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Western Bird Guide
Western Bird Guide / Birds of the Rockies and West to the Pacific
The numbers and names used in this book are those adopted by the American Ornithologists’ Union, and are known both in this country and abroad. The lengths given are averages; our small birds often vary considerably and may be found either slightly larger or smaller than those quoted.
On some of the pages a number of sub-species are mentioned. Sub-species often cause confusion, because they are usually very similar to the original; they can best be identified by the locality in which they are found.
The nests and eggs are described, as they often lead to the identity of a bird. We would suggest that you neatly, and with ink, make a cross against the name of each bird that you see in your locality, and also that you write at the top of the page the date of the arrival and departure of each bird as you note it; these dates vary so much in different localities that we have not attempted to give them. As many will not wish to soil their books we would suggest that they have a leather-covered copy for the library and a cloth one for pocket use.
DIVING BIRDS – Order Pygopodes
GREBES – Family Colymbidæ
WESTERN GREBE
1. Æchmophorus occidentalis. 25 to 29 inches
This is the largest of the grebe family. In summer the back of the neck is black, but in winter it is gray like the back.
Nest.– A floating mass of decayed rushes, sometimes attached to the upright stalks; 2 to 5 pale bluish white eggs are laid, usually much nest stained (2.40 × 1.55). Breeding in colonies.
Range.– Western North America, from the Dakotas and Manitoba to the Pacific, and north to southern Alaska.
HOLBOELL GREBE
2. Colymbus Holboelli. 19 inches
This is next to the Western Grebe in size, both being larger than any of the others. In summer, they are very handsomely marked, as shown in the illustration, but in winter have the usual dress of gray and white.
Nest.– Similar to above, the eggs averaging smaller (2.35 × 1.25).
Range.– North America, breeding from northwestern Alaska, in the interior of Canada and North Dakota. Winters usually on the coasts.
HORNED GREBE
3. Colymbus auritus. 14 inches
In winter this Grebe is one of the plainest in its dress of gray and white, but summer brings a great change, making it one of the most attractive, with its black, puffy head, and buffy white ear tufts, the front of the neck a rich chestnut color. Their food consists almost wholly of small fish.
Nest.– Is a loosely built mass of vegetation floating in the bog and water holes of the western prairies. The eggs, 3 to 7 in number, are brownish yellow (1.70 × 1.15).
Range.– Breeds from Dakota and Illinois northward; winters to the Gulf of Mexico.
EARED GREBE
4. Colymbus nigricollis californicus. 13 inches
This species is rarely found as far east as the Mississippi River. In summer the neck is black, lacking the chestnut color of the former. It can always be distinguished from the Horned by the upper mandible being straight on the top.
Nest.– In colonies similar to the above, laying from 3 to 8 eggs, which are usually nest stained to a brownish cream color.
Range.– From the Mississippi to the Pacific, nesting from Texas to British Columbia.
PIED-BILLED GREBE
6. Podilymbus podiceps. 13½ inches
This species cannot be mistaken for any others of the grebes in any plumage, because of its stout compressed bill and brown eyes, all the others having red eyes. In summer the bill is nearly white, with a black band encircling it; the throat is black; breast and sides brownish-gray; the eye encircled with a white ring.
Nest.– Made of a mass of decayed weeds and rushes, floating in shallow ponds or on the edges of lakes among the rushes. Five to 8 brownish white eggs are laid (1.70 × 1.18).
Range.– Whole of N. A., breeding in small colonies or pairs.
LOON; GREAT NORTHERN DIVER
7. Gavia immer. 31 to 35 inches
In shape and motions the loons very much resemble the grebes, except in size, being much larger. The common loon is the most beautiful of them all, having a velvety black iridescent head with slashes of white on the throat and neck and spots of white on the wings and back.
Nest.– Usually built under some shelter of bushes or rushes on the edge of some of the larger ponds or lakes. The two eggs are a yellowish brown, with black spots (3.50 × 2.25).
PACIFIC LOON
10. Gavia pacifica. 30 to 32 inches
This species differs from the Loon in having the crown gray, and white streaks down the back of the neck, and in the color reflections of the black on the head. It is a trifle smaller also.
Nest.– Similar to the former, the eggs being more of a greenish brown, with the black spots mostly on the larger end (3.10 × 2).
Range.– Western N. A., breeding in Alaska and British Columbia; winters along the Pacific coast to Mexico.
RED-THROATED LOON
11. Gavia stellata. 25 inches
The smallest of the Loon family. The back and head are gray, there is a large patch of chestnut on the fore-neck; under parts white. Owing to the straight top to the upper mandible the bill has a slightly up-turned appearance.
Nest.– Similar to the other Loons, placed within a few feet of the water. The eggs are an olive brown with more markings usually than the others, and mostly on the larger end (2.90 × 1.75).
Range.– Along the western coast of North America.
AUKS, MURRES AND PUFFINS – Family Alcidæ
TUFTED PUFFIN; SEA PARROT
12. Lunda cirrhata. 13 inches
This is the largest of the family, they are odd looking birds, with short legs, stout bodies and very large, thin bills, highly colored with red and yellow, the feet are red and the eyes are white. They stand erect upon their feet and walk with ease.
Nest.– They breed commonly on the islands of the Pacific coast, laying their single white egg in burrows or crevices of the rocks. In some sections two or three broods are raised in a season (2.80 × 1.90).
Range.– Pacific coast from southern California to Alaska.
HORNED PUFFIN
14. Fratercula corniculata. 11 inches
This Puffin is similar to the common Puffin of the east, excepting that the blackish band across the throat extends upwards in a point to the bill.
Nest.– The same as the above, the single egg averaging smaller (2.65 × 1.80).
Range.– Islands of the northern Pacific to the Arctic ocean.
RHINOCEROS AUKLET
15. Cerorhinca monocerata. 11 inches
These birds have a much smaller bill than the Puffins; in the summer plumage there is a small horn at the base of the bill from which it is given its name. These birds do not stand upright as do the Puffins; but sit upon their tarsus.
