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FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL
HISTORY

ZOOLOGICAL SERIES
Volume IX

Chicago, U. S. A.
1909

Field Museum of Natural Hlstory. .
Publication 131.
Zoological Series. Vol. IX.

Since the completion of the present work the following changes
in nomenclature have been adopted by the Committee of the American
Ornithologists' Union :

Page 491. Genus GLAUX Morris again becomes CRYPTOGLAUX
Rich., which necessitates the following changes in names
of species :
No. 178. Cryptoglaux fiDicrca ricJiardsoiii (Bonap.).
No. 179. Cryptoglaux acadicus (Gmel.).
Page 527. Genus TROCHILUS Linn, becomes ARCHILOCHUS
Reichenbach, and No. 202 becomes Arcliilochus coliibris
(Linn.).
Page 585. Genus COTURNICULUS Bonap. becomes AMMODRA-
MUS Swainson.
No. 250 is changed to Ain})wdra))ius savaiuiaruDi australis
Maynard.
Page 586. In changing the name AMMODRAMUS to PASSERHER-
BULUS at the last moment before going to press, the
author failed to do so in Nos. 251 and 252, which should
read :
No. 251. Passcrhcrbidus hcnslozvi {/KuAubon).
No. 252. Passcrhcrbulus Iccontcii (Audubon).
Page 656, No. 319. Dcndroica blackbuniicc (Gmel.); this becomes
Dendnnca fuse a (Miiller).

Field Museum of Natural History. .
Publication 131.
Zoological Series. Vol. IX.

<rf, n (77.3)

THE BIRDS OF ILLINOIS

AND WISCONSIN xn^^a^^J

1

BY

. Charles B. Cory
Curator of Department of Zoology.

Chicago, U. S. A.
1909

t\. ^(ia^j/^^c^/^

PREFACE.

The present work includes, as far as known, all species and sub-
species of birds which occur in Illinois and Wisconsin, the total num-
ber being 398, with descriptions of their various plumages, nests
and eggs, and geographical distribution, together with more or less
brief biographical notes concerning them.

The keys to families and species are practically the same as those
which first appeared in the author's Birds of Eastern North America,
revised to meet their present needs. These should enable the stu-
dent to readily identify a bird, the species belonging to the different
families being arranged according to the length of the wing (measured
from carpus to tip). A key to the eggs of our more common species
is also included.

Careful comparison of large series of specimens has shown that
while adult birds of the same species diifer considerably in length,
the wing measure is very constant, the variation in a large ntimber
of specimens being so small that, allowing for possible extremes, we
may safely arrange our birds in groups, using the length of the
wing as a basis. The identification of any species then becomes a
comparatively simple matter, as usually the birds contained in each
group are so few in number that characteristic differences are easily
indicated.

Let us, for example, assume we have a bird before us which we
wish to identify; we should first learn to which family it belongs.
Turning to the Key to Families, we find this a simple matter (as the
families are few and the illustrated differences in the bills and feet
very characteristic), we discover our bird to be a duck. Having as-
certained the family to which the bird belongs, we turn to the Key to
Species. We have, of course, measured the wing and found it to
be 5.90 inches long, measured from the carpus (bend of wing) to
tip. (See illustration, "How to Measure a Bird," on page 20.)

We now turn to the Ducks, and discover they are divided into
subfamilies, the Bay and Sea Ducks having a flap or lobe on the hind
toe, and the fresh-water ducks, or River and Pond Ducks having no
large flap on the hind toe. Our bird has a flap on its hind toe, and is
evidently a salt-water duck, belonging to the subfamily FuligulincE.

5

6 Preface.

This subfamily, we find, contains two sections: Section i, having the
tail feathers not stiff and pointed, and Section 2, tail feathers stifT and
pointed. Our duck has stiff, pointed tail feathers, and therefore be-
longs in Section 2. Section 2 contains two species, one having
whole front of head and cheeks black, the other, with sides of head
more or less white. As our duck has a patch of white on the side of
the head, it must therefore be the Ruddy Duck, Erismatura jamai-
censis, No. 66, the number indicating its location in the main body
of the work, where the different species and subspecies are treated
in their proper order and more amplified descriptions of the various
plumages are given.

All measurements of birds are given in inches and fractions of an
inch. The diagrams on page 20 will illustrate how a bird should be
measured, and the chart (page 12) will be useful to the student
of ornithology who may not be familiar with the technical terms used
in describing birds. Such terms as primaries, axillars, carpus, etc.,
should be learned at once. It is customary to indicate the sexes by
the signs of Mars and Venus; the male, of course, being given that
of Mars, 6^, and the female, Venus, 9 .

In preparing the present work I have made free use of previous

put)lications by various authors, due credit being given in such cases,

and I wish to express my acknowledgments and thanks to Mr. Isaac

E. Hess, Mr. Ruthven Deane, Mr. Frank M. Woodruff, Mr. R. Magoon

Barnes, Mr. Girard A. Abbott, Mr. H. K. Coale, Mr. J. Grafton Parker,

Mr. B.. T. Gault, Mr. H. S. Swarth and Mr. John F. Ferry, for many

notes, and records, and to Mr. Wni. J. Gerhard, Assistant Curator

of Entomology, for valuable assistance in reading and correcting

the proofs.

C. B. C.

CONTENTS.

PAGE

Title-page i

Preface 5

Contents 7

Glossary 11

Topography of a Bird 12

Introduction 13

What a bird is . 13

The wing 13

The tail 15

The leg and foot 16

The bill 17

How to Measure a Bird 20, 21

Index to Key to Families. Water Birds .... 22

Key to Families. Water Birds 23

Group i. Toes, four, with lobate webs, or webs on sides

of toes 23

Group 2. Toes, four; front toes, palmate (full webbed);

hind toe not connected with front ones by web 24
Group 3. Toes, four, full webbed; hind toe connected

with front ones by web 27

Group 4. Toes, four, not full webbed; small webs be-
tween toes at base, or toes entirely without web 28
Section i. Hind toe, raised above level of front toes 28
Section 2. Hind toe, on level with front toes . . 30
Group 5. Toes, three, full webbed; no hind toe ... 32
Group 6. Toes, three; a small web between toes, or

entirely without web S3

Key to the Species of Water Birds of Illinois and

Wisconsin 35

Family Colymbid^. Grebes 3", 275

Family Gaviid^. Loons 37, 2S2

Family Alcid^. Auks, Murres, etc 39, 279

Family Stercorariid-^. Skuas and J^gers 41, 286

Index to Key to Family Larid^ 42

7

8 Contents.

Family Larid^. Gulls and Terns 43, 288

Subfamily Larin^. Gulls 43, 289

Subfamily Sternin^. Terns 47, 297

Family Anhingid^. Darters, Snake Birds .... 50, 307

Family Phalacrocoracid^. Cormorants 51, 308

Family Pelecanid^. Pelicans 52, 311

Family Fregatid^. Man-of-war Birds 53, 314

Index to Key to Family Anatid^ 54

Family Anatid^. Ducks, Geese, and Swans ... 56, 316

Subfamily Merging. Mergansers, Sheldrakes . . 56, 316

Subfamily Anatin^. River and Pond Ducks . . 58, 319

Subfamily Fuligulin^. Bay and Sea Ducks . . 62, 331

Subfamily Anserine. Geese 71, 347

Subfamily Cygnin^. Swans 73, 354

Family Plataleid^. Spoonbills 75, 357

Family Ibidid^. Ibises 76, 358

Family Ciconiid^. Storks and Wood Ibises . . . 77, 360

Family Ardeid^. Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns . . 78, 362

Family Gruid^. Cranes 84, 375

Family Aramid^. Courlans, Limpkins 85, 379

Family Rallid^. Rails, Gallinules, and Coots . . 86, 380

Subfamily Rallin^. Rails 87, 381

Subfamily Gallinulin^. Gallinules 89, 386

Subfamily Fulicin^. Coots 89, 387

Family Phalaropodid^. Phalaropes 93, 389

Family Recurvirostrid^. Avocets and Stilts ... 95, 392

Index to Key to Family Scolopacid^ 91

Family Scolopacid^. Snipes, Sandpipers, Curlews, etc. 96, 395

Family Charadriid^. Plovers iii, 425

Family Aphrizid.-e. Turnstones 114, 430

Index to Key to Families. Land Birds .... 115

Key to Families of Land Birds 117

Group i. Birds having wings less than 1.75 inches long;
measured bend of wing (carpus) to tip of longest

feather 117

Group 2. Birds having wings 1.75 to 2.75 inches long . 117
Section i. First primary, less than half as long as

third 117

Part I. Tip of upper mandible with small but

distinct hook or notch 117

Part 2. Upper mandible without notch or hook

at tip .. 118

Contents. 9

Section 2. First primary more than half as long as

third 119

Part I. Tip of upper mandible with small but

distinct hook or notch 119

Part 2. Tip of upper mandible not notched or

hooked 120

Group 3. Birds having wings measuring from 2.75 to

3.25 inches long 121

Section i. First primary, less than half as long as

third 121

Part I. A small but distinct hook or notch at

tip of upper mandible 121

Part 2. Tip of upper mandible not notched or

hooked 121

Section 2. First primary, not short, always more

than half as long as third 122

Part I. Tip of upper mandible with small but

distinct hook or notch 122

Part 2. Tip of upper mandible not notched . 122

Group 4. Birds having wings 3.25 to 9.50 inches long . 124

Section i. Bill with strong hook claws armed with

talons 124

Section 2. Upper mandible with distinct hook or

notch at tip, but feet not armed with talons . . 125

Section 3. Upper mandible not notched or hooked

at tip 126

Part I. First primary less than half as long as

third 126

Part 2. First primary more than half as long as

third 128

Group 5. Birds having wings over 9.50 inches long . 133
Key to the Species of Land Birds of Illinois and Wis-
consin 136

Family Tetraonid^. Grouse, Quail, etc 136, 432

Subfamily Perdicin^. Quail and Partridges . . 136, 432

Subfamily Tetraonin^. Grouse and Ptarmigan . 136, 435

Family Phasianid^. Pheasants, Turkeys, etc. . . 139, 442

Subfamily Meleagrin^. Turkeys 139, 442

Family Columbid^. Pigeons and Doves .... 139, 444
Family Cathartid^. American Vultures .... 141, 448

Index to Key to Family Falconid^ 143

Family Falconid^. Hawks, Falcons, Eagles, etc. . 145, 451

io Contents.

Family Aluconid.^. Barn Owls 157,484

Family Strigid.^. Horned Owls, Hoot Owls . . . 155,486

Family Psittacid^. Parrots 160, 501

Family Cuculid^. Cuckoos 161, 504

Family Alcedinid^. Kingfishers 162, 506

Family Picid^. Woodpeckers 163, 508

Family Caprimulgid^. Night-hawks, Whip-poor-wills 168, 521

Family Micropodid/E. Swifts 169, 525

Family Trochilid^. Humming-birds i6g, 527

Family Tyrannid^. Flycatchers 170, 529

Family Alaudid^e. Larks 175, 540

Family Corvid.*;. Crows, Jays, etc 176, 542

Subfamily GarrulinvE. Jays and Magpies . . . 176, 543

Subfamily Corvine. Crows and Ravens . . . .178, 546

Family Icterid^. Blackbirds, Orioles, Meadowlarks . 179,550

Index to Key to Family Fringillid^ 190

Family Fringillid^e. Sparrows, Finches, Crossbills,

Buntings, etc 192, 565

Family Tangarid^. Tanagers 220, 614

Family HirundinidtE. Swallows 222, 618

Family Bombycillid^. Waxwings and Cedar Birds . 225, 624

Family Laniid^. Shrikes 226, 627

Family Vireonid^. Vireos . . 227, 631

Index to Key to Family Mniotiltid.^ 231

Family Mniotiltid^. Warblers 233, 638

Family Motacillid.-e. Pipits and Wagtails .... 261,678

Family Troglodytid^. Wrens 262, 684

Family Mimid^. Thrashers, Catbirds, Mockingbirds . 265, 680

Family Certhiid^. Creepers 266, 693

Family Sittid^. Nuthatches 267, 694

Family Parid^. Titmice and Chickadees .... 268, 697

Family Sylviid^. Kinglets and Gnatcatchers . . 269, 702

Family Turdid^. Thrushes, Blue-birds, etc. . . ■ . 271,705
The Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin Systematically

Arranged 275

Index to Key to Eggs 716

Key to the Eggs of the more Common Birds Known to

Breed in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin 719

Bibliography 740

Index 751

Map of Illinois and Wisconsin 767

GLOSSARY.

Nearly all the terms used in describing a bird may be more easily
and clearly understood by examining the illustrations of "bird topo-
graphy," on page 12, than from a written description; a few, however,
may require a word of explanation.

Culmen. — The ridge of the upper mandible.

Cere. — A hard skin-like covering on the base of the upper man-
dible (Parrots, Hawks, etc.).

Mandibles. — Some authors use the word maxilla for the upper half
of the bill, and mandible for the lower. I prefer, however, to describe
the two halves of the bill as upper and lower mandible.

Gonys. — Bend of under mandible, usually used to include the
outline of under mandible from angle to the tip.

Unguis. — The nail on the end of the upper mandible; very pro-
nounced in several families of water birds (Ducks, Pelicans, and
Petrels ) .

Axillars or Axillary Plumes. — Several elongated feathers at the
junction of the wing and body. (Lat. axilla, the arm-pit. )

Carpus or Carpal Joint. — Bend of the wing. The third segment
of the wing, corresponding to the wrist (see illustration ) .

Speculum. — A wing band or patch (usually of a different color
from the rest of the wing), formed by the terminal portion of the
secondaries; very noticeable in the Ducks.

Tarsus. — Extends from the root of the toes to the end of the
tibia (what appears to be the bend of the leg or knee; but which is,
in reality, the heel joint). See illustration.

Toes Syndactyle. — Outer and middle toes more or less joined to-
gether (Kingfisher, etc.).

Toes Zygodactyle. — Arranged in pairs, two in front, two behind
(Cuckoos, etc. ).

Tarsus Reticulate. — Covered with numerous small, uneven scales,
usually more or less rounded (Plovers, Geese, etc. ).

Tarsus Scutellate. — Comparatively large, somewhat square-cut
scales, one above the other, covering the front of the tarsus.

12 Glossary.

Booted Tarsus. — Scales fused together on greater portion of
tarsus so as to be indistinct or invisible except on lower part (Robins,

etc. )•

Superciliary Stripe. — Stripe over the eye.

Under Primary ^ CoverU

Culmen

/ \ Superciliary Sfripi

Upper Mandible ^orea X'rafn
\ ' Forehead '

ZiOVfer Mandible^.-''
Gapt
Bub-maxillary
lAne

JuguUi

Carpal Joint "'*
Leaser Wing Coverts
Middle Wing Coverts

Greater Coverts- —

Occipiij

.A'lriculars or Ear Coverts

. „ ^ IVing of Duck ihowtug speculum.

Black-breast Plover.

MddU Toe -

TOPOGRAPHY OF A PLOVER

INTRODUCTION.

A bird is a feathered vertebrate animal; or, to describe it more
fully, it is an air-breathing, warm-blooded, feathered, oviparous (egg-
laying), vertebrate animal, having a four-chambered heart, and a
complete double circulation. Birds occupy a place in nature inter-
mediate between the mammals and the reptiles, and many naturalists
consider a bird to be merely a modified reptile.

These feathered vertebrates are recognized by zoologists as be-
longing to a Class named Aves to distinguish them from other animals,
and the Class is separated into subclasses, which in turn are again
subdivided into orders, suborders, families, subfamilies, genera and
subgenera and finally into species and subspecies.

Birds belonging to the same family, but which show decided and
constant differences, are recognized as species, whereas if the differ-
ences in color or size are not very great and intermediate forms occur
showing an intergradation from one to the other, they are called races
or subspecies. Races or subspecies are really species in process of
development, and are caused by difl^erence in climate, food, etc.

It should be borne in mind, however, that the line of demarkation
between a species and a subspecies is a purely arbitrary one, and is
largely a matter of individual opinion. Subspecies are distinguished
by a third name; for example, Detidroica palmarum hypochrysea
is a race or subspecies of Dendroica palmarum.

Having learned something as to what a bird is, let us take up in
order the more important external parts, such as the wing, tail, bill,
and feet.

THE WING.

As an aid to identification, the wing characters are most impor-
tant. The terms primaries, secondaries, axillars, wing coverts, etc.,
are constantly used in describing birds, and the student should learn
to recognize them at a glance.

13

14 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Carpus

The Rem-
iges are the
flight feathers
of the wing,
and the Tec-
trices are the
small feathers
covering the
upper part of
the wing or
shoulder (see
illustration),
and are usually
called coverts.
The r emi ges
are divided
into primaries,
secondaries, and tertials, according to the location in the wing.

The Primaries are the feathers growing from the outer section
of the wing; that is to say, from the outer bend of the wing (carpus )
to tip, C to D, the number ranging from 9 to 10 (and rarely 11 ) in
various families. iVt first, it is not always easy to distinguish the
last primary from the first
secondary; but experience is A

the best teacher, and the point
can always be settled by exam-
ining the roots of the feathers.
The Secondaries are the
remiges attached to the ulna
or forearm, B to C (see illus-
tration ) ; they number from
6 to 40 in the various families,
the Humming-bird having the
smallest number, and the Al-
batross more than 40.

The Tertials are the few remaining remiges which grow from the
humerus, A to B.

The Tectrices, or Wing Coverts, are small feathers covering the
larger wing feathers; the feathers lining the edge of the under surface
of the wing are called under wing coverts. The outer wing coverts
are divided and described as greater wing coverts, middle wing coverts,
and lesser wing coverts, respectively. (See illustration.)

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

CTnder Primary ^ Coverts
Jfnder Wing CoverU

Carpnt — f _-

15

AxiUart or Axillary Plumes

Under Surface of Wing.

The Speculum. A term used to indicate a patch or band on the
wing (usually of different color from the rest of the feathers), formed
by the terminal portion of the secondaries, very noticeable in the
Ducks. (See illustration, page 12.)

The Axillary Plumes, or Axillars, are an important aid in the iden-
tification of many species; these are several rather elongated feathers
growing from the armpit {axilla), at the junction of the wing and
body.

THE TAIL.

The Rectices, or Tail Feathers, proper, number from 8 to 24, and
in some very few cases even more. By far the greater number of
birds, however, have 12 rectices. The small feathers overlapping
the rectices are called upper tail coverts, while those below are the
under tail coverts or crissum, although the latter term is often used
to include the region immediately about the vent.

TrunccUe or sqxuari taH

Pointed or cuneate tail

Forked tail

Oraduated tail

i6 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

THE LEG AND FOOT.

A bird's leg may be briefly described as having only the knee
downward exposed; the true thigh is concealed, but may be felt
under the skin on the side of the body. The true knee is close to the

Booted Tarsus ScuScUaa Tarsus

body just under the skin. The first exposed joint, which is apparently
the knee, is really the heel. (See illustration.) The bird does not
walk on the foot (from the heel downward), but merely walks on its
toes.

Types of Feet. — Water Birds.

Ja\.. 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

17

The Tarsus, which is measured from the bend of the leg (end of
tibia ) to the roots of the toes (C to D in illustration ) , is an important
factor in the identification of many species. The feet are very variable
in shape and arrangement of the toes. These variations are of the
greatest importance, representing generic and, often, family differences.

The Toes are usually three or four (the Ostrich has but two),
the greater number having three in front and one behind; sometimes
two in front and two behind (Zygodactyle); two in front and one
behind; or, in one family (not North America), all four turned for-
ward. Some families have the outer and middle toes joined or fused
together for part of their length (Syndactyle), as in the Kingfisher.
Some species have webbed feet, others have the toes armed with
curved talons, and so on; but the various differences with which we
wish to become familiar can better be illustrated than described.

Foot of Sparrow

Foot of three-toed Woodj^ecker TvpCS of Fcct. Land Birds.

THE BILL.

The Bill consists of an upper and a lower mandible, both of which
are movable. The shape is of great assistance in determining the
family to which the species belong. Four principal types are recog-
nized: —

I. Epignathous. Upper mandible longer than lower; the tip
bent or hooked over the end of lower mandible. (Examples: Hawks,
Gulls, Petrels, Parrots. )

i8 Field Museum of Natural History — Zo(')logy, Vol. IX.

2. Hypognathous. Lower mandible longer than upper man-
dible. (Example: Black Skimmers, Rhynchops.)

3. Paragnathous. Both mandibles of about equal length.

4. Metagnathous. Mandibles crossed. (Example: Crossbill,
Loxia. )

The shape and size of the bill vary greatly, as will be seen by the
following illustrations representing fifteen of the principal types
among our birds : —

Dentirosti-al Bill of ShrJce

Conimstral bill of Song Sparrm« Cutlrirustrat bill of Lfa.sl Bittern

LamelUroatral biU of Duck

BUI of Woodpecki

am of Heron

Cere. A membrane (usually hard), which covers the base of the
upper mandible. (Hawks, Parrots, Jaegers. )

Nasal Fossa, or Nasal Groove. Groove in which the nostrils open.

Gonys. Bend of lower mandible; usually used to include the
outline of the under mandible, from the angle to the tip.

Culmen. The ridge of the upper mandible.

Jan., 1Q09. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. ig

Unguis. The nail on the end of the upper mandible. Very pro-
nounced in some families of Water Birds. (Ducks, Pelicans, and
Petrels.)

Mandibles. — Some authors use the word maxilla for the upper
half of the bill, and mandible, for the lower. I prefer, however, to
describe the two halves of the bill as upper and lower mandible.

HOW TO MEASURE A BIRD.

Ungth

Wing

For description, see page 21.

HOW TO MEASURE A BIRD.

See illustration, page 20.

Wing. — Distance from carpal joint C (bend of wing) to the tip
of the longest primary D. See cut on page 20.

Length. — Distance in a straight line from the end of the bill to
the tip of the longest tail feather. (Occasionally the middle
feathers are much elongated, as in the Old Squaw and Pintail
Duck, and in other families of birds, such as PhcBthon and Stercora-
rius. In such cases it is well to give the length from bill to longest
tail feather, and also to end of outer tail feather. )

Tail. — Distance from the tip of the longest tail feather to its base
(the point where it enters the body ) .

Bill. — The distance in a straight line from where the bill (upper
mandible) joins the skin of the forehead (A) to the tip (B).
(There are a few exceptions to this rule, in some families, such as
birds with frontal plate, etc. Some curved bills are measured along
the curve of the culmen, and at times it is advisable to measure from
the nostril to the tip of the bill, but in such cases it should always be
so stated. )

Tarsus. — Distance in front of the leg from what appears to be the
knee joint (end of tibia) to the root of the middle toe.

All measurements are given in inches and fractions of an inch.

INDEX TO KEY TO FAMILIES.
WATER BIRDS.

Group I. Toes, four, with lobate web or web on sides of toes.
See page 23.

Group 2. Toes, four; front toes, palmate (full webbed ); hind toe,
not connected with front ones by web. See page 24.

Group 3. Toes, four; totipalmate (all toes full webbed
toe, connected with front ones by web. See page 27.

hind

Group 4. Toes, four, not full webbed; small web between toes
at base, or toes entirely without web; hind toe, sometimes very small.
See page 28.

Section i . Hind toe, raised above level of front toes. See page 28.
Section 2. Hind toe, on same level with front toes. See page 30.
Group 5. Toes, three, full webbed; no hind toe. See page 32.
Group 6. Toes, three, not full webbed; a small web between
toes at base, or toes entirely without web. See page 33.

WATER BIRDS-

KEY TO FAMILIES.

GROUP 1. Toes, four; with lobate webs, or webs on sides

of toes.

Bill, pointed; feet, placed far back, near tail; underparts, silvery
white: tail, very short. Family COLYMBID^. Grebes.

See page 35.

Forehead, with bare shield; bill, rather short; general color,
slaty gray; toes, with lobate webs.

Family RALLID^. Subfamily FULICINiE. Coots.

See page

23

24 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Hind toe, elevated above the level of the others; bill, slender;
nostrils, opening through slits; sides of toes, webbed.

Family PHALAROPODIDiE. Phalaropes.

See pages 91, 93.

GROUP 2. Toes, four; front toes, palmate (full webbed);
hind toe, not connected with front ones by web.

Bill, straight and point-
ed; tarsus, flattened; hind
toe, with flap or lobe; feet,
■■ ' f^^ placed far back near the
-'"""^ *, tail; tail, very short.

Family GAVIID^. Loons.
. -*^;,«..,,^,aj»»«--i=j. See page 37.

Nostrils, separate, not tubular; bill, with cere (a horny or skin-
like covering on base of upper mandible) ; hind toe, sometimes very
small; end of upper mandible (unguis), swollen and somewhat
rounded; back and wings, always dark, sometimes sooty, sometimes
barred with brown; tail, never white or gray, usually very dark;

■^s^

middle tail feathers, longest, but only very long in adult birds, some-
times only slightly longer than rest of tail feathers in immature birds.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

25

In brown plumages, the axillars (feathers extending from armpit)
are heavily barred, brown and white; in other plumages, the axillars
and under wing coverts are sooty brown or dark slaty brown.

Family STERCORARIIDiE. Skuas and Jaegers.

See page 41.

Nostrils, separate, not tubular; bill, without cere; hind toe, some-
times very small; upper mandible, curved; unguis (end of bill),
not swollen; middle tail feathers, about equal in length to the others;
tail, rarely dark, although sometimes tipped with black or brown;
axillars and under wing coverts, white or gray, sometimes with narrow
gray lines or faint wavy bars.

Family LARID^. Subfamily LARINiE. Gulls.

See page 42.

Nostrils, separate, not tubular; hind toe, sometimes very small;
upper mandible, nearly straight, not hooked or decidedly rounded near
tip; outer tail feathers, usually longer than middle feathers.

Family LARID.^. Subfamily STERNIN^. Terns.

See page 42.

Bill, long and narrow, having tooth-like serrations on edges;
toes, four, the front ones, full webbed; hind toe, with flap.

Family ANATID^. Subfamily MERGING. Mergansers.

See pages 54, 56.

Top of bill of Merganser.

Side of bill.

26 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

/ / Bill, not narrow; tarsus, scutellate in front

(transverse scales); toes, four, the front ones, full
webbed; hind toes, without decided flap or lobe.

Family ANATIDiE. Subfamily ANATINiE.
River and Pond Ducks.
See pages 54, 58.

Ducks.

Bill of Duck.

Bill, not narrow; tarsus, scutellate in front (trans-
verse scales ) ; toes, four, the front ones, full webbed;
■^ hind toe. with flap or lobe.

Family ANATIDiE. Subfamily FULIGULINiE.

Sea Ducks.
See pages 54, 62.

Lores, feathered; tarsus, reticulate (scales rounded ) ; wing, more
than thirteen incJics long; toes, four, the front ones full webbed.

Family ANATIDiE. Subfamily ANSERINiE. Geese and Brant.

See pages 55, 71.

Geese and .Swan.

Lores, partly bare; tarsus, recticulate (scales rounded); size,
large; neck, long; wing, over eighteen inches long; plumage, white
or gray. Family ANATID^. Subfamily CYGNIN^. Swans.

See pages 55, 73.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

27

GROUP 3. Toes, four, totipalmate (front toes, full
webbed); hind toe, connected with front ones by web.

Bill, sharp-pointed and slender; chin, bare; neck,
long and slender; toes, four, all connected by webs;
middle tail feathers, corrugated or fluted.

Family ANHINGIDiE. Darters, Snake Birds.

See page 50.

Bill, hooked at tip, over twelve inches
long and having a large pouch; lores, bare;
toes, four, all connected by webs.

Family PELECANID^. Pelicans.

See page 52.

Bill, hooked at tip, and less than twelve inches long; bare skin

at base of bill and chin; lores, bare; toes, four, all connected by webs.

Family PHALACROCORACID^. Cormorants.

See page 51.

Bill, hooked at tip; lores, feathered; upper
plumage, entirely black; toes, fpur, all con-
nected by w^ebs; tail, forked; wings, very long.

Family FREGATIDiE. Man-of-war Birds,
Frigate Birds. See page 52.

28 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

GROUP 4. Toes, four, not full webbed; small webs be-
tween toes at base, or toes entirely without webs;
hind toe, sometimes very small.

SECTION 1. Hind toe, raised above level of front toes.

Avocet.

Avocet.

Tarsus, over 3.50 inches long; bill, curved upward or straight.

Family RECURVIROSTRIDiE. Avocets.

See pages 91, Q5.

Tarsus less than 3.50 inches long, with transverse scales in front;
middle toe and claw together shorter than bill, except a few of the
small species, which have middle toe and claw equal to or longer than
bill ; but all such have the belly and under tail coverts pure white in
most plumages.

Family SCOLOPACID.^. Snipe, Curlews, Sandpipers, etc.

See pages 91, 96.

Turnstone (bill).

Turnstones.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

29

Hind toe, higher than front ones; lower back and rump, white,
with black band across rump. Family APHRIZIDiE. Turnstones.

See pages 92, 1 14.

Hind toe, higher than front ones; hind toe, very small, hardly
noticeable; bill, black, rather short and stout; all other species be-
longing to this family (in North America) have but three toes.

Family CHARADRIID^. Black-bellied Plover.

{SquatcroLa squaterola.)
See page 113.

t

r

Plover.

Black-beJlied Plover.

Hind toe, above level of front toes; bill, less than 3
inches long; toes, four, no comb-like edge on inner side
of middle toe nail; middle toe and claw together not
shorter than bill, usually decidedly longer; under
tail coverts, not white.

Family RALLID^E. Rails, etc.
See pages 86, 87.

King Rail.

*%;

Virginia Rail.

Rails.

Hind toe, above level of front toes; ■■'

bill, over 3 inches long; wing, over 16
inches; tarsus, over 7 inches; toes, four, _|
no comb-like edge on inner side of middle

toe nail; lores, with hair-like bristles. Family GRUIDiE. Cranes.

See page 84.

30 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Hind toe, above level of front toes; bill, over 3
inches long; tarsus, under 7; wing, under i6; toes,
four, no comb-like edge on inner side of middle toe
nail; under mandible, often slightly twisted near tip;
plumage, dark brown with white streaks.

Family ARAMID^. Courlans.
See page 85.

SECTION 2. Hind toe, on level with front toes.

Toes, long and slender; bill, short and pointed; a bare shield or
plate on forehead; wing, about 7 inches long, carpus (bend of wing)
to tip; under tail coverts, white.

Family RALLIDiE. Subfamily GALLINULINiE.
Purple Gallinule, or Florida GaUinule.
See page 89.

/f^-^

.T^ii^

asftaiia-'

Herons and Bitterns.

Jan., 1Q09. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

31

Bill, nearly straight and sharply pointed; inner side of middle toe
nail, with distinct comb-like edge; toes, four, all on same level. Bit-
terns, tail with ten feathers. Herons, tail with twelve feathers.

Family ARDEID^E. Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns.

See page 78.

Greater part of plumage, white; bill, very
large and stout, rounded and somewhat curved;
tarsus, always over five inches long; toes, four, all
on same level; no comb-like edge on inner side of
middle toe nail; Iwing, over 16 inches long.

Family CICONIID.^. Storks and Wood Ibises.

See page 77.

Bill, long, rather slender, and de-
cidedly curved downward; tarsus,
always less than five inches long; toes,
four, all on the same level; no comb-
like edge on side of middle toe nail.

Family IBIDID^. Ibises.

See page 76.

\2 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

1 -^w-j^^f ■;

Bill, flat, paddle shaped at the end; toes, four,
all on same level; wing (carpus to tip), over
twelve inches long.

Family PLATALEID^. Spoonbills.

See page 75.

GROUP T). Toes, three, full webbed; no hind toe.

Nostrils, separate, not opening into one double-barrelled tube
upper mandible, curved near tip; bill, yellowish, or greenish yellow
an indication of a hind toe, in the form of a small
knob without nail; tail, entirely white, or white
with black band near tip. This is the only North
American gull lacking a hind toe.

Family LARIDiE. Rissa tridactyla.
Kittiwake Gull.
See page 44.

Murres.

Murre.

Legs placed far back near the tail; bill, black or brownish; wing,
over 6.50 inches long, carpus (bend of wing) to tip.

Family ALCID.^. Auks and Murres.
See page 39.

Size, small; tail, very short; bill, black or
brownish; wing, less than 6.50 inches long.

Family ALCIDiE. Murrelet, Dovekies, etc.

See page 39.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — ^Cory.

33

GROUP 6. Toes, three; a small web between toes, or, en-
tirely without web.

Toes, three; bill, slender; wing, about 5 inches; bill, about one
inch; this is the only representative of this family with three toes,
all others have four; tarsus, less than 1.50 inches long.

Family SCOLOPACIDiE. Calidris leucopkcEa.

Sanderling Sandpiper.
See page 103.

Toes, three, partly webbed; tarsus, over 3 inches long; general
plumage, black and white; legs, pink red in life.

Family RECURVIROSTRIDiE. Stilts.
See pages 91, 95.

34 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Plovers.

Toes, three; front of tarsus with smah rounded scales; bill,
short; some species have bill less than three-quarters inch long; none
have bill over two inches long.

Family CHARADRIIDiE. Plovers.
See pages 92, iii.

WATER BIRDS.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

Family COLYMBIDiE. The Grebes.

Special Characters: Bill, straight and pointed; toes, four, with
lobate webs; hind toe elevated above the rest; tail feathers appar-
ently wanting; legs placed far back.

Grebes.

Toes, four; three in front, one behind, with lobate webs.

Podilymbus

podiceps.

35

36 Field Museum of Natural History- — Zoology, Vol. IX.

*GROUP 1. Wing, less than 6.50 inches long.

Depth of bill at base of culmen, over .40. Upper parts, glossy
brownish black; sides of body and neck, tinged with brown, belly
white.

In summer: Bill, with black band; throat, black. In winter:
Bill, without black band; throat, white. Podilymbus podiceps.

Pied-billed Grebe. Hell Diver.
See No. 5.

Depth of bill at base of culmen, less than .40; upper mandible,
nearly straight and decidedly flattened at nostril; under mandible,
straight for about three-fourths of its length and then sharply
ascending. Colymhus nigricollis californicns.

American Eared Grebe.
I See No. 4.

Depth of bill at base of culmen, less than .40; top of upper
mandible (culmen), curved and not flattened at nostrils; under

mandible, not as sharply ascending near
the tip. While the summer plumages of
californicus and auritus are very different,
the winter plumages are similar.

In summer: Two small tufts of grayish-
brown or buff-colored feathers, behind the
eye; crown, nape, and throat, black.

In winter: Plain colored, without black or
buff on head; upper plumage, grayish
black; under parts, silvery white, often tinged with ash gray on
throat and sides; no developed plumes behind the eye.

Colymbus auritus.
Horned Grebe.
See No. 3.

* GROUP 2. Wing, over 6.50 inches long.

Nostril to tip of bill, less than 2 inches ; tarsus with middle toe and
claw together, less than 5.50.

In summer: Crown, black; upper throat, gray; lower throat and
breast, chestnut rufous; rest of underparts, silvery grayish white.

*For directions for measurement, see page 21.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.
In winter: No rufous brown on throat or breast.

37

Colymbus holbcellii.
Holboell's Grebe.

See No. 2.

Nostril to tip of bill, over 2 inches ; tarsus and middle toe with claw
together, over 5.50 inches.

In winter'. Ends of primaries brown, shading into white at base;
upper plumage, dark; vmder parts, silvery white.

.■EchmophorMS occidentalis.
Western Grebe.
See No. i.

Family GAVIIDtE. Loons.

Special Characters: Bill, straight and pointed; tail, short; toes,
four ; front toes, palmate (full webbed ) ; tarsus, flattened ; hind toe,
with flap or small lobe; legs placed far back near the tail.

Summer

Loons.

Winter.

38 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

*GROUP 1. Wing, 9.50 to II inches long.

Back, with white spots; throat, white or whitish (immature or
winter ) . Gavia stellata.

Red-throated Loon.

See No. 9.

Back, without distinct white spots; the feathers, edged with ashy;
throat, white or dusky (immature or winter). Gavia arctica.

Black-throated Loon.
See No. 8.

Head, ashy gray; throat, black (adult). Gavia arctica.

Black-throated Loon.

See No. 8.

Throat, gray; front of neck, chestnut brown (adult).

Gavia stellata.
Red-throated Loon.

See No. 9.

*GROUP 2. Wing, 11 to 15 inches long.

SECTION 1. Depth of bill at base, more than .85.

Head, black (adult). Gavia immer.

Loon-
See No. 7.

Top of head, grayish; throat, white (immature or winter plum-
age). Gavia immer.

Loon.
See No. 7.

SECTION 2. Depth of bill at base, less than .85.

Head, ash gray; throat, black (adult). Gavia arctica.

Black-throated Loon.
See No. 8.

Throat, gray; front of neck, chestnut brown (adult ) .

Gavia stellata.

Red-throated Loon.

See No. 9.

♦For directions for measurement, see page 21.

Jan., igoq. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsi'n — Cory. 39

Back, with white spots; throat, white or whitish (immature or
winter). Gavia stellata.

Red-throated Loon.
See No. 9.

Back, without distinct white spots; the feathers, edged with ashy;
throat, white or dusky (immature or winter). Gavia arctica.

