Having thus obtained a bird's-eye view of the physical features of North
America, we will take a rapid survey of its zoology before we more
minutely inspect the individuals of which it consists.
In a region of extent so vast as the continent of America, reaching from
the Arctic Circle at one end far-away towards the Antarctic Ocean at the
other--with dense forests, under a tropical sun, in some parts; open
plains, lofty mountains, or a network of rivers and streams, vast lakes
and marshes, in others--we shall find all varieties of form in the
animal kingdom. This gives to its study an especial interest. While
the larger number of its members are especially local, confined in
narrow spaces between two streams, others range beyond 50 degrees and 60
degrees of latitude. The puma wanders across the plains of Patagonia,
and ravages the flocks of the settlers on the western prairies of the
United States. The reindeer feeds on the moss-covered moors of the
Arctic islands, and is chased by the hunters far south among the defiles
of the Rocky Mountains. Vast herds of bison darken the plains of New
Mexico, and reach the upper waters of the Saskatchewan. The same wild
fowl which hatch their young among the ice-surrounded cliffs of Northern
Greenland are found sporting in the lakes of Central America; while some
of the smallest of the feathered tribes, the gem-like humming-birds,
have been seen flitting through the damp mists of Tierra del Fuego,
sipping the sweets of Alpine flowers high up amid lofty peaks of the
Andes, and appearing on the hill-sides in sight of Lake Winnipeg, on the
north of Rupert's Land.
However, as we proceed in our survey, we shall be able to note such, and
many other interesting facts connected with the zoology of the districts
we visit.
We shall find in the northern portion of the continent, extending nearly
as far south as the sixtieth degree of latitude, and even beyond that
parallel, several animals which are identical with those inhabiting the
same latitudes in Europe and Asia. The Polar or white bear, the
sovereign of the Arctic world, ranges entirely round the Circle; and
makes his way across the icy seas over the rugged snow-clothed rocks, so
that he belongs as much to Europe and Asia as to America. The cunning
wolverene, the ermine, the pine-marten, the Arctic fox and common
weasel, also inhabit the same latitudes of the three continents. Among
the herbivorous quadrupeds, there are several which have made their way
across the frozen ocean. The American elk, though called the moose, is
identical with the same animal found in Asia and Europe; so is the
reindeer, known here as the cariboo. Both, indeed, are Arctic animals,
though they migrate to southern latitudes when the severer cold and
depth of snow prevents them from obtaining the moss and lichens on which
they feed. The little Polar hare ranges round the Arctic Circle; but
there is one animal, the musk-ox, which, being truly an Arctic
quadruped, is unknown either in Asia or Europe, and therefore belongs
exclusively to America.
Of the feathered tribes, the larger number of individuals, as might be
supposed, are common to the northern portions of the three continents.
Among these are the golden eagle, the white-headed or sea eagle, the
osprey, the peregrine falcon, the gyrfalcon, the merlin goshawk, the
common buzzard, rough-legged buzzard, hen-harrier, long-eared owl,
short-eared owl, great snowy owl, and Tengmalm's owl. Nearly all the
ducks and other swimming families, as might be expected, are also
identical, as they can make their way with ease round the Circle, and
find the same food and conditions of life. The waders, however, are
generally distinct from those of Europe, as are the grouse inhabiting
the same parallels of latitude. Only one or two have been found in
Europe, as well as in America.
We must now take a glance at the animals which are distinctly American.
In the first place, there are three bears--the savage grizzly of the
Rocky Mountains; the cunning black bear; and the bear of the Barren
Grounds. The beaver might take the first rank among American animals,
for his sagacity, if not for his size. Then comes the Canada otter; the
vison or minx; the clever little tree-loving raccoon; the American
badger, differing from his European relative; and the pekan. There are
several varieties of wolves, differing in size and somewhat in habits,
but all equally voracious. There are several species of foxes, and no
less than thirty of lemmings, marmots, and squirrels, all of which are
to be found within the more northern latitudes of the New World. There
are three hares--known as the American, the prairie, and the little
chief hares--which range over the northern continent. Of the large
animals we have the wapiti, a species of deer; two species of the
black-tailed deer; a long-tailed deer; and the prong-horned antelope;
also the wild goat; the bighorn sheep of the Rocky Mountains; and last,
though not least, the American bison, familiarly known as the buffalo--
the inhabitant of the wide-spreading plains and prairies extending from
the Arctic Circle to Mexico.
Among the land birds, especially the birds of prey, there are several
which are spread over the greater part of the northern continent, some
indeed being found also in great numbers in South America. These are
the turkey vulture, the black vulture, the little rusty-crowned falcon,
the pigeon hawk, slate-coloured hawk, red-tailed buzzard, American
horned owl, little American owl, and five other species of falcons. The
perchers are less widely distributed.
There are, however, numerous families of insectivorous birds peculiar to
America, which either permanently inhabit the more genial portions of
the continent, or pay annual visits to those regions where the richest
fruits abound and insect life prevails, affording them an abundant
banquet. These migrating birds, as the winter draws on, take their
departure southward to the warmer climate of Mexico, where they find
abundance of food. As the summer returns, and the fruits of the
orchard, the corn of the field, and wild berries ripen, and insects
increase in numbers, vast flocks of warblers, woodpeckers, maize-birds,
fly-catchers, thrushes, hang-nests, pigeons, blue-birds, and others
return from their southern pilgrimage, to feed on the minute creatures
which now people the plains, the hill-sides and forests, and on the
abundant productions of the earth, enlivening the forests with their
varied plumage, and delighting man by their melodious notes.
The number of gallinaceous birds is extremely limited. America can,
however, boast of its native wild turkey--one of the most magnificent
game-birds in existence. There is also the pinnated or Cupid Grouse.
The Barren Grounds of Kentucky, and a few other districts, are inhabited
by the ruffle grouse, which is also often called the pheasant. It
ranges to a considerable distance northward, and Dr Richardson found it
even on the borders of the Polar regions. There is likewise a
small-sized partridge, which is improperly called the quail.
With the exception of the golden plover, few of the wading birds
resemble those of Europe. The snipe, the woodcock, the curlew, most of
the sandpipers, together with the coot and the water-hen, are distinct
from those of Europe, and are not only peculiar to America, but few of
them have been found to the south of the line. One of the most
magnificent birds is the American flamingo, which is of a more beautiful
and intense scarlet than that of Europe, and fully as tall; another
bird, the wood-ibis, has the same form as the glossy ibis of southern
Europe. In Carolina and Florida is found the magnificent scarlet ibis,
but it seldom makes its way to the northern parts of the Union. There
are several large and beautiful species of herons. Although most of the
duck tribe range throughout the continent, there are some--such as the
summer or tree duck of South Carolina--which range from the States to
the warmer shores of the southern provinces, while the celebrated
canvas-back duck, so highly prized at table, is found chiefly in the
temperate parts of the continent. The rest of the duck tribe inhabit
the northern regions, only quitting them for the United States during
the severity of winter.