These are perhaps the most beautiful species of Cormorants, having
brilliant violet green metallic reflections and, in the breeding
plumage, crests on the forehead and nape, as well as large white flank
patches. They breed in large colonies on the Aleutian Islands, placing
their nests of sticks and sea mosses on the rocky ledges, often hundreds
of feet above the sea level. Three or four eggs are laid during May and
June. The young birds when hatched are naked and black, and are
repulsive looking objects, as are those of all the other Cormorants. The
eggs are greenish white with the usual calcareous deposit. Size 2.30 ×
1.40.
123a. VIOLET-GREEN CORMORANT. _Phalacrocorax pelagicus robustus._
This sub-species is found on the Pacific coast from Washington to the
Aleutian Islands. Their habits and nests and eggs are the same as those
of the Pelagic Cormorant, nesting on the high cliffs of the rocky
islands. The eggs are the same size as those of the preceding.
123b. BAIRD'S CORMORANT. _Phalacrocorax pelagicus resplendens._
This variety breeds on the Pacific coast from Washington south to
Mexico. They nest on the Farallones, but in smaller numbers than the
other varieties found there. Both the birds and their eggs are smaller
than the preceding. Size of eggs 2.20 × 1.40.
124. RED-FACED CORMORANT. _Phalacrocorax urile._
Range.--Southwest coast of Alaska, migrating to Japan in the winter.
This species differs from the Pelagic chiefly in having the forehead
bare. They do not differ in their breeding habits from others of the
family. That the Cormorants are expert fishermen may be seen from the
fact that the Chinese tame and have them catch fish for them, placing a
ring around their neck to prevent their swallowing the fish. Their
nesting places are very filthy, being covered with excrement and remains
of fish that are strewn around the nests. They breed in June laying
three or four eggs. Size 2.50 × 1.50.
[Illustration 084: 120c--122.]
[Illustration: 123b--124.]
[Illustration: left hand margin.]
Page 83
PELICANS. Family PELECANIDÆ
Pelicans are large, short legged, web footed (all four toes joined by a
web) birds, the most noticeable feature of which is the long bill with
its enormous pouch suspended from lower mandible. This pouch, while
normally contracted, is capable of being distended to hold several
quarts. It is used as a scoop in which to catch small fish. Their skin
is filled with numerous air cells, making them very light and buoyant.
125. AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN. _Pelecanus erythrorhynchos._
Range.--Temperate North America, breeding in the interior, from Utah and
the Dakotas northward. These large birds, reaching a length of five
feet, are entirely white except for the black primaries. They get their
food by approaching a school of small fish and, suddenly dipping their
head beneath the surface, sometimes scoop up a large number of fish at a
time; after allowing the water to run out of the sides of the mouth,
they proceed to swallow their catch. They nest in large communities on
islands in some of the inland lakes.
Great Salt Lake, Utah, and Shoal Lake, Manitoba, furnish breeding ground
for many thousands of Pelicans. They build their simple nests on the
ground, making them of sticks and weeds. They generally lay two eggs,
but often three or four. Size 3.45 × 2.30. Data.--Egg Island, Great Salt
Lake, June 19, 1884. Two eggs. Nest a slight hollow in the ground,
surrounded by a few sticks. Collector, F. F. Leonard.
[Illustration 085: Chalky white.]
[Illustration: deco.]
[Illustration: right hand margin.]
Page 84
[Illustration 086: AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN.]
Page 85
126. BROWN PELICAN. _Pelecanus occidentalis._
Range.--Found on the South Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United
States.
Brown Pelicans are about 50 inches in length; they have a blackish and
grayish body and a white head and neck with a brown stripe down the back
of the latter. The pouch is a dark greenish brown. This species is
maritime and is not found inland. They breed in large colonies on many
of the islands in the Gulf of Mexico and on Pelican Island on the east
coast of Florida, in which latter place they are now protected from
further depredations at the hand of eggers and gunners. Their fishing
tactics differ from those of the White Pelican. They dive down upon the
school of fish from the air and rarely miss making a good catch. Their
nests are quite bulky structures made of sticks and weeds and grasses.
These are generally located on the ground but occasionally in low
mangroves, these latter nests being more bulky than the ground ones.
They lay from two to five chalky white eggs during May and June. Size 3.
× 1.90. Data.--Tampa Bay, Fla., May 29, 1894. Three eggs. Nest in the
top of a stout mangrove; made of sticks, branches and leaves. Collector,
Geo. Graham.
127. CALIFORNIA BROWN PELICAN. _Pelecanus californicus._
Range.--Pacific coast from British Columbia south to the Galapagos
Islands.