Nest.– A single egg is laid in either burrows or in crevices of the rocks, usually without any attempt at nest making (2.70 × 1.80).
Range.– Coast and islands of the northern Pacific. Breeds from Oregon to northern Alaska.
CASSIN AUKLET
16. Ptychoramphus aleuticus. 9 inches
A plain appearing bird, breast and throat grayish and belly white with blackish upper-parts relieved only by a small white spot over the eye. This Auklet is fairly abundant on the Farallones and islands off the Lower California coast.
Nest.– A single egg, dull white, the inside of the shell being a pale green when held to the light. These are laid in burrows or tunnels under the rocks, at times three or four feet long (1.80 × 1.30).
Range.– Pacific coast of N. A., Alaska to Lower California.
PAROQUET AUKLET
17. Phaleris psittacula. 10 inches
This bird is much like Cassin Auklet, but lacking the white spot over the eye and having a white breast. The bill is very peculiar, being quite deep and rounded and having an upward tendency. It is orange red in color.
Range.– The Alaskan coast, usually farther south in winter. Nesting in the Aleutian Islands, a single white egg is laid (2.25 × 1.40).
WHISKERED AUKLET
19. Æthia pygmæa. 7½ inches
Breeds quite abundantly on some of the Aleutian Islands. The single white egg is laid in burrows or crevices of the rocks (2.00 × 1.25).
CRESTED AUKLET
18. Æthia cristatella. 8 to 9 inches
Similar in form and plumage to the Paroquet Auklet, except the whole under parts are gray.
Nest and Range.– On the islands and main land of the Alaskan coast, laying only one chalky white egg in crevices or burrows under the rocks.
LEAST AUKLET
20. Æthia pusilla. 6½ inches
This is the smallest of the Auklets, and in habits are the same as others of the same family. They are one of the most abundant of the water birds of the extreme Northwest.
Nest.– Only one single white egg is laid upon the bare rocks or in crevices, on the islands of the Alaskan coast (1.50 × 1.10).
ANCIENT MURRELET
21. Synthliboramphus antiquus. 11 inches
The Murrelets have no crests or plumes and the bills are more slender than the Auklets and are not highly colored.
Nest.– One or two eggs are laid either in burrows or crevices of the rocks, buffy white in color, with faint markings of light brown.
Range.– Pacific coast from southern California to Alaska, breeding north of the United States.
MARBLED MURRELET
23. Brachyramphus marmoratus. 10 inches
Nesting habits and eggs are similar to the Ancient Murrelet (2.20 × 1.40) and range is same as above, possibly breeding a little farther south.
XANTHUS MURRELET
25. Brachyramphus hypoleucus
This bird is a dull black above, and entirely white below, including the sides of the head below the eye. The under-surface of the wing is also white.
Nest.– The single egg is laid at the end of burrows or under the rocks in dark places similar to the other Murrelets. It is a pale buffy white, and thickly but finely dotted with brown over the entire surface, heaviest on the larger end (2.05 × 1.40).
Range.– Resident along the coast of southern and Lower California, where it breeds on many of the islands.
PIGEON GUILLEMOT
29. Cepphus columba. 13 inches
This bird is very similar to the Black Guillemot except that the under-surfaces of the wings are dark. The nearly straight and slender bill is black, feathered to the upper edge of nostrils. Feet and inside of mouth bright red.
Nest.– Their two eggs are laid on the bare rocks in dark places under the rocks, are pale blue or green in color with black or brown markings and paler spots of lilac.
Range.– Pacific coast of North America.
CALIFORNIA MURRE
30. Uria troille californica. 15 to 16 inches
This is one of the most abundant birds breeding on the Farallones. Large numbers of their eggs are taken yearly to the San Francisco and other market places and disposed of as a food product, and as yet the birds do not seem to diminish to any great extent.
Nest.– But a single white egg is laid on the bare ledges. They vary greatly in color, from nearly white without markings to a deep greenish blue with an endless variety of patterns in light and dark brown (3.40 × 2.00).
Range.– Pacific coast, breeding from the Farallones north to Alaska.
POMARINE JAEGER
36. Stercorarius pomarinus. 21 inches
These birds are slender and graceful in form and flight, but are the real pirates of bird life, especially among the terns and gulls. This species has two color phases regardless of sex or age. In the light plumage the top of the head is black, rest of the bird brownish. Easily identified by the lengthened central tail-feathers.
Nest.– Two olive brown eggs spotted with black (2.20 × 1.70).
PARASITIC JAEGER
37. Stercorarius parasiticus. 17 inches
This bird has the two phases of color similar to the last. The two central tail-feathers are longer and more pointed, projecting about four inches beyond the others. All of the Jaegers have grayish blue legs with black feet, and brown eyes.
Nest.– A slight hollow in the marshy ground in which the two brownish eggs are laid (2.15 × 1.65).
Range.– Northern part of North America, south in winter to southern California, breeding in the Arctic regions.
LONG-TAILED JAEGER
38. Stercorarius longicaudus. 20 inches
This is the most swift and graceful of this family in flight. Similar to the last species, but the central pointed tail-feathers extend eight or ten inches beyond the others. It is more often found in the lighter phase.
Nest.– Their eggs are either laid on the bare ground or in a slight depression, scantily lined with grass (2.10 × 1.50).
Range.– Arctic America; south in winter to South America.
GULLS AND TERNS – Family Laridæ
IVORY GULL
39. Pagophila alba. 17 inches
The little Snow Gull, as it is often called, in the breeding season is entirely white; the bill is tipped with yellow and there is a red ring about the eye.
Nest.– Of grasses and seaweed, on the cliffs in the Arctic regions. Three grayish buff eggs are laid marked with brown and black (2.30 × 1.70).
Range.– North of the Arctic Circle, and winters south to British Columbia.
