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[Illustration: 004
PASSENGER OR WILD PIGEON
Female. Male. Young.]
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THE BIRD BOOK
ILLUSTRATING IN NATURAL COLORS
MORE THAN SEVEN HUNDRED
NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS;
ALSO SEVERAL HUNDRED
PHOTOGRAPHS OF THEIR
NESTS AND EGGS
BY
CHESTER A. REED, B. S.
[Illustration 005: Printer's Mark.]
GARDEN CITY, NEW YORK
DOUBLEDAY, PAGE & COMPANY
1915
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_Copyright, 1914, by_
CHARLES K. REED
_All rights reserved, including that of
translation into foreign languages,
including the Scandinavian._
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[Illustration 007: BARN OWL.]
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[Illustration 008: TOPOGRAPHY OF A BIRD.]
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Diving Birds. Order I. Pygopodes 10
Grebes. Family Colymbidæ 11
Loons. Family Gaviidæ 17
Auks, Murres and Puffins. Family Alcidæ 21
Long-winged Swimmers. Order II. Longipennes 35
Skuas and Jægers. Family Stercoraridæ 35
Gulls and Terns. Family Laridæ 38
Skimmers. Family Rynchopidæ 58
Tube-nosed Swimmers. Order III. Tubinares 59
Albatrosses. Family Diomedeidæ 59
Fulmars, Shearwaters and Petrels. Family Procellariidæ 61
Totipalmate Swimmers. Order IV. Steganopodes 72
Tropic Birds. Family Phæthontidæ 72
Gannets. Family Sulidæ 74
Darters. Family Anhingidæ 77
Cormorants. Family Phalacrocoracidæ 78
Pelicans. Family Pelecanidæ 83
Man-o'-War Birds. Family Fregatidæ 86
Lamellirostral Swimmers. Order V. Anseres 87
Ducks, Geese and Swans. Family Anatidæ 87
Lamellirostral Grallatores. Order VI. Odontoglossæ 115
Flamingoes. Family Phœnicopteridæ 115
Herons, Storks, Ibises, etc. Order VII. Herodiones 115
Spoonbills. Family Plataleidæ 115
Ibises. Family Ibididæ 117
Storks and Wood Ibises. Family Ciconiidæ 118
Herons, Bitterns, etc. Family Ardeidæ 119
Cranes, Rails, etc. Order VIII. Paludicolæ 127
Cranes. Family Gruidæ 127
Courlans. Family Aramidæ 129
Rails, Gallinules and Coots. Family Rallidæ 131
Shore Birds. Order IX. Limicolæ 137
Phalaropes. Family Phalaropodidæ 137
Avocets and Stilts. Family Recurvirostridæ 139
Snipes, Sandpipers, etc. Family Scolopacidæ 140
Plovers. Family Charadriidæ 161
Surf Birds and Turnstones. Family Aphrizidæ 169
Oyster-catchers. Family Hæmatopodidæ 170
Jacanas. Family Jacanidæ 172
Gallinaceous Birds. Order X. Gallinæ 175
Grouse, Partridges, etc. Family Odontophoridæ 175
Turkeys. Family Meleagridæ 178
Curassows and Guans. Family Cracidæ 191
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Pigeons. Order XI. Columbæ 192
Pigeons. Family Columbidæ 192
Birds of Prey. Order XII. Raptores 198
American Vultures. Family Cathartidæ 198
Hawks, Eagles, etc. Family Buteonidæ 201
Falcons, etc. Family Falconidæ 218
Osprey. Family Pandionidæ 225
Barn Owls. Family Aluconidæ 227
Owls. Family Strigidæ 227
Parrots, Paroquets. Order XIII. Psittaci 241
Parrots and Paroquets. Psittacidæ 241
Cuckoos, etc. Order XIV. Coccyges 241
Cuckoos, Anis, etc. Family Cuculidæ 241
Trogons. Family Trogonidæ 246
Kingfishers. Family Alcedinidæ 247
Woodpeckers, Wrynecks, etc. Order XV. Pici 249
Woodpeckers. Family Picidæ 249
Goatsuckers, Swifts, etc. Order XVI. Macrochires 262
Goatsuckers, etc. Family Caprimulgidæ 263
Swifts. Family Micropodidæ 268
Hummingbirds. Family Trochilidæ 271
Perching Birds. Order XVII. Passeres 280
Cotingas. Family Cotingidæ 280
Tyrant Flycatchers. Family Tyrannidæ 280
Larks. Family Alaudidæ 297
Crows, Jays, Magpies, etc. Family Corvidæ 300
Starlings. Family Sturnidæ 314
Blackbirds, Orioles, etc. Family Icteridæ 314
Finches, Sparrows, etc. Family Fringillidæ 324
Tanagers. Family Tangaridæ 369
Swallows. Family Hirundinidæ 372
Waxwings. Family Bombycillidæ 375
Shrikes. Family Laniidæ 376
Vireos. Family Vireonidæ 378
Honey Creepers. Family Cœrebidæ 385
Warblers. Family Mniotiltidæ 385
Wagtails. Family Motacillidæ 418
Dippers. Family Cinclidæ 419
Wrens. Family Troglodytidæ 423
Thrashers, etc. Family Mimidæ 429
Creepers. Family Certhiidæ 430
Nuthatches. Family Sittidæ 431
Titmice. Family Paridæ 431
Warblers, Kinglets, Gnatcatchers. Family Sylviidæ 433
Thrushes, Solitaires, Bluebirds, etc. Family Turdidæ 442
Index 450
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[Illustration 011: BALTIMORE ORIOLE.]
