321. Inca Dove. Scardafella inca.

Range.--Mexican border of the United States south to Central America and Lower California.

This handsome species is about the size of the last, but its tail is longer and graduated, consequently its length is greater, it being about 8 inches long. It is not an uncommon species along our Mexican border, but is not nearly as abundant as is the Ground Dove. It is often called "Scaled Dove" because of the blackish edges of nearly all its feathers. They build fairly compact nests of twigs, rootlets and weeds, these being placed in bushes at a low elevation. They are two in number and pure white. Size .85 × .65.

322. Key West Quail Dove. Geotrygon chrysia.

Range.--West Indies, rarely found at Key West, although supposed to have been common there in Audubon's time. This species is of about the size of the Mourning Dove, has rusty colored upper parts, and is whitish below, the white below the eye being separated from that of the throat by a stripe of dusky from the base of the bill. They nest in trees, laying two buffy white eggs. Size 1.15 × .9O.

322.1. Ruddy Quail Dove. Geotrygon montana.

Range.--Central America, north to eastern Mexico and the West Indies; once taken at Key West. This species is similar to the last but has no white streak under the eye, and the underparts are buffy. Eggs, creamy white. Size 1.15 × .90.

323. Blue-headed Quail Dove. Starnoenas cyanocephala.

Range.--Cuba, accidentally straying to Key West, but not in recent years.

It is a beautiful species, with a bright blue crown, black throat and stripe through the eye, separated by a white line under the eye. The rest of the plumage is of a brownish or rusty color. Eggs buffy white. Size 1.30 × 1.05.

CALIFORNIA VULTURE.

VULTURES, HAWKS and OWLS. Order XII. RAPTORES

AMERICAN VULTURES. Family CATHARTIDAE

Vultures are peculiarly formed birds of prey, having a bare head and neck, a lengthened bill strongly hooked at the end for tearing flesh, and long, strong, broad wings upon which they float in the air for hours at a time without any visible flapping. They are scavengers and do great service to mankind by devouring dead animal matter, that, if allowed to remain, would soon taint the atmosphere. Their eyesight and sense of smell is very acute. They do not, except in very unusual cases, capture their prey, but feed upon that which has been killed or died of disease.

Ashy gray.

324. California Vulture. Gymnogyps californianus.

Range.--Apparently now restricted to the coast ranges of California, casually inland to Arizona, and formerly to British Columbia.

This large bird, which weighs about 20 pounds, measures about 4 feet in length, and has an expanse of wings of about 10 feet. Its plumage is blackish with lengthened lanceolate feathers about the neck, and with the greater wing coverts broadly tipped with grayish white (in very old birds). The birds are very rare in their restricted range and are becoming scarcer each year, owing to their being shot and their nests robbed. While the eggs are very rarely found and only secured at a great risk, they are not as unobtainable as many suppose, as may be seen from the fact that one private collection contains no less than six perfect specimens of the eggs and as many mounted birds. These birds lay but a single egg, placing it generally in caves or recesses in the face of cliffs, hundreds of feet from the ground, and often in inaccessible locations. The eggs are of an ashy gray color and measure about 4.45 × 1.55.

325. Turkey Vulture. Cathartes aura septentrionalis.

Range.--America, from New Jersey on the Atlantic coast, Manitoba and British Columbia, south to southern South America, wintering in the southern half of the United States.

The plumage of this small Buzzard (length 30 inches) is blackish brown, the naked head being red. It is very common in the southern and central portions of its range, where it frequents the streets and door yards picking up any refuse that is edible. It is a very graceful bird while on the wing, and can readily be identified when at a distance from the fact that, when in flight, the tips of the wings curve upward. The two eggs which constitute a set are laid upon the ground between large rocks, in hollow stumps, under logs, or between the branching trunks of large trees, generally in large woods. They frequently nest in communities and again, only a single pair may be found in the woods. Its nesting season ranges from March until June in the different localities. The eggs are creamy or bluish white, spotted and blotched with shades of brown, and with fainter markings of lavender. Size 2.70 × 1.85.

326. Black Vulture. Catharista uruba.

Range.--More southerly than the preceding; north regularly to North Carolina and southern Illinois, and west to the Rocky Mountains.

This species is about the same size, or slightly smaller than the Turkey Vulture; its plumage is entirely black as is also the naked head, and bill. In the South Atlantic and Gulf States, the present species is even more abundant than the preceding, and might even be said to be partially domesticated. The nesting habits are the same as those of the Turkey Buzzard but their eggs average longer and the ground color is pale greenish or bluish white rather than creamy. They are spotted and blotched the same. Size 3.00 × 2.00.

Bluish white.
EGG OF BLACK VULTURE.

NEST AND EGGS OF TURKEY VULTURE.

KITES, HAWKS AND EAGLES. Family BUTEONIDÆ

The members of this family are chiefly diurnal; they get their living by preying upon smaller animals or birds. They have strong sharply hooked bills, powerful legs and feet armed with strong, curved and sharply pointed talons.

327. Swallow-tailed Kite. Elanoides forficatus.

Range.--Southern United States; casually north to New York and Manitoba.

This most beautiful Kite can never be mistaken for any other; its whole head, neck and underparts are snowy white, while the back, wings and tail are glossy blue black, the wings being very long and the tail long and deeply forked. The extreme length of the bird is 24 inches. As a rule nests of this bird are placed high up in the tallest trees; they are made of sticks, weeds and moss. Two eggs, or rarely three, constitute a full set. They are white or bluish white, spotted with brown. The one figured is an unusually handsome marked specimen in the collection of Mr. C. W. Crandall. Average size of eggs, 1.80 × 1.50. Data.--Yegna Creek bottoms, Texas, April 27, 1891. Two eggs. Nest of sticks and green moss, the same moss also being used for lining; in an elm tree 80 feet up.

328. White-tailed Kite. Elanus leucurus.

Range.--Southern United States, north to the Carolinas, Illinois and middle California.