PACIFIC KITTIWAKE
40a. Rissa tridactyla pollicaris. 16 inches
These birds breed in immense rookeries on some of the islands in the Bering Sea.
Nest.– On almost inaccessible cliffs, made of sticks, moss and seaweed, making the interior cup-shaped, to hold the two or three eggs, which are buffy brown or grayish, spotted with darker shades of brown (2.20 × 4.70).
Range.– Coast of the North Pacific, wintering as far south as Lower California.
RED-LEGGED KITTIWAKE
41. Rissa brevirostris. 16 inches
This Kittiwake is very much like the former, excepting that the legs are bright red, the mantle is darker and the bill shorter. They usually nest in separate colonies from the former, and can be readily identified when in flight by the red legs.
Nest.– They have been found abundantly on the islands of the Bering Sea, nesting on the higher ledges and cliffs. The color of the eggs is buffy or brownish, blotched and spotted with lilac and shades of brown.
Range.– Northwestern coast and islands of Bering Sea.
GLAUCOUS GULL
42. Larus hyperboreus. 28 inches
This is one of the largest of the Gulls; mantle light gray; it is distinguished by its size and the primaries, which are white to the tips. It is a powerful bird that preys upon the smaller Gulls, eating both the eggs and young.
Nest.– Of seaweed on ledge of sea cliff, eggs three in number, in shades of light drab to brown, spotted with brown and black.
Range.– Arctic regions, in winter south to San Francisco Bay.
GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL
44. Larus glaucescens. 25 to 27 inches
The primaries are the same color as the mantle on this gull except that the primaries are tipped with white. They breed in large numbers both on the rocky cliffs and on the low sandy islands of the Aleutians. On the cliffs large nests of seaweed are built, while on the low sandy islands no attempt is made at nest building.
Nest.– Two or three eggs are the usual complement, of a greenish brown ground color with various shades of brown spots, most thickly covered on the larger end (2.75 × 2.05).
Range.– North Pacific coast, breeding from British Columbia northwards, and wintering to southern California.
SLATY-BACKED GULL
48. Larus schistisagus. 27 inches
This large gull, with its almost pure white head and neck and slaty colored back, is one of the prettiest. They often nest in colonies with other gulls, building their small mounds of seaweed on the higher parts of the islands.
Nest.– Usually contains sets of two or three grayish colored eggs, spotted with dark brown and lavender (2.90 × 2.00).
Range.– Northern Pacific and Arctic oceans.
WESTERN GULL
49. Larus occidentalis. 26 inches
This bird is the most southerly distributed of any of the large Gulls, and can be seen about the harbors of California at all seasons of the year. They are great thieves, robbing the Murres and Terns wherever eggs are left unprotected, and are the greatest enemy that the Murres have to contend with.
Nest.– Their nests are made up of weeds and grass, and the full set contains three eggs of grayish brown spotted with dark brown, showing the usual variation found in color in the Gulls’ eggs (2.75 × 1.90).
Range.– Pacific coast, breeding from southern California to British Columbia.
HERRING GULL
51. Larus argentatus. 24 inches
These Gulls nest in colonies in favorable localities, usually on the ground, sometimes making a bulky nest of seaweed quite a distance from the water. A few pair nest on the islands of some of the inland lakes and it is not uncommon to see nests built in low trees ten or fifteen feet from the ground.
Nest.– They lay three eggs of a grayish brown color spotted with black and brown.
RING-BILLED GULL
54. Larus delawarensis. 18 inches
A small Gull with light gray mantle, black primaries with white tips and always to be identified in the breeding season by the black band around the middle of the greenish yellow bill. They nest in large colonies on the islands in the interior of the country. They frequent lakes and ponds at high altitudes in Colorado. Thousands of them breed about the lakes of the Dakotas and northward.
Nest.– Commonly lay three eggs, placing them in a slight hollow on the ground generally on the grassy portion of some island (2.80 × 1.75).
Range.– North America. On the Pacific coast from Lower California to British Columbia.
CALIFORNIA GULL
53. Larus californicus. 23 inches
This is a slightly smaller Gull than the Cal. Herring Gull and the primaries are grayish instead of black. Bill yellow, with red spot near end of lower mandible; feet greenish yellow.
Nest.– Abundantly around Great Salt Lake, placing their nests generally upon the bare ground. Three or four eggs constitute a set, and they are the usual color of the Gulls’.
SHORT-BILLED GULL
55. Larus brachyrhynchus. 17 inches
The short-billed Gull or American Mew Gull is much like the European variety. Adults in breeding plumage; mantle pearly gray; rest of white; outer primary nearly black with a white spot at the end. Bill, feet and legs greenish.
Nest.– On islands in the lakes and rivers of Alaska. The nest is generally made of moss, grass and weeds and placed on the ground.
Range.– Breeds from the interior of British Columbia to Alaska. Winters in the south to Lower California.
HEERMANN GULL
57. Larus heermanni. 17 inches
A handsome little species, often called the White-headed Gull. In summer the entire head, neck and throat are white, with a red bill and legs. The body color shades abruptly from the neck into slaty, both the upper and under parts. The primaries and tail are black.
Nest.– Similar to others of the Gull family, with three eggs greenish drab in color marked with brown, black and lilac (2.45 × 1.50).
Range.– Pacific coast of North America.
BONAPARTE GULL
60. Larus philadelphia. 14 inches
In summer, tip and outer web of outer primaries black; inner web and shaft white, with a black bill. The head and neck are gray; while in winter the head is white with gray spots back of the eyes. Young birds have the back mixed with brownish and the tail with a band of black near the tip. They are rarely found in the U. S. with the black hood.
Nest.– They nest in great numbers in the marshes of the northwest. The nests of sticks and grass are placed on the higher parts of the marshes and the usual complement of three eggs is laid. The eggs are grayish to greenish brown, marked with dark brown spots (1.90 × 1.30).
