Illustrations of the Birds of California, Texas, Oregon, British and Russian America

Dimensions. Female, total length of skin, 19½ inches; wing, 15; tail, 8 inches, and about an inch longer than the folded wings.

Colors. Female (Plate XLI., upper figure), entire upper parts dark brown, with a purplish bronzed lustre, especially on the wings; plumage of the head and neck behind, and some feathers on the back edged and tipped with yellowish white; upper tail-coverts yellowish white, with transverse bars of brown; tail above brownish cinereous, and having about ten narrow bands of brownish black, and tipped with white; under parts pale yellowish white or fawn color, with a few sagittate spots of brown on the sides, and a stripe of dark brown running downwards on each side from the corners of the mouth; cere, legs, and irides yellow.

Younger? (Plate XLI., lower figure.) Upper parts very dark brown or nearly black, with a purplish lustre; under parts with almost every feather having a large spot of brownish black, which color predominates on the breast, presenting a nearly uniform color with the upper parts; throat with narrow stripes of the same color; flanks and inferior wing-coverts with circular and oval spots of white; tibiæ dark brown, with transverse bars and circular and oval spots of reddish white; upper tail-coverts reddish white, with their outer edges brown, and with transverse stripes of the same; under tail-coverts yellowish white, with transverse stripes of brown; forehead white; cheeks yellowish white; stripes from the corners of the mouth wide and conspicuous. Sex unknown.

Hab. Wisconsin (Dr. Hoy, Rev. Mr. Barry, Mr. Dudley); Utah Territory (Lieut. Beckwith). Spec. in Nat. Mus., Washington, and Mus. Acad., Philadelphia.

Obs. This bird does not intimately resemble any other of the American Falconidæ at present known, and is a well marked species, especially in the plumage above described as probably the younger. In this the nearly uniform brownish black breast and large spots of the same color on the other under parts are strongly characteristic. The plumage of the first described above bears some resemblance to the young of Buteo lineatus, and also to the young of Buteo pennsylvanicus, but not sufficient to require especial consideration.

To us it is a point of high interest that the present bird bears the name of one with whom our relations have been intimate and of the most pleasant character almost since boyhood. One who is a most competent and efficient officer of the first Institution in America for the diffusion of knowledge—one who has gained a rank amongst the first American zoologists; and better, no man lives who is more conscientious in the discharge of his duties, more respectful of all that renders life agreeable, or more faithful in his friendships, than Spencer F. Baird, of the Smithsonian Institution.

TOXOSTOMA REDIVIVA.—(Gambel.)
The Curved-billed Thrush.
PLATE XLII. Adult Male.

The bird now before the reader is one of the most admired songsters of the western countries of North America. By competent judges, as we shall see in the course of the present article, he has been pronounced worthy of favorable mention, even when compared with our great sylvan vocalists, the Mocking Bird, and the Rufous Thrush, to both of which he can claim relationship, not distant.

Viewed as the representatives of principles embodied, as it were, in the various forms or rather classes of animal life, a consideration by no means to be overlooked in the present age of zoological science, birds are the especial exponents of the principles of the beautiful, and, of all classes of animals, appeal most directly to the higher faculties of the human mind. Entire symmetry and elegance of form, gracefulness of motion, agreeable and varied colors, and the fact that of the vast circle of animal life, they alone possess vocal powers which are musical, have recommended this class, and tended to perpetuate its high estimation in all civilized countries.

The flight of birds, never yet successfully imitated by the ingenuity of man (unlike in that respect the motions of fishes in their element), is a means of locomotion so entirely peculiar as always to have attracted attention, and, in past ages, wonder, even to such extent as to have assumed an aspect of superstition, not entirely ignorant nor reprehensible, because founded on facts of nature, manifesting itself in auguries and divinations, which commanded respect for centuries erroneously, but expanded into truth at last by the aid of the light of Inductive science. The conclusions of the learned and cultivated nations of antiquity, however apparently erroneous, are rarely without some foundation in and relation to truth, and in many cases are the origin of modern science. So the augurs were the first ornithologists, as the astrologers were the first astronomers.

The poets have found in birds the most attractive of animals. There is scarcely one from the great Grecian era of taste and poetry to the present day, in whose productions passages do not occur, recognised as beautiful and deriving their essential character from this class of objects. Hebrew and Greek were alike in this respect, whether in the derivation of sacred symbols or of imagery in poetic allusion; the Dove of the former is of the same general character as the Peacock of Juno, or the Sparrows of Venus, poetic and truthful to nature and of the same origin. The Greek poets found in birds suitable accompaniments for the most sublime creations of their genius, their Deities. The greatest of Hebrew poets rejoices in the assurance that “the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the Turtle is heard in the land.”

Singing birds belong exclusively to the class of Insessores or Perching birds. One Falcon only (an African species, Falco musicus), is said to possess a musical voice, not making, though we much suspect, any considerable figure in that line. No wading, swimming, or gallinaceous bird makes any pretensions.

