Chapter XIII: Part 13

All the writers who have described the habits of this bird, allege that it walks with a “staggering gait;” but this is by no means the case, for they appeared to us to walk as firmly as any other long-legged birds, such as Herons, Curlews, and the American Avoset; and I had many opportunities of observing them, as had my friend EDWARD HARRIS, my son, and all the members of our party.

Toward the end of April, flocks of this bird reach the Middle Districts, by following the coast, for they are very rarely met with at any great distance from the sea shore. They generally betake themselves to extensive marshes abounding in muddy inlets and small ponds, in the vicinity of which they usually place their nests. About the middle of May, parties of from ten to twenty collect, and are seen wading sometimes up to their breast, in search of food, which is extremely abundant in such places. They are now paired, and select suitable spots for their nests, which are generally not far distant from each other, and near the margins of the ponds, or on small islets. The nest is very similar to that of the Willet, or Semi-palmated Snipe, _Totanus semipalmatus_, being rather large, and formed of dry weeds and the twigs of small shrubs. I have never observed the singular manner of augmenting and raising their tenements, described by ALEXANDER WILSON, although, like him, I have found and examined several in the very same districts. The eggs are always four, placed with the smaller ends together, pyriform, almost 2 inches long, with the smaller end rounded, 1-3/8 in their greatest breadth; of a pale yellowish-clay colour, and plentifully marked with large irregular blotches and lines of brownish-black.

While the females are sitting, the males pay them much attention, acting in this respect like those of the American Avoset, watching the approach of intruders, giving chase to the Red-winged Starlings, as well as to the Fishing and American Crows, and assailing the truant young gunner or egger. When there is no appearance of annoyance, they sometimes roam as far as the sea-beach. When the young are hatched, they leave the nest, and follow their parents through the grass, but on the appearance of danger squat and remain motionless. About the beginning of September, young and old commence their journey southward.

This species is rather scarce along the shores of the Carolinas; nor is it abundant in any part of the United States, and is seldom seen to the eastward beyond Long Island. Its food consists of insects, small crustacea, worms, and young fry of fishes. I have frequently observed them running after flies, and attempting to seize the smaller Libellulæ. When wounded so as to fall on the water, they are unable to dive, but on reaching the shore they run nimbly off and hide themselves.

I feel confident that in spring the males migrate apart from the females, but in autumn in company with them. The flesh of this species is not decidedly good or bad, being of ordinary quality. The males are larger than the females, and individuals of both sexes vary considerably in size.

LONG-LEGGED AVOSET, RECURVIROSTRA HIMANTOPUS, _Wils._ Amer.
Ornith. vol. vii. p. 48, pl. 55, fig. 1.

HIMANTOPUS NIGRICOLLIS, _Ch. Bonaparte_, Synopsis of Birds of
United States, p. 322.

BLACK-NECKED STILT, _Nuttall_, Manual, vol. ii. p. 8.

Adult Male. Plate CCCXXVIII.

Bill about twice as long as the head, very slender, roundish, tapering, slightly recurved. Upper mandible with its outline very slightly curved upwards, at the tip declinate; the ridge convex, the sides convex, the edges sharp and inflected, the tip narrow and rather acute. Nasal groove nearly half the length of the bill; nostrils linear, direct, sub-basal, pervious. Lower mandible with the angle very long and narrow, the sides grooved as far as the angle, the edges sharp and inflected, the tip narrow.

Head small, ovate, rounded above; neck very long and slender; body rather compact. Legs extremely elongated and slender; tibia bare for more than half its length, covered anteriorly with large curved scutella; tarsus very long, moderately compressed, scutellate before, reticulate on the sides; toes of moderate length, slender; hind toe wanting, outer a little longer than inner, and connected with the middle toe by a web extending nearly to the second joint; the inner toe also connected with the middle by a very short web. Claws small, nearly straight, moderately compressed.

Plumage ordinary, the feathers ovate and rounded. Wings very long, of moderate breadth, acute, the first quill longest, the other primaries rapidly graduated. Tail short, even, of twelve feathers.

Bill black, iris bright carmine; feet lake-coloured, claws dusky. Forehead, a spot above the eye, another below it, fore part and sides of the neck, and all the other lower parts, pure white. Upper part of head, hind neck, and upper parts, bluish-black, glossed with green; tail white.

Length to end of tail 14-1/2 inches, to end of wings 16-1/2, to end of claws 21-3/4; extent of wings 27; wing from flexure 9; tail 2-10/12; bill along the ridge 2-8/12, along the edge of lower mandible 2-11/12; bare part of tibia 3-1/4; tarsus 4-(2-1/2)/12; middle toe 1-1/2, its claw 3/12. Weight 6-1/4 oz.

The Female is smaller than the male but otherwise similar.

Length to end of tail 14 inches, to end of wings 15-1/4, to end of claws 20; extent of wings 25-3/4. Weight 5 oz.

The median ridge of the anterior part of the roof of the mouth is furnished with a few short papillæ. The tongue is 1 inch 2 twelfths long, slender, tapering, emarginate and papillate at the base. The œsophagus is 7 inches long, with an average diameter of 4 twelfths; the proventriculus 9 twelfths long, and 6 twelfths in diameter. The stomach is elliptical, 1 inch in length, 8-1/2 twelfths in breadth; its lateral muscles of moderate strength, the right being 4 twelfths thick; the inner coat or epithelium dense, longitudinally rugous, and of a brownish-red colour. The intestine is 20 inches long, its diameter varying from 3 to 1-1/2 twelfths. The cœca are 1-1/2 inch long, 1/12 in diameter at the base, 2 twelfths towards the end, which is blunt.