Black-throated Loon.

See No. 8.

'''GROUP 0. Wing, over 15 inches long.

Feet, webbed; head, black, in adult; head, gray; throat, whitish,
in immature. Gavia immer.

Loon.
See No. 7.

Family ALCID^^. Auks, Murres, etc., etc.

Y Toes, three ; no hind toe (hallux ) ; toes, palmate (full

webbed ) ; nostrils, separate, and not tubular.

*GROUP 1. Wing, less than 6 inches long.

Summer plumage: Sides of neck and stripe on side of occiput and
through the eye, white; rest of head, black; back, plumbeous, with
lateral streaks of white; under parts, white.

Winter plum-age: Head, dusky; back, plumbeous; throat and
under parts, white. Length, about 10 inches; wing, 5.40; bill, .65.

Synthliborampli its antiquus.
Ancient Murrelet.
See No. 6.

* For directions for measurement, see page 21.

40 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Murres.

Winter plumage: Upper parts, black, or blackish;
under parts, white; length, about 8 inches; wing, about
4.50; bill, .50. AUe alle.

Dovekie, or Little Auk.
See No. 61.

*GROUP 2. Wing, over 6.50 inches long.

Summer plumage: Length, about 16; wing, about 8; head, back,
wings, and tail, dark sooty brown; under parts and tips of secondaries,
white. Winter plumage: Under parts, white, more or less marked
with sooty brown or blackish about the throat, belly, and flanks;
bill, usually over 1.60. Maritime species — not recorded from Illinois
or Wisconsin. Uria troile.

Murre.

Similar to Uria troile, but has the head darker than the throat;
size slightly larger; length, about 16.50; wing, about 8.20; bill,
usually under 1.60. No record for Illinois or Wisconsin, but has
been taken in Indiana, Michigan, etc. Uria lomvia.

Briinnich's Murre.

*For directions for measurement, see page 21.

See page 281.

ORDER LONGIPENNES.

LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS. J^GERS, GULLS, TERNS, ETC.

Family STERCORARIID^. The Skuas

and Jaegers.

Special Characters: Nostrils, separate and not tubular; bill,
with cere; front toes, palmate (full webbed); hind toe, small, but
always present and without web ; end of upper mandible (unguis ) ,
swollen and somewhat rounded; plumage, always dark, sometimes
sooty, softietimes barred with brown; tail, never white or gray;
middle tail feathers, longest. The cere, a hard skin-like covering on
base of upper mandible, well distinguishes them from the Gulls.

*GROUP 1. Wing, ii to 15 inches long.

Under parts, not entirely pure white; bill, over 1.35; tarsus, over
1.80; middle tail feathers, not pointed; plumage, sometimes dark
brown; sometimes mixed gray, brown, and white.

Stercorariiis pomarinus.
Pomarine Jaeger.
See No. 10.

Bill, under 1.35; tarsus, under 1.80; middle tail feathers, pointed;
base of unguis to frontal feathers, less than length of unguis ; shafts of
primaries, yellowish white. Stercorariiis longicaiidus.

Long-tailed Jaeger.

See No. n.

Bill, under 1.35; tarsus, under 1.80; middle tail feathers, pointed;
base of unguis to frontal feathers, greater than length of unguis;

shafts of primaries, yellowish white. Stercorarius parasiticus.

Parasitic Jaeger.

See page 288.

* For directions for measurement see page 2 1 .
41

INDEX TO KEY.

Family LARID^. Gulls and Terns.

Subfamily LARINi^.

Tail, usually nearly square.

Gulls.

Group 1. Wing, q.50 to ii inches long
Group 2. Wing, 11 to 13 inches long .
Group 3. Wing, 13 to 15 inches long .
Group 4. Wing, 15 to 17 inches long .
Section 1. Length, over 21; bill, over

See page 43.
44-

" " 44-

" " 45-
2; under parts, white See page 45

Section 2. Length, over 21 ; bill, over 2; under parts, not white
Section 3. Length, over 2 1 ; bill, under 2 ; under parts, white .
Section 4. Length, over 2 1 ; bill, under 2 ; under parts, not white.
Section 5. Length, under 21 .
Group 5. Wing, over 1 7 inches long ......

Subfamily STERNINiE.

Tail, usually forked.

Terns.

Group 1.

Group 2.

Group 3.

Group 4.

Group 5.

Group 6. Wing, 13 to 17 inches long
Group 7. Wing, over 17 inches long

Wmg, 5.50 to 7.50 inches long
Wing, 7.50 to 8.50 inches long
Wing, 8.50 to 9.50 inches long
Wing, 9.50 to 1 1 inches long .
Wing, II to 13 inches long .

See

47-
48.
48.
48,
48.
49-
49-

42

Jan., igog. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

43

Family LARID^. Gulls and Terns.

Subfamily LARIN.^. Gulls.

Upper mandible, curved; unguis (end of bill), not swollen; nos-
trils, near middle of upper mandible ; middle tail feathers, about equal
in length to the others ; tail, rarely dark, although
sometimes tipped with black or brown; hind toe,
small, but always present except in one genus; bill,
without cere.

Glaucous Gull.
Herring Gull.

Great Black-backed Gull.
Bonaparte's Gull.

*GROUP 1. Wing, 9.50 to 11 inches long.

Under parts, white; inner web of first primary, white, with black
spot near the end; the tip, white; shaft of feather, white; adult birds
have the bill dark red; in immature birds it is brownish.

Larus franklinii.
Franklin's Gull.

* For directions for measurement, see page 21.

See No. 19.

44 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Under parts, white; inner web of tirst primary, white; the tip,
black; bill, black; shaft of feather, white. Lams pJiiladclphia.

Bonaparte's Gull.
See No. 20.

Under parts, white; inner web of first primary, about half white;
shaft of feather, dark brown on upper surface. In the adult the bill is
black, tipped with yellow. Xema sahinii.

Sabine's Gull.

See No. 2 [.

*GROUP 2. Wing, 11 to 13 inches long.

Shafts of primaries, black or dark brown; under parts, not pure
white (immature ) . Larus atricilla.

Laughing Gull.
See No. 18.

Under parts, pure white; inner web of first primary, white, with
black spot near the end, the tip, white; shaft of feathers, white.
Adult birds have bill dark red; in immature birds it is brownish.

Lams fraiikliini.
Franklin's Gull.
See No. 19.

Under parts, white; first primary, entirely black or dark brown
(adult). Lams atricilla.

Laughing Gull.

See No. 18.

Back, pearl gray; inner web of primary, white, broadly tipped
with black; a small rudimentary hind toe, without nail.

Rissa tridactyla.
Kittiwake Gull.
See No. 12.

*GROUP 0. Wing, 13 to 15 inches long.

Under parts, white; first primary entirely black, or dark brown.

Lams atricilla.
Laughing Gull.
See No. 18.

*For directions for measurement, see page 21.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Corv. 45

Under parts, white; inner web of primary, white, broadly tipped
with black; a small rudimentary hind toe, without nail.

Rissa tridactyla.
Kittiwake Gull.
See No. 12.

Under parts, white; terminal portion of first primary, black, with
white spot near tip. Larus delawarensis.

Ring-billed Gull.

See No. 17.

Primaries, pale pearl gray, becoming white at tip; bill, over 1.50;
wing, over 14. Lams leucopterus.

Iceland Gull.

See No. 14.

*GROUP 4. Wing, 15 to 17 inches long.

SECTION I. Length, over 21; bill, over 2; under parts, white.

No black on primaries (adult). Larus hyperbo reus.

Glaucous Gull.
See No. 13.

Back, slaty black; primaries, black with more or less white,
(adult). Larus marinus

Great Black-backed Gull.

See No. 15.

Back, pale bluish, gray, or pearl gray; primaries, dull black or
brownish black, more or less marked with white.

Larus argentatus.
American Herring Gull.

See No. 16.

SECTION 2. Length, over 21-, bill, over 2; under parts, not white.

Outer webs of primaries, ash color (immature).

Larus hyperboreus.
Glaucous Gull.
See No. 13.

*For directions for measurement, see page 21.

46 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Outer webs of primaries, dark brown; wing, over 17.50; depth
of bill at angle, over .90 (immature). Lams marinus.

Great Black-backed Gull.

See No. 15.

Outer webs of primaries, dark brown; depth of bill at angle, under
.90; wing, under 17.50 (immature). Larus argentatus.

American Herring Gull.
See No. 16.

SECTION 3. Length, over 21; bill, under i; under parts, white.

Back, grayish blue, more or less black on primaries.

Larus argeyitatus.
American Herring Gull.
See No. 16.

Back, pale pearl color; primaries, whitish or pearl color, shading
to white at the tips. Larus leucopterus.

Iceland Gull.
See No. 14.

SECTION 4. Length, over 21; bill, under 2; under parts, not white.

Outer webs of primaries, dark brown; bill, over 1.90 (immature).

Larus argentatus.
American Herring Gull.

See No. 16.

Outer webs of primaries, ash color (immature).

Larus leucopterus-
Iceland Gull.
See No. 14.

SECTION 5. Length, under 21.

A band of black on the bill (adult); bill, dull yellow, tipped
with black (immature ) . Larus delawarensis .

Ring-billed Gull.

See No. 17.

Jan., 1909. Birds op Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

47

*GROUP 5. Wing, over 17 inches long.

Primaries, marked with more or less black. Larus marinus.

Great Black-backed Gull.

See No. 15.

No black on primaries. Lams hyperhoreus.

Glaucous Gull.

See No. 13.

Subfamily STERNINi^. Terns.

Upper mandible, nearly straight, not hooked or decidedly rounded
near tip; nostrils, in basal half of bill; outer tail feathers, usually
longer than middle feathers; toes, four; front toes, webbed; hind
toe, small, but well developed.

Common Tern.

*GROUP 1. Wing, 5.50 to 7.50 inches long.

Forehead, white; bill, black; under parts,
white; back, pearl gray; crown, black (adult
in summer); back and crown, mottled (im-
mature). Sterna antillarum.

Least Tern.

See No. 28.

*Por directions for measurement, see page 21.

48 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

*GROUP 2. Wing, 7.50 to 8.50 inches long.

Head and under parts, black (adult). A patch of black behind
the eye; back of head, dusky; rest of head, white (iinmature ) .

Hydrochelidon nigra surinaniensis .
Black Tern.
See No. 29.

*GROUP 3. Wing, 8.50 to 9.50 inches long.

Inner web of outer tail feather, gray; entire under parts, white.

Sterna forsteri.
Forster's Tern.
See No. 25.

*GROUP 4. Wing, 9.50 to 11 inches long.

Outer web of outer tail feather, darker than inner web; back,
pearl gray; breast, washed with pearl gray; bill in adults, red, tipped
with black; tarsus, usually over .70. Sterna hirundo.

Common Tern. Wilson's Tern.

See No. 26.

Inner web of outer tail feather, darker than outer web ; back, pearl
gray; bill in adults, black, slightly yellowish at tip; entire under
parts, white. Sterna forsteri.

Forster's Tern.

See No. 25.

Outer web of outer tail feather, darker than inner web ; back, pearl
gray; breast and under parts, pearl gray; bill, in adults, entirely red;
tarsus, usually less than .70. Sterna paradiscea.

Arctic Tern.
See No. 27.

* GROUP 5. Wing, II to 13 inches long.

Bill, black, not tipped with yellow; feet, blackish; back, pearl
gray; bill, comparatively short and stout. Gelochelidon nilotica.

Gull-billed Tern.

See No. 22.

* For directions for measurement, see page 21.

Jan., igog. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 49

Bill, red, tipped with black; feet, orange red; back, pearl gray or
gray and buff. Sterna hirundo.

Common Tern. Wilson's Tern.
See No. 26.

'•'GROUP 6. Wing, 13 to 17 inches long.

Bill, orange or yellowish; tarsus, less than 1.50; inner web of
outer primary, usually with more or less white. Sterna maxima.

Royal Tern.

See No. 24.

Bill, red or reddish; tarsus, over 1.50; inner web of outer primary,
usually without white. Sterna caspia.

Caspian Tern.
See No. 23.

* GROUP 7. Wing, over 17 inches long.

Bill, red or reddish. Sterna caspia.

Caspian Tern.

See No. 23.

*For directions for measurement, see page 21.

ORDER STEGANOPODES.

TOTIPALMATE SWIMMERS. ANHINGAS, CORMORANTS,
PELICANS, ETC.

Family ANHINGID^. Darters, Snake Birds.

Bill, sharp-pointed and slender ; chin, bare ; neck, long and slender ;
toes, four, all connected by webs; middle tail feathers, corrugated or
fluted.

*GROUP I. Wing, 12.50 to i 5. 50 inches long.

Neck, long, snake-like; head and neck, black in male, brown in
female; outer webs of two middle tail feathers, "fluted."

Anhinga anhinga.
Anhinga. Water Turkey.
vSee No. 31.

*For directions for measurement, see page 21.

50

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin —Cory.

51

Family PHALACROCORACI Dv^.

7

Cormorants.

Bill, hooked at tip, and less than twelve inches

"^'^ long ; bare skin at base of bill and chin ; lores, bare ;

toes, four, all connected by webs ; tail feathers, stiff.

Double-crested Cormorant,

Mexican Cormorant.

* GROUP 1. Wing, II to [5 inches long.

Plumage, variable at different seasons; but wing, always over 11

inches long. Phalacrocorax anritus, and races.

Double-crested Cormorant and Florida Cormorant.

See Nos. 32 and 32a.

* GROUP 2. Wing, less than 10.50 inches long.

Adult: With white line bordering the bare skin on throat; imma-
ture: showing throat pale, but white line not clearly defined.

Phalacrocorax vigua niexicanus .

Mexican Cormorant.

See No.

* For directions for measurement, see page 21.

52 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Family PELECANID^E. Pelicans.

Bill, hooked at tip, over twelve inches long and having a large pouch
attached to the under mandible; lores, bare; toes, four, all connected
by webs.

American White Pelican.

* GROUP 1. Wing, over 17 inches long

General plumage, white.

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos .
American White Pelican.

See No. 34.

General plumage, not white (coloration very variable according
to age and season, but never white). Pelecanus occidentalis.

Brown Pelican.
See No. 35.

Family FREGATID.^. Man-of-war Birds.

Frigate Birds.

Bill, hooked at tip ; lores, feathered ; upper plumage, entirely
black ; toes, four, all connected by webs ; tail, forked ; wings, very long.

* For directions for measurement, see page 21.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

53

* GROUP 1. Wing, over 21 inches long.

Size, large; length, 3 feet or more; wing, over 20 inches; entire
plumage, black or brownish black (adult, male); general plumage,
black; belly, white (female); head and neck, whitish; belly, white;
rest of plumage, black (immature). Fregata aquila.

Man-of-war Bird.
See No. 36.

Man-of-war Bird.

*For directions for measurement, see page 21.

INDEX TO KEY.

Family ANATID^. Ducks, Geese, and

Swans.
Subfamily MERGINiE. Mergansers.

Fish-eating Ducks having narrow bills with tooth-like serrations on edges ;
tarsus, scutellate (transverse scales) in front.

Group 1. Wing, 6.50 to 8.50 inches long .... See page 56.
Group 2. Wing, 8.50 to 12 inches long . . . . . " " 57.

Subfamily ANATINi^. River and Pond Ducks.

Ducks having hind toe without well developed membraneous lobe or flap ;
tarsus, scutellate (transverse scales) in front.

Group 1. Wing, 5 to 7.50 inches long ..... See page 58.

Group 2. Wing, 8 to 10 inchfes long . . . . . " " 59.

Section 1. Belly, white . . . . . . . " " 59.

Section 2. Belly, not white . . . . . . " " 59-

Group 3. Wing, 10 to 14 inches long . . . . . " " 60.

Section 1. Belly, white, or tinged with dusky or gray on

lower part .... ...."" 60.

Section 2. Belly, not white . . . ■ . . . " " 61.

Subfamily FULIGULINiE. Bay and Sea Ducks.

Ducks having a flap or membraneous lobe on hind toe; tarsus, scutellate
(transverse scales) in front.

Group 1. Wing, 5 to 6.50 inches long ..... See page 62

Section 1. Tail feathers, not stiff and pointed . . . " " 62

Section 2. Tail feathers, stiff and pointed . . . " " 62

Group 2. Wing, 6. 50 to 7 . 50 inches long . . . . " " 63

Section 1. Belly, white . . . . . . " " 63

Section 2. Belly, not white . . . . . . " " 64

Group 3. Wing, 7.50 to 8.50 inches long . . . . " " 64

Section 1. Head, with more or less white or brownish white; belly, white,

sometimes tinged with dusky or gray on lower part . See page 64
Section 2. No white or grayish white on head ; belly, white, sometimes

tinged with grayish white on head .... See page 65

Section 3. Belly, not white . . . . . . " " 65

54

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — ^Cory. 55

Group 4. Wing, 8.50 to 10 inches long. See page 66.

Section 1. Hind toe, with flap or lobe; belly, white, sometimes tinged

on lower part with dusky or gray; head, marked with more or less white,

or brownish white. See page 66.
vSection 2. Belly, white, sometimes tinged on lower part with gray or

dusky; no white or grayish white on head. See page 66.
Section 3. Belly, not white; head, marked with more or less white, or

grayish white. See page 67.
Section 4. Belly, not white; no white on head. See page 68.
Group 5. Wing, 10 to 14 inches long. See page 68.

Section 1. Head, with more or less white, or grayish white; belly, black.

See page 68.
Section 2. No white on head; belly, black. See page 69.
Section 3. Head, with more or less white, or grayish white ; belly, mottled

brown, or grayish brown, or slaty. See page 69.
Section 4. No white on head; belly, mottled brown, or grayish brown.

See page 70.

Subfamily ANSERINiE. Geese.

Lores, feathered; tarsus, reticulate (scales rounded).

Group 1. Wing, 12 to 14 inches long. See page 71.
Group 2. Wing, 14 to 20 inches long. See page 71.

Section 1. Head and neck, black or blackish, marked with more or less

white; bill and feet, black. See page 71.
vSection 2. Head, white, sometimes tinged with brownish orange; bill
and feet, pink or flesh color in life, yellowish or pale brownish in dried
skin. See page 72.
Section 3. Head, brownish or grayish, sometimes marked with white;
bill, pinkish; feet, yellow or pink. See page 72.

Subfamily CYGNINi^. Swans.

Bare skin between the bill and eye; tarsus, reticulate (scales rounded);
neck, very long; wing, over 19 inches long. See page 73.

ORDER ANSERES.

LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS.

Family AN ATI D^^. Ducks, Geese, and

Swans.

Subfamily MERGINi^. Mergansers.

Fish-eating Ducks having narrow bills with tooth-like serrations on
edges, and the tarsus, scutellate in front.

* GROUP 1. ^ying, from 6.50 to 8.50 inches long; bill,
narrow, with tooth-like serrations.

Lophodytes cucullatus (male). Lophodytes cucullatus.

Head, brownish or grayish ; breast and belly, white ; sides, rufous
brown, narrowly barred with black; tarsus, less than 1.50; crest, small
(female and immature ) . Lophodytes ciicullatus.

Hooded Merganser.
See No. 39.

Head, with black and white crest; lower breast and belly, white;
sides, grayish brown; tarsus, less than 1.50 (male).

Lophodytes cucullatus.
Hooded Merganser.

See No. 39.

* For directions for measurement, see page 21.
56

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

57

* GROUP 2. Wing, from 8.50 to 12 inches long; bill, narrow,
with tooth-like serrations.

Male

American Mergancer.

Female.

Top of bill.
Mergus americanus.

Distance from nostril to tip of bill, less
than 1.50; head and neck, greenish black ;
under parts, creamy white, tinged with sal-
mon color; feet, red (male).

Mergus mnericanus .
American Merganser. Sheldrake.
See No. 37.

Distance from nostril to tip of bill, less
than 1.50 ; head, rufous brown ; upper throat,
white; feet, orange red (female).

Mergus americanus.
American Merganser. Sheldrake.
See No. 37.

Distance from nostril to tip of bill, more
than 1.50; head, black, tinged with green;

breast, rufous, streaked with black (male).

Mergus serrator.
Red-breasted Merganser.

See No. 38.

■ * For directions for measurement, see page 21.

Mergus serrator.

58 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Distance from nostril to tip of bill, more than 1.50 ; head, brownish,

palest on the throat; speculum, white (female). Mergus serrator.

Red-breasted Merganser.
See No. 38.

Subfamily ANATINiE. River and Pond Ducks.

Ducks having hind toe without mem-
braneous lobe or flap; tarsus, scutellate in
front.

Querquedula discors.

* GROUP 1. Wing, 5 to 7.50 inches long; hind toe, without

flap or lobe.

Large patch pale blue

on wing (coverts ) ; white
crescent on face (male ) ; no
white crescent, face speck-
led ; chin whitish (female ) .

Common in Eastern United States.

Querquedula discors.
Blue-winged Teal.
See No. 46.

Large patch of pale blue on wing (coverts); head and breast,
rufous brown; crown, blackish (male); sides of head, speckled (dull
white, dotted with black) ; chin and throat, dusky, tinted with rufous
(female). Western species, rare east of the Mississippi River.

Querquedula cyanoptera.
Cinnamon Teal.
See No. 47.

No blue patch on wing; head, rufous brown, with large patch of
green through eye to nape; speculum, black and green (male ) ; head,
speckled. No blue patch on wing (female). Nettiou carolinensis.

Green-winged Teal.

* For directions for measurement, see page 21.

See No. 45.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

59

* GROUP 2. Wing, from 8 to 10 inches long.
SECTION 1. Belly, white; no flap or lobe on hind toe.

Aix sponsa.

Head, green, purple, black, and white; chin and upper throat,
white; feet, yellow in life (male). Aix sponsa.

Wood Duck. Summer Duck.

See No. 50.

Head, grayish brown, with white stripe through the eye; chin and
upper throat, white; toes, dull yellow in life (female). Aix sponsa.

Wood Duck. Summer Duck.

See No. 50.

Head, brown; chin, not wdiite; a white stripe on sides of the neck;
tail, pointed (male). Dafila acuta.

Pintail Duck.

See No. 49.

SECTION 2. Belly, not white; hind toe, without membraneous lobe

or flap.

Bill, more than one inch wide near
tip; head, green or greenish ; speculum,
metallic green; axillars, white; feet,
orange red in life (male).

Spatula clypeata.
Shoveller Duck. Broad-bill.
See No. 48.

Bill, more than one inch wide near
tip ; head, narrowly streaked and speckled
with brown and dull white; speculum,
metallic green ; feet, orange red in life; ax-
illars, white (female). Spatula clypeata.
Shoveller Duck. Broad-bill.

T^W^

Spatula clypeata.

See No. 48.

* For directions for measurement, see page 21.

6o Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Bill, less than one inch wide near tip; head, lined and speckled
with brown and brownish white; speculum, not ■metallic green; axillars,
white, barred with brown; rump and tail coverts, brown, narrowly-
edged and banded with white; feet,
»^^^fc dusky (female). Dafila acuta.

Pintail Duck.

Axillar. Dafila acuta. ScC No. 49.

Belly, white, with more or less brown spots; axillars, white; bill,
less than .90 wide at widest part (female).

Chaulelasmus streperus.
Gadwall.
See No. 42.

Belly, more or less spotted; throat, white; rump, olive brown;
secondaries, metallic green, tipped with white; axillars and under
wing coverts, heavily barred; toes, yellowish in life (female).

Aix spans a.
Wood Duck. Summer Duck.
See No. 50.

* GROUP 0. Wing, from to to 14 inches long.

SECTION 1. Hind toe, without membraneous lobe or flap; belly,
white, sometimes faintly tinged with dusky or gray on lower part.

Axillars, white; the shafts, white; ex-
posed speculum, black and white; head,
tawny brown; cheeks and throat, tawny,
speckled with brown (male).

Chaulelasmus streperus.
Gadwall. Creek Duck.
See No. 42.

Axillars, white; the shafts, white; head,
speckled; exposed speculum, black and white
(female).

Chaulelasmus streperus.

Gadwall. Creek Duck.

See No. 42.

■For directions for measurement, see page 21.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 61

Axillars, white, with shafts dark near the tips; speculum, green
and black; white patch on shoulder; top of head, white, more or less
green behind the eye (male).

Mareca americana.
American Widgeon. Baldpate.
See No. 44.

Axillars, white, with shafts dark near the tips; no white shoulder
patch; head, speckled (female).

Mareca americana.
American Widgeon. Baldpate.

See No. 44.

Axillars, thickly speckled and faintly barred with gray; head,
speckled (female ) ; head and upper neck, brown ; top of head, white
or whitish.

Mareca penelope.
European Widgeon.
See No. 43.

Axillars, grayish white ; head, brown, not speckled ; stripe of white
on sides of neck; tail, pointed; middle feathers, long (male).

Dafila acuta.
Pintail Duck,

See No. 49.

SECTION 2. Hind toe, without membraneous lobe or flap; belly,

not white.

Speculum, bluish purple, edged with white ;
head, green; a white ring around neck;
breast, chestnut; belly, grayish white; feet,
orange red; axillars, white (male).

Anas platyrhynichos.
Mallard Duck.

See No. 40. Anas platyrhynchos.

Belly, white, showing more or less brown spots; axillars, white;
bill, less than .90 wide at widest part; speculum, black and white
(female). Chaulelasmus streperus.

Gadwall.

See No. 42.

62 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Speculum, bluish purple, edged
with white and black; greater
wing coverts, with broad band of
white; head, tawny brown,
streaked with dark brown; belly,
pale buff, mottled with brown;
feet, orange red; axillars, white
(female). Anas platyrhynchos.

Mallard Duck.
See No. 40.

Mallard Duck.

Male.

Speculum, purplish blue; no white band on greater wing coverts;
head and throat, streaked; throat, not buff; no black spot at base of
bill; feet, olive (sometimes red); axillars, white; Eastern North
America. Anas riibripes.

Black Duck. Dusky Duck.
See No. 41.

Subfamily FULIGULIN^. Bay and Sea Ducks.

Ducks having flap or membraneous lobe
on hind toe; tarsus, scutellate (transverse
scales) in front.

* GROUP 1. Wing, from 5 to 6.50 inches long.

SECTION 1. Tail feathers, not stiff and pointed.

Head, greenish purple, with white patch (male); head, grayish
brown, with white patch (female or immature); no dark stripes on
cheek; bill, less than three-fourths inch wide. Charitonetta albeola.

Buffle-head Duck. Dipper Duck.

See No. 58.

SECTION 2. Tail feathers, stiff and pointed.

No greenish or purple on head; throat, whitish; cheeks, white
or whitish; bill, broad, three-quarters inch or more wide.

Erismatura jamaicensis.
Ruddy Duck.

See No. 66.

* For directions for measurement, see page 21.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 63

Front of head, including cheeks, black (adult); head with black
stripes on side (female or immature). Tropical species, accidental
in the United States. Nomonyx doniinicus.

Masked Duck.
See No. 67.

* GROUP 2. Wing, from 6.50 to 7,50 inches long.
SECTION 1. Bellv, white.

Head, greenish purple, no white on head; back, barred black and
white ; speculum, white (male ) . Marila affinis.

Lesser Scaup Duck. Blue-bill.

See No. 54.

Head, brownish, a patch of dull white at base of bill; no white
on ear coverts; speculum, white (female).

Marila affinis.
Lesser Scaup Duck. Blue-bilL

See No. 54.

Head, greenish purple, no white on head; back, dull black;
speculum, gray (male ) . Marila collaris.

Ring-necked Duck.

See No. 55.

Head, dull brown, brownish white at base of bill and below eye;
speculum, gray (female ) . Marila collaris.

Ring-necked Duck.

See No. 55.

Head, greenish purple, a large patch of white on back of head
(male ) . Charitonetta albeola.

Buffle-headed Duck.
See No. 58.

Head, dark brown or dusky, a patch of white behind the eye (on
ear coverts); no white or brownish white at base of bill; speculum,
white (female). Charitonetta albeola.

Buffle-headed Duck.

See No. 58.

* For directions for measurement, see page 21.

64 Field Museum of Natural History — -Zoology, Vol. TX.

SECTION 2. Belly, not white.

Plumage, variously marked with white, slate-color, and chestnut
(male). Histrionicus histrionic us .

Harlequin Duck.
See No. 60.

General plumage, dull brown, mottled on the under parts (female ) .

Histrionicus histrionicus .
Harlequin Duck.

See No. 60.

* GROUP 0. Wing, from 7.50 to 8.50 inches long.

SECTION 1. Head, marked with more or less white or brownish

white; belly, white, sometimes tinged with dusky or

gray on lower part.

Head, brownish; a patch of dull white on
face at base of bill ; speculum, white (female ) .

Alarila marila.
Scaup Duck. Bluebill.

See No. 53.

Speculum, white, similar to preceding but somewhat smaller (fe-
male). More common in the South than the Greater Scaup Duck.

Marila afjinis.
Lesser Scaup Duck.
See No. 54.

Speculum, gray; head and neck, brownish; chin and anterior
portion of lores, brownish white or whitish (female); resembles fe-
male Red-head, but is smaller. Marila collaris.

Ring-necked Duck.
See No. 55.

A patch of white or grayish white on the head, including the eye ;
no speculum; under tail coverts, white; adult males have the tail
feathers long and pointed. Harelda hyemalis.

Old-squaw. Long-tailed Duck.

See No. 59.

* For directions for measurement, see page 21.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 65

SECTION 2. Belly, white, sometimes tinged on lower part with
duskv or gray; no white or grayish white on head.

Head, brown; a distinct wing band of white (female).

Clangula clangula ameri'cana.
American Golden-eye.
See No. 56.

Head, black, glossed with green; speculum, white; back, grayish
white, finely lined with black (male).

Marila marila.
Scaup Duck. Bluebill or Blackhead.

See No. 53.

Head, black, glossed with purple, finely lined with black; specu-
lum, white; back, grayish white; smaller than the preceding species,
but resembles it closely (male).

Marila affinis.
Lesser Scaup Duck. Bluebill or Blackhead.

See No. 54.

Head, black, with violet or bluish gloss, a spot of white on the
chin; speculum, gray; back, dull black (male).

Marila collar is.
Ring-necked Duck.

See No. 55.

SECTION 3. Bellv, not white.

Plumage, variously marked with white, slate-color, and chestnut;
speculum, bluish; top of head and wing coverts, not white (male).

Hist rionicus histrionicus .
Harlequin Duck.
See No. 60.

Top of head and wing coverts, not white; plumage, dull brown,
mottled on the under parts (female).

Histrionicus histrionicus.
Harlequin Duck.
See No. 60.

66 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

* GROUP 4. Wing, 8.50 to 10 inches long.

SECTION 1. Hind toes, with well defined membraneous lobe or flap;

belly, white, sometimes tinged on lower part with dusky or gray;

head, marked with more or less white, or brownish white

Head, brownish ; a patch of dull white on
face at base of bill; speculum, white (fe-
male). Marila marila.
Scaup Duck. Bluebill. Blackhead.

See No. 53.

Marila marila.

Head and neck, dark glossy green ; a nearly round patch of white
on cheek at base of bill; back, black; speculum, white (male).

Clangula datigula americana.
American Golden-eye. Whistler.
See No. 56.

Head, bluish black, or purplish blue; an irregular white patch on
cheek at base of bill (male). Clangula islandica.

Barrow's Golden-eye.

See No. 57.

Top of head, brown; sides of head, brownish white; speculum,
gray; bill, more than one and a quarter inches long (female).

Marila americana.
Redhead Duck.

See No. 51.

Bill, not over 1.25 long; a patch of white, or grayish white, on the
head, including the eye; no speculum; under tail covert, white;
adult males have the tail feathers long and pointed. Harelda hyemalis.

Old-squaw. Long-tailed Duck.
See No. 59.

SECTION 2. Hind toe, with well defined membraneous lobe or flap;

belly, white, sometimes tinged on lower part with dusky or

gray; no white, or grayish white, on head.

Head, black, glossed with green; back, grayish white, finely lined
with black; speculum, white (male). Marila marila.

Scaup Duck. Bluebill. Blackhead.

See No. 53.

* For directions for measurement, see page 21.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

67

Head, cinnamon brown; upper breast and back, ashy gray, not
barred; speculum, white (female); very similar to female Barrow's
Golden-eye, but slightly smaller. Much more common than the next
species. Clangula clangula atnericana.

American Golden-eye. Whistler.
See No. 56.

Head, cinnamon brown; upper breast and back, ashy gray, not
barred; speculum, white (female); very'similar to preceding species,
but slightly larger. Clangula islandica.

Barrow's Golden-eye.

See No. 57.

Head, rufous brown; crown, blackish;
breast, black; lower back, ashy white, finely
lined with black (male); bill, very different
from that of Red-head. (See cut.)

Marila vallisneria.

Canvas-back Duck.

See No. 52.

Marila vallisneria.

Head, neck, and upper breast, dull cinnamon brown, palest on
throat; lower back, dull brown, barred with fine, wavy, white lines
(female ) ; easily distinguished by shape of bill. (See cut.)

Marila vallisneria.
Canvas-back Duck.
See No. 52.

Head, reddish brown; crown, not blackish;
breast, black; lower back, grayish, finely lined
with black (male); bill, very different from
that of Canvas-back. (See cut. )

Marila americana.

Red-headed Duck.

Marila americana.

See No. 51.

SECTION 3. Hind toe, with well defined membraneous lobe or flap;
bellv, not white; more or less white, or grayish white, on head.

General plumage, black; a patch of white

on front of crown and nape; bill, large, marked

with orange, red, black, and white; no white

on wings (male). Oidemia perspicillata.

Surf Scoter. Skunk-head Coot.

See No. 65.

68 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

General plumage, brown; top of head and wings, dark; a spot of
dull white at base of bill and behind eye; no white on wings (female ).

Oidemia perspicillata.
Surf Scoter. Skunk-head Coot.
See No. 65.

SECTION 4. Hind toe, with well defined membraneous lobe or flap;
belly, not white; no white on head.

Axillars, brown; secondaries, white, forming a white wing patch;
upper parts dark brown; under parts, sometimes brown, sometimes
grayish (female). Oidemia deglandi.

White-winged Scoter. White-winged Coot.

See No. 64.

* GROUP 5. Wing, 10 to 14 inches long.

SECTION 1. Hind toe, with well defined membraneous lobe or flap;
head, with more or less white, or grayish white; belly, black.

General plumage, black ; speculum, white ; spot under eye, white;
axillars, black; bill, orange at base (male). Oidemia deglandi.

White-winged Scoter. White-winged Coot.

See No. 64.

General plumage, black ; head, black, with patch of white on
crown and nape; no white on wing; axillars, black; bill, orange,
black, and white (male). Oidemia perspicillata.

Surf Scoter. Skunk-head Coot.

See No. 65.

American Eider Duck.
Somateria dresseri.

Northern Eider Duck.
Somateria mollissima borealis.

♦For directions for measurement, see page 21.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

69

Top of head, black, divided on crown ; more or less green on head ;

throat, white; axillars, white; bill (culmen), divided and rounded at
base (male). (See cut of bill. ) Somateria dresseri.

American Eider Duck.
See No. 61.

Top of head, black, divided on crown; more or less green on head;
throat, white; axillars, white; culmen, divided and pointed at base
(male). (See cut of bill.) Arctic species; not recorded from Lake
Michigan region. Somateria molHssima borealis.

Northern Eider Duck.

Top of head, slate color; cheeks, greenish; throat, white, with
large, black, V-shaped mark (male). Somateria spectabilis.

King Eider Duck.
See No. 62.

SECTION 2- Hind toe, with well defined membraneous lobe or flap;
no white on head; belly, black.

General plimiage, black ; axillars, black; no
white on wing; bill, orange at base; feathers
on bill, more than one-half inch from nostril
( male) . Oidemia americana.

American Scoter. Black Coot. Butter-bill
Coot. See No. 63.

SECTION 3- Hind toe, with well defined membraneous lobe or flap;
head, marked with more or less white, or grayish white; belly,
mottled brown, or grayish brown, or slaty.

General plumage, brownish; no white on wing; feathers on bill,
more than one-half inch from nostril (female and immature ) .

Oidemia americana.
American Scoter. Butter-bill Coot.

See No. 63.

General plumage, grayish brown; speculum, white; feathers on
bill, less than one-half inch from nostril (female and immature ) .

Oidemia deglandi.
White-winged Scoter. White-winged Coot.

See No. 64.

70 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. TX.

General plumage, grayish brown; feathers extending on upper
part of bill more than on the sides; no white on wing; feathers on
bill, less than one-half inch from nostril (female ) .

Oidemia perspicillata.
Surf Scoter. Skunk-head Coot.
See No. 65.

SECTION 4. Hind toe, with well defined membraneous lobe or flap;
no white on head; belly, mottled brown, or grayish brown.

General plumage, brownish; no white on wings; axillars, black;
feathers on the bill, more than one-half inch from nostril (female ) .

Oidemia americana.
American Scoter. Butter-bill Coot. Gray Coot.

See No. 63.

Head, dark brown or black; feathers on bill, less than one-half
inch from nostril; axillars, black; no white on wings (immature
male ) . Oidemia perspicillata.

Surf Scoter. Skunk-head Coot.

See No. 65.

