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THE BIRD BOOK[Illustration: 003]

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[Illustration: 004PASSENGER OR WILD PIGEONFemale. Male. Young. ]

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THE BIRD BOOK

ILLUSTRATING IN NATURAL COLORSMORE THAN SEVEN HUNDREDNORTH AMERICAN BIRDS;ALSO SEVERAL HUNDREDPHOTOGRAPHS OF THEIRNESTS AND EGGS

BY

CHESTER A. REED, B. S. 

[Illustration 005: Printer's Mark. ]

GARDEN CITY, NEW YORKDOUBLEDAY, PAGE & COMPANY

1915

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_Copyright, 1914, by_CHARLES K. REED

_All rights reserved, including that oftranslation into foreign languages, including the Scandinavian. _

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[Illustration 007: BARN OWL. ]

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[Illustration 008: TOPOGRAPHY OF A BIRD. ]

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Diving Birds. Order I. Pygopodes 10 Grebes. Family Colymbidæ 11 Loons. Family Gaviidæ 17 Auks, Murres and Puffins. Family Alcidæ 21

Long-winged Swimmers. Order II. Longipennes 35 Skuas and Jægers. Family Stercoraridæ 35 Gulls and Terns. Family Laridæ 38 Skimmers. Family Rynchopidæ 58

Tube-nosed Swimmers. Order III. Tubinares 59 Albatrosses. Family Diomedeidæ 59 Fulmars, Shearwaters and Petrels. Family Procellariidæ 61

Totipalmate Swimmers. Order IV. Steganopodes 72 Tropic Birds. Family Phæthontidæ 72 Gannets. Family Sulidæ 74 Darters. Family Anhingidæ 77 Cormorants. Family Phalacrocoracidæ 78 Pelicans. Family Pelecanidæ 83 Man-o'-War Birds. Family Fregatidæ 86

Lamellirostral Swimmers. Order V. Anseres 87 Ducks, Geese and Swans. Family Anatidæ 87

Lamellirostral Grallatores. Order VI. Odontoglossæ 115 Flamingoes. Family Phœnicopteridæ 115

Herons, Storks, Ibises, etc. Order VII. Herodiones 115 Spoonbills. Family Plataleidæ 115 Ibises. Family Ibididæ 117 Storks and Wood Ibises. Family Ciconiidæ 118 Herons, Bitterns, etc. Family Ardeidæ 119

Cranes, Rails, etc. Order VIII. Paludicolæ 127 Cranes. Family Gruidæ 127 Courlans. Family Aramidæ 129 Rails, Gallinules and Coots. Family Rallidæ 131

Shore Birds. Order IX. Limicolæ 137 Phalaropes. Family Phalaropodidæ 137 Avocets and Stilts. Family Recurvirostridæ 139 Snipes, Sandpipers, etc. Family Scolopacidæ 140 Plovers. Family Charadriidæ 161 Surf Birds and Turnstones. Family Aphrizidæ 169 Oyster-catchers. Family Hæmatopodidæ 170 Jacanas. Family Jacanidæ 172

Gallinaceous Birds. Order X. Gallinæ 175 Grouse, Partridges, etc. Family Odontophoridæ 175 Turkeys. Family Meleagridæ 178 Curassows and Guans. Family Cracidæ 191

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Pigeons. Order XI. Columbæ 192 Pigeons. Family Columbidæ 192

Birds of Prey. Order XII. Raptores 198 American Vultures. Family Cathartidæ 198 Hawks, Eagles, etc. Family Buteonidæ 201 Falcons, etc. Family Falconidæ 218 Osprey. Family Pandionidæ 225 Barn Owls. Family Aluconidæ 227 Owls. Family Strigidæ 227

Parrots, Paroquets. Order XIII. Psittaci 241 Parrots and Paroquets. Psittacidæ 241

Cuckoos, etc. Order XIV. Coccyges 241 Cuckoos, Anis, etc. Family Cuculidæ 241 Trogons. Family Trogonidæ 246 Kingfishers. Family Alcedinidæ 247

Woodpeckers, Wrynecks, etc. Order XV. Pici 249 Woodpeckers. Family Picidæ 249

Goatsuckers, Swifts, etc. Order XVI. Macrochires 262 Goatsuckers, etc. Family Caprimulgidæ 263 Swifts. Family Micropodidæ 268 Hummingbirds. Family Trochilidæ 271

Perching Birds. Order XVII. Passeres 280 Cotingas. Family Cotingidæ 280 Tyrant Flycatchers. Family Tyrannidæ 280 Larks. Family Alaudidæ 297 Crows, Jays, Magpies, etc. Family Corvidæ 300 Starlings. Family Sturnidæ 314 Blackbirds, Orioles, etc. Family Icteridæ 314 Finches, Sparrows, etc. Family Fringillidæ 324 Tanagers. Family Tangaridæ 369 Swallows. Family Hirundinidæ 372 Waxwings. Family Bombycillidæ 375 Shrikes. Family Laniidæ 376 Vireos. Family Vireonidæ 378 Honey Creepers. Family Cœrebidæ 385 Warblers. Family Mniotiltidæ 385 Wagtails. Family Motacillidæ 418 Dippers. Family Cinclidæ 419 Wrens. Family Troglodytidæ 423 Thrashers, etc. Family Mimidæ 429 Creepers. Family Certhiidæ 430 Nuthatches. Family Sittidæ 431 Titmice. Family Paridæ 431 Warblers, Kinglets, Gnatcatchers. Family Sylviidæ 433 Thrushes, Solitaires, Bluebirds, etc. Family Turdidæ 442Index 450

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[Illustration 011: BALTIMORE ORIOLE. ]

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THE BIRD BOOK

DIVING BIRDS. Order I. PYGOPODES

GREBES. Family COLYMBIDÆ

Grebes are birds having a ducklike body, but with pointed bills. Theirfeet, too, are unlike those of the Ducks, each toe having its separateweb, and having a broad flat nail. Their wings are very small for thesize of the body, making it impossible for them to rise in flight fromthe land. They rise from the water by running a few yards along thesurface until they have secured sufficient headway to allow them tolaunch themselves into the air. After having risen from the water theirflight is very swift and strong. On land they are very awkward and canonly progress by a series of awkward hops; they generally lie flat ontheir breasts, but occasionally stand up, supporting themselves upontheir whole tarsus. Grebes, together with the Loons, are the most expertaquatic birds that we have, diving like a flash and swimming for anincredible distance under water. 

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1. WESTERN GREBE. _Aechmophorus occidentalis_. 

Range. --Western parts of North America, from southern Alaska southward;east to Minnesota and south in winter to the southern parts of theUnited States and Mexico. Breeds from the Dakotas and northernCalifornia northward. These are the largest of the American Grebes;owing to their unusually long necks, they are frequently called "SwanGrebes. " They are very timid birds and conceal themselves in the rusheson the least suspicion of danger. At times, to escape observation, theywill entirely submerge their body, leaving only their head and part ofthe long neck visible above the water. This Grebe cannot be mistaken forany other because of the long slender neck and the long pointed bill, which has a slight upward turn. They nest abundantly in the marshes ofNorth Dakota and central Canada. Their nests are made of decayed rushes, and are built over the water, being fastened to the rushes so that thebottom of the nest rests in the water. The nesting season is at itsheight during the latter part of May. They lay from three to five eggs, the ground color of which is a pale blue; this color is, however, alwaysconcealed by a thin chalky deposit, and this latter is frequentlystained to a dirty white. Size 2. 40 × 1. 55. 

2. HOLBOELL'S GREBE. _Colymbus holboellii. _

Range. --Throughout North America, breeding from northern United Statesnorthward and wintering from the middle to the southern portions of theUnited States. In regard to size this Grebe comes next to the Western, being 19 in. In length. This bird can be distinguished by the whitecheeks and throat and the reddish brown foreneck. They breed abundantlyin the far north placing their floating islands of decayed vegetation inthe water in the midst of the marsh grass. They lay from three to sixeggs of a dingy white color which have the stained surface common toGrebes eggs. Size 2. 35 × 1. 25. 

[Illustration 013: Chalky bluish white, stained buff. ][Illustration: Western Grebe Holboell's Grebe. ][Illustration: White, stained buff. ][Illustration: Right-hand margin. ]

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[Illustration 014: Walter RaineNEST AND EGGS OF HOLBOELL'S GREBELake Winnipegosis, Manitoba. ]

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3. HORNED GREBE. Colymbus auritus. 

Range. --The whole of North America, breeding in the interior from NorthDakota northwest; winters along the Gulf Coast. This species is one ofthe most beautiful of the Grebes, having in the breeding season buffyear tufts, black cheeks and throat, and chestnut neck, breast and sides. They breed abundantly in the marshy flats of North Dakota and theinterior of Canada. They build a typical Grebe's nest, a floating massof decayed matter which stains the naturally white eggs to a dirtybrown. The number of eggs varies from three to seven. Size 1. 70 × 1. 15. Data. --Devils Lake, N. Dakota, June 20, 1900. 6 eggs much stained. Nestfloating in 4 ft. Of water, a large mass of rotten rushes and weeds. Collector. James Smalley. 

4. EARED GREBE. _Colymbus nigricollis californicus. _

Range. --North America west of the Mississippi, breeding from Texas toManitoba and wintering along the Pacific Coast of the United States andfrom Texas southward. 

Eared Grebes differ from the preceding in having the entire neckblackish. They nest very abundantly throughout the west, in favorablelocalities, from Texas to Minnesota and Dakota. Their nests areconstructed in the same manner as the preceding varieties and arelocated in similar localities. As do all the Grebes when leaving thenest, they cover the eggs with the damp rushes from around the base ofthe nest. This is probably for the purpose of assisting incubationduring their absence, by the action of the sun's rays on the wet mass. As they are nearly always thus covered upon the approach of anyone, thismay be done also as a protection from discovery. They lay from three toeight bluish white eggs with the usual chalky and discolored appearance. The breeding season is at its height early in June, or earlier, in thesouthern portion of its range. Size 1. 75 × 1. 20. Data. --Artesian, S. Dakota, June 21, 1899. Nest of rushes, floating in three feet of water. Large colony in a small lake. Collector, F. A. Patton. 

[Illustration 015: Horned Grebe. Eared Grebe. ][Illustration: Buffy white, nest stained. ][Illustration: Bluish white, stained. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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[Illustration 016: Walter RaineNEST AND EGGS OF HORNED GREBESaltcoats Marshes, Assiniboia, June 6, 1901. ][Illustration left margin. ]

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5. MEXICAN GREBE. _Colymbus dominicus brachypterus. _

Range. --Southern Texas and Lower California southward to South America, breeding throughout its range. 

The Least Grebe is by far the smallest of the Grebes in this country, being but 10 in. In length; it can not be mistaken for any other, theEared Grebe being the only species of this family found in the samelocalities during the summer. These little Grebes nest very abundantlyalong the Rio Grande Valley in Texas, the nesting season lasting fromthe latter part of May until well into December. 

Their nests are floating piles of grass and weeds upon which they layfrom three to five chalky white eggs, which are always discolored, sometimes to a deep chocolate hue. These eggs average a great dealdarker in color than do any of the other Grebes. In a series of fiftysets fully half were a rich brown tint. Size 1. 40 × . 95. 

6. PIED-BILLED GREBE. _Podilymbus podiceps. _

Range. --From the British provinces southward to Argentine Republic, breeding locally throughout the northern portions of its range. 

The Dabchick, as this bird is called, is the most evenly distributedbird of this family. It is nowhere especially abundant, nor is it, except in a very few localities, regarded as rare. Consequently it isthe best known bird of the species. They do not congregate in such largenumbers as the other Grebes during the nesting season, but one or morepairs may be found in almost any favorable locality. These birds rendertheir floating nest a little more substantial than those of thepreceding varieties by the addition of mud which they bring up from thebottom of the pond; this addition also tends to soil the eggs more, consequently the eggs of this bird are, as a general rule, browner thanthe other Grebes with the exception of the Least. The bird may always beknown by the shape of its bill which is higher than it is broad, and inthe summer is white with a black band across the middle. The throat isalso black at this season. They lay from five to nine eggs commencingabout the middle of May. Size 1. 70 × 1. 18. 

[Illustration 017: Deep buff or rich brown. ][Illustration: Mexican Grebe. Pied-billed Grebe. ][Illustration: Deep buff. ][Illustration: right-hand margin. ]

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[Illustration 018: PIED-BILLED GREBE. ]

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LOONS. Family GAVIIDAE

Loons may be likened to gigantic Grebes from which they differexternally, chiefly in the full webbed foot instead of the individuallywebbed toes of the Grebe, and in the sharper, more pointed andspear-like bill. These birds are similar in their habits to the Grebes, except that their homes are generally more substantially built and areplaced upon a solid foundation, generally upon an island in some inlandlake. 

Both Loons and Grebes are literally "Water witches, " being practically, and in the case of Grebes, actually, born in the water and living in itever afterwards. Loons are strong fliers, but like the Grebes, becauseof their small wings they must get their first impetus from the water inorder to rise; in case there is any wind blowing they also make use ofthis by starting their flight against it. They are very peculiar birdsand the expression "crazy as a loon" is not a fanciful one, being formedfrom their early morning and evening antics when two or more of themwill race over the top of the water, up and down the lake, all the whileuttering their demoniacal laughter. They vie with the Grebes in divingand disappear at the flash of a gun. 

[Illustration 019: EGG OF LOON. Dark greenish brown. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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7. LOON. _Gavia immer. _

Range. --North America north of the Mexican boundary, breeding from thenorthern parts of the United States northward. 

Unlike the Grebes, Loons do not build in colonies, generally not morethan one, or at the most two pairs nesting on the same lake or pond;neither do they seek the marshy sloughs in which Grebes dwell, preferring the more open, clear bodies of water. The common Loon may beknown in summer by the entirely black head and neck with the completeribbon of black and white stripes encircling the lower neck and thenarrower one which crosses the throat. The back is spotted with white. In some sections Loons build no nest, simply scooping a hollow out inthe sand, while in other places they construct quite a large nest ofsticks, moss and grasses. It is usually placed but a few feet from thewaters edge, so that at the least suspicion the bird can slide off itseggs into the water, where it can cope with any enemy. The nests arenearly always concealed under the overhanging bushes that line theshore; the one shown in the full page illustration, however, was locatedupon the top of an old muskrat house. The two eggs which they lay are avery dark greenish brown in color, with black spots. Size 3. 50 × 2. 25. Data. --Lake Sunapee, N. H. , June 28, 1895. Nest placed under the bushesat the waters edge. Made of rushes, weeds and grasses; a large structurenearly three feet in diameter. Collector, H. A. Collins. 

8. YELLOW-BILLED LOON. _Gavia adamsi. _

Range. --Northwestern North America, along the Arctic and northernAlaskan coasts. 

The Yellow-billed Loon with the exception of its whitish or yellowishbill in place of the black, is practically otherwise indistinguishablefrom the common Loon. It averages somewhat larger in size. This is oneof the most northerly breeding birds and it is only within a very fewyears that anything has been learned about the breeding habits. Theirnesting habits and eggs are precisely like the preceding except that thelatter average a little larger. Size 3. 60 × 2. 25. 

9. BLACK-THROATED LOON. _Gavia arctica. _. 

Range. --From northern United States northward, breeding along the ArcticCoast. 

This species can be easily separated from the Loon by the gray crown andwhite streaks down the back of the neck. Its size, too, is about fiveinches shorter. The nesting habits are the same as the Loons and theeggs have rather more of an olive tint besides having the majority ofspots at the larger end. Size 3. 10 × 2. 00. 

[Illustration 020: Loon. Black-throated Loon. ][Illustration: left-hand margin. ]

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10. PACIFIC LOON. _Gavia pacifica. _

Range. --Western North America along the coast chiefly, breeding fromAlaska south to British Columbia. In winter, south along the coast toMexico. 

This species differs from the Black-throated only in the tint of thehead reflections. The habits are the same as those of the other membersof the family. They lay two eggs of a greenish brown or greenish grayhue with black spots. Size 3. 10 × 1. 90. Data. --Yukon River, Alaska, June28, 1902. Nest of rubbish on an island; found by a miner. 

11. RED-THROATED LOON. _Gavia stellata. _

Range. --Northern parts of North America, breeding from southern Canadanorthward in the interior on both coasts. South to the middle portionsof the United States in winter. 

This is the smallest of the Loon family, being twenty-five inches inlength. In plumage it is wholly unlike any of the other members at allseasons of the year. In summer the back, head and neck are gray, thelatter being striped with white. A large chestnut patch adorns the frontof the lower part of the neck. In winter the back is spotted with white, whereas all the others are unspotted at this period. The nesting habitsare identical with the other species; the ground color of the two eggsis also the same. Size 2. 00 × 1. 75. 

[Illustration 021: Pacific Loon. Red-throated Loon. ][Illustration: PACIFIC LOON. Greenish brown or gray. ][Illustration: right-hand margin. ]

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[Illustration 022: J. A. Munro. NEST AND EGGS OF LOON. This nest is built on top of a Muskrat house. ]

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PUFFINS, AUKS and MURRES. Family ALCIDÆ

Puffins, Auks and Murres are all sea birds and are only found inlandwhen blown there by some severe storm of winter. At this season numbersof them are apt to lose their bearings and may sometimes be found withtheir feet frozen in some of our inland ponds. Puffins are heavily builtbirds in appearance, but are very active both on the wing and in thewater. Their wings are much larger comparatively than those of the othermembers of this family, so they are enabled to perform evolutions in theair, which are withheld from the others. They stand upright on the soleof the foot and are able to walk quite easily on land. Puffins have veryheavy and deep but thin bills, which are entirely unlike those of anyother bird and often give then the name of Parrot Auks. Puffins, Auksand Murres are otherwise recognized by the presence of but three toeswhich are webbed. 

[Illustration 023: NEST AND EGGS OF PIED-BILLED GREBE. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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12. TUFTED PUFFIN. _Lunda cirrhata. _

Range. --Pacific Coast from Alaska southward to southern California, breeding locally throughout their range. 

Tufted Puffins are the largest of the Puffins. In the breeding plumage, they are a sooty brownish or black color; the cheeks are white, and along tuft of straw colored feathers extends back from each eye; the billis bright red and greenish yellow. They breed commonly on theFarallones, where two or three broods are raised by a bird in a singleseason, but much more abundantly on the islands in the north. Theirsingle eggs are laid in burrows in the ground or else in naturalcrevices formed by the rocks. The eggs are pure white or pale buff andare without gloss. They very often have barely perceptible shellmarkings of dull purplish color. The eggs are laid about the middle ofJune. Size 2. 80 × 1. 90. Data. --Farallone Is. , May 27, 1887. Single egglaid in crevice of rocks. Collector, W. O. Emerson. 

13. PUFFIN. _Fratercula arctica arctica. _

Range. --North Atlantic Coast, breeding from the Bay of Fundy northward. Winters from breeding range along the New England Coast. 

The common Puffin has the cheeks, chin and underparts white; upper partsand a band across the throat, blackish. Bill deep and thin, and coloredwith red, orange and yellow. They breed in large numbers on Bird Rock inthe Gulf of St. Lawrence. The nest is either among the natural crevicesof the

[Illustration 024: Tufted Puffin. Puffin. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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rocks, or in burrows excavated in the ground by the birds. These burrowsvary in length from two and a half to four or five feet. Except upon thepositive knowledge of the absence of the bird, it is a hazardous thingto put the hand in one of these burrows for the bird can, and will nipthe fingers, sometimes to the bone. They lay but a single egg, usuallydull white and unmarked, but in some cases obscurely marked with reddishbrown. Size 2. 50 × 1. 75. Data. --So. Labrador, June 23, 1884. Single egglaid at end of burrow in the ground. Collector, J. H. Jameson. 

13a. LARGE-BILLED PUFFIN. _Fratercula arctica naumanni. _

A more northerly subspecies of the last, inhabiting the Arctic region onthe Atlantic side. The bird is somewhat larger but otherwiseindistinguishable from the common species. The eggs are exactly the sameor average a trifle larger. Size 2. 55 × 1. 80. Data. --Iceland, July 6, 1900. Single egg in hole under a rock. Collector, Chas. Jefferys. 

14. HORNED PUFFIN. _Fratercula corniculata. _

Range. --Pacific Coast from Alaska to British Columbia. The Horned Puffindiffers from the common in that the blackish band across the throatextends upwards in a point to the bill. Their nesting habits areprecisely the same as those of the preceding species. A single purewhite egg is laid; the shell is slightly rougher than those of theothers. Size 2. 65 × 1. 80. Data. --Round Is. , Alaska, June 24, 1884. Single egg laid at end of burrow in ground; no nest. Collector, G. L. Kennedy. 

15. RHINOCEROS AUKLET. _Cerorhinca monocerata. _

Range. --Pacific Coast, breeding from British Columbia northward andwintering southward to Lower California. 

The Rhinoceros Auklet or Horned Auk has a much smaller bill than thePuffins; in the summer this is adorned at the base by a horn from whichit takes its name. There are also slender plumes from above and belowthe eyes. Unlike the Puffins, these birds sit upon their whole tarsus. 

They nest on islands of the North Pacific Coast from Vancouvernorthward. A single egg is laid in crevices among the rocks or inburrows in the ground. It is similar both in size and shape to that ofthe Puffins, but is often quite heavily blotched with brown. Size 2. 70 ×1. 80. Data. --Unak Is. , Alaska, June 30, 1900. Egg laid in a fissure ofthe rocks; no nest. Collector, F. Weston. 

[Illustration 025: White. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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16. CASSIN AUKLET. _Ptychoramphus aleuticus. _

Range. --Pacific Coast from Alaska to Lower California, breeding nearlythroughout its range. 

A plain appearing bird about 9 in. In length, with blackish upperpartsrelieved only by a white spot over the eye; breast and throat gray andbelly white. This Auklet is fairly abundant on the Farallones, breedingon the lower portions of the island. The late Mr. C. Barlow says that itis found in deserted rabbit burrows and in all probability oftenexcavates its own burrows. It also nests among the cliffs placing itseggs among the rocks in any crevice or tunnel which may offer a darkretreat during the day for they are nocturnal in their habits. Thesingle egg which they lay is dull white in color, the inside of theshell being a pale green, which color can only be seen by holding theegg to the light. They are generally slightly nest stained. Size 1. 80 ×1. 30. Data. --Coronado Islands, Cal. , March 23, 1897. Single egg laid onthe bare ground at end of a burrow three and one-half feet long. Collector, E. A. Shives. 

[Illustration 026: Horned Puffin. Rhinoceros Auklet. Cassin Auklet. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ][Illustration: RHINOCEROS AUKLET. Color white, sometimes heavilyblotched, as above, and again unspotted. ]

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17. PAROQUET AUKLET. --_Phaleris psittacula. _

Range. --The Alaskan Coast, casually farther south in winter. 

This bird is about the same size as the preceding, and the plumage issimilar, except that it has no white spot over the eye, and the breastis white. It also has a slender plume extending from back of the eye. The bill is very peculiar, being quite deep and rounded and having anupward tendency. It is orange red in color. They breed very commonly onthe islands of Bering Strait. Their eggs are laid in the crevices of thecliff, often several feet in and by a crooked path so that it isimpossible to reach them. The single chalky white egg is laid in May. Size 2. 30 × 1. 45. Data. --Rocky Islet in the Aleutians, June 22, 1890. Single egg laid on bare rock in a deep crevice. Collector, Capt. S. Wilson. 

18. CRESTED AUKLET. _Aethia cristatella. _

Range. --Alaska Coast, similar in form and plumage to the latter, exceptthat the whole under parts are gray and it has a crest of recurvedfeathers. The nesting season begins in May, the birds nesting upon thesame islands and in the same kinds of sites as the last species. Thesingle egg is chalky white. Size 2. 10 × 1. 50. Data. --Unak Is. , Alaska, July 1, 1900. Egg laid in a crevice among the rocks. Collector, F. Weston. 

19. WHISKERED AUKLET. _Aethia pygmaea. _

Range. --The Alaska Coast. 

Much smaller than the preceding; but 7. 5 in. In length. Breast gray, belly white; a small tuft of recurved feathers on the forehead andslender white plumes from base of bill over the eye and from under theeye, backwards. The bill in summer is a bright vermillion color. On someof the islands of the Aleutian chain they breed quite abundantly. Thenests are placed back in the crevices of the rocks, where the singlewhite eggs are laid. Size 2. 00 × 1. 25. 

[Illustration 027: Paroquet Auklet. Crested Auklet. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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20. LEAST AUKLET. _Aethia pusilla. _

Range. --North Pacific on the islands and coast of Alaska. This is thesmallest of the Auklets; length 6. 5 in. This species has no crest, buthas the slender white plumes extending back from the eye. The entireunder parts are white sparsely spotted with dusky. This species is byfar the most abundant of the water birds of the extreme Northwest, andthousands of them, accompanied by the two preceding species, nest on therocky cliffs of the islands of Bering Sea. Their nesting habits are thesame as those of the other Auklets, they placing their single white eggon the bare rocks, in crevices on the cliffs. Size 1. 55 × 1. 10. Data. --Pribilof Is. , Alaska, June 8, 1897. Single egg laid in crevice. Thousands breeding on the island. 

21. ANCIENT MURRELET. _Synthliboramphus antiquus. _

Range. --Pacific Coast, breeding from the border of the United States, northward, and wintering south to southern California. 

The Murrelets have no crests or plumes and the bills are more slenderthan the Auklets and are not highly colored. The ancient Murrelet orBlack-throated Murrelet, as it is also called, has a gray back, whiteunder parts and a black head and throat, with a broad white stripe backof the eye and another formed by the white on the breast extending up onthe side of the neck. They breed abundantly on the islands in BeringSea, laying one or two eggs at the end of burrows in the banks or on theground, and in some localities in crevices on the cliffs. The eggs are abuffy white color and are faintly marked with light brown, some of thesebeing in the shape of spots and others lengthened. Size 2. 40 × 1. 40. Data. --Sanak Islands, July 1, 1894. Two eggs on the ground under a tuftof grass and in a slight excavation lined with fine grass. 

[Illustration: Least Auklet. Ancient Murrelet. Marbled Murrelet. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: Buff. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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23. MARBLED MURRELET. _Brachyramphus marmoratus. _

Range. --North Pacific Coast, breeding from Vancouver Island. South inwinter to southern California. 

In the breeding plumage, this bird is brownish black above, barred withrusty and below is marbled with brownish gray and white. Its nestinghabits and eggs are very similar to those of the Ancient Murrelet, theyplacing their single eggs in holes in the ground or crevices among thecliffs. Size 2. 20 × 1. 40. Data. --Chichagof Is. , Alaska, June 18, 1898. Single egg in crevice on face of cliff. Large colony breeding in companywith Ancient Murrelets. 

24. KITTLITZ MURRELET. _Brachyramphus brevirostris. _

Range. --North Pacific Coast in the Aleutian Islands and north toUnalaska, breeding on isolated islands throughout its range. Thisspecies is very similar to the Marbled Murrelet, the chief differencebeing in the bill which is shorted. They have been found breeding on thesame islands with the preceding species. Their single white egg is laidin crevices in the cliffs. Size 2. 40 × 1. 30. Data. --Sanak Is. , Alaska, June 25, 1890. Nest in a hollow under a bunch of rank matted grass. Manyancient Burrelets breeding on the same Islands. Collector, Capt. Tilson. 

25. XANTUS MURRELET. _Brachyramphus hypoleucus. _

Range. --Resident along the coast of southern and Lower California. 

This bird is blackish above and entirely white below, including thesides of the head below the eye. The whole of the under surface of thewing is also white. They breed on the coast islands from Santa Barbarasouthward. The single egg is laid at the end of a burrow or in crevicesamong the rocks. It is a pale buffy white in color and thickly, butfinely dotted over the whole surface with purplish brown, and with somelarger spots at the larger end. Size 2. 05 × 1. 40. Data. --GalapagosIslands, March 2, 1901. No nest. Single egg laid in a crevice in therocks. Collector, Rollo H. Beck. 

[Illustration 029: Buff. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: Pale Blue. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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26. CRAVERI'S MURRELET. _Brachyramphus craveri. _

Range. --Both coasts of Lower California, breeding chiefly on the Gulfside. Craveri Murrelet is very similar to the last except that the undersurfaces of the wings are dusky. Breeds on the islands near Cape St. Lucas, burrowing in the ground as do most of the others of this species. They lay a single egg, the ground color of which is buff; they are quiteheavily blotched with brownish. Size 2. 00 × 1. 40. 

27. BLACK GUILLEMOT. _Cepphus grylle. _

Range. --Coasts and islands of the North Atlantic, breeding from Mainenorthward to southern Greenland. Guillemots are larger birds than theMurrelets (length 13 inches) and their plumage is entirely different. This species in summer is entirely black except the wing coverts whichare white. The bases of the greater coverts, however, are black, thisgenerally breaking the white mirror as it is called. The under surfacesof the wings are white. Legs red. These birds breed abundantly on therocky islands and high cliffs along the coast. Soon after the first ofJune the eggs are laid in the crevices of the rocks and sometimes uponthe bare ledges. Two or three eggs make the set. The ground color is apale bluish or greenish white and the markings are various shades ofbrown and black. Size 2. 40 × 1. 60. Data. --Grand Manan, June 15, 1896. Two eggs laid in a cavity back of large boulder. No nest. Collector, D. H. Eaton. 

[Illustration 030: Xantus Murrelet. Mandt's Guillemot. ][Illustration: Bluish white. ][Illustration: Black Guillemot. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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28. MANDT'S GUILLEMOT. _Cepphus mandti. _

Range. --North Atlantic coast, more northerly than the preceding, breeding from Labrador to northern Greenland. 

The bird differs from the Black Guillemot only in having the bases ofthe coverts white also. The nesting habits and eggs are identical. Theynest in colonies of thousands and place the eggs upon the bare rock withno attempt at nest building. Generally the eggs are in the crevices soas to be difficult to get at. Size 2. 30 × 1. 55. Data. --Depot Island, Hudson Bay, June 6, 1894. Two eggs laid on bare rocky ground. CollectorJohn Comer. 

29. PIGEON GUILLEMOT. _Cepphus columba. _

Range. --The Pacific Coast of North America, breeding from southernCalifornia northward. This bird is very similar to the Black Guillemotexcept that the under surfaces of the wings are dark. They breedabundantly on some of the islands of Bering Sea and a few of them neston the Farallones. They lay their two eggs on the bare rock in darkcrevices. The color is grayish or pale greenish blue and the markingsare brown and black with paler shell markings of lilac. Size 2. 40 ×1. 60. Data. --S. Farallone Islands, Cal. Two eggs laid on gravel at theend of a burrow, about two feet from the entrance and 285 feet above thesea level. Collector, Claude Fyfe. 

30. MURRE. _Uria troile troille. _

Range. --North Atlantic coasts and islands, breeding from Bird Rocknorthward. Murres are similar in form to the Guillemots, but are larger, being about 16 inches in length. Entire head and neck sooty brown; restof upper parts grayish black except the tips of the secondaries whichare white. Under parts white. These birds nest by thousands on Bird Rockand on the cliffs of Labrador. They build no nests but simply lay theirsingle egg on the narrow ledges of cliffs, where the only guaranteeagainst its rolling off is its peculiar shape which causes it, whenmoved, to revolve about its smaller end instead of rolling off theledge. The eggs are laid as closely as possible on the ledges where theincubating birds sit upright, in long rows like an army on guard. Aslong as each bird succeeds in finding an egg to cover, on its returnhome, it is doubtful if they either know or care whether it is their ownor not. The ground color of the eggs vary from white to a deep greenishblue and the markings of blackish brown vary in endless patterns, someeggs being almost wholly unspotted. Size 3. 40 × 2. 00. Data. --SouthLabrador, June 19, 1884. Single egg laid on the bare cliff. Large colonybreeding. Collector, M. A. Grasar. 

[Illustration 031: Murre. ][Illustration: Pale bluish gray. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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30a. CALIFORNIA MURRE. _Uria troille californica. _

Range. --Pacific Coast, breeding from the Farallones north to Alaska. 

This Pacific form of the common Murre is the most abundant breeding birdon the Farallones. Their eggs are used in enormous numbers forcommercial purposes and these islands being located, as they are, withineasy distance from San Francisco, thousands of dozens of the eggs aresold yearly, chiefly to bakeries. Although continually robbed, theirnumbers have not as yet diminished to any great extent. They lay but asingle egg on the bare ledge. Individual eggs are indistinguishable fromthe last species but in a large series the ground color averagesbrighter. They show the same great difference in color and markings. Thefirst set is laid in May, but owing to their being so often molested, fresh eggs can be found during August. Data. --Farallones, July 4, 1895. Single egg laid on bare cliff. Collector, Thos. E. Slevin. 

31. BRUNNICH MURRE. _Uria lomvia lomvia. _

Range. --North Atlantic Coast, breeding range the same as the commonMurre. 

This species differs from the common Murre in having a shorter andthicker bill, the base of the cutting edge of which is less feathered. They breed on the same islands in company with the common Murre andtheir eggs are indistinguishable. Data. --Coast of South Labrador. Singleegg laid on ledge of cliff. About three hundred birds in the colony. 

[Illustration 032: Varies from white to greenish blue. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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31a. PALLAS MURRE. _Uria lomvia arra. _

Range. --The Pacific coasts and islands. 

This is the Pacific form of Brunnich Murre. Its breeding range is morenortherly than that of the California variety. Countless thousands ofthem breed on the islands off the coast of Alaska, their breeding habitsand eggs being the same as the more southern form. 

32. RAZOR-BILLED AUK. _Alca torda. _

Range. --North Atlantic coast, breeding from Bird Rock northward andwintering south to the Middle States on the coast. 

The Razor-billed Auk is in form similar to the Murres, but the bill isvery different, being deep and thin, and with the upper mandible roundedat the tip. Entire upper parts black shading to brownish on the throat. Under parts and tips of secondaries, white; line from eye to bill andanother across the middle of the bill, white. They nest in large numberson Bird Rock in company with the Murres and in still greater numbers offthe coast of Labrador. Their eggs are not placed in as exposed positionsas the Murres, being generally behind boulders or in crevices. This isnecessary because, not being of the pear-shaped form of the Murres, theywould be very apt to be dislodged if commonly placed on the narrowledges. The eggs vary endlessly in marking but do not show thedifferences in ground color that the Murres do. The color is white, grayish or buffy. But one egg is generally laid, although two aresometimes found. Size 3. 00 × 2. 00. Data. --Bay of Fundy. June 17, 1891. Single egg laid on bare rock in a crevice under loose rocks. Collector, A. C. Bent. 

[Illustration 033: Grayish white. ] [Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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33. GREAT AUK. _Plautus impennis. _

Range. --Formerly the whole of the North Atlantic coasts. Now extinct. 

These great auks formerly dwelt in large numbers on the islands of theNorth Atlantic, but owing to their lack of the powers of flight and thedestructiveness of mankind, the living bird has disappeared from theface of the earth. Although they were about thirty inches in length, their wings were even smaller than those of the Razor-billed Auk, a birdonly eighteen inches in length. Although breeding off the coast ofNewfoundland, they appeared winters as far south as Virginia, performingtheir migration by swimming alone. The last bird appears to have beentaken in 1844, and Funk Island, off the coast of Newfoundland, marks theplace of their disappearance from our shores. There are about seventyknown specimens of the bird preserved, and about the same number ofeggs. The immediate cause of the extinction of these birds was theirdestruction for food by fishermen and immigrants, and later for the useof their feathers commercially. The single egg that they laid was about5. 00 x 3. 00 inches, the ground color was buffy white, and the spotsbrownish and blackish. The markings varied in endless pattern as dothose of the smaller Auk. There are but two real eggs (plaster casts inimitation of the Auks eggs are to be found in many collections) incollections in this country, one in the Academy of Natural Science, Philadelphia, and the other in the National Museum, at Washington. Through the kindness of Mr. Witmer Stone, of the Academy of NaturalScience, we are enabled to show a full-sized reproduction from aphotograph of the egg in their collection. 

[Illustration 034: Great Auk Dovekie. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ][Illustration: deco. ]

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[Illustration 035: EGG OF THE GREAT AUK. Photographed from the specimen in the Academy of Natural Science, Philadelphia; not more than ten or twelve of these eggs are in thiscountry; the one figured is one of the best marked specimens. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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34. DOVEKIE. _Alle alle_. 

Range. --Coasts and islands of the North Atlantic and East Arctic oceans, breeding in the Arctic regions and wintering as far south as the MiddleStates. The little Dovekie or Sea Dove is the smallest member of thefamily, being only 8 inches in length, and is the only member of thesub-family allinæ. The form is very robust and the bill is short andstout. In summer the plumage is black above; the throat and upper breastare sooty brown, and the under parts are white, as are also the tips ofthe secondaries and edges of the scapulars. They nest in large numberson the Rocky cliffs of islands in the East Arctic. Their single palegreenish blue egg is placed in a crevice of the rocks. Size 1. 80 × 1. 25. Data. --Greenland, June 8, 1893. Single egg laid in a crevice of a seacliff. 

[Illustration: deco. ][Illustration 036: Dovekie. ][Illustration: Pale greenish blue. ][Illustration: MURRE--White, buff, or deep greenish blue. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS. Order II. LONGIPENNESSKUA AND JAEGERS. Family STERCORARIIDAE

Skuas and Jægers are birds having a Gull or Tern-like form and with ahooked bill, the base of which is covered with a scaly shield. They havewebbed feet and are able to swim and dive, but they commonly get theirliving by preying upon the Gulls and Terns, overtaking them by theirsuperior speed and by their strength and ferocity forcing them torelinquish their food. The Jægers especially are one of the swiftest andmost graceful birds that fly. 

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35. SKUA. _Megalestris skua_. 

Range. --Coasts and islands of the North Atlantic, chiefly on theEuropean side; rare on the Atlantic coast of North America. 

Skuas are large (22 inches in length) and very powerfully built birds, having the general form of a Gull. Their whole plumage is a dingybrownish black color, palest below. Breeds in Iceland and possibly onsome of the islands in Hudson Strait. The nest is a hollow on the groundin the marsh grass and is lined with grass. The two eggs which they layhave an olive greenish ground, spotted with dark brown. Size 2. 75 ×1. 90. 

36. POMARINE JAEGER. _Stercorarius pomarinus. _

Range. --Northern Hemisphere, breeding within the Arctic Circle, morecommonly in the Old World. 

In the breeding plumage, this Jæger has the crown and face blackish;back and sides of head, throat and under parts pure white, except thepointed stiffened feathers of the neck which are yellow. Back, wings andtail blackish, the latter with the two middle feathers lengthened aboutfour inches beyond the rest of the tail, and broad to the tips, whichare twisted so that the feathers are vertical. They breed throughout theArctic regions, but not as commonly in America as the following species. The nest is on the ground in the marsh grass and is made of grass andmoss. They lay two and rarely three eggs of an olive brown or greenishcolor. These are spotted with brown and black. Size 2. 20 × 1. 70. 

[Illustration 038: Olive brown. ][Illustration: Skua. Pomarine Jæger. ][Illustration: Deep olive brown. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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37. PARASITIC JAEGER. _Stercorarius parasiticus. _

Range. --Northern Hemisphere, wintering south to South America. 

The Parasitic Jæger is very similar to the Pomarine except that thecentral tail feathers are pointed and are straight instead of twisted. It is an abundant bird in Alaska, breeding from the Aleutian Chainnorthward. 

They locate their nests in the highest parts of marshy places, the nestitself being only a depression in the ground lined with grass and moss. The two eggs have an olive greenish or brownish ground and are markedwith various shades of brown and black. Size 2. 15 × 1. 65. 

38. LONG-TAILED JAEGER. _Stercorarius longicaudus. _

Range. --Arctic America; south in winter to South America. 

The long-tailed Jæger is, according to length, the largest of theJægers, being 21 in. Long; this is, however, due to the long sharppointed central pair of tail feathers, which extend about eight inchesbeyond the others, and from the most noticeable distinguishing pointfrom the former species. The plumages that have been described are thelight phases; all the Jægers have a dark phase in which the plumage is anearly uniform sooty brown, lightest below. 

The Long-tailed Jægers are the most numerous in Alaska and are even moregraceful in flight than are the Gulls and Terns, floating, skimming, sailing, plunging, and darting about with incredible swiftness and ease. Like the others of this family, they pilfer their food from the Gulls, and are also very destructive to young birds and eggs. Their eggs areeither laid on the bare ground or in a slight depression, scantily linedwith grasses. The eggs are indistinguishable from those of the precedingspecies except that they average a trifle smaller. Size 2. 10 × 1. 50. 

[Illustration 039: Brownish. ][Illustration: Parastic Jæger. Long-tailed Jæger. ][Illustration: Olive brown. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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GULLS and TERNS. Family LARIDÆ

Gulls are webbed footed birds having a slight hook to the end of theupper mandible. Their plumage is generally a silvery gray above andwhite below. They nest in large colonies, some on the islands of freshwater inland, but mostly on the sea coast. They procure their food fromthe surface of the water, it consisting mostly of dead fish and refusematter, and crustacea which they gather from the waters edge. When tiredthey rest upon the surface of the water, where they ride the largestwaves in perfect safety. 

Terns are birds of similar plumage to the Gulls, but their forms areless robust and the bills are generally longer and sharply pointed. Their food consists chiefly of small fish which they secure by hoveringabove the water, and then plunging upon them. They are less often seenon the surface of the water than are the Gulls. 

[Illustration 040: Walter Raine. CHARACTERISTIC NEST OF A LOON. ][Illustration: Left hand margin. ]

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39. IVORY GULL. _Pagophila alba. _

Range. --Arctic regions; south in winter to the northern border of theUnited States. 

The little Snow Gull, as it is often called, is eighteen inches inlength. In the breeding season the plumage is entirely white; the billis tipped with yellow and there is a red ring around the eye. TheseGulls nest in large colonies in the Arctic Regions, placing their nestson the high rocky cliffs. The nest is made of grass, moss and rubbish, and the three eggs are laid during June. The eggs are olive color andthe markings are dark brown. 

40. KITTIWAKE. _Rissa tridactyla trydactyla. _

Range. --North Atlantic and Arctic regions, breeding from the Gulf of theSt. Lawrence northward and wintering south to the Great Lakes and LongIsland. 

The Kittiwake is sixteen inches in length, has a pearly gray mantle, black tips to the primaries, and remainder of plumage white. Its hindtoe is very small being apparently wanting in the eastern form, while inthe Pacific it is more developed. These are very noisy Gulls, theirnotes resembling a repetition of their name. They are very common in thefar north, placing nests on the ledges of high rocky cliffs, often incompany with Murres and Auks. They gather together a pile of sticks, grass and moss, making the interior cup-shaped so as to hold their twoor three eggs. Large numbers of them breed on Bird Rock, they occupyingcertain ledges while the Gannets and Murres, which also breed there, also have distinct ledges on which to make their homes. The breedingseason is at its height during June. The eggs are buffy or brownish grayand are spotted with different shades of brown. Size 2. 25 × 1. 60. Data. --So. Labrador, June 15, 1884. Three eggs. Nest made of seaweed andmoss, placed on ledge of cliff. Many Murres nesting on other ledges. 

[Illustration 041: Ivory Gull. Kittiwake. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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40a. PACIFIC KITTIWAKE. _Rissa tridactyla pollicaris. _

Range. --Coast of the North Pacific, wintering south to California. 

The Pacific Kittiwake breeds in immense rookeries on some of the islandsin Bering Sea. They are well distributed over Copper Island where theynest in June and July, choosing the high ledges which overhang the sea. The nesting habits and eggs are precisely the same as those of thecommon Kittiwake. 

41. RED-LEGGED KITTIWAKE. _Rissa brevirostris. _

Range. --Northwestern coasts, breeding in high latitudes. 

This Kittiwake is similar to the preceding, with the exception that thelegs are bright red, the mantle is darker, and the bill is shorter. Thisspecies was found by Dr. Leonard Stejneger to be a very abundant nestingbird on islands in Bering Sea, selecting steep and inaccessible rocksand ledges on which to build its nest. Their nesting habits areprecisely the same as the Pacific Kittiwake, but they most often nest inseparate colonies, but can be distinguished readily when nestingtogether by the darker mantles when on the nest and the red legs whenflying. Grass, moss and mud are used in the nest. The ground color ofthe eggs is buffy or brownish, and the spots are dark brown and lilac. Size 2. 15 × 1. 50. 

42. GLAUCOUS GULL. _Larus hyperboreus. _

Range. --Arctic regions, south in winter to Long Island, the Great Lakes, and San Francisco Bay. 

This Gull shares with the Great Black-backed Gull the honor of being thelargest of the Gulls, being 28 inches in length. Mantle light gray; itis distinguished by its size and the primaries, which are white to thetips. A powerful bird that preys upon the smaller Gulls and also devoursthe young and eggs of smaller birds. 

They nest on the ground on the islands and shores of Hudson Bay, Greenland, etc. The nest is made of seaweed, grass and moss and isgenerally quite bulky. The two or three eggs are laid in June. They areof various shades of color from a light drab to a brownish, and arespotted with brownish and black. Size about 3. 00 × 2. 20. 

[Illustration 042: Brownish buff. ][Illustration: Red-legged Kittiwake. Glaucous Gull. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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42. 1. POINT BARROW GULL. _Larus barrovianus. _

Range. --Northwest coast from Bering Sea to Point Barrow. 

This species is almost identical with the Glaucus Gull, averagingperhaps a trifle smaller. Its standing as a distinct species is stillquestioned and has not yet been decided satisfactorily. Early in Junetheir nests are built on remote islands in Bering Sea. These nests arethe same as the last species, large piles of vegetation, hollowed on topfor the reception of the eggs. The eggs have the same variations incolor and markings as the Glaucus Gull. Size 3. 00 × 2. 10. Data. --Herschel Is. , Alaska, July 1, 1900. Nest made of seaweed andgrass; placed on the ground. Three eggs. Collector, Rev. I. O. Stringer. 

43. ICELAND GULL. _Larus leucopterus. _

Range. --Arctic regions, south in winter to the Middle States. 

This Gull in appearance is precisely like the two preceding ones but isconsiderably smaller; 24 inches in length. A very common bird in thenorth, breeding in colonies of thousands on many of the islands. It isregarded as one of the most common of the larger Gulls in Bering Sea andalso nests commonly in Hudson Bay and Greenland, as well as in theEastern Hemisphere. They nest indifferently on high rocky cliffs or onlow sandy islands. Except when the eggs are laid in a sandy depressionin the soil, quite bulky nests are made of seaweed and moss. The eggsare laid about the first of June; they number two to three and have aground color of brownish or greenish brown and are blotched with umber. Size 2. 80 × 1. 83. Data. --Mackenzie Bay, Arctic America. June 18, 1899. Nest made of seaweed and grass on an island in the bay. 

[Illustration: White. ][Illustration: Greenish brown. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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44. GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL. _Larus glaucescens_. 

Range. --North Pacific coast, breeding from British Columbia northwardsand wintering from the same country to southern California. 

This Gull is very like the preceding except that the primaries are thesame color as the mantle, and are tipped with white. Length about 27inches. Not so northerly distributed a bird as the previous ones, andconsequently better known. They breed in large numbers both on the highrocky cliffs of the islands along the coast and on the low sandy islandsof the Aleutian Chain. On Copper Island they breed on the inaccessiblecliffs overhanging the water. As in the case of the Iceland Gull, whenthe nests are on the cliffs, a large nest of seaweed is made, whereas ifthey are on the ground, especially in sandy places no attempt is made atnest-building. The eggs have a greenish brown ground color and darkbrown spots. Size 2. 75 × 2. 05. Data. --West Coast of Vancouver Island. June 20, 1896. Three eggs; nest made of seaweed. Located on a low ledge. Collector, Dr. Newcombe. 

45. KUMLIEN'S GULL. _Larus Kumlieni_. 

Range. --North Atlantic coast, breeding in Cumberland Sound and winteringas far south as Long Island. 

This bird differs from the Glaucous-winged only in the pattern of thegray markings of the primaries and in having a little lighter mantle. Itis quite common in its breeding haunts where it places its nest high upon the ledges of the cliffs. The eggs are not different apparently fromglaucescens. 

46. NELSON'S GULL. _Larus nelsoni_. 

Range. --Coast of Alaska. 

Plumage exactly like that of Kumlien Gull and questionably a newspecies. The nests and eggs are not to be distinguished from thepreceding. 

[Illustration 044: Iceland Gull. Glaucous-winged Gull. ][Illustration: Pale greenish brown. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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47. GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL. _Larus marinus_. 

Range. --North Atlantic on both the American and European sides; breedsfrom Nova Scotia northward and winters south to the Great Lakes and theMiddle States. 

The largest of the Gulls (thirty inches long) and unlike any other. Themantle is dark slaty black, and the primaries are black with white tips. The bill is very large and powerful and quite strongly hooked. They arequite abundant birds in their range, and are very quarrelsome, bothamong themselves and other species. They do not breed in as largecolonies as do the other Gulls, half a dozen pairs appropriating a smallisland to the exclusion of all other birds. They are very rapaciousbirds and live to a great extent, especially during the breeding season, upon the eggs and young of other birds such as Ducks, Murres and smallerGulls. They place their nests upon the higher portions of sandy islands. They are made of grasses and seaweed. The three eggs are laid early inJune; they are grayish or brownish, spotted with brown and lilac. Size3. 00 × 2. 15. Data. --South Labrador, June 21, 1884. Three eggs. Nest on asmall island off the coast; of grasses and moss. 

48. SLATY-BACKED GULL. --_Larus schistisagus_. 

Range. --North Pacific and Arctic Oceans. 

This Gull, which is similar to the Great Black-backed, but is smallerand has a lighter mantle, does not breed in any considerable numbers onthe American side of the Pacific. It nests in June on some of theislands in Bering Sea and probably more commonly farther north. Theyoften nest in company with other species, placing their small mounds ofseaweed on the ground on the higher parts of the islands. The full setcontains three eggs of grayish or brownish color, spotted with darkbrown or black. Size 2. 90 × 2. 00. Data. --Harrowby Bay, N. W. T. Canada, June 11, 1901. Nest of grass, roots and mud and lined with dry grass; onpoint making into the bay. Collector, Capt. H. H. Bodfish. 

[Illustration 045: Great Black-Backed Gull. Kumlien's Gull. ][Illustration: Grayish buff. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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49. WESTERN GULL. _Larus occidentalis. _

Range. --Pacific Coast, breeding from southern California to BritishColumbia. 

This bird, which is the most southerly distributed of the larger Gullsis twenty-four inches in length. Mantle slate colored; primaries black, both these and the secondaries being broadly tipped with white. TheseGulls nest abundantly on the Farallones, the majority of them showing apreference for the lower portions of the island, although they nest onthe ledges also. Besides man, these Gulls are the greatest enemies thatthe Murres have to content against. They are always on the watch and ifa Murre leaves its nest, one of the Gulls is nearly always ready topounce upon the egg and carry it away bodily in his bill. The Gulls toosuffer when the eggers come, for their eggs are gathered up with theMurres for the markets. They make their nests of weeds and grass, andduring May and June lay three eggs showing the usual variations of colorcommon to the Gulls eggs. Size 2. 75 × 1. 90. 

50. SIBERIAN GULL. _Larus affinis. _

This bird does not nest in North America, and has a place on our list, by its accidental occurrence in Greenland. It is an Old World speciesand its nesting habits and eggs are like those of the Herring Gull. 

51. HERRING GULL. _Larus argentatus. _

Range. --Whole of the Northern Hemisphere, breeding from Maine andBritish Columbia northward and wintering south to the Gulf. 

This Gull, which formerly was No. 51a, a subspecies of the Europeanvariety, is now regarded as identical with it, and is no longer asub-species. It is twenty-four inches in length, has a light gray mantleand black primaries which are tipped with white. The Herring Gulls nestin colonies in favorable localities throughout their range, chiefly onthe coasts and islands. A few pairs also nest on islands in some of theinland bodies of fresh water. Except in places where they arecontinually molested, when they will build in trees, they place theirnests on the ground either making no nest on the bare sand, or buildinga bulky nest of seaweed in the grass on higher parts of the island. Theylay three eggs of a grayish color marked with brown. In rare casesunspotted bluish white eggs are found. Size 2. 80 × 1. 70. 

[Illustration 046: Western Gull. Herring Gull. ][Illustration: Buff. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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52. VEGA GULL. _Larus vegae. _

Range. --Coast of Alaska, south in winter to California. 

Similar to the Herring Gull, but with the mantle darker, but not so darkas in the Western Gull. The nesting habits and eggs are the same asthose of the Herring Gull, except that in a series, the eggs of the Vegawill average a little darker in ground color. It nests during May on thecoasts and islands of Bering Sea, placing its eggs in a hollow on theground. Size 2. 75 × 1. 65. 

53. CALIFORNIA GULL. _Larus californicus. _

Range. --Western North America, breeding in the interior. 

A smaller Gull than the Herring with the primaries grayish instead ofblack; length twenty-five inches. This Gull is found in winter on thecoast from British Columbia southward to Lower California, but nests inthe interior from Utah northward. They nest very abundantly around theGreat Salt Lake, placing their nests generally upon the bare ground. Sometimes there is a scant lining of grasses or weeds and again thenests will be situated in the midst of a tussock of grass. Three or foureggs generally constitute a set, but occasionally five are laid. Theusual nesting time is during May. They show the same great variations incolor and markings common to most of the Gulls. Size 2. 60 × 1. 80. 

54. RING-BILLED GULL. _Larus delawarenis. _

Range. --Whole of North America, breeding from the United Statesnorthward and wintering south to the Gulf States. 

A small Gull, eighteen inches in length, with a light gray mantle, blackprimaries with white tips, and always to be distinguished in thebreeding season by the black band around the middle of the greenishyellow bill. They nest in enormous colonies on islands in the interiorof the country and in smaller colonies on the coasts. Thousands of thembreed on the lakes of the Dakotas and northward. The majority of themnest on the ground, although on the coast they are often found on thecliffs. They commonly lay three eggs placing them in a slight hollow inthe ground, generally on the grassy portions of the islands. The colorvaries from grayish to brownish, marked with brown and lilac. The heightof the nesting season is in June. Size of eggs, 2. 80 × 1. 75. 

[Illustration 047: Grayish brown. ][Illustration: Ring-billed Gull. California Gull. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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55. SHORT-BILLED GULL. _Larus brachyrhynchus. _

Range. --Breeds from the interior of British Columbia northward toAlaska; south in winter to Lower California. 

The Short-billed or American Mew Gull is seventeen inches in length, hasa short, stout bill and is otherwise similar to the preceding species. Nests on islands in the lakes and along the river banks of Alaska. Thenest is made of grass, weeds and moss and is placed on the ground. Earlyin June the birds lay their set of three eggs, the ground color of whichis greenish brown marked with dark brown. Size 2. 25 × 1. 60. Data. --Mackenzie River, N. W. T. , June 18, 1900. Three eggs. Nest madeof seaweed and grass and placed on the ground on an island in the river. 

56. MEW GULL. _Larus canus. _

This is the European variety of the above species, breeding commonlyboth in the British Isles and northern Europe. This species is given aplace in our avifauna because of its accidental appearance in Labrador. 

57. HEERMAN'S GULL. _Larus heermanni. _

Range. --Pacific Coast of North America from British Columbia south toPanama, breeding chiefly south of the United States border. 

A very handsome species, often called the White-headed Gull, and whollyunlike any other; length seventeen inches. Adults, in summer, have theentire head, neck and throat white, this shading quite abruptly into theslaty upper and under parts; the primaries and tail are black, thelatter and the secondaries being tipped with white. The legs and billare vermilion. They are found off the coast of California, but are notbelieved to breed there. They are known to breed on some of the islandsoff the Mexican coast nesting on the ground the same as the otherspecies. The three eggs are greenish drab in color and are marked withdifferent shades of brown and lilac. Size 2. 45 × 1. 50. 

[Illustration: Pale greenish-brown. ][Illustration: Short-billed Gull. Heerman's Gull. ][Illustration: Left hand margin. ]

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58. LAUGHING GULL. LARUS ATRICILLA. 

Range. --Eastern North America, breeding from the Gulf to Nova Scotia, chiefly on the coast. A beautiful Gull, 16 inches long, with a darkslate colored head, gray mantle, black primaries, and white neck, underparts and tail. Bill and feet red. This bird has its name from itspeculiar laughing cry when alarmed or angry; it is also called theBlack-headed Gull. They nest by thousands on the islands off the GulfCoast and along the South Atlantic States. The nest is placed on theground and is made of seaweed. Three, four and sometimes five eggs arelaid, of a grayish to greenish brown color, marked with brown and lilac. Size 2. 25 × 1. 60. Data. --Timbalin Is. , La. , June 3, 1896. Three eggs. Nest of drift grass thrown in a pile about 8 inches high, slightlyhollowed on top, in low marsh back of beach. Collector, E. A. McIlhenny. 

[Illustration 049: Pale grayish brown. ][Illustration: Laughing Gull. ][Illustration: RING-BILLED GULL--Gray. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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59. FRANKLIN'S GULL. _Larus franklini. _

Range. --Interior North America, breeding from middle United Statesnorthward. 

Like the last but smaller and with the primaries light. Underparts rosyin breeding season. Nests very abundantly in the marshes of Minnesotaand northward. Nest made of grasses and placed in the marsh grass barelyabove the surface of the water. Eggs same color as the last but themarkings more inclined to zigzag lines. Size 2. 10 × 1. 40. Data. --HeronLake, Minn. , May 26, 1885. Nest of wet sedge stalks and rubbish placedin a bunch of standing sedge in shallow water; at least five thousandbirds in rookery. Collector, J. W. Preston. 

60. BONAPARTE'S GULL. _Larus philadelphia. _

Range. --Breeds in the northern parts of North America; winters fromMaine and British Columbia to the southern border of the United States. 

Smaller than the last; 14 inches long. Plumage similar, but bill slenderand black. They nest in great numbers on the marshes of Manitoba and tothe northward. The nests, of sticks and grass, are placed on the higherparts of the marsh and the usual complement of three eggs is laid duringthe latter part of June. The eggs are grayish to greenish brown, markedwith dark brown and lilac. Size 1. 90 × 1. 30. 

[Illustration 050: Grayish brown. ][Illustration: Franklin's Gull. Bonaparte's Gull. ][Illustration: Pale grayish brown. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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60. 1. LITTLE GULL. _Larus minutus. _

This Gull is the smallest of the family; it is a European bird, and hasaccidentally strayed to our shores but a few times. Its plumage issimilar to that of the Bonaparte Gull but the bill is red. It breeds inthe marshes around the Baltic Sea, placing its nest of dead vegetationon the highest parts of the marsh. They lay three eggs of a greenishgray color marked with dark brown and lilac. Size 1. 75 × 1. 25. 

61. ROSES GULL. _Rhodostethia rosea. _

Range. --The Arctic regions, south in winter to Alaska, Greenland, northern Europe and Asia. 

This beautiful bird is the most rare of all the Gulls, being verydifficult to obtain because of its extreme northerly distribution. It isin form and plumage like Bonaparte Gull, with the exceptions that thehead is white, there being a narrow black collar around the neck, thetail is wedge shaped, and the whole under parts from the chin to thetail are rosy in the breeding plumage. The nests and eggs remain stillundiscovered, although Nansen, in August 1896, found a supposed breedingground in Franz Josef Land, because of the numbers of the birds, butfound no nests. 

62. SABINE'S GULL. _Xema sabinii. _

Range. --Arctic regions, breeding from Alaska and Greenland andnorthward, and wintering south to New England. 

A handsome bird, having the slaty hood bordered behind with a blackring, the primaries black, white tipped, and the tail slightly forked. They breed abundantly on the marshes of northern Alaska and Greenland, nesting the same as others of the species. The two or three eggs arelaid in June. They are greenish brown in color and are marked with darkbrown. Size 1. 75 × 1. 25. Data. --Hudson Bay, August 1, 1894. Eggs laid onthe ground in the moss; no nest except the hollow in the moss. 

[Illustration 051: Rose Gull. Sabine Gull. ][Illustration: Greenish brown. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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63. GULL-BILLED TERN. _Gelochelidon nilotica. _

Range. --Found in North America along the Gulf Coast and on the AtlanticCoast north to Virginia and casually farther. 

This is one of the largest of the Terns, is 14 inches long, has a short, thick, black bill and a short slightly forked tail; the crown is black, mantle pearly gray, white below. This species is very widelydistributed, being found in Europe, Australia, Asia and Africa. They areknown locally as "Marsh Terns" where they breed in immense numbers onsome of the marshes about the Gulf, particularly in Texas. They alsobreed on many of the islands along the Coast, rarely making any nest, but laying the eggs in a hollow in the sand. They nest most abundantlyin the latter part of May, generally laying three eggs. They are of ayellowish, grayish or greenish buff color and are spotted with brown andlilac. Size 1. 80 × 1. 30. Data. --Northampton Co. , Va. , May 28, 1882. Three eggs laid on a mass of seaweed on marsh above tide water. 

64. CASPIAN TERN. _Sterna caspia. _

Range. --Like the preceding species, this bird is nearly cosmopolitan inits range, in North America breeding from the Gulf Coast and Texasnorthward to the Arctic Regions. 

This beautiful bird is the largest of the Tern family, being about 22inches in length, with the tail forked about 1. 5 inches. The bill islarge, heavy and bright red; the crest, with which this and the nextthree species are adorned, is black. The mantle is pale pearl and theunder parts white. These Terns sometimes nest in large colonies and thenagain only a few pairs will be found on an island. In Texas, thebreeding season commences in May, it being later in the more northernbreeding grounds. They may be regarded as largely eastern birds, aswhile they are common in the interior of the country, they are rarelyfound on the Pacific Coast. Two or three eggs constitute a complete set;these are laid on the sand in a slight hollow scooped out by the birds. They vary from gray to greenish buff, marked with brown and lilac. Size2. 60 × 1. 75. Data. --Hat Island, Lake Michigan, July 1, 1896. No nest. Two eggs in a hollow in the gravel. Fully a thousand terns nesting onabout one acre. Collector, Charles L. Cass. 

[Illustration 052: Pale greenish buff. ][Illustration: Grayish buff. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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65. ROYAL TERN. _Sterna maxima. _

Range. --Temperate North and South America, breeding in the United Stateslocally from Texas and the Gulf States northward to the northernboundary of the United States. 

The Royal Terns nest in great numbers on the coasts and islands on theSouth Atlantic and Gulf States and in the marshes of southern Texas. Like the former species they lay two or three eggs in a hollow on thebare sand. The eggs are the same size but differ in being more pointedand having a lighter ground and with the markings more bold anddistinct. Size 2. 60 × 1. 70. 

66. ELEGANT TERN. _Sterna elegans. _

Range. --Pacific Coast of South and Central America; north to Californiain summer. 

A similar bird to the Royal Tern, but easily distinguished by itssmaller size, slender bill, and more graceful form. In the breedingplumage the under parts of these Terns are tinged with rosy, whichprobably first gave the birds their name. They breed on the coasts andislands of Mexico and Central America, placing their eggs on the sand. They are believed to lay but a single egg, like that of the Royal Tern, but smaller. Size 2. 40 × 1. 40. Data. --Honduras, Central America, June 5, 1899. Single egg laid on the sandy beach. 

[Illustration 053: Gull-billed Tern. Caspian Tern. Royal Tern. ][Illustration: Grayish buff. ][Illustration: Cream color. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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67. CABOT TERN. _Sterna sandvicensis acuflavida. _

Range. --A tropical species breeding regularly north to the Bahamas andFlorida; casually farther north. A beautiful bird distinguished from thethree preceding ones by its smaller size (sixteen inches) and by thebill which is black with a yellow tip. They nest in colonies on theshores of islands in the West Indies and Bahamas, but not to a greatextent on the United States Coast. Their two or three eggs have a creamyground color, and are boldly marked with brown and black. Size 2. 10 ×1. 40. 

68. TRUDEAU'S TERN. _Sterna trudeaui. _

Range. --South America; accidentally along the coast of the UnitedStates. 

A rare and unique species with a form similar to the following, but withthe coloration entirely different. About fifteen inches in length; taillong and deeply forked; bill yellow with a band of black about themiddle. Whole head pure white, shading into the pearly color of theupper and under parts. A narrow band of black through the eye and overthe ear coverts. A very rare species that is supposed to breed insouthern South America. Given a place among North American birds on thestrength of a specimen seen by Audubon off Long Island. 

[Illustration 054: Elegant Tern. Cabot's Tern. ][Illustration: Cream color. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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69. FORSTER'S TERN. _Sterna forsteri. _

Range. --Temperate North America, breeding from Manitoba, Mass. , andCalifornia, south to the Gulf Coast and Texas. 

Length about fifteen inches; tail long and deeply forked; crown black, back and wings pearl and under parts white. Bill orange red. Thisspecies and the three following are the most graceful of birds inappearance and flight. Their movements can only be likened to those ofthe Swallows, from which they get the name of "Sea Swallows. " Their foodconsists of fish, which they get by diving, and marine insects. Theybreed by thousands in the marshes from Manitoba to Texas and along theSouth Atlantic coast. The eggs are laid in a hollow on the dry grassyportions of the islands or marshes. They generally lay three eggs andrarely four. They are buffy or brownish spotted with dark brown andlilac. Size 1. 80 × 1. 30. Data. --Cobb's Island, Va. , June 8, 1887. Eggsin a hollow on grassy bank. Collector, F. H. Judson. 

70. COMMON TERN. _Sterna hirundo. _

Range. --Eastern North America, breeding both on the coast and in theinterior from the Gulf States northward. 

This bird differs from the preceding chiefly in having a bright red billtipped with black, and the under parts washed with pearl. These are themost common Terns on the New England coast, nesting abundantly fromVirginia to Newfoundland. These beautiful Terns, together with others ofthe family, were formerly killed by thousands for millinery purposes, but the practice is now being rapidly stopped. In May and June they laytheir three, or sometimes four eggs on the ground as do the other Terns. They are similar to the preceding species but average shorter. Data. --Duck Is. , Maine, June 30, 1896. Three eggs in marsh grass aboutfifty feet from beach. No nest. Collector, C. A. Reed. 

[Illustration 055: Brownish buff. ][Illustration: Forsters Tern. Common Tern. ][Illustration: Buff. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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71. ARCTIC TERN. _Sterna paradisaea. _

Range. --Northern Hemisphere, breeding from New England northward to theArctic Regions and wintering south to California and the South AtlanticStates. A similar bird to the last, differing in having the bill whollyred and the feet being smaller and weak for the size of the bird. A morenorthern bird than the last, breeding abundantly in Alaska, both on thecoast and in the interior. In the southern limits of its breeding range, it nests in company with the Common Tern, its nests and eggs beingindistinguishable from the latter. When their nesting grounds areapproached, all the birds arise like a great white cloud, uttering theirharsh, discordant "tearrr, tearrr, " while now and then an individual, bolder than the rest, will swoop close by with an angry "crack. " On thewhole they are timid birds, keeping well out of reach. The nestingseason is early in June. Eggs like the preceding. Data. --Little DuckIs. , Me. , June 29, 1896. Three eggs in a slight hollow on the beach, three feet above high water mark. 

72. ROSEATE TERN. _Sterna dougalli. _

Range. --Temperate North America on the east coast, breeding from NewEngland to the Gulf. 

These are the most beautiful birds, having a delicate pink blush on theunder parts during the breeding season; the tail is very long and deeplyforked, the outer feathers being over five inches longer than the middleones; the bill is red with a black tip. They nest in large colonies onthe islands from Southern New England southward, placing the nests inthe short grass, generally without any lining. They lay two or threeeggs which are indistinguishable from the two preceding species. 

73. ALEUTIAN TERN. _Sterna aleutica. _

Range. --Found in summer in Alaska and the Aleutian Islands. 

South in winter to Japan. This handsome Tern is of the form and size ofthe Common Tern, but has a darker mantle, and the forehead is white, leaving a black line from the bill to the eye. They nest on islands offthe coast of Alaska, sometimes together with the Arctic Tern. The eggsare laid upon the bare ground or moss, and are similar to the ArcticTerns, but average narrower. They are two or three in number and arelaid in June and July. Size 1. 70 × 1. 15. Data. --Stuart Is. , Alaska. Three eggs in a slight hollow in the moss. 

[Illustration 056: Arctic Tern. Roseate Tern. Aleutian Tern. ][Illustration: Grayish or Brownish. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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74. LEAST TERN. _Sterna antillarum. _

Range. --From northern South America to southern New England, Dakota andCalifornia, breeding locally throughout its range. 

These little Sea Swallows are the smallest of the Terns, being but 9inches in length. They have a yellow bill with a black tip, a blackcrown and nape, and white forehead. Although small, these little Ternslose none of the grace and beauty of action of their larger relatives. They nest in colonies on the South Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, placingtheir eggs upon the bare sand, where they are sometimes very difficultto see among the shells and pebbles. They are of a grayish or buffycolor spotted with umber and lilac. They number two, three and rarelyfour, and are laid in May and June. Size 1. 25 × . 95. Data. --DeSotaBeach, Fla. , May 20, 1884. Three eggs laid on the sandy beach. Collector, Chas. Graham. 

75. SOOTY TERN. _Sterna fuscata. _

Range. --Tropical America, north to the South Atlantic States. Thisspecies measures 17 inches in length; it has a brownish black mantle, wings and tail, except the outer feathers of the latter which are white;the forehead and under parts are white, the crown and a line from theeye to the bill, black. This tropical species is very numerous at itsbreeding grounds on the small islands of the Florida Keys and the WestIndies. They lay but a single egg, generally placing it on the bareground, or occasionally building a frail nest of grasses. The egg has apinkish white or creamy ground and is beautifully sprinkled with spotsof reddish brown and lilac. They are laid during May. Size 2. 05 × 1. 45. Data. --Clutheria Key, Bahamas, May 28, 1891. Single egg laid on bareground near water. Collector, D. P. Ingraham. 

[Illustration 057: Light buff. ][Illustration: Least Tern. Sooty Tern. ][Illustration: Creamy white. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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76. BRIDLED TERN. _Sterna anaetheta. _

Range. --Found in tropical regions of both hemispheres; casual oraccidental in Florida. This Tern is similar to the last except that thenape is white and the white of the forehead extends in a line over theeye. The Bridled Tern is common on some of the islands of the WestIndies and the Bahamas, nesting in company with the Sooty Terns andNoddies. The single egg is laid on the seashore or among the rocks. Itis creamy white beautifully marked with brown and lilac. Size 1. 85 ×1. 25. Data. --Bahamas, May 9, 1892. Single egg laid in a cavity among therocks. Collector, D. P. Ingraham. 

77. BLACK TERN. _Hydrochelidon nigra surinamensis. _

Range. --Temperate America, breeding from the middle portions of theUnited States northward to Alaska; south in winter beyond the UnitedStates Border. 

The identity of these Terns cannot be mistaken. They are but ten inchesin length; the whole head, neck and under parts are black; the back, wings and tail are slaty and the under tail coverts are white. Theirdainty figure with their long slender wings gives them a grace andairiness, if possible, superior to other species of the family. They arevery active and besides feeding upon all manner of marine crustacea, they capture many insects in the air. They nest in large colonies inmarshes, both along the coast and in the interior, making a nest ofdecayed reeds and grasses, or often laying their eggs upon rafts ofdecayed vegetation which are floating on the water. The nesting seasoncommences in May, they laying three eggs of a brownish or greenishcolor, very heavily blotched with blackish brown. Size 1. 35 × . 95. Data. --Winnebago City, Minn. , May 31, 1901. Three eggs. Nest made of amass of weeds and rushes floating on water in a swamp. Collector, R. H. Bullis. 

[Illustration 058: Creamy white. ][Illustration: Black Tern. Noddy. Black Skimmer. ][Illustration: Deep greenish brown. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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78. WHITE-WINGED BLACK TERN. _Hydrochelidon leucoptera. _

Range. --Eastern Hemisphere, its addition to American birds being madebecause of the accidental appearance of one bird in Wisconsin in 1873. They nest very abundantly among the lakes and marshes of southernEurope, placing their eggs the same as the American species, upon massesof decayed reeds and stalks. They lay three eggs which have a somewhatbrighter appearance than the common Black Terns because of a somewhatlighter ground color. 

79. NODDY. _Anous stolidus. _

Range. --Tropical America, north to the Gulf and South Atlantic States. 

A peculiar but handsome bird (about fifteen inches long), with a silverywhite head and the rest of the plumage brownish, and the tail rounded. They breed in abundance on some of the Florida Keys, the West Indies andthe Bahamas. Their nests are made of sticks and grass, and are placedeither in trees or on the ground. They lay but a single egg with a buffyor cream colored ground spotted with chestnut and lilac. Size 2. 00 ×1. 30. Atwood's Key, Bahamas, June 1, 1891. Nest made of sticks andgrasses, three feet up a mangrove. Collector, D. P. Ingraham. 

[Illustration 059: Greenish buff. ][Illustration: Buff. ][Illustration: Noddy. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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SKIMMERS. Family RYNCHOPIDÆ

Skimmers are Tern-like birds having a very strangely developed bill. Thelower mandible is much longer than the upper and very thin, the upperedge being as sharp as the lower. The lower mandible is rounded at theend while the upper is more pointed. Young Skimmers are said to haveboth mandibles of the same length, the abnormal development notappearing until after flight. Skimmers are very graceful birds, and, asimplied by their name, they skim over the surface of the water, risingand falling with the waves, and are said to pick up their food bydropping the lower mandible below the surface, its thin edge cutting thewater like a knife. There are four species of Skimmers, only one ofwhich is found in North America. 

80. BLACK SKIMMER. _Rynchops nigra. _

Range. --The South Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, breeding from New Jerseysouthward. The Black Skimmer is about eighteen inches in length, andbesides the remarkable bill is a bird of striking plumage; the forehead, ends of the secondaries, tail feathers and under parts are white; therest of the plumage is black and the basal half of the bill is crimson. Skimmers nest in large communities, the same as do the Terns, layingtheir eggs in hollows in the sand. They are partially nocturnal in theirhabits and their hoarse barking cries may be heard after the shadows ofnight have enveloped the earth. Fishermen call them by the names of"Cut-water" and "Sea Dog. " The nesting season commences in May andcontinues through June and July. They lay from three to five eggs, having a creamy or yellowish buff ground, blotched with black, chestnutand lilac. Size 1. 75 × 1. 30. Data. --Cobb's Is. , Va. , June 8, 1894. Threeeggs laid in a hollow on the beach. No nest. 

[Illustration 060: Buffy yellow. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS. Order III. TUBINARES. 

ALBATROSSES. Family DIOMEDEIDAE

Albatrosses are the largest of the sea birds and have an enormousexpanse of wing, the Wandering Albatross, the largest of the family, sometimes attaining an expanse of fourteen feet. Their nostrils consistof two slightly projecting tubes, one on each side near the base of thebill. They are unsurpassed in powers of flight, but are only fairswimmers and rarely, if ever, dive, getting their food, which consistsof dead animal matter, from the surface of the water. 

81. BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS. _Diomedea nigripes. _

Range. --North Pacific from California northward. This Albatross isthirty-two inches in length; it is of a uniform sooty brown colorshading into whitish at the base of the bill, which is rounded. Like theother members of the family, this species is noted for its extendedflights, following vessels day after day without any apparent period ofrest, for the purpose of feeding on the refuse that is thrown overboard. They breed during our winter on some of the small isolated islands inthe extreme southern portions of the globe. They lay a single white eggon the bare ground. 

82. SHORT-TAILED ALBATROSS. _Diomedea albatrus. _

Range. --North Pacific Ocean in summer, from Lower California to Alaska. With the exception of the Wandering Albatross, which is now regarded asdoubtful as occurring off our coasts, the Short-tailed Albatross is oneof the largest of the group, measuring thirty-six inches in length, andhas an extent of seven feet or more. With the exception of the blackprimaries, shoulders and tail, the entire plumage is white, tinged withstraw color on the back of the head. They breed on the guano islands inthe North Pacific off the coasts of Alaska and Japan. They lay a singlewhite egg on the bare ground or rocks. As with the other members of thefamily, the eggs are extremely variable in size, but average about 4. 25× 2. 50. 

[Illustration 061: Black-footed Albatross. Short-tailed Albatross. ]

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82. 1. LAYSAN ALBATROSS. _Diomedea immutabilis. _

Range. --Laysan Island of the Hawaiian Group, appearing casually off thecoast of California. This species breeds in large numbers on the islandfrom which it takes its name. The birds are white with the exception ofthe back, wings and tail, which are black. The birds, having been littlemolested in their remote island, are exceedingly tame, and it ispossible to go among the sitting birds without disturbing them. Mr. Walter K. Fisher has contributed an admirable report on this species inthe 1913 Bulletin of the Fish Commission, the report being illustratedwith numerous illustrations of the birds from photos by the author. Their single white eggs are laid on the bare ground. 

83. YELLOW-NOSED ALBATROSS. _Thalassogeron culminatus. _

This is a species which inhabits the South Pacific and Indian Oceans, and is said to rarely occur on the California coast. They breed duringour winter on some of the small islands and during our summer are oceanwanderers. An egg in the collection of Col. John E. Thayer was taken onGough Island, South Atlantic Ocean; Sept. 1st, 1888. The nest was amound of mud and grass about two feet in height. The single white eggmeasured 3. 75 × 2. 25. It was collected by George Comer. 

84. SOOTY ALBATROSS. _Phoebetria-palpebrata. _

Range. --Southern seas, north in our summer along the Pacific coast ofthe United States. 

This species is entirely sooty brown except the white eyelids. It issimilar to the Black-footed Albatross from which species it can bedistinguished in all plumages by the narrow base of the bill, while thebill of the former species is broad and rounded. They breed commonly onisolated islands in many quarters of the southern hemisphere. Sometimesthis species constructs a mound of mud on which to deposit its singlewhite egg, and also often lays it on the bare ground or rock. A specimenin Mr. Thayer's collection, taken by Geo. Comer on So. Georgia Is. Inthe South Atlantic ocean, was laid in a hollow among loose stones on theledge of an overhanging cliff. Size 4. 10 × 2. 75. 

[Illustration 062: Laysan Albatross. Yellow-nosed Albatross. SootyAlbatross. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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FULMARS, SHEARWATERS and PETRELS Family PROCELLARIDAE

Fulmars, Shearwaters and Petrels are Gull-like birds with two nostriltubes located side by side, in a single tube, on the top of the bill atits base. 

The Fulmars are mostly northern birds while the majority of theShearwaters nest in the extreme south during our winter, and appear offour coasts during the summer. Their food consists of fish or offal whichthey get from the surface of the water; large flocks of them hover aboutfishermen, watching their chance to get any food which falls, or isthrown, overboard. 

[Illustration 063: EGG OF SOOTY ALBATROSS--White. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand border. ]

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85. GIANT FULMAR. _Macronectes gigantea. _

Range. --This Petrel is a native of the southern seas and is onlycasually met with off the Pacific coast. 

It is the largest of the family, being about three feet in length, andis normally a uniform sooty color, although it has light phases ofplumage. They nest in December on many of the islands south of Africaand South America, laying their single white egg on the bare rocks. 

86. FULMAR. _Fulmarus glacialis glacialis. _

Range. --North Atlantic coasts from New England northward, breeding fromHudson Bay and southern Greenland northward. 

This bird which is 19 inches in length, in the light phase has a plumagevery similar to that of the larger Gulls. They nest by thousands onrocky islands of the north, often in company with Murres and Gulls. Owing to the filthy habits of the Fulmars, these breeding grounds alwayshave a nauseating odor, which is also imparted to, and retained by theegg shell. Their single white eggs are laid on the bare rocks, increvices of the cliffs, often hundreds of feet above the water. Size2. 90 × 2. 00. Data. --St. Kilda, off Scotland. June 5, 1897. Single egglaid on rock on side of sea cliff. Collector, Angus Gillies. 

[Illustration 062: Fulmar. ][Illustration: egg. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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86b. PACIFIC FULMAR. _Fulmarus glacialis glupischa. _

This sub-species of the preceding, has a darker mantle than the commonFulmar; it is found on the northern Pacific coasts where it breeds onthe high rocky cliffs, the same as its eastern relative. They nest inlarge colonies, every crevice in the rocks having its tenant. Theirflight is graceful like that of the Gulls, which they closely resemble. They lay but a single white egg, the average dimensions of which areslightly smaller than those of the common Fulmar. Data. --Copper Is. , Alaska. May 14, 1889. Egg laid in a crevice among the cliffs. 

86. 1. RODGER'S FULMAR. _Fulmarus rodgers. _

Range. --North Pacific, breeding in large numbers on some of the islandsin Bering Sea; south to California in winter. Very similar to the twopreceding species except that the back is mixed with whitish, it is notbelieved to have a dark phase. Their breeding habits and eggs do notdiffer from the common Fulmar. The eggs are laid on the rocky cliffsduring June. 

87. SLENDER-BILLED FULMAR. _Priocella glacialoides. _

Range. --Southern seas, appearing on the Pacific coast of the UnitedStates in the summer. This species has a paler mantle than the others ofthe family, and the primaries are black. The make-up and plumage of thewhole bird is more like that of the Gulls than any of the others. Theyprobably breed in the far south during our winter, although we have nodefinite data relative to their nesting habits. 

[Illustration 065: Pacific Fulmar. Slender-billed Fulmar. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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88. CORY'S SHEARWATER. _Puffinus borealis. _

This species probably breeds in the far south. It has been found onlyoff the coast of Massachusetts and Long Island. This is the largest ofour Shearwaters, and can be distinguished from the next species by itswholly white underparts, its light mantle and yellowish bill. We have nodata relative to its nesting habits. 

89. GREATER SHEARWATER. _Puffinus gravis. _

Range. --The whole of the Atlantic Ocean. 

Thousands of them spend the latter part of the summer off the NewEngland coast, where they are known to the fishermen as Haglets. Theirupper parts are brownish gray, darker on the wings; bill and feet dark;underparts white, with the middle of the belly and the under tail coversdusky. Length about 20 inches. Little is known concerning their nestingquarters, although they are said to breed in Greenland. From the fact oftheir early appearance off the New England coast it is probable that thegreater part of them nest in the far south. 

90. MANX SHEARWATER. _Puffinus puffinus. _

This species inhabits the North Atlantic ocean chiefly on the Europeanside, being abundant in the Mediterranean and in the British Isles. These birds deposit their single pure white eggs in crevices among thecliffs, on the ground or in burrows dug by themselves. Size of egg 2. 35× 1. 60. Data. --Isle of Hay, North Scotland. June 1, 1893. Single egglaid at the end of a three foot burrow. 

[Illustration 066: Cory Shearwater. Greater Shearwater. ][Illustration: Egg of Audubon's Shearwater--White. ][Illustration: Audubon's Shearwater. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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91. PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER. _Puffinus creatopus. _

Range. --Pacific Ocean, north on American side to California in summer. 

This species, whose breeding habits are little known, is similar in sizeand color to the Greater Shearwater, differing chiefly in the yellowishbill and pinkish colored feet. 

92. AUDUBON'S SHEARWATER. _Puffinus lherminieri. _

Range. --Middle Atlantic, ranging north in late summer to Long Island. 

This bird, having a length of but twelve inches, is the smallest of theShearwaters found along our coasts. Large colonies of them breed on someof the small islands and keys of the West Indies and Bahamas, and not socommonly in the Bermudas. Their eggs, which are pure white, aredeposited at the end of burrows dug by the birds. Size of egg 2. 00 ×1. 35. Their nesting season commences about the latter part of March andcontinues through April and May. After the young are able to fly, likeother members of the family, the birds become ocean wanderers and straynorth to southern New England. Data. --Bahamas, April 13, 1891. Singleegg laid at the end of a burrow about two feet in length. Collector, D. P. Ingraham. 

92. 1. ALLIED SHEARWATER. _Puffinus assimilis. _

This is an Australian and New Zealand species that has accidentallystrayed to the shores of Nova Scotia. 

93. BLACK-VENTED SHEARWATER. _Puffinus opisthomelas. _

Range. --Middle Pacific coast of the Americas, north in late summer alongthe coast of California. This species breeds commonly on the islands offthe coast of Lower California, especially on the Gulf side. Their singleegg is white, size 2. 00 × 1. 30, and is located at the end of a burrow. Data. --Natividad Is. , Lower California, April 10, 1897. Single egg laidon the sand at the end of a burrow six feet in length. Collector, A. W. Anthony. 

93. 1. TOWNSEND'S SHEARWATER. _Puffinus auricularis. _

This bird ranges from Cape St. Lucas, south along the Pacific coast ofMexico, breeding on the Revillagigedo Islands off the Mexican coast. 

[Illustration 067: Pink-footed Shearwater. Black-vented Shearwater. Townsend's Shearwater. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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94. SOOTY SHEARWATER. _Puffins fuliginosus. _

Range. --A common species off the Atlantic coast in summer; breeds alongour northern coasts, and it is also supposed that many of them nest insouthern seas and reach our coasts early in the summer. TheseShearwaters are entirely sooty gray, being somewhat lighter below. Theyare called "black haglets" by the fishermen, whose vessels they followin the hope of procuring bits of refuse. They commonly nest in burrowsin the ground, but are also said to build in fissures among the ledges. Their single white egg measures 2. 55 × 1. 75. Data. --Island in UngavaBay, northern Labrador, June 14, 1896. Egg laid in a fissure of a seacliff. Collector, A. N. McFord. 

95. DARK-BODIED SHEARWATER. _Puffinus griseus. _

This is a southern species which, after having nested on islands in thefar south during our winter, comes north and appears off the Pacificcoast of the United States during the summer. It is a similar bird tothe Sooty Shearwater, but is considerably darker and the under covertsare whitish. Their nesting habits are the same as those of other membersof the family. Size of egg, 2. 40 × 1. 65. Data. --Stewart's Island, NewZealand, February 15, 1896. Single egg at the end of a long burrow. 

96. SLENDER-BILLED SHEARWATER. _Puffinus tenuirostris. _

Range. --Northern Pacific Ocean in the summer, extending from Japan andAlaska southward. Supposed to breed in the southern hemisphere, as wellas probably on some of the Aleutians in Alaska. 

96. 1. WEDGE-TAILED SHEARWATER. _Puffinus cuneatus. _

Range. --North Pacific, breeding on the Revillagigedo Islands off thecoast of Mexico, and probably on some of the small islands in the Gulfof California. 

97. BLACK-TAILED SHEARWATER. _Priofinus cinerus. _

This is a Shearwater which inhabits the southern hemisphere, but whichhas accidentally wandered to the Pacific coast of the United States. Itis dark above and whitish below, with black under tail coverts. Itbreeds in the far south. 

[Illustration 068: Sooty Shearwater. ][Illustration: Dark-bodied Shearwater. Slender-billed Shearwater. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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98. BLACK-CAPPED PETREL. _Æstrelata hasitata. _

This is not a common species; it is an inhabitant of tropical seas andhas only been casually found on our coasts or inland. It is a handsomespecies with white forehead, underparts and nape with a small isolatedblack cap on the crown; the rest of the upper parts are blackish. It isa native of the West Indies. 

99. SCALED PETREL. _Æstrelata scalaris. _

This is another rare species which is an inhabitant of southern seas. Asingle specimen taken in New York State gives it a claim as a doubtfulNorth American species. It is a handsome bird, the feathers of thegrayish upperparts being edged with white, thus giving it the appearanceof being barred. Its eggs have only been known to science within thepast few years. Data. --Preservation Inlet, New Zealand, June 7, 1900. Single white egg. Size 2. 40 × 1. 75. Collector, P. Seymour. Parent birdtaken with the egg. 

100. FISHER'S PETREL. _Æstralata fisheri. _

This is a handsome bird known only from the type specimen taken offKadiak Is. , Alaska, by Mr. Fisher. 

101. BULWER'S PETREL. _Bulweria bulweri. _

An eastern Atlantic species which is only an accidental visitant to ourshores. They breed on the Madeira Islands where the eggs are laid increvices among the rocks or in burrows in the ground. Size 1. 75 × 1. 55, white. 

102. PINTADO PETREL. _Daption capensis. _

This is the Cape Pigeon of the southern hemisphere. It has onlyaccidentally occurred on our coast. 

[Illustration 069: Black-capped Petrel. Scaled Petrel. Fisher'sPetrel. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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103. LEAST PETREL. _Halocyptena microsoma. _

Range. --Pacific coast of America from Lower California to Panama. TheLeast Petrel is the smallest of this family, in length measuring only5. 75 inches. Their plumage is entirely dark sooty. They have been foundbreeding on San Benito Island, Lower California, and they probably do onothers farther south. The single egg that this bird lays is white with awreath of fine black specks around one and sometimes both ends. Data. --San Benito Is. , Lower California, June 12, 1897. No nest, the eggbeing simply laid on the bare rock in a crevice. Size 1. 00 × . 75. Collector, A. W. Anthony. 

104. STORM PETREL. _Thalassidroma pelagica. _

North Atlantic Ocean chiefly on the European side, wintering south toNew Brunswick. Smallest of the white rumped, black petrels; 5. 75 inchesin length. 

This species is the originally called "Mother Cary's Chicken" by thesailors. They nest abundantly on many of the islands off the coasts ofEurope and the British Isles, laying their single egg either in burrowsor crevices among the cliffs. Data. --Coast of County Kerry, Ireland, June 1, 1895. Single egg laid at the end of burrow in a sea cliff. Size1. 05 × . 80; white with a wreath of very fine dots about the larger end. Collector, G. H. McDonald. 