This bird is similar to the preceding, but larger and the pouch is
reddish. They breed abundantly on the Coronado Islands and southward.
Their habits, nesting habits and eggs are the same as those of the Brown
Pelican. Size of the three or four chalky white eggs is 3.10 × 1.95.
Data.--Coronado Islands, Calif., March 28, 1897. Three eggs. Nest of
sticks, lined with green leaves, located on the ground. Collector, H.
McConville.
[Illustration 087: Chalky white.]
[Illustration: Brown Pelican. White Pelican.]
[Illustration: deco.]
[Illustration: right hand margin.]
Page 86
MAN-O'-WAR BIRDS. Family FREGATIDÆ
128. MAN-O'-WAR BIRD. _Fregata aquila._
Range.--Tropical seas, north regularly in America to the South Atlantic
and Gulf coasts, casually farther.
Man-o'-war Birds or "Frigates," as they are often called, are remarkable
birds in many respects. In comparison with their weight they have the
largest expanse of wing of any known bird. Weighing only about four
pounds they have an extent of from seven to eight feet, their wings
being extremely long and pointed. The length of the bird is about 40
inches, of which the tail comprises about 18 in., 10 inches of this
being forked. They have a large bright orange gular sac, a long, hooked
bill, and small slightly webbed feet. Their powers of flight combine the
strength of the Albatrosses and the grace of the Terns. They are very
poor swimmers and do not dive, so are forced to procure their food by
preying upon the Gulls and Cormorants, forcing them to drop their fish,
which the pirates catch before it reaches the water. They also feed upon
flying fish, catching them in the air, whither they have been driven by
their enemies in their natural element. They nest in large colonies on
some of the Bahama Islands and on some of the small Florida Keys. Their
nests are small frail platforms of sticks and twigs and the single egg
is laid in March and April. It is white and has a smooth surface. Size
2.80 × 1.90. Data.--Key Verde, Bahamas, March 6, 1889. Single egg. Nest
a frail affair of sticks on a cactus. Collector, D. P. Ingraham.
[Illustration 088: White.]
[Illustration: Man-O'-War Bird.]
[Illustration: deco.]
[Illustration: left hand margin.]
Page 87
Order V. ANSERES
DUCKS, GEESE AND SWANS. Family ANATIDAE
The birds comprising this family are of greatly varying sizes, but all
have webbed feet, and generally the bill is broader than high, and is
serrated on the edges or provided with gutters to act as a strainer in
assisting the birds to gather their food.
129. MERGANSER. _Mergus americanus._
Range.--North America, breeding from the northern border of the United
States northward.
The three species of Mergansers are almost exclusively fish eating
birds. Therefore their flesh is unpalatable and they are known as "Fish
Ducks." They are also sometimes called "Sawbills" because of the
teeth-like serration on both the upper and the under mandibles. Unlike
the other species of ducks, their bills are long, slender and rounded
instead of being broad and flat; it is also hooked at the tip. Like the
Cormorants, they often pursue and catch fish under the water, their
teeth-like bills enabling them to firmly hold their prey.
The American Mergansers, Goosanders, or Sheldrakes, as they are often
called, are found both on the coast and in the interior. Except in
certain mountainous regions, they breed chiefly north of the United
States. The male bird has no crest and the head is a beautiful green,
while the female has a reddish brown crest and head, shading to white on
the chin. They build their nest in hollow trees near the water. It is
made of grasses, leaves and moss and is lined with feathers from the
breast of the female. During May, they lay from six to ten eggs of a
creamy or buff color. Size 2.70 × 1.75. Data.--Gun Is., Lake Winnipeg.
June 16, 1903. Eleven eggs in a nest of white down, located between two
large boulders. Collector, Walter Raine.
[Illustration 089: Brownish buff.]
[Illustration: American Merganser. Red-breasted Merganser.]
[Illustration: right hand margin.]
Page 88
130. RED-BREASTED MERGANSER. _Mergus serrator._
Range.--North America, breeding from northern United States northward.
This species is more abundant than the preceding. It is slightly
smaller, being 22 inches in length, and the male is crested. Found
abundantly in the United States in winter. Breeds commonly in the
interior of British America and in Labrador and Newfoundland. They make
their nests on the ground, near the water, concealing them under rocks
or tufts of grass. The nest is made of grasses, leaves and moss and
lined with feathers. They lay, generally, about ten eggs of a buffy or
greenish buff color. Size 2.50 × 1.70. Data.--Lake Manitoba, N. W.