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THE BIRD BOOK
DIVING BIRDS. Order I. PYGOPODES
GREBES. Family COLYMBIDÆ
Grebes are birds having a ducklike body, but with pointed bills. Their
feet, too, are unlike those of the Ducks, each toe having its separate
web, and having a broad flat nail. Their wings are very small for the
size of the body, making it impossible for them to rise in flight from
the land. They rise from the water by running a few yards along the
surface until they have secured sufficient headway to allow them to
launch themselves into the air. After having risen from the water their
flight is very swift and strong. On land they are very awkward and can
only progress by a series of awkward hops; they generally lie flat on
their breasts, but occasionally stand up, supporting themselves upon
their whole tarsus. Grebes, together with the Loons, are the most expert
aquatic birds that we have, diving like a flash and swimming for an
incredible distance under water.
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1. WESTERN GREBE. _Aechmophorus occidentalis_.
Range.--Western parts of North America, from southern Alaska southward;
east to Minnesota and south in winter to the southern parts of the
United States and Mexico. Breeds from the Dakotas and northern
California northward. These are the largest of the American Grebes;
owing to their unusually long necks, they are frequently called "Swan
Grebes." They are very timid birds and conceal themselves in the rushes
on the least suspicion of danger. At times, to escape observation, they
will entirely submerge their body, leaving only their head and part of
the long neck visible above the water. This Grebe cannot be mistaken for
any other because of the long slender neck and the long pointed bill,
which has a slight upward turn. They nest abundantly in the marshes of
North Dakota and central Canada. Their nests are made of decayed rushes,
and are built over the water, being fastened to the rushes so that the
bottom of the nest rests in the water. The nesting season is at its
height during the latter part of May. They lay from three to five eggs,
the ground color of which is a pale blue; this color is, however, always
concealed by a thin chalky deposit, and this latter is frequently
stained to a dirty white. Size 2.40 × 1.55.
2. HOLBOELL'S GREBE. _Colymbus holboellii._
Range.--Throughout North America, breeding from northern United States
northward and wintering from the middle to the southern portions of the
United States. In regard to size this Grebe comes next to the Western,
being 19 in. in length. This bird can be distinguished by the white
cheeks and throat and the reddish brown foreneck. They breed abundantly
in the far north placing their floating islands of decayed vegetation in
the water in the midst of the marsh grass. They lay from three to six
eggs of a dingy white color which have the stained surface common to
Grebes eggs. Size 2.35 × 1.25.
[Illustration 013: Chalky bluish white, stained buff.]
[Illustration: Western Grebe Holboell's Grebe.]
[Illustration: White, stained buff.]
[Illustration: Right-hand margin.]
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[Illustration 014: Walter Raine
NEST AND EGGS OF HOLBOELL'S GREBE
Lake Winnipegosis, Manitoba.]
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3. HORNED GREBE. Colymbus auritus.
Range.--The whole of North America, breeding in the interior from North
Dakota northwest; winters along the Gulf Coast. This species is one of
the most beautiful of the Grebes, having in the breeding season buffy
ear tufts, black cheeks and throat, and chestnut neck, breast and sides.
They breed abundantly in the marshy flats of North Dakota and the
interior of Canada. They build a typical Grebe's nest, a floating mass
of decayed matter which stains the naturally white eggs to a dirty
brown. The number of eggs varies from three to seven. Size 1.70 × 1.15.
Data.--Devils Lake, N. Dakota, June 20, 1900. 6 eggs much stained. Nest
floating in 4 ft. of water, a large mass of rotten rushes and weeds.
Collector. James Smalley.
4. EARED GREBE. _Colymbus nigricollis californicus._
Range.--North America west of the Mississippi, breeding from Texas to
Manitoba and wintering along the Pacific Coast of the United States and
from Texas southward.
Eared Grebes differ from the preceding in having the entire neck
blackish. They nest very abundantly throughout the west, in favorable
localities, from Texas to Minnesota and Dakota. Their nests are
constructed in the same manner as the preceding varieties and are
located in similar localities. As do all the Grebes when leaving the
nest, they cover the eggs with the damp rushes from around the base of
the nest. This is probably for the purpose of assisting incubation
during their absence, by the action of the sun's rays on the wet mass.
As they are nearly always thus covered upon the approach of anyone, this
may be done also as a protection from discovery. They lay from three to
eight bluish white eggs with the usual chalky and discolored appearance.
The breeding season is at its height early in June, or earlier, in the
southern portion of its range. Size 1.75 × 1.20. Data.--Artesian, S.
Dakota, June 21, 1899. Nest of rushes, floating in three feet of water.
Large colony in a small lake. Collector, F. A. Patton.
[Illustration 015: Horned Grebe. Eared Grebe.]
[Illustration: Buffy white, nest stained.]
[Illustration: Bluish white, stained.]
[Illustration: right hand margin.]
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[Illustration 016: Walter Raine
NEST AND EGGS OF HORNED GREBE
Saltcoats Marshes, Assiniboia, June 6, 1901.]
[Illustration left margin.]
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5. MEXICAN GREBE. _Colymbus dominicus brachypterus._
Range.--Southern Texas and Lower California southward to South America,
breeding throughout its range.
The Least Grebe is by far the smallest of the Grebes in this country,
being but 10 in. in length; it can not be mistaken for any other, the
Eared Grebe being the only species of this family found in the same
localities during the summer. These little Grebes nest very abundantly
along the Rio Grande Valley in Texas, the nesting season lasting from
the latter part of May until well into December.
Their nests are floating piles of grass and weeds upon which they lay
from three to five chalky white eggs, which are always discolored,
sometimes to a deep chocolate hue. These eggs average a great deal
darker in color than do any of the other Grebes. In a series of fifty
sets fully half were a rich brown tint. Size 1.40 × .95.
6. PIED-BILLED GREBE. _Podilymbus podiceps._
Range.--From the British provinces southward to Argentine Republic,
breeding locally throughout the northern portions of its range.