105. FORKED-TAILED PETREL. _Oceanodroma furcata. _

Range. --North Pacific from California to Alaska, breeding in theAleutians. 

These birds have a plumage of bluish gray, the wings being darker andthe underparts lightest. The nests are made in burrows or crevices inthe banks. Data. --Uniak Is. , Alaska, June 10, 1900. No nest. Single egglaid at the end of a burrow. Several pairs nesting near. Egg white witha fine wreath of purplish black specks about the large end. Size 1. 25 ×. 95. 

[Illustration 070: White. ][Illustration: Least Petrel. Stormy Petrel. Forked-tailed Petrel. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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105. 2. KÆDING'S PETREL. _Oceanodroma kædingi. _

This bird is similar to Leach Petrel, but is smaller and the tail isless deeply forked. Its range is from California to Panama breeding onthe Revillagigedo Islands off Mexico. 

106. LEACH'S PETREL. _Oceanodroma leucorhoa. _

Range. --North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans, breeding from Maine andfrom the Farallones, northward to Greenland and the Aleutians. 

These are the most common of the Petrels found on our coast; they areeight inches in length, of a sooty brown color, and have a white rump. The forked tail will at once distinguish them from any of the AtlanticPetrels. They nest in burrows in the ground, laying a pure white egg, sometimes with a very faint dusty wreath about the larger end. Size 1. 20× . 95. These birds generally take turns in the task of incubation, oneremaining at sea during the day and returning at night while his matetakes her turn roving the briny deep in search of food. The young arefed by regurgitation upon an oily fluid which has a very offensive odor. This odor is always noticeable about an island inhabited by Petrels andis always retained by the eggs or skins of these birds. They are veryrarely seen flying in the vicinity of their nesting island during theday; the bird that is on the nest will remain until removed by hand. Data. --Pumpkin Is. , Maine, June 22, 1893. Single egg; nest of a fewgrasses at the end of a burrow dug in the bank. Collector, J. Lefavour. 

106. 1 GUADALUPE PETREL. _Oceanodroma macrodactyla. _

This species, which is very similar to the preceding, except for alonger and more deeply forked tail, breeds on Guadalupe Is. Their eggsare white very minutely wreathed with reddish brown; they are, however, nearly always nest stained to an uneven brownish color. Data. --GuadalupeIs. , Lower California, March 24, 1897. Single egg laid on a few oakleaves and pine needles at the end of a three foot burrow. Size of egg1. 40 × 1. 00. Collector, A. W. Anthony. 

[Illustration 071: White. ][Illustration: Kæding's Petrel. Leach's Petrel. Guadalupe Petrel. ][Illustration: White, nest stained. ][Illustration: right hand border. ]

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107. BLACK PETREL. _Oceanodroma melania. _

Range. --South Pacific, from southern California southward, breeding onthe small islands on both coasts of Lower California. They are similarto the Leach's Petrel except that the rump is blackish. Data. --SanBenito Is. , Lower California, July 23, 1896. White egg laid on bareground at the end of three foot burrow. Size 1. 40 × 1. Collector, A. W. Anthony. 

108. ASHY PETREL. _Oceanodroma homochroa. _

Range. --California coast, breeding on the Farallones and Santa BarbaraIslands. 

This species, while not common, nests in all manner of localities on theFarallones, concealing their eggs under any rock or in any crevice thatmay attract their fancy. Their single white egg is only faintly if atall wreathed with fine dust-like specks of reddish brown. Size 1. 15 ×. 86. Data. --Farallone Is. , California, June 12, 1895. Egg laid on sandin crevice at the base of a stone wall; well concealed. Collector, Chester Barlow. 

108. 1. SOCORRO PETREL. _Oceanodroma socorroensis. _

Breeds on Socorro, San Benito and Coronado Islands, placing its eggs atthe end of burrow. Data. --San Benito Is. , Lower California, July 12, 1897. Single egg at the end of a burrow 3 feet in length. Egg pure whitevery finely wreathed with pale reddish brown. Size 1. 15 × . 87. Collector, A. W. Anthony. 

[Illustration 072: Black Petrel. Ashy Petrel. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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109. WILSON'S PETREL. _Oceanites oceanicus. _

Breeds in the southern hemisphere in February and March and spends thesummer off the Atlantic coast as far north as Newfoundland. This speciescan be distinguished from Leach Petrel by its square tail and from theStormy Petrel by its large size and yellow webs to its feet. These birdsare the greatest wanderers of the genus, being found at differentseasons in nearly all quarters of the globe. Their single egg is white. Size 1. 25 × . 90. 

110. WHITE-BELLIED PETREL. _Fregetta grallaria. _

A small species (length about 7. 5 inches) inhabiting southern seas. Recorded once at Florida. General plumage blackish. Upper tail coverts, bases of tail feathers, under wing coverts, and abdomen, white. 

111. WHITE-FACED PETREL. _Pelagodroma marina. _

Range. --Southern seas, accidentally north to the coast of Massachusetts. This beautiful species is of about the same size as the Leach's Petrel. It has bluish gray upper parts; the whole under parts, as well as theforehead and sides of head, are white. 

These birds have the same characteristics as do others of the species, pattering over the water with their feet as they skim over the crestsand troughs of the waves. They are not uncommon in the waters about NewZealand where they breed. Their single eggs are about the same asLeach's Petrel, are brilliant white and are, very strongly, for a Petrelegg, wreathed about the large end with dots of reddish brown. Size 1. 32× . 90. Data. --Chatham Is. , New Zealand, January 7, 1901. Egg laid at endof a burrow. Collector, J. Lobb. This egg is in Mr. Thayer's collection. 

[Illustration 073: Wilson's Petrel. White-billed Petrel. White-facedPetrel. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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TOTIPALMATE SWIMMERS. Order IV. STEGANOPODESTROPIC BIRDS. Family PHAETHONTIDAE

Tropic Birds are Tern-like birds, having all the toes connected by aweb, and having the two central tail feathers very much lengthened. 

112. YELLOW-BILLED TROPIC BIRD. _Phæthon americanus. _

Range. --Tropical regions, breeding in the Bahamas, West Indies and theBermudas, casual in Florida and along the South Atlantic coast. 

The Tropic Birds are the most strikingly beautiful of all the sea birds;they are about 30 inches in length, of which their long slender tailtakes about 20 inches. They fly with the ease and grace of a Tern, butwith quicker wing beats. They feed on small fish, which they capture bydarting down upon, and upon snails which they get from the beach andledges. They build their nests in the crevices and along the ledges ofthe rocky cliffs. While gregarious to a certain extent they are notnearly as much so as the Terns. The nest is made of a mass of seaweedand weeds; but one egg is laid, this being of a creamy or pale purplishground color, dotted and sprinkled with chestnut, so thickly as to oftenobscure the ground color. Size 2. 10 × 1. 45. Data. --Coney Is. , Bermudas, May 1, 1901. Nest made of moss and seaweed in a crevice on ledge ofcliff. Collector, A. H. Verrill. 

[Illustration 074: Dull purplish. ][Illustration: Yellow-billed Tropic Bird. Red-billed Tropic Bird. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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113. RED-BILLED TROPIC BIRD. _Phæthon æthereus. _

Range. --Tropical seas, chiefly in the Pacific Ocean; north to southernCalifornia. 

They breed on several islands in the Gulf of California. This speciesdiffers from the preceding in having a red bill, and the back beingbarred with black. Their plumage has a peculiar satiny appearance and isquite dazzling when viewed in the sunlight. They are strong fliers andare met with, hundreds of miles from land. They often rest upon thewater, elevating their long tails to keep them from getting wet. Theynest, as do the preceding species, on rocky islands and are said to alsobuild their nests in trees or upon the ground. The single egg that theylay has a creamy ground and is minutely dotted with chestnut. Size 2. 40× 1. 55. Data. --Daphone Is. , Galapagos Is. , South Pacific, March 6, 1901. Egg laid in hole of a sea cliff. The eggs are easily told from those ofthe yellow-billed by their much larger size. Collector, R. H. Beck. 

113. 1 RED-TAILED TROPIC BIRD. _Phæthon rubricaudus. _

Range. --Tropical regions of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, accidentaloff the coast of Lower California. 

This is a singularly beautiful species resembling the latter except thatthe central tail feathers are bright red, with the extreme tips white. During August and September they breed in large colonies on smallislands in the South Seas. On Mauritius Island they build their nestseither in the trees or place them on the ground; the nest is made ofseaweed, sticks and weeds; numbers of them nest on Laysan Is. , of theHawaiian group, concealing their nests on the ground under overhangingbrush. 

The single egg has a pale purplish ground speckled with brown. 

[Illustration 075: Pale purplish. ][Illustration: Pale purplish ground color. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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GANNETS. Family SULIDAE

Gannets are large stoutly built birds, having the four toes joined by aweb; they have a small naked pouch beneath the bill; the bill is alittle longer than the head, and the tail is quite short. The plumage ofthe adults is generally white, that of the young grayish. 

114. BLUE-FACED BOOBY. _Sula syanops. _

Range. --Widely distributed in the tropical seas, north casually toFlorida and breeding in the Bahamas. 

Like the rest of the Gannets, this one is stupid and will often remainon the nest until removed with the hand, merely hissing at the intruder. Often they lay their eggs on the bare ground, but sometimes the nest islined with seaweed or grass. They lay either one or two eggs early inApril. These eggs are of a dull white color and are heavily covered witha chalky deposit. Size 2. 50 × 1. 70. Data. --Clarion Is. , Mexico, May 24, 1897. Nest a mere hollow in the sand near the beach. Collector, A. W. Anthony. 

114. 1. BLUE-FOOTED BOOBY. _Sula nebouxi. _

Range. --Pacific coasts and islands from the Gulf of California southwardto Chili. 

These birds nest in numbers on the island of San Pedro Martir in theGulf of California. They lay but a single egg, placing it upon the barerock. Their breeding season extends from the latter part of March intoMay. The egg is a dull white, generally nest stained and is covered withthe usual chalky deposit. Size 2. 35 × 1. 60. Data. --Clarion Island, Mexico, May 21, 1897. Two eggs in a hollow in the sand near the beach. Collector, A. W. Anthony. 

[Illustration 076: Blue-faced Booby. Blue-footed Booby. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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115. BOOBY. _Sula leucogastra. _

Range. --Tropical coasts and islands of the Atlantic; north casually toGeorgia. 

The common Booby is an abundant bird on some of the islands of theBahamas and Bermudas; it is commonly called the Brown Booby because theupper parts are of a brownish gray. These birds, as do the otherGannets, have great powers of flight and without apparent effort dartabout with the speed of an arrow. They are quite awkward upon their feetand are not very proficient swimmers. They rarely rest upon the waterexcept when tired. Hundreds and sometimes thousands of them breed incompany, laying their eggs upon the bare rocks. Sometimes a few sticksor grasses will be placed about the bird to prevent the eggs fromrolling away. They generally lay two eggs, chalky white and neststained. Size 2. 40 × 1. 60. Data. --Key West, Bahamas, April 14, 1891. Nonest; two eggs laid on the bare rocks. 

115. 1. BREWSTER'S BOOBY. _Sula brewsteri. _

Range. --Pacific coast from Lower California southward. This Gannetreplaces the common Booby on the Pacific coast. It nests abundantly onmany islands in the Gulf of California, and in company with theblue-footed variety, on San Pedro Martir Island. They generally lay twoeggs, placing them upon the bare rocks and surrounding them with a ringof sticks and seaweed to keep them in place. The eggs are chalky whiteand cannot be distinguished from those of the other Boobies. Data. --SanBenedicto Is. , Lower California, May 18, 1897. Single egg laid on thesand amid a few blades of grass. 

116. RED-FOOTED BOOBY. _Sula piscator. _

This is another species that is only occasionally taken on the Floridacoast. The habits of the birds and their nesting habits are the same asthose of the others of the family. Two chalky white eggs are laid. Data. --San Benedicto Is. , Lower California, May 18, 1897. Single egg. Nest a few twigs of rank grass. Collector, A. W. Anthony. 

[Illustration 077: Chalky bluish white, nest stained. ][Illustration: Booby. Red-footed Booby. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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117. GANNET. _Sula bassana. _

Range. --North Atlantic, breeding, in America, only on Bird Rocks in theSt. Lawrence. 

These are the largest of the family, being 35 inches in length. Theyfeed on fish which they catch by diving upon, from the air. When flyingtheir neck is carried fully extended. They rest on the water when tired, the numerous air cells beneath the skin, causing them to sit high up inthe water and enabling them to weather the severest storm in perfectsafety. The only known breeding place in America is Bird Rocks, wherethey nest by thousands, placing their nests in rows on the narrowledges; the nests are made of piles of seaweed, mud and stones. They laybut one egg of dingy white color and covered with a chalky deposit. OnSt. Kilda Island, off the coast of Scotland, they breed by millions. They are very tame and will frequently allow themselves to be touchedwith the hand. It is said that thousands of the young are killed byfishermen every year and marketed in Edinburg and other places. Data. --St. Kilda Island, Scotland, June 18, 1896. Single egg laid on alarge mass of seaweed on a sea cliff. Collector, H. McDonald. 

[Illustration: Ganet Anhinga. ][Illustration: Chalky bluish white. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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DARTERS. Family ANHINGIDAE

118. WATER TURKEY. _Anhinga anhinga. _

Range. --Tropical America, north to the South Atlantic States and up theMississippi Valley to Illinois. 

Anhingas or Snake Birds are curiously formed creatures with a Heron-likehead and neck, and the body of a Cormorant. They live in colonies ininaccessible swamps. Owing to their thin and light bodies, they areremarkable swimmers, and pursue and catch fish under water with ease. When alarmed they have a habit of sinking their body below water, leaving only their head and neck visible, thereby having the appearanceof a water snake. They also fly well and dive from their perch into thewater with the greatest celerity. 

They nest in colonies in the swamps, placing their nests of sticks, leaves and moss in the bushes over the water. They breed in April, laying from three to five bluish eggs, covered with a chalky deposit. Size 2. 25 × 1. 35. Data. --Gainesville, Florida, May 18, 1894. Nest in thetop of a button-wood tree, made of leaves and branches, overhanging thewater. Collector, George Graham. 

[Illustration 079: Chalky bluish white. ][Illustration: PELICAN POND. Washington Zoological Park. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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CORMORANTS. Family PHALACROCORACIDÆ

Cormorants have a more bulky body than do the Anhingas; their tail isshorter and the bill strongly hooked at the tip. Cormorants are found innearly all quarters of the globe. They are very gregarious and mostspecies are maritime. They feed upon fish which they catch by pursuingunder water. Most of the Cormorants have green eyes. 

[Illustration: 080 left hand margin. ]

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119. CORMORANT. _Phalacrocorax carbo. _

Range. --The Atlantic coast breeding from Maine to Greenland. 

The common Cormorant or Shag is one of the largest of the race, having alength of 36 inches. 

In breeding plumage, the black head and neck are so thickly covered withthe slender white plumes as to almost wholly obscure the black. There isalso a large white patch on the flanks. They nest in colonies on therocky shores of Newfoundland and Labrador, placing their nests of sticksand seaweed in rows along the high ledges, where they sit, as one writeraptly expresses it, like so many black bottles. A few pairs also nest onsome of the isolated rocky islets off the Maine coast. During the latterpart of May and during June they lay generally four or five greenishwhite, chalky looking eggs. Size 2. 50 × 1. 40. Data. --Black Horse Rock, Maine coast, June 6, 1893. Four eggs in a nest of seaweed and a fewsticks; on a high ledge of rock. Collector, C. A. Reed. 

120. DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT. _Phalacrocorax auritus auritus. _

Range. --The Atlantic coast and also in the interior, breeding from NovaScotia and North Dakota northward. 

This is a slightly smaller bird than carbo, and in the nesting seasonthe white plumes of the latter are replaced by tufts of black and whitefeathers from above each eye. On the coast they nest the same as carboand in company with them on rocky islands. In the interior they placetheir nests on the ground or occasionally in low trees on islands in thelakes. They breed in large colonies, making the nests of sticks andweeds and lay three or four eggs like those of the common Cormorant butaveraging shorter. Size 2. 30 × 1. 40. Data. --Stump Lake, North Dakota, May 31, 1897. Nest of dead weeds on an island. Six eggs. Collector, T. F. Eastgate. 

[Illustration 081: Chalky greenish or bluish white. ][Illustration: Cormorant. Double-crested Cormorant. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 80

[Illustration 082: Walter Raine. NESTS OF DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS. ]

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120a. FLORIDA CORMORANT. _Phalacrocorax auritus floridanus. _

This sub-species is a common breeding bird in the swamps and islands ofthe Gulf coast and north to South Carolina and southern Illinois. Thenests are placed in the mangroves in some of the most impenetrableswamps and are composed of twigs and lined with leaves or moss. They laythree or four chalky bluish white eggs. Size 2. 30 × 1. 40. Data. --BirdIs. , Lake Kissimee, Florida, April 5, 1898. Three eggs. Nest made ofweeds and grass, in a willow bush. 

120b. WHITE-CRESTED CORMORANT. _Phalacrocorax auritus cincinatus. _

Range. --Northwestern coast of North America, breeding in Alaska, andsouth to the northern boundary of the United States, breeding both inthe interior and on the coast, in the former case generally on theground or in low trees on swampy islands and in the latter, on the rockycliffs of the coasts and islands. The nests are built in the samefashion as the other Cormorants, and the three to five eggs are similar. Size 2. 45 × 1. 40. 

120c. FARALLON CORMORANT. _Phalacrocorax auritus albociliatus. _

Range. --This sub-species breeds on the coasts and islands of Californiaand southward. 

In company with other species of Cormorants, these birds breed in largenumbers on the Farallones, placing their nests well up on the higherridges and rocks. They breed most abundantly during May. When nesting onthe inland islands, they place their nests in low bushes. Their nestsand eggs are similar to those of the other Cormorants. Size 2. 40 × 1. 50. Data. --Farallones, California. Nest of weeds and seaweed on the rocks. Collector, W. O. Emerson. 

121. MEXICAN CORMORANT. _Phalacrocorax vigua mexicanus. _

Range. --Breeds abundantly from southern Texas, south through Mexico;north rarely to Kansas; has recently been found breeding in limitednumber on some of the Bahamas. In the interior they nest in trees, chiefly those overhanging or growing in the water. On the coasts theynest on the rocky ledges, as do the other Cormorants. They nest incolonies building their abode of twigs and weeds, and during May layingthree or four eggs, greenish white in color and chalky, as are all theCormorants. Size 2. 25 × 1. 35. 

[Illustration: right hand margin. ][Illustration 083: Greenish white. ]

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122. BRANDT'S CORMORANT. _Phalacrocorax penicillatus. _

Range. --Pacific coast breeding along the whole coast of the UnitedStates. 

This species is found more abundantly on the Farallones than is theFarallone Cormorant. Like the other Cormorants breeding on theseislands, these cling closely to their nests, for fear of being robbed bythe Gulls, that are ever on the watch to steal either eggs or young. Their nesting habits and eggs are identical with those of the otherspecies. Size 2. 50 × 1. 50. Data. --Bird Island, California, May 24, 1885. A very bulky nest of seaweed on the rocks. Collector, A. M. Ingersoll. 

123. PELAGIC CORMORANT. _Phalacrocorax pelagicus pelagicus. _

Range. --Coast of Alaska. 

These are perhaps the most beautiful species of Cormorants, havingbrilliant violet green metallic reflections and, in the breedingplumage, crests on the forehead and nape, as well as large white flankpatches. They breed in large colonies on the Aleutian Islands, placingtheir nests of sticks and sea mosses on the rocky ledges, often hundredsof feet above the sea level. Three or four eggs are laid during May andJune. The young birds when hatched are naked and black, and arerepulsive looking objects, as are those of all the other Cormorants. Theeggs are greenish white with the usual calcareous deposit. Size 2. 30 ×1. 40. 

123a. VIOLET-GREEN CORMORANT. _Phalacrocorax pelagicus robustus. _

This sub-species is found on the Pacific coast from Washington to theAleutian Islands. Their habits and nests and eggs are the same as thoseof the Pelagic Cormorant, nesting on the high cliffs of the rockyislands. The eggs are the same size as those of the preceding. 

123b. BAIRD'S CORMORANT. _Phalacrocorax pelagicus resplendens. _

This variety breeds on the Pacific coast from Washington south toMexico. They nest on the Farallones, but in smaller numbers than theother varieties found there. Both the birds and their eggs are smallerthan the preceding. Size of eggs 2. 20 × 1. 40. 

124. RED-FACED CORMORANT. _Phalacrocorax urile. _

Range. --Southwest coast of Alaska, migrating to Japan in the winter. 

This species differs from the Pelagic chiefly in having the foreheadbare. They do not differ in their breeding habits from others of thefamily. That the Cormorants are expert fishermen may be seen from thefact that the Chinese tame and have them catch fish for them, placing aring around their neck to prevent their swallowing the fish. Theirnesting places are very filthy, being covered with excrement and remainsof fish that are strewn around the nests. They breed in June layingthree or four eggs. Size 2. 50 × 1. 50. 

[Illustration 084: 120c--122. ][Illustration: 123b--124. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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PELICANS. Family PELECANIDÆ

Pelicans are large, short legged, web footed (all four toes joined by aweb) birds, the most noticeable feature of which is the long bill withits enormous pouch suspended from lower mandible. This pouch, whilenormally contracted, is capable of being distended to hold severalquarts. It is used as a scoop in which to catch small fish. Their skinis filled with numerous air cells, making them very light and buoyant. 

125. AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN. _Pelecanus erythrorhynchos. _

Range. --Temperate North America, breeding in the interior, from Utah andthe Dakotas northward. These large birds, reaching a length of fivefeet, are entirely white except for the black primaries. They get theirfood by approaching a school of small fish and, suddenly dipping theirhead beneath the surface, sometimes scoop up a large number of fish at atime; after allowing the water to run out of the sides of the mouth, they proceed to swallow their catch. They nest in large communities onislands in some of the inland lakes. 

Great Salt Lake, Utah, and Shoal Lake, Manitoba, furnish breeding groundfor many thousands of Pelicans. They build their simple nests on theground, making them of sticks and weeds. They generally lay two eggs, but often three or four. Size 3. 45 × 2. 30. Data. --Egg Island, Great SaltLake, June 19, 1884. Two eggs. Nest a slight hollow in the ground, surrounded by a few sticks. Collector, F. F. Leonard. 

[Illustration 085: Chalky white. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 84

[Illustration 086: AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN. ]

Page 85

126. BROWN PELICAN. _Pelecanus occidentalis. _

Range. --Found on the South Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the UnitedStates. 

Brown Pelicans are about 50 inches in length; they have a blackish andgrayish body and a white head and neck with a brown stripe down the backof the latter. The pouch is a dark greenish brown. This species ismaritime and is not found inland. They breed in large colonies on manyof the islands in the Gulf of Mexico and on Pelican Island on the eastcoast of Florida, in which latter place they are now protected fromfurther depredations at the hand of eggers and gunners. Their fishingtactics differ from those of the White Pelican. They dive down upon theschool of fish from the air and rarely miss making a good catch. Theirnests are quite bulky structures made of sticks and weeds and grasses. These are generally located on the ground but occasionally in lowmangroves, these latter nests being more bulky than the ground ones. They lay from two to five chalky white eggs during May and June. Size 3. × 1. 90. Data. --Tampa Bay, Fla. , May 29, 1894. Three eggs. Nest in thetop of a stout mangrove; made of sticks, branches and leaves. Collector, Geo. Graham. 

127. CALIFORNIA BROWN PELICAN. _Pelecanus californicus. _

Range. --Pacific coast from British Columbia south to the GalapagosIslands. 

This bird is similar to the preceding, but larger and the pouch isreddish. They breed abundantly on the Coronado Islands and southward. Their habits, nesting habits and eggs are the same as those of the BrownPelican. Size of the three or four chalky white eggs is 3. 10 × 1. 95. Data. --Coronado Islands, Calif. , March 28, 1897. Three eggs. Nest ofsticks, lined with green leaves, located on the ground. Collector, H. McConville. 

[Illustration 087: Chalky white. ][Illustration: Brown Pelican. White Pelican. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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MAN-O'-WAR BIRDS. Family FREGATIDÆ

128. MAN-O'-WAR BIRD. _Fregata aquila. _

Range. --Tropical seas, north regularly in America to the South Atlanticand Gulf coasts, casually farther. 

Man-o'-war Birds or "Frigates, " as they are often called, are remarkablebirds in many respects. In comparison with their weight they have thelargest expanse of wing of any known bird. Weighing only about fourpounds they have an extent of from seven to eight feet, their wingsbeing extremely long and pointed. The length of the bird is about 40inches, of which the tail comprises about 18 in. , 10 inches of thisbeing forked. They have a large bright orange gular sac, a long, hookedbill, and small slightly webbed feet. Their powers of flight combine thestrength of the Albatrosses and the grace of the Terns. They are verypoor swimmers and do not dive, so are forced to procure their food bypreying upon the Gulls and Cormorants, forcing them to drop their fish, which the pirates catch before it reaches the water. They also feed uponflying fish, catching them in the air, whither they have been driven bytheir enemies in their natural element. They nest in large colonies onsome of the Bahama Islands and on some of the small Florida Keys. Theirnests are small frail platforms of sticks and twigs and the single eggis laid in March and April. It is white and has a smooth surface. Size2. 80 × 1. 90. Data. --Key Verde, Bahamas, March 6, 1889. Single egg. Nesta frail affair of sticks on a cactus. Collector, D. P. Ingraham. 

[Illustration 088: White. ][Illustration: Man-O'-War Bird. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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Order V. ANSERESDUCKS, GEESE AND SWANS. Family ANATIDAE

The birds comprising this family are of greatly varying sizes, but allhave webbed feet, and generally the bill is broader than high, and isserrated on the edges or provided with gutters to act as a strainer inassisting the birds to gather their food. 

129. MERGANSER. _Mergus americanus. _

Range. --North America, breeding from the northern border of the UnitedStates northward. 

The three species of Mergansers are almost exclusively fish eatingbirds. Therefore their flesh is unpalatable and they are known as "FishDucks. " They are also sometimes called "Sawbills" because of theteeth-like serration on both the upper and the under mandibles. Unlikethe other species of ducks, their bills are long, slender and roundedinstead of being broad and flat; it is also hooked at the tip. Like theCormorants, they often pursue and catch fish under the water, theirteeth-like bills enabling them to firmly hold their prey. 

The American Mergansers, Goosanders, or Sheldrakes, as they are oftencalled, are found both on the coast and in the interior. Except incertain mountainous regions, they breed chiefly north of the UnitedStates. The male bird has no crest and the head is a beautiful green, while the female has a reddish brown crest and head, shading to white onthe chin. They build their nest in hollow trees near the water. It ismade of grasses, leaves and moss and is lined with feathers from thebreast of the female. During May, they lay from six to ten eggs of acreamy or buff color. Size 2. 70 × 1. 75. Data. --Gun Is. , Lake Winnipeg. June 16, 1903. Eleven eggs in a nest of white down, located between twolarge boulders. Collector, Walter Raine. 

[Illustration 089: Brownish buff. ][Illustration: American Merganser. Red-breasted Merganser. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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130. RED-BREASTED MERGANSER. _Mergus serrator. _

Range. --North America, breeding from northern United States northward. 

This species is more abundant than the preceding. It is slightlysmaller, being 22 inches in length, and the male is crested. Foundabundantly in the United States in winter. Breeds commonly in theinterior of British America and in Labrador and Newfoundland. They maketheir nests on the ground, near the water, concealing them under rocksor tufts of grass. The nest is made of grasses, leaves and moss andlined with feathers. They lay, generally, about ten eggs of a buffy orgreenish buff color. Size 2. 50 × 1. 70. Data. --Lake Manitoba, N. W. Canada. Two eggs in a hollow lined with down, under a patch of rosebushes near shore. Collector, Jos. Hamaugh. 

131. HOODED MERGANSER. _Lophodytes cucullatus. _

Range. --North America, breeding locally throughout its range, in theinterior. These are beautiful little Ducks distinguished from all othersby the semi-circular, compressed crest which is black with an enclosedwhite area. They make their nests in hollow trees, in wooded districtsnear the water, lining the cavity with grasses and down. They lay ten ortwelve grayish white eggs. Size 2. 15 × 1. 70. 

132. MALLARD. _Anas platyrhynchos. _

Range. --Northern Hemisphere, breeding in America from northern UnitedStates northward, and wintering south to Panama and the West Indies. 

Contrasting with the preceding Fish Ducks, the Mallards are regarded asone of the most esteemed table birds. They feed on mollusks and marineinsects which they generally reach by tipping in shallow water. Theynest in many localities in the United States but more abundantly northof our borders. They nest in fields in close proximity to ponds orlakes, placing their nests of grasses and feathers in the tall grass. InMay and June they lay from six to ten eggs of a buffy or olive color. Size 2. 25 × 1. 25. Data. --San Diego, California, May 19, 1897. Nest madeof grass, lined with down, placed on the edge of a field near a pond. 

[Illustration 090: Hooded Merganser. Mallard. ][Illustration: Grayish white. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 89

[Illustration 091: Lake Winnipegosis, June 16, 1902 Walter Raine NESTAND EGGS OF AMERICAN MERGANSER. 

This species usually nest in holes in trees, but on this island theywere nesting in holes under boulders. ]

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133. BLACK DUCK. _Anas rubripes. _

Range. --Eastern North America, breeding from the middle portions northto the Hudson Bay territory and Labrador. 

Throughout their breeding region, one or more pairs of these ducks nestin nearly every favorable locality. Their nests are placed on the groundin marshes, swamps or fields bordering a pond or lake, the nest beingconcealed in the long grass or reeds. They breed in equal abundance, either in the interior or along the sea coast; in the latter case theirnests are often placed beside of, or under an overhanging rock. It ismade of weeds, grass and moss and is lined with feathers and down. Theylay from six to twelve eggs during May and June; these are buff orgreenish buff in color. Size 2. 30 × 1. 70. Data. --Duck Is. , Maine, June3, 1893. Nest of grasses, concealed in a large tuft on water's edge. 

134. FLORIDA DUCK. _Anas fulvigula fulvigula. _

Range. --Florida and the Gulf of the Mississippi. 

This is a similar, lighter colored, locally distributed race of theforegoing. The most noticeable difference in plumage between this andthe Black Duck is the absence of markings on the chin. The habits arethe same, and the eggs, which are deposited in April, are similar tothose of the Black Duck, but smaller. Size 2. 15 × 1. 60. 

[Illustration 092: Pale greenish buff. ][Illustration: Black Duck. Florida Duck. ][Illustration: deco-photo. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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134a. MOTTLED DUCK. _Anas fulvigula maculosa. _

Range. --Gulf coast of Texas and up the Mississippi Valley to Kansas. 

The habits of this bird differ in no way from the preceding ones. Thesix to ten eggs are greenish buff in color. Size 2. 15 × 1. 55. 

135. GADWALL. _Chaulelasmus streperus. _

Range. --Northern Hemisphere, breeding in America, chiefly in the UnitedStates and north to Manitoba, chiefly in the interior. 

South in winter to the Gulf. The males of these birds may be identifiedby the white speculum and the chestnut wing coverts. Gadwalls nest onthe ground among the reeds of marshes or in the long grass of borderingfields; they make little or no nest but line the cavity with down fromtheir breasts. They lay from seven to twelve eggs of a creamy buffcolor. Size 2. 10 × 1. 60. Data. --Benson Co. , North Dakota, June 19, 1898. Eight eggs. Nest on the ground among rank grass on a low island inDevils Lake. Made of weeds lined with down. Collector, E. S. Rolfe. 

136. WIDGEON. _Mareca penelope_. 

Range. --Northern Hemisphere, breeding in America, only in the AleutianIslands; rare or accidental in other parts of the country. 

The European Widgeon is similar in build and plumage to the followingspecies, except that the whole head, with the exception of the whitecrown, is chestnut. They build their nests in the rushes, making them ofreeds and grass and lining them with feathers. They lay from six to tenlight buff colored eggs. Size 2. 20 × 1. 50. 

[Illustration 093: Creamy buff. ][Illustration: Gadwall. Widgeon. ][Illustration: Pale buff. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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137. BALDPATE. _Mareca americana. _

Range. --North America, breeding in the interior from Texas north toHudson Bay. 

The Baldpate (so-called because of the white crown) or American Widgeonis a handsomely marked bird and is regarded as a great table delicacy. The male birds cannot be mistaken for any other species because of thewhite crown, wing coverts and underparts and the broad green stripe, back of the eye. They breed locally in many parts of the country, building their nests of grass and weeds, neatly lined with feathers, onthe ground in marshes. They lay from six to twelve creamy eggs. Size2. 15 × 1. 50. Data. --Lac Aux Morts, North Dakota. Eight eggs. Nest ofgrass and down on ground in a grassy meadow. Collector, E. S. Bryant. 

138. EUROPEAN TEAL. _Nettion crecca. _

An old world species that is casually found on both coasts of America. 

139. GREEN-WINGED TEAL. _Nettion carolinense. _

Range. --Whole of North America, breeding chiefly north of the UnitedStates. 

A small, handsome species, the male of which can readily be identifiedby the reddish brown head and neck, with the large green patch behindeach ear; length fourteen inches. Green-winged Teals are our smallestrepresentative of the Duck family. They are eagerly sought by sportsmen, both because of their beauty and the excellence of their flesh. They areamong the most common of Ducks in the interior, where they nestgenerally in tufts of grass along ponds, lakes or brooks. Nest of grassand weeds, lined with down from the bird. Eggs buffy, four to ten innumber. Size 1. 85 × 1. 25. 

[Illustration 094: Creamy white. ][Illustration: Baldpate. Green-winged Teal. ][Illustration: Buff. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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140. BLUE-WINGED TEAL. _Querquedula discors_. 

Range. --North America, breeding from northern United States northward;rare on the Pacific coast. 

Another small species, known by the blue wing coverts and the whitecrescent in front of eye. They nest in the same localities with thepreceding species, placing their nest of grass and weeds on the groundin meadows near water. Eggs buffy white. Six to twelve in number. Size1. 90 × 1. 30. 

141. CINNAMON TEAL. _Querquedula cyanoptera_. 

Range. --Western United States, chiefly west of the Rocky Mountains. Casually east to Texas, Illinois and British Columbia. 

The Cinnamon Teal is another small Duck, marked by the uniform richchestnut plumage and light blue wing coverts. The speculum is green. Thenesting habits are the same as those of the Teals, the nests beingplaced on the ground in marshes or fields near water. Their nests areclosely woven of grass and weeds and lined with down and feathers fromthe breast of the bird. The eggs are pale buff and number from six tofourteen. Size 1. 85 × 1. 35. 

141. 1. RUDDY SHELDRAKE. _Casarca ferruginea. _

This is an Old World species that has accidentally occurred inGreenland. 

[Illustration 095: Blue-winged Teal. Cinnamon Teal. ][Illustration: deco-photo. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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142. SHOVELLER. _Spatula clypeata. _

Range. --Whole of North America, breeding in the interior from Texasnorthward. 

This strikingly marked Duck is twenty inches in length, has a green headand speculum, blue wing coverts and chestnut belly. The bill is long andbroad at the tip. It makes its nest on the ground in marshy places, ofgrass, weeds and feathers. Six to ten eggs constitute a complete set. They are greenish or leaden gray color. Size 2. 10 x 1. 50. Data. --Graham's Island, North Dakota, May 28, 1899. Nest of dead weedstems and grass, lined with down. Ten eggs. Collector, E. S. Bryant. 

143. PINTAIL. _Dafila acuta. _

Range. --Northern Hemisphere, breeding in North America from northernUnited States northward, wintering south to Panama. This species, whichis also known as the Sprig-tail, is very common in the United States inthe spring and fall migrations. It is about thirty inches long, itslength depending upon the development of the tail feathers, the centralones of which are long and pointed. They breed casually in many sectionsof the United States, but in abundance from Manitoba to the ArcticOcean. They nest near the water, laying from six to twelve eggs of dullolive color. Size 2. 20 x 1. 50. Data. --Graham's Island, Devil's Lake, N. Dakota, June 15, 1900. Ten eggs. Nest on the ground, of weeds, linedwith down. Colony breeding. Collector, E. S. Bryant. 

[Illustration 096: Lead gray. ][Illustration: Pintail. Shoveller. ][Illustration: Dull olive gray. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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144. WOOD DUC. _Aix sponsa. _

Range. --Temperate North America, breeding from Labrador and BritishColumbia south to Florida. 

Bridal Duck is a name often given to this, the most beautiful of allDucks. 

They are beautifully marked, have a large crest, and are iridescent withall colors of the rainbow. They frequent wooded country near ponds andlakes, feeding on water insects and mollusks in the coves. They buildtheir nests in hollow trees and stumps, often at quite a distance fromthe water. When the young are a few days old, they slide, scramble, orflutter down the tree trunk to the ground below, and are led to thewater. The nest is made of twigs, weeds and grass, and warmly lined withdown. The eggs are a buff color and number eight to fifteen. Size 2. ×1. 5. 

145. RUFOUS-CRESTED DUCK. _Netta rufina. _

A European species; a single specimen taken on Long Island in 1872. 

146. REDHEAD. _Marila americana. _

Range. --North America at large, breeding from northern United Statesnorthward, chiefly in the interior. 

A bird commonly seen in the markets where it is often sold as thefollowing species because of their similarity. The nests are placed onthe ground in marshes or sloughs, and are made of grasses, lined withfeathers. Eggs from six to fourteen in number, of a buffy white color. Size 2. 40 × 1. 70. 

[Illustration 097: Rich buff. ][Illustration: Wood Duck. Redhead. ][Illustration: Buffy. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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[Illustration 098: WOOD DUCK. ]

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147. CANVAS-BACK. _Marila valisineria. _

Range. --Whole of North America, breeding chiefly in the interior fromthe United States to the Arctic Ocean. 

A noted table bird, especially in the south where it feeds on wildcelery. Can be distinguished from the Redhead by its darker head, lighter back, and gradually sloping bill. They nest abundantly inManitoba, their habits being the same as the preceding. They lay fromsix to ten eggs of a darker shade than the Red-heads. Size 2. 40 × 1. 70. Data. --Haunted Lake, N. Alberta, June 12, 1897. Ten eggs. Nest of reedsin a heavy reed bed out in the lake. Collector, Walter Raine. 

148. SCAUP DUCK. _Marila marila. _

Range. --North America, breeding from North Dakota northward, chiefly inthe interior; south in winter to Central America. 

This and the following species are widely known as "Blue-bills" owing tothe slaty blue color of that member. Their plumage is black and white, somewhat similar in pattern to that of the Redhead, but darker, and thewhole head is black. They nest in marshes about many of the ponds andlakes in the interior of British America. The nest is made of marshgrasses and lined with feathers. The six to ten eggs are pale grayish orgreenish gray. Size 2. 50 × 1. 70. Data. --Saltcoats Marshes, N. W. Canada, June 15, 1901. Ten eggs. Nest in the grass; a depression lined with downand dried grasses. Collector, Walter Raine. 

[Illustration: CANVAS-BACK. American Scaup Duck. ][Illustration 099: Pale greenish gray. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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149. LESSER SCAUP DUCK. _Marila affinis. _

Range. --North America, breeding from North Dakota and British Columbianorthward; winters south to Central America. 

This Duck is distinguished from the preceding, chiefly by its size whichis about two inches less, or 17 inches in length. The nesting habits arethe same as those of the Greater Scaup and the eggs are similar butsmaller. Size 2. 25 × 1. 55. Data. --Northern Assiniboia, June 10, 1901. Ten eggs on grass and down at the edge of a lagoon. Collector, WalterRaine. 

150. RING-NECKED DUCK. _Marila collaris. _

Range. --North America, breeding in the interior, from North Dakota andWashington northward. Winters from Maryland on the east and BritishColumbia on the west to Central America. 

Similar to the Lesser Scaup in size and plumage, except that it has anarrow chestnut collar around the neck, the back is black instead ofbarred with white, and the speculum is gray instead of white. The habitsand nesting habits of the Ring-neck do not differ from those of theother Scaups. They lay from six to twelve eggs. Size 2. 25 × 1. 60. Data. --Cape Bathurst, N. Y. T. , June 18, 1901. Ten eggs in a slighthollow in the moss, lined with down. Collector, Captain Bodfish. 

[Illustration 100: Lesser Scaup Duck. Ring-necked Duck. ][Illustration: Lead gray. ][Illustration: deco-photo. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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151. GOLDEN-EYE. _Clangula clangula americana. _

Range. --North America, breeding both on the coast and in the interior, from the northern border of the United States northward to the ArcticOcean. 

These are handsome Ducks known as "Whistlers" from the noise of theirwings when flying, and "Greatheads" because of the puffy crest. The headis greenish with a large round white spot in front of, and a littlebelow the eye. The rest of the plumage is black and white. This speciesnests in hollow trees near the water, lining the cavity with grass, mossand leaves, and lining the nest with down from their breasts. In May andJune they lay from six to ten eggs of a grayish green color. Size 2. 30 ×1. 70. 

152. BARROW'S GOLDEN-EYE. _Clangula islandica. _

Range. --Northern North America, breeding north of the United Statesexcept from the mountainous portions of Colorado northward. 

This Golden-eye differs from the preceding chiefly in the shape of thewhite spot before the eye, which in this species is in the form of acrescent. The size is the same, about 20 inches in length. Thereflections on the head are purplish rather than greenish as in thepreceding. The nesting habits are the same, they building in hollowtrees near water. The six to ten eggs are not different from thepreceding. Size 2. 30 × 1. 65. Data. --Alfusa, Iceland, June 30, 1900. Seven eggs. Nest of grass and down in a box attached to a tree by anislander. 

[Illustration 101: Grayish green. ][Illustration: American Golden-eye. Barrow Golden-eye. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 100

153. BUFFLE-HEAD. _Charitonetta albeola. _

Range. --North America, breeding from United States northward. Winterssouth to Mexico. 

Gunners know this handsome little duck by the names of "Butter-ball, "and "Dipper, " a name also given to Grebes. It is also quite similar, butsmaller (15 in. Long), to the American Golden-eye but has a large whitepatch on the back of the head, from eye to eye. It is an active birdand, like the two preceding, is capable of diving to a great depth toget its food. Its nesting habits are like the preceding. Eggs eight tofourteen. Size 2 × 1. 40. Data. --Alberta, Canada, June 6, 1899. Seveneggs. Nest in hole in tree stump, lined with down. Collector, Dr. George. 

154. OLD-SQUAW. _Harelda hyemalis. _

Range. --Northern Hemisphere, breeding in the Arctic regions; south inwinter to New Jersey and Illinois. 

The Long-tailed Duck, as it is called, is especially noticeable becausethe breeding plumage of the male differs markedly from that in thewinter. In summer their general plumage is blackish brown, with a whitepatch around the eye, and white belly. In winter they are largely white. The central tail feathers are much lengthened. They breed abundantly inGreenland, Alaska and the Hudson Bay Territory, placing their nests ofgrasses and weeds on the ground near the water. It is generallyconcealed in the long grass. The eggs number from six to twelve. Size 2. × 1. 50. Data. --N. Iceland, June 10, 1900. Nest on ground, lined withdown. Collector, S. H. Wallis. 

[Illustration 102: Dull buff. ][Illustration: Buffle-head. Old-squaw. ][Illustration: Buff. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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155. HARLEQUIN DUCK. _Histrionicus histrionicus. _

Range. --Northern Hemisphere in America, breeding from Newfoundland andthe Rocky Mountains in Colorado, northward. South in winter toCalifornia and New England. 

A beautiful and most gorgeous bird, not in colors, but in the oddity ofthe markings, the colors only including black, white, gray and chestnut. Either sex can be recognized by the small short bill. They breed mostlyin single pairs along swiftly running streams, placing their nest, whichis woven of weeds and grasses, in the ground near the water. It is alsoclaimed that they sometimes nest in hollow trees. They lay from five toeight eggs, yellowish or greenish buff in color. Size 2. 30 × 1. 60. Data. --Peel River, Alaska, June 13, 1898. Seven eggs in a hollow inriver bank, lined with down. Collector, C. E. Whittaker. 

156. LABRADOR DUCK. _Camptorhynchus labradorius. _

This bird, whose range was from Labrador to New Jersey in the winter, has probably been extinct since 1875, when the last authentic capturewas made. It is a strange fact that a bird of this character should havebeen completely exterminated, even though they were often sold in themarkets. Only forty-one specimens are known to be preserved at presentand nothing is known in regard to their nesting habits or eggs. 

[Illustration 103: Greenish buff. ][Illustration: Harlequin Duck. Labrador Duck. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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157. STELLER'S DUCK. _Polysticta stelleri. _

Range. --Arctic regions in America, chiefly on the Aleutian Islands andnorthwest coast of Alaska. 

A very beautiful species eighteen inches long; head white, washed withgreenish on the forehead and nape; chin, throat, neck, back, tail andcrissum, black; underparts chestnut; wing coverts white, the longscapulars black and white. It breeds on the rocky coasts and islands ofBering Sea. The six to nine eggs are pale olive green in color. Size2. 25 × 1. 60. Data. --Admiralty Bay, Alaska, June 22, 1898. Nest on ahummock of the tundra, near a small pool, lined with grass and down. Collector, E. A. McIlhenny. 

158. SPECTACLED EIDER. _Arctonetta fischeri. _

Range. --Coast of Alaska from the Aleutians to Point Barrow. 

Like the rest of the true Eiders, this species is black beneath andmostly white above. The head is largely washed with sea green, leaving alarge patch of white, narrowly bordered by black around each eye, thusresembling a pair of spectacles. The nests are made of grass and seaweedand lined with down; they are placed on the ground in clumps of grass orbeneath overhanging stones. The five to nine eggs are an olive drab orgreenish color. Size 2. 70 × 1. 85. Data. --Point Barrow, Alaska, June 15, 1898. Six eggs. Nest of moss and down in a hollow in dry tundra. Collector, E. A. McIlhenny. 

159. NORTHERN EIDER. _Somateria mollissima borealis. _

Range. --North Atlantic coast, breeding from Labrador to Greenland andwintering south to New England. 

A large Duck similar to the next species, but with the base of the billdiffering, as noted in the description of the following species, andwith a more northerly distribution. The nesting habits are the same asthose of the other Eiders. Six to ten eggs generally of a greenish drabcolor. Size 3. × 2. 

[Illustration 104: Steller's Duck. Spectacled Eider. ][Illustration: Pale olive green. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 103

160. EIDER. _Somateria dresseri. _

Range. --Atlantic coast, breeding from Maine to Labrador and winteringsouth to Delaware. 

This species differs from the preceding only in the fleshy part of thebase of the bill, which extends back on each side of the forehead, itbeing broad and rounded in this species and narrow and pointed in theNorthern or Greenland Eider. This species, but more especially theNorthern Eider, are the ones chiefly used for the eider-down ofcommerce. The preceding species is often semi-domesticated in Greenland, the people protecting them and encouraging them to nest in theneighborhood. They make their nests of seaweed and grass and warmly lineit with down from their breast; this down is continually added to thenest during incubation until there is a considerable amount in eachnest, averaging about an ounce in weight. The birds are among thestrongest of the sea ducks and get their food in very deep water. Theirflesh is not good eating. Their eggs number from five to ten and aregreenish drab. Size 3. × 2. 

161. PACIFIC EIDER. _Somateria v-nigra. _

Range. --North Pacific from the Aleutian Islands northward, and east toGreat Slave Lake. 

This bird is, in plumage, like the Northern Eider, except that it has ablack V-shaped mark on the throat. They nest sparingly on the AleutianIslands, but in great numbers farther north on the coast about PointBarrow. Their habits, nests and eggs are precisely the same as those ofthe eastern forms. Their eggs number from five to ten and are of olivegreenish color. Size 3. × 2. Data. --Cape Smythe, Alaska, June 8, 1900. Eight eggs. Nest a hollow in the moss, lined with grass and down. 

[Illustration 105: Greenish drab. ][Illustration: Eider. Pacific Eider. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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162. KING EIDER. _Somateria spectabilis. _

Range. --Northern Hemisphere, breeding in America from Labrador toGreenland and the Arctic Ocean; south in winter to the New EnglandStates and rarely farther on the eastern side, and to the Aleutians onthe Pacific; also casually to the Great Lakes in the interior. 

A handsome and very different species from any of the foregoing, havingthe crown ashy blue, and the long scapulars black instead of white. Italso has a broad V-shaped mark on the throat. Like all the other Eiders, the female is mottled brown and black, the different species being verydifficult to separate. The nests are sunk in the ground and lined withdown. Eggs number from six to ten. Size 2. 80 × 1. 80. Data. --PointBarrow, Alaska, July 5, 1898. Five eggs. Nest a hollow in the moss ontundra lined with moss and down. Collector, E. A. McIlhenny. 

163. SCOTER. _Oidemia americana. _

Range. --Northern North America, breeding from Labrador, the Hudson Bayregion and the Aleutian Islands northward; winters south to Virginia, the Great Lakes and California. 

Scoters or "Coots" as they are generally called are sea ducks whoseplumage is almost wholly black; they have fantastically colored andshaped bills. The American Scoter is entirely black without markings;base of bill yellow and orange. This species nest as do the Eiders, often concealing the nest, of grass and feathers, under some overhangingrock. They lay from six to ten eggs of a dingy buff color. Size 2. 50 ×1. 70. Data. --Mackenzie Bay, June 15, 1899. Ten eggs. Nest a hollow inthe sand, lined with down. 

[Illustration 106: King Eider. Scoter. ][Illustration: Buff. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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164. VELVET SCOTER. _Oidemia fusca. _

An Old World species that has accidentally occurred in Greenland. 

165. WHITE-WINGED SCOTER. _Oidemia deglandi_. 

Range. --Abundant in North America, breeding from Labrador, North Dakotaand British Columbia, northward. Wintering south to the Middle States, southern Illinois and southern California. 

The largest of the Scoters, length 22 inches, distinguished by a largewhite speculum on the wing, also a white comet extending from under theeye backwards. It also has a yellow eye. Like the other Scoters, thisspecies often feeds in very deep water. They are strong, active divingbirds, and are also strong on the wing, generally flying close to thesurface of the water. Their flesh is not regarded as good eating, although they are often sold for that purpose. They nest on the ground, generally in long grass or under low bushes making a coarse nest ofgrasses, and sometimes twigs, lined with feathers. They lay from five toeight eggs of a pale buff color. Size 2. 75 × 1. 85. 

166. SURF SCOTER. _Oidemia perspicillata. _

Range. --Northern North America, breeding north of the United Statesboundary, and wintering south to Virginia and southern California. 

The male of this species is entirely black, except for the white patcheson the forehead and nape, and the vari-colored bill of black, white, pink and yellow. They nest either along the coast or in the interior, building a nest lined with down, in the marsh grass bordering smallponds. They lay from five to eight buffy cream colored eggs. Size 2. 40 ×1. 70. The females of all the Scoters are a dingy brownish color, butshow the characteristic marking of the species, although the white isgenerally dull or sometimes mottled. Data. --Mackenzie River, June 25, 1894. Six eggs in a nest of down on an island in the river. 

[Illustration 107: Surf Scoter. White-winged Scoter. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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167. RUDDY DUCK. _Erismatura jamaicensis. _

Range. --Whole of North America, breeding chiefly north of the UnitedStates border except locally on the Pacific coast. Winters along theGulf and through Mexico and Central America. 

This peculiar species may always be recognized by the brownish orchestnut upper parts, blackish crown, white cheeks and silvery whiteunderparts. The bill is very stout and broad at the end, and the tailfeathers are stiff and pointed like those of a Cormorant. They buildtheir nests in low marshy places, either placing them on the ground nearthe water or in the rushes over it. Their nests are made of rushes andgrasses, sometimes lined and sometimes not, with down from the parentsbreast. The eggs number from six to twelve and are grayish in color. Size 2. 40 × 1. 75. Data. --Northern Assiniboia, Canada, June 6, 1901. Eight eggs. Nest made of aquatic grasses, lined with down. Built in atuft of rushes in a marsh. Collector, Walter Raine. 

168. MASKED DUCK. _Nomonyx dominicus. _

This is a tropical species which is resident in Mexico, Central Americaand in the West Indies. It occurs in Mexico north to the lower RioGrande Valley and has in three known instances strayed to northernUnited States. The general plumage is a rusty chestnut, mottled withblackish, it has a black face and throat, with white wing bars. 

[Illustration 108: Grayish white. ][Illustration: Ruddy Duck. Masked Duck. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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169. SNOW GOOSE. _Chen hyperboreus hyperboreus. _

Range. --North America west of the Mississippi Valley, breeding innorthern Alaska and the MacKenzie River district. 

This smaller species of the Snow Goose nests on islands in rivers alongthe arctic coast. The nest is a depression in the ground, lined withgrasses and, occasionally down. They lay from four to eight eggs of abuffy or yellowish white color. Size 2. 75 × 1. 75. 

169a. GREATER SNOW GOOSE. _Chen hyperboreus nivalis. _

Range. --Eastern North America, breeding in the Arctic regions andwintering chiefly on the Atlantic coast, south to Cuba. 

This bird is like the preceding; except in size; about thirty-sixinches, instead of twenty-six inches in length as is the lesser variety. The entire plumage is white except for the black primaries. Theyconstruct their nests of grasses on the ground the same as the precedingvariety. The eggs number from five to eight and are cream colored. Size3. 40 × 2. 40. 

169. 1. BLUE GOOSE. _Chen cærulescens. _

Range. --North America, principally in the interior, breeding from HudsonBay northward and wintering along the Gulf coast. 

This species may always be recognized by the entirely white head andneck, the body being grayish or bluish gray. They nest on the ground asdo the other geese laying from four to eight eggs of a brownish buffcolor. Size 2. 50 × 1. 75. Data, --Cape Bathurst, Arctic coast, June 29, 1899. Four eggs laid in a depression lined with grass, on an island. Collected with the parent birds by the Esquimaux. 

[Illustration 109: Grayish White. ][Illustration: Lesser Snow Goose. Blue Goose. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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170. ROSS'S SNOW GOOSE. _Chen rossi. _

Range. --This beautiful species, which is similar in plumage to the largeSnow Goose, is but twenty-one inches in length. It breeds in the extremenorth, and in winter is found in the western part of the United Statesas far south as the Gulf of Mexico. Their nesting habits and eggsprobably do not differ from others in the family except in the matter ofsize. 

171. WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE. _Anser albifrons albifrons. _

This European species is exactly like the American except that it issaid to average a trifle smaller. It is occasionally found in Greenland. 

171a. AMERICAN WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE. _Anser albifrons gambeli. _

Range. --Whole of North America, breeding in the Arctic regions andwintering south to the Gulf coast; not common on the Atlantic coastduring migrations. 

These birds may be recognized by their mottled plumage, dark head andwhite forehead. This species is more abundant than any of the precedingand nests in large colonies along the arctic coast and in Alaska. Theirnests are made of dried grasses, feathers and down and are placed on theground in a slight depression. From four to nine eggs are laid; thesehave a dull buff ground. Size 3. 00 × 2. 05. Data. --Island in delta ofMackenzie River, June 10, 1899. Four eggs. Nest of grass and feathers onthe ground on a small island. Collector, Rev. I. O. Stringer. 

171. 1. BEAN GOOSE. _Anser fabalis. _

This European species is casually found in Greenland. It is one of themost common of the Old World Species. 

[Illustration 110: Ross Snow Goose. American White-fronted Goose. ][Illustration: deco-photo. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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172. CANADA GOOSE. _Branta canadensis canadensis. _

Range. --The whole of North America, breeding from northern United Statesnorthward, and wintering in the southern parts of the United States. 

This species is the most widely known of American Geese and is the mostabundant. Its familiar "honk" has long been regarded as the signal ofthe coming of spring, and the familiar V-shaped formation in which theflocks migrate is always an object of interest to everyone. With theexception of in North Dakota and Minnesota, they breed chiefly north ofthe United States. They construct quite a large nest of weeds and grass, and warmly line it with down and feathers. They lay from four to nineeggs of a buff or drab color. Size about 3. 50 × 2. 50. Data. --EllingsarsLake, North Dakota, May 18, 1896. Five eggs. Nest on an island in thelake, constructed of weeds and trash, and lined with a few feathers. Collector, Edwin S. Bryant. 

172a. HUTCHINS GOOSE. _Branta canadensis hutchinsi. _

This sub-species is like the preceding except that it is smaller, thirtyinches in length. It is a western variety, breeding in Alaska and alongthe Arctic coast and wintering to southern California. Its breedinghabits, nests and eggs are the same as the common goose except that theeggs are smaller. Size 3. 00 × 2. 05. 

172b. WHITE-CHEEKED GOOSE. _Branta canadensis occidentalis. _

This bird is about the same size as the Canada Goose and the plumage isvery similar except that the black sometimes extends on the throat, thereby isolating the white cheek patches, and there is a white collarbelow the back of the neck. It is a western species, breeding in Alaskaand wintering along the Pacific coast of the United States. Its nestinghabits and eggs are same as those of the Canada Goose except that thelatter are a trifle smaller. 

172c. CACKLING GOOSE. _Branta canadensis minima. _

This bird is really a miniature of the Canada Goose, being buttwenty-four inches in length. It breeds in Alaska and along the Arcticcoast and migrates into the western parts of the United States. They areabundant birds in their breeding range, where they place their nestsupon the shores of ponds, or on islands in inland rivers or lakes. Thenests are made of weeds and grasses, lined with down. The eggs which arebuff colored, number from four to nine and are laid during June andJuly. Size 2. 30 × 1. 95. 

[Illustration 111: Canada Goose. Cackling Goose. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 110

[Illustration 112: CANADA GEESE. ]

Page 111

173. BRANT. _Branta bernicla glaucogastra. _

Range. --Eastern North America, breeding in the Arctic regions andwintering in the United States east of the Mississippi. 

The Brant resembles a small Canada Goose, except that the black of theneck extends on the breast, and only the throat is white. They are oneof the favorite game birds and thousands are shot every fall and spring. Their nests and eggs are the same as the next species. 

174. BLACK BRANT. _Branta nigricans. _

Range. --Western North America, breeding in Alaska and wintering on thePacific coast of the United States. Rare east of the Mississippi. 

This species is like the last except that the black extends on the underparts. This species nests very abundantly in northern Alaska, layingtheir eggs in a depression in the ground, lined with down. Favoritelocations are the many small islets in ponds and small lakes. They layfrom four to eight grayish colored eggs. Size 2. 80 × 1. 75. Data. --CapeBathurst, North West Territory, Junes 22, 1901. Seven eggs in a smallhollow in the ground, lined with down. Collector, Capt. H. H. Bodfish. 

[Illustration 113: Brant. Black Brant. ][Illustration: Grayish. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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175. BARNACLE GOOSE. _Branta leucopsis. _

This Old World species occurs frequently in Greenland and very rarely isfound on the mainland of this continent. 

176. EMPEROR GOOSE. _Philacte canagica. _

Range. --Alaska, south in winter casually to California. 

This handsome species is twenty-six inches in length; it may be knownfrom the mottled or "scaly" appearance of the body, and the white headwith a black chin and throat. While not uncommon in restrictedlocalities, this may be considered as one of the most rare of NorthAmerican Geese. Their nests are built upon the ground and do not differfrom those of other geese. They lay from three to seven eggs of a dullbuff color. Size 3. 10 × 2. 15. Data. --Stuart Island, Alaska, June 16, 1900. Six eggs laid in a slight hollow in the ground, lined with a fewfeathers and some down. Collector, Capt. H. H. Bodfish. 

[Illustration 114: Barnacle Goose. Emperor Goose. ][Illustration: Egg of Canada Goose--Buffy drab. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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177. BLACK-BELLIED TREE-DUCK. _Dendrocygna autumnalis. _

Range. --Tropical America, north in the Rio Grande Valley to southernTexas. 

These peculiar long-legged Ducks are very abundant in southern Texasduring the summer months. They build their nests in hollow trees, oftenquite a distance from the water. They lay their eggs upon the bottom ofthe cavity with only a scant lining, if any, of feathers and down. Theyare very prolific breeders, raising two broods in a season, each set ofeggs containing from ten to twenty. These eggs are creamy or pure white, size 2. 05 × 1. 50. The first set is laid during the latter part of Aprilor early in May, and fresh eggs may be found as late as July. They areespecially abundant about Brownsville and Corpus Christi, Texas. Data. --Hidalgo, Mexico, May 29, 1900. Ten eggs in a hole in an old elmtree on side of lake in big woods near town. Eight feet from the ground. Collector, F. B. Armstrong. 

178. FULVOUS TREE-DUCK. _Dendrocygna bicolor. _

Range. --This species is tropical like the last, but the summer range isextended to cover, casually the whole southwestern border of the UnitedStates. 

This bird is long-legged like the last, but the plumage is entirelydifferent, being of a general rusty color, including the entire underparts. The nesting habits and eggs are the same as those of theBlack-bellied Duck, the white eggs being laid at the bottom of a cavityin a tree. They number from eight to (in one instance) thirty-two eggsin one nest. This species is nearly as abundant as the preceding insouthern Texas. 

[Illustration 115: White. ][Illustration: Black-bellied Tree duck. Fulvous Tree-duck. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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179. WHOOPER SWAN. _Olor cygnus. _

This European variety frequently is found in Greenland and formerly, regularly bred there. It nests in secluded swampy places in northernEurope. 

180. WHISTLING SWAN. _Olor columbianus. _. 

Range. --North America, breeding in the Arctic Circle, and winteringsouth to the Gulf of Mexico. 

These birds, which are nearly five feet in length, are snow white withthe exception of the black bill and feet. The Whistling Swan isdistinguished from the next species by the presence of a small yellowspot on either side of the bill near its base. Their nests are made of alarge mass of rubbish, weeds, grass, moss, feathers and occasionally afew sticks. It is generally placed in a somewhat marshy place in theneighborhood of some isolated pond. The eggs are of a greenish orbrownish buff color, and number from three to six. Size 4. 00 × 2. 75. Data. --Mackenzie River. Nest a mass of weeds, sods and grass, lined withfeathers; on an island near the mouth of the river. Collector, I. O. Stringer. 

181. TRUMPETER SWAN. _Olor buccinator. _

Range. --Interior of North America from the Gulf of Mexico northward, breeding from northern United States northward. 

This is a magnificent bird, about five and one-half feet in length. Itsplumage is exactly like that of the preceding except that the bill isentirely black, and the nostril is located nearer the eye. Their nestinghabits and eggs are the same as those of the Whistling Swan. While a fewpairs may breed within the United States by far the greater number arefound in the extreme north, from Hudson Bay to Alaska. The eggs mayaverage a trifle larger than those of the preceding species. 

[Illustration 116: Whistling Swan. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 115

LAMELLIROSTRAL GRALLATORES. Order VI. ODONTOGLOSSÆ

FLAMINGOES. Family PHOENICOPTERIDAE

182. FLAMINGO. _Phœnicopterus ruber. _

Range. --Tropical and sub-tropical America on the Atlantic coasts, breeding in the Bahamas and West Indies; north to Florida and casuallyto the South Atlantic States. 

These remarkable and grotesque appearing birds attain a length of about48 inches. The plumage varies from white to a deep rosy red. It requiresseveral years for them to attain the perfect adult plumage, and unlikemost birds, they are in the best of plumage during the winter, thecolors becoming faded as the nesting season approaches. The birds areespecially noticeable because of the crooked, hollow, scoop-shaped bill, and the extremely long legs and neck. The feet are webbed, but more forthe purpose of supporting them upon the mud flats than for use inswimming. The nests are usually built on a sandy point of an island;they are mounds of earth, grass and rubbish from one to two feet inheight, the top being hollowed to receive the eggs. One or two eggs area complete set. The shell is pale blue, but this is covered with a heavywhite chalky deposit. The eggs are laid in June and July. Size 3. 40 ×2. 15. 

IBISES, STORKS, HERONS, etc. Order VII. HERODIONES

The members of this order are wading birds, consequently they all havelong legs and necks. They have four toes, not webbed. 

SPOONBILLS. Family PLATALEIDAE

183. ROSEATE SPOONBILL. _Ajaia ajaja. _. 

Range. --Tropical America, north in summer to the Gulf States. Theyformerly nested in remote swamps along the whole Gulf coast, but are nowconfined chiefly to the Everglades in Florida. 

[Illustration 117: American Flamingo. Roseate Spoonbill. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 116

This bird, with its broad, flat bill, bare head, and rosy plumage withcarmine epaulets and tail coverts, seem more like the fanciful creationof some artist than a real bird of flesh and blood. Its plumage andcolors are strikingly clear and beautiful. Full plumaged adult birdshave very brilliant carmine shoulders and tail coverts, a saffroncolored tail, and a lengthened tuft of bright rosy feathers on theforeneck. This species breed in small colonies in marshy places, oftenin company with herons and ibises. Their nests are rather frailplatforms of sticks, located in bushes or trees, from four to fifteenfeet from the ground. The eggs are laid during the latter part of Mayand June. They are three or four in number and have a ground color ofdull white, or pale greenish blue and are quite heavily blotched withseveral shades of brown. Size 2. 50 × 1. 70. 

[Illustration 118: Pale greenish blue. ][Illustration: Chalky bluish white. Egg of American Flamingo. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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IBISES. Family IBIDIDÆ

Ibises are gracefully formed birds having a long curved bill and a bareface. 

184. WHITE IBIS. _Guara alba. _

Range. --This is a tropical and sub-tropical species which is found alongthe Gulf coast, and north to South Carolina, west to Lower California. 

These handsome birds are wholly white, with the exception of blackprimaries. The legs and the bare skin of the face is orange red. Thesebirds are very abundant in most marshy localities along the Gulf coast, especially in Florida, where they nest in rookeries of thousands ofindividuals. Owing to their not having plumes, they have not beenpersecuted as have the white herons. They build their nests of sticksand grasses, in the mangroves a few feet above the water. In otherlocalities they build their nests entirely of dead rushes, attachingthem to the standing ones a foot or more above the surface of the water. They are quite substantially made and deeply cupped, very different fromthe nests of the Herons. Their eggs are from three to five in number, vary from grayish ash to pale greenish or bluish in color, blotched withlight brown. Size 2. 25 × 1. 60. The nesting season is during May andJune. Data. --Tampa Bay, Fla. , June 4, 1895. Three eggs. Nest of sticksand a few weeds in small bushes on an island. Collector, Fred Doane. 

185. SCARLET IBIS. _Guara rubra. _. 

Range. --Occasionally, but not recently met with in the southern states. Their habitat is tropical America, they being especially abundant alongthe Orinoco River in northern South America. 

Full plumaged adults of this species are wholly bright scarlet, exceptfor the primaries, which are black. Their nests are built inimpenetrable thickets, rushes or mangroves, the nests being constructedlike those of the White Ibis. The eggs, too, are very similar to thoseof the preceding species, but both the ground color and the markingsaverage brighter. While still common in some localities, the species isgradually becoming less abundant, chiefly because of the demand fortheir feathers for use in fly-tying. 

[Illustration 119: Grayish. ][Illustration: White Ibis. Scarlet Ibis. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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186. GLOSSY IBIS. _Plegadis autumnalis. _. 

Range. --This tropical and sub-tropical species, is chiefly found in theOld World. It is occasionally found in southeastern United States whereit sometimes breeds. Its habits, nesting habits and eggs are just thesame as the next species. 

187. WHITE-FACED GLOSSY IBIS. _Plegadis guarauna. _

Range. --A sub-tropical species found in the southwestern parts of theUnited States, rarely found east of the Mississippi. 

This species differs from the Glossy Ibis in having the feathers on thefront of the head white, the rest of the plumage is a dull brownishchestnut, with greenish reflections on the back. As these birds are notin demand commercially, their numbers have not decreased, and thousandsof them breed in colonies in southern Texas. They build a substantialnest of reeds and rushes woven about the upright canes, close to thesurface of the water. Their eggs are laid during May, and number fromthree to four. They are easily distinguished from those of the Herons, being of a deeper greenish blue color and averaging more elongate. Size1. 95 × 1. 35. Data. --Corpus Christi, Texas, May 26, 1899. Four eggs. Nestof twigs and rushes on side of river. Collector, F. B. Armstrong. 

STORKS and WOOD IBISESFamily CICONIIDAE

188. WOOD IBIS. _Mycteria americana. _

Range. --A sub-tropical species which is resident along the Gulf coastand which strays casually north to New England and Colorado. 

This peculiar member of the Stork family has the whole head and part ofthe neck bare and covered with numerous scales; the bill is large, longand heavy; the plumage is white, except for the black primaries andtail. It is a large bird about four feet in length. They are quiteabundant in swamps along the

[Illustration 120: Glossy Ibis. White-faced Glossy Ibis. Wood Ibis. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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Gulf coast, where they place their nests, which are platforms of sticks, in trees and bushes over the water. They lay three eggs which are white, and have a rough surface. Size 2. 75 × 1. 75. 

189. JABIRU. _Jabiru mycteria. _

This large bird, which is the only true Stork that claims a place in ouravifauna, is a native of South and Central America, wandering north, casually to Texas. Their nests are large platforms of sticks in veryhigh trees. 

BITTERNS and HERONS Family ARDEIDAE

Herons and Bitterns are long-legged waders, having straight, pointedbills, and with the head feathered, except for the lores. 

190. BITTERN. _Bautaurus lentiginosus. _

Range. --United States and southern British provinces, breeding in thenorthern half of the United States and wintering in the southernportion. 

This species, with its mottled rusty brownish plumage, is one of thebest known of the Heron family. It is known locally by a great manynames, nearly all of which have reference to the "booming" or "pumping"sound made during the mating season. They build their nests in swampy ormarshy places, placing them on the ground, frequently on a tussock, entirely surrounded by water. The nest proper is only a few grassestwisted about to form a lining to the hollow. They lay from three tofive eggs of brownish drab. Size 1. 95 × 1. 50. 

They do not breed in colonies, generally, but one or two pairs nestingin one marsh. Data. --Worcester, Mass. , June 3, 1897. Four eggs laid in agrass lined hollow in middle of a hummock of earth and grass, in middleof marsh. Collector, James Jackson. 

[Illustration 121: Jabiru. Bittern. ][Illustration: Brownish drab. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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191. LEAST BITTERN. _Ixobrychus exilis. _

Range. --Common throughout the United States, especially in the easternpart, and in the southern British provinces. 

This small variety of Bittern is very common in the southern portions ofthe United States, but less so and locally distributed in the northernportions of its range. They are very quiet and sly birds, and theirpresence is often unsuspected when they are really quite abundant. Whenapproached, they will remain perfectly quiet, with the body erect andthe head and neck pointed skyward, in which position their yellowishbrown plumage strongly resembles the rushes among which they are found. Their nests are made of strips of rushes woven about upright stalks, generally over water. They lay from three to five eggs of a pale bluishwhite color. Size 1. 20 × . 90. Data. --Avery's Island, La. , May 1, 1896. Four eggs. Nest of strips of rushes woven together to form a platformand fastened to saw grass growing on the bank of a stream. Collector, E. A. McIlhenny. 

191. 1. CORY'S LEAST BITTERN. _Ixobrychus neoxenus. _

This rare species, of which about twenty specimens are known is probablyresident in Florida, wandering north in the summer, specimens havingbeen taken in Ontario, Canada, and in several localities in easternUnited States. It is very different from the Least Bittern, having amore uniform chestnut coloration, especially on the under parts. It istwelve inches in length. Mr. C. W. Crandall has a set of five eggs ofthis species, taken on the Caloosahatchee River, Fla. , April 15, 1891, by S. B. Ladd. Nest was made of grasses and rushes placed in the canetwo feet above the water. 

[Illustration 122: Pale bluish gray. ][Illustration: Least Bittern. Cory's Least Bittern. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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192. GREAT WHITE HERON. _Ardea occidentalis. _

Range. --This species occurs in the United States regularly, only in thesouthern parts of Florida. It is a resident of the West Indies. 

This large white Heron is about the same size as the Great Blue Heron;it has none of the slender plumes found on the smaller White Herons. These birds are not uncommon in southern Florida, especially on theKeyes, where they build their nests in company with Great Blue Herons. Their nesting habits and eggs are very similar to those of the BlueHeron. Size of eggs 2. 25 × 1. 80. Data. --Outside of Torch Key, Florida, June 16, 1899. Nest a platform of sticks about five feet from theground, in a mangrove tree. Three eggs. Collector, O. Tollin. 

194. GREAT BLUE HERON. _Ardea herodias herodias. _

Range. --Nearly the whole of North America, except the extreme north;resident south of the middle portions of the United States and migratorynorth of there. 

This handsome Heron is about four feet in length. Its general color is abluish gray, relieved by a black crest, primaries and patches on thesides, and a white crown. In the south they breed in large colonies, often in company with many other species. In the northern portions oftheir range they breed singly or in companies of under a hundredindividuals. They generally place their rude platforms of sticks well upin trees, near ponds, swamps or rivers, but in the most northerly partsof their range, where trees are scarce, they often build on the ground. Unless they are disturbed, they return to the same breeding grounds, year after year. They lay from three to five eggs of a greenish bluecolor. Size 2. 50 × 1. 50. Data. --Duck Island, Maine, May 20, 1883. Threeeggs. Nest of sticks and twigs, about fifteen feet from the ground. Collector, R. B. Gray. 

194a. NORTHWEST COAST HERON. _Ardea herodias fannini. _

This darker sub-species of the breeding is found along the Pacificcoast, north to Sitka, Alaska. Its nests and eggs do not differ from theformer species. 

[Illustration 123: Great White Heron. Great Blue Heron. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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194b. WARD'S HERON. _Ardea herodias wardi. _

This sub-species is a resident in Florida. It is a lighter variety thanthe common. It nests together with the Great Blue Heron and its habitsare the same. 

195. EUROPEAN HERON. _Ardea cinerea. _

This species is only an accidental straggler in Greenland. It is verysimilar to our Blue Heron and is the one which was formerly used tofurnish sport for the royalty when falconry was at its height. 

196. EGRET. _Herodias egretta. _

Range. --Resident in the southern portions of the United States, straggling northward casually to the northern parts. 

This is one of the beautiful Herons which have been sought by plumehunters till they are upon the verge of extermination. They are entirelywhite, with a long train of beautiful straight "aigrettes" flowing fromthe middle of the back. In remote localities, quite large colonies ofthem may still be found, but where they numbered thousands, years ago, they can be counted by dozens now. They breed in impenetrable swamps, very often in company with the following species, and also withLouisiana and Little Blue Herons, and White Ibises. Their nests are butfrail platforms, generally in bushes over the water. Their usualcomplement of eggs numbers from three to five, four as the most commonnumber. They are generally laid during the latter part of May, but oftenon account of their being disturbed, nests with eggs may be found inJuly. The eggs are a light bluish green in color. Size 2. 25 × 1. 45. Data. --Gainesville, Florida, April 14, 1894. Four eggs on a platform ofsticks and grass, in a button-wood bush over six feet of water. Collector, George Graham. 

197. SNOWY EGRET. _Egretta candidissima candidissima. _

Range. --Common now only in restricted localities in the Gulf States andMexico. 

This species, which is smaller than the last, being but twenty-fourinches in length, is also adorned with "aigrettes, " but they arebeautifully recurved at the tips. Owing to the merciless slaughter towhich they have been subjected, their ranks have been woefullydecimated, and it is to be hoped that the remaining ones may be safelyprotected. Their nesting habits are the same as the last, although, ofcourse, the eggs are smaller. Size 1. 80 × 1. 25. 

[Illustration 124: Snowy Egret. Egret. ][Illustration: Light greenish blue. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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198. REDDISH EGRET. _Dichromanassa rufescens. _

Range. --In the United States, this species is confined chiefly to theGulf States. 

It is somewhat larger than the last species, the head and neck arerufous, the body is bluish gray, and the back is adorned with slendergray plumes. It also has a white phase. This Egret is very abundantalong the whole Gulf coast, but especially so in Texas. Their nestinghabits are identical with those of the other small Herons and Egrets. The three or four eggs are rather of a more greenish blue than thepreceding. Size 1. 90 × 1. 45. Data. --Gainesville, Florida, April 14, 1894. Three eggs. Nest of sticks and straw in a button-wood tree, twofeet above the water. Collector, George Graham. 

199. LOUISIANA HERON. _Hydranassa tricolor ruficollis. _

Range. --Sub-tropical America, north regularly to the Gulf States andcasually farther. 

This Heron is of about the size of the Reddish Egret, but the neck islonger, more slender and dark, while the chin, throat and underparts arewhite. The plumes from the back are short, reaching barely to the end ofthe tail. They nest in large colonies in company with Egrets and LittleBlue Herons, placing their nests in the mangroves, only a few feet abovethe water. Their nests are the same as those of the other species, aslight platform of sticks, and the three to five eggs are practicallynot distinguishable from those of the Snowy or Little Blue Herons. Size1. 75 × 1. 35. 

[Illustration 125: Pale bluish green. ][Illustration: Reddish Egret. Louisiana Heron. ][Illustration: Pale bluish green. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 124

200. LITTLE BLUE HERON. _Florida cærulea. _

Range. --South Atlantic and Gulf coasts, north casually to New Englandand Manitoba; west to Kansas and Nebraska. 

A smaller species than the preceding, length 22 inches, plumage auniform slaty blue changing to purplish red on the head and neck. Theyalso have a white phase, but always show traces of the slaty blue, especially on the primaries. Young birds are always white. They breed inimmense rookeries during April and May. Their nesting habits and eggsare very similar to the last species, although the eggs average a triflesmaller. Size 1. 75 × 1. 25. Data. --Avery's Island, Louisiana, April 21, 1896. 5 eggs. Nest a flat and frail platform of twigs in a Mimosa treegrowing in floating turf, over deep water in a large swamp. Collector, E. A. McIlhenny. 

201. GREEN HERON. _Butorides virescens virescens. _

Range. --Temperate and sub-tropical America, breeding north to theBritish Provinces. 

This is the smallest of our Herons, and is well known all over thecountry. Sometimes they breed in numbers in rookeries, in company withthe larger Herons, but in most sections of the country they will befound nesting, one or two pairs together, along the border of some swampor stream. They have a greater diversity of building sites, than do anyof the other Herons and frequently nest a long ways from water. Theirnests may be found in alders, birches or even apple trees. It is theusual Heron type of platform, upon which the three to six eggs are laid. They are a pale greenish blue in color, and measure 1. 45 × 1. 10. Data. --Avery's Island, Louisiana, April 10, 1894. 5 eggs on a platformof twigs placed in a willow tree growing on the edge of a pond. Collected by E. A. McIlhenny. 

[Illustration 126: Pale bluish green. ][Illustration: Little Blue Heron. Green Heron. ][Illustration: Light bluish green. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 125

201a. FRAZAR'S GREEN HERON. _Butorides virescens frazari. _

A darker variety found in Lower California; nesting the same as thecommon species. 

201b. ANTHONY'S GREEN HERON. _Butorides virescens anthonyi. _

A lighter, desert form found in the arid portions of the interior ofsouthwestern United States and Mexico. 

[Illustration 127: NEST AND EGGS OF GREEN HERON. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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202. BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON. _Nycticorax nycticorax naevius_. 

Range. --North America from southern British Provinces, southward;winters along the Gulf coast and beyond. 

A well known bird, often called "quawk" from the sound of its notefrequently heard in the evening. While, in some localities, only a fewpairs of these birds are found nesting together, most of them gathertogether into large colonies during the breeding season. In New Englandthey generally select a remote pine grove as their breeding grounds. Ifnot disturbed they will return to this same place each year. Their nestsare built of sticks and lined with small twigs, and are placed well uptowards the tops of the trees. 

Frequently several nests will be found in the same tree, and I havecounted as many as fifty nests in view at the same time. In large swampsin the south they generally nest at a low elevation, while in themarshes of Wisconsin and Minnesota, large colonies of them nest on theground, making their nest of rushes. Like all Heronries, those of thisspecies have a nauseating odor, from the remains of decayed fish, etc. , which are strewn around the bases of the trees. Their eggs number fromthree to five and are of a pale bluish green color. Size 2. 00 × 1. 40. Data. --Uxbridge, Mass. , May 30, 1898. 4 eggs. Nest of sticks, aboutthirty feet up in a pine tree. Many other nests. Collector, H. A. Smith. 

203. YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT HERON. _Nyctanassa violacea_. 

Range. --Sub-tropical America, breeding along the Gulf coast and to LowerCalifornia; casually farther north, to Illinois and South Carolina. 

A handsome grayish colored species, with long lanceolate plumes on theback, and two or three fine white plumes from the back of the head, likethose of the Black-crowned species. Its black head, with tawny whitecrown and ear coverts, renders it unmistakable. This species nests incolonies or by pairs, like the preceding, and very often in company withother Herons. They lay from three to six eggs, very similar in size, shape and color to those of the Black-crowned Heron. 

[Illustration 128: Pale bluish green. ][Illustration: Black-crowned Night Heron. Yellow-crowned Heron. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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CRANES, RAILS, etc. Order VIII. PALUDICOLÆ

CRANES. Family GRUIDAE

Cranes are large, long-legged, long-necked birds, somewhat resemblingHerons. Their structure and mode of living partakes more of the natureof the Rails, however. They are found upon the prairies, where besidesshell fish from the ponds, they feed largely upon grasshoppers, worms, etc. 

204. WHOOPING CRANE. _Grus americana. _

Range. --Interior of North America, breeding from about the latitude ofIowa northward to the Arctic regions; winters in the Gulf states andsouthward. 

The Whooping Crane is the largest of the family in America, measuring 50inches or more in length. The plumage of the adults is pure white, withblack primaries. The bare parts of the head and face are carmine. It isa very locally distributed species, in some sections being practicallyunknown, while in a neighboring locality it may be rated as common. Theyare very shy birds and are not easily obtained. They nest either uponthe solid earth or in marshy places over the water. In either case thenest is a very bulky mass of grass and weeds from two to three feet indiameter and raised perhaps a foot above the ground. They lay two eggsof a brownish buff color, irregularly blotched with brown, and withfainter marking of gray. Size 3. 75 x 2. 50. Data. --Torkton, northernAssiniboia, northwest Canada. Nest a mass of marsh hay, three feet indiameter, on the prairie. The birds seen, but very wary. Collector, Cowbry Brown. 

205. LITTLE BROWN CRANE. _Grus canadensis. _

Range. --North America in the interior, breeding from Hudson Bay andsouthern Alaska north to the Arctic coast; south in winter to Mexico. 

This uniform gray colored Crane differs from the next species only insize, being about three feet in length, while the Sandhill averagesthree and one-half feet. The eggs cannot be distinguished with anycertainty. 

[Illustration 129: Whooping Crane. Little Brown Crane. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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[Illustration 130: Brownish buff. EGG OF WHOOPING CRANE. ][Illustration: Buff. EGG OF LITTLE BROWN CRANE. ][Illustration: Left hand margin. ]

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206. SANDHILL CRANE. _Grus mexicana. _

Range. --Temperate North America, breeding from the Gulf States, locallynorth to the southern parts of the British Provinces. 

This is the most common and the most southerly distributed member of thefamily. In some sections of Florida and Texas it is regarded asabundant. They nest in marshy places near secluded ponds. The nests aremasses of grass, weeds and roots, generally placed in marshes andentirely surrounded by water. The two eggs are similar to those of theWhooping Crane, but the ground color is lighter. The eggs of the twospecies cannot always, with certainty, be distinguished. Size 3. 75 x2. 40. Data. --Carman, Manitoba, May 31, 1903. 2 eggs. Nest on a knoll ina marsh, hidden by dead rushes and weeds; a flat loose structure ofbroken rushes and reeds. Collector, Chris Forge. 

COURLANS. Family ARAMIDÆ

207. LIMPKIN. _Aramus vociferus. _

Range. --This bird is a native of the West Indies and Central America, but occurs regularly north to the southern portions of Florida. 

This strange bird is the only member of its family found in the UnitedStates. It may be likened to a large Rail or a small Crane, beingapparently, a connecting link between the two. It is about two feet inlength, and the plumage is mottled brownish and white. It lives in themarshes, from whence, until late at night, emanate its strange cries, which are likened to those of a child in distress. They nest in the mostimpenetrable parts of swamps, building their nests of rushes, grass andweeds, in tangled masses of vines a few feet above the ground or water. They lay from three to eight eggs having a ground color of buff orgrayish white and blotched with light brown. Their coloration is verysimilar to those of the Cranes. Size 2. 30 x 1. 70. They nest in April andMay. 

[Illustration 131: Sandhill Crane. Limpkin. ][Illustration: Buffy white. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 130

[Illustration 132: Walter Raine. NEST AND EGGS OF LITTLE BROWN CRANE. ]

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RAILS, GALLINULES and COOTS. Family RALLIDÆ

Members of this family are almost exclusively frequenters of marshes, where they lead a shy, retiring life and are more often heard than seen. 

208. KING RAIL. _Rallus elegans. _

Range. --Fresh water marshes of eastern United States from New Englandand the Dakotas, southward. Very abundant on the South Atlantic coast, in the inland marshes. 

This is one of the largest of the Rails, (17 inches in length) and maybe known by the richness of its plumage, the breast and wing covertsbeing a rich cinnamon color. It is almost exclusively a fresh waterspecies and is very rarely found around a salt water marsh. Its nest isbuilt on the ground, in a tuft of grass and weeds woven about theupright stalks. They lay from five to twelve eggs having a cream coloredground, sparingly speckled with brown and lilac. Size 1. 60 × 1. 20. Data. --Clark County, Missouri, June 6, 1893. 10 eggs. Nest composed ofreed stalks; a slightly concave mass 8 inches across, and only twoinches above the water, in a clump of reeds. Collector, Ed. S. Currier. 

209. BELDING'S RAIL. _Rallus beldingi. _

Range. --Lower California and the islands in the Gulf. 

This is a locally confined species, very similar to the preceding butdarker and with the flank bars narrower. Its nesting or eggs will notdiffer from those of the King Rail. 

210. CALIFORNIA CLAPPER RAIL. _Rallus obsoletus. _

Range. --Salt marshes of the Pacific coast of the United States. 

This species is like a dull colored King Rail, with reference to themarkings of the back, or a bright colored Clapper Rail, as it has acinnamon colored breast. It is an abundant species in nearly all thesalt marshes along the coast. They make their nests on the higher partsof the marsh, where it is comparatively dry, building them of grass andstrips of rushes. They lay from four to nine eggs of a light buff color, boldly spotted with brown, and with fainter markings of lilac. Size 1. 75× 1. 25. Data. --Palo Alto, Cal. , May 1, 1899. Nest of marsh grass under asmall bush on bank of slough. Collector, Ernest Adams. 

[Illustration 133: Cream color. ][Illustration: Light buff. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 132

211. CLAPPER RAIL. _Rallus crepitans crepitans. _

Range. --Salt marshes of the Atlantic coast from southern New Englandsouthward. 

A grayish colored Rail, about the size of, and with the markings similarto those of the King Rail. It is as exclusively a salt water species asthe King Rail is a fresh water one. With the possible exception of theCarolina or Sora Rail, this is the most abundant of all the Rails, hundreds nesting in a single marsh on the South Atlantic coast. Theirnests are built of rushes and weeds, and are placed on the ground eitherin the tall grass bordering the marshes or attached to the rushes in themidst of the marsh. The nesting season commences during April andcontinues through May. They lay from six to fourteen eggs, of a buffcolor spotted irregularly with brown and gray. Size 1. 70 × 1. 20. 

211a. LOUISIANA CLAPPER RAIL. _Rallus crepitans saturatus. _

The habitation of this subspecies is limited to the coast of Louisiana. It is very similar to the proceeding but is said to be brighter inplumage. 

211b. FLORIDA CLAPPER RAIL. _Rallus crepitans scotti. _

Range. --Western coast of Florida. 

This bird is also similar to crepitans but is much darker and brighter. 

211c. WAYNE'S CLAPPER RAIL. _Rallus crepitans waynei_. 

Range. --South Atlantic coast from North Carolina to Florida. 

This subspecies is a little darker than crepitans, being about midwaybetween that species and Rallus scotti. The nests and eggs of any ofthese sub-species cannot be distinguished from those of the commonClapper Rail. 

211. 2. CARIBBEAN CLAPPER RAIL. _Rallus longirostris caribaeus. _

Range. --West Indies and east coast of Mexico, north to southern Texas. 

This species is similar to the Clapper, but has a shorter and relativelystouter bill. 

[Illustration 134: King Rail. Clapper Rail. ][Illustration: Buff. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 133

212. VIRGINIA RAIL. _Rallus virginianus. _

Range. --Temperate North America, breeding from the Middle States andCalifornia, northward to British Columbia and Labrador, and winteringalong the Gulf coast; most abundant in the east. 

A small Rail, 9 inches long, very similar in markings and coloration tothe King Rail. It is found chiefly in fresh water swamps, where itbuilds its nests in tufts of rushes. The eggs number from six tofourteen, and are creamy white, or white, speckled with reddish brown. Size 1. 25 × . 90 Data. --Fighting Island, Detroit River, Michigan, May 30, 1904. Nest made of marsh grass, in rushes, 6 inches above the water. Collector, E. Leroy King. 

