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.”
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).
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).
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).
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).
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).
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.
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.
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).
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.
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 andTurnstones, having the habits of the latter combined with the bill of the former.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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).
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.
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).
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.
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).
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.
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 theBob-white, possibly average a little longer (1.25 × .90).
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).
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).
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).
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).
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).
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).
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 theRock Ptarmigan. From six to twelve creamy white eggs; speckled and blotched with chestnut brown (1.70 × 1.15).
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 thePrairie 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.
***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.
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).
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).
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.
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).
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.
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.
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).
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.
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).
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).
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).
331.Circus hudsonius.19 inches.
The adults of this species are very light colored; bluish gray above and white beneath. Young birds of the first two years are brown, much lighter on the under parts. In both the old and young they have a large white patch at the base of the tail. Nest is made in and on swampy ground; four to seven eggs; white (1.80 × 1.40).
332.Accipiter velox.12 inches.
This little hawk is one of the most active of the family, and from this fact it gets its name (Velox), meaning swift. It is often seen in woods, orchards or even in large cities, in which latter place it does good service in catching English sparrows. They also eat a great many mice and meadow moles. It is one of the most daring as well as beautiful of the small hawks.
Nest.—It is a rude and very frail platform of twigs and leaves placed in the crotch of a tree, usually at about fifteen feet from the ground, sometimes higher. Three white eggs, blotched with brown.
333.Accipiter cooperi.16 inches.
The markings of this bird are the same as the preceding and its larger size is the only difference. Also like the last this is a very destructive species to the small birds and chickens. Their nests are placed in taller trees at higher elevation from the ground than the former, and built in the same manner. Three bluish white eggs unmarked or faintly specked with brown (1.90 × 1.45).
335.Parabuteo unicinctus harrisi.20 inches.
This is a peculiar dark colored species; black under parts; lighter on the back; shoulders, thigh and under-wing coverts reddish brown; tail coverts, base and end of tail white. Bare space in front of eye, except for stiff hair like bristles, yellow, as is also the cere.
Nest.—Are made of twigs and weeds and placed usually in low trees. The three or four eggs are a dull white in color, faintly specked with a few spots of brownish (2.10 × 1.65).
Range.—Southern California, Arizona, Texas and New Mexico.
337b.Buteo borealis calurus.21 inches.
This bird varies greatly in its coloration; from the same as the eastern form to a sooty color above and below, with the dark red tail crossed by several bands, where the eastern bird has only one broad band.
Nest.—Placed for choice in evergreen trees at heights from the ground varying from 30 to 50 feet. Two to four eggs, white, usually spotted and blotched with different shades of brown (2.35 × 1.80).
339b.Buteo lineatus elegans.19 inches.
These birds are darker in color than the Red-shouldered Hawk of the East, and in their habits very much resemble theRed-tail; for food they prefer the large variety of small rodents and rarely disturb poultry or birds. The under parts are a bright reddish brown, without bars. They may be found covering the same territory as the Red-tail on the Pacific Coast west of the Rockies from British Columbia south to Lower California.
Nest.—Is made of twigs lined with rootlets and leaves and feathers. They lay from two to four eggs of a white color spotted and blotched all over with a light shade of brown and lilac (2.15 × 1.75).
340.Buteo abbreviatus.19 inches.
This whole bird is black, with the exception of the tail, which has three wide bands of white and the ends of the tail feathers tipped with white. Like others of the Buteo family they feed almost entirely on the small rodents, which they find in abundance in the marsh and prairie, or in the low brush. Eggs, two to four, white, faintly spotted with light chestnut (2.15 × 1.75).
342.Buteo swainsoni.20 inches.
Their plumage is extremely variable, having all of the intergradations from a sooty blackish to the typical bluish gray above, and white below, with breast a rich chestnut color. Their habits are nearly as variable as their plumage. In some localities they nest wholly in trees; in others upon the ground or on rocky ledges. They seem to prefer, though, the low open lands covered with sage bush, where their food consists almost wholly of the small rodents; squirrels; mice and grasshoppers, the latter being eaten in large numbers.
Nest.—Is made similar to others of the family, laying two to four white eggs, splashed and spotted with various shades of brown, usually more about the larger end (2.20 × 1.70).
Range.—Western North America, from the Mississippi to the Pacific Ocean, and Hudson Bay to southern California.
346.Asturina plagiata.17 inches.
Found in the southern borders of the United States and Mexico. These are graceful and active birds, feeding largely on small rodents.
347a.Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis.21 inches.
These are large, heavily built birds of prey, specially characterized by the completely feathered legs to the feet; in the normal plumage has a whitish head, neck, breast and tail, the former being streaked and the latter barred with blackish; remainder of upper and under parts, blackish brown. Eyes brown. In the dark phase they are blackish brown, more or less mixed with rusty, the tail remaining the same as in the light plumage.
Nest.—Is made of sticks and smaller twigs, lined with leaves and moss, placed in trees or more often on ledges. They lay three or four bluish white eggs, boldly blotched with different shades of brown, oftener about the larger end (2.25 × 1.75).
348.Archibuteo ferrugineus.23 inches.
These are very much more of a reddish brown color than the last, on the back; head and breast is whiter, with fewer markings. Legs the same, feathered to the feet. It is much more abundant than the last and is a western bird wholly, breeding on the ledges, where its eggs are laid.
349.Aquila chrysætos.35 inches.
These may be distinguished from theBald Eaglein all plumages by the completely feathered tarsus. Plumage blackish brown, adults having the lanceolate feathers on the neck of a golden brown color, and the tail more or less mixed with white.
Nest.—These are made up of large sticks, lined with smaller ones and moss, leaves and weeds, building quite a bulky affair. Their two or three eggs are very handsome, being white, speckled and spotted with shades of brown, and clouded with gray and lilac. They vary greatly in their markings (2.90 × 2.50).
Range.—West of the Mississippi, being most abundant in the Rockies and along the Pacific coast ranges.