Chapter II: Front Matter (2)

Range.—Western and central North America, breeds on the Arctic coast south to the lower Yukon Valley, winters from British Columbia to southern California. During the spring flight immense flocks of these birds pass through Oregon and follow down the west coast.

CANADA GOOSE.
172. Branta canadensis canadensis. 38 inches.

This species is the most widely known of the family, and is the most numerous. Its familiar “honk” has long been the signal of the coming spring, and the V-shaped formation in which the flocks migrate is always an object of interest to every one; large birds, with long necks outstretched, wings beating the air in unison, and all following the leadership of one bird in their journey over their invisible path.

Nest.—Of grasses and feathers lined with down, placed on the ground in marshes or near lakes or ponds; four to nine eggs of a buff or drab color are laid (3.50 × 2.50).

Range.—The whole of North America, breeding from northern United States northward, and wintering in the southern part of U. S. to Lower California.

CACKLING GOOSE.
172c. Branta canadensis minima. 24 inches.

This is a perfect miniature of the above, the difference being only in the size. It breeds in Alaska and along the Arctic coast and migrates in winter along the western coast south to southern California. Eggs are buff color; 4 to 9 (2.90 × 1.95).

BLACK BRANT.
174. Branta nigricans. 26 inches.

Head, neck and breast black with a broad white collar nearly encircling the black neck, back a grayish brown; under parts mostly white. They are very inquisitive and easily come to decoys, and consequently large numbers of them are shot each year for the markets. They are a noisy bird especially when in large flocks. They get most of their food by tipping up in the shallow waters, where they feed upon the tender water plants and roots gathered from the bottom.

Nest.—A depression in the ground lined with grass and feathers and the down from their breasts; four to eight eggs are laid of a grayish color (2.80 × 1.75).

Range.—Western North America, breeding abundantly in northern Alaska and wintering on the Pacific coast from British Columbia to Lower California.

EMPEROR GOOSE.
176. Philacte canagica. 26 inches.

This handsome species may be known by the mottled or scaly appearance of the feathers; the head is white with a black chin and throat. Their 3 to 7 eggs are a dull buff color (3.10 × 2.15).

BLACK-BELLIED TREE-DUCK.
177. Dendrocygna autumnalis. 22 inches.

These odd-shaped ducks, with their long legs and neck, are very common in southern Texas and along the Rio Grande. They are not timid and are frequently caught and domesticated. They can walk and run gracefully, and feed in grain fields at considerable distance from the water. They usually raise two broods in a season, each brood having from ten to as many as twenty.

Nest.—They build their nests in hollow trees, oftentimes at a great distance from the water. The nest is lined with a few feathers and down. The eggs are a creamy white (2.05 × 1.50).

FULVOUS TREE-DUCK.
178. Dendrocygna bicolor. 22 inches.

In form this duck is much like the last, but in color is more of a rufous all over, being darkest on the upper parts. It has no white markings. It is fully as abundant as the preceding and is found farther north and west to the Pacific coast in southern California.

Nest.—Their nesting habits; their eggs and the size of them are identical with the former. As many as 32 eggs have been found in one nest, but these were probably laid by two birds.

WHISTLING SWAN.
180. Olor columbianus. 58 inches.

These large birds are snow white, with the exception of their bill and feet, which are black. The nostril is situated nearer the end of the bill than it is to the eye. It is distinguished from the next by the small yellow spot on either side of the bill near its base.

Nest.—Are made of a large mass of rubbish, weeds, moss, grass, feathers and a few sticks, generally placed in marshy places near ponds or lakes. Three to six greenish or brownish buff eggs are laid (4.00 × 2.75).

Range.—North America, more common in the east, breeding in Alaska and the Arctic islands, wintering from British Columbia to the central part of California.

TRUMPETER SWAN.
181. Olor buccinator. 65 inches.

This magnificent bird, over five feet in length, with a spread of wing nearly ten feet, is found more in the interior than on the coast. Its plumage is the same as above, except that the bill is entirely black and the nostril is located nearer the eye. Their nesting habits are the same as above, the eggs averaging a trifle larger.

GLOSSY IBIS—Family Ibididæ.
186. Plegadis autumnalis. 25 inches.

The neck and body of this bird is a rich dark chestnut color, glossy with purplish on the head; wings and tail glossy greenish black; bill, legs and feet carmine red, bill much curved downward.

This bird is just the same as the White-faced Glossy Ibis which is occasionally found in southern California, with the exception that the latter has the forehead and feathers, bordering the bill, white.

Nest.—Strongly and compactly woven of dead rushes attached to living stalks, and well cupped. Eggs 3 or 4 deep greenish blue color (1.95 × 1.35).

WOOD IBIS—Family Ciconiæ.
188. Mycteria americana. 45 inches.

Head and neck unfeathered and covered with scales, which are pale bluish in color as are also the legs. Plumage entirely white except for the primaries and tail, which are glossy purplish black. This is the only true Stork which occurs in North America, and is found only in the southern part of California and the most southern states near the Gulf of Mexico. They lay 3 or 4 white eggs (2.75 × 1.75).

LEAST BITTERN.
191. Ixobrychus exilis. 13 inches.

This small variety of Bittern is very common in the southern portions of the United States. They are very quiet and sly birds, and their presence is often unsuspected when they are really quite abundant. Their nests are made of rushes woven about the upright stalks; 3 to 5 eggs, bluish white (1.20 × .90).

BITTERN—Family Herodii.
190. Botaurus lentiginosus. 28 inches.

These are birds of the bogs and marshes, and will keep concealed so closely that one may pass within a few feet of them and they not take flight. They are known by a variety of names, nearly all of which have reference to their “booming” sound while in the bogs. The most common name given them being “Stake Driver” and again “Thunder Pumper.” They are much variegated with brown and yellowish brown; adults with a long, broad black stripe on either side of the white throat; eye is yellow; bill and legs, greenish yellow.