The trachea is 5-1/4 inches long, rather wide, its diameter at the upper part 3 twelfths, gradually diminishing to 1-1/2 twelfth; the rings 120, unossified, excepting a few at the lower part. The contractor muscles are feeble; the sterno-tracheal slender. The bronchi are very short, with about 10 half rings.

The Prince of MUSIGNANO has introduced into his lately published list a species of this genus, under the name of _Himantopus Mexicanus_. I have received from Florida two skins, which from their large size might at first sight be thought to differ from the common kind; but after closely comparing them with my other specimens, I can find no difference indicative of a distinction of species. Nor have I ever met with individuals in North America of any other species than that above described.

YELLOW-BREASTED RAIL.

_RALLUS NOVEBORACENSIS_, BONAP.

PLATE CCCXXIX. MALE.

The PRINCE of MUSIGNANO, who purchased one of these birds in the New York market, in February 1826, gave a figure of it, and considered it as an arctic species. This opinion, however, is incorrect, for the Yellow-breasted Rail is a constant resident in the Peninsula of the Floridas, as well as in the lower parts of Louisiana, where I have found it at all seasons. That a few straggling individuals should proceed northwards, advancing even to pretty high latitudes, is not much to be wondered at, as we have a similar case in the Common Gallinule. But at the season mentioned the individual referred to must have been forced thither by a storm, as no Rails of any kind are found in that part of the country in winter.

In the neighbourhood of New Orleans, this species is found in all the deserted savannahs, covered with thick long grass, and pools of shallow water. There you hear its sharp and curious notes many times in the course of the day, just as you hear those of _Rallus crepitans_ near the sea-shore, more especially after the report of a gun, when they are louder and more quickly repeated. These sounds come on the ear so as to induce you to believe that the bird is near; but whether this be the case or not is not easily determined, for when you move towards a spot in which you suppose it to be, the sounds recede at your approach, and you may think yourself fortunate if, after half an hour of search, you discover one on wing. Indeed, if we have a bird in America approaching in its habits the Corn Crake of Europe, it is the Yellow-breasted Rail; and were I disposed to systematize, I should consider it as a connecting link between land and water birds, as in some of its habits it also resembles the European Quail, a bird as fond at times of damp meadows bordering rivers as this species is wont to be, when it seeks for a place of safety in which to form its nest and rear its young.

In the Floridas, this bird is more abundant than even in Louisiana; and I met with it frequently in the course of my wanderings there, not only on the mainland, but also on several of the keys, where they begin breeding in March. On Sandy Island, near Cape Sable, I found several pairs, in May 1832. About New Orleans it commences breeding at the same period. Dr BACHMAN has procured specimens near Charleston. I have also found a few near Vincennes on the Wabash River in summer, when they had young broods. In the course of my stay at the Silver Springs in East Florida, I observed a good number of these birds along the margins of the lakes and swampy bayous, and had ample opportunities of assuring myself that this species is far from being nocturnal, as authors have alleged, at least when in places where they are under no apprehension of danger. In those sultry solitudes I have at times seen them following the margins of the muddy shores, with delicate and measured steps, until attracted by something worthy of their attention, when they suddenly jerked their tail upwards and for a moment disappeared. Again, they would gracefully leap upon the slender twig of some low shrub or bush, apparently in search of small snails or other objects, jerking their tail at every movement. There it was that I again saw the extraordinary power of contraction which their body is able to assume while they are pushing forward between two or more stubborn branches. They were all so gentle that I at times approached within a few yards of them, when they would now and then look cunningly at me, rise more erect for a moment, and then resume their occupations.

When searched for by a dog, they seem as if determined to put him out by continual manœuvring, running and cutting backwards within a few yards of extent until the dog can no longer follow the last trail. Just then they rise on wing, or run off to some other spot equally adapted for security. A friend of mine who resides in New Orleans, and has shot some hundreds of this species, told me that the best method of obtaining a shot is to lie concealed near an opening in the grass, and call the bird out of cover by imitating its notes, when in a few minutes, being extremely pugnacious, it comes to the clear space, and may be easily shot. Its flesh is delicate and savoury.

The nest somewhat resembles that of _Rallus elegans_. It is generally placed upon the ground in the centre of a thick tuft of grass, and the bed of it is at times elevated above the soil to the height of four or five inches. It is composed of weeds of various kinds, and is now and then covered over in the same manner as that of our Meadow Lark. The eggs are from eight to ten, pure white, thin-shelled, and measure 1-1/8 inch by nearly seven eighths. The young are at first black, and are able to follow their parents almost immediately after birth. I am induced to believe that two, or perhaps three, broods are reared in the season.

The flight of this pretty little bird is rather swift, and more protracted than that of some of our Rails, especially when put up by a dog coming inadvertently upon it. At other times, when in places not frequented, it rises and removes to a distance rarely exceeding thirty or forty yards, falling as it were among the grass with wings stretched upwards and dangling legs. The gizzard is large and muscular, as in the Water-hen and our other Rails. One which I opened was filled with minute fresh-water shell-fish and gravel. They feed also on insects of various kinds, and the seeds of grasses.

