Transcriber’s Note:
Inconsistent hyphenation, capitalization, and spelling in the
original document have been preserved. Obvious typographical
errors have been corrected.
Italic text is denoted by _underscores_.
The following inconsistencies were noted and retained:
Lorimier’s Fork, Lorimie’s Fork and Larimie’s Fork may be the
same place.
Grand Mannan and Grand Manan may be the same place.
J. R. Poinsett and Joel Poinsett may be the same person.
Mr Abbot and Mr Abbott may be the same person.
The following are possible errors, but retained:
Arkansa River should possibly be Arkansas.
gambling should possibly be gambolling.
Download Volume 1 at https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/56989.
Download Volume 2 at https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/47191.
Download Volume 3 at https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/69403.
ORNITHOLOGICAL BIOGRAPHY.
ORNITHOLOGICAL BIOGRAPHY,
OR AN ACCOUNT OF THE HABITS OF THE
BIRDS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,
ACCOMPANIED BY DESCRIPTIONS OF THE OBJECTS REPRESENTED
IN THE WORK ENTITLED
BIRDS OF AMERICA,
TOGETHER WITH AN ACCOUNT OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS OF MANY
OF THE SPECIES, ILLUSTRATED BY ENGRAVINGS ON WOOD.
BY JOHN JAMES AUDUBON, F.R.SS.L.&E.
FELLOW OF THE LINNEAN AND ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETIES OF LONDON;
MEMBER OF THE LYCEUM OF NEW YORK, OF THE NATURAL HISTORY
SOCIETY OF PARIS, THE WERNERIAN NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY
OF EDINBURGH; HONORARY MEMBER OF THE SOCIETY OF NATURAL
HISTORY OF MANCHESTER, AND OF THE SCOTTISH ACADEMY OF
PAINTING, SCULPTURE, AND ARCHITECTURE; MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN
PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY, OF THE ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES AT
PHILADELPHIA, OF THE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETIES OF BOSTON,
OF CHARLESTON IN SOUTH CAROLINA, THE QUEBEC LITERARY AND
HISTORICAL SOCIETY, THE ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON, &C.
&C.
VOL. IV.
EDINBURGH:
ADAM & CHARLES BLACK, EDINBURGH:
LONGMAN, ORME, BROWN, GREEN & LONGMANS, LONDON; R. HAVELL,
ENGRAVER, 77. OXFORD STREET, LONDON; ALEXANDER HILL,
EDINBURGH; AND GEORGE SMITH, LIVERPOOL.
MDCCCXXXVIII.
PRINTED BY NEILL AND CO., OLD FISHMARKET, EDINBURGH.
INTRODUCTION.
Three years have nearly elapsed since I had the pleasure of presenting
you with the third volume of my “Ornithological Biography,” and
about twelve since the first fasciculus of my “Illustrations of
the Birds of America” was submitted to your inspection. This work,
comprising four hundred and thirty-five plates, and one thousand and
sixty-five figures, was finished on the 20th of June 1838, without
the continuity of its execution having been broken for a single day,
and the numbers having been delivered with exemplary regularity; for
all which I am indebted to my friend and Engraver, Mr ROBERT HAVELL.
Once more surrounded by all the members of my dear family, enjoying
the countenance of numerous friends who have never deserted me, and
possessing a competent share of all that can render life agreeable, I
look up with gratitude to the Supreme Being, and feel that I am happy.
The adventures and vicissitudes which have fallen to my lot, instead of
tending to diminish the fervid enthusiasm of my nature, have imparted
a toughness to my bodily constitution, naturally strong, and to my
mind, naturally buoyant, an elasticity, such as to assure me that,
though somewhat old, and considerably denuded in the frontal region, I
could yet perform on foot a journey of any length, were I sure that I
should thereby add materially to our knowledge of the ever-interesting
creatures which have for so long a time occupied my thoughts by
day, and filled my dreams with pleasant images. Nay, Reader, had I
a new lease of life presented to me, I should chuse for it the very
occupations in which I have been engaged.
And, Reader, the life which I have led has been in some respects a
singular one. Think of a person intent on such pursuits as mine have
been, aroused at early dawn from his rude couch on the alder-fringed
brook of some northern valley, or in the midst of some yet unexplored
forest of the west, or perhaps on the soft and warm sands of the
Florida shores, and listening to the pleasing melodies of songsters
innumerable, saluting the magnificent orb from whose radiant influence
the creatures of many worlds receive life and light. Refreshed and
reinvigorated by healthful rest, he starts upon his feet, gathers
up his store of curiosities, buckles on his knapsack, shoulders his
trusty firelock, says a kind word to his faithful dog, and recommences
his pursuit of zoological knowledge. Now the morning is spent, and
a squirrel or a trout afford him a repast. Should the day be warm,
he reposes for a time under the shade of some tree. The woodland
choristers again burst forth into song, and he starts anew, to wander
wherever his fancy may direct him, or the objects of his search may
lead him in pursuit. When evening approaches and the birds are seen
betaking themselves to their retreats, he looks for some place of
safety, erects his shed of green boughs, kindles his fire, prepares his
meal, and as the Widgeon or Blue-winged Teal, or perhaps the breast of
a Turkey, or a steak of venison, sends its delicious perfumes abroad,
he enters into his parchment-bound journal the remarkable incidents
and facts that have occurred in the course of the day. Darkness has
now drawn her sable curtain over the scene, his repast is finished,
and kneeling on the earth he raises his soul to Heaven, grateful for
the protection that has been granted to him and the sense of the Divine
presence in this solitary place. Then wishing a cordial good night to
all the dear friends at home, THE AMERICAN WOODSMAN wraps himself up
in his blanket, and closing his eyes, soon falls into that comfortable
sleep which never fails him on such occasions.