This species can be recognized by its light bluish gray mantle, black shoulders and white tail. It is a very active species, feeding upon insects and reptiles, and small birds and mammals. The nests of these species are placed in trees at quite an elevation from the ground, being made of sticks, weeds and leaves. The eggs are creamy white, profusely blotched and spotted with reddish brown and umber. Size 1.65 × 1.25. Data.--Los Angeles, Cal., April 9, 1896. Nest in fork of willows about 25 feet up. Made of willow twigs and weed stalks, lined with pieces of bark.

329. Mississippi Kite. Ictinia mississippiensis.

Range.--Southeastern United States, north to South Carolina and Illinois.

A small species (length 14 inches) with the head, neck, and underparts gray, and the back, wings and tail blackish, the tips of the secondaries being grayish. They live almost exclusively upon insects, such as grasshoppers, and small reptiles. They build their nests of sticks and weeds well up in tall trees. The eggs are two or three in number and normally bluish white, unmarked, but occasionally with very faint spots of pale brown. Size 1.65 × 1.25. Data.--Giddings, Texas, May 31, 1887. Nest of sticks and weeds, with green pecan leaves in the lining; placed in the top of a live oak sapling, 20 feet from the ground. Collector, J. A. Singley.

330. Everglade Kite. Rostrhamus sociabilis.

Range.--South America, north to southern Florida and Mexico.

This peculiar species has a long, slender, curved bill, blackish plumage, with white rump and bases of outer tail feather. They feed largely upon snails, both land and water varieties. They nest at a low elevation in bushes or under brush, often over the water.

The nests are of sticks, weeds and leaves. The three eggs are light greenish white, spotted and splashed with chestnut brown. Size, 1.70 × 1.30. Nest in a custard apple tree, 6 feet from the ground, built of twigs, lined with small vine stems and willow leaves.

NEST AND EGGS OF MARSH HAWK.

331. Marsh Hawk. Circus hudsonius.

Range.--Whole of North America, very abundant in all sections.

The adult of this species is very light colored, and young birds of the first two years have a reddish brown coloration; in both plumages the species is easily identified by the white patch on the rump. They are, almost exclusively frequenters of fields and marshes, where they can most often be seen, towards dusk, swooping in broad curves near the ground, watching for field mice, which form the larger portion of their diet. Their nests are made in swampy ground, often in the middle of a large marsh, being placed on the ground in the centre of a hummock or clump of grass; it is generally well lined with grasses and often rushes. They lay from four to seven pale bluish white eggs, generally unmarked; size 1.80 × 1.40.

332. Sharp-shinned Hawk. Accipiter velox.

Range.--Whole of North America, wintering in the United States and southward; breeds throughout its range, but most abundantly in northern United States and northward. This is one of the smallest of the hawks and in the adult plumage is a beautiful species, being barred below with light brown, and having a bluish slate back. It is a very spirited and daring bird and is one of the most destructive to small birds and young chickens. Its nest is a rude and sometimes very frail platform of twigs and leaves placed against the trunk of the tree at any height, but averaging, perhaps, fifteen feet. The eggs are bluish white, beautifully blotched and spotted with shades of brown.

333. Cooper's Hawk. Accipiter cooperi.

Range.--Whole of temperate North America, breeding throughout its range.

Although larger (length 17 inches), the plumage of this species is almost exactly the same as that of the preceding. Like the last, this is also a destructive species. They construct their nests in the crotches of trees, generally at quite a height from the ground; the nest is made of sticks and twigs, and often lined with pieces of bark; occasionally an old Hawk's or Crow's nest is used by the birds. Their eggs are bluish white, unmarked or faintly spotted with pale brown.

334. Goshawk. Astur atricapillus atricapillus.

Range.--Northern North America, south in winter to the northern parts of the United States.

This species is one of the largest, strongest and most audacious of American Hawks, frequently carrying off Grouse and poultry, the latter often in the presence of the owner. It is a handsome species in the adult plumage, with bluish gray upper parts, and light under parts, finely vermiculated with grayish and black shafts to the feathers. Length 23 inches. Their nests are placed well up in the tallest trees, usually in dense woods, the nests being of sticks lined with weeds and bark. The three or four eggs are bluish white, generally unmarked, but occasionally with faint spots of brown. Size 2.30 x 1.70.

NEST AND EGGS OF COOPER'S HAWK.

334a. Western Goshawk. Astur atricapillus striatulus.

Range.--Western North America from Alaska to California, breeding chiefly north of the United States except in some of the higher ranges of the Pacific coast. This sub-species is darker, both above and below, than the American Goshawk. Its nesting habits and eggs are precisely the same. The eggs are quite variable in size.

335. Harris's Hawk. Parabuteo unicinctus harrisi.

Range.--Mexico and Central America, north to the Mexican border of the United States; very abundant in southern Texas.

This is a peculiar blackish species, with white rump, and chestnut shoulders and thighs. It is commonly met with in company with Caracaras, Turkey Buzzards and Black Vultures, feeding upon carrion. They also feed to an extent on small mammals and birds. Their nests are made of sticks, twigs and weeds, and placed in bushes or low trees. The three or four eggs are laid in April or May. They are dull white in color and generally unmarked, although often showing traces of pale brown spots. They are quite variable in size, averaging 2.10 x 1.65.

White.

337. Red-tailed Hawk. Buteo borealis borealis.

This is one of the handsomest of the larger hawks, and is the best known in the east, where it is commonly, but wrongly, designated as "hen hawk", a name, however, which is indiscriminately applied to any bird that has talons and a hooked beak. The adult of this species is unmistakable because of its reddish brown tail; young birds are very frequently confounded with other species. Their food consists chiefly of small rodents, snakes and lizards, and only occasionally are poultry or birds taken. They nest in the tallest trees in large patches of woods, the nests being made of sticks, weeds, leaves and trash. The eggs number from two to four, and are white, sometimes heavily, and sometimes sparingly, blotched and spotted with various shades of brown. Size 2.35 x 1.80.

337a. Krider's Hawk. Buteo borealis krideri.

Range.--Plains of the United States, north to Manitoba.

