Chapter XX: Part 20

In WILSON’s time, this beautiful bird was rare in Pennsylvania; but since then it has occasionally been seen in considerable numbers, and in the winter of 1836 my young friend J. TRUDEAU, M. D. procured several in the vicinity of Philadelphia. That season also they were abundant in the States of New York and Massachusetts. Some have been procured near the mouth of the Big Guyandotte on the Ohio; and Mr NUTTALL has observed it on the lower parts of the Missouri. I have ascertained it to be a constant resident in the State of Maine, and have met with it on several islands in the Bay of Fundy, as well as in Newfoundland and Labrador. Dr RICHARDSON mentions it as having been observed by the Expedition in the 50th parallel, and as a constant resident at Hudson’s Bay. It is indeed the hardiest bird of its tribe yet discovered in North America, where even the Rose-breasted Grosbeak, though found during summer in Newfoundland and Labrador, removes in autumn to countries farther south than the Texas, where as late as the middle of May I saw many in their richest plumage.

The Pine Grosbeak is a charming songster. Well do I remember how delighted I felt, while lying on the moss-clad rocks of Newfoundland, near St George’s Bay, I listened to its continuous lay, so late as the middle of August, particularly about sunset. I was reminded of the pleasure I had formerly enjoyed on the banks of the clear Mohawk, under nearly similar circumstances, when lending an attentive ear to the mellow notes of another Grosbeak. But, Reader, at Newfoundland I was still farther removed from my beloved family; the scenery around was thrice wilder and more magnificent. The stupendous dark granite rocks, fronting the north, as if bidding defiance to the wintry tempests, brought a chillness to my heart, as I thought of the hardships endured by those intrepid travellers who, for the advancement of science, had braved the horrors of the polar winter. The glowing tints of the western sky, and the brightening stars twinkling over the waters of the great Gulf, rivetted me to the spot, and the longer I gazed, the more I wished to remain; but darkness was suddenly produced by the advance of a mass of damp fog, the bird ceased its song, and all around seemed transformed into chaos. Silently I groped my way to the beach, and soon reached the Ripley.

The young gentlemen of my party, accompanied by my son JOHN WOODHOUSE, and a Newfoundland Indian, had gone into the interior in search of Rein Deer, but returned the following afternoon, having found the flies and musquitoes intolerable. My son brought a number of Pine Grosbeaks, of different sexes, young and adult, but all the latter in moult, and patched with dark red, ash, black and white. It was curious to see how covered with sores the legs of the old birds of both sexes were. These sores or excrescences are, I believe, produced by the resinous matter of the fir-trees on which they obtain their food. Some specimens had the hinder part of the tarsi more than double the usual size, the excrescences could not be removed by the hand, and I was surprised that the birds had not found means of ridding themselves of such an inconvenience. One of the figures in my plate represents the form of these sores.

I was assured that during mild winters, the Pine Grosbeak is found in the forests of Newfoundland in considerable numbers, and that some remain during the most severe cold. A lady who had resided there many years, and who was fond of birds, assured me that she had kept several males in cages; that they soon became familiar, would sing during the night, and fed on all sorts of fruits and berries during the summer, and on seeds of various kinds in winter; that they were fond of bathing, but liable to cramps; and that they died of sores produced around their eyes and the base of the upper mandible. I have observed the same to happen to the Cardinal and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks.

The flight of this bird is undulating and smooth, performed in a direct line when it is migrating, at a considerable height above the forests, and in groups of from five to ten individuals. They alight frequently during the day, on such trees as are opening their buds or blossoms. At such times they are extremely gentle, and easily approached, are extremely fond of bathing, and whether on the ground or on branches, move by short leaps. I have been much surprised to see, on my having fired, those that were untouched, fly directly towards me, until within a few feet, and then slide off and alight on the lower branches of the nearest tree, where, standing as erect as little Hawks, they gazed upon me as if I were an object quite new, and of whose nature they were ignorant. They are easily caught under snow-shoes put up with a figure of four, around the wood-cutters camps, in the State of Maine, and are said to afford good eating. Their food consists of the buds and seeds of almost all sorts of trees. Occasionally also they seize a passing insect. I once knew one of these sweet songsters, which, in the evening, as soon as the lamp was lighted in the room where its cage was hung, would instantly tune its voice anew.

My kind friend THOMAS M’CULLOCH of Pictou in Nova Scotia, has sent me the following notice, which I trust will prove as interesting to you as it has been to me. “Last winter the snow was exceedingly deep, and the storms so frequent and violent that many birds must have perished in consequence of the scarcity of food. The Pine Grosbeaks being driven from the woods, collected about the barns in great numbers, and even in the streets of Pictou they frequently alighted in search of food. A pair of these birds which had been recently taken were brought me by a friend, but they were in such a poor emaciated condition, that I almost despaired of being able to preserve them alive. Being anxious, however, to note for you the changes of their plumage, I determined to make the attempt; but notwithstanding all my care, they died a few days after they came into my possession. Shortly after, I received a male in splendid plumage, but so emaciated that he seemed little else than a mass of feathers. By more cautious feeding, however, he soon regained his flesh, and became so tame as to eat from my hand without the least appearance of fear. To reconcile him gradually to confinement, he was permitted to fly about my bedroom, and upon rising in the morning, the first thing I did was to give him a small quantity of seed. But three mornings in succession I happened to lie rather later than usual, and each morning I was aroused by the bird fluttering upon my shoulder, and calling for his usual allowance. The third morning, I allowed him to flutter about me some time before shewing any symptom of being awake, but he no sooner observed that his object was effected than he retired to the window and waited patiently until I arose. As the spring approached, he used to whistle occasionally in the morning, and his notes, like those of his relative the Rose-breasted Grosbeak, were exceedingly rich and full. About the time, however, when the species began to remove to the north, his former familiarity entirely disappeared. During the day he never rested a moment, but continued to run from one side of the window to the other, seeking a way of escape, and frequently during the night, when the moonlight would fall upon the window, I was awakened by him dashing against the glass. The desire of liberty seemed at last to absorb every other feeling, and during four days I could not detect the least diminution in the quantity of his food, while at the same time he filled the house with a piteous wailing cry, which no person could hear without feeling for the poor captive. Unable to resist his appeals, I gave him his release; but when this was attained he seemed very careless of availing himself of it. Having perched upon the top of a tree in front of the house, he arranged his feathers, and looked about him for a short time. He then alighted by the door, and I was at last obliged to drive him away, lest some accident should befall him.