Since I last parted from you, my exertions have been unremitted, and my
rambles extended as far as circumstances allowed, for I have been ever
anxious to render the fourth and concluding volume of my Illustrations
as worthy of your approbation as I could. Whether I have added to our
knowledge of the birds which constantly reside within the limits of the
United States and their Territories, or periodically visit us from the
South, it is yours to say. That I have left undone much that might have
been accomplished by an abler student of Nature, is doubtless quite
true; but that any would have prosecuted the study of our numerous
feathered denizens with more good will or more sincere desire to obtain
facts and rectify errors, would, I think, be difficult to prove. If
my “Birds of America,” and “Ornithological Biography,” are looked upon
by you as having contributed in some degree to the improvement of our
knowledge of these my favourite objects of observation, and as likely
to stimulate other and perhaps more successful students to perfect it.
I shall rest satisfied with my labours.
Having hitherto given you some account of the occurrences that have
taken place during the time intervening between the appearance of one
volume and that of another, I again resume the subject, hoping that
what I have now to say may prove not less interesting to a friend
like you. When I last left Edinburgh, I proceeded to London, full of
the desire to revisit my native land before concluding my work. It
was my wish to cross the Continent of America, gaze on the majestic
wilds of the Rocky Mountains, wander along the green valleys of the
Oregon, and search the shores of the Pacific Ocean and a portion of
North California; but circumstances denied me the pleasure anticipated.
However, here we are on the way to the metropolis of England; we have
already passed through Newcastle, York, Leeds, and Manchester, and are
just about to alight in the Main Street of Sheffield. The gentleman who
meets me at the coach door, is JOHN HEPPENSTALL, Esq., well known to me
by correspondence, but not personally until now. Arrived here according
to appointment, we shake hands, and in a few minutes are beneath his
most hospitable roof, and in the midst of his family and friends. The
expectations which we had formed, so far from being disappointed,
were more than gratified, for this sincere and honourable man is
distinguished, not less by liberality of sentiment than by a generosity
commensurate with the goodness of his heart. In these respects every
member of his family is a counterpart of himself; and, such being our
hosts, you may judge how agreeable to us was our stay in Sheffield.
It was while enjoying the hospitality of this excellent friend, that
we became acquainted with EBENEZER ELLIOT, Esq. and subsequently with
JONATHAN BRAMMELL, Esq. from whom we have since received many acts of
kindness. Stopping afterwards at Derby, we saw our relations there,
and on arriving in London were kindly welcomed by my brother-in-law,
ALEXANDER GORDON, Esq., and soon established ourselves in a house in
Wimpole Street.
I now again enjoyed the society of our numerous friends, and had the
pleasure of seeing my work proceed apace. One day Mr ROBERT HAVELL
informed me, that a gentleman, a Fellow of the Royal Society, residing
not far from us, in the same street, had subscribed for the Birds
of America. The gentleman called to see me; my wife and myself, were
introduced to his lady, and the several members of his amiable family,
and our intimacy and friendship have ever since increased. This
excellent friend of mine is a surgeon of the highest merit. Long before
I left England for America, he took charge of my wife’s precarious
health; and when we parted at the coach that took my son, JOHN
WOODHOUSE, and myself, to Portsmouth, he promised to watch over her.
When I again reached my house in Wimpole Street, after an absence of a
year, he was the first friend to greet me with a cordial welcome. Were
I to mention the many occasions on which he has aided me by his advice
and superior knowledge of the world, you would be pleased to find
so much disinterestedness in human nature. His professional aid too,
valuable as it has proved to us, and productive of much inconvenience
to him, has been rendered without reward, for I could never succeed in
inducing him to consider us his patients, although for upwards of two
years he never passed a day without seeing my wife. But why should I
say more? This fine specimen of human nature, eminent for every virtue,
this kind and generous friend, is BENJAMIN PHILLIPS, Esq.
Having been long anxious to introduce into America several species of
European birds, which I thought might thrive with us, I purchased about
an hundred individuals of that delightful songster, the Sky Lark, fifty
Starlings, and several Jays and Wood Pigeons, intending to set them
loose in the Western States. Putting them in ample cages, accompanied
with a store of food for the voyage, I had them sent on board in the
London Docks; but on our reaching Portsmouth by land, we heard that
the weather had been very bad in the Channel, and that our birds had
suffered severely. The news, to my vexation, proved true; many of the
birds had died; and, although our passage to New York was pleasant as
well as speedy, very few were landed, so that my hopes were entirely
disappointed.
On the 1st of August 1836, we went on board the fine American Packet
Ship, the Gladiator, commanded by THOMAS BRITTON, Esq. and proceeded
on our voyage, which proved agreeable. On arriving at New York, we
soon reached the house of my good friend and brother-in-law NICHOLAS
BERTHOUD, Esq. Leaving my son there, I proceeded almost immediately
to Boston, where, under the roof of my generous friend Dr GEORGE C.
SHATTUCK, I enjoyed life for a while. My friend Dr GEORGE PARKMAN
was absent, and I missed him much. Here, through the kindness of Dr
SHATTUCK, I procured two subscribers, and formed acquaintance with
THOMAS M. BREWER, Esq., from whom I have received many valuable
services, which you will find mentioned in the proper places. Pushing
on to Salem I formed some acquaintances there, and procured several
subscribers; then returned to Boston, and as fortune would have it,
heard of the arrival of THOMAS NUTTALL, Esq., the well-known zoologist,
botanist, and mineralogist, who had performed a journey over the Rocky
Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, accompanied by our mutual friend
JOHN KIRK TOWNSEND, Esq., M. D. Mr NUTTALL generously gave me of
his ornithological treasures all that was new, and inscribed in my
journal the observations which he had made respecting the habits and
distribution of all the new and rare species which were unknown to
me. All this information you will find in the different articles to
which it refers, and you will allow that while it proves his zeal for
the furtherance of science, it manifests the generosity of his noble
nature.
