The head all round is of a beautiful rich carmine, fading gradually
on the nape, paler on the throat and fading on the fore neck; the
rest of the neck, all the lower parts, two bands on the wing, formed
by the middle coverts, and the extremities of the secondary coverts,
together with the rump and upper tail-coverts pure bright yellow. The
anterior half of the back, the scapulars, two bands on the wings, and
the inner secondaries black, the latter broadly margined at the end
and tipped with yellowish-white; alula, primary coverts, and primary
quills chocolate-brown, margined with yellowish-white; tail black,
the feathers narrowly tipped with greyish-white, and slightly margined
toward the end with yellowish white.
Length to end of tail 7-1/4 inches; wing from flexure 3-(9-1/2)/12;
tail 3; bill along the ridge 7/12, along the edge of lower mandible
(8-1/2)/12 tarsus 8/12; hind toe 4/12, its claw 4/12; middle toe 6/12,
its claw 5/12.
The female which has not been described or figured before, will
be seen on Plate CCCC, Fig. 4. The bill is dusky brown above,
light greyish-yellow beneath. The head, ear-coverts, and hind
neck, dull green, as is the rump; the middle of the back and the
scapulars greyish-brown tinged with green. Anterior wing-coverts
greyish-brown; middle coverts black with the extremities dull yellow,
secondary coverts and inner secondaries blackish-brown, tipped
with greyish-white; alula, primary coverts, and primary quills
chocolate-brown, slightly edged with brownish-white; tail-feathers
similar, but margined with yellowish-green. The lower parts are light
dull greenish-yellow, the sides tinged with grey.
Length to end of tail 6-3/4 inches; wing from flexure 3-9/12; tail
2-10/12; bill along the ridge 7/12; tarsus 8/12; middle toe and claw
9/12.
SCARLET TANAGER.
_TANAGRA RUBRA_, LINN.
PLATE CCCLIV. MALE AND FEMALE.
You have now before you representations of one of the most richly
coloured of our birds, and one whose history is in some degree
peculiar. The Scarlet Tanager enters the United States from Mexico,
through the Texas, in the beginning of April. On several of the islands
in the Bay of Mexico, I found it exceedingly abundant, and restrained
in a great measure from proceeding eastward by the weather, which was
unseasonably cold. Many were procured in their full dress, and a few
in the garb of the females. These plain-coloured individuals turned
all out to be males, which in so far confirmed my former observations
respecting this and several other species, in which the males precede
the females by about a fortnight in their spring migrations. It was at
the same period that I observed the wonderful rapidity in the change
of the plumage from its winter aspect to its summer colouring, in the
Red-breasted Snipe, _Scolopax Noveboracensis_; and I became convinced
that nearly the same phenomenon took place in the Tanagers. In them, in
fact, the older individuals, being stronger, had attained their full
colouring, while the younger were later in changing. As we advanced,
I procured many specimens partially coloured, and when the males had
mostly passed, the females made their appearance; manifesting similar
gradations in the changes of their colours. I knew that many of the
males of this species reach our Middle Districts in a spotted dress,
and soon after acquire their full colours; and I am disposed to think
that in the autumnal months, the young males of the year become of
a much purer tint than that of the young or old females. The latter
themselves improve materially in this respect as they advance in age,
and I have some nearly twice as richly coloured as birds only a year
old. The same observations apply to our Summer Red Bird, _Tanagra
æstiva_, of which I have females, procured by my valued friend EDWARD
HARRIS, Esq., exhibiting tints nearly as bright as those of their
mates obtained at the same time, when they had nests. In the Scarlet
Tanager it is remarkable, moreover, that some males acquire a beautiful
transverse band of glowing red on the smaller wing-coverts; and I have
several specimens in this state, presented to me by Mr HARRIS and Dr
TRUDEAU.