“These birds are subject to a curious disease, which I have never seen in any other. Irregularly shaped whitish masses are formed upon the legs and feet. To the eye these lumps appear not unlike pieces of lime; but when broken, the interior presents a congeries of minute cells, as regularly and beautifully formed as those of a honey-comb. Sometimes, though rarely, I have seen the whole of the legs and feet covered with this substance, and when the crust was broken, the bone was bare, and the sinews seemed almost altogether to have lost the power of moving the feet. An acquaintance of mine kept one of these birds during the summer months. It became quite tame, but at last it lost the power of its legs and died. By this person I was informed that his Grosbeak usually sang during a thunder-storm, or when rain was falling on the house.”

While in the State of Maine, I observed that these birds, when travelling, fly in silence, and at a considerable height above the trees. They alight on the topmost branches, so that it is difficult to obtain them, unless one has a remarkably good gun. But, on waiting a few minutes, you see the flock, usually composed of seven or eight individuals, descend from branch to branch, and betake themselves to the ground, where they pick up gravel, hop towards the nearest pool or streamlet, and bathe by dipping their heads and scattering the water over them, until they are quite wet; after which they fly to the branches of low bushes, shake themselves with so much vigour as to produce a smart rustling sound, and arrange their plumage. They then search for food among the boughs of the taller trees.

LOXIA ENUCLEATOR, _Linn._ Syst. Nat. vol. i. p. 299.—_Lath._
Ind. Ornith. vol. i. p. 372.

PINE GROSBEAK, LOXIA ENUCLEATOR, _Wils._ Amer. Ornith. vol.
i. p. 80, pl. 5, fig. 2.

PYRRHULA ENUCLEATOR, _Ch. Bonaparte_, Synopsis of Birds of
United States, p. 119.

PYRRHULA (CORYTHUS) ENUCLEATOR, _Richards. and Swains._ Fauna
Bor.-Amer. vol. ii. p. 262.

PINE GROSBEAK or BULLFINCH, _Nuttall_, Manual, vol. i. p.
535.

Adult Male. Plate CCCLVIII. Fig. 1.

Bill short, robust, bulging at the base, conical, acute; upper mandible with its dorsal outline convex, the sides convex, the edges sharp and overlapping; lower mandible with the angle short and very broad, the dorsal line ascending and slightly convex, the sides rounded, the edges inflected; the acute decurved tip of the upper mandible extending considerably beyond that of the lower; the gape-line deflected at the base.

Head rather large, ovate, flattened above; neck short; body full. Legs short, of moderate strength; tarsus short, compressed, with six anterior scutella, and two plates behind, forming a thin edge; toes short, the first proportionally stout, the third much longer than the two lateral, which are about equal; their scutella large, their lower surface with large pads covered with prominent papillæ. Claws rather long, arched, much compressed, laterally grooved, and acute.

Plumage soft, full, rather blended, the feathers oblong. At the base of the upper mandible are strong bristly feathers directed forwards. The wings of moderate length; the primaries rounded, the second and third longest, and with the fourth and fifth having their outer webs slightly cut out. Tail rather long, emarginate, of twelve strong, broad, obliquely rounded feathers.

Bill reddish-brown. Iris hazel. Feet blackish-brown, claws black. The general colour of the plumage is bright carmine tinged with vermilion; the feathers of the fore part of the back and the scapulars greyish-brown in the centre; the bristly feathers at the base of the bill blackish-brown; the middle of the breast, abdomen, and lower tail-coverts, light grey, the latter with a central dusky streak. Wings blackish-brown; the primaries and their coverts narrowly edged with reddish-white, the secondaries more broadly with white; the secondary coverts and first row of small coverts tipped with reddish-white, the smaller coverts edged with red.

Length to end of tail 8-1/2 inches, to end of wings 6-1/4, to end of claws 6-3/4; extent of wings 14; wing from flexure 4-3/4; tail 4; bill along the ridge (7-1/2)/12, along the edge of lower mandible 7/12; tarsus (9-1/2)/12; first toe (4-1/2)/12, its claw 5/12; middle toe 8/12, its claw 5/12.

Female. Plate CCCLVIII. Fig. 2.

The female is scarcely inferior to the male in size. The bill is dusky, the feet as in the male. The upper part of the head and hind neck are yellowish-brown, each feather with a central dusky streak; the rump brownish-yellow; the rest of the upper parts light brownish-grey. Wings and tail as in the male, the white edgings and the tips tinged with grey; the cheeks and throat greyish-white or yellowish; the fore part and sides of the neck, the breast, sides, and abdomen ash-grey, as are the lower tail-coverts.