My friend THOMAS NUTTALL has so well described the notes of this bird, that I cannot do better than present you with his account of them. “On the 6th of October (1831), having spent the night in a lodge, on the borders of Fresh Pond, employed for decoying and shooting Ducks, I heard, about sunrise, the Yellow breasted Rails begin to stir among the reeds (_Arundo Phragmites_) that thickly skirt this retired border of the lake, and in which, among a host of various kinds of Blackbirds, they had for sometime roosted every night. As soon as awake, they called out in an abrupt and cackling cry, _’krèk_, _’krèk_, _’krèk_, _’krèk_, _’kuk’ k’kh_, which note, apparently from the young, was answered by the parent (probably the hen), in a lower soothing note. The whole of these uncouth and guttural notes have no bad resemblance to the croaking of the tree frog, as to sound. This call and answer, uttered every morning, is thus kept up for several minutes in various tones, till the whole family, separated for the night, have met and satisfactorily recognised each other.”

I once shot a female bird of this species near New Orleans upon which I had nearly trodden as she was on the nest and about to lay an egg, and which she dropped as she flew before me, previously to my touching the trigger. In August and September I have found this species uncommonly fat, and most delicious. The difficulty of procuring them, however, renders them a rarity for the table even in those parts of the country where they are most abundant.

I have no doubt that a few stragglers now and then go far north to breed, as I find in the Fauna Boreali-Americana the following note from Mr Hutchins’s manuscripts:—“This elegant bird is an inhabitant of the marshes (on the coast of Hudson’s Bay, near the efflux of Severn River, where Mr Hutchins resided) from the middle of May to the end of September. It never flies above sixty yards at a time, but runs with great rapidity among the long grass near the shores. In the morning and evening it utters a note, which resembles the striking of a flint and steel; at other times it makes a shrieking noise. It builds no nest, but lays from ten to sixteen perfectly white eggs among the grass.”

Now, this making no nest is to me a convincing proof that the species is not there in its natural place, but finding itself pushed for time, and yet obliged to breed, is contented to do so under unfavourable circumstances. Dr RICHARDSON, who spent several years in the northern parts of America, did not meet with this species. I saw none in Labrador or Newfoundland; and in the British provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, the only bird of this family known is the Sora, _Rallus carolinus_.

GALLINULA NOVEBORACENSIS, _Lath._ Ind. Ornith. vol. ii. p.
771.

RALLUS NOVEBORACENSIS, _Ch. Bonaparte_, Synopsis of Birds of
United States, p. 335.—_Ch. Bonaparte_, American Ornith. vol.
iv. p. 136, pl. 27, fig. 2.

YELLOW-BREASTED RAIL, RALLUS NOVEBORACENSIS, _Richards. and
Swains._ Fauna Bor.-Amer. vol. ii. p. 402.

YELLOW-BREASTED RAIL, _Nuttall_, Manual, vol. ii. p. 402.

Adult Male. Plate CCCXXIX.

Bill shorter than the head, rather stout, compressed, tapering. Upper mandible with the dorsal line nearly straight, being slightly convex towards the end, the ridge narrow and convex in its whole length, the sides convex towards the end, the edges sharp, slightly overlapping, destitute of notch. Nasal groove broad, and extending to a little beyond the middle of the bill; nostrils linear, lateral, submedial, pervious. Lower mandible with the angle long and narrow, the sides erect, the dorsal line sloping upwards, the edges a little inflected, the tip narrowed, the gape-line straight.

Head rather small, oblong, compressed. Neck shortish. Body compact, deeper than broad. Feet of moderate length, rather stout; tibia bare a short way above the joint; tarsus of ordinary length, compressed, anteriorly covered with broad scutella, posteriorly with smaller, and on the sides reticulated. Hind toe small and very slender; middle toe longest, and longer than the tarsus; inner toe considerably shorter than the outer; toes free, with numerous scutella above. Claws much compressed, slightly arched, tapering to a fine point, flat and marginate beneath.

Plumage rather stiff, but soft, blended, and slightly glossed above. Feathers of the forehead somewhat bristly, broad and rounded; of the hind parts elongated. Wings short, broad, concave; alula large, primaries curved, broad, abruptly rounded, the second longest, third scarcely shorter, first equal to seventh; secondaries broad and rounded, the inner elongated, some of them extending a quarter of an inch beyond the longest primary. Tail extremely short, much rounded, of _ten_ feeble rounded feathers; the upper and lower tail-coverts as long as the tail-feathers.

Bill greenish-black, with the base dull yellowish-orange. Iris hazel. Feet and claws light flesh-colour. Upper part of the head and hind neck blackish-brown, the feathers slightly edged with dull light brownish-red, those on the occiput and hind neck with a small white spot on the outer edge. The upper parts are brownish-black, longitudinally streaked with brownish-yellow, each feather being broadly margined with the latter, and crossed with from one to three narrow white bars. Alula greyish-brown, each feather with a white dot near the tip; primaries similar, the outer four unspotted; the edge of the wing, and the basal half of the outer web of the first primary yellowish-white; outer secondaries greyish-brown, white towards the end, three of them having that colour extending over more than half of their length; inner secondaries like the back; as are the tail-feathers. Loral space and a line beyond the eye blackish-brown. Sides of the head, neck, and anterior part of the body light brownish-red, each feather terminally margined with deep brown; sides like the back; axillaries, lower wing-coverts, and middle of the abdomen, pure white; sides of the rump like the back; lower tail-coverts brownish-red, with faint whitish dots.

Length to end of tail 7-3/4 inches, to end of claws 9-3/4, to end of wings 7; extent of wings 12-1/4; wing from flexure 3-9/12; tail 1-4/12; tarsus 11/12; first toe and claw 5/12; second toe 10/12, its claw 3/12; third toe 1-1/12, its claw (3-1/2)/12; fourth toe (10-1/2)/12, its claw (2-1/2)/12. Weight 2-3/4 oz.

