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| ar igh \ . BY I%-P. GIRAUD, Jx:, - MEMBER OF THE LYCEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, NEW-YORK, CORRESPONDING ; » MEMBER OF meres ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES, PHILADELPHIA, &C.,
i: Asia ate ant NEW-YORK: } PUBLISHED ‘BY’ WILEY & PUTNAM, 161 BROADWAY. ty a oe Seer _ Tobitt’s Print, 9 Spruce st.
ENTKOBUCTLON.
The great expense attending works embellished with costly en- gravings, as well as the strictly scientific character of most works treating of Natural History, limits such subjects comparatively to the few. Frequent complaints of this nature have induced me to offer the present volume, with a view of: placing within the reach of the “gunners,” the means of becoming more thoroughly acquainted with the birds frequenting Long Island.
The additions all departments of Natural History are continually receiving, is evidence, that with however much zeal and energy the different branches have been pursued, and notwithstanding the
praiseworthy exertions bestowed by those who have distinguished
themselves in their various pursuits, still we find their labors are —
not so far complete as to leave nothing for their successors. “While the Botanist, Mineralogist, Entomologist, and Concholo- gist are enriching their cabinets, the Ornithologist is finding in our vast territory * undescribed species. The “Journal of. the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia,’’ (1841,) contains an article giving the views of Dr. Bachman, relative to the course our Naturalists should pursue in the publigation’ of American species viz. “that all north of the Tropic of Cancer twenty-three and a half degrees, should be called North America—the Tropics, Tro- pical or Central America—and south of the Tropic of Capricorn,
South America.” The large scope which our Zoology embraces,
deters many persons from making collections, as they despair ever.
being able to complete them. I would therefore suggest to amateurs the propriety of commencing with a view of collecting such species
as are to be:found in their own district, taking the State or even
IV
the County in which they reside; pursuing this plan, they would be enabled to obtain such species of birds as visit their section, and also have an opportunity of studying their habits, which affords greater pleasure than labelling a dried skin, received from a dis- tance. In this way I have no doubt that many interesting facts would beacquired relative tothe migration and habitsof many species of which at present we know but little ; and it is highly probable that new species would be discovered even in those sections supposed to be thoroughly explored, leaving the remote re- gions to the taste and liberality of travellers, or to some adventu- rous spirit like Townsend, who enriched our Ornithology by disco- veries made during his journey across the Rocky Mountains, and along the shores of the Columbia River. » The occurrence on Long Island of many species that are rarely on a vor never observed in other parts of the middle districts, will doubt- . ppear somewhat remarkable to those who are unacquainted with the locality ; but when they examine the map, and find that this lengthy and comparatively narrow Island extends. some dis- tance into the ocean nearly at right angles with the southern por- tion of the coast of the United States, comprising within its bound- aries numerous bays, inlets, shoals, and bars, abounding with all the varieties of food peculiar to almost every species of marine birds, it will not seem surprising that those species which are more abundant in the higher as well as the more temperate latitudes, should, in their wanderings, visit these hospitable shores.— Not only is our section the resort for nearly every species of Water Bird found within the limits of the United States, but out of more than five hundred birds now ascertained to belong to North
America, two hundred and eighty-six have been known to
visit this far-famed Island. Indeed, no portion of our country, of —
the same extent, is richer in resources for the student of Natural
f
vV
History, or more inviting to the sportsman, than this garden of the middle districts. Its Great South Bay, “ occupying a distance of
seventy miles’ uninterrupted inland navigation,” with its sea-washed
shores, abounding with numerous species of shell and other fish, |
doubtless contains treasure’ unknown to the Ichthyologist and Conchologist. Its variety of soil affords an excellent field to the Botanist, and its alluvial formations furnish much that is interest- ing to those pursuing the grand and comprehensive science of Geo- logy. The frequent occurrence of those beautiful streams for which the Island is so justly celebrated, excites the admiration of the Angler ; and the noble Buck roams proudly through its forests. Often when examining the shell banks, (the Indian’s mint) found on the margins of many creeks, in search of some relic of by-gone days, have I wandered back into the past, and readily imagined that the primitive inhabitants have on this productive Is- land enjoyed all that is pictured in the red man’s happiest dream of paradise. A few half-breeds still cling to the soil of their ancestors ; but the next generation will have to refer to the pages of history to point out where dwelt the once-powerful race of Montauks, and other tribes that have dwindled away before the rapid strides of civilization.
Before describing the “ Birds of Long Island,” I will here remark, that the difference in plumage and other characteris- tics, does not arise from their indiscriminately mating, as supposed by some. This cannot be; if it were, every season would pro. duce such endless varieties, that any attempt at classification would proye abortive. On the contrary, we see year after year the same broad characters which determine the Genera, with the specific markings denoting the species; and at this late period, a mew species discovered east of the Mississippi, is of rare
occurrence.
a,
» 4
It is the opinion of the writer, that those who pass through life without stopping to admire the beauty, organization, melody, or habits of Birds, rob themselves of a very great share of the pleasures of existence. In spring, when Nature has recovered from the chilling blasts of winter, and again puts forth her rieh foliage, what can be more delightful than to listen to the rich melody of our songsters, robed in their nuptial plumage, perched on the branch of the rich magnolia, arranging their splendid at- tire with studied care, as if jealous that the swelling buds would put forth blossoms that would rival them in beauty ? Joyous in- deed is it to watch the gay Humming Bird sporting around the fragrant honeysuckle, fearless of man, as if conscious of its inno- cence—little knowing that its small but brilliant body is more highly prized by him than the cumbrous form of the Vulture, here sipping the dew-drops made fragrant through the agency of the rose—there probing the peony to extract its insect prey, or hover- ing round the closed bud of the lily, impatiently waiting for the unfolding of its swelling leaflets, to revel in its luxuriance ?