Length to end of tail 8-1/4 inches, to end of wings 6-1/4, to end of claws 6-3/4; extent of wings 13-1/2; wing from flexure 4-1/2; tail 3-10/12; tarsus (9-1/2)/12; middle toe and claw 1-1/12.

Young fully fledged. Plate CCCLVIII. Fig. 3.

The young, when in full plumage, resemble the female, but are more tinged with brown.

An adult male from Boston examined. The roof of the mouth is moderately concave, its anterior horny part with five prominent ridges; the lower mandible deeply concave. Tongue 4-1/2 twelfths long, firm, deflected at the middle, deeper than broad, papillate at the base, with a median groove; for the distal half of its length, it is cased with a firm horny substance, and is then of an oblong shape, when viewed from above, deeply concave, with two flattened prominences at the base, the point rounded and thin, the back or lower surface convex. This remarkable structure of the tongue appears to be intended for the purpose of enabling the bird, when it has insinuated its bill between the scales of a strobilus, to lay hold of the seed by pressing it against the roof of the mandible. In the Crossbills, the tongue is nearly of the same form, but more slender, and these birds feed in the same manner, in so far as regards the prehension of the food. In the present species, the tongue is much strengthened by the peculiar form of the basi-hyoid bone, to which there is appended as it were above a thin longitudinal crest, giving it great firmness in the perpendicular movements of the organ. The œsophagus _a b c d_, Fig. 1. is two inches 11 twelfths long, dilated on the middle of the neck so as to form a kind of elongated dimidiate crop, 4 twelfths of an inch in diameter, projecting to the right side, and with the trachea passing along that side of the vertebræ. The proventriculus _c_, is 8 twelfths long, somewhat bulbiform, with numerous oblong glandules, its greatest diameter 4-1/2 twelfths. A very curious peculiarity of the stomach _e_, is, that in place of having its axis continuous with that of the œsophagus or proventriculus, it bends to the right nearly at a right angle. It is a very powerful gizzard, 8-1/2 twelfths long, 8 twelfths broad, with its lateral muscles 1/4 inch thick, the lower very distinct, the epithelium longitudinally rugous, of a light reddish colour. The duodenum, _f_, _g_, first curves backward to the length of 1-1/4 inch, then folds in the usual manner, passing behind the right lobe of the liver; the intestine then passes upwards and to the left, curves along the left side, crosses to the right, forms about ten circumvolutions, and above the stomach terminates in the rectum, which is 11 twelfths long. The cœca are 1-1/4 twelfth in length and 1/4 twelfth in diameter. The entire length of the intestine from the pylorus to the anus is 31-1/2 inches (in another male 31); its greatest breadth in the duodenum 2-1/2 twelfths, gradually contracting to 1-1/4 twelfth. Fig. 2. represents the convoluted appearance of the intestine. The œsophagus _a b c_; the gizzard _d_, turned forwards; the duodenum, _e f_; the rest of the intestine, _g h_ the cœca, _i_; the rectum, _i j_, which is much dilated at the end.

The trachea is 2 inches 2 twelfths long, of uniform diameter. 1-1/2 twelfth broad, with about 60 rings; its muscles like those of all the other species of the Passerinæ or Fringillidæ.

In a female, the œsophagus is 2 inches 10 twelfths long; the intestine 31 inches long.

In all these individuals and several others, the stomach contained a great quantity of particles of white quartz, with remains of seeds; and in the œsophagus of one was an oat seed entire.

Although this bird is in its habits very similar to the Crossbills, and feeds on the same sort of food, it differs from them in the form and extent of its crop, in having the gizzard much larger, and the intestines more than double the length, in proportion to the size of the bird.

ARKANSAW FLYCATCHER.

_MUSCICAPA VERTICALIS_, BONAP.

PLATE CCCLIX. MALE AND FEMALE.

This species extends its range from the mouth of the Columbia River, across our continent, to the shores of the Gulf of Mexico; but how far north it may proceed is as yet unknown. On the 10th of April 1837, whilst on Cayo Island, in the Bay of Mexico, I found a specimen of this bird dead at the door of a deserted house, which had recently been occupied by some salt-makers. From its freshness I supposed that it had sought refuge in the house on the preceding evening, which had been very cold for the season. Birds of several other species we also found dead on the beaches. The individual thus met with was emaciated, probably in consequence of a long journey and scanty fare; but I was not the less pleased with it, as it afforded me the means of taking measurements of a species not previously described in full. In my possession are some remarkably fine skins, from Dr TOWNSEND’s collection, which differ considerably from the figure given by BONAPARTE, who first described the species. So nearly allied is it to the Green-crested Flycatcher, _M. crinita_, that after finding the dead bird, my son and I, seeing many individuals of that species on the trees about the house mentioned, shot several of them, supposing them, to be the same. We are indebted to the lamented THOMAS SAY for the introduction of the Arkansaw Flycatcher into our Fauna. Mr NUTTALL has supplied me with an account of its manners.

“We first met with this bold and querulous species, early in July, in the scanty woods which border the north-west branch of the Platte, within the range of the Rocky Mountains; and from thence we saw them to the forests of the Columbia and the Wahlamet, as well as in all parts of Upper California, to latitude 32°. They are remarkably noisy and quarrelsome with each other, and in the time of incubation, like the King Bird, suffer nothing of the bird kind to approach them without exhibiting their predilection for battle and dispute. About the middle of June, in the dark swamped forests of the Wahlamet, we every day heard the discordant clicking warble of this bird, somewhat like _tsh’k_, _tsh’k_, _tshivait_, sounding almost like the creaking of a rusty door-hinge, somewhat in the manner of the King Bird, with a blending of the notes of the Blackbird or Common Grakle. Although I saw these birds residing in the woods of the Columbia, and near the St Diego in Upper California, I have not been able to find the nest, which is probably made in low thickets, where it would be consequently easily overlooked. In the Rocky Mountains they do not probably breed before midsummer, as they are still together in noisy quarrelsome bands until the middle of June.”