The Scarlet Tanager proceeds as far northward as Lake Huron, where
it was observed by Dr RICHARDSON; but this must happen rarely, as
it is very sensible to cold, so much so indeed, that in the State
of Massachusetts, should a sudden change take place in the weather,
during the time of their spring migrations, hundreds die in the course
of a night, not only in the woods and orchards, but even in the towns
and villages. I witnessed a like occurrence at Eastport in Maine late
in May, when I was on my way to Labrador; and as I was proceeding to
the Texas, I observed that they sought the shelter of the low bushes,
when the weather was damp or chill. None were seen after we left the
former place, though they are at times found breeding in the British
provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. In the United States they
seem extremely partial to certain districts, generally preferring sandy
soils and undulating grounds. Thus, I found them breeding abundantly in
Louisiana, but rarely there in the lower parts. My friend Dr BACHMAN
informs me that they are seldom met with in the maritime districts of
South Carolina, and that there they follow the mountain range as it
were for a guide. Yet they are plentiful in the Jerseys, where they
usually arrive about the middle of May, in Kentucky, and along the
Missouri; and, in short, are generally dispersed over the Union.
The migrations of this species are performed by night. Its flight on
ordinary occasions is even and swift, and it passes through the woods
in a gliding manner, when the glowing colours on the males render
them as conspicuous as pleasing to the sight. On the branches their
movements are rather sedate, and it is but seldom that they emit their
usual notes when in motion. These are by no means musical, although oft
repeated. They have been well imitated by WILSON, who represents them
by the syllables “_chip_, _churr_.” I have not, however, thought them
pensive in any degree, but rather lively: and when emitting them, the
bird often inflates his throat, stands erect, and vibrates his body, as
if in perfect ecstacy.
It is by no means true, as authors allege, that the Scarlet Tanager
retires from the sight of man, and prefers the deepest recesses of
the forest to the neighbourhood of the husbandman’s cottage; at least,
this is not the case in those parts of our country where the population
is not very dense; for I have observed it to take up its abode for a
season in the very vicinity of the squatter’s cabin, to the patch of
open ground near which it constantly resorted to search for coleoptera
and other insects, forming its slightly-built nest on the lower branch
of a spreading oak, or on a tree close to the road-side. It is composed
externally of a few dry weeds and small twigs, and scantily lined with
fibrous roots or slender grasses. In Louisiana the eggs are deposited
by the first of May, about a month later in our central districts, but
in the State of Maine frequently not until the middle of June. It never
raises more than one brood in the season; and I have observed that,
notwithstanding the difference in the temperature of our Southern and
Northern States, the young are no sooner able to travel than they are
at once led off, so that families may be seen travelling southward for
many weeks in succession, and by the end of September all have left
the United States. The eggs are from three to five, smooth, of a dull
greenish-blue colour, speckled with reddish-brown and light purple, and
measure a little more than 7 eighths of an inch in length, by 5 eighths
in breadth. The young are fed with insects and fruits of many sorts.
At this period the old birds feed also on insects and larvæ, but toward
the latter period of their stay they all subsist chiefly on the smaller
berries and grapes.
The parental affection of this bird has been so beautifully and truly
described by WILSON, that, in presenting the following statement
regarding it, I must contribute to the gratification of your kindly
feelings as much as of my own. “Passing through an orchard one morning,
I caught one of the young birds that had but lately left the nest.
I carried it with me about half a mile, to shew it to my friend, Mr
WILLIAM BARTRAM; and, having procured a cage, hung it upon one of the
large pine trees in the Botanic Garden, within a few feet of the nest
of an Orchard Oriole, which also contained young; hopeful that the
charity or tenderness of the Orioles would induce them to supply the
cravings of the stranger. But charity with them, as with too many of
the human race, began and ended at home. The poor orphan was altogether
neglected, notwithstanding its plaintive cries; and, as it refused to
be fed by me, I was about to return it back to the place where I found
it, when, towards the afternoon, a Scarlet Tanager, no doubt its own
parent, was seen fluttering round the cage, endeavouring to get in.
Finding this impracticable, he flew off, and soon returned with food
in his bill; and continued to feed it till after sunset, taking up
his lodgings on the higher branches of the same tree. In the morning,
almost as soon as day broke, he was again seen most actively engaged
in the same affectionate manner; and, notwithstanding the insolence of
the Orioles, continued his benevolent offices the whole day, roosting
at night as before. On the third or fourth day, he appeared extremely
solicitous for the liberation of his charge, using every expression of
distressful anxiety, and every call and invitation that nature had put
in his power, for him to come out. This was too much for the feelings
of my venerable friend; he procured a ladder, and, mounting to the spot
where the bird was suspended, opened the cage, took out the prisoner,
and restored him to liberty and to his parent, who, with notes of
great exultation, accompanied his flight to the woods. The happiness
of my good friend was scarcely less complete, and shewed itself in his
benevolent countenance; and I could not refrain saying to myself,—If
such sweet sensations can be derived from a single circumstance of
this kind, how exquisite—how unspeakably rapturous—must the delight of
those individuals have been, who have rescued their fellow beings from
death, chains, and imprisonment, and restored them to the arms of their
friends and relations! Surely in such godlike actions, virtue is its
own most abundant reward.”