SABINE GULL
62. Xema sabini. 13 inches
A handsome bird, having the slaty hood bordered behind with a black ring; the primaries black, white tipped, and the tail slightly forked. In winter the head and throat white with the back of the neck dusky.
Nest.– They breed abundantly on the marshes of northern Alaska and Greenland. The two or three eggs are greenish brown in color and marked with dark brown (1.75 × 1.25).
CASPIAN TERN
64. Sterna caspia. 21 inches
The largest and most beautiful of the Tern family. The bill is large, heavy and bright red. The crest with which this species is adorned is black. The mantle is pearl color and the breast is white. Winter birds have the crown mixed with white, and the young are blotched with blackish in the wings and tail.
Nest.– They sometimes nest in large colonies and then again only a few pair will be found on an island. Eggs vary from gray to greenish buff, marked with brown and lilac. The two eggs usually being laid in a hollow in the sand.
Range.– North America, breeding from the Gulf Coast and Lower California to the Arctic regions.
ELEGANT TERN
66. Sterna elegans. 17 inches
In the breeding plumage the under parts of the Terns are tinged with rosy, which probably first gave the birds their name.
Nest.– They lay but a single egg, in a slight depression in the sand, creamy brown with light brown markings (2.40 × 1.40).
Range.– Central and South America, in summer to California.
FORSTERS TERN
69. Sterna forsteri. 15 inches
These beautiful birds are often known as “Sea Swallows,” because of their similarity in flight to those well-known land birds. They are the picture of grace as they dart about high in the air, bill pointed downward, alert and ready to dart down upon any small fish that may take their fancy.
Nest.– A slight depression in the sand, rarely lined with grass, in which are laid three, sometimes four, eggs varying in color from almost white to brownish, thickly spotted with brown and lavender (1.80 × 1.30).
Range.– Throughout North America; breeding from Manitoba to the Gulf Coast.
COMMON TERN
70. Sterna hirundo. 15 inches
This bird differs from the above in the red of the bill being more blackish at the tip, and the under parts being a pearly gray in place of white, tail not quite as much forked, and shorter; edge of outer primaries and outer tail-feathers blackish.
Nest.– These breed much more abundantly on the Atlantic coast. Their eggs are more rounded (1.75 × 1.40).
ARCTIC TERN
71. Sterna paradisæ. 15 inches
A similar bird to the last; more northern in its distribution; and the pearly gray mantle somewhat darker both above and below. Bill quite red and feet much smaller and bright red. When their nesting colonies are approached they will rise in clouds, circling about high in the air, uttering at times their peculiar cry.
Nest.– Similar to the others, with very little if any attempt at nest building. Usually placing the two or three eggs on the bare sand or gravel just above the water line. There is no difference in the color or markings of the eggs from the others (1.75 × 1.40).
Range.– More northerly than the preceding, to the Arctic Regions and wintering from California to the Gulf States.
ALEUTIAN TERN
73. Sterna aleutica. 15 inches
This handsome Tern is of the same form and size as the Common Tern, but has a darker mantle, and the forehead is white, with a black line extending from the bill to the eye.
Nest.– Is much the same as the Arctic, but the eggs are somewhat smaller and narrower (1.70 × 1.15).
LEAST TERN
74. Sterna antillarum. 9 inches
This is the smallest of our Terns; not much larger than a swallow and in flight are much the same, darting through the air, taking insects the same as swallows, or dipping into the water for small minnows that are showing themselves near the surface.
Nest.– Simply a depression in the sand or gravel just above the water line, with two to four creamy white eggs beautifully marked with different shades of brown and lilac (1.25 × .95).
Range.– Throughout the United States to northern South America, breeding abundantly on the coast of southern California.
BLACK TERN
77. Hydrochelidon nigra surinamensis. 10 inches
We always think of the Terns as light colored birds, either white or pearly; but here we have one nearly black. Adults in summer having the head, neck and under parts black, with the back, wings and tail gray.
Nest.– Their nesting habits vary also as much as their color. Nests are of weeds and grass in the sloughs on the prairies. Two to four eggs are a dark greenish brown with black spots (1.35 × .95).
ALBATROSSES – Family Diomedeidæ
BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS
81. Diomedea nigripes. 32 to 36 inches
This bird is of a uniform sooty brown color shading into whitish at the base of the bill, which is rounded. It is noted for its extended flights, following vessels day after day without any apparent period of rest.
Nest.– They lay a single white egg upon the ground (4.00 × 2.40).
SHORT-TAILED ALBATROSS
82. Diomedea albatrus. 36 inches
This bird is much more shy than the former, and when following a vessel will keep a long distance behind in its search for food. With the exception of the primaries, which are black, as are also the shoulders and tail, the entire plumage is white, tinged with yellow on the back of the head.
Nest.– They breed on the islands in the North Pacific off the coast of Alaska. A single white egg is laid upon the bare ground or rocks.
Range.– Northern Pacific ocean in summer from Lower California to Alaska; most common in northern part of the range.
LAYSAN ALBATROSS
82.1. Diomedea immutabilis. 32 inches
These birds are white with the exception of the back, wings and tail, which are black; bill and feet yellow.
Nest.– Their single white egg is laid upon the ground or rocks (4.00 × 2.35).
Range.– This species breeds in large numbers on the island from which it takes its name – Layson Island, of the Hawaiian Group – appearing rarely off the coast of California.
YELLOW-NOSED ALBATROSS
83. Thalassogeron culminatus. 36 inches
This is a species which inhabits the South Pacific and Indian oceans and is said to occur rarely on the California coast. An egg in the collection of Col. John E. Thayer, Lancaster, Mass., was taken on Gough Island Sept. 1st, 1888. The nest was a mound of mud and grass about two feet high. The single white egg measured 3.75 × 2.25.
SOOTY ALBATROSS
84. Phœbetria palpebrata. 36 inches
This species is entirely sooty brown except the white rim around the eyelids. One white egg is laid (4.10 × 2.75).