A patch of white on the wings; back and upper parts, dark brown;
feathers on the base of bill, extending to within one-half inch of nos-
tril (female ) . Oidemia deglandi.

White-winged Scoter.
See No. 64.

Head, tawny, streaked with brown; axillars, white, or grayish
white; throat, streaked; feathers on bill, within one-fourth inch from
nostril; decided difference in bill from next species (female). (See
cut. ) Eastern North America. Somateria dresseri.

American Eider Duck.
See No. 61.

Head, tawny, streaked with brown; axillars, white, or grayish
white; throat, streaked; feathers on bill, within one-fourth inch
from nostril; decided difference in bill from preceding species (fe-
male). (See cut.) Eastern North America. This is given for
comparison; the species has not yet been recorded from the Lake
Michigan region. Som-ateria mollissima borealis.

Northern Eider Duck.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

71

Head, tawny, streaked with brown; axillars, white, or grayish
white; throat, not streaked; feathers on bill, more than one-fourth
inch from nostril (female). Somateria spcctabilis.

King Eider Duck.

See No. 62.

Subfamily ANSERINE. Geese.

Special Characters;
late (scales rounded )

Size, large; lores, feathered; tarsus, reticu-

hind toe, without flap.

* GROUP 1. Wing, 12 to 14 inches long.

Bill and feet black; head and neck, black; sides of neck (not
front, mottled with white; no speculum; lower breast, grayish; no

white on head. Branta bernicla glaucogastra.

Brant.
See No. 72.

A patch of white on side of head, extending to throat; rest of head
and neck, black. Branta canadensis minima.

Cackling Goose.

See No. 71b.

* GROUP 2. Wing, from 14 to 22 inches long.

SECTION I. Head and neck, black or blackish, marked with more
or less white; bill and feet, black.

Head and neck, black; a patch of white on each

cheek, extending to upper throat; no white on neck.

Branta canadensis, and races.

Canada Goose.

See Nos. 71, 71a, 71b.

Head and neck, black; side (not front) of neck, speckled with
white; upper belly, whitish. Common on Atlantic coast.

Branta bernicla glaucogastra.
Brant.

See No. 72.

* For directions for measurement, see page 21.

72 Field Museum of Natural History — ^Zoology, Vol. IX.

SECTION 2. Bill and feet, pink or flesh color in life; head, white,
sometimes tinged with brownish orange.

Entire plumage, white; primaries, black; smaller than C. h.
nivalis; bill, over 1.90; tarsus, over 2.80; middle toe, over 2.10
(adult ) . Chiefly Pacific coast to Mississippi Valley, rare on Atlantic
coast. Chen hyperborea.

Lesser Snow Goose.
See No. 68.

Entire plumage, white; primaries, black; resembles preceding
species but is larger (adult). Eastern North America, south in
winter on Atlantic coast to Florida and Cuba.

Chen hyperborea nivalis.
Greater Snow Goose.
See No. 68a.

Back, slaty brown; belly and rump, gray ; the feathers, not barred;
terminal half of tail, not white (adult). Chen ccerulescens.

Blue Goose.
See No. 69.

SECTION 3- Bill, pinkish; feet, yellow or pink; head, brownish or
grayish, sometimes marked with white.

Forehead and feathers at base of bill, white ; nail of bill (unguis ) ,
whitish; bill, yellowish in dried skin; breast, grayish, more or less
marked or spotted with black (adult ) .

Anser albifrons gambeli.
American White-fronted Goose.
See No. 70.

No white on forehead or base of bill; bill, yellowish in dried skin;
nail of bill (unguis), dusky; rump, slaty brown; wing coverts, edged
with white (immature). Anser albifrons gambeli.

American White-fronted Goose.

See No. 70.

General plumage, grayish; rump, white; smaller than C. h. niva-
lis; bill, over 1.90; tarsus, over 2.80; middle toe, over 2.10 (imma-
ture). Chiefly Pacific coast to Mississippi Valley; rare on Atlantic
coast. . Chen hyperborea.

Lesser Snow Goose.
See No. 68.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

73

General plumage, grayish; rump, white; larger than C. hyper-
borea (immature ) . Eastern North America, south in winter to
Florida and Cuba. Chen hyperborea nivalis.

Greater Snow Goose.
See No. 68a.

Head, brownish gray; chin, white; rump, gray; unguis (nail of
bill), yellow; wing coverts, grayish, showing very little white on the
edge of the feathers (immature ) . Chen ccerulescens.

Blue Goose.
See No. 69.

Subfamily CYGNINi^. Swans.

Size, very large ; bare skin, between the bill and eye ; tarsus, reticu-
late (scales rounded); neck, very long; wing, over 19 inches long;
hind toe, without flap.

General plumage, white; bill, black, with yellow spot (adult);
distance from tip of bill to nostril, less than distance from nostril to
eye (immature birds are gray or brownish gray ) . Olor columbianus.

Whistling Swan.
See No. 73.

Whistling Swan.

General plumage, white; bill, black, showing no yellow; distance
from tip of bill to nostril, more than distance from nostril to eye.
Chiefly found in the interior of North America; (immature birds are
gray or brownish gray ) . Olor buccinator.

Trumpeter Swan.
See No. 74.

74 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

General plumage, gray, or brownish gray; distance from tip of
bill to nostril, less than distance from nostril to eye (immature).

Olor columbianus .
Whistling Swan.

See No. 73.

General plumage, gray or brownish gray; distance from tip of bill
to nostril, more than distance from nostril to eye (immature).

Olor buccinator .
Trumpeter Swan.
See No. 74.

ORDER HERODIONES.

HERONS, IBISES, SPOONBILLS, ETC.

Suborder I BIDES.

IBISES AND SPOONBILLS.

Family PLATALEID^.. Spoonbills.

Bill, wide, flat, and rounded at the end; toes, four, all on same
level.

Wing, 13 to 17 inches long.

Bill, flat, widened and rounded at end; general plumage, pink
and white in the adult. Ajaia ajaia.

Roseate Spoonbill.

See No. 75.

75

76 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Family IBIDID^. Ibises.

Bill, long, rather slender, and decidedly curved downward; tarsus,
always less than five inches long ; toes, four, all on the same level, no
comb-like edge on side of middle toe nail; wing, from 8.50 to 13 inches
long.

Wing, less than 10.50 inches long.

General plumage, dark chestnut; feathers, at base of bill, not
white. Plegadis autumnalis.

Glossy Ibis.

See No. 77.

Immature. White Ibis. Adult.

General plumage, white ; primaries, blackish (adult ) . Guara alba.

White Ibis.
See No. 76.
General plumage, brownish or grayish, often more or less mixed
brown, gray, and white; rump, white (immature). Guara alba.

White Ibis.
See No. 76.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

77

Suborder CICONIv?^.
STORKS, ETC.

Family CICONIID^., Storks and Wood

Ibises.

Subfamily MYCTERIINi^. Wood Ibises.

Greater part of plumage, white ; bill, rounded and somewhat
curved, very thick and strong ; tarsus, always over 5 inches long ; toes,
four, all on same level ; no comb-like edge on inner side of middle toe
nail; front toes, with small webs at base; wing, 17 to 19 inches long.

Wood Ibis.

yS Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

General plumage, white; the wings and tail, more or less Ijlack;
head and upper neck, bare in adult, feathered in immature birds.

Mycteria americana.
Wood Ibis.

See No. 78.

Suborder HERODII.
HERONS, EGRETS, BITTERNS, ETC.

Family ARDEID^^. Herons and Bitterns.

Special Characters: In the true Herons there are three pairs of
thick tracts of concealed feathers known as powder down tracts,
one on the lower back, one on the belly, and one on the breast. The
Bitterns lack the down patch on the breast, having only two. Bill,
straight, stout, and sharp pointed, having a groove on the side of the
upper mandible; lores, with bare space variable in size; tail, short,
usually 12 feathers in the Herons and 10 in the Bitterns; hind toe,
on level with the front ones ; inner side of middle toe nail, with distinct
comb-like edge.

Tail feathers, 10; two pairs of powder down tracts (concealed
feathers). Subfamily Botaurince.

Bitterns.

Tail feathers (usually), 12; three pairs of powder down tracts.

Subfamily Ardeince.
Herons.

* GROUP 1. Wing, less than 6 inches long.

Least Bittern.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

79

Under parts and sides of the head and throat, buff white ; a black
patch on sides of the breast. Ixobrychus exilis.

Least Bittern.

See No. 80.

Under parts and sides of the head and throat, rufous chestnut;

under tail coverts, dull black. Ixobrychus iieoxemts.

Cory's Least Bittern.

See No. 81.

* GROUP 2. Wing, 6 to 7.50 inches long.

Crown, greenish or greenish black; legs, orange yellow in life.

Butorides virescens.
Green Heron.

See No. 87.

* GROUP 3. Wing, 8.50 to 11 inches long.

Greater part of plumage, slaty blue; belly, slaty blue; head,
tinged with purplish brown (adult). Florida ccBtidea.

Little Blue Heron.
See No. 86.

* For directions for measurement, see page 21.

8o Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

General plumage, white; tips of primaries, tinged with slaty blue;

legs, yellowish olive (immature). Florida c a; rule a.

Little Blue Heron.

See No. 86.

General plumage, white; ends of primaries, not tinged with slaty
blue; legs, black; feet, yellow. Egretta candidissima.

Snowy Heron. Snowy Egret.

See No. 84.

General plumage, tawny brown, mottled and streaked with dark
brown; upper surface of primaries, blackish.

Botaurus lentiginosus .
American Bittern.

See No. 79.

Bill, large; top of head, black; back, green (adult) ; culmen, about
as long as tarsus. Nycticorax nycticorax ncevius.

Black-crowned Night Heron.

See No. 88.

Bill, large; top of head, white or whitish; back, not green (adult) ;
culmen, much shorter than tarsus. Nyctanassa violacea.

Yellow-crowned Night Heron,

See No. 8g.

Bill, large; general plumage, mottled, and streaked brown and
white; outer edge of primaries, reddish brown (immature); culmen,
about as long as tarsus. Nycticorax nycticorax ncevius.

Black-crowned Night Heron.

See No. 88.

Bill, large; general plumage, mottled and streaked brown and
white; primaries, slaty brown (immature); culmen, much shorter
than tarsus. Nyctanassa violacea.

Yellow-crowned Night Heron.
See No. So.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 81

Bittern.

Middle Claw.

Black-crowned Night Heron,

82 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

* GROUP 4, Wing, ii to i 5 inches long.

Bill, stout; top of the head, black; back, dark green; culmen,
about as long as tarsus (adult).

Nycticorax nycticorax ncevius.
Black-crowned Night Heron.

See No. 88.

Bill, stout; top of head, white or whitish; back, not green; cul-
men, much shorter than tarsus (adult).

Nvclanassa violacea.
Yellow-crowned Night Heron.
See No. 89.

Bill, stout; general plumage, mottled and streaked brown and
white; outer edge of primaries, reddish brown; culmen, about as long
as tarsus (immature ) . Nycticorax nycticorax ncevius.

Black-crowned Night Heron.

See No. 88.

Bill, stout; general plumage, mottled and streaked grayish brown
and white; primaries, slaty brown; culmen, much shorter than tarsus
(immature). N vctanassa violacea.

Yellow-crowned Night Heron.
See No. 80.

American Egret.

General plumage, white; bill, yellow; legs, black.

Herodias egretta.
American Egret.

See No. 83.

* For directions for measurement, see page 21.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 83

General plumage, white; legs, dark olive; terminal half of bill,
black ; basal half, flesh color (white phase ) .

Dichromanassa rufescens.
Reddish Egret.

See No. 85.

Head and neck, rufous chestnut; rest of plumage, slate color, or

slaty gray. Dichromanassa rufescens.

Reddish Egret.

See No. 85.

General plumage, yellow brown, mottled and streaked with dark
brown; upper surface of primaries, blackish.

Botaurus lentiginosus.
American Bittern.
See No. 79.

* GROUP 5. Wing, over 15 inches long.

Plumage, entirely white; wing, less than 17 inches long; bill,
under 5.50; tarsus, under 7.25. Herodias egretta.

American Egret.
See No. 83.

Greater part of upper plumage, bluish gray or slaty gray; adults
in breeding have middle of crown and throat, white; bill, less than
(j.25; immature birds have the top of the head, black.

Ardea herodias.
Great Blue Heron.
See No. 82.

* For directions for measurement, see page 21.

ORDER PALUDICOL^,

CRANES, RAILS, LIMPKINS.
Suborder GRUES. CRANES.

Family GRUID.^. Cranes.

)/

/ (

Whooping Crane.

Special Characters: Size, large; lores, with hair-like bristles; bill,
over 3 inches long; wing, over i6 inches; tarsus, over 7 inches; toes,

84

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 85

four, no comb-like edge on inner side of middle toe nail ; hind toe, ele-
vated above level of front toes; tarsus, broadly scutellate (transverse
scales) in front.

Adult: General plumage, white; wing, over 22 inches long; bill,
5.20 to 6; tarsus, 11 inches or over. Immature birds are whitish;
often washed with pale rusty; head, entirely feathered.

Grus americana.
Whooping Crane.
See No. 90.

General plumage, slaty gray; bare skin on head of adult, red (in
life ) ; immature birds are brownish ; distinguished from the next by
its size. Wing over 20 (21 to 22.50); bill, 5 to 6 ; tarsus, 10 to 10.75
inches. Grus mexicana.

Sandhill Crane.
See No. 92.

General plumage, slaty gray; resembles G. mexicana but smaller;
wing, less than 20 inches (17 to 19.75); tarsus, always less than
9.00 (6.60 to 8.75); bill, 3 to 4.50 inches. Northwestern species;
accidental straggler in Wisconsin. Grus canadensis.

Little Brown Crane.
See No. 91.

Suborder RALLI.
LIMPKINS, RAILS, GALLINULES, COOTS, ETC.

Family ARAMID^E. Courlans, Limpkins.

Bill, over 3 inches long; tarsus, under 7; wing, under i6; toes,
four, no comb-like edge on inner side of middle toe nail; hind toe,
raised above level of front toes. j

General plumage, dark olive brown, streaked and marked with
pure white; tail, purplish brown, showing metallic gloss when held
in the light; feathers of the back, breast, and wing coverts, brown,
with stripe in middle of each feather; tip of lower mandible slightly

86 Field Museum op Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

twisted. Occurs in Atlantic States only in Florida; accidental in
Illinois. Aramus vociferus.

Limpkin.
See No. 93.

Limpkin.

Family RALLID^^. Rails, Gallinules, and

Coots.

In North America the Rallidas are subdivided into three well-
marked groups, which may be characterized as follows:

Key to subfamilies and genera.
I. No frontal shield; toes, long; tail, short; wings, short and
rounded. Subfamily RALLIN^E. Rails.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — -Cory.

87

A. Bill, slender, longer than head. RALLUS.

B. Bill, comparatively stout, shorter than head.

PORZANA.

2, A horny frontal plate or shield; toes, without large lobate
webs. Subfamily GALLINULINiE. Gallinules.

A. Toes, without narrow lateral margin. lONORNIS.

B. Toes, with narrow lateral margin. GALLINULA.

3. A horny frontal shield; toes, with large lobate webs.

Subfamily FULICINiE. Coots.

A. General plumage, slate color; pale on under parts.

FULICA.

Subfamily RALLINiE. Rails.

Birds which frequent marshy places. Toes, long; wings, short
and rounded ; bill, shorter than middle toe and claw together.

Virginia Rail.

King Rail.

Black Rail. Bora Rail.

88 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

GROUP 1. Wing, less than 3.75 inches long.

Throat, breast, and sides of head, slaty gray; primaries, with more
or less white spots. Frequents marshes. Creciscus jamaicensis.

Black Rail.

See No. 98.

Throat, breast, and sides of the head, tawny brown, no white spots
on primaries. Coturnicops noveboracensis .

Yellow Rail.

See No. 97.

* GROUP 2. Wing, from 3.75 to 4.75 inches long.

Back, black or fuscous, the feathers edged with brownish or grayish
olive; under parts, cinnamon rufous, whitish on the throat; bill,
slightly curved. Rallus virginianus.

Virginia Rail.

See No. 95.

Back, with more or less white streaks; breast, gray or tawny,
according to age; lower belly, dull white. Porzana Carolina.

Carolina Rail or Sora.
See No. 96.

* GROUP 3. Wing, over 4.75 inches long.

Breast tinged with rufous; feathers on back, dark olive, edged
with gray; cheeks and ear coverts, pale cinnamon rufous, sometimes
blackish in young birds; bill, over 1.25 inches long. Found in fresh
water marshes. Rallus elegans.

King Rail.
See No. 94.

♦For directions for measurement, see page 21.

Ja.n., 1909 Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

89

Subfamily FULICIN^. Coots.

Bill, short and pointed; forehead, with more or less of a shield;
toes, with large lobate webs; head, blackish; back, dark slaty gray;
under parts, dark ash gray, whitish on abdomen.

Fulica americana.
American Coot. Mud Hen. Blue Peter.
See No. loi.

Subfamily GALLINULINiE. Gallinules.

"^ ( M

^

Toes, not webbed; no white on sides of body; head and breast,
purplish blue ; back, greenish. lonornis martinica.

Purple Gallinule.
See No. 99.

90 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Head, smoky black; breast,
dark gray; toes not webbed; more
or less white on sides of body.

Gallinula galeata.
Florida Gallinule.
See No. loo.

Coot.

Gallinule.

INDEX TO KEY.

ORDER LIMICOL^.

SHORE BIRDS.
Hind toe, when present, always elevated above level of front toes.

Family PH ALAROPODID^E. Phalaropes.

Sides of toes with rounded lobes or narrow webs. See page 93.

Family RECURVIROSTRl D^. Avocets

and Stilts.

Toes, more or less webbed (not lobate) ; tarsus, over 3.50; bill curved upward
or straight. See page 95.

Family SCOLOPACID^.

SNIPE, SANDPIPERS, CURLEWS, WOODCOCK, GODWITS,
WILLETS, ETC.

Tarsus, less than 3.50 inches long; sides of toes, without lobate webs; toes,
four (one exception, the Sanderling) ; front of tarsus, with transverse
scales.

Group i. Birds having wings from 3 . 25 to 3 . 75 inches long . See page 96

Group 2. Birds having wings from 3 . 75 to 4. 50 inches long " " 97

Section i. Toes, four, with small web (not lobate at base). " " 97

Section 2. Toes, four, without web . . . . " " q8

Section 3. Toes, three; bill, over .75 . . . " " 98

Group 3. Birds having wings from 4.50 to 5.50 inches long . " " 99
Section i. Toes, four, a small web between toes; bill, less

than -75 . . • • ■ • . " " 90
Section 2. Toes, four, a small web between outer and middle

toes; bill, over 1.75 - ■ • • " "100

Section 3. Toes, four, without web; bill, over 2 inches long " " 100
Section 4. Toes, four, without web; bill, over i.io and

less than 1.90 . . . . . . .""loi

Section 5. Toes, four, without web; bill, under i. 10 . " " 102

Section 6. Toes, three; bill, over .60 inch long . . " " 103

91

92 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Group 4. Birds having wings from 5.50 to 6.75 inches long . See page 103.
Section i. Toes, four, a small web between outer and

middle toes; bill over 1.80 . . . " " 103.
Section 2. Toes, four, a small web between outer and

middle toes; bill under 1.80 . . . . " " 104.

Section 3. Toes, four, without web; bill, over 2 inches long " " 105.

Section 4. Toes, four, without web; bill, under 2 . . " " 105.

Group 5. Birds having wings from 6.75 to 9 inches long . " " 106.

Section i. Toes, four, with more or less web; bill,

curved upwards or straight ; bill, over 2 . 60 inches . " " 106.
Section 2. Toes, four, with small web; bill, slightlj'-

curved upward or straight ; bill, under 2.60 and

over 1.50 inches long . . . . . " " 108.
Section 3. Toes, four, with stnall web; bill, nearly

straight; bill, less than i . 50 inches long . . . " " 108.
Section 4. Toes, four, with small web; bill, curved

downward; bill, over 2 inches long . . . " " 108.

Group 6. Birds having wings from 9 to 12 inches long . . " " no.

Section i. Toes, four; bill, curved downward . . . " " no.

Section 2. Toes, four; bill, curved upward or nearly straight " " in.

Family CHARADRIID^. Plovers.

Toes, three (one exception. Black-bellied Plover) ; bill, comparatively short and

thick; front of tarsus, with small rounded scales . See page in.

Group i. Wing, 3.75 to 4.50 inches long; toes, three, no

hind toe . . . . . . " " 112

Section i. Bill, under .60 inch long . . . . " " 112

Group 2. Wing, 4.50 to 5. 50 inches long; toes, three, no hind toe " " 112

Section i. Bill, under .60 inch long . . . . " " 112

Group 3. Wing, 5. 50 to 6. 7 5 inches long; toes, three, no hind toe " " 112

Group 4. Wing, over 6. 75 inches long . . . . " " 113

Section i. Toes, three, no hind toe . . . . " " 113

Section 2. Toes, four . . . . . . . " " 1x3

Family APHRIZID^. Turnstones, etc.

Bill, shorter than head and homy at tip; toes, four; lower

back and rump, white, with black band .... See page 1 1 4.

ORDER LIMICOL^.

SNIPES, PLOVERS, SANDPIPERS, CURLEWS, PHALAROPES, ETC.
Hind toe, when present, always elevated above level of front toes.

Family PHALAROPODID^.

PHALAROPES.

Sides of toes, with lobes or narrow marginal webs; tarsus, com-
pressed; nostrils, near base of bill.

-*>.^

Wilson's Phalarope.

Red Phalarope. Winter plumage.

93

94 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology. Vol. IX.

Phalaropus fulicarius.

Back, heavily streaked with black and tawny; belly, reddish
brown, showing more or less white; toes, with small lobate web;
wing, 5.20 to 5.50. Phalaropus fulicarius.

Red Phalarope.

See No. 102.

Northern Phalarope.

Lobipes lobatus

Back, grayish, streaked with tawny; belly, white; toes, partly
webbed; bill, under 1.05; tarsus, under i; wing, 4 to 4.50.

Lobipes lobatus.
Northern Phalarope.

See No. 103.

Wilson's Phalarope.

Steganopus tricolor.

Back, grayish, marked with chestnut brown; belly, white; bill,
over 1.05; tarsus, over i; toes, with narrow web on sides; wing, 5.10
to 5.40 (female). Steganopus tricolor.

Wilson's Phalarope.

See No. 104.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

95

Back, grayish, mottled with dusky or whitish; bill, over 1.05;
tarsus, over 1 inch; toes, with narrow web on sides; wing, 4.75 to
4.95 (male). Steganopiis tricolor.

Wilson's Phalarope.
See No. 104.

Family RECURVIROSTRID^.

AVOCETS AND STILTS.

Legs, long ; tarsus over 3.50 inches ; bill, curved upward or straight.

Bill, curved upward; head and neck, pale rufous (summer),
white or grayish (winter); back and tail, white; axillars, white;
belly, white; first primary, dark with dark shaft; toes, four; toes,
webbed. Recnrvirostra aniericana.

American Avocet.
vSee No. T05.

Avocet.

Stilt.

96 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Bill, nearly straight; top of head and nape, black; general upper
plumage, glossy black; front of head and front of neck, rump, and
under parts, white; axillars, white; first primar3% dark, with dark
shaft; legs, very long, rose pink in life; toes, three.

Himantopus mexicanus.
Black-necked Stilt.
See No. 106.

Family SCOLOPACIDt?:.

SNIPES, SANDPIPERS, CURLEWS, ETC.

Toes, four (one exception, the Sanderling Sandpiper) ; bill, com-
paratively slender and soft skinned; nasal grooves, narrow and long
(from one-half to two-thirds the length of the bill ) ; nostrils, narrow
slits; tail, short; wing (inmost species), long and pointed; hind toe
(when present ) , always elevated above the level of the front toes;
tarsus, with transverse scales.

* GROUP 1. Wing, from ^-'^S to3-75 inches long.

Pisobia minutilla.

No web between toes; belly, white.

*For directions for measurement, see page 21.

Pisobia minutilla.
Least Sandpiper.

See No. 117.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory,
Toes, with small web;, bill, usually under .85.

97

Ereunetes pusillus .
Semipalmated Sandpiper.

See No. 119.

Ereunetes pusillus
(Foot.)

Toes, with small web; bill, usually over .85.

Ereunetes mauri.
Western Sandpiper.

See No. 120.

*GROUP 2. Wing, 3.75 to 4.50 inches long.
SECTION 1. Toes, four, with small web at base.

Bill, under .85; back, not greenish olive; bill,
entirely black. Ereunetes pusillus.

Semipalmated Sandpiper.
See No. 119.

Ereunetes pusillus.

Bill, over .85 ; back, not greenish olive; bill, black; no white patch
on inner web of third primary. Ereunetes mauri.

Western Sandpiper.

See No. 120.

*For directions for measurement, see page 21.

98 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Small web between outer and middle toe; bill, over .85; back,
greenish olive, sometimes banded; under mandible, pale yellow
(in life ) ; third primary and inner primaries wath patch of white on
inner web. Actitis macularia.

Spotted Sandpiper.
See No. 130.

SECTION 2. Toes, four, without web.

Belly, white; bill, black.

Pisobia miu ittilla.
Least Sandpiper.

See No. 1 1 7.

Pisobia minu'.illa.

SECTION 3. Toes, three; bill, over .75 inches long.

Sanderling Sandpiper.

Belly, white; basal half of outer webs of inner primaries, white;
back, mixed rufous, black and white, or grayish brown, or entirely
black (breeding), according to season; bill, about one inch long.

Calidvis leiicophcea.
Sanderling Sandpiper.
See No. T 2 1 .

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

99

* GROUP 3. Wing, 4.50 to 5.50 inches long.

SECTION 1. Toes, four, a small web between toes; bill, under 1.75.

Bill, under 1.75; tarsus, over 1,30. All other species in this sec-
tion have the tarsus less than 1.30. Micropalama himantopus.

Stilt Sandpiper.
See No. iii.

Axillars, Helodromus
solitarius.

Tarsus, under 1.30; back, dark olive spotted with
white, or brownish gray spotted with dull white
according to season. Axillars, heavily barred;
a small web between the outer and middle toe.

Helodromas solitarius.
Solitary Sandpiper.
See No. 126.

Back, greenish olive, sometimes barred with black; axillars, white;
without bars. At some seasons under parts with round black spots,
a small web between the outer and middle toe. Actitis maciilaria.

Spotted Sandpiper.

Sec No. 130.

Summer. Spotted Sandpiper. Winter

* For directions for measurement, see page 21.

loo Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

SECTION 2. Toes, four, a small web between outer and middle toes;

bill, over 1.75.

Macrorhamphus griseus.

Macrorhamphus griseus.

Bill, over 1.75; axillars, white, barred with dark brow^n; rump and
tail, white, spotted and banded with black; a small web between
outer and middle toes.

Macrorhamphus griseus. Dowitcher. Red-breasted Snipe.
I Macrorhamphus scolopaceus. Long-billed Dowitcher.

See Nos. log and iio.

SECTION 3. Toes, four, without web; bill, over 1 inches long.

Axillars, rufous brown, without bars; belly, buff color.

Philohela minor.
Woodcock.

See No. 107.

Axillars, barred black and white ; belly, white;
upper tail coverts and tail, tawny, more or less
marked with black; no web between toes.

Gallinago delicata.
Wilson's Snipe. Jack Snipe.
See No. 108.

Gallinago delicata.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

lOI

SECTION 4. Toes, four, without web; bill, over i.io; and
less than i .90.

Summer.

Red-backed Sandpiper.

Winter.

Pelidna alpina sakhalina

Bill, decurved near tip; one or more of
inner secondaries, almost entirely white ; upper
tail coverts, not white, barred with black; legs
and feet, black. Spring birds have black on
the belly, and back, rufous brown and black.
Fall birds have the belly white and back gray.
Pelidna alpina sakhalina.
Red-backed Sandpiper. American Dunlin.

See No. 118.

Tail and upper tail coverts.
Pisobia maculata.

Bill, nearly straight; back, marked
with tawny and black; breast with nu-
merous narrow, brown streaks; none of
inner secondaries almost,
entirely white; lower rump
and upper tail coverts,
black, the feathers more or less tipped
with buff; two middle tail feathers, longer
than the others. Pisobia maculata.

Pectoral Sandpiper. Grass Bird.
See No. 114.

I02 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Purple Sandpiper.

Bill, nearly straight; back, dark;
feathers, edged with ashy or buflf;
breast, grayish, without brown
streaks; one or more of inner
secondaries almost entirely white;
legs and feet, yellow in life, pale
brown in dried skin.

Arquatella maritim.a.
Purple Sandpiper.
See No. 113.

SECTION 5. Toes, four, without web; bill, under i.io.

Upper tail coverts, white;

inner webs of primaries,
not speckled.

Pisobia fuscicollis .
White-rumped Sandpiper.

See No. 115.

Pisobia fuscicollis.

Middle upper tail coverts, smoky or dusky,

often tipped with buff; inner webs of
primaries not speckled; sides, white;
middle toe and claw, less than .95; legs
and bill, blackish. Pisobia bairdii.

Baird's Sandpiper.
See No. 116.

Pisobia bairdii.
Tail and upper tail coverts.

Pisobia maculata.
Tail and upper tail coverts.

Middle upper tail coverts, black, often
narrowly tipped with brownish buff; inner
webs of primaries, not speckled; middle
toe and claw, over .95; middle tail fea-
thers decidedly longer than the rest; legs,
__ - ^\ yellowish olive; base of bill, dull olive;
^ tip, black. Pisobia maculata.

Pectoral Sandpiper. Grass Bird.
See No. 114.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and WiscoxNSIn — Cory.

103

Inner web of primaries
speckled.

Tr viigitcs snbnificollis.
Buff-breasted Sandpiper.
See No. 129.

Tryngites subruficollis.

First primary.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper.

SECTION 6. Toes, three; bill, over ,60 inch.
/

^ Bill, black; shoulder (lesser and middle wing

coverts), brown; no web between toes; legs,
black; no hind toe. Calidris lettcoplm-a.

Sanderling Sandpiper.

See No. 121.

'Calidris leucophasa.

* GROUP 4. Wing, 5.50 106.75 inches long.

SECTION 1. Toes, four, a small web between outer and middle toe;

bill, over 1.80.

Upper tail coverts and axillars, white,
spotted or barred with dusky; bill, nearly
straight. Macrorham f>Jms grisens.

Dowitcher. Red-breasted Snipe.
See No. 109.
Macrorham phiis scolopaccus.
Long-billed Dowitcher. Western Red-breasted
Snipe. See No. no.

* For directions for measurement, see page 21.

M acrorharaphus griseus.

I04 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

SECTION 2. Toes, four, a small web between outer and middle toe-,

bill, under 1.80.

Tarsus and middle toe together, more
than 2.60 inches long; outer primary, slate
brown, without bars; rump and upper tail
coverts, white, more or less barred with
brown; legs, yellow. Totanus fiavipes.

Summer Yellow-legs.

See No. 125.

Totanus flavipes.

"^^^^^ ^ J>'^

t*ii)^ Stilt Sandpiper.

Tarsus and middle toe together, less than 2.60; upper tail coverts,
white, or white barred with black; outer primary, slate brown, without
bars. Micropalama himantopus.

Stilt Sandpiper.
See No. iii.

Bartr3,mian Sandpiper.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

105

Outer primary, whitish, barred with dark brown.

Bariramia longicauda.
Bartramian Sandpiper. Upland Plover.

See No. 128.

SECTION 3. Toes, four, without web; bill, over 2 inches long.

Lower belly, whitish or white; axillars,
barred black and white. Gallinago delicata.
Wilson's Snipe. Jack Snipe.
See No. 108.

Gallinago delicata

Belly, buff color; axillars, rufous brown.

Philohela minor.
Woodcock.

See No. 107.

SECTION 4. Toes, four, without web; bill, under 2 inches long.

Rump, gray; upper tail coverts, whitish, band-
ed or marked with black; inner webs or primaries,
not speckled.

Tringa canutus.
Knot.
See No. 112.

Tringa canutus.

io6 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Pisobia maculata.

Rump, blackish ; middle upper tail
coverts, black (not banded ) ; inner web
of primaries, not speckled.

Pisobia maculata.
Pectoral Sandpiper. Grass Bird.
See No. 114.

Inner webs of primaries,
speckled.

Tryngites subruficoUis .
Buff-breasted Sandpiper.
See No. 129.

Tryngties subruficoUis.

* GROUP 5. Wing, 6.75 to 9 inches long.

SECTION 1. Toes, four, with more or less web; bill, curved up
wards or straight; bill, over 2.60.

Willet.

Catoptrophorus semipalmalus.

Axillars, smoky black; belly, white; terminal third of outer pri-
mary, black; the rest, white; bill, nearly straight.

Catoptrophorus semipalmalus.

Willet.

Catoptrophorits semipalmatus iiwniatiis.

Western Willet.

See Nos. 127 and 127a.

* For directions for measurement, see page 21.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

107

Hudsonian Godwit.

Axillars, dark gray, or sooty gray; belly, grayish white; first
primary, dark slaty brown, with white shaft; bill, curved upward;
upper tail coverts mostly white.

Limosa hccniasHca.
Hudsonian Godwit.
See No. 123.

Marbled Godwit.

Axillars, rufous brown; upper tail coverts, not white; belly, buff,
sometimes barred with dark brown; primaries, pale rufous brown,
with numerous dark dots; shaft of primaries, white; bill, curved
upward. Limosa fedoa.

Marbled Godwit.
See No. 122.

io8 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

SECTION 2. Toes, four (with small web); bill, slightly curved up-
ward or straight; bill, under 2.60 and over 1,50.

Axillars, smoky black ; belly, white; outer
primary terminal third, black, rest white;
rump, gray; upper tail coverts, white.

Catoptrophorus semipalmatus.
Willet.
Catoptrophorus semipalmatus inornatus .
Western Willet.
See No. 127 or 127a.

Axillars, white, banded with brown; belly, white; outer primary,
black; shaft, white; rump, grayish brown; feathers, tipped with
white ; upper tail coverts, white, more or less barred with dark brown ;
legs, bright yellow. Totanus melanoleucus.

Greater Yellow-legs. Winter Yellow-legs.

See No. 124.

SECTION 3. Toes, four, with small web; bill, nearly straight; hill,

under 1.50.

Axillars, white, banded with brown; first primary, brown, with
white bars on inner web; tip, dark. Bartram-ia longicauda.

Bartramian Sandpiper. Upland Plover.

See No. 128.

SECTION 4. Toes, four, with small web; bill, curved downward;
bill, over 2 inches long.

First primary.

Primaries, barred; axillars barred. Numenius hiidsonicus.

Hudsonian Curlew. Jack Curlew.
See No. 132.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 109

First primary

Primaries, without bars; axillars, barred. Ntimenius borealis.

Eskimo Curlew. Dough Bird.
See No. 133.

Long-billed Curlew.

Eskimo Curlew.

Hudsonian Curlew

no Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

* GROUP 6. Wing, 9 to t2 inches long.
SECTION 1. Toes, four; bill, curved downward.

Axillars, reddish brown, with narrow black marks; belly, buff;
bill, usually over four inches. Nnmenius ainericanus.

Long-billed Curlew. Sickle-bill Curlew.

See No. 131.

First primary.

Htidsonian Curlew.

Axillars.

Axillars, banded with slaty brown and dull white; belly, whitish;
bill, under four inches. Xiiinenius hndsonicns.

Hudsonian Curlew. Jack Curlew.

See No. 1^2.

* For directions for measurement, see page 21.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

SECTION 2. Toes, four; bill, curved upward or nearly straight.

Axillars, rufous; primaries, rufous, dotted with black.

Liiiiosa fedoa.
Marbled Godwit.

See No. 122.

Family CHARADRIIDiE.

PLOVERS.

Toes, three, no hind toe; bill, comparatively short and soft; front
of tarsus, with small rounded scales.

The Plovers are a cosmopolitan family, numbering something less
than one hundred species, fifteen of which occur in North America,
including exotic stragglers. As a rule they have but three toes, al-
though two genera, Sqiiatarola and Vanelhis, have four. The tar-
sus is reticulate and the toes are partly webbed.

A(J t-/=»\^

Black-bellied Plover (Winter). Piping Plover. Semipalmated Plover.

112 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

* GROUP 1. Wing, 3.75 to 4,50 inches long.
SECTION 1. Bill, under .60.

Bill, orange at base, the tip, black; legs, dull flesh
color; a black stripe from bill passing under each eye.

Mgialitis semipalmata.
Semipalmated Plover.

See No. 137.

semipalmata.

Bill, orange at base, the tip, black; legs, orange yellow; two middle
tail feathers, tipped with white; no black stripe from bill to eye ; more
or less of a black breast band. Mgialitis meloda.

Piping Plover.

•See No. 138.

* GROUP 2. Wing, 4.50 to 5.50 inches long; toes, three, no

hind toe.

SECTION 1. Bill, under .60 inch long.

Bill, orange at base, the tip, black; legs, dull flesh color; a black
stripe from bill passing under eye. Mgialitis semipalmata.

Semipalmated Plover. Ring Neck.

See No. 137.