213. SPOTTED CRAKE. _Porzana porzana. _

This common European species is casually found in Greenland. It breedsin large numbers throughout temperate Europe, nesting as do the AmericanRails. 

214. SORA. _Porzana carolina. _

Range. --Temperate North America, breeding from the southern parts of theBritish possessions, south to the Gulf coast. 

This abundant species of Rail may be readily known by its small size, about eight inches long, and the black face and throat of the adult. These are the "Rail-birds" or "Ortolans" which are annually slaughteredby thousands, for sport and marketing, during their fall migration. Itis only because of the large families that they rear, that they are ableto withstand this yearly decimation of their ranks. They nest either insalt or fresh water marshes, making a rude structure of grass, weeds andstrips of rushes, on the ground, generally concealed in a tuft of grassin a tangled swamp or marsh. During May, they lay from six to sixteeneggs of a bright, buffy gray color, spotted with reddish brown andlavender. Size 1. 25 × . 90. 

[Illustration 135: Creamy white. ][Illustration: Sora. Virginia Rail. ][Illustration: Bright buff. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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215. Yellow Rail. _Coturnicops noveboracensis. _

Range. --Locally distributed in temperate North America, from New Englandand Nova Scotia, to California and British Columbia; south to the GulfStates in winter. 

This is a very handsome species, with plumage of glossy brown, yellowishbuff, black and white; length seven inches. They are very shy andsecretive, and are probably more common than generally supposed. Theirnesting habits are the same as those of the preceding. Their eggs are ofa rich buff color, speckled in the form of a wreath about the large end, with reddish brown. They are relatively narrower than those of otherRails. Size 1. 10 × . 80. Data. --Benson Co. , North Dakota, June 4, 1901. Set of ten eggs collected by Rev. P. B. Peabody. This set is in thecollection of Mr. John Lewis Childs. 

216. BLACK RAIL. _Creciscus jamaicensis. _

Range. --Temperate North America, breeding from northern United Statessouthward. 

Smallest of the rails; 5 inches in length. A dark slaty colored birdwith white specks, and a patch of dark chestnut on the fore back. Thisdiminutive species is very hard to find because of its retiring habits, but according to Mr. Brewster it may be located by the clicking sound ofits song. 

Their nests are woven of strips of rushes or grasses, and are well"cupped" to receive the eggs. They are on the ground on the border of, or in, marshy places. Mr. Childs has a fine set of eight eggs, taken byArthur T. Wayne, at Mt. Pleasant, S. C. , June 10, 1903. The nest waslocated in an oat field. The eggs have a creamy white ground, and arespecked all over with reddish brown. Size 1. 03 × . 75. 

216. 1. FARALLON RAIL. _Creciscus coturniculus. _

Known only from a single specimen, which is slightly smaller than_jamaicensis_ and without the white specks on the back. 

[Illustration 136: Rich buff. ][Illustration: Yellow Rail. Black Rail. ][Illustration][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left margin. ]

Page 135

217. Corn Crake. _Crex crex. _

This European Rail is casually found in Greenland and along the Atlanticcoast of North America. It is the most abundant of European Rails and isfound breeding in marshes, meadows and along streams. 

218. PURPLE GALLINULE. _Ionornis martinicus_. 

Range. --South Atlantic and Gulf States; casually north in eastern UnitedStates to Massachusetts and Ohio. 

A very handsome bird with purplish head, neck and under parts, and agreenish back. Like all the Gallinules and Coots, this species has ascaly crown plate. An abundant breeding species in the southern parts ofits range. Its nests are made of rushes or grasses woven together andeither attached to living rushes or placed in tufts of grass. They layfrom six to ten eggs of a creamy or pale buff color sparingly blotchedwith chestnut. Size 1. 60 × 1. 15. Data. --Avery's Island, Louisiana, May7, 1896. Ten eggs. Nest of dry rushes, woven to standing ones growingaround an "alligator hole" in a marsh. Collector, E. A. McIlhenny. 

[Illustration 137: Purple Gallinule. Corn Crake. ][Illustration: Pale buff. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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219. FLORIDA GALLINULE. _Gallinula galeata. _

Range. --Temperate North America, from New England, Manitoba andCalifornia, southward. 

A grayish colored bird of similar size to the last (13 inches long), with flanks streaked with white, and with the bill and crown platereddish. They nest in colonies in marshes and swamps, building theirnests like those of the Purple Gallinule. The eggs, too, are similar, but larger and slightly duller. Size 1. 75 × 1. 20. 

Data. --Montezuma marshes, Florida, June 6, 1894. Eleven eggs. Nest ofdead flaggs, floating in two feet of water. Collector, Robert Warwick. 

220. EUROPEAN COOT. _Fulica atra. _

A European species very similar to the next, and only casually found inGreenland. Nesting the same as our species. 

221. COOT. _Fulica americana. _

Range. --Whole of temperate North America, from the southern parts of theBritish Provinces, southward; very common in suitable localitiesthroughout its range. 

The Coot bears some resemblance to the Florida Gallinule, but issomewhat larger, its bill is white with a blackish band about themiddle, and each toe has a scalloped web. They inhabit the same marshesand sloughs that are used by the Rails and Gallinules as nesting places, and they have the same retiring habits, skulking through the grass toavoid observation, rather than flying. Their nests are either floatingpiles of decayed vegetation, or are built of dead rushes in clumps ofrushes on the banks. They generally build in large colonies. The eggsnumber from six to sixteen and have a grayish ground color, finelyspecked all over the surface with blackish. Size 1. 80 × 1. 30. 

[Illustration 138: Pale buff. ][Illustration: Florida Gallinule. Coot. ][Illustration: Grayish. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration left hand margin. ]

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SHORE BIRDS. Order IX. LIMICOLÆ

PHALAROPES. Family PHALAROPODIDAE

Phalaropes are small Plover-like birds, but with lobate webbed feet, similar to those of the Grebes and Coots. 

222. RED PHALAROPE. _Phalaropus fulicarius. _

Range. --Northern Hemisphere, breeding in the far north, and migrating tothe middle portions of the United States, chiefly on the coasts. 

The Red Phalarope during the breeding season has the underparts whollyreddish brown; they are very rarely seen in the United States in thisdress, however for it is early changed for a suit of plain gray andwhite. This species has a much stouter bill than the two following; itis about nine inches in length. All the Phalaropes are good swimmers, and this species, especially, is often found in large flocks off thecoast, floating on the surface of the water; they feed largely uponsmall marine insects. Nests in hollows on the ground, lined with a fewgrasses. The eggs are three or four in number, generally of a greenishbuff color, spotted and blotched with brown and blackish. Data. --Myvates, Iceland, June 19, 1897. Collector, C. Jefferys. 

223. NORTHERN PHALAROPE. _Lobipes labatus. _

Range. --Northern Hemisphere, breeding in the northern parts of theBritish Provinces. 

This is the smallest of the Phalaropes, being about eight inches long;in summer it has a chestnut band across the breast and on the side ofthe neck. Its habits and nesting habits vary but little from those ofthe Red Phalarope, although its distribution is a little more southerly, and it is not as exclusively maritime as the preceding species. It isfound on both coasts of the United States, but more common on thePacific side, during the fall and spring, when going to or returningfrom its winter quarters in the tropics. Their eggs cannot, withcertainty, be distinguished from the preceding species. 

[Illustration 139: Greenish buff. ][Illustration: Red Phalarope. Northern Phalarope. ][Illustration: Greenish buff. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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224. WILSON'S PHALAROPE. _Steganopus tricolor. _

Range. --Interior of temperate North America, breeding from the latitudeof Iowa, northward, and wintering south of the United States. 

This is the most handsome species of the family, being of a verygraceful form, of a grayish and white color, with a broad stripe throughthe eye and down the neck, where it fades insensibly into a richchestnut color. It is an exclusively American species and is rarelyfound near the coast. It builds its nest generally in a tuft of grass, the nests also being of grass. The eggs are of a brownish or greenishbuff color, spotted and blotched with black and brown. Size 1. 30 × . 90. Data. --Larimore, N. D. , May 30, 1897. Nest a shallow depression, scratched in the sand, under a tuft of grass on an island. Collector, T. F. Eastgate. 

[Illustration 140: Male, female, young. Wilson's Phalarope. ][Illustration: Brownish buff. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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AVOCETS and STILTS. Family RECURVIROSTRIDÆ

225. AVOCET. _Recurvirostra americana_. 

Range. --Western North America, breeding north to Northwest Territory. 

The Avocet can be known from any other bird by its up-curved bill, lightplumage, webbed feet and large size (length about 17 inches). Thesewaders are quite numerous in suitable localities throughout the west, constructing their nests in the grass, bordering marshy places. The nestis simply a lining of grass in a hollow in the ground. They lay three orfour eggs of a dark greenish or brownish buff color, boldly marked withbrown and black. Size 1. 90 × 1. 30. Data. --Rush Lake, Assiniboia. Foureggs laid in a depression in the sand, lined with dry weeds. Many birdsnesting in the colony. 

226. BLACK-NECKED STILT. _Himantopus mexicanus_. 

Range. --Like the last, this species is rarely found east of theMississippi, but is very abundant in the United States west of thatriver. 

A black and white wader, with extremely long red legs; otherwise agracefully formed bird. It breeds in large colonies anywhere in itsrange, making its nests of weeds and sometimes a few twigs, on theground beside of, or in the marshes. Their eggs number three or four andare brownish or greenish buff with numerous markings of brownish black, these markings being somewhat lengthened and mostly running lengthwiseof the shell. They nest during April in the southern parts of theirrange and through May and June in the northern. Size of eggs 1. 80 ×1. 25. Data. --Freshwater Lake, southern California, June 5, 1891. Foureggs laid on a mud flat near the water's edge; no nest. Collector, EvanDavis. 

[Illustration 141: Greenish buff. ][Illustration: American Avocet. Black-necked Stilt. ][Illustration: Greenish buff. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 140

SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, Family SCOLOPACIDÆ

Members of this family are long-legged waders, of either large or smallsize, and found either about streams or ponds in the interior or alongthe coasts. They feed upon small shell fish, or insects which they getusually by probing in the soft mud. 

227. EUROPEAN WOODCOCK. _Scolopax rusticola_. 

This European bird is similar to the American Woodcock, but is largerand is barred beneath. Their habits are the same as those of ourspecies. 

228. WOODCOCK. _Philohela minor_. 

Range. --Eastern North America, north to the British Provinces, breedingthroughout its range. 

This is one of the most eagerly sought game birds of the east. Theirflight is very rapid and erratic, and accompanied by a peculiarwhistling sound made by the rapid motion of the wings; it requires askillful marksman to bring them down. They frequent boggy placesespecially "runs" lined with alders, where they bore in the soft groundfor worms and grubs. Their eggs are laid upon the bare ground among theleaves and sticks; they are of about the color of dead leaves, as isalso the bird, making it quite difficult to discover their nests. Theylay three or four eggs of a buffy color, with yellowish brown spots. Size 1. 50 × 1. 15. 

229. EUROPEAN SNIPE. _Gallinago gallinago_. 

A common species in Europe; of casual or accidental appearance inGreenland. The bird does not differ essentially from our Snipe and itshabits are the same. 

[Illustration 142: Buffy gray. ][Illustration: American Woodcock. Wilson's Snipe. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 141

[Illustration 143: C. A. Reed. WOODCOCK ON HER NEST. ]

Page 142

[Illustration 144: WOODCOCK. ]

Page 143

WILSON SNIPE. _Gallinago delicata_. 

Range. --North America, breeding from northern United States northward;winters along the Gulf States and to California, and southward. 

Another favorite game bird, but one which requires skill to huntsuccessfully. Of about the same size as the Woodcock (11 inches long). This species, to a great extent frequents the same haunts used byWoodcock, but is especially fond of open marshy meadows, with windingbrooks. Their nests are depressions in grassy banks, generally unlined;the three or four eggs have an olive gray color and are strongly markedwith blackish brown. Size 1. 50 × 1. 10. Data. --Lake Winnipegosis, Manitoba, June 10, 1903. Nest in a hollow on a tuft of marsh grass, thefour eggs having their points together. Collector, Walter Raine. 

230. 1. GREATER SNIPE. _Gallinago media_. 

A European species, only American as having accidentally occurred atHudson Bay; similar in appearance to the preceding species. 

[Illustration 145: Olive gray. ][Illustration: NEST AND EGGS OF WOODCOCK. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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231. DOWITCHER. _Macrorhamphus griseus_. 

Range. --North America, most abundant in the eastern parts; breeds in theextreme north, and winters from the Gulf States to Northern SouthAmerica. 

This species is commonly known as "Red-breasted Snipe" in late springand summer because of the rich, rusty red coloration of the underparts, and as "Gray-back" in winter because of its color at that season. Theyare very common along the Atlantic coast during the Spring migration;they can be easily identified by their very long bills, which are overtwo inches in length and nearly one quarter the length of the wholebird. They nest during June, placing their three or four eggs in aslight hollow, which may or may not be lined with dried grass or leaves. The eggs have a greenish or brownish buff color and are boldly markedwith dark brown. They do not differ greatly from those of the Snipe. Data. --Mackenzie River, June 27, 1900. Four eggs in a hollow in thegrass, lined with dead grass. Collector, Walter Raine. 

[Illustration 146: Dowitcher. ][Illustration: Greenish buff. ][Illustration: LOON. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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232. LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER. _Macrorhamphus griseus scolopaceus_. 

Range. --Whole of North America, but not common on the Atlantic coast;breeds in the Arctic regions and migrates chiefly through the centraland western parts of the United States to Mexico. 

This bird is practically the same as the last, but is a trifle largerand the bill averages about a half inch longer. They are very numerousin their breeding haunts, and, during their migrations, fly in largecompact flocks. They are not very timid, and consequently fall an easyprey to the gunners. Their nesting habits and eggs are the same as thelast species, except that the eggs may average a trifle larger. Size1. 75 × 1. 15. Data. --Norton Is. , Alaska, June, 1900. Nest a small hollowin the dry ground. Four eggs. Collector, Capt. H. H. Bodfish. 

233. STILT SANDPIPER. _Micropalama himantopus_. 

Range. --North America, east of the Rocky Mountains; breeds in the Arcticregions and winters from the Gulf States southward. 

In the summer, these birds may be known by the reddish coloration of theunderparts, which are numerously barred; they are smaller than thepreceding, length about eight inches. Their nesting habits are the sameas those of the majority of the members of the family. The three or foureggs are buffy or grayish, and are blotched and spotted with shades ofbrown. Size 1. 40 × 1. 00. 

[Illustration 147: Greenish buff. ][Illustration: Long-billed. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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234. KNOT. _Tringa canutus_. 

Range. --Arctic regions in summer; south through the United States, chiefly on the Atlantic coast, to South America. 

Of about the same size as the Dowitchers, length 10. 5 inches, but with amuch shorter bill. In summer the entire under parts are a uniformreddish chestnut color. They are known to breed in Arctic America, fromPoint Barrow and Hudson Bay, northward, but no authentic eggs are known, at present, to exist in collections. One taken from a bird by Lieut. Greely, was a pea green color, specked with brown; size 1. 10 × 1. 00. Asit was not fully developed, it was probably correct neither as to sizenor color. 

235. PURPLE SANDPIPER. _Arquatella maritima maritima_. 

Range. --Arctic regions, wintering south to the Middle States and theGreat Lakes, but chiefly on the coast. 

A grayish and blackish colored species, about nine inches long. It nestsin northern Labrador, about Hudson Bay and in Iceland. Its eggs are agrayish buff color handsomely splashed with rich shades of brown andobscure markings of darker gray. Data. --Northern Iceland, June 7, 1897. Four eggs. Nest a hollow in the ground among grass and weeds and linedwith a few grasses. Collector, C. Jefferys. 

235a. ALEUTIAN SANDPIPER. _Arguatella maritima couesi_. 

Range. --Supposed to be a resident on the coast and islands of Alaska, from the Aleutians northward. 

A very similar species to the preceding; scarcely distinguishable. TheseSandpipers, which are found in Alaska at all seasons of the year, breedduring May and June. Their nesting habits are the same as those of thepreceding bird and the eggs are indistinguishable. Size 1. 40 × 1. 00. Data. --Unalaska, Bering Sea, June 3, 1898. Nest containing four eggs, adepression in the moss, lined with grasses and bits of moss. The eggswere laid with their small ends together. 

[Illustration 148: Knot. Purple Sandpiper. ][Illustration: Grayish buff. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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237. PRIBILOF SANDPIPER. _Arquatella maritina ptilocnemis_. 

Range. --Coast and islands of Bering Sea, south in winter to southernAlaska. 

This bird, which is ten inches in length, has the feathers of the upperparts edged with rusty, and the underparts light, with a distinguishingpatch of black on the breast. Similar in appearance to the Red-backedSandpiper, but not so reddish above, and the latter has the black patchon the belly. They breed commonly on the Pribilof and other islands inBering Sea, nesting the same as other Sandpipers. Their four eggs aresimilar to those of the preceding, but average darker. Size 1. 50 × 1. 05. 

238. SHARP-TAILED SANDPIPER. _Pisobia aurita_. 

Range. --An Asiatic species, quite abundant in Alaska in the summer;supposed to migrate south in winter, wholly on the Asiatic side of thePacific. 

A similar bird, in appearance, to the following, but slightly smallerand with the breast more ruddy. Its nesting habits probably do notdiffer from those of the following Sandpiper. 

239. PECTORAL SANDPIPER. _Pisobia maculata_. 

Range. --Whole of North America, breeding in the Arctic regions, andwintering south of the United States, most abundant in the eastern partsof the United States during migrations. 

This species is blackish brown above, with light brown edgings to thefeathers, and white below, except the chest, which is brownish, streakedwith black. A very peculiar species, having the power, during the matingseason, of inflating the throat to a great extent, making a balloon-likeappendage, nearly the size of the bird. They have more the habits ofSnipe, than do most of the Sandpipers, frequenting grassy meadows ormarshes, in preference to the seashore. Their nests are grass lineddepressions, and the eggs are grayish or greenish buff, blotched withbrown. Size 1. 45 × 1. 00. Data. --Cape Smythe, Alaska, June 1900. Foureggs in a hollow in the ground, lined with grass. 

[Illustration 149: Sharp-tailed Sandpiper. Pectoral Sandpiper. ][Illustration: egg, no caption. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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240. WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER. _Pisobia fuscicollis_. 

Range. --North America, breeding from Labrador and southern Greenland, northward and wintering from central to Southern South America; mostcommon on the Atlantic coast. 

This species is 7. 5 inches in length, and has white upper tail coverts;otherwise it is marked similarly to the preceding Sandpiper. Its nestinghabits are the same as those of the majority of the family, and thethree or four eggs that they lay cannot be distinguished from those ofthe following species. Size 1. 30 × . 90. These are one of the most commonof the beach birds along the Atlantic coast during migrations; they arevery often known as Bonaparte Sandpipers. 

241. BAIRD'S SANDPIPER. _Pisobia bairdi_. 

Range. --North America, chiefly in the interior, breeding along theArctic coast and about Hudson Bay, and wintering south of the UnitedStates. 

A very similar species to the preceding, but without the white rump. Their nests are hollows in the ground, generally concealed in a tuft ofgrass, and lined with grasses and a few leaves. They lay three or foureggs having a grayish colored ground, and marked with different shadesof brown, and also with some faint markings of lilac. Size 1. 30 × . 90. Data. --Peel River, Arctic America, June 18, 1898. Four eggs, taken withthe bird by an Indian. Eggs in a slight hollow on the river bank. 

242. LEAST SANDPIPER. _Pisobia minutilla_. 

Range. --North America, breeding from the southern parts of the BritishProvinces northward; winters from southern United States southward. Common in the interior and on both coasts. 

This is the smallest of our Sandpipers, being under six inches inlength. Except for size, they are similar in appearance to Baird'sSandpiper, only the back is browner. A very abundant species duringmigrations, being found on the seashore or in marshes, nearly always incompany with other species of the family. Their nests are the same asother Sandpipers, and the eggs are grayish, thickly specked with brown. Size 1. 15 × . 80. Data. --Peel River, Arctic America, June 20, 1899. Nestsimply a depression in the river bank, lined with grass. 

[Illustration 150: White-rumped Sandpiper. Baird's Sandpiper. LeastSandpiper. ][Illustration: Grayish. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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242. 1. LONG-TOED STINT. _Pisobia damacensis_. 

An Asiatic species accidentally found on the Alaskan shores. It is avery similar bird to the Least Sandpiper, and about the same size. Asimplied by its name, it has unusually long toes. 

243. DUNLIN. _Pelidna alpina alpina_. 

A very common Sandpiper in the British Isles and in Europe, but onlycasually occurring as a straggler along the Atlantic coast. Very similarto the next species, but a trifle smaller. The nest and eggs do notdiffer from the following. 

243a. RED-BACKED SANDPIPER. _Pelidna alpina sakhalina_. 

Range. --Whole of North America, breeding from southern Greenland, Labrador, Hudson Bay and the Yukon, northward, wintering from the GulfStates southward. This handsome species is similar to the PribilofSandpiper, but is smaller (length 8 inches), the upperparts are morereddish, the breast more heavily streaked, and it has a black patch onthe belly instead of on the breast as in ptilocnemis. Their nestinghabits are similar to others of the family; they lay three or four eggswith a brownish or greenish buff color, heavily blotched and spottedwith shades of brown and chestnut. Size 1. 40 × 1. 00. Data. --- PeelRiver, Arctic America, June 30, 1899. Nest a simple cavity in theground, lined with a few grasses and three or four leaves. Collector, J. O. Stringer. 

244. CURLEW SANDPIPER. _Erolia ferruginea_. 

Range. --A common Old World species, but regarded as rare in easternNorth America and northern Alaska. 

A bird of slighter build, but similar coloration to the Knot; smaller(length eight inches) and with a slightly decurved bill. Until withinrecent years, eggs of these birds were rarely seen in collections, and Ibelieve they have not yet been taken in this country, although a fewpairs nest along our Arctic coast. Their eggs are very similar to thoseof the Red-backed Sandpiper, but average somewhat larger. Size 1. 50 ×1. 05. Data. --Kola, northern Lapland, June 15, 1898. Four eggs laid in agrass-lined hollow in the ground. Collector, J. Ramberg. 

[Illustration 151: Greenish buff. ][Illustration: Red-backed Sandpiper. Curlew Sandpiper. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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245. SPOONBILL SANDPIPER. _Eurynorhynchus pygmeus_. 

A very rare Asiatic species, which has been taken in Kotzebue Sound, Alaska. A very peculiar bird having the end of the bill broadened andflattened into a sort of spatula. Otherwise very similar to the LeastSandpiper, but with the breast and sides of neck ruddy in summer. About75 specimens of this rare bird are known to exist. 

246. SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER. _Ereunetes pusillus_. 

Range. --Whole of North America, but chiefly in the eastern and centralparts, breeding about the ponds and streams of Labrador and Hudson Bay, and northward. These little Sandpipers are abundant during themigrations either in marshes or on beaches. They are most often found incompany with other species, such as the Spotted and Least Sandpipers. Their appearance is very similar to that of the Least Sandpipers, butthey are slightly larger and the feet are partially webbed. Their eggshave a greenish buff or grayish ground color and are spotted withbrownish or blackish, sometimes, so heavily as to completely obscure theshell color. Size 1. 20 × . 80. Data. --Small island near Okak, Labrador, July 3, 1895. 2 eggs. Nest a hollow at the foot of a tuft of grass, lined with a few bits of grass and small leaves. Eggs unmistakable inthis dark type. 

[Illustration 152: Spoonbill Sandpiper. Semipalmated Sandpiper. ][Illustration: Grayish. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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247. WESTERN SANDPIPER. _Ereunetes mauri. _

Range. --Western North America, breeding in the Arctic regions andmigrating through the United States, chiefly west of the Mississippi tothe Gulf States and southward. 

Scarcely to be distinguished from the preceding species, but the upperparts are said to be brighter and the bill, to average a trifle longer. The nesting habits and eggs are precisely the same as those of theSemipalmated variety. Data. --Cape Prince of Wales, Alaska, June 28, 1898. Four eggs. Nest a neatly rounded hollow, sunk into a mossy hummockin marshy ground. Collector, Joseph Grinnell. 

248. SANDERLING. _Calidris leucophaea. _

Range. --Found in all parts of the northern hemisphere, breeding withinthe Arctic Circle and wintering in North America, from California andSouth Carolina southward. 

A handsome and abundant species, found during migrations by thousands onbeaches and about large bodies of water in the interior. They are one ofthe lightest colored of the Sandpipers, either in winter or summerplumage. In summer the upper parts are a light rusty color and black, and the whole underparts are white. Owing to their extreme northerlydistribution in summer, but few of their eggs have been taken. Theirnesting habits are like those of the other Sandpipers. The three or foureggs are greenish buff in color, spotted and blotched with brown. Size1. 45 × . 95. Data. --Peel River, Alaska, June 18, 1897. Three eggs in adepression on the ground. 

249. MARBLED GODWIT. _Limosa fedoa. _

Range. --North America, breeding, chiefly in the interior, from northernUnited States northward. 

Godwits are large Plovers with long slightly up-curved bills. Thisspecies is 19 inches in length, is of a nearly uniform ruddy color andis handsomely marbled above, and barred below with black. Their eggs arelaid upon the ground in the vicinity of ponds or rivers; sometimes thereis no lining and again a few straws or grasses may be twisted around thedepression. Their eggs number three or four and have a ground color ofgrayish or greenish buff, sometimes quite dark, and are blotched withdark brown. Size 2. 25 × 1. 60. Data. --Devil's Lake, N. D. , June 10, 1895. Four eggs laid on the ground in the middle of an unused road. Lined witha few grasses. Collector, W. F. Hill. 

[Illustration 153: Grayish buff. ][Illustration: Western Sandpiper. Sanderling. Marbled Godwit. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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250. PACIFIC GODWIT. _Limosa lapponica baueri. _

Range. --Coasts and islands of the Pacific Ocean on the Asiatic side, north in summer to Alaska. 

This species is more uniform and brighter ruddy beneath than thepreceding, and the back is not marbled as strongly. Even in Alaska whereit breeds, it is not a common species, and it only occurs elsewhere onthe Pacific coast of America casually. The nesting habits are the same, but the eggs are somewhat darker than those of the preceding, but not asdark as those of the following species. Size 2. 20 × 1. 45. 

251. HUDSONIAN GODWIT. _Limosa haemastica. _

Range. --North America, east of the Rocky Mountains, breeding in theArctic regions and wintering south of the United States. 

This species is apparently not as common or is more locally distributedduring migrations than is the Marbled Godwit. They are more abundant intheir breeding grounds and are occasionally seen in large flocks. Theyare smaller than the Marbled Godwit (length 18 inches) and are deepreddish brown below. They lay four eggs on the ground, in marshes ornear ponds or streams, lining the hollow with weeds and dried leaves. The eggs have a dark brownish buff ground color and are blotched withbrownish black. Size 2. 20 × 1. 40. Data. --Mackenzie River, ArcticAmerica. Four eggs laid in a hollow in the ground. Collector, J. O. Stringer. 

252. BLACK-TAILED GODWIT. _Limosa limosa. _

A European and Asiatic species only casually occurring in Greenland. Very similar in appearance to our Hudsonian Godwit, which is frequentlycalled by the name of this species. The nesting habits and the eggs areprecisely like those of the American bird. 

253. GREEN SHANK. _Glottis nebularia. _

A common bird in Europe and the British Isles, but only American ashaving been taken once in Florida. A very similar species to thefollowing. 

[Illustration 154: Pacific Godwit. Hudsonian Godwit. ][Illustration: Brownish. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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254. GREATER YELLOW-LEGS. _Totanus melanoleucus. _

Range. --Whole of North America, nesting in the British Provinces andrarely in the northern part of the Mississippi Valley. 

This and the next species are much sought by sportsmen during theirmigrations; they are commonly called "Tell-tale, " the present speciesbeing the "Greater Tell-tale. " They are blackish above, speckled withwhite, and below are white and, in summer, marked with arrowhead spotsof black. The legs, as implied by the name of the bird, are yellow andlong; length of bird, 14 inches. They nest most abundantly in localitiesremote from habitations, in the interior of Canada. The eggs aregenerally laid on the ground, near a marsh or on the bank of a stream, with little or no lining to the nest. They are grayish white, boldlysplashed with several shades of brown, and with lilac. Size 1. 65 × 1. 25. Data. --Whale River, Labrador, June 10, 1902. Eggs laid on the ground inan open marsh. 

255. YELLOW-LEGS. _Totanus flavipes. _

Range. --North America, breeding chiefly in the interior and easternparts of Canada, and rarely in the upper Mississippi Valley. Thisspecies is very similar to the preceding, but is smaller; length 10. 5inches. It is also called the "Lesser Tell-tale, " a name applied becauseof their wariness, and because, when they fly, they warn all otherspecies within hearing, of danger. Their eggs are laid on the ground, and in similar localities to the preceding. They are three or four innumber, grayish or buffy in color, and are quite heavily blotched andspotted with rich brown and grayish or lilac. Size 1. 60 × 1. 20. Data. --Whale River, Labrador, June 14, 1902. Four eggs laid on theground in a large marsh. 

[Illustration 155: Grayish white. ][Illustration: Greater Yellow-legs. Yellow-legs. ][Illustration: Buffy. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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256. SOLITARY SANDPIPER. _Helodromas solitarius solitarius. _

Range. --Eastern North America, breeding chiefly north of the UnitedStates boundary, but apt to be found nesting in any part of its range;winters south of the United States. 

A bird with a greenish gray back, barred with white, and white below;length 8. 5 inches. This species is one of the oddities among the waders. They are most always met with, singly or in pairs, and are very rarelyseen, even in very small flocks. Their preference is for small ponds orstreams in wet woods or open meadows, rather than marshes which arefrequented by other species. They are occasionally seen during thenesting season, even in the southern parts of their range, and theyprobably breed there although their eggs are very rarely found. The eggsare clay-colored, spotted with brownish black. Data. --Simco Island, Kingston, Ontario, June 10, 1898. 5 eggs in a shallow depression on theground, lined with a few grasses. 

[Illustration 156: Solitary Sandpiper. ][Illustration: Clay-colored. ][Illustration: NEST OF SPOTTED SANDPIPER. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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256a. WESTERN SOLITARY SANDPIPER. _Helodromas solitarius cinnamomeus. _

Range. --North America, west of the Plains; breeds in British Columbiaand probably south of there, also. 

This bird is like the last, except that the spots on the back are buffyinstead of white. Its nest and eggs will not differ in any respect fromthose of the eastern form. 

257. GREEN SANDPIPER. _Helodromas acrophus. _

This species, which very closely resembles our Solitary Sandpiper, iscommon in the northern parts of the Old World. It has only accidentallystrayed to our shores. 

258. WILLET. _Catoptrophorus semipalmatus semipalmatus. _

Range. --Eastern United States, breeding north to the Middle States andoccasionally straying to the Canadian border, especially in theMississippi Valley. 

These large waders are among the most abundant of the marsh or beachbirds. They breed in small companies in marshes, frequently in thosewhich are covered with water at high tide, building a frail nest ofgrasses and weeds, where it will be barely out of reach of the highestwater. The three or four eggs have a brownish, or sometimes greenish, buff ground color and are blotched with umber, and have fainter markingsof lilac. Size 2. 00 × 1. 50. Data. --Sandy Bank, South Carolina, May 3, 1901. Nest on the ground, secreted in the high grass. Made of dead marshgrass, lined with finer grasses. 

[Illustration 157: Western Sandpiper. Willet. ][Illustration: Buff. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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258a. WESTERN WILLET. _Catoptrophorus semipalmatus inornatus. _

Range. --Western North America, breeding north to Manitoba and BritishColumbia. Casually found on the South Atlantic coast during migrations. 

A larger and paler form of the preceding species; length 15. 5 inches. The nesting habits are the same, and the eggs cannot be distinguishedfrom those of the common Willet. Data. --Refugio, Texas, May 18, 1900. 4eggs in a grass lined depression on the bay shore flat. Collector, J. W. Preston. 

259. WANDERING TATTLER. _Heteractitis incanus. _

Range. --Pacific coast of North America, breeding from British Columbianorthward. 

This is a handsome species, uniform grayish above and white below, closely barred (in summer) with blackish. During the breeding season itis found on the rugged coasts and islands of Alaska, and casually south. It breeds in the marsh grass near the shores and along the banks ofstreams. 

260. RUFF. _Machetes pugnax. _

A common European species, occasionally found on the Atlantic coast ofNorth America. It is a species remarkable for its pugnacity during themating season; in size and appearance it is about like the UplandPlover, with the exception of the "ruff" which adorns the neck andbreast of the male bird. 

261. UPLAND PLOVER. _Bartramia longicauda. _

Range. --North America, chiefly east of the Rocky Mountains, breedingfrom middle United States, northward. 

A handsome bird, 12 inches in length, generally known as the "UplandPlover, " from its habit of frequenting dry side hills, where it feedsupon grasshoppers and worms. It is a favorite bird with many sportsmen. It builds a nest of grasses, on the ground in a tuft of grass in themiddle of fields. The three or four eggs have a buff ground and areblotched with yellowish brown. Size 1. 75 × 1. 25. Data. --Stump Lake, N. D. , June 10, 1897. Nest of grass, lined with wool, under a tuft of grassleft by the mower. Collector, Alf. Eastgate. 

[Illustration 158: Wandering Tattler. Ruff. Upland Plover. ][Illustration: Buff. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 157

[Illustration 159: Walter Raine. NEST AND EGGS OF UPLAND PLOVER. ]

Page 158

262. BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER. _Tryngites subruficollis. _

Range. --Interior of North America, breeding from the Hudson Bay regionto the Arctic coast. 

A buffy colored species, with a peculiarly marbled back. Size 8. 5 incheslong. It is an upland species like the last. The nests are scantilylined depressions in the ground. The eggs have a grayish white groundand are boldly blotched with rich brown and chestnut with faintermarkings of lilac. Size 1. 45 × 1. 05. Data. --Cape Smythe, Alaska, June, 1900. 4 eggs in a hollow in dry spot on a marsh. Collector, H. H. Bodfish. 

263. SPOTTED SANDPIPER. _Actitis macularia. _

Range. --Whole of North America from Hudson Bay southward, breedingthroughout its range. 

A small wader about 7. 5 inches in length, with brownish gray upperparts, and white underparts thickly spotted with blackish, especially onthe breast and flanks. This is the most abundant of all the shore birds, and its "peet-weet" is a familiar sound to every country boy. It has apeculiar habit of continually moving its tail up and down, when at reston a stone or when running along the shore; from these characteristicactions it has received the very common names of "Teeter-tail" and"Tip-up. " They build their nests on the ground near ponds, brooks ormarshes, generally concealing it in a tuft of grass or weeds on theshore or in the high grass at the edge of the meadows. The eggs numberfrom three to five and are of a grayish buff color, spotted and blotchedwith blackish brown. The young, like those of all the shore birds, arehatched covered with down, and run about as soon as born. They areanxiously attended by the parents and at the least sign of danger, conceal themselves beneath a tuft of grass or behind a small stone, where they remain perfectly motionless until called by the old birds. The adults frequently attempt to lead an enemy away from the young byfeigning a broken wing, or lameness. Size of eggs 1. 35 × . 90. Data. --Parker County, Ind. , May 22, 1901. Nest about six yards from bankof creek, among weeds on a sand bar; a hollow in the sand lined withweeds. Collector, Winfield S. Catlin. 

[Illustration 160: Buff-breasted Sandpiper. Spotted Sandpiper. ][Illustration: Grayish white. ][Illustration: Buff. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 159

264. LONG-BILLED CURLEW. _Numenius americanus. _

Range. --Breeds in the South Atlantic states and northward in theinterior to Manitoba and British Columbia. 

This is the largest of the family of shore birds, having a length ofabout 24 inches. Its plumage is of a buffy color, much variegated abovewith black and brown; the bill is strongly curved downward and is fromfour to eight inches in length. Their nests are located on the ground inmeadows or on the prairies, and three or four eggs are laid, of a buffor greenish buff color, covered with numerous spots of brownish black. Eggs of the common Curlew of Europe, have been very frequently used asbelonging to this species, but the eggs of our species have a lighterand more greenish ground, and the spots are smaller and more numerous. Size, 2. 50 × 1. 80. 

265. HUDSONIAN CURLEW. _Numenius hudsonicus. _

Range. --Whole of North America, breeding in the Arctic regions andwintering south of the United States. 

This species is smaller (length 17 inches), darker, more grayish and hasa shorter bill than the preceding species. It also has white median andlateral stripes on the top of the head. The nesting habits are the sameas those of the Long-billed species; the three or four eggs have abrownish buff ground color and are blotched with blackish brown. Size2. 25 × 1. 60. Data. --McKenzie River, Arctic America. Nest a pile ofgrass, moss and weeds on an island in the river. 

[Illustration 161: Greenish buff. ][Illustration: Long-billed Curlew. Hudsonian Curlew. ][Illustration: Brownish buff. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 160

266. ESKIMO CURLEW. _Numenius borealis. _

Range. --Eastern North America, breeding in the Arctic regions andwintering in South America; migrating through the eastern half of theUnited States, more abundantly in the interior than on the coast. 

A still smaller species than the last (length 14 inches) and verysimilar to it. A few years ago this was considered the most abundant ofthe curlews, but so persistently have they been hunted that they are nowpractically exterminated. They were the most unsuspicious of the shorebirds, and would allow the near approach of the gunner, and the penaltymay now be seen. Only a short while ago they were very often found, during migration, in company with other waders such as the Golden orBlack-bellied Plovers. Their nests are simply hollows in the plains, lined with a few grasses, dried leaves, or moss. The three or four eggsare the same as the last for color but are smaller; size 2. 00 × 1. 45. 

267. WHIMBREL. _Numenius phaeopus. _

A European species casually appearing in Greenland; very similar to theHudsonian Curlew, but with the rump white. 

This species is known as the Jack Curlew in England and Scotland, whereit is very abundant, and is a favorite game bird. It breeds in thenorthern parts of Europe and Asia, and in the extreme north of Scotlandand on the Shetland Islands. The eggs are laid in hollows on the groundon higher parts of the marshes. The three or four eggs have an olive orgreenish brown color and are blotched with dark brown. Size 2. 30 × 1. 60. Data. --Native, Iceland, May 29, 1900. Six eggs. Nest a depression in theground, lined with dried grass. 

268. BRISTLE-THIGHED CURLEW. _Numenius tahitiensis. _

Range. --Islands and coast on the Asiatic side of the Pacific; casuallyfound in Alaska. A very peculiar species with many of the feathers onthe flanks terminating in long bristles. 

[Illustration 162: Eskimo Curlew. ][Illustration: Olive brown. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 161

PLOVERS. Family CHARADRIIDÆ

Plovers are stouter built birds than those of the previous family, havelarger head, shorter necks and but three toes, the bill also is muchharder and shorter. 

269. LAPWING. _Vanellus vanellus. _

An abundant European species accidentally occurring on the Atlanticcoast. It may readily be recognized by its long black crest, black chinand throat, and white under parts. It breeds throughout temperateEurope, laying its eggs in hollows on the ground. The eggs have a darkgrayish buff ground and are spotted with black. Size 1. 85 × 1. 30. 

269. 1. DOTTEREL. _Eudromias morinellus. _

A European bird supposed to have been accidentally taken on the Atlanticcoast. 

270. BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER. _Squatarola squatarola. _

Range. --Northern Hemisphere, breeding in the Arctic regions andwintering from the Gulf States to northern South America. 

This is a remarkably handsome species when in the summer dress. Theupper parts are largely white with black spots and bars on the back, wings and tail; the throat, sides of head, breast and fore under parts, black. In winter, brownish-black, somewhat mottled, above; below, dullwhite. Young similar to winter adults, but the back is spotted withyellowish-white. While these handsome plover migrate to some extent, andsometimes in large flocks, through the interior of the United States, they are chiefly and most abundantly found on the coast. This specieshas a very small hind toe. It is a very familiar bird to sportsmen andgunners, to whom it is generally known by the names of "Bull-head, " or"Beetle-head Plover. " They are very numerous in the fall, during whichseason the underparts are entirely white. The eggs are either laid uponthe bare ground or upon a slight lining of grasses or dead leaves. Theyare three or four in number, brownish or greenish buff in color andboldly marked with black. Size 2. 00 × 1. 40. Data. --Point Barrow, Alaska, June, 1900. Nest a small hollow on side of hillock, lined with drygrass. 

[Illustration 163: Grayish. ][Illustration: Greenish buff. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 162

[Illustration 164: BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER. ]

Page 163

272. EUROPEAN GOLDEN PLOVER. _Charadrius apricarius. _

A European bird, similar to the next, casually found in Greenland. 

It is a very abundant bird throughout Europe, breeding in the northernparts. Its habits, nests and eggs are the same as those of the Americanbird. 

272. GOLDEN PLOVER. _Charadrius dominicus dominicus. _

Range. --Whole of North America, breeding in the Arctic regions andwintering south to Patagonia. 

This handsome bird is about the same size as the Black-bellied Plover(10. 5 inches long). No hind toe. Back and tail mottled with black andyellow; below, more or less entirely black to the tail. Young and winteradults, more or less spotted with yellow and blackish-brown above, andgrayish-white below, with indistinct streaks on the breast. Oftenconfused with the last species in this plumage, but is smaller, billsmaller and more slender, and the axillars, or feathers nearest thebody, under the wings, are gray while those of the Black-bellied Ploverare black. This species is now regarded as rare on the North Atlanticcoast during migrations, while in the interior it is more abundant thanthe last species. They do not seem to be as suspicious as theBlack-bellies, and a flock will often allow a close approach, even whenthey see you. They nest abundantly along the coast and islands of theArctic Ocean. The four eggs are very similar to those of the preceding, but smaller. Size 1. 90 × 1. 30. Data. --Peel River, Arctic America, June1, 1898. Nest of grasses and leaves on the ground in the moss. 

272a. PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVER. _Charadrius dominicus fulvus. _

Range. --An Asiatic species, breeding in northern Asia and on the islandsand coast of Asia. Very like the preceding, but more golden color on theback and wings. Nesting and eggs the same. 

[Illustration 165: Black-bellied Plover. Golden Plover. ][Illustration: Greenish buff. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 164

[Illustration 166: A. R. Spaid. NEST AND EGGS OF KILLDEER. ]

Page 165

273. Killdeer. _Oxyechus vociferus. _

Range. --Temperate North America from the southern parts of Canadasouthward. Next to the Spotted Sandpiper, this bird is the most commonof the shore birds in the United States. It is rarely seen in NewEngland, but is common south of there and in the interior of the countryto Canada. 

They are very noisy birds, continually uttering their "kil-deer, kil-deer" from which they take their name. They nest anywhere on theground, generally near water, placing their nests in fields, cornfieldsor meadows. The eggs are drab or greenish buff and profusely spottedwith black. Size 1. 50 × 1. 10. Data. --Refugio county, Texas, May 11, 1899. 4 eggs in a depression on the ground, lined with a few grasses. 

274. SEMIPALMATED. _Ægialitis semipalmata. _

Range. --North America, breeding in the interior of Canada and winteringsouth from the Gulf States. 

Small web between the bases of the two outer toes. Single broad, blackband across the breast; black line from base of bill to eye. They arevery abundant on our seacoast in Fall, both in flocks composed entirelyof their own kind, and also with Least and Semipalmated Sandpipers. Theyusually keep on the inner side of sandbars or muddy flats borderingmarshes, rather than on the open ocean beach. It is also found insmaller flocks, about ponds and marshes in the interior of the country. They are usually unsuspicious and will allow a close approach, or if youare still, will run by within a very few feet. Nest on the ground; eggsbuffy, sparsely specked with black, 1. 30 × . 90; June. 

[Illustration 167: Grayish buff. ][Illustration: Kildeer. Semi-palmated Plover. ][Illustration: Buff. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 166

275. RING PLOVER. _Ægialitis hiaticula. _

Range. --A European bird that breeds abundantly in Greenland. It nests ingreat numbers on the banks of streams and in fields, laying its eggs inhollows on the ground, generally without any lining. Their three or foureggs are practically not distinguishable from those of the SemipalmatedPlover, but larger; size, 1. 40 x 1. 00. The bird, too, is similar, butthe toes are not palmated, and the black breast band is wider. 

276. LITTLE RINGED PLOVER. _Ægialitis dubia. _

An Old World species, accidentally occurring on the Pacific coast. Likethe last species, but smaller. The eggs, too, are smaller; size 1. 20 x. 85. 

277. PIPING PLOVER. _Ægialitis meloda. _

Range. --Eastern North America, chiefly along the Atlantic coast, breeding from the Carolinas north to Newfoundland. 

A handsome little bird, with a black crescent on each side of neck, asmall black patch on top of the head, and without any black on the loresor ear coverts. It is the lightest colored of any of the easternPlovers. Length, 7 inches. Young, similar, but the black replaced bygrayish, as is the case with the last species. This species, apparently, never could be classed as abundant and of late years, it is becomingrather rare along our Atlantic coast; this is probably more due to thebuilding of summer resorts and homes along their former breeding groundsthan to hunters. They are rather more shy than the last species, butwill usually attempt to escape by running along the beach or by hiding, rather than by flight. Owing to their light colors it is very difficultto see them at any distance. They lay their eggs upon the sandy beachesin slight, and generally unlined, hollows. The eggs have a pale claycolored ground and are sparsely specked with small black dots. Size 1. 25x 1. 00. 

[Illustration 168: Ring Plover. Snowy Plover. ][Illustration: Buffy. ][Illustration: Clay Color. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 167

278. SNOWY PLOVER. _Ægialitis nivosa. _

Range. --Breeds along the Pacific coast of the United States, and fromTexas to Manitoba in the interior. Winters on the California coast andsouth to Chili. 

Snowy Plovers are very much like the Piping, but are smaller (length 6. 5inches), have a longer and more slender bill, and have a small blackpatch on the side of head. It is the palest colored of the Plovers. Large numbers of them nest along the Pacific coast and in Texas; northof Texas, in the interior, they are locally distributed. The eggs arepale clay color, marked with small scratchy dots of black. Size 1. 20 x. 90. Data. --Newport Beach, California, May 1, 1897. Nest a hollow in thesand, a short distance above high water; lined with broken shell. Collector, Evan Davis. 

279. MONGOLIAN PLOVER. _Ægialitis mongola. _

An inhabitant of the Old World, awarded a place in our avifauna becauseof its accidental occurrence at Alaska. 

[Illustration 169: Pale buff. ][Illustration: C. A. Reed. SPOTTED SANDPIPER AND NEST. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 168

280. WILSON'S PLOVER. _Octhodromus wilsonius. _

Range. --An abundant breeding species on the Gulf coast, coast of LowerCalifornia, and on the Atlantic coast north to Virginia, and casuallyfarther. 

A common Plover, which may be distinguished from others of the genus byits comparatively large heavy black bill, and the single broad blackband across the breast, and not extending around the back of the neck. They nest on pebbly "shingle" or in the marsh, back of the beaches. Their eggs are an olive gray color and are spotted and scratched withblackish brown, with some fainter markings of gray. Size 1. 40 x 1. 05. Data. --Corpus Christi, Texas, May 10, 1899. 4 eggs laid on the groundamong drifted grass on a salt marsh near town. Collector, Frank B. Armstrong. 

281. MOUNTAIN PLOVER. _Podasocys montanus_. 

Range. --Plains and prairies of western North America, breeding from thecentral portions north to Manitoba, and wintering in California andsouthward. 

A very peculiar species, inhabiting even the driest portions of thewestern prairies. It is 9 inches in length, and has a plumage of a palebuffy tone. It seems to be less aquatic than any other American Ploverand is rarely found in the vicinity of bodies of water. It nests on theground anywhere on the prairie, laying its eggs in a slight hollow. Theeggs are brownish gray in color and are spotted and blotched withblackish brown. Data. --Morgan county, Colorado, May 7, 1902. Nest aslight hollow on the ground, near a large cactus bed and close to awater hole. No lining to nest. Collector, Glenn S. White. 

[Illustration 170: Olive gray. ][Illustration: Wilson's Plover. Mountain Plover. ][Illustration: Brownish gray. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 169

SURF BIRDS AND TURNSTONES. Family APHRIZIDÆ

282. Surf Bird. _Aphriza virgata. _

This species, which is found on the Pacific coast from Alaska to Chili, seems to be the connecting link between the plovers and the Turnstones, having the habits of the latter combined with the bill of the former. Its nest and eggs are not known to have been yet discovered. 

283. TURNSTONE. _Arenaria interpres. _

Range. --The distribution of this species, which is grayer above than thefollowing, is supposed to be confined, in America, to the extreme northfrom Greenland to Alaska. Its habits and eggs are precisely like thenext. 

283a. RUDDY TURNSTONE. _Arenaria interpres morinella. _

Range. --Breeds in the Arctic regions, and migrates through all parts ofthe United States, south to the southern parts of South America. Thisspecies has the upperparts variegated with reddish brown, black andwhite; the underparts are pure white, except for a black patch on thethroat, branching upward to the eye and back to the sides of the breast. It has a peculiar, slightly up-turned bill, which is used, as their nameimplies, for turning over pebbles and stones in their search for food. They nest commonly in northern Labrador, about Hudson Bay and in Alaska, laying their eggs in scantily lined hollows on the ground, near water. The eggs are very peculiar and beautiful, having a light grayish orcream color ground, peculiarly marbled with many shades of brown andlilac. Size 1. 65 × 1. 10. Data. --Mackenzie River, Arctic America, June28, 1900. Four eggs in a grass lined depression in the sand. 

[Illustration 171: Creamy. ][Illustration: Turnstone. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 170

284. BLACK TURNSTONE. _Arenaria melanocephala. _

Range. --Pacific coast of North America, breeding from British Columbianorthward, and wintering south to Lower California. 

This species, which has the form and habits of the preceding, isblackish above and on the breast; the rump and the base of the tail arewhite, being separated from each other by the black tail coverts. Theirnesting habits are in no wise different from those of the commonturnstone. The eggs are similar, but the markings are not so strikinglyarranged. Size 1. 60 × 1. 10. Data. --Kutlik, Alaska, June 21, 1898. Nestsimply a depression in the sand on the sea beach. 

OYSTER-CATCHERS. Family HÆMATOPODIDÆ

285. EUROPEAN OYSTER-CATCHER. _Hæmatopus frazari. _

This European species is very similar to the American one which follows. It casually occurs in Greenland. 

286. OYSTER-CATCHER. _Hæmatopus palliatus. _

Range. --Breeds on the coast of the South Atlantic States and LowerCalifornia and winters south to Patagonia. Oyster-catchers are

large, heavy-bodied birds, with stocky red legs and long, stout redbills. The present species has the whole upper parts and entire head andneck, blackish; underparts and ends of secondaries, white; length, 19inches. They are abundant breeding birds on the sandy beaches of theSouth Atlantic States, and casually wander north to Nova Scotia. Theylay their two or three eggs on the ground in slight hollows scooped outof the sand. The eggs are of a buffy or brownish buff color, and areirregularly spotted with blackish brown, with subdued markings oflavender. Size 2. 20 × 1. 50. Data. --Sandy Point, S. C. , May 12, 1902. Three eggs on the sand just above high water mark; nest a meredepression on a small "sand dune" lined with pieces of shells. 

[Illustration 172: Grayish. ][Illustration: American Oyster-catcher. ][Illustration: Buff. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 171

286. 1. Frazar's Oyster-catcher. _Hæmatopus bachmani. _

Range. --Lower California. 

This species is darker on the back than the preceding, and the breast ismottled with dusky. Bill very long, heavy, compressed, and thin andchisel-like at the tip. 

Bill and eyes red; legs flesh color; under parts white, and a white wingbar. These are large, awkward looking birds. It is not an uncommon waderin its somewhat restricted range. Its nesting habits are the same asthose of the preceding one, but the markings are generally more sharplydefined. The one figured is from a set in the collection of Mr. C. W. Crandall. 

287. BLACK OYSTER-CATCHER. _Hæmatopus bachmani. _

Range. --Pacific coast of North America from Lower California north toAlaska. 

This species is the same size as the Oyster-catcher, but the plumage isentirely black both above and below. They are found upon the rockycoasts and islands, more frequently than upon sandy beaches. Their eggsare laid upon bare rocks or pebbles with no attempt at lining for thenest. The eggs are an olive buff in color, spotted and blotched withbrownish black. Size 2. 20 × 1. 55. Breeding throughout the AleutianIslands, British Columbia and south to Lower California. Three or foureggs are laid. 

[Illustration 173: Brownish buff. ][Illustration: 287--286. 1. ][Illustration: Olive buff. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 172

JACANAS. Family JACANIDÆ

288. Mexican Jacana. _Jacana spinosa. _

Range. --Tropical America, north in summer to the lower Rio Grande Valleyin Texas, and casually to Florida. 

This interesting species has most of its structural characters similarto the Plovers, but has more the appearance and habits of the Rails. They are about eight inches long, the head and neck are black, the bodychestnut, and the wings largely greenish yellow. They have long legs, long toes and extremely long toe nails, a scaly leaf on the forehead, and a sharp spur on the shoulder of the wing. Owing to their long toesand nails, they are enabled to walk over floating weeds and rubbish thatwould sink beneath their weight, otherwise. They build their nests onthese little floating islands in the marsh; they are also sometimes madeof weeds and trash on floating lily pads. They lay from three to fiveeggs of a yellowish olive color, curiously scrawled with brown andblack. Size 1. 22 × . 95. Data. --Tampico, Mexico, June 3, 1900. Threeeggs. Nest of weeds and drift on lily leaf floating in fresh water pondnear town. 

[Illustration 174: Mexican Jacana. ][Illustration: Yellowish olive. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 173

[Illustration 175: C. A. Reed. NEST AND EGGS OF BOB-WHITE. ]

Page 174

[Illustration 176: BOB WHITE. Female--Male. ]

Page 175

GALLINACEOUS BIRDS. Order X. GALLINÆ

GROUSE, PARTRIDGES, ETC. Family TETRAONIDAE

The members of this family are birds of robust form, subdued (notbrightly colored) plumage, comparatively short legs and necks; the tarsiand toes are feathered in the Ptarmigan, the tarsi, only, feathered inthe Grouse, and the tarsi and toes bare in the Partridges andBob-whites. They feed upon berries, buds, grain and insects. 

289. BOB-WHITE. _Colinus virginianus virginianus. _

Range. --United States east of North Dakota and Texas and from thesouthern British Provinces to the Gulf coast. 

A celebrated "game bird" which has been hunted so assiduously in NewEngland that it is upon the verge of extermination, and the covers haveto be continually replenished with birds trapped in the south and west. They frequent open fields, which have a luxuriant growth of weeds, orgrain fields in the fall. Their nests are built along the roadsides, orbeside stonewalls or any place affording satisfactory shelter. The nestis made of dried grasses and is arched over with grass or overhangingleaves so as to conceal the eggs. They lay from ten to twenty pure whiteeggs, which are very frequently nest stained when found. Size 1. 20 ×. 95. Often two or three broods are raised in a season, but frequentlyone or more broods are destroyed by rainy weather. 

289a. FLORIDA BOB-WHITE. _Colinus virginianus floridanus. _

Range. --This sub-species, which is found in the southern half ofFlorida, is very much darker than the northern Bob-white, and isnumerously barred below with black. Its nesting habits and eggs areidentical with those of the preceding. 

289b. TEXAS BOB-WHITE. _Colinus virginianus texanus. _

Range. --Texas; casually north to Kansas. A grayer variety of theBob-white. The nesting habits and eggs are the same as those of theBob-white, except that the eggs may average a trifle smaller. Size 1. 18× . 92. 

291. MASKED BOB-WHITE. _Colinus ridgwayi. _

Range. --Sonoran region of Mexico north to southern Arizona. 

The female of this species is like that of the Texan Bob-white. Theirnesting habits and eggs are in all respects like those of the otherBob-whites. Size of eggs, 1. 20 × . 95. 

[Illustration 177: White. ][Illustration: Bobwhite. Florida Bobwhite. Masked Bobwhite. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 176

292. MOUNTAIN QUAIL. _Oreortyx picta picta. _

Range. --Pacific coast of North America from California to Washington. 

This is the largest of the Partridges, being 11 inches in length. It isof a general grayish color, with chestnut throat patch, and chestnutflanks, barred with white. Two long plumes extend downward from the backof the head. This species nests abundantly in the mountainous portionsof northern California and throughout Oregon, and is graduallyincreasing in numbers in Washington. As a rule they nest only on thehigher mountain ranges, placing their nest of leaves under theprotection of an overhanging bush or tuft of grass. Their eggs numberfrom six to fifteen, and are of a pale reddish buff color. Size 1. 35 ×1. 05. 

292a. PLUMED QUAIL. _Oreortyx picta plumifera. _

Range. --Mountain ranges of California and Lower California, chiefly inthe southern parts of the former. This species is like the latter exceptthat it is grayer on the back of the head and neck. Its nesting habitsand eggs are like the preceding. 

292b. SAN PEDRO QUAIL. _Oreortyx picta confinis. _

Range. --San Pedro Mountains, Lower California. 

This species, which is grayer above than the preceding two, breeds onlyin the highest peaks of its range. Otherwise its nesting habits and eggsare the same as the other Plumed Partridges. 

293. SCALED QUAIL. _Callipepla squamata squamata. _

Range. --Mexico and southwestern border of the United States. 

This blue gray species is 10 inches in length; the feathers on the neckand underparts have narrow dark borders, thus giving the plumage a scalyappearance, from which the birds take their name. They have a small tuftof whitish or buffy feathers on the top of the head. It is especiallyabundant in the dry arid portions of its range, being found often manymiles away from water. Their eggs are laid in a shallow hollow undersome small bush or cactus, and number from eight to sixteen; they arecreamy white, finely specked with buff or pale brownish. Size 1. 25 ×. 95. 

[Illustration 178: Reddish buff. ][Illustration: Mountain Partridge. Scaled Partridge. ][Illustration: Creamy white. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 177

293a. CHESTNUT-BELLIED SCALED QUAIL. _Callipepla squamatacastanogastris. _

Range. --Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas and southward into Mexico. 

This sub-species is like the last with the addition of a chestnut patchon the belly. Their breeding habits do not vary in any particular wayfrom those of the Scaled Partridge. 

294. CALIFORNIA QUAIL. _Lophortyx californica californica. _

Range. --Coast region of California, Oregon, Washington and BritishColumbia. 

This is one of the most beautiful of the Partridges, with its crest offeathers rising from the crown and curving forwards so that thebroadened ends hang directly over the bill. It is about the size of thepreceding species, and is distinguished from the following one by itswhite forehead, chestnut patch on the belly and the scaly appearance ofthe feathers in that region, by its dark crown and the gray flanks withwhite streaks. They lay from eight to twenty eggs with a creamy white orbuffy ground color, handsomely blotched with shades of brown andyellowish brown. Size 1. 20 × . 93. 

294a. VALLEY PARTRIDGE. _Lophortyx californica vallicola. _

Range. --Interior portions of California, Oregon and Washington. 

The nesting habits of this grayer sub-species do not differ in anymanner from those of the above species. The eggs are indistinguishable. 

295. GAMBEL QUAIL. _Lophortyx gambeli. _

Range. --Southwestern United States from Texas to California; north toUtah. 

This handsome species differs from the California in the Chestnut crownand flanks, and the black patch on the belly. They are very abundant inArizona, both on the mountains and in the valleys, and apparentlywithout any regard to the nearness to, or remoteness from a watersupply. They breed during May, laying their eggs on the ground under anysuitable cover. The eggs cannot be distinguished from those of theCalifornia Partridge, except that they average a trifle larger. Size1. 25 × . 95. 

[Illustration 179: Creamy white. ][Illustration: California Partridge. ][Illustration: Buff. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 178

296. MEARNS QUAIL. _Cyrtonyx montezumæ mearnsi. _

Range. --Mexico, north to southern Arizona and New Mexico, and to westernTexas. 

A remarkable species about 9 inches long; often called "Fool Quail"because of its eccentric and clownish markings, streaks and spots ofblack, white, buff, gray and chestnut. It is met with in small flocks onthe mountains and less frequently in the valleys. It frequents scrubbywooded places rather than open hill sides and is very easy to approachand kill; this confidence or stupidity together with its clownishappearance are the reasons for its commonly used local name. Their nestsare hollows in the ground, lined with grasses and concealed byoverhanging tufts of grass. The eggs, which are pure white, are notdistinguishable with certainty from those of the Bob-white, but averagelonger. Size 1. 25 × . 95. 

297. DUSKY GROUSE. _Dendragapus obscurus obscurus. _

Range. --Rocky Mountain region from central Montana south to New Mexico. 

With the exception of the Sage Grouse, this species is the largest ofthe family, being about 20 inches in length. The general tone of itsplumage below is gray; above, blackish gray and the tail blackish with abroad terminal band of light gray. They frequent the wooded andespecially the coniferous districts, where they build their nests underfallen trees or at the bases of standing ones. They lay from six to teneggs of a buffy color, sparsely spotted and blotched with brownish. Size2. 00 × 1. 40. 

297a. SOOTY GROUSE. _Dendragapus obscurus fuliginosus. _

Range. --Mountain ranges along the Pacific coast from California toBritish Columbia. 

Like the last, this somewhat darker sub-species is met with in timberedregions, where its habits are about the same as those of the RuffledGrouse, except, of course, that they are not nearly as shy as the Grousein New England. Their eggs are laid in hollows beside stumps or underlogs. The eggs are buff colored, spotted with reddish brown. Size 2. 00 ×1. 40. 

[Illustration 180: Mearns Partridge. ][Illustration: Rich buff. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 179

297b. RICHARDSON'S GROUSE. _Dendragapus obscurus richardsoni. _

Range. --Northern Rocky Mountains from central Montana to BritishColumbia. 

A dark variety with no terminal band of gray on the tail. Its habits, nesting and eggs are precisely like those of the preceding species. 

298. HUDSONIAN SPRUCE PARTRIDGE. _Canachites canadensis canadensis. _

Range. --Northern United States and southern British Provinces; west toMinnesota. 

A dark species, smaller than the last (15 inches long), and easilyrecognized by its black throat and extensive black patch on the breast. The habits of this species and the two varieties into which it has beensub-divided are the same; as a species, they are very tame, will not flyunless actually obliged to, and frequently allow themselves to beknocked down with sticks. Their nests are hollows in the leaves on theground, generally under the sheltering branches of a low spreading firtree. The six to fifteen eggs are a bright buff color, blotched andspotted boldly with various shades of brown. Size 1. 70 × 1. 25. 

298b. ALASKA SPRUCE PARTRIDGE. _Canachites canadensis osgoodi. _

Range. --Alaska. 

This variety is practically the same as the preceding, the birds notalways being distinguishable; the nest and eggs are the same as theCanada Grouse. 

298c. Canada Spruce Partridge. _Canachites canadensis canace. _

Range. --Labrador and the Hudson Bay region. 

Like the last, this variety is hardly to be distinguished from theHudsonian. Its nesting habits and eggs are the same. 

[Illustration 181: Bright buff. ][Illustration: Sooty Grouse. Spruce Grouse. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 180

299. FRANKLIN'S GROUSE. _Canachites franklin franklini. _

Range. --Northwestern United States and British Columbia. 

This species is very similar to the Canada Grouse, the most apparentdifference being the absence of the brownish gray tip to the tail, andthe upper coverts are broadly tipped with white. This species, which isvery abundant in the northwest, has the same stupid habits of theeastern bird. During the mating season, the males of both this and thepreceding species have the same habit of "drumming" that the RuffedGrouse has. Their nests are placed on the ground under bushes or firtrees and from eight to fifteen eggs are laid. These are brownish buffin color, spotted and blotched with rich brown. They are very similar tothe eggs of the Canada Grouse. Data. --Moberly Peak, Cascade Mts. , British Columbia, June 9, 1902. 7 eggs in a slight hollow on the ground. Collector, G. F. Dippie. 

300. RUFFED GROUSE. _Bonasa umbellus umbellus. _

Range. --Eastern United States from Minnesota to New England; south toVirginia. 

The Ruffed Grouse is "King of the Game Birds" in the east, where it hasbeen hunted so freely, that it has become very wary and requires askillful marksman to bring it down. Because of the cutting off of allheavy timber, and the vigor with which they are pursued by hunters, theyare becoming very scarce in New England, and within a few years theywill probably be practically extinct in that section. Their favoriteresorts are heavily timbered woods or low growth birches. Their nestsare hollows in the leaves under fallen trees, beside some stump orconcealed among the small shoots at the base of a large tree. The birdsits very close, but when she does fly, goes with the familiar rumbleand roar which always disconcerts the novice, the wind created by hersudden flight generally causing the leaves to settle in the nest andconceal the eggs. They lay from eight to fifteen eggs, of a brownishbuff color, sometimes with a few faint markings of brown, but generallyunspotted. Size 1. 55 × 1. 15. The young of all the Partridges and Grouseare born covered with down and follow their parents soon after leavingthe shell. The adults are very skillful in leading enemies away fromtheir young, feigning lameness, broken wings, etc. The nesting habitsand eggs of the three sub-species are precisely the same in everyrespect as those of this bird. 

[Illustration 182: Brownish buff. ][Illustration: Ruffed Grouse. ][Illustration: Brownish buff. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 181

[Illustration 183: RUFFED GROUSE. ]

Page 182

300a. CANADA RUFFED GROUSE. _Bonasa umbellus togata. _

Range. --Northern United States and southern BritishProvinces from Maine and Nova Scotia west to Washingtonand British Columbia. 

300b. GRAY RUFFED GROUSE. _Bonasa umbellus umbelloides. _

Range. --Rocky Mountain region from Colorado toAlaska. 

A grayer species than the common. 

300c. OREGON RUFFED GROUSE. _Bonasa umbellus sabini. _

Range. --Pacific coast from California to British Columbia. 

A dark species with the prevailing color a reddish tone. 

[Illustration 184: 299--300a. ][Illustration: J. B. Pardoe. NEST AND EGGS OF RUFFED GROUSE. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 183

301. WILLOW PTARMIGAN. _Lagopus lagopus lagopus. _

Range. --Arctic regions, in America south nearly to the United Statesborder, and casually to Maine. 

Ptarmigan are Grouse-like birds, feathered to the toe nails; they havemany changes of plumage, in winter being nearly pure white, and insummer largely reddish brown or grayish, barred with black. In thebreeding plumage they have red comb-like wattles over the eye. In otherseasons, their plumage varies in all degrees between winter and summer. They nest on the ground in hollows among the leaves, lined with a fewgrasses, and sometimes feathers. They lay from six to sixteen eggs whichhave a ground color of buff or brownish buff, heavily speckled, blotchedand marbled with blackish brown. Size 1. 75 × 1. 25. 

301a. ALLEN'S PTARMIGAN. _Lagopus lagopus alleni. _

Range. --Newfoundland. A very similar bird to the preceding; eggsindistinguishable. 

302. ROCK PTARMIGAN. _Lagopus rupestris rupestris. _

Range. --Chiefly in the interior of British America, from the southernportions to Alaska and the Arctic Ocean. 

A species with a smaller bill and in summer a grayer plumage, morefinely barred with black. Its nesting habits are the same as the otherspecies, it nesting on the ground in such localities as would befrequented by the Ruffed Grouse. Its eggs cannot be positivelydistinguished from those of the Willow Ptarmigan. Size 1. 70 × 1. 20. 

[Illustration 185: Brownish buff. ][Illustration: Willow Ptarmigan. Rock Ptarmigan. ][Illustration: Buff. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 184

302a. REINHARDT'S PTARMIGAN. _Lagopus rupestris reinhardi. _

Range. --Labrador and Greenland; an eastern variety of the precedingspecies. Its habits, nesting habits and eggs are just the same as thoseof Rock Ptarmigan. 

302b. NELSON'S PTARMIGAN. _Lagopus rupestris nelsoni. _

Range. --Unalaska, of the Aleutian chain. An abundant species in itsrestricted range, making its nest on the ground in the valleys. Eggslike the others. 

302c. TURNER'S PTARMIGAN. _Lagopus rupestris atkhensis. _

Range. --Atka Island, of the Aleutian chain. Nests and eggs notdistinctive. 

302d. TOWNSEND'S PTARMIGAN. _Lagopus rupestris townsendi. _

Range. --Kyska Island of the Aleutian group. 

On account of the constantly changing plumage of these birds, whileinteresting, they are very unsatisfactory to study, and it is doubtfulif anyone can identify the different sub-species of the Rock Ptarmigan, granting that there is any difference, which is doubtful. 

302. 1. EVERMANN'S PTARMIGAN. _Lagopus evermanni. _

Range. --Attu Island, of the Aleutian group. 

This is, in summer, the darkest of the Ptarmigans, having little or norufous and much blackish. The nesting habits and eggs are the same asthose of the Rock Ptarmigan. 

303. WELCH'S PTARMIGAN. _Lagopus welchi. _

Range. --Newfoundland. 

This species, in summer, is more grayish than the Rock Ptarmigan, and isvery finely vermiculated with blackish. It is a perfectly distinctspecies from the Allen Ptarmigan, which is the only other species foundon the island. They inhabit the higher ranges and hills in the interiorof the island, where they are quite abundant. They build their nests onthe ground under protection of overhanging bushes. The eggs are laid ina hollow in the dead leaves, sometimes with a lining of grasses. Theeggs do not differ in size or appearance from those of the RockPtarmigan. Data. --Newfoundland, June 3, 1901. Nest a slight hollow inthe moss, besides a fallen stump; lined with a few feathers. Collector, E. H. Montgomery. 

[Illustration 186: Buff. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 185

304. WHITE-TAILED PTARMIGAN. _Lagopus leucurus leucurus. _

Range. --Higher ranges of the Rocky Mountains, from New Mexico north toAlaska. 

Ptarmigan are remarkable birds in that they are in an almost continualstate of molting, nearly every month in the year showing them indifferent stages of plumage, ranging from the snow-white winter dress tothe summer one in which reddish-brown prevails on Willow Ptarmigan and ablack and gray barred effect predominates on the other species. Noticethat they are feathered to the toes, in winter the feathers on the toesgrowing dense and hair-like, not only protecting the toes from the coldbut making excellent snowshoes which enable them to walk with impunityover the lightest snow. 

Ptarmigan form the staple article of diet for northern foxes, and wereit not for the fact that their plumage changes to correspond to theappearance of the ground at the various seasons they would fare hardlyindeed. 

In spring the little red combs above the eyes of the males are swollenand conspicuous. At this season they strut and perform curious antics, such as all Grouse are noted for. 

This species differs from any of the preceding in having at all seasonsof the year, a white tail; it is also somewhat smaller than the RockPtarmigan. They nest abundantly near the summits of the ranges inColorado, making their nests among the rocks, and generally lining themwith a few grasses. During June, they lay from six to twelve eggs havinga creamy background, speckled and blotched with chestnut brown. Size1. 70 x 1. 15. 

304a. KENAI WHITE-TAILED PTARMIGAN. _Lagopus leucurus peninsularis. _

Range. --Kenai Peninsular, Alaska. A similar but paler (in summer)variety of the preceding. The nesting habits or eggs will not differ. 

305. PRAIRIE CHICKEN. _Tympanuchus americanus americanus. _

Range. --The prairies, chiefly west of the Mississippi; north toManitoba, east to Ohio, and west to Colorado. 

This familiar game bird of the west is about 18 inches in length, brownish above and grayish below, with bars of brownish black both aboveand below. In the place of the ruffs of the Ruffled Grouse, are longtufts of rounded or square ended feathers, and beneath these a peculiarsac, bright orange in the

[Illustration 187: Olive Buff. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Pag 186

breeding season, and capable of being inflated to the size of a smallorange; this is done when the bird makes its familiar "booming" noise. They are very good "table birds" and although they are still veryabundant in most of their range, so many are being killed for market, that it has become necessary to make more stringent laws relating to thekilling and sale of Pinnated Grouse, as they are often called. They nestanywhere on the prairie, in hollows on the ground under overhangingbushes or tufts of grass. They lay from eight to fifteen eggs having abuffy or olive buff ground color, sparingly and finely sprinkled withbrown; size 1. 70 × 1. 25. 

305a. ATTWATER PRAIRIE CHICKEN. _Tympanuchus americanus attwateri. _

Range. --Coast region of Louisiana and Texas. 

This is a slightly smaller and darker variety of the Pinnated Grouse. Its eggs cannot be distinguished from those of the more northerlydistributed bird. 

306. HEATH HEN. _Tympanuchus cupido. _

Range. --Island of Martha's Vineyard, Mass. 

This species is similar to the preceding, but has the scapulars morebroadly tipped with buff, the axillars barred, and the pinnated featherson the neck pointed. It is slightly smaller than the western species. Itis found on the wooded portions of the island, where its breeding habitsare the same as those of the Ruffed Grouse. Mr. Brewster probably hasthe only authentic set of the eggs of this species. They are of ayellowish green color and are unspotted. Size 1. 70 × 1. 25. A number ofPrairie Hens liberated on the island several years ago are apparentlythriving well, and nests found there now would be fully as apt to belongto this species. 

[Illustration 188:(baby birds)][Illustration: Prairie Chicken. Heath Hen. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 187

307. LESSER PRAIRIE CHICKEN. _Tympanuchus pallidicinctus. _

Range. --Prairies from southwestern Kansas through Indian Territory towestern Texas. 

A smaller and paler species than the Prairie Chicken. Never as abundantas the common Pinnated Grouse, this species appears to be becomingscarcer each year. Its nests are concealed under overhanging brush orplaced under a large tuft of prairie grass, and are generally lined witha few grasses or leaves. They lay from eight to twelve eggs of a buffycolor, much lighter than those of the Prairie Chicken, and unmarked. Size 1. 65 × 1. 25. 

308. SHARP-TAILED GROUSE. _Pedioecetes phasianellus phasianellus. _

Range. --Interior of British America, from the United States boundarynorthwest to the Yukon. 

Sharp-tailed Grouse are similar in form to the Prairie Chicken, but aresomewhat smaller and very much lighter in color, being nearly whitebelow, with arrowhead markings on the breast and flanks. This species isvery abundant in Manitoba and especially so on the plains west of HudsonBay. Their nests are generally concealed under a thicket or a large tuftof grass, and are lined with grasses and feathers. They lay from six tofifteen eggs of a drab color, very minutely specked all over with brown. Size 1. 70 × 1. 25. 

308a. COLUMBIAN SHARP-TAILED GROUSE. _Pedioecetes phasianelluscolumbianus. _

Range. --Northwestern United States and British Columbia to centralAlaska. Both the nesting habits and eggs of this variety are the same asthe last, with which species, the birds gradually intergrade as theirranges approach. 

308b. PRAIRIE SHARP-TAILED GROUSE. _Pedioecetes phasianelluscampestris. _

Range. --Plains of the United States from the Mississippi to the Rockies. This sub-species shades directly into the two preceding where theirranges meet, and only birds from the extreme parts of the range of eachshow any marked differences. The nesting habits and eggs of all threeare not to be distinguished. 

[Illustration 189: Pale buff. ][Illustration: Buffy drab. ][Illustration: Prairie Sharp-tailed Grouse. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 188

309. SAGE HEN. _Centrocercus urophasianus. _

Range. --Sage plains of the Rocky Mountain region from British Columbiato New Mexico, and from California to Dakota. This handsome bird is thelargest of the American Grouse, being about 30 inches long (the hen birdis about six inches shorter). It may easily be recognized by its largesize, its peculiar graduated tail with extremely sharp pointed feathers, and the black belly and throat. Their nests are hollows scratched out inthe sand, under the sage bushes, generally with no lining. The nestingseason is during April and May, they laying from six to twelve eggs of agreenish drab color, spotted with brown. Size 2. 15 × 1. 50. 

PHEASANTS. Family PHASIANIDÆ

* * * RING-NECKED PHEASANT. _Phasianus torquatus. _

Several species of Pheasants have been introduced into the UnitedStates, among them being the Ring-necked, English, and Green Pheasants. The Ring-necked species seems to be the only one that has obtained areally strong foothold, it being now very abundant in Oregon andWashington, and adjacent states, and also found in abundance on manygame preserves in the east. The males of any of the species may at oncebe distinguished from any of our birds by the long tail. Their nests arehollows in the leaves under tufts of grass or bushes. They lay fromeight to fourteen eggs of a buff or greenish buff color, unmarked; size1. 50 × 1. 30. 

[Illustration 190: Sage Hen. ][Illustration: Pale greenish drab. ][Illustration: Greenish buff. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 189

[Illustration 191: RING-NECKED PHEASANT. ]

Page 190

TURKEYS. Family MELEAGRIDÆ

310. Wild Turkey. _Meleagris gallopavo silvestris. _

Range. --Eastern United States from southern Middle States south tocentral Florida and west to the Mississippi Valley and eastern Texas. These magnificent birds, which once ranged over the whole of easternUnited States, are being yearly confined to a smaller range, chieflybecause of the destruction of their natural covers, and from persecutionby hunters. They are generally very wary birds and either escape byrunning through the underbrush or by flying as soon as a human beingappears in sight. Their nests are made under tangled growths ofunderbrush or briers. Their eggs, which are laid during April and May, range from eight to sixteen in number. They are of a buff colorsprinkled and spotted with brownish. Size 2. 55 × 1. 90. Data. --Hammond, La. , April 17, 1897. Fifteen eggs. Nest hollow scraped in the groundunder a bush on the edge of a pine woods; lined with grasses and leaves. Collector, E. A. McIlhenny. 

310a. MERRIAM'S TURKEY. _Meleagris gallopavo merriami. _

Range. --Southwestern United States from Colorado south through westernTexas, New Mexico and Arizona to Mexico. 

This variety is abundant throughout its range, its nesting habits andeggs being practically indistinguishable from those of the eastern form. 

[Illustration 192: Buff. ][Illustration: Sage Hen. Wild Turkey. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 191

310b. FLORIDA TURKEY. _Meleagris gallopavo osceola. _

Range. --Southern Florida. 

A small variety of the Wild Turkey, about 42 inches long. They breed inthe tangled thickets in the higher portions of the southern half ofFlorida, laying from ten to sixteen eggs of a brighter and deeper buffcolor than the northern variety, and smaller; size 2. 30 × 1. 75. Theirnests are generally lined with grasses and occasionally with feathers. The female sits very close when incubating and will not fly until almosttrod upon, trusting to her variegated markings to conceal her fromobservation. 

310c. RIO GRANDE TURKEY. _Meleagris gallopavo intermedia. _

Range. --Lowlands of the southern parts of Texas and northern Mexico. Asub-species which differs slightly in plumage and not at all in nestinghabits or eggs from the common Wild Turkey. 

CURASSOWS AND GUANS. Family CRACIDÆ

311. CHACHALACA. _Ortalis vetula mccalli. _

Range. --Eastern portions of Mexico, north to the Lower Rio Grande Valleyin Texas. 

A very peculiar grayish colored bird with a greenish gloss to the back, and a long, broad tail, quite long legs, and with the face and sides ofthe throat devoid of feathers. They are very abundant birds in somelocalities, and very noisy during the breeding season, their notesresembling a harsh trumpeting repetition of their name. They are groundinhabiting birds, but nest in low bushes. Their nests are made ofsticks, twigs, leaves, or moss and are generally frail, flat structuresonly a few feet above the ground. During April, they lay from three tofive buffy white eggs, the shell of which is very rough and hard. Size2. 25 × 1. 55. 

[Illustration 193: Greenish buff. ][Illustration: Buffy white. ][Illustration: Chachalaca. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 192

PIGEONS AND DOVES. Order XI. COLUMBÆ

Family COLUMBIDAE

Pigeons and doves are distributed throughout nearly every temperate andtropical country on the globe, nearly five hundred species being known, of which twelve occur within our limits. Their plumage is generally softand subdued colors, the head small, the wings strong and the flightrapid. 

312. BAND-TAILED PIGEON. _Columba fasciata fasciata. _

Range. --The Rocky Mountains and westward to the Pacific, from BritishColumbia south to Mexico. 

This large species may be generally recognized by the white crescent onthe nape; it is about 15 inches in length. They nest abundantly on themountain ranges, sometimes in large flocks, and again, only a few pairstogether. Their nests are rude platforms of sticks and twigs either inbushes or in large trees in heavily wooded districts. The two eggs whichare laid during May or June are pure white in color, and like those ofall the pigeons, equally rounded at each end. Size 1. 55 × 1. 10. 

312a. VIOSCA'S PIGEON. _Columba fasciata vioscæ. _

Range. --Southern Lower California. This is a paler variety of thepreceding species and is not noticeably different in its habits, nestingor eggs. 

313. RED-BILLED PIGEON. _Columba flavirostris. _

Range. --Mexico and Central America, north to southern Texas, Arizona andNew Mexico. 

This species, characterized by its red bill, purplish colored head, neckand breast and absence of iridescent markings, is abundant in the valleyof the Lower Rio Grande, where they build their frail nests in thicketsand low bushes, and during May and June lay their white eggs. Size ofeggs, 1. 55 × 1. 05. 

314. WHITE-CROWNED PIGEON. _Columba leucocephala. _

Range. --Resident of the West Indies; in summer, found on the FloridaKeys. This species, which can be identified by its white crown, nests intrees or mangroves on certain of the Florida Keys, laying its two whiteeggs on its rude platform of sticks and twigs. Size of eggs 1. 40 × 1. 05. Nests in April and May. 

314. 1. SCALED PIGEON. _Columba squamosa. _

A West Indian species, a single specimen of which was taken at Key West, Florida. 

A dark colored species, with purplish head, neck and breast; named fromthe scaly appearance of the iridescent feathers on the sides of theneck. 

[Illustration 194: White. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 193

315. PASSENGER PIGEON. _Ectopistes migratorius. _

Range. --Formerly, North America east of the Rockies; casually seen inthe upper Mississippi Valley, now extinct. 

A handsome species (see frontispiece) with ruddy underparts, grayishupperparts and a long graduated tail. This species years ago found inflocks of thousands or millions, is now practically exterminated, chiefly by being hunted and trapped. A few pairs probably now nest inthe interior, from northern United States to Hudson Bay. Their nests arevery rude, frail platforms of twigs, on which two white eggs are laid, they being longer and narrower, comparatively, than those of otherspecies. Size of eggs, 1. 50 × 1. 02. Data. --Southwest shore of LakeManitoba, June 1, 1891. Nest of twigs in an aspen tree. 

316. Mourning Dove. _Zenaidura macroura carolinensis. _

Range. --North America from New England, Manitoba and British Columbia, southward. 

Now that the Passenger Pigeon has disappeared, this species becomes theonly one found in the east, with the exception of the little Ground Dovein the South Atlantic and Gulf States. While, sometimes, small flocks ofthem nest in a community, they generally nest in companies of two orthree pairs. Their nests are generally at a low elevation, in trees, bushes and often upon the ground. Their nests are made entirely of twigsand rootlets, and eggs may be found from early in April until the latterpart of September, as they often raise two or three broods a season. Thetwo eggs are white. Size 1. 15 × . 80. Data. --Refugio Co. , Texas, May 3, 1899. Two eggs laid on the ground in a slight cradle of twigs. Collector, James J. Carroll. 

[Illustration 195: White. ][Illustration: Passenger Pigeon. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: Mourning Dove. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 194

317. ZENAIDA DOVE. _Zenaida zenaida. _

Range. --West Indies; in summer, on the Florida Keys, but not in greatnumbers. 

This species is similar in size to the Mourning Dove, but it has a shortand square tail, and the secondaries are tipped with white, and theunderparts more ruddy. They generally nest upon the ground, butoccasionally in small bushes, laying two white eggs a trifle larger thanthose of the preceding species. Size 1. 20 × . 90. The nests are made ofgrasses and twigs, on the ground under bushes. 

[Illustration 196: NEST AND EGGS OF MOURNING DOVE. H. B. Stough. ][Illustration. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 195

318. WHITE-FRONTED DOVE. _Leptotila fulviventris brachyptera. _

Range. --Mexico and Central America north to southern Texas. 

Slightly larger than the last, much paler below, with no black ear markas in the two preceding species, and with the forehead whitish. Theybuild their nests of sticks, grasses and weeds, and place them intangled vines and thickets a few feet from the ground. Their two eggs, which are laid in May and June, have a creamy white or buffy color. Size1. 15 × . 85. They cannot be called a common species within our borders. 

319. WHITE-WINGED DOVE. _Melopelia asiatica. _

Range. --Central America, Mexico and the southwestern border of theUnited States. 

This species is 12 inches in length, has a black patch on the earcoverts, white tips to the greater and lesser coverts and some of thesecondaries, and broad white tips to the outer tail feathers, which areblack. This species is very abundant in some localities within ourborders. Their nests are very frail platforms of twigs placed in treesor bushes or precariously suspended among tangled vines. Their two eggsare white or creamy white, and measure 1. 15 × . 85. 

320. GROUND DOVE. _Columbigallina passerina terrestris. _

Range. --South Atlantic and Gulf States to eastern Texas. 

The Ground Doves are the smallest of the family, measuring but about 6. 5inches in length. Their nesting habits and eggs are exactly like thoseof the next to be described. They are very abundant, especially alongthe South Atlantic coast. 

320a. MEXICAN GROUND DOVE. _Chæmepelia passerinus pallescens. _

Range. --Border of the United States from Texas to southern Californiaand southward. 

This paler sub-species builds a nest of twigs and weeds, placing theflat structure either in low bushes or on the ground. Their two whiteeggs are laid during April to July, they sometimes rearing two broods aseason. Size of eggs, . 85 × . 65. 

320b. BERMUDA GROUND DOVE. _Chæmepelia passerina bermudiana. _

Range. --Bermuda. Smaller and paler than the last; otherwise the same innesting habits and eggs. 

[Illustration: White-fronted Dove. White-winged Dove. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 196

321. INCA DOVE. _Scardafella inca. _

Range. --Mexican border of the United States south to Central America andLower California. 

This handsome species is about the size of the last, but its tail islonger and graduated, consequently its length is greater, it being about8 inches long. It is not an uncommon species along our Mexican border, but is not nearly as abundant as is the Ground Dove. It is often called"Scaled Dove" because of the blackish edges of nearly all its feathers. They build fairly compact nests of twigs, rootlets and weeds, thesebeing placed in bushes at a low elevation. They are two in number andpure white. Size . 85 × . 65. 

322. KEY WEST QUAIL DOVE. _Geotrygon chrysia. _

Range. --West Indies, rarely found at Key West, although supposed to havebeen common there in Audubon's time. This species is of about the sizeof the Mourning Dove, has rusty colored upper parts, and is whitishbelow, the white below the eye being separated from that of the throatby a stripe of dusky from the base of the bill. They nest in trees, laying two buffy white eggs. Size 1. 15 × . 9O. 

322. 1. RUDDY QUAIL DOVE. _Geotrygon montana. _

Range. --Central America, north to eastern Mexico and the West Indies;once taken at Key West. This species is similar to the last but has nowhite streak under the eye, and the underparts are buffy. Eggs, creamywhite. Size 1. 15 × . 90. 

323. BLUE-HEADED QUAIL DOVE. _Starnoenas cyanocephala. _

Range. --Cuba, accidentally straying to Key West, but not in recentyears. 

It is a beautiful species, with a bright blue crown, black throat andstripe through the eye, separated by a white line under the eye. Therest of the plumage is of a brownish or rusty color. Eggs buffy white. Size 1. 30 × 1. 05. 

[Illustration 198: Inca Dove. Ground Dove. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 197

[Illustration 199: CALIFORNIA VULTURE. ]

Page 198

VULTURES, HAWKS and OWLS. Order XII. RAPTORES

AMERICAN VULTURES. Family CATHARTIDAE

Vultures are peculiarly formed birds of prey, having a bare head andneck, a lengthened bill strongly hooked at the end for tearing flesh, and long, strong, broad wings upon which they float in the air for hoursat a time without any visible flapping. They are scavengers and do greatservice to mankind by devouring dead animal matter, that, if allowed toremain, would soon taint the atmosphere. Their eyesight and sense ofsmell is very acute. They do not, except in very unusual cases, capturetheir prey, but feed upon that which has been killed or died of disease. 

324. CALIFORNIA VULTURE. _Gymnogyps californianus. _

Range. --Apparently now restricted to the coast ranges of California, casually inland to Arizona, and formerly to British Columbia. 

This large bird, which weighs about 20 pounds, measures about 4 feet inlength, and has an expanse of wings of about 10 feet. Its plumage isblackish with lengthened lanceolate feathers about the neck, and withthe greater wing coverts broadly tipped with grayish white (in very oldbirds). The birds are very rare in their restricted range and arebecoming scarcer each year, owing to their being shot and their nestsrobbed. While the eggs are very rarely found and only secured at a greatrisk, they are not as unobtainable as many suppose, as may be seen fromthe fact that one private collection contains no less than six perfectspecimens of the eggs and as many mounted birds. These birds lay but asingle egg, placing it generally in caves or recesses in the face ofcliffs, hundreds of feet from the ground, and often in inaccessiblelocations. The eggs are of an ashy gray color and measure about 4. 45 ×1. 55. 

[Illustration 200: Ashy gray. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 199

325. TURKEY VULTURE. _Cathartes aura septentrionalis. _

Range. --America, from New Jersey on the Atlantic coast, Manitoba andBritish Columbia, south to southern South America, wintering in thesouthern half of the United States. 

