THE STAR-
GAZERS.)
Body elongate, tapering behind; scales usually small, cycloid;
lateral line mostly obsolete. Head cuboid, usually mailed above
and on cheeks. Eyes small, on front of top of head. Mouth verti-
cal, the lower jaw prominent, the lips mostly fringed; teeth small;
premaxillaries protractile; maxillary broad, simple, not concealed
by preorbital. Gill openings very wide, the membranes free; gills
3½, a small slit behind the last. Pseudobranchiæ present. Spinous
D. very short, the fin long; A. long; P. with broad oblique base;
V. jugular, I, 5. No air-bladder. Carnivorous fishes of the shores
in warm regions. Genera about 7; species 20. (oúpavós, sky;
σкоTÉ, to look.)
a. Dorsal fins two; head without spines.
b. Head above entirely covered by a rugose coat of mail; a small barbel
in mouth, before tongue.
ASTROSCOPUs, 201.
bb. Head above with a Y-shaped bony projection extending forward from
occipital region; on each side of this shield a trapezoidal naked area;
mouth without tentacle.
UPSILONPHORUS, 202.
•
201. ASTROSCOPUS Brevoort. (aσrpov, star; σкоnéw, to
look.)
432. A. anoplos (Cuv. & Val.). Jet black above and on lower
jaw and 1st D.; belly and fins pale; scales minute. Head 2; depth
34. D. IV-14. A. 13. L. 21. N. Y. to Key West. (avónλos,
unarmed.)
202. UPSILONPHORUS Gill. (¿yıλóv, Y; popéw, to bear,
from the bones on
top of head.)
433. U. y-græcum (Cuv. & Val.) Brownish, everywhere finely
spotted with white; a dark horizontal band on tail; C. with length-
wise stripes. Head 2; depth 3. D. IV −13. A. 12. Lat. 1.
113. L. 10. N. J., S.
FAMILY LXXXII. GOBIIDÆ. (THE Gobies.)
Body oblong or elongate, variously naked or scaly; no lateral
line; mouth and teeth various; premaxillary protractile; suborbital
without bony stay; skin of head covering eyes; opercles mostly un-
armed; pseudobranchia present; gills 4; gill membranes united
with the isthmus; spinous dorsal little developed, of 2 to 8 flexible
spines; anal without spine; V. I, 5, close together or usually fully
united into a sort of sucking disk; C. convex; anal papilla evident.
BLENNIIDÆ.
157
LXXXIII.
Small, car-
No pyloric cæca or air-bladder. Vertebræ about 25.
nivorous fishes, creeping about on sea-bottoms after the fashion of
the Darters, a group which the Gobies much resemble. Genera 70;
species about 400, chiefly of tropical seas and ponds. South of
Cape Hatteras a multitude of species are found, but only one is at
all common N. of that point.
a. Ventral fins united; dorsals separate, free from caudal. (Gobiinæ.)
b. Ventral disk not adnate to belly; teeth simple; shoulder girdle without
fleshy processes.
c. Body with ctenoid scales; dorsal spines 6.
cc. Body with small, cycloid scales; dorsal spines 7 or 8.
•
GOBIUS, 203.
MICROGOBIUS, 204.
GOBIOSOMA, 205.
ccc. Body entirely naked.
203. GOBIUS (Artedi) Linnæus. (The old name, from κwßiós,
gudgeon.)
434. G. soporator Cuv. & Val. Olivaceous, dotted. C. short.
Head 3; depth 43. D. VI-1, 9. A. I, 8. Scales 35-13. L. 6.
Tropics; N. to Carolina. (Lat., sleeper.)
204. MICROGOBIUS Poey. (μpós, small; Gobius.)
435. M. eulepis Eigenmann & Eigenmann. Yellowish, dotted;
1st D. with black spot. Head 4; depth 53. D. VII-15. A. 16.
Scales 50-14. L. 2. Fortress Monroe. (ev, well; λeπís, scale.)
205. GOBISOMA Girard. (Gobius; σŵµa, body.)
436. G. bosci (Lacépède). Body moderately chubby; cheeks
tumid. Olive with darker cross-shades. Head 31; depth 5 to 6.
D. VII–14. A. 10. L. 23. Cape Cod to S. C. (To M. Bosc,
French consul at Charleston.)
FAMILY LXXXIII. BLENNIIDÆ. (THE Blennies.)
Body oblong or variously elongate, naked, or covered with smooth
scales;
teeth well developed; suborbital ring without "stay"; D.
long, continuous, or divided; the anterior portion, and sometimes
the whole fin of spines, either stiff or flexible; anal long; V. jugu-
lar, few rayed or wanting; C. present; tail not isocercal; pseudo-
branchiæ present; air-bladder usually wanting. Vert. 30 to 100.
Genera 50; species nearly 300, a varied group mostly inhabiting
shallow sea-bottoms and rock-pools. A few are ovoviviparous.
(Blennius, ancient name, from Bλévva, slime.)
a. Teeth long, slender, curved, like comb-teeth, in front of jaws only; body
naked; soft rays forming about half of D.; V. well developed. Vertebræ
30 to 40. Carnivorous, oviparous, tropical. (Blenniina.)
b. Gill membranes broadly united to the isthmus.
d. Mouth large; head pointed; no canines.
dd. Mouth small, the head blunt in profile.
CHASMODES, 206.
158
TELEOSTEI: ACANTHOPTERI. – XX.
e. Canine teeth none.
ISESTHES, 207.
HYPLEUROCHILUS, 208.
aa. Teeth conic (not like comb-teeth); D. (in our genera) of spines only;
vertebræ very numerous; lateral line not bent; body scaly; species
chiefly Arctic.
ee. Canine teeth in one or both jaws behind the other teeth.
f. Gill openings not continued forward below, the membranes broadly
united. V. minute or wanting. (Xiphidiinæ.)
g. Lateral line none; V. rudimentary; gill membrane free from isth-
mus; A. with 2 small spines; no pyloric cæca. MURANOIDES, 209.
ff. Gill openings prolonged forward below, separated by a narrow
isthmus; P. long; V. well developed; oviparous; herbivorous.
(Stichæinæ.)
h. Lateral line present.
i. Lateral line forked or duplicated.
ii. Lateral line simple.
EUMESOGRAMMUS, 210.
STICHEUS, 211.
•
hh. Lateral line wanting; teeth on jaws only. LEPTOBLENNIUS, 212.
206. CHASMODES Cuv. & Val. (xaoµwồŋs, yawning.)
437. C. bosquianus (Lacépède). Orbital tentacle minute or
wanting; maxillary reaching beyond eye; & olive green with 9 blue
lines; head and 1st D. with orange; dark green, reticulated and
barred. Head 31; depth 3. D. XI, 19. A. 20. L. 3. N. Y.
to La. (To M. Bosc, a zealous collector of the fishes of S. C.)
207. ISESTHES Jordan & Gilbert. (loos, equal; éσdiw, to eat.)
438. I. hentz (Le Sueur). Orbital cirrus bifid at tip, as long as
D. spines. D. high, the spines stiff. Olive, with vague bars; head
with distinct black spots. Head 32; depth 31. D. XII, 15. A. 19.
L. 21. Md. to La. (Bl. punctatus Wood; name preoccupied.) (To
Mr. Hentz, an early entomologist.)
208. HYPLEUROCHILUS Gill. (v, upsilon; πλevρóv, side;
χείλος, lip.)
439. H. geminatus (Wood). Orbital cirrus branched, very high
in ; D. spines slender. Olive brown, back and fins with black
spots in ♂. Head 31; depth 4. D. XI, 15. A. 18. L. 21. Va.
to Texas, with the two preceding and others, among oyster shells
and clusters of tunicates; also about ballast piles. (Bl. multifilis
Girard, .) (Lat., twin.)
209. MURÆNOIDES Lacépède. (μúpaiva, moray; eidos, form.)
a. Ventrals present, I, 1.
440. M. gunnellus (L.). BUTTER-FISH. Head naked. Brown
with darker bars; black ocelli along base of D. Head 8; depth 9.
D. LXXVIII. A. II, 38. Vert. 85. L. 12. Labrador to Va.,
common in sea weed, N. (Eu.) (From "gunnel," gunwale, wrongly
supposed to be its English name.)
CRYPTACANTHODIDÆ.
159
LXXXIV.
210. EUMESOGRAMMUS Gill. (ev, well; μéσos, middle;
γραμμή, line.)
441. E. subbifurcatus (Storer). Brownish with pale blotches;
black bars on head; D. with black dots; lateral line with upper
branch only. Head 41; depth 5. D. XLIV. A. 30. Cape Cod;
N. rare. (Lat., sub, almost; bis, two; furcatus, forked.)
211. STICHÆUS Reinhardt.
442. S. punctatus (Fabricius).
Head 41; depth about 64. D. XL.
212. LEPTOBLENNIUS Gill.
(orixáw, to set in rows.)
Scarlet; D. with black spots.
A. I, 35. Cape Cod, N.
(λeπτós, slender; Blennius.)
443. L. serpentinus (Storer). Head small; olive, with pale
shades; D. with oblique white bands. Head 9; depth 15. D.
LXXV. A. 50. V. I, 3. L. 12. Cape Cod, N.
FAMILY LXXXIV.
CRYPTACANTHODIDÆ. (THE
WRYMOUTHS.)
Fishes allied to the Blenniidæ, but with the head cuboid, with
vertical cheeks, conspicuous muciferous channels in jaws and pre-
opercle; top of head flat; snout short; lower jaw very heavy, cleft
of mouth vertical; teeth conical, on jaws, vomer, and palatines;
gill membranes joined to the narrow isthmus; P. short; V. want-
ing; D. very long, of spines only, enveloped in thick skin; D., A.,
and C. joined. Body naked or scaly. Vertebræ many. Genera, 2;
species 2. Arctic.
a. Body scaleless.
CRYPTACANTHODES, 213.
213. CRYPTACANTHODES Storer. (крутós, hidden;
åκavowdŋs, spined.)
444. C. maculatus Storer. WRY-MOUTH. GHOST-FISH. Brown,
with dark spots, rarely immaculate. Head 6; depth 13. D.
LXXIII. A. 50. L. 24. Cape Cod, N.
FAMILY LXXXV. ANARRHICHADIDÆ. (THE WOLF-
FISHES.)
Fishes similar to the Blennies in most respects, but with the
vomer very thick and solid, with two series of coarse molar teeth;
palatines with similar teeth; jaws with canines in front, the pos-
terior teeth below molar. Scales rudimentary; no lateral line;
gill membranes joined to isthmus. D. high, of flexible spines only.
V. wanting. Air-bladder present. Vertebræ numerous. Large
fishes of northern seas. Two genera and 5 or 6 species; one of
them commonly, others rarely, taken off our coast.
a. Tail not very long, with a caudal fin, distinct from D. and A.
ANARRHICHAS, 214.
160
XX.
TELEOSTEI: ACANTHOPTERI.
214. ANARRHICHAS (Artedi) Linnæus. (Ancient name,
from ἀναρριχάομαι, to scramble up.)
445. A. lupus L. WOLF-FISH. Vomerine teeth extending
much farther back than palatine. Brown, sides with 9 to 12 black
bars, continued on D., besides dark spots and reticulations. Head
6; depth 5. D. LXII. A. 42. L. 4 feet. Cape Cod, N. (Eu.)
(Lat., wolf.)
FAMILY LXXXVI. LYCODIDÆ. (THE EEL-POUTS.)
Body more or less eel-shaped, naked or with small, cycloid scales;
mouth large, with conical teeth; head unarmed; gill membranes
united to isthmus; pseudobranchiæ present; gills 4. D. and A.
very long, of soft rays only, or with a few spines in posterior part
of D. P. small. Vertical fins confluent around the tail. V. ju-
gular, imperfect or wanting; lateral line obsolete. Vertebræ in
large number. Genera 10; species 35. Cold or deep waters,
chiefly Arctic. This group seems most closely allied to the Blen-
nies, but it agrees with the Anacanthini in wanting the spinous
dorsal. (Auкons, wolfish.)
(λυκώδης,
a. D. with some of its posterior rays very short and spine-like; V. small.
(Zoarcinæ.)
b. Scales present; teeth strong, in jaws only..
ZOARCES, 215.
215. ZOARCES Cuvier. ((wapxýs, viviparous.)
446. Z. anguillaris (Peck). EEL-POUT. MUTTON-FISH. MOTHER
OF EELS. Brownish, mottled with olive. Head 6; depth 6. D.
95, XVIII, 17. A. 105. L. 20. Del. to Labrador, common N.
(On the Grand Banks occur several species of the related genus
Lycodes, which is without D. spines.) (Lat., like an eel.)
The next family is in several respects peculiar, and marks the
transition from the Blenny-like to the Cod-like fishes.
FAMILY LXXXVII. PHIDIIDÆ. (THE DONZEllas.)
Body eel-shaped, naked or covered with very small scales which
are placed in oblique series at right angles to each other; mouth
large, with villiform or cardiform teeth. Gill openings wide, the
gill membranes narrowly joined to the isthmus behind V.; pseudo-
branchiæ small or 0. Gills 4. Vertical fins low, of soft rays only,
confluent around the isocercal tail. Ventral fins at the throat, each
developed as a long forked barbel. Air-bladder present. Genera 5,
species 15; carnivorous fishes of the warm seas.
a. Body scaly; palatines with a band of villiform teeth only; opercle with-
out spine; teeth in jaws fixed.
OPHIDION, 216.
216. OPHIDION (Artedi) Linnæus. (Diminutive of õpɩs, snake.)
447. O.marginatum DeKay. Brownish; D. and A. edged with
black. Air-bladder short and broad, with foramen below; gill
GADIDÆ
161
LXXXVIII.
rakers 4. V. as long as head. Head 61. D. 74. N. Y. to Texas,
scarce.
ANACANTHINI. This suborder is distinguished chiefly by the
total absence of spines in the fins, and also by the absence of any
foramen in the scapular bone. The ventrals are jugular, the
There are 2 or 3 families, the best known being
scales various.
the
FAMILY LXXXVIII. GADIDÆ. (THE COD-FISHES.)
Body elongate, ending in an isocercal tail; scales small, cycloid.
Mouth large, the teeth various. No pseudobranchiæ. Vertical
fins separate. D. and A. long; no fin spines. Gill openings very
wide, the membranes free from the isthmus. Gills 4. Air-bladder
present. Pyloric cæca numerous. Vertebræ about 50. Genera
30, species about 90. Carnivorous fishes, chiefly of the Northern
seas, many of them of great economic value. One species in fresh
waters.
a. Chin with a barbel; frontal bone normal; top of head without excavated
area. (Gadinæ.)
b. First D. composed of a band of fringes, preceded by a single ray; bar-
bels 4; one on chin, one on each nostril, one on snout; anal fin single.
bb. First D. of distinct rays.
c. Dorsal fins two; anal fin one.
RHINONEMUS, 217.
d. Ventrals narrow, filamentous, each of 2 or 3 slender rays.
PHYCIS, 218.
dd. Ventrals broader, each of about 6 rays; vomer with teeth; no
canines..
cc. Dorsal and anal fins each single; ventrals well-developed.
ccc. Dorsal fins three; anals two.
6. Lower jaw included; barbel well developed.
f. Vent below second dorsal.
LOTA, 219.
BROSMIUS, 220.
g. Shoulder girdle with its chief bone or coracoid much swollen;
(lateral line black; maxillary not reaching eye)
MELANOGRAMMUS, 221.
gg. Shoulder girdle normal; (lateral line pale; maxillary reach-
ing past front of eye).
ff. Vent in front of second dorsal; (skull peculiar)
GADUS, 222.
MICROGADUS, 223.
ee. Lower jaw projecting; barbel minute; teeth of upper jaw sub-
equal.
•
POLLACHIUS, 224.
aa. Chin without trace of barbel; frontal bone divided; top of head with a
large triangular excavated area, bounded by ridges. (Merlucciina.)
h. Lower jaw projecting; teeth sharp, unequal, the larger ones
movable; dorsals two; anal single; A. and 2d D. deeply
notched; scales loose, silvery.
MERLUCCIUS, 225.
11
162
XX.
TELEOSTEI: ACANTHOPTERI.
217. RHINONEMUS Gill. (šív, nose; veµñ, barbel.)
448. R. cimbrius (L.). FOUR-BEARDED ROCKLING. Head
high, compressed; no canines; mouth large. Brownish; D. and
A. behind, and C. below, abruptly black; mouth black within.
Head 5; depth 6. D. 50. A. 43. V. 5. L. 12. Cape Cod, N.
(Eu.) (Lat., Welsh.)
218. PHYCIS Bloch and Schneider. (pukís, old name from
Fucus, sea-weed.)
a. First dorsal with one or more filamentous rays. (Phycis.)
b. Filamentous ray of D. more than twice head.
449. P. chesteri Goode & Bean. Brownish. Head 41; depth
5. D. 10, 56. A. 56. Lat. I. 90. Mass., in deep water. (To
Captain H. C. Chester, of the U. S. Fish Com.)
bb. Filamentous ray of D. not twice head.
c. Scales moderate; lat. 1. 110.
450. P. chuss (Walbaum).
CODLING. SQUIRREL HAKE.
Brownish, punctulate, yellowish below. Head 4; depth 5. D.
9-57. A. 50. L. 15. Va., N. (Vernacular name.)
cc. Scales very small; lat. 1. 140.
451. P. tenuis (Mitchill). WHITE HAKE. CODLING. Brown,
yellowish below; fins very dark. Head 44; depth 51. D. 9, 57.
A. 48. L. 12. Va., N. (Lat., slender.)
aa. First dorsal without filamentous rays. (Urophycis Gill.)
Yellowish
452. P. regius (Walbaum). SPOTTED Codling.
brown; lateral line dark, interrupted by white spots; sides of
head and 2d D. with black spots; 1st D. largely black. Head 44;
depth 41. D. 8–43. A. 45. Lat. 1. 90. L. 12. Cape Cod to
N. C.; said to possess electric powers. (Lat., royal.)
219. LOTA Cuvier. (Lota, the ancient name.)
453. L. lota (L.). BURBOT. LAWYER. LING. Head depressed;
maxillary reaching posterior margin of the very small eye; scales
very small. Dark olive, thickly marbled and reticulate with black-
ish, the adult duller; edges of vertical fins dusky. Head 43; depth
6. D. 13–76. A. 68. V. 7. Vert. 59. Cæca 30. L. 30. Arctic
America and Europe, abundant in lakes, S. to Conn. R., Ohio R.,
etc.; a fish of little value as food, but widely distributed. The
Amer. form is var. maculosa Le Sueur. (Eu.)
220. BROSMIUS Cuvier. (From the Danish name brosme.)
454. B. brosme (Müller). CUSK. Brownish, usually mottled
with yellowish. Head 44; depth 54. D. 98. A. 71. Cape Cod,
N. (Eu.)
GADIDÆ. LXXXVIII.
163
221. MELANOGRAMMUS Gill. (ueλavós, black; ypaµµý, line.)
455. M. æglifinus (L.). HADDOCK. Snout long; dorsals
pointed; C. lunate; skull depressed, the bones thin; the supra-
occipital crest very high, with wing-like projections at base. Dark
gray, a large black blotch above P. Head 34; depth 4. D. 15–
24–21. A. 23–21. L. 30. Va., N.; an important food-fish. (Eu.)
(Low Lat., haddock.)
222. GADUS (Artedi) Linnæus. (The Latin name, akin to the
English Cod.)
456. G. callarias L. COD-FISH. Head large; occipital keel
not high; fins not elevated; C. slightly notched. Brownish, the
ground color varying much; back and sides with round brownish
spots; fins dark. Head 31 to 41; depth 4. D. 14-21-19. A.
20-18. L. 3 feet or more. N. Atl. and N. Pac., S. to Va. and
Ore.; one of the most important of food-fishes. (Eu.) (G. mor-
rhua L.) (Lat., Callarias, a young cod.)
223. MICROGADUS Gill. (μikpós, small; Gadus.)
457. M. tomcod (Walbaum). TOM-COD. FROST-FISH. Snout
rounded; maxillary reaching pupil, 2 in head. Eye 33. Olive-
brown, spotted and blotched with darker; surface punctulate.
Head 3; depth 5. D. 13-17-18. A. 20-17. L. 12. Va. to
Labrador, a diminutive Cod-fish, common N.
224. POLLACHIUS Nilsson. (From Pollack.)
458. P. virens (L.) POLLACK. COAL-FISH. P. short, scarcely
reaching A. Greenish, somewhat silvery below; fins pale; usually
a dark spot in axil. Head 4; depth 44. D. 13–22–20. A. 25–20.
Lat. 1. 250. L. 18. Va., N. (Eu.)
225. MERLUCCIUS Rafinesque. (Merlucius "Sea-Pike," the
ancient name.)
459. M. bilinearis (Mitchill). SILVER HAKE. STOCK-FISH.
WHITING. Top of head with well defined W-shaped ridges; teeth
not very large. P. and V. long, & head. Grayish, sides dull silvery;
axil inside of mouth and peritoneum black. Flesh soft. Head
34; depth 61. D. 13-41. A. 40. Lat. l. 105. L. 2 feet. Va.,
N., not rare. (Lat., bis two; linearis, lined.)
ORDER XXI.
HETEROSOMATA. (THE FLAT-FISHES.)
This group seems to be an offshoot from the Gadida. Its essen-
tial feature is in the unsymmetrical character of the bones of the
head. The head is twisted about, so that both eyes are on the same
side. The body is compressed, and the side without eyes is habit-
ually kept lowermost. The blind side is usually colorless. The very
164
XXI.
TELEOSTEI: HETEROSOMATA.
young are symmetrical, one eye on each side, the body is translu-
cent and the fish is vertical in the water. The processes by which
the eye of the lower side becomes transferred through or over the
head to the other side are very curious and interesting. There is
but one family. (erepós different; σâμa, body.)
σώμα,
FAMILY LXXXIX. PLEURONECTIDÆ. (THE
FLOUNDERS.)
Body strongly compressed, the cranium twisted so that both eyes
are on the colored side; mouth and dentition various; premaxil-
laries protractile; maxillary simple; pseudobranchiæ present. Gills
4; no air bladder; vent not far behind head; scales various; fins
without spines. D. very long; A. similar, shorter; P. and V. vari-
ous. Fishes mostly carnivorous, chiefly found on sandy sea-bottoms,
some of them ascending rivers. Genera 50; species 450. Those
species found in Arctic seas have, as usual, an increased number of
vertebræ; the tropical forms have 30 to 35; the others 40 to 70.
a. Flounders: Edge of preopercle free; teeth present; P. and V. well developed
(with rare exceptions).
b. Mouth nearly symmetrical, the teeth nearly alike on the two sides, the
gape usually but not always wide.
c. Ventral fins symmetrical, similar in position and in form of base, the
ventral of eyed side not extended along the ridge of abdomen.
(Hippoglossina.)
d. Vertebræ and fin rays much increased in number (vertebræ about
50; D.100; A.85); body elongate; C. lunate; lateral line simple;
no anal spine; eye on right side.
e. Lateral line without arch.
ee. Lateral line with an arch anteriorly.
PLATYSOMATICHTHYS, 226.
HIPPOGLOSSUS. 227.
dd. Vertebræ and fin rays in moderate number; (Vert. less than 46;
D. less than 95; A. less than 75); C. double truncate.
f. Lateral line without arch; vertebræ 45; eyes on right side; scales
firm, ciliated; spine before A. strong; D. beginning above eye.
HIPPOGLOSSOIDES, 228.
ff. Lateral line arched in front; vertebræ 35 to 41; eyes on left side;
scales nearly smooth; anal spine weak; D. beginning before
PARALICHTHYS, 229.
eye.
•
cc. Ventral fins unsymmetrical, dissimilar in position or in form; the left
V. extended along ridge of abdomen; eyes on left side. (Pleu-
ronectinæ.)
g. Vomer with teeth; lateral line arched in front; vertebræ 31 to
36; mouth large; teeth in bands; form broad-ovate; scales
cycloid, small or wanting; interorbital space not concave.
PLEURONECTES, 230.
gg. Vomer toothless; V. free from A; Vert. 34 to 40.
h. Lateral line arched in front; teeth small, in 1 or 2 series; in-
terorbital space broad, concave; scales small, ctenoid.
PLATOPHRYS, 231.
PLEURONECTIDÆ.
165
LXXXIX.
hh. Lateral line straightish; scales thin, deciduous.
i. Mouth moderate, the maxillary more than § head.
季
​CITHARICHTHYS, 232.
ii. Mouth very small, the teeth equal, the maxillary not head.
ETROPUS, 233.
bb. Mouth unsymmetrical, the teeth chiefly on the blind side; V. nearly
symmetrical; eyes on right side. (Platessina.)
j. Vertebræ in moderate number (36 to 44); D. 65 to 80; A. 45 to 60.
k. Teeth in one row; lateral line not branched.
7. Lateral line with an arch in front; scales ctenoid.
LIMANDA, 234.
l. Lateral line without arch; teeth incisor-like.
m. Scales regularly imbricate, all on eyed side ctenoid, in both
sexes; lower pharyngeals very narrow, with slender teeth,
PSEUDOPLEURONECTES, 235.
ctenoid in ♂, smooth-
in two rows.
mm. Scales imperfectly imbricate, rough
ish in ; lower pharyngeals very large, partly united,
with blunt teeth in 5 or 6 rows.
•
·
LIOPSETTA, 236.
jj. Vertebræ in increased number (58 to 65); D. 100 or more; A. 70 to
100; teeth broad; left side of skull with large mucous cavities;
anal spine strong; body elongate, compressed.
GLYPTOCEPHALUS, 237.
aa. Soles: edge of preopercle obscured by the scales; mouth very small,
strongly twisted towards blind side; teeth rudimentary.
n. Eyes on right side, separated by a bony ridge. (Soleinæ.)
o. Gill openings moderate, confluent below; vertical fins separate;
right V. confluent with A.; vertebræ 28; body ovate; scales
ctenoid, those on head enlarged and fringed; P. minute or
wanting.
ACHIRUS, 238.
nn. Eyes on left side, very small, without distinct ridge between them;
scales ctenoid; vertical fins confluent. (Cynoglossina.)
•
p. V. of eyed side only present, free from A.; no P.; no lateral line;
head without fringes.
SYMPHURUS, 239.
226. PLATYSOMATICHTHYS Bleeker. (Reinhardtius Gill.)
(πλατύς, fat; σῶμα, body; ἰχθύς, fish.)
460. P. hippoglossoides (Walbaum). GREENLAND HALIBUT.
Brown. Head 4; depth 3. D. 100. A. 75. L. 4 or more. Cape
Cod, N.
227. HIPPOGLOSSUS Cuvier. (Old name from Tos, horse;
yλwoσa, tongue.)
461. H. hippoglossus (L.). HALIBUT. Dark brown; eyes
large, widely separated. Head 3; depth 3. D. 105. A. 78.
L. 6 feet or more. In all northern seas, the largest and most val-
uable of the flat-fishes, reaching 400 lbs. (Eu.)
228. HIPPOGLOSSOIDES Gottsche.
462. H. platessoides (Fabricius). ROUGH DAB. Plain red-
dish brown; eyes large; teeth uniserial. Head 34; depth 24. D.
166
XXI.
TELEOSTEI: HETEROSOMATA.
80 to 93. A. 64 to 75. Lat. 1. 90. N. Atl., S. to N. Y. (Eu.)
(Lat., platessa, the plaice; eidos, like.)
229. PARALICHTHYS Girard. (πapáλλŋλos, parallel;
ιχθύς, fish.)
a. Gill rakers 5+ 16, rather long and slender; D. 85 to 93; A. 67 to 73.
463. P. dentatus (L.). SUMMER FLOUNDER. Body ovate;
maxillary half head; canines large. Brownish olive, always with
many paler and darker spots and obscure ocelli. Head 3; depth
21. Lat. I. 95. L. 23 feet. Cape Cod to Fla., the common floun-
der N. (Lat., toothed.)
aa. Gill rakers, few, shortish, 2+8 to 10.
b. Body ovate, opaque, the depth about 2 in length; no definitely placed
ocelli.
c. D. rays 85 to 93; A. 65 to 73; lat. 1. about 100.
464. P. lethostigma Jordan & Gilbert. SOUTHERN FLOUN-
DER. Eyes small, well separated. Dusky olive, nearly plain.
Head 33. L. 21. N. Y. to Texas, the common Flounder S. (^ýðŋ,
forgetting; σryμn, spot.)
cc. D. rays 75 to 81; A. 59 to 61; lat. 1. 95.
465. P. albigutta Jordan & Gilbert. Grayish brown, with many
roundish pale blotches. L. 18. Va. to Texas, common S. (Lat.,
albus, white; gutta, spot.)
bb. Body oblong, strongly compressed, semi-translucent, side with four
large oblong black ocelli, each edged with pinkish, the anterior spots
just behind middle of body, the four forming a trapezoidal figure.
466. P. oblongus (Mitchill). FOUR-SPOTTED FLOUNDER.
Mouth large. Head 34; depth 24. D. 77. A. 62. Lat. l. 93.
L. 18. Cape Cod to N. J. (Another "4-spotted flounder,” An-
cylopsetta quadrocellata Gill, with deep body and very rough scales;
probably ranges N. to Va.)
230. PLEURONECTES (Artedi) Linnæus. TURBOTS.
(Rhombus Cuvier.) (πλcvpóv, side; výêīŋs, swimmer.)
a. Scales cycloid, well-developed; no bony tubercles. (Bothus Rafinesque.)
467. P. maculatus Mitchill. WINDOW PANE. First rays of
D. much exserted; body much compressed, translucent. Grayish
brown, profusely spotted and mottled with dark brown. Head 33;
depth 18. D. 65. A. 52. Lat. l. 100. L. 18. Cape Cod to S. C.,
a small and valueless representative of the great turbot of Europe
(P. rhombus L.).
231. PLATOPHRYS Swainson. (πλarús, broad;
¿øpús, eye-brow.)
468. P. ocellatus (Agassiz.) Maxillary 3 in head. Light
grayish, with small round spots of darker gray, and with lighter
PLEURONECTIDÆ,
167
LXXXIX.
rings enclosing areas of ground color; two black blotches along
lateral line; fins spotted; no blue markings. Head 4; depth 11.
D. 85 to 90. A. 65. Lat. I. 72 to 78. L. 12. Variable. L. I. to
Brazil, abundant S. (Pl. nebularis Jordan & Gilbert.)
232. CITHARICHTHYS Bleeker. (Citharus, an allied genus;
ιχθύς, fish.)
469. C. spilopterus Günther. Maxillary 2 in head; eye
small, 5 to 6; snout short, forming an angle with preorbital; teeth
small, those in front larger. Head 33; depth 24. D. 75 to 80.
A. 58 to 61. Lat. 1. 43 to 45. L. 6. N. J. to Brazil and Panama,
a little flounder very common on sandy shores. (Related species
occur in deeper water, in the Gulf stream.) (σîλos, spot; „τepóv,
fin.)
233. ETROPUS Jordan & Gilbert. (rpov, abdomen; roús, foot.)
a. Body very deep, the depth more than half length.
470. E. crossotus Jordan & Gilbert. Maxillary 4 in head;
eye 34. Olive-brown with darker blotches; fins finely speckled.
Head 44; depth 1 to 2. D. 76 to 85. A. 56 to 67. Lat. 1. 42 to
48. L. 5. Warm seas, N. to Va.; may vary into the next.
(kpoσowrós, fringed.)
aa. Body more elongate, the depth less than half length.
471. E. microstomus (Gill). Maxillary 4; eye 3 to 31 in
head. Grayish, with small dark blotches; two dark spots at base
C.; fins specked. Head 4; depth 24. D. 77 to 78. A. 57 to 61.
Lat. 1. 38 to 41. N. J. to Fla., scarce. (uukpós, small; σróµa,
mouth.)
234. LIMANDA Gottsche. (Old name.)
472. L. ferruginea (Storer). RUSTY DAB. Teeth conical,
close-set, 11+30 in lower jaw; snout abruptly projecting, leaving
an angle at its base; interocular ridge high and narrow, prolonged
and rugose above opercle. Brownish, with rusty spots; blind side
yellow. Head 4; depth 2. D. 85. A. 62. Lat. 1. 100. L. 2
feet. N. Y. to Labrador. (Lat., rusty.)
235. PSEUDOPLEURONECTES Bleeker. (evdns, false;
Pleuronectes.)
473. P. americanus (Walbaum). WINTER FLOUNDER. FLAT-
FISH. Body elliptical; interorbital space broad, convex, scaly; a
low ridge above opercle. Dark rusty brown, obscurely mottled;
fins plain. Head 4; depth 24. D. 65. A. 48. Lat. l. 83. L. 18.
Labrador to Chesapeake Bay, common.
236. LIOPSETTA Gill. (λeîos, smooth; vérra, flounder.)
474. L. glacialis (Pallas). EEL-BACK FLOUNDER. A coarse
rugose ridge above opercle; scales in males ctenoid on both sides,
168
XXII.
TELEOSTEI: PLECTOGNATHI.
in mostly cycloid. Dark gray, mottled with darker; fins
spotted. Head 31; depth 2. D. 55. A. 40. Lat. 1. 70. L. 12.
Arctic regions, S. to Cape Cod, our form or variety (L. putnami
Gill) common from Cape Ann to Nova Scotia; the original glacialis
in Alaska. (Pleuronectes glaber Storer.)
237. GLYPTOCEPHALUS Gottsche. (yλvπтós, sculptured;
kepadń, head.)
475. G. cynoglossus (L.). CRAIG-FLUKE. P. short, not half
head; eyes large, 3 in head. Grayish brown, fins spotted. Head
5; depth 2. D. 101 to 112.
D. 101 to 112. A. 87 to 99. Lat. 1. 125. L. 12.
N. Atl., S. to Cape Cod.
yλwooa, tongue.)
(Eu.) (An old name, from kúwv, dog;
238. ACHIRUS Lacépède. (axeip, without hands.)
a. Pectorals wanting. (Achirus.)
476. A. fasciatus Lacépède. SOLE. HOG-CHOKER. Eyed side
without black hair-like cilia. Olive-brown, mottled and with about
8 dark vertical streaks; vertical fins with dark spots and clouds;
blind side usually with round dark spots. Head 4; depth 1.
D. 50 to 55. A. 37 to 46. Lat. 1. 66 to 75. L. 8. Cape Cod to
Texas, abundant, ascending rivers. (Lat., banded.)
239. SYMPHURUS Rafinesque. (Plagusia Cuvier; Aphoristia
Kaup.) (ovupów, to grow together; oùpá, tail.)
477. S. plagiusa (L.). TONGUE-FISH. Body broadly lanceo-
late. Brown, with faint darker longitudinal streaks and with black
cross-bars; C. similarly colored, never black. Head 5; depth 3 to
31. D. 86 to 95. A. 75 to 80. Lat. 1. 85 to 93. L. 5. Va. to
Texas, common S. (λáytos, oblique.)
ORDER XXII. PLECTOGNATHI. (THE PLECTOGNATHS.)
Premaxillaries co-ossified with the maxillaries, and dentary with
the articular; post-temporal undivided, grown fast to the skull;
interopercle rod-like; upper pharyngeals forming vertical trans-
verse laminæ; skin naked or variously covered with rough scales,
shields or spines. Vertebræ usually in less than normal number,
15 to 30. Ventral fins reduced or wanting.
This group is a modified offshoot of the suborder Epelasmia of
Acanthopteri. The relations of the Balistide with the Acanthuridæ
of the latter group are very close. (πλeктós, joined; yváłos, jaw.)
FAMILY XC. BALISTIDÆ. (THE TRIGGER-FISHES.)
Body ovate, compressed, covered with scales of varying struc-
ture. Mouth small, terminal, low; jaws short, each with one or
more series of separate incisor-like teeth; eye very high. Gill
TETRAODONTIDÆ.
169
XCI.
openings small, slit-like. Dorsals separate, the first of 1 to 3
spines; 2d D. and A. long; V. wanting; pubic bone long, movable,
with sometimes a spine at its end. Genera 8; species 100; car-
nivorous fishes of the warm seas.
a. Dorsal spines 3; body covered with thick, firm scales; pelvis with a blunt
spine.
BALISTES, 240.
aa. Dorsal spine single, or followed by a rudiment; skin with minute rough
shagreen-like scales.
b. Pubic spine present; gill-slit short, nearly vertical. A. 25 to 35.
MONACANTHUS, 241.
bb. Pubic spine wanting; gill-slit long, oblique. A. 36 to 50.
ALUTERA, 242.
240. BALISTES (Artedi) Linnæus. (Baλô, to shoot; from the
trigger-like 2d spine of D.)
a. A groove before eye; larger plates behind gill opening; teeth white; no
spines on tail. (Balistes.)
478. B. carolinensis Gmelin. LEATHER-JACKET. TRIGGER-
FISH. Soft D. high; C. lobes elongate in adult. Brownish; young
spotted with darker; 2d D. and A. with interrupted brown streaks;
C. mottled; scales on head similar to those on body. Head 3;
depth 14. D. III-27. A. 25. Lat. 1. 51 to 62. L. 18. Warm
seas, rarely N. to Cape Cod. (Eu.)
(μόνος,
241. MONACANTHUS Cuvier. (μóvos, one; akavea, spine.)
a. Pubic spine movable; ventral flap moderate, not extending beyond it;
dorsal spine with retrorse barbs.
479. M. hispidus (L.). FoOL-FISH. FILE-FISH. No recurved
spines on tail; first soft ray of D. sometimes filamentous. Dull
greenish, mottled with darker. Head 33; depth 12. D. I-32.
A. 32. L. 6. Cape Cod to Cuba, common. (Lat., rough.)
242. ALUTERA Cuvier.
(?Mouros, unwashed.)
480. A. schopfi (Walbaum). Dull-greenish, marbled with.
darker; D. spine slender, not barbed; C. long in young, shorter
with age. Head 33; depth 24. D. I, 36. A. 38. L. 18. Cape
Cod to Texas. (To Johann David Schöpf, a Hessian surgeon in
the Revolutionary War, and an excellent naturalist.)
FAMILY XCI. TETRAODONTIDÆ. (THE SWELL-FISHES.)
Body oblong, little compressed, the skin naked and usually
prickly; stomach capable of great inflation; teeth in each jaw con-
fluent into two, which form a sort of beak; no fin spines; D. oppo-
site A.; C. distinct; V. wanting; P. short; pelvic bone moderate.
Gill openings small; air-bladder present. Genera 7; species 70, in
warm seas. They are noted for their power of swallowing air, by
170
XXII.
TELEOSTEI: PLECTOGNATHI.
which the stomach may be greatly inflated and the fish float belly
upward out of reach of its pursuers.
a. Back not carinated, skin without scutes; nostril on each side with two
openings.
b. D. and A. falcate, of 12 to 15 rays; C. lunate; vertebræ 20; nostrils ses-
sile; mucous tubes on head very conspicuous. LAGOCEPHALUS, 243.
bb. D. and A. short, rounded, of 6 to 8 rays; C. rounded; vertebræ 18;
nostrils at tip of a hollow papilla; mucous tubes not conspicuous.
ORBIDUS, 244.
243. LAGOCEPHALUS Swainson. (Mayós, hare; kepaλý,
head.)
481. L. lævigatus (L.). RABBIT FISH. SMOOTH PUFFER.
TAMBOR. Olive green; silver-white below; belly with large 3-rooted
spines; skin elsewhere smooth. Head 31; depth 41. D. 14. A.12
L. 2 feet or more. Cape Cod to Brazil. (Lat., made smooth.)
244. ORBIDUS Rafinesque. (Lat., orbis, a sphere.)
482. O. maculatus (Bloch & Schneider). COMMON PUFFER.
SWELL-FISH. SWELL-TOAD. Sides of head and body always prickly,
as is back from upper lip to D.; prickles all similar, small, close-set,
3-rooted, never obsolete. Dark olive above, marbled and dotted
with black; black blotches on side forming short cross-bars; C.
nearly plain. Head 23; depth 3. D. 7. A. 6. C. 7. L. 12. Cape
Cod to S. C., very common. (Tetraodon turgidus Mitchill.)
FAMILY XCII. DIODONITIDE. (THE PORCUPINE-FISHES.)
Fishes similar to the Tetraodontidæ, but having the teeth of each
jaw grown into one; body with rooted spines; stomach less ex-
tensively inflatable than in the Tetraodontidae. Genera 3; species
about 10, in warm seas. (dís, two; ỏdóv, tooth.)
a. Spines robust, all fixed, and 3-rooted (some of them rarely 4-rooted); nasal
tube simple with two lateral openings.
CHILOMY CTERUS, 245.
245. CHILOMYCTERUS (Bibron) Kaup. (xeîλos, lip;
µvêτýp, nostril.)
483. C. schopfi (Walbaum). BURR-FISH. SWELL-TOAD. A
ridge above eye. Greenish, with series of parallel blackish stripes
covering most of the body above; an ocellated black spot above P.;
a larger one behind it; one at base of D.; a smaller one below it;
fins unspotted. Head 24; depth 3. D. 12. A. 10. L. 6. Cape
Cod to Texas; very abundant S. (C. geometricus Bloch & Schnei-
der.) (Farther S. occurs Diodon hystrix L., larger, with longer
spines, of which some are 2-rooted and movable.) (To Johann
David Schöpf, a Hessian surgeon in the Revolutionary War.)
MOLIDE.
171
XCIII.
FAMILY XCIII. MOLIDÆ. (THE HEAD-FISHES.)
Body deep, compressed, truncate behind, so that there is no cau-
dal peduncle; skin scaleless, rough. Mouth very small, the teeth
united, without median suture as in Diodontida. D. and A. of
soft rays only, confluent around tail, elevated in front. V. wanting;
pelvic bone small; belly not inflatable. Three species, placed in as
many genera; large fishes of the open sea, consisting apparently of
a huge fish-head to which small fins are attached.
a. Body ovate, not twice as long as deep; skin thick, leathery, without hexa-
gonal plates.
MOLA, 246.
246. MOLA Cuvier. (Orthagoriscus Bloch & Schneider.) (Lat.,
millstone.)
484. M. mola (L.). SUN-FISH. HEAD-FISH. MOLA. Dark
gray, silver-gray below; a dusky bar along bases of vertical fins.
D. and A. very high; form varying greatly with age; a hump or
snout above mouth in old specimens. Head 3; depth 1g (in adult).
D. 17. A. 16. L. 4 feet or more.
rare, sometimes weighing 500 lbs.
Pelagic, N. to Cape Cod; not
(Eu.)
ORDER XXIII. PEDICULATI. (THE Pediculate
FISHES.)
Carpal bones reduced in number and notably elongate, forming a
kind of arm which supports the broad pectorals. Gill openings re-
duced to a small pore in or near the axil, behind the pectoral fins;
V. jugular, if present; first vertebra united with skull; post-tempo-
ral broad, flat, simple; pharyngeals reduced in number; spinous D.
often reduced to isolated tentacles. No scales.
This singular group is probably a modified off-shoot of the Haplo-
doci (Batrachida) or of some similar form. It may fairly be placed
at the end of the fish-series, as having gone farther in its diver-
gence from the original fish-stock than any other of the groups called
"orders" among fishes. It is not however in any proper sense the
"highest" of the fishes, for some of its peculiarities may be due to
degradation. Still less is it the order most closely related to the
higher vertebrates. Most of the Pediculati belong to the tropics
or to the deep sea. (Lat., pediculatus, provided with a little foot or
peduncle.)
FAMILY XCIV. MALTHIDE. (THE BAT-FISHES.)
Head broad and depressed, the snout elevated, the trunk short
and slender. Mouth small, inferior; gill opening very small, above
and behind axil of P. Body and head covered with bony tubercles
or spines. Spinous D. a single tentacle on snout, retractile into a
cavity beneath a long process on snout. Genera 3; species 10, all
American.
172
XXIII.
TELEOSTEI: PEDICULATI.
247. MALTHE Cuvier. (µádoŋ, a name of some soft-bodied
fish.)
485. M. vespertilio (L.). BAT-FISH. DIABLO. Dark gray,
reddish below; forehead produced in a long rough process of varia-
ble length. D. I, 4. A. 4. L. 6. Warm seas, rarely N. (Lat.,
bat.)
FAMILY XCV. ANTENNARIIDE. (THE FROG-FISHES.)
Head and body somewhat compressed, the mouth nearly vertical,
the chin projecting; gill openings small, pore-like, in lower axil of
P. Spinous D. of 1 to 3 isolated tentacles. Genera 5; species
40, living in floating seaweed, etc., in warm seas. (Lat., antenna, a
feeler.)
a. Head compressed; dorsal spines 3; skin smooth with many fleshy tags; V.
long.
PTEROPHRYNE, 248.
248. PTEROPHRYNE Gill. (πтеρóν, wing; opúvn, toad.)
486. P. histrio (L.). MOUSE-FISH. Yellowish, much marbled;
wrist slender. Head 24; depth 14. D. III-14. A. 7. V.5. L. 5.
Warm seas, occasional N. (Lat., stage-player.)
FAMILY XCVI. LOPHIIDÆ. (THE ANGLERS.)
Head wide, depressed, very large; body contracted, tapering,
scarcely longer than head; mouth enormously wide, with a stomach
proportionate; teeth very strong, unequal, some of them long, sharp
canines and most of them depressible; strong teeth on vomer and
palatines. Gill openings large, in lower axil of P. Skin smooth,
with many dermal flaps. Spinous D. of 3 isolated tentacles, and 3
spines joined by membrane, the first spine enlarged at tip and ex-
tending over the mouth, said to serve as a bait for smaller fishes.
One genus with 3 or more species, large fishes of the cool seas,
remarkable for voracity.
249. LOPHIUS (Artedi) Linnæus. (Old name from λópos,
λόφος,
crest.)
487. L. piscatorius L. GOOSE-FISH. ANGLER. FISHING-
FROG. ALL-MOUTH. BELLOWS-FISH. Brownish, mottled; mouth
behind tongue, unspotted. D. III-III, 10. A. 9. V. I, 5. L. 3
feet or more. N. Atl., S. to Cape Lookout, common N. The eggs
of this fish are remarkable, in ribbon-like bands, pink in color, 30 to
40 feet long and a foot in width. These float near the surface in
summer. (Lat., fishing.)
With this monstrous creature, unexcelled for pure ugliness in
the class to which it belongs, we may close the long series of
fishes.
LOPHIIDÆ. - XCVI.
173
Next come the Batrachians, animals bearing close relations to
the "central stem" of the fishes, now represented by the Dipnoi.
They are decidedly fish-like in their early conditions, but this stage
is ultimately outgrown. "The undivided cartilaginous coracoid of
Polyterus (a Dipnoan) has a tubercle articulating with diverging
rods; in the one we have the rudiment of the humerus, in the
other the representatives of the ulna and radius, while the undif-
ferentiated cartilage between the diverging rods is material for the
carpal bones, and in bones radiating from that cartilage are the
homologues of the metacarpals. The attempts of a primitive ani-
mal of such a type to travel on land might develop the fore-limb,
and a hind one would follow in sympathy with the other. Then we
would have the first of the quadruped vertebrates," the Batrachians.
(Gill.)
NOTE.- Page 47. The RED-HORSE or WHITE SUCKER of the Chesa-
peake region has the anterior rays of the dorsal elevated, the outline of
the fin decidedly concave. It is perhaps a distinct species from the
common Red-Horse of the West and South described in the text. It
may stand as 81. Moxostoma macrolepidotum (Le Sueur), and the Western
form, N. Y. to Dak. and Ga., as 81 (b). M. duquesnei (Le Sueur).
174
BATRACHIA.
CLASS F. BATRACHIA. (THE BATRACHIANS.)
Cold-blooded vertebrates, intermediate between the fishes and the
reptiles. They differ from the fishes chiefly in the absence of rayed
fins, the limbs being usually developed and functional with the
skeletal elements of the limbs of reptiles, and in the reduction or
absence of the various bones of the branchial, opercular and sus-
pensory systems.
The Batrachians undergo a more or less complete metamorphosis;
the young ("tadpoles ") being fish-like and more or less aquatic,
breathing by means of external gills. These differ from the gills
of fishes in standing on fleshy processes of the branchial bones and
not on the bones themselves. In the tadpole, the tail is provided
with a more or less distinct fin-like membrane, which usually dis-
appears with age. Later in life, lungs are developed, and in most
cases the gills disappear. Skin mostly naked and moist, used to
some extent as an organ of respiration. Heart with two auricles
and a single ventricle.
Reproduction by means of eggs which are of comparatively
small size, without hard shell. These are deposited in water or in
damp places. In one salamander the young are born alive. Pro-
fessor Cope recognizes nine orders of Batrachians, four of these
being extinct. (Bárpaxos, frog.)
Orders of Batrachia.
a. Body lengthened, with a distinct tail throughout life; hind limbs, if present,
not especially enlarged.
b. External gills and gill-clefts persistent throughout life, the gills 3 on
each side; no eyelids; vertebræ amphicœlian; maxillary small or
wanting.
c. Body eel-shaped, without hind legs; teeth on vomer; floor of mouth
rough; jaws with horny sheath. . TRACHYSTOMATA, XXIV.
cc. Body salamander-shaped, the hind limbs present; jaws with teeth.
PROTEIDA, XXV.
bb. External gills normally disappearing in adult life; limbs 4 (or want-
ing, present in all our species); jaws with teeth; maxillaries and
palatines present.
URODELA, XXVI.
aa. Body short, depressed; tail disappearing with age; limbs 4, the posterior
much enlarged.
SALIENTIA, XXVII.
SIRENIDE.
175
XCVII.
ORDER XXIV. TRACHYSTOMATA.
This order contains a single family. (rpaxús, rough; σróμa, mouth.)
FAMILY XCVII. SIRENIDE. (THE SIRENS.)
Body elongated, eel-like, with no posterior limbs, not even a
vestige of pelvis; head flattened; snout obtuse; mouth narrow,
jaws with horny sheaths; floor of mouth with teeth or asperities;
vomer with two large patches; eye very small; lips thick; tail com-
pressed, finned. Genera 2; species 2. Pseudobranchus striatus
(LeC.), of Georgia, a small species with 3 toes and with thickened,
functionless gills, and the following:—
a. Gills large, bushy, in function throughout life; toes 4; spiracies 3.
250. SIREN Linnæus.
SIREN, 250.
488. S. lacertina L. MUD EEL. Tail shorter than body,
pointed at tip. Blackish, sometimes dotted. L. 36. Lowland
streams and swamps, N. Ind. to N. C. and S. (Lat., like a
lizard.)
Order XXV. PROTEIDA.
This order contains a single family.
FAMILY XCVIII. PROTEIDÆ. (THE MUD PUPPIES.)
Salamanders provided with bushy external gills, and having the
branchial clefts remaining open through life; teeth well developed;
limbs 4. Genera 2; species 3 or 4. Proteus inhabits caves in S.
W. Austria, and Necturus the fresh waters of the U. S. Proteus
is blind, nearly colorless, and has the toes 3-2.
•
a. Toes 4-4; tongue large, free in front; vomerine teeth in one strong series;
eyes small, not covered.
NECTURUS, 251.
251. NECTURUS Rafinesque (1819). (Menobranchus Harlan,
1825.) (výктηs, a swimmer; oùpá, tail.)
489. N. maculatus Rafinesque. MUD PUPPY. (N.) WATER
DOG. (S.) Brown, more or less spotted; young with traces of a
lateral band; gills large and bushy, bright red, forming 3 tufts on
each side; a strong fold across throat; head broad, depressed; tail
much compressed. E. U. S., chiefly N. and W. of the Alleghanies,
abundant in the Great Lake Region. L. 24. (Lat., spotted.)
ORDER XXVI. URODELA. (THE SALAMANDERS.)
Body naked, elongate, subterete; both jaws with teeth; 4 limbs
present (wanting in the tropical family Cæciliida); tail persistent
through life; no external gills in the normally developed adult.
176
XXVI.
BATRACHIA: URODELA.
This group is divided by Cope into 7 families, all but one of these
(Salamandrida) being represented in our fauna. These families
are based chiefly on technical characters, most of which can be
ascertained only by a careful study of the osteology. "It may be
stated as characteristic of the Batrachia in general that their char-
acters cannot be determined without a study of the skeleton."
(Cope.) (ovpá, tail; dîλos, visible.)
Families of Urodela.
a. Side of neck with a spiracle or rounded opening; no eyelids; vertebræ
amphicœlian; teeth on front or outer edge of palatines.
b. Limbs rudimentary; body eel-shaped.
•
AMPHIUMIDE, 99.
bb. Limbs well-developed; body not eel-shaped. CRYPTOBRANCHIDÆ, 100.
aa. Side of neck without spiracle in the adult; limbs well developed; eyelids
present; teeth on posterior or inner edge of palatines.
c. Palatine teeth in a transverse (or posteriorly converging) series, in-
serted on posterior portion of vomer.
d. Vertebræ amphicœlian (double concave).
e. Parasphenoid (behind vomer) without teeth; carpus and tarsus
ossified; tongue (in our species) large, thick, with radiating folds,
its margin little free; digits 4-5.. AMBLYSTOMATIDÆ, 101.
ee. Parasphenoid with teeth; tongue small, and largely free.
•
PLETHODONTIDÆ, 102.
dd. Vertebræ opisthocœlian (concave behind only); teeth on parasphe-
noid; palatine teeth often wanting; tongue moderate, largely
free; toes 5.
DESMOGNATHIDA, 103.
cc. Palatine teeth in two longitudinal series diverging behind, inserted on
inner margin of two palatine processes; parasphenoid toothless;
vertebræ opisthocoelian; skull with a bony post-fronto-squamosal
arch; tongue small, laterally free.
PLEURODELIDÆ, 104.
FAMILY XCIX. AMPHIUMIDE. (THE CONGO SNAKES.)
Body elongate, eel-shaped; limbs rudimentary, with 2 or 3 toes
each; a spiracle on each side of neck; tongue indistinct, wholly
adherent; a strong series of vomerine teeth parallel with the teeth
in jaws. Tail short, compressed. One species, inhabiting the
ditches and streams of the S. U. S.
252. AMPHIUMA Garden. (Name unexplained.)
490. A. means Garden. CONGO SNAKE.
Ark. to N. C. and S. (Lat., swift-moving.)
Blackish. L. 3 feet.
FAMILY C. CRYPTOBRANCHIDÆ. (The Giant
SALAMANDERS.)
Body robust, with well-developed limbs; an orifice on each side
of neck usually persistent throughout life; tongue covering floor of
mouth; vomerine teeth strong; nostrils very small; no external
AMBLYSTOMATIDÆ.
177
CI.
gills; toes 4-5. Aquatic. Genera 2, species 2. Megalobatrachus
maximus of Japan and the following.
a. Spiracles persistent; gill arches 4.
•
CRYPTOBRANCHUS, 253.
253. CRYPTOBRANCHUS Leuckart. (крurrós, concealed;
βράγχος, gill.)
491. C. alleghaniensis (Daudin). HELLBENDEr. Blackish;
side of body with a thick fold of skin. L. 24. Ohio Valley and
S., a very unprepossessing but harmless creature. Var. fuscus
Holbr., brown, paler below, occurs in Tenn. R.
FAMILY CI. AMBLYSTOMATIDÆ. (THE BLUNT-NOSED
SALAMANDERS.)
Vertebræ amphicœlian; carpus and tarsus ossified; toes 4-5,
not webbed; tongue thick; a band of teeth across posterior part
of vomer; no teeth on parasphenoids (behind vomer). Genera 6;
species about 25, mostly North American. The larvæ of Amblystoma
often reach a large size before the gills disappear, and sometimes
breed while in this condition. These were formerly considered
as forming a separate genus, Siredon, supposed to be allied to Nec-
turus.
a. Tongue sub-circular, with radiating folds, its lateral borders free; palatine
teeth in a long series, continuous or interrupted; tail compressed; mucous
pores before eye.
b. Folds of tongue radiating from behind; palatine teeth extending laterally
behind inner nares.
AMBLYSTOMa, 254.
bb. Folds of tongue radiating from the median longitudinal furrow; series
of palatine teeth not extending laterally behind inner nares.
CHONDROTUS,¹ 255.
254. AMBLYSTOMA Tschudi. (außλús, blunt; oróμa, mouth.)
a. Costal grooves 10.
492. A. talpoideum (Holbrook). Blackish brown, with gray,
lichen-like markings; tail short, compressed, 2 in length; head
very broad; body short and squat. Southern, N. to S. Ill. (Lat.,
like a mole, talpa.)
aa. Costal grooves usually 11.
b. Sole with one indistinct tubercle, or none.
c. Body with gray cross-shades.
493. A. opacum (Gravenhorst). Black above, with about 14
bluish gray bars; belly dark blue; no dorsal furrow; no enlarged
pores on the head; tail 2 in total length; body stout. L. 34.
Penn. to Wis., and S.
cc. Body with yellowish spots.
1 The essential character of this genus lies in the osteology of the tongue and hyoid
bones, and cannot easily be explained without figures. See Cope, Amer. Nat., 1887.
12
178
BATRACHIA: URODELA. - XXVI.
494. A. punctatum (L.). SPOTTED SALAMANDER. Black
above with a series of round yellow spots on each side of the back;
body broad, depressed and swollen; skin punctate with small
pores from which exudes a milky fluid; two or three clusters of
enlarged pores on head; a strong dorsal groove; tail 2 in length;
costal grooves sometimes 10; large. L. 6. Nova Scotia to Nebr.
and S., common.
495. A. conspersum Cope. Lead colored, with one or two
series of small yellowish spots along sides; no dorsal groove; skin
smooth; body slender; tail shorter than head and body; tail 2 in
length; small. Penn. to Ga. (Lat., sprinkled.)
bb. Sole with two distinct tubercles.
496. A. bicolor (Hallowell). Olive brown, yellowish below, the
yellow rising in blotches on the sides; a few ill-defined yellowish
spots above; limbs banded; tail yellow with brown spots; body
stout and heavy. L. 6. N. J.
497. A. copianum Hay. Dark brown, yellowish below; no dis-
tinct spots; limbs not banded; tail not spotted; body very short
and stout, the distance from snout to axil equal to distance from
axil to groin; tail long, compressed. Irvington, Ind., one specimen
known. (To Edward Drinker Cope.)
aaa. Costal grooves 12.
e. Sole with two distinct tubercles; snout with mucous pores.
498. A. tigrinum (Green). Dark brown, with usually many
irregular yellow blotches, sometimes arranged in cross-bands; body
thick and strong; the head comparatively long; tail not much, if any,
longer than head and body; color varying from uniform brown to
yellow, but usually spotted. L. 8. N. E. to Minn. and S., common.
499. A. xiphias Cope. Yellow olive, brighter below; back and
sides with brown reticulating bands; head small, blunt; tail very
long, much longer than head and body. L. 11. Ohio. (§ıpías,
(ξιφίας,
sword-shaped.)
ee. Sole with one indistinct tubercle or none; palatine teeth inter-
rupted.
500. A. jeffersonianum (Green). Olive brown or blackish,
usually with pale or bluish spots, but sometimes uniform plumbeous.
Head small, eyes far back; body slender; fore limb not reaching
hinder when appressed. L. 5 to 8. Va. to Ind. and N., common,
variable. Prof. Cope recognizes the typical variety jeffersonianum,
Penn. to Ill. and N.; var. laterale Hallowell, Canada to Wis.,
with large white spots on sides and tail; var. fuscum Hallowell, S.
Ind. to Va., dark brown, a darker band along sides; var. platineum,
Ohio to S. Ill., with narrower head, 5 to 6 in length to groin; plum-
beous, paler below, sometimes with whitish blotches. (To Thomas
Jefferson.)
PLETHODONTIDÆ.
179
CII.
255. CHONDROTUS Cope. (xóvôpos, cartilage; oûs, ear.)
501. C. microstomus Cope. Blackish, usually with plumbeous
shades and specks; head small, short, broad; body slender; skin
very smooth and slippery; snout very short, the lower jaw project-
ing beyond it. Costal grooves 14. Ohio to Kansas and S. (μikpós,
small; oтóμa, mouth.)
FAMILY CII.
PLETHODONTIDÆ.
Vertebræ amphicœlian; carpus and tarsus cartilaginous; para-
sphenoid with one or two lamina which are covered by a coarse
brush of teeth which look downwards on roof of mouth. The
species with cylindric tails rarely or never enter water. Genera 11;
species 35; chiefly North American.
a. Tongue attached by a band running from its central or posterior pedicel to
the anterior margin; premaxillaries two, with fontanelle.
b. Toes 4-4.
bb, Toes 4-5.
·
HEMIDACTYLIUM, 256.
PLETHODON, 257.
aa. Tongue free all around, attached by its central pedicel only; toes 4-5, all
free.
c. Premaxillaries two, with fontanelle.
cc. Premaxillary single, with fontanelle.
GYRINOPHILUS, 258.
SPELERPES, 259.
256. HEMIDACTYLIUM Tschudi. (μ-, half; dákтuλos, toe.)
502. H. scutatum (Schlegel). Brown above; snout yellow;
whitish below, with dots like ink spots; body short; tail slender;
skin of back with depressions resembling scales. Costal grooves
13. L. 21. R. I. to Ill., and S.
257. PLETHODON Tschudi. (λños, crowd; odav, tooth.)
a. Costal groove 16 to 18; palatine teeth not extending outward beyond inner
nares.
503. P. erythronotus (Green). Plumbeous above, often with a
broad brownish red dorsal band; belly marbled; body very slen-
der; tail cylindric; inner toes rudimentary. L. 34. E. U. S.,
common under logs, etc.; nocturnal in habit and very active. Var.
cinereus Green, found with the other, lacks the red dorsal band.
(ερυθρός, red ; νῶτος, back.)
aa. Costal grooves 14; palatine teeth extending outside of inner nares.
504. P. glutinosus (Green). Black, usually with bluish-white
blotches and specks; stout; tail rounded; inner toes well de-
veloped. L. 5 to 7. E. U. S., chiefly terrestrial.
258. GYRINOPHILUS Cope. (yupîvos, tadpole; piños, lover.)
505. G. porphyriticus (Green). Yellowish or purplish brown
above, irregularly blotched with gray; head broad; tail rounded at
180
XXVI.
BATRACHIA: URODELA.
base, not finned. Costal grooves 14. L. 6. Aquatic. Vt. to Ala.
in the mountains. "The only one of our Eastern Salamanders
which attempts self-defence. It snaps fiercely but harmlessly and
throws its body into contortions." (Cope.) (Tорþúρa, purple.)
259. SPELERPES Rafinesque. (σTéos, cave; épreтóv, reptile.)
a. Costal grooves 13 or 14; palatine teeth not confluent with sphenoid patches.
b. Tail about as long as rest of body.
506. S. bilineatus (Green). Yellow, with a dark line along each
side of the back; belly unspotted; tail not keeled anteriorly; costal
grooves 14, rather faint. L. 3. Maine to Wis. and S.
bb. Tail 1 to 2 times as long as rest of body.
507. S. guttolineatus (Holbrook). Yellow, with black band on
back and one on side; tail black, barred with yellow; belly mot-
tail keeled; costal grooves 13. Ohio to N. C. and S.
tled;
508. S. longicauda (Green). CAVE SALAMANDER. Orange
yellow; back and sides with many irregular small black spots; a
median dorsal series; belly spotless; tail keeled, spotted or barred
with black. L. 5. Maine to Minn. and S., abundant in caves in
Ky. and Ind. (Lat., longus; cauda, tail.)
aa. Costal grooves 15 to 17; tail rounded at base, not keeled; palatine and
sphenoid teeth continuous.
509. S. ruber (Daudin). Vermilion red, with numerous, crowded
faint dark spots; head wide; tail shorter than body. L. 6. Maine
to Neb. and S. Var. montanus Cope (Penn. to S. C.) has tail as
long as body, and lacks the dark bar across eye usually present in
var. ruber.
FAMILY CIII. DESMOGNATHIDÆ.
Vertebræ opisthocœlian; carpus and tarsus cartilaginous; pala-
tine teeth few, sometimes wanting; no crests or other dermal ap-
pendages developed at the breeding season. Genus 1; species 3;
all of the Eastern U. S., the species aquatic, seldom leaving the
water. In external characters, this family is scarcely distinguish-
able from the preceding, but the skeletal distinctions are very
strongly marked.
260. DESMOGNATHUS Baird. (deoμós, band; yváłos, jaw.)
a. Costal grooves 13 or 14.
b. Tail sub-terete.
510. D. ochrophæa Cope. Brownish yellow with a brown shade
on each side; a yellowish dorsal band; back with a few spots; belly
unspotted; ♂ with lower jaw toothless behind. L. 3. Scarcely
aquatic. N. Y. to Ga. in mts. (xpós, yellowish; parós, dusky.)
bb. Tail compressed and keeled.
PLEURODELIDÆ.
181
CIV.
511. D. fusca (Rafinesque). Brown above, with gray or pur-
plish spots or shades, becoming blackish with age; marbled below;
eyes prominent; tail as long as head and body. L. 4. Mass. to
Ohio and S.; common in springs; remarkable for its activity.
Represented from Ind. S. and W. by var. auriculata Holbrook, with
small red spots on sides and sometimes a dark ear-spot.
dusky.)
au. Costal grooves 12; tail compressed and keeled.
(Lat.,
512. D. nigra (Green). Uniform black; body stout; palatine
teeth never wanting. L. 6. Penn. to Ill. and S., in mountain
springs.
FAMILY CIV. PLEURODELIDÆ. (The Newts.)
Vertebræ opisthocoelian; carpus and tarsus ossified. Palatine
teeth in two series diverging backward; no parasphenoid teeth;
skull with a bony post-fronto-squamosal arch, a skeletal character
which separates this family from the European Salamandridæ.
Genera 5; species 16; chiefly of Europe and Asia.
a. Tongue small, thick, oval, attached by nearly its whole inferior surface;
toes 4-5, outer and interior on hind foot rudimentary; tail compressed.
DIEMYCTYLUS, 261.
261. DIEMYCTYLUS Rafinesque. (dís, two; nµɩ-, half;
δάκτυλος, toe.)
513. D. viridescens Rafinesque. NEWT. EVET. EFT. Above
olive green or reddish of varying shades; lemon yellow below;
each side usually with a row of several rather large scarlet spots,
each surrounded by a black ring; back with a pale streak; belly,
with small black dots; head with three longitudinal grooves; 3
large pores behind eye. L. 34. E. U. S., abundant N. and N. E.;
in ponds.
Var. miniatus Rafinesque, the RED EFT, is entirely similar,
but bright vermilion red, and with the skin rougher. It is found
in the same region but away from water, under stones, etc., coming
out after rain. It is probably a form of the preceding, its pecu-
liarities being due to life out of water. (Lat., greenish.)
ORDER XXVII
SALIENTIA. (THE TAILless Batra-
CHIANS.)
Body short and broad; all four limbs present, the hinder limbs
long and strong, adapted for leaping; lower jaw usually tooth-
less; tail wanting in the adult. Young (tadpole) fish-like, with
broad head, external branchiæ, a long tail, no limbs and no teeth;
the intestinal canal very long, adapted for a vegetable diet; from
182
BATRACHIA: SALIENTIA. — XXVII,
this form by degrees it develops into the adult animal, which is
always more or less frog-like. (Lat., saliens, leaping.)
Families of Salientia.
a. Tongue present, adherent in front, more or less free behind; eustachian
tubes widely separated.
b. Thoracic ¹ region capable of expansion: the free and divergent ends of
the coracoid and precoracoid connected by two longitudinal cartila-
ginous bands, the cartilage of one side overlapping the other. Toads
and Tree-toads. (Arcifera.)
c. Upper jaw toothless; toes webbed, not dilated at tip; paratoids
(glandular bodies behind ear) generally present; terrestrial.
BUFONIDA, 105.
cc. Upper jaw with teeth.
d. Fingers and toes tapering, without viscid disks; ours with a sharp
flat-edged spur at heel; paratoids present; subterranean.
PELOBATIDE, 106.
dd. Fingers and toes more or less dilated at their tips, this dilation
forming a viscid disk; paratoids none in our species; chiefly
arboreal.
HYLIDÆ, 107.
bb. Thoracic region incapable of expansion, the two bands of cartilage
united in a median mass between the adjacent ends of the nearly
parallel coracoid and precoracoid bones. Frogs. (Firmisternia.)
•
e. Upper jaw toothless; diapophyses of sacral vertebræ dilated (tympa-
num hidden and toes free in our species). ENGYSTOMATIDE, 108.
ee. Upper jaw with teeth; no paratoids; toes webbed, and usually fin-
gers also; tympanum evident; no viscid disks; sacral diapophyses
scarcely dilated.
RANIDÆ, 109.
FAMILY CV. BUFONIDE. (THE TOADS.)
Jaws toothless; toes webbed, not dilated at their tips; sacra
vertebræ with dilated processes; paratoids prominent. Genera 8;
species 85, in most warm regions.
a. Snout not pointed; no lateral fold of skin; skin more or less warty.
262. BUFO Laurenti. (Lat. Toad.)
BUFO, 262.
514. B. lentiginosus Shaw. AMERICAN TOAD. Brownish
olive with a yellowish vertebral line and some brownish spots;
two black patches below eyes; tympanum large; adults very
warty; young nearly smooth; a bony ridge above and behind eye;
paratoids elliptical. L., 3. E. U. S., very common, variable;
the northern form is var. americanus (Le Conte) having the bony
ridges moderate, not swollen behind; var. fowleri Putnam, Mass.
and N., has these crests much swollen and coalescent, “forming
an osseous boss on the skull." (Lat., freckled.)
FAMILY CVI. PELOBATIDÆ. (THE BURROWING TOADS.)
Upper jaw with teeth; heel usually provided with a more or less
developed spur. Genera 8, species 18; Europe and America.
1 To understand the character of the structure here briefly described, the student
should dissect a toad (arciferous) and a frog (firmisternial.)
HYLIDEÆ.
183
CVII.
c. Forehead and crown bony, rough; skin slightly tuberculate; sacrum not
co-ossified with coccyx; vomer with teeth: heel with a spadelike pro-
cess covered by a horny sheath; toes more or less webbed.
SCAPHIOPUS, 263.
263. SCAPHIOPUS Holbrook. (σkápn, spade; woús, foot.)
515. S. holbrooki Harlan. SPADe-foot. Olive brown, a
yellowish band on each side. E. U. S., rare W. of Penn.; bur-
rows in the ground; extremely noisy in spring. "The machinery
for producing sounds equal to an ordinary steam whistle is ap-
parently confined to the throat of this rare and curious Batra-
chian." (Abbott.) L. 3. (To Dr. J. E. Holbrook.)
FAMILY CVII. HYLIDAE. (THE TREE FROGS.)
Fingers and toes more or less dilated into viscous disks at their
tips; upper jaw and vomer with teeth; lower parts usually covered
with small warts; ear well developed. Genera 14; species 170;
found in most warm regions, especially abundant in tropical Amer-
ica; noted for their loud and varied voices, some of them being
heard at all times from early spring until frost comes.
a. Disks small; fingers not webbed; palustrine.
b. Toes broadly webbed; tympanum indistinct.
bb. Toes scarcely webbed; tympanum distinct.
. . ACRIS, 264.
CHOROPHILUS, 265.
aa. Disks round, conspicuous; fingers somewhat webbed; skin roughened;
arboreal.
•
HYLA, 266.
264. ACRIS Dumeril & Bibron. (åkpís, locust, from its
sharp note.)
516. A. gryllus Le Conte. CRICKET FROG. Hind legs very
long. Brownish above; middle of back and head bright green
or reddish brown; a dark triangle between the eyes; sides with
three oblique blotches; a white line from eye to arm.
L. 11.
E. U. S., in swamps, not on trees; var. gryllus, S., N. to S. Ill. The
northern form is var. crepitans Baird. Its snout is more blunt and
the inner surface of thigh not reticulate; its note resembles the
rattling of pebbles. (ypúλλos, a pig.)
265. CHOROPHILUS Baird. (xopós, chorus; píλos, lover.)
517. C. triseriatus (Wied). SWAMP TREE FROG. Bluish ash,
a dark dorsal stripe from snout backward, bifurcating above middle
of body; a stripe on each side of this and one on side of head
and body, the later pale-edged below. L. 1. Variable. In swampy
ground, rarely in trees. Its voice is a "rattle with a rising inflec-
tion at the end” (Cope), or like the scraping of a coarse-toothed
comb. (Lat. 3-rowed.)
184
BATRACHIA: SALIENTIA. XXVII.
266. HYLA Laurenti. (n, forest.)
518. H. versicolor Le Conte. COMMON TREE TOAD. Green,
gray or brown, with irregular dark blotches; below yellow, behind
white; tympanum diam. eye; fingers webbed; skin with small
warts. L. 2. E. U. S., W. to Kan., very abundant and variable.
Its "clear, loud trilled rattle” is heard mostly in the evening and
in damp weather.
519. H. pickeringii Holbrook. Yellowish brown or fawn-color,
with dusky rhomboidal spots and lines, the latter usually arranged
in the form of an oblique cross; head with lines; limbs barred;
tympanum very obscure. L. 1. E. U. S.
520. H. squirella Daudin. Olive green, with irregular dark
blotches; a dark bar between eyes; a white line along upper jaw
to shoulder; greenish white below, darker behind; throat with a
few dark spots; legs marked with darker above; tympanum half
diam. eye. L. 14. Ind. (Brookville, A. W. Butler) to S. C. (Eng.
squirrel.)
