Chapter I: Part 1

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.

As I have not had very good opportunities of making myself acquainted with the modes in which the Canvass-backs are obtained for the markets, I here present an account of duck-shooting on the waters of the Chesapeake, published some years ago in the “Cabinet of Natural History,” and of which a copy has been transmitted to me by its author, Dr J. J. SHARPLESS, of Philadelphia, to whom, for this and other marks of attention, I offer my best thanks.

“The Chesapeake Bay, with its tributary streams, has, from its discovery, been known as the greatest resort of water-fowl in the United States. This has depended on the profusion of their food, which is accessible on the immense flats or shoals that are found near the mouth of the Susquehanna, along the entire length of North-East and Elk Rivers, and on the shores of the bay and connecting streams, as far south as York and James Rivers.

“The quantity of fowl of late years has been decidedly less than in times gone by; and I have met with persons who have assured me that the number has decreased one-half in the last fifteen years. This change has arisen, most probably, from the vast increase in their destruction, from the greater number of persons who now make a business or pleasure of this sport, as well as the constant disturbance they meet with on many of their feeding grounds, which induces them to distribute themselves more widely, and forsake their usual haunts.

“As early as the first and second weeks in October, the smaller ducks, as the Buffel-head, _Anas Albeola_; South-southerly, _A. glacialis_; and the Ruddy or Heavy-tailed Duck, _A. rubidus_, begin to shew themselves in the upper part of the bay; and by the last of the month, the Black-head, _A. Marila_; Widgeon or Bald-pate, _A. Americana_; Red-head, _A. Ferina_; and the Goose, _A. Canadensis_, appear, and rapidly distribute themselves down the bay. The Canvass-back, _A. Valisneria_, and the Swan, _Cygnus Americanus_, rarely, unless the weather to the north has been severe, appear in quantities till the middle of November. All these fowl, when first arrived, are thin and tasteless, from their privation during their migration, and perhaps preparatory arrangements, and require some days at least of undisturbed repose, to give them that peculiar flavour for which some of them are so celebrated. During the low tides succeeding their arrival, the birds sit on the flats far from the shores, and rarely rise to the wing unless disturbed; but when the spring-tides render the water too deep for feeding, they commence their career, and pass down the bay in the morning, and return in the evening. Most of these fowl feed on the same grass, which grows abundantly on the shallows in the bay and adjacent waters, and has been called duck-grass, _Valisneria Americana_. It grows from six to eighteen inches in length, and is readily pulled up by the root. Persons who have closely observed these ducks while feeding, say that the Canvass-back and Black-head dive and pull the grass from the ground, and feed on the roots, and that the Red-head and Bald-pate then consume the leaves. Indeed, although the Bald-pate is a much smaller bird than the Canvass-back, it has been seen to rob the latter, immediately on its return from under the water, of all its spoil.

“All these larger ducks are found together when feeding, but separate when on the wing. That they feed on the same grass, is evident from the similarity of flavour; and those most accustomed to the article have a difficulty in deciding on the kind of duck from the taste. Indeed, the Bald-pate is generally preferred by residents.

“By the middle of December, particularly if the weather has been a little severe, the fowl of every kind have become so fat, that I have seen Canvass-backs burst open in the breast in falling on the water; and spending less time in feeding, they pass up and down the bay from river to river, in their morning and evening flights, giving, at certain localities, great opportunities for destruction. They pursue, even in their short passages, very much the order of their migratory movements, flying in a line, or baseless triangle; and when the wind blows on the _points_ which may lie on their course, the sportsman has great chances of success. These points or courses of the ducks are materially affected by the winds, for they avoid, if possible, an approach to the shore; but when a strong breeze sets them on these projections of the land, they are compelled to pass within shot, and often over the land itself.

“In the Susquehanna and Elk rivers, there are few of these points for shooting, and there success depends on approaching them while on their feeding grounds. After leaving the eastern point at the mouth of the Susquehanna and Turkey Point, the western side of the Elk River, which are both moderately good for flying shooting, the first place of much celebrity is the _Narrows_, between Spesutie Island and the western shore. These narrows are about three miles in length, and from three to five hundred yards in breadth. By the middle of November, the Canvass-backs in particular, begin to feed in this passage, and the entrance and outlet, as well as many intermediate spots, become very successful stations. A few miles further down the western shore is Taylor’s Island, which is situated at the mouth of the Rumney, and Abbey Island at the mouth of Bush River, which are both celebrated for ducks, as well as swans and geese. These are the most northerly points where large fowl are met with, and projecting out between deep coves, where immense numbers of these birds feed, they possess great advantages. The south point of Bush River, or Legoe’s Point, and Robbin’s and Rickett’s Points near Gunpowder River, are fruitful localities. Immediately at the mouth of this river is situated Carroll’s Island, which has long been known as a great shooting ground, and is in the rentage of a company at a high rate. Maxwell’s Point, as well as some others up this and other rivers, and even further down the bay, are good places, but less celebrated than those I have mentioned. Most of these points are let out as shooting grounds to companies and individuals, and they are esteemed so valuable that intruders are severely treated.