The Female is smaller than the male, but similar in colour.

Length to end of tail 6-3/4 inches, to end of claws 8-3/4; extent of wings 11. Weight 2 oz.

AMERICAN RING PLOVER.

_CHARADRIUS SEMIPALMATUS_, BONAP.

PLATE CCCXXX. MALE AND YOUNG.

I have had great pleasure in observing the migrations of this species, particularly in early spring, when great numbers enter the southern portions of the United States, on their way northward, where it is now well known to breed. At that period, whatever attempts you may make to prevent their progress, they always endeavour to advance eastward; whereas in early autumn, they will rove in any direction, as if perfectly aware that, the task imposed upon them by Nature having been accomplished, they may enjoy their leisure. Those which pass the winter within the limits of the Union, are mostly found along the shores of South Carolina, Georgia, the Floridas, and as far south as the mouths of the Mississippi; there being no doubt that many remain on the coasts of the Gulf of Mexico, as I have found some there early in spring, before observing those which I knew by their manners to be recently arrived. In the course of my late visit to Texas, I found them on Galveston Bay, where I observed some arriving from the westward.

During their polar migration, they proceed rather swiftly, for although they appear to touch at every place likely to afford them food and repose, they seldom tarry long. Thus, many individuals, which may have been in Texas early in April, not unfrequently reach Labrador by the middle of May; although some are a month later in reaching the ultimate point of their journey, which, according to Dr RICHARDSON, sometimes extends as far as the Arctic Regions.

While with us in spring, they confine themselves to the sandy beaches of our sea-coasts, whether on the mainland or on islands; but when they arrive at their breeding stations, they abandon their maritime life, and resort to mountainous mossy lands, as is also the custom with several other species. On my way to Labrador, I saw some of them in almost every place at which we landed; and when I reached Nastasguan Bay, they were breeding in all the spots that were adapted for that purpose. Their manners formed an agreeable subject of observation to all the members of my party. As soon as one of us was noticed by a Ring Plover, it would at once stand still and become silent. If we did the same, it continued, and seldom failed to wear out our patience. If we advanced, it would lower itself and squat on the moss or bare rock until approached, when it would suddenly rise on its feet, droop its wings, depress its head, and run with great speed to a considerable distance, uttering all the while a low rolling and querulous cry, very pleasing to the ear. On being surprised when in charge of their young, they would open their wings to the full extent, and beat the ground with their extremities, as if unable to rise. If pursued, they allowed us to come within a few feet, then took flight, and attempted to decoy us away from their young, which lay so close that we very seldom discovered them, but which, on being traced, ran swiftly off, uttering a plaintive _peep_ often repeated, that never failed to bring their parents to their aid. At Labrador, the Ring Plover begins to breed in the beginning of June. On the 2d of July, I procured several young birds apparently about a week old; they ran briskly to avoid us, and concealed themselves so closely by squatting, that it was very difficult to discover them even when only a few feet distant.

This species, like the Piping Plover, _Charadrius melodus_, forms no nest; and whilst the latter scoops a place in the sand for its eggs, the Ring Plover forms a similar cavity in the moss, in a place sheltered from the north winds, and exposed to the full rays of the sun, usually near the margins of small ponds formed by the melting of the snow, and surrounded by short grass. Some of these pools are found on the tops of the highest rocks of that country. The eggs, like those of all the family, are four, and placed with the small ends together. They are broad at the larger end, rather sharp at the other, measure 1-1/4 inch in length, 7-1/8 inches in their greatest breadth, are of a dull yellowish colour, irregularly blotched and spotted all over with dark brown of different tints. The young are at first of a yellowish-grey colour, prettily marked with darker spots on the shoulders and rump. As soon as their parents dismissed them, they were observed searching for food among the drying cod-fish, and along the beaches.

By the 12th of August, all the individuals which had bred in Labrador and Newfoundland, had taken their departure, migrating southward in company with the Phalaropes and Schintz’s Sandpipers. Many of these birds proceed by our great lakes and rivers, they being sometimes seen in September along the shores of the Ohio and Mississippi. At this period they are now and then observed on ploughed lands, where they appear to procure different species of seeds and insects. Along the whole extent of our Atlantic shores, they are numerous at this season, and great numbers are killed, the flesh of the young birds especially being juicy and tender.

The flight of this species is swift and sustained. They are fond of associating with other birds of similar habits, and are generally unsuspicious, so that they are easily approached. When on wing, their notes are sharp, sonorous, and frequently repeated. The young members of my party were often much amused by witnessing our pointer chasing the old birds, whilst the latter, as if perfectly aware of the superiority in speed, would seem to coax him on, and never failed to exhaust him by flying along the declivities of the rocks up to their summits, and afterwards plunging downwards to the base, thus forming great circuits over a limited range. Their food consists of small crustacea, mollusca, and the eggs of various marine animals. The old males are very pugnacious in the breeding season, and engage in obstinate conflicts, drooping their wings, and trailing their tail fully spread out in the manner of some species of Grouse on similar occasions.

RING PLOVER, TRINGA HIATICULA, _Wils._ Amer. Ornith. vol.
vii. p. 65, pl. 59, fig 3.

CHARADRIUS SEMIPALMATUS, _Ch. Bonaparte_, Synopsis of Birds
of United States, p. 296.

AMERICAN RING PLOVER, CHARADRIUS SEMIPALMATUS, _Richards. and
Swains._ Fauna. Bor.-Amer. vol. ii. p. 367.