521. H. andersonii Baird. Deep pea-green; sides with irre-
gular yellow spots; a green spot on throat; a purplish band from
eye to arm; tympanum eye. L. 1. N. J. to S. C., rare.
FAMILY CVIII. ENGYSTOMATIDÆ. (THE TOOTHLESS
FROGS.)
Frog-like Batrachians with the maxillaries toothless and the
diapophyses of the sacral vertebræ dilated. Genera 18; species
54, chiefly tropical.
a. Pupil erect; tongue elliptical; tympanum hidden; toes free; no preco-
racoids.
ENGYSTOMA, 267.
267. ENGYSTOMA Fitzinger. (eyyús, contracted; orópa,
mouth.)
522. E. carolinense Holbrook. Snout obtuse, not twice eye;
skin smooth, a fold across head behind eyes. Brown, dotted with
paler below. L. 1. S. U. S., N. to Mo.
FAMILY CIX. RANIDE. (THE FROGS.)
Teeth well developed on upper jaw, and usually on vomer also;
toes 4-5, all more or less webbed; ear well developed. Genera 18,
species 250, chiefly of the Northern Hemisphere and the East
Indies. Most of them are aquatic, and similar to our common
frogs.
a. Vomerine teeth present; no finger opposable to the others; tongue emargi-
nate behind; hind toes full-webbed.
RANA, 268.
268. RANA Linnæus. (Lat., frog.)
a. Glandular folds on each side of back more or less distinct; web of feet not
reaching tip of fourth toe.
RANIDE.- CIX.
185
b. Tympanum smaller than eye.
c. Back with large distinct dark spots, more or less regularly arranged;
vomerine teeth between the inner nares.
523. R. areolata Baird. The Northern form is var. circulosa
Rice & Davis, thus described: Brownish black, divided by narrow
clay-colored lines into irregular circular blotches, largest behind;
arms and legs barred or blotched; head broad depressed; snout
very obtuse; skin coarsely punctate; a deep hollow between nostril
and eye; region above and behind ear swollen; glandular folds
large; toes narrowly webbed. L. 3; leg, 5. N. Ind. and Ill.
The typical areolata, from Texas, has spots smaller, bordered with
white. (Lat., with little areas or spots.)
524. R. virescens Kalm. COMMON FROG. LEOPARD FROG.
Green, usually bright, with irregular black blotches edged with
whitish, these mostly in two irregular rows on back; usually two
spots between eyes; legs barred above; belly pale; glandular folds
large; head rather elongate. L. 2º. N. Am., W. to Sierra Ne-
vada, very common. (R. halecina "Kalm.") (Lat., greenish.)
525. R. palustris Le Conte. PICKEREL FROG.
PICKEREL FROG. Light brown,
with two rows of large oblong square blotches of dark brown on
back; one or two on sides; a brown spot above eye; a dark line
from nostril to eye; upper jaw white, spotted with black; head
short, obtuse; toes well webbed; glandular folds low. L. 2. E.
U. S., in mountains, etc. (Lat., in swamps.)
cc. Back with small dark spots or none.
d. Side of head without distinct dark band; vomerine teeth between the
inner nares.
526. R. septentrionalis Baird. Brown or olive with paler
vermiculations; sometimes a few dark blotches behind; pale below;
femur and tibia equal, length of body. L. 2. Canada to Mon-
tana. (Lat., northern.)
dd. Side of head with a dark brown band, wider behind, from snout to
near shoulder, bordered below by a yellowish white line; usually
a black spot at base of arm; vomerine teeth extending beyond level
of hinder edge of inner nostril.
527. R. sylvatica Le Conte. WOOD-FROG. Pale reddish-brown;
arms and legs barred above; head small, pointed; femur and tibia
about equal, the latter considerably more than half body; a rounded
outer metatarsal tubercle present. L. 18. E. U. S., W. to the
plains; common in damp woods; an almost silent frog.
528. R. cantabrigensis Baird. Very similar to preceding, but
the tibia half length of body; a narrow pale line along thighs be-
hind; a dorsal line from snout to arms; back sometimes with dark
spots; no outer metatarsal tubercle. Mass., to Alaska and N.
(Lat., of Cambridge.)
186
XXVII.
BATRACHIA: SALIENTIA.
bb. Tympanum as large or larger than eye.
529. R. clamata Daudin. GREEN FROG. Green or brownish,
brighter in front; generally with irregular small black spots; arms
and legs blotched, yellowish or white below; tympanum large;
glandular folds large; toes well webbed; first finger not extending
beyond second; tibia and femur equal, body. L. 3. E. U. S.,
in springs, etc. (Lat., called to.)
aa. Glandular folds on sides of back obsolete or nearly so; dark spots on back
small; web of feet reaching tip of fourth toe.
530. R. catesbiana Shaw. BULL-FROG. Greenish, of varying
shades, with small faint dark spots above; head usually bright
pale green; legs blotched; ear large toes broadly webbed; femur
equal to tibia, not half body. L. 5 to 8. Largest of the frogs; in
ponds and sluggish rivers, from Kansas E.; remarkable for its
sonorous bass notes. (To Mark Catesby, who first figured the
bull-frog.)
REPTILIA.
187
CLASS G.REPTILIA. (THE REPTILES.)
THE Reptiles are cold-blooded air-breathing vertebrates, usually
scaly or covered with bony plates, never with feathers or hair.
The limbs when present are usually adapted for walking, sometimes
for swimming. There is an incomplete double circulation of the
blood; the septum between the two ventricles being usually want-
ing or imperfect. There is no metamorphosis after leaving the
egg, and the eggs are large and mostly provided with a leathery
skin. The skeleton is usually firm, and the nervous system is
better developed than in the preceding groups. There are various
other anatomical and embryological peculiarities of the Reptiles,
too numerous to be noticed here. We may say however that the
Reptiles are obviously distinguished from the Birds by the absence
of feathers, and from the Batrachians by the presence of scales,
and by the absence of gills after leaving the egg. The extinct
forms of Reptiles are numerous, and their close relation with the
earlier birds show the propriety of uniting the two classes in a
single group, Sauropsida. The three orders represented in our
fauna are well distinguished from each other. A fourth (Croco-
DILIA) is represented by two species (Alligator mississippiensis
Daudin, and the rare Crocodilus americanus Seba,) in the lowlands
of the South.
Orders of Reptilia.
a. Body covered with imbricated scales; vent a cross-slit; bones of skull
separate; jaws with teeth; dorsal vertebræ and ribs movable.
→
b. Mouth very dilatable; bones of mandible (and of head generally) united
by ligaments; limbs wanting or represented by short spurs on sides of
vent; no shoulder girdle; no eyelids; no tympanum.
OPHIDIA, XXVIII.
bb. Mouth not dilatable; bones of mandible united by a bony suture in
front;
limbs 4 (rarely obsolete); shoulder girdle present; eyelids and
tympanum usually evident.
LACERTILIA, XXIX.
•
•
aa. Body short, depressed, enclosed between two bony or cartilaginous shields
(carapace; plastron), from which the head, limbs, and tail may be pro-
truded; jaws with a horny shield and no teeth; vent roundish or longi-
tudinal, plaited. .
TESTUDINATA, XXX.
ORDER XXVIII. OPHIDIA. (THE SERPENTS.)
Reptiles with elongate, terete bodies, obsolete limbs, and with an
epidermal covering of imbricated scales, which is shed as a whole
and replaced at regular intervals; the mouth very dilatable; the
188
XXVIII.
REPTILIA: OPHIDIA.
bones of both jaws and of the palato-pterygoid arch freely movable,
united by ligaments only. Limbs wanting; the shoulder girdle
wanting; the pelvic girdle usually so, rarely rudimentary, and with
the hinder limbs represented by small spurs on the sides of the
vent; vent a transverse slit; tongue forked, capable of protrusion ;
no eyelids, nor external ears. Various anatomical characters dis-
tinguish the snakes, but the elongated form and absence of limbs
separate them at once from all our other vertebrates, excepting the
lizard Ophiosaurus, and this is not in any other respect, snake-like.
(opis, snake.)
Families of Ophidia.
a. Maxillary horizontal, not excavated; no trace of hinder limbs; no deep
pit between eye and nostril; poison fangs wanting, or if present, per-
manently erect.
•
b. Upper jaw with solid teeth only; no grooved nor perforated fangs. (Non-
venomous.).
COLUBRIDÆ, 110.
bb. Upper jaw with a permanently erect perforated fang in front. (Somewhat
venomous.)
ELAPIDE, 111.
aa. Maxillary vertical; upper jaws in front with large, erectile perforated
fangs; fangs not grooved in front; a deep pit on each side behind
nostril, partly occupying the excavated maxillary. (Venomous.)
CROTALIDE, 112.
FAMILY CX. COLUBRIDÆ. (THE COLUBRINE SNAKES.)
Both jaws fully provided with teeth, which are conical and not
grooved; head covered with shields; no poison fangs; no spur-like
appendages to vent; belly covered with broad band-like plates
(ventral plates or gastrosteges); tail conical, tapering; sub-caudal
plates (urosteges) arranged in pairs.
A very large family comprising 225 genera, and upwards of 700
species, found in nearly every part of the world, but most abundant
in warm regions. They differ from the Elapida in the want of
erect poison fangs; from the Crotalidæ, in having both jaws fully
provided with teeth, and in the absence of erectile poison fangs; and
from the Boida and their relatives in the want of the spur-like ru-
dimentary posterior limbs.
a. Head conic, not distinct from the body, which is cylindric and rather
rigid. (Calamariinæ.)
b. None of the teeth grooved; scales not keeled; anal plate bifid; inter-
nasals 2.
c. Prefrontals 2.
d. Nasal plate single, pierced by the nostril; lorals present; no pre-
ocular.
e. Scales in 13 rows; postorbital single (ventral plates 120 to 135).
CARPHOPHIOPS, 269.
ee. Scales in 19 rows; postorbitals 2 (V. P. 170 to 185).
ABASTOR, 270.
COLUBRIDÆ.
189
CX.
dd. Nasal plates 2, the nostril between them; a loral plate; no preocu
lar; (scales 15 or 17, V. P. 115 to 125).
VIRGINIA, 271.
cc. Prefrontal single; no preocular; nasal single; (scales 19; V.P. 170 to
205).
•
•
FARANCIA, 272.
aa. Head more or less distinct from the body which is not specially rigid
(Coronellinæ, Colubrinæ, Homalopsinæ).
f. Rostral plate normal, not recurved nor keeled.
g. Anal plate divided; head not very short.
h. Dorsal scales keeled more or less.
i. Nasal plates 2, the nostril between them.
j. Prefrontals 2.
k. Loral plate present.
1. Scales on back and sides all keeled (ventral plates 130 to 170).
m. Posterior teeth not longer (scales 19 to 21). . REGINA, 277.
mm. Posterior teeth longer (scales 23 to 31).
TROPIDONOTUs, 278.
ll. Scales on sides not keeled; those on back often with the
keels obscure (V. P. 200 to 270; scales 25 to 29).
COLUBER, 279.
kk. Loral plate absent (scales 15 to 17; V. P. 125 to 130).
STORERIA, 274.
jj. Prefrontal single; nasals 2; loral present; no preocular (scales 17;
V. P. 120 to 130); body slender, the head distinct.
HALDEA, 273.
ii. Nasal single, pierced by the nostril; loral plate present.
n. Nasal plate grooved; tail short (scales 19; V. P. 130 to
140).
TROPIDOCLONIUM, 275.
nn. Nasal plate not grooved below nostril; tail very long,
about of length (scales 17; V. P. 150 to 160).
CYCLOPHIS, 280.
hh. Dorsal scales not keeled.
o. Nasal single, pierced by the nostril; loral present; tail
long (scales 15; V. P. 125 to 140). LIOPELTIS, 281.
00. Nasal plates 2, the nostril between them; loral pres-
ent; preoculars 2.
p. Head depressed; preoculars nearly equal in size
(scales 15 to 17; V. P. 140 to 200 or more).
DIADOPHIS, 284.
pp. Head not depressed; upper preocular much the
larger; lower sometimes wanting; (scales 17; V.
P. 170 to 210).
BASCANION, 282.
gg. Anal plate entire.
q. Dorsal scales all or part of them keeled; head
rather long.
1 These three sub-families are so vaguely bounded that I cannot use their distinc-
tive characters in the key. Professor Cope gives the following definitions :-
Homalopsina. (Genera 273 to 278.) "Hypapophyses spinous to caudal region; an-
terior teeth not enlarged; body not slender; head distinct."
Colubrinæ. (Genera 279 to 283.) Head more distinct and elongate; body and tail
longer; teeth entire, not longer in front.
Coronellinæ. (Genera 284 to 288.) Head slightly distinct, short; teeth entire,
not enlarged in front.
190
XXVIII.
REPTILIA: OPHIDIA.
r. Postfrontals 2 pairs; loral single; prefrontals 4 or more (scales 25 to
35; V. P. 200 to 250).
PITUOPHIS, 283.
rr. Postfrontals 1 pair; nasals 2; posterior teeth rather larger; vivipa-
rous (scales 19 to 21; V. P. 140 to 180).
EUTAINIA, 276.
qq. Dorsal scales not keeled, rather loosely imbricate; head short (V. P.
160 to 240).
s. Rostral plate not acute.
t. Loral present (scales 21 to 25).
tt. Loral absent (scales 19)
OPHIBOLUS, 285.
OSCEOLA, 286.
ss. Rostral plate acute, the snout sharp-pointed (scales 19).
CEMOPHORA, 287.
ff. Rostral plate (at tip of snout) produced, recurved and keeled; dorsal
scales keeled; anal plate divided; head broad and short; some of the
posterior teeth enlarged (scales 23 to 27; V. P. 120 to 150).
HETERODON, 288.
The following purely artificial key may aid in finding the names
of specimens:—
I. Dorsal scales not keeled; anal plate bifid.
a. Scales 13; V. P. about 130; color brownish. CARPHOPHIOPS, 269.
aa. Scales 15 to 17.
b. Ventral plates about 120; brownish.
bb. V. P. about 140.
c. Blackish, with yellow collar.
cc. Green; no collar.
VIRGINIA, 271.
•
DIADOPHIS, 284.
LIOPELTIS, 281.
bbb. V. P. about 185; blue-black, young blotched. BASCANION, 282.
aaa. Scales 19; V. P. about 180.
d. Blue-black with three red lines.
•
ABASTOR, 270.
FARANCIA, 272.
COLUBER, 279.
dd. Blue-black with square red spots on sides.
aaaa. Scales 25 to 29 (median dorsal scales faintly keeled).
II. Dorsal scales not at all keeled; anal plate entire.
e. V. P. about 170 to 205; snout not sharp.
f. Scales 19; red, black-banded.
• OSCEOLA, 286.
ff. Scales 21 to 25; black, brown or red, mostly variegated.
OPHIBOLUS, 285.
ee. V. P. 160 to 170; scales, 19; snout sharp; red with black rings.
III. Dorsal scales more or less keeled; anal plate entire.
g. Scales 19 to 21; V. P. about 155; striped
gg. Scales 25 to 35; V. P. about 220; blotched
IV. Dorsal scales keeled; anal plate bifid.
h. Scales 15 to 17.
}
i. Tail about of length; V. P. 155; green.
ii. Tail not of length; brownish.
j. Loral absent.
jj. Loral present.
hh. Scales 19 to 21.
k. V. P. about 135; blotched.
•
CEMOPHORA, 287.
•
EUTAINIA, 276.
PITUOPHIS, 283.
•
. CYCLOPHIS, 280.
STORERIA, 274.
HALDEA, 273.
TROPIDOCLONIUM, 275.
COLUBRIDÆ.
191
CX.
REGINA, 277.
kk. V. P. about 150; striped.
hhh. Scales 23 to 29.
1. Snout without recurved keel at tip.
m. V. P. 130 to 160; brownish, usually with cross blotches.
TROPIDONOTUs, 278.
mm. V. P. 200 to 240; brown or black, mostly blotched. COLUber, 279.
ll. Snout recurved and keeled; V. P. 125 to 150.
HETERODON, 288.
269. CARPHOPHIOPS Gervais. (káppos, dry twig; opis, snake;
o, appearance.)
a. Frontals, two pairs.
531. C. amœnus (Say). GROUND SNAKE. Glossy chestnut
brown; belly salmon-red; head very small; vertical plate broad;
scales 13; V. P. 112 to 131. L. 12. Mass. to Ill. and S. (Lat.,
pleasing.)
532. C. vermis (Kennicott). WORM SNAKE. Purplish-black,
belly flesh color, the color extending on sides; scales 13; larger
than the others. Mo. to Kan. (Lat. worm.)
aa. Frontals, a single pair.
533. C. helenæ (Kennicott). Lustrous chestnut-brown, flesh
color beneath; snout short and narrow; scales 13. S. Ind. to
Miss. (To Miss Helen Tennison.)
270. ABASTOR Gray. (A coined name.)
534. A. erythrogrammus (Daudin.) "Hoop SNAKE." Blue-
back; sides with three red lines; belly flesh color, with black
blotches; eyes very large; nostril in the middle of nasal plate;
scales 19; V. P. 167–185. L. 25. N. C. to S. Ill. and S.; a
harmless snake concerning which many absurd stories have been
told. (épvpós, red; ypapun, line.)
271. VIRGINIA Baird & Girard.
535. V. valeriæ Baird & Girard. Grayish, with minute black
dots, often in two rows; yellowish beneath; scales 15; V. P. 120
to 130. L. 12. Md. to Ill. and S. (To Miss Valeria Blaney.)
536. V. elegans Kennicott. Scales very narrow and elongate;
olivaceous above, yellowish beneath; scales 17. S. Ind. to Ark.
272. FARANCIA Gray. (A coined name.)
537. F. abacura (Holbrook). HORN SNAKE. Blue-black with
red, squarish spots on side; belly red, blotched with black; eyes
small; scales 19; V. P. 170 to 203. L. 36. S. C. to S. Ill. (Nel-
son) and S. (äßag, checker; ovpά, tail.)
273. HALDEA Baird & Girard. (To Prof. Samuel
S. Haldeman?)
538. H. striatula (L.). BROWN SNAKE. Head elongated,
on a small neck. Eye large. Reddish gray, salmon red beneath;
192
XXVIII.
REPTILIA: OPHIDIA.
scales 17; V. P. 110 to 130. L. 10. Va. to Wis. and Texas.
(Lat., narrowly striped.)
274. STORERIA Baird & Girard. (To Dr. David Humphreys
Storer).
539. S. occipitomaculata (Storer). RED-BELLIED SNAKE.
Greyish or chestnut brown, usually showing a paler vertebral band
bordered by blackish dots; obscure dots on side; occiput with
three pale blotches (a very constant feature); belly salmon red ;
scales 15; V. P. 120 to 125. L. 12. Minn. to Mass. and Ga ;
abundant E. (Lat., occiput-spotted.)
540. S. dekayi (Holbrook). Grayish brown; a clay-colored
dorsal band, bordered by dotted lines; grayish below; a dark patch
on each side of the occiput; scales 17; V. P. 120 to 138. L. 12.
E. U. S., W. to Rocky Mts. (To James E. DeKay.)
275. TROPIDOCLONIUM Cope. (Tрómis, keel; kλwviov, a
small twig.)
541. T. kirtlandi (Kennicott). Light reddish brown, with 4
series of round black spots; belly reddish with a row of black
spots on each side; head shining black; head small; vertical
plate broad; scales 19, all carinated; V. P. 115 to 140. L. 16.
Ohio to Ill. (To Dr. Jared P. Kirtland.)
276. EUTAINIA Baird & Girard. GARTER SNAKES.
(ev, well; rawía, ribbon.)
a. Lateral stripe on 3d and 4th rows of scales.
b. Scales little or not spotted, in nineteen rows; a dorsal band; body very
slender.
c. Stripes alike in color.
542. E. saurita (L.). RIBAND SNAKE. Chocolate with three
yellow stripes; light brown below the lateral stripes; tail usually
3 in length; colors bright; V. P. 150 to 160. L. 36. E. U. S.,
chiefly E. of the Alleghanies, about streams. (Lat., lizard-like.)
543. E. faireyi Baird & Girard. Blackish, with three greenish
yellow stripes; body relatively stout; tail less than † length; space
below bands same color as above; V. P. 165 to 180. L. 30. Wis.
to La. (To James Fairie.)
cc. Stripes not uniform in color.
544. E. proxima (Say). Blackish, dorsal stripe brownish yel-
low; lateral stripes greenish; tail
like back; V. P. 165 to 175.
near.)
of total length; sides colored
L. 35. Wis. to Mexico. (Lat.,
bb. Scales above and below lateral line with subquadrate black spots.
COLUBRIDE.
193
CX.
545. E. radix Baird & Girard. Green or black with three
narrow yellow stripes; six series of black spots; scales very rough,
the outer row broad; colors deep; head short; tail short, 5 in
length; scales 19 to 21; V. P. 150 to 160. L. 25. Wis. to Ore-
gon. (Lat., root, from Root R., Wis.)
aa. Lateral stripe on 2d and 3d rows of scales; body stoutish, the tail 4 in
length.
d. Scales in 19 rows.
546. E. sirtalis (L.). COMMON GARTER SNAKE. STRIPED
SNAKE. Olivaceous, dorsal stripe narrow, obscure; 3 series of
small dark spots on each side, about seventy between head and
vent; sides and belly greenish; lateral stripes rather broad but
not conspicuous; colors generally duller than in the other species.
V. P. 130 to 160. N. Am., everywhere except in Cal.; our com-
monest snake; very variable. (Lat., like a garter.)
Prominent varieties are: Var. ordinata (L.) with the stripes ob-
scure or wanting and the spots more distinct, square, 85 in num-
ber before anus; V. P. spotted on sides. Chiefly northeastward.
Var. dorsalis (Baird & Girard) has the dorsal stripe broad, and two
rows of small distinct spots on each side. N. Am., everywhere.
Var. obscura Cope, uniform brown, the spots obscure, the bands
distinct. Var. parietalis (Say) has the stripes dull greenish and
the space between the lateral spots of a more or less vivid brick
red. Ind. to Cal.
dd. Scales in 21 rows.
547. E. vagrans Baird & Girard. Ashy brown, usually a
narrow dorsal stripe; each side with about 100 small black spots
in two series. V. P. 160 to 180. Ills. (Nelson) to Cal.
a. Postorbitals 2.
277. REGINA Baird & Girard.
548. R. rigida (Say). Greenish brown; two brown dorsal bands
a brown spot at base of each scale on sides; belly yellowish, blotched;
outer row of scales smooth; scales, 19; V. P. 130 to 170. L. 24.
Penn. to Ga., chiefly E. of mts., W. to Central Ill. (Hay.)
;;
549. R. leberis (L.). Chestnut brown; a yellow lateral band
and three narrow black dorsal stripes; belly yellow, with two brown
bands; scales all keeled; scales 19; V. P. 140 to 150. L. 24.
U. S., about streams. (Lat., cast-off snake-skin.)
aa. Postorbitals 3, the lower very small.
550. R. grahami (Baird & Girard). Brown; a pale brown
dorsal band; besides this two narrow black streaks on each side; a
straw-color lateral stripe; belly unspotted; scales all strongly
keeled; head slender; scales 19 to 21; V. P. 160. L. 20. Mis-
sissippi Valley, N. to Mich.
13
194
REPTILIA: OPHIDIA. · XXVIII.
278. TROPIDONOTUS Kuhl. (rpónis, keel; vôros, back.)
a. Scales in 23 to 25 rows.
b. Rostral plate single.
551. T. sipedon (L.). WATER SNAKE. "MOCCASIN." Brown-
ish, back and sides each with a series of large, square, dark blotches
alternating with each other; about 80 in each series; rarely uni-
form brownish; belly with brown blotches. Scales, 23. V. P. 130
to 150. L. 30 to 50. N. Eng. to Kan. and S.; very abundant
about streams, feeding on fishes and frogs. Variable; an unpleasant
and ill-tempered, but perfectly harmless snake. Prominent varie-
ties are var. woodhousei Baird & Girard: color of sipedon, a narrow
whitish line between dorsal blotches. Scales 25. S. Ill. to Texas.
Var. erythrogaster Shaw, uniform red-black above, coppery below ;
head long; scales strongly keeled; Mich. to Kan. and S.
552. T. fasciatus (L.). SOUTHERN WATER SNAKE. Dark
brown, with transverse black blotches on back and about 35 oblong
red spots on sides; back sometimes with broken rings of yellow
dots; belly reddish, usually blotched. Scales 25. V. P. 128 to
135. S. Ind. (Ridgway) to Texas and S. E., swarming in the
lowland swamps S.
bb. Rostral plate divided into two by a vertical suture.
553. T. bisectus Cope. Olive brown, a row of small blackish
spots on side; head and belly nearly plain. V. P. 143. Scales
25. One specimen from Washington, D. C.
aa. Scales in 27 to 33 rows.
554. T. cyclopium Duméril & Bibron. Plumbeous, with al-
ternating blackish vertical bars 1 to 1½ scales wide. V. P. 140 to
150. Scales 27 to 33. S. Ill. to Fla. (kúkλwy, round-eyed.)
555. T. rhombifer Hallowell. Brown with about 50 black quad-
rangular blotches bordered by black lines. Scales 27, all keeled.
V. P. 140 to 145. Mich. to Ill. and S. W. (Lat., bearing rhombs.)
279. COLUBER Linnæus. (Old name of some snake.)
a. Body without longitudinal brown stripes.
b. Scales in 25 to 27 rows.
c. Vertical plate longer than broad.
556. C. guttatus L. CORN SNAKE. Red brown with a dorsal
series of large, red, dark-edged blotches; belly checkered with
black. Scales 27. V. P. 210 to 230. L. 50. Va. and S. (Lat.,
spotted.)
557. C. obsoletus Say. PILOT SNAKE. Lustrous black, some
scales white-edged; belly slaty-black; median scales of back ob-
scurely keeled, the rest smooth. Scales 27. V. P. 235. L. 50 to
75. Mass. to Ill. and Texas; one of our largest snakes, often
climbing trees to a great height by following the depressions in
COLUBRIDÆ.
195
CX.
rough bark. Var. confinis Baird & Girard is ashy gray, with 45
dark chocolate blotches on back, their edges faintly darker; two
smaller series on side; a dark band between eyes; belly blotched.
S. Ind. (Brookville, E. R. Quick) to S. C. and S. W.
cc. Vertical plate broader than long.
558. C. vulpinus (Baird & Girard). Fox SNAKE. Light
brown, with quadrate, chocolate-colored blotches; vertical plate
broader than long. Scales 25. V. P. 200 to 210. L. 60. Mass.
to Kan. and N. (Lat., fox-like.)
bb. Scales in 29 rows.
d. Vertical plate longer than broad.
559. C. emoryi (Baird & Girard). Ashy gray with transverse
brown blotches; vertical plate elongated; 6 or 8 median rows of
scales only keeled. Scales 29. V. P. 210 to 220. L. 40 to 50.
Ill. to Kan. and Texas.
dd. Vertical plate as broad as long.
560. C. lindheimeri (Baird & Girard). Back and sides with
black blotches, the interspaces paler; scales edged with white;
greenish white below; centres of shields slate color; about 9 rows
of scales obscurely keeled. Scales 29. V. P. 225 to 235. S. Ill.
to Texas.
aa. Body with 4 longitudinal brown stripes.
561. C. quadrivittatus Holbrook. CHICKEN SNAKE. Green-
ish yellow, with two brownish stripes on each side; straw-color
below. Scales 27, only 5 to 8 rows keeled. V. P. 230 to 245.
Va. to Fla. (Lat., four-striped.)
280. CYCLOPHIS Günther. (kúkλos, ring; öpis, snake.)
562. C. æstivus (L.). GREEN SNAKE. Head conical, neck
very small; bright clear green, yellowish below. Scales 17. V. P.
150 to 165; tail more than of body. L. 30. Southern N. J. to
Ind. and S., abundant S.; a most exquisite little creature, often
climbing bushes over water.
281. LIOPELTIS (Fitzinger) Cope. (^eios, smooth;
Téλrn, shield.)
563. L. vernalis (DeKay.) GRASS SNAKE. Head elongate,
neck slender; eyes very large; uniform deep green (bluish in
spirits), yellowish below; tail not quite of length. Scales 15.
V. P. 125 to 140. L. 20. E. U. S., chiefly N.; a beautiful
species.
282. BASCANION Baird & Girard. (Báo kavos, malignant.)
564. B. constrictor (L.). BLACK SNAKE. BLUE RACER.
Lustrous pitch black, greenish below, chin and throat white; young
196
XXVIII.
REPTILIA: OPHIDIA.
olive, with rhomboid black blotches; body slender; eye very large.
Scales 17 (rarely 19). V. P. 170 to 190. L. 50 to 60. E. U. S.,
common E. and S. (Lat., one that hugs.)
283. PITUOPHIS Holbrook. (πirus, pine-tree; opus, snake.)
565. P. melanoleucus (Daudin). PINE SNAKE. BULL SNAKE.
Whitish, with chestnut brown blotches which are margined with
black, besides 3 series of lateral blotches. Scales 29. V. P. 220 to
230. L. 60. Pine woods; N. J. to Mich. and S. (uéλas, black;
λευκός, white.)
566. P. sayi (Schlegel). WESTERN PINE SNAKE. Chestnut
brown with many orange cross-blotches and spots; sides mottled
with black and orange. Scales 25 to 29. V. P. 220 to 245. L.
40 to 70. Ill. to Kan. and N. W. (To Thomas Say.)
284. DIADOPHIS Baird and Girard. (diá, through;
õpis, snake.)
567. D. punctatus (L.). RING-NECKED SNAKE. Eye rather
large. Blue-black above, bright pale orange below (yellowish in
spirits); each plate usually with a black spot on each side and
sometimes a median one; a very conspicuous yellowish ring about
neck, 2 scales wide. Scales 15. V. P. 140 to 160. L. 15. E.
U. S. W. to Kan. Represented W. by var. amabilis Baird & Girard,
slender, with V. P. 180 to 185; below darker and more spotted;
scales on sides considerably larger than those on back. W. U. S.,
E. to Ohio.
568. D. arnyi Kennicott. Lead black; belly spotted and mottled
with black; occipital ring narrow, 1½ scales wide. Scales 17. Ill.
to Ariz.
285. OPHIBOLUS Baird & Girard. (öpis, snake; Boλís, dart.)
a. Dorsal scales in 21 rows.
b. Color chiefly black.
569. O. getulus (L.). CHAIN SNAKE. THUNDER SNAKE.
Black with narrow yellowish lines forking on the flanks, each fork
embracing a large black spot; belly checkered. Scales 21. V. P.
210 to 240. L. 50. Va. to La., E. of the mountains; variable.
Represented westward by var. sayi (Holbrook). KING SNAke.
Lustrous black, many scales with a yellow spot in the centre, these
sometimes forming cross-lines on back; belly blotched. Alleghany
to Rocky Mts., abundant, N. to Ills.; a handsome snake, said to
be an enemy of the rattlesnake.
bb. Color red or grayish, with dark markings.
570. O. doliatus (L.). RED SNAKE. CORN SNAKE. Red,
with twenty to twenty-five pairs of black rings, each set enclosing
COLUBRIDÆ.
197
CX.
a yellowish one; the lines of each pair separate on sides and be-
come confluent with the nearest one of adjacent pair; head red.
Scales 21. V. P. 180 to 210. L. 30 to 50. Md. to Kan. and S.;
exceedingly variable, running by degrees into the following varie-
ties, extremes of which bear little resemblance to the typical
doliatus. (Lat., sorrowful.)
Var. coccineus Schlegel, the black rings not confluent and usually
meeting on belly. S. Ill. to Fla. and W.
Var. triangulus (Boie). MILK SNAKE. HOUSE SNAKE. SPOT-
TED ADDer. Grayish, with three series of brown, rounded
blotches bordered with black, about fifty of them in the dorsal
row; an arrow-shaped occipital spot; belly with square black
blotches. Va. to Iowa, and N.; very common.
aa. Dorsal scales in 25 rows.
571. O. rhombomaculatus (Holbrook). Light chestnut, back
and sides with 3 series of darker rhomboidal blotches, about 50 in
dorsal series; belly obscurely blotched. V. P. 200 to 205. Ill. to
N. C. and S.
572. O. calligaster (Say). Light olive gray, with about sixty
quadrate, chestnut colored, emarginate blotches on back and two
rows of smaller ones on each side. Ill. to Kansas and S. (kaλós,
beautiful; yaorp, belly.)
286. OSCEOLA Baird & Girard.
(Name of an Indian chief.)
573. O. elapsoidea (Holbrook). SCARLET SNAKE. Brilliant
red, with about 18 pairs of jet black rings on body and three on
tail, each pair enclosing a white ring; the black rings tapering to-
wards the sides, the white ones spreading; a yellow collar on upper
part of neck, bordered by black lines; rostral plate very broad;
resembles closely O. doliatus. Scales 19. V. P. 175 to 180. L. 20.
Va. to S. Ill. and S.
287. CEMOPHORA Cope. (knµós, muzzle; popós, bearing.)
574. C. coccinea (Blumenbach). Crimson, with 20 to 26 black
rings enclosing yellow ones; yellowish below. V. P. 160 to 170.
S., N. to Ark. (Lat., crimson.)
288. HETERODON Beauvais, (erepos, different; odav, tooth.)
a. Vertical plate in direct contact with frontals.
575. H. platyrhinus Latreille SPREADING ADDER. BLow-
ING VIPER. Brownish or reddish, with about 28 dark dorsal
blotches. besides lateral ones and half rings on the tail; often (var.
niger) uniform black. Vertical plate longer than broad, about
equal to occipitals. L. 30. V. P. 120 to 150. Scales 23 or 25.
E. U. S., abundant. A very variable species; when angry it de
198
REPTILIA: OPHIDIA. - XXVIII.
presses and expands the head, hissing and threatening, but it is
perfectly harmless. (λarús, flat; pís, nose.)
aa. Vertical plate encircled by 5 to 10 small plates.
576. H. simus (L.). HOG-NOSED SNAKE. Dorsal blotches
about 35; ground color usually pale yellowish brown; vertical
plate much longer than occipitals, broader than long. V. P. 115 to
150. Scales usually 25. Ill. and Wis. to S. C., chiefly S. (Lat.,
flat-nosed.)
FAMILY CXI. ELAPIDE. (THE HARLEQUIN SNAKES.)
Venomous snakes, provided with two or more permanently erect,
perforated fangs in the upper jaw, and usually a series of smaller
teeth behind them; scales not keeled; head usually quadrangular,
with flat crown and short muzzle; no loral plate. Genera 3, species
about 20, chiefly East Indian, a few inhabiting the warmer parts of
America.
a. Anal plate entire; sub-caudal plates two-rowed; two nasal plates; inter-
nasal plate touching the nasal laterally.
•
ELAPS, 289.
289. ELAPS Schneider. (Old name of some snake.)
577. E. fulvius (L.). BEAD SNAKE. Jet black, with about
17 broad crimson rings, each bordered with yellow, and spotted
below with black; a yellow occipital band; tail with yellow rings.
V. P. 200 to 215. U. 32. Scales, 15 rows. L. 30. Va. to Ark.
and S. A beautiful snake, apparently harmless, although provided
with venom-fangs. Resembles Ophibolus doliatus. (Lat., reddish-
yellow.)
FAMILY CXII. CROTALIDÆ. (THE RAttlesnakes.)
Maxillary vertical, without solid teeth, but provided with long,
erectile, perforated poison-fang on each side in front; a deep pit
between eye and nostril, extending into the excavated maxillary.
Body stout; head large, flat, triangular, on a slender neck; pupil
elliptical, placed vertically. Tail usually provided with a rattle
composed of horny rings, modified scales. Subcaudal plates gen-
erally undivided, at least anteriorly. Scales keeled, in all our
species; anal plate entire. Genera 12; species about 60, all Ameri-
can, renowned for their venom. All are viviparous.
a. Tail short, without rattle, ending in a horny point; top of head with about
8 symmetrical plates arranged around the vertical plate; tail not pre-
hensile.
AGKISTRODON, 290.
aa. Tail with a rattle.
1
b. Top of head with about 8 plates symmetrically arranged; rattle small.
bb. Top of head covered with small scales; rattle large.
SISTRURUS, 291.
CROTALUS, 292.
CROTALIDÆ. CXII.
199
290. AGKISTRODON Beauvais. (aуKLσтρov, hook; ¿dwv, tooth.)
a. Loral plate present. (Agkistrodon.)
578. A. contortrix (L.). COPPERHEAD. COTTON-MOUTH.
Hazel brown; top of head coppery-red; back with a series of 15
to 25 V-shaped blotches; belly yellowish, with 35 to 45 dark spots
on each side; loral plate present. Scales 23. V. P. 150 to 155.
L. 40. N. E. to Wis. and S. in damp places, becoming rare N.; a
dangerous reptile. (Lat., one who twists.)
aa. Loral plate wanting. (Toxicophis.)
579. A. piscivorus (Holbrook). WATER MOCCASIN. BLACK
MOCCASIN. Greenish brown with 20 to 30 dark vertical bars,
often obscure; belly black and yellow, blotched. Scales 21 to 25.
V. P. 138 to 145. L. 50. Aquatic, N. C. to S. Ill., Ark. and S.,
often resting on overhanging bushes over streams watching for
frogs and fishes. The most dangerous of our snakes. (Lat., fish-
eating.)
291. SISTRURUS Garman. (σcîorpov, rattle; ovpá, tail.)
580. S. catenatus (Rafinesque). PRAIRIE RAttlesnake.
MASSASAUGA. Brown or blackish with about 7 series of about
34 deep chestnut blotches, these blackish exteriorly and edged with
yellowish; a yellowish streak from pit to neck; body sometimes all
black. Scales 23 to 25. V. P. 135 to 150. L. 30. Prairies, Ohio
to Min. and S., abundant in grassy fields where not exterminated.
Another species (S. miliarius L.) occurs S. (Lat., forming a
chain.)
292. CROTALUS Linnæus. (Kρóraλov, rattle.)
a. Scales in 23 to 25 rows.
581. C. horridus L. COMMON RATTLESNAKE. Yellowish-
brown of various shades, with 3 rows of confluent irregular brown
spots, forming zigzag-shaped cross-blotches; tail black; a pale line
from mouth to eye with a dark patch below. V. P. 165 to 175.
L. 60. N. Eng. to Rocky Mts. and S. in rocky places; once com-
mon, but nearly exterminated in well-settled regions.
aa. Scales in 27 to 29 rows.
582. C. adamanteus Beauvais. DIAMOND RATTLESNAKE.
Brown, with 3 series of complete brown yellow-edged rhombs.
V. P. 165 to 180. Va. to Miss. and S. (Lat., diamond-like.)
"I only know thee humble, bold,
Haughty, with miseries untold,
And the old curse that left thee cold,
And drove thee ever to the sun
On blistering rocks.
•
200
REPTILIA: LACERTILIA. · XXIX.
Thou whose fame
Searchest the grass with tongue of flame,
Making all creatures seem thy game,
When the whole woods before thee run,
Asked but when all is said and done
To lie, untrodden, in the sun!"- BRET HARTE.
ORDER XXIX. LACERTILIA. (THE LIZARDS.)
Reptiles not shielded, with the body usually covered with over-
lapping scales; mouth not dilatable; tongue free; jaws always with
teeth. Limbs 4, distinct, rarely rudimentary and hidden by the
skin; shoulder girdle developed. Feet usually with 5 digits, the
phalanges normally 2, 3, 4, 5, 3, or 4. Tail usually long and in
many cases very brittle, readily broken by a slight blow; this is
owing to a thin, unossified, transverse septum, which traverses
each vertebra. "The vertebra naturally breaks with great readi-
ness through the plane of the septum, and when such lizards are
seized by the tail, that appendage is pretty certain to part at one
of these weak points." (Huxley.) Vent a cross slit; quadrate bone
articulated to the skull. The great majority of the numerous species
belong to tropical and sub-tropical regions. The few found within
our limits give but a slight idea of the whole great group. (Lat.,
lacerta, lizard.)
Families of Lacertilia.
a. Tongue covered with imbricate, scale-like papillæ or with oblique plicæ;
clavicle dilated proximally, often loop-shaped.
b. Premaxillary double; temporal fossæ roofed over by bone; sternal fon-
tanelle usually wanting; (tongue not deeply bifid). . SCINCIDE, 113.
bb. Premaxillary single; temporal fossæ not roofed; sternal fontanelle
present; (tongue deeply bifid).
TEIDE, 114.
aa. Tongue smooth or with villous papillæ; clavicle not dilated proximally.
c. Temporal fossæ roofed over by bone; tongue sheathed at tip; body
with osteodermal plates; (limbs obsolete in our species).
•
ANGUIDE, 115.
cc. Temporal fossæ not roofed over; tongue thick; (limbs present).
IGUANIDA, 116.
FAMILY CXIII. SCINCIDE. (THE SKINKS.)
Head regularly shielded; scales smooth, underlaid by bony plates;
body fusiform or subcylindrical; nasal plate single, ungrooved, the
nostril in the centre; limbs present; toes compressed, 5-5; head
usually without posterior vertical plate. Genera about 60; species
200; in most parts of the world.
a. Palate with teeth; two supranasal plates; ear large; its front edge dentate;
lower eye-lid scaly.
EUMECES, 293.
aa. Palate toothless; no supranasal plates; ear very large, circular, exposed ;
lower eye-lid with a transparent disk.
OLIGOSOMA, 294.
TEIDE. CXIV.
201
293. EUMECES Wiegmann, (evμnкns, of good length.)
583. E. fasciatus (L.). BLUE-TAILED Lizard. "SCORPION.”
Blackish olive, with 5 yellowish streaks, middle one forked on the
head; tail usually bright blue; old specimens reddish olive, the
stripes very faint or even wanting; head becoming coppery red with
age. L. 8 to 11. U. S., E. of the Rocky Mts.; abundant N. to
N. Ind.; very variable. (Lat., banded.)
584. E. obsoletus (Baird & Girard). Greenish white, the scales
narrowly edged with black. Parieto-occipital and vertical, the
largest plates on head. Ill. (Forbes) to Sonora.
585. E. anthracinus (Baird). Bronze, with 4 yellow stripes,
between and below which are coal-black lines; tail blue. Penn. to
Texas, in mountains. (Lat., coal-black.)
586. E. septentrionalis (Baird). Olive, with 4 dark stripes
above; sides with 2 narrow white lines margined on each side with
black. Minnesota to Nebraska. (Lat., northern.)
294. OLIGOSOMA Girard. (öλiyos, small; σôµa, body.)
587. O. laterale (Say). GROUND LIZARD. Chestnut color;
on each side a black lateral band, edged with white; abdomen yel-
lowish; tail blue below; head short; limbs weak; small and slender.
L. 5. Southern States, abundant; N. to S. Ind.
FAMILY CXIV. TEIDÆ.
20
Tongue flat, elongate, ending in 2 long, smooth points; its surface
mostly covered with imbricate scale-like papillæ; teeth not hollow
at base; premaxillary single; shields of head free from the cranial
ossification; limbs present, rarely rudimentary; clavicle dilated and
perforated proximally. Genera 35; species about 110; all from
tropical America.
a. Scaly portion of tongue arrow-headed, bifid, and not retractile posteriorly;
tail not compressed; shields of head large, regular; eyelids developed;
ear exposed; a double collar-fold; scales small; ventral plates large,
limbs developed; toes 5-5.
CNEMIDOPHORUS, 295.
295. CNEMIDOPHORUS Wiegmann. (κndopópos, wearing
leg-armour.)
588. C. sexlineatus (L.). Dusky brown, with 3 yellow streaks
on each side; the interspaces jet black; throat silvery; belly blue
in breeding . L. 6 to 9. Conn. to Va., Wis. and Mexico; com-
mon S.; very active.
♂.
FAMILY CXV. ANGUIDE. (THE SLOW WORMS.)
Tongue of parts, the posterior larger, thick, covered with villi-
form papillæ; the anterior thin, emarginate, covered with scales,
202
XXIX.
REPTILIA: LACERTILIA.
extensible and retractile into a sheath formed by a transverse fold
at anterior extremity of posterior part, this sheath disappearing
when the tongue is drawn out. Premaxillary single; dermal cranial
ossifications roofing over the temporal fossa; clavicle slender; limbs
present or absent, the shoulder girdle and pelvis always present;
no abdominal ribs; bony plates underlying the scales; vertical plate
on head present. Genera 7; species 45; in warm regions.
a. Side with a conspicuous fold; limbs wanting or the hinder rudimentary;
body snake-like, the tail very brittle; scales squarish rhomboidal, form-
ing straight series, in either direction.
OPHISAURUS, 296.
296. OPHISAURUS Daudin. (õpus, snake; σaûpos, lizard.)
589. O. ventralis (L.). GLASS SNAKE. JOINT-SNAKE. Green-
ish or brownish; sides largely yellow, with narrow black streaks.
Dorsal scales in 14 rows or 120 transverse series; 10 rows on belly;
scales on back obtusely keeled, others smooth; ear much larger than
nostril. L. 25. Wis. to Kan. and S.
FAMILY CXVI. IGUANIDÆ. (THE IGUAnas.)
Tongue thick, villous, nearly or quite entirely fixed to the floor
of the mouth, and little if at all notched in front; pupil round; eye-
lids well developed; scales various, those on head usually small;
head generally with an enlarged interparietal scale; teeth subequal.
Habits various, mostly insectivorous. A very large family of 50
genera and 320 species, swarming in the hotter parts of America ;
a very few in the East Indies.
a. Femoral pores absent; toes dilated or depressed, the distal joint narrower,
cylindrical or compressed, raised above the one before it; scales smalĺ
or granular; ♂ with an inflatable gular sac; tail long, not prehensile ;
lateral teeth tricuspid; no sternal fontanelle; tympanum distinct.
ANOLIS, 297.
aa. Femoral pores present; fourth toe longer than third; lateral teeth tri-
cuspid.
b. Head without spines; no dorsal crest; occipital scale very large.
c. Gular folds 2, the second denticulated; dorsal scales minute, uniform;
caudal scales small; tympanum concealed.. HOLBROOKIA, 298.
cc. Gular folds none; tympanum distinct; scales keeled, equal; no crest.
SCELOPORUS, 299.
bb. Head armed with bony spines; body short, depressed; a large sternal
fontanelle; scales unequal.
PHRYNOSOMA, 300.
•
297. ANOLIS Daudin.
•
590. A. principalis (L.). "CHAMELEON." Grass-green; head
brownish, the color changing at times in life to grayish, yellowish,
bronze, and black; gular sac crimson when inflated; head scales
large and rough; scales of body subequal, keeled. L. 6. Pine
woods, Tenn. to Cuba; common S.; one of the most beautiful of
lizards. (A. carolinensis Cuvier.)
IGUANIDÆ. ———CXVI.
203
298. HOLBROOKIA Girard. (To Dr. John Edwards Holbrook,
of Charleston, author of "North American Herpetology,” etc.)
591. H. maculata Girard. Gray, paler above, with a row of
large darker spots on sides; 1 or 2 black spots on side of belly;
scales nearly smooth; hind leg not reaching eye. Kan. and
S. W.
299. SCELOPORUS Wiegmann. (okéλos, leg; Tópos, pore.)
592. S. undulatus (Daudin). COMMON Lizard. SWIFT.
Greenish, bluish, or bronzed, with black, wavy cross-bands above;
throat and sides of belly in ♂ with brilliant blue and black; dorsal
scales rather large, strongly keeled, mucronate similar to lateral
scales; head shields striated or rugose; body depressed; tail slender.
L. 7. U. S., in forests and along fences, N. to Mich.; abundant
S.; varies greatly in color.
300. PHRYNOSOMA Wiegmann. (ppûvos, toad; owμa, body.)
593. P. douglassi (Bell). Ventral scales smooth. Head spines
small, shorter than eye; grayish, with large, dark, pale-edged spots.
Kan. to Cal. and S.
594. P. cornutum (Harlan). COMMON HORNED TOAD. Ven-
tral scales keeled; head with very long spines; back with spinous
scales; gray, with pale dorsal streak and some dark spots. L. 5.
Kan. to Cal. and S.; common S. W.; a most grotesque little crea-
ture; terrestial. (Lat., horned.)
ORDER XXX. TESTUDINATA. (THE TUrtles.)
Reptiles with the body enclosed between 2 more or less developed
bony shields, which are usually covered by horny epidermal plates,
but sometimes by a leathery skin. Upper shield (carapace)
and lower shield (plastron) more or less united along the sides.
Neck and tail the only flexible parts of the spinal column; these,
together with the legs, usually retractile within the box made by
the two shields. The bony part of the carapace is formed by the
dorsal and sacral vertebræ, and the ribs co-ossified with a series of
overlying bony plates, usually accompanied by a marginal row.
The dorsal vertebræ have their ends flattened and immovably
united by cartilage, and all of them, except the first and last, have
their neural spines flattened horizontally so as to form the median
line of plates. On either side of this series is a single row of ossi-
fied dermal plates overlying the ribs and corresponding in number
to the developed ribs, of which there are usually 8 pairs. No true
sternum; plastron consisting of membrane bones, of which there
are usually 9 pieces,-4 pairs and a single symmetrical median
204
XXX.
REPTILIA: TESTUDINATA.
piece. The osseous plates, both above and below, correspond neither
in number nor position with the overlying dermal plates.
The skull is more compact than that of the other reptiles. There
are no teeth, but the jaws are encased in horny sheaths, usually
with sharp cutting edges; the eye is furnished with two lids and a
nictitating membrane as in the birds; the tympanic membrane is
always present, although sometimes hidden by the skin. Respira-
tion is effected by swallowing air. (Lat., testudo, tortoise.)
Families of Testudinata.
a. Limbs developed as paddles, not capable of distinct movements at wrist or
ankle-joint; digits flattened, elongated, bound immovably together by the
integument. (Sea Turtles.)
b. Feet scaleless, the anterior very large.
bb. Feet scaly; carapace heart-shaped.
DERMOCHELYDIDÆ, 117.
CHELONIIDÆ, 118.
aa. Limbs not in the form of paddles, capable of movement at wrist and
ankle-joints. (Land and pond-turtles.)
c. Carapace leathery, its margins flexible; no dermal plates; toes 5-5,
the claws 3-3; head small, the snout pointed; body very flat.
TRIONYCHIDÆ, 119.
cc. Carapace firm, ossified; dermal plates present; claws mostly 5–4.
d. Fingers and toes spreading, not closely bound together, more than
one joint being free.
e. Tail very long and strong, with a crest of tubercles; plastron nar-
row and small, cross-shaped, with 9 plates (besides the bridge);
head large; body highest in front.
CHELYDRIDÆ, 120.
ee. Tail short, not crested; plastron broad.
f. Lower jaw ending in a long sharp point; carapace highest be-
hind the middle, its edge not flaring outward; plastron with 9
or 11 plates.
KINOSTERNIDÆ, 121.
ff. Lower jaw without long point at symphysis; carapace highest
at about the middle, its edge flaring outward; plastron with 12
dermal plates.
dd. Fingers and toes bound closely together, only the last joint free;
plastron very broad.
TESTUDINIDÆ, 123.
•
EMYDIDE, 122.
FAMILY CXVII. DERMOCHELYDIDÆ. (THE LEATHER-
TURTLES.)
Sea turtles with the body covered by a smooth leathery skin;
carapace with several longitudinal ridges with deep grooves between
them; body highest in front and widest just before bridge; hind legs
much exposed; toes without nails; head short, high, very broad
behind; upper jaw with 2 pits and 2 tooth-like projections. One
species, widely distributed.
301. DERMOCHELYS Blainville. (dépua, skin; xéλus, tortoise.)
595. D. coriacea (Vandelli). TRUNK-BACK. LEATHER-TUR-
Dark brown. L. 6 to 8 feet. Open sea, N. to Cape Ann.
(Lat., leathery.) (Eu.)
TLE.
CHELONIIDÆ.
205
CXVIII.
FAMILY CXVIII. CHELONIIDA. (Logger-Head
TURTLES.)
Sea turtles, with the carapace covered with bony plates; carapace
heart-shaped, broad and flat, highest in front, widest near middle;
head large, jaws without tooth-like projections. Genera 4; species
about 7, of the open sea, coming to shore only to deposit and bury
their eggs.
a. Scales around large median plate on top of head 13 to 20; plates of carapace
not imbricate; edge of lower jaw not serrate; costal plates 5 on each side;
scales on cheeks small, 15 to 20; head broad. THALASSOCHELYS, 302.
aa. Scales around vertical plate 7; costal plates 4.
•
b. Tomia of lower jaw not serrate; shields of carapace imbricated; scales on
cheeks large, 7 to 10; head broad..
EretmochelYS, 303.
•
bb. Tomia of lower jaw serrate; shields of carapace not imbricated; scales
on cheeks small, 15 to 20; head high and narrow. CHELONIA, 304.
•
302. THALASSOCHELYS Fitzinger. (Oáλaoσa, sea;
Xéλus, tortoise.)
596. T. caretta (L.). LOGGER-HEAD TURTle. Scales not
imbricate; 2 nails to each foot. Atlantic, N. to Mass.; reaches
450 lbs. (Eu.) (An old name.)
303. ERETMOCHELYS Fitzinger. (éperuós, oar; xéλvs.)
597. E. imbricata (L.). TORTOISE-SHELL TURTLE. HAWKS-
BILL TURTLE. Jaws produced in a beak; nails two. N. C. to
Brazil. Smaller and fiercer than the preceding, its scales used in
making combs.
304. CHELONIA Brongniart. (xeλán, tortoise.)
598. C. mydas (L.). GREEN TURTLE. Plates thin; nail sin-
gle; body oblong. L. I. to Brazil, herbivorous, reaching 850 lbs.,
and valued as food. (µvdáw, to be wet.)
FAMILY CXIX. TRIONYCHIDÆ. (THE Soft-shelled
TURTLES.)
Body flat, nearly orbicular; carapace not completely ossified, the
ribs projecting freely towards the outer extremities; marginal ossi-
cles rudimentary; carapace and plastron covered by a thick leathery
skin which is flexible at the margins. Head long and pointed, with
a long, flexible, tubular, pig-like snout; neck long. Feet broadly
webbed; toes long, 5-5, but the claws only 3-3.
Aquatic, carnivorous and voracious; species about 30, in both
hemispheres.
a. Nostrils rather under the tip of snout; nasal septum without an internal
longitudinal ridge on each side; head narrow; edge of upper jaw serrate
behind.
AMYDA, 305.
206
XXX.
REPTILIA: TESTUDINATA.
aa. Nostrils terminal, crescent-shaped; a prominent longitudinal ridge project-
ing from each side of septum; head broad; edge of upper jaw entire.
ASPIDONECTES, 306.
305. AMYDA Agassiz. (Lat., turtle.)
599. A. mutica (Le Sueur). LEATHER-TUrtle.
A depres-
sion along median line of carapace; no spines nor tubercles along
anterior margin nor on back. Olive, young spotted; feet not mot-
tled below. L. 12. Canada to Ohio R., and N. W. (Lat., un-
armed.)
306. ASPIDONECTES Wagler. (áσrís, shield; výêtns,
swimmer.)
a. Lower parts of body and feet spotted with dark.
600. A. spinifer (Le Sueur). COMMON SOFT-SHELLED TUR-
TLE. Carapace olive brown with dark spots; head and neck olive
green with light and dark stripes; legs and feet mottled every-
where with dark; with the tubercles on the front of the carapace
smaller than in the 9, the body also longer and the tail extending
considerably beyond the margin of the carapace. Canada to Ky.
and Minn., abundant. (Lat., spine-bearing.)
601. A. nuchalis Agassiz. A marked depression on either side
of the blunt median keel, which is dilated and triangular anteriorly;
spines and tubercles prominent in ♂. Cumberland and Upper
Tenn. Rivers.
aa. Lower parts of body and feet white.
602. A. ferox Wagler. Tubercles on shell largest in ; back
blotched in adult; young with black spots and ocelli and with 2 or
3 concentric black marginal lines. S. Ind. to Ga. and La. (Lat.,
fierce.)
FAMILY CXX. CHELYDRIDE. (THE SNAPPING
TURTLES.)
Shell high in front, low behind; body heaviest forward; head and
neck very large, the snout narrowed forward; jaws strongly hooked,
and very powerful; tail long, strong, with a crest of horny, com-
pressed tubercles; plastron small, cross-shaped, with 9 plates be-
sides the very narrow bridge. Claws 5-4, strong, the web small.
Large turtles of great strength and voracity, chiefly aquatic; 2
of the 3 species are American, the third (Platysternum) is from
China.
a. Eyes close together, partly superior; head covered with soft skin; tail with
two rows of moderate scales beneath; ridges of carapace becoming obsolete
with age; jaws moderately hooked.
CHELYDRA, 307.
aa. Eyes distant, lateral; head very large, covered with smooth, symmetrical
plates; tail with many small imbricate scales beneath; carapace with 3
large persistent keels; jaws very strongly hooked.
MACROCHELYS, 308.
KINOSTERNIDÆ.
207
CXXI.
307. CHELYDRA Schweigger. (xéλus, turtle; ïdwp, water.)
603. C. serpentina (L.). COMMON SNAPPING TURTLE. Dusky
brown; head with dark spots. L. 25 or more. Canada to Equador,
everywhere abundant about water.
308. MACROCHELYS Gray. (μakpós, large; xéλus.)
604. M. lacertina (Schweigger). ALLIGATOR SNAPPER. Black-
ish; head with many fleshy slips. Gulf States, N. to Wis. L. 40
or more; "perhaps the most ferocious, and, for its size, the strong-
est of reptiles."
FAMILY CXXI. KINOSTERNIDÆ. (THE BOX TURTLES.)
Carapace rather long and narrow, the outline usually rising
gradually from the front to a point beyond the centre of the shell,
then abruptly descending; the bulk of the body therefore thrown
backward; margin of the carapace turning downward and inward
rather than outward; plastron proportionally large, covered with 7,
9 or 11 horny plates, the anterior pair coalescing into one; anterior,
and sometimes also posterior lobe of plastron, often movable upon
the fixed central portion; head pointed; jaws usually strong; eyes
far forward; limbs slender; feet short.
Turtles of small size, chiefly American.
a. Plastron with its anterior and posterior lobes nearly equal in length, both
freely movable and capable of closing the shell; posterior lobe emarginate
behind, its angles rounded; carapace without traces of keel in adult.
KINOSTERNON, 309.
aa. Plastron with its posterior lobe longer than anterior, truncate behind, its
posterior angles not rounded; lobes of plastron little movable, incapable
of closing the shell; carapace more or less keeled, at least when young;
head very large, with strong jaws.
AROMOCHELYS, 310.
309. KINOSTERNON Spix. (Kwéw, to move; σréρvov, breast.)
605. K. pennsylvanicum (Bosc). MUD TURTLE. Shell dusky
brown; head dark, with light dots. L. 4. N. Y. to Fla.
310. AROMOCHELYS Gray. (apwua, odor; xéλvs.)
606. A. odoratus (Latreille). MUSK TURTLE. STINK-POT.
Shell dusky, clouded, sometimes spotted; neck with two yellow
stripes, one from above eye, the other from below; head very
large with strong jaws; carapace with traces of a keel, but the
plates not imbricated in the adult; no point at symphysis of upper
jaw; odor strong, musky. L. 6. E. U. S., abundant, W. to N. Ill.
(Rice & Davis.)
607. A. carinatus Gray. Plates of carapace overlapping more
or less, each one edged with black and marked with radiating black
stripes; neck unstriped; a point at symphysis of upper jaw. La.,
N. to N. Ill. (Rice & Davis.)
208
XXX.
REPTILIA: TESTUDINATA.
FAMILY CXXII. EMYDIDÆ. (THE POND TURTLES.)
Carapace ovate, broadest behind, the margin having a tendency
to flare outward, highest near the middle and usually not strongly
convex; plastron covering the whole under surface, its plates twelve
in number; sometimes the anterior lobe (and rarely the posterior
also) movable on a transverse hinge, enabling the animal to com-
pletely close the shell. Toes broadly webbed in the aquatic species;
scarcely webbed in the others. The pond turtles feed largely upon
animals, but they rarely catch active prey. Most of them will not
bite except under much provocation. Species about 80, widely dis-
tributed, inhabiting marshes, ponds, and the shores of still streams;
a few are strictly terrestrial.
a. Plastron without hinge, immovably joined to carapace.
b. Alveolar surface of jaws broad; carapace depressed; toes short, broadly
webbed.
•
c. Alveolar surface of jaws smooth, a deep groove in front; upper jaw
not notched in front; head covered with soft skin; carapace more or
less keeled.
MALACLEMMYS, 311.
cc. Alveolar surface of upper jaw divided by a longitudinal ridge parallel
to margin; upper jaw notched in front; head with thin hard skin;
carapace scarcely keeled.
PSEUDEMYS, 312.
bb. Alveolar surface of jaws narrow.
d. Carapace depressed (never keeled); toes strong, broadly webbed, the
hind feet largest; alveolar groove of jaws well marked, except in
front; upper jaw notched in front.
CHRYSEMYS, 313.
dd. Carapace considerably arched; feet subequal, the toes narrowly
CHELOPUS, 314.
webbed.
•
aa. Plastron with a movable transverse hinge across its middle; a movable
cartilaginous lateral suture uniting plastron with carapace.
e. Body depressed; plastron emarginate behind; toes well webbed.
EMYS, 315.
ee. Body short and high; plastron rounded or truncate behind; toes
scarcely webbed; not aquatic.
CISTUDO, 316.
311. MALACLEMMYS Gray. (μaλakós, soft; kλeµµús,
tortoise.)
a. Lower jaw with a spoon-shaped dilatation at tip; inland turtles. (Grap-
temys Ag.)
b. Middle series of plates on carapace scarcely imbricated.
608. M. geographicus (Le Sueur). MAP TURTLE. Dark
olive brown with greenish and yellow streaks and reticulations,
especially distinct on neck, legs, and edges of carapace; plastron
yellowish; carapace strongly notched behind and usually decidedly
keeled. Miss. Valley, E. to N. Y., common W.
bb. Middle series of dorsal plates distinctly imbricated.
609. M. lesueuri (Gray). Similar to the preceding but grayer,
the markings on the shell paler, less distinct and in larger pattern;
EMYDIDÆ.
209
CXXII.
keel of carapace stronger, each plate of the vertebral series with a
blackish projection behind, which is more or less imbricated over
the succeeding plate; plastron yellowish, marbled with blackish;
head, neck, and legs with bright yellow stripes. Wis. to Ohio and
S. W., not rare. (To Charles Albert Le Sueur, artist and nat-
uralist.)
aa. Lower jaw without spoon-shaped dilatation; the cutting edges smooth.
Salt-marsh turtles. (Malaclemmys.)
610. M. palustris (Gmelin). SALT - MARSH TURTLE.
DIAMOND-BACK. Greenish or dark olive, rarely black; plates,
both of carapace and plastron, usually with concentric dark stripes;
shell smooth or with concentric grooves. N. Y. to Texas, along
the coast; valued as food.
312 PSEUDEMYS Gray. (Yeudýs, false; éµús.)
a. Loose skin between legs without scales; ridge in alveolar surface tubercu-
late; young marked with confluent, lozenge-shaped figures.
b. Jaws coarsely serrated; symphysis of upper with prominent hook.
611. P. rugosa (Shaw). RED-BELLIED TERRAPIN. Dusky,
with irregular red markings above; marginal plates with much red;
plastron red or partly yellowish; head and neck brown, with red-
dish lines; variable. N. J. to Va. (Lat., wrinkled.)
bb. Jaws not serrated.
612. P. hieroglyphica (Holbrook). Shell smooth, depressed;
olive brown, variously marked with reticulated or concentric
yellowish lines; plastron yellowish; head and neck with yellow
lines; head small. N. Y. to Wis. and S.
aa. Loose skin between legs not scaly; ridge in alveolar surface not tubercu-
lar; edge of marginal plates notched. Vertebral plates with length-
wise bands, other scales with transverse bands, these growing obscure
with age.
c. Carapace not keeled.
613. P. troosti (Holbrook). YELLOW-BELLIED TERRAPIN.
Greenish-black, lateral plates with horn-colored lines and spots;
plastron dull yellow, with large, black blotches; throat with green-
ish stripes; shell never keeled. Miss. Valley, N. to Ill.
614. P. elegans (Wied). Brown, with yellowish wavy lines and
blotches; a red or yellow band on each side of neck; plastron
yellow with a dusky blotch on each plate. Ill. to Idaho, and S.
cc. Carapace strongly keeled.
615. P. scabra (L.). Dark brown, with irregular yellow stripes;
plastron yellow with small black blotches in front; head and neck
black, with yellow lines; carapace wrinkled. Va. to Fla. (Lat.,
rough.)
14
210
REPTILIA: TESTUDINATA. — XXX.
313. CHRYSEMYS Gray. (xpvσós, gold; éµús.)
616. C. picta (Hermann). PAINTED TURTLE. MUD TURTLE.
Greenish black; plates margined with paler; marginal plates
marked with bright red; plastron yellow, often blotched with
brown. L. 8. E. U. S., one of the most common turtles. (Lat.,
painted.) Westward it gives place to-
617. C. marginata (Agassiz). Plates of carapace alternating
or in quincunx, the lateral rows out of line with the middle one,
instead of forming sets of three as in the eastern form; lateral
plates with strong concentric striæ. W. N. Y. and W., common.
Perhaps a variety of the preceding, but I have seen no inter-
gradations.
618. C. oregonensis Holbrook. No red markings. Minn. to
Ore.
314. CHELOPUS Rafinesque. (xvs, tortoise; roús, foot.)
a. Carapace usually more or less keeled; upper jaw deeply notched and arched
downward. (Chelopus.)
b. Head not notably narrower below than above.
619. C. muhlenbergi (Schweigger). Brown with yellowish
markings; plastron black with yellowish blotches; an orange spot
on each side of neck; plates of back plain or concentrically grooved.
L. 4½. E. Penn. and Ñ. J.
bb. Head decidedly narrower below than above.
620. C. insculptus (Le Conte). WOOD TORTOISE. Shell car-
inated, its plates marked with concentric striæ and radiating black
lines; reddish brown; plastron with a black blotch on each plate.
L. 8. E. U. S., E. of Ohio, in woods and fields. (Lat., engraved.)
aa. Carapace not keeled; upper jaw slightly notched, its edge nearly straight.
(Nanemys Agassiz.)
621. C. guttatus (Schneider). SPECKLED TORTOISE. Black,
with round orange spots, these spots rarely obsolete; plastron
yellow, blotched with black. L. 41. E. U. S., W. to N. Ind.
(Levette), abundant E. (Lat., spotted.)
315. EMYS Brongniart. (µús, a mud turtle.)
622. E. meleagris (Shaw). Black; usually with yellowish
spots; plastron yellowish with black blotches; head with yellow
spots; young nearly circular, and black. L. 8. N. Y. to Wis.,
scarce. (ueλeaypís, guinea-fowl.)
316. CISTUDO Fleming. (Lat., cista, box.)
623. C. carolina (L.). COMMON Box TURTLE. Colors very
variable, chiefly blackish and yellowish; no two alike in pattern;
iris red in ♂; hind feet with 4 toes; young keeled, the keel grow-
TESTUDINIDÆ.
211
CXXIII.
ing obscure with age. N. Y. to Mo. and S., in dry woods. Repre-
sented S. by var. triunguis (Agassiz). Hind feet mostly 3-toed;
color pale yellowish, with few spots. Southern, N. to Penn.
624. C. ornata Agassiz. "Shell round, broad, flat, without keel,
even when young." Iowa and W.
FAMILY CXXIII. TESTUDINIDÆ.
TESTUDINIDÆ. (THE LAND
TORTOISES.)
Carapace strong, thick, ovate, generally very convex and falling
off abruptly at both ends; caudal shields united into one; plastron
very broad, covering the whole under surface, the anterior part
sometimes movable on a transverse hinge. Legs and feet club-
shaped; toes firmly bound together by the integument, only the
blunt claws being exserted.
Herbivorous Turtles, entirely terrestrial, inhabiting the warmer
parts of both continents; about 20 species are known.
317. XEROBATES Agassiz. (Enpós, dry; Bárŋs, walker.)
625. X. polyphemus (Daudin.) "GOPHER TURTLE." Brown-
ish, head almost black; yellow below; fore limbs large and strong;
hinder short, rounded; plastron projecting forward beyond cara-
pace. L. 15. S. States, N. to N. C., in pine barrens; herbivo-
rous and gregarious; burrows in the ground like a wood-chuck.
(πολύφημος, croaking.)
Passing over the order CROCODILIA, the highest in development
among the recent reptiles, an order having no representatives
within our limits, we take up next a group originally an offshoot
from the Reptilian series, but now, if only living forms were taken
into consideration, one of the most sharply defined of the classes of
Vertebrata, the Birds.
212
AVES.
CLASS H.-AVES. (THE BIRDS.)
A Bird may be defined as an air-breathing vertebrate with a
covering of feathers; warm blood; a complete double circulation;
the two anterior limbs (wings) adapted for flying or swimming, the
two posterior limbs (legs) adapted for walking or swimming; respi-
ration never effected by gills or branchiæ, but, after leaving the egg,
by lungs, which are connected with air cavities in various parts of
the body. Reproduction by eggs, which are fertilized within the
body and hatched externally, either by incubation or exposure to
the heat of the sun; the shell calcareous, hard and brittle.
Much more might be added, but the obvious character is this:
All Birds have feathers, and no other animal has feathers, or, as
Stejneger puts it, “A bird is known by its feathers." There is
probably no other character of importance which distinguishes
birds living and extinct as a whole, from the Reptilia.
The classification of this group, as of most others, is still in an
unsettled condition. Strictly speaking, the existing members of
the class are so closely related that they might, with propriety, be
combined into one order, which, by Professor Gill, has been named
EURHIPIDURÆ. At present, however, the term "order"
may be
applied to the groups so designated below, without thereby imply-
ing any structural differences such as separate the "orders of
Reptiles or even of Fishes. The Eurhipiduræ are made a sub-
class by Stejneger, while Coues divides them into two "sub-classes,”
the Ratitæ (Ostriches, etc.), and the Carinatæ. To the Carinatæ,
characterized by the keeled sternum and more or less developed
wings, all American birds belong. (Lat., avis, bird.)
""
The "orders" of the Carinate Birds, as now adopted, are rather
temporary, pending investigation of certain groups. They are also
in a degree conventional, some of them being admittedly unnatural
in their composition, while none of them represent any such struc-
tural differences or differences of such long standing in time as
those which characterize the orders of Mammals or Reptiles, or most
of the orders of Fishes. For reasons which have been elsewhere
given, I follow in this work without exception the classification,
sequence, and nomenclature adopted by the American Ornitholo-
gists' Union. A system in some respects more in accord with
•
AVES.
213
modern investigations is outlined by Stejneger in the Standard
Natural History. The following largely artificial key to the
Orders recognized by the Am. Orn. Assoc. is partly arranged from
the key given by Ridgway (Man. N. Am. Birds).
Orders of Aves.
A. STERNUM KEELED: (CARINATÆ).
a. Feet totipalmate, the hind toe well developed and all four toes full-webbed;
palate desmognathous.
STEGANOPODES, XXXIV.
•
aa. Feet not totipalmate, the hind toe, if present, not connected with the
others.
b. Feet palmate, the anterior toes full-webbed or nearly so (or lobate, with
the claws broad, nail-like) (tarsus not specially elongate, and the tibia
little if any naked below, in our species).
c. Bill not lamellate, its cutting edge entire; schizognathous. (Cecomor-
pha Huxley, Stejneger.)
d. Legs inserted far behind the middle of the body, which in standing
position is more or less erect.
PYGOPODES, XXXI.
dd. Legs not inserted far behind the middle of the body, which in a
standing position has its axis nearly horizontal; wings usually
very long.
e. Nostrils not tubular.
ee. Nostrils tubular.
•
•
LONGIPENNES, XXXII.
TUBINARES, XXXIII.
cc. Bill lamellate, its cutting edges serrated or fringed.
ANSERES, XXXV.
bb. Feet not palmate (with rare exceptions), the toes cleft, or webbed at
base or on sides (full-webbed only in a few waders, with very long
tarsus and the tibia partly naked).
f. Waders, tibia usually more or less naked below; the tarsus more
or less elongate.
g. Hind toes well developed and usually inserted on same level
as anterior toes, the claws never excessively lengthened;
loral or orbital regions or both naked; desmognathous.
HERODIONES, XXXVI.
gg. Hind toe, if present, small and inserted above level of the
the rest (or else size moderate). L. less than 36 inches; the
loral and orbital regions feathered, the middle claw not pec-
tinate); schizognathous. (Grallæ.)
h. Hind toe short and elevated (or if the bird is less than
3 feet long, the hind toe almost on the level of anterior
toes).
PALUDICOLÆ, XXXVII.
hh. Hind toe (if present) short and distinctly elevated (length
LIMICOLE, XXXVIII.
ff. Not waders; tibia mostly entirely feathered; tarsus not greatly
elongate.
never more than 2 feet).
•
i. Bill strongly hooked, with a distinct cere at base;
desmognathous.
j. Toes 3 in front; 1 behind, the outer toe sometimes
reversible.