The Water Birds, though not possessed of the bright plumage and sweetly-toned voice of the gaily-attired minstrels. confined to theland,havetheir charms. Pleasing is it when invited by the invigor- ating breeze, to visit the sea-shore—or perchance, when rambling along the borders of our great lakes, to mark how beautifully the providence of Nature is developed in the well-adapted forms to the habits of the “ Water Fowl,” and also to observe the regular order iG eons, at the approach of
winter, to a more geniglet —from whence, in early spring,
br e
in which large flocks move when ,|
¢
they retifii-to'the ©
esting to notice the various shades of plumage, from the gay Sum-
ee? ; : great nursery” at the North. It is also inter-
mer Duck to the sombre Surf Duck, each tinge, spot, and line showing superior intelligence ; but in this, like all other parts of Creation,
man, with his boasted knowledge, knows nothing of first causes.
4
elgg .
Vit
Some species frequent the still ponds and shady creeks; others pass their time at sea ; while many crowd our bays and harbors, con- » tributing to our support. Some feed on shelly molusca ; others subsist chiefly on vegetables; and many regale themselves on finned prey. - The great changes which birds undergo until they arrive at full and mature plumage, as well as the various changes the adults are subjected to from Spring to Autumn, teaches us that plumage is not at all times the best criterion for specific characters. Therefore the writer would urge the importance of paying attention to the bills, Gai and feet, which, with the habits and notes, are certain characters. The plumage first engages the attention of the student. This should be examined during Spring, when most of our birds appear in full and decided dress, and the notes of all our Song Birds are frequent and clearly expressed. The next is their habits, which, in some cases the peculiarities are so difficult to describe, that in a written description of closely-allied species, there may appear but a trifling difference ; yet to a close observer, the manners and cus- toms peculiar to certain species, the mode of building their nests, their eggs, &c., are sufficient of themselves to form distinctive characters. In Autumn, when those which have passed on to other districts to breed, return with their young, in whatever liverv they may then appear, the species may be determined to a certainty by recognizing its peculiar note; which, in but very few instances, can be intelligibly communicated by syllables. In other words, the place to study Ornithology is in the open air, while rambling through the woods and fields, following the water-courses ; and by frequenting the sea-shore and interior lakes—thus studying from Nature, the best of all preceptors. With those species which are of exceedingly rare occurrence, and the habits of which you have had no opportunity of observing, or tracing the plumage in its dif- ferent stages, the formation of the bills, tarsi, feet, and toes, will
assist in defining closely-allied species.
VIII
Those closet Naturalists, who study altogether from dried Specimens, are merely theorists. Such a course may serve to amuse the student who is content with acquiring only the classifi- , eation of this beautiful and highly interesting part of the animal creation, of the habits and abode of which, he knows nothing practically; to such, the poetry of Ornithology is entirely lost.
The descriptions of plumage J have taken from a collection now before me, comprising, with but few exceptions, all those species figured by Mr. Audubon in his great, and to our country, highly creditable work on the “Birds of America,” the majority of the species having been procured by my own hand. Should I, from the plain manner in which I have endeavored to point out the specific characters of those procured on Long Island, as well as, by placing within reach of those who are in daily use of the gun, a simple Book of Reference, be instrumental in adding to our already large Fauna, or acquire a further knowledge of the habits of those species which with us are but little known, the pur- pose of the writer will be accomplished.
In preparing a list of the Birds of Long Island, I have stu- diously avoided introducing any species that I have not met with, or received from the very best authority an intimation of its occur- yence in our locality. In speaking of the migrations and habits of species for which my opportunities for observation have been very limited, I have had recourse to the works of various authors, none of which have been more closely consulted than the highly instruc- tive pages of Wilson and Audubon. In comparing specimens in various stages of plumage, I have enjoyed the privilege of the valuable Cabinets of Messrs. Bell, Lawrence, and Brasher, who, from their Ornithological acquirements, as well as their acquaint- ance with the locality with which we are engaged, have contribut- ed much valuable information. J. P. GIRAUD, Jr.
New-York, June, 1843.
oY ied
TABLE
OF
FAMILY, GENERA, AND SPECIES OF THE BIRDS OF LONG ISLAND,
(ARRANGED ACCORDING TO THE CLASSIFICATION OF AUDUBON.) A a dea
FAMILY VULTURINA. VULTURINE BIRDS. GENUS CATHARTES. Turkey Vulture. Cathartes aura Turkey Vulture, or Turkey-buzzard
FAMILY FALCONIN 2. FALCONINE BIRDS. GENUS BUTEO.