This sub-species is described as lighter on the underparts, which are almost immaculate. Its nesting habits and eggs are the same as those of the preceding.

337b. Western Red-tail. Buteo borealis calurus.

Range.--Western North America, chiefly west of the Rocky Mountains.

This sub-species varies from the plumage of the eastern Red-tail, to a nearly uniform sooty above and below, with the dark red tail crossed by several bands; it is a generally darker variety than the Red-tail. Its nesting habits are the same and the eggs show the great variations in markings that are common to the eastern bird.

337d. Harlan's Hawk. Buteo borealis harlani.

Range.--Gulf States and southward, north to Kansas.

This dark sub-species is generally nearly uniform blackish, but sometimes is lighter or even white below. Its tail is rusty, mottled with blackish and white. Its nesting habits are the same and the eggs are not distinguishable from those of the other Red-tails.

339. Red-shouldered Hawk. Buteo lineatus lineatus.

Range.--North America, east of the Plains and from the southern parts of the British Provinces southward; abundant and breeding throughout its range.

This species is smaller than the Red-tailed and is not as powerfully built; length 19 inches. The adults are handsomely barred beneath with reddish brown, giving the entire underparts a ruddy color. Like the last species, they rarely feed upon poultry, confining their diet chiefly to mice, rats, frogs, reptiles, etc. These Hawks nest in the larger growths of timber, usually building their nests high above the ground. The nest is of sticks, and lined with leaves, weeds and pieces of bark. They lay three or four eggs with a white ground color, variously blotched and spotted, either sparingly or heavily, with different shades of brown. Size 2.15 × 1.75. Data.--Kalamazoo, Michigan, April 25, 1898. Nest about 40 feet up in an oak tree; made of sticks and twigs and lined with bark. Four eggs. Collector, J. C. Holmes.

339a. Florida Red-shouldered Hawk. Buteo lineatus alleni.

Range.--Florida and the Gulf coast; north to South Carolina. The nesting habits of this paler sub-species are precisely like those of the last species.

NEST AND EGGS OF RED-SHOULDERED HAWK.

339b. Red-bellied Hawk. Buteo lineatus elegans.

Range.--Pacific coast from British Columbia south to Lower California, chiefly west of the Rockies.

This variety is similar to, but darker than lineatus, and the underparts are a uniform reddish brown, without barring. Their nests are like those of the Red-shouldered variety, and almost always placed high up in the largest trees. The eggs are very similar, but average lighter in markings. Size 2.15 × 1.70. Data.--Diego, Cal., April 13, 1897. Nest in a sycamore 20 feet from ground, made of sticks, leaves and feathers.

340. Zone-tailed Hawk. Buteo abbreviatus.

Range.--Mexico and Central America, north to the Mexican border of the United States.

This species, which is 19 inches long, is wholly black with the exception of the tail, which is banded. Their nests are built in heavy woods, and preferably in trees along the bank of a stream. The nest is of the usual Hawk construction and the two to four eggs are white, faintly marked with pale chestnut. Data.--Marathon, Texas. Nest of sticks, lined with weeds and rabbit fur; on a horizontal branch of a cotton-wood tree, 30 feet up.

White.

341. Sennett's White-tailed Hawk. Buteo albicaudatus sennetti.

Range.--Mexican border of the United States and southward.

A large, handsome Hawk which may be identified by its dark upper parts and white underparts and tail, the flanks and tail being lightly barred with grayish; the shoulders are chestnut. It is especially abundant in the southern parts of Texas, where it builds its nests of sticks and weeds, lined with grasses, leaves and moss. They nest in March and April, laying two, or rarely three, eggs which are a dull white, and generally immaculate, but occasionally faintly or sparingly spotted with brown. Size of eggs 2.25 × 1.80.

342. Swainson's Hawk. Buteo swainsoni.

Range.--Central and western North America, from the Mississippi Valley and Hudson Bay, to the Pacific coast, breeding throughout its range.

In the greater part of its range, this is the most abundant of the Hawk family. Its plumage is extremely variable, showing all the intergradations from a uniform sooty blackish to the typical adult plumage of a grayish above, and a white below, with a large breast patch of rich chestnut. Their nesting habits are as variable as their plumage. In some localities, they nest exclusively in trees, in others indifferently upon the ground or rocky ledges. The nest is the usual Hawk structure of sticks; the eggs are white, variously splashed and spotted with reddish brown and umber. Size 2.20 × 1.70. Data.--Stark Co., N. D., May 21, 1897. Nest of sticks, lined with weeds in an ash tree. Collector, Roy Dodd.

343. Broad-winged Hawk. Buteo platypterus.

Range.--North America, east of the Plains, and from the British Provinces southward.

A medium sized species, about 16 inches in length, and with a short tail and broad rounded wings; adults have the underparts handsomely barred with brown. Their nests are usually built in large trees, but generally placed against the trunk in the crotch of some of the lower branches. It is made of sticks and almost invariably lined with bark. The two to four eggs are of a grayish white color, marked with chestnut, brown and stone gray; size 1.90 × 1.55. Data.--Worcester, Mass., May 16, 1895. Nest about 20 feet up in a large chestnut tree. The birds continually circled overhead, their weird cries sounding like the creaking of branches. Collector, A. J. White.

344. Short-tailed Hawk. Buteo brachyurus.

Range.--A tropical species, which occurs north to the Mexican border and regularly to southern Florida, where it breeds in the large cypress swamps. Its eggs are pale greenish white, sparingly spotted with brown, chiefly at the large end. Size 2.15 × 1.60.

345. Mexican Black Hawk. Urubitinga anthracina.

Range.--Mexican border of the United States and southward.

A coal black species about 22 inches in length, distinguished by the white tip, and broad white band across the tail about midway. This is one of the least abundant of the Mexican species that cross the border. They are shy birds and build their nests in the tallest trees in remote woods. Their two or three eggs are grayish white, faintly spotted with pale brown; size 2.25 × 1.80. Data.--Los Angeles County, Cal., April 6, 1889. Nest of sticks, lined with bark and leaves; 45 feet up in a sycamore tree. Collector, R. B. Chapman.