Nest.—They build in swamps or marshy places, placing their nest usually in a tussock of grass on some bog surrounded by water. They lay from three to five brownish colored eggs (1.95 × 1.50).

GREAT BLUE HERON.
194. Ardea herodias herodias. 48 inches.

This handsome Heron in general color in the adult stage is bluish gray, relieved by a black crest, and black primaries and patches on the sides and a white crown. Young birds are much duller colored and lack the crest of the old birds. It takes several years for them to obtain their perfect plumage. In the South they breed in large colonies, often in company with many other species.

Nest.—Is usually built of sticks, making a rude platform in the trees near swamps or wet woods. In some localities as many as 40 nests have been found in a single tree. Three to five eggs of a greenish blue color (2.50 × 1.50).

Range.—North America except the extreme northern part, breeds from British Columbia to southern Lower California.

GREEN HERON.
201. Butorides virescens virescens. 17 inches.

This is the smallest of our Herons, and is well known all over the country. In most sections of the country they will be found nesting, one of two pairs together, along the border of some swamp or stream; 3 to 5 pale greenish blue eggs (1.45 × 1.10).

EGRET.
196. Herodias egretta. 41 inches.

This is our most beautiful pure white Heron; one which has persistently been hunted for its beautiful plumes for millinery purposes. They usually breed in colonies with several others of the Heron family.

Nest.—Is generally a frail platform in small trees or bushes over the water in which they lay three or four light bluish green colored eggs (2.25 × 1.45). Breeds in Oregon and California.

SNOWY EGRET.
197. Egretta candidissima. 24 inches.

Plumage white; in breeding season with numerous recurved plumes growing from the middle of the back; long crest of plumes on back of the head, and on the breast. Bill black, greenish at the base; legs black and feet yellow. With the protection which has been placed on these birds and the large breeding places in their favorite locations made into Government reservations we hope to see these become more abundant within a few years. Their nesting habits are the same as above, only the eggs are smaller (1.80 × 1.25).

BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON.
202. Nycticorax nycticorax nævius. 24 inches.

A well-known bird often called “quawk” from the note which it makes during its evening flights. They are usually found nesting in large colonies, while in some places a few secluded pairs nest; a favorite place being among pine trees on the edge of muddy ponds.

Nest.—Is built of sticks, with no lining, and placed in the higher limbs of the trees, not unusual to find a dozen or more in each tree. Eggs are pale greenish color (2.00 × 1.40).

YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT HERON.
203. Nyctanassa violacea. 23 inches.

The head of this species is adorned with three long, rounded white plumes; in life these plumes are rarely separated, but are nested together so that they appear to be as one. On the back they also have long lanceolate gray plumes; crown and a comet shaped patch under the eye of a yellowish white. As dusk approaches, these birds start out from their roosting places, and, with slow, measured flaps, wing their way to their feeding grounds, which are fresh water bogs, their food consisting of insects, frogs, snails and small fish.

WHOOPING CRANE—Family Gruidæ.
204. Grus americana. 50 inches.

This is the largest of the family in America. The plumage of the adults is pure white, with black primaries; the bare parts of the head and face are carmine; eyes yellow; bill and feet black. These great birds are not uncommon on the prairies of the interior of America.

Nest.—Either upon the solid earth or marshy places on the bogs, the nest being very bulky, a mass of grass and weeds two or three feet in diameter. They lay two eggs of a brownish buff color blotched with shades of brown and gray (3.75 × 2.50).

Range.—Interior of North America, breeding to the Arctic regions and wintering to the Gulf states and southward.

LITTLE BROWN CRANE.
205. Grus canadensis. 36 inches.

This smaller variety is very much like the Sandhill Crane, but more brown, especially on the wings. When in flight this family always carry the neck fully extended, while the Herons draw the neck back between the wings. Unlike herons the young birds are born covered with down, and can run about as soon as they appear.

Range.—In northern Canada, where it breeds.

LIGHT-FOOTED RAIL.—Family Rallidæ.
210.1. Rallus levipes. 10 inches.

They inhabit the grassy marshes, and keep closely concealed if any danger is lurking about the locality where they are. They are very quick to get away in the tall grass if startled, and rarely take to the wing for protection. This species is found about the marshes in southern California.

CALIFORNIA CLAPPER RAIL.
210. Rallus obsoletus. 15 inches.

Color above olive-grayish, with no strong black markings; cinnamon colored breast. It is an abundant species on nearly all of the marshes along the coast. They are excellent runners, and are very difficult to start from the marsh grass in which they are concealed. Its nest is built on the ground on the higher parts of the marsh, where it is comparatively dry, building it of grass and strips of rushes.

Nest.—They lay from four to nine eggs of a light buff color, spotted and blotched with brown and lilac (1.75 × 1.25). The young of this family are born covered with a shining black down, and remain in the nest but a few hours.

VIRGINIA RAIL.
212. Rallus virginianus. 10 inches.

Back handsomely patterned with black, olive-brown and gray; wing coverts grayish brown, neck and breast cinnamon brown, brightest on the breast. Sides sharply barred with black and white; chin and line over the eye white, side of head slaty color. Like others of this species, it is found in either the fresh or salt marshes, but more abundant in the fresh.

Nest.—Of grasses on the ground or in tufts of rushes; eggs of a creamy white spotted and blotched with brown and lilac; six to ten are the number laid (1.25 × .90).

Range.—North America, breeding from British Columbia to southern California and the Gulf of Mexico.

SORA RAIL.
214. Porzana carolina. 9 inches.

Adults with throat and face black; young with no black on the head. Unless disturbed they pass the greater part of the day in quiet and do most of their feeding after dusk, when their clucking notes may be heard all over the marshes.

Nest.—A rude structure of grass in the rushes; 6 to 16 eggs, buff colored with reddish-brown specks (1.25 × .90).