FULMARS AND SHEARWATERS
Family Procellariidæ
PACIFIC FULMAR
86b. Fulmarus glacialis glupischa. 18 inches
In markings these birds closely resemble the Gulls. Bill is shorter and stouter, strongly hooked at the tip, and with the nostrils opening out of a single tube, prominently located on top of the bill. Their flight is graceful like that of the Gulls.
Nest.– On the islands and cliffs of the mainland of the Northern Pacific they nest in large colonies. Every crevice in the rocks having its tenant. They lay but a single white egg on the bare rocks (2.90 × 2.00).
Range.– Northern Pacific, southerly to Lower California.
SLENDER-BILLED FULMAR
87. Priocella glacialoides. 18 inches
This species has a paler mantle than others of the family, and the primaries are black.
Range.– Southern seas, appearing on the Pacific coast of the United States in the summer. They probably breed in the far south during our winter, although we have no definite record relative to their nesting habits.
PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER
91. Puffinus creatopus. 19 inches
Very little is known of the breeding habits of this bird. Upper parts and under-tail coverts are a pale brownish color, darkest on the wings; top of head dark, with throat and breast white, with yellowish bill and pink colored feet.
Range.– From Monterey, California, to South America.
BLACK-VENTED SHEARWATER
93. Puffinus opisthomelas. 14 inches
Similar to the previous, only smaller and somewhat lighter in color. Quite common in southern California and much more so in Lower California.
Range.– From northern United States to Lower California. A single white egg is laid (2.00 × 1.30).
TOWNSEND SHEARWATER
93.1. Puffinus auricularis. 14 inches
A more southern species; occurs occasionally on the lower California coast and islands.
DARK-BODIED SHEARWATER
95. Puffinus griseus. 17 inches
This is a southern species which, after nesting on the islands in the far south during our winter months, comes north and appears off the Pacific coast of the United States during our summer months, as far north as Alaska. They are a dark sooty gray, except for the under-coverts, which are whitish.
Nest.– Habits are the same as the others of the family. The single white egg is laid at the end of the burrows or in crevices under rocks (2.40 × 1.65).
SLENDER-BILLED SHEARWATER
96. Puffinus tenuirostris. 14 inches
This is much smaller than the preceding, otherwise resembling it in color and markings, being a little lighter under the throat, and the bill more slender in proportion to the size of the bird. Bill and feet nearly black, as is also the one above.
Nest.– Nesting habits and range of the bird are the same as the Dark-bodied Shearwater; it is not found on the N. A. coast as commonly as the other.
FISHER PETREL
100. Æstrelata fisheri. 7 inches
This is a handsome bird known only from the type specimen taken off Kadiak Island, Alaska, by Mr. Fisher.
LEAST PETREL
103. Halocyptena microsoma. 5½ inches
This is the smallest of the family. Their plumage is entirely dark sooty.
Nest.– They have been found breeding on the islands of Lower California, and they probably do on others farther south. The single egg of this bird is white with a wreath of tiny brown specks about the larger end.
FORK-TAILED PETREL
105. Oceanodroma furcata. 8 inches
These birds have a plumage of bluish gray, the wings being darker and the under parts lightest.
Nest.– Single egg is laid at the end of a burrow on the ground. Egg white with a fine wreath of purplish black specks about the larger end. Found breeding on the islands of Alaska.
KAEDING PETREL
105.2. Oceanodroma kaedingi. 7½ inches
This bird is similar to the following, but a trifle smaller and the tail less deeply forked. Its range is from northern California to Mexico, breeding in the southern part of its range.
LEACH PETREL
106. Oceanodroma leucorhoa. 8 inches
These are quite common on both the eastern and western coasts, breeding from the Farallones northward to the Aleutians. They are of a sooty brown color, upper tail-coverts and side of under-coverts white. They burrow in the ground for two or three feet, but make no attempt at nest building; placing their single white egg on the bare ground at end of burrow. These birds generally take turns in the task of incubation, one remaining at sea during the day and returning at night. They are rarely seen in the vicinity of their nests during the day.
GUADALUPE PETREL
106.1. Oceanodroma macrodactyla
Very similar to the preceding, having more of a forked tail and somewhat longer. Breed on the islands of Lower California.
Nest.– Same as above with one white egg, usually much nest stained.
BLACK PETREL
107. Oceanodroma melania. 7½ inches
These birds are sooty black all over, lacking the white rump of the two or three preceding. All of the Petrels have a very offensive musky odor, which is always noticeable about an island inhabited by them. The skins and eggs of the birds always retain this odor.
Nest.– Made in burrows similar to the others, but sometimes containing a small amount of nesting material; grass and roots.
Range.– Southern California southward to Mexico.
ASHY PETREL
108. Oceanodroma homochroa. 7 inches
This species breeds most abundantly on the Farallone Islands, sooty gray in color, their plumage matching their surroundings so closely that, unless one is looking for them, they will easily be overlooked.
They sit very close when nesting, and will even allow themselves to be removed from the nest by hand, so tame are they. They build in burrows or in any crevice of the rocks, laying their single white egg on the ground or rock without much, if any, lining to the nest.
CORMORANTS – Family Phalacrocoracidæ
FARALLONE CORMORANT
120c. Phalacrocorax auritus albociliatus. 30 inches
Plumage glossy greenish black, with back and wings slaty. These birds breed in large numbers on the Farallones, placing their nests well up on the higher ridges and also in the trees on some of the inland islands, or near large ponds or lakes. They build large nests of sticks and roots, lined with grass, seaweed and moss.
Nest.– Three to five chalky, greenish white eggs are laid (2.40 × 1.50).
BRANDT CORMORANT
122. Phalacrocorax penicillatus. 35 inches
Plumage, under parts are same as above. Bill more slender and nearly straight. The young are hatched without feathers or down and the skin is nearly black. The young for two or three months are the food supply for the larger Gulls. Like the other Cormorants breeding on these islands, they stay closely by their nests to protect them from the Gulls that are always on the watch for either the eggs or young.