346. Mexican Goshawk. Asturina plagiata.

Range.--Mexico, north to the border of the United States.

A beautiful, medium sized Hawk (17 inches long), slaty gray above, white below, numerously barred with grayish; tail black, crossed by several white bars. These are graceful and active birds, feeding largely upon small rodents, and occasionally small birds. They nest in the top of tall trees, laying two or three greenish white, unmarked eggs; size 1.95 x 1.60. Data.--Santa Cruz River, Arizona, June 3, 1902. Nest in the fork of a mesquite tree about forty feet from the ground; made of large sticks, lined with smaller ones and leaves. Three eggs. Collector, O. W. Howard.

347a. Rough-legged Hawk. Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis.

Range.--Northern North America, breeding chiefly north of our borders and wintering south to the middle portions of the United States.

The Rough-legs are large, heavily built birds of prey, specially characterized by the completely feathered legs. The present species is 22 inches long, and in the normal plumage has a whitish head, neck, breast and tail, the former being streaked and the latter barred with blackish; the remainder of the upper and underparts are blackish brown. Their nests are usually placed in trees, and less often on the ground than those of the next species. These Rough-legs are very irregularly distributed, and are nowhere as common as the next. While the greater number nest north of the United States, it is very probable that a great many nest on the higher ranges within our borders. The species is often taken in summer, even in Massachusetts. They lay three eggs of a bluish white color, boldly splashed with dark brown; size 2.25 x 1.75.

348. Ferruginous Rough-leg. Archibuteo ferrugineus.

Range.--North America, west of the Mississippi, breeding from the latitude of Colorado north to the Saskatchewan region.

This species nests very abundantly along our northern states, particularly in Dakota. It is a larger bird than the preceding and can easily be told by its reddish coloration, particularly on the shoulders and tibia. While in some localities they nest only in trees, the greater number appear to build their nests on the ground or rocky ledges, making a large heap of sticks, weeds and grass. Their three or four eggs are white, beautifully spotted and blotched, in endless variety, with various shades of brown. Size 2.60 x 2.00. Data.--Stark Co., N. D., April 29, 1900. Nest built of coarse sticks on a clay butte.

349. Golden Eagle. Aquila chrysætos.

Range.--North America, west of the Mississippi; most abundant in the Rockies and along the Pacific coast ranges.

This magnificent bird, which is even more powerful than the Bald Eagle, measures about 34 inches long, and spreads about 7 feet. Its plumage is a rich brownish black, very old birds being golden brown on the nape. They can be distinguished in all plumages from the Bald Eagle by the completely feathered tarsus. They build their nests in the tops of the tallest trees in the wild, mountainous country of the west, and more rarely upon ledges of the cliffs. The nests are made of large sticks, lined with smaller ones and leaves and weeds. Their eggs are the most handsome of the Raptores, being white in color, and blotched, splashed, spotted and specked with light brown and clouded with gray or lilac, of course varying endlessly in pattern and intensity. Size 2.90 x 2.50. Data.--Monterey Co., Cal., May 3, 1888. Three eggs. Nest of sticks, lined with pine needles, in a pine tree, 50 feet up.

BALD EAGLE.

351. Gray Sea Eagle. Haliæetus albicilla.

A common species on the sea coasts of Europe; straggling to southern Greenland, where it nests upon the rocky cliffs.

352. Bald Eagle. Haliæetus leucocephalus leucocephalus.

Range.--Whole of North America; most abundant on the Atlantic coast; breeds throughout its range. This large white-headed and white-tailed species is abundant in sufficiently wild localities along the Atlantic coast. It only attains the white head and tail when three years old, the first two years, being blackish. It is about 34 inches in length and expands about seven feet, never over eight feet, and only birds of the second year (when they are larger than the adults) ever approach this expanse. Their food consists of fish (which they sometimes capture themselves, but more often take from the Osprey), carrion, and Ducks, which they catch in flight. Their nests are massive structures of sticks, in the tops of tall trees. They very rarely lay more than two eggs, which are white. Size 2.75 x 2.10. Data.--Mt. Pleasant, S. C., nest in top of a pine, 105 feet from the ground; made of large sticks and lined with Spanish moss.

352a. Northern Bald Eagle.--Haliæetus leucocephalus alascanus.

Range.--Alaska. This sub-species averages slightly larger than the Bald Eagle, but never exceeds the largest dimensions of that species. Its nesting habits and eggs are the same, except that it more often builds its nests on rocky cliffs than does the Bald Eagle. The eggs are laid in February and March.

FALCONS AND CARACARAS

Family FALCONDIDAE

353. White Gyrfalcon. Falco islandus.

Range.--Arctic regions; south in winter casually to northern United States, chiefly on the coast.

Gyrfalcons are large, strong, active and fearless birds, about 23 inches in length. Their food consists chiefly of hares, Ducks and Waders which abound in the far north. The present species is snowy white, more or less barred with blackish brown on the back and wings and with a few marks on the breast. They nest upon the ledges of high cliffs, laying three or four eggs of a buffy color, blotched and finely specked with reddish brown, this color often concealing the ground color. Size of eggs, 2.30 × 1.80. In America, they nest in Greenland and the Arctic regions.

354. Gray Gyrfalcon. Falco rusticolus rusticolus.

Range.--Arctic regions; south in winter to northern United States.

This species is of the size of the last but the plumage is largely gray, barred with dusky. They nest more abundantly in southern Greenland than do the preceding species. The nesting habits and eggs do not differ.

354a. Gyrfalcon. Falco rusticolus gyrfalco.

Range.--Arctic regions; south casually to Long Island.

This sub-species is hardly to be distinguished from the preceding; its nesting habits and eggs are identical, the nests being of sticks, lined with weeds and feathers and placed upon the most inaccessible ledges of cliffs.

354b. Black Gyrfalcon. Falco rusticolus obsoletus.

Range.--Labrador; south casually, in winter, to Long Island.