The song was long considered as entirely the expression of love during the season, which has its most pleasant analogy in the spring-time of life, but that conclusion admits of some exceptions. Many birds sing in autumn apparently without the pleasant incitement of either actual or prospective attachment. Cases occur, too, as we have sometimes witnessed, of a bird having, to all appearance, failed in securing the object of his choice, remaining alone and solacing himself with a song occasionally for the balance of the season;—possibly somewhat of the nature of deriving comfort from “ends of verse and sayings of philosophers.”

Our present bird belongs to the family of Thrushes, but to a genus which can scarcely be said to be represented in the States on the Atlantic; though the Rufous Thrush (Mimus rufus) is very nearly related to it, if not actually belonging to the group. This bird has been observed by nearly all the naturalists who have visited western North America, and its history is comparatively well known. To our friend, Col. McCall, we have to acknowledge our obligations, as on many former occasions, for a contribution intended for our present article:—

“This remarkable bird, whose dulcet notes, flowing with exquisite smoothness, place him almost beyond rivalry among the countless songsters that enliven the woods of America, or indeed of the world at large, is as retired and simple in his manners as he is gay and brilliant in song. In his ordinary hearing, as well as in the very marked character of his flight, he exhibits a strong resemblance to our humble and unobtrusive, though always welcome vocalist, the Ferruginous Thrush (M. rufus); while in the faculty of modulating sweet sounds he is scarcely surpassed by the dashing, ambitious, and ever-animated Mocking Bird (M. polyglottus). His resemblance to the Ferruginous Thrush in the particulars above mentioned, forcibly impressed itself upon me the first time I saw the California bird. This was on the banks of the Rio Colorado, below the mouth of the Gila, where, in the month of June, the shade and seclusion afforded by the cotton-wood and the willow seemed to be a favorite abode of the species. I saw many individuals in the course of a ride of fifteen miles through this wild region. In one quiet nook I met with a pair ‘in love and mutual honors joined,’ who evidently had some dear little ‘pledges of peace’ secreted in the dense foliage around. They were greatly excited by my approach, deprecating the unlooked-for intrusion with abundant energy and vehemence. It was then that their harsh, scolding notes, their motions, and all their attitudes, reminded me most forcibly of my old friends of the Atlantic groves, although, under other circumstances, the resemblance was sufficiently obvious. But, besides their traits of character, there is a striking resemblance in the organization of the two species; the bill, for instance of M. rufus, when compared with the bills of its congeners, M. polyglottus, M. carolinensis, and others, is found to be greatly elongated and much curved, and in this lengthened and curved bill (to say nothing of the shorter wings and longer tail) may easily be discerned a decided approach to the remarkable form developed in T. rediviva, and other closely allied species. This coincidence of a similarity of organization with a similarity of manners is, I think, sufficiently marked to show a close relationship between the two species; or, in other words, to indicate M. rufus as the connecting link between these two distinct genera.

“The song of the California bird is far superior to that of the Thrush,—though it must be admitted that he has not the powerful voice of our Mocking bird, that prince of songsters, nor his imitative powers; but he certainly has a liquid mellowness of tone united with clearness of expression and volubility of utterance that cannot be surpassed. On the first occasion on which it was my good fortune to hear this bird fairly tune his pipes to sound a roundelay, the performer was perched upon the bare branch of an ancient oak, and his farewell carol to the departing day was delivered with a warmth and pathos so truly wonderful as to fill me with admiration and delight; and though I was then anxious to procure birds for the Museum of the Philadelphia Academy, I scarcely thought of molesting him whose vesper chaunt had just enlivened that wild, secluded vale! I cannot, even now, without a tweak of contrition and self-reproach, acknowledge that the desire to procure a ‘specimen’ prompted me, some time afterwards, to shoot a bird of this species.

“This almost sacrilegious act, I feel bound to confess, met with a just reward; for, having placed my prize on the branch of a neighboring tree, in order to preserve its plumage unruffled, while I continued my pursuit after game (for the larder as well as for the cabinet) I had the mortification, on my return, to find that some savage wild animal, as little impressed by soul-stirring music, I might almost say, as myself, had made a hasty supper off my divine songster, feathers and all.”

Dr. Heermann, in his manuscript notes, through his kindness now in our possession, thus mentions the present bird:—

“This bird is abundant. I have not only seen it in Northern California, but also as far south as Texas, on the borders of the Rio Grande. It is shy and retiring in its habits, and when startled, flies low for some distance, and plunging into a thicket, alights on the ground, and so conceals itself, that it is not again easily found. It runs or hops on the ground with considerable facility and speed.

“Among the feathered songsters of Western America, this bird is the most superior, and its song is a striking feature in the localities where it is found. Its notes are equal in harmony to those of the Mocking bird of the United States, though not so varied. To the miners it is well known by the name of the California Mocking bird, and it is with them a great favorite.