Dr TOWNSEND’S collection was at Philadelphia; my anxiety to examine
his specimens was extreme; and I therefore, bidding farewell to my
Boston friends, hurried off to New York, where, in a week, I added
eighteen names to my list of subscribers, in obtaining which I was
materially aided by my brother-in-law. Once more my son and I reached
Philadelphia, where at once we placed ourselves under the roof of my
ever staunch and true friend RICHARD HARLAN, Esq., M. D., with whom we
remained several weeks. Soon after my arrival, I called on my learned
friend Dr CHARLES PICKERING, formed the desired acquaintance of an
enthusiastic young ornithologist, JAMES TRUDEAU, Esq., and met my firm
friend EDWARD HARRIS, Esq. Having obtained access to the collection
sent by Dr TOWNSEND, I turned over and over the new and rare species;
but he was absent at Fort Vancouver, on the shores of the Columbia
River; THOMAS NUTTALL had not yet come from Boston, and loud murmurs
were uttered by the _soi-disant_ friends of science, who objected to
my seeing, much less portraying and describing those valuable relics
of birds, many of which had not yet been introduced into our Fauna. The
traveller’s appetite is much increased by the knowledge of the distance
which he has to tramp before he can obtain a meal; and with me the
desire of obtaining the specimens in question increased in proportion
to the difficulties that presented themselves. Having ascertained
the names of the persons best able or most willing to assist me on
this occasion, and aided by THOMAS NUTTALL, who had now arrived, Drs
PICKERING, HARLAN, S. G. MORTON, Secretary to the Academy of Natural
Sciences, M’MURTRIE, TRUDEAU, and above all my friend EDWARD HARRIS,
who offered to pay for them with the view of presenting them to me, I
at length succeeded. It was agreed that I might _purchase duplicates,
provided_ the specific names agreed upon by Mr NUTTALL and myself were
published in Dr TOWNSEND’S name. This latter part of the affair was
perfectly congenial to my feelings, as I have seldom cared much about
priority in the naming of species. I therefore paid for the skins which
I received, and have now published such as proved to be new, according
to my promise. But, let me assure you, Reader, that seldom, if ever in
my life, have I felt more disgusted with the conduct of any opponents
of mine, than I was with the unfriendly boasters of their zeal for the
advancement of ornithological science, who at the time existed in the
fair city of Philadelphia.
From Philadelphia I bent my course toward Baltimore, where I spent
a few days. Before leaving the former city, my good friend EDWARD
HARRIS had promised to join us at Charleston, for the purpose of
accompanying us along the western coast of the Floridas, and the Gulf
of Mexico, at least as far as Galveston Island in Texas. On reaching
the city of Washington, I presented myself to the Honourable LEVI
WOODBURY, Secretary of the Treasury of the United States, a gentleman
of learning, long friendly towards me, who at once assured me that
he would, if possible, grant me one of our Revenue Cutters, for
my intended voyage. The war, which was at that time raging between
the Seminole Indians and the citizens of Florida tended strongly to
frustrate my wishes, as every disposable vessel of the class under the
Secretary of the Treasury was engaged on the coast of the Peninsula.
I called on President ANDREW JACKSON, from whom, since 1819, I have
received peculiar facilities, and who assured me of his wish to grant
my request. My son and I dined with him on that day _sans façon_, both
of us in the undress best suited to practical students of nature. And
here I may inform you, that I have seldom eaten of a better Wild Turkey
than the one which graced his table, and which had been procured not
many miles distant from our centre of political intercourse. I also
had the pleasure of seeing my excellent friend, Colonel J. J. ABERT, of
the U. S. Topographical Department, the Honourable J. R. POINSETT, and
the Secretary of the Navy, to whom I then recommended several American
naturalists as worthy of being engaged on any naval expedition of
discovery.
We now proceeded towards Charleston in South Carolina, travelling the
latter part of the way on one of the most extraordinary rail-roads
in the world, and reached in safety the house of my worthy friend
the Reverend JOHN BACHMAN, D.D. It was indeed a happy meeting! Here
I opened the box containing Dr TOWNSEND’S precious series of birds,
and while waiting the arrival of Mr HARRIS, drew upwards of seventy
figures of the species which I had procured at Philadelphia, assisted
in the finishing of the plants, branches of trees, and flowers, which
accompany these figures, by my friend’s sister-in-law Miss M. MARTIN,
to whom I now again offer my most sincere thanks. While here I received
the agreeable intelligence of my having been elected a Member of the
Ornithological Society of London.
