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Title: Illustrations of the Birds of California, Texas, Oregon, British and Russian America
Author: Cassin, John
Language: English
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CALIFORNIA, TEXAS, OREGON, BRITISH AND RUSSIAN AMERICA ***
[Illustration: Plate 1
The Mexican Jay
Cyanocorax luxuosus (_Lesson_)]
ILLUSTRATIONS
OF THE
BIRDS
OF
CALIFORNIA, TEXAS, OREGON, BRITISH AND RUSSIAN AMERICA.
INTENDED TO CONTAIN DESCRIPTIONS AND FIGURES
OF ALL
_North American Birds_
NOT GIVEN BY FORMER AMERICAN AUTHORS,
AND A
GENERAL SYNOPSIS OF NORTH AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.
BY
JOHN CASSIN,
MEMBER OF THE ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA; OF THE
AMERICAN PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY; OF THE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY OF
PENNSYLVANIA; OF THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE; OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA NATURAL
HISTORY SOCIETY; OF THE NEW YORK LYCEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY; OF THE
NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF MONTREAL, ETC. ETC.
1853 TO 1855.
PHILADELPHIA:
J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO.
1856.
Entered, according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1855, by
JOHN CASSIN,
in the Clerk’s office of the District Court of the United States for
the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
PREFACE.
The natural history of North America has been regarded with especial
interest wherever the sciences have been cultivated since the discovery
of the continent. There never has been a period, however, in which such
extensive and productive research has been carried on, as in that which
commenced with the annexation of Texas to the United States, and in
which also California and New Mexico have become parts of the Union. The
extension of the laws of the United States over these vast countries,
and the consequent protection and personal safety, have induced the
visits of scientific travellers;—numerous Government expeditions for the
purposes of exploration and survey have been necessary, and have been
despatched on such missions with the utmost promptness and vigilance of
the public good by all administrations of the General Government, in the
period to which we allude, and have almost invariably been accompanied
by officers specially charged with making observations and collections
in Natural History. The Smithsonian Institution also has exerted an
influence in the highest degree favorable and important in the
development of the Natural History of this country, as in other
departments of science and literature.
These are the main and immediate causes of the great strides that the
knowledge of the natural productions of North America has made within a
period of little upwards of twenty years. There are, of course, others,
of which the general diffusion of knowledge and attention to education
in the United States especially, and in fact throughout the civilized
world, have been perhaps the most efficient.
Since the time of the publication of the works of our predecessors in
American Ornithology, the additions of species and of information in
that department of our Zoology have been very large, and being for much
the greater part within our reach, we have been induced to undertake the
present work. It is to be regarded in some measure as an addition to the
works of former authors in American Ornithology, but at the same time
complete in itself.
Our advantages for study have been much superior to those possessed by
former writers in America. There never was in the United States, until
within the last ten years, a library of Natural History, approximating
in any considerable degree to completeness, nor affording the necessary
facilities for the study of Ornithology. Nor until within that period
was there any collection sufficiently comprehensive to answer the
purposes of comparison and general research. In various branches of
Natural History, but especially in Ornithology, these most important and
desirable objects have been fully accomplished in the formation of the
Library and Museum of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia,—a
result for which science is indebted, not to the Government, nor to
public patronage of any kind, but to strictly private enterprise and
individual scientific taste.
A new era in the history of the zoological sciences in the United States
commenced with the purchase and importation of the late General
Massena’s collection of Birds into this country in 1846, by Thomas B.
Wilson, M. D., of Philadelphia, and the commencement at the same period
of a library in Natural History by the same gentleman and his brother,
Mr. Edward Wilson, now residing in England. Both have been continued
without intermission to the present time, and the results have been, so
far as relates to Ornithology, that a most extensive collection has been
formed, now numbering about twenty-five thousand specimens, and a
Library containing very nearly every book relating to this branch of
natural science, of which copies are to be obtained; and also,
principally through the personal exertions of the latter-named
gentleman, in the cities of Europe, many that are of exceeding rarity
and value. In several other departments, also, nearly or quite as
complete collections of books and specimens have been made. To Fossil
Remains, Conchology, and Crustacea, these remarks are especially
applicable.
Citizens who thus devote themselves to the advancement of science and
intellectual cultivation in their country,—whose exertions tend so
immediately to elevate it in the scale of civilization and refinement,
deserve to be ranked with its most illustrious scholars, statesmen, and
soldiers, and are equally entitled to the national gratitude. So long as
the condition of, or progress in the arts and sciences shall continue to
characterize nations, the influence in the United States of the
gentlemen to whom we have alluded, must be regarded as important in the
highest degree, and their services will be gratefully remembered by
their countrymen so long as the sciences are cultivated or appreciated.
They have reared in their native city a monument to Natural Science as
endurable as its influence in the minds of men, and more honorable to
themselves than the proudest obelisk or the richest memento of the
conqueror’s triumph.
With such facilities for study, we have necessarily had advantages over
other American Ornithologists. One object of our work is to present a
general revision of the Ornithology of the United States, endeavoring to
bring our subject nearer to the true state of the science than has been
previously attempted in this country. In our Synopsis, the student will
find many corrections and additions, and will find himself, too, very
probably introduced to names both American and European, of the
connection of which with North American Ornithology, previous records
are silent, quite unjustifiably.
Our predecessors have not been well versed in the history and
bibliography of Ornithology, nor indeed have they professed such
information. It is in fact a description of knowledge to be attained
with difficulty in any country,—so great, indeed, that no one
Ornithologist has ever yet been completely acquainted with the
bibliography of his science.
To our publishers, Messrs. J. B. Lippincott & Co., is due our gratitude
for constant kindness and encouragement during the publication of the
present volume. Our treatment by the members of this eminent firm has in
fact most fully demonstrated to us their deep interest in the Natural
Sciences, as gentlemen of taste and cultivation, quite irrespective, so
far as relates to our work, of merely business considerations.
To the kind friends whose contributions have added so much to the
interest of this volume, we have to express our sense of great
obligation, especially to Col. George A. McCall, Capt. J. P. McCown,
Capt. S. G. French, Dr. T. C. Henry, of the U. S. Army, to Mr. John G.
Bell, Dr. A. L. Heermann, Dr. P. R. Hoy, Dr. S. W. Woodhouse, Mr. John
H. Clark, Dr. Charles Pickering, and Dr. C. B. R. Kennerly.
To Dr. A. Hall, of Montreal, and Dr. R. Haymond, of Brookville, Indiana,
for much valuable information relating to the birds of their districts.
To Professor J. P. Kirtland, Dr. Thomas M. Brewer, Professor S. F.
Baird, and Mr. Robert Kennicott, we have also to express our gratitude
for very important services, in facilitating the circulation of our
work, and for much information and assistance.
For facilities for the examination and comparison of specimens we
gratefully acknowledge our obligations to the gentlemen of the Academy
of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia; to Professor Joseph Henry and
Professor S. F. Baird, of the Smithsonian Institution; to the Natural
History Society of South Carolina; to Mr. Edward Harris, to the Rev. Dr.
Bachman, to Mr. John Krider, to Mr. Geo. N. Lawrence, and to Mr. J. P.
Giraud.
Of the superior execution of the plates of our work, it is perhaps
unnecessary for us to speak, but in justice to Mr. J. T. Bowen, and Mr.
W. E. Hitchcock, we may be allowed to say that we regard them as having
in this volume fully established a degree of excellence in the
production of zoological plates, rarely excelled, if equalled, in this
country.
Though we hope and fully intend to proceed with a second series of this
work, as materials accumulate, especially as the present volume has met
with a degree of patronage much greater than we had any right or reason
to expect, we have to say to our friends and patrons, that at present we
have no definite prospect of such continuation. Should we be favored
with life and health, we hope to present two additional volumes or
series, each, like the present, complete in itself, for which very
nearly a sufficient number of birds are now known as inhabiting the
United States, and which are not given by former authors on North
American Ornithology. At present, our engagements, we regret to say,
render such an undertaking quite impossible.
John Cassin.
Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, _November, 1855_.
CONTENTS.
A
Acanthylis, genus Page 249
Accipiter, genus 94
Ammodromus, genus 136
“ ruficeps pl. 20, 135
“ rostratus pl. 38, 226
Antrostomus, genus 235
Aquila, genus 109
Archibuteo, genus 103, 161
“ ferrugineus pl. 26, 159
Astur, genus 93
Athene, genus 188
B
Bernicla, genus 54
“ nigricans pl. 10, 52
“ leucopareia pl. 45, 272
Bubo, genus 177
Buteo, genus 97
“ Bairdii pl. 41, 99, 257
“ insignatus pl. 31, 102, 198
C
Callipepla, genus 50
“ Gambelii pl. 9, 45
“ squamata pl. 19, 129
Caprimulgidæ, family 235
Carpodacus, genus 78
“ familiaris pl. 13, 73
Cardinalis, genus 206
“ sinuatus pl. 33, 204
Cardinella, genus 266
“ rubra pl. 43, 265
Cathartes, genus 56
Ceryle, genus 254
Chamæa, genus 40
“ fasciata pl. 7, 39
Chordeiles, genus 237
Circus, genus 108
Cotyle, genus 247
Culicivora, genus 164
“ mexicana pl. 27, 163
Cyanocorax, genus 5
“ luxuosus pl. 1, 1
Cypselus, genus 248
Cyrtonyx, genus 25
“ Massena pl. 4, 21
D
Diomedea, genus 211
“ brachyura pl. 50, 289
“ nigripes pl. 35, 210
Dryotomus, genus 287
“ imperialis pl. 49, 285
E
Elanus, genus 106
Emberiza, genus 153
“ bilineata pl. 23, 150
Embernagra, genus 71
“ Blandingiana pl. 12, 70
F
Failconidæ family 85
Falco genus 85, 122
“ polyagrus pl. 16, 88, 121
Fissirostres 235
G
Geococcyx, genus 219
“ mexicanus pl. 36, 213
Glaucidium, genus 189
Gymnokitta, genus 167
“ cyanocephala pl. 28, 165
H
Halcyonidæ, family 253
Haliaetus, genus 37, 109
“ pelagicus pl. 6, 31
Hierofalco, genus 89
Hirundinidæ, family 242
Hirundo, genus 242
Hypotriorchis, genus 90
I
Icterus, genus 43
“ cucullatus pl. 8, 42
“ melanocephalus pl. 21, 137
Ictinea, genus 106
Insessores, tribe 235
L
Larus, genus 29
“ Heermanni pl. 5, 28
Lophophanes, genus 18
“ atricristatus pl. 3, 13, 19
M
Melanerpes, genus 11
“ formicivorus pl. 2, 7
“ thyroideus pl. 32, 201
Morphnus, genus 114
N
Nauclerus, genus 105
Nyctale, genus 68, 185
“ Kirtlandii pl. 11, 63, 187
Nyctea, genus 190
O
Ortalida, genus 270
“ poliocephala pl. 44, 267
Otus, genus 181
P
Pandion, genus 112
Parinæ, sub-family 17
Parus, genus 17
“ septentrionalis pl. 14, 80
Petrochelidon, sub-genus 243
Picolaptes, genus 157
“ brunneicapillus pl. 25, 156
Pipilo, genus 126
“ fusca pl. 17, 124
Plectrophanes, genus 230
“ McCownii pl. 39, 228
Polyborus, genus 112
Progne, genus 245
Psaltria, genus 19
Ptilogonys, genus 171
“ nitens pl. 29, 169
Pyrocephalus, genus 128
“ rubineus pl. 18, 127
Q
Querquedula, genus 83
“ cyanoptera pl. 15, 82
R
Recurvirostra, genus 233
“ occidentalis pl. 40, 232
Rostrhamus, genus 107
S
Sarcoramphus, genus 59
Saxicola, genus 208
“ oenanthoides pl. 34, 207
Scops, genus 179
Strigidæ, family 175
Strix, genus 176
Surnia, genus 191
Sylvicola, genus 281
“ olivacea pl. 48, 283
“ Kirtlandii pl. 47, 278
Syrnium, genus 183
T
Thalassidroma, genus 277
“ furcata pl. 46, 274
Tinnunculus, genus 92
Toxostoma, genus 263
“ rediviva pl. 42, 260
Trochilus, genus 148
“ Alexandri pl. 22, 141
Troglodytes, genus 175
“ mexicanus pl. 30, 173
V
Vireo, genus 154
“ atricapillus pl. 24, 153
Vireosylvia, genus 224
“ altiloqua pl. 37, 221
Vulturidæ, family 56
ILLUSTRATIONS
OF
THE BIRDS
OF
CALIFORNIA, TEXAS, OREGON, AND BRITISH AND RUSSIAN AMERICA.
CYANOCORAX LUXUOSUS.—(Lesson.)
The Mexican Jay.
PLATE I.—Adult Male.
The family of birds, familiarly known as Jays, is so extensively
diffused, that every country of the world produces species except Africa
south of the Great Desert, Australia, and the islands in the Pacific
ocean.
The European species are few in number, but that which is the most
common and well known by the name from which has been derived the
popular appellation now applied to nearly all of its more or less nearly
allied relatives, is justly regarded as one of the most remarkable of
the birds of that continent. It is the only species of this family which
inhabits central Europe and the British Islands, and is much admired on
account of the beauty of its plumage, which is for the greater part of a
very handsome light reddish brown, with its wings richly colored of a
beautiful light blue and a deep black. It is a cunning, cautious bird,
and possesses very considerable powers of imitation and of voice in
general. Nearly all the European ornithologists relate instances of
specimens which they had seen in a state of domestication, some of which
had been taught, not only to articulate words but also to imitate
various sounds and the cries of animals. Bewick mentions one which would
call a dog, and another which could imitate the noise made by a saw.
Others have heard it imitate the mewing of a cat, the notes of other
birds, and even the neighing of a horse. In Germany, where the taming
and rearing of birds is made a matter of business to a much greater
extent than we have any examples of in the United States, the Jay is a
great favorite on account of this talent, or in some measure for the
same reason that the Mocking bird is in this country. It does not
appear, however, to possess the talent for accurate imitation, nor the
taste nor talent for combination which is shown in such an eminent
degree by the famous songster of this country, but to evince imitative
instincts more similar to those of the Parrots.
Other Jays, of very handsome plumage, inhabit Asia, from the northern
regions of which continent, as well as from northern Africa, a few
species visit Europe. They are not abundant in either of the first
mentioned continents.
The birds of this group are most numerous in America. In the higher
northern latitudes and in the eastern parts of the United States, a few
species only are found; several others, of which some account will be
found in the present work, and some of which are very handsome and
remarkable species have as yet to be regarded as exclusively western,
having only been observed in the countries on the Pacific seaboard. We
beg the liberty of saying, however, in passing, that it is as yet quite
impossible to define, in any reliable manner, the limits of the range of
any of the birds usually regarded as exclusively inhabiting the Western
States and territories of the United States, so vast a central region
having been but very imperfectly explored, and which yet presents to the
enterprising scientific traveller one of the most interesting regions
for research on the face of the globe. It comprises the entire range of
country from the Mississippi river to beyond the Rocky Mountains, from
the northern to the southern limits of the United States.
In Mexico and thence southward to Brazil and Patagonia, and, in fact,
throughout South America, many species of Jays are to be met with in
abundance, and of such beautiful plumage and variety of tints as far
surpass those of any other country. The prevailing hues of the plumage
of the greater number of the American species are the different shades
of blue, from the most delicate ultramarine or azure to deep indigo,
generally variegated, in a very agreeable manner, with white, black or
yellow. Amongst the most handsome of these birds we may mention the
great crested Jay of South America and the West Indies, _Cyanocorax
pileatus_, a large and very showy species, the Mexican painted Jay,
_Cyanocitta_ _ornata_, which has the entire plumage of a deep blue color
beautifully relieved by a large patch of very pale bluish white on the
back part of the head and neck. Others, such as Beechey’s Jay of
California and Mexico, _Cyanocitta Beechii_, of which we shall give a
plate and description, have the plumage of fine silky blue above, and
deep black on the under part of the body. There are a few species in
which the prevailing color of the plumage is violet, as the _Cyanocorax
violaceus_, a native of the northern parts of South America, and
probably of Central America and Mexico. There are also a few species of
which the bird figured in our present plate is one, in which the plumage
is green, usually variegated with blue and yellow.
The Mexican species yet discovered are of very fine plumage, though
generally of smaller size than many of those of South America. Several
of the species of the southern portion of this continent are, in fact,
so large that they approach the stature of their relatives, the crows,
though clothed in a quite different style of vesture. In fact, some of
the larger species are known to collectors and travellers by such names
as the Blue crow, the Surinam crow, &c. The _Cyanocorax azureus_ of
South America is the “Blue Crow,” and is one of the largest species of
this family.
The Jays must be regarded as highly organized birds, and are possessed
of a superior order of instincts. However deficient in melody or compass
of voice, there are few other birds in which are found combined so many
characters or bird-like qualities. Delicacy of form, beauty of plumage,
vigorous and enduring powers of flight, are united with much liveliness
of disposition, unusual instincts of precaution and self-preservation,
and the ability to subsist on very diversified descriptions of both
animal and vegetable food. They are accordingly entitled to a superior
position in any system of classification, based, as all zoological
systems should be, on the knowledge of functional as well as of organic
characters;—on the observations of the naturalist in the field or
forest, not less than on the conclusions or discoveries of the
anatomist.
Nearly all the species of this group of birds appear to partake to a
considerable extent of the cunning, though not unpleasant nor unsociable
habits of the Blue Jay of the United States, and like it they feed
indiscriminately on seeds or fruits, worms, insects, and even small
quadrupeds, or on other birds. They live principally in the forests,
though several of the fine species of South America and all the species
of North America frequently resort to the orchards and fields, or
approach the habitations of men, and when captured young are readily
domesticated.
The very handsome bird which, in our first plate, we present to our
readers, is a recent addition to the Ornithology of the United States,
having been observed in Texas, though previously known as a bird of
Mexico. It is nearly related to the Peruvian Jay, _C. yucas_, Boddaert,
or _C. peruvianus_, Gmelin, which is a native of the countries of
western South America. It is, however, considerably smaller, and is
differently colored on the inferior parts of the body, having there a
prevailing tint of green instead of the clear yellow of that also
handsome bird, and other characters tending to establish a clear
specific difference.
This bird is abundant in Mexico. It was observed to be quite numerous on
the _tierra templada_ or table lands, and in the hills bounding the
plains of Perote and Puebla on the east, by Mr. William S. Pease, an
enterprising naturalist, who accompanied the army of the United States,
under General Scott, throughout its campaign in Mexico. Mr. Pease
learned that it lived on the sides of the hills throughout the year, and
was called by the inhabitants, the _pepe verde_. His collection, now
included in that of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia,
contained very fine specimens of both sexes, though his notes contain
little information respecting them.
M. Lesson, an eminent French naturalist, was the first to describe this
species. His description, from a Mexican specimen, is in the Révue
Zoologique for 1839, p. 100. (Paris.) The first published notice of it
as a Texan species is by Mr. Geo. N. Lawrence, in the Annals of the New
York Lyceum of Natural History, vol. v., p. 115.
The credit of having first discovered it within the limits of the United
States is due to Col. George A. M‘Call, Inspector General of the United
States Army, who sent specimens to the Philadelphia Academy, from Texas,
several years since, and who has most kindly favored us with the
following note:
“The first specimens of this Jay that I saw within the territory of the
United States, were in the forests that border the Rio Grande, on the
south-western frontier of Texas. There they were mated in the month of
May, and no doubt had their nests in the extensive and almost
impenetrable thickets of _Mimosæ_, which are commonly denominated
_Chaparral_. Of the number of their eggs, or the description of their
nests, I learned nothing, not having been able to discover their abode,
precisely; but from the jealousy and pugnacity which they manifested on
the approach or appearance of the large boat-tailed blackbird of that
country (_Quiscalus macrourus_,) which was nesting in great numbers in
the vicinity, I felt satisfied that the Jays were, at the time, also
engaged in the duties of incubation and rearing their young. In
character or temperament they appeared to be very active and lively,
though less noisy than some other species of their family, and their gay
plumage was exhibited to advantage as they flitted from tree to tree, or
dashed boldly in pursuit of such of their more plainly attired neighbors
as ventured to intrude upon their domain.”
Captain J. P. M‘Cown, another accomplished officer of the United States
Army, also observed this bird in Texas, to the natural history of which
country he has contributed a large amount of most valuable information.
From the interesting memoranda which he has very generously and promptly
furnished for our use in the present work, we make the following
extract:
“During the several years that I was in Texas, I frequently saw this
Jay, but never above Ringgold Barracks or north of the woods which skirt
the Rio Grande. It appeared to prefer the Acacia groves which have
sprung up where the ground has been overflowed. Though I have shot
numerous specimens it is rather a cautious bird. I have seen nests high
up in the trees alluded to, and always supposed them to belong to this
species, but was never clearly satisfied, though I have no doubt that it
breeds in Texas.”
The figure in our plate is about three-fourths of the natural size.
The plant represented is the _Salvia coccinea_, which is a native of the
southern parts of North America.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Cyanocorax, Boie, in Oken’s Isis, 1826, part II., p. 977.
Bill rather large and strong, with the ridge of the upper mandible
curved gradually from the base to the point—ridge of the lower mandible
curved upwards. Nostrils at the base of the bill, in rather a large
membrane, and partially concealed by projecting feathers. Wings
moderate, rather rounded, fourth, fifth and sixth primaries usually
longest; secondaries long, exceeding some of the shorter primaries. Tail
rather lengthened and rounded; tarsi robust, rather long; toes and claws
strong. Head usually with a crest or with the frontal plumes erect and
crest-like. Plumage of various colors, mostly with some part of greater
or less extent, blue. Exclusively American. Type _C. pileatus_.
(Wagler.)
Cyanocorax luxuosus. (Lesson.)
Garrulus luxuosus. Lesson Revue Zoologique 1839, p. 100. (Paris.)
Cyanocorax luxuosus. (Less.) Du Bus, Esquisses Ornithologiques, part
IV. pl. 18. (Brussels.)
Form. Feathers of the head in front or at the base of the upper
mandible, short, erect and rigid—other plumage of the head above
somewhat elongated; wings rather short, with the fourth and fifth quills
slightly longest; tail ample, and rather long, with the central feathers
longest; bill strong, tarsi and feet moderate, claws strong and curved.
Dimensions.—Total length (of skin) from the tip of the bill to the end
of the tail, about 10½ inches, wing 4¾, tail 5½ inches.
Colors.—Short feathers at the base of the bill, blue, which color is
succeeded by a transverse band of bluish white; cheeks and head above,
pale azure blue; sides of the head in front of and behind the eyes,
throat and neck in front fine silky black, which forms a wide mask
extending to the breast.
Body above, wings and central tail feathers, fine parrot-like green,
deepest on the tail, entire inferior surface of the body pale yellowish
green. External tail feathers, pale yellow. Bill and feet dark colored.
The green feathers of the tail running into blue at their ends, and
nearly black on their under surface.
Sexes similar.
Habitat. Mexico and Texas—Specimens in the Museum of the Academy of
Natural Sciences, Philadelphia.
Observations. The present species we regard as deviating in some degree
from the characters of the typical species of this genus, as is the case
with other species to which it is nearly related. We do not at present,
however, consider them as presenting peculiar characters sufficient to
constitute a distinct genus, though that excellent ornithologist, the
Prince of Canino, has given to this group the generic name of
_Xanthoura_, which embraces the species now before us, _C. yucas_
(Boddaert) and _X. quatimalensis_. Bonap. (Consp. Av. p. 380.)
[Illustration: Plate 2
The Californian Woodpecker
Melanerpes formicivorus (_Swains._)]
MELANERPES FORMICIVORUS.—(Swainson.)
The Californian Woodpecker.
PLATE II.—Male and female.
The most richly colored Woodpeckers of North America, at least in our
Opinion, are two of the most abundant species. We allude to the bird now
before us, and to the well-known red-headed Woodpecker, _Melanerpes
erythrocephalus_, (Linn.) in both of which the prevailing colors are a
fine glossy black and a rich crimson.
Were the latter bird less common in the Atlantic States, his claims to
be considered one of our finest plumaged species would perhaps be more
distinctly recognised, and his very showy head of the finest crimson
could not fail to attract admirers. As, however, he has the disadvantage
of an attributed disposition to take liberties entirely forbidden by the
farmer and gardener, and is moreover to be seen in almost every woodland
in the summer season, his gay appearance is by no means duly
appreciated, nor his general character held in high estimation. He is
however not so abundant as formerly, and with the destruction of the
large trees of the forest, which is constantly carried on to make room
for the increasing population in the more densely settled States, the
time may arrive when the sight of the red-headed woodpecker, with his
brilliant plumage, will be an unusual and pleasing circumstance to the
young, and serve to remind the aged of perhaps long-forgotten incidents
and associations of early life when remnants of the forest yet
flourished even in proximity to cities, or varied the aspect of
cultivated districts.
Our present species is one of the most abundant of the birds of
California. It appears to take the place of the red-headed woodpecker in
the countries west of the Rocky Mountains, extending its range from
Oregon into Mexico, and probably to Guatimala and other countries of
Central America. It is not inferior to that species in the beauty of its
colors, is quite as unwary and familiar in its disposition, and when the
population of the great Western States shall have arrived at such a very
desirable stage of progress as to possess a generation of juvenile
sportsmen, our bird will no doubt be quite as great a favorite on
holiday shooting excursions.
Several species of woodpeckers have had ascribed to them the habit of
accumulating stores of provisions in anticipation of the approach of
winter, but we have no knowledge of this being done by any American
species, except that now before us. For it we can claim this degree of
instinctive prudence on undoubted evidence, and shall have the pleasure,
in the present article, of laying before our readers an account of it,
which is not only a remarkable illustration of instinct, but shows a
singular method of mechanical preparation and management.
Our valued friends, Mr. John G. Bell of New York, and Dr. A. L. Heermann
of Philadelphia, both of whom have made extended visits to California
for the purpose of investigating its Natural History, found this
woodpecker very abundant in all the parts of that country which either
of them visited.
The former gentleman has had the kindness to inform us, that he
considers it by far the most extensively diffused and common woodpecker
of that country. He represents it as somewhat disposed to gregariousness
in its habits, and has frequently seen individuals on the same tree so
numerous and so close together, that several might have been killed at a
single discharge. According to Mr. Bell, its note very considerably
resembles that of the red-headed woodpecker, which it much resembles
also in flight and other general characters. He observed it only on
trees, particularly on the pines; and upon examination found the
contents of the stomachs of all the specimens which were procured by
him, to be composed principally of ants, of which several of the species
of California habitually frequent trees. The large collection of birds
brought home by Mr. Bell contained numerous specimens of this species.
The account given by Dr. Heermann of this bird is of a highly
interesting character, and he has identified, for the first time, the
species of woodpecker of which previously nothing could be accurately
made out from the statements of travellers respecting a bird which
possessed the provident and curious instinct of storing away a supply of
food for the winter in holes made for that purpose in the bark of trees.
His remarks are in his “Notes on the Birds of California observed during
a residence of three years in that country,” published in the Journal of
the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, Vol. II. p. 270.
(Quarto 1853,) from which we transcribe the following:
“This is the noisiest and most abundant of the woodpeckers of
California. Perched on the topmost branch of a tree, it darts suddenly
into the air in pursuit of an insect, and having secured its object,
soon again returns to the same place, only to repeat this manœuvre in a
few moments.
“In the fall season this species is busily engaged in digging small
holes in the bark of the pines and oaks, to receive acorns, one of which
is placed in each hole, and is so tightly fitted or driven in, that it
is with difficulty extracted. Thus the bark of a large pine, forty or
fifty feet high, will present the appearance of being closely studded
with brass nails, the heads only being visible. These acorns are thus
stored in large quantities, and serve not only the woodpecker during the
winter season, but are trespassed on by the jays, mice and squirrels.
“The nest of this bird is dug out in the body of a tree, and is from six
inches to two feet in depth. The eggs, four or five in number, are pure
white.”
The following graphic and intelligent account, to the same purpose, is
from Kelly’s Excursion to California, and is evidently from the pen of
an excellent observer and an agreeable writer:
“In stripping off the bark of this tree, I observed it to be perforated
with holes, larger than those which a musket ball would make, shaped
with the most accurate precision as if bored under the guidance of a
rule and compass, and many of them filled most neatly with acorns.
Earlier in the season I had remarked such holes in most of all the
softer timber, but imagining that they were caused by wood insects, I
did not stop to examine or inquire, but now finding them studded with
acorns, firmly fixed in, which I knew could not have been driven there
by the wind, I sought for an explanation, which was practically given me
by Captain S——’s pointing out a flock of woodpeckers, busily and noisily
employed in the provident task of securing the winter’s provision. For
it appears that this sagacious bird is not all the time thriftlessly
engaged in ‘tapping the hollow beach tree’ for the mere idle purpose of
empty sound, but spends its summer season in picking these holes, in
which it lays its store of food for the winter, where the elements can
neither affect nor place it beyond their reach, and it is regarded as a
sure omen that the snowy period is approaching when these birds commence
stowing away their acorns, which otherwise might be covered by its fall.
I frequently have paused from my chopping, to watch them in the
neighborhood, with the acorns in their bills, half clawing, half flying
around the tree, and have admired the adroitness with which they tried
it at different holes until they found one of its exact calibre; when,
inserting the pointed end, they tapped it home most artistically with
the beak, and flew down for another.
“But the natural instinct of this bird is even more remarkable in the
choice of the nuts, which are invariably found to be sound, whereas it
is an utter impossibility in selecting them for roasting, to pick up a
batch that will not have a large portion of them unfit for use, the most
smooth and polished frequently containing a large grub generated within.
Even the wily Digger Indian, with all his craft and experience, is
unable to arrive at any thing like an unerring selection, while in a
large bag full, that we took from the bark of our log, there was not one
containing the slightest germ of decay. These woodpeckers never encroach
on their packed stores until all the nuts on the surface of the ground
are covered with snow, when they resort to those in the bark, and peck
them of their contents without removing the shell from the hole. The
bark of the pine tree, from its great thickness, and the ease of boring,
is mostly sought for by these birds as their granary for the winter
season.”
This extraordinary example of instinct is scarcely surpassed by any
other which has been observed in the animal kingdom, and it is to be
hoped that further accounts will be furnished by observers in the
countries which it inhabits, respecting the bird which is endowed with
such interesting and unusual habits.
This woodpecker is common in Mexico in woods on the table lands, and was
observed by Mr. Pease also in the upper part of the _tierra caliente_.
It was first introduced to notice from Mexican specimens received from
the vicinity of Real del Monte by Mr. Swainson, a distinguished English
naturalist, who first described it in the Philosophical Magazine, 1827,
p. 439 (London.) It was observed in California previous to that country
having become a part of the United States, by Mr. Nuttall, the eminent
botanist and zoologist, who gave it a place in his Manual of the
Ornithology of the United States and of Canada. Vol. I., p. 682 (Boston,
1840.)
Our figures are rather less than one-third of the size of life.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Melanerpes. Swainson, in Fauna Boreali Americana, Birds, p. 316,
and Lardner’s Cabinet Cyclopedia, Birds, Vol. II. p. 310.
London, 1837.
Bill straight, rather wide at the base and somewhat cylindrical, ridge
of the upper mandible arched, and with a slightly developed lateral
ridge on each side, nostrils basal, nearly concealed by projecting
plumes. Wings long, first primary spurious, fourth and fifth usually
longest, tail moderate, composed of broad and strong feathers. Tarsi and
feet moderate or rather strong; two external toes before and behind,
nearly equal. General form short and robust; color black, varied with
red and white. Type _M. erythrocephalus_. (Linn.)
Melanerpes formicivorus. (Swainson.)
Picus formicivorus. Swainson in Taylor’s Phil. Mag., 1827, (p. 439,)
London.
Picus melanopogon. Temminck, Pl. col. Vol. IV., pl. 451. Leyden, about
1829.
Melampicos flavigula. Malherbe in Rev. et Mag. de Zool., 1849, p. 542?
(Paris.)
Form. Compact and rather robust; wing long, with the second and third
quills longest, and nearly equal; tail rather broad, and with the
feathers but moderately rigid at their ends, unless worn; feet
moderately robust; toes long; claws much curved. Rather larger than
_Melanerpes erythrocephalus_. (Linn.)
Dimensions. (Of a skin from California.) Total length from tip of bill
to end of tail, about 9½ inches; wing, 5¾; tail, 3½ inches.
Colors. Male. Short feathers immediately around the base of the bill,
black. Broad subfrontal band, pure white, which unites with a wide,
somewhat crescent-shaped mark of the same color, tinged with pale yellow
on the throat and neck in front. Large coronal and occipital space
immediately succeeding the white subfrontal band, fine light crimson, of
which color there is also a small, irregular spot or two in the centre
of a black band on the upper part of the breast.
Cheeks, back, wings, and tail fine deep black, with a greenish gloss.
Band of black across the breast, succeeded by another, in which the
feathers are longitudinally marked with black and white; feathers of the
flanks, and under tail coverts, white, with black longitudinal stripes;
middle of the abdomen, rump, and spot at the base of the primaries, pure
white. The latter most readily observed on the inferior surface of the
wing. Secondary quills rather widely bordered with white on their
internal edges. Bill nearly black; legs and feet lighter. Female similar
to the male, but with a wide band of black on the top of the head.
Hab. California and Mexico. Spec. in Mus. Acad. Philada.
Observations. The bird described by Temminck as _Picus melanopogon_ is
stated by him to have been received from Mexico, and his figure is
certainly the bird which is the subject of our present article. His
description and figure are in Livraison 76 of the Planches Colorices,
which was published about 1828 or 1829, but bears no date, and was
anticipated by Swainson’s publication in the Philos. Magazine.
In the Revue et Magazin de Zoologie, for 1849, p. 542, M. Alfred
Malherbe, who has devoted much attention to the study of the
woodpeckers, has named a species _Melampicos flavigula_, and has very
carefully pointed out differences which he considers sufficient to
establish it as distinct from _Picus melanopogon_. He relies almost
entirely on the greater or lesser extent and relative widths of the
white, black and red spaces on their heads. Notwithstanding the
extensive knowledge which M. Malherbe undoubtedly possesses from his
great attention to this family of birds, I cannot see that there are any
characters given which may not be very properly attributed to
differences in age or sex, and I have accordingly felt myself justified
in suspecting it to be the same as the present species, having before me
specimens which I understand to represent both of them.
No dependence can be placed in the extent of the red color on the head,
as a character, so far as I have observed, in the woodpeckers of the
United States. In _Picus pubescens_, a common species in Pennsylvania,
the young male has the head above entirely crimson, which color in the
adult is restricted to a narrow occipital band. I do not know that the
change in others of our species is so decided, but the width of the
occipital stripe is much varied in different specimens of the same
species, and my impression is, that as a specific character this very
ornamental portion of the plumage of woodpeckers ought to be estimated
with great caution.
[Illustration: Plate 3
The Black-crested Chickadee
Lophophanes atricristatus (_Cassin_)]
LOPHOPHANES ATRICRISTATUS.—(Cassin.)
The Black-crested Chickadee.
PLATE III.—Male and Female.
The pleasant little birds of the same family as those known in Great
Britain as Tits or Tit-mice, have received in America, from the
characteristic notes of several of the species, the name of Chickadees.
Popular names being entirely of a local character and of little
scientific value, we invariably prefer to give those by which species
are known in this country instead of the names of birds allied to or
resembling them which inhabit Europe, though the latter are generally
adopted by American writers.
The species of this family, which are permanent residents in the middle
and northern States, and especially the tufted or crested Chickadee (_L.
bicolor_,) are among the very first of the feathered inhabitants of our
woodlands to welcome the advent of spring, and to hail with their clear
and melodious notes the earliest tokens of the decline of winter. Even
on fine days in February or early in March, the crested Chickadee may
often be heard, apparently indulging himself in gratifying anticipations
of the approaching spring-time; or it may be, that not being
instinctively weather-wise like the beaver, and not at all versed in
wise saws or modern instances, he thinks that it has already come. Which
conclusion, though sometimes adopted quite as summarily by tidy
house-keepers, is very apt to be demonstrated by the storms of St.
Patrick’s day to be entirely illusory.
The tits or chickadees are abundant birds in the temperate and northern
regions of both hemispheres, most so perhaps in Europe, though the
researches of ornithologists have added numerous species to those
formerly known to inhabit Asia and America. Several very handsome birds
of this family have been discovered, within a few years, inhabiting the
Himalaya mountains, and other parts of India, and in Japan. In North
America the species have increased from two only, which were figured by
the celebrated Wilson, to twelve, the additions having been principally
from the Western States, and from Texas and Mexico, and there can be no
doubt that in the almost unexplored countries of North-Western America
as well as in those which have received a greater degree of the
attention of zoological travellers, such as Texas, California and
Mexico, others yet remain to be discovered.
There are about fourteen European species of this group of birds, and
about twenty which are exclusively Asiatic. A few species of allied
genera inhabit Africa and New Zealand, but none of near relationship
have yet been found in Australia nor in South America.
The species of all countries appear to be very similar in their habits,
and live almost entirely in the forests, subsisting exclusively on
insects in the summer, and in the winter partially substituting seeds
and berries for their more grateful food.
The black-crested chickadee is a native of Texas and probably also of
Mexico. It was discovered in the former country by Mr. John Woodhouse
Audubon, a son of the distinguished ornithologist, and was first
described by us in the Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of
Philadelphia. It is very similar to the crested chickadee in form and
general appearance, but exhibits a striking difference in having the
crest entirely black, by which character it is distinguished from all
others of the genus to which it belongs.
The only information that we have obtained relative to its history has
been communicated to us by Samuel W. Woodhouse, M. D., who was attached,
as surgeon and naturalist, to a party under the command of Captain
Sitgreaves of the Topographical Engineers of the Army of the United
States, which surveyed the rivers Zunia and the Colorado of the west, by
order of the Government.
Dr. Woodhouse has had the kindness to allow us to copy the following
memoranda from his Journal, which will be published at an early period,
with the Report made by Captain Sitgreaves to the Topographical
Department, and will be an important contribution to the natural history
of Texas and New Mexico:
“While our party was encamped on the Rio Salado in Texas, near San
Antonio, in March, 1851, I observed this handsome little chickadee for
the first time. It was busily engaged in capturing insects among the
trees on the bank of the stream, and like the other species of its
family, was incessantly in motion and very noisy. At our camp at Quihi,
on the eighth of May, I again found it very abundant among the oaks. The
young males, which were then fully grown, much resembled the adult
females, both wanting the black crest which characterizes the male.
Afterwards I noticed this species, occurring sparingly, along our route,
as far as the head waters of the San Francisco river in New Mexico.
“I observed it almost entirely in trees bordering streams of water, the
females and young males invariably having the crest of the same
cinereous color as their general plumage, but in the latter slightly
tinged with brown. It occurred in small parties, appeared to be very
sociable and lively in its habits, and in general appearance and in
nearly all its notes which I heard, it so very much resembled the common
crested chickadee of the Northern States as scarcely to be recognized as
a distinct species at a short distance.”
The collection made by Dr. Woodhouse contains fine specimens of this
bird, from a male and female of which, and from Mr. Audubon’s specimens,
our plate has been prepared. We have represented both sexes about
three-fourths of the natural size.
The plant figured is the _Phlox Drummondii_, a beautiful species which
is a native of New Mexico and California.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Lophophanes. Kaup Skiz. Entw. Eur. Thierw. (1829.)
Lophophanes atricristatus. (Cassin.)
Parus atricristatus. Cassin. Proc. Acad. Philada. Vol. V., p. 103,
(Oct. 1850.)
Form. With a high pointed crest, bill rather strong and acute. Wings
long, with the fourth and fifth primaries longest, and nearly equal;
tail rather long.
Dimensions of a skin from Quihi, Texas. Total length, from tip of bill
to end of tail, about 6 inches; wing 3; tail 2¾ inches.
Colors. Male. Crest, black; body, wings and tail above, cinereous;
darker on the latter, and with an olivacious tinge on the back. Front
and inferior surface of the body, ashy white; flanks, ferruginous.
Shafts of primaries, reddish at their bases; those of the tail feathers
white beneath; bill and legs black. Young male with the crest cinereous,
shaded with light brown.
Female. Similar to the male, but slightly smaller, and with the crest
cinereous.
Hab. Texas. Spec. in Mus. Acad. Philada.
Obs. This species is of the same general form and color as _Lophophanes
bicolor_, (Linn.,) and _Lophophanes inornatus_. (Gambel.) It is about
the size of the former, and larger than the latter, and may be readily
distinguished from either of those or from any other species known to
me, by its black crest.
Having access to specimens of all the known North American species of
this family, in the collection of the Academy of Natural Sciences of
Philadelphia, we beg the liberty of laying before our readers a synopsis
of these birds, with short descriptions, and of availing ourselves also
of the present occasion to express our grateful acknowledgments for the
facilities and privileges generously allowed us by the gentlemen of the
Academy.
SYNOPSIS OF THE NORTH AMERICAN SPECIES OF THE SUB-FAMILY PARINÆ.
I. GENUS PARUS. Linnæus. Syst. Nat. I. p. 340. (1766.)
Not crested, bill short, rather strong, conic, entire, nostrils at the
base of the bill and concealed by projecting feathers. Wings moderate,
with the first quill spurious, fourth and fifth usually longest and
nearly equal, tail rather long, legs and feet rather robust, claws
curved and sharp. Colors usually cinereous and black.
This genus originally included all the birds now usually regarded as
constituting a family of many genera, species of which inhabit nearly
all the countries of the world. As restricted, it appears properly to
embrace numerous species without crests found in Asia, Europe, and
America; nearly all of which have the upper part of the head and throat
black. A further division has however been made by Professor Kaup, of
Darmstadt; and all the American, with some European and Asiatic
non-crested species, form his genus _Pœcila_.
The American species are as follows:
1. Parus atricapillus. Linn. Syst. Nat. I. p. 341 (1766). The
black-capped Chickadee.
Length (of skin) about 5 inches. Head and neck above and large space on
the throat black, cheeks and sides of the neck white, entire plumage of
the body above cinereous, slightly tinged with brownish olive, below
ashy white tinged with brownish. Bill and feet dark. Sexes alike.
Hab. Northern and Middle States of North America. Spec. in Mus. Acad.
Philada.
2. Parus carolinensis. Audubon Orn. Biog. II. p. 341, (1834.) The
Carolina Chickadee.
Length (of skin) about 4¼ inches. Head and neck above and large space on
the throat black, cheeks and sides of the neck white. Entire plumage of
the body above cinereous, slightly tinged with brownish olive, below
ashy white tinged with brownish. Bill and feet dark. Sexes alike.
Hab. Middle and Southern States of North America. Spec. in Mus. Acad.
Philada.
Obs. Very similar to the preceding, but easily recognized by its smaller
size.
3. Parus septentrionalis. Harris, Proc. Acad. Philada. II. p. 300, (Dec.
1845.) The long-tailed chickadee.
Length (of skin) about 6 inches. Head above and space on the throat
black, cheeks and sides of the neck white. Entire plumage of the body
above cinereous, strongly tinged with reddish brown, below ashy white,
tinged with yellowish brown, especially on the sides and flanks,
external web of outer tail feathers nearly pure white. Bill and feet
dark. Tail comparatively longer than in either of the preceding species.
Hab. Missouri and the Rocky Mountains. Great Salt Lake. Spec. in Mus.
Acad. Philada. and in the National Collection, Washington city.
Obs. A species related to, but quite distinct from either of the
preceding. It is larger, and the specimens which I have seen have the
bill longer and more pointed, the tail much longer, the black space on
the head more restricted, and the general coloring more tinged with
brown. The white outer edges of the external tail feathers is a
well-marked character.
4. Parus montanus. Gambel, Proc. Acad. Philada. I. p. 259, (April,
1843.)
Length (of skin) about 5 inches. Head and neck above, line through the
eye, space on the throat and upper part of the breast black. Line over
the eye, large space on the cheeks and side of the neck white. Body
above cinereous, below ashy white tinged with brownish on the flanks,
bill and legs dark.
Hab. California. Spec. in Mus. Acad. Philada.
Obs. This western species is readily distinguished from all others of
North America by the broad white line over the eye. Its bill is longer
than in the typical species.
5. Parus hudsonicus. Forster, Philosoph. Trans. lxii. p. 430, (London,
1772.)
Length (of skin) about 5 inches. Head and neck above deep ferruginous
brown, large space on the throat brownish black, cheeks white. Body
above brownish cinereous, below ashy white, sides and flanks deep
reddish chestnut brown, bill and feet lead colored. Sexes very similar.
Hab. British America, and Northern States of the Union. Spec. in Mus.
Acad. Philada.
Obs. Quite a distinct and well-marked species, erroneously supposed by
some European writers to be the young of _P. atricapillus_. It has been
found breeding in the State of Maine, by our friend Dr. Brewer of
Boston.
6. Parus rufescens. Townsend Jour. Acad. Philada. vii. p. 190, (1837.)
Length (of skin) about 4½ inches. Head and neck above, large space on
the throat and breast deep blackish brown, cheeks and sides of the neck
white, body above and sides below bright chestnut, medial portion of the
body below ashy white. Bill and legs lead color.
Hab. Oregon and California. Spec. Mus. Acad. Philada.
Obs. A beautiful little species, which appears to inhabit a large extent
of country west of the Rocky Mountains. It is easily recognized by the
bright chestnut color of the superior parts of the body.
II. GENUS LOPHOPHANES. Kaup. Skiz. Entw. Eur. Thierw. (1829.)
Crested, bill moderate, strong, conic, entire, upper mandible rather the
longer and slightly curved, nostrils basal, rounded and concealed by
projecting feathers. Wings rather long, with the fourth and fifth
primaries usually longest, tail rather long, legs and feet robust, the
latter rather large, and provided with curved, strong and very sharp
claws. Prevailing color of all known American species, cinereous.
This genus comprises the crested species of Europe and America, which
were formerly included in the genus Parus, Linn., but which evidently
form a natural and easily characterized group, fully entitled to generic
distinction.
1. Lophophanes bicolor. (Linn) The crested Chickadee.
Parus bicolor. Linn. Syst. Nat. I. p. 340, (1766.)
Length about 6½ inches. Front black, crest and body above dark
cinereous, tinged with greenish on the back, below ashy white, flanks
reddish brown. Bill and legs nearly black. Sexes alike.
Hab. Eastern North America. Spec. in Mus. Acad. Philada.
2. Lophophanes atricristatus. (Cassin). The black-crested Chickadee.
Parus atricristatus. Cassin, Proc. Acad. Philada. V. p. 103, (Oct.
1850.)
Length (of skin) about 6 inches. Male—front, ashy white, crest black,
entire plumage above cinereous, beneath ashy white, flanks reddish
brown. Bill and legs black. Female, with the crest ashy, not black.
Young, like the female, but with crest tinged with brown.
Hab. Texas and Mexico. Spec. in Mus. Acad. Philad. and in the National
Collection Washington city.
3. Lophophanes inornatus. (Gambel). The plain-crested Chickadee.
Parus inornatus. Gambel. Proc. Acad. Philada. II. p. 265, (Aug. 1845.)
Length about 5½ inches. Front, crest and entire plumage above cinereous,
strongly inclining to olive, below uniform whitish, cinereous. Bill and
legs lead-colored. Sexes alike.
Hab. California. Spec. in Mus. Acad. Philada.
Obs. A plainly-colored species abundant in California, easily recognized
by the uniform cinereous color of its plumage.
4. Lophophanes Wollweberi. Bonaparte, Comptes rendus, Acad. Paris, xxxi.
p. 478. (Sept. 1850.) The Texan Chickadee.
Parus annexus. Cassin, Proc. Acad. Philada. V. p. 103. (Oct. 1850.)
Lophophanes galeatus. Cabanis Cat. Heine’s coll. p. 90. (1851.)
Length (of skin) about 5 inches. Anterior feathers of crest, cinereous,
succeeding and most elongated, black, others margined with white, short
occipital feathers black. Throat black, line commencing behind the eye,
thence curving and uniting with the space of the same color on the
throat, black. Line above the eye running into the crest and around on
the neck, white. Entire plumage above cinereous, tinged with olive,
below ashy white, bill and feet dark.
Hab. Texas. Spec. in Mus. Acad. Philada.
Obs. This species considerably resembles _Lophophanes cristatus_,
(Linn.) a common European bird. I have no doubt that the names given
above are synonymous; that applied by us being about one month later
than the publication of the description by Bonaparte as cited.
III. GENUS PSALTRIA. Temminck. Pl. Col. III.
Bill very short, thick, upper mandible curved, entire, nearly of the
same thickness as the lower, nostrils basal, concealed by projecting
feathers, wings rather short, first quill spurious, fourth and fifth
longest and nearly equal, tail long and slightly wedge-shaped. Tarsi
long and slender, feet rather strong, claws curved and acute, that on
the posterior toe strongest. Not crested, colors of all known species
principally cinereous and white.
This genus was established by the celebrated naturalist Temminck, of
Leyden, (in Planches Coloriees, vol. iii.) with a little bird as its
type named by him _Psaltria exilis_, which inhabits Java. The bird
discovered by Dr. Townsend in Oregon, and now well known to American
Ornithologists as _Parus minimus_, Townsend, not only belongs to this
genus, but only materially differs in size from _Psaltria exilis_. Temm.
Its colors and general appearance much resemble it.
The American species are:
1. Psaltria minima. (Townsend) Townsend’s Chickadee.
Parus minimus. Townsend, Jour. Acad. Philada. vii. p. 199. (1837.)
Length (of skin) about 4 inches. Head above deep cinereous, inclining to
purplish brown, body above cinereous, with a tinge of olive. Throat and
breast whitish, abdomen and flanks cinereous, tinged with purplish
brown, bill and feet black. Female rather smaller.
Hab. Oregon and California. Spec. in Mus. Acad. Philada.
Obs. As frequently turns out to be the case with birds to which such
names as minor and minimus are applied, this little bird is considerably
_larger_ than its near relative, _P. exilis_, Temm. which otherwise it
much resembles. It is now frequently brought in collections from
California.
2. Psaltria melanotis. (Sanbach.) The black-eared Chickadee.
Parus melanotis. Sandb. Proc. Brit. Ass. for Adv. Sci. vi. p. 99.
(1837.)
“Parus melanotis. Sandb.” Hartlaub, Rev. Zool. 1844, p. 216.
Psaltriparus personatus. Bonaparte, Comptes Rendus Acad. Paris, xxxi.
p. 478. (Sept. 1850.)
Length (of skin) about 4 inches. Male, broad stripes on each side of the
head under the eye, and uniting on the occiput, deep black with a green
metallic lustre. Head above pale cinereous, body above cinereous brown,
throat and neck white, below ashy white, with a purplish tinge, bill and
legs dark. Female, with the ears brown.
Hab. Texas and Mexico. Spec. in Mus. Acad. Philada.
Obs. This pretty little bird has the bill longer and more compressed
than either the preceding species, or _Psaltria exilis_, Temm. It is,
however, we think, a true _Psaltria_, in which respect we coincide with
Prof. Westerman, who gives a description and excellent figure of it in
Contributions to Zoology, (Bijdragen tot de Dierkunden,) Amsterdam,
1851.
A few other names have been given to American species of the old genus
_Parus_ by the earlier authors, all of which are undoubtedly synonymes
for those of species previously described, and which we have enumerated.
We have in all cases given the authority for the first description and
its date.
Chamæa fasciata. (Gambel) a bird of California—though described
originally, but as Dr. Gambel expressly states provisionally only, as a
_Parus_, we regard as properly belonging to the family of Wrens
(Troglodytidæ.)
[Illustration: Plate 4
The Massena Partridge
Cyrtonyx Massena (_Lesson_)]
CYRTONYX MASSENA.—(Lesson.)
The Massena Partridge.
PLATE IV.—Male and Female.
This singularly, we had almost said, fantastically colored, though very
handsome Partridge, is an inhabitant of Texas and Mexico. No other
species presents such a remarkable arrangement of colors, and the black
lines in the face of the male bird, as the eminent English
Ornithologist, Mr. Gould, very appropriately observes, “forcibly remind
one of the painted face of the clown in a pantomime.”
It has, until recently, been an exceedingly rare and highly prized bird
in collections, a few specimens only having reached Europe or the cities
on the Atlantic seaboard of the United States. Those have received
names, and have been described by various European authors, as will
appear from the synonymes included in the present article; but neither
of them have published any information relative to the habits or history
of this curious bird, nor have indicated the district of Mexico from
which it had been received. It has been known only as a museum species.
Since the commencement of the military operations of the United States
in Texas, New Mexico and California, and the subsequent incorporation of
those countries into this great Confederacy, their natural history has
attracted a large share of the attention of naturalists and students at
home, and also of many highly accomplished officers of the army. In
fact, to the latter gentlemen is to be awarded the high merit of having
contributed, notwithstanding the engrossing and deeply responsible
character of their professional duties, a large portion of all that is
known relative to the zoology of those vast, and especially in a
scientific point of view, very interesting regions.
A valuable notice of the Massena Partridge is given by our highly
esteemed friend, Col. McCall, in his “Remarks on the habits of birds met
with in Western Texas, between San Antonio and the Rio Grande, and in
New Mexico, with descriptions of several species believed to have been
hitherto undescribed,” published in the Proceedings of the Philadelphia
Academy, V. p. 213, (June, 1851,) which we have taken the liberty of
transferring to our pages.
“This species was not seen before crossing the San Pedro, but it was not
long until it made its appearance in the waste and rocky region into
which we then entered. And from that time until we reached the Rio
Pecos, a distance of 140 miles, (westwardly by the route travelled,) it
was frequently seen, though I should not say it was very common. This
region is a desert of great length from north to south, our trail
crossing it at nearly right angles. The general face of the country is
level, and consists of either a crumbling argillaceous limestone, or a
coarse grey sand, producing nothing but a sparse growth of sand plants.
Water is found only at long intervals, and except at those points there
is little cover for game, and apparently less food,—the principal growth
being _Cacti_, of which the most common is _Cactus arborescens_; yet
here, amongst projecting rocks, or on the borders of dry gullies, or in
loose scrub, I found the Massena Partridge in all the beauty of his rich
and varied plumage.
“The habits of this species are different from those of any other
species of partridge that I have met with. They were in covies of from
eight to twelve individuals, and appeared to be extremely simple and
affectionate in disposition. In feeding, they separated but little,
keeping up a social _cluck_ all the time. They were so gentle as to
evince little or no alarm on the approach of man; scarcely moving out of
his way as he passed, and only running off or flying a few yards, when
perhaps half their numbers were laid low by a shot. This inclined me to
think they might with little difficulty be domesticated, although I
found them here in a boundless, barren waste, and nowhere near the
habitation of man. This trait of gentleness is the very opposite of
those strikingly manifested by the scaly partridge, (_Callipepla
squamata_,) which I always observed to be, though found perchance in
grounds as little frequented as these, remarkably vigilant, shy, and
difficult to approach. The call or signal note of this species is
peculiar. I never saw it after crossing the Pecos river.”
Col. McCall’s observations on the habits of this bird confirm an opinion
expressed by Mr. Gould in his Monograph of American Partridges: “No
account whatever has yet reached us of the habits and economy of this
species, which, judging from the comparative shortness of the toes, and
the great development of its claws, we may expect to be different from
those of other members of the family.”
The circular spots which are numerous on the inferior parts of the body
in this partridge, appear to indicate as a character an analogy to the
Guinea fowls, which is further sustained by its habit of uttering its
note continually when in company with its fellows, or when feeding. The
Guinea fowls in their native wilds also associate in small parties, and
take wing only reluctantly, and for short distances.
Capt. S. G. French, of the U. S. Army, has most kindly and very
opportunely presented us with fine specimens of this and other species
preserved in spirits, for which, as well as for some valuable memoranda,
we beg here to express our gratitude. He remarks, with reference to this
species: “It was in the summer of 1846, when crossing the then pathless
and untrodden plains or table lands which extend westwardly from San
Antonio, Texas, to New Mexico, that I first met with this beautiful
partridge. On a bright summer afternoon, I undertook the ascent of a
high rocky mountain for the purpose of obtaining a view of the valley
through which the San Pedro river takes its course, and when I had
gained the summit I observed several of these birds, a few feet only in
advance of me, running along over the fragments of rocks and through the
dwarf bushes, which grew wherever there was sufficient soil. Their
handsome plumage and their gentleness attracted my attention, and I felt
many regrets that I had left my gun behind me, thereby losing the
opportunity of securing specimens for examination.
“A few days afterwards, however, when encamped on the head waters of the
river, I found a covey, and succeeded in obtaining several specimens,
one of which I had skinned, but which was afterwards unfortunately lost.
From that point we occasionally met with these birds on the route to the
Pecos river, a distance of over one hundred miles. I did not see them
again until we came to the Eagle Springs, in a mountainous region about
twenty-five miles from the Rio Grande. Two covies were found there, and
several specimens were obtained.
“In the spring of 1851, I again passed over the same route in charge of
a military expedition, and on the way out, two of these birds only were
seen, one of which, (a female,) was killed by Major E. Backus, U. S.
Army, and is now in the collection of Dr. Woodhouse, who was then going
out with a party of topographical engineers to which he was attached.
When returning in July last, I chanced to kill at an encamping ground
near Howard’s Springs, between the San Pedro and Pecos rivers, the
specimen which I now send you. It was the only one that I saw on the
route as I came back from New Mexico, and it is but fair to conjecture
that these birds are not at all numerous.
“They appear to inhabit the rocky sides of the mountains and hills in
that desolate region of elevated plains, west of the fertile portions of
Texas, living amidst the solitude that wraps them in silence, far from
enemies and the busy haunts of men. In no instance have I met with this
species near any settlements. The wild, rocky hill-sides in the lone
wilderness, seem to be their favorite resort; and there, where trees are
almost unknown, and vegetation is scant, and where hardly a living thing
is seen, are these fine birds found in all their beauty and gentleness.
The covies of them showed but little alarm at our approach, and ran
along over the rocks, occasionally attempting to secrete themselves
beneath them, in which case they would let a person approach within a
few feet. When startled by the firing of a gun, they fly but a few yards
before again alighting, and exhibit little of that wildness peculiar to
all the other species of partridges with which I am acquainted.”
In 1832 this bird was described under the name _Tetrao guttata_, by Don
Pablo de la Llave, in _Registro trimestre ó coleccion de Memorias de
Historia, Literatura, Ciencasóy Artes_, Vol. I. p. 145, Mexico, 1832,
which periodical, though little known, and discontinued, we believe,
before the completion of the second volume, contains several valuable
papers by this and other Mexican authors, relative to the natural
history of their country. The ornithological papers by Sr. De la Llave,
evince much ability, and contain very accurate observations and
descriptions; and a tone pervades them too, which proclaims him to be a
true lover of nature. That in which we are interested at present, is
entitled, “Sobre tres especias neuvas del genero _Tetrao_,” and consists
of notices of birds of this genus, of which he had living specimens at
his residence in the city of Mexico, and descriptions of three species,
viz.: _Tetrao marmorata_ (which is _Ortyx macroura_, Jardine and Selby),
_T. cristata_, (which is _O. squamata_, Vigors.) and _T. guttata_,
(which is _O. Massena_, Lesson.)
To the last bird he thus alludes: “It is only a few days since the third
species has been brought to me. It is rather smaller than the former,
and its deportment is entirely different. It carries its head habitually
resting upon its shoulders, the neck being excessively _small_ and
deflexed, and in every thing it shows an amiability, and so to speak, a
kindness of character (_una bondad de caracter_) which is not found in
any other species of this genus, and it is naturally so tame and
domestic as to permit itself to be caught with the hand. These birds are
always united, forming a covey, and whenever one is separated, the
others follow it; they do not, like others, wish to sleep on elevated
places, but sit on the ground, drawing very near together. Their notes,
which are not varied, are very low and soft, and I have never heard loud
cries from the male. When they are frightened, they show much activity
and swiftness; at other times their gait and movement are habitually
slow and deliberate, carrying the crest puffed up (_esponjada_).”
Sr. De la Llave gives as the locality of his specimens, the warm regions
near the city of Mexico.
These statements comprise all that is known at present of the Massena
Partridge.
The contents of the crop in Capt. French’s specimen consisted
exclusively of fragments of insects, pronounced by Dr. Leconte to be
principally grasshoppers, and a species of _Spectrum_. No trace whatever
of food of a vegetable character.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Cyrtonyx. Gould, Monograph of the Odontophorinæ (American
Partridges) Introduction, p. 14, London, 1850. Folio.
Bill short, robust, ridge of the mandible curving downwards from its
base; lower mandible straight with two slight dentitions near its point;
nostrils large, covered and bordered with a membrane. Head crested, the
feathers inclining backward and forming a thick tuft on the occiput;
wings rather long, tertiaries pendant, longer than the primaries; tail
short, and composed of soft feathers. Tarsi rather long and robust; toes
short, hind-toe focal, nails large, long and curved. All the known
species are natives of America. Type _C. Massena_.
Cyrtonyx Massena. (Lesson.)
Ortyx Massena. Lesson. Centurie Zoologique, p. 189. Paris, 1830.
Ortyx Montezumæ. Vigors. Zoological Journal, Vol. V., p. 275. London,
1830.
Odontophorus Meleagris. Wagler. Isis. Vol. XXV. p. 277. Leipzig, 1832.
“Perdix perspicillata. Lichtenstein in Mus. Berlin.” Gould in
Monograph. _ut supra_.
Tetrao guttata. Llave Reg. trimestre, I. p. 145. Mexico, 1832.
Form. Compact and robust; plumage of the head above, elongated, and
forming a pendant thick tuft on the occiput. Wings rather long; tail
short, formed of weak feathers, and concealed by the superior coverts;
tarsi rather short, robust; toes short; claws long, curved.
Dimensions of Capt. French’s male specimen in spirits. Total length,
from tip of bill to end of tail, about 9 inches; wing 5; tail 2 inches.
Female. Dr. Woodhouse’s female specimen, (dried skin.) Total length
about 8¼ inches; wing, 4¾; tail, 2 inches.
Colors. Male. General color of the sides of the head and throat, white,
with black stripes commencing at the base of the bill and curving above
and below the eye, forming a broad, abruptly terminated somewhat
triangular patch on the cheek, which is united to a wide longitudinal
mark on the throat;—the entire white space enclosed by an edging of
black.
Occipital tuft of crest-like feathers, buff yellow, frequently nearly
white, but varying in shade of color in different specimens. Head above
with a central black line commencing at the base of the bill, and
running into brownish and black, on the upper part of the head.
Upper surface of the body brown, inclining to reddish chestnut, every
feather having several transverse bars of black, and a narrow
longitudinal stripe of pale yellowish, nearly white in the centre; wing
coverts and tertiaries paler, and with the black bars much broader, and
inclining to form circular spots on some of the feathers. Primaries
brownish black, transversely barred with pale reddish yellow, especially
on the outer webs.
Middle of the breast and abdomen fine deep chestnut, forming a wide
longitudinal stripe on those parts of the body; sides and flanks sooty
black, every feather marked with about six or eight circular spots of
pure white; ventral region, thighs, and under tail coverts, deep black.
Tail and long superior coverts same color as the wing coverts. Upper
mandible nearly black; under mandible lighter; tarsi pale colored.
Female. Head above, and occipital tuft and body above, pale reddish or
purplish brown, with a tinge of cinereous; every feather with transverse
irregular bars and lines of black, and with a conspicuous longitudinal
narrow stripe of yellowish white in the centre.
Throat pale white; inferior surface of the body pale purplish brown on
the belly and flanks, with irregular lines and minute spots of black.
Hab. Mexico and Texas. Spec. in Mus. Acad. Philada.
Obs. The descriptions by M. Lesson and Mr. Vigors, as cited above, were
published nearly at the same time. That by M. Lesson appears to have had
a short period of priority, which entitles his name to preference.
In our article on another species, we propose to give a synopsis, with
descriptions of all the partridges inhabiting the continent of America.
LARUS HEERMANNI.—Cassin.
The White-Headed Gull.
PLATE V.—Adult Male and Young female.
Amongst the many species of sea-birds which frequent the coast of the
American continent on the Pacific ocean, there is a race of Gulls with
very graceful forms, slender and brightly colored bills, and handsome
plumage, of which no immediate representatives have yet been discovered
on the eastern shores of this continent. The range of the species of
this race extends from Oregon to Cape Horn, and one species similar in
general characters inhabits the coasts of Australia and some of the
islands in the Pacific ocean.
This group appears to be characterized generally by the uniform
lead-colored plumage which prevails in several of the known species, and
seems to embrace _Larus Belcheri_. Vigors. _Larus fuliginosus._ Gould.
_Larus nova hollandiæ._ Stephens, the present species, and some others.
The bird, which is the subject of the present description, is one of the
most handsome of the numerous family to which it belongs, and of which
species are found on all the sea shores of the world. It is one of many
additions to the ornithological fauna of the United States, which have
been discovered by Adolphus L. Heermann, M. D., of Philadelphia, who has
been occupied for nearly three years in making researches and
collections, with excellent judgment and great enterprise, in
California, and has now succeeded in safely bringing home the most
extensive collections ever made in that country.
Dr. Heermann found this Gull occurring frequently on the coast of
California, but most numerous in the harbor of San Diego in the month of
March, at which time though it appeared to have attained its perfect
plumage in some instances, yet many specimens were clothed in that of
young birds. Both of these stages of plumage are represented in our
plate, and it is possible that the plumage assumed in winter, at all
ages, may be similar in most respects to that of the young.
[Illustration: Plate 5
The White-headed Gull
Larus Heermanni (_Cassin_)]
It was observed, at the localities alluded to, usually flying in company
with the western Gull, _Larus occidentalis_, Audubon, a large and
handsome species, of which, in a future part of our work, we hope to
have the pleasure of presenting a figure and description to our readers.
It appeared to be engaged in the capture of small fishes, of which
several species abound in the harbor of San Diego, and also appeared to
feed on the small maritime animals of various classes, that inhabit the
immense beds of _Kelp_ which occur on the coast, and are especially
extensive off the harbor of San Diego less than a mile from its
mouth.[1] The nests and eggs of both the present species and of the
western Gull were found by Dr. Heermann on the Coronadoes islands which
are situated a short distance below the mouth of the harbor.
Our first notice of this bird which we regard as having been previously
undescribed, and which we dedicated to its discoverer, is in the
Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, Vol. VI.
p. 187, (October, 1852.) The figures given in the present plate are
about one-sixth of the natural size.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Larus. Linn. Syst. Nat. I. p. 224, (1766.)
Larus Heermanni. Cassin. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., Philada., Vol. VI. p.
187, (1852.)
Form. Bill rather long and slender; wings very long, extending beyond
the end of the tail; first primary longest; tail truncate or slightly
emarginate.
Dimensions. Adult. Total length of skin from tip of the bill to the end
of the tail, about 17½ inches; wing, 13½; tail, 5½; bill from the angle
of the mouth to the tip of the upper mandible 2½ inches.
Colors. Adult. Bill red, both mandibles tipped with black; feet and legs
dark; head white, which color gradually blends into an ashy lead color
enveloping the entire body above and below—darker on the back and wings
and paler on the abdomen. Secondary quills tipped with white, forming an
oblique bar when the wings are folded. Superior coverts of the tail very
pale cinereous, nearly white. Quills and tail feathers brownish black,
all of the latter narrowly tipped with white. Shafts of the two first
primaries white on the inferior surface of the wing.
Young. Smaller, total length about 16 inches, wing 13, tail 5 inches.
Entire plumage brown, darker on the head and paler on the under surface
of the body; quills and tail feathers brownish black, the latter
narrowly tipped with white.
Hab. Coast of California. Spec. in Mus. Acad. Philada.
Obs. We are acquainted with no species of Gull which intimately
resembles the bird now described. Judging from the only description
extant of _Larus Belcheri_. Vigors, which is in the Zoological Journal,
Vol. IV. p. 358, and which is too short to be of service in this family
of birds—it appears to resemble that species to some extent. _L.
Belcheri_ is much larger, and is described as having the entire plumage
brownish lead-color, and as being 21 inches in total length. It appears
to be, however, the only western American species with which our present
bird can be confounded.
[Illustration: Plate 6
The Northern Sea Eagle
Haliaëtus pelagicus (_Pallas_)]
HALIAETUS PELAGICUS.—(Pallas.)
The Northern Sea Eagle.
PLATE VI—Female.
The study of the rapacious birds of western and north western America
presents great attractions to the ornithologist, and a wide field for
discovery.
Owing, principally, to the difficulties in obtaining, or even in
observing the shy and vigilant birds of this family, their investigation
is of peculiar character, and dependent on accidental opportunity in
some measure every where, but especially in countries where the
primitive forests yet flourish in undisturbed vigour, and which abound
in unexplored and, as yet, inaccessible mountains; or in plains of an
extent only known to the adventurous hunter, and traversed only by the
wandering Indian, or by the pioneers of civilization: the devoted
missionary, or the enterprising and hardy emigrant. Such is the
character of the regions of that portion of North America, the visits of
naturalists to which have been too transient to afford proper
opportunities for the study of the rapacious birds, and the detached
items of information which have appeared from time to time are not
sufficiently numerous to be regarded as giving any clear insight into
their history.
The naturalist, generally travelling expeditiously with a military or
other party on business for the government, or with a caravan of
emigrants, may get a glimpse of a Falcon of singularly novel and
beautiful plumage as it darts away into concealment; or may see,
occasionally, an Eagle seated at ease, and viewing the novel cavalcade
leisurely, but beyond the range of his rifle; or as he performs, in
turn, his assigned duty, and guards his sleeping companions in the
encampment, his watch-fire may attract clamorous night birds of strange
forms whose cries are unfamiliar to him, but to his practised ear may
present unmistakable family relationship, yet it is readily demonstrable
that the proper study of those birds requires facilities of a
description only attainable in the course of more protracted residence
and frequently recurring opportunities.
The discovery in western America of the Californian Vulture, second in
size only to the great Condor of the Andes; of the Ferrugineous Buzzard,
_Archibuteo ferrugineus_, one of the handsomest of the American Falcons;
of the Burrowing Owl, a very remarkable species which lives in holes in
the ground; of the Little Californian Owl, _Athene infuscata_, the most
diminutive of its family yet discovered in the United States, and of
other curious species, may be regarded as affording an indication of the
interesting results in this group of birds which will reward the future
labours of naturalists and travellers in those vast and diversified
regions.
The bird which is the subject of our present article is the largest and
most powerful of the Eagles. It is a native of the remote sea-coasts of
northern Asia and America, and has been especially observed in the group
or girdle of islands which extends from one continent to the other.
It also, very probably, extends its range into the interior of Russian
America, and possibly southward, in the winter season, into Oregon and
California. In size, and in the strength of its beak and talons, this
gigantic Eagle far surpasses any other of its tribe. The Golden Eagle,
and the White-headed Eagle, are comparatively insignificant; and if its
habits correspond to its powerful organization, as may safely be
presumed, it is one of the most destructive of the rapacious birds. It
appears, however, like other species of its genus, to prey principally
on fishes, which are caught either by its own exertions, or appropriated
summarily by the right of the strongest, from the acquisitions of more
expert or more successful fishermen.
Though, like the White-headed or Bald Eagle, the range of this
extraordinary bird may be very extensive, yet the solitudes of the
extreme northern parts of the two continents appear to be its proper
home; where, it has been fully demonstrated, that although the resident
animals of the land are necessarily restricted in numbers, the sea teems
with multitudes of inhabitants. There, in the bleak regions of almost
perpetual winter, the Great Sea Eagle reigns, a mighty chieftain,
without a competitor, and with power unrivalled: finding ample
subsistence in the arctic quadrupeds, and in the fishes of the northern
seas, or occasionally levying tribute from the hosts of feathered
travellers that make their annual pilgrimage to the places of their
nativity, and intrude on his domain. Even the famous Condor of the
Andes, the largest of Vultures, scarcely exceeds him in size, and in
swiftness of flight, and power of beak and talons, is much his inferior.
Pallas, a celebrated Russian naturalist, was the first who gave a
satisfactory and reliable account of this Eagle, in his Zoology of
Asiatic Russia, I. p. 343, (published at St. Petersburg in 1811, though
printed many years previously,) but it appears to have been previously
noticed by the distinguished navigators, Steller and Billings.
Before the time of Pallas, and, it may be added, since, also, various
reports of remarkable and sometimes very large Eagles having been seen
in different parts of America, were from time to time made by travellers
and voyagers. In fact, some are carefully and credibly described which
are yet unknown to naturalists. Capt. Cook, in the account of his last
voyage, or rather in that part of it which was written by himself,
states that several Eagles, one of which is very remarkable, were seen
at Kayes’ Island, on the northwest coast of America, in latitude 59° 49′
N. “We saw,” he says, “flying about the woods, a Crow, two or three of
the white-headed Eagles, mentioned at Nootka, and another sort full as
large, which appeared also of the same colour, or blacker, and had only
_a white breast_.” Last Voyage, II. p. 352, quarto, London, 1784. It is
necessary for me to say only, that no species of Eagle having a white
breast is yet known as an inhabitant of any part of America.
In the History of the Expedition of Lewis and Clarke it is stated, that
“The Calumet Eagle sometimes inhabits this side of the Rocky mountains.
The colours are black and white, beautifully variegated. The tail
feathers, so highly prized by the natives, are composed of twelve broad
feathers of unequal length, which are white except within two inches of
their extremities, when they immediately change to a jetty black, the
_wings_ have each a large circular _white spot_ in the middle, which is
only visible when they are extended.” II. p. 188, Philada., 1814. This
statement, though it appears to have been usually regarded as referring
to the Golden Eagle, does not apply to any established species, but it
is worth bearing in mind that in the number of the feathers of the tail,
the bird here alluded to agrees exactly with Audubon’s Washington Eagle,
(Orn. Biog. I. p. 63.)
The black-checked Eagle of Pennant, said to be from North America,
(Arctic Zoology, I. p. 227,) and which is _Falco americanus_, Gmelin, is
described as being “about the size of the Golden Eagle, but with the
head, neck and breast of a _deep ash colour_, each cheek marked with a
broad black bar, passing from the corner of the mouth beyond the ears;
back, belly, wings and tail, black.”
One of the most remarkable of these mysterious birds is the White Eagle,
represented by Du Pratz as inhabiting Louisiana, of whose description of
which the following is a translation: “The Eagle, the king of birds, is
smaller than the Eagle of the Alps, but it is much handsomer, being
_almost entirely white_, and having only the extremities of its wings
black. As it is rather rare, this is a second reason for rendering it
esteemed amongst the people of the country, who buy at a high price the
feathers of its wings to make the ornament of the symbol of peace, and
which is the fan of which I have spoken in giving a description of the
Calumet.” Du Pratz, Histoire de la Louisiane, II. p. 109, Paris, 1758.
On the faith of this description, the species supposed to be alluded to
has been named _Falco candidus_ by Gmelin. If not an albino, there is a
possibility that it is a species of a group of white hawks, of rather
large size, which are principally found in South America, and one
species of which (_Buteo Ghiesbrectü Dubus_,) is known to inhabit
Mexico. The latter would agree very well with Du Pratz’s description, so
far as it goes.
That excellent and reliable naturalist, the Prince Maximilian of Wied,
whose Travels in the interior of North America contain much valuable
information in nearly all departments of Zoology, mentions a “Grey Eagle
of enormous dimensions,” I. pp. 203, 214, (Raise in das innere
Nord-America, Quarto, Coblenz, 1839.)[2]
But there is no end to the accounts of strange Eagles given by
travellers and naturalists. Some of them may have reference to peculiar
species which have in later times escaped attention, but the probability
is, that they more frequently allude to accidental varieties, or that
the authors describe from such reports as they had heard at second hand,
or fell into error from insufficient personal observation.
Several of the naturalists who have recently visited California have
informed us that they saw occasionally large species of Eagles, or other
large rapacious birds, of which they did not succeed in procuring
specimens, nor in approaching within sufficiently short distance to be
enabled to examine them satisfactorily.
We have introduced the extraordinary bird which is the subject of our
present article, thus early into our work, for the purpose mainly of
asking attention to a most remarkable and interesting species heretofore
apparently entirely unknown to American Ornithological writers, and also
on account of its similarity, in some respects, to one of the most
important of Audubon’s discoveries, the Washington Eagle. This
celebrated author was not acquainted with the bird now before us.
The specimen of the Washington Eagle, described and figured by Audubon,
does not appear to have been preserved, or at any rate is not known to
be extant, nor does it appear that he ever procured more than one. His
drawing, however, with some others of species which he had met with but
once, appears fortunately to have escaped the destruction of his
collection of pictures of birds by rats, as described in his
Ornithological Biography, Vol. I. Introductory Address, p. 13, (Edinburg
edition, 1831.)
We have no doubt that such a species exists, or in other words, that
Audubon is entirely correct in regarding his bird as a peculiar species;
and we think it quite impossible for his description and history to
apply to the young of the common White-headed or Bald Eagle, as has been
supposed by some American, and by nearly all late European
Ornithologists. But we are disposed, at present, to question the
correctness of his plate, and also his statement that the bird
represented was an “adult male” (Orn. Biog. I. p. 62). We are aware, of
course, that the plate may not be a fair representation of the drawing,
and in fact it has not been very carefully engraved. The tail appears to
be unfinished. Having, however, quite sufficient knowledge of the
difficulties in getting up correct plates of birds, we are enabled fully
to appreciate the disadvantages under which this distinguished
Ornithologist, with all his artistic knowledge and perseverance, must
necessarily have laboured at the commencement of his great work, and his
plate of the Washington Eagle is one of the earliest, being the eleventh
of the series.
The bill, as represented in the plate, is shorter than we have ever seen
in any adult Eagle of this group (the fishing Eagles), and above all the
arrangement of the scales on the tarsi anteriorly, is such as we have
never observed in any rapacious bird whatever.
Notices of the Washington Eagle having been captured, have appeared
occasionally (as in Nuttal’s Manuel, I. p. 71, and the Boston Journal of
Nat. Hist. III. p. 72), and we have seen numerous specimens of Eagles of
a size so large that they could not, without much doubt, be referred to
the common white-headed species. But we have never seen nor heard of a
specimen which presented all the peculiar characters represented in
Audubon’s plate, and especially the anterior scales of the tarsus
continued transversely so far down to the toes. The pointed and slender
feathers of the neck, the large size, and in one specimen of a young
bird, the short bill we have seen, and there are specimens now in the
collection of the Philadelphia Academy in which these characters will be
found, but not the peculiar arrangement of the scales of the tarsus. All
other species of fishing Eagles have the head more or less marked with
white in their mature plumage. In Audubon’s plate of the Washington
Eagle, the head is of the same deep brown as the other parts. From
analogy, therefore, it may safely be presumed that he was mistaken in
supposing his specimen to be that of an adult male bird.
An interesting feature in the large specimens to which we allude, is the
fact that they almost invariably have the ends of their tails broken as
though injured by alighting habitually on rocks, or on the ground, thus
apparently confirming Audubon’s statements. Young birds are however
peculiarly liable to such injury on account of their feathers not
possessing the strength and rigidity of more mature plumage.
Respecting the Washington Eagle, our conclusion is, therefore, after
many years of attention to American birds, and especially to obscure or
little known species, that of the existence of such a species in North
America as is described by Audubon, in Ornithological Biography, I. p.
58, there can be no reasonable doubt. But we are of opinion that when
adult it is very probably a bird with the head more or less white, and
tail of the same colour; and we are disposed to regard the plate in
Birds of America as erroneous, for reasons above intimated, or for
others not at present demonstrable, and at all events as representing a
young specimen. Waiving the presence of the character of the scales of
the tarsi as above stated, we think that we have several times seen the
young of the Washington Eagle, and that specimens of it are now in the
collection of the Philadelphia Academy. It is not, however, so large as
the immense Eagle which in the present article, and accompanying plate,
we have the pleasure of presenting to the American public for the first
time, but it appears to us to be more nearly related to it than to any
other species.
The Eagle mentioned in the History of the Expedition of Lewis and
Clarke, as cited in a preceding page, we are inclined to suspect to be
the present species, but should not be surprised if it should be
ascertained by succeeding naturalists to be the adult of the Washington
Eagle.
The great Eagle now before us has never been observed as yet by an
American voyager, and few specimens only are contained in European
museums. The only specimen in the United States is that in the
collection of the Philadelphia Academy from which the drawing was made
for the present plate.
We have added as a suitable conclusion of our present article a
translation of the original account of this Eagle as given by Pallas,
and which will be found in his Zoology of Asiatic Russia, as cited
above:
“Steller, worthy of a better fate, first observed this remarkable
species, and in his manuscripts briefly described it. Now, also, I have
before me an elegantly prepared specimen from my friend Billings, who,
with the last navigator, explored the ocean between Kamschatka and
America. This very large bird is frequent in the islands between
Kamschatka and the American continent, especially in the islands noted
for the unfortunate shipwreck and death of Bering. It appears very
rarely in Kamschatka itself. In the highest rocks overhanging the sea,
it constructs a nest of two ells in diameter, composed of twigs of fruit
and other trees, gathered from a great distance, and strewed with grass
in the centre, in which are one or two eggs, in form, magnitude and
whiteness, very like those of a Swan. The young is hatched in the
beginning of June, and has an entirely white woolly covering. While
Steller was cautiously viewing such a nest from a precipice, the parents
darted with such unforeseen impetuosity as nearly to throw him headlong;
the female having been wounded, both flew away, nor did they return to
the nest which was watched for two days. But, as if lamenting, they
often sat on an opposite rock. It is a kind of bird, bold, very cunning,
circumspect, observant, and of savage disposition. Steller saw a Fox
(_Vulpes lagopodus_) carried off by one and dashed upon the rocks, and
afterwards torn in pieces. It lives also on dead substances cast up by
the sea, and various offscourings of the ocean.”
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Haliaëtus. Savigny, Description of Egypt, Zoology, p. 85,
(1809.)
Size, large. Bill, strong, straight at the base, hooked and very sharp
at the point, sides of the bill compressed, margin of upper mandible,
slightly festooned. Wings rather long and pointed, formed for rapid and
vigorous flight; tail moderate. Tarsi short, very strong, and with the
toes, covered with scales; claws very strong, curved and sharp. About
ten or twelve species known, which are scattered throughout the surface
of the globe.