YELLOW RAIL.
215. Coturnicops noveboracensis. 7 inches.

This is a very handsome species, with plumage of glossy brown, yellowish buff; black and white barred side feathers. The back is blackish with the feathers edged with white. These small Rails are like field mice, hard to locate or obtain sight of when in the marsh grass. They object to flying unless forced to do so, and trust to their small size and their agility to get through rushes to avoid being seen.

Nest.—Is placed on the ground and made of grass woven and twisted together; the six to twelve eggs are rich buff color, specked with reddish brown in a wreath about the larger end (1.10 × .80).

Range.—Locally distributed in temperate America from southern California to British Columbia.

BLACK RAIL.
216. Creciscus coturniculus. 5 inches.

This is the smallest of the Rails. A dark slaty colored bird, with back a dark brown thickly spotted with white, gray feathers on the sides and flank spotted and barred with white.

Nest.—These are woven of strips of rushes and grass, nicely cupped to hold the eggs, which number from six to twelve; creamy white, specked all over with reddish brown (1.03 × .75).

FLORIDA GALLINULE.
219. Gallinula galeata. 13 inches.

Plumage gray, changing to blackish about the head; the back a brownish color. Bill and frontal plate bright red, the former being tipped with yellow, legs greenish with a red ring about the top. The grayish side feathers tipped with white at the wing and lower ones with black. They have an almost endless variety of notes; all of them harsh and explosive.

Nest.—They build in colonies in the marshes, making their nests of rushes and grasses woven together and attached to stalks of rushes quite often over the water. They lay from six to ten eggs of a creamy buff color (1.60 × 1.15).

AMERICAN COOT.
221. Fulica americana. 15 inches.

Head and neck nearly black, shading into a gray over the whole bird. Toes lobed and scalloped along the edge; bill white with a blackish band near the tip; shield narrow and brownish, ending in a point.

Nest.—This is placed in the same localities as are the Rails, and they have the same retiring habits. Six to fifteen eggs of a grayish color finely specked all over with black or brown (1.80 × 1.30).

RED PHALAROPE.—Family Phalaropodidæ.
222. Phalaropus fulicarius. 8 inches.

These birds are very rarely seen in the United States in their breeding plumage; when they come in the fall nearly all have changed to their winter dress, and they retain this until after they leave us in the spring. In summer the under parts and neck a reddish brown; sides of the head white; top of head blackish; wings bluish gray crossed by a white band. The female is the larger and brighter plumaged bird.

Nest.—A hollow in the ground, lined with a few grasses. Three or four eggs greenish buff color, spotted and blotched with brown or black (1.20 × .80).

Range.—Northern hemisphere, breeding in the far north, and in winter migrating to middle portions of United States on both coasts.

NORTHERN PHALAROPE.
223. Lobipes lobatus. 8 inches.

This is a maritime species that nests in the far north, and appears on the coasts a short time during migration. Like the last they are expert swimmers, and pass most of their time when not breeding upon the surface of the water. They feed upon minute insects secured from beds of floating kelp. Nest and eggs similar to above.

WILSON PHALAROPE.
224. Steganopus tricolor. 9 inches.

This is the most handsome species of the family, being of a very graceful form, of a grayish and white color, with a broad black stripe through the eye and down the side of the neck, where it changes gradually into a rich chestnut color. Bill is long and slender. It is a bird of the interior, and is only rarely met with on the coasts. It does not congregate in large flocks, as the two preceding, and is not as often seen upon the water, although a good swimmer.

Nest.—Made of grasses on the ground, usually concealed in a tuft of grass near the border of a marsh or pond. Three or four greenish-buff eggs with black markings (1.30 × .90).

Range.—Interior of North America, breeding from Canada to southern California and inland to Colorado and Dakota.

WILSON SNIPE.
230. Gallinago delicata. 11 inches.

This species to a great extent frequents the open marshy meadows with its winding brooks. They procure their food by boring in the muddy banks of the meadows, the tip of the bill being flexible.

Nest.—On grassy edge of ponds or marshes; 4 eggs (1.50 × 1.10).

AVOCET—Family Recurvirostridæ.
225. Recurvirostra americana. 17 inches.

In summer the head and neck are pale cinnamon color; young birds and winter adults have the head and neck white. Feathers on the under part white and very thick and, duck-like, being impervious to water. Bill slender and recurved; feet webbed. Large patches of white on the wings, making them very conspicuous at all times. During the breeding season, if not molested, they become very tame.

Nest.—Is simply a lining of grass in a slight depression in the ground. They lay three or four eggs of a dark greenish or brownish buff color, spotted and blotched with brown and black (1.90 × 1.30).

BLACK-NECKED STILT.
226. Himantopus mexicanus. 15 inches.

Legs extremely long and bright red; neck and bill moderately long and slender. Male black and white as shown; female and young with back brownish. They are strong and swift upon the wing.

Nest.—On the ground, made of weeds, twigs and grass. Three or four eggs, greenish buff, with numerous markings of brown and black about the larger end.

DOWITCHER.
231. Macrorhamphus griseus. 11 inches.

Bill very long like that of the Snipe. In summer these birds are reddish brown below; more or less specked with black on the breast and barred with black on the sides; above mottled with brown and black, lighter or even white on the rump, crossed with wavy lines of black.

In winter they are gray above and white below. By the gunners known as “Red-breasted Snipe” in the spring and summer and as “Graybacks” in the winter months.

Nest.—Placed in a slight hollow on the ground and lined with grass and leaves; three or four eggs of a greenish buff color boldly marked with brown most heavily about the larger end (1.75 × 1.15).

STILT SANDPIPER.
233. Micropalama himantopus. 9 inches.

These seem to be one of the least abundant of our shore birds, single individuals being found in flocks of other species rather than in flocks by themselves. Bill slender and only moderately long. In summer the entire under parts are a rusty white, closely barred with blackish. In winter they are gray above and white below.