Bill, orange at base, the tip, black; legs, orange yellow; no black
stripe from bill to eye; black breast band, not confluent; two middle
tail feathers, tipped with white. Eastern species not found west of
Rocky Mountains. ALgialitis meloda.

Piping Plover.
See No. 138.

* GROUP 3. Wing, 5.50 to 6.75 inches long; toes, three,

no hind toe.

Breast, with two black bands; under parts, white; rump and
tail coverts, orange brown. Oxyechus vociferus.

Killdeer Plover.

See No. 136.

*For directions for measurement, see page 21.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

113

* GROUP 4. Wing, over 6.75 inches long.
SECTION 1. Toes, three.

Black axiUars of Black-bellied Plover.

Gray axillars of Golden Plover.

Axillars, gray; rump, not orange brown.

Charadrius dominicus.

Golden Plover.

See No. 135.

Charadrius dominicus.

Axillars, smoky black; rump and upper tail coverts, not orange
brown. Squatarola squatarola.

Black-bellied Plover.
See No. 134.

The Black-bellied Plover has four toes (the hind toe being so small that it
often escapes notice), and properly belongs in Section 2, but owing to the fact
that it is constantly looked for among the three-toed species it is included in
both sections.

Rump, orange brown; under parts, white, with two black bands
on the breast; axillars, pure white. Oxyechus vociferus.

Killdeer Plover.
See No. 136.

SECTION 2. Toes, four.

Axillars, smoky black; tarsus, over 1.70; hind
toe, very small. Squatarola squatarola.

Black-bellied Plover.
See No. 134.

* For directions for measurement, see page 21.

114 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Family APHRIZID^.

SURF BIRDS AND TURNSTONES.

Subfamily ARENARIINi^. Turnstones.

Bill, shorter than head and horny at tip; toes,
four ; lower back and rump, white, with black band ;
legs, comparatively short and stout.

Summer. Turnstone. Winter.

Adult in summer: General upper parts, mottled and variegated
with black, white, rufous, and tawny; throat and breast, black and
white; rest of under parts, white; tail, with subterminal band of black,
tipped with white.

Adult in winter: Above, light, streaked and dashed with dark
brown; an imperfect band of dark brown on the jugulum; chin and
upper part of the throat, white; sides of breast, like the back; rest
of under parts, white; a distinct white band on the wing; rump, white,
with a broad patch of black on the upper tail coverts; tail, dark
brown, the tips and basal half of the inner feathers, and nearly two
thirds of the outer feathers, white; legs, reddish orange; bill, black.

Length, 8.65; wing, 5.70; tail, 2.60; tarsus, i; bill, .95.

Arenaria inter pres morinella.
Turnstone.
See No. 139.

INDEX TO KEY TO FAMILIES.
LAND BIRDS.

Group I. Birds having wings less than 1.75 inches long. See

page 117.
Group 2. Birds having wings from 1.75 to 2.75 inches long. See

page 117.
Section i. First primary less than half as long as third. See
page 117.
Part I. Tip of upper mandible with small but distinct hook

or notch. See page 117.
Part 2. Upper mandible without notch or hook at tip. See
page 118.
Section 2. First primary more than half as long as third. See
page 119.
Part I. Tip of upper mandible with small but distinct hook or

notch. See page iig.
Part 2. Tip of upper mandible, not notched or hooked. See
page 120.
Group 3. Birds having wings measuring from 2.75 to 3.25 inches

long. See page 121.
Section i. First primary less than half as long as third. See
page 121.
Part I. A small but distinct hook or notch at tip of upper

mandible. See page 121.
Part 2. Tip of upper mandible not notched or hooked. See
page 121.
Section 2. First primary not short, always more than half as long
as third. See page 122.
Part I. Tip of upper mandible with small but distinct hook or

notch. See page 122.
Part 2. Tip of upper mandible not notched or hooked. See
page 122.
Group 4. Birds having wings measuring from 3.25 to 9.50 inches

long. See page 124.
Section i. Bill with strong hook, toes armed with talons. See
page 124.

115

ii6 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Section 2. Upper mandible with more or less hook, but toes

not armed with talons. See page 125.
Section 3. Tip of upper mandible not notched or hooked. See
page 126.
Part I. First primary less than half as long as third, some-
times very small. See page 126.
Part 2. First primary more than half as long as third. See
page 128.
Group 5. Birds having wings over 9.50 inches long. See page 133.

LAND BIRDS.

KEY TO FAMILIES.

* GROUP 1. Birds having wings' less than 1.75 inches long.

Smallest of our birds; bill, very slender; primaries, 10; rectices,
10; feet, very small and weak.

Family TROCHILIDiE. Humming Birds.
See page 169.
Tail, rounded; the outer feathers, shorter
than middle ones; first primary, less than
two thirds as long as third; second primary,
much shorter than third; tarsus, scutellate.

Family TROGLODYTIDiE. Wrens.
See page 262.

* GROUP 2. Birds having wings from T.75 to 2.75
inches long.

SECTION 1, First primary, less than half as long as third.

PART 1. Tip of upper mandible, with small but distinct hook or notch.

Toes, joined at base. Plain colored birds, usually greenish or
grayish, but often show a faint wash of yellow on under parts; tail,
always without white spots.

'Fmc

\

Family VIREONIDiE. Vireos.

See page 227.

* For directions for measurement, see page 21.
117

ii8 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

PART 2. Upper mandible without notch or hook at tip.

Bill, as illustrated; back, gray or
bluish gray; bill, over .50; nostrils, con-
cealed by bristly tufts ; tarsus, scutellate ;
tail feathers, not stiff or pointed.

Family SITTID^. Nuthatches.
See page 267.

Bill, as illustrated; back, bluish gray; bill, ^
'■ less than .50; size, small; length, less than

5.50; first primary, very short. ^^^''^-

Family SYLVIID^. .^" / -J
Subfamily POLIOPTILIN^. Gnatcatchers

See page 270.

Bill, as illustrated; throat, black ; nostrils,
concealed by tufts of bristly feathers.

Family PARID^E. Titmice, Chickadees.

See page 268.

Bill, as illustrated; back, brown or brown streaked; tail feathers,
not sharp pointed; outer tail feathers, shortest; tarsus, scutellate;
first primary, short.

Wren.

Bill of Wren.

Family TROGLODYTIDiE. Wrens.

See page 262.

Jan., igog. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

119

Bill, as illustrated; back,
streaked; tail feathers, stiffened
and sharply pointed.

Creeper.

Family CERTHIID^. Creepers.

See page 266.

M

Bill, as illustrated; back, olive green;
bill, less than .50 inch long. Two species:
both males and one of the females have bril-
liant red or yellow crown patch; the other
female has crown, dull green, like back.

Family SYLVIID^. Subfamily REGULIN^. Kinglets.

See page 269.

SECTION 2. First primary, more than half as long as third.

PART 1. Tip of upper mandible, with small but distinct hook or notch.

Bill, flattened, wide at base; tip, with small hook; numerous black
bristles at base of bill; back of tarsus, rounded; wings, longer than
tail; first primary, never very short.

Top of bill. Side of bill.
Flycatcher.

Flycatcher.

Family TYRANNID^E. Flycatchers.

See page 170.

Bill of Vireo.

Vireo.

I20 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Bill, very slightly hooked, not wide and flat at base, as in the
Flycatchers; toes, joined together at base. Plain colored birds, usu-
ally greenish or grayish, but often show a faint wash of yellow on
under parts; tail, always without white spots; first primary, variable,
very short in some species, in others nearly as long as second.

Family VIREONIDiE. Vireos.
See page 227.

PART 2. ' Tip of upper mandible, not notched or hooked.

First primary, not short, never less than two thirds as long as
second or third; bill, stout and conical; nostrils, high near the cul-
men; primaries, 9; tarsus, flattened behind.

/^'

Side of bi//. '*"

Family FRINGILLIDiE. Sparrows, Finches, Buntings, etc.

See page 190.

First primary, not short, never less than
two thirds as long as third, and often nearly
the same length; bill, slender and pointed;
back of tarsus, thin and sharp, not rounded
as in front; hind toe and claw, not longer
than middle toe and claw.

Family MNIOTILTIDiE. Warblers.

See page 231.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

121

* GROUP 3. Birds having wings measuring from 2,75 to 3.25

inches long.

SECTION 1. First primary less than half as long as third.
PART 1. A small but distinct hook or notch at tip ot upper mandible.

Bill, very slightly hooked; primaries, 10, the first often very short;
toes, joined together at base. Plain colored birds, usually greenish or
grayish, but often show a faint wash of yellow on underparts; tail,
always without white spots. Family VIREONID^. Vireos.

See page 227.

PART 2. Tip of upper mandible, not notched or hooked.

Bill, as illustrated ; back, brown ;
rump, with concealed white spots;
outer tail feathers, shortest; tarsus,
scutellate.

Family TROGLODYTID^. Wrens.
See page 262.

Bill, as illustrated; back, gray or
bluish gray; nostrils, concealed by tufts
of bristly feathers.

Family SITTIDiE. Nuthatches.

See page 267.

* For directions for measurement, see page 21.

122 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

■"^i^^ •) Bill, as illustrated; throat, black; crown,

I black and no rufous brown on sides (Chick-

■ adee ), or forehead, black; sides, with rufous

brown (Titmouse ) .

Family PARID^E.
Titmice and Chickadees.
See page 268.

SECTION 2. First primary, not short, always more than half as

long as third.

PART 1. Tip of upper mandible, with small but distinct hooic or notch.

Bill, flattened and wide
at base; numerous black
bristles at base of bill;
back of tarsus, rounded;
wing, longer than tail.

Family TYRANNID^. Flycatchers.
See page 170.

Top of bill.

Side of bill.

Bill, very slightly hooked or notched at tip; not flattened at base,
as in the Flycatchers; toes, joined at base. Plain colored birds,
usually greenish or grayish, at times, with wash of yellow on under
parts; no white on tail. Family VIREONID^. Vireos.

See page 227.

PART 2. Tip of upper mandible not notched or hooked.

Toes, 4; nostrils, opening
into a soft, fleshy membrane;

tarsus, usually shorter than

toes. \

Family COLUMBIDiE.

Pigeons and Doves.

See page 139.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

123

Bill, pointed; first primary, not short;
base of bill, extending upon and dividing the
feathers of the forehead; nostrils, exposed;
outer tail feathers, shorter than middle
feathers. Family ICTERID^E. Orioles.

See page 179.

Oriole.

First primar3^ not short, never less than two thirds as long as
second or third; bill, stout and conical; nostrils, near the culmen;
primaries, 9; tarsus, flattened behind.
Family FRINGILLID^. Sparrows, Finches, Crossbills, and Buntings.

See page 190.

First primary, never less than two thirds

*"- as long as third, and often nearly the same

length; bill, slender and pointed; back of

tarsus, thin and sharp, not rounded, as in front; hind toe and claw,

not longer than middle toe and claw.

Family MNIOTILTIDiE. Warblers.
See page 231.

Bill, slender; first primary, not short, the first, second and third
being about equal in length; hind toe and claw, longer than middle
toe and claw; hind toe nail, long, in this somewhat resembling Larks,

124 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

but no tufts of hair-like feathers over nostrils. Usually observed
in small flocks on the ground in open places.

Family MOTACILLIDiE. Wagtails, Pipits, Titlarks, etc.

See page 261.

Titlark.

Titlark.

* GROUP 4. Birds having wings from 3.25 to 9.50 inches long.
SECTION 1. Bill, with strontr hook; toes armed with talons.

Eyes, not surrounded by radial disk of feathers, as in the Owls;
toes, armed with talons; head, not bare.

Family FALCONID^. Hawks, Falcons, Eagles, etc.

See page 143.

Eyes, surrounded by radiated disk of feathers; plumage, soft;
bill, hooked; toes, armed with talons.

Family STRIGID^. Horned Owls, Hoot Owls.

See page 155.

*For directions for measurement, see page 21.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

125

SECTION 2. Upper mandible, with distinct notch and hook at tip,
but feet, not armed with talons.

Toes, four, zygodactyle (two in front, two behind); bill, with
cere (skin-like covering over base of bill ) .

Family PSITTACID^. Parrots and Paroquets.

See page 160.

Bill, strong, notched near the end, and decidedly
hooked; tarsus, scutellate; tail, rounded. But two
species occur with us, both grayish birds with blackish
wings and tail, and a dark stripe through the eye.

Family LANIID^E. Shrikes.
See page 226.

Bill, flattened and wide at base; tip, with small hook; numerous
black bristles at base of bill; back of tarsus, rounded; wings, longer
than tail; first primary, not very short, usually longer than the sixth.

Flycatcher.

Family TYRANNIDiE. Flycatchers.

See page 170.

126 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

SECTION 3. Upper mandible, not notched and hooked at tip.
PART 1. First primary, less than one-half as long as third.

Toes, four, two in front and two behind; or toes, three, two in
front and one behind; tail feathers, stiff and pointed. (If tail
feathers are not stiff and pointed, see Nuthatches, next family.)

Order PICI. Woodpeckers. Family PICID^. Woodpeckers.

See page 163.

Bill, as illustrated; nostrils, con-
cealed by bristly tufts; tarsus, scutel-
late; first primary, very short; tail
feathers, not stiff and pointed. (If tail
feathers are stiff and pointed, look for
the bird under Family Picidae. )

Family SITTID^. Nuthatches.
See page 267.

Bill, as illustrated; nostrils, concealed by
bristly tufts of hair-like feathers; first primary,
short; forehead, black; back, gray; head, with
more or less crest; sides of body, washed with
brown (Tufted Titmouse ) .

Family PARID^. Chickadees and Titmice.'

See page 268.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory

127

^.

#*-.

First primary, about one-
half as long as third, feet,
zygodactyle (toes, two in front,
two behind ) ; outer tail
feathers, very much shorter
than middle feathers. f^^^^'^^^^

Family CUCULID^. Cuckoos.
See page 161.

Bill, stout and strong; the nostrils con-
cealed by coarse hair-like feathers; outer
tail feathers, shorter than middle feathers;
first primary, decidedly less than half as
long as third; tail, over seven inches long
(Magpies ) ; first primary, about half as
long as third; tail, less than seven inches
long (Jays).

Family CORVID^. Subfamily
GARRULINiE. Magpies and Jays.
See page 176.

Tail, rounded; the outer feathers, shorter than middle ones; first
primary, less than two-thirds as long as third; second primary, much
shorter than third; tarsus, scutellate.

Family MIMID^. Thrashers, Mocking-birds, Cat-birds, etc.

See page 265.

First primary, very short ; tarsus, booted (no scales showing, except
near the toes) ; bill, shorter than head; wing, over 3.50 inches long.

128 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Family TURDID^. Thrushes, Robins, Bluebirds.

See page 271.

PART 2. First primary, more than half as long as third.

Toes, four, hind toe not elevated above the rest; nostril, opening
into a soft fleshy membrane; tarsus, usually shorter than the toes.

Family COLUMBID.S. Pigeons and Doves.

See page 139.

Toes, four, the hind toe elevated above the rest; bill, rather short
and stout; wing, short and somewhat rounded, the outer primaries
curved.

'\tj,i7^>-

Family TETRAONID^. Grouse and Quail.

(a) Tarsus, feathered; wing, over 5.50 inches long.

Subfamily TETRAONIN^. Grouse.

See page 136.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

129

(b) Tarsus, bare; wing, less than 5.50 inches long.

Subfamily PERDICINiE. Quail. Partridges.

See page 136.

Feet, small and weak; front toes, sometimes webbed at base;
primaries, ten; mouth, large; bill, very small in comparison with
size of bird; middle toe nail, with comb-like edge.

Un %^. W^

Family CAPRIMULGID^.

Whip-poor-wills, Nighthawks, etc.

See page 168.

Bill, small, flattened, and somewhat triangular in shape, the gape
very wide; wings, very long, usually extending beyond the tail.

(Chimney Swifts, which belong to a
' \ \ very different family, are often mis-

taken for Swallows when seen flying
about ; they are smoky black and the
shafts of the tail feathers extend in
spines be^^ond the webs. See next
Family. )

Swallow.

Swallow.

Swallow.

Martin.

Family HIRUNDINIDiE. Swallows and Martins.

See page 222.

Plumage, smoky black; shafts of tail feathers, extending beyond
the web in sharp spines. Sometimes mistaken for Swallows by per-
sons unfamiliar with birds.

130 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

^

Family MICROPODIDiE. Swifts.

See page 169.

First primary, about half as long as third ;
feet, zygodactyle (toes, two in front, two be-
hind) ; outer tail feathers, very much shorter
than middle feathers.

Family CVCVLWJE. Cuckoos.
See page 161.

Feet, syndactyle; toes, four, the middle and outer ones joined,
being fastened together for more than half their length.

Family ALCEDINIDiE. Kingfishers.

See page 162.

First primary, much shorter than second, always less than three-
fourths as long as third; fourth, or fifth primary, longest; bill, stout
and strong; the nostrils, concealed by coarse, hair-like feathers;
outer tail feathers, shorter than middle feathers.

Family CORVID^. Subfamily GARRULINiE. Jays.

See page 176.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 131

First primary, never less than three-fourths as long as third ; base
of bill, extending backward, forming a point, dividing the feathers
of the forehead; nostrils, exposed; outer tail feathers, shorter than
middle feathers.

Family ICTERIDiE. Blackbirds, Orioles, Meadowlarks.

See page 179.

First primary, not short, never less than two-thirds as long as sec-
ond or third; bill, stout, and conical; nostrils, high, near the cul-
men; primaries, nine; tarsus, flattened behind.

Family FRINGILLIDiE. Sparrows, Finches, Crossbills, Buntings, etc.

See page 190.

132 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Bill, somewhat fringilline, but having a small

' tooth, "near the middle of the edge of upper mandible ;

^^^ primaries, nine; tarsus, scutellate. But two species (a

"^ third accidental): Males, bright red, one with black

wings; one female is olive green above, and yellowish

green below; the other is olive green above, and the under parts,

dull orange yellow or buff yellow. (If bird does not agree with

above description, see Fringillidae.)

Family TANGARID^. Tanagers.
See page 220.

Bill, without notch; head, with crest; pri- ..'-':^"-^--:r ....

maries, ten; tarsus, shorter than middle toe and
claw; a black stripe from forehead through the
eye; inner primaries and tail feathers, often tipped
with little hard red bits, like minute drops of seal-
ing wax; general plumage, vinaceous gray brown;
tail, tipped with yellow.

Family BOMBYCILLID^. Waxwings, Cedar Birds.

See page 225.

Bill, pointed, and somewhat rounded;
back of tarsus, rounded; hind toe nail,
elongated, ec^ual or longer than the toe;
nostrils, nearly or quite concealed by tufts
of hair-like feathers; wing, over 4 inches
long. Family ALAUDID^E. Larks.

See page 175.

Bill, slender; first primary, not short, the first, second, and
third, being about equal in length; hind toe nail, long, in this
somewhat resembling the larks, but no tufts of hair-like feathers over
nostrils ; wing, less than 4 inches long.

Family MOTACILLIDiE. Wagtails, Pipits, Titlarks, etc.

See page 261.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

133

Small birds, wing, less than 3.75 inches long; first primary, not
short, never less than two-thirds as long as third, and often nearly
the same length; bill, slender and pointed; back of tarsus, thin and
sharp, not rounded as in front; hind toe and claw, not longer than
middle toe and claw.

t<^

Family MNIOTILTID^. Warblers.

See page 231.

* GROUP 5. Birds having wings over 9.50 inches long.

Wing, less than 12 inches long; toes, four; hind toe, elevated above
the rest; bill, stout; wing, rounded, the outer primaries curved,
body feathers, double. Family TETRAONID.E. Grouse.

See page 136.

Grouse.

Turkey.

Wing, over 12 inches long; toes, four, the hind toe elevated above
the rest; bill, rather short and stout; wing, short and somewhat
rounded, the outer primaries curved.

Family PHASIANIDiE. Subfamily MELEAGRINiE. Turkeys.

See page 139.

* Fo: directions for measurement, see page 21.

134 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Size, large; eyes, not surrounded by radiated disk of feathers;
plumage, black or dark brown; hind toe, short; claws, not sharp;
head, bare in adult. Family CATHARTID^E. Vultures.

See page 141.

^#^. ...

AIR?

Eyes, not surrounded by radiated disk of feathers, as in the Owls;
toes, armed with talons; head, not bare.

Family FALCONID^. Hawks, Falcons, Eagles, etc.

See page 143.

Eyes, surrounded by
radiated disk of feathers;
plumage, soft; bill, hooked;
toes, armed with talons.

(a) Middle toe nail with comb-like edge.

FAMILY ALUCONID^. Barn Owls.

See page 157.

(b ) Middle toe nail without comb-like edge.

Family STRIGIDiE. Horned Owls, Hoot Owls.

See page 155.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

135

Toes, four, two in front and two behind
(zygodactyle) ; tail feathers, stiff and pointed.

Family PICID^E. Woodpeckers.

See page 163.

Plumage, glossy black; first primary, much
shorter than second, not exceeding half as long
as third; fourth, or fifth primary, longest; bill,
stout and strong; the nostrils, concealed by
coarse, hair-like feathers; outer tail feathers,
shorter than middle feathers.

Family CORVID^. Crows and Ravens.
See page 178.

LAND BIRDS.

KEY TO THE SPECIES.

Family TETRAONID.E. Grouse, Partridges,

Qiiails, etc.

Toes, four, the hind toe elevated above the rest; bill, rather short
and stout; wing, short and somewhat rounded, the outer primaries
curved; wing, less than 12 inches long; body feathers, double. In
Eastern North America divided into two subfamilies, which may be
recognized as follows:

(a) Tarsus, not feathered; wing, less than 6 inches long (carpus
to tip). Subfamily PERDICINiE. "Quail" and Partridges.

(h) Tarsus, more or less feathered; wing, more than 6, but less
than 12 inches long.

Subfamily TETRAONINiE. Grouse, Ptarmigan, etc.

GROUP 1. Wing, less than 5 inches long.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

137

Under parts, white, black, and rufous; throat, white (male);
throat, buff brown (female). Colinus virginianus, and races.

Quail. Bob-white.
See No. 140.

* GROUP 2. Wing, more than 5 inches long.

SECTION 1. The following species do not have the greater portion
of the primaries white : —

Ruffed Grouse.

A tuft of black feathers on sides of the neck; tarsus, not entirely
feathered; axillary plumes, white, barred with brown.

Bonasa nmbellns. and races.
Ruffed Grouse. " Partridge."

See Nos. 142, 142a.

Tarsus, entirely feathered; axillary plumes, entirely white; no

elongated tufts of feathers on sides of neck; tail, pointed.

Pedicecetes phasianellus campestris.
Prairie Sharp-tailed Grouse.

See No. 145.

Tarsus, entirely feathered; axillary plumes, white; sometimes
with faint bars near tip; a tuft of ten or more elongated feathers on
each side of the neck; tail, not pointed. Tympanuchus aniericamis.

Prairie Hen. Pinnated Grouse.
See No. 144.

* For directions for measurement, see page 21.

138 Field Museum of Natural History — -Zoology, Vol. IX.

nl^>

H^V

Canada Grouse (Male).

Tarsus, entirely feathered ; axillary plumes, smoky gray, with
white shafts, and tipped with white; the male has the breast black;

the female has the breast tawny brown, black, and white.

Canachites canadensis.
Canada Grouse. Spruce Partridge.

See No. 141.

SECTION 2. The following species have the greater portion of the

primaries white : —

Ja.n., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 139

Winter plumage, mostly white ; no black on lores or shafts of
secondaries; summer plumage, a mixture of black, rufous, tawny,
and bufify white; depth of bill, at base .40 or more.

Lagopus lagopiis.
Willow Ptarmigan.
See No. 143.

Family PHASIANID.^. Pheasants,
Turkeys, etc.

Subfamily MELEAGRINvE. Turkeys.

Toes, four, the hind toe elevated above the rest; bill, rather short
and stout; wing, short and somewhat rounded, the outer primaries
curved; wing, more than 12 inches long.

Resembles domestic Turkey, but legs usually pink red; primaries,
broadly barred with white; upper tail coverts and tail, tipped with
chestnut brown. Meleagris gallopavo silvestris.

Wild Turkey.

See No. 146.

Family COLUMBID^. Pigeons and Doves.

Toes, four, hind toe not elevated above the rest; nostril, opening
into a soft fleshy membrane; tarsus, usually shorter than the toes;
wings, rather long and flat.

GROUP 1. Wing, less than 6.50 inches long.

SECTION 1. Primaries, dark slaty brown or blackish.

Upper parts, grayish olive; rump, grayish olive; crown, tinged
with slate color; sides of neck, with purplish metallic reflections; a
bluish black spot on lower edge of ear coverts ; tail, pointed ; middle
tail feathers, much longer than outer feathers; length, less than 13
inches. Zenaidura macroiira carolinensis.

Mourning Dove.
See No. 148.

I40 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Mourning Dove.

*GROUP 2. Wing, over 6.50 inches long.

Passenger Pigeon.

Decidedly larger than the Mourning Dove; length, over 14 inches;
wing, over 7 inches; most of back and rump, bluish slate color; tail,
pointed and rather long; under tail coverts, white; under parts
vinaceous, shading into white on the lower belly (male). Female,
similar, but duher; breast, pale grayish brown; immature birds have
the primaries marked with rufous. Ectopistes migratorius.

Passenger Pigeon.
See No. 147.

* For directions for measurement, see page 21.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

141

Family CATHARTID^. American
Vultures.

Size, large; plumage, black or dark brown; hind toe, short; claws,
not sharp ; head, bare in adult ; nostrils, large.

GROUP 1. Wing, from 14 to 21 inches long.
SECTION 1. Wing, less than 17 inches long.

Black Vulture.

Head and fore-neck, bare; skin of head, blackish; general plumage,
black; primaries, hoary white beneath. Catharista iinibu.

Black Vulture. Carrion Crow.
See No. 150.

142 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

SECTION 2. Wing, over 17 inches long.

Turkey Vulture.

Head and fore-neck, bare; skin of head, red; general plumage,
brownish black or dark brown; bill, whitish; immature birds have
the head feathered. Cathartes aura septentrionalis.

Turkey Vulture. Turkey Buzzard.
See No. 149.

INDEX TO KEY.

Family FALCONID.^. Hawks, Falcons,
Eagles, Kites, etc.

Group i. Wing, less than 8.50 inches long. See page 145.
Group 2. Wing, 8.50 to 9.50 inches long. See page 146.
Group 3. Wing, 9.50 to 13 inches long. See page 147.

Section i. Species having second primary longest. See page 147.
Section 2. Species having third primary longest. See page 147.
Section 3. Species having fourth primary longest. See page 147.
Group 4. Wing, 13 to 15 inches long. See page 148.

Section i. Second primary, longest; first and second primaries, emar-

ginate or notched. See page 148.
Section 2. Third primary, longest; face, bare. See page 149.
Section 3. Fourth primary, longest; upper tail coverts, white. See page

149.
Section 4. Fourth primary, longest; upper tail coverts, not white. See

page 140.
Group 5. Wing, 15 to 17 inches long. See page 150.

Section i. Second primary, longest; only first primary, notched. See

page 150.
Section 2. Second primary, longest; first and second primary, notched.

See page 151.
Section 3. Third primary, longest. See page 151.
Section 4. Fourth primary, longest; four or five outer primaries, notched;

upper tail coverts, white. See page 152.
Section 5. Fourth primary longest; four or five outer primaries, notched;

upper tail coverts, not white; tarsus, partly feathered. See page 152.
Section 6. Fourth primary, longest; four or five outer primaries, notched;

tarsus, entirely feathered. See page 152.
Section 7. Fourth primary, longest; three outer primaries, notched. See

page 153.
Group 6. Wing, 17 to 21 inches long. See page 153.

Section i. Third primary, longest; tarsus, wholly feathered. See page

153-
Section 2. Third primary longest; tarsus, no< wholly feathered. Seepage

153-
Section 3. Fourth primary, longest; tarsus, partly feathered. See page

154-
Section 4. Fourth primary, longest; tarsus, entirely feathered. See page
154.
Group 7. Wing, over 21 inches long. See page 155.

143

First primary, emarginate or notched.
Duck Hawk, etc.

First two primaries, emarginate.
Swallow-tailed Kite, etc.

First three primaries, emarginate.
Swainson's Hawk, etc.

First four primaries, emarginate.
Rough-legged Hawk, etc.

First five primaries, emarginate.
Bald Eagle, etc.

Types of emarginate or "notched" primaries.

144

Family FALCONID.^. Hawks, Falcons,
Eagles, Kites, etc.

Toes, four, three in front, one behind; toes, with strong, curved
talons or claws; bill, with cere (hard skin-like covering at the base
of upper mandible through which the nostrils open); bill, hooked.

GROUP 1. Wing, less than 8.50 inches long.

Male. Sparrow Hawk. Female.

Rump and upper tail coverts, rufous brown; tail, more or less
marked with rufous brown; tarsus, less than 1.50; second primary,
longest. Falco sparverius.

American Sparrow Hawk.

See No. 171.

Rump and upper tail coverts, slaty brown; tarsus, over 1.50,
fourth primary, longest. Accipiter velox.

Sharp-shinned Hawk.
See No. 155.

* For directions for measurement, see page 21.

146 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Rump and upper tail coverts, dark brown; breast, streaked with
dark brown; no rufous brown on tail; second primary, longest
(immature); back and rump, slate color (adult).

Falco columbanus, and races.
Pigeon Hawk.
See Nos. 170, 170a.

GROUP 2. Wing, 8.50 to 9.50 inches long.

Second primary, longest. Falco columbarius, and races.

Pigeon Hawk.

See Nos. 170, 170a.

Fourth primary, longest; outer tail feather, three-quarters inch
or more shorter than middle feather; tail, usually more than 7.25
long. Accipiier cooperii.

Cooper's Hawk.
See No. 156.

Sharp-shinned Hawk.

Fourth primary, longest; outer tail feather, less than three-quar-
ter inch shorter than middle feather; tail, usually less than 7.25 long.

Accipiter velox.
Sharp-shinned Hawk.
See No. 155.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 147

GROUP 3. Wing, 9,50 to 13 inches long.
SECTION 1. The following species have the second primary longest : —

Upper parts, ash gray; head, nearly white; shoulder, black; iris,
red ; upper surface of inner web of first primary, without bars ; breast
and belly, white. Elanus leucurus.

White-tailed Kite.
See No. 152.

Upper surface of inner web of first primary, barred with white;
breast and belly, streaked. Falco mexicanus.

Prairie Falcon.
See No. 168.

Upper surface of inner web of first primary, barred with pale
rufous brown; breast and belly, streaked, Falco peregrinus anatum.

Duck Hawk. Peregrine Falcon.
See No. 169.

SECTION 2. The following species have the third primary longest : —

Belly, slaty gray (adult), or buffy streaked more or less with pale
brown (immature) ; upper tail coverts, not white; no white band on
tail. Ictinia mississippiensis .

Mississippi Kite.
See No. 153.

Third and fourth primaries, about equal length; upper plumage,
slaty gray; tail, black, banded with white (adult); wing, always
less than 12 inches long. Asturina plagiata.

Mexican Goshawk.
See No. 162.

Third and fourth primaries, about equal length; upper plumage,
dark brown; tail, grayish brown, banded with black (immature);
wing, always less than 12 inches long. Asturina plagiata.

Mexican Goshawk.
See No. 162.

SECTION 3. The following species have the fourth primary longest : —

Upper tail coverts, white; wing, less than 12 inches long; tail,
less than 8.25; a Mexican species; accidental in Illinois (only one
record). Asturina plagiata.

Mexican Goshawk.
See No. 162.

148 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Upper tail coverts, white; tarsus, over 2.25; wing, over 12 inches
long; third and fourth primary, nearly the same length; a common
species in Illinois. Circus hudsonius.

Marsh Hawk.
See No. 154.

Fourth outer primary, not decidedly notched; no white on upper
surface of outer webs of primaries; under surface of primaries, not
strongly barred with dark brown and white ; tail, less than 9.50 ; upper
tail coverts, not white. Bnteo platypterus.

Broad-winged Hawk.
See No. 161.

Fourth outer primary, decidedly notched ; under surface of outer
primaries, not heavily barred with dark brown and white; tail, 9.50,
or over; wing, over 11.50. Astur atricapillus, and races.

American Goshawk.

See Nos. 157, 157a.

Fourth outer primary, decidedly notched; under surface of outer
primaries, not heavily barred with dark brown and white; tail, less
than 9.50 ; upper surface of tail, with distinct white bars.

Bnteo lineattis.
Red-shouldered Hawk.
See No. 159.

Under surface of primaries, heavily barred with dark brown and
white; wing, under 11.50. Accipiter cooperii.

Cooper's Hawk.
See No. 156.

GROUP 4. Wing, 13 to 15 inches long.

SECTION 1. Second primary, longest; first and second primaries,
emarginate, or notched.

Length, always under 19; primaries, hoary gray, without bands;
breast and belly, white ; a patch of black on the shoulder.

Elanus leucurus.
White-tailed Kite.

See No. 152.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 149

First primary, pale brown, with numerous bands on inner web;
length, usually under 19 (some females are longer) ; upper plumage,
grayish brown. Falco mexicayius.

Prairie Falcon.

See No. 168.

Length, always over 19; under tail coverts, spotted, or washed
with dusky; upper parts, grayish, barred and marked with white;
under parts, white, streaked and spotted with blackish.

Falco rusticolus.
Gray Gyrfalcon.
See No. 167.

SECTION 2. Third primary, longest; face, bare.

Throat, white or buff; upper surface of tail, grayish brown, with
numerous bars; three outer primaries, emarginate, or notched.

Btiteo swainsoni.
Swainson's Hawk.
See No. 160.

SECTI(3N 3. Fourth primary, longest; upper tail coverts, white.

Upper tail coverts, white; under surface of tail, white or pale
lufous, with several bands of dark brown. Circus hudsonitis.

Marsh Hawk.
See No. 154.

SECTION 4. Fourth primarv, longest; upper tail coverts, not white.

Upper surface of tail, bright rufous brown, with or without bands
(adult ) . Buteo borealis, and races.

Red-tailed Hawk.
See Nos. 158, 158a, 158b, 158c.

Upper surface of inner webs of outer tail feathers, barred with
brown and white; tail feathers, more or less tinged with pale rufous;
primaries, not tinged with rufous (immature).

Buteo borealis, and races.
Red-tailed Hawk.
See Nos. 158, 158a, 158b, 158c.

Upper surface of inner web of outer tail feathers, barred with
brown and white ; tail feathers, more or less tinged with pale rufous ;
primaries, more or less tinged with rufous (immature).

Buteo lineatiis.
Red-shouldered Hawk.
See No. 159.

150 Field Museum of Natural History — -Zoology, Vol. IX.

Upper surface of tail, dark brown, barred with white (adult).

Buteo lineatus.
Red-shouldered Hawk.
See No. 159.

Throat, white; breast, dull brown; thighs, barred rufous brown
and white ; three outer primaries, emarginate, or notched (adult ) .

Buteo swainsoni.
Swainson's Hawk.
See No. 160.

Throat, buff or buff white; breast, heavily marked with dark
brown; thighs, pale rufous or buff with or without bars; three outer
primaries, emarginate, or notched (immature). Buteo swainsoni.

Swainson's Hawk.
See No. 160.

Throat and under parts finely barred with gray and dull white,
the feathers with dark shafts; thighs, barred and mottled with gray
and white; tail, 9.50 or over; wing, over 11.50 (adult).

Astur atricapillus, and races.
American Goshawk.
See Nos. 157, 157a.

Throat and under parts and thighs, white, or tawny white,
streaked with dark brown; tail, strongly barred (immature).

Astur atricapillus.
American Goshawk.

See No. 157.

GROUP 5. Wing, 15 to 17 inches long.

SECTION 1. Second primary, longest; only first primary, emarginate,

or notched.

Length, under 19; primaries, dark brown, banded on inner web
with pale rufous. Falco peregrinus anatum.

Duck Hawk.

See No. 169.

Length, over 19 ; under tail coverts, marked with dusky or spotted ;
general plumage, gray and white, with more or less black marking;
primaries, not dark brown. Falco rusticolus.

Gray Gyrfalcon.

See No. 167.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 151

SECTION 2. Second piimarv, longest; first and second primaries,
emarginate, or notched.

Back, entirely brown; belly, white, without streaks; under tail
coverts, pure white; tarsus, nearly bare.

Pandion haliaetus carolinensis .
American Osprey. Fish Hawk.

See No. 172.

Back, slaty brown and white; under tail coverts, spotted or
marked with dusky. Falco rusticolus.

Gray Gyrfalcon.
See No. 167.

SECTION 3. Third primary, longest.

Four outer primaries, notched; basal portion of inner webs of
primaries, largely white, without bars; thighs, tawny or buff, more
or less barred; tarsus, thickly feathered.

Archibuteo lagopiis sancti-johannis .
American Rough-legged Hawk.
See No. 164.

Four outer primaries, notched; basal portion of inner webs of
primaries, largely white, without bars; thighs, tinged with deep
rufous, heavily barred; tarsus, thickly feathered.

Archibuteo ferrugineus .
Ferruginous Rough-legged Hawk.
See No. 163.

General plumage, entirely sooty brown, or black; four outer

primaries, notched; primaries and tail, with more or less white, or

gray; tarsus, thickly feathered. Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis.