•
RAPTORES, XLI.
jj. Toes 2 in front; 2 behind, the outer toe perma-
PSITTACI, XLII.
nently reversed..
•
214
XXXI:
AVES: PYGOPODES.
ii. Bill not both strongly hooked and cered.
k. Hind toe short, decidedly elevated; toes semipalmate; no soft membrane
about nostrils; schizognathous.
•
GALLINA, XXXIX.
kk. Hind toe little if at all above level of the rest (rarely absent).
1. Nostrils opening beneath a soft swollen cere-like membrane; hind
claw short; doves.
•
COLUMBÆ, XL.
1. Nostrils not opening beneath a swollen membrane or cere.
m. Hind claw not longer than the others; mostly desmognathous.
(Picariæ.)
n. Wings not very long; gape not very wide nor deeply cleft. Feet
zygodactyle or syndactyle. (Toes 2 in front, or if 3, then the
outer and middle toes connected for at least half their length
in our species.)
o. Tail feathers soft; bill not chisel-like..
•
COCCYGES, XLIII.
oo. Tail feathers stiff and pointed; bill adapted for striking or
boring.
PICI, XLIV.
nn. Wings very long, with 10 primaries (tail of 10 feathers and bill
fissirostral, or else secondaries 6 and bill tenuirostral); toes 3
in front, 1 behind, the hinder a little elevated.
MACROCHIRES, XLV.
mm. Hind claw at least as long as middle claw; toes always 3 in front,
1 behind, cleft to the base or with the basal joints only immov-
ably coherent; palate ægithognathous..
ORDER XXXI. PYGOPODES.
PASSERES, XLVI.
PYGOPODES. (THE DIVING BIRDS.)
Feet palmate or lobate; tibia feathered, included in the skin
nearly to the heel-joint, hence the legs set far back, so that the birds
are scarcely able to walk at all on land; hind toe small and ele-
vated, or wanting; nostrils developed; bill horny, not lamellate or
serrate; no gular pouch; palate schizognathous; wings very short;
tail very short or rudimentary.
This is apparently not a natural order. Stejneger (following
Huxley) unites the Pygopodes, Longipennes and Tubinares in one
order, Cecomorpha. He remarks: "The fact is that not only
are the gulls very nearly related to the auks, but their affinities
with the Gralla through the plovers are unmistakable. On the
other hand, the grebes seem to be only distantly related to the other
'Pygopodes' and the puffins and albatrosses similarly so to the
Longipennes or gulls." The Pygopodes are water birds, expert
divers, feeding chiefly on fishes. (vy, rump; Toús, foot.)
Families of Pygopodes.
a. Tail feathers wanting; anterior toes lobed, the claws very broad, flat,
rounded at tip, resembling human nails.
aa. Tail feathers developed, but short.
b. Toes 4; the hind toe present.
bb. Toes 3, the hind toe wanting.
•
•
PODICIPIDÆ, 124.
URINATORIDE, 125.
•
ALCIDE, 126.
PODICIPIDÆ.
215
CXXIV.
FAMILY CXXIV. PODICIPIDE. (THE GREBES.)
Bill slender, or stout; lores naked; head often with crests, ruffs
or ear tufts in the breeding season. Under plumage dense, lustrous,
mostly white. Wings very short; tail rudimentary, without dis-
tinct quills. Feet four-toed, lobate, the toes webbed at base; toes
flattened, provided with flat claws resembling human nails; tarsus
scutellate, compressed. Genera 2; species about 20; in all parts
of the world, chiefly about fresh waters; nest usually a floating
mat of rushes.
•
a. Bill slender, straight, rather acute; its length more than twice its depth
at base; head in breeding season with conspicuous crests or ruff.
6. Neck nearly as long as body.
ÆCHMOPHORUS, 318.
bb. Neck much shorter than body.
COLYMBUS, 319.
aa. Bill stout, somewhat hooked; its length not quite twice its greatest depth;
no ruff nor crest..
PODILYMBUS, 320.
•
318. ÆCHMOPHORUS Coues. (aixµń, spear; þópos, bearing.)
626. Æ. occidentalis (Lawrence). WESTERN GREBE. Slate-
color; satin-white below. L. 26. W. 8. B. 24. Minn. to Mexico
and W.
319. COLYMBUS Linnæus. (kóλvμßos, diver.)
a. Bill about as long as head. (Colymbus.)
627. C. holbölli (Reinhardt). RED-NECKED Grebe. Upper
parts brown; front and sides of neck brownish red; head ashy
gray, its top blackish; crests and ruffs not large; below silvery,
the feathers gray within. L. 18. W. 8. B. 2. N. Am., U. S.
in winter. (To the Danish naturalist, C. Holböll.)
aa. Bill much shorter than head. (Dytes Kaup.)
628. C. auritus L. HORNED GREBE. Dark brown; head glossy
black in ; a buffy patch above and behind eye; fore-neck,
breast and sides brownish red; bill compressed, deeper than wide
at base, black, tipped with yellow; ruffs very large, in dense tufts.
L. 14. W. 6. B. 3. N. U. S. and N. (Eu.) (Lat., having
large ears.)
629. C. nigricollis (Brehm). EARED GREBE.
the form of a fan-shaped patch; head, throat and
Crest of in
breast black in
; bill depressed, wider than deep at base. L. 13. W. 51.
Northern regions, the American var. californicus Heermann (W.
U. S., E. to Ill.), with inner webs of inner quills dusky. (Eu.)
(Lat., niger, black; collum, neck.)
320. PODILYMBUS Lesson. (Podiceps-Colymbus.)
630. P. podiceps (L.). DIEDAPPER. DAB-CHICK. Hell-diver.
WATER WITCH. PIED-BILLED GREBE. Chiefly brownish gray;
silvery ash below, spotted with dusky; chin and throat black; bill
216
XXXI.
AVES: PYGOPODES.
bluish, with dark band; young and winter plumage different, the
bill unmarked. but the bird resembles nothing else. L. 14. W. 5.
B. 1. Whole of America, abundant. (Lat., podex, rump; pes, foot.)
FAMILY CXXV. URINATORIDÆ. (THE LOONS.)
Loons.)
Bill long, strong, tapering, acute, wholly hard; nostrils linear.
Head densely and evenly feathered, without ruffs or naked spaces;
eye large. Feet 4-toed, palmate; tarsus reticulate, strongly com-
pressed. Wings comparatively long and strong; tail short but
well developed. Precocial. Genus 1; species 5. Birds of large
size, with strong powers of flight, and pre-eminent in swimming and
diving, but scarcely able to walk; they are migratory, breeding north-
ward, but coming S. in winter; the voice is singularly sharp and wild.
321. URINATOR Cuvier.
a. Tarsus shorter than middle toe, without claw.
631. U. imber (Gunner). COMMON LOON. DIVER. Black;
breast and below chiefly white; head and neck iridescent, black in
summer; a patch of white streaks on each side of neck and on the
throat; back with many white spots; ? duller, brownish above,
without the head markings. L. 28 to 36. W. 14. Ts. 3. B. 3.
Northern Hemisphere; whole U. S. in winter. (Eu.) (Norwegian
name.)
632. U. arcticus (L.). BLACK-THROATED Loon. Similar, but
head and neck behind bluish or hoary gray; foreneck purplish
black, with a crescent of white streaks; duller. L. 28. W. 121.
B. 24. Northern hemisphere, not common in U. S. (Eu.)
aa. Tarsus longer than middle toe with claw.
633. U. lumme (Gunner.) RED-THROATED LOON. Blackish,
streaked on neck, chiefly white below; head and neck mostly bluish
gray; throat with a large chestnut patch in summer; duller.
L. 27. W. 11. B. 2. Northern regions, U. S. in winter. (Eu.)
(Norwegian name.)
FAMILY CXXVI. ALCIDE. (THE AUKS.)
Feet palmate, three-toed; tarsus reticulate or partly scutellate;
suffrago naked; claws ordinary; bill and nostrils various; tail per-
fect, of few feathers; lores feathered; legs variable, set far back;
color variable, the head often with curly crests; altricial; eggs few.
Genera 12; species about 35, living about rocks on rugged shores
in Northern regions. Most of them fly well and all swim on or
under water with equal ease. They feed chiefly on fishes.
a. Inner claw much larger and more curved than the others; corner of mouth
with a
rosette" of thick naked skin; bill greatly compressed, almost as
deep as long. (Fraterculina.)
ALCIDE. CXXVI.
217
•
b. Eyelids with deciduous appendages; no crests; culmen with one curve;
covering of bill moulted in 7 to 9 pieces.
FRATERCULA, 322.
aa. Inner claw similar in size and form to the others; no rosette at corner of
mouth.
b. Bill not very short, the angle of chin much nearer nostril than tip of bill.
c. Nostril exposed, overhung by a horny scale (Phalerinœ); culmen
straight till near tip, then abruptly decurved. CEPPHUS, 323.
cc. Nostril more or less completely concealed by dense velvety feathers.
(Alcinæ.)
URIA, 324.
d. Bill narrow; neither mandible grooved; tail rounded, the feathers
not pointed.
dd. Bill very deep, much compressed, one or both mandibles grooved
in adult; tail graduated, its feathers pointed.
e. Wings well developed; bill (less than 14) much shorter than head.
ALCA, 325.
(about 3).
ee. Wings rudimentary, incapable of flight; bill as long as head
PLAUTUS, 326.
bb. Bill very short and broad, the angle of chin nearer to tip of bill than to
nostril; culmen curved. (Allinæ).
ALLE, 327.
322. FRATERCULA Brisson. (Lat., fraterculus, little brother.)
634. F. arctica (L.). PUFFIN. Grooves of bill oblique, broad
and distinct. Blackish above; a black band across fore-neck
white below. L. 13. B. 1. Arctic, S. to N. J.
323. CEPPHUS Pallas. (кéños, a kind of petrel.)
a. Greater wing-coverts white to their extreme base.
635. C. mandti (Lichtenstein.) Blackish, with large white wing-
patch; nearly white in winter. L. 13. W. 7. B. 1. Arctic, S.
to N. J. (Eu.)
aa. Greater wing-coverts with at least their basal half black.
636. C. grylle (L.). BLACK GUILLEMOT. Bill larger than in
C. mandti; size and colors similar. Arctic, S. to N. J. (Eu.)
(Scandinavian name.)
324. URIA Brisson. (oupía, a water-bird.)
a. Depth of bill at angle of mouth less than culmen.
637. U. troile (L.). MÜRRE. GUILLEMOT. Dusky; second-
aries white-tipped; basal part of upper tomium dusky. L. 17.
W. 8. B. 1. N. Atl., S. to Mass. (Eu.) ("Possibly to Troil,
the Icelander.")
aa. Depth of bill at angle more than culmen.
638. U. lomvia (L.). THICK-BILLED MURRE. Dusky; sec-
ondaries white-tipped; basal part of upper tomium thickened and
light-colored in adult. L. 16. W. 81. B. 11. Arctic, S. to N. J.
(Eu.) (Swedish name.)
325. ALCA Linnæus. (Lat., from alk or auk.)
639. A. torda L. RAZOR-BILLED AUK. Black; lower parts
and tips of secondaries white; snuffy-brown in summer. L. 161.
218
XXXII.
AVES: LONGIPENNES.
W. 81. T. 31. B. 14. N. Atl., S. to Conn. (Eu.) (An old
name.)
Black above; lower
W. 54. B. 31. N.
"HIS GRACE, the
326. PLAUTUS Brünnich. (λós, swimmer.)
640. P. impennis (L.). GREAT AUK.
parts and tips of secondaries white. L. 29.
Atl., formerly S. to Mass.; now wholly extinct.
AUK, who lost the use of his wings, and perished off the earth in
consequence." (Coues.) (Lat., wingless.)
327. ALLE Link.
641. A. alle (L.). DOVEKIE.
(Swedish name.)
L. 8. W. 44.
Upper parts black, the second-
aries tipped with white; sooty-brown in summer.
B.. Arctic, S. to N. J. (Eu.)
ORDER XXXII. LONGIPENNES. (THE LONG-WINGED
SWIMMERS.)
Feet palmate; tibia feathered; legs inserted near the centre of
equilibrium so that the bird stands with the axis of the body nearly
horizontal; hind toe small and elevated, sometimes wanting. Bill
usually long, horny, not serrate nor lamellate; nostrils developed, not
tubular; no gular pouch. Wings very long and pointed; tail well
developed. Palate schizognathous. Altricial. Water birds, of
great powers of flight, feeding chiefly on fishes.
a. Bill with the lower mandible not produced nor specially compressed.
b. Covering of upper mandible in three parts, a hook at tip, a sort of cere
overhanging nostrils, and a lateral piece. STERCORARIIDÆ, 127.
bb. Covering of upper mandible of a single piece pierced by the nostrils.
LARIDA, 128.
aa. Bill with the lower mandible much longer than upper, the terminal part
of both mandibles much compressed, like a knife-blade.
RHYNCHOPIDE, 129.
FAMILY CXXVII. STERCORARIIDÆ. (THE JÆGERS.)
Gull-like birds, with the bill hooked and "cered;" tail square,
with the middle pair of feathers long-exserted; tibia naked below;
tarsus scutellate in front, granular behind. Two genera with 4
species, “marine Raptores," large, vigorous, rapacious, living by
robbing the terns and smaller gulls.
a. Depth of bill at base at least half length of upper mandible (measured along
side); tarsus shorter than middle toe and claw; tail short, nearly even.
MEGALESTRIS, 328.
aa. Depth of bill at base not half length of upper mandible; tarsus longer
than middle toe and claw; middle tail feathers (in adult) very long.
STERCORARIUS, 329.
328. MEGALESTRIS Bonaparte. (uéyas, large; Aŋorpís, pirate.)
642. M. skua (Brünnich). SKUA GULL. Grayish-brown, L.
22. W. 16. B. 2. N. Atl., rarely S. to Mass. (Eu.) (Færoëse
name.)
LARIDÆ CXXVIII.
219
329. STERCORARIUS Brisson. (Lat., scavenger.)
643. S. pomarinus (Temminck). POMARINE JÆGER. Chiefly
blackish, colors varying with age; middle tail feathers broad to
the tip, projecting about 4 inches. L. 20. W. 15. T. 9. B. 14.
Arctic, S. in winter to N. J. (Eu.) (µa, flap; pís, nose.)
644. S. parasiticus (L.). PARASITIC JÆGER. Dark brown;
middle tail feathers acuminate, projecting 4 inches. L. 20. W.
13. T. 51. B. 14. Arctic, S. in winter to N. Y. (Eu.)
645. S. longicaudus (Vieillot). LONG-TAILED JÆGER. Sooty
black; tail feathers filamentous, projecting 8 or 10 inches. L. 22.
W. 12. T. 13. B. 13. Arctic, S. in winter. (Eu.)
FAMILY CXXVIII. LARIDÆ. (THE Gulls.)
Long-winged swimmers, with the nostrils not tubular. Bill usu-
ally long, horny, not serrate nor lamellate; nostrils developed; no
gular pouch. Feet palmate; tibia feathered; legs near centre of
equilibrium; hind toe elevated, small, often wanting. Wings very
long and pointed. Tail well developed. General color usually
white, with a darker mantle of a pearly bluish tint, and commonly
with some black markings. Sexes alike in color, but the plumage
varying much with age and season. Genera about 12; species 90;
abounding about all large bodies of water, and of remarkable
power of flight. Altricial; food chiefly fishes.
a. Bill more or less hooked; (general color chiefly white, with a darker,
bluish, grayish, or slaty mantle); gulls. (Larinæ.)
b. Tarsus rough or serrate behind; tail even.
bb. Tarsus nearly entire behind.
GAVIA, 330.
c. Hind toe rudimentary or wanting, with minute claw or none; tail
slightly emarginate.
cc. Hind toe small, but with a perfect claw.
d. Tail even. .
dd. Tail forked.
•
RISSA, 331.
LARUS, 332.
XEMA, 333.
aa. Bill not hooked, the mandibles even; tail deeply forked (in our species).
(Sterninæ.)
e. Tail much more than wing, its outer feathers narrow and pointed; toes
well webbed. (Color chiefly white, with a black cap in full plumage,
and the quills dusky with a long white stripe.)
•
GELOCHELIDON, 334.
STERNA, 335.
f. Bill stout, its depth at base equal to culmen.
ff. Bill slender, its depth at base not its length.
ee. Tail little more than wing, its outer feathers broad and rounded;
toes scant-webbed; colors dark.
HYDROCHELIDON, 336.
330. GAVIA Boie.
646. G. alba (Gunner).
young spotted; feet black.
rarely to U. S., in winter.
Ivory Gull. Adults pure white;
L. 16 to 20. W. 13. B. 11. Arctic,
(Eu.)
220
AVES: LONGIPENNES. XXXII.
331. RISSA Leach. (Icelandic name.)
647. R. tridactyla (L.). KITTIWAKE GULL. Mantle bluish-
gray; head, etc., white; hind claw a minute knob, sometimes ab-
sent. L. 16 to 18. W. 12. Arctic, S. in winter to N. Y. (Eu.)
(Lat., tres, three; dactylus, digit.)
332. LARUS Linnæus. (ápos, gull.)
a. Head entirely white in adult in summer (young more or less dusky on
head, etc.); mantle grayish blue, or dusky; lower parts white. (Larus.)
b. Primaries, without any black, pearly-gray, whitish at tip.
648. L. glaucus Brünnich. ICE GULL. BURGOMASTER. Bill
yellow with red spot on lower mandible; large. L. 30. W. 18.
T. 8. B. 21. Arctic regions; S. in winter to N. Y. (Eu.)
(γλαυκός, bluish.)
649. L. leucopterus Faber. ICELAND GULL. Similar but
smaller. L. 25. W. 15. T. 6. B. 1. Same region. (Eu.)
(λευκός, white; πτερόν, wing.)
bb. Primaries with white and dusky (sometimes all black in young).
c. Dark spaces on primaries gray.
650. L. kumlieni Brewster. Similar to L. leucopterus. L. 24.
W. 16. B. 12. Greenland to N. Y. (To Ludwig Kumlien.)
cc. Dark spaces on primaries black.
d. Shafts of primaries white throughout.
651. L. marinus L. GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL.
blackish slate color; largest of our gulls. L. 30.
Feet flesh-colored. N. Atl., S. in winter to N. Y.
Mantle
W. 18. B. 21.
(Eu.)
dd. Shafts of primaries black in the black markings.
652. L. argentatus Brünnich. HERRING GULL. COMMON GULL.
Mantle pearly-gray; bill plain. L. 25. W. 17. B. 24. Feet flesh-
colored. Northern regions, abundant on all bodies of water. The
American form (var. smithsonianus Coues) has the white of outer
quill separated from the rest by a band of black. (Eu.)
653. L. delawarensis Ord. RING-BILLED GULL. Mantle
pearly-gray; feet yellowish; bill yellowish, a black band at the
tip in adult; smaller. L. 20. W. 15. B. 1. N. Am., abundant,
S. to Mex.
aa. Head black or dusky in adult in summer (more or less pale in young);
mantle gray; lower parts, etc., white, rosy in breeding season. (Chræ-
cocephalus Eyton.)
e. Tarsus much longer than middle toe and claw.
654. L. atricilla (L.). BLACK-HEADED OR LAUGHING GULL.
Bill and feet dusky; reddish in summer. L. 15 to 17. W. 13. T.
5. B. 1. E. U. S., coastwise. (Lat., ater, black; cilla, tail.)
ee. Tarsus not longer than middle toe and claw.
LARIDE.
221
CXXVIII.
655. L. franklini Swainson & Richardson.
FRANKLIN'S ROSY
GULL. Bill and feet carmine; bill usually with a dark band near
tip; medium. L. 14. W. 11. B. 1. U. S., chiefly W. of the
Miss. R. (To Sir John Franklin.)
Bill black,
656. L. philadelphia Ord. BONAPARTE'S GULL.
slender, tern-like; small. L. 13. W. 10. B. 1. N. Am., abundant.
333. XEMA Leach. (A coined word.)
657. X. sabinei (Sabine). FORKED-TAIL GULL. Largely white,
a black hood and collar. L. 14. W. 11. Arctic, S. in winter
to N. Y. (To Edward Sabine.)
334. GELOCHELIDON Brehm. (yeλáw, to laugh; xeλidóv,
swallow.)
658. G. nilotica (Hasselquist). GULL-BILLED TERN. Bill
black, very short and stout; head black; mantle pearly-gray. L.
15. W. 12. Atlantic, N. to Mass. (Eu.)
335. STERNA Linnæus.
a. Wing more than 9.
b. Wing more than 12.
(Eng. tern, or sterne.)
c. Tail much less than half wing, not deeply forked; occipital feathers
short. (Thalasseus Boie.)
659. S. tschegrava Lepechin. CASPIAN TERN. Primaries with-
out white band; bill red. L. 22. W. 17. T. 6. B. 3. Northern
regions; scarce in Amer., much the largest of the terns. (Eu.)
cc. Tail more than one half wing, forked half its length; occiput crested.
(Actochelidon Kaup.)
U. S.
660. S. maxima Boddaert. ROYAL TERN. Bill orange. L.
18 to 21. W. 15. T. 8. B. 21.
661. S. sandvicensis Latham. SANDWICH TERN. Bill black,
yellow at tip. L. 16. W. 121. T. 6. B. 21.
T. 6. B. 24. Atlantic, N. to
Mass., rare. (Eu.) Ours is var. acufiavidus Cabot.
bb. Wing less than 12; tail deeply forked; no crest; mantle bluish-gray,
the tail chiefly white; inner webs of quills largely white. (Sterna.)
d. Top of head black in summer.
e. Outer tail-feather with the inner web dusky, the outer web white.
662. S. forsteri Nuttall. FORSTER'S TERN. Larger than next,
tail longer and wings shorter; bill and feet orange in adult. L. 15.
W. 10. T. 7. B. 1½. N. Am., common. (To John Reinhold
Forster.)
ee. Outer tail-feather with inner web white; outer web dusky.
663. S. hirundo L. COMMON TERN. Bill red, blackening to-
wards tip; feet orange. L. 141 (13 to 16). W. 10 (9½ to 11º).
T. 6 (5 to 7). B. 13. Atlantic coasts, abundant. (Eu.) (Lat.,
hirundo, swallow.)
222
XXXIII.
AVES: TUBINARES.
664. S. paradisæa Brünnich. ARCTIC TERN. Bill carmine
throughout; plumage as in hirundo, but darker below. L. 14 to
17. W. 10 to 11. T. 7 to 8. B. 13. Smaller than hirundo, but
tail proportionally much longer. Arctic, S. to N. Y. (Eu.)
eee. Outer tail-feather with both webs white.
665. S. dougalli Montagu. ROSEATE TERN. Bill black, usu-
ally orange at base below; mantle very pale; rosy-tinted below in
breeding season. L. 14 to 17. W. 9½. T. 5 to 8. B. 13. Atlan-
tic coast. (Eu.) (To Dr. McDougall, of Scotland.)
aa. Wing less than 7; tail deeply forked, about half wing. (Sternula Boie.)
666. S. antillarum Lesson. LEAST TERN. Bill yellow, usually
tipped with black; a white frontal crescent between cap and bill;
shafts of two or more outer primaries black above; mantle pale
gray; very small. L. 8 or 9. W. 61. T. 3½. B. 1f. E. U. S.,
chiefly abundant coastwise.
336. HYDROCHELIDON Boie. (dwp, water; xeλidóv, swallow.)
667. H. nigra (L.). BLACK TERN. Head, neck and under parts
black (in full plumage); wings and tail above dark like the back ;
crissum white. L. 10. W. 8. T. 3. B. 1. N. Am., chiefly
inland. (Eu.) The American var. surinamensis (Gmelin) is
darker than the European form.
FAMILY CXXIX. RHYNCHOPIDA. (THE SKIMMERS.)
Gulls with the lower mandible much longer than the upper, com-
pressed like a knife-blade; its two sides completely soldered to-
gether; the upper edge as sharp as the lower, and fitting in a
groove in upper mandible; tip of bill obtuse; upper jaw com-
pressed, movable at base; tongue very short, stumpy. Wings very
long. Otherwise similar to the terns. One genus, with 3 species.
(ρύγχος,
337. RHYNCHOPS Linnæus. (PÚyXos, beak; l, face.)
668. R. nigra L. BLACK SWIMMER. CUTWATER. Glossy
black; white below; lower mandible about an inch longer than
upper. L. 17 to 20. W. 15. T. 5, sharply forked. B. 24.
Tropical Amer., N. to N. J., abundant southward.
ORDER XXXIII. TUBINARES. (THE TUBE-NOSED
SWIMMERS.)
Nostrils tubular; bill with the upper mandible hooked, its cover-
ing composed of several pieces separated by deep grooves. Other-
wise essentially like the Longipennes so far as external characters
are concerned.
a. Nostrils united in a double tube, placed horizontally on the culmen.
PROCELLARIIDÆ, 130.
PROCELLARIIDE.
223
CXXX.
FAMILY CXXX. PROCELLARIIDE. (THE PETRELS.)
Nostrils tubular, united together in a double tube placed hori-
zontally. Bill hooked at tip, its covering not continuous, consisting
of several horny pieces separated by deep grooves; hind toe minute
or absent. Wings long and pointed; tail moderate; feet short, the
front toes full-webbed. Plumage compact and oily, not varying
much with sex, age or season. Gregarious sea-birds, mostly silent,
with remarkable powers of flight, rarely landing except to lay their
eggs. Genera about 12; species about 70. Closely allied to the
Petrels are the Albatrosses (Diomedeida), huge sea-birds with the
nostrils disconnected, not united in a horizontal “double-barrelled
tube." These families together constitute the order or suborder of
“ Tubinares.”
a. Secondaries 13 or more in number.
b. Wing long (more than 7).
c. Partition between nostrils very thin (much narrower than nostril).
d. Gonys very slightly if at all concave, shorter than nasal tubes.
FULMARUS, 338.
dd. Gonys very strongly concave, longer than nasal tubes.
ESTRELATA, 340.
cc. Partition between nostrils very thick, as wide as nostril; nostrils
visible from above.
bb. Wings shorter (less than 7).
e. Tail even or slightly rounded.
ee. Tail slightly forked.
•
•
PUFFINUS, 339.
PROCELLARIA, 341.
OCEANODROMA, 342.
aa. Secondaries 10; tarsus not scutellate; legs long; claws narrow, pointed.
OCEANITES, 343.
338. FULMARUS Leach. (Eng. fulmar.)
669. F. glacialis (L.). FULMAR. Bill stout, nearly half as deep
as long; nasal tubes dusky. Color bluish gray or dusky. L. 18.
W. 12. B. 1. The American bird (var. minor Kjærb.) considerably
smaller. N. Atl., S. to Mass. (Eu.)
339. PUFFINUS Brisson. (Eng., puffin.)
a. Dusky above; white below.
b. Wing more than 12.
670. P. borealis Cory. White of throat shading gradually into
dusky of head and neck. L. 21. W. 14. B. 2}. Off Mass.
671. P. major Faber. GREATER SHEARWATER. White of
throat separated rather abruptly from dusky of head and neck;
rump with white.
L. 20. W. 12. B. 14. Atlantic, abundant.
(Eu.)
bb. Wing less than 10.
672. P. auduboni Finsch. Crissum with dusky. L. 11. W. 8.
T. 31. B. 14. Tropics, N. to N. J. (To John James Audubon.)
aa. Dusky below as well as above.
224
XXXIV.
AVES: STEGANOPODES.
Bill
673. P. stricklandi Ridgway. SOOTY SHEARWATER.
dusky. L. 16. W. 12. B. 13. Atlantic, N. to Grand Banks.
(To Hugh Strickland.)
340. ÆSTRELATA Bonaparte. (olorphλaros, goaded on by a
gad-fly.)
674. Æ. hæsitata (Kuhl). BLACK-CAPPED PETREL. Upper tail-
coverts and lower parts white; upper parts mostly blackish; tail
graduated. L. 16. W. 11. T. 5. B. 13. Atlantic, N. to N. Y.,
scarce. (Eu.) (Lat., hæsitatus, stuck-fast, the describer being in
doubt.)
341. PROCELLARIA Linnæus. (Lat., stormy.)
675. P. pelagica L. STORM PETREL. Dusky; upper tail cov-
erts white, edged with black. L. 5. W. 43. T. 21. N. Atl.,
rarely S. (Eu.)
342. OCEANODROMA Reichenbach. (QKeavós ocean; dpóμos,
running.)
676. O. leucorhoa Vieillot.
LEACH'S PETREL. Sooty, upper
tail coverts white; feet black. L. 8. W. 61. T. 4. Northern
Seas. (Eu.) (EUKós, white; oppos, rump.)
343. OCEANITES Keyserling & Blasius. (wкeavítŋs, a son of
the sea.)
677. O. oceanicus (Kuhl). WILSON'S PETREL. Sooty; wings
and tail black; upper tail coverts white. L. 7. W. 6. T. 3.
Tarsus 1. Cosmopolitan, common. (Eu.)
ORDER XXXIV. STEGANOPODES. (THE TOTIPALMATE
BIRDS.)
Desmognathous swimmers with all four toes full-webbed; hind
toe lengthened, scarcely elevated; tibia feathered; bill horny, not
lamellate; nostrils very small or abortive; no basipterygoids; a
prominent gular pouch; tarsus reticulate. Altricial. "Notwith-
standing the shortness of the legs and the character of the toes,
the birds of the present order are unquestionably nearly re-
lated to the Herodii” (Stejneger). Of this small order, most of the
species are sea-birds, active and voracious, about half of all being
cormorants. (σteyavós, covered; πoús, foot.)
Families of Steganopodes.
a. Upper mandible not hooked at tip.
b. Bill very thick through base, the tip slightly curved; tail moderate,
graduated, the feathers rather pointed.
bb. Bill slender, nearly straight; neck very long and
fan-shaped when spread, the feathers very broad.
aa. Upper mandible hooked at tip.
SULIDE, 131.
slender; tail long,
ANHINGIDA, 132.
SULIDE.
225
CXXXI.
c. Tarsus moderate, much longer than hind toe with claw.
d. Bill compressed; gular sac small.
dd. Bill much flattened; gular sac very large.
•
•
PHALACROCORACIDÆ, 133.
PELECANIDE, 134.
cc. Tarsus extremely short, not longer than hind toe with claw; wings
and tail excessively long, the latter deeply forked.
FREGATIDE, 135.
FAMILY CXXXI. SULIDE. (THE GANNETS.)
Bill long, cleft to beyond eyes, very stout at base, the tip not
hooked, the tomia irregularly serrate; a nasal groove, but the nos-
tril abortive; gular sac small, naked; wings long, pointed; tail
long and stiff, with pointed feathers; feet stout. Body heavy,
similar to that of a goose, the tissues under the skin with air-
chambers as in the Pelicans. One genus with 5 or 6 species.
Gregarious sea-birds, found in most regions.
344. SULA Brisson. (French, Sule.)
a. Lower jaw, chin and throat densely feathered. (Dysporus.)
678. S. bassana L. GANNET. White, black on wings; yellow-
ish on head; young dark brown, spotted. L. 36.
B. 6. N. Atl., S. to Florida, common N.
Rock, Eng., where Gannets breed.)
W. 20. T. 10.
(Eu.) (From Bass
FAMILY CXXXII. ANHINGIDÆ. (THe Darters.)
Bill very long, straight, slender, sharp, the tomia finely serrate;
gular sac small, naked; nostrils minute, becoming obsolete; tail long,
stiff, fan-shaped, when spread, the feathers broad, the middle pair
in the adult transversely corrugated. Neck long, very slender, the
vertebræ (20 in number) of peculiar structure; feet short, far
back. A single genus, with 3 or 4 species; swift, wary birds, their
movements in the water resembling those of a snake.
345. ANHINGA Brisson. (Port., anhina; Lat., anguina, snaky.)
679. A. anhinga (L.). DARTER. SNAKE-BIRD. WATER TUR-
KEY. Chiefly black, with greenish lustre above; neck with hair-
like plumes; largely buffy, back with pale streaks. L. 35. W.
14. T. 11. B. 31. Tropical Am., N. to S. Ill.
FAMILY CXXXIII. PHALACROCORACIDÆ. (THE
CORMORANTS.)
Bill slender, about as long as head, nearly terete, but compressed,
strongly hooked, the cutting edges uneven; gular pouch small.
Wings short; tail very large, almost scansorial, of very stiff feath-
ers, often used as a support for the body; legs set far back; a
nasal groove with abortive nostrils. Colors in both sexes lustrous,
iridescent black; in the breeding season usually with long, white,
15
226
XXXIV.
AVES STEGANOPODES.
filamentous plumes; many species crested. Genus one; species
25; of most regions, chiefly inhabiting rocky coasts, where they
are gregarious and voracious.
346. PHALACROCORAX Brisson. (paλakpós, bald; kópaέ,
raven.)
a. Tail of 14 feathers.
680. P. carbo (L.).
COMMON CORMORANT. SHAG. Head,
neck and belly blue-black; back brownish, streaked with black;
young grayish; sac flesh-color, heart-shaped behind. L. 36. W.
T. 7. B. 21. Northern regions, S. to N. J. (Eu.) (Lat.,
14.
coal.)
aa. Tail of 12 feathers.
681. P. dilophus (Swainson). DOUBLE-CRESTED Cormorant.
Glossy greenish black; back and wing coverts slaty brown; adult
with two curly black lateral crests; sac convex or straight-edged
behind, yellowish. L. 33. W. 13. T. 7. N. Am.; our common-
est species. (dís, twice; λópos, crest.)
682. P. mexicanus (Brandt). MEXICAN CORMORANT. Brown-
ish black; back slaty; gular sac orange, white-edged. L. 24.
W. 10. B. 2. S. W., N. to S. Ill.
FAMILY CXXXIV. PELECANIDÆ. (THE Pelicans.)
Bill very long, rather slender, straight, grooved throughout, with
a claw-like hook at the end; the broad space between the branches
of the lower jaw occupied by a huge membranous sac; nostrils abor-
tive; wings very long; tail very short, of 20 or more feathers;
feet short, stout. Skin of breast and belly with large air-cells be-
neath it, so that the body is rendered better able to float. These
air-cells occupy the usual position of the fat-cells. Sexes alike.
Genus one; species 6; found in most warm regions. Gregarious,
greedy fish-eating birds, clumsy on the wing.
347. PELECANUS Linnæus. (πeλekáv, pelican.)
a. Tail-feathers 24; lower jaw feathered. (Cyrtopelicanus Reich.)
683. P. erythrorhynchos Gmelin. WHITE PELICAN. White
with black on wings and some yellowish; pouch reddish or yel-
lowish. L. 60. W. 24. B. 12. N. Am., abundant S. and W.,
often inland. Farther S. occurs the Brown Pelican, P. fuscus L.,
chiefly dusky grayish in color. (épv@pós, red; púyxos, beak.)
FAMILY CXXXV. FREGATIDÆ. (THE MAN-OF-WAR
BIRDS.)
Bill long, rather slender, straight, strongly hooked at tip. Gular
sac moderate. Wings very long and pointed; tail very long, deeply
forked; feet very small, the short, feathered tarsus very short;
the webbing narrow; middle claw pectinate.
ANATIDÆ.
227
CXXXVI.
Sea birds of tropical regions, the immense wings giving them a
power of flight surpassed by no other bird. They live mainly by
robbing the terns and gulls, which they watch, often from great
heights in the air. The two species range widely in the warm seas.
348. FREGATA Cuvier. (Ital., frigate.)
684. F aquila (L.). MAN O' WAR BIRD. Black, the shoulders
lustrous in d. L. 40. W. 25. T. 17. B. 43. Tropical seas,
occasional N. (Lat., eagle.)
Order XXXV. ANSERES. (THE DUCKS AND GEESE.)
Desmognathous swimmers with the basipterygoids more or less.
developed and the feet not totipalmate; bill lamellate; no gular
pouch. Feet 4-toed, palmate; hind toe small, elevated. Legs
short. This order (often called Lamellirostres, associated with the
Flamingoes, etc., to form the Chenomorphæ of Huxley and Stejne-
ger) "opens the series of desmognathous birds, which are char-
acterized by having the palatal bones united across the middle
either directly or by the intermediation of ossifications in the nasal
septum." (Stejneger.)
This familiar order contains nearly all the Water-fowl which are
valued in domestication or as game birds. As here understood,
the Anseres comprise but a single family, the Phoenicopteridæ or
Flamingoes, wading birds with a duck's bill, being placed in a
distinct order Odontoglossa, by the American Ornithologists'
Union.
FAMILY CXXXVI. ANATIDE. (THE DUCKS.)
Bill lamellate, i. e., furnished along each cutting edge with a
regular series of tooth-like processes, which correspond to certain
laciniate processes of the fleshy tongue, which ends in a horny tip;
bill large, thick, high at base, depressed towards the end, mem-
branous except at the obtuse tip which is occupied by a horny
nail. Body heavy, flattened beneath. Head high, compressed,
with sloping forehead; eyes small. Tail various, usually short, of
14 to 16 feathers, the lower coverts being long and full. Legs
and feet short; anterior toes full-webbed. Tibia feathered. Sexes
usually quite unlike (excepting among the Swans and Geese). Spe-
cies about 175, of all parts of the world; migratory; all are good
swimmers.
a. Neck shorter than body; lores feathered.
b. Tarsus scutellate in front, shorter than middle toe without claw. Sexes
unlike.
Ducks.
c. Lower mandible without trace of lamellæ along the side, but with a
series of distinct, tooth-like serrations along the upper edge (inner
228
XXXV.
AVES: ANSERES.
tomium); bill narrow, head more or less crested; hind toe lobate.
Fish ducks. (Mergina.)
•
d. Serrations of both mandibles very conspicuous, tooth-like, strongly
recurved at tip.
MERGANSER, 349.
dd. Serrations of mandibles short, blunt, not distinctly recurved at tips.
LOPHODYTES, 350.
cc. Lower mandible with a very distinct series of lamellæ along side be-
sides the series along upper edge; bill rather broad. (Anatinæ.)
e. Hind toe without distinct membranous lobe; "river ducks.”
x. Bill not spatulate, scarcely widened toward tip.
y. Tail feathers narrow, rather pointed, no crest.
•
2. Tail not very acute, the middle feathers not produced in ♂
(speculum green, violet or white).
ANAS, 351.
zz. Tail pointed, the middle feathers much produced in ♂; ?
with tail much shorter (speculum violet). DAFILA, 353.
yy. Tail feathers broad, rounded at tip; ♂ with a high crest.
Aix, 354.
xx. Bill spatulate, narrow at base and very broad toward the tip.
SPATULA, 352.
ee. Hind toe with a broad, membranaceous lobe; "sea-ducks."
f. Tail feathers with their bases well hidden by the coverts.
g. Feathering on lores or forehead not reaching forward beyond
posterior border of nostril.
h. Graduation of tail less than length of bill from nostril;
width of nail not one-third width of bill at middle.
AYTHYA, 355.
hh. Graduation of tail much more than length of bill from
nostril.
i. Bill ordinary, not gibbous nor appendaged.
j. Nail of bill narrow, distinct; tail moderate.
k. Nostril anterior, its front much nearer tip of bill than
loral feathers (eyes yellow). GLAUCIONETTA, 356.
kk. Nostril sub-basal, its front much nearer loral feathers
than tip of bill; (eyes brown).
CHARITONETTA, 357.
jj. Nail of bill large, fused; tail in ♂ with its middle
feathers produced, about as long as wing; (no specu-
CLANGULA, 358.
lum).
•
•
ii. Bill variously gibbous or else appendaged on base or on
side.
1. Bill not gibbous, but appendaged with a lobe at
base of commissure; (speculum violet).
HISTRIONICUs, 359.
7. Bill not gibbous, but with a leathery expansion on
side of upper mandible; cheeks bristly; (specu-
•
CAMPTOLAIMUS, 360.
lum white).
Ill. Bill gibbous at base, then broad, depressed, with
a large fused nail and without frontal processes.
OIDEMIA, 362.
gg. Feathering on forehead or lores reaching anteriorly to or be-
yond posterior end of nostril; bill gibbous at base and
with large frontal processes; (no speculum).
SOMATERIA, 361.
ANATIDE.
229
CXXXVI.
ff. Tail feathers with their bases scarcely concealed by the short
coverts; tail more than half length of wing, much graduated,
the feathers with narrow webs and very stiff shafts.
m. Nail of bill very small, bent backward beneath
tip of upper mandible; outer toe longer than
middle.
ERISMATURA, 363.
•
mm. Nail of bill normal, not very narrow; outer
toe shorter than middle toe.
NOMONYX, 364.
bb. Tarsus reticulate all around, the plates rather larger in front; tarsus
not shorter than middle toe without claw. Sexes similar. Geese.
(Anserinæ.)
q. Serræ on tomium of upper mandible visible from outside for most
of its length; tomium decidedly sinuate or concave; (bill and feet
pale).
r. Bill very stout, its depth at base more than half its length above.
(Color largely white.).
CHEN, 365.
rr. Bill smaller and more depressed, its depth at base not half its
length. (Color not white.)
ANSER, 366.
qq. Serræ on upper tomium scarcely visible except near angle of mouth,
the tomium scarcely sinuate; nostril near middle of nasal fossa;
(head, bill and feet mostly black).
•
•
•
BRANTA, 367.
aa. Neck not shorter than body; lores partly naked. Color white. Swans.
(Cygninæ.)
8. Bill not tuberculate; tail rounded; outer primaries with sinuate
webs.
OLOR, 368.
•
349. MERGANSER Brisson. (Lat., mergus, diver; anser,
goose.)
a. Nostril nearer middle of bill than base.
GOOSANDER.
685. M. americanus (Cassin). MERGANSER.
FISH DUCK. black and white above, lower parts creamy
white; a black bar across white of wing coverts; head glossy
green, scarcely crested; ? smaller, ashy gray; head brownish.
L. 24. W. 11. B. 2. T. 5. N. Am., common.
aa. Nostrils near base of bill.
686. M. serrator (L.). RED-BREASTED MERGANSER. Similar;
head crested; ♂ with breast reddish brown, black-streaked; wing
with two black bars, instead of one as in preceding. L. 24. W. 9.
T. 4. B. 2. N. Am., abundant. (Eu.) (Lat., one who saws.)
350. LOPHODYTES Reichenbach. (λópos, crest; dúrns, diver.)
687. L. cucullatus (L.). HOODED MERGANSER. SHELDRAKE.
Black and white; speculum white with 2 dark bars; sides chestnut
in♂; duller and grayish; crest high and compressed; nostrils
sub-basal. L. 19. W. 8. T. 4. B. 1. N. Am., common. (Eu.)
(Lat., hooded.)
230
AVES: ANSERES. XXXV.
351. ANAS Linnæus. (Lat., duck.)
a. Culmen longer than middle toe without claw.
b. Speculum violet, bordered with black; bill greenish-yellow; L. more
than 20. (Anas.)
688. A. boschas L. MALLARD DUCK. TAME DUCK. ♂ head
and upper neck rich glossy green, a white ring below; breast
purplish chestnut; speculum violet, with black and white before
and behind it; duller, chiefly dull ochraceous, streaked with
dark brown. L. 24. W. 12. N. Am., abundant; commonest
westward. Original of the common domestic duck; various hy-
brids of this species with others are described. (Eu.) (Bookás,
mallard.)
689. A. obscura Gmelin. BLACK DUCK. Size of mallard and
resembling the Q, but darker; both sexes entirely dusky, varied
with brown; no decided white except under the wings. E. U. S.,
common W. to Iowa.
bb. Speculum green; bill dusky; L. less than 20.
c. Wing-coverts in both sexes sky-blue, the greater white tipped; scapu-
lars in ♂ striped with blue and buff; bill rather broad; head not
crested. (Querquedula Stephens.)
690. A. discors L. BLUE-WINGED TEAL. ♂ head and neck
blackish plumbeous, darkest on the crown; a white crescent in
front of eye; under parts thickly spotted; ? dull streaky brown-
ish and buffy, known by the wings. L. 16. W. 7. T. 3. E. U. S.,
W. to Rocky Mts., abundant. (Lat., discordant.)
691. A. cyanoptera Vieillot.
chestnut; top of head blackish;
CINNAMON TEAL. ♂ chiefly
dull and streaky. L. 17. W.
74. S. W., straying E. to Ill. (kúavos, blue; πrepóv, wing.)
cc. Wing coverts leaden gray, without blue; scapulars waved with black
and white; bill very narrow; head slightly crested. (Nettion
Kaup.)
Head
692. A. carolinensis Gmelin. GREEN-WINGED TEAL.
and upper neck rich chestnut in ♂; a green patch behind eye;
upper parts with wavings of black and white; white below; buffy
on breast, with dark spots; ? different, known by the small size
and color of wing; white crescent on sides in front of wings.
L. 15. W. 7. T. 34. N. Am., common; one of the best of the
ducks as food.
aa. Culmen shorter than middle toe without claw.
d. Lamellæ numerous, fine, more than 30 visible from outside; bill not
shorter than head. (Chaulelasmus Bonaparte.)
693. A. strepera L. GADWALL. GRAY DUCK. ♂ barred, black
and white, middle wing coverts chestnut, greater coverts black,
speculum white; dusky and tawny with little chestnut, known
ANATIDE.
231
CXXXVI.
by the wings. L. 22. W. 11. T. 4. N. Am., not rare. (Eu.)
(Lat., obstreperous.)
dd. Lamellæ coarser, less than 15 visible externally; bill shorter than head.
(Mareca Stephens.)
Head and
694. A. penelope (L.). EUROPEAN WIDgeon.
neck cinnamon; in ♂ top of head brownish white; sides of head
with slight traces of green. Europe; rare in America. (Eu.)
695. A. americana (Gmelin). AMERICAN WIDGEON. BALD-
Head and neck grayish in ♂, speckled with dusky; top of
head white; sides of head with bright green patch; speculum
glossy-green, preceded by black, white, and gray on wing-coverts;
? duller. L. 20. W. 11. T. 41. N. Am., abundant. (Eu.)
PATE.
352. SPATULA Boie. (Lat., spoon.)
696. S. clypeata (L.). SHOVELLER. SPOON-BILL DUCK. ↑
head and neck green; breast white; belly chestnut; wing coverts
blue; speculum green, bordered by black and white; rump and tail
coverts black; streaky brownish, known by the bill and wings.
L. 20. W. 9. B. 24. N. Am., common. (Eu.) (Lat., clypeum,
shield.)
353. DAFILA Stephens. (A coined word.)
697. D. acuta (L.). PIN-TAIL. SPRIG-TAIL. ♂ head dark
brown with purplish gloss; side of neck with a long white stripe;
back gray, finely waved with darker; lower parts white; crissum
black; sides finely waved; speculum violet, with black, white, and
buffy; tail cuneate when developed, central feathers black and
much projecting; speckled and streaked; tail much shorter;
bill dusky; feet grayish blue. L. 20 to 30. W. 11. T. 9 or less.
N. Am. common, a slender, trim-built duck. (Eu.)
354. AIX Boie. (atę, a water-bird; dtoow, to spring.)
698. A. sponsa (L.). WOOD DUCK. SUMMER DUCK. Crested;
♂ head iridescent green and purple, with white stripes and a
forked white throat patch; back varied, black, green, etc.; breast
rich chestnut; sides buffy, very finely waved with dark; speculum
green; tips of primaries frosted; ? duller, head mostly gray;
varied with white. L. 20. W. 9. T. 5. U. S. frequent; nesting
in trees, the most elegant of all ducks. (Lat., bride.)
355. AYTHYA Boie. (aïovia, a sea-bird.)
a. Bill not wider toward its end than at base; ♂ with head and neck reddish.
b. Bill much shorter than middle toe without claw, the nail hooked.
(Aythya.)
699. A. americana (Eyton). RED HEAD. POCHARD. I
head and neck chestnut with red reflections; back mixed silvery
232
XXXV.
AVES: ANSERES.
and black, the dark waved lines unbroken; breast, rump, etc.,
black; belly white; speculum bluish gray, tipped with white; Q
duller; bill and feet dull bluish. L. 20. W. 10. T. 3. B. 27.
N. Am., abundant.
b. Bill as long as middle toe without claw, its tip flattened, the nail little
hooked. (Aristonetta Baird.)
700. A. vallisneria (Wilson). CANVAS-BACK DUCK. Head
and neck dark reddish brown; black wavy lines on back broken,
the whitish predominating; bill dusky. L. 23. W. 9. T. 3.
B. 23. N. Am.; especially coastwise in winter; a bird highly
valued by epicures, but ordinarily not superior to any of the river-
ducks. (Vallisneria spiralis, the "Water Celery,” on which the
bird feeds.)
aa. Bill wider toward end than at base; with head and neck black. (Fu-
ligula Stephens.)
c. Speculum white, tipped with black.
701. A. marila (L.). BIG SCAUP DUCK. BLUE BILL. RAFT
DUCK. FLOCKING FOWL. Head, neck, and breast black; no
ring about neck; back and sides whitish, the back finely waved
with black; ? with face white; the head and neck snuffy brown.
L. 20. W. 9. Northern regions, the American bird is var.
nearctica Stejneger, its 6 inner quills without white on inner web.
(uapin, charcoal.)
702. A. affinis (Eyton). LESSER SCAUP DUCK. Similar, but
smaller; the sides vermiculate with blackish. L. 16. W. 8. T.
21. N. Am. (Lat., related.)
cc. Speculum bluish gray.
with an
703. A. collaris (Donovan). RING-NECKED DUCK.
orange brown collar about neck; blackish above; crissum black;
lower parts white; wings brown; 9 chiefly brown, without collar.
L. 18. W. 8. T. 24. N. Am. (Lat., collared.)
356. GLAUCIONETTA Stejneger.
VITTа, duck.)
(yλaúkov, an old name;
(γλαύκιον,
704. G. clangula (L.). GOLDEN-EYE. GARROT. ♂ head puffy,
glossy green with a round white spot before eye not touching bill;
upper parts black; white continuous on outer surface of wing; Q
head duller, snuff-colored and scarcely puffy, the body brownish.
L. 16 to 19. W. 8. T. 31. N. Am., common; "meat bad, rank
and fishy." (Eu.) The Amer. bird is var. americana Bonap.
705. G. islandica (Gmelin). BARROW'S GOLDEN-EYE. Similar;
head almost crested in ♂; gloss of head purplish; a roundish white
space before eye touching base of bill; white of wing divided by a
dark line; ? head dark brown. L. 22. W. 10. T. 34. N. U. S.
and N.; rare. (Eu.) (From Iceland.)
ANATIDE.
233
CXXXVI.
357. CHARITONETTA Stejneger. (xápis, grace; vîrra, duck.)
706. C. albeola (L.). DIPPER. BUFFLE-HEAD. BUTTER-BAll.
SPIRIT DUCK. ♂ with head very puffy and iridescent; no white
before eye but a large white ear patch; wing coverts and second-
aries mostly white. L. 16. W. 7.
L. 16. W. 7. smaller, dark gray, the
head scarcely puffy, with white behind eye. N. Am., abundant;
an expert diver. (Lat., whitish.)
358. CLANGULA Leach. (Lat., clangor, a noise.)
707. C. hyemalis (L.). SOUTH-SOUTHERLY. OLD SQUAW.
LONG-TAILED DUCK. Blackish and whitish; head, neck and lower
parts mostly white in winter; a patch of gray on head; breast
brownish black; bill black and orange; tail very long; ? quite
different, mostly grayish brown, with short tail. L. 20 W. 9.
T. 3 ( 9 ) to 9 (J). Northern, S. in winter; said to be melodious.
(Eu.)
359. HISTRIONICUS Lesson. (From Lat., histrio, harlequin.)
708. H. histrionicus (L.). HARLEQUIN DUCK. "LORDS AND
LADIES." ♂ leaden bluish, much varied with black, white, and
chestnut; a white patch before eye; speculum violet purple; ?
dark brown, with gray, etc.; a white spot before eye and one behind
ear; bill very short. L. 17. W. 8. T. 4. B. 1. Atlantic,
S. to N. Y. (Eu.)
360. CAMPTOĻAIMUS Gray. (kaµπrós, flexible; λatuós, throat.)
709. C. labradorius (Gmelin). LABRADOR Duck. ♂ head,
neck, chest, and wings white; rest of body with ring about neck
and strip on crown black; ? chiefly grayish. L. 24. W. 9. N.
Atl., very rare, or perhaps extinct.
361. SOMATERIA Leach. EIDER Ducks.
(σῶμα, body ; ἔριον, wool.)
a. Frontal processes long, acute, clubbed, extending in line with culmen on
each side of forehead; feathers on side of bill advancing to below nos-
tril; ♂ with scapulars white; top of head black; no V-mark on chin.
(Somateria.)
710. S. dresseri Sharpe. AMERICAN EIDER DUCK. ♂ in
breeding dress white; under parts, rump, quills, and crown patch
black; reddish brown, streaked; angle on side of forehead
broad and rounded. L. 24.
L. 24. W. 12. T. 4. Arctic Am.; S. to
Maine in winter. (Eu.) (To H. E. Dresser, an Eng. Orn.)
aa. Frontal processes broad, squarish, nearly vertical, out of line of culmen;
feathers on side of bill not reaching nostrils. (Erionetta Coues.)
711. S. spectabilis (L.). KING EIDER. ♂ chiefly black; neck,
breast, etc., white; a black V-shaped mark on chin; brownish,
234
XXXV.
AVES: ANSERES.
known by the bill. L. 22. W. 11. T. 4. Northern regions;
S. to N. J. (Eu.) (Lat., conspicuous.)
362. OIDEMIA Fleming. (oidnua, swelling.)
a. Bill in ♂ scarcely encroached upon by frontal feathers; nostrils median;
no white on wings. (Oidemia.)
712. O. americana Swainson & Richardson. AMERICAN BLACK
Scoter. ♂ entirely black; Q sooty brown, paler below and on
throat. L. 17 to 20. W. 10. T. 4. N. Am., coastwise; S. to N. J.
aa. Bill in ♂ broadly encroached upon by frontal feathers; nostrils beyond
middle of bill; a large white wing patch. (Melanitta Boie.)
713. O. deglandi Bonaparte. WHITE WINGED SCOTER. SURF
DUCK. ♂ black; white spot under eye and white on wings; bill
orange-tipped; feet orange; sooty brown. L. 21. W. 11. N.
Am., S. to Md.
aaa. Bill in ♂ narrowly encroached upon by frontal feathers; no white on
wings; nostrils beyond middle of bill. (Pelionetta Kaup.)
714. O. perspicillata (L.). SURF DUCK. SEA COOT. ♂ black,
with white spot on forehead and nape; sooty brown; white patch
on lores and cheeks; size of 0. americana. N. Am., coastwise.
(Lat., conspicuous.)
363. ERISMATURA Bonaparte (peiopa, prop; oùpá, tail.)
715. E. rubida (Wilson). RUDDY DUCK. Chiefly brownish or
tawny, glossy chestnut in full plumage; considerably waved and
dotted, lower parts mottled silver-white; crissum white; brown,
mottled with dusky. L. 17. W. 6. T. 3. N. Am., frequent; an
expert diver.
364. NOMONYX Ridgway. (vóμos, regularity; övv§, nail.)
716. N. dominicus (L.). Redder than the last; forehead and
chin black. L. 134. W. 61. Trop. Amer., straying N. to Wis.,
etc. (From San Domingo.)
365. CHEN Boie. (xv, goose.)
717. C. cœrulescens (L.). BLUE GOOSE. Grayish brown, the
rump and wing coverts gray; size and form of next. N. Am., rare.
(Lat., bluish.)
Adult pure
718. C. hyperborea (Pallas.) SNOW Goose.
white, washed with reddish on head; the primaries black; young
bluish; feet reddish, the claws dark; bill red; lamellæ very promi-
W. 17. T. 6. B. 2. N. Am., chiefly W.
Rocky Mts. is var. nivalis Forster; larger than
(Lat., far-northern.)
nent. L. 30 to 38.
The form E. of the
the Western bird.
W. 17. T. 64.
366. ANSER Brisson. (Lat., goose.)
719. A. albifrons Gmelin. WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE. SPECKLE-
BILL. Grayish-brown, mottled, forehead and tail coverts white;
ANATIDE.
235
CXXXVI.
bill pink; feet yellow; nostrils basal. L. 27. W. 17. T. 6. Ts. 3.
N. Am., common W. of Mts. (Eu.) The American form is
var. gambeli (Hartlaub), distinguished by longer bill. B. 1 to 2.
The tame goose, A. anser L., is a European relative. (Lat., white-
fronted.)
367. BRANTA Scopoli. (Eng., Brant.)
a. Forehead black; cheeks and chin white; no white stripes or collar on
neck.
720. B. canadensis (L.). WILD GOOSE. CANADA GOOSE.
Grayish brown, more or less barred with whitish, paler below;
head and neck black; tail black; upper coverts and crissum white.
L. 36. W. 20. T. 71. B. 2. N. Am., abundant, U. S. in winter;
the commonest of our geese; runs into varieties W.
aa. Forehead, cheeks, and chin black; white stripes on neck.
721. B. bernicla (L.). BRANT GOOSE. BARNACLE Goose.
Head, neck, front, quills, and tail black; white patch on neck;
white on rump, crissum, etc; back brownish gray. L. 24. W. 13.
T. 5. B. 1. N. Atl., rarely S. in winter. (Eu.) (Eng. barnacle;
these geese once supposed to hatch from barnacles.)
368. OLOR Wagler. (Lat., Swan.)
722. O. columbianus (Ord). WHISTLING SWAN. Tail 20
feathered; bill with a yellow spot, not longer than head; nostrils
median. L. 50. W. 20. T. 8. B. 4. N. Am., mostly coast inca
(From Columbia R.)
AY
723. O. buccinator (Richardson). T- UMPETER SWAN. Plum-
age white, sometimes washed with rusty; young grayish; tail (nor-
mally) 24 feathered; bill black without yellow spot, longer than
head; nostrils sub-basal. L. 60. W. 27. T. 9. B. 41. N. Am.
E. to Ill. (Lat., trumpeter.)
ORDER XXXVI. HERODIONES. (THE HERONS AND
STORKS.)
Desmognathous waders, without basipterygoid processes; the
feet not palmate. Birds mostly, but not always, of large size, with
compressed bodies, long legs, and a very long S-bent neck of 15 to
17 vertebræ; tibia naked below; toes long and slender, cleft or
slightly webbed, the hind toe long and usually not elevated, pro-
vided with a large claw. Wings broad, rounded; tail short.
Head contracted to the stout base of the bill which is long and
usually hard and acute, with sharp cutting edges; nostrils small,
elevated part of head often naked. Altricial. The species live
about water, feeding on fishes, reptiles, etc., which are speared by
a thrust of the bill. The leading families are represented in our
fauna.
236
XXXVI.
AVES: HERODIONES.
Families of Herodiones.
a. Sides of upper mandible with a deep narrow groove, extending from the
nostrils to the tip; skull schizorhinal. Ibises.
b. Bill very broad, much flattened, and greatly widened toward tip, only
the point decurved.
PLATALEIDE, 137.
•
•
bb. Bill slender, subterete, gradually decurved for its whole length.
IBIDIDE, 138.
aa. Sides of upper mandible without long groove; skull holorhinal. Storks
and Herons.
c. Hind toe inserted more or less above the level of the others; its claw
short; claws broad and flat, resting on a horny pad or shoe; middle
claw not pectinate.
CICONIIDE, 139.
•
•
cc. Hind toe inserted on the level of the rest; claws narrow, arched; the
middle one pectinate on its inner edge; bill straight, pointed.
ARDEIDE, 140.
FAMILY CXXXVII. PLATALEIDÆ. (THE Spoonbills.)
Bill long, flat, broad and spoonshaped at the end, otherwise essen-
tially as in the Ibididæ. Genera 2; species 6, in most regions.
a. Trachea simple (not convoluted within the thorax).
AJAJA, 369.
369. AJAJA Reichenbach. (Brazilian name.)
724. A. ajaja (L.). ROSEATE SPOONBILL. Chiefly white, back
and wings rose-pink; tail buffy; skin of the bald head variegated.
L. 34. W. 15. B. 7; its width 2. T. 5. Tropical America, N.
to S. Ill.
FAMILY CXXXVIII. IBIDIDÆ. (THE IBISES.)
Bill very long and slender, compressed, cylindric, curved through-
out, the upper mandible with a deep groove reaching nearly or
quite to tip; legs rather long, the toes slightly webbed at base.
Head more or less naked; plumage stork-like, without powder-
down tracts; wings broad; tail short; tarsus scutellate in front,
in our species. Skull schizorhinal. Genera 10 or more; species
24; of the lakes and swamps of warm regions. Sexes alike.
a. Head of adult wholly naked anteriorly; no crest; claws curved.
•
GUARA, 370.
aa. Head of adult feathered except on lores; crown with a short crest; claws
nearly straight.
PLEGADIS, 371.
370. GUARA Reichenbach. (From guarauna, a Brazilian name.)
725. G. alba (L.). WHITE IBIS. SPANISH CURLEW. Pure
white, tips of longer quills glossy black. L. 24. W. 11. T. 4.
B. 7. Southern States, N. to S. Ind.
371. PLEGADIS Kaup.
(πλnyás, scythe.)
(πληγάς,
726. P. autumnalis (Hasselquist). GLOSSY IBIS. Rich dark
purplish-chestnut; head, back, wings and tail metallic purplish-
CICONIIDÆ.
237
CXXXIX.
green. L. 24. W. 11. T. 4. B. 44. Tropics, rarely N. to
N. E. (Eu.)
FAMILY CXXXIX. CICONIIDÆ. (THE STORKS.)
Bill longer than head, very stout at base, not grooved, tapering
to the tip; nostrils high, close to base of bill; tarsus reticulate;
hind toe more or less elevated; claws short, not acute; skull holo-
rhinal. Genera 7; species about 20, in damp places in warm re-
gions. The famous migratory Stork of Europe (Ciconia ciconia
L.) is the best known member of the group. (Lat., ciconia, stork.)
a. Bill decurved at tip; hind toe scarcely elevated; trachea simple, not con-
voluted within thorax.
372. TANTALUS Linnæus. (Távraλos, a mythological character.)
727. T. loculator L.
White, wings and tail
mostly glossy black; the
and yellowish. L. 46.
W. 18. B. 7. Southern States, N. to N. Y. (Lat., one who
places.)
WOOD "IBIS."
bald head livid
FAMILY CXL. ARDEIDÆ
•
TANTALUS, 372.
ARDEIDÆ (THE HERONS.)
Bill straight, longer than the head, compressed, acute, with
sharp cutting edges; upper mandible grooved; nostrils linear;
lores naked, the bill appearing to run directly to the eyes; rest of
head feathered; parts of the body with "powder-down tracts,”
strips of short, dusty, or greasy down-like feathers, usually three
pairs of these strips, i. e., on the back above the hips, on the belly
under the hips, and on the breast; usually long plumes from the
back of head in the breeding season. Wings broad. Tail very
short. Tibiæ largely naked below; toes long and slender, hind toe
on a level with the rest, its claw longer than middle claw; middle
claw pectinate. Skull holorhinal. Sexes usually colored alike, but
the changes due to age and season often considerable. Species
about 75; in most parts of the world, abundant in the warmer
regions, wading in shallow water and feeding chiefly on fishes.
a. Tail feathers 10, very short, scarcely stiffer than the coverts; outer toe
shorter than inner; no conspicuous crest or train in breeding season; bill
slender. (Botaurinæ.)
BOTAURUS, 373.
aa. Tail feathers 12, rather long, stiffer than the coverts; outer toe not shorter
than inner; claws shorter, and more curved. (Ardeinœ).
b. Bill long and slender, at least five times as long as deep at base.
ARDEA, 374.
bb. Bill rather short and thick, and not more than 4 times as long as deep
at base
NYCTICORAX, 375.
•
373. BOTAURUS Stephens. (An imitation of the bird's note.)
a. Size large; sexes alike; young similar. (Botaurus.)
728. B. lentiginosus (Montagu).
STAKE DRIVER. Tawny brown of
BITTERN.
BITTERN. INDIAN HEN.
various shades, excessively
238
XXXVI.
AVES: HERODIONES.
variegated everywhere; foreneck striped with buffy; a dark patch
on each side of neck. L. 23 to 28. W. 12. T. 41. B. 3. N. Am.,
abundant. (Lat., freckled.)
(Ardetta Gray).
chiefly glossy
shoulders and
with brown
aa. Size very small; sexes unlike, the young unlike adult.
729. B. exilis (Gmelin). LEAST BITTERN.
Least BitterN.
greenish black above, brownish yellow below, neck,
wings with chestnut; a buffy area on wing coverts;
instead of black. L. 14. W. 5. T. 14. B. 14. N. Am., in reedy
swamps. (Lat., slender).
374. ARDEA Linnæus. (Lat. heron.)
a. Bill shorter than tarsus.
b. Length more than 35 (in adult); tarsus not twice middle toe without
claw.
c. Color chiefly bluish; head crested in breeding season; dorsal plumes
short. (Ardea.)
730. A. herodias L. GREAT BLUE HERON. Grayish blue,
marked with black and white; crown black with white centre;
forehead white; lower parts dusky, striped with white; tibia and
edge of wing cinnamon brown. L. 42 to 50. W. 19. B. 64. Ts.
7. T. 7. Q smaller. N. Am., generally common. (ερωδιός,
heron.)
cc. Color white; no crest; back in breeding season with long plumes.
(Herodias Boie.)
731. A. egretta Gmelin. GREAT WHITE EGRET. L. 40.
W. 17. B. 5. Ts. 6. Amer., chiefly S. (Fr., aigrette, a top-
knot.)
bb. Length 20 to 32.
d. Tarsus not nearly twice middle toe without claw.
e. Color pure white at all times; plumes of breeding season very
long, recurved, with loose webs. (Garzetta Kaup.)
732. A. candidissima Gmelin, SNOWY EGret.
"CRANE."
L. 24.
L. 24. W. 12. B. 3. T. 4.
to N. Y., abundant. (Lat., very white.)
WHITE
Tropical America, N.
ee. Color slaty blue, the head and neck maroon; the young white,
and sometimes the adult nearly or quite white; plumes slender,
with compact webs. (Florida Baird.)
733. A. cærulea L. LITTLE BLUE HERON. L. 24. W. 12.
T. 4. B. 3. Ts. 4. E. Am., N. to Ill., common.
dd. Tarsus twice as long as middle toe without claw. (Dichromanassa
Ridgway.)
734. A. rufescens Gmelin. REDDISH Egret.
Slate color
head and neck cinnamon; young grayish. L. 30. W. 13. B. 4.
Ts. 5. Southern, N. to Ill. (Lat., reddish.)
aa. Bill not shorter than tarsus; L. less than 30.
f. Scapular plumes in ♂ straight, hair-like, reaching beyond tail; wing
more than 8. (Hydrunassa Baird.)
ARDEIDÆ
239
CXL.
735. A. tricolor Müller. LOUISIANA HERON. Variegated;
leaden blue, chestnut and white. L. 27. W. 10. B. 4. Ts. 4.
Tropical, N. to Ind. The U. S. bird is var. ruficollis (Gosse).
ff. Scapular plumes not very long, soft, with compact webs; wing not
more than 8. (Butorides Blyth.)
736. A. virescens (L.) GREEN HERON. Crown, back and
wings lustrous dark green; neck purplish cinnamon; throat and
fore-neck striped with whitish; young similar. L. 18. W. 7.
B. 2. Ts. 2. Amer., abundant; N. to Ont. (Lat., greenish.)
375. NYCTICORAX Stephens. NIGHT HERONS. (vúέ, night;
Kópaέ, raven.)
a. Bill about as long as tarsus; gonys nearly straight. (Nycticorax.)
737. N. nycticorax (L.). BLACK CROWNED NIGHT-HERon.
QUA BIRD. SQUAWK. Bluish gray, crown, back and shoulders
glossy green; lower parts mostly white; no peculiar feathers save
two or three long, white occipital plumes; young grayish brown,
speckled and streaked with whitish, very different. L. 24. W. 14.
B. 3. Ts. 3.
Ts. 3. T. 5. U. S., frequent. The American bird is var.
nævius (Boddaert). (Eu.)
T. 5.
aa. Bill much shorter than tarsus; gonys convex. (Nyctanassa Stejneger.)
738. N. violaceus (L.). YELLOW-CROWNED Night Heron.
Grayish plumbeous, darker on back and streaked with black; head
mostly black, the crown and crest tawny white; a white streak be-
hind eye; back with long plumes; young grayish brown, streaked
and spotted with brown. L. 24. W. 12. T. 5. B. 2§. Ts. 3§.
S. U. S., scarce; N. to N. Y.
ORDER XXXVII. PALUDICOLÆ. (THE CRANES AND
RAILS.)
This small order includes the allies of the Cranes and Rails,
wading birds with schizognathous palate, allied to the Limicolæ,
but with the head rather compressed than globose, the bill hard
and not sensitive, not adapted for probing in the mud, and the
hind toe little elevated. Precocial. Birds of moderate or large
size, skulking about in the reeds and rushes, and feeding upon
substances found on the surface. The position and boundaries of
this group have been unsettled. It seems nearly related to the
Limicola. (Lat., palus, swamp; colo, I inhabit.)
Families of Paludicolæ.
a. Nasal bones schizorhinal; head partly unfeathered or else with ornamental
plumes; hind toe short, much elevated. Very large. Cranes.
GRUIDÆ, 141.
aa. Nasal bones holorhinal; head feathered, except sometimes a frontal
shield; hind toe rather long, little elevated; size moderate or small.
Rails.
RALLIDA, 142.
240
AVES: PALUDICOLÆ. XXXVII.
FAMILY CXLI. GRUIDÆ. (THE CRANES.)
Very large birds, with the legs and neck extremely long, the
latter of 17 vertebræ. Wings large, rather short. Tail short, of
12 broad feathers. Head more or less naked, with scattered hair-
like feathers. Plumage compact, without downy tracts.
Bill as
long or longer than head, straight and slender; tibia extensively
naked; tarsus scutellate; toes rather short; hind toe highly ele-
vated; nasal bones schizorhinal. Genera 3; species 15; of various
parts of the world, resembling herons in external form, but similar
to the rails in general structure.
376. GRUS Linnæus. (Lat., crane.)
739. G. americana (L.). WHOOPING CRANE. WHITE Crane.
Adult pure white with black on wings; bare part of head very
hairy; young rusty, the head feathered. L. 50. W. 24. T. 9.
Ts. 12. B. 6. N. Am.; rare E., a wild bird, avoiding civiliza-
tion. "The windpipe is quite as long as the bird itself, 50 inches
or more, and over 2 feet of it coiled away in the keel of the breast-
bone, which is entirely hollowed out to receive these extraordi-
nary convolutions; the voice is singularly raucous and resonant.'
(Coues.)
740. G. mexicana (Müller). SAND-HILL CRANE. BROWN
CRANE. Slaty gray or brownish, never white; head sparsely
hairy. L. 46. W. 22. B. 5. T. 9. Ts. 10.
B. 54. T. 9. Ts. 10. U. S., chiefly S.
and W.
FAMILY CXLII. RALLIDE. (THE RAILS.)
Birds of medium or small size, with compressed bodies and large
muscular legs. Wings short, rounded, concave; tail very short,
of 10 or 12 soft feathers. Hind toe rather short, a little elevated;
front toes very long. Bill various, rather short, not sensitive at
tip. Plumage blended, changing little with age, sex, or season.
Species about 150, of most parts of the world, skulking in swamps
and marshes, gathering their food chiefly from the surface.
a. Forehead feathered; no frontal shield. (Rallinæ.)
b. Bill slender, decurved, longer than head, with narrow nasal groove, and
RALLUS, 377.
linear nostril.
•
•
bb. Bill stout, straight, not longer than head, with broad nasal groove and
oblong nostril.
aa. Forehead covered with a broad, bare, horny shield.
c. Toes scarcely or not lobate. (Gallinulinæ.)
d. Nostrils small, oval.
dd. Nostrils slit-like.
•
PORZANA, 378.
IONORNIS, 379.
GALLINULA, 380.
cc. Toes lobate, edged with broad flaps. (Fulicinæ.) . . FULIca, 381.
RALLIDE.- CXLII.
241
377. RALLUS Linnæus. (Fr., râle, from its note.)
a. Large rails; wing more than 5.
741. R. longirostris Boddaert. CLAPPER RAIL. SALT-WATER
MARSH HEN. Olive brown, variegated with ashy; dull reddish
brown below; little or no distinct chestnut anywhere. L. 14 to 16.
W. 6. T. 24. B. 24. smaller. Salt marshes; common S.,
N. to Mass. Ours is var. crepitans Gmelin.
742. R. elegans Audubon. KING RAIL. FRESH-WATER
MARSH-HEN. Brownish black, with bright chestnut below and on
wing coverts; much brighter colored than the last, and larger ;
a red, rather than a gray bird. L. 18. W. 7. B. 24. U. S.,
in fresh-water marshes, N. to Conn.
aa. Small rails; wing less than 5.
743. R. virginianus L. VIRGINIA RAIL. Colors exactly as
in R. elegans; much smaller. L. 10. W. 4. T. 1½. B. 14.
N. Am., common E.
378. PORZANA Vieillot. (Italian name.)
a. Secondaries without white.
b. Wing more than 4; olive-brown above, striped with black. (Porzana.)