Haliaëtus pelagicus. (Pallas.)
Aquila pelagica. Pallas, Zoographia Rosso-Asiatica, I. p. 343, (St.
Petersburg, 1811, Quarto.)
“Aquila marina. Steller, MSS.” Pallas _ut supra_.
Falco Imperator. Kittlitz, Kupfertafeln zur naturg. der Vogel pt. I.
p. 3, pl. 2, (Frankfurt, 1832.)
Falco leucopterus. Temminck. Pl. col. I. pl. 489.
Haliaëtus pelagicus. (Pallas.) Temm. & Schl. Fauna Japonica, Aves p.
10, pl. 4.
Haliaëtus imperator. (Kittlitz.) Bruch in Isis XXV. p. 1102, (1832.)
Form. Very large and powerful, tail rather short, wedge shaped, the
middle feathers being nearly four inches longer than the outer, which
are shortest, all of the fourteen feathers somewhat pointed, but the
central four lanceolate.
Bill strong, much compressed, very wide laterally or in altitude; upper
mandible with a slight festoon; gape rather wide, extending so far back
as to be immediately under the eye; cere large, in which at the distance
of nearly an inch from the frontal feathers, the nostrils are obliquely
inserted, large loral space bare, or with a few scattered bristles.
Wings rather short, third and fourth quills longest, but with the fifth
little shorter; secondaries abruptly acuminated, and some of them with
their shafts produced into filaments or thread-like appendages, exserted
from the tips of the feathers; secondaries and greater coverts very
broad and strong.
Legs and feet rather short, but strong; tarsus feathered below the joint
for half its length, bare lower portion, with about five large frontal
scales immediately succeeding the feathers; then to the toes in common
with its entire posterior part, covered with numerous scales, which are
rounded or hexagonal: the latter shape most readily observed behind;
toes, with broad frontal scales; claws large.
Feathers of the head and neck, narrow and pointed, or acuminated; those
on the breast and back, somewhat lanceolate, but broad, and sometimes
abruptly pointed. Tail coverts, both above and below, ample—extending to
half the length of the tail.
Dimensions of a skin from Behrings Straits. Total length from tip of
bill to end of tail, about 3 feet 8 inches; wing, 2 feet 2 inches; tail,
1 foot 4 inches; bill, from tip of upper mandible to angle of the mouth,
3¾ inches; width of bill, laterally, at point of insertion of the
nostrils, full 1¾ inches.
Colours. Female, nearly adult? Tail, white, the two external feathers
having their outer webs, brownish black, mottled with white, and other
feathers slightly spotted with the same brownish black. Entire other
parts, above and below, very dark brownish black; lighter on the head
and neck, and on which parts every feather is lighter in the middle.
Primary quills, shining black; secondaries and tertiaries, white at
their bases, and brownish black at their ends; greater coverts narrowly
tipped with brownish white; lesser coverts whitish on both margins,
especially at their bases, terminated with brownish. Rump with the
plumage white at the base.
Bill, yellow, (in skin,) feet, yellow.
Adult, as described by authors cited above. Large frontal space,
commencing at the base of bill, white, which is also the colour of the
greater wing coverts, the abdomen, and the tail. All other parts of the
plumage blackish brown; bill, cere, legs and feet, yellow.
Hab. Russian possessions in Asia and America. Spec. in Mus. Acad.
Philada.
Obs. The largest of all known Eagles, and nearly related to _H.
Washingtonii_ (Aud.). It differs from the latter, as described by
Audubon, in being larger generally, but has the wing shorter and the
tail wedge shaped, and containing fourteen feathers. We suppose _H.
Washingtonii_ to be the young of a closely allied species, and that both
are strictly congeneric with _H. leucocephalus_, _H. albicilla_, _H.
vocifer_, and others known as Fishing Eagles.
[Illustration: Plate 7
The Ground Wren
Chamaea fasciata (_Gambel_)]
CHAMÆA FASCIATA.—(Gambel.)
The Ground Wren.
PLATE VII.—Adult Male.
This little bird was discovered in California, by William Gambel, M. D.,
an enthusiastic and highly talented young naturalist, who, during an
overland journey across the North American Continent, made many
discoveries, and added much valuable information to several departments
of Natural History, and we regret to say, whose recent death, during a
second expedition of the same character, occurring, as it did, so early,
and thus terminating so prematurely a life of such promise, is to be
deplored as a loss to science and to his country.
Dr. Gambel’s account of this bird in the Proceedings of the Academy of
Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, II. p. 265, and in the Journal of the
same society, quarto, I. p. 34, which is the first and, as yet, the most
satisfactory, is as follows: “For several months before discovering the
bird, I was attracted in the fields of dead mustard stalks, the weedy
margins of streams, low thickets and bushy places, by a continued loud,
crepitant, grating scold, which I took for that of a species of Wren,
but at last found it to proceed from this Wren-tit, if it may be so
called. It was difficult to be seen, and kept in such places as I have
described, close to the ground; eluding pursuit by diving into the
thickest bunches of weeds and tall grass, or tangled bushes, and
uttering its grating Wren-like notes whenever approached. But if
quietly, watched, it may be seen, when searching for insects, mounting
the twigs and dried stalks of grass sideways, jerking its long tail, and
holding it erect like a Wren, which, with its short wings in such a
position, it much resembles.
“Sometimes it utters a slow, monotonous, singing chicadee note, like
_pee, pee, pee, pee, peep_; at other times its notes are varied, and a
slow whistling continued _pwit, pwit, pwit, pwit_, is heard. Again, in
pleasant weather, towards spring, I have heard individuals answering
each other, singing in a less solemn strain not unlike sparrows, a
lively _pit, pit, pit, tr, r, r, r, r, r_, but, if disturbed, they at
once resumed their usual scold.”
Mr. Bell, whose collection contained numerous specimens of this bird,
found it abundant in the neighbourhood of San Francisco, and has kindly
allowed us to use his memoranda: “I observed this bird in bushes and
briers every where along the roads, and in brush heaps on lands which
had been recently cleared, though it appeared rather to prefer damp
places. It was very pert, and not easily frightened, and as it moved
about with its tail erect, uttered several rather peevish notes, unlike
those of any other bird with which I am acquainted.
“The white iris of this bird, when in its native haunts, is quite
readily observed, and with its manners and the localities which it
frequents, reminded me, in some measure, of the white-eyed Vireo, (_V.
noveboracensis_.) Its skin is unusually strong for such a small bird,
and it has a remarkable development of the muscles of the thighs, and,
in fact, unusual strength and firmness of the muscular system
generally.”
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Chamæa. Gambel in Proceedings Acad. Philada. III. p. 154, Feb.,
1847.
Bill short, slightly curved, rather acute, both mandibles entire, ridge
of the upper curving nearly from the base, depression for the nostrils
large, oval and exposed, nostrils opening beneath a membrane in the
depression. Wings very short, rounded; tail long, and graduated; tarsi
long, and rather slender.
One species only known.
Chamæa fasciata. (Gambel.)
Parus fasciatus. Gambel, Proc. Acad. Philada., II. p. 265. August,
1845.
Form. Body rather short and robust; wings short and rounded, with the
sixth and seventh primaries longest, and nearly equal; tail long and
graduated, external feathers about an inch and a half shorter than those
in the middle of the tail. Entire plumage of the body composed of long,
silky, puff-like feathers.
Dimensions of a skin from California. Total length from tip of bill to
end of tail, about 5½ inches; wing, 2½; tail, 3½ inches.
Colours. Male. Head very dark cinerous, lighter on the cheeks and sides
of the neck; back, rump, external margins of the quills and tail
feathers olive brown. Wings and tail dusky brown; the latter with many
crimp-like transverse lines of darker, more distinct in some specimens
than others; quills also with similar lines on their inner webs, but
frequently very obscure.
Beneath, from the base of the mandible to the abdomen, pale reddish,
running into olive on the flanks, and with many of the feathers on the
throat and breast having longitudinal stripes of light cinereous olive;
under tail coverts brown.
A distinct ring around the eye, and spot on the nares, whitish
cinereous.
Bill and feet, dark brownish black.
Iris, white.
Female. Similar to the male, but with the colours rather less vivid.
Hab. California. Spec. in Mus. Acad. Philada.
Obs. We consider this bird as decidedly related to the Wrens, and as
forming a well characterized genus, of which it is, as yet, the only
known species. It is frequently brought in collections from Western
America.
The plant represented in the plate is the _Eschscholtzia Californica_, a
native of California.
The figure in our plate is about three-fourths of the natural size.
ICTERUS CUCULLATUS.—(Swainson.)
The Hooded Oriole.
PLATE VIII.—Male and Female.
Some of the most beautiful of the American Orioles are inhabitants of
Mexico. Of these, we present, in the plate now before the reader, one of
the smallest of the species, which, though it cannot compete with many
others of its more richly coloured relatives, is still entitled to make
considerable claims. The various shades of the richest yellow colours
are almost exhausted in the splendid species of these birds which are
found in Mexico, and in South America, and as an accompaniment to the
luxuriant vegetation of those countries, they form, necessarily, a most
agreeable and interesting feature.
The birds of this family represented in the northern portion of this
continent, by the Baltimore Oriole, are remarkable for their skill in
constructing elaborately formed and pendent nests, frequently of large
size. Several of the South American species make them of grasses,
intricately and substantially woven, and shaped like a purse or bag,
with the entrance sometimes from the top, but more frequently
ingeniously inserted in the side, near the lower end. They are usually
suspended from the pendent branches of trees, and often near the
habitations of men. The Baltimore Oriole builds a nest sufficiently
similar to afford an idea of the general character of the nests of these
birds, but those of several of the southern species are much more
artfully and elaborately constructed.
The handsome little bird at present before us, was first described from
Mexican specimens, by Mr. Swainson, in the Philosophical Magazine, 1827,
p. 436, (London.) It is an inhabitant, also, of Texas, where it was
repeatedly observed by our friends Col. McCall and Capt. McCown, the
latter of which gentlemen has most kindly communicated the following
with other valuable notices:
[Illustration: Plate 8
The Hooded Oriole
Icterus cucullatus (_Swainson_)]
“This beautiful Oriole is quite common on the Rio Grande, where it
raises its young. When met with in the woods, and far away from man’s
abode, it is shy, and seems rather disposed to conceal itself, yet a
pair were constant visitors, morning and evening, to the vicinity of my
quarters (an unfinished building at Ringgold Barracks, Texas.) They
became so tame and familiar that they would pass from some ebony trees
that stood near by, to the porch, clinging to the shingles and rafters,
frequently in an inverted position, prying into the holes and crevices,
apparently in search of such insects as could be found there, which, I
believe, were principally spiders. They would sometimes desist for a
moment from this occupation, to observe my movements, and if I happened
to be enjoying a cigar after dinner, seemed to watch the smoke with
great curiosity. I often offered them such hospitality as was in my
power, but could never induce them to touch any food, in which respect
they were very different from the large black birds, whose acquaintance
I also cultivated. I have seen the nests of this species, but never had
an opportunity to examine them.”
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Icterus. Brisson Ornithologie, II. p. 85, (quarto, Paris, 1760.)
Bill, conic, straight, or slightly curved, and entering the frontal
plumes, point acute, nostrils basal partly covered by a membrane. Wings,
rather long and pointed; tail, long; tarsi moderate, slender, covered
with scales. Colours, generally yellow and black. About twenty-five
species known, all of which are natives of America.
Icterus cucullatus. Swainson in Philos. Mag., 1827, p. 486.
Form. Slender and delicate; bill, very acute, curved; wing, rather
short, with the third quill longest; tail, rather long, graduated; tarsi
and feet, slender.
Dimensions. Total length (of skin) from tip of bill to end of tail,
about 7½ inches; wing, 3½; tail, 4 inches; female, slightly smaller.
Colours. Male. Narrow frontal band, throat and neck in front, and space
extending to the eye, back, wings and tail, glossy black. External edges
of the quills, and tips of wing coverts white, the latter forming two
white bars on the wing. Upper part of the head and neck, rump and upper
tail coverts, and all the under parts, fine golden yellow, paler on the
abdomen. Inferior wing coverts, and tail feathers at their basis, pale
yellow. Bill, bluish horn colour.
Female. Entire upper parts, olive green, tinged with yellow on the head
and rump. Wings, pale brown; coverts, tipped with white, and quills
narrowly edged with white; tail, above, yellowish green. Entire under
parts, greenish yellow.
Hab. Texas and Mexico. Spec. in Mus. Acad. Philada.
Obs. This species does not intimately resemble any other of its group,
though partaking of their general style of colouring, and can be readily
recognized by the student. Very fine specimens were obtained in Texas by
Capt. McCown, which are now in the collection of Mr. George N. Lawrence,
of New York, to whom we are indebted for an opportunity to figure the
female. The latter does not resemble the male in colour.
Our figures are about two-thirds of the natural size.
[Illustration: Plate 9
Gambels Partridge
Callipepla Gambellii (_Nuttall_)]
CALLIPEPLA GAMBELII.—(Nuttall.)
Gambel’s Partridge.
PLATE IX.—Male and Young Female.
Mexico and the adjacent parts of the United States are particularly
productive of game birds, and amongst them are several species of
Partridges, unrivalled in beauty of plumage by those of any other
country of the world. Of those, some prefer fertile valleys, or grounds
under cultivation; others appear to live almost entirely in the barren
plains, or in the mountains.
Independently of the usefulness of those birds as food, to the citizens
of the States alluded to, and to those who, in future years, shall
occupy with their farms and homesteads districts yet unpeopled, the
numerous game birds must always be a source of constant interest and
amusement. Like the Deer, and like the Turkey, Grouse, and Partridge of
other States, their pursuit is not only an easily attainable amusement,
but serves also for the cultivation of a knowledge of, and expertness in
the use of firearms, which are peculiarly characteristic of our vigorous
and successful population, and have contributed in an important degree
to the formation of the character of the world-renowned citizen-soldier
of the United States.
Experience in hunter life, and the incidental influences of its
occupations and associations, are no inconsiderable features in American
education; and the invigorating and healthful pursuits of the youthful
hunter or trapper have always appeared to us to be no unimportant agents
in the development of his physical and of his intellectual constitution.
In large portions of every State of the Union, the gun or the rifle is
the favourite companion of almost every boy from the earliest period of
his competency for its management; and we have seen abundant instances,
in our early days, of very considerably forced presumption of
competency. In fact, the stranger, in very many of the rural districts
of the United States, might almost be tempted to conclude that the
famous ancient formula of early education had been adopted, with an
addition: “Learn to speak the truth and to swim”—and to shoot.
The beautiful Partridge now before us was discovered a few years since
in New Mexico, by Dr. William Gambel, in honor of whom it has been
named. The first description of it is in the Proceedings of the Academy
of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, I. p. 260, April, 1843, and
afterwards was reprinted in the Journal of the same society, I. p. 219,
(Quarto.)
Since that period it has repeatedly been observed, and we have now the
gratification of being able to present to our readers a particular
history of this fine species.
Our friend, Captain S. G. French, of the United States Army, to whose
kindness we have previously been indebted, has favoured us with the
following interesting account:
“This species was found by me on the Rio Grande, some seventy miles
below El Paso; and from that point to the place just mentioned, the
numbers constantly increased. They seem to be partial to the abodes of
man, and are very numerous about the old and decayed buildings, gardens,
fields, and vineyards around Presidio, Isileta, and El Paso. During my
stay there in the summer of 1851, every morning and evening their
welcome call was heard around us, and at those early and late hours they
were constantly to be found in the sandy roads and paths near the
villages and farms. In the middle of the hot summer days, they rest in
the sand, under the shade and protection of the thick _chapparal_; and,
when disturbed, they glide through the bushes very swiftly, seldom
resorting to flight, and uttering all the while a peculiar chirping
note, by which they appear to be enabled to keep together. The parent
birds would utter the same chirp whenever I endeavoured to capture their
young. The male and female were always found with the young birds, and
showed much affection for them, even endeavoring to attract my attention
to themselves by their actions and cries.”
Col. George A. McCall, the accuracy of whose knowledge of the birds of
Western America is unrivalled, gives an interesting account of this bird
in his “Remarks on the habits, &c., of Birds met with in Western Texas,
between San Antonio and the Rio Grande, and in New Mexico,” published in
the Proceedings of the Philadelphia Academy, V. p. 213, (June, 1851):
“After losing sight of the Massena Partridge, I did not fall in with the
present species until we reached the Limpia river, about 100 miles west
of the Pecos.
“This beautiful bird, whose habits, in some respects, bear resemblance
to the common partridge, like that, seems to prefer a more genial and
hospitable region. In this part of the country, the Mesquite tree
(Acacia glandulosa) is more or less common; and the Mesquite grass, and
other plants bearing nutritious seeds, are abundant. Here, this
partridge increases rapidly in numbers, and becomes very fat; and, as I
afterwards ascertained, is much disposed to seek the farms, if any be
within reach, and to cultivate the acquaintance of man. About the rancho
of Mr. White, near El Paso, I found them very numerous; and here, in
flocks of fifty or a hundred, they resort, morning and evening, to the
barn-yard, and feed around the grain stacks, in company with the
poultry, where they receive their portion, as it is scattered amongst
them by the hand of the owner. I found them distributed through the
country from the Limpia to the Rio Grande, a range from east to west
exceeding one hundred miles; and along the Rio Grande, from Eagle Spring
Pass to Don Ana, a distance of one hundred and twenty miles. North of
this I did not see them. I was not among them during the season of
incubation.”
But the most comprehensive and complete account ever before published of
this Partridge, has been furnished by the same gentleman (Col. McCall)
for insertion into our present article; for which, and for many other
similar favours from him, we beg to tender our deep sense of obligation.
“Whilst in California, during the last summer, (1852,) I was enabled to
ascertain the western limit of this species as satisfactorily as I had
previously ascertained its eastern limit within the State of Texas. And,
although the extent of its range to the north is not yet clearly
established, it may be said that the portion of our territory inhabited
by this beautiful bird is a rather narrow belt of country, (say one
thousand miles long by two hundred broad,) embraced between the 31st and
34th parallels of north latitude, and extending from the Pecos river in
Texas to the Sierra Nevada and the contiguous desert in California. Be
it understood, however, that when I speak of a narrow belt of country
along a certain parallel, I do not intend to say that the _habitat_ of
the species does not extend beyond this belt into _Mexico_; but that the
river Gila being our southern boundary through the greater part of the
region referred to, the portion of our own territory inhabited by this
bird is confined to such a belt as I have indicated.
“First, then, with respect to its western limit. This species was
discovered by Dr. Gambel, ‘on the eastern side of the Californian range
of mountains, in 1841.’ He did not meet with it on the western side; nor
has it, as far as made known, been found there since that time by
others. During the last summer, search was made for it by several
gentlemen who were interested in the subject, as well as by myself, in
different localities from north to south along the Pacific slope, but in
every instance without success. Hence, the inference must be that this
Partridge has never crossed to the west of the Sierra, where, as we well
know, it is abundantly replaced by the closely allied species, the
‘_California Partridge_.’ Following down the Sierra Nevada to its
junction with the coast-range, you come upon a desert of sand of vast
extent; and as the snowy peaks of the Sierra had stopped the march of
this species above, so did the burning sands of the desert stop its
progress below, and effectually shut it out from the Pacific plain. It
is true I found it at _Alamo macho_ (cottonwood grove), which is 44
miles west of the Colorado river. Thus far it had penetrated into the
dreary waste, and had managed to find shelter and subsistence where
there is little to support animal life. But from this _oasis_ to
_Valle-cita_ (little valley), it is seventy miles. In this interval, a
vast ocean of sand presents a formidable barrier, as is but too plainly
indicated by the bleached bones of horses and mules scattered along the
route—and this barrier effectually separates the two congenerous species
of partridge: the range of _Gambel’s Partridge_ being confined to the
east of this desert, while the range of the _California Partridge_ is
confined to the west of it—although on both sides they approach to the
very edge, as I ascertained from personal observation.
“In the second place, with respect to its eastern limit—I have to repeat
that I did not meet with this species in Texas, either in going or
returning, anywhere east of the Pecos river; nor was it found by either
of three other parties who explored those regions, both previously and
subsequently, until after they had passed to the west of that river.
Here, again, a sandy desert, between the Pecos and Devil’s river, is the
barrier beyond which the species under consideration has not extended
its range to the eastward; and, as it is replaced beyond the Sierra and
the desert in the west by the _California Partridge_, so is it replaced
beyond the Pecos in the east by the _Massena Partridge_.
“With regard to the northern and southern limits of this species, less
is known. I found it in 1850, on the Limpia creek, in N. Lat. 31°—thence
to the Rio Grande, and up that river to Don Ana, Lat. 33°. But I found
it nowhere beyond that point, either near the river or among the hills
as far back as the foot of the Sierra de los Mimbres, and I passed up
and down between El Paso and Santa Fe at different seasons of the year;
yet through all this country I met with the _Blue Partridge_ (C.
squamata). The species in question, however, is known to be abundant in
the country around the sources of the Gila river. It has also been found
along that river, from the Pimo villages to its mouth; and there is no
doubt it inhabits the entire valley of the Gila. It was common along the
Colorado river, as far up as Camp Yuma (mouth of Gila), and it has been
met with in that valley as high up as Yampai creek, N. Lat. 34°, but I
have no information of its having been found north of that parallel.
“The habits of this species are, in most respects, similar to those of
the California Partridge; but it has always appeared to me less vigilant
and wild. I was not so fortunate, however, as to discover its nest; nor
did I gather from others any information as to its eggs—their colour or
their markings. I frequently heard the call or song of the male bird
during the period of nesting, which, from some cause or other not
apparent to me, was later than that of its congener. As early as June
4th, I found covies of the young of the _California Partridge_ large
enough to fly—say one-fourth grown; whilst all the birds of this species
(and I saw many,) as late as June 16th, were still without their young.
But the voice of the male, as I was about to remark, is, at this season,
strikingly rich and full. A very good idea may be formed of his cry by
slowly pronouncing, in a low tone, the syllables ‘_kaa-wale_,’
‘_kaa-wale_.’ These notes, when uttered close at hand, are by no means
loud; yet it is perfectly astonishing to what a distance they may be
heard when the day is calm and still. There was to me something
extremely plaintive in this simple love-song, which I heard for the
first time during a day of burning heat passed upon the desert. I had
reached the well at _Alamo mucho_ before noon, and had halted to rest my
jaded mules after their toilsome march. Here is, in truth, a
desert!—figure to yourself, if you can, a portion of this fair earth,
where, for some hundreds of miles, the whole crust seems to have been
reduced to ashes by the action of internal fires; behold a vast plain of
desolation, surrounded, and, at intervals, intersected by abrupt
mountain ranges, which are little better than gigantic heaps of scoria;
imagine this scenery to be actually glowing under the direct rays of a
midsummer sun, and you may have some idea of the prospect that meets the
eye of the traveller who looks out upon the desert from the well of the
Alamo. You may perceive in his rear a few stunted cottonwood-trees
scattered along the edge of a channel, in which, apparently, water once
_was_, but now is not; whilst around him, here and there, is a
light-leafed mesquite that stretches forth its slender arms, and appears
to invite him to a shade which is but a mockery. Here it was that I
first heard the plaintive voice of this bird as he strove to cheer his
mate whilst occupied in the tedious task of incubation.
“I had passed the hours of noon stretched upon the sand near the well:
the thermometer, in the best shade to be obtained, indicating a
temperature of 140° to 150°, (_Fahrenheit_); and as the sun began to
decline towards the horizon, the first wakeful sound of animal life that
greeted my ear was the soft ‘_kaa-wale_,’ ‘_kaa-wale_,’ of this
beautiful bird. I turned towards a cluster of mesquite, at the distance
of some two hundred yards from which the call seemed to come, but could
discern no object in motion. This song was continued, at short
intervals, for about an hour; when, at last, one of the birds came forth
upon the sand, and was soon followed by its mate. They ran lightly over
the sand, and glided into the gully, where they began to search for
their evening meal. I followed with my gun and secured them both—they
were a male and female, the skins of which I have preserved. This was
June 8th.
“Later in the season, when a covey is dispersed, the cry for assembling
is ‘_qua-el_,’ ‘_qua-el_.’ The voice at all seasons bears much
resemblance to that of the _California Partridge_—having, in its
intonation, no similarity to the whistle of the Virginia or common
partridge.
“The crops of those killed at the Alamo, and thence to the Colorado,
were filled with the leaves of the mesquite, which seemed to be their
principal food, though in some were found remains of coleopterous
insects. In some of those killed near the river I found the wild
gooseberry.
“The dimensions of this species, given by Gould in his ‘Odontophorinæ,’
are, (? skin) length 9¾ inches; wing, 4½; tail, 4. By Dr. Gambel, (Proc.
Acad. Nat. Sci., Philada., I. p. 260,) length, over 10 inches; wing, 4½;
tail, 4½.
“Those I obtained in California were as follows, (measured immediately
when killed):
“♂ length, 10½ to 11⅜; wing, 4½; tail, 4½.
“♀ “ 10⅜ to 10⅝; wing, 4½; tail, 4½.”
The identical pair of birds alluded to in this excellent and
satisfactory history is represented in our plate; and the specimens,
with many others collected by this gentleman, are now in the collection
of the Philadelphia Academy.
Fine specimens of this bird are also now in the national collection at
Washington, and were collected by Dr. Woodhouse, while attached to the
party under command of Captain Sitgreaves, which surveyed the rivers
Zunia and the Colorado of the west.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Callipepla. Wagler in Isis, 1832, p. 277.
Head, with a crest of long feathers, either pendent or erectile, and
recurved; bill, short, with the upper mandible curved gradually from the
base, under mandible straight, and near the tip having generally two
dentations, nostrils rather large, basal, covered with a membrane.
Wings, rather ample, concave, quills rigid; tail, rather lengthened,
strong; tarsi rather long and moderately robust. About six species
known, all of which inhabit Mexico, and the adjoining parts of the
United States and California, and are birds of beautiful plumage.
“Lophortyx Gambelii. Nutt.” Gambel. Proc. Acad. Philada., I. p. 260,
(1843.)
Form. With an upright recurved crest of about six feathers, general form
robust, rather lengthened; wings, with the third, fourth and fifth
quills nearly equal and longest; tail, long; feet and legs robust.
Feathers in front, at the base of the bill very narrow and probably
erectile.
Dimensions of skins, total length from tip of bill to end of tail, from
9¾ to 10½ inches; wing, 4½; tail, 4 to 4½ inches; of living or recent
bird, according to Col. McCall, as above, total length of male, 10½ to
11⅜ inches; of female, 10⅜ to 10⅝ inches.
Colours. Male. Frontal feathers white, each having a narrow longitudinal
line of black, succeeding those a transverse band of white. Top of the
head, fine reddish chestnut, crest, brownish black. Throat, black, which
colour is completely enclosed by an edging of white.
Entire plumage of the upper parts of the body, neck, wings, and tail,
light bluish cinereous; feathers of the neck above, slightly marked in
the middle with dark chestnut; flanks and sides, dark chestnut, every
feather with a longitudinal strip of white; middle of the breast and
abdomen white, with a large black spot on the latter. Bill, dark.
Female. Throat, ashy white, with no vestige of black, as in the male.
Head, above, plain cinereous, or with the colours of the male very
faintly indicated; other parts of the plumage similar, but more obscure
and paler. Crest, less fully developed.
Hab. Texas. Spec. in Mus. Acad. Philada., and Nat. Coll. Washington
city.
Obs. Nearly related to, and, at first sight, bearing considerable
resemblance to, the California Partridge, (_C. Californica_.) From this,
however, it is easily distinguished by the entirely different colour of
the inferior parts of the body, and other characters easily discovered
on the most superficial examination.
According to the rule which has become part of the code of zoological
jurisprudence, which has gradually formed itself, and is now almost
universally adopted, the name properly to be cited as the authority for
this species ought not to be “Nuttall.” It was first described in a
paper written by Dr. Gambel himself, without allusion to his learned
friend and patron, Mr. Nuttall, as joint author, editor, or otherwise.
Nevertheless, as we happen to know that that distinguished gentleman did
furnish the specific name in question, and others in the paper alluded
to, we, for the present, acquiesce in the citation of his name. But
under no circumstances can this method be allowed as a general
principle. No person is the authority for a species unless he is the
first to publish a description of it, and the citing of a name as the
authority for a species ought always to be based on that fact, the
neglect of which has caused much difficulty and confusion in zoological
nomenclature.
BERNICLA NIGRICANS.—(Lawrence.)
The Black Brant.
PLATE X.—Adult Male.
This is a very remarkable and distinct species of Brant, first noticed
by our esteemed friend Mr. George N. Lawrence, an Ornithologist of great
ability and accuracy, of the city of New York. It was described by him
in a paper read before the Lyceum of Natural History of that city, and
published in its Annals, IV. p. 171, (1846.)
Mr. Lawrence states in the paper alluded to: “I have taken the above
description and figure from an adult female, procured at Egg Harbour, N.
J., in January. Since then two others have been obtained at the same
place, one of which I have in my possession. On dissection it proved to
be a male. It agrees in markings with the female, but is evidently a
younger bird, being somewhat lighter in the colour of its plumage. From
this, I infer, they become darker by age. It is a little larger than the
female, the bill being also stouter, measuring seven-eighths of an inch
high at the base.
“When on a shooting excursion some years since at Egg Harbour, I noticed
a bird flying at some distance from us, which our gunner said was a
Black Brant. This was the first intimation I had of such a bird. Upon
further inquiry, he informed me that he had seen them occasionally, but
that they were not common. I have learned from Mr. P. Brasier, who has
passed much time at that place, that, speaking to the gunners about
them, they said they were well known by the name of Black Brant, and one
of them mentioned having once seen a flock of five or six together.
“From these facts it appears to be known to gunners, but has heretofore
escaped the notice of Ornithologists. With all my inquiries I have not
been able to procure a specimen before this winter. I think it a good
and well marked species.”
We have had the pleasure of seeing the specimen described by Mr.
Lawrence, and entirely coincide with him in his conclusion. It is
precisely similar to others that have come under our notice, and all
presenting the same peculiar specific characters.
[Illustration: Plate 10
The Black Brant
Bernicla migricans (_Lawrence_)]
To the gunners of Philadelphia this bird is known by the same name, and
we have seen several specimens which have been shot in Delaware Bay, and
at various points on the sea-coast. Our friend Mr. John Krider,
Gunsmith, whose establishment is a favourite place of resort of the
Ornithologists and gunners of this city, and who is well acquainted with
American birds, and very successful in obtaining specimens of rare
species, has had several specimens of this Brant brought to him within
the last two or three years. It must, however, be considered as a
species of rather unusual occurrence on the Atlantic coast, but perhaps
not more so than the Snow Goose, and others which are well known. As is
the case with the birds just mentioned, it is probable, too, that the
migration of this Brant does not commonly reach so far southward as the
latitude of either of the large cities on the Atlantic.
Several species of Geese, which appear to be unknown to Naturalists,
have been noticed by travellers in various parts of North America, but
especially in the northern and Arctic regions. Of these we shall give an
account, somewhat in detail in a succeeding article; at present, we are
acquainted with one allusion only, which we think it not improbable has
reference to the species now before us. It is in Sir John Richardson’s
“Arctic Searching Expedition,” a journal of a Boat voyage through
Rupert’s land and the Arctic Sea, in search of the discovery ships under
command of Sir John Franklin, London, 1851, New York, 1852. In citing an
account of the valley of the Yukon river, in about lat. 66° north, long.
147° west, contained in a letter to him from Mr. Murray, a resident in
that country, the following statements occur (American edition, p. 305):
“White Geese (Snow Geese, _Chen hyperboreus_) are also passengers here;
and there are likewise _Black Geese_, which I presume you have never
seen. A few of them pass down Peel’s River, but they are more abundant
on the Yukon. They are very handsome birds, considerably smaller than
the White Geese, and have a dark brown or brownish black colour, with _a
white ring round the neck_, the head and bill having the shape of that
of the Bustard (the Canada Goose, _Anser Canadensis_). The Black Geese
are the least numerous, and the latest that arrive here. They fly in
large flocks with remarkable velocity, and generally pass on without
remaining as the others do, some days to feed. When they alight, it is
always in the water; and if they wish to land, they swim ashore. They
are very fat, and their flesh has an oily and rather disagreeable taste.
“Bustards, Laughing Geese, Ducks, and large Gulls, make their appearance
here from the 27th to the 29th of April; Snow Geese and Black Geese
about the 15th or 16th of May, when the other kinds become plentiful.
They have mostly passed by the end of the month, though some, especially
the Bustards, are seen in June. The White Geese and Black Geese breed
only on the shores of the Arctic Sea. They return in September, and
early in October, flying high, and seldom halting.”
Sir John Richardson seems inclined to the opinion that the common Brant
is here alluded to; which, however, we cannot consider so probable as
that it is our present bird. So well acquainted with the water birds of
Europe and America as he is, it could scarcely have been supposed by Mr.
Murray that he had never seen so abundant a species as the common Brant.
Besides, the white ring round the neck, as described, is exactly
applicable to the Black Brant now before us, and its uniting on the
front of the neck forms a peculiar character sufficient to distinguish
it from any other species.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Bernicla. Stephens, Continuation of Shaw’s Zoology, XII. p. 45,
(1824.)
Bill, small, shorter than the head, upper mandible elevated at the base,
tip with a broad nail, margins of both mandibles finely serrated. Wings,
long, pointed; tail, very short, rounded; tarsi, moderate; toes, rather
short. Probably contains six or eight species, inhabiting various parts
of the world.
Bernicla nigricans. (Lawrence.)
Anser nigricans. Lawrence, Annals N. Y. Lyceum, IV. p. 171, (1846.)
Form. Bill and head, and feet, rather small; wings, with the second
quill longest; tail, short, composed of sixteen feathers; coverts, both
above and below, long, reaching almost to the end of the tail.
Dimensions, according to Mr. Lawrence. Total length 22½ inches, alar
extent 44, bill along the ridge 1³/₁₆, from gap 1⅜, lower mandible 1¼,
length of tarsus 2¼, middle toe 2, outer 1⅞, inner 1½, weight 3 lbs.
Total length of skin from Delaware Bay, from tip of bill to end of tail
about 22 inches, wing 13¾, tail about 5 inches.
Colours. Male. Neck almost completely encircled by a band of white,
broadest immediately in front, and narrowest behind. Head, neck, breast
and abdomen, glossy black, having on the latter a brownish tinge. Upper
parts of the body umber brown, nearly black on the rump, some of the
feathers with paler margins; quills and tail feathers brownish black.
Feathers on the sides and flanks tipped with white; upper and under tail
coverts, and ventral region, white. Bill and feet dark, nearly black.
Hab. Atlantic coast, New Jersey. Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada.
Obs. The Black Brant is nearly related to the common Brant (_B.
brenta_), but can readily be distinguished by the uniform black colour
of the inferior parts of the body, and the ring on the neck
uninterrupted in front, and not separated into two white patches on the
sides of the neck, as in the common species. It appears also to bear
some resemblance to the _Bernicla glaucogastra_, Brehm. Handb. Vogel
Deutschlands, p. 849 (Ilmenau, 1831), but may be distinguished from it
also by the characters just mentioned.
SYNOPSIS
OF THE
SPECIES OF BIRDS
INHABITING THE CONTINENT OF AMERICA, NORTH OF MEXICO.
I. ORDER RAPTORES. THE RAPACIOUS BIRDS.
General form, strong, muscular, and capable of vigorous and long
continued flight; bill and claws usually curved and strong, and adapted
to the destruction of other animals, or for preying on animals already
dead. The sense of sight in many species developed in a greater degree
than in any other group of the animal kingdom. Habits, in the majority
of species, solitary, cautious, and very vigilant. Female larger than
the male. Inhabit all parts of the world, and form a well defined and
easily recognized order of birds, strikingly analogous to the Rapacious
Quadrupeds.
I. FAMILY VULTURIDÆ. THE VULTURES.
Head and neck usually naked, and the former frequently more or less
carunculated, or with the skin wrinkled; bill, strong, rather lengthened
and strongly hooked; claws, usually moderate, and but slightly curved;
wings, usually long and powerful. Size, generally large; body, heavy.
General structure adapted to the destruction of dead animals
exclusively, but a few species do not hesitate to attack young or feeble
animals when living.
Inhabit the temperate and the warm regions of the earth, but are much
more numerous in the latter. There are about twenty known species of
Vultures.
I. GENUS CATHARTES. Illigee Prodromus, p. 236. (1811.)
CATHARISTA. Viellot Analyse, p. 21. (1816.)
Head and upper part of the neck, naked, or partially covered with short
downy feathers; the skin of the former generally wrinkled, or with
wart-like excrescences. Bill, rather long, straight, curved at the end;
nostrils, large, open, and unprotected, inserted near the middle of the
bill. Wings, long, third and fourth primaries usually longest; tail,
composed of twelve feathers, usually slightly rounded; legs and feet,
moderate, rather strong, covered with scales, middle toe long, hind toe
shortest; claws, rather strong, moderately curved, obtuse at their
points. Colour of all known species, black.
Of this genus, which is peculiar to America, there are seven species;
four of which are natives of the northern, and two of the southern
portion of this continent, and one of the West Indies. All of them much
resemble each other in their habits, and the two South American species
are nearly related to similar species of the North, as will be pointed
out in descriptions of the latter now to be given. In all its essential
characters, this genus differs very little from _Sarcoramphus_, which
includes the _Condor_ and the _King Vulture_ of South America.
A.
1. Cathartes aura. (Linn.) The Turkey Buzzard. The Turkey Vulture.
Vultur aura. Linn. Syst. Nat., I. p. 122. (1766.)
Cathartes septentrionalis. De Weid Reise, I. p. 162. (1839.)
Catesby Nat. Hist. Carolina, I. pl. 6. Vieill. Ois. d’Am. Sept. I. pl.
2. Wilson Am. Orn. IX. pl. 75, fig. 1. Aud. B. of Am. pl. 151.
Plumage, commencing on the neck with a circular ruff of rather long
and projecting feathers. Head and upper part of neck, naked, or with
scattering, down-like feathers, especially on the vertex, and with the
skin wrinkled. Nostrils, large, oval, communicating with each other;
tail, rather long, rounded.
Entire plumage, brownish black, darkest on the neck, back and tail
above; many feathers having a purple lustre on the upper and under
parts of the body, and with pale brownish borders on the upper parts.
Bill, yellowish white; wings and tail, paler beneath. Head and neck,
in living bird, bright red.
Total length of skin about 30 inches; wing, 23; tail, 12 inches.
Hab. The entire territory of the United States—rare in New England.
Wisconsin, (Dr. Hoy,) Oregon, (U. S. Ex. Exp. Vincennes.) New Mexico,
(Dr. Henry.) California, (Dr. Gambel.) Spec. in Mus. Acad. Philada.
Obs. This species is abundant in the Southern, and of quite frequent
occurrence in the Middle States of the Union; but it rarely visits the
northeastern, or on the Atlantic, is seldom met with north of New
Jersey. In the southern part of the State of Delaware, and in Maryland,
it is very abundant, migrating farther south in the winter. It subsists
entirely on dead animals, which it devours in every stage of
decomposition or putridity.
A South American species, long considered as identical with the present
bird, is now well ascertained to be distinct, and is the _Vultur jota_.
Molina. This name has been erroneously applied to the Carrion Crow or
Black Vulture of the United States. The South American species is the
smaller, is more slender in all its members, and all the specimens that
we have seen have been of a more uniform clear black colour.
2. Cathartes atratus. (Bartram.) The Carrion Crow. The Black Vulture.
Vultur atratus. Bartram Travels, p. 289. (1791.)
Vultur urubu. Vieill. Ois. d’Am. Sept., p. 53. pl. 2. (1807.)
Wilson Am. Orn. IX. pl. 75, fig. 2. Aud. B. of Am. pl. 106.
Plumage commencing higher on the back of the neck than on its sides or
in front, and there consisting of short feathers. Head and naked
portion of the neck, warted or corrugated, and thinly covered with
short hair-like feathers, bill rather long, nostrils large, and
communicating with each other; tail, even; legs, rather long.
Entire plumage, deep uniform black, with a bluish gloss; under surface
of primaries nearly white.
Total length (of skin) about 23 inches, wing 16½; tail 8½ inches.
Hab. Southern States, Texas (Audubon), California, Oregon (U. S. Ex.
Exp. Vincennes). Spec. in Mus. Acad. Philada.
Obs. Abundant in the Southern States, and gregarious, congregating in
large numbers in the cities, where they are of service in the
destruction of all descriptions of rejected or waste animal matter.
The South American bird usually regarded as identical with this bird, is
the _Vultur brasiliensis_. Ray. It is considerably smaller, and
otherwise quite distinct.
3. Cathartes californianus. (Shaw) The Californian Vulture.
Vultur californianus. Shaw, Nat. Misc. IX. p. 1, pl. 301. (1797.)
Vultur columbianus. Ord. Guthries’ Geog. II. p. 315. (1815.)
Cathartes vulturinus. Temm. Pl. col. I. pl. 31. (1820.)
Aud. B. of Am. pl. 411. Gray Gen. of B. pl. 2. Licht. Trans. Berlin
Acad. 1838, pl. 1.
Size, large. Plumage commencing on the neck near the body, with a ruff
of long, lanceolate feathers, which are continued on the breast. Head
and neck bare, or with a few short feathers on the vertex, and at the
base of the upper mandible; bill rather long, nostrils small,
communicating with each other; wings long, primaries pointed; tail
long, slightly rounded; tarsi and feet very strong.
Entire plumage black, many feathers narrowly tipped with brown,
secondary quills with a grayish tinge, greater coverts tipped with
white, which forms a transverse bar on the wing. Bill, yellowish
white. Iris, carmine. Head and neck, in living bird, orange yellow.
(Gambel.)
Total length (of skin) about 45 inches, wing 31, tail 15 inches.
Hab. California, Oregon. Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada.
Obs. This large Vulture is inferior only in this family to the Condor of
South America. It is restricted to the countries west of the Rocky
mountains, where in the vicinity of rivers it is occasionally abundant,
living principally on dead fishes. It appears to be, however, more
cautious and timid in its habits than the other birds of this group, and
constructs its nest in the remote recesses of the mountains.
B.
SPECIES PROBABLY OCCURRING IN THE UNITED STATES.
1. Cathartes burrovianus. Cassin, Proc. Acad. Philada. II. p. 212,
(1845.) Burrough’s Vulture.
Resembling _C. aura_, but much smaller. Plumage on the neck ascending
behind, as in _C. atratus_; bill, rather short; tail, rounded; tarsi,
rather long. Entire plumage, deep uniform black, without brown
edgings.
Total length of prepared specimen, from tip of bill to end of tail,
about 22 inches, wing 18, tail 8½ inches.
Hab. Mexico, Vera Cruz (Dr. Burrough), Mazatlan (Dr. Gambel). Spec. in
Mus. Acad., Philada.
Obs. This is the smallest of all known Vultures, and though strictly of
the same genus as _C. aura_, may readily be recognized by its small
size. It is very probably to be found in California, and the late Dr.
Gambel thought that he had seen it in that country, and at Mazatlan.
(Jour. Acad. Philada. I. p. 26, quarto.)
II. GENUS SARCORAMPHUS. Dumeril Anal. p. 32, (1806.)
GYPAGUS. Vieill, Anal. p. 21, (1816.)
Head and neck naked, the former with an elevated fleshy caruncle. In all
other characters much resembling _Cathartes_.
2. Sarcoramphus sacer. (Bartram) The Sacred Vulture.
Vultur sacra. Bartram, Travels in Florida, p. 150, (1791.)
Original description.—“The bill is long, and straight almost to the
point, where it is hooked or bent suddenly down, and sharp; the head
and neck bare of feathers nearly down to the stomach, when the
feathers begin to cover the skin, and soon become long and of a soft
texture, forming a ruff or tippet, in which the bird, by contracting
his neck, can hide that as well as his head; the bare skin on the neck
appears loose and wrinkled, which is of a bright yellow colour,
intermixed with coral red; the hinder part of the neck is nearly
covered with short stiff hair; and the skin of this part of the neck
is of a dun purple colour, gradually becoming red as it approaches the
yellow of the sides and forepart. The crown of the head is red; there
are lobed lappets of a reddish orange colour, which lay on the base of
the upper mandible. The plumage of the bird is generally white or
cream colour, except the quill feathers of the wings and two or three
rows of the coverts, which are beautiful dark brown; the tail, which
is rather large and _white_, is tipped with this dark brown or black;
the legs and feet of a clear white; the eye is encircled with a gold
coloured iris, the pupil black.” Bartram, as above, p. 150, 151.
Obs. The identification of the bird here described, may be considered as
one of the most important services to be performed in North American
Ornithology. Its occurrence has never been noticed since the time of the
accurate and veracious naturalist who first described it, and his
careful description above quoted seems to clearly indicate it to be a
species entirely unknown. The white tail especially is characteristic,
and establishes a clear distinction from any other known species. It is
related evidently to the King Vulture, (_S. papa_,) but that species has
a black tail, and in case of mistake or misprint in Bartram’s
description, it may be presumed at any rate to relate to an occurrence
of that species within the United States. There is no more inviting nor
more singular problem in North American Ornithology.
C.
SPECIES, THE OCCURRENCE OF WHICH IN THE UNITED STATES IS DOUBTFUL.
1. Sarcoramphus gryphus. (Linn.) The Condor.
Bonap. Am. Orn. IV. pl. 22. Temm. pl. col. 133, 408, 464. Zool. Voy.
Bonité, Birds, pl. 2, (Paris, 1841.)
Size, large. Head, neck, and large space on the breast, bare. Plumage,
black, with a white space on the wing; neck, with a collar or ruff of
white downy feathers; plumage of the back, the quills and tail
frequently with a gray tinge. Head above with a large caruncle or
comb, and others on the sides of the head and neck.
Total length of skin, about 4 feet, wing about 2 feet 6 inches, tail
about 15 inches.
Hab. South America.
Obs. The famous Condor of the Andes, though it has been admitted as a
North American bird into the works of Bonaparte and Nuttall, cannot at
present, in our opinion, be so regarded. The description in the History
of the Expedition of Lewis and Clarke, which was supposed to relate to
this bird, and has been the sole authority for its introduction by the
authors just mentioned, very probably applies to the Californian
Vulture. No other travellers have seen the Condor, either at the
localities mentioned by Lewis and Clarke, or elsewhere in North America.
It is common in the western parts of South America. The most complete
descriptions with which we are acquainted are by Humboldt, in Zoological
Observations, I. p. 26, (Recuil d’Observationes de Zoologie et
d’Anatomie comparée Paris, 1811, quarto,) and by Darwin in Zoology of
the Voyage of the Beagle, Birds, p. 3, (London, 1841,) and by the same
author in Voyage of a Naturalist, I. p. 234, 238, (American edition, New
York, 1846, duodecimo.)
2. Sarcoramphus papa. (Linn.) The King Vulture.
Spix. Av. Bras. pl. 1. Buff. Pl. Enl. 428. Vieill. Gal. pl. 3.
Plumage on the neck, dusky cinereous; wings and tail, glossy black;
all other parts, fine pale fulvous. Head and upper part of neck naked,
the former with an elevated and conspicuous caruncle arising from the
cere.
Total length of skin about 28 inches, wing 18, tail about 9 inches.
Hab. South and Central America. Mexico.
Obs. The King Vulture is the most handsome bird of its family. Though
admitted by Nuttall as a bird of the United States (Manuel, I. p. 40,
Boston, 1840,) no instance is recorded, or has otherwise come to our
knowledge, of its having been observed north of Mexico. It is not
improbable, however, that it may yet be found in Texas or in California,
or possibly in Florida. It is described by Hernandez as an inhabitant of
Mexico, in his “New History of the Plants, Animals, and Minerals of
Mexico,” p. 319, (Nova, plantarum, animalium et mineralium Mexicanorum,
Historia, Rome, 1651, folio,) and has found a place in the works of all
authors on general Ornithology, and been noticed by many travellers.
The above comprise all the Vultures which have been hitherto known or
supposed to inhabit America, north of Mexico. There are three other
species which appear to be peculiar to South America and the islands of
West Indies, (particularly the more southern of them,) all of which more
or less intimately resemble our species of the North. They are
_Cathartes jota_ (Molina), described in Geog. Nat. and Civil Hist. of
Chili, American edition, I. p. 185, (Middletown Conn. 1808, octavo,)
_Cathartes Brasiliensis_, Bonaparte Consp. Av. p. 9, and _Cathartes
urbicola_, Des Murs Rev. and Mag. de Zool. April, 1853. The latter is a
large and very remarkable species which has only recently been
ascertained to frequent the cities of several of the West Indies.
Nearly all of the American Vultures are remarkable for a disposition
manifested, in a greater or less degree, to resort to cities, or even
more isolated abodes of men, for the purpose of procuring food. In the
southern cities of the United States, the Black Vulture congregates in
large numbers; its relative of South America (_Cathartes Brasiliensis_)
possesses the same habit, and is exceedingly abundant in the cities of
the countries that it inhabits. Even the gigantic Condor does not
hesitate to make its appearance in the vicinity of villages or dwellings
in the western countries of South America for the same purpose. In this
respect these birds resemble the most common European bird of their
family which inhabits southern Europe, and also Asia and northern
Africa; the _Neophron percnopterus_ or Egyptian Vulture. The latter is,
however, very different in colour, being nearly white when adult, and
_clean_, which is an important consideration in a bird of habitually
filthy habits.
Travellers have represented the male of the Condor as larger and as
having more handsome plumage than the female. We hope to be excused for
here asking attention to this point, should opportunity occur to any of
our readers. It is the only known or supposed instance in the order of
Rapacious Birds, of the male being the larger, and, if true, of course
establishes an exception hitherto not recognized by naturalists. In
these birds, and especially in the Falcons and Eagles, the difference in
the size of the sexes of the same species is often very remarkable, but
the larger is invariably the female.
Further experiments and observations by persons having suitable
opportunities and facilities are very desirable for the purpose of
ascertaining the degree of development of the senses of sight and smell
in the Vultures. Eminent authors have maintained quite opposite views on
this subject, some attributing the fact that they perceive objects
suitable for their food from a distance, to the acuteness of their sight
and others to their power of smelling. This is yet an open question,
though there is a very considerable amount of evidence on each side, and
may be regarded as presenting an interesting field for further
investigation.
[Illustration: Plate 11
Kirtland’s Owl
Nyctale Kirtlandii (_Hoy_)]
NYCTALE KIRTLANDII.—(Hoy.)
Kirtland’s Owl.
PLATE XI.—Adult Male.
Having in the eastern portion of the United States no traditions nor
architectural remains which date beyond the first settlement of the
white man, our people are but little prone to many of the superstitions
which have prevailed in the old world. In the absence of the ruined
monastery or crumbling abbey, of the ivy-covered baronial castle and
haunted tower, local and legendary superstitions especially, have found
no considerable nor permanent place in the popular mind.
Some reliance in the influence of the moon, and a small degree of
attention to the aspect of the sign of the zodiac according to the
time-honored frontispiece in the almanac, both materially lacking in the
important requisite of full and trusting faith, are very nearly the only
mysteries which can be regarded as having acquired a practical adoption
in any appreciable degree. Others, as the witchcraft of former and the
Spiritualism of latter times, as in other countries, have temporarily
assumed aspects of more or less importance, but have either disappeared,
or, awaiting the certain test of Christian enlightenment and
unprejudiced examination, have taken the form of religious faith, and
are held in conscientious veneration. An occasional exception may be
found, too, in the local transplanting of an European, or perhaps of an
African tradition, but many superstitions of the old world are almost
absolutely unknown; the evil Banshee, the gentler Brownie, Puck and
Oberon, Mab and Titania have no local habitation, though well beloved as
beautiful accessories in the immortal productions of the poets, or as
told by an humble mother to her children in tales of remembrance of her
native land.
In the higher order of legends—in those which record facts or dim
histories of exceeding antiquity, or in which are embalmed the deeds of
the remote hero, though even more faded than his features on the
mouldering wall or the faded marble—young America pleads her youth. But
not without product—and as that which has been shall be again, as
legends and traditions like to those of other nations will very probably
be amongst the results of American mind, there is one American name,
perhaps as yet one only, which may become mythical or even now is. When
thousands of years shall have rolled away, and the annals of the present
age shall be known only to the scholar and the antiquary of those times
in precious scraps and fragments, the adjusting of which shall require
the skilfulness of learning, some future Lepsius or Layard may recognise
in a wise Minos or in a just Nemesis, the American Washington.
The Republic of the United States has acquired its position as a nation,
and in fact has existed only in an age of enlightenment, and the
universal attention to education and the diffusion of general knowledge
which happily has ever prevailed in a degree not exceeded in any
country, has necessarily prevented in a great measure the forming of
orally transmitted histories or of legendary fables, and there being no
ruins of buildings nor other evidences of the decay of past ages, our
people do not associate with ideas of desolation, animals which might
have found suitable habitations in such localities, nor have they
attributed traditional associations or characters.
We have no birds of ill omen, and even the long-defamed Owl has escaped
his usual reputation; not that he is regarded with favor, rather the
reverse; but for other reason than attributed connexion with
supernatural agents; nor is his appearance in the neighborhood of the
farm-house or the settler’s cabin regarded as at all ominous, except of
immediate danger to whatever of the domestic poultry may have attracted
his attention, or in any degree foreboding, unless of his own abrupt
demise in case he happens to be observed by the proprietor, having at
hand his trusty rifle or fowling-piece. The owl takes the greater risk
in such an adventure.
On account, in some measure, of their peculiar forms, particularly their
large heads and staring eyes, their nocturnal habits, and their
habitually resorting in the day-time to secluded haunts in the forest or
other little-frequented localities, no animals have been more invariably
regarded as of evil portent than owls. And in this character they have
found a place in the literature, and especially the poetry, of nearly
all nations ancient and modern. The Latin writers seldom fail to mention
the appearance of the owl among the omens and prodigies which they
frequently enumerate as having preceded disasters to the state or to
distinguished personages. Pliny in his Natural History, gravely devotes
a chapter to Inauspicious Birds, and gives the owl a post of distinction
in this manner: “The owl, a dismal bird, and very much dreaded in public
auguries, inhabits deserts which are not only desolate, but dreary and
inaccessible: it is a monster of night, nor does it possess any voice
but a groan. Thus, when it is seen in towns or in daylight, it is an
omen to be dreaded.” Book x., chapter 12. The poets give him the same
reputation, but perhaps only in the legitimate exercise of their art.
The poet is privileged in the entire domain of nature, and Virgil and
Shakspeare have forever commemorated, though somewhat infamously, the
Owl. The former alludes to it as one of numerous precursors of the death
of Dido:
“Solaque culminibus ferali carmine bubo
Sæpe queri, et longas in fletum ducere voces.”
“Whilst lonely on the roof, night’s bird prolongs
The notes of woe, and shrieks funereal songs.”
Shakspeare uses the Owl in the same capacity of direful portent. Thus
Casca, in allusion to omens preceding the death of Cæsar:
“And yesterday, the bird of night did sit
Even at noon-day upon the market-place
Hooting and shrieking:”
and in Macbeth he introduces its cry as an accompaniment of the murder
of Duncan:
“Hark! Peace! It was the owl that shrieked,
The fatal bellman, which giv’st the stern’st good-night.
He is about it:”
and again in Henry the Sixth:
“The owl shriek’d at thy birth; an evil sign;
The night-crow cried, aboding luckless time,
Dogs howl’d, and hideous tempests shook down trees.”
Shakspeare has various other passages of much the same tenor, and so
have many other poets of the English and other languages; but, as we can
say truly with Cowper (in Task):
“The jay, the pie, and e’en the boding owl,
That hails the rising moon, have charms for _us_,”
we have no intention at all of making out a strong case of bad
reputation against him, even from the poets. We ought to say, though,
that he has borne this reputation much more recently than the time of
Pliny, and in some countries of the old world has scarcely yet attained
a character of entire respectability. There might be a difficulty,
however, in deciding which is the more remarkable, the things said of
him, or the gravity of the sayer. A writer, cited in Brand’s Popular
Antiquities, says to the point: “In the year 1542, at Herbipolis or
Wirtzburg, in Franconia, this unlucky bird by his screeching songs
affrighted the citizens a long time together, and immediately followed a
great plague, war, and other calamities. About twenty years ago, I did
observe that in the house where I lodged, an Owl groaning in the window
presaged the death of two eminent persons who died there shortly after.”
Another, bringing the matter to a more general bearing, says: “If an
owl, which is reckoned a most abominable and unlucky bird, send forth
its hoarse and dismal voice, it is an omen of the approach of something:
that some dire calamity and some great misfortune is near at hand.” And
amongst many similar stories, it is related by an old author, that when
a Duke of Cleves was suffering with the disease of which he afterwards
died, an Owl was seen and heard frequently upon the palace of Cleves in
the day-time, and could scarcely be driven away. Very wonderful, but not
calculated for the present meridian, and happily rather out of date
generally. It would scarcely suit the citizens of our frontier States to
regard in any such aspect the nightly serenades of the Great Horned Owl,
though performed in a style entirely appropriate.
Other nations, and some more ancient than the Romans, also regarded the
Owl with various degrees of superstition. In Egypt, at one period, an
image of an Owl transmitted by the supreme authority to a subject, was
an intimation in established form, that the latter would particularly
oblige his sovereign by immediately committing suicide. With which civil
invitation, compliance, at earliest convenience, appears to have been
necessary, not entirely as a matter of mere politeness, but to save
himself from aspersions as a man of honor and a gentleman. An instance
is related by Diodorus Siculus, in which a person placed in such a
dilemma and manifesting some repugnance and uncourtly backwardness, was
put to death by one of his parents to save their house from disgrace.
But the people of the present day have been favored to live in an age
characterized in all Christian countries by the diffusion of truth and
the progress of intellectual cultivation, and in which, as a peculiar
feature, the physical sciences especially have tended to dispel the
mists of ages. In accordance with the spirit of it, modern writers
rarely resort to the adoption, even in poetic composition, of ungrounded
popular errors. Thus, with no such implication, Coleridge, in
Christabel, introduces the Owl in an opening chorus:
“’Tis the middle of the night by the castle-clock,
And the owls have awakened the crowing cock.
Tu—whit!—tu-whoo!
And hark again! the crowing cock
How drowsily he crew.”
And beautiful too is the allusion to the Owl by Longfellow, in Hyperion:
“For the owl is a grave bird; a monk who chants midnight mass in the
great temple of Nature.”
Kirtland’s Owl, which we present to our readers in the plate now before
us, is one of the most recent additions to the Ornithological Fauna of
this country, and was first brought to notice by Philo R. Hoy, M. D., an
eminent naturalist and physician of Racine, Wisconsin, who has
ascertained its occurrence, and has succeeded in obtaining several
specimens in the neighborhood of that city.
It appears, however, to be by no means a common species, though having
been observed in the season of incubation, as well as in the winter, it
may be presumed to be a constant resident, and further investigation may
bring to light full details of its history. It belongs to a group
composed of several species of small owls, found in the northern regions
of both continents, the most common of which, in this country, is the
little Acadian Owl (_Nyctale acadica_), a curious and rather handsome
little species not very well known in the rural districts, but sometimes
occurring, and also occasionally captured, in the cities. It is the
least of the owls of the Atlantic States. Another species is known as
Tengmalm’s Owl (_N. Tengmalmii_), which inhabits the higher northern
latitudes of America and Europe.
Like the other small species of its family, the present Owl probably
subsists on the smaller birds and quadrupeds and on insects. The last
form no inconsiderable portion of the food of the smaller Owls. We have
repeatedly found the remains of insects in the stomachs of several
species; and in 1851, during the period of the appearance of the
Seventeen-year Locust (_Cicada septemdecim_) in the neighborhood of
Philadelphia, we enjoyed an opportunity, in company with several members
of the Academy of Natural Sciences of this city, of observing the common
Red Owl (_Ephialtes asio_) while engaged in feeding on insects of that
remarkable species. It captured them principally in an apple-tree in
which it was first noticed, but occasionally pursued its object to the
ground, and with a degree of adroitness and avidity which fully evinced
that it had been accustomed to similar occupation.
Dr. Hoy’s description of the species now before us was first published
in the Proceedings of the Philadelphia Academy, VI. p. 211, (Dec. 1852,)
from which we make the following extract:
“But two specimens of this bird have been taken, to my knowledge; the
first was captured in October 1851, and kept until winter, when it made
its escape; the second, that from which the above description was taken,
flew into an open shop, July 1852. It is strictly nocturnal, utters a
low tremulous note, and is an active and efficient mouser.”
We have been informed by Dr. Hoy that during the past summer (1853,) he
had succeeded in obtaining another specimen which proved to be a female.
It is slightly larger than the male, but similar in all other respects.
The figures in our plate represent the male bird, and are about
two-thirds of the size of life.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Nyctale. Brehm, Handb. Nat. Vog. Deutschlands, p. 111, (1831.)
Size, small. Bill rather weak and almost concealed by projecting plumes
at its base, strongly curved and sharp. Wings moderate, rounded, with
the third and fourth quills nearly equal and longest; tail moderate,
tarsi short, and with the toes densely clothed with hair-like feathers;
claws rather long, slender, and very sharp. Type N. _Tengmalmii_
(Gmelin).
Nyctale Kirtlandii. Hoy, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., Philada., VI. p. 210,
(Dec., 1852.)
Form. Small, but compact, wing with the fourth quill slightly longest,
tarsi and toes fully feathered, claws slender, sharp.
Dimensions of a skin from Dr. Hoy. Male, total length from tip of bill
to end of tail, about 7 inches; wing, 5¼; tail, 3 inches. “Extent of
wings, 16 inches,” (Dr. Hoy.) Female, rather larger.
Colors. Male. Head and upper portion of breast, and entire upper parts
dark chocolate-brown; front and eye-brows white, and a line of the same
color extending downwards from the base of the lower mandible; ear
feathers behind the eye darkest; primaries with white spots on their
outer margins forming three irregular bars, and with circular spots of
white on their inner webs; tail rather darker than the back, narrowly
tipped with white, and having two bands composed of spots of white.
Entire under parts of the body, tarsi and toes, reddish-ochre-yellow;
bill and claws black, iris-yellow.
Hab. State of Wisconsin. Spec. in Mus. Acad. Philada., and in Dr. Hoy’s
coll. Racine, Wisconsin.
Obs. This little Owl is strictly congeneric with _Nyctale Harrisii_
Cassin. Proc. Philada. Acad. IV. p. 157, (Feb. 1849,) and Journal of the
same society, Quarto II., plate V., but different in size and color. _N.
Harrisii_ is the same as _Ciccaba gisella_ Bonaparte, Cons. Av. p. 44,
(1850.)
The present bird also resembles, in some degree, _Strix frontalis_
Lichtenstein, described in a Fauna of California, in Transactions of the
Berlin Academy, 1838, p. 430.
EMBERNAGRA BLANDINGIANA.—(Gambel.)
Blanding’s Finch.
PLATE XII.—Adult Male.
Blanding’s Finch was discovered in the Rocky mountains by Dr. Gambel,
and named by him in honor of one of the most universally respected of
American naturalists and friends of science, William Blanding, M. D.,
formerly a resident of Philadelphia, but now of Providence, Rhode
Island. During many years of previous residence in South Carolina, Dr.
Blanding omitted no opportunity of facilitating by observation and
active exertion in contributing to collections, the advancement of the
interests of Natural Science in all its departments, and he has been
deservedly complimented by naturalists whose studies he has been the
means of promoting, and with whom personally he has for many years
maintained relations of the most friendly character. Many of the
cultivators of Natural History in America owe much to the advice and
encouragement of Dr. Blanding, and among such we gratefully include
ourselves.
This bird belongs to a group of which several species are known to
inhabit Mexico and South America, and of which one other species is a
summer visitor to Texas. All of them are birds of handsome and even
elegant general appearance and color of plumage, and partake much of the
inoffensive habits of other birds of the family to which they belong,
and which includes the Finches and Sparrows. Subsisting for the greater
part on seeds, much of their time is passed on the ground, or in
undergrowths of shrubbery in the immediate vicinity of fields and
meadows, or other grass-bearing localities.
[Illustration: Plate 12
Blanding’s Finch
Embernagra Blandingiana (_Gambel_)]
We regard the present species as the handsomest Bird of the family of
Sparrows yet discovered in the United States, and regret that it is not
in our power to lay before our readers an account of it at all full or
satisfactory, little having been placed on record, or having otherwise
come to our knowledge, beyond the fact that it inhabits sparingly the
Rocky mountains, California and northern Texas. It is probably one of
the many species which migrate in summer to those countries from Mexico,
and even further southward, as is the case with the greater part of the
numerous species of birds which are summer-residents in the eastern
portion of this continent. Not more than three specimens of this bird
have been brought home in the many extensive collections made by the
various naturalists who have visited the countries where it is found,
from which we must necessarily infer at present that it is one of the
rarest of the birds of California and the Rocky mountains, though more
abundant in Texas.
From Dr. Gambel’s paper containing his description of this bird,
published in the Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of
Philadelphia, I. p. 260, (April 1843,) and subsequently in the Journal
of the same society, I. p. 51 (Quarto), we extract the following:
“Of this new and singularly marked species, I procured a single specimen
only, in September, on the bank of a small stream in the Rocky
mountains, about half-way between New Mexico and the Colorado of the
West. It kept in low bushes, in company with _Fringilla guttata_, and
_F. graminea_, occasionally uttering a single chirp. The throat and
breast of this species very much resemble those of _Fringilla
Pennsylvanica_.”
Dr. Woodhouse procured, also, one specimen, only, during Capt.
Sitgreaves’ Expedition to the Zuñi, and Colorado rivers, respecting
which he observes: “Whilst encamped on the Rio Salado, near San Antonio,
Texas, in the beginning of April, I procured a solitary specimen of this
beautiful and interesting bird. Its favorite haunts seemed to be the low
bushes in the vicinity of the creek; this was the only one that I
observed east of the Rio Grande. In the Zuni mountain, and in the
vicinity of the _pueblo_ of Zuñi, it was quite abundant.” (Report of an
Expedition down the Zuñi and Colorado rivers, by Capt. L. Sitgreaves, of
the Topographical Engineer Corps, U. S. Army, Washington, 1853. Zoology,
p. 85.)
It was also seen by Dr. Heermann, in California.
Our figure is that of a male, and is about two-thirds of the natural
size.
The plant represented, is _Nuttallia digitata_, a native of California.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Embernagra. Lesson Traité d’Orn, p. 465, (1851.)
Bill, moderate, conic; wings, short, rounded, usually with the fifth and
sixth quills slightly longest; tail, lengthened, rounded at the tip;
tarsi and toes, lengthened, strong; claws, short, curved. A genus of
birds related to _Zonotrichia_, and containing several species, all of
which are American.
Embernagra Blandingiana. (Gambel.)
Fringilla Blandingiana. Gamb., Proc. Acad. Philada. I. p. 260, (April,
1843)
Fringilla chlorura. Aud. Orn. Biog. V. p. 336?
Form. Rather robust, bill strong, wing short, second, third and fourth
quills nearly equal, third slightly longest, tail rather long, legs and
feet strong, claws well developed, that on the hind toe large.
Dimensions. Adult. Total length (of skin) from tip of bill to end of
tail, about 7 inches; wing, 3⅛; tail, 3¼ inches.
Colors. Head, above, fine rufous chestnut. All other upper parts,
yellowish green, tinged with ashy. Throat, white, which color is
bordered on each side by a line of ashy black. Sides of the neck, the
breast and sides of the body, and flanks, light cinereous, tinged with
ochre on the latter and under tail coverts. Middle of the lower part of
breast, and of the abdomen, white. Wing, at its flexure and under wing
coverts, yellow. Quills and tail-feathers, light greenish yellow on
their outer webs.
Hab. California and Texas. Spec. in Mus. Acad. Philada., and Nat. Mus.
Washington.
Obs. This species resembles somewhat several others which are natives of
the Southern extreme of North America, though not sufficiently to be
readily confounded with either of them.
The description of _Fringilla chlorura_, Aud. in Orn. Biog. V. p. 336,
consists of extracts of letters from Dr. Townsend, in which a bird is
described, of which he procured no specimens, but evidently like the
present, in some respects, but not with sufficient precision to be
determined. He represents it as “a true _Fringilla_. The head of light
brownish color spotted with dusky, back varied with dusky and greenish
olive, rump brownish spotted with dusky, &c.” Our present bird is by no
means a true Fringilla, nor does the description otherwise apply to it
with such degree of probability as to be relied on.
[Illustration: Plate 13
The American House Finch
Carpodacus familiaris (_M‘Call_)]
CARPODACUS FAMILIARIS.—M‘Call.
The American House-Finch.
PLATE XIII.—Male and Female.
When the winter of our northern climes has abated its rigors, and the
season of brighter skies and returning flowers approaches, none of its
early tokens are welcomed with more pleasing associations, than the
reappearance of those familiar birds, which, like the Wren, the Blue
Bird, and the Pewee Flycatcher, come pleasantly into the immediate
vicinity of our dwellings, to select accommodations for the construction
of their nests, and for rearing their young. They share the hospitality
of the splendid mansion and the humble cottage, and are made welcome
alike in each.
Of birds of this description, no species is more remarkable for its
confiding disposition, than the little Finch now before the reader, and
which is a native of the western countries of North America. It not only
approaches the abodes of men without hesitation, and occupies habitually
the suitable parts of houses and other buildings, but resorts in large
numbers to such uncongenial localities as one might think them, as towns
and cities. In several of those in New Mexico, and California, this bird
is very abundant, and is a great favorite.
Several species of the same genus to which the present belongs, all of
which present considerable similarity, inhabit northern countries of
this continent, and others are found in the same latitudes of the old
world. The males of all the species are clothed in plumage of fine
crimson, or of purple of various and delicate shades, when they have
attained maturity. The females are however of much plainer appearance,
and generally present little similarity of color to their more gay
consorts. The Purple Finch (_Carpodacus purpureus_) is the best-known
American bird of this group. It is common as a winter visitor in the
middle and southern States, and at that season its habits are such only
as are adapted to a roving life in the woods. It retires in the spring
to the northern states, and the mountains of Pennsylvania, and is there
regarded with much favor on account of the beauty of its plumage and its
agreeable song.
A species of the old world (_C. erythrinus_), which is one of several
that are natives of northern Russia, of Siberia and Kamtschatka, is very
similar in its general appearance to the Purple Finch, and, like it too,
it has an extensive range of migration, appearing throughout European
and Asiatic Russia, and the northern countries of India. Of the Asiatic
species, one is remarkable for having been discovered on Mount Sinai, by
an European naturalist, and in reference to that fact, has been named by
him the Sinai Finch (_Carpodacus sinaiticus_.)
Our present bird appears to be the species alluded to by Dr. Gambel as
the crimson-fronted Finch, _Erythrospiza frontalis_ (Say), in the
Journal of the Philadelphia Academy, Quarto, I. p. 53, in the following
passage: “This handsome songster we first observed in New Mexico,
particularly about Sante Fé, where it is an abundant and familiar
resident, keeping about the _corrals_ and gardens, and building its nest
under the portals and sheds of the houses. In July the young were ready
to fly, which must have been a second brood, or else they begin to lay
much later than in California. Under a long shed or _portal_, in the
Plaza or Square of Sante Fé, they had a great many nests; and the old
birds would sometimes fly down about our feet while sitting at the
doors, to pick up crumbs, &c. for their young.
“In California, it is also an extremely abundant and familiar resident,
and is called by the inhabitants _Buriones_. During winter they assemble
in flocks, frequenting the bushy plains and hill-sides, hedges,
vineyards and gardens, living on the various kinds of seeds which are so
abundant, and also sometimes doing considerable damage among the grapes.
Early in March they commence pairing, and soon are busy building their
nests; placing entire confidence in man (which is but too often
misplaced) they persist in building about the houses; on the projecting
planks under the portals, under the eaves, in sheds, boxes or in any
nook they can find. I once found a nest in a small box of seeds which
had been stuck up over a door. They will also build on the horizontal
branch of a tree in the garden, and a great many nests are made in the
willow hedges of the vineyards, but they prefer by far the rafters under
the sheds and houses, repaying the inmates for the privilege, with their
most melodious song, which is continued during summer, from the roof
near the nest. The nest is made of small sticks, or stems of weeds,
willow catkins and down of the willow, and lined with horse-hair. They
usually lay five eggs, sometimes of a plain bluish white color only, but
generally having a few scattering streaks and specks of dark brown on
the larger end. Some nests are made principally of feathers, cotton or
wool, with a few sticks and dried grass, and lined with horse-hair.
Frequently only four eggs are found in the nest, and they often have a
very few specks or streaks on one side only.
“It would be impossible, with words, to describe the song of this
western Orpheus; and although California contains many song-birds, among
others the Mocking-Bird, yet there is none more exhilarating to the
feelings, or melodious and tender to the ear, than the song of this
Finch.”
This bird was first described satisfactorily as a distinct species, by
Col. M‘Call, in the Proceedings of the Philadelphia Academy, VI. p. 61,
(April 1852.) In a previous paper in the same periodical, V. p. 219
(June 1851) he thus alludes to it:
“I found this charming little Finch abundant at Sante Fé, where it
commenced nesting in March, although the weather was still wintry, and
so continued, with frequent snow-storms, for more than a month.
Notwithstanding this, the song of the male failed not to cheer his mate
during incubation, with the liveliest melody. The notes often reminded
me of the soft trill of the house-wren, and as often of the clear warble
of the canary. The males of the last year, though mated and apparently
equally happy and quite as assiduous as their seniors, were not yet in
full plumage, having little or nothing of the red colors that mark the
adult birds.
“The nests, which were stuck into every cranny about the eaves and
porticoes of the houses throughout the town, were variously composed of
dry grass, fine roots, horse-hair, long pieces of cotton twine, or
strips of old calico; in fine, of countless odds and ends, that were
picked up about the yards;—these were curiously and firmly interwoven,
so as to make a warm and comfortable abode for the new-comers. Eggs,
four or five, pale blue, slightly marked on the larger end. The young
were able to fly by the middle or latter part of April. A second brood,
and in some cases, I believe a third was raised during the summer, as
not a few of them continue to incubate until some time in the month of
August. Before the latter part of September, however, nearly all of them
had disappeared from about Santa Fé.”
For the following additional account of this species, prepared expressly
for the present article, we are also indebted to Col. M‘Call:
“Whilst residing in New Mexico, I always remarked a gentle amity in the
character of this lively little songster which failed not to bespeak for
him the kindly regard of all with whom he made his abode, whether the
wealthy proprietor of the manor-house, or the humble _peon_, whose
miserable hut stood aloof from the mansion. For, the same cheerful
melody that soothed the noontide of the former while idly swinging in
his hammock, welcomed the appearance of the latter as he came forth at
the dawn of day to resume his toil; the same confiding familiarity was
observable in his approach to both, and the same merry pranks were
played, whether feeding on the bounty of the one, or gleaning a more
scanty meal near the ill-furnished table of the other. It was this
pleasing trait in his character which prompted me in the choice of his
name.
“His disposition also towards other birds, appeared to be mild and
peaceful, as I had many opportunities to observe. I will mention one
instance: In the piazza of the house I occupied, quite a colony of these
birds had their nests: here the work of building and incubation had gone
on prosperously for several weeks, although the weather at times was
stormy and cold, and ere the genial warmth of spring was fairly felt,
the colony might have been said to be fully established. As the season
advanced and birds of less hardy nature began to arrive from the south,
a pair of Barn-Swallows (_H. rufa_) made their appearance, and forthwith
entered the territory of the Finches. And here they at once, very
unceremoniously, began to erect their domicil. This act of aggression
would have been fiercely resented by most birds, and violent measures
would have been promptly resorted to, to eject the intruders. The
conduct of the little finches was quite different: at first they stood
aloof and seemed to regard the strangers with suspicion and distrust,
rather than enmity. In the mean time the swallows went quietly to work,
without showing any inclination to intermeddle; and in a day or two
[their mud-walls all the time rapidly advancing] they gained the
confidence of their neighbors, and finally completed their work
unmolested. Indeed, a perfect harmony was established between the
parties, which I never saw interrupted by a single quarrel during the
time they remained my tenants.
“This incident, and I would mention others were it necessary,
illustrates the character of this species in strong contrast with that
of its relative, the Purple-Finch, (_C. purpureus_,) which both Wilson
and Audubon agree in representing, from personal observation, as
quarrelsome, tyrannical and domineering in the extreme. This species
may, moreover, be considered as a more southern bird than the
Purple-Finch, its northern range probably not extending much beyond the
limits of New Mexico, on the eastern slope of the Rocky mountains; while
that of the other stretches to the Fur countries.
“On the western slope, it is common throughout California, but not in
Oregon. At the Missions of San Diego and San Gabriel it nested in the
hedge-rows, as well as in the buildings. I often saw it in numbers on
the edges of the immense fields of wild mustard, a plant which,
introduced by the early Spanish missionaries, now overruns whole
districts of that country, and in size and vigor of growth is almost
arborescent; but whether it nested in these thickets or not, I did not
ascertain. Yet I found the nests of the Red-winged Black-bird (_A.
phœniceus_) in numbers, placed at the distance of 6 or 8 feet from the
ground, in the branches of the wild mustard.
“The food of this species, like its congeners, consists at different
seasons of buds, fruits, the seeds of various grasses and wild plants,
which it often plucks from the capsules while hanging inverted or
sidewise on the bending stalk. Insects are also eaten, I believe, at all
seasons. But in its half-domesticated condition at Santa Fé, nothing
edible seemed to be amiss.”
This species appears to congregate into flocks at the close of the
summer season, and to adopt the wandering habits of its near relative
the Purple-Finch previously alluded to in this article. They migrate at
that period and during the winter to Mexico, and probably to the
countries of Central America. The following notice is from Dr.
Heermann’s Notes on the Birds of California, (Jour. Philada. Acad.
Quarto, II. p. 267,) and relates to this bird:
“Very abundant and found in large flocks in the fall season, feeding on
the buds of young trees. I found this species abundant at Guaymas, where
it breeds under the eaves of houses, in the branches of the small cactus
plants; and one nest I discovered in a deserted woodpecker’s hole, made
in the body of an upright cactus, one and a half feet in diameter and
about fifteen feet high, with which species of plants the country near
Guaymas is covered. In California I found its nest on the dwarf oaks,
composed of coarse grasses and lined with fine hair. The eggs, from four
to six in number, are pale blue, marked with spots and delicate lines of
black.”
Dr. Woodhouse also notices this bird as abundant in New Mexico and
California, (Sitgreaves’ Report, Zoology, p. 88.)
The figures in our plate are about two-thirds of the size of life.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Carpodacus. Kaup Nat. Syst., p. 161. (1829.)
Bill short, conical, wide at base, wings long, pointed, second and third
quills longest, tail moderate or rather short, tarsi and feet strong,
colors in males usually purple, size small.
Carpodacus familiaris. M‘Call, Proc. Acad. Philada. VI. p. 61. (April
1852.)
Form. Generally similar to that of _Carpodacus purpureus_ (Gm.), but
smaller than either that species or _Carpodacus frontalis_. (Say.) Bill
short, strong; shorter, more curved above and more turgid than that of
_C. purpureus_. Wing rather long, with the first, second and third
quills longest and nearly equal, secondaries truncate and emarginate,
tail slightly emarginate only, not forked as in _C. purpureus_, legs,
feet and claws moderate.
Dimensions of a skin from California: Total length from tip of bill to
end of tail about 5½ inches, wing 3¼, tail 2¾ inches. Col. M‘Call gives
the total length of the recent bird as 6 inches, 1 line and alar extent
10 inches.
Colors. Male. Head entirely, back, rump, superior tail-coverts, neck
before and breast, brownish red, inclining to crimson, most clear and
distinct on the rump, superior tail-coverts and front immediately at the
base of the bill, and most obscure on the back.
Wings and tail, blackish brown, every feather having paler edgings.
Abdomen and inferior tail-coverts, white, every feather having a
longitudinal stripe of brown.
Bill, pale yellowish brown, lighter on the lower mandible.
Female. Without red on any part of the plumage. Body above, dark
brownish, every feather having a longitudinal central stripe of a darker
shade of the same color, and edged with lighter inclining to cinereous.
Body beneath, sordid white, longitudinally dashed with brown.
Young Male. Much resembling the female, but with the red color appearing
on the front at the base of the bill, on the neck and rump.
Hab. New Mexico and California. Spec. in Mus. Acad. Philada., and Nat.
Coll. Washington.
Obs. This bird bears considerable resemblance to _Carpodacus purpureus_,
but is smaller, and has occasionally been mistaken for _Carpodacus
frontalis_. The latter is a distinct and very handsome Western American
species, the young of which only has been figured, but of which adult
specimens have been brought home by Mr. Bell and others.
It is possible that the present is the bird alluded to by Swainson as
_Fringilla purpurea?_ in Fauna Boreali Americana, II. p. 264, and by Sir
William Jardine in his edition of Wilson’s American Ornithology, I. p.
121, (London and Edinburgh, 1832, 3 vols. octavo). The _Fringilla
hæmorrhoa_, Wagler Isis, XXIV. p. 525, appears to be too large for this
bird and more like the common _C. purpureus_.
PARUS SEPTENTRIONALIS.—Harris.
The Long-tailed Chickadee.
PLATE XIV.—Male Adult.
The form and general appearance of this little bird resemble those of
its congeners, the Black-capped Chickadee (_P. atricapillus_) and the
Carolina Chickadee (_P. carolinensis_). It is, however, larger than
either of those species, and presents other characters which not only
fully demonstrate it to be entitled to specific distinction, but, very
probably, to possess features in its history different in some respects
from any of its relatives.
Its bill is longer and more strongly developed, indicating perhaps a
different race of insects as its food. Its tail is unusually long, and
its entire organization stronger and larger than either of the species
above mentioned, with the larger of which (_P. atricapillus_), it has
erroneously been considered identical by some European authors.
This little bird is strictly a western species, and for its discovery
and the first description of it, we are indebted to Edward Harris, Esq.,
of New Jersey, well known as one of the most eminent cultivators of
Zoological science in America. It was discovered by Mr. Harris during a
visit to the Upper Missouri and Yellow Stone rivers, in company with the
late Mr. Audubon, and which was the last journey ever performed by the
latter distinguished gentleman. The description, with some valuable
observations on other species of the genus _Parus_, was first published
in the Proceedings of the Philadelphia Academy, Vol. II. p. 300, (Dec.