EDWARD HARRIS joined me, but the Revenue Cutter had not made its
appearance; and time becoming precious, on account of the approach
of spring, we bid adieu to all at Charleston, and pushed for New
Orleans, where, I was informed by Government letters, I should meet
with a vessel. On reaching Augusta in Georgia, I called on Dr WRAY, who
promised to forward to me a number of plants for my noble friend Lord
RAVENSWORTH, who has received them in good order. After several days
of severe travelling, we arrived at Montgomery in Alabama, and meeting
there with a steam-boat bound to Mobile, secured our passage. Next day
we arrived there, and spent two days in examining the neighbourhood;
after which we proceeded to Pensacola, where I felt proud to find a
harbour commodious enough to contain a fleet sufficient to repel the
attacks of any naval force brought against the United States. Here
I made the long-sought-for acquaintance of Mr INNERARITY, to whom I
had letters from my friend ALEXANDER GORDON, Esq., and who introduced
us to all who were likely to forward our views. The next morning he
accompanied us on board the United States’ frigate, the Constellation,
and presented us to Commodore DALLAS, to whom I had letters of
introduction from our government. This polite and gallant officer
received us all with great kindness, and, after reading my letters,
assured me that as soon as a cutter could be spared, it should be at
my service, and that the information would be transmitted to me through
the medium of the Collector of Customs at Mobile or New Orleans. After
searching the country around Pensacola, we returned to Mobile, and
proceeded to New Orleans in a steamer, by way of the great lakes.
Having previously received the most pressing invitation from my friend
JAMES GRIMSHAW, Esq., my son and I went at once to his house, where
we were treated with all the kindness to be expected from a true
English gentleman. I had the pleasure of renewing my acquaintance with
Ex-Governor ROMAN, and several members of his most amiable family,
among whom was Mr ZARINGUE. From that gentleman I received much
valuable information respecting some of our birds, as well as from my
long-known acquaintance, the great sportsman Mr LOUIS ADAM. Here also
I for the last time met with good M. LE SUEUR, well known to the world
of science as a zoologist of great merit, and with whom I first became
acquainted at Philadelphia in 1824. He, alas! is now no more.
Having called on Mr BREEDLOVE, Collector of Customs for New Orleans,
and presented to him my letters from the Honourable LEVI WOODBURY, he
at once assured me that the Revenue Cutter the Campbell, would be at my
disposal in a very few days. But the service, or other circumstances,
did not allow the arrival of that vessel at New Orleans until late in
March, and at a time when, apprehensive that our intended voyage might
be frustrated, we were all “crest-fallen.” Time, however, passed on,
and one morning I was gladdened by being called upon by the Commander
of the Campbell, and still more upon recognising in him the Lieutenant
and Pilot of the Marion, or Lady of the Green Mantle, so frequently
mentioned in the former volumes of these Ornithological Biographs.
I knew that NAPOLEON COSTE was a true sea-fowl. He assured me of
the excellence of his vessel, and gay and happy were we all when we
removed on board the tight little sea-boat, of scarcely more than sixty
tons burden. Proceeding down the Mississippi, we sailed through its
south-west Pass, where we were joined by a vessel of eight tons, as a
tender for our excursions along the shores. It was commanded by Captain
WILLIAM TAYLOR, now, I believe, a Commodore in the Texian service, a
gentleman who has seen much of the world, an excellent companion, and
a good hunter and fisher.
Of our various excursions, whether by water or by land, between
the mouths of the Mississippi and the point at which we returned, a
detailed account would prove tedious and fatiguing; for what interest
can there be in the relation of our wading through mud for whole days,
exposed to the scorching heat, and continually annoyed by myriads of
insects? We reached the Bay of Galveston on the 24th of April 1837,
and ransacked not only the island of that name, but all those in that
celebrated inlet of the Mexican Gulf, which we thought worthy of our
attention. It was a curious circumstance to me, that, being on board
of the first American armed vessel in the United States’ Service
that had entered the Bay, the fort of Galveston returned the salute
of twenty-six fires from the great gun of the Campbell; and almost
equally so when I received a visit from the Secretary of the Navy of
the infant Republic of Texas, with a written invitation to proceed
to the seat of Government, the newly founded city of Houston, distant
from our anchorage about eighty miles. Toward this place the Campbell
proceeded about twenty miles, when, meeting with a bar, on which there
is not more than about four feet of water at full tide, she again came
to anchor. At this place, which is called Red-Fish Bar, on the 9th of
May, my friend EDWARD HARRIS, Captain COSTE, and five sailors took the
gig, while the Crusader, our tender, took the Secretary of the Texian
Navy, M. FISHER, Esq., a Mr WARD, my son, and myself. We crossed a
large but shallow bay with a fair wind, and proceeding rapidly, passed
the lately founded town of New Washington, and soon afterwards several
plantations, the sight of all which afforded us much pleasure, as
contrasted with the low salt-marshes and flat lands along the shores
of the Mexican Bay, among which we had so long wandered. About noon
we entered Buffalo Bayou, near the mouth of the San Jacinto River,
almost opposite the celebrated battle-ground. Ducks of various species,
Ibises, Wild Turkeys, and many other birds, were seen in great numbers,
and we proceeded smoothly over the then turbid waters of the Bayou,
until we reached a comfortable house, where we spent the night, after
previously examining several miles of the country around.
The Secretary of the Texian Navy being anxious to reach the seat of
his government, we started in the gig of the Campbell, although the
rain, which had commenced in the night, was falling in torrents, and
the waters of the Bayou, which the day before were still, now rushed
at a rapid rate toward the Gulf. About two o’clock in the afternoon,
we reached Houston, completely drenched, and were soon afterwards
introduced to the President General HOUSTON, who received us kindly,
and offered us horses and men to assist us in our researches. The town
was crowded with hundreds of Indians, only a few of whom were sober.
Although here and there groups of great interest to the painter might
be seen, their howlings and gesticulations were by no means pleasing.
The beautiful level plain on the margin of which Houston is situated,
was covered with water ankle deep. Having seen all that was thought
interesting, and offered the President as well as all the officers of
his Staff my best thanks, we returned to our yawl, and floating on the
accumulated waters, flew as it were down the stream. Several days were
afterwards spent in rambling as much as possible over the country, and
among other places, we visited the battle-ground of San Jacinto, where
we saw scattered the remains of numerous individuals destroyed in that
bloody fray.