“It incubates in California, but the only nest that I ever found contained young in the month of July. This nest was composed of coarse twigs and lined with slender roots, not very carefully constructed, and resembling somewhat those of some other of the Thrushes.”

Dr. Henry has also observed this bird in the vicinity of Fort Fillmore, rather abundantly, particularly during the months of October and November. It has been noticed, too, by nearly all the other naturalists who have visited California and New Mexico.

The figure in our plate is rather less than half the size of life.

The plant represented is a species of Vernonia, from the neighbourhood of Santa Fé, New Mexico, and was raised from the seed by Mr. Robert Kilvington, of this city.

DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.

Genus Toxostoma. Wagler, Isis, 1831, p. 528.

Harpes. Gambel, Proc. Acad., Philada., II. p. 264. (1845.)

Bill long, much curved, somewhat depressed, blunt; ridges of both mandibles strongly defined; wings short, rounded; first quill short, fourth and fifth and sixth longest; tail long; legs robust; toes rather long; claws large, strong; plumage of the upper parts loose; feathers of the rump lengthened. A genus containing four or perhaps five species, all of which inhabit the western and southwestern countries of North America.

Toxostoma rediviva. (Gambel.)

Harpes rediviva. Gamb., Proc. Acad. Philada., II. p. 264. (1845.)

Form. The largest of the genus; bill long, curved; wings short, rounded, first quill subspurious, fifth and sixth slightly longest and nearly equal; tail long, graduated; outer feathers about one inch shorther than those in the middle; tarsi strong; toes long; claws, especially of the hind toes, large, strong.

Dimensions. Total length, male, about 11½ inches; wing, 4; tail, 5¼; bill, 1¾; tarsus, 1½ inches.

Colors. Entire upper parts light brown, slightly tinged with rufous on the rump; quills brownish black, edged on their outer webs with lighter; tail brownish-black, with a reddish tinge, lighter on the under surface; an obscure ashy white superciliary line; auricular feathers dark brown, with central white lines; throat white; breast and sides light brown, tinged with ashy and fulvous; middle of the abdomen, flanks and under tail-coverts rufous, darker on the last; bill black; tarsi lighter; “irides hazel.” Sexes alike?

Hab. California. Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philadelphia, and Nat. Mus., Washington.

Obs. There are two other species of this genus, both of which the present bird somewhat resembles, but it can easily be distinguished on comparison by its larger size. From the published descriptions the different species cannot be distinguished so readily, on account of their similarity of form and general characters.

Dr. Gambel regarded this bird as identical with a species mentioned and figured by the distinguished, though unfortunate navigator, La Perouse, and published in “Voyage de La Peyrouse autour du Monde,” Atlas, pl. 37 (Paris, 1797), under the name of “Promerops de la California Septentrionale.” Under this impression, Dr. Gambel gave this bird its specific name, redivivus.

Whether it is the fact, however, that the figure in La Peyrouse represents the present bird, admits of some doubt. To us it is much more like Toxostoma curvirostris, a smaller species.

CARDELLINA RUBRA.—(Swainson.)
The Vermilion Flycatcher.
PLATE XLIII. Males.

Of this brilliant-plumaged little Flycatcher, we have, we regret to say, but little information. It has been known as a Mexican bird since 1827, when specimens were sent to Europe for the first time by Mr. William Bullock, a Fellow of the Linnæan Society of London, who was then resident in Mexico, but has as yet been obtained once only within the limits of the United States. It was received in a collection made in Texas, and containing many interesting species, by Mr. J. P. Giraud, an accomplished and active ornithologist of the city of New York, and was by him first introduced as entitled to a place in the ornithological fauna of this country. Since that period no one of the several American naturalists who have visited Texas, has had the good fortune to meet with it.

This bird was first described by Mr. Swainson, in the Philosophical Magazine, new series, I. p. 367, but little or nothing more is said of it than on the authority of Mr. Bullock, it is stated to be an inhabitant of the table lands, and that the specimens in his collection were obtained in the vicinity of Valladolid. Mr. Bullock himself, in his interesting book, “Six Months in Mexico,” does not allude to it.

Nor is there, in a more elaborate paper, in which this bird is described by the Baron de la Fresnaye, in Guerin’s Magazine of Zoology (as cited below), a much more explicit or satisfactory history. Its habits, it is stated, resemble those of the Tits (Genus Parus), and it has a feeble cry like the syllables pe-pe-pe. Mons. de la Fresnaye’s specimens were from Jalapa, and were killed in August.

This bird belongs to a group of Flycatchers of small size, of which various species inhabit the warmer parts of America, and are represented in the North only by the Redstart (Setophagha ruticilla), a common and well known bird of the United States. Nearly all the species are remarkable for the gay and showy colors of their plumage; but the bird now before us is certainly entitled to precedence on such foundation for pretensions. It is not equalled by any other species of its group, and is in fact one of the most beautiful of the smaller birds of North America.