TANAGRA RUBRA, _Linn._ Syst. Nat. vol. i. p. 314.—_Lath._
Ind. Ornith. vol. i. p. 420.
SCARLET TANAGER, TANAGRA RUBRA, _Wilson_, Amer. Ornith. vol.
ii. p. 42, pl. 11, fig. 3. Male; fig. 4. Female.
TANAGRA RUBRA, _Ch. Bonaparte_, Synopsis of Birds of United
States, p. 105.
SCARLET TANAGER, or BLACK-WINGED SUMMER RED-BIRD.
PYRANGA RUBRA, SCARLET BLACK-WINGED TANAGER, _Richards. and
Swains._ Fauna Bor. Americana, vol. ii. p. 273.
Adult Male in Spring. Plate CCCLIV. Fig. 3.
Bill rather short, robust, compressed toward the end, acute. Upper
mandible with its dorsal outline declinate and slightly convex, the
ridge rather narrow, the sides convex, the edges sharp, overlapping,
with two slightly prominent small festoons about the middle, and a
faint notch close to the tip, which is a little declinate. Lower
mandible strong, with the angle short and wide, the dorsal line
straight, the back broadly convex, the sides convex, the edges sharp,
the tip acute. Nostrils round, basal.
Head rather large, ovate, flattish above; neck very short; body ovate,
compact. Legs shortish; tarsus short, compressed, rather stout, with
seven anterior scutella, and two lateral plates forming an acute edge
behind; toes of moderate length; middle toe longer than the tarsus,
lateral toes much shorter and equal, hind toe stout. Claws rather
large, arched, much compressed, acute.
Plumage soft and blended; very small bristles at the base of the upper
mandible. Wings of ordinary length, the second quill longest, the
first four having the outer web attenuated toward the end; secondaries
slightly emarginate. Tail rather long, straight, emarginate, of twelve
feathers.
Bill dull greenish-yellow, brown above. Iris hazel. Feet greyish-blue,
claws greyish-yellow. The general colour of the plumage is pure
scarlet; the wings and tail black; the axillar feathers, inner lower
wing-coverts, and more or less of the inner webs of nearly all the
quills, white.
Length to end of tail 7 inches, to end of wings 5-3/4, to end of claws
6-3/8; extent of wings 11-3/4; wing from flexure 4-1/12; tail 2-10/12;
bill along the ridge (7-1/2)/12, along the edge of lower mandible
10/12; tarsus 9/12; hind toe (4-1/4)/12, its claw (3-1/2)/12; middle
toe (7-1/4)/12, its claw (4-1/4)/12.
Adult Female. Plate CCCLIV. Fig. 4.
Bill and feet as in the male. The general colour of the upper parts is
yellowish-green, tinged with grey, of the lower parts greenish-yellow;
the feathers of the wings and tail greyish-brown, margined with
yellowish-green, the secondaries and tail-feathers narrowly tipped with
greyish-white, the lower wing-coverts and the edges of all the quills
white.
Length to end of tail 6-1/2 inches, to end of wings 5-3/4, to end of
claws 6-1/4; extent of wings 10-3/4.
The young when fledged resemble the female; the males being, however,
distinguishable from the females by their brighter tints.
The young male in autumn, after the first, moult, has the lower parts
of a much brighter yellow, the upper of a lighter green, but with all
the feathers having a central black mark, those on the head oblong,
on the middle of the back broad, on the rump linear. The wing-coverts
are black; the quills and tail-feathers brownish-black, margined with
yellowish-green.
Two males in my possession, shot by Dr TRUDEAU, are remarkable for
having the first row of small coverts scarlet, forming a conspicuous
band amidst the black of the wing, and the lower wing-coverts tipped
and margined with the same. In all other respects, however, these
individuals agree with the others.