American Rough-legged Hawk (black plumage).

See No. 164.

Three outer primaries, notched; belly and thighs, not white,

Buteo swainsoni.
Swainson's Hawk.

See No. 160.

Three outer primaries, notched; a part of inner web of outer
primaries, white, showing numerous imperfect bars; belly and thighs,
pure white; back, dark brown. Pandion haliaetus carolinensis.

American Osprey. Fish Hawk.

See No. 172.

152 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Two outer primaries, notched; |)riniaries, dark slaty blue, show-
ing greenish tinge when held in the light; tail, long and forked;
under parts and thighs, white. Elanoides forficatus.

Swallow-tailed Kite.
See No. 151.

SECTION 4. Fourth primary, longest; four or five outer primaries,
emarginate, or notched; upper tail coverts, white.

Upper tail coverts, white; under surface of tail, white or pale ru-
fous, with several bands of dark brown. Circus hudsonius.

Marsh Hawk.
See No. 154.

SECTION 5. Fourth primary, longest; four or five outer primaries,

emarginate, or notched; upper tail coverts, not white; tarsus,

partly (but not entirely) feathered.

Tail, bright rufous brown (adult ) ; tail, whitish or grayish, with
numerous brown bars (immature.) Buteo borealis, and races.

Red-tailed Hawk.
See Nos. 158, 158a, 158b, 158c.

General plumage, dark sooty brown, sometimes with under parts
pale, more or less streaked and spotted. Buteo borealis harlani.

Harlan's Hawk.
See No. 158c.

SECTION 6. F'ourth primary, longest; four or five outer primaries,

emarginate, or notched; tarsus, entirely feathered; upper tail

coverts, not white.

Thighs, tawny, more or less streaked or barred.

Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis .
American Rough-legged Hawk.

See No. 164.

General plumage, sooty brown or black (black plumage).

Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis.
American Rough-legged Hawk.
See No. 164.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 153

Thighs, tinged with deep rufous, with numerous bars.

.4 rchibuteo fernigineus.
Ferruginous Rough-legged Hawk.

See No. 163.

SECTION 7. Fourth primary, longest; three outer primaries,
emarginate, or notched.

Tarsus, partly feathered; throat, white (adult); throat, tawny
or buff (immature). Biiteo swaiiisoui.

Swainson's Hawk.
See No. 160.

GROUP G. Wing, 17 to 21 inches long.

SECTION 1. Third primary, longest; tarsus, wholly feathered.

Basal portion of inner web of primaries, largely white, without
bars; thighs, tawny or buff, more or less barred; tarsus, thickly
feathered. Archibnteo lagopus sancti-johannis.

American Rough-legged Hawk.

See No. 164.

Basal portion of inner web of primaries, largely white, without
bars; thighs, tinged with deep rufous, heavily barred.

^4 rchibuteo fernigineus .
Ferruginous Rough-legged Hawk.

See. No. 163.

General plumage, entirely sooty brown or black; primaries and
tail, with more or less white or gray.

Archibnteo lagopus sancti-johannis .
American Rough-legged Hawk (black plumage).

See No. 164.

SECTION 2. Third primary, longest; tarsus, not wholly feathered.

Wing, from 16.90 to 21; a part of inner web of outer primaries,
white, showing numerous imperfect bars; three outer primaries,
notched; belly and thighs, pure white; back, dark brown.

Pandion haliaetus carolinensis.
American Osprey. Fish Hawk.
See No. 172.

154 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Head, neck and entire under parts, pure white; rest of plumage,
glossy bluish black; wing, less than 19; primaries, dark slaty, show-
ing greenish tinge when held in the light ; two outer primaries, notched ;
tail, long and forked. Elanoides forficatus.

Swallow-tailed Kite.
See No. 151.

Wing, always over 18.50; belly and thighs, never white; only
adult birds have the hood and tail white. HalicEetus leucocephalus.

Bald Eagle.
See No. 166.

SECTION 3. Fourth primary, longest; tarsus, partly (not entirely)

feathered.

Tail, rufous brown (adult); tail, whitish or grayish, with numer-
ous brown bars (immature). Buteo borealis, and races.

Red-tailed Hawk.
See Nos. 158, 158a, 158b, 158c.

General plumage, dark sooty brown, sometimes with pale under
parts, more or less streaked and spotted. Buteo borealis harlani.

Harlan's Hawk.

See No. 158c.

Wing, always over 18.50; only adults have head and tail white.

HalicBetus leucocephalus.
Bald Eagle.
See No. 166.

SECTION 4. Fourth primary, longest; tarsus, entirely feathered.

Thighs, tawny, more or less streaked or barred.

Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis.
American Rough-legged Hawk.

See No. 164.

General plumage, sooty brown or black (black plumage).

Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis.
American Rough-legged Hawk.
See No. 164.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 155

Thighs, tinged with deep rufous, with numerous bars.

Archibuteo ferrugineus.
Ferruginous Rough-legged Hawk.
See No. 163.

GROUP 7. Wing, over 21 inches long, (Eagles.)

General plumage, fuscous brown ; tarsus, entirely feathered ; head
and terminal portion of tail, never white. Immature birds have the
basal half or more of the tail feathers white. Aquila chrysaetos.

Golden Eagle.
See No. 165.

Tarsus, not entirely feathered; head and tail, more or less white
in old birds ; younger birds have no white on head, and very little on
the tail, but the partly bare tarsus will always distinguish immature
birds of this species from the Golden Eagle ; fully adult birds have the
head, neck, and tail entirely white and the bill yellow.

Haliceetiis lencocephalus.
Bald Eagle.
See No. 166.

Family STRIGID^. Owls.

Radiated disk of feathers surrounding the eye; plumage, soft;
toes, armed with strong curved talons ; bill, hooked.

* GROUP 1. Wing, less than 8.50 inches long.

SECTION]. Toes, thickly feathered.

Wing, less than 6.10; upper plumage, dark cinnamon brown,
more or less marked with white; under parts, whitish, streaked with
brown ; adult birds have much white about the face ; immature birds
have the face dusky, but the eyebrows white. Glaux acadicus.

Saw-whet Owl. Acadian Owl.
See No. 179.

* For directions for measurement, see page 21.

156 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Richardson's Owl

Wing, over 6.10; upper plumage, dark cinnamon brown, more or
less spotted with white; under parts, brown and white.

Glaux jnnerea richardsoni.
Richardson's Owl.

See No. 178.

SECTION 2. Toes, nearly bare, or but thinly feathered.

Tarsus, thickly feathered ; head with two horn-like tufts of feathers ;
general plumage, sometimes gray, sometimes rufous brown, more or
less streaked and spotted. Otus asio.

Screech Owl.

See No. 180.

GROUP 2. Wing, 8.50 to 11 inches long.

Primaries, dark brown, more or less marked with tawny brown;
head with ear tufts an inch or more long. Asio wilsoiiiaiius.

American Long-eared Owl.

See No. 174.

Primaries, dark brown, more or less marked with pure white;
no horn-like tufts of feathers on head. Surnia iilula caparoch.

American Hawk Owl.

See No. 183.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 157

GROUP 3. Wing, 11 to 13 inches long.

Back, not heavily barred or mottled with whitish ; first and second
primaries, "notched" or emarginate ; ear tufts, very small, hardly
noticeable. Asio flammeus.

Short-eared Owl.

See No. 175.

Back, finely mottled with whitish (not heavily barred); head,
with ear tufts an inch or more long; first primary only, "notched."

Asio wilsonianus.
American Long-eared Owl.

See No. 174.

General plumage, umber brown, mottled and barred with whitish;
belly, streaked dark with brown and whitish; toes, feathered; no
ear tufts. Strix varia.

Barred Owl.
See No. 176.

Barn Owl.
About one seventh natural size.

Under parts, white, or tawny white, with more or less small spots
of brown; middle toe nail, with comb-like edge. (This species
belongs in Family Aluconidae, the Barn Owls having been separated
from the Strigidas. ) Aluco pratincola.

Barn Owl.
See No. 173.

158 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

GROUP 4. Wing, 13 to 15 inches long.

SECTION 1. Second primary, decidedly shorter than fourth.

Under parts, white, barred and streaked with brown; toes, more
or less feathered. Strix varia.

Barred Owl.

See No. 176.

SECTION 2. Second primary, about equal in length to fourth.

Two large, ear-like tufts of feathers above the eyes.

Bubo virginianus, and races.
Great Horned Owl.
See Nos. 181, i8ia.

SECTION 3. Second primary, decidedly longer than fourth.

Short-eared Owl

Under parts, streaked; feet, thickly feathered.

Asia flammeus.
Short-eared Owl.

See No. 175.

Under parts, white or buff white, more or less spotted; feet, nearly
bare; middle toe nail, with comb-like edge. Aluco pratincola.

Barn Owl.
See No. 173.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

159

GROUP 5. Wing, over 15 inches long.

Bill, black; general plumage, tawny, black and white; horn-like
tufts of feathers over the eyes. Bubo virginianus, and races.

Great Horned Owl.
See Nos. 181, i8ia.

Bill, black; general plumage, white, usually more or less marked
with slate brown, or dark brown; no horn-like tufts of feathers over
the eyes. Nyctea nyctea.

Snowy Owl.
See No. 182.

Bill, yellowish; no horn-like tufts of feathers over eyes; general
plumage, gray mixed with white and dark brown.

Scotiaptex nebulosa.
Great Gray Owl.

See No. 177.

Great Homed Owl.

i6o Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Family PSITTACIDiE. Parrots and
Paroquets.

Toes, four, two in front and two behind (zygodactyle) ; bill, with
cere (a skin-like covering over base of mandible).

General plumage, green; head and neck, yellow, becoming orange
on the forehead and cheeks; bend of wing, yellow. Immature birds
have but little yellow on the head. Conuropsis carolinensis.

Carolina Paroquet.
See No. 184.

Once common in Southern States and as far north as Illinois;
apparently now restricted to Florida and Indian Territory.

Jan., tqoq. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

i6i

Family CUCULID.^. Cuckoos.

Feet, zygodactyle (two toes in front, two behind) ; first primary,
about half as long as third ; outer tail feathers, much shorter than
middle ones.

Yellow-billed Cuckoo.

U|)]jer parts, ^)r<)^vnish i^ray, with faint gloss of greenish; under
mandible, mostly yellow ; greater portion of primaries, rufous brown,
tipped with grayish oHve; under [)arts, dull white; outer tail feathers,
l^lack, tipped with white. Coccyzns anien'caiins.

Yellow-billed cuckoo.
See No. 185.

Upper parts, grayish brown, with faint gloss of green; bill, black;
no rufous brown on primaries; tmdcr parts, dull white; outer tail
feathers, like back in color. Coccyzns ervtlirophthalinus.

Black-billed Cuckoo.
See No. 186.

i62 Field Museum of Natural History — -Zoology, Vol. IX.

Family ALCEDINID^. Kingfishers.

Bill, long and straight; feet, syndactyle ; toes, four, the middle
and outer ones joined, being fastened together for more than half
their length ; tarsus, very short and reticulate (scales rounded) in
front.

Sl^v^

Back, bluish gray; throat and belly,

white; a band of bluish gray on the

^^v^ breast (male); under parts, without

^^— chestnut brown; sides of the body and

a band i)n the belly, chestnut (female).

Ceryle alcyon.
Belted Kingfisher.
See No. 187.

^v,"

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

163

Family PICIDiE. Woodpeckers.

Bill, strong and sharp; toes, four or three, never more than two
in front; nostrils, partly concealed by small bristly feathers; tail
feathers, stiff and pointed. Woodpeckers are commonlv seen climb-
ingf about on trunks of trees.

'^ GROUP 1. Wing, less than 4.25 inches long.

Back, black, streaked with
white; crown, with red nuchal
patch (male) ; without red nu-
chal patch (female); tail feath-
ers, stiff and pointed ; toes, four,
two in front, two behind.
Dryobates puhescens medianus.
Downy Woodpecker.
See No. 190.

GROUP 2. Wing, 4.-25 to 5.1^0 inches long.

SECTION 1. The following species have three toes; no trace of red
on the crown or nape: —

Toes, three; crown, with patch of yellow; back, black, without
white (male ) . Picoides arcticus.

Arctic Three-toed Woodpecker.

See No. 191.

* For directions for measurement, see page 21.

164 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Toes, three; crown, black; back, black, without white.

Picoides arcticus (female).
Arctic Three-toed Woodpecker.
See No 191.

Picoides americanus.

Toes, three; crown, yellow; back, black and white.

Picoides americanus (male).
American Three-toed Woodpecker. Banded-backed Woodpecker.

[■ See No. 192.

Toes, three; crown, black, marked with white; back, black and

white. Picoides americanus (female).

American Three-toed Woodpecker. Banded-backed Woodpecker.

See No. 192.

SECTION 2. The following species have four toes; no trace ol red

on crown or nape : —

Ear coverts, black;

no white on inner
web of two middle
tail feathers; middle
of back, more or less
white, but not heavi-
ly banded as in borea-
lis; lower rump and
upper tail coverts,
black.

Dryobates villosus (fe-
male ) .

Hairy Woodpecker.
See No. i8q.

Jan., igog. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

165

Rump and upper tail coverts, pure white ; greater portion of tertials
and secondaries, white; the shafts, black; inner webs of two middle
tail feathers, not marked with white. Adult birds of both sexes
have the head red; immature birds have the head dark brownish
gray. Melanerpes erythrocephalus (inttnature ) .

Red-headed Woodpecker.
See No. 195.

Inner webs of two middle tail feathers, heavily marked with white ;

belly, usually tinged with pale yellow.

Sphyrapicus varius {immature).
Yellow-belHed Woodpecker.

See No. 193.

SECTION 3. The following species have four toes, and more or less
red on crown or nape : —

Crown, black; a patch of red on the occiput (back of the head) ;
ear coverts, black ; no white on inner webs of two middle tail feathers ;
back, black, with white patch in middle, but not heavily banded with
black and white; wings, with round white spots; upper tail coverts,
black. Dryobates villosus {male).

Hairy Woodpecker.
See No. 189.

Crown, red; throat, red (male); crown, red; throat, white (fe-
male); belly, tinged with yellow; two middle tail feathers, heavily
marked with white on the inner webs; a patch of black on the breast,
varying in size, according to age and season.

Sphyrapicus varius {adult).
Yellow-bellied Woodpecker.
See No. 193.

i66 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Crown, red (male); crown, ashy gray, nape, red (female) ; throat
and under parts, pale ash gray, the belly tinged with red or buff, accord-
ing to season. Centunis carolinus.

Red-bellied Woodpecker.

See No. 196.

Rump and upper tail coverts, pure white ; greater part of second-
aries and tertials, white, with black shafts (sometimes with one brown
band near tip ) ; entire head and throat, red (adults) ; immature
birds have the head brownish gray, speckled and marked with dull
black, but usually showing more or less red in places.

Melanerpes erythrocephalus .
Red-headed Woodpecker.
[ ' See No. 195.

GROUP 3. Wing, 5.50 to 8.00.

Under surface of wings and tail, yellow; a band of red on the nape,

and a black molar stripe (male ) ; similar but without the black molar

stripe (female). Colaptes auratus luteus.

Northern Flicker. Golden-winged Woodpecker.

See No. 197.

Rump and upper tail coverts, pure white; greater portion of
tertials, white, the shafts, black; middle tail feathers, not marked
with white; belly, white. Adult birds of both sexes have the entire
head red ; immature birds have the head dark brownish gray.

Melanerpes erythrocephalus.
Red-headed Woodpecker.
See No. 195.

Middle tail feathers, marked with white; under parts, ashy, tinged
with red or buff on the belly; back barred with black and white;
whole top of head, red (male ) ; top of head, ash gray, nape red
(female). Centum s carolinus.

Red-bellied Woodpecker.
See No. 196.

Throat, red (male) or white (female), not gray; belly, tinged
with yellow; wing coverts, mostly white. Sphyrapicus varius.

Yellow-bellied Woodpecker.
See No. 193.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

167

Yellow-ijcllieJ Woodpecker.
(Adult male.)

GROUP 4. Wing, over 8.00.

Bill, dark slaty, or blackish; upper plumage, blackish; basal half
of wing feathers, white; whole crown, scarlet red (male); front of
crown, not red (female) ; size, large, length over 15 inches.

Phloootomus pileatus albieticola.
Northern Pileated Woodpecker.
See No. 194.

Bill, yellowish white; greater portion of plumage, black; greater
portion of secondaries, and tips of inner primaries, white; a white
stripe extends down sides of the neck to the back; crest, bright red
(male); crest, black (female). Formerly found in Illinois, but now
occurs only in Florida, and a few localities along the Gulf coast;
very rare. Campephilus principalis.

Ivory-billed Woodpecker.
See No. 188.

i68 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Family CAPRIMULGID^. Nighthawks,
Whip-poor-wills, etc.

Feet, small and weak ; mouth, very large ; bill, small ; middle toe
nail, with fine comb-like edge ; front toes, connected at base.

A band of white on the wing; tail feathers, not tipped with white.

Chordeiles virginianus, and races.
Nighthawk.
See Nos. 200, 200a.

No white on the wing; primaries, banded with rufous brown
and black; wing, over 7.50 in. long. Antrostomus carolinensis.

Chuck-will's-widow.
See No. 198.

No white on wing; outer tail feathers,
broadly tipped with white; wing, under 7.50
in. long. Antrostomus vociferus.

Whip-poor-will.

See No. 199.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

169

Faonily MICROPODID^. Swifts.

Bill, small and weak; mouth, large; feet, small; tail feathers,
with sharp spines extending beyond the tips.

General plumage, sooty brown, showing a faint greenish tinge on
the upper parts; throat, ashy white; tail feathers, with sharp spines,
or points formed by the shafts of the feathers, extending beyond the
webs. The Swifts are widely separated generically from the Swallows;
but persons unfamiliar with birds might look for them under the same
family. Chcstura pelagica.

Chimney Swift.
See No. 201.

Family TROCHILID^. Hummingbirds.

Smallest of Birds. Wing less than 1,75 inches long (carpus to tip).

l/y

V

Throat, ruby red; back, golden green (male); no red on throat
(female and young male). Trochilus cohibris.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird.

See No. 202.

170 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Family TYRANNID^- Flycatchers.

* GROUP 1. Wing, 2.13 to 2.37 inches long.

Bill, broad and flattened, with numerous small black bristles at
base of upper mandible; tip, with small but distinct hook; tarsus,
rounded, not flattened and sharp at the back as in the Vireos.

^ Top of bill. Side of bill.

First primary shorter than fifth; bill, with small hook at tip,
flat and wide at base; back, olive green; belly, not yellow, or only
faintly tinged with yellow; eye ring, whitish. Empidonax ■minimus.

Least Flycatcher.

See No. 215.

Back, olive green; belly, clear yellow. Empidonax flaviventris.

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher.

See No. 212.

GROUP 2. Wing, 2.37 to 2.75 inches long.

First primary, about as long as fifth; under mandible yellowish

white; throat, dull white; breast and belly, dull white, tinged with

pale yellow; back, olive green. Empidonax virescens.

Green-crested Flycatcher. Acadian Flycatcher.

See No. 213.

Under mandible, yellowish white; throat and under parts, yellow
or greenish yellow; back, olive green. Empidonax flaviventris.

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher.

See No. 212.

* For directions for measurement, see page 21.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

171

Flycatcher.

First primary, shorter than fifth; under mandible, pale yellowish
white, or brownish white; back, tinged with olive brown; wing, over
2.60; eye ring and wing bars, whitish. Enipidonax traillii, and races.

Traill's Flycatcher.

See Nos. 214, 214a.

Eye ring, whitish; first primary, shorter

than fifth; under mandible, usually pale

-> brown or brownish white; wing, under 2.60.

Empidonax minimus.
Least Flycatcher.
See No. 215.

GROUP

W

inj

2.75 to 3.25 inches long.

Bill, flat and wide, with small hook at tip,
and black bristles at base.

Wing, under 3.05; under mandible, yel-
lowish white; throat and under parts, pale
greenish yellow ; back, olive green. Empidonax flaviventris.

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher.
See No. 212.

172 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX,

Wing, usually under 3.05 ; under mandible, straw color or yellowish
white; throat, white; belly, whitish, faintly tinged with yellow;
back, olive green; first primary, about as long as fifth. •

Empidonax virescens.
Green-crested or Acadian Flycatcher.
See No. 213.

Wing, under 3.05; upper parts, tinged with olive brown; throat,
white; under mandible, yellowish white; eye-ring and wing bars, pale

tawny; first primary, shorter than fifth. Empidonax traillii, and races.

Traill's Flycatcher.

See Nos. 214, 214a.

GROUP 4. Wing, 3.25 to 3.75 inches long.

Both mandibles, blackish; back broWnish olive,
under tail coverts, pale yellowish white.

Sayornis phcebe.
Phoebe Flycatcher.

See No. 207.

Wood Pewee.

Wing, longer than the tail;] under mandible, pale, usually yellow-
ish, or yellowish brown; back, dull olive; breast and sides, olive gray.

Myiochanes virens.
Wood Pewee.
See No. 210.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

173

GROUP 5. Wing, 3.75 to 4.25 inches long.

Bill, with small hook at tip, and black bristles at base; back of
tarsus, rounded.

Throat, grayish; belly, yellow; back, dull olive; more or less ru-
fous brown on the tail feathers. Myiarchus crinitus.

Crested Flycatcher.

See No. 206.

Throat, grayish olive ; belly, pale rufous brown ; upper parts, olive
gray. Sayomis say a.

Say's Phoebe Flycatcher.

See No. 208.

Wing, longer than tail ; throat and middle of belly, white, some-
times tinged with yellow; under mandible, pale at base; upper parts,
brownish olive; greater portion of breast, and sides of the body,
brownish olive; upper mandible, black; a tuft of whitish fluffy fea-
thers on the flanks. Nnttallornis borealis.

Olive-sided Flycatcher.
See No. 209.

GROUP 6. Wing, 4.25 to 4.75 inches long.

Back, blackish ; a con-
— ^-». - cealed patch of fiery red

""<V^^^ on crown; tail, tipped with

vX\ white; belly, white.

Tyrannus tyrannus.
Kingbird.
See No. 204.

Kingbird.

Crown and back, dull olive; throat, gray; belly and under tail
coverts, yellow; tail feathers, heavily marked with rufous.

Myiarchus crinitus.
Crested Flycatcher.

See No. 206.

174 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Crown, dull olive gray; throat, olive gray; belly, rufous brown;
tail, black. Sayornis saya.

Say's Phoebe Flycatcher.

See No. 208.

Upper plumage, brownish olive, or dull, grayish olive; throat and
middle of belly, white, sometimes tinged with pale yellow; breast
(except middle) and sides of body, dull grayish olive; under mandible,
pale. Nuttallornis borealis.

Olive-sided Flycatcher.
See No. 209.

Crown and back, ashy; throat and breast, ashy white; sides of
breast and body, orange red; tail, forked, very long, rarely less than
four and one half inches. Muscivora forficata.

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher.

See No. 203.

GROUP 7. Wing, 4.75 to 5.50 inches long.

Top of bill.

Back, blackish ; a concealed patch of fiery red on the crown ; tail,
black, tipped with white ; belly, white. Tyrannus tyrannus.

Kingbird.

See No. 204.

Back, olive gray; a concealed orange patch on the crown; throat,
gray; belly, yellow; outer web of outer tail feather, white; a western
species which has occasionally been taken east of the Mississippi.

Tyrannus verticalis.
Arkansas Kingbird.
See No. 205.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

175

Crown and back, ashy; throat and breast, ashy white; sides of
breast and body, orange red ; tail, very long, rarely less than four ami
one half inches. A southwestern species, several examples of which
have been taken in eastern North America, from Ontario to Florida.

Miiscivora forficata.
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher.
See No. 203.

Family ALAUDID^. Larks.

Bill, pointed, and somewhat rounded ; back of tarsus, rounded ;
hind toe nail, elongated, equal or longer than the toe ; nostrils, more
or less concealed by tufts of hair-like feathers ; wing, 3.75 to 4.50,

%s,^-r^^/>

"~^,

*S-'X

^■^

■IJ^V/

<vj .<^-- _-:.^;.:

Horned Lark.

Upper throat and line over the eye, yellow, or yellowish white;
a .stripe from bill below the eye, and a patch on breast, black, or black-
ish; belly, white; upper parts, brownish, more or less streaked;
hind toe nail long, and nearly .straight; greater portion of outer web

176 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

of outer tail feather, white. In immature and winter birds, the horn-
Hke tuft of feathers is lacking, or indistinct.

Otocoris alpestris, and races.
Horned Lark.
See Nos. 216, 216a, and 216b.

Family CORVIDi^:. Crows, Jays, etc.

Subfamily GARRULIN^. Magpies and Jays.

First primary, much shorter than second, always less than three
fourths as long as third ; fourth or fifth primary, longest ; bill, stout
and strong ; the nostrils, concealed by coarse hair-like feathers ; outer
tail feathers, shorter than middle feathers.

* GROUP 1. Wing,^less than 5.50 inches long.

Upper parts, pale blue or }nirplish blue; tail,
l)nght blue, barred with black and (except middle
feathers) tipped with white; wings, blue, marked
with white; under parts, ashy white; breast with
1)1 ack band. Cyanocitta cr is tat a.

Blue Jay.

See No. 218.

* For ilirections for measurement, see page 21.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

Canada Jay.

177

No blue on pkimage anywhere; greater part of crown, dusky;
breast and belly, gray; throat, lighter. Perisoreiis canadensis.

Canada Jay.
See No. 219.

GROUP 2. Wing, 5.50 to 6.50 inches !ong.

Upper parts, pale blue, or purplish blue; tail, bright blue, barred
with black and (except middle feathers) tipped with white; wings,
bk:e, marked with white; under parts, ashy w'hite; breast, with black
band. Cyanocitta cristata.

Blue Jay.
See No. 218.

Forehead, throat, and sides of head, dull white; back of crown
and nape, blackish; back, gray; under parts, ashy, palest on the
throat. Perisoreiis canadensis.

Canada Jay.
See No. 219.

GROUP 3. Wing, 6.50 to 8.50 inches long.

Head and breast, black; tail, long, showing more or less green
and purple reflections. Pica pica Jindsonica.

American Magpie.
See No. 217.

General plumage, ash gray, becoming white on front of head;
most of tail, white except the two middle feathers which are black;

lyS Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

wings, black; wing, from 7.20 to 8; tail, about 5.25; belongs to the
subfamily Corvinae. Nucifraga columhiana.

Clarke's Nutcracker.
See No. 222.

Subfamily CORVINiE. Crows and Ravens.
* GROUP 4. Wing, 9.50 to 15 inches long.

Crow

Plumage, black; wing, over 11.50; tarsus, over 2,10; bill, over
J ^80. Corvus brachyrhynchos.

American Crow.

See No. 221.

GROUP 5. Wing, over 15 inches long.

General plumage, black; feathers on throat, narrow and pointed,

size alone will distinguish it from the Crow.

Corvus corax principalis.
Northern Raven.
, See No. 220.

♦For directions for measurement see page 21.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 179

Family ICTERIDt^. Blackbirds, Orioles,
Meadowlarks, etc.

Bill, usually acute ; first primary, not short, about the same length
as second ; base of bill slightly dividing the feathers of the forehead ;
nostrils exposed ; outer tail feathers, shorter than middle feathers.

* GROUP I. Wing, less than 3.75 inches long.

SECTION I. The following species have the under parts more or less
marked with either yellow, orange, or chestnut brown : —

Head and throat, black; under parts, orange yellow; back, black.

Icterus galhula {male ) .
Baltimore Oriole.

See No. 230.

Head, more or less marked with black; back, blackish; under
parts, orange, paler than the male. Icterus galhula {female).

Baltimore Oriole.
See No. 230.

Crown and back, dull olive, faintly tinged with yellow on rump;
under parts, pale yellow, usually with faint orange tinge; wing, over
3.45. Icterus galbula (immature).

Baltimore Oriole.
See No. 230.

Head and back, black; rest of under parts, chestnut brown.

Icterus spurius {male ) .
Orchard Oriole.
See No. 229.

Crown and back, greenish, without stripes; under parts, yellow
(not orange); wing, under 3.45. Icterus spurius {female).

Orchard Oriole.

See No. 229.

*For directions for measurement, see page 21.

i8o Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Male.

Orchard Criolp.

Crown, with yellow buff in center, bordered by black; back,
streaked with black; under parts, pale yellow, tinged with buff; tail
feathers, pointed. Dolichonyx oryzivorus {female).

Bobolink. Rice Bird.
See No. 223.

SECTION 2. The following species have the under parts black, or
heavily streaked with black or dark brown : —

Bobolink.

Under parts, black, often showing more or less whitish on tips of
feathers; head, black; back of neck, tawny, or tawny white; back,

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 181

black, shading into gray and white on rump and upper tail cov-
erts. Dolichonyx oryzivoms {male. )

Bobolink. Rice Bird.

See No. 223.

Red-winged Blackbird (female.)

Under parts, whitish or buffy, streaked with black.

Agelaius phceniceiis {female), and races.
Red- winged Blackbird.
See Nos. 226, 226a.

GROUP 2. Wing, 3.75 to 4.25 inches long.
First primary, never less than three fourths as long as third.

Blackbird.

Grackle, or Crow Blackbird. Oriole.

Meadowlark.

i82 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Oriole.

Blackbird.

Meadowlark.

SECTION I. The following species have under parts with more or

less yellow : —

Baltimore Oriole (male).

Head and back, black; throat, black; rest of under parts, orange.

Icterus galbitla (male).
Baltimore Oriole.

See No. 230.

Head and back, brownish black; throat, black; rest of under parts,
paler than the male. Icterus galbula (female).

Baltimore Oriole.

See No. 230.

Upper plumage, dull brownish olive ; rump, yellowish olive; entire
under parts, yellowish white or pale buffy yellow, faintly tinged with
orange. Icterus galbula (immature ) .

Baltimore Oriole.

See No. 230.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

183

Under parts, pale buff yellow or tawny yellow; whitish on chin;
sides, streaked with black; crown, blackish, with tawny stripe in
center ; back, streaked ; tail feathers, very pointed.

Dolichonyx oryzivorus {female ) .
Bobolink. Rice Bird.
See No. 223.

Throat and under parts, yellow ; breast,

li^ with more or less black; crown brownish

^v^ black, with buff white stripe in center.

/ Sturnella magna, and races.

k Meadowlark.

See Nos. 227, 227a, and 228.

SECTION 2. The following species have no yellow on the under

parts : —

Bobolink (male).

Bobolink (male).

Under parts, black, generally with more or less feathers tipped
with dull white; crown, black; back of the neck, tawny; tail feathers,
very pointed. Dolichonyx oryzivorus .

Bobolink. Rice Bird.

See No. 223.

184 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Under parts, heavily streaked with black ; throat, tinged with
tawny. Agelaius phceniceus {female).

Red-winged Blackbird.

Sec No. 226.

Head and throat, brown; rest of plumage, glossy greenish black.

Molothi'Hs atcr {male).
Cowbird.
See No. 224.

Under parts, brownish gray; upper parts, pale grayish brown.

Molothrus ater {feniale).
Cowbird.

See No. 224.

GROUP ■-). Wing, 4.25 to 4.75 inches long.
First primary, never less than three fourths as long'^as third.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

\ ^^S^iBWi ^ ^ IBM

i«5

General plumage, black; a patch of scarlet on the shoulder.

Agelaius phcenicens {male), and races.
Red-winged Blackbird.

See Nos. 226, 226a.

?1^/-

Rusty Blackbird.

General plumage, black; no red shoulder patch; head, not tinged
with purple. Enphagiis caroliniis {male).

Rusty Blackbird.

See No. 231.

General plumage, black, glossed on the head with purplish or
violet black, and back and under parts, tinged with metallic green;
no red on shoulder; wing, rarely less than 5 inches long.

Euphagus cyanocephalus {male ) .
Brewer's Blackbird.
See No. 2^2.

i86 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

General plumage, black, tinged with rusty brown on the crown and
back; the feathers on the under parts, tipped with rusty brown; under
parts, not streaked; no red on shoulder.

Euphagus carolinus {female and immature in fall).

Rusty Blackbird.
See No. 231.

General plumage, black, more or less streaked and marked with
brown, buff, and dull white; lesser wing coverts (shoulder), dull red.

Agelaiiis phceniceus {young m.ale).
Red-winged Blackbird.

See No. 226.

Upper parts, blackish, streaked with brownish buff; under parts,
streaked with black ; no red patch on shoulder.

A gelaius phceniceus {female), and races.
Red-winged Blackbird.

See Nos. 226, 226a.

Cowbird.

Head and breast, chocolate brown; rest of plumage, glossy black.

Molothrus ater {male).
Cowbird.

See No. 224.

General plumage, gray; palest on the throat.

Molothrus ater {female).
Cowbird.

See No. 224.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

187

Throat, yellow; belly, black; adult males have the entire head
yellow; females and immature birds have the crown often blackish.
Xanthocephaliis xanthoccphalits (female).

Yellow-headed Blackbird.
See No. 225.

Meadowlark.

Throat and belly, yellow; breast, with more or less black.

Sturnella magna, and races.
Meadowlark.

See Nos. 227, 227a, and 228.

General plumage, dark slate or brownish slate color; under parts,
inclining to plumbeous.

Euphagus carolinus {female) {adult in summer).

Rusty Blackbird.

See No. 231.

GROUP 4. Wing, 4.75 to 5.50 inches long.

First primary, not short; base of bill, dividing the feathers of the
forehead; nostrils, exposed; outer tail feathers, shorter than middle
feathers.

i88 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Bill of Bronzed Crackle.

X

General plumage, metallic green, purple, and bronze.

Quiscalus quiscula ccneus.
Bronzed Grackle.

See No. 233.

General plumage, black; a patch of scarlet red on the shoulder.

Agelaius phccnicens [adult male).
Red-winged Blackbird.

See No. 226.

General plumage, black, more or less streaked and marked with
buff, brown, and dull white; traces of more or less red on the shoulder
(lesser wing coverts). Agelaius phceniceus, and races (immature).

Red-winged Blackbird.

See Nos. 226, 226a.

Adult birds entirely lustrous black; no red
shoulder patch. Immature birds have the upper
parts more or less rusty brown and the feathers on
the under parts, tipped with brown.

Euphagus carolinus {male, and immature) .

Rusty Blackbird.
See No. 2 ?i-

General plumage, dark slate or brownish slate color; under parts,

plumbeous slate color. Euphagus carolinus (female, in summer).

Rusty Blackbird.
See No. 2?i.

Jan., 1Q09. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 189

General plumage, black, glossed on the head with purplish or
violet black; the back and under parts, tinged with metallic green;
no red on shoulder. Western species rare in Eastern United States.

Euphagus cyanocephalus {male).
Brewer's Blackbird.
See No. 232.

Throat, yellow; belly, black; amount of yellow on head varies
according to age and season.

X anthocephalus xanthoccphalits (female ) .
Yellow-headed Blackbird.

Sec No. 225.

Throat and belly, yellow; breast, with more or less black.

Sturnella magna, and races.
Meadowlark. Marsh Quail.

See No. 227, 227a, and 228.

GROUP 5. Wing, 5.50 to 6.50 inches long.

General plumage, black, showing metallic, reflections of green,
purple, and bronze, when held in the light.

Quiscalus quiscula ameus.
Bronzed Grackle.

See No. 233.

Head and throat, yellow, belly, black (male); throat, yellow,
belly, grayish brown (female). Xanthocephalns xantJwcephalus.

Yellow-headed Blackbird.

See No. 225.

Throat, yellow; belly, yellow; a black crescent on the breast.

Stiirnella magna, and races.
Meadowlark.

See No. 227, 227a, and 228.

INDEX TO KEY.

Family FRINGILLID^. Sparrows, Finches,
Crossbills, Buntings, etc.

Group i. Wing, 1.75 to 2.13 inches long. See page 192.
Group 2. Wing, 2.13 to 2.37 inches long. See page 193.

Part I. Breast, more or less streaked; carpal joint, edged with yellow.

See page 193.
Part 2. Breast, more or less streaked; carpal joint, not yellow. See

page 193.
Part 3. Breast, not streaked; carpal joint, edged with yellow. See

page 193.
Part 4. Breast, not streaked; carpal joint, not edged with yellow. See

page 194.
Group 3. Wing, 2.37 to 2.75 inches long. See page 194.

Part I. Throat or under parts, more or less blue, red, dull green, or bright

yellow. See page 194.
Part 2. Throat or under parts, not marked with red, blue, yellow, or green,

breast, distinctly streaked; carpal joint, edged with yellow. See page

195-
Part 3. Under parts, not inarked with red, blue, yellow, or green; breast

distinctly streaked; carpal joint, not edged with yellow. See page 196.
Part 4. Under parts, not marked with red, blue, yellow, or green; breast;

not streaked; bend of wing (carpal joint), edged with yellow. See

page 19 7-
Part 5. Under parts, not marked with red, blue, yellow, or green; the

breast, not distinctly streaked, and no yellow on bend of wing. See

page 198.
Group 4. Wing, 2.75 to 3.25 inches long. See page 199.