Canada. Two eggs in a hollow lined with down, under a patch of rose
bushes near shore. Collector, Jos. Hamaugh.
131. HOODED MERGANSER. _Lophodytes cucullatus._
Range.--North America, breeding locally throughout its range, in the
interior. These are beautiful little Ducks distinguished from all others
by the semi-circular, compressed crest which is black with an enclosed
white area. They make their nests in hollow trees, in wooded districts
near the water, lining the cavity with grasses and down. They lay ten or
twelve grayish white eggs. Size 2.15 × 1.70.
132. MALLARD. _Anas platyrhynchos._
Range.--Northern Hemisphere, breeding in America from northern United
States northward, and wintering south to Panama and the West Indies.
Contrasting with the preceding Fish Ducks, the Mallards are regarded as
one of the most esteemed table birds. They feed on mollusks and marine
insects which they generally reach by tipping in shallow water. They
nest in many localities in the United States but more abundantly north
of our borders. They nest in fields in close proximity to ponds or
lakes, placing their nests of grasses and feathers in the tall grass. In
May and June they lay from six to ten eggs of a buffy or olive color.
Size 2.25 × 1.25. Data.--San Diego, California, May 19, 1897. Nest made
of grass, lined with down, placed on the edge of a field near a pond.
[Illustration 090: Hooded Merganser. Mallard.]
[Illustration: Grayish white.]
[Illustration: left hand margin.]
Page 89
[Illustration 091: Lake Winnipegosis, June 16, 1902 Walter Raine NEST
AND EGGS OF AMERICAN MERGANSER.
This species usually nest in holes in trees, but on this island they
were nesting in holes under boulders.]
Page 90
133. BLACK DUCK. _Anas rubripes._
Range.--Eastern North America, breeding from the middle portions north
to the Hudson Bay territory and Labrador.
Throughout their breeding region, one or more pairs of these ducks nest
in nearly every favorable locality. Their nests are placed on the ground
in marshes, swamps or fields bordering a pond or lake, the nest being
concealed in the long grass or reeds. They breed in equal abundance,
either in the interior or along the sea coast; in the latter case their
nests are often placed beside of, or under an overhanging rock. It is
made of weeds, grass and moss and is lined with feathers and down. They
lay from six to twelve eggs during May and June; these are buff or
greenish buff in color. Size 2.30 × 1.70. Data.--Duck Is., Maine, June
3, 1893. Nest of grasses, concealed in a large tuft on water's edge.
134. FLORIDA DUCK. _Anas fulvigula fulvigula._
Range.--Florida and the Gulf of the Mississippi.
This is a similar, lighter colored, locally distributed race of the
foregoing. The most noticeable difference in plumage between this and
the Black Duck is the absence of markings on the chin. The habits are
the same, and the eggs, which are deposited in April, are similar to
those of the Black Duck, but smaller. Size 2.15 × 1.60.
[Illustration 092: Pale greenish buff.]
[Illustration: Black Duck. Florida Duck.]
[Illustration: deco-photo.]
[Illustration: left hand margin.]
Page 91
134a. MOTTLED DUCK. _Anas fulvigula maculosa._
Range.--Gulf coast of Texas and up the Mississippi Valley to Kansas.
The habits of this bird differ in no way from the preceding ones. The
six to ten eggs are greenish buff in color. Size 2.15 × 1.55.
135. GADWALL. _Chaulelasmus streperus._
Range.--Northern Hemisphere, breeding in America, chiefly in the United
States and north to Manitoba, chiefly in the interior.
South in winter to the Gulf. The males of these birds may be identified
by the white speculum and the chestnut wing coverts. Gadwalls nest on
the ground among the reeds of marshes or in the long grass of bordering
fields; they make little or no nest but line the cavity with down from
their breasts. They lay from seven to twelve eggs of a creamy buff
color. Size 2.10 × 1.60. Data.--Benson Co., North Dakota, June 19, 1898.
Eight eggs. Nest on the ground among rank grass on a low island in
Devils Lake. Made of weeds lined with down. Collector, E. S. Rolfe.
136. WIDGEON. _Mareca penelope_.
Range.--Northern Hemisphere, breeding in America, only in the Aleutian
Islands; rare or accidental in other parts of the country.
The European Widgeon is similar in build and plumage to the following
species, except that the whole head, with the exception of the white
crown, is chestnut. They build their nests in the rushes, making them of
reeds and grass and lining them with feathers. They lay from six to ten
light buff colored eggs. Size 2.20 × 1.50.
[Illustration 093: Creamy buff.]
[Illustration: Gadwall. Widgeon.]