[Illustration]
An adult male examined. The roof of the mouth is concave, with a
median prominent ridge and two more prominent lateral ridges, between
which and the edges is a broad groove for the reception of the
lower mandible. The tongue is 6 twelfths long, deeply emarginate and
papillate at the base, flat above, with a median groove, the tip horny
and pointed, but terminated by several flattened bristles or shreds
Œsophagus, _a b c_, 2-1/2 inches long, its diameter 4-1/2 twelfths,
until its entrance into the thorax, when it contracts a little.
Proventriculus, _b c_, 1/2 inch long, and 3-1/2 twelfths in diameter.
The stomach, _c d e_, is a strong gizzard, 8 twelfths long, 7 twelfths
in breadth, its lateral muscles moderately thick; the epithelium rugous
and dark reddish-brown. Intestine, _f g h_, 7-1/2 inches long, its
average diameter 2-1/2 twelfths, its narrowest part 2 twelfths. The
rectum _i j_, 10 twelfths long; the cœca, _i_, 3/4 of a twelfth long,
and 1/2 twelfth in diameter.
The trachea is 2 inches long, its diameter 1-1/2 twelfths, and nearly
uniform; the rings about 60. The contractor and sterno-tracheal muscles
are slender; and there are four pairs of inferior laryngeal.
In a female the intestine is 7-1/4 inches long.
The contents of the stomach in both were remains of insects and seeds.
The digestive organs of this bird, and probably of all the Tanagers of
the same group, are thus not essentially different from those of the
Passerine tribe, including Finches, Buntings, &c. The œsophagus has a
more elongated dilatation than in most of the species of that tribe,
of which, however, the Corn Bunting of Europe is very similar in this
respect.
MACGILLIVRAY’S FINCH.
_FRINGILLA MACGILLIVRAII._
PLATE CCCLV. MALE AND FEMALE.
Whilst BACHMAN’s Finch resides in the pine forests of the Carolinas
and other Southern States, preferring dry and sandy lands covered with
grasses; and whilst HENSLOW’s Bunting or Finch, and the Yellow-winged
Bunting, are fond of open prairies and ploughed fields, in which they
nestle; the species, on which I have bestowed the name of my friend
MACGILLIVRAY, chooses for its residence the salt marshes of our
Southern Atlantic shores, in which also are found the Sharp-tailed and
Seaside Finches of WILSON and other authors. The three former spend the
greater part of the winter in the forests, perch occasionally on trees,
and feed principally on seeds; whereas the latter three are never
found elsewhere than in the salt marshes, and feed chiefly on minute
shells and aquatic insects. Were I therefore to adopt the minimum
generic groups which have become prevalent, I would place the three
birds of the interior in a genus apart from that containing the three
marsh-birds.
MACGILLIVRAY’s Finch is as yet very rare within the United States, and
has not been observed farther eastward than Sullivan Island, about six
miles from Charleston in South Carolina; but it is very abundant in
the Texas, occurring on all the low islands that are much intersected
by salt-water bayous, and interspersed with ponds of brackish water,
seldom leaving these localities unless whilst travelling, or passing
from one island to another, which they do by flying at the height of
only a few feet above the surface. They run among the rankest weeds
with uncommon celerity, and do not seem to mind being followed by a
dog, which they very easily elude amongst the thick grass. Whilst
breeding they often start from a little distance, and pursue a
singularly irregular or zigzag flight, much resembling that of the Jack
Snipe of Europe, and yet performed with apparently slow beats of the
wings. They fall as it were among the grass as suddenly as they rise
from it, and by these manœuvres save their nests from the searching
eye of the keenest student of nature. They very seldom alight on the
stems of grasses, although when they do they climb with facility,
occasionally using their tail as a support, in the same manner as the
Rice-bird. Their strong tarsi and toes enable them to walk on the
ground with great vigour. When they take wing deliberately, their
flight resembles that of a young partridge, and, if over the land,
is seldom extended between forty or fifty yards at a time. The males
appear very jealous of each other, and frequently one pursues another
on wing, but usually abandons the chase before the conquered bird has
alighted, leaving it to pursue its course as it pleases after it has
been driven beyond the assailant’s jurisdiction. The notes of this
species are few and unmusical, consisting of a sort of roll of five
or six syllables, which it seems to me impossible to imitate. They
are usually heard early in the morning. My friend Dr BACHMAN informs
me that none of these Finches remain in South Carolina during winter,
and that they generally disappear early in November, when the weather
is still very pleasant in the maritime portions of that state. Many,
however, spend the winter in the salt marshes about the mouths of
the Mississippi, and I have no doubt that they are constant residents
there, as they are in the Texas.