SEMIPALMATED RING PLOVER, _Nuttall_, Manual, vol. ii. p. 24.

Adult Male. Plate CCCXXX. Fig. 1.

Bill shorter than the head, straight, somewhat cylindrical. Upper mandible with the dorsal line straight for half its length, then bulging a little and curving to the tip, which is rather acute, the sides sloping at the base, convex towards the end, where the edges are sharp and direct. Nasal groove extended along more than half of the mandible; nostrils basal, linear, in the lower part of the membrane, open, and pervious. Lower mandible with the angle short, narrow, but rounded, the sides at the base sloping outwards and flat, the dorsal line ascending and slightly convex, the edges sharp and involute towards the tip.

Head of moderate size, oblong, rather compressed, the forehead rounded. Eyes large. Neck rather short. Body ovate, compact. Wings long. Feet slender, of moderate length; tibia bare a considerable way above the joint; tarsus of moderate length, rather compressed, covered all round with sub-hexagonal scales; toes slender; the hind toe wanting; third or middle toe much longer than the outer, which exceeds the inner; all with numerous scutella; the outer connected with the middle toe by a web which extends to the second joint of the former, and runs along the edge of the latter, forming a broad margin, the outer toe also connected with the middle toe by a short membrane which does not extend more than half-way to the second joint. Claws small, slightly arched, compressed, rather blunt, that of the middle toe having the inner edge dilated.

Plumage soft and blended; the feathers rounded, those of the back somewhat distinct. Wings long and pointed; primary quills tapering, the first longest, the second a little shorter, the rest rapidly graduated; outer secondaries incurved and obliquely emarginate; the inner tapering and elongated, one of them reaching to half an inch from the tip of the longest primary. Tail of moderate length, considerably rounded, of twelve feathers.

Bill black, its basal half rich orange. Iris deep hazel. Feet pale flesh-colour, claws black. Forehead, loral space, and a band passing below the eye and including the auriculars, black; the rest of the head above and the nape, light greyish-brown, tinged with dull olive. A broad band between the eyes, continuous with a streak over them, a small band on the lower eyelid, and a ring on the middle of the neck, enlarged in front so as to cover the throat, pure white. A broad ring of black on the lower part of the neck, broader in front. All the lower parts and the sides of the rump white. The upper parts of the same greyish-brown as the head, the scapulars and elongated inner secondaries more decidedly glossed with olive. Alula, primary coverts, and primary quills dusky, the coverts tipped with white, the outer primaries, with a portion of the shaft white, the inner with an elongated patch of white on the outer web in addition, and the proximal part of the inner web of the same colour. Secondary quills with a narrow terminal margin of white, which is much enlarged on (or in some specimens covers) the two next to the elongated ones, which are externally margined with brownish-white. Tail pale greyish-brown, brownish black towards the end, the tip white, enlarging on the outer, and including the whole of the lateral feather, and the outer web of the next.

Length to end of tail 7-1/4 inches, to end of wings 8, to end of claws 7; extent of wings 14; bill along the ridge 1/2, along the edge of lower mandible 7/12; wing from flexure 5, tail 2-1/2; tarsus 11/12, middle toe and claw 10/12. Weight 1-1/2 oz.

The Female is a little larger than the male, but similar, although the black markings are tinged with brown.

Young in September. Plate CCCXXX. Fig. 2.

Bill dusky, at the base yellowish. Feet pale yellowish-green, claws dusky. Upper parts lighter than in the adult, the feathers margined with pale yellowish-grey; no black band on the forehead, or on the neck, but a patch of dusky on the side of the neck and breast; the band from the bill to behind the eye greyish-brown.

This species exhibits a very intimate affinity to _Charadrius Hiaticula_ of Europe, which is precisely similar in form, proportions, and colouring, but considerably larger, and having the feet orange-coloured, with the webs much less extended.

GOOSANDER.

_MERGUS MERGANSER_, LINN.

PLATE CCCXXXI. MALE AND FEMALE.

This species may be said to be a constant resident with us, as many individuals breed in the interior of the States of New York, Massachusetts, and Maine. When I first resided in Kentucky, some bred there also, although at the present day none pass the summer in that country. In the latter part of autumn, in winter, and in early spring, they are found in all parts of the Union; in Texas I procured some in April 1837, and in the beginning of May saw a considerable flock in Galveston Bay. How much farther southward their migrations extend I know not, but from having observed them coming from that direction, I suspect that they advance pretty far into the interior of Mexico, from which some perhaps cross to the Arkansas River, on which I have also seen them. On the Mississippi, the Ohio, and their tributaries, Goosanders are found during the coldest weather; and when the larger streams are covered with ice, they betake themselves to such smaller creeks as have very rapid currents or cascades, about which they feed. But there are parts of our southern coast, where they are exceedingly rare, such as South Carolina, where my friend Dr BACHMAN has never seen one, and the Floridas, in which none occurred to me during my rambles there. Indeed one is surprised to find that among birds like this, which is so hardy as to remain in our North-eastern States during the severest part of the winter, some should extend their movements at the same season as far to the south-west as Texas; but facts like these are beyond our philosophy. In the lower parts of Louisiana, this species is called the “Bee-scie-de-mer,” probably because there it is found only on the large salt-water lakes, and about the mouths of the Mississippi, and to distinguish it from the Hooded Merganser, which there is more usually seen on fresh water. I have been assured by Professor MACCULLOCH of Pictou that it now and then breeds in Nova Scotia. Yet I found none in Labrador or Newfoundland, where the Red-breasted species was breeding in great numbers. Dr RICHARDSON found it in abundance in the Fur Countries.