A slightly darker variety. Eggs indistinguishable. Data.--Ungava coast, Labrador, May 25, 1900. Nest a heap of seaweed and feathers on sea cliff, containing three eggs.

355. Prairie Falcon. Falcon mexicanus.

Range.--United States west of the Mississippi, and from Dakota and Washington southward to Mexico.

This species abounds in suitable localities, generally placing its nests upon rocky ledges and cliffs, and sometimes trees, generally upon the banks of some stream. The nests are masses of sticks, lined with weeds and grasses. The three or four eggs have a reddish buff ground color, and are thickly sprinkled and blotched with reddish buff brown and chestnut; size 2.05 × 1.60.

356a. Duck Hawk. Falco peregrinus anatum.

Range.--Whole of North America, breeding locally, chiefly in mountainous regions, throughout its range.

This beautiful species, characterized by its black moustache, is the most graceful, fearless, and swiftest of the Falcons, striking down birds of several times its own weight, such as some of the larger Ducks. It breeds quite abundantly on the Pacific coast and in certain localities in the Dakotas, laying its eggs on the rocky ledges. Their eggs are similar to those of the Prairie Falcon, but are darker and brighter, in fact they are the darkest, brightest marked, and most beautiful of Falcon eggs; size 2.05 × 1.55.

356b. Peale's Falcon. Falco peregrinus pealei.

Range.--Pacific coast from northern United States north to Alaska.

A darker form of the preceding, such as occurs in this section with a great many other birds. The nesting habits and the eggs are precisely like those of the Duck Hawk.

357. Pigeon Hawk. Falco columbarius columbarius.

Range.--North America, breeding chiefly north of the United States except in some of the higher ranges along our northern border. A small Falcon, about 11 inches long, often confused with the Sharp-shinned Hawk, but much darker and a more stoutly built bird. It is a daring species, often attacking birds larger than itself; it also feeds on mice, grasshoppers, squirrels, etc. They generally build a nest of sticks in trees, deep in the woods; less often in natural cavities of dead trees; and sometimes on rocky ledges. Their four or five eggs have a brownish buff ground color, heavily blotched with brown and chestnut. Size 1.50 × 1.22.

357a. Black Pigeon Hawk. Falco columbarius suckleyi.

Range.--Pacific coast from northern United States north to Alaska.

Very similar in appearance to the preceding, but much darker, both above and below. Its nesting habits and eggs will not differ in any manner from those of the Pigeon Hawk.

357b. Richardson's Pigeon Hawk. Falco columbarius richardsoni.

Range.--Interior of North America from the Mississippi to the Rockies and from Mexico to the Saskatchewan.

This species is similar to the Pigeon Hawk, but is paler both above and below, and the tail bars are more numerous and white. Their nesting habits are the same as those of the preceding species, they either building in hollow trees, or making a rude nest of sticks and twigs in the tops of trees. The eggs have a creamy ground and are sprinkled with dots and blotches of various shades of brown. Size 1.60 × 1.23. The egg figured is one of a beautiful set of four in the collection of Mr. C. W. Crandall.

358.1 Merlin. Falco æsalon.

This common European species was once accidentally taken in southern Greenland. Their eggs are generally laid on the ground on cliffs or banks.

359. Aplomado Falcon. Falco fusco-cærulescens.

Range.--Tropical America north to Mexican boundary of the United States.

This handsome and strikingly marked Falcon is found in limited numbers within the United States, but south is common and widely distributed. They nest at a low elevation, in bushes or small trees, making their rude nests of twigs, lined with a few grasses. They lay three, and sometimes four, eggs which have a creamy white ground color, finely dotted with cinnamon, and with heavy blotches of brown. Size 1.75 × 1.30.

359.1. Kestrel. Falco tinnunculus.

Range.--Whole of Europe; accidental on the coast of Massachusetts.

This species is very similar in size and coloration to the American Sparrow Hawk. They are much more abundant than the Sparrow Hawk is in this country and frequently nest about houses, in hollow trees, on rafters of barns, or on ledges and embankments. Their eggs are of a reddish buff color, speckled and blotched with reddish brown, they being much darker than those of the American Sparrow Hawk.

360a. Desert Sparrow Hawk. Falco sparverius phalæna.

Range.--Western United States from British Columbia south to Mexico.

This variety is slightly larger and paler than the eastern form. There are no differences in the identification of the two varieties.

360. Sparrow Hawk. Falco sparverius.

Range.--North America, east of the Rocky Mountains and north to Hudson Bay; winters from the middle portions of the United States, southward.

This beautiful little Falcon is the smallest of the American Hawks, being only 10 inches in length. They are very abundant in the east, nesting anywhere in cavities in trees, either in woods or open fields. The eggs are generally deposited upon the bottom of the cavity with no lining; they are creamy or yellowish buff in color, sprinkled, spotted or blotched in endless variety, with reddish brown. Size 1.35 × 1.10. These birds are very noisy, especially when the young are learning to fly, uttering a loud, tinkling, "killy, killy, killy." They have a very amiable disposition, and frequently nest harmoniously in the same tree with other birds, such as Flickers and Robins.

360b. St. Lucas Sparrow Hawk. Falco sparverius peninsularis.

Range.--Lower California.

This variety is smaller than the eastern, and even paler than the western form. Eggs identical with eastern specimens.

361. Cuban Sparrow Hawk. Falco sparveroides.

A darker colored West Indian form, whose habits and nesting do not vary from those of the common Sparrow Hawk; casually taken in Florida.

Egg of Golden Eagle.

SPARROW HAWK.

362. Audubon Caracara. Polyborus cheriway.

Range.--Southern border of the United States south to South America.

A strikingly marked blackish and whitish species, much barred on the fore back and the breast, with the head and throat largely white, except for a black and somewhat crested crown. They are numerous in southern Texas and also in the interior of southern Florida, where they are resident. They build bulky, but shabby nests of sticks, weeds and grass, piled into a promiscuous heap, generally located in bushes or low trees. Their two or three eggs have a ground color varying from buff to bright cinnamon, and are dotted and blotched with all shades of brown and umber. On the whole, these eggs show a greater diversity of markings and ground color than those of any other species. Size 2.50 × 1.80.