The Dabchick, as this bird is called, is the most evenly distributed
bird of this family. It is nowhere especially abundant, nor is it,
except in a very few localities, regarded as rare. Consequently it is
the best known bird of the species. They do not congregate in such large
numbers as the other Grebes during the nesting season, but one or more
pairs may be found in almost any favorable locality. These birds render
their floating nest a little more substantial than those of the
preceding varieties by the addition of mud which they bring up from the
bottom of the pond; this addition also tends to soil the eggs more,
consequently the eggs of this bird are, as a general rule, browner than
the other Grebes with the exception of the Least. The bird may always be
known by the shape of its bill which is higher than it is broad, and in
the summer is white with a black band across the middle. The throat is
also black at this season. They lay from five to nine eggs commencing
about the middle of May. Size 1.70 × 1.18.
[Illustration 017: Deep buff or rich brown.]
[Illustration: Mexican Grebe. Pied-billed Grebe.]
[Illustration: Deep buff.]
[Illustration: right-hand margin.]
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[Illustration 018: PIED-BILLED GREBE.]
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LOONS. Family GAVIIDAE
Loons may be likened to gigantic Grebes from which they differ
externally, chiefly in the full webbed foot instead of the individually
webbed toes of the Grebe, and in the sharper, more pointed and
spear-like bill. These birds are similar in their habits to the Grebes,
except that their homes are generally more substantially built and are
placed upon a solid foundation, generally upon an island in some inland
lake.
Both Loons and Grebes are literally "Water witches," being practically,
and in the case of Grebes, actually, born in the water and living in it
ever afterwards. Loons are strong fliers, but like the Grebes, because
of their small wings they must get their first impetus from the water in
order to rise; in case there is any wind blowing they also make use of
this by starting their flight against it. They are very peculiar birds
and the expression "crazy as a loon" is not a fanciful one, being formed
from their early morning and evening antics when two or more of them
will race over the top of the water, up and down the lake, all the while
uttering their demoniacal laughter. They vie with the Grebes in diving
and disappear at the flash of a gun.
[Illustration 019: EGG OF LOON. Dark greenish brown.]
[Illustration: right hand margin.]
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7. LOON. _Gavia immer._
Range.--North America north of the Mexican boundary, breeding from the
northern parts of the United States northward.
Unlike the Grebes, Loons do not build in colonies, generally not more
than one, or at the most two pairs nesting on the same lake or pond;
neither do they seek the marshy sloughs in which Grebes dwell,
preferring the more open, clear bodies of water. The common Loon may be
known in summer by the entirely black head and neck with the complete
ribbon of black and white stripes encircling the lower neck and the
narrower one which crosses the throat. The back is spotted with white.
In some sections Loons build no nest, simply scooping a hollow out in
the sand, while in other places they construct quite a large nest of
sticks, moss and grasses. It is usually placed but a few feet from the
waters edge, so that at the least suspicion the bird can slide off its
eggs into the water, where it can cope with any enemy. The nests are
nearly always concealed under the overhanging bushes that line the
shore; the one shown in the full page illustration, however, was located
upon the top of an old muskrat house. The two eggs which they lay are a
very dark greenish brown in color, with black spots. Size 3.50 × 2.25.
Data.--Lake Sunapee, N. H., June 28, 1895. Nest placed under the bushes
at the waters edge. Made of rushes, weeds and grasses; a large structure
nearly three feet in diameter. Collector, H. A. Collins.
8. YELLOW-BILLED LOON. _Gavia adamsi._
Range.--Northwestern North America, along the Arctic and northern
Alaskan coasts.
The Yellow-billed Loon with the exception of its whitish or yellowish
bill in place of the black, is practically otherwise indistinguishable
from the common Loon. It averages somewhat larger in size. This is one
of the most northerly breeding birds and it is only within a very few
years that anything has been learned about the breeding habits. Their
nesting habits and eggs are precisely like the preceding except that the
latter average a little larger. Size 3.60 × 2.25.
9. BLACK-THROATED LOON. _Gavia arctica._.
Range.--From northern United States northward, breeding along the Arctic
Coast.
This species can be easily separated from the Loon by the gray crown and
white streaks down the back of the neck. Its size, too, is about five
inches shorter. The nesting habits are the same as the Loons and the
eggs have rather more of an olive tint besides having the majority of
spots at the larger end. Size 3.10 × 2.00.
[Illustration 020: Loon. Black-throated Loon.]
[Illustration: left-hand margin.]
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10. PACIFIC LOON. _Gavia pacifica._
Range.--Western North America along the coast chiefly, breeding from
Alaska south to British Columbia. In winter, south along the coast to
Mexico.
This species differs from the Black-throated only in the tint of the
head reflections. The habits are the same as those of the other members
of the family. They lay two eggs of a greenish brown or greenish gray
hue with black spots. Size 3.10 × 1.90. Data.--Yukon River, Alaska, June
28, 1902. Nest of rubbish on an island; found by a miner.
11. RED-THROATED LOON. _Gavia stellata._
Range.--Northern parts of North America, breeding from southern Canada
northward in the interior on both coasts. South to the middle portions
of the United States in winter.
This is the smallest of the Loon family, being twenty-five inches in
length. In plumage it is wholly unlike any of the other members at all
seasons of the year. In summer the back, head and neck are gray, the
latter being striped with white. A large chestnut patch adorns the front
of the lower part of the neck. In winter the back is spotted with white,
whereas all the others are unspotted at this period. The nesting habits
are identical with the other species; the ground color of the two eggs
is also the same. Size 2.00 × 1.75.
[Illustration 021: Pacific Loon. Red-throated Loon.]
[Illustration: PACIFIC LOON. Greenish brown or gray.]