The plumage of this small Buzzard (length 30 inches) is blackish brown, the naked head being red. It is very common in the southern and centralportions of its range, where it frequents the streets and door yardspicking up any refuse that is edible. It is a very graceful bird whileon the wing, and can readily be identified when at a distance from thefact that, when in flight, the tips of the wings curve upward. The twoeggs which constitute a set are laid upon the ground between largerocks, in hollow stumps, under logs, or between the branching trunks oflarge trees, generally in large woods. They frequently nest incommunities and again, only a single pair may be found in the woods. Itsnesting season ranges from March until June in the different localities. The eggs are creamy or bluish white, spotted and blotched with shades ofbrown, and with fainter markings of lavender. Size 2. 70 × 1. 85. 

326. BLACK VULTURE. _Catharista uruba. _

Range. --More southerly than the preceding; north regularly to NorthCarolina and southern Illinois, and west to the Rocky Mountains. 

This species is about the same size, or slightly smaller than the TurkeyVulture; its plumage is entirely black as is also the naked head, andbill. In the South Atlantic and Gulf States, the present species is evenmore abundant than the preceding, and might even be said to be partiallydomesticated. The nesting habits are the same as those of the TurkeyBuzzard but their eggs average longer and the ground color is palegreenish or bluish white rather than creamy. They are spotted andblotched the same. Size 3. 00 × 2. 00. 

[Illustration 201: Creamy white. ][Illustration: 324--325. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 200

[Illustration 202: Bluish white. EGG OF BLACK VULTURE. ]

[Illustration: NEST AND EGGS OF TURKEY VULTURE. N. W. Swayne. ]

Page 201

KITES, HAWKS AND EAGLES. Family BUTEONIDÆ

The members of this family are chiefly diurnal; they get their living bypreying upon smaller animals or birds. They have strong sharply hookedbills, powerful legs and feet armed with strong, curved and sharplypointed talons. 

327. SWALLOW-TAILED KITE. _Elanoides forficatus. _

Range. --Southern United States; casually north to New York and Manitoba. 

This most beautiful Kite can never be mistaken for any other; its wholehead, neck and underparts are snowy white, while the back, wings andtail are glossy blue black, the wings being very long and the tail longand deeply forked. The extreme length of the bird is 24 inches. As arule nests of this bird are placed high up in the tallest trees; theyare made of sticks, weeds and moss. Two eggs, or rarely three, constitute a full set. They are white or bluish white, spotted withbrown. The one figured is an unusually handsome marked specimen in thecollection of Mr. C. W. Crandall. Average size of eggs, 1. 80 × 1. 50. Data. --Yegna Creek bottoms, Texas, April 27, 1891. Two eggs. Nest ofsticks and green moss, the same moss also being used for lining; in anelm tree 80 feet up. 

328. White-tailed Kite. _Elanus leucurus. _

Range. --Southern United States, north to the Carolinas, Illinois andmiddle California. 

This species can be recognized by its light bluish gray mantle, blackshoulders and white tail. It is a very active species, feeding uponinsects and reptiles, and small birds and mammals. The nests of thesespecies are placed in trees at quite an elevation from the ground, beingmade of sticks, weeds and leaves. The eggs are creamy white, profuselyblotched and spotted with reddish brown and umber. Size 1. 65 × 1. 25. Data. --Los Angeles, Cal. , April 9, 1896. Nest in fork of willows about25 feet up. Made of willow twigs and weed stalks, lined with pieces ofbark. 

[Illustration 203: Swallow-tailed Kite. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: Creamy white. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 202

329. MISSISSIPPI KITE. _Ictinia mississippiensis. _

Range. --Southeastern United States, north to South Carolina andIllinois. 

A small species (length 14 inches) with the head, neck, and underpartsgray, and the back, wings and tail blackish, the tips of the secondariesbeing grayish. They live almost exclusively upon insects, such asgrasshoppers, and small reptiles. They build their nests of sticks andweeds well up in tall trees. The eggs are two or three in number andnormally bluish white, unmarked, but occasionally with very faint spotsof pale brown. Size 1. 65 × 1. 25. Data. --Giddings, Texas, May 31, 1887. Nest of sticks and weeds, with green pecan leaves in the lining; placedin the top of a live oak sapling, 20 feet from the ground. Collector, J. A. Singley. 

330. EVERGLADE KITE. _Rostrhamus sociabilis. _

Range. --South America, north to southern Florida and Mexico. 

This peculiar species has a long, slender, curved bill, blackishplumage, with white rump and bases of outer tail feather. They feedlargely upon snails, both land and water varieties. They nest at a lowelevation in bushes or under brush, often over the water. The nests areof sticks, weeds and leaves. The three eggs are light greenish white, spotted and splashed with chestnut brown. Size, 1. 70 × 1. 30. Nest in acustard apple tree, 6 feet from the ground, built of twigs, lined withsmall vine stems and willow leaves. 

[Illustration 204: White-tailed Kite. Mississippi Kite. ][Illustration: Bluish white. ][Illustration: Pale greenish white. ][Illustration: Everglade Kite. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 203

[Illustration 205: NEST AND EGGS OF MARSH HAWK. ]

Page 204

331. MARSH HAWK. _Circus hudsonius. _

Range. --Whole of North America, very abundant in all sections. 

The adult of this species is very light colored, and young birds of thefirst two years have a reddish brown coloration; in both plumages thespecies is easily identified by the white patch on the rump. They are, almost exclusively frequenters of fields and marshes, where they canmost often be seen, towards dusk, swooping in broad curves near theground, watching for field mice, which form the larger portion of theirdiet. Their nests are made in swampy ground, often in the middle of alarge marsh, being placed on the ground in the centre of a hummock orclump of grass; it is generally well lined with grasses and oftenrushes. They lay from four to seven pale bluish white eggs, generallyunmarked; size 1. 80 × 1. 40. 

332. SHARP-SHINNED HAWK. _Accipiter velox. _

Range. --Whole of North America, wintering in the United States andsouthward; breeds throughout its range, but most abundantly in northernUnited States and northward. This is one of the smallest of the hawksand in the adult plumage is a beautiful species, being barred below withlight brown, and having a bluish slate back. It is a very spirited anddaring bird and is one of the most destructive to small birds and youngchickens. Its nest is a rude and sometimes very frail platform of twigsand leaves placed against the trunk of the tree at any height, butaveraging, perhaps, fifteen feet. The eggs are bluish white, beautifullyblotched and spotted with shades of brown. 

[Illustration 206: (Adult and young). Marsh Hawk. ][Illustration: Pale bluish white. ][Illustration: Bluish white. ][Illustration: Sharp-shinned Hawk. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 205

333. COOPER'S HAWK. _Accipiter cooperi. _

Range. --Whole of temperate North America, breeding throughout its range. 

Although larger (length 17 inches), the plumage of this species isalmost exactly the same as that of the preceding. Like the last, this isalso a destructive species. They construct their nests in the crotchesof trees, generally at quite a height from the ground; the nest is madeof sticks and twigs, and often lined with pieces of bark; occasionallyan old Hawk's or Crow's nest is used by the birds. Their eggs are bluishwhite, unmarked or faintly spotted with pale brown. 

334. GOSHAWK. _Astur atricapillus atricapillus. _

Range. --Northern North America, south in winter to the northern parts ofthe United States. 

This species is one of the largest, strongest and most audacious ofAmerican Hawks, frequently carrying off Grouse and poultry, the latteroften in the presence of the owner. It is a handsome species in theadult plumage, with bluish gray upper parts, and light under parts, finely vermiculated with grayish and black shafts to the feathers. Length 23 inches. Their nests are placed well up in the tallest trees, usually in dense woods, the nests being of sticks lined with weeds andbark. The three or four eggs are bluish white, generally unmarked, butoccasionally with faint spots of brown. Size 2. 30 x 1. 70. 

[Illustration 207: Bluish white. ][Illustration: Cooper's Hawk. ][Illustration: Bluish white. ][Illustration: American Goshawk. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 206

[Illustration 208: Geo. L. Fordyce. NEST AND EGGS OF COOPER'S HAWK. ]

Page 207

334a. WESTERN GOSHAWK. _Astur atricapillus striatulus. _

Range. --Western North America from Alaska to California, breedingchiefly north of the United States except in some of the higher rangesof the Pacific coast. This sub-species is darker, both above and below, than the American Goshawk. Its nesting habits and eggs are precisely thesame. The eggs are quite variable in size. 

335. HARRIS'S HAWK. _Parabuteo unicinctus harrisi. _

Range. --Mexico and Central America, north to the Mexican border of theUnited States; very abundant in southern Texas. 

This is a peculiar blackish species, with white rump, and chestnutshoulders and thighs. It is commonly met with in company with Caracaras, Turkey Buzzards and Black Vultures, feeding upon carrion. They also feedto an extent on small mammals and birds. Their nests are made of sticks, twigs and weeds, and placed in bushes or low trees. The three or foureggs are laid in April or May. They are dull white in color andgenerally unmarked, although often showing traces of pale brown spots. They are quite variable in size, averaging 2. 10 x 1. 65. 

[Illustration 209: Bluish white. ][Illustration: Harris's Hawk. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 208

337. RED-TAILED HAWK. _Buteo borealis borealis_. 

This is one of the handsomest of the larger hawks, and is the best knownin the east, where it is commonly, but wrongly, designated as "henhawk", a name, however, which is indiscriminately applied to any birdthat has talons and a hooked beak. The adult of this species isunmistakable because of its reddish brown tail; young birds are veryfrequently confounded with other species. Their food consists chiefly ofsmall rodents, snakes and lizards, and only occasionally are poultry orbirds taken. They nest in the tallest trees in large patches of woods, the nests being made of sticks, weeds, leaves and trash. The eggs numberfrom two to four, and are white, sometimes heavily, and sometimessparingly, blotched and spotted with various shades of brown. Size 2. 35x 1. 80. 

337a. KRIDER'S HAWK. _Buteo borealis krideri_. 

Range. --Plains of the United States, north to Manitoba. 

This sub-species is described as lighter on the underparts, which arealmost immaculate. Its nesting habits and eggs are the same as those ofthe preceding. 

337b. WESTERN RED-TAIL. _Buteo borealis calurus_. 

Range. --Western North America, chiefly west of the Rocky Mountains. 

This sub-species varies from the plumage of the eastern Red-tail, to anearly uniform sooty above and below, with the dark red tail crossed byseveral bands; it is a generally darker variety than the Red-tail. Itsnesting habits are the same and the eggs show the great variations inmarkings that are common to the eastern bird. 

[Illustration 210: Red-tailed Hawk. ][Illustration: Pale bluish white. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 209

337d. HARLAN'S HAWK. _Buteo borealis harlani. _

Range. --Gulf States and southward, north to Kansas. 

This dark sub-species is generally nearly uniform blackish, butsometimes is lighter or even white below. Its tail is rusty, mottledwith blackish and white. Its nesting habits are the same and the eggsare not distinguishable from those of the other Red-tails. 

339. RED-SHOULDERED HAWK. _Buteo lineatus lineatus. _

Range. --North America, east of the Plains and from the southern parts ofthe British Provinces southward; abundant and breeding throughout itsrange. 

This species is smaller than the Red-tailed and is not as powerfullybuilt; length 19 inches. The adults are handsomely barred beneath withreddish brown, giving the entire underparts a ruddy color. Like the lastspecies, they rarely feed upon poultry, confining their diet chiefly tomice, rats, frogs, reptiles, etc. These Hawks nest in the larger growthsof timber, usually building their nests high above the ground. The nestis of sticks, and lined with leaves, weeds and pieces of bark. They laythree or four eggs with a white ground color, variously blotched andspotted, either sparingly or heavily, with different shades of brown. Size 2. 15 × 1. 75. Data. --Kalamazoo, Michigan, April 25, 1898. Nest about40 feet up in an oak tree; made of sticks and twigs and lined with bark. Four eggs. Collector, J. C. Holmes. 

339a. Florida Red-shouldered Hawk. _Buteo lineatus alleni. _

Range. --Florida and the Gulf coast; north to South Carolina. The nestinghabits of this paler sub-species are precisely like those of the lastspecies. 

[Illustration 211: Red-shouldered Hawk. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 210

[Illustration 212: Geo. L. Fordyce. NEST AND EGGS OF RED-SHOULDERED HAWK. ]

Page 211

339b. RED-BELLIED HAWK. _Buteo lineatus elegans. _

Range. --Pacific coast from British Columbia south to Lower California, chiefly west of the Rockies. 

This variety is similar to, but darker than lineatus, and the underpartsare a uniform reddish brown, without barring. Their nests are like thoseof the Red-shouldered variety, and almost always placed high up in thelargest trees. The eggs are very similar, but average lighter inmarkings. Size 2. 15 × 1. 70. Data. --Diego, Cal. , April 13, 1897. Nest ina sycamore 20 feet from ground, made of sticks, leaves and feathers. 

340. Zone-tailed Hawk. _Buteo abbreviatus. _

Range. --Mexico and Central America, north to the Mexican border of theUnited States. 

This species, which is 19 inches long, is wholly black with theexception of the tail, which is banded. Their nests are built in heavywoods, and preferably in trees along the bank of a stream. The nest isof the usual Hawk construction and the two to four eggs are white, faintly marked with pale chestnut. Data. --Marathon, Texas. Nest ofsticks, lined with weeds and rabbit fur; on a horizontal branch of acotton-wood tree, 30 feet up. 

[Illustration 213: White. ][Illustration: 339b--340. ][Illustration: White, ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 212

341. SENNETT'S WHITE-TAILED HAWK. _Buteo albicaudatus sennetti. _

Range. --Mexican border of the United States and southward. 

A large, handsome Hawk which may be identified by its dark upper partsand white underparts and tail, the flanks and tail being lightly barredwith grayish; the shoulders are chestnut. It is especially abundant inthe southern parts of Texas, where it builds its nests of sticks andweeds, lined with grasses, leaves and moss. They nest in March andApril, laying two, or rarely three, eggs which are a dull white, andgenerally immaculate, but occasionally faintly or sparingly spotted withbrown. Size of eggs 2. 25 × 1. 80. 

342. SWAINSON'S HAWK. _Buteo swainsoni. _

Range. --Central and western North America, from the Mississippi Valleyand Hudson Bay, to the Pacific coast, breeding throughout its range. 

In the greater part of its range, this is the most abundant of the Hawkfamily. Its plumage is extremely variable, showing all theintergradations from a uniform sooty blackish to the typical adultplumage of a grayish above, and a white below, with a large breast patchof rich chestnut. Their nesting habits are as variable as their plumage. In some localities, they nest exclusively in trees, in othersindifferently upon the ground or rocky ledges. The nest is the usualHawk structure of sticks; the eggs are white, variously splashed andspotted with reddish brown and umber. Size 2. 20 × 1. 70. Data. --StarkCo. , N. D. , May 21, 1897. Nest of sticks, lined with weeds in an ashtree. Collector, Roy Dodd. 

[Illustration 214: Sennett's White-tailed Hawk. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: Swainson's Hawk. ][Illustration: left hand margin, ]

Page 213

343. BROAD-WINGED HAWK. _Buteo platypterus. _

Range. --North America, east of the Plains, and from the BritishProvinces southward. 

A medium sized species, about 16 inches in length, and with a short tailand broad rounded wings; adults have the underparts handsomely barredwith brown. Their nests are usually built in large trees, but generallyplaced against the trunk in the crotch of some of the lower branches. Itis made of sticks and almost invariably lined with bark. The two to foureggs are of a grayish white color, marked with chestnut, brown and stonegray; size 1. 90 × 1. 55. Data. --Worcester, Mass. , May 16, 1895. Nestabout 20 feet up in a large chestnut tree. The birds continually circledoverhead, their weird cries sounding like the creaking of branches. Collector, A. J. White. 

344. SHORT-TAILED HAWK. _Buteo brachyurus. _

Range. --A tropical species, which occurs north to the Mexican border andregularly to southern Florida, where it breeds in the large cypressswamps. Its eggs are pale greenish white, sparingly spotted with brown, chiefly at the large end. Size 2. 15 × 1. 60. 

345. MEXICAN BLACK HAWK. _Urubitinga anthracina. _

Range. --Mexican border of the United States and southward. 

A coal black species about 22 inches in length, distinguished by thewhite tip, and broad white band across the tail about midway. This isone of the least abundant of the Mexican species that cross the border. They are shy birds and build their nests in the tallest trees in remotewoods. Their two or three eggs are grayish white, faintly spotted withpale brown; size 2. 25 × 1. 80. Data. --Los Angeles County, Cal. , April 6, 1889. Nest of sticks, lined with bark and leaves; 45 feet up in asycamore tree. Collector, R. B. Chapman. 

[Illustration 215: Grayish white. ][Illustration: American Rough-legged Hawk. ][Illustration: Grayish white. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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346. MEXICAN GOSHAWK. _Asturina plagiata. _

Range. --Mexico, north to the border of the United States. 

A beautiful, medium sized Hawk (17 inches long), slaty gray above, whitebelow, numerously barred with grayish; tail black, crossed by severalwhite bars. These are graceful and active birds, feeding largely uponsmall rodents, and occasionally small birds. They nest in the top oftall trees, laying two or three greenish white, unmarked eggs; size 1. 95x 1. 60. Data. --Santa Cruz River, Arizona, June 3, 1902. Nest in the forkof a mesquite tree about forty feet from the ground; made of largesticks, lined with smaller ones and leaves. Three eggs. Collector, O. W. Howard. 

347a. ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK. _Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis. _

Range. --Northern North America, breeding chiefly north of our bordersand wintering south to the middle portions of the United States. 

The Rough-legs are large, heavily built birds of prey, speciallycharacterized by the completely feathered legs. The present species is22 inches long, and in the normal plumage has a whitish head, neck, breast and tail, the former being streaked and the latter barred withblackish; the remainder of the upper and underparts are blackish brown. Their nests are usually placed in trees, and less often on the groundthan those of the next species. These Rough-legs are very irregularlydistributed, and are nowhere as common as the next. While the greaternumber nest north of the United States, it is very probable that a greatmany nest on the higher ranges within our borders. The species is oftentaken in summer, even in Massachusetts. They lay three eggs of a bluishwhite color, boldly splashed with dark brown; size 2. 25 x 1. 75. 

[Illustration 216: White. ][Illustration: Rough-legged Hawk. ][Illustration: Bluish white. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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348. FERRUGINOUS ROUGH-LEG. _Archibuteo ferrugineus. _

Range. --North America, west of the Mississippi, breeding from thelatitude of Colorado north to the Saskatchewan region. 

This species nests very abundantly along our northern states, particularly in Dakota. It is a larger bird than the preceding and caneasily be told by its reddish coloration, particularly on the shouldersand tibia. While in some localities they nest only in trees, the greaternumber appear to build their nests on the ground or rocky ledges, makinga large heap of sticks, weeds and grass. Their three or four eggs arewhite, beautifully spotted and blotched, in endless variety, withvarious shades of brown. Size 2. 60 x 2. 00. Data. --Stark Co. , N. D. , April 29, 1900. Nest built of coarse sticks on a clay butte. 

349. GOLDEN EAGLE. _Aquila chrysætos. _

Range. --North America, west of the Mississippi; most abundant in theRockies and along the Pacific coast ranges. 

This magnificent bird, which is even more powerful than the Bald Eagle, measures about 34 inches long, and spreads about 7 feet. Its plumage isa rich brownish black, very old birds being golden brown on the nape. They can be distinguished in all plumages from the Bald Eagle by thecompletely feathered tarsus. They build their nests in the tops of thetallest trees in the wild, mountainous country of the west, and morerarely upon ledges of the cliffs. The nests are made of large sticks, lined with smaller ones and leaves and weeds. Their eggs are the mosthandsome of the Raptores, being white in color, and blotched, splashed, spotted and specked with light brown and clouded with gray or lilac, ofcourse varying endlessly in pattern and intensity. Size 2. 90 x 2. 50. Data. --Monterey Co. , Cal. , May 3, 1888. Three eggs. Nest of sticks, lined with pine needles, in a pine tree, 50 feet up. 

[Illustration 217: White. ][Illustration: Rough-legged Hawk. ][Illustration: Golden Eagle. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 216

[Illustration 218: BALD EAGLE. ]

Page 217

351. GRAY SEA EAGLE. _Haliæetus albicilla. _

A common species on the sea coasts of Europe; straggling to southernGreenland, where it nests upon the rocky cliffs. 

352. BALD EAGLE. _Haliæetus leucocephalus leucocephalus. _

Range. --Whole of North America; most abundant on the Atlantic coast;breeds throughout its range. This large white-headed and white-tailedspecies is abundant in sufficiently wild localities along the Atlanticcoast. It only attains the white head and tail when three years old, thefirst two years, being blackish. It is about 34 inches in length andexpands about seven feet, never over eight feet, and only birds of thesecond year (when they are larger than the adults) ever approach thisexpanse. Their food consists of fish (which they sometimes capturethemselves, but more often take from the Osprey), carrion, and Ducks, which they catch in flight. Their nests are massive structures ofsticks, in the tops of tall trees. They very rarely lay more than twoeggs, which are white. Size 2. 75 x 2. 10. Data. --Mt. Pleasant, S. C. , nest in top of a pine, 105 feet from the ground; made of large sticksand lined with Spanish moss. 

352a. NORTHERN BALD EAGLE. --_Haliæetus leucocephalus alascanus. _

Range. --Alaska. This sub-species averages slightly larger than the BaldEagle, but never exceeds the largest dimensions of that species. Itsnesting habits and eggs are the same, except that it more often buildsits nests on rocky cliffs than does the Bald Eagle. The eggs are laid inFebruary and March. 

[Illustration 219: White. ][Illustration: Bald Eagle. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 218

FALCONS AND CARACARAS

Family FALCONDIDAE

353. WHITE GYRFALCON. _Falco islandus. _

Range. --Arctic regions; south in winter casually to northern UnitedStates, chiefly on the coast. 

Gyrfalcons are large, strong, active and fearless birds, about 23 inchesin length. Their food consists chiefly of hares, Ducks and Waders whichabound in the far north. The present species is snowy white, more orless barred with blackish brown on the back and wings and with a fewmarks on the breast. They nest upon the ledges of high cliffs, layingthree or four eggs of a buffy color, blotched and finely specked withreddish brown, this color often concealing the ground color. Size ofeggs, 2. 30 × 1. 80. In America, they nest in Greenland and the Arcticregions. 

354. GRAY GYRFALCON. _Falco rusticolus rusticolus. _

Range. --Arctic regions; south in winter to northern United States. 

This species is of the size of the last but the plumage is largely gray, barred with dusky. They nest more abundantly in southern Greenland thando the preceding species. The nesting habits and eggs do not differ. 

354a. Gyrfalcon. _Falco rusticolus gyrfalco. _

Range. --Arctic regions; south casually to Long Island. 

This sub-species is hardly to be distinguished from the preceding; itsnesting habits and eggs are identical, the nests being of sticks, linedwith weeds and feathers and placed upon the most inaccessible ledges ofcliffs. 

[Illustration 220: Gray Gyrfalcon. White Gyrfalcon. ][Illustration: Buff. ][Illustration: Buff. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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354b. BLACK GYRFALCON. _Falco rusticolus obsoletus. _

Range. --Labrador; south casually, in winter, to Long Island. 

A slightly darker variety. Eggs indistinguishable. Data. --Ungava coast, Labrador, May 25, 1900. Nest a heap of seaweed and feathers on seacliff, containing three eggs. 

355. PRAIRIE FALCON. _Falcon mexicanus. _

Range. --United States west of the Mississippi, and from Dakota andWashington southward to Mexico. 

This species abounds in suitable localities, generally placing its nestsupon rocky ledges and cliffs, and sometimes trees, generally upon thebanks of some stream. The nests are masses of sticks, lined with weedsand grasses. The three or four eggs have a reddish buff ground color, and are thickly sprinkled and blotched with reddish buff brown andchestnut; size 2. 05 × 1. 60. 

356a. Duck Hawk. _Falco peregrinus anatum. _

Range. --Whole of North America, breeding locally, chiefly in mountainousregions, throughout its range. 

This beautiful species, characterized by its black moustache, is themost graceful, fearless, and swiftest of the Falcons, striking downbirds of several times its own weight, such as some of the larger Ducks. It breeds quite abundantly on the Pacific coast and in certainlocalities in the Dakotas, laying its eggs on the rocky ledges. Theireggs are similar to those of the Prairie Falcon, but are darker andbrighter, in fact they are the darkest, brightest marked, and mostbeautiful of Falcon eggs; size 2. 05 × 1. 55. 

[Illustration 221: Reddish buff. ][Illustration: Prairie Falcon. ][Illustration: Duck Hawk. ][Illustration: Buff or reddish buff. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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356b. PEALE'S FALCON. _Falco peregrinus pealei. _

Range. --Pacific coast from northern United States north to Alaska. 

A darker form of the preceding, such as occurs in this section with agreat many other birds. The nesting habits and the eggs are preciselylike those of the Duck Hawk. 

357. Pigeon Hawk. _Falco columbarius columbarius. _

Range. --North America, breeding chiefly north of the United Statesexcept in some of the higher ranges along our northern border. A smallFalcon, about 11 inches long, often confused with the Sharp-shinnedHawk, but much darker and a more stoutly built bird. It is a daringspecies, often attacking birds larger than itself; it also feeds onmice, grasshoppers, squirrels, etc. They generally build a nest ofsticks in trees, deep in the woods; less often in natural cavities ofdead trees; and sometimes on rocky ledges. Their four or five eggs havea brownish buff ground color, heavily blotched with brown and chestnut. Size 1. 50 × 1. 22. 

357a. BLACK PIGEON HAWK. _Falco columbarius suckleyi. _

Range. --Pacific coast from northern United States north to Alaska. 

Very similar in appearance to the preceding, but much darker, both aboveand below. Its nesting habits and eggs will not differ in any mannerfrom those of the Pigeon Hawk. 

357b. RICHARDSON'S PIGEON HAWK. _Falco columbarius richardsoni. _

Range. --Interior of North America from the Mississippi to the Rockiesand from Mexico to the Saskatchewan. 

This species is similar to the Pigeon Hawk, but is paler both above andbelow, and the tail bars are more numerous and white. Their nestinghabits are the same as those of the preceding species, they eitherbuilding in hollow trees, or making a rude nest of sticks and twigs inthe tops of trees. The eggs have a creamy ground and are sprinkled withdots and blotches of various shades of brown. Size 1. 60 × 1. 23. The eggfigured is one of a beautiful set of four in the collection of Mr. C. W. Crandall. 

[Illustration 222: Brownish buff. ][Illustration: Pigeon Hawk. ][Illustration: Richardson's Pigeon Hawk. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 221

358. 1 MERLIN. _Falco æsalon. _

This common European species was once accidentally taken in southernGreenland. Their eggs are generally laid on the ground on cliffs orbanks. 

359. APLOMADO FALCON. _Falco fusco-cærulescens. _

Range. --Tropical America north to Mexican boundary of the United States. 

This handsome and strikingly marked Falcon is found in limited numberswithin the United States, but south is common and widely distributed. They nest at a low elevation, in bushes or small trees, making theirrude nests of twigs, lined with a few grasses. They lay three, andsometimes four, eggs which have a creamy white ground color, finelydotted with cinnamon, and with heavy blotches of brown. Size 1. 75 ×1. 30. 

359. 1. KESTREL. _Falco tinnunculus. _

Range. --Whole of Europe; accidental on the coast of Massachusetts. 

This species is very similar in size and coloration to the AmericanSparrow Hawk. They are much more abundant than the Sparrow Hawk is inthis country and frequently nest about houses, in hollow trees, onrafters of barns, or on ledges and embankments. Their eggs are of areddish buff color, speckled and blotched with reddish brown, they beingmuch darker than those of the American Sparrow Hawk. 

360a. Desert Sparrow Hawk. _Falco sparverius phalæna. _

Range. --Western United States from British Columbia south to Mexico. 

This variety is slightly larger and paler than the eastern form. Thereare no differences in the identification of the two varieties. 

[Illustration 223: Buff. ][Illustration: Aplomado Falcon. Desert Sparrow Hawk. ][Illustration: Reddish buff. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 222

360. SPARROW HAWK. _Falco sparverius. _

Range. --North America, east of the Rocky Mountains and north to HudsonBay; winters from the middle portions of the United States, southward. 

This beautiful little Falcon is the smallest of the American Hawks, being only 10 inches in length. They are very abundant in the east, nesting anywhere in cavities in trees, either in woods or open fields. The eggs are generally deposited upon the bottom of the cavity with nolining; they are creamy or yellowish buff in color, sprinkled, spottedor blotched in endless variety, with reddish brown. Size 1. 35 × 1. 10. These birds are very noisy, especially when the young are learning tofly, uttering a loud, tinkling, "killy, killy, killy. " They have a veryamiable disposition, and frequently nest harmoniously in the same treewith other birds, such as Flickers and Robins. 

360b. ST. LUCAS SPARROW HAWK. _Falco sparverius peninsularis. _

Range. --Lower California. 

This variety is smaller than the eastern, and even paler than thewestern form. Eggs identical with eastern specimens. 

361. CUBAN SPARROW HAWK. _Falco sparveroides. _

A darker colored West Indian form, whose habits and nesting do not varyfrom those of the common Sparrow Hawk; casually taken in Florida. 

[Illustration 224: Buffy. ][Illustration: Sparrow Hawk. ][Illustration: Egg of Golden Eagle. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 223

[Illustration 225: SPARROW HAWK. ]

Page 224

362. Audubon Caracara. _Polyborus cheriway. _

Range. --Southern border of the United States south to South America. 

A strikingly marked blackish and whitish species, much barred on thefore back and the breast, with the head and throat largely white, exceptfor a black and somewhat crested crown. They are numerous in southernTexas and also in the interior of southern Florida, where they areresident. They build bulky, but shabby nests of sticks, weeds and grass, piled into a promiscuous heap, generally located in bushes or low trees. Their two or three eggs have a ground color varying from buff to brightcinnamon, and are dotted and blotched with all shades of brown andumber. On the whole, these eggs show a greater diversity of markings andground color than those of any other species. Size 2. 50 × 1. 80. 

363. GUADALUPE CARACARA. _Polyborus lutosus. _

Range. --Guadalupe Island and others off Lower California. 

This species is somewhat like the preceding, but the plumage is duller, and the coloration more uniform. Their nesting habits and eggs do notvary essentially from those of Audubon Caracara. Mr. John Lewis Childshas a set of two eggs taken June 8, 1896, on Santa Anita Island, byCoolidge and Miller. The nest was made of sticks and situated in a giantcactus. The eggs are slightly brighter and more clearly marked than anyof cheriway that I have ever seen. 

[Illustration 226: Audubon's Caracara. ][Illustration: Cinnamon. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 225

OSPREY. Family Pandionidae

364. OSPREY. _Pandion haliætus carolinensis. _

Range. --Whole of temperate America from the Arctic circle south to theequator, most abundant along the sea coasts. 

Real old birds have the head whiter, and less white edging to the backfeathers, than do the young. Feet very strong, and very hard and rough, perfectly adapted to grasping slippery fish; outer toe can be usedequally as well, either in front or behind, when perching or graspingtheir prey. 

Probably this great fisherman is as well known from one end of thecountry to the other as any of our wild birds. He is protected by law ina great many states and by custom in nearly all localities where theybreed. It is one of the pleasantest sights along the coast to watch anumber of these great birds as they soar at an elevation above thewater, watching for fish to come near the surface, when, with foldedwings, the bird speeds downward and plunges into the water, rarelymissing his prey. In many localities they are very tame and nest in thevicinity of houses, sometimes even in the yard. Their nests areplatforms of sticks, which, being used year after year and constantlyadded to, become of enormous proportions. They lay two or three eggs ofa bright creamy color, handsomely blotched with bright chestnut brown. They show a great diversity of size as well as markings, but average2. 40 × 1. 80. 

[Illustration 227: American Osprey. ][Illustration. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 226

[Illustration 228: C. A. Reed. OSPREY LEAVING NEST. ]

Page 227

BARN OWLS. Family Alucondidae

365. BARN OWL. _Aluco pratincola. _

Range. --Chiefly in the southern parts of the United States; northcasually to Massachusetts, Minnesota and Washington. 

This is one of the lightest colored of the Owls; it has a long, peculiarly hooded face, from which it gets the name of "Monkey-facedOwl. " Its plumage is yellowish buff, specked and barred lightly withblackish. 

It nests usually in hollow cavities of trees, but appears to have noobjections to barns, holes in banks, or anywhere it can find a concealedcrevice in which to deposit its four to six pure white eggs; size 1. 70 ×1. 30. 

HORNED OWL. Family Strigidae

366. LONG-EARED OWL. _Asio wilsonianus. _

Range. --North America, breeding from the southern parts of BritishAmerica, southward. 

This species is 15 inches in length; it can easily be separated from anyother species by its long ear tufts, brownish face, and barredunderparts. Their food consists almost entirely of small rodents, whichthey catch at night. Most of their nests are found in trees, theygenerally using old Crow's or Hawk's nests. They also, in somelocalities, nest in hollow trees, or in crevices among rocks. They layfrom four to seven pure white eggs; size 1. 55 × 1. 35. 

[Illustration 229: White. ][Illustration: Barn Owl. ][Illustration: Long-eared Owl. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 228

[Illustration 230: L. S. Horton. LONG-EARED OWL ON NEST. ]

Page 229

367. SHORT-EARED OWL. _Asio flammeus. _

Range. --Whole of North America, breeding from the middle portions of theUnited States northward, and wintering in the United States. 

This species is of the size of the last, but is paler, has very shortear tufts, and is streaked beneath. Its habits are the same except thatit frequently hunts, over the marshes and meadows, on dark days andtowards dusk. 

Their four to seven pure white eggs are laid upon the ground in marshyplaces, sometimes upon a lining of sticks and weeds, and are generallyunder a bush, or close to an old log. Size of eggs 1. 55 × 1. 25. 

368. BARRED OWL. _Strix varia varia. _

Range. --Eastern North America, from the British Provinces, southward;west to the Rockies. 

This species is the most common of the large owls, and can bedistinguished by its mottled and barred gray and white plumage, and lackof ear tufts; length 20 inches. It is the bird commonly meant by theterm "hoot owl", and being strictly nocturnal, is rarely seen flying inthe day time, unless disturbed from its roosting place in the deepwoods. Its food consists chiefly of rats, mice and frogs, and sometimes, but not often, poultry. It nests in the heart of large woods, generallyin hollows of large trees, and less often in deserted Crow's nests. Theylay from two to four pure white eggs, averaging considerably smallerthan those of the Great Horned Owl; size 1. 95 × 1. 65. 

368a. FLORIDA BARRED OWL. _Strix varia alleni. _

Range. --Florida and the Gulf States; north to South Carolina. 

[Illustration 231: Short-eared Owl. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: Barred Owl. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 230

[Illustration 232: Chas. W. Long. BARRED OWL. ]

Page 231

368b. TEXAS BARRED OWL. _Strix varia albogilva. _

Range. --Southern Texas. 

A very similar but slightly paler variety than the Barred Owl, and withthe toes bare, as in _alleni. _ Eggs indistinguishable. 

369. SPOTTED OWL. _Strix occidentalis occidentalis. _

Range. --Western United States, from southern Oregon and Colorado, southward. 

Similar to the Barred Owl, but spotted, instead of barred, on the backof head and neck, and much more extensively barred on the under parts. The nesting habits do not appear to differ in any respect from those ofthe eastern Barred Owl, and their eggs, which are from two to four innumber, can not be distinguished from those of the latter species; size2. 05 × 1. 80. 

369a. NORTHERN SPOTTED Owl. _Strix occidentalis caurina. _

Range. --Northwestern United States and British Columbia. 

Similar to the preceding, but darker, both above and below; nesting thesame, in hollow trees or in old Hawk's or Crow's nests. Eggs notdistinguishable. 

370. Great Gray Owl. _Scotiaptex nebulosa. _

Range. --Northern North America; wintering regularly south to thenorthern border of the United States and casually farther. 

This is the largest of American Owls, being about 26 inches in length;it does not weigh nearly as much, however, as the Great Horned or SnowyOwls, its plumage being very light and fluffy, and dark gray in color, mottled with white. The facial disc is very large, and the eyes aresmall and yellow, while those of the Barred Owl are large and blueblack. They nest in heavily wooded districts, building their nests ofsticks, chiefly in pine trees. The two to four white eggs are laidduring May and June; size 2. 15 × 1. 70. 

[Illustration 233: Great Gray Owl. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 232

370a. LAPP OWL. _Scotiaptex nebulosa lapponica. _

A paler form of the Great Gray Owl, inhabiting the Arctic regions of theOld World; accidental on the coast of Alaska. Their nesting habits andeggs do not differ from those of the American bird. 

371. RICHARDSON'S OWL. _Cryptoglaux funerea richardsoni. _

Range. --Northern North America, breeding north of the United States;winters south to our border and casually farther. 

This is a dark grayish and white bird, 10 inches in length, and withoutear tufts. Breeds commonly in the extensively wooded districts ofBritish America, chiefly in the northern parts. Their three or fourwhite eggs are usually at the bottom of a cavity in a tree, butoccasionally the birds build a rude nest of sticks and twigs, lined withleaves and placed in trees at a moderate height from the ground. Size ofeggs, 1. 25 × 1. 05. 

372. SAW-WHET OWL; ACADIAN OWL. _Cryptoglaux acadica acadica. _

Range. --North America, breeding in the northern parts of the UnitedStates and in British America, and south in the Rockies to Mexico;winters south to the middle portions of the United States. 

This small species (length 8 inches) is marked very similarly to thepreceding, but the plumage is brown instead of gray. They normally nestin hollow trees, generally in deserted Woodpecker holes, in extensivelywooded sections, and usually in mountainous country, especially in theUnited States. They have also been known to nest in bird boxes near farmhouses and in old Crow's nests. During April or May, they lay from threeto six white eggs. Size 1. 20 × 1. 00. They are quiet and chieflynocturnal birds, not often seen, and may be found nesting in any of thenorthern states. 

372a. NORTHWESTERN SAW-WHET OWL. _Cryptoglaux acadica scotiæa. _

Range. --A dark variety found on the coast of British Columbia. 

[Illustration 234: Richardson's Owl. Saw-whet Owl. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 233

373. SCREECH OWL. _Otus asio asio. _

Range. --North America, east of the plains and from the southern BritishProvinces to Florida. 

This well known species, which is often called "Little Horned Owl"because of its ear tufts is found either in the type form of some of itsvarieties in all parts of the United States. They have two color phases, the plumage being either a yellowish brown or gray, and black and white;these color phases are not dependent upon sex or locality, as oftenyoung or both phases are found in the same nest; the gray phase is themost abundant. They nest anywhere in hollow trees, being found veryfrequently in decayed stubs of apple trees. They also often nest inbarns or other old buildings which are not frequented too freely. Theirfood consists chiefly of mice and meadow moles, with occasionally smallbirds. During April or May they lay their white eggs, the fullcomplement of which is from five to eight. Size 1. 35 × 1. 20. The nestinghabits of all the sub-species, as far as we can learn, are exactly likethose of the eastern Screech Owl; the eggs cannot be distinguished, andin most cases, even the birds cannot be distinguished. 

373a. FLORIDA SCREECH OWL. _Otus asio floridanus. _

Range. --South Atlantic and Gulf coasts. 

Slightly smaller and darker than asio. The eggs average slightlysmaller. Size 1. 30 × 1. 15. 

373b. Texas Screech Owl. _Otus asio mccalli. _

Range. --Texas, and southward into Mexico. Very similar to floridanus. 

373c. CALIFORNIA SCREECH OWL. _Otus asio bendirei. _

Range. --Coast of California and Oregon. Size of, but darker than asio. 

373d. KENNICOTT'S SCREECH OWL. _Otus asio kennicotti. _

Range. --Pacific coast from Oregon to Alaska. This is the darkest of theScreech Owls and averages a trifle larger than the eastern form. 

373e. ROCKY MOUNTAIN SCREECH OWL. _Otus asio maxwelliæ. _

Range. --Foothills of the Rockies, from Colorado to Montana. This is thepalest form of the Screech Owl. Of the same size as the last. 

[Illustration 235: White. ][Illustration: Screech Owl. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 234

373f. Mexican Screech Owl. _Otus asio cineraceus. _

Range. --Western Mexico and southwestern border of the United States. Agray form with little or no buff, and more numerously barred below. 

373g. AIKEN'S SCREECH Owl. _Otus asio aikeni. _

Range. --El Paso County, Colorado. A gray form, with the dark markingscoarser and more numerous than in any other. 

373h. MACFARLANE'S SCREECH OWL. _Otus asio macfarlanei. _

Range. --Northern border of the United States from Washington to Montana. 

373. 1. Spotted Screech Owl. _Otus trichopsis. _

Range. --Mountains of southern Arizona, south into Mexico. 

A grayish species, similar to asio, but paler and more finely barredbeneath, and with whitish spots on the feathers of the foreback. Thenesting habits and eggs are probably the same as those of the ScreechOwl. 

373. 2. XANTUS'S SCREECH OWL. _Otus xantusi. _

Range. --Southern Lower California. 

A grayish species with the back and underparts finely vermiculated withreddish brown, and with streaks of darker. It is not likely that thehabits or eggs of this species will be found to differ from those of theScreech Owl. 

374. FLAMMULATED SCREECH OWL. _Otus flammeolus flammeolus. _

Range. --Mountain ranges of Mexico, north to Colorado and west toCalifornia. 

This species is smaller than asio, has shorter ear tufts, the plumage ismuch streaked and edged with rusty, and the toes are unfeathered totheir base. They nest in hollow trees, generally using desertedWoodpecker holes. Their three or four eggs are white. Size 1. 15 × . 95. This species is uncommon in all parts of its range. 

374a. DWARF SCREECH OWL. _Otus flammeolus idahœnsis. _

Range. --Local in Idaho, eastern Washington and California. 

This rare variety is smaller than the preceding and is considerablypaler. Its eggs have not been described, but should be a trifle smallerthan the last. 

[Illustration 236: 374--375a. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 235

375. GREAT HORNED OWL. _Bubo virginianus virginianus. _

Range. --North America, east of the Plains and north to Labrador. 

This species and its varieties are the only large Owls havingconspicuous ear tufts. They are about 22 inches in length, and have amottled brown, black and white plumage, barred below. This is also oneof the "Hoot Owls, " but is not nearly as abundant as the Barred Owl. Itis one of the strongest of the family, and captures rabbits, grouse andpoultry, and is very often found to have been feeding upon, or to havebeen in the immediate vicinity of a skunk. They nest very early, January, February and March. Deserted Hawk's or Crow's nests are veryfrequently used by this bird, if they are located in dense woods. Theyalso sometimes nest in hollow cavities in large trees. They lay from twoto four pure white eggs. Size 2. 25 × 1. 85. 

375a. Western Horned Owl. _Bubo virginianus pallescens. _

Range. --Western North America, except the Pacific coast. 

A smaller and lighter colored form of the preceding, having the samehabits and the eggs being indistinguishable from those of the easternbird. 

375b. ARCTIC HORNED OWL. _Bubo virginianus subarcticus. _

Range. --Interior of Arctic America from Hudson Bay to Alaska; south inwinter to the northwestern tier of states. 

A very pale colored Horned Owl with little or no buff or brownish in theplumage, some specimens (very rare) being pure white with only a fewblack bars on the back. Their nesting habits are the same and the eggsdo not vary appreciably from those of the eastern Horned Owl. 

375c. DUSKY HORNED OWL. _Bubo virginianus saturatus. _

Range. --Pacific coast from California to Alaska. 

This is the darkest of the Horned Owls, the extreme case being nearlyblack on the back and very dark below. Nesting the same as the GreatHorned Owl. 

375d. PACIFIC HORNED OWL. _Bubo virginianus pacificus. _

Range. --California, southward and east to Arizona. 

Smaller and darker than the eastern form but not as dark as the last. Eggs the same as those of the others. 

[Illustration 237: White. ][Illustration: Great Horned Owl. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 236

[Illustration 238: YOUNG SCREECH OWLS. ]

Page 237

375e. DWARF HORNED OWL. _Bubo virginianus elachistus. _

Range. --Lower California. 

This is a similar but darker form of the Horned Owl and is very muchsmaller than virginianus. The nesting habits will be the same, but theeggs may average smaller. 

376. Snowy Owl. _Nyctea nyctea. _

Range. --Arctic regions, breeding within the Arctic Circle and winteringto the northern border of the United States and casually farther. 

This very beautiful species varies in plumage from pure white, unmarked, to specimens heavily and broadly barred with blackish brown. It is, nextto the Great Gray Owl, the largest species found in America, being 2feet in length. Like the Great Horned Owls, they are very strong, fearless, and rapacious birds, feeding upon hares, squirrels and smallermammals, as well as Grouse, Ptarmigan, etc. They nest upon the ground, on banks or mossy hummocks on the dry portions of marshes, laying fromtwo to eight eggs, white in color and with a smoother shell than thoseof the Great Horned Owl. Size 2. 25 × 1. 75. Data. --Point Barrow, Alaska, June 16, 1898. Three eggs laid in a hollow in the moss. 

377. European Hawk Owl. _Surnia ulula ulula. _

Range. --Northern portion of the Old World; accidental in Alaska. 

Similar to the American species, but lighter and more brownish. 

[Illustration 239: White. ][Illustration: Snowy Owl. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 238

377a. HAWK OWL. _Surnia ulula caparoch. _

Range. --Northern North America, breeding from the central portions ofBritish America northward; probably also breeds in the Rocky Mountainsin the northern tier of states and casually farther. 

This handsome mottled and barred, gray and black Owl might readily bemistaken for a Hawk, because of his Hawk-like appearance and longrounded tail. They are very active birds, especially in the day time, for they are more diurnal than nocturnal; their food is mostly of smallrodents, and also small birds. They nest either in the tops of large firtrees, in hollows of stumps, or, in some cases, upon the ground. When intrees their nests are made of twigs, leaves and weeds, and sometimeslined with moss and feathers; they lay from three to eight white eggs, size 1. 50 × 1. 20. Data. --Labrador, May 3, 1899. Five eggs. Nest in thetop of a dead tree, 15 feet from the ground. 

378. BURROWING OWL. _Speotyto cunicularia hypogæa. _

Range. --Western North America from the Mississippi Valley west toCalifornia; north to the southern parts of British America and south toCentral America. 

These peculiar birds are wholly different in plumage, form and habitsfrom any other American Owls. They can readily be recognized by theirlong, slender and scantily feathered legs. Their plumage is brownish, spotted with white above, and white, barred with brown below; length 10inches. They nest, generally in large communities in burrows in theground, usually deserted Prairie Dog holes. While generally but a singlepair occupy one burrow, as many as twenty have been found nestingtogether. Sometimes the burrows are unlined, and again may have a carpetof grasses and feathers. Their white eggs generally number from six toten; size 1. 25 × 1. 00. Data. --Sterling, Kans. , May 7, 1899. Nest of bitsof dry dung at the end of a deserted Prairie Dog burrow. 

[Illustration 240: American Hawk Owl. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 239

378a. FLORIDA BURROWING OWL. _Speotyto cunicularia floridana. _

Range. --Local in the interior of Florida. 

Like the last, but slightly smaller and paler, and with the tarsus lessfeathered. Their habits or eggs do not differ from the preceding. 

379. PYGMY OWL. _Glaucidium gnoma gnoma. _

Range. --Rocky Mountain region and westward; from British Columbiasouthward. These interesting little Owls, which are but seven inches inlength, feed in the day time upon insects, mice and, occasionally, smallbirds. They frequent extensively wooded districts, chiefly in themountain ranges. They nest in tall trees, generally in desertedWoodpeckers' holes, laying three or four white eggs during May; sizeabout 1. 00 × . 90. 

379a. California Pygmy Owl. _Glaucidium gnoma californicum. _

Range. --Pacific coast from British Columbia, south through California. This sub-species is darker and more brownish than the last. It is not anuncommon bird in California. They nest in the tallest trees along theranges, often being found 75 or more feet from the ground. The eggs donot differ from those of the Pygmy Owl, ranging in size from 1. 00 × . 85to 1. 20 × . 95. 

379. 1. HOSKIN'S PYGMY OWL. _Glaucidium hoskinsi. _

Range. --Southern Lower California. 

This species is smaller and more gray than the preceding. It is notprobable that its manners of nesting or eggs differ in any respect fromthose of the others of this genus. 

[Illustration 241: Burrowing Owl. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 240

380. FERRUGINOUS PYGMY OWL. _Glaucidium phalœnoides. _

Range. --Mexico and Central America; north to the Mexican border of theUnited States. 

This species is of the same size as the last, but is much tinged withrufous on the upper parts, and the tail is of a bright chestnut browncolor, crossed by about eight bars of black. They nest in hollowcavities in trees, from ten to forty feet from the ground, laying threeor four glossy white eggs; size 1. 10 × . 90. 

381. ELF OWL. _Micropallas whitneyi. _

Range. --Mexico, north to the bordering states. 

This odd little bird is the smallest member of the family found inAmerica, attaining a length of only six inches. In plumage it may bedescribed as similar to a very small, earless Screech Owl, only with thepattern of the markings a great deal finer. They are said to be quiteabundant in the table lands of central Mexico and in southern Arizona, where they build their nests in deserted Woodpeckers' holes, perhapsmost frequently in the giant cactus. It is said to be more nocturnalthan the Pygmy Owls and to feed almost exclusively upon insects. Theylay from three to five eggs having a slight gloss. Size 1. 02 × . 90. Data. --Southern Arizona, May 22, 1902. Nest in a deserted Woodpeckerhole. Two eggs. 

[Illustration 242: 380--381. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: deco-photo. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 241

PAROQUETS AND PARROTS. Order XIII. PSITTACI. 

Family PSITTACIDAE

382. CAROLINA PAROQUET. _Conuropsis carolinensis. _

Range. --Now rare in Florida and along the Gulf coast to IndianTerritory. As late as 1885, the Carolina Paroquets were abundant in theSouth Atlantic and Gulf States, but owing to their wanton destruction byman, they have been exterminated in the greater portion of their range, and now are rarely seen in any locality, and then only in the mostunhabitable swamps and thickets. A reliable account of their nestinghabits is lacking, as are also specimens of their eggs taken from wildbirds. They are said to build rude nests of sticks upon horizontalbranches of cypress trees, and to nest in colonies; it is also claimedthat they nest in hollow trees, laying from three to five pure whiteeggs. The one figured is one of three laid in confinement at Washington, D. C. , by a pair of birds owned by Mr. Robert Ridgeway. It is 1. 31 ×1. 06 and was laid July 12, 1892. This set is in the collection of Mr. John Lewis Childs. 

382. 1. Thick-billed Parrot. _Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha. _

Range. --Mexico, north casually to the Mexican border of the UnitedStates. This large Parrot (16 inches long) has a heavy black bill, andthe plumage is entirely green except for the deep red forehead, stripsover the eye, shoulder, and thighs, and the yellowish under wingcoverts. Their eggs are white and are laid in natural cavities in largetrees in forests. 

CUCKOOS, TROGANS, KINGFISHERS, ETC. Order XIV. 

CUCKOOS, ANIS, ETC. Family CUCULIDAE

383. ANI. _Crotophaga ani. _

Range. --Northeastern South America and the West Indies; casual inFlorida, and along the Gulf coast; accidental in Pennsylvania. 

This species is similar to the next, but the bill is smoother andwithout grooves. Its nesting habits are the same as those of the morecommon American species. 

[Illustration 243: White. ][Illustration: Carolina Paroquet. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 242

[Illustration 244: ROADRUNNER. ]

Page 243

384. GROOVE-BILLED ANI. _Crotophaga sulcirostris. _

Range. --Mexico and the border of the United States; common in southernTexas. This odd species has a Cuckoo-like form, but is wholly blue blackin color, and has a high thin bill with three conspicuous longitudinalgrooves on each side. They build large bulky nests of twigs, lined withleaves and grasses, and located in low trees and bushes. They build insmall colonies but do not, as is claimed of the common Ani, build alarge nest for several to occupy. They lay from three to five eggs of agreenish blue color, covered with a chalky white deposit. Size 1. 25 ×1. 00. They are laid in May or June. 

385. ROAD-RUNNER. _Geococcyx californianus. _

Range. --Western United States from Oregon, Colorado and Kansas, southward; most abundant on the Mexican border, and wintering in centralMexico. This curious species is known as the "Chaparral Cock", "GroundCuckoo, " "Snake-killer, " etc. Its upper parts are a glossy greenishbrown, each feather being edged or fringed with whitish; the tail isvery long, broad and graduated, the feathers being broadly tipped withwhite. They are noted for their swiftness on foot, paddling over theground at an astonishing rate, aided by their outstretched wings andspread tail, which act as aeroplanes; their legs are long and have twotoes front and two back. Their food consists of lizards and smallsnakes, they being particularly savage in their attacks upon the latter. They build rude nests of sticks and twigs, in low trees or bushes, andduring April or May, lay from four to ten eggs, depositing them atintervals of several days. They are pure white and measure 1. 55 × 1. 20. 

[Illustration 245: Greenish blue. ][Illustration: Road Runner. Groove-billed Ani. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 244

386. MANGROVE CUCKOO. _Coccyzus minor minor. _

Range. --West Indies, Mexico and South America, north regularly tosouthern Florida. 

This species is very similar to our common Yellow-billed Cuckoo, but thewhole underparts are deep buff. It is a common species and nestsabundantly in the West Indies, but occurs only in limited numbers insouthern Florida. Their nests are shallow platforms of twigs androotlets, placed in bushes and low trees, and upon which they lay threeor four pale greenish blue eggs, similar to those of the Yellow-billedspecies but averaging smaller; size 1. 15 × . 85. 

386a. MAYNARD'S CUCKOO. _Coccyzus minor maynardi. _

Range. --Bahamas; accidental on Florida Keys. This is a slightly smallerand paler form than the preceding. 

387. YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO. _Coccyzus americanus americanus. _

Range. --United States east of the Plains and from southern Canadasouthward. 

This species is generally abundant in all localities in its range, whichafford suitable nesting places of tangled underbrush or vines. It may bedistinguished from the Black-billed variety by its larger size (12inches long), blackish tail with broad white tips, and yellowish lowermandible. They are often regarded by the superstitious as forecasters ofrain, and as omens, probably because of their gutteral croaking notes. 

Their nests are made of twigs, lined with shreds of grape vine bark orcatkins; the nests are generally very shabbily made and so flat on thetop that the eggs frequently roll off. They are located near the groundin bushes or low trees. The three or four eggs are deposited atintervals of several days, and frequently young birds and eggs are foundin the nest at the same time. Like the Flicker, this bird willfrequently continue laying if one egg is removed at a time, and as manyas twelve have been taken from the same nest, by this means. The eggsare light greenish blue. Size 1. 20 × . 90. They are usually laid duringMay or June. 

[Illustration 246: Mangrove Cuckoo. Yellow-billed Cuckoo. ][Illustration: Light greenish blue. ][Illustration: Pale greenish blue. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 245

[Illustration 247: A. R. Spaid. NEST AND EGGS OF YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO. ]

Page 246

387a. CALIFORNIA CUCKOO. _Coccyzus americanus occidentalis. _

Range. --Western North America, from British Columbia, southward. 

Slightly larger and with a stouter bill than the last. Eggs notdistinguishable. 

388. BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO. _Coccyzus erythrophthalmus. _

Range. --United States east of the Rocky Mountains; north to Labrador andManitoba; south in winter to Central and South America. 

This species is rather more common in the northern part of the UnitedStates than the Yellow-billed variety. The bird is smaller, has ablackish bill, and the tail is the same color as the back and onlyslightly tipped with white. Their nests are built in similar locationsand of the same materials as used by the Yellow-bill; the three or foureggs are smaller and a darker shade of greenish blue. Size 1. 15 × . 85. All the Cuckoos are close sitters and will not leave the nest untilnearly reached with the hand, when they will slowly flutter off throughthe underbrush, and continue to utter their mournful "Kuk-kuk-kuk, " manytimes repeated. 

388. 1. KAMCHATKA CUCKOO. _Cuculus canorus telephonus. _

An Asiatic subspecies of the common European Cuckoo, accidentallyoccurring in Alaska. 

TROGONS. Family TROGONIDÆ

389. COPPERY-TAILED TROGON. _Trogon ambiguus. _

Range. --Southern Mexico, north to the Lower Rio Grande in Texas and insouthern Arizona, in both of which localities they probably breed. 

This is the only member of this family of beautiful birds which reachesour borders. This species is 12 inches in length, and is a metallicgreen color on the upper parts and breast, and with coppery reflectionsof the middle tail feathers, the outer ones being white, very finelyvermiculated with black, as are the wing coverts. The underparts, exceptfor a white band across the breast, are rosy red. This species nest incavities in large trees, generally in large, deserted Woodpecker holes. They are also said to have been found nesting in holes in banks. Theireggs are three or four in number and are a dull white in color. Size1. 10 × . 85. 

[Illustration 248: Black-billed Cuckoo. ][Illustration: Greenish blue. ][Illustration: Dull White. ][Illustration: 387a--389. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 247

KINGFISHERS. Family ALCEDINIDÆ

390. BELTED KINGFISHER. _Ceryle alcyon. _

Range. --Whole of North America, breeding from southern United States, northward and wintering from the southern parts of its breeding range, southward. 

This well known bird is abundant in all localities near water, where itsrattling notes are among the most familiar of sounds. Their food isalmost entirely of small fish, which they catch by plunging upon fromtheir perch on an old dead limb overhanging the water, or by hovering inthe air like an Osprey. Their nests are located at the end of burrows insand banks or the banks of creeks and rivers. These tunnels, which aredug by the birds, generally commence two or three feet from the top ofthe bank and extend back from six to eight feet, either in a straightline or curved; the end is enlarged to form a suitable nesting place, inwhich from five to eight eggs are laid. They are glossy and pure whitein color. Size 1. 35 × 1. 05. Data. --Lake Quinsigamond, Massachusetts, June 6, 1900. 7 eggs at the end of a 6 foot tunnel in a sand bank. Birdremoved by hand from the nest. Collector, C. E. Howe. 

390. 1. Ringed Kingfisher. _Ceryle torquata. _

Range. --Mexico, north casually to the Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas. 

This handsome species is much larger than the Belted Kingfisher and theunderparts are nearly all bright chestnut, except the white throat. Theynest in river banks the same as the common American species, and theeggs are white, but larger. Size 1. 45 × 1. 10. 

[Illustration 249: White. ][Illustration: Belted Kingfisher. ][Illustration: deco-photo. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 248

[Illustration 250: C. A. Reed. YOUNG KINGFISHERS. ]

Page 249

391. TEXAS KINGFISHER. _Ceryle americana septentrionalis_. 

Range. --Southern Texas, south through Mexico. 

This variety is much smaller than the Belted, length 8 inches, and is alustrous greenish above, variously speckled with white, and is whitebelow, spotted with greenish. It is a common and resident species insouthern Texas, where it lays its eggs in holes in the banks alongstreams. The eggs are white and glossy, and measure . 95 × . 70. 

WOODPECKERS. Order XV. PICI. 

Family PICIDAE

Woodpeckers are well known birds having sharp chisel-like bills, sharplypointed and stiffened tail feathers, and strongly clawed feet with twotoes forward and two back, except in one genus. Their food is insectsand grubs, which they get by boring in trees, and from under the bark, clinging to the sides of trunks or the under side of branches with theirstrong curved nails, aided by the tail, for a prop. They are largelyresident where found. 

392. IVORY-BILLED WOODPECKER. _Campephilus principalis. _

Range. --Locally distributed, and rare, in Florida, along the Gulf coastand north casually to South Carolina and Arkansas. 

This is the largest of the Woodpeckers found within our borders, being20 inches in length. But one other American species exceeds it in size, the Imperial Woodpecker of Mexico, which reaches a length of nearly twofeet; as this species is found within a few miles of our Mexican border, it may yet be classed as a North American bird. The present species hasa large, heavy, ivory-white bill. They can readily be identified, at agreat distance, from the Pileated Woodpecker by the large amount ofwhite on the secondaries. They used to be not uncommonly seen in manysections of the southeast but are now found very locally and only in thelargest and remote woods. They nest in holes in large trees in the mostimpenetrable swamps; laying three, and probably as many as six purewhite glossy eggs measuring 1. 45 × 1. 00. 

[Illustration 251: Texas Kingfisher. ][Illustration: Ivory-billed Woodpecker. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 250

393. HAIRY WOODPECKER. _Dryobates villosus villosus. _

Range. --United States east of the Plains and from North Carolina toCanada. 

The Hairy Woodpecker or its sub-species is found in all parts of NorthAmerica. The nesting habits and eggs of all the sub-species are not inany way different from those of the eastern bird, consequently what issaid in regard to the eastern form will apply equally to all itsvarieties. 

Except during the winter months, this species is not as commonly seenabout houses or orchards as the Downy Woodpecker. During the summer theyretire to the larger woods to nest, laying their eggs in holes in thetrunks or limbs of trees at any height from the ground, and generallyusing the same hole year after year, and often twice or three timesduring one season, if the first sets are taken. They lay from three tosix glossy white eggs; size . 95 × . 70. This species can be distinguishedfrom the Downy Woodpeckers by their larger size (9 inches long), and thewhite outer tail feathers, which are unspotted. 

393a. NORTHERN HAIRY WOODPECKER. _Dryobates villosus leucomelas. _

Range. --North America, north of the United States. 

Slightly larger than the preceding. 

393b. SOUTHERN HAIRY WOODPECKER. _Dryobates villosus auduboni. _

Range. --Southern United States; north to South Carolina. 

Similar to the Hairy Woodpecker, but smaller. 

393c. HARRIS'S WOODPECKER. _Dryobates villosus harrisi. _

Range. --Pacific coast from California to British Columbia. 

Similar to the Hairy but with fewer or no white spots on the wingcoverts, and grayish on the underparts. 

393d. CABANIS WOODPECKER. _Dryobates villosus hyloscopus. _

Range. --Southern California, east to Arizona and south into Mexico. Likethe preceding but whiter below. 

393e. ROCKY MOUNTAIN HAIRY WOODPECKER. _Dryobates villosus monticola. _

Range. --Rocky Mountains from British Columbia south to New Mexico. 

Similar to _harrisi_ but slightly larger and pure white below. 

393f. QUEEN CHARLOTTE WOODPECKER. _Dryobates villosus picoideus. _

Range. --Queen Charlotte Islands, British Columbia. 

Like Harris Woodpecker, but with the flanks streaked and the middle ofthe back spotted with blackish. 

[Illustration 252: Hairy Woodpecker. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: 393c--394a. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 251

394. SOUTHERN DOWNY WOODPECKER. _Dryobates pubescens pubescens. _

Range. --Gulf and South Atlantic States; north to South Carolina. 

This species, which is the smallest of the North American Woodpecker(length 6 inches), is similar in plumage to the Hairy Woodpecker, buthas the ends of the white, outer tail feathers spotted with black. Likethe last species, it is represented by sub-species in all parts of NorthAmerica, the nesting habits of all the varieties being the same and theeggs not distinguishable from one another. They nest in holes in trees, very often in orchards or trees in the neighborhood of houses. They arenot nearly as shy as the Hairy Woodpeckers, and also associate withother birds very freely. The three to six eggs are laid upon the bottomof the cavity, with no lining. The height of the nesting season isduring May or June. The white glossy eggs are . 75 × . 60. 

394a. GAIRDNER'S WOODPECKER. Dryobates pubescens gairdneri. 

Range. --Pacific coast from northern California to British Columbia. 

This sub-species is like the last, but is without spots on the wingcoverts and is a dingy white below, differing the same as HarrisWoodpecker from the Hairy. 

394b. BATCHELDER'S WOODPECKER. _Dryobates pubescens homorus. _

Range. --Rocky Mountain region of the United States. 

Like the last but whiter below. 

394c. DOWNY WOODPECKER. _Dryobates pubescens medianus. _

Range. --North America, east of the Plains and north of South Carolina. 

Similar to the southern variety but slightly larger and whiter. 

394d. NELSON'S DOWNY WOODPECKER. _Dryobates pubescens nelsoni. _

Range. --Alaska. 

Similar to the northern variety but still larger. 

394e. WILLOW WOODPECKER. _Dryobates pubescens turati. _

Range. --California except the northern parts and the ranges of thesouth. 

Similar to Gairdner Woodpecker, but smaller and whiter. 

395. RED-COCKADED WOODPECKER. _Dryobates borealis. _

Range. --Southeastern United States, from South Carolina and Arkansas, southward. 

This black and white species may be known from any other because of theuniform black crown and nape, the male having a small dot of red oneither side of the crown, back of the eye. They are quite abundant inthe Gulf States and Florida, where they nest during April and May, andin some localities in March. They build in hollow trees or stumps at anelevation from the ground, laying from three to six glossy white eggs;size . 95 × . 70. 

[Illustration 253: white, glossy. ][Illustration: Southern Downy. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 252

396. TEXAS WOODPECKER. _Dryobates scalaris bairdi. _

Range. --Southwestern United States from southern Colorado south tonorthern Mexico. This species is brownish white below, has the backbarred with black and white, and the male has the whole crown red, shading into mixed black and whitish on the forehead. Its habits andnesting are just the same as those of the Downy, but the three or fourwhite eggs, that they lay in April, are larger; size . 80 × . 65. 

396a. SAN LUCAS WOODPECKER. _Dryobates scalaris lucasanus. _

Range. --Lower California, north to the Colorado Desert, California. 

Very similar to the last; less barring on the outer tail feathers. Eggsthe same. 

397. NUTTALL'S WOODPECKER. _Dryobates nuttalli. _

Range. --Pacific coast from Oregon south to Lower California. 

Similar to the Texan Woodpecker but whiter below, with whitish nasaltufts, and the fore part of the crown black and white striped, the redbeing confined to the nape region. They nest in holes in trees, eitherin dead stumps or in growing trees, and at any height above ground. During April or May they deposit their white glossy eggs upon the bottomof the cavity. The eggs measure . 85 × . 65. 

398. ARIZONA WOODPECKER. _Dryobates arizonæ. _

Range. --Mexican border of the United States, chiefly in Arizona and NewMexico. 

This species is entirely different from any others of our Woodpeckers, being uniform brownish above, and soiled whitish below, spotted withblack. The male bird has a red crescent on the nape. They are said to befairly abundant in some sections of southern Arizona. Their nestinghabits do not vary from those of the other Woodpeckers found in the sameregions, and they show no especial preference for any particular kind ofa tree in which to lay their eggs. The nesting season appears to be atits height in April. The pure white eggs average in size about . 85 ×. 60. 

[Illustration 254: Red-cockaded Woodpecker. Texas Woodpecker. ][Illustration: 398--399. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 253

399. WHITE-HEADED WOODPECKER. _Xenopicus albolarvatus. _

Range. --Western United States from southern California to southernBritish Columbia. 

This odd species is wholly a dull black color, except for the white headand neck, and basal half of the primaries. They are quite abundant insome localities, particularly in California on mountain ranges. Theynest at any height, but the greater number have been found under twentyfeet from the ground and in old pine stubs. They lay from four to sixglossy white eggs, measuring . 95 × . 70. They are said to be more silentthan others of the Woodpecker family, and rarely make the familiartapping and never drum. It is claimed that they get at their food byscaling bark off the trees, instead of by boring. 

400. ARCTIC THREE-TOED WOODPECKER. _Picoides arcticus. _

As implied by their name, members of this genus have but three toes, twoin front and one behind. The plumage of this species is entirely blackabove, and whitish below, with the flanks barred with blackish. The malehas a yellow patch on the crown. They breed abundantly in coniferousforests in mountainous regions throughout their range, laying their eggsin cavities in decayed stumps and trees, apparently at any height, fromfive feet up. The eggs are laid in May or June. Size . 95 × . 70. 

Range. --Northern parts of the United States, north to the Arcticregions. 

401. THREE-TOED WOODPECKER. _Picoides americanus americanus. _

Range. --From northern United States northward. 

The chief difference between this species and the last is in the whiteon the back, either as a patch or in the form of broken bars. Thenesting habits are just the same and the eggs cannot be distinguishedfrom those of the preceding. Both forms are found breeding in the samelocalities in the Adirondacks and in nearly all other portions of theirrange. 

[Illustration 255: White. ][Illustration: Three-toed Woodpecker. Arctic Three-toed Woodpecker. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 254

401a. ALASKA THREE-TOED WOODPECKER. _Picoides americanus fasciatus. _

Range. --Alaska, south to British Columbia and Washington. 

Like the last, but with more white on the back. Eggs like the arcticus. 

401b. ALPINE THREE-TOED WOODPECKER. _Picoides americanus dorsalis. _

Range. --Rocky Mountains from British Columbia south to New Mexico. 

Slightly larger than the preceding and with more white on the back, almost entirely losing the barred effect of the American Three-toedvariety. They nest chiefly in dead pines, laying four or five white eggsthat cannot be distinguished from those of many other species. Size . 95× . 70. 

402. YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER. _Sphyrapicus varius varius. _

Range. --North America, east of the Plains; breeding from Massachusettsnorthward, and wintering from the Carolinas and Illinois southward. 

This species is one of the most handsomely marked of the family; theycan easily be recognized by the red crown and throat (white on thefemale), each bordered by black, and the yellowish underparts. Themembers of this genus have been found to be the only ones that arereally injurious, and these only to a slight extent, to cultivatedtrees. This species and the two following are the only real"sapsuckers, " a crime that is often attributed to the most useful of thefamily. Their nesting season is during May and June, they then resortingto the interior of the woods, where they deposit their four to sevenglossy eggs on the bottom of holes in trees, generally at quite anelevation from the ground. Size of eggs . 85 × . 60. 

402a. Red-naped Sapsucker. _Sphyrapicus varius nuchalis. _

Range. --Rocky Mountain region of the United States and southern Canadasouth to Mexico and west to California. 

This variety differs from the last, chiefly in addition of a band ofscarlet on the nape in place of the white on the Yellow-bellied species. Coming as it does, midway between the ranges of the preceding speciesand the following, this variety, with its extension of red on the headand throat, may be regarded somewhat as a connecting link between thetwo species, but it is perfectly distinct and does not intergrade witheither. There appears to be no difference in the nesting habits of thetwo varieties, except that the present one, according to Bendire, showsa preference to nesting in live aspens. The eggs measure . 90 × . 65. 

[Illustration 256: Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 255

403. RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER. _Sphyrapicus ruber ruber. _

Range. --Pacific Coast from Lower California to Oregon. 

Except for a whitish line from the eye to the bill, the entire head, neck and breast of this species is red, of varying shades in differentindividuals, from carmine to nearly a scarlet; the remainder of theirplumage is very similar to that of the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. This isan abundant species and in most parts of the range they are not timid. Like many of the Woodpeckers, they spend a great deal of their time indrumming on some dead limb. They nest commonly in aspens, preferablyliving ones, and are said to build a new nesting hole each year ratherthan use the old. The eggs are laid during May or June, being glossywhite, five to seven in number, and measuring . 90 × . 70. 

403a. NORTHERN RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER. _Sphyrapicus ruber notkensis. _

Range. --Pacific coast from California to Alaska. 

404. WILLIAMSON'S SAPSUCKER. _Sphyrapicus thyroideus. _

This is a deeper and brighter variety, and is more yellowish on thebelly. Its nesting habits and eggs are the same as those of the southernform. 

Range. --Mountain ranges from the Rockies to the Pacific; north toBritish Columbia. 

This oddly marked species shows a surprising number of variations inplumage; the normal adult male is largely black on the upper parts andbreast, with only a narrow patch of red on the throat, and with thebelly, bright yellow. The female is entirely different in plumage andfor a long time was supposed to be a distinct species; she is brownishin place of the black in the male, has no red in the plumage, and isbarred with black and white on the back and wings. They nest at highaltitudes in mountain ranges, either in coniferous forests or in aspens. There is no peculiarity in their nesting habits; they lay from four toseven eggs, glossy white. Size . 97 × . 67. 

405. PILEATED WOODPECKER. _Phlœotomus pileatus pileatus. _

Range. --Southern and South Atlantic States. 

This heavily built Woodpecker is nearly as large as the Ivory-bill, being 17 inches in length. They are not nearly as beautiful as theIvory-bills, their plumage being a sooty black instead of glossy, andthe white on the wing, being confined to a very small patch at the baseof the primaries; the whole crown and crest are vermillion, as is also amoustache mark in the male. They breed in the most heavily timbereddistricts, and generally at a high elevation; excavating a cavitysometimes 25 inches in depth and eight inches in diameter. In mostlocalities they are very shy and difficult to approach. During April orMay they lay from three to six white eggs. Size 1. 30 × 1. 00. 

[Illustration 257: Pileated Woodpecker. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 256

405a. NORTHERN PILEATED WOODPECKER. _Phlœotomus pileatus abieticola. _

Range. --Local throughout North America, from the northern parts of theUnited States northward. 

This variety is only very slightly larger than the preceding, itotherwise being the same. It is still abundant in many localities, butits range is rapidly being reduced, on account of cutting away theforests. Its nesting habits and eggs are the same as those of thesouthern variety. 

406. RED-HEADED WOODPECKER. _Melanerpes erythrocephalus. _

Range. --United States, east of the Rockies, except New England; north tonorthern Canada; winters in southern United States. 

This beautiful species has a bright red head, neck and breast, glossyblue black back, wings and tail, and white underparts, rump andsecondaries. It is the most abundant of the family in the greaterportion of its range, where it nests in any kind of trees or intelegraph poles at any height from the ground; they also sometimes nestin holes under the eaves of buildings. They are the most pugnacious ofthe Woodpeckers, and are often seen chasing one another or driving awaysome other bird. They are also known to destroy the nests and eggs ofmany species, and also to kill and devour the young, they being the onlyWoodpecker, so far as known, to have acquired this disreputable habit;they also feed upon, besides ants and larvæ, many kinds of fruit andberries. Their nesting season is during May and June, when they lay fromfour to eight white eggs, with less gloss than those of the Flicker. Size 1. 00 × . 75. 

407. ANT-EATING WOODPECKER. _Melanerpes formicivorus formicivorus. _

Range. --Mexican border of the United States, southward. 

This species may be identified by the black region around the base ofthe bill, the white forehead, red crown and nape, yellowish throat, andblackish upper parts, extending in a band across the breast, thisvariety having the band streaked with white posteriorly. The habits ofthis variety are the same as the next which is most abundant in theUnited States. 

[Illustration 258: Williamson Sapsucker Northern Pileated Woodpecker. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: Red-headed Woodpecker. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 257

407a. CALIFORNIA WOODPECKER. _Melanerpes formicivorus bairdi. _

Range. --California and Oregon. 

This bird differs from the last in having fewer white stripes in theblack breast band. In suitable localities, this is the most abundant ofWoodpeckers on the Pacific coast. They have none of the bad habits ofthe Red-heads, appear to be sociable among their kind, and are notafraid of mankind. It nests indifferently in all kinds of trees at anyheight from the ground, laying from three to seven eggs. Size 1. 00 ×. 75. This species has the habit of storing food for future use developedto a greater extent than any other of the family. They sometimescompletely honeycomb the exterior surface of decayed trees, with holesdesigned to hold acorns. 

407b. NARROW-FRONTED WOODPECKER. _Melanerpes formicivorus angustifrons. _Range. --Southern Lower California. 

This variety differs from the others in being slightly smaller and inhaving the white band on the forehead narrower. Its nesting habits arethe same, but the eggs average smaller. Size . 95 × . 75. 

408. LEWIS'S WOODPECKER. _Asyndesmus lewisi. _

Range. --Western United States from the Rockies to the Pacific coast;from British Columbia south to Mexico. 

A very oddly colored species, 11 inches in length having a dark redface, streaked red and white under parts, a gray breast band, and glossygreenish black upperparts. They are not uncommon in the greater part oftheir range, can not be called shy birds, and nest in all kinds of treesat heights varying from six to one hundred feet from the ground, thefive to nine white eggs measuring 1. 05 × . 80, and being laid during Mayor June. 

409. RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER. _Centurus carolinus. _

Range. --United States east of the Plains, breeding from the Gulf Statesnorth in nearly all parts of their range, frequenting the more heavilytimbered regions, where they nest in any place that attracts theirfancy; in some localities they also commonly nest in telegraph poles. They are quite tame, and during the winter months come about yards andhouses, the same as, and often in company with Downy Woodpeckers. Theireggs, which are laid during May, are glossy white, average in size 1. 00× . 75 and number from four to six. 

[Illustration 259: Red-bellied Woodpecker. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 258

410. GOLDEN-FRONTED WOODPECKER. _Centurus aurifrons. _

Range. --Mexico and southern Texas, resident. 

This is also one of the "zebra" or "ladder-backed" Woodpeckers, havingthe back and wings closely barred with black and white, the same as thepreceding; the forehead, nasal tufts and nape are golden yellow, and themale has a patch of red on the crown. This is a very common residentspecies in the Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas, where it nests in treesor telegraph poles, sometimes so numerously in the latter situations asto become a nuisance. Their nesting habits are not in any mannerpeculiar, and the eggs cannot be distinguished from those of thepreceding. Size 1. 00 × . 75. Laid during April and May. 

411. GILA WOODPECKER. _Centurus uropygialis. _

Range. --Mexican border of the United States, in southern Arizona and NewMexico. 

Like the preceding but without any yellow on the head, the male having ared patch in the center of the crown. They are locally distributed inNew Mexico, but appear to be abundant in all parts of southern Arizona, where they nest principally in giant cacti, but also in many other treessuch as cotton-woods, mesquite, sycamores, etc. Besides their decidedpreference for giant cacti, there is nothing unusual in their nestinghabits, and the eggs are not different from those of others of thegenus. They lay from three to six eggs in April or May. Size 1. 00 × . 75. 

412. FLICKER. _Colaptes auratus auratus. _

Range. --Southeastern United States. 

Flickers are well known, large Woodpeckers (13 inches long), with abrownish tone to the plumage, barred on the back and spotted on thebreast with black. The present species has a golden yellow lining to thewings and tail, and the shafts of the feathers are yellow; it has a redcrescent on the nape, and the male has black moustache marks. Thisspecies and its sub-variety are the most widely known Woodpeckers ineastern North America, where they are known in different localities, bysomething like a hundred local names, of which

[Illustration 260: 408--411. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 259

Pigeon Woodpecker and Yellow-hammer seem to be the most universal. Theyhave the undulating flight common to all Woodpeckers and show the whiterump patch conspicuously when flying. They are often found on the groundin pastures or on side hills, feeding upon ants; they are moreterrestrial than any others of the family. They nest anywhere, wherethey can find or make a suitable cavity for the reception of their eggs;in trees in woods or solitary trees in large pastures, in apple trees inorchards, in fence posts, in holes under the roofs of buildings, etc. They ordinarily lay from five to ten very glossy eggs, but it has beenfound that they will continue laying, if one egg is removed from thenest at a time, until in one case seventy-one eggs were secured. Fresheggs may be found at any time from May until August, as they frequentlyraise two broods a season. Size of eggs, 1. 10 × . 90 with considerablevariations. 

412a. NORTHERN FLICKER. _Colaptes auratus luteus. _

Range. --Whole of North America, east of the Rockies, except thesoutheastern portion. 

Averaging larger than the preceding, but individual specimens of thenorthern variety are frequently found to be even smaller than thesouthern, and vice versa, making the distinction one of the study ratherthan Nature. 

413. RED-SHAFTED FLICKER. _Colaptes cafer collaris. _

Range. --United States west of the Rockies. 

This species is marked similarly to the preceding, but the top of thehead is brownish instead of gray, and the underparts of the wings andtail, and their quills are reddish. Neither sex has the red crescent onthe back of the head, except in the case of hybrids between the twospecies, but the male has red moustache marks. There are no differencesin the nidification between this species and the preceding, but the eggsof this average a trifle larger (1. 15 × . 90). 

413a. NORTHWESTERN FLICKER. _Colaptes cafer saturatior. _

Range. --Pacific coast, breeding from Oregon to Alaska. 

This is a much darker variety of the Red-shafted Flicker, but itsnesting habits or eggs do not differ in any way. 

[Illustration 261: Northern Flicker. ][Illustration: Red-shafted Flicker. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 260

[Illustration 262: NORTHERN FLICKER. ]

Page 261

[Illustration 263: G. E. Moulthrope. NEST AND EGGS OF NORTHERN FLICKER. ]

Page 262

414. Gilded Flicker. _Colaptes chrysoides. _

Range. --Arizona and southward through Mexico to southern LowerCalifornia. 

This pale species has the yellowish lining to the wings and tail as inthe Flicker, but has a pale cinnamon brown crown, no crescent on back ofhead, and the male has red moustache marks. It is a common species inall localities where the giant cactus abounds, and shows a preference tonesting in these strange growths, to any other trees. Their habits are, in all respects, the same as those of the other Flickers and their eggscannot be distinguished. Size 1. 10 × . 90. 

414a. SAN FERNANDO FLICKER. _Colaptes chrysoides brunnescens. _

Range. --Northern Lower California. 

This is a slightly smaller and darker variety of the Gilded Flicker. 

415. GUADALUPE FLICKER. _Colaptes rufipileus. _

Range. --Guadalupe Island. 

Similar to the Red-shafted Flicker, but with the crown darker and therump a solid pinkish white. They are common in a large cypress grove inthe middle of the island, but rarely found on any other portions. Theeggs have been described by Mr. Walter E. Bryant, who found thembreeding on the island, to be indistinguishable from those of the othersof the genus. 

GOATSUCKERS, SWIFTS, AND HUMMINGBIRDS. 

Order XVI. MACROCHIRES. 

GOATSUCKERS, Family CAPRIMULGIDAE. 

Goatsuckers are long winged birds, with small bills, but with anextraordinarily large mouth, the opening of which extends beneath andbeyond the eyes. They are chiefly dusk or night fliers, their foodconsisting of insects which they catch on the wing. Their plumage ismottled black, brownish and white, resembling the ground upon which theylay their eggs. 

[Illustration 264. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 263

416. CHUCK-WILL'S-WIDOW. _Antrostomus carolinensis. _

Range. --South Atlantic and Gulf States, breeding north to Virginia andIndiana, and west to Arkansas and eastern Texas. 

These birds are abundant summer residents in the southern portions oftheir range, but as they are silent and hiding in the woods during theday time, they are not as popularly known as are most birds. They rarelyfly during the day time unless disturbed from their roosting place whichis on the ground under underbrush or in hollow logs. Their notes, whichare a rapid and repeatedly uttered whistling repetition of their name, are heard until late in the night. They nest during April, May or June, laying two eggs on the ground amid the leaves in woods or scrubbyunderbrush. The eggs are grayish to creamy white in color, handsomelymarked with shades of lilac, gray and brownish; size 1. 40 × 1. 00. 

417. WHIP-POOR-WILL. _Antrostomus vociferus vociferus. _

Range. --North America east of the Plains; north to the southern parts ofthe British possessions; winters along the Gulf coast and southward. 

This species is well known, by sound, in nearly all parts of its range, but comparatively few ever observed the bird, and probably the greaternumber mistake the Nighthawk for this species. The two species canreadily be distinguished at a distance by the absence of any pronouncedwhite marking in the wings, and by the white tips to the outer tailfeathers in the present species, while the Night Hawk has a prominentwhite band across the tail, but the top is black, and the tail slightlyforked. The Whip-poor-will, rarely leaves its place of concealmentbefore dark, and is never seen flying about cities, as are theNighthawks. In their pursuit of insects, they glide like a shadow overfields and woods, their soft plumage giving forth no sound as theirwings cleave the air. Until late at night, their whistling cry"whip-poor-will, " repeated at intervals, rings out in all wooded hillydistricts. Their two eggs are deposited on the ground among dead leaves, generally in dense woods. They are grayish white or cream color marbledwith pale brown and gray, with fainter markings of lilac. Size 1. 50 ×. 85. 

[Illustration 265: Grayish white. ][Illustration: Chuck-will's-widow. ][Illustration: Creamy white. ][Illustration: Whip-poor-will. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 264

417a. STEPHEN'S WHIP-POOR-WILL. _Antrostomus vociferus macromystax. _

Range. --Arizona and New Mexico, south through the tableland of Mexico. 

This sub-species is slightly larger and has longer mouth bristles thanthe eastern bird. Their nesting habits are the same and the eggs differonly in averaging lighter in color, with fainter markings, somespecimens being almost immaculate. 

418. POOR-WILL. _Phalænoptilus nuttalli nuttalli. _

Range. --United States west of the Mississippi, breeding from Kansas andnorthern California northward to Montana and British Columbia. 

This handsome species is the smallest of the family, being under 8inches in length. Its plumage is mottled black, white and frosty gray, harmoniously blended together. They can easily be distinguished from allother Goatsuckers by their size and silvery appearance. They nest on theground, either placing their two eggs upon a bed of leaves or upon aflat rock. The breeding season is from the latter part of May throughJuly. The eggs are pure white and glossy; size 1. 00 × . 75. 

418a. FROSTED POOR-WILL. _Phalænoptilus nuttalli nitidus. _

Range. --Texas and Arizona, north to western Kansas. 

This variety is like the last but paler, both above and below. Eggsindistinguishable from those of others of the genus. 

418b. DUSKY POOR-WILL. _Phalænoptilus nuttalli californicus. _

Range. --A darker race found on the coast of California, having the samenesting habits as the others. 

The egg figured is of this species. Data. --Los Angeles, Cal. , June 24, 1900. 2 eggs on the ground at the foot of an oak tree on the side of ahill. Collector, F. M. Palmer. 

[Illustration 266: Poor-will. Merrill's Paraque. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 265

419. MERRILL'S PARAUQUE. _Nyctidromus albicollis merrilli. _

Range. --Mexico, north to the Lower Rio Grande in southern Texas. 

This species is the same length as the Chuck-will's-widow, but is not asstoutly built, and has a slightly longer tail. It can be distinguishedfrom any other of the family by its tail, the outer feather on each sidebeing black (or brownish barred with black in the female), and the nexttwo having white ends for nearly half their length. Their eggs are laidon the ground in open localities, and generally under the protection ofan overhanging bush. They are two in number and differ greatly fromthose of any other American member of this family, being a buff or richsalmon buff in color, spotted and splashed with gray, lavender, andreddish brown; size 1. 25 × . 90. Data. --Brownsville, Texas, April 16, 1900. Eggs laid on the ground in a dense thicket. Collector, Frank B. Armstrong. 

[Illustration 267: Salmon buff. ][Illustration: Geo. S. Fiske. NEST AND EGGS OF WHIP-POOR-WILL. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 266

420. NIGHTHAWK. _Chordeiles virginianus virginianus. _

Range. --North America, east of the Plains and from Labrador to the Gulfof Mexico; winters through Mexico to northern South America. 

The Nighthawk or some of its sub-species is found in nearly all parts ofNorth America, its habits being the same in all localities. It is of thesame size as the Whip-poor-will, from which species it can readily bedistinguished by its lack of mouth bristles, forked tail with a whiteband near the end, and the white band across the primaries, the lattermark showing very plainly during flight. Besides in the country, theyare very common in cities, where they will be seen any summer daytowards dusk flying, skimming, sailing, and swooping over the tops ofthe buildings, upon the gravel roofs on which they often lay their eggs. They nest generally on rocky hillsides or in open woods, laying theirtwo eggs upon the top of a flat rock. The eggs are a grayish whitecolor, marbled, blotched and spotted with darker shades of gray. Size1. 20 x . 85. 

420a. WESTERN NIGHTHAWK. _Chordeiles virginianus henryi. _

Range. --United States west of the Plains. 

A similar bird to the preceding, but with plumage somewhat more rusty. It frequents the more open portions of the country in its range, itshabits and nesting habits being the same as others of the formerspecies; the eggs average a trifle lighter in color. 

420b. FLORIDA NIGHTHAWK. _Chordeiles virginianus chapmani. _

Range. --A smaller and paler form found in Florida and along the Gulfcoast. No difference can be observed in the nesting habits of this ascompared with the northern form and the eggs are indistinguishable. 

[Illustration 268: Nighthawk. ][Illustration: Grayish white. ][Illustration: Grayish white. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 267

[Illustration 269: J. E. Seebold. NEST AND EGGS OF NIGHTHAWK. ]

Page 268

420c. SENNETT'S NIGHTHAWK. _Cordeiles virginianus sennetti. _

Range. --A very pale species with little or no tawny; found in the GreatPlains from Texas north to the Saskatchewan; winters south of the UnitedStates. 

421. TEXAS NIGHTHAWK. _Chordeiles acutipennis texensis. _

Range. --Mexico and Central America, breeding north to southern Utah andCalifornia. 

The pattern of the marking of this species is finer and more mottledwith rusty than the Nighthawk. Its habits do not differ to any extentfrom those of the preceding species; they lay their two mottled grayeggs upon the bare ground, often on the dry sand and in arid regionswhere they are exposed, with no protection, to the scorching rays of thesun. The eggs vary endlessly in extent of markings, some being very paleand others very dark gray, mottled with various shades of gray, brownand lilac. Size 1. 10 x . 75. 

SWIFTS. Family MICROPODIDÆ

422. BLACK SWIFT. _Cypseloides niger borealis. _

Range. --Mountain ranges from Central America north to British Columbia, locally distributed throughout its range. 