Range.– Pacific coast, breeding along the whole coast of the United States.
BAIRD CORMORANTS
123b. Phalacrocorax pelagicus resplendens. 28 inches
This smaller Cormorant breeds on the Pacific coast from Washington south to Mexico. It is not nearly as common as the former species and not inclined to breed in colonies with the others, but is more secluded.
Nest.– Their nest building is very similar, using the rocks and cliffs on which to place their nests mostly, and very seldom building in trees. Their eggs are much smaller, averaging 2.20 × 1.40.
RED-FACED CORMORANT
124. Phalacrocorax urile. 32 inches
The plumage of this species differs from the above chiefly in having the forehead bare. Their breeding habits are the same as other members of the family. That the Cormorants are expert fishermen may be seen from the fact that the Chinese tame them to catch fish for them, placing a ring about their necks to prevent their swallowing the fish.
Nest.– The nesting places of these as well as other members of this family are very filthy, being covered with excrement and the remains of fish that are strewn about their nests (2.50 × 1.50).
PELICANS. – Family Pelecanidæ
WHITE PELICAN
125. Pelecanus erythrorhynchos. 60 inches
Plumage mostly white, with black primaries; eyes white; bill and feet yellow, the former in the breeding season having a thin upright knob about midway on the top of the upper mandible. They get their food by approaching a school of small fish and suddenly dipping their head beneath the surface, sometimes scooping a large number of fish at a time; they contract the pouch, allowing the water to run out of the sides of the mouth, and then swallow the fish.
Nest.– On the ground made of sticks and weeds, generally only a lining about the outer edge; the eggs being placed upon the ground. Two or three eggs are laid, pure chalky white (3.45 × 2.30).
CALIFORNIA BROWN PELICAN
127. Pelecanus californicus. 55 inches
Upper parts gray; lower brownish streaked with white; back of neck rich velvety brown; head and throat white.
Nest.– On the ground or in small trees, composed of sticks and weeds. Three or four chalky white eggs (3.10 × 1.95).
MAN-O’-WAR BIRDS – Family Fregatidæ
FRIGATE BIRD
128. Fregata aquila. 40 inches
In comparison with their weight, these birds have the largest expanse of wing of any known bird. Weighing only about four pounds they have an extent of from seven to eight feet. The length of the bird is about 40 inches, of which the tail comprises about 18, more than half of this being forked. They can walk only with difficulty and are very poor swimmers, owing to their small feet and long tail, but they are complete masters of the air and delight to soar at great heights. Their food of small fish is secured by plunging, or preying upon other sea birds.
Nest.– A frail platform of sticks in the tops of bushes or low trees. A single white egg (2.80 × 1.90).
AMERICAN MERGANSER. ORDER ANSERES
129. Mergus americanus. 25 inches
These birds have the bill long, not flattened, but edged with sharp teeth to grasp the fish, upon which they live to a great extent.
Nest.– In holes of trees, cavities among the rocks, or on the ground; 6 to 9 creamy buff eggs are laid (2.70 × 1.75).
RED-BREASTED MERGANSER
130. Mergus serrator. 22 inches
This species is more abundant than the preceding, and is found commonly on our large ponds, lakes and rivers, more than on the coast. The male has the head, neck, and crest iridescent greenish black, breast brownish with black spots. The female has the head, neck and crown a deep chestnut color and the upper parts and tail a gray in place of the black found on the males.
Nest.– They lay from seven to ten eggs of a creamy buff color, making their nest of moss and grasses, placed under or in tufts of grass or in crevices of rocks; usually lining the nest with feathers (2.50 × 1.70).
Range.– Whole of North America, breeding from central United States to British America.
HOODED MERGANSER
131. Lophodytes cucullatus. 17 inches
Bill short, compared with the preceding. The large crest with which both sexes are adorned will easily distinguish this from the others. The male having the crest black with a large white patch, and that of the female plain brown.
Nest.– In holes of trees; 8 to 12 eggs, grayish white (2.15 × 1.70).
GADWALL
135. Chaulelasmus streperus. 20 inches
Male with chestnut wing coverts and white speculum; the female is similar but the back and wings are brownish-gray. As is usual with many of the ducks these do most of their feeding early in the morning or after dusk, and spend the greater part of the day in sleeping. They are one of the most noisy and active of the ducks.
Nest.– They nest on the ground among the reeds of marshes or in the long grass of bordering fields. They lay from 7 to 12 eggs of a creamy buff color (2.10 × 1.60).
Range.– Includes the whole of North America, breeds from British Columbia to southern California.
MALLARD
132. Anas platyrhynchos. 23 inches
These are regarded as one of the best table birds. They feed on mollusks and marine insects which they generally reach by tipping in shallow water.
Nest.– In close proximity to ponds or lakes, placing their nests in the tall grasses of which it is made and lined with feathers. Breed from Alaska to southern California (2.25 × 1.25).
BALDPATE – AMERICAN WIDGEON
137. Mareca Americana. 19 inches
These are common and well-known birds throughout North America, where they are called by a great variety of names, most of which refer to the bald appearance of the top of the head, owing to the white feathers. They can usually be identified at a distance by the absence of any dark markings, and when in flight by the whiteness of the under parts.
Nest.– Made of grass and weeds neatly lined with feathers, on the ground or in marshes. 6 to 12 cream colored eggs are laid (2.15 × 1.20).
GREEN-WINGED TEAL
139. Nettion carolinense. 14 inches
These are the smallest of the Duck family, and are eagerly sought for by sportsmen, both for their beauty and the excellence of their flesh. The male may be easily identified by the reddish brown head and neck, with the large green patch behind each ear.
Nest.– On the ground under the shelter of tall grasses, it is made of weeds and grass and lined with feathers. 5 to 9 buffy eggs are laid (1.85 × 1.25). Breeds abundantly in California and Oregon.