[Illustration: right-hand margin.]
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[Illustration 022: J. A. Munro.
NEST AND EGGS OF LOON.
This nest is built on top of a Muskrat house.]
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PUFFINS, AUKS and MURRES.
Family ALCIDÆ
Puffins, Auks and Murres are all sea birds and are only found inland
when blown there by some severe storm of winter. At this season numbers
of them are apt to lose their bearings and may sometimes be found with
their feet frozen in some of our inland ponds. Puffins are heavily built
birds in appearance, but are very active both on the wing and in the
water. Their wings are much larger comparatively than those of the other
members of this family, so they are enabled to perform evolutions in the
air, which are withheld from the others. They stand upright on the sole
of the foot and are able to walk quite easily on land. Puffins have very
heavy and deep but thin bills, which are entirely unlike those of any
other bird and often give then the name of Parrot Auks. Puffins, Auks
and Murres are otherwise recognized by the presence of but three toes
which are webbed.
[Illustration 023: NEST AND EGGS OF PIED-BILLED GREBE.]
[Illustration: right hand margin.]
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12. TUFTED PUFFIN. _Lunda cirrhata._
Range.--Pacific Coast from Alaska southward to southern California,
breeding locally throughout their range.
Tufted Puffins are the largest of the Puffins. In the breeding plumage,
they are a sooty brownish or black color; the cheeks are white, and a
long tuft of straw colored feathers extends back from each eye; the bill
is bright red and greenish yellow. They breed commonly on the
Farallones, where two or three broods are raised by a bird in a single
season, but much more abundantly on the islands in the north. Their
single eggs are laid in burrows in the ground or else in natural
crevices formed by the rocks. The eggs are pure white or pale buff and
are without gloss. They very often have barely perceptible shell
markings of dull purplish color. The eggs are laid about the middle of
June. Size 2.80 × 1.90. Data.--Farallone Is., May 27, 1887. Single egg
laid in crevice of rocks. Collector, W. O. Emerson.
13. PUFFIN. _Fratercula arctica arctica._
Range.--North Atlantic Coast, breeding from the Bay of Fundy northward.
Winters from breeding range along the New England Coast.
The common Puffin has the cheeks, chin and underparts white; upper parts
and a band across the throat, blackish. Bill deep and thin, and colored
with red, orange and yellow. They breed in large numbers on Bird Rock in
the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The nest is either among the natural crevices
of the
[Illustration 024: Tufted Puffin. Puffin.]
[Illustration: White.]
[Illustration: left hand margin.]
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rocks, or in burrows excavated in the ground by the birds. These burrows
vary in length from two and a half to four or five feet. Except upon the
positive knowledge of the absence of the bird, it is a hazardous thing
to put the hand in one of these burrows for the bird can, and will nip
the fingers, sometimes to the bone. They lay but a single egg, usually
dull white and unmarked, but in some cases obscurely marked with reddish
brown. Size 2.50 × 1.75. Data.--So. Labrador, June 23, 1884. Single egg
laid at end of burrow in the ground. Collector, J. H. Jameson.
13a. LARGE-BILLED PUFFIN. _Fratercula arctica naumanni._
A more northerly subspecies of the last, inhabiting the Arctic region on
the Atlantic side. The bird is somewhat larger but otherwise
indistinguishable from the common species. The eggs are exactly the same
or average a trifle larger. Size 2.55 × 1.80. Data.--Iceland, July 6,
1900. Single egg in hole under a rock. Collector, Chas. Jefferys.
14. HORNED PUFFIN. _Fratercula corniculata._
Range.--Pacific Coast from Alaska to British Columbia. The Horned Puffin
differs from the common in that the blackish band across the throat
extends upwards in a point to the bill. Their nesting habits are
precisely the same as those of the preceding species. A single pure
white egg is laid; the shell is slightly rougher than those of the
others. Size 2.65 × 1.80. Data.--Round Is., Alaska, June 24, 1884.
Single egg laid at end of burrow in ground; no nest. Collector, G. L.
Kennedy.
15. RHINOCEROS AUKLET. _Cerorhinca monocerata._
Range.--Pacific Coast, breeding from British Columbia northward and
wintering southward to Lower California.
The Rhinoceros Auklet or Horned Auk has a much smaller bill than the
Puffins; in the summer this is adorned at the base by a horn from which
it takes its name. There are also slender plumes from above and below
the eyes. Unlike the Puffins, these birds sit upon their whole tarsus.
They nest on islands of the North Pacific Coast from Vancouver
northward. A single egg is laid in crevices among the rocks or in
burrows in the ground. It is similar both in size and shape to that of
the Puffins, but is often quite heavily blotched with brown. Size 2.70 ×
1.80. Data.--Unak Is., Alaska, June 30, 1900. Egg laid in a fissure of
the rocks; no nest. Collector, F. Weston.
[Illustration 025: White.]
[Illustration: right hand margin.]
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16. CASSIN AUKLET. _Ptychoramphus aleuticus._
Range.--Pacific Coast from Alaska to Lower California, breeding nearly
throughout its range.
A plain appearing bird about 9 in. in length, with blackish upperparts
relieved only by a white spot over the eye; breast and throat gray and
belly white. This Auklet is fairly abundant on the Farallones, breeding
on the lower portions of the island. The late Mr. C. Barlow says that it
is found in deserted rabbit burrows and in all probability often
excavates its own burrows. It also nests among the cliffs placing its
eggs among the rocks in any crevice or tunnel which may offer a dark
retreat during the day for they are nocturnal in their habits. The
single egg which they lay is dull white in color, the inside of the
shell being a pale green, which color can only be seen by holding the
egg to the light. They are generally slightly nest stained. Size 1.80 ×
1.30. Data.--Coronado Islands, Cal., March 23, 1897. Single egg laid on
the bare ground at end of a burrow three and one-half feet long.