Dr TOWNSEND’s notice respecting it is as follows: “This is the _Chlow-ish-pil_ of the Chinooks. It is numerous along the banks of the Platte, particularly in the vicinity of trees and bushes. It is found also, though not so abundantly, across the whole range of the Rocky Mountains; and among the banks of the Columbia to the ocean, it is a very common species. Its voice is much more musical than is usual with birds of its genus, and its motions are remarkably quick and graceful. Its flight is often long sustained, and like the Common King Bird, with which it associates, it is frequently seen to rest in the air, maintaining its position for a considerable time. The males are wonderfully belligerent, fighting almost constantly, and with great fury, and their loud notes of anger and defiance remind one strongly of the discordant grating and creaking of a rusty door hinge. The Indians of the Columbia accuse him of a propensity to destroy the young, and eat the eggs of other birds.”

TYRANNUS VERTICALIS, _Say_, Long’s Exped. vol. ii. p. 60.

MUSICAPA VERTICALIS, _Ch. Bonaparte_, Synopsis of Birds of
United States, p. 67.

ARKANSAW FLYCATCHER, MUSICAPA VERTICALIS, _Ch. Bonaparte_,
Amer. Ornith. vol. i. p. 18, pl. 2, fig. 2.

ARKANSAW FLYCATCHER, _Nuttall_, Manual, vol. ii. p. 273.

Adult Male. Plate CCCLIX. Fig. 1.

Bill rather long, stout, tapering, broader than high, unless toward the end. Upper mandible with its dorsal outline straight and declinate, until at the tip, where it is deflected, the ridge narrow, the sides convex, the edges sharp, with a slight notch close to the very narrow tip. Lower mandible with the angle short and broad, the dorsal line ascending and very slightly convex, the ridge broad and flat at the base, the sides convex, the edges sharp, the tip acute. The gape-line almost straight. Nostrils basal, elliptical, partly covered by the bristly feathers.

Head rather large; neck short; body slender. Feet very short; tarsus slender, compressed, with six anterior scutella, which are so large below as almost to meet behind; toes free, slender, of moderate length. Claws moderately arched, much compressed, acute.

Plumage soft and blended. Strong bristles along the basal margin of the upper mandible, and over the nostrils. Wings rather long, broad; the first five primaries much attenuated toward the end, the first more so, the fifth least; this attenuation being chiefly produced by an incision on the first web; the first four are nearly equal, the third longest, the fourth half a twelfth shorter, the third one-twelfth shorter than the hind, and exceeding the first by nearly two-twelfths; the other primaries gradually broader and more rounded; outer secondaries abrupt and slightly emarginate. Tail rather long, almost even, of twelve broad, abruptly rounded and acuminate feathers.

Bill black. Iris brown. Feet and claws black. The general colour of the upper parts is ash-grey, the back tinged with yellow; the wing-coverts and quills chocolate-brown, with brownish-white edges, those of the inner secondaries broader. Upper tail-coverts and tail black, excepting the outer web of the lateral feather on each side, and the basal margin of the next. There is a patch of bright vermilion on the top of the head, tinged with orange-yellow behind. Throat greyish-white, the sides and fore part of the neck pale ash-grey, shaded on the fore part of the breast into pure yellow, which is the prevalent colour of the lower parts; lower wing-coverts yellow, the middle ones tinged with grey.

Length to end of tail 9 inches, to end of wings 7, to end of claws 7, extent of wings 15-1/4; tail 3-7/8; wing from flexure 5-1/2; bill along the ridge 9/12, along the edge of lower mandible 1-1/12; tarsus (8-1/2)/12; first toe (3-1/2)/12, its claw (4-1/2)/12; third toe 7/12, its claw 4/12.

Adult Female. Plate CCCLIX. Fig. 2.

The Female is rather smaller, but is similar to the male in colouring.

The young also is similar to the adult, but wants the red patch on the head.

In the female mentioned above as having been found in Texas, the mouth is half an inch wide, its roof anteriorly slightly concave, with three median prominent lines, the palate flat, with its membrane or skin diaphanous, as in Goatsuckers. The tongue is 7 twelfths long, deeply emarginate and papillate at the base; triangular, extremely depressed, tapering to a thin slit and bristly point. The posterior aperture of the nares is 4 twelfths long, linear, papillate on the edges, ending abruptly at its fore part, without a prolonged fissure. Œsophagus, _a_, _a_, _b_, 2 inches 9 twelfths long, funnel-shaped for half an inch, then cylindrical and nearly 4 twelfths in diameter, until it enters the thorax. Proventriculus, _c_, 3-1/2 twelfths in diameter, and with a belt of oblong glandules. Stomach _c_, _d_, elliptical, 7-1/2 twelfths long, 6 twelfths broad, its lateral muscles of moderate strength, the lower not distinct; the epithelium with broad longitudinal rugæ, and of a dark reddish-brown colour. Intestine, _e_, _f_, _g_, 7 inches long, its diameter at the anterior part 3-1/2 twelfths, gradually diminishing to 1-1/2 twelfth. Cœca extremely small, 1 twelfth long, 1/2 twelfth broad, and 1-1/4 inch distant from the anus; cloaca _i_, globular.