Part I. Throat or under parts, more or less red, blue, green, or yellow

See page 199.
Part 2. No blue, red, green, or yellow on the under parts; more or less

of throat, black (sometimes only the chin); breast and sides, not dis-
tinctly streaked. See page 202.
Part 3. No blue, red, green, or yellow on the under parts; throat or chin,

not black; breast or sides, not distinctly streaked; tail feathers, marked

with more or less white. See page 203.
Part 4. No blue, red, green, or yellow on the under parts; throat or chin,

not black; breast or sides, not distinctly streaked; no white on tail

feathers. See page 204.
Part 5. No red, blue, green, or yellow on the under parts; throat, more

or less (sometimes only the chin) black; breast or sides, distinctly

streaked. See page 206.

190

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 191

Part 6. No red, blue, green, or yellow on the under parts; throat or chin,
not black; breast, distinctly streaked or spotted. See page 207.
Group 5. Wing, 3.25 to 3.75 inches long. See page 209.

Part I . More or less of either red, blue, yellow, or green on the under parts.

See page 20Q.
Part 2. No red, blue, yellow, or green on the under parts. See page 211.
Group 6. Wing, 3.75 to 4.25 inches long. See page 215.

Part I. More or less red on the under parts. See page 215.

Part 2. More or less yellow, orange, or green on the under parts. See

page 216.
Part 3 . No red , yellow, orange, or green on the under parts. See page 217.
Group 7. Wing, 4.25 to 4.75 inches long. See page 219.

Family FRINGILLID.^:. Sparrows, Finches,
Crossbills, etc.

Primaries, consisting of 9 feathers; first primary, not short, never
less than two-thirds as long as second or third ; bill, stout and conical ;
nostrils, high, near the culmen ; tarsus, flattened behind.

* GROUP 1. Wing, 1.75 to 2.15 inches long.

Top of head, blackish, with tawny stripe in
^X. middle, and tawny stripe over each eye; tail
\V -^i^ ^.^^"^ usually longer than wings.

iv\Vo:^c:j^ Cotuniiculns leconteii.

\^^\^^~\;/ Leconte's Sparrow.

See No. 252.

Coturnicvilus leconteii.

Passerherbulus candacntns nelsoni.

Top of head, brownish and slate color; a tawny stripe over each
eye; no tawny stripe on middle of crown.

PasscyJicrhiilns caitdacntus nelsoni.
Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow.

See No. 253.

Top of head and nape, pale olive green,
mixed with black; no tawny stripe over

eye. Coturnicuhis henslowii.

Henslow's Sparrow.
See No. 251.

* For directions for measurement, see page 21.
1Q2

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — -Cory.

193

GROUP 2. Wing, 2.15 to 2.37 inches long.

PART 1. The following species have the breast more or less streaked;
carpal joint (bend of wing), edged with yellow: —

Bill, dark; sides of head, tawny bufif

enclosing a patch of gray behind the eye;

heavy tawny buff superciliary stripe.

Passerherbulus caudacutus nelsoni.

Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow.

See No. 253.

Bill, pale horn color; sides of head and nape, tinged with olive
green. Coturniculus henslowii.

Henslow's Sparrow.

See No. 251.

PART 2. The following species have the breast more or less streaked;
carpal joint (bend of wing), not yellow: —

Breast, very faintly streaked; middle tail feathers, rufous brown,
with black stripe in middle, including the shaft; wing coverts and
secondaries, edged with rufous brown. Melospiza georgiana.

Swamp Sparrow.
See No. 269.

Breast, sharply streaked with

black; shafts of tail feathers, not

black. Melospiza lincolnii.

Lincoln's Sparrow.

See No. 268.

PART 3. The following species have the breast not streaked (in the
adult*); carpal joint (bend of wing), edged with yellow: —

Top of head, black with tawny stripe in center; an orange brown
spot over, and somewhat in front of, the eye; bend of wing, yellow.

Coturniculus savamiarum australis.
Grasshopper Sparrow. Yellow-winged Sparrow.

See No. 250.

* In several species, very young birds in first plumage have the breast streaked.

194 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Top of head and back, rufous brown with more or less gray on
feathers; sides, without spots; tail feathers, narrow; tail much
rounded, the outer feathers being half an inch or more shorter than the
middle feathers. Aimophila cBstivalis hachmanii.

Bachman's Sparrow.
See No. 266.

PART 4. The following species have the breast not streaked (in the
adult); carpal joint (bend of wing), not edged with yellow:- —

Wing coverts and secondaries, edged with rufous brown; flanks,
brownish olive. Melospiza georgiana.

Swamp Sparrow.
See No. 269.

Wing coverts and secondaries, edged with* pale tawny bufif; tail
feathers, brown, narrowly edged with brownish white; flanks, pale
buffy white. Splzella pallida.

Clay-colored Sparrow.
See No. 261.

GROUP 3. Wing, 2.37 to 2.75 inches long.

PART 1. The following species have the throat or under parts more
':^or less marked with either blue, red, dull green, or bright yellow: —

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — -Cory.

195

Under parts, entirely yellow (male), or throat, yellow; under parts,
dull olive gray (female); wings and tail, black, marked with white;
yellow on under parts varies much, according to age and season.

Astragalinus tristis.
American Goldfinch. Yellowbird.
See No. 242.

Under parts, bright red, or tinged with red; back, green; crown,
blue. Passerina ciris {male).

Painted Bunting. Nonpareil.
See No. 277.

Under parts, greenish; back, green.

Passerina ciris (female ) .
Painted Bunting.

See No. 277.

Under parts, blue; general plumage,

blue;] wings and tail, black, edged with

blue. Passerina cyanea (male).

Indigo Bird. Indigo Bunting.

See No. 276.

Under parts, more or less blotched with blue.

Passerina cyanea {immature).
Indigo Bird.
See No. 276.

PART 2. The following species have the under parts not marked with

red, blue, yellow, or green; breast, distinctly streaked; carpa

joint (bend of wing), edged with yellow: —

Sharp tailed Sparrow.

196 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Breast and flanks, tawny; a tawny stripe over the eye; outer tail
feathers, decidedly shorter than middle ones.

Passerherbidus caudacutus nelsoni.
Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow.

See No. 253.

Breast and flanks, white streaked with brown; a yellow spot in
front of eye (absent in some plumages); rump, pale brown, marked
with dark brown; outer tail feathers, not shorter than middle ones;
under tail coverts, white. Passerculus sandwichensis savanna.

Savanna Sparrow.
See No. 249.

PART 3. The following species have the under parts not marked with

red, blue, yellow, or green; breast, distinctly streaked; carpal

joint (bend of wing), not edged with yelloW : —

Forehead, reddish brown; crown, brown, with imperfect gray
streak in middle, and blackish dots; no yellow in front of eye ; breast,
white, heavily streaked with dark brown; outer tail feathers, shortest.

Melospiza melodia.
Song Sparrow.
See No. 267.

Crown, brown, streaked with
black; breast, buff, streaked with
black; back, streaked; outer tail
feathers, shortest.

Melospiza liucolnii.
Lincoln's Sparrow.
See No. 268.

Crown, black, streaked with pale brown; a yellow spot in front of
eye (wanting in some plumages); breast, white, streaked with dark
brown; back, streaked; outer tail feathers, not shorter than middle
ones. Passerculus sandwichensis savanna.

Savanna Sparrow.
See No. 249.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — -Cory.

197

Wings and tail, dark brown,
more or less margined with yellow ;

the bases of the feathers, pale
yellow; under parts, heavily
streaked with brownish black;
crown and back, brownish olive,
heavily streaked with black.

Spinus pinus.
Pine Siskin.
See No. 243.

Crown and back, brown, without streaks; under parts, pale buff
brown, faintly streaked on breast and sides.

Passerina cyanea {female ) .
Indigo Bunting.
See No. 276.

PART 4. The following species have the under parts not marked with

red, blue, yellow, or green, and the breast not distinctly streaked,

but have the carpal joint (bend of wing) edged with yellow : —

Crown, black, with pale tawny buff stripe on middle; ear coverts,
tawny buff; middle back, blackish; feathers, edged with buff; tail
feathers, very pointed; tail, less than 2.25 long.

CotMrniculus savannarutn australis.
Grasshopper Sparrow. Yellow-winged Sparrow.

See No. 250.

Crown, grayish, without tawny stripe
in middle; ear coverts, gray; back,
olive and gray; a distinct superciliary
stripe of buff or yellowish.

Passerherbulns caudacutus nelsoni.
Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow.
See No. 253.

Crown and back, rufous brown, the feathers, more or less marked
with black, and edged with gray; no tawny stripe on middle of crown;

198 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

tail feathers, not pointed; tail, over 2.25 long, and much rounded,
the outer feathers half an inch or more shorter than the middle
feathers. Aimophila cBStivalis hachmanii.

Bachman's Sparrow.
See No. 266.

PART 5. The following species have the under parts not marked with

red, blue, yellow, or green; the breast, not distinctly streaked,

and no yellow on the carpus (bend ot the wing): —

Crown and back, the same color, brown without streaks.

Passerina cyanea {female).
Indigo Bunting.

See No. 276.

Crown and back, bright olive green, without streaks.

Passerina ciris {female ) .
Painted Bunting. Nonpareil.

See No. 277.

Back, streaked with black; rump, olive brown, streaked with
black; wing coverts and secondaries, broadly edged with rufous
brown; sides of body, clear olive brown ; middle of belly, whitish.

Melospiza georgiana.
Swamp Sparrow.
See No. 269.

Bill, black or dark brown; back, streaked
with black; rump, slate gray; adult birds
have the crown rufous.

Spizella passerina.

Chipping Sparrow.

^,„Ai#^^^^' See No. 260.

^:>.^^ ^

Bill, reddish brown; crown and back, ru-
fous brown; back, streaked with black; rump,
pale grayish brown. Spizella pusilla.

Field Sparrow.

See No. 262.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin- — Cory.

199

Bill, pale brown (not reddish brown ) ; un-
der parts, dull white (not grayish on sides as
in the Chipping Sparrow ) ; crown and back,
pale grayish brown, streaked with black;
rump, grayish brown (not slate gray as in the
Chipping Sparrow). Spizella pallida.

Clay-colored Sparrow.
See No. 261.

* GROUP 4. Wing, 2.75 to 3.25 inches long.

PART 1. The following species have the throat, or under parts, more
or less red, blue, green, or yellow: —

Mandibles, crossed; general plumage, dull red; wings, brownish;
no white on wings (male). Loxia curvirostra minor.

American Crossbill.

See No. 238.

Mandibles, crossed; no white on wings; under parts, greenish.

Loxia curvirostra minor (female).
American Crossbill.

See No. 238.

Mandibles, crossed; more or less red on under parts, head, and
back; wing bars, white. Loxia leucoptera {male).

White-winged Crossbill.
See No. 239.

* For directions for measurement, see page 21.

200 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Mandibles, crossed; wing bars, white; under parts, greenish.

Loxia leucoptera (female ) .
White-winged Crossbill.

See No. 239.

Mandibles, not crossed; breast and
crown, rose red; back, brown, tinged
with red ; chin, not black.

Carpodacus purpureus {male).
Purple Finch.
See No. 236.

Redpoll.

Mandibles, not crossed; chin, blackish; breast, rose red; front
crown, metallic red; rump, streaked. Acanthis linaria, and races.

Redpoll.

See Nos. 241 , 241a.

Mandibles, not crossed; chin, blackish; under part, whitish,
with faint tinge of pink on breast; rump, white, without streaks,
sometimes tinged with rose color. Acanthis hornemannii cxilipcs.

Hoary Redpoll.
See No. 240.

Mandibles, not crossed; under parts, yellow; back, yellow; wings
and tail, black, marked with white. Astragalinns tristis {male).

American Goldfinch. Yellowbird.

See No. 242.

Mandibles, not crossed; throat, yellow; rest of under parts, gray-
ish olive; tail and wings, black, marked with white.

Astragalinns tristis {female).
American Goldfinch. Yellowbird.
See No. 242.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — -Cory.

Mandibles, not crossed; chin, white; throat, black; breast,
yellow; belly, white; back, streaked with black; shoulder, chestnut.

Spiza americana.
Dickcissel. Black-throated Bunting.
See No. 278.

Mandibles, not crossed; under parts, red; crown and sides of head,
blue; back, green. Passerina ciris (male).

Painted Bunting. Nonpareil.

See No. 277.

Mandibles, not crossed; under parts, tinged with red; upper parts,
bright olive green; no white on wings or tail.

Passerina ciris {young male ) .
Painted Bunting.
See No. 277.

Mandibles, not crossed; under parts, greenish yellow; upper
plumage, bright olive green; no white on wings or tail.

Passerina ciris (female ) .
Painted Bunting.

See No. 277.

Mandibles, not crossed; general plumage,

blue, with black wings and tail, edged with

blue. Passerina cyanea {adult male).

Indigo Bunting. Indigo Bird.

See No. 276.

202 Field Museum of Natural History- — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Mandibles, not crossed; general plumage, brownish, blotched
with blue. Passerina cyanea {young male).

Indigo Bunting. Indigo Bird.

See No. 276. ,

PART 2. The following species have no red, blue, green, or yellow

on the under parts; more or less of the throat, black (sometimes

only the chin); breast and sides, not distinctly streaked :■ — •

Head, back, throat, and upper
breast, black; sides of body, ru-
fous brown; wings and tail, black,
marked with white; bill, dark.
Pipilo erythrophtiialmns {male).
Towhee Bunting.
See No. 271.

English Sparrow (male).

Throat, black; crown, gray; malar region, white; occiput, chest-
nut brown; rump, olive gray; bill, black. Passer domesticus {male).

English Sparrow. House Sparrow.

See No. 237.

Chin, black; throat, white, slightly tinged with tawny; rest of
under parts, white; crown, fiery red; rump, white, not streaked.

Acanthis hornemannii exilipes.
Hoary Redpoll.

See No. 240.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 203

Head, face, and throat, black; tail, grayish brown; bill, pale red;
back, brown, streaked with black; wing, over three inches long.

Zonotrichia querula.
Harris's Sparrow.

See No. 255.

Head and throat, slaty gray; belly,

white; back and rump, grayish brown;

bill, pale; outer tail feather, entirely

white. J unco hy emails.

Slate-colored Junco. Snowbird.

See No. 263.

f

PART 3- The following species have no red, blue, green, or yellow,

on the under parts ; throat or chin, not black ; and the breast

or sides, not distinctly streaked ; tail feathers,

marked with more or less white : —

-^^v

Kttx/v,.

Throat, grayish brown; sides of body, deep rufous brown; back,
not streaked; belly, white; bill, black. Pipilo erythrophthalmus.

Towhee. Towhee Bunting.

See No. 271.

Head and throat slate gray, belly, white; back and rump, grayish
brown; back, not streaked; bill, pinkish white.

Junco hyemalis, and races.
Slate-colored Junco. Snowbird.

See No. 263.

204 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Resembles common Junco, but sides, pinkish brown; head, neck,
and chest, slate gray. Junco hyemalis montanus.

Montana Junco.

See No. 264.

Similar to last, but has head, neck, and chest, black or blackish;
sides, pinkish brown. Junco oregonus shufeldti.

Shufeldt's Junco.

See No. 265.

Throat, white ; crown, brown, with whitish stripe through middle ;
back, streaked; tail feathers, broadly tipped with white.

Chondestes granimacus.
Lark Sparrow.

See No. 254.

Throat, ashy white; belly, white, tinged with pale buff on sides;
crown, bright rufous; tail feathers, very narrowly edged with white;
upper mandible, blackish; lower mandible, pale yellowish white,
with dark tip; back, streaked. Spizella monticola.

Tree Sparrow.
See No. 259.

Throat and under parts, pale buffy white or ashy white ; crown and
back, dull brown; back, streaked with blackish; tail, very narrowly
edged with buffy white; bill, reddish brown; rump, brownish.

Spizella pusilla.
Field Sparrow.
See No. 262.

Throat, white; crown, rufous; a white stripe over the eye; outer
tail feather, very narrowly edged with whitish on inner web; bill,
black; back, streaked; rump, slaty gray. Spizella passerina.

Chipping Sparrow.

See No. 260.

PART 4. The following species have no red, blue, green, or yellow

on the under parts ; throat or chin, not black, and the breast

or sides, not distinctly streaked; no white on

breast or the tail feathers : —

Crown, green, like back; throat and under parts, pale buff; back,
green, without streaks. Passerina ciris {immature ) .

Painted Bunting. Nonpareil.

See No. 277.

Jan., iQog. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 205

Crown, brown, like back ; throat and under parts, pale brown ;

whitish on belly; breast, usually with indistinct streaks; back,
brown, without streaks. Passerina cyanea {female).

Indigo Bird. Indigo Bunting.

See No. 276.

Crown, black, with white stripe in center; stripe over eye, white;
usually more or less yellow in front of eye; throat, white; breast,
grayish; carpal joint (bend of wing), pale yellow; back, streaked.

Zonotrichia albicollis.
White-throated Sparrow.
See No. 258.

Crown, black, with white stripe in center; no yellow in front of
eye ; no distinct white patch on throat ; carpal joint (bend of wing ) ,
not yellow; back, streaked. Zonotrichia leucophrys.

White-crowned Sparrow.

See No. 256.

Crown, brown, with grayish brown center; no yellow in front
of eye; nape, gray; bill, reddish brown; back, streaked; wing coverts,
tipped with white. Zonotrichia leucophrys {immature).

White-crowned Sparrow.

See No. 256.

Crown, light chestnut brown (streaked with black in young birds ) ;
rump, slaty gray; bill, black; back, streaked. Young birds in fall
have the bill brownish. Spizella passerina.

Chipping Sparrow.

See No. 260.

2o6 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Crown, rufous brown; rump, pale olive brown; upper mandible,
black; under mandible, pale, with dark tip; back, streaked.

Spizella monlicola.
Tree Sparrow.

See No. 259.

Crown, black and white ; no yellow on crown or in front of the eye ;
lores, gray; throat, ash gray; edge of wing, yellow. Western species
of possible accidental occurrence within our limits.

Zonotrichia leiicophrys gambelii.
Gambel's Sparrow.
See No. 256a.

Crown, pale chestnut brown; rump, olive brown; bill, reddish
brown; back, streaked. Spizella pusilla.

Field Sparrow.

See No. 262.

PART 5. The following species have no red, blue, green, or yellow

on the under parts ; throat, more or less (sometimes only chin)

black, and the breast or sides distinctly streaked: —

A black spot on the chin; crown, with more or less metallic red;

rump, streaked; bill, yellowish, with dark tip. Common on Atlantic
coast. Acanthis linaria, and races.

Redpoll.

See Nos. 241, 241a.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin- — Cory.

207

A black spot on the chin ; crown, with more or less metallic red ;
rump, white, usually without streaks; bill, yellowish, with dark tip;
plumage, much whiter than linaria. Rarely occurs south of Labrador.

Acanthis hornemannii exilipes.
Hoary Redpoll.
See No. 240.

PART 6. The following species have no red, blue, green, or yellow

on the under parts; throat or chin, not black, and the

breast, distinctly streaked or spotted : —

Savanna Sparrow.

Crown feathers, blackish, narrowly edged with light brown ; an

imperfect buff white line through center of crown; tail, usually under
2.20; wing, usually under 2.90 (more or less yellow over and in front
of eye in some plumages ) ; outer tail feathers, not shorter than middle
ones; a black streak on sides of upper throat; back, streaked; breast,
streaked with dark brown ; outer web of outer tail feather, edged with
dull white. Passerculus sandwichensis savanna.

Savanna Sparrow.
See No. 249.

Rump and upper surface of tail feathers, rufous brown.

Passer ella iliaca.
Fox Sparrow.

See No. 270.

2o8 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Bill, large; depth of bill at base,
about equal to length of culmen; crown
and back, brownish olive, streaked with
blackish; throat, streaked dark olive
brown, not black; middle tail feathers,
shorter than outer feathers.

Carpodacus purpureus (female).
Purple Finch.
See No. 236.

.^

Outer tail feathers, decidedly shorter
than middle ones; crown, dull rufous
brown, streaked with black and show-
ing a grayish stripe in the center;
under parts, white; the breast, heavily
streaked with black; carpal joint, not
edged with yellow; outer tail feathers,
not half white (the breast and sides,
often faintly tinged with tawny and
black striping on breast, often mixed
with more or less rufous brown) ; back, streaked. Melospiza melodia.

Song Sparrow.
See No. 267.

Vesper Sparrow.

Shoulder (lesser wing coverts), rufous brown; at least half of
outer tail feathers, white ; back, streaked. Pocecetes gramineus.

Vesper Sparrow.

See No. 248.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

209

Back, tinged with rufous brown,
and streaked with black; carpal
joint (bend of wing), edged with
.>- pale yellow; tail, over 2.50; usually
an indication of yellow in front of the
eye; no white on tail feathers.

Zonotrichia alhicollis.
White-throated Sparrow.
See No. 258.

Bill, sharp; tail, under 2 inches; entire upper plumage, olive buff,
streaked with black; under plumage, buffy white, or ashy white,
heavily streaked with black; more or less yellow on edge and base of
wing feathers, and base of tail feathers. Spinus pinus.

Pine Siskin. Pine Finch.
See No. 243.

Crown and back, dull brown, without streaks; under parts, brown-
ish, whitish on belly; breast streaks, not very pronounced, often

ndistinct (female). Passerina cyanea.

Indigo Bird. Indigo Bunting.

See No. 276.

GROUP 5. Wing, 3.25 to 3.75 inches long.
PART 1. The following species have more or less of either red, blue,
yellow, or green on the under parts*: —

* If a bird is red or olive green, with wing measuring between 3.35 and 4 inches long (carpus to
tip) and cannot be found in this section, see Family Tanjaridse. The bill of a Tanager somewhat
resembles that of a Finch.

2IO Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

General plumage, red; crown and under parts, bright red; crown,
with crest; throat, black; wings, not black (male).

Cardinalis cardinalis.
Cardinal Grosbeak.
See No. 273.

General plumage, red; back, streaked; belly, whitish (male).

Carpodacus purpureus.
Purple Finch.
See No. 236.

Crown, rump, and under parts, rose red; more or less white on
wing; mandibles, crossed. Loxia leucoptera {male).

White-winged Crossbill.

See No. 239.

Crown, rump, and greater part

of under plumage, dull red; no white

on the wing; mandibles, crossed.

Loxia curvirostra minor {male ) .

American Crossbill.

See No. 238.

Wings, with more or less white; general plumage, grayish olive,
or olive green, more or less strongly tinged with yellowish green on
rump; mandibles, crossed. Loxia leucoptera {female).

White-winged Crossbill.

See No. 239.

Under parts, tinged with green, or olive green ; yellowish green
on rump; no white on wings; mandibles, crossed.

Loxia curvirostra minor {female).
American Crossbill.
See No. 238.

Crown, olive gray; chin, white; throat, black; breast, yellow;
belly, white; shoulder (wing coverts), chestnut brown; back,
streaked with black; more or less yellow over the eye.

Spiza americana.
Dickcissel. Black-throated Bunting.
See No. 278.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 211

Under parts, dull buffy yellow; more or less black streaks on sides
crown, blackish, with tawny buff stripe through center; back, heavily
streaked with black; tail feathers, very pointed. (This bird belongs
in Section 8, as it is not a Tanager or a Finch, but the bill might appear
Fringilline to beginners. ) Dolichonyx oryzivoriis {female).

Bobolink.
See No. 223.

Blue Grosbeak.

General plumage, more or less blue.

Guiraca ccerulea.
Blue Grosbeak.

See No. 275.

Under parts, brownish white, tinged with blue on the breast;

head, rump, and lesser wing coverts, usually tinged with blue.

Guiraca ccerulea {female.)
Blue Grosbeak.

See No. 275.

PART 2. The following species have no red, blue, yellow, or green

on the under parts : —

Under parts, brownish white; crown and back, brownish gray,
usually tinged with more or less blue on the head, rump, and lesser
wing coverts ; middle wing coverts, edged with rufous brown.

Guiraca ccerulea {immature ) .
Blue Grosbeak.

See No. 275.

212 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

'it ' '/7''1/-

Crown and back, black; throat, black; sides of body, rufous
brown; belly, white. Pipilo erythrophthalnins (male).

Towhee Bunting.

See No. 271.

Head and entire under parts, black; a tawny white patch on the
back of the neck; back, black; rump, whitish. (This species belongs
in the family Icteridae (see Section 8 ) , but to the uninitiated the bill
has a slight resemblance to birds in this class.) Dolichonyx oryzivonis.

Bobolink.
See No. 223.

Crown, black, mixed with buffy white; a nuchal collar (back of
neck), chestnut; back, streaked; breast, more or less marked with
black; belly, white; hind toe nail, long; an oblique white patch on
outer tail feather. Calcarius lapponicus.

Lapland Longspur.
See No. 245.

Top and sides of the head, black (in sum-
mer); ear coverts and superciliary stripe,
white; back, streaked; under parts, buff; hind
toe nail, long; in winter without black head,
and markings different, but the tawny buff
under parts will distinguish it from the other
Longspurs. Calcarius pictus.

Smith's Longspur.
See No. 246.

Smith's Longspur.

AN., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory

213

McCown's Longspur.

Top of head, black; wing coverts, heavily
marked with chestnut ; throat and belly, white ;
a large patch of black on the breast; most of
the tail feathers, white, tipped with dark
brown . Rhyncho phanes mccownil.

McCown's Longspur.
See No. 247.

Lark Sparrow.

Crown, chestnut, with stripe of white in center (male) , or dull olive,
streaked with Ijlackisli (female); back, streaked; under parts, white
(pale brownish olive on sides of body) ; a short streak of dark brown
or black on each side of white throat; tail feathers, tipped with white.

Chondesles grammacus .
Lark Sparrow. Lark Finch.
See No. 254.

Head, face, and throat, Ijlack; tail, grayish brown; bill, pale red;
back, brown, streaked with black; wing, about 3.35.

Zonotrichia qiierula .
Harris's Sparrow.

See No. 255.

214 Field Museum of Natural History. — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Crown, black, with white stripe in middle; under parts, ashy.
shading to pale buff on the flanks; no white on tail feathers; no
yellow in front of eye, or on bend of wing. Zonotrichia leucophrys.

White-crowned Sparrow.
See No. 256.

Crown and back, grayish or bufify, streaked
with black; shoulder (lesser wing coverts),
rufous brown; breast, streaked; greater part
of outer tail feather, including outer web,
white. Pocccetes graniincus.

Vesper Sparrow. Bay-winged Bunting.
See No. 248.

Crown and back, slaty brown, or
dull rufous brown ; rump, and upper
surface of tail feathers, light rufous
brown ; under parts, white, heavily
streaked and spotted on breast and
sides with rufous brown.

Passer ella iliaca.
Fox Sparrow.
See No. 270.

Crown and back, dark brown, with indistinct streaks; no white
on tail; under parts, white, with numerous brown spots or streaks
(female) ; middle tail feathers, shorter than outer feathers.

Carpodacus purpureus.
Purple Finch.
See No. 236.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

215

Crown, with crest of red feathers; back, olive; under parts, tawny,
shading to olive on the sides ; under surface of wing, red (female ) .

Cardinalis cardinalis .
Cardinal Grosbeak.

See No. 273.

Crown, with fiery red patch; a black spot on the chin; belly,
white; rump, white. Acanthis hornemannii exilipes.

Hoary Redpoll.

See No. 240.

GROUP 6. Wing, 3.75 to 4.25 inches long.

PART 1. The following species have more or less red on the

under parts*: —

^--

General plumage, rose red, usu-
ally mixed with more or less gray ;

wing coverts, edged with pinkish
white.

Pinicola enucleator leucura.
Pine Grosbeak.
See No. 235.

Pine Grosbeak.

Throat and base of bill, black; general plumage, red; crown, with
more or less of a crest : wings and tail, not black (male ) .

Cardinalis cardinalis.
Cardinal Grosbeak.

See No. 273.

* If bird is red or olive green, with winn between 3.35 and 4 inches long (bend of wing to tip),
see Family Tanagrids. The bill of a Tanager somewhat resembles that of a Finch.

2i6 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Head and back, black; breast and under wing coverts, rose red;
belly, white (male). Zamclodia liidoviciana.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak.

See No. 274.

PART 2. The following species have more or less yellow, orange, or
green on the under parts: —

Forehead, yellow ; crown, black ;

rump, greenish yellow; tertials,
heavily marked with white; under
parts, dark olive yellow on belly.
Hesperiphona vespertina (male).
Evening Grosbeak.
See No. 234.
Under parts, gray, faintly
tinged with greenish yellow ; back,
gray, more or less tinged with
green ; wings and tail, black,
marked with white.
Hesperiphona vespertina (feynale).
Evening Grosbeak.
See No. 234.

Under parts, pale tawny yellow, more or less streaked with black
on sides of body; crown, black, with brownish buff stripe in center;
tail feathers, sharp pointed. (This species belongs in Family Icteridae,
but might be looked for under this section.)

Dolichonyx oryzivoriis {female).
Bobolink.
See No. 223.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — -Cory.

217

PART 3- The following species have no red, yellow, orange, or green
on the under parts : —

Under parts, gray; upper parts, gray, tinged
with green; wings and tail, black, heavily marked
with white; bill, yellowish.

Hesperiphona vespertina {female).
Evening Grosbeak,
')i See No. 234.

>'.:^^«^
;^^^

General plumage, gray; crown
and rump, tinged with yellowish
green; bill, dark; no white on
tail feathers; wing coverts and
tertials, edged with white.
Pinicola enucleator leucura

{female) .
Pine Grosbeak.
See No. 235.

Crown, brownish black, with whitish streak in
center; under wing coverts, orange yellow; breast,
streaked with dark brown.

Zamelodia ludoviciana {female).
Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
See No. 274.

Head and entire under parts, black; back of neck, tawny buff;
back, black, mixed with buff; rump, gray; tail feathers, very pointed.
[This species belongs in Family Icteridae (Section 9), but might be
looked for under this section.] Dolichonyx oryzivorus {male).

Bobolink.
See No. 223.

Head and throat, dull chocolate brown; rest of plumage, greenish
black; no white on wings or tail. (See Section 9, Family Icteridse,
where it belongs.) Molothriis ater {male).

Cowbird.
See No. 224.

2i8 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

General plumage, brownish gray; no white on wing coverts or tail
feathers. (This species belongs in Family Icteridae, but the bill is
somewhat Finch-like in appearance, and the bird might be looked for
under this section.) Molothrus ater (female).

Cowbird.
See No. 224.

Head, with crest; breast, grayish buff or light tawny; back,
olive gray, without streaks; rump and upper surface of tail, not
rufous brown. Cardinalis cardinalis {female).

Cardinal Grosbeak. Cardinal.

See No. 273.

Crown, brown, with white stripe in middle ; a black stripe on each
side of throat; under parts, soiled white; tail feathers, broadly tipped
with white; rump and upper surface of tail, not rufous brown.

Chondestes grammacus.
Lark Sparrow. Lark Finch.
See No. 254.

Rump and upper surface of tail feathers, rufous brown ; under parts,
white, more or less spotted or streaked with brown. Passerella iliaca.

Fox Sparrow.

See No. 270.

Entire head and back, brown (female) or black (male); belly,
white; sides of body, bright, rufous brown. Pipilo erytlirophthalmus.

Towhee Bunting.
See No. 271.

Snow Bunting.
Summer Plumage.

Under parts, white, often tinged with light brown on the breast ;
greater part of outer tail feathers, white ; a large white patch on wing ;
back rusty brown (not black) in winter. Plectrophenax nivalis.

Snowflake. Snow Bunting.

See No. 244.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

219

GROUP 7. Wing, 4. 25 to 4.75 inches long.

First primary, not short, never less than two-thirds as long as
second or third ; bill, stout and conical ; nostrils, high, near the cul-
men ; primaries, nine ; tarsus, flattened behind.

Evening Grosbeak (male).

Throat, brownish olive, shading to yellowish green on the belly;

wing, black, with patch of white; bill, yellowish; forehead, yellow;
crown, black (male); forehead and crown, grayish (female).

Hesperiphona vespcrtina.
Evening Grosbeak.
See No. 234.

General plumage of body, rose

red, more or less mixed with gray;

tail, dark brown; wings, brown,

tjv, the coverts and tertials, edged

"'^""" with white.

Pinicola enucleator leucura (male).
Pine Grosbeak.
See No. 235.

General plumage, gray ; the crown and rump, tinged with yellow-
ish olive; wings, dark brown; the coverts and secondaries, edged
with white. ' Pinicola enucleator leucura (female).

Pine Grosbeak.
See No. 235.

220 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Under parts, white ; breast, usuall}' niorc or less tinged witli pale
brown in winter; greater part of outer tail feathers, white; baek
and crown, rusty brown, a large part of the wings white, very con-
spicuous when flying. Plectrophenax nivalis.

Snowflake. Snow Bunting.
See No. 244.
Head, chocolate brown ; rest of plumage, greenish black (male) ;
general plumage, gray, palest on the throat; no white on w4ng coverts;
crown and rump, like back (female). (This species .belongs in
Section 10, under Family Icteridse, but might be looked for under
this family by mistake.) Molothrus ater.

Cowbird.
See No. '224.

Family TANGARID^:. Tanagers.

Bill, somewhat fringilline, but having a small

"tooth" near the middle of the edge of upper mandible;

tj primaries, 9 ; tarsus, scutellate ; males, bright colored.

V

GROUP 1. Wing, 3.25 to 4.25 inches long.

PART 1. The following species have more or less of either red, blue,
yellow, or green on the under parts: —

Louisiana Tanager.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 221

Head and throat, orange red; bright red on crown; rest of under
parts, bright yellow; back, wings, and tail, black; rump, yellow
(male ) . Piranga ludoviciana.

Louisiana Tanager.
See No. 279.

General plumage, scarlet red; wings
and tail, black; throat, not black
(male ) . Piranga erytkromelas.

Scarlet Tanager.

See No. 280.

General plumage, red; no black on throat; wings and tail, not
black; back, not streaked; belly, not whitish (male). Piranga rubra.

Summer Tanager

See No. 281.

Under parts, yellowish green, or greenish yellow; back, grayish;
greater wing coverts and tertials, edged with dull white, or yellowish
white; mandibles, not crossed (female). Piranga ludoviciana.

Louisiana Tanager.

See No. 279.

Under parts, yellowish green, or greenish yellow; back, light olive

green; no white on wing coverts; wings and tail, fuscous brown (fe-
male); wings and tail, black (young male); inner webs of inner
primaries and secondaries, edged with white; mandibles, not crossed
(female). Piranga erytkromelas.

Scarlet Tanager.
See No. 280.

No white on wing coverts ; under parts, pale orange yellow ; upper
parts, olive green, with faint tinge of orange; mandibles, not crossed
(female). Piranga rubra.

Summer Tanager.

See No. 281.

Under parts, bright yellow; throat, reddish orange; crown and
sides of head,' orange red; back, wings, and tail, black; rump, yellow
(male). Piranga ludoviciana.

Louisiana Tanager.

See No. 279.

222 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Family HIRUNDINID^. Swallows.

Bill, small and flattened, somewhat triangular in shape ; gape, very
wide; wings, long, usually extending beyond the tail.

* GROUP 1. Wing, 3.25 to 4.75 inches long.

1 \-

^^i /-^ ' -^^ W\iU^^

Bank Swallow.

Throat and belly, white; a distinct band of grayish brown on the
breast; upper plumage, brownish gray. Riparia riparia.

Bank Swallow.

See No. 287.

Under parts, brownish gray, gradually

shading into whitish on the belly ; upper

^s, parts, grayish brown; no distinct breast

^ ' band. Stelgidopteryx serripennis.

Rough-winged Swallow.

Vv^\k^V'' See No. 288.

* For directions for measurement, see page 21.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

223

Upper plumage, rich green, showing more or less purple on upper
tail coverts; under parts, white; western species, only once taken in
Illinois. Tachycineta thalassina lepida.

Northern Violet-green Swallow.
See No. 286.

Tree Swallow.

Entire under parts, white ; upper plumage, metalUc steel blue ;

young birds have the upper plumage brownish gray, but the under
plumage is pure white. Iridoprocne hicolor.

Tree Swallow. White-bellied Swallow.

See No. 285.

Upper throat and sides of the head,
chestnut brown; belly, whitish; forehead,
whitish; crown and back, dark steel blue;
upper tail coverts, pale rufous brown.

Petrochelidon hinifrons.
Cliff Swallow.

See No. 283.

Throat, chestnut; belly, pale brown;

entire upper plumage, steel blue; tail
forked; upper tail coverts, steel blue.

Hirundo erythrogastra.
Barn Swallow.

See No. 284.

224 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

GROUP 2. Wing, 4.75 to 5,50 inches long.

Male: General plumage (including belly), bluish black, or dark
steel blue.

Female: Back, like male; under parts, grayish brown, shading
into dull white on the belly. Immature birds have the upper plumage,
brownish; under parts, brownish on the breast; dull white on the
belly. Progne subis.

Purple Martin.
See No. 282.

Back, steel blue; belly, white. Iridoprocne bicolor.

Tree Swallow. White-bellied Swallow.

See No. 285.

Back, steel blue; under parts, cinnamon brown; tail, very deeply
forked. Hirundo erythrogastra.

Barn Swallow.