Cinnamon.

363. Guadalupe Caracara. Polyborus lutosus.

Range.--Guadalupe Island and others off Lower California.

This species is somewhat like the preceding, but the plumage is duller, and the coloration more uniform. Their nesting habits and eggs do not vary essentially from those of Audubon Caracara. Mr. John Lewis Childs has a set of two eggs taken June 8, 1896, on Santa Anita Island, by Coolidge and Miller. The nest was made of sticks and situated in a giant cactus. The eggs are slightly brighter and more clearly marked than any of cheriway that I have ever seen.

OSPREY. Family Pandionidae

364. Osprey. Pandion haliætus carolinensis.

Range.--Whole of temperate America from the Arctic circle south to the equator, most abundant along the sea coasts.

Real old birds have the head whiter, and less white edging to the back feathers, than do the young. Feet very strong, and very hard and rough, perfectly adapted to grasping slippery fish; outer toe can be used equally as well, either in front or behind, when perching or grasping their prey.

Probably this great fisherman is as well known from one end of the country to the other as any of our wild birds. He is protected by law in a great many states and by custom in nearly all localities where they breed. It is one of the pleasantest sights along the coast to watch a number of these great birds as they soar at an elevation above the water, watching for fish to come near the surface, when, with folded wings, the bird speeds downward and plunges into the water, rarely missing his prey. In many localities they are very tame and nest in the vicinity of houses, sometimes even in the yard. Their nests are platforms of sticks, which, being used year after year and constantly added to, become of enormous proportions. They lay two or three eggs of a bright creamy color, handsomely blotched with bright chestnut brown. They show a great diversity of size as well as markings, but average 2.40 × 1.80.

OSPREY LEAVING NEST.

BARN OWLS. Family Alucondidae

365. Barn Owl. Aluco pratincola.

Range.--Chiefly in the southern parts of the United States; north casually to Massachusetts, Minnesota and Washington.

This is one of the lightest colored of the Owls; it has a long, peculiarly hooded face, from which it gets the name of "Monkey-faced Owl." Its plumage is yellowish buff, specked and barred lightly with blackish.

It nests usually in hollow cavities of trees, but appears to have no objections to barns, holes in banks, or anywhere it can find a concealed crevice in which to deposit its four to six pure white eggs; size 1.70 × 1.30.

HORNED OWL. Family Strigidae

366. Long-eared Owl. Asio wilsonianus.

Range.--North America, breeding from the southern parts of British America, southward.

This species is 15 inches in length; it can easily be separated from any other species by its long ear tufts, brownish face, and barred underparts. Their food consists almost entirely of small rodents, which they catch at night. Most of their nests are found in trees, they generally using old Crow's or Hawk's nests. They also, in some localities, nest in hollow trees, or in crevices among rocks. They lay from four to seven pure white eggs; size 1.55 × 1.35.

LONG-EARED OWL ON NEST.

367. Short-eared Owl. Asio flammeus.

Range.--Whole of North America, breeding from the middle portions of the United States northward, and wintering in the United States.

This species is of the size of the last, but is paler, has very short ear tufts, and is streaked beneath. Its habits are the same except that it frequently hunts, over the marshes and meadows, on dark days and towards dusk.

Their four to seven pure white eggs are laid upon the ground in marshy places, sometimes upon a lining of sticks and weeds, and are generally under a bush, or close to an old log. Size of eggs 1.55 × 1.25.

368. Barred Owl. Strix varia varia.

Range.--Eastern North America, from the British Provinces, southward; west to the Rockies.

This species is the most common of the large owls, and can be distinguished by its mottled and barred gray and white plumage, and lack of ear tufts; length 20 inches. It is the bird commonly meant by the term "hoot owl", and being strictly nocturnal, is rarely seen flying in the day time, unless disturbed from its roosting place in the deep woods. Its food consists chiefly of rats, mice and frogs, and sometimes, but not often, poultry. It nests in the heart of large woods, generally in hollows of large trees, and less often in deserted Crow's nests. They lay from two to four pure white eggs, averaging considerably smaller than those of the Great Horned Owl; size 1.95 × 1.65.

368a. Florida Barred Owl. Strix varia alleni.

Range.--Florida and the Gulf States; north to South Carolina.

BARRED OWL.

368b. Texas Barred Owl. Strix varia albogilva.

Range.--Southern Texas.

A very similar but slightly paler variety than the Barred Owl, and with the toes bare, as in alleni. Eggs indistinguishable.

369. Spotted Owl. Strix occidentalis occidentalis.

Range.--Western United States, from southern Oregon and Colorado, southward.

Similar to the Barred Owl, but spotted, instead of barred, on the back of head and neck, and much more extensively barred on the under parts. The nesting habits do not appear to differ in any respect from those of the eastern Barred Owl, and their eggs, which are from two to four in number, can not be distinguished from those of the latter species; size 2.05 × 1.80.

369a. Northern Spotted Owl. Strix occidentalis caurina.

Range.--Northwestern United States and British Columbia.

Similar to the preceding, but darker, both above and below; nesting the same, in hollow trees or in old Hawk's or Crow's nests. Eggs not distinguishable.

370. Great Gray Owl. Scotiaptex nebulosa.

Range.--Northern North America; wintering regularly south to the northern border of the United States and casually farther.

This is the largest of American Owls, being about 26 inches in length; it does not weigh nearly as much, however, as the Great Horned or Snowy Owls, its plumage being very light and fluffy, and dark gray in color, mottled with white. The facial disc is very large, and the eyes are small and yellow, while those of the Barred Owl are large and blue black. They nest in heavily wooded districts, building their nests of sticks, chiefly in pine trees. The two to four white eggs are laid during May and June; size 2.15 × 1.70.

370a. Lapp Owl. Scotiaptex nebulosa lapponica.

A paler form of the Great Gray Owl, inhabiting the Arctic regions of the Old World; accidental on the coast of Alaska. Their nesting habits and eggs do not differ from those of the American bird.