The plumage of this Swift is entirely sooty black, darkest above; thetail is slightly forked and is without spines; length of bird, 7 inches. Although the general habits of this species are well known, little isknown of their nesting; they are seen during the breeding season aboutthe higher ranges throughout their United States habitat, and aresupposed to nest in crevices on the face of cliffs at a high altitude. 

[Illustration 270: 420-421. ][Illustration: Grayish white. ][Illustration: 422-424. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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423. CHIMNEY SWIFT. _Chætura pelagica. _

Range. --North America east of the Plains, breeding from central Canada, south to the Gulf coast, and wintering south of our borders. 

This well known species is sooty brownish black, 5. 5 inches long, andhas the tail feathers terminating in sharp spines. They are veryabundant in all portions of their range, and may be seen on the wing atall hours of the day, but especially abundant in the early morning andtoward dusk. They formerly dwelt and bred only in hollow trees, and agreat many still continue to do so, as large hollow stumps are knownwhere hundreds nest every year. The majority of the eastern ChimneySwifts now nest in old chimneys that are unused, at least during thesummer; some small chimneys contain but a single pair while other largeones may have from fifty to a hundred or more nests glued to the sides. The birds are on the wing during the greater part of the day, generallynot frequenting the vicinity of their nesting site, but returning towarddusk, when they may

[Illustration 271: Chimney Swift. ][Illustration: E. R. Forrest. NEST AND EGGS OF CHIMNEY SWIFT. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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be seen to, one at a time, dive headforemost into the tops of chimneys. The nest is made of small twigs firmly glued to the sides of thechimney, or tree, and to each other, with the glutinous saliva of thebird, making a narrow semi-circle platform for the reception of theirthree to five white eggs which are deposited in May or June; size . 75 ×. 50. 

424. VAUX'S SWIFT. _Chætura vauxi. _

Range. --Western United States, chiefly west of the Rockies; breedingnorth to British Columbia, and wintering south of the United States. 

Similar to the last but smaller (length 4. 5 inches), and paler in color, fading to white on the throat. The habits of this species are like thoseof the eastern Chimney Swift, except that the majority of these speciesstill continue to use hollow trees as nesting places. The eggs are justlike those of the last bird. 

425. WHITE-THROATED SWIFT. _Æronautes melanoleucus. _

Range. --Western United States south of Canada, and chiefly in the RockyMountains, and in California ranges, north to Lat. 38°. 

A handsome species, 6. 5 inches in length, with blackish upper parts andsides, and white throat, breast and central line of under parts, flankpatches and ends of secondaries; tail feathers not spined or stiffened. These birds are fairly common in some localities within their range, butappear to be found only on high ranges or in their immediate vicinity. They nest in crevices and caves in the face of cliffs, making a nestsimilar in construction to that of the Chimney Swift but of weed stalksinstead of twigs, and lined with feathers. They lay four or five dullwhite eggs, during June or July; size . 85 × . 50. 

[Illustration 272: White. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: 425--426. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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HUMMINGBIRDS. Family TROCHILIDAE

Hummingbirds have been truly called "Winged Gems. " They are the smallestof birds, the usual plumage being a metallic green with throat or crownpatches of the brightest of iridescent shining red, orange, blue orviolet. Their nests are marvels of architecture being compactly andintricately made of plant fibres and downy feathers ornamented in somecases with lichens. Their flight is accompanied by a peculiar buzzingsound produced by their rapidly vibrating stiffened wing feathers. Theirfood is small insects and honey both of which they get chiefly fromflowers. 

426. RIVOLI'S HUMMINGBIRD. _Eugenes fulgens. _

Range. --Mexico, north in summer to southern Arizona where they breed athigh elevations in the Huachuca Mountains. 

This is one of the most gorgeous of the Hummers having the crown aviolet purple color, and the throat brilliant green. This speciessaddles its nest upon branches often at heights of 20 or 30 feet fromthe ground. They are made of plant down and generally decorated withlichens on the outside, similar to nests of the Ruby-throat. The twowhite eggs measure . 65 × . 40. 

427. BLUE-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD. _Cyanolæmus clemenciæ. _

Range. --Mexico, north in summer to the border of Arizona and western NewMexico. 

This species is the largest of North American Hummers being 5. 25 incheslong, this being slightly larger than the preceding. As the nameimplies, it has a patch of blue on the throat, the upper parts being auniform greenish; the outer tail feathers are broadly tipped with white. Their nests, which are placed upon the limbs of trees, are made ofmosses and plant fibres covered with cobwebs. The two eggs are laidduring July and August, and measure . 65 × . 40. 

[Illustration 273: 427--429. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 272

[Illustration 274: J. H. Miller. FEMALE RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD ON NEST. ]

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428. RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD. _Archilochus colubris. _

Range. --North America east of the Plains and north to Labrador. 

This is the only representative of the family found east of theMississippi. It is a small species, 3. 5 inches long, with greenish upperparts and a bright ruby throat. Its nest is as beautiful, if not moreso, than that of any other species. They build their nests on horizontallimbs of trees at any height from the ground, but usually more than sixfeet. Branches an inch or more in diameter are usually selected, theynot being particular as to the kind of tree, but oaks, pines and maplesperhaps being used the most often. The nests are made of plant fibresand down, and the exterior is completely covered with green lichens sothat it appears like a small bunch of moss on the limb. The two whiteeggs are laid in May or June; size . 50 × . 35. 

429. BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD. _Archilochus alexandri. _

Range. --North America west of the Rocky Mountains; north to BritishColumbia; winters south of the United States. 

Similar in size and appearance to the Ruby-throat, but with the chin andupper throat black, the rest of the throat gorget being violet oramethyst. It is an abundant species in summer in many localities, especially in the southern half of its range. They build their nests atlow elevations, rarely above ten feet, on small branches or the fork atthe end of a limb. The nests are made of yellowish plant fibres and arenot covered with lichens, so that they have a peculiar spongyappearance. Eggs indistinguishable from those of the Ruby-throat. Laidduring April, May or June. 

[Illustration 275: Ruby-throated Hummingbird. ][Illustration:][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 274

[Illustration 276: RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD. ]

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430. COSTA'S HUMMINGBIRD. _Calypte costæ. _

Range. --Southwestern United States; north to southern Utah; winterssouth of our border. 

Smaller than the last and with both the crown and the throat gorget, violet or amethyst, the feathers on the sides of the latter beinglengthened. Their nests are situated in the forks of branches generallynear the ground, and seldom above six feet from it. They are made ofplant down with shreds of weeds, bark and lichens worked into theoutside portions, and are often lined with soft feathers. The two eggsaverage . 48 × . 32. Data. --Arroyo Seco, California, June 10, 1900. Nestin an alder bush. Collector, Charles E. Groesbeck. 

431. ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD. _Calypte anna_. 

Range. --Pacific coast of the United States from northern California, southward, wintering in Mexico and southern California. 

This handsome species has both the crown and the broadened andlengthened throat gorgets, a purplish pink; it is slightly larger thanthe Ruby-throat. They are very abundant in their restricted range, andnest in February and March and again in April or May, raising two broodsa season. Their nests are made of plant down and covered on the outsidewith cobwebs and a few lichens, and are generally located at a lowelevation. The white eggs average . 50 × . 30. Data. --Santa Monica, California, March 4, 1897. Nest in a bunch of seed pods in a gum tree, ten feet from the ground. Collector, Tom Bundy. 

[Illustration 277: 430--431. ][Illustration. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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432. BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD. _Selasphorus platycercus. _

Range. --Rocky Mountain regions, north to Wyoming; winters south of theUnited States. 

This species is similar to the Ruby-throat, but larger and with the backmore golden green color, and the throat shining lilac. They are veryabundant in Colorado and Arizona, nesting as do the Ruby-throats in theeast, and their nests being similar in construction and appearance tothose of that species. The eggs cannot be distinguished from those ofother species. 

433. RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD. _Selasphorus rufus. _

Range. --Western North America, breeding from the Mexican border north toAlaska and fairly abundant in most of its range. 

A handsome little species with the back and tail reddish brown, and witha throat gorget of orange red, the feathers being slightly lengthenedinto a ruff on the side of the gorget. They nest in a great variety oflocations and at a low elevation, such as vines, bushes and the lowhanging branches of trees. The nest is made of vegetable fibres coveredwith cobwebs and often with lichens. The eggs do not differ from thoseof the other Hummers. 

[Illustration 278: 432--433--434. ][Illustration:. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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434. ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD. _Selasphorus alleni. _

Range. --Pacific coast from British Columbia southward; most abundant inCalifornia. Winters in Mexico. 

This species is like the last, but the back is greenish, only the tailbeing reddish brown. These birds generally locate their nests at lowelevations near the end of overhanging branches, on vines, weed stalks, or bushes, but have been found as high as 90 feet above ground. Thenests of this species are made of plant fibres and cobwebs, generallydecorated with lichens. The two white eggs measure . 50 × . 32. Data. --Santa Monica, Cal. , May 29, 1896. Nest two feet from the groundin a sage bush. Collector, W. Lee Chambers. 

[Illustration 279. ][Illustration: E. L. Bickford. ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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435. MORCOM'S HUMMINGBIRD. _Atthis morcomi. _

Range. --This species is known only from a single specimen, taken in theHuachuca Mountains, Arizona, in 1896. 

436. CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD. _Stellula calliope. _

Range. --Western United States from British Columbia southward, and fromthe Rocky Mountains west to eastern Oregon and California. 

This is the smallest of North American Hummers, being but 3 inches inlength. It is greenish above and has a violet gorget showing the whitebases of the feathers. They build their nests in all manner of locationsfrom high up in tall pines to within a foot of the ground in slenderbushes. The nests are made interiorly with plant down, but the outsideis generally grayish colored shreds and lichens. The eggs average but atrifle smaller than those of _colubris_, . 45 × . 30. 

437. LUCIFER'S HUMMINGBIRD. _Calothorax lucifer. _

Range. --Mexico, north to southwestern Texas and Arizona. 

This species, which is common in parts of Central Mexico, occurs onlycasually north to our borders and has not yet been found nesting there. They build small compact nests of plant down attached to the stalks orleaves of plants or weeds. 

438. REIFFER'S HUMMINGBIRD. _Amizilis tzacatl. _

Range. --Abundant in southern Mexico; casual in southern Texas. 

This species is greenish above, with a bronzy lustre; the tail isreddish brown, and the throat and breast are metallic green. They breedabundantly about houses and nest apparently at all seasons of the yearin Central America, where they are the most common species of Hummers. 

[Illustration 280: 436--437--438. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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439. BUFF-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD. _Amizilis cerviniventris chalconota. _

Range. --Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas and southward through Mexico. 

These birds are like the last but have the underparts a pale brownishbuff color. They are quite common in their summer range in the UnitedStates, nesting at a low elevation in bushes and low trees. The two eggsare white, . 50 × . 35. Data. --Brownsville, Texas, May 5, 1892. Nest offine bark-like fibre on the outside, lined with lint from thistle plant;located on limb of small hackberry. Collector, Frank G. Armstrong. 

440. XANTUS' HUMMINGBIRD. _Basilinna xantusi. _

Range. --Southern Lower California. 

A handsome species, greenish above, with a coppery tinge and shadinginto reddish brown on the tail; under parts buffy, throat metallicgreen, and a broad white streak behind the eye. They breed on the rangesmaking a similar nest to those of other Hummers, placed on weeds orbushes near the ground. The eggs cannot be distinguished from those ofthe majority of other species. 

440. 1. WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD. _Basilinna leucotis. _

Range. --A Central American and Mexican species, casually found on theranges in Southern Arizona. 

The plumage of this species is greenish above and below, being metallicgreen on the breast; the forehead, sides of head, and throat areiridescent blue and a white line extends back from the eye. 

441. BROAD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD. _Cynanthus latirostris. _

Range. --Mountains of central Mexico north to southern Arizona and NewMexico. 

The throat of this species is a rich metallic blue; otherwise theplumage is greenish above and below, being brighter and more irisdescenton the breast. They are not uncommon on the ranges of southern Arizona, where they have been found nesting in July and August, their nest notbeing unlike those of the Rufous Hummer, but with the exterior largelycomposed of shreds of grayish bark and lichens. Their eggs are like manyothers of the Hummers. 

[Illustration 281: 439--440. 1--441. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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PERCHING BIRDS. Order XVII. PASSERES

COTINGAS. Family COTINGIDAE

441. 1. XANTUS BECARD. _Platypsaris aglaiæ albiventris. _

Range. --Mexico; north casually to the southern border of Arizona. 

This peculiar species is grayish above and lighter gray below, has darkslaty crown, and a patch of rose color on the lower throat. This is theonly representative of this tropical family that has been found as yetover the Mexican border, but its near ally, the Rose-throated Becard hasbeen found within a very few miles and will doubtless be added to ourfauna as an accidental visitor ere long. Their nests are large masses ofgrasses, weeds, strips of bark, etc. , partially suspended from the forksof branches. Their eggs number four or five and are a pale buffy graycolor, dotted and scratched with a pale reddish brown and dark gray. Size . 95 × . 70. The one figured is from a set in the collection of Mr. Crandall, taken June 1, 1897 at Presidio Sinaloa, Mexico. 

FLYCATCHERS. Family TYRANNIDÆ

Flycatchers, which are found only in America and chiefly in the tropics, are insect-eating birds, generally having a grayish colored plumage, sometimes adorned with a slight crest or a coronal mark of orange, red, or yellow. Only two of the species found in North America are gaudy inplumage, the Vermilion, and the Derby Flycatchers. They all have thehabit of sitting erect on a dead twig, and watching for passing insects, which they catch on the wing. 

442. FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER. _Muscivora tryannus. _

Range. --A Central and South American species accidentally havingoccurred in the United States on several occasions. 

This is a handsome black, white and gray species of the size and form ofthe next. 

[Illustration 282: Buffy gray. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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443. SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER. _Muscivora forficata. _

Range. --Mexico, north through Texas to southern Kansas; accidental inother parts of the country. 

The Scissor-tail or "Texan Bird of Paradise" is the most beautifulmember of this interesting family. Including its long tail, often 10inches in length and forked for about 6 inches, this Flycatcher reachesa length of about 15 inches. It is pale grayish above, fading intowhitish below, and has scarlet linings to the wings, and a scarlet crownpatch. They are one of the most abundant of the breeding birds in Texas, placing their large roughly built nests in all kinds of trees and at anyelevation, but averaging between ten and fifteen feet above ground. Thenests are built of rootlets, grasses, weeds and trash of all kinds, suchas paper, rags, string, etc. The interior is generally lined with plantfibres, hair or wool. They lay from three to five, and rarely six eggswith a creamy white ground color, more or less spotted and blotched withreddish brown, lilac and gray, the markings generally being mostnumerous about the larger end. They average in size about . 90 × . 67. Data. --Corpus Christi, Texas, May 18, 1899. 6 eggs. Nest of moss, vines, etc. , on small trees in open woods near town. Collector, Frank B. Armstrong. 

444. KINGBIRD. _Tyrannus tyrannus. _

Range. --Temperate North America, breeding from the Gulf of Mexico northto New Brunswick, Manitoba and British Columbia; rare off the Pacificcoast. 

This common Tyrant Flycatcher is very abundant in the eastern parts ofits range. They are one of the most pugnacious and courageous of birdsattacking and driving away any feathered creature to which they take adislike, regardless of size. Before and during the nesting season, theirsharp, nerve-racking clatter is kept up all day long, and with redoubledvigor when anyone approaches their nesting site. They nest in any kindof a tree, in fields or open woods, and at any height from the ground, being found on fence rails within two feet of the ground or in the topsof pines 70 or 80 feet above the earth. Nearly every orchard will befound to contain one or

[Illustration 283: Creamy white. ][Illustration: Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. ][Illustration: Cream color. ][Illustration: Kingbird. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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more pairs of these great insect destroyers; if more than one pair, there will be continual warfare as often as one encroaches on thedomains of the other. Their nests are made of strips of vegetable fibre, weeds, etc. , and lined with horsehair or catkins. They are sometimesquite bulky and generally very substantially made. The three to fiveeggs are laid the latter part of May, and are of a creamy ground colorsplashed with reddish brown and lilac. Size . 95 × . 70. Data. --WorcesterCounty, Massachusetts, June 3, 1895. 4 eggs. Nest 10 feet from theground in an apple tree; made of fibres, string, rootlets and weeds, lined with horse hair. Collector, F. C. Clark. 

[Illustration 284: G. E. Moulthrope. NEST AND EGGS OF KINGBIRD. ]

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445. GRAY KINGBIRD. _Tyrannus dominicensis. _

Range. --West Indies; north in April to Florida and the South AtlanticStates to South Carolina and casually farther. 

This species is slightly larger than our Kingbird, (9 inches long), grayish instead of dark drab above, white below, and without any whitetip to tail. Like the common Kingbird, it has a concealed orange patchon the crown. Their habits and nesting habits are the same as those ofour common bird, but the nest is not generally as well built, and nearlyalways is made largely of twigs. The three or four eggs have a creamy ora creamy pink ground color, spotted and blotched with dark brown andlilac, most numerously about the large end. Size 1. 00 × . 73. TarponSprings, Florida, May 28, 1802. Nest of twigs and weeds in a low bush. Collector, J. A. Southley. 

446. COUCH'S KINGBIRD. _Tyrannus melancholicus couchi. _

Range. --Mexico, north in summer to southern Texas. 

This species is very similar to the next but the throat and breast arewhite, and the underparts a brighter yellow. Like the other members ofthis genus, these build their nests in any location in trees or bushes, making them of twigs, weeds and moss. Their three or four eggs have acreamy ground with a pinkish cast and are spotted with brown and lilac. Size . 97 × . 12. 

447. ARKANSAS KINGBIRD. _Tyrannus verticalis. _

Range. --Western United States and southern British Provinces from Kansasand Minnesota west to the Pacific. 

This species has grayish upper parts, shading into darker on the wingsand tail, and lighter on the throat and upper breast; the underparts areyellow, and there is a concealed patch of orange on the crown. They arevery abundant throughout the west, where they have the same familiarhabits of the eastern species, nesting in all sorts of locations such aswould be used by the latter. Their nests are made of plant fibres, weeds, string, paper or any trash that may be handy, being sometimesquite bulky. Their eggs do not differ in any particular from those ofthe eastern bird, except that they may average a little smaller. Size. 95 × . 65. 

[Illustration 285: Creamy. ][Illustration: Gray Kingbird. ][Illustration: Buff. ][Illustration: Arkansas Kingbird. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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448. CASSIN'S KINGBIRD. _Tyrannus vociferans. _

Range. --Western United States from the Rocky Mountain region toCalifornia, and from Wyoming southward. 

This species is like the last except that the throat and breast aredarker. Their habits, nesting habits and eggs are indistinguishable fromthose of the other Tyrant Flycatchers, and they are fully as courageousin the defense of their homes against either man or bird, their notesresembling those of the common Kingbird of the east. 

449. DERBY FLYCATCHER. _Pitangus sulphuratus derbianus. _

Range. --Mexico and Central America, breeding north to southern Texas. 

This handsome bird is the largest of the Flycatcher family found in theUnited States, being 11 inches in length. It has a black crown enclosinga yellow crown patch; a broad black stripe from the bill, through theeye and around the back of the head, is separated from the crown by awhite forehead and line over the eye; the throat is white shading intoyellow on the underparts. They are abundant in the interior of Mexico, but can hardly be classed as common over our border, where they nest inlimited numbers. Their nests are unlike those of any of our otherFlycatchers being large masses of moss, weeds and grass, arched over ontop and with the entrance on the side. The three or four eggs are creamywhite, sprinkled chiefly about the large end with small reddish brown orumber spots; size 1. 15 × . 85. 

[Illustration 286: Buff. ][Illustration: Derby Flycatcher. ][Illustration: Creamy white. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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451. SULPHUR-BELLIED FLYCATCHER. _Myiodynastes luteiventris. _

Range. --Mexico and Central America, breeding north to the Mexican borderof Arizona. 

This peculiar Flycatcher, which is unlike any other American species, can only be regarded as a rare breeding bird in the Huachuca Mts. It is8 inches in length, has a grayish back streaked with black, the taillargely rusty brown and the underparts sulphur yellow, streaked on thebreast and sides with dusky; a yellow crown patch is bordered on eitherside by a stripe of mottled dusky, and is separated from the blackishpatch through the eye, by white superciliary lines. Their habits aresimilar to those of the genus Myiarchus, and, like them, they nest incavities in trees, and lay from three to five eggs of a creamy buffcolor thickly spotted and blotched with brown and purplish, the markingsnot assuming the scratchy appearance of the Crested Flycatchers, butlooking more like those of a Cardinal; size of egg 1. 05 × . 75. Data. --Huachuca Mts. , Arizona, June 29, 1901. 4 eggs. Nest in thenatural cavity of a live sycamore tree about fifty feet from the ground;composed of twigs. Collector, O. W. Howard. 

452. CRESTED FLYCATCHER. _Myiarchus crinitus. _

Range. --North America, east of the Plains, and from New Brunswick andManitoba southward; winters from the Gulf States southward. 

This trim and graceful, but quarrelsome, species is grayish on the head, neck, and breast, shading to greenish on the back and quite abruptlyinto bright yellow on the underparts; the head is slightly crested andthe inner webs of all the lateral tail feathers are reddish brown. Theyare abundant in most of their range but are generally shy so they arenot as often seen as many other more rare birds. They nest in cavitiesof any kind of trees and at any elevation from the ground, the nestbeing made of twigs, weeds and trash, and generally having incorporatedinto its make-up a piece of cast off snake skin. They lay from four tosix eggs of a buffy color, blotched and lined with dark brown andlavender. Size . 85 × . 65. 

[Illustration 287: Creamy buff. ][Illustration: Crested Flycatcher. ][Illustration: Buff. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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453. ARIZONA CRESTED FLYCATCHER. _Myiarchus magister magister. _

Range. --Southern Arizona and New Mexico, south through Mexico. 

This bird is very similar to, but averages slightly larger than theMexican Flycatcher. Its nesting habits are the same and the eggs cannotbe distinguished from those of the latter, the nest being mostfrequently found in giant cacti. 

453a. MEXICAN CRESTED FLYCATCHER. _Myiarchus magister nelsoni. _

Range. --Mexico, north to southern Texas. 

This species is similar to the last but is considerably paler. They arecommon in some localities, nesting in holes in trees or stumps, oftenthose deserted by Woodpeckers. Their eggs are like those of the last butaverage paler. Data. --Corpus Christi, Texas, May 10, 1899. Nest in holein telegraph pole; made of red cow hair, feathers and leaves. 4 eggs. Collector, Frank B. Armstrong. 

454. ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER. _Myiarchus cinerascens cinerascens. _

Range. --North America, west of the Plains and south of Canada. 

Similar to the others of the genus but grayish brown above and with theunderparts much paler, the throat and breast being nearly white. Likethe others they nest in cavities in trees, either natural or ones madeby Woodpeckers. Their four to five eggs are lighter in color than thoseof crinitus but cannot be distinguished from those of the MexicanCrested Flycatcher. 

[Illustration 288: 453--454. ][Illustration: Pale buff. ][Illustration: no caption. ][Illustration: Buff. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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454b. LOWER CALIFORNIA FLYCATCHER. _Myiarchus cinerascens pertinax. _

Range. --Lower California. 

This sub-species is similar to Nutting Flycatcher but paler below andgrayish above. 

455a. OLIVACEOUS FLYCATCHER. _Myiarchus lawrencei olivascens. _

Range. --Western Mexico, north to southern Arizona. 

This is the smallest of the genus found in the United States, being but7 inches in length. Except for size it is similar to _crinitus_ but withvery little, if any, rusty brown on tail, except for a slight edging onthe outer web. Their nesting sites are the same as those chosen by theother Crested Flycatcher, but their eggs appear to have but little ofthe scratchy appearance of the other members. They are pale buffy, speckled and spotted with brown and lilac; size . 80 × . 60. Data. --Toluca, Mexico, May 20, 1895. Nest of brown hair and feathers, inhole in tree in woods. Collector, Fred T. Francis. 

456. PHŒBE. . _Sayornis phœbe. _

Range. --North America, east of the Rockies and north to Nova Scotia. 

These very common, grayish colored birds are very often known as "BridgeBirds" because of the frequency with which they construct their nestsunder bridges and arches; they also build in crevices in ledges or amongthe hanging roots near the tops of embankments, and on the rafters orbeams of old buildings. The nests are made of mud, moss and grass, linedwith feathers. The four or five eggs measure . 75 × . 55. Occasionally, eggs will be found that have a few minute spots of reddish brown. Freaksituations in which to locate their nests are often chosen by thesebirds, such as the brake beam of a freight car, in the crevices of oldwells, hen houses, etc. The birds are one of the most useful that wehave; being very active and continually on the alert for insects andbeetles that constitute their whole bill of fare. 

[Illustration 289: Buffy. ][Illustration: Phœbe. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 288

[Illustration 290: G. E. Moulthrope. PHOEBE ON NEST. ]

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457. Say's Phœbe. _Sayornis sayus. _

Range. --Western United States, breeding from southern United States, north to the Arctic regions, and from Kansas and Wisconsin westward. Winters in Mexico. 

This bird is slightly larger than the last (7. 5 inches long), and isrusty brown color on the belly and lower breast. Like the eastern Phœbesthey are one of the earliest birds to return in the spring and areabundant in the greater parts of their range. Like the latter, theyoften raise two broods a season, one in April and another in July. Theirnests are generally placed on narrow shelves and crevices of ledges, butthey also nest as commonly about houses and farms as does the easternbird. The nests are made of weeds, mosses, fibres and wool, and arequite flat. They lay four or five white eggs. Size . 78 x . 58. 

458. BLACK PHŒBE. _Sayornis nigricans. _

Range. --Mexico and north in summer into the bordering States. 

This species is of the size of the last but is blackish (darkest on thehead and breast), with a white belly and under tail coverts, the latterstreaked with dusky. Their habits and nesting habits are the same asthose of the eastern Phœbe, they building their nests of mud, moss, weeds and feathers on ledges or about buildings, and generally close toor in the vicinity of water. They breed during April or May, laying fouror five white eggs which cannot be distinguished from those of thecommon Phœbe. Size . 75 x . 55. 

458a. WESTERN BLACK PHŒBE. _Sayornis nigricans semiatra. _

Range. --Pacific Coast of Mexico and the United States, breeding north toOregon. 

This variety differs from the last in having the under tail coverts purewhite. Its nesting habits are precisely the same and the eggsindistinguishable. 

[Illustration 291: 457-458. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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459. OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER. _Nuttallornis borealis. _

Range. --Whole of North America, breeding from the Middle States andCalifornia northward, and in the Rockies, south to Mexico; winters southof the United States. 

These Flycatchers are nowhere abundant, and in some parts of thecountry, especially in the middle portion, they are very rare. Theybreed very locally and generally not more than one pair in any locality. In New England, I have always found them nesting in company with ParulaWarblers, in dead coniferous swamps in which the branches are coveredwith long pendant moss. Their nests are placed high up in the trees, generally above fifty feet from the ground, and on small horizontallimbs; they are made of small twigs and rootlets, lined with finerrootlets and moss, and are very flat and shallow; as they are generallymade to match the surrounding, they are one of the most difficult neststo find. They lay three or four cream colored eggs which are spottedwith reddish brown and lilac, chiefly about the large end. Size . 85 x. 65. Data. --Lake Quinsigamond, Massachusetts, June 12, 1897. Nest oftwigs and moss, about 60 feet above the ground, in a dead pine tree incenter of a large wet swamp. Nest could not be seen from the ground, andwas found by watching the birds. 

[Illustration 292: Olive-sided Flycatcher. ][Illustration: Creamy white. ][Illustration. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 291

460. COUES'S FLYCATCHER. _Myiochanes pertinax pallidiventris. _

Range. --Western Mexico, breeding north to central Arizona. 

This Flycatcher builds one of the most artistic nests created byfeathered creatures. It bears some resemblance on the exterior to thatof the next species, but it is much more firmly made, and the walls areusually higher, making a very deeply cupped interior. The outside of thenest is made of fibres, cobwebs, catkins, etc. , firmly felted togetherand ornamented with green lichens to match the limb upon which it issaddled. The interior is heavily lined with dried, yellowish grasses, making a very strong contrast to the exterior. They are fairly abundantbirds in the ranges of southern Arizona, where they nest generallyduring June. They lay three eggs of a rich creamy color, spotted andblotched, chiefly about the larger end, with reddish brown and lilacgray. Size . 95 x . 61. Data. --Huachuca Mts. , Arizona, July 8, 1897. 3eggs. Nest in a yellow pine about 60 feet up and near the extremity of along slender limb. Elevation 7000 feet. Collector, O. W. Howard. 

461. WOOD PEWEE. _Myiochanes virens. _

Range. --North America, east of the Plains and north to the southernparts of the British Provinces. Winters south of the United States. 

This is one of the best known and one of the most common frequenters ofopen woods, where all summer long its pleasing notes may be heard, resembling "Pee-a-wee" or sometimes only two syllables "pee-wee. " Theynest on horizontal limbs at elevations of six feet or over, makinghandsome nests of plant fibres and fine grasses, covered on the exteriorwith lichens; they are quite shallow and very much resembles a smallknot on the limb of the tree. They lay three or four eggs of a creamcolor spotted in a wreath about the large end, with reddish brown andlavender; size . 80 x . 55. Data. --Torrington, Conn. , June 16, 1890. Nestof fibres covered with lichens, saddled on the branch of an oak treenear roadside. Collector, John Gath. 

[Illustration 293: Cream color. ][Illustration: Wood Pewee. ][Illustration: Cream color. ][Illustration: Chickadee Family. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 292

[Illustration 294: Guy H. Briggs. NEST AND EGGS OF WOOD PEWEE. ]

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462. WESTERN WOOD PEWEE. _Myiochanes richardsoni richardsoni. _

Range. --Western United States from the Plains to the Pacific, and fromManitoba southward, wintering south of the United States. 

The nesting habits of this bird are the same as those of the easternPewee, but their nests are more strongly built and generally deeper, andwithout the outside ornamentation of lichens. They are saddled uponhorizontal branches, like those of the preceding, as a rule, but arealso said to have been found in upright crotches like those of the LeastFlycatcher. Their three or four eggs cannot be distinguished from thoseof the eastern Wood Pewee. 

462a. LARGE-BILLED WOOD PEWEE. _Myiochanes richardsoni peninsulæ. _

Range. --This species which differs from the last only slightly, as isindicated by the name, inhabits the peninsula of Lower California; itsnesting habits and eggs will not differ from those of the other Pewees. 

463. YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER. _Empidonax flaviventris. _

Range. --North America, east of the Plains and north to Labrador; winterssouth of the United States. 

This species is slightly larger than the Least Flycatcher and is moreyellowish above and below, the breast being quite bright. While commonin some districts it is quite shy and frequents thickly wooded regions, where it is not very often seen. They nest near or on the ground amongrocks or roots of fallen trees, chiefly in swampy places; the nests aremade in bunches of moss, hollowed out and lined with very fine grasses. Their four eggs are creamy or buffy white, spotted and speckled aboutthe larger end with reddish brown and gray; size . 68 × . 51. 

464. WESTERN FLYCATCHER. _Empidonax difficilis difficilis. _

Range. --Western North America, from the Rocky Mountain region to thePacific, and north to Alaska; winters chiefly south of the UnitedStates. 

This Flycatcher, which is similar to the last, nests in similarlocations as well as in many others, such as crevices and fissures inrocks, holes in banks, cavities in trees, rafters in buildings, etc. Thenests are variously made, but consist chiefly of fine grasses, weeds andfibres. The eggs are as a rule similar to those of the last species andcannot be distinguished. 

[Illustration 295: Yellow-bellied Flycatcher. Acadian Flycatcher. ][Illustration: Creamy white. ][Illustration: Creamy white. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 294

464a. SAN LUCAS FLYCATCHER. _Empidonax difficilis cineritius. _

Range. --Lower California. 

This species is similar to, but duller in plumage than the WesternFlycatcher. Their nesting habits do not probably vary from those of thelatter. 

465. ACADIAN FLYCATCHER. _Empidonax virescens. _

Range. --Eastern United States, breeding from the Gulf to southern NewEngland, and in the Mississippi Valley to Manitoba. 

This species is very pale below and greenish yellow on the back. Theyare among the latest of the migrants to reach our borders and arrive inthe Middle States about the latter part of May, when they are quitecommon. They build semi-pensile nests in the forks of bushes oroverhanging branches at heights of from four to twenty feet, the nestsbeing made of rootlets, fibres, fine grasses, etc. , and partiallysuspended from the branch; they are quite shallow and looselyconstructed and often appear more like a bunch of debris deposited inthe fork by the wind than like the creation of a bird. Their three orfour eggs are buffy, spotted or specked with brown; size . 75 × . 55. 

466. TRAILL'S FLYCATCHER. _Empidonax trailli trailli. _

Range. --Western North America, from the Mississippi Valley to thePacific; winters south of the United States. 

This species is very similar to the next, but the back is said to bemore brownish. They are common and nest abundantly in thickets and lowscrubby woods, usually placing the nest at a low elevation, preferablyin a clump of willows; the nests are made of fine strips of bark, plantfibres, and very fine rootlets being woven about and firmly fastened inupright crotches. Their eggs, which are laid in June, are buffy white, specked and spotted, chiefly at the large end, with brownish; size . 70 ×. 54. 

[Illustration 296: 464--466. ][Illustration: Buffy. ][Illustration: Creamy white. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 295

466a. ALDER FLYCATCHER. _Empidonax trailli alnorum. _

Range. --United States, east of the Mississippi and north to NewBrunswick. 

The only difference between this and the preceding variety is in themore greenish upper parts. They are quite abundant in the breedingseason from New England and northern New York northward, frequenting, toa great extent, alder thickets bordering streams. Their nests and eggsdo not differ appreciably from those of the western variety of TraillFlycatcher. 

467. LEAST FLYCATCHER. _Empidonax minimus. _

Range. --North America, east of the Rockies and north to the interior ofCanada, wintering south of the United States. 

These little birds (5. 5 inches long) are common about houses andorchards on the outskirts of cities, and on the edges of forests or openwoods. They are very frequently known by the name of Chebec from theircontinually uttered note. In nearly all instances, the nests are placedin upright forks at elevations varying from four to twenty-four feetfrom the ground. The nests are made chiefly of plant fibres, finegrasses, string, cobwebs, etc. , and the three to five eggs are palecreamy white; size . 65 × . 50. 

468. HAMMOND'S FLYCATCHER. _Empidonax hammondi. _

Range. --North America, west of the Rockies and from British Columbiasouthward, wintering south of the United States. 

This western representative of the Least Flycatcher is less abundant andmore shy, but has the same nesting habits as the eastern birds, placingits nests either in upright crotches or, more rarely, upon horizontalbranches at a low elevation. The eggs cannot be distinguished from thoseof the last species. 

469. WRIGHT'S FLYCATCHER. _Empidonax wrighti. _

Range. --Western United States, breeding from the Mexican border toOregon and wintering south of the United States. 

A very similar bird to the last but whiter below. It is a much moreabundant species than the last and is found breeding in open woods andthickets on all the ranges. The nests are built like those of the LeastFlycatcher and nearly always are found in the crotch of trees or bushesat a low elevation; their nests, like those of the two precedingspecies, bear a strong resemblance to those of the Yellow Warblers whichare found in the same localities and locations. The eggs are pale creamywhite, four in number and measure . 68 × . 52. 

[Illustration 297: Least Flycatcher. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: 462--469--469. 1. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 296

469. 1. GRAY FLYCATCHER. _Empidonax griseus. _

Range. --Lower California, north to southern California. 

This is a slightly larger species than the preceding and is grayishabove and paler below, with little or no tinge of brownish or yellow. Asfar as I can learn its eggs have not yet been taken. 

470a. BUFF-BREASTED FLYCATCHER. _Empidonax fulvifrons pygmæus. _

Range. --Western Mexico, north to southern New Mexico and Arizona. 

This small bird, which is but 4. 75 inches in length, is brownish grayabove and brownish buff below. It is not a common species anywhere, butis known to nest during June or July, on high mountain ranges, saddlingits nest of fibres, covered with lichens, on horizontal boughs at quitean elevation from the ground. The eggs are pale buffy white, unspotted, and measure . 60 × . 50. 

471. VERMILLION FLYCATCHER. _Pyrocephalus rubinus mexicanus. _

Range. --Mexico, north regularly to southern Texas, Arizona and NewMexico. 

This is one of the most gaudy attired of all North American birds, beingbrownish gray on the back, wings and tail, and having a brightvermillion crown, crest and underparts. They are quite common insouthern Texas, but far more abundant in the southern parts of Arizona. Their habits do not differ from those of other Flycatchers, they livingalmost exclusively upon insects. The majority of their nests can not bedistinguished from those of the Wood Pewee, being covered with lichensand saddled upon limbs in a similar manner, but some lack the mossyornamentation. Their three or four eggs are buffy, boldly blotched withdark brown and lavender, chiefly in a wreath about the middle of theegg; size . 70 × . 50. Data. --San Pedro River, Arizona, June 10, 1899. Nest in the fork of a willow about 20 feet above the stream. Collector, O. W. Howard. 

472. BEARDLESS FLYCATCHER. _Camptostoma imberbe. _

Range. --Central America; north casually to the Lower Rio Grande inTexas. 

This strange little Flycatcher, several specimens of which have beentaken in the vicinity of Lomita, Texas, is but 4. 5 inches in length, grayish in color and has a short bill, the upper mandible of which iscurved. It has all the habits peculiar to Flycatchers. Their eggs havenot as yet been found as far as I can learn. 

[Illustration 298: Vermillion Flycatcher. ][Illustration: Buff. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 297

LARKS. Family ALAUDIDÆ

473. SKYLARK. _Alauda arvensis. _

Range. --Old World, straggling casually to Greenland and Bermuda. 

This noted foreigner has been imported and liberated a number of timesin this country, but apparently is not able to thrive here, a fact whichwill not cause much regret when we remember the experiment with theEnglish Sparrow. They are abundant in Europe and Great Britain wherethey nest on the ground in cultivated fields or meadows, laying fromthree to five grayish eggs, marked with brown, drab and lavender. 

474. HORNED LARK. _Otocoris alpestris alpestris. _

Range. --Eastern North America, breeding in Labrador and about HudsonBay; winters in eastern United States south to Carolina. 

This variety of this much sub-divided species is 7. 5 inches in length, has brownish gray upper parts and is white below with black patches onthe breast and below the eye, yellowish throat and small black eartufts. The various subspecies are all marked alike, their distinctionbeing based upon slight differences in size, variations in the shade ofthe back, or the greater or less intensity of the yellowish throat andsuperciliary stripe. The nesting habits of all the varieties are thesame and the eggs differ only in the shade of the ground color, thisvariation among the eggs of the same variety being so great that an eggcannot be identified without knowing the locality in which it was taken. The present variety build their nests on the ground generally undertufts of grass or in hollows in the moss which is found in theirbreeding range, making them of dried grasses and generally lining themwith feathers. The eggs are grayish with a slight greenish tinge, andare specked and spotted over the whole surface with drab, brownish anddark lavender. The eggs of this and the next variety averageconsiderably larger than those of the more southerly distributedvarieties; size . 92 × . 65. 

474a. PALLID HORNED LARK. _Otocoris alpestris arcticola. _

Range. --Breeds in Alaska and winters south to Oregon and Montana. 

This is the largest of the Horned Larks and has the throat white, withno trace of yellow. Its nest is built in similar locations and the eggsare like those of the preceding species. 

[Illustration 299: Grayish. ][Illustration: Horned Lark. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 298

474b. PRAIRIE HORNED LARK. _Otocoris alpestris praticola. _

Range. --Breeds in the Mississippi Valley from Illinois north to Manitobaand east to the Middle States; winters south to Carolina and Texas. 

This sub-species is considerably smaller than the Horned Lark, and thethroat is paler yellow, while the line over the eye and the forehead iswhite. They are the most abundant and have the most extended range ofany of the better known species. In the Mississippi Valley, where theyare of the most common of the nesting birds, they build on the ground inmeadows or cultivated fields, and very often in cornfields; the nestsare made of grasses and lined with horse hairs or feathers, and placedin slight hollows generally under a tuft of grass or sods. They raisetwo broods a season and sometimes three, laying the first set of eggs inMarch and another in June or July. The three or four eggs have an olivebuff ground and are thickly sprinkled with drab and lavender; size . 83 ×. 60. 

474c. DESERT HORNED LARK. _Otocoris alpestris leucolæma. _

Range. --Plains of western United States, east of the Rockies and west ofKansas and Dakota; breeds north to Alberta, and winters south to Mexico, Texas and southern California. 

This species is like _praticola_, but paler on the back; nest and eggsthe same. 

474d. TEXAS HORNED LARK. _Otocoris alpestris giraudi. _

Range. --Coast of southeastern Texas. 

A pale variety like _leucolæma_, but smaller; throat bright yellow, andbreast tinged with yellow. Nest and eggs like those of the others. 

474e. CALIFORNIA HORNED LARK. _Otocoris alpestris actia. _

Range. --Lower California and southern California. 

This bird is similar to the last but the yellow areas are brighter, andthe nape and back are ruddy. 

474f. RUDDY HORNED LARK. _Otocoris alpestris rubea. _

Ranges--Sacramento Valley, California. 

This variety has the yellow areas brighter than in any other and theback and nape are more ruddy. The eggs cannot be distinguished fromthose of the others. 

[Illustration 300: Olive buff. ][Illustration: 474c--474e--474f. ][Illustration: Olive buff. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 299

474g. STREAKED HORNED LARK. _Otocoris alpestris strigata. _

Range. --Northwestern United States (Washington, Oregon and northernCalifornia). 

Similar to the last, but with the back broadly streaked with black, theruddy less intense and the underparts tinged with yellowish. 

474h. SCORCHED HORNED LARK. _Otocoris alpestris adusta. _

Range. --Western Mexico, north in summer to southern Arizona. 

This variety has the back and nape nearly a uniform pinkish ruddy withbut little streaking. 

474i. DUSKY HORNED LARK. _Otocoris alpestris merrilli. _

Range. --Northwestern United States and southern British Columbia, wintering south to central California. 

Similar to _praticola_ but slightly darker above. 

474j. SONORA HORNED LARK. _Otocoris alpestris pallida. _

Range. --Gulf coast of northern Lower California. 

The upperparts of this variety are very pale pinkish brown. 

474k. HOYT'S HORNED LARK. _Otocoris alpestris hoyti. _

Range. --Interior of British America, west of Hudson Bay and east ofAlaska, south in winter in the interior of the United States to Kansas. 

Much larger than the last; equal in size and similar to _articola_ butwith the throat yellowish and the upperparts darker and brighter. 

474l. MONTEZUMA HORNED LARK. _Otocoris alpestris occidentalis. _

Range. --Western New Mexico and eastern Arizona, south in winter tonorthern Mexico. 

This variety has the upperparts pale brownish and not streaked; throatand forehead yellowish. 

474m. ISLAND HORNED LARK. _Otocoris alpestris insularis. _

Range. --Santa Barbara Islands, California. 

Similar to _strigata_ but darker. With the exception of the three largevarieties of Horned Larks found north of our borders, neither the eggsnor, in most cases, the birds can be identified without the preciselocation where they were taken. 

[Illustration deco (301). ][Illustration right hand border. ]

Page 300

CROWS, JAYS, MAGPIES, ETC. Family CORVIDÆ. 

475. MAGPIE. _Pica pica hudsonia. _

Range. --Western North America from the Great Plains to the Pacific andfrom Alaska to Arizona and New Mexico. 

These large handsome birds have the entire head, neck and breast velvetyblack, abruptly defined against the white underparts. The back, wingsand tail are greenish or bluish black, and the scapulars, white; lengthof bird 20 inches. They are well known throughout the west, where theirbold and thievish habits always excite comment. They nest in bushes andtrees at low elevations from the ground, making a very large nest ofsticks, with an opening on the side, and the interior is made of weedsand mud, lined with fine grasses; these nests often reach a diameter ofthree feet and are made of quite large sticks. During April or May, theylay from four to eight grayish white eggs, plentifully spotted withbrown and drab. Size 1. 25 x . 90. 

476. YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIE. _Pica nuttalli. _

Range. --Middle parts of California, west of the Sierra Nevadas. 

This species is slightly smaller than the last and has a yellowish billand lores, otherwise being precisely like the more common species. Theirhabits do not differ from those of the other, the nests are the same andthe eggs are indistinguishable. Size 1. 25 x . 88. 

[Illustration 302: Magpie. ][Illustration: Grayish white. ][Illustration: Grayish white. ][Illustration. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 301

[Illustration 303: R. B. Rockwell. NEST OF AMERICAN MAGPIE. ]

Page 302

[Illustration 304: YOUNG BLUE JAYS. ]

Page 303

477. BLUE JAY. _Cyanocitta cristata cristata. _

Range. --North America, east of the Plains and north to Hudson Bay;resident and very abundant in its United States range. 

These beautiful and bold marauders are too well known to needdescription, suffice it to say that they are the most beautiful of NorthAmerican Jays; but beneath their handsome plumage beats a heart as crueland cunning as that in any bird of prey. In the fall, winter and spring, their food consists largely of acorns, chestnuts, berries, seeds, grain, insects, lizards, etc. , but during the summer months they destroy anddevour a great many eggs and young of the smaller birds, their taste forwhich, being so great that they are known to watch a nest until the fullcomplement of eggs is laid before making their theft. They nest in openwoods or clumps of trees, indifferently, in pines or young trees, building most often below twenty feet from the ground; the nests aremade of twigs and rootlets, lined with fine rootlets. During May theylay from four to six eggs of a greenish buff color spotted with olivebrown. Size 1. 10 x . 80. 

477a. FLORIDA BLUE JAY. _Cyanocitta cristata florincola. _

Range. --Florida and the Gulf coast. 

The nesting habits and eggs of this smaller sub-species are the same asthose of the northern Blue Jay. Like our birds, they frequently nestnear habitations. 

478. STELLER'S JAY. _Cyanocitta stelleri stelleri. _

Range. --Pacific coast from southern California to Alaska; resident andbreeding throughout its range. 

All the members of this sub-species are similar in plumage, having asooty black head, crest and neck, shading insensibly into dark bluish onthe back and underparts, and brighter blue on the wings and tail. Theyusually have a few streaks or spots of pale blue on the forehead. Theyare just as noisy, bold and thievish as the eastern Jay and are alsoexcellent mimics like the latter. They nest in fir trees at any heightfrom the ground and in April or May deposit their three to six greenishblue eggs which are spotted with various shades of brown. Size 1. 25 x. 90. Their nests are more bulky than those of the eastern Jay and areusually made of larger sticks and held together with some mud. 

478a. BLUE-FRONTED JAY. _Cyanocitta stelleri frontalis. _

Range. --Coast ranges of California and Oregon. 

The nesting habits and eggs of this variety are indistinguishable fromthose of the preceding. The bird has more blue on the forehead. 

478b. LONG-CRESTED JAY. _Cyanocitta stelleri diademata. _

Range. --Southern Rocky Mountains from Arizona to Wyoming. 

No general difference can be found between the eggs of this species andthe Steller Jay, and the nests of each are constructed similarly and inlike situations. 

[Illustration 305: Blue Jay. ][Illustration: Greenish buff. ][Illustration: Greenish blue. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 304

[Illustration 306: Dr. J. B. Pardoe. YOUNG BLUE JAYS. ]

Page 305

[Illustration 307: BLUE JAY. ]

Page 306

478c. BLACK-HEADED JAY. _Cyanocitta stelleri annectens. _

Range. --Northern Rocky Mountains from northern Colorado to BritishColumbia. 

The eggs of this sub-species cannot be identified from those of theother varieties. Like the others, their nests are made of sticksplastered together with mud and lined with weeds and rootlets. 

478d. QUEEN CHARLOTTE JAY. _Cyanocitta stelleri carlottæ. _

Range. --Queen Charlotte Islands, British Columbia. 

479. FLORIDA JAY. _Aphelocoma cyanea. _

Range. --Locally distributed in Florida. 

All the birds of this genus have no crests or decided markings, arewhite or grayish below, and more or less intense blue above, with theback grayish or brownish blue. This species is 11. 5 inches long, has apale blue crown and a nearly white forehead. It has a very limiteddistribution, being confined chiefly to the coast districts of middleFlorida, and very abundant in some localities and rare in adjoiningones. They build shallow structures of small sticks and weeds lined withfine rootlets and placed at low elevations in bushes or scrubby trees. The three or four eggs, which are laid in April or May are dull greenishblue, marked with olive brown. Size 1. 00 x . 80. Data. --Titusville, Fla. , April 17, 1899. Nest of sticks in a scrub oak, five feet from theground. 

480. WOODHOUSE'S JAY. _Aphelocoma woodhousei. _

Range. --United States west of the Rockies and from Oregon and Wyoming toMexico. 

This species has the crown and forehead bluish, and the underparts gray, streaked with bluish gray on the breast. It is also larger than thelast, being 12 inches long. They are very abundant in the Great Basinbetween the Rockies and the Sierra Nevadas, breeding during April or Mayin scrubby trees or bushes at low elevations and generally near streams. They lay from three to five eggs of a dull bluish green color, spottedwith umber and lilac gray. Size 1. 08 x . 80. Data. --Iron County, Utah, May 3, 1897. 4 eggs. Nest of sticks and weeds in a small pine tree. 

[Illustration 308: Florida Jay. ][Illustration: Greenish blue. ][Illustration: Bluish green. ][Illustration: 480-487. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 307

480. 1. BLUE-EARED JAY. _Aphelocoma cyanotis. _

Range. --Interior of Mexico north to the southern boundary of Texas. 

The nesting habits of this species are the same as those of the othersof the genus and the eggs are similar but the markings are generallymore prominent and larger. Size 1. 10 × . 80. 

480. 2. TEXAS JAY. _Aphelocoma texana. _

Range. --Southeastern Texas. 

It is not likely that the eggs of this species differ essentially fromthose of many of the others. 

481. CALIFORNIA JAY. _Aphelocoma californica californica. _

Range. --Pacific coast of California and Washington. 

This is a very abundant species both about habitations and in lowwoodlands. They are very bold and familiar, stealing everything they maytake a fancy to, and frequently robbing smaller birds of their eggs andyoung. They are said to be more tame and familiar than the eastern BlueJay, thereby bringing their bad habits much more frequently to theattention of the masses. They nest most often in bushes or low trees, but not as a rule, far above the ground. Their eggs are a bright bluishgreen color, speckled and spotted with brownish and lavender. Size1. 10 × . 80. 

481a. XANTUS'S JAY. _Aphelocoma californica hypoleuca. _

Range. --Lower California. 

The habits and nests and eggs of this lighter colored variety do notdiffer from those of the California Jay. 

481b. BELDING'S JAY. _Aphelocoma californica obscura. _

Range. --San Pedro Martir Mts. Lower California. 

A darker variety of the California Jay, whose nesting habits will notdiffer in any essential particular. 

481. 1. SANTA CRUZ JAY. _Aphelocoma insularis. _

Range. --Santa Cruz Island, California. 

This species is the largest and darkest colored bird of the genus_Aphelocoma_. It is said to be a very abundant species on the islandfrom which it takes its name, and to have the habits and traits commonto all the members of the Jay family. The nesting habits are the same asthose of the others, but the eggs are slightly larger, averaging 1. 15 ×. 85. Set of three in the collection of John Lewis Childs, taken by R. H. Beck on May 10, 1897. 

482. ARIZONA JAY. _Aphelocoma sieberi arizonæ. _

Range. --Arizona and southwestern New Mexico south into Mexico. 

[Illustration 309: Bright bluish green. ][Illustration: 482--484a--485. ][Illustration: Greenish blue. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 308

482a. COUCH'S JAY. _Aphelocoma sieberi couchi. _

Range. --Eastern Mexico, north to western Texas. 

483. GREEN JAY. _Xanthoura luxuosa glaucescens. _

Range. --Northeastern Mexico and the Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas. 

This handsome species has a bright blue crown and patches under theeyes, the rest of the upper parts being greenish; throat and sides ofhead black, underparts greenish white. This gaudy and noisy bird has allthe habits common to other Jays including that of robbing birds' nests. They build generally in tangled thickets or low bushes, placing theirnests at a low elevation and making them of twigs, weeds, moss, etc. , lined with fine rootlets. Their four or five eggs, which are laid duringApril or May, are grayish buff in color, spotted with various shades ofbrown and lavender gray. Size 1. 20 × . 85. 

484. CANADA JAY. _Perisoreus canadensis canadensis. _

Range. --Southeastern British Provinces and the adjacent portions of theUnited States; west to the Rockies. 

This is the bird that is well known to hunters of "big game" by variousnames such as "Whiskey Jack", "Moose Bird", "Camp Robber", etc. Duringthe winter months, owing to the scarcity of food, their thievingpropensities are greatly enhanced and they remove everything from thecamps, which looks as though it might be edible. Birds of this genus aresmoky gray on the back and lighter below, shading to white on thethroat; the forehead and part of the crown is white and the napeblackish. Their nests are placed at low elevations in bushes or firtrees, and are usually very different from any of the preceding Jays'nests. They are nearly as high as wide, and are made of small twigs, moss, catkins, weeds and feathers making a soft spongy mass which isplaced in an upright crotch. The eggs are a yellowish gray color spottedand blotched with brown and grayish. Size 1. 15 × . 80. Data. --Innisfail, Alberta, March 12, 1903. Nest a beautiful structure of twigs, moss andfeathers in a willow bush, 6 feet from the ground. The thermometerregistered 32 below zero the day the eggs were taken. Collector, W. Blackwood. 

[Illustration 310: Green Jay. ][Illustration: Grayish buff. ][Illustration: Grayish. ][Illustration: Canada Jay. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 309

484a. ROCKY MOUNTAIN JAY. _Perisoreus canadensis capitalis. _

Range. --Rocky Mountains from Montana to Arizona. 

This variety has the whole crown white and only a small amount ofblackish on the nape. Its nesting habits and eggs are precisely likethose of the last. 

484b. ALASKA JAY. _Perisoreus canadensis fumifrons. _

Range. --Alaska. 

A very similar bird to the Canada Jay but with the forehead yellowish orduller; the nests and eggs are like those of the others of the genus. 

484c. LABRADOR JAY. _Perisoreus canadensis nigricapillus. _

Range. --Labrador. 

This is a darker variety of the Canada Jay. Its eggs cannot bedistinguished from those of any of the others of the genus. 

485. Oregon Jay. _Perisoreus obscurus obscurus. _

Range. --Mountain ranges from northern California to British Columbia. 

These birds are very similar to _canadensis_ but have the wholeunderparts white. Like the Canada Jays they appear to be wholly fearlessand pay little or no attention to the presence of mankind. Their nestinghabits and eggs are the same as the preceding except that they havegenerally been found nesting near the tops of tall fir trees. Size ofeggs, 1. 05 × . 80. 

[Illustration 311: NEST AND EGGS OF CANADA JAY SHOWING CONSTRUCTION. ][Illustration right hand margin. ]

Page 310

[Illustration 312: YOUNG CROWS]

Page 311

485a. GRAY JAY. _Perisoreus obscurus griseus. _

Range. --British Columbia to northern California, east of the coastranges. 

This bird is said to be larger and grayer than the preceding. 

486. RAVEN. _Corvus corax sinuatus. _

Range. --North America west of the Rockies and from British Columbiasouthward. 

The Raven is like a very large Crow, length 24 inches, but has thefeathers on the neck lengthened and stiffened. Their habits are similarto those of the Crow, but more dignified, and they remain mated forlife. Besides grasshoppers and worms, they feed largely upon animalmatter such as lizards, shell fish, frogs, eggs and young of birds, andcarrion. They nest on ledges of high inaccessible cliffs or the tops oftall trees, making large nests of sticks lined with smaller ones andhair or wool; the eggs are laid in April or May, number from four toseven, and are light greenish in color, blotched with umber and drab. Size 1. 95 × 1. 25. 

486a. NORTHERN RAVEN. _Corvus corax principalis. _

Range. --Eastern North America chiefly north of the United States andnorthwest to Alaska; south on some of the higher ranges to Georgia. 

This variety is like the last but is larger. They are not nearly asabundant as the western form and are very rare within the United States. A few pairs still breed on some of the rocky islands off the coast ofMaine; more off New Brunswick and Newfoundland, and they are quitecommon on the cliffs of Labrador and Alaska. Their nesting habits andeggs are like those of the last. 

487. WHITE-NECKED RAVEN. _Corvus cryptoleucus. _

Range. --Mexico and the border of the United States; north to easternKansas. 

This small Raven is of about the size of the Crow, and has the bases ofthe neck feathers white. They are very abundant in some localities, especially in southern Arizona. Their food consists chiefly of animalmatter, the same as the large Ravens, and they are not nearly as shy, frequently feeding in camps upon refuse which is thrown out to them. They build at low elevations in any tree, but preferably in mesquites, making their nests of sticks and lining them with hair, leaves, bark, wool or anything soft. During June they lay from four to six pale bluishgreen eggs, generally sparingly spotted or scratched with dark brown anddrab. Size 1. 75 × 1. 20. 

[Illustration 313: Pale greenish white. ][Illustration: Pale bluish green. ][Illustration right hand margin. ]

Page 312

488. CROW. _Corvus brachyrhynchos brachyrhynchos. _

Range. --Whole of North America south of the Arctic Circle; most abundantin eastern United States; rare in many localities in the west. 

These birds, against which the hand of every farmer is uplifted, arevery shy and cunning; as is well known, they nearly always post asentinel in some tree top to keep watch while the rest of the flock isfeeding in the field below. In the fall and winter, large numbers ofthem flock, and at night all roost in one piece of woods; some of the"crow roosts" are of vast extent and contain thousands of individuals. Crows nest near the tops of large trees, preferably pines, either inwoods or single trees in fields. Their nests are made of sticks andlined with rootlets, and the eggs, which are laid in April or May, rangefrom four to seven in number, are a bluish or greenish white, sparinglyor very densely speckled, spotted and blotched with various shades ofbrown and lilac. Size 1. 60 × 1. 15. 

488a. FLORIDA CROW. _Corvus brachyrhynchos pascuus. _

Range. --Florida. 

This variety has a slightly shorter tail and wings than the last. 

490. FISH CROW. _Corvus ossifragus. _

Range. --Northwest coast from Oregon to Alaska. 

This small Crow which is but 16 inches in length, is found only on thecoast, where they feed upon shell fish and offal. They nest, as do theRavens, either on ledges or in tree tops. The eggs resemble those of thecommon Crow, but are smaller. Size 1. 55 × 1. 05. 

489. NORTHWESTERN CROW. _Corvus caurinus. _

Range. --South Atlantic and Gulf coasts, north in summer to Connecticut. 

From Virginia southward, this small Crow (length 16 inches) is moreabundant on the coast than the common Crow which is often in companywith this species. Their food consists of grain, berries, and animalmatter. Their nesting habits are like those of the common Crow and theeggs are similar and have as great variations, but are smaller. Size1. 45 × 1. 05. 

[Illustration: American Crow. American Raven. ][Illustration 314: Greenish white. ][Illustration: Bluish white. ][Illustration: Bluish white. ][Illustration: Left hand margin. ]

Page 313

491. CLARKE'S NUTCRACKER. _Nucifraga columbiana. _

Range. --Mountains of western North America from Mexico to Alaska. 

The Clarke Crow, as this bird is often known, is a common resident inmost of its range. The adults are grayish with black wings and centraltail feathers, the tips of the primaries and outer tail feathers beingwhite. Their tail is short and their flight slow and somewhat undulatinglike that of some of the Woodpeckers. Their food consists of anythingedible from seeds and larvæ in the winter to insects, berries, eggs andyoung birds at other seasons. In the spring they retire to the tops ofranges, nearly to the limit of trees, where they build their large nestsof sticks, twigs, weeds, strips of bark, and fibres matted together soas to form a soft round ball with a deeply cupped interior; the nest islocated at from ten to forty feet from the ground in pine trees and theeggs are laid early before the snow begins to leave. They are three innumber, grayish in color with a greenish tinge and finely spotted overthe whole surface with dark brown and lavender. Size 1. 30 × . 90. Data. --Salt Lake Co. , Utah, April 25, 1900. Nest placed in pine 40 feetup on a horizontal branch, and not visible from below. The tree was atthe upper edge of a pine forest at an altitude of about 3000 feet aboveSalt Lake City. The nest was discovered by seeing the parent fly intothe tree; the next day a nest was found with three young nearly ready tofly. Collector, W. H. Parker. This set of three eggs is in the oologicalcollection of Mr. C. W. Crandall. 

492. PINON JAY. _Cyanocephalus cyanocephalus. _

Range. --Western United States between the Rockies and Sierra Nevadas, and from southern British Columbia to Arizona. 

This Crow-like Jay has a nearly uniform bluish plumage, and is foundabundantly in the pine belts of its range. Their habits are similar tothose of the Clarke Crow and the nests are similarly built at lowerelevations in pines or junipers. During April or May they lay from threeto five eggs of a bluish white color specked and spotted with brown. Size 1. 20 × . 85. 

[Illustration 315: Clarke's Nutcracker. ][Illustration: Grayish blue. ][Illustration: Bluish white. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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STARLINGS. Family STURNIDÆ

493. STARLING. _Sturnus vulgaris. _

Range. --A European species which has casually been taken in Greenland. It was liberated a number of years ago in Central Park, New York City, and has now become abundant there and is spreading slowly in alldirections. 

They build their nests in all sorts of locations such as are used by theEnglish Sparrow, wherever they can find a sufficiently large crevice oropening; less often they build their nests in trees, making them ofstraw, twigs and trash. They lay from four to six pale bluish greeneggs; size 1. 15 × . 85. Two broods are reared in a season. 

BLACKBIRDS, ORIOLES, ETC. Family ICTERIDÆ

494. BOBOLINK. _Dolichonyx oryzivorus. _

Range. --Eastern North America, breeding from New Jersey north to NovaScotia and Manitoba, and west to Utah and Nevada; winters in SouthAmerica. 

This black and white bird is well known in the east, where his sweet, wild music, often uttered on the wing, is much admired. He sings all daylong during May and June to his Sparrow-like mate, who is sitting on hernest concealed in the meadow grass. They are quite sociable birds andseveral pairs often nest in the same field, generally a damp meadow; thenests are hollows in the ground, lined with grass and frequently withthe top slightly arched to conceal the eggs, which are grayish white, clouded, spotted and blotched with brownish, gray and lilac; size . 84 ×. 62. They number from four to six and are laid in June. 

495. COWBIRD. _Molothrus ater ater. _

Range. --North America from the Atlantic to eastern California, and fromNew Brunswick and Manitoba southward; winters from the southern half ofthe United States southward. 

[Illustration 316: Starling. ][Illustration: Bluish green. ][Illustration: Bobolink. ][Illustration: Grayish white. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 315

These uncivilized members of the bird world build no nests forthemselves, but slyly deposit their egg in the nest of some other birdfrom the size of a Robin down, probably the greater number being inWarblers and Sparrows nests; the eggs are hatched and the young caredfor by the unfortunate birds upon which they are thrust. The eggs arewhite, spotted and speckled all over, more or less strongly with brownand yellowish brown; size . 85 × . 64. 

495a. DWARF COWBIRD. _Molothrus ater obscurus. _

Range. --Southwestern United States and Mexico, wintering south of ourborders. 

This variety is like the last, but slightly smaller. The nesting habitsof the two are identical and the eggs are indistinguishable. It isbelieved that Cowbirds do more damage to the smaller birds than allother dangers combined, as their young being larger and stronger eithercrowd or smother the other young or else starve them by getting most ofthe food brought to the nest. 

496. RED-EYED COWBIRD. _Tangavius æneus involucratus. _

Range. --Mexico; north in summer to the Lower Rio Grande in Texas. 

This parasite is larger than the Cowbird, being 9 inches long, and isglossy black with brassy reflections on the upper and under parts. Theyare abundant in southern Texas where they deposit their eggs in thenests of other birds, apparently preferring those of Orioles; their eggsare pale bluish green, unmarked; size . 90 × . 70. 

497. YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD. _Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus. _

Range. --North America west of the Mississippi to eastern California, breeding from the southern parts of the United States north to BritishColumbia and Hudson Bay and wintering from southern United Statesdownward. 

This large handsome Blackbird with bright yellow head and breast is veryabundant in some parts of the west, where they nest in large colonies insloughs and marshes, being especially abundant in the Dakotas andManitoba. The nests are made of strips of rushes, skillfully woventogether and attached to upright cane near the surface of the water. They lay from four to six eggs having a grayish white ground color, finely specked and spotted with shades of brown and gray; size 1. 00 ×. 70. 

[Illustration 317: White. ][Illustration: Cowbird. ][Illustration: Light blue-green. ][Illustration: Yellow-headed Blackbird. ][Illustration: Grayish white. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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498. RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD. _Agelaius phœniceus phœniceus. _

Range. --North America east of the Rockies and from the southern BritishProvinces southward to the Gulf; winter in southern United States. 

These birds are familiar to every frequenter of the country, in theirrange; too familiar to many, for the enormous flocks do considerabledamage to grain fields in the fall. They also do a great amount of goodat other seasons in the destruction of injurious insects and weed seed. They breed from April in the southern parts of their range to May andJune in the northern, making their nests of grasses, woven and twistedtogether and placing them in bushes in swamps or over water, andsometimes on the ground in clumps of grass. Their eggs are from three tofive in number, bluish white boldly spotted, clouded or lined withblackish brown and purplish. Size 1. 00 × . 70. The nests and eggs of thenumerous sub-species are all precisely the same as those of this bird, so we will but enumerate the varieties and their range. To identifythese varieties other than by their ranges will require micrometercalipers and the services of the men who separated them. 

498a. SONORA RED-WING. _Agelaius phœniceus sonoriensis. _

Range. --A slightly larger variety found in southern United States. 

498b. BAHAMA RED-WING. _Agelaius phœniceus bryanti. _

Range. --Bahamas and southern Florida. 

This species has a slightly longer bill. 

498c. FLORIDA RED-WING. _Agelaius phœniceus floridanus. _

Range. --Florida and Gulf coast. 

A smaller species with a longer bill. 

498d. THICK-BILLED RED-WING. _Agelaius phœniceus fortis. _

Range. --Breeds in the interior of British America; in winter souththrough the Plains to southwestern United States. 

498e. SAN DIEGO RED-WING. _Agelaius Phœniceus neutralis. _

Range. --Great Basin between the Rockies and Sierra Nevadas, from BritishColumbia to Mexico, wintering in the southern parts of its range. 

498f. NORTHWESTERN RED-WING. _Agelaius phœniceus caurinus. _

Range. --Pacific coast from California to British Columbia. 

[Illustration 318: Red-winged Blackbird. ][Illustration: Bluish white. ][Illustration left hand margin. ]

Page 317

499. Bicolored Red-wing. _Agelaius gubernator californicus. _

Range. --Pacific coast, west of the Sierra Nevadas, from Washington southto Lower California. 

The males of this species are distinguished from those of the Red-wingsby the absence of light margins to the orange red shoulders. They arefairly abundant in their restricted localities, building their nests inswamps about ponds and streams. The nests are like those of theRed-wings, and the eggs are similar and with the same great variationsin markings, but average a trifle smaller; size . 95 × . 67. 

500. TRICOLORED RED-WING. _Agelaius tricolor. _

Range. --Pacific coast of California and Oregon; rare east of the SierraNevadas. 

This species differs from the Red-wing in having the shoulders a muchdarker red and the median coverts white instead of buffy. Like the lastspecies they have a limited range and are nowhere as common as are theRed-wings in the east. Their nests are like those of the Red-wings andthe eggs are not distinguishable in their many variations, but theyappear to be more often lined than those of the former. 

501. MEADOWLARK. _Sturnella magna magna. _

Range. --North America east of the Plains and north to Nova Scotia andManitoba; winters from New England southward. 

This handsome dweller among our fields and meadows is frequently heardgiving his high, pleasing, flute-like whistle with its variations; hisbeautiful yellow breast with its black crescent is not so frequentlyseen in life, for they are usually quite shy birds. They artfullyconceal their nests on the ground among the tall grass of meadows, arching them over with dead grass. During May or June they lay from fourto six white eggs, speckled over the whole surface with reddish brownand purplish; size 1. 10 × . 80. 

501a. Rio Grande Meadowlark. _Sturnella magna hoopesi. _

Range. --A brighter and slightly smaller variety found along the Mexicanborder. 

[Illustration 319: Dull bluish white. ][Illustration: Meadowlark. ][Illustration: Dull bluish white. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: 500--501. 1. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 318

[Illustration 320: R. H. B. Beebe. NEST AND EGGS OF MEADOWLARK. ]

Page 319

501. 1. WESTERN MEADOWLARK. _Sturnella neglecta. _

Range. --North America west of the Mississippi and from Manitoba andBritish Columbia southward, its range overlapping that of the easternMeadowlark in the Mississippi Valley, but the two varieties appear notto intermingle. This variety is paler than the eastern, but the greatestpoint of difference is in the songs, they being wholly unlike, and thatof the western bird much louder, sweeter and more varied than the simplewhistle of the eastern form. The nesting habits of both varieties arethe same and the eggs indistinguishable. 

501c. SOUTHERN MEADOWLARK. _Sturnella magna argutula. _

Range. --Florida and the Gulf coast. 

A very similar bird to the northern form but slightly smaller anddarker. There is no difference between the eggs of the two varieties. 

503. AUDUBON'S ORIOLE. _Icterus melanocephalus auduboni. _

Range. --Mexico and the Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas. 

This large Oriole has a wholly black head, neck, fore breast, tail andwings; it is 9. 5 inches in length. They are quite abundant and residentin southern Texas where they build at low elevations in trees, preferably mesquites, making the nests of woven grasses and hanging themfrom the small twigs of the trees; the nests are more like those of theOrchard Oriole and not long and pensile like those of the Baltimore. Thethree to five eggs are grayish white, blotched, clouded, spotted orstreaked with brownish and purple. Size 1. 00 x . 70. Data. --Brownsville, Texas, April 6, 1897. 5 eggs. Nest of threads from palmetto leaves, hanging from limb of mesquite, 10 feet above ground in the open woods. Collector, Frank B. Armstrong. 

[Illustration 321: Audubon Oriole. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: deco-photo. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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504. SCOTT'S ORIOLE. _Icterus parisorum. _

Range. --Western Mexico north to the adjoining states; north to Nevada. 

This handsome black and yellow species does not appear to be abundant inany part of its range. Their nests are swung from the under side ofleaves of the yucca palm or from small branches of low trees, and aremade of grass and fibres. The eggs are bluish white, specked andblotched chiefly about the large end with blackish brown and lilac gray. Size . 95 X . 65. Data. --Chiricahua Mts. , Arizona, June 5, 1900. Nestplaced on the under side of a yucca palm leaf, being hung from thespines, about 4 feet from the ground. Altitude 7000 feet. Collector, O. W. Howard. 

505. SENNETT'S ORIOLE. _Icterus cucullatus sennetti. _

Range. --Mexico, north in summer to the Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas. 

This species is orange yellow except for the face, throat, fore back, wings and tail, which are black; the wings are crossed by two whitebars. These handsome birds are the most abundant of the Orioles on theLower Rio Grande, where their pure mellow whistle is heard at frequentintervals throughout the day. They generally build their nests inhanging moss from mesquite trees, turning up at the ends and lining thepocket with moss, or else make a shallow hanging nest of fibres andsuspend it from yuccas. During May or June they lay from three to fiveeggs of a white color, spotted (rarely lined) with purplish brown andgray. Size . 85 × . 60. 

505a. ARIZONA HOODED ORIOLE. _Icterus cucullatus nelsoni. _

Range. --Western Mexico; in summer north to southern Arizona, New Mexicoand California. 

This variety is like the last but more yellowish. Their nests are madeof a wiry grass compactly woven together and partially suspended tomistletoe twigs growing from cottonwood trees; nests of this type areperfectly distinct from those of the preceding, but when they are madeof fibre and attached to yuccas, they cannot be distinguished from nestsof the former variety. Their eggs are similar to those of the HoodedOriole, but generally more strongly marked and usually with some zigzaglines. Size . 85 × . 60. 

[Illustration 322: Bluish white. ][Illustration: Hooded Oriole. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 321

506. ORCHARD ORIOLE. _Icterus spurius. _

Range. --United States, east of the Plains, breeding from the Gulf tosouthern New England, and Canada in the interior. Winters beyond ourborders. 

The adult male of this species is a rich chocolate brown and black, itrequiring three years to attain this plumage. They nest commonly abouthabitations in their range, usually preferring orchard trees for sites. Their nests are skillfully woven baskets of fresh grasses, about as highas wide; they are generally placed in upright forks and well concealedby drooping leaves. They lay from four to six bluish white eggs, spottedand blotched with brown and lavender. Size . 80 × . 55. Data. --Avery'sIsland, La. , May 10, 1896. Nest of grass, lined with thistledown;semi-pensile in drooping twigs of a willow. Collector, F. A. McIlhenny. 

507. BALTIMORE ORIOLE. _Icterus galbula. _

Range. --North America, east of the Rockies, breeding from southernUnited States north to New Brunswick and Saskatchewan. 

This beautiful and well known eastern Oriole can readily be identifiedby its orange flame color and entirely black head. Even better knownthan the birds, are the pensile nests which retain their positions onthe swaying drooping branches all through the winter. Although theybuild in many other trees, elms seem to be their favorites. Their nestsare made of plant fibres and frequently string, and often reach a lengthof about 10 inches and about half that in diameter; they are usuallyattached to drooping branches by the rim so that they rock to and fro, but are sometimes held more firmly in position by having their sidebound to a branch. Their eggs, which are laid in May and June, arewhite, streaked and lined with blackish brown and grayish. Size . 90 ×. 60. 

[Illustration: Arizona Hooded Oriole. Orchard Oriole. ][Illustration 323: Bluish white. ][Illustration: Baltimore Oriole. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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508. BULLOCK'S ORIOLE. _Icterus bullocki. _

Range. --North America, west of the Plains and from British Columbiasouthward, wintering in Mexico. 

This handsome species is as abundant in the west as the Baltimore Orioleis in the east, and breeds throughout its United States range. Theirnests are similarly made and in similar locations, and the eggs arehardly distinguishable from those of the preceding, but the ground coloris generally of a pale bluish white tint and the markings are usuallyfiner, the lines running around the eggs and often making a veryhandsome wreath about the large end. Size of eggs, . 94 × . 62. 

509. RUSTY BLACKBIRD. _Euphagus carolinus. _

Range. --North America east of the Plains, breeding from northern NewEngland and the Adirondacks northward; winters in southern UnitedStates. 

But few of these birds breed within our borders, the majority of thempassing on to the interior of Canada. They generally nest in pairs, orat the most three or four pairs in a locality, building their largesubstantial nests of moss, twigs and grass, lined with fine green grass;this structure is situated in bushes or low trees in swampy places andat from 3 to 20 feet from the ground. The eggs are laid in May or June;they vary from three to five in number, of a pale bluish green color, spotted, blotched and clouded with shades of brown and gray. Size . 96 ×. 71. 

510. BREWER'S BLACKBIRD. _Euphagus cyanocephalus. _

Range. --North America west of the Plains, and from British Columbia andSaskatchewan southward. 

This western representative of the preceding is of about the same size(10 inches long), but differs in having a purplish head and greenishblack body. They nest abundantly throughout their range either in bushesor trees at low elevations or upon the ground; the nests are made ofsticks, rootlets and grasses, lined with finer grass and moss, and theeggs, which are very variable, are dull whitish, clouded and blotchedwith brownish and streaked with blackish. Size 1. 00 × . 75. 

[Illustration 324: Bluish white. ][Illustration: Rusty Blackbird. Brewster's Blackbird. ][Illustration: Bluish green. ][Illustration: Dull white. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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511. PURPLE GRACKLE. _Quiscalus quiscula quiscula. _

Range. --Eastern United States from the Gulf to Massachusetts; wintersalong the Gulf. 

This species, which is commonly known as Crow Blackbird, nests in treesor bushes anywhere in its range, and on the coast frequently constructsits nests among the large sticks of Ospery nests. Large pines appear tobe favorite sites for them to locate their large nests of twigs, weeds, grass and trash. They are placed at any elevation from nearly on theground to 50 feet above it. The eggs range from three to five and aregreenish white, splashed, spotted and scrawled with various shades ofbrown and gray, and with streaks of black. Size 1. 10 × . 80. The nestinghabits and eggs of the sub-species of this Grackle do not differ in anyparticular. Like those of this variety the eggs show an endless numberof patterns of markings. 

511a. FLORIDA GRACKLE. _Quiscalus quiscula aglæus. _

Range. --South Atlantic and Gulf States. 

A smaller variety of the preceding; length about 11 inches. Eggsindistinguishable. 

511b. BRONZED GRACKLE. _Quiscalus quiscula æneus. _

Range. --North America east of the Rockies, breeding from the Gulf toHudson Bay and Labrador. Winters in the southern parts of the UnitedStates. This is the most common and widely distributed of the CrowBlackbirds and is distinguished by the brassy color of the upper parts. 

513. BOAT-TAILED GRACKLE. _Megaquiscalus major major. _

Range. --South Atlantic and Gulf States; north to Virginia. 

This handsome bird measures about 16 inches in length, is iridescentwith purplish and greenish, and has a very long, graduated and hollowedtail. These Grackles are very abundant residents along the Gulf, breeding in large colonies in swamps, placing their nests of weeds, moss, grasses, etc. , in bushes, trees, canes or rushes, but a few inchesabove the water, while those in trees are sometimes 50 feet above theground. The eggs are laid in March, April or May, are from three to fivein number, and are a dull bluish or grayish white, streaked, lined, clouded and blotched with brown, black and gray; size 1. 25 × . 95. 

[Illustration 325: Dull greenish white. ][Illustration: Purple Grackle. Bronzed Grackle. ][Illustration: Grayish white. ][Illustration: Grayish white. ][Illustration right hand margin. ]

Page 324

513a. GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE. _Megaquiscalus major macrourus. _

Range. --Mexico to southern and eastern Texas. 

This variety is larger than the last (length 18 inches) and the tail isvery broad and flat. Like the former, they nest in bushes, rushes ortrees at any elevation from the ground. The nests are built of the samematerials and the eggs are similar to those of the Boat-tailed Grackle, but larger; size 1. 28 × . 88. 

FINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC. Family FRINGILLDÆ

514. EVENING GROSBEAK. _Hesperiphona vespertina vespertina. _

Range. --Western United States in the Rocky Mountain region; north toSaskatchewan; south in winter to Mississippi Valley and casually east toNew England and the intermediate states. 

These are dull and yellowish birds, shading to brownish on the head;with a bright yellow forehead and susperciliary line, black wings andtail, and white inner secondaries and greater coverts. They breed in themountainous portions of their range, placing their flat nests of sticksand rootlets in low trees or bushes. The eggs are laid in May or Juneand are greenish white spotted and blotched with brown; size . 90 × . 65. 

514a. WESTERN EVENING GROSBEAK. _Hesperiphona vespertina montana. _

Range. --Western United States, breeding in the mountains from New Mexicoto British Columbia. 

The nesting habits and eggs of this variety are the same as those of thepreceding, and the birds can rarely be separated. 

515. PINE GROSBEAK. _Pinicola enucleator leucura. _

Range. --Eastern North America, breeding from northern New Englandnorthward, and wintering to southern New England and Ohio and casuallyfarther. They build in conifers

[Illustration 326: Grayish white. ][Illustration: Evening Grosbeak. ][Illustration: Greenish white. ][Illustration: Pine Grosbeak. ][Illustration left hand margin. ]

Page 325

making their nests of small twigs and rootlets, lined with fine grassesand lichens. During the latter part of May or June they lay three orfour eggs, which have a ground color of light greenish blue, spotted andsplashed with dark brown, and with fainter markings of lilac. Size 1. 00× . 70. Pine Grosbeaks have been separated into the followingsub-species, the chief distinction between them being in their ranges. The nesting habits and eggs of all are alike. 

515a. ROCKY MOUNTAIN PINE GROSBEAK. _Pinicola enucleator montana. _

Range. --Rocky Mountain region from New Mexico to Montana. 

515b. CALIFORNIA PINE GROSBEAK. _Pinicola enucleator californica. _

Range. --Higher parts of the Sierra Nevadas in California. 

515c. ALASKA PINE GROSBEAK. _Pinicola enucleator alascensis. _

Range. --Interior of Northwest America from Alaska south to BritishColumbia. 

515d. KADIAK PINE GROSBEAK. _Pinicola enucleator flammula. _

Range. --Kadiak Island and the southern coast of Alaska. 

516. CASSIN'S BULLFINCH. _Pyrrhula cassini. _

Range. --Northern Asia; accidental in Alaska. 

517. PURPLE FINCH. _Carpodacus purpureus purpureus. _

Range. --North America east of the plains, breeding from the MiddleStates north to Labrador and Hudson Bay; winters in the United States. 

These sweet songsters are quite abundant in New England in the summer, but more so north of our borders. While they breed sometimes in trees, in orchards, I have nearly always found their nests in evergreens, usually about three-fourths of the way up. The nests are made of fineweeds and grasses and lined with horse hair. The eggs, which are usuallylaid in June, are greenish blue, spotted with dark brownish; size . 85 ×. 65. 

517a. CALIFORNIA PURPLE FINCH. _Carpodacus purpureus californicus. _

Range. --Pacific coast, breeding from central California to BritishColumbia and wintering throughout California. 

The nesting habits and eggs of this darker colored variety are just likethose of the last. 

[Illustration 327: Greenish blue. ][Illustration: Purple Finch. ][Illustration: Greenish blue. ][Illustration: 515b--517a. ][Illustration right hand margin. ]

Page 326

518. CASSIN'S PURPLE FINCH. _Carpodacus cassini. _

Range. --North America west of the Rockies, breeding from BritishColumbia south to New Mexico. 

This species is similar to the last but the back, wings and tail aredarker and the purplish color of the preceding species is replaced by amore pinkish shade. The nesting habits and eggs are the same as those ofthe eastern Purple Finch; size of eggs . 85 × . 60. Data. --Willis, NewMexico, June 23, 1901. Nest made of twigs and rootlets and lined withhorse hair. Collector, F. J. Birtwell. 

519. HOUSE FINCH. _Carpodacus mexicanus frontalis. _

Range. --United States west of the Plains and from Oregon and Wyoming toMexico. 

This is one of the best known of western birds, and nests commonly inall situations from trees and bushes to vines growing on porches. Theirnests are made of rootlets and grasses and are lined with horse hair. Their nesting season includes all the summer months, they raising twoand sometimes three broods a season. The three to five eggs are palegreenish blue with a few sharp blackish brown specks about the largeend. Size . 80 × . 55. 

519b. SAN LUCAS HOUSE FINCH. _Carpodacus mexicanus ruberrimus. _

Range. --Southern Lower California. A slightly smaller variety of thepreceding. 

519c. SAN CLEMENTE HOUSE FINCH. _Carpodacus mexicanus clematis. _

Range. --San Clemente and Santa Barbara Islands. Somewhat darker than thelast. 

520. GUADALUPE FINCH. _Carpodacus amplus. _

Range. --Guadalupe Island, Lower California. 

Similar to the House Finch, but deeper red and slightly larger. Theirnesting habits and eggs are precisely like those of the House Finch butthe eggs average larger; size . 85 × . 60. 

520. 1. MCGREGOR'S HOUSE FINCH. _Carpodacus mcgregori. _

Range. --San Benito Island, Lower California. 

A newly made species, hardly to be distinguished from the last. Eggsprobably the same. 

[Illustration 328: Greenish blue. ][Illustration: Greenish blue. ][Illustration: 518--519. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 327

521. CROSSBILL. _Loxia curvirostra minor. _

Range. --Northern North America, breeding in the Alleghanies and fromnorthern New England northward; winters south to the middle portions ofthe United States and casually farther. 

The birds are very curious both in appearance and actions, being very"flighty" and restless, and apt to remain to breed on any of themountains. They build during March or April, making their nests oftwigs, rootlets, moss, feathers, etc. , and placing them in forks or onbranches of trees (usually conifers) at any height from the ground. Theeggs are greenish white, spotted with brown and with lavender shellmarkings; size . 75 × . 55. 

521a. MEXICAN CROSSBILL. _Loxia curvirostra stricklandi. _

Range. --Mountain ranges from central Mexico north to Wyoming. 

A larger variety of the preceding. The eggs will not differ exceptperhaps a trifle in size. 

522. WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL. _Loxia leucoptera. _

Range. --Northern North America, breeding in the Alleghanies and fromnorthern Maine northward; winters to middle portions of the UnitedStates. 

This species is rosy red with two white wing bars. Like the last, theyare of a roving disposition and are apt to be found in any unexpectedlocality. Their nesting habits are the same as those of the AmericanCrossbill, but the eggs average larger and the markings are moreblotchy; size . 80 × . 55. 

523. ALEUTIAN ROSY FINCH. _Leucosticte griseonucha. _

Range. --Aleutian and Pribilof Islands; south to Kadiak. 

This is the largest of the genus, and can be distinguished from theothers by its very dark chestnut coloration and the gray hindneck andcheeks. Like the other Leucostictes, they are found in flocks andfrequent rocky or mountainous country, where they are nearly alwaysfound on the ground. They build in crevices among the rocks or underledges or embankments, making the nest of weeds and grasses. Their fouror five pure white eggs are laid during June. Size . 97 × . 67. Data. --St. George Islands of the

[Illustration 329: Crossbill. ][Illustration: Greenish white. ][Illustration: Greenish white. ][Illustration: White-winged Crossbill. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 328

524. GRAY-CROWNED ROSY FINCH. _Leucosticte tephrocotis tephrocotis. _

Range. --Rocky Mountain region from Saskatchewan south to northern UnitedStates and also breeding in the Sierra Nevadas; winters on the lowlandsof northwestern United States and east to Manitoba. 

The habits and breeding habits of this species are like those of thelast. The bird is paler colored and the gray is restricted to the hindpart of the head. They nest on the ground in June, laying four or fivewhite eggs. 

524a. HEPBURN ROSY FINCH. _Leucosticte tephrocotis littoralis. _

Range. --Higher ranges from Washington and British Columbia to Alaska. 

This variety is like the Aleutian Leucosticte but the brown is a greatdeal paler. The nesting habits and eggs are, in all probability, likethose of the last. 

525. BLACK ROSY FINCH. _Leucosticte atrata. _

Range. --Rocky Mountain region of northern United States; known to breedin Idaho. 

This species is black in place of the brown of the others; the gray isrestricted to the hind part of the head and the rosy is rather moreextensive on the wings. Their eggs probably cannot be distinguished fromthose of the Gray-crowned variety. 

526. BROWN-CAPPED ROSY FINCH. _Leucosticte australis_. 

Range. --Breeds at high altitudes in the Rockies in Colorado; south toNew Mexico in winter. 

A similar bird to the Gray-crowned Leucosticte but with no gray on thehead. They nest on the ground above timber line on the higher ranges ofthe Rockies. 

527. GREENLAND REDPOLL. _Acanthis hornemanni hornemanni. _

Range. --Greenland and northern Europe; south in winter to Labrador. 

This large Redpoll nests at low elevations in trees and bushes, itshabits and eggs being similar to the more common American species. 

527a. HOARY REDPOLL. _Acanthis hornemanni exilipes. _

Range. --Breeds in the Arctic regions and winters south to the northernparts of the United States. 

This variety is smaller than the last and is considerably darker butstill retains the white rump of the Greenland Redpoll. Its nestinghabits are the same as those of the next. 

[Illustration 330: White. ][Illustration: 523--524--524a. ][Illustration: 525--526. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 329

528. REDPOLL. _Acanthis linaria linaria. _

Range. --Breeds within the Arctic Circle; winters south to New York, Kansas and northern California and casually farther. 

This species is similar to the last but much darker, and the rump isalso streaked with blackish. These handsome birds are often met with inwinter, feeding on seeds of the weed stems that project above the snow. Their flight and song is similar to that of the Goldfinch or PineSiskin. They nest at low elevations, either in trees or bushes. The eggsnumber from three to six and are pale bluish, sparingly specked withreddish brown. Size . 65 × . 50. Data. --Mouth of Great Whale River, HudsonBay, May 16, 1899. Nest in a willow 4 feet from the ground; made of finerootlets and grass, lined with feathers. Collector, A. P. Lowe. 

528a. HOLBOLL'S REDPOLL. _Acanthis linaria holbœlli. _

Range. --Arctic regions; south casually to the border of the UnitedStates. 

A slightly larger variety of the common Redpoll. Eggs probably notdistinguished. 

528b. GREATER REDPOLL. _Acanthis linaria rostrata. _

Range. --Breeds in southern Greenland; in winter south through Labradorto the northern border of the United States. 

This variety is larger and darker than the common Redpoll. It has beenfound breeding abundantly in southern Greenland, where its nestinghabits are the same as those of the Redpoll and the eggs similar butaveraging a trifle larger. 

529. GOLDFINCH. _Astragalinus tristis tristis_. 

Range. --North America east of the Rockies, and from Labrador andManitoba southward. 

These beautiful birds are among our sweetest songsters from May untilSeptember. They are resident throughout their United States range, wherethey breed in August or early in September, being one of the latestnesting birds that we have. Their nests are located in bushes, at aheight of generally below fifteen feet above the ground, being placed inupright forks, and made of plant fibres and thistle down, firmly woventogether. They lay from three to six plain bluish white eggs. Size . 65 ×. 50. The majority of nests that I have found have been in alders oversmall streams. 