On our way towards “Red-Fish Bar,” we stopped two days at the
hospitable mansion of Colonel JAMES MORGAN, who received us in the
most friendly manner. This spot, possessing a fine extent of woodland,
surrounded by vast prairies, ornamented with numerous detached
groves, reminded us of some of the beautiful parks of England. There,
among other rarities, we procured a fine specimen of the climbing
Rattle-snake with _recurved_ fangs, which, along with several others of
the same kind, is now in my possession.
On the 18th of May, we bade adieu to the Texas, amid the salutes of
the several armed Texian vessels at Galveston, and were soon on the
broad waters of the Gulf of Mexico. We had as passenger Mr CRAWFORD,
the British Consul at Tampico; and after a pleasant voyage, anchored
on the 24th within the south-west Pass of the Mississippi. After
visiting Captain TAYLOR and his family at the Balize, we were towed
by a steamer to New Orleans, where we arrived on the 27th. Here I had
the gratification of meeting with my youngest brother-in-law, WILLIAM
G. BAKEWELL, Esq. of Louisville, Kentucky, as well as with his amiable
wife, neither of whom I had seen for several years.
The commercial revolution which had taken place during our absence,
prompted us to proceed at once to the eastward, and bidding farewell
to our friends, I and my son set out for Charleston by way of Mobile,
whence we crossed the country in a cart with the United States’
mail-bags, whereon, in lieu of downy beds and pillows, our bones
rested in cramped positions during the night, whilst by day we had
ample opportunities of walking over miserable roads, through an almost
uncultivated country, and with very indifferent fare. On reaching
Montgomery, however, we met with a good coach, and moved more rapidly
toward our destination.
My friend EDWARD HARRIS had parted from us, at New Orleans, and gone up
the Mississippi to secure for me a collection of preserved Reptiles and
other objects; but, after a more pleasant journey than ours, by way of
Mobile, Pensacola, and the level country between the latter and Augusta
in Georgia, joined us again at the house of our friend Dr BACHMAN,
where we arrived on the 5th of June. And here, good-natured Reader, let
me say to you, that the friendship which had so long subsisted between
that reverend gentleman and myself, became, still more cemented by the
marriage of his eldest daughter to my youngest son.
In the course of our long journeys through woods and over plains, and
of our sinuous sailings along the many bays, creeks or bayous, which
we visited on this expedition, notwithstanding all our exertions and
constant anxiety, we did not discover a single bird not previously
known. However, the enterprise proved exceedingly interesting to my
companions and myself, and I trust its results will be found to possess
some value in your eyes also, for, as you will perceive, it has enabled
me to speak with more confidence on the migratory movements of a
good number of species which visit us from southern climes during the
breeding season. It also enables me to define more accurately than I
could otherwise have done, the geographical distribution of most of
those which at various times make their appearance in the different
sections of the United States, and other portions of North America.
Leaving Charleston, we reached Norfolk by a steamer, after a short
passage of thirty-eight hours, and proceeded at once to Washington,
where I presented myself to the President of the United States, MARTIN
VAN BUREN, to whom I had letters from my amiable and celebrated friend,
WASHINGTON IRVING, Esq., and offered my best thanks to the heads of the
several departments, and my various friends. We then passed rapidly
through Baltimore and Philadelphia, my wish being to reach New York
as soon as possible. There I remained a fortnight, while my son and
daughter-in-law visited the Falls of Niagara. They having returned, we
embarked, on the 16th of July 1837, on board the American packet-ship,
the England, commanded by ROBERT WAITE, Esq., for Liverpool, where,
seventeen days after, we were safely landed. Here we quickly paid our
respects to the RATHBONES, the CHORLEYS, and other friends, to whom
bidding adieu at the same time, we proceeded to join my family in
London, where, on the 7th of August, we once more met all together.
I found the publication of the “Birds of America” in a satisfactory
state of progression, but received the disagreeable intelligence
that a great number of my British patrons had discontinued their
subscriptions, and that most of those who still received the numbers
as they came out, were desirous of seeing the work finished in Eighty
Numbers, as I had at first anticipated. On this account, I found myself
obliged to introduce, and in some instances to crowd, a number of
species into one and the same plate, in order to try to meet the wishes
of those who had by their subscriptions in some measure assisted me in
the publication of that work. This, however, I did in such a manner as
seemed best to accord with the affinities of the species. But, Reader,
Dr TOWNSEND meantime returned to Philadelphia, after an absence of
about four years, and with a second collection, containing several
rare and new birds, which, after meeting with the same difficulties
as on the former occasion, in consequence of the opposition of various
enlightened persons at Philadelphia, although Dr TOWNSEND was extremely
desirous that every thing new or rare belonging to our Fauna should be
given to me, I received only a few weeks before closing the engraving
of my plates. A few others did not reach me until several days after.
What was I to do? Why, Reader, to publish them to be sure; for this I
should have done, to the best of my power, even if every subscriber in
Europe had refused to take them. What! said I, shall the last volume of
the “Birds of America” be now closed, at a time when new species are
in my hands? No! And in spite of threats from this quarter and that,
that such and such persons would discontinue their subscriptions (which
indeed they have done, and refused to take the few numbers that would
have rendered their copies complete), my wish to do all that was in
my power has been accomplished:—All Dr TOWNSEND’s species, as well as
some received through different channels, have been published. To that
enthusiastic naturalist and excellent friend I am also deeply indebted
for the valuable notes which he has forwarded to me through my friend
EDWARD HARRIS.
