Genus Melanerpes. Swainson, Fauna Boreali Americana, Birds, p. 316.
Melanerpes thyroideus. (Cassin), Proc. Acad. Philada., V., p. 349.
(1851.)
Form. Short and compact; bill moderate, strong; upper mandible with the
ridge (or culmen) very distinct, and short ridges over the apertures of
the nostrils; wing rather long; third primary longest; tail moderate,
graduated, with all its feathers somewhat rigid; two middle feathers
longest.
Dimensions. Total length of skin, about 8¾ inches; wing, 5¼; tail, 3¾
inches.
Colors. _Male._—Breast with a large semi-circular patch or transverse
belt of black; middle of the abdomen yellow; head above and throat pale
brown, with obscure longitudinal lines and spots of black; back, wing
coverts, sides of the body, and inferior coverts of the tail,
transversely striped with white and black, the former tinged with
obscure yellowish; rump and superior coverts of the tail white; a few
feathers of the coverts with irregular bars of black on their outer
webs; quills black, with spots of white on both edges; tail black, with
irregular spots of white; bill and tarsi dark. _Female._—Similar to the
male, but with the colors more obscure, and the black of the breast of
less extent and not so deep in shade.
Hab. California and New Mexico. Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada., and Nat.
Mus., Washington city.
Obs. Somewhat resembles in form only the Red Woodpecker of western North
America (_Melanerpes ruber_), but is larger and differently colored. It
also in some respects resembles the yellow-bellied Woodpecker (_Picus
varius_), but not so much as to render it necessary for differences to
be specially designated. It is possible that this species, when
perfectly mature, or in spring plumage, may assume more brilliant
colors, as do others of its genus.
We regard this bird as singularly blending the characters of genera
which in typical species are very distinct and easily defined. It is of
the general form of _Melanerpes_, though not strictly; while in some
other respects, especially in colors, it shows an alliance to that group
of typical _Picus_, which includes _Picus varius_, and several other
American species. Our present arrangement or generic designation is
provisional only.
CARDINALIS SINUATUS.—Bonaparte.
The Texan Cardinal Bird.
PLATE XXXIII. Male and Female.
In our present plate we present to the reader one of the most delicately
colored of the many fine-plumaged birds which inhabit the southwestern
countries of this Republic, and it is another of the birds of Mexico
whose range of locality northwardly extends to within the limits of the
United States. Our bird is, however, resident in Texas, or of but
limited migration during the coldest season. It has occasionally been
observed in considerable numbers; but is as yet to be met with in
comparatively few collections, and is much valued by collectors.
Though not very closely resembling the beautiful Cardinal bird of the
Northern States (_Cardinalis virginianus_), its general form,
particularly its lengthened and handsome crest and long tail, are
strictly similar, and its habits are of the same general character. The
bill, however, in the present species will be found to be singularly
different from that of any other bird of this genus.
The group of birds to which that now before us belongs, is composed of
four or five species remarkable for their graceful forms and very showy
colors, all of which inhabit North and Central America. In addition to
the attractions of their plumage, these birds possess very considerable
powers of voice, though by no means entitled to be ranked as songsters.
The Cardinal bird, known also by the names of Virginia Nightingale and
Red Bird, is the only species inhabiting the States north of Texas, and
is frequently met with at all seasons in the States on the Atlantic. It
inhabits, for the greater part, low and damp woods, in which there is a
profuse undergrowth of bushes, and is particularly partial to the
vicinity of water-courses. The male, on account of the splendid
vermilion of his plumage, always attracts attention; and though rather
shy and careful in exposing himself, is frequently shot by gunners for
no other purpose than the possession of such a handsome bird.
The colors of our northern Cardinal bird are vermilion, with the throat
black. In Mexico, there is found another beautiful species, singularly
resembling in form and color that to which we have just alluded, but
wanting the black throat. It differs also in the shape of the bill and
some minor characters.
The bird now before the reader was originally described as a bird of
Mexico, in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London, by
Charles Lucian Bonaparte, Prince of Canino, one of the most accomplished
zoologists of Europe, and held in deservedly high estimation in this
country, on account of his splendid volumes on American Ornithology. His
specimens were obtained near the city of Mexico.
[Illustration: Plate 33
The Texan Cardinal bird
Cardinalis Sinuatus (_Bonaparte_)]
Within the limits of the United States, this species was first observed
by Capt. J. P. McCown, of the United States Army, at Ringgold Barracks,
in Texas. Since that period, it has been noticed and specimens brought
in collections by several of the naturalists, who have accompanied
expeditions sent by the government, though never, so far as we have
learned, out of the State of Texas.
To Captain McCown we are indebted for the following note respecting this
species, for which and many similar favors we beg to tender our
acknowledgements.
“This handsome species was occasionally seen on the Rio Grande, having
apparently a strong partiality for damp and bushy woods; and in fact so
far as I observed never venturing far from the river. I cannot speak
positively, but am under the impression that it remains in Texas during
the whole year, having seen it so late in the fall, and again so early
in the Spring, that if not constantly resident, its migration must at
any rate be very limited. It is a gay, sprightly bird, generally seen in
company with others of the same species, frequently erecting its crest,
and calling to its mate or comrades, though rather shy and not easily
approached. Its voice and general habits appeared to me as very similar
to those of the common species of the Northern States. I never saw its
nest, though it undoubtedly breeds in Texas.”
During his late connection with Lieut. Williamson’s expedition, this
bird was noticed by Dr. Heermann, from whose beautiful specimens,
through his kindness, our plate has been prepared, and who has allowed
us to make the following extract from his Journal:—
“After leaving Teusoa, we observed the first specimen of this bird but
little beyond the crossing of the San Pedro river. It was in a dry
caignau, perched on a bush, and seemed weary and lost, and was probably
a wanderer, as no more were observed until we reached El Paso. At this
place, in the vicinity of the habitations of man, we found it quite
common, frequenting the hedges and trees, and continued to see it
occasionally on our road until we left civilization behind us. Raising
its crest erect as it moves actively about in search of food, it emits
at intervals a clear, plaintive whistle, varied by a few detached notes.
It is said to be quite common on the Rio Grande river and in Mexico.”
This species was also found in Texas by Mr. John H. Clark, zoologist,
attached to the Mexican boundary surveying party. In Mexico,
particularly in the States of Tamaulipas and Nueva Leon, Lieut. Couch
observed it in considerable numbers.
Our figures, which are those of the adult male and female, are rather
less than two-thirds of the size of life.