BLUE-WINGED TEAL
140. Querquedula discors. 15 inches
Male has the head a dark gray with white crescent in front of the eye; under parts chestnut heavily spotted with black; wing coverts bright blue. Female similar to female Green-wing, but has the blue wing coverts. In flight can be easily separated from the Green-wing by its darker under parts. Their flight is very rapid, and usually in compact lines. This is more common east of the Rockies than the other.
Nest.– Made of grass and nicely lined with feathers placed in the reeds bordering marshes. 8 to 12 creamy colored eggs are laid.
Range.– North America, breeding more abundantly than the former farther north in its range.
CINNAMON TEAL
141. Querquedula cyanoptera. 16 inches
This is the most abundant of the Teal family west of the Rockies. It is on the male a bright cinnamon color on the under parts; also the head and neck, being darkest near the bill and lightest on the back. Wing coverts blue; speculum green, divided by a line of white.
Nest.– Made same as above with 6 to 14 eggs (1.85 × 1.35).
SHOVELLER
142. Spatula clypeata. 20 inches
Easily recognized in any plumage by the large broad bill, which is out of all proportion to the size of the bird. Head, neck and speculum dark green, under parts reddish brown, breast and back white, wing coverts blue. If it were not for the large ungainly bill, this duck would be classed as one of our most beautiful during the breeding season.
Nest.– It makes its nest on the ground in marshy places of grass, weeds and lined with feathers; laying from 6 to 10 grayish white eggs (2.10 × 1.50).
Range.– North America; breeding most abundant on the western coast from southern California to northwest Alaska.
PINTAIL
143. Dafila acuta. 30 inches
A long-necked duck and with a long pointed tail. Male with head and stripe down the back of neck, brownish; back and sides barred with white and black wavy lines.
Nest.– On the ground like the other ducks, well-lined with feathers generally placed near the water, laying from 6 to 12 eggs of a dull olive color (2.20 × 1.50).
Range.– North America.
WOOD DUCK
144. Aix sponsa. 19 inches
This bird, without doubt, is by far the most beautiful of any of the duck family. Both the male and female have a long crest; that of the male of the most beautiful shades of blue and iridescent green colors, with stripes of white, the throat and under parts also white, breast chestnut with white arrow head marking, sides buff with black and white line markings.
Nest.– In the hollow of a tree, usually near the water. The birds are said to carry the young from the nest to the water in their bills. 6 to 10 eggs, buffy in color (2.25 × 1.60).
Range.– Temperate North America, breeding from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.
REDHEAD
146. Marila americana. 19 inches
This bird, the preceding and the one following are considered as the best table birds of the duck family.
Nest.– Placed on the ground in marshes. Eggs 6 to 14 in number, buffy white in color (2.40 × 1.70).
Range.– North America, breeding from Minnesota northward.
CANVAS-BACK
147. Marila valisineria. 21 inches
Differs from the Redhead in the shape of its black bill, its blackish forehead, very light colored back and red eyes, the Redhead having yellow eyes. Like the last species, these birds are excellent swimmers and divers, and secure their food from deeper water than many of the ducks. Their food consists of various fresh water plants and small fish; shell fish and frogs. These usually command the highest market price, and are much sought after by gunners.
Nest.– On the ground in marshes or sloughs, lined with grass and feathers. 6 to 10 eggs of a pale olive (2.40 × 1.70).
Range.– North America; breeding from central British Columbia south to Oregon and Minnesota.
SCAUP DUCK OR BLUE-BILL
148. Marila marila. 18 inches
This and the following are widely known as Blue-bills owing to the slaty blue color of that member. Head, neck and breast are black; speculum and under parts white, and eyes yellow.
Nest.– In marshes about many of the ponds in the interior of British Columbia. 6 to 10 eggs pale greenish gray (2.50 × 1.70).
LESSER SCAUP DUCK
149. Marila affinis. 17 inches
Slightly smaller than the last, and with the head of the male glossed purple instead of green on the black. They are one of the most abundant migrants, and are one of the most active of the family, diving at the flash of a gun. The immense flocks generally keep out in the open waters of the lakes or rivers; where they feed by diving.
Nest.– Is made of marsh grasses and neatly lined with feathers from the breast of the female. 6 to 9 eggs of a pale gray color (2.25 × 1.55).
RING-NECKED DUCK
150. Marila collaris. 17 inches
In appearance and general habits this duck is much the same as the two preceding. Male with head, neck and breast black with purple shades, having a ring of chestnut about the neck, which at a little distance is not noticeable. Bill blackish, with a bluish band near the end; eye yellow.
Nest.– Same in every way as above, and general distribution the same, breeding from Oregon and Minnesota northward.
AMERICAN GOLDEN-EYE
151. Clangula clangula americana. 20 inches
These are handsome ducks, known as “Whistlers,” from the noise of their wings when flying, and also “Great-heads,” because of the puffy crest. The head is greenish black with a large round white spot in front of and a little below the eye. The rest of the plumage is black and white.
Nest.– Built in the hollows of trees near the water, lining the cavity with fine grasses, moss or leaves and then lining the nest with feathers, in which they place from 6 to 10 eggs of a grayish color (2.30 × 1.70).
Range.– North America, breeding from Alaska south to the most northern of United States. Winters to southern California and the Gulf Coast.
BARROW GOLDEN-EYE
152. Clangula islandica. 20 inches
Head of this species a bluish black, with a crescent white spot between the bill and eye; which is yellow as also is the preceding.
Nest.– The range and nesting habits are the same as above, possibly breeding a little farther south on the Pacific coast.
BUFFLE-HEAD
153. Charitonetta albeola. 14 inches
This handsome little duck is also known as “Butter-ball” and “Dipper-duck,” the latter name given to them on account of the ease with which they can disappear under the water. They are always on the alert and will dive at the flash of a gun. Head iridescent blue, green and purple, and with a large white patch extending from eye to eye, across the back of the puffy crest. Their flight is very rapid, and they can take wing from the water easier than the majority of ducks.