I had the gratification of receiving at London a diploma from the
Literary and Historical Society of Quebec; and since then have been
favoured with a list of the birds which have been observed in the
environs of that city, by WILLIAM SHEPPARD, Esq., his lady, and son,
for which I offer them my most sincere thanks. I am also much indebted
to the members of the Council of the Zoological Society of London, who
have never ceased to furnish me with whatever American specimens their
valuable museum contains, allowing me to take them to my house. I am
farther indebted to my excellent and generous friend Professor J. T.
HENSLOW of Cambridge for the continuance of his most kind services to
me. Nor must I here omit mentioning the efficient aid I have received
from THOMAS DURHAM WEIR, Esq. of Boghead, in the county of Linlithgow,
and Mr MACDUFF CARFRAE, Preserver of Animals in Edinburgh, who have
kindly procured for me many specimens of British birds for comparison
with such of our American species as seemed to be identical.
For several years past I have felt a great desire to place before
the world an account of the digestive organs of our various birds.
With this view I have, at a great expense, obtained specimens
preserved entire in spirits. In collecting them I have received the
most effectual aid from several of my American friends, residing in
different parts of the country; and in particular from the Rev. Dr
BACHMAN of Charleston in South Carolina, Colonel THEODORE ANDERSON
of Baltimore, Dr RICHARD HARLAN of Philadelphia, Dr THOMAS M. BREWER
of Boston in Massachusetts, THOMAS M’CULLOCH, Esq. of Pictou in Nova
Scotia; ALEXANDER GORDON, Esq. of London, who wrote to Havannah for
Flamingoes; JEAN CHARTRAND, Esq. who sent me a pair of these birds from
Matanzas in Cuba; and from Captain NAPOLEON COSTE of the United States’
Revenue Service. Besides the valuable contributions of these friends,
to whom my warmest thanks are due, a vast number of specimens were
procured by the members of my several parties, in Labrador, in Texas,
and in various parts of the United States, as well as many purchased
from Mr WARD of New York. An account of the digestive organs and
trachea of these, generally concise, but occasionally of considerable
length, you will find under the articles to which they refer, in the
present volume. These anatomical descriptions, as well as the sketches
by which they are sometimes illustrated, have been executed by my
learned friend WILLIAM MACGILLIVRAY, who in the most agreeable manner
consented to undertake the labour, by no means small, of such a task,
and to whom those who are interested in the progress of Ornithological
science, as well as myself, must therefore feel indebted. These details
I had resolved to present to you, because I have thought that no
perfect knowledge of the affinities of species can be obtained until
their internal organization is known. I believe the time to be fast
approaching when much of the results obtained from the inspection of
the exterior alone will be laid aside; when museums filled with stuffed
skins will be considered insufficient to afford a knowledge of birds;
and when the student will go forth not only to observe the habits and
haunts of animals, but to procure specimens of them to be carefully
dissected.
When I commenced the present volume, I expected that it should contain
descriptions of all the species represented in the fourth volume
of my Illustrations; but, on proceeding, I found that, even without
Episodes, which I have been obliged to exclude, in order to make room
for anatomical notices, of more interest to the scientific reader, I
could not include more than the usual number of one hundred species.
In the fifth and concluding volume, the printing of which has already
begun, you will find Descriptions of upwards of a hundred species, many
of which are new to science, together with Lists illustrative of the
geographical distribution of birds, an Appendix containing additions
and corrections, and, finally, a Synopsis of the Birds of North
America, methodically arranged, with generic and specific characters.
JOHN J. AUDUBON.
EDINBURGH, _1st November 1838_.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Canvass-back Duck, _Fuligula valisneriana_, 1
Dusky Duck, _Anas obscura_, 15
Bartramian Sandpiper, _Totanus Bartramius_, 24
Turnstone, _Strepsilas Interpres_, 31
Purple Gallinule, _Gallinula martinica_, 37
Great Northern Diver or Loon, _Colymbus glacialis_, 43
Blue Heron, _Ardea cœrulea_, 58
Tell-Tale Godwit, _Totanus melanoleucus_, 68
Common Tern, _Sterna Hirundo_, 74
Spotted Sandpiper, _Totanus macularius_, 81
American White Pelican, _Pelecanus americanus_, 88
Long-tailed Duck, _Fuligula glacialis_, 103
Blue-winged Teal, _Anas discors_, 111
Black-headed or Laughing Gull, _Larus Atricilla_, 118
Knot or Ash-coloured Sandpiper, _Tringa islandica_, 130
Anhinga or Snake-Bird, _Plotus Anhinga_, 136
Surf Duck, _Fuligula perspicillata_, 161
American Avoset, _Recurvirostra americana_, 168
Least Tern, _Sterna minuta_, 175
Little Sandpiper, _Tringa pusilla_, 180
Roseate Spoonbill, _Platalea Ajaja_, 188
Red-headed Duck, _Fuligula Ferina_, 198
Black Skimmer or Razor-billed _Rhynchops nigra_, 203
Shearwater,
Bonapartian Gull, _Larus Bonapartii_, 212
Buffel-headed Duck, _Fuligula Albeola_, 217
Common Gannet, _Sula bassana_, 222