Collector, E. A. Shives.
[Illustration 026: Horned Puffin. Rhinoceros Auklet. Cassin Auklet.]
[Illustration: White.]
[Illustration: left hand margin.]
[Illustration: RHINOCEROS AUKLET. Color white, sometimes heavily
blotched, as above, and again unspotted.]
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17. PAROQUET AUKLET.--_Phaleris psittacula._
Range.--The Alaskan Coast, casually farther south in winter.
This bird is about the same size as the preceding, and the plumage is
similar, except that it has no white spot over the eye, and the breast
is white. It also has a slender plume extending from back of the eye.
The bill is very peculiar, being quite deep and rounded and having an
upward tendency. It is orange red in color. They breed very commonly on
the islands of Bering Strait. Their eggs are laid in the crevices of the
cliff, often several feet in and by a crooked path so that it is
impossible to reach them. The single chalky white egg is laid in May.
Size 2.30 × 1.45. Data.--Rocky Islet in the Aleutians, June 22, 1890.
Single egg laid on bare rock in a deep crevice. Collector, Capt. S.
Wilson.
18. CRESTED AUKLET. _Aethia cristatella._
Range.--Alaska Coast, similar in form and plumage to the latter, except
that the whole under parts are gray and it has a crest of recurved
feathers. The nesting season begins in May, the birds nesting upon the
same islands and in the same kinds of sites as the last species. The
single egg is chalky white. Size 2.10 × 1.50. Data.--Unak Is., Alaska,
July 1, 1900. Egg laid in a crevice among the rocks. Collector, F.
Weston.
19. WHISKERED AUKLET. _Aethia pygmaea._
Range.--The Alaska Coast.
Much smaller than the preceding; but 7.5 in. in length. Breast gray,
belly white; a small tuft of recurved feathers on the forehead and
slender white plumes from base of bill over the eye and from under the
eye, backwards. The bill in summer is a bright vermillion color. On some
of the islands of the Aleutian chain they breed quite abundantly. The
nests are placed back in the crevices of the rocks, where the single
white eggs are laid. Size 2.00 × 1.25.
[Illustration 027: Paroquet Auklet. Crested Auklet.]
[Illustration: White.]
[Illustration: right hand margin.]
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20. LEAST AUKLET. _Aethia pusilla._
Range.--North Pacific on the islands and coast of Alaska. This is the
smallest of the Auklets; length 6.5 in. This species has no crest, but
has the slender white plumes extending back from the eye. The entire
under parts are white sparsely spotted with dusky. This species is by
far the most abundant of the water birds of the extreme Northwest, and
thousands of them, accompanied by the two preceding species, nest on the
rocky cliffs of the islands of Bering Sea. Their nesting habits are the
same as those of the other Auklets, they placing their single white egg
on the bare rocks, in crevices on the cliffs. Size 1.55 × 1.10.
Data.--Pribilof Is., Alaska, June 8, 1897. Single egg laid in crevice.
Thousands breeding on the island.
21. ANCIENT MURRELET. _Synthliboramphus antiquus._
Range.--Pacific Coast, breeding from the border of the United States,
northward, and wintering south to southern California.
The Murrelets have no crests or plumes and the bills are more slender
than the Auklets and are not highly colored. The ancient Murrelet or
Black-throated Murrelet, as it is also called, has a gray back, white
under parts and a black head and throat, with a broad white stripe back
of the eye and another formed by the white on the breast extending up on
the side of the neck. They breed abundantly on the islands in Bering
Sea, laying one or two eggs at the end of burrows in the banks or on the
ground, and in some localities in crevices on the cliffs. The eggs are a
buffy white color and are faintly marked with light brown, some of these
being in the shape of spots and others lengthened. Size 2.40 × 1.40.
Data.--Sanak Islands, July 1, 1894. Two eggs on the ground under a tuft
of grass and in a slight excavation lined with fine grass.
[Illustration: Least Auklet. Ancient Murrelet. Marbled Murrelet.]
[Illustration: White.]
[Illustration: Buff.]
[Illustration: left hand margin.]
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23. MARBLED MURRELET. _Brachyramphus marmoratus._
Range.--North Pacific Coast, breeding from Vancouver Island. South in
winter to southern California.
In the breeding plumage, this bird is brownish black above, barred with
rusty and below is marbled with brownish gray and white. Its nesting
habits and eggs are very similar to those of the Ancient Murrelet, they
placing their single eggs in holes in the ground or crevices among the
cliffs. Size 2.20 × 1.40. Data.--Chichagof Is., Alaska, June 18, 1898.
Single egg in crevice on face of cliff. Large colony breeding in company
with Ancient Murrelets.
24. KITTLITZ MURRELET. _Brachyramphus brevirostris._
Range.--North Pacific Coast in the Aleutian Islands and north to
Unalaska, breeding on isolated islands throughout its range. This
species is very similar to the Marbled Murrelet, the chief difference
being in the bill which is shorted. They have been found breeding on the
same islands with the preceding species. Their single white egg is laid
in crevices in the cliffs. Size 2.40 × 1.30. Data.--Sanak Is., Alaska,
June 25, 1890. Nest in a hollow under a bunch of rank matted grass. Many
ancient Burrelets breeding on the same Islands. Collector, Capt. Tilson.
25. XANTUS MURRELET. _Brachyramphus hypoleucus._
Range.--Resident along the coast of southern and Lower California.