Nest.– In holes of tree stumps or in the banks along the sides of rivers, 8 to 14 eggs of a light grayish color (2.00 × 1.40).
OLD-SQUAW – LONG-TAILED DUCK
154. Harelda hyemalis. 21 inches
One of the very few ducks that change their plumage in summer and winter. Both sexes are marked similarly, but the female is somewhat duller and lacks the long tail feathers of the male. They are excellent swimmers and dive to great depths in search of their food.
Nest.– Generally concealed in the long grass near the water, made of grass and lined with feathers. 6 to 10 eggs (2.00 × 1.50).
HARLEQUIN DUCK
155. Histrionicus histrionicus. 17 inches
A beautiful and most attractive bird as shown in the illustration. It is not the colors alone that make them so attractive, but the way the colors are placed. The white being in long stripes, crescents or large spots, with black, gray and chestnut. They are usually found only in pairs among the swiftly running streams, or in the winter in small flocks on the coasts.
Nest.– Is nicely woven of weeds and grasses and lined with down placed on the ground in crevices of rocks or sometimes in the hollow of a tree. 5 to 8 greenish buff eggs (2.30 × 1.60).
Range.– Northern North America, breeding from Alaska to the central part of California among the mountain streams.
PACIFIC EIDER
161. Somateria v-nigra. 23 inches
This bird is in plumage like the Northern Eider, except that it has a black V-shaped mark on the throat. They nest sparingly on the Aleutian Islands, but in great numbers farther north.
Nest.– They make their nests of seaweed and grass, warmly lining same with down from their breasts. 6 to 8 eggs (3.00 × 2.00).
STELLER EIDER
157. Polysticta stelleri. 18 inches
A very beautiful species; head white, washed with greenish on the forehead and nape; chin, throat, neck, back, tail and crissum, black; under parts chestnut; wing coverts white, the long scapulars black and white.
Nest.– Are made of grasses and heavily lined with down. It breeds on the rocky coast and islands of Bering Sea. The six to nine eggs are pale olive green in color (2.25 × 1.60).
Range.– Arctic regions in America, chiefly on the Aleutian Islands and northwest coast of Alaska.
SPECTACLED EIDER
158. Arctonetta fischeri. 21 inches
This species is black on the under parts and mostly white above. The head is largely washed with sea green, leaving a large patch of white, narrowly bordered with black around each eye, thus resembling a pair of spectacles and giving it the name it has.
Nest.– Is made of seaweed, grass and lined with down from their breast; they are placed upon the ground under overhanging stones or clumps of grass. 5 to 9 eggs (2.70 × 1.85).
KING EIDER
162. Somateria spectabilis. 23 inches
This species is very different from any of the preceding, the crown being of an ashy blue, and the long scapulars black in place of the white of the others. It also has a broad V-shaped mark on the throat and a black crescent between the eye and bill. Like all of the other Eiders the females are mottled brown and black, the different species being very difficult to separate.
Nest.– These are usually a depression in the ground lined with the down from the breast, and contain from 6 to 10 eggs of a greenish color (3.00 × 2.00).
Range.– Northern North America, breeding along the coast of Siberia, Bering Sea and Arctic coast of America.
SCOTER
163. Oidemia americana. 19 inches
Scoters or “Coots,” as they are generally called, are Sea Ducks whose plumage is almost wholly black; base of the bill is yellow and orange. This species nest similar to the Eiders, concealing it under overhanging rocks or in tufts of grass. 6 to 10 eggs of a dull buff color (2.50 × 1.70).
WHITE-WINGED SCOTER
165. Oidemia deglandi. 22 inches
This is the largest of the Scoters, and may easily be distinguished from the others by the white speculum on the wing and a white comet extending from the eye backwards. It also has a yellow eye.
This species often feeds in very deep water, like others of the family.
Nest.– They nest on the ground, generally in long grass or under low bushes, making a coarse nest of grasses, and sometimes twigs, lined with feathers; 6 to 8 pale buff eggs (2.75 × 1.70).
Range.– North America, breeding in British Columbia and Alaska.
SURF SCOTER
166. Oidemia perspicillata. 20 inches
The male of this species is entirely black, excepting a white spot on top of the head and another on the nape; eye white; bill red, white and yellow with a large black spot near the base. The female is a grayish brown, lighter below; also with a spot of dull white in front of the eye and the same in back.
RUDDY DUCK
167. Erismatura jamaicensis. 15 inches
This species may always be recognized by the reddish brown upper parts; blackish head, with white cheeks and chin and under parts silvery white with grayish wash next to the ruddy. Bill is very stout and broad at the end, and the tail feathers are very stiff and pointed. Females have back, crown and sides grayish, cheeks showing traces of white as on the male. These ducks are very quick either in the water, on land, or in flight.
Nest.– They are usually made of grass and rushes and generally lined with down in which are placed their eggs to the number of from 8 to 12 of a grayish white color (2.40 × 1.75) unusually large for the size of the bird.
Range.– The whole of North America, breeding from Central British Columbia southward as far as Lower California.
SNOW GOOSE
169. Chen hyperboreus hyperboreus. 26 inches
Plumage entirely white with primaries tipped with black. This is the smallest species of the Snow Goose, the eastern variety being some ten inches longer, found in N. A., west of the Mississippi River.
ROSS GOOSE
170. Chen rossi. 23 inches
This beautiful species, with its breeding range unknown, winters in California and as far south as the Gulf of Mexico, and is the smallest of the family.
WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE
171a. Anser albifrons gambeli. 27 inches
These birds may be recognized by their mottled plumage, dark head and white forehead; bill and feet orange. They are the most common on the western coast and large numbers of them are sold in the markets.
Their food consists mostly of vegetable matter, frogs, snails, and insects.
Nest.– These are placed upon the ground in a slight depression and made of dried grasses, feathers and down. Eggs are from four to nine in number, of a dull buff color (3.00 × 2.05).
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
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