1845,) from which we make the following extract:
“A single specimen of this bird was procured on the 26th of July on the
Yellow Stone river, about thirty miles above its junction with the
Missouri. It is evidently a bird of the season, with immature plumage,
to which may be attributed the dullness of the black on the head and
throat. On comparison of this bird with _P. carolinensis_ and _P.
atricapillus_, it will be perceived that, beginning with the smallest
bird, the parts which are black, decrease, and the white parts increase
in size and intensity, in ascending. In _septentrionalis_ the outer web
of the lateral tail-feather is entirely white, except a small portion at
the base, where there is a slight tinge of grey next the shaft; and the
quills, secondaries and all the tail-feathers are margined more broadly
and with a purer white than in the other species.
[Illustration: Plate 14
The Northern Chickadee
Parus septentrionalis (_Harris_)]
“The note of this bird is similar to that of _P. atricapillus_, but its
voice more liquid and less harsh and querulous in the utterance. Bill
longer and stouter.”
This bird has been received at the Philadelphia Academy in a collection
made by Mr. Edward M. Kern, while attached as Artist to the exploring
party commanded by Col. Frémont in 1846. A very fine specimen is in the
collection made by the surveying party under the command of Capt.
Stansbury in the vicinity of the Great Salt Lake of Utah, and is noticed
in Prof. Baird’s Zoological appendix to Capt. Stansbury’s Report, p.
316. (June 1852.)
Our figure is of the size of life, and the plant represented is
_Microsperma Bartonioides_, a native of Western America.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Parus. Linnæus, Syst. Nat. I. p. 340, (1766.)
Parus septentrionalis. Harris, Proc. Acad. Philada., II. p. 300,
(1845.)
Form. The largest species of typical Parus yet discovered in America.
Wing with the fifth primary longest; tail, long, somewhat fan-shaped;
tarsi and toes, rather strong; claws, large, flattened, sharp.
Dimensions. Total length (of skins) 5½ to 6 inches; wing, 2¾; tail, 2¾
to 3 inches.
Colors. Head above and space on the throat, black; cheeks and sides of
the neck white, the latter color nearly meeting on the back of the neck.
Entire plumage above cinereous with a brownish tinge, plumage beneath
only white, with touches of yellowish brown on the sides and flanks.
Quills edged externally with white, outer tail-feathers edged also with
the same color, which on the external feather occupies the entire outer
web. Bill and feet dark.
Hab. Missouri and Utah, Rocky mountains. Spec. in Mus. Acad. Philada.,
and Nat. Coll. Washington.
Obs. This is the largest American species of the genus Parus (as
restricted by late naturalists), and is particularly remarkable for its
lengthened tail. It is a distinct and well-marked species, related to
_P. atricapillus_ and _P. carolinensis_, but easily distinguished from
either by the characters above mentioned.
QUERQUEDULA CYANOPTERA.—Vieill.
The Red-breasted Teal.
PLATE XV.—Male and Female.
This handsomely colored and elegant little Teal, is of frequent
occurrence in Western America, though first noticed as a North American
species in Louisiana, by E. Pilaté, M. D., a physician and naturalist,
residing at Opelousas in that State. In a communication to us
accompanying one of the first specimens obtained by him and intended for
the collection of the Philadelphia Academy, that gentleman mentions
having occasionally seen it in company with other species of ducks, but
regards its appearance as unusual in Louisiana. The specimen alluded to,
which is that of a male in very fine spring plumage, is now in the
collection of the society mentioned. According to Dr. Pilaté, who has
paid much attention to Natural History, this bird associates with other
small species of water-birds, and appears to possess, in the migrating
season, similar habits, and frequents the same places of resort, though
rather unusually shy and vigilant.
Our valued friends Capt. Howard Stansbury, of the U. S. Topographical
Engineers, in his able Report of a Survey of the valley of the Great
Salt Lake of Utah, and Prof. Spencer F. Baird, of the Smithsonian
Institution, in a valuable Zoological appendix to that Report, allude to
this Duck as commonly met with in Utah, and especially in the vicinity
of the Great Salt Lake. It was observed frequenting the rivers and small
streams. The collection brought home by Capt. Stansbury containing many
objects of the highest interest and scientific value, which are
described with his usual great accuracy in Prof. Baird’s Appendix, is
now in the National Museum at Washington city. The specimens of the
present bird were obtained in the river Jordan, a stream emptying into
the Lake, and so named by the settlers in that region, who are
principally of the religious denomination of Mormons.
[Illustration: Plate 15
The Red-breasted Teal
Querquedula cyanoptera (_Vieillo_)]
It visits South America in the course of its winter migration, and is
frequently to be met with in the western countries of that portion of
this continent. The extensive collection in all departments of Natural
History made by the party under the command of Lieut. J. M. Gilliss, of
the U. S. Navy, during the performance of several years’ duty in making
geographical explorations and astronomical observations in Chili and
other countries of South America, by order of government, and which is
now a portion of the National Museum, contains numerous specimens of the
bird now before us. We have seen it, in fact, in all the various
collections from western South America that have recently come under our
notice.
Dr. Woodhouse represents this species as very abundant in western Texas
and New Mexico. (Sitgreaves’ Report, Zoology, p. 103.)
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Querquedula. Stephens, Continuation of Shaw’s Zoology, XII. p.
142, (1824.)
Size small, bill rather long, straight, of nearly equal width throughout
its length, lamellæ well defined, wings moderate, pointed, with the
second quill usually longest, tail moderate, pointed, tarsi short, toes
fully webbed.
Querquedula cyanoptera. (Vieill.)
Anas cyanoptera. (Vieill.) Nouv. Dict., V. p. 104, (1816.)
Anas Rafflesii. King, Zool. Jour., IV. p. 97, (1828.)
“Pterocyanea cœruleata. (Licht.)” Gray, Gen. of Birds, II. p. 617,
(1845.)
Form. Small; wing rather long, with the second quill distinctly longest;
tertiaries and scapulars, long; two central tail-feathers pointed; bill,
rather long.
Dimensions. Total length (of skin), about 15 inches; wing, 8; tail, 3½
inches.
Colors. Male. Top of the head, chin and under tail-coverts, brownish
black; head, neck and entire under parts, deep purplish chestnut;
abdomen with a large spot of brownish black; back, scapulars, rump and
upper tail-coverts, brownish black, edged with dull chestnut; large
space on the shoulder and lesser wing-coverts, light sky-blue, succeeded
by a transverse band of white, speculum brilliant grass-green; a portion
of the two first scapulars blue, and all with a central stripe of pale
reddish chestnut. Bill dark; feet yellow.
Female. Shoulders blue as in the male, but no trace of the chestnut
color which prevails in the latter, that being replaced by a mottled
yellowish and brown, very similar to the females of several other
species of ducks. Head above brownish black.
Hab. Utah, California, Louisiana, Chili. Spec. in Mus. Acad. Philada.,
and Nat. Mus. Washington.
Obs. This very handsome species does not resemble any other species
likely to be confounded with it. With other species of Teals, it has
been placed in a distinct genus under the name _Pterocyanea_, Bonaparte,
in which, however, we fail to perceive sufficient characters to warrant
a separation from _Querquedula_.
SYNOPSIS
OF
NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.
II. FAMILY FALCONIDÆ. THE FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES, KITES.
Head and neck usually covered with feathers, but in a few instances
partially naked; bill, usually very strong, curved and very sharp; tarsi
and toes, generally strong and muscular; claws, curved, sharp; wings,
various, but usually large, and adapted to swift and vigorous flight.
Size, very much varied, body generally very compact, and organized for
strength and activity of habits, and for the destruction of living
animals. Female larger than the male.
Inhabit all parts of the world, numerous in the temperate and torrid
regions.
I. SUB-FAMILY FALCONINÆ. THE TYPICAL FALCONS.
Bill, short, hooked, upper mandible always furnished with a well defined
tooth; head, rather large; feet and tarsi, very strong; toes and claws,
long, the latter very sharp and strong; wings, long, pointed; tail,
rather lengthened.
Embracing about fifty species, inhabiting all parts of the earth, and
may be regarded as presenting the highest organization of the Rapacious
form of Birds.
A.
I. Genus Falco. Linnæus Syst. Nat., I. p. 124. (1766.)
General form, robust and powerful; bill, short, with the upper mandible
curved, and with a distinct tooth; nostrils, circular, with a central
tubercle. Wings, long, pointed, formed for vigorous and rapid flight;
tail, rather long; tarsi, short, robust, covered with rounded or
hexagonal scales; middle toe long, claws large, curved, and very sharp.
This genus, as restricted, contains from fifteen to twenty species,
found in various parts of the world, several of which more or less
intimately resemble the _Falco peregrinus_ of Europe, and the _Falco
anatum_ of America. They are remarkable for exceedingly rapid flight,
and great boldness in attacking animals on which they prey.
1. Falco anatum. Bonap. Comp. List p. 4. (1838.)
“Falco peregrinus Gm.” Wilson, Audubon and other authors.
Edwards’ Birds, I. pl. 3, 4. Wilson Am. Orn. IX. pl. 76. Aud. B. of Am.
pl. 16, octavo edition, I. pl. 20. De Kay, Nat. Hist. State of New York
Birds, pl. 3. fig. 8. Lembeye B. of Cuba, pl. 1. fig. 2.
Bill, rather short, strong, very sharp, with a well defined tooth in
the upper mandible; wings long, legs strong, middle toe long, claws
curved, sharp.
Adult. Frontal band white; top of the head, back, wing-coverts and
rump, bluish cinereous; every feather crossed transversely with bands
of brownish black; rump and lower part of the back lighter, and with
the dark bands less numerous.
Throat, sides of the neck and upper part of the breast white, with a
tinge of buff without spots, other under parts same color, with a
deeper shade, and with cordate or rounded spots of black on the lower
breast and abdomen, and transverse bars of the same black on the
sides, under tail-coverts and tibiæ. Quills, brownish black, with
transverse bars of yellowish white on their inner webs. Tail, brownish
black, with transverse bars of cinereous, very pale and nearly white
on their inner webs, and narrowly tipped with white.
Cheeks with a patch of black most narrow and clearly defined in the
adult bird, and separated from the color of the back of the head by a
white space; back of the neck, mixed with yellowish feathers, forming
an irregular collar. Bill, light bluish horn color, paler at the base;
legs and feet fine yellow. Sexes alike.
Younger. Entire plumage above, brownish black; nearly uniform on all
parts, and with little or no appearance of the bars which are seen in
the adult. Tail, uniform dark brown, with spots or irregular
transverse stripes of reddish white frequently only on the inner webs.
Frontal spot of white obscure, large space on the cheek, black not
separated posteriorly from the same color of the head above. Under
parts, white and yellowish white, every feather, except on the throat,
with a wide _longitudinal_ stripe of dark brown; the latter color
prevailing on the sides and abdomen. Throat, white, nearly every
feather with a very narrow central line of black. Tarsi and feet,
bluish lead color.
Dimensions. Female, total length 19 to 20 inches; wing, 14½ to 15;
tail, 7½ to 8 inches. Male and young smaller.
Hab. The entire eastern portion of North America, and perhaps western;
Greenland? Oregon? (U. S. Ex. Exp.) Jamaica, (Mr. Gosse.) Cuba, (Mr.
Lembeye.) Bermuda, (Sir W. Jardine.) Spec. in Mus. Acad. Philada.
Obs. In the adult of this species, there is a white frontal band as in
the adult of the European _F. peregrinus_.
It is very similar in color and general characters to that species, but
is larger, and the young differ.
Audubon’s figures represent the dark-colored plumage described above as
that of young or immature birds. Wilson’s figure is that of a more adult
specimen, with the frontal band partially produced; but the bird in
completely mature plumage, has never been figured.
This bird frequently appears in the United States, generally on the
sea-coast in the autumn and winter, at which seasons, also, according to
Mr. Lembeye, it visits the island of Cuba. It flies with extraordinary
vigor and rapidity, and is remarkable for its bold and destructive
habits.
2. Falco nigriceps. Cassin,[3] _new species_. The Western Peregrine
Falcon.
Very similar to the preceding, but smaller, and with the bill
disproportionately weaker. Very similar, also, to _Falco peregrinus_,
but differing from both in the colors of the young bird, and in other
characters. Adult. Frontal band of white, very narrow. Head and neck
above, and cheeks, clear black, with a tinge of cinereous; other upper
parts, bluish cinereous, every feather having transverse bands of
brownish black, lighter on the rump and upper tail-coverts.
Throat and breast, pale reddish white; other under parts, lighter,
with rounded spots and transverse bands of black, and with a tinge of
cinereous on the flanks and abdomen. Tail above, pale bluish
cinereous, with transverse bars of brownish black, and narrowly tipped
with white. Patch of black on the cheek, very large, and scarcely
separated from the same colors of the back of the head and neck.
Dimensions. Total length, females (of skin) about 17 inches, wing 13
to 13½, tail 6 to 6¾ inches; males, total length 14½, wing 11½ to 12,
tail 5½ to 6 inches.
Younger. Entire plumage above, dark brown; many feathers, especially
on the rump, tipped with rufous; tail above, brown, with a tinge of
ashy, and barred with rusty on the inner webs. Under plumage pale
reddish ferruginous, paler on the throat, all the feathers with broad
longitudinal stripes of black, and many, also, with irregular
transverse stripes of the same color, which predominates on the flanks
and under wing-coverts, and which are marked with reddish white bars
and circular spots. Tibia, with transverse bars of brownish black.
Dimensions. Female (of skin), total length about 17 inches, wing 12,
tail 6½ inches.
Hab. Bear creek, California, (Mr. E. M. Kern.) Coast of Lower
California, (Dr. Heermann.) Chili, (Lieut. Gilliss.) Spec. in Mus.
Acad. Philada., and Nat. Mus. Washington.
Obs. This bird, of which we have seen numerous specimens, appears to be
distinct from _Falco anatum_. It is uniformly smaller than either that
species or _F. peregrinus_, but resembles Indian or other Asiatic
specimens of the latter strongly. The young differ from the young of the
species just mentioned, especially in the deeper and different red color
of the under parts of the body. In this character they more resemble
_Falco peregrinator_ of India, _Falco puniceus_ of Africa, _Falco
melanogenys_ of Australia. It has also generally the cheeks as strongly
marked with a black patch as the latter, and can, by that character, be
distinguished from either _F. anatum_ or _F. peregrinus_.
This species appears to inhabit the western portion of America as far
south as Chili.
3. Falco polyagrus. Cassin, _new species_. The American Lanier Falcon.
General form robust; bill, rather short, very strong; tooth,
prominent; wing, long, second and third quills longest, and nearly
equal; tail, rather long. Female nearly adult. Narrow frontal band;
line over the eye, cheeks and entire under parts, white; narrow stripe
from the corner of the mouth, dark brown; some feathers on the breast
and abdomen, with longitudinal stripes and spots of brown, which color
forms a large spot on the flank, plumage on the sides also with spots
of brown. Entire plumage of the upper parts, brown, many feathers with
rufous edgings; paler on the rump; tail above, grayish brown, with
transverse bars of white, and narrowly tipped with the same color.
Quills, dark grayish brown, with numerous bars of white on their inner
webs; under wing-coverts, dark brown, edge of wing at the shoulder and
below, white, spotted with brown. The brown of the back extending
somewhat on to the breast at the wing-joint. Bill, bluish horn color,
under mandible yellow at its base. Large space around the eye, bare,
with a narrow edging of brown on the first plumage encircling it.
Younger Female. Entire plumage brownish black, throat white, and many
feathers on the under parts with edgings and circular spots of white;
under wing-coverts, also, with circular spots of white; under
tail-coverts with wide transverse stripes of white. Young Male?
Frontal band nearly obsolete; entire upper parts, uniform brown, with
narrow rufous stripes on the head; under parts, white, with a tinge of
reddish yellow, and nearly every feather with a narrow longitudinal
stripe of blackish brown; large spaces on the flanks brown. Tarsi and
feet lead colored.
Dimensions. Female (of skin), total length about 20 inches, wing 14,
tail 8 inches.
Hab. Sources of the Platte river, (Dr. Townsend.) California, (Dr.
Heermann.) Puget’s Sound, (U. S. Ex. Exp. Vincennes.) Spec. in Mus.
Acad. Philada., and in Nat. Mus. Washington.
Obs. Very similar, in the two first stages of plumage above described,
to _Falco jugger_ of India, (Gray’s Illustrations of Indian Zoology, II.
pl. 26, and Jerdon’s Illustrations of Indian Ornithology, pl. 44,) but
larger. We have, however, never seen the young of _F. jugger_ in the
plumage of the young of our species as described above, from Dr.
Heermann’s Californian specimens. This is the first species of this
group of Falcons (the Laniers and Juggers) yet discovered in America,
and is especially remarkable on account of its near affinity to the
Asiatic species.
II. GENUS HIEROFALCO. Cuvier, Reg. An. I. p. 312, (1817.)
Size, large. Bill, short, thick, distinctly toothed, and with a slight
festoon; wings rather shorter than in _Falco_; tarsi and toes shorter,
the former covered with small circular scales. Color of adult usually
white. Contains several species inhabiting the northern regions of both
continents, nearly all of which where regarded with great favor for the
purposes of Falconry.
1. Hierofalco sacer. (Forster.) The American Gyr Falcon.
Falco sacer. Forster, Phil. Trans. London, LXII. p. 423. (1772.)
Falco fusca. Fabricius Fauna Grœnlandica, p. 56, (1780,) not
Gmelin, (1788.)
Falco cinereus. Gmelin, Syst. Nat. I. p. 267. (1788.)
Falco grœnlandicus. Turton, Syst. Nat. I. p. 147. (1806.)
Falco labradora. Audubon, B. of Am. p. 196, (name on plate pub.
about 1834.)
“Falco candicans. Gmelin.” Bonap. Cons. Av. p. 23.
“Falco grœnlandicus. Turton,” Hancock in Ann. and Mag., Nat. Hist.
II. p. 249.
“Falco islandicus. Lath.” Aud. Orn. Biog. II. p. 552.
Edwards’ Birds, II. pl. 53, young. Aud. B. of Am. pl. 196, young, (but
not pl. 366 which represents another species.) Schlegel, Traité de
Fauconnerie, pl. (no number,) adult. Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. II. pl. 10,
(feathers.)
Form strong, and robust; second and third quills (in the young bird)
longest and nearly equal. Adult, according to Hancock as cited above,
“ground of the plumage pure white, upper parts elegantly marked with
arrow shaped spots of a dark gray; under parts and head streaked with
the same; wings reaching to within two inches of the end of the tail;
second primary the longest.”
Young. Entire plumage, brown, tinged with cinereous on the upper
parts. Throat, dull white; all the plumage of the under parts edged
with and having circular spots of dull yellowish white, the rounded
spots more apparent on the tibia and under tail-coverts. Quills,
mottled with the same white on their inner webs; tail, with numerous
(about thirteen) irregular bars of the same. “Bill and cere, pale
blue; iris, brownish black. Feet, grayish blue; the under parts of the
toes greenish yellow; claws dusky.” (Audubon.)
Hab. Northern America. Greenland, (Fabricius, Hancock,) Hudson’s Bay,
(Richardson,) Labrador, (Audubon,) Louisville, Kentucky, (Mr. C. W.
Webber.) Spec. in Mus. Nat. Hist. Soc. Charleston, S. C.
Obs. The Gyrfalcon is of very rare occurrence in the United States,
though not unfrequent in the northern regions of this continent.
Mr. Hancock, whose opportunities were ample, fully demonstrates (as
cited above) that the _Falco grœnlandicus_ of Greenland, which is the
present species, and the _Falco islandicus_ of Iceland, are distinct,
which appears to be assented to by all late writers. The bird, figured
by Mr. Audubon as the adult of the species of which the young bird was
obtained by him in Labrador, was an Iceland specimen, (Orn. Biog. IV. p.
476,) and therefore not correctly given as the American bird. We have
never had the satisfaction of seeing the adult of this species; but for
an opportunity of examining one of Mr. Audubon’s Labrador specimens, we
are indebted to the Rev. John Bachman, D. D., of Charleston, S. C., who,
with that disposition to advance the interests of Zoological Science
which has always characterized him, most kindly forwarded it at our
request.
Turton’s description above cited, is copied by him from Pennant’s
Greenland Falcon, Arctic Zoology, I. p. 257.
III. GENUS HYPOTRIORCHIS. Boie Isis, p. 976. (1826.)
DENDROFALCO. Gray list, p. 3. (1840.)
Size small, tarsus lengthened and rather slender. In all other
characters much like typical Falco. Toes long, slender and furnished
with sharp, curved claws. This genus includes about ten or twelve small
species found in various parts of the world, and for the greater part
dark colored, like the species of typical _Falco_.
1. Hypotriorchis columbarius. (Linn.) The Pigeon Hawk.
Falco columbarius. Linn. Syst. Nat. I. p. 128. (1766.)
Falco intermixtus. Daudin, Traité d’Orn. II. p. 141. (1800.)
Falco temerarius. Aud. B. of Am. I. p. 381. (1831, plate pub.
1829)
“Falco æsalon. Temm.” Rich. and Sw. Faun. Bor. Am. Birds, p. 37.
Cat. Car. pl. 3. Vieill. Ois. d’Am. Sept. pl. 11. Wils. Am. Orn. II. pl.
15, fig. 3. Faun. Bor. Am. Birds, pl. 25. Aud. B. of Am. pl. 75, 92.
Oct. ed. I. pl. 21. De Kay, Nat. Hist. N. Y. pl. 4, fig. 9.
Small, head and body broad and strong, bill short, wing pointed with
the second and third quills longest, tail slightly rounded, tarsi and
toes slender. Adult male. Entire plumage of the upper parts dusky
slate color, inclining to bluish, every feather with a black
longitudinal line. Forehead and throat white, other under parts pale
yellowish or reddish white, every feather with a narrow longitudinal
stripe of brownish black, plumage of the tibia, light rusty red, with
narrow stripes of black. Quills black, with transverse bands of white
on their inner webs, and narrowly tipped with ashy white, tail above
light bluish cinereous tipped with white, and with a wide subterminal
band of black, and with several other narrower bands of black, inner
webs nearly white. Cere and feet yellow, bill blue.
Middle age or winter plumage? Entire upper plumage, brownish black,
slightly mixed with rufous on the head and neck behind, white of the
face, and under parts more deeply tinged with reddish yellow, dark
stripes wider, plumage of the sides, with wide transverse bands of
brownish black, predominating on some feathers, and the yellowish
white, assuming the form of circular spots. Tail dark brown, nearly
black tipped, and with four bars of white, upper tail coverts with
spots of white at their bases. Feet yellow.
Younger and adult female? Entire upper plumage, dusky brown, quite
light, and with a tinge of ashy in some specimens. Head above with
narrow stripes of dark brown and rusty red, and in some specimens,
many irregular spots and edgings of the latter color, on the other
upper parts. Forehead and entire under parts white, with longitudinal
stripes of light brown. Plumage of the sides and flanks light brown,
with pairs of circular spots of white, tibia white, with dashes of
brown, tail above and below pale brown, with about six bands of white.
Neck behind with a distinct band of white.
Dimensions. Total length (of skin,) females, 12 to 14 inches, wing, 8
to 9, tail, 5½ inches. Male. Total length, 10 to 11 inches, wing, 7½
to 8, tail, 5 inches.
Hab. North and South America. Wisconsin, (Dr. Hoy.) California, (Mr.
J. G. Bell.) Oregon, (Col. M’Call, Dr. Townsend.) Cuba, (M. de Sagra.)
Jamaica, (Mr. Gosse.) New Granada, (M. Parzudaki.) Bermuda, (Sir. W.
Jardine.) Spec. in Mus. Acad. Philada.
Obs. The adult of this species is with difficulty distinguishable from
the European _H. æsalon_, but we have never seen the latter in the
nearly black plumage, which we regard as characterizing the young or
winter plumage, of the American bird. The light, “liver brown” plumage,
represented by European authors as the female of _F. æsalon_, frequently
occurs in this bird, and is given by Rich. and Swains. in Fauna Boreali
Americana, Birds, pl. 25. The adult which appears to be _Falco
temerarius_, Aud., is figured in B. of Am. pl. 75, the other figures by
Aud. pl. 92, and Wilson’s plate, represent this bird in the dark plumage
as described above.
Adult specimens from Western America, even more closely resemble the
European species, but differ from the Eastern American only in small and
scarcely describable particulars, as the slightly greater extent of the
white front, or the greater purity of the white of the throat and
breast. We regard the stage of plumage above described as that of the
female, (and as figured by Rich. and Swains.) principally on account of
its analogy to the female of the nearly allied European species.
This bird is of frequent occurrence in the United States. The largest
specimens that we have ever seen are from Oregon, and may prove to be of
a distinct species, though we cannot at present, determine.
IV. GENUS TINNUNCULUS. Vieill. Ois. d’Am. Sept. I. p. 39. (1807.)
CERCHNEIS. Boie Isis, p. 976. (1826.)—POECILORNIS. Kaup Class. der
Savg. und Vog, p. 108. (1844.)
Size small, tarsus and toes lengthened, slender. Colors generally more
or less rufous and white. In all other respects similar to typical
_Falco_. This genus comprises about twelve very handsome species of
small size, inhabiting various countries.
1. Tinnunculus sparverius. (Linn.) The Sparrow Hawk.
Falco sparverius. Linn. Syst. Nat. I. p. 128. (1766.)
Falco dominicensis. Gm. Syst. Nat. I. p. 285. (1788.)
Falco gracilis, cinnamominus and isabellinus. Sw. Cab. Cy. p. 281.
(1838.)
Vieill. Ois. d’Am. Sept. pl. 12, 13. Cat. Car. pl. 5. Buff. Pl. Enl.
465. Wilson Am. Orn. II. pl. 16, fig. 1, and IV. pl. 32, fig. 2. Faun.
Bor. Am. Birds, pl. 24. Aud. B. of Am. pl. 42. Oct. ed. I. pl. 22. Nat.
Hist. N. Y. Birds, pl. 7, fig. 16.
Small, wings moderate, tail rounded. Adult Male. Frontal band, space
including the eyes and throat, white; spot on the neck behind, two
others on each side of the neck, and line running downwards from
before the eye, black. Head above, and wing coverts, bluish cinereous,
the latter usually spotted with black. Spot on the top of the head,
the neck behind, back, rump, and generally the tail above, light
rufous or cinnamon red. Under parts generally a pale shade of the same
color, frequently nearly white, but sometimes nearly as dark as the
back, and always with more or less numerous circular, or oblong spots
of black. Quills brownish black, with white bars on their inner webs.
Tail tipped with white, sometimes tinged with rufous, and with a broad
subterminal band of black, frequently with several of the outer
feathers, white tinged with ashy, and barred with black. Bill blue,
legs and feet yellow. Back generally with more or less numerous
transverse stripes of black. Rufous spot on head, much varying in
size, and sometimes wanting.
Female. Upper parts as above, and wing coverts, and tail rust red,
with numerous transverse bands of brownish black, under parts with
numerous longitudinal stripes, and on the sides and flanks, with
transverse bands of the same color, external feathers of the tail
palest, broad subterminal band on the tail, obscure or wanting. Young
Male. Wing-coverts, dark bluish cinereous with large circular spots,
and with bands of brownish black, all the rufous parts with broad
bands of the same color, under parts with large circular spots, and
wide traverse bands of black on the sides and flanks.
Dimensions. Total length, 11 to 12 inches, wing 7 to 7½, tail 5 to 5½
inches. Sexes nearly alike in size.
Hab. The entire continent of America. California, (Mr. Bell.) Mexico,
(Mr. Pease.) Cuba, (M. de Sagra.) Bermuda, (Sir W. Jardine.) Chili,
(Lieut. Gilliss.) Patagonia, (Ex. Exp. Vincennes.) Spec. in Mus. Acad.
Philada.
Obs. This elegant little Hawk, is one of the most handsomely colored of
the Rapacious Birds of North America, and is frequently met with.
It is widely diffused, being common to all parts of the United States,
and we have seen numerous specimens brought in collections from various
parts of South America. The young bird has never been figured. Specimens
from all parts of America are very similar, and we have seen the stages
of plumage, which have been considered as indicating distinct species by
eminent authors, but they do not appear to be constant, nor peculiar to
any locality.
II. SUB-FAMILY ACCIPITRINÆ. THE HAWKS.
Bill short, hooked, upper mandible lobed, but not toothed. Wings rather
short, tail long, and rather wide, tarsi rather long and slender, toes
and claws long, the latter curved and sharp. Embraces forty to fifty
species, amongst which are birds of all countries. They are very
vigilant and active and swift of flight, and have as a peculiar
character amongst the _Falconidæ_, the habit of pursuing their prey into
woods and forests.
I. GENUS ASTUR. Lacepede Mem. Inst. III. p. 506.
SPARVIUS. Vieill, Anal. p. 24, (1816.) Leucospiea. Kaup, Class, p. 118,
(1844.)
General form, strong, but somewhat slender; bill short, curved,
festooned; nostrils large, somewhat ovate, inserted in the cere. Wings
moderate; tail, long and broad. Tarsi rather lengthened; covered in
front with rather wide transverse scales; toes and claws, rather long,
the latter sharp. This genus contains about twelve species of all
countries.
1. Astur atricapillus. (Wilson.) The Goshawk. The Black-capped Hawk.
Falco atricapillus. Wilson Am. Orn. VI. p. 80. (1812.)
Falco regalis. Temm. P. col. I. (liv. 84 about 1827.)
Dædalion pictum. Less. Traité d’Orn. I. p. 67. (1831.)
Wilson Am. Orn. VI. pl. 52, fig. 3. Faun. Bor. Am. Birds, pl. 26.
Jard. and Selby, Ill. Orn. pl. 121. Aud. B. of Am. pl. 141, Oct. ed.
I. pl. 23. Temm. Pl. col. 495.
Large, general form, rather slender; wings, short. Adult. Head above,
neck behind and stripe from behind the eye, black, generally more or
less mixed with ashy; other upper parts bluish cinereous, with the
shafts of the feathers black; a conspicuous stripe over the eye, and
an obscure collar on the back of the neck white. Entire under parts
white, every feather with a longitudinal line of brownish black, and
several transverse narrow and usually irregular bands of ashy brown.
Quills, brown, with bands of a deeper shade of the same color, and
with mottled white bands on their inner webs. Tail, dark brownish
cinereous, with irregular bands of brownish black, and narrowly tipped
with white; under surface very pale, nearly white; under tail-coverts
pure white. Young. Head above and other upper parts, dark brown mixed
with rufous, especially on the head and neck. Under parts, white,
tinged with fulvous, with large oblong and circular spots of deep
brown.
Dimensions. Total length, female, 22 to 24 inches, wing about 14, tail
10½ to 11 inches; male, 19 to 20 inches, wing 13, tail 9½ to 10
inches.
Hab. Northern and eastern North America. Spec. Mus. Acad. Philada.
Obs. Resembles to some extent the Goshawk of Europe, (_Astur
palumbarius_,) with which it has been confounded by some American
authors. It is about the same size, but may easily be distinguished by
its lighter color, and by its much narrower and more numerous bands on
the inferior parts of the body. It is in all respects a distinct
species, as described by Wilson and by Temminck.
The young male of this bird may readily be mistaken for the young female
of the succeeding species, (_Accipiter Cooperi_,) but can be
distinguished by the different color and markings of the under parts of
the body. In some specimens of this species, the transverse bands on the
under parts are so irregular or broken, as to present a nearly uniformly
mottled aspect. This stage of plumage is represented in Audubon’s plate,
but is not the most common.
II. GENUS ACCIPITER. Brisson, Orn. I. 310. (1760.)
NISUS. Cuvier, Regne An. I. p. 321, (1817.) hieraspiza. Kaup Class. p.
116, (1844.)
General characters very similar to those of _Astur_, but the species are
generally more slender and much smaller. Wings short, with the fourth
quill usually slightly longest, shorter than in _Astur_; tail long;
tarsi rather long and slender, and frequently with the scales of the
tarsi nearly obsolete. Contains about twenty species of all countries,
many of which bear more or less resemblance to the _Accipiter nisus_ of
Europe.
1. Accipiter fuscus. (Gmelin.) The Sharp-shinned Hawk. The Chicken
Hawk.
Falco fuscus, and dubius. Gm., Syst. Nat. I. p. 280, 281. (1788.)
Accipiter striatus. Vieill, Ois. Am. Sept. I. p. 42, (1807.)
Falco velox, and Pennsylvanicus. Wilson Am. Orn. V. p. 116, and
VI. p. 13, (1812.)
Sparvius lineatus. Vieill. Ency. Meth. III. p. 1266. (1823.)
Nisus Malfini. Less. Traité I. p. 58. (1831.)
Accipiter fringilloides. Vig. Zool. Jour. III. p. 434.? (1827.)
Temm. Pl. col. 67. Vieill, Ois. d’Am. Sept. pl. 14. Wilson, Am. Orn.
V. pl. 45, fig. 1, VI. pl. 46, fig. 1. Aud. B. of Am. pl. 374, Oct.
ed. I. pl. 25.
Small, tail rather long, with the end nearly even; tarsi and toes
slender. Adult, entire upper parts dark brownish black tinged with
ashy, occiput mixed with white. Throat, and under tail-coverts, white,
the former with very fine lines of black on the shafts of the
feathers; other under parts, fine light rufous, deepest on the tibia,
and with transverse bands of white; shafts of the feathers with lines
of dark brown. Tail, ashy brown, tipped with white, and with about
four bands of brownish black. Quills, brownish black, with bands of a
darker shade, and of white on their inner webs; secondaries and
tertiaries, with large partially concealed white spots. Shafts of
quills tinged with reddish. Young. Entire upper parts umber brown,
tinged with ashy; neck behind mixed with white; greater wing-coverts
and shorter quills, with large white spots partially concealed. Under
parts white, with longitudinal stripes and circular spots of reddish
brown, changing into transverse bands on the flanks and tibiæ; under
tail-coverts, in many specimens, pure white.
Dimensions. Total length, female, 12 to 14 inches, wing 7½; to 8, tail
6½ to 7 inches; male, total length 10 to 11, wing 6 to 6½, tail 5 to
5½ inches.
Hab. Throughout North America. Hudson’s Bay, (Richardson,) Wisconsin,
(Hoy,) Texas, (Audubon,) California, (Heermann,) New Mexico, (M‘Call,)
Mexico, (Pease.) Spec. in Mus. Acad. Philada.
Obs. This little Hawk is one of the most common of the North American
species. It is very similar, when adult, to the _Accipiter nisus_ of
Europe, but the young differ, as is the case with nearly all our Hawks
which resemble birds of the old world. We have never seen a specimen of
_A. fuscus_ with the transverse bands on the under parts regular and
unbroken, as is commonly met with in the young female of _A. nisus_.
Though we regard the law of priority as of great importance, we have in
the case of this species continued Gmelin’s specific name _fuscus_,
(1788,) though it had been previously used by Fabricius, (1780; see
_Hierofalco sacer_ in this synopsis.) We know of no practical benefit,
however, that would now result from the alteration of this long
established name, especially as the _fuscus_ of Fabricius is a synonyme
itself. Any naturalist, however, being so moved, may call this bird
_Accipiter dubius_, if he chooses, and shall not be molested by us.
2. Accipiter Cooperii. (Bonaparte) Cooper’s Hawk.
Falco Cooperii. Bonap. Am. Orn. II. p. 1. (1828.)
Falco Stanleii. Aud. Orn. Biog. I. p. 186. (1831.)
Bonap. Am. Orn. pl. 1, fig. 1, young. Aud. B. of Am. pl. 36, 141, fig.
3; Oct. ed. I. pl. 24, adult and young.
Larger than the preceding; slender; wings short; tail rounded. Adult,
head above brownish black, mixed with white on the occiput; other
upper parts dark ashy brown, with the shafts of the feathers brownish
black; an obscure rufous collar on the neck behind. Throat and under
tail-coverts white, the former with lines of dark brown; other under
parts transversely barred with light rufous and white; tail, dark
cinereous, with four wide bands of brownish black, and tipped with
white; quills ashy brown, with darker bands, and white marks on their
inner webs. Young. Head and neck behind yellowish white tinged with
rufous, and with longitudinal oblong stripes of brown; other upper
parts light umber brown, with large partially concealed spots and bars
of white; upper tail-coverts tipped with white; under parts white,
with narrow longitudinal stripes of light brown; tail as in adult.
Dimensions. Female, total length 18 to 20 inches, wing 10 to 11, tail
8½; male, 16 to 17, wing 9½ to 10, tail 8 inches.
Hab. The entire territory of the United States. Chili, (Gay.)
Spec. in Mus. Acad. Philada.
Obs. Rather a difficult species to the ornithologist, on account of the
great variations in its colors, and in size also. It is, in fact,
unusual to find two alike in a dozen specimens. Very similar when adult
to _A. fuscus_, but much larger. The adults of both sexes are the same
in color. We have latterly suspected that the smaller specimens usually
considered as young males of this bird, are really the young of the
species next below, (_A. Mexicanus_.)
This bird is of frequent occurrence in the United States.
3. Accipiter Mexicanus. Swainson. The Mexican Black-capped Hawk.
Accipiter Mexicanus. Swains. Faun. Bor. Am. Birds p. 45, (1831,)
not figured.
Smaller than the preceding; tail long, rounded. Adult, head above
black; other upper parts dark brownish black, with a tinge of
cinereous, darkest on the back. Throat and under tail-coverts white;
other under parts fine light rufous, deepest on the tibiæ, and barred
and spotted with white nearly obsolete on the breast, sides and tibiæ,
the longitudinal dark lines on the shafts of the feathers,
(conspicuous in _A. Cooperii_,) barely discernible on the breast.
Quills, dark brown, edged exteriorly with ashy, and with bands of
darker brown and white on their inner webs; tail, dark cinereous,
tipped with white, and with four bands of brownish black, that near
the base of the tail obscure. Young, head and neck behind, and upper
part of the back, dark rufous, striped with brownish black; other
upper parts umber brown; under parts white, with longitudinal narrow
stripes of brown; wings and tail as in adult; upper tail-coverts
tipped with white. “Iris, carmine,” Dr. Gambel.
Dimensions. Total length, male, 15 inches, wing 9, tail 8 inches.
Hab. California (Dr. Gambel, Mr. Bell); Mexico (Mr. Pease); Eastern?
Spec. in Mus. Acad. Philada.
Obs. Similar for the greater part, to _A. Cooperii_, but smaller, and
with the tail and tarsi comparatively longer, and with the fine red of
the under parts more uniform, the white stripes being nearly obsolete.
Several specimens of both adults and young were brought in the fine
collection made in California by Mr. J. G. Bell, of New York, and it was
previously brought from the same country by Dr. Gambel, and from Mexico
by Mr. Pease.
III. SUB-FAMILY BUTEONINÆ. THE BUZZARDS.
Bill short, strong, upper mandible curved, and with its edges festooned;
wings long and broad; tail moderate, rather short; legs and feet
moderate; toes rather short. General form heavy; flight vigorous, and
capable of being long continued, but not so swift as in preceding
sub-families. This group comprises about twenty-five species of all
countries.
I. GENUS BUTEO. Cuvier, Reg. An., I. p. 323. (1817.)
PŒCILOPTERNIS. Kaup, Isis, 1847, p. 329.
Bill short, wide at base, edges of upper mandible festooned; nostrils
large, ovate; wings long, wide, fourth and fifth quills usually longest;
tail moderate, rather wide; tarsi rather long, and having transverse
scales before and behind, but laterally small circular scales; toes
moderate, rather short; claws strong. Comprises about twenty species,
inhabiting all countries.
1. Buteo borealis. (Gmelin.) The Red-tailed Hawk. The American
Buzzard.
Falco borealis, leverianus and jamaicensis. Gmelin, Syst. Nat., I.
p. 266. (1788.)
Falco aquilinus. Bartram, Trav., p. 290. (1791.)
Buteo ferruginicaudus. Vieill., Ois. d’Am. Sept., I. p. 32.
(1807.)
Accipiter ruficaudus. Vieill., Ois. d’Am. Sept., I. p. 43. (1807.)
Buteo fulvus and americanus. Vieill., Nouv. Dict., IV. pp. 472,
477. (1816.)
Vieill., Ois. d’Am. Sept., I. pl. 6, 14; Wils., Am. Orn., VI. pl. 52,
figs. 1, 2; Aud., B. of Am., pl. 51, oct. ed., I. pl. 7; Gosse, Ill.
B. of Jamaica, pl. 2; Lembeye, B. of Cuba, pl. 1. fig. 1.
Adult. Tail bright rufous, narrowly tipped with white, and having a
subterminal band of black. Entire upper parts dark umber-brown;
lighter, and with fulvous edgings, on the head and neck; scapulars,
with a generally concealed basal portion, white, with brown bands;
upper tail-coverts generally yellowish white, but frequently on their
inner webs of the same rufous as the tail, and with brown spots and
bands. Throat white, with brown longitudinal stripes; other
under-parts yellowish-white or fawn color, with many longitudinal
lines and spots of reddish-brown, tinged with fulvous, most numerous
on the breast, and an irregular band across the abdomen of oblong
longitudinal spots and narrow transverse bars; under tail-coverts and
tibiæ generally immaculate, but the latter frequently spotted, and
transversely barred with light rufous. Under surface of the tail
silvery white. Young. Tail, in many specimens, pale-brown, with
numerous bands of a deeper shade of the same color, and tipped with
white; upper tail-coverts white, banded more or less regularly with
dark-brown; other upper parts dark umber-brown, many feathers narrowly
edged with white and with partially concealed spots of white. Entire
under-parts white, sides of the breast with large oval spots of brown,
and a wide irregular band on the abdomen composed of similar spots of
the same color; tibiæ and under tail-coverts with irregular bands and
sagittate spots of brown.
Dimensions. _Female_—total length, 22 to 24 inches; wing, 15½ to 16;
tail, 8½ inches. _Male_—19½ to 21 inches; wing, 14; tail, 7½ to 8
inches.
Hab. Eastern North America; Fur-countries (Richardson); Wisconsin
(Hoy); Florida (Bartram); Jamaica (Gosse); Cuba (Lembeye).
Obs. One of the most common and easily recognized of the North American
species. It is diffused throughout the eastern portion of the continent,
but in the west appears to be replaced by the succeeding.
2. Buteo Swainsoni. Bonaparte, Comp. List, p. 3. (1838.) The Western
Buzzard.
Buteo montana. Nutt., Man. Orn., I. p. 112. (1840.)
“Buteo vulgaris.” Rich. and Sw., Faun. Bor. Am. Birds, p. 47.
“Falco buteo. Linn.” Aud., Orn. Biog., IV. p. 508.
Faun. Bor. Am. Birds, pl. 27; Aud., B. of Am., pl. 372, oct. ed., I.
pl. 6.
General form and appearance very similar to _B. borealis_, but rather
larger, and with the wings longer; neck and upper part of the breast
brown; tibiæ light rufous, with transverse bars of a deeper shade of
the same. Tail bright rufous, narrowly tipped with white, and with a
subterminal band of black; upper tail-coverts rufous and white; entire
other upper parts dark umber-brown, with partially concealed
ashy-white and pale fulvous bands and spots on the scapulars and
shorter quills. Lower breast white, tinged and with irregular
transverse bands of pale-rufous; abdomen with a broad irregular
transverse band composed of longitudinal lines and oblong spots of
brown, and tinged with rufous. This abdominal band nearly obsolete in
some specimens. Under tail-coverts yellowish-white; under surface of
the tail silvery-white, with a reddish shade.
Young. Upper parts dark-brown, edged and spotted with white tinged
with rufous; tail above ashy-brown, with dark-brown bands, and tipped
with white. Under parts white, on the sides and abdomen with large
oblong spots of brown; tibiæ and under tail-coverts white, with
transverse bars and large spots of brown.
Dimensions. _Female_—total length, 23 to 26 inches; wing, 16½ to 17;
tail, 9 to 10 inches. _Male_—smaller.
Hab. Northern and western regions—Rocky Mountains and Oregon (Dr.
Townsend); California (Mr. Bell); Wisconsin (Dr. Roy); Mexico (Rivoli
collection).
Obs. Nearly related to _B. borealis_, and much resembling it. We have
never seen, however, specimens of the latter with the brown space on the
neck and breast so extensive as in specimens of the present species
brought from California by Mr. Bell, nor with the transverse bars on the
abdomen, as is usual in this species, and as represented in the plate in
Fauna Boreali Americana. It is brought frequently in collections from
Western America; and the young may be _Buteo ventralis_. Gould.
3. Buteo lineatus. (Gmelin.) The Red-shouldered Hawk. The Winter
Falcon.
Falco lineatus and hyemalis. Gm., Syst. Nat., I. pp. 268, 274.
(1788.)
Falco buteoides. Nutt., Man., I. p. 100. (1st edition, 1832.)
Vieill., Ois. d’Am. Sept., pl. 5; Wils., Am. Orn., pl. 53, fig. 3;
Aud., B. of Am., pl. 56, 71, oct. ed., I. pl. 9; Nat. Hist. N. Y., pl.
6, fig. 13.
Smaller than the preceding. Adult. Wing-coverts, from its flexure to
the body, fine bright rufous; breast and other inferior parts paler
rufous; many feathers with narrow lines of black on their shafts, and
spotted and barred transversely with white; the latter color
predominating on the under tail-coverts. Entire upper-parts brown; on
the head and neck much mixed with rufous, and with white spots on the
wing-coverts and shorter quills and rump; quills brownish-black,
spotted with white on their outer webs, and with bars of a lighter
shade of the same color and of white on their inner webs; tail
brownish-black, with about five transverse bands of white, and tipped
with white. Younger. Under parts with large sagittate spots and wide
bars of rufous, tinged with brown. Young. Entire under-parts
yellowish-white, with longitudinal stripes and oblong spots of brown;
throat brown; upper parts brown, with partially concealed spots and
bars of white; quills dark-brown, with wide bars of rufous, and white
on both webs; tail brown, with many bands of pale brownish and
rufous-white; tail beneath silvery-white.
Dimensions. _Female_—total length, 22 to 24 inches; wing, 14; tail, 9
inches. _Male_—total length, 18 to 20 inches; wing, 11½ to 12; tail, 8
inches.
Hab. North America; Oregon (Townsend); California (Heermann);
Wisconsin (Hoy); South Carolina (Gibbes).
Obs. An abundant and rather difficult species to the student. The young
bird, which is _Falco hyemalis_ Gm., is the more usually met with, and
bears very little resemblance to the adult.
4. Buteo Bairdii. Hoy, Proc. Acad. Philada., VI. p. 451. (1853.)
Female. Rather smaller than _B. lineatus_; wings long and pointed;
third primary longest; tail moderate, rounded. Entire upper-parts dark
brown, with a purplish-bronze lustre, especially on the primaries;
plumage of the head and neck behind, and some feathers on the back,
edged and tipped with yellowish-white; upper tail-coverts
yellowish-white, with transverse bars of brown. Tail above
brownish-cinereous, and having about ten narrow bands of
brownish-black, and tipped with white. Under parts pale
yellowish-white, or fawn color, with a few sagittate spots of brown on
the sides, and a stripe of brown running downwards from the corner of
the mouth. Forehead white; under wing-coverts yellowish-white. Cere,
legs, and irides, yellow.
Younger? Upper parts very dark-brown, or nearly black, with purplish
lustre. Under parts with almost every feather having a large spot of
brownish-black, which color predominates on the breast, so as to
present a nearly uniform color with the upper parts; throat with
narrow stripes of the same color. Flanks and inferior wing-coverts
with circular and oval spots of white. Tibiæ dark-brown, with
transverse bars and circular and oval spots of reddish-white. Upper
tail-coverts reddish-white, with their outer edges brown, and with
transverse stripes of the same. Under tail-coverts yellowish-white,
with transverse stripes of brown. Forehead white; cheeks
yellowish-white. Stripes from the corners of the mouth wide and
conspicuous. Sex unknown.
Dimensions. _Female_—total length (of skin), 19½ inches; wing, 15;
tail, 8 inches, and about an inch longer than the folded wings.
Hab. Wisconsin. Spec. in Mus. Acad. Philada.
Obs. This is a well-marked species, especially in the stage of plumage
described above as probably the younger, in which the nearly uniformly
brownish-black breast and large spots of the same color on the other
under-parts, are striking characters. The first-described plumage
resembles that of _B. pennsylvanicus_. We have seen only the two
specimens now described, both of which are from the State of Wisconsin.
5. Buteo pennsylvanicus. (Wilson.) The Broad-winged Hawk.
Falco pennsylvanicus. Wils., Am. Orn., VI. p. 92. (1812.)
Falco latissimus. Wils., Am. Orn., VI. p. 92. (1812. Copies
printed later than those containing the preceding name.)
Sparvius platypterus. Vieill., Ency. Meth., III. p. 1273. (1823.)
Falco Wilsonii. Bonap., Jour. Acad. Philada., III. p. 348. (1824.)
Wils., Am. Orn., VI. pl. 54, fig. 1; Aud., B. of Am., pl. 91, oct. ed.
I. pl. 10; Nat. Hist. N. Y. Orn., pl. 5, fig. 11.
Smaller than either of the preceding. Adult. Entire upper-parts dark
umber-brown; feathers on the back of the neck white at their bases.
Throat white, with narrow longitudinal lines of brown, and with a
patch of brown on each side, running from the base of the lower
mandible; breast with a wide band composed of large cordate and
sagittate spots and transverse stripes of reddish-ferruginous tinged
with ashy; other under-parts white, with numerous sagittate spots
disposed to form transverse bands on the lower part of the breast,
flanks, abdomen, and tibiæ. In some specimens, in winter plumage, the
ferruginous color predominates on all the under parts, except the
under tail-coverts, and all the feathers have large circular spots on
each edge; under tail-coverts white. Tail dark-brown, narrowly tipped
with white, and with one broad band of white and several other
narrower bands nearer the base. Quills brownish-black, widely bordered
with pure white on their inner webs. Young. Plumage above umber-brown,
edged on the head and back of the neck with fulvous, and with many
feathers on other upper-parts edged with the same color and
ashy-white; upper tail-coverts spotted with pure white. Under-parts
white, generally tinged with yellowish, many feathers having oblong
and lanceolate longitudinal stripes and spots of brown; a stripe of
brown on each side of the neck from the base of the under mandible.
Tail brown, with several bands of a darker shade of the same and of
white on the inner webs of the feathers and narrowly tipped with
white.
Dimensions. _Female_—total length, 17 to 18 inches; wing, 11; tail, 6½
to 7 inches. _Male_—smaller.
Hab. Eastern North America; Florida (Abadie); Long Island (Giraud);
Wisconsin (Hoy). Spec. in Mus. Acad. Philada.
Obs. This handsome little species is of rather unusual occurrence in the
middle and southern States, though according to Dr. Hoy it is abundant
in Wisconsin. It is an easily recognized species, though presenting
considerable variations in color, according to age and season.
The names _Falco pennsylvanicus_ and _Falco latissimus_ occur in
different copies of the sixth volume of the original edition of Wilson
(1812), and the probability is that the latter was substituted by the
author, in the later printed copies, after he had noticed that he had
previously applied the name _pennsylvanicus_ to another species. Of the
last three volumes only second editions were published under the
editorship of Mr. Ord; the seventh and eighth in 1824, and the ninth in
1825. The statement in Hall’s edition, I. p. 92 (Philadelphia, 1828),
that the name _latissimus_ was given by Mr. Ord, is therefore incorrect.
That gentleman, now President of the Philadelphia Academy, and of whose
advice and instruction we have the great advantage and gratification,
informs us that he had nothing to do with either of the names to which
we here allude.
6. Buteo Harlani. (Aud.) Harlan’s Buzzard. The Black Warrior.
Falco Harlani. Audubon, Orn. Biog., I. p. 441. (1831. Plate pub.
1830)
“Buteo borealis.” Gray, Catalogue of Birds in British Museum,
Accipitres, p. 34.
Buteo albonotatus. Gray, Cat. Brit. Mus., Accipitres, p. 36; Kaup,
Isis, 1847, pp. 329, 369?
Aud., B. of Am., pl. 86, oct. ed. I. pl. 8.
“Head very large; neck short; body robust. Feet of ordinary length;
tarsus a little compressed, scutellate before and behind, reticularly
scaly on the sides; toes scutellate above, scaly on the sides,
tubercular and scabrous beneath; claws curved, roundish, very acute.
Plumage compact; feathers of the head and neck short and rounded;
tibial feathers elongated, and loose at the tips. Wings long; first
quill short, third and fifth equal; first primaries cut out on the
inner web towards the end. Tail longish, ample, of twelve broad,
rounded feathers. Bill light-blue, black towards the end; cere and
angles of the mouth yellowish-green. Iris light yellowish-brown. Feet
dull greenish yellow; claws black.
“The general color of the plumage is deep chocolate-brown; the
under-parts lighter, the feathers there being margined with
light-brown. Tail lighter than the back, and rather narrowly barred
with brownish-black, the tips brownish-red. Under wing-coverts
whitish, spotted with deep-brown. Length, 21 inches; extent of wings,
45; bill, along the back, 1½; along the gap, from the tip of the lower
mandible, 1½; tarsus, 1¾.” (Aud., as above.)
Adult? Brownish-black, with a purplish lustre; occipital feathers
white at base, and a few white feathers in front at the base of the
bill. Under wing-coverts black, with circular spots and irregular bars
of white. Quills white on their inner webs for about two-thirds of
their length, and transversely barred with pale ashy-brown. Tail above
brownish black, tinged with ashy, and with about six to eight bars of
black, the widest of which is next to the tip, which is white. Inner
webs of the tail-feathers, except the two in the middle, white,
mottled with ashy, and with the transverse bars conspicuous; tail
beneath ashy-white. Plumage of the back and entire under-parts of the
body white at base, and having concealed pairs of circular and oval
spots of white most obvious on the abdomen and under tail-coverts.
Bill and legs light-colored.
Dimensions. Total length (of skin), 20 inches; wing, 16½; tail, 9½
inches.
Hab. Louisiana (Audubon); Mexico? Spec. in Mus. Acad. Philada.
Obs. The only bird that we have ever seen which appeared to be this
species is that described above as probably the adult. It is one of two
or three species of black Buzzards which inhabit Mexico and Central
America, and we suspect it of being identical with _B. albonotatus_
(Gray, as above), though of that species there is no sufficient
description published.
7. Buteo insignatus. Cassin. _New species._ (March, 1854.) The Canada
Buzzard.
Form robust; wings rather long, third quill longest, secondaries
emarginate at their tips; quills unusually broad; tail rather short,
slightly rounded; tarsi feathered in front below the joint, naked
behind, and having in front about ten transverse scales. Under
wing-coverts and under tail-coverts white, the former striped
longitudinally with pale-ferruginous, and some of them transversely
with dark-brown, the latter with transverse stripes of pale
reddish-brown. Plumage of the tibiæ dark-ferruginous mixed with brown.
Throat and a few feathers in front white, with narrow lines of black.
Entire other plumage above and below dark-brown, nearly every feather
having a darker or nearly black line on its shaft. Quills above brown,
with a purple lustre, beneath pale-ashy, with their shafts white, and
irregularly barred with white near their bases. Tail above dark-brown,
with an ashy or hoary tinge, and having about ten obscure bands of a
darker shade of the same color, beneath nearly white, with conspicuous
bands of brown, the widest of which is next to the tip, which is
paler. Tarsi and feet yellow. Sex unknown.
Dimensions. Total length (of skin), 17 inches; wing, 14½; tail, 7½
inches.
Hab. Canada (Dr. M’Culloch). Spec. in Mus. Nat. Hist. Soc. of
Montreal, Canada.
Obs. Of this very remarkable little Buzzard one specimen only has come
under our notice, and is that above described. It belongs to the
collection of the Natural History Society of Montreal, by whom it was
most kindly sent to Philadelphia for examination at our request, through
the good offices of M. M’Culloch, M. D., a distinguished physician and
naturalist of that city.
In color, though a true _Buteo_, this bird differs from any known
American species, and more resembles in that respect some stages of the
young plumage of _Circus hudsonius_ or _C. æruginosus_. It was captured
in the vicinity of Montreal.
II. GENUS ARCHIBUTEO. Brehm, Isis, 1828, p. 1269.
TRIORCHIS. Kaup, Syst. Eur. Thier., p. 84. (1829.)
BUTAETES. Less., Traité, p. 83. (1831.)
General characters very similar to those of _Buteo_, but with the tarsus
densely feathered to the base of the toes, but more or less naked on the
hind part. Toes short; claws moderate; wings rather long. Contains about
six species, of both continents.
1. Archibuteo sancti-johannis. (Gmelin.) The Black Hawk. The
Rough-legged Buzzard.
Falco sancti-johannis and NOVÆ-TERRÆ. Gm., Syst. Nat., I. pp. 273,
274. (1788.)
Falco niger. Wils., Am. Orn., VI. p. 82. (1812.)
Buteo ater. Vieill., Nouv. Dict., IV. p. 482. (1816.)
Falco spadiceus. Gm., Syst. Nat., I. p. 273?
Wilson, Am. Orn., VI. pl. 53, figs. 1, 2; Faun. Bor. Am., Birds, pl.
28; Aud., B. of Am., pl. 422, oct. ed. I. pl. 11.
Large, and rather heavy; wings long; tarsi feathered, a narrow space
naked behind; toes naked, and rather short. Adult. Entire plumage
glossy black, in many specimens with a brown tinge; forehead, throat,
and a large space on the head behind, mixed with white. Tail with one
well-defined band of white, and irregularly marked towards the base
with the same color. Quills with their inner webs white, most readily
seen on the under-surface of the wing. Some specimens have several
well-defined bands of white in the tail. Others have the entire
plumage dark chocolate-brown, with the head more or less striped with
yellowish-white and reddish-yellow. Cere and legs yellow.
Younger. Upper-parts light umber-brown, with the feathers more or less
edged with yellowish-white and reddish-yellow; abdomen with a broad
transverse band of brownish-black; other under-parts pale
yellowish-white, longitudinally striped on the neck and breast with
brownish-black; wings and tail brown, tinged with cinereous; quills
for the greater part of their length white on their inner webs;
tail-feathers white at their bases. Plumage of the tibiæ and tarsi
pale reddish-yellow, spotted with brown. Other specimens have the
throat and breast with the black color predominating.
Young male? Entire upper-parts light ashy-brown, more or less mixed
with white, especially on the head and fulvous; under-parts yellowish
white and dark-brown, the latter assuming the form of longitudinal
stripes on the breast, and narrow transverse stripes on the abdomen;
tarsi and tibiæ dark-brown, striped with dull-white and reddish;
greater part of quills and tail white. Cere and legs yellow.
Dimensions. Total length, _female_, 22 to 24 inches; wing, 17 to 17½;
tail, 9 inches. _Male_—total length, about 20 to 21 inches; wing, 16
to 16½; tail, 8 to 8½ inches.
Hab. Entire North America; Oregon (Townsend). Spec. in Mus. Acad.
Philada.
Obs. This is one of the most abundant of the birds of this family, in
all the States on the Atlantic, and is one of the most variable in
plumage. Two stages of plumage—the adult black bird and the young, when
the wide abdominal band of black is well defined—are easily recognized;
but there are a variety of other plumages which are difficult to refer
to their proper age, sex, or season. Although the stage of plumage
described above as perhaps that of the young male (figured by Wilson,
pl. 53, fig. 2, and Aud., pl. 422, fig. 2) may be correct, we regard it
as by no means established, and in fact are inclined to suspect that
there are two distinct species confounded.
2. Archibuteo lagopus. (Gm.) The Rough-legged Buzzard.
Falco lagopus. Gmelin, Syst. Nat., I. p. 260. (1788.)
Wils., Am. Orn., IV. pl. 33, fig. 1; Aud., B. of Am., pl. 166; Gould,
B. of Eur., I. pl. 15.
Very similar in general form to the preceding. Above light
umber-brown; many feathers, especially of the head and neck behind,
edged with yellowish white and fulvous. A wide transverse band or belt
on the abdomen brownish-black; other under-parts yellowish-white, with
a few longitudinal lines and spots of brownish-black; quills
ashy-brown, with a large basal portion of their inner webs white; tail
at its base white, which is also the color of the greater part of the
inner webs of its feathers almost to the tip; terminal portion light
umber-brown; tip white. Plumage of the tibiæ and tarsi pale
reddish-yellow, striped longitudinally with brown.
Dimensions. _Female_—total length, 21 to 23 inches; wing, 16 to 17;
tail, 9 inches. _Male_—smaller.
Hab. All of North America; Europe; California (Mr. Bell); Wisconsin
(Dr. Hoy). Spec. in Mus. Acad. Philada.
Obs. The bird here inserted as identical with the European _Archibuteo
lagopus_ has been usually regarded, by late naturalists, as the young of
the species immediately preceding. Such may be the truth of the case,
and our only reason for giving it thus is, that after careful comparison
and examination of numerous specimens, we find it absolutely impossible
to distinguish it, by any character whatever, from the European bird.
Whether two birds can be exactly the same in all their characters, so
far as presented by specimens, and yet be distinct in species, is a
question that we are not prepared at present practically to decide. We
regard it as quite possible, however, that the present may be the young
of _A. sancti-johannis_. It is one of the most common species of its
family. Mr. Bell’s specimens from California are, so far as we can see,
exactly the same as the European bird, differing from eastern specimens
only in very unimportant characters.
3. Archibuteo ferrugineus. (Licht.) The Western Rough-legged Buzzard,
Buteo ferrugineus. Lichtenstein, Trans. Berlin Acad., 1838, p.
428.
Archibuteo regalis. Gray, Genera of Birds. I. pl. 6. (1849, plate
only.)
Larger than either of the two preceding. Bill wide at base; wings
long; tarsi feathered in front to the toes, naked and scaled behind.
Adult. Tibiæ and tarsi bright ferruginous, with transverse stripes of
black, irregular and indistinct on the latter. Entire upper-parts
striped longitudinally with dark-brown and light-rufous, the latter
color predominating on the rump and lesser wing-coverts. Quills
ashy-brown, lighter on their outer webs, and with the greater part of
their inner webs white; tail above reddish-white, mottled with
ashy-brown; tail beneath pure yellowish-white. Under-parts of the body
white, with narrow longitudinal lines and dashes on the breast of
reddish-brown and narrow irregular transverse lines of the same color,
and black on the abdomen; flanks and axillary feathers (under the
wing) fine bright-ferruginous.
Young. Entire upper-parts dark umber-brown, very slightly mixed with
fulvous; upper tail-coverts white, spotted with brown; entire
under-parts pure white, with a few narrow longitudinal lines and
dashes of brown on the breast, and arrow-heads of the same color on
the sides and abdomen, larger and more numerous on the flanks; tibiæ
white; tarsi dark-brown, mixed with white; under wing-coverts and
edges of wings white.
Dimensions. _Female_—total length, about 23 to 25 inches; wing, 17 to
17½; tail, 9 inches. _Young_—smaller.
Hab. California (Mr. E. M. Kern); Sacramento valley (Dr. Heermann).
Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada.
Obs. This is one of the handsomest of the American Falconidæ. It is also
one of the largest of the Buzzards, and easily distinguished from the
preceding species. Of the recent American travellers, Mr. E. M. Kern was
the first who brought home this fine species; since which adults, young
birds, and eggs, have been collected by Dr. Heermann. It is not rare in
California.
IV. SUB-FAMILY MILVINÆ. THE KITES.
Size various, usually medium or small. Bill short, weak, hooked, and
acute; wings and tail usually long; tarsi and feet slender, frequently
short. The birds of this sub-family habitually feed on reptiles and
other small animals, and are deficient in the strength and courage of
those of the other sub-families. About thirty-five species of all
countries belong to this group.
I. GENUS NAUCLERUS. Vigors, Zool. Jour., II. p. 386. (1825.)
CHELIDOPTERYX. Kaup, Class., p. 112. (1844.)
Bill short and weak; wings and tail very long, the former pointed, the
latter deeply forked. Tarsi very short; toes short. Contains not more
than three species, two of which are American, and the other African.
1. Nauclerus furcatus. (Linn.) The Swallow-tailed Hawk.
Falco furcatus. Linn., Syst. Nat., I. p. 129. (1766.)
Cat. Car, pl. 4; Buff., Pl. Enl., 72; Wilson, Am. Orn., VI., pl. 51,
fig. 3; Aud., B. of Am., pl. 72, oct. ed. I. pl. 18; Gould, B. of
Eur., 1. pl. 30; De Kay, Nat. Hist. N. Y., Birds, pl. 7, fig. 15.
Wings and tail long, the latter deeply forked. Head and neck, inferior
wing-coverts, secondary quills at their bases, and entire under-parts,
white. Back, wings, and tail, black, with a metallic lustre, purple on
the back and lesser wing-coverts, green and blue on other parts. Tarsi
and feet greenish-blue; bill horn color.
Dimensions. _Female_—total length, 23 to 25 inches; wing, 16 to 17½;
tail, 14 inches. _Male_—rather smaller.
Hab. Southern States on the Atlantic, and centrally northward to
Wisconsin; Texas (Mr. Audubon); South Carolina (Prof. Gibbes);
Wisconsin (Dr. Hoy); Pennsylvania (Mr. A. F. Darley); Jamaica (Mr.
Gosse). Accidental in Europe. Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada.
Obs. This very handsome Hawk is especially abundant in the Southern
States. It cannot readily be confounded with any other North American
species, though we have not been able to compare it with the _Elanoides
yetapa_, Vieill., of South America, with which it is either identical or
very similar.
II. GENUS ELANUS. Savigny, Nat. Hist. Egypt, I., 97. (1809.)
Bill short, compressed, hooked; wings long, pointed; tail moderate,
generally emarginate; tarsi short. Contains four species only, much
resembling each other; one of which is American, one African, and two
Australian.
1. Elanus leucurus. (Vieill.) The Black-shouldered Hawk. The
White-tailed Hawk.
Milvus leucurus. Vieill., Nouv. Dict., XX. p. 563. (1818.)
Falco dispar. Temm., Pl. Col., I. (Liv. 54, about 1824.)
“Falco melanopterus. Daud.” Bonap., Jour. Acad. Philada., V. p.
28.
“Falco dispar. Temm.” Aud., Orn. Biog., IV. p. 367.
Bonap., Am. Orn., II. pl. 11, fig. 1; Temm., Pl. col. 319; Aud., B. of
Am., pl. 352, oct. ed. I. pl. 16. Gay’s Chili Orn., pl. 2.
Head above, entire under-parts, and tail, white, the middle-feathers
of the latter usually tinged above with ashy, and the head posteriorly
tinged with the same color, which gradually shades into a fine
light-cinereous, which is the color of the upper-parts of the body,
quills, and greater wing-coverts. Lesser wing-coverts glossy black,
which forms a large oblong patch; inferior wing-coverts white, with a
smaller black patch. Bill dark; tarsi and feet yellow.
Dimensions. _Female_—total length, 15½ to 17 inches; wing, 12; tail,
7½ inches. _Male_—smaller.
Hab. Southern States; California (Dr. Heermann); South Carolina (Prof.
Gibbes); Chili (Lieut. Gillis). Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada.
Obs. An abundant species in the Southern and South-western States. It is
larger than the African _E. melanopterus_, with which it has been
confounded, but considerably resembling it and the Australian species in
form and general characters.
III. GENUS ICTINIA. Vieill., Analyse, p. 24. (1816.)
NERTUS. Boie, Isis, 1828, p. 314.
PŒCILOPTERYX. Kaup, Class., p. 112. (1844.)
Bill short, tip emarginated; wings long, pointed; tail rather short;
usually emarginated; tarsi short. Two American species constitute this
genus.
1. Ictinia mississippiensis. (Wilson.) The Mississippi Kite.
Falco mississippiensis. Wilson, Am. Orn., III. p. 80. (1811.)
Falco ophiophagus. Vieill., Nouv. Dict., XI. p. 103. (1817.)
“Ictinia plumbea. Gm.” Aud., Orn. Biog., II. p. 108.
Vieill., Gal., I. pl. 17; Wilson, Am. Orn., III. pl. 25, fig. 1; Aud.,
B. of Am. pl. 117, oct. ed. I. pl. 17.
Head, exposed ends of secondary quills, and entire under-parts,
light-cinereous, palest and nearly white on the tips of the
secondaries. Back, wing-coverts, and rump dark lead-color; primaries
and tail brownish-black, the latter with a tinge of bluish. Bill dark;
tarsi and feet lighter.
Dimensions. Total length, _female_, about 15 inches; wing, 11 to 11½;
tail, 6½ inches. _Male_—smaller.
Hab. Southern States; Texas (Mr. Audubon); South Carolina (Prof.
Gibbes). Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada.
Obs. This bird is quite different from the South American _I. plumbea_,
for which it has been mistaken by American naturalists; in fact, it is
so little like it, that a comparison of specimens of the two species
would render a suspicion of their identity quite impossible.
IV. GENUS ROSTRHAMUS. Lesson, Traité d’Orn., I. p. 55. (1831.)
Bill long, very slender, hooked, and sharp at the tip; wings long,
pointed; tail rather long, emarginate; tarsi and toes rather long; claws
very long, slender, acute. The present is the only species.
1. Rostrhamus sociabilis. (Vieill.) The Hooked-billed Hawk.
Herpetotheres sociabilis. Vieill., Nouv. Dict., XVIII. p. 318.
(1817.)
Cymindis leucopygius. Spix, Av. Bras., I. p. 7. (1824.)
Rostrhamus niger. Less., Traité, I. p. 56. (1831.)
“Falco hamatus. Illiger.” Lesson, as above.
Temm., Pl. col. I. 61, 231; Spix, Av. Bras., I. pl. 2; Guerin, Mag. de
Zool., 1834, pl. 20.
Adult. Tail at base, and under tail-coverts, white; all other parts
black. Naked space before the eye yellow, which is also the color of
the feet; bill and claws black. Tail usually tipped with
pale-cinereous. Younger. Throat and line over and behind the eye
yellowish-white; general plumage brownish-black, mixed with
yellowish-white on the under-parts of the body. Young. Forehead—stripe
behind the eye and throat reddish or ferruginous-white; upper-parts
brown, many feathers edged with pale-ferruginous; under-parts
yellowish, with longitudinal stripes of black; tail at tip and base,
and under tail-coverts, yellowish-white. Legs yellowish-green.
Dimensions. _Female_—total length (of skin), 16 inches; wing, 14;
tail, 7½ inches. _Male_—smaller.
Hab. Florida (Mr. Harris, Dr. Heermann). Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada.
Obs. This bird is remarkable for its slender and hooked bill, unlike
that of any other Falcon. It is well known as a South American bird, and
was first noticed in Florida by Mr. Edward Harris; subsequently by Dr.
Heermann. Both these gentlemen having obtained specimens of young birds,
it is probably a constant resident of that State.
V. GENUS CIRCUS. Lacepede, Mem. d’Inst., III. p. 506. (1803.)
STRIGICEPS. Bonap., Comp. List., p. 5. (1838.)
Size medium; head rather large; face partially encircled by a ring or
ruff of short projecting feathers (as in the Owls). Bill rather short,
compressed, curved from the base; nostrils large; wings long, pointed;
tail long, wide; tarsi long and slender, compressed; toes moderate;
claws long, rather slender. Embraces about fifteen species, of all parts
of the world.
1. Circus hudsonius. (Linn.) The Marsh Hawk. The Harrier.
Falco hudsonius. Linn., Syst. Nat., I. p. 128. (1766.)
Falco uliginosus. Gm., Syst. Nat., I. p. 278. (1788.)
Falco europogistus. Daudin, Traité, II. p. 110. (1800.)
“Falco uliginosus.” Wilson, Am. Orn., VI. p. 67.
“Falco cyaneus. Linn.” Aud., Orn. Biog., IV. p. 396.
Edw., Birds, VI. pl. 291; Vieill., Ois. d’Am., pl. 9; Wilson, Am.
Orn., VI. pl. 51, fig. 2; Bonap., Am. Orn., II. pl. 12; Aud., B. of
Am., pl. 356, oct. ed. I. pl. 26; Faun. Bor. Am., Birds, pl. 29; De
Kay, Nat. Hist. N. Y. Orn., pl. 3, figs. 6, 7.
Form slender; tarsi long; ruff very distinct on the neck in front.
Adult. Upper-parts, head, and breast, pale grayish-cinereous,
generally more or less tinged with fuscous, and on the back of the
head mixed with dark fulvous; upper tail-coverts white. Under-parts
white, usually with many small cordate or hastate spots of
light-ferruginous; quills brownish-black, with their outer webs tinged
with ashy, and a large portion of their inner webs white; tail
light-cinereous, nearly white on the inner webs of the feathers, and
with obscure bands of brown; under-surface white; inferior
wing-coverts white; secondaries tipped with dark-brown. Young. Entire
upper-parts dark umber-brown, mixed with fulvous, and white on the
occiput and neck behind; upper tail-coverts white. Tail reddish-brown,
with about three broad bands of dark-fulvous, paler on their inner
webs. Under-parts rufous, with stripes of brown on the breast and
sides; tarsi and feet yellow. In younger birds, on the under-parts the
brown stripes are more numerous.
Dimensions. _Female_—total length, 19½ to 21 inches; wing, 15½; tail,
10 inches. _Male_—total length, 16 to 18 inches; wing, about 14; tail
8½ to 9 inches.
Hab. All of North America; California (Col. M‘Call); Oregon (U. S. Ex.
Exp. Vincennes); Cuba (M. de Sagra, M. Lembeye). Spec. in Mus. Acad.,
Philada.
Obs. Resembles to some extent the _Circus cyaneus_ of Europe, but is
easily distinguished from it by its colors and rather larger size. The
adults and young of this species present great differences in color and
general appearance.
V. SUB-FAMILY AQUILINÆ. THE EAGLES.
Size usually large. Bill large, compressed, straight at base, curved and
acute at the tip; wings long, pointed; tail ample, generally rounded at
the end; tarsi moderate or rather long, strong; toes long, strong; claws
very strong, curved, acute. This sub-family includes about seventy
species, of all countries.
I. GENUS AQUILA. Mœhring, Av. Gen. p. 49. (1752.)
Large, bill large, strong, compressed, and hooked at the tip; wing long,
pointed, very strong; tarsi moderate, feathered to the base of the toes.
Tail rather long, rounded or wedge-shaped; toes and claws long; the
latter very sharp and curved. Contains about twenty species, which are
regarded as the true Eagles.
1. Aquila chrysaetos. (Linn.) The Golden Eagle. The ring-tailed Eagle.
Falco chrysaetos and fulvus. Linn., Syst. Nat., I. p. 125. (1766.)
Falco canadensis. Linn., Syst. Nat., I. p. 125. (1766.)
Aquila nobilis. Pallas, Zoog. Ross. As., I. p. 338. (1811.)
Falco niger. Gm., Syst. Nat., I. p. 259. (1788.)?
Edw., Birds, pl. 1; Brown, Ill., pl. 2; Buff. Pl. Enl. 409, 410; Wils.
Am. Orn., pl. 55, fig. 1; Aud. B. of Am., pl. 181; oct. ed. 1, pl. 12.
Very large; tarsi densely feathered to the toes. Adult. Head above and
behind and neck behind light-brownish fulvous, much varying in shade
in different specimens. Base of the tail pure white, which color
varies in extent in different specimens, but generally occupies the
greater part of the tail; remaining portion glossy black. All other
parts rich purplish-brown, very dark, and nearly black on the
under-surface. Primary quills shining black, secondaries
purplish-brown, with a violet tinge; tibia and tarsi brownish-fulvous,
tinged with ashy; toes yellow. Younger. Entire plumage mixed with
fulvous, and with the under-surface of the body paler.
Dimensions. _Female_—total length, 33 to 40 inches; wing, about 25;
tail, about 15 inches. _Male_—smaller.
Hab. Whole of North America; Oregon (Dr. Townsend). Spec. in Mus.
Acad., Philada.
Obs. We are not without doubts as to the specific identity of the
American and the European Golden Eagles. All the American specimens that
we have examined are smaller, the bill shorter, and the plumage much
darker than those of Europe. We have not at present, however, a
sufficient number of either continent, and it unfortunately happens that
nearly all our European specimens are young birds, while the American
are adults. Mr. Audubon’s plate represents this bird in nearly mature
plumage.
II. GENUS HALIAETUS. Savigny, Hist. Nat. d’Egypt, I. p. 85. (1809.)
Size large; tarsi short, naked, or feathered for a short distance below
the joint of the tibia and tarsi, and with the toes covered with scales.
Bill large, strong, compressed; margin of upper mandible slightly
festooned; wings rather long-pointed; tail moderate; toes rather long;
claws very strong, curved, sharp. This genus contains about ten species
of all parts of the world, all of which prey more or less on fishes, and
are known as Fishing or Sea Eagles.
1. Haliaetus pelagicus. (Pallas.) The Northern Sea Eagle.
Aquila pelagica. Pallas, Zoog. Rosso-Asiat., I. p. 343. (1811.)
“Aquila marina. Steller, MSS.” Pallas as above.
Falco imperator. Kittlitz., Kupf. Nat. Vog., pt. I. p. 3. (1832.)
Falco leucopterus. Temm., Pl. col. 1. p. (no page.)
Kittlitz Kupf., pl. 2; Temm., Pl. col. I., pl. 489. Cassin. B. of
California and Texas, I., pl. 6.
The largest of the Eagles. Wings rather shorter than usual in this
genus; tail wedge-shaped, and composed of fourteen feathers. Adult.
Large frontal space, greater wing-coverts, abdomen and tail white; all
other parts of the plumage dark brown or brownish-black; bill and legs
yellow. Younger. Tail white, more or less marked with brownish-black.
All other parts brownish-black, lighter on the head and neck. Quills
black, secondaries and tertiaries white at their bases; bill and feet
yellow.
Dimensions. _Female_—total length, 3 feet 8 inches; wing, 2 feet 2
in.; tail, 1 foot 4 inches.
Hab. Russian-American Islands (Pallas); Japan (Temminck & Schegel).
Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada.
Obs. This very large and powerful bird inhabits north-eastern Asia and
the islands between that continent and America, and probably other parts
of Russian-America. It is the largest of the Eagles, and appears to be
related to the species immediately succeeding.
2. Haliaetus Washingtonii. (Aud.) The Washington Eagle.
Falco Washingtonii. Aud. Orn. Biog., I. p. 58. (1831, plate pub.
1827)
Falco Washingtoniana. Aud. Louden’s Mag., I. p. 115. (April, 1828)
Aud. B. of Am. pl. 11; oct. ed. I., pl. 13.
Large, “bill shortish, very deep, compressed; feet rather short, with
the leg long; the tarsus short, rounded, anteriorly covered with
transversely-narrow sentella, posteriorly with small tuberculous
scales; feathers of the head, neck and breast narrow and pointed;
wings long, second quill longest; tail of ordinary length, rounded,
extending considerably beyond the tips of the wings, of twelve broad
acute feathers.”
“Bill bluish-black, the edges pale, the soft margin towards the
commissure, and the base of the under-mandible yellow; cere
yellowish-brown; lore light greenish-blue; iris chestnut-brown; feet
deep yellow; claws brownish-black; upper part of the head, hind neck,
back, scapulars, rump, tail-coverts and posterior tibial feathers
blackish-brown, glossed with a coppery tint; throat, fore-neck, breast
and belly light brownish-yellow, each feather marked along the centre
with blackish-brown; wing-coverts light grayish-brown, those next the
body becoming darker and approaching the color of the back; primary
quills dark-brown, deeper on their inner-webs; secondaries lighter,
and on their outer-webs of nearly the same tint as their coverts; tail
uniform dark-brown; anterior tibial feathers grayish-brown.”
Dimensions. “Length, 3 feet 7 inches; extent of wings, 10 feet 2
inches; bill, 3¼ inches along the back; along the gap which commences
directly under the eye to the tip of the lower mandible, 3¼ and 1¾
deep; length of wing when folded, 32 inches; length of tail, 15
inches; tarsus, 4½; middle toe, 4¾; hind claw, 2½ inches.” Audubon as
above.
Hab. Kentucky (Audubon); Western and Eastern? Spec. in Mus. Acad.,
Philada.?
Obs. The above description we regard as that of the young bird, and
consider the adult as yet unknown. No specimen precisely corresponding
to Mr. Audubon’s bird, has been obtained since its discovery, and it has
latterly been looked upon by Naturalists, especially in Europe, as an
unusually large specimen of the young white-headed Eagle. It is probably
a western species, and would be readily recognized by the transverse
scutellæ of the tarsi which are continued to the base of the toes.
3. Haliaetus albicilla. (Linn.) The Gray Sea Eagle. The European Sea
Eagle.
Vultur albicilla. Linn., Syst. Nat., I. p. 123. (1766.)
Falco ossifraga et melanaetos. Linn., Syst. Nat., I. p. 124.
(1766.)
Haliaetus grœnlandicus. Brehm, Vog. Deuts., I. p. 16. (1831.)
Buff., Pl. Enl., 112, 415; Selby, Ill. Brit. Orn., pl. 3; Gould, B. of
Eur., I. pl. 10.
Large, bill large, much hooked; wings long; tail moderate. Adult. Tail
white; head and neck pale yellowish-brown, in some specimens very
light; all other parts of the plumage dark umber-brown; quills nearly
black; bill, feet and irides yellow. Younger. Bill brownish-black;
irides brown; entire plumage dark-brown, with the tail mottled with
white, much varying in extent; throat paler, and in some specimens
nearly white.
Dimensions. _Female_—total length, about 3 feet to 40 inches; wing, 2
feet 3 inches; tail, 1 foot. _Male_—smaller.
Hab. Greenland (Fabricius, Holboll). Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada.
Obs. This Eagle, which is common in Europe, and breeds in cliffs on the
sea-shore, we give as an inhabitant of Greenland. We have to say,
however, that the only specimen from that country which we have ever
seen, and which is a young bird, presents considerable variations from
European specimens, and we consider it quite possible that Dr. Brehm is
right in giving it specific distinction. The young of this bird
resembles that of the succeeding species (_H. leucocephalus_), and the
most readily-detected difference is its larger size and longer tarsi.