[Illustration 331: Bluish green. ][Illustration: Redpoll. ][Illustration: Bluish white. ][Illustration: Goldfinch. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 330

[Illustration 332: AMERICAN GOLDFINCH. ]

Page 331

529a. PALE GOLDFINCH. _Astragalinus tristis pallidus. _

Range. --Rocky Mountains from Mexico to British Columbia. 

This variety is slightly larger and (in winter) paler than the last. 

529b. WILLOW GOLDFINCH. _Astragalinus tristis salicamans. _

Range. --Pacific coast from Washington to Lower California. 

Similar to the eastern Goldfinch but back said to be slightly greenishyellow. 

530. ARKANSAS GOLDFINCH. _Astragalinus psaltria psaltria. _

Range. --United States, west of the Plains and from Oregon to Mexico. 

This species has greenish upper parts and yellow below; the crown, wingsand tail are black, the bases of the lateral tail feathers and primariesbeing whitish. They are common in portions of their range, nesting insimilar locations to those chosen by the common Goldfinch and layingfrom three to five eggs which are similar but slightly smaller. Size . 60× . 45. Data. --Riverside, California, May 20, 1891. 5 eggs. Nest made offine grasses lined with cotton; 5 feet from the ground in a small tree. 

530a. GREEN-BACKED GOLDFINCH. _Astragalinus hesperophilus. _

Range. --Mexico north to the Lower Rio Grande in southern Texas. 

A similar bird to the last but with the entire upper parts and cheeks, black. The habits, nests and eggs are identical with those of theArkansas Goldfinch. 

531. LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCH. _Astragalinus lawrencei. _

Range. --Pacific coast of California, wintering along the Mexican border. 

This grayish colored Goldfinch has a black face and yellow breast, rump, wing coverts and edges of the primaries. They are quite common in theirrestricted range, nesting either in upright crotches or in the forks ofhorizontal limbs. The four or five eggs which they lay are pure white;size . 60 × . 45. Data. --Santa Monica Canyon, Cal. , April 26, 1903. Nestin a cypress tree 12 feet up; composed of grasses, feathers, etc. Collector, W. Lee Chambers. 

532. BLACK-HEADED GOLDFINCH. _Spinus notatus. _

Range. --Mountainous regions of Central America and southern Mexico;accidental in the United States. 

[Illustration 333: 529a--529b--530. ][Illustration: Bluish white. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 332

533. PINE SISKIN. _Spinus pinus. _

Range. --Breeds from northern United States northward, in the Alleghaniesand in the Rockies south to New Mexico. Winters throughout the UnitedStates. 

Siskins are of the size of the Goldfinch (5 inches long), and theircalls, songs and habits are similar to those of this bird. Their plumageis grayish brown, streaked with dusky and the bases of the wings andtail feathers are yellow. Like the Crossbills, they frequently feedalong our northern borders, but very sporadically. Their nests are builton horizontal branches of pines or cedars at any elevation from theground, being made of grasses and rootlets lined with hair or pineneedles, and of rather frail and flat construction. Their eggs are laidduring May or June and are greenish white, specked with reddish brown;size . 68 × . 48. Data. --Hamilton Inlet, Labrador, June 17, 1898. Nest onbranch of a spruce, 10 feet from the ground; made of grass, lined withmoss and feathers. Collector, L. Dicks. 

534. Snow Bunting. _Plectrophenax nivalis nivalis. _

Range. --Breeds in the Arctic regions, and winters irregularly in largeflocks through the United States to Oregon, Kansas and Georgia. 

These birds are only seen in the United States in large roving flocks, during the winter when they feed on weed seeds on side hills. Theirnests are built on the ground, being sunk into the sphagnum moss, andmade of grasses lined with feathers. Their four or five eggs are a lightgreenish white, spotted and splashed with yellowish brown and lilac. Size . 90 × . 65. 

534a. PRIBILOF SNOW BUNTING. _Plectrophenax nivalis townsendi. _

Range. --Pribilof and Aleutian Islands, Alaska. 

A slightly larger variety which is resident on the islands in its range. Eggs like those of the preceding; laid from May to July. 

[Illustration 334: Pine Siskin. ][Illustration: Greenish white. ][Illustration: Greenish white. ][Illustration: Snowflake. ][Illustration: left hand border. ]

Page 333

535. MCKAY'S SNOW BUNTING. _Pletrophenax hyperboreus. _

Range. --Western Alaska; known to breed on Hall's Island. 

This beautiful species is, in summer, entirely white except for the tipsof the primaries and a black spot on end of central tail feathers, thusbeing very distinct from the preceding, which has the back and the wingsto a greater extent black, at this season. Their eggs probably veryclosely resemble those of the last species. 

536. LAPLAND LONGSPUR. _Calcarius lapponicus lapponicus. _

Range. --Breeds in northern North America; winters south casually to NewYork, Ohio and Oregon and occasionally farther. 

These sparrow-like birds are 6. 5 inches long and have a black crown, cheeks and throat, and chestnut band on nape. Like the Snowflakes theynest on the ground in moss, but the four to six eggs that they lay aregrayish, heavily mottled and blotched with chocolate brown; size . 80 ×. 60. 

536a. ALASKA LONGSPUR. _Calcarius lapponicus alascensis. _

Range. --Northwest North America, breeding in Alaska; winter south toOregon. This sub-species is like the last but slightly paler. Eggsindistinguishable. 

[Illustration 335: Grayish. ][Illustration: Norman W. Swayns. NEST AND EGGS OF GOLDFINCH. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 334

537. SMITH'S LONGSPUR. _Calcarius pictus. _

Range. --Breeds in Hudson Bay and Mackenzie River districts and winterssouth to Texas chiefly on the Plains. 

This species is of the size of the last but is a rich buff color below, and the other markings are very different. These birds together with thenext species are very common on the prairies in central United States inwinter. They nest on the ground like the preceding species but the nestsare scantily made of grasses and not warmly lined like those of thelast. The eggs are similar but paler; size . 80 × . 60. Data. --HerschellIsland, Arctic Ocean, June 10, 1901. Nest built in a tuft of grass; madeof fine roots and grass, lined with feathers. 

538. CHESTNUT-COLLARED LONGSPUR. _Calcarius ornatus. _

Range. --Plains in the interior of North America, breeding from Kansasnorth to Saskatchewan; very abundant in the Dakotas and Montana. 

This handsome species in the breeding plumage has the throat white, breast and belly black, and a chestnut collar on the nape. They are oneof the most abundant breeding birds on the prairies, nesting in hollowson the ground either in the open or protected by a tuft of grass. Thenests are made of grasses and sometimes moss; three or four eggs laid inJune or July; white, blotched, lined and obscurely marked with brown andpurplish; size . 75 x . 55. 

539. MCCOWN'S LONGSPUR. _Rhynchophanes mccowni. _

Range. --Great Plains, breeding from Kansas to the Saskatchewan. 

This Longspur which breeds in company with the preceding, throughout itsrange, can be distinguished from it by the small black patch on thebreast, the black crown, and chestnut wing coverts. Their nesting habitsare the same, and at this season all the Longspurs have a sweet songoften uttered during flight, like that of the Bobolink. Their eggs areof the same size and similarly marked as the last, but the ground coloris more gray or olive. 

[Illustration: Smith's Longspur. ][Illustration 336: Grayish. ][Illustration: Chestnut-collared Longspur. ][Illustration: Dull white. ][Illustration: Grayish white. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 335

540. VESPER SPARROW. _Poœcetes gramineus gramineus. _

Range. --Eastern United States, breeding from Virginia and Missouri northto Manitoba and New Brunswick; winters in the southern half of theUnited States. 

A streaked grayish, buffy and white bird distinguished by its chestnutshoulders and white outer tail feathers. They are abundant birds ineastern fields where their loud piping whistle is known to manyfrequenters of weedy pastures. They build on the ground, either ingrassy or cultivated fields, lining the hollow scantily with grasses. Their four or five eggs are usually laid in May or June; they are dullwhitish, blotched and splashed with light brown and lavender tints; size. 80 × . 60. 

540a. WESTERN VESPER SPARROW. _Poœcetes gramineus confinis. _

Range. --This paler variety is found in North America west of the Plainsand south of Saskatchewan. 

Its nesting habits are like those of the preceding and the eggs areindistinguishable. 

540b. OREGON VESPER SPARROW. _Poœcetes gramineus affinis. _

A browner variety found on the coast of Oregon and northern California. 

Its nesting habits are like those of the eastern bird and the eggssimilar but averaging a trifle smaller. 

* * * ENGLISH SPARROW. _Passer domesticus. _

These birds, which were imported from Europe, have increased so rapidlythat they have overrun the cities and villages of the country and aredoing inestimable damage both by driving out native insect eating birdsand by their own destructiveness. They nest in all sorts of places butpreferably behind blinds, where their unsightly masses of straw protrudefrom between the slats, and their droppings besmirch the buildingsbelow; they breed at all seasons of the year, eggs having often beenfound in January, with several feet of snow on the ground and themercury below zero. The eggs number from four to eight in a set and fromfour to eight sets a season; the eggs are whitish, spotted and blotchedwith shades of gray and black. Size . 88 × . 60. 

[Illustration 337: Whitish. ][Illustration: McCown's Longspur. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: Vesper Sparrow. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 336

[Illustration 338: A. R. Spaid. NEST AND EGGS OF VESPER SPARROW. ]

Page 337

541. IPSWICH SPARROW. _Passerculus princeps. _

Range. --Breeds on Sable Island, off Nova Scotia; winters on coast ofSouth Atlantic States. This a large and pale colored form of the commonSavannah Sparrow. Its nesting habits are similar to those of the latterand the eggs are marked the same but average larger. Size . 80 × . 60. 

542. ALEUTIAN SAVANNAH SPARROW. _Passerculus sandwichensissandwichensis. _

Range. --Breeds on the Alaskan coast; winters south to northernCalifornia. 

A streaked Sparrow like the next but with the yellow superciliary linebrighter and more extended. Its nesting habits are precisely like thoseof the next variety which is common and well known; the eggs areindistinguishable. 

542a. SAVANNAH SPARROW. _Passerculus sandwichensis savanna. _

Range. --North America east of the Plains, breeding from the MiddleStates north to Labrador and the Hudson Bay region. 

Similar to the last but with the superciliary line paler and the yellowreduced to a spot on the lores. Their nests are hollows in the ground, lined with grasses and generally concealed by tufts of grass or weeds. Their three to five eggs vary greatly in markings from finely and evenlydotted all over to very heavily blotched, the ground color being grayishwhite. Size . 75 × . 55

542b. WESTERN SAVANNAH SPARROW. _Passerculus sandwichensis alaudinus. _

Range. --Western North America from Alaska to Mexico. 

A slightly paler form whose nesting habits and eggs do not differ fromthose of the last. 

542c. BRYANT'S SPARROW. _Passerculus sandwichensis bryanti. _

Range. --Salt marshes of California from San Francisco Bay south toMexico. 

Slightly darker and brighter than the eastern Savannah Sparrow and witha more slender bill. The eggs are not different from many specimens ofsavanna; they are light greenish white heavily blotched with variousshades of brown and lavender. Size . 75 × . 55. 

543. Belding's Sparrow. _Passerculus beldingi. _

Range. --Pacific coast marshes of southern California and southward. 

This species is similar to the last but darker and more heavily streakedbelow. They breed abundantly in salt marshes, building their nests inthe grass or patches of seaweed barely above the water, and making themof grass and weeds, lined with hair; the eggs are dull grayish white, boldly splashed, spotted and clouded with brown and lavender. Size. 78 × . 55. 

[Illustration 339: Grayish White. ][Illustration: Savannah Sparrow. ][Illustration: Grayish white. ][Illustration: Grayish white. ][Illustration: 542b--543. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 338

544. LARGE-BILLED SPARROW. _Passerculus rostratus rostratus. _

Range. --Coast of southern and Lower California. 

Similar to the Savannah Sparrow but paler and grayer, without yellowlores and a larger and stouter bill. They are common in salt marshes, often in company with the last species and their nesting habits aresimilar to and the eggs not distinguished with certainty from those ofthe latter. 

544a. SAN LUCAS SPARROW. _Passerculus rostratus guttatus. _

Range. --Southern Lower California. 

A slightly darker form of the preceding, having identical habits, andprobably, eggs. 

544c. SAN BENITO SPARROW. _Passerculus rostratus sanctorum. _

Range. --Breeds on San Benito Islands; winters in southern LowerCalifornia. 

The nesting habits and eggs of these very similar subspecies areidentical. 

545. BAIRD'S SPARROW. _Ammodramus bairdi_. 

Range. --Plains, breeding from northern United States to theSaskatchewan; south in winter to the Mexican border. 

These Sparrows breed abundantly on the plains of Dakota and northward, placing their nest in hollows on the ground in fields and along roadsides. During June or July, they lay three to five dull whitish eggs, blotched, splashed and spotted with light shades of brown and gray. Size. 80 × . 60. 

546. GRASSHOPPER SPARROW. _Ammodramus savannarum australis. _

Range. --United States east of the Plains, breeding from the Gulf toCanada. 

A stoutly built Sparrow marked on the upper parts peculiarly, like aquail; nape grayish and chestnut. These birds are common in dry fieldsand pastures, where their scarcely audible, grasshopper-like song isheard during the heat of the day. Their nests are sunken in the groundand

arched over so that they are very difficult to find, especially as thebird will not flush until nearly trod upon. The four or five eggs, laidin June, are white, specked with reddish brown. Size . 72 × . 55. 

546a. WESTERN GRASSHOPPER SPARROW. _Ammodramus savannarum bimaculatus_

Range. --West of the Plains from British Columbia to Mexico. 

Slightly paler than the last; has the same nesting habits; eggsindistinguishable. 

[Illustration 340: 544--544c. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: Baird's Sparrow. Grasshopper Sparrow. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 339

[Illustration 341: C. A. Reed. GRASSHOPPER SPARROW ON NEST. ]

Page 340

546b. FLORIDA GRASSHOPPER SPARROW. _Ammodramus savannarum floridanus. _

Range. --Central Florida. 

A local form, darker above and paler below than the common species. Eggsnot different in any particular. 

547. HENSLOW'S SPARROW. _Passerherbulus henslowi henslowi. _

Range. --United States east of the Plains, breeding locally from Marylandand Missouri north to Massachusetts and Minnesota. 

This species is similar in form and marking to the last, but is olivegreen on the nape, and the breast and sides are streaked with blackish. Their nesting habits are very similar to those of the GrasshopperSparrow, the nests being difficult to find. The eggs are greenish white, spotted with reddish brown. Size . 75 × . 55. 

547a. WESTERN HENSLOW'S SPARROW. _Passerherbulus henslowi occidentalis. _

Range. --A paler and very local form found in the Plains in South Dakotaand probably, adjoining states. Eggs not apt to differ from those of thepreceding. 

548. LECONTE'S SPARROW. _Passerherbulus lecontei. _

Range. --Great Plains, breeding from northern United States toAssiniboia; winters south to Texas and the Gulf States. 

A bird of more slender form than the preceding, and with a long, graduated tail, the feathers of which are very narrow and pointed. Theynest on the ground in damp meadows, but the eggs are difficult to findbecause the bird is flushed from the nest with great difficulty. Theeggs are white and are freely specked with brown. Size . 70 × . 52. 

549. SHARP-TAILED SPARROW. _Passerherbulus caudacutus. _

Range. --Breeds in marshes along the Atlantic coast from Maine to SouthCarolina and winters farther south. 

These birds are very common in nearly all the salt marshes of the coast, nesting in the marsh grass. I have nearly always found their nestsattached to the coarse marsh grass a few inches above water at hightide, and generally under apiece of drifted seaweed. The nests are madeof grasses, and the four or five eggs are whitish, thickly specked withreddish brown. Size . 75 × . 55. The birds are hard to flush and then flybut a few feet and quickly drop into the grass again. 

[Illustration 342: White. ][Illustration: Henslow's Sparrow. Leconte's Sparrow. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: Sharp-tailed Sparrow. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 341

549. 1. Nelson's Sparrow. _Passerherbulus nelsoni nelsoni. _

Range. --Breeds in the fresh water marshes of the Mississippi valley fromIllinois to Manitoba. 

This species is similar to the Sharp-tailed Finch but more buffy on thebreast and generally without streaks. The nesting habits are the sameand the eggs indistinguishable. 

549. 1a. ACADIAN SHARP-TAILED SPARROW. _Passerherbulus nelsonisubvirgatus. _

Range. --Breeds in the marshes on the coast of New England and NewBrunswick; winters south to the South Atlantic States. 

This paler variety of Nelson's Sparrow nests like the Sharp-tailedspecies and the eggs are the same as those of that bird. 

550. SEASIDE SPARROW. _Passerherbulus maritimus maritimus. _

Range. --Atlantic coast, breeding from southern New England to Carolinaand wintering farther south. 

This sharp-tailed Finch is uniform grayish above and light streaked withdusky, below. They are very abundant in the breeding range, where theynest in marshes in company with caudacutus. Their nests are the same asthose of that species and the eggs similar but slightly larger. Size . 80x . 60. Data. --Smith Island, Va. , May 20, 1900. Nest situated in tallgrass near shore; made of dried grass and seaweed. Collector, H. W. Bailey. 

All the members of this genus have a habit of fluttering out over thewater, and then gliding back to their perch on the grass, on set wings, meanwhile uttering a strange rasping song. The nesting habits and eggsof all the subspecies are precisely like those of this variety, and theyall occasionally arch their nests over, leaving an entrance on the side. 

550a. SCOTT'S SEASIDE SPARROW. _Passerherbulus maritimus peninsulœ. _

Range. --Coasts of Florida and north to South Carolina. Above blackishstreaked with brownish gray; below heavily streaked with black. 

550b. TEXAS SEASIDE SPARROW. _Passerherbulus maritimus sennetti. _

Range. --Coast of Texas. Similar to maritimus, but streaked above. 

550c. LOUISIANA SEASIDE SPARROW. _Passerherbulus maritimus fisheri. _

Range. --Gulf coast. This form is similar to peninsulœ, but darker andmore brownish. 

[Illustration 343: Seaside Sparrow. Dusky Seaside Sparrow. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 342

550d. MACGILLIVRAY'S SEASIDE SPARROW. _Passerherbulus maritimusmacgillivrai. _

Range. --Coast of South Carolina. Like fisheri but grayer. 

551. DUSKY SEASIDE SPARROW. _Passerherbulus nigrescens. _

Range. --Marshes of Indian River near Titusville, Florida. 

This species is the darkest of the genus, both above and below, beingnearly black on the upperparts. Their habits are like those of theothers and the eggs are not likely to differ. 

552. LARK SPARROW. _Chondestes grammacus grammacus. _

Range. --Mississippi Valley from the Plains to Illinois and casuallyfarther east, and from Manitoba to Texas; winters in Mexico. 

This handsome Sparrow has the sides of the crown and ear patcheschestnut, and the sides of the throat and a spot on the breast, black. They are sweet singers and very welcome birds in their range, where theyare quite abundant. Their nests are generally placed on the ground inthe midst of or under a clump of weeds or tuft of grass, but sometimesin bushes or even trees; they are made of grasses and weeds and theeggs, which are usually laid in May, are white marked chiefly about thelarge end with blackish zigzag lines and spots. Size . 80 × . 60. 

552a. WESTERN LARK SPARROW. _Chondestes grammacus strigatus. _

Range. --United States west of the Plains; breeds from British Columbiato Mexico. 

This paler and duller colored variety is common on the Pacific coast;its habits and nests and eggs are like those of the last. 

553. HARRIS'S SPARROW. _Zonotrichia querula. _

Range. --Mississippi Valley, chiefly west, breeding in Manitoba andSaskatchewan, the exact range being unknown. 

Although the birds are abundant during migrations, they seem to suddenlyand strangely disappear during the breeding season. Supposed nests havebeen found a few inches above the ground in clumps of grass, the eggsbeing whitish, thickly spotted with shades of brown. Size . 85 × . 65. 

[Illustration 344: Lark Sparrow. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: Whitish. ][Illustration: Harris's Sparrow. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 343

554. WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW. _Zonotrichia leucophrys leucophrys. _

Range. --North America breeding abundantly in Labrador and about HudsonBay, and casually in northern New England and in western United Statesin the Rockies and Sierras. 

Winters along our Mexican border and southward. A handsome species witha broad white crown bordered on either side by black, and with a whitesuperciliary line and black lores; the underparts are uniform grayishwhite. These birds appear to be nowhere as common as the White-throatedSparrows with which they associate during migrations and in the breedinggrounds. They build on the ground, generally near the edges of woods orin clearings, and lay from four to six eggs similar but larger, and withas much variation in markings as those of the Song Sparrow; palegreenish blue, spotted and splashed with reddish brown and grayish. Size. 90 × . 65. Data. --Nachook, Labrador, June 10, 1897. Nest of fine grasseson the ground in a clump of grass. 

554a. GAMBEL'S SPARROW. _Zonotrichia leucophrys gambeli. _

Range. --Rocky Mountains and westward from Mexico to Alaska, breedingchiefly north of the United States. 

This bird is like the last but the lores are white. Its nesting habitsand eggs cannot be distinguished from those of the former. 

554b. NUTTALL'S SPARROW. _Zonotrichia leucophrys nuttalli. _

Range. --Pacific coast from British Columbia to Lower California. 

Similar to the last but smaller and browner above; nests on the groundor in bushes, the eggs not being distinguishable from those of the otherWhite-crowns. 

557. GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW. _Zonotrichia coronata_. 

Range. --Pacific coast from Mexico to Alaska, breeding chiefly north ofour borders. 

This species has the crown yellow, bordered by black on the sides. Theirhabits are like those of the White-crowned Sparrows, they feeding uponthe ground among the dead leaves, and usually being found in flocks andoften accompanied by many of the last species. They nest upon the groundor in low bushes, and in May or June lay three or four eggs very similarto the last. Size . 90 × . 65. 

[Illustration 345: Pale greenish blue. ][Illustration: White-crowned Sparrow. ][Illustration: Pale greenish blue. ][Illustration: 554a--557. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 344

[Illustration 346: CHIPPING SPARROW. ]

Page 345

558. WHITE-THROATED SPARROW. _Zonotrichia albicollis. _

Range. --North America east of the Plains and breeding from the northerntier of states northward; winters from the Middle States southward. 

To my mind this is the most beautiful of Sparrows, with its bright andsoftly blended plumage and the pure white throat boldly contrasting withits grayish breast and sides of the head; the lores are adorned with abright yellow spot. They are one of the most abundant of Sparrows in theeast during migrations and their musical piping whistle is heard fromhedge and wood. They nest most abundantly north of our borders, layingtheir three or four eggs in grass lined hollows in the ground, or morerarely in nests in bushes. The eggs are white or bluish white, thicklyspotted with several shades of brown. Size . 85 × . 62. They nest mostoften in thickets or on the edge of swamps, in just such places as theyare met with on their migrations. 

559. TREE SPARROW. _Spizella monticola monticola. _

Range. --North America east of the Plains, breeding north of the UnitedStates to the Arctic coast, east of the Rockies; winters within theUnited States. 

A larger bird but somewhat resembling the common Chipping Sparrow, butbrowner above, with a black spot on the breast and no black on the head. They are quite hardy birds and winter in many of the northern stateswhere they may be found in flocks upon the snow, feeding on seeds ofprotruding weeds. They breed very abundantly in Labrador and aboutHudson Bay, placing their green nests in hollows on the ground or moss;their three or four eggs are greenish white, abundantly speckled allover the surface with reddish brown. Size . 80 × . 55. Data. --Foothills ofBlack Mountains, McKenzie River, Arctic America, June 13, 1899. Nest onthe ground under a tuft of grass on level plain; made of grasses andmoss and lined with feathers. 

559a. WESTERN TREE SPARROW. _Spizella monticola ochracea. _

Range. --North America west of the Plains, breeding in Alaska andwintering to Mexico. A paler form of the last, the nesting habits andeggs of which are the same. 

560. CHIPPING SPARROW. _Spizella passerina passerina. _

Range. --North America east of the Plains, breeding from the Gulf to theinterior of Canada and Newfoundland. 

[Illustration 347: White. ][Illustration: White-throated Sparrow. ][Illustration: Greenish white. ][Illustration: Tree Sparrow. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 346

As indicated by their name _socialis_, Chipping Sparrows are sociablebirds not only with others of the bird tribe, but with man. In alllocalities that are not overrun with English Sparrows, you will findthese confiding birds nesting in trees and shrubs in the yard and invines from porches, while in orchards, nearly every tree has its tenant. They are smaller birds than the last (5. 5 in. Long) and have the browncrown bordered by blackish and a black line through the eye. Theirnests, which may be found at any height from the ground and in any kindof a tree or shrub, are made of fine grass and weed stems, lined withhair; their three to five eggs are a handsome greenish blue, sparinglyspecked chiefly about the large end with blackish brown and purplish. Size . 70 × . 52. 

560a. WESTERN CHIPPING SPARROW. _Spizella passerina arizonæ. _

Range. --Western North America, chiefly west of the Rockies, from Mexicoto Alaska; winters in Mexico. 

This variety is much duller colored than the last and has but littlebrown on the back; its nesting habits are the same and the eggs do notappear to differ in any respect from those of the eastern bird. 

561. CLAY-COLORED SPARROW. _Spizella pallida. _

Range. --Interior of United States and Canada, from the MississippiValley to the Rockies, breeding from Iowa and Colorado northward;winters in Mexico. 

These birds can best be described as like the Chipping Sparrow with thebrown largely replaced with blackish. They breed quite abundantly inManitoba and Minnesota, placing their nests on or near the ground, andmaking them of fine grasses. The eggs cannot be distinguished withcertainty from those of the preceding but average a trifle smaller. Size. 65 × . 50. Data. --Barnsley, Manitoba, May 24, 1900. Nest of grass stalkslined with fine grass, one foot above ground in tuft of grass. 

562. BREWER'S SPARROW. _Spizella breweri. _

Range. --Western United States from Mexico to British Columbia rarely andchiefly between the Rockies and the Sierras; most abundant in New Mexicoand Arizona. 

This bird is similar to the last but is paler and more finely streaked. Their nesting habits are like those of pallida and the eggs areindistinguishable. 

[Illustration 348: Bluish white. ][Illustration: 559a--560a. ][Illustration: Bluish white. ][Illustration: Bluish white. ][Illustration: 561--562--564. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 347

[Illustration 349: CHIPPING SPARROWS (The whole family). ]

Page 348

563. Field Sparrow. _Spizella pusilla pusilla. _

Range. --North America east of the Plains, breeding from the Gulf tosouthern Manitoba and Quebec; winters in the Gulf States. 

These are abundant birds along roadsides, in thickets, or on drysidehills, where they nest indifferently on the ground or in bushes, making their nests of grass and weed stems. They are the birds, whosehigh piping song is most frequently heard on hot sultry days in summer. Their eggs are laid in May or June; they are pale bluish white, speckledand blotched with yellowish brown and grayish purple. Size . 65 × . 50. 

563a. WESTERN FIELD SPARROW. _Spizella pusilla arenacea. _

Range. --Great Plains from Mexico to Montana, breeding in the northernhalf of its range and wintering in the southern. 

A paler form of the last, whose general habits and eggs are the same asthose of the eastern bird. 

564. WORTHEN'S SPARROW. _Spizella wortheni. _

Range. --Southern New Mexico southward through central Mexico. 

This pale colored species is the size of the Field Sparrow but has nodecided markings anywhere. It is a rare bird within our borders anduncommon anywhere. I am not able to find any material in regard to theireggs. 

565. BLACK-CHINNED SPARROW. _Spizella atrogularis. _

Range. --Mexican border of the United States and southward. 

This slim-bodied, long-tailed species is grayish with a dusky streaked, reddish brown patch on the back and a black face, chin and throat. Theirhabits are similar to those of the Field Sparrow and their nests aremade near the ground in bushes, but the eggs are plain bluish green, about like unmarked Chipping Sparrows' eggs. Size . 65 × . 50. 

566. WHITE-WINGED JUNCO. _Junco aikeni. _

Range. --Breeds in the Black Hills of Dakota and Wyoming; winters inColorado and casually to Kansas. 

This species is like the next but larger and with the wings crossed bytwo white bars. Its habits are like those of the common Juncos, thenests are placed on the ground, concealed under overhanging rocks ortufts of grass, and the eggs are like those often seen of theSlate-colored Junco; 3 or 4 in number, pinkish white specked and spottedwith light reddish brown. Size . 75 × . 55. 

[Illustration 350: Field Sparrow. ][Illustration: Bluish white. ][Illustration: Greenish white. ][Illustration: White-winged Junco. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 349

567. SLATE-COLORED JUNCO. _Junco hyemalis hyemalis. _

Range. --North America east of the Plains, breeding in the northern tierof states and northward; winters in southern United States. 

This species is slaty gray on the head, neck, breast, flanks, back, wings and central tail feathers; the rest of the underparts are white, sharply defined against the gray. They migrate through the United Statesin large flocks, usually accompanied by White-throated or Fox Sparrows. They breed very abundantly in the northern parts of their range, frequently in the immediate vicinity of houses but generally on theedges of clearings, etc. , placing their nests on the ground andgenerally partially concealed by rocks, stumps, sods or logs; the nestsare made of grasses, lined with hair, and the four or five eggs arewhite or greenish white, variously speckled with reddish brown eitherover the entire surface or in a wreath about the large end. Size . 80 ×. 55. 

567a. OREGON JUNCO. _Junco hyemalis oreganus. _

Range. --Pacific coast from California to Alaska, breeding north of theUnited States. 

This sub-species is entirely unlike the preceding, having a black head, neck, throat, breast, wings and tail, and brown back; the remainder ofthe underparts are white, washed with pinkish brown on the sides. Thehabits and nesting habits of this western Junco are the same as those ofthe eastern, the birds building in similar localities and making thenests of the same material. There appears to be little, if any, difference between the eggs of the two varieties. 

567b. SHUFELDT'S JUNCO. _Junco hyemalis counectens. _

Range. --Pacific coast breeding from Oregon to British Columbia andwintering south to the Mexican boundary. 

Said to be slightly larger and duller colored than the Oregon Junco;eggs the same. 

567c. THURBER'S JUNCO. _Junco hyemalis thurberi. _

Range. --The Sierra Nevadas from Oregon to southern California. 

Similar to _oreganus_ but paler and back more pinkish; eggs will notdiffer. 

567d. POINT PINOS JUNCO. _Junco hyemalis pinosus. _

Range. --A very locally confined variety breeding in pine woods ofsouthwestern California, about Monterey and Santa Cruz. 

Similar to _thurberi_ with the head and neck slaty instead of black. 

[Illustration 351: Slate-Colored Junco. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: 567a--567g--567c. ][Illustration: right hend margin. ]

Page 350

567e. CAROLINA JUNCO. _Junco hyemalis carolinensis. _

Range. --Alleghanies in Virginia, the Carolinas and Georgia. 

A slightly larger bird than the Slate-colored Junco and with the billhorn color instead of pinkish white. They have been found to breed veryabundantly in the higher ranges of the Carolinas, nesting under banks, in tufts of grass, or occasionally in small bushes, in fact in suchlocations as are used by hyemalis. Their eggs which are laid during May, June or July (probably two broods being raised) are similar to those ofthe Slate-colored species but slightly larger. 

567f. MONTANA JUNCO. _Junco hyemalis montanus. _

Range. --From northern Idaho and Montana north to Alberta; winters southto Mexico. 

This variety is like _mearnsi_ but darker on the head and throat andwith less pink on the sides. Its nesting habits and eggs do not differfrom those of the Pink-sided Junco. 

567g. PINK-SIDED JUNCO. _Junco hyemalis mearnsi. _

Range. --Breeds in mountains of Idaho, Wyoming and Montana and winterssouth to Mexico. 

This species has the head and breast gray, the back brownish and thesides pinkish brown. They breed at high altitudes in the ranges, placingtheir nests of grasses under sods or overhanging rocks; their eggs arepinkish white before being blown and are spotted over the whole surfacebut more heavily at the large end with pale reddish brown and gray. Size. 80 × . 60. 

570. ARIZONA JUNCO. _Junco phæonotus palliatus. _

Range. --Mountains of western Mexico north to southern Arizona. 

Similar to the preceding species but upper mandible blackish and thegray on throat shading insensibly into the grayish white underparts. They are quite abundant in the higher ranges of southern Arizona, wherethey breed, placing their nests on the ground in similar locations tothose chosen by other Juncos; the three or four eggs are greenish white, finely speckled chiefly about the large end with reddish brown. Size . 76× . 60. 

570a. RED-BACKED JUNCO. _Junco phæonotus dorsalis. _

Range. --Breeds in the mountains of New Mexico and Arizona and southward. 

This variety is like the last but the reddish brown on the back does notextend to the coverts or wings. The nesting habits are like those of thelast but the eggs are only minutely specked about the large end. 

570b. GRAY-HEADED JUNCO. _Junco phæonotus caniceps. _

Range. --Rocky Mountain region from Wyoming south to Mexico. 

This species is similar to the Slate-colored Junco but has a reddishbrown patch on the back. They nest on the ground in mountainous regions, concealing the nests in tufts of grass or under logs, stones, etc. Theeggs are creamy or bluish white, specked over the whole surface, butmost numerously about the larger end with reddish brown. Size . 75 × . 60. Data. --Custer Co. , Colo. , June 4, 1897. Slight nest of small rootletsand fine grass placed under a tuft of grass. Altitude over 8, 000 feet. 

[Illustration 352: White. ][Illustration: 570b--571--572. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 351

571. BAIRD'S JUNCO. _Junco bairdi. _

Range. --Southern Lower California. 

This gray headed species with rusty back and sides is locally confinedto the southern parts of the California peninsula where it is resident. Its eggs are not likely to differ from those of the Pink-sided Juncowhich it most nearly resembles. 

567i. TOWNSEND'S JUNCO. _Junco hyemalis townsendi. _

Range. --Mountains of northern Lower California; resident and breeding. Similar to the Pink-sided Junco but duller colored; eggs probably thesame. 

572. GUADALUPE JUNCO. _Junco insularis. _

Range. --Guadalupe Island off Lower California

Resembles the Pink-sided Junco but is smaller, darker and dullercolored. They are common on the island where they nest in the pinegroves, laying their first sets in February or March. The nests are likethose of the genus and the eggs are greenish white, finely dotted withreddish brown at the large end. Size . 77 × . 60. 

573. BLACK-THROATED SPARROW. _Amphispiza bilineata bilineata. _

Range. --Breeds from central Texas to Kansas; winters in southern Texasand Mexico. 

This species is grayish brown above, with black throat, whitesuperciliary and line on side of throat. This is a common species thatnests on the ground or at low elevations in bushes, making their nestsof weed stems and grasses. The three to five eggs are bluish white, unmarked and similar to those of the Bluebird but smaller. Size . 72 × . 55. 

573a. DESERT SPARROW. _Amphispiza bilineata deserticola. _

Range. --Southwestern United States from western Texas to southernCalifornia, and north to Colorado and Nevada; winters in Mexico. 

Like the last but paler above. An abundant bird among the foothills andon plains throughout its range. Found generally in sage brush andthickets where it nests in bushes or on the ground laying three or fourbluish white eggs like those of the last. 

574. BELL'S SPARROW. _Amphispiza belli. _

Range. --Southern half of California and southward. 

These grayish, black and white birds are abundant in sage brush andthickets, nesting on the ground or at low elevations in bushes, andduring May or June, laying from three to four eggs of a pale greenishwhite color, spotted and blotched with reddish brown and purplish. Size. 75 × . 60. 

[Illustration 353: Black-throated Sparrow. ][Illustration: Bluish white. ][Illustration: 573a--574. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 352

574. 1. Sage Sparrow. _Amphispiza nevadensis nevadensis. _

Range. --Sage deserts of the Great Basin from Oregon and Montana, southto Mexico. 

This sub-species is abundant throughout its range where it nests near oron the ground, in or under bushes and generally concealed from view. Thenests are made of grass and sage bark lined with fine grass; the eggsare like those of the last species, greenish white, spotted and blotchedwith shades of brown and purplish. 

574. 1a. GRAY SAGE SPARROW. _Amphispiza nevadensis cinerea. _

Range. --A smaller and paler variety found in Lower California. 

The nests and eggs of this pale variety probably do not differ in anyrespect from those of the better known varieties. 

575. PINE-WOODS SPARROW. _Peucæa æstivalis æstivalis. _

Range. --Florida and southern Georgia. 

These birds are common in restricted localities in their range, nestingon the ground under bushes or shrubs; the nests are made of grasses andthe four or five eggs are pure white with a slight gloss. Size . 75 ×. 60. The birds are said to be fine singers and to frequent, almostexclusively, pine barrens. 

475a. BACHMAN'S SPARROW. _Peucæa æstivalis bachmani. _

Range. --South Atlantic and Gulf States; north to Indiana and Illinois. 

This variety is common in most localities in its range, frequenting pinewoods and barrens chiefly, and nesting on the ground in May or June. Their nests are made of grasses and lined with very fine grass, and havethe tops completely arched over leaving a small entrance on the side. The eggs are pure white with a slight gloss and measure . 75 × . 60. 

576. BOTTERI'S SPARROW. _Peucæa botterii. _

Range. --Mexican plateau north to southern Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. 

They nest in abundance in tall grass in the lowlands of their range, thenests being difficult to find because the bird flushes with greatdifficulty. The nests are on the ground, made of grass, and the three tofive eggs are pure white, measuring . 75 × . 60. 

[Illustration 354: 574. 1--576. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 353

578. CASSIN'S SPARROWS. _Peucæa cassini. _

Range. --Plains and valleys from Texas and Arizona north to Kansas andNevada. 

These birds breed in numbers on the arid plains, placing their grassnests on the ground at the foot of small bushes or concealed in tufts ofgrass, and during May lay four pure white eggs which are of the samesize and indistinguishable from those of others of the genus. 

579. RUFOUS-WINGED SPARROW. _Aimophila carpalis. _

Range. --Plains of western Mexico and north to southern Arizona. 

This pale colored bird bears a remote resemblance to the Tree Sparrow. They nest commonly in dry arid regions, placing their nests at lowelevations in bushes or cacti, preferably young mesquites, and makingthem of coarse grass lined with finer. Two broods are raised a seasonand from May to August sets of four or five plain bluish white eggs maybe found. Size . 75 × . 60. 

580. RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW. _Aimophila ruficeps ruficeps. _

Range. --Local in southern half of California and in Lower California. 

A brownish colored species both above and below, which is found onmountains and hillsides in restricted localities. They nest on theground placing their grass structures in hollows, usually at the foot ofa small bush or shrub and well concealed. They lay from three to fivepale bluish white eggs. Size . 80 × . 60. 

580a. SCOTT'S SPARROW. _Aimophila ruficeps scotti. _

Range. --Western Texas, New Mexico and Arizona south in Mexico. 

A paler species, above, than the last, and whitish below. It is quite acommon species on the mountain ranges where it nests on the ground, inclumps of grass or beneath shrubs or overhanging rocks; the nests aremade of grasses and weeds scantily put together. The eggs are white, untinted. Size . 80 × . 60. 

580b. ROCK SPARROW. _Aimophila ruficeps eremæca. _

Range. --Middle and southern Texas and south in Mexico. 

This variety frequents rocky mountain sides where it nests abundantlyunder rocks or at the foot of shrubs, the nests being made of coarsegrasses loosely twisted together and lined with finer grass. The birdsare shy and skulk off through the underbrush upon the approach of anyoneso that the nests are quite difficult to find. The three to five eggsare pure white and of the same size as those of the last. 

580c. LAGUNA SPARROW. _Aimophila ruficeps sororia. _

Range. --Mountains of southern Lower California. 

The nests and eggs of this very similar variety to _ruficeps_ proper arenot likely to differ in any particular from those of that species. 

[Illustration 355: White. ][Illustration: Bluish white. ][Illustration: 579--580. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 354

581. SONG SPARROW. _Melospiza melodia melodia_. 

Range. --North America, east of the Plains, breeding from Virginia toManitoba and New Brunswick, and wintering chiefly in the southern halfof the United States. 

A favorite and one of the most abundant in all sections of the east. They are sweet and persistent songsters and frequent side hills, pastures, roadsides, gardens and dooryards if English Sparrows be notpresent. They nest indifferently upon the ground or in bushes, generallyartfully concealing the nest by drooping leaves; it is made of grass andweed stems, lined with fine grass or, occasionally, horse hair. As isusual in the case of birds that abound about habitations they frequentlychoose odd nesting sites. They lay two and sometimes three sets of eggsa season, from May to August, the eggs being three to five in number andwhite or greenish white, marked, spotted, blotched or splashed inendless variety of pattern and intensity, with many shades of brown;some eggs are very heavily blotched so as to wholly obscure the groundcolor while others are specked very sparingly. They measure . 80 × . 60with great variations. 

581a. DESERT SONG SPARROW. _Melospiza melodia fallax_. 

Range. --Desert regions of southern Nevada, Arizona and southeasternCalifornia. The eggs of this very pale form are the same as those of thelast. 

581b. MOUNTAIN SONG SPARROW. _Melospiza melodia montana_. 

Range. --Rockies and the Great Basin from Oregon and Montana southward. 

This variety is paler than the Song Sparrow but darker than _fallax_. Eggs the same. 

581c. HEERMAN'S SONG SPARROW. _Melospiza melodia heermanni_. 

Range. --California, west of the Sierra Nevadas. 

Similar to _melodia_ but with less brown and the markings blacker andmore distinct. The nesting habits are the same and the eggs similar tolarge dark specimens of the eastern Song Sparrow. Size . 85 × . 62. 

581d. SAMUELS SONG SPARROW. _Melospiza melodia samuelis_. 

Range. --Coast regions of California, chiefly in the marshes. 

Similar to the last but smaller. They nest on the ground in marsh grass, usually in sandy districts along the shore. The eggs average smallerthan those of _melodia_. Size . 78 × . 58. 

581e. RUSTY SONG SPARROW. _Melospiza melodia morphna_. 

Range. --Pacific coast of Oregon and British Columbia. 

A dark species with the upper parts dark reddish brown and heavilystreaked with the same below. The nesting habits and eggs are like thoseof _melodia_. 

[Illustration 356: Song Sparrow. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: 581a--581c--581e. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 355

581f. SOOTY SONG SPARROW. _Melospiza melodia rufina. _

Range. --Pacific coast from British Columbia to Alaska. 

A darker bird, both above and below, even than the last. Eggs like thelast but averaging a trifle larger. Size . 82 × . 62. 

581g. BROWN'S SONG SPARROW. _Melospiza melodia rivularis. _

Range. --Southern Lower California. 

A light colored form like the Desert Song Sparrow; said to build in cattails above water as well as on the ground; eggs not different fromothers of the genus. 

581h. SANTA BARBARA SONG SPARROW. _Melospiza melodia graminea. _

Range. --Breeds on Santa Barbara Islands; winters on adjacent coast ofCalifornia. 

A variety of the same size but paler than _samuelis_. Nesting or eggsnot peculiar. 

581i. SAN CLEMENTE SONG SPARROW. _Melospiza melodia clementæ. _

Range. --San Clemente and Santa Rosa Island of the Santa Barbara group. 

Slightly larger than the last; habits and eggs the same. 

581j. DAKOTA SONG SPARROW. _Melospiza melodia juddi. _

Range. --North Dakota, breeding in the Turtle Mountains. 

Practically indistinguishable from the common Song Sparrow; the eggswill not differ. 

581k. MERRILL'S SONG SPARROW. _Melospiza melodia merrilli. _

Range. --Northwestern United States; eastern Oregon and Washington toIdaho. 

Very similar to, but lighter than the Rusty Song Sparrow. 

581l. ALAMEDA SONG SPARROW. _Melospiza melodia pusillula_. 

Range. --Salt marshes of San Francisco Bay, California. 

Similar to, but still smaller than Samuel Song Sparrow. Eggs will notdiffer. 

581m. SAN DIEGO SONG SPARROW. _Melospiza melodia cooperi. _

Range. --Southern coast of California; north to Monterey Bay. 

Similar to, but smaller and lighter than _heermanni_. 

581n. YAKUTAT SONG SPARROW. _Melospiza melodia caurina. _

Range. --Coast of Alaska from Cross Sound to Prince Williams Sound. 

Similar to the Sooty Song Sparrow but larger and grayer. Eggs probablyaverage larger. 

581o. KENAI SONG SPARROW. _Melospiza Melodia kenaiensis. _

Range. --Kenai Peninsula on the coasts. 

Like the last but still larger; length about 7 inches. 

581q. BISCHOFF'S SONG SPARROW. _Melospiza melodia insignis. _

Range. --Kadiak Island, Alaska. 

Similar to and nearly as large as the next species, but browner. 

581r. ALEUTIAN SONG SPARROW. _Melospiza melodia sanaka. _

Range. --Found on nearly all the islands of the Aleutian group, excludingKadiak. 

This is the largest of the Song Sparrows being nearly 8 inches inlength; it is similar in appearance to the Sooty Song Sparrow butgrayer. It nests either on the ground or at low elevations in bushes, the nest usually being concealed in a tuft of grass or often placedunder rocks or, sometimes, driftwood along the shores. The nests aremade of grasses and weed stems, and the eggs are similar to those of theSong Sparrow but much larger and more elongate. Size . 90 × . 65. 

[Illustration 357: Greenish white. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 356

583. LINCOLN'S SPARROW. _Melospiza lincolni lincolni. _

Range. --North America, breeding from northern United States north to theArctic regions; most abundant in the interior and the west; rare in NewEngland. 

This bird is shy and retiring and skulks off through the underbrush ofthickets and swamps that it frequents upon the approach of anyone;consequently it is often little known in localities where it is quiteabundant. They nest on the ground like Song Sparrows, and rarely inbushes. Their eggs are very similar to those of the Song Sparrow, threeor four in number, greenish white in color, heavily spotted and blotchedwith chestnut and gray. Size . 80 × . 58. 

583a. FORBUSH'S SPARROW. _Melospiza lincolni striata. _

Range. --Pacific coast of Oregon and British Columbia. 

Similar to the preceding but darker and browner. Eggs probably likethose of the last. 

584. SWAMP SPARROW. _Melospiza georgiana. _

Range. --North America, east of the Plains, breeding from middle UnitedStates north to Labrador and Hudson Bay. 

This common and dark colored Sparrow frequents swampy places where itbreeds; owing to its sly habits it is not commonly seen during thebreeding season. Its nests are made of grasses and located on the groundusually in places where the walking is extremely treacherous. The eggsare similar to those of the Song Sparrow but are generally darker andmore clouded and average smaller. Size . 75 × . 55. 

585. FOX SPARROW. _Passerella iliaca iliaca. _

Range. --Eastern North America, breeding from southern Canada northward, and northwest to Alaska; winters in southern United States. 

This large handsome species, with its mottled grayish and reddish brownplumage and bright rufous tail, is very common in eastern United Statesduring migrations, being found in open woods and hedges in company withJuncos and White-throated Sparrows, with which species their song viesin sweetness. They nest usually on the ground, but sometimes in lowbushes; the nests are made of grasses and are concealed beneath theoverhanging branches of bushes or evergreens. The three or four eggs aregreenish-white, spotted and blotched with brown. Size . 94 × . 68. 

[Illustration 358: Lincoln's Sparrow. ][Illustration: Greenish white. ][Illustration: Greenish white. ][Illustration: Greenish white. ][Illustration: Swamp Sparrow. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 357

585a. SHUMAGIN FOX SPARROW. _Passerella iliaca unalaschensis. _

Range. --Shumagin Islands and the Alaska coast to Cook Inlet. 

Similar to the last but paler, being one of the several recentunsatisfactory subdivisions of this genus. The nesting habits and eggsof all the varieties are like those of the common eastern form. 

585b. THICK-BILLED SPARROW. _Passerella iliaca megarhyncha. _

Range. --Mountains of eastern California and western Nevada; locallyconfined. 

Entire upper parts and breast spots gray; wings and tail brown. It nestsin the heaviest underbrush of the mountain sides, building on or closeto the ground. 

585c. SLATE-COLORED SPARROW. _Passerella iliaca schistacea. _

Range. --Rocky Mountain region, breeding from Colorado to BritishColumbia. 

This variety which is similar to, but smaller than the last, nests inthickets along the mountain streams. The eggs are like those of iliaca, but average smaller. 

585d. STEPHEN'S SPARROW. _Passerella iliaca stephensi. _

Range. --Breeds in the San Bernadino and San Jacinto Mts. In southernCalifornia. 

Like the Thick-billed Sparrow, but bill still larger and bird slightlyso. 

585e. SOOTY FOX SPARROW. _Passerella iliaca fuliginosa. _

Range. --Coast of Washington and British Columbia; south to California inwinter. 

585f. KADIAK FOX SPARROW. _Passerella iliaca insularis. _

Range. --Breeding on Kadiak Island; winters south to California. 

Like the last but browner above and below. 

585g. TOWNSEND'S FOX SPARROW. _Passerella iliaca townsendi. _

Range. --Southern coast of Alaska; winters south to California. Like thelast but more rufous above. 

Upperparts and tail uniform brownish umber, below heavily spotted. 

586. TEXAS SPARROW. _Arremonops rufivirgatus. _

Range. --Eastern Mexico and southern Texas. 

This odd species has a brownish crown, olive greenish upperparts, wingsand tail, and grayish white underparts. They are common resident birdsalong the Lower Rio Grande, being found in tangled thickets, where theynest at low elevations, making their quite bulky nests of coarse weedsand grass and sometimes twigs, lined with finer grass and hair; they areoften partially domed with an entrance on the side. Their eggs are plainwhite, without markings; often several broods are raised in a season andeggs may be found from May until August. 

[Illustration 359: Fox Sparrow. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 358

587. TOWHEE. _Pipilo erythrophthalmus erythrophthalmus. _

Range. --North America east of the Plains, breeding from the Gulf toManitoba. 

The well known Towhee, Ground Robin or Chewink is a bird commonly metwith in eastern United States; it frequents thickets, swamps and openwoods where they nest generally upon the ground and sometimes in bushesnear the ground. The nests are well made of grasses, lined with finegrasses and rootlets, and the eggs, which are laid in May or June, arepinkish white, generally finely sprinkled but sometimes with boldmarkings of light reddish brown, with great variations. Size . 90 × . 70. 

Towhees are noisy birds and at frequent intervals, while they arescratching among the leaves for their food they will stop and uttertheir familiar "tow-hee" or "che-wink" and then again will mount to thesummit of a tree or bush and sing their sweet refrain for a long time. 

587a. WHITE-EYED TOWHEE. _Pipilo erythrophthalmus alleni. _

Range. --Florida and the Atlantic coast to South Carolina. 

This variety is like the preceding except that the eyes are whiteinstead of red. There is no difference between their nesting habits andeggs, except that they much more frequently, and in some localities, almost always, nest in trees. 

588. ARCTIC TOWHEE. _Pipilo maculatus arcticus. _

Range. --Great Plains, breeding from northern United States to theSaskatchewan. 

This species is similar to the eastern Towhee but has the scapulars andcoverts tipped with white. They nest abundantly in suitable localitiesin Montana and North Dakota and more commonly north of our borders. Likethe eastern Towhee, they nest on the ground under the protection ofoverhanging bushes, the nests being made of strips of bark and grassesand lined with fine rootlets. Their three or four eggs, which are laidduring May, June or July, are pinkish white, profusely speckled withreddish brown; very similar to those of the eastern Towhee. Size . 92 ×. 70. 

588a. SPURRED TOWHEE. _Pipilo maculatus montanus. _

Range. --Breeds from Mexico to British Columbia, west of the Rockies. 

Similar to the last but with less white on the back. The nesting habitsand eggs are like those of the Towhee, but in some localities the nestsare most often found in bushes above the ground. 

[Illustration 360: Towhee or Chewink. ][Illustration: Purplish white. ][Illustration: Pinkish white. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 359

[Illustration 361: C. A. Reed. NEST AND EGGS OF TOWHEE. ]

Page 360

588b. OREGON TOWHEE. _Pipilo maculatus oregonus. _

Range. --Pacific coast from California to British Columbia; winters toMexico. Similar to the last but with still fewer white markings on theback and the chestnut flanks brighter. The nesting habits and eggs ofthis variety differ in no essential particular from those of thepreceding Towhees. 

588c. SAN CLEMENTE TOWHEE. _Pipilo maculatus clementæ. _

Range. --San Clemente Is. And other of the Santa Barbara group. 

Black of male said to be duller. Probably no difference between the eggsand others. 

588d. SAN DIEGO TOWHEE. _Pipilo maculatus megalonyx. _

Range. --Coast of southern California and Lower California. Said to bedarker than _megalonyx. _

588e. LARGE-BILLED TOWHEE. _Pipilo maculatus magnirostris. _

Range. --Southern Lower California. Similar to _arcticus_; bill said tobe larger. 

589. GUADALUPE TOWHEE. _Pipilo consobrinus. _

Range. --Guadalupe Island, Lower California. 

Similar to _oregonus_ but smaller and with a relatively shorter tail. The nesting habits and eggs of this species will not likely be found todiffer essentially from those of others of the genus. 

591. CANON TOWHEE. _Pipilo fuscus mesoleucus. _

Range. --Mexico and north to Arizona and New Mexico and casually fartherto Colorado. 

A common species in the valleys and on the side hills, nesting in bushesnear the ground, and sometimes on the ground; the nests are made ofgrasses, weeds and twigs lined with rootlets, and the three or four eggsare greenish blue sparingly spotted or scrawled with blackish brown, themarkings being similar to those on many Red-winged Blackbirds' eggs. Size 1. 00 × . 70. 

591a. SAN LUCAS TOWHEE. _Pipilo fuscus albigula. _

Range. --Southern Lower California. 

This variety is like the last but is usually paler below. It is abundantin the region about the cape where they nest in thickets, either in thebushes or on the ground. The eggs cannot be distinguished from those ofthe Canon Towhee. 

591b. CALIFORNIA TOWHEE. _Pipilo crissalis crissalis. _

Range. --Pacific coast of California. 

This variety is similar to the Canon Towhee but is browner, both aboveand below. They are one of the most common of California birds, frequenting scrubby thickets, both on mountain sides and in valleys andcanons, from which their harsh scolding voice always greets intruders. They place their nests in bushes at low elevations from the ground andsometimes on the ground;

[Illustration 362: 588b--591. ][Illustration: Greenish blue. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 361

they are made of twigs, strips of bark, weeds and coarse grasses, linedwith fine rootlets. Their three or four eggs are laid in April or May;they are light bluish green marked like the others with purplish orbrownish black. Size . 95 × . 72. 

591. 1a. ANTHONY'S TOWHEE. _Pipilo crissalis senicula. _

Range. --Southern California and south through Lower California. 

A very similar bird to the last but sightly smaller and lighter below. The habits and nesting habits of these birds are in every way identicalwith those of the California Towhee and the eggs cannot be distinguishedfrom those of that variety. They are fully as abundant in the southernparts of California as the others are in the northern. 

592. ABERT'S TOWHEE. _Pipilo aberti. _

Range. --Arizona and New Mexico north to Colorado and Nevada and east tosoutheastern California. 

This bird is wholly brownish gray both above and below shading intoreddish brown on the under tail coverts; the face is black. They areabundant in the valleys of Arizona and New Mexico, but unlike thepreceding species, they are generally wild and shy. They nest inchaparral thickets along streams, the nests being constructed similarlyto those of the California Towhee, and the eggs are not easilydistinguishable from those of that species, but they are usually moresparsely specked and the markings more distinct. Size 1. 00 × . 75. 

592. 1. GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE. _Oreospiza chlorura. _

Range. --Western United States, chiefly west of the Rockies from Montanaand Washington south to Mexico; wintering in southwestern United States. 

This handsome and entirely different plumaged species from any of thepreceding would, from appearance, be better placed in the group with theWhite-throated Sparrow than its present position. It has a reddish browncrown, the remainder of the upper parts, wings and tail being greenishyellow; the throat is white, bordered abruptly with gray on the breastand sides of head. These birds place their nests on the ground. Thenests are built similarly to those of the eastern Towhee, and the eggs, too, are similar, being whitish, finely dotted and specked with reddishbrown, the markings being most numerous around the larger end. Size . 85× . 65. 

[Illustration 363: Greenish blue. ][Illustration: 591. 1--592--592. 1. ][Illustration: Greenish blue. ][Illustration: Whitish. ][Illustration: Green-tailed Towhee. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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[Illustration 364: CARDINAL. ]

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593. CARDINAL. _Cardinalis cardinalis cardinalis. _

Range. --Eastern United States, north to New York and Illinois, west tothe Plains and Texas. Resident in most of its range. 

These beautiful fiery red and crested songsters are one of the mostattractive of our birds, and in their range, nest about habitations asfreely as among the thickets and scrubby brush of wood or hillside. Their nests are rarely placed higher than ten feet from the ground inbushes, branches, vines, brush piles or trees; they are loosely made oftwigs, coarse grasses and weeds, shreds of bark, leaves, etc. , and linedwith fine grass or hair. They frequently lay two or three sets of eggs aseason, the first being completed usually early in May; three or four, and sometimes five, white or pale bluish white eggs are laid; they arevery varied in markings but usually profusely spotted, more heavily atthe large end, with reddish brown and lavender. Size 1. 00 × . 70. 

593a. ARIZONA CARDINAL. _Cardinalis cardinalis superbus. _

Range. --Northwestern Mexico and southern Arizona. 

A larger and more rosy form of the Cardinal. Its eggs cannot bedistinguished from those of the eastern Redbird. 

593b. SAN LUCAS CARDINAL. _Cardinalis cardinalis igneus. _

Range. --Southern Lower California. 

Like the last but smaller and with less black on the forehead; eggs thesame. 

[Illustration 365: Bluish white. ][Illustration: NEST OF CARDINAL. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 364

593c. GRAY-TAILED CARDINAL. _Cardinalis cardinalis canicaudus. _

Range. --Northeastern Mexico and southern Texas. 

The male of this species is like the eastern Cardinal but the female issaid to be grayer. The nesting habits are the same and the eggsidentical with those of the latter. 

593d. FLORIDA CARDINAL. _Cardinalis cardinalis floridanus. _

Range. --Southern Florida. 

Supposed to be a deeper and richer shade of red. Eggs like those ofcardinalis. 

594. ARIZONA PYRRHULOXIA. _Pyrrhuloxia sinuata sinuata. _

Range. --Northwestern Mexico and the southern border of New Mexico, Arizona and western Texas. 

This species is of similar form and crested like a Cardinal, but thebill is very short and hooked like that of a Parrot; the plumage isgrayish, with wings and tail dull reddish; face and throat, and middleof belly rosy red. Their habits are the same as those of the Cardinal, but their nests are said to be slighter; they are placed in similarlocations to those of the latter, the two species often nesting togetherin the same thicket. Their eggs are like those of the Cardinal butaverage smaller, although the ranges overlap so that the eggs cannot bedistinguished. Size . 90 x . 70. Data. --San Antonio, Texas, May 16, 1889. Nest of fine grasses, lined with rootlets; 4 feet from ground in amesquite tree. 

594a. TEXAS PYRRHULOXIA. _Pyrrhuloxia sinuata texana. _

Range. --Northeastern Mexico and southern Texas. 

Said to be grayer and the bill to average larger than that of the last. There are no differences in the nesting habits or eggs between the twovarieties. 

594b. SAN LUCAS PYRRHULOXIA. _Pyrrhuloxia sinuata peninsulæ. _

Range. --Southern Lower California. 

Smaller than the Arizona Cardinal but with a larger bill. The eggs arelike those of the others but may average a trifle smaller. 

[Illustration 366: Cardinal. ][Illustration: Bluish white. ][Illustration: Texas Pyrrhuloxia. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 365

595. ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK. _Zamelodia ludoviciana. _

Range. --United States, east of the Plains, breeding from the MiddleStates and Ohio north to Manitoba and Nova Scotia. 

This beautiful black and white bird with rosy red breast and under wingcoverts, is one of the most pleasing of our songsters. They nest eitherin bushes or trees, generally between six and twenty feet from theground and usually in thick clumps of trees or scrubby apple trees. Thethree or four eggs, which are laid in June, are greenish blue, spotted, most heavily about the larger end, with reddish brown. Size 1. 00 × . 75. Data. --Worcester, Mass. , June 5, 1899. Nest of twigs and rootlets insmall apple tree in woods; nest very frail, eggs showing through thebottom. 

596. BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK. _Zamelodia melanocephala. _

Range. --United States, west of the Plains, breeding from Mexico north toBritish Columbia; winters south of the United States. 

This species is of the size of the last (8 inches long), and is a brightcinnamon brown color with black head, and black and white wings andtail. The habits of this bird are the same as those of the Rose-breastedGrosbeak and its song is very similar but more lengthy. Their nests, like those of the last, are very flimsy structures placed in bushes ortrees, usually below twenty feet from the ground; they are openframeworks of twigs, rootlets and weed stalks, through which the eggscan be plainly seen. The eggs are similar to those of the preceding butare usually of a paler color, the markings, therefore showing withgreater distinctness. Size 1. 00 × . 70. 

[Illustration 367: Greenish blue. ][Illustration: Rose-breasted Grosbeak. ][Illustration: Pale greenish white. ][Illustration: J. B. Pardoe. NEST OF ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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597. BLUE GROSBEAK. _Guiraca cærulea. _

Range. --Southeastern United States, breeding from the Gulf north toPennsylvania and Illinois, and casually to New England. 

Smaller than the last two species and deep blue, with wings and tailblackish, and the lesser coverts and tips of greater, chestnut. It is afairly common species in the southerly parts of its range, nesting mostfrequently in low bushes or vines in thickets; the nest is made ofrootlets, weed stalks and grasses and sometimes leaves. The three orfour eggs are bluish white, unmarked. Size . 85 × . 65. Data. --ChathamCo. , Ga. , June 10, 1898. 3 eggs. Nest of roots, leaves and snake skin, lined with fine rootlets, 3 feet from the ground in a small oak bush. 

597a. WESTERN BLUE GROSBEAK. _Guiraca cærulea lazula. _

Range. --Western United States north to Kansas, Colorado and northernCalifornia. 

Slightly larger than the last and lighter blue; nests the same and eggnot distinctive. 

598. INDIGO BUNTING. _Passerina cyanea. _

Range. --United States, east of the Plains, breeding north to Manitobaand Nova Scotia; winters south of the United States. 

This handsome species is rich indigo on the head and neck, shading intoblue or greenish blue on the upper and under parts. They are veryabundant in some localities along roadsides, in thickets and open woods, where their song is frequently heard, it being a very sweet refrainresembling, somewhat, certain passages from that of the Goldfinch. Theynest at low elevations in thickets or vines, building their home ofgrass and weeds, lined with fine grass or hair, it being quite asubstantial structure. The eggs, which are laid in June or July, arepale bluish white. Size . 75 × . 52. 

599. LAZULI BUNTING. _Passerina amœna. _

Range. --Western United States, breeding from Mexico to northern UnitedStates and the interior of British Columbia; east to Kansas. 

This handsome bird is of the size of _cyanea_, but is azure blue aboveand on the throat, the

[Illustration 368: Blue Grosbeak. ][Illustration: Bluish white. ][Illustration: Pale bluish white. ][Illustration: Indigo Bunting. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 367

breast being brownish and the rest of the underparts, white. It is thewestern representative of the Indigo Bunting, and its habits and nestinghabits are in all respects the same as those of that species, the nestsbeing made of twigs, grasses, strips of bark, weeds, leaves, etc. Theeggs are like those of the last, pale bluish white. Size . 75 × . 55. 

600. VARIED BUNTING. _Passerina versicolor_. 

Range. --Mexico and north to southern Texas. 

The general color of this odd bird is purplish, changing to bright blueon the crown and rump, and with a reddish nape. They are quite abundantin some localities along the Lower Rio Grande, where they nest in bushesand tangled under brush, the nests being like those of the last species, and rarely above five feet from the ground. The eggs are pale bluishwhite, three or four in number, and laid during May or June. Size . 75 ×. 55. 

600a. BEAUTIFUL BUNTING. _Passerina versicolor pulchra. _

Range. --Southern Lower California. 

Slightly smaller but very similar to the last; eggs will not differ. 

601. PAINTED BUNTING. _Passerina ciris. _

Range. --South Atlantic and Gulf States; north to Illinois in theinterior. 

Without exception, this is the most gaudily attired of North Americanbirds, the whole underparts being red, the head and neck deep blue, theback yellowish green, and the rump purple, the line of demarcationbetween the colors being sharp. They are frequently kept as cage birdsbut more for their bright colors than any musical ability, their songbeing of the character of the Indigo Bunting, but weaker and lessmusical. They are very abundant in the South Atlantic and Gulf States, where they nest usually in bushes or hedges at low elevations, butoccasionally on branches of tall trees. Their nests are made of weeds, shreds of bark, grasses, etc. , lined with fine grass, very muchresembling that of the Indigo. Their eggs are laid in May, June or July, they frequently raising two broods; they are white or pale bluish white, speckled with reddish brown. Size . 75 × . 55. 

[Illustration 369: Pale bluish white. ][Illustration: Lazuli Bunting. ][Illustration: Pale bluish white. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: Varied Bunting. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 368

602. SHARPE'S SEED-EATER. _Sporophila morelleti morelleti_. 

Range. --Eastern Mexico, breeding north to the Lower Rio Grande Valley inTexas. 

This peculiar, diminutive Finch is but 4. 5 inches in length, and inplumage is black, white and gray. In restricted localities in southernTexas, they are not uncommon during the summer months. They build inbushes or young trees at low elevations making their nests of finegrasses or fibres, firmly woven together and usually placed in anupright crotch. The eggs are pale greenish blue, plentifully speckledwith reddish and umber brown, and some markings of lilac. Size . 65 ×. 45. Data. --Brownsville, Texas, May 7, 1892. Nest of fine fibre-likematerial lined with horse hairs, on limb of small tree in open woodsnear a lake of fresh water; 6 feet above ground. Collector, Frank B. Armstrong. This set is in the collection of Mr. C. W. Crandall. 

603. GRASSQUIT. _Tiaris bicolor. _

Range. --This small Finch is a Cuban species which casually strays tosouthern Florida. 

They are abundant on the island, building large arched nests of grass, with a small entrance on the side. They lay from three to six whiteeggs, specked with brown. Size . 65 × . 50. 

603. 1 MELODIOUS GRASSQUIT. _Tiaris canora. _

Another Cuban Finch which has been taken in the Florida Keys. Eggs likethe last. 

604. DICKCISSEL. _Spiza americana. _

Range. --Interior of the United States, breeding from the Gulf tonorthern United States, west to the Rockies, east to the Alleghanies. 

A sparrow-like Bunting with a yellow breast patch, line over eye and onside of throat; throat black, chin white and wing coverts chestnut. These sleek-coated, harmoniously colored birds are very common in drybush-grown pastures and on the prairies. They are very persistentsingers, and their song, while very simple, is welcome on hot days whenother birds are quiet. They nest anywhere, as suits their fancy, on theground, in clumps of grass, in clover fields, bushes, low trees, or inthistles. The nests are made of weeds, grasses, leaves and rootlets, lined with fine grass, and the three to five eggs are bluish white. Size. 80 × . 60. 

[Illustration 370: Painted Bunting. ][Illustration: Greenish blue. ][Illustration: Bluish white. ][Illustration: Sharpe's Seed-eater. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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605. LARK BUNTING. _Calamospiza melanocorys. _. 

Range. --A bird of the Plains, abundant from western Kansas to easternColorado and north to the Canadian border; winters in Mexico. 

These black and white birds have a sweet song which they often utterwhile on the wing after the manner of the Bobolink, all their habitsbeing similar to those of this bird, except that this species likes thebroad dry prairies where it nests on the ground under the protection ofa tuft of grass or a low bush. Their four or five eggs are like those ofthe last but slightly larger. Size . 85 × . 65. Data. --Franklin Co. , Kansas. 4 eggs. Nest in cornfield in a hollow on the ground at the baseof a stalk; made of straw and weeds. 

TANAGERS. Family TANAGRIDÆ

607. WESTERN TANAGER. _Piranga ludoviciana. _

Range. --United States, west of the Plains and north to British Columbia. 

This handsome species is black and yellow, with an orange or reddishhead. They are common and breed in suitable localities through theirrange, nesting as do the eastern Tanagers in trees usually at a lowelevation, the nests being saddled on the forks of horizontal branches;they are made of rootlets, strips of bark, and weed stalks, and areusually frail like those of the Grosbeaks. Their eggs, which are laid inMay or June, are bluish green, specked with brown of varying shades. Size . 95 × . 65. 

608. SCARLET TANAGER. _Piranga erythromelas. _

These beautiful scarlet and black birds frequent, chiefly, woodlands, although they are very often found breeding in orchards and small pinegroves. They are quiet birds, in actions, but their loud warbling songis heard at a great distance, and is readily recognized by itspeculiarity. They nest upon horizontal

[Illustration 371: Bluish white. ][Illustration: Dickcissel. ][Illustration: Bluish green. ][Illustration: Greenish blue. ][Illustration: Lark Bunting. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

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limbs or forks at elevations of four to twenty feet, making frail nestsof twigs, rootlets and weeds; they are often found in pine trees, butapparently just as frequently in other kinds. Their eggs are greenishblue, specked and spotted with various shades of brown. Size . 95 × . 65. Data. --Holden, Mass. , May 31, 1898. Nest on low limb of an oak, 4 feetabove ground; of weeds and rootlets and very frail. 

609. HEPATIC TANAGER. _Piranga hepatica. _

Range. --Western Mexico, north to New Mexico and Arizona in summer. 

This species is similar to the next but is darker red on the upper partsand bright vermilion below. They nest on the lower horizontal branchesof trees, usually live oaks, making the nests of rootlets and weeds; theeggs are bluish green, like those of the next, but the markings appearto average more blotchy and brighter. Size . 92 × . 64. 

610. SUMMER TANAGER. _Piranga rubra rubra. _

Range. --Eastern United States, breeding from the Gulf to New York andKansas, and casually farther; west to Texas; winters south of ourborders. 

This bird is of the size of the Scarlet Tanager, but is of a uniformrosy red color, darker on the back. They are very common in the SouthAtlantic and Gulf States. Their nests are located at low elevations onhorizontal branches of trees in open woods, edges of clearings, or alongthe roadside; the nests are made of strips of bark, weed stems, leaves, etc. , and are frail like those of the other Tanagers. Their eggs arelight bluish green, speckled and spotted with reddish brown, and notdistinguishable with certainty from those of the Scarlet Tanager. Size. 92 × . 64. 

610a. COOPER'S TANAGER. _Piranga rubra cooperi. _

Range. --Western United States, breeding from the Mexican border andTexas north to central California and Nevada. 

Similar to but slightly larger than the last. There are no differencesbetween the nesting of this form and the last and the eggs are not inany way different. 

[Illustration 372: Scarlet Tanager. ][Illustration: Bluish green. ][Illustration: Light bluish green. ][Illustration: Summer Tanager. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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[Illustration 373: SCARLET TANAGER. ]

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SWALLOWS. Family HIRUNDINIDÆ

611. PURPLE MARTIN. _Progne subis subis. _

Range. --Breeds throughout the United States and temperate BritishAmerica; winters in South America. 

These large, lustrous, steely-blue Swallows readily adapt themselves tocivilization and, throughout the east, may be found nesting in birdhouses, provided by appreciative land owners or tenants; some of thesehouses are beautiful structures modeled after modern residences andtenanted by twenty or thirty pairs of Martins; others are plain, unpainted soap boxes or the like, but the birds seem to take to one askindly as the other, making nests in their compartments of weeds, grass, mud, feathers, etc. They also, and most commonly in the west, nest incavities of trees making nests of any available material. During June orJuly, they lay from four to six white eggs; size . 95 × . 65. Data. --Leicester, Mass. , June 16, 1903. 5 eggs in Martin house; nest ofgrasses. 

611a. WESTERN MARTIN. _Progne subis hesperia. _

Range. --Pacific coast from Washington south. 

The nesting habits, eggs, and birds of this form are identical withthose found in the east. 

611. 1. CUBAN MARTIN. _Progne cryptoleuca_. 

Range. --Cuba and southern Florida (in summer). 

Slightly smaller than the Purple Martin and the eggs average a triflesmaller. 

612. CLIFF SWALLOW. _Petrochelidon lunifrons lunifrons. _

Range. --Whole of North America, breeding north from the south Atlanticand Gulf States. 

These birds can easily be recognized by their brownish throat andbreast, whitish forehead and buffy rump. They build one of the mostpeculiar of nests, the highest type being a flask shaped structure ofmud securely cemented to the face of a cliff or under the eaves of abuilding, the entrance being drawn out and small, while the outside ofthe nest proper is large and rounded; they vary from

[Illustration 374: White. ][Illustration: Purple Martin. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: Cliff Swallow. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

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this typical nest down to plain mud platforms, but are all warmly linedwith grass and feathers. In some localities, cliffs resemble bee hives, they having thousands of these nests side by side and in tiers. Theireggs are creamy white spotted with reddish brown; size . 80 × . 55 withgreat variations. Data. --Rockford, Minn. , June 12, 1890. Nest made ofmud, lined with feathers; placed under the eaves of a freight house. 

612. 1. CUBAN CLIFF SWALLOW. _Petrochelidon fulva. _

Range. --West Indies and Central America; accidental on Florida Keys. 

613. BARN SWALLOW. _Hirundo erythrogastra. _

Range. --Whole of North America; winters south to South America. 

This Swallow is the most beautiful and graceful of the family, and is afamiliar sight to everyone, skimming over the meadows and ponds in longgraceful sweeps, curves and turns, its lengthened outer tail feathersstreaming behind. Throughout their range, they nest in barns, sheds orany building where they will not be often disturbed, making their nestsof mud and attaching them to the rafters; they are warmly lined withfeathers and the outside is rough, caused by the pellets which theyplace on the exterior. Before the advent of civilized man, they attachedtheir nests to the sides of caves, in crevices among rocks and in hollowtrees, as they do now in some localities. Their eggs cannot bedistinguished from those of the Cliff Swallow. Data. --Penikese Is. , Mass. , July 2, 1900. Nest on beam in sheep shed; made of pellets of mud, lined with feathers. 

614. TREE SWALLOW; White-bellied Swallow. _Iridoprocne bicolor. _

Range. --Whole of temperate North America, breeding from middle UnitedStates northward; winters in the Gulf States and along the Mexicanborder and southward. 

This vivacious and active species is as well known as the last, andnests about habitations on the outskirts of cities and in the country. 

[Illustration 375: Barn Swallow. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: Tree Swallow. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 374

They naturally nest in holes in trees or stumps, preferable in thevicinity of water, but large numbers now take up their abode in housesprovided for them by man, providing that English Sparrows are kept away. They make their nests of straws and grasses, lined with feathers, andlay four to six plain white eggs; size . 75 × . 50. Data. --Portage, Mich. , May 26, 1897. Nest in a gate post; hole about 6 inches deep, lined withfeathers. 

615. NORTHERN VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW. _Tachycineta thalassina lepida. _

Range. --United States in the Rocky Mountains and west to the Pacificcoast, breeding from Mexico to British Columbia; winters south of ourborders. 

This very beautiful species is smaller than the last, but, like it, iswhite below, but the upper parts are blue, green and purple withoutgloss. They are common in their range and nest, usually in holes intrees, less often in banks and under eaves; the nests are made of grassand feathers, and the eggs are pure white, four or five in number; size. 72 × . 50. 

615a. SAN LUCAS SWALLOW. _Tachycineta thalassina brachyptera. _

Range. --Southern Lower California. Practically the same bird as the lastbut with the wing very slightly shorter. Nesting habits or eggs will notdiffer. 

615. 1. BAHAMAN SWALLOW. _Callichelidon cyaneoviridis. _

Range. --Bahamas; casual at Dry Tortugas, Florida. 

This very beautiful species is similar to the western Violet-greenSwallow, as are also its eggs. 

616. BANK SWALLOW. _Riparia riparia. _

Range. --Whole of North America, north to the limit of trees, breedingfrom the middle portions of the United States northward; winters southof our borders. 

This dull-colored Swallow is grayish above and white below, with a grayband across the breast, they breed in holes in embankments, diggingsmall tunnels from one to three feet in length, enlarged and lined atthe end with grass and feathers. During May, June or July, according tolatitude, they lay from four to six pure white eggs; size . 70 × . 50. 

617. ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW. _Stelgidopteryx serripennis. _

Range. --United States, breeding from Mexico north to southern NewEngland, Manitoba and British Columbia; winters south of our borders. 

This species is slightly larger than the last and similar but with thethroat and breast grayish and with the outer web of the outer primaryprovided with recurved hooks. They nest in holes in embankments, increvices in cliffs or among stones of bridges or buildings. Their eggsare like those of the Bank Swallow but average a trifle larger; size . 75× . 52. 

[Illustration 376: White. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: 615--616. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 375

WAXWINGS. Family AMPELIDÆ

618. BOHEMIAN WAXWING. _Bombycilla garrulus_. 

Range. --Breeds in the Arctic regions except in the Rockies where itnearly reaches the United States; winters south to the northern tier ofstates. 

This handsome crested, grayish brown Waxwing resembles the common CedarWaxwing but is larger (length 8 inches), has a black throat, much whiteand yellow on the wing and a yellow tip to tail. Their nests are made ofrootlets, grass and moss, and situated in trees usually at a lowelevation. The eggs resemble those of the Cedar-bird, but are larger andthe marking more blotchy with indistinct edges; dull bluish blotchedwith blackish brown; size . 95 × . 70. Data. --Great Slave Lake, June 23, 1884. Nest in a willow 8 feet from the ground. Collected for JosiahHooper. (Crandall collection). 

619. CEDAR WAXWING. _Bombycilla cedrorum. _

Range. --Whole of temperate North America, breeding in the northern halfof the United States and northward. 

These birds are very gregarious and go in large flocks during thegreater part of the year, splitting up into smaller companies during thebreeding season and nesting in orchards or groves and in any kind oftree either in an upright crotch or on a horizontal bough; the nests aremade of grasses, strips of bark, moss, string, etc. , and are often quitebulky. Their eggs are of a dull grayish blue color sharply speckled withblackish brown; size . 85 × . 60. Data. --Old Saybrook, Conn. , June 22, 1900. Nest composed of cinquefoil vines, grasses, wool and cottonysubstances; situated on an apple tree branch about 10 feet from theground. Collector, John N. Clark. This species has a special fondnessfor cherries, both wild and cultivated, and they are often known asCherry-birds. They also feed upon various berries, and frequently catchinsects in the air after the manner of Flycatchers. Their only notes area strange lisping sound often barely audible. 

[Illustration 377: Dull bluish. ][Illustration: Bohemian Waxwing. ][Illustration: Dull bluish. ][Illustration: Cedar Waxwing. ]

Page 376

620. PHAINOPEPLA. _Phainopepla nitens_. 

Range. --Southwestern United States and Mexico; north to southern Utahand Colorado. 

This peculiar crested species is wholly shining blue black except for apatch of white on the inner webs of the primaries. Their habits aresomewhat like those of the Cedar-bird, they being restless, and feedingupon berries or insects, catching the latter in the air. They makeloosely constructed nests of twigs, mosses, plant fibres, etc. , placedon branches of trees, usually below 20 feet from the ground, in thicketsor open woods near water; the eggs are two or three in number, lightgray, spotted sharply with black; size . 88 × . 65. Data. --Pasadena, Cal. , July 15, 1894. Nest in an oak 10 feet up; composed of weeds and string. Collector, Horace Gaylord. 

SHRIKES. Family LANIIDÆ

621. NORTHERN SHRIKE. _Lanius borealis. _

Range. --North America, breeding north of our borders; winters innorthern half of the United States and casually farther south. 

All Shrikes are similar in nature and plumage, being grayish above andwhite below, with black wings, tail and ear patches, and with whiteouter tail feathers and bases of primaries; the present species may beknown by its larger size (length over 10 inches) and wavy dusky lines onthe breast. They are bold and cruel birds, feeding upon insects, smallrodents and small birds, in the capture of which they display greatcunning and courage; as they have weak feet, in order to tear their preyto pieces with their hooked bill, they impale it upon thorns. They nestin thickets and tangled underbrush, making their nests of vines, grasses, catkins, etc. , matted together into a rude structure. DuringApril or May they lay from four to six grayish white eggs, spotted andblotched with yellowish brown and umber; size 1. 05 × . 75. 

622. LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE. _Lanius ludovicianus ludovicianus. _

Range. --United States, east of the Plains, breeding north to New Englandand Illinois; winters in Southern States. 

Like the last but smaller (length 9 inches), not marked below and withthe ear patches sharply defined. They nest in hedges or thickly tangledbrush, showing a predilection for dense thorn bushes, where they placetheir piles of weeds, grasses, feathers and rubbish; the four or fiveeggs are laid in April or May; they are like those of the last, butsmaller, averaging . 96 × . 72. 

[Illustration 378: 619--620. ][Illustration: Light gray. ][Illustration: Grayish white. ][Illustration: Grayish white. ][Illustration: Northern Shrike. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 377

[Illustration 379: I. E. Hess. LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE AND NEST. ]

Page 378

622a. WHITE-RUMPED SHRIKE. _Lanius ludovicianus excubitorides. _

Range. --North America, west of the Plains, breeding north to Manitobaand the Saskatchewan; winters south to Mexico. 

Like the last but paler and the rump white. Their nesting habits andeggs are in every respect like those of the Loggerhead Shrike. 

622b. CALIFORNIA SHRIKE. _Lanius ludovicianus gambeli. _

Range. --Pacific coast north to British Columbia. 

Similar to the eastern form but with the breast washed with brownish andwith indistinct wavy bars. The eggs cannot be distinguished from thoseof the others. 

622c. ISLAND SHRIKE. _Lanius ludovicianus anthonyi. _

Range. --Santa Barbara Islands, California. Like the last but smaller anddarker. Eggs not distinguishable. 

VIREOS. Family VIREONDIDÆ

623. BLACK-WHISKERED VIREO. _Vireosylva calidris barbatula. _

Range. --A Central American species, breeding in Cuba, Bahamas andsouthern Florida. 

Like the Red-eyed Vireo but with a dusky streak on either side of thechin. They build pensile nests of strips of bark and fibres, swung fromthe forks of branches. The eggs cannot be distinguished from those ofthe next species, being white, more or less specked about the large endwith reddish brown and umber. Size . 78 × . 55. 

[Illustration 380: Loggerhead Shrike. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: 622a--622b. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 379

[Illustration 381: YOUNG SHRIKES (All ready for flight). ]

Page 380

624. RED-EYED VIREO. _Vireosylva olivacea_. 

Range. --United States, east of the Rockies, breeding north to Labrador, Manitoba and British Columbia. 

This is the most common of the Vireos in the greater part of its rangeand is a most persistent songster, frequenting groves, open woods orroadsides. Their eyes are brown, scarcely if any more red than those ofany other species and I have yet to see one with red eyes outside ofmounted museum specimens. They swing their nests from the forks of treesat any elevation from the ground but usually below ten feet, and I havefound them where the bottom rested on the ground; they are made ofstrips of bark, fibre, etc. , and often have pieces of string or paperwoven into the sides; they are one of the most beautiful of bird homesand are woven so strongly that old nests hang to the branches forseveral seasons. Their three or four eggs, often accompanied by one ofthe Cowbirds, are laid in May or June; they are white, sparingly speckedwith blackish brown. Size . 85 × . 55. 

625. YELLOW-GREEN VIREO. _Vireosylva flavoviridis. _

Range. --Southern Texas and southward to South America. 

Similar to the Red-eye but greener above and more yellowish on thesides. The nesting habits are the same and the eggs indistinguishablefrom those of that species. 

626. PHILADELPHIA VIREO. _Vireosylva philadelphica_. 

Range. --Eastern United States breeding from northern New England andManitoba northward. 

This species is much smaller than the Red-eye (length 5 in. ) and isyellowish below, and without black edges to the gray crown. Their eggsdo not differ from those of the Red-eyed Vireo except in size, averaging. 70 × . 50. 

627. WARBLING VIREO. _Vireosylva gilva gilva. _

Range. --North America east to the Plains, breeding north to Labrador. 

This Vireo is nearly as abundant as the Red-eye but is not generally aswell known, probably because it is usually higher in the trees and moreconcealed from view. Their nests are like those of the Red-eye, butsmaller and usually placed higher in the trees. The birds are even morepersistent singers, than are the latter but the song is more musical anddelivered in a more even manner, as they creep about among the foliage, peering under every leaf for lurking insects. The eggs are pure white, spotted with brown or reddish brown. Size . 72 × . 52. 

[Illustration 382: Red-eyed Vireo. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: 626-627. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 381

[Illustration 383: C. A. Reed. RED-EYED VIREO ON NEST. ]

Page 382

627a. WESTERN WARBLING VIREO. _Vireosylva gilva swainsoni. _

Range. --Western United States, breeding from Mexico to British Columbia. 

This species is like the last but said to be a trifle smaller and palercolor. Its nesting habits and eggs are precisely like those of theeastern form. 

628. YELLOW-THROATED VIREO. _Lanivireo flavifrons. _

Range. --United States east of the Plains, breeding from the Gulf toManitoba and New Brunswick. 

This handsome bird is wholly unlike any others of the Vireos, having abright yellow throat and breast; the upper parts are greenish and thewings and tail gray, the latter with two white bars. They are fairlycommon breeding birds in northern United States, placing their handsomebasket-like structures in forks of branches and at any elevation fromthe ground; the nests are like those of the preceding Vireos but arefrequently adorned on the outside with lichens, thereby addingmaterially to their natural beauty. The four or five eggs are pinkish orcreamy white, speckled about the large end with reddish brown. Size . 80× . 60. 

629. BLUE-HEADED VIREO. _Lanivireo solitarius solitarius. _

Range. --Eastern United States, breeding from southern New England andthe northern states north to Hudson Bay; winters in the Gulf States andsouthward. 

A beautiful Vireo with a slaty blue crown and nape, greenish back, whitewing bars and underparts, the flanks being washed with greenish yellow;a conspicuous mark is the white eye ring and loral spot. They buildfirm, pensile, basket-like nests of strips of birch and grapevine bark, lined with fine grasses and hair, suspended from forks, usually at lowelevation and often in pine or fir trees (of some twenty nests that Ihave found in New England all have been in low branches of conifers). Their three or four white eggs are specked with reddish brown. Size . 80× . 60. 

629a. CASSIN'S VIREO. _Lanivireo solitarius cassini. _

Range. --United States west of the Rockies; north to British Columbia. 

Similar to the last but with the back grayish. 

629b. PLUMBEOUS VIREO. _Lanivireo solitarius plumbeus. _

Range. --Rocky Mountain region, breeding from Mexico to Dakota andWyoming. 

Like the Blue-headed Vireo but with the yellowish wholly replaced byleaden gray. 

[Illustration: Yellow-throated Vireo. ][Illustration 384: Creamy white. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: Blue-headed Vireo. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 383

629c. MOUNTAIN VIREO. _Lanivireo solitarius alticola. _

Range. --Mountains of Carolina and Georgia; winters in Florida. 

Said to be larger and darker than _solitarius_ proper. From allaccounts, the habits, nests or eggs of this species differ in no wisefrom many of those of the northern Solitary Vireo, whose nests showgreat variations in size and material. 

629d. SAN LUCAS VIREO. _Lanivireo solitarius lucasanus. _

Range. --Southern Lower California. 

Similar to cassini but with the flanks more yellow. Their nesting habitsor eggs will not differ from the others. 

630. BLACK-CAPPED VIREO. _Vireo atricapillus. _

Range. --Central Texas north to Kansas; winters in Mexico. 

This peculiar Vireo has a black crown and sides of head, broken by awhite eye ring and loral stripe; upper parts greenish, below white. Theyappear to be fairly common in certain localities of their restrictedrange, and nest at low elevations in mesquites or oaks, placing thenests in forks the same as other Vireos; they are of the ordinary Vireoarchitecture, lined with grasses. The three or four eggs are pure white, unmarked. Size . 70 × . 50. Data. --Comal Co. , Texas, May 21, 1888, 4 eggs. Nest located in a scrub Spanish oak, 5 feet from the ground. 

631. WHITE-EYED VIREO. _Vireo griseus griseus. _

Range. --Eastern United States, breeding from the Gulf to northern UnitedStates. 

This Vireo has white eyes, as implied by its name, is yellowish green onthe sides and with two prominent bars. They have no song, like the otherVireos, but a strange medley of notes resembling those of the Chat orShrike. They nest near the ground in tangled thickets, making largenests for the size of the birds and not always suspended; they are madeof weeds, leaves, grass, bark or any trash. Their three or four eggs arelaid late in May or early in June; they are white, sparingly speckledwith brown; size . 75 × . 55. 

631a. KEY WEST VIREO. _Vireo griseus maynardi. _

Range. --Southern Florida. 

This grayer and paler variety nests in the same manner and the eggs arenot distinct from those of the last form. 

[Illustration 385: Black-capped Vireo. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: White-eyed Vireo. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 384

631b. BERMUDA VIREO. _Vireo griseus bermudianus. _

Range. --Bermudas. 