Trachea 1 inch 10 twelfths long, tapering from a diameter of 2 twelfths to 1 twelfth; the rings ossified and firm, about 70 in number; the lateral and sterno-tracheal muscles slender; the inferior laryngeal muscles are strong but very short, forming a prominent knob, and attached to the first bronchial ring. Bronchi wide, of about 20 half-rings.

The digestive organs of this bird, and of the Flycatchers in general, do not differ materially from those of the Thrushes and Warblers. The pharynx and œsophagus, however, are much wider.

SWALLOW-TAILED FLYCATCHER.

_MUSCICAPA FORFICATA_, GMEL.

PLATE CCCLIX. MALE.

Not having seen this handsome bird alive, I am unable to give you any account of its habits from my own observation; but I have pleasure in supplying the deficiency by extracting the following notice from the “Manual of the Ornithology of the United States and of Canada,” by my excellent friend THOMAS NUTTALL.

“This very beautiful and singular species of Flycatcher is confined wholly to the open plains and scanty forests of the remote south-western regions beyond the Mississippi, where they, in all probability, extend their residence to the high plains of Mexico. I found these birds rather common near the banks of Red River, about the confluence of the Kiamesha. I again saw them more abundant, near the Great Salt River of the Arkansa in the month of August, when the young and old appeared, like our King Birds, assembling together previously to their departure for the south. They alighted repeatedly on the tall plants of the prairie, and were probably preying upon the grasshoppers, which were now abundant. At this time also, they were wholly silent, and flitted before our path with suspicion and timidity. A week or two after, we saw them no more, having retired probably to tropical winter-quarters.

“In the month of May, a pair, which I daily saw for three or four weeks, had made a nest on the horizontal branch of an elm, probably twelve or more feet from the ground. I did not examine it very near, but it appeared externally composed of coarse dry grass. The female, when first seen, was engaged in sitting, and her mate wildly attacked every bird which approached their residence. The harsh chirping note of the male, kept up at intervals, as remarked by Mr SAY, almost resembled the barking of the Prairie Marmot, _’tsh_, _’tsh_, _’tsh_. His flowing kite-like tail, spread or contracted at will while flying, is a singular trait in his plumage, and rendered him conspicuously beautiful to the most careless observer.”

MUSCICAPA FORFICATA _Gmel. Linn._ Syst. Nat. vol. i. p.
931.—_Lath._ Ind. Ornith. vol. ii. p. 485.—_Ch. Bonaparte_,
Synopsis of Birds of United States, p. 275.

SWALLOW-TAILED FLYCATCHER, MUSCICAPA FORFICATA, _Bonap._
Amer. Ornith. vol. i. p. 15, pl. 2, fig. 1.

SWALLOW-TAILED FLYCATCHER, _Nuttall_, Manual, vol. i. p. 275.

Adult Male. Plate CCCLIX. Fig. 3.

Bill of moderate length, rather stout, subtrigonal, depressed at the base, straight; upper mandible with its dorsal outline nearly straight, and declinate, to near the tip, which is deflected, slender, compressed, and acute, the edges sharp and overlapping, with a slight notch close to the tip; lower mandible with the angle rather long and wide, the back broad at the base, the dorsal line ascending and very slightly convex, the edges sharp, the tip acute. Nostrils basal, roundish, partly covered by the bristly feathers.

Head rather large; neck short; body ovate. Feet short; tarsus with six anterior very broad scutella. Toes free, slender; the first stout, the lateral equal; claws rather long, arched, slender, much compressed, very acute.

Plumage soft and blended. Bristles at the base of the upper mandible strong. Wings rather long, the first four quills longest, with their inner webs emarginate and attenuate at the end. Tail very long, deeply forked, of twelve broad, rounded feathers.

Bill and feet black. Iris hazel. Upper part of the head, the cheeks, and the hind part and sides of the neck, ash-grey; scapulars and back darker and tinged with reddish-brown; the rump darker, the upper tail-coverts black. Wings brownish black, all the feathers margined with greyish-white, the anterior wing-coverts scarlet; tail-feathers deep black, with their terminal margins white, the three outer on each side pale rose-coloured to near the end. The throat, fore part of neck and breast, pure white; the sides, abdomen, and lower tail-coverts, and lower wing-coverts, pale rose-colour; the axillary feathers bright scarlet.

Length to end of tail 11-1/2 inches, to end of wings 7-1/2; tail to the fork 2-2/12, to the end 5-1/2; wing from flexure 5-1/8; bill along the ridge 5/8, along the edge of lower mandible 7/8; tarsus 3/4; hind toe 3/8, its claw 4/12; middle toe (5-1/2)/12, its claw (3-1/2)/12.

SAY’S FLYCATCHER.

_MUSCICAPA SAYA_, BONAP.

PLATE CCCLIX. MALE AND FEMALE.

This species was first discovered by TITIAN PEALE, Esq. of Philadelphia, and named after Mr THOMAS SAY by BONAPARTE, who described and figured it in his continuation of WILSON’s American Ornithology. It appears to range over a very extensive portion of country, lying between Mexico and the settlements of the British Fur Companies, a pair having been procured at Carlton House, as mentioned by Dr RICHARDSON. Little is yet known of the habits of this species, but it would seem, from Mr NUTTALL’s remarks, to be a rupestrine Flycatcher, and not strictly arboreal, as supposed by Mr SWAINSON.