744. P. carolina (L.). CAROLINA RAIL. SORA. Olive-
brown, streaked; adult with face and middle line of throat black;
breast slaty gray; back streaked; belly barred. L. 9. W. 41.
T. 2. N. Am., common.
b. Wings less than 3; dusky, usually speckled with white. (Creciscus
Cabanis.)
745. P. jamaicensis (Gmelin). BLACK RAIL. Blackish, with
white markings. L. 5. W. 3. T. 1. Tropical Amer. etc.,
rarely N. to Ill.
aa. Secondaries white. (Coturnicops Bonaparte.)
746. P. noveboracensis (Gmelin). YELLOW CRAKE. Buffy,
blackish-streaked above with white marks, buffy below. L. 6.
W. 34. T. 14. E. N. Am., not common. (Lat., of New York.)
379. IONORNIS Reichenbach. (tov, violet; öpvs, bird.)
747. I. martinica (L.). PURPLE GALLINULE. Olive green;
head and lower parts purplish blue; wings and tail greenish-black;
crissum white; bill mostly red; the shield blue. L. 12. W. 7.
T. 3. Tropical Amer., N. to N. E. (From Martinique.)
380. GALLINULA Brisson. (Dim. of Lat. gallina, hen.)
748. G. galeata (Lichtenstein). FLORIDA GALLINULE.
Brownish olive above, grayish black on head and below; wings
and tail dusky; bill, frontal shield, and ring around tibia red; feet
16
242
XXXVIII.
AVES: LIMICOLÆ.
greenish. L. 14. W. 7. T. 31. Ts. 2. S. States, straying N.
to N. E. and Wis. (Lat., helmeted.)
381. FULICA Linnæus. (Lat., coot.)
749. F. americana (Gmelin). COOT. MUD HEN. Dark slate
color or sooty, with white on wings and crissum; bill pale in adult,
with a brown spot near tip; frontal shield dark brown. L. 14.
W. 8. T. 2. N. Am., abundant in reedy swamps; an excellent
swimmer.
ORDER XXXVIII. LIMICOLÆ. (THE SHORE-BIRDS.)
This division of the old order of Gralla includes the allies of
the Plover and Snipe, as distinguished from the nearly related
Cranes and Rails on the one hand and the remotely related
Herons and Ibises on the other. Some of the external characters
of the group are the following. Tibia more or less naked below;
legs long; hind toe free and elevated, often wanting. Head glo-
bose, abruptly sloping to the base of the bill; completely feathered
(except in the male of Pavoncella); gape short; bill weak, flexible,
more or less soft-skinned and sensitive at tip in most cases, adapted
for probing in the mud; nostrils slit-like, surrounded by soft skin.
Schizognathous; precocial.
The Limicolæ are all birds of small size, abundant on sandy
shores and in marshes. In spite of the difference in appearance
and habits, these birds have much in common with the gulls, in
their anatomy. (Lat., limus, mud; colo, I inhabit.)
Families of Limicolæ.
a. Toes lobate, with distinct lateral membranes; tarsus extremely compressed.
PHALAROPODIDE, 143.
aa. Toes not lobate; webbed or not.
b. Tarsus more than twice middle toe with claw; naked part of tibia much
longer than middle toe with claw; feet palmate or not.
RECURVIROSTRIDÆ, 144.
bb. Tarsus less than twice middle toe with claw; naked portion of tibia
shorter than middle toe with claw; toes cleft or semipalmate.
c. Tarsus scutellate in front.
d. Bill slender, with a bluntish tip; soft-skinned and sensitive through-
SCOLOPACIDAÆ, 145.
out.
•
dd. Bill stout, hard, pointed and wedge-shaped at tip (in our species).
APHRIZIDÆ, 146.
cc. Tarsus reticulate in front.
e. Bill not longer than tarsus, not compressed; contracted behind the
horny tip, shaped somewhat like a pigeon's bill.
CHARADRIIDÆ, 147.
ee. Bill longer than tarsus, much compressed at tip.
HÆMATOPODIDÆ, 148.
PHALAROPODIDE.
243
CXLIII.
(THE
FAMILY CXLIII.
PHALAROPODIDE.
PHALAROPES.)
Small sand-piper-like birds, with the toes lobed, as in the Coots
and Grebes, but the lobes narrower. Body depressed, the lower
plumage thick, as in the ducks, and capable of resisting water;
wings long, tail short; tarsus much compressed. Species 3 in two
genera. They inhabit northern regions, ranging S. in winter.
a. Bill stoutish, flattened, with lancet-shaped tip.
aa. Bill subulate, very slender.
CRYMOPHILUS, 382.
PHALAROPUS, 383.
382. CRYMOPHILUS Vieillot. (kpvμós, cold; piños, loving.)
750. C. fulicarius (L.). RED PHALAROPE, Back black, the
feathers tawny edged; top of head blackish, its sides white; rump
white; quills mostly black; feet yellowish; lower parts purplish
chestnut; young white below; membrane of toes scalloped. L. 8.
W. 5. T. 2§. B. 1. Ts. . Northern regions. (Eu.) (Lat.,
Coot-like.)
383. PHALAROPUS Brisson. (paλapís, the coot; roús, foot.)
a. Membranes of toes scalloped; wing less than 51. (Phalaropus.)
751. P. lobatus (L.). NORTHERN PHALAROPE. Adult gray-
ish black, variegated with tawny; rump and under parts white;
neck largely rusty red; bill and feet black. L. 7. W. 4}. T. 2.
B. 4. Ts. 4. Northern regions, chiefly along sea-shores. (Eu.)
aa. Membrane of toes plain; wing more than 41. (Steganopus Vieillot.)
752. P. tricolor (Vieillot). WILSON'S PHALAROPE. Ashy
above, more or less variegated with chestnut; rump pale; lower
parts white; sides of head and neck with a stripe of dark wine-red,
which changes to black above; tail marbled; winter plumage with
no red or black; bill and feet black. L. 9. W. 5. T. 24. B. 11.
Ts. 14. N. Am., chiefly in interior; largest and handsomest of
the Phalaropes, varying much with the season.
FAMILY CXLIV. RECURVIROSTRIDE. (THE AVOCETS.)
A little family allied to the snipe, with the legs excessively long
and the bill very slender, long, acute, straight or curved upward.
Genera 3, species 8; in most parts of the world. Himantopus is
said to have relatively longer legs than any other bird.
a. Toes 4; the anterior full webbed; bill recurved, flattened, tapering to a
fine point; plumage beneath thickened, as in ducks; swimmers.
RECURVIROSTRA, 384.
aa. Toes 3, semipalmate; bill nearly straight, not flattened.
HIMANTOPUS, 385.
244
AVES LIMICOLÆ. XXXVIII.
384. RECURVIROSTRA Linnæus. (Lat. recurvus, bent
upward; rostrum, beak.)
753. R. americana Gmelin. AVOCET. BLUE STOCKING.
White, with cinnamon brown on head and neck, the wings mostly
black; legs blue. L. 18. W. 8. T. 31. B. 31. Ts. 34. N. Am.
385. HIMANTOPUS Brisson. (iμavróπovs, strap-leg.)
754. H. mexicanus (Müller). STILT. LONG SHANKS. LAW-
YER. Glossy black above, white below; tail ashy; O̟ slaty; legs
pink. L. 15. W. 9. T. 3. Ts. 4. B. 24. N. Am.
FAMILY CXLV. SCOLOPACIDÆ. (THE SNIPE.)
Bill elongated, usually longer than the head; if short, not plover-
like, being soft-skinned throughout (hard when dry); nasal grooves
in the form of narrow channels ranging from half to nearly the
whole length of the bill; sides of lower mandible usually also
grooved; nostrils narrow exposed slits; head feathered. Wings
usually thin and pointed; tail short and soft; tibia rarely entirely
feathered. Tarsus never entirely reticulate and usually scutellate
in front and behind; hind toe present (except in Calidris); front
toes cleft or slightly webbed; size medium or small. Sexes alike
or female slightly larger; seasonal changes in plumage often
strongly marked. Eggs usually four, placed with the small ends
together in a slight nest or depression in the ground; notes vari-
ous; mostly migratory or gregarious. Genera about 20; species
100; chiefly of northern regions, but not wanting in most parts of
the world. (akоλónaέ, snipе.)
a. Tarsus scutellate behind as well as in front; bill not strongly decurved.
b. Eyes far back, directly above the ears; bill long; tip of upper mandible
thickened; plumage unchanging. (Scolopacinœ.)
c. Tibia entirely feathered; 3 outer primaries attenuate; toes not webbed.
PHILOHELA, 386,
Gallinago, 387.
cc. Tibia naked below; no attenuate primaries.
bb. Eyes not far back, considerably before the ears; tip of upper mandible
thin; summer and winter plumage different. (Tringinæ.)
d. Toes not webbed at all (or with a single minute web).
e. Hind toe wanting.
ee. Hind toe present.
CALIDRIS, 392.
f. Bill not shorter than middle toe with claw; (inner webs of quills
not mottled).
TRINGA, 390.
ff. Bill shorter than middle toe with claw; (inner webs of quills
mottled).
dd. Toes more or less webbed at base.
•
·
•
TRYNGITES, 397.
BARTRAMIA, 396.
g. Tail graduated, more than half wing.
gg. Tail not more than half wing, little graduated.
h. Tail longer than bill (from frontal feathers); gape reaching
beyond base of culmen.
SCOLOPACIDÆ.
245
CXLV.
i. (Wing less than 4; toes well webbed; both mandibles grooved to
the tip; tail not barred).
ii. (Wing not less than 4.)
EREUNETES, 391.
j. Bill narrower at tip, its upper surface hard and smooth, not grooved
to the tip; (tail barred).
k. Tarsus about as long as middle toe and claw; (wings less than 41).
ACTITIS, 398.
kk. Tarsus rather longer than middle toe and claw; (wings more
than 4}).
x. Bill slender; (legs dusky or yellow).
xx. Bill stout; (legs bluish).
TOTANUS, 394.
SYMPHEMIA, 395.
jj. Bill slightly broadened at tip, its upper surface slightly wrinkled or
•
•
pitted.
MICROPALAMA, 389.
hh. Tail shorter than bill; gape not reaching behind base of culmen: (tail
barred or else chiefly black).
7. Culmen with a median groove; tip of both mandibles wrinkled
or pitted.
MACRORHAMPHUS, 388.
7. Culmen smooth, not grooved.
•
LIMOSA, 393.
aa. Tarsus scutellate in front, reticulate behind; bill very long, decurved.
(Numeniina.).
•
•
NUMENIUS, 399.
Mos,
386. PHILOHELA Gray. (píλos, lover; os, swamp.)
755. P. minor (Gmelin). AMERICAN WOODCOCK. Variegated,
black, brown, gray, and russet; occiput banded with blackish and
rusty, below warm brown. L. 11. W. 5. B. 3. T. 24. E. U. S.,
in swamps, W. to Nebr. (The European woodcock, Scolopax rusti-
cola L., a similar but considerably larger bird, is an occasional
straggler to E. U. S.)
387. GALLINAGO Leach. (Lat., gallus, cock.)
756. G. delicata (Ord). WILSON'S SNIPE. Back varied with
black and bay; crown black, with a pale median stripe; breast
mottled; sides barred; bill straight, very long. L. 11. W. 5. B.
24. T. 24. N. Am., abundant; a favorite game bird.
388. MACRORHAMPHUS Leach. (μakpós, long; páµpos,
beak.)
757. M. griseus (Gmelin). GRAY SNIPE. DOWITCHER. Black-
ish and grayish; breast rusty-red in summer; bill long, nearly as
in Gallinago. L. 11. W. 51.
L. 11. W. 5. T. 2. E. N. Am., abundant
coastwise.
389. MICROPALAMA Baird. (ukpós, small; raλáµŋ, palm.)
758. M. himantopus (Bonaparte). STILT SANDPIPER. Black-
ish, marked with chestnut, etc.; ashy gray in winter; bill nearly as
in Gallinago. L. 9. W. 5. T. 24. B. 14. E. N. Am., not com-
mon. (Himantopus, the stilt.)
246
XXXVIII.
AVES: LIMICOLÆ.
390. TRINGA Linnæus. (Low Lat., sandpiper.)
a. Wing 6 or more; middle pair of tail feathers not longer than the rest.
(Tringa.)
759. T. canutus L. ROBIN SNIPE. KNOT. Brownish black,
reddish brown below; bill straight; tarsus not shorter than middle
toe and claw. L. 11. W. 63. T. 23. Atlantic coasts, common.
(Eu.) (For King Canute.)
aa. Wing less than 6; middle pair of tail-feathers longer and more pointed
than the rest.
b. Tarsus shorter than middle toe with claw, the latter shorter than bill.
(Arquatella Baird.)
760. T. maritima Brünnich. PURPLE SANDPIPER. Ashy black
with purplish reflections; feathers with pale edgings; lower parts
mostly white; bill nearly straight. L. 9. W. 5. T. 24. B. 14.
Atlantic coasts. (Eu.)
bb. Tarsus longer than middle toe with claw (or else toes very slender, with-
out distinct lateral membrane).
c. Bill scarcely longer than tarsus, and not half length of tail. (Acto-
dromas Kaup.)
d. Wing more than 41.
e. Rump and middle tail coverts plain black or dusky; throat with
an ashy or brownish suffusion and dusky streaks.
761. T. maculata Vieillot. PECTORAL SNIPE. JACK SNIPE.
Clay-color, striped with blackish above; belly white; breast ashy-
shaded and sharply streaked. L. 9. W. 5. B. 14. N. Am.,
abundant. (Eu.)
ee. Rump dusky, the feathers bordered by pale.
f. Upper tail coverts white, with or without dusky marks; throat
sharply streaked, with little if any ashy suffusion.
762. T. fuscicollis Vieillot. WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER. Top
of head buffy, streaked with black; middle tail-feathers mostly
black. L. 74. W. 43. T. 24. E. U. S., coastwise. (Eu.) (Lat.,
fuscus, tawny; collum, neck.)
ff. Upper (median) tail coverts plain dusky.
763. T. bairdi (Coues). BAIRD'S SANDPIPER. Colors of next
but larger; throat but little streaked. L. 7 to 7. W. 43. T. 24.
B. 7. America, rare E. (To Spencer Fullerton Baird.)
dd. Wing less than 4.
764. T. minutilla Vieillot. LEAST SANDPIPER. PEEP. Black-
ish, rusty and white, much variegated; throat streaked. Smallest
of the sandpipers, resembling Ereunetes, but the feet different, be-
ing without webs. L. 6. W. 3. T. 2. N. Am., abundant.
cc. Bill considerably longer than tarsus and more than 3 tail.
g. Tarsus less than 14 times middle toe without claw; upper tail
coverts mostly dusky. (Pelidna Cuvier.)
SCOLOPACIDE.
247
CXLV.
765. T. alpina (L.). DUNLIN. OX-BIRD. RED-BACKED SAnd-
PIPER. Chestnut brown above; feathers black centrally; belly, in
summer, with a broad black area. L. 8. W. 5. T. 27. B. 14.
Northern regions, the American var. pacifica Coues, larger than the
European.
gg. Tarsus 1 times length of middle toe without claw; upper
tail coverts white; bill decurved. (Ancylocheilus Kaup)
766. T. ferruginea Brünnich. CURLEW SANDPIPER. Chiefly
chestnut in summer, the back black and rusty; in winter largely
brownish and streaky. L. 8. W. 5. B. 1. Europe, straggling
to N. E. (Eu.)
391. EREUNETES Illiger. (épevvnrýs, searcher.)
767. E. pusillus (L.). SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER. SAND-
PEEP. Grayish brown, often shaded with cinnamon, white below;
small. L. 61. W. 34. T. 2. B. to. N. Am.; abundant
along beaches. (Lat., puerile.)
768. E. occidentalis Lawrence. Bill longer, to 1; color
chiefly rusty red above; chest and breast streaked. Pacific, fre-
quently E.
392. CALIDRIS Cuvier. (kaλidpıs, old name of some bird.)
769. C. arenaria (L.). SANDERLING. Rusty above, marked
and spotted with grayish and whitish; white on wing coverts.
L. 8. W.5. T. 24. B. 1. Northern regions, abundant coastwise,
known by its lack of the hind toe. (Eu.) (Lat., relating to sand.)
393. LIMOSA Brisson. (Lat., muddy.)
a. Tail distinctly barred.
770. L. fedoa (L.). MARBLED GODWIT. MARLIN. Cinna-
mon brown, variegated above, nearly uniform below; no pure
white; upper tail coverts cinnamon barred with black. L. 16 to
22. Ts. 3. W. 9. T. 31. B. 4. N. Am., abundant along
shores. (Perhaps fœdus, ugly.)
aa. Tail black, white at base and tip.
771. L. hæmastica (L.). BLACK-TAILED GODWIT. Brownish
black and reddish, more or less variegated above and below; some
white; upper tail coverts with a white band. L. 15. W. 8. Ts. 21.
B. 3. E. N. Am., rather northerly. (aipaorikós, blood-red.)
394. TOTANUS Bechstein. (Ital., totano.)
a. Tarsus more than 1 times middle toe without claw; legs yellow. (Totanus.)
772. T. melanoleucus (Gmelin). GREATER TELL-TALE. YEL-
LOW SHANKS. STONE SNIPE. Ashy brown, variegated with white,
etc.; bill very slender, the nasal groove not half its length; legs
248
XXXVIII.
AVES: LIMICOLE.
long. L. 121. W. 71. T. 31. B. 24. N. Am., frequent. (µédas,
black; λeukós, white.)
773. T. flavipes (Gmelin). YELLOW LEGS. Colors as in pre-
ceding; nasal groove more than half bill; smaller; legs longer.
L. 11. W. 6. T. 24. B. 14. U. S., abundant. (Lat., flavus,
yellow; pes, foot.)
aa. Tarsus much less than 14 times middle toe and claw; legs dusky. (Helo-
dromas Kaup.)
774. T. solitarius (Wilson). SOLITARY TATTLER. Olive
brown, sparsely speckled with whitish above; below white; breast
dusky; bill straight and slender. L. 9. W. 5. T. 21. B. 14.
N. Am., abundant about secluded ponds.
395. SYMPHEMIA Rafinesque. (ovv, with; onuí, I speak; in
allusion to their noisy discussions.)
775. S. semipalmata (Gmelin). WILLET. Brownish gray,
varied with dusky, mostly whitish below. L. 15 or 16. W. 7.
T. 3. B. 24. N. Am., common coastwise. The larger western
bird (Ill. and W.) is var. inornata Brewster. W. 8. B. 21.
396. BARTRAMIA Lesson. (To William Bartram, "grand-
father of American ornithology.")
776. B. longicauda (Bechstein). UPLAND SANDPIPER. Light
brownish, marked with ochraceous and blackish; throat whitish;
tail feathers mostly marked with white. L. 12. W. 61. T. 4. B.
14. E. N. Am., abundant in fields, etc. Allied to this species is
the European Ruff (Pavoncella pugnax L.), occasionally taken in
E. U. S., the male with a very conspicuous ruff.
397. TRYNGITES Cabanis. (From Tringa.)
777. T. subruficollis (Vieillot). BUFF-BREASTED SAND-
PIPER. Grayish, mottled with darker; buffy below; under pri-
mary coverts and quills with white, and finely mottled with black.
L.8. W. 5. T. 24. B. #. N. Am., chiefly in interior; not com-
mon. (Lat., sub, under; rufus, reddish; collum, neck.)
398. ACTITIS Boie. (Lat., acta, shore.)
778. A. macularia (L.). TIP-UP. TEETER-TAIL. SPOTTED
SANDPIPER. Lustrous drab above in summer, varied with black;
pure white below, with round blackish spots in adult. L. 8. W. 4.
T. 2. B. 1. N. Am., everywhere, common. (Lat. spotty.)
399. NUMENIUS Linnæus. (véos, new; μývŋ, moon.)
a. Secondaries, quills, etc., rusty cinnamon; lower parts pale cinnamon.
779. N. longirostris Wilson. LONG-BILLED CURLEW. SICKLE
BILL. Cinnamon, varied with gray and blackish. L. 24. W. 12.
T. 4. B. 5 to 9. N. Am., frequent.
aa. Secondaries and quills chiefly dusky brownish; lower parts dull buffy.
CHARADRIIDE.
249
CXLVI.
780. N. hudsonicus Latham. JACK Curlew. Crown with
two broad dusky stripes, with a narrower median stripe of buffy.
L. 18. W. 9. T. 34. B. 3 or 4. N. Am.
781. N. borealis (Forster). EsQUIMAUX CURLEW. DOUGH
BIRD. Crown narrowly streaked with dusky, without paler median
stripe. L. 14. W. 8. T. 3. B. 21. N. Am., northwards.
FAMILY CXLVI. CHARADRIIDÆ. (THE PLOVERS.)
Head rather large, nearly globose; bill of moderate length,
shaped somewhat like a pigeon's bill, with a constriction behind
the horny terminal portion; nasal fossæ lined with soft skin,
through which the slit-like nostrils open. Wings long and
pointed, usually reaching beyond the tip of the short tail, some-
times spurred. Toes usually three, with basal web; tarsus reticu-
late; tibia naked below. Sexes similar, but seasonal changes of
plumage great. Species about 75, in most parts of the world.
•
•
a. Plumage above speckled; below, black in breeding season; tarsus much
longer than middle toe and claw.
CHARADRIUS, 400.
aa. Plumage of upper parts not speckled; neck with dark rings; tarsus not
much longer than middle toe and claw; hind toe wanting.
EGIALITIS, 401.
400. CHARADRIUS Linnæus. (xapadpiós, old name.)
a. Hind toe present, but very small. (Squatarola Cuvier.)
782. C. squatarola L. BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER. OX-EYE.
Grayish, speckled; black below in breeding season, at other times
white; axillars sooty-black. L. 11. W. 7. T. 3. B. 1. Ts. 2.
Northern regions; rather rare in U. S. (Eu.) (Venetian name.)
aa. Hind toe wholly wanting.
783. C. dominicus Müller. GOLDEN PLOVER. FRost Bird.
Dark and grayish above, profusely speckled, some of the spots
bright yellow; black below in breeding season, at other times grey-
ish; wing coverts smoky-gray. L. 10. W. 7. T. 3. B. 1. Ts.
1. N. Am., a well known game bird.
401. ÆGIALITIS Boie. (aiyaλirns, one who lives along shore.)
a. Tail half or more length of wing; rump orange brown; two black bands
on breast. (Oxyechus Reich.)
784. Æ. vocifera (L.). KILDEER. Grayish brown; tail with
black, white, and pale orange; a black band above the white fore-
head. L. 10. W. 64. T. 4. B. 4, black. N. Am., abundant in
the Miss. Valley.
aa. Tail not half length of wing; rump colored like back; breast with one
band or none. (Ochthodromus Reich.)
b. Bill as long as middle toe and claw.
250
XXXVIII.
AVES: LIMICOLÆ.
785. Æ. wilsonia (Ord). WILSON'S PLOVER. Brownish gray;
forehead and lower parts white, a black band on breast and one on
front of crown; ? duller and rusty. L. 78. W. 4. B. 4. Trop-
ical shores, N. to N. Y. (To Alex. Wilson.)
bb. Bill shorter than middle toe without claw.
c. All toes distinctly webbed at base.
786. Æ. semipalmata Bonaparte.
RING-NECK PLOVER.
Dark grayish brown; black bands broad. L. 7. W. 5. B. .
N. Am.
cc. Inner toe not webbed at base.
787. Æ. meloda (Ord). PIPING PLOVER. Very pale ashy
brown, clear white below; dark bands narrow and faint; toes
slightly webbed. L. 6. W. 43. B. . E. N. Am., along the
coast; represented in Miss. Valley by var. circumcincta Ridgway,
with the black patches on sides of breast coalescent.
FAMILY CXLVII. APHRIZIDÆ. (THE Surf-birds.)
Toes 4, not webbed, the hinder short, well-developed; tarsus
scutellate in front; legs rather long; wings long and pointed; tail
short; bill rather short. Two genera, each with a species, found
on most northern shores. (appós, surf; (áw, I live.)
a. Bill as long as tarsus, hard, sharp-pointed; tail rounded. ARENARIA, 402.
402. ARENARIA Brisson. (Lat., relating to sand.)
788. A. interpres (L.). TURNSTONE. Variegated; black,
white, and chestnut above, mostly white below; young without red-
dish; feet orange; throat white. L. 81. W. 6. T. 24. B. .
Northern regions, generally common. (Eu.) (Lat., a go-between.)
FAMILY CXLVIII.
HÆMATOPODIDÆ. (THE
OYSTER-CATCHERS.)
Toes 3, webbed at base; tarsus reticulate; legs stout, coarse and
rough; wings long and pointed; tail short. Bill hard, long, con-
stricted near base, much compressed, truncate at tip, nearly straight,
adapted for opening shells; nasal groove short; nostril linear. Size
large; sexes similar. One genus, with 6 or 7 species; shore-birds
found in most countries.
403. HÆMATOPUS Linnæus. (aipa, blood; Toús, foot.)
789. H. palliatus Temminck. OYSTER-CATCHER. Back dark
slate; head and neck black; bill and legs red; tail coverts white.
L. 18. W. 10. T. 41. B. 3. American coasts. (Lat., wearing
a cloak.)
TETRAONIDÆ. CXLIX.
251
Order XXXIX.
GALLINÆ.
BIRDS.)
(THE GALLINACEOUS
Bill short, stout, convex, horny, not constricted; nostrils scaled
or feathered; cutting edge of upper mandible overlapping the
lower. Head often partly or wholly naked, sometimes with fleshy
processes. Legs moderate, stout; hind toe elevated (excepting in
Cracidae), smaller than the other toes, sometimes wanting. Feet
usually slightly webbed. Tarsus broadly scutellate (sometimes
feathered), occasionally spurred in the males; claws blunt, not
much curved. Wings short, strong, concave; tail various, some-
times wanting, often immensely developed. Palate schizognathous,
nasal bones schizorhinal; basipterygoid processes present. Preco-
cial, often polygamous, terrestrial in habit and hence sometimes
called Rasores or Scratchers.
A large order including the chief game birds of most countries,
as well as most kinds of domesticated fowl. The Hen (Gallus
gallus), the Guinea Hen (Numida pucherani), and the Peacock
(Pavo cristatus), are familiar examples of the order. All these are
now placed with the common turkey in the Old World family,
Phasianida. (Lat., gallus, cock.)
Families of Gallinæ.
a. Hind toe short, small, inserted above level of the others.
b. Tarsus without spurs; head feathered (or nearly so) and tail not vaulted.
TETRAONIDÆ, 149.
bb. Tarsus with spurs in ♂; head often largely naked, the tail often vaulted.
PHASIANIDA, 150.
FAMILY CXLIX. TETRAONIDE. (THE GROUSE.)
Hind toe small, short; tarsus without spurs; head nearly or
quite feathered; tail not vaulted. Genera 12; species about 25.
Game birds abounding in northern regions; the grouse mostly N.
American. (Lat., tetrao, grouse.)
a. Tarsus bare, scutellate; nostril unfeathered, with a naked scale; sides of
toes not pectinate (Perdicina).
b. Head not crested; lower mandible with its tomia serrate toward the tip.
COLINUS, 404.
aa. Tarsus and nostrils more or less feathered; sides of toes pectinate in win-
ter (Tetraonina).
c. Tarsus feathered about half way; tail fan-shaped, of 18 broad, soft
feathers; neck with a ruff.
cc. Tarsus feathered to the toes.
BONASA, 406.
d. Tail more than half wing, rounded or even; no ruff or peculiar
feathers on neck.
e. Toes naked; plumage not white.
ee. Toes feathered; winter plumage chiefly snow-white.
Dendragapus, 405.
LAGOPUS, 407.
252
AVES: GALLINÆ. · XXXIX.
dd. Tail about half as long as wing; toes naked.
•
f. Neck with a ruff of straight stiff feathers, beneath which is a
bare, inflatable air-sac; tail rounded. TYMPANUCHUS, 408.
f. Neck without peculiar feathers; tail graduated, the middle
feathers exserted.
PEDIOCATES, 409.
404. COLINUS Lesson. (Mex. name, Acolin.)
790. C. virginianus (L.). BOB-WHITE. QUAIL (North).
PARTRIDGE (South). Forehead, line through eyes, chin and throat
white, brownish yellow in ; crown dark; plumage generally
chestnut red, barred and streaked. L. 94. W. 5. T. 3. B. ğ.
E. U. S., W. to Great Plains, abundant. The smaller European
quail, Coturnix coturnix L., with very short tail and lower mandible
entire, has been introduced E.
ἀγάπη,
405. DENDRAGAPUS Elliott. (dévồpov, tree; άyánŋ, love.)
a. Tail of 16 feathers; no evident air-sac on side of neck (Canachites
Stejneger).
791. D. canadensis (L.). SPRUCE PARTridge. CANADA
GROUSE. Black above with grayish markings; mostly black below
with white spots; the sides streaked; tail black, often tipped with
reddish; smaller, black interrupted or streaky. L. 16. W. 6º.
T. 5. Spruce swamps, northward; S. to N. Y. and Mich.
406. BONASA Stephens. (Bóvaσos, wild bull.)
792. B. umbellus (L.). RUFFED GROuse. PARTRIDGE
(North). PHEASANT (South). Crested; sides of neck with a
ruff of soft dark feathers; color reddish or grayish brown, much
streaked and variegated with blackish and pale. L. 18. W. 74.
T. 7. E. U. S., abundant in woodland. (Lat., umbel.)
407. LAGOPUS Brisson. (Mayws, hare; πoús, foot.)
793. L. lagopus (L.). WHITE PTARMIGAN. WILLOW GROUSE.
Fore parts cinnamon brown, variegated with blackish, rest of body
chiefly white; winter plumage pure white, the tail black; bill stout.
L. 16. W. 8. T. 5. Arctic, S. to N. N. Y. in winter. (Eu.)
Some other species occur N.
408. TYMPANUCHUS Gloger. (Lat., tympanum, drum; nucha,
nape.)
a. Scapulars without conspicuous terminal whitish spots; neck tufts in ♂ of
more than 10 parallel-edged, obtuse feathers.
794. T. americanus (Reichenbach). PINNATED GROUSE.
PRAIRIE HEN. PRAIRIE CHICKEN. Sides of neck with a tuft of
long pointed feathers, beneath which is a patch of bare, red skin,
capable of great inflation; color black, tawny and white, much
PHASIANIDÆ.
253
CL.
barred and streaked. L. 17. W. 9. T. 4. smaller. Prairies,
etc., Indiana to La. and N.; nearly exterminated eastward.
aa. Scapulars with large, conspicuous spots of buffy whitish; neck tufts in ♂
of not more than 10 lanceolate feathers.
795. T. cupido (L.). HEATH HEN. Rather smaller. W. 83.
E. U. S., once from Mass. to Va., now extinct except on Martha's
Vineyard. (To Cupid, the ruff on the neck likened to Cupid's
wings.)
409. PEDIOCÆTES Baird. (πedíov, plain; oikŋrýs, inhabitant.)
796. P. phasianellus (L.). SHARP-TAILED GROUSE. Streaked
and spotted, yellowish brown, black, and white; sexes alike. L. 18.
W. 84. T. 5. Arctic Amer., S. to N. Ill.; the S. E. form with
rusty grayish predominating, is var. campestris Ridgway. (Lat.
phasianus, pheasant.)
FAMILY CL. PHASIANIDÆ. (THE PHEASANTS.)
The chief family of the Gallinæ, differing as a whole from the
Tetraonidæ in having the tarsus in the armed with a spur. In
many species the head is naked, in others the tail is long and
vaulted, or otherwise peculiar. Genera 18; species 90; nearly all
of the Old World, some of them among the most remarkable of
birds in form and coloration. The two species of Meleagrinæ are
American.
a. Head and neck unfeathered, with scattered hairs, and with caruncles;
forehead with a fleshy process; tail long, broad, truncate; plumage
metallic; breast in with a tuft of bristles. (Meleagrina.)
MELEAGRIS, 410.
410. MELEAGRIS Linnæus. (ueλeaypís, guinea-hen.)
797. M. gallopavo L. WILD
TURKEY.1 Glossy, coppery
smaller, duller. Ontario to
black. L. 48. W. 21. T. 181.
Rocky Mountains, S. to Mexico, becoming extinct eastward. The
domestic Turkey is descended from a Mexican variety (var.
mexicana Gould). (Lat., gallus, cock; pavo, pea-fowl.)
ORDER XL. COLUMBÆ. (THE DOVES.)
Bill straight, compressed, the horny tip separated by a constric-
tion from the soft part. Nostrils opening beneath a soft, tumid
membrane or cere, at base of bill. Frontal feathers sweeping in
a strongly convex outline across base of upper mandible; tomiæ
meeting. Hind toe on a level with the rest (except in Starnanas,
1 The account of the habits of the Turkey given by Linnæus is worth quoting:
"Mas exæstuat inflato pectore, expansa cauda, sanguinea facie, relaxata frontis
caruncula; iræ tenax; sapida caro.
"
254
AVES: COLUMBÆ. XL.
etc.), the others usually not webbed. Tarsus mostly scutellate in
front, elsewhere reticulate, the plates soft. Head small, skull
schizognathous, the nasal bones schizorhinous; basipterygoids
present. Plumage soft, compact, the feathers very loosely inserted.
Altricial; monogamous.
A small order, including some extinct forms, closely related to
the Gallina. The principal family is the Columbidœ.
Families of Columbæ.
a. Wings and tail well developed.
COLUMBIDÆ, 151.
FAMILY CLI. COLUMBIDA. (THE PIGEONS.)
Wings long, pointed; tail never forked, of 12 or 14 feathers;
plumage compact, the feathers loosely inserted. Species about
300, found in most regions, but most abundant in the East Indies.
Besides the following, quite a number of pigeons occur in the
Southern States. The common tame dove (Columba œnas L.) is a
fair type of the family.
a. Tarsus feathered at the suffrago, shorter than the lateral toes. (Columbinæ.)
b. Tail very long, wedge-shaped, of 12 pointed feathers. ECTOPISTES, 411.
aa. Tarsus entirely bare, scutellate, longer than the lateral toes. (Zenaidinæ.)
c. Tail long, pointed, of 14 pointed feathers, its length more than wing.
ZENAIDURA, 412.
cc. Tail short, rounded, of 12 broad feathers; less than wing.
COLUMBIGALLINA, 413.
411. ECTOPISTES Swainson. (ÉKTOTLOTŃs, wanderer.)
798. E. migratorius (L.). WILD PIGeon. PASSENGER
PIGEON. Bluish drab, with reddish and violet tinges, reddish
below; more reddish. L. 17. W. 74.
W. 74. T. 8. E. N. A.,
abundant; gregarious.
412. ZENAIDURA Bonaparte. (Zenaida, a related genus; oùpá,
tail; Zenaida was named for Madame Zenaida Bonaparte.)
799. Z. macroura (L.). Mourning Dove. TURTLE DOVE.
Carolina DovE. Brownish olive, glossed with blue and wine
color; plumage with metallic lustre; a dark ear spot; outer tail
feathers with white; duller. L. 12. W. 5. T. 6. N. Am.,
N. to Canada, very abundant, feeding on the ground, its mournful
note not an index to its merry disposition. (uakpós, large; ovpás
tail.)
?
413. COLUMBIGALLINA Boie. (Lat., columba, pigeon;
gallina, hen.)
800. C. passerina (L.). GROUND DOVE. Grayish olive, with
bluish gloss; the head, breast, etc., wine-color in d. L. 61. W.
CATHARTIDÆ. CLII.
255
34. T. 24. Tropical America, N. to Va.; common S. (Lat.,
like a sparrow.)
ORDER XLI. RAPTORES. (THE BIRDS OF PREY.)
Bill powerful, cered at base, strongly hooked at the end. Feet
never zygodactyle; fourth toe sometimes versatile; hind toe de-
veloped, elevated or not; claws very strong in typical forms, weak
in the vultures; tibia, and often tarsus, feathered. Primaries 10;
tail feathers usually 12. Altricial, but young downy at birth.
Carnivorous birds, often of large size and great strength, found in
every part of the world. Some of them feed upon carrion, some of
the smaller on insects, some on reptiles or fishes, the most of them
on mammals and birds which are captured in open warfare. (Lat.,
raptor, robber.)
Families of Raptores.
a. Head entirely naked (downy in young); hind toe short, elevated; claws
small; inner toe somewhat webbed; nostril longitudinal.
CATHARTIDÆ, 152.
aa. Head nearly or quite fully feathered; hind toe not elevated, its claw large
and strong, like the others; inner toe not webbed; nostrils vertical or
roundish.
6. Eyes lateral, not surrounded by a disk of radiating feathers; cere ex-
posed; outer toe not reversible (except in Pandion).
FALCONIDE, 153.
bb. Eyes directed forward, surrounded by disks of radiating feathers; cere
concealed by bristly feathers; outer toe reversible.
STRIGIDA, 154.
c. Facial disk sub-triangular; middle claw pectinate.
cc. Facial disk sub-circular, middle claw not serrate. BUBONIDE, 155.
•
FAMILY CLII. CATHARTIDÆ. (THE New World
VULTURES.)
Head and part of neck bare. Eyes lateral; ears small. Bill
lengthened, weak and but little hooked; nostrils perforate. Wings
very long and strong, giving a strength and grace of flight which
few birds possess. Hind toe short, and elevated; front toes long,
somewhat webbed, with rather weak and straightish claws. Large
turkey-like raptores, without the strength and spirit of the hawks
and owls; "voracious and indiscriminate gormandizers of carrion
and animal refuse of all sorts, hence efficient and almost indispensa-
ble scavengers in the warm countries where they abound." (Coues.)
The vultures are voiceless. On the ground they walk rather clum-
sily. When disturbed they eject the fetid contents of their capacious
crops. Two species, the Condor and the California Vulture, are
among the largest birds of flight in the world. All are American,
the Old World Vultures (Vulturinæ) being vulture-like hawks.
Genera 5; species 6 or 8.
256
XLI.
AVES: RAPTORES.
ม
•
a. Wings very long, primaries reaching to end of tail or farther; tail rounded;
nostrils large and broad.
CATHARTES, 414.
aa. Wings short, scarcely reaching middle of tail; tail truncate; nostrils
small and narrow.
CATHARISTA, 415.
414. CATHARTES Illiger. (kaðaprýs, purifier.)
801. C. aura (L.). TURKEY BUZZARD. Black, lustrous above
and somewhat mottled with brown; skin of head and neck red.
L. 30. W. 22. T. 12. Am., abundant, especially S. and S. W.
(A South American name.)
415. CATHARISTA Vieillot. (xałapi¿w, to cleanse.)
802. C. atrata (Bartram). CARRION CROW. Uniform dull
black. L. 24. W. 17. T. 8. Trop. Amer., straying N. to Ohio;
a heavier bird than the Turkey Buzzard, although shorter. (Lat.,
blackened.)
FAMILY CLIII. FALCONIDE. (THE FALCONS.)
Head fully feathered (except in the Old World Vulturinæ); no
ear tufts. Eyes lateral; eyelids provided with lashes; usually a
projecting bony eyebrow; no complete facial disk. Toes always
naked, and usually tarsus also; hind toe not elevated. Bill stout,
strongly hooked, its base not hidden by feathers. Claws very strong
and sharp, the hind claw not shorter than the others. Plumage
usually of blended colors, barred or streaked; changes considerable;
usually the larger. Genera 50; species 300; abounding every-
where.
a. Outer toe not reversible; claws graduated from the largest (hind-toe) to
the smallest (outer).
b. Nostril not circular, nor with an inner bony tubercle. (Accipitrinæ.)
c. Tarsus naked, reticulate all around, much shorter than tibia,
d. Tail very deeply forked.
•
ELANOIDES, 416.
dd. Tail merely emarginate; claws not grooved beneath.
cc. Tarsus not reticulate all around; claws grooved beneath.
e. Tarsus decidedly shorter than tibia.
ELANUS, 417.
f. Tarsus scutellate in front only; not fully feathered.
g. Toes somewhat webbed at base; cutting edge of upper man-
dible notched.
•
ICTINIA, 418.
gg. Toes not webbed at all; neck feathers lancecolate.
ff. Tarsus almost or quite entirely feathered.
HALIÆETUS, 425.
h. Tarsus densely feathered all around down to base of toes.
AQUILA, 424.
hh. Tarsus densely feathered to base of toes except a bare strip
ARCHIBUTEO, 423.
behind.
fff. Tarsus scutellate in front and behind.
FALCONIDÆ.
257
CLIII.
2. Wing rather pointed, more than 4 times length of tarsus.
BUTEO, 421.
ii. Wing rounded, less than 4 times length of tarsus.
ee. Tarsus about as long as tibia.
ASTUKINA, 422.
j. Face without ruff; wings rounded, little longer than
tail; tarsus scutellate in front only, rarely booted.
ACCIPITER, 420.
jj. Face with a slight ruff, somewhat as in owls; wings
very long, longer than the long tail; tarsus scutellate
in front and behind.
•
•
CIRCUS, 419.
bb. Nostrils small, circular, with a conspicuous central bony tubercle; cut-
ting edge of upper mandible with a strong tooth, separated from
hooked tip of bill by a distinct notch; tarsus reticulate all around.
(Falconinc.)
FALCO, 426.
aa. Outer toe reversible; claws all of the same length, narrowed and rounded
on lower side; tarsus reticulate; plumage compact. (Pandioninœ.)
PANDION, 427.
416. ELANOIDES Gray. (Elanus; eidos, form.)
803. E. forficatus (L.). SWALLOW-TAILED KITE. Lustrous
black; head, neck, lower parts, and band on rump white; young
streaky. L. 25. W.17. T. 14. Southern, N. to Penn. and Minn.
(Lat., forfex, shears; tail deeply forked, like shears.)
417. ELANUS Savigny. (Lat., kite.)
804. E. leucurus (Vieillot). WHITE-TAILED KITE. Bluish
gray, with white on head and tail, and black on shoulder. L. 17.
W. 13. T. 7. Tropical Am., N. to S. Ill. (eukós, white; oùpá, tail.)
418. ICTINIA Vieillot.
805. I. mississippiensis (Wilson).
lead blue, wings with chestnut. L. 15.
N. to Penn. and Wis.
(ikrîvos, kite.)
MISSISSIPPI KITE. Chiefly
W.12. T. 64. S. E. U. S.,
419. CIRCUS Lacépède. (Kipkos, a kind of hawk.)
806. C. hudsonius (L.). MARSH HARRIER. Chiefly pale
bluish gray; rump and under parts whitish; tail bluish, mottled
and tipped with white, and with dark bands; dusky brown.
L. 18. W. 15. T. 9. N. Am., abundant; readily known by the
white rump.
420. ACCIPITER Brisson. (Lat., hawk.)
a. Tarsus feathered less than of the way down in front, the feathers well
separated behind. (Accipiter.)
807. A. velox (Wilson). SHARP-SHINNED HAWK. "PIGEON
HAWK." Tail truncate; tarsus sometimes "booted"; general
color bluish gray, breast, sides, etc., whitish, streaked with reddish
17
258
XLI.
AVES: RAPTORES.
brown. L. 12. W. 7. T. 6. N. Am.; abundant; a small but
courageous hawk. The species of this genus are more destructive
among poultry than any other hawks. (Lat., swift.)
808. A. cooperi Bonaparte. CHICKEN HAWK. Tail rounded;
tarsus never booted; colors similar, more blue, the top of head
darker, the tail more plainly white tipped. L. 18. W. 10. T. 8.
N. Am., common. (To Wm. Cooper, of New York.)
aa. Tarsus feathered about half way down in front, the feathers scarcely sep-
arated behind. (Astur Lacépède.)
809. A. atricapillus (Wilson). GOSHAWK. Chiefly slate blue
with white superciliary stripe; lower parts white, finely barred
with brown; tail with four dark bars. L. 24. W. 14. T. 11.
Northern, S. to U. S. in winter. (Lat., black-haired.)
421. BUTEO Cuvier. (Lat. buzzard, as these hawks are called
in England.)
a. Outer web of primaries without white, buffy, or ochraceous spots.
b. Four outer primaries emarginate on inner web.
c. Head and neck uniform dark sooty brown, or streaked with white,
never with buffy or reddish.
810. B. harlani (Audubon). BLACK HAWK. Tail irregularly
mottled with grayish, rusty, white, or blackish and with a dark
band near tip; general color usually very dark but variable. L.
21. W. 16. T. 10. S. W., E. to Ill., scarce.
ZARD.
cc. Head and neck more or less streaked with ochraceous or rusty red.
811. B. borealis (Gmelin). HEN HAWK. RED-TAILED Buz-
Dark brown; much barred and streaked; tail in adult
bright chestnut red above, with a narrow black bar near its tip.
L. 23. W. 15. T. 8. N. Am. common, replaced W. by var.
calurus Cassin, dark brown, sometimes uniform.
bb. Three outer primaries emarginate on inner web.
d. Wing more than 13.
812. B. swainsoni Bonaparte. SWAINSON'S BUZZARD. Gray,
variously streaked, usually a bright chestnut or brownish area on
breast; wings dusky; tail with nine or ten narrow dark bars;
variable. L. 20. W. 16. T. 81. W. U. S., E. to Ind. and Mass.
(To Wm. Swainson.)
dd. Wing less than 12.
813. B. latissimus (Wilson). BROAD-WINGED HAWK. Brown
above, whitish or fulvous below, variously streaked and barred;
conspicuous dark cheek patches; tail with broad dark bands alter-
nating with narrower pale ones, white-tipped; lower parts brownish
with whitish spots; in young whitish with darker streaks. L. 18.
FALCONIDE.
259
CLIII.
W. 11. T. 7. E. N. Am., a handsome but small hawk. (Lat.
broadest.)
aa. Outer webs of primaries spotted with white, buffy or ochraceous: 4 pri-
maries emarginate.
814. B. lineatus (Gmelin). CHICKEN HAWK. RED-SHOUL-
dered BuzzaRD. Dark reddish brown; head and neck more or
less rusty; bend of wing orange brown in adult; tail with sev-
eral white bars; young much streaked below and with little red-
dish. L. 22. W. 14. T. 9. Considerably lighter in weight than
the red-tailed hawk, although nearly as long. N. Am., abundant.
422. ASTURINA Vieillot. (Lat., dim. of Astur, a hawk).
815. A. plagiata Schlegel. GRAY HAWK. GOSHAWK. Chiefly
dark ashy gray, white below: wings and tail black, with white
markings; upper tail coverts white. L. 18. W. 10. T. 7.
Mexican, straying to S. Ill. (Lat., striped.)
423. ARCHIBUTEO Brehm. (Lat. archi, chief; Buteo.)
a. Bill small and weak, its gape, from corner to corner, 13 inches.
816. A. lagopus (Brünnich). ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK. BLACK
HAWK. Chiefly whitish, rusty streaked; but sometimes entirely
black. L. 24. W. 18. T. 10. Northern regions. The Amer-
ican form, var. sancti-johannis (Gmelin) is darker and more rusty
than European. (Eu.) (λayos, hare; Toús, foot.)
aa. Bill strong, the gape 13 inches wide from corner to corner of mouth.
817. A. ferrugineus (Lichtenstein). Rusty brown, marked
with gray, white, and black; sometimes plain dark chocolate-
brown. L. 23. W. 17. T. 10. W. N. Am., E. to Ill.
424. AQUILA Brisson. (Lat., eagle.)
818. A. chrysaetos (L.). GOLDEN EAGLE. Glossy dark
brown; head and neck paler tawny brown; quills blackish; tail
clouded with whitish at base. L. 36. W. 25. T. 16. Northern
regions, less common than the Bald Eagle, in the U. S. (Eu.)
(χρυσός, gold; ἀετός, eagle.)
425. HALIÆETUS Savigny. (äλs, sea; derós, eagle.)
819. H. leucocephalus (L.). BALD EAGLE. Dark brown;
head, neck, and tail white (after the third year); bill and feet
yellow. L. 36.
L. 36. W. 25. T. 14.
T. 14. N. Am., everywhere. "Com-
mon, for an eagle; a piratical parasite of the Osprey, otherwise
notorious as the emblem of the Republic." (Coues.)
(Coues.) (λευκός,
white; kepaλn, head.)
260
AVES: RAPTORES. - XLI.
426. FALCO Linnæus. FALCONS. (Lat., falcon.)
a. First primary only emarginate on inner web; tarsal plates small; sexes
colored alike.
b. Tarsus longer than middle toe and claw.
c. Tarsus feathered in front more than half way down. (Hierofalco
Cuvier.)
820. F. rusticolus (L.). GRAY GYRFALCON. Bluish gray
above with dark bands; lower tail coverts always with ashy; young
plain above, streaky below. L. 24. W. 16. T. 10. Northern
regions; var. obsoletus, S. to U. S. in winter. This form is darker,
the lower parts chiefly dusky. (Eu.) (Lat. rural.)
cc. Tarsus not feathered half way down in front. (Gennaia Kaup.)
821. F. mexicanus Schlegel. PRAIRIE FALCON. Grayish
brown, more or less barred and streaked. L. 18.
L. 18. W. 14. T. 8.
S. W., E. to Ill., allied to the Lanier of Europe.
bb. Tarsus not longer than middle toe, scarcely feathered below heel joint.
(Rhynchodon Nitsch.)
822. F. peregrinus Tunstall. PEREGRINE FALCON. DUCK
HAWK. Blackish ash with paler waves; top of head black; below
whitish; black cheek patches. L. 16. W. 13. T. 7. Northern
regions, not very common; the American bird, var. anatum Bona-
parte, has the breast unstreaked. (Eu.)
aa. Two primaries emarginate; tarsal plates enlarged in front, appearing
like scutella.
d. Tarsus about equal to middle toe; basal joints of toes with small hex-
agonal scales. (Esalon Kaup.)
AMERICAN MER-
823. F. columbarius L. PIGEON HAWK.
LIN. Ashy blue or brownish above with darker streaks; lower
parts whitish or buffy, streaked with brown; middle tail feathers
in with about 4 black bands; in ? with about 6 pale bands.
L. 13. W. 8. T. 5. U. S. (Lat, pertaining to a pigeon.)
dd. Tarsus longer than middle toe; basal joints of toes with transverse
scutella. (Tinnunculus Vieillot.)
824. F. sparverius L. SPARROW Hawk. RUSTY CROWNED
FALCON. Back tawny; wings bluish and black in ♂; seven black
blotches about head; tail chestnut, with a broad black band in
, and a narrow terminal one of white; below white or tawny.
? different, more streaky, the tail tawny with numerous narrow
darker bars; back and wing coverts rusty barred with black. One
of the most active and courageous of the hawks; a genuine falcon,
notwithstanding its small size. L. 11. W. 7. T. 5. U. S.,
abundant. (Lat., relating to a sparrow.)
STRIGIDÆ. CLIV.
261
427. PANDION Savigny. (ravdíwv, a name in mythology.)
825. P. haliaëtus (L.). OSPREY. FISH HAWK. Dark brown;
tail grayish with narrow dark bars; head neck and lower parts
mostly white; with the breast more spotted; feet very large.
L. 24. W. 20. T. 10. In most parts of the world, about water,
an expert fisher. The American bird is var. carolinensis Gmelin.
(Gr., sea-eagle.)
FAMILY CLIV. STRIGIDE. (THE BARN OWLS.)
A small family including those owls which have long faces, the
facial disk being complete and subtriangular. All these have the
sternum entire behind, with a central emargination, the furculum
grown fast; the middle and inner toes are about equal in length,
and the middle claw is pectinate below. Genera 2, species 6 or 8,
chiefly of Asia and Europe.
a. Wings long, pointed, reaching beyond tail when folded; no ear tufts; tar-
sus scant-feathered; bill pale; eyes black .
428. STRIX Linnæus. (Lat. screech-owl.)
STRIX, 428.
Tawny of
826. S. pratincola Bonaparte. BARN OWL.
various shades, very finely mottled, streaked, and dotted with
darker; below pale, with some spots. L. 17. W. 13. T. 57.
N. Am., chiefly S., a handsome, solemn-looking, and fierce little
owl. (Lat., inhabitant of fields.)
FAMILY CLV. BUBONIDE. (THE OWLS.)
Head very large, shortened lengthwise and greatly expanded
laterally, the eyes directed forwards and partly surrounded by a
more or less complete circular disk of radiating feathers of peculiar
texture; loral feathers antrorse, long and dense; feathers on the
sides of forehead often elongated into ear-like tufts. Plumage very
soft and lax, rendering the flight almost noiseless; its colors blended
and mottled so as to baffle description. External ear very large,
often provided with a movable flap. Outer toe reversible; claws
very sharp, long, and strong; inner toe shorter than middle; mid-
dle claw not pectinate. Sternum double notched or fenestrate;
furculum free. Eggs nearly spherical, pure white. Chiefly noc-
turnal. Sexes colored alike, usually the larger. Owls are
found in every part of the globe, and most of the species have a
wide range. Their habits are too well known to need description
here.
a. Tarsus fully feathered.
b. Eye in the centre of a nearly complete circular disk; external ear larger
than eye, with a well developed opercle.
c. Ear-tufts present, sometimes very short; cere longer than rest of cul-
men; iris yellow.
•
ASIO, 429.
262
AVES: RAPTORES. XLI.
cc. Ear-tufts not evident; cere short.
d. Tail about 3 wing.
e. Eyes not small, the iris dusky; 5 outer primaries emarginate.
SYRNIUM, 430.
ee. Eyes rather small, the iris yellow; six outer primaries sinuate;
bill small.
SCOTIAPTEX, 431.
dd. Tail short, nearly even, about half wing; iris yellow.
NYCTALA, 432.
bb. Eye nearer top than bottom of a more or less incomplete disk; external
ear not larger than eye, without developed opercle; iris yellow.
f. Head with very conspicuous ear-tufts.
g. Tail about wing; bill pale.
gg. Tail about wing; bill blackish.
ff. Head without evident "ear-tufts;
Nyctea).
MEGASCOPS, 433.
BUBO, 434.
ear-tufts;" (these rudimentary in
h. Tail rounded; plumage chiefly white.
hh. Tail graduated; plumage not white.
NYCTEA, 435.
•
SURNIA, 436.
aa. Tarsus nearly naked, its length more than twice middle toe; facial disk
imperfect; no ear-tufts. .
429. ASIO Brisson.
SPEOTYTO, 437.
a. Ear-tufts well developed, of 8 to 12 feathers. (Asio.)
827. A. wilsonianus (Lesson). LONG-EARED OWL. One
primary emarginate. Dusky, more or less mottled and streaked
with buffy and grayish, much variegated below. L. 15. W. 12.
T. 6. N. Am., often using deserted crow's nests.
aa. Ear-tufts inconspicuous, few feathered. (Brachyotus Gould.)
828. A. accipitrinus (Pallas). SHORT-EARED OWL. Two
outer primaries usually emarginate. Buffy whitish, striped with
dark brown, the dark streaks narrower below. L. 15. W. 12.
T. 6. Nearly cosmopolitan, not rare in U. S. (Eu.)
430. SYRNIUM Savigny.
829. S. nebulosum (Forster). BARRED OWL. Toes not con-
cealed. Olive brown, barred with white above; breast similarly
barred; belly streaked. L. 18. W. 14. T. 9. E. N. Am., com-
mon; the most noisy of our owls, but rather mild in temper.
431. SCOTIAPTEX Swainson. (σkórios, dark; πrépu§, wing.)
830. S. cinereum (Gmelin). GREAT GRAY OWL. SPECTRAL
OWL. Toes concealed by long feathers. Cinereous brown above,
waved with white; breast streaked, belly barred. L. 30. W. 18.
T. 12. Northern, occasionally S. in winter to N. J. and Ill.; a
huge bird, one of the largest of owls. (Eu.) (Lat., ashy.)
432. NYCTALA Brehm. (vukraλós, drowsy.)
831. N. tengmalmii (Gmelin). SPARROW OWL. Bill yellow;
cere not tumid; nostrils obliquely oval, opening laterally. Choco-
BUBONIDE. CLV.
263
late brown, striped with white; below white, striped with brown.
L. 10. W. 74. T. 4. Northern regions, S. to N. U. S.; the
American var. richardsoni Bonaparte, is larger and darker. (Eu.)
(To P. G. Tengmalm, a Swedish naturalist.)
832. N. acadica (Gmelin). SAW-WHET OWL. Bill black; cere
tumid; nostrils nearly circular, opening anteriorly. Color similar,
less white above, more reddish below. L. 8. W. 5. T. 24. N.
Amer., rather northerly.
433. MEGASCOPS Kaup. (μéyas, great; okwy, screech-owl.)
833. M. asio (L.). SCREECH OWL. RED OWL. Grayish,
streaked and barred, or else with the grayish replaced by bright
reddish; these two different styles of plumage about equally com-
mon and bearing no relation to age, sex, or season. L. 10. W. 7.
T. 31. N. Am., abundant; our commonest owl.
434. BUBO Duméril. (Lat., horned owl.)
834. B. virginianus (Gmelin). GREAT HORNED OWL. Black,
gray, and buffy, variously mottled and barred; usually a whitish
half-collar; ear tufts large, their feathers mostly black. L. 22.
W. 16. T. 10. N. Am., abundant; one of the strongest and most
courageous of the owls.
435. NYCTEA Stephens. (VUKTEús, nocturnal.)
835. N. nyctea (L.). SNOWY OWL. Pure white, more or less
barred with blackish. L. 23. W. 17. T. 10. Northern regions,
not rare; whole U. S. in winter; the handsomest of owls. (Eu.)
(Meaning unknown.)
436. SURNIA Duméril.
836. S. ulula (L.). HAWK OWL. DAY OWL. Brown, much
mottled and barred; head with white spots; a dark collar about
neck; lower parts barred, brown and white; tail barred. L. 16.
W. 9. T. 7. Northern regions, S. to Wis. and Mass. (Eu.)
The American bird, darker in color, is var. caparoch (Müller).
(Lat., owl; an imitation of the bird's note.)
437. SPEOTYTO Gloger. (σπéos, cave; Turó, a kind of owl.)
837. S. cunicularia (Mol.). Burrowing OWL. Brownislì,
much spotted, barred, and variegated with whitish. L. 10. W. 74.
T. 4. W. America, very abundant W., living in the holes of
prairie dogs, accidental E. Our form is var. hypogæa (Bonaparte),
its lower parts buffy. (Lat., burrower.)
ORDER XLII. PSITTACI. (THE PARRots.)
"Frugivorous Raptores," bill enormously thick, cered at base and
strongly hooked; tongue thick and fleshy. Feet zygodactyle by
264
XLII.
AVES: PSITTACI.
reversion of outer toe; tarsus reticulate.
Tongue short, fleshy;
upper jaw unusually movable. Altricial. Plumage often brilliant.
In all warm regions. Genera 26; species 354, nearly half of which
are American. All of the latter, and many of the Old World
forms, belong to the principal family, Psittacidae.
Families of Psittaci.
a. Carotids two, the left superficial.
PSITTACIDE, 156.
FAMILY CLVI. PSITTACIDE. (THE Parrots.)
Parrots with two carotid arteries, the left superficial. This great
group includes the great majority of the parrots, — all of the Ameri-
can species.
a. Ambiens muscle present: a tufted oil-gland; furculum complete. (Arinæ.)
6. Face entirely feathered except a curve about the eye; tail graduated, the
feathers narrowed.
CONURUS, 438.
438. CONURUS Kuhl. (Kôvos, cone; ovpá, tail.)
838. C. carolinensis (L.). CAROLINA PAROQUET. Green;
head and neck yellow; face orange red; wings with blue and yel-
low; bill white; cere feathered. L. 13. W. 74. T. 6. South-
western, formerly N. to the Great Lakes; now nearly exterminated,
except in Fla.
S
PICARIÆ.
NOTE. Between the Parrots and the Singing Birds comes the series
or so-called order of Picaria, a highly diversified group including all the
non-passerine land birds, except the pheasants, doves and birds with cered
and hooked bill. In all, the hind toe is small (if present), and sometimes
elevated; its claw is usually shorter than that of middle toe. The wing
coverts are larger and in more numerous series than in the Passeres. The
primarics are 1û in number, the first rarely short; tail usually of 10
feathers. Sternum non-passerine; musical apparatus imperfect; tarsus
never presenting an undivided ridge behind. Nature altricial.
Recent writers usually subdivide the Picaria into three groups, which
are recognized as distinct orders by the American Ornithologists' Union,
under the names of Coccyges, Pici and Macrochires. The last two are
natural groups and well defined by anatomical characters. The Coccyges,
however, are scarcely less varied than the Picaria, of which they form
the greater part. Dr. Coues says: "I have no faith whatever in the
integrity of any such grouping as Picaria implies, but if I should break
up this conventional assemblage, I should not know what to do with the
fragments." The so-called order Acanthopteri among fishes is a case
somewhat parallel.
CUCULIDE. CLVII.
265
ORDER XLIII. COCCYGES. (THE CUCKOO-LIKE BIRDS.)
This order includes the majority of the Picarian birds, some 15
families, not having very much in common, except that they lack
the special peculiarities of the Pici and the Macrochires.
"The
sternum is usually notched behind; the syringeal muscles are two
pairs at most.” Feet generally short, the toes variously arranged.
Palate desmognathous. The group is "a mixed lot requiring to
be reconstructed by exclusion of some of the families entering into
its composition." (Coues). (kókkuέ, cuckoo.)
Families of Coccyges.
a. Toes 2 in front, 2 behind; bill as long as head, compressed, the tomia en-
tire; nostrils exposed; no rictal bristles; toes cleft to base.
CUCULIDE, 157.
aa. Toes 3 in front, 1 behind; bill straight, longer than head; feet syndactyle,
the outer and middle toes grown together for half their length; tarsus
very short.
ALCEDINIDÆ, 158.
FAMILY CLVII. CUCULIDE. (THE CUCKOOS.)
Bill compressed, lengthened, without rictal bristles or nasal
tufts. Tongue not extensible. Tarsus long, nearly naked; toes
not webbed. Feet zygodactyle, by reversion of fourth toe. Spe-
cies about 200, in various parts of the world. (Lat., cuculus,
cuckoo.)
a. Tail feathers 10; bill gently curved; plumage blended; arboreal.
439. COCCYZUS Vieillot.
Coccrzus, 439.
"RAIN
839. C. americanus (L.). Yellow-billed Cuckoo.
CROW." Color lustrous drab; bill yellow below; wings with much
cinnamon red; middle tail feathers like the back; outer ones black,
with broad white tips. L. 12. W. 5. T. 6. N. Am.
840. C. erythrophthalmus (Wilson). BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO.
Lustrous drab; bill chiefly black; wings with little or no reddish;
tail feathers all brownish, obscurely whitish at tips. L. 11. W.
5. T. 64. E. N. Am., more common E. (épvėpós, red; ¿¿ðadµós,
eye.)
FAMILY CLVIII. ALCEDINIDÆ. (THE KINGFISHERS.)
Head large; bill long, straight and strong, usually longer than
head; gape deep, tomia not serrate. Wings long; tail short.
Legs quite small; feet syndactyle, the outer and middle toes
united half their length, with a continuous sole beneath; tibia naked
below. Tail feathers 12. Species about 100, chiefly of the tropical
parts of the Old World and Australia. Many of them feed upon
fishes, and nearly all are remarkable for their brilliant metallic
266
XLIV.
AVES PICI.
coloration. In many the bill is disproportionately large. (Lat.,
alcedo, kingfisher.)
a. Bill compressed, the culmen carinate; head crested; aquatic, feeding on
fishes.
CERYLE, 440.
440. CERYLE Boie. (knpúλos, kingfisher.)
841. C. alcyon (L.). BELTED KINGFISHER. Ashy blue above,
a bluish band across breast; white below; tail black, speckled and
barred with white; with sides and band across belly chestnut.
L. 13. W. 6. T. 3. B. 2. N. Am., everywhere common.
(Lat., kingfisher.)
ORDER XLIV. PICI. (THE WOODPECKERS AND
WRYNECKS.)
A small order composed of the Woodpeckers, and two closely
related families. Feet zygodactyle, the outer toe permanently re-
versed, the hind toe wanting in one genus; metatarsus modified in
connection with the reversed toe; wing with 10 primaries and short
secondary coverts; tail with 10 quills, besides which, in the wood-
peckers, is an outer pair of partly concealed spurious quills; bill
straight, hard and strong; palate saurognathous; sternum double-
notched behind; salivary glands large. (Lat., picus, woodpecker.)
a. Nostrils covered by feathers; tail feathers rigid and acute. PICIDE, 159.
FAMILY CLIX. PICIDE. (THE WOODPECKERS.)
Bill stout, usually straight, with the tip truncate or acute, fitted
for hammering or boring into wood. Tongue long, flattish, barbed,
capable of great protrusion, adapted for securing insects (except in
Sphyrapicus); hyoid apparatus peculiar, its horns generally quite
long, curving around the skull behind and over forward again to
the ear or beyond. Feet zygodactyle, the hind toe sometimes want-
ing; claws compressed, sharp and strong. Tail feathers 12, rigid
and acuminate, the outer pair short, concealed; tail never forked ;
nasal tufts present.
Chiefly arboreal; all (except Sphyrapicus, which is truly a “Sap-
Sucker,") are pre-eminently insectivorous. For this reason these
birds are of the greatest service to the farmer. Voice loud and
harsh. Colors generally bright, the male at least having almost al-
ways red on the head; sexes usually slightly different. Species
250, abundant almost everywhere.
a. Outer hind toe longer than outer anterior (middle) toe.
b. Head with a conspicuous crest; (size very large; bill pale).
bb. Head not crested.
CAMPEPHILUS, 441.
c. Tongue pointed, highly extensible, as usual among woodpeckers; (no
yellowish on belly).
PICIDE.
267
CLIX.
•
d. Hind toes 2; nasal groove running nearly to tip of bill, which is not
much compressed toward tip.
DRYOBATES, 442.
dd. Hind toe single (the real hind toe wanting); bill broad, much
compressed.
PICOIDES, 443.
cc. Tongue obtuse, brushy, scarcely extensible; nasal groove rnnning
into tomium near middle of bill; bill evidently compressed to-
wards its tip; (belly more or less yellowish). SPHYRAPICUS, 444.
aa. Outer toe not longer than outer anterior toe.
e. Head conspicuously crested; (size large; bill dark).
ee. Head not crested.
CEOPHLOUS, 445.
f. Upper mandible with a distinct low lateral ridge, the tip more
or less truncate.
MELANERPES, 446.
ff. Upper mandible without distinct lateral ridge or nasal groove,
the tip scarcely truncate.
COLAPTES, 447.
441. CAMPEPHILUS Gray. (κάμη, caterpillar; píλos, loving.)
842. C. principalis (L.). IvORY-BILLED WOODPECKER. Black
with white on shoulders and wings; crest scarlet in ♂, black in Q.
L. 21. W. 11. T. 8. Southern, formerly N. to S. Ill.
442. DRYOBATES Boie. (dpús, oak; Bárns, walker.)
a. Back black, with a long white stripe; sides usually white.
843. D. villosus (L.). HAIRY WOODPECKER. BIG SAP-
SUCKER. Spotted and lengthwise streaked, but not banded; outer
tail feathers wholly white. L. 9. W. 5. T. 31. A scarlet nuchal
band in only. N. Am., common.
♂
844. D. pubescens (L.). DOWNY WOODPECKER. LITTLE
SAP-SUCKER. Outer tail feathers white, barred with black; other-
wise precisely like the other, but much smaller. L. 61. W. 34.
T. 24. N. Am., common.
aa. Back black, barred with white; sides usually spotted or streaked with
black.
845. D. borealis (Vieillot). RED-COCKADED WOODPECKER.
Black and white, spotted and crosswise banded, but not streaked;
a red line on each side of head in ♂. L. 8. W. 41. T. 3Ł.
S. E. U. S., in swamps, N. to Penn.
443. PICOIDES Lacépède.
(Picus; eidos, resemblance.)
BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER.
846. P. arcticus (Swainson).
Black and white; no white on back or top of head; crown yellow
in ♂, plain in 9. L. 9. W. 5. T. 33. N. Am., S. in winter,
to N. U. S.
847. P. americanus Brehm. Back with white bars or a white
stripe; usually more or less white on head; otherwise as in the pre-
ceding. L. 8. W. 41. T. 31. Arctic Amer., S. in winter to
N. E.
268
XLIV.
AVES: PICI.
444. SPHYRAPICUS Baird. (opûpa, hammer; Picus.)
848. S. varius (L.). YELLOW-BELLIED WOODPECKER. Black
and whitish above; black on breast; rump mixed black and white;
belly more or less yellowish; sides streaked with dusky; a white
wing patch; quills with white spots; crown red in adult ♂ and
usually also; chin scarlet, throat black in ♂; both white in o̟,
young dull brownish. L. 84. W. 44. T. 3}. N. Am., not rare,
the only woodpecker which ever injures trees.
445. CEOPHLOUS Cabanis. (Hylatomus¹ Baird.)
(kéw, to split; pλolós, bark.)
849. C. pileatus (L.). LOGCOCK. Black; white streak down
neck; crest and cheek patch scarlet in ♂; cheeks and front of
crest black in Q. L. 18.
L. 18. W. 9. T. 7. N. Am.; in heavy tim-
ber, a shy bird, now becoming rare. (Lat., capped.)
446. MELANERPES Swainson. (μéλas, black; pπns, creeper.)
a. Back, scapulars and wing-coverts glossy blue-black (grayish in young).
(Melanerpes.)
850. M. erythrocephalus (L.). RED-HEADED Woodpecker.
Whole head and neck crimson in both sexes, bordered below by
black; belly, rump, secondaries, etc., pure white; rest of body glossy
blue-black. L. 94. W. 54. T. 33. E. U. S., rare in N. E., very
abundant W. (épv☺pós, red; kepaλý, head.)
aa. Back, scapulars and wings barred with white. (Centurus Swainson.)
851. M. carolinus (L.). RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER. Gray-
ish, much barred above with black and white; belly pale ashy, more
or less reddish-tinged; crown and nape crimson in ♂, ashy in ?.
L. 94. W. 5. T. 31. E. U. S., rather S., common W.
447. COLAPTES Swainson. (кoλaπτýs, chisel.)
852. C. auratus (L.). YELLOW-HAMMER. FLICKER. GOLDEN-
WINGED WOODPECKER. HIGH-HOLER. Head ashy, with red
nuchal crescent; back drab-color, barred with black; rump white;
below pinkish brown shading into yellowish; a black crescent on
breast; belly with numerous round black spots; shafts and under
surfaces of quills golden yellow; with a black maxillary patch.
L. 12. W. 6. T. 4. E. N. Am., abundant.
853. C. cafer (Gmelin). RED-SHAFTED FLICKER. Quills with
orange red instead of golden; maxillary patches in red instead
1 The earlier name Hylatomus is set aside by the A. O. U. on account of the still
earlier Hylotoma, a genus of Insects. I have elsewhere maintained that “A name is
a name without necessary meaning," and therefore that generic names are different
unless spelled alike, even though derived from the same Greek root. I prefer to use
Hylatomus, Eremophila, Lagochila, Lucania, Icteria, Cestreus, Heterodontus, and similar
names, notwithstanding their similarity to Hylotoma, Eremophilus, Lagocheilus,
Lucanus, Icterus, Cestræus, and Heterodon.
CAPRIMULGIDÆ.
269
CLX.
of black; no nuchal crescent; no yellowish on belly; the black spots
fewer and smaller. L. 14. W. 63. T. 5. Western, E. to Kan.
Runs into the preceding, of which it is often considered a variety.1
Order
ORDER XLV. MACROCHIRES. (THE SWIFTS AND
HUMMING BIRDS.)
Fissirostral and tenuirostral Picaria. Wing very long and
pointed, the fingers and primaries especially elongate. Feet small,
weak, with three toes in front, one behind, the hind toe usually
somewhat elevated; tail-feathers 10; palate ægithognathous, as in
the Passeres. There are three families, all represented within our
limits. (μakpós, long; xeíp, hand.)
a. Bill fissirostral, swallow-like; secondaries more than 6.
b. Middle toe much longer than lateral toes, its claw pectinate; rictus with
bristles; plumage very soft.
CAPRIMULGIDÆ, 160.
bb. Middle toe scarcely longer than lateral toes, its claw not pectinate; no
rictal bristles; plumage compact.
MICROPODIDÆ, 161.
aa. Bill tenuirostral, very long and slender; secondaries 6; plumage com-
pact, with metallic lustre.
TROCHILIDE, 162.
FAMILY CLX. CAPRIMULGIDÆ. (THE
GOATSUCKERS.)
Bill very short, fissirostral, the gape exceedingly deep and
wide, reaching to below the eyes, and usually with prominent rictal
bristles. Wings long and pointed; secondaries lengthened. Plu-
mage long and loose. Tail feathers 10. Feet very small; tarsus
short; toes slightly webbed at base, the middle claw pectinate; hind
toe somewhat elevated and lateral. Genera 14; species 100 or
more, widely diffused; chiefly insectivorous, largely nocturnal, and
of noiseless flight, like the owls. (Lat., capra, goat; mulgeo, to
suck, from an old tradition.)
a. Rictal bristles very long; tail rounded; tarsus largely feathered.
•
ANTROSTOMUS, 448.
CHORDEILES, 449.
aa. Rictal bristles inconspicuous; tail emarginate.