KNOT.
234. Tringa canutus. 11 inches.

This is one of the birds that feed along the ocean beaches, following out each wave as it rolls away and eagerly picking the small insects from the sand, and hurrying back to get clear from the next wave. Bill moderately long and quite stout; form more robust than most of the shore birds. Adults in summer mixed with brown and grayish above and of a reddish uniform brown below. In winter plain gray above and white below.

Nest.—They are supposed to breed in Arctic America, but no eggs are known as yet in any collections.

Range.—Arctic regions in summer; in winter south through the United States to South America.

PRIBILOF SANDPIPER.
235b. Arquatella maritima ptilocnemis. 9 inches.

This bird has the feathers of the upper parts edged with rusty and the under parts light, with a distinguishing patch of black on the breast. Three or four eggs of a grayish buff color, spotted and blotched with brown, laid on the ground in a depression with a light lining of grass (1.50 × 1.05).

SHARP-TAILED SANDPIPER.
238. Pisobia aurita. 9 inches.

This species is blackish-brown above, feathers strongly edged with reddish brown, white below except the breast, which is reddish brown. Fairly common in summer on the coast of Alaska; in winter supposed to migrate south wholly on the Asiatic side of the Pacific.

PECTORAL SANDPIPER.
239. Pisobia maculata. 9 inches.

A peculiar species, having the power during the mating season of inflating the throat to a great extent. They have more the habits of the Snipe than do most of the Sandpipers, frequenting grassy meadows or marshes, and feeding along the muddy flats in place of the sandy beaches. They are very dark brown above, with much lighter brown edging the feathers, and are white below and on the throat; the breast is brownish. These are well-known birds, and are called by gunners “Grass Snipe” or “Jack Snipe” as a more common name.

Nest.—Are grass-lined depressions, in which are laid three or four grayish or greenish buff eggs (1.45 × 1.00).

Range.—Whole of North America, breeding in the Arctic regions and wintering south of the United States.

WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER.
240. Pisobia fuscicollis. 7 inches.

Back, wings and top of head brownish streaked with black, below white, but with the breast and throat streaked; primaries black; upper tail coverts white. Nesting habits the same as those of the majority of the family, breeding from Labrador northward, and wintering to Central America. Eggs 1.30 × .90.

BAIRD SANDPIPER.
241. Pisobia bairdi. 7½ inches.

Very similar to the preceding, but without the white rump, being of a blackish color instead.

Nest.—In the grass bordering fresh water ponds rather than near the seashore. Their nest is a slight hollow in the ground lined with grasses and usually concealed in a bunch of grass. Three to four eggs of a grayish white marked with shades of brown and lilac (1.30 × .90).

LEAST SANDPIPER.
242. Pisobia minutilla. 6 inches.

This is the smallest of the family; except for size they are the same in color and markings as the preceding. Found more on the seashore. Nesting habits and eggs are the same as the two above.

RED-BACKED SANDPIPER.
243a. Pelidna alpina sakhalina. 8 inches.

Bill slightly decurved and rather stout. Adults in summer, with the upper parts largely bright chestnut, spotted with black; belly black; head, throat, breast and sides strongly streaked with black.

In winter, dull brownish-gray above and white below, with the breast washed with grayish and slightly streaked with dusky. These small birds are found in large flocks both on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, during migrations, but rarely in the interior. Their flight is very rapid and performed in compact flocks, that act as if governed by one impulse.

Nest.—Usually built on dry grassy knolls, a hollow in the earth being lined with a few dried grasses; they lay three or four eggs with a greenish or brownish buff color, heavily spotted and blotched with shades of brown and chestnut (1.40 × 1.00).

SPOONBILL SANDPIPER.
245. Eurynorhynchus pygmeus. 7 inches.

A very rare Asiatic species, which is taken in Alaska. It is a very peculiar bird, having the end of the bill broadened and flattened into a sort of spoon shape.

SANDERLING.
248. Calidris leucophæa. 8 inches.

These are a handsome and abundant species, found during migrations by thousands. On the coast it is one of the boldest of the shore birds, feeding on the edge of the outer beach, often under the combing crest of the incoming waves, retreating just as the wave breaks and is dashed to foam on the beach. They are usually very shy, and will not allow a close approach. Toes are short and stout; no hind toe. Adults in summer, variegated above with bright reddish brown and black. In winter, plain grayish above and white below.

Nest.—The three or four greenish buff eggs, spotted and blotched with brown, are laid in nests that differ but little from others of this family (1.45 × .90).

Range.—Found in all parts of North America, breeding within the Arctic Circle, and wintering to southern California.

WESTERN SANDPIPER.
247. Ereunetes mauri. 6½ inches.

Their appearance is very similar to the Least Sandpiper, but they are slightly larger and the feet are partially webbed. Their nesting habits are the same, and eggs are very much alike.

MARBLED GODWIT.
249. Limosa fedoa. 19 inches.

These large waders are found in moderately large flocks both in the interior and on the coast in the fall. They are like large Plovers, with long, slightly upcurved bills. Back, wings and tail rufous barred with black; rump white.

Nest.—Their eggs are laid upon the ground, sometimes there is no lining to the nest, and again a few grasses may be twisted about the depression. Three or four eggs with a ground color of grayish buff, sometimes quite dark, are blotched with dark brown (2.25 × 1.60).

GREATER YELLOW-LEGS.
254. Totanus melanoleucus. 14 inches.

Head and neck streaked with gray and white; back dark gray margined with white; rump white; tail barred black and white; primaries black; bill long and rather slender; legs long and yellow.

Nest.—The eggs are laid in a depression on the ground with very little attempt at nest building. Three or four eggs, grayish white, heavily blotched with shades of brown and lilac (1.65 × 1.25).

Range.—North America, breeding in the British Provinces.