Buzzard. Buteo borealis Red-tailed Buzzard ‘* Pennsylvanicus Broad-winged * “ Jagopus Rough-legged “ “ lineatus Red-shouldered “* GENUS AQUILA. Eagle. Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle GENUS HALLETUS. Sea Eagle. Haliaetus leucocephalus White-headed or Bald Eagle GENUS PANDION. Osprey. Pandion haliaetus Fish Hawk or Osprey
GENUS NAUCLERUS. Swallow-lailed Hawk.
Nauclerus furcatus Swallow-tailed Hawk GENUS FALCO. Falcon. Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon ‘¢ sparverius Sparrow ss “* columbarius Pigeon = ; GENUS ASTUR. Hawk. ~ Astur palumbarius Gos Hawk ‘« fuscus Sharp-shinned Haw
* Cooperii Cooper’s ee
x
GENUS CIRCUS. Harrier. Circus cyaneus Common Harrier or Marsh Hawk
FAMILY STRIGINZ. OWLS.
GENUS SURNIA, Day Ovwl. Surnia nyctea Snowy Owl GENUS ULULA. Mght Ovl. ~ Ulula acadica Acadian Owl GENUS SYRNIUM. Hooting Owl.
Syrnium nebulosa Barred Owl GENUS OTUS. Eared-owl. Otus vulgaris Long-eared Owl ‘* brachyotos Short-eared * GENUS BUBO. Horned owl. Bubo Virginianus Virginian Horned Ow! «aslo Mottled Horned ‘
FAMILY CAPRIMULGIN. GOAT-SUCKERS.
GENUS . CAPRIMULGUS. Goat-sucker. ‘ Caprimulgus vociferus Whip-poor-will GENUS CHORDEILES. Might Hawk.
Chordeiles Virginianus Night Hawk FAMILY CYPSELINAE. SWIFTS..
GENUS CHETURA. Spine-tail.
Chaetura pelasgia Chimney Swallow or American Swift FAMILY HIRUNDIN &. SWALLOWS. GENUS HIRUNDO. Swallow. Hirundo purpurea — Purple Martin ~ “rustica Barn Swallow ‘© bicolor White-bellied Swallow “¢ riparia Bank o “ fulva Cliff és FAMILY MUSCICAPINAE. FLYCATCHERS. GENUS MUSCICAPA. Flycatcher. Muscicapa tyrannus Tyrant Flycatcher
4 acadica Small Green-crested Flycatcher
XI
Muscicapa crinita Great Crested Flycatcher
ou fusca Pewee
fe virens Wood Pewee ae “ pusilla Least Pewee ss = ruticilla American Redstart ‘
GENUS CULICIVORA. Ginat-catcher. Culicivora cerulea Blue-gray Gnat-catcher
FAMILY SYLVICOLINAE. - WOOD WARBLERS. GENUS MYIODIOCTEs. Flycatching Warbler.
Myiodioctes mitratus Hooded Flycatching Warbler
ss Canadensis Spotted Canadian “ ff g formosa Kentucky ce tf ae Wilsonii Wilson’s 5 as
Sylvi ricola pinus discolor
“striata “ Blackburnize *¢ — maculosa WU coronata *¢ Canadensis “«« virens “ soestiva *« petechia «Americana “maritima ef castanea «« — icterocephala
Trichas Marylandica «Philadelphia
Helinaia solitaria «« _-vermivora «« chrysoptera « ~ rubricapilla
Mniotilta varia
GENUS SYLVICOLA. Wood Warbler.
Pine creeping Wood Warbler Prairie oe Black-poll “ ad Blackburnian a “e Blue-headed Yellow-rumped Yellow-crowned “ Oy Black-throated Blue. ‘“f Black-throated Green ‘‘
Yellow-poll Le if Yellow Red-poll ‘ es Blue Yellow-backed ‘“ Cape May 3 Bay-breasted = se Chestnut-sided ‘ eS
GENUS TRICHAS.
Ground Warbler. : Maryland Ground Warbler Mourning 6
GENUS HELINAIA. Swamp Warbler. Blue-winged Yellow Swamp Warbler Wor m-eating Golden-winged ae “ Nashville a ¥f GENUS MNIOTILTA. Creeping Warbler. Black-and-white Creeping Warbler
FAMILY CERTHINAE.
Certhia familiaris
Troglodytes hyemalis
wedon
a Americanus
CREEPERS. GENUS CERTHIA. Tree Creeper. Brown Tree Creeper
GENUS TROGLODYTES.
Wrens. Winter Wren House - Wood ae
XII
Troglodytes Ludovicianus Great Carolina Wren “palustris Marsh
FAMILY PARINAE.
TITS. GENUS PARUS. Tit. Parus atricapillus Black-capt Titmouse «bicolor Crested
FAMILY SYLVIANAE. WARBLERS. GENUS REGULUS. Kinglet. Regulus calendula Ruby-crowned Kingiet “ satrapa American Golden-crested Kinglet GENUS SIALIA. Blue Bird. Sialia Wilsonii Common Blue Bird
FAMILY TURDINAE. THRUSHES. GENUS ORPHEUS, Mocking-bird.