Our figures, which represent adult males, are about two-thirds of the size of life, and were drawn from specimens obtained in Mexico, now in the collection of the Philadelphia Academy.

DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.

Genus Cardellina. Bonaparte, Cons. Av. p. 312.

General form rather lengthened and slender; bill moderate, with several pairs of slender bristles at the base of the upper mandible; wings rather long, with the third quill longest; tail long; tarsi and toes moderate, rather slender, the latter rather short; colors bright and showy. Two American birds only are classed in this genus.

Cardellina rubra. (Swainson.)

Setophaga rubra. Swainson, Philos. Mag. I., new series, p. 367. (1827.)

Sylvia miniata. La Fresnaye, Guerin’s Mag. de Zool., 1836 (not paged).

Parus leucotis. Giraud, Sixteen new species N. A. Birds, 1841 (not paged).

“Sylvia argyrotis. Illiger.” Bonap. Cons. Av. p. 312.

Form. Bill somewhat subulate, sharp; wing with the third quill longest; tail long, emarginate; tarsi slender; toes rather short; claws fully curved, compressed, acute.

Dimensions. Total length of skin, male, 5 inches; wing, 2½; tail, 2¾ inches.

Colors. Male.—A well-defined large space behind the eye, fine silky white; quills and tail-feathers light hair-brown, with a tinge of cinereous and margined externally with dark red; entire other plumage above and below bright vermilion, lighter on the under-parts, and tinged with purple on the back; inferior coverts of the wings and axillary feathers pale reddish white; bill and tarsi light colored (yellow?).

Hab. Texas and Mexico. Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada.

Obs. This little Flycatcher is of the same general form as the Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) of the United States, and evidently belongs to the same family, though apparently presenting sufficiently distinct generic characters. It has nearer relatives than our northern species, inhabiting Mexico and Central America, very nearly all of which are clothed in plumage of gay and beautiful colors.

This bird does not resemble any other species with which we are acquainted in such degree as to render especial comparison necessary, and is very easily recognised.

ORTALIDA POLIOCEPHALA.—(Wagler.)
The Texan Guan.
PLATE XLIV. Adult Male.

This bird is the only one yet discovered in the United States, of a family of Gallinaceous Birds, of which numerous species are found in the warmer countries of America. Various species inhabit Mexico and Central America, some of which, including that now before us, appear to be readily domesticated, and in Mexico especially, may frequently be seen amongst the usual feathered denizens of the farm-yard.

The birds of this group, known by the names of Guans, Curassow birds, and Mexican Turkeys, and the Turkeys proper, are two families of the Gallinaceous birds that are peculiarly American, and not distantly related to each other. Of the Turkeys, two species are known, the most numerous of which is the Wild Turkey of North America. The other, even more handsome in its plumage than the former, has as yet only been found in Central America, and is known as the Honduras Turkey. It is by no means well established that the Domestic Turkey is descended from the wild species of North America. Its origin probably has not yet been discovered.

The family to which our present species belongs (Cracidæ), contains birds that for the greater part live in the forests, and are remarkable for habitually frequenting trees to a much greater extent than is usual amongst the larger Gallinaceous birds, and constructing their nests in the branches much in the same style as the smaller perching birds. Several species, amongst which is the bird now before us, have very loud and discordant voices.

The Curassow Birds (Genus Crax) are the best known of this family. They are generally of black or dark red plumage, more or less varied with white, and have very curious and handsome crests, of stiff, recurved feathers. These birds are frequently domesticated in Mexico and the other countries that they inhabit, and a species or two are contained in almost every menagerie of any considerable pretensions in the United States.

The species now before us was first noticed as a bird of the United States, by Col. McCall, who observed it in Texas. Since that period, it has been repeatedly obtained by American naturalists either in that country or in New Mexico.

With that ability and courtesy which has added so much to the interest of the present volume, Col. McCall has furnished the following for our article on this interesting bird:—

“This very gallant-looking and spirited bird I saw, for the first time within our territory, in the extensive forest of chaparral which envelopes the Resaca de la Palma, a stream rendered famous in the history of our country by the victory achieved by the American forces under Gen. Taylor. Here, and for miles along the lower Rio Grande, the poliocephala was abundant; and throughout this region, the remarkable and sonorous cry of the male bird could not fail to attract and fix the attention of the most obtuse or listless wanderer who might chance to approach its abode.

“By the Mexicans it is called Chiac-chia-lacca, an Indian name, and doubtlessly derived from the peculiar cry of the bird, which strikingly resembles a repetition of those syllables. And when I assure you that its voice in compass is equal to that of the Guinea-fowl, and in harshness but little inferior, you may form some idea of the chorus with which the forest is made to ring at the hour of sunrise. At that hour, in the month of April, I have observed a proud and stately fellow descend from the tree on which he had roosted, and mounting upon an old log or stump, commence his clear shrill cry. This was soon responded to, in a lower tone, by the female, the latter always taking up the strain as soon as the importunate call of her mate had ceased.