“We first observed this bird,” says Mr NUTTALL, “in our route westward, about the 14th of June, within the first range of the Rocky Mountains called the Black Hills, and in the vicinity of that northern branch of the Platte known by the name of Larimie’s Fork. At the time, we saw a pair perched as usual on masses of rocks, from which, like the Pewee, though occasionally alighted, they flew after passing insects, without uttering any note that we heard; and from their predilection, it is probable they inhabit among broken hills and barren rocks, where we have scarcely a doubt, from their behaviour, they had at this time a brood in a nest among these granite cliffs. They appeared very timorous on our approach, and seemed very limited in their range. Except among the Blue Mountains of the Columbia, we scarcely ever saw them again. Their manners appear to be very much like those of the Common Pewee; but they are much more silent and shy.”

MUSCICAPA SAYA, _Ch. Bonaparte_, Synopsis of Birds of United
States, p. 67.—Amer. Ornith. vol. i. p. 20, pl. 2, fig. 3.

TYRANNULA SAYA, _Richards. and Swains._ Fauna Bor.-Amer. vol.
ii. p. 142.

Adult Male. Plate CCCLIX. Fig. 4.

Bill of moderate length, rather slender, broader than high at the base, straight; upper mandible with its dorsal outline nearly straight and declinate, to near the tip, which is deflected, slender, compressed, and acute, the edges sharp and overlapping, with a slight notch close to the tip; lower mandible with the angle short and rounded, the back broad, the dorsal line ascending and almost straight, the edges sharp, the tip acute. Nostrils basal, elliptical, partly covered by the bristly feathers.

Head of moderate size, ovate; neck of moderate length; body slender. Feet short; tarsus with six very broad anterior scutella; toes free, slender; the first stout, the lateral equal; claws long, arched, slender, much compressed, very acute.

Plumage soft and blended. Bristles at the base of the upper mandible slender. Wings rather long, rounded; primaries tapering, rounded, the outer not sinuated on the inner web, the first half an inch shorter than the second, which is half a twelfth shorter than the third, the fourth about the same length as the second, the rest moderately graduated; secondaries long, broad, rounded. Tail rather long, very slightly divaricate and emarginate, of twelve rounded feathers.

Bill and feet black, basal margin of lower mandible yellow. Iris hazel. Upper parts brownish-grey, the head more tinged with brown; upper tail-coverts and tail brownish-black; wings of a darker tint than the back, the feathers margined with greyish-white; a dusky spot before the eye; fore part and sides of neck light brownish-grey, shaded into pale brownish-red on the breast and abdomen; lower wing-coverts reddish-white.

Length to end of tail 7 inches, to end of wings 5-8/12; wing from flexure 4-2/12; tail 3-1/4; bill along the ridge (7-1/2)/12, along the edge of lower mandible (10-1/2)/12; tarsus (9-1/2)/12; hind toe 3/12, its claw 4/12; middle toe (5-1/2)/12, its claw (3-1/2)/12.

WINTER WREN.

_TROGLODYTES HYEMALIS_, VIEILL.

PLATE CCCLX. MALE, FEMALE, AND YOUNG.

The extent of the migratory movements of this diminutive bird, is certainly the most remarkable fact connected with its history. At the approach of winter it leaves its northern retreats, perhaps in Labrador or Newfoundland, crosses the inlets of the Gulf of St Lawrence on tiny concave wings, and betakes itself to warmer regions, where it remains until the beginning of spring. Playfully and with alacrity it performs the task, hopping from one stump or fallen log to another, flitting from twig to twig, from bush to bush, here and there flying a few yards; feeding, singing, and bustling on, as if quite careless as to time or distance. It has reached the shore of some broad stream, and here a person ignorant of its habits might suppose it would be stopped; but no, it spreads its wings, and glides over like a meteor.

I have found the Winter Wren in the lower parts of Louisiana, and in the Floridas, in December and January, but never saw one there after the end of the latter month. Their stay in those parts rarely exceeds three months; two more are employed in forming a nest and rearing their broods; and as they leave Labrador by the middle of August at the latest, they probably spend more than half of the year in travelling. It would be interesting to know whether those which breed along the Columbia River, near the Pacific Ocean, visit the shores of our Atlantic States. My friend THOMAS NUTTALL informs me that he occasionally saw the Winter Wren feeding its young in the woods, along the north-west coast.

At Eastport, in Maine, when on my way to Labrador, I found this species in full song, and extremely abundant, although the air was chill, and icicles hung from every rock, it being then the 9th of May. On the 11th of June, I found it equally plentiful in the Magdalene Islands, and wondered how it could have made its way there, but was assured by the inhabitants that none were ever seen in winter. On the 20th of July, I met with it at Labrador, and again asked myself, how it could possibly have reached those remote and rugged shores? Was it by following the course of the St Lawrence, or by flying from one island to another across the Gulf? I have seen it in almost every State of the Union, but only twice found it breeding there, once near the Mohawk River in New York, and again in the Great Pine Swamp in Pennsylvania. It breeds abundantly in Maine, and probably in Massachusetts, but few spend the winter even in the latter State.

The song of the Winter Wren excels that of any other bird of its size with which I am acquainted. It is truly musical, lull of cadence, energetic, and melodious; its very continuance is surprising, and dull indeed must be the ear that thrills not on hearing it. When emitted, as it often is, from the dark depths of the unwholesome swamp, it operates so powerfully on the mind, that it by contrast inspires a feeling of wonder and delight, and on such occasions has usually impressed me with a sense of the goodness of the Almighty Creator, who has rendered every spot of earth in some way subservient to the welfare if his creatures.