WESTERN SOLITARY SANDPIPER.
256a. Helodromas solitarius cinnamomeus. 9 inches.

A bird with a greenish gray back, barred with buff, and white below. These are almost always met with in pairs or singly, and are very rarely seen even in small flocks. They prefer small ponds or streams in wet woods or open meadows, rather than marshes, which are frequented by other species. As their name signifies they are inclined to be alone.

Nest.—Is usually well concealed in a clump of grass, near some small piece of water, and is only a slight hollow with very little lining of grasses. Three to five eggs are clay colored, spotted with dark shades of brown (1.30 × 1.00).

WESTERN WILLET.
258a. Catoptrophorus semipalmatus inoratus. 16 inches.

These breed in small colonies in the marshes in central Oregon and northern California, and are quite abundant in many localities. Upper parts a brownish gray, specked with black; under parts lighter gray, with lighter streaks of darker gray. Primaries white at the base and black on the outer end.

Nest.—Is placed upon the ground secreted in clumps of grass just barely out of reach of the water. Three or four eggs; buff blotched with umber (2.00 × 1.50).

WANDERING TATTLER.
259. Heteractitis incanus. 11 inches.

This is a handsome species, uniform gray above and white below, closely barred (in summer) with blackish, the bars becoming broken on the throat, forming spots. In winter the under parts and throat are white. During the breeding season it is found on the coast and islands of Alaska, building its nest along the marshy shores and banks of streams.

UPLAND PLOVER—BARTRAMIAN SANDPIPER.
261. Bartramia longicauda. 12 inches.

This is a bird of the hillsides or prairies, seldom being found near the water, their food consisting more of insects and worms than is usual with others of the Plover or Sandpiper families. They are quite shy, and are one of the birds much hunted for the table. Upper parts almost black, with feathers all edged with buff, giving them a very mottled appearance. Black on top of the head; neck light buff, streaked with black; under parts white.

Nest.—Usually placed in fields of grass, in slight hollows of the ground, lined with grass. They are frequently made and eggs deposited in good mowing fields just about the time for cutting the grass, and many nests are destroyed at this time.

BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER.
262. Tryngites subruficollis. 8 inches.

Above, brownish black; each feather edged with buff; under parts buff, as are also the neck and head; blackish spots on the sides extending up the back of the neck and top of the head; primaries black.

Nest.—Placed in tufts of grass or in open fields; nest scantily lined with grass, in which three or four eggs, having a grayish white ground color, spotted with rich brown and chestnut, are placed.

Range.—Interior of North America, breeding from the Hudson Bay region to the Arctic coast. During migration, casual on the Pacific coast, and abundant in the interior, to South America.

SPOTTED SANDPIPER.
263. Actitis macularia. 8 inches.

This is one of the most abundant of all the shore birds, covering the whole United States. Its note, “peet-weet,” is a familiar sound to every bird observer. It has a peculiar habit of continually moving its tail up and down when at rest or when running along the shore, which has given it the name of “Teeter-tail” or “Tip-up.”

LONG-BILLED CURLEW.
264. Numenius americanus. 23 inches.

These birds, “Sickle-bills” as they are often called, are one of the largest of our shore birds. They are very conspicuous when in flight, or walking on the marshes or sandbars, their size appearing gigantic when in company with a flock of smaller birds, as sometimes happens. They feed both on the marshes and in shallow water, their food consisting of insects and small crustaceans, the latter which they pull from their holes in the sand with their long curved bill. They fly in compact flocks, evidently led by one leader, for they wheel and circle in perfect unison.

Nest.—Their nests are placed upon the ground, in meadows or on the prairies, and three or four eggs are laid of a greenish buff color, covered with numerous spots of dark brown (2.50 × 1.80).

HUDSONIAN CURLEW.
265. Numenius hudsonicus. 17 inches.

This is more grayish than the above; primaries black; a white stripe along the top of the head; is fairly common, winters in California. Three or four eggs, same color as above, only smaller (2.25 × 1.60).

BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER—Family Charadriidæ.
270. Squatarola squatarola. 12 inches.

A remarkably handsome species when in their summer dress. The upper parts are largely white, with black spots and bars on the back, wings and tail; the sides of head, throat, breast and fore under parts are black. This species has a small hind toe. In winter they are brownish-black, somewhat mottled above; below, dull white. This is a very familiar bird to sportsmen, and is known better by the name of “Beetle-head” or “Bull-head.” They are very numerous in the fall.

Nest.—Is made as usual with the Plover, without much lining and placed in a tuft of grass; three or four eggs, brownish-buff in color and boldly marked with black (2.00 × 1.40).

GOLDEN PLOVER.
272. Charadrius dominicus. 10 inches.

The black of the under parts extends to the lower tail coverts, and the upper parts are variegated with black, golden yellow and white. These are often found in large flocks with the above, especially in the fall, during migration. The habits are also the same.

Nest.—Abundantly along the coast of the Arctic ocean, on the mainland and also on the islands. Three to four eggs (1.90 × 1.30).

KILLDEER.
273. Oxyechus vociferus. 11 inches.

Next to the Spotted Sandpiper this is one of the most commonly known of the shore birds throughout the United States. They are very noisy, continually uttering their note of “Kil-deer—kil-deer,” from which they take their name. Rump and base of tail reddish brown; with a black line across the tail near the end; the two central feathers black to the end, the others white at the end. Breast crossed by two bands of black; a white forehead, and white streak back of the eye.

Nest.—Is placed on the open ground, with a few pieces of grass for lining. The four drab-colored eggs covered with dark brown spots are usually placed in the nest with the small ends in the center (1.50 × 1.10).

SEMIPALMATED PLOVER.
274. Ægialitis semipalmata. 7 inches.

The “ringed” plover is smaller than the above but one black band across the breast; black line from base of bill to eye and up over the top of the head. Forehead white. Abundant along the shores.