“Thus alternating, one pair after another would join in the matinal chorus, and before the rising sun had fairly lighted up their close retreat, the woods would ring with the din of an hundred voices, as the happy couples met after the period of separation and repose.

“When at length all this clatter had terminated, the parties quietly betook themselves to their morning-meal. If surprised while thus employed, they would fly into the trees above, whence, peering down with stretched necks and heads turned sideways to the ground, they would challenge the intruder with a singular and oft-repeated croaking note, of which it would be difficult to give any adequate idea with words alone.

“Indeed, the volubility and singularity of voice of the poliocephala is perhaps its most striking and remarkable trait—at least, it so appeared to me. In illustration of which I will state that, while on the march from Matamoras to Tampico, we had encamped on the 30th December, at the spring of Encinal, whence, a short time before sunset, I rode out in company with an officer in search of game. We were passing through a woodland near the stream, when our ears were saluted with a strange sound that resembled somewhat the cry of the panther (Felis onca). We stopped our horses and listened—the cry was repeated, and we were completely at a loss to what animal to ascribe it. I dismounted, and having crawled cautiously through the thicket for some distance, came upon an opening where there were some larger trees; from the lower branches of one of which I now ascertained that the sound proceeded. In a moment or two I discovered a large male poliocephala ascending towards the top of the tree, and uttering this hitherto unheard sound as he sprang from branch to branch in mounting to his roost. He seemed to be much occupied with his own thoughts, and did not observe me; and therefore I was enabled to watch his movements. In a few moments his call was answered from a distance, and soon afterwards he was joined by a bird of the year. Others followed, coming in from different quarters; and there were, in a little while, five or six of them upon the tree. One of these now discovered me, and the alarm was given. The singular cry of the old bird ceased, and they all began to exhibit uneasiness and a disposition to fly; whereupon I shot the old bird, as I had resolved to secure him at all events. On rejoining my companion, he could not at first believe me to be serious, when I told him the sound we had heard had proceeded from the old cock that I presented to him, and who had been calling his family together at the close of day in the manner I have described. On my return to camp, I entered in my note-book the following description which I took from this bird:—

“Length 23 inches, 6 lines; alar stretch, 26 inches; tail, 11 inches; tarsus, 2 inches, 7 lines. The bill similar to that of the common fowl, but longer on the ridge and more curved at the point; the upper mandible light slate blue, the lower yellowish, but brown near the base; legs and feet blackish slate color; the nails black; the irides dark hazel; the chin devoid of feathers, and its skin, which is of an orange-red color, approximating in looseness to the gills of the common fowl; general color above, a brownish olive, with dark green reflections, deepest on the head; breast and belly light rufous, with whitish longitudinal pencillings; tail (of twelve feathers) darker than the back, and with a broad terminal band of dull white; wings dusky olive. A male; a very fine specimen, killed near Encinal, Dec. 30, 1846.

“A remarkable feature in the poliocephala is the eye, which in the living bird is full of courage and animation—it is equal, in fact, in brilliancy to that of the finest game cock.

“I frequently noticed this bird domesticated by the Mexicans at Matamoras, Monterey, &c., and going at large about their gardens. I was assured that in this condition it not unfrequently crossed with the common fowl; but I did not see the progeny.

“In the wild state, the eggs are from six to eight, never exceeding the last number. They are white, without spots; and rather smaller than a pullet’s egg. The nest is usually made on the ground, at the root of a large tree, or at the side of an old log, where a hole several inches deep is scratched in the ground; this is lined with leaves, and the eggs are always carefully covered with the same when the female leaves them for the purpose of feeding. If disturbed while on her nest, she flies at the intruder with all the spirit and determination of the common domestic hen, whose retreat has been invaded.”

This species has been noticed by several of the naturalists who have recently made such important contributions to the ornithology of the southwestern frontier of the United States. Specimens brought by Mr. John H. Clark, were obtained near Ringgold Barracks, Texas. The fine collection made in Texas and Mexico, by Lieut. D. N. Couch, of the United States Army, contained specimens obtained in the State of New Leon, in the latter country.

DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.

Genus Ortalida. Merrem, Icones et Desc. Av. p. 40. (1786.)

General form rather slender and lengthened; bill short, curved, rather wide at base; aperture of the nostril large; wings short, rounded; fourth, fifth, and sixth quills longest; tail long; tarsi moderate, rather robust; colors usually plain. A genus of American birds, containing about fifteen species.

Ortalida poliocephala. (Wagler.)

Penelope poliocephala. Wagler, Isis, 1830, p. 1112.