This bird is blackish above and entirely white below, including the
sides of the head below the eye. The whole of the under surface of the
wing is also white. They breed on the coast islands from Santa Barbara
southward. The single egg is laid at the end of a burrow or in crevices
among the rocks. It is a pale buffy white in color and thickly, but
finely dotted over the whole surface with purplish brown, and with some
larger spots at the larger end. Size 2.05 × 1.40. Data.--Galapagos
Islands, March 2, 1901. No nest. Single egg laid in a crevice in the
rocks. Collector, Rollo H. Beck.
[Illustration 029: Buff.]
[Illustration: White.]
[Illustration: Pale Blue.]
[Illustration: right hand margin.]
Page 28
26. CRAVERI'S MURRELET. _Brachyramphus craveri._
Range.--Both coasts of Lower California, breeding chiefly on the Gulf
side. Craveri Murrelet is very similar to the last except that the under
surfaces of the wings are dusky. Breeds on the islands near Cape St.
Lucas, burrowing in the ground as do most of the others of this species.
They lay a single egg, the ground color of which is buff; they are quite
heavily blotched with brownish. Size 2.00 × 1.40.
27. BLACK GUILLEMOT. _Cepphus grylle._
Range.--Coasts and islands of the North Atlantic, breeding from Maine
northward to southern Greenland. Guillemots are larger birds than the
Murrelets (length 13 inches) and their plumage is entirely different.
This species in summer is entirely black except the wing coverts which
are white. The bases of the greater coverts, however, are black, this
generally breaking the white mirror as it is called. The under surfaces
of the wings are white. Legs red. These birds breed abundantly on the
rocky islands and high cliffs along the coast. Soon after the first of
June the eggs are laid in the crevices of the rocks and sometimes upon
the bare ledges. Two or three eggs make the set. The ground color is a
pale bluish or greenish white and the markings are various shades of
brown and black. Size 2.40 × 1.60. Data.--Grand Manan, June 15, 1896.
Two eggs laid in a cavity back of large boulder. No nest. Collector, D.
H. Eaton.
[Illustration 030: Xantus Murrelet. Mandt's Guillemot.]
[Illustration: Bluish white.]
[Illustration: Black Guillemot.]
[Illustration: left hand margin.]
Page 29
28. MANDT'S GUILLEMOT. _Cepphus mandti._
Range.--North Atlantic coast, more northerly than the preceding,
breeding from Labrador to northern Greenland.
The bird differs from the Black Guillemot only in having the bases of
the coverts white also. The nesting habits and eggs are identical. They
nest in colonies of thousands and place the eggs upon the bare rock with
no attempt at nest building. Generally the eggs are in the crevices so
as to be difficult to get at. Size 2.30 × 1.55. Data.--Depot Island,
Hudson Bay, June 6, 1894. Two eggs laid on bare rocky ground. Collector
John Comer.
29. PIGEON GUILLEMOT. _Cepphus columba._
Range.--The Pacific Coast of North America, breeding from southern
California northward. This bird is very similar to the Black Guillemot
except that the under surfaces of the wings are dark. They breed
abundantly on some of the islands of Bering Sea and a few of them nest
on the Farallones. They lay their two eggs on the bare rock in dark
crevices. The color is grayish or pale greenish blue and the markings
are brown and black with paler shell markings of lilac. Size 2.40 ×
1.60. Data.--S. Farallone Islands, Cal. Two eggs laid on gravel at the
end of a burrow, about two feet from the entrance and 285 feet above the
sea level. Collector, Claude Fyfe.
30. MURRE. _Uria troile troille._
Range.--North Atlantic coasts and islands, breeding from Bird Rock
northward. Murres are similar in form to the Guillemots, but are larger,
being about 16 inches in length. Entire head and neck sooty brown; rest
of upper parts grayish black except the tips of the secondaries which
are white. Under parts white. These birds nest by thousands on Bird Rock
and on the cliffs of Labrador. They build no nests but simply lay their
single egg on the narrow ledges of cliffs, where the only guarantee
against its rolling off is its peculiar shape which causes it, when
moved, to revolve about its smaller end instead of rolling off the
ledge. The eggs are laid as closely as possible on the ledges where the
incubating birds sit upright, in long rows like an army on guard. As
long as each bird succeeds in finding an egg to cover, on its return
home, it is doubtful if they either know or care whether it is their own
or not. The ground color of the eggs vary from white to a deep greenish
blue and the markings of blackish brown vary in endless patterns, some
eggs being almost wholly unspotted. Size 3.40 × 2.00. Data.--South
Labrador, June 19, 1884. Single egg laid on the bare cliff. Large colony
breeding. Collector, M. A. Grasar.
[Illustration 031: Murre.]
[Illustration: Pale bluish gray.]
[Illustration: right hand margin.]
Page 30
30a. CALIFORNIA MURRE. _Uria troille californica._
Range.--Pacific Coast, breeding from the Farallones north to Alaska.
This Pacific form of the common Murre is the most abundant breeding bird
on the Farallones. Their eggs are used in enormous numbers for
commercial purposes and these islands being located, as they are, within
easy distance from San Francisco, thousands of dozens of the eggs are
sold yearly, chiefly to bakeries. Although continually robbed, their
numbers have not as yet diminished to any great extent. They lay but a
single egg on the bare ledge. Individual eggs are indistinguishable from
the last species but in a large series the ground color averages
brighter. They show the same great difference in color and markings. The
first set is laid in May, but owing to their being so often molested,
fresh eggs can be found during August. Data.--Farallones, July 4, 1895.
Single egg laid on bare cliff. Collector, Thos. E. Slevin.
31. BRUNNICH MURRE. _Uria lomvia lomvia._
Range.--North Atlantic Coast, breeding range the same as the common
Murre.
This species differs from the common Murre in having a shorter and
thicker bill, the base of the cutting edge of which is less feathered.
They breed on the same islands in company with the common Murre and
their eggs are indistinguishable. Data.--Coast of South Labrador. Single
egg laid on ledge of cliff. About three hundred birds in the colony.