371. Richardson's Owl. Cryptoglaux funerea richardsoni.

Range.--Northern North America, breeding north of the United States; winters south to our border and casually farther.

This is a dark grayish and white bird, 10 inches in length, and without ear tufts. Breeds commonly in the extensively wooded districts of British America, chiefly in the northern parts. Their three or four white eggs are usually at the bottom of a cavity in a tree, but occasionally the birds build a rude nest of sticks and twigs, lined with leaves and placed in trees at a moderate height from the ground. Size of eggs, 1.25 × 1.05.

372. Saw-whet Owl; Acadian Owl. Cryptoglaux acadica acadica.

Range.--North America, breeding in the northern parts of the United States and in British America, and south in the Rockies to Mexico; winters south to the middle portions of the United States.

This small species (length 8 inches) is marked very similarly to the preceding, but the plumage is brown instead of gray. They normally nest in hollow trees, generally in deserted Woodpecker holes, in extensively wooded sections, and usually in mountainous country, especially in the United States. They have also been known to nest in bird boxes near farm houses and in old Crow's nests. During April or May, they lay from three to six white eggs. Size 1.20 × 1.00. They are quiet and chiefly nocturnal birds, not often seen, and may be found nesting in any of the northern states.

372a. Northwestern Saw-whet Owl. Cryptoglaux acadica scotiæa.

Range.--A dark variety found on the coast of British Columbia.

373. Screech Owl. Otus asio asio.

Range.--North America, east of the plains and from the southern British Provinces to Florida.

This well known species, which is often called "Little Horned Owl" because of its ear tufts is found either in the type form of some of its varieties in all parts of the United States. They have two color phases, the plumage being either a yellowish brown or gray, and black and white; these color phases are not dependent upon sex or locality, as often young or both phases are found in the same nest; the gray phase is the most abundant. They nest anywhere in hollow trees, being found very frequently in decayed stubs of apple trees. They also often nest in barns or other old buildings which are not frequented too freely. Their food consists chiefly of mice and meadow moles, with occasionally small birds. During April or May they lay their white eggs, the full complement of which is from five to eight. Size 1.35 × 1.20. The nesting habits of all the sub-species, as far as we can learn, are exactly like those of the eastern Screech Owl; the eggs cannot be distinguished, and in most cases, even the birds cannot be distinguished.

373a. Florida Screech Owl. Otus asio floridanus.

Range.--South Atlantic and Gulf coasts.

Slightly smaller and darker than asio. The eggs average slightly smaller. Size 1.30 × 1.15.

373b. Texas Screech Owl. Otus asio mccalli.

Range.--Texas, and southward into Mexico. Very similar to floridanus.

373c. California Screech Owl. Otus asio bendirei.

Range.--Coast of California and Oregon. Size of, but darker than asio.

373d. Kennicott's Screech Owl. Otus asio kennicotti.

Range.--Pacific coast from Oregon to Alaska. This is the darkest of the Screech Owls and averages a trifle larger than the eastern form.

373e. Rocky Mountain Screech Owl. Otus asio maxwelliæ.

Range.--Foothills of the Rockies, from Colorado to Montana. This is the palest form of the Screech Owl. Of the same size as the last.

373f. Mexican Screech Owl. Otus asio cineraceus.

Range.--Western Mexico and southwestern border of the United States. A gray form with little or no buff, and more numerously barred below.

373g. Aiken's Screech Owl. Otus asio aikeni.

Range.--El Paso County, Colorado. A gray form, with the dark markings coarser and more numerous than in any other.

373h. MacFarlane's Screech Owl. Otus asio macfarlanei.

Range.--Northern border of the United States from Washington to Montana.

373.1. Spotted Screech Owl. Otus trichopsis.

Range.--Mountains of southern Arizona, south into Mexico.

A grayish species, similar to asio, but paler and more finely barred beneath, and with whitish spots on the feathers of the foreback. The nesting habits and eggs are probably the same as those of the Screech Owl.

373.2. Xantus's Screech Owl. Otus xantusi.

Range.--Southern Lower California.

A grayish species with the back and underparts finely vermiculated with reddish brown, and with streaks of darker. It is not likely that the habits or eggs of this species will be found to differ from those of the Screech Owl.

374. Flammulated Screech Owl. Otus flammeolus flammeolus.

Range.--Mountain ranges of Mexico, north to Colorado and west to California.

This species is smaller than asio, has shorter ear tufts, the plumage is much streaked and edged with rusty, and the toes are unfeathered to their base. They nest in hollow trees, generally using deserted Woodpecker holes. Their three or four eggs are white. Size 1.15 × .95. This species is uncommon in all parts of its range.

374a. Dwarf Screech Owl. Otus flammeolus idahœnsis.

Range.--Local in Idaho, eastern Washington and California.

This rare variety is smaller than the preceding and is considerably paler. Its eggs have not been described, but should be a trifle smaller than the last.

375. Great Horned Owl. Bubo virginianus virginianus.

Range.--North America, east of the Plains and north to Labrador.

This species and its varieties are the only large Owls having conspicuous ear tufts. They are about 22 inches in length, and have a mottled brown, black and white plumage, barred below. This is also one of the "Hoot Owls," but is not nearly as abundant as the Barred Owl. It is one of the strongest of the family, and captures rabbits, grouse and poultry, and is very often found to have been feeding upon, or to have been in the immediate vicinity of a skunk. They nest very early, January, February and March. Deserted Hawk's or Crow's nests are very frequently used by this bird, if they are located in dense woods. They also sometimes nest in hollow cavities in large trees. They lay from two to four pure white eggs. Size 2.25 × 1.85.

375a. Western Horned Owl. Bubo virginianus pallescens.

Range.--Western North America, except the Pacific coast.

A smaller and lighter colored form of the preceding, having the same habits and the eggs being indistinguishable from those of the eastern bird.

375b. Arctic Horned Owl. Bubo virginianus subarcticus.

Range.--Interior of Arctic America from Hudson Bay to Alaska; south in winter to the northwestern tier of states.