Orpheus polyglottus Gray Mocking-bird. * Carolinensis Black-capped ‘Mocking-bird, or Thrush “rufus Ferruginous oe of GENUS TURDUS. Thrushes. Turdus migratorius Red-breasted or Migratory Thrush ‘¢ mustelinus Wood “ Wilsonii Wilson’s 5 “minor Hermit eS “* olivaceous Olive-backed a FAMILY MOTACILLINAE. WAGTAILS.
pee SEIURUS. ‘ood-wagtails.
Seiurus aurocapillus Golden-crowned Wood-wagtail “« Noveeboracensis Aquatic GENUS ANTHUS. Pipit. Anthus Ludovicianus American Pipit FAMILY ALAUDINAE. LARKS. GENUS ALAUDA. ’ Lark. Alauda alpestris Shore Lark FAMILY FRINGILLINAE. FINCHES.
GENUS PLECTROPHANES. Lark Bunting. Plectrophanes nivalis Snow Lark Bunting Af Lapponica Lapland Lark Bunting
XI GENUS EMBERIZA.- Bunting.
Emberiza Americana Black-throated Bunting “< graminea Bay-winged “ «savanna Savannah re “* passerina Yellow-winged < rc “« Henslowii Henslow’s < “pusilla Field Ky ** socialis Chipping ‘** Canadensis Canada ot
GENUS NIPH#. Snow-bird. Niphae hyemalis Common Snow Bird
GENUS SPIZA. : Painted Bunting. Spiza cyanea Indigo Painted Bunting GENUS AMMODRAMUS. Shore Finch.
Ammodramus maritimus Gray Shore Finch He caudacutus Buff-breasted “ as palustris Marsh ct GENUS LINARIA. Linnet. Linaria pinus Pine Linnet ‘* minor Lesser Red-poll Linnet GENUS CARDUELIS. Goldfinch. Carduelis tristis American Goldfinch GENUS FRINGILLA. Finch. Fringilla iliaca Fox-colored Finch “* melodia Song “ “ — Pennsylvanica White-throated * “ leucophrys White-crowned “
GENUS PIPILO.
Ground Finch. Pipilo erythrophthalmus Towhe Ground Finch
GENUS ERYTHROSPIZA.
y Purple Finch.
Erythrospiza purpurea Crested Purple Finch GENUS CORYTHUS. Pine Finch.
Corythus enucleator Common Pine Finch, Pine Grosbeak GENUS LOXIA. Crossbill. Loxia curvirostra Common Crossbill “« Jeucoptera White-winged “
GENUS PITYLUS. Cardinal Grosbeak. Pitylus cardinalis Cardinal Grosbeak GENUS COCCOBORUS. Song Grosbeak. Coccoborus Ludovicianus Rose-breasted Grosbeak
xIV
GENUS PYRANGA. Tanager. Pyranga rubra Scarlet Tanager
FAMILY AGELAINA. MARSH BLACKBIRDS. GENUS DOLICHONYX.
Rice Bird. __ Dolichonyx oryzivora Rice Bird GENUS MOLOTHRUS. Cow Bird. Molothrus pecoris Cow-pen Bird
GENUS AGELAIUS. Marsh Blackbird.
Agelaius phoeniceus Red-winged Starling or Marsh Blackbird GENUS ICTERUS.
Oriole. Icterus Baltimore Baltimore Hang-nest or Oriole ‘* spurius Orchard ae Seip
GENUS QUISCALUS. Crow Blackbird.
Quiscalus versicolor Purple Grakle 9: ferrugineus Rusty se FAMILY STURNINE. STARLINGS.
GENUS STURNELLA. Meadow Starling. Sturnella Ludoviciana Crescent Meadow Starling
FAMILY CORVINAE.
CROWS. GENUS CORVUS. Crow. Corvus corax Raven “ Americanus . American Crow GENUS GARRULUS. Jay. Garrulus cristatus Blue Jay
FAMILY LANINAE. SHRIKES. GENUS LANIUS. Shrike. Lanius borealis Great American Shrike
FAMILY VIREONINAE. GREENLETS. GENUS VIREO. Greenlet. Vireo olivaceus Red-eyed Greenlet ** Noveboracensis White-eyed “
XV
Vireo flavifrons Yellow-throated Greenlet
“solitarius Solitary ae “© gilvus Warbling
FAMILY PIPRINAE. MANAKINS. GENUS ICTERIA. Chat. Icteria viridis Yellow-breasted Chat
FAMILY AMPELINAE. CHATTERERS. GENUS BOMBYCILLA. Waxwing. Bombycilla Carolinensis Cedar Waxwing “s garrula Black-throated Waxwing
FAMILY SITTINAE. NUTHATCHES. GENUS SITTA. Nuthatch. Sitta Carolinensis White-breasted Nuthatch “Canadensis Red-bellied “
FAMILY TROCHILINAE.
HUMMING BIRDS. GENUS TROCHILUS. Humming-bird.
ee
Trochilus colubris Ruby-throated Humming Bird FAMILY ALCEDINAE. KINGFISHERS.
GENUS ALCEDO.. Kingfisher. Alcedo alcyon Belted Kingfisher FAMILY PICINAE. WOODPECKERS. GENUS PICUS. Woodpecker.