The adults are, however, entirely dissimilar.
4. Haliaetus leucocephalus. (Linn.) The Bald Eagle. The White-headed
Eagle.
Falco leucocephalus. Linn., Syst. Nat., I. p. 124. (1766.)
Falco pygargus. Daud., Traité, II. p. 62. (1800.)
Falco ossifragus. Wilson, Am. Orn., VII. p. 16. (1813.)
Cat. Car., I. pl. 1; Buff., Pl. Enl., 411; Vieill., Ois. d’Am., Sept.,
I. pl. 3; Wils., Am. Orn., IV. pl. 36; VII. pl. 55; Aud., B. of Am.,
pl. 31, 126; oct. ed., I. pl. 14.
Large, but smaller than either of the preceding Eagles; bill large,
strong, much hooked and sharp; wings long; tail moderate; tarsi rather
short. Adult. Head, tail and its upper and under coverts white; entire
other plumage brownish-black, in some specimens with the edges of the
feathers paler; bill, feet and irides yellow. Younger. Entire plumage
dark brown; throat paler; abdomen frequently with fulvous edgings on
many feathers; bill brownish-black; iris brown; tail more or less
mottled with white, which color in a more advanced stage extends over
a large portion of the tail, especially on the inner webs of the
feathers.
Dimensions. _Female_—total length, about 3 feet; wing, about 23
inches; tail, about 14 inches. _Male_—smaller.
Hab. All of North America; Oregon (Townsend); Florida (Bartram);
Accidental in Europe. Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada.
Obs. This handsome bird, which has had the honor of being adopted as the
emblem of the United States, inhabits the whole of North America. It is
very easily recognized when adult, and the young is not readily mistaken
for that of any other American species except the immediately preceding.
III. GENUS PANDION. Savigny, Nat. Hist. Egypt, I. p. 95. (1809.)
Bill short, curved from the base, hooked, compressed; wings very long;
tarsi short, very thick and strong, and covered with small circular
scales; claws large, curved very sharp; tail moderate. Contains about
three or four species nearly allied, inhabiting various parts of the
world.
1. Pandion carolinensis. (Gen.) The Fish Hawk. The Osprey.
Falco carolinensis. Gm., Syst. Nat., I. 263. (1788.)
Aquila piscatrix. Vieill., Ois. d’Am. Sept., I. p. 29. (1807.)
Pandion americanus. Vieill., Gal., I. p. 33. (1825.)
Vieill., Ois. d’Am. Sept., I. pl. 4; Cat. Car., I. pl. 2; Wilson, Am.
Orn., V. pl. 37; Aud., B. of Am., pl. 81; oct. ed., I. pl. 15; Nat.
Hist. N. Y. Birds, pl. 8, fig. 18.
Legs, feet and claws very strong. Adult. Head and entire under-parts
white; wide stripe through the eye downwards, longitudinal stripe on
the top of the head and occiput and entire upper parts of the body,
wings and tail, deep umber-brown, generally with the feathers more or
less edged with lighter brown; tail with about eight bands of
blackish-brown, and with the greater parts of the inner-webs of its
feathers white; breast with numerous cordate and circular spots of
pale yellowish-brown; bill and claws bluish-black; tarsi and toes
greenish-yellow. Young. Similar to the adult, but with the upper
plumage edged and tipped with pale-brownish, nearly white.
Dimensions. _Female_—total length (of skin), about 25 inches; wing,
21½; tail, 10½ inches. _Male_—smaller.
Hab. Throughout North America; Texas (Woodhouse); Oregon (U. S. Ex.
Exp. Vincennes). Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada.
Obs. The American Osprey is very similar to that of the old continent
(_P. haliaetus_), and specimens from Western America even more
intimately resemble it. It is, however, larger, and retains in all the
specimens that we have seen, differently-formed spots on the breast,
being heart-shaped and circular, instead of narrow and lanceolate, as in
the. European species. The Fish Hawk is abundant on the sea-coasts of
the United States, and is one of the few rapacious birds of this country
which are not molested.
IV. GENUS POLYBORUS. Vieillot, Analyse, p. 22. (1816.)
CARACARA. Cuvur. Reg. An., p. 316. (1817.)
Size smaller than the preceding; bill long, compressed, wide laterally;
cere large; wings long, pointed; tail moderate, or rather long; tarsi
long, rather slender, covered in front with large hexagonal and
irregular scales, and laterally and horizontally with smaller; claws
long, slightly curved, rather weak; space in front of and below the eye
naked. Two species only form this genus, both of which are abundant
birds of South and Central America.
1. Polyborus tharus. (Molina.) The Caracara Eagle. The Mexican Eagle.
Falco tharus. Molina, Sagg. Stor. Nat. del Chili. (1782.)
Falco cheriway. Jacquin, Beytr. Gesch. der Vogel, p. 17. (1784.)
Falco brasiliensis. Gmelin, Syst. Nat., I. p. 262. (1788.)
Falco plancus. Miller, Cimelia Physica.
Polyborus vulgaris. Vieill., Nouv. Dict., V. p. 257. (1816.)
Jacq. Vog., pl. 4; Miller & Shaw, Cim. Phys., 2d ed., pl. 17; Vieill.,
Gal., I. pl. 7; Spix., B. of Bras., I. pl. 1, _a_; Aud., B. of Am.,
pl. 161; oct. ed., I. pl. 4; Swains. Zool. Ill., I. pl. 2; Gay’s Chili
Orn., pl. 1.
Legs long; occipital feathers somewhat elongated. Adult. Head above,
back, rump, wings, broad abdominal belt and tibiæ brownish-black; neck
before and behind, sides of the head behind the eye, breast, upper and
under tail-coverts yellowish-white; on the breast and neck behind
finely barred transversely with black; tail for about two-thirds of
its length white, with numerous narrow bars of black, and widely
tipped with black; bill at base bluish; tip yellowish-white; tarsi and
toes yellow. Younger. Head above dark-brown; other upper parts
pale-brown, with paler edgings to many feathers; under-parts
dark-brown, nearly all the feathers having longitudinal central
stripes of dull white; throat yellowish-white; tail for the greater
part and its coverts above and below white, with numerous transverse
bands of pale ashy-brown, and tipped with brownish-black.
Dimensions. _Female_—total length (of skin), about 26 inches; wing,
17; tail, 10 inches. _Male_—larger?
Hab. Southern North America; Florida (Audubon); Texas; Mexico
(McCall). Abundant in South America. Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada.
Obs. The Caracara Eagle has been observed in Florida, and is an
inhabitant also of Texas and Mexico. It walks on the ground with
facility, and otherwise resembles the Vultures in its habits; and, like
them, lives on dead animals for the greater part. The original edition
of Molina, in which a scientific name is given to this bird for the
first time since the adoption of the binomial nomenclature, we have not
seen; but in his second edition, Preface, p. 1 (Bologna, 1810), it is
stated to have been published in 1782. His name undoubtedly has
priority.
We are inclined to the opinion that this bird, and several more or less
nearly allied species of South America, belong properly to the family of
Vultures;—of all the habits of which they partake. This opinion is
supported somewhat by Molina’s statement, that of the present species
the female is the smaller (2d ed., p. 221), as Humboldt and others have
observed of the Condor, and as appears to be the case in the family of
Vultures, but not in that of the Falcons.
V. GENUS MORPHNUS. Cuvier, Regne. Animal, I. p. 317. (1817.)
URUBITINGA. Less., Rev. Zool., 1839, p. 132.
SPIZOGERANUS. Kaup, Class., p. 120. (1844.)
Size medium; bill rather long, abruptly curved at the tip, which is
acute; edges of upper mandible festooned; wings and tail long; legs
long; tarsi and toes strong, the former with wide transverse scales in
front; claws strong. A genus of American species, inhabiting the
southern portion of the continent.
1. Morphnus unicinctus. (Temm.) Harris’ Buzzard.
Falco unicinctus. Temm., Pl. col., I. p. (no page—livraison 53,
about 1827.)
“Falco anthracinus. Licht.” Gray, Genera, I. p. 27.
Buteo Harrisii. Aud., Orn. Biog., V. p. 30. (1839.)
Polyborus tæniurus. Tschudy, Wiegm. Archiv., X. p. 263. (1844.)
Temm., Pl. col., 313; Aud., B. of Am., pl. 392: oct. ed., I. pl. 5;
Tschudy, Fauna Peruana Orn., pl. 1.
Legs long, and with the feet robust; wings rather short; tail long.
Adult. Shoulders, wing-coverts and tibia chestnut-red or bay; other
parts very dark umber-brown; upper and under tail-coverts white; tail
white at its base, and tipped with white; middle portion presenting
the appearance of a very wide band, dark brownish-black, with a
reddish or violet tinge. Younger. Upper-parts umber-brown, much mixed
with fulvous; shoulders chestnut-red, with dark-brown spots; quills
dark-brown; secondaries tipped with yellowish-white; entire
under-parts yellowish-white, many feathers on the breast, sides and
abdomen, with large oblong and circular spots of brown; tibiæ
yellowish-white, with transverse irregular lines of light
brownish-red; upper and under tail-coverts white; tail brown, with
many bands of a deeper shade of the same color, and with the
inner-webs yellowish and reddish-white, and having many narrow bands
of dark-brown; base and tip of the tail yellowish-white.
Dimensions. _Female_—total length, 22 to 24 inches; wing, 15; tail, 10
inches. _Young male_—total length, 20 inches; wing, 13; tail, 9½
inches.
Hab. Southern States; Mexico, abundant; Texas, frequent (Col. McCall);
Mississippi, rare (Dr. Jenkins); Peru; Chili (Lieut. Gilliss); Chili,
abundant (Gay, Fauna Chilena). Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada.
Obs. Col. McCall, who has seen this bird in large numbers in Texas,
represents it as habitually frequenting the ground in the vicinity of
water, and especially abundant on both sides of the Rio Grande. It is
slow and heavy in flight, and a dull, sluggish bird in all its habits,
partaking in these respects of the general characters of the Vultures.
The affinities of this species we regard at present as uncertain, and
arrange it provisionally only in the present genus and sub-family, but
by no means agreeing in our views with late European ornithologists.
The foregoing are all the birds of this family which can be regarded as
well-established species inhabiting that portion of North America,
within our prescribed limits.
Respecting their history, one of the most important questions to the
naturalist is, the change of plumage from young to mature age, and
another change which takes place in assuming their spring or summer and
their winter liveries. The latter change is by no means well understood
in many species, and to ascertain it completely in any one would yet be
an interesting contribution to its history.
A few species are known only as of exceedingly rare occurrence in the
United States, but the larger number are sufficiently numerous to be
investigated without difficulty. Of the former, the Washington Eagle
(_Haliaetus Washingtonii_), Harlan’s Buzzard (_Buteo Harlani_), the
Black Hawk, the Rough-legged Hawk (_Archibuteo sancti-johannis_ and
_lagopus_,) and nearly all the Western species, may be regarded as
particularly requiring further research.
In the winter season, various species resort to the sea-coast, and
others to the margins of bays and rivers in considerable numbers. In the
vicinity of the cities these have, however, greatly diminished since the
introduction of steamboats and railroads. Steam-engines, and especially
locomotives, are innovations for which the Eagles and Hawks evidently
have no fancy. To the markets appropriated to the accommodation of
farmers and traders from the rural districts in all the cities on the
Atlantic seaboard, specimens are frequently brought for sale, a demand,
reliable to some extent, having arisen from collectors and amateurs.
Occasionally an immense multitude of Hawks soaring high in the air, and
in company, has been observed. This curious phenomenon has been seen by
our friends, Professor Baird, of the Smithsonian Institution, Washington
city; Dr. Hoy, of Racine, Wisconsin; and by ourselves. It occurs in
autumn, and is probably incidental to migration; but its exact character
and object is unknown, and involves an interesting inquiry. It is
necessarily temporary, as the procuring of suitable food by such a large
number of rapacious birds would be impossible.
In the western and northern regions of North America, the birds of this
family are particularly worthy of the attention of the traveller and
naturalist, and would undoubtedly well repay him in the discovery of
unknown species. This is the case also in the States of Florida and
Texas, to the latter of which, very probably, some of the many Mexican
species are visitors, that have not yet been noticed.
In Oregon and Russian-America, there are also very probably species
which have not been recognized as inhabitants of this continent, though
well known as birds of Northern Asia, and others entirely unknown to
naturalists.
B.
Doubtful and obscure species which have been described as inhabiting
North America.
1. Falco americanus. Gm., Syst. Nat., I. p. 257. (1788.) The
Black-cheeked Eagle. Pennant, Arctic Zoology, I. p. 227.
“With a dusky and blue-bill; yellow cere; head, neck and breast of a
deep ash-color, each cheek marked with a broad black bar passing from
the corner of the mouth beyond the eyes; back, belly, wings, and tail,
black; legs yellow; feathered below the knees. Is about the size of
the last (the Golden Eagle) North America,” (Pennant, as above.)
Of this bird, Gmelin gives a short abstract of Pennant’s description,
and applies a scientific name. Naturalists relying solely on that
abstract, have erroneously considered the species meant as the Golden
Eagle (_A. chrysaetus_), and the name _Falco americanus_ has accordingly
been usually quoted as a synonyme. Though “feathered below the knees” is
somewhat indefinite, yet, taken in connexion with “legs yellow,” it is
clear that this cannot be the Golden Eagle, which has the tarsus densely
feathered. There is no North American species known to which the
original description applies.
2. Falco candidus. Gm., Syst. Nat., I. p. 258. (1788.) The Louisiana
White Eagle. Lath., Syn., I. p. 36. Du Pratz, Hist. Louisiane,
II. p. 109.
Falco conciliator. Shaw, Gen. Zool. Aves., VII. p. 77. (1809.)
White; tips of the wings black. Smaller than the Golden Eagle.
This bird is represented by Du Pratz as held in high estimation by the
aborigines of Louisiana, who used its feathers for ornamenting the
calumet or symbol of peace. It may have been an albino of a known
species, or distinct and now unknown. The description applies to a
beautiful Mexican species, _Buteo Ghiesbrectii_ (Dubus), which is about
the size of the Red-tailed Hawk (_B. borealis_), and should it ever be
observed in Louisiana, the question may be considered as settled.
3. Falco variegatus. Gm., Syst. Nat., I. p. 267. (1788.) The Speckled
Buzzard. Lath., Syn., I. p. 97.
“Length more than 12 inches; in shape like our common buzzard. The
bill is dusky; the whole head and neck as far as the shoulders
whitish; the shaft of each feather blotched irregularly with
rusty-brown; back and wing-coverts brown, several of the feathers,
especially on the wing-coverts, are spotted with white; tail dark
brown, crossed with several bars; but these are nearly obsolete,
appearing on close inspection; the quills are very dark, almost black;
the under parts from the breast are white; down the shaft of each
feather is a blotch of brown; these marks spread out larger and
broader as they proceed downwards to the belly; thighs pretty much the
same; vent plain white; legs yellow; claws black. A fine specimen of
this bird is in the Leverian Museum, which came from North America.”
(Latham, as above.)
Generally cited as a synonyme for the Marsh Hawk, _Circus hudsonius_,
with, as we think, but a small degree of propriety. It appears to us to
be the young of either _Buteo pennsylvanicus_ or _Accipiter cooperii_,
or an unknown bird.
4. Falco albidus. Gm., Syst. Nat., I. p. 267. (1788.) The Buzzardet.
Penn., Arct. Zool., I. p. 245.
“With dusky bill; head, cheeks, neck, breast and belly white, marked
with large brown spots more sparingly dispersed over the breast and
belly; lesser coverts brown; the others colored like the head;
primaries dusky; thighs white, with small sagittal spots of brown;
tail dusky, barred and tipped with white; legs yellow. Length, 15
inches. It has much the habit of the Buzzard, but the legs in
proportion are rather longer. In the Leverian Museum. Except in the
almost uniform color of the tail, Mr. Latham’s species, p. 97, No. 83,
agrees with this (which is the preceding _F. variegatus_). North
America.” (Pennant, as above.)
Probably the same as the preceding.
5. Falco obsoletus. Gm., Syst. Nat., I. p. 268. (1788.) The plain
Falcon. Penn., Arct. Zool., I. p. 242.
“Bill black; head dusky; nape spotted with white; back and coverts of
the wings and tail of an uniform deep brown; under-side of the neck,
breast, belly and thighs deep brown, slightly spotted with white;
primaries dusky; inner webs marked with great oval spots of white,
mottled with brown; middle feathers of the tail plain brown; inner
webs of the rest mottled with white; exterior webs and ends slightly
edged with the same; legs strong; wing reaches near the length of the
tail. Length, from bill to tail, 2 feet 1 inch. Inhabits Hudson’s
Bay.” (Pennant, as above.)
We are acquainted with no bird to which this description and measurement
apply.
6. Falco spadiceus. Gm., Syst. Nat., I. p. 273. (1788.) The
Chocolate-colored Falcon. Penn., Arctic Zool., I. p. 234, pl.
9.
“With a short and black bill, and yellow cere. The whole plumage of a
deep bay or chocolate color, in parts tinged with ferruginous;
primaries black; the lower exterior sides of a pure white, forming a
conspicuous spot or speculum; the wings reach to the end of the tail;
the exterior sides of the five outermost feathers of the tail dusky;
their inner sides blotched with black and white; the two middle black
and cinereous; the legs _and toes_ feathered, the last remarkably
short. Length, 1 foot 10 inches. Inhabits Hudson’s Bay and
Newfoundland. Preys much on ducks. Sits on a rock and watches their
rising, when it instantly strikes at them.” (Pennant, as above.)
Regarded by authors as a synonyme for the Black Hawk (_Archibuteo
sancti-johannis_), but the description suits better the Ferruginous
Buzzard (_A. ferrugineus_). Neither of these has, however, the _toes_
feathered, nor otherwise entirely agrees with the description. It may be
an unknown species.
7. Falco obscurus. Gm., Syst. Nat., I. p. 281. (1788.) The Dusky
Falcon. Penn., Arct. Zool., I. p. 248.
“With a bluish bill; upper mandible armed with a sharp process; yellow
cere; head, neck and coverts of the wings and tail dusky brown,
slightly edged with ferruginous; hind part of the neck spotted with
white; primaries dusky; inner webs marked with oval spots of a pale
rust color; tail short, tipped with white, and barred with four broad
dusky _strokes_, and the same number of narrow ones of white; the hind
part of the head spotted with white; from the chin to the tail
whitish, streaked downwards with distinct lines of black; legs deep
yellow. Inferior in size to the last (_F. dubius_ or _fusca_).
Inhabits the province of New York.” (Pennant, as above.)
Cited by authors as a synonyme for the sharp-skinned Hawk (_Accipiter
fuscus_), which seems to be erroneous, though correct enough if
reference only be made to Gmelin’s compilation of Pennant’s description.
The latter, as quoted above, and which is the original, appears to apply
to _Falco columbarius_ (Linn.), but not with sufficient accuracy to be
without doubt, and we know of no bird at present inhabiting “the
province of New York” that it entirely suits.
8. Aquila maculosa. Vieill., Ois d’Am. Sept., I. p. 28, pl. 3 bis.
(1807.)
Upper part of the head, nape, neck, and mantle, black; eyebrow white,
bordered by a black line from the eye; space between the bill and eye
and cere blue, the former with scattered hairs; iris yellow; throat
and breast white, every feather with a longitudinal central stripe of
black; abdomen black, many feathers having circular spots of white;
tibia and under tail-coverts ferruginous, with central spots of
brownish; rump and upper tail-coverts white, with transverse stripes
of black; quills and tail leaden gray above, light bluish-gray
beneath; feet orange; claws blackish. Total length, about 25 inches;
wing, 16; tail, 10 inches.
An excellent figure of this bird is given by Vieillot, as above, but
which represents no species with which we are acquainted. In general
appearance it resembles _Phalcobænus carunculatus_, Des Murs (Rev. et
Mag. de Zool., April, 1853, p. 154), a South American species, of which
specimens are in the collection of the Philadelphia Academy. Though
given by Vieillot as a bird of North America (as above, and in Nouv.
Dict., XXXII. p. 56), we suspect that he was mistaken.
9. Sparvius ardosiaceus. Vieill., Ency. Meth., III. p. 1274. (1823).
Body above, bluish slate color; beneath, ferruginous, with transverse
white bands; chin white; bill bluish-black; feet orange; cere and
edges of the mouth dull green; quills and tail brownish-black;
eyebrows dull white; tail slightly forked. North America.
Possibly _Accipiter fuscus_, but we regard it as quite remarkable that
Vieillot, at so late a date, should have again described that species,
being undoubtedly well acquainted with North American birds. We
recollect no bird which exactly suits this description.
10. Falco Bachmanii. Aud., Orn. Biog., V. p. 334. (1839, the date on
the title-page of this volume is erroneously printed 1849.)
“I have several times seen in South Carolina a Hawk flying, equal in
size to _Falco lineatus_, and remarkable for the great breadth of its
wings. It was of a uniform brown color, excepting the tail, which was
barred with white. The same bird has also been repeatedly observed by
my friend, Dr. Bachman, who feels assured of its being distinct from
any other Hawk hitherto found in North America.” (Audubon, as above.)
This is the entire and only description published and the species
alluded to has never been identified, to our knowledge.
11. Milvus leucomelas. Rafinesque, Annals of Nature, part I. p. 4.
(1820.)
“White, unspotted; top of head and part of the back, wings, tail, and
bill, black; feet yellow. It is found in West Kentucky and Illinois;
it feeds on fishes, and is therefore called Fishing Hawk. Size small,
tail quite forked.” (Raf., as above.)
This is a puzzler. If any such bird exists, it has escaped late
researches, though we very much suspect that Rafinesque ventured a
description on reports, rather oddly confounding the Forked-tailed Hawk
(_Nauclerus_) and the Osprey, or Fish Hawk (_Pandion_).
12. Aquila dicronyx. Rafinesque, Atlantic Journal, p. 63. (1832.)
The specimen described under this name was the same that is alluded to
by Mr. Audubon in his article on the White-headed Eagle, in Orn. Biog.,
II. p. 163, as being kept in captivity in the suburbs of Philadelphia,
and this description and its author he also alludes to. We mention this
bird for the purpose of facilitating the student who may not have access
to the works of Rafinesque, and for the purpose of pointing out a
curious error into which Mr. Audubon and Dr. Harlan, as quoted by him,
seem to have fallen, in regarding it as the White-headed or Bald Eagle
(_Haliaetus leucocephalus_). It is expressly stated by Rafinesque to
have been brought from “near Buenos Ayres,” and was evidently, from his
description, the _Circaetus coronatus_ of South America. This name is
therefore by no means to be cited as a synonyme for _Haliaetus
leucocephalus_.
13. Falco doliatus. Shaw, Gen. Zool., Aves., VII. p. 77. (1809.)
“Length ten inches; bill violet; cere, irides, and legs, yellow; tail
marked with whitish bars more apparent beneath than above; under
tail-coverts and flanks brown, with two or three round white spots on
each side of the shaft; thighs ferruginous, with black shafts.
Inhabits Carolina, observed by Bosc.” (Shaw, as above.)
Probably the young of either _Hypotriorchis columbarius_ or _Accipiter
fuscus_, but quite impossible to identify from such a meagre
description.
14. Falco glaucus. Bartram, Travels, p. 290. (1791.) Barton, Fragments
of the Nat. Hist. of Penna., p. 11. (1799.)
“The sharp-winged hawk, of a pale sky-blue color, the top of the wings
black.” (Bartram, as above.)
This insufficient description has been supposed to be intended for the
adult of the Marsh Hawk (_Circus hudsonius_), but Barton (as above)
applies it to the _Nauclerus furcatus_. It is probably one or the other.
15. Falco subceruleus. Bartram, Travels, p. 290. (1791.)
“The sharp-winged hawk, of a dark or dusky blue color.” (Bartram, as
above.)
Impossible to identify, from its brevity. It may be either the
Mississippi Kite (_Ictinia mississippiensis_), the Fork-tailed Hawk
(_Nauclerus furcatus_), or the adult Marsh Hawk (_Circus hudsonius_).
16. The following names have been given without descriptions, by the
authors cited:—
Falco regalis. The great Gray Eagle. Bartram, Trav., p. 290.
Barton, Frag. Nat. Hist. Penna., p. 11.
Falco gallinarius. The Hen Hawk. Bartr. Trav., p. 290.
Falco pullarius. The Chicken Hawk. Bartr. Trav., p. 290.
Falco ranivorus. The Marsh Hawk. Bartr. Trav., p. 290.
Falco piscatorius. The Fishing Eagle. Bartram, Trav., p. 290.
Barton, Frag. Nat. Hist. Penna., p. 2, 17.
Falco cæsius. The Blue Hawk. Ord., Zool. N. A., in Guthrie’s Geog,
I. p. 315.
The above embrace all the names and descriptions of birds of this family
that have come under our notice, except those of such as are now well
ascertained to inhabit other countries exclusively, and for which nearly
allied species of North America have been mistaken. Of the latter we may
more particularly mention the European _Falco rusticolus_ (Linn.), which
is given by Fabricius as a bird of Greenland, but stated by Holboll to
have been the young of _F. anatum_, and _Buteo vulgaris_ and
_Hypotriorchis æsalon_, both of which are also European species, and
have never been found in America to our knowledge, though there are
species which are nearly related to them.
The student may advantageously bear in mind that of those above, which
were originally described by Pennant, in English, abstracts or
compilations only, in Latin, are given by Gmelin in his edition of the
Systema Natura of Linnæus. These abstracts are mostly very short, and
not always to be relied on as conveying strictly the sense of the
originals. Nor are they at all improved by Turton in his edition of
Linnæus, in which, so far as relates to these species, he merely
retranslates into English the Latin text of Gmelin without reference to
Pennant. In the study of the obscure species alluded to, the original
descriptions only can be consulted without risk of error.
[Illustration: Plate 16
The American Lanier
Falco polyagrus (_Cassin_)]
FALCO POLYAGRUS.—Cassin.
The American Lanier Falcon.
PLATE XVI.—Male and Female.
The researches of late naturalists have tended to demonstrate that the
animals of Western North America have a more intimate relationship with
those of Asia and the old world generally than those of the Eastern
portion of this continent. Nor is this affinity restricted, apparently,
to any one class, or to such as might have migrated, but is found to
exist in a greater or less degree in classes of animals, as that of
reptiles, possessing powers of locomotion too limited to admit of such
supposition. When, too, we have had our attention directed to the family
of Sparrows and Finches, to the beautiful Jays and Magpies, or the
various species of Grouse, Partridges, and many other families, we have
been almost persuaded to entertain the opinion that the birds of Western
America are of a higher grade of organization than those of the Atlantic
States. Whether such is the case in other classes of animals, we are not
prepared to say, but, if true, it is singularly accordant with the fact
that, of the aboriginal American races of men, the West has produced the
superior. And it is remarkable, too, that there are Western tribes which
very intimately resemble the Mongolian variety of the human race, if
they do not really belong to it; thus connecting themselves with the
Chinese and Japanese, and other nations of Northern Asia.
The remarkable Falcon which we now have the pleasure of introducing to
the reader, is one of the species that show close affinity to an Asiatic
congener. It is so much like a common Falcon of India, a bird much used
for the purposes of falconry, and known by the name of the _Jugger_, in
the valley of the Indus and other parts of India (_Falco jugger._ Gray,
Ill. of Indian Zoology, II. pl. 26, and Jerdon, Ill. Indian Orn., pl.
44), that it can scarcely be distinguished from it by any character,
except size. It is in fact one of the most remarkable instances of close
proximity to an Asiatic relative to be found in American birds. It is
larger than the Indian _Jugger_, and more powerful and robustly
organized.
Though trained for the chase, the Asiatic bird alluded to is not held in
as high estimation as several others; the greatest favorites being the
Peregrine Falcon (_Falco peregrinus_), nearly related to the Duck Hawk
of the Atlantic coast of America (_F. anatum_), and the Indian Goshawk
(_Astur palumbarius_), which is also a relative of an American species.
Falconry, though now little cultivated in Europe, is yet a much-pursued
and favorite pastime in several countries of the East. In addition to
the Hawks just mentioned, several others, a few of which are more or
less nearly related to species of this country, are employed. Some of
the smaller Hawks of India are so easily trained that they are set free
at the close of a hunting season, the Falconer not considering them of
sufficient value to induce him to keep them until another.
The home of the bird now before us, appears to be the mountainous
regions of Oregon and California, from which it descends in the winter
season to the lower districts, in the valleys of the rivers, and on the
shores of the Pacific. In the former country, near the sources of the
Platte river, the first specimen that we ever saw, was obtained by the
late Dr. John K. Townsend during his trip across the continent in the
year 1834, and in whose collection, now belonging to the Philadelphia
Academy, it yet remains. Since that period it has been observed in the
Rocky Mountains and on the Columbia river, by the naturalists attached
to the United States Exploring Expedition, in the Vincennes and Peacock.
In the fine zoological collection made by this expedition, is preserved
the only female specimen, in the dark plumage, described below, yet
known to have been brought to the attention of naturalists. In
California, Dr. Heermann particularly noticed this bird, and his
collection contains several specimens which he obtained in the plains
near Sacramento city.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Falco. Linnæus, Syst. Nat., I. p. 124. (1766.)
General form compact and strong; bill strong, short, with a distinct and
sharp tooth in the upper mandible; wings long, pointed; tail moderate,
or rather long; tarsi short, robust; toes long, claws large, curved,
sharp; tarsi covered with hexagonal or circular scales. A genus of birds
remarkable for their courage and very rapid flight, species of which are
found in all countries.
Falco polyagrus. Cassin, Birds of California and Texas, I. p. 88.
(1853.)
Form robust; wings rather long, second and third quills longest, and
nearly equal; tail rather long; bill short, rather wide at base; tooth
in the upper mandible prominent.
Dimensions. Female. Total length of skin, about 20 inches; wing, 14;
tail, 8 inches.
Colors. Female nearly adult. Narrow frontal band, line over the eye, and
entire under parts white; narrow stripe from the corner of the mouth
running downwards, dark brown; some feathers on the breast, and abdomen
with longitudinal stripes and spots of brown, which color forms a large
and conspicuous spot on the flank. Entire upper parts brown, paler on
the rump, many feathers with rufous edgings; tail above pale
grayish-brown, with transverse bars of white, and narrowly tipped with
white; quills dark grayish-brown, with numerous bars of white On their
inner-webs; under wing-coverts dark brown; edge of the wing at the
shoulder and below, white, spotted with brown. The brown of the back
extending somewhat on to the breast at the wing. Bill, bluish horn
color, under mandible yellow at its base. Large space around the eye,
bare, with a narrow edging of brown on the first plumage by which it is
encircled.
Younger female. Entire plumage above and below, brownish-black; throat
white; many feathers on the under parts with edgings and circular spots
of white; under wing-coverts also with circular spots of white, and the
under tail-coverts with wide transverse stripes of the same.
Young male? Frontal band nearly obsolete; entire upper parts uniform
pale brown, with narrow rufous stripes on the head; under parts white,
with a tinge of fulvous, and nearly every feather with a narrow
longitudinal stripe of blackish-brown; large spaces on the flanks,
brown; tarsi and feet, lead-colored.
Hab. Oregon and California. Spec. in Nat. Mus., Washington; and Mus.
Acad., Philada.
Obs. This is the only American Falcon yet discovered, which belongs to
the group forming the sub-genus _Gennaia_, Kaup., which contains _Falco
laniarius_, Linn., (Gould, B. of Eur., I. pl 20); _Falco biarmiaus_,
Temm., (Pl. col., 324); _Falco jugger_, Gray, and several other species.
It especially resembles the last, but is larger, and we are at present
of opinion that the young of the two species differ in the colors of
their plumage.
PIPILO FUSCA.—Swainson.
The Cañon Finch.
PLATE XVII.—Adult Male.
This plain-plumaged and sober-looking bird is another of the feathered
inhabitants of the mountainous wilds of California and New Mexico.
Numerous specimens have been brought in the various collections which
have been made in those countries, and it may be regarded as one of the
most abundant of the peculiar species of Western America.
It was first described, however, by Mr. Swainson, from Mexican
specimens.
Our friend, T. Charlton Henry, M. D., of the United States Army, a
zealous and talented young naturalist, who has been for some years in
New Mexico, has noticed this bird at all seasons in that country. For
much valuable and satisfactory information relating to the birds to be
included in the present work, we are indebted to this gentleman, amongst
whose notes in our possession we find the following, relating to the
species now before the reader:—
“This bird is common in New Mexico during both summer and winter, and so
far as I have observed, lives almost entirely in the mountains. It is
very retiring in its habits, and seems to prefer the cañons; indeed, I
have seldom observed it far from some shady gorge, where, like its
relative of the Eastern States, the Towhe-Bunting (_Pipilo
erythropthalma_), it passes the greater part of its time on the ground,
and is generally accompanied by its congener, the Arctic Ground Finch
(_Pipilo arctica_). When disturbed, it seeks the thickest cover, though
it is by no means shy nor difficult to approach. Its nest is usually
constructed in the thick branches of a cedar or dwarf oak, and I am not
aware of its producing more than a single brood in a season.
“The only note that I have ever heard this bird utter, is a simple
chirp, somewhat resembling that of the Fox Sparrow (_F. iliaca_), but
more subdued. It is usually to be met with in pairs, at all seasons.”
Col. McCall observed this bird to be abundant also in California, and
with his usual kindness, has furnished a notice of it for our present
article.
“The _habitat_ of this species, I am inclined to believe, extends
throughout California, as I met with it from the upper waters of the
Sacramento river to the mouth of the Gila, the former having its origin
in the north, the latter debouching at the extreme southern boundary of
the State; yet, it is by far the most abundant from Santa Barbara
southwardly.
[Illustration: Plate 17
The Cañon Finch
Pipilo fusca (_Swainson_)]
“The habits and manners of this species differ somewhat from those of
its relatives, the Towhe and the Arctic Finch (_P. erythropthalmus_, and
_P. arctica_). Its flight is more even and regular, as it is without
that violent jerking of the tail from side to side which gives such
singularity and appearance of awkwardness to the movements of the Towhe.
It is also less shy and suspicious than the Arctic Finch, which I
occasionally met with in the same regions. The latter I had previously
observed with attention in New Mexico, where I procured specimens; and
all my observations lead me to pronounce the present species less
decidedly a _Ground Finch_ than either of the others, although all are
doubtless closely allied.
“The favorite abode of this species appeared to be the vicinity of
water-courses, where it was generally seen singly or in pairs, though I
have at times surprised eight or ten together, under the shade of a
large bush, at noon in a summer-day; and at such times I had no
difficulty in procuring, with my gun, three or four specimens before the
party was dispersed. In fact, it appeared at all times a familiar bird,
boldly coming into the roads to feed, and permitting the close approach
of a person either mounted or on foot. If compelled to retreat, it
darted suddenly into the thicket, but returned again as soon as the
cause of alarm had disappeared. Near Santa Barbara, in the month of
July, I found thirty or forty of these birds dispersed over an old field
of some five acres in extent, lying contiguous to the sea-beach, and
through which a small stream of fresh water trickled as it crept
silently away to the sea. Here they were feeding on the ground,
sheltered by a rank growth of weeds; and when I flushed one of them as I
walked along, he almost invariably flew into a neighboring tree, instead
of seeking shelter again in the weeds at a little distance.
“At this time, the birds of the year were fully fledged, and scarcely
differed in the color of their plumage from the adults. The rufous tints
of the head, the wing-coverts, and the lower parts generally, being only
rather more bright and distinct in the old birds than in the others.”
The collections made in California by both Mr. Bell and Dr. Heermann,
contained many fine specimens of this species. According to the latter
(in Journal of the Philadelphia Academy, quarto, II. p. 267), it builds
its nest always in a bush or tree, in which respect it differs from the
Arctic Ground Finch (_Pipilo arctica_), another Western species, which
builds on the ground, and from others of the same genus, in this respect
confirming the observation of Dr. Henry, as given in a preceding page.
Dr. Heermann’s observations possess an especial interest, from his
having so carefully stated the peculiarities of the construction of the
nests and other facts relating to the nidification of many species. He
says, respecting the present bird: “I found one nest built in a
grape-vine, overhanging the Sacramento river, and all that I have seen
were placed in the immediate vicinity of water. The nest is composed of
coarse twigs and grasses, and lined with fine roots. The eggs, four in
number, are of a pale blue color, dashed with black spots, and
interspersed with a few faint neutral tint blotches, which are more
abundant at the larger end.”
The name Cañon Finch we have taken the liberty of adopting from Dr.
Henry’s manuscript notes in our possession: it was very appropriately
given by him with reference to the localities which he has observed to
be the favorite haunts of this bird in the mountains of the Far West.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Pipilo. Vieillot, Analyse, p. 32. (1816.)
Form lengthened, but rather robust; bill short, conical, strong; wings
short, rounded, the fourth primary usually longest, but little longer
than the third and fifth; tail long, wide, much rounded at the end;
tarsi and toes strong, compressed. An American genus, comprising several
species of both divisions of this continent.
Pipilo fusca. Swainson. Philos. Mag., 1827, p. 434.
Form large for this genus; bill rather longer than in other species;
tail long, and composed of broad feathers.
Dimensions. Total length (of skin) from tip of bill to end of tail,
about 9 inches; wing, 4⅛; tail, 4⅝ inches.
Colors. Entire upper parts olive-brown, with a rufous tinge on the head,
and ashy on the scapulars and wing-coverts. Nares, circle around the eye
and throat, pale rufous; the latter spotted with black. Breast, sides,
and flanks, cinereous; middle of the abdomen white, with a tinge of
fulvous; under tail-coverts bright fulvous. Quills and tail-feathers
brown, the former edged exteriorly with ashy, the latter with olive.
Bill and feet light. Sexes very nearly alike.
Hab. California and New Mexico. Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada.
Obs. This bird resembles no other species of its genus, except _Pipilo
Aberti_, Baird, (Stansbury’s Report of a Survey of the Valley of the
Great Salt Lake of Utah, Zoology, p. 325, 1852). From this it differs in
the color of the throat, that of the latter being uniform with the other
inferior parts of the body, and in other characters.
The figure in our plate represents the adult male about two-thirds of
the natural size.
[Illustration: Plate 18
The Scarlet-crowned Flycatcher
Pyrocephalus rubineus (_Boddaert_)]
PYROCEPHALUS RUBINEUS.—Boddaert.
The Scarlet-crowned Flycatcher.
PLATE XVIII.—Adult and Young Males.
This bright-plumaged little bird is a summer visitor to Texas and New
Mexico, in which countries it rears its young, and appears to be an
inhabitant also not only of Mexico, but of nearly the whole of Central
and South America. It has been long known as a bird of the last-named
division of this continent, though but recently ascertained to be a
resident within the limits of the United States, having been first
observed in Texas by Captain J. P. McCown, of the United States Army, in
1850, and announced as an addition to the ornithology of North America,
by Mr. Lawrence, in the Annals of the New York Lyceum of Natural
History, V. p. 115. In some interesting notes on the birds of Texas, by
Capt. McCown, published in the same journal, VI. p. 12, we find the
following in reference to the present species:
“This beautiful little Flycatcher is seldom seen. I did not notice over
a dozen of them while in Western Texas. I always found them near the
ponds along the Rio Grande, and generally on a tree or stake near the
water. The only nest I ever found was built upon a _retama_ (a variety
of acacia), over the water, and I was not able to procure it. The female
is quite a plain bird.”
Our friend, Lieut. D. N. Couch, one of the several officers of the Army
who have greatly contributed to the knowledge of the Natural History of
little-explored portions of this country, and the results of whose
observations have most generously been placed at our disposal, met with
this bird in small numbers in Northern Mexico. From many valuable
papers, which will add much to the interest of the present work, and for
which we are indebted to this gentleman, we make the following extract:
“This bird was first seen at Charco Escondido, in Tamaulipas, on the
tenth of March. The male had evidently preceded the female in his
arrival, as the latter was not observed until several weeks afterwards.
Early in the morning, and again about sunset, he came to the artificial
lake that is constructed here for the supplying of water to the
inhabitants, and appeared to be of a very quiet and inoffensive
disposition, usually sitting on the upper branches of the trees,
occasionally uttering a low chirp. Subsequently, it was met with in
Nueva Leon, though I had little opportunity of observing its habits. It
appeared, however, to be in some respects similar in its manners to the
smaller species of the Northern Flycatchers.”
Dr. Henry has also met with the present bird in the vicinity of Fort
Webster, New Mexico. He represents it, however, as of exceedingly rare
occurrence, so far as he has observed, and fully confirms the statements
given above, respecting its partiality for the neighborhood of water.
His first specimen, a male in full plumage, was obtained on the Rio
Miembres, near Fort Webster, in the month of March, 1853.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Pyrocephalus. Gould, Zool. Voy. Beagle, Birds, p. 44. (1841.)
General form compact and rather heavy; bill depressed, wide at base,
rather long, acute, with an indentation near the tip of the upper
mandible, and with several pairs of bristles at its base; wing long, the
second and third quills longest, and nearly equal; tail ample, wide;
tarsi rather long, slender; toes moderate or short. The species
generally have the feathers of the head above lengthened and crest-like,
and with other parts of the plumage of a fine scarlet color. An American
genus of Flycatchers inhabiting the southern portion of the northern and
nearly the whole of the southern division of this continent.
Pyrocephalus rubineus. (Boddaert.)
Muscicapa rubineus. Bodd., Tab. dez Pl. Enl. Buff., p. 42. (1783.)
Muscicapa coronata. Gm., Syst. Nat., II. p. 932. (1788.)
Form. Head above, from the base of the bill to the occiput, with long
crest-like feathers. General form rather broad and robust; wings and
tail long; legs slender.
Dimensions. Male. Total length (of skin), about 5½ inches; wing, 3¼;
tail, 2½ inches.
Colors. Adult Male. Long feathers of the head above, and entire under
parts, fine scarlet; brightest on the top of the head, palest on the
under tail-coverts. Upper parts of the body, line from behind the eye,
wings and tail, sepia brown; bill and feet dark. Under wing-coverts
frequently edged and tipped with pale red.
Female. Entire upper parts plain sepia brown; under parts
yellowish-white, with a few longitudinal lines of brown.
Young Male. Similar to the female, but with the flanks tinged with pale
red.
Hab. Texas and New Mexico. Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada.
Obs. On comparison of our specimens from Texas with others from various
parts of South America, we cannot at present find differences sufficient
to induce us to regard them in any other light than as one species. The
present is the first bird of its genus which has been observed within
the limits of the United States.
The sexes of this species are quite unlike each other, the female having
none of the brilliant color of her companion.
The figures in our plate represent the adult and young males about
two-thirds of the natural size.
[Illustration: Plate 19
The Blue Partridge
Callipepla squamata (_Vigors_)]
CALLIPEPLA SQUAMATA.—(Vigors.)
The Blue Partridge. The Scaly Partridge.
PLATE XIX.—Male and Female.
This is another of the fine game birds that inhabit the countries on the
southwestern frontier of the United States, and the adjoining regions of
Mexico. Though not presenting such gay colors in its plumage as the two
other Partridges which we have previously figured in the present work,
it is by no means destitute of claim to respect in personal appearance,
and in gracefulness and delicacy of form is not at all their inferior.
We have always particularly admired its ample and curious crest, which
is possessed by both male and female, and, though admitting of being
flattened so as to lie close on the head, is usually to be seen erect,
and gives it an air unusually spirited and striking. It is remarkable
for great swiftness in running, and is more of an insect-eater than is
usual in this family of birds. It is abundant in Texas and New Mexico.
Specimens of this bird had reached Europe as early as 1830, in which
year it was first brought to the notice of naturalists by Mr. Vigors,
one of the founders of the Zoological Society of London, and one of the
most profound naturalists of the only school of systematic Zoology, the
Circularian and Quinarian, which Anglo-Saxon mind has yet produced, a
consideration one would think not slightly to be regarded. His
description is in the Zoological Journal, V. p. 275. It has, however,
always, until within a few years, been of great rarity in collections,
and nothing was known of its history or habits until the publication of
the valuable contributions to Natural History which have been made by
officers of the Army of the United States.
The Blue Partridge was first noticed within the territory of the United
States, by Lieut. J. W. Abert, a son of the distinguished officer who
presides over the Topographical Department of the Army. In Lieut.
Abert’s very able and valuable “Report of an examination of New Mexico
in the years 1846-7,” made as an officer of Topographical Engineers, and
which, besides its great military and geographical usefulness, contains
much information relating to the natural history of that country, we
find several notices of this bird, one of which, occurring under date of
twelfth of November, 1846 (p. 497), we take the liberty of transferring
to our pages:—
“After passing through the little town of Las Canas, we encountered
another hill of sand, very difficult of ascent, and after we reached the
top, we commenced the descent through a crooked ravine that was strewed
with fragments of rocks. On the way, we saw several flocks of crested
quails, which were running along with great rapidity among the clumps of
the Kreosote plant (_Larrea mexicana_). We procured one of them; at the
report of the gun, only three or four rose up; they seemed to depend
more on their fleetness of foot than swiftness of wing. This bird proved
to be the _Ortyx squamata_. The size, contour, and general character,
greatly resemble the common quail (_O. virginiana_); the plumage is of
soft, silvery gray, the iris hazel, and the crest fringed with white. On
opening the stomach, I found it filled with grass seeds and insects of
the order Hemiptera.” This is the earliest record of this bird having
been observed within the limits of the United States; subsequently, it
has been noticed by others.
Capt. S. G. French, of the United States Army, to whom we are indebted
for fine specimens of this and other birds of Western America, has also
favored us with the following note:—
“It was in 1846 that I first met with this bird near Camargo, on the Rio
Grande. At Monterey, none were to be found; but on the plains at Agua
Nueva, a few miles south of Saltillo, I observed them in considerable
numbers.
“Since then, I have met with them occasionally on the Upper Rio Grande,
in the vicinity of El Paso, and some seventy miles down the river from
that place. They inhabit the same section of country with Gambel’s
Partridge, though I have never seen them associated together in the same
covey. Their favorite resorts are the sandy chaparral and mesquite
bushes, through which they run with great swiftness, resorting to the
wing only when suddenly alarmed by finding themselves too nearly
approached.
“They appear to be very shy, and but seldom are found near habitations,
though I once saw a large covey run through my camp in the suburbs of El
Paso.
“The bird that I sent you was killed on the Rio Grande, below El Paso,
in July last (1852).”
Col. McCall, in his “Remarks on the habits, &c., of birds met with in
Western Texas,” in Proceedings of the Philadelphia Academy, V. p. 222,
thus alludes to the Blue Partridge:—
“This species I have met with, at different times, throughout a more
extended region than either of the former (the Massena Partridge and
Gambel’s Partridge), viz.: from Camargo on the lower Rio Grande, to
Santa Fé. On the present occasion, they were more numerous between the
latter point and Don Ana than elsewhere. They seem to prefer the
vicinity of the greater water-courses to interior tracts. They are much
more wild than either of the preceding, and being extremely watchful and
swift of foot, they elude pursuit with surprising skill, scarcely
resorting to flight even in comparatively open, sandy ground. They do
not approach the settlements as much as the last.
“For the table, all these species, however, possess in a high degree the
requisites of plump muscle and delicate flavour. Massena is, perhaps,
the best.”
The following more extended and beautiful sketch, referring to this
Partridge, has been very kindly furnished by the same gentleman (Col.
McCall), for our present article:—
“The _habitat_ of this species, as I have remarked elsewhere, embraces
an extensive region, the limits of which, though not yet positively
defined with any degree of accuracy, may, at least with reference to our
own territory, be asserted to lie principally within the valley of the
Rio Grande or Rio del Norte of Mexico. This valley, although
comparatively narrow, contains a country of great extent from north to
south; and embraces, in its stretch between the Rocky Mountains and the
Gulf of Mexico,—every variety of climate, from the extreme of cold to
that of tropical heat. This entire region, not even excepting the narrow
mountain-valleys, covered in winter with deep snows, is inhabited by the
species under consideration. I have met with it on the Rio Grande and
its affluents, from the 25th to the 38th degree of north latitude—that
is to say, from below Monterey, in Mexico, along the borders of the San
Juan river to its junction with the Rio Grande; and at different points
on the latter as high up as the Taos and other northern branches, which
gush from the mountain sides. I have also found it, though less
frequently, near the head of the Riado creek, which likewise rises in
the Rocky Mountains and flows eastwardly to the Canadian; further north
than this my examinations did not extend.
“Now, as the Partridge, wherever found, is always _resident_, there is
in the extensive distribution above noted, good proof of a hardiness of
constitution possessed by no other species of American Partridge, except
the common or Virginia Partridge; for no other species has been found in
regions as cold and inhospitable as those I have named. Again, arguing
from analogy, if the plainer plumage is always found in birds inhabiting
more northern latitudes, my opinion is strengthened when I look upon the
plain and sober hues of the _Blue_ Partridge as contrasted with the
bright and more decided colors of the _Massena_, _California_, and
_Gambel’s_ Partridges, all of which prefer the milder regions, and shun
those of snow.
“The habits, moreover, of this species are more like those of the common
Partridge than either of the others. I have shot these birds over a
pointer dog, and at times found them to lie sufficiently close to afford
good sport; this, however, it must be admitted, was not often the case,
and never, unless the cover was remarkably good; for, in general, they
are vigilant and wild, making their escape by running on the first
approach of danger. In swiftness of foot none of the family can compete
with them. When running, they keep the body erect and hold the head
high; and in this attitude they seem fairly to skim over the surface of
the ground. On such occasions the white plume is erected and spread out
like a fan, or rather like an old fashioned _chapeau de bras_, worn fore
and aft: this gives them a trim, jaunty air, that is peculiarly pleasing
and attractive. I remember once being particularly struck with the
beautiful appearance thus presented by a large covey that I came upon
suddenly in open sandy ground. It was in the month of February, just at
sunrise; I was half asleep on my horse, and thoroughly benumbed with
cold (having been in the saddle since two hours before daybreak, in
order to reach Eagle Spring by breakfast time), when a sudden start of
my horse roused me into wakefulness. On looking up, I beheld about
twenty of these birds in the trail a few yards in advance. Contrary to
their usual manner, they were strutting along, or rather slowly walking
away; and with their white _chapeaux_ spread out to the full extent,
they glanced over their shoulders and clucked to each other as if
uncertain whether danger threatened or not. I drew up my horse and
looked on with delight, until the little fellows finally took to their
heels and swiftly glided away to the nearest cover. This little incident
having restored me to full consciousness, I cast my eyes around, and
never shall I forget the sublime prospect that then burst upon my
enchanted gaze.
“A more glorious, a more heavenly dawn of day than this, it is
impossible to conceive! The heavy dew of the preceding night has been
congealed, and the whole country is white with frost. The rising sun
casts his broad beams over the vast plain, and in an instant its surface
is brilliant with sparkling crystals.
“The abrupt and isolated peaks, whose soft parts the frosts and storms
of past ages have loosened and swept away, seem in the distance to rear
still higher their lofty summits, now crowned with glittering diadems.
On all sides, to the farthest extent of my powers of vision, the varied
prospect is open to my view—hereaway, strongly defined, I behold the
bold outline of the Apache mountains; yonder, I regard, with admiration
growing as I gaze, the countless undulations of the prairie, each as it
succeeds the other diminishing in the distance until the last faint wave
is blended with the blue horizon. Still admiring as I turn, I find my
horse at last fairly faced about; and now another view, the grandest,
the strangest of all, is presented to my almost bewildered senses. It is
the _mirage_! Wonderful illusion, cruel mockery—how often hast thou
deceived the famished wanderer of the plains with the semblance of
water; leading him on farther and farther, and leaving him at last
sinking and exhausted in the midst of the desert!
“Behold! I clearly see a broad lake of bright water, with noble trees
growing on either hand; and nothing but the positive knowledge that this
counterfeit lake lies directly across the road over which I have just
passed, and the perfect certainty under which I rest, from actual
examination, that neither wood nor water is to be found in that
direction within thirty miles, can persuade me that what I now look upon
is not real! But I will return from this digression—yet, if this page
ever meets the eyes of my two companions on that expedition (Lieutenants
B—— and M——, of the 3d), they will remember the glorious sunrise, the
mirage, and finally, the covey of Partridges to which I have here
alluded.
“This species is found farther to the south on the Mexican side of the
Rio Grande than on our own, owing probably to the rugged character of
the country there, for I never met with it anywhere in low grounds. The
first appearance it makes in Texas is a little above Rhinosa, on the
first highlands on this side encountered in ascending the river from its
mouth. Thence up to the Rocky Mountains, the birds of this species may
be considered denizens of the United States, being about equally
distributed on both sides of the great river.”
In a paper in the “Registro Trimestre,” I. p. 144 (Mexico, 1832), Don
Pablo de la Llave, an able Mexican naturalist, gives a description of
this bird, and names it _Tetrao cristata_. He had kept it, with other
species, in captivity, and of his notice of it we give the following
translation: “The second species is considerably smaller than the
preceding,” (_Tetrao marmorata_, Llave, which is _Ortyx macroura_,
Jardine and Selby). “It has on its head a crest of feathers very erect
and soft, bill black, the neck moderate, body elongated, much
compressed, feet robust, gray or blackish, small, and have, more than in
_Tetrao_, the appearance of the Larks or Buntings. It is almost entirely
of a lead color, with the feathers of the breast speckled with black,
and those of the sides with many longitudinal bands of white. Its voice
is very much varied, and that of the male is loud, sounding like a
castanet, at the same time raising and depressing its head.
“I have not observed in this bird any courage;—it is very timid; all its
movements are rapid, and notwithstanding that I have fed my specimens
for a long time, every day they become more wild and intractable.
“It inhabits the _Mezquite_ regions in Northern Mexico.”
The contents of the stomachs of Capt. French’s specimens were
hemipterous insects, some of which were very minute, with a few seeds
and pods.
Our plate represents the male and female, which are nearly alike in
plumage, about two-thirds of the size of life.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Callipepla. Wagler in Isis, 1832, p. 277.
Callipepla squamata. (Vigors.)
Ortyx squamatus. Vig. Zool. Jour., V. p. 275. (1830.)
Callipepla strenua. Wagler, Isis, XXV. p. 278. (1832.)
Tetrao cristata. Llave, Registro Trimestre, I. p. 144. (1832.)
Form. Robust, body compressed; head with long, erectile, crest-like
feathers; bill rather strong, curved; wings short, with the fourth quill
slightly longest, tertiaries long; tail rather long, ample, rounded;
legs and feet moderate; tongue pointed, very acute at the tip; nostrils
large.
Dimensions. Total length of skins, 8½ to 9 inches; of specimens in
spirits (from Capt. French), 10 inches; wing, 4½; tail 3¼ inches.
Colors. Head light yellowish cinereous, with a tinge of brown; feathers
of the crest broadly tipped with white. All other parts of the plumage
light bluish ash color, paler on the under parts and nearly white on the
abdomen; nearly every feather of the under parts and of a wide ring
around the back of the neck, with a central arrow-head, of brownish
black, and with a narrow but very distinct edging of the same. Flanks
with longitudinal central stripes, and in some specimens with circular
spots of white. Middle of the abdomen frequently with a large spot of
pale chestnut; under tail-coverts nearly white, with longitudinal
stripes of dark ash and brown. Quills light ashy-brown; shorter
tertiaries frequently edged with yellowish-white on their inner webs;
bill, black; irides, hazel; tarsi, brownish lead-colored. The width of
the white tips of the feathers of the crest varies in different
specimens. Sexes very nearly alike; female slightly paler, and not so
fully crested.
Hab. Texas and New Mexico. Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada., and Nat. Mus.,
Washington.
Obs. This species does not resemble any other at present known, and is
therefore easily recognized. It is the type of Wagler’s genus
_Callipepla_, in which are also arranged the California Partridge and
Gambel’s Partridge.
[Illustration: Plate 20
The Brown-headed Finch
Ammodromus ruficeps (_Cassin_)]
AMMODROMUS RUFICEPS.—Cassin.
The Western Swamp Sparrow.
PLATE XX.—Adult Male.
The only information that we can present to the reader respecting the
bird now before him, is, that specimens were brought from California in
the collections made by Mr. Bell and Dr. Heermann. It appears to have
been overlooked by all other naturalists,—a circumstance probably not to
be attributed to its rarity in its native country, so much as to the
character of the localities in which it lives during the greater part of
the year, in common with other species of the same family.
The little birds of the group to which this species belongs, of which
there are several, are all of humble and unpretending appearance, and
live in the vicinity of the shores of the ocean and the margins of
streams of fresh water, and hence have been designated Swamp Sparrows.
The _flats_, or other low and level tracts, overgrown with reedy or
sedgy vegetation, in the vicinity of the sea-shore, are the favorite
resorts of two or three species throughout a large portion of the entire
extent of the Atlantic coast of the United States; while somewhat
similar localities along rivers or smaller streams, or even swamps and
marshes in the interior, afford appropriate habitations for others. In
these they subsist mainly on seeds of grasses and such other plants as
usually abound in those situations, and occasionally on insects. The
Swamp Sparrow, first described by the celebrated ornithologist, Wilson
(_Ammodromus palustris_), is the best known of these birds, and is
abundant in all suitable localities, during the summer season,
throughout the greater part of the older States of the Union. In winter,
it migrates southward, and is found in large numbers along the
Mississippi river in the south, and other streams in the southern
States. The Swamp Sparrows have no song, other than a few rather
remarkable and not unmusical notes.
Dr. Heermann remarks of this bird: “In the fall of 1851, I met with a
single specimen of this bird, in company with a flock of Sparrows of
various kinds. In the spring of 1852, I found it quite abundant on the
Calaveras river, where I procured several specimens. Its flight appeared
feeble, and when raised from the ground, from which it would not start
until almost trodden upon, it would fly a short distance, and
immediately drop again into the grass. Its notes are a ditty, resembling
that of our Chipping Sparrow (_E. socialis_), and were heard towards the
spring season.”
In our plate this bird is represented of the size of life.
The plant is a western species of _Ipomea_, which was raised from the
seed by our esteemed friend, Mr. Robert Kilvington, of Philadelphia, to
whose kindness we are indebted for the privilege of figuring it and
other plants for the plates of the present work.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Ammodromus. Swainson, Zoological Journal, III. p. 348. (1827.)
Size small; bill lengthened, pointed; tip of upper mandible slightly
curved downwards; wings very short; the first primary shorter than the
succeeding four or five, which are nearly equal; tail moderate, or
rather long, with its feathers narrow; tarsi and toes rather long,
slender. An American genus, containing six or seven species.
Ammodromus ruficeps. Cassin, Proc. Acad., Philada., VI. p. 184. (Oct.,
1852.)
Form. Bill shorter than usual in this genus; wings short, rounded; tail
long; tarsi lengthened, slender.
Dimensions. Total length of skin, about 5¾ inches; wing, 2½; tail, 2¾
inches.
Colors. Head above chestnut-brown, which is also the prevailing color of
the back and rump, the feathers of both the latter edged with pale
cinereous, tinged with olive. Spot in front of the eye white, forming a
partial superciliary line. A narrow stripe of black from each side of
the lower mandible running downwards, above which is a stripe of white;
intermediate space on throat nearly white; other under parts pale ashy,
with a tinge of olive; quills brown; primaries edged externally with
ashy; secondaries with pale chestnut-brown; tail reddish-brown, with
crimped obscure transverse lines; bill dusky horn-color; feet pale.
Hab. California. Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada.
Obs. Resembles in some measure _A. palustris_, but can be easily
distinguished. It appears to be restricted to California, not having
been observed in New Mexico or Texas. Ammodramus is the original
orthography of the name of this genus given by Swainson as cited above,
but that here given is universally adopted, and is much the most usual
in generic names of similar derivation.
[Illustration: Plate 21
The Black-headed Oriole
Icterus melanocephalus (_Wagler_)]
ICTERUS MELANOCEPHALUS.—(Wagler.)
The Black-headed Oriole.
PLATE XXI.—Adult Male.
Again we portray an inhabitant of the land of the Mesquite and Mimosa.
This handsome, though plain Oriole, when compared with some of its
brilliant relatives of the same countries, is found throughout nearly
the whole of Mexico, and extends its range northwardly into Texas and
New Mexico. Mr. Pease, who accompanied the Army of the United States
under General Scott, in Mexico, in 1847, observed it at Jalapa, and in
the neighborhood of the city of Mexico, in considerable numbers.
As a bird of Texas, this species was first brought to notice by Mr.
Jacob P. Giraud, Jr., of New York, who received it in a collection of
birds from that State, in 1834, and published a description of it in his
“New Species of North American Birds,” p. 1 (1841). Since that time it
has been found within the limits of the United States by several
naturalists, but especially by Mr. John H. Clark, who, while attached as
zoologist to the commission for running the boundary line between the
United States and Mexico, neglected no opportunity of making
investigations which have contributed much to the natural history of the
regions necessarily passed through, and whose collection contained
specimens of this species. To Mr. Clark we are indebted for the
following note respecting this species:
“Approaching the lower Rio Grande from New Mexico, the Black-headed
Oriole was first seen near Ringgold Barracks, but not in abundance; and,
although of rich plumage, its quiet manners and secluded habits
prevented it from being very conspicuous. It was noticed most frequently
while feeding on the fruit of the hackberry; but whenever exposed in
picking off the berries, it always showed signs of uneasiness, and would
immediately seek refuge in places affording greater concealment.
“Usually, pairs were to be seen keeping close together, and they seemed
to prefer the thick foliage which occurs on the margins of the ponds or
in the old bed of the river. They did not appear to communicate with
each other by any note; indeed, I was struck with their silence, though
my opportunities for observation were limited. Their habits seemed to be
very different from those of any other Oriole with which I am
acquainted.”
This observation, by so accurate and careful an observer as Mr. Clark,
deserves especial attention. It is quite probable that this bird is the
type of a distinct group or sub-genus.
In the papers of Lieut. Couch, most kindly placed by him at our
disposal, we find the following in relation to the bird now before us:—
“The Black-headed Oriole was seen for the first time on the third of
March, 1853, at Santa Rosalio rancho, eight leagues west of Matamoras.
It had paired, and both male and female were very shy and secluded,
seeking insects on the _nopal_ (a species of prickly pear), or among the
low mimosa trees, never seeming to be at rest, but constantly on the
look-out for their favorite food.
“At Charco Escondido, farther in the interior of Tamaulipas, this bird
was well known to the _rancheros_, who were disposed to give it a bad
reputation, stating that it often came to the rancho to steal the
freshly-slaughtered beef, hung up to dry in the sun. Whether this was
true or not, I had no opportunity of ascertaining; but my acquaintance
with the Black-headed Oriole, at this place, I have a particular reason
for remembering. Early one morning, an old man, who had daily called on
me, with his wife and six nude pickaninnies, presented himself, and
wished as usual to take me to a spot where great numbers of rare birds
were to be found. Gladly assenting, we were out of sight of the rancho
at sunrise of one of the magnificent mornings only known in tropical
latitudes. It was the day after a severe _norther_, and the whole
feathered kingdom was in motion. My guide soon called my attention to
two _calandrias_, as these birds are called by the Mexicans, which were
quietly but actively seeking their breakfast. The male having been
brought down by my gun, the female flew to a neighboring tree,
apparently not having observed his fall; soon, however, she became aware
of her loss, and endeavored to recall him to her side with a simple
_pout pou-it_, uttered in a strain of such exquisite sadness, that I
could scarcely believe such notes to be produced by a bird, and so
greatly did they excite my sympathy, that I felt almost resolved to
desist from making further collections in natural history, which was one
of the principal objects of my journey into the country.
“Another species that takes the place of this bird, west of Monterey,
has a more powerful, varied, and artistic song, but I have never heard
the lay of any songster of the feathered tribe expressed more sweetly
than that of the present Oriole. At Monterey, it is a favorite
cage-bird. The notes of the male are more powerful than those of the
female.
“My stay in Mexico was not sufficiently protracted to enable me to study
the habits of this interesting bird as fully as I could have wished.
Generally, its flight is low and rapid, and it seemed to prefer the
shade of trees. It was observed almost invariably in pairs, and the male
and female showed for each other much tenderness and solicitude. If one
strayed from the other, a soft _pou-it_, soon brought them again
together.”
Nature has, for much the greater part, denied to birds of brilliant
plumage any remarkable powers of melody, and there are many birds of
great beauty, in which the voice is harsh and uninviting, if not
absolutely disagreeable. Occasional exceptions occur, particularly in
the families of Grosbeaks and Finches, species of which are capable of
producing short, though expressive and musical notes, sometimes uttered
in connection with each other, and forming a partial song. Such is the
case, too, with a few of the Orioles; but we should infer from the
interesting statement of Lieut. Couch, that the bird now before us is,
at least, one of the most gifted of its family, and we shall look
forward to his further investigations in Mexico, which he is now about
commencing, hoping for additional information in relation to this
remarkable species.
All the most celebrated songsters of the feathered kingdom are birds of
very plain plumage. The Nightingale, famed in all ages, and universally
admitted to be the most superior in vocal ability of all the birds of
the world, would attract no attention whatever from the general
observer, so modest and unpretending is its appearance. The Mocking Bird
of the United States, properly regarded as second only to the
Nightingale, is scarcely less so, and our other Thrushes, and the little
_Vireos_, very respectfully to be mentioned as vocalists, partake of the
same character.
Mr. Pease noticed the Black-headed Oriole not only at Jalapa, but also
on the _tierra caliente_, between that city and Vera Cruz. At the season
when observed by him, it fed principally on fruits, as noticed by Mr.
Clark, which fact does not conflict with Lieut. Couch’s statement, that
it is an insect-eater; as all the birds of the family to which this
species belongs, subsist on both fruits and insects, or are what are
termed omnivorous. At Jalapa, it was called by the Mexicans, _Calandria
iquimite_, the latter word being the name of a tree, of the fruit of
which it is said to be particularly fond.
Our plate represents the adult male, which is but little different from
the female. The figure is two-thirds of the natural size.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Icterus. Brisson, Orn., II. p. 85. (1760.)
Icterus melanocephalus. (Wagler.)
Psaracolius melanocephalus. Wagler, Isis, 1829, p. 756.
Icterus Audubonii. Giraud. New species N. A. Birds, p. 1. (1841.)
Form. Rather robust; bill strong, high at base; wings rather short;
third and fourth quills longest; tail graduated; central feathers
longest; legs and feet large and strong.
Dimensions. Total length of skin, from tip of bill to end of tail, 8¾
inches; wing, 4; tail, 4¼ inches.
Colors. Head black, which color has a semicircular termination on the
breast. Entire under parts and neck behind, bright yellow; back and rump
yellowish-green; wings black; quills edged externally with ashy white;
tail black; bill bluish-black, lighter at the base of the lower
mandible; tarsi and feet lead-colored; irides brown. Sexes nearly alike;
female with the yellow parts of the plumage less vivid, and the tail in
some specimens edged and tinged with greenish.
Hab. Texas, Mexico. Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada.; and Nat. Mus.,
Washington city.
Obs. This bird resembles no other in any considerable degree; and is,
therefore, to be easily distinguished. It seems to belong to some one of
the subdivisions of the old genus _Icterus_, or of _Xanthornus_, which
are so variously and confusedly given by professed systematists, that we
have no faith in any of them; which declaration, by the way, we have no
objection to embrace the present opportunity of extending to late
_opinionative_ classifications, in a manner rather general and
comprehensive. It is about full time for a true zoologist to appear, who
shall be capable of systematizing—of reducing to order and symmetry the
vast fund of facts and detached knowledge in natural history, which the
present age has accumulated. In our happier day-dreams, we have deemed
it inevitable that such a one must shortly appear. The great Anglo-Saxon
zoologist is yet to come.
[Illustration: Plate 22
The Purple-throated Humming Bird
Trochilus Alexandri (_Bourcier_)]
TROCHILUS ALEXANDRI.—Bourcier and Mulsant.
The Purple-throated Humming Bird.
PLATE XXII.—Adult Males.
The Humming Birds are peculiar to America. Until within a comparatively
recent period, about one hundred species were known to naturalists,—that
being the then considered large number enumerated in works published as
lately as within about twenty years. Discoveries of previously unknown
species in this family of birds have been numerous beyond precedent or
comparison with any other, notwithstanding the zeal and ability which
ornithology has commanded within the period mentioned. At present, there
are nearly three hundred ascertained species of Humming Birds. The large
and recent additions have resulted, in a great measure, from the
exploration of regions previously little visited or inaccessible,
principally in the northern part of South America, but also in Central
America and Mexico.
That portion of the continent of America between the Amazon as a
southern boundary, and the Rio Grande and Gila as a northern, embracing
New Grenada and Guiana, the whole of Central America and Mexico, to
which may be added the West India Islands, appears to be the most
productive of Humming Birds. Within that range, but especially in the
Republic of New Grenada, these splendid little birds are much the most
abundant, and it embraces nearly all of the most remarkable in form and
most beautiful in plumage. Southward into Brazil and Peru, and other
countries of South America, a considerable variety of species are also
found; but, in the north, that is to say, north of the line between
Mexico and the United States, we have few species of Humming Birds, and
even those give us but an imperfect idea of the gorgeous tints of their
relatives of the tropical regions of this continent.
Of the natural productions of America, these birds have attracted the
most universal admiration. Nor has it been, by any means, without
foundation. Nature appears to have exhausted herself in the lavish
profusion of colors of every tint and shade with which she has adorned
these gems of the animal world. They are the most splendidly colored and
at the same time the most diminutive of birds. Almost every color known
in art is to be met with in the plumage of some one or other of the
Humming Birds, and usually with a lustre more resembling that of the
most highly finished workmanship in metal, or of the most exquisite
precious stones, than the transient or easily destroyed appendages of a
delicate animal organization.
There are, however, some species which are quite plain in their
appearance, and present little or no trace of metallic or other
brilliant colors. Of these, one large species is perfectly black; others
are reddish-brown, or fulvous and plain dark green.
In size, the Humming Birds vary much. The Giant Humming Bird of Brazil,
which is the largest, though one of the plainest, is about the size of
the Chimney Bird of the United States, and several fine species of the
later discoveries in this group are but little smaller. Several species
are quite as large as the House Wren. On the other hand, there are
Humming Birds little larger than the Humble Bee of our meadows; and
there are many species of Beetles and other coleopterous insects, that
are much larger. The common ruby-throated Humming Bird of the United
States, is a medium-sized species, and of respectable dimensions when
compared with some of his pigmy brethren of the far South.
In form, too, they vary exceedingly. Some are very slender, and
apparently feebly constituted; others are comparatively quite robust.
There are species which have bills excessively long, the _Sword-bearer_
(_Trochilus ensiferus_), which is about the size of the House Wren, has
a bill longer than its body. So entirely disproportionate does the bill
of this species appear to be, that few persons, on seeing specimens for
the first time, can avoid a suspicion that it has been artificially
lengthened; and we have more than once heard it suggested on such an
occasion that this remarkable appendage could readily have been drawn
out by processes used by comb-makers. This exceedingly long bill is,
however, no inconvenience whatever to the gay little individual who is
responsible for it, luckily for him;—in fact, it assists him admirably
in procuring an entirely honest subsistence amongst the large
trumpet-flowers, and others with long tubular corollas, abundant in
tropical countries. No other known species has this organ of a length so
disproportionate, though there are several in which it is unusually long
for birds of such size. The bill is, however, scarcely of the same form
and shape in any two species. In some, it is perfectly straight and very
short; in others, as we have already observed, it is very long. Numerous
others have the bill curved downwards, or scythe-shaped, and a few
species have it turned upwards, presenting a very singular appearance.
Other curious appendages are to be met with in species of this family.
One group has exceedingly long tails, three or four times the length of
the body. Several Humming Birds have the outer feathers of the tail
long, and though narrow for the greater part of their length, suddenly
expanded at the end like a paddle or a spoon. These seem to form a group
or sub-genus of their own, and are also remarkable for having the upper
part of the leg (the _tibia_, and sometimes part of the _tarsus_)
covered with a thick mass of white downy feathers, presenting one of the
many instances of phenomena to which it appears almost impossible in the
present state of our knowledge, to assign a use in the economy of the
species. The wings in all Humming Birds are large, when compared with
those of many other birds, and are formed for long-continued and rapid
flight.
The food of the Humming Birds is now well ascertained to be principally
insects. We regard the conclusion, also, as unavoidable, that the
moisture contained in flowers is their drink only, and not capable alone
of supporting life. The tongue appears to be the principal organ used
both in capturing insects and in procuring the fluid portion of their
subsistence, and is constructed in a manner peculiarly adapted to these
purposes. It is long, and composed of two parallel tubes (like a
double-barrelled gun), furnished with the necessary apparatus of muscles
for sucking, and thus enabling the bird to reach the drops of moisture
or the fluid secretions contained very frequently in the corollas of
flowers, more abundant in some species than others. The tongue is
flattened, and sometimes barbed towards the end, or margined with
fringe-like appendages, evidently designed to be of material service in
feeding on minute flies or other small and soft insects. It admits, too,
of being darted outwards, like that of the woodpeckers, and in the
manner thus indicated it is very probable that their food is secured.
A large space on the throat is generally the most beautiful part of the
plumage of the birds of this family. Frequently, however, the top of the
head and the entire under parts of the body are clothed in colors of the
most surpassing brilliancy. The upper parts are usually plainer.
In the countries where these birds are most abundant, and even in others
of South America, some species of Humming Birds are spread over a vast
extent of territory;—other species are well known to be peculiar to
quite restricted localities. Many inhabit only the warmest
districts;—others are found only in mountain-valleys, thousands of feet
above the level of the sea. One of the most beautiful Humming Birds, the
Polytmus (_Trochilus polytmus_), a large species, having the plumage
mainly of a most exquisite green, with the top of the head jet black,
and with the tail excessively long, inhabits only the island of Jamaica,
and it is quite probable that every island of the West Indies produces
species which are to be found in no other. In some sections, they are
exceedingly numerous. Mr. Gosse, in his valuable volume on the Birds of
Jamaica, mentions having seen “no less than a hundred come successively
to rifle the blossoms within the space of half as many yards in the
course of a forenoon.” We have been informed of instances of the
ruby-topaz Humming Bird (_T. moschitus_) having occurred in the island
of Trinidad in even greater abundance.
In allusion to the general abundance of these birds in the countries
where they abound, and as a sketch of their habits, we transcribe the
following from “A Voyage up the Amazon,” from an excellent observer and
agreeable writer, our friend, Mr William H. Edwards, of New York:
“Wherever a creeping vine opens its fragrant clusters, or wherever a
tree-flower blooms, may these little birds be seen. In the garden, or in
the woods, over the water, everywhere, they are darting about;—of all
sizes, from one that might easily be mistaken for a different variety of
bird, to the tiny Hermit (_Trochilus rufigaster_), whose body is not
half the size of the bees buzzing about the same sweets. Sometimes they
are seen chasing each other in sport with a rapidity of flight and
intricacy of path the eye is puzzled to follow. Again circling round and
round, they rise high in mid-air, then dart off like light to some
distant attraction. Perched upon a little limb, they smooth their plumes
and seem to delight in their dazzling hues; then starting off leisurely,
they skim along, stopping capriciously to kiss the coquetting flowerets.
Often, two meet in mid-air and fight furiously, their crests and the
feathers on their throats all erected and blazing, and altogether
pictures of the most violent rage. Several times we saw them battling
with large black bees, who frequent the same flowers, and may be
supposed to interfere often provokingly. Like lightning, our little
heroes would come down, but the coat of shining mail would ward of their
furious strokes. Again and again would they renew the attack, until
their anger had expended itself by its own fury, or until the apathetic
bee, once roused, had put forth powers that drove the invader from the
field.”
The Mexican Humming Birds have been, until recently, but little attended
to, and even at this time are by no means well known. In an interesting
volume by Mr. William Bullock, a Fellow of the Linnean Society of
London, “Six Months Residence and Travels in Mexico” (London, 1824), a
work that contains much information on the natural history, and
especially the ornithology, of that country, there is a chapter
exclusively devoted to the Humming Birds. From it, we make the following
extract, which may be regarded as the more interesting, as some of the
species alluded to may be found hereafter in those parts of the United
States contiguous to Mexico:
“In Mexico, the species of Humming Birds are numerous. Near the capital,
on my arrival, scarcely one was to be seen; but in the month of May and
June, numbers were found in the Botanic Garden, in the centre of the
city; and, by offering a reward to the Indians, many were brought to me
alive. I had nearly seventy in cages, which, with attention and care, I
kept living for some weeks; and could I have devoted my whole attention
to them, I have no doubt of the possibility of bringing them alive to
Europe.
“It is probable the whole of them feed on insects; numbers I am certain
do so, having watched them attentively in the Botanic Garden at Mexico,
in pursuit of their minute prey; and in the yard of the house in which I
resided at Themascaltepec, where one of them took entire possession of a
pomegranate tree in blossom, on which he sat the whole day, catching the
small flies that came to the flowers.
“Although, like the Robin and other birds of Europe, in a state of
nature, they are extremely tenacious of any intrusion of their own
species on their dominions, yet, in captivity, when several kinds have
been confined together, I never observed the least inclination to
quarrel, but have seen the smaller take what appeared to be
unwarrantable liberties with those of five times their size and
strength;—thus, when the perch has been occupied by the great
blue-throated one, the diminutive Mexican Star has settled on the long
beak of the former, and remained perched on it some minutes, without its
offering to resist the insult.
“Europeans who have seen only the stuffed remains of these little
feathered gems in museums, have been charmed with their beautiful
appearance; but those who have examined them whilst living, displaying
their moving crests, throats, and tails, like the peacock in the sun,
can never look with pleasure on their mutilated forms. I have carefully
preserved about two hundred specimens, in the best possible manner, yet
they are still but the shadow of what they were in life. The reason is
obvious; for the sides of the laminæ, or fibres of each feather, being
of a different color from the surface, will change when seen in a front
or oblique direction; and as each lamina or fibre turns upon the axis of
the quill, the least motion, when living, causes the feathers to change
suddenly to the most opposite hues. Thus the one from Nootka Sound (_T.
rufus_) changes its expanded throat from the most vivid fire color to
light green; the topaz-throated does the same, and the Mexican Star
changes from bright crimson to blue.
“The sexes vary greatly in the plumage in many species, so much so, that
it is with difficulty we recognize them. The male and female of the
Mexican Star (_Cynanthus Lucifer_) could not have been known had they
not been seen constantly together, and proved to be so by dissection.
They breed in Mexico in June and July, and the nest is a beautiful
specimen of the architectural talent of these birds; it is neatly
constructed with cotton or the down of thistles, to which is fastened on
the outside, by some glutinous substance, a white flat lichen resembling
ours. The female lays two eggs, perfectly white, and large for the size
of the bird, and the Indians informed me they were hatched in three
weeks, by the male and female sitting alternately. When attending their
young, they attack any bird indiscriminately that approaches the nest.
Their motions, when under the influence of anger or fear, are very
violent, and their flight rapid as an arrow; the eye cannot follow them,
but the shrill, piercing shriek which they utter on the wing, may be
heard when the bird is invisible, and often led to their destruction by
preparing me for their approach. They attack the eyes of the larger
birds, and their sharp needle-like bill is a truly formidable weapon in
this kind of warfare.
“Nothing can exceed their fierceness when one of their own species
invades their territory during the breeding season. Under the influence
of jealousy, they become perfect furies; their throats swell, their
crests, tails, and wings, expand; they fight in the air (uttering a
shrill noise), till one falls exhausted to the ground. I witnessed a
combat of this kind near Otumba, during a heavy fall of rain, every
separate drop of which I supposed sufficient to have beaten the puny
warriors to the earth.
“In sleeping, they frequently suspend themselves by the feet, with their
heads downwards, in the manner of some parrots.
“These birds were great favorites with the ancient Mexicans. They used
the feathers as ornaments for their superb mantles in the time of
Montezuma, and in embroidering the pictures so much extolled by Cortez.
Their name signifies, in the Indian language, beams or locks of the sun.
The feathers are still worn by the Indian ladies as ornaments for the
ears.”
It may be properly remarked here that the statement made by Mr. Bullock,
of the habit of these birds sleeping with their heads downwards, has
attracted considerable attention, and it has been thought probable that
he may have been mistaken, or misinformed, not having been confirmed by
subsequent naturalists. It may, however, apply only to some species.
The pugnacity of these little birds is almost universally alluded to by
writers who have enjoyed opportunities of observing them in the
countries where they abound. A Humming Bird of any size, even the
smallest, is not on that account less a fighting character, and jealous
of whatever rights and privileges he considers himself entitled to. But
as both of the authors above quoted, have alluded to this point, we beg
the indulgence of the reader to lay before him another extract
especially relating to this hostility of disposition, and happily
illustrative of the fights and feuds of the Humming Birds. It is from
the very pleasant and valuable little work, previously mentioned, on the
Birds of Jamaica, by Mr. Philip Henry Gosse; and the species alluded to,
the Mango Humming Bird (_T. mango_), is one which is considerably larger
than the common ruby-throated species of the United States. It is
abundant in the West Indies, and in some parts of South America, and it
occasionally visits the shores of Florida. It is figured by Mr.
Audubon:—
“A Mango Humming Bird had, every day, and all day long, been paying his
_devoirs_ to these charming blossoms” (the Malay apple, _Eugenia
malaccensis_). “On the morning to which I allude, another came, and the
manœuvres of these two tiny creatures became highly interesting. They
chased each other through the labyrinth of twigs and flowers, till, an
opportunity occurring, the one would dart with seeming fury upon the
other, and then with a loud rustling of their wings, they would twirl
together, round and round, until they nearly came to the earth. It was
some time before I could see, with any distinctness, what took place in
these tussles; their twirlings were so rapid as to baffle all attempts
at discrimination. At length, an encounter took place pretty close to
me, and I perceived that the beak of the one grasped that of the other,
and thus fastened, both whirled round and round in their perpendicular
descent, the point of contact being the centre of the gyrations, till,
when another second would have brought them both to the ground, they
separated, and the one chased the other for about a hundred yards, and
then returned in triumph to the tree, where, perched on a lofty twig, he
chirped monotonously and pertinaciously for some time;—I could not help
thinking, in defiance. In a few minutes, however, the banished one
returned, and began chirping no less provokingly, which soon brought on
another chase and another tussle. I am persuaded that these were hostile
encounters, for one seemed evidently afraid of the other, fleeing when
the other pursued, though his indomitable spirit would prompt the chirp
of defiance; and, when resting after a battle, I noticed that this one
held his beak open, as if panting. Sometimes they would suspend
hostilities to suck a few blossoms, but mutual proximity was sure to
bring them on again with the same result. In their tortuous and rapid
evolutions, the light from their ruby necks would now and then flash in
the sun with gem-like radiance; and as they now and then hovered
motionless, the broadly-expanded tail,—whose outer feathers are
crimson-purple, but when intercepting the sun’s rays, transmit
orange-colored light—added much to their beauty. A little _Banana Quit_
(_Certhiola flaveola_), that was peeping among the blossoms in his own
quiet way, seemed now and then to look with surprise on the combatants;
but when the one had driven his rival to a longer distance than usual,
the victor set upon the unoffending Quit, who soon yielded the point,
and retired, humbly enough, to a neighboring tree. The war, for it was a
thorough campaign, a regular succession of battles, lasted fully an
hour, and then I was called away from the post of observation. Both of
the Humming Birds appeared to be adult males.”