WILSON PLOVER.
280. Ochthodromus wilsonius. 7½ inches.

A very common Plover, which may be distinguished from the preceding by the much heavier bill; it has no black on top of the head and white on the forehead extends back behind the eye; the black band across the breast is heavier and does not extend around the back of the neck.

Nest.—Is usually placed on pebbly “shingle” or back in the marsh grass on the bare ground; eggs are olive gray, scratched all over with markings of brown and gray (1.40 × 1.05).

Range.—Abundant on the Gulf Coast and of Lower and southern California.

MOUNTAIN PLOVER.
281. Podasocys montanus. 9 inches.

A peculiar species, inhabiting even the driest portions of the western prairies and plains even at high altitudes. It is more quiet, and seems to be less aquatic than any of the Plovers, and is rarely found in the vicinity of the water.

Nest.—Placed on the bare ground in a simple hollow are four eggs, brownish gray, spotted and blotched with shades of brown (1.50 × 1.10).

SNOWY PLOVER.
278. Ægialitis nivosa. 6½ inches.

This is the palest of the Plovers, and one of the smallest. A small black crescent-shaped patch on either side of the breast; a black spot under and back of the eye, and one also on top of the head. They are about the color of the dry sands of the beach, and the young when hatched and running about resemble a small bunch of cotton being blown about on the beach.

Nest.—A simple hollow in the sand placed just above high water, lined with pieces of broken shells. The eggs are about the color of the sand and it is almost impossible to see them a few feet away. Four eggs, clay colored; very lightly marked with fine dots (1.20 × .90).

Range.—Breeds along the Pacific coast of the United States. Winters from California to South America.

SURF-BIRD—Family Aphrizinæ.
282. Aphriza virgata. 10 inches.

This species, which is found on the Pacific coast, from Alaska to South America, seems to be the connecting link between the Plovers and Turnstones, having the habits of the latter combined with the bill of the former.

BLACK TURNSTONE.
284. Arenaria melanocephala. 9 inches.

Upper parts a greenish black color; head, neck, breast and throat black; a white spot in front of eye and on forehead; under parts white.

Nest.—In the far north on the shores of Alaska and more northern islands, laying their sets of four eggs in hollows with a few grasses for lining; the eggs are light gray, marked with various shades of brown and lilac (1.60 × 1.10).

Range.—Pacific coast of North America, wintering to Lower California.

RUDDY TURNSTONE.
283a. Arenaria interpres morinella. 10 inches.

This species has the upper parts variegated with reddish brown, black and white; the under parts are pure white with a wide black band across the breast, as in illustration. It has a peculiar, slightly upturned bill, which is used, as the name implies, for turning over pebbles and stones in their search for food. From the coloring the bird is known as “Calico-bird,” “Checkered Snipe,” etc.

Nest.—About Hudson Bay and Alaska; eggs laid in a hollow in the ground near water. Four eggs (1.65 × 1.10).

BLACK OYSTER-CATCHER—Family Hæmatopodidæ.
287. Hæmatopus bachmani. 17 inches.

The plumage on this bird is entirely black, with a bluish wash on the upper parts, and brownish black below. They are found upon the rocky coasts and islands more frequently than on the sandy beaches. Their eggs are laid upon the rocks or small pebbles with no attempt at nest building; three or four eggs are laid of an olive buff color spotted and blotched with shades of black and brown (2.20 × 1.55). Found on the Pacific coast of North America, from Lower California to Alaska.

FRAZAR OYSTER-CATCHER.
286.1. Hæmatopus frazari. 18 inches.

This is very similar to the American Oyster-catcher; possibly having the colors a little darker on the back. Bill very long, heavy, compressed, and thin and chisel-like at the tip. Bill and eyes red; legs flesh color; under parts white, and a white wing bar. These are large, awkward looking birds, and are not uncommon in their somewhat restricted range in Lower California.

Order GALLINÆ.

BOB-WHITE—Family Odontophoridæ.
289. Colinus virginianus. 10 inches.

This is one of the most celebrated of the “Game Birds,” or best known. Throughout New England it has been so persistently hunted that it is getting to be a rare bird; it gets to be more common as we go south as far as Florida, and through the middle west. It has been introduced in many places on the Pacific coast, and now is fairly abundant in parts of California, Oregon and Washington. They feed largely upon insects and grain, and about the grain fields is where they are mostly found.

Nest.—These are built along the roadsides or beside stone walls or any dry locality affording good shelter. It is concealed in the tall grass or weeds, and arched over with grass. They lay from ten to twenty pure white eggs. Often two broods are reared in a season (1.20 × .95).

MASKED BOB-WHITE.
291. Colinus ridgwayi. 10 inches.

This handsome species is marked similar to the “Bob-white” on the upper parts, but has a black throat, and the rest of the under parts are of a reddish brown.

MOUNTAIN QUAIL.
292. Oreortyx picta. 11 inches.

This is a beautiful bird, with its long black crest and rich coloring. Upper parts an olive brown; the top of the head a rich gray. Throat and sides a beautiful shade of chestnut, with wide bands of black and white on the sides; breast a clear gray. Female very similar to the male, but not as brightly marked and with a shorter crest.

Nest.—These birds nest abundantly in the mountainous region of northern California, and in Oregon, and gradually increasing more northerly. The nest is placed on the ground under bush or grass for protection. Eight to fifteen eggs of a pale reddish buff color are laid (1.35 × 1.05).

SCALED QUAIL.
293. Callipepla squamata. 10 inches.

This is a bluish gray colored bird nearly all over. The feathers on the neck and under parts have narrow dark borders, which give the appearance of scales, from which the bird is given its name. They have a small tuft of whitish or buffy feathers on the top of the head.

It is especially abundant in the dry arid portions of its range, being found often many miles from water.

CALIFORNIA QUAIL.
294. Lophortyx californica. 10 inches.