Picus villosus Hairy Woodpecker “Canadensis Canadian ue “pubescens Downy e ‘“* varius Yellow-bellied “
“ Carolinus Red-bellied « ‘“« erythrocephalus Red-heeded as “auratus Golden-winged “ FAMILY CUCULINE. CUCKOOS. GENUS COCCYZUS. Cuckoo. Coccyzus Americanus Yellow-billed Cuckoo
“« erythrophthalmus Black-billed o
XVI
FAMILY COLUMBINAE.
PIGEONS. GENUS ECTOPISTES- Long-tailed Dove. Ectopistes migratoria Wandering Long-tailed Dove a Carolinensis Carolina
FAMILY PERDICINAE. PARTRIDGES. GENUS ORTYX.- Pariridge. Ortyx Virginiana Common American Partridge
FAMILY TETRAONINA. GROUSE. GENUS TETRAO. Grouse. Tetrao umbellus Ruffed Grouse “ cupido Pinnated “
FAMILY RALLIN 45. RAILS.
GENUS GALLINULA. Gallinule. Gallinula chloropus Common Gallinule “¢ Martinica Purple Be GENUS FULICA. ~ Coot. Felica Americana American Coot GENUS. ORTYGOMETRA. ' Crake Gallinule.
Ortygometra Carolinus Carolina Crake Gallinule Noveeboracensis Yellow-breasted * GENUS RALLUS. Rail. Rallus crepitans Clapper Rail or Salt-water Marsh Hen “ Virgioianus Virginian Rail “elegans Great Red-breasted ‘“ or Fresh-
water Marsh Hen
FAMILY CHARADRINAE.
PLOVERS. GENUS CHARADRIUS. Plover. , Charadrius helveticus Black-bellied Plover ee marmoratus American Golden“ es semipalmatus American Ringed“ se Wilsonius Wilson’s ce sf melodius Piping =
6 vociferus Kildeer an
XVIL '
GENUS STREPSILAS.
Strepsilas interpres
Turnstcne. Turnstone
GENUS H#MATOPUS.
Haematopus palliatus
Oyster-catcher. American Oyster-catcher
FAMILY SCOLOPACINLE.
Tringa islandica
‘© Bartramia alpina rufescens himantopus pectoralis maritima subarquata semipalmata pusilla Schinz Calidris (Tringa) arenaria
SNIPES. GENUS TRINGA.
Sandpiper. Red-breasted Sandpiper Bartram’s Red-backed Buff-breasted Long-legged Pectoral Purple Curlew Semipalmated Wilson’s Schinz’s Sanderling
GENUS PHALAROPUS.
Phalaropus fulicarius
Lobipes Wilsonii ““« Hyperboreus
Phalarope. Red Phalarope GENUS LOBIPES. Lobefoot. Wilson’s Lobefoot hyperborean ‘*
GENUS TOTANUS.
Totanus flavipes
‘© vociferus semipalmatus solitarius macularius
“e “ec
ac
Limosa Fedoa “« Hudsonica
Lailer. Yellow-shanks Tatler Tell-tale G3 Semipalmated Solitary Spotted
“ce
GENUS LIMOSA.
Godwit. Great Marbled Godwit Hudsonian
GENUS SCOLOPAX.
Scolopax Wilsonii « Noveboracensis
Snipe. Wilson’s Snipe Red-breasted ‘*
GENUS MICROPTERA.
Microptera Americana c
Bogsucker. American Woodcock
XVIII
GENUS RECURVIROSTRA.
Avocet. Recurvirostra Americana American Avocet
GENUS HIMANTOPUS.
Sult. Himantopus nigricollis Black-necked Stilt GENUS NUMENIUS. Curlew. Numenius longirostris Long-billed Curlew 6 Hudsonicus Hudsonian “ a borealis Esquimaux ce FAMILY TANTALINAE. IBISES. GENUS IBIS. Ibis alba ‘ White Ibis FAMILY ARDEINAE. HERONS. , GENUS ARDEA. Ardea Herodias Great Blue Heron ‘© Nycticorax Black-crown’d Night Heron “© yiolacea Yellow-crowned ss ‘© Tudoviciana Louisiana a“ “ coernlea Biue s6 * candidissima Snowy ue “virescens Green « «* lentiginosa American Bittern “ exilis Least ce « Egretta Great American White Egret FAMILY ANATINAE. DUCKS. GENUS ANSER. Goose. Anser Canadensis Canada Goose « — Hutchinsii Hutchins o « Bernicla Brent ee “ albifrons White-fronted‘* “© hyperboreus Snow ce
GENUS CYGNUS. Swan.
Cygnus Americanus American Swan
xIxX
GENUS ANAS. Fresh-water Duck.
Anas Boschas Mallard ‘© obscura Dusky Duck strepera Gadwall “Americana American Widgeon “Penelope Widyeon “© acuta Pintail ** sponsa Summer Duck “ Carolinensis Green-winged Teal ** discors Blue-wiieed ks “ clypeata Shoveller Duck
GENUS FULIGULA. Sea Duck.