[Illustration: Pale buff.]
[Illustration: right hand margin.]
Page 92
137. BALDPATE. _Mareca americana._
Range.--North America, breeding in the interior from Texas north to
Hudson Bay.
The Baldpate (so-called because of the white crown) or American Widgeon
is a handsomely marked bird and is regarded as a great table delicacy.
The male birds cannot be mistaken for any other species because of the
white crown, wing coverts and underparts and the broad green stripe,
back of the eye. They breed locally in many parts of the country,
building their nests of grass and weeds, neatly lined with feathers, on
the ground in marshes. They lay from six to twelve creamy eggs. Size
2.15 × 1.50. Data.--Lac Aux Morts, North Dakota. Eight eggs. Nest of
grass and down on ground in a grassy meadow. Collector, E. S. Bryant.
138. EUROPEAN TEAL. _Nettion crecca._
An old world species that is casually found on both coasts of America.
139. GREEN-WINGED TEAL. _Nettion carolinense._
Range.--Whole of North America, breeding chiefly north of the United
States.
A small, handsome species, the male of which can readily be identified
by the reddish brown head and neck, with the large green patch behind
each ear; length fourteen inches. Green-winged Teals are our smallest
representative of the Duck family. They are eagerly sought by sportsmen,
both because of their beauty and the excellence of their flesh. They are
among the most common of Ducks in the interior, where they nest
generally in tufts of grass along ponds, lakes or brooks. Nest of grass
and weeds, lined with down from the bird. Eggs buffy, four to ten in
number. Size 1.85 × 1.25.
[Illustration 094: Creamy white.]
[Illustration: Baldpate. Green-winged Teal.]
[Illustration: Buff.]
[Illustration: left hand margin.]
Page 93
140. BLUE-WINGED TEAL. _Querquedula discors_.
Range.--North America, breeding from northern United States northward;
rare on the Pacific coast.
Another small species, known by the blue wing coverts and the white
crescent in front of eye. They nest in the same localities with the
preceding species, placing their nest of grass and weeds on the ground
in meadows near water. Eggs buffy white. Six to twelve in number. Size
1.90 × 1.30.
141. CINNAMON TEAL. _Querquedula cyanoptera_.
Range.--Western United States, chiefly west of the Rocky Mountains.
Casually east to Texas, Illinois and British Columbia.
The Cinnamon Teal is another small Duck, marked by the uniform rich
chestnut plumage and light blue wing coverts. The speculum is green. The
nesting habits are the same as those of the Teals, the nests being
placed on the ground in marshes or fields near water. Their nests are
closely woven of grass and weeds and lined with down and feathers from
the breast of the bird. The eggs are pale buff and number from six to
fourteen. Size 1.85 × 1.35.
141.1. RUDDY SHELDRAKE. _Casarca ferruginea._
This is an Old World species that has accidentally occurred in
Greenland.
[Illustration 095: Blue-winged Teal. Cinnamon Teal.]
[Illustration: deco-photo.]
[Illustration: right hand margin.]
Page 94
142. SHOVELLER. _Spatula clypeata._
Range.--Whole of North America, breeding in the interior from Texas
northward.
This strikingly marked Duck is twenty inches in length, has a green head
and speculum, blue wing coverts and chestnut belly. The bill is long and
broad at the tip. It makes its nest on the ground in marshy places, of
grass, weeds and feathers. Six to ten eggs constitute a complete set.
They are greenish or leaden gray color. Size 2.10 x 1.50.
Data.--Graham's Island, North Dakota, May 28, 1899. Nest of dead weed
stems and grass, lined with down. Ten eggs. Collector, E. S. Bryant.
143. PINTAIL. _Dafila acuta._
Range.--Northern Hemisphere, breeding in North America from northern
United States northward, wintering south to Panama. This species, which
is also known as the Sprig-tail, is very common in the United States in
the spring and fall migrations. It is about thirty inches long, its
length depending upon the development of the tail feathers, the central
ones of which are long and pointed. They breed casually in many sections
of the United States, but in abundance from Manitoba to the Arctic
Ocean. They nest near the water, laying from six to twelve eggs of dull
olive color. Size 2.20 x 1.50. Data.--Graham's Island, Devil's Lake, N.
Dakota, June 15, 1900. Ten eggs. Nest on the ground, of weeds, lined
with down. Colony breeding. Collector, E. S. Bryant.
[Illustration 096: Lead gray.]
[Illustration: Pintail. Shoveller.]
[Illustration: Dull olive gray.]
[Illustration: left hand margin.]