With its crest of black feathers rising from the crown and curving forward so that the broadened ends hang directly over the bill, this is one of the most beautiful of the family. Upper parts a grayish brown, with buff stripes along the sides of the back; throat black, bordered with white; under parts white, with feathers edged with black, making a shell marking, and having a chestnut patch in the center; breast gray.

Nest.—Usually concealed in a brush pile or in the grass; ten to twenty eggs; of a creamy white or buffy ground color, handsomely blotched with brown of varying shades (1.20 × .93).

GAMBEL QUAIL.
295. Lophortyx gambeli. 10 inches.

Head with an elegant recurved crest of six or seven feathers; normally these are carried as one feather, so closely do they nest together, but when excited or during the mating season, they may separate the feathers, or sometimes curve them forward so as to touch the bill. Hindhead and sides chestnut, the sides with white or buff streaks; the middle of belly black.

MEARNS QUAIL OR MASSENA PARTRIDGE.
296. Cyrtonyx montezumæ mearnsi. 9 inches.

These strange birds are very local in their distribution in the southwest, rare in some localities and quite abundant in others. They are so confiding in their disposition, that this, in connection with their clownish plumage, has given them the name of “Fool Quail.” The bill is very stout and compressed; crest large, puffy and flat. They frequent dry deserts, valleys or mountains to quite a high altitude. Their eggs, which are pure white, are not distinguishable with certainty from the Bob-white, possibly average a little longer (1.25 × .90).

DUSKY GROUSE—Family Tetraonidæ.
297. Dendragapus obscurus. 20 inches.

Plumage gray, white and black; darkest on the back and tail, which is margined with a light gray. Female smaller, browner and more barred above. Like the Ruffed Grouse, during the mating season, the males of this species strut with tail fully spread over the back, and head thrown back until it nearly touches the tail.

Nest.—They build their nests under fallen trees or at the base of standing ones. They lay from six to ten eggs of a buff color, spotted and blotched with shades of brown (2.00 × 1.40).

FRANKLIN GROUSE.
299. Canachites franklini. 16 inches.

Upper parts dark gray, marked with black bands, and narrower bands of lighter gray; tail feathers black to the tip, with the upper tail coverts strongly barred with white; tail having sixteen feathers. Like the preceding these birds are at home in the dense evergreen forests. It is very similar to the eastern bird, the Canada Grouse, and has the same local name given it from its unsuspicious nature, of “Fool-hen.”

Nest.—Is placed on the ground under logs or low branching fir trees, and from eight to fifteen eggs are laid. These are brownish buff in color, spotted and blotched with rich brown (1.75 × 1.30).

CANADIAN RUFFED GROUSE.
300a. Bonasa umbellus togata. 17 inches.

A darker form of the eastern variety, the under parts being more heavily marked with brown. Found in the northern United States and southern British Provinces, from Maine and Nova Scotia west to Oregon and British Columbia. Eight to fourteen eggs of a brownish buff color (1.55 × 1.15).

WILLOW PTARMIGAN.
301. Lagopus lagopus. 15 inches.

These are Grouse-like birds, feathered to the toe-nails; they have many changes of plumage, in winter being nearly pure white and in summer largely reddish brown, mottled and barred with black. This bird has a black tail and bill, the latter very stout. In the breeding plumage they have a bright red bare spot over the eye.

Nest.—They nest on the ground in hollows of the rocks filled with moss, lining the nest with leaves and grass, and sometimes a few feathers. They lay from six to sixteen eggs, which have a ground color of buff, heavily speckled, blotched and marbled with blackish brown (1.75 × 1.25).

ROCK PTARMIGAN.
302. Lagopus rupestris. 14 inches.

This is somewhat smaller than the above, with a smaller bill, and in summer the plumage is more gray than brown. Its nesting habits are the same as the others; eggs slightly smaller (1.70 × 1.20).

PRAIRIE HEN.
305. Tympanuchus americanus. 18 inches.

This is the most familiar game bird of the West; brownish above and white or buff below, with broad black bands on the back and finer black lines on the under parts. In place of the ruffs on a grouse are long tufts of rounded or square ended feathers, and below these a peculiar sac; bright orange in the breeding season, and capable of being inflated to the size of a small orange; this is done when the bird makes its familiar “booming” noise. They are one of the best “table birds,” being of good size and excellent flavor.

Nest.—In hollows on the ground in the cover of tufts of grass; they lay from eight to fifteen eggs, having a buffy ground color, finely sprinkled with brown spots (1.70 × 1.25).

WHITE-TAILED PTARMIGAN.
304. Lagopus leucurus. 13 inches.

Found in the higher ranges of the Rocky Mountains, from Colorado north to Alaska. This species differs from any of the preceding in having at all seasons of the year a white tail; it is also somewhat smaller than the Rock Ptarmigan. From six to twelve creamy white eggs; speckled and blotched with chestnut brown (1.70 × 1.15).

COLUMBIAN SHARP-TAILED GROUSE.
308a. Pediœcetes phasianellus columbianus. 18 inches.

These have no pinnates or ruffs on the neck, but the head is a little more crested than that of the Prairie Hen. The tail has the central feathers nearly two inches longer than the others, which are also graduated so that the outside ones are much the shortest, and are lighter in color than the central ones. It is not barred like the former, but the black markings on the back and under parts are more in the form of crescents. It is also much lighter in general color.

Nest.—They are usually concealed in thickets or tufts of grass and contain from six to fourteen eggs of a drab color, finely dotted all over with dark brown (1.70 × 1.25).

Range.—Northwestern United States and British Columbia to central Alaska.

RING-NECKED PHEASANT.
*** Phasianus torquatus. 32 inches.

The male of this beautiful Pheasant varies greatly in length according to the development of the tail, it sometimes being 36 inches long. These birds have been introduced in Oregon and Washington, as well as in many places in the East, and are becoming very abundant.