Shoveller Duck, _Anas clypeata_, 241
Black-necked Stilt, _Himantopus nigricollis_, 247
Yellow-breasted Rail, _Rallus noveboracensis_, 251
American Ring-Plover, _Charadrius semipalmatus_, 256
Goosander, _Mergus Merganser_, 261
Pied Duck, _Fuligula labradora_, 271
Green Heron, _Ardea virescens_, 274
Black-bellied Plover, _Charadrius helveticus_, 280
Red-breasted Snipe, _Scolopax noveboracensis_, 285
Yellow-crowned Heron, _Ardea violacea_, 290
American Bittern, _Ardea minor_, 296
Brewer’s Duck, _Anas Breweri_, 302
Little Guillemot, _Uria Alle_, 304
Least Petrel, _Thalassidroma pelagica_, 310
Great Auk, _Alca impennis_, 316
Golden-eye Duck, _Fuligula Clangula_, 318
Ruddy Duck, _Fuligula rubida_, 326
Long-legged Sandpiper, _Tringa Himantopus_, 332
American Widgeon, _Anas americana_, 337
Black-throated Diver, _Colymbus arcticus_, 345
Smew, or White Nun, _Mergus Albellus_, 350
Gadwall Duck, _Anas strepera_, 353
Least Water Rail, _Rallus jamaicensis_, 359
Rocky-Mountain Plover, _Charadrius montanus_, 362
Great Cinereous Owl, _Strix cinerea_, 364
Black-shouldered Hawk, _Falco dispar_, 367
Chestnut-backed Titmouse, _Parus rufescens_, 371
Black-cap Titmouse, _Parus atricapillus_, 374
Chestnut-crowned Titmouse, _Parus minimus_, 382
Louisiana Tanager, _Tanagra ludoviciana_, 385
Scarlet Tanager, _Tanagra rubra_, 388
Macgillivray’s Finch, _Fringilla Macgillivraii_, 394
Marsh Hawk, _Falco cyaneus_, 396
Common Magpie, _Corvus Pica_, 408
Pine Grosbeak, _Pyrrhula Enucleator_, 414
Arkansaw Flycatcher, _Musicapa verticalis_, 422
Swallow-tailed Flycatcher, _Musicapa forficata_, 426
Say’s Flycatcher, _Musicapa Saya_, 428
Winter Wren, _Troglodytes hyemalis_, 430
Rock Wren, _Troglodytes obsoletus_, 443
Dusky Grous, _Tetrao obscurus_, 446
Yellow-billed Magpie, _Corvus Nuttalli_, 450
Steller’s Jay, _Corvus Stelleri_, 453
Ultramarine Jay, _Corvus ultramarinus_, 456
Clarke’s Nutcracker, _Nucifraga columbiana_, 459
Bohemian Chatterer, _Bombycilla garrula_, 462
White-winged Crossbill, _Loxia leucoptera_, 467
Lapland Longspur, _Emberiza lapponica_, 472
Iceland or Jer Falcon, _Falco islandicus_, 476
Band-tailed Pigeon, _Columba fasciata_, 479
Rock Grous, _Tetrao rupestris_, 483
Mountain Mocking Bird, _Turdus montanus_, 487
Varied Thrush, _Turdus nævius_, 489
American Dipper, _Cinclus americanus_, 493
Cock of the Plains, _Tetrao Urophasianus_, 503
Common Buzzard, _Falco Buteo_, 508
Evening Grosbeak, _Fringilla vespertina_, 515
Black-headed Grosbeak, _Fringilla melanocephala_, 519
Sharp-shinned or Slate-coloured} _Falco fuscus_, 522
Hawk, }
Lesser Redpoll, _Fringilla Linaria_, 533
Trumpeter Swan, _Cygnus Buccinator_, 536
Scolopaceous Courlan, _Aramus scolopaceus_, 543
Hawk Owl, _Strix funereal_, 550
Ruff-necked Humming Bird, _Trochilus rufus_, 555
Tengmalm’s Owl, _Strix Tengmalmi_, 559
Snow Goose, _Anser hyperboreus_, 562
Sharp-tailed Grous, _Tetrao Phasianellus_, 569
Long-eared Owl, _Strix Otus_, 572
Black-throated Bunting, _Emberiza Americana_, 579
Bank Swallow or Sand Martin, _Hirundo riparia_, 584
Rough-winged Swallow, _Hirundo serripennis_, 573
Violet-green Swallow, _Hirundo thalassina_, 597
Great American Egret, _Ardea Egretta_, 600
Glossy Ibis, _Ibis Falcinellus_, 608
LIST OF ENGRAVINGS ON WOOD.
Page
1. Digestive Organs of _Pelecanus Americanus_, One-third size, 99
2. Sternum of _Pelecanus Americanus_, Rather less than half size, 102
3. Stomach and proventriculus of _Plotus Anhinga_, Full size, 159
4. Trachea and stomach of _Platalea Ajaja_, Half size, 197
5. Stomach and proventriculus of _Rhynchops nigra_, Full size, 211
6. Stomach, proventriculus, and intestine of _Sula
alba_, One-third size, 239
7. Stomach and œsophagus of _Ardea virescens_, Full size, 279
8. Stomach and proventriculus of _Charadrius helveticus_, 285
9. Stomach and proventriculus of _Scolopax noveboracensis_, 289
10. Digestive organs of _Ardea minor_, 301
11. Digestive organs of _Uria Alle_, 307
12. Stomach and proventriculus of _Uria Alle_ opened, 307
13. Cloaca and cœca of _Uria Alle_, 307
14. Digestive organs of _Thalassidroma pelagica_, 314
15. Stomach, proventriculus, and duodenum of _Thalassidroma
pelagica_, 314
16. Stomach and intestines of _Thalassidroma pelagica_, 314
17. Digestive organs and inferior larynx of _Anas americana_, 343
18. Digestive organs and part of trachea of _Anas strepera_, 358
19. Digestive organs of _Parus atricapillus_, 381
20. Digestive Organs of _Tanagra rubra_, 393
21. Digestive Organs of _Falco cyaneus_, Half size, 407
22. Digestive Organs of _Pyrrhula Enucleator_, Full size, 420
23. Another view of the same, 420
24. Digestive Organs of _Muscicapa verticalis_, 425
25. Digestive Organs of _Troglodytes hyemalis_, 442
26. Digestive Organs of _Loxia leucoptera_, 471
27. Digestive Organs of _Falco islandicus_, 478
28. Digestive Organs of _Falco fuscus_, 529
29. Digestive organs of _Aramus scolopaceus_, Full size, 549
30. Digestive organs of _Strix funerea_, 554
31. Cœca and cloaca of _Strix funerea_, 554
32. Aperture of ear of _Strix funerea_, 554
33. External ear of _Strix Otus_, 578
34. Cœca and cloaca of _Strix Otus_, 578
35. Digestive organs of _Emberiza americana_, 583
36. Tail of _Hirundo riparia_, 595
37. Tail of _Hirundo serripennis_, 595
38. Part of outer primary of _Hirundo serripennis_, 595
39. Cœcum and cloaca of _Ardea Egretta_, 606
ORNITHOLOGICAL BIOGRAPHY.