448. ANTROSTOMUS Gould. (avтpov, cave; σrópa, mouth.)
a. Rictal bristles with lateral branches.
854. A. carolinensis (Gmelin). CHUCKWILL'S WIDOW. More
reddish than A. vociferus. L. 12. W. 9. T. 6. U. S., N. to S. Ill.
aa. Rictal bristles simple.
855. A. vociferus (Wilson). WHIPPOORWILL. NIGHT JAr.
Grayish, very much variegated with blackish and buffy; pectoral
bar and ends of outer tail feathers white (6) or tawny (?). L. 10.
W. 6. T. 5. E. U. S., abundant in damp woods; nocturnal;
noted for its "solemn and prophetic cry," continually repeated in
the night.
1 In the west you will find specimens auratus on one side of body, cafer on the
other, tail gilded on some feathers, rubricated on others. (Coues.)
270
AVES: MACROCHIRES. - XLV.
449. CHORDEILES Swainson. (xopdń, a musical instrument;
deiλn, evening.)
856. C. virginianus (Gmelin). NIGHT HAWK. BULL BAT.
Blackish, barred and mottled with grayish and buffy; a large wing
spot, bar across tail, and V-shaped blotch on throat
white in ♂,
tawny or obscure in ; the wing spot placed in front of tip of 7th
quill. L. 9. W. 8. T. 5. N. Am., very abundant, flying high
in evening or cloudy weather.
FAMILY CLXI. MICROPODIDÆ. (THE SWIFTS.)
Bill fissirostral, as in the Goatsuckers and Swallows. Wings
very long, thin and pointed; secondaries very short. Feet small,
weak; hind toe often elevated or otherwise turned; toes com-
pletely cleft; middle claw not pectinate; no rictal bristles; tail
feathers 10; plumage compact. In most species the salivary
glands are highly developed, and their secretion is used as a glue
in the construction of the nest; species of Collocalia in China thus
form the edible bird's nest. Small birds of the warmer parts of
the world, bearing a superficial resemblance to Swallows, but struc-
turally very different, being closely related to the Humming Birds,
nearer to them even than to the Goatsuckers. Genera 6 or 8;
species 50. (uukpós, small; Tovs, foot.)
(μικρός, πούς,
a. Tarsus bare, longer than middle toe; tail rounded, its feathers with the
shafts spinous, projecting beyond the plumage.
CHATURA, 450.
450. CHÆTURA Stephens. (xaírŋ, bristle; ovpá, tail.)
857. C. pelagica (L.). CHIMNEY SWIFT. CHIMNEY SWAL-
LOW. Sooty brown; throat paler. L. 54. W. 5. T. 2. E. N. Am.
abundant; now nesting in chimneys, as formerly in hollow-trees.
FAMILY CLXII. TROCHILIDÆ. (THE HUMMING BIRDS.)
Bill subulate, usually longer than the head, straight or curved;
tongue capable of great protrusion. Wings long and pointed, the
secondaries short, only 6 in number; tail of 10 feathers. Feet
very small, with long sharp claws. Smallest of all birds and among
the most brilliantly colored. Genera 75; species 300 or more, one
of the largest families in Ornithology. All are American, and most
of them tropical, but our common species ranges far into Canada.
Chiefly insectivorous; not musical.
a. First primary not attenuate, bowed or curved inwards; bill straight; frontal
feathers covering nasal scale.
TROCHILUS, 451.
451. TROCHILUS Linnæus. (тpoxíños, plover.)
3
858. T. colubris L. RUBY-THROATED HUMMING BIRD.
metallic green above; a ruby-red gorget; tail deeply forked,
TROCHILIDÆ. CLXII.
271
uniform purplish, its feathers narrow; without red, the tail
variegated; no scales on crown. L. 34. W. 13. T. 14. B. f.
E. N. Am.; abundant in summer, hovering about flowers. (S. Am.
name, Colibri.)
ORDER XLVI. PASSERES. (THE PASSERINE BIRDS.)
Toes always 4; feet fitted for perching; the hind toe always on
the level of the rest, its claw at least as long as that of the mid-
dle toe; joints of toes 2, 3, 4, 5, respectively, from first to fourth;
none of the toes versatile, and none webbed; wing coverts few,
chiefly in two series; tail feathers 12; primaries 10, but in most
of the families the first one is reduced in size, and often rudimen-
tary and displaced; musical apparatus more or less developed ;
sternum of a uniform passerine pattern; palate ægithognathous.
Nature altricial.
This order includes about 6000 known species, or more than half
of all the kinds of birds. They represent the "highest grade of
development and the most complex organization of the class; their
high physical irritability is co-ordinate with the rapidity of their
respiration and circulation; they consume the most oxygen and
live the fastest of all birds." (Coues.)
A considerable number of anatomical characters (for which see
Stejneger, "Standard Natural History,” p. 458, et seq.), are more
or less perfectly distinctive of the Passeres. These cannot, how-
ever, be discussed here. The group is divided, on anatomical charac-
ters, into about 5 suborders. Two of these groups, the Clamatores
and the Oscines, are represented in our fauna. The latter, charac-
terized especially by the perfect musical apparatus, comprises the
vast majority of the Passeres. (Lat., passer, sparrow.)
Families of Passeres.
a. Tarsus with its hinder edge rounded; encircled by a single horny envelope
divided into scutella anteriorly and on outer side, this sometimes ex-
tending all round (though separated by a seam along inner side), but
often widely separated on inner side or behind or both, the intervening
space occupied by granular scales, reticulations, or plain naked skin;
musical apparatus imperfect; primaries 10, the first about as long as
second. (Clamatores.)
b. Inner toe free at base from middle toe; tarsus not reticulate behind;
bill hooked at tip, with long rictal bristles.
TYRANNIDÆ, 163.
aa. Tarsus with its hinder edge compressed, forming a sharp, nearly undi-
vided ridge (except in the Larks, which may be known by the long,
nearly straight hind claw); musical apparatus highly developed; pri-
maries properly ten, but the first short, or spurious, or sometimes rudi-
mentary and misplaced, so that but nine are evident, in which case the
first developed primary is about as long as second. (Oscines.)
272
XLVI.
AVES: PASSERES.
*
c. Hinder edge of tarsus not compressed, rounded and scutellate like
anterior edge; hind claw very long, straightish; developed pri-
maries 9.
ALAUDIDA, 164.
cc. Hinder edge of tarsus compressed, forming a sharp ridge, for the
most part undivided.
d. Primaries apparently but 9 (the first minute and displaced); the first
developed (i. e. second) primary about as long as the next; bill not
hooked at tip.
e. Bill not fissirostral, the gape little longer than the culmen; outer
primary never twice as long as inner.
f. Bill "conirostral," stout at base, with the commissure forming
a more or less distinct angle at base of bill, "the corners of
the mouth" drawn downward.
g. Bill rather long, often longer than head, without notch at tip
or bristles at the rictus.
ICTERIDE, 166.
gg. Bill shorter than head, often notched near tip, and usually
with bristles at the rictus.
FRINGILLIDE, 167.
•
•
ff. Bill not truly conirostral (the corners of mouth not evidently
drawn downward).
h. Bill stout (conical in our species, the cutting edge with one
or more lobes or nicks near its middle); nostrils placed
high, exposed; (plumage chiefly red or yellow, in our
species).
TANAGRIDE, 168.
hh. Bill rather slender, not conical; angle of gonys not be-
fore nostril.
i. Hind claw short and curved, mostly shorter than its toe;
tertials not elongate, not nearly reaching tips of pri-
maries.
MNIOTILTIDE, 173.
ii. Hind claw long and straightish, mostly longer than its toe;
tertials much elongate, nearly reaching tips of primaries.
MOTA CILLIDA, 174.
ee. Bill fissirostral, the culmen very short, the gape very broad,
its length more than twice the culmen; wings very acute, the
outer primary more than twice length of innermost.
HIRUNDINIDE, 169.
dd. Primaries evidently ten, the first developed, but short, rarely half
the length of the next; (first primary obsolete in some Vireos,
known by the slightly hooked bill).
j. Tarsus distinctly scutellate.
k. Tarsus not longer than middle toe with claw; bill
short, depressed; (head crested; tail tipped with yel-
AMPELIDÆ, 170.
low, in our species).
kk. Tarsus longer than middle toe and claw (or if not,
other characters not as above).
1. Bill strongly hooked and toothed at tip, somewhat
like a hawk's bill.
LANIIDE, 171.
1. Bill slightly hooked at tip; (plumage more or less
olivaceous).
VIREONIDA, 172.
CERTHIIDÆ, 176.
Ill. Bill not evidently hooked at tip.
m. Tail feathers stiff, pointed; bill decurved.
mm. Tail feathers more or less soft and rounded.
n. Nasal feathers directed forwards, usually cov-
ering the nostrils.
TYRANNIDE.
273
CLXIII.
CORVIDE, 165.
o. Birds of large size; (wing more than 4).
oo. Birds of small size; (wing less than 4).
p. Bill not notched.
•
•
PARIDE, 177.
SYLVIIDE, 178.
pp. Bill notched toward the tip, very slender.
nn. Nasal feathers erect or directed backward, not covering nostrils; bill
rather slender, the culmen convex; first primary not very short.
TROGLODYTIDE, 175.
jj. Tarsus booted, without distinct scutella except near the base; rictal bristles
present.
q. Birds of small size; (wing less than 3); young unspotted.
SYLVIIDÆ, 178.
qq. Birds of moderate size (wing more than 3); young spotted.
TURDIDÆ, 179.
FAMILY CLXIII. TYRANNIDÆ. (THE FLYCATCHERS.)
Primaries 10; the first more than & length of second, longer than
in any other of our passerine birds; bill typically broad, triangular,
depressed, abruptly hooked and notched at tip, with long rictal
bristles; commissure nearly straight; nostrils small, usually partly
concealed. Tarsus with its back and sides as well as the front
covered with scutella, so that there is no undivided ridge behind,
as in most other Passeres. Feet small. Mouth capacious; vocal
apparatus mesomyodian, i. e. the "syrinx with fewer than 4 dis-
tinct pairs of intrinsic muscles inserted at the middle of the upper
bronchial half rings, constituting an uncomplicated and ineffective
musical apparatus." (Coues.) Changes of plumage slight; ours
mostly olivaceous.
A large family of 80 genera, and more than 300 species; all
American and mostly tropical. All are insectivorous, most of
them pre-eminently so; they are, therefore, in our latitude,
migratory.
a. Bill of typical form, depressed, hooked at tip, with strong rictal bristles.
b. Outer primaries, one or more of them, attenuate; crown in adult with a
concealed red or yellow crest.
c. Tail deeply forked, much longer than wings.
cc. Tail not forked, not longer than wings.
MILVULUS, 452.
TYRANNUS, 453.
bb. Outer primaries not attenuate; crown without concealed bright-colored
crest.
d. [Wings and tail with chestnut; length 8 or more]; head slightly
crested; wings little longer than tail.
MYIARCHUS, 454.
dd. [Wings and tail without chestnut; general color olivaceous; length
less than 8.]
e. Wings at least 6 times as long as tarsus; (W. 3 to 41).
CONTOPUS, 456.
ee. Wings not more than 5 times as long as tarsus, little longer than
tail.
f. Bill rather narrow (black in our species; wing more than 31).
SAYORNIS, 455.
ff. Bill broad (usually pale below in our species; wing less than 3†).
EMPIDONAX, 457.
18
274
AVES: PASSERES. XLVI.
452. MILVULUS Swainson, (Lat., milvus, kite.)
859. M. tyrannus (L.). FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER. Lar-
ger than next; no red; tail black, still more elongate. Tropical,
straying N. to N. J. and Ky.
860. M. forficatus (Gmelin). SCISSOR-TAIL. Ashy; tail chiefly
white; crissum, shoulders, sides, etc., with much red. L. 13. W.5.
T. 8. S. W., N. to Mo., straying E. (Lat., forked, like scissors.)
453. TYRANNUS Cuvier. (rúpavvos, ruler.)
861. T. tyrannus (L.). KING BIRD. BEE MARTIN. Black-
ish, white below; crown-patch orange; tail black, white-tipped. L.
81. W. 43. T. 34. N. Am., chiefly E.; very abundant.
"De-
stroys a thousand noxious insects for every bee it eats!" (Coues.)
862. T. verticalis Say. ARKANSAS KING-BIRD. Ashy-gray;
yellow below; tail black, white-edged. W. N. Am., straying E.
(Lat., vertex, top of head, which is ornate.)
454. MYIARCHUS Cabanis. (uvia, fly; apxós, ruler.)
863. M. crinitus (L.). GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER.
Scarcely crested; olivaceous, with bright chestnut on wings and
tail; breast ashy-gray; belly clear yellow. L. 83. W. 4. T. 4.
E. U. S., chiefly S., N. to N. Wis. A handsome bird, "noted for
the habitual use of cast-off snake skins in the structure of its nest.”
(Lat., crested.)
455. SAYORNIS Bonaparte. (Say; opus, bird.)
864. S. phœbe (Latham). PEWEE. PHEBE. Olive brown,
head and tail darker; yellow or whitish below. L. 7. W. 31. T.
34. E. U. S., abundant; known by its black bill. (From the bird's
note.)
865. S. saya Bonaparte. Ashy-brown, the belly pale cinnamon,
the tail black. L. 8. W. 4. T. 3§. W. U. S., E. to Iowa. (To
Thomas Say.)
456. CONTOPUS Cabanis. (KOVτós, pole; πovs, foot.)
a. Tarsus shorter than middle toe with claw; wing about half longer than
tail; a white cottony patch on each side of rump. (Nuttallornis Ridg-
way.)
866. C. borealis (Swainson). OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER.
Rictal bristles short, one-fourth length of bill; slaty brown above,
with darker streaks; quills blackish; middle line of belly distinctly
and abruptly white, otherwise grayish below. L. 71. W. 41. T.
3. N. N. Am., S. to N. Y.; in mts. and pine forests.
aa. Tarsus longer than middle toe with claw; wing not longer than tail: no
conspicuous cottony tuft. (Contopus.)
ALAUDIDÆ.
275
CLXIV.
867. C. virens (L.). WOOD PEWEE. Rictal bristles half length
of bill; wing bands whitish or rusty; olive brown above; pale or
yellowish below; lower mandible usually pale. L. 61. W. 31. T.
23. B. 1. U. S., very abundant; known from the common Pewee
by its drawling notes. (Lat., greenish.)
868. C. richardsoni (Swainson). Darker and less olivaceous,
more gray below; bill dusky below. L. 6. W. 33. T. 24. N. W.,
E. to Wis.; nearly like the preceding, but the notes and nesting
different. (To John Richardson.)
457. EMPIDONAX Cabanis. (uís, gnat; avaέ, king.)
a. Lower parts distinctly yellow.
869. E. flaviventris Baird. YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATcher.
Clear olive green; yellow below, becoming bright yellow (not
merely slightly yellowish as in the others) on the belly; first pri-
mary about equal to sixth; feet as in acadicus; bill yellow below.
L. 51. W. 24. T. 2. B. . Ts. . E. N. Am. (Lat., Alavus,
yellow; venter, belly.)
1.
aa. Lower parts not distinctly yellow.
870. E. acadicus (Gmelin). SMALL GREEN-CRESTED FLY-
CATCHER. Clear olive green, wing bands buffy; whitish or slightly
yellowish below; yellowish ring about eyes; bill pale below; pri-
maries nearly an inch longer than secondaries; 2d, 3d and 4th pri-
maries nearly equal, and much longer than 1st and 5th; 1st much
longer that 6th. L. 6. W. 3. T. 24. Ts. . Tcl. . B. .
E. U. S., frequent.
871. E. pusillus (Swainson). Olive brown, duller than pre-
ceding; bill pale below; 5th primary about as long as 4th, 1st not
much longer than 6th; middle toe length of tarsus; longest pri-
mary inch longer than secondaries. L. 5. W. 24. T. 24. B. §.
Ts. . Tcl. g. U. S., represented E. by the more olivaceous var.
trailli Audubon. (Lat., petty.)
872. E. minimus Baird. LEAST FLYCATCHER. Olive gray;
bill blackish below; wings like preceding, but longest primary but
inch longer than secondaries; middle toe half as long as tarsus;
tail slightly emarginate. L. 5. W. 21. T. 21. B. 1. Ts. .
E. N. Am., abundant; very similar to the last, known by the meas-
urements. (Lat., least.)
FAMILY CLXIV. ALAUDIDÆ. (THE LARKS.)
First primary very short or obsolete. Tarsus obtuse and scutel-
late behind as well as in front (a character singular among Oscines).
Bill short, of various forms in different species; nostrils concealed
by tufts of antrose feathers; hind claw very long and nearly straight;
inner secondaries lengthened and flowing. About 100 species,
276
XLVI.
AVES PASSERES.
chiefly Old World birds, a single genus in America; some of them
are renowned as vocalists. Pre-eminent is the Skylark, Alauda
arvensis L., a species which has been lately introduced into this
country (Long Island, etc.).
•
a. Spurious primary obsolete; a little tuft of lengthened black feathers over
each ear (sometimes obscure in Q); tail not forked. OTOCORIS, 458.
458. OTOCORIS¹ Bonaparte. (Eremophila Boie.) (ovs, ear;
Kópus, helmet.)
873. O. alpestris (Forster). SHORE LARK. HORNED LARK.
Pinkish brown, thickly streaked; a crescent on breast and strip
under eye black; white below; chin, throat, and line over eye
more or less yellow; O̟ with less black; winter birds grayish, with
the markings more obscure. L. 74. W. 41. T. 3. Northern
Hemisphere, common. A pleasant singer. Runs into many vari-
eties, the prairie form (var. praticola Henshaw) averaging smaller,
W. 4 to 41, etc. (Eu.) (Lat., alpine.)
FAMILY CLXV. CORVIDAE. (THE CROWS AND JAYS.)
Primaries 10; first about half length of second; nostrils usually
concealed by tufts of bristly feathers, which are branched to their
tips. Bill long and strong, usually notched, its commissure not
angulated. Tarsus sharp behind, its sides undivided and separated
from the scutella in front by a groove, which is either naked or
filled in with small scales. Voice usually harsh and unmusical.
Birds of large size, the largest of the Oscines, found almost every-
where. Genera about 40; species 175.
a. Tail not shorter than the short, rounded wings. (Garrulinæ.)
b. Tail much longer than wing, graduated for half its length, its feathers
narrowed to the tips; head not crested.
•
PICA, 459.
CYANOCITTA, 460.
PERISOREUS, 461.
bb. Tail not much longer than wings, not graduated for half its length.
c. Head with a conspicuous crest; (chiefly blue).
cc. Head without crest; plumage lax; (no blue).
aa. Tail much shorter than the long, pointed wings.
d. Bill compressed, higher than broad; plumage glossy.
•
(Corvinæ.)
459. PICA Cuvier. (Lat., magpie.)
CORVUS, 462.
874. P. pica (L.). MAGPIE. Lustrous black; belly, shoulders,
and wing-edgings white. L. 19. W. 8. T. 13. Northern regions.
The American bird (var. hudsonica Sabine) is larger, with the
feathers of throat spotted with white below the surface. Its range
is chiefly N. W. in America, E. to Wis. (Eu.)
1 Otocoris is used for Eremophila by the A. O. U., on account of the prior Eremophi-
lus, a genus of fishes.
ICTERIDE.
277
CLXVI.
460. CYANOCITTA Strickland. (Kúavos, blue; kírta, jay.)
875. C. cristata (L.). BLUE JAY. Blue; collar and frontlet
black; grayish below; wings and tail clear blue, barred; outer tail
feathers and secondaries tipped with white. L. 12. W. 5. T. 58.
E. N. Am., very abundant. (Lat., crested.)
461. PERISOREUS Bonaparte. (Teρiowрeuw, to accumulate.)
876. P. canadensis (L.). CANADA JAY. GRAY JAY. WHIS-
KEY JACK. Ashy gray, with blackish and whitish markings. L.
10. W. 58. T. 6. N. N. Am., S. in winter, to Mich. and Me.
462. CORVUS Linnæus. (Lat., crow.)
a. Plumage entirely lustrous black.
877. C. corax L. RAVEN. Feathers of throat stiffened, elon-
gated, narrow, and lanceolate, their outlines very distinct. L. 25.
W. 17. T. 10. Northern regions; rare E. of Miss. R. The Amer-
ican forms are var. principalis Ridgway, — New Brunswick, N. with
larger bill; and var. sinuatus Wagler, — W. U. S., with slender bill
and tarsus. The Eur. bird has bill shorter and deeper. (Eu.)
(Kópaέ, raven.)
878. C. americanus Audubon. CROW. Feathers of throat
short, broad, obtuse, with their webs blended; gloss of plumage
purplish violet; head and neck scarcely lustrous. L. 20. W. 13.
T. 8. Ts. 24. B. 2. N. Am., abundant; variable.
879. C. ossifragus Wilson. FISH CROW. Gloss of plumage
green and violet, evident on head and neck; feathers of throat
short, blended. L. 16. W. 11. T. 7. B. 1. Ts. 1. N. Y. to
La., only along the coast. (Lat., bone-breaker.)
FAMILY CLXVI.
ICTERIDÆ. (THE AMERICAN "ORI-
""
OLES AND “ BLACKBIRDS.")
Primaries 9; bill with the commissure angulated, as in Fringil-
lidæ, but usually lengthened, rarely shorter than head, straight or
gently curved, without notch or rictal bristles; culmen usually ex-
tending up on the forehead, dividing the frontal feathers. Legs
stout, usually adapted for walking. Plumage usually brilliant or
lustrous, the predominant color generally black, often with red or
yellow; females usually different, smaller in size, brown or streaky
in the lustrous species, and yellowish or dusky in the brightly col-
ored ones. Notes usually sharp, often richly melodious, in other
cases harsh. Excepting the "Orioles," the species feed chiefly on
seeds.
Genera about 20, species 100, all American, some of the short-
billed forms forming a perfect transition to the Fringillida; others
278
AVES PASSERES, XLVI.
are as closely related to Sturnida (starlings), which in turn are
allied to the Corvida.
a. Outlines of bill nearly or quite straight, the tip not evidently decurved;
the commissure not sinuated. (Icterinæ.)
b. Bill stout, conical; its depth at base at least its length; sexes unlike;
Q smaller.
c. Tail feathers acute; middle toe with claw longer than tarsus; bill
shorter than head, finch-like.
DOLICHONYX, 463.
MOLOTHRUS, 464.
cc. Tail feathers not acute; middle toe with claw not longer than tarsus.
d.' Bill much shorter than head, finch-like.
dd. Bill about as long as head.
•
e. Lateral claws elongate, reaching beyond base of middle claw.
XANTHOCEPHALUS, 465.
ee. Lateral claws shortish, scarcely reaching base of middle claw.
bb. Bill slender, its depth at base scarcely its length.
AGELAIUS, 466.
f. Tail not length of wing, its feathers acute; tertials lengthened;
bill longer than head; feathers of crown each tipped by the
bristle-like shaft; sexes similar.
STURNELLA, 467.
ff. Tail nearly as long as wing, its feathers not pointed; bill
shorter than head; feathers of crown not bristle-tipped; sexes
unlike.
ICTERUS, 468.
aa. Outlines of bill distinctly curved, the tip decurved; the commissure evi-
dently sinuated. (Quiscalinæ.)
g. Tail much shorter than wing, nearly even; bill slender, shorter
than head.
SCOLECOPHAGUS, 469.
gg. Tail longer than wing, graduated, the middle feathers lower-
most when the tail is folded; bill stout, not shorter than head.
QUISCALUS, 470.
463. DOLICHONYX Swainson. (doλxós, long; övvέ, claw.)
880. D. oryzivorus (L.). BOBOLINK. REED BIRD. RICE
BIRD. in spring black, neck buffy, shoulders and rump ashy
white, back streaky; 9, and fall, yellowish brown, streaked
above, ― dull yellowish birds, resembling sparrows, but known by
the acute tail feathers. L. 7. W. 4. T. 3. E. N. Am., abun-
dant in meadows northward, where, in the breeding season, it is
our merriest and most delightful songster. Retiring southward in
the fall, it fattens in the rice swamps and becomes a
game bird,”
slaughtered by the thousand for city markets. (Lat., oryza, rice;
voro, I devour.)
464. MOLOTHRUS Swainson. (μoλo@pós, vagabond.)
881. M. ater (Boddaert). Cow BIRD. iridescent black, head
and neck glossy brown; much smaller, dusky brown. L. (J) 8.
W. 4. T. 3.
T. 3. U. S., abundant; noted for its parasitic habits. It
builds no nests, but lays its eggs in the nests of warblers and other
small birds. (Lat., black.)
ICTERIDE.
279
CLXVI.
465. XANTHOCEPHALUS Swainson.
882. X. xanthocephalus (Bonaparte). YELLOW - HEADED
BLACKBIRD. ♂ black with white wing patch; head and neck
deep yellow; ? smaller, browner, with less yellow. L. 10. W. 5.
T. 44. W. N. Am., E. to Ind., etc., in swamps. (§avłós, yellow;
κεφαλή, head.)
466. AGELAIUS Vieillot. (ảyeλaîos, gregarious.)
883. A. phœniceus (L.). REd-winged BlaCKBIRD. SWAMP
BLACKBIRD. ♂ glossy (not iridescent) black, lesser wing covers
scarlet, with buffy and paler edgings; dusky, streaked; young
streaked, with rusty on bend of wing. L. 9. W. 5. T. 4.
U. S., everywhere abundant. (powíkeos, phœnician-red.)
467. STURNELLA Vieillot. (Lat., dim. of sturna, starling.)
884. S. magna (L.). MEADOWLARK. Brownish and much
streaked above; chiefly yellow below, a black crescent on breast ;
yellow of throat not encroaching on cheeks; sides and crissum
buffy. L. 10. W. 5. T. 3. E. N. Am., very abundant. (Lat.,
large, as compared with the sky-lark.)
885. S. neglecta (Audubon). WESTERN MEADOWLARK. Very
similar, the colors duller and paler, the yellow of throat encroach-
ing on sides of lower jaw; sides and crissum nearly white. W. N.
Am., E. to Ill.; almost exactly like the other, but the song quite
different, thrush-like.
468. ICTERUS Brisson. (iKTepos, yellow.)
a. Depth of bill at base not half its length above. (Icterus.)
886. I. spurius (L.). ORCHARD ORIOLE. ♂ black; rump,
bend of wing and lower parts deep chestnut; Q yellowish olive,
quite small; young yellow, with various black or chestnut traces;
young often yellowish, with black throat-patch. L. 7. W. 3.
T. 3. E. U. S., common southerly; a fine singer and an artist in
nest-building.
aa. Depth of bill at base half its length. (Yphantes Vieillot.)
887. I. galbula (L.). BALTIMORE ORIOLE. GOLDEN ROBIN.
FIRE BIRD. Black; bend of wing, rump, most tail feathers, and
under parts from the breast orange of varying intensity; ? duller,
olivaceous and yellow. L. 7. W. 33. T. 3. E. N. Am., abun-
dant; noted for its elaborate hanging nest as well as for its song.
(Lat., name of some bird.)
469. SCOLECOPHAGUS Swainson. (σkwλŋg, worm;
BIRD.
φάγος, eater.)
888. S. carolinus (Müller). RUSTY GRACKLE. RUSTY BLACK-
♂ glossy black becoming rusty in autumn; ? dusky, lus-
treless. L. 94. W. 43. T. 4. E. U. S.
280
AVES PASSERES. XLVI.
889. S. cyanocephalus (Wagler). BREWER'S BLACKBIRD. ♂
black with green lustre, head glossed with violet; dusky. L. 10.
W. 5. T. 41. W. N. Am., straying E. to Ill. (Kúavos, blue;
Kepaλý, head.)
470. QUISCALUS Vieillot. (From the bird's note.)
890. Q. quiscula (L.). CROW BLACKBIRD. PURple Grackle.
Iridescent black, lustre on head purplish, on body bronzy. L. 13.
W. 5. T. 5. E. U. S., abundant; now divided into the typical
variety, chiefly S. of N. Y. and E. of Alleghanies, and var. æneus
Ridgway, the common form N. and W., the latter with the body
with uniform bronze lustre, without mixed tints, this color abruptly
defined against the iridescent violet of the neck. Var. quiscula is
nearly uniform iridescent.
BOAT-TAILED GRACKLE.
Grackle.
891. Q. major Vieillot.
Iridescent
green and blue. Larger. L. 17. W. 73. T. 73. Va. to Texas
and S.
FAMILY CLXVII. FRINGILLIDA.¹ (THE FINCHES.)
Primaries 9, the first being obsolete. Bill "conirostral," mostly
shorter than head, robust, of a conical form, with the commissure
more or less abruptly angulated near its base; in other words, the
corners of the mouth drawn down." This feature is usually
strongly marked, and it is almost the only special character per-
taining to all the members of the family. Even this is also shared
by the Icterida, which, however, may generally be distinguished by
the greater length and slenderness of the bill. Nostrils high up,
exposed or (in northern species) partly covered by a ruff of small
■ Sundevall and Stejneger have placed the Fringillidæ at the end or head of the
series of birds, for reasons which seem to me sufficient ones. "In order to find out
the most specialized form of the Passeres, we must look for the bird which is most
specialized in all directions, not only as to the coloration of its plumage, or the
fusion of its tarsal covering. The ideally highest form . . . would have booted
tarsi, 9 primaries, long nandibular symphysis, powerful bill for grain crushing, a
digestive system adapted for grain-feeding, and the coloration of young and adult
unspotted and similar. That this is the regular course and ultimate end of the evo-
lution among the higher birds is evident from the fact that we can trace it in nearly
all the groups, and in the individual development of the birds possessing these
characters." (Stejneger.)
Acting on this principle, Stejneger selects as the highest or most specialized bird
the Evening Grosbeak. "The number of its primaries is reduced to 9, the inandibu-
lar symphysis is well developed, the palatine and facial part of the skull is highly
specialized, and so is the digestive canal. Furthermore the plumage of the young is
essentially like that of the adults." It fails, then, in only one respect, -its tarsus
is not booted.
In most recent American systems, however, the Turdidae are placed at the head
of the list; and as the A. O. U. has adopted this arrangement it is retained here,
the "post of honor" being given to the beautiful Arctic Bluebird rather than to the
Evening Grosbeak, although the latter has certainly the better claim.
FRINGILLIDÆ.
281
CLXVII.
feathers. Tarsus scutellate in front, with an undivided ridge
behind.
A very large family, the most extensive in Ornithology, com-
prising about 100 genera and 500 species, found in nearly every
part of the world, except Australia. They are especially abundan
in North America, where about one seventh of all the birds are
Fringillida. "Any one United States locality of average attract-
iveness to birds, has a bird-fauna of over two hundred species, and
if it be away from the sea-coast, and consequently uninhabited by
marine birds, about one-fourth of the species are Mniotiltide and
Fringillida together, the latter somewhat in excess of the former.
It is not easy, therefore, to give undue prominence to these two
families." (Coues.)
All the Finches are granivorous, feeding chiefly on seeds, but not
rejecting either berries or insects; nearly all sing, and some most
delightfully; most of them are plainly clad, a streaky brown being
the prevailing tint, but others are among the most brilliantly col-
ored birds. Among these latter only are the changes in plumage
strongly marked. (Lat., fringilla, finch.)
A strictly natural analysis of the genera of Fringillide is prac-
tically impossible, as they do not fall naturally into definable groups.
The characters drawn from the development of the palate are not
available for the ordinary purposes of the student. The following
semi-artificial key is largely adapted from Ridgway's Manual.
a. Mandibles falcate, crossed at tip; nostrils concealed by a small ruff.
aa. Mandibles not crossed at tip.
Loxia, 474.
b. Head with a conspicuous crest; bill very large; culmen strongly curved
(bill, wings, and tail chiefly red).
CARDINALIS, 491.
bb. Head without crest.
c. Bill very stout, its depth at base equal to length of hind toe with claw,
and more than tarsus; nostrils partly concealed.
COCCOTHRAUSTES, 471.
cc. Bill less stout, its depth at base less than length of hind toe with
claw.
•
·
e. Nasal plumules long, covering the basal third of upper mandible;
bill stout.
PINICOLA, 472.
ee. Nasal plumules, if present, covering much less than one-third of
length of upper mandible.
f. Introduced birds; gonys distinctly convex in profile; (plumage
streaked above, not below; no white, red, yellow, or blue).
PASSER, 473, note.
ff. Native birds; gonys straight or nearly so.
g. Primaries much longer than secondaries (exceeding them by
length of tarsus).
h. Wing at least 5 times as long as the short tarsus.
i. Birds of moderate size, the wing more than 34 inches.
j. Base of gonys nearer base of bill than its tip (measuring
282
XLVI.
AVES: PASSERES.
along side of bill); (tail feathers without white; tail coverts rosy);
hind claw moderate.
LEUCOSTICTE, 475.
jj. Base of gonys as near tip of lower mandible as to its base on the
side; (tail largely white; plumage with much white and no rosy);
hind claw very long, nearly as long as bill.
PLECTROPHENAX, 478.
ii. Birds of small size, the wing less than 34; tail forked.
•
•
k. Nasal tufts very long, nearly length of bill; (tail feathers with-
out white or yellow; adults with red). .
ACANTHIS, 476.
kk. Nasal tufts short or obsolete, not length of bill; (tail feathers
blotched with white or yellow; adults with yellow but no red).
SPINUS, 477.
hh. Wing not five times as long as tarsus.
7. First (developed) primary not shorter than fourth; (back
streaked).
m. Depth of bill at base about equal to length of (exposed) cul-
men; nostrils with a small ruff; (plumage streaked above
and below; with red; no white on tail).
CARPODACUS, 473.
mm. Depth of bill at base less than length of culmen; (no red;
tail with white).
n. Tail emarginate, the middle feathers narrow and pointed
at tip; hind claw very long and straightish, nearly as long
as bill.
o. Gony's shorter than hind toe without claw and not more
than depth of bill.
CALCARIUS, 479.
bill.
oo. Gonys longer than hind toe and greater than depth of
RHYNCOPHANES, 480.
nn. Tail rounded; the middle feathers broad and rounded at
•
tip; hind toe short, curved.
CHONDESTES, 483.
ll. First (developed) primary shorter than fourth; bill very stout;
(plumage with red or yellow, tail with white). HABIA, 492.
gg. Primaries not much longer than secondaries (exceeding them by less than
length of tarsus); (no red).
p. Bill very stout; its depth at base nearly equal to hind
toe with claw; (♂ with blue).
pp. Bill more slender, not as above.
GUIRACA, 493.
q. Tail-feathers narrow, at least the middle ones acu-
minate; (back streaked).
r. Middle toe with claw decidedly shorter than tarsus ;
(outer tail feathers with white; bend of wing
chestnut).
POOCATES, 481.
•
rr. Middle toe with claw not shorter than tarsus;
(outer tail feathers without white markings;
edge of wing yellow).
8. (Breast with yellow; throat with more or less
black; plumage not streaked below in ♂).
SPIZA, 495.
ss. (Breast without yellow; throat without black;
plumage streaked below.)
AMMODRAMUs, 482.
qq. Tail feathers broader, not acuminate (except in
worn plumage).
t. Hind claw decidedly longer than its toe.
FRINGILLIDÆ.
283
CLXVII.
u. Bill tapering rapidly to the acute tip; nostrils concealed by small
antrorse feathers; (plumage streaked above and below).
PASSERELLA, 489.
uu. Bill tapering gradually toward the rather obtuse tip; nostrils ex-
posed; (plumage not streaked).
tt. Hind claw scarcely longer than its toe.
•
PIPILO, 490.
v. Tertials very long, longer than secondaries, not much shorter than
longest primaries; (a white wing patch). Calamospiza, 496.
vv. Tertials scarcely or not longer than secondaries, not nearly reach-
ing tips of longest primaries.
w. (Outer tail feather largely white; plumage not streaked.)
ww. (Outer tail feather not white.)
JUNCO, 486.
x. Lower mandible much deeper than upper; (♂ with blue or
green).
PASSERINA, 494.
xx. Lower mandible not deeper than upper; (plumage streaky
above; no blue); wings not much longer than tail.
y. Tail more or less forked; its middle feathers shortest; (no
yellow; plumage not streaked below). SPIZELLA, 485.
yy. Tail rounded (or slightly double-rounded).
z. Primaries exceeding secondaries by more than length of
bill; (head in adult striped; in young chestnut; plumage
not streaked below).
ZONOTRICHIA, 484.
zz. Primaries exceeding secondaries by not more than length
of bill.
a. (Edge of wing yellow; plumage not streaked below.)
PEUCEA, 487.
aa. (No yellow anywhere; plumage streaked below, or else
with the crown chestnut.)
MELOSPIZA, 488.
471. COCCOTHRAUSTES Brisson. (Kókkos, berry; Opaúw,
to crush.)
a. Tips of four inner primaries of normal form, not widened at end. (Пesperi-
phona Bonap.).
892. C. vespertinus (Cooper). EVENING GROSBEAK. Oliva-
ceous; crown, wings, tail and tibia black; forehead, rump, and
crissum yellow; inner secondaries and coverts white; bill very
large, yellowish; grayer, with little yellow. L. 8. W. 44.
T. 24. W. N. Am., irregularly E. to Ohio or beyond, one of the
most striking of the finches. (Lat., of sunset.)
472. PINICOLA Vieillot. (Lat. pinus, pine; colo, I inhabit.)
893. P. enucleator (L.). PINE GROSBEAK. chiefly rose
red; changing to ashy below and behind; wings dusky, with two
white wing bars; ashy gray, with brownish yellow on head and
rump; bill blackish. L. 81. W. 41. T. 4. Northern regions,
S. in winter to Va., in pine woods, etc. (Eu.) The American
bird (var. canadensis Cabanis) is larger and more brightly colored.
(Lat., one who shells nuts.)
284
AVES: PASSERES. - XLVI.
473. CARPODACUS¹ Kaup.
(κaprós, fruit; dákos, biting.)
PURPLE FINCH. Everywhere
894. C. purpureus (Gmelin).
streaky; flushed with red, most intense on the crown, fading
below and behind; olive brown and streaky, with no red; bill
stout. L. 6. W. 3§.
W. 31. T. 21. N. Am., a sweet singer. (Lat.,
purple, which the bird is not.)
474. LOXIA Linnæus. (ogós, crooked.)
a. Wing with white.
895. L. leucoptera Gmelin. WHITE WINGED CROSSBILL.
rose red; two white wing bars; scapulars black; 9 brownish
olive, speckled with dusky; rump yellow. L. 61. W. 3. T. 21.
N. N. Am., S. in winter, with the next, less common; variable.
(λευκός, white; πτερόν, wing.)
aa. Wing with no white.
896. L. curvirostra L. RED CROSSBILL. ♂ brick-red; wings
dusky, unmarked; brownish, washed with greenish yellow.
L. 6. W. 3. T. 24. Northern regions, about pine woods; S.
in winter, sometimes in large flocks, to Tenn. and Va. (Eu.)
The rather small form in E. U. S. is var. minor Brehm. The sin-
gular bill is adapted for opening nuts. (Lat., curve-bill.)
475. LEUCOSTICTE Swainson.
spotted.)
(λeukós, white; σtɩktós,
897. L. tephrocotis Swainson. Cinnamon-brown; head more
or less ashy gray; nasal tufts white; quills dusky; tail coverts
edged with rose pink in adult. L. 6. W. 4. T. 3. Rocky Mts.,
E. to Iowa. (Teppós, gray; oʊs, ear.)
476. ACANTHIS Bechstein. (åraveis, thistle-bird.)
a. Crown red in both sexes, crimson in ♂, lustrous brownish-red in ?;
chin blackish; no yellow.
898. A. hornemanni (Holböll). GREENLAND REDPOLL. Sides
and rump scarcely streaked; very pale. ♂ with breast
merely pinkish. L. 5. W. 3.
exilipes (Coues) S. to N. U. S. in winter.
colors
T. 24.
Greenland; the small var.
(To J. W. Hornemann.)
899. A. linarius (L.). RED POLL LINNET. Throat, breast
and rump rosy in ; much streaked above and on sides; rump
chestnut
1 In the vicinity of Carpodacus belongs the Old World genus : —
Passer Brisson. P. domesticus (L.). EUROPEAN HOUSE SPARROW.
brown above, thickly streaked; ashy below; throat, lores and chin black; duller,
without black; feet small. L. 6. W. 23. T. 24. Introduced from Europe; abun-
dant in all towns E., a nuisance unfortunately long past the possibility of abatement.
(Eu.)
P. montanus (L.). EUROPEAN TREE SPAKROw. Smaller; ♂ with black of throat
not continued over chest; top of head liver-brown. L. 51. W. 2. T. 23. Europe;
naturalized about St. Louis.
FRINGILLIDÆ.
285
CLXVII.
streaked. L. 5. W. 3. T. 21. Northern regions, S. in winter
in flocks to Ind. and Penn. (Eu.) Besides the common form a
larger var. rostrata Coues (W. 3, etc.), with shorter, less acute
bill, sometimes ranges S. to Ill. and N. Y. (Lat., flaxen.)
aa. Crown without red; no dusky spot on chin; some yellow.
900. A. brewsteri Ridgway. No dusky on chin; rump yellow
in ; the unknown. L. 5. W. 3. T. 21. Mass., one speci-
men known. (To Wm. Brewster.)
477. SPINUS¹ Boie. (Latin name: "thistle-bird," the thistle
being a spinous plant.)
a. Sexes unlike; plumage scarcely or not streaked; adult ♂ with black on
crown, wings and tail; bill not very acute, without distinct ruff at base.
(Astragalinus Cabanis.)
901. S. tristis (L.) YELLOW BIRD. THISTLE BIRD. AMER-
ICAN GOLDFINCH. ♂ rich yellow; rump whitish; wing bars
white; a white spot on each tail feather; Q more olivaceous; fall
plumage pale yellow brown; young variously buffy, with yellow or
not. L. 5. W. 3. T. 2. N. Am., everywhere; notable for its
lisping notes and undulating flight. (Lat., sad.)
aa. Sexes alike; plumage thickly streaked everywhere; no black on head;
bill very sharp, with a distinct ruff at base. (Spinus.)
902. S. pinus (Wilson). PINE SISKIN. Plumage streaky brown,
suffused with yellow in the breeding season; bases of quills and
tail feathers sulphur yellow. L. 44. W. 28. T. 2. N. Am.,
chiefly N., but liable to appear anywhere. (Lat., pine.)
478. PLECTROPHENAX Stejneger. (λýктρov, spur; þévaέ,
deceiver, the word made in imitation of the old name Plectro-
phanes, which is preoccupied.)
903. P. nivalis (L.). SNOW BUNTING. In breeding season,
pure white, with black on back, wings and tail; bill and feet black;
only the winter plumage usually seen in U. S.; bill pale, and white
of body clouded with clear, warm brown. L. 7. W. 44. T. 3.
Northern regions, S. in winter to Ohio R.; a most beautiful bird.
(Eu.) (Lat., snowy.)
479. CALCARIUS Bechstein. (Lat., calcar, spur.)
904. C. lapponicus (L.). LAPLAND LONGSPUR. with head
and throat mostly black; a chestnut collar; back black and
streaky; whitish below; outer tail feathers with white; inner web
of outer feather dusky; legs and feet black; and winter birds
1 Allied to Spinus is the Goldfinch of Europe (Carduelis carduelis L.), now nat-
uralized in New York, Cambridge, etc. In both sexes, the head is black and white,
crimson anteriorly, the wings and tail black and yellow; the rump white; brownish
below. Allied also is the Canary, Serinus canarius, a favorite cage-bird.
286
XLVI.
AVES PASSERES.
with less black. L. 64.
winter to N. Y. and Ky.
W. 4. T. 24. Northern regions, S. in
(Eu.) (Lat., Lapp.)
905. C. pictus (Swainson). ♂ with head and upper parts
mostly black; collar and under parts rich fawn color; legs pale;
inner web of outer tail feather chiefly white. duller. L. 64.
W. 23. N. N. Am., S. E., to Ill. and Kan. (Lat., painted.)
480. RHYNCHOPHANES Baird. (púyxos, beak; daivw,
I show.)
906. R. maccowni (Lawrence). BLACK-BREASTED LONG-
SPUR. Crown and pectoral crescent black; the black often ob-
scured by pale edgings; bend of wing chestnut; line over eye and
under parts white; back and sides streaked. L. 61. W. 32.
T. 2. B. nearly. Great plains, rarely E. to Ill. (To Capt. J.
P. McCown.)
GROUND BIRD.
481. POOCÆTES Baird. (πóa, blue grass; oikηrýs, inhabitant.)
907. P. gramineus (Gmelin). BAY-WINGED BUNTING. GRASS
SPARROW.
"VESPER SPARROW." Thickly
streaked everywhere; slightly buffy below. L. 6. W. 3. T. 24.
N. Am., abundant in fields, etc., known at once by the chestnut
bend of wing and white outer tail feathers; a good singer. (Lat.,
grassy.)
482. AMMODRAMUS Swainson. SHORE SPARrows.
(aupos, sand; dpaµeîv, to run.)
a. Outer pair of tail feathers longer than middle pair; wing much longer than
tail. (Passerculus.)
908. A. princeps (Maynard). IPSWICH SPARROW. Grayish;
streaks on back sandy brown, not sharply defined; superciliary
line white in front; bill not longer than hind toe without claw.
L. 6. W. 34. T. 24. Nova Scotia to Va. and Texas, coastwise.
(Lat., chief.)
SAVANNA Sparrow.
909. A. sandwichensis (Gmelin).
Sharply streaked; streaks on back blackish; superciliary line
and edge of wing yellowish. L. 5. W. 28. T. 2. N. Am.,
abundant on plains and shores. The form E. of Rocky Mts., smaller
(W. 2, etc., instead of W. 3, etc.), is var. savanna Wilson.
(From Sandwich Isl., Alaska.)
aa. Outer pair of tail feathers shorter than middle pair; wing not much, if
any, longer than tail.
b. Bill stout; tail feathers acute but not rigid; crown with a median light
stripe; inland species. (Coturniculus Bonaparte.)
c. Tail double-rounded, the lateral feathers not much shorter than middle
ones.
910. A. savannarum (Gmelin). GRASSHOPPER SPARROW.
Much streaked above; feathers edged with bay; breast buffy,
FRINGILLIDÆ.
287
CLXVII.
unstreaked; wings and tail short; edge and bend of wing and line
over eye yellow. L. 5. W. 23. T. 2. N. Am., in fields; notes
sharp, grasshopper-like; the bird of E. U. S. is var. passerinus
Wilson. (Spanish, savana, meadow.)
cc. Tail graduated, the outer feathers much shorter than middle ones.
911. A. henslowi (Audubon). Smaller than preceding, more
yellow above; breast, etc., with some sharp black streaks. L. 5.
W. 21. T. 2. E. U. S., scarce; N. to Mass. (To Prof. J. S.
Henslow.)
912. A. lecontei (Audubon). Intermediate between the pre-
ceding and the next; bill small, blue-black; back with rufous; tail
feathers very sharp and slender; breast unspotted; a broad buffy
superciliary stripe. L. 43. W. 2}. T. 2}. Great Plains, E. to
Ill. (To Major J. Le Conte.)
bb. Bill rather slender; tail feathers sharp and rather stiff; crown without
distinct median stripe. Seashore sparrows. (Ammodramus.)
913. A. caudacutus (Gmelin). SHARP-TAILED FINCH. Ashy
olive, the back streaked with ashy buff and whitish; edge of wing
pale yellowish; no yellow spot about eye; a bright buff superciliary
stripe. L. 5. W. 21. T. 14. Salt marshes, Nova Scotia to N. C.;
represented in fresh water swamps (Ill., S. and E.) by var. nel-
soni Allen, which has colors of upper parts very sharply contrasted,
especially the whitish streaks on umber-brown ground color; breast
less sharply streaked. (Lat., cauda, tail; acutus.)
914. A. maritimus (Wilson). SEA-SIDE FINCH. Olive gray;
back obscurely streaked; a yellow spot before eye; edge of wing
yellow; no superciliary stripe. L. 6. W. 2. T. 2. Salt marshes,
Mass. to Texas.
483. CHONDESTES Swainson. (xóvopos, grain; ¿deσrýs,
eater.)
915. C. grammacus (Say). LARK SPARROW. Streaked above,
ashy below; ear coverts chestnut; crown chestnut, black anteriorly,
with whitish median and superciliary stripes; a black line through
and below eye; a conspicuous black streak on each side of the white
throat; a black pectoral spot; middle tail feathers like back, the
rest blackish, white tipped; a pale spot on primaries. L. 64.
W. 31. T. 3. W. U. S., E. to Ohio; abundant on prairies and
river bluffs; a fine songster, suggesting the Bobolink. (ypaµµikós,
streaked.)
484. ZONOTRICHIA Swainson. (avn, band; Opig, hair, i. e.
head.)
a. No yellow markings anywhere.
916. Z. querula (Nuttall). BLACK-HOODED SPARROW. Crown,
face and throat jet black; no yellow; with less black. L. 74.
W. 31. T. 31. Missouri region, E. to W. Ill.
288
AVES PASSERES. XLVI.
917. Z. leucophrys (Forster). WHITE-CROWNED Sparrow.
Streaked above, with but little chestnut; crown black, with a broad
white median band; lores blackish; a white superciliary streak;
throat like breast, but paler; young with the crown chiefly rich
brown. L. 7. W. 34. T. 31. N. Am.; not rare. (λevkós, white;
¿ppús, eyebrow.)
aa. Head with yellow.
918. Z. coronata (Pallas). Similar to Z. leucophrys, but the
crown-stripe yellow anteriorly, ashy behind. L. 7. W. 3. T. 31.
W. N. Am., rarely E. to Wis. (Lat., crowned.)
919. Z. albicollis (Gmelin). WHITE-THROATED SPARrow.
Peabody BirD. Much chestnut streaking above; crown black,
with white median and superciliary stripes; spot over eye and
edge of wing always yellow ashy below, whitening on throat; ?
duller. L. 7. W. 3. T. 3.
T. 3. E. N. Am.; an abundant and
handsome sparrow. (Lat., albus, white; collum, neck.)
485. SPIZELLA Bonaparte. (Dim. of σñía, a sparrow.)
920. S. monticola (Gmelin). TREE SPARROW. Streaked above;
crown chestnut; bill black above, pale below; neck, line over eye
and under parts ashy gray; a dark pectoral blotch; white wing
bars distinct. L. 61. W. 3. T. 3. N. Am., chiefly northerly;
U. S. in winter. (Lat., living on mountains.)
921. S. socialis (Wilson). CHIPPY. CHIPPING SPARROW.
Streaked above, with much dull bay; crown chestnut; forehead
and streak through eye black; ashy white below; bill blackish;
wing bars faint, brownish. L. 51. W. 23. T. 24. N. Am.,
everywhere common.
922. S. pusilla (Wilson). FIELD SPARROW. General color of
S. monticola, but paler and duller; bill pale; no pectoral blotch;
wing bands obscure, whitish. L. 51. W. 21. T. 2}. E. U. S.,
abundant. (Lat., petty.)
923. S. pallida (Swainson). CLAy-colored SparROW. Pale
brownish yellow, streaked with black; crown grayish, with median
stripe. L. 51. W. 2}. T. 2}. Great Plains, rarely E. to Ill.
(Lat., Juncus, a rush.)
486. JUNCO Wagler.
924. J. hyemalis (L.). SNOW BIRD. Slaty gray; head darker;
bill pale; belly and outer tail feathers white; more grayish;
L. 61. W. 3. T. 3. N. Am., everywhere abundant, breeding
in cold regions, and moving S. as cold weather approaches, usually
in advance of the snow. Represented W. by numerous varieties ;
var. oregonus Townsend, with sides pinkish, ranging E. to Ill. (Lat.,
wintry.)
FRINGILLIDÆ,
289
CLXVII.
487. PEUCÆA Audubon. (πεÚKη, pine.)
925. P. æstivalis (Lichtenstein). Upper parts largely chestnut,
with ashy edgings and dusky streaks; a broad pale superciliary
line; ashy below, the breast buffy; yellow on bend and edge of
wing, but none on head. L. 6. W. 2. T. 23. Southern, N. to
Central Ind., the form ranging N. rather paler, the back chiefly
chestnut, is var. bachmani Audubon. (Lat., summer.)
488. MELOSPIZA Baird. (μéλos, song; σnila, sparrow.)
926. M. fasciata (Gmelin). SONG SPARROW. Much streaked
above and on breast and sides; crown with an obscure ashy median
stripe; below white, pectoral streaks often forming a dusky blotch.
L. 61. W. 21. T. 3. N. Am., everywhere; a hearty songster,
beginning early in spring. (Lat., banded.)
927. M. georgiana (Latham). SWAMP SPARROW. Crown
bright dark chestnut, streaked with black; wings strongly tinged
with chestnut; back sharply streaked; an ashy collar and super-
ciliary line; breast and below ashy with few streaks or none; tail
shorter than in the Song Sparrow, its quills edged with chestnut.
L. 5. W. 21. T. 2. E. U. S., in low thickets; a timid bird,
seldom seen, although not rare.
928. M. lincolni (Audubon). Everywhere above and below
thickly, sharply streaked with black, gray and buffy; breast with a
broad band of pale buffy or yellowish brown; sides washed with
buffy. L. 51. W. 21. T. 24. N. Am., rare E.; a shy species
quite unlike the Song Sparrow. (To Robert Lincoln.)
489. PASSERELLA Swainson.
(Lat., passer, sparrow.)
929. P. iliaca (Merrem). Fox SPARROW. Ashy above, over-
laid and much streaked with rusty red, which becomes bright bay
on rump, tail and wings; white below with large arrow-shaped
spots and streaks, numerous on breast; feet stout, with long claws.
L. 7. W. 3. T. 3. E. N. Am., migrating early; one of the
handsomest streaked sparrows and a good singer. (Lat., ilium,
flank, which is streaked.)
490. PIPILO Vieillot. (Lat., I peep or chirp.)
930. P. erythrophthalmus (L.). CHEWINK. MARSH ROBIN.
TOWHEE. Black, belly white; sides chestnut; outer tail feathers,
primaries and inner secondaries with white; Q with clear brown
instead of black; iris red. L. 84. W. 34. T. 4. E. U. S.,
abundant everywhere. (Gr., red-eyed.)
491. CARDINALIS Bonaparte.
931. C. cardinalis (L.). CARDINAL GROSBEAK. RED BIRd,
Clear red, ashy on back; chin and forehead black; crest con-
19
290
XLVI.
AVES: PASSERES.
spicuous; ashy brown, more or less washed with red. L. 8.
W. 4. T. 4. E. U. S., southerly, N. to Mass. and N. Wis.;
abundant. A brilliant songster, much sought as a cage bird. (Lat.,
from color of cardinal's hat.)
492. HABIA Reichenbach. (A South American name.)
932. H. ludoviciana (L.). Rose-Breasted Grosbeak.
with head, neck and upper parts mostly black, with white on rump,
wings and tail; belly white; breast and under wing coverts of an
exquisite rose-red; bill very stout, pale; ? olive brown, much
streaked, with the under wing coverts saffron yellow; head with
whitish stripes. L. 8. W. 4. T. 34. E. N. Am., abundant
perhaps our handsomest bird, and one of the most brilliant song-
sters. (Lat., Louisianian.)
493. GUIRACA Swainson. (S. Am. name.)
933. G. cœrulea (L.).
BLUE GROSBEAK. ♂ rich blue:
feathers about bill, wings and tail, black; wing bars chestnut; ?
yellowish brown, with whitish wing bars. L. 7. W. 34. T. 2§.
Southern, N. to N. Y. and Wis., rare; a fine songster.
494. PASSERINA Vieillot. (From passer.)
934. P. cyanea (L.). INDIGO BIRD. indigo blue, clear on
head, greenish behind; plain warm brown, obscurely streaky,
known from other small sparrows by a dusky line along the gonys.
L. 58. W. 3. T. 2. E. U. S., abundant in summer; a tireless
songster. (Lat., blue.)
935. P. ciris (L.). NONPAREIL. PAINTED BUNTING. head
and neck blue; under parts, etc., vermilion; shoulders, etc., green;
rump and tail purplish-brown; ? green, yellowish below. L. 54.
W. 23. T. 21. Southern, N. to S. Ill. (Nelson.) (keîpis, name
of some bird.)
495. SPIZA Bonaparte. (σiça, old name of some sparrow.)
936. S. americana (Gmelin). BLACK-THROATED BUNTING.
"DICK SISSEL." Grayish and streaked above; wing coverts chest-
nut; line over eye, maxillary stripe, edge of wing, breast and part
of belly yellow; throat patch black; otherwise white below; ?
with little chestnut, and the black reduced to dark streaks. L. 64.
W. 31. T. 2. Fields, Conn. to Kansas, chiefly W.; a handsome
bird with sleek plumage, and a peculiar, but scarcely musical song,
incessantly repeated in hot weather.
937. S. townsendi (Audubon). Upper parts, head, neck, etc.,
slaty blue; no chestnut, and little yellow or black. A single speci-
men known from Penn., perhaps a hybrid. (To. J. K. Townsend.)
TANAGRIDÆ.
291
CLXVIII.
496. CALAMOSPIZA Bonaparte. (káλaµos, reed; oríša.)
(κάλαμος, σπίζα.)
938. C. melanocorys Stejneger. LARK BUNTING. WHITE
WING BLACKBIRD. ♂ black, with a large white wing-patch and
white on quills; streaky, like the bobolink, known by the
whitish wing-patch and long tertials. L. 6. W. 34. T. 24.
Western plains, occasional E. (μéλas, black; kópus, helmet.)
FAMILY CLXVIII. TANAGRIDÆ. (THE TANAGERS.)
Primaries 9; bill usually conical, sometimes depressed or atten-
uate, the culmen curved; cutting edges not much inflected, some-
times toothed, notched or serrated; tarsus scutellate; legs short;
claws long. Colors usually brilliant. A large family of more than
300 species, confined to the warmer parts of America, and embra-
cing a wide diversity of forms. Some have slender bills and are
scarcely distinguishable from the Warblers, and might well be re-
ferred to the same family. Others, like our Piranga, have stout
conical bills, and are equally closely related to the Finches.
a. Bill stout, finch-like, considerably longer than broad, and more or less evi-
dently toothed or lobed near middle of upper mandible. PIRANGA, 497.
497. PIRANGA Vieillot. (S. Am. name.)
939. P. rubra (L.). SUMMER RED BIRD. bright rose red
throughout; wings a little dusky; ? dull brownish olive, dull yel-
lowish below; no wing bars; bill and feet paler than in the Scarlet
Tanager; size the same. E. U. S., chiefly S.; N. to N. J. and Ill.;
abundant. (Lat., red.)
940. P. erythromelas Vieillot. SCARLET TANAGER.
liant scarlet; wings and tail black; no wing bars;
green; clear greenish yellow below. L. 7. W. 4.
N. Am., abundant in woodland; a most beautiful
respectable songster. (épv@pós, red; μéλas, black.)
(ερυθρός, μέλας,
♂ bril-
clear olive
T. 3. E.
bird and a
FAMILY CLXIX. HIRUNDINIDÆ. (THE SWALLOWS.)
Primaries 9, the first being obsolete; bill "fissirostral," i. e.,
short, broad, triangular, depressed, the gape wide and about
twice as long as the culmen, reaching to about opposite the eyes,
similar in its form to that of the Swifts and the Goatsuckers, with
which birds the Swallows have no real affinity. Rictus without
bristles; wings very long and pointed, the first primary usually
longest, and twice as long as the last; secondaries very short.
Tail more or less forked. Feet weak; tarsus scutellate, shorter
than middle toe and claw. Plumage compact, and more or less
lustrous.
A very natural family of about 100 species, found in all parts of
292
AVES: PASSERES. - XLVI.
the world. All are strong on the wing, insectivorous, and in our
latitude migratory. (Lat., hirundo, swallow.)
a. Nostrils opening directly upward, with very little membrane bordering
inner edge.
b. Tail forked for a distance more than half tarsus; bill very stout, curved,
(plumage lustrous, all black).
bb. Tail even.
PROGNE, 498.
c. Outer web of outer primary without recurved hooks; (plumage lustrous).
PETROCHELIDON, 499.
cc. Outer web of outer primary with stiff recurved hooks, obscure in o̟;
(plumage plain brown.)
STELGIDOPTERYX, 503.
aa. Nostril opening laterally, and bordered above by a broad membrane or
overhanging scale.
d. Tail forked for more than half its length, the outer feathers very
narrow toward tip; no tarsal tuft.
CHELIDON, 500.
dd. Tail forked for less than half its length.
e. Tarsus without tuft of feathers on its lower part; (plumage lus-
TACHYCINETA, 501.
trous).
ee. Tarsus with a small tuft of feathers on its lower part; (plumage
CLIVICOLA, 502.
plain brownish).
498. PROGNE Boie. (Пpókn, a character in mythology, turned
into a swallow.)
PURPLE MARTIN.
941. P. subis (L.).
Lustrous blue-black
throughout; duller, whitish and streaky below. L. 7. W. 6.
T. 31. N. Am., abundant. (Lat., old name of some bird.)
499. PETROCHELIDON Cabanis. (Téтра, rock; xeλidóv.)
(πέτρα, χελιδών.)
942. P. lunifrons (Say). CLIFF SWALLOW. Lustrous steel
blue; forehead, sides of head, throat, rump, etc., of various shades
of chestnut; a blue spot on breast; belly whitish. L. 5. W. 4.
T. 21. N. Am., abundant, formerly nesting in cliffs, but now
building under the eaves of barns. (Lat., luna, moon; frons,
forehead.)
500. CHELIDON Forster.
(xeλidov, swallow).
943. C. erythrogaster (Boddaert). BARN SWALLOW. Lus-
trous steel-blue, buffy below; forehead and throat deep chestnut ;
an imperfect steel-blue collar; tail feathers with white spots. L. 7.
W. 5. T. 4. N. Am., very abundant; breeding in colonies about
barns, etc. (Gr., red-belly.)
501. TACHYCINETA Cabanis. (Taxvкívnτos, moving swiftly.)
a. Ear coverts steel-blue; upper parts with metallic lustre. (Iridoprocne
Coues.)
944. T. bicolor (Vieillot). WHITE-BELLIED SWALLOW. Lus-
trous blue-green, pure white below; ? duller. L. 64. W. 5. T. 2}.
N. Am., abundant about water; very handsome.
AMPELIDE. CLXX.
293
502. CLIVICOLA Forster. (Lat., clivus, cliff; colo, I inhabit.)
945. C. riparia (L.). BANK SWALLOW. SAND MARTIN.
Dark gray, not iridescent, pale below, a brown shade across the
breast. L. 44. W. 4. T. 2. N. Am., abundant, breeding in
holes in sandbanks. (Eu.). (Lat., of the bank of a stream.)
503. STELGIDOPTERYX Baird. (σreλyís, scraper;
πτέρυξ, wing.)
946. S. serripennis (Audubon). ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW.
Brownish gray, pale below. L. 5†. W. 4½. T. 24. U. S., com-
mon W., breeding in banks, etc. (Lat., serra, saw; penna, feather.)
FAMILY CLXX. AMPELIDÆ. (THE CHatterers.)
Primaries 10, or apparently 9, the first in our species rudimen-
tary and displaced; bill stout, triangular, depressed, decidedly
notched and hooked, with the gape very wide. Tarsus short, with
the lateral plates more or less subdivided, their covering often un-
like that of the other Oscines; lateral toes nearly equal. As now
recognized, a small family of 6 or 8 species, constituting two groups
which bear little resemblance to each other.
The Ampelina includes the three species of Ampelis. They are
crested birds with a soft plumage of a handsome cinnamon drab
color; the ends of the secondaries, and sometimes of the tail feathers
also, are tipped with horny appendages, looking like red sealing-
wax; these often absent in o̟. The tail is tipped with yellow or
red. The Wax Wings are migratory and gregarious, feeding on
insects and soft fruits. Their voices are weak and wheezy, and
they can scarcely be considered as songsters.
a. Wings pointed; tail short, truncate; primaries apparently 9; the first very
minute; no rictal bristles; nostrils concealed by bristles. (Ampelinæ.)
AMPELIS, 504.
504. AMPELIS Linnæus. (Lat., name of some bird frequenting
grape-vines.)
947. A. garrulus L. BOHEMIAN WAX WING. NORTHERN
WAX WING. General color a soft silky, ashy brown; front and
sides of head shaded with purplish cinnamon; a pale-edged black
band across forehead through eye, around crest; throat black;
crissum chestnut red; two broad white wing bars. L. 7. W. 4.
T. 3. Northern regions, S. in winter in large flocks to the Great
Lakes; an interesting and beautiful bird. (Eu.)
948. A. cedrorum (Vieillot). CEDAR BIRD. CHERRY BIRD.
Similar but smaller and less cinnamon-tinged; chin black; strip
across face black, bordered above by whitish; belly yellowish pos-
teriorly; crissum white; no wing bars; with the wax-like ap-
294
- XLVI.
AVES PASSERES.
pendages small or wanting. L. 61. W. 34. T. 2. N. Am.,
abundant. (Lat., of the cedars.)
FAMILY CLXXI. LANIIDÆ. (THE SHRIKES.)
Primaries 10, the first short (rarely wanting); bill hawklike,
very strong, the upper mandible toothed and abruptly hooked at
the tip; both mandibles distinctly notched. Wings short, rounded.
Tail long.
Tarsus scutellate on the outside as well as in front.
Sexes alike.
Species about 100, found in most parts of the world, remarkable
for their vigor and pugnacity. Their habits, corresponding with
the form of the bill, are similar to those of birds of prey, for which
reason they were placed by Linnæus among the Accipitres. They
have a remarkable habit of impaling small animals on thorns and
leaving them there.
a. Rictus with bristles; nostrils concealed by bristly tufts; first primary not
very short.
•
505. LANIUS Linnæus. (Lat., butcher.)
LANIUS, 505.
949. L. borealis Vieillot. Great NorthERN SHRIKE. BUTCH-
ERBIRD. Ashy above, rump paler; black bars on side of head
narrow, not meeting in front, and interrupted by a white crescent
on under eyelid; rump and shoulders whitish; wings and tail black,
outer tail feathers with white; white below always waved with
blackish. L. 9. W.44. T. 4. N. N. Am., S. in winter to Ky.
and Va.
950. L. ludovicianus L. LOGGER-HEAD SHRIKE. Clear
ashy blue; a whitish superciliary line; black bars on sides of head
broad, meeting across forehead; no white on under eyelid; adults
white below, not dark-waved. L. 9. W. 33. T. 4. S. U. S., the
typical variety, S. E., N. to Ohio and Vt.; a paler form, var. ex-
cubitorides Swainson (White Rumped Shrike), common W., E. to
N. Y. This has the tail coverts whitish. L. 9. W. 4. T. 4.
(Lat., Louisianian.)
FAMILY CLXXII. VIREONIDÆ. (THE VIREOS.)
Primaries 10, or apparently only 9, the first being often rudi-
mentary and displaced. Bill shorter than head, stout, compressed,
decidedly notched and hooked. Rictus with bristles. Nostrils
exposed, overhung by a scale, reached by the bristly frontal feath-
ers. Tarsus scutellate; toes soldered at base for the whole length
of basal joint of middle one, which is united with the basal joint of
the inner and the two basal joints of the outer; lateral toes usually
unequal.
A rather small family, comprising 5 genera and 60 to 70 species
of small olivaceous birds, all American. They are allied to the
VIREONIDE.
295
CLXXII.
Laniidæ, being in fact small insectivorous Shrikes.
The color-
ation is usually blended, and varies little with age or sex. Many of
them are remarkable as songsters.
Concerning the "nine-primaried" species, Professor Baird re-
marks:
“In V. flavifrons, in which the outer primary is supposed to be wanting,
its presence may be easily appreciated. One of the peculiar characters of
this species consists in a narrow edging of white to all the primary quills,
while the primary coverts (the small feathers covering their bases, as dis-
tinguished from what are usually termed the wing coverts, which more
properly belong to the forearm or secondaries) are without them. If these
coverts are carefully pushed aside, two small feathers considerably shorter
than the others will be disclosed, one overlying the other, which (the
under one) springs from the base of the exposed portion of the long out-
ermost primary, and lies immediately against its outer edge. This small
feather is stiff, falcate, and edged with white like the other quills, and
can be brought partly around on the inner edge of the large primary,
when it will look like any spurious quill. The overlying feather is soft,
and without light edge. In the other Vireos, with appreciable spurious
or short outer primary, a similar examination will reveal only one small
feather at the outer side of the base of the exterior large primary. In
all the families of Passeres, where the existence of nine primaries is
supposed to be characteristic, I have invariably found, as far as my ob-
servations have extended, that there were two of the small feathers re-
ferred to, while in those of ten primaries but one would be detected."
a. Wings not shorter than tail; outer toe longer than inner. VIREO, 506.
•
506. VIREO Vieillot. (Lat., I grow green.)
a. Wings long and pointed, or more longer than tail; first primary very
small or apparently wanting, not second.
b. Slender species; bill slender, light horn color, pale below; commissure
straight and culmen relatively so; no wing bars nor conspicuous orbital
ring; feet weak. (Vireosylva Bonaparte.)
c. Primaries apparently 9, the first obsolete.
951. V. olivaceus (L.). RED-EYED VIREO. GREENLET.
Olive green, crown ashy, edged on each side with blackish; a white
superciliary line, and below this a dusky streak; white below, some-
what olive shaded; iris red. L. 6. W. 31. T. 21. E. N. Am.,
very abundant in woodland; an energetic songster.
952. V. philadelphicus (Cassin). Dull olive green, becoming
ashy on crown; no black lines on head; a whitish superciliary
line; below faintly yellowish, fading to white on throat. L. 48.
W. 23. T. 24. E. N. Am., scarce. (piλéw, I love; ådeλpós,
brother.)
cc. Primaries evidently 10, the first well developed.
296
XLVI.
AVES: PASSERES.
953. V. gilvus (Vieillot). WARBLING VIREO. Colors exactly
as in the preceding, but the spurious quill evident. L. 53. W. 24.
T. 24. E. N. A., frequent; an exquisite songster, nesting in tall
trees in cities. (Lat., yellowish.)
bb. Stout species, the bill short and stout, blue-black; a pale stripe running
to and around eye; two white wing bars; quills blackish, mostly
edged with pale; feet stout. (Lanivireo Baird.)
d. Primaries apparently 9, the first obsolete.
954. V. flavifrons Vieillot. YELLOW-THROATED VIREO. Rich
olive green above, becoming ashy on rump; bright yellow below;
belly white; superciliary line and orbital ring yellow. L. 5. W.
3. T. 2. E. U. S., abundant, the most brightly colored species.
(Lat., yellow-fronted.)
dd. Primaries evidently 10, the first small but distinct.
955. V. solitarius (Wilson). BLUE-HEADED VIREO. Bright
olive green; crown and sides of head bluish-ash; stripe to and
around eye white; a dusky line below it; white below, washed
with yellow. L. 5. W. 3. T. 24. U. S. in woodland; a hand-
some species. Var. alticola Brewster, is a larger form, darker in
color, in the Great Smoky region and S.
longer than tail, first primary
(Vireo.)
aa. Wings relatively short and rounded, not
or more length of second; bill stout.
956. V. noveboracensis (Gmelin). WHITE-EYED VIREO.
Bright olive green, white below; sides and crissum bright yellow;
pale wing bars; stripe from bill to and around eye, yellow; iris
white. L. 5. W. 21. T. 24. E. U. S., in thickets; a sprightly
bird, with a loud and varied song. (Lat., of New York.)
957. V. belli Audubon. BELL'S VIREO. Olive green, yellow
below, chin and superciliary line whitish; wing bars whitish. L. 41.
W. 2}. T. 2. Ill. to Dak. and W. (To J. G. Bell.).
FAMILY CLXXIII. MNIOTILTIDÆ. (THE NEW WORLD
WARBLERS.)
Primaries 9; inner secondaries not enlarged, nor the hind toe
long and straight, as in Alaudida and Motacillida. Bill usually
rather slender, notched or not; the commissure not angulated at
base, as in Fringillidæ, nor toothed in the middle, as in some Tana-
gridæ; the end not notched and abruptly hooked, as in Vireonidæ
and Laniidæ; the gape not broad and reaching to the eyes, as in
Hirundinidæ.
The Warblers are small birds; all, except Icteria, are less
than 6½ inches in length, and very many are less than 5. The
colors are usually brilliant and variegated, but the sexes are unlike,
and the variations due to age and season are great, so that the
identification of immature birds is often very difficult. Many of
MNIOTILTIDÆ.
297
CLXXIII.
the Warblers are pleasing songsters, but none exhibit any remark-
able powers in that line. The name " Warbler " comes from their
resemblance to the warblers of Europe (Sylviidæ) and not from
any distinguished musical quality of their own. All are insectivo-
rous and migratory.
This family consists of more than 100 species, all American.
The Mniotiltidæ grade perfectly into the Carebida and Tanagridæ,
and the last as perfectly into the Fringillida. Convenience is the
only excuse for retaining any of these groups as distinct families.
a. Bill not depressed and fly-catcher-like; rictal bristles if present scarcely
reaching beyond nostrils.
b. Bill rather slender, little compressed; (small birds; length less than 6†).
d. Hind toe with claw very long, as long as tarsus in front; claw of
middle toe in same line as axis of the toe; (color black and white,
no yellow).