A very pale colored Horned Owl with little or no buff or brownish in the plumage, some specimens (very rare) being pure white with only a few black bars on the back. Their nesting habits are the same and the eggs do not vary appreciably from those of the eastern Horned Owl.

375c. Dusky Horned Owl. Bubo virginianus saturatus.

Range.--Pacific coast from California to Alaska.

This is the darkest of the Horned Owls, the extreme case being nearly black on the back and very dark below. Nesting the same as the Great Horned Owl.

375d. Pacific Horned Owl. Bubo virginianus pacificus.

Range.--California, southward and east to Arizona.

Smaller and darker than the eastern form but not as dark as the last. Eggs the same as those of the others.

YOUNG SCREECH OWLS.

375e. Dwarf Horned Owl. Bubo virginianus elachistus.

Range.--Lower California.

This is a similar but darker form of the Horned Owl and is very much smaller than virginianus. The nesting habits will be the same, but the eggs may average smaller.

376. Snowy Owl. Nyctea nyctea.

Range.--Arctic regions, breeding within the Arctic Circle and wintering to the northern border of the United States and casually farther.

This very beautiful species varies in plumage from pure white, unmarked, to specimens heavily and broadly barred with blackish brown. It is, next to the Great Gray Owl, the largest species found in America, being 2 feet in length. Like the Great Horned Owls, they are very strong, fearless, and rapacious birds, feeding upon hares, squirrels and smaller mammals, as well as Grouse, Ptarmigan, etc. They nest upon the ground, on banks or mossy hummocks on the dry portions of marshes, laying from two to eight eggs, white in color and with a smoother shell than those of the Great Horned Owl. Size 2.25 × 1.75. Data.--Point Barrow, Alaska, June 16, 1898. Three eggs laid in a hollow in the moss.

377. European Hawk Owl. Surnia ulula ulula.

Range.--Northern portion of the Old World; accidental in Alaska.

Similar to the American species, but lighter and more brownish.

377a. Hawk Owl. Surnia ulula caparoch.

Range.--Northern North America, breeding from the central portions of British America northward; probably also breeds in the Rocky Mountains in the northern tier of states and casually farther.

This handsome mottled and barred, gray and black Owl might readily be mistaken for a Hawk, because of his Hawk-like appearance and long rounded tail. They are very active birds, especially in the day time, for they are more diurnal than nocturnal; their food is mostly of small rodents, and also small birds. They nest either in the tops of large fir trees, in hollows of stumps, or, in some cases, upon the ground. When in trees their nests are made of twigs, leaves and weeds, and sometimes lined with moss and feathers; they lay from three to eight white eggs, size 1.50 × 1.20. Data.--Labrador, May 3, 1899. Five eggs. Nest in the top of a dead tree, 15 feet from the ground.

378. Burrowing Owl. Speotyto cunicularia hypogæa.

Range.--Western North America from the Mississippi Valley west to California; north to the southern parts of British America and south to Central America.

These peculiar birds are wholly different in plumage, form and habits from any other American Owls. They can readily be recognized by their long, slender and scantily feathered legs. Their plumage is brownish, spotted with white above, and white, barred with brown below; length 10 inches. They nest, generally in large communities in burrows in the ground, usually deserted Prairie Dog holes. While generally but a single pair occupy one burrow, as many as twenty have been found nesting together. Sometimes the burrows are unlined, and again may have a carpet of grasses and feathers. Their white eggs generally number from six to ten; size 1.25 × 1.00. Data.--Sterling, Kans., May 7, 1899. Nest of bits of dry dung at the end of a deserted Prairie Dog burrow.

378a. Florida Burrowing Owl. Speotyto cunicularia floridana.

Range.--Local in the interior of Florida.

Like the last, but slightly smaller and paler, and with the tarsus less feathered. Their habits or eggs do not differ from the preceding.

379. Pygmy Owl. Glaucidium gnoma gnoma.

Range.--Rocky Mountain region and westward; from British Columbia southward. These interesting little Owls, which are but seven inches in length, feed in the day time upon insects, mice and, occasionally, small birds. They frequent extensively wooded districts, chiefly in the mountain ranges. They nest in tall trees, generally in deserted Woodpeckers' holes, laying three or four white eggs during May; size about 1.00 × .90.

379a. California Pygmy Owl. Glaucidium gnoma californicum.

Range.--Pacific coast from British Columbia, south through California. This sub-species is darker and more brownish than the last. It is not an uncommon bird in California. They nest in the tallest trees along the ranges, often being found 75 or more feet from the ground. The eggs do not differ from those of the Pygmy Owl, ranging in size from 1.00 × .85 to 1.20 × .95.

379.1. Hoskin's Pygmy Owl. Glaucidium hoskinsi.

Range.--Southern Lower California.

This species is smaller and more gray than the preceding. It is not probable that its manners of nesting or eggs differ in any respect from those of the others of this genus.

380. Ferruginous Pygmy Owl. Glaucidium phalœnoides.

Range.--Mexico and Central America; north to the Mexican border of the United States.

This species is of the same size as the last, but is much tinged with rufous on the upper parts, and the tail is of a bright chestnut brown color, crossed by about eight bars of black. They nest in hollow cavities in trees, from ten to forty feet from the ground, laying three or four glossy white eggs; size 1.10 × .90.

381. Elf Owl. Micropallas whitneyi.

Range.--Mexico, north to the bordering states.

This odd little bird is the smallest member of the family found in America, attaining a length of only six inches. In plumage it may be described as similar to a very small, earless Screech Owl, only with the pattern of the markings a great deal finer. They are said to be quite abundant in the table lands of central Mexico and in southern Arizona, where they build their nests in deserted Woodpeckers' holes, perhaps most frequently in the giant cactus. It is said to be more nocturnal than the Pygmy Owls and to feed almost exclusively upon insects. They lay from three to five eggs having a slight gloss. Size 1.02 × .90. Data.--Southern Arizona, May 22, 1902. Nest in a deserted Woodpecker hole. Two eggs.