SAGE GROUSE.
309. Centrocercus urophasianus. 29 inches.

The female of this large and interesting Grouse differs from the male only in its smaller size and paler plumage. They are found in abundance on the dry sagebrush covered plains about the Rocky Mountains and to the westward. In fall and winter their food consists almost entirely of the leaves of the sagebrush, their flesh being unfit to eat at this season. In the mating season they indulge in the usual antics of the grouse family. They have the same peculiar sacs on the sides of the neck which they inflate so that the whole neck is a small orange colored balloon, at the same time spreading their long pointed tail feathers to their fullest extent, and strutting about after the manner of the turkey.

Nest.—Are shallow hollows in the ground, under, generally, a sagebush or some protection to cover the nest; six to twelve eggs of a greenish drab color, spotted with brown (2.15 × 1.50).

MERRIAM TURKEY.
310. Meleagris gallopavo merriami. 48 inches.

Female much duller and smaller than the male. The plumage is a coppery bronze color and their upper tail coverts are a dusty color with no white edges. 8 to 16 eggs; buff spotted with brownish (2.55 × 1.90).

BAND-TAILED PIGEON—Family Columbidæ.
312. Columba fasciata. 16 inches.

This large species may be recognized by the white crescent on the back of the neck, by the broad gray band; bordered with black at the end of tail. Back, near the neck, brownish shading into a gray nearer the tail. Head and neck of iridescent colors, very changeable in different positions. They are very abundant on the mountain ranges, sometimes in immense flocks. They feed on grain, wild berries and acorns, and are found mostly in the oak and pine woods.

Nest.—Is a rude platform of sticks, just enough to barely keep in place the single white egg (rarely two) which they lay (1.55 × 1.10).

Range.—The Rocky Mountains and westward to the Pacific, from British Columbia to Mexico.

MOURNING DOVE.
316. Zenaidura macroura carolinensis. 12 inches.

Now that the Passenger Pigeon has become extinct, this is the only one to be found nearly all over the United States, and is common in the southern, central and western parts. Nests are placed at low elevations in the trees. Two white eggs (1.15 × .80).

MEXICAN GROUND DOVE.
320a. Chæmepelia passerina pallescens. 7 inches.

Size very small; tail short and nearly square; back of head and under parts with breast a pinkish gray, with feathers tipped with black, giving a scaly appearance; back brownish gray, faintly barred; several black spots on wing coverts.

Nest.—Is made of weeds and twigs, placing the flat, frail structure either in bushes or on the ground, in which are placed the two white eggs (.85 × .65).

Range.—Border of the United States, from Texas and southern California southward.

INCA DOVE.
321. Scardafella inca. 8 inches.

Tail is longer than preceding and more rounded, and the outer feathers are tipped with white. Head, neck and whole body of a pinkish gray; scaled as is the former. These are very tame, and are to be met with in the roads, barnyards, and seem to be almost domesticated in their habits, even feeding with the poultry about the farmhouse.

Nest.—These are rather more compactly made, of twigs, rootlets and weeds, and placed near the ground in low bushes; only two white eggs are laid (.85 × .65). Not as common as the previous.

CALIFORNIA VULTURE—Family Cathartidæ.
324. Gymnogyps californianus. 50 inches.

The largest of the Vultures, with an extent of about ten feet, and weighing twenty pounds or more. Its plumage is blackish, with lengthened lanceolate feathers about the neck. Head and neck without feathers and of an orange color. Wing coverts grayish, tipped with white in adult birds. The birds are very rare in their restricted range, and becoming more so each year, owing to their being shot and the nests robbed. While the eggs are but rarely found, and obtained at great risk, they are not as unobtainable as many suppose.

Nest.—They lay but a single egg, placing it generally in caves or recesses of the rocks in the face of cliffs, hundreds of feet from the ground; ashy gray in color (4.45 × 2.55).

TURKEY VULTURE.
325. Cathartes aura septentrionalis. 30 inches.

The plumage of this bird is darkish brown, the naked head being red. It is very common in the southern and central portion of its range, where it may be seen about the streets and dooryards picking up any refuse that may be edible. It is a graceful bird upon the wing, and can readily be identified at a distance by the upturned ends of the wings.

WHITE-TAILED KITE.
328. Elanus leucurus. 16 inches.

This species may be recognized by its light bluish gray mantle, black shoulders and white tail. It is a very active and graceful bird, feeding upon insects and reptiles, and small birds and mammals.

Nest.—Is usually made of sticks, weeds and leaves, placed well up in oaks or in willows beside the rivers. The eggs are creamy white, profusely blotched and spotted with reddish brown (1.65 × 1.25).

SWALLOW-TAIL KITE.
327. Elanoides forficatus. 24 inches.

This most beautiful Kite can never be mistaken for any other; its whole head, neck and under parts are snowy white, while the back, wings and tail are a glossy blue black, the tail being long and deeply forked; feet short, but stout; bill black, with cere and feet bluish gray.

Nest.—As a rule is placed in the tallest trees, live oaks or pines, and is made of twigs which it picks from the ground while in flight, lining the nest with rootlets and moss; two, or rarely three eggs, bluish white, spotted with brown (1.80 × 1.50).

WESTERN GOSHAWK.
334a. Astur atricapillus striatulus. 22 inches.

This is one of the largest, strongest, and most audacious of the American hawks, frequently carrying off grouse and poultry, the latter often in the presence of the owner. It is a handsome bird, in the adult stage, and as graceful in flight as in appearance. Adults, above, bluish gray, darkest on the crown; a white line over the eye; below, white streaked with blackish brown; tail with four black bands, and very long.

Nest.—Is usually placed in the tallest trees in deep forests, and is made of sticks, lined with twigs, leaves and grass; three or four eggs, bluish white, usually unmarked (2.30 × 1.70).

MARSH HAWK.
331. Circus hudsonius. 19 inches.