[Illustration 032: Varies from white to greenish blue.]
[Illustration: left hand margin.]
Page 31
31a. PALLAS MURRE. _Uria lomvia arra._
Range.--The Pacific coasts and islands.
This is the Pacific form of Brunnich Murre. Its breeding range is more
northerly than that of the California variety. Countless thousands of
them breed on the islands off the coast of Alaska, their breeding habits
and eggs being the same as the more southern form.
32. RAZOR-BILLED AUK. _Alca torda._
Range.--North Atlantic coast, breeding from Bird Rock northward and
wintering south to the Middle States on the coast.
The Razor-billed Auk is in form similar to the Murres, but the bill is
very different, being deep and thin, and with the upper mandible rounded
at the tip. Entire upper parts black shading to brownish on the throat.
Under parts and tips of secondaries, white; line from eye to bill and
another across the middle of the bill, white. They nest in large numbers
on Bird Rock in company with the Murres and in still greater numbers off
the coast of Labrador. Their eggs are not placed in as exposed positions
as the Murres, being generally behind boulders or in crevices. This is
necessary because, not being of the pear-shaped form of the Murres, they
would be very apt to be dislodged if commonly placed on the narrow
ledges. The eggs vary endlessly in marking but do not show the
differences in ground color that the Murres do. The color is white,
grayish or buffy. But one egg is generally laid, although two are
sometimes found. Size 3.00 × 2.00. Data.--Bay of Fundy. June 17, 1891.
Single egg laid on bare rock in a crevice under loose rocks. Collector,
A. C. Bent.
[Illustration 033: Grayish white.] [Illustration: right hand margin.]
Page 32
33. GREAT AUK. _Plautus impennis._
Range.--Formerly the whole of the North Atlantic coasts. Now extinct.
These great auks formerly dwelt in large numbers on the islands of the
North Atlantic, but owing to their lack of the powers of flight and the
destructiveness of mankind, the living bird has disappeared from the
face of the earth. Although they were about thirty inches in length,
their wings were even smaller than those of the Razor-billed Auk, a bird
only eighteen inches in length. Although breeding off the coast of
Newfoundland, they appeared winters as far south as Virginia, performing
their migration by swimming alone. The last bird appears to have been
taken in 1844, and Funk Island, off the coast of Newfoundland, marks the
place of their disappearance from our shores. There are about seventy
known specimens of the bird preserved, and about the same number of
eggs. The immediate cause of the extinction of these birds was their
destruction for food by fishermen and immigrants, and later for the use
of their feathers commercially. The single egg that they laid was about
5.00 x 3.00 inches, the ground color was buffy white, and the spots
brownish and blackish. The markings varied in endless pattern as do
those of the smaller Auk. There are but two real eggs (plaster casts in
imitation of the Auks eggs are to be found in many collections) in
collections in this country, one in the Academy of Natural Science,
Philadelphia, and the other in the National Museum, at Washington.
Through the kindness of Mr. Witmer Stone, of the Academy of Natural
Science, we are enabled to show a full-sized reproduction from a
photograph of the egg in their collection.
[Illustration 034: Great Auk Dovekie.]
[Illustration: left hand margin.]
[Illustration: deco.]
Page 33
[Illustration 035: EGG OF THE GREAT AUK.
Photographed from the specimen in the Academy of Natural Science,
Philadelphia; not more than ten or twelve of these eggs are in this
country; the one figured is one of the best marked specimens.]
[Illustration: right hand margin.]
Page 34
34. DOVEKIE. _Alle alle_.
Range.--Coasts and islands of the North Atlantic and East Arctic oceans,
breeding in the Arctic regions and wintering as far south as the Middle
States. The little Dovekie or Sea Dove is the smallest member of the
family, being only 8 inches in length, and is the only member of the
sub-family allinæ. The form is very robust and the bill is short and
stout. In summer the plumage is black above; the throat and upper breast
are sooty brown, and the under parts are white, as are also the tips of
the secondaries and edges of the scapulars. They nest in large numbers
on the Rocky cliffs of islands in the East Arctic. Their single pale
greenish blue egg is placed in a crevice of the rocks. Size 1.80 × 1.25.
Data.--Greenland, June 8, 1893. Single egg laid in a crevice of a sea
cliff.
[Illustration: deco.]
[Illustration 036: Dovekie.]
[Illustration: Pale greenish blue.]
[Illustration: MURRE--White, buff, or deep greenish blue.]
[Illustration: left hand margin.]
Page 35
LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS. Order II. LONGIPENNES
SKUA AND JAEGERS. Family STERCORARIIDAE
Skuas and Jægers are birds having a Gull or Tern-like form and with a
hooked bill, the base of which is covered with a scaly shield. They have
webbed feet and are able to swim and dive, but they commonly get their
living by preying upon the Gulls and Terns, overtaking them by their
superior speed and by their strength and ferocity forcing them to
relinquish their food. The Jægers especially are one of the swiftest and
most graceful birds that fly.
Page 36
35. SKUA. _Megalestris skua_.
Range.--Coasts and islands of the North Atlantic, chiefly on the
European side; rare on the Atlantic coast of North America.
Skuas are large (22 inches in length) and very powerfully built birds,
having the general form of a Gull. Their whole plumage is a dingy
brownish black color, palest below. Breeds in Iceland and possibly on
some of the islands in Hudson Strait. The nest is a hollow on the ground
in the marsh grass and is lined with grass. The two eggs which they lay
have an olive greenish ground, spotted with dark brown. Size 2.75 ×
1.90.
36. POMARINE JAEGER. _Stercorarius pomarinus._
Range.--Northern Hemisphere, breeding within the Arctic Circle, more
commonly in the Old World.