In the United States, there have been discovered as yet not more than
five species of Humming Birds, including that which is presented to the
reader in our present plate. They are the ruby-throated Humming bird
(_Trochilus colubris_), which is the much-admired little species
everywhere common in the summer-time, in the States on the Atlantic; the
Mango Humming Bird (_T. mango_), an abundant South American and West
Indian species that occasionally visits Florida, as above stated; the
Anna Humming Bird (_T. Anna_), a species of California and Mexico, the
most beautiful of the northern species, and which derives additional
interest from the fact that it was named by an eminent French
naturalist, in honor of Anna, Duchess of Rivoli, whose husband, General
Massena, Duke of Rivoli, the distinguished officer of the armies of the
Emperor Napoleon I., founded the ornithological collection which now
belongs to the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. In addition
to these, are the rufous-throated or Northern Humming Bird (_T. rufus_),
a western species, which extends its range on the Pacific coast to a
high northern latitude, and the bird now before us. Another species or
two have been named as inhabiting California, without it being stated
whether the upper or lower divisions of that country was intended. They
are not known to inhabit that portion which is one of the States of this
Union, though it is quite probable that others of the numerous Mexican
species will be found extending their range into the western and
southwestern territories.
Within the limits of the United States, the Humming Bird now before the
reader, has been noticed only by Dr. Heermann, whose fine collection
made in California contained numerous specimens. He detected it in one
locality only, which was the burying-ground at Sacramento city. There
several pairs remained during the season of incubation, and reared their
young, finding suitable food and protection amongst the flowering
plants, with which, with great feeling and propriety, that last
resting-place of the emigrant and stranger has been adorned.
Dr. Heermann represents the nest as composed of fine mosses, lined with
the feathery down of various seeds, and containing two white eggs. He
saw this bird also at Guaymas, in Mexico.
The figures in our plate are of the size of life, and represent adult
males. The plant represented is _Odontoglossum Cervantesii_, a native of
Mexico.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Trochilus. Linnæus, Syst. Nat., I. p. 189. (1766.)
Size small, in some species diminutive, and the smallest of birds; bill
slender, frequently straight, and also frequently curved, acute; wings
comparatively large, generally pointed and formed for rapid flight;
quills flattened, first primary longest, and curved inwards; tail
various; legs and feet very short and feeble. The birds of this group
are exclusively American.
Trochilus Alexandri. Bourcier and Mulsant, Annals of the Royal Society
of Physical and Natural Sciences of Lyons, IX. p. 330. (1846.)
Form. Small; bill long; nearly straight; wings rather short; first quill
longest, and somewhat curved; tail rather short, marginated, with its
feathers narrow and pointed; legs and feet very short and weak.
Dimensions. Total length of skin, about 3¼ inches; wing, 2¹/₁₀; tail, 1
inch.
Color. Entire upper parts golden green; dark on the head; wings and tail
brownish-black, except the central feathers of the latter, which are
green; throat brilliant purple, with violet reflections, which color is
succeeded by a broad transverse band of white; other under parts golden
green, mixed with pale brownish and ashy; bill and feet dark.
Hab. California and Mexico. Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada.
Obs. This bird is about the size of, or slightly larger than the
ruby-throated Humming Bird (_T. colubris_) of North America, and
resembles it in the general distribution of its colors. Those of the
throat are, however, entirely different. The two species belong
evidently to the same subdivision of the old genus _Trochilus_, which
is, however, given so differently by late authors, that we have not at
present determined the relative claims of either. It is given by one as
belonging to the genus _Mellisuga_, and by another as _Trochilus_
proper, in a restricted sense.
The study of the Humming Birds, now difficult, will be rendered easy by
Mr. Gould’s great work on these birds, now in the course of publication.
All the known species are to be figured of the size of life; and in the
parts already published, the drawing and coloring is exceedingly
accurate, and magnificent beyond any precedent in the literature of
ornithology.
In the old world, the Humming Birds are represented by the Sun Birds
(genus _Cinnyris_, Cuvier; _Nectarinia_ of some authors), numerous
species of which inhabit Africa and Southern Asia. They partake in some
measure of the habits of the Humming Birds, and also of their lustrous
colors, many of the species being very beautiful.
Several naturalists and admirers of ornithology have formed special
collections of Humming Birds, and there are now extant several which
contain very nearly all the known species, of which may be mentioned
those of Mr. Edward Wilson, and Mr. John Gould, in England, and of
Messrs. Edward and Jules Verreaux, in Paris. That of the first named,
who is an American gentleman resident in England, is the most extensive
and complete, and includes several of the only specimens known of the
species which they represent. This gentleman and his brother, Dr. Thomas
B. Wilson, of Philadelphia, have won for themselves the imperishable
respect and gratitude of American naturalists, by forming in their
native city the most extensive library and collections in natural
history in America, and, in some departments, unrivalled by any in the
old world. For these, now constituting, mainly, the magnificent museum
and library of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, it is
indebted to the distinguished patrons of zoological science whom we have
just mentioned.
EMBERIZA BILINEATA.—Cassin.
The Black-throated Finch.
PLATE XXIII.—Adult Male.
This curious little Finch was discovered in Texas, in 1849, by Mr. John
W. Audubon, a son of the celebrated ornithologist, and himself a
naturalist and zoological draughtsman of high merit and accomplishments.
It appears to be extensively diffused throughout Mexico, Texas, and New
Mexico, and in the former country is a common species. In the States
last mentioned, it has been noticed by nearly all the naturalists who
have visited them; though, as a bird of the United States, little beyond
the fact of its existence in those regions has been placed on record, or
has otherwise come to our knowledge.
In Mexico, this bird was found by Lieut. Couch to be numerous in some
parts of Tamaulipas, Nueva Leon, Coahuila, and other States on the Rio
Grande, immediately south and west of the limits of the territory of the
United States. For our present article, this gentleman has very kindly
furnished the following interesting communication, for which and other
similar favors we beg to tender our grateful acknowledgments:—
“This bird was first seen at Santa Rosalio, and specimens were obtained.
Though a month had been spent at Brownsville, in Texas, only about
twenty miles distant, it had not been observed. At Charco Escondido,
forty miles farther in the interior, it was very plentiful, and early in
March, seemed to have already reared a breed of young; one specimen
procured, having the appearance of being a young bird but a few weeks
old.
“Its favourite home appears to be the scattered Mesquite or Acacias that
sprinkle the plains east of the Sierra Madre. Like many other birds of
its family, it does not seek the shade during the warmer hours of
mid-day, but may always be found chirping and hopping from one bush to
another, apparently as much for the pleasure of enjoying the society of
its fellows as to seek for food.
“After striking south from Cadorcita, this little bird suddenly
disappeared, much to my regret, as I had become so accustomed to seeing
it constantly during my daily marches, that I almost regarded it as a
travelling companion. But after nearly a month’s absence, I again
recognized it among some flowering _Leguminosa_, between Pesqueria and
Rinconada. I afterwards ascertained that it would thus be entirely
absent from districts of considerable extent, but always reappeared
again throughout my journey, and was always welcome.
[Illustration: Plate 23
The Black-throated Finch
Emberiza bilneata (_Cassin_)]
“The usual note of this bird at the season in which I saw it, is a
simple chirp; but one day, having halted during a _norther_, in the
State of Tamaulipas, I amused myself watching a party of adult and young
birds of this species, in the neighboring bushes. One gay little
black-throated fellow, who was probably the father, showed unusual
uneasiness at my presence, which fact led me particularly to observe
him. After carefully reconnoitering and apparently satisfying himself
that there was no immediate danger, he flew off a few yards to the top
of a yellow mimosa then in bloom, and, regardless of the bitter wind
still blowing, gave utterance to a strain of sprightly and sweet notes,
that would have compared favorably with those of many a more famed
songster of the feathered race. This was the only time that I ever heard
this species indulge in anything more than a single chirp.”
This little Finch was observed at various localities in Texas by
gentlemen attached to the commission for running the boundary line
between the United States and Mexico.
The figure in our plate, which is that of an adult male from Lieut.
Couch’s collection, is about two-thirds of the size of life.
The plant represented is _Spirea Douglasii_, a native of western North
America.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Emberiza. Linnæus, Syst. Nat., I. p. 308. (1766.)
Emberiza bilineata. Cassin, Proc. Acad., Philada., V. p. 104. (Oct.
1850.)
Form. Rather short and compact; fourth quill slightly longest, but
nearly equalled by the third and fifth; legs rather long and robust;
tail moderate.
Dimensions. Total length, about 5⅛ inches; wing, 2½; expanse from tip to
tip, 8; tail, 2⅜ inches.
Colors. _Adult._—Superciliary stripe over the eye, and another from the
corner of the lower mandible, white. Large space on the throat and neck
before black, which is also the color of the lores. Cheeks and entire
upper parts brownish-cinereous, darker, and tinged with olive on the
back; quills hair-brown, with nearly white external edgings; tail
feathers brownish-black, the two central palest, and the external
feather, with its outer web, white, and with a large spot of white on
its inner web, near the tip,—in some specimens the two outer tail
feathers are largely tipped with white. Entire under parts white, tinged
with ashy and olive, especially on the sides and flanks; bill dark
bluish or horn color; feet dark. _Young._—Throat and other under parts
white, with some longitudinal stripes of brownish-black; upper parts as
in adult, but more tinged with brown; wing-coverts edged with
brownish-white.
Hab. New Mexico and Texas; Mexico. Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada., and
Nat. Mus., Washington city.
Obs. This Finch resembles no other species known to us, in such a degree
as would render it liable to be confounded with it. It may be easily
recognised when adult by its black throat, bordered on each side by a
conspicuous white stripe, and having also another equally conspicuous
and well-defined stripe over the eye. In the young there is no vestige
of the black throat, that part being of a uniform color with the under
parts of the body, but bears a strong general resemblance to the adult.
It is related to the group designated _Euspiza_ by authors, though it is
probably the type of a distinct subdivision.
[Illustration: Plate 24
The Black-headed Vireo
Vireo atricapillus (_Woodhouse_)]
VIREO ATRICAPILLUS.—Woodhouse.
The Black-headed Flycatcher.
PLATE XXIV.—Adult Male.
On account of their modest attire and sylvan habits, the birds of the
group to which the present species belongs, are seldom noticed by the
general observer, though some of them are to be met with commonly during
the summer, in nearly all parts of the United States. But though
inconspicuous in appearance, they make ample compensation by the
loudness of their notes, which, after the early love-songs of the
Thrushes, and other of our songsters of spring, have subsided into the
more serious duties of parental responsibility, are to be heard above
those of any other of our resident birds. They are active
insect-catchers, and may be seen at nearly all hours of the day,
patiently searching amongst the leaves and branches of the trees in
almost every woodland, hopping from branch to branch, or sometimes
making short sallies in pursuit of fugitive moths or butterflies, and
occasionally pausing to refresh themselves with a rather quaint but very
melodious warble, lengthened in the spring into a cheerful and agreeable
song.
The red-eyed Flycatcher (_V. olivaceus_) is the most numerous, and not
only is constantly to be met with in the woods, but ventures confidently
into the public squares or parks, and the yards and gardens of the
cities. In many such localities in Philadelphia, several of which are in
the denser parts of the city, this little warbler rears its young, and
pipes out his sprightly song, in entire security, and apparently feeling
himself as much at home as if in the recesses of the most remote forest.
The warbling Flycatcher (_V. gilvus_) is another pleasing singer, though
in our opinion but an indifferent performer compared with the preceding.
A species common in the West Indies, and which has been found in
Florida, has some very singular notes, from one combination of which he
has had assigned to him a name quite as singular, the “Whip Tom Kelly”
(_V. altiloquus_).
The immediate relatives, however, of the little species before the
reader in the present plate, are birds that rarely venture far from the
woods. One of them, the White-eyed Flycatcher (_V. noveboracensis_), has
a partiality for marshes and low grounds producing thick growths of
vines and shrubbery; and although the smallest of his tribe has some
quite remarkable notes, and so loud, that a person not sufficiently
acquainted with him to recognise his voice, would be surprised to find
such a high-sounding solo proceed from such a diminutive performer.
The species represented in our present plate is an inhabitant of Texas,
but it has as yet been only observed in a very limited district. It was
discovered by S. W. Woodhouse, M. D., of Philadelphia, while attached to
Capt. Sitgreave’s Surveying party. It is the handsomest bird of this
group.
The following notice of this bird by Dr. Woodhouse, we take the liberty
of extracting from Sitgreave’s report of an expedition down the Zuñi and
Colorado rivers:
“On the twenty-sixth of May, 1851, while encamped on the Rio San Pedro,
within about ten miles of its source, I was out in pursuit of specimens.
Wandering about the hills among some cedars (_Juniperus_), my attention
was first attracted by a singular note, which I am unable to describe;
on looking, I discovered this beautiful little bird, which I at first
took to belong to that interesting family of fly-catching warblers,
_Sylvania_, it being constantly in motion. It was with the greatest
difficulty that I could procure specimens; two, however, I secured, both
of which, on dissection, proved to be males.”
Mr. John H. Clark, zoologist attached to the Mexican boundary
commission, who observed this species in Texas, and near the same
locality at which it was found by Dr. Woodhouse, has very obligingly
made for us the following note from his journal:
“My attention was drawn to this bird by a shrill, discontented chirp
which accompanied its incessant motion in pursuit of insects. Three
specimens only were seen, and all of them at one locality, near the head
of the Rio San Pedro, or Devil’s River, to the valley of which it
appeared to be confined, for, being aware of its novelty to the fauna of
the United States, I kept a strict look-out, but did not meet with it
elsewhere.
“It was not at all shy, showing no concern when approached within a few
rods. The procuring of a specimen was, however, a matter of some
difficulty, as its constantly hopping or flying from branch to branch
rendered an unobstructed shot the next thing to an impossibility. It was
found in June, and the specimen obtained by me, now in the collection of
the commission, is that of a male.”
Our figure is of the natural size.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Vireo. Vieillot, Ois d’Am., Sept. I, p. 83. (1807.)
Size small; bill rather short, strong, wide at base, compressed towards
the point, which is curved downwards, and sharp; upper mandible with
distinct notches near the point; nostrils basal, large; wing moderate or
rather short, with the third and fourth quills usually longest; tail
rather short; legs long, rather slender. An American genus, containing
six species. The Red-eyed Flycatcher (_V. olivaceus_), and others of the
long-billed species, are not included, but have properly been embraced
in a new group, _Vireosylvia_, Bonaparte.
Vireo atricapillus. Woodhouse, Proc. Acad., Philada., VI. p. 60.
(April, 1852.)
Form. Small, but compact, and rather broad; bill rather short, acute;
wing with the third and fourth quills equal; tail rather short, even at
the end, or slightly emarginate.
Dimensions. _Male._—Total length, 7½ inches; Wing, 2¼; tail, 1¾; expanse
of Wings, 7¼.
Color. _Male._—Head above and cheeks black; stripe before the eye, and
entire under parts, white, tinged with greenish-yellow on the sides and
flanks; back, rump, and upper tail-coverts, dark olive-green; quills
brownish-black, with a greenish tinge, and edged externally with
greenish-yellow; wing-coverts tipped with greenish-white; tail feathers
brownish-black, edged externally with greenish-yellow; bill and feet
dark; iris light red.
Hab. Texas. Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada., and Nat. Mus., Washington
city.
Obs. This is a very distinct and peculiar species of this genus, not at
all resembling any other, and readily distinguished by its black head.
It belongs, however, strictly to the same group as _V. flavifrons_, _V.
solitarius_, _V. noveboracencis_, and others, and is one of the most
interesting of the more recent additions to the ornithology of the
United States.
PICOLAPTES BRUNNEICAPILLUS.—La Fresnaye.
The Brown-headed Creeper.
PLATE XXV.—Adult Male.
This is a species belonging to a large family of birds, very numerous in
the tropical and southern regions of the American continent, though of
which not more than two species are known to venture so far north as to
come within the limits of the United States. They subsist on insects,
which they capture on the trunks and branches of trees, or, in the
countries where such plants abound, on the large species of _Cactus_,
and others of a similar character.
Some of the larger birds of this group have very long and singularly
curved bills, which it is supposed are peculiarly adapted to searching
for insects in the deep furrows or interstices of the rough barks of
trees. All have more or less strong feet and claws, designed for their
manner of creeping on trees, somewhat similar to that of the
Woodpeckers, but more like the Nuthatches, or little Sapsuckers, as they
are commonly designated in the United States, and the Brown Creeper of
our woods (_Certhia americana_). The latter is in fact the only northern
representative of the family to which our present species belongs, but
so small, that it conveys but a faint idea of the form and colors of
these birds generally. They are, however, for the greater part, birds of
plain colors, frequently brown of various shades, or snuff-colored.
The bird figured in the present plate was first noticed in Texas, by
Capt. J. P. McCown, of the United States Army, and is given by Mr.
Lawrence as an addition to the ornithology of the North in the Annals of
the New York Lyceum of Natural History, V. p. 114 (1851), but with no
account of its habits. Since that time, it has been again observed by
Mr. Clark at several localities in Texas, and is known to be of frequent
occurrence in the States of Mexico immediately south of the Rio Grande,
and in other parts of the same country.
The Brown-headed Creeper was seen by Dr. Heermann in Mexico, and in his
paper in the Journal of the Philadelphia Academy, II. p. 263, he thus
mentions it:—
[Illustration: Plate 25
The Brown-headed Creeper
Picolaptes brunneicapillus (_La Fresnaye_)]
“I found this bird in the arid country back of Guaymas, on the Gulf of
California. The country itself is the picture of desolation, presenting
a broken surface, and a confused mass of volcanic rocks, covered by a
scanty vegetation of thorny bushes and _cacti_. In this desert I found
several interesting species, which enter into our fauna as birds of
Texas, and this species was one of the number. It appeared to be a
lively, sprightly bird, uttering at intervals a clear, loud, ringing
note. The nest, composed of grasses, and lined with feathers, was in the
shape of a long purse, laid flat between the forks or on the branches of
a _Cactus_. The entrance was a covered passage, varying from six to ten
inches in length. The eggs, six in number, are of a delicate salmon
color, very pale, and often so thickly speckled with ash and darker
salmon-colored spots, as to give a rich cast to the whole surface of the
egg.”
In the original description of this bird by the Baron La Fresnaye, an
eminent French ornithologist, in Guerin’s Magazine of Zoology, 1835, p.
61 (Paris), his specimen is represented as being probably from
California. It has not been noticed in that country by either of our
American naturalists, though found by Dr. Heermann, as above stated,
near Guaymas, in Northern Mexico.
Our figure is rather less than two-thirds of the size of life.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Picolaptes. Lesson, Traité d’Ornithologie, I. p. 313. (1831.)
Bill moderate, or rather long, curved, rather wide at base, but
compressed towards the end; apertures of the nostrils large; wings
rather short, rounded; first quill short; fourth, fifth, and sixth,
usually longest and nearly equal; tail moderate, or rather long, soft at
the end; legs and feet rather large and robust; claws curved, sharp. An
American genus, nearly allied to others, and containing numerous
species.
Picolaptes brunneicapillus. La Fresnaye, Guerin’s Mag. de Zoologie,
1835, p. 61.
Form. Bill curved; culmen distinct; wings short; tail rather long; tarsi
and toes strong, and covered with scales; tail wide, with its feathers
broad and soft.
Dimensions. Total length of skin, about 8¼ inches; wing, 3½; tail, 3½
inches. Female rather smaller.
Colors. Entire plumage above, brown, darkest and unspotted on the head;
but on other upper parts with every feather having a central stripe or
oblong spots of white, disposed to form longitudinal stripes; quills
with numerous spots of white on the edges of their outer webs, forming
somewhat regular oblique stripes, and on their inner webs with regular
transverse stripes of white; tail, with its central two feathers,
grayish-brown, transversely barred with brownish-black; other tail
feathers brownish black, with irregular wide transverse bands of white,
more numerous on the two outermost feathers.
Under parts white, tinged with fulvous on the flanks and abdomen;
feathers of the throat and neck before tipped with black; those of other
under parts with circular or oblong spots of black, large on the under
tail-coverts; bill and feet horn-color. Sexes alike.
Hab. Texas and Mexico. Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada., and Nat. Mus.,
Washington.
Obs. This bird somewhat resembles several of its genus, but is not
difficult to distinguish. In many specimens, especially of the male
bird, the black predominates on the throat and neck before, so as to
present an almost uniform color.
Several late writers have placed this species in the genus
_Campylorhynchus_ (Spix).
[Illustration: Plate 26
The Ferruginous Buzzard
Archibuteo ferrugineus (_Lichtenstein_)]
ARCHIBUTEO FERRUGINEUS.—(Lichtenstein).
The Ferruginous Buzzard.
PLATE XXVI.—Adult and Young.
This is one of the largest and most handsomely plumaged of the Rapacious
birds of North America, though belonging to a division characterized by
heavy and comparatively slow flight, and not manifesting any
considerable degree of that courage and cunning which are generally so
remarkable in this great group of the ornithological kingdom. In fact,
on examination of the fine bird now before us, or of the Black Hawk of
the Atlantic States, which is nearly related to it, one would scarcely
infer that the object of such an admirable organization is nothing more
important than the destruction of the smallest and most defenceless of
quadrupeds or of reptiles. Yet such is apparently the case; many of the
birds of this group, though powerful in structure, and furnished with
the usual apparatus of strong and sharp bills and claws, and other
accompaniments of predatory habits, rarely attack any animal more
formidable than a mouse or ground-squirrel, or in some cases a frog or
other of the weaker species of reptiles.
It is, however, entirely erroneous to attribute a noble or generous
character to any of the predatory animals, though from an early period
of history several species have been so regarded. On the contrary, there
is in all these classes, whether of birds or of other animals, a marked
absence of the very traits which are in some measure assigned to them,
and even more unmistakably so in some of the more celebrated, as the
Eagles and Lions, than in the more humble species. Yet the rapacious
animals present a study in natural history of deep interest. Owing the
sustaining of their existence for the greater part to rapine and
violence, yet holding an important place in the great design of the
physical universe, they appear to personate a principle, if we may be
allowed to use the expression, involving one of the most momentous and
mysterious of problems, the existence of evil in the world. The prowling
and treacherous Lion, and the robber Wolf, have unfortunately but too
strong analogies in that race which is the head of the visible creation,
and they and their kind everywhere present the same intrinsic meanness
which is characteristic of violence and injustice, of vice and of crime
amongst men.
The bird now before the reader is, so far as known, exclusively a
Western species. It was first made known to American naturalists by Mr.
Edward M. Kern of this city, who, when attached as artist to Colonel
Frémont’s Expedition of 1846, obtained it in California and brought home
specimens in a collection made by him, of the birds of that country. It
had however been previously noticed and described as a bird of
California by Professor Lichtenstein, a distinguished European
naturalist, in a paper on the natural history of that country, in the
Transactions of the Royal Academy of Berlin (1838, p. 428).
Since Mr. Kern, the only American naturalist who has noticed this bird
is Dr. Heermann, who has met with it during both of his visits to
California, but especially during his connection with a party under
command of Lieut. Williamson, of the U. S. Topographical Engineers,
which has recently completed an examination and survey for a route for a
Railroad to the Pacific Ocean through the southern portion of the
territory of the United States. For our present article, Dr. Heermann
has with great kindness allowed us to make the following extract from
his journal, kept during the survey to which we have alluded:
“During a previous visit to California, I had seen this species in the
valley of the Sacramento river, and had considered it as rare in that
section of the country, but during the recent survey in which I have
been engaged in the southern part of the state, I found it very
abundant, and on one occasion saw five or six individuals in view at the
same moment, in the mountains, about sixty miles east of San Diego. It
was there much more frequently seen than any other species.
“As large tracts of that country inhabited by this bird are often
entirely without trees, it alights on the ground or on some slightly
elevated tuft of grass or a stone, where it sits patiently for hours
watching for its prey. Its food, on dissection, I found to consist
almost entirely of small quadrupeds, principally various species of
mice, and in one instance the crop was filled with the remains of a
ground-squirrel. In plumage it appears to vary as much as its allied
species, _A. sancti-johannis_. One specimen, which was shot by a soldier
attached to our party, had the tail strongly tinged with the red color
which characterizes that appendage in the red-tailed Hawk, (_B.
borealis_).
“I have several times seen a bird sailing over the prairies, about the
size of the present species, but with its entire plumage deep-black and
of heavy and continued flight. It was I think certainly of this genus;
but never having been so fortunate as to have procured a specimen, I am
unable to decide whether it was this bird, the Black Hawk (_A.
sancti-johannis_), or a new species to add to this group. My impression
is that it was the Black Hawk, but it may have been the present in a
stage of plumage yet undescribed.
“The nest and eggs of the present bird I procured on the Consumnes
river, in 1851. The nest was in the forks of an oak and was composed of
coarse twigs and lined with grasses; the eggs, two in number, were
white, marked with faint brown dashes. This nest was placed in the
centre of a large bunch of _Misletoe_, and would not have been
discovered, but having occasion to climb the tree to examine some
Magpie’s nests, the Hawk in flying off betrayed her retreat. The eggs of
this species are quite different from those of the European _A.
lagopus_, but with those of _A. sancti-johannis_, I have never had an
opportunity of comparing them.”
Mr. Kern’s specimens are marked as having been procured in the Tulavie
valley, California, in January, 1846. He observes, in his notes in our
possession, that finding this bird remarkably fat and in excellent
general condition, some of the party shot it for the mess-kettle
whenever opportunity offered, and found it “very good eating.” Possibly
under stress of capital appetites.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Archibuteo. Brehm. in Oken’s Isis, 1828, p. 1269.
Tarsi feathered in front to the toes, but more or less naked behind.
General form, compact and heavy; wings, long and broad, formed for
long-continued but not very rapid flight; bill, short, curved, edges of
the upper mandible festooned; tail, moderate, wide, tarsi rather long;
toes, short; claws, moderately strong, curved, very sharp. Contains
about six species, three of which are American.
Archibuteo ferrugineus. (Lichtenstein.)
Buteo ferrugineus. Licht. Trans. Berlin Academy, 1838, p. 428.
Archibuteo regalis. Gray, Genera of Birds, 1 pl. 6 (1849, plate only).
Form. Robust and compact; bill, rather large; wings, long, with the
third quills longest, all the primaries more or less incised on their
inner webs near the end; tarsi feathered in front to the toes, naked and
scaled behind; toes, short; claws, strong.
Dimensions. Total length (of skin), female, about 22 inches; wing, 16½
to 17; tail, 9 inches.
Color. _Adult._—Tibiae and tarsi bright ferruginous, with transverse
stripes of brownish-black, irregular and indistinct on the latter.
Entire upper parts with irregular longitudinal stripes of dark-brown and
light ferruginous, the latter color predominating on the shoulders and
rump. All the upper plumage white at the bases of the feathers, and on
the back with concealed irregular transverse stripes of brownish-black.
Quills, ashy-brown, lighter on the outer webs, and with a part of the
inner webs white, and with obscure brown bands. Tail, above, ashy-white,
tinged with pale ferruginous, and mottled obscurely with ashy-brown, in
some specimens narrowly tipped with black; tail, beneath,
yellowish-white, unspotted. Entire under parts of the body white,
slightly tinged with yellowish, with narrow longitudinal lines and
dashes of reddish-brown on the breast, and narrow irregular transverse
lines of the same color, and others of black, on the sides, flanks, and
abdomen; under tail coverts, white; axillary feathers and some of the
inferior coverts of the wing, bright ferruginous; toes, yellow; bill and
claws, dark.
_Young._—Entire upper parts dark umber-brown, a few feathers edged and
tipped with pale ferruginous; upper coverts of the tail white, spotted
with dark-brown; entire under parts pure white, with a few longitudinal
lines and dashes of dark brown on the breast, and arrow-heads or
irregularly shaped spots of the same color on the sides and abdomen,
larger and more numerous on the flanks. Tibiæ and tarsi white,
irregularly spotted with dark-brown; axillary feathers, white, with
large subterminal spots of brown; under wing coverts and edges of the
wings white, with a few brown spots; under tail coverts, white.
Hab. California. (Mr. Kern, Dr. Heermann.) Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada.
Obs. This very distinctly characterized species somewhat resembles some
stages of plumage of the Rough-legged Hawk and of the Black Hawk
(_Archibuteo lagopus_ and _sancti-johannis_) but not sufficiently to
render it necessary to point out differences. It has, as yet, only been
observed in California, but will, very probably, like many other species
of Western birds, be found to inhabit also the northern regions of this
continent.
[Illustration: Plate 27
The Black-headed Gnat-catcher
Culicivora atricapilla (_Weill_)]
CULICIVORA MEXICANA.—Bonaparte.
The Black-headed Gnat-catcher.
PLATE XXVII.—Male and Female.
This delicate little bird is an inhabitant of Texas, where it was first
noticed by Capt. J. P. McCown, of the U. S. Army. He obtained it near
Ringgold Barracks, in 1850, since which period specimens have been
brought in the collections of various other officers and naturalists. It
is also known as a bird of Mexico.
This species belongs to a small group of little fly-catching birds, of
which several others are found in America, though two of them only come
within the limits of the fauna of the United States. Of these, one, the
little blue gray Flycatcher (_Culicivora cœrulea_), has been long known
as a summer resident in the woods and forests of the Middle and Northern
States, and is one of the earliest to return, from its winter journey in
the south, to its northern home. The other is the bird now before the
reader.
These little Flycatchers are amongst the smallest of our native birds.
They almost exclusively inhabit the woods, and are constantly seen
actively engaged in the capture of the minute insects on which they
feed, in pursuit of which they search very industriously, not only
shrubbery, but trees of the greatest height. The present is the smaller
of the two northern species, and is represented in our plate of the size
of life.
For the following memorandum relating to this little bird we are again
indebted to the kindness of Dr. Heermann:
“I first met with this species near San Diego, California, in 1851, and
during the recent survey found it abundant in the vicinity of Fort Yuma.
Its habits much resemble those of the Blue-gray Gnat-catcher of the
Eastern States (_Culicivora cœrulea_), it is very quick in its
movements, searching actively for food, preferring, apparently, the low
trees and bushes, and at times darting about in the air in pursuit of
small insects. The only note that I ever heard it utter was a chirp, so
feeble in its tone that it could be heard but a short distance.
“The last specimen procured by me was shot in a hedge bordering a field
cultivated by the Pimos Indians, whose village is situated about two
hundred miles above the junction of the Gila and Colorado rivers.”
The figures in the present plate, which we regard as those of adult male
and female, are of the size of life.
The plant is _Zauschneria californica_, a native of California.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Culicivora. Swainson, Zoological Journal, III., p. 359. (1827.)
Small, bill rather long, compressed towards the tip, wider at base,
upper mandible somewhat curved, base with about five pairs of rather
long, weak bristles; wing, moderate or rather short, first quill very
short, fourth and fifth, longest and nearly equal; tail, long, with the
feathers graduated, outer shortest; legs, long, slender; toes, rather
short. Colors usually cinereous and black. A genus exclusively American
and containing several species.
Culicivora Mexicana. Bonap. Cons. Av., p. 316. (1850.)
Form. Small and slender; bill, moderate, rather long; wings, moderate;
tail, long, several of the central feathers equal, others shorter and
graduated, outer feathers shortest; legs and feet, long and slender.
Dimensions. Total length (of skin) about 4¼ inches; wing, 12¾; tail, 2¼;
inches.
Colors. _Male._—Head, above, glossy black; upper parts of the body and
wings, grayish-cinereous or lead-colored; lower parts very pale
ashy-white, deeper on the sides and flanks; quills, brownish-black,
edged externally with ashy-white; tail, black, the two outer feathers
tipped with white, having their outer webs of that color, the next two
also edged on their outer webs with white and tipped with the same,
readily seen on the inferior surface of the tail; bill and legs, dark.
_Female_, with the head above uniform with the other parts—not
black—otherwise, like the male.
Hab. Texas, Mexico. Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada., and Nat. Mus.,
Washington city.
Obs. This species very much resembles the South American _Culicivora
leucogastra_, De Wied, (which is _C. atricapilla_, Swainson,) but is
smaller. We have never seen specimens of the present species with the
under parts of such a clear white as is usual in the larger bird just
mentioned, though it may assume it in its perfectly mature plumage. The
South American bird measures in total length about five inches.
The Prince of Canino’s description of _Culicivora mexicana_ as cited
above, we regard as applicable to the female of the present species. All
the species of this genus more or less resemble each other, and now
require careful revision, having the appearance to us of being rather
confused than otherwise, and but imperfectly described.
[Illustration: Plate 28
The Prince Maximilian’s Jay
Gymnokitta cyanocephala (_DeWied_)]
GYMNOKITTA CYANOCEPHALA.—(De Wied.)
The Prince Maximilian’s Jay.
PLATE XXVIII.—Adult Male.
We have the pleasure of presenting to the reader, in the plate now
before him, one of the most singular of the birds of the family of Crows
and Jays yet known to inhabit North America.
This bird was discovered in the Rocky Mountains, by that learned and
enthusiastic naturalist, Maximilian, Prince of Wied, who in the course
of travels in North America, and especially in the interior, contributed
a large amount of valuable information relating to the natural history
of the northern portion of our continent, as he had previously to that
of South America. Few books, in fact, contain more important
observations in the various departments of North American Zoology than
the work of that nobleman, “Travels in the Interior of North
America,—edition in German, Coblenz, 1839;” but, unfortunately, and
certainly without his approbation, nearly everything relating to natural
history is omitted in the English edition, London, 1843. In Ornithology,
the works of the Prince Maximilian are particularly valuable, and in
that relating to North America, there are many notices of little known
and interesting species, and the first descriptions of some which have
since been regarded as previously unknown by American writers.
The present bird differs in generic as well as specific characters from
all other forms of the family to which it belongs. Its short, heavy
figure approximates it somewhat to the Nut-crackers of the old world
(_Nucifraga_), and to Clark’s Crow of Western America (_Picicorvus
columbianus_), and its habits, so far as known, are in some respects
similar to those of the latter. It does not appear, however, to be in
any considerable degree a fruit-eater, but is decidedly carnivorous, and
almost rapacious; preying on Reptiles, particularly the various species
of _Phrynosoma_, or Horned Frogs, as they are called with but little
propriety, which abound in Western North America. It appears, in fact,
to resemble in habits, to some extent, the reptile-eating Kingfishers
(_Genus Todiramphus_) of Asia, the Pacific islands and Australia, and if
not absolutely allied, is certainly a strongly analogous representative
of those curious birds.
The first specimens of this bird which were brought to the attention of
American naturalists, were sent to the Philadelphia Academy, by Mr.
Edward M. Kern, who procured them during his connection with Col.
Frémont’s Expedition of 1846; and previously no others appear to have
reached Europe, than those of its discoverer, the Prince Maximilian.
More recently it has been observed by several of the naturalists who
have visited Western America. Our friend, T. Charlton Henry, M. D., of
the United States’ Army, has noticed it repeatedly in the vicinity of
Fort Webster, in New Mexico. To him we have the pleasure of expressing
our obligations for the following interesting notes relating to this
bird, as well as for many others:
“This singular and handsome Jay, I first met with near San Miguel, in
July, 1852, where I observed a party of some twenty or thirty specimens
flitting through the cedars along the roadside. They were mostly young
birds, and constantly alighted on the ground, for the purpose, as I
ascertained, of capturing lizards, which they killed with great
readiness and devoured.
“Since that time, I have frequently observed this bird in the winter
only, in the neighborhood of Fort Webster, and always in flocks of about
forty or fifty; indeed I am not sure that I have not repeatedly fallen
in with the same flock, and it may not therefore be as abundant as I am
inclined to suppose. Here they evince an exceeding wariness and are very
difficult to approach; I have chased a flock for hours without
succeeding in getting within gun-shot.
“Almost invariably a flock alights near the summit of a hill, and passes
down its side rapidly, all the birds keeping quite near to each other,
and individuals frequently alighting on the ground, when their attention
is attracted by their favorite food. They appear to be very social and
keep up a continued twittering note. I have occasionally seen them
flying in close flocks, high in the air, and apparently passing from one
mountain or hill to another.
“This bird, so far as I have seen, is exclusively a mountain species, as
I have never observed it in the plains or the bottom lands, which are
the usual haunts of its relatives, Steller’s and the California Jay. It
differs, however, from them in many respects, and is the only species of
these birds that I have never met with singly or in parties of
half-a-dozen individuals only. I have always seen it in large flocks.
Its food appears to be exclusively reptiles.”
C. B. R. Kennerly, M. D., a young naturalist of great promise, who was
attached as Zoologist to Lieut. Whipple’s party, for surveying a route
for a railroad to the Pacific Ocean, brought fine specimens of the bird
now before us, in the large and highly interesting collection of birds
made by him in the countries traversed by the expedition. To Dr.
Kennerly we are indebted for the following notice of this species:
“During the march of our party from the Rio Grande to the Sierra Madre,
we saw this bird nearly every day. At that season, which was November,
large flocks were constantly found in the vicinity of the running
streams, which on being frightened from the low bushes, circled around,
loudly uttering their peculiar cry, and rising higher and higher, until
they reached the summit of some tree on the rocky hills. When settled,
they continued their discordant notes, which somewhat resemble some of
those of the common Cat-bird (_Mimus felivox_).”
The Prince Maximilian’s specimens of this bird were obtained on Maria’s
river, one of the tributaries of the Upper Missouri, in the northern
part of the possessions of the United States in Western America, and
much farther north than it has been observed by either of the late
naturalists. It probably inhabits a very extensive district, the limits
of which cannot at present be conjectured.
The figure in the present plate is that of the adult male, and is about
two-thirds of the natural size.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Gymnokitta. De Wied in Bonap. Consp. Av., p. 382. (1850.)
General form, rather short, robust; bill, straight, wide at base,
somewhat rounded and flattened at the point, ridge of the under mandible
(or gonys) very distinctly ascending; wings, rather long, first quill
very short, fourth, longest, but only slightly longer than the third and
fifth; tail, moderate, containing twelve feathers; legs and feet,
strong.
Gymnokitta cyanocephala. (De Wied).
Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus. De Wied, Travels in North America (1839,
Coblenz).
Cyanocorax Cassinii. McCall, Proc. Acad. Philada., V. p. 216. (1851.)
Form. Bill, straight, wide at base, blunt and rounded, and somewhat
flattened towards the point; wings, rather long, secondaries, broad and
mostly obtuse at their ends; tail, moderate, tarsi rather long,
moderately robust, and with the toes distinctly scaled; claws, curved,
rather strong and sharp.
Dimensions. Total length (of skin), about 10 inches; wing, 6; tail, 4½;
bill, from gape, 1½ inches.
Colors. _Adult._—Throat, white, tinged with bluish running into stripes
on the neck before. Entire other plumage, above and below, ashy-blue,
much darker and clearer on the head, palest on the abdomen, tibiæ and
under wing coverts. Cheeks and frontal feathers, pale ultramarine; bill
and claws dark; irides, light-brown—sexes alike.
Hab. New Mexico, Nebraska. Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada., and Nat. Mus.,
Washington city.
Obs. This species does not resemble any other in such degree as to
readily lead to confusion, and as yet stands alone in its genus.
The bird described by Col. McCall, as above, and to which he did us the
honor to apply our name, he has since ascertained to be the present
species, of which, at the time of the publication of his description, no
specimen was exhibited in the nearly complete collection of Jays in the
museum of the Philadelphia Academy, nor had it ever been mentioned by
any American ornithologist. He observed it in the vicinity of Santa Fé,
in considerable numbers.
Although as we have said above, nearly the whole of the valuable
Zoological notes in the German edition of the Prince Maximilian’s
Travels, are omitted in the English translation; two notices of the
present species may be found in the latter, pp. 287, 297, the last of
which is the description, and seems to have accidentally escaped the
singular want of judgment which induced the omissions to which we
allude.
[Illustration: Plate 29
The Black Flycatcher
Ptilogonys nitens (_Swainson_)]
PTILOGONYS NITENS.—Swainson.
The Black Flycatcher.
PLATE XXIX.—Adult Male and Female.
This gracefully formed, but sombre-colored little bird was first added
to the Ornithological fauna of the United States, by our valued friend,
Colonel George A. McCall, Inspector General in the Army of the United
States, who observed it, and obtained numerous specimens, while on a
tour of duty in California, in 1852. It had previously been known as a
Mexican species, having been described by Mr. Swainson, in 1838, from
specimens sent from that country.
This bird belongs to a small group of Fly-catchers, containing not more
than five or six species, all of which are inhabitants of either Western
North America, Mexico, or the southern portion of this continent. They
appear to possess the habits of true Fly-catchers, and are remarkable
for their slender but active forms, in which the long and ample tail and
the elongated feathers of the head, capable of being erected into a
handsome crest, are generally conspicuous. The best known North American
species is _Ptilogonys obscurus_, La Fresnaye (which is _Ptilogonys
Townsendii_, Audubon), a bird that is now brought from the far west by
nearly all collectors.
Respecting the curious little species which is the subject of our
present article, we have the pleasure of laying before the reader the
following notes very kindly furnished by Col. McCall.
“The first opportunity that I had for observing the manners of this
bird, was afforded me in 1852, while travelling from _Valle-cita_ to _El
Chino_, in California. On that occasion, as I left the country bordering
the desert, and began to ascend the hills, my route followed the course
of a mountain brook, whose clear waters were at intervals shaded with
gnarled and scrubby oaks. In approaching one of these clumps of trees, I
remarked a number of dark-colored birds, which afterwards were found to
belong to this species, darting upwards from the topmost branches, and
after diving and pitching about in the air for a moment, returning again
to the dead branches with the lively port that proved them to be engaged
in the agreeable pastime of taking their insect prey. A nearer approach
showed them to be light and graceful on the wing; but less swift and
decided in their motions than most of the true Fly-catchers. There were
about a dozen in company, and they presented a pleasing sight, as three
or four together were constantly either pitching upwards to a
considerable height in the air, or gliding silently back to their
perches. In these ærial evolutions, the bright spot on the wing, which
is formed by broad patches of white on the inner webs of six or seven of
the quill feathers, and is visible only when the wing is spread, gleamed
conspicuously in the sunshine, and formed a fine contrast with the
glossy black of the general plumage. I sat upon my horse, watching their
movements for some time, and I now perceived that two of their numbers
were of a dusky hue, and without the wing spot to which I have referred;
but I could discover no difference in their manners or their style of
flight. I, therefore, had little doubt of their being adult females; for
although at that period of the year, (June 20) the young birds might
have been well grown, yet there is generally a want of decided character
in the unpractised flight of young birds, which betrays them to the
Sportsman’s eye. In fact, these birds agreed with Swainson’s description
of the female in general terms; and my only regret is that I was not
able to satisfy myself by dissection whether these to which I now refer
were in reality adult females, or young males in their first plumage.
“However, on my attempting to approach still nearer, these birds became
alarmed, and winging their way to the hill-side, alighted on the scraggy
bushes scattered among large projecting rocks, where they resumed their
sport, rising lightly into the air and darting about after insects,
which seemed to be abundant. I followed—but they were now on the _qui
vive_, and, without permitting me to get within gun-shot, flew from bush
to bush, as I advanced, keeping all the while in a loose irregular
flock, and still pursuing their sport of fly-catching. In this way they
continued to ascend the hills, until the broken character of the ground
abruptly stopped my horse. Having, however, dismounted, I clambered over
the rocks, and at last succeeded in killing two of them. These were
alike in plumage—black, with the wing spot; and one of them, which I
dissected, proved to be a male.
“As I journeyed on towards the Sierra Nevada, I met, during several days
succeeding, these birds, either in small companies, or singly; and
subsequently I found a few individuals between _El Chino_ and _Los
Angeles_; but they were invariably black, with the white wing spot. And
I never on any occasion, except the one I have referred to, saw one of
those clad in dusky garments, which I had supposed were females.
“The localities in which I found these birds, were either on the
mountainsides, or in the timbered borders of mountain streams.
“The measurements of the fresh specimen were as follows—length, 8
inches; wing, 3½; tail, 3½.
“The figure slender—the feet rather strong.”
This bird has also been noticed by Dr. Heermann, in various parts of
California, and by Dr. Henry, and Dr. Kennerly, in New Mexico. To the
former gentleman, we are indebted for the following contribution,
intended for our present article:
“This bird is seldom found in the northern part of California, though I
procured both adults and young on the Consumnes river, in 1851. Since
then, however, a naturalist and friend of mine residing there has not
seen a single other specimen, though giving much of his attention to
ornithology, and to the migratory habits of such birds as pass through
that section of country.
“I was therefore surprised to meet with this species after sixty miles
of travel on the Colorado desert near the Little Lagoon. It was perched
on a _Mesquite_ tree, jerking its tail almost incessantly, as do various
other species of Fly-catchers, and dashing occasionally in irregular
curves and angles high into the air in pursuit of insects. On
approaching the Colorado, this Fly-catcher became quite abundant, as I
frequently saw companies of twenty or thirty together, many of which
would be on the wing at the same time, engaged at their usual
employment. At Fort Yuma, this species was also met with in considerable
numbers late in November, when they were migrating southward. Its note
is a low, plaintive whistle. This bird undoubtedly incubates in
California, as I have seen specimens which were certainly very young
birds, though I have not been so fortunate as to discover its nest.”
Near Fort Webster, in New Mexico, Dr. Henry has seen this bird, though
he considers it of rather rare occurrence. Dr. Kennerly noticed it in
abundance during the months of February and March, on the route of
Lieut. Whipple’s party, from the Big Sandy creek to the Great Colorado
river.
Our plate represents the adult male and female about two-thirds of the
size of life.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Ptilogonys. Swainson, Zool. Jour. III. p. 164. (1827.)
Bill, moderate, wide at base, upper mandible curved towards the end, and
distinctly notched; wings, moderate or rather long, first primary very
short, or rudimentary; tail, long; legs and feet, moderate. General
form, rather slender; head frequently with elongated crest-like
feathers. Contains several species of birds, all of which are American.
Ptilogonys nitens. Swainson. Lardner’s Cab. Cy. Birds, Pt. III. p.
285. (1838.)
Form. Slender; crest-like feathers of the head much elongated; wings
with the fifth and sixth quills longest and nearly equal; tail, long,
graduated.
Dimensions. Total length (of skin) about 7½ inches; wing, 3¾; tail, 4
inches.
Colors. _Male._—Entire plumage glossy black, with a greenish lustre,
except a spot on the inner web of each primary quill, occupying about
the middle third of its length, which is pure white. Bill and feet,
black.
_Female._—Entire plumage, except the tail, cinereous, tinged with olive
on the back and abdomen; superior wing coverts, and inferior tail
coverts, edged and tipped with white. Quills, dark-brown—secondaries
edged with white; tail, black, without lustre. _Young_—like the female;
but in the males, with the spot on the primaries discernable, though
more or less obscure.
Hab. California, New Mexico and Mexico. Spec. in Mus. Acad. Philada.,
and Nat. Mus., Washington city.
Obs. A remarkable resemblance exists between the bird now before us and
two other species of Fly-catchers of another genus, _Fluvicola comata_
(Licht.), and _Fluvicola nigerrima_ (Vieill), both of which are natives
of South America, and we have seen the latter also from Mexico. The
three birds resemble each other in general form in a very considerable
degree, and in colors are almost absolutely the same, the prevalent
black of the plumage differing only in shade. Generic and specific
distinctions can, however, readily be made out on comparison of
specimens. _Fluvicola_ has the bill longer and not so wide at the base
and with much stronger bristles; the wings are differently constructed,
the first primary being long and well developed, not short or
rudimentary as in _Ptilogonys_. In those two species of _Fluvicola_,
which differ from each other materially only in size, the white spot is
more at the base of the wing feathers than in _Ptilogonys nitens_, in
which it occupies the middle third of the primaries. _Fluvicola comata_
is the same as _Blechropus cristatus_, Swainson, in Naturalist’s
Library, Flycatchers, p. 99, plate 7. No other species of _Ptilogonys_
is black.
[Illustration: Plate 30
The Mexican Wren
Troglodytes mexicanus (_Swainson_)]
TROGLODYTES MEXICANUS.—(Swainson.)
The White-throated Wren.
PLATE XXX.—Adult Male.
In the United States, the little House Wren is associated with so many
pleasing recollections, and possesses such pre-eminently social and
familiar habits, that one almost expects in all birds bearing the name
of wrens, to find similarity of disposition, and perhaps similar regard
from the people of other lands. But this is by no means the case. There
is really but one House Wren, and that is the little fellow who comes
punctually in the early spring, and evidently without a doubt of his
being welcome to take possession of the box or other habitation of the
previous season, perhaps of many seasons. And forthwith he commences
housekeeping, which usually, if no accidental discouragements intervene,
is very successful, as one may judge from the number of little heads
soon to be seen by peeping in at the door of his domicile.
The Wren is, in this country, nearly as much of a household bird as the
Robin, of Europe, and more than any other, not even excepting the
Martin, is universally regarded with favor. He is, however, the only one
of the numerous species of American Wrens that shows any disposition to
cultivate the acquaintance of mankind, or at all to accept of any
proffered hospitalities. Though the Carolina Wren and Bewick’s Wren both
venture occasionally into the garden or orchard, they are comparatively
shy and apprehensive, apparently, of there being danger in too great
familiarity.
The large species represented in our present plate is a native of Mexico
and California, and lives exclusively in localities remote from the
habitations of man. Though known as a bird of Mexico, it is not
represented as an abundant species in that country, and within the
limits of the United States has been observed only by Dr. Heermann, and
Dr. Kennerly.
In his notes on the Birds of California, in the Journal of the
Philadelphia Academy, II. p. 263, Dr. Heermann’s observations on the
present bird are as follows, and contain the first notice of this
species as an inhabitant of the United States:
“I first met with this bird in the fall of 1851, on the Consumnes river,
but in the spring of 1852, I procured three specimens on the Calaveras
river. It is an active bird, having a loud sprightly song, that is heard
at a considerable distance, and which it repeats at short intervals. I
found it occupied in searching for insects between and under the large
boulders of rock which, along some portions of this river, are thrown
together in confused masses, as if by some terrific convulsion of
nature.”
Dr. Kennerly, during the survey recently completed by Lieut. Whipple’s
party, noticed this Wren in New Mexico, and obtained specimens now
deposited in the National Museum at Washington city. For our present
article he has very kindly favored us with the following note:
“This active little bird was observed only among the hills along the
head waters of Bill Williams’ fork. In the most rugged and inaccessible
places it was generally found busily engaged in searching for food,
rapidly passing around and among the rocks with great activity, and
accompanying its movements with its short and peculiar chirp. It is so
constantly in motion that specimens can only be obtained with
difficulty.”
This species was described by Mr. Swainson, from specimens sent to
Europe from Real del Monte, in Mexico, and we have seen others from
various parts of that country.
The figure in the plate now before the reader, is that of an adult male,
and is about two-thirds of the size of life.
The plant represented is _Nemophila insignis_, a native of California.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Troglodytes. Vieill, Nouv. Dict., XXXIV. p. 505. (1819.)
Troglodytes mexicanus. (Swainson.)
Thryothorus mexicanus. Swainson, Zool. Ill., 2d series, I. p. (none),
pl. 11.
Form. Bill, long, slender and curved; wings, short, rounded, with the
fourth and fifth quills longest; tail, rather long; legs and feet,
moderately strong; claws, large.
Dimensions. Total length (of skin) about 5½ inches; wing, 2½; tail, 2
inches.
Colors. Throat and neck before, silky-white. Entire upper parts,
reddish-brown, with minute circular or irregularly shaped spots of pure
white, which are inserted in others of very dark-brown, nearly black;
quills, dark-brown, spotted on their outer webs with ferruginous; tail,
bright ferruginous, with about eight regular transverse bands of black.
Entire under parts (except the throat and neck before, as above), bright
ferruginous, rather darker than that of the tail, nearly every feather
having a small irregularly shaped spot of white, joined to another of
black; bill, light at the base, darker towards the tip. Sexes very
nearly alike.
Hab. California, New Mexico, Mexico. Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada., and
Nat. Mus., Washington city.
Obs. This very handsome Wren is not properly to be regarded as a true
_Troglodytes_, but belongs to a small group or sub-genus, to which M.
Cabanis has given the name _Salpinctes_. It does not particularly
resemble any other species.
SYNOPSIS
OF
NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.
III. FAMILY STRIGIDÆ. THE OWLS.
General form short and heavy, with the head apparently
disproportionately large, and frequently furnished with ear-like tufts
of feathers. Cavity of the ear, large; eyes, usually large, directed
forwards, and in the greater number of species formed for seeing by
twilight or in the night; bill, nearly concealed by projecting
bristle-like feathers; wings, usually, rather long and formed for rather
slow and noiseless flight, outer edges of primary quills fringed; tail,
various, usually short; legs, generally, rather short, and in all the
species, except those of the Asiatic genus _Ketupa_, Lesson, more or
less feathered to the toes, generally densely; face surrounded by a more
or less perfect disc or circle of short rigid feathers, which circle,
with the large eyes directed forwards, gives to these birds an entirely
peculiar and cat-like expression, indicative of their analogy to the
_Feline_ quadrupeds.
Female larger than the male. General organization adapted to the
destruction of living animals in the night, or in the morning and
evening twilight—midnight appears to be the noon of these birds, at
which they are not disposed to activity.
Species of owls inhabit all parts of the world, most abundantly in
America and Asia. There are about one hundred and forty described
species, of which number, specimens of about one hundred and twenty are
in the collection of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia.
The species inhabiting the continent and islands of America are about
forty.
A.
I. SUB-FAMILY STRIGINÆ. THE TRUE OR TYPICAL OWLS.
Head, large; facial disc, perfect; bill, rather long; eyes, of moderate
size; wings, long; tail, moderate; legs, rather long, clothed with short
feathers; toes, long—size, medium, never very large; colors of plumage
in the greater number of species, yellowish-fawn color and white.
I. GENUS STRIX. Linnæus Syst. Nat., I. p. 131. (1766.)
Head, large, without ear-tufts; cavity of the ear, large; bill, rather
long, covered at the base by projecting, bristle-like feathers; eyes,
rather small, and surrounded by radiated feathers; facial disc, perfect;
wings, very long, pointed, and with the outer edges distinctly fringed;
tarsi, long, thinly covered with feathers; toes, long, more or less
covered with bristles; claws, long, moderately strong, curved, very
sharp; tail, moderate, or rather long. Contains about twelve species of
all parts of the world, nearly all of which resemble in a greater or
less measure _Strix flammea_, of Europe, and _Strix pratincola_, of
North America.
1. Strix pratincola. Bonap. Comp. List., p. 7. (1838.) The Barn Owl.
Strix americana. Aud. Orn. Biog. II. p. 421 (1834, but not of
Gmelin, 1788).
Wilson Am. Orn., VI. pl. 50., fig. 2. Aud. B. of Am. pl. 171, octavo
edition, I. pl. 34. Nat. Hist. State of New York Birds, pl. 13, fig.
28.
Typical, and strictly exhibiting the generic characters.
Adult. Entire plumage above, pale fawn color, or tawny
brownish-yellow, in some specimens nearly white, mottled with
dark-gray and white, especially on the back and wing coverts and outer
webs of the quills, which mottling gives the predominating color of
those parts to many specimens; nearly every feather with a small
subterminal black spot succeeded by another of white. Quills,
fawn-colored, or pale reddish-yellow, varying much in shade in
different specimens, and fading into nearly white on the inner webs;
primaries with about five irregular transverse bars of brownish-black.
Under parts, generally pale fawn color, but in some specimens, pure
white, with small sagittate, lanceolate or circular spots of
brownish-black; tibiæ and tarsi similar in color to the other under
parts, but frequently unspotted and pure white; inferior coverts of
the wing and tail, white; tail, same color as quills and crossed by
four or five bars of dark-brown; face, white, with central spots of
dark-chestnut nearly encircling the eyes, disc feathers tipped with
dark fawn-color and brownish-black, forming a very conspicuous margin,
especially on the lower part of the face; bill, toes and claws,
light-yellowish; irides, brown. Distinctive colors of sexes not well
understood, but they are, probably, nearly alike.
Dimensions. _Female_, total length, about 16 inches; wing, 13; tail,
5½ inches. _Male_, smaller.
Hab. The whole of North America, except the northern regions; more
abundant in the south. Wisconsin (Dr. Hoy), Vermont (Dr. Brewer, Mr.
Z. Thompson), Massachusetts (Dr. Emmons), Oregon (U. S. Ex. Exp.,
Vincennes), California (Dr. Heermann), New Mexico (Dr. Henry), South
Carolina (Mr. Audubon, Prof. Gibbes), Texas, Mexico (Lieut. Couch).
Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada.
Obs. This handsome species of Owl may be regarded as most properly a
southern and western species, being of rather rare occurrence north of
Virginia, though it breeds occasionally in the Northern States. It is
nearly related to _Strix flammea_ of Europe, but is larger. It very much
resembles also several other species of various parts of the world, such
as _S. perlata_ of South America, _S. furcata_ of the island of Cuba,
and others. Naturalists have, in fact, established species on very
slender characters, amongst the owls of this group. It is a very
harmless bird, resorting in the south to buildings and outhouses, and
subsisting on small animals. Different specimens vary considerably in
shade of color and somewhat in dimensions.
II. SUB-FAMILY BUBONINÆ. THE HORNED OWLS.
Size, various, in some species very large, in others, small; head,
large, always furnished with conspicuous ear-tufts, facial disc
incomplete in the upper part; legs, feet and claws usually strong. This
division contains numerous species of all parts of the world, except
Australia.
I. GENUS BUBO. Cuvier, Regne Animal, I. p. 331. (1817.)
Size, large; general form, very robust and strong; head, large, with
prominent ear-tufts; eyes, very large; wings, long, wide; tail,
moderate; tarsi short, and with the toes densely feathered; claws, very
strong, curved; bill, rather short, curved from the base, strong,
covered at base by projecting plumes. This genus contains the large
horned Owls of which there are about fifteen species, the greater part
being peculiar to Asia and Africa.
1. Bubo virginianus. (Gmelin.) The great horned Owl. The Cat Owl.
Strix virginiana. Gm. Syst. Nat. I. p. 287. (1788.)
Strix pythaules. Bartram Trav. p. 289. (1791.)
Bubo ludovicianus. Daudin Traité d’Orn. II. p. 210. (1800.)
Bubo pinicola. Vieill. Ois. d’Am., Sept., I. p. 51. (1807.)
Edward’s Birds, II. pl. 60. Vieill., Ois. d’Am., Sept., I. pl. 19.
Wilson, Am. Orn., VI. pl. 50. fig. 1. Aud., B. of Am., pl. 61, Oct.
ed., I. pl. 39. Nat. Hist. N. Y., pl. 10, fig. 22.
Large, adult, entire plumage above, dark-brown, every feather mottled,
and with irregular lines of ashy-white and reddish fulvous, the latter
being the color of all the plumage at the bases of the feathers.
Ear-tufts, dark-brown, nearly black, edged on their inner webs with
dark fulvous, a black spot above and extending somewhat in front of
the eye, radiating feathers behind the eye, dark reddish fulvous,
feathers of the facial disc tipped with black; throat and neck before,
white; breast, with wide longitudinal stripes of black; other under
parts finely variegated with white and fulvous, and every feather
having transverse narrow lines of dark-brown. In many specimens, the
middle of the abdomen is pure white; legs and toes light fulvous,
generally unspotted, but in some specimens, with transverse narrow
bars of dark-brown; quills, brown, with wide transverse bands of
cinereous, tinged on the inner webs with pale fulvous; tail, the same,
with the pale fulvous predominating in the outer feathers; iris,
yellow; bill and claws, dark.
The colors of the plumage, and the size also, in this species, vary
materially. There may be distinguished the following varieties, which
appear to be permanent in individual specimens, and are to some extent
geographical. Though at present, with a large number of specimens before
us, we are of opinion that they are all of one species, it may be that
they are distinct:
Variety, _atlanticus_.
The common species as just described. Feathers of the face behind the
eye, always bright reddish fulvous, and the entire plumage more marked
with that color than in the others, as below. This variety inhabits
the eastern and northern portion of North America.
Variety, _pacificus_.
Feathers of the face, behind the eye, ashy, generally faintly tinged
with fulvous. General plumage with the fulvous color paler than the
preceding.
This variety appears to be restricted to the west, and nearly all the
specimens that we have seen are of a smaller size than it is usual to
find in the eastern bird, though we have seen specimens of the latter
which were not larger.
Variety, _arcticus_.
Bubo arcticus. Swainson, Faun. Bor. Am. Birds, p. 86, pl. 30.
(1831.)
Bubo sub-arcticus. Hoy, Proc. Acad., Philada., VI. p. 211. (Dec.
1852.)?
Bubo septentrionalis. Brohm., Vog. Deutschl., p. 120. (1831.)?
Strix scandiaca. Linn., Syst. Nat., I. p. 132. (1766.)?
Feathers of the face, pure white, or very pale cream color. General
plumage, of a predominating pale yellowish-white, or cream color, of
various shades in different specimens, sometimes nearly pure white,
especially on the under parts, and always marked with brown,
frequently very pale and indistinct, in the same general manner as in
characteristic specimens of _B. virginianus_, var., _atlanticus_, but
with the lines and stripes much less numerous and paler; tarsi and
toes, nearly pure white. Size, in some specimens, quite as large as in
the common variety, and the plumage with more on less of the same
reddish fulvous at the bases of the feathers.
Of the specimens of this bird that we have seen, one is Dr. Hoy’s
original, and another was brought from California, by Mr. Bell. The
latter is the smaller, and is probably a male. Dr. Hoy’s specimen,
which appears to be a large female, has the upper mandible with a more
prominent lobe than is usual in specimens of this species.
Variety, _magellanicus_.
Strix magellanicus. Gm., Syst. Nat., I. p. 286. (1788.) Buff. Pl.
Enl., I. pl. 385.
Strix nacurutu. Vieill., Nouv. Dict., VII. p. 44. (1817.)
Bubo ludovicianus. Daudin, Traité d’Orn, II. p. 210?
Very similar to the common bird of eastern North America, and has all
the plumage at base fulvous, very variable in color, frequently
lighter than the common variety, but sometimes very dark; plumage
behind the eyes, generally pale cinereous, but in some specimens more
or less tinged with fulvous.
This variety inhabits, apparently, the whole of South America, and,
probably, also southern North America.
Dimensions. _Female._—Total length, 22 to 25 inches; wing 15 to 16;
tail, 10 inches. _Male_, total length, 19 to 21 inches; wing, 14 to
15; tail, 9 inches. The western and southern varieties producing
smaller specimens than the eastern and northern.
Hab. The whole of North America, western South America; Hudson’s Bay
(Richardson); Canada (Dr. Hall); Wisconsin (Dr. Hoy); Washington
territory (Dr. Cooper); Minnesota (Mr. Pratten); Vermont (Mr.
Thompson); Oregon (Dr. Townsend); California (Dr. Heermann); Texas
(Mr. Schott); Indian territory (Dr. Woodhouse); Mexico (Lieut. Couch).
Breeds in Pennsylvania and northward. Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada.
Obs. With numerous specimens before us from various parts of America, we
are unable to recognise any differences sufficient to establish specific
distinctions, and we have therefore provisionally designated the above
four varieties. All of them vary considerably in shade of color in
different specimens.
This is the largest owl of North America, except one, the Great
Cinereous Owl (_Syrnium cinereum_) and, like several other species of
large birds, retreats before the progress of the settlement of the
country. Formerly abundant, it is now comparatively rare in the more
thickly populated states, and appears almost entirely as a wanderer in
winter.
Specimens are not frequently seen so dark nor so large as represented in
Mr. Audubon’s plate.
II. GENUS SCOPS. Savigny, Nat. Hist. Egypt, I. p. 105. (1809.)
EPHIALTES. Keyserling and Blasius, Wirbelth. Eur. p. 33. (1840.)
Size, small; head, large, with conspicuous ear-tufts; facial disc,
imperfect above the eyes; bill, short, curved, nearly covered by
projecting feathers; wings, long; tail, short, and generally slightly
curved inwards; tarsi, rather long, and more or less covered; toes,
long, partially covered with hair-like feathers; claws, rather long,
curved, strong. General form short and compact. A genus containing about
twenty-five species of small Owls of all parts of the world, except
Australia.
1. Scops asio. (Linn.) The Mottled Owl. The Red Owl. The Screech Owl.
Strix asio. Linn. Syst. Nat., I. p. 132. (1766.)
Strix nævia. Gm., Syst. Nat., I. p. 289. (1788.)
Bubo striatus. Vieill., Ois d’Am. Sept., I. p. 54. (1807.)
Catesby’s Carolina, I. pl. 7. Vieill., Ois. d’Am. Sept., I. pl. 21.
Temm., Pl. Col. 80. Wilson, Am. Orn., pl. 19, fig. 1.; pl. 42, fig. 1.
Aud., B. of Am., pl. 97. Oct. ed., I. pl. 40. Nat. Hist. N. Y., pl.
12, figs. 25, 26.
Short and compact; head, large; ear-tufts, prominent; wing, with the
fourth quill slightly longest; tail, short, somewhat curved inwards;
tarsi, long, fully clothed with feathers; toes, hairy. Adult. Entire
plumage above, pale ashy-brown, nearly every feather with a
longitudinal line, or stripe of dark brown, nearly black, and
irregularly mottled, and with irregular transverse lines of brown,
more or less tinged with ashy. Under parts, ashy-white, every feather
with a longitudinal stripe of brownish black and with transverse lines
of the same color; face and throat and tarsi ashy-white, irregularly
lined and mottled with pale brownish; quills, brown, with transverse
bands, nearly white on the outer webs, and pale ashy brown on their
inner webs; tail, pale ashy-brown, with about ten transverse narrow
bands of pale cinereous with a tinge of reddish; under wing-coverts,
white, the larger tipped with black; bill and claws, light horn-color;
irides, yellow. Younger. Entire upper parts, pale brownish-red, some
feathers, especially on the head and scapulars, having longitudinal
lines of brownish-black; under parts, white, some feathers with
longitudinal stripes and lines of reddish-brown; feathers before the
eyes, throat, under wing-coverts, and tarsi, white, frequently with a
tinge of reddish; quills, reddish-brown, with transverse bands rufous
on the outer webs, ashy on their inner; tail, rufous, with brown bands
deeper on the inner webs. Young. Upper parts, except the head, rufous;
head and entire under parts transversely striped with ashy-white and
pale brown. Very Young. Entire plumage transversely striped with
ashy-white and pale brown, tinged with rufous on the wings and tail;
white nearly pure on under surface of the body.
Dimensions. Total length, 9½; to 10 inches; wing, 7; tail, 3½ inches.
Male but slightly smaller.
Hab. The whole of North America; Greenland (Fabricius); Canada (Dr.
Hall); Minnesota (Mr. Pratten); Ohio (Prof. Kirtland); Oregon (Dr.
Townsend); California (Dr. Heermann); Long Island (Mr. Giraud); South
Carolina (Prof. Gibbes); Indian Territory (Dr. Woodhouse). Breeds in
Pennsylvania. Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada.
Obs. This is one of the most abundant of the Owls inhabiting the States
on the Atlantic seaboard. It presents two constant varieties of plumage,
which have been regarded as distinct species; the mottled or gray
described above as the adult, and the red described as younger. These
two varieties appear to be very similar to those of the European
_Syrnium aluco_, and to some other species.
The Rev. Dr. Bachman, of Charleston, S. C., has fully established the
identity of the two, and we have fully confirmed the accuracy of his
observations (in Aud. Orn. Biog., V. p. 392). The young birds, as stated
by him, are red when fully feathered, or nearly so; but we have observed
that previously they are transversely striped with brown and white, with
but little tinge of red, and presenting a general appearance somewhat
like the adult mottled bird. They pair and breed in the red plumage, and
it is not unusual to find a mottled male and red female associated, or
the reverse. According to Dr. Bachman, the perfect plumage is assumed at
the age of two years. Intermediate specimens, impossible to be referred
absolutely to either of the plumages, are not uncommon.
This bird holds its place throughout the country in spite of the
constant destruction of the woodlands; and though universally known and
scarcely regarded favorably by our people, is seldom molested. Its food
is principally insects.
2. Scops McCallii. Cassin. _New species._ (July, 1854.) The Western
Mottled Owl.
In form and general appearance like the preceding (_S. asio_), but
much smaller; short and robust; wing with the fourth quill longest;
tail short, slightly curved inwards; tarsi rather long, fully covered;
toes partially covered with long hair-like feathers. Adult.
_Male._—Much resembling in color the adult of the species immediately
preceding, but darker; entire plumage above, ashy-brown, nearly every
feather with a longitudinal stripe of brownish-black, and with
numerous irregular transverse lines and points of the same; under
parts, ashy-white, every feather with a longitudinal stripe of
brownish-black, and with well-defined but irregular transverse lines
of the same; flanks and sides tinged with pale fulvous; quills brown,
with several transverse bands of pale reddish-white, assuming the form
of quadrangular spots on the outer webs, and pale reddish ashy on the
inner webs; tail, ashy-brown, with about ten narrow transverse bands
on all except the two central feathers, well defined on the inner
webs; scapular feathers and some of the greater coverts of the wings,
edged with white; bill greenish horn-color, light yellowish at the
tip; irides, yellow.
Dimensions. Total length, 7½ to 8 inches; wing, 6; tail, 3 inches.
_Male._
Hab. Texas (Mr. Schott); Northern Mexico (Lieut. Couch). Spec. in Mus.
Acad., Philada., and Nat. Mus., Washington city.
Obs. This species very considerably resembles the adult or grey plumage
of the _Scops asio_, but is uniformly much smaller and darker in color.
The transverse lines on the under surface of the body are better defined
and more numerous. It also somewhat resembles _Scops choliba_ of South
America, under which name we suppose the female of the present bird to
be alluded to by Mr. Lawrence, in Annals N. Y. Lyceum, VI. p. 4.
This interesting species we have taken the liberty of dedicating to our
esteemed friend, Col. McCall, as a slight memento of long-continued and
unbroken friendship, and in testimony of our high appreciation of him as
a naturalist, who has contributed much of interest and importance,
especially to the ornithology of Western America.
III. GENUS OTUS. Cuvier, Regne Animal, I. p. 327. (1817.)
Head moderate, furnished with erectile ear-tufts, varying in size in
different species; bill rather short, nearly concealed by projecting
bristle-like feathers, curved from the base; facial disc more perfect
than in the two preceding genera; wings rather long, with the second and
third quills longest; tail moderate; legs long; tarsi and toes densely
covered with feathers; claws long, curved, very acute; eyes rather
small, and surrounded by radiating feathers; facial disc nearly perfect.
Contains about ten species of various parts of the world.
1. Otus Wilsonianus. Lesson, Traité d’Orn., I. p. 110. (1831.) The
long-eared Owl.
Otus americanus. Bonap., Comp. List., p. 7. (1838.)
Strix americana. Gm., Syst. Nat., I. p. 288. (1788)? Bonap., Cons.
Av., p. 50.
Strix peregrinator. Bartram, Trav., p. 289. (1790)?
Wilson, Am. Orn., VI. pl. 51, fig. 1. Aud., B. of Am., pl. 383, octavo
ed., I. pl. 37. Nat. Hist. N. Y., pl. 11, fig. 24.
Ear-tufts long and conspicuous; wings long; tarsi and toes densely
feathered. Adult. Entire plumage above mottled with very dark brown
(nearly black), ashy-white and fulvous, the former color, brown,
predominating; breast pale fulvous, every feather with a wide
longitudinal stripe of brownish-black; abdomen white, every feather
with a wide longitudinal stripe, and with transverse stripes of
brownish-black; legs and toes pale fulvous, usually unspotted, but in
some specimens with irregular transverse narrow stripes of dark brown;
eye nearly encircled with black, radiating feathers of the face in
front of the eye ashy-white, with minute black lines, behind the eye
deep fulvous, and narrowly tipped with black; throat white; feathers
of the disc tipped with black; ear-tufts brownish-black, edged with
ashy-white and fulvous; quills pale fulvous at their bases, with
irregular transverse bands of brown, terminating portions brown, with
yellowish, ashy, irregular bands, which are mottled with brown;
inferior coverts of the wings pale fulvous, in some specimens nearly
white, the larger inferior coverts widely tipped with brownish-black,
forming a conspicuous transverse band on the under surface of the
wing; tail brown, with several irregular transverse bands of ashy
fulvous, which bands are mottled as on the quills; bill and claws
dark; irides yellow. Sexes probably alike at the same ages.
Dimensions. _Female._—Total length, about 15 inches; wing, 11½; tail,
6 inches. _Male._—Smaller.
Hab. Northern and Eastern North America. Breeds in Pennsylvania.
Hudson’s Bay (Richardson and Swainson); Canada (Dr. Hall); Oregon (Dr.
Townsend); Washington Territory (Dr. Cooper); Nebraska (Dr. Suckley);
Massachusetts (Dr. Emmons); Long Island (Mr. Giraud).
Obs. This is one of the commonest species of Owls in the Northern and
Eastern States on the Atlantic. It much resembles the European _Otus
vulgaris_, with which American authors have generally considered it
identical, but it is larger and darker colored. It is a shy and secluded
species, seldom venturing far from the woods, and appears to be a
constant resident in the middle and northern States.
2. Otus brachyotus. (Forster.) The Short-eared Owl. The Marsh Owl.
Strix brachyotos. Forster, Philos. Trans. London, LXII. p. 384.
(1772.)
Brachyotus palustris americanus. Bonap., Cons. Av., p. 51. (1849.)
Otus galapagoensis. Gould, Proc. Zool. Soc., London, 1837, p. 10?
Wilson, Am. Orn., IV. pl. 33, fig. 3. Aud., B. of Am., pl. 410; Oct.
ed., I. pl. 38. Nat. Hist. N. Y. Birds, pl. 12, fig. 27.
Ear-tufts very short and inconspicuous; bill short, curved, nearly
concealed by projecting feathers; wings rather long, second quill
longest; tail moderate; tarsi and toes densely feathered. Adult.
Entire plumage buff or pale fulvous, every feather with a wide central
longitudinal stripe of dark brown; under parts pale buff color,
striped longitudinally with brown, more sparingly on the flanks and
abdomen; legs and toes buff, usually of a deeper shade than the under
parts of the body; wing-coverts and secondary quills brown, with large
ovate or circular spots of pale reddish fulvous on their outer-webs;
primaries pale reddish fulvous at their bases, brown at their ends,
with wide irregular bars, and large spots of reddish fulvous; tail
pale fulvous, with about five irregular transverse bands of brown,
which color predominates on the two central feathers; outermost
feathers palest; under tail-coverts nearly pure white; throat white;
eyes surrounded by large black spots; radiating feathers in front of
the eyes white, behind the eyes fulvous, with delicate lines of black
on the shafts of the feathers; ear-tufts brown, widely edged with pale
fulvous; bill and claws dark; irides yellow. Sexes alike.
Dimensions. _Female._—Total length, about 15 inches; wing, 12; tail, 6
inches. _Male._—Smaller.
Hab. The whole of North America and Western South America. Greenland
(Prof. Holboll); Canada (Dr. Hall); Washington Territory (Dr. Cooper);
California (Dr. Heermann); Chili (Lieut. Gillis); Bermuda (Sir W.
Jardine); Cuba (Mr. Lembeye).
Obs. This Owl is of frequent occurrence, especially in the winter
season, throughout the Eastern States of the Union, and appears to
prefer meadows and marshes along the course of rivers or other streams
of water. We have met with it, too, occasionally in straggling bushes in
fields remote from such localities.
This bird has been almost universally considered identical with the bird
known by the same name, which is found throughout Europe and Asia; but
it is nearly or quite as distinct as some other American birds of this
family recognised on all hands as separate species. On comparison of
series of specimens of the two, it will be found that the American are
larger, and for much the greater part darker colored, especially the
females. The name _brachyotus_ is, however, applicable to the American
species only, having been first applied by Forster to an American
specimen in his “Account of the Birds sent from Hudson’s Bay, with
observations relative to their Natural History,” in the Philosophical
Transactions of the Royal Society, London, 1772.
We have had no facilities for comparing the stages of plumage of the
young of the American and European or Asiatic species, but have no doubt
they will be found to present sufficient distinctive characters. We have
omitted the many synonymes of the European bird, for reasons above
intimated.
_Otus galapagoensis_, Gould, is scarcely to be distinguished from our
present bird. Admitting the genus _Brachyotus_, Gould, we think it very
probable that the name of the present species ought to stand _Brachyotus
galapagoensis_ (Gould).
Very fine specimens of this Owl are contained in the large and highly
interesting collection of birds made in Chili, by Lieut. Gilliss, of the
United States Navy. It appears to inhabit the plains on the Pacific, and
nearly all the specimens are of a deeper shade of fulvous than is
usually met with in those of the North, though we have seen specimens of
the latter precisely similar to them.
III. SUB-FAMILY SYRNIINÆ. THE GREY OWLS.
Head large, with very small and concealed ear-tufts, or entirely
without; facial disc nearly complete; eyes rather small; wings rather
short; tarsi and toes generally fully feathered. Size various.
I. GENUS SYRNIUM. Savigny, Nat. Hist. Egypt, I. p. 112. (1809.)
Size usually large; head large, without ear-tufts; facial disc nearly
perfect; bill rather strong, wide at base, curved from its base; wings
long, somewhat rounded, fourth and fifth quills longest; tail long,
wide, rounded; legs moderately long, robust; tarsi and toes densely
covered with short feathers; claws long, curved, very sharp. A genus
containing fifteen to twenty species of various parts of the world,
principally northern.
1. Syrnium cinereum. (Gm.) The Great Gray Owl. The Cinereous Owl.
Strix cinerea. Gmelin, Syst. Nat., I. p. 291. (1788.)
Strix lapponica. Retzius, Faun. Suec., p. 79. (1800.)
Strix fuliginosa. Shaw, Gen. Zool., VII. p. 244. (1809.)
Strix barbata. Pallas, Zool. Ross., I. p. 318. (1811.)
Strix acclamator. Bartram, Trav., p. 289. (1790.)?
Fauna., Bor. Am. Birds, pl. 31. Aud., B. of Am., pl. 351: Oct. ed., I.
pl. 35. Nat. Hist. N. Y. Birds, pl. 13, fig. 29. Pallas, Zool. Ross.,
Birds, pl. 2. Gould, B. of Europe, I. pl. 42.
Large; head very large; eyes small; tail long. Adult. Entire upper
parts smoky-brown, nearly every feather more or less mottled and
transversely barred with ashy-white; under parts smoky-brown; feathers
on the breast edged with ashy-white, and on the abdomen edged and
transversely barred with ashy-white, in some specimens all the
feathers are ashy-white, with wide longitudinal stripes of
smoky-brown; legs brown, with numerous ashy-white transverse stripes;
quills brown, with about five wide irregular transverse bands of
ashy-white, in some specimens tinged with reddish-yellow, these bands
mottled with brown; tail brown, with about five wide irregular bands
of ashy-white, which bands are mottled with brown; throat black;
discal feathers on the neck tipped with yellowish-white; eye nearly
encircled by a black spot; radiating feathers around the eye with
regular transverse narrow bars of dark brown and ashy-white; bill pale
yellow; claws pale, dark at their tips. Sexes alike.
Dimensions. _Female?_—Total length, 26 inches; wing, 18; tail, 12
inches.
Hab. Northern North America. Northern Europe and Asia. Breeds in the
vicinity of Montreal, Canada (Dr. Hall); Wisconsin (Dr. Hoy); Oregon
(Dr. Townsend); Vermont (Mr. Thompson). Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada.
Obs. This is the largest known species of the Owls which inhabit North
America, and is restricted on the Atlantic to the Northern States. In
Western America its range is not known, but it was brought from Oregon
by Dr. Townsend. In the valuable “Sketch of the Zoology of the vicinity
of Montreal, Canada,” by Archibald Hall, M. D., the manuscript of which
has been kindly and most opportunely placed in our hands by that
gentleman, it is stated that this fine bird is a resident species in
that district.
2. Syrnium nebulosum. (Forster.) The barred Owl.
Strix nebulosa. Forster. Trans. Philos. Soc., London, LXII. p.
386, 424. (1772.)
“Strix varius. Bartram, MSS.” Barton, Frag. Nat. Hist. Penna, p.
11. (1799.)
Strix chichictli. Gm., Syst. Nat., I. p. 296. (1788.)?
Strix fernandica. Shaw, Gen. Zool., VII. p. 263. (1809.)?
Vieill., Ois. d’Am., Sept., pl. 17. Wilson, Am. Orn., IV. pl. 33, fig.
2. Aud., B. of Am., pl. 46; Oct. ed., I. pl. 36. Nat. Hist. N. Y.
Birds, pl. 10, fig. 21. Gould. B. of Europe, I. pl. 46.
Smaller than the preceding; head large; tail moderate or rather long.