Fuligula valisneriana Canvass-back Duck “© ferina Jied-headed oe “ marila Scaup ie “minor Les-er Scaup a « rufitorques Ring-necked or tufted Duck “ rubida Ruddy Wi “© abradora Pied Ke se fusca Velvet “ “¢ perspicillata Surf $f se Americana Scoter seg “¢ mollissima E der me s« spec ablis King ae “© clangula Go'den eye < « albeola ' Buffel or Buffalo-headed “ “ histrionica Harlequin ae “« glacialis Long-tailed “
FAMILY MERGINAE. MERGANSERS.
GENUS MERGUS.
Merganser.
Mergus Merganser Bull-breasted Merganser or Goosander
a cucuilatus Heuded ot “| serrator Red-breasted Merganser
FAMILY PELECANINA.
PELICANS. GENUS PHALACROCORAX. Cormorant.
Phalacrocorax carbo Common Cormorant
te dilophus Double-crested “
XX
GENUS SULA.
Gannet. Sula bassana Common Gannet FAMILY LARINA. GULLS. GENUS RHYNCHOPS. Skimmer. Rhynchops nigra Black Skimmer . GENUS STERNA. Tern.
Sterna Hirundo Common Tern
“¢ minuta Least “ “ Dougalli Roseate at “nigra Black a “© Anglica Marsh 6 ‘© 'Trudeauii Trudeau’s ‘ “ Cayana Cayenne oe GENUS LARUS. Gulls.
Larus argentatus Herring or Silvery Gull “ atricilla Black-beaded WG ‘© Bonapartii Bonaparte’s ss “© zonorhynchus Common or Ring-billed * “ tridactylus Kitiiwake ss “marinus Great Black-backed cs © Sabini Fork-tailed ss ‘* glaucus Glaucous a
FAMILY PROCELLARIN&. FULMARS. GENUS LESTRIS. Jager.
Lestris parasiticus, Arctic Jager “ pomarinus Pomarine ‘
“« Richardsonii Richardson’s Jager GENUS PUFFINUS. Shearwater.
Puffinus cinereus Wandering Shearwater «© anglorum Manks eS “« obscurus Dusky eg
GENUS THALASSIDROMA. Petrel.
Thalassidroma Wilsonii Wilson’s Petrel a Leachii Fork-tailed ‘“ we pelagica Least as
FAMILY ALCIN&. AUKS. GENUS MORMON. Puffin.
Mormon arcticus Common or Arctic Puffin
XXI
GENUS ALCA.
Auk. Alca Torda Razor-billed Auk : GENUS MERGULUS. Sea Dove. Mergulus alle Common Sea Dove GENUS URIA. } Guillemot. Uria troile ’, Foolish Guillemot “ gryllé. Black og FAMILY COLYMBINZ. DIVERS AND GREBES. GENUS COLYMBUS. Diver. Colymbus glacialis Great Northern Diver “s septentrionalis Red-throated Ss GENUS PODICEPS. Grebe. Podiceps cornutus Horned Grebe “ Carolinensis Pied-bill « “ cristatus Crested ss
6s rubricollis Red-necked ‘*
ERRATA.
Page 16, 9th line from bottom, for the large majority, read a large majority. 17 10 Ke
Me ceral ” central 19 5 y top ”’ than anyofthis genus ’”’ than any other of this genus. 31 " Caprimulgenae ” Caprimulginae. 31 5 ” bottom, ” preceding ” succeeding. 32 17 es 7 ”* throat and a band on the sides of the neck, in form
an inverted V—read—throat white, as also a band on the sides of the neck, which form an inverted V.
34 for Herendinae, read Hirundinae.
45 1st and 2d line spec. char., for—basal half of wings three fourth the length of tail feathers; sides of the body bright reddish-orange, read—basal half of wings three fourths the length of tail, and the sides of the body bright reddish-orange.
57 6th line from top, for first read finest.
61 martima read maritima. 134 8 a ” extent read wing. 149 * ” Corvax read Corvus. 155 for Larinae read Laninae.
189 20th line from top, after the word October, insert the words—the birds. 193 9th line from the bottom, for birds read buds. ‘ 200 9th line from the hottom, for former read latter. 216 for Cladrius read Charadrius 261 2d line from bottom, for tarsi read tail. 276 8th line trom bottom, after eighteen, insert inches. 312 5th line from bottom, for crowns, read coverts. 312 5th line from bottom, for secondaries black, read inner, &c. 334 Gth line from top, for entire plumage white, read entire lower plumage white. 343 6th line from bottom, for tail of kl feathers, read tail of 14 feathers. 349 2d line from top, for eight read seven. 359 for Lanius read Larus. 362 for Larus Sabina Sabinii read Lanus Sabini Sabine. 366 first line of spec. char. for length read breadth. “ third line from the bottom, for Maine read May. 372 19th line from top, for there read they. 380 Ist line, before Racket Lake, insert the words—neighborhood of.
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FAMILY VULTURINE.
VULTURINE BIRDS.
GENUS CATHARTES—ILLIGER.
TURKEY VULTURE.
{Bill of moderate length, rather slender, somewhat compressed—upper man- dible with its dorsal ottline nearly straight, covered to the middle by the cere; nostrils oval, pervious, naked; head and upper part of the neck naked ; body heavy; wings long and broad: tail nearly even, of moderate length ; tarsi short ; claws strong, arched.]
CATHARTES AURA—LINN. TURKEY VULTURE, OR TURKEY BUZZARD.