See No. 284.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory

225

General plumage, sooty brown,

showing a faint greenish tinge on the
upper parts; throat, ashy white;
tail feathers, with sharp spines, or

points formed by the shafts of the
feathers, extending beyond the webs.
The Swifts belong to the family
Micropodidas and are widely sepa-
rated generically from the Swallows;
but persons unfamiliar with birds might look for them under the
same family. Chcetura pelagica.

Chimney Swift.
See No. 201.

Family BOMBYCILLID^. Waxwings and

Cedar Birds.

Bill, without notch; head, with crest; primaries, ten; tarsus,
shorter than middle toe and claw ; a black stripe from forehead through
the eye ; inner primaries and tail feathers, often tipped with little hard
red bits, like minute drops of sealing wax.

:;:.,#

Cedar Bird.

226 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Upper parts, grayish brown; crown and breast, pale chocolate
brown; a black streak in front of eye; tail, tipped with yellow; belly,
yellowish; wing, less than 4.20 inches long; under tail coverts, white.

Bombycilla cedroruwi.
Cedar Waxwing. Cedar Bird. Cherry Bird.

See No. 290.

General plumage, pale choc-
olate brown; forehead, tinged
with rufous; chin, black; under
tail coverts, rufous; tail, tipped
with yellow; wing, over 4.20
inches long.

Bombycilla garrida.
Bohemian Waxwing.
See No. 280.

Family LANIIDiE. Shrikes.

Bill, strong, notched near the end, and decidedly hooked; tarsus,
scutellate ; tail rounded. But two species occur with us, both grayish
birds with blackish wings and tail and a stripe through the eye.

Crown and back, gray; under
parts, white; a patch of black on
the sides of the head; wing, less
than 4.15 inches long.

Lanius ludovicianus.
Loggerhead Shrike.
See No. 292.

Jan., 1909. Birds op Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

227

J

Northern Shrike.

Upper plumage, ash gray or gray tinged with buff; under parts,
ashy white, the feathers showing numerous faint narrow black bars;
a black streak from bill through the eye; wing, more than 4.15 inches
long. Lanius borealis.

Northern Shrike.
See No. 291.

Family VIREONIDtE. Vireos.

upper mandible, with very small hook at tip; first primary, very
short in some species, in others nearly as long as second ; toes, joined
at base; tarsus, flattened and sharp behind, not rounded as in front;
plain colored birds, usually greenish or grayish, but often showing a
faint wash of yellow on under parts; tail, always without white spots.

GROUP 1. Wing, less than 2.37 inches long.

Crown, grayish; orbital ring, dull white ; no yellow in front of eye.

Vireo hellii.
Bell's Vireo.

See No. 299.

228 Field Museum of Natural History — -Zoology, Vol. IX.

^^

y

Bell's

Vireo

Crown, grayish, often tinged with oHve; orbital ring and lores,
yellow. Vireo griseus.

White-eyed Vireo.

See No. 298.

White-eyed Vireo.

GROUP 2. Wing, from 2.37 to 2.75 inches long.

First primary, very short; lores and eye ring, whitish; throat,
whitish; breast and sides, faintly tinged with yellow; no wing bars;
crown, nearly the same color as back. Vireosylva gilva.

Warbling Vireo.

See No. 295.

First primary, short, but longer than
in V. gilva; lores and eye ring, yellow;
back, olive; wing coverts, edged with
white, forming wing bars.

Vireo griseus.
White-eyed Vireo.
See No. 208.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

229

First primary, not short (at least as long as fifth); lores and eye
ring, dull white; under parts, washed with very pale greenish yellow;
no wing bars. Vireosylva philadelphica.

Philadelphia Vireo.
See No. 294.

GROUP •>. Wing, from 2.75 to 3.25 inches long.

Bill, with small but distinct hook; no streaks on back or breast;
breast or throat, never spotted.

,^^'

• ; "X

First primary, not shorter than fourth; back and rump, olive;
crown, plumbeous gray, or bluish gray; no dusky streak from base of
bill on sides of throat ; under parts, white, tinged with pale yellowish
green on sides of body. Vireosylva olivacea.

Red-eyed Vireo.
See No. 293.

First primary, very short and narrow; crown and back, grayish
olive; under parts, dull white, faintly tinged with olive, or yellowish
on sides ; no white wing bars. Vireosylva gilva.

Warbling Vireo.

See No. 295.

r^,\

^^^

First primary, short; crown, gray;
back, olive; rump, olive green; throat
and belly, white; sides of body, green-
ish yellow; lores, white; sides of head,
gray; wing bars, white.

Lanivireo solitarins.
Blue-headed Vireo. SoUtary Vireo,
See No. 297.

230 Field Museum of Natural History- — Zoology, Vol. IX.

First primary, not short; lores and eye ring, yellow; throat and
breast, yellow; belly, white; wing bars, white. Lanivireo flavifrons.

Yellow-throated Vireo.
See No. 296.

First primary, equal to fifth; lores and orbital ring, dull white;
upper plumage, light olive, tinged with ashy on the crown ; under parts,
washed with very pale yellow ; no white wing bars.

Vireosylva philadelphica.
Philadelphia Vireo.
See No. 294.

INDEX TO KEY.
Family MNIOTILTID^. Warblers.

Group i. Wing, less than 2.37 inches long. See page 234.

Part I. Throat, breast, and belly, yellow; breast, more or less streaked;

some tail feathers, marked with white. See page 234.
Part 2. Throat, breast, and belly, yellow; breast more or less streaked;

no white on tail feathers. See page 235.
Part 3. Throat, breast, and belly, yellow without streaks; some tail

feathers, marked with white. See page 235.
Part 4. Throat, breast, and belly, yellow, without streaks; no white on

tail feathers. See page 235.
Part 5. Throat, yellow; belly, not yellow; tail feathers, marked with

more or less white. See page 236.
Part 6. Throat, yellow; belly, not yellow; no white on tail feathers.

See page 237.
Part 7. Throat, not yellow; belly, yellow; no white on tail feathers.

See page 237.
Part 8. No yellow on throat or belly; no white on tail feathers. See

page 237.
Part 9. No yellow on throat or belly; more or less white on tail feathers.

See page 238.
Group 2. Wing, 2.37 to 2.75 inches long. See page 239.

Part I. Throat, breast, and belly, yellow; breast, more or less streaked;

some tail feathers marked with more or less white. See page 239.
Part 2. Throat, breast, and belly, yellow; breast, more or less streaked;

no white on tail feathers. See page 241.
Part 3. Throat, breast, and belly, yellow, without streaks; some tail

feathers marked with more or less white. See page 241.
Part 4. Throat, breast, and belly, without streaks; no white on the tail

feathers. See page -^42.
Part 5. Throat, yellow; belly, not yellow; tail feathers marked with

more or less white. See page 244.
Part 6. Throat, not yellow; belly, yellow; no white on tail feathers.

See page 245.
Part 7. Throat, not yellow; belly, yellow; more or less white on the tail

feathers. See page 246.
Part 8. Throat, not yellow; belly, not yellow; no white on the tail

feathers; breast, streaked or spotted with black or dark brown. See

page 247.
Part 9. Throat, not yellow; belly, not yellow; no white on the tail

feathers; breast, not' streaked or spotted with black or dark brown.

See page 247.

231

232 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Part 10. Throat, not yellow; belly, not yellow; more or less white on
the tail feathers; sides of breast and body, with distinct black or black-
ish streaks. See page 248.

Part II. Throat, not yellow; belly, not yellow; more or less white on
the tail feathers; sides of breast and body, not marked with numer-
ous distinct black streaks. See page 250,
Group 3. Wing, 2.75 to 3.25 inches long. See page 253.

Part I. Throat, breast, and belly, yellow; breast, more or less streaked;
some tail feathers, marked with white. See page 253.

Part 2. Throat, breast, and belly, yellow; breast, more or less streaked;
no white on the tail feathers. See page 254.

Part 3. Throat, breast, and belly, yellow, without streaks; more or less
white on the tail feathers. See page 254.

Part 4. Throat, breast, and belly, yellow, without streaks; no white on
the tail feathers. See page 255.

Part 5. Throat, yellow; belly, not yellow; tail feathers, marked with
more or less white. See page 255.

Part 6. Throat, not yellow; belly, yellow; no white on the tail feathers.
See page 257.

Part 7. Throat, not yellow; belly, yellow; more or less white on the tail
feathers. See page 257.

Part 8. Throat, not yellow; belly, not yellow; no white on the tail
feathers; breast not streaked or spotted with black or dark brown.
See page 257.

Part 9. Throat, not yellow; belly, not yellow; no white on the tail
feathers; breast, streaked or spotted with black or dark brown. See
page 258.

Part 10. Throat, not yellow; belly, not yellow; more or less white on
the tail feathers; sides of breast and body, marked with numerous
distinct black or blackish streaks. See page 258.

Part II. Throat, not yellow; belly, not yellow; more or less white on
the tail feathers; breast and sides of the body, not marked with dis-
tinct black streaks. See page 259.
Group 4. Wing, 3.25 to 3.75 inches long. See page 260.

Family MNIOTILTID.E. Warblers.

First primary, not short, never less than two-thirds as long as third,
and often nearly the same length ; bill, slender and pointed ; back of
tarsus, thin and sharp, not rounded as in front; hind toe and claw,
not longer than middle toe and claw.

Setophaga ruticilla.

Dendroica.

Seiurus.

Wilsonia.

Dendroica.

Helmitherus

"^^

Geothlypis

Seioph.n,^'.!.

234 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

* GROUP 1. Wing, less than i.';i^'] inches long.

PART 1. The following species have the throat, breast, and belly,

yellow ; breast, more or less streaked ; some tail feathers,

marked with white: —

Prairie Warbler.

Wing coverts, broadly bordered with yellow; under surface of
wing, yellow; white on tail feathers, extending to tip of inner web;
crown, not chestnut brown. Dendroica discolor.

Prairie Warbler.
See No. 325.

Wing coverts, not bordered
with yellow; under tail coverts, yel-
low. Dendroica palmaruni.
Palm Warbler.

See No. 324.

Dendroica palmarum.

Wing coverts, showing much
white; under surface of wing, white;
tail, with band of white, no white at
tip; rump, yellow.

Dendroica magnolia.
Magnolia Warbler.

Dendroica magnolia. See No. 314.

* For directions for measurement, see page 21.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 235

PART 2. The following species have the throat, breast and belly,
vellow; breast, with more or less streaks; no white on tail feathers —

More or less yellow, on inner webs of primaries and tail feathers.

Dendroica cBstiva.
Yellow Warbler.

See No. 311.

PART 3. The following species have the throat, breast, and belly,
yellow without streaks; some tail feathers marked with white: —

Crown and sides of head, grayish or slate color; no yellow on fore-
head; adult birds have patch of chestnut on crown; some tail feathers,
very narrowly edged with white; under wing coverts, yellow; no
black streaks on sides of body. Vermivora rubricapilla.

Nashville Warbler.

See No. 306.

Wing bars, white; under wing coverts, white; some tail feathers
with much white on inner webs ; adult birds have forehead and more
or less of crown yellow; immature birds have crown yellowish green.

Verfnivora pinus.
Blue-winged Warbler.
See No. 304.

Wing bars, yellowish; sides of body, more or less streaked with
black. Dendroica discolor.

Prairie Warbler.
See No. 325.

PART 4. The following species have the throat, breast, and belly,
yellow without streaks ; no white on tail feathers : —

Crown and back, greenish yellow; more or less yellow on inner
webs of primaries and tail feathers; crown, yellowish green.

Dendroica cestiva (female or immature ) ,
Yellow Warbler.

See No. 311.

Crow^n, slate color, with patch of chestnut in some plumages; sides
of head, slate color; wing, longer than tail; lower belly, tinged with
white; rump and upper tail coverts, bright yellowish green.

Vermivora rubricapilla.
Nashville Warbler.
See No. 306.

236 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Crown, dull olive; throat, bright yellow; belly, much paler, often
whitish; tail, brownish olive, without yellow; wing, not longer than
tail; males have black patch on face (forehead and sides of head)
which is lacking in females. Geothlypis trichas.

Maryland Yellow-throat.
See No. 332.

Throat and belly, nearly the same color; crown, glossy black
(male ) , or olive green like back (female ) ;
tail feathers, slaty brown faintly washed with
olive on outer webs; numerous small black
bristles at base of bill. Wilsonia pusilla.

Wilson's Warbler. Wilson's Blackcap.
See No. 335.

Entire under parts, yellow; brightest on the belly; wing, longer
than tail; crown, grayish; back and rump, dull olive; tail feathers,
not marked with yellow. Oporornis Philadelphia {young female) .

Mourning Warbler.

See No. 331.

PART 5- The following species have the throat, yellowy belly, not
yellow ; tail feathers, marked with more or less white : —

Back, black or dark; tail, black,

with broad band of white; rump,

yellow. Dendroica magnolia.

Magnolia Warbler.

See No. 314.

Tail of Magnolia Warbler.

Back, slaty blue, often showing yellowish olive; rump, slate color;
sides of head, grayish or slaty blue.

Compsothlypis americana, and races.
Parula Warbler. Blue Yellow-backed Warbler.

See No. 309.

Back, dull green; throat, faintly washed with greenish yellow;
rump, green; sides, not streaked. Vermivora peregrina.

Tennessee Warbler.

See No. 308.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

237

Back, greenish; rump, greenish; cheeks, yellowish; sides, show-
ing more or less dark streaks. Dendroica virens.

Black-throated Green Warbler.

See No. 321.

PART 6. The following species have the throat yellow ; belly, not
yellow ; no white on tail feathers : —

Throat, briglit yellow; shading to

ix whitish or olive on belly; forehead and

Z^'' sides of head, black (male); no black

on head (female ) ; wing, not longer

than tail. Geothlypis trichas.

Maryland Yellow-throat.

See No. 332.

Throat, showing faint tinge of greenish yellow; throat and sides
of body, nearly same color; wing, considerably longer than tail.

VeriJiivora peregrina.
Tennessee Warbler.

See No. 308.

PART 7. The following species have the throat, not yellow; belly,
yellow; and no white on the tail feathers : — ■

Head, grayish; back, olive green; belly, bright yellow; throat,
blackish (male); throat, grayish (female); legs, pale; tail feathers,
olive green; under tail coverts, yellow. Oporoniis Philadelphia.

Mourning Warbler.

See No. 331.

Back, grayish brown; belly, faintly tinged with yellow; under tail
coverts, yellow. Dendroica palntanim.

Palm Warbler.

See No. 324.

PART 8. The following species have no yellow on the throat or
belly, and no white on the tail feathers : —

Wing, less than 2.25; under parts, whitish, tinged with olive on
sides; throat, with faint wash of yellowish buff, almost white; crown,
dull olive; tail, entirely olive green.

Geothlypis trichas (young bird in fall) .
Maryland Yellow-throat.
See No. 332.

238 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Wing, over 2.25; entire under parts, whitish or slightly olive;
crown, slaty; back, green; no yellow or orange on tail feathers.

Vermivora peregrina.
Tennessee Warbler.
See No. 308.

Entire under parts, dull olive or olive green; crown, with partially
concealed patch of orange brown (sometimes wanting) ; no yellow
or orange on tail feathers. Vermivora celata.

Orange-crowned Warbler.

See No. 307.

L'5'&i-v*n

End of tail, brown; basal por-
tion of tail feathers, reddish orange
(male), or pale yellow (female);
more or less black bristles at base
of bill. Setophaga riiticilla.

Redstart.
See No. 337.

PART 9- The follownig species have no yellow on the throat or
belly, and more or less white on the tail feathers: —

Wing coverts, broadly edged with yellow; crown, greenish yellow;
back, tinged with slate color; tail feathers, marked with white to the
tips of inner webs. Vermivora chrysoptera.

Golden-winged Warbler.

See No. 305.

Wing coverts, not yellow; crown, grayish or greenish; back,
yellowish green; some tail feathers, narrowly edged with white near
tips of inner webs. Vermivora peregrina.

Tennessee Warbler.

See No. 308.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

239

GROUP 2. Wing, from 2.37 to 2.75 inches long.

PART ]. The following species have the throat, breast, and belly,
ye!low; breast, more or less streaked; some tail feathers,
marked with more or less white: —

Kirtland's Warbler.

Under parts, pale yellow; sides of breast, streaked with black;
under tail coverts, white; crown, grayish; back and rump, ashy,
streaked with black. Dendroica kirtlandii'

Kirtland's Warbler.

See No. 322.

Under parts, yellow; sides of breast, streaked with olive; under
tail coverts, ashy; crown, back, and rump, olive green.

Dendroica vigorsii.
Pine Warbler.

See No. 323.

Head and tail of Magnolia Warbler.

240 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Under parts, bright yellow; breast, heavily streaked with black;
under tail coverts, white; crown, slaty; back, black; rump, yellow.

Dendroica magnolia.
Magnolia Warbler.

See No. 314.

Under parts, very pale yellowish, almost yellowish white, faintly
streaked with black; under tail coverts, white; crown, back, and
rump, olive, streaked with black. Dendroica striata (female).

Black-poll Warbler,

See No. 318.

Head and tail of Blackburnian Warbler.

Throat and breast, orange; belly, pale yellow; sides of breast
streaked with black; crown, black, streaked with dull white; rump,
black; under tail coverts, white. Dendroica blackhurnicB.

Blackburnian Warbler.

See No. 319.

Under parts, yellow; throat, some-
times marked with rufous brown ; breast,
streaked with black; crown, black or
olive gray; back, olive green, marked
with black; rump, yellow; under tail
coverts, yellowish white.

Dendroica tigrina.
Cape May Warbler.
See No. 310.

Under parts, very pale yellow,
streaked with dark brown; under tail
coverts, yellowish white; crown, back,
and rump, dark olive.

Seiurus novehoracensis.
Water-thrush. Water Warbler.
See No. 327.

Jan., 1Q09. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — -Cory.

241

PART 2. The following species have the throat, breast, and belly,
yellow; breast, more or less streaked ; no white on tail feathers : —

Breast, streaked with rufous brown; major portion of inner webs
of tail feathers, yellow. Dendroica cestiva.

Yellow Warbler.

See No. 311.

Breast, with black or dusky streaks;
tail feathers, entirely dull brown.

Wilsonia canadensis.
Canadian Warbler.
See No. 336.

PART 3- The following species have the throat, breast, and belly,

yellow, without streaks; some tail feathers marked with more

or less white : —

Throat and tnider parts, yellow; under tail coverts, yellow; crown,
gray; no yellow about eyes; sides of head, gray; back and rump, olive
green; outer tail feathers, very narrowly edged with white (male has
a chestnut brown patch on crown). Vermivora ruhricapilla.

Nashville Warbler.
See No. 306.

Tail r)f Magnolia Warbler.

Crown, dull gray; back, ohve green; rump and belly, yellow;

tail feathers, with white area in the middle (see illustration).

Dendro ica magi lolia .

Magnolia Warbler.

See No. 314.

Under parts, bright yellow; crown, yellow; back and rump,
bright olive green; a narrow black streak from bill to eye.

Vermivora pinus {male ) .
Blue-winged Warbler.

See No. 304,

242 Field Museum of Natural History — -Zoology, Vol. IX.

Crown, olive green (sometimes with
forehead yellow) ; under parts, greenish
yellow; back and rump, olive green;
terminal third of inner webs of outer tail
feathers, white.

Vermivora pinus {female and immaUire).
Blue-winged Warbler.
See No. 304.

Under parts, tinged with greenish yellow; under tail coverts,
white; crown, back, and rump,f olive green; outer tail feathers very
narrowly edged with white (entirely absent in some specimens).

Vermivora peregrina ■ [female in fall and immature).

Tennessee Warbler.

See No. 308.

Under parts, yellow, washed with olive on sides; sides of head and
lores, yellow; crown, olive green; back and rump, olive green; under
tail coverts, pale yellow.

Wilsonia citrina {female in fall and immature ) .

Hooded Warbler.
See No. 334.

Under parts, yellow; sides, streaked with black; crown, slaty gray ;
back and rump, ashy, streaked with black; lores, black.

Dendroica kirtlandii .
Kirtland's Warbler.
See No. 322.

Crown, greenish blue; wing coverts, edged with white; back,
greenish blue, without streaks; under tail coverts, whitish; under
parts, tinged with pale yellow.

Dendroica cerulea {female and immature).
Cerulean Warbler.
See No. 315.

PAR r 4. The following species have the throat, breast, and belly,
yellow, without streaks, and no white on the tail feathers: —

Crown, slate color, with patch of chestnut (male), or crown, olive
gray (female); rump and upper tail coverts, yellowish green; auricu-
lar region (sides of head), grayish; under tail coverts, yellow.

Vermivora ruhricapilla.
Nashville Warbler.
See No. 306.

Jan., igog. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

243

Under parts, faintly washed with yellow, or yellowish white; crown,
grayish olive; back and rump, olive green; under tail coverts, white;

no yellow on tail feathers. Vermivora peregrina {female in fall).

Tennessee Warbler.
See No. 308.

Crown, back, and rump, yellowish green; major part of inner webs
of tail feathers, yellow. Dendroica cestiva {female).

Yellow Warbler.

See No. 311.

Sides of head, yellowish; crown, glossy
black (male ) ; crown, bright olive green,
like back (female); back and rump, bright
olive green; under tail coverts, yellow.

Wilsoiiia pnsilla.
Wilson's Warbler.
See No. 335.

Crown, grayish; back and rump, dull olive green; entire under
parts, yellow, palest on throat; no yellow on tail feathers; chin, not
whitish; no buff-white stripe over eye.

Oporornis Philadelphia {young female).
Mourning Warbler.
See No. ;^i.

Crown, grayish; back and rump, green; under parts, pale yellow;
chin, whitish; a buff-white stripe over the eye. (This bird belongs
in Section 4, but might be mistaken for a w'arbler by the novice. )

V ireosylva ph ila delph ica .

Philadelphia Vireo.

See No. 294.

Crown and sides of head, with more
or less black ; a yellow superciliary stripe ;

back and rump, olive green.

Oporornis formosa.
Kentucky Warbler.

See No. 329.

Under parts, yellowish olive ; crown, with partly concealed orange
brown spot; under tail coverts, greenish yellow. Vermivora celata.

Orange-crowned Warbler.

See No. ^07.

244 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

PART 5. The following species have the throat, yellow; belly, not
yellow ; tail feathers, marked with more or less white : —

Back, green, streaked with black; outer web of outer tail feather,
not edged with white; no yellow stripe over eye; chin, whitish; sides
of breast and body, streaked. Dendroica striata (female).

Black-poll Warbler.
See No. 318.

Crown, black, with patch of orange yellow in center; back and
rump, black, with more or less white; throat, orange; sides, streaked
with black; for illustrations of head and tail, see page 240.

Dendroica blackhtirnice {adult male ) .
Blackburnian Warbler.
See No. 319.

Throat, yellow; sides of breast, streaked with blackish; crown,
olive, dotted with blackish; back and rump, olive gray, streaked with
black ; usually a trace of yellow in middle of crown ; basal portion of
narrow outer web of outer tail feather, edged with white.

Dendroica blackburnice {female, and immatm-e).

Blackburnian Warbler.
See No. 319.

■>^?~^~

Crown, ash gray; forehead, black-
ish; throat, yellow; bordered by
black; sides of breast, streaked with
black; back and rump, slaty gray,
not streaked ; no white on outer web
of outer tail feather.

Dendroica dominie a albilora.
Sycamore Warbler.
See No. 320.

Crown, slaty blue; back, tinged
with greenish yellow; rump, like
crown; no black streaks on sides of
throat, back, or under parts.
Compsothlypis americana, and races.
Parula Warbler.
See No. 309.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 245

Crown, back, and rump, green (tinged with gray ) , without streaks ;
two outer tail feathers with obUque white spots; lores, yellow.

Dendroica vigorsii.
Pine Warbler.

See No. 323.

Crown, back, and rump, green; sides of head, yellowish; at least
half of outer web of outer tail feather, edged with white ; sides more
or less faintly streaked; rump, same color as back.

Dendroica virens {female and fall plumage).
Black-throated Green Warbler.
See No. 321.

Crown, olive; more or less speckled with black; back, olive;
rump, yellow or greenish yellow; breast with numerous streaks; no
white on outer web of outer tail feathers ; sides of head and neck, more
or less tinged with yellow.

Dendroica tigrina {female and immature at some seasons).

Cape May Warbler.
See No. 310.

PART 6- 1 he following species have the throat not yellow ; belly,
yellow, and no white on the tail feathers: —

Throat, grayish or brownish; eye
ring, white; back, olive green.

Oporornis agilis.
Connecticut Warbler.

See No. 330.

Throat, grayish or ashy, chang-
ing to blackish on breast in adult
male birds; no white eye ring.

Oporornis philadelph ia .
Mourning Warbler.
See No. 331.

246 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

PART 7. The following species have the throat not yellow; belly,
yellow, and more or less white on tail feathers : —

Crown, blackish; cheeks, chestnut; breast, yellow, streaked with
black; back, greenish; rump, yellow; much white on wing coverts.

Dendroica tigrina (adult male).
Cape May Warbler.

See No. 310.

Throat, black; forehead and sides
of head, yellow; crown, black.

]]'ilsonia citrina.
Hooded Warbler.

See No. 334.

Palm Warbler,

Throat, dull white; breast, faintly streaked; under tail coverts,
yellow; wing coverts, tipped with brownish; crown, often marked
with more or less rufous brown. Dendroica palmarmn.

Palm Warbler. Red-poll Warbler.

See No. 324.

Crown, bluish green; wing coverts, tipped with white; under tail
coverts, whitish; under parts, pale yellowish white.

Dendroica cerulea (female or immature).
Cerulean Warbler.

See No. 315.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

247

PART 8- The following species have the throat, not yellow; belly,

not yellow, and no white on the tail feathers; breast, streaked,

or spotted with black, or dark brown : —

Crown, brownish orange ; back, olive

green; bill, pale. Seiunis aurocapillus.
Oven-bird. Golden-crowned Thrush.

See No. 326.

Oven Bird.

Crown and back, olive brown; bill, dark.

Seiiirus noveboracensis, and races.
Water-thrush.

See No. 327.

PART 9. The following species have the throat, not yellow ; belly,

not vellow, and no white on the tail feathers; breast, not

streaked, or spotted with black, or dark brown: —

Crown, with stripe of tawny buff,

^^^ bordered by black stripes; a black
stripe through the eye; under parts,
buffy white; olive on sides.

Helmitheros vermivorus.
Worm-eating Warbler.
See No. 303.

Crown and back, black; throat,
black; a patch of orange on sides of
-^Tl breast, and a patch of orange red on
'^v^ wings, and tail.

Setophaga ruticilla (male).
Redstart.
See No. 337.

248 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Crown, slaty olive; back, dull olive; under parts, white; a patch
of yellow on sides of breast; outer tail feathers, yellow, tipped with

brown. Setophaga ruticilla (female).

Redstart.
See No. 337.

Crown, grayish olive, usually with partly concealed orange brown
spot; no yellow on tail feathers; under parts, yellowish green.

Vermivora celaia.
Orange-crowned Warbler.

See No. 307.

PART 10. The following species have the throat not yellow ; belly,

not yellow, and more or less white on tail feathers ; sides of breast

and body with numerous distinct blacic or blackish streaks: —

Throat, bright orange; crown, black, streaked with white.

Dendroiea blackburnice {adult male).
Blackburnian Warbler.
See No. 319.

Tail of Blackb'.irnian Warbler.

Crown, back, and rump, bright olive green ; sides of head, yellowish ;

throat, usually with more or less indications of black in most speci-
mens; inner webs of two outer tail feathers, white.

Dendroiea virens {fall and immature).
Black-throated Green Warbler.
See No. 321.

Crown, black; back, grayish olive,

streaked with black; rump, like back.

Dendroiea striata.

Black-poll Warbler.

See No. 318.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory

249

Crown and back, blue; the back, streaked with black; rump,
slaty blue. Dendroica cerulea.

Cerulean Warbler.

See No. 315.

Crown, dull olive green, dotted with black; back, grayish oHve,
streaked with black; rump, like back.

Dendroica striata (fall and immature).
Black-poll Warbler.

See No. 318.

Middle of crown, rump, and sides of

the breast, with more or less yellow.

Dendroica coronata.

Myrtle Warbler.

Yellow-rumped Warbler.

See No. 313.

Black and White Warbler.

Crown, black, with white stripe in middle; entire plumage, black

and white. Mniotilta varia.

Black and White Warbler. Black and White Creeper.

See No. 300.

Crown and back, grayish olive; rump, yellowish; a patch of white
near the tips of outer tail feathers on the inner webs.

Dendroica tigrina (immature female) .
Cape May Warbler.

See No. 310.

250 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

PART 11. The following species have the throat, not yellow; belly,

not yellow, and more or less white on the tail feathers ; the

sides of breast and body, not marked with numerous

distinct black streaks: —

Male.

Black-throated Green Warbler.

Female.

Throat, black; crown, olive green; sides of head, yellow^; wing
bands, white. Dendroica virens {adult male) .

Black-throated Green Warbler.

See No. 321.

Throat, black; ear coverts, black; crown, yellowish; wing bands,
yellow. Vermivora chrysoptera {male ) .

Golden-winged Warbler.

See No. 305.

Throat, black; crown, dull blue;

■J^ sides of breast, bluish black; a patch of
white at base of primaries.

Dendroica ccerulescens {adult male ) .
Black-throated Blue Warbler.
See No. 312.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

251

Throat and sides, chestnut; crown,
chestnut.

Dendroica castanea {adult male).
Bay-breasted Warbler.
See No. 317.

Throat and sides, more or less marked with chestnut; crown, ohve
green, streaked with black; back, grayish ohve, streaked with black;
(crown, with indications of chestnut); belly, cream white.

Dendroica castanea {female ) .
Bay-breasted Warbler.
See No. 317.

Throat and under parts, cream white, shading into pale buff; white
on flanks; crown and back, green, indistinctly streaked with black;

wing bars, white. Dendroica castanea {immature).

Bay-breasted Warbler.

See No. 317.

Throat and under parts, pale yellowish white; crown and back,
green, indistinctly streaked; wing bars, white; often very difficult
to distinguish from immature specimen of D. castanea.

Dendroica striata {immature).
Black-poll Warbler.
See No. 318.

Throat and under parts, white ; ashy
on the sides; crown, slaty gray; back,
green; under tail coverts, white.

Vermivora peregrin a {adult male).
Tennessee Warbler.
See No. -,08.

Throat and under parts, white; wing bars, yellow; crown, and
back, bright green. Dendroica pensylvanica {immature) .

Chestnut-sided Warbler.

See No. 316.

252 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Throat and under parts, white ; sides,
more or less marked with chestnut;

crown, greenish yellow; back, greenish,
streaked with black; wing bars, yellow-
ish. Dendroica pensylvanica.
Chestnut-sided Warbler.
See No. 316.

Throat and under parts, cream white ; crown and back, greenish
blue; rump, like back; wing coverts, edged with white; tinder tail
coverts, whitish. Dendroica cerulea {female).

Cerulean Warbler.

See No. 315.

Throat and under parts, dull white; crown and back, grayish olive;
wing bars, wdiite; an oblique white spot on inner webs of two outer
tail feathers; rest of tail feathers, without white; under tail coverts,
whitish. Dendroica vigorsii {fall and immature).

Pine Warbler.
See No. 323.

Tail of Palm Warbler.

Throat and under parts, whitish, faintly tinged with yellow; breast,
with rather indistinct dusky streaks; crown, grayish olive, usually
with at least an indication of chestnut; back, grayish olive; rump,
olive green; under tail coverts, yellow. Dendroica palmar um,.

Palm Warbler. Red-poll Warbler.
See No. 324.

Throat and under parts, dull yellowish green; crown, green, with
partly concealed orange brown patch in center (wanting in young
birds ) ; outer tail feathers, narrowly edged with white on inner web ;

rest of tail feathers, without white; no white spot at base of primaries.

Vermivora celata.
Orange-crowned Warbler.

See No. 307.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 253

Throat and under parts, buffy white; crown and back, olive green;
bases of primaries, white, forming a small spot on wing (female).

Dendroica cccrulescens.
Black-throated Blue Warbler.

See No. 312.

Throat, gray; belly, white (breast, often washed with yellow);
crown, yellowish green; wing coverts, broadly tipped with yellow
(female). Vcrniivora chrysoplcra.

Golden-winged Warbler.

See No. 305.

GROUP 3. Wing, 2.75 to 3.25 inches long.

PART 1. The following species have the throat, breast, and belly,

yellow; the breast, more or less streaked; some tail feathers,

marked with white : —

Under parts, pale yellow; sides of breast, more or less streaked
with black; under tail coverts, white; crown, grayish; back and
rump, ashy gray, streaked wnth black. Dendroica kirtlandii.

Kirtland's Warbler.

See No. 322.

Tail of Blackburnian Warbler.

Throat and breast, orange, belly, pale yellow; sides of breast,
streaked with black; crown, black, with orange spot in center; back,
black, streaked with whitish; rump, black; under tail coverts, white.

Dendroica blackburnice.

Blackburnian Warbler.

See No. 319.

Under parts, very pale yellowish, almost yellowish white, faintly
streaked with black; under tail coverts, white; crown, back, and
rump, olive green, streaked with black. Dendroica striata (female).

Black-poll Warbler.

See No. ^18.

254 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Under parts, yellow; sides of breast, streaked with olive; under
tail coverts, ashy; crown, back, and rump, olive green (not streaked).

Dendroica vigor sii.
Pine Warbler.

See No. 323.

Under parts, yellow; ear coverts, rufous chestnut; breast, streaked
with black; crown, black, or olive gray; back, olive green, marked
with black; rump, yellow; under tail coverts, yellowish white; a
patch of white on wing coverts. Dendroica tigrina.

Cape May Warbler.
See No. 310.

Under parts, very pale yellow, streaked with dark brown; under
tail coverts, yellowish white; crown, back, and rump, dark olive.

Seiurus iioveboraccnsis.
Water-thrush.

See No. 327.

PART 2. The following species has the throat, breast, and belly,

yellow ; breast, more or less streaked, and no white on the

tail feathers: —

Breast, with black or dusky streaks; tail, dull brown.

Wilsonia canadensis.
Canadian Warbler.
See No. 33b.

PART 3. The following species have the throat, breast and belly, yel-
low, without streaks, and more or less white on the tail feathers : —

Head, neck, and under parts, bright orange yellow ; palest on the
belly; back, olive green; rump, gray. Protonotaria citrea.

Prothonotary Warbler.

See No. 301.

Crown, brownish; under parts,
white, faintly tinged with pale yellow,
sides, grayish; back and rump, olive
brown or grayish brown; a white
stripe over the eye.

Helinaia swainsonii.

Swainson's Warbler.

See No. ^02.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 255

Under parts, yellow; sides, streaked with black; crown, slaty gray;
back and rump, ashy, streaked with black; lores, black.

Dendroica kirtlandii .
Kirtland's Warbler.

See No. 322.

Under parts, yellow, washed with olive on the sides; sides of head
and lores, yellow; crown, olive green; back and rump, olive green;
under tail coverts, pale yellow. Wilsonia citrina.

Hooded Warbler.

See No. 334.

PART 4. The following species have the throat, breast and belly,
yellow, without streaks ; no white on the tail feathers : —

Crown and sides of head, with more or
less black ; a yellow stripe over the eye ;

back and rump, olive green.

Oporornis fonnosa.
Kentucky Warbler.
See No. 329.

PART 5- The following species have the throat, yellow; belly, not
yellow ; tail feathers, marked with more or less white: —

Back, green, streaked with black; outer web of outer tail feather,
not edged with white; no yellow stripe over eye; chin, whitish; sides
of breast and body, streaked. Dendroica striata (immature).

Black-poll Warbler.

See No. 318.

Crown, black, with patch of orange yellow in center; back and
rump, black, with more or less white; throat, orange; sides streaked
with black. Dendroica hlackburnicB {adult male).

Blackburnian Warbler.

See No. 319.

Throat, yellow; sides of breast, streaked with blackish; crown,
olive, dotted with dull black, and usually showing a trace of yellow in
center; back and rump, olive gray, streaked with black; basal portion
of narrow outer web of outer tail feather, edged with white.

Dendroica hlackhurnicc {female and immature).
Blackburnian Warbler.
See No. 319.

256 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX,

Crown, ash gray; forehead, blackish; throat, yellow, bordered
by black; sides of breast, streaked with black; back and rump, slaty
gray, not streaked ; no white on outer web of outer tail feather.

Dendroica dominie a albilora.
Sycamore Warbler.
See No. 320.

Crown, back, and rump, green (tinged with gray ) , without streaks;
two outer tail feathers, with oblique white spots; lores, yellow.

Dendroica vigorsii.
Pine Warbler.

See No. 323.

Crown, olive, more or less speckled with black; back, olive;
rump, yellow, or greenish yellow; breast, with numerous streaks;
no white on outer web of outer tail feather; sides of head and neck,
more or less tinged with yellow. Dendroica tigrina {immature) .

Cape May Warbler.
See No. ^10.

Yellow-breasted Chat.

Throat and breast, bright yellow; lower belly, white; crown and
back, olive green; lores and eye ring, white; tail, over 2.50 inches
long. Icteria virens.

Yellow-breasted Chat.