MNIOTILTA, 507.
dd. Hind toe with claw much shorter than naked portion of tarsus in
front; claw of middle toe (seen from above) set obliquely to axis
of the toe.
•
e. Middle toe with claw not shorter than tarsus; (no white wing bars);
bill rather long.
f. (Tail feathers blotched with white.) .
ff. (Tail feathers without white.)
•
PROTONOTARIA, 508.
g. Bill very much compressed; culmen straight, with a ridge
at base.
•
HELINAIA, 509.
gg. Bill slightly compressed; culmen gently curved, the basal
HELMITHERUS, 510.
portion not ridged.
ee. Middle toe with claw decidedly shorter than naked portion of
tarsus in front (except in Dendroica dominica, a species with
white wing bars).
h. Rictus without bristles; bill very acute, scarcely notched; (tail
feathers with or without white). HELMINTHOPHILA, 511.
hh. Rictus with bristles.
•
i. Tail scarcely rounded, usually much shorter than wing;
(tail blotched with white or with the inner web bright
yellow; legs and feet moderate, usually dark colored).
j. Hind toe evidently longer than its claw; bill acute, not
notched.
COMPSOTHLYpis, 512.
jj. Hind toe scarcely longer than its claw; bill usually
not very acute, and with a slight notch toward its
tip.
DENDROICA, 513.
ii. Tail usually more or less rounded, not very much shorter
than wing; legs and feet strong, usually pale; (no white
or bright yellow on tail feathers).
k. (Lower parts much streaked.)
kk. (Lower parts not streaked.).
•
SEIURUS, 514.
GEOTHLYPIS. 515.
bb. Bill stout, much compressed, its greatest depth half its length from nos-
tril to tip; outer side of tarsus smooth on its upper half; tail longer
than wings; bill without notch or bristles; (large, more than 7). Chats.
ICTERIA, 516.
aa. Bill depressed, broader than deep at base, notched and slightly hooked,
with strong rictal bristles about half the length of bill; length 5½ or less.
Fly-catching Warblers.
298
XLVI.
AVES: PASSERES.
7. Bill fully twice as long as wide at base; tail a little shorter than wings.
SYLVANIA, 517.
1. Bill scarcely twice as long as wide at base, formed much as in a Fly-
catcher; tail about as long as wings.
SETOPHAGA, 518.
507. MNIOTILTA Vieillot. (uviov, moss; tí^λw, I pluck.)
958. M. varia (L.). BLACK AND WHITE CREEPER. Every-
where black and white, streaked; crown with a broad white stripe;
wing bars white; similar, grayer. L. 5. W. 24. T. 24. E. N.
Am., not rare; a beautiful warbler, with the habits of a nut-hatch.
508. PROTONOTARIA Baird. (Lat., first notary.)
·
959. P. citrea (Boddaert). PROTHONOTARY WARBLer.
GOLDEN-HEADED WARBLER. Front and lower parts brilliant
yellow; back olivaceous; wings and tail dusky; rump ashy; bill
long. L. 5. W. 3. T. 24. S. U. S., N. to Wabash Valley, in
bushy swamps; rather rare, a most beautiful bird. (Lat., lemon-
yellow.)
509. HELINAIA Audubon. (λos, swamp; vaiw, to dwell.)
960. H. swainsoni Audubon. Chiefly olive-brown, reddish on
top of head; a dusky loral streak, bordered above by a brownish
white superciliary stripe; head with a paler median streak; yel-
lowish white below. L. 6. W. 2. T. 2. S. C. to Texas, N. to
S. Ind.; rare. (To Wm. Swainson.)
510. HELMITHERUS Rafinesque. (λuvs, bug; Onpáw,
to hunt.)
961. H. vermivorus (Gmelin).
WORM - EATING
SWAMP
T. 2. E. U. S., N. to
WARBLER. Olive green; head buffy, with four black stripes;
buffy below; ? similar. L. 5. W. 3.
L. Erie. (Lat., worm-eating.)
511. HELMINTHOPHILA Ridgway. (λuvs, bug; piλós,
loving.)
a. Tail feathers with distinct white blotches; wings with bands or patches of
white or yellow.
b. Throat and ear-coverts black in ♂, dusky gray in 9.
962. H. chrysoptera¹ (L.). GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLer.
Ashy blue; forehead, crown and wing patch bright yellow; throat
and broad stripe through eye black; a white streak above eye and
one below black of cheek; belly mostly white; ? duller, L. 5.
W. 21. T. 21. E. U. S., N. to N. Mich.; a beautiful bird. (xpvơós,
gold; πτeрóv, wing.)
1 H. lawrencei (Herrick). Similar to H. chrysoptera; cheeks and lower parts pure
yellow; wing bars white; back, etc., olive-green. N. J., etc., rare. Either a hybrid
of chrysoptera and pinus or else a yellow dichromatic phase of the former. The
latter view is considered by Ridgway the most probable. (To Geo. N. Lawrence.)
MNIOTILTIDÆ,
299
CLXXIII.
bb. Throat yellow or white; ear coverts olive or ashy above, pale below.
963. H. pinus 1 (L.). BLUE-WINGED YELLOW WARBLER.
Olive green; crown and all under parts bright yellow; wing
bars whitish; loral strip black; similar. L. 41. W. 21.
T. 2. E. U. S., N. to N. Y; a handsome bird, like a miniature
Protonotaria. (Lat., pine.)
aa. Tail feathers without white; no wing bars.
964. H. peregrina (Wilson). Tennessee WarbLER. Olive
green; head more or less ashy and without crown patch; white or
slightly yellowish below. L. 4. W. 24. T. 14. N. Am., rare
E. of Ohio; closely resembles the young of the two following, but
its wings are nearly half longer than the short tail; celata has no
ashy on head, and ruficapilla is yellower below.
965. H. celata (Say). ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER. Olive
green, never ashy on head; crown patch orange brown, more or
less concealed; greenish yellow below; ? duller, sometimes without
crown patch, known from the next by the more olive color of the
head, which is similar to the back; belly less yellow. L. 42. W.
24. T. 2. N. Am.; rare E. (Lat., concealed.)
966. H. ruficapilla (Wilson). NASHVILLE WARBLER. Olive
green, ashy on head and neck, the color contrasting with back;
crown patch bright chestnut, more or less concealed; bright yellow
below; lores and orbital ring pale; o̟ duller, crown patch obscure.
L. 43. W. 21.
W. 23. T. 2. E. N. Am., common. (Lat., rufus, red;
capillus, hair.)
512. COMPSOTHLYPIS Cabanis. (Parula Bonaparte; changed
on account of the earlier Parulus.) (кoµós, comely; Ovπís,
a little bird or warbler.)
967. C. americana (L.). BLUE YELLOW-BACKED WARBLER.
Clear ashy blue; back with a large golden green patch; yellow be-
low, belly white; a brown band across breast; white wing bars;
tail feathers with white; obscurely marked. L. 44. W. 21. T. 2.
E. N. Am., not rare; very elegant.
513. DENDROICA Gray. (dévdpov, tree; oikéw, I inhabit.)
A large genus comprising about 30 species of brightly colored
little birds, very abundant in the United States during the migra-
1 H. leucobronchialis (Brewster). Ashy gray; throat and lower parts white; wing
bands yellow or white; variable. E. U. S., not common; now considered as probably
a white phase of H. pinus, as H. lawrencei is a yellow phase of chrysoptera. It is
further thought that the two species in both yellow and white condition hybridize.
(λevкós, white; Bpóyxos, throat.)
H. cincinnatiensis Langdon. Olive green, lores and part of ear coverts black;
spot below eye and entire lower parts yellow. Cincinnati; now regarded, as a hybrid
of H. pinus and Geothlypis formosus. (See Ridgway, N. Am. Birds, p. 486.)
300
AVES PASSERES. XLVI.
tions. The adult males of the different species are readily dis-
tinguished, but and young offer difficulties. The tail feathers
are always marked with white or yellow, and the bill is usually
little pointed, notched, and with evident bristles at the rictus.
The following artificial analysis, partly taken from Coues's
"Key," will generally enable the student to distinguish speci-
mens, at least the males in full plumage:
a. Tail feathers edged with yellow; plumage chiefly yellow.
aa. Tail feathers blotched with white.
•
æstiva, 969.
b. A white blotch on the primaries near their bases; no wing bars.
bb. No white blotch on primaries.
c. Wing bars, if present, not white.
cærulescens, 970.
d. White below; crown and wing patch more or less yellow.
pennsylvanica, 974.
dd. Yellow below; sides reddish-streaked; crown chestnut.
ddd. Yellow below; sides black-streaked.
e. Back olive with reddish spots.
ee. Back ashy.
cc. Wing bars or wing patch white.
f. Rump yellow.
palmarum, 983.
discolor, 982.
kirtlandi, 981.
maculosa, 972.
g. Crown clear ash; yellow and streaked below.
gg. Crown with yellow spot; white and streaked below.
coronata, 971.
ggg. Crown black with a median stripe of orange brown; an
orange brown ear-spot.
ff. Rump not yellow.
tigrina, 968.
h. Crown with orange or yellow spot; throat orange or yellow.
blackburnia, 978.
hh. Crown black; no distinct yellow anywhere; much streaked.
striata, 976.
hhh. Crown blue or greenish, like the back; no definite yellow.
cærulea, 973.
hhhh. Crown chestnut, like the throat; no definite yellow;
buffy below.
castanea, 975.
hhhhh. Crown bluish or yellowish, not as above, some yel-
low.
i. Throat black (sometimes obscured by yellow tips to
feathers); outer tail feather white-edged. virens, 979.
ii. Throat yellow.
j. Back ashy blue; cheeks black.
•
jj. Back yellowish olive; cheeks same.
dominica, 977.
vigorsi, 980.
We copy from Coues's Key the following valuable diagnostic marks
of Warblers in any plumage:
A white spot at base of primaries. .
Wings and tail dusky, edged with yellow.
Wing bars and belly yellow.
cærulescens, 970.
•
æstiva, 969.
discolor, 982.
MNIOTILTIDÆ.
301
CLXXIII.
Wing bars yellow and belly pure white.
pennsylvanica, 974.
Wing bars white and tail spots oblique, at end of 2 (rarely 3) outer feathers
only..
•
vigorsi, 980.
Wing bars brownish; tail spots square at end of two outer feathers only.
palmarum, 983.
Wing bars not conspicuous; whole under parts yellow; back with no greenish.
kirtlandi, 981.
Tail spots at end of nearly all the feathers, and no definite yellow anywhere.
cærulea, 973.
Tail spots at middle of nearly all the feathers; rump and belly yellow.
maculosa, 972.
Rump, sides of breast (usually) and crown with yellow; throat white.
coronata, 971.
Throat definitely yellow; belly white; back with no greenish. dominica, 977.
Throat yellow or orange; crown with at least a trace of a central yellow or
orange spot, and outer tail feather white-edged externally.
blackburnia, 978.
Throat, breast and sides black, or with black traces (seen on parting the
feathers); sides of head with diffuse yellow; outer tail feather white-
edged externally.
Bill acute, perceptibly curved; rump usually yellow.
With none of the foregoing special marks; crissum buffy.
Crissum white.
•
virens, 979.
tigrina, 968.
castanea, 975.
striata, 976.
a. Bill very acute, the tip appreciably decurved, terminal half of tongue with
its edges folded over upon the upper surface, the tip deeply cleft and
fringed. (Perissoglossa Baird.)
Olivaceous
968. D. tigrina (Gmelin). CAPE MAY WARBLER.
above with black streaks; rump and sides of neck bright yellow;
yellow below, much streaked with black; crown mostly black; ear
coverts orange brown; a white wing patch; ? duller, with no black
or reddish about head. L. 54. W. 24. T. 2. E. U. S. A fine spe-
cies with a peculiar structure of the tongue, which is somewhat as
in the Honey Creepers (Corebida) of the Tropics.
aa. Bill not very acute nor distinctly decurved at tip; tongue gradually taper-
ing to the slightly cleft and fringed tip. (Dendroica.)
b. Tail feathers without white, the inner web yellow.
969. D. æstiva (Gmelin). SUMMER Warbler. GOLDEN
WARBLER. Chiefly golden yellow; breast and sides with orange
brown streaks; quills dusky, edged with yellow; ? similar, the
brown streaks obsolete. L. 54. W. 21. T. 21. America; every-
where abundant. (Lat., summer.)
bb. Tail feathers blotched with white.
c. A white spot on some of the primary quills, near their bases.
970. D. cærulescens (L.).
BLER.
BLACK-THROATED BLUE WAR-
Rich gray blue, with a few black streaks on back; throat,
sides of head, neck and sides of body black, otherwise pure white
below; quills black, edged with blue; dull olive greenish, ob-
302
XLVI.
AVES PASSERES.
scurely marked, known by the blotch on the primaries. L. 53.
W. 24. T. 21. E. N. Am.; an elegant species, common. (Lat.,
bluish.)
cc. No white spot on primary quills.
971. D. coronata (L.). YELLOW-rumped WARBLER. Bluish
ash above, streaked with black; white below with large black area
on breast; crown patch, rump and sides of breast bright yellow,
there being four definite yellow places; ? and young brownish,
with less yellow on breast and head. L. 5. W. 3. T. 24. U. S.,
very abundant.
The earliest migrant; represented W. of Rocky
Mts. by D. auduboni Townsend, very similar but with the throat
yellow. (Lat., crowned.)
972. D. maculosa (Gmelin). BLACK AND Yellow Warbler.
Back black, with olive skirtings; rump yellow; head clear ash; a
white stripe behind eye; sides of head black; under parts rich yel-
low, with black streaks which are confluent on breast; crissum
white; similar, more olivaceous, with much less black. L. 5.
W. 24. T. 24. E. N. Am.; a brilliant little bird, common.
spotty.)
(Lat.,
Bright
973. D. cærulea (Wilson). CERULEAN WARBLER.
blue with black streaks; white below; breast and sides with streaks
of slaty blue; not streaked, greenish above, slightly yellowish be-
low. L. 41. W. 21. T. 2. E. U. S., N. to L. Erie, common S. W.;
a dainty species.
974. D. pennsylvanica (L.). CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER.
Blackish above, much streaked with whitish and olive; crown clear
yellow; black patch about eye; pure white below; a line of bright
chestnut streaks along sides; wing patch yellowish (never clear
white); similar but with less chestnut and black. L. 5. W.
21. T. 24. E. N. Am., abundant, especially N.; very pretty.
975. D. castanea (Wilson). BAY-BREASTED WARBLER.
AUTUMN WARBLER. Back ashy olive, streaked with black ;
forehead and sides of head black, enclosing a large deep chestnut
crown patch; chin, throat and sides chestnut, otherwise pale buffy
below; more olivaceous with less chestnut; young scarcely dis-
tinguishable from striata, but the latter has crissum white instead
of buffy; castanea is less streaked on sides. L. 5. W. 3. T. 23.
E. N. Am., not rare. (Lat., chestnut.)
976. D. striata (Forster). BLACK-POLL WARbler. Ashy
olive, white below; almost everywhere streaked with black, the
streaks below narrow; whole top of head pure black; ? more oli-
vaceous, slightly yellowish below; rather large. L. 5. W. 3.
T. 24. E. N. Am.; the last to migrate, "bringing up the rear of
the warbler-hosts; when the Black-Polls appear in force, the col-
lecting season is about over." (Coues.) (Lat., striped.)
MNIOTILTIDÆ. – CLXXIII.
303
977. D. dominica (L.). YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER. Ashy
blue; throat bright yellow; belly white; cheeks and top of head
black; superciliary line white or yellowish in front. L. 5. W. 2§.
T. 21. Southern States; N. to Pa. and N. Ind., rare N. A neat,
plain species with the habits of a creeper; represented W. by var.
albilora Ridgway, smaller, with shorter bill, the superciliary streak
chiefly or entirely white, instead of yellowish as in var. dominica.
Miss. Valley and S. (From St. Domingo.)
978. D. blackburniæ (Gmelin). ORANGE-THROATED WAR-
BLER. Black above with buffy streaks; crown patch, superciliary
line, sides of neck and the whole throat brilliant orange, becoming
yellowish on the belly; Q similar, but olive and yellow instead of
black and orange. L. 5. W. 24. T. 24. E. N. Am., abundant
in migration, among the tree-tops; the most brilliant species.
(To Mrs. Blackburn.)
979. D. virens (Gmelin). BLACK-THROATED GREEN WAR-
BLER. Clear yellow olive; rump ashy; sides of head rich yel-
low; whole throat and breast jet black, the color extending along
the sides; otherwise whitish below; ? and winter birds with
the black interrupted or veiled with yellowish. L. 5. W. 24. T.
24. E. N. Am.; abundant. (Lat., greenish.)
980. D. vigorsi (Audubon). PINE-CREEPING WARBLER. Yel-
low olive above; under parts and superciliary line dark yellow; no
sharp markings anywhere; wing bands dull whitish, distinct only
in adult ♂; ? more grayish. L. 5§. W. 3. T. 2}. E. U. S., N.
to Me. and N. Mich.; abundant in pine forests, the dullest in color
of our species.
981. D. kirtlandi Baird. KIRTLAND'S WARBLER. Ashy blue
above, back and sides streaked with black; yellow below; chin
and crissum white; no distinct white wing bars; lores black; ?
similar, duller. L. 51. W. 24. T. 2. E. U. S., quite rare. (To
Dr. J. P. Kirtland.)
Prairie Warbler.
Olive yel-
982. D. discolor (Vieillot).
low; back with a patch of red spots; forehead, superciliary line,
wing bars and under parts bright yellow; streaked below; sides of
head with black; similar. L. 48. W. 2. T. 2. E. U. S., N.
to Mass. and Mich.; chiefly in evergreen thickets.
species. (Lat., two-colored.)
An elegant
983. D. palmarum (Gmelin). RED-POLL WARBLER. Brown-
ish olive above, somewhat streaked, rump brighter; crown bright
chestnut; superciliary line and under parts yellow with brown
streaks; no wing bars; ? similar. L. 5. W. 23. T. 24. E. N.
Am.; abundant; terrestrial; represented along the Atlantic coast
by var. hypochrysea Ridgway, larger, and much more deeply colored,
entire lower parts bright yellow. (Lat., of the palms.)
304
AVES PASSERES. XLVI.
514. SEIURUS Swainson. (σeiw, I wag; ovpá, tail.)
a. Crown orange brown with a black stripe on each side.
984. S. aurocapillus (L.). OVEN-BIRD.
GOLDEN-CROWNED
"THRUSH." Bright olive green, white below, sharply spotted on
breast and sides, like a thrush. L. 64. W. 3. T. 21. U. S.;
abundant in woodland, spending most of its time on the ground,
like the other species of this genus, and the next; remarkable for
its ringing song and its curious oven-shaped nest; the largest of the
true Warblers. (Lat., aurum, gold; capillus, hair.)
aa. Crown plain brownish.
985. S. noveboracensis (Gmelin). WATER WAGTAIL. WATER
THRUSH. Dark olive brown above, pale yellowish beneath; thickly
streaked everywhere with the color of the back; superciliary line
buffy; bill about half inch long; feet dark. L. 6. W. 3. T. 21.
N. Am., in thickets; moves its tail like a Wagtail. The Western
form, var. notabilis Grinnell is larger and darker; it ranges E. to
Ind. (Lat., of New York.)
986. S. motacilla (Vieillot). LARGE-BILLED Water Thrush.
Color of preceding, but paler below, the streaks below broader and
less sharply defined; superciliary stripe white; bill larger, about &
inch; feet pale. L. 64. W. 31. T. 24. E. U. S., scarce; N. to
Mass. and N. Wis. (Lat., wagtail.)
515. GEOTHLYPIS Cabanis. (yéa, earth; Oxurrís, some small
bird like a warbler.)
a. Tail evidently shorter than wing, more than half hidden by the coverts.
(Oporornis Baird.)
Clear
987. G. formosa (Wilson). KENTUCKY Warbler.
olive green, bright yellow below; crown and sides of head and neck
black, with a rich yellow superciliary stripe, which bends around
the eye behind; ? with the black replaced by dusky olive. L. 5º.
W. 3. T. 21. E. U. S., chiefly S. W., N. to Wis. and Conn.; in
low thickets; a handsome and active species. (Lat., comely.)
988. G. agilis (Wilson). CONNECTICUT WARBLER. Olive
green, ashy on head; throat and breast brownish ash, otherwise
yellow below; no sharp markings; in fall almost uniform olivace-
ous. L. 5. W. 3. T. 24. E. N. Am.; a shy, quiet bird, rarely
seen in spring.
989. G. philadelphia (Wilson). MOURNING WARBLER.
Bright olive, clear yellow below; head ashy; throat and breast
black, the feathers usually ashy-skirted (as though the bird wore
crape, hence "Mourning Warbler "); and not in full plu-
mage ashy anteriorly, almost exactly like G. agilis, but the tail
more nearly length of wings; no white spot on eyelid. L. 53. W.
23. T. 2. E. U. S., rather rare, in dense thickets.
MNIOTILTIDÆ.
305
CLXXIII.
aa. Tail not shorter than wing; its feathers not half concealed by coverts.
(Geothlypis.)
990. G. trichas (L.). MARYLAND YELLOW THROAT. Olive
green; forehead and broad mask extending down sides of head and
neck jet black, bordered behind with clear ash; under parts yellow,
clear on throat and breast; obscurely marked, without black
mask and with less yellow. L. 41. W. 21. T. 21. U. S., abun-
dant in thickets; a pretty bird with a lively song. Replaced W.,
by var. occidentalis Brewster, larger and brighter, the belly clear
yellow instead of buffy whitish. Rocky Mts., E. to Ga. and Ill.
(Tpixás, some small bird.)
516. ICTERIA Vieillot. (krepos, yellowness, as jaundice.)
991. I. virens (L.). YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT. Olive green;
throat and breast bright yellow; belly abruptly white; lores black;
a white superciliary line; wings and tail plain; tarsus almost
booted. L. 71. W. 31. T. 31. U. S., southerly, N. to Mass.
and Wis.; a loud, quaint songster.
517. SYLVANIA Nuttall. (Lat., sylvan.)
a. Tail feathers blotched with white; no wing bars.
992. S. mitrata (Gmelin). HOODED WARBLER. Bright yellow
olive; breast, crown, and neck all around jet black, enclosing a
broad golden mask; under parts from the breast bright yellow; Q
olive instead of black. L. 5. W. 24. T. 23. E. U. S., southerly,
N. to L. Erie; a singular and beautiful species. (Lat., mitred.)
aa. Tail feathers plain dusky; no wing bars.
993. S. pusilla (Wilson). GREEN BLACK-CAPped Warbler.
Clear yellow olive; crown glossy black; forehead, lores, sides of
head and entire under parts bright yellow; ? with less black. L.
4. W. 21. T. 24. U. S. (Lat., weak.)
994. S. canadensis (L.). CANADA WARBLER. Bluish ash;
crown streaked with black; under parts clear yellow; crissum white;
lores black, continuous with black under the eye; this passing as a
chain of black streaks down the side of the neck encircling the
breast like a necklace; a yellow superciliary streak; O̟ similar, with
less black. L. 5. W. 24. T. 24. E. U. S., to the Missouri,
frequent; one of the handsomest Warblers.
518. SETOPHAGA Swainson. (ons, moth; payós, eating.)
995. S. ruticilla (L.). AMERICAN RedstarT. Black; sides
of breast and large blotches on wings and tail orange-red; belly
white, reddish tinged; no wing bars; olive, marked with creamy
yellow instead of red. L. 54. W. 23. T. 21. E. N. Am., very
abundant; a handsome and active fly-catcher.
20
306
AVES PASSERES. XLVI.
FAMILY CLXXIV. MOTACILLIDÆ. (The Wagtails.)
(THE
Primaries 9, the first about as long as second; inner secondaries
enlarged, the longest one about as long as the primaries in the
closed wing. Bill shorter than the head, very slender, straight,
acute, notched at tip. Feet large, fitted for walking; hind claw
long, little curved, as in the Larks; inner toe cleft; basal joint of
outer toe united with middle one; tarsus as in Oscines generally,
ending in a sharp, undivided ridge behind. Rictal bristles not
conspicuous; nostrils exposed.
A group of about 100 species, mostly of the Old World. Terres-
trial birds, with the habit (shared by various others) of moving the
tail up and down, as if “balancing themselves on unsteady foot-
ing;" hence the name "Wagtail." (Lat., motacilla, wag-tail.)
a. Tail shorter than wings, its feathers tapering; hind claw long and straight-
ish.
ANTHUS, 519.
519. ANTHUS Bechstein. (äveos, some small bird.)
(Anthus.)
a. Tarsus longer than hind toe with claw.
996. A. pensilvanicus (Latham). BROWN LARK. TITLArk.
PIPIT. Dark brown above, slightly streaked; superciliary line and
under parts buffy; breast and sides streaked; outer tail feathers
with white. L. 61. W. 34. T. 3. N. Am., not rare.
aa. Tarsus shorter than hind toe with claw. (Neocorys Sclater.)
997. A. spraguei (Audubon). MISSOURI SKYLARK. Buffy
and dusky streaked. W. U. S., E. to Minn., abundant W.; its
habits similar to those of the Skylark, its song not inferior. (To
Isaac Sprague.)
FAMILY CLXXV. TROGLODYTIDÆ. (THE WRENS
AND MOCKING-BIRDS.)
Primaries 10, the first short, hardly spurious; wings moderate or
long. Bill usually more or less slender, with or without a notch
near the tip; nostrils not covered by bristles. Tarsus scutellate,
the plates usually distinct.
The Miminæ, now associated with the wrens by the A. O. U.,
are in many respects intermediate between wrens and thrushes.
Their reference to either group is chiefly a matter of convenience.
The wrens are sprightly, fearless and impudent little creatures,
apt to show bad temper when they fancy themselves aggrieved by
cats or people, or anything else that is big or unpleasant to them;
they quarrel a good deal, and are particularly spiteful towards
martins and swallows, whose homes they often invade and occupy.
Their song is bright and hearty, and they are fond of their own
music; when disturbed at it they make a great ado with noisy
TROGLODYTIDÆ.
307
CLXXV.
scolding. Part of them (Cistothorus) live in reedy swamps and
marshes, where they hang astonishingly big globular nests, with a
little hole on one side, on tufts of rushes, and lay six or eight dark-
colored eggs; the others nest anywhere." (Coues.) To the Mi-
minæ belongs the first of song-birds, the mocking-bird. All of the
Troglodytinæ and Mimina are plainly colored, being chiefly brown.
All are insectivorous, and most of them migratory. Genera about
23, species 150, most abundant in tropical America.
a. Bill with bristles at the rictus; inner toe free to the base. Mockers. (Mi-
minæ.)
b. Tail longer than wing.
c. Bill shorter than middle toe without claw; bill notched at tip.
d. Tarsal scutella distinct; (tail with white).
dd. Tarsal scutella indistinct; (tail without white).
MIMUS, 520.
GALEOSCOPTES, 521.
cc. Bill not shorter than middle toe with claw, often decurved; bill
scarcely notched at tip.
HARPORHYNCHUS, 522.
aa. Bill not notched, without evident bristles at the rictus; inner toe some-
what joined at base to middle; nostril with a small scale. Wrens.
(Troglodytina.)
f. Outer tail feathers reaching decidedly beyond tips of longest lower
coverts; (back without lengthwise streaks).
g. Bill rather stout, somewhat decurved at tip; (back without cross-bars;
superciliary streak distinct).
THRYOTHORUS, 523.
•
gg. Bill more slender, straight or slightly decurved; (back with cross-bars
more or less distinct; no distinct superciliary stripe).
TROGLODYTES, 524.
f. Outer tail-feathers reaching little beyond tips of lower coverts; (back
streaked lengthwise).
CISTOTHORUS, 525.
520. MIMUS Boie. (Lat., mimic.)
998. M. polyglottos (L.). MOCKINGBIRD. Ashy brown
above, nearly white below; wings blackish, with white wing bars;
tail blackish, outer feathers white; with less white. L. 94. W.
4. T. 5. U. S., chiefly southerly; N. to Mass., Iowa, etc. A
famous singer, easily first among birds in the range and variety of
its notes. (Toλús, many; yλŵrta, tongue.)
521. GALEOSCOPTES Cabanis. (yaλn, weasel; σкwnтηs,
mocker.)
999. G. carolinensis (L.). CAT-BIRD. Dark slate color;
crown and tail black; crissum chestnut. L. 82. W. 38. T. 4.
N. Am., generally common; a fine singer.
522. HARPORHYNCHUS Cabanis. (äpπn, sickle; púyxos,
bill, true of the typical species.)
a. Tarsus longer than bill; lower parts spotted and streaked. (Methriopterus
Reichenbach.)
1000. H. rufus (L.). BROWN THRUSH. THRASHER. Cinna-
308
XLVI.
AVES PASSERES.
mon red above; lower parts thickly spotted; bill nearly straight,
shorter and much less curved than in the other Harporhynchi, five
species of which occur in the S. W. L. 11. W. 4. T. 54. B. 1.
E. U. S., abundant. A brilliant songster, its notes similar to those
of the mocking-bird, but softer and less varied.
523. THRYOTHORUS Vieillot. (Opúov, reed; Ooûpos, leaping.)
a. Tail not longer than wings, its feathers all brown with fine black bars.
(Thryothorus.)
1001. T. ludovicianus (Gmelin). CAROLINA WREN. MOCK-
ING WREN. Clear reddish brown, brightest on rump; pale buffy
below; wings barred; a pale superciliary stripe. L. 6. W. 21.
T. 2. E. U. S., southerly, N. to Penn; a remarkable singer.
(Lat., of Louisiana.)
aa. Tail longer than wings, its feathers mostly blackish, the middle ones
grayish, barred. (Thryomanes Sclater.)
1002. T. bewickii (Audubon). Umber brown above; brownish
white below; white streak above eye and on neck. L. 5. W. 21.
T. 24. S. U. S., N. to Penn. and Minn. (To Thos. Bewick.)
524. TROGLODYTES Vieillot. (Tpwyλodúrns, cave-dweller.)
a. Tail more than wing. (Troglodytes.)
1003. T. aedon Vieillot. HOUSE WREN. Brown, brightest be-
hind; rusty below; everywhere above and behind barred or waved
with darker, distinctly so on wings, tail, and crissum. L. 5. W.2.
T. 2. E. U. S., abundant; an active and familiar little bird.
(andóv, a singer.)
aa. Tail very short, less than wing. (Anorthura Rennie.)
1004. T. hiemalis Vieillot. WINTER WREN. Deep reddish-
brown, waved with dusky; wings, tail, and belly posteriorly sharply
barred. L. 4. W. 13. T. 14. N. Am., U. S. in winter, common
N.; a fine singer. (Lat., wintry.)
525. CISTOTHORUS Cabanis. (Kioros, a shrub, rock-rose;
Ooûpos, leaping.)
a. Bill about half as long as head; no white superciliary line. (Cistothorus.)
1005. C. stellaris (Lichtenstein). SHORT-BILLED MARSH WREN.
Dark brown, head and back darker; entire upper parts with white
streaks; lower parts buffy. L. 41. W. 14. T. 14. E. U. S., in
marshes; rather rare. (Lat., starry.)
aa. Bill slender, about as long as head; a conspicuous white superciliary line.
(Telmatodytes Cab.)
1006. C. palustris (Wilson). LONG-BILLED MARSH WREN.
Clear brown; back with a black patch containing white streaks;
otherwise unstreaked above; crown blackish; lower parts brownish
white. L. 5. W. 2. T. 14. U. S., abundant in reedy swamps.
CERTHIIDE.
309
CLXXVI.
FAMILY CLXXVI. CERTHIIDÆ. (THE CREEPERS.)
Primaries 10, first less than half second. Bill slender, as long as
head, without notch or bristles. Tarsus scutellate, shorter than
middle toe. Claws all very long, curved and compressed. Wings
about as long as tail; tail feathers pointed, with stiffened shafts,
somewhat like the tail of a wood-pecker, and similarly used for sup
port. Genera 5; species about 12, widely distributed. Habits
similar to those of the Nuthatches, but the voice different, being
small and fine. (The above diagnosis applies rather to the sub-
family, Certhiinc.)
a. Bill decurved, about as long as head.
CERTHIA, 526.
(Lat., a creeper.)
526. CERTHIA Linnæus.
1007. C. familiaris L. BROWN CREEPER. Plumage dark
brown, above much barred and streaked with whitish; pale below;
rump clear tawny. L. 5. W. 24. T. 24. N. Am. A curious
little bird. The E. American form (white below) is var. americana
(Bonap.). (Eu.)
FAMILY CLXXVII. PARIDE. (THE NUTHATCHES AND
TITMICE.)
Primaries 10, the first short. Bill not notched nor decurved;
loral feathers bristly; nostrils concealed by dense tufts. Tarsus
scutellate; plumage more or less lax, subject to few variations.
Small birds, apparently allied to the jays on the one hand and to
the wrens and thrushes on the other. Species 100 or more, in
most parts of the world; insectivorous and usually not migratory.
a. Bill slender, as long as head; hind toe longer than middle toe; tail much
shorter than wing. (Sittinæ.)
SITTA, 527.
aa. Bill stoutish, much shorter than head; hind toe shorter than middle; tail
not shorter than wing. (Parinæ.) .
•
•
PARUS, 528.
527. SITTA Linnæus. (oírra, nuthatch.)
1008. S. carolinensis Latham. WHITE-BELLIED NUTHATCH.
"SAP-SUCKER." Ashy blue above, white below; crissum with
rusty brown; crown and nape black, unstriped; middle tail feathers
like the back, others black, blotched with white; Q with less or no
black on the head. L. 51. W. 31. T. 2. U. S., abundant
everywhere. An active, nimble little bird, running up and down
trees, and hanging in every conceivable attitude, the head down as
often as up.
1009. S. canadensis L. RED-bellied NuthATCH. Ashy blue,
brighter than the preceding, rusty brown below; crown glossy
black (♂), or bluish (?), bordered by white and black stripes.
L. 41. W. 23. T. 14. N. Am., chiefly N.
310
XLVI.
AVES: PASSERES.
1010. S. pusilla Latham. Brown-headed NUTHATCH. Ashy
blue; crown clear brown, a whitish spot on nape; pale rusty below.
L. 4. W. 21. T. 14. S. E. U. S., N. to Md. (Lat., weak.)
528. PARUS Linnæus. (Lat., a titmouse.)
a. Head conspicuously crested. (Lophophanes Kaup.)
1011. P. bicolor L. TUFTED TITMOUSE. Grayish ash, the fore-
head alone black; whitish below; sides washed with reddish. L. 64.
W. 34. T. 34. E. U. S., southerly, N. to Mich.; abundant in
woodland and remarkable for its loud, cheerful whistle.
aa. Head not crested. (Parus.)
1012. P. carolinensis Audubon. SOUTHERN CHICKADEE. Sim-
ilar to the next; tertials and greater wing coverts without whitish
edgings; smaller; tail shorter. L. 41. W. 21. T. 2. Southern,
N. to S. Pa. and Ind.; often regarded as a winter resident variety
of the next.
1013. P. atricapillus L. TITMOUSE. BLACK-CAPPED CHICKA-
DEE. Grayish ash; wings and tail plain, with whitish edgings;
crown, nape, chin, and throat black; cheeks white; no white super-
ciliary line. L. 5. W. 21. T. 21. N. Am., S. to Ind. and Va.,
abundant; represented N. W. by var. septentrionalis Harris; paler,
with tail (24) longer than wings. (Lat., black-haired.)
1014. P. hudsonicus Forster.
Olive brown; crown browner;
some pale chestnut below; throat black; # white stripe through
eye. L. 5. W. 21. T. 27. N. N. Am., S. to Mass.
FAMILY CLXXVIII. SYLVIIDÆ. (The Old World
WARBLERS.)
Diminutive Thrushes. Primaries 10, the first short. Bill slen-
der, depressed at base, notched and decurved at tip. Rictus with
bristles; nostrils oval. Tarsus usually booted, scutellate in Poliop-
tilinæ. Basal joint of middle toe attached its whole length exter-
nally, half way internally. A large family of nearly 600 species of
small birds, chiefly of the Old World, where they fill the place taken
in America by the Mniotiltida. The most famous of the group is
the European nightingale (Luscinia luscinia L.).
a. Tarsus booted; nostril with one or more minute feathers; wings longer
than tail. (Regulina.)
•
REGULUS, 529.
aa. Tarsus scutellate; wings not longer than tail. (Polioptilinæ.)
POLIOPTILA, 530.
529. REGULUS Cuvier. (Lat., dim. of rex, king — “of
the wrens.")
a. Nostril hidden by a single tiny feather. (Regulus.)
1015. R. satrapa Lichtenstein. GOLDEN-CRowned Kinglet.
Olivaceous; crown with a yellow patch, bordered with black,
TURDIDÆ
311
CLXXIX.
orange red in the centre in ; forehead and line over eye whitish;
a vague dusky blotch at base of secondaries. L. 4. W. 24. T. 18.
N. Am.; not rare. (σarpánηs, a ruler.)
a. Nostril with a tuft of small bristle-like feathers. (Phyllobasileus Cabanis.)
1016. R. calendula (L.). RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET. Oliva-
ceous; crown with a scarlet patch in both sexes, wanting the first
year; no black about head.
L. 41. W. 21. T. 14. N. Am..
common. (Lat., a little fire.)
530. POLIOPTILA Sclater. (ñoλiós, hoary; πтíλov, feather.)
1017. P. cærulea (L.). BLUE-gray Gnat-CATCHER. Clear
ashy blue, brightest on head; whitish below; with forehead and
sides of crown black; outer tail feathers chiefly white. L. 4. W.2.
T. 24. U. S., chiefly southerly; N. to Mass. and L. Mich. A
sprightly little bird with a squeaky voice, but really a fine singer.
FAMILY CLXXIX. TURDIDƹ (THE THRUSHES.)
Primaries 10, the first short or spurious; bill generally rather
long, not conical, usually with a slight notch near the tip; nostrils
oval, not concealed, but nearly or quite reached by the bristly
frontal feathers; rictus with bristles, which are well developed in
most of our species; tarsus always "booted," i. e., enveloped in a
continuous plate, formed by the fusion of all the scutella except 2
or 3 of the lowest. Toes deeply cleft, the inner one free, the outer
united to the middle one, not more than half the length of the first
basal joint.
A large family of about 300 species, found in most parts of the
world, and embracing quite a wide variety of forms. Nearly all
of them are remarkable for their vocal powers. Their food consists
of insects and soft fruits.
a. Bill short, depressed, notched and slightly hooked at tip; gonys not more
than the commissure; tail about as long as wings. (Myadestina.)
MYADESTES, 531.
aa. Bill not depressed nor hooked; gonys more than the commissure.
(Turdinæ.)
b. Wings moderate; (no blue).
c. Tarsus longer than middle toe with claw; nostrils exposed; nasal fossæ
without feathers; bill notched near its tip; sexes similar.
TURDUS, 532.
d. Bill much widened at base; (breast spotted).
dd. Bill little widened at base; (breast in adult unspotted).
MERULA, 533.
1 One of the most remarkable of the thrush-like birds is the Ouzel or Dipper
(Cinclus mexicanus Swainson), an aquatic thrush which swims (or rather flies) freely
under water, although not web-footed. It is a fine singer, living about mountain
torrents in the Rocky Mountain regions; a similar species (C. merula) occurs in
Europe. They are now placed in a separate family, Cinclidæ.
312
XLVI.
AVES PASSERES.
cc. Tarsus not longer than middle toe with claw; nostrils partly concealed
by feathers in the nasal fossæ; bill not notched; sexes unlike.
HESPEROCICHLA, 534.
SIALLA, 535.
bb. Wings long and pointed; (plumage partly blue).
531. MYADESTES Swainson. (µvia, fly; èdeorýs, eater.)
1018. M. townsendi (Audubon). FLY-CATCHING THRUSH.
TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE. Ashy gray, paler below; wing bands
buffy; tail blackish; whitish ring about eye; young with reddish
spots. L. 8. W. 41. T. 44. Rocky Mountains and westward,
straying E. to Ill. (Nelson.) A most exquisite songster. (To
J. K. Townsend.)
532. TURDUS Linnæus. (Lat., thrush.)
a. Wings never more than 3 times tarsus; plain brownish above; spotted
below. Wood-thrushes. (Hylocichla Baird.)
b. Reddish color of back most distinct on head.
1019. T. mustelinus Gmelin. WOOD THRUSH. Cinnamon
brown, brightest on the head, shading into olive on the rump;
breast with large, very distinct dusky spots. L. 8. W. 44. T. 3.
E. U. S., in woodland; our largest and handsomest wood thrush.
An exquisite songster. (Lat., weasel-colored.)
bb. Reddish color of back equally distinct from head to tail.
1020. T. fuscescens Stephens. VEERY. TAWNY THRUSH.
WILSON'S THRUSH. Uniform reddish brown above; breast and
throat washed with brownish or pinkish yellow, and marked with
small indistinct brownish spots. L. 74. W. 44. T. 34. E. N.
Am., in damp woods, frequent; a fine songster, superior to the
wood-thrush in its range of notes. The Western variety, Ill. to
Rocky Mts., var. salicicolus Ridgway, is russet olive, the cheeks
paler, with broader markings. (Lat., dusky.)
bbb. Back entirely olive, with no reddish shade anywhere.
c. Sides of head without buffy shades.
1021. T. aliciæ Baird. GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH. Very similar
to the next, of which it may be a variety, but without buffy or
whitish ring about eye, or any buffy tint about head. E. N. Am.,
ranging more northerly. A smaller form, with slenderer bill is var.
bicknelli Ridgway, in Catskills and N. (To Alice Kennicott.)
cc. Sides of head more or less shaded with buffy.
1022. T. ustulatus Nuttall. OLIVE-BACKED THRUSH. Uniform
olive above; breast and throat thickly marked with large, dusky
olive spots; breast and sides of head strongly buffy-tinted; a con-
spicuous buffy orbital ring. L. 74. W. 4. T. 3. N. Am. The
Western form (var. ustulatus) is russet brown above, rather than
grayish olive as in the Eastern form, which is var. swainsoni Ca-
banis. (Lat., scorched.)
TURDIDEÆ.
313
CLXXIX.
bbbb. Reddish color of back chiefly confined to the tail.
Olive
1023. T. aonalaschka Gmelin. HERMIT THRUSH.
brown above, becoming rufous on rump and tail; breast with nu-
merous, rather distinct, dusky spots; a whitish orbital ring. L. 7.
W. 31. T. 21. N. Am., migrating early; a sweet singer. The
Eastern bird, var. pallasi Cabanis, is more "smoky " in hue, the
tail a little less red, the bill larger. (From Unalaska Island.)
533. MERULA Leach. (Lat., merle or blackbird.)
1024. M. migratoria (L.). ROBIN. AMERICAN RED Breast.
Olive gray above; head and tail blackish; throat white, with black
streaks; under parts chestnut brown. L. 98. W. 51. T. 41. N.
Am., everywhere abundant; a familiar, easy-going bird.
534. HESPEROCICHLA Baird. (éσrépa, sunset;
Kixλn, thrush.)
1025. H. nævia (Gmelin). OREGON ROBIN. Slate color, or-
ange brown below; throat not streaked; ♂ with black collar. L.
9. W.5. T.4. Pacific slope, rarely straying E. (Lat., spotted.)
535. SIALIA Swainson. (σiadis, name of some bird;
σíaλos, plump.)
1026. S. sialis (L.). COMMON BLUE BIRD. Bright blue above,
throat and breast reddish brown ("the sky on its back and the
earth on its breast"); belly white; usually duller, with a brown-
ish tinge on back; young, as in others, spotted. L. 68. W. 4.
T. 3. E. N. Am., abundant; breeds everywhere; one of our most
attractive and familiar birds.
1027. S. mexicana Swainson. WESTERN BLUE BIRD. Head,
neck all around and upper parts generally, deep bright blue; back
with more or less chestnut; breast and sides reddish brown, throat
bluish; size of last. Pacific slope, rarely E. to Iowa.
1028. S. arctica Swainson. ROCKY MOUNTAIN BLUE BIRD.
Rich greenish blue; breast also blue; belly white; with pale
drab instead of blue, on breast, etc.; size of others, or smaller.
Rocky Mountains, E. to Missouri R.; the prettiest of thrushes and
one of the most attractive of our birds.
With this beautiful bird we close the long series of feathered
Sauropsida.
The next class, the Mammalia, is widely different from the birds,
but its lowest forms, the Monotremes, approach the common rep-
tilian stock from which both mammals and birds have probably
sprung.
314
MAMMALIA.
CLASS I. MAMMALIA. (THE MAMMALS.)
A Mammal is a warm-blooded, air-breathing vertebrate, having
the skin more or less hairy (or rarely naked); viviparous, the em-
bryo developed from a minute egg destitute of food-yolk (except
in the Monotremata, in which group the eggs are large, as in Rep-
tiles, and are developed outside the body); the young nourished for
a time after birth by milk, secreted in the mammary glands of the
mother; respiration never by means of gills, but after birth by
lungs, suspended freely in the thoracic cavity, which is completely
separated from the abdominal cavity by a muscular septum (the
diaphragm); heart with four cavities; a complete double circula-
tion; blood warm. Skeleton more firm than in other Vertebrates,
the bones containing a larger proportion of salts of lime. Skull
articulating with the atlas by means of two occipital condyles;
bones of face immovably joined by sutures; each half of lower jaw
of a single bone, articulating directly with the skull, the quadrate
bone becoming one of the bones of the ear (the malleus). Brain
case comparatively large, corresponding with the increased devel-
opment of the brain. The numerous other peculiarities of the
skeleton and the viscera need not be noticed in this connection.
The following analysis of the Orders of Mammals which occur
within our limits is mostly taken from Professor Gill's "Arrange-
ment of the Families of Mammals."
Orders of Mammalia.
a. Young developed within the uterus from a minute egg which is destitute
of food-yolk; milk glands with nipples; no cloaca. (EUTHERIA.)
b. Young born when of very small size and incomplete development, never
connected by a placenta to the mother; brain small, its corpus callosum
rudimentary. (Subclass DIDELPHIA.) MARSUPIALIA, XLVII.
bb. Young not born until of considerable size and nearly perfect develop-
ment, deriving its nourishment, before birth, from the mother through
the intervention of a placenta; a well developed corpus callosum.
(Subclass MONODELPHIA.)
•
c. Brain with a relatively small cerebrum, which does not cover the other
ganglia, much of the cerebellum being exposed behind, and in front
much of the optic lobes. (Ineducabilia.)
d. Canine teeth none; incisors 3, rarely, chisel-shaped; limbs adapted
for walking.
GLIRES, XLVIII.
•
dd. Canine teeth present, in some form; incisors not nor .
MAMMALIA.
315
e. Anterior limbs not adapted for flight; ulna and radius not united;
hand normal; mammæ usually abdominal.
INSECTIVORA, XLIX.
ee. Anterior limbs adapted for flight; ulna and radius united; bones
of hand and fingers much elongated, supporting a thin, leathery
skin, extending along sides of body to the posterior limbs;
mammæ pectoral.
CHIROPTERA, L.
cc. Brain with a relatively large cerebrum overlapping much, or all, of
the cerebellum and optic lobes. (Educabilia.)
f. Posterior limbs absent, the pelvis rudimentary; anterior limbs
reduced to broad flattened paddles, without distinct fingers or
claws; no clavicles; tail with a broad, horizontally placed
caudal fin; cervical vertebræ more or less grown together;
carnivorous.
CETE, LI.
ff. Posterior limbs and pelvis well developed; anterior limbs with
hoofs, claws, or nails.
•
g. Femur and humerus not exserted beyond the common integu-
ments of the body; clavicles more or less rudimentary;
mammæ abdominal or inguinal.
ous.
•
•
h. Feet with hoofs; molars mostly with grinding surfaces; in-
cisors various; no tusks; developed toes, 1 to 4; herbivor-
UNGULATA, LII.
hh. Feet with developed claws; canines specialized; molars,
one or more, sectorial, adapted for cutting; incisors &;
carnivorous.
FERE, LIII.
gg. Femur and humerus exserted; feet with distinct toes which
are provided with nails; clavicles present; an inner digit
of hand (thumb) opposable to the others; orbits encircled
by bone and directed forwards; mammæ pectoral, two in
number (rarely also an inguinal pair). PRIMATES, LIV.
ORDER XLVII. MARSUPIALIA. (THE MARSUPIALS.)
Young developed without a placenta, and born at a very early
stage and incomplete condition of development. The young at
birth are usually placed in an abdominal pouch formed by a fold of
skin about the milk glands of the mother, where they remain for a
considerable time. Reproductive organs in both sexes of peculiar
structure, nearly all the parts being double in the female. Skele-
ton showing numerous peculiarities, the teeth usually more numer-
ous than in the higher Mammals. Brain small, the corpus callosum
rudimentary. Heart with two vena cava. This large group is
chiefly confined to Australia. It represents an early or primitive
type of Mammalia, which has now become extinct in most parts of
the world. The single non-Australian family approaches most
nearly to ordinary Mammals. (Lat., marsupium, pouch.)
Families of Marsupialia.
a. Tail long, prehensile, nearly naked; feet plantigrade, 5-toed, the first toe
thumb-like and without claw; teeth 50.
DIDELPHIDIDE, 180.
316
MAMMALIA: GLIRES. - XLVIII.
FAMILY CLXXX. DIDELPHIDIDÆ. (THE OPOSSUMS.)
Marsupial mammals of small size, with the teeth i. §:½, c. 1:1,
pm. §:8, m. 4:4. Feet five-toed, plantigrade, the claws 5-4. Tail
usually very long, prehensile, nearly naked, covered by a scaly skin,
with a few scattered hairs. Genera 2, species about 15; all Ameri-
can and chiefly belonging to the tropics. The common opossum
is one of the largest of the group. All are sluggish animals,
arboreal (Didelphis) or aquatic (Chironectes), and becoming very
fat. They feed on insects and other small animals.
a. Arboreal; feet not webbed.
DIDELPHIS, 536.
536. DIDELPHIS Linnæus. (dís, two; deλþús, womb.)
1029. D. virginiana Shaw. COMMON OPOSSUM. Soiled yel
lowish, with some darker hairs; ears black, leathery; legs dark.
L. 35. T. 15. N. Y. to Cal. and S.; common.
ORDER XLVIII. GLIRES. (THE RODENTS or Gnawers.)
Mammals with the incisor teeth or in number, chisel-shaped,
adapted for gnawing; no canine teeth, a toothless space in the
place of canines; molar teeth adapted for grinding; cerebrum
small, little convoluted; intestinal canal elongate; ears and eyes
usually well developed. Food chiefly vegetable.
The Glires or Rodentia is the largest order of Mammals, and in
individuals by far more numerous than any other. Most of the
species are of small size, the Beaver being one of the very largest
of the forms now living.
"Though a feeble folk, comparatively insignificant in size and
strength, they hold their own in legions against a host of natural
enemies, rapacious beasts and birds, by their fecundity, their wari-
ness and cunning, their timidity and agility, their secretiveness,
each after the means by which it is provided for exercising its in-
stinct of self-preservation, among which insignificance itself is no
small factor." (Coues.) (Lat., glis, dormouse; the Linnæan name
Glires is much older than Cuvier's Rodentia.)
Families of Glires.
a. Incisors, the median upper incisors large, vertically grooved, the outer
small; teeth 28; tail very short; ears long; fibula united with the heel-
bone.
aa. Incisors; tail well developed.
LEPORIDE, 181.
b. Fur with stiff spine-like bristles; tibia and fibula separate.
bb. Fur more or less soft, without spines.
c. Tibia and fibula united below.
HYSTRICIDE, 182.
d. Tail and hind legs excessively elongated, the latter adapted for
leaping; molars on each side.
ZAPODIDÆ, 183.
LEPORIDA.
317
CLXXXI.
dd. Tail and hind-legs not excessively elongated.
e. Limbs very short, subequal, adapted for digging; fore-claws
much enlarged; large, external cheek-pouches; body thick-set
and heavy; molars ₫ on each side.
GEOMYIDÆ, 184.
ee. Limbs moderate, not as above; cheek-pouches usually absent;
molars to on each side.
cc. Tibia and fibula separate.
MURIDE, 185.
f. Tail broad, flat, and scaly; feet webbed; molars on each
side; body robust.
•
CASTORIDÆ, 186.
ff. Tail with fur; feet not webbed; molars or on each side.
SCIURIDA, 187.
FAMILY CLXXXI. LEPORIDÆ (THE HARES.)
Incisors, the extra pair in upper jaw small, and placed behind
the principal pair, which are grooved in front; molars ; the
teeth 28 in all; tail short, bushy, recurved; eyes large; ears long;.
soles furred. A single genus widely distributed, with about 30
species, among them the familiar Rabbit (Lepus cuniculus L.) of
Europe, and several native species commonly called rabbits, but
more properly hares.
537. LEPUS Linnæus. (Lat., a hare.)
a. Postorbital processes united with the skull; hind feet short; fur never
white.
1030. L. palustris Bachman. MARSH HARE. Width of skull
half its length. Yellowish brown; tail grayish, not cottony. L. 17.
T. 1. Ear 21. N. C. to S. Ill. and S., in swamps.
1031. L. aquaticus Bachman. WATER HARE. Width of skull
not half its length. Yellowish brown, white below; tail white
below, as in L. sylvaticus. L. 22. T. 2. Ear 3. S. Ill. to La. and
S. W., in canebrakes and about lowland streams.
aa. Postorbital processes united with the skull.
b. Fur never white; hind feet not longer than head.
1032. L. sylvaticus Bachman. GRAY RABBIT. COTTON-TAIL.
Tail cottony-white; ears two-thirds length of head. Gray above,
varied with black, and more or less tinged with yellowish brown;
below white. L. 18. T. 2. Ear 2. U. S., rather S., N. to
Mass.; very abundant.
bb. Fur becoming more or less white in winter; hind feet longer than head.
1033. L. americanus Erxleben. WHITE RABBIT. NORTHERN
HARE. Ears about as long as head; fur, in summer, cinnamon
brown, in winter, becoming white at the surface, plumbeous at
base, with a median band of reddish brown. L. 20. T. 2}.
Ear 3. Wooded districts, New England to Minn., and S. to Va.,
along the Alleghanies. The Eastern form var. virginianus Harlan,
318
XLVIII.
MAMMALIA: GLIRES.
has median brown band on fur broad. Further N. (Hudson's
Bay) occurs the European Hare, L. timidus L., a similar but
larger animal.
1034. L. campestris Bachman. JACK-RABBIt. PRAIRIE
HARE. Ears much longer than head. Fur pale yellowish gray
in summer, in winter white at surface and base, yellowish in
middle; tail long, all white. L. 23. T. 31. Ear 5. Kan. and
Dakota, to Oregon. (Lat., of the fields.)
FAMILY CLXXXII. HYSTRICIDÆ. (THE Porcupines.)
PORCUPINES.)
Molar teeth on each side; fur more or less mixed with bristly
spines; tip of muzzle with small hairs; tibia and fibula distinct.
Genera 6; species about 50, largely American. The American
forms (Syenetherina) differ in many respects from the Old World
allies of the European Porcupine (Hystrix cristata L.). The
former are chiefly arboreal, and most of them have the tail pre-
hensile. Allied to this family is the South American group of
Caviida, represented by the Guinea (Guiana) Pig. (Cavia aperea).
(Lat. hystrix, porcupine).
a. Tail short, thick, not prehensile; claws 4-5, long, compressed, and
curved; nostrils close together.
ERETHIZON, 538.
538. ERETHIZON Frédéric Cuvier. (épelíš∞, to irritate.)
1035. E. dorsatus (L.) CANADA PORCUPINE. Dark brown,
spines tipped with yellowish white, and 4 to 6 inches long. L. 40.
T. 6. N. Am., from Me. to Mexico, formerly common. (Lat.,
dorsum, back.)
FAMILY CLXXXIII. ZAPODIDÆ. (THE JUMPING MICE.)
Hind legs greatly elongated, adapted for taking long leaps; fore
legs short. Tail very long. Molars ; upper incisors com-
pressed, grooved; molars rooted; cheek pouches present; toes
5-5; tibia and fibula united. A single species, North American.
539. ZAPUS Coues. (¿á, an intensive particle; woús, foot.)
1036. Z. hudsonius (Zimmermann). JUMPING MOUSE. Yel-
lowish brown; fur coarse and rough; soles naked. L. 8. T. 5.
Ear . U. S. chiefly N., scarce; variable.
FAMILY CLXXXIV. GEOMYIDÆ. (THE POUCHED
GOPHERS.)
Cheek pouches large and distinct, opening outside of the mouth.
Molars; incisors large and thick; skull heavy; temporal bones
enormously developed. Limbs about equal, the fore claws five in
number, very large; tibia and fibula united. Body thick-set and
clumsy. Genera 2; species 7; all North American, and chiefly
MURIDE.
319
CLXXXV.
inhabiting the central plains; habits nocturnal and subterranean.
Farther west occur numerous species of Saccomyidæ or Pocket-
Mice, smaller than the Gophers, and with thin and papery skulls.
a. Upper incisors, each with a large groove near the middle; ears rudi-
mentary; fore claws enormous.
GEOMYS, 540.
aa. Upper incisors not grooved; ears distinct but very small; claws moderate.
THOMOMYS, 541.
540. GEOMYS Rafinesque. (yń, earth; µûs, mouse.)
1037. G. bursarius (Shaw.) Pocket Gopher. Reddish brown,
with plumbeous tinge; upper incisors with two grooves, the larger
near the middle line; tail and feet hairy. L. 11. T. 3. Prairies,
Wis., Ill., and W. to Rocky Mts. (Lat., pouched.)
541. THOMOMYS Maximilian.
1038. T. talpoides (Richardson).
PHER. Dusky plumbeous; tail, feet
ears in a dusky area. L. 9. T. 21.
(Lat., like a mole.)
(Owμós, heap; μûs, mouse.)
NORTHERN POCKET Go-
and breast mostly white;
Minn. to Utah and N. W.
FAMILY CLXXXV. MURIDÆ. (THE MICE.)
8
Incisors; molars usually ; anteorbital foramen a vertical
slit, widening above and bounded externally by a broad plate of
the upper maxillary; coronoid and condyloid processes of lower
jaw well developed. Tibia and fibula united below. Genera 35;
species 300. A large family, found in all parts of the globe, some
of the species (Mus) being cosmopolitan, having accompanied man
in all his migrations; all are of small size, the muskrat being one
of the largest, and some are smaller than any other quadrupeds,
except the Shrews. About one-third of the species belong to the
the Old World genus, Mus.
a. Incisors broad, often broader than deep; molars rootless (except in Evo-
tomys) with flat crown and serrate margin; (body heavy, eyes small,
snout blunt, legs short, ears small). (Arvicolinæ.)
b. Tail flattened, scant-haired; hind feet partly webbed.
bb. Tail subterete.
c. Upper incisors grooved; ears large.
cc. Upper incisors not grooved.
•
FIBER, 542.
SYNAPTOMYS, 543.
d. Molars rootless; ears concealed; coronoid process of lower jaw reach-
ing level of condyle..
ARVICOLA, 544.
dd. Molars with roots; ears overtopping the fur; coronoid process of
lower jaw not reaching level of condyle.
•
•
EVOTOMYS, 545.
aa. Incisors narrow, compressed; molars rooted, tuberculate, with crenate
margin; (body slender; eyes and ears large; snout pointed, motions
rapid). (Murinæ.)
e. Molars of upper jaw with tubercles in two series; palate ending opposite
last molar. (American species.)
320
XLVIII.
MAMMALIA: GLIRES.
f. Mouse-like; length with tail 4 to 8 inches.
g. Upper incisors grooved.
•
OCHETODON, 546.
CALOMYS, 547.
NEOTOMA, 548.
gg. Upper incisors not grooved; ears very large.
ff. Rat-like; length, with tail, a foot or more.
ee. [Molars of upper jaw with tubercles in three series; soles naked; tail
long, scant-haired or scaly. (Introduced species).]
542. FIBER Cuvier. (Lat., beaver.)
Mus.
1039. F. zibethicus (L.). MUSKRAT. Color dark brown. L.
221. T. 11. N. Am.; everywhere. Largest of our Murida; build-
ing houses or burrows about streams and ponds. (Lat., zibetha, the
Civet, from the odor.)
543. SYNAPTOMYS Baird. (σvváπтw, to join; µûs, mouse.)
1040. S. cooperi Baird. LEMMING MOUSE. Mouse-color, gray-
ish below; head very large with long whiskers; fur soft and long.
L. 4. T. . Indiana (Brookville, Nashville) to Oregon and
Alaska, a remarkable animal, between the field-mice and the lem-
mings (Myodes). (To Dr. J. G. Cooper.)
§.
544. ARVICOLA Lacépède. FIELD MICE. (Lat., arvum,
field; colo, I inhabit.)
a. Posterior upper molar with one exterior triangle and a posterior trefoil;
middle upper molar with one internal triangle; front lower molar with
two internal and one external triangle.
b. Fore claws larger than hinder; fur dense, silky, mole-like; size small.
(Pitymys McMurtrie.)
1041. A. pinetorum Le Conte. PINE MOUSE. Chestnut color,
ashy below. L. 44. T. 4. N. Y. to Ill. and S. (Lat., of the
pines.)
bb. Fore claws not larger than hinder; fur coarse, not glossy; size medium.
(Pedomys Baird.)
1042. A. austerus Le Conte. Grizzly brownish, rusty plumbe-
ous below. L. 5. T. 1. Mich, to Dak. and La. (Lat., harsh.)
aa. Posterior upper molar with two external triangles and a posterior cres-
cent; middle upper molar with two internal triangles; front lower
molar with three internal and two or three lateral triangles; size large.
(Mynomes Rafinesque.)
1043. A. pennsylvanicus Ord. MEADOW MOUSE. Fore
claws not longer than hind claws. Grayish brown, blackish
mesially, hoary below. L. 5. T. 14. U. S., generally abun-
dant; variable. (A. riparius Ord, a later name.)
545. EVOTOMYS Coues. (ev, well; ous, ear; µvs, mouse.)
1044. E. rutilus (Pallas). LONG-EARED MOUSE. Color chest-
nut, median line of back rusty-red; sides yellowish, belly dull
white; fur full and soft; ears prominent. L. 43. T. 13. North-
MURIDE.
321
CLXXXV.
ern regions. Var. gapperi Vigors, a little darker, with longer feet
and tail, ranges S. to Mass.; the typical form circumpolar. (Eu.)
(Lat., red-haired.)
546. OCHETODON Coues. (oxerós, channel; ỏdwv, tooth.)
1045. O. humilis (Audubon & Bachman.) HARVEST MOUSE.
Mouse-color, the fur soft and silky; whitish below. L. 43. T. 2.
Smallest of our mice. S. C. to Iowa, Utah and S. (Lat., humble.)
547. CALOMYS Waterhouse (1837). (Hesperomys Water-
house 1839). WHITE-FOOTED MICE. (kaλós, beautiful; μûs,
mouse.)
a. Tail very long, scant-haired, about as long as head and body; ears rather
small, closely hairy. (Oryzomys Baird.)
1046. C. palustris (Harlan). RICE-FIELD MOUSE. Blackish
and ashy above, becoming paler below; fur harsh, but compact;
soles perfectly naked; a large, rat-like species. L. 8. T. 4. N.J.
to Kan. and S.
aa. Tail rather long, closely hairy, about as long as head and body; ears
large, rounded, scant-haired; feet and under parts white. (Musculus
Rafinesque.)
1047. C. michiganensis (Audubon & Bachman.) Yellowish
brown, a sooty dorsal band; belly white; feet not quite white;
tail bicolor; hind feet less than inch. L. 4. T. 14. Mich. to
Ill. and Kan.
1048. C. aureolus (Audubon & Bachman.) RED MOUSE. Golden
cinnamon, especially bright on ears; belly not pure white; tail
unicolor. L. 6. T. 23. Pa. to Ill. and S. (Lat., golden.)
1049. C. americanus (Kerr). COMMON WHITe-footed Mouse.
DORMOUSE. Yellowish brown, grayish or fawn color; belly and
feet pure white; tail distinctly bicolor; hind feet more than & inch.
L. 6. T. 31. N. Am.; abundant everywhere. (Hesperomys
leucopus Raf.)
aaa. Tail very short, closely hairy, not much longer than head. (Onychomys
Baird.)
1050. C. leucogaster (Maximilian). Mouse color, snow-white
below; ears high, furred. L. 5‡. T. 11. Minn. to Kas. and
Montana. (EUKós, white; yaoтhp, belly.)
548. NEOTOMA¹ Say & Ord. (véos, new; тoμós, cutting,
i. e., rodent).
L.
1051. N. floridana Say & Ord. WOOD RAT. Brownish gray;
the sides tawny; belly and feet all white; tail scantily hairy.
13. T. 5. S. N. Y. to Col., Ariz., and S.
1 Allied to Neotoma is the familiar Old World genus :
Mus Linnæus. (uûs, mouse.)
M. decumanus Pallas. Brown Rat. Wharf Rat. Tail nearly an inch shorter than
head and body; grayish brown above; paler below; feet dusky white; fur mixed
21
322
XLVIII.
MAMMALIA: GLIRES.
FAMILY CLXXXVI. CASTORIDÆ. (THE BEAVERS.)
Aquatic rodents of large size, having the molars rootless, ;
feet four-toed, the hind feet webbed; body stout and heavy; tail
broad, flat and scaly; tibia and fibula distinct; no postorbital
process. A single species now living, belonging to the northern
hemisphere.
549. CASTOR Linnæus. (Lat., the Beaver.)
1052. C. fiber L. BEAVER. Reddish brown, grayish below.
L. 40. T. 10. Weight 45 to 60 lbs. Northern regions, S. to
Mexico; once abundant, now being rapidly exterminated. (Eu.)
(Lat., the beaver or badger.)
FAMILY CLXXXVII. SCIURIDÆ. (THE SQUIRRELS.)
Molars rooted, (upper anterior often deciduous), the last 4
of nearly equal size; a distinct postorbital process of frontal bone
tibia and fibula distinct. Species of rather small size, in all parts
of the world except Australia. Genera about 12, species 150. The
variations in color, etc., are extremely great, and the number of
well defined species is very much less than was once supposed.
a. Sides without membrane for "flying."
b. Upper outline of skull nearly straight; frontal region depressed; cheek
pouches rudimentary; thumb with a broad flat nail; tail short, bushy;
ears small; fur coarse, heavy; body stout, clumsy. ARCTOMYS, 550.
bb. Upper outline of skull more or less convex.
c. Cheek pouches present; tail moderate.
d. Skull strong and massive; ears rudimentary; thumb with well de-
veloped nail; body heavy, thickset.
CYNOMYS, 551.
dd. Skull comparatively thin.
•
e. Thumb with rudimentary nail; (other characters drawn from the
skull).
SPERMOPHILUS, 552.
•
•
ee. Thumb with well developed nail; skull narrowed anteriorly.
TAMIAS, 553.
cc. Cheek pouches wanting; tail very long and bushy, the hairs mostly
on its sides; skull short, broad and rounded; thumb nail rudimen-
tary; eyes well developed.
SCIURUS, 554.
aa. Sides with a densely furred lateral membrane joining the anterior and
posterior limbs: body and tail depressed; no cheek-pouches; ears large;
molars subequal in size.
SCIUROPTERUS, 555.
about 1775, and now the
(Lat., the tenth.)
with stiff hairs; cosmopolitan; introduced into America
commonest species, having nearly exterminated the next.
M. rattus L. Black Rat. Tail not shorter than head and body; sooty black,
plumbeous below; feet brown; introduced about 1544, but now supplanted by the
preceding.
M. alexandrinus Geoffroy St. Hilaire. Roof Rat. White-bellied Rat. Introduced
in the Southern States. (From Alexandria in Egypt.)
M. musculus L. Common House Mouse. Cosmopolitan; too well known. (Lat.,
a little mouse.)
SCIURIDE. CLXXXVII.
323
550. ARCTOMYS Schreber. MARMOTS. (ρктos, bear; µûs,
mouse.)
Hudson's
1053. A. monax (L.). WOODCHUCK. GROUND HOG. Grizzly
gray, varying to chestnut and blackish. L. 18. T. 5.
Bay to Va., W. to Neb.; common. (Lat., solitary.)
551. CYNOMYS Rafinesque. (kúwv, dog; µûs, mouse.)
1054. C. ludovicianus (Ord). MISSOURI PRAIRIE DOG. Red-
dish brown, varied with darker and gray; tawny below.
L. 16.
T. 3. Kas. to Montana, E. of Rocky Mts., living in large colonies.
(Lat., of Louisiana.)
552. SPERMOPHILUS Cuvier. (σrépμa, seed; píλos, loving.)
a. Skull very long and narrow, the snout broad and very long; tail long; ear
small. (Ictidomys Allen).
1055. S. franklini (Sabine). GRAY GOPHER. Yellowish brown,
mottled with black. L. 15. T. 5. Prairies; N. Ill. and N. W.
(To Sir John Franklin.)
1056. S tridecemlineatus (Mitchill). STRIPED GOPHER. Dark
brown, mixed with reddish, with 6 to 8 light stripes alternating with
lines of dots, about 13 streaks in all; yellowish below, with a broad
black stripe on each side. L. 101. T. 31. Prairies; Ark. to Ill.
and N. W., common. (Lat., 13-lined.)
553. TAMIAS Illiger. (rauías, a steward.)
a. Premolars.
1057. T. striatus (L.). CHIPMUNK. GROUND SQUIRREL. Red-
dish brown; back with 5 black stripes and 2 whitish ones; rump
reddish. L. 11. T. 4. Maine to Va. and W., abundant; the
Southern form is var. lysteri (Pallas).
aa. Premolars.
1058. T. asiaticus (Gmelin). MISSOURI CHIPMUNK. Back with
5 black stripes and 4 whitish ones; rump grayish. L. 8. T. 4.
Wis. (Hoy.), N. W. to Asia. The E. form, var. quadrivittatus Say,
has the sides bright rusty, the stripes on back well-defined. (Eu.)
554. SCIURUS Linnæus. (σkiovpos, squirrel; σkiá, shade;
oupá, tail.)
1059. S. hudsonicus Erxleben. RED SQUIRREL. CHICKAREE.
Yellowish gray, back with a median wash of bright rusty red; tail
short and narrow, with a subterminal band of black. L. 14. T. 63.
N. Am., S. to Penn. and N. Ind.; abundant N.
BLACK
1060. S. carolinensis Gmelin. GRAY SQUIRREL.
SQUIRREL. Whitish gray, usually varied with tawny; middle of
back brownish; ears not tufted; often entirely jet black. L. 20.
T. 9. N. Am., E. of the plains, abundant. The common Northern
324
XLIX.
MAMMALIA: INSECTIVORA.
form is var. leucotis Gapper, larger, the brownish band on back
narrow. The typical carolinensis is Southern, N. to St. Louis.
L. 174. T. 8.
1061. S. niger L. Fox SQUIRREL. General color rusty gray,
varying from almost white, through various shades of rusty red, to
jet black, the latter color rare northward, reddish and orange shades
predominating westward; tail very large and bushy. L. 26. T. 11.
E. U. S., very abundant S. W., N. to Mass. Leading varieties are:
var. niger, the Southern form, gray to black, with the ears and nose
white, the belly reddish; var. cinereus L., the Eastern form, similar
in color, the ears and nose not white, the ears short, scarcely longer
than the fur; and var. ludovicianus Custis, the common Western
Fox Squirrel, with high ears and a prevailing tinge of orange red;
ears, feet and belly reddish.
555. SCIUROPTERUS Frédéric Cuvier. (σxíovpos, squirrel;
πτερόν, wing.)
1062. S. volans 1 (L.). COMMON FLYING SQUIRREL. Dull yel-
lowish brown, creamy white below. L. 10. T. 4. N. Am., abundant.
The Canadian form, var. sabrinus Shaw, is larger (L. about 12;
T. 4), with more dusky, especially on tail. (Lat., flying.)
“But we have reached the end of the chain of rodent beings of
the earth, the water, and almost of the air, a cycle of mammalian
life which circumscribes extraordinary diversity of form and func-
tion, revolving about a single central point of organization, namely,
adze-like teeth, to gnaw wood with. The number of individuals
which make a living in this way in a world of Malthusian strife is
simply incalculable. Yet they have one obvious part to play,
that of turning grass into flesh, in order that carnivorous Goths
and Vandals may subsist also, and in their turn proclaim, ‘All
flesh is grass.'" (Coues.)
•
ORDER XLIX. INSECTIVORA. (THE INSECT-EATERS.)
Teeth of three kinds, molars, canines and incisors, all with
enamel; brain small, the cerebrum without sylvian fissure; limbs
well-developed and adapted for walking.
A large group of small animals, analogous to the Carnivora in
many respects, but the individuals so small as to be unable to attack
vertebrate animals, and therefore feeding chiefly on insects. But
two of the numerous families are represented in our fauna.
a. Fur soft, without spines; sides of body without membrane for "flying;"
canine teeth indistinct.
1 This is Mus volans L. S. N. ed. x. p. 63. Sciurus volans L. (p. 64) is the European
Flying Squirrel, Pteromys volans.
SORICIDE.