This species has already been described at p. 285 of the second volume
of the present work.
MARSH HAWK.
_FALCO CYANEUS_, LINN.
PLATE CCCLVI.
With ease and elegance of flight, guided by an uncommon acuteness
of what I would call short-sightedness, the Marsh Hawk, like an
experienced gleaner, ranges over the wide extent of the prairie. The
pure white of the hind part of the female’s back, and the pale blue of
the male, attract your eye so long as the pair remain within sight. The
diligence and industry which they exhibit remind you of the search of
a well-trained pointer.
This species visits the greater part of the United States. Dr
RICHARDSON procured some specimens in latitude 65° north, and Dr
TOWNSEND found it on the plains of the Columbia River, as well as on
the extensive prairies bordering on the Missouri. I have met with it in
Newfoundland and Labrador on the one hand, in Texas on the other, and
in every intermediate portion of the country.
In the Fauna Boreali-Americana, Mr SWAINSON has published an excellent
paper relating to such birds as have and have not been considered as
identical with this bird and the European one bearing the same name.
I perfectly agree with that gentleman when he says that “the typical
structure of the wing in the present group must unquestionably be that
most prevalent among the species. It must, however, be remembered, that
even this character is subject to variation, according to the age and
perhaps the locality of the bird, and that it must not be insisted upon
with too much rigour.” I regret that this learned ornithologist did not
introduce the word _sex_ into the above well-founded remark, as in the
sexes of birds, as well as in individuals of different ages, remarkable
differences are often observed.
It is to MONTAGU that we are indebted for our first knowledge of the
differences that exist between the male and the female of the European
Hen Harrier, with which WILSON believed the Marsh Hawk of America to
be identical. The Prince of MUSIGNANO, in his continuation of Wilson’s
American Ornithology, also considered these birds as the same; although
he has since altered his opinion. For my part, having carefully
observed the habits, and compared specimens of both, I have come to the
conclusion of their being the same species.
The flight of the Marsh Hawk, although light and elegant, cannot be
said to be either swift or strong; but it is well sustained, and this
may be accounted for on comparing the small size and weight of its body
with the great extent of its wings and tail, which are proportionally
larger than those of any other American Hawk. While searching for
prey, it performs most of its rambles by rather irregular sailings;
by which I mean that it frequently deviates from a straight course
peeping hither and thither among the tall grasses of the marshes,
prairies, or meadows, or along the briary edges of our fields. It is
seldom indeed seen to chase birds on wing, although I have met with
a few instances; nor is it much in the habit of carrying its quarry
to any distance; for generally as it observes an object suited to
its appetite, it suddenly checks its speed, and almost poising itself
by a few flaps of its wings, drops with astonishing quickness on its
unfortunate victim, which it usually tears to pieces and devours on the
spot. If disappointed, however, it rises as quickly as it dropped, and
proceeds as before. Whilst engaged in feeding, it may very easily be
approached, surprised, and shot, by an experienced sportsman, for it
rises in a flurried manner, and generally cuts a few curious zigzags at
the outset. To obtain it, one has only to mark the spot with accuracy,
keep his eye upon it, and advance with his gun in readiness, for he
will probably get within a few yards before the bird rises. I have
frequently seen it shot in this manner. At other times, by watching
its beats over a field or meadow, one may obtain a good opportunity by
concealing himself near a spot where he has seen it miss its object,
as it is sure to repass there in a short time, at all events before it
removes to another field. When wounded and brought to the ground, it
makes off on the approach of its enemy by great leaps, and at times so
swiftly that great exertion is requisite to overtake it; and when this
is accomplished, it throws itself on its back, strikes furiously, and
can inflict pretty severe wounds with its very sharp claws.
This species flies very high at times, and in a direct course, as
if intent on proceeding to some great distance; but as I observed
that this frequently occurred when the bird was satiated with food,
I have thought that it preferred this method of favouring digestion,
to its more usual mode of sitting on the top of a fence rail, and
there remaining quiet until again roused by the feeling of hunger. I
have often seen it, after sailing about in circles for a long while,
half-close its wings, and come towards the ground, cutting curious
zigzags, until within a few feet of it, when it would resume its usual
elegant and graceful mode of proceeding.