Adult. Entire plumage above light ashy-brown, in some specimens with a
tinge of fulvous, every feather with transverse narrow bands of white,
wider on the back and most numerous on the head and hind part of the
neck; plumage of the breast with transverse bands of brown and of
white; flanks and abdomen ashy-white, every feather with a
longitudinal central stripe of brown; tarsi and toes ashy-white,
tinged with fulvous, frequently unspotted, but in some specimens
mottled and transversely striped with dark brown; quills brown, with
about six or seven transverse bars nearly pure white on the outer
webs, and on the inner ashy fulvous; tail light brown, with about five
transverse bars of white, generally tinged with reddish-yellow; a
black spot in front of the eye; discal feathers tipped with white, and
finely barred with black, radiating feathers around the eye
ashy-white, with stripes of brown behind the eye; throat dark brown;
bill pale yellow; claws horn-color; irides bluish-black. Sexes alike.
Dimensions. _Female._—About 20 inches; wing, 13½; tail, 9 inches.
_Male._—Smaller.
Hab. The whole of North America. Accidental in Northern Europe. Canada
(Dr. Hall); Minnesota (Mr. Pratten); Texas, New Mexico (Dr.
Woodhouse); South Carolina (Prof. Gibbes); Florida (Mr. Audubon).
Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada.
Obs. A species frequently met with in nearly all parts of the United
States, especially in the winter. Occasionally we have seen specimens in
the woods, that showed no signs of alarm whatever on being approached,
and apparently not at all familiar with man nor with the sound of the
gun. During some winters it is abundant in Pennsylvania, probably having
migrated from farther north. When wounded, this species seeks safety by
hopping away quite awkwardly, showing nothing of the courage of the
Great Horned Owl, or even of the comparatively small long-cared species
(_Otus Wilsonianus_), both of which will stand up manfully and defend
themselves to the best of their ability, while life lasts.
II. GENUS NYCTALE. Brehm, Isis, 1828, p. 1271.
SCOTOPHILUS. Swains. Lardner’s Cab. Cy. Birds, II. p. 217. (1837.)
Size small; head large, with no visible ear-tufts; bill moderate, nearly
concealed by projecting plumes; facial disc nearly perfect; wings
moderate or rather long; tail short; tarsi and toes short and fully
feathered. A group containing not more than five species of small Owls,
four of which are American, and the other European.
1. Nyctale Richardsoni. Bonap. Comp. List., p. 7. (1838.) Richardson’s
Owl.
“Strix Tengmalmi. Gm.” Aud., Orn. Biog., IV., p. 559, and other
American authors.
Fauna, Bor. Am. Birds, pl. 32. Aud., B. of Am., pl. 380, figs. 1, 2;
Oct. ed., I. pl. 32.
The largest of this genus; wings rather long, third quill longest;
tail rather long. Adult. Entire upper parts pale reddish-brown, tinged
with olive, nearly all the feathers having large partially concealed
spots of white, especially on the back part of the head, neck behind,
scapulars, and rump; head in front with numerous spots of white; face
white, a black spot in front of the eye; throat with brown stripes;
under parts ashy-white, every feather with a longitudinal stripe of
pale reddish-brown, on the breast some irregular transverse stripes of
brown, and in some specimens the white on the sides and flanks
assuming the form of large circular spots; legs and toes pale
yellowish, nearly white, sometimes irregularly barred and spotted with
brown; quills brown, with small spots of white on their outer edges,
and large spots of the same on their inner-webs, somewhat disposed to
form transverse stripes, very obvious when seen from below; tail
brown, every feather with about ten pairs of white spots; bill light
yellowish horn-color; claws dark; iris yellow.
Dimensions. _Male._—Total length, 10½ inches; wing, 7½; tail, 4½
inches. _Female._—Larger.
Hab. Northern North America. Maine (Mr. Audubon); Canada (Dr. Hall);
Wisconsin (Dr. Hoy); Oregon (Dr. Townsend). Spec. in Mus. Acad.,
Philada., and Nat. Mus., Washington city.
Obs. Entirely a northern species, which, though common in the vicinity
of Hudson’s Bay, and on the Saskatchewan, may be regarded as of rare
occurrence within the limits of the eastern United States. It is,
however, found more frequently on the Pacific. We have never known an
instance of this bird having been captured in Pennsylvania. It much
resembles the European _Nyctale funerea_ (which has also been
extensively called _Strix Tengmalmi_), but is larger and different in
other respects.
2. Nyctale acadica. (Gmelin.) The Acadian Owl. The Saw-Whet.
Strix acadica. Gm., Syst. Nat., I. p. 296. (1788.)
Strix acadiensis. Lath., Ind. Orn., I. p. 65. (1790.)
“Strix passerina. Linn.” Wilson, Am. Orn., IV. p. 66.
Strix Dalhousiei. Hall MSS. Macgillivray ed. of Cuv. Reg. An.
Birds, pl. 8, fig. 3, name on plate (Edinburg, 1839).
Lath., Gen. Syn., I. pl. 5, fig. 2. Wilson, Am. Orn., IV., pl. 34,
fig. 1. Aud., B. of Am., pl. 199; Oct. ed., I pl. 33. Nat. Hist. N. Y.
Birds, pl. 11, fig. 23.
Small; wings long; tail short; claws slender. Resembles the preceding,
but is much smaller. Entire upper parts reddish-brown, tinged with
olive, on the head in front with fine central longitudinal lines of
white, and on the neck behind, scapulars and rump with large concealed
spots of white: face ashy-white; throat white; under parts white,
nearly every feather having a wide longitudinal stripe of pale
reddish-brown; under coverts of the wings and tail white; quills
brown, with small spots of white on their outer edges, and large spots
of the same on their inner-webs, very conspicuous when viewed from
below; tail brown, with about three pairs of white spots; bill and
claws dark; iris yellow.
Dimensions. Total length, 7½ to 8 inches; wing, 5½; tail, 2¾ to 3
inches.
Hab. The whole of North America. Canada (Dr. Hall); Wisconsin (Dr.
Hoy); Northern Ohio (Prof. Kirtland); Oregon (Dr. Townsend);
California (Dr. Gambel); Kentucky, Louisiana (Mr. Audubon). Spec. in
Mus. Acad., Philada.
Obs. This is the smallest Owl that inhabits the eastern and middle
States of North America, and is of rather frequent occurrence as far
south as Pennsylvania. Repeated instances of this little bird having
been captured alive in the city of Philadelphia, have come to our
knowledge. It appears to be strictly nocturnal, and when discovered in
the daytime, is generally quite bewildered, if disturbed, and apparently
nearly incapable of seeking safety by flight. The first specimen that
ever we met with, we killed with our gun ramrod. That was long ago, in
the bright days when natural history was the dream of our youth.
3. Nyctale albifrons. (Shaw.) The White-fronted Owl. Kirtland’s Owl.
Strix albifrons. Shaw, Nat. Misc., V. p. (not paged.) (1794.)
Strix frontalis. Lichtenstein, Trans. Berlin Acad., 1838, p. 430.
Nyctale Kirtlandii. Hoy, Proc. Acad., Philada., VI. p. 210.
(1852.)
Cassin, B. of Texas and Cal., I. pl. 11. Shaw, Nat. Misc., V. pl. 171.
Small; wing rather long, fourth quill longest; tail short. Adult. Head
and upper portion of breast and entire superior parts dark chocolate
brown; front and eyebrows white; throat, and a line on each side
running downwards from the base of the under mandible, white;
radiating feathers behind the eye dark brown; primaries dark brown,
with small spots of white on their outer edges, and large spots of the
same on their inner webs; tail dark brown, narrowly tipped with white,
and with two bands of the same; entire under parts of the body, legs
and toes reddish ochre-yellow; bill and claws dark; iris yellow.
Dimensions. Total length, about 8 inches; wing, 5¼; tail, 3 inches.
_Female._—Larger.
Hab. Wisconsin (Dr. Hoy); Canada, near Montreal (Dr. Hall); Western?
Obs. Within the limits of the United States, this handsome little Owl
has, as yet, only been observed by Dr. Hoy, whose specimens were
obtained at Racine, Wisconsin. It is alluded to as _Strix acadica_, and
accurately described by Dr. Hall in his MSS. “Sketch of the Zoology of
the district of Montreal,” though represented as of rare occurrence. It
is probably a northern and northwestern species.
In the paper cited above, Prof. Lichtenstein regards this bird as the
adult _Nyctale acadica_, and this appears to be the opinion also of the
Prince of Canino (Cons. Av., p. 54). It is about the size of _N.
acadica_, but of the numerous specimens of that species which have come
under our notice, not one has presented intermediate characters, or has
otherwise excited a suspicion that the two species were identical. We at
present consider them as distinct species.
We have no doubt that this bird is the _Strix albifrons_, Shaw, a
species which has been lost sight of for upwards of fifty years; but for
the gratification of students who may not have access to the necessary
books, we append the original descriptions:—
“Ferruginous brown Owl, paler beneath, with the forehead white, and
the remiges barred with black and white.
“The very curious and diminutive species of Owl here represented in
its natural size, has perhaps never been either figured or described.
It is a native of North America, and particularly of Canada. The
supposed female is destitute of the white forehead, which forms so
conspicuous a character in the male. It belongs to the division of
smooth or hornless Owls.”—Shaw’s Naturalist’s Miscellany, V. text, not
paged, accompanying pl. 171. (1794.)
The same species, and probably the same specimen, is described by
Latham, in General Synopsis of Birds, Supplement II. p. 58 (1801).
“White-fronted Owl, _Nat. Mis._, pl. 171. Size of the _Little Owl_.
Length eight inches; general color of the plumage on the upper parts
brown; the circle of the feathers round the eyes dark, fringed at the
back part with white; between the eyes and over the bill and the chin
white; the under parts from thence yellow buff; across the breast a
pale brown band; on the wing-coverts a spot or two of white; the first
five quills marked with a white spot on the outer, and the second
quills with the same on the inner margins; the first quills serrated
on the outer edge the whole length; the second quill the same,
half-way from the tip; tail marked as the quills; legs feathered; bill
black; toes dusky.
“This was brought from Quebec, by General Davies, in 1790, and with it
another much smaller, which he had in his possession alive; it
differed in being more dusky, and the circles of the face not fringed
on the back part; otherwise so like, as to be supposed merely
differing in age or sex. The General observed to me that this bird
frequently erected two feathers over the eye; but although I inspected
the specimens very narrowly, I could not observe any feathers longer
than the rest; which circumstance is also noticed in respect to the
_Short-eared Owl_.” (Latham, as above.)
IV. SUB-FAMILY ATHENINÆ. THE BIRD OWLS.
Size small; facial disc nearly or quite obsolete; tarsi generally
partially or but thinly clothed with feathers; head without ear-tufts. A
numerous group of species, which are generally small and not so
nocturnal as those of the preceding sub-families.
I. GENUS ATHENE. Boie, Isis, 1822, p. 549.
Size small; head moderate, without ear-tufts; wings long, with the third
and fourth quills usually longest; tail moderate; facial disc, nearly
obsolete; bill short; upper mandible curved from the base, nearly
concealed by projecting feathers; tarsi long, thinly covered with
feathers; toes naked or with a few hair-like feathers. A genus
containing about forty species of small Owls of all quarters of the
globe.
1. Athene hypugœa. (Bonap.) The Burrowing Owl.
Strix hypugœa. Bonap., Am. Orn., I. p. 72. (1825.)
Athene socialis. Gambel, Proc. Acad., Philada., III. p. 47.
(1846.)
Bonap., Am. Orn., I, pl. 7, fig. 2. Aud., B. of Am., pl. 432, fig. 1.
Oct. ed., pl. 31?
Small; head moderate; tarsi long; slender, thinly covered in front
only with hair-like feathers; naked and scaled laterally and behind;
toes with a few scattered hairs; claws curved, rather slender. Adult.
Entire upper parts light yellowish-brown, every feather more or less
spotted with white, and on the neck behind, and back, with large
partially concealed spots of white; throat white, a narrow band of
mottled brown and white on the neck before, succeeded by a large patch
of white; other under parts white, with wide transverse bands of
reddish-brown, varying in shade in different specimens; legs and under
tail-coverts white; quills light brown, with yellowish-white spots on
their outer edges, and reddish-white bands on their inner webs; tail
pale brown, with about six irregular bands of yellowish-white; face
yellowish-white; bill light yellow and horn-color; irides yellow.
Young. Entire plumage much darker than the adult, and with transverse
narrow bands and lines of dark brown.
Dimensions. _Male._—Total length, 9 to 10 inches; wing, 7; tail, 4
inches. _Female._—Larger.
Hab. Western North America. Oregon (Dr. Townsend); Nebraska (Dr.
Suckley); Arkansas, Texas, New Mexico (Col. McCall); Great Salt Lake
(Capt. Stansbury); California (Dr. Heermann); Mexico (Lieut. Couch).
Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada., and Nat. Mus., Washington city.
Obs. This curious Owl is very abundant in some localities in Western
America, where it lives in communities in burrows in the ground. It is
nearly related to several South American species, especially to _Athene
cunicularia_, which is a native of the western countries of that portion
of this continent.
We have doubts that fig. 1 of Mr. Audubon’s plate 432 represents this
bird, but think it probable that it represents one of the South American
species, which fig. 2 of the same plate clearly does. Dr. Townsend’s
collection, specimens from which were figured by Mr. Audubon, contained
birds of Chili and Peru, as well as of North America, from which
circumstance the error may have occurred.
II. GENUS GLAUCIDIUM. Boie, Isis, 1826, p. 970.
Size small; head moderate, without ear-tufts; wings moderate, fourth
quill usually longest; tail rather long; tarsi fully feathered; facial
disc obsolete; bill short, strong, rather wide at base; claws long,
curved, very sharp. This genus contains a few species, amongst which are
the smallest birds of this family.
1. Glaucidium infuscatum. (Temm.) The pigmy Owl.
Strix infuscata. Temm., Man. d’Orn., I. p. 97. (1820.)
Glaucidium gnoma. Wagler, Isis, XXV. p. 275. (1832.)
“Strix passerinoides. Temm.” Aud., Orn. Biog., V. p. 271; Oct.
ed., I. p. 117.
Aud., B. of Am., pl. 432, fig. 4, 5; Oct. ed., I. pl. 30.
Very small, the smallest Owl yet discovered in North America; head
moderate; outer three quills sinuated on their inner edges, fourth
quill longest; tail rather long; tarsi densely feathered; toes
partially covered with long hairs. Adult. Entire upper parts
brownish-olive, on the head with numerous circular spots of dull
white; a partially concealed white band around the neck behind,
succeeded by another of black; scapulars and superior coverts of the
wings with white spots; throat white; a narrow band of mottled
brownish-olive across the neck before; other under parts white, with
longitudinal stripes of dark olive-brown on the flanks and abdomen;
quills dark brown, with small spots of white on their outer edges, and
large circular spots of the same on their inner webs; tail dark brown,
with five or six pairs of circular or oval spots of white on every
feather, larger on the inner webs; bill light yellowish; irides
yellow.
Dimensions. Total length, 6½ to 7 inches; wing, 3¾; tail, 3 inches.
Hab. Oregon (Dr. Townsend); California (Mr. Bell, Dr. Heermann.)
Obs. This minute species of Owl is exclusively Western, having as yet
only been noticed in California. It much resembles the European
_Glaucidium passerinum_, and is about the same size. The most readily
detected differences are the nearly naked toes of the present bird, and
the absence of the decided reddish tinge which prevails in the color of
the European species. It also resembles _G. passerinoides_ of South
America, but differs also from that species in color and other
particulars.
This is the least of the species of Owls inhabiting North America, and
has never been observed east of the Rocky Mountains. It lives on
insects.
V. SUB-FAMILY NYCTEININÆ. THE DAY OWLS.
Head moderate, without ear-tufts; wings rather long, wide; tail rather
long, ample; tarsi strong, and with the toes densely covered with
hair-like feathers; claws strong, sharp; plumage very thick and compact.
This sub-family includes only the two species now about to be described,
both of which are common to the Arctic regions of America, Europe, and
Asia, migrating southward in the winter. They are the least nocturnal of
all the birds of this family.
I. GENUS NYCTEA. Stephens, Cont. of Shaw’s Gen. Zool., XIII. p. 62.
(1826.)
Size large; head large, without ear-tufts; no facial disc; bill short,
very strong, nearly concealed by projecting feathers; wings long, wide,
third quill longest; tail moderate or rather long, broad; legs short,
and with the toes densely covered with feathers, almost concealing the
claws, which are long, curved, and strong; general form compact and
robust, and thickly feathered. This genus contains only the species
described below.
Nyctea nivea. (Daudin.) The Snowy Owl. The White Owl.
Strix nivea. Daudin, Traité d’Orn., II. p. 190. (1800.)
Strix nyctea. Linn., Syst. Nat., I. p. 132. (1766.)
Strix candida. Lath., Ind. Orn., Supp., p. 14. (1801.)
Strix erminea. Shaw, Gen. Zool., VII. p. 251. (1809.)
Strix arctica. Bartram, Trav., p. 289 (1791, but not of Sparrman,
1789.)
Large; eyes large; bill nearly concealed by projecting feathers; tarsi
and toes densely covered with hair-like feathers, nearly concealing
the claws. Adult. Entire plumage white, in some specimens with a few
spots only on the upper parts of dark brown, and on the under parts
with a few irregular transverse bars of the same; quills and tail with
a few spots or traces of bands of dark brown. In other specimens every
feather except on the face and neck before, is distinctly banded
transversely with brown, and in some specimens that color predominates
on the upper parts; quills and tail with regular transverse bands of
dark brown; plumage of the legs and feet pure white; bill and claws
dark horn-color; irides yellow.
Dimensions. _Female._—Total length, 24 to 26 inches; wing, 17; tail,
10 inches. _Male_, smaller.
Hab. Northern North America. Northern Europe and Asia. Greenland
(Prof. Holboll); Hudson’s Bay (Mr. Hearne); Canada (Dr. Hall); Vermont
(Mr. Thompson); Oregon (Dr. Townsend); Kamschatka (Pallas); Ohio
(Prof. Kirtland); South Carolina, Kentucky (Audubon); Bermuda (Sir W.
Jardine). Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada.
Obs. This large and handsome Owl is abundant in the Arctic regions of
America, and has been observed at the highest northern latitude yet
reached by voyagers. In the winter, it migrates southward over the
greater part of Asia, Europe, and North America. It is to be met with
every winter in the Northern and Middle States of the Union, though
greatly varying in numbers in different years. We have known it to be so
abundant in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, as to be brought commonly by
the farmers to the market in Philadelphia, and sold for a trifle.
According to Dr. Hall, this fine species breeds in the vicinity of
Montreal, making its nest on the ground. Mr. Audubon’s plate represents
this bird unusually dark.
II. GENUS SURNIA. Dumeril, Zoologie Analytique, p. 34. (1806).
Size medium or small; head moderate, without ear-tufts; facial disc
obsolete; bill moderate, strongly curved, with projecting plumes at
base; wings long, third quill longest; tail long, graduated, broad; legs
short, and with the toes densely feathered. General form rather
lengthened, but moderately robust. This genus includes the Hawk Owl of
the Arctic regions and two other species of South Africa.
1. Surnia ulula. (Linn.) The Hawk Owl. The Day Owl.
Strix ulula. Linn., Syst. Nat. I., p. 133. (1766.)
Strix uralensis and hudsonia. Gm., Syst. Nat. I., p. 295. (1788.)
Strix doliata. Pallas, Zool. I., p. 316. (1811.)
Surnia borealis. Less., Traité d’Orn. I., p. 100. (1831.)
“Strix funerea. Linn.” Audubon and other authors.
Buff., Pl. Enl. 463; Edward’s Birds, pl. 62; Wilson, Am. Orn. VI., pl.
50, fig. 6; Aud., B. of Am., pl. 378; Oct. ed. I., pl. 27; Nat. Hist.
N. Y. Birds, pl. 9, fig. 19.
Size medium; first three quills incised on their inner-webs; tail
long, with its central feathers about two inches longer than the
outer; tarsi and toes thickly feathered. Adult. Entire upper parts
fuliginous brown; the head and neck behind with numerous small
circular spots of white; scapulars and wing-coverts with numerous
partially-concealed large spots of white; face silky grayish-white;
throat mixed dark brown and white; a large brown spot on each side of
the breast; all the other under parts transversely lined or striped
with pale brown; quills and tail brown, with white stripes; bill pale
yellowish and horn color; irides yellow; color of upper parts darkest
on the head, and the white markings on the head and body varying
somewhat in different specimens.
Dimensions. _Female._—Total length, 16 to 17 inches; wing, 9; tail, 7
inches. _Male_ smaller.
Hab. Northern regions of both continents. Montreal (Dr. Hall); Maine,
Massachusetts (Dr. Brewer); Wisconsin (Dr. Hoy); Northern Ohio (Prof.
Kirtland); Vermont (Mr. Z. Thompson); Hudson’s Bay (Dr. Richardson);
New Jersey (Mr. Harris). Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada.
Obs. This remarkable species, which partakes of the characters of both
an Owl and a Hawk, is of very rare occurrence in the Middle States of
this Union, though abundant in the northern regions of America, and
occasionally met with in the Northern States. It is in a great measure
diurnal in its habits, venturing abroad boldly in daylight.
Careful examination of numerous American and European specimens has not
enabled us to detect any differences.
This bird was undoubtedly meant by Linnæus in his description of _Strix
ulula_. The name applied to it by various authors, _Strix funerea_, is
properly applicable to the European species, to which Gmelin gave the
name _Strix Tengmalmi_.
The descriptions now given embrace all the species of Owls the existence
of which in America north of Mexico is satisfactorily demonstrated;
though in the succeeding pages various others will be enumerated as
obscure or little known.
All the species enumerated in the preceding synopsis, except _Nyctale
albifrons_, are known to be of common occurrence in some part of that
portion of this continent included in our limits; and specimens of a
majority of them can be obtained generally in the course of a single
winter in the markets of either of the larger cities, being brought for
sale from the country, as is the case with the Falcons, and also all the
larger and most common wading and swimming birds. The study of the
habits of Owls is, however, attended with peculiar difficulties, on
account of their nocturnal habits; and it is not therefore remarkable
that questions respecting common species are yet to be regarded as
unsettled. The identity, for instance, of _Scops asio_ and _Scops
nævia_, is by no means universally admitted; nor, if identical, is the
change in the colors of their plumage sufficiently well understood.
Gentlemen well acquainted with American ornithology, and in whose
opinions we have the highest confidence (as, for instance, Thomas B.
Wilson, M. D., and Samuel W. Woodhouse, M. D., of Philadelphia), are
strongly disposed to doubt that they are identical.
Specimens of Owls to be met with in North American collections are very
generally in winter plumage; and the procuring of several of the species
in the spring or during the summer, is comparatively of unusual
occurrence. The fully ascertaining of the seasonal changes in any
species is yet desirable, even if only confirming previously known
facts, or the statements of authors. It is possible that _Nyctale
albifrons_ is the adult of _Nyctale acadica_. This we give as an example
illustrative of the importance of further observations, and may be
allowed to add that, of several American species nearly related to
others of Europe and Asia, the comparison of specimens of similar ages
and in similar seasonal plumage, is only satisfactory and reliable.
In Western North America, it is exceedingly probable that species of
this family exist which are yet unknown to naturalists. In Texas,
species known as inhabitants of Mexico may yet be detected.
All the Owls found in the northern portion of the United States, are in
some measure migratory, and some species appear to travel in large
bands, scattered over a considerable extent of country. The Snowy Owl is
sometimes abundant for a few days, and then will suddenly disappear from
a district, perhaps soon to appear again. The Marsh Owl appears along
the river Delaware occasionally in considerable numbers, and staying but
a short time, or leaving apparently only a few stragglers. We once saw
what was very nearly a flock of this species, on a shooting excursion in
“the Neck,” as it is called, or the point of land below Philadelphia,
formed by the junction of the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers, the larger
portion of which is wholly devoted to the cultivation of culinary
vegetables for the market of the city. On getting over the fence into a
small field, in which a crop of cabbages had been raised, the smaller
_heads_ of many of which remained, we were surprised to see a large
number of stalks ornamentally surmounted by Owls. They soon, however,
dispersed in all directions.
The Barn Owl (_Strix pratincola_), as well as the Marsh Owl (_Otus
brachyotus_), we have known to occur in open fields, where but little
concealment was possible.
The Red or Mottled Owl is very persistent in its locality, and the same
pair probably returns to the woods that it has previously occupied in
preceding seasons, in some measure disregarding encroachments on its
extent. In a small tract of timbered land at Powelton, the hospitable
residence of John Hare Powel, Esq., surrounded by villages constituting
a portion of the suburbs of Philadelphia, a pair of this species
continued to appear and to raise broods of young until within a period
of only two or three years past, notwithstanding constantly occurring
chances of molestation.
An interesting fact relating to the species just mentioned (_Scops
asio_), has recently been communicated to us by our esteemed friend, Mr.
William Kite, of Chester county, Pennsylvania, a careful observer, much
attached to the pursuit of natural history. He made the singular
discovery that in this species the early ceremonies in the association
of a pair about to assume the duties of incubation were for the greater
part performed on the ground, and were accompanied invariably by unusual
and continued cries, thus illustrating in a striking manner the strong
analogy of these birds to the cat-like quadrupeds. This remarkable
circumstance we regard as new in the history of this family of birds,
and the observation of other species would be in a high degree
interesting.
Further investigations and collections in this family are particularly
desirable in the western and northwestern regions of North America, and
will very probably result in the discovery of species not now known to
naturalists.
B.
Doubtful and obscure species which have been described as inhabiting
America north of Mexico:—
1. Strix wapacuthu. Gm., Syst. Nat. I., p. 291. (1788.) Pennant,
Arctic Zoology I., p. 268. Rich. and Sw. Fauna Boreali
Americana, Birds, p. 86, 99.
“The Spotted Owl (_Wapacuthu_) weighs five pounds, and is two feet
long and four broad; the irides bright yellow; bill and talons shining
black, and much curved, the former covered with bristly hairs
projecting from the base; space between the eyes, the cheeks, and
throat, white; on the top of the head, and on each side of the concha,
the extreme parts of the feathers are dusky black; concha dirty white;
scapularies, with the lesser and greater coverts of the wings, white,
elegantly barred with reddish dusky spots pointing downwards; the
quill feathers and tail are irregularly barred and spotted with pale
red and black; back and coverts of the tail white, with a few dusky
spots; under coverts and vent feathers white; the breast and belly
dusky white, crossed with an infinite number of narrow reddish bars;
the legs are feathered to the toes; the latter covered with hairs like
those of the bill, but not so strong.
“This bird is an inhabitant of the woods, makes a nest in the moss on
dry ground, lays from _five to ten_ white eggs in May, and the young
fly in June, and are entirely white for some time after. They feed on
mice and small birds, which they generally kill themselves. Hutchins’
MSS., p. 99.” Fauna. Bor. Am., Birds, p. 99.
This species, if distinct from the Snowy Owl, is absolutely unknown to
naturalists, never having been noticed by any traveller since Mr.
Hutchins. Though, from the description above quoted, apparently a
peculiar species, the same name is given by the natives in the vicinity
of Hudson’s Bay, to the Snowy Owl, according to Mr. Hearne (Journey to
the Northern Ocean, p. 402. London, 1795, quarto); and it, too, makes
its nest on the ground. With so little positive information, it is
impossible to form more than conjectures respecting the bird alluded to
in the description, and it must be left as an interesting matter of
inquiry for future explorers and naturalists.
It may be observed with reference to Mr. Hearne’s statement, that if the
bird he alluded to was really an Owl, it differs from any other American
species in laying from “five to ten eggs.” Careful and evidently
accurate statements respecting the incubation of nearly all the northern
species, are given by Dr. Hall, in his “Sketch of the Zoology of the
District of Montreal” (manuscript in our possession); and no species is
represented as producing more than “four to five eggs,” except the
Mottled Owl (_Scops nævia_), which lays “five to six.” The Snowy Owl, it
is stated by Dr. Hall, lays “two white eggs.”
2. Otus mexicanus. (Gm.)
Strix mexicana. Gmelin, Syst. Nat. I., p. 288. (1766.)
Bubo clamator. Vieill., Ois d’Am., Sept. I., p. 52, pl. 20.
(1807.)
Strix longirostris. Spix Av. Bras. 1., p. 20, pl. 9 a. (1824.)
This Owl, which is a rather common South American species, is stated by
Vieillot to inhabit America from Cayenne to Hudson’s Bay. His remarks
apply, however, to the _Scops asio_ in mottled plumage; though a good
plate is given by him of the bird, of which the name is above cited, no
specimen of which has ever come under our notice, captured in any part
of the United States.
3. Strix Georgica. Lath., Gen. Syn. Supp., p. 15. (1801.)
“Size of the Barn Owl; length sixteen inches and a half; bill yellow;
the plumage on the upper parts of the bird is brown, banded with
yellowish; throat and breast pale brown, crossed with whitish bands;
belly yellowish white, marked with longish red brown streaks; thighs
and legs woolly, whitish or very pale in color, varied with small
blackish spots; quills and tail feathers brown, crossed with four or
five white bands.
“I met with this specimen in the collection of Mr. Humphries, said to
have come from several miles within _South_ Georgia, in America.”
(Latham, General Synopsis of Birds, Supplement II., p. 64.)
This bird is placed by Latham, in his division of Owls, “with smooth
heads,” and probably refers to the Short-eared Owl (_Otus brachyotus_).
The description is not, however, entirely applicable. This name may,
however, be entitled to precedence as the proper name of that species in
the genus _Brachyotus_; and, as an aspirant to such honors, we recommend
it to the favorable notice of enterprising ornithologists; and also,
while our hand is in, respectfully suggest that as a name for the allied
European species, _arctica_, Sparrmann, which dates 1789 (Mus. Carls.,
pl. 51), might do as well as _palustris_, and have the advantage of more
mature age.
4. Strix forficata. Aud., Orn. Biog. V., p. 334. (1839.)
“I shot this bird in the vicinity of Green Bay, when on my way across
to the Mississippi; but the drawing which I made of it on the spot has
been lost. It was about the size of _Strix acadica_, of a dark grey
color, with the tail long and deeply forked; but I am unable to
describe it more particularly, the Journal in which it was noticed
having been, along with others, destroyed by the great fire which
happened in New York some years ago.” (Audubon, as above.)
The bird here alluded to has never again been observed so far as we have
learned. The description probably applies to an unknown species, and
certainly to one not known as an inhabitant of the United States.
5. “Strix passerina. Gmel.” Aud., Orn. Biog. V., p. 269. (1839.)
Aud., B. of Am., pl. 432, fig. 3; Oct. ed. I., pl. 29.
“Bill greyish, its ridge and tip greyish yellow; iris dark; claws
brownish black, lighter at the base; the general color of the upper
parts is chocolate brown; the feathers of the head have an oblong
white median mark, and, as they are small, this part is marked with
numerous spots; on the hind neck the white spots are very large,
forming a conspicuous patch; on the back most of the feathers have a
single large subterminal roundish spot, which is also the case with
the scapulars and wing coverts, some of which, however, have two or
more spots; all the quills have marginal reddish-white spots on both
webs, the third quill with six on the outer and four on the inner,
with two very faint pale bars toward the end; the tail is similarly
marked with four bands of transversely-oblong reddish-white spots; on
the anterior part of the disc, the feathers are whitish, with black
shafts, on the lower part whitish, on the hind part brown, tipped with
greyish-white; a broad band of white crosses the throat and curves
upward on either side to the ear; there is also a patch of white on
the lower part of the fore-neck, and between them is a brownish-grey
band; the general colour of the lower parts is dull yellowish-white,
each feather with a broad longitudinal band of chocolate-brown; the
abdomen and lower tail coverts unspotted; the tarsal feathers dull
white.”
Dimensions. Length, to end of tail, 10½ inches; to end of wings, 10;
wing, from flexure, 6¼; tail, 3½; tarsus, 1¼ inches. (Aud., as above.)
The bird here described is stated by Mr. Audubon to have been procured
near Pictou, Nova Scotia; and he appears to have been confident that it
was identical with the European _Strix passerina_. It is, however,
clearly not that species. We would suppose it to be the young of
_Nyctale Richardsoni_, were it not described as having the “iris dark.”
It may be a small and curious new species of _Syrnium_, or perhaps
_Nyctale_, and the procuring of specimens would be in a high degree
interesting. We have no knowledge of it ever having been observed since
the publication of the above description by Mr. Audubon.
6. Syrnium aluco. (Linn.)
Strix aluco. Linn., Syst. Nat. I., p. 132. (1766.)
Strix stridula. Linn., Syst. Nat. I., p. 133. (1766.)
Selby, Brit. Orn., pl. 25; Gould, B. of Eur. I., pl. 47.
This well known European species is given by Mr. Nuttall, in his “Manual
of the Ornithology of the United States and Canada” (I., p. 135), and is
stated by him to have been found in the northern regions of this
continent. Such is probably the case; but no American specimen has ever
come under our notice.
This species exhibits very nearly the same variety of plumage as the
American Red and Mottled Owls (_Scope asio_ and _nævia_), and has been
described repeatedly under different names.
7. Strix peregrinator. The Sharp-winged Owl. Bartram, Travels, p. 285.
(1793.)
With the head eared and the body variegated in color.
Impossible to determine from the brief description, though being given
as a species inhabiting Pennsylvania, probably applicable to the
Long-eared Owl (_Otus Wilsonianus_).
8. Strix diurnalis. The Short-winged Day Owl. Barton, Fragments of the
Nat. Hist. of Penna., p. 9. (1799.)
Stated by Professor Barton to have been observed by him in Pennsylvania
on the 15th of December, 1791, but of the species he gives no
description.
The names and descriptions now given comprise all that have come under
our notice, represented as inhabiting North America within our limits.
Of the birds of this family, the names proposed by the older American
naturalists and others, are not numerous; and though the group may be
regarded as presenting some difficulties to the student, the correct
nomenclature of North American species is not difficult to determine.
Bartram enumerated six species (Travels, p. 285), to all of which,
except one, he gives names for the first time employed to designate the
birds to which he alludes, and to a few of which he attaches sufficient
descriptions. All of his species had, however, been previously
described, and we have, we believe, cited his names as synonymes, so far
as they can be ascertained.
The greatest difficulty in the study of the Owls of North America will
be found in the intimate resemblance that a few species bear to others
of Europe and Asia, and, we may add, in the examination of the birds
which we have given in the preceding pages as varieties of the
Great-horned Owl (_Bubo virginianus_). The variations that we have
noticed, and especially those of color, may be ascertained by subsequent
observation to be so uniform and constant as to constitute specific
distinction, though at present we cannot so regard them.
In the Owls of other countries there are several groups in which it is
very difficult to determine the species, on account of their resemblance
to each other. This is especially the case with the small species of the
genus _Scops_, which inhabit India and other countries of Asia; and
there are, too, many of the birds of this genus, of all countries, that
are exceedingly perplexing. In fact, we would hardly recommend a student
in natural history to begin General Ornithology with the Owls.
With this family we conclude the rapacious Birds.
BUTEO INSIGNATUS.—(Cassin.)
The Brown Buzzard.
PLATE XXXI.—Adult Male and Young Female.
One of the most remarkable facts in the geographical distribution of the
birds of western and northwestern North America is, that many species
extend their range in northern latitudes almost or quite to the shores
of the Atlantic ocean, while not a single instance is on record of the
same species having been observed in either of the middle or southern
States of the Union. The Magpie, which on the Pacific is commonly found
southwardly as far as Mexico, has been noticed by Dr. Hoy, at Racine, in
the State of Wisconsin. The Lark Bunting (_Emberiza grammaca_), another
western bird, has also been ascertained by the same gentleman to be
abundant in the State just mentioned; and the only specimen that we have
ever seen of the Stone Chat of America (_Saxicola œnanthoides_), a bird
discovered some years since on the coast of Oregon, was obtained in the
vicinity of Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Many instances tending to demonstrate this extensive and remarkable
migration might be produced, but we have unfortunately to acknowledge
ourselves unable to offer a theory or even hypothesis attempting to
account for it, and must regard the facts as remaining among many in
natural history with which naturalists are for the present under the
necessity of resting, without inference or application to any
established general principles. Important results will yet reward
American naturalists who may engage in this interesting field of
scientific research.
Instinct is little or nothing more than inherited memory. But we are by
no means satisfied that any definition which we have yet met with of the
faculty known by the latter name is strictly correct. Whatever memory
is, that inherited we are disposed to regard as instinct. And that the
impressions on this faculty are transmissable in animals from parents to
their offspring, we regard the migration of young birds, particularly
those of a first brood, when the parents remain to attend to a second,
as clearly substantiating.
The bird now before the reader is a species that appears to perform the
extended northward migration to which we have alluded, and is one of the
most remarkable instances that has come to our knowledge. It was first
described by us from a specimen obtained in the vicinity of Montreal,
Canada, and the only instance of its having been observed since, has
been by Dr. Heermann, in California; though if ever occurring in the
middle or southern States on the Atlantic, in the same latitude as on
the Pacific, it has escaped the researches of all previous naturalists
or travellers.
[Illustration: Plate 31
The Brown Hawk
Buteo insignatus (_Cassin_)]
Adult and young birds of this species were observed, and specimens were
obtained by Dr. Heermann, who ascertained that it reared its young in
California.
For an opportunity to examine the specimen originally described by us in
the present volume (p. 102), we are indebted to our lamented friend and
correspondent, M. McCulloch, M. D., a naturalist of extensive
acquirements, and an eminent physician, late of Montreal, but, we much
regret to add, now recently deceased, and to John Pangman, Esq., of
Grace Hall, in the vicinity of that city. Mr. Pangman had the kindness
to interest himself, in conjunction with Dr. McCulloch, so much as to
obtain the loan of the specimen from the Natural History Society of
Montreal, in the museum of which it was deposited, and to bring it for
our inspection to Philadelphia, and we shall not soon forget his evident
and enlightened gratification, nor our own great pleasure, when we
assured him that it was a bird hitherto unknown as an inhabitant of
North America, and, as we then supposed, very probably an undescribed
species, which we subsequently ascertained to be the case.
This is one of the most remarkable of the rapacious birds which have
been recently added to the ornithological fauna of the United States. It
differs entirely in color from any previously-known American species,
unless it may be supposed to approximate in that character to the
little-known Harlan’s Buzzard of Audubon. It bears also some distant
resemblance to one stage of plumage of the Black Hawk.
The only information relative to the habits of this bird that we have in
our power at present to lay before the reader, is the following from the
Journal of Dr. Heermann:
“I first remarked this species at the crossing of Graysonville ferry, on
the San Joaquim river, California, and continued to meet with it
occasionally until we had crossed Kern river. Owing to the lateness of
the season, I was able to ascertain but little respecting its
propagation; the only nests which were found having been forsaken some
time previously by the young. These nests, composed externally of coarse
sticks, and lined with roots, were built in the topmost branches of
oaks, which grow abundantly on the banks of the large water-courses.
“This bird, like the rest of its genus, appears sluggish in its habits,
perching for hours in a quiescent state on some tall tree, and
permitting the hunter to approach without showing any signs of fear.
This apparent stolidity may, however, be owing to the fact that it is
seldom molested, and has not yet learned to mistrust a gun, as do the
birds of prey in more settled portions of the country.”
The specimens brought by Dr. Heermann are now in the national collection
at Washington city.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Buteo. Cuvier, Regne Animal, I., p. 323. (1817.)
Buteo insignatus. Cassin, Birds of California and Texas, I., p. 102.
(1854.)
Form. Short and robust; wing long; third quill longest, secondaries
emarginate at their tips; quills wide; tail moderate or rather short,
somewhat rounded; under coverts of the tail long; tarsi rather short,
feathered in front below the joints, with the tibiæ naked behind, and
having in front about ten transverse scales; claws rather long,
moderately curved; bill short; upper mandible slightly festooned.
Dimensions. _Adult male._—Total length of skin, 17 inches; wing, 14½;
tail, 7½ inches.
Colors. Under coverts of the wing and tail white, the former striped
longitudinally with pale ferruginous, each feather having a central dark
line, and the latter transversely with reddish-brown; edges of wings at
the shoulders nearly pure white; plumage of the tibiæ rufous, mixed with
brown; throat and a few feathers of the forehead white, each feather
having a line of dark brown, nearly black; entire other plumage above
and below dark brown, nearly every feather having a darker or nearly
black central line; quills above brown, with a slight purple lustre,
beneath pale cinerous, with their shafts white, and with irregular and
indistinct transverse bands of white; tail above dark brown, with an
ashy or hoary tinge, and having about ten transverse bands of a darker
shade of the same color; beneath nearly white, with conspicuous
transverse bands of brown, the widest of which is subterminal; tip
paler; bill dark; cere, tarsi, and feet yellow. _Adult male._
Young. Entire upper plumage dark brown; on the back of the head and neck
white at base, and edged with reddish; scapulars and greater coverts of
the wing with large partially-concealed rufous spots; under parts
reddish-white, every feather with a large terminal oblong spot of dark
brown, and on the abdomen and tibiæ with numerous transverse bands of
the same color; under tail coverts very pale reddish-white, with a few
transverse spots and lines; inferior coverts of the wing pale
reddish-white, with large brown spots.
Hab. Canada and California. Spec. in Nat. Mus., Washington city.
Obs. There is no other North American Buzzard with which there is any
probability of the present bird being confounded by the student, on
account of the peculiarity of its colors. In this character it bears a
resemblance to some stages of plumage of _Circus hudsonius_, or to the
European _Circus æruginosus_. It also is somewhat similar in colors,
especially those of the young bird, to _Buteo pennsylvanicus_, but is
much larger, and readily distinguished.
[Illustration: Plate 32
The Black-breasted Woodpecker
Melanerpes thyroideus (_Cassin_)]
MELANERPES THYROIDEUS.—(Cassin.)
The Black-breasted Woodpecker.
PLATE XXXII.—Male.
The species of Woodpeckers are more abundant in the regions on the
Pacific Ocean or west of the Rocky mountains than in any other part of
North America. Several of them inhabiting those countries are, too,
amongst the handsomest birds of this family, as, for instance, Lewis’s
Woodpecker (_Melanerpes torquatus_), a species now brought in almost
every collection from California; the Red-breasted Woodpecker
(_Melanerpes ruber_), a beautiful little species, with the head, neck
and breast brilliant carmine; the Californian Woodpecker (_Melanerpes
formicivorus_), figured in plate 2 of the present volume; and various
others, attractive on account of either the beauty or the singularity of
their colors.
The extensive and but partially-explored forests of Northern California
and Oregon are peculiarly well adapted to the habits of this group of
birds. This is, however, not solely the reason that they are found
there; but there are principles involved which are at present beyond the
deepest reasoning of zoologists, and are as yet subjects of theory only.
All that we can positively advance is, that of the Woodpeckers of North
America, the greatest number of species, and of more handsome plumaged
forms, than elsewhere in our portion of the continent, are inhabitants
of California and Oregon; and that whatever causes have tended to the
development of this family of birds, they have been more efficient in
the regions alluded to, than elsewhere in North America.
Philosophic zoology is yet in its infancy. Extreme conservatism in
science fondly rests satisfied with present knowledge, and visionary
speculators raise mountains of opinionative systems and theories, which
must be cleared away to allow real progress. Between the two classes of
operators, the true man of science may have a difficult time of it. Of
sawing the air there is abundance, but much as elsewhere very little is
done in zoology with due emphasis and discretion.
In addition to the species alluded to above, there is found in the
forests of Oregon and the Rocky Mountains, the largest of all the
Woodpeckers, a magnificent species related to the Ivory-billed
Woodpecker of the Southern States, but much larger, and which has up to
this period escaped the observation of any American naturalist, except
Dr. Townsend, who saw it, but did not procure specimens. It is the
_Dryocopus imperialis_, first described by Mr. Gould, a distinguished
English ornithologist. This fine bird will be figured in a subsequent
part of the present volume.
The bird now before the reader was discovered in California by Mr. John
G. Bell, of New York, deservedly well known as a naturalist, and beyond
comparison the most skilful preparer of birds and quadrupeds and general
taxidermist in the United States. Mr. Bell was the first naturalist who
visited California after it became a portion of the United States; and
during his stay in that country, made a large and highly interesting
collection, in which was the present and other new species. He observes
in his notes now before us, that he found this bird in one locality
only, and observed but two specimens, both of which he obtained.
Subsequently this Woodpecker has been found in California by Dr.
Heermann, and in New Mexico by Dr. Henry; but is stated by both to be of
rare occurrence. The former of these gentlemen observes:—
“I procured this bird three years since in the southern mines of
California, where it frequents more especially the pine trees. I never
saw it alight on the oaks, although abundant in that locality. It is one
of the most rare of the Woodpeckers of that country.”
Dr. Henry states: “Of this bird I know nothing farther than that I
procured a single specimen in the mountains near Fort Webster, in the
winter of 1852-3. I shot it from near the summit of a tall pine tree,
and was not aware until I obtained it, that it was different from any
other species that I had ever seen. My efforts to find it again have
been unremitting, but without success; and I regard it as a rare bird in
this district. The specimen in my collection is an adult male.”
The figure in our plate is two-thirds of the size of life.
The plant represented is _Habrothamnus fasciculatus_, a native of
Mexico.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Melanerpes. Swainson, Fauna Boreali Americana, Birds, p. 316.
Melanerpes thyroideus. (Cassin), Proc. Acad. Philada., V., p. 349.
(1851.)
Form. Short and compact; bill moderate, strong; upper mandible with the
ridge (or culmen) very distinct, and short ridges over the apertures of
the nostrils; wing rather long; third primary longest; tail moderate,
graduated, with all its feathers somewhat rigid; two middle feathers
longest.
Dimensions. Total length of skin, about 8¾ inches; wing, 5¼; tail, 3¾
inches.
Colors. _Male._—Breast with a large semi-circular patch or transverse
belt of black; middle of the abdomen yellow; head above and throat pale
brown, with obscure longitudinal lines and spots of black; back, wing
coverts, sides of the body, and inferior coverts of the tail,
transversely striped with white and black, the former tinged with
obscure yellowish; rump and superior coverts of the tail white; a few
feathers of the coverts with irregular bars of black on their outer
webs; quills black, with spots of white on both edges; tail black, with
irregular spots of white; bill and tarsi dark. _Female._—Similar to the
male, but with the colors more obscure, and the black of the breast of
less extent and not so deep in shade.
Hab. California and New Mexico. Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada., and Nat.
Mus., Washington city.
Obs. Somewhat resembles in form only the Red Woodpecker of western North
America (_Melanerpes ruber_), but is larger and differently colored. It
also in some respects resembles the yellow-bellied Woodpecker (_Picus
varius_), but not so much as to render it necessary for differences to
be specially designated. It is possible that this species, when
perfectly mature, or in spring plumage, may assume more brilliant
colors, as do others of its genus.
We regard this bird as singularly blending the characters of genera
which in typical species are very distinct and easily defined. It is of
the general form of _Melanerpes_, though not strictly; while in some
other respects, especially in colors, it shows an alliance to that group
of typical _Picus_, which includes _Picus varius_, and several other
American species. Our present arrangement or generic designation is
provisional only.
CARDINALIS SINUATUS.—Bonaparte.
The Texan Cardinal Bird.
PLATE XXXIII. Male and Female.
In our present plate we present to the reader one of the most delicately
colored of the many fine-plumaged birds which inhabit the southwestern
countries of this Republic, and it is another of the birds of Mexico
whose range of locality northwardly extends to within the limits of the
United States. Our bird is, however, resident in Texas, or of but
limited migration during the coldest season. It has occasionally been
observed in considerable numbers; but is as yet to be met with in
comparatively few collections, and is much valued by collectors.
Though not very closely resembling the beautiful Cardinal bird of the
Northern States (_Cardinalis virginianus_), its general form,
particularly its lengthened and handsome crest and long tail, are
strictly similar, and its habits are of the same general character. The
bill, however, in the present species will be found to be singularly
different from that of any other bird of this genus.
The group of birds to which that now before us belongs, is composed of
four or five species remarkable for their graceful forms and very showy
colors, all of which inhabit North and Central America. In addition to
the attractions of their plumage, these birds possess very considerable
powers of voice, though by no means entitled to be ranked as songsters.
The Cardinal bird, known also by the names of Virginia Nightingale and
Red Bird, is the only species inhabiting the States north of Texas, and
is frequently met with at all seasons in the States on the Atlantic. It
inhabits, for the greater part, low and damp woods, in which there is a
profuse undergrowth of bushes, and is particularly partial to the
vicinity of water-courses. The male, on account of the splendid
vermilion of his plumage, always attracts attention; and though rather
shy and careful in exposing himself, is frequently shot by gunners for
no other purpose than the possession of such a handsome bird.
The colors of our northern Cardinal bird are vermilion, with the throat
black. In Mexico, there is found another beautiful species, singularly
resembling in form and color that to which we have just alluded, but
wanting the black throat. It differs also in the shape of the bill and
some minor characters.
The bird now before the reader was originally described as a bird of
Mexico, in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London, by
Charles Lucian Bonaparte, Prince of Canino, one of the most accomplished
zoologists of Europe, and held in deservedly high estimation in this
country, on account of his splendid volumes on American Ornithology. His
specimens were obtained near the city of Mexico.
[Illustration: Plate 33
The Texan Cardinal bird
Cardinalis Sinuatus (_Bonaparte_)]
Within the limits of the United States, this species was first observed
by Capt. J. P. McCown, of the United States Army, at Ringgold Barracks,
in Texas. Since that period, it has been noticed and specimens brought
in collections by several of the naturalists, who have accompanied
expeditions sent by the government, though never, so far as we have
learned, out of the State of Texas.
To Captain McCown we are indebted for the following note respecting this
species, for which and many similar favors we beg to tender our
acknowledgements.
“This handsome species was occasionally seen on the Rio Grande, having
apparently a strong partiality for damp and bushy woods; and in fact so
far as I observed never venturing far from the river. I cannot speak
positively, but am under the impression that it remains in Texas during
the whole year, having seen it so late in the fall, and again so early
in the Spring, that if not constantly resident, its migration must at
any rate be very limited. It is a gay, sprightly bird, generally seen in
company with others of the same species, frequently erecting its crest,
and calling to its mate or comrades, though rather shy and not easily
approached. Its voice and general habits appeared to me as very similar
to those of the common species of the Northern States. I never saw its
nest, though it undoubtedly breeds in Texas.”
During his late connection with Lieut. Williamson’s expedition, this
bird was noticed by Dr. Heermann, from whose beautiful specimens,
through his kindness, our plate has been prepared, and who has allowed
us to make the following extract from his Journal:—
“After leaving Teusoa, we observed the first specimen of this bird but
little beyond the crossing of the San Pedro river. It was in a dry
caignau, perched on a bush, and seemed weary and lost, and was probably
a wanderer, as no more were observed until we reached El Paso. At this
place, in the vicinity of the habitations of man, we found it quite
common, frequenting the hedges and trees, and continued to see it
occasionally on our road until we left civilization behind us. Raising
its crest erect as it moves actively about in search of food, it emits
at intervals a clear, plaintive whistle, varied by a few detached notes.
It is said to be quite common on the Rio Grande river and in Mexico.”
This species was also found in Texas by Mr. John H. Clark, zoologist,
attached to the Mexican boundary surveying party. In Mexico,
particularly in the States of Tamaulipas and Nueva Leon, Lieut. Couch
observed it in considerable numbers.
Our figures, which are those of the adult male and female, are rather
less than two-thirds of the size of life.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Cardinalis. Bonaparte, Comp. List., p. 35. (1838.)
Bill short, very thick at base; culmen advancing on the forehead; wing
moderate; fourth and fifth quills longest and nearly equal; tail long,
slightly rounded; tarsi rather long; middle toe long, others moderate;
general form robust; tail long; and head above with elongated crest-like
feathers on all known species. A genus containing five or six species of
handsome birds, peculiar to America.
Cardinalis sinuatus. Bonaparte, Proc. Zool. Soc., London, p. 111.
(1837.)
Form. About the size or rather larger than _Cardinalis virginianus_ of
North America; not strictly exhibiting the characters of this genus;
bill short; lower mandible much thicker than the upper; gonys ascending
abruptly; upper mandible curved; wings short; third, fourth and fifth
quills nearly equal and longest; tail long; tarsi moderate; head with a
conspicuous crest of lengthened erectile feathers.
Dimensions. Total length of skin, about 8 inches; wing, 3¾; tail, 4¼
inches.
Colors. _Male._—Plumage encircling the base of the bill; longer feathers
of the crest, wide medial longitudinal band on the under parts, tibiæ,
and under coverts of the wings, fine crimson; entire upper parts light
cinerous, which is the color also of the sides and flanks; quills ashy
brown, both webs edged with crimson; tail above and below dark crimson,
tinged with brown; abdomen and under tail coverts pale rosy white, the
feathers of the latter crimson at their bases; plumage of the breast
edged and tipped with pale ashy; bill and tarsi pale yellowish.
_Female._ Under wing coverts, edges of quills, crest, and tail, pale
crimson, the last shaded with brown; entire plumage above cinerous,
below yellowish-cinerous; no crimson on the forehead or on the throat or
other under parts.
Hab. Texas, Mexico. Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada., and Nat. Mus.,
Washington city.
Obs. This beautiful species, though in general form and appearance
presenting the characters of _Cardinalis_, is quite different in the
form of the bill, and has been placed by the distinguished and
accomplished naturalist who first described it (the Prince of Canino) in
a subdivision which he names _Pyrrhuloxia_ (Conspectus Avium, p. 500).
It appears to be restricted to Mexico and the southern part of Texas,
though its northern range may yet be ascertained to extend farther than
at present known. It does not resemble any other species sufficiently to
lead to confusion.
[Illustration: Plate 34
The American Stone Chat
Saxicola œnanthoides (_Vigors_)]
SAXICOLA ŒNANTHOIDES.—Vigors.
The American Stone Chat.
PLATE XXXIV.—Adult.
The Stone Chats and Wheat Ears, which are the English names of birds of
the genus _Saxicola_, are abundant in the old world, though the greater
number of the species appear to be restricted to Africa. The few that
are natives of Europe are numerous throughout the greater part of that
continent. They are birds of plain but agreeable colors, and inhabit
fields and other open grounds or plains covered with shrub-like
vegetation, running with facility, and making their nests on the ground,
or in holes beneath the surface. These are curiously constructed by some
species of this group, and very carefully concealed, though frequently
in situations much exposed. There are nearly forty species of this group
of birds composing the present and a nearly allied genus.
Though there are so many species of these genera, the bird now before us
is the only one that appears to be peculiar to the continent of America.
One other, the _Saxicola œnanthe_, a common European bird, is, however,
a visitor to this continent. We have seen undoubted specimens from
Greenland, and occasionally it strays so far southwardly as New York, in
the vicinity of which city a few specimens have been captured, one of
which is in the collection of our friend, Mr. George N. Lawrence.
The present bird was originally described in the Zoology of the Voyage
of the Blossom, from specimens obtained on the western coast of North
America; but apparently the naturalists attached to the party which
performed that voyage, had no opportunities of acquiring any information
respecting its history or the district that it inhabits. Nor have others
been more successful; no American naturalist or traveller having noticed
it again in Western America, notwithstanding the researches which have
been carried on in that portion of this continent.
The only specimen that we have ever seen of this bird is in the
collection of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, to which
it was presented by our intimate and valued friend, Thomas M. Brewer, M.
D., of the city of Boston, one of the most eminent of American
ornithologists, and now particularly devoted to the investigation of the
nidification and oology of the birds of this country, the results of
which we hope soon to see published. Dr. Brewer obtained the specimen
alluded to in Nova Scotia, but could procure no account of it beyond the
fact that it was considered as of unusual occurrence in that province.
This bird is very closely allied to the Wheat Ear of Europe (_S.
œnanthe_), and is in all probability of very similar habits. In the
absence of positive information we can only suppose it to be an
inhabitant of the countries north of the limits of the United States, in
which there is a vast extent of territory well adapted to the habits of
birds of this group. It is also probably not an abundant species, or it
would have been noticed more frequently during its winter migration. But
of the ornithology of all the northern portion of the United States from
the ninetieth degree of longitude to the Pacific Ocean, or west of the
Mississippi river, too little is known to justify any conclusions. Many
species of Northern and Western America, of which little or nothing was
previously known, have within a few years been demonstrated to be
abundant, and such may hereafter prove to be the case with the bird
which is the subject of our present article.
The figure in our plate is about two-thirds of the size of life.
The plant represented is _Abronia umbellata_, a native of western North
America.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Saxicola. Bechstein, Ornithologisches Taschenbuch, p. 216.
(1802.)
Bill straight, with the culmen distinct and somewhat ascending into the
feathers of the forehead; a few short and weak bristles at the base of
the upper mandible, which is rather wide; wing rather long; first quill
spurious, third and fourth longest, and nearly equal; tail moderate,
wide, truncate; legs long, rather slender. General form adapted to
living on the ground.
Saxicola œnanthoides. Vigors, Zool. Voy. Blossom, Ornithology, p. 19.
(1839.)
Form. Rather larger than _Saxicola œnanthe_, but very similar to that
species in form and general characters and appearance; wing long; second
primary longest; tail moderate or rather short; legs, especially the
tarsi, long; bill moderate, rather wide at base.
Dimensions. Total length of skin, about 6½ inches; wing, 4⅛; tail, 3;
tarsus, 1¼ inches.
Colors. Narrow line through the eye, enlarging on the ears, black, which
is the color also of the wings; forehead ashy white, fading into the
cinerous of the head above; back cinerous; upper coverts of the tail
white; under parts white, tinged with pale fulvous, darker on the
breast; two middle feathers of the tail white at base; terminal
two-thirds of their length black; other feathers of the tail white,
tipped with black; bill and legs dark.
Hab. Northern America, Nova Scotia, Oregon. Spec. in Mus. Acad.,
Philadelphia.
Obs. We are not without doubts that the bird now before us is really
distinct from _Saxicola œnanthe_ of Europe, but having unfortunately a
single specimen only, we cannot make an examination or comparison in all
respects satisfactory. Our specimen is uniformly larger than either of
the numerous specimens of the European species in the collection of the
Philadelphia Academy, and is, as an especial character, longer in the
tarsi. Its measurements do not, however, correspond with those given in
the original description in Voy. Blossom; but it is expressly stated
that the specimens described were in bad condition, and may not be
entirely reliable. It is, at any rate, very closely allied to the
European species that we have just mentioned.
With special reference to the present bird, we shall look with much
interest for the results of future zoological investigations in the
northwestern territories of the United States. There is at the present
time no field more inviting to the American naturalist. While much has
been done in California, New Mexico, and Texas, the extensive regions
which we have above designated have scarcely been entered upon, and will
yet contribute much to the fauna of our country.
DIOMEDEA NIGRIPES.—Audubon.
The Black-footed Albatross.
PLATE XXXV. Adult Male.
Those birds whose homes are the sea-coasts and islands, and whose lives
are spent in gleaning a subsistence amongst the billows or by the shores
of the ocean, have always been objects of interest both to the
naturalist and the general observer. Idly reposing on the rocky crag or
the sand-bank, or boldly sweeping the surface of the waters alike in the
calm and amidst the fury of the tempest, few having the opportunity have
failed to mark the sea-birds as a feature in the wild scenery peculiar
to the localities for which they are fitted by nature, and perhaps to
associate them with the adventurous character of our useful fellow-men
whose profession it is, in the beautiful language of the liturgy, to “go
down upon the deep.”
The large majority of the many birds that derive their subsistence from
the productions of the Ocean, live habitually on its shores, or venture
only short and easily-regainable distances from the land. This is the
case with the numerous genera comprising the Ducks, Swans, and Geese, as
well as the Pelicans, Cormorants, Penguins, and others. These, for the
greater part, frequent the margins of the bays and estuaries, and many
of them are almost as much birds of the land as of the sea. The Penguins
in fact having but rudiments of wings, and incapable of flight, are
necessarily restricted, though performing very remarkable migrations by
swimming. These extraordinary birds are peculiar to the southern
hemisphere, and have been met with amongst the ice and snow of the
highest latitudes which navigators have succeeded in reaching within the
Antarctic circle.
The bird which is the subject of our present article, is one of a group
of species which, possessing great powers of flight and swimming with
facility, do not content themselves with the vicinity of the coast, but
venture boldly out to sea. The largest and best known species, the
Wandering Albatross, has been observed by voyagers at a distance of two
thousand miles or upwards from land; and it is even supposed that it
performs a flight across the Atlantic from Cape Horn, or about its
latitude, to the Cape of Good Hope. The smaller species, of which the
present is one, do not venture on so long flights, but several voyagers
have recorded their having been seen at two to five hundred miles out at
sea.
On the sea-coast of America, on the Atlantic, the Albatrosses are found
inhabiting only a portion of the shores of the southern division of this
continent north of Cape Horn, but on the Pacific they are abundant
throughout the extent of the continent.
[Illustration: Plate 35
The black-footed Albatross
Diomedes nigripes (_Audubon_)]
The species that we present to the reader in the present plate, was
discovered on the coast of California by the late John K. Townsend, M.
D., and was first brought to notice by Mr. Audubon, in his
Ornithological Biography, V., p. 327, but the specimen appears to have
been accompanied by no notice of its history.
Since the period of its discovery, this bird has been again observed
only by Dr. Heermann, who has kindly furnished the following note from
his Journal:—
“The Black-footed Albatross abounds on the coast of California and
southward, as do several other species of this genus. It is commonly to
be seen skimming over the waves in its flight, and following in the wake
of vessels, to pick up the refuse scraps thrown overboard. With the
voracity characteristic of these birds, it seizes with little
discrimination on whatever is thrown into the water, and of this
propensity advantage may be taken by baiting a hook, by which, when
seized, the bird is easily secured. From the stern-ports of our ship,
during a voyage by sea to California, I have thus captured eight or ten
specimens of this and other species of this genus in a single morning.
All the species much resemble each other in habits, so far as my
observations extend.
“On the coast of California, I observed a White Albatross much smaller
than the large _Diomedea exulans_, but not having succeeded in procuring
it, I cannot designate the species.”
The small white species alluded to by Dr. Heermann, is probably new to
the ornithology of North America. Of the species known as inhabitants,
we may say of the Pacific ocean, several have not heretofore been
noticed by naturalists on the shores of the United States.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Diomedea. Linnæus, Syst. Nat. I., p. 214. (1766.)
Size large; general form short and compact; wings very long; bill
straight, much compressed, hooked at the tip; both mandibles usually
with lateral grooves; apertures of the nostrils tubular; first primary
longest; secondaries short; tail short; legs moderate; feet large.
Diomedea nigripes. Audubon, Ornith. Biog. V., p. 327. (1839.)
Form. Medium sized or rather small for a bird of this genus; bill
straight, hooked at the tip; upper mandible expanded on the forehead,
its basal edge forming a crescent very distinct from the frontal
feathers; tubular nostrils prominent; wing long; first quill longest;
tail short, nearly square at the tip; tarsi short; feet large; tibia
naked above the joint with the tarsus.
Dimensions. Total length of skin, 26 inches; wing, 19; tail, 5 inches.
Colors. Plumage at the base of the bill pale brownish-white, of which
color there is also a spot behind and under the eye; entire other
plumage above and below sooty brown, darkest on the back and wings,
lighter on the under parts, and having a gray tinge on the breast; bill
dark; tarsi and feet black.
Hab. Western Coast of North America. Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada.
Obs. This species much resembles in colors and general appearance the
Dusky Albatross (_Diomedea fuliginosa_, Gm., which is _D. fusca_, Aud.),
but may at once be distinguished by the color of the feet, which in the
present bird are black, and in the other yellow. In _D. fuliginosa_, the
tail is much longer and wedge-shaped, and the upper mandible extends in
a point into the plumage of the head in front, instead of being as above
described in the species now before us.
It is a species apparently peculiar to the western coast of America; but
as illustrative of the very extensive range of these birds, we may
mention that several species, which are common on the Pacific coast of
this continent, are also met with on the shores of Australia. The Great
Wandering Albatross, the Dusky Albatross, and the Yellow-nosed Albatross
(_D. exulans fuliginosa_ and _chlorhynchus_), are given as birds of that
continent in Mr. Gould’s magnificent work, “The Birds of Australia,” and
are now well known to be inhabitants of the western shores of the
continent of America.
[Illustration: Plate 36
The Ground Cuckoo
Geococcyx mexicanus (_Gmelin_)]
GEOCOCCYX MEXICANUS.—(Gmelin.)
The Ground Cuckoo. The Prairie Cock. The Paisano. The Corre-camino.
PLATE XXXVI. Adult Male.
Of the many birds of Western America, the history of which has been
brought to light by the recent researches of our countrymen and
fellow-laborers in the great field of zoological science, that now
before the reader is one of the most curious and interesting. Its
existence has been known to naturalists since the time of Hernandez,
who, as early as 1651, in his “New History of the Plants, Animals, and
Minerals of Mexico,” gives a short account of it, as one of the most
remarkable of the birds that came under his observation. Though
partially known for so long a period, and having received various names
from European naturalists, who have described specimens met with in
museums, there was extant no satisfactory account of this bird previous
to the incorporation of countries which it inhabits with the confederacy
of the United States, and the consequent facilities afforded to the
investigations of American naturalists.
This bird is especially remarkable for great swiftness of foot, and in
fact appears to be almost unrivalled in that respect by any other of our
North American species, not even excepting the Grouse, Partridges, or
any other of the smaller gallinaceous birds. These, though possessing
the ability to run short distances very swiftly, are incapable of
sustaining a protracted chase like the present bird. In Mexico, and the
adjacent portions of the United States, it is not unusual, as a matter
of amusement, to try the speed of our bird by pursuing him on horseback,
or by chasing him with dogs, under which severe test of his fleetness,
he acquits himself very creditably, and makes, as we shall see
presently, a longer race than is usually expected by his pursuer. He
evidently possesses both speed and bottom, unrivalled by any fair
competition in ornithological pedestrianism, so far as its annals are
chronicled, or the present writer’s information on that subject extends.
Clothed in plumage of agreeable and unusual colors for a Northern
species, and habitually frequenting the ground, walking or running with
its long tail carried erect, and assuming a variety of grotesque
attitudes, it is not surprising that this bird has attracted the
attention of nearly all our naturalists and travellers who have visited
its native regions. Through their exertions, it is now to be found in
nearly all our museums and private collections, and many facts
respecting it have been placed on record.
Though terrestrial in its habits, and exhibiting in some degree the
manners and habits of the gallinaceous birds (the Pheasants, Partridges,
Grouse, &c.), this bird is by no means to be classed in that division of
the ornithological kingdom. It is a Cuckoo, and a relative of the
celebrated bird of Europe so long known as to have become classic, and
of the unobtrusive and plain-plumaged little birds of the United States,
of the genus _Coccyzus_, popularly known by the name of Cow-birds, or
Rain-birds. Our present bird is a representative of the gallinaceous
form, in the family of Cuckoos. Throughout the animal and vegetable
kingdoms, and in every division or subdivision of whatever character,
five primary groups or forms present themselves. In birds and all their
groups, these are: the typical, or bird-like form; the predatory, or
rapacious; the gallinaceous, or walking; the grallatorial, or wading;
and the natatorial, or swimming form. In the group of Cuckoos, which is
quite extensive, and species of which are found in nearly all parts of
the world, the bird now before us belongs to the subdivision comprising
the gallinaceous or walking Cuckoos, and is a striking example of that
peculiar form in the great circle of birds, and of the prevalence of a
law which is universal, and not difficult to demonstrate.
The first American naturalist who observed the bird now before the
reader, was Dr. William Gambel, and a description by him will be found
in the Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia,
Vol. II., p. 263. (1845). Subsequently, it has been noticed by nearly
all naturalists who have visited California, New Mexico, or Texas, and
interesting contributions to its history are contained in their
publications relating to the ornithology of those countries.
Our esteemed friend, Col. George A. McCall, with his usual clearness and
scientific accuracy, gave the first satisfactory account of this bird,
in the Proceedings of the Philadelphia Academy, III. p. 234 (July,
1847.):
“Although the toes of this bird are disposed in opposite pairs, as in
other species of his family, yet the outer toe being reversible, and of
great flexibility, is in either position aptly applied in climbing or
perching, as well as on the ground. Thus he at times pitches along the
ground in irregular but vigorous hops; and again, when the outer toe is
thrown forward, he runs smoothly, and with such velocity, as to be able
to elude a dog in the _chaparral_, without taking wing. He feeds on
_coleoptera_, and almost every description of insects, and near the
river Nueces, where the snail (_Lynnæus stagnalis_) abounds, it is also
greedily eaten. These he snatches from the ground, or plucks from the
low branch of a bush; and as he rarely wanders far from his abode, the
prize is carried to a particular spot, where the shell is broken with
his strong bill, and the animal devoured. Piles of these shells are
often found that would fill half a hat crown.
“Although dwelling principally on the ground, he is ready and expert in
catching his prey in the air, in which act his movements are full of
animation,—bounding from the ground with a sudden impulse to the height
of eight or ten feet; his wings and tail are seen expanded for a
scarcely appreciable instant, and his bill is heard to snap as he takes
his prey, when he drops as suddenly to the spot from which he sprang.
Here he will stand for a moment, his legs apart, and his tail flirted on
one side with a wild and eccentric expression of exultation in his
attitude, before he scampers off under cover of the thick _chaparral_.
At first, I thought,—as is the general impression among the
Mexicans,—that his powers of flight were extremely limited; but he will,
when suddenly alarmed in open ground, rise with a light, quick motion,
and continue his flight over the bushes for some hundred yards,
apparently with an ease that would argue the ability to sustain a longer
flight.
“Though fond of solitude and shade, he will, at an early hour in the
morning, climb to the top of a straight leafless branch, there to sit
and enjoy the first rays of the sun.
“He is said by the Mexican rancheros to build his nest of loose sticks,
either in a low, thick bush, or in close cover on the ground. The eggs
are said by them to be two or three in number, and of a whitish color.”
We have again to express our obligations to Col. McCall for the
following contribution to our present article:—
“I never was so fortunate as to find the nest of this bird, yet I had
frequent opportunities of witnessing its manners and habits in Texas, in
New Mexico, and in California, between the years 1846-52.
“Of shy and retiring disposition, the _G. viaticus_ is most often met
with singly. I have, however, frequently seen the male and female
associated during the later period of the year, as well as in spring and
summer; the former, at all seasons, being easily distinguishable by his
larger size and more brilliant plumage. Whether the pairs I thus met
were mated for life, or for the year, or were merely accidentally living
in company, I am unable to say—I simply state the fact; and I well
recollect my fruitless efforts, in Texas, for several successive days in
autumn, to secure a pair that inhabited a large _chaparral_ near which I
happened to be encamped at the time. The male was a remarkably fine
bird, but evidently an old and cautious fellow; he would come just
without the thicket, followed by the female—and there, with neck
outstretched, cast a searching glance around; then, if an enemy
appeared, even in the distance, he would instantly retreat to his
impenetrable abode trebly fenced with thorns. In a little while, he
would re-appear at another point, where, if the coast seemed clear, he
would, closely followed by his mate, begin to search for grass-hoppers
and other insects, but never venture more than a few paces from the
border of the thicket. Thus it was impossible to approach him in open
ground; and such was his constant caution and vigilance that, although I
more than once lay in wait for the couple, which I regularly saw in the
morning hours, I never succeeded in getting within gunshot.
“When suddenly surprised, I have seen this bird rise on wing and fly
considerable distances, in order to gain close cover, the flight being
effected by regular flappings, and executed, apparently, with ease;
though the bird did not rise more than six or eight feet from the
ground.
“The individuals that I killed in the fall and winter seasons,
invariably were excessively fat, and their crops were usually filled
with snails and various coleoptera. I do not recollect that I ever found
in their stomachs the remains of lizards or other reptiles.
“The _Paisano_ (countryman), as this bird is called by the Mexicans, or
_Corre-camino_ (run-the-road), as the native Californians designate it,
is often met in the unfrequented roads that traverse forests of low
brushwood, being enticed from its sombre retreats to the openings, in
search of its favorite food. And here is often afforded the traveller an
opportunity of witnessing its surpassing swiftness of foot. I have
several times tested its speed with a good horse under me, and I have in
truth been astonished at the almost incredible rate at which it passed
over the ground. On one occasion, when approaching Limpia creek (W.
Texas), with a small party, on my way to El Paso, I discovered a fine
male _Paisano_ in the open road, about one hundred yards in advance. For
amusement, I put spurs to my horse and dashed after him, followed by one
of my men. For full four hundred yards, I ran him along a road level and
smooth as a floor; and over which, with straightened neck and
slightly-expanded wings, he swiftly glided, seeming scarcely to touch
the ground. And when, at last, he deemed it prudent to seek shelter in
the thicket alongside, I had not reduced the distance between us more
than fifty yards.
“I was told on the frontier that the Mexican rancheros do sometimes run
down and capture the _Paisano_ when they find him wandering on more open
ground; and such I think is probable, for the one to which I have just
referred was going, even to the moment at which he _took cover_, at a
rate of speed that could not possibly have been much longer sustained;
nor could he, I think, when so nearly ‘blown,’ have risen on wing. Such,
at least, is the case with the wild turkey, which I have repeatedly
captured in the same way, although his power of flight is greater than
that of the _Paisano_.”
Capt. John P. McCown, of the United States Army, also observed the
_Paisano_ in Texas; and in his observations on the birds of that State,
in the Annals of the New York Lyceum of Natural History, VI. p. 9, we
find the following:—
“Often in my wanderings through the _chapparel_ on the Rio Grande, I
observed piles of broken snail shells, and always near some hard
substance, such as a bone, or hard piece of wood, which had evidently
been used in breaking the shells. I made many conjectures as to the
probable animal, but never suspected that a bird had left these
evidences of its peculiar habits. I heard, also, at times, generally in
the morning or evening, a sound very similar to that made by some
Woodpeckers, rapidly beating their bills upon an old dry tree. This was
also a mystery, as I could find no Woodpeckers near the place where the
sound came from. Upon inquiry of a Mexican, I was told that it was the
_Paisano_ breaking the snail-shells to get at the snail, which explained
at once both the noise and the mutilated shells. I was afterwards so
fortunate as to see a bird so occupied. It took the snail in its bill
and beat it upon the hard substance, striking faster and faster, until
the shell broke.
“A few of these birds are to be found on the Rio Nueces. They run with
great speed, seldom taking to wing. I have seen them on trees apparently
observing the vicinity. I had a young bird of this species, about
half-grown, but it refused to eat, and soon died; and I have seen some
in coops, and have been informed that they have been tamed.
“When approached, this bird runs very swiftly until near cover, when it
stops and reconnoitres the intruder, gives its tail a flirt, and away it
goes again.
“In 1846, on the mountains between Monterey and Saltillo, I saw a pair
of birds much like these, but much smaller. I observed them for some
time, and feel satisfied that they were another species. The snail that
seems to form the principal food of these birds is found sticking to
almost every bush, and some are literally covered with them.”
In California, this bird was frequently noticed by Dr. Heermann, from
whose manuscripts in our possession we have permission to make the
following extract:—
“We found this bird throughout California inhabiting the most arid
portions of the country. It often crossed our path, or ran before us for
a short distance on the road, dashing, when alarmed, immediately into
the _chapparel_, in which its swiftness of foot enabled it to readily
elude pursuit. It may, however, be overtaken when followed on horseback
over the vast open plains in which it is found, if no friendly bush
offers it a shelter. When closely chased, if on an elevated point, it
will sometimes fly, but appears to prefer sailing downwards. I once saw
a specimen captured by a couple of dogs, their appetites whetted by
recent success in overtaking and bringing down a Prairie wolf, or
cayote.
“The stomachs of all the specimens that I examined of this bird were
filled with the grass-hoppers and large black beetles found on the
plains. The nest, built on the branches of the cactus, is formed of
loose sticks, thrown negligently together, in the same manner as that of
the yellow-billed Cuckoo of the United States (_Coccyzus americanus_).
It contains two large, nearly spherical, white eggs.
“I have never witnessed the following, but was gravely assured of its
truth by several old Californians: It is said that this bird, on
perceiving the rattlesnake coiled up asleep, will collect the cactus and
hedge him around in a circle, out of which he is prevented from escaping
by the prickly points opposing him on every side; and becoming enraged,
strikes himself, and dies from the effects of his self-inoculated venom.
“This bird is common in Western Texas and on the Rio Grande.”
This remarkable bird has been found in the vicinity of Fort Webster, New
Mexico, by Dr. Henry, and was also noticed in that country and in Texas
by Mr. Clark, Mr. Schott, and Dr. Kennerly, and in Mexico by Lieut.
Couch.
Though neither of the authors above cited have mentioned that this bird
devours reptiles as well as insects and snails, that fact is stated by
Dr. Gambel in his paper on the Birds of California, in the first volume
of the quarto Journal of the Philadelphia Academy, and it is so
represented in some spirited sketches by Mr. Arthur Schott, now attached
to the United States and Mexican Boundary Surveying party, whose
drawings of this bird made in its native wilds are in the possession of
our valued friend, Professor Baird, of the Smithsonian Institution. It
is probable that although it may prefer insects, other small animals
afford suitable food.
Lieut. D. N. Couch, of the U. S. Army, to whom we have been indebted for
other valuable contributions, has, with his usual kindness, added to our
present article the following interesting notice of this bird as an
inhabitant of Northern Mexico:—
“This bird was first met with in Southwestern Texas, near the Rio
Grande, where it is called ‘Prairie Cock’ by the inhabitants. Few or no
opportunities occurred for me to observe it carefully, until I found
myself in the dreary chapparel districts of Tamaulipas, and next beyond
the Sierra Madre.
“The chapparel is its home. Equally avoiding the forests of high trees
or the open prairies,—in the former of which its short wings would
preclude an easy flight to the branches, and in the latter, for the same
reason, it would be unable to escape from the numerous hawks of various
species that are ever hovering over the arid wastes of that region. Once
only I saw it perched near the top of a stout Mesquite tree, though not
many feet from the ground.
“So far as I have observed, this bird rarely takes to wing, but with
head lowered and tail nearly horizontal; crouching to the ground, it
runs without using its wings, with incredible swiftness; stopping
suddenly, its long and beautiful tail is raised and depressed with as
much grace as a fan in the hand of an accomplished senorita.
“In one of my excursions, I saw a wolf chase a hare (_Lepus texianus_),
but was distanced in a few seconds, in the short race, a bird of this
species was started, and the wolf in turn tried its fleetness, with the
same result very distinctly arrived at. Apparently much disappointed, he
looked at me for a moment, with an expression that seemed to say, “I
have half a mind to try you;” but he turned off sulkily and trotted
away, leaving me quite satisfied with his conclusion.
“Pa-i-san-o is the name by which this bird is known to the Mexicans.
They hold it in high estimation on account of its enmity to the
rattlesnake, which it usually succeeds in killing in fair combat.
Notwithstanding that it is by no means deficient in courage, there is
scarcely one of the feathered tribe that is so quiet and harmless in its
habits. I have never noticed any note except a weak scream, and that
very seldom. It is apparently not social, never occurring in flocks, not
a wanderer to much extent, and though almost a hermit, is the most
pleasing and friendly-looking inhabitant that lives only in the
chapparel.”
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Geococcyx. Wagler, Isis, 1831, p. 524.
General form lengthened and rather slender; bill long, straight, strong,
compressed, curved at the tip; wings short, rounded; fourth and fifth
primaries longest; first short; tail long, graduated; legs long,
especially the tibiæ; tarsi covered with wide transverse scales, very
distinct in front; toes moderate, covered with scales; claws curved,
flattened laterally. An American genus, containing two or three species
only, all of which inhabit California, Texas, and Mexico.
Geococcyx mexicanus. (Gmelin.)
Phasianus mexicanus. Gm., Syst. Nat., II. p. 741. (1788.)
Geococcyx variegatus. Wagler, Isis, 1831, p. 524.
Diplopterus viaticus. Boie, Isis, 1831, p. 541.
“Cuculus viaticus. Licht. Mus. Berol.” Wagler and Boie, as above.
Saurothera marginata. Kaup, Isis, 1832, p. 991, pl. 26.
Saurothera californiana. Less, Ann. du Mus., Paris, 1835, p. 121, pl.
9.
Leptostoma longicauda. Swains., Cab. Cy. Birds, II. p. 325. (1837.)
“Saurothera Bottæ. Blainville.”
Upupa mexicana. Gm., Syst. Nat., I. p. 467?
Form. Head above with elongated, erectile, crest-like feathers. A large
bare space around and behind the eye extending towards the occiput;
wings short; tail long; legs long, stout; tarsus with about eight or
nine wide and strong scales in front.
Dimensions. _Male._—Total length of skin, about 22 inches; wing, 6½;
tail, 11 inches. _Female_, smaller.
Colors. _Male._—Space around and behind the eye, in the living bird,
yellow, with a large red spot on its most posterior part; plumage of the
head above dark blue, with a metallic lustre, every feather edged with
reddish fulvous and white; entire other upper parts dark metallic green,
darkest on the neck behind and on the back; lightest on the wings and
central feathers of the tail; all the upper plumage edged with white,
and very narrowly with pale fulvous; primary quills dark brown, with a
green metallic lustre, and edged with white on their outer webs; upper
coverts of the tail and two central tail feathers green, with metallic
lustre, and edged with white; other feathers of the tail deep shining
blue, narrowly edged, and widely tipped with white, and having in some
lights a green lustre; under parts white, slightly tinged with ashy and
very pale yellowish; and on the throat and neck before with longitudinal
stripes of dark greenish-brown; bill and feet light bluish. _Female_
similar, but with the colors less vivid.
Hab. California, New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico. Spec. in Mus. Acad.,
Philada., and in Nat. Mus., Washington city.
Obs. As the reader will have discovered from our preceding synonymes, an
unusual superabundance of names has been proposed for this bird. We have
no doubt, however, that it is the _Hoitlallotl_ of Hernandez (Nova,
plantarum, animalium et mineralium Mexicanorum, Historia, p. 25. Folio,
Rome, 1651), whose description is cited by both Buffon and Latham. On
the faith of the notice by the latter (Synopsis of Birds, II. p. 723),
Gmelin gave the name _Phasianus mexicanus_ as cited above. The
description by Hernandez is short and not very accurate; but we could
mention many species of birds, the original descriptions of which are
quite as much so, both ancient and modern. Prof. Wagler, in his
description of _Geococcyx variegatus_, above alluded to, expresses the
opinion that his bird is the same as that described by Hernandez; and
Mr. Strickland, in Ann. and Mag. of Nat. Hist., VIII. p. 544 (1842),
arrives at the same conclusion.