Turkey Vulture, or Turkey Buzzard, Vulture aura, Wils. Amer. Orn. Cathartes aura, Bonap. Syn. Cathartes aura, Turkey Vulture, Sw. & Rich.
Turkey Vulture, or Turkey Buzzard, Nutt. Man.
Turkey Buzzard, Cathartes aura, Aud. Orn. Biog.
Specific Characters—Head and upper part of the neck red. Adult with the head and neck red, naked; nape covered with short, downy feathers; plumage blackish-brown, deeper on the un- der parts; feet flesh-color, tinged with yellow. Young with the head and naked part of the neck dull flesh-color; wing-coverts spotted with dull white; in other respects, same as the adult. Length of adult two feet and a half, wing twenty-one inches and three quarters.
The Turkey Buzzard, well known in the Southern and Western States, is of rare occurrence in the vicinity of New York. In the
1
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State of New J ersey it is more common, and breeds there. Mr. Bell found it breeding at Cape May; the a was sitting on two egos, which were deposited in the hollow stump of a decayed tree.
The Turkey Buzzard is noted for its ravenous and gluttonous disposition. After having regaled itself on the carcase of a dead horse or other quadruped, it retires to a neighboring fence or tree, witere it remains for hours in stupid indolence, presenting a loath- some sight. In the southern cities it is protected by law, and _per- forms the duty of scavenger, and is seen about the streets and mar- ket places in company with the Black Vulture, or Carrion Crow, [C. atratus| which is employed in the same service.
The food of the Turkey Buzzard is chiefly carrion, and when opportunity offers, it will sometimes gorge itself to such a degree as _ to be incapable of rising. Inthe New England States I am not aware that it is ever seen ; stragglers only reach Long Island, and not long since, an individual was shot at English Neighborhood, a few miles above the city of New York.
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FAMILY FALCONIN &.
FALCONINE BIRDS.
GENUS BUTEO—BECHET.
BUZZARD.
[Upper mandible rounded, hooked, lobe obtuse ; sides of the lower mandible bent inwards ; head large, flattened above ; neck short, body stout; tarsi short, stout.]
BUTEO BOREALIS—GMEL. RED-TAILED HAWK OR BUZZARD.
Red-tailed Hawk, Falco borealis, Wils. Amer. Orn. Buteo borealis, Red-tailed Buzzard, Sw. & Rich. Red-tailed Hawk or Buzzard, Falco borealis, Nutt. Man. Red-tailed Hawk, Falco borealis, Aud. Orn. Biog.
Specific Characters—Tail bright reddish-brown, with a narrow black band near the end. Adult male with the upper parts dark brown; the upper part of the head and hind neck lighter; wings dark brown, barred with black; tail bright reddish-brown, with a black band near the end and tipped with dull white; lower parts yellowish-white. Female with the lower parts white, and the color of the upper plumage rather duller than that of the male. Young with yellowish-red markings on the upper parts ; lower parts yellowish-white, marked on the abdomen and sides of the body with longish spots of blackish-brown, and on the fore part and sides of the breast with reddish-brown; tail grayish-brown, tipped with white, with a similar ‘band near the end, as in the adult, but lighter. Length of male twenty inches, wing fifteen. Female about three inches longer.
The Red-tailed or “ Hen Hawk,” is found in all parts of the United States, and is with us a constant resident. During sum- mer it is said to be quite common in the Fur countries.
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Its flight is vigorous, and it is capable of sustaining itself on the wing for a long time. It sweeps over the surface of the ground in pursuit of mice and frogs, and performs its graceful and erial evo- lutions at so great a heicht as to appear no larger than a Swallow. At this distance it carefully observes what is passing below—and should an object as small as an unfledged Partridge present itself, its fate is sealed. Having espied its prey, it suddenly checks its
course, and usually alights on the nearest tree, from which it de- _scends in such a direct line that it seldom misses the object of its pursuit.
Shy and suspicious, it is difficult to approach unless on horse- back or in a wagon, when you can advance within gun-shot with- out exciting alarm. I have occasionally seen it sitting on theshrub | oaks, though usually it alights on the uppermost branches of the tallest forest trees, and selects similar situations to build its nest.
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BUTEO PENNSYLVANICUS—WILSON.
BROAD-WINGED BUZZARD.
Broad-winged Hawk, Falco Pennsylvanicus, Wils. Amer. Orn. Falco Pennsylvanicus, Bonap. Syn.
Broad-winged Hawk, Falco Pennsylvanicus, Nutt. Man. Broad-winged Hawk, Falco Pennsylvanicus, Aud. Om. Biog.
Specific Characters—Body compact ; tarsi rather short, feathered in front full half their length; wings exceedingly broad in propor- tion to the length of the body. Adult with the upper parts umber brown ; tail dark brown, with two white bands; quills blackish- brown, the larger part of the inner webs white; a blackish-brown band. from the mouth backwards; lower parts yellowish-white, marked with spots of dark brown, which markings are rather more numerous on the breast; body compact; tarsi rather short and strong. Young with the upper parts brown, the feathers margined and tipped with reddish-brown and white; tail grayish-brown, barred with darker; lower parts yellowish-white, marked with dusky spots. Length fifteen inches, wing eleven anda half. Fe- male three inches longer.