Page 95
144. WOOD DUC. _Aix sponsa._
Range.--Temperate North America, breeding from Labrador and British
Columbia south to Florida.
Bridal Duck is a name often given to this, the most beautiful of all
Ducks.
They are beautifully marked, have a large crest, and are iridescent with
all colors of the rainbow. They frequent wooded country near ponds and
lakes, feeding on water insects and mollusks in the coves. They build
their nests in hollow trees and stumps, often at quite a distance from
the water. When the young are a few days old, they slide, scramble, or
flutter down the tree trunk to the ground below, and are led to the
water. The nest is made of twigs, weeds and grass, and warmly lined with
down. The eggs are a buff color and number eight to fifteen. Size 2. ×
1.5.
145. RUFOUS-CRESTED DUCK. _Netta rufina._
A European species; a single specimen taken on Long Island in 1872.
146. REDHEAD. _Marila americana._
Range.--North America at large, breeding from northern United States
northward, chiefly in the interior.
A bird commonly seen in the markets where it is often sold as the
following species because of their similarity. The nests are placed on
the ground in marshes or sloughs, and are made of grasses, lined with
feathers. Eggs from six to fourteen in number, of a buffy white color.
Size 2.40 × 1.70.
[Illustration 097: Rich buff.]
[Illustration: Wood Duck. Redhead.]
[Illustration: Buffy.]
[Illustration: right hand margin.]
Page 96
[Illustration 098: WOOD DUCK.]
Page 97
147. CANVAS-BACK. _Marila valisineria._
Range.--Whole of North America, breeding chiefly in the interior from
the United States to the Arctic Ocean.
A noted table bird, especially in the south where it feeds on wild
celery. Can be distinguished from the Redhead by its darker head,
lighter back, and gradually sloping bill. They nest abundantly in
Manitoba, their habits being the same as the preceding. They lay from
six to ten eggs of a darker shade than the Red-heads. Size 2.40 × 1.70.
Data.--Haunted Lake, N. Alberta, June 12, 1897. Ten eggs. Nest of reeds
in a heavy reed bed out in the lake. Collector, Walter Raine.
148. SCAUP DUCK. _Marila marila._
Range.--North America, breeding from North Dakota northward, chiefly in
the interior; south in winter to Central America.
This and the following species are widely known as "Blue-bills" owing to
the slaty blue color of that member. Their plumage is black and white,
somewhat similar in pattern to that of the Redhead, but darker, and the
whole head is black. They nest in marshes about many of the ponds and
lakes in the interior of British America. The nest is made of marsh
grasses and lined with feathers. The six to ten eggs are pale grayish or
greenish gray. Size 2.50 × 1.70. Data.--Saltcoats Marshes, N. W. Canada,
June 15, 1901. Ten eggs. Nest in the grass; a depression lined with down
and dried grasses. Collector, Walter Raine.
[Illustration: CANVAS-BACK. American Scaup Duck.]
[Illustration 099: Pale greenish gray.]
[Illustration: deco.]
[Illustration: right hand margin.]
Page 98
149. LESSER SCAUP DUCK. _Marila affinis._
Range.--North America, breeding from North Dakota and British Columbia
northward; winters south to Central America.
This Duck is distinguished from the preceding, chiefly by its size which
is about two inches less, or 17 inches in length. The nesting habits are
the same as those of the Greater Scaup and the eggs are similar but
smaller. Size 2.25 × 1.55. Data.--Northern Assiniboia, June 10, 1901.
Ten eggs on grass and down at the edge of a lagoon. Collector, Walter
Raine.
150. RING-NECKED DUCK. _Marila collaris._
Range.--North America, breeding in the interior, from North Dakota and
Washington northward. Winters from Maryland on the east and British
Columbia on the west to Central America.
Similar to the Lesser Scaup in size and plumage, except that it has a
narrow chestnut collar around the neck, the back is black instead of
barred with white, and the speculum is gray instead of white. The habits
and nesting habits of the Ring-neck do not differ from those of the
other Scaups. They lay from six to twelve eggs. Size 2.25 × 1.60.
Data.--Cape Bathurst, N. Y. T., June 18, 1901. Ten eggs in a slight
hollow in the moss, lined with down. Collector, Captain Bodfish.
[Illustration 100: Lesser Scaup Duck. Ring-necked Duck.]
[Illustration: Lead gray.]
[Illustration: deco-photo.]
[Illustration: left hand margin.]
Page 99
151. GOLDEN-EYE. _Clangula clangula americana._
Range.--North America, breeding both on the coast and in the interior,
from the northern border of the United States northward to the Arctic
Ocean.