The Goosander is a vigorous and robust bird. It swims deeply, but with considerable speed, even against a strong current, running waters being generally preferred by it, even when rather shallow, provided their beds are of sand or pebbles, for it is rarely seen on muddy or stagnant waters, even during the breeding season, when it returns to the inland lakes. Like the Grebes it has the power of sinking backwards, and it dives expertly, remaining occasionally several minutes beneath the surface. It usually swims and dives against the current, and close by the shores, extricating itself from floating ice by passing under it. Its voracity is great, so that it consumes an extraordinary quantity of fish. I have found fishes in its stomach seven inches in length, and of smaller kinds so many as to weigh more than half a pound. Digestion takes place with great rapidity, insomuch that some which I have fed in captivity devoured more than two dozen of fishes about four inches in length, four times daily, and yet always seemed to be desirous of more. The alleged awkwardness of this bird when on shore is a fable, for I have seen individuals while courting in spring run with great celerity fifty or more yards at a time, keeping nearly in an erect position. On occasions of this kind I have observed on the sand-bars of the Mississippi flocks of seven or eight males chasing each other with great animosity. At other times, however, they are not fond of walking much, but when on shore are generally seen lying flat on the ground. At times the Mergansers rise almost at once on wing from the water, but at others they seem to find considerable difficulty, patting it with their feet for many yards. These differences seem to depend on various circumstances, such as their being suddenly surprised, or during violent winds. They generally, if not always, rise on wing against the breeze.

The flight of the Goosander is powerful, and as rapid and sustained as that of the Red-breasted and Hooded Mergansers. When fairly under way and at a good height, they advance in an almost direct course and proceed with surprising velocity, so that, when suddenly apprised of the vicinity of man, they at times find it difficult to check their speed so quickly as may be necessary for their safety. I well remember that on several occasions having watched one of these birds flying directly up a creek and towards me, I have taken aim at it and fired when it was at the proper distance, and yet such had been its velocity that it would advance, after being shot, many yards towards me. When rising from the water, whatever number may be in the flock, they all start together, paddle off with their feet and wings, stretching out their necks, and thus run as it were on the water to the distance of twenty or thirty yards with great velocity, extending in a front, or following each other in a line, according to the extent of the space before them. They then gradually ascend to the height of the trees, and move off to some considerable distance, but often return to the same place. They seem to ascertain the fertility of the water by sipping a little on their alighting, and then, having found appearances favourable, they open their bills, apparently to take a deep inspiration, and immediately dive. When they have procured a sufficiency of food, they betake themselves to some sand-bar, on which they repose until it is digested.

The Goosander rises to the surface with the fish in its bill, and, shifting it about until it is in a proper position, swallows it head foremost, then dives for more. So deeply does it swim, that on such occasions not more than a third of its body is seen on the surface; and there is very little chance of shooting it, for it dives on seeing the flash, or even on hearing the click of the lock. The only chance of procuring one at such times is when, on coming to the surface, it stretches itself up and beats its wings. If it is only wounded, it often exhibits great tenacity of life, and diving at once remains a long time in the water. On emerging, it is seen shaking its head violently, for the purpose of disgorging its food, and, perhaps, the blood that has flowed into its lungs; and, on effecting this, it again plunges headlong. At length, you see it come to the surface, with its beautifully tinged breast upwards; but if your object be to obtain game, you will have little satisfaction in procuring a Goosander or any of its genus, for they are all fishy, oily, tough, and fitted for the palate of none but experienced epicures. The food of the Goosander consists chiefly of fish, but also of bivalve shells, snails, leeches, aquatic lizards, crays, and frogs.

Now, good Reader, Spring has once more gladdened the face of Nature, pearly drops hang on every leaf, glistening in the bright sunshine, and thousands of gay insects flutter around. My light canoe is ready. Leap in, seat yourself snugly in the bow, and sit still while I paddle you to the green islands of this beautiful lake, where we shall probably find a Merganser or two, perhaps a female sitting on her eggs. As to the dog, we need him not; so lie thee down, Baron, until I return. I was always fond of “paddling my own canoe,” and I never met with a single accident so long as I managed it myself; but on more occasions than one I have been turned out as gently as one turns himself in bed, and having put the frail bark to rights, have assisted the awkward fellow who had caused the disaster, dived for his gun and my own, and conducted him to the camp to dry his garments. Therefore, be quiet, and fear nothing. See! what’s that? Nothing, friend, but the head of a musk-rat. But look there, how swiftly swims that beautiful Loon! Heed him not; have I not already told you all that I know about him? How smooth and silvery are the pure waters, how beautiful those tall trees! The dogwood is in full bloom, so are the maples, whose rich red blossoms cluster on the twigs. Here we are just entering the rushes of this little island. Get out, and wade to the shore with all possible gentleness; or allow me to do so; for to lighten our slight bark, one of us must get into the water. Softly we advance as I pull the canoe by the bow; but now, squat, for here are tracks of the Goosander. There now lies the female close before us. She thinks we have not seen her, for she crouches closer upon her eggs. Alarm her not, or she will soon depart. There she croaks, and scrambling off through the tall grass, flies off on rapid wings. Look at the nest! count the eggs if you choose, but allow me, if you please, to describe them.