CANVASS-BACK DUCK.
_FULIGULA VALISNERIANA_, STEPHENS.
PLATE CCCI. MALE AND FEMALE.
The range of the celebrated Duck with the history of which I commence
the fourth volume of my Biographs, may be considered as limited on
the one hand by the mouths of the Mississippi, and on the other by
the Hudson or North River. Beyond the latter it is rarely seen at
any season on our eastern coasts; and this circumstance, conjoined
with its being now and then observed on the upper waters of our
Western Districts, and its breeding in great numbers on the borders
of Bear River, which flows into the salt lake of Timpanajoz in upper
California, as well as in the marshes and along the banks of streams
in many parts of the Rocky Mountains, induces me to believe that the
individuals of this species, instead of proceeding along the shores,
pass overland towards their breeding grounds, however far northward
they may be situated. According to DR RICHARDSON, it breeds in all
parts of the Fur-Countries, from the 50th parallel to their most
northern limits.
While in our Atlantic Districts, it is found in much greater numbers on
the Chesapeake and the streams that flow into it, than any where else.
Indeed it is not more than twenty years since its regular appearance
and sojourn on the waters of the Southern States has been observed or
at least acknowledged. Although at New Orleans, where it goes by the
name of _Canard Cheval_, it has been known to the oldest duck-shooters
now alive, from their earliest recollection, it is not more than about
fifteen years since it began to rise, from a very low price to two
dollars the pair, at which it sold during my visit in March 1837.
This enhancement of its value I look upon as having arisen from the
preference given to it by the epicures of our Middle Districts, who
have strangely lauded it as superior to every other duck in the world.
This alleged pre-eminence has indeed become so deeply impressed on the
minds of many of our Southerns, that they have on various occasions
procured the transportation of numbers of Canvass-backs from Baltimore
to Charleston in South Carolina, and even to Savannah in Georgia,
although this species is by no means uncommon within a few miles of
the latter city, as well as on the Great Santee River. I well remember
that on my pointing out to a friend, now alas dead, several dozens of
these birds in the market of Savannah, he would scarcely believe that
I was not mistaken, and assured me that they were looked upon as being
poor, dry, and very fishy, in short not half so good as Mallards, or
Blue-winged Teals. With this I cordially agreed, for there, at that
season, they are not better than represented.
I found this species in considerable numbers on and about the numerous
inlets and rivers of East Florida; but did not see a single individual
on the Gulf of St Lawrence, along the coast of Labrador, or on that of
Newfoundland.
It arrives in the neighbourhood of New Orleans from the 20th of October
to the end of December, coming in flocks of eight or twelve, probably
the members of a single family, and, unlike many other species, keeping
in small groups during winter. At the approach of spring however they
flock together, and about the first of April depart in large bodies.
During their stay, they are wont to alight on wet prairies and muddy
ponds in all open places, feeding on the seeds of various plants, of
which may be particularized the wild oat and the water lily.
According to ALEXANDER WILSON, who first described this species, their
arrival in autumn in the Middle Districts takes place about the 15th
of October; but more recent writers say, that “unless the weather to
the north has been severe, the Canvass-back rarely appears till the
middle of November.” With this I fully agree, being convinced that
their journeys to and from their breeding places are performed across
the country. Were this perfectly ascertained, it would prove that this
species, unlike most other ducks, instead of removing farther southward
in autumn and winter, takes what may be called a lateral march toward
our Eastern Districts, in which it remains until the weather has become
too cold for its constitution, when it is forced a second time to
migrate, and betake itself to warmer parts of the country, where it
continues during the rest of the winter.
The flight of this species, although resembling that of our larger
sea-ducks in having the appearance of being rather laboured, is strong,
rapid, at times very elevated, and well sustained. It swims deeply,
especially when under apprehension of danger, and this probably the
better to enable it to escape by diving, at which it is almost as
expert as our sea or diving ducks. But although its speed on the water
is considerable, it moves rather heavily on land. Its food varies,
according to the season and locality. The plant named _Valisneria_, on
which it is said to feed when on the head waters of the Chesapeake,
is not found equally abundant in other parts, and even there is at
times so reduced in quantity, that this duck and several other species
which are equally fond of it, are obliged to have recourse to fishes,
tadpoles, water-lizards, leeches, snails, and molluscs, as well as such
seeds as they can meet with; all which have been in greater or less
quantity found in their stomach.
Nothing is known of its manners during the breeding season; and we are
equally ignorant of the changes of plumage which, like other species,
it may undergo at that period.