Form. Bill short, curved; wing short, rounded; first quill short, sixth slightly longest; secondaries long and broad; tail long, graduated; external feathers nearly three inches shorter than those in the middle; tarsi moderate, rather robust, and having in front about ten wide transverse scales; a bare space on each side of the throat from the corners of the lower mandible; feathers of the middle of the throat stiff and bristle-like; plumage of the head above somewhat elongated and erectile, and with the shafts of the feathers slightly rigid and hair-like, especially in front.

Dimensions. Male.—Total length of skin, about 21 inches; wing, 8; tail, 10; tarsus, 2½ inches.

Colors. Head above and neck dark greenish cinereous, the shafts of the feathers in front black; back, rump, wing-coverts, and exposed portions of quills, dark olive, slightly tinged with ashy; quills brownish black, widely edged on their outer web with olive; tail dark glossy bluish green, widely tipped with white; plumage of the middle of the throat black, bare spaces on each side reddish orange; breast, sides, flanks, and tibiae, dull yellowish green, very pale, and in some specimens nearly white on the middle of the abdomen, and frequently tinged with rufous on the flanks and tibia; under tail-coverts dark rufous, frequently tinged with green; bill dark, light at the tip, especially of the under mandible; tarsi light.

Hab. Texas. Mexico. Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philad., and Nat. Mus., Washington.

Obs. There is a general resemblance of several species of this genus to each other, almost impossible to be pointed out in the limits of our present article. The bird now before us may be recognised, however, without difficulty, by its comparatively large size and the dark cinereous color of its head and neck.

Specimens of this bird in adult plumage are yet rarely brought in collections, and we suspect is only attained in several years.

BERNICLA LEUCOPAREIA.—(Brandt.)
The White-necked Goose.
PLATE XLV. Adult Male.

On the western coast of North America, this is one of the most abundant of the species of Geese. In California it appears regularly in the course of its migrations in the spring and autumn, and at both seasons is brought to the market in San Francisco, in large numbers.

This bird is a near relative of Hutchins’ Goose, a well known species, though not of common occurrence on the Atlantic coast. It is more frequently met with in the larger rivers of the interior. From that species our present bird may be easily distinguished by the white ring around the neck, a character not mentioned in the descriptions given by authors, nor represented in the plate in Mr. Audubon’s Birds of America, of Hutchins’ Goose. The plate alluded to is the only one of the species which has come under our notice, and is given with that eminent naturalist’s usual great accuracy, but may not, we suspect, represent a bird in mature plumage. This suspicion we have been induced to entertain from an examination of the specimen figured by Mr. Audubon, for an opportunity to make which we are indebted to the kindness of our friend, Mr. J. P. Giraud, of New York, to whose fine collection it belongs.

We are not, however, sufficiently familiar with Hutchins’ Goose, to feel qualified to decide respecting the identity of the present species.

This bird was first described by Prof. Brandt, a distinguished Russian naturalist, who ascertained it be an inhabitant of the coasts of Russian America. This author, and various others of Russia, have done much towards elucidating the Natural History of Northwestern America, and in some instances names given by them will be found to anticipate those of Americans, especially in ornithology.

As a species occurring on the coast of California, our present bird was first observed by Mr. John G. Bell, of New York, whose collection made in that country contained numerous specimens. Since that period, it has been noticed by nearly all our naturalists, though nothing is recorded of its habits or history. In fact, the water-birds of Western America have by no means received sufficient attention, and contributions to their history would be important additions to American ornithology.

DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.

Genus Bernicla. Stephens, Cont. of Shaw’s Zool. XII. p. 45. (1824).

Bernicla leucopareia. (Brandt.)

Anser leucopareius. Brandt, Bulletin Acad., St. Petersburg, I., p. 37. Desc. et Icones Animalium Rossicorum novorum. Aves, p. 13, pl. 2, (1836.)

Anser Hutchinsii. Richardson, Fauna Boreali Americana, Birds, p. 470? (1831.)

“Anser canadensis. Brisson.” Pallas, Zoographia Rosso-Asiatica, II., p. 230.

Form. Bill small, short, wide vertically at base; wing long, second quill longest; tail short; legs short; toes moderate, fully webbed. A protuberance on the edge of the wing near the shoulder. One of the smallest of the species of this genus.

Dimensions. Total length, male (of skin) about 23 inches, wing 15, tail 5½ inches.

Colors. Head and neck glossy black; a large somewhat reniform patch on each cheek, white, and a ring around the neck of the same (white) at the termination of the black part. Entire upper parts fuscous, lighter on the back, and with the feathers edged with paler and very dark, nearly black on the rump; upper tail coverts white; quills and tail brownish-black; secondaries edged outwardly with pale brown; breast and abdomen glossy yellowish ashy, with transverse stripes of brown on the sides; ventral region and under tail coverts, white; bill and feet dark; under wing coverts and axillaries light ashy brown; the white ring around the neck more or less interrupted behind; the white patches on the cheeks separated by a narrow longitudinal band on the throat.