The discovery of this species is due to Wilson, who met with two specimens in the woods near the Schuylkill, which appear to be all that came under his observation. On Long Island it is exceedingly rare, nor do I know of its being usually common any where in the vicinity of New York; though my friend Mr. Bell has informed me that he had the good fortune to obtain seven, and saw several others, during one day, when collecting in Rockland County ; but previous to, and since that period, he has seldom seen it. According to the observations of Mr. Audubon, in Virginia and Maryland, and in all the States to the eastward of these, it is by no means a scarce species.
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BUTEO LAGOPUS—VIGORS. ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD.
Black Hawk, Falco niger, Wils. Amer. Orn.
Falco lagopus, Bonap. Syn.
Buteo lagopus, Rough-legged Buzzard, Sw. & Rich. Rough-legged Falco lagopus, Aud. Orn. Biog.
Specific Character—Tarsi feathered their entire length. Adult with a white patch on the forehead and hind part of the neck; rest - parts blackish-brown ; wing quills and tail feathers white towards their bases, that color extending over the larger portion of the inner webs of the primaries ; tarsi feathered to the toes. Young with the head and neck yellowish-white, streaked with dusky ; the fore part of the breast of a more decided yellow, and marked with brownish black spots ; the middle and lower portion of the breast blackish- brown ; the rest of the lower parts pale yellowish-red ; upper parts dark brown, the feathers broadly edged with yellowish-white and light reddish-brown ; at the base of the tail feathers a broad band of pale yellowish-white, some of the feathers spotted with ‘light reddish-brown. Length of male twenty-one inches, wing fif- teen and three quarters. Female twenty-four inches and a half, wing seventeen and three quarters.
This is another species by no means common to Long Island. The few that I have met with I have observed coursing over the necks of land, and reconnoitering about the creeks in pursuit of mice and wounded birds, which are doubtless the attraction to these low, moist situations. The Rough-legged Buzzard displays much less activity on the wing than most other species; its flight is heavy, and it is usually seen passing low and leisurely over its hunting grounds.
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BUTEO LINEA TUS—GMEL.
RED-SHOULDERED HAWK.
Falco lineatus, Wils. Amer. Orn.
Winter Falcon, Falco hyemalis, Wils. Amer. Orn.
Falco hyemalis, Bonap. Syn.
Winter Falcon, or Red-shouldered Hawk, Falco hyemalis, Nutt. Man. Red-shouldered Hawk, Falco lineatus, Aud. Orn. Biog.
Winter Hawk, Falco hyemalis, Aud. Orn. Biog.
Specific Character—Lesser wing-coverts bright reddish-brown. Adult with the upper parts deep brown ; fore part of the back dark- er, the feathers margined with reddish-brown; primaries blackish- brown, barred and tipped with white ; secondaries barred and tip: ped with white, the outer webs shaded with reddish-brown; tail blackish-brown, distinctly crossed with four white bands, and rather broadly tipped with white; lesser wing coverts bright reddish brown, their centres marked with black; lower parts light reddish brown, longitudinally streaked with black ; abdomen crossed with white ; lower tail-coverts dull white, with a few brownish-red spots; tibial feathers yellowish-red, barred with deep reddish brown. Young with the upper parts brown, the feathers edged with dull white, and shaded with yellowish-red ; primaries blackish brown towards their ends; rest parts dull white, crossed with black, and shaded with yellowish-red ; tail alternately barred with blackish-brown and grayish-brown ; lower parts white, the ends of the feathers marked with large spots of hair-brown; tibial feathers tinged with dull yellowish-red ; the red markings on the shoulders not so fully developed as in the adult. Length of male twenty inches, wing twelve and a quarter.
This fine Hawk, more plentiful than the preceding, is rarely observed with us except during winter. It possesses most of the manners of the Red-tailed Hawk, and like that species preys on poultry and small birds.
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GENUS AQUILA—BRISSON:
EAGLE.
[Bill very robust, angular above ; tarsi feathered to the toes ; feet very stout—middle toe longest, connected at base by a membrane. }
AQUILA CHRYSAETOS—LINN. GOLDEN EAGLE.
Ring-tailed Eagle, Falco fulvus, Wils. Amer. Orn. Royal or Golden Eagle, Nutt. Man. Golden Eagle, Falco chrysetos, Aud. Orn. Biog.
Specific Character—Tarsi feathered to the toes. Adult with the bill bluish-gray; cere yellow; iris hair-brown; general color of plumage dark brown, glossed with purple; occiput, hind part and sides of the neck light brownish-yellow ; wing-coverts light brown; primary quills brownish-black; tail rounded, the feathers dark brown, irregularly marked with dull white ; lower tail-coverts light yellowish-brown, as are the feathers which cover the tibia and tarsi; feet yellowish ; claws black. Young with the tail at the base white, which color continues about three-fourths its length. Length of male two feet six inches, wing twenty-five inches. Female six inches longer.
The finest specimen of this noble bird which I ever saw, was shot in the township of Islip, Long Island, and is now contained in the collection of the late H. C. De Rham. With us it is exceed- ingly rare, and it is not common in any part of the United States. Occasionally it