We regard it as at least possible, too, that this bird is the _Upupa
mexicana_ (Gmelin, Syst. Nat., I. p. 467), which is the “Mexican
Promerops” (Latham, Syn., II. p. 691). The descriptions are founded on a
figure in Seba (pl. 45, fig. 3), that about as accurately represents
this species as any other; which can also be said of his description. In
Seba’s figure it will be observed that three toes are directed forward,
which might appear to be a difficulty; but in reference to that point we
ask attention to Col. McCall’s valuable contribution in a preceding
page. There is, too, some peculiarity intended or attempted to be
represented in the figure to which we allude.
The sexes of this bird differ in size very considerably; and there are,
also, variations in size and measurements, such as comparative lengths
of their bills and tails between different specimens. We have seen a
large number of specimens, from various localities, but of one species
only. Though we have been constantly on the watch for it, we have never
detected the smaller species alluded to by Captain McCown, which is very
probably _Geococcyx affinis_, described by Dr. George Hartlaub, of the
State Museum of Bremen, one of the most learned and accurate of European
ornithologists. That species may be more an inhabitant of the
mountainous or hilly country than the subject of our present article.
[Illustration: Plate 37
The Whip-Tom-Kelly
Vireosylvia altiloqua (_Vieillot_)]
VIREOSYLVIA ALTILOQUA.—(Vieillot.)
The Long-billed Flycatcher. The Whip-tom-kelly. The John-to-whit.
PLATE XXXVII. Adult Male.
This little bird is very similar in form and general appearance to the
Red-eyed Flycatcher (_Vireosylvia olivacea_), of the United States, but
is larger, and is distinctly characterized by the dark line on the side
of the neck. It appears to possess much the same habits as the common
species just mentioned, and others that inhabit the northern division of
the continent of America. Passing its life, for the greater part,
searching for insects amongst the thick foliage of the forest, in which
its color favors concealment, it utters its peculiar notes, evidently of
the same general character, but much louder and quite different from
those of either of its northern brethren.
Though long known as a bird of the West Indies, and represented by Mr.
Gosse to be abundant in the Island of Jamaica, it has but recently been
discovered within the limits of the United States. Vieillot, it is true,
gave it as a North American species, and in his fine work, which is of
standard value in the history of our birds, figures it accurately, but
from specimens obtained in the West Indies. It was first ascertained to
be a summer visitor in Florida, by Dr. A. L. Heermann, who observed it
in considerable numbers in that State, at a season when it was certainly
engaged in the duties of incubation; but it has as yet never been
noticed in any other part of the United States. It is probable, too,
that it inhabits Cuba, but the several able naturalists of that Island
have not detected it, or at least have not stated it to be different
from the common Red-eyed Flycatcher.
For our article on this bird, Dr. Heermann has, with great kindness,
furnished the following notice:—
“Charlotte Harbour is situated on the Gulf of Mexico, and is studded
with numerous small islands or keys, as they are called, on which grows
the cocoa-nut, said to be brought hither from the West Indies by the
tides, and being thrown on the shore, takes root and flourishes. Some of
these islands, during my visit, I may say almost swarmed with Herons,
Cormorants, Snake-birds, Spoonbills, and Pelicans, engaged in attending
to their nests, and raising their young. The wild fig, orange, lemon,
palmetto, and pine, abound—the first of which is the principal food of
several species of birds, while the large numbers of fishes everywhere
in the surrounding waters afford ample subsistence to those that I have
mentioned. On the sand-bars, various species of Terns were to be found
in abundance, also engaged in incubation, while the Fish Crow, ever on
the alert to seize the eggs or young, or the captured prey of any of
these species when left unguarded, was ever to be seen on the wing, and
at a distance, and not to be approached easily, I have frequently seen
flocks of Flamingoes dredging perseveringly for shell-fishes, or
standing in groups, looking almost like files of soldiers in red
uniforms.
“I mention these birds because, like the little Long-billed Flycatcher,
and like the cocoa-nut, too, if the prevailing belief is correct, they
appear to be visitors only from a more southern clime. They seem to have
reached Florida in the course of a northern migration, and although
remaining for a season, retire periodically, again to appear in due
time.
“In this vicinity, I met with the Long-billed Flycatcher, which, coming
with his larger and more conspicuous fellow-travellers, to which I have
alluded, appears to be a more transient visitant, performing the duties
of incubation on this the northern district of his range, and soon
retiring southwardly to the West Indies. This bird much resembles in
manners and appearance the Red-eyed Flycatcher of the Northern States,
but is not, I think, its equal as a vocalist. His notes, at the season
when I heard them, were not as numerous, nor his song so long-continued.
They are quite different from those of the Red-eye, but clear and
musical, and very distinctly uttered. He is constantly on the search for
insects, and appeared to me to be more active than either of the
northern species, darting about amongst the foliage, or peering into a
crevice or recess in a branch, or a spider’s web, with his back
downwards, like the warblers,—or occasionally chasing a flying insect,
in the manner of the Pewee Flycatchers. These actions were usually
accompanied by his song, as is the case with the Red-eye and the
Warbling Flycatchers. This species was not abundant, though I saw it
frequently, and obtained several specimens.”
The name, “Whip-tom-kelly,” is applied to this bird in Brown’s Jamaica,
one of the standard authorities on that Island (the Civil and Natural
History of Jamaica, by Patrick Brown, M. D., London, 1789, folio), as
its popular appellation, and has been transferred to the works of
various authors. Mr. Gosse, however, in his pleasant volume on the Birds
of Jamaica, mentions that he had never heard this designation.
The naturalists of Jamaica and Cuba appear to have considered this bird
as identical with the Red-eyed Flycatcher. The latter may be a visitor,
most probably, in the winter, to these islands, but the present is
undoubtedly the resident summer species, at least in Jamaica. The figure
in Edward’s Gleanings of Natural History (V. pl. 253), is particularly
stated to have been made from Dr. Brown’s specimen brought from Jamaica,
and clearly represents the present bird. Mr. Swainson, in Fauna Boreali
Americana, Birds, p. 237, in his description of _Vireo longirostris_,
which is this bird, mentions having received specimens from the Islands
of Jamaica and St. Vincent.
As a bird of Jamaica, this little Flycatcher is described in his usually
agreeable manner, by Mr. Gosse, in his work above alluded to. Holding
ourselves in duty bound, we take the liberty of transcribing from his
pages as followeth, premising that he calls this bird the
“John-to-whit:”—
“Much oftener heard than seen, though not unfamiliar to either sense,
this sober-colored bird is one of those whose notes have such a
similarity to articulations as to procure them a common appellation. The
Flycatchers, in general, are not very vociferous, but this is
pertinacious in its tritonous call, repeating it with energy every two
or three seconds. It does not ordinarily sit on a prominent twig, or
dart out after insects, though I have seen one in eager but unsuccessful
pursuit of a butterfly (_Terias_); but it seems to love the centre of
thick woods, where it sits announcing its presence, or flits from bough
to bough as you approach, so that it is not easy to get a sight of it.
“This bird does not winter with us, but leaves with the Grey Petchary
(_Tyrannus Dominicensis_), at the beginning of October. It returns
early—and like the bird just named, evidently makes an eastward
progress, arriving at the southwest end of the island first. On the 26th
of March, on my return to Bluefields, after a visit to Spanishtown, I
heard its well-known voice, but my lad had noticed it a week before.
From this time, every grove, I might almost say every tree, had its
bird, uttering, with incessant iteration and untiring energy, from its
umbrageous concealment,
’_Sweet-John!—John-to-whit!—Sweet-John-to-whit!—John-t’-whit!—Sweet-John-to—whit!_’
I can scarcely understand how the call can be written ‘Whip-tom-kelly,’
as the accent, if I may so say, is most energetic on the last syllable.
Nor have I ever heard this appellation given to it in Jamaica. After
July, we rarely hear ‘_John-to-whit_’—but, ‘_to-whit—to-whoo_,’ and
sometimes a soft, simple chirp, or _sip, sip_, whispered so gently as
scarcely to be audible. This, however, I have reason to believe is the
note of the young, for I have heard young ones repeatedly utter it, when
sitting on a twig, receiving from time to time, with gaping beak and
quivering wing, the food contributed by the dam.
“The food of the John-to-whit is both animal and vegetable. In March, I
have found in its stomach the seeds of the tropic birch, and in April,
the berries of sweet-wood, in an unripe state. In the same month, I
observed one hunting insects by the borders of Bluefields rivulet, in
which I was bathing, and so intent was it upon its occupation, that it
allowed me to approach within a foot of it before it flew. It sought
insects successfully among the grass and low herbage, perching on the
stalks of the weeds, and jumping out after stationary, as well as
vagrant, prey. I observed it eat two spider’s nests, which it masticated
as if peculiarly savory. As it sat, it vomited a little white body,
which I found to be the globose seed of the misletoe berry.
“Incubation takes place in June and July. The nest is rather a neat
structure, though made of coarse materials. It is a deep cup, about as
large as an ordinary tea-cup, narrowed at the mouth, composed of dried
grass, intermixed with silk-cotton, and sparingly with lichen and
spiders’ nests, and lined with thatch-threads. It is usually suspended
between two twigs, or in the fork of one, the margin being over-woven so
as to embrace the twigs. This is very neatly performed. Specimens vary
much in beauty,—one before me is particularly neat and compact, being
almost globular in form, except that about one-fourth of the globe is
wanting, as it is a cup. Though the walls are not thick, they are very
firm and close, the materials being well woven. These are fibres of
grass-like plants, moss, a few dry leaves, flat papery spiders’ nests,
with a little cotton or down for the over-binding of the edges. It is
lined smoothly with fibres, I know not of what plant, as slender as
human hair. Another nest, similarly formed, has the cavity almost filled
with a mass of white cotton, which looks as if thrust in by man, but
that those filaments of the mass that are in contact with the sides, are
interwoven with the other materials. As it is picked cotton, it must be
a bit stolen from some house or yard, not plucked by the bird from the
capsule. The eggs, commonly three in number, are delicately white, with
a few small red-brown spots thinly scattered over the surface, sometimes
very minute and few. Their form is a somewhat pointed oval, measuring
nine-tenths of an inch by rather less than thirteen-twentieths.”
Our figure is about three-fourths of the size of life, and represents
the adult male from one of Dr. Heermann’s specimens obtained in Florida.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Vireosylvia. Bonaparte, Geog. and Comp. List of the Birds of
Europe and North America, p. 26. (1838.)
Size small, but with the general form compact and stout; bill straight,
rather long, wide at base; upper mandible slightly notched near the
point; gonys slightly ascending; wing long, second quill usually
longest; tail rather short, even; legs and toes moderate in length,
slender. A genus containing five or six species, all of which are
American. Colors in all known species olive green, narrowly shaded and
tinged with yellow.
Vireosylvia altiloqua. (Vieillot.)
Muscicapa altiloqua. Vieill., Ois. d’Am., Sept. 1, p. 67, pl. 38.
(1807.)
Vireo longirostris. Swains., Fau. Bor. Am., II. p. 237. (1831.)
Phyllomanes mysticalis. Cabanis, Erichson’s Archiv., 1837, p. 348?
Turdus hispaniolensis. Gm., Syst. Nat., I. p. 822?
Form. Bill long, strong, wide at base, with a few pairs of short, weak
bristles; wing long; second quill longest; tail moderate, truncate; legs
rather long, slender.
Dimensions. Total length of skin, 5½ inches; wing, 3½; tail, 2¼ inches.
Colors. A narrow line of black running downward on each side of the
neck, from the base of the lower mandible; head above ashy-olive; other
upper parts olive-green, tinged with yellowish; quills and tail
olive-brown, edged outwardly with greenish-yellow; a line of
yellowish-white running from the nostril over the eye; between the eye
and the bill dark olive; under parts white, nearly pure on the throat,
and on the other parts tinged with ashy and greenish-yellow, especially
on the sides; bill light corneous; irides red.
Hab. Florida, West Indies, and South America. Spec. in Mus. Acad.,
Philada.
Obs. We consider it quite probable that this species is the _Turdus
hispaniolensis_ of Gmelin, as above, which is the Hispaniola Thrush of
Latham. The figure in Buffon, Pl. Enl. 273, fig. 1, may represent the
same.
This bird may readily be distinguished from all other species by the
dark lines on the neck, which seem to be present at all ages.
AMMODROMUS ROSTRATUS.—(Cassin.)
The Long-billed Swamp Sparrow.
PLATE XXXVIII. Adult Male.
Of this bird we can give but a very imperfect history. It is one of a
group of Sparrows, of which other species inhabit North America,
characterized in some measure like the present, by the length and large
size of their bills, and their partiality for the vicinity of salt
water. Two species, the Sea-side Finch, and the Sharp-tailed Finch
(_Ammodromus maritimus_ and _caudacutus_), are of frequent occurrence on
the shores of the Atlantic, almost throughout the extent of the coast of
the temperate regions of North America,—and in New Jersey may be met
with in the summer season in considerable numbers, wherever there are
salt marshes, or that description of vegetation peculiar to the shores
of the ocean, or within reach of its tides. In those localities,
frequently of difficult access, these birds rear their young in
comparative safety, subsisting on seeds and insects, and seldom
attracting attention. They may occasionally be seen, too, on the bare
sands of the beach, searching for small marine animals thrown up by the
waves.
The present bird is a representative of this group on the shores of the
Pacific, and from the notice by its discoverer, which we shall give
directly, it appears to be very similar in its habits. It was first
observed by Dr. Heermann, near San Diego, California, during his first
visit to that country, and has since that time been again noticed only
by him. Specimens in excellent plumage and preservation, from his
collections, are in the National Museum, Washington city, and in the
collection of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia.
This bird was first described in the Proceedings of the Philadelphia
Academy, VI. p. 184 (Oct., 1852). For our present article, Dr. Heermann
has kindly permitted us to make the following extract from his Journals,
kept during his former and recent visits to California:—
“In 1851, I procured this bird on the shores of the Bay of San Diego,
where, in company with other species, it appeared to be engaged in
searching for grass-seeds. During the late Pacific Railroad survey by
the party under command of Lieut. Williamson, I again saw it in
considerable numbers at Santa Barbara and San Pedro. At the latter
places, as at San Diego, it frequents the low, sandy beach, and the
heavy sedge-grass which abounds on the shores, feeding on marine insects
and seeds thrown up by the tides on the former, and in the latter,
finding quick and easy concealment when alarmed or pursued. It appears
to be a quiet, unsuspicious bird, and I heard it utter only a short,
sharp chirp during the limited time that I had to observe it.”
[Illustration: Plate 38
The Long-billed Marsh Sparrow
Ammodromus rostratus (_Cassin_)]
At present, nothing further is known of this species. The figure in our
plate is that of an adult male, and is of the size of life.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Ammodromus. Swainson, Zool. Jour. III. p. 348. (1827.)
Ammodromus rostratus. (Cassin.)
Emberiza rostrata. Cassin, Proc. Acad., Philada., VI. p. 184. (1852.)
Form. Short, and rather heavy; bill lengthened, strong; wings with the
first, second, and third quills longest, and nearly equal; tail rather
short, emarginate; legs and feet moderately strong.
Dimensions. Total length of skin, about 5¼ inches; wing, 2¾; tail, 2
inches.
Colors. Entire plumage above dull-brownish and cinereous, every feather
longitudinally marked with the former, and tipped and edged with the
latter, the brown stripes being most strongly marked on the head and
back; narrow superciliary lines ashy-white; throat and entire
under-parts white, with longitudinal stripes, and arrow-heads of brown
on the breast and flanks; stripes of this character forming lines on the
sides of the neck from the lower mandible, above which are stripes of
white; abdomen and under tail-coverts dull white; wings and tail brown,
edged with paler shades of the same color, nearly white on the
outer-webs of the external feathers of the tail, deeper and tinged with
rufous on the wing-coverts and exposed edges of the secondaries; bill
and feet light-colored, the former brownish above (in dried skin).
Hab. California. Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada., and Nat. Museum,
Washington.
Obs. We are acquainted with no species which this bird resembles in any
considerable degree, though its general characters are similar to the
birds that we have mentioned in the present article. Its bill is
remarkably large and strong, and its entire organization robust.
PLECTROPHANES McCOWNII.—Lawrence.
McCown’s Bunting.
PLATE XXXIX. Adult Male and Female in Summer Plumage.
It is not only in the spring, or at the advent of the month sung by the
poets as the real birth of the year, that everywhere in the temperate
regions of North America, hosts of feathered travellers arrive, either
to remain for a season, or to continue their journey to more northern
countries. In the autumn and winter, also, troops of them constantly
appear, succeeding each other in some measure according to the earlier
or later setting in of winter, or the greater or less severity of that
season. Nearly all of the autumnal species, like our summer visitors,
proceed to the South to spend the winter—others, coming later, remain
during the whole of the winter, and are constantly recruited by new
comers of the same species, but at the first opening of spring, return
to their homes. Some, as the Purple Finch and the little Snow-bird, come
every winter—others, as the Pine Grosbeak, the Northern Linnet, and the
two species of Crossbills, only occasionally. Though abundant, perhaps,
for one season, years may elapse before either of the birds last
mentioned will be seen again by the most diligent collector. At the time
of writing the present article (December, 1853), both the White-winged
Crossbill and the common Crossbill (_Loxia leucoptera_ and _americana_),
are abundant in the neighborhood of Philadelphia, the former of which
has not before been seen here since the winter of 1835-6. The latter
appears more frequently.
In addition to these, we are visited by flocks of several species that
are to be found here rearing their young in the summer; but while our
bird reared in Pennsylvania has taken an excursion to the South, so his
Northern namesake, reared, perhaps, at Hudson’s Bay, has done the same,
and made Pennsylvania the limit of his journey. The Robin (_Merula
migratoria_) is an instance of this description of migration. This bird,
in large flocks, is to be met with almost every winter, especially in
New Jersey, and wanders much further southwardly and westward. We fancy
that we can distinguish a stranger of this species from one “native and
to the manor born.” The Northern Robin is slightly a larger bird than
our summer resident; his colors are a shade darker, and his bill
decidedly a clearer yellow. Though not presenting characters sufficient
at all to raise a suspicion of distinction in species, the northern bird
is clearly of a different race. And so it is, too, with the Red-winged
Blackbird, the Meadow Lark, the Golden-winged and the Red-headed
Woodpeckers, and other species, all of which come here in the winter
from more northern latitudes, and in most of which close observation
will detect small characteristics of difference in race.
[Illustration: Plate 39
M^cCown’s Bunting
Plectrophanes M^cCownii (_Lawrence_)]
The spring migration is confined to birds that pass the winter in the
South, in many cases not beyond the limits of the United States; but
there are birds that extend their journey to the islands of the West
Indies, to Mexico, and to Central America, and in some instances to
South America. Many of the Warblers, several of our common Thrushes and
Finches, and various others of our well-known North American species,
visit Cuba and Jamaica in the course of the winter, and in both those
islands some of them make their appearance while yet the season is not
so far advanced in the United States as to incommode them either by the
cold or an abridged supply of their favorite food.
The migration of these birds is a curious problem, and regulated by laws
entirely independent of the considerations of climate and supply of
food. One cannot readily find a reason why a bird that has passed the
winter in a tropical or southern latitude, should leave for the North at
the coming of spring, when a more plentiful supply of food than has
sufficed for its winter support is about to be presented. And then, too,
why should birds proceed so far to the North?—to the very confines of
the Arctic circle, as many small species do, when the great forests of
the middle and northern States offer ample accommodation, and supplies
of food certainly equal to those in which they will at last terminate
their journey. There are questions here difficult to answer. It would
appear that the existence of an animal is predicated on its performance
of certain functions antecedently involved in its organization. That its
entire history, we may say, is but an answer to the calls of
organization. That the organization and the performance of its indicated
functions are strictly exponents of each other, the latter modified by
circumstances, and the relations of species to each other, dependent in
some measure on circumstances, but not produced by them, no more than
forms or other physical characters. No feature in the history of an
animal is absolutely produced by circumstances. There is, too, the
consideration of inherited instincts, and if the faculty of memory, and
impressions on it, are transmissible, nearly the whole phenomena of
instinct may be explained.
In the western and southwestern countries of North America, within the
limits of the United States, various species of northern birds appear in
winter that have never been noticed on the Atlantic seaboard. The
handsome little bird that we present to the reader in the plate now
before him, is one of that description. It appears to be a native of the
extensive and little-known regions of northwestern America, migrating in
the winter to California, New Mexico, and Texas, where it has been seen
by several of our naturalists.
There are several species in Western America of the group to which this
bird belongs, all characterized by agreeable and somewhat similar
colors. In the States on the Atlantic, the Snow Bunting (_Plectrophanes
nivalis_) is their only relative that is of usual occurrence,—though
another, the Lapland Longspur (_Plectrophanes Lapponica_), occasionally
appears, and of the capture of which, in the neighborhood of
Philadelphia, several instances have come to our knowledge.
Capt. McCown, who discovered this present species in Texas, gives no
further account of it than that he shot it in company with a flock of
Shore Larks. His notice is in the Annals of the New York Lyceum of
Natural History, VI. p. 14. Dr. Henry has obtained it in the vicinity of
Fort Thorne, New Mexico. These, with Dr. Heermann, are the only
naturalists that have as yet noticed this bird in its native wilds.
During the survey for a route for a railroad to the Pacific, by Lieut.
Williamson’s party, to which Dr. Heermann was attached, he met with this
bird in large numbers, and his collection contains numerous specimens in
various stages of plumage. From these we have selected adults of both
sexes, from which the plate now before the reader has been prepared. In
Dr. Heermann’s manuscripts, kindly placed at our disposal for the
purposes of our present work, we find this bird thus noticed:—
“I found this species congregated in large flocks with the
chestnut-collared Lark Bunting (_Plectrophanes ornatus_), and engaged in
gleaning the seeds from the scanty grass on the vast arid plains of New
Mexico. Insects and berries also form part of their food, in search of
which they show considerable activity, running on the ground with ease
and celerity.
“We found this bird, as well as various other species, particularly
abundant whenever we struck on the isolated water-holes that occur in
this region, these being the only spots for miles around where water can
be obtained. When fired at, or otherwise alarmed, they rise as if to fly
away, but seem to be irresistibly impelled by thirst to return to the
only localities where relief is to be obtained, and where, if the hunter
is so inclined, large numbers of this handsome little bird, and others,
may be slaughtered with little exertion.
“From Dr. T. C. Henry, of the U. S. Army, I learned that in the spring,
large flocks of this species appear at Fort Thorne, apparently on their
return to the North, having migrated southwardly the fall previous, and
that they leave on the return of mild weather. In several flocks of
these birds I noticed also the Shore Lark (_Alanda alpestris_), but it
formed a small proportion of the numbers.”
The figures in our plate are about two-thirds of the size of life.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Plectrophanes. Meyer, Taschenbuch der deutschen Vögelkunde III.
p. 56. (1822.)
Bill short, conical, strong; nostrils basal, partially concealed; wing
rather long; first, second, and third quills longest; tail moderate, or
short, usually even at the end, or emarginate; legs and feet moderately
strong; hind toe with the claw long, somewhat like that of the Larks
(_Alauda_).
Plectrophanes McCownii. Lawrence, Annals of the New York Lyceum of
Natural History, VI. p. 122. (1851.)
Form. Bill very strong, wide, and somewhat tumid at base; wing long;
secondaries emarginate; tertiaries longer than secondaries; second
primary longest; tail rather short, slightly emarginate; legs moderate;
hind claw long; coverts of the tail long.
Dimensions. _Male._—Total length of skin, 5½ inches; wing, 3½; tail, 2¼
inches.
Colors. _Male._—Head above, from the base of the bill, stripe on each
side of the neck from lower mandible, and wide transverse band on the
breast, black; lesser coverts of the wing chestnut; neck behind and body
above dark brown and brownish-ashy, every feather with a central stripe
of the former and edged with the latter; under-parts (except the breast)
white, all the feathers, with a basal portion, ashy-black, particularly
observable immediately below the black of the breast; quills brown,
edged outwardly with yellowish cinereous, on their inner-webs with
white; two central feathers of the tail brown, others white, tipped with
brown; bill and feet light-colored. _Female._—Entire plumage above dark
brown and brownish-ashy; beneath white, tinged with dull yellowish on
the throat and breast; no black on the head or breast.
Hab. California, New Mexico, Texas. Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada., and
Nat. Mus., Washington.
Obs. This little species is strictly of the same group as _Plectrophanes
ornatus_ and _pictus_, and, like them, appears to be exclusively
western. It does not resemble those species in such degree as to be
liable to be mistaken for either of them.
The original description of this bird by Mr. Lawrence, as above cited,
appears to have been made from its winter plumage. Its dedication to
Capt. McCown, we regard as a highly appropriate acknowledgement of his
valuable services in the investigation of the ornithology of the
southwestern regions of the United States.
RECURVIROSTRA OCCIDENTALIS.—Vigors.
The Western Avocet. The White Avocet.
PLATE XL. Adult Male.
This is a second American species of this singular group of birds, and
is as yet only known as an inhabitant of the regions of the far west.
This apparent restriction in the locality of the present bird is the
more remarkable, as the previously-known species, distinguished as the
American Avocet (_Recurvirostra americana_), is widely diffused, having
been ascertained to be abundant in the vicinity of Hudson’s Bay in the
summer season, and thence, through a wide central region of North
America, to Texas. Occasionally it is noticed on the coast of the
Atlantic, sparingly north of New Jersey, but becoming more numerous
southwardly.
This species was discovered at San Francisco, California, by the
naturalists attached to H. B. M. ship Blossom, then on a voyage of
discovery in the Pacific ocean; and although that occurred about the
year 1825, it has been again noticed only by Col. McCall and Dr.
Heermann, both of whom, however, represent it as being by no means a
rare bird.
With his usual kindness, Col. McCall has furnished the following notice
of this bird for our present article:—
“At the village of San Elizario, 22 miles south of El Paso, on the 16th
October, 1851, I found small flocks of the Western Avocet feeding along
the banks of the Rio Grande, and frequenting the sloughs and pools in
its vicinity, whilst moving to the South in the course of their regular
autumnal migration. They were tame and unsuspicious, and evidently
ignorant of the destructive character of the gun, for its report seemed
to create little alarm, even when the discharge carried death into their
ranks. To illustrate this, I need only mention the fact that the first
flock which came immediately under my observation alighted within twenty
yards of the piazza where I was sitting on the morning after my arrival.
They waded at once into the shoal water of a ‘_cut-off_’ from the river
which passed immediately in front of the house, and began to feed. I was
near enough to see them immerse their bills into the water, and search
the soft mud below for their prey; and as they, from time to time, were
scattered, and again assembled in a group, I had ample time and an
excellent opportunity to note their manner of feeding. I was soon
satisfied that in this respect their habits did not differ from those of
_R. americana_, which I had previously seen in great numbers, and
closely observed on the borders of the Oso river, in southern Texas.
After watching them for some time, I took my gun, and at a single
discharge, secured five of the dozen that composed the flock. The
remainder flew the distance of a stone’s throw, and alighting in shoal
water, began to feed again without appearing to notice the loss of their
companions. I followed them, and in a few minutes procured three more
within one hundred yards of the house. During that day, and several
successive days that I remained at the post, I saw flocks of from six to
ten on their feeding grounds, both morning and afternoon. I shot them,
as well as ducks and snipe, daily; and at no time that I recollect, had
I any difficulty in approaching within easy gun-shot.
[Illustration: Plate 40
The White Avocet
Recurvirostra occidentalis (_Vigors_)]
“A few days previously, I had seen a very large flock of these birds
near _Val Verde_, some 170 miles further up the river. This flock
contained fifty or sixty birds; they rose near me as I fired at a flock
of Teal, and circled round in very compact order, presenting the
beautiful contrast of their white and black markings, and at length
settled on the opposite side of the pond, where they were beyond
pursuit. The occasions here mentioned are the only ones on which I have
met with _R. occidentalis_.
“On the wing, the flocks were usually closely compacted; the flight was
buoyant, and with little exertion of muscular force.”
Dr. Heermann found this bird in California, and procured numerous
specimens, now in the National Museum, Washington, and in the Museum of
the Philadelphia Academy. In his manuscripts We find the following:—
“This species was observed in various parts of California, resorting to
the shallow pools, in which it waded breast-deep, usually finding on the
soft muddy bottom a plentiful feast of insects and snails. Although
partially web-footed, it does not swim, so far as I have noticed, unless
wounded, when it takes immediately to the deep water, swimming with
great celerity, soon getting beyond range, if not at once disabled by a
second shot. I have noticed this bird in abundance on the borders of the
reedy swamps which cover a large portion of the lower part of the
Sacramento valley.”
The upward curve of the bill in the birds of this group, though very
singular and characteristic, has not been ascertained to be indicative
of any peculiarity of habits.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Recurvirostra. Linn., Syst. Nat, I. p. 256. (1766.)
Bill depressed, smooth, recurved; wing rather long, pointed; first quill
longest; tail short; legs long, moderately strong; toes rather short,
partially webbed. A peculiar and somewhat isolated genus, of which a few
species only are known, though inhabiting nearly all parts of the world.
Recurvirostra occidentalis. Vigors, Zool. Journal, IV. p. 356. (1829.)
Form. General form rather robust; bill depressed, soft at the tip; wing
with the first quill longest; tertiaries longer than secondaries; tail
quite short; legs long; tibia feathered nearly one-half of its length;
tarsus covered with scales.
Dimensions. Total length of skin, from tip of bill to end of tail, about
16½ inches; Wing, 9; tail, 3; tarsus, 3½; bill, 3½ inches.
Colors. Back and upper surface of wings brownish black, lightest on the
tertiaries, and darkest on the primaries; all other parts white,
slightly tinged with ashy on the head above and neck behind; secondary
quills white; greater coverts of the wing widely tipped with the same.
Hab. California. Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada., and Nat. Museum,
Washington.
Obs. This strongly-marked species bears some resemblance to the European
Avocet, and in fact is more closely allied to it than to the only
American species previously known. It is, however, a well characterized
and distinct bird.
The sexes of this species differ somewhat in size, the female being
slightly the smaller; and in the male, the dark tints are stronger. The
latter is represented in our plate.
SYNOPSIS
OF
NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.
II. ORDER INSESSORES. THE PERCHING BIRDS.
A group containing much the greater number of all known birds, almost
impossible to characterise in general terms. The birds of this order
are, however, generally organized for perching or living in trees, and
have the legs and feet moderately developed and formed for grasping. In
this group is found the highest development of the bird-like form of
animal life.
I. TRIBE FISSIROSTRES. THE GOATSUCKERS, SWALLOWS, KINGFISHERS, &c.
Bill wide at base; gape very large; feet small, weak; general form
adapted to the capture of insects on the wing, and in some of the
families to rapid and long-continued flight. This group contains the
Goatsuckers (_Caprimulgidæ_), the Swallows (_Hirundinidæ_), the Trogons
(_Trogonidæ_), the Bee-eaters (_Meropidæ_), and the Kingfishers
(_Halcyonidæ_).
I. FAMILY CAPRIMULGIDÆ. THE GOATSUCKERS.
Plumage soft, blended, and owl-like. Species generally nocturnal in
their habits, or venturing abroad only in the twilight or in the night.
Bill small, weak, generally furnished at the base with projecting
bristles; gape very wide; feet usually slender and weak; wings generally
long, adapted to long-continued flight. This family is represented in
all temperate and tropical regions of the world.
A.
1. Genus Antrostomus. Gould, Nuttall. Manual of the Ornithology of the
United States and Canada, I. p. 739 (second edition, 1840).
General form plump and robust; head large; bill short, weak, opening to
beyond the eyes; gape very large; nostrils basal, oval, prominent; eyes
large; wing long; somewhat pointed; second and third quills longest;
legs and toes short, feeble; claw of the middle toe pectinated; tail
moderate, wide, generally even at the end; bristles at the base of the
bill rigid, long, usually curved at their ends; throat in males with an
uninterrupted collar of white; quills with bars of rufous. An
exclusively American genus containing six or seven species, more nearly
related to typical Caprimulgus than any other birds of this family
inhabiting this continent, and almost nocturnal in their habits,
venturing abroad only by twilight or in the night.
1. Antrostomus carolinensis. (Gm.) The Chuck-wills-widow. The great
Carolina Goatsucker.
Caprimulgus carolinensis. Gm., Syst. Nat., II. p. 1028. (1788.)
Caprimulgus lucifugus. Bartram, Travels, p. 292. (1793.)
Caprimulgus rufus. Vieill., Ois. d’Am., Sept. 1, p. 57. (1807.)
Caprimulgus brachypterus. Stephens, Gen. Zool., X. p. 150. (1817.)
Catesby’s Carolina, I. pl. 8; Vieill., Ois. d’Am., Sept. 1, pl. 25;
Wilson, Am. Orn., VI. pl. 54, fig. 2; Aud., Birds of Am., pl. 52, Oct.
ed., I. pl. 41.
Largest of the North American species. General form broad and robust;
wing long; second quill longest; tail ample; legs short; bristles at
the base of the bill strong; each one ciliated; entire upper parts
dark brown, minutely dotted with reddish fulvous, and with many of the
feathers having large, longitudinal stripes of black; inferior parts
similar to the upper, but more minutely marked with black, and marked
with circular fulvous spots; throat with an uninterrupted collar of
white, running into a collar of fulvous on the neck behind; quills
with irregular alternate bars of reddish fulvous and brownish-black;
middle feathers of the tail reddish fulvous, mottled with, and with
irregular bars of black; other feathers of the tail similar, but
tipped with silky white, frequently tinged with reddish fulvous on
their outer-webs. Female like the male, but without white on the
tail-feathers.
Dimensions. Total length, about 12 inches; wing, 8½; tail, 5¾ to 6
inches.
Hab. Southern United States. South Carolina (Gibbes); New Mexico
(McCall); Cuba (Lembeye); Florida (Bartram). Spec. in Mus. Acad.,
Philada.
Obs. This fine species is frequently met with in the southern and
southwestern States, and is much the largest of the North American birds
of this family.
2. Antrostomus vociferus. (Wilson.) The Whip-poor-will.
Caprimulgus vociferus. Wilson, Am. Orn., V. p. 71. (1812.)
Caprimulgus clamator. Vieill., Nouv. Dict., X. p. 234. (1817.)
“Caprimulgus virginianus. Linn. Gm.” Vieill., Ois. d’Am., Sept. 1,
p. 65.
Caprimulgus macromystax. Wagler, Isis, 1831, p. 533?
Vieill., Ois. d’Am., Sept. 1, pl. 23; Wilson, Am. Orn., V. pl. 41;
Aud., Birds of Am., pl. 82; Oct. ed., I. pl. 42; Nat. Hist. N. Y.
Birds, pl. 27, fig. 39.
Smaller than the preceding; wing with the third quill slightly
longest; tail ample, rounded; neck with an uninterrupted collar of
white before and fulvous behind; head above ashy-gray, with a
longitudinal stripe of brownish-black; back and rump dark brown, with
minute points and irregular lines of cinereous; under-parts mottled
with pale reddish-white and brownish-black, the latter most
conspicuous on the breast, the former on the abdomen and under
tail-coverts; four middle feathers of the tail mottled with gray and
brownish-black, the latter forming irregular bands; external feathers
of the tail brownish-black, widely tipped with silky white, and with
traces of rufous bars towards the base; quills brownish-black, with
interrupted bars of rufous; exposed ends of primaries same as the
back. Female rather smaller than the male, with the white collar on
the neck tinged with fulvous, which is also the color of the tips of
the external tail-feathers.
Dimensions. Total length, about 9½ inches; wing, 6½; tail, 5 inches.
Hab. Eastern North America. Western? Canada (Dr. Hall); Cuba (Mr.
Lembeye); Florida (Bartram). Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada.
Obs. This species is of common occurrence in the States on the Atlantic,
and is universally known from its loud and often-repeated notes in the
season of pairing and incubation. It is not recorded by our late
naturalists and travellers to have been observed in the western regions
of this continent, but the specimens described by Wagler as above were
from Mexico, and were either this species, or a near relative. To
_Caprimulgus macromystax_ we shall more particularly allude under the
head of obscure species of this family.
3. Antrostomus Nuttallii. (Aud.) Nuttall’s Whip-poor-will.
Caprimulgus Nuttallii. Aud., Orn. Biog., V. p. 335. (1839.)
Aud., B. of Am., Oct. ed., VII. pl. 495.
Small, aberrant; wing long; third quill longest; legs rather long;
tail moderate; upper-parts brownish-black, mottled and spotted with
ashy white and reddish fulvous; wing-coverts tipped with pearly ashy
white; under-parts with transverse stripes of brownish-black and
yellowish-white; under tail-coverts pale reddish fulvous; quills with
alternate transverse bars of brownish-black and handsome reddish
fulvous; middle feathers of the tail same colors as other upper parts;
other tail feathers brownish-black, with irregular bars and lines of
dark cinereous, and widely tipped with silky white; collar on the neck
before silky white. Female similar, but with the colors paler, and the
white of the throat and tail tinged with pale fulvous.
Dimensions. Total length, about 7 inches; wing, 5¾; tail, 3¼ inches.
Hab. Western North America, Rocky Mountains (Audubon); Oregon (U. S.
Ex. Exp. Vincennes); Washington Territory (Dr. Cooper); Texas (Mr. J.
H. Clark). Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada., and Nat. Mus., Washington.
Obs. This handsome species, which is the smallest of the birds of this
family yet discovered in North America, appears to be a rather common
bird in the countries above mentioned. It varies in some degree from the
characters of the typical species, and with a small South American bird
(_A. ocellatus_), may form a distinct group. Nothing is recorded of its
habits.
II. GENUS CHORDEILES. Swainson, Fauna Boreali Americana, Birds, p. 496.
(1831.)
Bill small and weak; gape very wide, without bristles; wing long,
pointed, with the first and second quills longest; tail moderate or
rather long, usually emarginate; legs short, weak; tarsus usually partly
covered with short feathers; toes rather long, slender; claw of the
middle toe pectinated. General form stout and heavy, broad. A genus
containing about six species, inhabiting North and South America, the
North American species of which are less nocturnal in their habits than
those of the preceding genus.
1. Chordeiles virginianus. (Brisson.) The Night Hawk.
Caprimulgus virginianus. Briss., Orn., II. p. 477. (1760.)
Caprimulgus popetue. Vieill., Ois. d’Am., Sept. 1, p. 56. (1807.)
Caprimulgus americanus. Wilson, Am. Orn., V. p. 65. (1812.)
Edwards, Birds, II. pl. 63.; Catesby, Carolina, II. Appendix, pl. 16;
Vieill., Ois. d’Am., Sept. 1, pl. 24; Wilson, Am. Orn., V. pl. 40;
Aud., B. of Am., pl. 147; Oct. ed., I. pl. 43; Nat. Hist. N. Y. Birds,
pl. 27, fig. 60.
Bill short, weak; gape very wide; wing long, pointed; first and second
quills longest, and nearly equal; tail emarginate; legs short; tarsus
feathered below the joint, with the tibia; bare part covered with
scales; middle toe long, partially united to the outer toe by a web,
and with its claw distinctly pectinated. Male.—Throat white; entire
upper parts brownish black, every feather more or less mottled and
spotted with ashy white and reddish fulvous, the former most
conspicuous on the secondaries and wing-coverts, and the latter on the
back; neck behind with an irregular collar of reddish; quills
brownish-black, with a wide bar of white about their middle, forming a
conspicuous transverse bar on the wing; tail feathers brownish-black,
all, excepting the two central, with a wide subterminal transverse
band of white, and with other irregular transverse narrow bands of
ashy white; breast brownish-black, with rounded and irregular spots of
ashy white and reddish fulvous; abdomen with transverse bars of ashy
white and dark brown; under tail-coverts white. Female with the white
stripe on the wing much narrower, and in some specimens confined to
the inner-webs; white of the throat less pure, and tinged with
reddish-yellow; general plumage paler, and more tinged with ashy and
reddish fulvous.
Dimensions. Total length, 9 to 9½ inches; wing, 7½; tail, 4½ inches.
Hab. All of temperate North America, New Mexico (McCall); Oregon
(Townsend); California (Heermann); Canada (Hall); Mexico (Rivoli
collection); Nicaragua (Barruel); Cuba (Lembeye); Jamaica (Gosse).
Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada.
Obs. An abundant species everywhere in the United States.
2. Chordeiles sapiti. Bonaparte, Cons. Av., p. 63. (1849.)
Not figured.
Very similar in form and general appearance to the preceding, but
smaller, and with all the colors paler; bill very short and weak; gape
large; wing long; first quill slightly longest; tail moderate,
emarginate; tarsus feathered in front somewhat below the point with
the tibia; throat white; entire upper plumage brownish-black, mottled,
and variegated, with very pale cinereous, which predominates on the
back, rump, and coverts of the wings; under-parts with transverse
narrow bands of dark brown and yellowish-white; quills brownish-black,
with a wide transverse band of white at the distance from their end of
about one-third their length, and also with some irregular spots and
pairs of spots of rufous in their basal halves. Female paler, and with
the white of the throat tinged with pale reddish fulvous.
Dimensions. Total length, about 8½ inches; wing, 7¼; tail, 4½ inches.
Hab. Texas (Mr. Clark, Capt. McCown); New Mexico, Central America.
Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada., and Nat. Mus., Washington.
Obs. This species is nearly allied to the preceding, and also to
_Chordeiles brasilianus_, from both of which it differs in some
particulars of form, and also in having its colors much paler. In the
latter character it somewhat resembles the _C. acutipennis_ of South
America. We regard this bird provisionally under the name above given,
but the description as cited is too brief to be satisfactory. It is,
however, the only species known to us that can be referred to it.
This bird is abundant in Texas during the summer.
3. Chordeiles Henryi. _nobis_ (new species, January, 1855).
Not figured.
Larger than either of the two preceding species; wing long; second
quill longest; tail rather long; emarginate; legs and feet short;
tarsus feathered in front slightly below the joint with the tibia;
bare part of the tarsus and the toes with very distinct scales; entire
upper parts variegated with dark brown and pale reddish fulvous, every
feather being tipped and spotted with the latter, which predominates
on the back, rump, wing-coverts, and tertiaries; some spots on the
tertiaries rufous; breast dark brown, every feather tipped with dull
reddish fulvous; abdomen white, tinged with pale reddish-yellow, every
feather with transverse stripes of brownish-black; under-coverts dull
reddish white, with transverse lines of brownish-black; neck with a
large band of white in front; quills brownish-black, tipped with dull
reddish-white; primaries with a wide transverse band of white at about
half their length; tail with alternate irregular stripes of
brownish-black and pale reddish fulvous, the latter mottled with
black; under wing-coverts pale reddish-white, with bands and spots of
brownish-black. Female. Colors paler, and white of the neck obscure.
Dimensions. Total length of skin, about 10 inches; wing, 8; tail, 4½
inches.
Hab. New Mexico (Dr. Henry, Lieut. Gunnison). Spec. in Nat. Mus.,
Washington, and Mus. Acad., Philada.
Obs. This bird may be distinguished from other American species by its
color, which is lighter and of a different style of variegation, the
prevailing tone being a dull, pale reddish and yellowish, somewhat
approaching what is called buff or drab color. It is larger than
_Chordeiles virginianus_.
Specimens of this interesting species have been procured at Fort
Webster, New Mexico, by Dr. Henry, and by the unfortunate party under
command of the late Lieut. Gunnison.
As a token of respect for T. Charlton Henry, M. D., of the United States
Army, whose exertions in the investigation of the natural productions of
New Mexico, now continued for several years, and the formation of large
collections in various departments, which attest his zeal and attachment
to zoological science, we propose the specific name above given.
B.
OBSCURE OR LITTLE KNOWN SPECIES OF THIS FAMILY.
1. Caprimulgus macromystax. Wagler, Isis, XXIV. p. 533. (1831.)
This species is noticed by Wagler, as above, from a Mexican specimen,
and his description is essentially a comparison with the _Caprimulgus
europæus_. It is stated that the bristles at the base of the bill are
very long, or “nearly as long as the head without the bill,” and the
plumage generally bearing a resemblance to the European species
mentioned.
There is in the collection of the Philadelphia Academy, a specimen from
Mexico, and another from California, differing in shade of color only
from the _Antrostomus vociferus_, and from which the distinctive
characters are too slight to establish a separate species. We regard
these specimens as _C. macromystax_. The length of the bristles in
Wagler’s description applies as well to _A. vociferus_, and we think it
probable that his name is a synonyme.
The following is a translation of Wagler’s description or notice as
above cited, and is at the end of an elaborate and valuable paper, in
which he describes several new American species of birds:—
“At the conclusion of these descriptions of birds, I will yet remark
that we have received from Mexico, also, a Caprimulgus (which specimen
unfortunately is without the tail), that nearly resembles ours in size
and color, but which nevertheless may be distinguished at a glance; the
tarsi on their upper sides are hardly feathered to the middle, and the
bristles on both sides of the upper mandible are uncommonly stiff, and
longer than in any other American Night Swallow, nearly as long as the
head without the bill, and are turned _rake-like_ obliquely downwards. I
have named it, therefore, _Caprimulgus macromystax_. The feet are short,
as in ours; also as in ours, the claw of the middle toe on its inner
border is pectinated, the primaries are small, the second, third, and
fourth, externally from their middles to their ends, are strongly
sinuated; they are brown-black, without white spots, but have internally
and externally rust-red angular dots.”
2. Caprimulgus minor. Forster. Catalogue of the Animals of North
America, p. 13. London, 1771.
A name given without being accompanied by a description, though probably
applicable to _Antrostomus vociferus_, which was known to some of the
older naturalists, and, previous to the introduction of the binomial
nomenclature, was called _minor_, in distinction from the _Caprimulgus
europæus_.
The catalogue by Forster above referred to is a pamphlet, and is, so far
as We know, the first attempt at an enumeration of the species of all
classes of animals inhabiting North America. There is also a catalogue
of the Plants of North America by the same author.
3. Antrostomus californianus. Bonaparte, Cons. Av. p. 61. (1849.)
The description by the Prince of Canino, as above, is as follows:—
“(Confer Capr. nuttalli, Aud. Am. Orn., 2d edit., t. 495,) ex
California, Vix Turdi magnitudine. Mas. Griseus, nucha fulvescenti,
abdomine cervino, nigro undulato; gula macula utrinque alba nigro
terminata: remigibus fuscis, macula mediana alba, rectricibus
lateralibus nigricantibus, extima late ad apicem candida.”
The characters here given differ so essentially from those of any other
species of _Antrostomus_, that we much suspect that the bird alluded to
neither belongs to this genus, nor is an American species.
4. Caprimulgus europæus. Linn.
This name occurs in several of the older authors on American Natural
History, which is to be attributed to the fact that the _Whip-poor-will_
(_Antrostomus vociferus_) was regarded by Linnæus as a variety only of
the European Goatsucker. President Jefferson, in Notes on the State of
Virginia, p. 117 (London edition, 1787), gives both of the then known
North American birds of this group as two varieties only of the European
bird. Professor Barton, in Fragments of the Natural History of
Pennsylvania, p. 14, under the head of _Caprimulgus europæus_, says:
“This, or a variety of it, is certainly a native of Pennsylvania. So
that now all the fifteen species of this genus (mentioned by Gmelin) are
known to be natives of America.” Both of these distinguished and
venerated fathers of American zoological science adopted the opinion of
Linnæus, and the name of the European bird is given also on the same
authority by some others of the earlier American writers.
The European Goatsucker has never been observed on the continent of
America.
Professor Barton’s observation above quoted is singularly suggestive.
Linnæus, at the date of his last edition of the Systema Naturæ, knew
_two_ species only of the genus _Caprimulgus_. Gmelin, in the edition of
the same work, edited by him, and published in 1788, extended the list
to _fifteen_ species, and was, when Professor Barton wrote, in 1799,
recent and high authority. So greatly has the knowledge of species of
birds been extended, that at this time (1855) there are at least ninety
known birds of the family _Caprimulgidæ_, all of which would have been
regarded by Linnæus and Gmelin as belonging to the genus _Caprimulgus_.
There are seventy-four species of this family in the collection of the
Philadelphia Academy. Though, as Professor Barton observes, all of those
known to Gmelin (except _Caprimulgus europæus_), are American, others
are now ascertained to inhabit all the temperate and tropical regions of
both of the great divisions of the globe, and the whole of Australia.
Of this family of birds, the only species that have been ascertained or
supposed by naturalists to inhabit that part of North America within our
limits, are given in the preceding pages. The group is, however,
represented in South America not only by other species of the genera
above given, but by various other genera and species, amongst which are
some curious and interesting forms. The genus _Steatornis_, containing a
single species, first brought to notice by the celebrated Humboldt
(_Steatornis caripensis_, Humboldt), is remarkable for its near approach
to the Owls, and would, to a casual observer, scarcely be regarded as
belonging to any other than that family. The genus _Nyctibius_, which is
also South American, contains some species as large as the Crow of the
United States, and which are amongst the largest birds of this group.
Another genus, _Hydropsalis_, or the Scissors-tailed Goatsuckers, as
they are termed by Azara (an enthusiastic and accurate Spanish writer on
South American Natural History), are remarkable for having tails of
singular forms, and of great length in some species. _Hydropsalis
torquatus_ has the two outermost feathers of its tail long, and the two
middle feathers also long, leaving the intermediate comparatively short.
_Hydropsalis lyra_, Bonaparte, has the outermost feathers of the tail
very long, and curved inwards at their ends. Two species, first
described by us, _Hydropsalis limbatus_ and _segmentatus_ (in Proc.
Acad., Philadelphia), have that appendage several times the length of
their bodies.
About thirty-five species of _Caprimulgidæ_ inhabit South and Central
America and Mexico. The largest birds of this group are natives of
Australia.
We are inclined to the opinion that this family (and the Swallows also)
properly belong to the circle of rapacious birds in which they have been
arranged by Prof. Reichenbach, in Avium Systema Naturale (Dresden and
Leipsic, 1850).[4]
II. FAMILY HIRUNDINIDÆ. THE SWALLOWS.
Plumage compact; size generally small; bill small, much depressed, very
wide at base, and suddenly compressed to the tip, giving it a somewhat
triangular shape; wings long; tail various, frequently forked; legs and
feet short and weak.
These birds form a peculiar and easily-recognized family, species of
which inhabit all parts of the world, and in civilized countries are
generally regarded with favor. The Swallows are eminently social and
gregarious, being almost constantly seen in companies even in the
breeding season, and are amongst the comparatively few birds whose
numbers are not diminished by the progress of the settlement and
cultivation of countries. They subsist exclusively on insects captured
on the wing, in the pursuit of which they exhibit extraordinary powers
of flight.
A.
1. Genus Hirundo. Linn., Syst. Nat. I. p. 343. (1766.)
Bill depressed, wide at base, compressed to the end, nostrils basal;
wing long, pointed, first primary usually longest, secondaries short;
legs and feet short and weak; tail moderate, forked or emarginate.
General form rather broad, robust; flight protracted, rapid.
1. Sub-genus Hirundo.
Tail with the two external feathers disproportionately long; others
graduated.
1. Hirundo rufa. Gmelin, Syst. Nat. I. p. 1018. (1788.) The Barn
Swallow.
Hirundo horreorum. Barton, Frag. Nat. Hist. of Penna. p. 17.
(1799.)
Hirundo americana. Wilson, Am. Orn. V. p. 34. (1812.)
Hirundo erythrogaster. Boddaert, Tab. Pl. Enl. p. 45. (1783.)?
Hirundo cyanopyrrha. Vieill., Nouv. Dict. XIV. p. 510. (1817.)
“Hirundo rustica. Linn.” Aud. Orn. Biog. II. p. 413.
Wilson, Am. Orn. V. pl. 38, fig. 1, 2; Aud., B. of Am. pl. 173, Oct.
ed. I. pl. 48; Nat. Hist. N. Y. Birds, pl. 29, fig. 64; Buff., Pl.
Enl. 724, fig. 1?
Wings long; tail deeply forked with the two outer feathers much the
longest; forehead, throat, and neck in front, chestnut, which color is
separated from the paler color of the breast by a partial or rarely
perfect collar of dark steel blue; entire upper parts steel blue, with
a purple lustre, inclining to green on the wings and tail; breast,
abdomen, and under tail coverts, chestnut, very pale in some
specimens, but generally darker on the tail coverts; tail with a large
spot of white on the inner web of every feather, except the middle
two; bill and feet black; sexes very nearly alike.
Dimensions. Total length, 7 inches; wing, 4½; tail, 3½. Female
smaller.
Hab. Throughout North America. Canada (Dr. Hall); Oregon (Dr.
Townsend); Texas (Dr. Woodhouse); Santa Fé (Col. McCall); Indiana (Dr.
Haymond); Long Island (Mr. Giraud); Cuba (Mr. Lembeye).
This is one of the most abundant of the birds of the United States, and
known to all classes and ages of the population. It is nearly related to
the European House Swallow (_Hirundo rustica_), but can readily be
distinguished on comparison. The European is rather the larger, the
under-parts are darker, and the collar on the neck in front complete. In
the present bird this collar is imperfect, with very rare exceptions.
2. Sub-genus Petrochelidon.
Tail moderate or short, emarginate, but slightly forked.
2. Hirundo lunifrons. Say., Long’s Exp. to the Rocky Mts. II. p. 47.
(1823.) The Cliff Swallow.
Hirundo opifex. Clinton, Ann. N. Y. Lyceum I. p. 161. (1824.)
Hirundo respublicana. Aud., Ann. N. Y. Lyc., I. p. 164. (1824.)
“Hirundo fulva. Vieill.” Aud., Orn. Biog. V. p. 415, and Clinton,
as above.
Bonap., Am. Orn., 1. pl. 7, fig. 1; Aud., B. of Am., pl. 68, Oct. ed.
I. pl. 47; Nat. Hist. N. Y. Birds, pl. 30, fig. 64.
Bill very wide at base, short; wings long; tail rather short,
emarginate; forehead white, nearly pure in some specimens, but
generally tinged with reddish chestnut; head above and back
bluish-black, with a purple lustre; plumage of the back usually edged
and streaked with grayish white; rump pale chestnut; throat dark
brownish chestnut, which color extends upwards and forms a complete
collar around the neck behind; lores and large spot on the neck in
front black; entire other under-parts ashy-white, tinged with pale
chestnut, especially on the breast; under tail coverts with a green
lustre, and tipped with pure white; wings and tail brownish-black;
bill and feet dark; sexes very nearly alike.
Dimensions. Total length, 5½ inches; wing, 4⅜; tail, 2 inches. Female
rather smaller.
Hab. Throughout North America. Oregon (Dr. Townsend); California (Dr.
Heermann); New Mexico (Col. McCall); Texas (Dr. Woodhouse); Indiana
(Rufus Haymond, M. D.); Canada (Dr. Hall).
This handsome species is now well known throughout almost the whole of
the United States, but is said to have appeared for the first time in
the States on the Atlantic seaboard within the memory of persons now
living. It builds a curiously-formed nest of the shape of a gourd,
faithfully represented in Mr. Audubon’s plates, cited above.
_Hirundo fulva_, Vieill., is an allied species, but much smaller, and
not ascertained to inhabit any part of North America. It is best known
as a bird of the Island of Jamaica.
The paper referred to above, in which this bird is named _Hirundo
opifex_, possesses additional interest, from the fact that it was
written by the late De Witt Clinton, formerly Governor of the State of
New York, who had given particular attention to American Natural
History.
3. Hirundo bicolor. Vieill., Ois. d’Am., Sept. 1, p. 61. (1807.) The
White-bellied Swallow.
Hirundo viridis. Wilson, Am. Orn. V. p. 44. (1812.)
Hirundo leucogaster. Stephens, Gen. Zool. X. p. 106. (1817.)
Vieill., Ois. d’Am., Sept. 1, pl. 31; Wilson, Am. Orn. V. pl. 38, fig.
3; Aud., Birds of Am., pl. 98, Oct. ed. I. pl. 46; Nat. Hist. N. Y.
Birds, pl. 29, fig. 1.
Wings long, exceeding the tail, pointed; tail deeply emarginate;
entire upper parts uniform dark green, changing to blue in some
lights, very glossy; wings and tail brownish-black, slightly tinged
with green; entire under-parts silky-white, generally with a tinge of
cinereous; bill black; feet yellow; sexes alike, but the female with
the colors duller.
Dimensions. Total length, male, 5½ inches; wing, 4¾; tail, 2¼ inches.
Hab. Throughout North America. Canada (Dr. Hall); Oregon (Dr.
Townsend); California, Texas (Dr. Woodhouse); Cuba (Mr. Lembeye);
Wisconsin (Dr. Hoy); Northern Ohio (Prof. Kirtland); Long Island (Mr.
Giraud).
When in full plumage, this is one of the handsomest of the Swallows of
the United States. It is quite abundant everywhere in the States on the
Atlantic during the summer.
Specimens from California present some points of difference from the
bird of Pennsylvania, being apparently more tinged with blue, and having
the bill perhaps slightly large. We regard the two, however, as
specifically the same.
4. Hirundo thalassina. Swains., Philos. Mag., 1827, p. 366.
Aud., B. of Am., pl. 385, fig. 4, 5, Oct. ed. I. pl. 49.
Wings long, exceeding the tail, which is rather short and emarginate;
entire upper-parts rich grass-green, very glossy, and shaded with
purple, especially on the head, and in some specimens approaching to
carmine on the back, rump, and upper tail-coverts; entire under-parts
silky-white, generally with a tinge of cinereous; bill and feet dark.
Female, less glossy, and with the purple generally tinged with brown.
Dimensions. Total length, male, 5 inches; wing, 4½; tail, 2 inches.
Female, smaller.
Hab. Western North America. Oregon (Townsend); California (Gambel);
Mexico (Swainson); New Mexico (Woodhouse).
This is the most beautiful of the North American birds of this family.
It is exclusively an inhabitant of the countries west of the Rocky
Mountains and of Mexico.
II. GENUS PROGNE. Boie, Isis, 1826, p. 971.
Form robust and compact; bill wide at base, compressed suddenly to the
tip, rather strong; upper mandible overlapping the under; wings long,
pointed; first and second primaries longest; tail moderate, rather wide,
usually deeply emarginate; tarsi and feet larger and stronger than usual
in this family.
Size, largest of American birds of this family. This genus contains
about five or six American species, several of which are nearly related
to each other, and not well understood, and probably one other (_Hirundo
borbonica_, Gm.), which is a native of Madagascar, and of the Island of
Bourbon. All the species, except the last, considerably resemble each
other, and are difficult to distinguish in some stages of plumage.
1. Progne purpurea. (Linn.) The Purple-Martin. The House Martin.
Hirundo purpurea et subis. Linn., Syst. Nat. I. p. 344. (1766.)
Hirundo violacea. Gm., Syst. Nat. I. p. 1026. (1788.)
Hirundo cœrulea. Vieill., Ois. d’Am., Sept. 1, pl. 57. (1807.)
Hirundo versicolor. Vieill., Nouv. Dict. XIV. p. 509. (1817.)
Hirundo ludoviciana. Cuv., Reg. An. I. p. 374. (1817.)
Catesby, Carolina I. pl. 51; Vieill., Ois. d’Am., Sept. 1, pl. 26, 27;
Buff, Pl. Enl. 722; Wilson, Am. Orn. V. pl. 30, fig. 2, 3; Aud., B. of
Am., pl. 22, Oct. ed. I. pl. 45; Nat. Hist. N. Y. Birds, pl. 28, fig.
61.
Bill moderately wide at base, rather strong, curved; wings reaching
about to the end of the tail, which is deeply emarginate; legs short;
toes rather long. Male.—Entire plumage above and below deep black,
with a purple and blue silky lustre; quills and tail less lustrous,
and in many specimens plain brownish-black; bill and feet black.
Female. Upper-parts same as in the male, but paler; under-parts
ashy-brown, dark on the throat and breast; paler and sometimes nearly
white on the abdomen; under tail coverts dark brown, every feather
edged with ashy-white.
Dimensions. Total length, male, 7½ inches; wing, 5¾; tail, 3 inches.
Female slightly smaller.
Hab. Eastern North America. Canada (Dr. Hall); Oregon (Dr. Townsend);
Texas (Dr. Woodhouse); Cuba (Mr. Lembeye); Florida (Mr. John Lee
Williams).
In mature plumage, a beautiful species. This bird is common throughout
the eastern United States, and comes with much punctuality in the spring
to take possession of the boxes prepared for its accommodation in the
rural districts, and occasionally in the cities. Our esteemed friend,
Mr. Thomas Fisher, an eminent mathematician of this city, has been
annually visited by a colony of this species for several years, though
his residence is in one of the most dense parts of Philadelphia.
This bird is nearly allied to several species of South America and the
West Indies. In fact, the genus _Progne_ is one of the most difficult of
the family of Swallows.
2. Progne chalybea. (Gmelin.) The Western Martin.
Hirundo chalybea. Gm., Syst. Nat. I. p. 1026. (1788.)
Buff, Pl. Enl. 545, fig. 2.
Size smaller than that of the preceding; bill very wide at base, much
longer than in the preceding, gradually compressed to the tip, curved;
wings reaching about to the end of the tail, which is deeply
emarginate; under tail coverts long; legs short. Male, adult? Plumage
of the upper parts dusky black, with a dark green lustre; throat and
breast ashy white, running into light smoky brown on the sides of the
neck, breast, and flanks; abdomen and under tail-coverts pure white,
many feathers having dark lines on their shafts; under wing-coverts
and axillaries fuliginous brown. Female? Similar to the male, but less
lustrous on the upper parts, and with the entire plumage more tinged
with fuliginous; under tail-coverts pure white, many feathers with
dark shafts; bill and feet dark.
Dimensions. Total length, about 6¾ inches; wing, 5¼; tail, 3 inches.
Female slightly smaller.
Hab. Western North America. South America, California, Panama (Mr.
Bell).
This species, long known as a bird of South America, was first
ascertained to be entitled to a place in the ornithological fauna of the
United States by Mr. John G. Bell, of New York, who noticed it in
California, and previously at Panama. We have since seen specimens from
various parts of California, and suspect that it is abundant in that and
probably in other countries of Western America.
Though closely related to other South American species, the present bird
may be distinguished very easily from the Purple Martin of the United
States (_P. purpurea_), by the greater width and much greater length of
the bill, and it is smaller in size. We are not confident that we have
ever seen the perfectly plumaged adults of this bird, though the
specimens above described were obtained by Mr. Bell in the spring, and
have the general appearance of maturity, except that the lustre of the
plumage is but faint. Little or nothing is known of its habits or
history.
III. GENUS COTYLE. Boie, Isis, 1822, p. 350.
Bill small, weak, wide at base, compressed to the tip; wing long,
pointed, first and second quills longest; secondaries short, truncate,
and emarginate; tail moderate, wide, even or slightly emarginate; legs
short, slender; toes rather long, slender; colors dull, usually
fuliginous brown of various shades; size of American species smaller
than those of either of the preceding genera.
This genus contains about twelve species, inhabiting various regions of
both continents, and all, so far as known, more or less terrestrial in
their habits. In addition to those about to be described, there are
three other American species restricted to the southern division of this
continent.
1. Cotyle riparia. (Linn.) The Bank Swallow. The Sand Martin.
Hirundo riparia. Linn., Syst. Nat. I. p. 344. (1766.)
Hirundo cinerea. Vieill., Nouv. Dict. XIV. p. 526.
Wilson, Am. Orn. V. pl. 38, fig. 4; Aud., B. of Am., pl. 385, Oct. ed.
I. pl. 50; Nat. Hist. N. Y. Birds, pl. 28, fig. 62.
Bill weak; wing long; first primary longest; tail emarginate; legs
short; tarsus with a tuft of short downy feathers near the insertion
of the hind toe; entire upper parts and wide band across the breast
light fuliginous or grayish brown; quills and tail brownish black;
throat, abdomen and under tail coverts white; under wing coverts light
fuliginous; bill and feet dark.
Dimensions. Total length, 5 inches; wing, 4; tail, 2 inches. Female
slightly smaller.
Hab. The whole of North America. Oregon (Dr. Townsend); California
(Mr. Bell); Indiana (Dr. Haymond); Cuba (Mr. Lembeye); Indian
Territory, New Mexico (Dr. Woodhouse); Florida (Mr. William Bartram).
Frequently met with, and remarkable for constructing its nest in a hole
in the ground, usually by the side of a quarry or stream of water. This
is one of the few American birds that appear to be absolutely identical
with European species. On close comparison, we can discover no
characters in the present sufficient to raise a probability of specific
distinction.
Specimens from California, that we have examined, present slight
variations from those of the Eastern States. The bill appears to be
smaller, and the tail not so deeply emarginated.
2. Cotyle serripennis. (Audubon.) The Rough-winged Swallow.
Hirundo serripennis. Aud., Orn. IV. p. 593. (1838.)
Aud., B. of Am., Oct. ed. I. pl. 51.
Larger than the preceding; wing long; first primary longest; tail
emarginate; legs short; outer edge of the first primary furnished
throughout its length with a row of reversed hooked bristles, easily
apparent to the touch; entire upper parts light ashy white, darker on
the breast and flanks, lighter on the throat and middle of the
abdomen; under-coverts of the tail white; under-coverts of the wing
ashy brown; bill and feet dark. Female lighter in all the colors.
Dimensions. Total length, male, 5½ inches; wing, 4½; tail, 2¼ inches.
Female slightly smaller.
Hab. Louisiana, South Carolina (Mr. Audubon); Pennsylvania (Prof.
Baird); California (Dr. Heermann).
This remarkable species is easily distinguished from any other North
American Swallow by the recurved and stiff bristles of the outer edges
of the first primary quills. There is a South American species which
has, however, the same character (_Cotyle flavigastra_).
The present bird considerably resembles that immediately preceding, but
is larger, and is quite distinct. It was regarded as a rare southern
species, until demonstrated by Professor Spencer F. Baird, then of
Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, to be of frequent occurrence
in the interior of that State. Dr. Heermann states that it is not
uncommon in California. Ornithologists generally, however, have not
noticed it, and in the vicinity of Philadelphia, it has been entirely
overlooked, or does not inhabit this district.
II. SUB-FAMILY CYPSELINÆ. THE SWIFTS.
Bill less flattened than in the preceding sub-family, very wide at base,
short, curved; wings very long, somewhat falcate, flattened; tail short;
legs and toes short, strong; claws strong; general form adapted to very
swift and vigorous flight, and the capture of insects on the wing.
I. GENUS CYPSELUS. Illiger, Prodromus, p. 229. (1811.)
APUS. Scopoli. MICROPUS. Wolf.
Bill wide at base, curved; nostrils basal, with large membrane; wings
very long; pointed shafts of the primaries strong and rigid; first and
second primaries longest; secondaries short; tail moderate, with the
shafts of its feathers strong and rigid; legs short, strong; tarsus
usually feathered; toes short, strong; claws strong, curved, and sharp;
hind toe very short, reversible; general form robust; head broad.
This genus includes about twenty species, which are inhabitants of the
countries of the old world, except six American and one Australian
species. They are remarkable for great swiftness of flight, and live
habitually in the crevices of rocks, in caverns, or in hollow trees. The
bird now about to be described is the only species of this genus yet
observed within the limits of the United States, the others of this
continent being confined to South America.
1. Cypselus melanoleucus. Baird, Proc. Acad., Phila., VII. p. 118.
(1854.)
Not figured.
Wings very long, exceeding the tail; second primary longest; first
primary tapering towards the end; secondaries short, obliquely incised
at their ends; tail moderate, emarginate; shafts of the tail-feathers
very stiff at their bases; tarsi and toes feathered, short, and very
strong; entire plumage above dark fuliginous, paler on the head,
nearly black on the back and rump; throat, breast, wide longitudinal
stripe down the middle of the abdomen, and large spot on the flank,
pure white; sides and under-coverts of the tail dark fuliginous, which
is also the color of the plumage of the tibiæ, tarsi, and toes; wings
and tail dark fuliginous; secondaries tipped with white; wings at the
shoulders edged with white; under-wing-coverts ashy fuliginous; claws
light-colored.
Dimensions. Total length of skin, from tip of bill to end of tail,
about 5½ inches; wing, 5½; tail, 2½ inches. Female very nearly the
same.
Hab. New Mexico (Dr. Kennerly, Dr. Heermann).
Only noticed, as yet, by the two naturalists just mentioned. This is a
handsome bird, and an interesting addition to the ornithology of the
United States, being the first species of the genus _Cypselus_
discovered within our limits. According to the gentlemen above
mentioned, this bird habitually frequents the crevices in rocks, in
which it builds its nest and rears its young. Its flight is represented
to be exceedingly rapid and long-continued.
This bird is evidently of the same group of species as _Cypselus
montivagus_, D’Orbigny, Voyage dans L’Amerique Meridionale, Ois., p.
357, pl. 42, fig. 1 (Paris, 1844), which inhabits the mountains of
Bolivia. The white stripe down the middle of the abdomen distinguishes
the present bird.
II. GENUS ACANTHYLIS. Boie, Isis, 1826, p. 971.
CHÆTURA. Stephens. HIRUNDAPUS. Hodgson.
General characters similar to the last genus, but with the shafts of the
tail-feathers prolonged beyond the webs, and forming strong thorn-like
points; tarsi and toes naked; bill small, curved, wide at base; wings
long; tail usually short; legs short, rather slender; claws curved,
strong; general form plump and robust. Of this genus there are about
fifteen species, two only of which are known to inhabit the United
States, though several are natives of South America. Like the birds of
the preceding genus, they possess great rapidity of flight, and live in
similar situations.
1. Acanthylis pelasgia. (Linn.) The Chimney Bird. The American Swift.
Hirundo pelasgia. Linn., Syst. Nat. I. p. 345. (1766.)
Hirundo cerdo. Bartram, Trav., p. 292. (1791.) Barton, Frag., p.
18.
“Cypselus acutus. Temm., Mus. Lugd.” Bonap., Consp. Av., p. 64.
Vieill., Ois. d’Am., Sept. 1, pl. 33; Wilson, Am. Orn., V. pl. 39,
fig. 1; Aud., B. of Am., pl. 58, Oct. ed., I. pl. 44; Nat. Hist. N. Y.
Birds, pl. 27, fig. 58.
Wings very long, extending beyond the tail, flattened, somewhat
falcate; shafts of primaries rigid; tail short; exserted spines sharp,
elastic; tarsi and toes naked; entire plumage above and below
fuliginous brown, darkest on the upper parts, and with a slight
greenish lustre on the head and back (in mature specimens), much paler
on the throat and neck before; quills dark fuliginous; tail lighter;
spot in front of the eye black, a very narrow superciliary line
ashy-white; shafts and spines of the tail-feathers black; bill and
feet dark.
Dimensions. Total length, male, from tip of bill to end of tail, 4¾ to
5 inches; wing, 5¼; tail, 1¾ inches. Female very nearly the same.
Hab. Throughout North America. Canada (Dr. Hall); Florida (Mr.
Williams); Indiana (Dr. Haymond); Indian Territory, Texas, New Mexico,
California (Dr. Woodhouse).
The Chimney bird is abundant in all the States on the Atlantic, and,
according to Dr. Woodhouse, equally so in Texas. It possesses powers of
sustaining protracted and rapid flight, perhaps not equalled by any
other bird of North America, though characteristic in some measure of
all the birds of this family. In Europe, birds of genera nearly allied
to the present have received the name of “Swifts” from this fact.
2. Acanthylis Vauxii. (Townsend.) Vaux’s Swift.
Cypselus Vauxii. Towns., Jour. Acad., Philada., VIII. p. 148.
(1839.)
Not figured.
Smaller than the preceding, but very similar to it in form and general
appearance; wings very long, exceeding the tail, which is short;
exserted spines of the tail-feathers sharp, slender, and not so rigid
as in the preceding species; tarsi and toes rather slender, naked;
plumage above fuliginous brown, lighter on the rump and upper
tail-coverts, darker, and tinged with greenish on the head and back;
quills dark fuliginous, with a greenish lustre; tail lighter
fuliginous; under-parts pale fuliginous, nearly white on the throat,
darkest on the abdomen; shafts and spines of the tail-feathers black;
bill and feet dark.
Dimensions. Total length of skin, sex unknown, 4¼ inches; wing, 4½;
tail, 1½ inches.
Hab. Columbia River, Oregon (Dr. Townsend).
This species, though apparently totally distinct from the common Chimney
bird of the United States, has never been noticed since its discovery by
Dr. Townsend. It is probably a bird exclusively inhabiting the countries
west of the Rocky Mountains. The original specimen brought by Dr.
Townsend remains unique in the collection of the Philadelphia Academy.
The name of this species was given in honor of Mr. William S. Vaux, of
this city, and is a just compliment to one of the most active and
valuable members of the Academy.
B.
OBSCURE AND DOUBTFUL SPECIES OF THIS FAMILY.
1. Hirundo unalaschkensis. Gm., Syst. Nat. I. p. 1025. (1788.)
Hirundo aoonalaschkensis. Lath., Ind. Orn., II. p. 577. (1790.)
Originally described by Latham from a specimen in the Leverian Museum,
as follows:—
“Length four inches and a half; bill very short, dusky; the plumage
above dull black, without gloss; beneath and sides of the head dusky ash
color, the last darkest; rump dirty white; tail forked, each feather
round at the end; legs dusky. Inhabits Aoonalashka.” Gm., Syn. II. p.
571.
This species is unknown to ornithologists of the present day, and from
the above description and the evident similarity of the bird to other
small species of this family, would not be recognized without
difficulty, unless obtained in the locality as given. It appears to
belong to the genus _Collocalia_, Gray, a very remarkable group of small
Swallows, that inhabit caves, and are found in several islands in the
Pacific Ocean. A species of this genus is the Esculent Swallow of
authors (_Collocalia esculenta_), the nests of which are so highly
esteemed as an article of food by the Chinese, and are the principal
constituent in the somewhat celebrated “Bird’s-nest soup,” a prominent
feature in Chinese entertainments. It is probable, too, that the nests
of other species of these birds are used for the same purpose.
No species of the genus alluded to has been discovered on the continent
of America, nor in either of the American islands, except the above.
2. Hirundo phenicephala. Rafinesque, Annals of Nature, p. 4.
(Lexington, Kentucky, 1820.)
“Head scarlet; back grey; belly white; bill and feet black. A fine and
rare Swallow, seen only once by Mr. Audubon, near Hendersonville, in
Kentucky; it must have been a wanderer, and is probably a native of
Louisiana or Mexico.”
“Head scarlet”—enough said; Professor Rafinesque brings our
ornithological ideas to a stand immediately. We never heard of a Swallow
with the head of that color, exactly. But as Mr. Audubon’s name is
brought in as authority, we think it possible that the bird alluded to
in this description may have been a straggling specimen of a South
American species, which has the head of a rufous color (_Cortyle
fucata_, Temm., Pl. Col. 161, fig. 1). Rafinesque apparently gave his
description and name without ever having seen the bird, or made further
inquiry, and probably misunderstood or partly forgot the statement of
Mr. Audubon respecting the color of the head.
Several instances of South American birds having been captured in the
United States have come to our knowledge. We ought to have said, though,
previously, that many more South American birds inhabit Mexico than are
recorded in the books. Several specimens of _Crotophaga sulcirostra_
have come under our notice, the last one of which was shot on an island
in the Delaware, opposite to the northern portion of this city. Its
plumage was perfectly mature and uninjured, showing evidently that it
had never been caged.
3. Acanthylis saxatilis. Woodhouse, Sitgreave’s Report of an
Expedition down the Zuni and Colorado Rivers, Zoology, p. 64
(Washington, 1853).
“Head and rump white; back, tail, wings, and side, black; beneath white;
upper tail-coverts black; under tail-coverts white. About the size of
_A. pelasgia_, and in its mode of flight the same.”
“This beautiful Swift I saw whilst encamped at Inscription Rock, New
Mexico. Being on the top of this high rock at the time without my gun, I
was unable to procure specimens. I had a fair view of the birds at this
time, as they flew close to me. I descended immediately and procured my
gun, but the birds by this time flew too high for me to be able to
procure a shot at them. They were breeding in the crevices of the rocks.
I was still in hopes of seeing them again along our route, but I had not
that pleasure, it being the only place that I have observed them.”
This bird has not been noticed since the publication of the above
description by Dr. Woodhouse.
4. Hirundo cinerea. “The Ash-bellied Swallow.” Ord, in Guthrie’s
Geography, II. p. 317. (1815.)
This name occurs, without a description, in Mr. Ord’s Catalogue of the
Birds of North America, in Guthrie’s Geography, as above.
_Hirundo cinerea_, Gmelin, is a native of Tahiti and of the Marquesas
Islands, but has not to our knowledge ever been detected on the
continent of North America. It belongs to the genus _Collocalia_, Gray.
The Bank Swallow (_Cotyle riparia_) also was named _Hirundo cinerea_ by
Vieillot, but is given in Mr. Ord’s list as distinct from the present.
5. Hirundo rupestris. “The Rock Swallow.” Ord, in Guthrie’s Geog., II.
p. 317. (1815.)
This name also occurs in Mr. Ord’s Catalogue, cited above. _Hirundo
rupestris_, Scopoli, inhabits Europe and Asia, but we have never been
informed of its appearance in America. It is a _Cotyle_.
We have now given all the species of Swallows known or supposed to
inhabit the continent of America, north of Mexico.
As stated in a preceding page, Swallows are found in all countries
except the Arctic regions, and are, so far as known to naturalists,
birds of very considerable similarity of habits and of general
characters. The various groups usually regarded as sub-families and
genera are perhaps as easily distinguished in this family as in any
other of the entire class of Birds, and it is one in which it is
remarkable that almost every country produces species which belong to
the genus (_Hirundo_) which is the type and apparently primary form of
the family, besides forms peculiarly its own.
The types of great groups apparently more pre-eminently characterize the
ornithology of Europe than that of any other division of the globe. In
other words, Europe appears to produce the greatest number of species of
birds exhibiting the fullest development of the especial characters of
the groups to which they belong. It is very remarkable, too, that
species are found almost throughout the world slightly aberrating, as it
were, from European forms, or as though a typical form was produced with
a greater or less degree of imperfection. Of this description of birds,
the various species nearly allied to the House Swallow of Europe
(_Hirundo rustica_), are a striking illustration. The American _Hirundo
rufa_, and several Asiatic and African species, are only distinguished
from that bird by characters of inferior value in specific
identification. Australia, too, produces species, which, though
apparently farther removed, are still similar. There are many other
European birds which appear to occupy the same relative positions. The
Goatsucker, Raven, Crow, Jay, and Peregrine Falcon, are instances. Of
the European Conisostral birds, nearly every species has nearly allied
forms in other regions.
In connection, however, with this subject, there are two considerations
by no means to be lost sight of: Firstly, the extent to which the entire
science of ornithology may be regarded as having been derived from
European birds; those having been studied, and ornithological science
being in some measure an induction from them by the fathers and founders
of this branch of Zoology. Secondly, whether in reality the production
of the higher developments in birds is not peculiar to the western
portions of the two great hemispheres, at least in the northern regions
of these divisions of the globe. We regard it as evidently the case in
the Old World, and not less so in America. That the ornithology of
western North America produces the highest developments of forms in this
class of animals that are to be found on this continent, we think fully
demonstrable. But at present we regard it as true that Europe produces
marked ornithological types of divisions strictly natural.
There are about one hundred known species of Swallows, of which
eighty-five are in the collection of the Philadelphia Academy. The South
American birds of this family, for the greater part, belong to genera
represented in North America. Of the genus _Progne_ there are several
species peculiar to that portion of this continent, several of which
possess habits and manners very similar to those of the Purple Martin.
The same may be said of several species of _Acanthylis_, two or three of
which considerably resemble our Chimney Bird. Of the Bank Swallows
(_Cotyle_), there are also several South American species.
III. SUB-FAMILY HALCYONIDÆ. THE KING-FISHERS.
General form short, thick, and robust; bill usually long, sharp, and
adapted to striking and seizing their prey, which, in the greater part
of the species, consists of fishes; wings generally long, and adapted to
quick though not long-continued flight; tail usually short; legs short,
frequently very strong; toes long, frequently partially joined together
and flattened on the soles.
Of this extensive family, species are distributed throughout all the
temperate and tropical regions of the world, though much more abundant
in the latter. Many species habitually frequent the vicinity of the
water, and subsist on fishes and small aquatic animals of other classes,
but there are birds of this family that are found in the recesses of
forests and other comparatively dry localities.
Two species only of King-Fishers have as yet been discovered in the
United States.
I. GENUS CERYLE. Boie, Isis, 1828, p. 312.
Form stout and strong; head large; bill long, straight, wide at base,
and suddenly compressed to the point, which is sharp; aperture of the
nostrils large; wings long; second and third quills usually longest;
tail rather short, wide; legs short; tarsi very short; toes moderate,
united at their bases, flattened and padded beneath.
The two species which inhabit North America within the limits of the
United States belong to this genus, and it contains also various others
of different parts of the world. They are, however, most numerous in
South and Central America and Mexico.
1. Ceryle alcyon. (Linn.) The Belted King-Fisher.
Alcedo alcyon. Linn., Syst. Nat., I. p. 180. (1766.)
Ispida ludoviciana. Gm., Syst. Nat., I. p. 452. (1788.)
Alcedo jaguacati. Dumont, Dict. Sci. Nat., I. p. 455. (1816.)
Alcedo guacu. Vieill., Nouv. Dict., XIX. p. 406?
Buffon, Pl. Enl., 593, 715; Catesby’s Carolina, I. pl. 69; Wilson, Am.
Orn., III. pl. 23, fig. 1; Aud., B. of Am., pl. 77, Oct. ed. IV. pl.
255.
Form robust; head large, with the feathers of the crown and occiput
lengthened, crest-like and erectile; wings long; second quill longest;
tail moderate; tarsus very short; tibia longer; entire upper-parts,
cheeks, and a wide transverse band or belt on the breast, light
ashy-blue, generally with minute white spots on the wing-coverts and
secondaries; throat and abdomen, and a small spot before the eye,
white; flanks, and frequently the sides, ashy-blue, with white spots;
quills black, more or less marked with white on their inner webs;
secondaries widely edged on their outer webs with ashy-blue, uniform
with other upper parts, and tipped narrowly with white; tail
bluish-black, outer feathers edged externally with light ashy-blue,
and middle feathers almost entirely of that color, and all having
about ten to twelve narrow transverse bands of white, and narrowly
tipped with white; under wing-coverts white. Younger, with the
pectoral band light reddish chestnut, and frequently with a second and
sometimes with a third band across the abdomen, and the sides and
flanks of the same color; bill and feet dark. Sexes alike? Specimens
occur with the wide pectoral band in all stages of change, from the
light red to light ashy-blue.