Once when travelling through a portion of the most gloomy part of a thick and tangled wood, in the Great Pine Forest, not far from Maunchunk in Pennsylvania, at a time when I was intent on guarding myself against the venomous reptiles which I expected to encounter, the sweet song of this Wren came suddenly on my ear, and with so cheering an effect, that I instantly lost all apprehension of danger, and pressed forward through the rank briars and stiff laurels, in pursuit of the bird, which I hoped was not far from its nest. But he, as if bent on puzzling me, rambled here and there among the thickest bushes with uncommon cunning, now singing in one spot not far distant, and presently in another in a different direction. After much exertion and considerable fatigue, I at last saw it alight on the side of a large tree, close to the roots, and heard it warble a few notes, which I thought exceeded any it had previously uttered. Suddenly another Wren appeared by its side, but darted off in a moment, and the bird itself which I had followed disappeared. I soon reached the spot, without having for an instant removed my eyes from it, and observed a protuberance covered with moss and lichens, resembling those excrescences which are often seen on our forest trees, with this difference, that the aperture was perfectly rounded, clean, and quite smooth. I put a finger into it, and felt the pecking of a bird’s bill, while a querulous cry was emitted. In a word, I had, the first time in my life, found the nest of our Winter Wren. Having gently forced the tenant from his premises, I drew out the eggs with a sort of scoop which I formed. I expected to find them numerous, but there were not more than six, and the same number I afterwards found in the only other nest of this species ever discovered by me. The little bird called upon its mate, and their united clamour induced me to determine upon leaving their treasures with them; but just as I was about going off, it struck me that I ought to take a description of the nest, as I might not again have such an opportunity. I hope, Reader, you will believe that when I resolved to sacrifice this nest, it was quite as much on your account as my own. Externally it measured seven inches in length, four and a half in breadth; the thickness of its walls, composed of moss and lichen, was nearly two inches; and thus it presented internally the appearance of a narrow bag, the wall, however, being reduced to a few lines where it was in contact with the bark of the tree. The lower half of the cavity was compactly lined with the fur of the American Hare, and in the bottom or bed of the nest there lay over this about half a dozen of the large downy abdominal feathers of our Common Grous, _Tetrao Umbellus_. The eggs were of a delicate blush-colour, somewhat resembling the paler leaves of a partially decayed rose, and marked with dots of reddish-brown, more numerous towards the larger end.

The nest which I found near the Mohawk was discovered by mere accident. One day in the beginning of June, and about noon, feeling fatigued, I sat down on a rock overhanging the water, where, while resting, I might have the pleasure of watching the motions of some fishes in sight. The damp of the place produced a sudden chillness, and caused me to sneeze aloud, when from beneath my feet there flew off a Winter Wren. The nest, which I soon found, was attached to the lower parts of the rock, and presented the same form and structure as that already described; but it was smaller, the eggs, six in number, contained young far advanced.

The motions of this interesting bird are performed with great rapidity and decision. While searching for food it hops, creeps, and leaps about from one spot to another, as if it derived pleasure from exercise. At each movement it bends its breast downward, so as almost to touch the object on which it stands, and by a sudden extension of its strong feet, aided by the action of its half drooping concave wings, jerks itself forward, keeping its tail elevated all the while. Now through a hollow log it passes like a mouse, now it clings to the surface in various attitudes, suddenly disappears, but presently shews itself by your side; at times it chirrups in a querulous rolling tone, then emits single clear sharp chirps resembling the syllables _tshick_, _tshick_, and again remains silent for a time. It will now and then reach the upper branches of a small tree or a bush, by hopping and leaping from twig to twig; in the course of this transit it will present its opposite sides to you a score of times; and when at length it has gained the summit, it will salute you with its delicate melody, and then dash headlong and be out of sight in a moment. This is almost constantly observed during the spring season, when more than ever its alertness is displayed. On all such occasions however, whilst in the act of singing, its tail is seen to be depressed. In winter, when it takes possession of the wood-pile, close to the husbandman’s dwelling, it will challenge the cat in querulous tones, and peeping out here and there, as it frisks in security, wear out Grimalkin’s patience.

The food of the Winter Wren consists chiefly of spiders, caterpillars, and small moths, as well as larvæ. Towards autumn it eats small juicy berries.

Having lately spent a winter, at Charleston in South Carolina, with my worthy friend JOHN BACHMAN, I observed that this little Wren made its appearance in that city and its suburbs in December. On the 1st January I heard it in full song in the garden of my friend, who informed me that in that State it does not appear regularly every winter, but is sure to be found during very cold weather.

With the view of enabling you to compare the habits of our Winter Wren and the Common Wren of Europe, the manners of birds being a subject on which, as you are well aware, I have always bestowed particular attention, I here present you with those of the latter bird, as observed in Britain, by my learned friend, WILLIAM MACGILLIVRAY:—“With us the Wren is not migratory, but is found during winter in the most northern parts of the island, as well as in the Hebrides. Its flight is effected by a rapid and continuous motion of the wings, and therefore is not undulated, but direct; nor is it usually sustained, for the bird merely flits from one bush to another, or from stone to stone. It is most frequently met with along stone-walls, among fragments of rocks, in thickets of gorse, and by hedges, where it attracts notice by the liveliness of its motions, and frequently by its loud chirring noise. When standing, it keeps its tail nearly erect, and jerks its whole body; then hops about with alacrity, using its wings at the same time, and continually enunciating its rapid chit. In spring and summer, the male has a very pleasing, full, rich, and mellow song, which it repeats at intervals; and even in autumn and on fine days in winter, it may often be heard hurrying over its ditty, the loudness and clearness of which, as proceeding from so diminutive a creature, is apt to excite surprise, even after it has been long familiar.