The islands on which the Goosander is wont to breed are mostly small, as if selected for the purpose of allowing the sitting bird to get soon to the water in case of danger. The nest is very large, at times raised seven or eight inches on the top of a bed of all the dead weeds which the bird can gather in the neighbourhood. Properly speaking, the real nest, however, is not larger than that of the Dusky Duck, and is rather neatly formed externally of fibrous roots, and lined round the edges with the down of the bird. The interior is about seven and a half inches in diameter, and four inches in depth. There are seldom more than seven or eight eggs, which measure two inches and seven-eighths in length, by two inches in breadth, are of an elliptical form, being nearly equally rounded at both ends, smooth, and of a uniform dull cream-colour. The young are led to the water in a few hours after they are hatched, and are covered with fur-like hair, of a reddish-brown colour about the head and neck, the body lightish grey. They are excellent divers, and run on the surface with surprising velocity; but they are not able to fly for nearly two months, when, being fat, they are easily fatigued if closely pursued, and on such occasions will often betake themselves to the shore, lie down, and even allow you to lay hold of them. My friend THOMAS NUTTALL has given an interesting account of his chase of a brood of Goosanders.

“Early in the month of May 1832, while descending the Susquehannah near to Dunstown, a few miles below the gorge of the Alleghanies, through which that river meanders near the foot of the Bald Eagle Mountain, G. LYMAN, Esq. and myself observed, near the head of a little bushy island, some Wild Duck, as we thought, with her brood making off round a point which closed the view. On rowing to the spot, the wily parent had still continued her retreat, and we gave chase to the party, which with all the exertions that could be made in rowing, still kept at a respectful distance before us. We now perceived that these diminutive possessors of their natal island were a female Goosander or Dun Diver, with a small but active little brood of eight young ones. On pushing the chase for near half an hour, the young, becoming somewhat fatigued, drew around their natural protector, who now and then bore them along crowding on her back. At length, stealing nearly from our sight, as the chase relaxed, the mother landed at a distance on the gravelly shore, which being nearly of her own grey colour and that of her family, served for some time, as a complete concealment. When approached again, however, they took to the water, and after a second attempt, in which the young strove to escape by repeated divings, we succeeded in cutting off the retreat of one of the family, which was at length taken from behind a flat boat under which it had finally retreated to hide. We now examined the little stranger, and found it to be a young Merganser of this species, not bigger than the egg of a Goose, and yet already a most elegant epitome of its female parent, generally grey, with the rufous head and neck, and the rudiments of a growing crest. After suffering itself to be examined with great calmness, and without any apparent fear, we restored it to its more natural element, and, at the first effort, this little diminutive of its species flew under the water like an arrow, and coming out to the surface only at considerable distances, we soon lost sight of it, making good its aquatic retreat in quest of the parent. On inquiry, we learned from the tavern-keeper, that for several years past a nest or brood of these birds had annually been seen near this solitary and secluded island.”

The male Goosanders leave the females immediately after incubation has commenced, and are then seen in the wildest parts of the country. Several females are often found breeding on the same island, and it is after their young are pretty well grown, that they moult. For a number of years past, I have sometimes entertained a hope, at the approach of the breeding season, of finding a male Goosander having his head adorned with a broad erectile crest, like that of the female and young, but I have hitherto been disappointed, and am therefore unable to say whether such a crest ever exists in that sex. The young of both sexes retain the colouring of the female for two years, during which time the males can be distinguished from the females only by their being much larger. The males have not the rich buffy tint on the breast until about two years after they have commenced breeding, and the first perceptible change by which their sex is distinguished is the appearance of black feathers on the head and neck. Until of late years, the females were thought to be of a distinct species, to which the name of Dun Diver was given.

Many writers have said that this bird breeds in the hollows of trees, or on their branches; but of the various nests which I have found, not one occurred in such situations; and the Hooded Merganser is the only species of this genus which I have observed nestling in an elevated place.

The notes of the Goosander are harsh, consisting of hoarse croaks, seldom uttered unless the bird be suddenly startled, or when courting. The females are usually silent, but when with their young brood, and pursued, they emit the same guttural sounds as the males. Goosanders are easily caught with hooks baited with fish; my friend JOHN BACHMAN has procured them in this manner on the Hudson River, and I also have on the Ohio.

Along with the representation of a pair of adult birds of this species, I have given a correct view of the Cohoes Falls in the State of New York.

MERGUS MERGANSER, _Linn._ Syst. Nat. vol. i. 208.—_Lath._
Ind. Ornith. vol. ii. p. 828.—_Ch. Bonaparte_, Synopsis of
Birds of United States, p. 397.

GOOSANDER, MERGUS MERGANSER, _Wils._ Amer. Ornith. vol. viii.
p.68, pl. 68, fig. 1. Male, and fig. 2. Female.—_Richards.
and Swains._ Fauna Bor.-Amer. vol. ii. p. 461.—_Nuttall_,
Manual, vol. ii. p. 460.

Adult Male. Plate CCCXXXI. Fig. 1.

Bill about the length of the head, straight, strong, tapering, higher than broad at the base, nearly cylindrical toward the end. Upper mandible with the dorsal outline sloping gently to the middle, then straight, along the unguis suddenly decurved; the ridge broad at the base, then convex; the sides sloping rapidly at the base, convex toward the end; the edges serrated beneath; the unguis oblong, much curved, abruptly rounded at the end. Nasal groove elongated; nostrils submedial, linear, direct, pervious. Lower mandible with the angle very narrow, and extended to the unguis, which is obovate; the sides nearly erect in their outer half, with a long narrow groove, the edges serrate within.