Dimensions. Total length, male, about 12 inches; wing, 6¼; tail, 3⅓
inches.
Hab. Throughout North America. Oregon (Dr. Townsend); California (Dr.
Heermann); Texas (Dr. Woodhouse); Canada (Dr. Hall); Florida (Mr.
Williams).
Frequently met with in all parts of the United States, frequenting
streams of water. It is a sprightly and handsome bird, and was until
recently considered as the only North American species of the extensive
family of King-Fishers. That honor must now, however, be partially
shared with the succeeding.
2. Ceryle americana. (Gmelin.) The Texan Green King-Fisher.
Alcedo americana. Gm., Syst., I. p. 451. (1788.)
Alcedo viridis. Vieill., Nouv. Dict., XIX. p. 413. (1818)?
Buff., Pl. Enl. 591.
Much smaller than the preceding; bill straight; wing rather long,
third quill longest; tail moderate; tarsus very short; legs rather
slender; two outer toes united at base; entire plumage above dark
shining green, darker and generally tinged with brownish on the head,
and with numerous very small spots or points of white on the forehead;
quills brownish-black, edged with green on their outer-webs;
secondaries white at their bases, and all the quills with white spots
on their outer-webs, regularly disposed, and forming three transverse
bands on the wing; outer feathers of the tail white, irregularly
marked on both webs with green; middle feathers green; breast bright
reddish chestnut, forming a wide transverse band; throat, and ring
around the back of the neck and abdomen, white; sides, flanks and
under tail-coverts spotted with green; inferior wing-coverts white,
with green spots; bill dark; feet lighter. Younger or female? Like the
preceding, but with the pectoral band green, uniform with the color of
the upper parts; white of the throat tinged with dull yellow.
Dimensions. Total length of skin, 7¼ inches; wing, 3¼; tail, 2½
inches.
Hab. Texas, Rio Grande (Capt. McCown, Mr. Clarke); Mexico (Lieut.
Couch); South America.
This handsome little King-Fisher, though well known as a bird of South
America, has, within the limits of the United States, only been observed
on the Rio Grande in Texas. Several naturalists, however, mention having
heard of a small species of King-Fisher in Southern California, and it
is probable that the present bird will yet be found inhabiting that
State.
This bird may very readily be distinguished from the common species of
the United States by its small size and different colors; but there are
other South American species of the same genus which it resembles. There
is a group of these birds, the species of which, in fact, bear so great
similarity to each other in form and in colors also, that they can be
distinguished specifically mainly by their size. This group embraces
_Ceryle amazona_, _inda_, _superciliosa_, _Cabanisii_, and the bird now
before us. The first is as large as our Belted King-Fisher (_Ceryle
alcyon_), and has been found in Mexico. All of these species are colored
very much like the present bird, though, as above intimated, presenting
marked difference in size.
The King-Fishers are most abundant in the southern regions of the world,
and the preceding two species are all that have ever been noticed within
the limits of the United States, though several others inhabit Mexico.
Two species also are known as birds of Europe, though one of them
(_Ceryle rudis_), like our second species in the United States, is a
visitor only in the southern countries of that division of the globe.
In Asia and the Asiatic islands, and in Australia, numerous species of
these birds are found. Some of the Australian species are the largest of
this family, being of the size of or larger than the Crow of the United
States, and are remarkable for their loud and discordant voices. They
belong to the genus _Dacelo_ of naturalists. Great diversity of size
occurs in this family. There are other species (of the genera _Ispidina_
and _Ceyx_), which are not larger than the Chipping Sparrow of this
country, though, to all intents and purposes, regularly established
King-Fishers, and probably preying on fishes of a size accordingly.
Though many of the birds of this family are partially aquatic in their
habits, and subsist exclusively on fishes, there are species principally
inhabiting the islands in the Pacific, and Australia, which are stated
to live habitually in forests, subsisting on reptiles and small
terrestrial animals of other classes. These birds belong to the genera
_Todiramphus_ and _Dacelo_ of authors.
Naturalists enumerate about ninety species of King-Fishers, of which
specimens of seventy-seven are in the collection of the Philadelphia
Academy.
We find recorded no species of King-Fishers to be considered as doubtful
or obscure birds of that portion of North America within our prescribed
limits.
With this family we close that division of the Perching Birds classed by
ornithologists as _Fissirostres_. Two other families, the _Trogonidæ_
and the _Meropidæ_, are not represented by species inhabiting the United
States or the more northern countries of this continent. Of the
_Trogonidæ_, however, several species are found in Mexico, one of which
(_Trogon mexicanus_) was observed by Lieut. Couch, in the northern part
of that country, and will very probably yet be found within the present
limits of this confederacy. All the American _Trogons_ are birds of
remarkable beauty, and one of them (_Calurus resplendens_) can scarcely
be surpassed in any country. It inhabits Central America, and is the
sacred bird of the aborigines, and mentioned by Mr. Stephens and other
travellers in the countries which it inhabits. Its plumage, and that of
many other American species, is of fine metallic golden green and
scarlet.
Of the _Meropidæ_, or Bee-eaters, no species inhabits America. Those
birds are almost restricted to Asia and Africa, one species only being
European.
[Illustration: Plate 41
Baird’s Buzzard
Buteo Bairdii (_Hoy_)]
BUTEO BAIRDII.—Hoy.
Baird’s Buzzard.
PLATE XLI. Adults?
Of the several new species of rapacious birds of North America, which
have been discovered within a few years, the bird now before the reader
is one of the most interesting. It is the second species now ascertained
to inhabit this continent, of a group constituting the typical genus
_Buteo_ of naturalists, which until a recent period was supposed to be
peculiar to the Old World, the previously known American species being
Swainson’s Buzzard (_Buteo Swainsonii_), a bird of the northern regions,
little known and nearly lost sight of until recently by ornithologists.
The birds of this group are more active and Falcon-like in their habits
than the other species of the North American Buzzards, all of which have
been classified in other sub-genera. They also appear to be more
strictly predatory in their habits.
The present species was discovered by P. R. Hoy, M. D., an active and
enthusiastic naturalist of Racine, Wisconsin, who first observed it and
obtained specimens in the vicinity of that city. In the same State, it
has also been observed by the Rev. A. O. Barry, of Racine, and Mr.
William Dudley, of Madison, both naturalists of extensive acquirements,
who have done much to elucidate the zoology of that district. All of
those gentlemen concur, however, in representing it as very probably a
visitor only in Wisconsin, and migrating to more northern regions of the
continent of America. In addition to their specimens, we have seen one
other only, which is contained in a collection now deposited in the
National Museum, Washington, and was obtained near the Great Salt Lake,
Utah Territory, by Lieut. E. G. Beckwith, of the United States Army, in
whose charge a party surveyed one of the proposed routes for a Railroad
to the Pacific Ocean.
We have to express our obligations to Dr. Hoy for his kindness in
furnishing the following notice of this bird for our present article:—
“Although never numerous, this fine Hawk is not unfrequently met with
during the fall and spring, especially in the vicinity of Racine, but is
exceedingly wary and difficult to approach, and as it is here an
inhabitant almost exclusively of the prairies, the procuring of
specimens even by an experienced hunter or collector, is almost entirely
dependant on encountering it accidentally within gunshot.
“This bird may be readily known, though seen at a considerable distance
or heighth in the air, by its long pointed wings and rapid flight; in
the last respect somewhat resembling the Duck Hawk (_Falco anatum_), and
in fact looking somewhat like that species when on the wing. I witnessed
not long since, a bird of this species flying rapidly, but he wheeled
about suddenly and struck into a covey of Partridges with wonderful
celerity of movement, and bore off in his talons sufficient evidence
that his exploit had been fully successful. This bird possesses much
greater activity of habits than any other of our Hawks of the same genus
(_Buteo_), and its mode of flight is quite different.
“The favorite haunts of this species are the broad prairies, over which
it may be seen generally flying or coursing around in quest of its prey,
or occasionally perched in repose, but very carefully keeping out of the
range of the gun. It is one of the most shy of our Hawks, and I have
never known an instance of its visiting the vicinity of the farm-house,
or disturbing the domestic poultry, as is done by nearly all other of
our birds of the Falcon kind, much to the disadvantage of their
reputation with our farmers and housewives. The present bird at least
saves his character in that respect, for he never comes near, and
prefers also that no one shall come near him.
“The prey of this species is principally Grouse, Quails, and other
birds; but when opportunity offers, he does not disdain field-mice, or
even snakes. The Pinnated Grouse, or Prairie Hen, as it is universally
called in our region of country (_Tetrao cupido_), is his most common
food, which, frequenting the prairies habitually, his pursuit of this
bird is the cause of his being so constantly seen in such localities.
Usually he has little difficulty in procuring a supply sufficient for
his wants. I am under the impression that this bird does not rear its
young in this part of Wisconsin, as I have never known its nest to be
found, though I have of various other species. I have never seen this
bird soar in the manner of other Buzzards. It is apparently a visitor
only to this part of the State of Wisconsin.”
The specimens obtained by Dr. Hoy, one of which is represented in the
upper figure in our plate, present considerable similarity in colors;
but we have seen one other, which had the colors much darker, and the
under-parts especially much marked with black. The latter specimen is
represented in our lower figure, and was obtained in the neighborhood of
Madison, Wisconsin, by Mr. William Dudley, Secretary of the Wisconsin
Natural History Society. The specimen from Utah Territory is almost
precisely identical in color with those obtained by Dr. Hoy.
We have no further information respecting this interesting species.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Buteo. Cuvier, Regne Animal, I. p. 323. (1817.)
Buteo Bairdii. Hoy, Proc. Acad., Philadelphia, VI. p. 451. (1853.)
Form. Rather smaller than _Buteo lineatus_; compact and robust; wings
long, and pointed; third primary longest; tail moderate, rather wide,
rounded.
Dimensions. Female, total length of skin, 19½ inches; wing, 15; tail, 8
inches, and about an inch longer than the folded wings.
Colors. Female (Plate XLI., upper figure), entire upper parts dark
brown, with a purplish bronzed lustre, especially on the wings; plumage
of the head and neck behind, and some feathers on the back edged and
tipped with yellowish white; upper tail-coverts yellowish white, with
transverse bars of brown; tail above brownish cinereous, and having
about ten narrow bands of brownish black, and tipped with white; under
parts pale yellowish white or fawn color, with a few sagittate spots of
brown on the sides, and a stripe of dark brown running downwards on each
side from the corners of the mouth; cere, legs, and irides yellow.
Younger? (Plate XLI., lower figure.) Upper parts very dark brown or
nearly black, with a purplish lustre; under parts with almost every
feather having a large spot of brownish black, which color predominates
on the breast, presenting a nearly uniform color with the upper parts;
throat with narrow stripes of the same color; flanks and inferior
wing-coverts with circular and oval spots of white; tibiæ dark brown,
with transverse bars and circular and oval spots of reddish white; upper
tail-coverts reddish white, with their outer edges brown, and with
transverse stripes of the same; under tail-coverts yellowish white, with
transverse stripes of brown; forehead white; cheeks yellowish white;
stripes from the corners of the mouth wide and conspicuous. Sex unknown.
Hab. Wisconsin (Dr. Hoy, Rev. Mr. Barry, Mr. Dudley); Utah Territory
(Lieut. Beckwith). Spec. in Nat. Mus., Washington, and Mus. Acad.,
Philadelphia.
Obs. This bird does not intimately resemble any other of the American
Falconidæ at present known, and is a well marked species, especially in
the plumage above described as probably the younger. In this the nearly
uniform brownish black breast and large spots of the same color on the
other under parts are strongly characteristic. The plumage of the first
described above bears some resemblance to the young of _Buteo lineatus_,
and also to the young of _Buteo pennsylvanicus_, but not sufficient to
require especial consideration.
To us it is a point of high interest that the present bird bears the
name of one with whom our relations have been intimate and of the most
pleasant character almost since boyhood. One who is a most competent and
efficient officer of the first Institution in America for the diffusion
of knowledge—one who has gained a rank amongst the first American
zoologists; and better, no man lives who is more conscientious in the
discharge of his duties, more respectful of all that renders life
agreeable, or more faithful in his friendships, than Spencer F. Baird,
of the Smithsonian Institution.
TOXOSTOMA REDIVIVA.—(Gambel.)
The Curved-billed Thrush.
PLATE XLII. Adult Male.
The bird now before the reader is one of the most admired songsters of
the western countries of North America. By competent judges, as we shall
see in the course of the present article, he has been pronounced worthy
of favorable mention, even when compared with our great sylvan
vocalists, the Mocking Bird, and the Rufous Thrush, to both of which he
can claim relationship, not distant.
Viewed as the representatives of principles embodied, as it were, in the
various forms or rather classes of animal life, a consideration by no
means to be overlooked in the present age of zoological science, birds
are the especial exponents of the principles of the beautiful, and, of
all classes of animals, appeal most directly to the higher faculties of
the human mind. Entire symmetry and elegance of form, gracefulness of
motion, agreeable and varied colors, and the fact that of the vast
circle of animal life, they alone possess vocal powers which are
musical, have recommended this class, and tended to perpetuate its high
estimation in all civilized countries.
The flight of birds, never yet successfully imitated by the ingenuity of
man (unlike in that respect the motions of fishes in their element), is
a means of locomotion so entirely peculiar as always to have attracted
attention, and, in past ages, wonder, even to such extent as to have
assumed an aspect of superstition, not entirely ignorant nor
reprehensible, because founded on facts of nature, manifesting itself in
auguries and divinations, which commanded respect for centuries
erroneously, but expanded into truth at last by the aid of the light of
Inductive science. The conclusions of the learned and cultivated nations
of antiquity, however apparently erroneous, are rarely without some
foundation in and relation to truth, and in many cases are the origin of
modern science. So the augurs were the first ornithologists, as the
astrologers were the first astronomers.
The poets have found in birds the most attractive of animals. There is
scarcely one from the great Grecian era of taste and poetry to the
present day, in whose productions passages do not occur, recognised as
beautiful and deriving their essential character from this class of
objects. Hebrew and Greek were alike in this respect, whether in the
derivation of sacred symbols or of imagery in poetic allusion; the Dove
of the former is of the same general character as the Peacock of Juno,
or the Sparrows of Venus, poetic and truthful to nature and of the same
origin. The Greek poets found in birds suitable accompaniments for the
most sublime creations of their genius, their Deities. The greatest of
Hebrew poets rejoices in the assurance that “the time of the singing of
birds is come, and the voice of the Turtle is heard in the land.”
[Illustration: Plate 42
The Curved-billed Thrush
Toxostoma rediviva (_Gambel_)]
Singing birds belong exclusively to the class of Insessores or Perching
birds. One Falcon only (an African species, _Falco musicus_), is said to
possess a musical voice, not making, though we much suspect, any
considerable figure in that line. No wading, swimming, or gallinaceous
bird makes any pretensions.
The song was long considered as entirely the expression of love during
the season, which has its most pleasant analogy in the spring-time of
life, but that conclusion admits of some exceptions. Many birds sing in
autumn apparently without the pleasant incitement of either actual or
prospective attachment. Cases occur, too, as we have sometimes
witnessed, of a bird having, to all appearance, failed in securing the
object of his choice, remaining alone and solacing himself with a song
occasionally for the balance of the season;—possibly somewhat of the
nature of deriving comfort from “ends of verse and sayings of
philosophers.”
Our present bird belongs to the family of Thrushes, but to a genus which
can scarcely be said to be represented in the States on the Atlantic;
though the Rufous Thrush (_Mimus rufus_) is very nearly related to it,
if not actually belonging to the group. This bird has been observed by
nearly all the naturalists who have visited western North America, and
its history is comparatively well known. To our friend, Col. McCall, we
have to acknowledge our obligations, as on many former occasions, for a
contribution intended for our present article:—
“This remarkable bird, whose dulcet notes, flowing with exquisite
smoothness, place him almost beyond rivalry among the countless
songsters that enliven the woods of America, or indeed of the world at
large, is as retired and simple in his manners as he is gay and
brilliant in song. In his ordinary hearing, as well as in the very
marked character of his flight, he exhibits a strong resemblance to our
humble and unobtrusive, though always welcome vocalist, the Ferruginous
Thrush (_M. rufus_); while in the faculty of modulating sweet sounds he
is scarcely surpassed by the dashing, ambitious, and ever-animated
Mocking Bird (_M. polyglottus_). His resemblance to the Ferruginous
Thrush in the particulars above mentioned, forcibly impressed itself
upon me the first time I saw the California bird. This was on the banks
of the Rio Colorado, below the mouth of the Gila, where, in the month of
June, the shade and seclusion afforded by the cotton-wood and the willow
seemed to be a favorite abode of the species. I saw many individuals in
the course of a ride of fifteen miles through this wild region. In one
quiet nook I met with a pair ‘in love and mutual honors joined,’ who
evidently had some dear little ‘pledges of peace’ secreted in the dense
foliage around. They were greatly excited by my approach, deprecating
the unlooked-for intrusion with abundant energy and vehemence. It was
then that their harsh, scolding notes, their motions, and all their
attitudes, reminded me most forcibly of my old friends of the Atlantic
groves, although, under other circumstances, the resemblance was
sufficiently obvious. But, besides their traits of character, there is a
striking resemblance in the organization of the two species; the bill,
for instance of _M. rufus_, when compared with the bills of its
congeners, _M. polyglottus_, _M. carolinensis_, and others, is found to
be greatly elongated and much curved, and in this lengthened and curved
bill (to say nothing of the shorter wings and longer tail) may easily be
discerned a decided approach to the remarkable form developed in _T.
rediviva_, and other closely allied species. This coincidence of a
similarity of organization with a similarity of manners is, I think,
sufficiently marked to show a close relationship between the two
species; or, in other words, to indicate _M. rufus_ as the connecting
link between these two distinct genera.
“The song of the California bird is far superior to that of the
Thrush,—though it must be admitted that he has not the powerful voice of
our Mocking bird, that prince of songsters, nor his imitative powers;
but he certainly has a liquid mellowness of tone united with clearness
of expression and volubility of utterance that cannot be surpassed. On
the first occasion on which it was my good fortune to hear this bird
fairly tune his pipes to sound a roundelay, the performer was perched
upon the bare branch of an ancient oak, and his farewell carol to the
departing day was delivered with a warmth and pathos so truly wonderful
as to fill me with admiration and delight; and though I was then anxious
to procure birds for the Museum of the Philadelphia Academy, I scarcely
thought of molesting him whose vesper chaunt had just enlivened that
wild, secluded vale! I cannot, even now, without a tweak of contrition
and self-reproach, acknowledge that the desire to procure a ‘specimen’
prompted me, some time afterwards, to shoot a bird of this species.
“This almost sacrilegious act, I feel bound to confess, met with a just
reward; for, having placed my prize on the branch of a neighboring tree,
in order to preserve its plumage unruffled, while I continued my pursuit
after game (for the larder as well as for the cabinet) I had the
mortification, on my return, to find that some savage wild animal, as
little impressed by soul-stirring music, I might almost say, as myself,
had made a hasty supper off my divine songster, feathers and all.”
Dr. Heermann, in his manuscript notes, through his kindness now in our
possession, thus mentions the present bird:—
“This bird is abundant. I have not only seen it in Northern California,
but also as far south as Texas, on the borders of the Rio Grande. It is
shy and retiring in its habits, and when startled, flies low for some
distance, and plunging into a thicket, alights on the ground, and so
conceals itself, that it is not again easily found. It runs or hops on
the ground with considerable facility and speed.
“Among the feathered songsters of Western America, this bird is the most
superior, and its song is a striking feature in the localities where it
is found. Its notes are equal in harmony to those of the Mocking bird of
the United States, though not so varied. To the miners it is well known
by the name of the California Mocking bird, and it is with them a great
favorite.
“It incubates in California, but the only nest that I ever found
contained young in the month of July. This nest was composed of coarse
twigs and lined with slender roots, not very carefully constructed, and
resembling somewhat those of some other of the Thrushes.”
Dr. Henry has also observed this bird in the vicinity of Fort Fillmore,
rather abundantly, particularly during the months of October and
November. It has been noticed, too, by nearly all the other naturalists
who have visited California and New Mexico.
The figure in our plate is rather less than half the size of life.
The plant represented is a species of _Vernonia_, from the neighbourhood
of Santa Fé, New Mexico, and was raised from the seed by Mr. Robert
Kilvington, of this city.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Toxostoma. Wagler, Isis, 1831, p. 528.
Harpes. Gambel, Proc. Acad., Philada., II. p. 264. (1845.)
Bill long, much curved, somewhat depressed, blunt; ridges of both
mandibles strongly defined; wings short, rounded; first quill short,
fourth and fifth and sixth longest; tail long; legs robust; toes rather
long; claws large, strong; plumage of the upper parts loose; feathers of
the rump lengthened. A genus containing four or perhaps five species,
all of which inhabit the western and southwestern countries of North
America.
Toxostoma rediviva. (Gambel.)
Harpes rediviva. Gamb., Proc. Acad. Philada., II. p. 264. (1845.)
Form. The largest of the genus; bill long, curved; wings short, rounded,
first quill subspurious, fifth and sixth slightly longest and nearly
equal; tail long, graduated; outer feathers about one inch shorther than
those in the middle; tarsi strong; toes long; claws, especially of the
hind toes, large, strong.
Dimensions. Total length, male, about 11½ inches; wing, 4; tail, 5¼;
bill, 1¾; tarsus, 1½ inches.
Colors. Entire upper parts light brown, slightly tinged with rufous on
the rump; quills brownish black, edged on their outer webs with lighter;
tail brownish-black, with a reddish tinge, lighter on the under surface;
an obscure ashy white superciliary line; auricular feathers dark brown,
with central white lines; throat white; breast and sides light brown,
tinged with ashy and fulvous; middle of the abdomen, flanks and under
tail-coverts rufous, darker on the last; bill black; tarsi lighter;
“irides hazel.” Sexes alike?
Hab. California. Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philadelphia, and Nat. Mus.,
Washington.
Obs. There are two other species of this genus, both of which the
present bird somewhat resembles, but it can easily be distinguished on
comparison by its larger size. From the published descriptions the
different species cannot be distinguished so readily, on account of
their similarity of form and general characters.
Dr. Gambel regarded this bird as identical with a species mentioned and
figured by the distinguished, though unfortunate navigator, La Perouse,
and published in “Voyage de La Peyrouse autour du Monde,” Atlas, pl. 37
(Paris, 1797), under the name of “Promerops de la California
Septentrionale.” Under this impression, Dr. Gambel gave this bird its
specific name, _redivivus_.
Whether it is the fact, however, that the figure in La Peyrouse
represents the present bird, admits of some doubt. To us it is much more
like _Toxostoma curvirostris_, a smaller species.
[Illustration: Plate 43
The Vermilion Flycatcher
Cardellina rubra (_Swainson_)]
CARDELLINA RUBRA.—(Swainson.)
The Vermilion Flycatcher.
PLATE XLIII. Males.
Of this brilliant-plumaged little Flycatcher, we have, we regret to say,
but little information. It has been known as a Mexican bird since 1827,
when specimens were sent to Europe for the first time by Mr. William
Bullock, a Fellow of the Linnæan Society of London, who was then
resident in Mexico, but has as yet been obtained once only within the
limits of the United States. It was received in a collection made in
Texas, and containing many interesting species, by Mr. J. P. Giraud, an
accomplished and active ornithologist of the city of New York, and was
by him first introduced as entitled to a place in the ornithological
fauna of this country. Since that period no one of the several American
naturalists who have visited Texas, has had the good fortune to meet
with it.
This bird was first described by Mr. Swainson, in the Philosophical
Magazine, new series, I. p. 367, but little or nothing more is said of
it than on the authority of Mr. Bullock, it is stated to be an
inhabitant of the table lands, and that the specimens in his collection
were obtained in the vicinity of Valladolid. Mr. Bullock himself, in his
interesting book, “Six Months in Mexico,” does not allude to it.
Nor is there, in a more elaborate paper, in which this bird is described
by the Baron de la Fresnaye, in Guerin’s Magazine of Zoology (as cited
below), a much more explicit or satisfactory history. Its habits, it is
stated, resemble those of the Tits (Genus _Parus_), and it has a feeble
cry like the syllables _pe-pe-pe_. Mons. de la Fresnaye’s specimens were
from Jalapa, and were killed in August.
This bird belongs to a group of Flycatchers of small size, of which
various species inhabit the warmer parts of America, and are represented
in the North only by the Redstart (_Setophagha ruticilla_), a common and
well known bird of the United States. Nearly all the species are
remarkable for the gay and showy colors of their plumage; but the bird
now before us is certainly entitled to precedence on such foundation for
pretensions. It is not equalled by any other species of its group, and
is in fact one of the most beautiful of the smaller birds of North
America.
Our figures, which represent adult males, are about two-thirds of the
size of life, and were drawn from specimens obtained in Mexico, now in
the collection of the Philadelphia Academy.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Cardellina. Bonaparte, Cons. Av. p. 312.
General form rather lengthened and slender; bill moderate, with several
pairs of slender bristles at the base of the upper mandible; wings
rather long, with the third quill longest; tail long; tarsi and toes
moderate, rather slender, the latter rather short; colors bright and
showy. Two American birds only are classed in this genus.
Cardellina rubra. (Swainson.)
Setophaga rubra. Swainson, Philos. Mag. I., new series, p. 367.
(1827.)
Sylvia miniata. La Fresnaye, Guerin’s Mag. de Zool., 1836 (not paged).
Parus leucotis. Giraud, Sixteen new species N. A. Birds, 1841 (not
paged).
“Sylvia argyrotis. Illiger.” Bonap. Cons. Av. p. 312.
Form. Bill somewhat subulate, sharp; wing with the third quill longest;
tail long, emarginate; tarsi slender; toes rather short; claws fully
curved, compressed, acute.
Dimensions. Total length of skin, male, 5 inches; wing, 2½; tail, 2¾
inches.
Colors. Male.—A well-defined large space behind the eye, fine silky
white; quills and tail-feathers light hair-brown, with a tinge of
cinereous and margined externally with dark red; entire other plumage
above and below bright vermilion, lighter on the under-parts, and tinged
with purple on the back; inferior coverts of the wings and axillary
feathers pale reddish white; bill and tarsi light colored (yellow?).
Hab. Texas and Mexico. Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada.
Obs. This little Flycatcher is of the same general form as the Redstart
(_Setophaga ruticilla_) of the United States, and evidently belongs to
the same family, though apparently presenting sufficiently distinct
generic characters. It has nearer relatives than our northern species,
inhabiting Mexico and Central America, very nearly all of which are
clothed in plumage of gay and beautiful colors.
This bird does not resemble any other species with which we are
acquainted in such degree as to render especial comparison necessary,
and is very easily recognised.
[Illustration: Plate 44
The Texan Guan
Ortalida poliocephala (_Wagler_)]
ORTALIDA POLIOCEPHALA.—(Wagler.)
The Texan Guan.
PLATE XLIV. Adult Male.
This bird is the only one yet discovered in the United States, of a
family of Gallinaceous Birds, of which numerous species are found in the
warmer countries of America. Various species inhabit Mexico and Central
America, some of which, including that now before us, appear to be
readily domesticated, and in Mexico especially, may frequently be seen
amongst the usual feathered denizens of the farm-yard.
The birds of this group, known by the names of Guans, Curassow birds,
and Mexican Turkeys, and the Turkeys proper, are two families of the
Gallinaceous birds that are peculiarly American, and not distantly
related to each other. Of the Turkeys, two species are known, the most
numerous of which is the Wild Turkey of North America. The other, even
more handsome in its plumage than the former, has as yet only been found
in Central America, and is known as the Honduras Turkey. It is by no
means well established that the Domestic Turkey is descended from the
wild species of North America. Its origin probably has not yet been
discovered.
The family to which our present species belongs (_Cracidæ_), contains
birds that for the greater part live in the forests, and are remarkable
for habitually frequenting trees to a much greater extent than is usual
amongst the larger Gallinaceous birds, and constructing their nests in
the branches much in the same style as the smaller perching birds.
Several species, amongst which is the bird now before us, have very loud
and discordant voices.
The Curassow Birds (Genus _Crax_) are the best known of this family.
They are generally of black or dark red plumage, more or less varied
with white, and have very curious and handsome crests, of stiff,
recurved feathers. These birds are frequently domesticated in Mexico and
the other countries that they inhabit, and a species or two are
contained in almost every menagerie of any considerable pretensions in
the United States.
The species now before us was first noticed as a bird of the United
States, by Col. McCall, who observed it in Texas. Since that period, it
has been repeatedly obtained by American naturalists either in that
country or in New Mexico.
With that ability and courtesy which has added so much to the interest
of the present volume, Col. McCall has furnished the following for our
article on this interesting bird:—
“This very gallant-looking and spirited bird I saw, for the first time
within our territory, in the extensive forest of _chaparral_ which
envelopes the _Resaca de la Palma_, a stream rendered famous in the
history of our country by the victory achieved by the American forces
under Gen. Taylor. Here, and for miles along the lower Rio Grande, the
_poliocephala_ was abundant; and throughout this region, the remarkable
and sonorous cry of the male bird could not fail to attract and fix the
attention of the most obtuse or listless wanderer who might chance to
approach its abode.
“By the Mexicans it is called _Chiac-chia-lacca_, an Indian name, and
doubtlessly derived from the peculiar cry of the bird, which strikingly
resembles a repetition of those syllables. And when I assure you that
its voice in compass is equal to that of the Guinea-fowl, and in
harshness but little inferior, you may form some idea of the chorus with
which the forest is made to ring at the hour of sunrise. At that hour,
in the month of April, I have observed a proud and stately fellow
descend from the tree on which he had roosted, and mounting upon an old
log or stump, commence his clear shrill cry. This was soon responded to,
in a lower tone, by the female, the latter always taking up the strain
as soon as the importunate call of her mate had ceased.
“Thus alternating, one pair after another would join in the matinal
chorus, and before the rising sun had fairly lighted up their close
retreat, the woods would ring with the din of an hundred voices, as the
happy couples met after the period of separation and repose.
“When at length all this clatter had terminated, the parties quietly
betook themselves to their morning-meal. If surprised while thus
employed, they would fly into the trees above, whence, peering down with
stretched necks and heads turned sideways to the ground, they would
challenge the intruder with a singular and oft-repeated croaking note,
of which it would be difficult to give any adequate idea with words
alone.
“Indeed, the volubility and singularity of voice of the _poliocephala_
is perhaps its most striking and remarkable trait—at least, it so
appeared to me. In illustration of which I will state that, while on the
march from Matamoras to Tampico, we had encamped on the 30th December,
at the spring of _Encinal_, whence, a short time before sunset, I rode
out in company with an officer in search of game. We were passing
through a woodland near the stream, when our ears were saluted with a
strange sound that resembled somewhat the cry of the panther (_Felis
onca_). We stopped our horses and listened—the cry was repeated, and we
were completely at a loss to what animal to ascribe it. I dismounted,
and having crawled cautiously through the thicket for some distance,
came upon an opening where there were some larger trees; from the lower
branches of one of which I now ascertained that the sound proceeded. In
a moment or two I discovered a large male _poliocephala_ ascending
towards the top of the tree, and uttering this hitherto unheard sound as
he sprang from branch to branch in mounting to his roost. He seemed to
be much occupied with his own thoughts, and did not observe me; and
therefore I was enabled to watch his movements. In a few moments his
call was answered from a distance, and soon afterwards he was joined by
a bird of the year. Others followed, coming in from different quarters;
and there were, in a little while, five or six of them upon the tree.
One of these now discovered me, and the alarm was given. The singular
cry of the old bird ceased, and they all began to exhibit uneasiness and
a disposition to fly; whereupon I shot the old bird, as I had resolved
to secure him at all events. On rejoining my companion, he could not at
first believe me to be serious, when I told him the sound we had heard
had proceeded from the old cock that I presented to him, and who had
been calling his family together at the close of day in the manner I
have described. On my return to camp, I entered in my note-book the
following description which I took from this bird:—
“Length 23 inches, 6 lines; alar stretch, 26 inches; tail, 11 inches;
tarsus, 2 inches, 7 lines. The bill similar to that of the common fowl,
but longer on the ridge and more curved at the point; the upper mandible
light slate blue, the lower yellowish, but brown near the base; legs and
feet blackish slate color; the nails black; the irides dark hazel; the
chin devoid of feathers, and its skin, which is of an orange-red color,
approximating in looseness to the gills of the common fowl; general
color above, a brownish olive, with dark green reflections, deepest on
the head; breast and belly light rufous, with whitish longitudinal
pencillings; tail (of twelve feathers) darker than the back, and with a
broad terminal band of dull white; wings dusky olive. A male; a very
fine specimen, killed near Encinal, Dec. 30, 1846.
“A remarkable feature in the _poliocephala_ is the eye, which in the
living bird is full of courage and animation—it is equal, in fact, in
brilliancy to that of the finest game cock.
“I frequently noticed this bird domesticated by the Mexicans at
Matamoras, Monterey, &c., and going at large about their gardens. I was
assured that in this condition it not unfrequently crossed with the
common fowl; but I did not see the progeny.
“In the wild state, the eggs are from six to eight, never exceeding the
last number. They are white, without spots; and rather smaller than a
pullet’s egg. The nest is usually made on the ground, at the root of a
large tree, or at the side of an old log, where a hole several inches
deep is scratched in the ground; this is lined with leaves, and the eggs
are always carefully covered with the same when the female leaves them
for the purpose of feeding. If disturbed while on her nest, she flies at
the intruder with all the spirit and determination of the common
domestic hen, whose retreat has been invaded.”
This species has been noticed by several of the naturalists who have
recently made such important contributions to the ornithology of the
southwestern frontier of the United States. Specimens brought by Mr.
John H. Clark, were obtained near Ringgold Barracks, Texas. The fine
collection made in Texas and Mexico, by Lieut. D. N. Couch, of the
United States Army, contained specimens obtained in the State of New
Leon, in the latter country.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Ortalida. Merrem, Icones et Desc. Av. p. 40. (1786.)
General form rather slender and lengthened; bill short, curved, rather
wide at base; aperture of the nostril large; wings short, rounded;
fourth, fifth, and sixth quills longest; tail long; tarsi moderate,
rather robust; colors usually plain. A genus of American birds,
containing about fifteen species.
Ortalida poliocephala. (Wagler.)
Penelope poliocephala. Wagler, Isis, 1830, p. 1112.
Form. Bill short, curved; wing short, rounded; first quill short, sixth
slightly longest; secondaries long and broad; tail long, graduated;
external feathers nearly three inches shorter than those in the middle;
tarsi moderate, rather robust, and having in front about ten wide
transverse scales; a bare space on each side of the throat from the
corners of the lower mandible; feathers of the middle of the throat
stiff and bristle-like; plumage of the head above somewhat elongated and
erectile, and with the shafts of the feathers slightly rigid and
hair-like, especially in front.
Dimensions. Male.—Total length of skin, about 21 inches; wing, 8; tail,
10; tarsus, 2½ inches.
Colors. Head above and neck dark greenish cinereous, the shafts of the
feathers in front black; back, rump, wing-coverts, and exposed portions
of quills, dark olive, slightly tinged with ashy; quills brownish black,
widely edged on their outer web with olive; tail dark glossy bluish
green, widely tipped with white; plumage of the middle of the throat
black, bare spaces on each side reddish orange; breast, sides, flanks,
and tibiae, dull yellowish green, very pale, and in some specimens
nearly white on the middle of the abdomen, and frequently tinged with
rufous on the flanks and tibia; under tail-coverts dark rufous,
frequently tinged with green; bill dark, light at the tip, especially of
the under mandible; tarsi light.
Hab. Texas. Mexico. Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philad., and Nat. Mus.,
Washington.
Obs. There is a general resemblance of several species of this genus to
each other, almost impossible to be pointed out in the limits of our
present article. The bird now before us may be recognised, however,
without difficulty, by its comparatively large size and the dark
cinereous color of its head and neck.
Specimens of this bird in adult plumage are yet rarely brought in
collections, and we suspect is only attained in several years.
BERNICLA LEUCOPAREIA.—(Brandt.)
The White-necked Goose.
PLATE XLV. Adult Male.
On the western coast of North America, this is one of the most abundant
of the species of Geese. In California it appears regularly in the
course of its migrations in the spring and autumn, and at both seasons
is brought to the market in San Francisco, in large numbers.
This bird is a near relative of Hutchins’ Goose, a well known species,
though not of common occurrence on the Atlantic coast. It is more
frequently met with in the larger rivers of the interior. From that
species our present bird may be easily distinguished by the white ring
around the neck, a character not mentioned in the descriptions given by
authors, nor represented in the plate in Mr. Audubon’s Birds of America,
of Hutchins’ Goose. The plate alluded to is the only one of the species
which has come under our notice, and is given with that eminent
naturalist’s usual great accuracy, but may not, we suspect, represent a
bird in mature plumage. This suspicion we have been induced to entertain
from an examination of the specimen figured by Mr. Audubon, for an
opportunity to make which we are indebted to the kindness of our friend,
Mr. J. P. Giraud, of New York, to whose fine collection it belongs.
We are not, however, sufficiently familiar with Hutchins’ Goose, to feel
qualified to decide respecting the identity of the present species.
This bird was first described by Prof. Brandt, a distinguished Russian
naturalist, who ascertained it be an inhabitant of the coasts of Russian
America. This author, and various others of Russia, have done much
towards elucidating the Natural History of Northwestern America, and in
some instances names given by them will be found to anticipate those of
Americans, especially in ornithology.
As a species occurring on the coast of California, our present bird was
first observed by Mr. John G. Bell, of New York, whose collection made
in that country contained numerous specimens. Since that period, it has
been noticed by nearly all our naturalists, though nothing is recorded
of its habits or history. In fact, the water-birds of Western America
have by no means received sufficient attention, and contributions to
their history would be important additions to American ornithology.
[Illustration: Plate 45
The White-necked Goose
Bernicla leucopareius (_Brandt_)]
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Bernicla. Stephens, Cont. of Shaw’s Zool. XII. p. 45. (1824).
Bernicla leucopareia. (Brandt.)
Anser leucopareius. Brandt, Bulletin Acad., St. Petersburg, I., p. 37.
Desc. et Icones Animalium Rossicorum novorum. Aves, p. 13, pl.
2, (1836.)
Anser Hutchinsii. Richardson, Fauna Boreali Americana, Birds, p. 470?
(1831.)
“Anser canadensis. Brisson.” Pallas, Zoographia Rosso-Asiatica, II.,
p. 230.
Form. Bill small, short, wide vertically at base; wing long, second
quill longest; tail short; legs short; toes moderate, fully webbed. A
protuberance on the edge of the wing near the shoulder. One of the
smallest of the species of this genus.
Dimensions. Total length, male (of skin) about 23 inches, wing 15, tail
5½ inches.
Colors. Head and neck glossy black; a large somewhat reniform patch on
each cheek, white, and a ring around the neck of the same (white) at the
termination of the black part. Entire upper parts fuscous, lighter on
the back, and with the feathers edged with paler and very dark, nearly
black on the rump; upper tail coverts white; quills and tail
brownish-black; secondaries edged outwardly with pale brown; breast and
abdomen glossy yellowish ashy, with transverse stripes of brown on the
sides; ventral region and under tail coverts, white; bill and feet dark;
under wing coverts and axillaries light ashy brown; the white ring
around the neck more or less interrupted behind; the white patches on
the cheeks separated by a narrow longitudinal band on the throat.
Hab. California. Russian America. Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philad.
Obs. As stated in the preceding pages, this bird much resembles, if it
is not identical with, the species known as _Bernicla Hutchinsii_, from
which the most essential distinctive character is the white ring around
the neck. If identical, we have, at any rate, the gratification of being
the first to represent that species, in mature plumage. At present we
regard it as a distinct, though nearly allied bird.
The date of the publication of Prof. Brandt’s first description we have
not succeeded in ascertaining, not having access to the Bulletin of the
Academy of St. Petersburg. The reference to the volume and page we copy
from his own citation, in his work above quoted, in which, however, the
date is not stated.
THALASSIDROMA FURCATA.—(Gmelin.)
The Gray Storm Petrel.
PLATE XLVI. Adults.
The little birds of the group to which that now before the reader
belongs, are known to seamen, wherever the English language is spoken,
as Storm Petrels, or “Mother Carey’s Chickens,” and have too, a
reputation, not without a tinge of superstition, of being the harbingers
of the storm and of maritime disaster.
Of the many birds adapted by their organization to a life of adventure
on the ocean or its tributaries, and of which in fact during a large
portion of their lives they are almost as much inhabitants as fishes,
the Albatrosses and the Storm Petrels, or Mother Carey’s Chickens,
venture the most boldly. The birds of both these genera, though one
contains the largest and the other the smallest of marine birds, are
alike in this particular character, and are also alike known as
inhabitants of shores very remote from each other, and as wanderers over
immense extents of the ocean.
Boldly directing their course far out on the sea, like their gigantic
relatives the Albatrosses, our present little birds are frequently to be
met with in nearly all latitudes usually traversed by navigators, and
are generally tempted to remain for a time in the wakes of vessels, and
about them, by the fragments of food to be gleaned from refuse thrown
overboard. Flitting as it were before the gale, with it, the appearance
of these birds may readily be coincident, or premonitory of its coming,
thus acquiring, and perhaps in some degree justly, the attributed
character of precursors.
Several species of these birds are found on the coasts of the United
States. The most abundant and best known is Wilson’s Storm Petrel
(_Thalassidroma Wilsonii_), a bird which is perhaps to be regarded as
more nearly cosmopolite than any other, so extensive are its wanderings
over the surface of the ocean. It is of common occurrence throughout the
whole extent of the eastern shores of the continent of America, and it
has been repeatedly noticed and captured at various points on the coasts
of Europe and Africa, thus demonstrating a range over nearly the entire
Atlantic Ocean. In the Pacific also it is well known, though it is not
so abundant. Mr. Gould gives it as a bird of Australia; and the
naturalists of the United States’ Exploring Expedition in the Vincennes
and Peacock, record its appearance at various other points in the
Pacific Ocean.
[Illustration: Plate 46
The Gray Petrel
Thalassidroma furcata (_Gmelin_)]
The histories of this, and of other American species of Storm Petrels,
are perhaps as well known as those of the sea-birds generally, and much
that is interesting may be found in the articles on them in the works of
our predecessors in American Ornithology; but we cannot allow the
present occasion to pass without availing ourselves of the kindness of
our friend, Charles Pickering, M. D., of Boston, one of the naturalists
attached to the Exploring Expedition, and justly ranked with the most
eminent of American Zoologists.
With his characteristic liberality, Dr. Pickering has placed at our
disposal much valuable information relative to birds observed during the
voyage of the Expedition, especially on the western coast of North
America, and in other localities of interest, with reference to American
species. From his manuscript we copy the following in relation to
Wilson’s Petrel, which occurs under date of October 24th, 1838, and from
the latitude and longitude given, the nearest land was the coast of
Africa:
“A stormy Petrel taken, which proved to be _Thalassidroma Wilsonii_, and
although this species and others of its genus have been constantly seen
during the voyage of the Expedition, this is the first specimen that has
been captured without having been injured, thus affording whatever
facilities can be obtained on shipboard for observing its manners.
“I was rather surprised to observe that this bird was not only entirely
incapable of perching, but even of standing upright like birds in
general, and as I have seen birds of this genus represented, unless by
the aid of its wings. In standing, or rather sitting, the whole of the
_tarsus_ (commonly mistaken for the leg) rests on the ground, and it
walks in the same awkward position, frequently being obliged to balance
itself with its wings. By a more powerful exertion of its wings,
however, it was enabled to run along on its toes in the same manner as
it does over the surface of the waves. The absence of a hind toe, the
nails being but slightly bent and flat, and perhaps I may add, its
evidently being unaccustomed to this description of locomotion, seemed
to be the causes of its helplessness on its feet.
“These birds have been numerous about us for some days past, and their
coursing over the water with flitting wings remind me of the actions of
butterflies about a pool. One of them was seen swimming, or at least
resting, on the surface. We have seen this species very frequently,
indeed almost daily, since leaving America, and scarcely any other
sea-birds, except in the immediate vicinity of the islands. It would
seem that it scarcely ever visits the land, except for the purposes of
incubation, and there can hardly be a better comment on its untiring
power of wing than the popular fable amongst seamen that it carries its
egg and hatches its young while sitting in the water. It does not sail
in the continued manner of the gulls and some other sea-birds, but moves
by rapidly flexing its wings something like a bat, and was continually
coursing around and in the wake of the vessel, generally in considerable
numbers, during much the greater part of the time that the Expedition
was in the Atlantic Ocean.”
The curious fact that this bird cannot stand upright we do not remember
ever before having seen noticed. Of the specimen alluded to, Dr.
Pickering gives notes of a minute and evidently very careful anatomical
examination, which the limits of our present article will not allow us
to insert. They are, however, confirmatory, in most respects, of the
account of the anatomy of this species, given by Mr. Audubon, in
Ornithological Biography, V., p. 645.
The bird before the reader in the present plate is an inhabitant of the
Northern Pacific Ocean, and is an interesting addition to the
ornithological fauna of the United States, made by the naturalists of
the Exploring Expedition, under command of Captain Charles Wilkes, to
which we have previously alluded. Though long known as a bird of the
coasts of Asiatic Russia and of Russian America, it had never before
been noticed on the more southern coast of Oregon, where it was found in
large numbers by the Expedition, and specimens then obtained are now in
the National Museum at Washington.
This bird was first noticed by the celebrated Pennant, in Arctic
Zoology, Vol. II., p. 255, who called it the “Fork-tailed Petrel.” An
accurate description is given by him, but no further account of it than
merely stating “taken among the ice between Asia and America.” On the
faith of this description, Gmelin, in _Systema Naturæ_, as cited below,
gave the scientific name. Subsequently, Pallas mentions it as an
inhabitant of the coasts of Unalaschka and of the Kurile Islands. It is
also mentioned in the Zoology of the Voyage of the Sulphur, (London,
1844,) and very handsomely figured from specimens obtained at Sitka in
Russian America.
To the journal of Dr. Pickering we have again to acknowledge our
obligations for a notice of this bird. First recording its occurrence on
the 26th of April, 1840, at sea, the distance from the coast of Oregon
being about 200 miles, he subsequently mentions it under date of 29th of
the same month, as follows:
“In sight of the coast of Oregon. Great numbers of the gray
_Thalassidroma_ are to-day flitting around and in the track of the
vessel, very actively engaged in searching for particles of food thrown
overboard. Generally, this bird reminds us of _T. Wilsonii_, but the
wings seem longer, and its movements appear to be more rapid, and in
fact more like that of the larger Petrels, (_Procellaria_.) It
occasionally sails in its flight, but for the greater part moves by very
rapidly flexing its wings in the same manner as the species mentioned.
“These birds proved not difficult to capture, and several specimens were
taken with a hook and line. They would dive a foot or two after the
bait, and made use of their wings in and under the water, from which
they apparently had not that difficulty in rising observable in the
Albatrosses. Though their powers of swimming seemed rather feeble, they
alighted in the water without hesitation. The dead body of one of their
companions being thrown overboard, they clustered around it with as much
avidity as around any other food.
“The specimens obtained agree generally in color of plumage, being
nearly a uniform pale gray, with the abdomen sometimes paler or nearly
white, and generally showing a lighter bar across the wing, when
expanded. Uttered a faint note when taken on board.”
At present we have no further information relating to this interesting
species.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Thalassidroma. Vigors. Zool. Jour. II., p. 405. (1825.)
Size small; bill rather wide at base, compressed towards the end, and
abruptly hooked; lower mandible shorter; nostril elevated, tubular;
wings long, pointed, second quill usually longest; tail moderate, rather
wide, usually emarginate or forked; legs long, slender; tibiæ more or
less naked above the joint with the tarsi; toes rather short, fully
webbed. A genus comprising about twelve species, all of which are
strictly marine, and inhabit the various oceans of the world.
Thalassidroma furcata. (Gmelin.)
Procellaria furcata. Gm. Syst. Nat. I., p. 561. (1788.)
Procellaria orientalis. Pallas. Zoog. Ross. As. II., p. 315. (1831.)
Thalassidroma cinerea. Gould.
Form. Wing long; second quill longest; tail forked; legs shorter than
usual in this genus; under coverts of the tail long.
Dimensions. Total length (of skin) about 8 inches; wing 6; tail 4
inches.
Colors. Entire plumage light cinereous or lead color; lighter, and in
some specimens, nearly white on the abdomen and under tail coverts;
lesser wing coverts darker; in some specimens nearly black; quills and
tail slightly tinged with brown; greater wing coverts and secondaries
pale on their outer edges; primaries nearly white on their inner edges;
bill and feet black.
Hab. Coasts of Oregon, Russian America, Northeastern Asia, and the
Pacific Ocean. Spec. in Nat. Mus., Washington, and Mus. Acad., Philad.
This bird belongs to a group of the genus _Thalassidroma_, of which _T.
marina_ is the best known species, an inhabitant of the Southern Pacific
Ocean, and figured by Mr. Gould as a bird of Australia.
All the species of this group are characterised by cinereous plumage, a
strong distinctive character from the greater part of the birds of this
genus, which are of dark colors, and in some species nearly black. The
present bird does not, in any considerable degree, resemble any other
American species, and may be easily recognised.
SYLVICOLA KIRTLANDII.—Baird.
Kirtland’s Warbler.
PLATE XLVII. Adult.
Of the smaller birds of North America, no group exceeds that of the
Warblers, in variety and richness of color. It is, too, one of the
largest of the groups of our birds, embracing not less than forty
species, besides several which are South American.
Migrating in the spring, and again in the autumn, these little birds are
known in the Middle and Southern States, for the greater part as
visitors only, though various species are residents during the summer,
which have been supposed to continue their journey much further north,
before undertaking the duties of incubation. The Blackburnian Warbler
(_Sylvicola Blackburniæ_), the Chestnut-sided (_S. icterocephala_), the
Yellow-backed (_S. Americana_), and several others, breed in the
mountains of Pennsylvania. The Prairie (_S. discolor_), the Blue-winged
(_Helinaia solitaria_), and two or three other species, are to be met
with every summer in the neighborhood of Philadelphia. The greater
number of species proceed further north, but much the majority of all
known as North American rear their young within the limits of the United
States, as well as in more northern countries; but by no means
exclusively in the latter, as is to be inferred from the representations
of various authors. The Black-poll (_S. striata_), raises its young in
the State of Maine.
These birds are great favorites with collectors. Coming northward, as
many species do in the months of April and May, when excursions to the
woods are attended with such agreeable accompaniments, the short period
of their stay is the most deeply interesting of the ornithological
season, whether the object be to study birds in the fields and woods, or
only to procure choice specimens for the cabinet. In either case, the
observer or collector will find himself greatly tempted by these
attractive little birds, to the exclusion, probably, of others, not so
gay, perhaps, in plumage, but equally interesting in other respects.
[Illustration: Plate 47
Kirtland’s Warbler
Sylvicola Kirtlandii (_Baird_)]
Bird-collecting is the ultimate refinement,—the _ne plus ultra_ of all
the sports of the field. It is attended with all the excitement, and
requires all the skill, of other shooting, with a much higher degree of
theoretical information and consequent gratification in its exercise.
Personal activity, not necessarily to be exerted over so great a space
as in game-bird shooting, but in a much greater diversity of locality,
coolness, steadiness of hand, quickness of eye and of ear, especially
the latter;—in fact, all the accomplishments of a first-rate shot, will
be of service; and some of them are indispensable to successful
collecting. The main reliance is, however, on the ear, for the detection
of birds by their notes, and involves a knowledge, the more accurate and
discriminating the better, which can only be acquired by experience, and
always characterizes the true woodsman, whether naturalist or hunter.
This ability is of incomparable value to the collector. Whether in the
tangled forest, the deep recesses of the swamp, on the sea-coast or in
the clear woodlands, on the mountain or in the prairie, it advises him
of whatever birds may be there, or affords him a higher gratification,
announcing the presence of a bird that he does not know. We recognise no
more exquisite pleasure than to hear a note that we are not acquainted
with in the woods. It is in the latter case, too, that the cultivated
quickness of eye of the experienced collector is especially important,
and his coolness and steadiness of nerve is fully tested. It will not do
to be flustered. But in fact all these qualities must be possessed for
the acquirement of the smaller species of birds found in the woodlands.
Some species of Warblers, for instance, are constantly in motion in the
pursuit of insects, and are most frequently met with in the tops of
trees, and are, moreover, only to be killed with the finest shot, or
they are spoiled for specimens. The obtaining of these little birds
often requires the most accurate and skilful shooting.
There are comparatively few superior ornithological woodsmen, though we
are inclined to believe more amongst the naturalists of this country,
than of any other. There are some who never learn, though shooting for
years; and passages constantly occur in the works of authors,
notwithstanding their professions, and however honestly such may have
been made, exciting immediate suspicion that they were really little
skilled in woodcraft. We know men who have long been bird-collectors,
but who have never acquired the ability to distinguish species by their
notes, nor in fact otherwise to any considerable extent. On the other
hand, we have gone repeatedly on excursions of several miles, in company
with naturalists and accomplished woodsmen, for the sole purpose of
hearing the note of a single species with which they had not before had
an opportunity of becoming acquainted. This has been especially the case
with reference to the Prairie Warbler (_Sylvicola discolor_), which is
always to be met with in the summer, in the sandy thickets and in
neglected fields in New Jersey, and has several notes very peculiar and
characteristic.
It is by no means desirable, however, to be exclusively a naturalist of
the woods, and in fact the greatest degree of accomplishment that can be
acquired in this line, entitles one to but a very humble rank as a
cultivator of Zoology. There must be a combination of theoretical and
practical acquirements, and the gratification of the practical
naturalist or the collector will be exactly in proportion to his
scientific or systematic information, to be obtained only in the museum
and the library. There is an indescribably pitiful display of ignorance
and meanness of idea in arrogating, as some writers have done, a
superior position for the “field-naturalist” over the
“closet-naturalist.” As well might he who navigates a ship presume on
being the greatest of astronomers, or the practical gauger pretend to be
the only mathematician. Great is life in the woods, say we, and the
greatest of all sports is bird-collecting; but, to become a scientific
ornithologist, is quite another business, and a very much more
considerable consummation. But we have digressed from the Warblers.
In the neighborhood of the cities, and in fact throughout the Middle and
Northern States, during the last of April and the whole of May of every
year, numerous species of Warblers are to be found in abundance. It
happens occasionally though, that a species, usually common, is scarcely
to be seen in the whole season, and sometimes is rare for several
seasons in succession. The Black-throated blue Warbler (_Sylvicola
canadensis_), for instance, is generally very abundant in Pennsylvania
in May, and so is the Chestnut-sided (_S. icterocephala_); but we have
noticed seasons in which all the collectors of Philadelphia would
scarcely obtain a specimen of either. It sometimes happens, too, that a
species makes its appearance in considerable numbers, and then is of
much less common occurrence for years. This was the case with the
Blackburnian Warbler in May, 1840. That beautiful little bird was so
abundant, that our early and intimate friend, the late Mr. William R.
Spackman, then anxious to collect for the purposes of general study and
for exchanges, shot upwards of twenty specimens during a morning’s
excursion in company with us near Kaighn’s Point, New Jersey; and had
they been wanted, could readily have obtained a much larger number in
the afternoon, or, as termed by bird-collectors in common with
sportsmen, during “the evening fly.” It continued very plentiful through
the entire spring migration, but we have not seen it so abundant more
than once since, though fifteen years have elapsed.
Very erroneous impressions relative to the rarity of several species of
Warblers, have been created by statements which have found their way
into the works of both Wilson and Audubon. For instance, the former of
these celebrated authors says of the Chestnut-sided Warbler:—“In a whole
day’s excursion it is rare to meet with more than one or two of these
birds;”—the latter, at the time of the publication of the first volume
of his Ornithological Biography (1831), had met with this bird once only
(Orn. Biog. I., p. 306), and so it stands printed in his octavo edition
of “The Birds of America,” (II., p. 35, 1840.) These rather
extraordinary statements have caused the useless destruction of very
many specimens of this little bird, particularly by young collectors,
under a false estimate of its scarcity in collections, or value for the
purposes of science. There have been few months of May in the last
twenty years, in which any person of moderate skill as a collector of
birds, could not have obtained, in the vicinity of Philadelphia, as many
specimens of the Chestnut-sided Warbler as would have supplied all the
Museums in the world.
Again, in the months of September and October, Warblers are abundant in
our woods, but the plumage of many species is materially altered from
that of Spring. The student of ornithology must by no means, however,
neglect to become acquainted with it, and will find this knowledge
exceedingly valuable and interesting, as he advances in this branch of
science.
The bird represented in the plate now before the reader, is one of the
rarest as yet of the North American species of Warblers. Like several
others that are well established as species, it has been obtained once
only, which was in the vicinity of Cleveland, Ohio, by Professor J. P.
Kirtland, of that city, who presented it to Professor Baird, by whom its
discovery was first announced in the Annals of the New York Lyceum, as
cited below.
This species is related to the Yellow-crowned Warbler, or Myrtle Bird,
as it is sometimes called (_Sylvicola coronata_), a common species of
the United States, and to Audubon’s Warbler (_S. Auduboni_), a Western
species, but differs from them in strong and unmistakable characters. It
is probably a species inhabiting the more Western regions of the
continent of North America.
We are informed by Prof. Kirtland, that the specimen alluded to was shot
in the woods near Cleveland, and, so far as observed, was not noticed to
differ in habits essentially from _S. coronata_, or other of our species
of Warblers usually found migrating in the Spring. Though it was
captured in the Spring of 1852, and the species has been carefully
looked for ever since at the same season, it has never again been
observed.
The figure in our plate is about two-thirds the size of life.
The plant represented is a species of _Penstemon_ from Texas, raised in
the Horticultural establishment of Mr. Robert Kilvington, of this city.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Sylvicola. Swainson. Faun. Bor. Am. Birds, p. 204. (1831.)
Size small; bill moderate, slightly curved, tapering gradually to the
tip, slightly notched; wings rather long; second and third quills
usually longest; tail moderate, or rather long, usually emarginate; legs
rather long, slender. An American genus, embracing a large number of
species, nearly all of which are of bright or gay colors.
Sylvicola Kirtlandii. Baird. Ann. Lyc. Nat. Hist., N. Y., V., p. 218.
(1852.)
Form. About the size of _S. coronata_. Rather large for this genus; bill
straight; wing moderate; third quill slightly longer than the second;
tail rather long, emarginate; legs slender.
Dimensions. Total length (of skin) male, 5½ inches; wing 2¾; tail 2½
inches.
Colors. Entire upper part, bluish-ashy; on the head and back nearly
every feather having a longitudinal line of black; front and space
before and under the eye, black; quills dark-brown, paler on their outer
edges; tail brownish-black, several of the outer feathers having a white
spot each on their inner webs; entire under parts pale-yellow, with
small spots of black most numerous on the breast and sides, and obsolete
on the throat and middle of the abdomen; under tail coverts nearly
white; bill and feet dark.
Hab. Northern Ohio.
This bird bears an evident relationship to _Sylvicola coronata_, and to
_S. Auduboni_, from either of which it may at once be distinguished by
the entire absence of the yellow rump which characterises both the
species mentioned. It does not, however, resemble either of them to such
extent as to render a minute statement of comparative characters
necessary. The specimen above described is not in entirely mature
plumage.
We most cordially concur in the justice of naming this handsome little
bird in honor of our friend, Professor Jared P. Kirtland, M. D., of
Cleveland, Ohio; a gentleman who, to a reputation in private life most
exemplary and unexceptionable, adds high distinction as a naturalist and
pioneer of the Zoological Sciences in the Western United States.
To our friend, Thomas M. Brewer, M. D., of Boston, we are indebted for
much valuable information on the incubation and breeding places of many
of the Warblers of the United States. This interesting department of
Ornithology has been a special matter of research with Dr. Brewer for
many years; and we are happy to learn that his great work on the Oology
of North America is shortly to appear under the auspices of the
Smithsonian Institution. We venture to say that no more valuable
contribution to American Zoology has ever appeared.
[Illustration: Plate 48
The Orange-breasted Warbler
Sylvicola olivacea (_Giraud_)]
SYLVICOLA OLIVACEA.—(Giraud.)
The Orange-breasted Warbler.
PLATE XLVIII. Adult.
Of this handsome and peculiar-looking Warbler, unfortunately we can say
very little. It is known as a bird of Mexico, but has been noticed
within the limits of the United States, as yet, in one instance only,
having been received from Texas by our friend, Mr. Jacob P. Giraud,
Jun., of New York. At the period of its receipt it was unknown to
ornithologists, and it was accordingly described by Mr. Giraud, with
other new and interesting species, in his “New Species of Birds of North
America.”
Since the time of the discovery of this bird, we have looked for it,
with constant interest, amongst the many new and little-known birds
collected by American naturalists in Texas, but in vain. It has not yet
appeared again, and is to be regarded as one of the now numerous birds
of our country, of which the history remains to be written by the future
naturalist.
The Baron Du Bus, an ornithologist of Belgium, has received this bird
from Mexico; and specimens, also from that country, are in the
collection of the Philadelphia Academy. The short notice of it by the
author just mentioned in the Bulletin of the Royal Academy of Brussels,
contains no account of its history or of its habits; nor have we any
information from other sources. From the fact of its visiting Texas in
the summer, however, we infer that it is a species of which the Southern
range probably extends into Central or perhaps South America.
In general appearance, this bird somewhat resembles the Prothonotary
Warbler (_Helinaia protonotaria_), of the United States, but is much
darker colored, and it does not belong to the same group or sub-genus.
The figure in our plate is about two-thirds the natural size.
The plant represented is a species of _Asclepias_ from Texas, raised
from the seed by our friend, Mr. Kilvington.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Sylvicola. Swainson. Faun. Bor. Am. Birds, p. 204. (1831.)
Sylvicola olivacea. (Giraud.)
Sylvia olivacea. Giraud. New species of N. A. Birds, p. 14, pl. 7,
fig. 2. (1841.)
Sylvia tæniata. Du Bus. Bull. Acad., Brussels, XIV., p. 104. (1847.)
Form. About the size of _Sylvicola æstiva_. Bill slender; wing rather
long, pointed; second and third quills longest, and nearly equal; tail
moderate, emarginate; tarsi long, slender.
Dimensions. Total length (of skin) about 4¾ inches; wing 3¼; tail 2¼
inches.
Colors. Entire head, neck, and breast, dark orange, inclining to rufous,
lighter on the throat; through the eye to the ear, a band of black; back
and rump ashy-olive; quills brownish-black, edged on their outer webs
with yellowish-olive, and on their inner webs with white; tail
brownish-black, the outer feathers with a spot of white on their inner
webs near the end; wing coverts brownish-black tipped with white,
forming two conspicuous bars on the wing; abdomen and under tail
coverts, pale greenish-ashy, nearly white in the middle of the former;
under wing coverts white, tinged with ashy; bill dark, lighter at base
of under mandible; tarsi dark.
Hab. Texas. Mexico. Spec. in Mus. Acad. Philada.
This bird presents some affinities and resemblance to the _Sylvicola
protonotarius_ of the Southern United States, but is much darker
colored, and may readily be distinguished from that or any other species
with which we are acquainted.
[Illustration: Plate 49
The Great-crested Woodpecker
Dryotomus imperialis (_Gould_)]
DRYOTOMUS IMPERIALIS.—(Gould.)
The Great-crested Woodpecker.
PLATE XLIX. Adult Male.
Though not clearly made out as a bird entitled to a place in the
ornithological fauna of the United States, we have given the plate now
before the reader on grounds regarded as sufficient for the introduction
of descriptions of this magnificent species into the works of other
American authors, though it has never before been figured.
This is the largest of all known Woodpeckers, and is one of the most
beautiful in plumage. It belongs strictly to the same group or genus as
other large American species.
Though originally described by Mr. Gould as from California, and
subsequently supposed by Dr. Townsend and Mr. Audubon to have been seen
by the former in the Rocky Mountains, it has escaped the attention of
all recent American travellers and naturalists. The specimens in the
collection of the Philadelphia Academy are labelled as having been
collected in Mexico. It is probable that this fine bird is an inhabitant
of the dense forests, the trees of which attain such enormous dimensions
in the western regions of North America, a supposition coinciding with
Dr. Townsend’s observations on the species seen by him, from which we
shall present an extract in the course of the present article.
In the immense forests which skirt the slopes of the Rocky Mountains in
the possessions of the United States, and of the Sierra Madre in Mexico,
we find a congenial locality for this giant of his tribe. In those
regions the trees are not less gigantic, travellers of unquestioned
veracity having given two hundred and fifty to three hundred and fifty
feet as a heighth frequently to be observed.
The first notice of this bird by an American naturalist is in Mr.
Audubon’s Ornithological Biography, V., p. 313, who merely publishes a
note from Dr. Townsend, which was his only information respecting it,
except Mr. Gould’s description. It will be seen that Dr. Townsend did
not succeed in obtaining specimens, though it is in all respects
probable that the species now before us is alluded to by him in the
following, which we take the liberty of copying from Mr. Audubon, as
above:
“On the 14th of August, 1834, I saw several specimens of a large black
Woodpecker, about the size of _Picus principalis_. A broad band of white
appeared to extend transversely across the wings and back. It inhabited
the tall pine trees, and was very shy. The note was almost exactly that
of the Red-headed Woodpecker; so nearly, that at first Mr. Nuttall and
myself were both deceived by it.
“I lingered behind the party, which at that time was travelling rapidly,
and at last got a shot at one of them with slugs, my large shot having
been entirely expended. The bird fell wounded in a thicket at a
considerable distance. I searched for an hour without finding it, and
was at last compelled to relinquish it and follow the party, which had
been leaving me at a rapid trot, to find my way as I best could, and
keep out of the reach of Indians, who were dogging us continually.”
On reference to Dr. Townsend’s Narrative, (p. 123,) it will be seen that
this incident occurred on the Mallade River, in the Rocky Mountains.
Though he states that the bird mentioned by him was “about the size of
_Picus principalis_,” which is the Ivory-billed Woodpecker of the
Southern States, it must be borne in mind that he saw it at a distance
only, and was therefore readily mistaken. The present bird is very
considerably larger than that species.
In Dr. Pickering’s notes we find one allusion which is very probably to
this bird:—“A very large Ivory-billed species of _Picus_ was spoken of
by Dr. Marsh as having been occasionally seen by him. It is larger, he
says, than any other Woodpecker of the United States, and is very
difficult to approach. It is probably the new California species
described by Mr. Gould a few years since.”
This memorandum occurs in that portion of Dr. Pickering’s journal kept
in California, and we have no doubt relates to the bird now before us.
To the gentleman mentioned, Dr. Marsh of San Joaquim, California, Dr.
Pickering frequently acknowledges his obligations for information, which
is often of high value, and is of evident reliability.
We have now given the only two instances, mere glimpses as it were, in
which this large Woodpecker has come under the notice of American
travellers or naturalists in its native localities. It is to be
regretted that such is the case, and perhaps somewhat extraordinary, on
account of its conspicuous size and colors; but it is expressly stated
to be of a shy disposition, and difficult to obtain. Its well known
existence in California, and the fact that so few of our naturalists
have observed or heard of it, is additional evidence of the yet partial
character of our knowledge of the ornithology of that country.
Mr. Gould’s description of this bird is in the Proceedings of the
Zoological Society of London for 1832, p. 140; and, with the statement
accompanying it, is the only notice of this species that has yet
appeared in Europe. The latter is as follows:—
“Specimens were exhibited of a species of Woodpecker hitherto
undescribed, which has recently been obtained by Mr. Gould, from that
little explored district of California which borders the territory of
Mexico. The exhibition was accompanied by a communication from Mr.
Gould, in which, after some general remarks on the _Picidæ_ and their
geographical distribution, he referred to the species before the
Committee as possessing the characters of the genus _Picus_ in their
most marked development, together with the greatest size hitherto
observed in that group. In this respect it as far exceeds the
_Ivory-billed Woodpecker_ of the United States _Picus principalis_, as
the latter does the _Picus martius_ of Europe.
“This species is readily distinguishable from the _P. principalis_, by
its much larger size, by the length of its occipital crest, the pendent
silky feathers of which measure nearly four inches, by the absence of
the white stripe which ornaments the neck of that bird, and by the
bristles which cover its nostrils being black, whereas those of the
_Picus principalis_ are white.”
These notices comprise, at present, all that is known of the largest and
one of the handsomest of Woodpeckers. Its history, yet to be written,
will be a highly interesting contribution to the ornithology of the
United States.
Several specimens of this bird, in the collection of the Philadelphia
Academy, are stated on their labels to be from Mexico, without other
note or indication. All of them were obtained in Europe by our
distinguished patrons, Messrs. Thomas B. and Edward Wilson.
The adult male is represented in the present plate. The female differs
essentially only in having the crest black instead of scarlet.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Dryotomus. Swainson. Lardner’s Cyclopedia, Birds, II., p. 308.
(1837.)
Size large; bill straight, long, wide at base, very strong; wings long,
third and fourth quills usually longest; tail long, graduated, rigid;
legs short; tarsi distinctly scaled; toes rather long, outer hind toe
longest, claws strong, compressed; feathers of the head behind elongated
and crest-like; colors generally black, white, and scarlet; contains
species of both the old and new world, amongst which are the largest of
the _Picidæ_.
Dryotomus imperialis. (Gould.)
Picus imperialis. Gould. Proc. Zool. Soc., London, 1832, p. 140.
Form. The largest of Woodpeckers; bill long, wide at base, three
distinct ridges on the upper mandible; wing long, primaries narrow,
third and fourth longest; tail rather long, graduated, middle feathers
longest; all the feathers of the tail narrow, rigid; tarsi moderate,
strong, scales in front very distinct; toes long, claws strong, curved,
compressed; general organization very strong; crest-like feathers long.
Dimensions. Male. Total length (of skin) about 23 inches; wing 12½; tail
9½; bill to the corner of the mouth 4; tarsus 2 inches.
Colors. Male. Elongated feathers of the head or crest, bright scarlet;
interscapular feathers, outer two-thirds of secondaries, and inner edges
of shorter primaries, white; under wing coverts white; all other parts
of the plumage deep black, with a greenish lustre; bill yellowish-white;
tarsi and toes dark; secondaries at their bases black; bristle-like
feathers at the base of upper mandible black. Female similar to the
male, but rather smaller, and with the crest black.
Hab. Oregon. California. Mexico. Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada.
This gigantic Woodpecker is strictly of the same generic group as the
well known Ivory-billed Woodpecker of the forests of the Southern States
of this Union, and in some measure resembles it, but not in such degree
as to be readily confounded. The present bird is considerably the
larger, and is without the white stripes on the neck which are to be
found in the Ivory-billed. In both species, the females have the
elongated or crest-like feathers black.
It is quite remarkable that this fine species has not been brought by
any of the naturalists or travellers who have visited, or at least
passed through its native forests. This fact tends to demonstrate the
truth of our views, occasionally expressed in the present volume, that
we have much yet to learn of the Ornithology of Western America.
[Illustration: Plate 50
The Short-tailed Albatross
Diomedea brachyura (_Temminck_)]
DIOMEDEA BRACHYURA.—Temminck.
The Short-tailed Albatross.
PLATE L. Adult Male.
This Albatross is the adult of the bird represented in plate 35, (the
Black-footed Albatross, _Diomedea nigripes_, Aud.) of the present
volume. At the time of the publication of the plate alluded to, and our
article accompanying it, we were not aware of this identity; but having
had our attention called to it by a distinguished European
ornithologist, we have, on careful re-examination and comparison, fully
confirmed its truth. So great a change taking place, however, in this
bird, from early age to maturity, the two figures only fairly represent
the species, of which that formerly given, as above, is the young bird.
The common occurrence of this species on the coasts of California and
Oregon, was ascertained by the naturalists of the Exploring Expedition
in the Vincennes and Peacock, under command of Captain Charles Wilkes,
of the United States’ Navy; and its addition to the ornithology of North
America is one of many services to Zoology performed by that celebrated
and most important Expedition. In fact, of the many similar undertakings
of governments for the purposes of exploration and scientific research
within the present century, the expedition alluded to stands pre-eminent
in its contributions to Geographical and Zoological Science, a result to
be attributed to the enlightened and judicious exertions of its
distinguished Commander, and to the fact that it numbered amongst its
naturalists several of the most accomplished Zoologists of America.
This Albatross probably inhabits the entire extent of the Pacific Ocean,
from the northern coasts of America and Asia to Australia. It is given
by Mr. Gould as a bird of the coast of Australia, though somewhat
doubtfully, and is very probably the species sometimes mistaken for the
Great Wandering Albatross (_D. exulans_), and found abundantly in the
vicinity of the Kurile Islands and the coast of Kamtschatka, and other
more southern coasts of Asia. It is smaller than the species just
mentioned, but otherwise much resembles it. That species, though
abundant in the southern hemisphere, does not apparently venture so far
north as the present bird.
In a volume on Quadrupeds and Birds, by Mr. Titian R. Peale, which was
printed and partially distributed as one of the valuable series of works
on the scientific results of the Exploring Expedition of the Vincennes
and Peacock, we find the following in relation to the bird now before
us:—
“Numbers of the Short-tailed Albatross were observed by the Expedition
on the Northwest coast of America, and this species is believed to be a
common inhabitant of all the Pacific Ocean, north of the Tropic of
Cancer. Specimens vary as much, or perhaps more, from each other, than
in the Wandering Albatross (_Diomedea exulans_), of the Southern Ocean,
and require several years to attain to their perfect dress. The changes
are regularly progressive. Until the second year the plumage remains of
a dark sooty-brown color, with black feet, and dirty flesh-colored bills
(which become black when the skins are dried), and in this state this
bird pairs and raises its first young; after this, cloudy-white spots
appear about the base of the bill, and white spots over and under the
eyes; the rump begins to show a conspicuous spot of the same; and the
bill turns yellow, with a tinge of carmine; the tip bluish; the legs are
then flesh-colored; and, finally, the back, wings, and tail, become
cinereous-brown; rump, head, and all the under parts pure white; a white
margin shows along the back-edge of the wing in flight; and a
cloudy-black spot generally remains in front of the eye. Thus, in some
years, the plumage of the body is changed from nearly black to a pure
snow-like white.
“On the 20th of December we found this species breeding on Wake’s
Island. The single egg of each pair was laid on the ground, in a slight
concavity, without any lining material; both sexes take turns in the
duties of incubation, and neither the male nor the female abandoned the
nest on our approach, but walked around us in a very dignified manner,
and made but a few demonstrations of defence with their beaks, when
taken up in our arms. The eggs are white, of an oblong figure, nearly
alike at both ends, and measure four and two-tenths inches long, and two
and six-tenths inches in diameter.
“The two sexes are alike in plumage, and do not vary much in size,
though the male is rather the larger.
“This bird is usually silent, but sometimes quarrels with its fellows
over the offal thrown from ships, when it “brays” in much the same tone
as a jackass. It is easily caught with a hook and line, but owing to its
thick plumage and tenacity of life, it is difficult to kill it with
shot.
“It was not our fortune to observe more than this one species of
Albatross in the North Pacific. It is subject to great variations of
plumage, as stated above, but is very distinct from the species of the
Southern Hemisphere. The Wandering Albatross (_D. exulans_), and the
Yellow-nosed (_D. chlororhynchus_), both of which, it has been asserted,
have been sometimes found in the Northern Oceans, we believe, on the
contrary, to be entirely restricted to the Southern hemisphere, or else
they would sometimes be seen in crossing the intermediate tropical
region. We saw both of those species, and also the Sooty Albatross (_D.
fusca_), as far south as latitude 57° 41′, which appeared to be nearly
their southern limit. Their northern limit of migration on the Atlantic
shores of South America is somewhere about the River La Plata, and on
the Pacific coasts about the southern parts of Peru.”
In Dr. Pickering’s Journal this bird is alluded to frequently, and
especially as occurring at sea north of the Hawaiian Islands, and on the
coast of Oregon. His observations agree with those by Mr. Peale, above
quoted.
This species is given by Messrs. Temminck and Schlegel, as a bird of
Japan, in their Fauna Japonica, and is well figured in its young
plumage, but they give no account of its manners or history.
The figure in our plate represents the adult male, and was made from a
specimen obtained on the coast of Kamtschatka, now in the Museum of the
Philadelphia Academy, but precisely similar to others in the collection
of the Exploring Expedition in the National Museum, Washington city.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Genus Diomedea. Linnæus. Syst. Nat., I., p. 214. (1766.)
Diomedea brachyura. Temm. Pl. col., V., p. (liv. 75, about 1828.)
Diomedea nigripes. Aud. Orn. Biog., V., p. 327. (1839.)
Form. Very similar to _Diomedea exulans_, but much smaller; bill rather
long, strong, abruptly hooked at the end; wings long, pointed, first
quill longest; tail short; legs strong; toes long, fully webbed.
Dimensions. Total length (of skin) about 28 inches; wing 20; tail 6
inches.
Colors. Adult. Primaries, greater wing coverts, tips of secondaries and
tertiaries, and upper edge of the wing brownish-black; tail white,
tipped with dark brown. All other parts, including the head and entire
body, white, usually in adult specimens tinged with pale yellow on the
head and neck. Under wing coverts white; bill pale reddish-yellow (in
prepared and dried specimen pale, dull yellow); legs pale flesh-color.
Young. Entirely sooty-brown; lighter on the inferior parts of the body;
bill and feet dark; in more advanced plumage, variously spotted with
white, generally most observable around the base of the bill and on the
rump.
Hab. Western coast of North America. Spec. in Mus. Acad. Philada.
Of the smaller species of the Albatrosses, this is the largest and next
in size to the large _D. exulans_, which it much resembles in general
appearance. It may always, however, be readily distinguished from any
other species by the characters given above. Specimens occur in which
the pale yellow tinge of the head and neck is not distinguishable, but
usually it is a strongly marked character.
It was by our friend, that distinguished ornithologist, Gustav Hartlaub,
M. D., Director of the Museum of the city of Bremen, that our attention
was first called to the fact of this bird and the Black-footed Albatross
being identical, and a re-examination suggested. Not for this only are
we indebted to the same gentleman, but for much advice and instruction
most encouraging and valuable, and a constant assurance of good feeling,
uninterrupted for years. Naturalists of all climes should work out their
mission in harmony and fellowship. It is often not so,—would that all
like Hartlaub cultivated and understood, as well as Science, kindness,
friendship, justice.
* * * * * * *
But we are at the close of our volume. Like the traveller at the end of
his day’s journey, or the husbandman when the sun has sunk behind the
hills, we willingly stop for repose, not without thoughts mainly, and
perhaps necessarily, retrospective, but agreeable.
Reader! our barks have glided together for a period on the great stream
which carries us alike to our future destiny. Thou hast been to me as a
companion most pleasant, and an encourager. We have chatted, not always,
perhaps, with sufficient reverence, or possibly sometimes frivolously,
of the magnificence of our pathway,—of the mountain and the forest,—even
of the birds that sing in the branches. By no means without dignity of
subject,—the highest dignity attaches to all created things as the
realized ideas of Omnipotence.
We could wish that some passages in our book were more clearly stated;
but there is little that we would erase. We aspire to no perfection,
much less have we accomplished any. Imperfection is a characteristic of
mankind. Man exists in this world as an intellectual being, in a
rudimental condition only.
Trust not too implicitly in the delights of the wilds, nor of solitude.
They are temporary, and only to be as a teacher,—we must return ever to
social life as the ark of safety, bringing, we may hope, the
olive-branch of peace with knowledge. For all that I have said, or that
any one else has said, our greatest and truest interests are in society.
There only we acquire true cultivation and elevation. Science,
Literature, Art, the great civilizers, there only flourish. Betake
thyself not to the wilderness, or for a period only, and never longer
than forty days,—never!—if there is any help for it.
We part now,—I would that it may be lover-like, oft promising to meet
again, and hoping ever,—parted already, as it were, and distant,
perhaps, by the length and breadth of our native land, or by the wide
waters of the Atlantic,—from my heart I waft to thee a blessing and a
farewell.
FOOTNOTES
[1]This name _Kelp_ is applied to species of marine plants of the genus
_Macrocystis_ which grow profusely in the sea on the Pacific coast
of the American continent. The species particularly alluded to as
abounding on the coast of California is one of the most gigantic of
plants, having been observed upwards of three hundred feet in
length, and occurs in such immense and dense masses as to present
formidable difficulties to the navigator. For this reason many
localities of this extraordinary plant have been carefully marked in
the charts containing the results of the Coast Survey now being made
by order of the Government of the United States. All the recent
travellers in California represent it as being cast on the shore in
large quantities by the action of the sea, and it could probably be
as readily applied to the production of Barilla (carbonate of soda)
as any other marine species of the vegetable kingdom from which, in
other countries, this important article of commerce is manufactured.
[2]Nearly the whole of the Zoological portion of this important work is
omitted in the English edition (Quarto, London, 1843.)
[3]Dec. 1853.
[4]The works of this naturalist (who is Director of the Zoological
Museum in Dresden) are in the highest degree important, and in fact
indispensable to the ornithologist. In his great work, “The Complete
Natural History” (Die Volstandigate Naturgeschichte, Dresden and
Leipsic, now in the course of publication in parts), he has
undertaken to give plates of all known species of birds, and has
already published several thousand figures.
Transcriber’s Notes
—Silently corrected a few typos.
—Retained publication information from the printed edition: this eBook
is public-domain in the country of publication.
—In the text versions only, text in italics is delimited by
_underscores_.
—Left, unresolved, the confusion between “Brown-headed Finch” and
“Western Swamp Sparrow”.
—This attribution, with minor orthographic variations, appears on all
plates:
Drawn on Stone by W^m. E. Hitchcock
Geo. L. White, del. Lith^d. printed and Col^d. by J. T. Bowen,
Philad^a.
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