This variety is said to be slightly smaller and to have no yellow on thesides. Its eggs are probably the same as those of the others. 

631c. SMALL WHITE-EYED VIREO. _Vireo griseus micrus. _

Range. --Eastern Mexico north to southern Texas. 

Said to be slightly smaller and grayer than the common White-eyed Vireo. Its eggs will not differ. 

632. HUTTON'S VIREO. _Vireo huttoni huttoni. _

Range. --Resident on the California coast; chiefly in the southern parts. 

A similar species to _noveboracensis_ but with the under parts tingedwith yellow. These birds are quite common but shy, nesting at any heightfrom the ground in open woods or groves; the nests are made of grassesand moss and swung from forked limbs; the three or four eggs are purewhite, finely specked with reddish brown. Size . 70 × . 50. 

632a. STEPHEN'S VIREO. _Vireo huttoni stephensi. _

Range. --Northwestern Mexico and the boundary of the United States. 

This variety, which is more yellowish than the last, appears to berather uncommon but as far as I can learn its habits and nesting do notdiffer from those of the other Vireos; the eggs are white, specked withbrown. Size . 70 × . 50. 

632c. ANTHONY'S VIREO. _Vireo huttoni obscurus. _

Range. --Pacific coast from Oregon (and Cal. In winter) to BritishColumbia. 

The nesting habits and eggs of this darker and smaller variety are thesame in all respects as those of the Hutton's Vireo. 

633. BELL'S VIREO. _Vireo belli belli. _

Range. --Interior of the United States, breeding from Texas to Minnesotaand Dakota. 

The nesting habits of this smaller species are just the same as those ofthe larger varieties, they suspending their small grass-woven baskets inthe forks of bushes or trees and usually at a low elevation. Their nestsare handsome and compact little structures, being often made almostwholly of strips of bark lined with very fine grasses. The eggs arewhite, specked with reddish brown. Size . 70 × . 50. Data. --Austin, Texas, June 16, 1898. Nest of strips of bark, fibres and grasses, neatly wovenand swung from the fork of a low bush, 2 feet from the ground. 

[Illustration 386: White. ][Illustration: 629a--632. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: 633a-634. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 385

633a. LEAST VIREO. _Vireo belli pusillus. _

Range. --Western Mexico, Arizona and southern California. 

This Vireo is slightly smaller and grayer than the last; they are quitecommon in southern Arizona, nesting the same as Bell's at low elevationsin bushes or small trees. The eggs cannot be distinguished from those of_belli_. 

634. GRAY VIREO. _Vireo vicinior. _

Range. --Southwestern United States from western Texas, southernCalifornia and Nevada southward. 

This species is grayish above and grayish white below, with white eyering, lores and wing bar. They are not uncommon birds in the HuachucaMts. Of southern Arizona, where they nest in bushes at low elevations, making the semi-pensile structures of woven strips of bark and grasses, lined with fine round grasses attached by the rim to a fork andsometimes stayed on the side by convenient twigs. Eggs white, speckedwith brown. Size . 72 × . 53. 

HONEY CREEPERS. Family COEREBIDÆ

635. BAHAMA HONEY CREEPER. _Cœreba bahamensis_. 

Range. --Bahamas, casually to southern Florida and the Keys. 

This peculiar curved-billed species is dark brown above, with theunderparts, superciliary line and spot at base of primaries, whitish;the rump and a breast patch are yellow. They nest at low elevations inbushes or trees usually in tangled thickets, making a large dome-shapednest of grasses, leaves and fibres and, during May or June, lay fromthree to five pale creamy white eggs, speckled sparingly all over thesurface and more abundantly at the large end with reddish brown. Size. 65 × . 50. 

WARBLERS. Family MNIOTILTIDÆ

Warblers as a family may be classed as the most beautiful, interestingand useful birds that we have. With few exceptions, they only returnfrom their winter quarters as the trees shoot forth their leaves orflowers, they feed largely among the foliage upon small, and mostlyinjurious, insects. They are very active and always flitting from branchto branch, showing their handsome plumage to the best advantage. Theirsongs are simple but effectively delivered and the nests are of a highorder of architecture. 

636. BLACK AND WHITE WARBLER. _Mniotilta varia. _

Range. --North America east of the Plains, breeding from the Gulf Statesnorth to the Hudson Bay region; winters from our southern borders toSouth America. 

This striped black and white Warbler is usually seen creeping about treetrunks and branches after the manner of a Nuthatch. They are very activegleaners and of inestimable value to man. They nest on the ground inwoods or swamps, making their nest of strips of bark and grass, placedamong the leaves usually beside stones, stumps or fallen trees. Theirthree to five eggs are white, finely specked and wreathed with reddishbrown. Size . 65 × . 50. Data. --Worcester, Mass. , June 3, 1889. Nest ofstrips of bark on the ground in an old decayed stump. 

[Illustration 387: White. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: Black and White Warbler. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 386

637. PROTHONOTARY WARBLER. _Prothonotaria citrea. _

Range. --South Atlantic and Gulf States, north in the interior to Iowaand Illinois. 

This species is often known as the Golden Swamp Warbler because of therich golden yellow of the head and underparts. They frequent and nest inthe vicinity of swamps or ponds, nesting in the cavities of trees orstubs at low elevations, filling the cavity with leaves, moss andgrasses, neatly cupped to receive the four to seven eggs, which arecreamy or pinkish white, profusely spotted with reddish brown andchestnut. Size . 72 × . 55. Data. --Quincy, Mo. , June 1, 1897. 5 eggs. Nestin hole of a dead stub 6 feet up, in timber some distance from water;made of moss and grasses, lined with hair. 

638. SWAINSON'S WARBLER. _Helinaia swainsoni. _

Range. --South Atlantic and Gulf States, north to Virginia and Indiana, and west to eastern Texas; winters in Mexico and the West Indies. 

This species is brownish above and white below, with a whitishsuperciliary stripe. It has been found breeding most numerously inthickets and tangled underbush about swamps and pools in any locality. Their nests are either in bushes or attached to upright rushes overwater after the manner of the Long-billed Marsh Wren, being made ofleaves, moss, rootlets, etc. , lined with fine grasses or hair, anddeeply cupped for the reception of the three or four unmarked white orbluish white eggs which are laid during May or June. Size . 75 × . 58. Data. --Near Charlestown, S. C. , May 12, 1888, 3 eggs. Nest in canes 4feet from ground, made of strips of rushes, sweet gum and water oakleaves, lined with pine needles. 

639. WORM-EATING WARBLER. _Helmitheros vermivorus. _

Range. --United States east of the Plains, breeding north to southern NewEngland and Illinois; winters south of our borders. 

This bird can be identified in all plumages by the three light buff andtwo black stripes on the crown and narrower black stripes through theeye. Their habits are similar to those of the Oven-bird, they

[Illustration 388: Creamy white. ][Illustration: Prothonotary Warbler. ][Illustration: Bluish white. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: Swainson's Warbler. Worm-eating Warbler. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 387

feeding largely upon the ground amid dead leaves. They are quiteabundant in most localities in their range, nesting in hollows on theground in open woods or shrubbery on hill sides; the nest is made ofleaves, grasses and rootlets, lined with hair or finer grasses, and isusually placed under the shelter of some small bush. They lay (in May, June or July) three to six eggs, white, marked or blotched eithersparingly or heavily with chestnut or lavender. Size . 70 × . 52. 

640. BACHMAN'S WARBLER. _Vermivora bachmani. _

Range. --Southeastern United States, along the Gulf coast to Louisianaand north to Virginia and Missouri. 

This species is one of the rarest of the Warblers, but is now much moreabundant than twenty years ago, when it had apparently disappeared. Theyare greenish above, and yellow below, and on the forehead and shoulder, and with black patches on the crown and breast. They have been foundbreeding in Missouri, nesting on the ground like others of this genus;the eggs are white wreathed about the large end and sparingly speckedover the whole surface with reddish brown and chestnut. Size . 65 × . 50. 

641. BLUE-WINGED WARBLER. _Vermivora pinus. _

Range. --Eastern United States, breeding north to southern New Englandand in the Mississippi Valley to Minnesota; winters south of ourborders. 

This common species has the crown and underparts yellow, line throughthe eye black, and white wing bars and spots on outer tail feathers. They breed most abundantly in the northern half of their United Statesrange, placing their nests on the ground in thickets or on the edge ofwoods; the nests are made of strips of bark, usually grapevine, andleaves, and are usually high and deeply cupped, they are almost alwaysplaced among the upright shoots of young bushes. The eggs are white, finely specked with reddish brown with great variations as to markings. Size . 65 × . 50. Data. --Old Saybrook, Conn. , June 1, 1900. 5 eggs. Nestcomposed chiefly of dry beech leaves and strips of cedar bark, linedwith shreds of bark and fine grass; situated on the ground among a bunchof weeds in the woods. 

[Illustration 389: Bachman's Warbler. Lawrence's Warbler. Brewster'sWarbler. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 388

642. GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER. _Vermivora chrysoptera. _

Range. --Eastern United States, breeding north to the southern parts ofthe British Provinces, winters south of the United States. 

This is a very handsome species with black throat and ear patches, andyellow crown and wing bars, the upper parts being gray and the lowerwhite. They frequent low fields or hillsides where they nest among weedsor vines, making the nest of strips of bark, grasses and fibres, andlocating it close to the ground in clumps of weeds, low bushes orbriers. The three to five eggs are white with a very great diversity ofmarkings, either heavily or minutely spotted or wreathed with chestnutand gray. Size . 62 × . 50. 

643. LUCY'S WARBLER. _Vermivora luciæ. _

Range. --Western Mexico, north commonly to Arizona and casually tosouthern Utah. 

This small gray and white Warbler is especially distinguished by achestnut rump and patch in center of the crown. Besides nesting in forksof low bushes, this species is said to place the domiciles in almost anycrevice or nook that suits their fancy, such as loose bark on treetrunks, holes in trees, or other birds' nests. The eggs which areusually laid during May are white, sparingly specked and wreathed withreddish brown. Size . 60 × . 50. 

644. VIRGINIA'S WARBLER. _Vermivora virginiæ. _

Range. --Western Mexico, north to Arizona and New Mexico, and also lesscommonly to Colorado. 

This species is similar to the last but has the rump and a patch on thebreast, yellow. They are found quite abundantly in some localities, usually on mountain ranges, nesting in hollows on the ground besiderocks, stumps or in crevices among the rocks; the nests are made of finestrips of bark and grasses, skillfully woven together, and the three tofive eggs are pure white, specked and wreathed with reddish brown. Size. 62 × . 50. 

[Illustration 390: Golden-winged Warbler. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: Lucy's Warbler. Virginia Warbler. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 389

645. NASHVILLE WARBLER. _Vermivora rubricapilla rubricapilla. _

Range. --North America east of the Plains, breeding from New York andIllinois north to Hudson Bay and Labrador; winters south of our borders. 

This small species is yellow below and greenish above, with an ashy grayhead and neck, enclosing a chestnut crown patch. They breed abundantlyin New England, usually on side hills covered with clumps of youngpines, the nests being placed flush with the surface of the ground andusually covered with overhanging grass; they are made of grasses andpine needles, the eggs are white, finely specked with bright reddishbrown. Size . 60 × . 45. Data. --Worcester, Mass. , June 23, 1895. Nest ofpine needles and grasses in hollow in the moss on a scrubby pinehillside. 

645a. CALAVERAS WARBLER. _Vermivora rubricapilla gutturalis. _

Range. --Western United States, breeding on ranges from California andIdaho north to British Columbia; winters in Mexico. 

A slightly brighter colored form of the last species. Their habits arethe same and the eggs cannot be distinguished from those of the easternbird. 

646. ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER. _Vermivora celata celata. _

Range. --North America, chiefly in the interior, breeding north of theUnited States except in the Rockies south to Arizona and New Mexico;winters in the Gulf States and southward. 

This plainly clad, greenish colored species has a concealed patch oforange brown on the crown. They have been found breeding about HudsonBay and in the Mackenzie River district, placing their nests in hollowson the ground, usually on the side of banks or hills and concealed bysmall tufts of grass or bushes. The three or four eggs are white, speckled with reddish brown. Size . 64 × . 45. 

646a. LUTESCENT WARBLER. _Vermivora celata lutescens. _

Range. --Pacific coast, breeding from California to Alaska; winters inMexico. 

Similar to the last but more yellowish below. They make their nests ofleaves, rootlets, moss, etc. , lined with hair, and placed on the ground, concealed by tufts of grass or by bushes. The eggs are like those of thelast. Data. --Danville, Cal. , April 21, 1898. Nest on the ground on aside hill; among weeds in the shade of a large oak. 

[Illustration 391: White. ][Illustration: Nashville Warbler. Orange-crowned Warbler. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 390

646b. DUSKY WARBLER. _Vermivora celata sordida. _

Range. --Santa Barbara Islands, off California. 

Said to be duller colored and darker than the others. The eggs cannot bedistinguished. 

647. TENNESSEE WARBLER. _Vermivora peregrina. _

Range. --Eastern North America, breeding from the northern tier ofstates, northward; winters to northern South America. 

This species has greenish upper parts, white lower parts andsuperciliary line, and gray crown and nape. They nest either on theground or at low elevations in bushes, making the structure of grassesand fibres, lined with hair; they are found on wild, tangled hillsidesand mountain ranges. The eggs are pure white, sparingly specked withreddish brown. Size . 62 × . 45. 

648. PARULA WARBLER. _Compsothlypis americana americana. _

Range. --Eastern United States, breeding in the southern half. 

The upper parts of this handsome species are bluish gray with a greenishpatch in the middle of the back; the throat and breast are yellow with apatch of black and chestnut. They are abundant birds in suitablelocalities, breeding in swamps, especially those with old or dead treescovered with hanging moss (usnea). The nests may be found at any heightfrom the ground, and are usually made by turning and gathering up theends of the hanging moss to form a pocket, which is lined with finegrass or hair. The four to six eggs are white or creamy white, wreathedwith specks of reddish brown and chestnut. Size . 64 × . 44. 

648a. NORTHERN PARULA WARBLER. _Compsothlypis americana usneæ. _

Range. --Northern half of eastern United States and southern Canada;winters from the Gulf States southward. 

The nesting habits of the northern form of the Blue-yellow-backedWarbler are in all respects like those of the last, and like them, wheremoss grown swamps are not to be found, they have been known to constructnests of moss suspended from branches of trees, or to nest in bunches ofdead leaves. Data. --Oxford, Mass. , June 7, 1895. Nest in a dead pineswamp; made in end of hanging moss about 6 feet from the ground. Largecolony breeding. 

[Illustration 392: White. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: Tennessee Warblers. Olive Warblers. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 391

649. SENNETT'S WARBLER. _Compsothlypis piti ayumi nigrilora. _

Range. --Eastern Mexico, north to the Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas. 

This species is similar to the Parula but is more extensively yellowbelow, and has black lores and ear coverts. Their habits are the same asthose of the last and their nests are generally placed in hanging moss, and are also said to have been found hollowed out in the mistletoe whichgrows on many trees in southern Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. The eggscannot be distinguished from those of the last. 

650. CAPE MAY WARBLER. _Dendroica tigrina. _

Range. --Eastern North America, breeding from northern New England andManitoba northward; winters south of the United States. 

This beautiful Warbler is yellow below and on the rump, streaked on thebreast and sides with black; the ear coverts and sometimes the throatare chestnut. They are very local in their distribution both duringmigrations and in their breeding grounds. They nest in the outerbranches of trees, preferably conifers, making the nest of slendertwigs, rootlets, grasses, etc. , lined with hair; the four or five eggsare white, variously specked with reddish brown and lilac; size . 65 ×. 48. 

651. OLIVE WARBLER. _Peucedramus olivaceus. _

Range. --Mountains of New Mexico and Arizona southward. 

This peculiar species may readily be recognized by its saffron ororange-brown colored head and neck, with broad black bar through theeye. They nest at high elevations in coniferous trees on the mountainsides, placing their nests either on the horizontal boughs or forks atthe end of them. The nests are very beautiful structures made of moss, lichens, fine rootlets and grasses and setting high on the limb likethose of the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. The eggs are grayish white with abluish tinge, thickly speckled with blackish; size . 64 × . 48. Data. --Huachuca Mts. , Arizona, June 21, 1901. Nest in a sugar pine nearextremity of branch, 25 feet from the ground and 20 feet out from thetrunk of the tree; composed of lichens and fine rootlets, lined withplant down. 

[Illustration 393: White. ][Illustration: Parula Warbler. Sennett's Warbler. ][Illustration: Grayish blue. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 392

652. YELLOW WARBLER. _Dendroica æstiva æstiva. _

Range. --Breeds in the whole or North America; winters south of ourborders. 

This well known and very common species is wholly yellow, being more orless greenish on the back, wings and tail, and the male is streaked onthe sides with chestnut. They nest anywhere in trees or bushes, eitherin woods, pastures, parks or dooryards, and their sprightly song is muchin evidence throughout the summer. The nests are usually placed inupright crotches or forks, and are made of vegetable fibres and finegrasses compactly woven together and lined with plant down and hair; theeggs, which are laid in May or June, are greenish white, boldly speckedin endless patterns with shades of brown and lilac; size . 65 × . 50. 

652a. SONORA YELLOW WARBLER. _Dendroica æstiva sonorana. _

Range. --Arizona, New Mexico and western Texas, southward. 

This form is brighter yellow, especially above, than the last. Thenesting habits are the same and the eggs indistinguishable from those ofthe preceding. 

652b. ALASKA YELLOW WARBLER. _Dendroica æstiva rubiginosa. _

Range. --Breeds in Alaska and on the coast south to Vancouver; winterssouth of the United States. 

Similar to the common Yellow Warbler but slightly darker above; its eggsand nesting habits are the same. 

[Illustration 394: Greenish white. ][Illustration: Cape May Warblers. Yellow Warblers. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 393

[Illustration 395: J. B. Pardoe. NEST OF YELLOW WARBLER. ]

Page 394

653. MANGROVE WARBLER. Dendroica bryanti castaneiceps. 

Range. --Southern Lower Californiaand western Mexico andCentral America. 

This species is very similar tothe Yellow Warbler but the entirehead and neck of the maleare yellowish chestnut. Theirnesting habits or eggs do not vary in any essentialparticular from those of the common Yellow-birdsof the United States. 

654. BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER. _Dendroica cærulescens cærulescens. _

Range. --Eastern North America, breeding fromnorthern United States northward; winters inthe Gulf States and southward. 

These black-throated bluish-backed Warblersare abundant in swampy woodland both duringmigrations and at their breeding grounds; eithersex can readily be identified in any plumage, bythe presence of a small white spot at the base ofthe primaries. They nest in underbrush or lowbushes only a few inches above the ground, makingthe nests of bark strips, moss rootlets, etc. , lined with fine grasses or hair;the eggs are pale buffy whitemore or less dotted with palebrownish; size . 65 × . 50. Data. --Warren, Pa. , June 9, 1891. 3eggs. Nest one foot from theground in brush; made of finepieces of rotten wood, laurel bark and lined withfine grasses. 

654a. CAIRNS WARBLER. _Dendroica cærulescens cairnsi. _

Range. --Mountain ranges of North Carolina to Georgia. 

A darker form whose habits and eggs are identical with those of the last. 

[Illustration 396: Mangrove Warblers. Black-throated Blue Warblers. ][Illustration: Greenish white. ][Illustration: Buffy white. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 395

655. MYRTLE WARBLER. _Dendroica coronata. _

Range. --Eastern North America, breeding from northern United Statesnorthward. Winters in the southern half of eastern United States. 

This beautiful gray, white and black Warbler can readily be identifiedby its yellow rump, side patches and crown patch. It is one of our mostcommon species during migrations when it is found west to the Rockiesand casually farther. They nest on the lower branches of coniferoustrees, making their homes of rootlets, plant fibres and grasses; duringJune or the latter part of May, three or four eggs are laid; they arewhite, spotted with several shades of brown and lilac; size . 70 × . 50. Data. --Lancaster, N. H. , June 7, 1888. Nest in a small spruce, about 6feet up; made of fine twigs, lined with feathers. 

656. AUDUBON'S WARBLER. _Dendroica auduboni auduboni. _

Range. --Mountain ranges of western United States from British Columbiato Mexico. 

This bird resembles the last in the location of the yellow patches buthas a yellow instead of a white throat, and is otherwise differentlymarked. They are as abundant in suitable localities as are the MyrtleWarblers in the east, nesting on the outer branches of coniferous treesat any height from the ground. The nests are made of bark strips, rootlets, plant fibre, grasses and pine needles, the three to five eggsare greenish or bluish white marked with brown and lilac; size . 68 ×. 52. The one figured is from a beautiful set of four in Mr. C. W. Crandall's collection, and the ground color is a delicate shade of blue. Data. --Spanaway, Washington, April 23, 1902. Nest on the limb of a largefir in a clump of three in prairie country. 

656a. BLACK-FRONTED WARBLER. _Dendroica auduboni nigrifrons. _

Range. --Mountains of southern Arizona and Mexico. 

Similar to the preceding, but with the forehead and ear coverts black. Their nests and eggs are in no way different from those of Audubon'sWarbler. 

[Illustration 397: White. ][Illustration: Bluish white. ][Illustration: Myrtle Warblers. Audubon's Warblers. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 396

657. MAGNOLIA WARBLER. _Dendroica magnolia. _

Range. --North America east of the Rockies, breeding from northern UnitedStates to Hudson Bay region and in the Alleghanies, south toPennsylvania. Winters south of our borders. This species, which is oneof the most beautiful of the Warblers, is entirely yellow below and onthe rump, the breast and sides being heavily streaked with black; alarge patch on the back and the ear coverts are black. They build inconiferous trees at any elevation from the ground, making their nests ofrootlets and grass stems, usually lined with hair; the eggs are dullwhite, specked with pale reddish brown; size . 65 × . 48. Data. --Worcester, Mass. , May 30, 1895. 4 eggs. Nest of fine rootlets andgrasses about 30 feet up on the end of a limb of a pine overhanging abrook. 

658. CERULEAN WARBLER. _Dendroica cærulea_. 

Range. --United States east of the Plains, breeding chiefly in thenorthern half of the Mississippi Valley, rare east of the Alleghaniesand casual in New England. These beautiful Warblers are light blue grayabove, streaked with black on back, white below, with a grayish blueband on breast and streaks on the sides; they have two wide white wingbars and spots on the outer tail feathers. They are found chiefly in thehigher trees where they glean on the foliage; they build also usuallyabove twenty feet from the ground in any kind of tree, placing the nestswell out on the horizontal limbs, generally in a fork. The nests aremade of fine strips of bark, fibres, rootlets, etc. , lined with hair;the eggs are white or pale bluish white, specked with reddish brown;size . 62 × . 48. Data. --Fargo, Ontario, June 2, 1901. Nest in a burr oak, 18 feet from the ground on a horizontal limb. 

[Illustration 398: Magnolia Warblers. Cerulean Warblers. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: No caption. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 397

[Illustration 399: NEST OF MAGNOLIA WARBLER. ]

Page 398

659. CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER. _Dendroica pensylvanica. _

Range. --United States, east of the Plains, breeding in the Middle Statesand Illinois, north to Manitoba and New Brunswick. Winters south of ourborder. 

The adults of this handsome species may readily be known by the whiteunderparts and the broad chestnut stripe on the flanks; the crown isyellow. They frequent low brush in open woods or on hillsides andpastures, nesting at low elevations, usually below three feet from theground, and often concealing their nests beneath the leaves in the topsof low small bushes. The nests are made of grasses, weed stems and somefibres, but they do not have as wooly an appearance as those of theYellow Warblers which nest in the same localities and similar locations. Their eggs are white or creamy white (never greenish white), speckedwith brown and gray. Size . 65 × . 50. Data. --Worcester, Mass. , June 6, 1890. Nest in the top of a huckleberry bush, 2 feet from the ground;made of grasses and plant fibres. Bird did not leave nest until touchedwith the hand. 

660. BAY-BREASTED WARBLER. _Dendroica castanea. _

Range. --North America, east of the Plains, breeding from northern UnitedStates north to the Hudson Bay; winters in Central and South America. 

This species has the crown, throat and sides a rich chestnut; foreheadand face black; underparts white. They nest in coniferous trees inswampy places, making their nests of bark shreds and rootlets andplacing them in horizontal forks at elevations of from five to thirtyfeet from the ground. The three or four eggs are laid late in May orduring June; they are white, usually quite heavily spotted and blotchedwith reddish brown, umber and grayish. Size . 70 × . 50. 

[Illustration 400: Chestnut-sided Warblers. Bay-breasted Warblers. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 399

661. BLACK-POLL WARBLER. _Dendroica striata. _

Range. --North America, east of the Rockies, breeding from northernUnited States north to Labrador and Alaska; winters in South America. 

This black and white Warbler has a solid black cap, and the underpartsare white, streaked with black on the sides. In the woods they bear someresemblance to the Black and White Warbler, but do not have the creepinghabits of that species. During migrations they are found in equalabundance in swamps or orchards. In their breeding range, they nest atlow elevations in stunted pines or spruces, making their nests ofrootlets and lichens, lined with feathers. The eggs are dull whitish, spotted or blotched with brown and neutral tints. Size . 72 × . 50. Data. --Grand Manan, N. B. , June 12, 1883. Nest and four eggs on branchof a stunted spruce 2 feet from the ground. 

662. BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER. _Dendroica fusca. _

Range. --North America, east of the Plains, breeding from Massachusettsand Minnesota north to Hudson Bay; south in the Alleghanies to theCarolinas. Winters in Central and South America. 

This species is, without exception, the most exquisite of the family;the male can always be known by the bright orange throat, breast andsuperciliary stripe, the upper parts being largely black. They arrivewith us when the apple trees are in bloom and after a week's delay passon to more northerly districts. Their nests are constructed of rootlets, fine weed stalks and grasses, lined with hair, and are placed onhorizontal limbs of coniferous trees. The three or four eggs aregreenish white, speckled, spotted and blotched with reddish brown andneutral tints. Size . 70 × . 48. Data. --Lancaster, Mass. , June 21, 1901. Nest in a white pine, 38 feet from the ground on a limb 4 feet from thetrunk; composed of fine rootlets and hair, resembling the nest of aChipping Sparrow. 

[Illustration 401: White. ][Illustration: Black-poll Warblers. Blackburnian Warblers. ][Illustration: Greenish white. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 400

[Illustration 402: BLACKBURNIAN WARBLERS. ]

Page 401

663. YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER. _Dendroica dominica dominica. _

Range. --South Atlantic and Gulf States, north to Virginia and casuallyfarther; winters in Florida and the West Indies. 

This species has gray upper parts with two white wing bars, the throat, breast and superciliary line are yellow, and the lores, cheeks andstreaks on the sides are black. These birds nest abundantly in the SouthAtlantic States, usually in pines, and either on horizontal limbs or inbunches of Spanish moss. The nests are made of slender pieces of twigs, rootlets and strips of bark, and lined with either hair or feathers, theeggs are three to five in number, pale greenish white, specked about thelarge end with reddish brown and gray. Size . 70 × . 50. Data. --Raleigh, N. C. , May 3, 1890. Nest 43 feet up on limb of pine; made of grasses andhair. 

663a. SYCAMORE WARBLER. _Dendroica dominica albilora. _

Range. --Mississippi Valley, breeding north to Ohio and Illinois, andwest to Kansas and Texas; winters south of the United States. 

This bird is precisely like the last except that the superciliary stripeis usually white. Their nesting habits are precisely like those of thelast, and the nests are usually on horizontal branches of sycamores; theeggs cannot be distinguished from those of the Yellow-throated Warbler. 

664. GRACE'S WARBLER. _Dendroica graciæ. _

Range. --Southwestern United States, abundant in Arizona and New Mexico. 

This Warbler is similar in markings and colors to the Yellow-throatedvariety except that the cheeks are gray instead of black. The nestinghabits of the two species are the same, these birds building high inconiferous trees; the nests are made of rootlets and bark shreds, linedwith hair or feathers; the eggs are white, dotted with reddish brown andlilac. Size . 68 × . 48. 

[Illustration 403: Greenish white. ][Illustration: Yellow-throated Warblers. Grace's Warblers. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 402

665. BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER. _Dendroica nigrescens. _

Range. --United States from the Rockies to the Pacific coast and north toBritish Columbia; winters south of our borders. 

The general color of this species is grayish above and white below as isa superciliary line and stripe down the side of the throat; the crown, cheeks and throat are black and there is a yellow spot in front of theeye. They inhabit woodland and thickets and are common in suchlocalities from Arizona to Oregon, nesting usually at low elevations inbushes or shrubs; the nests are made of grasses and fibres, woventogether, and lined with hair or fine grasses, resembling, slightly, nests of the Yellow Warbler. The eggs are white or greenish white, specked with reddish brown and umber. Size . 65 × . 52. Data. --Waldo, Oregon, June 1, 1901. Nest 3 feet from the ground in a small oak invalley. Collector, C. W. Bowles. (Crandall collection. )

666. GOLDEN-CHEEKED WARBLER. _Dendroica chrysoparia. _

Range. --Central and southern Texas south to Central America. 

This beautiful and rare species is entirely black above and on thethroat, enclosing a large bright yellow patch about the eye and a smallone on the crown. In their very restricted United States range, thebirds are met with in cedar timber where they nest at low elevations inthe upright forks of young trees of this variety. Their nests are madeof strips of cedar bark, interwoven with plant fibres and spider websmaking compact nests, which they line with hair and feathers. Theirthree or four eggs are white, dotted and specked with reddish brown andumber. Size . 75 × . 55. 

[Illustration 404: Greenish white. ][Illustration: Black-throated Warblers. Golden-cheeked Warblers. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 403

667. BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER. _Dendroica virens. _

Range. --Eastern United States, breeding from southern New England, SouthCarolina in the Alleghanies, and Illinois north to Hudson Bay; winterssouth of the United States. 

These common eastern birds are similar to the last but the entire upperparts are olive greenish. They are nearly always found, and always nest, in pines, either groves or hillsides covered with young pines. The nestsare usually placed out among the pine needles where they are verydifficult to locate, and resemble nests of the Chipping Sparrow. I havefound them at heights ranging from six to forty or fifty feet from theground. The three or four eggs, which they lay in June, are white, wreathed and speckled with brownish and lilac. Size . 60 × . 50. 

668. TOWNSEND'S WARBLER. _Dendroica townsendi. _

Range. --Western United States, from the Rockies to the Pacific and fromAlaska southward; winters in Mexico. 

This is the common western representative of the last species, and issimilar but has black ear patches and the crown is black. They nest inconiferous woods throughout their United States and Canadian range, thenests being placed at any height from the ground and being constructedlike those of the Black-throated Green. Their eggs are notdistinguishable from those of the latter. Size . 60 × . 50. 

[Illustration 405: White. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: Black-throated Green Warbler. Townsend's Warblers. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 404

669. HERMIT WARBLER. _Dendroica occidentalis. _

Range. --Western United States and British Columbia chiefly on the higherranges. Winters south to Central America. 

This peculiar species has the entire head bright yellow and the throatblack; upperparts grayish, underparts white. They are found nesting inwild rugged country, high up in pine trees, the nests being locatedamong bunches of needles so that they are very difficult to find. Thenests are made of rootlets, shreds of bark, pine needles, etc. , linedwith fine grasses or hair. The three or four eggs are laid during Juneor the latter part of May; they are white or creamy white, and sometimeswith a faint greenish tinge, specked and wreathed with brown and lilacgray. Size . 68 × . 52. 

670. KIRTLAND'S WARBLER. _Dendroica kirtlandi. _

Range. --Eastern United States; apt to be found in any of the SouthAtlantic, Middle or Central States, and in Ontario, Canada. Winters inthe Bahamas where by far the greater number of specimens have beenfound. 

This very rare Warbler is bluish gray above, streaked with black, andyellow below with the throat and sides streaked. Until the summer of1903, the locality where they bred was a mystery. The capture of aspecimen, in June, in Oscodo Co. , Michigan, led to the search for thenests by N. A. Wood, taxidermist for the Michigan Museum at Ann Arbor. He was successful in his quest and found two nests with young and oneegg. The nest in which the egg was found contained two young birds also. It was in a depression in the ground at the foot of a Jack pine tree andonly a few feet from a cart road. The nest was made of strips of barkand vegetable fibres, lined with grass and pine needles. The egg iswhite, sprinkled with brown in a wreath about the large end. Size . 72 ×. 56. It is estimated that there were thirteen pairs of the birds in thiscolony. 

[Illustration 406: Hermit Warblers. Kirtland's Warblers. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 405

671. PINE WARBLER. _Dendroica vigorsi. _

Range. --Eastern United States, breeding from the Gulf to southernBritish Provinces; winters in the Gulf States and southward. 

This common eastern species is greenish above and dull yellowish below, streaked with dusky on the sides. They are almost exclusively found inpine woods, either light or heavy growth, where they can always belocated by their peculiar, musical lisping trill. They nest high inthese trees, placing their nests in thick bunches of needles, so thatthey are very difficult to locate. They nest from March in the south toMay in the northern states, laying three or four dull whitish eggs, specked or blotched with shades of brown and lilac; size . 68 × . 52. Data. --Worcester, Mass. , May 28, 1891. Nest 30 feet up in a pine; madeof pine needles and rootlets. 

672. PALM WARBLER. _Dendroica palmarum palmarum. _

Range. --Interior of North America, breeding about Hudson Bay andnorthward and wintering in the lower Mississippi Valley and the WestIndies. 

This species is brownish yellow above and yellow on the throat andbreast, the crown and streaks on the sides are chestnut. They are foundduring migrations on or near the ground on the edges of woods orthickets and along roadsides; have a peculiar habit of "teetering" theirtail which will readily identify them. They nest on the ground in, or onthe edges of swampy places, lining the hollow with grasses and rootlets. In May or June they lay three or four eggs which are creamy white, variously specked with brown and lilac; size . 68 × . 52. 

672a. YELLOW PALM WARBLER. _Dendroica palmarum hypochrysea. _

Range. --Eastern North America, breeding from Nova Scotia, northward. 

This is the common Yellow Redpoll Warbler of the eastern states, and isvery abundant during migrations. Their habits are the same, if notidentical with the interior species. Their nests are also like those ofthe last, placed on the ground and the eggs are indistinguishable. 

[Illustration 407: Dull white. ][Illustration: Creamy white. ][Illustration: Pine Warblers. Palm Warblers. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 406

[Illustration 408: C. A. Reed. PRAIRIE WARBLER NEST. ]

Page 407

673. PRAIRIE WARBLER. _Dendroica discolor. _

Range. --Eastern United States, breeding from the Gulf to Massachusettsand Ontario; winters in southern Florida and the West Indies. 

A species readily recognized by its bright yellow underparts and theblack stripes on the face and sides; several bright chestnut spots arein the middle of the greenish back. These birds will be found on dryscrubby hillsides and valleys, where they nest in low bushes, and themale will be found in the tops of the tallest lookout trees deliveringhis quaint and very peculiar lisping song. Their nests are handsomelymade of vegetable fibres and grasses, closely woven together and linedwith hair; this structure is placed in the top of low bushes so that itis well concealed by the upper foliage. Their three to five eggs arewhitish, specked and spotted with shades of brown and neutral tints;size . 64 × . 48. Data. --Worcester, Mass. , June 23, 1891. Nest in the topof a young walnut, two feet from ground; made of plant fibres andgrasses. Four eggs. 

674. OVEN-BIRD. _Seiurus aurocapillus. _

Range. --North America east of the Rockies, breeding from the middleportions of the United States, north to Labrador and Alaska. Wintersfrom the Gulf States southward. 

This species is fully as often known as the Golden-crowned Thrush, because of its brownish orange crown bordered with black. They arewoodland birds exclusively and nest on the ground, arching the top overwith rootlets or leaves, the nest proper being made of grasses and leafskeletons. As they are concealed so effectually, the nests are usuallyfound by flushing the bird. The four to six eggs are white, slightlyglossy and spotted, blotched or wreathed with reddish brown and lilac;size . 80 × . 60. Data. --Old Saybrook, Conn. , June 19, 1899. Domed nestwith a side entrance on the ground in woods. 

[Illustration 409: Whitish. ][Illustration: Prairie Warblers. Oven-bird. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 408

[Illustration 410: C. A. Reed. ARCHED NEST OF OVEN-BIRD. ]

[Illustration: J. B. Canfield. NEST AND EGGS OF LOUISIANA WATER-THRUSH. ]

Page 409

675. WATER-THRUSH. _Seiurus novebora censis noveboracensis. _

Range. --Eastern North America, breeding from northern United Statesnorth to Hudson Bay and Newfoundland. Winters from the Gulf to SouthAmerica. 

This species is uniform brownish olive above and white below, streakedheavily with blackish; it has a whitish superciliary line. It is knownin most of the United States only as a migrant, being found in moistwoods or swampy places. They nest in such localities in their breedingrange, placing their nests among the cavities of rootlets and stumps, the nest being made of moss, leaves and rootlets. Their eggs are white, profusely specked and blotched with reddish brown and lavender gray. Size . 80 × . 60. Data. --Listowell, Ontario, May 28, 1895. Nest in aturned-up root over water; made of moss, grass and hair. Collector, Wm. L. Kells. This set of five is in the collection of Mr. C. W. Crandall. 

675a. GRINNELL'S WATER-THRUSH. _Seiurus noveboracensis notabilis. _

Range. --Western North America, migrating between the Mississippi Valleyand the Rockies; breeds from northern United States north to Alaska;winters in the south. 

This sub-species is said to be very slightly larger, darker on the back, and paler below. Their nesting habits and eggs are identical with thoseof the last. 

676. LOUISIANA WATER-THRUSH. _Seiurus motacilla. _

Range. --Eastern United States, breeding from the Gulf, north to southernNew England, Ontario and Minnesota; winters south of our borders. 

This species is similar to the last but is larger, grayer and lessdistinctly streaked on the underparts. They nest in swampy places, concealing their home in nooks among roots of trees or under overhangingbanks, the nest being made of leaves, moss, mud, grasses, etc. , making abulky structure. The eggs, which are laid in May and number from four tosix, are white, spotted and blotched with chestnut and neutral tints. Size . 76 × . 62. 

[Illustration 411: White. ][Illustration: Louisiana Water Thrush. Water-Thrush. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 410

677. KENTUCKY WARBLER. _Oporornis formosus. _

Range. --Eastern United States, breeding from the Gulf to New York andMichigan; winters south of the United States to South America. 

Crown and ear coverts black, underparts and line over eye yellow; nowhite in the plumage. These birds are found in about such localities asare frequented by Oven-birds, but with a preference for woods which arelow and damp. They are locally common in some of the southern andcentral states. They are active gleaners of the underbrush, keeping wellwithin the depths of tangled thickets. Like the Maryland Yellow-throat, which has similar habits to those of this bird, they are quiteinquisitive and frequently come close to you to investigate or to scold. They nest on the ground in open woods or on shrubby hillsides, makinglarge structures, of leaves and strips of bark, lined with grasses. Theeggs are white, sprinkled with dots or spots of reddish brown and gray. Size . 70 × . 55. Data. --Greene Co. , Pa. , May 26, 1894. 4 eggs. Nest amass of leaves, lined with rootlets, placed on the ground at the base ofa small elm sprout in underbrush on a hillside. 

678. Connecticut Warbler. --_Oporonis agilis. _

Range. --Eastern United States; known to breed only in Manitoba andOntario. 

These birds have greenish upperparts and sides, yellowish underparts, and an ashy gray head, neck and breast; they have a complete whitishring about the eye, this distinguishing them in any plumage from the twofollowing species. As they do most of their feeding upon the ground andremain in the depths of the thickets, they are rarely seen unlessattention is drawn to them. They are quite abundant in New England infall migrations, being found in swampy thickets. They have been foundbreeding in Ontario by Wm. L. Kells, the nest being on the ground in thewoods among raspberry vines. It was made of leaves, bark fibres, grass, rootlets and hair. The eggs are white, specked with brown and neutraltints. Size . 75 × . 55. 

[Illustration 412: White. ][Illustration: Kentucky Warbler. Connecticut Warblers. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: Left hand margin. ]

Page 411

679. MOURNING WARBLER. _Oporornis philadelphia_. 

Range. --Eastern United States, breeding from northern New England, Pennsylvania, (Philadelphia) and Nebraska northward. 

Very similar to the last but with no eye ring and a black patch on thebreast. The habits and nesting habits of this species are very similarto those of _agilis_, the nest being on or very close to the ground. With the exception of on mountain ranges it breeds chiefly north of ourborders. The eggs are white, specked with reddish brown. Size . 72 × . 55. They cannot be distinguished from those of the last. Data. --Listowell, Ontario, June 5, 1898. Nest in a tuft of swamp grass in low ground; notvery neatly made of dry leaves, grasses and hair. Collector, Wm. L. Kells. (Crandall collection. )

680. MACGILLIVRAY WARBLER. _Oporornis tolmiei. _

Range. --Western United States from the Rockies to the Pacific, breedingnorth to British Columbia; winters in Mexico and Central America. 

Similar to the last but with white spots on the upper and lower eyelids, black lores, and the black patch on the breast mixed with gray. Theseground inhabiting birds are found in tangled thickets and shrubberywhere they nest at low elevations, from one to five feet from theground. Their nests are made of grasses and shreds of bark, lined withhair and finer grasses, and the eggs are white, specked, spotted andblotched with shades of brown and neutral tints; size . 72 × . 52. Data. --Sonoma, Cal. , May 17, 1897. A small nest, loosely made of grasses(wild oats) lined with finer grasses; placed in blackberry vines 14inches from the ground in a slough in the valley. 

[Illustration 413: White. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: Mourning Warblers. Macgillivray Warblers. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 412

681. MARYLAND YELLOW-THROAT. _Geothlypis trichas trichas. _

Range. --Eastern United States; this species has recently been stillfurther sub-divided so that this form is supposed to be restricted tothe south Atlantic coast of the United States. 

The Maryland Yellow-throat is represented in all parts of the UnitedStates by one of its forms. They are ground loving birds, frequentingswamps and thickets where they can be located by their loud, unmistakable song of "Witchery, w i t c h e r y, witch. " They nest on orvery near the ground, making their nests of grass, lined with hair;these are either in hollows in the ground at the foot of clumps of grassor weeds, or attached to the weed stalks within a few inches of theground. They lay from three to five eggs in May or June; these arewhite, specked about the larger end with reddish brown and umber, andwith shell markings of stone gray. Size . 70 × . 50. All the sub-speciesof this bird have the same general habits of this one and their eggscannot be distinguished from examples of the eastern form; the birds, too, owing to the great differences in plumage between individuals fromthe same place, cannot be distinguished with any degree of satisfactionexcept by the ones who "discovered" them. 

681a. WESTERN YELLOW-THROAT. _Geothlypis trichas occidentalis. _

Range. --This variety, which is said to be brighter yellow below, isascribed to the arid regions of western United States; not on thePacific coast. 

681b. FLORIDA YELLOW-THROAT. _Geothlypis trichas ignota. _

Range. --South Atlantic and Gulf coast to Texas. 

681c. PACIFIC YELLOW-THROAT. _Geothlypis trichas arizela. _

Range. --Pacific coast from British Columbia southward. 

681e. SALT MARSH YELLOW-THROAT. _Geothlypis trichas sinuosa. _

Range. --Salt marshes of San Francisco Bay. 

[Illustration 414: White. ][Illustration: Maryland Yellow-throats. Belding's Yellow-throat. ][Illustration: Left hand margin. ]

Page 413

682. BELDING'S YELLOW-THROAT. _Geothlypis beldingi. _

Range. --Lower California. 

This peculiar species is like the common Yellow-throat but has the blackmask bordered by yellow instead of white, and the black on the foreheadextends diagonally across the head from in front of one eye to the rearof the other. Their habits are like those of the other Yellow-throatsand the nests are similar to those of the latter, which are frequentlyplaced in cane over the water. Nests found by Mr. Walter E. Bryant weresituated in clumps of "cat-tails" between two and three feet above thewater; the nests were made of dry strips of these leaves, lined withfibres; the eggs were like those of the common Yellow-throats butlarger; size . 75 × . 56. 

682. 1. RIO GRANDE YELLOW-THROAT. _Chamæthlypis poliocephala. _

Range. --Mexico north to the Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas. 

This Yellow-throat has the crown and ear coverts gray, only the loresand forehead being black. The nests and eggs of these birds, which arefairly common about Brownsville, Texas, do not differ from those of theother Yellow-throats. 

683. YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT. _Icteria virens virens. _

Range. --Eastern United States, breeding from the Gulf coast north tosouthern New England and Minnesota. 

This strange but handsome species is very common in underbrush andthickets in the south; they are usually shy and endeavor, with success, to keep out of sight, but their strange song and calls, consisting ofvarious whistles and squawks mingled together, are often heard. Theirnests are built in bushes or briars at low elevations, being made ofgrass, strips of bark and leaves, lined with finer grass; their eggs arewhite, sharply speckled and spotted with various shades of brown andlavender; size . 90 × . 70. 

683a. LONG-TAILED CHAT. _Icteria virens longicauda. _

Range. --United States west of the Plains, breeding from Mexico toBritish Columbia. 

This bird is said to be grayer and to have a slightly longer tail thanthe last. Its nesting habits and eggs are precisely the same. 

[Illustration 415: Rio Grande Yellow-throat. Yellow-breasted Chat. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 414

684. HOODED WARBLER. _Wilsonia citrina. _

Range. --Eastern United States, breeding north to southern New Englandand Michigan; winters south of our borders. 

This yellow and greenish species can be identified by its black head, neck and throat, with the large yellow patch about the eye and theforehead. The members of this genus are active fly-catchers, dartinginto the air after passing insects in the manner of the Flycatchers. They frequent tangled thickets where they build their nests within a fewinches of the ground, making them of leaves, bark and grass, lined withhair; the four or five eggs are white, specked with reddish brown andneutral tints; size . 70 × . 50. Data. --Doddridge Co. , Mo. , May 29, 1897. Nest one foot from the ground in a small bush; made of leaves, strips ofbark and fine grasses. 

685. WILSON'S WARBLER. _Wilsonia pusilla pusilla_. 

Range. --Eastern North America, breeding from northern United Statesnorthward; south to Central America in winter. 

These handsome little black-capped flycatching Warblers are abundantduring migrations, especially in the spring, being found on the edges ofwoods and in orchards. They nest on the ground, usually on the edges ofswamps, embedding their nests in the ground under the shelter of lowbranches or on the edges of banks; the nest is of bark strips, fibresand leaves, and the eggs are white, specked with reddish brown; size . 60× . 50. 

685a. PILEOLATED WARBLER. _Wilsonia pusilla pileolata. _

Range. --Western United States, breeding in the Rocky Mountain regionfrom Mexico to Alaska; winters south of the United States. 

Similar to the eastern form but the yellow underparts and greenish backare brighter. Like the last species, this form nests on the ground orvery close to it, in weeds or rank undergrowth, in swamps. Their eggswhich are laid in May or June are not distinguishable from those of thelast. 

[Illustration 416: Hooded Warblers. Wilson's Warblers. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 415

685b. GOLDEN PILEOLATED WARBLER. _Wilsonia pusilla chryseola. _

Range. --Pacific coast of North America, breeding from southernCalifornia in mountain ranges north to British Columbia. 

686. CANADIAN WARBLER. _Wilsonia canadensis. _

Range. --Eastern North America, breeding from Mass. , New York, andMichigan north to Labrador and Hudson Bay; winters in Central America. 

This handsome Warbler is plain gray above and yellow below, with a blackstripe down the sides of the neck and across the breast in a brokenband. They frequent swamps or open woods with a heavy growth ofunderbrush, where

they build their nests on or very close to the ground. I have alwaysfound them in Massachusetts nesting about the roots of laurels, thenests being made of strips of bark, leaves and grass; in June or thelatter part of May they lay from three to five white eggs, specked andwreathed with reddish brown and neutral tints; size . 68 × . 50. Data. --Worcester, Mass. , June 10, 1891. Nest on the ground under laurelroots in swampy woods; made entirely of strips of laurel bark lined withfine grass. 

687. American Redstart. _Setophaga ruticilla. _

Range. --North America, chiefly east of the Rockies, breeding in thenorthern half of the United States and north to Labrador and Alaska;winters south of our borders. 

The male of this handsome, active and well known species is black with awhite belly, and orange patches on the sides, wings and bases of outertail feathers. They breed abundantly in swamps, open woods or thicketsby the roadside, placing their nests in trees or bushes at elevations offrom three to thirty feet above ground and usually in an upright fork. The nests are very compactly made of fibres and grasses, feltedtogether, and lined with hair. Their eggs are white, variously blotchedand spotted with brown and gray; size . 65 × . 50. Data. --Chili, N. Y. , June 1, 1894. Nest, a cup-shaped structure of plant fibres lined withfine grasses and hair; 4 feet from the ground in the crotch of a smallchestnut. 

[Illustration 417: White. ][Illustration: Canadian Warblers. American Redstart. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 416

[Illustration 418: C. A. REED. MALE REDSTART FEEDING YOUNG. ]

Pgee 417

688. PAINTED REDSTART. _Setophaga picta. _

Range. --Southern New Mexico and Arizona, southward. 

This beautiful Redstart is black with a large white patch on the wingcoverts, white outer tail feathers, and with the belly and middle of thebreast bright red. These active birds, which have all the habits andmannerisms of the common species, nest on the ground in thickets orshrubbery usually near water, and generally conceal their homes underoverhanging stones or stumps; the nests are made of fine shreds of barkand grasses, lined with hair; the eggs are white, dotted with reddishbrown; size . 65 x . 48. Data. --Chiricahua Mts. , Arizona, May 31, 1900. Nest of fine bark and grass under a small bush on the ground. 

689. RED-BELLIED REDSTART. _Setophaga miniata. _

Range. --Mexico; admitted to our avifauna on the authority of Giraud ashaving occurred in Texas. 

This species is similar to the last, but has a chestnut crown patch, more red on the underparts, and less white on the tail; it is notprobable that their nesting habits or eggs differ from the last. 

690. RED-FACED WARBLER. _Cardellina rubrifrons. _

Range. --Southern Arizona and New Mexico, southward. 

This attractive little Warbler is quite common in mountain ranges of thesouthern Arizona. They nest on the ground on the side hills, concealingthe slight structure of grasses and rootlets under overhanging shrubs orstones. Their eggs are specked and blotched with light reddish brown andlavender. Size . 64 x . 48. Data. --Chiricahua Mts. , Arizona, May 31, 1902. Nest in a depression under a tuft of grass growing about 8 feet up onthe side of a bank. 

[Illustration 419: White. ][Illustration: Painted Redstart. Red-faced Warblers. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 418

WAGTAILS. Family MOTACILLIDÆ

694. WHITE WAGTAIL. _Motacilla alba. _

Range. --An Old World species; accidental in Greenland. 

These birds are abundant throughout Europe, nesting on the ground, instone walls, or in the crevices of old buildings, etc. , the nests beingmade of grass, rootlets, leaves, etc. ; the eggs are grayish white, finely specked with blackish gray. Size . 75 × . 55. 

695. SWINHOE'S WAGTAIL. _Motacilla ocularis. _

Range. --Eastern Asia; accidental in Lower California and probablyAlaska. 

696. ALASKA YELLOW WAGTAIL. _Budytes flavus alascensis. _

Range. --Eastern Asia; abundant on the Bering Sea coast of Alaska in thesummer. 

These handsome Wagtails are common in summer on the coasts and islandsof Bering Sea, nesting on the ground under tufts of grass or besidestones, usually in marshy ground. Their eggs number from four to six andare white, profusely spotted with various shades of brown and gray. Size. 75 × . 55. Data. --Kamchatka, June 20, 1896. Nest on the ground; made offine rootlets, grass and moss, lined neatly with animal fur. 

697. PIPIT. _Anthus rubescens. _

Range. --North America, breeding in the Arctic regions, and in the RockyMountains south to Colorado, winters in southern United States andsouthward. 

The Titlarks are abundant birds in the United States during migrations, being found in flocks in fields and cultivated ground. Their nests, which are placed on the ground in meadows or marshes under tufts ofgrass, are made of moss and grasses; the four to six eggs are darkgrayish, heavily spotted and blotched with brown and blackish. Size . 75× . 55. 

698. MEADOW PIPIT. _Anthus pratensis. _

Range. --Whole of Europe; accidental in Greenland. 

This species is similar to the American Pipit and like that speciesnests on the ground; they are very abundant and are found in meadows, woods or thickets in the vicinity of houses. Their nests are madechiefly of grasses, lined with hair; the eggs are from four to six innumber and are grayish, very heavily spotted and blotched with grayishbrown. Size . 78 × . 58. 

[Illustration 420: White. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: American Pipit. Sprague's Pipit. ][Illustration: Gray. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 419

699. RED-THROATED PIPIT. _Anthus cervinus. _

Range. --An Old World species; accidental in the Aleutians and LowerCalifornia. 

The nesting habits of this bird are like those of the others of thegenus. 

700. SPRAGUE'S PIPIT. _Anthus spraguei. _

Range. --Interior of North America, breeding from Wyoming north toSaskatchewan. Winters in the plains of Mexico. 

These birds are common on the prairies and breed abundantly on theplains of the interior of northern United States and Manitoba. They havea flight song which is said to be fully equal to that of the famousEuropean Skylark. They nest on the ground under tufts of grass orup-turned sods, lining the hollow with fine grasses; their three or foureggs are grayish white, finely specked with grayish black or purplish. Size . 85 × . 60. Data. --Crescent Lake, Canada. Nest of fine driedgrasses, built in the ground at the side of a sod. 

DIPPERS. Family CINCLIDÆ

701. DIPPER. _Cinclus mexicanus unicolor. _

Range. --Mountains of western North America from Alaska to CentralAmerica. 

These short-tailed, grayish colored birds are among the strangest offeathered creatures; they frequent the sides of mountain streams wherethey feed upon aquatic insects and small fish. Although they do not havewebbed feet, they swim on or under water with the greatest of ease andrapidity, using their wings as paddles. They have a thrush-like bill andthe teetering habits of the Sandpiper, and they are said to be one ofthe sweetest of songsters. They nest among the rocks along the banks ofswiftly flowing streams, and sometimes beneath falls; the nests arelarge round structures of green moss, lined with fine grass and with theentrance on the side. The eggs are pure white, four or five in number, and laid during May or June. Size 1. 00 × . 70. 

WRENS, THRASHERS, ETC. Family TROGLODYTIDÆ

702. SAGE THRASHER. _Oreoscoptes montanus. _

Range. --Plains and valleys of western United States, east of the SierraNevadas, from Montana to Mexico. 

This species is abundant in the sage regions of the west, nesting on theground or at low elevations in sage or other bushes. Their nests aremade of twigs, rootlets and bark strips, lined with fine rootlets; thethree or four eggs are a handsome greenish blue, brightly spotted withreddish brown and gray. Size . 95 × . 70. Data. --Salt Lake Co. , Utah, May11, 1900. Nest placed in a sage bush; made of twigs of the same andlined with bark strips. Collector, W. H. Parker, (Crandall collection. )

[Illustration 421: Grayish white. ][Illustration: Sage Thrasher. ][Illustration: Greenish blue. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 420

703. MOCKINGBIRD. _Mimus polyglottos polyglottos_. 

Range. --South Atlantic and Gulf States, north to New Jersey andIllinois. 

These noted birds are very common in the south where they are found, andnest about houses in open woods, fields, and along roadways; their nestsare rude, bulky structures of twigs, grasses, leaves, etc. , placed intrees or bushes at low elevations; the three to five eggs are usuallydull greenish blue, boldly spotted with brownish. Size . 95 × . 72. 

703a. WESTERN MOCKINGBIRD. _Mimus polyglottos leucopterus. _

Range. --Southwestern United States from Texas to California, andsouthward. 

This subspecies is as common in its range, and its habits are the sameas those of the eastern bird. The nests and eggs are identical withthose of the last, and like that variety they frequently nest in oddplaces as do all common birds when they become familiar withcivilization. 

704. CATBIRD. _Dumetella carolinensis. _

Range. --North America, breeding from the Gulf States to theSaskatchewan; rare on the Pacific coast; winters in the Gulf States andsouthward. 

This well known mimic is abundant in the temperate portions of itsrange, frequenting open woods, swamps, hillsides and hedges. Their nestsare usually low down in bushes or trees, and are constructed similarlyto those of the Mockingbird, of twigs and rootlets; a tangled mass ofvines and briers is a favorite place for them to locate their home. Their eggs are laid in the latter part of May or during June, and arefrom three to five in number and a bright bluish green in color, unmarked. Size . 95 × . 70. 

[Illustration 422: Dull greenish blue. ][Illustration: Mockingbird. ][Illustration: Bluish green. ][Illustration: Catbird. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 421

705. BROWN THRASHER. _Toxostoma rufum_. 

Range. --Eastern North America, breeding from the Gulf States north toCanada. Winters in the Gulf States and southward. 

This large, handsome songster is found breeding in just such localitiesas are preferred by the Catbird and the two are often found nesting inthe same hedge or thicket. The nests, too, are similar but that of theThrasher is usually more bulky; besides building in bushes theyfrequently nest on the ground, lining the hollow under some bush withfine rootlets. Their three to five eggs are laid during May or June;they are whitish or pale greenish white, profusely dotted with reddishbrown. Size 1. 05 × . 80. 

706. SENNETT'S THRASHER. _Toxostoma longirostre sennetti. _

Range. --Southern Texas and northeastern Mexico. 

Very similar to the last but darker above and with the spots on thebreast blacker and more distinct. This species which is very abundant inthe Lower Rio Grande Valley nests the same as the last species in thickhedges and the eggs are very similar to those of the Brown Thrasher, butin a large series, average more sparingly marked over the whole surfaceand with a more definite wreath about the large end. Data. --CorpusChristi, Texas, May 12, 1899. Nest of twigs and vines in a bush inthicket. Six feet from the ground. 

707. CURVE-BILLED THRASHER. _Toxostoma curvirostre curvirostre. _

Range. --Mexico, north to southern Texas and eastern New Mexico. 

This species is a uniform ashy gray above and soiled white below; thebill is stout and decurved. These birds are as numerous in the Lower RioGrande Valley as are the Sennett's Thrasher, frequenting thickets wherethey breed in scrubby bushes and cacti. Their nests are rather largerand more deeply cupped than are those of the last species and the eggscan easily be distinguished. They have a ground color of light bluishgreen, minutely dotted evenly all over the surface with reddish brown. Size 1. 10 × . 80. Data. --Brownsville, Texas, April 6, 1900. 5 eggs. Nestof sticks and thorns on a cactus in a thicket; 6 feet from the ground. 

[Illustration 423: Greenish white. ][Illustration: Brown Thrasher. ][Illustration: Greenish white. ][Illustration: Bluish green. ][Illustration: 707a--708--710. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 422

707a. PALMER'S THRASHER. _Toxostoma curvirostre palmeri. _

Range. --Very abundant in southern Arizona and southward into Mexico. 

The nesting habits and eggs of these birds are exactly like those of thelast; they show a preference for placing their nests of sticks andthorny twigs upon cacti at elevations below five feet from the ground. Like the last, they generally raise two broods a season. 

708. BENDIRE'S THRASHER. _Toxostoma bendirei. _

Range. --Southern Arizona and Mexico; north locally to southern Colorado. 

This species is not as abundant in the deserts of southern Arizona asare the last species with which they associate. They nest at lowelevations in mesquites or cacti, laying their first sets in March andearly April and usually raising two broods a season; their three or foureggs are dull whitish, spotted and blotched with brownish drab and lilacgray. Size 1. 00 × . 72. Data. --Tucson, Arizona, April 15, 1896. Nest 3feet up in a cholla cactus; made of large sticks lined with finegrasses. 

709. SAN LUCAS THRASHER. _Toxostoma cinereum cinereum. _

Range. --Southern Lower California. 

This species is similar to _curvirostre_ but the under parts are spottedwith dusky. Their habits and nests are similar to those of the otherThrashers and the three or four eggs are pale greenish white, spottedwith reddish brown. Size 1. 08 × . 75. Data. --Santa Anita, June 3, 1896. 3eggs. Nest in a cactus. 

709a. MEARNS'S THRASHER. _Toxostoma cinereum mearnsi. _

Range. --Northern Lower California. 

This species is described as darker than the last and with larger, blacker spots on the breast and underparts. 

710. CALIFORNIA THRASHER. _Toxostoma redivivum. _

Range. --Southern half of California, west of the Sierra Nevadas. 

This species is more brownish than the other curve-billed species andhas a much longer and more curved bill. They are common in the underbrush of hillsides and ravines, where they locate their nests at lowelevations. Their nests are made of sticks and grass, lined withrootlets, and the three or four eggs are bluish green with spots ofrusset brown. Size 1. 12 × . 82. Data. --San Diego, Cal. , Feb. 7, 1897. Nest of sticks and rootlets in a grease-wood bush 4 feet from theground. Collector, Chas. W. Brown. 

[Illustration 424: Grayish white. ][Illustration: Pale greenish white. ][Illustration: Bluish green. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 423

711. LECONTE'S THRASHER. _Toxostoma lecontei lecontei. _

Range. --Desert regions of southwestern United States, chiefly in thevalleys of the Gila and Colorado Rivers. 

This species is much paler than the last and has a shorter bill. It isfairly common but locally distributed in its range and nests at lowelevations in bushes or cacti. The three or four eggs are pale greenishblue, sparingly dotted with reddish brown. Size 1. 10 × . 75. Data. --Phoenix, Arizona, April 2, 1897. 3 eggs. Large nest of dry twigs, rootlets, etc. , lined with bits of rabbit hair and feathers; 4 feet fromthe ground in a small shrub. 

711a. DESERT THRASHER. _Toxostoma lecontei arenicola. _

Range. --Northern Lower California. 

This form of the last is said to differ in being darker above. It is avery locally confined race, chiefly about Rosalia Bay, Lower California. Its eggs will not be distinctive. 

712. CRISSAL THRASHER. _Toxostoma crissale. _

Range. --Southwestern United States from western Texas to easternCalifornia; north to southern Utah and Nevada. 

This species may be known from any other of the curve-billed Thrashersby its grayish underparts and bright chestnut under tail coverts. Thesesweet songsters are abundant in suitable localities, nesting at lowelevations in chaparral. Their nests are large, and bulkily made ofsticks and rootlets; the eggs range from two to four in number and arepale greenish blue, unmarked. Size 1. 10 × . 75. 

713. CACTUS WREN. _Heleodytes brunneicapillus couesi. _

Range. --Southwestern United States from Texas to eastern California;north to southern Nevada and Utah. 

This species is the largest of the Wrens, being 8. 5 inches in length. They are very common in cactus and chaparrel districts, where they nestat low elevations in bushes or cacti, making large purse-shapedstructures of grasses and thorny twigs, lined with feathers and with asmall entrance at one end. They raise two or three broods a year, thefirst set of eggs being laid early in April; the eggs are creamy white, dotted, so thickly as to obscure the ground color, with pale reddishbrown. Size . 95 × . 65. Data. --Placentia, Cal. , April 15, 1901. Nest incactus about 6 feet from the ground; made of grasses and lined withfeathers and rabbit fur; nest 8 inches in diameter, 18 inches long. 

[Illustration 425: Pale greenish blue. ][Illustration: 711--712. ][Illustration: Pale greenish blue. ][Illustration: Cactus Wren. ][Illustration: Creamy white. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 424

713a. BRYANT'S CACTUS WREN. _Heleodytes brunneicapillus bryanti. _

Range. --Northern Lower California and coast of southern California. 

The nesting habits of this variety differ in no respect from those ofthe last. 

713b. SAN LUCAS CACTUS WREN. _Heleodytes brunneicapillus affinis. _

Range. --Southern Lower California. 

Eggs indistinguishable from those of the last. 

715. ROCK WREN. _Salpinctes obsoletus obsoletus. _

Range. --United States, west of the plains, breeding north to BritishColumbia, and south to Mexico; winters in southwestern United States andsouthward. 

This species appears to be quite abundant on rocky hillsides throughoutits range; like most of the Wrens they draw attention to themselves bytheir loud and varied song. They nest in crevices or beneath overhangingrocks, making the nest out of any trash that may be handy, such asweeds, grass, wool, bark, rootlets, etc. ; their eggs range from four toeight in number and are pure white, finely specked with reddish brown. Size . 72 × . 50. 

716. GUADALUPE ROCK WREN. _Salpinctes guadeloupensis. _

Range. --Guadalupe Island, Lower California. 

A similar but darker and browner species than the Rock Wren. It breedsin abundance throughout the island from which it takes its name, placingits nests in crevices among the boulders or cavities of fallen treetrunks and, as is often done by the last species, lining the pathway tothe nest with small pebbles. The eggs, which are laid from January toApril, resemble, in all respects, those of the common Rock Wren. 

717. WHITE-THROATED WREN. _Catherpes mexicanus albifrons. _

Range. --Northeastern Mexico and the Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas. 

The habits of the White-throated Wren are the same as those of the CanonWren, which variety is more common and better known; the eggs of thisspecies are not distinguishable from those of the next. 

[Illustration 426: Rock Wren. ][Illustration: white. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 425

717a. CANON WREN. _Catherpes mexicanus conspersus. _

Range. --Rocky Mountain region and west to the Sierra Nevadas; north toWyoming and Idaho and south to New Mexico and Arizona. 

The Canon Wrens are uniform rusty brown all over except the largesharply defined white throat patch; the underparts, wings and tail arebarred with black, and the back is specked with white. Their name iswell chosen for they are found abundantly in rocky canyons, ravines, andside hills. They nest in crevices or caves among the rocks, placingtheir nests in small niches; they are made of twigs, leaves, grasses andfeathers, and the three to six eggs, which are laid from April to Juneaccording to locality, are white, sprinkled and blotched with reddishbrown and lilac. Size . 72 × . 52. 

717b. DOTTED CANON WREN. _Catherpes mexicanus punctulatus. _

Range. --Pacific coast from Oregon to Lower California. 

The habits and eggs of this coast form of the White-throated Wren do notvary in any particular from those of the preceding variety. 

718. CAROLINA WREN. _Thryothorus ludovicianus ludovicianus. _

Range. --Eastern United States, breeding from the Gulf to southern NewEngland and Illinois; resident in the greater part of its range. 

These loud-voiced songsters are well known in the south where they arevery abundant, being found along banks of streams, in thickets, alongwalls, or about brush heaps. They nest in almost any suitable nook orcorner, in hollow trees or stumps, bird boxes, about buildings, and inbrush or bushes. When in exposed positions, the nest, which is made ofall sorts of trash, is arched over; the eggs, which are laid from Marchto June, and frequently later, as several broods are sometimes reared ina season, are white, profusely specked with light reddish brown andpurplish. Size . 74 × . 60. 

718a. FLORIDA WREN. _Thryothorus ludovicianus miamensis. _

Range. --Southern Florida. 

A similar bird to the last but darker above and brighter below. Its eggsare not distinguishable from those of the last. 

718b. LOMITA WREN. _Thryothorus ludovicianus lomitensis. _

Range. --Southern Texas. 

This sub-species is abundant along the Lower Rio Grande in southernTexas, where its habits are the same as those of the others and the eggsare not distinctive. 

[Illustration 427: Carolina Wren. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: 717a--719a. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 426

719. BEWICK'S WREN. _Thryomanes bewicki bewicki. _

Range. --South Atlantic and Gulf States, and the Mississippi Valley northto Minnesota and locally to the Middle States in the east. 

This species is not common on the Atlantic coast but in the interior itis the most abundant of the Wrens, nesting in holes in trees, stumps, fences, bird boxes, tin cans, etc. , filling the cavities with grass androotlets. Their eggs are laid in the latter part of April or May; theyare white, specked and usually wreathed about the large end with reddishbrown and purplish. Size . 65 × . 50. 

719a. VIGORS'S WREN. _Thryomanes bewicki spilurus. _

Range. --Pacific coast of California. 

This similar bird to the last has the same general habits and the eggsare not in any way different from those of Bewick's Wren. 

719b. BAIRD'S WREN. _Thryomanes bewicki bairdi. _

Range. --Southwestern United States, from western Texas to easternCalifornia and north to Colorado and Nevada. 

Like the two preceding Wrens, this one nests in natural or artificialcavities, and the four to seven eggs that they lay are precisely alike, in every respect, to those of the others. 

719c. TEXAS WREN. _Thryomanes bewicki cryptus. _

Range. --Texas, north in summer to western Kansas. 

A very abundant bird in Texas. Nesting habits not unusual nor eggsdistinctive. 

719d. SAN DIEGO WREN. _Thryomanes bewicki charienturus. _

Range. --Coast of southern California. 

719e. SEATTLE WREN. _Thryomanes bewicki calophonus. _

Range. --Pacific coast from Oregon to British Columbia. 

These last two sub-species have recently been separated from Vigors'sWren, but their habits and eggs remain the same as those of thatvariety. 

719. 1. SAN CLEMENTE WREN. _Thryomanes leucophrys. _

Range. --San Clemente Island, California. 

This species is similar to Vigors's Wren but is grayer and paler above. It is not peculiar in its nesting habits and the eggs are like those of_bewicki_. 

720. GUADALUPE WREN. _Thryomanes brevicauda. _

Range. --Guadalupe Island. 

A very similar species to the Vigors's Wren; nesting habits and the eggsare not apt to differ in any respect. 

[Illustration 428: Bewick's Wren. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 427

721. HOUSE WREN. _Troglodytes aëdon. _

Range. --North America east of the Mississippi, breeding from the Gulfnorth to Manitoba and Ontario; winters in the southern half of theUnited States. 

This familiar and noisy little Wren is the most abundant and widelydistributed of the Wrens; they are met with on the edges of woods, swamps, fields, pastures, orchards and very frequently build abouthouses, in bird houses or any nook that may suit them; they fill thecavity of the place they may select with twigs, grass, feathers, plantdown, etc. , and lay from five to nine eggs in a set and frequently threesets a year. The eggs are pinkish white, very profusely and minutelydotted with pale reddish brown so as to make the egg appear to be anearly uniform salmon color and with a wreath of darker spots about thelarge end. Size . 65 × . 52. Data. --Gretna, N. Y. , May 29, 1896. Nestthree feet from the ground in cavity of an apple tree; made of twigs andgrass, and lined with hair and feathers. 

721a. WESTERN HOUSE WREN. _Troglodytes aëdon parkmani. _

Range. --United States, from the Mississippi Valley to easternCalifornia. 

This variety is grayer above and below than the eastern form, but itshabits and eggs do not differ in any respect. 

722. WINTER WREN. _Nannus hiemalis hiemalis. _

Range. --Eastern North America, breeding from northern United Statesnorthward, and south in the Alleghanies to North Carolina; winters inthe United States. 

These are the smallest of the Wrens, being but four inches in length;they have a very short tail which, like those of the others, is carriederect over the back during excitement or anger. They are very sly birdsand creep about through stone walls and under brush like so many mice;they have a sweet song but not as loud as that of the House Wren. Theirnests are placed in crevices of stumps, walls, old buildings or in brushheaps, being made of twigs and leaves, lined with feathers. Their eggs, which are laid during May or June, are pure white, finely and sparinglydotted with reddish brown; size . 60 × . 48. 

[Illustration 429: House Wren. ][Illustration: Pinkish white. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 428

722a. WESTERN WINTER WREN. _Nannus hiemalis pacificus. _

Range. --Western North America from the Rockies to the coast, north toAlaska. 

This species is much browner both above and below and is more heavilybarred than the last; its habits and eggs are like those of _hiemalis_. 

722b. KADIAK WINTER WREN. _Nannushiemalis helleri. _

Range. --Kadiak Island, Alaska. 

Said to be slightly larger and paler than _pacificus_. 

723. ALASKA WREN. _Nannus alascensis. _

Range. --Aleutian and Pribilof Islands, Alaska. 

Larger and paler than the Western Winter Wren. The habits of thisspecies are similar to those of the eastern Winter Wren; they nestbetween boulders and in crevices of rocks or stumps, making their nestsof moss and rootlets, lined with feathers. The eggs are like those ofthe Winter Wren but slightly larger; size . 65 × . 51. 

723. 1. ALEUTIAN WREN. _Nannus meliger. _

Range. --Western Aleutian Islands to Alaska. Very similar to the above, both in song and general habits. They nest in the crevices of rocks orbetween boulders, making their nests of rootlets and grass, lining itwith hair and feathers. Usually six eggs are laid, white with a fewspecks of brown (. 58 × . 46). 

724. SHORT-BILLED MARSH WREN. _Cistothorus stellaris_. 

Range. --Eastern United States, breeding from the Gulf to Manitoba andMaine. 

This species does not appear to be as common anywhere as is theLong-billed variety, whose habits and nests are similar. They nest in oron the borders of marshes, and nests being globular structures ofgrasses, lined with hair, and with the entrance on the side; they areattached above the ground or water in marsh grass or reeds. Their eggs, which number from six to eight, are pure white; size . 64 × . 48. 

[Illustration 430: Winter Wren. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: 623--723. 1--725a. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 429

725. LONG-BILLED MARSH WREN. _Telmatodytes palustris palustris. _

Range. --United States east of the Rockies, breeding from the Gulf northto Manitoba and New England; winters in southern United States. 

These birds are very abundant in suitable localities throughout theirrange, breeding in colonies in large marshes and in smaller numbers insmall marshy places. Their nests are similar to those of the last, beingglobular and attached to cat-tails or reeds; the entrance is a smallround hole in the side of the rush-woven structures and the interior isneatly finished with fine grass and hair. They lay from five to eighteggs of a pale chocolate color, dotted and spotted with darker shades ofthe same; size . 64 × . 45. Data. --Delray, Mich. , May 27, 1900. Six eggs. Nest a ball of woven flags and grasses, lined with cat-tail down, andattached to rushes in salt marsh over two feet of water. Collector, Geo. W. Morse. 

725a. TULE WREN. _Telmatodytes palustris paludicola. _

Range. --Western United States on the Pacific coast; north to BritishColumbia. 

The nesting habits and eggs of these birds are in all respects likethose of the last. 

725b. WORTHINGTON'S MARSH WREN. _Telmatodytes palustris griseus. _

Range. --Coast of South Carolina and Georgia. 

The habits and eggs of this paler form are identical with those of_palustris_. 

725c. WESTERN MARSH WREN. _Telmatodytes palustris plesius. _

Range. --United States west of the Rockies, except the Pacific coast;north to British Columbia. This variety is like the Tule Wren butslightly paler; its nesting habits and eggs are the same. 

725. 1. MARIAN'S MARSH WREN. _Telmatodytes palustris marianæ. _

Range. --West coast of Florida. 

This species is similar to the Long-billed variety but is darker andmore barred above and below. Its nests and eggs will not be found todiffer materially from those of the others of this genus. 

[Illustration 431: Short-billed Marsh Wren. Long-billed Marsh Wren. ][Illustration: Pale brown. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 430

CREEPERS. Family CERTHIIDÆ

726. BROWN CREEPER. _Certhia familiaris americana. _

Range. --Eastern North America, breeding from the northern tier of statesnorthward; winters in the United States. 

These peculiar, weak-voiced Creepers are common in northern UnitedStates during the winter, when they may be seen slowly toiling up thetree trunks, searching the crannies of the bark for larvae. They maketheir nests behind loose hanging bark on old tree stubs, usually at lowelevations, building them of twigs, bark, moss, etc. , held together withcobwebs. The eggs, which are laid in May or June, are pure white, specked and spotted with reddish brown; they average in size . 58 × . 48. The nests are most often found under the loosened bark on coniferoustrees. 

726a. MEXICAN CREEPER. _Certhia familiaris albescens. _

Range. --Western Mexico north to southern Arizona. 

The nesting habits of this brighter colored form are the same as thoseof the others. 

726b. ROCKY MOUNTAIN CREEPER. _Certhia familiaris montana. _

Range. --Rocky Mountains, breeding from New Mexico to Alaska. 

The eggs of this grayer variety cannot be distinguished from those ofthe eastern birds and the nests are in similar situations. 

726c. CALIFORNIA CREEPER. _Certhia familiaris occidentalis. _

Range. --Pacific coast from southern California north to Alaska. 

An abundant species, especially on mountain ranges, breeding behind thebark chiefly on pine trees. The eggs are not different from those of theothers. 

726d. SIERRA CREEPER. _Certhia familiaris zelotes. _

Range. --Sierra Nevada Mountains in California and the Cascade Range inOregon. 

Very similar to the last and with the same habits; eggsindistinguishable. 

[Illustration 432: White. ][Illustration: Brown Creeper. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 431

NUTHATCHES AND TITS. Family SITTIDÆ

727. WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH. _Sitta carolinensis carolinensis. _

Range. --United States east of the Rockies, breeding from the Gulf tosouthern Canada; resident throughout its range. 

These birds are creepers, but unlike the last species, these run abouton the trunks, either up or down; their tails are not pointed andstiffened like those of the Brown Creepers, and their plumage is grayand black above with a black crown, and white below. They nest in holesin trees, usually deep in the woods and at any elevation from theground; they nearly always use deserted Woodpeckers' holes but are saidat times to excavate their own, with great labor as their bills arelittle adapted for that work. They line the cavities with bark stripsand hair or feathers, and during April or May, lay from four to ninewhite eggs, profusely specked with reddish brown and lilac. Size . 80 ×. 60. Data. --Lancaster, Mass. , May 16, 1902. Nest in hole in an oak tree, 45 feet above ground; made of fine strips of bark fibre and hair. 

727a. SLENDER-BILLED NUTHATCH. _Sitta carolinensis aculeata. _

Range. --North America, west of the Rockies and from Mexico to BritishColumbia. 

This species is as abundant in the west as the last is in the east, andnests in like situations. The eggs cannot be distinguished from those ofthe eastern birds. 

727b. FLORIDA WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH. _Sitta carolinensis atkinsi. _

Range. --Florida and the South Atlantic coast to South Carolina. 

The habits and eggs of these birds are like those of the northern ones. 

727c. ROCKY MOUNTAIN NUTHATCH. _Sitta carolinensis nelsoni. _

Range. --Rocky Mountains from Mexico north to British Columbia. 

Their nesting habits or eggs are not distinctive in any respect. 

727d. SAN LUCAS NUTHATCH. _Sitta carolinensis lagunæ. _

Range. --Mountain ranges of Lower California. 

Said to be like _aculeata_ but with the wings and tail slightly shorter. 

[Illustration 433: White-breasted Nuthatch. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 432

728. RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH. _Sitta canadensis. _

Range. --North America, breeding from the northern tier of statesnorthward, and farther south in mountain ranges; winters south tosouthern United States. 

This species is smaller than the last and has reddish brown underpartsand a black stripe through the eye. The breeding habits are the same asthose of the White-bellied variety, but these birds almost invariablycoat the tree below the opening with pitch, for what purpose is unknown. They lay from four to six white eggs, numerously spotted with reddishbrown; size, . 60 × . 50. Data. --Upton, Maine, June 21, 1898. Nest in holeof dead birch stub, 20 feet from the ground; made of strips of bark anda few feathers. 5 eggs. 

729. BROWN-HEADED NUTHATCH. _Sitta pusilla. _

Range. --South Atlantic and Gulf States. 

This species has a yellowish brown crown and whitish underparts. Theirhabits are like those of the other Nuthatches, they nesting in cavitiesat varying heights, from two to fifty feet from the ground. That theysometimes depart from the usual custom is evidenced by the dataaccompanying this egg. They lay from four to seven eggs, white withprofuse markings of reddish brown; size . 60 × . 48. Data. --St. Mary's, Ga. Nest situated under the bark of an old dead pine stump, 4 feet fromthe ground; made of fine strips of bark. 

730. PYGMY NUTHATCH. _Sitta pygmæa pygmæa. _

Range. --North America west of the Rockies, breeding from Mexico north toBritish Columbia. Resident throughout its range. 

This species has an olive gray crown bordered by dusky, the back is ashyblue and the underparts soiled white or rusty. They are common inmountains of western United States, nesting in holes in trees the sameas the other species of Nuthatches. They lay from five to nine eggswhich are white, speckled thickly with reddish brown; size . 60 × . 50. Data. --Huachuca Mts. , Arizona, May 25, 1901. Nest in cavity (10 inchesdeep) in dead pine stump about 15 feet from the ground; composed of amass of vegetable down; altitude 9000 feet. 

[Illustration 434: Red-breasted Nuthatch. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: Brown-headed Nuthatch. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 433

730a. WHITE-NAPED NUTHATCH. _Sitta pygmæa leuconucha. _

Range. --Lower California. 

Like the last but grayer above and white below. Its habits and eggs arethe same as those of the Pygmy Nuthatch. 

731. TUFTED TITMOUSE. _Bæolophus bicolor_. 

Range. --Eastern United States, resident and breeding from the Gulf northto New York and Illinois. 

This species has a grayish crest and upper parts, and is white beneathwith brownish sides and black forehead. These common and noisy birdsnest in natural cavities in trees or in holes deserted by Woodpeckers;they may be found at any elevation, from two to thirty feet from theground. They line the bottom of the cavity with leaves, bark, fibres andhair, and during April or May lay five to eight white eggs, plentifullyspecked with reddish brown. Size . 74 × . 54. 

732. BLACK-CRESTED TITMOUSE. _Bæolophus atricristatus atricristatus. _

Range. --Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas and southward. 

This Titmouse has a black crest and the forehead is white; otherwisesimilar to the preceding. Like the last, these birds nest in desertedWoodpeckers' holes and natural cavities in trees, either in open woodsor in the vicinity of habitations. Their eggs are sparsely spotted withreddish brown, and not usually distinguishable from those of the TuftedTitmouse. Size . 70 × . 54. Data. --Brownsville, Texas, May 11, 1892. Nestof moss, hair, down and wool in cavity in tree in open woods near town;4 feet from the ground. 

[Illustration 435: White. ][Illustration: Tufted Titmouse. Black-crested Titmouse. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 434

733. PLAIN TITMOUSE. _Bæolophus inornatus inornatus_. 

Range. --California and Oregon west of the Sierra Nevadas. 

This common, slightly crested Titmouse is grayish brown above andgrayish white below. They nest anywhere in cavities that meet with theirapproval, about old buildings, in fence posts, etc. , as well as holes intrees. Their eggs range from five to eight in number and are white, usually spotted with pale brownish. Size . 72 × . 52. Data. --Tulare Co. , California, April 3, 1895. Nest in an oak tree, 32 feet from the ground, in a natural cavity of a horizontal limb; composed of grasses, feathersand fur. 

733a. GRAY TITMOUSE. _Bæolophus inornatus griseus. _

Range. --Southeastern United States, from Colorado and Nevada southward. 

The nesting habits of this gray Titmouse are just the same as those ofthe other. 

733b. ASHY TITMOUSE. _Bæolophus inornatus cineraceus. _

Range. --Southern Lower California. 

The habits of this variety are the same as those of the Plain Titmouseand doubtless the eggs are also. 

734. BRIDLED TITMOUSE. _Bæolophus wollweberi. _

Range. --Mexico north to southern Arizona, New Mexico and western Texas. 

This handsome species is quite abundant in the mountains of southernArizona, and nests in woods or about ranches, lining the cavities oftrees with moss, down, leaves, etc. The three to seven eggs that theylay are pure white, unmarked. Size . 65 × . 52. Data. --Huachuca Mountains, Arizona, April 5, 1901. Nest in the natural cavity of a live oak, 12feet from the ground; cavity lined with bark and feathers. 

735. CHICKADEE. _Penthestes atricapillus atricapillus. _

Range. --Eastern North America, breeding from the Middle and CentralStates northward to Labrador; only migratory to a slight extent. 

The Chickadee is too well known to need any description; suffice it tosay that they are the favorites, with everybody, among all the NorthAmerican birds. They breed in holes in trees in orchards or woods, andalso in bird boxes. I have found by far the greater number in decayedbirch stubs. They line the cavities with fine grasses and feathers, andduring May or June lay from five to eight white eggs, dotted withreddish brown; size . 55 × . 45. 

[Illustration 436: White. ][Illustration: 733--734. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: Chickadee. Carolina Chickadee. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 435

735a. LONG-TAILED CHICKADEE. _Penthestes ataricapillus septentrionalis. _

Range. --Rocky Mountain region, north to British Columbia. 

This variety is very similar to the last but has a slightly longer tailand the colors are purer. Its nesting habits are the same and the eggsare indistinguishable from those of the eastern Chickadee. 

735b. OREGON CHICKADEE. _Penthestes atricapillus occidentalis. _

Range. --Pacific coast from California to Alaska. 

The habits and eggs of this slightly darker variety are just the same asthose of the common Chickadee of the east. 

736. CAROLINA CHICKADEE. _Penthestes carolinensis carolinensis. _

Range. --Southern United States from the Gulf to New Jersey and Illinois. 

The southern Chickadee is smaller than the northern and the wing covertsand feathers have little or no white edgings. Their nesting habits arein every particular the same as those of _atricapillus_ and the eggscannot be distinguished with certainty, but average smaller; size . 53 ×. 43. 

736a. PLUMBEOUS CHICKADEE. _Penthestes carolinensis agilis. _

Range. --Eastern and central Texas. 

This variety is said to be more plumbeous above and much whiter belowthan the preceding. No differences can be found in the eggs of the twovarieties and the nesting habits are the same. 

737. MEXICAN CHICKADEE. _Penthestes sclateri. _

Range. --Mountains of western Mexico north to southern Arizona. 

This species has the black more extended on the throat and the underparts are grayish of a lighter shade than the upper, the cheeks, however, remaining white. Their nests are in hollow stubs and the eggsare indistinguishable from those of the foregoing Chickadees. 

738. MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE. _Penthestes gambeli gambeli. _

Range. --Rocky Mountain region and west to the Pacific; north to BritishColumbia chiefly in higher ranges. 

This handsome little Titmouse has a white superciliary line, leaving ablack stripe through the eye. Their habits are like those of the otherChickadees and they are equally confiding and inquisitive. Their eggsrange from five to eight in number and are either pure white or faintlymarked with reddish brown; size . 60 × . 45. Data. --Estes Park, Colorado, June 8, 1803. Nest in an old Sapsucker's hole in a live aspen tree, 28feet from the ground; cavity lined with hair and fur. 

[Illustration 437: 735b--737--738. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 436

739. ALASKA CHICKADEE. _Penthestes cinctus alascensis. _

Range. --Northern Alaska and eastern Siberia. 

This bird, which is most like the Hudsonian Chickadee, nests in theusual manner and its eggs are like those of the common Chickadee of theeast. 

740. HUDSONIAN CHICKADEE. _Penthestes hudsonicus hudsonicus. _

Range. --Western half of British America. 

These brown capped Chickadees are very abundant throughout the northwestand are even tamer than our United States varieties. They usually maketheir nests at low elevations in dead and decayed stumps and line thebottom of the cavity, which varies from three to eight inches in depth, with moss and fur. Their eggs, which they lay in May, June or July, arewhite, specked with reddish brown and cannot with any certainty bedistinguished from those of the Black-capped Chickadees, the eggs of allthe species showing considerable variations; size . 60 × . 45. 

740a. ACADIAN CHICKADEE. _Penthestes hudsonicus littoralis. _

Range. --Kowak River, northwest Alaska. 

A larger and grayer form of the last species; nesting habits and eggsnot differing. 

740b. COLUMBIAN CHICKADEE. _Penthestes hudsonicus columbianus. _

Range. --Rocky Mountains from northern United States to Alaska. 

Like _hudsonicus_ but with the crown slaty instead of brownish. Nodifference can be distinguished either in their habits or eggs. 

740c. CANADIAN CHICKADEE. _Penthestes hudsonicus littoralis. _

Range. --Eastern half of Canada and northern New England and New York. 

These birds were formerly _hudsonicus_ in company with the western ones, but they are now supposed to be a trifle smaller and with the crownduller; this division does not affect the similarity of their habits andeggs. 

[Illustration 438: Hudsonian Chickadee. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 437

741. CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEE. _Penthestes rufescens rufescens. _

Range. --Pacific coast from Oregon to Alaska. 

This species is similar to the Hudsonian in having a brown crown andblack throat, but has in addition, a chestnut colored back and sides. They breed locally in Oregon, more commonly in Washington and areabundant in British Columbia, making the nests of animal fur in holes indead stubs. Their eggs vary in number from five to eight and are creamywhite, dotted with reddish; size . 60 × . 45. Data. --Dayton, Oregon, May28, 1906. Nest of hair and fur in willow stub, 10 feet up. 

741a. CALIFORNIA CHICKADEE. _Penthestes rufescens neglectus. _

Range. --Coast regions of California. 

This variety is not as rufous on the sides as the more northern one. Itshabits and eggs are the same. 

741b. BARLOW'S CHICKADEE. _Penthestes rufescens barlowi_. 

Range. --About Monterey Bay, California. 

This variety is said to have no rusty on the flanks. Its habits and eggsare like those of the others. 

742a. PALLID WREN-TIT. _Chamæa fasciata henshawi_. 

Range. --Interior of California from Lower California to the SacramentoValley. 

This duller colored variety has the same nesting habits and similar eggsto those of the Coast Wren-tit. 

742b. Coast Wren-Tit. _Chamæa fasciata fasciata. _

Range. --Pacific coast from southern California north to Oregon. 