Head rather large, compressed, oblong. Neck rather short, thick. Body full, depressed. Feet placed far behind, short, stout; tibia bare for about a quarter of an inch; tarsus very short, compressed, anteriorly covered with small scutella, and another row on the lower half externally, the sides reticulate. Hind toe very small, with an inferior free membrane; anterior toes half as long again as the tarsus; second shorter than fourth, which is almost as long as the third, all connected by reticulated webs, which are deeply concave; the outer toe slightly margined, the inner with a broad marginal membrane. Claws rather small, moderately arched, compressed, acute, that of the middle toe with a thin inner edge.

Plumage moderately full, dense, soft, glossy. Feathers of the head and neck silky, blended, elongated along the median line, so as to form a not conspicuous crest; of the back rather compact; of the lower parts blended. Wings short, of moderate breadth, convex, acute; primaries narrow, tapering, the first scarcely shorter than the second, the rest rapidly graduated; secondaries rather short, narrow, rounded, the inner elongated and tapering. Tail short, much rounded, of eighteen rather narrow rounded feathers.

Bill bright vermilion, with the unguis black. Iris carmine. Feet orange-red in winter, bright vermilion in the breeding season. Head and upper half of neck greenish-black, splendent, with bright green reflections; hind part of neck below white; fore part of neck and all the under parts of a delicate reddish-buff; the sides of the rump and part of the abdomen greyish-white, finely undulated and dotted with dark grey; some of the lower wing-coverts dusky, the larger coverts and primaries light grey. The fore part of the back, and the inner scapulars, glossy black; the hind part ash-grey, becoming lighter and finally undulated on the rump. Upper tail-coverts and tail-feathers deep grey, outer scapulars white; a transverse band of black at the base of the wing, concealed by the scapulars. Wing-coverts white; alula, primary coverts, primary quills, and a band formed by the base of the first row of large coverts, black; secondaries white, six of them margined externally with a black line, the innermost margined on both webs, but more broadly on the inner, and with the tip black.

Length to end of tail 27 inches, to end of claws 26-1/2, to end of wings 24, to carpal joint 13-5/8, to end of green on the neck 7-1/4; extent of wings 36; bill along the ridge 2-8/12, along the edge of lower mandible 3-1/12; wing from flexure 11-1/4; tail 5; tarsus 1-(10-1/2)/12; first toe and claw 10/12; outer toe 2-(7-1/2)/12, its claw (4-1/2)/12; middle toe 2-8/12, its claw 5/12. Weight 5 lb. Of another 3-3/4 lb.

Dimensions of two other Males:

Length to end of tail, 26 25-7/8 inches.
claws, 27 25
wings, 24 23-1/2
Extent of wings, 38 35

Female. Plate CCCXXXI.

The female is much smaller. The bill, eyes, and feet are coloured as in the male, but the ridge of the bill is black, and the nail whitish; the longitudinal crest is much more elongated, being composed of linear feathers, some of them fully two inches and a half long. Head and upper part of neck brownish-red; throat white; all the upper parts, with the sides of the body and rump deep ash-grey, the feathers paler at the margin. Smaller wing-coverts and inner secondaries grey; bases and tips of secondary coverts black, the intermediate part white; middle secondaries white, outer and primaries black; anterior part of neck below faintly banded with ash-grey; breast and abdomen white, slightly tinged with buff.

Length to end of tail 24 inches, to end of claws 23-1/2, to end of wings 20-3/4; extent of wings 34; bill along the ridge 1-11/12, along the edge of lower mandible 2-1/2; wing from flexure 10-1/4; tail 4-1/2; tarsus 1-9/12; hind toe and claw (8-1/2)/12; middle toe 2-4/12, its claw 5/12; outer toe 2-4/12, its claw 4/12.

The young males after the autumnal moult, and until the middle of summer, resemble the females.

An adult male obtained near Boston examined. The heart is 2 inches long; the lobes of the liver are nearly equal, the right being 3 inches 7 twelfths long, the left 3 inches 3 twelfths.

The upper mandible has about 28 recurved conical, acute, horny papillæ, and an internal series of smaller, on each side; the tip of the unguis serrulate; on the lower mandible are about 40 of the same nature. The tongue is 2 inches 1 twelfth long, fleshy, emarginate, and papillate at the base, tapering, with a double row of slender reversed papillæ along the upper surface, and two lateral series of filaments on each side; the tip lacerated, horny on the back. Posterior nasal aperture oblong, 10 twelfths in length, papillate on the edges. Aperture of the glottis 4-1/2 twelfths long. The mouth is 10 twelfths in breadth, but may be extended to 1 inch 9 twelfths. The œsophagus is 10-1/2 inches long, its diameter 1 inch 7 twelfths on the neck, contracting to 8 twelfths as it enters the thorax, but again expanding; the external coat of transverse muscular fibres very thick; the internal layer of longitudinal fibres very distinct; the mucous coat thrown into prominent longitudinal plaits when contracted; the mucous follicles disposed in longitudinal single series. The proventriculus is 2 inches long, the glandules very numerous, oblong, about 2 twelfths in length, forming a complete belt. The stomach is a strong gizzard, of moderate size, 2 inches long, the lateral muscles 5 twelfths thick; the epithelium very thick, nearly 1 twelfth, longitudinally rugous. In the stomach and gullet was a fish 9 inches long, the portions lying in the stomach and proventriculus partially dissolved, the rest 4 inches long, not acted upon; there were also two fragments of quartz, one of them a quarter of an inch long. The intestine is long, measuring 6 feet 3 inches, its diameter from 5 to 3 twelfths. The cœca are 2 inches long, for half an inch 1-1/2 twelfth in diameter, in the rest of their extent 4 twelfths. The rectum 5 inches long, including the cloaca, which has a diameter of an inch and a quarter.