In the breeding plumage, this Jæger has the crown and face blackish;
back and sides of head, throat and under parts pure white, except the
pointed stiffened feathers of the neck which are yellow. Back, wings and
tail blackish, the latter with the two middle feathers lengthened about
four inches beyond the rest of the tail, and broad to the tips, which
are twisted so that the feathers are vertical. They breed throughout the
Arctic regions, but not as commonly in America as the following species.
The nest is on the ground in the marsh grass and is made of grass and
moss. They lay two and rarely three eggs of an olive brown or greenish
color. These are spotted with brown and black. Size 2.20 × 1.70.
[Illustration 038: Olive brown.]
[Illustration: Skua. Pomarine Jæger.]
[Illustration: Deep olive brown.]
[Illustration: left hand margin.]
Page 37
37. PARASITIC JAEGER. _Stercorarius parasiticus._
Range.--Northern Hemisphere, wintering south to South America.
The Parasitic Jæger is very similar to the Pomarine except that the
central tail feathers are pointed and are straight instead of twisted.
It is an abundant bird in Alaska, breeding from the Aleutian Chain
northward.
They locate their nests in the highest parts of marshy places, the nest
itself being only a depression in the ground lined with grass and moss.
The two eggs have an olive greenish or brownish ground and are marked
with various shades of brown and black. Size 2.15 × 1.65.
38. LONG-TAILED JAEGER. _Stercorarius longicaudus._
Range.--Arctic America; south in winter to South America.
The long-tailed Jæger is, according to length, the largest of the
Jægers, being 21 in. long; this is, however, due to the long sharp
pointed central pair of tail feathers, which extend about eight inches
beyond the others, and from the most noticeable distinguishing point
from the former species. The plumages that have been described are the
light phases; all the Jægers have a dark phase in which the plumage is a
nearly uniform sooty brown, lightest below.
The Long-tailed Jægers are the most numerous in Alaska and are even more
graceful in flight than are the Gulls and Terns, floating, skimming,
sailing, plunging, and darting about with incredible swiftness and ease.
Like the others of this family, they pilfer their food from the Gulls,
and are also very destructive to young birds and eggs. Their eggs are
either laid on the bare ground or in a slight depression, scantily lined
with grasses. The eggs are indistinguishable from those of the preceding
species except that they average a trifle smaller. Size 2.10 × 1.50.
[Illustration 039: Brownish.]
[Illustration: Parastic Jæger. Long-tailed Jæger.]
[Illustration: Olive brown.]
[Illustration: right hand margin.]
Page 38
GULLS and TERNS. Family LARIDÆ
Gulls are webbed footed birds having a slight hook to the end of the
upper mandible. Their plumage is generally a silvery gray above and
white below. They nest in large colonies, some on the islands of fresh
water inland, but mostly on the sea coast. They procure their food from
the surface of the water, it consisting mostly of dead fish and refuse
matter, and crustacea which they gather from the waters edge. When tired
they rest upon the surface of the water, where they ride the largest
waves in perfect safety.
Terns are birds of similar plumage to the Gulls, but their forms are
less robust and the bills are generally longer and sharply pointed.
Their food consists chiefly of small fish which they secure by hovering
above the water, and then plunging upon them. They are less often seen
on the surface of the water than are the Gulls.
[Illustration 040: Walter Raine. CHARACTERISTIC NEST OF A LOON.]
[Illustration: Left hand margin.]
Page 39
39. IVORY GULL. _Pagophila alba._
Range.--Arctic regions; south in winter to the northern border of the
United States.
The little Snow Gull, as it is often called, is eighteen inches in
length. In the breeding season the plumage is entirely white; the bill
is tipped with yellow and there is a red ring around the eye. These
Gulls nest in large colonies in the Arctic Regions, placing their nests
on the high rocky cliffs. The nest is made of grass, moss and rubbish,
and the three eggs are laid during June. The eggs are olive color and
the markings are dark brown.
40. KITTIWAKE. _Rissa tridactyla trydactyla._
Range.--North Atlantic and Arctic regions, breeding from the Gulf of the
St. Lawrence northward and wintering south to the Great Lakes and Long
Island.
The Kittiwake is sixteen inches in length, has a pearly gray mantle,
black tips to the primaries, and remainder of plumage white. Its hind
toe is very small being apparently wanting in the eastern form, while in
the Pacific it is more developed. These are very noisy Gulls, their
notes resembling a repetition of their name. They are very common in the
far north, placing nests on the ledges of high rocky cliffs, often in
company with Murres and Auks. They gather together a pile of sticks,
grass and moss, making the interior cup-shaped so as to hold their two
or three eggs. Large numbers of them breed on Bird Rock, they occupying
certain ledges while the Gannets and Murres, which also breed there,
also have distinct ledges on which to make their homes. The breeding
season is at its height during June. The eggs are buffy or brownish gray
and are spotted with different shades of brown. Size 2.25 × 1.60.
Data.--So. Labrador, June 15, 1884. Three eggs. Nest made of seaweed and
moss, placed on ledge of cliff. Many Murres nesting on other ledges.
[Illustration 041: Ivory Gull. Kittiwake.]
[Illustration: White.]
[Illustration: right hand margin.]
Page 40
40a. PACIFIC KITTIWAKE. _Rissa tridactyla pollicaris._
Range.--Coast of the North Pacific, wintering south to California.
The Pacific Kittiwake breeds in immense rookeries on some of the islands
in Bering Sea. They are well distributed over Copper Island where they
nest in June and July, choosing the high ledges which overhang the sea.
The nesting habits and eggs are precisely the same as those of the
common Kittiwake.
41. RED-LEGGED KITTIWAKE. _Rissa brevirostris._
Range.--Northwestern coasts, breeding in high latitudes.