These peculiar brownish gray colored birds frequent the tangledunderbrush of ravines and mountain sides where they lead the life of arecluse. They nest at low elevations in the densest thickets, makingthem of twigs, strips of bark, grasses and feathers, compactly woventogether and located in bushes from one to four feet from the ground. They lay from three to five plain, unmarked, pure white eggs; size . 75 ×. 54. Data. --Wrights, Cal. Nest in a tangle of vines in a deep ravine;composed of strips of bark, moss and grasses, lined with cattle hair; abulky nest. 

743. BUSH-TIT. _Psaltriparus minimus minimus. _

Range. --Pacific coast of northern California, Oregon and Washington. 

These diminutive little birds build nests that are marvels ofarchitecture, making long purse-like structures, suspended from twigsusually at low elevations from the ground. The nests are made of moss, lichens, fibres, ferns and grasses and lined with feathers or wool; theopening is on one side near the top, and a typical nest averages 12inches in length, by 4. 5 inches in diameter at the bottom and 3 at thetop. Their eggs number from four to nine and are pure white; size . 54 ×. 40. The birds are very active and have the same habits as theChickadees, being seen often suspended, head downward, from the ends oftwigs, in their search for insects. 

[Illustration 439: White. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 438

743a. CALIFORNIA BUSH-TIT. _Psaltriparus minimus californicus. _

Range. --California with the exception of the northern part. 

This sub-species, which is like the last but with a lighter brown head, has the same habits, nests in the same manner and its eggs are notdistinguishable from those of the others. 

743b. GRINDA'S BUSH-TIT. _Psaltriparus minimus grindæ. _

Range. --Southern Lower California. 

The nesting habits of this variety, which is very similar to the last, do not vary in any respect; eggs indistinguishable. 

744. LEAD-COLORED BUSH-TIT. _Psaltriparus plumbeus. _

Range. --Rocky Mountain region from Wyoming south to Arizona. 

This species suspends its semi-pensile nests in bushes or trees, andsome times from the mistletoe, which grows on numerous trees in southernArizona. The nests are composed like those of the Cal. Bush-Tit andrange from 6 to 10 inches in length. The eggs are white, five or six innumber and measure . 55 × . 42. 

745. LLOYD'S BUSH-TIT. _Psaltriparus melanotis lloydi. _

Range. --Northern Mexico north into western Texas and New Mexico. 

This species is similar to the lead-colored Bush-Tit but has the earcoverts glossy black. Like the others, it builds a long pensile nest ofsimilar material and suspended from the extremities of limbs near theground The five to seven eggs are pure white. Size . 58 × . 42. 

[Illustration 440: E. L. Bickford. BUSH-TIT AND NEST. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 439

746. VERDIN. _Auriparus flaviceps flaviceps_. 

Range. --Mexican border of the United States, north to Colorado andNevada. 

This Bush-Tit has a bright yellow head and throat, the upper parts beinggray and the belly, white. They are abundant in chaparral brush, locallythroughout their range. Their large globular nests are situated inbushes at low elevations from the ground, and are made of twigs andweeds, softly lined with fur and feathers. Their three to six eggs arepale greenish blue, specked and dotted with reddish brown. Size . 58 ×. 44. Data. --Brownsville, Texas, May 8, 1894. Large nest of sticks andthorns, lined with hair and feathers, and located in a bush in brushthicket, 8 feet from the ground. 

746a. CAPE VERDIN. _Auriparus flaviceps lamprocephalus. _

Range. --Lower California. 

This new sub-species is said to have shorter wings and tail, and also tobe brighter yellow on the head. Its habits and eggs will not differ fromthose of the common Verdin or Yellow-headed Bush-Tit. 

WARBLERS, KINGLETS and GNATCATCHERS. Family SYLVIIDÆ

747. KENNICOTT'S WILLOW WARBLER. _Acanthopneuste borealis. _

Range. --Asia, casually found in Alaska. 

This species breeds in the extreme northern parts of Asia, and I believeits eggs have never been found on this continent. They build their nestsof moss and grasses, on the ground in open woods, concealing them undertufts of grass or tussocks of earth. The three to five eggs are white, spotted with pale reddish brown. Size . 70 × . 50. 

748. GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET. _Regulus satrapa satrapa. _

Range. --North America, breeding from northern United States northward, and south in the Rockies to Mexico, and in the Alleghanies to theCarolinas; winters throughout the United States. 

This rugged little fellow appears to be perfectly content in ournorthern states even during the most severe winters and leaves us earlyin the spring for his breeding grounds farther north. They are usuallyfound in company with Chickadees and, like them, may be seen hanging totwigs in all sorts of positions as they search for their meagre fare. Their nests are large, round structures of green moss, bark strips andfine rootlets, very thickly lined with soft feathers; these are placedin forks or partially suspended among the branches of spruce trees, usually high above the ground. During June they lay from five to teneggs of a dull whitish or grayish color, spotted heavily with pale brownand lilac. Size . 55 × . 42. 

[Illustration 441: Greenish blue. ][Illustration: Verdin. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: Gray. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 440

748a. WESTERN GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET. _Regulas satrapa olivaceus. _

Range. --Pacific coast from southern California to Alaska. 

This variety is said to be brighter colored than the last; its habitsand eggs are the same in all particulars. 

749. RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET. _Regulus calendula calendula. _

Range. --North America, breeding from the northern border of the UnitedStates northward, and farther south in mountain ranges; winters insouthern United States. 

This little bird is of the size of the Golden-crowned Kinglet (4. 25inches long) and has a partially concealed patch of red on the crown, not bordered by black and yellow as is the last species. Their nests aresimilar in construction to those of the last species and are situated inconiferous trees at any altitude from the ground. Their four to nineeggs are creamy white, finely specked with reddish brown. Size . 56 ×. 44. 

[Illustration 442: Golden-crowned Kinglets. ][Illustration: White. ][Illustration: C. A. Smith. NEST AND EGGS OF BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 441

749A. SITKA KINGLET. _Regulas calendula grinnelli. _

Range. --Pacific coast, breeding in Alaska. 

Said to be brighter than the preceding variety. 

749b. DUSKY KINGLET. _Regulus calendula obscurus. _

Range. --Guadalupe Island, Lower California. 

This species nests during March in the large cypress and pine groves athigh elevations above the ground. The nests are similar in constructionto those of the common Ruby-crown, and the eggs are scarcely differentfrom some specimens of that species; white, dotted and wreathed withreddish brown. Size . 56 × . 43. 

751. BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER. _Polioptila cærulea cærulea. _

Range. --United States, east of the Rockies, breeding from the Gulf tothe Middle and Central States; casually north to Massachusetts andMinnesota. 

These graceful birds are bluish gray above with a black forehead andcentral tail feathers, and white underparts. They are common in woodeddistricts in the south, where they saddle their beautiful nests uponhorizontal branches or in crotches usually at quite an elevation fromthe ground; they resemble large Ruby-throated Hummers' nests but thewalls are much higher and thicker; they are made of plant fibres anddown, lined with cottony substances and hair, and covered on the outsidewith lichens to match the limb upon which it is placed. Their eggs arebluish white, specked with reddish chestnut. Size . 58 × . 45. Data. --Chattanooga, Tenn. , April 30, 1900. Nest of moss, covered withlichens and lined with hair and feathers; 20 feet from the ground in asmall tree. 

751a. WESTERN GNATCATCHER. _Polioptila cærulea obscura. _

Range. --Western United States and Lower California. 

The habits and eggs of this sub-species are the same as those of theeastern bird, and the nests do not differ except, perhaps, in lessornamentation of the exterior. 

752. PLUMBEOUS GNATCATCHER. _Polioptila plumbea. _

Range. --Mexican boundary from western Texas to southern California. 

This species has a bright shining black crown and more black on the tailthan the eastern Gnatcatcher. They saddle their nests upon the branchesof trees or in upright forks, usually at an elevation of ten feet ormore from the ground; the nests are made of plant fibres and fine barkstrips, compactly felted together, and with little, if any, ornamentallichens on the exterior. Their eggs are pale greenish blue, spotted withreddish brown, and vary from three to five in number. Size . 54 × . 44. 

[Illustration 443: Ruby-crowned Kinglet. ][Illustration: Bluish white. ][Illustration: Greenish blue. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 442

753. BLACK-TAILED GNATCATCHER. _Polioptila californica. _

Range. --Pacific coast of southern California and northern LowerCalifornia. 

This bird is very similar to the last but has still less white on theouter tail feathers. Like the last, the nests of this species usuallylack the exterior covering of lichens, being made of vegetable fibresand plant down, firmly quilted together and saddled on horizontal limbsor placed in forks of trees at any height from the ground. Their eggsare grayish white, specked with bright reddish brown. Size . 55 × . 44. Data. --Escondido, Cal. , May 17, 1903. 5 eggs. Nest on a large limb of asycamore, 30 feet above ground; made of weed fibres, etc. , lined withhair and fine fibres. 

THRUSHES, SOLITAIRES, BLUEBIRDS, ETC. Family TURDIDAE

754. TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE. _Myadestes townsendi. _

Range. --Western United States, breeding from Arizona, New Mexico andsouthern California north to British Columbia. 

This unique species is of a uniform brownish gray color, with a whiteeye ring, narrow bar on wing, and outer tail feathers, and with thebases of the primaries rusty colored. It is a ground inhabiting bird, feeding upon insects and berries in shrubbery and thickets. Their songis said to be liquid, melodious and often long continued, equaling thatof any other bird. They nest on the ground in hollows under banks orcrevices about roots of trees or fallen stumps, making a large, looselyconstructed pile of weeds and trash, hollowed and lined with rootlets. The three or four eggs, which are laid in June, are grayish white, spotted with pale brown, chiefly or most abundantly about the large end. Size . 96 × . 70. 

755. WOOD THRUSH. _Hylocichla mustelina. _

Range. --Eastern United States, breeding from North Carolina and Kansasnorth to northern United States; winters south of our borders. 

This Thrush with his brightly spotted breast is the most handsome ofthis group of musical birds. They are common in damp woods and thickets, in which places they breed, placing their nests of straw, leaves andgrasses in low trees usually between four and ten feet from the ground;their nests are often very rustic, being ornamented by pieces of paperand twigs with dead leaves attached hanging from the sides of the quitebulky structures. During May or June they lay three or four greenishblue eggs of about the shade of a Robin's. Size 1. 05 × . 70. 

[Illustration 444: Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. ][Illustration: Grayish white. ][Illustration: Grayish white. ][Illustration: Greenish blue. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 443

756. VEERY. _Hylocichla fuscescens fuscescens. _

Range. --Eastern North America, breeding in the northern half of itsUnited States range and in the southern British Provinces. 

The Veery is very abundantly distributed in woodland, either moist ordry, and nests on the ground or within a very few inches of it, usuallyplacing its structures of woven bark strips and grasses, in the midst ofa clump of sprouts or ferns. The three or four eggs which they lay inMay or June are bluish green, much darker than those of the Wood Thrush, and nearly the color of those of the Catbird. Size . 90 × . 65. 

756a. WILLOW THRUSH. _Hylocichla fuscescens salicicola. _

Range. --Rocky Mountain region, north to British Columbia. 

The nests and eggs of this similar bird do not differ from those of thelast. 

757. GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH. _Hylocichla aliciæ aliciæ. _

Range. --Breeds from Labrador to Alaska; winters south to CentralAmerica. 

The nesting habits and eggs of this species are very similar to those ofthe following sub-species and the same description will answer for both. 

757. BICKNELL'S THRUSH. _Hylocichla aliciæ bicknelli. _

Range. --Breeds in the Catskills, White Mountains and Nova Scotia. 

These birds, which are practically identical with the preceding, buildtheir nests at low elevations in trees, usually evergreens when present, making them of twigs, moss and rootlets, lined with fine grasses. Theeggs, which are laid during May or June, are pale greenish blue, spottedand blotched with pale brown or russet. Size . 88 × . 64. Data. --SealIsland, Nova Scotia, June 3, 1901. Nest of green moss and rootlets, in aspruce, 5 feet from the ground. 

758. RUSSET-BACKED THRUSH. _Hylocichla ustulata ustulata. _

Range. --Pacific coast, breeding in Oregon and Alaska; winters in CentralAmerica. 

This species is very abundant in moist thickets throughout its range, nesting in bushes and low trees, and making them of weed

[Illustration 445: Wood Thrush. ][Illustration: Wilson's Thrush. ][Illustration: Greenish blue. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 444

[Illustration 446: WOOD THRUSH. ]

Page 445

stalks, bark strips, grasses and moss, lined with fine black rootlets. They are found at elevations of from two to ten feet above the ground. Like the Wood Thrush the birds are tame while sitting on the nest andwill allow a very close approach, without taking alarm; nests arefrequently found which are made almost entirely out of green moss andare very handsome structures. Their three to five eggs are laid in Mayor June; they are greenish blue, spotted with brown of varying shades. Size . 92 × . 65. Data. --Eureka, California, July 6, 1899. Nest in a firtree, 5 feet from the ground; made of moss and strips of redwood bark. 4eggs. 

758a. OLIVE-BACKED THRUSH. _Hylocichla swainsoni. _

Range. --Eastern North America, breeding chiefly north of the UnitedStates, but locally in the northern parts, and abundantly in mountainranges. 

The nesting habits and eggs of this eastern representative of the lastspecies are like those of that bird in all respects and the eggs cannotbe distinguished from those of _ustulatus_. 

758b. OLIVE-BACKED THRUSH. _Hylocichla œdica_. 

Range. --California and southern Oregon. 

Nesting habits and eggs identical with those of _ustulatus. _

759. ALASKA HERMIT THRUSH. _Hylocichla guttata guttata. _

Range. --Pacific coast from British Columbia to Alaska. Winters inMexico. 

The Hermit Thrushes can readily be identified from any other by thereddish brown tail which is in marked contrast to the color of the back. The nesting habits and eggs of this species are precisely like those ofthe eastern Hermit Thrush, which is a sub-species of this. 

759a. AUDUBON'S HERMIT THRUSH. _Hylocichla guttata auduboni. _

Range. --Rocky Mountain region of the United States. Winters in CentralAmerica. 

The nesting habits of this bird are like those of the next except thatit more frequently nests in bushes above the ground. The eggs are notdistinctive. 

[Illustration 447: Greenish blue. ][Illustration: Gray-cheeked Thrush. Olive-backed Thrush. ][Illustration: deco. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 446

759b. HERMIT THRUSH. _Hylocichla guttata pallasi. _

Range. --Eastern North America, breeding in northern United States andnorth to Labrador; winters in southern United States. 

This species, which is noted for its sweet and musical song, frequentsdamp swamps and thickets where it builds its nest either on the groundor near it, like that of the Wilson Thrush; it is made of shreds ofbark, grasses, leaves and rootlets, lined with fine rootlets; the threeor four eggs, which are deposited in May or June, are bluish green andcannot, with certainty, be distinguished from those of the Veery; size. 85 × . 65. 

759c. DWARF HERMIT THRUSH. _Hylocichla guttata nanus. _

Range. --Pacific coast of United States, from Washington, southward. 

The nesting habits and eggs of this slightly smaller and duller coloredvariety are like those of the other Hermit Thrushes. 

760. RED-WINGED THRUSH. _Turdus musicus. _

Range. --An Old World species, accidentally straying to Greenland. 

This common European bird nests at low elevations in bushes or trees, laying four or five bluish green eggs, spotted with reddish brown; size1. 05 × . 75. 

761. ROBIN. _Planesticus migratorius migratorius. _

Range. --North America east of the Rockies, breeding from the middleportions of the United States, north to the Arctic Ocean. 

These common birds nest in trees about houses, in orchards, open woods, in corners of fences, on blinds on houses, and in fact almost everyconceivable position. Their nests are made of grasses, firmly cementedtogether with mud and lined with finer grasses; when placed in treesthey are generally firmly saddled in crotches and may be found at anyheight, from on the ground to sixty feet above it. Their eggs aregreenish blue; size 1. 15 × . 80. Eggs may be found at any time from Mayuntil July or August as they raise several broods a season. 

[Illustration 448: Hermit Thrush. ][Illustration: Bluish green. ][Illustration: Greenish blue. ][Illustration: American Robin. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 447

761b. SOUTHERN ROBIN. _Planesticus migratorius achrusterus. _

Range. --The Carolinas and Georgia. 

The eggs of this bird, which is said to be smaller and duller coloredthan the northern variety, show no differences in any respect. 

762. SAN LUCAS ROBIN. _Planesticus confinis. _

Range. --Southern Lower California. 

This is a very much paler form of the American Robin; its eggs probablywill not differ from those of the others. 

[Illustration 449: J. B. Pardoe. NEST AND EGGS OF ROBIN. ][Illustration: right hand margin. ]

Page 448

763. VARIED THRUSH. _Ixoreus nævius nævius. _

Range. --Pacific coast from northern California to Alaska; south toMexico in winter. 

These handsome birds breed abundantly in Alaska and locally in mountainranges south to northern California. They nest at low elevations intrees, making them of moss, twigs, weeds and grasses, forming a flatshallow structure. Their eggs are greenish blue sharply but sparinglyspotted with dark brown; size 1. 12 × . 80. Data. --Delta of Kowak River, Alaska, June 11, 1899. Four eggs. Nest 12 feet from the ground, againstthe trunk of a slender spruce and supported by a clump of stiff twigs. 

763a. NORTHERN VARIED THRUSH. _Ixoreus nævius meruloides. _

Range. --Interior of western North America, breeding from BritishColumbia to Alaska. Its habits and eggs do not differ from those of thelast. 

764. SIBERIAN RED-SPOTTED BLUETHROAT. _Cyanosylvia suecica robusta. _

Range. --Northern Asia; casually to Alaska. 

This beautiful foreigner nests on the ground and lays four to sixgreenish blue eggs, spotted with reddish brown; size . 75 × . 50. 

765. WHEATEAR. _Saxicola œnanthe œnanthe. _

Range. --Asia; casual in Alaska in summer; nesting habits and eggs likethe next. 

765a. GREENLAND WHEATEAR. _Saxicola œnanthe leucorhoa. _

Range. --Europe and Greenland; casual on the Atlantic coast of NorthAmerica. 

This very abundant Old World species is a common breeding bird inGreenland and probably also in Labrador. They nest in crevices ofquarries, holes in the ground, or stone walls, making a rude nest ofweeds, moss or grasses, lined with hair or feathers, and during May layfrom four to six pale greenish blue eggs; size . 90 × . 60. 

[Illustration 450: Greenish blue. ][Illustration: Wheatear. ][Illustration: Pale greenish blue. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 449

[Illustration 451: BLUEBIRD. ]

Page 450

766. BLUEBIRD. _Sialia sialis sialis. _

Range. --Eastern United States, breeding from the Gulf to southernCanada. Winters in the southern half of the United States. 

These familiar birds build in cavities in trees, usually below 20 feetfrom the ground, crevices among ledges, bird boxes and in any suitablenook they may discover about buildings, providing that English Sparrowsdo not molest them. They raise several broods a year, commencing inApril when they lay from three to six pale bluish white eggs (rarelypure white); size . 80 × . 60. The cavities of their nesting sites arelined with grasses and feathers usually, although I have found the eggson the unlined bottom of cavities in trees. 

766a. AZURE BLUEBIRD. _Sialia sialis fulva. _

Range. --This pale variety is found in southern Arizona and southward. 

Its nesting habits are the same and the eggs are indistinguishable fromthe last. 

767. WESTERN BLUEBIRD. _Sialia mexicana occidentalis. _

Range. --Pacific coast from Lower California to British Columbia. 

The Western Bluebird is as common and familiar in its range as thecommon Bluebird is in the east. It nests in similar locations and itseggs are scarcely distinguishable, although averaging a trifle darker inshade; size . 80 × . 60. 

767a. CHESTNUT-BACKED BLUEBIRD. _Sialia mexicana bairdi. _

Range. --Rocky Mountain region from Mexico to Wyoming. 

The nesting habits or eggs of this brighter colored bird do not differfrom those of the last species. 

767b. SAN PEDRO BLUEBIRD. _Sialia mexicana anabelæ. _

Range. --San Pedro Martir Mountains in Lower California. 

The eggs of this variety will not in all probability be any differentfrom those of the preceding Bluebirds. 

768. MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD. _Sialia currucoides. _

Range. --Rocky Mountain region, breeding from New Mexico north to GreatSlave Lake; winters in southwestern United States and Mexico. 

This azure blue species is common in the greater part of its range andis found west to the Sierra Nevadas in California. Like the easternBluebird they nest in holes in trees or anywhere that they can find asuitable cavity or crevice. Their eggs are slightly larger than those ofthe other Bluebirds and have a slight greenish tint; size . 85 × . 64. 

[Illustration 452: Bluish white. ][Illustration: Bluebird. ][Illustration: left hand margin. ]

Page 451

INDEX

Acanthis hornemanni, 328 " exilipes, 328 linaria, 329 " holbœli, 329 " rostrata, 329

Acanthopneuste borealis, 430

Accipiter cooperi, 205 velox, 204

Actitis macularia, 158

Æchmophorus occidentalis, 11

Æegialitis dubia, 166 hiaticula, 166 meloda, 166 mongola, 167 nivosa, 167 semipalmata, 165

Aeronautes melanoleucus, 270

Æstrelata fisheri, 67 hasitata, 67 scalaris, 67

Aethia cristatella, 25 " pygmaea, 25 " pusilla, 26

Agelaius gubernator californicus, 317 phœniceus, 316 " bryanti, 316 " caurinus, 316 " floridanus, 316 " fortis, 316 " neutralis, 316 " sonoriensis, 316 tricolor, 317

Aimophila carpalis, 353 ruficeps, 353 " eremœca, 353 " scotti, 353 " sororia, 353

Aix sponsa, 95

Ajaja ajaja, 115

Alauda arvensis, 297

Alaudidæ, 297

Albatross, Black-footed, 59 Laysan, 60 Short-tailed, 59 Sooty, 60 Yellow-nosed, 60

Alca torda, 31

Alcedinidæ, 247

Alcidæ, 21

Alle alle, 34

Aluconidæ, 227

Alucopratincola, 227

Amzillis cerviniventris chalconota, 279 tzacatl, 278

Ammodramus bairdi, 338 savannarum australis, 338 " bimaculatus, 338 " floridanus, 340

Amphispiza belli, 351 nevadensis cinerea, 352 " nevadensis, 352 bilineata bilineata, 351 " deserticola, 351

Anas platyrhynchos, 88 fulvigula fulvigula, 90 " maculosa, 91 rubripes, 90

Anatidæ, 87

Anhinga, 77 anhinga, 77

Anhingidæ, 77

Ani, 241 Grove-billed, 243

Anous stolidus, 57

Anser albifrons albifrons, 108 " gambeli, 108 fabalis, 108

Anseres, 87

Anthus cervinus, 419 pratensis, 418 rubescens, 418 spraguei, 419

Antrostomus carolinensis, 263 vociferus vociferus, 263 " macromystax, 264

Aphelocoma californica californica, 307

Aphelocoma californica hypoleuca, 307 " obscura, 307 cyanea, 306 cyanotis, 307 insularis, 307 sieberi arizonæ, 307 " couchi, 308 texana, 307 woodhousei, 306

Aphriza virgata, 169

Aphrizidæ, 169

Aquila chrysætos, 215

Aramidæ, 129

Aramus vociferus, 129

Archibuteo ferrugineus, 215 lagopus sancti-johannis, 214

Archilochus alexandri, 273 " colubris, 273

Page 452

Arctonetta fischeri, 102

Ardea cinerea, 122 " herodias, 121 " fannini, 121 " wardi, 122 " occidentalis, 121

Ardeidæ, 119

Arenaria interpres interpres, 169 melanocephala, 170 morinella, 169

Arquatella maritima couesi, 146 ptilocnemis, 147 maritima maritima, 146

Arremonops rufivirgatus, 357

Asio accipitrinus, 229 " flammeus, 229 " wilsonianus, 227

Astragalinus lawrencei, 331 psaltria psaltria, 331 tristis tristis, 329 " pallidus, 331 " salicamans, 331

Astur atricapillus atricapillus, 205 " striatulus, 207

Asturina plagiata, 214

Asyndesmus lewisi, 257

Atthis morcomi, 278

Auk, Great, 33-32 Razor-billed, 31

Auklet, Cassin's, 24 Crested, 26 Least, 27 Paroquet, 26 Rhinoceros, 23 Whiskered, 26

Auriparus flaviceps flaviceps, 439 " lamprocephalus, 439

Avocet, 139

Bæolophus atricristatus atricristatus, 433 bicolor, 433 inornatus inornatus, 434 " cineraceus, 434 " griseus, 434 wollweberi, 434

Baldpate, 92

Bartramia longicauda, 156

Basilinna leucotis, 279 xantusi, 279

Becard, Xantus's, 280

Bittern, 119 Cory's Least, 120 Least, 120

Blackbird, Bicolored, 317 Brewer's, 322 Red-winged, 316 Rusty, 322 Tricolored, 317 Yellow-headed, 315

Bluebird, 448 Azure, 448 Chestnut-backed, 450 Mountain, 450 San Pedro, 450 Western, 450

Bluethroat Siberian Red-spotted, 448

Bobolink, 314

Bob-white, 175 Florida, 175 Masked, 175 Texan, 175

Bombycilla cedrorum, 375 garrula, 375

Bombycillidæ, 375

Bonasa umbellus umbellus, 180 " sabini, 182 " togata, 182 " umbelloides, 182

Booby, 75 Blue-faced, 74 Blue-footed, 74 Brewster's, 75 Red-footed, 75

Botaurus lentiginosus, 119

Brachyramphus brevirostris, 27 craveri's, 28 hypoleucus, 27 marmoratus, 27

Brant, 111 Black, 111

Branta bernicla glaucogastra, 111 canadensis canadensis, 109 " hutchinsi, 109 " minima, 109 " occidentalis, 109 leucopsis, 112

Branta nigricans, 111

Bubo virginianus virginianus, 235 " elachistus, 237 " pacificus, 235 " pallescens, 235 " saturatus, 235 " subarticus, 235

Budytes flavus alascensis, 418

Buffle-head, 100

Bullfinch, Cassin's, 325

Bulweria bulweri, 67

Bunting, Beautiful, 367 Indigo, 366 Lark, 369 Lazuli, 366 McKay's Snow, 333 Painted, 367 Pribilof Snow, 332

Page 453

 Snow, 332 Varied, 367

Bush-Tit, 437 California, 438 Grinda's, 438 Lead-colored, 438 Lloyd's, 438

Buteo abbreviatus, 211 albicaudatus sennetti, 212 borealis borealis, 208 " calurus, 208 " harlani, 209 " krideri, 208 brachyurus, 213 lineatus lineatus, 209 " alleni, 209 " elegans, 211 platypterus, 213 swainsoni, 212

Buteonidæ, 201

Butorides virescens virescens, 124 " anthonyi, 125 " frazari, 125

Buzzard, Turkey, 199

Calamospiza melanocorys, 369

Calcarius lapponicus lapponicus, 333 " alascensis, 333 ornatus, 334 pictus, 334

Calidris leucophæa, 151

Callichelidon cyaneoviridis, 374

Callothrus robustus. 

Callipepla squamata squamata, 176 " castanogastris, 177

Calothorax lucifer, 278

Calypte anna, 275 costæ, 275

Campephilus principalis, 249 labradorius, 101

Camptostoma imberbe, 296

Canachites canadensis canadensis, 179 " canace, 179 " osgoodi, 179 franklini, 180

Canvas-back, 97

Caprimulgidæ, 263

Caracara, Audubon, 224 Guadalupe, 224

Cardellina rubrifrons, 417

Cardinal, 363 Arizona, 363 Florida, 364 Gray-tailed, 364 San Lucas, 363

Cardinalis cardinalis cardinalis, 363 " canicaudus, 364 " floridanus, 364

Cardinalis igneus, 363 " superbus, 363

Carpodacus amplus, 326 cassini, 326 mcgregori, 326 mexicanus clementis, 326 " frontalis, 326 " ruberrimus, 326 purpureus purpureus, 325 " californicus, 325

Casarca ferruginea, 93

Catbird, 420

Catharista urubu, 199

Cathartes aura septentrionalis, 199

Cathartidæ, 198

Catherpes mexicanus albifrons, 424 " conspersus, 425 " punctulatus, 425

Catoptrophorus semipalmatus semipalmatus, 155 semipalmatus inornatus, 156

Centrocercus urophasianus, 188

Centurus aurifrons, 258 carolinus, 257 uropygialis, 258

Cepphus columba, 29 grylle, 28 mandti, 29

Cerorhinca monocerata, 23

Certhia familiaris albescens, 430 " americana, 430 " montana, 430

Certhia familiaris occidentalis, 430 " zelotes, 430

Certhiidæ, 430

Ceryle alcyon, 247 americana septentrionalis, 249 torquata, 247

Chachalaca, 191

Chæmepelia passerina terrestris, 195 " pallescens, 195 " bermudiana, 195

Chætura pelagica, 269 vauxi, 270

Chamæa fasciata fasciata, 437 " henshawi, 437

Chamæthlypis poliocephala, 413

Charadriidæ, 161

Charadrius apricarius, 163 dominicus dominicus, 163 " fulvus, 163

Charitonetta albeola, 100

Chat, Long-tailed, 413 Yellow-breasted, 413

Chaulelasmus streperus, 91

Chen cærulescens, 107 hyperboreus hyperboreus, 107

Page 454

Chen hyperboreus Nivalis, 107 rossi, 108

Chewink, 358

Chickadee, 434 Acadian, 436 Alaska, 436 Barlow's, 437 California, 437 Carolina, 435 Chestnut-backed, 437 Hudsonian, 436 Long-tailed, 435 Mexican, 435 Mountain, 435 Oregon, 435 Plumbeous, 435

Chondestes grammacus grammacus, 342 strigatus, 342

Chordeiles acutipennis texensis, 268 virginianus virginianus, 266 " chapmani, 266 " henryi, 266 " sennetti, 268

Chuck-will's widow, 263

Ciconiidæ, 118

Cinclidæ, 419

Cinclus mexicanus unicolor, 419

Circus hudsonius, 204

Cistothorus stellaris, 428

Clangula clangula americana, 99 islandica, 99

Coccyges, 241

Coccyzus americanus americanus, 244 " occidentalis, 246 erythrophthalmus, 246

Cœreba bahamensis, 385

Cœrebidæ, 385 minor minor, 244 " maynardi, 244

Colaptes auratus auratus, 258 " luteus, 259 cafer collaris, 259

Colaptes cafer saturatior, 259 chrysoides, 262 rufipileus, 262

Colinus ridgwayi, 175 virginianus, 175 " floridanus, 175 " texanus, 175

Columba fasciata fasciata, 192 " vioscæ, 192 flavirostris, 192 leucocephala, 192 squamosa, 192

Columba, 192

Columbæ, 192

Columbidæ, 192

Colymbidæ, 11

Colymbus auritus, 13 dominicus brachypterus, 15 holbœlli, 11 nigricollis californicus, 13

Compsothlypis americana americana, 390 americana usneæ, 390 nigrilora, 391

Conuropsis carolinensis, 241

Coot, 136 European, 136

Cormorant, 79 Baird's, 82 Brandt's, 82 Double-crested, 79 Farallon, 81 Florida, 81 Mexican, 81 Pelagic, 82 Red-faced, 82 Violet-green, 82 White-crested, 81

Corvidæ, 300

Corvus brachyrhynchos brachyrhynchos, 312 brachyrhynchos pascuus, 312 corax principalis, 311 " sinuatus, 311 cryptoleucus, 311 ossifragus, 312

Cotingidæ, 280

Cowbird, 314 Dwarf, 315 Red-eyed, 315

Cracidæ, 191

Crake, Corn, 135 Spotted, 133

Crane, Little Brown, 127 Sandhill, 129 Whooping, 127

Creciscus jamaicensis, 134 coturniculus, 134

Creeper, Brown, 430 California, 430 Mexican, 430 Rocky Mountain, 430 Sierra, 430

Crex Crex, 135

Crossbill, 327 Mexican, 327 White-winged, 327

Crotophaga ani, 241 sulcirostris, 243

Crow, 312 Carrion, 199 Fish, 312

Page 455

 Florida, 312

Cryptoglaux funerea richardsoni, 232 acadica acadica, 232 " scotæa, 232

Cuckoo, Black-billed, 246 California, 246 Kamchatka, 246 Mangrove, 244 Maynard's, 244 Yellow-billed, 244

Cuculidæ, 241

Cuculus canorus telephonus, 246

Curlew, Bristle-thighed, 160 Eskimo, 160 Hudsonian, 159 Long-billed, 159

Cyanocephalus cyanocephalus, 313

Cyanolæmus clemenciæ, 271

Cyanocitta cristata cristata, 303 " florincola, 303 stelleri stelleri, 303 " annectens, 306 " carlottæ, 306 " diademata, 303 " frontalis, 303

Cyanosylvia suecica robusta, 448

Cyanthus latirostris, 279

Cypseloides niger borealis, 268

Cyrtonyx montezumæ mearnsi, 178

Dafila acuta, 94

Daption capense, 67

Darters, 77

Dendragapus obscurus obscurus, 178 " fuliginosus, 178 " richardsoni, 179

Dendrocygna autumnalis, 113 bicolor, 113

Dendroica æstiva æstiva, 392 " rubiginosa, 392 " sonorana, 292 auduboni auduboni, 395 " nigrifrons, 395 bryanti castaneiceps, 394 castanea, 398 cærulea, 396 cærulescens cærulescens, 394 " cairnsi, 394 chrysoparia, 402 coronata, 395 discolor, 407 dominica albilora, 401 dominica dominica, 401 fusca, 399 graciæ, 401 kirtlandi, 404 magnolia, 396 nigrescens, 402 occidentalis, 404 palmarum palmarum, 405 " hypochrysea, 405 pensylvanica, 398 striata, 399 tigrina, 391 townsendi, 403 vigorsi, 405 virens, 403

Dichromanassa rufescens, 123

Dickcissel, 368

Diomedea albatrus, 59 immutabilis, 60 nigripes, 59

Diomedeidæ 59

Dipper, 419

Dolichonyx oryzivorus, 314

Dotterel, 161

Dove, Bermuda Ground, 195 Blue-headed Quail, 196 Ground, 195 Inca, 196 Key West Quail, 196 Mexican Ground, 195 Mourning, 193 Ruddy Quail, 196 White-fronted, 195 White-winged, 195 Zenaida, 194

Dovekie, 34

Dowitcher, 144 Long-billed, 145

Dryobates arizonæ, 252 borealis, 252 nuttalli, 252 pubescens pubescens, 251 " gairdneri, 251 " homorus, 251 " medianus, 251 " nelsoni, 251 " turati, 251 scalaris bairdi, 252 " lucasanus, 252 villosus villosus, 250 " auduboni, 250 " harrisi, 250 " hyloscopus, 250 " leucomelas, 250 " monticola, 250 " picoideus, 250

Duck, Black, 90 Florida, 90 Harlequin, 101 Labrador, 101 Lesser Scaup, 98 Masked, 106 Mottled, 91

Page 456

 Ring-necked, 98 Ruddy, 106 Rufous-crested, 95 Scaup, 97 Wood, 95

Dumetella carolinensis, 420

Dunlin, 149

Eagle, Bald, 217 Golden, 215 Gray Sea, 217 Northern Bald, 217

Ectopistes migratorius, 193

Egret, 122 Reddish, 123 Snowy, 122

Egretta candidissima candidissima 122

Eider, 103 King, 104 Northern, 102 Pacific, 103 Spectacled, 102 Steller's, 102

Elanoides forficatus, 201

Elanus leucurus, 201

Empidonax difficilis cineritius, 294 difficilis difficilis, 293 flaviventris, 293 fulvifrons pygmæus, 296 griseus, 296 hammondi, 295 minimus, 295 trailli trailli, 294 " alnorum, 295 virescens, 294 wrighti, 295

Ereunetes mauri, 151 pusillus, 150

Erismatura jamaicensis, 106

Erolia ferruginea, 149

Eudromias morinellus, 161

Eugenes fulgens, 271

Euphagus carolinus, 322 cyanocephalus, 322

Eurynorhynchus pygmeus, 150

Falco æsalon, 221 columbarius columbarius, 220 " suckleyi, 220 fusco-cærulescens, 221 islandus, 218 mexicanus, 219 peregrinus anatum, 220 " pealei, 220 " peregrinus, 219 richardsoni, 220 rusticolus rusticolus, 218 " gyrfalco, 218 " obsoletus, 219 sparverius sparverius, 222 " peninsularis, 222 " phalœna, 221 sparveroides, 222 " tinnunculus, 221

Falcon Aplomado, 221 Peale's, 220 Peregrine, 219 Prairie, 219

Finch, Aleutian Rosy, 327 Black Rosy, 328 Brown-capped Rosy, 328 California Purple, 325 Cassin's Purple, 326 Gray-crowned Rosy, 328 Guadalupe House, 326 Hepburn's Rosy, 328 House, 326 McGregor's House, 326 Purple, 325 San Clemente House, 326 San Lucas House, 326

Flamingo, 115

Flicker, 258 Gilded, 262 Guadalupe, 262 Northern, 259 Northwestern, 259 Red-shafted, 259

Florida Cœrulea, 124

Flycatcher, Acadian, 294 Alder, 295 Arizona Crested, 286 Ash-throated, 286 Beardless, 296 Buff-breasted, 296 Coues's, 291 Crested, 285 Derby, 284 Fork-tailed, 280 Gray, 296 Hammond's, 295 Least, 295 Lower California, 287 Flycatcher, Mexican Crested, 286 Olivaceous, 287 Olive-sided, 290 San Lucas, 294 Scissor-tailed, 281 Sulphur-bellied, 285 Traill's, 294 Vermilion, 296 Western, 293 Wright's, 295 Yellow-bellied, 293

Fratercula arctica arctica, 22 " naumanni, 23

Page 457

 corniculata, 23

Fregata aquila, 86

Fregatidæ, 86

Fregetta grallaria, 71

Frigate Bird, 86

Fringillidæ, 324

Fulica americana, 136 atra, 136

Fulmar, 62 Giant, 62 Pacific, 63 Rodgers's, 63 Slender-billed, 63

Fulmarus glacialis glacialis, 62 " glupischa, 63 rodgersi, 63

Gadwall, 91

Gallinæ, 175

Gallinago delicata, 143 gallinago, 140 meda, 143

Gallinula galeata, 136

Gallinule, Florida, 136 Purple, 135

Gannet, 76

Gavia adamsi, 18 arctica, 18 immer, 18 stellata, 19 pacifica, 19

Gaviidæ, 17

Gelochelidon nilotica, 50

Geococcyx californianus, 243 beldingi, 413 trichas arizela, 412 " trichas, 412 " arizela, 412 " ignota, 412 " occidentalis, 412 " sinousa, 412

Geotrygon chrysia, 196 montana, 196

Glaucidium gnoma californicum, 239 " gnoma, 239 hoskinsi, 239 phalænoides, 240

Glottis nebularia, 152

Gnatcatcher, Black-tailed, 442 Blue-gray, 441 Plumbeous, 441 Western, 441

Godwit, Black-tailed, 152 Hudsonian, 152 Marbled, 151 Pacific, 152

Golden-eye, 99 Barrow's, 99

Goldfinch, 329 Arkansas, 331 Black-headed, 331 Lawrence's, 331 Pale, 331 Willow, 331

Goose, American White-fronted, 108 Barnacle, 112 Bean, 108 Blue, 107 Canada, 109 Cackling, 109 Emperor 112 Greater Snow, 107 Hutchins's, 109 Ross's, 108 Snow, 107 White-cheeked, 109 White-fronted, 108

Goshawk, 205 Mexican, 214 Western, 207

Grackle, Boat-tailed, 323 Bronzed, 323 Florida, 323 Great-tailed, 324 Purple, 323

Grassquit, 368 Melodious, 368

Grebe, Eared, 13 Holbœll's, 11-12 Horned, 12-13 Least, 15 Pied-billed, 15-16 Mexican, 15 Western, 11

Greenshank, 152

Grosbeak, Alaska Pine, 325 Black-headed, 365 Blue, 366 California Pine, 325 Evening, 324 Kadiak Pine, 325 Pine, 324 Rocky Mountain Pine, 325 Rose-breasted, 365 Western Blue, 366 Western Evening, 324

Grouse. Canada Ruffed, 182 Columbian Sharp-tailed, 187 Dusky, 178 Franklin's, 180 Gray Ruffed, 182 Oregon Ruffed, 182 Prairie Sharp-tailed, 187 Richardson's, 179

Page 458

 Ruffed, 180 Sharp-tailed, 187 Sooty, 178

Gruidæ, 127

Grus americana, 127 canadensis, 127 mexicana, 129

Guara alba, 117 rubra, 117

Guillemot, Black, 28 Mandt, 29 Pigeon, 29

Guiraca cærulea, 366 " lazula, 366

Gull, Bonaparte's, 48 California, 45 Franklin's, 48 Glaucous, 40 Glaucous-winged, 42 Great Black-backed, 43 Heerman's, 46 Herring, 44 Iceland, 41 Ivory, 39 Kittiwake, 39 Kumlien, 42 Laughing, 47 Little, 49 Mew, 46 Nelson, 42 Pacific Kittiwake, 40 Point Barrow, 41 Red-legged Kittiwake, 40 Ring-billed, 45 Ross's, 49 Sabine's, 49 Short-billed, 46 Siberian, 44 Slaty-backed, 43 Vega, 45 Western, 44

Gymnogyps californianus, 198

Gyrfalcon, 218 Black, 219 Gray, 218 White, 218

Hæmatopodidæ, 170

Hæmatopus bachmani, 171 frazari, 171 ostralegus, 170 palliatus, 170

Haliæetus albicilla, 217 leucocephalus leucocephalus, 217 " alascanus, 217

Halocyptena microsoma 68

Harelda hyemalis, 100

Hawk, Black Pigeon, 220 Broad-winged, 213 Cooper's, 205 Cuban Sparrow, 222 Desert Sparrow, 221 Duck, 220 Florida Red-shouldered, 209 Harlan's, 209 Harris's, 207 Krider's, 208 Marsh, 204 Mexican Black, 213 Pigeon, 220 Red-bellied, 211 Red-shouldered, 209 Red-tailed, 208 Richardson's Pigeon, 220 Rough-legged, 214 Sennett's White-tailed, 212 Sharp-shinned, 204 Short-tailed, 213 Sparrow, 222 San Lucas Sparrow, 222 Swainson's, 212 Western Red-tail, 208 Zone-tailed, 211

Heath Hen, 186

Heleodytes brunneicapillus affinis, 424 " couesi, 423 " bryanti, 424

Helinaia swainsoni, 386

Helmitheros vermivorus, 386

Helodromas ochropus, 155 solitarius solitarius, 154 " cinnamomeus, 155

Herodias egretta, 122

Herodiones, 115

Heron, Anthony's Green, 125 Black-crowned Night, 126 European, 122 Frazar's Green, 125 Great Blue, 121 Great White, 121 Green, 124 Little Blue, 124 Louisiana, 123 Northwestern Coast, 121 Snowy, 122 Ward's, 122 Yellow-crowned Night, 126

Heteractitis incanus, 156

Hesperiphona vespertina vespertina, 324 vespertina montana, 324

Himantopus mexicanus, 139

Hirundinidæ, 372

Hirundo erythrogastra, 373

Page 459

Histrionicus histrionicus, 101

Honey Creeper, Bahama, 385

Hummingbird, Allen's, 277 Anna's, 275 Black-chinned, 273 Blue-throated, 271 Broad-billed, 279 Broad-tailed, 276 Buff-bellied, 279 Calliope, 278 Costa's, 275 Lucifer, 278 Morcom's, 278 Reiffer's, 278 Rivoli's, 271 Ruby-throated, 273 Rufous, 276 White-eared, 279 Xantus's, 279

Hydranassa tricolor ruficollis, 123

Hydrochelidon leucoptera, 57 nigra surinamensis, 56

Hylocichla aliciæ aliciæ, 443 " bicknelli, 443 fuscescens fuscescens, 443 " salicicola, 443 guttata auduboni, 445 " guttata, 445 " mustelina, 442 " nanus, 446 " pallasi, 446 ustulata swainsoni, 445 " ustulata, 443

Ibididæ, 117

Ibis, Glossy, 118 Scarlet, 117 White, 117 White-faced Glossy, 118 Wood, 118

Icteria virens virens, 413 " longicauda, 413

Icteridæ, 314

Icterus melanocephalus auduboni, 319 bullocki, 322 cucullatus nelsoni, 320 " sennetti, 320 galbula, 321 parisorum, 320 spurius, 321

Ictinia mississippiensis, 202

Ionornis martinicus, 135

Iridoprocne bicolor, 373

Ixobrychus exilis, 120 neoxenus, 120

Ixoreus nævius meruloides, 448 " nævius, 448

Jabiru, 119

Jabiru mycteria, 119

Jacana, Mexican, 172 spinosa, 172

Jacanidæ, 172

Jæger, Long-tailed, 37 Parastic, 37 Pomarine, 36

Jay, Alaska, 309 Arizona, 307 Belding's, 307 Black-headed, 306 Blue, 303 Blue-eared, 307 Blue-fronted, 303 California, 307 Canada, 308 Couch's, 308 Florida, 306 Florida Blue, 303 Gray, 311 Green, 308 Labrador, 309 Long-crested, 303 Oregon, 309 Pinon, 313 Queen Charlotte, 306 Rocky Mountain, 309 Santa Cruz, 307 Steller's, 303 Texas, 307 Woodhouse's, 306 Xantus's, 307

Junco aikeni, 348 Arizona, 350 Baird's, 351 bairdi, 351 Carolina, 350 Guadalupe, 351 hyemalis hyemalis, 349 hyemalis carolinensis, 350 " mearnsi, 350 " connectens, 349 " montanus, 350 " oreganus, 349 " pinosus, 349 " thurberi, 349insularis, 351 mearnsi. Montana, 350 Oregon, 349 phæonotus dorsalis, 350 " palliatus, 350 Pink-sided, 350 Point Pinos, 349 Red-backed, 350 Shufeldt's, 349 Slate-colored, 349

Page 460

 Thurber's, 349 Townsend's, 350 townsendi's, 350 White-winged, 348

Kestrel, 221

Killdeer, 165

Kingbird, 281 Arkansas, 283 Cassin's, 284 Couch's, 283 Gray, 283

Kingfisher, Belted, 247 Ringed, 247 Texas, 249

Kinglet, Dusky, 441 Golden-crowned, 439 Ruby-crowned, 440 Sitka, 441 Western Golden crowned, 440

Kite, Everglade, 202 Mississippi, 202 Swallow-tailed, 201 White-tailed, 201

Kittiwake, 39 Kittiwake, Pacific, 40 Red-legged, 40

Knot, 146

Lagopus evermanni, 184 lagopus lagopus, 183 " alleni, 183 leucurus leucurus, 185 " peninsularis, 185 rupestris, 183 " atkhensis, 184 " nelsoni, 184 " reinhardi, 184 " townsendi, 184 welchi, 184

Laniidæ, 376

Lanius borealis, 376 ludovicianus ludovicianus, 376 anthonyi, 376 " excubitorides, 378 " gambeli, 378

Lanivireo flavifrons, 382 solitarius alticola, 383 cassini, 382 lucasanus, 383 plumbeus, 382 solitarius, 382

Lapwing, 161

Laridæ, 38

Lark, California Horned, 298 Desert Horned, 298 Dusky Horned, 299 Horned, 297 Hoyt's Horned, 299 Island Horned, 299 Montezuma Horned, 299 Pallid Horned, 297 Prairie Horned, 298 Ruddy Horned, 298 Scorched Horned, 298 Sonora Horned, 299 Streaked Horned, 299 Texan Horned, 298

Larus affinis, 44 argentatus, 44 atricilla, 47 brachyrhynchus, 46 californicus, 45 canus, 46 delawarensis, 45 franklini, 48 glaucescens, 42 hyporboreus, 40 heermanni, 46 kumlieni, 42 leucopterus, 41 marinus, 43 minutus, 49 nelsoni, 42 occidentalis, 44 philadelphia, 48 schistisagus, 43 vegæ, 45

Leptotila fulviventris brachyptera, 195

Leucosticte, atrata, 328 australis, 328 griseonucha, 327 tephrocotis tephrocotis, 328 " littoralis, 328

Limicolæ, 137

Limosa fedoa, 151 hæmastica, 152 lapponica baueri, 152 limosa, 152

Limpkin, 129

Lobipes Lobatus, 137

Longipennes, 35

Longspur, Alaska, 333 Chestnut-collared, 334 Lapland, 333 McCown's, 334 Smith's, 334

Loon, 38-17-20-18 Black-throated, 18 Pacific, 19 Red-throated, 19 Yellow-billed, 18

Lophodytes cucullatus 88

Lophortyx californica, 177 " vallicola, 177 gambeli, 177

Page 461

Loxia curvirostra minor, 327 " stricklandi, 327 leucoptera, 327

Lunda cirrhata, 22

Machetes Pugnax, 156

Macrochires, 262

Macronectes giganteus, 62

Macrorhamphus griseus griseus, 144 " scolopaceus, 145

Magpie, Yellow-billed, 300

Mallard, 88

Man-o'-War Bird, 86

Mareca americana, 92 penelope, 91

Marila affinis, 98 americana, 95 collaris, 98 marila, 97 valisineria, 97

Martin, Cuban, 372 Purple, 372 Western, 372

Meadowlark, 317 Rio Grande, 317 southern, 319 Western, 319

Megalestris skua, 36

Megaquiscalus major major, 323 " macrourus, 324

Melanerpes erythrocephalus, 256 formicivorus formicivorus, 256 " angustifrons, 257 " bairdi, 257

Meleagridæ, 178

Meleagris gallopavo intermedia, 191 " merriami, 190 " osceola, 191 " silvestris, 190

Melopelia asiatica, 195

Melospiza melodia caurina, 355 " cooperi, 355 " clementæ, 355 " fallax, 354 " graminea, 355 " heermanni, 354 " insignis, 355 " juddi, 355 " kenaiensis, 355 " melodia, 354 " merrilli, 355 " montana, 354 " morphna, 354 " pusillula, 355 " rivularis, 355 " rufina, 355 " samuelis, 354 georgiana, 356 lincolni lincolni, 356 " striata, 356

Merganser, 87 Hooded, 88 Red-breasted, 88

Mergus americanus, 87 serrator, 88

Merlin, 221

Micropalama himantopus, 145

Micropallas whitneyi, 240

Micropodidæ, 268

Mimus polyglottos, 420 " polyglottos, 420 " leucopterus, 420

Mniotilta varia, 385

Mniotiltidæ, 385

Mockingbird, 420 Western, 420

Molothrus ater ater, 314

" obscurus, 315

Motacilla alba, 418 ocularis, 418

Motacillidæ, 418

Murre, 29 Brunnich's, 31 California, 30 Pallas's, 31

Murrelet, Ancient, 26 Craveri's, 28 Kittlitz, 27 Marbled, 27 Xantus, 27

Muscivora forficata, 281 tyrannus, 280

Myadestes townsendi, 442

Mycteria americana, 118

Myiarchus cinerascens cinerascens, 286

Myiarchus cinerascens pertinax, 287 crinitus, 285 olivascens, 287 magister magister, 286 nelsoni, 286

Myiochanes pertinax pallidiventris, 291 richardsoni richardsoni, 293 " peninsulæ, 293 virens, 291

Myiodynastes luteiventris, 285 Nannus alascensis, 428 meliger, 428 niemalis helleri, 428 " niemalis, 427 " pacificus, 428

Netta rufina, 95

Nettion carolinense, 92 crecca, 92

Nighthawk, 266

Page 462

 Florida, 266 Sennett's, 268 Texas, 268 Western, 266

Noddy, 57

Nomonyx dominicus, 106

Nucifraga columbiana, 313

Numenius americanus, 159 borealis, 160 hudsonicus, 159 phæopus, 160 tahitiensis, 160

Nutcracker, Clark's, 313

Nuthatch, Brown-headed, 432 Florida White-breasted, 431 Pygmy, 432 Red-breasted, 432 Rocky Mountain, 431 Slender-billed, 431 San Lucas, 431 White-breasted, 431 White-naped, 433

Nuttallornis borealis, 290

Nyctanassa violacea, 126

Nyctea nyctea, 237

Nycticorax nycticorax nævius, 126

Nyctidromus albicollis merrilli, 265

Oceanites oceanicus, 71

Oceanodroma furcata, 68 homochroa, 70 kædingi, 69 leucorhoa, 69 macrodactyla, 69 melania, 70 socorrœnsis, 70

Ochthodromus wilsonius, 168

Odontoglossæ, 115

Odontophoridæ, 175

Oidemia americana, 104 deglandi, 105 fusca, 105 perspicillata, 105

Old-squaw, 100

Olor buccinator, 114 columbianus, 114 cygnus, 114

Oporornis agilis, 410 formosus, 410 philadelphia, 411 tolmei, 411

Oreortyx picta picta, 176 " confinis, 176 " plumifera, 176

Oreospiza chlorura, 361

Oriole, Arizona Hooded, 320 Audubon's, 319 Baltimore, 321 Bullock's, 322 Scott's, 320 Sennett's, 320

Orchard, 321

Oreoscoptes montanus, 419

Ortalis vetula mccalli, 191

Osprey, 225

Octocoris alpestris alpestris, 297 " actia, 298 " adusta, 299 " articola, 297 " giraudi, 298 " hoyti, 299 " insularis, 299 " leucolæma, 298 " merrilli, 299 " occidentalis, 299 " pallida, 299 " praticola, 298 " rubea, 298 " strigata, 299

Otus asio aikeni, 234 " asio, 233 " bendirei, 233 " cineraceus, 234 " floridanus, 233 " kennicotti, 233 " macfarlanei 234 " maxwelliæ, 233 " mccalli, 233 flammeolus flammeolus, 234 " idahoensis, 234 Trichopsis, 234 Xantusi, 234

Ouzel, Water, 419

Oven-bird, 407

Owl, Aiken's Screech, 234 Arctic Horned, 235 Barn, 227 Barred, 229 Burrowing, 238 California Pygmy, 239 California Screech, 233 Dusky Horned, 235 Dwarf Horned, 237 Dwarf Screech, 234 Elf, 240 European Hawk, 237 Ferruginous Pygmy, 240 Flammulated Screech, 234 Florida Barred, 229 Florida Burrowing, 239 " Screech, 233 Great Gray, 231 Great Horned, 235 Hawk, 238 Hoskin's Pygmy, 239

Page 463

 Kennicott's Screech, 233 Lapp, 232 Long-eared, 227 MacFarlane's Screech, 234 Mexican Screech, 234 Northern Spotted, 231 Northwestern Saw-whet, 232 Pacific Horned, 235 Pygmy, 239 Richardson's, 232 Rocky Mountain Screech, 233 Saw-whet, 232 Screech, 233 Short-eared, 229 Snowy, 237 Spotted, 237 " Screech, 234 Texas Barred, 231 Texas Screech, 233 Western Horned, 235 Xantus's Screech, 234

Oxyechus vociferus, 165Oyster-catcher, 170European, 170Black, 171Frazar's, 171Pagophila alba, 39Paludicolæ, 127Pandion haliætus carolinensis, 225Parabuteo unicinctus harrisi, 207Parauque, Merrill's, 265Paroquet, Carolina, 241Parrot, Thick-billed, 141Partridge, Alaska Spruce, 179 Canada Spruce, 179 Hudsonian Spruce, 179Passer domesticus, 335Passerculus beldingi, 337 princeps, 337 rostratus rostratus, 338 " guttatus, 337 " santorum, 338 sandwichensis sandwichensis, 337 " alaudinus, 337 " bryanti, 337 " savanna, 337Passerella iliaca fuliginosa, 357 " iliaca, 357 " insularis, 357 " megarhyncha, 357 " schistacea, 357 " stephensi, 357 " townsendi, 357 " unalaschensis, 357

Passeres, 280

Passerherbulus henslowi henslowi, 340 " occidentalis, 340 caudacutus, 340 lecontei, 340 maritimus fisheri, 341 " macgillivrai, 342 " maritimus, 341 " peninsulæ, 341 " sennetti, 341 nelsoni nelsoni, 341 " subvirgatus, 341 nigrescens, 342

Passerina amœna, 366 ciris, 367 cyanea, 366 versicolor versicolor, 367 " pulchra, 367

Pediœcetes phasianellus phasianellus, 187 phasianellus campestris, 187 " columbianus, 187

Pelagodroma marina, 71

Pelecanidæ, 83

Pelecanus californicus, 85 erythrorhynchos, 83 occidentalis, 85

Pelican, White, 83 Brown, 85 California Brown, 85

Pelidna alpina alpina, 149 " sakhalina, 149

Penthestes atricapillus atricapillus, 434 " occidentalis, 435 " septentrionalis, 435 carolinensis agilis, 435 " carolinensis, 435 cinctus alascensis, 436 " gambeli, 435 hudsonicus hudsonicus, 436 " littoralis, 436 rufescens barlowi, 437 " neglectus, 437 " rufescens, 437 sclateri, 435

Perisoreus canadensis canadensis, 308 " capitalis, 309 " fumifrons, 309 " nigricapillus, 309 obscurus obscurus, 309 " griseus, 311

Petrel, Ashy, 70 Black, 70 Black-capped, 67 Bulwer's, 67 Fisher's, 67 Fork-tailed, 68 Guadalupe, 69 Kæding's, 69 Leach's, 68

Page 464

 Least, 68 Pintado, 67 Scaled, 67 Socorro, 70 Storm, 68 White-bellied, 71 White-faced, 71 Wilson's, 71

Petrochelidon fulva, 372 lunifrons lunifrons, 372 melanogastra, 373

Peucæa æstivalis æstivalis, 352 " bachmani, 352 botterii, 352 cassini, 353

Peucedramus olivaceus, 391

Pewee, Western Wood, 293 Large-billed Wood, 293 Wood, 291

Phæthon americanus, 72 æthereus, 73 rubricaudus, 73

Phæthontidæ, 72

Phainopepla, 376 nitens, 376

Phalacrocoracidæ, 78

Phalacrocorax carbo, 79 auritus auritus, 79 " albociliatus, 81 " cincinatus, 81 " floridanus, 81 vigua mexicanus, 81 pelagicus pelagicus, 82 " resplendens, 82 " robustus, 82 penicillatus, 82 urile, 82

Phalænoptilus nuttalli nuttalli, 264 " californicus, 264 " nitidus, 264

Phalarope, Northern, 137 Red, 137 Wilson's, 138

Phalaropodidæ, 137Phalaropus fulicarius, 137Phaleris psittacula, 25Phasianidæ, 188Phasianus torquatus, 188Pheasant, Ring-necked, 188Philacte canagica, 112Philohela minor, 140Phlœotomus pileatus pileatus, 255

Phœbe, 287 Black, 289 Say, 289

Phœbetria palpebrata, 60Phœnicopteridæ, 115Phœnicopterus ruber, 115Pica pica hudsonia, 300 nuttalli, 300

Pici, 249

Picidæ, 249

Picoides americanus americanus, 253 " dorsalis, 254 " fasciatus, 254 arcticus, 253

Pigeon, Band-tailed, 192 Passenger, 193 Red-billed, 192 Scaled, 192 Viosca's, 192 White-crowned, 192

Pinicola enucleator alascensis, 325 " californica, 325 " flammula, 325 " leucura, 324 " montana, 325

Pintail 94

Pipilo aberti, 361 consobrinus, 360 erythrophthalmus erythrophthalmus, 358 erythrophthalmus alleni, 358 fuscus albigula, 360 crissalis crissalis, 360 fuscus mesoleucus, 360 crissalis senicula, 361 maculatus arcticus, 358 " clementæ, 360 " magnirostris, 360 " megalonyx, 360 " montanus, 358 " oregonus, 360

Pipit, 418 Meadow, 418 Red-throated, 419 Sprague's, 419

Piranga erythromelas, 369 hepatica, 370 ludoviciana, 369 rubra rubra, 370 " cooperi, 370

Pisobia aurita, 147 bairdi, 148 damacensis, 149 fuscicollis, 148 maculata, 147 minutella, 148

Pitangus sulphuratus derbianus, 284

Planesticus confinis, 447 migratorius achrusterus, 447 " migratorius, 446 " propinquus, 446

Page 465

Plataleidæ, 115

Platypsaris aglaiæ albiventris, 280

Plautus impennis, 32-33

Plectrophenax hyperboreus, 333 nivalis nivalis, 332 " townsendi, 332

Plegadis autumnalis, 118 guarauna, 118

Plover, Black-bellied, 161 European Golden, 163 Golden, 163 Little Ringed, 166 Mongolian, 167 Mountain, 168 Pacific Golden, 163 Piping, 166 Ringed, 166 Semipalmated, 165 Snowy, 167 Upland, 156 Wilson's, 168

Podasocys montanus, 168

Podilymbus podiceps, 15

Polioptila cærulea cærulea, 441 " obscura, 441 californica, 442 plumbea, 441

Polyborus cheriway, 224 lutosus, 224

Polysticta stelleri, 102

Poœcetes gramineus gramineus, 335 " affinis, 335 " confinis, 335

Poor-will, 264 Dusky, 264 Frosted, 264

Porzana carolina, 133 porzana, 133

Prairie Chicken, 185 Attwater's, 186 Lesser, 187

Priocella glacialoides, 63

Priofinus cinereus, 66

Procellariidæ, 61

Progne cryptoleuca, 372 subis subis, 372 " hesperia, 372

Protonotaria citrea, 386

Psaltriparus melanotis lloydi, 438 minimus minimus, 437 " californicus, 438 " grindæ, 438 plumbeus, 438

Psittaci, 241

Psittacidæ, 241

Ptarmigan, Allen's, 183 Evermann's, 184 Kenai White-tailed, 185 Nelson's, 184 Reinhardt's, 184 Rock, 183 Townsend's, 184 Turner's, 184 Welch's, 184 White-tailed, 185 Willow, 183

Ptychoramphus aleuticus, 24 Puffin, 22 Horned, 23 Large-billed, 23 Tufted, 22

Puffinus assimilis, 65 auricularis, 65 borealis, 64 creatopus, 65 cuneatus, 66 gravis, 64 griseus, 66 lherminieri, 65 opisthomelas, 65 puffinus, 64 tenuirostris, 66

Pygopodes, 10

Pyrocephalus rubineus mexicanus, 296

Pyrrhula cassini, 325

Pyrrhuloxia, Arizona, 364 sinuata sinuata, 364 " peninsulæ, 364 " texana, 364 San Lucas, 364 Texas, 364 California, 177 Chestnut Bellied Scaled, 177 Gambel's, 177 Mearn's, 178

Quail, Mountain, 176 Plumed, 176 San Pedro, 176 Scaled, 176 Valley, 177

Querquedula cyanoptera, 93 discors, 93

Quiscalus quiscula quiscula, 323 " aglæus, 323 " æneus, 323

Rail, Belding's, 131 Black, 134 California Clapper, 131 Carribean Clapper, 132 Clapper, 132 Farallon, 134 Florida Clapper, 132 King, 131 Louisiana Clapper, 132

Page 466

 Virginia, 133 Wayne's Clapper, 132 Yellow, 131

Rallidæ, 131

Rallus beldingi, 131 crepitans crepitans, 132 " saturatus, 132 " scotti, 132 " waynei, 132 elegans, 131 longirostris caribæus, 132 obsoletus, 131 virginianus, 132

Raptores, 198

Raven, 311 Northern, 311 White-necked, 311

Recurvirostra americana, 139

Recurvirostridæ, 139

Redhead, 95

Redpoll, 329 Greater, 329 Greenland, 328 Hoary, 328 Holbœll's, 329

Redstart, 415 Painted, 417

Red-wing, Bahama, 316 Bicolored, 317 Florida, 316 Northwestern, 316 San Diego, 316 Sonora, 316 Thick-billed, 316 Tricolored, 317

Regulus calendula calendula, 440 " grinnelli, 441 " obscurus, 441 satrapa olivaceus, 440 " satrapa, 439

Rhodostethia rosea, 49

Rhynchophanes mccowni, 334

Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha, 241

Riparia riparia, 374

Rissa brevirostris, 40 tridactyla tridactyla, 39 " pollicaris, 40

Road-runner, 243

Robin, 446 Southern, 447 San Lucas, 447 Western, 446

Rostrhamus sociabilis, 202

Rough-leg, Ferruginous, 215

Ruff, 156

Rynchopidæ, 58

Rynchops nigra, 58

Sage Hen, 188

Salpinctes obsoletus obsoletus, 424 guadeloupensis, 424

Sanderling, 151

Sandpiper, Aleutian, 146 Baird, 148 Buff-breasted, 158 Curlew, 149 Green, 155 Least, 148 Pectoral, 147 Pribilof, 147 Purple, 146 Red-backed, 149 Semipalmated, 150 Sharp-tailed, 147 Solitary, 154 Spoonbill, 150 Spotted, 158 Stilt, 145 Western, 151 Western Solitary, 155 White-rumped, 148

Sapsucker, Northern Red-breasted, 255 Red-breasted, 255 Red-naped, 254 Williamson's, 255 Yellow-bellied, 254

Saxicola œnanthe œnanthe, 448 " leucorhoa, 448

Sayornis nigricans, 289 phœbe, 287 sayus, 289

Scardafella inca, 196

Scolopacidæ, 140

Scolopax rusticola, 140

Scoter, 104 Surf, 105 Velvet, 105 White-winged, 105

Scotiaptex nebulosa lapponica, 232 " nebulosa, 231

Seed-eater, Sharpe's, 368

Seiurus aurocapillus, 407 motacilla, 409 noveboracensis noveboracensis, 409 " notabilis, 409

Selasphorus alleni, 276 platycercus, 276 rufus, 277

Steophaga picta, 417 ruticilla, 415

Shearwater, Allied, 65 Audubon's, 65 Black-tailed, 66 Black-vented, 65 Cory's, 64

Page 467

 Greater, 64 Manx, 64 Pink-footed, 65 Slender-billed, 66 Sooty, 66 Townsend's, 65 Wedge-tailed, 66

Sheldrake, Ruddy, 93

Shoveller, 94

Shrike, California, 378 Island, 378 Loggerhead, 376 Northern, 376 White-rumped, 378

Sialia currucoides, 450 mexicana anabelæ, 450 " bairdi, 450 " occidentalis, 450 sialis sialis, 448 " fulva, 448

Siskin, Pine, 332

Sitta canadensis, 432 carolinensis carolinensis, 431 " aculeata, 431 " atkinsi, 431 " lagunæ, 431 " nelsoni, 431 pusilla, 432 pygmæa pygmæa, 432 " leuconucha, 433

Sittidæ, 431

Skimmer, Black, 58

Skua, 36

Skylark, 297

Snakebird, 77

Snipe, European, 140 Great, 143 Wilson's, 143

Solitaire, Townsend's, 442

Somateria dresseri, 103 mollissima borealis, 102 spectabilis, 104 v-nigra, 103

Sora, 133

Sparrow, Acadian Sharp-tailed, 341 Alameda Song, 355 Aleutian Song, 337 Bachman's, 352 Baird's, 338 Belding's, 337 Bell's, 351 Black-chinned, 348 Black-throated, 351 Botteri's, 352 Brewer's, 346 Brown's Song, 355 Bryant's, 337 Cassin's, 353 Chipping, 345 Clay-colored, 355 Dakota Song, 355 Desert, 351 Desert Song, 354 Dusky Seaside, 342 English 335 Field, 348 Florida Grasshopper, 340 Forbush's, 356 Fox, 356 Gambel's, 343

Golden-crowned, 343 Grasshopper, 338 Gray Sage, 352 Harris's, 342 Heermann's Song, 354 Henslow's, 340 Ipswich, 337 Kadiak Fox, 357 Kenai Song, 355 Laguna, 353 Large-billed, 338 Lark, 342 Leconte's, 340 Lincoln's, 356 Louisiana Seaside, 341

Macgillivray's Seaside, 342 Merrill's Song, 355 Mountain Song, 354 Nelson's, 341 Nuttall's, 343 Oregon Vesper, 335 Pine Woods, 352 Rock, 353 Rufous-crowned, 353 Rufous-winged, 353 Rusty Song, 354 Sage, 352 Samuel's Song, 354 San Benito, 338 San Clemente Song, 355 San Diego Song, 355 San Lucas, 338 Santa Barbara Song, 355 Savannah, 337 Scott's, 353 Scott's Seaside, 341 Seaside, 341 Sharp-tailed, 340 Shumagin Fox, 357 Slate-colored Fox, 357 Song, 354 Sooty Fox, 357 Sooty Song, 355 Stephen's Fox, 357

Page 468

 Swamp, 356 Texas, 357 Texas Seaside, 341 Thick-billed Fox, 357 Townsend's Fox, 357 Tree, 345 Vesper, 335 Western Chipping, 346 Western Field, 348 Western Grasshopper, 338 Western Henslow's, 340 Western Lark, 342 Western Savannah, 337 Western Tree, 345 Western Vesper, 335 White-crowned, 343 White-throated, 345 Worthen's, 348 Yakutat Song, 355

Spatula clypeata, 94

Speotyto cunicularia floridana, 239 " hypogæa, 238

Sphyrapicus ruber ruber, 255 " notkensis, 255 thyroideus, 255 varius varius, 254 " nuchalis, 254

Spinus notatus, 331 pinus, 332

Spiza americana, 368

Spirella atrogularis, 348 breweri, 346 monticola monticola, 345 " ochracea, 345 passerina arizonæ, 346 " passerina, 345 pallida, 346 pusilla pusilla, 348 " arenacea, 348 " arizonæ, 346 wortheni, 348

Spoonbill, Roseate, 115

Sporophila morelleti sharpei, 368

Squatarola squatarola, 161

Starling, 314

Starnœnas cyanocephala, 196

Steganopodes, 72

Stegonopus tricolor, 138

Stelgidopteryx serripennis, 374

Stellula calliope, 278

Stercorariidæ, 35

Stercorarius longicaudus, 37 parasiticus, 37 pomarinus, 36

Sterna aleutica, 54 anætheta, 56 antillarum, 55 caspia, 50 dougalli, 54 elegans, 51 forsteri, 53 fuscata, 55 hirundo, 53 maxima, 51 paradisæa, 54 sandvicensis acuflavida, 52 trudeaui, 52

Stilt, Black-necked, 139

Stint, Long-toed, 149

Strigidæ, 227

Strix occidentalis caurina, 231 " occidentalis, 231 varia allogilva, 231 " alleni, 229 " varia, 229

Sturnella magna magna, 317 " argutula, 319 " hoopesi, 317 " neglecta, 319

Sturnidæ, 314

Sturnus vulgaris, 314

Sula bassana, 76 brewsteri, 75 cyanops, 74 leucogactra, 75 nebouxi, 74 piscator, 75

Sulidæ, 74

Surf Bird, 169

Sunia ulula ulula, 237 " caparoch, 238

Swallow, Bahama, 374 Bank, 374 Barn, 373 Cliff, 372 Cuban Cliff, 373 Mexican Cliff, 373 Northern Violet-green, 374 Rough-winged, 374 San Lucas, 374 Tree, 373

Swallow-tailed Kite, 201

Swan, Trumpeter, 114 Whistling, 114 Whooping, 114

Swift, Black, 268 Chimney, 269 Vaux's, 270 White-throated, 270

Slyviidæ, 433

Sylthliboramphus antiquus, 26 Tachycineta thalassina lepida, 374 " brachyptera, 374

Page 469

Tanager, Cooper's, 370 Hepatic, 370 Western, 369 Scarlet, 369 Summer, 370

Tangaridæ, 369

Tangavius æneus involucratus, 315

Tattler, Wandering, 156

Teal, Blue-winged, 93 Cinnamon, 93 European, 82 Green-winged, 92

Telmatodytes palustris, 429 " griseus, 429 " marianæ, 429 " paludicola 429 " plesius, 429 " palustris, 429

Tern, Aleutian, 54 Arctic, 54 Black, 56 Bridled, 56 Cabot's, 52 Caspian, 50 Common, 53 Elegant, 51 Forster's, 53 Gull-billed, 50 Least, 55 Roseate, 54 Royal, 51 Sooty, 55 Trudeau's, 52 White-winged Black, 57

Thalassidroma pelagica, 68

Thalassogeron culminatus, 60

Thrasher, Bendire's, 422 Brown, 421 California, 422 Crissal, 423 Curve-billed, 421 Desert, 423 Leconte's, 423 Mearns's, 422 Palmer's, 422 Sage, 419 San Lucas, 422 Sennett's, 421

Thrush, Alaska Hermit, 445 Audubon's Hermit, 445 Bicknell's, 443 Dwarf Hermit, 446 Gray-cheeked, 443 Hermit, 446 Olive-backed, 445 Northern Varied, 448 Red-winged, 446 Russet-backed, 443 Varied, 448 Willow, 443 Wood, 442

Thryomanes bewicki bairdi, 426 bewicki bewicki, 426 " calophonus, 426 " charienturus, 426 " cryptus, 426 " spilurus, 426 brevicauda, 426 leucophrys, 426

Thryothorus ludovicianus ludovicianus, 425 ludovicianus lomitensis, 425 " miamensis, 425

Tiaris bicolor, 368 canora, 368

Titlark, 418

Titmouse, Ashy, 434 Black-crested, 433 Bridled, 434 Gray, 434 Plain, 434

Tufted, 433

Totanus flavipes, 153 melanoleucus, 153

Towhee, 358 Abert's, 361 Anthony's, 361 Arctic, 358 California, 360 Canon, 360 Green-tailed, 361 Guadalupe, 360 Large-billed, 360 Mountain, 360 Oregon, 360 San Clemente, 360 San Diego, 360 San Lucas, 360 Spurred, 358 White-eyed, 358

Toxostima bendirei, 422 cinereum cinereum, 422 " mearnsi, 422 crissale, 423 curvirostre curvirostre, 421 " palmeri, 422 lecontei lecontei, 423 lecontei arenicola, 423 longirostre sennetti, 421 redivivum, 422 rufum, 421

Tree Duck, Black-bellied, 113 Fulvous, 113

Tringa canutus, 146

Page 470

Trochilidæ, 271

Troglodytes aëdon aëdon, 427 " parkmani, 427

Troglodytidæ, 423

Trogon ambiguus, 246 Coppery-tailed, 246

Trogonidæ, 246

Tropic Bird, Red-billed, 73 Red-tailed, 73 Yellow-billed, 72

Troupial. 

Tryngites subruficollis, 158

Tubinares, 59

Turdidæ, 442

Turdus musicus, 446

Turkey, Florida, 191 Merriam's, 190 Rio Grande, 191 Wild, 190

Turnstone, 169 Black, 170 Ruddy, 169

Tympanuchus americanus americanus, 185 americanus attwateri, 186 cupido, 186 pallidicinctus, 187

Tyrannidæ, 280

Tyrannus dominicensis, 283 melancholicus couchi, 283 tyrannus, 281 verticalis, 283 vociferans, 284

Uria lomvia lomvia, 30 " arra, 31 troille troille, 29 " californica, 30

Urubitinga anthracina, 213

Vanellus vanellus, 161

Veery, 443

Verdin, 439 Cape, 439

Vermivora bachmani, 387 pinus, 387 celata celata, 389 " lucescens, 389 " sordida, 390 chrysoptera, 388 luciæ, 388 peregrina, 390

Vermivora rubricapella gutturalis 389 " rubricapella 389 virginiæ, 388

Vireo, Anthony's, 384 atricapillus, 383 Bell's, 384 belli belli, 384 belli pusillus, 385 Bermuda, 384 Black-capped, 383 Black-whiskered, 378 Blue-headed, 382 Cassin's, 382 griseus bermudianus, 384 " maynardi, 383 " micrus, 384 Gray, 385 Hutton's, 384 huttoni huttoni, 384 " obscurus, 384 " stephensi, 384 Key West, 383 Least, 385 Mountain, 383 Philadelphia, 380 Plumbeous, 382 Red-eyed, 380 San Lucas, 383 Small White-eyed, 384 Stephens's, 383 vicinior, 385 Warbling, 380 Western Warbling, 382 White-eyed, 383 Yellow-green, 380 Yellow-throated, 382

Vireonidæ, 378

Vireosylva calidris barbatula, 378 flavoviridis, 380 gilva gilva, 380 " swainsoni, 382 olivacea, 380 philadelphica, 380

Vulture, Black, 199 California, 198 Turkey, 199

Wagtail Alaska Yellow, 418 Swinhoe's, 418 White, 418

Warbler, Alaska Yellow, 392 Audubon's, 395 Bachman's, 387 Bay-breasted, 398 Black and White, 385 Blackburnian, 399 Black-fronted, 395 Black-poll, 399 Black-throated Blue, 394 Black-throated Gray, 402 Black-throated Green, 403 Blue-winged, 387 Cairns's, 394 Calaveras, 389 Canada, 415

Page 471

 Cape May, 391 Cerulean, 396 Chestnut-sided, 398 Connecticut, 410 Dusky, 390 Golden-cheeked, 402 Golden Pileolated, 415 Golden-winged, 388 Grace's, 401 Hermit, 405 Hooded, 414 Kennicott's Willow, 439 Kentucky, 410 Kirtland's, 404 Lucy's, 388 Lutescent, 389 Macgillivray's, 411 Magnolia, 396 Mangrove, 394 Mourning, 411 Myrtle, 395 Nashville, 389 Northern Parula, 390 Olive, 391 Orange-crowned, 389 Palm, 405 Parula, 390 Pileolated, 414 Pine, 405 Prairie, 407 Prothonotary, 386 Red-faced, 417 Sennett's, 391 Sonora Yellow, 392 Swainson's, 386 Sycamore, 401 Tennessee, 390 Townsend's, 403 Virginia's, 388 Wilson's, 414 Worm-eating, 386 Yellow, 392 Yellow Palm, 405 Yellow-throated, 401

Water Thrush, 409 Grinnell's, 409 Louisiana, 409

Water Turkey, 77

Waxwing, Bohemian, 375 Cedar, 375 Wheatear, 448 Greenland, 448

Whimbrel, 160

Whip-poor-will, 263 Stephens's, 264

Widgeon, European, 91

Willet, 155 Western, 156

Wilsonia canadensis, 415 citrina, 414 pusilla pusilla, 414 " chryseola, 415 " pileolata, 414

Woodcock, 140 European, 140

Woodpecker, Alaska Three-toed, 254 Alpine Three-toed, 254 Ant-eating, 256 Arctic Three-toed, 253 Arizona, 252 Batchelder's, 251 Cabanis's, 250 California, 257 Downy, 251 Gairdner's, 251 Gila, 258 Golden-fronted, 258 Hairy, 250 Harris's, 250 Ivory-billed, 249 Lewis's, 257 Narrow-fronted, 257 Nelson's Downy, 251 Northern Hairy, 250 Northern Pileated, 256 Nuttall's, 252 Pileated, 255 Queen Charlotte, 250 Red-bellied, 257 Red-cockaded, 251 Red-headed, 256 Rocky Mountain Hairy, 250 San Lucas, 252 Southern Downy, 251 Southern Hairy, 250 Texas, 252 Three-toed, 253 White-headed, 253 Willow, 251

Wren, Alaska, 428 Aleutian, 428 Baird's, 426 Bewick's, 426 Bryant's Cactus, 424 Cactus, 423 Cañon, 425 Carolina, 425 Dotted Cañon, 425 Florida, 425 Guadalupe, 426 Guadalupe Rock, 424 House, 427 Kadiak Winter, 428

Page 472

 Lomita, 425 Long-billed Marsh, 429 Marian's Marsh, 429 Seattle, 426 Rock, 424 San Clemente, 426 Short-billed Marsh, 428 San Diego, 426 San Lucas Cactus, 424 Texas, 426 Tule, 429 Vigors's, 426 Western House, 427 Western Marsh, 429 Western Winter, 428 White-throated, 424 Winter, 427 Worthington's Marsh, 429

Wren-tit, 437 Pallid, 437

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus, 315

Xanthoura luxuosa glaucescens, 308

Xema sabini, 49

Xenopicus albolarvatus, 253

Yellow-legs, 153 Greater, 153

Yellow-throat, Belding's, 413 Florida, 412 Maryland, 412 Pacific, 412 Rio Grande, 413 Salt Marsh, 412 Western, 412

Zamelodia ludoviciana, 365 melanocephala, 365

Zenaida zenaida, 194

Zenaidura macroura carolinensis, 193

Zonotrichia albicollis, 345 coronata, 343 leucophrys leucophrys, 343 " gambeli, 343 " nuttalli, 343 querula, 342

[Illustration: 474. ]

Page 473

[Illustration: 475]

Birds of Eastern North America

By CHESTER A. REED, B. S. 

The Bird Book of the year. It is authentic. The author KNOWS birds. Hehas studied them for thirty years--in the hand, for plumage, and intheir haunts, for habits. He has studied them in their homes and hasphotographed hundreds as they were actually feeding their young. Besidesbeing able to write about these things in an interesting and instructivemanner, he is classed as one of the foremost bird artists in America. This rare combination of Artist-Author-Naturalist has produced, in"Birds of Eastern North America, " the ultimate bird book. 

The technical descriptions aided by the pictures give perfect ideas ofthe plumage of adults and young. 

The descriptive text gives the important and characteristic features inthe lives of the various species. 

The illustrations--well, there are 408 PICTURES IN NATURAL COLORS; theyshow practically every species, including male, female, and young whenthe plumages differ, and they are perfectly made by the best process. 

Bound in cloth, handsomely illuminated in gold; 464 pages (4½ × 6½); 408colored illustrations; every bird described and pictured. 

$3. 00 postpaid

Color Key To N. A. Birds

By F. M. CHAPMAN and C. A. REED

This might well be called an illustrated dictionary of North Americanbirds, the male of each species being shown in COLOR from pen and inkdrawings. Uniform with Egg Book. 350 pages. 

$2. 50 net

Page 474

[Illustration 476: _From "Water Birds"_. ][Illustration: _From "Land Birds"_. ]

LAND BIRDS

By CHESTER A. REED, B. S. 

An illustrated, pocket text book that enables anyone to quickly identifyany song or insectivorous bird found east of the Rocky Mountains. Itdescribes their habits and peculiarities; tells you where to look forthem and describes their nests, eggs and songs. 

EVERY BIRD IS SHOWN IN COLOR, including the females and young where theplumage differs, from watercolor drawings by the four-color process. Theillustrations are the BEST, the MOST ACCURATE, and the MOST VALUABLEever printed in a bird book. 

"LAND BIRDS" is the most popular and has the LARGEST SALE (over 300, 000copies) of any bird book published in this country. It is used andrecommended by our leading ornithologists and teachers. 230 pages. 

Bound in Cloth, 75c. Net; in Leather, $1. 00 net; postage 5c. 

WATER BIRDS

By CHESTER A. REED, B. S. 

This book is uniform in size and scope with LAND BIRDS. It includes allof the Water Birds, Game Birds and Birds of Prey, east of the Rockies. Each species is ILLUSTRATED IN COLOR from oil paintings; the bird, itshabits and nesting habits are described. 

The pictures show more than 230 birds in color, every species found inour range. They exceed in number those in any other bird book. Inquality they cannot be surpassed--exquisite gems, each with anattractive background, typical of the habits of the species. 

"LAND BIRDS" and "WATER BIRDS" are the only books, regardless of price, that describe and show in color every bird. 250 pages, neatly boxed. 

Bound in Cloth, $1. 00 net; in Leather, $1. 25 net; postage 5c. 

Page 475

[Illustration: 477. ][Illustration. ]

THE TREE GUIDE

By JULIA ELLEN ROGERS

Author of "The Tree Book"

The Tree Guide is uniform in style and size with the well known pocketBird Guides which have become so universally popular. It containsillustrations (32 of them colored and many in black and white) anddescriptions of every tree east of the Rocky Mountains. The descriptionsinclude the range, the classification, the distinctive features such asflowers, leaves, fruit, etc. , and all other marks that lead to an easyidentification of the tree. No detail that will help the student hasbeen omitted and the small size of the volume, about the length andwidth of the hand, makes it convenient to carry. An ideal volume forexpert naturalist or amateur for field work or even more exhaustivestudy. 

32 illustrations in color; many in black and white. 

Cloth, net, $1. 00. Leather, net, $1. 25

Animal Post Cards

We have been fortunate in securing from the well known artist, Harry F. Harvey, a number of his best paintings of our North American WildAnimals. These have been Faithfully reproduced in NATURAL COLORS, postcard size, and are by far, twenty-five of the best animal cards everpublished. 

Ask your dealer for the "REED NATURE CARDS. "

25 Animals, 25 Birds, 50 Wild Flowers. 

ALL IN NATURAL COLORS

If your dealer is out of them we will fill your order (postpaid). 

25 Animals for 50c; 25 Birds for 25c; 50 Flowers for 50c. 

Special--The complete set of 100 accurately colored cards postpaid, $1. 00. 

Send for list of Nature Books in Colors. 

CHAS. K. REED WORCESTER, MASS. 

Page 476

[Illustration: 478. ]Wild FlowersEast of the Rockies

BY

CHESTER A. REED

The latest flower book. In a class by itself. Original, beautiful, compact, complete, interesting. Pictures 320 flowers, ALL IN COLOR. 450pages. 

Handsomely bound; boxed. $2. 50 net; postage 15c

Page 477

American Game Birds

By CHESTER A. REED, B. S. 

Over ONE HUNDRED SPECIES OF GAME BIRDS are faithfully depicted by thecolored pictures and the text gives considerable idea of their habitsand tells where they are to be found at different seasons of the year. 

This book is prepared especially at the request of a large number ofsportsmen for a concise guide devoted solely to game birds and figuringall species. 

Remember that it is the ONLY book at any price that figures all thesegame birds in their proper colors. It is the real sportsmen's guide andcompanion. Nicely bound and boxed. 

[Illustration: 479. ]

Price 60 cents; postage 5 cents

Page 478

[Illustration: 480. ]

North American Birds' Eggs

By CHESTER A. REED, B. S. 

This is the only book on the market that gives illustrations of the eggsof all North American birds. Each egg is shown FULL SIZE, photographeddirectly from an authentic and well marked specimen. There are a greatmany full-page plates of nests and eggs in their natural situations. 

The habitat and habits of each bird are given. 

It is finely printed on the best of paper and handsomely bound in cloth. 350 pages--6 × 9 inches. 

$2. 50 net

Nature Studies--In Field and Wood

By CHESTER A. REED, B. S. 

This book is destined to be one of the most important that the authorhas written. Absorbingly interesting in itself, yet its greatest valuewill lie in the fact that it will lead the reader to realize how blindhe has been to the many wonderful things that are happening on everyhand. 

The brook, the pond, the field, the woods, the swamps and even the backyards yield quantities of very interesting subjects for study. This booktreats entertainingly of many of these interesting creatures, but itschief aim is to be an "awakener"--to arouse within the reader the desireto go out and verify some of the facts given, or to do some originalinvestigation himself. Such studies develop the senses of perception andobservation immensely, and the one who is "alive" to what is going onabout him surely is better able to cope with all situations in life thanone who sees nothing until it is forcibly brought to his attention. 

112 pages; size--5½ × 7½ in. 40 illustrations in color, and black andwhite. 

60c. Net; postage 10c. 

Page 479

[Illustration: 481]

Camera Studies of Wild Birds in Their Homes

By CHESTER A. REED, B. S. 

"CAMERA STUDIES" affords everyone an opportunity for a very intimatestudy of bird life. A good photograph of an event together with aninteresting description of it is the next best thing to witnessing theevent itself. 

"CAMERA STUDIES" has 250 photographs of events right in birds' home. These pictures are selected from the author's collection of over 2000bird photographs, this being one of the best collections of pictures offree, living wild birds in existence. 

Many rare and interesting poses are faithfully shown by the camera. Forinstance, a pair of adult Chipping Sparrows, standing on a branch by thesides of their four young, are engaged in pulling apart a large wormthat was too large to be given whole. 

The stories accompanying these pictures are as interesting as thephotographs and above all they are all actual facts. 

300 pages, 5½ × 7½ in. ; 250 photographs of living, wild birds. 

Handsomely bound in Cloth, $2. 00 net; postage 20c. 

Western Bird Guide

This new book, a companion and uniform in size to the Bird and FlowerGuides East of the Rockies, is much more complete and shows everyspecies of bird, BOTH LAND AND WATER to be found IN THE ROCKY MOUNTAINSand westward to the PACIFIC COAST, and from Mexico north to the Arcticregions. EVERY BIRD IN NATURAL COLORS. 

320 of them are faithfully pictured, and the text gives the moreprominent identifying features, as well as the habits, haunts and allabout their nests and eggs. 256 pages, bound and neatly boxed. 

In Sock Cloth, $1. 00 net; in Leather, $1. 25 net; postage 5c. 

CHAS. K. REED, WORCESTER, MASS. 

Page 480

FIELD GLASSES

[Illustration: 482. ]

FOR BIRD STUDY

or equally good for the mountains, seashore or theatre, or whenever alarge, clear image of an object is desired. 

We carefully examined more than a hundred makes of field glasses, toselect the ones best adapted for bird study. 

We found one make that was superior to any other of the same price andequal optically, and nearly as well made as those costing three times asmuch. 

They magnify about three diameters, and have an unusually large field ofvision or angle of view, making it easy to find a bird or keep him insight. Price only $5. 00 postpaid. 

CHAS. K. REED WORCESTER, MASS.