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PREFACE.
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
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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 us
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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 pri
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I. GENUS PARUS. Linnæus. Syst. Nat. I. p. 340. (1766.)
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
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II. GENUS LOPHOPHANES. Kaup. Skiz. Entw. Eur. Thierw. (1829.)
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 in
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III. GENUS PSALTRIA. Temminck. Pl. Col. III.
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 natura
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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 specie
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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 env
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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. Form. Very large and powerful, tail rather short, wedge shap
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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. 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
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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. 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
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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 C
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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. 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
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I. ORDER RAPTORES. THE RAPACIOUS BIRDS.
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 rec
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I. FAMILY VULTURIDÆ. THE VULTURES.
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 ar
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A.
A.
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
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B. SPECIES PROBABLY OCCURRING IN THE UNITED STATES.
B. SPECIES PROBABLY OCCURRING IN THE UNITED STATES.
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 a
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C. SPECIES, THE OCCURRENCE OF WHICH IN THE UNITED STATES IS DOUBTFUL.
C. SPECIES, THE OCCURRENCE OF WHICH IN THE UNITED STATES IS DOUBTFUL.
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 abo
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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). Form. Small, but compact, wing with the fourth quill slightly longest, tarsi and toes fully feathered, claws slender, sharp. Dimensions of a ski
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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. 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
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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. 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, secon
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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. 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
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II. FAMILY FALCONIDÆ. THE FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES, KITES.
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
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I. SUB-FAMILY FALCONINÆ. THE TYPICAL FALCONS.
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....
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A.
A.
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 resem
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II. SUB-FAMILY ACCIPITRINÆ. THE HAWKS.
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. General form, strong, but somewhat slender; bill short, curved, fest
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III. SUB-FAMILY BUTEONINÆ. THE BUZZARDS.
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. Bill short, wide at base, edges of upper mandible festooned; nostrils large, ovate; wings long, wide, fourth and fifth quills usually longest; tail
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IV. SUB-FAMILY MILVINÆ. THE KITES.
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. Bill short and weak; wings and tail very long, the former pointed, the latter deeply forked. Tarsi very short; toes short. C
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V. SUB-FAMILY AQUILINÆ. THE EAGLES.
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. 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;
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B.
B.
Doubtful and obscure species which have been described as inhabiting North America. “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
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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. Form robust; wings rather long, second and third quills longest, and nearly equal; tail rather long; bill short, rath
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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. 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
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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 Flyc
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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. 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;
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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 bl
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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. Form. Small; bill long; nearly straight; wings rather short; first quill longest, and somewhat curved; tail rather short, margi
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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. Form. Bill curved; culmen distinct; wings short; tail rather long; tarsi and toes
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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. Form. Robust and compact; bill, rather large; wings, long, with the third quills longest, all the primari
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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. Form. Small and slender; bill, moderate, rather
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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. Form. Bill, straight, wide at base, blunt and rounded, and somewhat flattened towards the point; wings, rather long, secondaries, broad and most
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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. Form. Slender; crest-like feathers of the head much elongated; wings with the fifth and sixth quills longest and nearly equal; tail, long, graduated. Di
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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 we
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III. FAMILY STRIGIDÆ. THE OWLS.
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,
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A. I. SUB-FAMILY STRIGINÆ. THE TRUE OR TYPICAL OWLS.
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. 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; wing
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II. SUB-FAMILY BUBONINÆ. THE HORNED OWLS.
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. 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, curv
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III. SUB-FAMILY SYRNIINÆ. THE GREY OWLS.
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. 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 feathe
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IV. SUB-FAMILY ATHENINÆ. THE BIRD OWLS.
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. 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; tars
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V. SUB-FAMILY NYCTEININÆ. THE DAY OWLS.
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. Size large; head large, without ear-tufts;
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B.
B.
Doubtful and obscure species which have been described as inhabiting America north of Mexico:— “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 whit
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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 t
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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. Form. About the size or rather larger than Cardinalis virginianus of North America; not strictly exhibit
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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. Form. Rather larger than Saxicola œnanthe , but very similar to that species in form and general characters and appearance; win
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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. 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
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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. Form. Head above with e
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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. Form. Bill long, strong, wide at base, with a few pairs of short, weak
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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 superc
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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 ). 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 modera
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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. 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 lengt
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II. ORDER INSESSORES. THE PERCHING 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....
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I. TRIBE FISSIROSTRES. THE GOATSUCKERS, SWALLOWS, KINGFISHERS, &c.
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 )....
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I. FAMILY CAPRIMULGIDÆ. THE GOATSUCKERS.
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....
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A.
A.
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 A
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II. GENUS CHORDEILES. Swainson, Fauna Boreali Americana, Birds, p. 496. (1831.)
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 pr
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B. OBSCURE OR LITTLE KNOWN SPECIES OF THIS FAMILY.
B. OBSCURE OR LITTLE KNOWN SPECIES OF THIS FAMILY.
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
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II. FAMILY HIRUNDINIDÆ. THE SWALLOWS.
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 eve
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A.
A.
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. Tail with the two external feathers disproportionately long; others graduated. 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?
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II. SUB-FAMILY CYPSELINÆ. THE SWIFTS.
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. 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 shaft
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B. OBSCURE AND DOUBTFUL SPECIES OF THIS FAMILY.
B. OBSCURE AND DOUBTFUL SPECIES OF THIS FAMILY.
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
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III. SUB-FAMILY HALCYONIDÆ. THE KING-FISHERS.
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, t
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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 yell
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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. Form. The largest of the genus; bill long, curved; wings short, rounded,
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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. Form. Bill somewhat subulate, sharp; wing with the third quill longest; tail long, emarginate; tarsi slender; toes rather short; claws fully curved, compressed, acut
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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. 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
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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. Form. Wing long; second
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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. 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, emar
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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, an
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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 . Form. The largest of Woodpeckers; bill long, wide at base, th
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DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.
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, whi
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