Hab. California. Russian America. Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philad.

Obs. As stated in the preceding pages, this bird much resembles, if it is not identical with, the species known as Bernicla Hutchinsii, from which the most essential distinctive character is the white ring around the neck. If identical, we have, at any rate, the gratification of being the first to represent that species, in mature plumage. At present we regard it as a distinct, though nearly allied bird.

The date of the publication of Prof. Brandt’s first description we have not succeeded in ascertaining, not having access to the Bulletin of the Academy of St. Petersburg. The reference to the volume and page we copy from his own citation, in his work above quoted, in which, however, the date is not stated.

THALASSIDROMA FURCATA.—(Gmelin.)
The Gray Storm Petrel.
PLATE XLVI. Adults.

The little birds of the group to which that now before the reader belongs, are known to seamen, wherever the English language is spoken, as Storm Petrels, or “Mother Carey’s Chickens,” and have too, a reputation, not without a tinge of superstition, of being the harbingers of the storm and of maritime disaster.

Of the many birds adapted by their organization to a life of adventure on the ocean or its tributaries, and of which in fact during a large portion of their lives they are almost as much inhabitants as fishes, the Albatrosses and the Storm Petrels, or Mother Carey’s Chickens, venture the most boldly. The birds of both these genera, though one contains the largest and the other the smallest of marine birds, are alike in this particular character, and are also alike known as inhabitants of shores very remote from each other, and as wanderers over immense extents of the ocean.

Boldly directing their course far out on the sea, like their gigantic relatives the Albatrosses, our present little birds are frequently to be met with in nearly all latitudes usually traversed by navigators, and are generally tempted to remain for a time in the wakes of vessels, and about them, by the fragments of food to be gleaned from refuse thrown overboard. Flitting as it were before the gale, with it, the appearance of these birds may readily be coincident, or premonitory of its coming, thus acquiring, and perhaps in some degree justly, the attributed character of precursors.

Several species of these birds are found on the coasts of the United States. The most abundant and best known is Wilson’s Storm Petrel (Thalassidroma Wilsonii), a bird which is perhaps to be regarded as more nearly cosmopolite than any other, so extensive are its wanderings over the surface of the ocean. It is of common occurrence throughout the whole extent of the eastern shores of the continent of America, and it has been repeatedly noticed and captured at various points on the coasts of Europe and Africa, thus demonstrating a range over nearly the entire Atlantic Ocean. In the Pacific also it is well known, though it is not so abundant. Mr. Gould gives it as a bird of Australia; and the naturalists of the United States’ Exploring Expedition in the Vincennes and Peacock, record its appearance at various other points in the Pacific Ocean.

The histories of this, and of other American species of Storm Petrels, are perhaps as well known as those of the sea-birds generally, and much that is interesting may be found in the articles on them in the works of our predecessors in American Ornithology; but we cannot allow the present occasion to pass without availing ourselves of the kindness of our friend, Charles Pickering, M. D., of Boston, one of the naturalists attached to the Exploring Expedition, and justly ranked with the most eminent of American Zoologists.

With his characteristic liberality, Dr. Pickering has placed at our disposal much valuable information relative to birds observed during the voyage of the Expedition, especially on the western coast of North America, and in other localities of interest, with reference to American species. From his manuscript we copy the following in relation to Wilson’s Petrel, which occurs under date of October 24th, 1838, and from the latitude and longitude given, the nearest land was the coast of Africa:

“A stormy Petrel taken, which proved to be Thalassidroma Wilsonii, and although this species and others of its genus have been constantly seen during the voyage of the Expedition, this is the first specimen that has been captured without having been injured, thus affording whatever facilities can be obtained on shipboard for observing its manners.

“I was rather surprised to observe that this bird was not only entirely incapable of perching, but even of standing upright like birds in general, and as I have seen birds of this genus represented, unless by the aid of its wings. In standing, or rather sitting, the whole of the tarsus (commonly mistaken for the leg) rests on the ground, and it walks in the same awkward position, frequently being obliged to balance itself with its wings. By a more powerful exertion of its wings, however, it was enabled to run along on its toes in the same manner as it does over the surface of the waves. The absence of a hind toe, the nails being but slightly bent and flat, and perhaps I may add, its evidently being unaccustomed to this description of locomotion, seemed to be the causes of its helplessness on its feet.

“These birds have been numerous about us for some days past, and their coursing over the water with flitting wings remind me of the actions of butterflies about a pool. One of them was seen swimming, or at least resting, on the surface. We have seen this species very frequently, indeed almost daily, since leaving America, and scarcely any other sea-birds, except in the immediate vicinity of the islands. It would seem that it scarcely ever visits the land, except for the purposes of incubation, and there can hardly be a better comment on its untiring power of wing than the popular fable amongst seamen that it carries its egg and hatches its young while sitting in the water. It does not sail in the continued manner of the gulls and some other sea-birds, but moves by rapidly flexing its wings something like a bat, and was continually coursing around and in the wake of the vessel, generally in considerable numbers, during much the greater part of the time that the Expedition was in the Atlantic Ocean.”