“During the breeding season, Wrens keep in pairs, often in unfrequented parts, such as bushy dells, mossy woods, the banks of streams, and stony places overgrown with brambles, sloes, and other shrubs; but they are also to be found in shrubberies, gardens, and hedges in the immediate vicinity of human habitations, to which the wilder individuals also approach in winter. They are not properly speaking shy, as they conceive themselves to be secure at the distance of twenty or thirty yards; but on the approach of a person, they conceal themselves in holes among stones, or the roots of bushes.

“I know not a more pleasant object to look at than the Wren; it is always so smart and cheerful. In gloomy weather, other birds often seem melancholy, and in rain the Sparrows and Finches stand silent on the twigs, with drooping wings and ruffled plumage. But to the Wren all weathers are alike. The big drops of the thunder-shower no more wet it than the drizzle of an easterly haar; and as it peeps from beneath the bramble, or glances from a hole in the wall, it seems as snug as a kitten frisking on the parlour rug.

“It is amusing to watch the motions of a young family of Wrens just come abroad. Walking among furze, or broom, or juniper, you are attracted to some bush by hearing issue from it a lively and frequent repetition of a sound which resembles the syllable _chit_. On going up you perceive an old Wren flitting about the twigs, and presently a young one flies off, uttering a stiffled chirr, to conceal itself among the bushes. Several follow in succession, while the parents continue to flutter about, in great alarm, uttering their loud _chit_, _chit_, _chit_, with indications of varied degrees of excitement. On open ground a young Wren might easily be run down, and I have heard it asserted that an old one may soon be tired out in time of snow, when it cannot easily conceal itself. And yet, even in such a case, it is by no means easy to keep it in sight, for on the side of a bank, or by a wall, or in a thicket, it will find a hole where one least expected it, and creeping in some crevice beneath the snow, reappear at a considerable distance.

“The food of birds can be determined only by opening their crops or stomachs, or by observation directed to living individuals, the former, however, being the only sure method. The Wrens which I have opened generally contained remains of insects of various kinds, with larvæ, and sometimes pupæ; but I have also found in them seeds, and Mr NEVILLE WOOD states that they sometimes eat red currants. In the stomach of an individual examined in December 1830, I found many small hard seeds, an entire pupæ, and numerous fragments of the shells of pupæ, and elytra of coleopterous insects. So small a bird having so slender a bill, might doubtless be taken for a typical entomophagist; but it is probable that no species of this order confines itself exclusively to insects.

“The Wren pairs about the middle of spring, and begins early in April to construct its nest, which varies much in form and composition, according to the locality. One brought me by my son is of astonishing size compared with that of its architect, its greatest diameter being seven inches, and its height five. Having been placed on a flat surface under a bank, its base is of a corresponding form, and is composed of layers of decayed ferns and other plants, mixed with twigs of herbaceous and woody vegetables. Similar materials have been employed in raising the outer wall of the nest itself, of which the interior is spherical, and three inches in diameter. The wall is composed of mosses of several species, quite fresh and green, and it is arched over with fern leaves and straws. The mosses are curiously interwoven with fibrous roots and hair of various animals, and the inner surface is even and compact, like coarse felt. To the height of two inches there is a copious lining of large soft feathers, chiefly of the Wood Pigeon, but also of the Pheasant and Domestic Duck, with a few of the Blackbird. The aperture, which is in front, and in the form of a low arch, two inches in breadth at the base, and an inch and a half in height, has its lower edge formed of slender twigs, strong herbaceous stalks, and stems of grasses, the lowest being felted in the usual manner. It contained five eggs of an elongated oval form, averaging eight lines in length, and six lines in breadth, pure white, with some scattered dots of light red at the larger end, one of them with scarcely any, and another with a great number. Of three nests presented to me by my friend THOMAS DURHAM WEIR, Esq. one is extremely beautiful, being composed entirely of fresh green hypna, without any internal layer, although, no eggs having been found in it, it possibly had not been completed. It is of an oblong form, seven inches in length, and four in its transverse diameter. The mouth measures an inch and eight-twelfths across, an inch and a twelfth in height. Its lower part is formed of small twigs of larch laid across and interwoven, so as to present a firm pediment. The longitudinal diameter of the interior is three inches and a half. Another, formed on a decayed tuft of _Aira cæspitosa_, is globular, six inches in diameter, and composed of moss, with a lining of hair and feathers, chiefly of the domestic fowl. The third is globular, and externally formed almost entirely of ferns, like that described above. In all the nests of this species which I have seen, the lower part of the mouth was composed of twigs of trees, or stems of herbaceous plants laid across, and kept together with moss and hair.

“The nests are found in a great variety of situations: very often in a recess overhung by a bank, sometimes in a crevice among stones, in the hole of a wall, or of a tree, among the thatch of a cottage or outhouse, on the top of a shed or barn, the branch of a tree, whether growing along a wall, or standing free, among ivy, honeysuckle, clematis, or other climbing plants. When the nest is on the ground, its base is generally formed of leaves, twigs, and straws, and its exterior is often similar; but when otherwise, the outer surface is generally smooth and chiefly composed of moss.

“The number of eggs which it lays has been variously stated by authors. Mr WEIR says that, although it is commonly seven or eight, so many as sixteen or seventeen have been found in its nest. ROBERT SMITH, weaver in Bathgate, told me, that a few years ago, he saw in a nest, which was built on the bank of a rivulet about two miles from Linlithgow, seventeen eggs; and JAMES D. BAILLIE, Esq. informed me, that in June last, he took out of one which he discovered in a spruce tree, near Polkemmet House, sixteen eggs.”

My friend THOMAS M’CULLOCH of Pictou has presented me with the following curious account of a European individual of this species.