325
CLXXXVIII.
b. Fore-feet not enlarged; muzzle elongate; external ear developed; appear-
ance mouse-like.
SORICIDE, 188.
bb. Fore feet very broad, with stout claws adapted for digging; no external
TALPIDA, 189.
ear.
FAMILY CLXXXVIII. SORICIDÆ. (THE SHREWS.)
1 2
Small Insectivora, mouse-like in appearance, with the eyes and
external ears developed. Muzzle elongate. Feet normal, not
fossorial; the fore-feet mostly smaller than the hind ones. Teeth
16 to 20; canines obsolete. The most abundant and widely dis-
tributed family of the Insectivora, comprising more than half the
known species, arranged in 8 genera. The number of species of
Blarina and Sorex is still uncertain, and the geographical distribu-
tion of the species has been little studied.
a. Feet very long, with a fringe of hairs; ears valvular (to exclude water);
concha (external ear) directed backwards; tail long; teeth ;=32.
aa. Feet not fringed.
NEOSOREX, 556.
b. Ears large, the concha turned backward.
SOREX, 557.
bb. Ears small, not visible externally, the concha directed forwards, so as to
hide the opening; tail short, not longer than head.. BLARINA, 558.
556. NEOSOREX Baird. (véw, to swim; Sorex.)
1063. N. palustris (Richardson). WATER SHREW. Hoary
black; belly ashy gray; largest of our shrews.
L. 6. T. 24.
Mass. to Rocky Mts. and N. Aquatic.
557 SOREX Linnæus. (Lat., a field-mouse.)
a. Teeth colored, 32=49; feet large. (Sorex.)
b. Third upper premolar larger than fourth.
1064. S. forsteri (Richardson). Ears small; tail length of
head and body; snout slender. L. 44. T. 14. N. U. S., S. to
Penn. (To John Reinhold Forster.)
Ears rather small; tail scant-
(To Sir John Richardson.)
COMMON SHREW. SHREW
1065. S. richardsoni Bachman.
haired. L. 4. T. 14. Wis. and N.
1066. S. platyrhinus (DeKay).
MOUSE. Ears very large for a Shrew; tail short, scant-haired;
color chestnut-brown. L. 3. T. 14. N. U. S., rather common.
(πλarús, broad; pív, snout.)
bb. Third upper premolar equal to fourth and smaller than first and second.
1067. S. cooperi Bachman. Ears large; chestnut brown. L. 34.
(To Dr. J. G. Cooper.)
T. 14. Mass. to Neb. and N.
1068. S. personatus Geoffroy St. Hilaire. Ears large; chestnut
brown. L. 24. T. 1. Smallest of our Shrews; Penn. and S.
(Lat., masked.)
aa. Teeth 30=18; feet small. (Microsorex Baird.)
326
XLIX.
MAMMALIA: INSECTIVORA.
1069. S. hoyi Baird.
brown. L. 3. T. 14.
R. Hoy.)
Very small and slender; ears large; olive
Wis. to Nova Scotia and N. (To Dr. P.
558. BLARINA Gray. (A coined name.)
a. Teeth 32=f}. (Blarina.)
1070. B. brevicauda (Say). MOLE-SHREW. Size large for a
Shrew; fur short and coarse; color dark ashy gray. L. 43. T. 1.
Mass. to Va. and Dak., generally common. (Lat., short-tail.)
1071. B. carolinensis (Bachman). Smaller; leaden gray. L.
34. T. 4. Mo. to N. C. and S.
1072. B. angusticeps Baird. Skull unusually narrow; uniform
plumbeous; tail as long as head. L. 3. T. 1. Vermont. (Lat.,
narrow head.)
aa. Teeth 30=1; tail bicolor.
1073. B. parva (Say).
(Soriciscus Coues.)
Body stout; iron gray, with brown
gloss. L. 34. T. 4. Penn. to Ga. and S., not rare.
1074. B. exilipes Baird. Fur full; feet very small; hoary olive.
L. 2. T. . Va. to Ill. and S. (Lat., exilis, slender; pes, foot.)
§.
FAMILY CLXXXIX. TALPIDÆ. (THe Moles.)
Limbs very
Body stout, thick, and clumsy, without distinct neck. Eyes rudi-
mentary, sometimes concealed. No external ears.
short; feet greatly expanded and provided with strong claws,
adapted for digging; anterior limbs much larger than posterior.
Scapula as long as humerus and radius together. Canines usually
distinct. Fur compact, soft, and velvety. Genera 7; found through-
out the Northern hemisphere; most of them digging elaborate bur-
rows. (Lat., talpa, mole.)
a. Snout elongated, not star-shaped at tip; tail shorter than head.
b. Teeth 18=36; nostrils partly superior; tail nearly naked.
•
SCALOPS, 559.
Scapanus, 560.
bb. Teeth =44; nostrils lateral; tail densely hairy.
aa. Snout elongated, fringed at tip with a circle of long fleshy projections;
nostrils terminal; tail much longer than head; teeth 44.
CONDYLURA, 561.
559. SCALOPS Cuvier. (σkáλoy, mole, from σkáλλw, to dig.)
1075. S. aquaticus (L.). COMMON MOLE. Dark plumbeous,
paler below; feet full webbed; palms broader than long; eye not
wholly covered by skin. L. 5. T. 1. Mass. to Ind., and S.,
very abundant.
1076. S. argentatus Audubon & Bachman. PRAIRIE MOLE.
Silvery plumbeous; palms scarcely broader than long; eyes covered
by skin; larger and more silvery than the preceding. L. 6. T. 11.
Mich. to La. and W., chiefly in the prairie region.
VESPERTILIONIDÆ. CXC.
327
560. SCAPANUS Pomel. (σкапávη, hoе.)
1077. S. americanus (Bartram). HAIRY-TAILED MOLE.
Dark plumbeous, with brown gloss; palms narrow; tail densely
hairy. L. 5. T. 1. Mass. to Ohio.
561. CONDYLURA Illiger. (kóvduλos, node; ovpá, tail.)
1078. C. cristata (L.). STAR-NOSED MOLE. Blackish; skull
long and slender. L. 68. T. 28. Nova Scotia to Ind., and N.
(Lat., crested.)
ORDER L. CHIROPTERA. (THE Bats.)
Flying Insectivora. Mammals with the anterior limbs modified
for flight by the elongation of the fore arm, and especially of four
of the fingers, all of which are connected by a thin leathery mem-
brane, which also includes the hind feet and the tail; humerus and
femur not included in the common integument of the body; teeth
with enamel, the three sorts differentiated; mammæ pectoral. The
Bats are chiefly nocturnal in their habits, going into retirement in
day-time, and hanging, head downward, by their hind claws. Most
of them are insectivorous, a few in tropical regions feeding on fruits.
About 400 species are known, chiefly of small size. The order is
very sharply defined, but it has probably sprung from the same
stock as the Insectivora. (xeip, hand; πrepóv, fin.)
a. Insectivorous; ears large; no leaf-like appendage to snout; hairs with im-
bricated scales arranged in spirals.
VESPERTILIONIDÆ, 190.
FAMILY CXC. VESPERTILIONIDÆ. (THE COMMON
BATS.)
Insectivorous Bats with the snout not appendaged, or merely with
two lateral excrescences; wing membranes ample; tail completely
enclosed in the interfemoral membrane or only the last joint ex-
serted; fur of peculiar structure, each hair with a series of minute
imbricated scales arranged in spiral. The largest family of bats,
with about 16 genera; especially abundant in temperate regions.
a. Nostrils simple, at tip of snout; ears moderate; forehead not grooved.
b. Incisors 33.
•
c. Teeth 38; muzzle narrow, hairy in front of eyes; ears as long as head;
slender species with thin wings and ears.
VESPERTILIO, 562.
cc. Teeth 32 to 36; muzzle nearly naked before eyes; ears shorter than
head; stout species with thick wings and ears. VESPERUGO, 563.
bb. Incisors .
d. Teeth 30; upper incisors small; wings and interfemoral membranes
nearly naked.
•
NYCTICEJUS, 564,
dd. Teeth 32, upper incisors stout; interfemoral membranes hairy above,
the wings with furry patches.
ATALAPHA, 565.
aa. Nostril margined behind by grooves and glandular prominences; cheeks
with large excrescences; ears very large (an inch high); teeth 36.
PLECOTUS, 566.
328
- L.
MAMMALIA: CHIROPTERA.
562. VESPERTILIO Linnæus. (Lat., bat, from vesper, evening.)
1079. V. subulatus Say. LITTLE BROWN BAT. Face small,
fox-like, with high forehead and pointed snout; ears large, oval,
twice the height of the erect tragus; wings naked; interfemoral
membrane naked except at base; face whiskered; color dull olive-
brown. L. 3. E. 9. T. 14. E. N. Am., abundant everywhere;
very variable. (Lat., awl-shaped.)
563. VESPERUGO Keyserling & Blasius. (Lat, vesper,
evening.)
a. Teeth 36; molars 8. (Vesperides Coues.)
1080. V. noctivagans (Le Conte). SILVER BLACK BAt.
Tragus almost as broad as high, scarcely one-third height of ear;
femoral membrane entirely though scantily furred; fur long and
silky, black, usually with silvery tips to the hairs. L. 3. E. 12.
T. 1. U. S. generally. (Lat., nox, night; vagans, wandering.)
aa. Teeth 34; molars. (Vesperugo.)
1081. V. georgianus (F. Cuvier). Tragus slender, erect, half
the height of the ear; upper incisors about equal in size; femo-
ral membrane one-third furred; dark reddish brown, brighter for-
wards. L. 3. E. 9. T. 13. Maine to Texas; chiefly southward.
aaa. Teeth 32; molars . (Vesperus Coues.)
1082. V. serotinus (Schreber). LONG-EARED BAT. Tragus
never pointed, nearly half as high as ear; wings naked; interfe-
moral membrane furred at base; ear more or less turned outward;
upper lateral incisors small, scarcely visible. L. 3 to 4. E. 12.
T. 14. Northern hemisphere, widely diffused; the American form,
var. fuscus Beauvais, is said to be rather smaller than the European.
(Eu.). (Lat. of evening.)
564. NYCTICEJUS Rafinesque. (vú, night.)
1083. N. crepuscularis (Le Conte.) TWILIGHT BAT. Ears
small, wide apart; a small wart above eye; fur rather scanty.
Dark fawn color above, passing into brownish below. L. 3. E. 9.
T. 11. Penn. to Mo. and S. W., common. (Lat., of twilight.)
565. ATALAPHA Rafinesque.
1084. A. noveboracensis (Erxleben). RED BAT. Fur long
and silky, reddish brown, mostly white at tip; lips and ears not
edged with black; a whitish tuft at base of thumb. L. 34. E. 12.
T. 14. U. S. everywhere, very abundant; known by its reddish
color. (Lat., of New York.)
1085. A. cinerea (Beauvais). HOARY BAT. Rich chocolate-
brown, overlaid with white; lips and ears marked with black. L.
5. E. 14. T. 24. U. S., rather northward, rare. (Lat., ashy.)
VESPERTILIONIDÆ.
329
CXC.
566. PLECOTUS Geoffroy St. Hilaire. (λéкw, to fold;
ovs, ear.)
a. Nostril without "rose-leaf" or disk-like appendage. (Corynorhinus
H. Allen.)
1086. P. macrotis (Le Conte). BIG-EARED BAT. Blackish;
fur soft and long. L. 3. E. 11. T. 1. Va. to Dak. and S.
(μακρός, large; ous, ear.)
ORDER LI. CETE. (THE CETACEANS.)
Mammals of the sea, more or less fish-like in form, and adapted
for life in the open ocean. Bones of the neck short, more or less
fused; posterior limbs wanting; pelvis rudimentary; anterior
limbs developed as broad, flattened paddles, without distinct fingers
and without nails. Nostrils developed as spiracles, and opening
usually on top of head, thus enabling the animals to breathe with-
out raising the head from the water; eyes small; no external ear;
skin nearly or quite destitute of hair; tail ending in a broad hori-
zontal fin or paddle; back sometimes with a dorsal fin. Skin thick
and tough; beneath it a thick layer of fat (blubber), which pro-
tects the animal from the cold. Species numerous; found in all
seas, some of them being the largest of all animals. The nearest
relationships of the whales are perhaps with the seals, among living
forms, but the differentiation is now very wide. Of the numerous
species occasionally straying to our coasts, the following seem prop-
erly to belong to our fauna. The nomenclature and analysis of
genera is chiefly taken from True's paper on "Collecting specimens
of Cetaceans," in Rept. U. S. F. C. for 1883-1885. I have also
made considerable use of MSS. lists of species, kindly given me
by Mr. F. W. True, and by Professor Cope. (KĥTOS, whale.)
Families of Cete.
a. Upper jaw without whalebone; spiracles coalescent into one; lower jaw
much less thick than upper; skull unsymmetrical. (Denticete.)
b. Upper jaw with teeth (except in the adult of one genus); eye inserted
behind angle of mouth and not much above it; snout more or less
sharp at tip; lower jaw with numerous (6 to 120) teeth.
DELPHINIDÆ, 191.
bb. Upper jaw toothless; eye decidedly above angle of mouth.
•
c. Lower jaw with 2 to 4 teeth, or apparently toothless; snout more or less
sharp at tip.
ZIPHIIDA, 192.
cc. Lower jaw with 18 to 50 teeth; snout not sharp, sometimes truncate
PHYSETERIDÆ, 193.
at tip.
aa. Upper jaw with long strips of baleen or whalebone; no teeth; spiracles
separate; eye very small, close to angle of mouth, between mouth and
pectorals; lower jaw very thick and deep, nearly as deep as upper, the
cleft of mouth curved. (Mysticete.)
BALENIDE, 194.
330
MAMMALIA: CETE. – LI.
FAMILY CXCI. DELPHINIDE. (THE DOLPHINS.)
Cetaceans with well developed teeth in both jaws (deciduous in
the upper jaw in one genus) and a single, somewhat complicated
nasal tube. Genera 17, species about 40, including the smaller
of the Cetacea, but many of the most active and voracious of the
species.
a. Head with an elongate beak; a distinct dorsal fin.
b. Teeth in each jaw about 44; truncate at tip; palate without lateral
grooves.
bb. Teeth in each jaw 80 to 120.
x. Palate without lateral grooves.
xx. Palate with deep lateral grooves.
aa. Head with a very short beak or none.
c. Teeth in both jaws persistent.
d. Teeth flattened; dorsal present.
dd. Teeth terete.
e. Dorsal fin well developed.
•
TURSIOPS, 567.
•
PRODELPHINUs, 567 (b).
DELPHINUS, 568.
PHOCANA, 569.
f. Teeth in each jaw 44 to 46; dorsal fin falcate.
ff. Teeth in each jaw 16 to 24.
LAGENORHYNCHUS, 570.
g. Dorsal moderate; head almost globular; P. long and narrow;
teeth rather weak, none in corner of mouth.
GLOBICEPHALUS, 571.
gg. Dorsal very high, sword-shaped, its height greater than length
of pectorals; teeth very strong; skull massive. ORCA, 572.
ee. Dorsal fin obsolete; pectoral short; teeth few.
DELPHINAPTERUS, 573.
cc. Teeth in upper jaw feeble, disappearing with age; 6 to 14 bluntish
teeth in lower jaw; dorsal fin low, rather posterior. GRAMPUs, 574.
567. TURSIOPS Gervais. (Lat., tursio, porpoise.)
1087. T. tursio (L.). BOTTLE-NOSE DOLPHIN. Gray above,
pure white below; beak short and stout; teeth 4. Vertebræ
7+18+37. L. 11 feet. N. Atl., common; caught in numbers
at Cape May. (Eu.)
1088. T. erebennus (Cope.) BLACK DOLPHIN. Wholly black;
premaxillaries forming an elevated, rounded ridge; teeth 4.
Vertebræ 7+11+16+?. L. 8 feet. Atlantic Coast of U. S.
(épeßevvós, black as Erebus.)
567 (b). PRODELPHINUS Gervais.
1089. P. plagiodon (Cope). SPOTTED DOLPHIN. Form of
D. delphis; dorsal high, recurved; P. broad; beak stout. Dark
purplish slate-color, above; white below; back and fins spotted
with pale; lower parts spotted with dark slate. L. 10 feet. N. Atl.,
S. to N. J. (λáytos, oblique; odav, tooth.)
DELPHINIDE.
331
CXCI.
1090. P. doris (Gray). Outline from foramen to crest curved;
cranium rounded; occiput broad, rounded; muzzle short; its length
23 times its width at premaxillary notch. N. Atl. (not American ?)
(Eu.) (dopis, a sacrificial knife.)
568. DELPHINUS Linnæus.
1091. D. delphis L.
(deλpís, dolphin.)
(δελφίς,
COMMON DOLPHIN. Snout narrow,
sharp; occiput short, rounded. L. 10 feet. N. Atl., scarce on our
coast. (Eu.)
569. PHOCÆNA Cuvier.
(pákawa, porpoise, from pákŋ, seal.)
1092. P. phocæna (L.). COMMON HARBOR PORPOISE. PUF-
FING PIG. SNUFFER. Color nearly plain dusky above, paler
below. L. 5 feet. N. Atl. and N. Pac.; very common in surf
and near shore, ascending rivers. (Eu.) (P. brachycium Cope,
the E. American form, and P. lineata Cope, a form with a reddish
brown lateral band on sides separating the blackish back from the
white belly, are probably varieties of P. phocana.)
570. LAGENORHYNCHUS Gray. (λáynvos, flagon;
púyxos, snout.)
1093. L. acutus Gray. SKUNK PORPOISE. BAY PORPOISE.
Sides with broad stripes of white and yellow. L. 10 to 15 feet.
Coast of N. E. U. S., and in the open seas in large schools; like
other porpoises, often swimming alongside of ships as if racing with
them. Common, used for bait. Two or three other species occur in
the N. Atl. (Eu.)
571. GLOBICEPHALUS Lesson. (Lat., globus, globe;
Kepaλý, head.)
1094. G. melas (Traîll). BLACK FISH. PILOT WHALE. GRIND
WHALE. Black; P. about 4 in length. L. 20 feet.
N. Atl.,
common, in large schools, S. to N. J. (péλas, black.) (Eu.)
1095. G. brachypterus Cope. Black; P. 6 in length. Coast
of N. J. and S. (Bpaxús, short; Tтeрóv, fin.)
572. ORCA Gray. (Latin name.)
1096. O. orca (L.). KILLER. SWORD GRAMPUS. Black,
white below. A most persistently voracious and destructive
cetacean, attacking all large sea animals, tunnies, sword-fishes,
seals, and all whales, even the largest, to the great annoyance of
fishermen. L. 20 feet or more. D. 6 feet high. Atl. (Eu.) (0.
gladiator Bonnaterre.)
573. DELPHINAPTERUS Lacépède. (deλpís, dolphin;
a, privative; πτeρóν, fin.)
1097. D. leucas (Pallas). WHITE WHALE. BELUGA. Creamy
332
MAMMALIA: CETE. - LI.
white, young dusky. N. Atl., S. to Cape Cod. L. 15 feet.
(Eu.)
574. GRAMPUS Gray. (A corruption of the French
"grand poisson.")
1098. G. griseus (Cuvier). GRAMPUS. Cow FISH. Slate
color, with white scratches. L. 15 to 20 feet. N. Atl., not rare.
(Eu.) (Lat., gray.)
FAMILY CXCII. ZIPHIIDÆ. (THE BOTTLED-nosed
WHALES.)
This group is intermediate between the Sperm Whales and the
Dolphins. It is distinguished from the former chiefly by the very
small number of teeth, usually not more than four developed in the
lower jaw, these fitting into pits in the upper; these teeth are mostly
developed only in the male. Dorsal small, posterior; pectoral short,
ovate, placed low, with five fingers enclosed in thick skin; snout
more or less produced, the forehead rising abruptly in the adult.
Genera 4; species about 10, mostly of the Southern seas.
a. Teeth in ♂ evident.
b. Visible teeth two, in tip of lower jaw.
bb. Visible teeth two, in side of lower jaw.
aa. Teeth in both jaws wanting or concealed; beak long.
ZIPHIUS, 575.
MESOPLODON, 576.
HYPEROODON, 577.
575. ZIPHIUS Cuvier. (An old name, from tipos, sword?)
1099. Z. cavirostris Cuvier. L. 20 feet. Atl. (Eu.). (Lat.,
concave-snout.)
576. MESOPLODON Gervais. (uéoos, middle; onλov,
armature; ¿dóv, tooth.)
1100. M. sowerbiensis (Blainville). Cow-FISH.
scarce. L. 20 feet. (Eu.)
N. Atl.,
577. HYPEROODON Lacépède. (vrepa, palate; ¿dáv, tooth.)
1101. H. rostratus (Müller). BOTTLE-NOSED WHALE.
SPERM-WHALE PORPOISE. Beak distinct in young, obscured in
adult by the development of bony crests which give the head the
shape of a trunk or chest. N. Atl. L. 25 feet. (Eu.) (Lat.,
long-nosed.) (H. bidens Owen; Z. semijunctus Cope.)
FAMILY CXCIII. PHYSETERIDÆ. (THE SPERM
WHALES.)
Teeth numerous, in lower jaw only; lower jaw very thin and
flat; upper jaw heavy; eye placed high, much above angle of
mouth. Two genera, with 3 or 4 species, in warm seas.
PHYSETERIDÆ.
333
CXCIII.
a. Dorsal fin present, behind middle of back; teeth 18 to 30, very sharp;
head bluntish but not truncate; spiracles on top of head; length about 20
feet.
KOGIA, 578.
aa. Dorsal fin wanting; teeth 40 to 50, large and blunt; head very long and
deep, truncate in front, the cavity of the snout filled with oil and sper-
maceti; spiracles in front of head; length 60 to 80 feet.
578. KOGIA Gray.
PHYSETER, 579.
1102. K. breviceps (Blainville). PIGMY SPERM WHALE.
Warm seas, occasional on our coast. (Lat., short-headed.) (Eu.)
(K. grayi, goodei, etc.)
579. PHYSETER Linnæus. (pvonτýp, a whale, from ovσáw,
(φυσητήρ, φυσάω,
to blow.)
1103. P. macrocephalus L. SPERM WHALE. CACHALOT.
Blackish, paler below. Open sea, commonest far S.; one of the
most valuable of the whales. L. ♂ 80 feet; ? much smaller. (Eu.)
(μακρός, long; κεφαλή, head.)
FAMILY CXCIV. BALÆNIDE. (THE TRUE WHALES.)
Teeth disappearing before birth, their place taken in the upper
jaw by an array of parallel plates with fringed edges, known as
baleen or whalebone. Eye very small, placed close to angle of
mouth. Spiracles separate, comparatively simple in structure;
lower jaw very large and thick, its edge convex upward. Genera
8, species about 20; huge creatures, mostly of the colder seas,
feeding chiefly on small animals and sought by man for the sake of
the oil (blubber), and the whalebone.
a. Belly with conspicuous longitudinal furrows; pectorals shorter than head.
b. Dorsal fin well developed.
c. Dorsal fin much nearer tail than head.
d. Whalebone slaty or pale; beak rather acuminate. PHYSALUS, 580.
dd. Whalebone black; beak rather obtuse.
cc. Dorsal fin nearly median.
•
bb. Dorsal fin obsolete; back with a fleshy hump; belly with furrows; pec-
toral as long as head.
aa. Belly without furrows; dorsal fin obsolete.
e. Whalebone short and white (1 to 2 feet long).
SIBBALDIUS, 581.
BALENOPTERA, 582.
MEGAPTERA, 583.
AGAPHELUS, 584.
BALENA, 585.
ee. Whalebone very long and blackish (7 to 12 feet long).
580. PHYSALUS Gray.
(púoaλos, whale, from pvσáw, to blow.)
1104. P. physalus (L.). COMMON RORQUAL. FINNER. FIN-
BACK. RAZOR-BACK. Black above, paler below. L. 70 feet.
N. Atl. (Eu.) (P. antiquorum Gray; Balaenoptera boops, and
musculus L.)
334
MAMMALIA: CETE. LI.
581. SIBBALDIUS¹ Gray. (To Robert Sibbald, who de-
scribed the whales of Scotland in 1773.)
1105. S. borealis (Cuvier). SILVER-BOTTOM WHALE. Steel
gray. L. 90 feet. N. Atl. (Eu.) (Allied to this species is the
Pacific "Sulphur Bottom," Sibbaldius sulfureus Cope, the largest
of all animals, reaching a length of more than 100 feet.)
1106. S. tuberosus Cope. Back with a series of humps or
tuberosities along the median line from dorsal to tail; uniform
black above; P. without band. L. 40 to 50 feet. N. Atl.
1107. S. tectirostris Cope. FIN-BACK WHALE. L. 60 feet.
Coast of E. U. S., the most common large whale in Mass. Bay.
(Lat., tectus, covered; rostrum, snout.)
582. BALÆNOPTERA Lacépède. (Balana; πтeρóv, fin.)
1108. B. rostrata (Müller). PIKED WHALE. L. 30 feet. N.
Atl. (Eu.) (Lat., long-nosed.)
583. MEGAPTERA Gray. (uéyas, large; πteρóv, fin.)
1109. M. longimana (Rudolphi). HUMP-BACK WHALE. Body
short, thick, with humps and protuberances; skin often covered
with barnacles. L. 50 to 75 feet; color usually black. N. Atl.,
formerly common. An American form has been described as M.
osphyia Cope, on account of the shorter head and fins, and higher
neural spines. (Eu.) (Lat., longus, long; manus, hand.)
584. AGAPHELUS Cope.
1110. A. gibbosus (Erxleben). SCRAG WHALE. N. Atl., a
rare or very doubtful species, sometimes thought to be the young
of the Right Whale. (Eu.)
585. BALÆNA Linnæus. (Lat., whale.)
1111. B. cisarctica Cope. RIGHT WHALE. BLACK WHALE.
The common large whale of our Eastern coasts and the North
Atlantic generally, occasionally S. to S. C. Color black. L. 40
feet. (Eu.) (Lat., this side of Arctic.) (B. biscayensis Gervais,
the American name older.)
In the Arctic seas occurs the great Bowhead, B. mysticetus L.,
the most valuable of the whales, reaching a length of 50 or 60 feet,
yielding 200 to 300 barrels of oil and from 1 to 2 tons of whale-
bone.
'According to Professor Cope, this genus is a doubtful one, S. tectirostris being
perhaps not really different from Balanoptera (Physalus) physalus.
Probably Physalus and Sibbaldius should be united to Balanoptera. (True.)
CERVIDÆ. CXCV.
335
ORDER LII. UNGULATA. (THE HOOfed Mammals.)
Herbivorous mammals provided with 1 to 4 enlarged and thick-
ened claws or hoofs on each foot; molar teeth adapted for grind-
ing. The anatomical characters of this well-known and varied
group are too numerous to be here summarized. The order is
usually subdivided into the Perissodactyli, or odd-toed ungulates,
and the Artiodactyli or even-toes. The former group is exempli-
fied by the Horse (Equus caballus L.), the Ass (Asinus asinus L.),
the Rhinoceros and the Tapir. The Artiodactyli are again sub-
divided into the non-ruminating, omnivorous, hornless, naked or
bristly allies of the Common Hog and Wild Boar (Sus scrofa), and
the group of Pecora (Ruminants). To the latter belong all the
living ungulates occurring within our limits. (Lat., ungulatus,
hoofed.)
Families of Ungulata.
a. Feet bifid; first toe wanting; second and fourth rudimentary. (Artio-
dactyli.)
b. Stomach compound, of 3 or 4 compartments; horns usually present.
(Pecora.)
c. Upper jaw without incisors, in the adult.
d. Horns solid, usually branching, deciduous.
CERVIDA, 195.
dd. Horns permanent, hollow, each enclosing a process of the frontal
bone.
BOVIDE, 196.
FAMILY CXCV. CERVIDÆ. (THE DEER.)
Horns deciduous, solid, developed from the frontal bone, more
or less branched, covered at first by a soft, hairy integument,
known as "velvet "; when the horns attain their full size, which
they do in a very short time, there arises at the base of each a ring
of tubercles known as the "burr;" this compresses and finally ob-
literates the blood-vessels supplying the velvet, which dries up and
is stripped off, leaving the bone hard and insensible; the horns or
"antlers are shed annually, the separation of the "beam" from its
"pedicel" taking place just below the burr; antlers are wanting in
the female (excepting in the Reindeer) but they are present in the
male of nearly all species. Stomach in four divisions, of the ordi-
nary ruminant pattern. Dental formula, i. § §; c. (usually) { fi
pm. §§; m. :. A widely distributed family of about 13 genera.
a. Horns present in males only.
b. Horns rounded more or less; rarely sub-palmated, nose naked and moist.
c. Horns small, curving forward, the first snag short, at some distance
above the base, and like the others curving upward; tail rather long;
hoofs rather elongate.
CARIACUS, 586.
•
cc. Horns large, curving backward, with the snags all directed forward,
one of them immediately above the burr, tail very short; hoofs
broad and rounded.
CERVUS, 587.
336
LII.
MAMMALIA: UNGULATA,
bb. Horns very broadly palmated to the tip; nose very broad, entirely
hairy except a small naked spot between nostrils.
•
ALCE, 588.
aa. Horns (present in both sexes) broadly palmated at tip; nose entirely
hairy.
RANGIFER, 599.
586. CARIACUS Gray. (Old name.)
1112. C. virginianus (Boddaert). VIRGINIA DEER. RED
DEER. General color chestnut red, grayish in winter; tail white
below. Maine to Rocky mountains and S., formerly very common,
and still abundant in wild districts.
1113. C. leucurus (Douglas). WHITE TAILED DEER. Yel-
lowish gray, waved with dusky; lower side of tail, etc., white;
chin mostly white; size of preceding. Neb. to Texas and W.
(λeukós, white; oùpá, tail.)
1114. C. macrotis (Say). MULE DEER. Larger; ears very
long, nearly as long as tail. Ashy brown, a darker dorsal stripe.
Neb. to Ore. (μakpós, long; ovs, ear.)
587. CERVUS Linnæus. (Lat., deer.)
1115. C. canadensis Erxleben. WAPITI. Chestnut red, gray-
ish in winter; size nearly equal to that of the Moose. Va. to Wis.,
Dak. and W., now becoming rare; commonly and wrongly called
"Elk" in America.
588. ALCE Hamilton Smith. (From Elk.)
Tawny above,
1116. A. alces (L.). MooSE. TRUE ELK.
MOOSE. TRUE ELK.
yellowish below; ears large; profile of snout very convex. Larg-
est of our Cervidæ, reaching the size of a horse. Maine and N.
N. Y. to Oregon and N. (Eu.) The American form is var.
americanus Jardine.
589. RANGIFER Hamilton Smith. (Old name.)
1117. R. tarandus (L.). REINDEER. Brownish, grayer in
winter. American varieties of the Reindeer, or possibly distinct
species, are the Woodland Caribou, var. caribou (Kerr), found from
Maine to L. Superior and N., and the Barren Ground Caribou,
var. grænlandicus (Kerr), smaller and confined to the treeless
Arctic regions. (Eu.) (Lat., reindeer.)
FAMILY CXCVI. BOVIDE. (THE CATTLE.)
Ruminants with the horns, if present, simple or nearly so, hol-
low, permanent, each enclosing a process of the frontal bone.
Teeth i. f; c. f; m. ff=32. Genera about 35; species 80 or
more, inhabiting warm regions, and most abundant in the Old
World. The ox (Bos taurus L.), the sheep (Ovis aries), and the
goat (Capra hircus), are familiar members of the family.
BOVIDE.
337
CXCVI.
a. Horns erect, compressed at base, with a short branch or flattened process
in front, the end conical, recurved; nose hairy at tip, except along the
central line; tail very short; false hoofs obsolete.
aa. Horns simple.
•
ANTILOCAPRA, 590.
•
b. Nose almost entirely hairy, not broad at tip; horns curving spirally;
nose convex in profile; no beard on chin; a gland and duct between
hoofs; false hoofs present; tail long.
Ovis, 591.
bʊ. Nose naked at tip and very broad; horns curved, the base directed out-
wards; hoofs broad; tail long; forehead broader than long; body
highest at shoulders; anterior parts with a long, shaggy mane.
BISON, 592.
590. ANTILOCAPRA Ord. (Antilope + Capra.)
1118. A. americana (Ord). PRONG-HORN. CABREE. ROCKY
MOUNTAIN "Antelope.” Yellowish brown, marked with brown
and white. L. about 5 feet. T. 7 inches. Height 3 feet. Dak.
to Tex. and W.
591. OVIS Linnæus. (Lat., sheep.)
1119. O. montana Cuvier. BIG-HORN. ROCKY MOUNTAIN
SHEEP. Larger than a domestic sheep; ♂ with immense horns;
with smaller ones. Grayish brown. Dak. to Col. and W.
592. BISON Audubon & Bachman.
(Lat., a wild ox or buffalo.)
BISON. Brown; the snout,
1120. B. bison (L.). BUFFALO.
hoofs, horns, etc., black. U. S. generally; formerly abundant, but
now extinct, except a few herds in the Yellowstone region.
ORDER LIII. FERÆ. (THE FLESH-EATERS OR CARNI-
VORA.)
Canine teeth distinct, conical; molars more or less adapted for
cutting; clavicles imperfect or wanting; toes provided with claws;
skin covered with hair or fur; alimentary canal short. General
structure in accordance with the predatory life led by all these
animals. (Lat., ferus, a wild beast; the name Fera of Linnæus, is
much older than Carnivora.)
Families of Feræ.
a. Limbs short, unfitted for walking, the toes united in a flat paddle, from
which only the claws project; tail very short; eyes very large; incisors
often less than §. (Pinnipedia.)
b. Hind limbs directed backwards, used only in swimming; claws strong;
neck short.
PHOCIDE, 197.
aa. Limbs fitted for walking, the toes distinct; incisors . (Fissipedia.)
b. Hind feet with 5 toes.
c. Feet fully plantigrade; sectorial teeth and the molars behind them all
tuberculate.
22
338
MAMMALIA: FERÆ, — LIII.
d. Tail well developed; body rather slender, the snout sharp.
PROCYONIDÆ, 198.
dd. Tail rudimentary; body very robust; snout not acuminate.
URSIDE, 199.
cc. Feet sub-plantigrade or digitigrade; only one tuberculate molar, the
sectorial premolar of typical form.
bb. Hind feet with 4 toes.
MUSTELIDA, 200.
e. Teeth 42; claws not retractile; snout more or less produced.
CANIDE, 201.
ee. Teeth 28 to 30; claws retractile into a sheath; snout short, the
head broad.
FELIDE, 202.
FAMILY CXCVII. PHOCIDÆ.¹ (THE EARLESS SEALS.)
Seals with the fore-limbs well forward; neck short; hind limbs
directed backward, useless on land; hand and foot hairy; nails
usually well developed; no external ear. Other characters further
distinguishing these seals from the Fur Seals and Sea-Lions (Ota-
riidœ), and the Walruses (Rosmarida), are drawn from the skele-
ton. Genera 11, species 17, found on most coasts, swimming freely
in the water and feeding chiefly on fishes, resting and sunning in
the rocks on the shore.
a. Incisors usually; interorbital region very narrow; nails of all digits
well-developed; (other characters drawn from the skull). (Phocina.)
b. Snout narrow; incisors simple, conical.
593. PHOCA Linnæus.
(póкŋ, seal.)
•
PHOCA, 593.
1121. P. vitulina L. HARBOR SEAL. Yellowish gray, usually
blotched with darker; variable. L. 3 to 5 feet; weight 50 to 65
pounds. Northern shores, S. to N. J., common N. (Lat., calf-
like.) (Eu.) Several other seals occur N. of Newfoundland.
FAMILY CXCVIII. PROCYONIDÆ. (THE RACCOONS.)
Plantigrade Carnivora of moderate size, with the body compara-
tively slender and the tail well developed. Teeth i. ; c. 1:1;
pm. 4:4; m. 44
经​=40.
Sectorial tooth broad, tubercular. Snout
more or less elongated; no cæcum. Genera 2,- Nasua of Mexico,
and the following, all American.
a. Tail not prehensile; snout moderate, not flexible.
PROCYON, 594.
594. PROCYON Storr. (πрoków, before the dog.)
1122. P lotor (L.). COMMON RACCOON. Grayish white; hairs
black-tipped; tail with black rings; a black cheek-patch; body
rarely entirely black. L. 33. T. 10. U. S., abundant. (Lat.,
washer.)
• For a full account of the seals, see Allen's admirable "Monograph of the Pinni-
pedes." 1880.
URSIDÆ. CXCIX.
339
FAMILY CXCIX. URSIDÆ. (THE BEARS.)
Plantigrade Carnivora having the body thick and clumsy. Tail
rudimentary. Teeth 42; molars broad and tuberculated, accord-
ing with the omnivorous diet. Genera 5; species few and widely
distributed, — in North America, there are probably but three,
although many have been described, the Polar Bear, Thalarctos
maritimus, and the following.
a. Snout depressed, so that the profile does not form a straight line; soles not
fully furred; claws moderate.
URSUS, 595.
595. URSUS Linnæus. (Lat., bear.)
1123. U. americanus Pallas. BROWN, BLACK OR CINNAMON
BEAR. Color black or brownish, exceedingly variable, a fact which
has given rise to numerous nominal species, but the several forms or
varieties intergrade perfectly. N. Am., abundant, where not exter-
minated.
1124. U. horribilis ¹ Ord. GRIZZLY BEAR. Grizzly gray or
brownish. Largest of the bears, reaching a length of 9 feet and a
weight of 800 lbs. Neb. to Cal., in the mountains. Very near the
European bear, U. arctos L. but larger.
FAMILY CC. MUSTELIDÆ. (THE WEASELS.)
Carnivora either plantigrade or digitigrade, with the toes 5-5.
Molars (rarely 1:1); the upper and the last lower one tubercular;
sectorial premolar without tubercles; no cæcum. Most species pro-
vided with glands near the anus which secrete a fetid liquid. Some
are strictly carnivorous while others are rather omnivorous. Size
usually median or small. Mustelidæ are found in all parts of the
earth excepting the Australian region. Some of the species are
aquatic, and one (Euhydris, the Sea Otter) presents numerous
analogies with the Seals.
a. Skull with the cerebral portion swollen backwards and outwards, the snout
short, high and truncate forwards; toes webbed, the feet adapted for
swimming; teeth 36. Aquatic. (Lutrinæ.)
LUTRA, 596.
aa. Skull with the cerebral portion posteriorly somewhat compressed, the
snout produced, attenuate and transversely convex above; feet scarcely
webbed; mostly not aquatic.
b. Auditory bulla little inflated, constricted; last upper molar above quad-
1 “Coward,
of heroic size
In whose lazy muscles lies
Strength we fear and yet despise;
Savage, whose relentless tusks
Are content with acorn husks;
Robber, whose exploits ne'er soared
O'er the bee's or squirrel's hoard;
Whiskered chin and feeble nose,
Claws of steel on baby's toes." (Bret Harte.)
340
LIII.
MAMMALIA: FERÆ.
rangular, very large, with an outer cutting ridge; claws non-retractile ;
fore-claws lengthened, fossorial. (Mephitinæ.)
c. Teeth 34; tail long and bushy; anal secretion very strong-scented.
MEPHITIS, 597.
bb. Auditory bulla much inflated, not constricted.
d. Last molar of upper jaw enlarged, sub-triangular; toes straight, with
long, non-retractile claws. (Melina.)
e. Body robust; tail very short; teeth 32.
TAXIDEA, 598.
dd. Last molar of upper jaw short, transverse; toes short, arched, the
claws retractile. (Mustelina.)
f. Feet sub-plantigrade; body stout; tail very full and bushy;
teeth 38.
ff. Feet digitigrade; body slender.
g. Teeth 38; sectorial tooth with an internal tubercle.
GULO, 599.
MUSTELA, 600.
gg. Teeth 34; sectorial tooth without internal tubercle.
596. LUTRA Linnæus. (Lat., otter.)
PUTORIUS, 601.
1125. L. hudsonica (Lacépède). AMERICAN OTTER. Liver-
brown. L. 45. T. 15. N. Am., aquatic. (Mustela canadensis
Turton, not of Schreber.)
597. MEPHITIS Cuvier. (Lat., a bad odor.)
a. Skull not depressed, its upper outline irregularly convex. (Mephitis.)
1126. M. mephitica (Shaw). COMMON SKUNK. Usually black,
with tip of tail, dorsal stripes and nuchal patch white; sometimes
all black or even nearly all white. L. 28. T. 9. Hudson's Bay
to Mexico, abundant, its odor "mephitic " beyond comparison.
aa. Skull depressed, its upper outline nearly straight. (Spilogale Gray.)
1127. M. putorius (L.). LITTLE STRIPED SKUNK. Black,
with white patch on forehead; four parallel dorsal stripes,
broken behind; tail black, with white pencil at tip. Size very
small. L. 15. T. 4. Wis. (Hoy) to Ga., and S. W. (Lat.,
ill-scented.)
598. TAXIDEA Waterhouse. (Taxus, a related genus;
eidos, form.)
1128. T. americana (Boddaert). AMERICAN BADGER. Chiefly
grayish. L. 27. T. 5. Wis. to Tex. and W., formerly E. to Ohio.
599. GULO Storr. (Lat., glutton.)
1129. G. gulo (L.). WOLVERENE. Blackish; a pale lateral
band meeting its fellow above root of tail; forehead pale; fur
shaggy. L. 30. T. 8. N. Y. to Col. and N. (Eu.)
600. MUSTELA Linnæus. (Lat., weasel.)
1130. M. americana Turton. SABLE. PINE MARTEN. Brown,
not darker below than above, usually a tawny throat-patch. Ears
high, sub-triangular. L. 24. T. 8. Me. to Ore., and N.
CANIDE. CCI.
341
1131. M. pennanti (Erxleben). PEKAN. BLACK CAT. Black-
ish, paler anteriorly, darkest below; no throat-patch; ears low, semi-
circular. L. 35. T. 14. Penn. to Hudson's Bay, and W. (To
Thomas Pennant, author of Arctic Zoölogy.)
601. PUTORIUS Cuvier. (Lat., putor, a bad odor.)
a. Species of large size (length to base of tail over 12).
b. Toes somewhat webbed; pads of palm coalescent; tail bushy; ears low.
(Lutreola Wagner).
1132. P. vison (Schreber). MINK. Dark chestnut-brown, uni-
form or varied with whitish below. L. 28. T. 8. N. Am.; com-
mon, aquatic. (Lat., a scout.)
bb. Toes not webbed; pads of palm separate; tail short, slender; ears high,
round. (Cynomyonax Coues.)
L.
1133. P. nigripes Audubon & Bachman. BLACK-FOOTED FER-
RET. Pale brown; feet, tip of tail and bar across face black.
23. T. 4. Neb. and W., in "Prairie-dog towns," feeding on the
rodents. An allied species is the European Ferret, P. putorius L.,
trained to hunt rats. (Lat., black-foot.)
aa. Species of small size (length to base of tail less than 12); body attenuate;
neck long; ears conspicuous, orbicular; tail slender; toes cleft; pads on
feet separate; coloration bicolor, reddish brown, yellowish or white below,
the fur usually becoming snow-white in winter. (Gale Wagner.)
c. Tail black at tip.
1134. P. longicauda Bonaparte. LONG-TAILED WEASEL.
Belly tawny or salmon-yellow; black tip of tail reduced to a ter-
minal pencil. L. 16. T. 6. Minn. to Ariz. and N.
1135. P. erminea (L.). WEASEL. ERMINE. STOAT. Belly
sulphur-yellow; black of tail not confined to tip; fur snow-white in
winter. L. 11. T. 3. Northern regions, S. to Kan., common,N.
(Eu.) (From ermine.)
cc. Tail pointed, scarcely black at tip.
1136. P nivalis (L.). LEAST WEASEL. Mahogany-brown,
white, rarely yellowish below; white in winter. L. 10. T. 2.
Northern regions, S. to Penn. (Lat., snow-white.) (Eu.)
FAMILY CCI. CANIDAE. (THE DOGS.)
Digitigrade Carnivora with blunt, non-retractile claws; toes 5–4.
Muzzle more or less elongated. Dentition typically i. ; c. 1;
pm. 44; m. 42; canines large, rather blunt. Genera about
5. Species widely distributed, all of them more or less dog-like or
fox-like in habit.
aa. Pupil elliptical; tail long and bushy; upper incisors scarcely lobed; body
rather slender.
b. Tail with soft fur and long hair; muzzle long.
VULPES, 602.
342
MAMMALIA: FERÆ. LIII.
bb. Tail with a concealed mane of stiff hairs, and without soft fur; muzzle
shorter.
UROCYON, 603.
aa. Pupil circular; tail moderate; upper incisors distinctly lobed. CANIS, 604.
(Lat., fox.)
Chiefly reddish gray, with
The American form is var.
602. VULPES Brisson.
1137. V. vulpes (L.). RED Fox.
black feet and ears; tip of tail white.
fulvus (Desmarest). The Cross Fox is var. decussatus Desm.,
with a dark cross on back; the Black or Silver Fox is var. argen-
tatus Shaw. These forms fully intergrade with the Common Fox.
L. 45. T. 15. Northern regions, S. to Texas. (Eu.)
1138. V. velox Say. KIT Fox. Smaller, with closer fur; yel-
lowish gray, ears not black. L. 33. T. 9. Iowa to Ore. (Lat.,
swift.)
603. UROCYON Baird. (oupá, tail; kúwv, dog.)
1139. U. cinereo-argentatus (Schreber). GRAY Fox. Chiefly
gray; fur dusky or tawny, hairs hoary at tip; tip of tail usually
dark. L. 40. T. 14. Penn. to Texas and S. W. (Lat., ashy-
silvery.)
604. CANIS Linnæus. (Lat., dog.)
1140. C. latrans Say. COYOTE. PRAIRIE WOLF. Yellowish
gray, clouded with black; fur coarse; snout sharp. L. 55. T. 11.
Wis. to Texas and W., common on the plains, burrowing in the
ground. A vagabond dog-like animal, “half bold and half timid,
yet lazy all through." (Lat., barking.)
1141. C. lupus L. WOLF. Color exceedingly variable; chiefly
gray, becoming whitish northward (var. occidentalis), southward more
and more blackish and reddish, till in Florida black wolves (var. ater
Richardson) predominate, and in Texas red ones (var. rufus Aud.
& Bach.), while on the plains is the dusky wolf (var. nubilus Say).
L. 65. T. 15. Northern regions, common where not extermi-
nated. Allied to the wolf, or perhaps descended from it, and more
or less mixed with other Canidæ is the Dog, Canis familiaris L.
(Eu.)
FAMILY CCII. FELIDE. (THE CATS.)
Digitigrade Carnivora with the toes 5-4; claws compressed, very
sharp, retractile; palms and soles hairy, with naked pads under
each toe and the ball of the foot. Body compact; head short, broad
and rounded. Dentition i. ; c.11; pm. & or 4; m.
#=30
or 28; canine teeth long and sharp; teeth all strongly trenchant;
tongue with short, retrorse papillæ. General aspect cat-like. Spe-
cies about 50, found in all parts of the world excepting Australia
and its islands, "the fiercest, strongest and most terrible of beasts,"
“brave when hungry and in the dark, cowardly or lazy in the day-
FELIDE.
343
CCII.
time, and magnanimous when not in need of food." The Common
House Cat, Felis domesticus Schreber, one of the smallest of the
Felidæ, is a familiar representative of the group.
a. Premolars, (anterior upper one wanting); tail less than half length of
body proper; ears triangular, tufted.
LYNX, 605.
aa. Premolars, anterior upper one very small; tail at least half as long as
the body (exclusive of head and neck); fur compact and glossy; ears
not tufted.
605. LYNX Rafinesque. (λúy, a wild cat.)
FELIS, 606.
1142. L. canadensis (Desmarest). CANADA LYNX. Feet very
large, densely furred beneath in winter, concealing the small, naked
patches. Grayish hoary, waved with black; tail black at tip; no
distinct bars on inner side of legs; larger than the next, with larger
feet and longer fur. L. 39. T. 41. N. Am.
1143. L. rufus (Guldenstädt). AMERICAN WILD CAT. Red-
dish, overlaid by grayish; inner sides of legs with dark cross-bands;
tail with a black patch at end above, preceded by half rings. L. 35.
T. 7. N. Am.
606. FELIS Linnæus. CATS. (Lat., cat.)
1144. F. concolor L. AMERICAN PANTHER. COUGAR. PUMA.
Above tawny brownish yellow; a wash of darker along dorsal line;
dirty white below; kittens spotted, their tails ringed; larger than
a sheep. L. 90. T. 32. America, N. to Canada. (Lat., one-
color.)
ORDER LIV. PRIMATES. (THE ANTHROPOID MAMMALS.)
Both limbs nearly or quite outside of the common integument of
the body; fingers and toes usually 5, the thumb sometimes wanting,
when present opposable to the others; great toe with a depressed
nail; teeth various, usually with distinct incisors, canines and mo-
lars; clavicles completely developed; shoulders distinct, well-sep-
arated; brain large, the cerebrum and cerebellum highly developed;
parts of the brain well differentiated. Mammæ pectoral, except in
some lemurs. A large and varied order, the highest among animals,
comprising men, apes, baboons, monkeys, and lemurs. The lemurs
diverge in many respects from the other primates, and should per-
haps stand as a separate order (Prosimii). The structural pecu-
liarities of man are not numerous, and are mostly correlated with
the great development of the brain, the chief peculiarity character-
istic of the Hominidæ. (Lat., primatus, the chief place.)
Families of Primates.
a. Hair on body little developed, except in certain specialized areas; body
erect in locomotion; great toe not opposable; dentition i. ; c. 1; pm. 3;
m. § on each side; no gaps between the teeth.
HOMINIDÆ, 203.
344
LIV.
MAMMALIA: PRIMATES.
FAMILY CCIII. HOMINIDÆ. (THE MEN.)
The most prominent characters of the Hominidæ are "derived
from the distribution of hair on the body, which is subject to wide
modification in the different races, from the fact that locomotion is
easiest in the erect posture, owing to the relative shortness of the
arms; from the greater length and mobility of the thumb and the
comparative immobility of the great toe. Well-marked skeletal
peculiarities are the possession of 12 rib-bearing vertebræ, the
rounded skull in which the muscular ridges are little prominent,
and the great capacity of the cranium. This is, of course, in
adaptation to the relatively enormous development of the cerebral
hemispheres, which much exceed in bulk those of other primates
and to which man owes his specific name." It is apparent that dif-
ferent races have arrived at different stages of evolution in the
development of the brain, "as well as in the employment of articu-
late speech, to which man owes the power of transmitting to others
the results of his experience and his position as the 'highest ani-
mal.' (R. Ramsay Wright.) As usually understood, this family
contains but a single species, cosmopolitan, and highly variable.
607. HOMO Linnæus. (Lat., man.)
i
1145. H. sapiens L. MAN. This species is now split up into
many sub-species or races, the native man of this continent, or
"American Indian," being var. americanus L. Other races now
naturalized in America are the Caucasian race, var. europæus L.,
the Mongolian race, var. asiaticus L., and the Negro race, var. afer
L. The first of these is an immigrant from Europe, the second
from Asia, and the third was brought hither from Africa by repre-
sentatives of var. europæus to be used as slaves. The wild man, or
typical var. sapiens, as described by Linnæus ("Homo diurnus :
varians cultura, loco. tetrapus, mutus, hirsutus "), seems to be now
extinct. (Lat., knowing.) (Eu.)
“Sic vivimus ut immortales et morimur ut mortales." (Seneca.)
GLOSSARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS.
Abdomen. Belly.
Abdominal. Pertaining to the belly, — said of the ventral fins of fishes
when inserted considerably behind the pectorals, the pelvic bones
to which the ventral fins are attached having no connection with
the shoulder girdle.
Abortive. Remaining or becoming imperfect.
Acuminate. Tapering gradually to a point.
Acute. Sharp-pointed.
Adipose fin. A peculiar, fleshy, fin-like projection behind the dorsal
fin, on the backs of Salmons, Cat Fishes, etc.
Adult. A mature animal.
Egithognathous. Having the peculiar palate of Passerine birds.
Air-bladder. A sac filled with air, lying beneath the back-bone of
fishes, corresponding to the lungs of the higher vertebrates.
Allantois. An organ of the embryo.
Altrices. Birds hatched in an immature condition, reared in the nest
and fed by the parents.
Altricial. Having the nature of Altrices.
Alula. The feathers attached to the "thumb" (rather the "index fin-
ger") of a bird.
Alveolar surface. A portion of the jaw of a turtle, where the teeth-
sockets (alveola) are developed in other reptiles.
Amnion. An organ of the embryo.
Amphicalian. Double concave, said of vertebræ.
Anadromous. Running up,- said of marine fishes which run up rivers
to spawn.
Anal. Pertaining to the anus or vent.
Anal fin. The fin on the median line, behind the vent, in fishes.
Anal plate. The plate, immediately in front of the vent, in serpents,
often divided in two by a median suture.
Anchylosed. Grown firmly together.
Anteorbital plate. The plate (one or two) in front of the eye in ser-
pents, with its longest diameter vertical; also called preocular.
Antrorse. Turned forwards.
Anus. The external opening of the intestines; the vent.
346
GLOSSARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS.
Arboreal. Living in trees.
Arterial bulb. The muscular swelling, at the base of the great artery,
in fishes.
Articulate. Jointed.
Artiodactylous. Even-toed (toes 2 or 4).
Atrophy. Non-development.
Attenuate. Long and slender, as if drawn out.
Auricle. The large lobe of the external ear; also, one of the chambers
of the heart.
Barbel. An elongated fleshy projection, usually about the head, in
fishes.
Basal. Pertaining to the base; at or near the base.
Basipterygoid. Bones developed in the palatine arch in some birds.
Beak. The bill of birds, or (in other animals) any beak-like structure.
Bend of Wing. Angle at the carpus when the wing is folded.
Bicolor. Two-colored.
Bicuspid. Having two points.
Booted. Said of the tarsus in birds, when its scales coalesce and form
a continuous envelope, as in the robin.
Branchia. Gills; respiratory organs of fishes.
Branchial.
Pertaining to the gills.
Branchihyals. Small bones at base of gill arches.
Branchiostegals. The bony rays supporting the branchiostegal mem-
branes, under the head of a fish, below the opercular bones, and
behind the lower jaw.
Bristle. A stiff hair, or hair-like feather.
Buccal. Pertaining to the mouth.
Caducous. Falling off early.
Cœcal.
Of the form of a blind sac.
Cœcum. An appendage of the form of a blind sac, connected with the
alimentary canal.
Calcareous. Containing or composed of carbonate of lime.
Canines. The teeth behind the incisors, the "eye-teeth"; in fishes,
any conical teeth in the front part of the jaws, longer than the
others.
Carapace. The upper shell of a turtle, usually composed of bony plates
covered by horny scales.
Cardiform (teeth). Teeth coarse and sharp, like wool-cards.
Carinate. Keeled; having a ridge along the middle line.
Carotid. The great artery running to the head.
Carpus. The wrist.
Caudal. Pertaining to the tail.
Caudal fin. The fin on the tail of fishes and whales.
Caudal peduncle. The region between the anal and caudal fins in
fishes.
Cavernous. Containing cavities, either empty or filled with a mucous
secretion.
Cephalic fins. Fins on the head of certain rays a detached portion of
the pectoral.
GLOSSARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS.
347
Cere. Fleshy, cutaneous, or membranous covering of the base of the
bill in certain birds, particularly the Owls, Hawks, and Parrots.
Cervical. Pertaining to the neck.
Chiasma. Crossing of the fibres of the optic nerve.
Chin. The space between the rami of the lower jaw.
Ciliated. Fringed with eye-lash-like projections.
Cirri. Fringes.
Claspers. Organs attached to the ventral fins in the male of sharks,
skates, etc.
Clavicle. The collar bone, or lower anterior part of shoulder girdle,
not entering into socket of arm.
Cloaca. A common opening of genital, urinary, and alimentary canals.
Commissure. The line on which the mandibles of a bird are closed.
Compressed. Flattened laterally.
Condyle. Articulating surface of a bone.
Conirostral. Said of a bill like that of a Sparrow; conical in form and
with the commissure angulated.
Coracoid. The principal bone of the shoulder girdle in fishes; other-
wise a bone or cartilage on the ventral side, helping to form the
arm-socket.
Costal folds. Folds of the skin (of a Salamander) showing the position
of the ribs (costæ).
Coverts. Small feathers hiding the bases of quills.
Crest. In birds, any lengthened feathers about the head; elsewhere,
any elevated or crest-like projection.
Crissum. The under tail coverts, in birds.
Ctenoid. Rough-edged, said of scales when the posterior margin is
minutely spinous or pectinated.
Culmen. The middle line or ridge of the upper mandible in birds.
Cuneate. Wedge-shaped; said of a bird's tail when the middle feath-
ers are longest and the rest regularly shorter.
Cycloid. Smooth-edged; said of scales not ctenoid, but concentrically
striate.
Deciduous. Temporary; falling off.
Decurved. Curved downward.
Dentary. The principal or anterior bone of the lower jaw, usually
bearing the teeth.
Dentate. With tooth-like notches.
Denticle.
A little tooth.
Dentirostral. Having the bill notched near its tip.
Depressed. Flattened vertically.
Depth. Vertical diameter (usually of the body of fishes).
Dermal. Pertaining to the skin.
Desmognathous. United palate, as in the lower water-birds (Loons,
Gulls, etc.).
Diaphanous. Translucent.
Diaphragm. Muscular septum between thorax and abdomen.
Diapophysis. Transverse process of a vertebra.
Digitigrade. Walking on the toes, like a dog.
348
GLOSSARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS.
Distal. Remote from point of attachment.
Dorsal. Pertaining to the back.
Dorsal fin. The fin on the back of fishes.
Emarginate. Slightly forked or notched at the tip; abruptly narrowed
or notched toward the tip (said of quills).
Endoskeleton. The skeleton proper, - the inner bony framework of the
body.
Epignathous. Upper mandible hooked over tip of lower.
Erectile. Susceptible of being raised or erected.
Eustachian tubes. Tubes connecting the inner ear with the pharynx.
Even (tail). Having all the feathers of equal length.
Exoskeleton. Hard parts (scales, scutes, feathers, hairs) on the surface
of the body.
Exserted. Projecting beyond the general level.
Extra-limital. Beyond the limits (of this book).
Facial. Pertaining to the face.
Falcate. Scythe-shaped; long, narrow, and curved.
Falciform. Curved, like a scythe.
Fauna. The animals inhabiting any region, taken collectively.
Femoral. Pertaining to the femur, or proximal bone of the hinder leg.
Fibula. The small outer leg bone.
Filament. Any slender or thread-like structure.
Filiform. Thread-form.
Fissirostral. Having the bill very deeply cleft, beyond the base of the
horny part, as in the Swallows.
Fontanelle. An unossified space on top of head covered with mem-
brane.
Foramen. A hole or opening.
Forehead. Frontal curve of head.
Forficate. Deeply forked; scissors-like.
Fossa (nasal). Grooves in which the nostrils open.
Fossorial. Adapted for digging.
Frontal bone. Anterior bone of top of head.
Fulcra. Rudimentary spine-like projections extending on the anterior
rays of the fins of ganoid fishes.
Furcate. Forked.
Fusiform. Spindle-shaped; tapering toward both ends but rather more
abruptly forward.
Ganglion. A nerve centre.
Ganoid. Scales or plates of bone covered by enamel.
Gape. Opening of the mouth.
Gastrosteges. Band-like plates along the belly of a serpent; ventral
plates.
Gills. Organs for breathing the air contained in water.
Gill arches. The bony arches to which the gills are attached.
Gill openings. Openings leading to or from the branchiæ.
Gill rakers. A series of bony appendages variously formed along the
inner edge of the anterior gill arch.
Glabrous. Smooth.
GLOSSARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS.
349
Gonys. The middle line of the lower mandible.
Gorget. Throat patch of peculiar feathers.
Graduated (spines). Progressively longer backward; the third being
as much longer than second as second is longer than first.
Graduated (tail). One in which the outer feathers are regularly shorter
from the middle.
Granulate. Rough with small prominences.
Gular. Pertaining to the gula, or upper fore-neck.
Hamal spine. The lowermost spine of a caudal vertebra, in fishes.
Hamopophyses. Appendages on the lower side of abdominal vertebræ,
in fishes.
Hallux. The great toe, — in birds, the hind toe.
Height. Vertical diameter.
Heterocercal. Said of the tail of a fish, when unequal, — the back-bone
evidently running into the upper lobe.
Hirsute. With shaggy hairs.
Homocercal. Said of the tail of a fish when not evidently unequal; the
back-bone apparently stopping at the middle of the base of the
caudal fin.
Humerus. Bone of the upper arm.
Hyoid. Pertaining to the tongue.
Hypognathous. Having the lower mandible longer than the upper, as
in the Black Skimmer.
Imbricate. Overlapping, like shingles on a roof.
Imperforate. Not pierced through.
Inarticulate. Not jointed.
Incisors. The front or cutting teeth.
Infraoral. Below the mouth.
Interfemoral membrane. The membrane connecting the posterior limbs
of a bat.
Interhamals. Bones to which anal rays are attached in fishes.
Intermaxillaries. The premaxillaries; the bones forming the middle
of the front part of the upper jaw, in fishes.
Internasals. Plates on the forehead of the snake on the line connecting
the two nostrils.
Interneurals. Bones to which dorsal rays are attached in fishes.
Interopercle. Membrane bone between the preopercle and the branchi-
ostegals.
Interorbital. Space between the eyes.
Interspinals. Bones to which fin-rays are attached (in fishes); inserted
between neural spines above and hæmal spines below.
Isocercal (tail). Last vertebræ progressively smaller and ending in
median line of caudal fin, as in the Cod-fish.
Jugular. Pertaining to the lower throat, — said of the ventral fins,
when placed in advance of the attachment of the pectorals.
Keeled. Having a ridge along the middle line.
Labials. Plates forming the lip of a serpent.
Lamella. Plate-like processes inside of the bill of a duck.
Lamellate. Said of a bill provided with lamellæ, as in a duck.
350
GLOSSARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS.
Larva. An immature form, which must undergo change of appear-
ance before becoming adult.
Lateral. To or towards the side.
Lateral line. A series of muciferous tubes forming a raised line along
the sides of a fish.
Laterally. Sidewise.
Lobate. Furnished with membranous flaps, - said of the toes of birds.
Longitudinal. Running lengthwise.
Loral plate. Plate between eye and nostril of a serpent, before and
below preocular when this is present; its longest diameter hori-
zontal.
Lores. Space between eye and bill.
Lunate. Form of the new moon; having a broad and rather shallow
fork.
Mammary glands. Glands secreting milk.
Mandible. Under jaw (or in birds, either jaw).
Maxilla. Upper jaw.
Maxillaries. Outermost or hindmost bones of the upper jaw, in fishes;
they are joined to the premaxillaries in front, and usually extend
farther back than the latter.
Metacarpus. The hand proper, exclusive of the fingers.
Metamorphosis. A decided change in form.
Metatarsus. The foot proper.
Molars. The grinding teeth; posterior teeth in the jaw.
Monogamous. Pairing; said of birds.
Muciferous. Producing or containing mucus.
Myocomma. A muscular band.
Nape. Upper part of neck, next to the occiput.
Nares. Nostrils, anterior and posterior.
Nasal. Pertaining to the nostrils.
Nasal plate. Plate in which the nostrils are inserted.
Neural spine. The uppermost spine of a vertebra.
Nictitating membrane. The third or inner eye-lid, of birds, sharks,
etc.
Notochord. A cellular cord, which in the embryo precedes the verte-
bral column.
Nuchal. Pertaining to the nape or nucha.
Obscure. Scarcely visible.
Obsolete. Faintly marked; scarcely evident.
Obtuse. Blunt.
Occipital. Pertaining to the occiput.
Occipital plates. Plates on the head of a serpent, behind the vertical
plate.
Occiput. Back of the head.
Ocellate. With eye-like spots, generally roundish and with a lighter
border.
Oid (suffix). Like, -as Percoid, perch-like.
Opercle, or operculum. Gill cover; the posterior membrane bone of the
side of the head, in fishes.
GLOSSARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS.
351
Opercular bones. Membrane bones of the side of the head, in fishes.
Opercular flap. Prolongation of the upper posterior angle of the oper-
cle, in Sun-fishes.
Opisthocalian. Concave behind only; said of vertebræ which connect
by ball and socket joints.
Orbicular. Nearly circular.
Orbit. Eye socket.
Oscine. Musical.
Osseous. Bony.
Ossicula auditus.
Bones of the ear in fishes.
Osteology. Study of bones.
Oviparous. Producing eggs which are developed after exclusion from
the body, as in all birds.
Ovoviviparous. Producing eggs which are hatched before exclusion, as
in the Dog-fish and Garter Snake.
Ovum. Egg.
Palate. The roof of the mouth.
Palatines. Membrane bones of the roof of mouth; one on each side
extending outward and backward from the vomer.
Palmate. Web-footed; having the anterior toes full-webbed.
Palustrine. Living in swamps.
Papilla. A small, fleshy projection.
Papillose. Covered with papillæ.
Paragnathous. Having the two mandibles about equal in length.
Parasphenoid. Bone of roof of mouth behind the vomer.
Paratoid. A glandular body behind the ear, in Batrachians.
Parietal.
Bone of the side of head above.
Pectinate. Having teeth like a comb.
Pectoral. Pertaining to the breast.
Pectoral fins. The anterior or uppermost of the paired fins, in fishes,
corresponding to the anterior limbs of the higher Vertebrates.
Pelage. The hair of a Mammal, taken collectively.
Pelagic. Living on or in the high seas.
Pelvis. The bones to which the hinder limbs (ventral fins in fishes)
are attached.
Perforate. Pierced through; said of nostrils when without a septum.
Perissodactylous. Odd-toed (toes 1, 3, or 5).
Peritoneum. The membrane lining the abdominal cavity.
Phalanges. Bones of the fingers and toes.
Pharyngeal bones. Bones behind the gills and at the beginning of the
œsophagus of fishes, of various forms, almost always provided
with teeth; usually one pair below and four pairs above. They
represent a fifth gill-arch.
Pharyngognathous. Having the lower pharyngeal bones united.
Physoclistous. Having the air-bladder closed.
Physostomous. Having the air-bladder connected by a tube with the
alimentary canal.
Pigment. Coloring matter.
Pineal body. A small ganglion in the brain; a rudiment of an optic
352
GLOSSARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS.
lobe, which in certain lizards (and in extinct forms) is connected
with a third or median eye.
Pituitary body. A small ganglion in the brain.
Planta. Sole of foot.
Plantigrade. Walking on the sole of the foot, as do men and bears.
Plastron. Lower shell of a turtle.
Plicate. Folded; showing transverse folds or wrinkles.
Plumage. The feathers of a bird, taken collectively.
Plumbeous. Lead-colored, dull bluish gray.
Pollex. Thumb; in birds, the digit which bears the alula, — corre-
sponding to the index finger.
Polygamous. Mating with more than one female.
Post-frontal (plates). The ones before the vertical plate.
Post-orbital. Behind the eye.
Post-temporal. The bone, in fishes, by which the shoulder girdle is
suspended to the cranium.
Præcoces. Birds able to run about and feed themselves at once when
hatched.
Præcocial. Having the nature of Præcoces.
Præcoracoid. A portion of coracoid more or less separated from the
rest.
Præcoracoid arch. An arch in front of the coracoid in most soft-rayed
fishes.
Prefrontal (plates). Those in front of post-frontal.
Premaxillaries. The bones, one on either side, forming the front of the
upper jaw in fishes. They are usually larger than the maxillaries
and commonly bear most of the upper teeth.
Premolars. The small grinders; the teeth between the canines and
the true molars.
Preocular. Before the eye.
Preopercle. The membrane bone lying in front of the opercle and
more or less nearly parallel with it.
Preorbital. The large membrane bone before the eye in fishes.
Primary. Any one of the ten (or nine) of the large, stiff quills grow-
ing upon the pinion or hand-bones of a bird; as distinguished
from the secondaries, which grow upon the fore-arm.
Primary wing coverts. The coverts overlying the bases of the pri-
maries.
Procalian. Concave in front only.
Procurrent (fin). With the lower rays inserted progressively farther
forward.
Projectile. Capable of being thrust forward.
Protractile. Capable of being drawn forward.
Proximal. Nearest.
Pseudobranchia. Small gills developed on the inner side of the opercle,
near its junction with the preopercle.
Pterygoids. Bones of roof of mouth in fishes, behind the palatines.
Pubis. Anterior lower part of pelvis.
Pulmonary. Pertaining to the lungs.
GLOSSARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS.
353
Punctate. Dotted with points.
Pyloric cæca. Glandular appendages in the form of blind sacs opening
into the alimentary canal of most fishes at the pylorus or passage
from the stomach to the intestine.
Quadrate. Nearly square; a bone of the lower jaw in lower vertebrates.
Quill. One of the stiff feathers of the wing or tail of a bird.
Quincunx. Set of five arranged alternately, thus
Radius. Outer bone of fore-arm.
Ray. One of the cartilaginous rods which support the membrane of
the fin of a fish.
Rectrices. Quills of the tail of a bird.
Recurved. Curved upward.
Remiges. Quills of the wing of a bird.
Reticulate. Marked with a network of lines.
Retractile. Susceptible of being drawn inward, as a cat's claw.
Retrorse.
Turned backward.
Rhachis. Shaft of a quill.
Rictal. Pertaining to the rictus, as rictal bristles.
Rictus. Gape of the mouth.
Rostral. Pertaining to the snout, as rostral plate.
Rudimentary. Undeveloped.
Ruff. A series of modified feathers.
Rugose. Rough with wrinkles.
Sacral. Pertaining to the sacrum, or vertebræ of the pelvic region.
Saurognathous. Having the peculiar ("lizard-like") structure of the
palate found in Woodpeckers.
Scansorial. Capable of climbing.
Scansorial tail. Tail feathers sharp and stiff, as in the scansorial birds
(Woodpeckers).
Scapula. Shoulder blade; in fishes, the bone of the shoulder girdle
below the post-temporal.
Scapular arch. Shoulder girdle.
Schizognathous. Split palate, as in the Heron and similar birds.
Scute. Any external bony or horny plate.
Scutellate. Provided with scutella; said of the tarsus when covered
with broad plates in a regular vertical series, and separated by
regular lines of impression.
Scutellum. One of the tarsal plates or scutella.
Secondaries. The quills growing on the fore arm.
Second dorsal. The posterior or soft part of the dorsal fin, when the
two parts are separated.
Sectorial tooth. One of the premolars of carnivora, adapted for cutting.
Semipalmate. Half-webbed; having the anterior toes more or less
connected at base by a webbing which does not extend to the
claws.
Septum. A thin partition.
Serrate. Notched, like a saw.
Sessile. Without a stem or peduncle.
23
354
GLOSSARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS.
Setaceous. Bristly.
Setiform. Bristle-like.
Shaft. Stiff axis of a quill.
Shoulder girdle. The bony girdle posterior to the head, to which the
anterior limbs are attached (post-temporal; scapula, and coracoid
or clavicle).
Soft dorsal. The posterior part of the dorsal fin in fishes, when com-
posed of soft rays.
Soft rays. Fin-rays which are articulate and usually branched.
Spatulate. Shaped like a spatula.
Sphenoid. Basal bone of skull.
Spine. Any sharp projecting point; in fishes those fin-rays which are
unbranched, inarticulate, and usually, but not always, more or less
stiffened.
Spinous. Stiff or composed of spines.
Spinous dorsal. The anterior part of the dorsal fin when composed of
spinous rays.
Spiracles. Openings in the head or neck of some fishes and Ba-
trachians.
Spurious. Said of the first primary when less than about one-third
the length of the second. (The student will notice that in Oscines
the presence of a short or spurious quill indicates ten primaries; its
absence, nine.)
Stellate. Star-like; with radiating ridges.
Sternal fontanelle. A pit at the top of the sternum.
Sternum. The breast bone.
Striate. Striped or streaked.
Sub (in composition). Less than; somewhat; not quite; under, etc.
Sub-caudal. Under the tail.
Sub-opercle. The bone immediately below the opercle (the suture con-
necting the two often hidden by scales).
Sub-orbital. Below the eye.
Sub-orbital stay. A bone extending from one of the sub-orbital bones
in certain fishes, across the cheeks, to or towards the preopercle.
Subulate. Awl-shaped.
Suffrago. Heel joint; joint of tibia and tarsus.
Superciliary. Pertaining to the region of the eyebrow.
Supplemental maxillary. A small bone lying along upper edge of the
maxillary.
Supraoccipital. The bone at posterior part of skull in fishes, usually
with a raised crest above.
Supra-oral. Above the mouth.
Supra-orbital. Above the eye.
Supra-scapula. The post-temporal or bone by which the shoulder
girdle in fishes is joined to the skull.
Suspensory bones. Bones by which the lower jaw, in fishes, is fastened
to the skull.
Symphysis. Point of junction of the two parts of lower jaw; tip of
chin.
GLOSSARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS.
355
Symplectic. The bone in fishes that keys together the hyomandibular
and quadrate posteriorly.
Syndactyle. Having two toes immovably united for some distance,
as in the Kingfisher.
Synonym. A different word having the same or a similar meaning.