The curious fact that this bird cannot stand upright we do not remember ever before having seen noticed. Of the specimen alluded to, Dr. Pickering gives notes of a minute and evidently very careful anatomical examination, which the limits of our present article will not allow us to insert. They are, however, confirmatory, in most respects, of the account of the anatomy of this species, given by Mr. Audubon, in Ornithological Biography, V., p. 645.

The bird before the reader in the present plate is an inhabitant of the Northern Pacific Ocean, and is an interesting addition to the ornithological fauna of the United States, made by the naturalists of the Exploring Expedition, under command of Captain Charles Wilkes, to which we have previously alluded. Though long known as a bird of the coasts of Asiatic Russia and of Russian America, it had never before been noticed on the more southern coast of Oregon, where it was found in large numbers by the Expedition, and specimens then obtained are now in the National Museum at Washington.

This bird was first noticed by the celebrated Pennant, in Arctic Zoology, Vol. II., p. 255, who called it the “Fork-tailed Petrel.” An accurate description is given by him, but no further account of it than merely stating “taken among the ice between Asia and America.” On the faith of this description, Gmelin, in Systema Naturæ, as cited below, gave the scientific name. Subsequently, Pallas mentions it as an inhabitant of the coasts of Unalaschka and of the Kurile Islands. It is also mentioned in the Zoology of the Voyage of the Sulphur, (London, 1844,) and very handsomely figured from specimens obtained at Sitka in Russian America.

To the journal of Dr. Pickering we have again to acknowledge our obligations for a notice of this bird. First recording its occurrence on the 26th of April, 1840, at sea, the distance from the coast of Oregon being about 200 miles, he subsequently mentions it under date of 29th of the same month, as follows:

“In sight of the coast of Oregon. Great numbers of the gray Thalassidroma are to-day flitting around and in the track of the vessel, very actively engaged in searching for particles of food thrown overboard. Generally, this bird reminds us of T. Wilsonii, but the wings seem longer, and its movements appear to be more rapid, and in fact more like that of the larger Petrels, (Procellaria.) It occasionally sails in its flight, but for the greater part moves by very rapidly flexing its wings in the same manner as the species mentioned.

“These birds proved not difficult to capture, and several specimens were taken with a hook and line. They would dive a foot or two after the bait, and made use of their wings in and under the water, from which they apparently had not that difficulty in rising observable in the Albatrosses. Though their powers of swimming seemed rather feeble, they alighted in the water without hesitation. The dead body of one of their companions being thrown overboard, they clustered around it with as much avidity as around any other food.

“The specimens obtained agree generally in color of plumage, being nearly a uniform pale gray, with the abdomen sometimes paler or nearly white, and generally showing a lighter bar across the wing, when expanded. Uttered a faint note when taken on board.”

At present we have no further information relating to this interesting species.

DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.

Genus Thalassidroma. Vigors. Zool. Jour. II., p. 405. (1825.)

Size small; bill rather wide at base, compressed towards the end, and abruptly hooked; lower mandible shorter; nostril elevated, tubular; wings long, pointed, second quill usually longest; tail moderate, rather wide, usually emarginate or forked; legs long, slender; tibiæ more or less naked above the joint with the tarsi; toes rather short, fully webbed. A genus comprising about twelve species, all of which are strictly marine, and inhabit the various oceans of the world.

Thalassidroma furcata. (Gmelin.)

Procellaria furcata. Gm. Syst. Nat. I., p. 561. (1788.)

Procellaria orientalis. Pallas. Zoog. Ross. As. II., p. 315. (1831.)

Thalassidroma cinerea. Gould.

Form. Wing long; second quill longest; tail forked; legs shorter than usual in this genus; under coverts of the tail long.

Dimensions. Total length (of skin) about 8 inches; wing 6; tail 4 inches.

Colors. Entire plumage light cinereous or lead color; lighter, and in some specimens, nearly white on the abdomen and under tail coverts; lesser wing coverts darker; in some specimens nearly black; quills and tail slightly tinged with brown; greater wing coverts and secondaries pale on their outer edges; primaries nearly white on their inner edges; bill and feet black.

Hab. Coasts of Oregon, Russian America, Northeastern Asia, and the Pacific Ocean. Spec. in Nat. Mus., Washington, and Mus. Acad., Philad.

This bird belongs to a group of the genus Thalassidroma, of which T. marina is the best known species, an inhabitant of the Southern Pacific Ocean, and figured by Mr. Gould as a bird of Australia.

All the species of this group are characterised by cinereous plumage, a strong distinctive character from the greater part of the birds of this genus, which are of dark colors, and in some species nearly black. The present bird does not, in any considerable degree, resemble any other American species, and may be easily recognised.