Synonomy. A collection of different names for the same group, species,
or thing; a burden and a disgrace to science." (Coues.)
Tail. In mammals, the vertebræ, etc., posterior to the sacrum; in
birds, the tail-feathers or rectrices, taken collectively; in serpents,
the part of the body posterior to the vent; in fishes (usually), the
part of the body posterior to the anal fin. (Often used more or
less vaguely.)
Tail coverts. The small feathers overlapping the bases of the rec-
trices.
Tarso-metatarsus. The correct name for the so-called tarsus of birds;
the bone reaching from the tibia to the toes, composed chiefly of
the metatarsus, but having at its top one of the small tarsal bones
confluent with it.
Tarsus. The ankle-bones collectively; in birds, commonly used for
the shank-bone, lying between the tibia and the toes, the tarso-
metatarsus.
Tectrices. The wing and tail coverts.
Temporal. Pertaining to the region of the temples.
Tenuirostral. Slender-billed.
Terete. Cylindrical and tapering.
Terminal. At the end.
Tertials. The quills attached to the humerus.
Tessellated. Marked with little checks or squares, like mosaic work.
Thoracic. Pertaining to the chest; ventral fins are thoracic when at-
tached immediately below the pectorals, as in the perch, the pelvic
bones being fastened to the shoulder girdle.
Tibia. Shin-bone; inner bone of leg between knee and heel.
Tomium. Cutting edge of the bill.
Totipalmate. Having all four toes connected by webbing.
Tragus. The inner lobe of the ear; the lobe opposite the auricle.
Transverse.
Crosswise.
Trenchant. Compressed to a sharp edge.
Truncate. Abrupt, as if cut squarely off.
Tubercle. A small excrescence, like a pimple.
Tympanum. Drum of the ear; external in some Batrachia, etc.
Typical. Of a structure the most usual in a given group.
Ulna. The inner or posterior bone of the fore-arm.
Unguiculate. Provided with claws.
Ungulate. Provided with hoofs.
Unicolor. Of a single color.
Ultimate. Last or farthest.
Urosteges. The plates underneath the tail of a serpent.
Vent. The external opening of the alimentary canal.
Ventral. Pertaining to the abdomen.
1
356
GLOSSARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS.
Ventral fins. The paired fins behind or below the pectoral fins in fishes,
corresponding to the posterior limbs in the higher vertebrates.
Ventral plates. In serpents, the row of plates along the belly between
throat and vent.
Ventricle. One of the thick-walled chambers of the heart.
Versatile. Capable of being turned either way.
Vertebra. One of the bones of the spinal column.
Vertical. Up and down.
Vertical fins. The fins on the median line of the body; the dorsal,
anal, and caudal fins.
Vertical plate. Central plate on the head of a serpent.
Villiform. Said of the teeth of fishes when slender and crowded into
velvety bands.
Viscous. Slimy.
Viviparous. Bringing forth living young.
Vomer. In fishes, the front part of the roof of the mouth; a bone
lying immediately behind the premaxillaries.
Web. The vane of a feather, on either side of the rhachis or "stem;
also, the membrane connecting the toes.
Xiphisternum. Tip of the sternum.
Zygodactyle. Yoke-toed; having the toes in pairs, — two in front, two
behind.
Zygoma. The malar or cheek bone.
EXPLANATION OF SIGNS AND ABBREVIATIONS.
I. FISHES.
Total length in inches of a well-grown example.
Dorsal fin.
Second dorsal fin.
L.
D.
2d D.
=
P.
V.
Ventral fins.
A.
Anal fin.
C.
Pectoral fins.
Caudal fin.
B.Branchiostegals.
Vert.
FO
Vertebræ. The number is usually divided into abdominal and
caudal vertebræ; the latter having the hæmapophyses united,
forming hæmal spines. Thus Vert. 10+14, the usual number
in typical fishes, means 10 abdominal and 14 caudal vertebræ.
Male.
?=Female.
Roman numerals used with abbreviations for the fins indicate the
number of spines or inarticulate rays in a fin. Arabic numerals indicate
the number of soft rays. In a fin containing both spines and soft rays,
a comma (,) separating the numerals indicates that the two kinds of
rays are continuous, or more or less connected. A dash (—) indicates
GLOSSARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS.
357
their separation. Thus, “D. X, 12," describes a single dorsal fin with
10 spines and 12 soft rays; "D. X — 12," indicates two dorsal fins
the first of 10 spines, the second of 12 soft rays; "D. X—I, 12,”
would indicate the presence of a single spine in the second dorsal.
The posterior soft ray of the dorsal and anal fins is usually split to
the base. It should be counted as one ray and not as two.
“Gill rakers 5+15," indicates 5 above and 15 below angle of gill-
arch; rudiments not counted. When the number above the angle is
uncertain or non-essential, it is indicated as "x."
Lat. l. Lateral line, i. e., the number of scales contained in its course.
When the lateral line is obsolete, "lat. 1." signifies the number
of scales in a row from the head to the base of the caudal fin.
Thus, "lat. 1. 36" means that there are 36 scales in a row along
the sides from the head to the caudal.
"Scales 5-36-10" indicates the presence of 36 scales in the lateral
line itself; 5 scales in a vertical series between front of dorsal and
lateral line, and 10 scales between lateral line and vent.
In all cases the number of rays or scales, as given in the descrip-
tions, is intended to represent a fair average, and a variation of one-
sixth, or even more, in either direction need not surprise the student.
Generally the spines and scales are more constant in their numbers
than the soft rays, and the fewer of either, the less variable.
Length, as used in proportionate measurements, is distance along the
side from tip of snout to end of last vertebra. It does not include the
caudal fin.
Depth in length. The greatest depth of the body as contained in the
distance along the side from the snout to the base of the caudal.
Head in length. = The distance from the snout along the cheeks to the
extremity of the opercle, as contained in the distance from the
snout to the base of the caudal.
Eye in head. Its longitudinal diameter as contained in the length of
the side of the head.
As above stated, these measurements, as given in the descriptions,
are intended to be the average of living adults, and must be applied to
young specimens or preserved ones with caution.
Young fishes are usually but not always more elongate than adults,
and the eye is proportionally much larger.
A fin is said to be "long" when it has a long base, or is many-rayed.
A "high" fin is one in which the individual rays are elongated.
II. REPTILES.
L.Length in inches of an adult example, from tip of snout to tip of
tail.
Sc. or Scales.
Number of longitudinal rows of scales exclusive of the
ventral series.
358
GLOSSARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS.
V. P.
Number of ventral plates, or gastrosteges, counted along the
belly, from the throat to the vent. The figures given in the
descriptions are intended to be average, the actual number being
somewhat variable.
S. C. P.― Number of pairs of sub-caudal plates, or urosteges, counted
from the vent to the tip of the tail.
III. BIRDS.
L.=Length in inches (along back from tip of bill to end of longest
tail feather); thus, "L. 7" means, length 7 inches.
E. Extent (spread of wing) measured in inches.
W.=Length of wing (from bend of closed wing-carpal joint-to
tip of longest feather) in inches.
T.=Length of tail in inches (i. e., actual length of the longest tail
feather).
B.=Length of bill in inches (measured along middle line of culmen
to tip of bill).
Hd. Length of head in inches (measured with dividers from base of
bill to nape.)
Ts.
Tcl.
=
Length of Tarsus in inches (measured in front).
Length of middle toe with its claw.
The measurements given in the descriptions are understood to repre-
sent a fair average adult male; a variation of one-sixth, or more, in
absolute length is nothing unusual; relative lengths, as of wings and
tail, are much more constant. To save space I have usually preferred
to say "L. 6," to saying "L. 5 to 61.”
오
​= Male.
= Female.
Yg. Young.
>=More than, longer than, or more than equivalent to.
<=Less than, in its various senses.
Sign of equivalence.
The toes are numbered 1, 2, 3, 4; 1 being the hind toe, or hallux; 2
the inner anterior toe; 3 the middle toe; and 4 the outer toe.
IV. MAMMALS.
L. Length in inches from tip of snout to tip of last vertebra of tail.
T.=Length of tail in inches (exclusive of hairs).
i. Incisor teeth.
C.
- Canines.
рт. Premolars.
m.=Molars.
GLOSSARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS.
359
Thus, "i.
" indicates two incisor teeth on each side in the upper
jaw, and one on each side in the lower.
"Toes 5-4" implies fore feet five-toed, hind feet four-toed.
NOTE. As authority for names of species in this work, the original
describer of the species is alone given. The name is written in full
except in case of Linnæus, abbreviated as "L."
In case the original combination of general and specific name is
still retained, the name of the author is printed without parentheses.
In case, however, the original describer placed the species in question
in a genus different from the one here adopted, the author's name is
enclosed in parentheses.
Thus (page 277), “ Corvus corax L." means that Linnæus placed his
species corax in Corvus, where it still remains.
“Melanerpes erythrocephalus (L.)," indicates that the species (Picus
erythrocephalus of Linnæus) is now placed in a genus different from
the one in which it originally stood. Melanerpes is a modern subdi-
vision of Picus, which formerly included all Woodpeckers.
Eu." indicates that the species in question is also found in Europe.
CORRECTIONS IN SIXTH EDITION.
Page 48, no. 83, should stand as M. breviceps (Cope).
Page 58, no. 413, should be N. cornutus (Mitchill).
Page 66.
Phoxinus.
The generic name Leuciscus Cuvier should supersede
Page 67. Nos. 151 and 153 cannot be separated from 152, Leuciscus
vandoisulus.
Page 81. Salvelinus aureolus should stand as a variety of the Euro-
pean Charr or Sälbling, Salvelinus alpinus L.
Page 87. No. 211 should be Gambusia affinis (Baird & Girard).
Page 87. Umbra pygmæa (DeKay) is probably a valid species.
Page 88. Lucius Rafinesque should supersede Esox as a generic
name; from it derive Luciida.
Page 90. The American Eel is Anguilla chrysypa Rafinesque.
Page 106.
Albacora.
The name Thunnus should supersede the later name
Page 116. The name for Nos. 304 and 305 should apparently be En-
neacanthus gloriosus Holbrook.
Page 119. The var. notatus of Lepomis holbrooki is a valid species, and
should stand as Lepomis heros (Baird & Girard).
Page 123.
Nos. 325, 326, 327, and 328 are varieties of Etheostoma
nigrum Rafinesque.
360
CORRECTIONS IN SIXTH EDITION.
Page 135. Lucioperca Cuvier (1817) should supersede Stizostedion
(1820).
Page 138. Epinephelus Bloch should be used instead of Cerna.
Page 149. No. 406 may stand as Cottus bairdi Girard.
Page 152, line 6. Omit "corresponding to the free rays in Triglidæ.”
Page 156. No. 432 is the young of 433, and should stand as Astrosco-
pus y-grœcum.
Page 166. Bothus Rafinesque should supersede Pleuronectes which is
a European genus. The turbot is Bothus maximus.
Page 179.
Page 170. Sphæroides (Lacepède) should supersede Orbidus.
“Chondrotus” microstomus is a species of Amblystoma.
Genus 275 should be Clonophis Cope.
Page 192.
Page 194. Natrix L. should supersede Tropidonotus.
Page 208, under cc. Omit upper jaw notched in front; not true of
612.
Page 218. In Longipinnes, the tibia is usually partly naked.
Page 321, under aa. Vesperimus Coues should supersede Musculus
Rafinesque, based on Mus musculus.
Page 337. No. 1,119 should be Ovis canadensis Shaw.
INDEX.
INCLUDING COMMON NAMES AND NAMES OF GENERA,
SUBGENERA, FAMILIES, AND HIGHER GROUPS.
ABASTOR, 191.
Acantharchus, 115.
Acanthis, 284.
Acanthopteri, 26, 101.
Alopiidæ, 17.
Alvordius, 126.
Amber-fish, 110.
Ægialitis, 249.
Ambloplites, 115.
Æsalon, 260.
Amblyopsidæ, 82.
Estrelata, 224.
Amblyopsis, 83.
Accipiter, 257.
Achirus, 168.
Acipenser, 34.
Acipenseridæ, 33.
Acris, 183.
Actitis, 248.
Actochelidon, 221.
Alectis, 109.
Alewife, 72.
Anas, 230.
Alle, 218.
Alligator, 187.
Alligator-fish, 151.
Alligator Gar, 35.
All-mouth, 172.
Allosomus, 79.
Alopias, 17.
Actodromas, 246.
Æchmophorus, 215.
Alosa, 73.
Anatidæ, 227.
Anchovy, 74.
Ancylocheilus, 247.
Ancylopsetta, 166.
Angel-fish, 19, 146.
Angler, 172.
Anguidæ, 201.
Anguilla, 90.
Anguillidæ, 89.
Anhinga, 225.
Anhingidæ, 225.
Anolis, 202.
Anorthura, 308.
Anser, 234.
Anseres, 227.
Aëtobatidæ, 22.
Amblystoma, 177.
Antelope, 337.
Aëtobatis, 23.
Amblystomatidæ, 177.
Antennariidæ, 172.
Agaphelus, 334.
Ameiurus, 39.
Anthropoids, 342.
Agelaius, 279.
Amia, 37.
Anthus, 306.
Agkistrodon, 199.
Amiatus, 37.
Antilocapra, 337.
Agonidæ, 151.
Amiidæ, 36.
Ailurichthys, 38.
Ammocœtes, 10.
Aix, 231.
Ajaja, 236.
Alaudidæ, 275.
Ammodytes, 101.
Albacora, 106.
Ammodytidæ, 101.
Albacore, 106.
Ampelidæ, 293.
Albatross, 223.
Ampelis, 293.
Albula, 70.
Amphioxus, 8.
Albulidæ, 70.
Alburnops, 57.
Alca, 217.
Alce, 336.
Alcidæ, 216.
Anacanthini, 161.
Alcedinidæ, 265.
Ammocrypta, 122.
Ammodramus, 286.
Amphiuma, 176.
Amphiumidæ, 176.
Amyda, 206.
Anarrhichadidæ, 159,160.
Anarrhichas, 160.
Antrostomus, 269.
Apeltes, 98.
Aphoristia, 168.
Aphredoderidæ, 112.
Aphrizidæ, 250.
Aplodinotus, 144.
Apodes, 26, 89.
Apomotis, 117.
Aprionodon, 14.
Aquila, 259.
Archibuteo, 259.
Archosargus, 140.
Arcifera, 182.
Arctomys, 323.
Aphredoderus, 113.
362
INDEX.
Ardea, 238.
Ardeidæ, 237.
Ardetta, 238.
Arenaria, 250.
Argentinidæ, 76.
Argyrosomus, 78.
Ariopsis, 39.
Aristonetta, 232.
Arius, 39.
Aromochelys, 207.
Arquatella, 246.
Artediellus, 150.
Artiodactyli, 335.
Arvicola, 320.
Ascidians, 5.
Aspidonectes, 206.
Aspidophoroides, 151.
Asinus, 335.
Asio, 262.
Ass, 335.
Astroscopus, 156.
Astur, 258.
Asturina, 259.
Astragalinus, 285.
Atalapha, 328.
Atherinidæ, 99.
Athlennes, 92.
Auk, 216, 217, 218.
Auxis, 106.
Aves, 212.
Avocet, 243, 244.
Aythya, 231.
BACHELOR, 115.
Badger, 340.
Bairdiella, 143.
Balæna, 334.
Balænidæ, 333.
Balaenoptera, 334.
Balanoglossus, 7.
Bald Eagle, 259.
Baldpate, 231.
Balistes, 169.
Balistidæ, 168.
Baltimore Oriole, 279.
Bank Swallow, 293.
Barb, 144.
Bar-fish, 115.
Barnacle Goose, 235.
Barn-door Skate, 21.
Barn Owl, 261.
Barn Swallow, 292.
Barracuda, 100.
Barred Owl, 262.
Barren Ground Caribou,
336.
Bartramia, 248.
Bascanion, 195.
Bashaw, 41.
Basking Shark, 19.
Bass, 120, 137.
Bat, 327, 328.
Bat-fish, 172.
Batrachia, 174.
Batrachidæ, 154.
Batrachus, 154.
Bay-breasted Warbier,
302.
Bay Porpoise, 331.
Bead Snake, 198.
Bear, 339.
Bee-Martin, 274.
Beaver, 322.
Beluga, 331.
Bergall, 146.
Bellows-fish, 172.
Big-horn, 337.
Bill-fish, 92, 104.
Birds, 212.
Birds of Prey, 255.
Bishop Ray, 23.
Bison, 337.
Bittern, 237, 238.
Black and White Creeper,
298.
Black-throated Blue
Warbler, 301.
Black-throated Bunting,
290.
Black-throated
Warbler, 303.
Black Whale, 334.
Blarina, 326.
Blenniidæ, 157.
Blenny, 157.
Blind-fish, 83.
Blob, 149.
Green
Blowing Viper, 197.
Blue-back Trout, 81.
Blue-bill, 232.
Blue-Bird, 313.
Blue-fin, 78.
Blue-fish, 111.
Blue-gills (Lepomis pal-
lidus), 118
Blue Goose, 234.
Blue Grosbeak, 290.
Blue-headed Vireo, 296.
Blue Heron, 238.
Blue Jay, 277.
Blue Perch, 146.
Blue-Racer, 195.
Blue Shark, 17.
Blue-Stocking, 244.
Blue Sun-fish, 118.
Blue-tailed Lizard, 201.
Blue-winged Teal, 230.
Black and Yellow War- Blue-winged Warbler,
bler, 302.
Black-backed Gull, 220.
Black Bass, 120.
Blackbird, 279, 280.
Black-capped Warbler,
305.
Black Cat, 341.
Black Dolphin, 330.
Black Duck, 230.
Black Fox, 342.
299.
Blue Yellow-backed War-
bler, 299.
Bobolink, 278.
Bob-White, 252.
Bohemian Waxwing, 293.
Boleichthys, 134.
Boleosoma, 123.
Bonasa, 252.
Black-fish, 137, 146, 331. Bone-fish, 70.
Black Hawk, 258, 259.
Black-headed Gull, 220.
Black-Horse, 46.
Black Moccasin, 199.
Black-nosed Dace, 63.
Black-poll Warbler, 302.
Black Rat, 322.
Black Sea Bass, 137.
Black Snake, 195.
Black Squirrel, 323.
Bonito, 106.
Bonnet-head Shark, 16.
Borer, 9.
Bos, 336.
Botaurus, 237.
Bottle-nosed Dolphin,330.
Bottle-nosed Whale, 332.
Bovidæ, 336.
Bow-fin, 36.
Bowhead, 334.
Box Turtle, 207, 210.
INDEX.
363
Brachyotus, 262.
Branch Herring, 72.
Branchiostoma, 8.
Branchiostomatidæ, 8.
Branta, 235.
Brant Goose, 235.
Bream, 68, 119.
Brevoortia, 73.
Brook Trout, 80.
Brosmius, 162.
Brown Bat, 328.
Brown Bear, 339.
Brown Creeper, 309.
Brown Lark, 306.
Brown Thrush, 307.
Camptolaimus, 233.
Centroscymnus, 14.
Canada Warbler, 305.
Centurus, 268.
Canary, 285.
Ceophlous, 268.
Canidæ, 341.
Cephalacanthidæ, 151.
Canis, 342.
Cephalacanthus, 152.
Capelin, 76.
Cepphus, 217.
Ceratichthys, 63.
Cerna, 138.
Certhia, 309.
Canvas-back Duck, 232. Cephalochordata, 6.
Cape May Warbler, 301.
Capra, 336.
Caprimulgidæ, 269.
Carangidæ, 107.
Caranx, 108.
Carassius, 50.
Carcharhinus, 17.
Carcharias, 18.
Carchariidæ, 18.
Carcharodon, 19.
Certhiidæ, 309.
Cervidæ, 335.
Cervus, 336.
Ceryle, 266.
Cestreus, 142.
Cetaceans, 329.
Cete, 321.
Cetorhinus, 19.
Cardinal Grosbeak, 289. Cetorhinidæ, 19.
Brown Trout, 79.
Bubo, 263.
Bubonidæ, 261.
Buffalo, 337.
Cardinalis, 289.
Buffalo-fish, 44.
Carduelis, 285.
Buffle-head, 233.
Cariacus, 336.
Bufo, 182.
Caribou, 336.
Bufonidæ, 182.
Bug-fish, 73.
Bull Bat, 270.
Bull-Frog, 186.
Bullhead, 40.
Bullhead Minnow, 54.
Bull Snake, 196.
Bull-Trout, 80.
Carinatæ, 212, 213.
Carnivora, 337.
Carolina Wren, 308.
Carp, 50.
Carphophiops, 191.
Carpiodes, 45.
Carpodacus, 284.
Carp Sucker, 45.
Carrion Crow, 256.
Castor, 322.
Castoridæ, 322.
Cat, 342, 343.
Cataphracti, 146.
Chænobryttus, 115.
Chaetodipterus, 146.
Chætura, 270.
Chain Snake, 196.
Chameleon, 202.
Channel Bass, 143.
Channel Cat, 39, 40.
Characinidæ, 43.
Charadriidæ, 249.
Charadrius, 249.
Charitonetta, 233.
Charr, 80.
Chasmodes, 158.
Chat, 305.
Chatterer, 293.
Chaulelasmus, 230.
Chelidon, 292.
Bumper, 110.
Bunting, 286.
Burbot, 162.
Burgomaster, 220.
Burr-fish, 170.
Burrowing Owl, 263.
Cat-Bird, 307.
Butcher Bird, 294.
Cat-fish, 38, 39.
Chelonia, 205.
Buteo, 258.
Catharista, 256.
Cheloniidæ, 205.
Butorides, 239.
Cathartes, 256.
Butter-Ball, 233.
Cathartidæ, 255.
Butter-fish, 112, 158.
Catostomidæ, 43.
Butterfly Ray, 22.
Catostomus, 46.
Chen, 234.
Caucasian, 344.
Cavalla, 109.
Buzzard, 258.
CACHALOT, 333.
Cerulean Warbler, 302.
Calamospiza, 291.
Calcarius, 285.
Calico Bass, 115.
Cave Fish, 82.
Cave Salamander, 180.
Cavia, 318.
Cecomorphæ, 214.
Cedar Bird, 293.
Cemophora, 197.
Centrarchidæ, 113.
Calidris, 247.
Calomys, 321.
Centrarchus, 114.
Campephilus, 267.
Centrocyllium, 14.
Campostoma, 52.
Centropristis, 137.
Chelopus, 210.
Chelydra, 207.
Chelydridæ, 206.
Chenomorphæ, 227.
Cherry Bird, 293.
Chestnut-sided Warbler,
302.
Chewink, 289.
Chickadee, 310.
Chickaree, 323.
Chicken Hawk, 258, 259.
Chicken-Snake, 195.
Chilomycterus, 170.
Chimæra, 24.
Chimæridæ, 24.
364
INDEX.
Chimney Swallow, 270.
Chipmunk, 323.
Chippy, 288.
Chiroptera, 327.
Columba, 254.
Columbæ, 253.
Crocodilia, 187, 211.
Crocodilus, 187.
Chipping Sparrow, 288.
Columbidæ, 254.
Crossbill, 284.
Columbigallina, 254.
Cross Fox, 342.
Chloroscombrus, 110.
Chogset, 146.
Condylura, 327.
Chologaster, 83.
Chondestes, 287.
Chondrostei, 25.
Chondrotus, 179.
Chrœcocephalus, 220.
Chordata, 6.
Chordeiles, 270.
Chorophilus, 183.
Chrosomus, 53.
Chrysemys, 210.
Chub, 66, 140.
Chub-Mackerel, 107.
Chub-Sucker, 46.
Chuckle-headed Cat, 39.
Chuck-will's Widow, 269.
Colymbus, 215.
Compsothlypis, 299.
Conger, 91.
Conger Eel, 91.
Congo Snake, 176.
Connecticut Warbler,304.
Contopus, 274.
Conurus, 264.
Coot, 242.
Copperhead, 199.
Coregonus, 77.
Cormorant, 225, 226.
Corn-Snake, 194, 196.
Corvidæ, 276.
Croṭalidæ, 198.
Crotalus, 199.
Crow, 277.
Crow Blackbird, 280.
Crymophilus, 243.
Cryptacanthodes, 159.
| Cryptacanthodidæ, 159.
Cryptobranchidæ, 176.
Cryptobranchus, 177.
Crystallaria, 123.
Ctenolabrus, 146.
Cuckoo, 265.
Cuculidæ, 265.
Cunner, 146.
Curlew, 248, 249.
Cusk, 162.
Cutlass-fish, 104.
Cut-lips, 49, 54.
Cutwater, 222.
Cyanocitta, 277.
Cycleptus, 46.
Cyclophis, 195.
Cyclopteridæ, 154.
Cyclopterus, 154.
Cyclostomi, 9.
Corvina, 143.
Corvus, 277.
Ciconiidæ, 237.
Corynorhinus, 329.
Coryphæna, 112.
Cigar-fish, 108.
Coryphænidæ, 112.
Cinclus, 311.
Cottidæ, 147.
Circus, 257.
Cottogaster, 125.
Cirrostomi, 8.
Cotton-mouth, 199.
Cisco, 78.
Cotton-tail, 317.
Cistothorus, 308.
Cottus, 148.
Cistudo, 210.
Coturnicops, 241.
Citharichthys, 167.
Coturniculus, 281.
Cynomys, 323.
Clamatores, 271.
Clam-Cracker, 22.
Clangula, 233.
Clapper Rail, 241.
Cliff Swallow, 292.
Cling-fish, 155.
Cougar, 343.
Cow-Bird, 278.
Cow-fish, 332.
Coturnix, 252.
Cynoperca, 135.
Couesius, 65.
Cynoscion, 142.
Cyprinella, 58.
Cynomyonax, 341.
Crab-eater, 103.
Cow-nosed Ray, 23.
Clinostomus, 67.
Coyote, 342.
Cliola, 54.
Clivicola, 293.
Craig-fluke, 168.
Clupea, 72.
Crake, 241.
Clupeidæ, 71.
Cramp-fish, 22.
Cnemidophorus, 201.
Crane, 240.
Coal-fish, 163.
Craniota, 6.
Cobia, 103.
Crappie, 115.
Coccothraustes, 283.
Creciscus, 241.
Coccyzus, 265.
Creek Chub, 66.
Cod-fish, 161, 163.
Coccyges, 265.
Codling, 162.
Colaptes, 268.
Colinus, 252.
Coluber, 194.
Colubridæ, 188.
Cyprinidæ, 49.
Cyprinodon, 84.
Cyprinodontidæ, 83.
Cyprinus, 50.
Cypselurus, 95.
DAB, 165, 167.
Dace, 58.
Dab-chick, 215.
Daddy Sculpin, 150.
Crawl-a-Bottom, 46, 126. | Dafila, 231.
Creek-fish, 46.
Creeper, 300.
Crevallé, 109.
Cricket Frog, 183.
Cristivomer, 80.
Croaker, 143.
Darter (bird), 225.
Darter (fish), 121.
Dasyatidæ, 22.
Dasyatis, 22.
Day Owl, 263.
Decactylus, 46.
Decapterus, 108.
Deer, 335, 336.
INDEX.
365
Diapterus, 145.
Delphinapterus, 331.
Delphinidæ, 330.
Delphinus, 331.
Dendragapus, 252.
Dendroica, 299.
Dermochelydidæ, 204.
Dermochelys, 204.
Desmognathidæ, 180.
Desmognathus, 180.
Diadophis, 196.
Diamond-back, 209.
Dichromanassa, 238.
Echelidæ, 90.
Echelus, 90.
Echeneididæ, 102.
Eucalia, 97.
Eulamia, 17.
Euleptorhamphus, 93.
Echeneis, 102.
Eumeces, 201.
Echinorhinus, 14.
Eumesogrammus, 159.
Ectopistes, 254.
Eumicrotremus, 154.
Educabilia, 315.
Eupomotis, 119.
Eel, 89, 90.
Eurhipiduræ, 212.
Eel-back Flounder, 167. Eutainia, 192.
Eel-Pout, 160.
Eutheria, 314.
Eft, 181.
Euthynnus, 106.
Egret, 238.
Eider Duck, 233.
Dick-sissel, 290.
Elacate, 103.
Evet, 181.
Didelphia, 314.
Elacatidæ, 103.
Didelphididæ, 316.
Elagatis, 111.
Didelphis, 316.
Elanoides, 257.
Diedapper, 215.
Elanus, 257.
Diemyctylus, 181.
Elapidæ, 198.
Diodontidæ, 170.
Elaps, 198.
Diomedeidæ, 223.
Elassoma, 113.
Dionda, 53.
Elassomatidæ, 113.
Diplesion, 125.
Electric Ray, 21.
Dipnoi, 12, 173.
Elk, 336.
Evening Grosbeak, 283.
Eventognathi, 26, 42.
Evotomys, 320.
Exocœtidæ, 91.
Exocœtus, 93.
Exoglossum, 54.
FALCO, 260.
Falcon, 256, 260.
Falconidæ, 256.
Fall-fish, 59, 66.
Dipper, 233, 311.
Elopidæ, 70.
Farancia, 191.
Discocephali, 102.
Elops, 70.
Felidæ, 342.
Diver, 216.
Empidonax, 275.
Felis, 343.
Diving-birds, 214.
Dog, 341, 342.
Dog-fish, 15, 37, 87.
Emydidæ, 208.
Feræ, 337.
Emys, 210.
Ferret, 341.
Engraulis, 74.
Fiber, 320.
Dog-Shark, 16.
Dolichonyx, 278.
Dollar-fish, 112.
Dolly Varden Trout, 80.
Dolphin (fish), 112.
Dolphin (mammal), 330,
331.
Donzella, 160.
Dorosoma, 74.
Dough Bird, 249.
Dove, 253, 254.
Dovekie, 218.
Dowitcher, 245.
Drum, 141, 144.
Dryobates, 267.
Dublin Trout, 81.
Duck, 227, 229.
Duck-bill Cat, 33.
Duck Hawk, 260.
Dunlin, 247.
Dytes, 215.
EAGLE, 259.
Engystoma, 184.
Engystomatidæ, 184.
Enneacanthus, 116.
Enteropneusta, 6.
Epelasmia, 146.
Ephippidæ, 146.
Epinephelus, 138.
Equus, 335.
Eremophila, 276.
Erethizon, 318
Eretmochelys, 205.
Ereunetes, 247.
Ericosma, 128.
Ericymba, 62.
Erimyzon, 46.
Erionetta, 233.
Erismatura, 234.
Ermine, 341.
Esocidæ, 88.
Esox, 88.
Esquimaux Curlew, 249.
Etheostoma, 121, 131.
Etropus, 167.
Eagle Ray, 22, 23.
Etrumeus, 71.
Field-Mouse, 320.
Field Sparrow, 288.
File-fish, 169.
Fin-back Whale, 333,334.
Finch, 280.
Fine-scaled Sucker, 46.
Finner, 334.
Fire Bird, 279.
Firmisternia, 182.
Fish Crow, 277.
Fish-Duck, 228, 229.
Fishes, 12.
Fish-Hawk, 261.
Fishing-frog, 172.
Fissipedia, 337.
Fistulariidæ, 97.
Flannel-mouthed Cat,
39.
Flasher, 138.
Flat-fish, 163, 167.
Flat-head Cat, 41.
Flicker, 268.
Flat-headed Chub, 65.
Flocking Fowl, 232.
366
INDEX.
Florida, 238.
Flounder, 164, 166.
Flycatcher, 273, 274, 275.
Fly-catching Thrush,312.
Flying-fish, 93, 94.
Flying Gurnard, 152.
Flying Squirrel, 324.
Fool-fish, 169.
Fork-tailed Gull, 221.
Fox, 342.
Fox-Shark, 17.
Fox Snake, 195.
Fox Sparrow, 289.
Fox Squirrel, 324.
Fratercula, 217.
Fregata, 227.
Fregatidæ, 226.
Friar, 100.
Frigate Mackerel, 106.
Fringillidæ, 280.
Frog, 184, 185, 186.
Frog-fish, 172.
Frost Bird, 249.
Frost-fish, 76, 163.
Fulica, 242.
Fuligula, 232.
Fulmar, 223.
Fulmarus, 223.
Gaspereau, 72.
Gaspergou, 144.
Gasterosteidæ, 97.
Gasterosteus, 98.
Gavia, 219.
Gelochelidon, 221.
Gennaia, 260.
Geomyidæ, 318.
Geomys, 319.
Geothlypis, 304.
Gerres, 145.
Gerridæ, 144.
Giant Salamander, 176.
Ginglymodi, 25, 35.
Gizzard Shad, 74.
Glaniostomi, 25, 33.
Glass-Snake, 202.
Glaucionetta, 232.
Glires, 316.
Globicephalus, 331.
Glut Herring, 72.
Goshawk, 258, 259.
Gourd-seed Sucker, 46.
Grackle, 280.
Grallæ, 242.
Grampus, 332.
Grand-Écaille, 71.
Graptemys, 208.
Grass-Bass, 115.
Grasshopper
286.
Sparrow,
Grass-Snake, 195.
Grass-Sparrow, 286.
Gray-cheeked
312.
Thrush,
Gray Fox, 342.
Gray Gopher, 323.
Gray Hawk, 259.
Gray Jay, 277.
Grayling, 79.
Gray Owl, 262.
Gray Rabbit, 317.
Gray Snapper, 139.
Glutton, 340.
Glyptocephalus, 168.
Gray Squirrel, 323.
Gnatcatcher, 311.
Gnawers, 316.
Goat, 336.
Goatsucker, 269.
Gobiesocidæ, 155.
Gobiesox, 155.
Gobiidæ, 156.
Gobiosoma, 157.
Gobius, 157.
Gray Wolf, 342.
Great Auk, 218.
Grebe, 215.
Green Heron, 239.
Greenlet, 295.
Green Snake, 195.
Green Turtle, 205.
Green-winged Teal, 230.
Grind-Whale, 331.
Grizzly Bear, 339.
Fundulus, 84.
GADIDÆ, 161.
Gadus, 163.
Goby, 156.
Gadwall, 230.
Godwit, 247.
Gaff-Topsail, 38.
Goggle Eye, 115.
Gale, 341.
Goggler, 108.
Gronias, 41.
Grosbeak, 283, 289, 290.
Ground-Bird, 286.
Galeichthys, 39.
Galeocerdo, 16.
304.
Galeorhinidæ, 16.
Galeoscoptes, 307.
Galeus, 16.
Gallinæ, 251.
Gallinago, 245.
Gallinula, 241.
298.
Gallinule, 241.
Golden-crowned Thrush, Ground Dove, 254.
Golden Eagle, 259.
Golden-Eye, 232.
Golden Robin, 279.
Golden Shiner, 68.
Golden-winged Warbler,
Ground Hog, 323.
Ground Snake, 191.
Ground Squirrel, 323.
Grouper, 138.
Grouse, 251-253.
Grubby, 150.
Gruidæ, 240.
Golden-winged Wood- Grus, 240.
Gallus, 251.
pecker, 268.
Gambusia, 87.
Goldfinch, 285.
Guara, 236.
Guillemot, 217.
Gannet, 225.
Gold-fish, 50.
Ganoidei, 25, 32.
Gar-fish, 92.
Gar-pike, 35.
Garrot, 232.
Garter Snake, 192, 193.
Garzetta, 238.
Goody, 143.
Goosander, 229.
Goose, 234, 235.
Goose-fish, 172.
Gopher, 323.
Gopher Turtle, 211.
Guinea Hen, 251.
Guinea Pig, 318.
Guiraca, 290.
Gull, 219, 220.
Gull-billed Tern, 221.
Gulo, 340.
Gurnard, 152.
INDEX.
367
Gymnacanthus, 151.
Gymnosarda, 106.
Gyrfalcon, 260.
Herring, 71, 72.
Gyrinophilus, 179.
Herring Gull, 220.
Hesperiphona, 283.
Hesperocichla, 313.
HABIA, 290.
Hesperomys, 321.
Haddock, 163.
Hadropterus, 128.
Hæmatopodidæ, 250.
Hæmatopus, 250.
Hag-fish, 9.
Hierofalco, 260.
Hake, 162, 163.
High-Holer, 268.
Haldea, 192.
Himantopus, 244.
Herodiones, 235.
Heron, 237-239.
Heterodon, 197.
Heterosomata, 26, 163.
Hiatula, 146.
Hickory Shad, 74.
Hump-back Whale, 334.
Hybognathus, 53.
Hybopsis, 63.
Hyborhynchus, 54.
Hydranassa, 238.
Hydrochelidon, z22.
Hydrophlox, 59.
Hyla, 184.
Hylatomus, 268.
Hylidæ, 183.
Hylocichla, 312.
Hypentelium, 46.
Hyperoartia, 10.
Hyperoodon, 332.
Halecomorphi, 26, 36.
Hiodon, 69.
Hyperotreta, 9.
Half-beak, 93.
Hiodontidæ, 69.
Hypleurochilus, 158.
Haliæëtus, 259.
Hippocampus, 96.
Halibut, 165.
Halocypselus, 93.
Hammer-head, 46.
Hirundinidæ, 291.
Hammer-headed Shark,
Histrionicus, 233.
16.
Hog, 335.
Haplodoci, 154.
Hog-choker, 168.
Haplomi, 26, 82.
Harbor Porpoise, 331.
Harbor Seal, 338.
Hard-tail, 109.
Hare, 317.
Hare-lip Sucker, 49.
Harlequin Duck, 233.
Harlequin Snake, 198.
Harporhynchus, 307.
Harvest-fish, 112.
Harvest Mouse, 321.
Hawk, 257-259.
Hog-fish, 126.
Hog Molly, 46.
Hog-nosed Snake, 198.
Hog Sucker, 46.
Holbrookia, 203.
Holocephali, 24.
Holostei, 25.
Hominidæ, 344.
Homo, 344.
Hooded Warbler, 305.
Hoop Snake, 191.
Hystricidæ, 318.
IBIDIDÆ, 236.
Ibis, 236.
Ice-fish, 76.
Ice Gull, 220.
Ichthyomyzon, 10.
Ichthyopsida, 6.
Ictalurus, 39.
Icteria, 305.
Icteridæ, 277.
Icterus, 279.
Ictidomys, 323.
Ictinia, 257.
Ictiobus, 44.
Iguanidæ, 202.
Imostoma, 125.
Indian Hen, 237.
Hippoglossoides, 165.
Hippoglossus, 165.
Horned Dace, 66.
Hawk Owl, 263.
Horned Lark, 276.
Hawksbill Turtle, 205.
Horned Owl, 263.
Head-fish, 171.
Horned Pout, 40.
Heath Hen, 253.
Helinaia, 298.
Hellbender, 177.
Helminthophila, 298.
Helmitherus, 298.
Helodromas, 248.
Hemibranchii, 26, 96.
Hemichordata, 6.
Hemidactylium, 179.
Hemiramphus, 93.
Horned Toad, 203.
Horn-fish, 135.
Horn Snake, 191.
Horny-Head, 65.
Horse, 335.
Horse-fish, 109.
Horse-head, 110.
Horse-mackerel, 108.
Hound-fish, 92.
Hound Shark, 16.
Hemitremia, 55.
House Mouse, 322.
Hemitripterus, 148.
House Snake, 197.
Hen, 251.
Hen Hawk, 258.
Hermit Thrush, 313.
Herodias, 238.
House Sparrow, 284.
House Wren, 308.
Hudsonius, 57.
Humming Bird, 270.
Indigo-Bird, 290.
Ineducabilia, 314.
Insectivora, 324.
Ioa, 123.
Ionornis, 241.
Iridoprocne, 292.
Isesthes, 158.
Isogomphodon, 14.
Isospondyli, 26, 69.
Istiophoridæ, 103.
Istiophorus, 104.
Isuropsis, 18.
Isurus, 18.
Ivory-billed Woodpeck-
er, 267.
Ivory Gull, 219.
JACK-CURLEW, 249.
Jack-Rabbit, 318.
368
INDEX.
Jack-Snipe, 246.
Jæger, 218, 219.
Jay, 277.
Jerker, 65.
John A. Grindle, 37.
Johnny, 124.
Johnny Darter, 121.
Joint-Snake, 202.
Jumping Mouse, 318.
Jump-rocks, 48.
Junco, 288.
Jurel, 109.
Laniidæ, 294.
Lanius, 294.
Lanivireo, 296.
Lant, 101.
Look-down, 110.
Loon, 216.
Lophiidæ, 172.
Lapland Longspur, 285. Lophobranchii, 26, 95.
Laridæ, 219.
Lark, 275.
Lark Bunting, 291.
Lark Sparrow, 287.
Larus, 220.
Laughing Gull, 220.
Lawyer, 162, 244.
Least Bittern, 238.
Leather Carp, 50.
KENTUCKY WARBLER, Leather-Jacket, 108, 169.
304.
Kildeer, 249.
Killer, 331.
Killifish, 83-85.
King-bird, 274.
King Eider, 233.
King-fish, 105, 144.
Kingfisher, 265, 266.
Kinglet, 310, 311.
King Salmon, 79.
Kinosternidæ, 207.
Kinosternon, 207.
Leather-Turtle, 204, 206.
Leiostomus, 143.
Leirus, 111.
Leopard Frog, 185.
Lepibema, 137.
Lepidosteus, 35.
Lepisosteidæ, 35.
Lepisosteus, 35.
Lepomis, 116.
Leporidæ, 317.
Leptocardii, 8.
Leptocephalus, 90.
Lophius, 172.
Lophodytes, 229.
Lophophanes, 310.
Lords-and-Ladies, 233.
Lota, 162.
Loxia, 284.
Lucania, 86.
Lump-fish, 154.
Lump Sucker, 154.
Luscinia, 310.
Lutjanus, 139.
Lutra, 340.
Lutreola, 341.
Luxilus, 58.
Lycodidæ, 160.
Lynx, 343.
Lythrurus, 60.
Macrochires, 269.
MACKEREL, 104, 106.
Mackerel Shark, 18.
Mackinaw Trout, 80.
Leptoblennius, 159.
Macrochelys, 207.
Kite, 257.
Kit Fox, 342.
Macrorhamphus, 245.
Kittiwake Gull, 220.
Leptops, 41.
Mademoiselle, 143.
Knot, 246.
Lepus, 317.
Mad Tom (Noturus in-
Kogia, 333.
Leucosticte, 284.
Kyphosus, 140.
Limanda, 167.
Limosa, 247.
LABIDESTHES, 100.
Ling, 162.
Labridæ, 145.
Linnet, 284.
Lacertilia, 200.
Liopeltis, 195.
Lady-fish, 70.
Liopsetta, 167.
Limicolæ, 242.
signis), 42.
Magpie, 276.
Malaclemmys, 208.
Mallard Duck, 230.
Mallotus, 76.
Malthe, 172.
Malthidæ, 171.
Mammalia, 314.
Lagenorhynchus, 331.
Liparididæ, 153.
Mammals, 314.
Lagocephalus, 170.
Liparis, 153.
Lagochila, 49.
Lagodon, 140.
Lagopus, 252.
Lake Herring, 78.
Lake Sturgeon, 34.
Lake Trout, 80.
Lamellirostres, 227.
Lamna, 18.
Lamnidæ, 18.
Lamprey, 10, 11.
Lancelet, 8.
Lizard, 200, 203.
Lizard-fish, 75.
Lobotes, 138.
Lobotidæ, 138.
Log-cock, 268.
Log-Perch, 126.
Longe, 80.
Man, 344.
Man-eater Shark, 19.
Mangrove Snapper, 139.
227.
Man-o'-War Bird, 226,
Manta, 23.
Mareca, 230.
Marlin, 247.
Land-locked Salmon, 80.
Land Tortoise, 211.
Lanier, 260.
Loggerhead-Shrike, 294. Mantidæ, 23.
Loggerhead-Turtle, 205. | Map-Turtle, 208.
Long-eared Bat, 328.
Longipennes, 218.
Long-nosed Dace, 63.
Long-shanks, 244.
Longspur, 285, 286.
Marmot, 323.
Marsh Hare, 317.
Marsh Harrier, 257.
Marsh-hen, 241.
Marsh-Robin, 289.
INDEX.
369
Marsh-Wren, 308.
Marsupialia, 315.
Marten, 340.
Martin, 292.
Maryland Yellow-throat,
305.
Maskinongy, 89.
Massasauga, 199.
Mirror Carp, 50.
Mississippi Cat, 39.
Missouri Skylark, 306.
Missouri Sucker, 46.
Mniotilta, 298.
Mniotiltidæ, 296.
Moccasin, 194, 199.
Mocking-bird, 307.
Mocking Wren, 308.
Moharra, 144.
Mola, 171.
Mattowacca, 72.
May-fish, 84.
Meadow Mouse, 320.
Mole, 326.
Meadowlark, 279.
Megalestris, 218.
Murre, 217.
Mus, 319, 320.
Musculus, 320.
Muskallunge, 89.
Muskrat, 320.
Musk Turtle, 207.
Mustela, 340.
Mustelidæ, 339.
Mustelus, 16.
Megalops, 71.
Molidæ, 171.
Molothrus, 278.
Megaptera, 334.
Megascops, 263.
Monacanthus, 169.
Mongolian, 344.
Melanerpes, 268.
Melanitta, 234.
Mongrel Buffalo, 44.
Mongrel White-fish, 78.
Melanogrammus, 163.
Moniana, 57.
Meleagris, 253.
Monkey, 343.
Melospiza, 289.
Monk-fish, 19.
Mutton-fish, 160.
Myadestes, 312.
Myiarchus, 274.
Myliobatis, 23.
Mynomes, 321.
Myxine, 9.
Myxinidæ, 9.
Myzonts, 9.
NANEMYS, 210.
Nanostoma, 129.
Nashville Warbler, 299.
Menhaden, 73.
Menidia, 100.
Menobranchus, 175.
Menticirrhus, 143.
Morone, 137.
Merlin, 260.
Menomonee White-fish,
77.
Monodelphia, 314.
Monotremata, 314.
Moon-eye, 69, 78.
Moon-fish, 109, 110.
Moose, 336.
Mossbunker, 73.
Necturus, 175.
Needle-fish, 91, 92.
Negro, 344.
Nematognathi, 26, 37.,
Neocorys, 306.
Neosorex, 325.
Neotoma, 321.
Mephitis, 340.
Motacillidæ, 306.
Merganser, 229.
Mother-of-Eels, 160.
Merluccius, 163.
Merula, 313.
Mesogonistius, 116.
Mouse, 319.
Mesoplodon, 332.
Methriopterus, 307.
Michigan Grayling, 79.
Michigan Herring, 78.
Microgadus, 163.
Microgobius, 157.
Micropalama, 245.
Microperca, 134.
Micropodidæ, 270.
Micropogon, 143.
Micropterus, 120.
Microsorex, 325.
Milk Snake, 197.
Mourning Dove, 254.
Mourning Warbler, 304.
Mouse-fish, 172.
Moxostoma, 47, 173.
Mud Cat, 41.
Mud Eel, 175.
Mud-fish, 37, 85.
Mud Hen, 242.
Mud Minnow, 87.
Mud Puppy, 175.
Mud Shad, 74.
Mud Sun-fish, 115.
Mud Turtle, 207, 210.
Muffle-jaw, 149.
Mugilidæ, 99.
Miller's Thumb, 148, 149. | Mule Deer, 336.
Milvulus, 274.
Mimus, 307.
Mullet, 99.
Nettion, 230.
Newt, 181.
Night Hawk, 270.
Night Heron, 239.
Nightingale, 310.
Night Jar, 269.
Nocomis, 65.
Nomonyx, 234.
Nonpareil, 290.
Notemigonus, 68.
Nothonotus, 130.
Notropis, 55.
Noturus, 41.
Numb-fish, 22.
Numenius, 248.
Numida, 251.
Nuthatch, 309, 310.
Nuttallornis, 274.
Nyctala, 262.
Nyctanassa, 239.
Nyctea, 263.
Mullet Sucker, 47.
Miniellus, 56.
Mink, 341.
Minnilus, 55.
Minnow, 49, 55.
Mullidæ, 141.
Nycticejus, 328.
Mullus, 141.
Nycticorax, 239.
Mummichog, 85.
Murænoides, 158.
OCEANITES, 224.
Minytrema, 47.
Muridæ, 319.
Oceanodroma, 224.
24
370
INDEX.
Ochetodon, 321.
Odontoglossæ, 227.
Oidemia, 234.
Old Squaw, 233.
Oligocephalus, 132.
Ochthodromus, 249.
Painted Turtle, 210.
Paludicolæ, 239.
Pandion, 261.
Panther, 343.
Paralichthys, 166.
Parexocœtus, 93.
Oligoplites, 108.
Paridæ, 309.
Oligosoma, 201.
Paroquet, 264.
Olive-backed
Thrush,
Parrot, 263.
312.
Partridge, 252.
Olor, 235.
Parula, 299.
Oncorhynchus, 79.
Onychomys, 321.
Ophibolus, 196.
Ophidia, 187.
Phalarope, 243.
Phalaropodidæ, 243.
Phalaropus, 243.
Pharyngognathi, 145.
Phasianidæ, 253.
Pheasant, 252, 253.
Phenacobius, 62.
Philohela, 245.
Phoca, 338.
Phocæna, 331.
Phocidæ, 338.
Ophidiidæ, 160.
Parus, 310.
Passenger Pigeon, 254.
Passerculus, 286.
Pavoncella, 248.
Orange-crowned War- Pea-lip Sucker, 49.
Pecora, 335.
Orange-throated War- Pediculati, 27, 171.
Phoebe, 274.
Phoxinus, 66.
Phrynosoma, 203.
Phycis, 162.
Phyllobasileus, 311.
Physalus, 333.
Physeter, 333.
Physeteridæ, 333.
Physoclysti, 26, 37, 91.
Physostomi, 26, 37.
Pica, 276.
Picariæ, 264.
Pici, 266.
Picidæ, 266.
Pickerel, 88, 89.
Picoides, 267.
Pigeon-Hawk, 257, 260.
Pig-fish, 140.
Passer, 284.
Passerella, 289.
Ophidion, 160.
Passeres, 271.
Ophisaurus, 202.
Passerina, 290.
Opisthonema, 73.
Pavo, 251.
Oporornis, 304.
Opossum, 316.
Peabody Bird, 288.
Opsopoodus, 68.
Peacock, 251.
bler, 299.
bler, 303.
Pediocates, 253.
Orbidus, 170.
Pedomys, 320.
Orca, 331.
Peep, 246.
Orchard Oriole, 279.
Pekan, 341.
Oregon Robin, 313.
Pelecanidæ, 226.
Oriole, 279.
Pelecanus, 226.
Orthopristis, 140.
Pelican, 226.
Oryzomys, 321.
Pelidna, 246.
Osceola, 197.
Pelionetta, 234.
Oscines, 271.
Pelobatidæ, 182.
Osmerus, 76.
Perca, 134.
Osprey, 261.
Percesoces, 26.
Otocoris, 276.
Otter, 340.
Ouzel, 311.
Oven-bird, 304.
Ovis, 337.
Owl, 261, 262.
Ox, 336.
Ox-bird, 247.
Ox-eye, 249.
Percopsis, 82.
Pine Marten, 340.
Perisoreus, 277.
Pine Mouse, 320.
Perissodactyli, 335.
Pine Siskin, 285.
Pine Snake, 196.
Perch, 134.
Percidæ, 121.
Perciformes, 113.
Percina, 126.
Percopsidæ, 82.
Pigmy Sperm Whale,
333.
Pike, 88, 89.
Piked Whale, 344.
Pike Perch, 135.
Pilot-fish, 77, 110.
Pilot Snake, 194.
Pilot Whale, 331.
Pimelepterus, 140.
Pimephales, 54.
Pine-creeping Warbler,
303.
Pine Grosbeak, 283.
Oxyechus, 249.
Oxygeneum, 52.
Oyster-Catcher, 250.
Oyster-fish, 146, 155.
PADDLE-FISH, 33.
Painted Bunting, 290.
Perissoglossa, 301.
Petrel, 223, 224.
Petrochelidon, 292.
Petromyzon, 10.
Petromyzontidæ, 10.
Peucæa, 289.
Pewee, 274, 275.
Phalacrocoracidæ, 225.
Phalacrocorax, 226.
Pin-fish, 140.
Pinicola, 283.
Pinnated Grouse, 252.
Pinnipedia, 337.
Pin-tail, 231.
Pipe-fish, 96.
Pipilo, 289.
Piping Plover, 250.
INDEX.
371
Pipit, 306.
Piranga, 291.
Pouched Gopher, 318, | Rabbit-mouth Sucker, 49.
319.
Raccoon, 338.
Pirate-Perch, 113.
Prairie Chicken, 252.
Raft Duck, 232.
Pisces, 12.
Prairie Dog, 323.
Raiæ, 19.
Pituophis, 196.
Prairie Hare, 318.
Pitymys, 320.
Placopharynx, 48,
Plagusia, 168.
Plataleidæ, 236.
Platophry's, 166.
Prairie Mole, 326.
Prairie Rattlesnake, 199.
Prairie Warbler, 303.
Prairie Wolf, 342.
Rail, 240, 241.
Rainbow Trout, 79.
Rain Crow, 265.
Rain-water Fish, 86.
Raja, 21.
Rajidæ, 20.
Rallidæ, 240.
Primates, 343.
Platygobio, 65.
Prionotus, 152.
Platypodon, 17.
Pristididæ, 20.
Platysomatichthys, 165. Pristis, 20.
Plautus, 218.
Procellaria, 224.
Plecotus, 329.
Procellariidæ, 223.
Plectognathi, 27, 168.
Procyon, 338.
Plectospondyli, 42.
Procyonidæ, 338.
Prodelphinus, 330.
Progne, 292.
Plectrophenax, 285.
Plegadis, 236.
Plethodon, 179.
Plethodontidæ, 179.
Pleurodelidæ, 181.
Prong Horn, 336.
Prosopium, 77.
Proteida, 175.
Rallus, 241.
Rana, 184.
Rangeley Trout, 81.
Rangifer, 336.
Ranidæ, 184.
Raptores, 255.
Rat, 321.
Rattlesnake, 198, 199.
Raven, 277.
Ray, 19.
Razor-backed Buffalo,
44.
Pleurolepis, 122.
Proteidæ, 175.
Pleuronectes, 166.
Protonotaria, 298.
Pleuronectidæ, 164.
Pseudemys, 209.
Plover, 249.
Pneumatophorus, 107.
Pseudotriacis, 14.
Pochard, 231.
Psittaci, 263.
Razor-billed Auk, 217.
Pseudopleuronectes, 167. Recurvirostridæ, 243.
Recurvirostra, 244.
Red Bat, 328.
Red-bellied Minnow, 53.
Podicipidæ, 215.
Psittacidæ, 264.
Podilymbus, 215.
Poecilichthys, 129.
Pogonias, 144.
Polar Bear, 339.
Polioptila, 311.
Pollachius, 163.
Pollack, 163.
Polyodon, 33.
Polyodontidæ, 33.
Pomatomidæ, 111.
Pomatomus, 111.
Pomolobus, 72.
Pomoxis, 115.
Pompano, 110.
Pond-fish, 119.
Pond Turtle, 208.
Poocætes, 286.
Porbeagle, 18.
Porcupine, 318.
Porcupine-fish, 170.
Porgie, 138, 140.
Ptarmigan, 252.
Pterophryne, 172.
Pteroplatea, 22.
Puffer, 170.
Puffin, 217.
Puffing Pig, 331.
Puffinus, 223.
Puma, 343.
Pumpkin-seed, 119,
Purple Finch, 284.
Putorius, 341.
Pygopodes, 214.
Pygosteus, 97.
QUA-BIRD, 239.
Quail, 252.
Quassilabia, 49.
Querquedula, 230.
Quill-back, 45.
Quinnat, 79.
Red-bellied Snake, 192.
Red-bellied Terrapin, 209.
Red-bellied Woodpecker,
268.
Red Bird, 289, 291.
Red-breast, 313.
Red Deer, 336.
Red Eft, 181.
Red Eye, 115.
Red-eyed Vireo, 295.
Red-fin, 58, 60.
Red-fish, 143.
Red Fox, 342.
Red Grouper, 138.
Red Head, 231.
Red-headed Woodpecker,
268.
Red Horse, 47, 173.
Red Mouse, 321.
Red-mouthed Buffalo, 44.
Redpoll, 284.
Red-poll Warbler, 303.
Red-shafted Flicker, 268.
Red Snake, 196.
Quiscalus, 280.
Poronotus, 112.
Porpoise, 331.
Porzana, 241.
RABBIT, 317.
Red Snapper, 139.
Potamocottus, 149.
Rabbit-fish, 170.
Red Squirrel, 323.
372
INDEX.
Redstart, 305.
Red-winged Blackbird,
279.
Reed Bird, 278.
Regina, 193.
Regulus, 310.
Reindeer, 336.
Remora, 102.
Remoropsis, 102.
Reniceps, 16.
Reptiles, 187.
Reptilia, 187.
Rhinichthys, 63.
Rhinonemus, 162.
Rhinoptera, 23.
Rhombochirus, 102.
Rhombus, 112.
Rhynchodon, 260.
Rhynchophanes, 286.
Rhynchopidæ, 222.
Rhynchops, 222.
Riband Snake, 192.
Rice Bird, 278.
Rice Mouse, 321.
Right Whale, 334.
Ring-billed Gull, 220.
Ring-necked Duck, 232.
Ring-neck Plover, 250.
Ring-neck Snake, 196.
Rissa, 220.
River Chub, 65.
River Duck, 228.
Roach, 66.
Robin, 313.
Robin Snipe, 246.
Roccus, 136.
Rock, 137.
Rock Bass, 115.
Round Pompano, 110.
Sciænidæ, 141.
Round Robin, 108.
Scincidæ, 200.
Ruby-throat, 270.
Scissor-tail, 274.
Rudder-fish, 110, 111, 140. Sciuridæ, 322.
Ruff, 248.
Sciuropterus, 324.
Ruffed Grouse, 252.
Sciurus, 323.
Ruminants, 335.
Sclerognathus, 44.
Scolecophagus, 279.
Scoliodon, 17.
Scolopacidæ, 244.
Runner, 108.
Rusty Blackbird, 279.
SABLE, 340.
Sail-fish, 104.
Sailor's Choice, 140.
Salamander, 175–177.
Salientia, 181.
Salmo, 79.
Salmon, 76, 79.
Salmonidæ, 76.
Salmon Trout, 80.
Salt-marsh Turtle, 209.
Salvelinus, 80.
Sand Darter, 122.
Sanderling, 247.
Sand-hill Crane, 240.
Sand Lance, 101.
Sand Martin, 293.
Sandpeep, 247.
Sand Pike, 135.
Sandpiper, 246–248.
Sand Shark, 18.
Sauger, 135.
Scolopax, 245.
Scomber, 106.
Scomberesox, 93.
Scomberomorus, 105.
Scombridæ, 104.
Scombriformes, 103.
Scorpænidæ, 147.
Scorpion, 201.
Scoter, 234.
Scotiaptex, 262.
Scrag Whale, 334.
Screech Owl, 263.
Sculpin, 147, 150.
Scup, 140.
Scuppaug, 140.
Scyphobranchii, 155.
Sea Bass, 135.
Sea Cat-fish, 38, 39.
Sea Coot, 234.
Sea Horse, 96.
Seal, 338.
Sea Raven, 148.
Sea Robin, 152.
Sea-side Finch, 287.
Sea Snail, 153, 154.
Sea Devil, 23.
Sea Duck, 228.
Sap Sucker, 267.
Sarda, 106.
Sault White-fish, 78.
Saurel, 108.
Sauropsida, 7, 187.
Saury, 93.
Sea Squirt, 7.
Rock-fish, 137, 147.
Savannah Sparrow, 286. Sebastes, 147.
Saw-fish, 20.
Sayornis, 274.
Scad, 108.
Rorqual, 333.
Scalops, 326.
Rockling, 162.
Rock Sturgeon, 34.
Rocky Mountain Sheep,
337.
Rodentia, 316.
Rose-breasted Grosbeak,
290.
Rose-fish, 147.
Rosy Gull, 221.
Rough-legged Hawk, 259.
Rough-winged Swallow,
293.
Round-fish, 77.
Round Herring, 71.
Scapanus, 327.
Scaphiopus, 183.
Scaphirhynchops, 34.
Scaphirhynchus, 34.
Scarlet Tanager, 291.
Scaup Duck, 232.
Sceloporus, 203.
Schilbeodes, 41.
Sciæna, 143.
Semotilus, 66.
Sergeant-fish, 103.
Serinus, 285.
Seriola, 110.
Serranidæ, 135.
Serraria, 127.
Serpent, 187.
Setophaga, 305.
Shad, 73.
Shad-waiter, 77.
Shag, 226.
Seiurus, 304.
Saw-whet Owl, 263.
Selachii, 14.
Selachostomi, 25, 33.
Scabbard-fish, 104.
Selene, 109.
INDEX.
373
Sharks, 14.
Snake-fish, 75,
Sharp-shinned Hawk, Snapper, 139.
257.
Shearwater, 223, 224,
Sheep, 336.
Sheepshead, 140, 144.
Sheldrake, 229.
Shiner, 58, 68.
Shore-birds, 242.
Shore Lark, 276.
Shore Sparrow, 286.
Shoveller, 231.
Shovel-nosed Sturgeon,
34.
Shrew, 325.
Snapping Turtle,
207.
Snipe, 244-245.
Snow Bird, 288.
Snow Bunting, 285.
Snow Goose, 234.
Snowy Owl, 263.
Snuffer, 331.
Spoon-bill (fish), 33.
Spoon-bill (bird), 236.
206, Spoon-bill Duck, 231.
Spot, 143.
Spotted Adder, 197.
Spotted Dolphin, 330.
Spreading Adder, 197.
Sprig-tail, 231.
Spruce Partridge, 252.
Squali, 14.
Soft-shelled Turtle, 205, Squalidæ, 15.
206.
Sole, 168.
Solitaire, 312.
Somateria, 233.
Somniosidæ, 15.
Squalius, 66.
Squalus, 15.
Squatarola, 249.
Shrew Mouse, 325.
Shrike, 294.
Sialia, 313.
Sibbaldius, 334.
Sicklebill, 248.
Siluridæ, 38.
Silver-bottom
334.
Silver Eel, 104.
Silver-Fin, 58.
Silver-fish, 71.
Somniosus, 15.
Song Sparrow, 289.
Sora, 241.
Sorex, 325.
Soricidæ, 325.
Whale, Soriciscus, 326.
Silver Fox, 342.
Silver Gar, 92.
Silver Hake, 163.
Silver Perch, 143.
Silversides, 99, 100.
Silver Whiting, 144.
Siphostoma, 96.
Siredon, 177.
Siren, 175.
Sirenidæ, 175.
Siskin, 285.
Sistrurus, 199.
Sitta, 309.
Skate, 21.
Skim-back, 45.
Skimmer, 222.
Skink, 200.
Skip-jack, 111.
Skipper, 93.
South-Southerly, 233.
Spade-fish, 146.
Spade-foot, 183.
Spanish Mackerel, 105.
Sparidæ, 138.
Sparrow, 284.
Sparrowhawk, 260
Sparrow Owl, 262.
Spatula, 231.
Spawn-eater, 57.
Spear-fish, 104.
Speckle-bill, 234.
Speckled Tortoise, 210.
Speckled Trout, 80.
Spelerpes, 180.
Speotyto, 263.
Spermophilus, 323.
Sperm Whale, 333.
Sperm-whale Porpoise,
332.
Squatina, 19.
Squatinidæ, 19.
Squawk, 239.
Squeteague, 142.
Squirrel, 322, 323.
Stake Driver, 237.
Star-gazer, 156.
Star-nosed Mole, 327.
Steganopodes, 224.,
Steganopus, 243.
Stelgidopteryx, 293.
Stenotomus, 140.
Stercorariidæ, 218.
Stercorarius, 219.
Sterna, 221.
Stichæus, 159.
Stickleback, 97, 98.
Stilt, 244.
Stilt Sandpiper, 245.
Stingaree, 22.
Sting-ray, 22.
Stizostedion, 135.
Stoasodon, 23.
Stock-fish, 163.
Stolephoridæ, 74.
Stolephorus, 74.
Stone Cat, 41.
Stone Lugger, 46, 52.
Stone Roller, 46, 52.
Sphyræna, 100.
Sphyrænidæ, 100.
Stone Snipe, 247.
Sphyrapicus, 268.
Stone Toter, 46, 54.
Skua Gull, 218.
Sphyrna, 16.
Skunk, 340.
Sphyrnidæ, 15.
Storeria, 192.
Stork, 237.
Skunk Porpoise, 331.
Spilogale, 340.
Storm Petrel, 224.
Skylark, 276.
Spinus, 285.
Strawberry Bass, 115.
Sleeper, 15.
Spiny-rayed Fishes, 101. Strigidæ, 261.
Slow-worm, 201.
Spirit Duck, 233.
Striped Bass, 137.
Smelt, 76.
Spiza, 290.
Striped Gopher, 323.
Snake, 188.
Spizella, 288.
Striped Snake, 193.
Snake-bird, 225.
Split-mouth, 49.
Striped Sucker, 47.
374
INDEX.
Strix, 261.
Stromateidæ, 111.
Tantalus, 237.
Tanagridæ, 291.
Tongue-fish, 168.
Toothed Herring, 69.
Stromateus, 112.
Tarpon, 71.
Top-Minnow, 86, 87.
Stud-fish, 85.
Tarpum, 71.
Sturgeon, 33, 34.
Tattler, 248.
Torpedinidæ, 21.
Torpedo, 22.
Sturnella, 279.
Tauridea, 148.
Tortoise, 204.
Sucker, 43, 46.
Tautog, 146.
Tortoise-shell Turtle, 205.
Sucker-mouthed Buffalo,
Tawny Thrush, 312.
Totanus, 247.
44.
Taxidea, 340.
Towhee, 289.
Sucking-fish, 102.
Teal, 230.
Toxicophis, 199.
Sula, 225.
Teeter-tail, 248.
Sulidæ, 225.
Teidæ, 201.
334.
Teleostei, 26, 37.
Teleostomi, 25,
Terrapin, 209.
Testudinata, 203
Testudinidæ, 211.
Tetraodontidæ, 169.
Tringa, 246.
Swallow, 291, 292
Tetraonidæ, 251.
Swamp Sparrow 289.
Tetrapturus, 104.
Swan, 235.
Thalarctos, 339.
Trochilidæ, 270.
Sweet Sucker, 46
Swell-fish, 169, 170.
Swell-toad, 170.
Swift (reptile), 203.
Thalasseus, 221.
Trochilus, 270.
Swift (bird), 270.
Swingle-tail, 17.
Sword-fish, 103.
Sword-Grampus, 331
Sylvania, 305.
Thalassochelys, 205
Thimble-eye, 107.
Thistle-bird, 285.
Thomomys, 319.
Thrasher, 307.
Thread-fish, 109
Thread Herring, 73.
Thresher, 17.
Troglodytes, 308.
Sylviidæ, 310.
Symphemia, 248
Symphurus, 168.
Thrush, 311, 312.
Thryomanes, 308.
Sulphur-bottom Whale, Teleocephali, 37.
Summer Red-bird, 291.
Summer Warbler, 301.
Sunapee Trout, 81.
Sun-fish, 113, 116-119,
171.
Surf-bird, 250.
Surf Duck, 234.
Surf Whiting, 144.
Surmullet, 141.
Surnia, 263.
Tell-tale, 247.
Telmatodytes, 308.
Tennessee Warbler, 299.
Tenpounder, 70.
Tern, 221, 222.
Trachinotus, 110.
Trachurops, 108.
Trachurus, 108.
Trachystomata, 175.
Tree Frog, 183.
Tree Sparrow, 284, 288.
Tree Toad, 184.
Trichiuridæ, 104.
Trichiurus, 104.
Trigger-fish, 168, 169.
Triglidæ, 152.
Triglops, 151.
Triglopsis, 150.
Trionychidæ, 205.
Triple-tail, 138.
Tailor Herring, 72.
Talpidæ, 326.
Tamias, 323.
Tanager, 291.
Synaptomys, 320.
Syngnathidæ, 95.
Synentognathi, 26, 91.
Synodontidæ, 75.
Thryothorus, 308.
Thunder-pumper, 144.
Thunder Snake, 196.
Thymallus, 79.
Tiger Shark, 16.
Tigoma, 67.
Troglodytidæ, 306.
Tropidoclonium, 192.
Tropidonotus, 194.
Trout, 79, 80.
Trout Perch, 82.
True Fishes, 25.
Trumpeter Swan, 235.
Trumpet-fish, 97.
Trunk-back, 204.
Trygon, 22.
Tryngites, 248.
Tubinares, 222.
Tufted Titmouse, 310.
Tullibee, 78.
Tunicata, 5.
Tinnunculus, 260.
Tunny, 106.
Turbot, 166.
Tiny Perch, 113,
Synodus, 75.
Syrnium, 262.
Tip-up, 248.
TACHYCINETA, 292.
Titlark, 306.
Tachysurus, 39.
Titmouse, 310.
Tadpole, 174.
Toad, 182.
Toad-fish, 154, 155.
Tobacco-box, 21.
Togue, 80.
Tom-cod, 163
Turdidæ, 311.
Turdus, 312.
Turkey, 253.
Turkey Buzzard, 256.
Turn-stone, 250.
Tursiops, 330.
Turtle, 203.
Turtle Dove, 254.
INDEX.
375
Tylosurus, 92.
Tympanuchus, 252.
Typlichthys, 83.
Tyrannidæ, 273.
Tyrannus, 274.
ULOCENTRA, 124.
Umbra, 87.
Umbridæ, 87.
Umbrula, 144.
Ungulata, 335.
Upland Sandpiper, 248.
Upsilonphorus, 156, 359.
Uranidea, 148.
Uranoscopidæ, 156.
Uria, 217.
Urinator, 216.
Urinatoridæ, 216.
Urochordata, 6.
Urocyon, 342.
Urodela, 175.
Urophycis, 162.
Ursidæ, 339.
Ursus, 339.
VAILLANTIA, 124.
Veery, 312.
Vertebrata, 5.
Vesperides, 328.
Vesper Sparrow, 286.
Vespertilio, 328.
Vespertilionidæ, 327.
Vesperugo, 328.
Vesperus, 328.
Vireo, 295, 296.
Vireonidæ, 294.
Vireosylva, 295.
Virginia, 191.
Vomer, 109.
Vulpes, 342.
Vulture, 255.
WAGTAIL, 306.
Wall-eye, 135.
Wapiti, 336.
Warbler, 296, 310.
Warbling Vireo, 296.
War-mouth, 115.
Water Dog, 175.
Water Hare, 317.
Water Shrew, 325.
Water Snake, 194.
Water Thrush, 304.
Water Turkey, 225.
Water Wagtail, 304.
Water Witch, 215.
Wax-wing, 293.
Weak-fish, 142.
Weasel, 341.
Whale, 333, 334.
Wharf Rat, 321.
Whipparee, 22.
Whippoorwill, 269.
Whiskey Jack, 277.
Whistling Swan, 235.
| White Bass, 137.
White-bellied Swallow,
292.
White Cat-fish, 39, 40.
White-crowned Sparrow,
288.
White-eyed Vireo, 296.
White-fish, 77.
White Perch, 137, 144.
White Rabbit, 317.
White Shark, 19.
White Sturgeon, 34.
White Sucker, 46, 173.
White-tailed Deer, 336.
White-throated Sparrow,
288.
White Whale, 331.
White-wing Blackbird,
291.
Whiting, 143, 144, 163.
Widgeon, 231.
Wild Cat, 343.
Wild Goose, 235.
Willet, 248.
Willow Grouse, 252.
Wilson's Thrush, 312.
Window-pane, 166.
Winter Flounder, 167.
Winter Wren, 308.
Wolf, 342.
Wolf-fish, 159.
Wolverine, 340.
Woodchuck, 323.
Woodcock, 245.
Wood Duck, 231.
Wood-Frog, 185.
Wood Ibis, 237.
Woodland Caribou, 336.
Woodpeckers, 266, 267.
Wood Pewee, 275.
Wood Rat, 321.
Wood Thrush, 312.
Wood Tortoise, 210.
Worm-eating Warbler,
298.
Worm Snake, 191.
Wrasse, 145.
Wren, 306, 308.
Wry-mouth, 159.
XANTHOCEPHALUS, 279.
Xema, 221.
Xenopterygii, 155.
Xenotis, 118.
Xerobates, 211.
Xiphias, 103.
Xiphiidæ, 103.
Xystroplites, 119.
YELLOW BASS, 137.
Yellow-bellied Terrapin,
209.
Yellow-bellied
Wood-
pecker, 268.
Yellow-bird, 285.
Yellow-breasted Chat,
305.
Yellow Cat-fish, 40.
Yellow-hammer, 268.
Yellow - headed
bird, 279.
Yellow-legs, 248.
Black-
Yellow Mackerel, 109.
Yellow Perch, 134.
Yellow-rumped Warbler,
302.
Yellow-shanks, 247.
Yellow-tail, 143.
Yellow-throat, 305.
296.
Yellow-throated Vireo,
Yellow-throated Warbler,
303.
Yphantes, 279.
ZAPODIDÆ, 318.
Zapus, 318.
Zenaidura, 254.
Ziphiidæ, 332.
Ziphius, 332.
Zoarces, 160.
Zonotrichia, 287.
Zygonectes, 86.

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