See No. 2)2)2)-

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

257

PART 6. The following species has the throat, not yellow; belly,
yellow, and no white on the tail feathers : —

Throat, grayish or brownish; eye ring, white, or whitish; back,
oHve green. Oporornis agilis.

Connecticut Warbler.
See No. 330.

PART 7- The following species have the throat, not yellow; belly,
\ ellow, and more or less white on the tail feathers : —

Tliroat, black; forehead and sides
of head, yellow; crown, black.

Wilsonia citrina.
Hooded Warbler.
See No. 334.

Hooded Warbler.

Upper throat, tinged with chestnut; breast, streaked with black;
back, greenish; rump, yellow; wing coverts, showing much white.

Dendroica tigrina {adult male).
Cape May Warbler.
See No. 310.

PART 8. The following species have the throat, not yellow ; belly,

not yellow, and no white on the tail feathers; breast, not
„.. ,„,.»»„j ...:..u ki.,„i j.,..i, 1

streaked or spotted with black or dark brown

Crown, with stripe of tawny buff, bordered by black stripe;
ipe through the eye. Helmitheros vermivor

_ — .. — , .... — _...^_ „. .«.,.,

black stripe through the eye.

a

Helmitheros vermivor lis.
Worm-eating Warbler.

See No. 303.

Crown, dull cinnamon brown; a white stripe over the eye; under
parts, white, faintly tinged with yellow; sides, tinged with grayish
olive. Helinaia swainsonii.

Swainson's Warbler.

See No. 302.

258 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

PART 9. The following species have the throat, not vellow ; belly,

not yellow, and no white on the tail feathers; breast, streaked

or spotted with black or dark brown : —

Crown and back, olive brown; bill, dark; under parts, white,
tinged with yellow, and streaked with black (including throat).

Seiurus noveboraceiisis, and races.
Water-thrush.

See No. 327.

Crown and back, olive brown; under parts, white, tinged with
buff, and streaked with black; throat, not streaked.

Seiiints mot ac ilia.
Louisiana Water-thrush.

See No. 328.

Crown, brownish orange ; back, olive green; bill, pale.

Seiurus aurocapillus.
Oven-bird. Golden-crowned Thrush.

See No. 326.

PART 10. The following species have the throat, not yellow ; belly,

not yellow; more or less white on the tail feathers; sides of

breast, and body, marked with numerous distinct black

or blackish streaks: —

Crown, black, with white stripe in the middle; entire plumage,
black and white. Mniotilta varia.

Black and White Warbler.

See No. ;oo.

Jan., 1909- Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — ^Cory. 259

Crown and back, grayish olive; rump, yellowish; a small patch
of white near the tips of outer tail feathers on the inner webs.

Dendroica tigrina {inunatnre female ) .
Cape May Warbler.
See No. 310.

Middle of crown, rump, and sides of the breast, more or less yellow.

Dendroica coroiiata.
Myrtle Warbler. Yellow-rumped Warbler.

See No. 313.

Crown, back, and rump, dull olive or brownish olive; under parts,
buffy or gravish, streaked with brown on breast and sides ; outer tail
feathers, mostly white, including the outer web; hind toe nail, as long
as the toe. (This species is not a Warbler, and belongs in Family
Motacillidae, p. 261, but it might be mistaken for one by the
uninitiated. ) Anthiis rubescens.

American Pipit. Titlark.
See No. 338.

Crown, dull olive green, dotted with black; back, grayish olive,
streaked with black; rump, like back; outer tail feather, with patch
of white on inner webs. Dendroica striata (female ) .

Black-poll Warbler.

See No. 318.

Throat, bright orange; a patch of orange on the crown.

Dendroica blackhurnice {adult male).
Blackburnian Warbler.
See No. 319.

PART 11. The following species have the throat, not yellow; bellv,

not yellow, more or less white on the tail feathers; breast and sides

of body, not marked with numerous distinct black streaks: —

Throat and sides, chestnut; crown, chestnut.

Dendroica castanea.
Bay-breasted Warbler.
See No. 317.

Throat and sides, more or less chestnut; crown, olive, streaked
with black (usually with trace of chestnut); back, grayish olive,
streaked w4th black. Dendroica castanea {female ) .

Bay-breasted Warbler.

See No. 317.

26o Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Throat and under parts, cream white, shading to pale buff on
flanks; crown and back, green, indistinctly streaked with black;

wing bars, white. (Often difficult to distinguish from female of
Black-poll Warbler, D. striata, which resembles it very closely in
immature plumage, but has the under parts usually yellowish.)

Dendroica castauca (immature).
Bay-breasted Warbler.
See No. 317.

Throat and under parts, dull white; crown and back, grayish olive;
wing bars, white; an oblique white spot on inner webs of two outer
tail feathers, rest of tail feathers, without white; under tail coverts,
whitish. Dendroica vigor sii {fall, a^id immature).

Pine Warbler.
See No. 323.

Throat and under parts, whitish,
faintly tinged with yellow; breast,
with rather indistinctly dusky
streaks; crown, grayish olive, usu-
ally with an indication of chest-
nut; back, grayish olive; rump,
olive green; under tail coverts,
yellow. Dendroica palmarum.

Palm Warbler. Red-poll Warbler.
See No. 324.

Tail of Palm Warbler.

GROUP 4. Wing, 3.15 to 3.75 inches long.

Under parts, white, faintly yellowish, streaked with brownish
black; throat, showing more or less dots or streaks; no white on tail
feathers. Seiurus noveboracensis notabilis.

Grinnell's Water-thrush.

See No. 327a.

Throat, white; under parts, white, faintly tinged with tawny;
breast and sides of body, streaked with dark brown; throat, not
streaked; no white on tail feathers. Seiurus motacilla.

Louisiana Water-thrush.

See No. 328.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

261

Under parts, grayish white or buffy white, more or less streaked
with dark brown; greater portion of outer tail feathers, white; hind
toe, with claw longer than middle toe, with claw. (Belongs in Family
Motacillidae, and is very different from a Warbler, but might be mis-
taken for one by the novice.) Anthus rubescens.

American Pipit. Titlark.
vSee No. 338.

Throat, faintly yellow; under parts, not streaked; more or less
black on cheeks and breast; hind toe nail, straight and long. (This
species belongs in Family Alaudidse, but is included here as well
as in its proper place for the benefit of persons unfamiliar with birds,
who might look for it under this section.)

Otocoris alpestris praticola.
Prairie Horned Lark.
See No. 216a. ■

Family MOTACILLID^. Wagtails,
Pipits and Titlarks.

Bill, slender; first primary, not short, the first, second, and third,
being about equal in length; hind toe and claw, longer than middle
toe and claw; hind toe nail, long, in this somewhat resembling larks,
but no tufts of hair-like feathers over nostrils.

Titlark

262 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Crown, back, and rump, dull
olive, or brownish olive; under
parts, buffy, or grayish, streaked
with brown on throat and sides;
outer tail feather, mostly white,
including the outer web; much
less white on second feather; hind
toe nail, usually as long as the
toe. Aiithiis nibescens.

American Pipit. Titlark.
See No. 338.

. Family TROGLODYTID^. Wrens.

Small, plain-colored birds ; first primary, less than two-thirds as long
as third ; outer tail feathers, decidedly shorter than middle ones, vary-
ing from one-eighth to one-half inch or more shorter in different species ;
toes, not deeply cleft, the inner and middle toes being joined near the
base; no noticeable rictal bristles.

* GROUP 1. Wing, less than 3.1^ inches Jong,
PART 1. The following species have the crown or upper back

without white streaks or dots : —

Thryomanes bewickii.

Outer tail feathers, broadly

tipped and marked with grayish

white. Thryomanes bewickii.

Bewick's Wren.

See No. 343.

* For directions for measurement, see page 21.

Jan'., 1909. Birds of Illinois 'and Wisconsin — Cory

263

Under parts, grayish; belly,
grayish, not speckled; outer
tail feathers, not broadly tipped
with grayish white; tail, over 1.25
inches long; outer webs of pri-
maries, showing narrow bars.

Troglodytes aedon, and races.
House Wren.
See No. 344 and 344a.

Winter Wren.

Under parts, distinctly brownish, dotted and speckled with brown
on flanks and abdomen; tail 1.25 or less; outer tail feathers, not
broadly tipped and marked wdth grayish white ; outer webs of pri-
maries, with narrow bars. Nanniis hiemalis.

Winter Wren.
See No. 345.

PART 2. The following species have the crown or upper back
showino; more or less white streaks or dots : —

Rump and upper tail coverts, barred
with black; bill, shorter than middle toe
(without claw).

Cistothorus stcllaris.
Short-billed Marsh Wren.
See No. 346.

264 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

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/ ' I'

-^;.

Rump and tail coverts, without black bars; bill, longer than
middle toe (without claws). Telmatodytes palustris, and races

Long-billed Marsh Wren.

See No. 347.

Canjlina Wren.

Back, chestnut brown; nearly
concealed white spots on rump ; a
long white or whitish stripe over
the eye.

Thryothoi'HS liidovicianus .
Carolina Wren.
See No. 342.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

265

Family MIMID^^^. Thrashers, Mockingbirds,

Catbirds, etc.

Special Characters: Bill, as illustrated; first primary, less than
two-thirds as long as third; outer tail feathers, shorter than middle
ones ; tarsus, scutellate in front ; toes, deepl/ cleft.

* GROUP 1. Wing, from 3.25 to 5.50 inches long.

Catbird.

Mockingbird.

General plumage, dark slaty gray; under parts, slaty gray; under
tail coverts, dark chestnut brown; crown, blackish; first primary,
short. Dumetella carolinensis .

Catbird.

See No. 340.

* For directions for measurement, see page 21.

266 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Upper plumage, ashy gray; basal portion of primaries, white,
forming a white wing patch; under parts, ashy white, without streaks.

Mimus polyglottos.
Mockingbird.

See No. 339.

Entire upper plumage, rufous
brown; under parts, buffy white,
streaked with dark brown; wing co-
verts, tipped with w^hite; tail, more
than four inches long.

Toxosioma rufum.
Brown Thrasher. Brown Thrush.
See No. 341.

Brown Thrasher.

Family CERTHIIDi^. Creepers.

Bill, slender and decurved; tail feathers, stiff and pointed (see
cut ) ; nostrils, exposed ; tarsus, scutellate ; first primary, very short.
But one species occurs in Eastern North America — a small bird ;
wing, less than three inches ; length, less than six inches.

Brown Creeper.

Jan., igoq. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 267

Tail feathers, stiff and pointed; bill, curved; upper parts, streaked;
under parts, white; rump, dull rufous brown.

Certhia familiaris americana.
Brown Creeper.

See No. 348.

Family SITTID^. Nuthatches.

lite-breasted Nuthatch.

Bill, as illustrated; nostrils, con-
cealed by bristly tufts ; tarsus, scutellate ;
first primary, very short ; tail feathers, not
stiff and pointed. The White-breasted
Nuthatch is sometimes mistaken by the
novice for a small Woodpecker. If tail
feathers are stiff and pointed, look for
the bird under Family Picidae.

Crown, black; back, gray, with-
out white; wings, not heavily spotted
with white ; tail feathers, not stiff or
pointed; toes, four, three in front,
one behind; wing, 3.50 to 3.75 inches
long. Sitta carolinensis.

White-breasted Nuthatch.
See No. 349.

Bill, more than three-eighths
inch long; under parts, pale rufous
brown; crown, black (male j ; crown,
bluish gray (female); wing, 2.60 to
2.85 inches long. Sitta canadensis.
Red-breasted Nuthatch.

See No. 350.

Bill, more than three-eighths inch long; crown, grayish brown;
under parts, dull grayish white; wing, 2.40 to 2.70 inches long.

Sitta pusilla.
Brown-headed Nuthatch.

See Nos. 35°-3S^-

268 Field Museum of Natural History — ^Zoology, Vol. IX.

Family PARID^^. Titmice and Chickadees.

Small birds, less than 6.50 inches long; wing, less than 3.50 in the
largest; first primary, very short and small; bill, short and stout (as
illustrated ) ; nostrils, concealed by bristly feathers ; throat, black ;
crown, black ; front toes, joined near the base ; wing, less than 3 inches
long (Chickadee), or forehead, black; sides, with rufous brown;
wing, over 3 inches long (Titmouse ) .

GROUP 1, Wing, less than 3 inches long.

Chickadee.

Bill, less than three-eighths inch long; crown and throat, black;
greater wing coverts, edged with white ; breast, white; belly and sides,
pale buff. Penthestes atricapillus, and races.

Chickadee. Black-capped Titmouse.

See No. 352.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

269

Bill, less than three-eighths inch long; crown and throat, black;
greater wing coverts, not edged with white; breast, white; belly and
sides, pale buff. Peuihestes carolinensis.

Carolina Chickadee.

See No. 353.

Throat, black; sides of body, chestnut brown.

Penthestes Jiudsonicus.
Hudsonian Chickadee.

See No. 354-

GROUP 2. Wing, over 3 inches long.

Throat and under parts, dull white ;

sides of body, tinged with rufous

brown; crown, gray, with more or

less of a crest; forehead, black, in

adults.

BcrolopJins bicolor.

Tufted Titmouse.

See No. 351.

Tufted Titmoiise,

Family SYLVIID^. Kinglets and
Gnatcatchers.

The Sylviidae are divided into three subfamilies, one of which,
the Sylviinae or Old World Warblers, is not represented in eastern
North America. The other two may be summarized as follows: —

Subtamilv REGULINi^.

Kinglets.

Size, small; length, less than 4.75; wing, less than 2,50 inches;
tarsus, booted ; wings, longer than tail ; tail, emarginate ; males, with
crown of the head showing red or yellow; 8 species, two of which
occur in eastern North America.

270 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Subfamily POLIOPTlLINiE. Gnatcatchers.

Size, small; length, less than 4.75; wing, less than 2.50 inches;
tarsus, not booted ; wings, longer than tail ; tail, somewhat rounded ;
color, bluish ash; about 15 species, all American, of which one oc-
curs in eastern North America.

Gnatcatcher.

Kinglet.

Back, bluish gray; outer tail feathers
mostly white; wing, less than 2.50.

Polioptila cccrulea.
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher.

See No. 357.

Back, olive; no white patch on tail; crown, with patch of bright
red (male); crown, olive (female); wing, less than 2.50.

Regnlns calendula.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet.
See No. 356.

Back, olive; no white patch on tail;
crown, with patch of orange edged wath yellow
and black (male); crown, with yellow patch
edged with black (female) ; wing, less than
2.50. Regiiliis satrapa.

Golden-crowned Kinglet.
See No. 355.

\v'\^^

^^

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

271

Family TURDIDi^. Thrushes, Bluebirds, etc.

First primary, very short; tarsus, booted (no scales showing, ex-
cept near the toes ) ; bill, shorter than head ; tip of upper mandible
with small notch.

* GROUP 1. Wing, from 3.25 to 4.75 inches long.

PART 1. The following species have the under parts more or less
streaked or spotted : —

Thrush.

Back, rump, and upper tail coverts, olive, about the same color;
eye ring, cheeks, and lores, pale buff ; no white on wing coverts.

Hylocichla ustulata swainsonii.
Olive-backed Thrush.

See No. 362.

* For directions for measurement, see page 21.

272 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Upper plumage, brownish olive;
ends of upper tail coverts and tail,
rufous brown, much more rufous than

the back; no white on tail; first prim-
ary, very small and narrow.

H ylocichla guttata pallasii.
Hermit Thrush.
See No. 363.

Back, rump, and upper tail coverts, olive, about the same color;
eye ring and lores, white, sometimes faintly tinged with buff, but the
eye ring never decidedly buff, as in swainsonii; no white on wing
coverts. Hylocichla alici<B, and races.

Gray-cheeked Thrush.
See No. 361.

\ ^ ■.N -^^

Crown and back, dull cinna-
mon brown, shading to brownish
olive on the upper tail coverts;
breast and belly, marked with
round brownish black spots;
no white on wing coverts.

Hylocichla miistclina.
Wood Thrush.
See No. 359.

Crown, back, and upper tail
coverts, pale cinnamon brown,
nearly uniform in color; breast and
sides of throat, tawny brown,
marked with small cinnamon
brown spots and streaks; belly,
whitish, without spots; no white
on wing coverts.

Hylocichla fuscescens, and races.
Wilson's Thrush.
See No. ^60.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

273

Wings and tail, tinged more or less with blue (immature).

Sialia sialis.
Bluebird.
See No. 365.

PART 2. The following species have no streaks or spots on the

under parts : —

Bluebird.

Upper plumage, blue; breast and sides of body, cinnamon rufous;
belly, white (male). Sialia sialis.

Bluebird.

See No. 365.

Upper plumage, ashy gray, with bluish tinge, shading to blue on
rump, tail, and wings; breast and sides, pale cinnamon brown; belly,
white (female). Sialia sialis.

Bluebird.

See No. 365.

Entire plumage, gray or brownish gray, palest on the throat;
a distinct white ring around the eye; tip and outer web of tail
feathers, ashy white; western species; one Illinois record.

Myadestes townsendii.

Townsend's Solitaire.

See No. 358.

274 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

GROUP '2. Wing, from 4.75 to 5,50 inches long.

Upper plumage, grayish
olive; throat, white, streaked
with black; rest of under
parts (except lower belly ) ,
pale chestnut rufous; young
birds haye the under parts
spotted.

Planesticiis migratorius
Robin. American Robin.
See No. 364.

THE BIRDS OF ILLINOIS AND WISCONSIN

WATER BIRDS.

ORDER PYGOPODES.

DIVFNG BIRDS.
Suborder COLYMBI.

Family COLYMBID^. Grebes,

Holboell's Grebe.

Pied-billed Grebe.

The Grebes comprise a small cosmopolitan family, numbering
about 25 species. They are lobe-footed water birds and dive with
great dexterity, often remaining under water for a considerable time
with only the bill and a small portion of the head protruding above
the surface. They feed principally upon small fish. Half a dozen
species are found in North America, of which the following are
accredited to Illinois and Wisconsin:

275

276 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Genus ^CHMOPHORUS Coues.

I. iEchmophorus occidentalis (Lawr. ).
Western Grehe.

Geographical distribution: Western North America, east to Man-
toba and south to Mexico ; accidental east of Nebraska.

Special characters, adult: Top of head and back of neck, sooty
black; rest of upper plumage, slaty gray; forehead and lores, ashy
white; primaries, dark chocolate, showing white at the bases; neck
(except the back) and under parts, glossy white.

Length, 23 to 29; wing, 7 to 8.40; bill, 2.40 to 3.

According to Kumlien and Hollister, this western species has been
taken in Wisconsin. A specimen was killed on Lake Koshkonong,
January 4, 1878, by L. Kumlien, and another in the same locality,
October, 1881. (Bull. Wis. Nat. Hist. Soc, 1903, p. 5.) x^s far as
we know it has not as yet been observed in Illinois.

Genus COLYMBUS Linn.

2. Colymbus holboellii (Reinh.).
Holbcell's Grebe.

Disir.: North America in general, breeding chiefly north of the
United States.

Adult in summer: Top of head, small crest and back of neck,
greenish black, or glossy black; throat and sides of the head, silvery
white, or whitish ash; most of neck, rufous brown, shading into silvery
white on the lower breast and belly; back, black, some of the feathers
with grayish edgings; primaries, chocolate brown, the shafts, black.

Adult in winter: Above, blackish; crest, nearly or quite absent;
front and sides of neck tinged with pale brown; throat, white; under
parts, white. Immature birds have the upper parts dull black; the
throat and under parts, silvery white, and the neck, grayish (not
tinged with brown).

Length, 18 to 20; wing, 7.35 to 8; bill, 1.75 to 2.30.

Holbcell's Grebe is rare in Illinois and casual in Wisconsin during
late fall and early spring, and a few remain in winter. Mr. E. W.
Nelson gives it as a "rather uncommon winter resident upon Lake
Michigan." (Birds N. E. Illinois, 1876, p. no.) Kumlien and Hol-
lister say, "Holboell's Grebe is found sparingly in March and early
April on most of the larger inland lakes and rivers, as well as on Lake
Michigan, and again from September, but more often from October,

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

277

until the ice forms. Where there is open water, both on Lake Michi-
gan and in the interior, many remain all winter." (Birds of Wiscon-
sin, 1903, p. 5. )

3. Colymbus auritus Linn.
Horned Grebe.
Distr.: Northern Hemisphere, breeding from the northern United
States northward.

Adult in summer: Bill, deeper than wide at base; top of head,
back of neck and throat, greenish black; lores, pale chestnut brown;

a tuft of ochraceous feathers on sides of
head behind the eye; front of neck and
breast, chestnut brown; sides of body,
chestnut brown; belly, white.

Adult in ivinter, and immature : Upper
parts, blackish or grayish black; under
parts, silvery white, often tinged with
gray on throat and breast; no developed
tufts behind the eye.

Length, about 14 inches (12.60 to 15 ) ;
wing, about 5.70; bill, about .90.

The Horned Grebe is apparently not
uncommon at times in Illinois and
Wisconsin during the migrations, and a
few remain to breed. It arrives from
the south in April and breeds in May and June.

"Occurs commonly during the migrations — breeds sparingly in
the small lakes." (Nelson, Birds N. E. 111., 1876, p. 150.) "Still
fairly common as a spring and autumn migrant; not infrequently
nests in the northern part of the state as it formerly did even in the
southern tier of counties. Young, a few days old, were procured at
Lake Koshkonong during June, 1880." (Kumlien and Hollister,
Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 5. )

The nest of the Horned Grebe is a mass of weeds in shallow water,
sometimes floating attached to reeds, and again placed on a nearly
submerged tussock. The eggs are usually 4 to 7, dull white, more or
less stained with brown. They measure about 1.75 x 1.15 inches.

Colymbus auritus.
(Breeding plumage.)

4. Colymbus nigricollis californicus (Heerm.).
American Eared Grebe.
Distr.: Northern and western North America, from the Missis-
sippi Valley west to the Pacific, south to Central America (Guatemala).

278 Field Museum of Natural Hlstory — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Adult: Very similar to the preceding species in winter ]3lumage
(quite different in summer), but the pecuhar shape of the bill will
distinguish it. The upper mandible is much flattened at the nostril
(the width at this point being greater than the depth), and nearly
straight from nostril to tip (not decurved as in C. auritns) ; under
mandible straight for about three-fourths of its length and then
sharply ascending. Size nearly the same as C auritns.

A western species, which is claimed to occur occasionally in
Illinois and Wisconsin during the fall and winter. It resembles the
Horned Grebe in winter plumage, but the shape of the bill will dis-
tinguish it. " Not uncommon in winter upon Lake Michigan." (Nel-
son, Birds N. E. Illinois, 1876, p. 151. )

A. W. Butler states it has twice been taken in Indiana, and W. W.
Cooke records it from St. Louis, Mo. Messrs. Kumlien and Hollister
say, "Very rare in Wisconsin. We have received two spring speci-
mens from near Iron River, Bayfield County, but have never person-
ally come upon or taken one in Wisconsin. Mr. H. A. Winkenwerder,
of Watertown, Wis., has sent us a wing of this species, which is said
to have come from a bird shot at that place." (Birds of Wisconsin,
1903, p. 6.)

Great care should be taken in identifying this species. Several
specimens sent to me for examination, which were supposed to be the
Eared Grebe, proved to be the Horned Grebe, C. auritus, which it
closely resembles in winter plumage.

Genus PODILYMBUS Lesson,,

5. Podilymbus podiceps (Linn.).

Pied-billed Grebe.

Distr.: North America in general, from British Provinces south
to South America (Chili), including the West Indies and Bermuda;
breeds nearly throughout its range.

Adult in summer: Throat, black; a black band on the bill; no tufts
on the sides of the head in any plumage; upper plumage, brownish
black; front and sides of the neck and sides of the body tinged with
brown; rest of under parts, silvery white.

Adult in winter: Throat, grayish white; no black band on the bill;
sides of body, faintly washed with pale brown.

Length, variable, but about 13.50; wing, 4.50 to 5.10; bill, .75;
depth of bill at nostril, about .40.

The Pied-billed Grebe is a common summer resident in both Illi-
nois and Wisconsin, breeding in suitable localities throughout both

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 279

states; nidification begins in May. The nest is in a pond, river, or
slough, and is usually a mass of floating vegetation among reeds.
The eggs are 4 to 8 in number, dull white, usually more or less stained
and soiled, and measure about 1.75 x 1.20 inches.

id: ■

Pied-billed Grebe.

The Field Museum possesses a set of 5 eggs of this species taken
in the vicinity of Calumet Lake, Chicago, June 4, 1904.

Suborder CEPPH I. Loons and Auks.

Family ALCID^E. Auks, Murres, etc.

The Auks are confined to the northern hemisphere, many species
being found in very high latitudes. They range along the northern
coasts of both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and occasionally wander
to temperate regions, but never very far south, as they are "cold
weather birds." They are gregarious, especially during the breeding
season. One species, the Great Auk, was at one time common along
the Atlantic coast from northern New England northward, but owing
to its total inability to fly and the destruction of its eggs by fishermen
and others, it was entirely exterminated during the last century.

28o Field Museum op" Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Subfamily iETHIIN^E. Auklets, Guillemots, etc.
Genus SYNTHLIBORAMPHUS Brandt.

6. Synthliboramphus antiquus (Gmel.).

Ancient Murrelet.

Adult in siiinmer: Size, small; depth of bill, more than half its
length; sides of neck and stripe on side of occiput and through the
eye, white; rest of head, black; back, plumbeous, with lateral streaks
of white; under parts, white.

Adult in winter: Head, dusky; hack, phmiheous; throat and under
parts, white.

Length, about lo inches; wing, 5.40; bill, .65.

Mr. Geo. B. Sennett states that he examined an adult mounted
specimen of this species at " Koshkonong Place," which was killed
late in October, 1882, on Lake Koshkonong, Wisconsin, by Rev. G. E.
Gordon (Auk, 1884, p. 98 ). The occurrence of a bird of this species
in Wisconsin is, of course, most extraordinary. Its true habitat is
the North Pacific ocean, from Vancouver Island northward.

Subfamily ALLINiE. Dovekies.

Genus ALLE Link.
6-1. Alle alle (Linn.).

Dovekie. Little Auk.
Distr.: Coasts of north Atlantic and eastern Arctic oceans; casual
in winter on the Atlantic coast as far south as New Jersey; accidental
in Michigan and Wisconsin.

Dovekies.

Jan., igog. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

281

Winter plumage, adult: Upper parts, black or blackish; under parts,
white; smaller than the preceding species.

Length, about 8; wing, about 4.50; bill, .50.

Prof. Henry L. Ward records the capture of a single specimen of
this northern maritime species near Port Washington, Wisconsin,
some twenty-five miles north of Milwaukee. It was shot by a boy,
January 11, igo8, on Lake Michigan. The specimen is preserved in
the Milwaukee Public Museum. (The Auk, Vol. XXV, igo8, p. 215. )

It has also been taken in Michigan, a bird of this species having
been killed on the Detroit River, November 30, 1881. (O. and O.,
Vol. VII, p. III.)

Briinnich's Murre, Uria lomvia {Linn.). During the winter of
iSgd-gy, a ntimber of Briinnich's Murres w^ere taken in different
parts of Indiana, Michigan (Detroit), Ohio, and Iowa. At least ten
were recorded from Indiana (one of them from Newton County),
although so far as we know none were actually taken in Illinois. As
the birds were all observed about the same time, it would seem likely
that they were driven from their usual hab-
itat by stress of weather. It is probable
that these birds arrived by way of Lake Erie,
but in this connection a statement by Messrs.
Kumlien and Hollister is of interest. They
say, "We are confident that some species of
Guillemot occur on Lake Superior in winter
and possibly also on Lake Michigan. There
is no positive evidence of a specimen ever
having been taken in Wisconsin waters, however." (Birds of Wiscon-
sin, 1903, p. i2g. ) Those desiring further information are referred to
the following papers: A. W. Butler, Birds of Indiana, 1897, p. 564;
lb.. The Auk, Vol. XIV, 1897, p. ig7; F. M. Woodruff, The Auk,
i8g7, p. 228; Anderson, Birds of Iowa, 1907. p. 152.

Murres.

Bill of Murre.

282 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Family GAVIID^. Loons.

The Loons are a small family, consisting of one genus and five
species, three of which occur on Lake Michigan. They feed prin-
cipally upon fish and are expert divers and swimmers, rarely leaving
w^ater, except during the nesting season.

Summer

Loons.

Wintsr.

Genus GAVIA Forster.

7. Gavia immer (BRiJNN.).
LooN.

Urinator imber (Gunn.), A. O. U. Check List, 1895, p. 3.

Distr.: Ranges throughout the northern part of the northern
hemisphere, breeding from the northern United States northward;
south in winter to the Gulf of Mexico and Lower California.

Adult in summer: Head and neck, black, showing green in some
lights; a patch of white, streaked with black, on the throat and sides
of the neck ; under parts, white ; back, streaked and spotted with white.

Adult in winter, and immature: Head, grayish; throat, white or

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

283

grayish white; back and wings, blackish, the feathers often witli gray-
ish edgings but not spotted or streaked with white.

Its large size will distinguish this species.

Length, about 31; wing, 13 to 15; bill, 2.80 to 3.40; tarsus, about

3-35-

Loon.

The Loon is a summer resident, and breeds in northern Illinois
and Wisconsin. It arrives early in spring and leaves late in the fall;
although a few remain on Lake Michigan all winter. It has a peculiar
loud, resonant cry, and the "laugh" of the Loon is a familiar sound
on pond and lake. It breeds in May and June. The eggs are usu-
ally 2, pale olive brown, marked with irregular spots of black. They
are deposited on the ground near water, sometimes on a mat of leaves
or grass, but usually with little or no attempt at a nest. The eggs
measure 3.50 x 2.25 inches.

284 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

8. Gavia arctica (Linn.).

Black-throated Loon.

Urinator arcticits (Linn.), A. O. U. Check List, 1895, p. 4.

Distr.: Northern part of the northern hemisphere; south in winter
to the northern United States, east of the Rocky mountains.

Adult in summer: Top of head and nape, gray; throat, black;
upper phnnage, black, glossed with purplish reflections; sides of neck
with longitudinal white streaks; rest of under parts, white.

Adult in winter, and immature: Upper parts, blackish, many
feathers with grayish edgings; throat and under parts, white.

Length, about 27; wing, 11.50 to 13.15; bill, 2.55 to 2.80; depth
of bill at base, about .78.

The Black-throated Loon is a boreal species which occasionally,
but rarely, occurs on Lake Michigan in late fall and winter.

"Avery rare winter visitant on Lake Michigan." (Nelson, Birds
N. E. Illinois, 1876, p. 150.) "This is certainly a very rare bird
in Wisconsin, occurring only as a straggler in late fall or winter.
We have access to but three unquestionable records." (Kumlien
and Hollister, Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 7.) "Exceedingly rare;
Lake Michigan; winter." (A. J. Cook, Birds of Michigan, 1893, P- 3°-)

9. Gavia stellata (Pontoppidan).
Red-throated Loon.

Urinator litmme (Gunn. ), A. O. U. Check List, 1895, p. 4.

Distr.: Northern North America, breeding north of the United
States, south in winter occasionally as far as the Gulf of Mexico.

Adult in summer: Back, fuscous, spotted with white; throat and
fore neck, plumbeous gray ; middle of fore neck with a patch of rich
chestnut; back of neck, black, streaked with white; rest of neck and
head, plumbeous gray; breast and belly, white.

Adult in winter, and immature: Similar to the winter plumage of
the Black-throated Loon, but the back is spotted with white; fore
neck and throat, white or grayish white, without chestnut.

Length, 25; wing, 10.50 to 11.50; bill, 2.30; tarsus, 2.75

While this species varies greatly in size, and size and shape of the
bill, it is never as large as G'. immer, and may be distinguished from
G. arctica in the adult by the chestnut red throat and in the immature
birds by the white spotting of the upper parts. These spots are most
numerous in the upper back and wing coverts and less numerous
but larger on the scapulars and tertials. On the middle of the back
they are comparatively few and scattered, sometimes ahnost wanting.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

28s

The Red-throated Loon is not uncommon on Lake Michigan dur-
ing the late fall and winter. " Very common winter resident on Lake
Michigan." (Nelson, Birds N. E. Illinois.) "Not uncommon during
winter." (Hoy, Wisconsin.) "A regular and common resident of
Lake Michigan in winter." (Kumlien and HoUister, Birds of Wiscon-
sin.) " Dispersed in winter irregularly over the northern half of the
Mississippi valley." (W. W. Cooke.) " A rare winter resident."
(Butler, Indiana.) " Rather common." (A. J. Cook, Michigan.)
Mr. H. K. Coale procured a specimen near Chicago in February, 1885.

Red-throated Loon.
The patch on the throat is rich chestnut, not black as might be suggested by the illustration.

ORDER LONGIPENNES.

LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS.

Family STERCORARIID^. Skuas
and faegers.

Jx'ger (adult).
(Immature birds lack the long middle tail feathers.)

The Jaggers are pelagic species, although they occasionally occur
on the Great Inland Lakes. They feed principally upon fish, much
of which they obtain by chasing and robbing the gulls and terns of
their prey. Six species are recognized, four of which occur in the
northern hemisphere and two in the southern.

Genus STERCORARIUS Brisson.
10. Stercorarius pomarinus (Temm.).

POMARINE JvEGER.

Distr. : Seas and inland waters of northern part of northern hemi-
sphere; south in winter to Africa and Australia. Its winter range in
America is uncertain.

Adult (light phase of plumage): Bill, over 1.35, tarsus, over 1.75,
upper parts, slaty gray, a tinge of pale yellow on the sides of the head
and neck; crown of the head and lores, sooty black; under parts,
white, shading into slaty gray on sides and lower belly; ends of two
middle tail feathers, rounded.

Adult {dark phase): General plumage, sooty brown, slightly
paler below; crown, dark brown.

Immature {light phase): Head and neck streaked with buff or
gray; under parts mottled and barred with slaty gray; upper parts,
dark gray; some of the feathers edged with buff.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 287

Immature {dark phase) : General color, slaty brown; neck marked
with white; feathers on the belly barred with dull white. The two-
middle tail feathers are rounded at tip, and project more or less be-
yond the others and the tarsus is black in freshly killed specimens.

Length, 20 to 22; wing, 13.25 to 14; bill, 1.40 to 1.65; tarsus,
1.40 to 1.50.

The records for Illinois are not very satisfactory and at most it
is a rare straggler on Lake Michigan. Nelson saw one near Chicago-
in 1876, and was told of another having been seen. (Bull. Essex
Inst., Vol. VIII, p. 145, 1877.) For Wisconsin, Kumlien and Hollis-
ter state that three were seen on Green Bay in October, 1879, and L.
Kumlien secured one on Lake Koshkonong about the same time.

M. Stercorarius longicaudus Vieill.
Long-tailed J^ger.

Distr.: Northern part of northern hemisphere, breeding in high
latitudes; south to Gulf of Mexico in winter.

Adult: Bill, less than 1.35 ; cere (the hard skin-like covering on base
of upper mandible), shorter than the distance from its anterior end to
tip of bill; tarsus, blue in freshly killed specimens; feet, black; above
slaty gray; top of head and lores, dull black; sides of the head and
neck, pale yellow; under parts, dark slate color; chest and upper
belly, whitish ; middle tail feathers pointed.

Immature: Resembles the preceding species in color; but differs in
length of bill and having the middle tail feathers pointed.

Length, 19 to 23; wing, 12.50; tail (adult), 12.50, (immature),,
6; tarsus, 1.65; bill, i.io.

Long-tailed Jaeger has but a slight claim to be included in the
avifauna of Illinois and Wisconsin, although the occurrence of occa-
sional stragglers of this species on Lake Michigan is not unlikely.
A specimen identified as the Long-tailed Jaeger was picked up dead
on the shore of the Mississippi River near Cairo, 111., by Mr. W. H..
Ballou, in November, 1876. It was badly decomposed and after being
examined by Mr. Ballou and another gentleman, was thrown away.
(Ridgway, Orn. of 111., Vol. II, p. 218.) This seems to be the onlv
record for either Illinois or Wisconsin, but Mr. Rudolph M. Anderson
records a specimen captured near Lone Tree, Johnson County, Iowa,,
in June, 1907. (The Auk, Vol. XXV, 1908, p. 215.)

Parasitic Jaeger, Stercorarius parasiticus (Linn.). While there is
no actual record of the occurrence of this species within our limits,
according to Prof. Ridgway, it is of "occasional occurrence on Lake

288 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Michigan during winter." (Ornithology of IHinois, 1895, p. 217.) A
bird of this species was shot on the Mississippi River near Keokuk,
Iowa, October 6, 1896; and the speciinen is preserved in the collection
of Mr. William G. Praeger. (Anderson, Birds of Iowa, 1908, p. 153. )

The Parasitic Jaeger may be distinguished from the Pomarine
Jaeger by its shorter bill (less than 1.35) and having the middle tail
feathers pointed, not rounded at the ends as in S. pomariniis , and from
the Long-tailed Jaeger bv having the cere longer than the distance
from its end to tip of bill.

Skua, Megalestris skua (Bruiin.). Mr. Ridgway included this
species in his Ornithology of Illinois (1895, p. 212), but I find no
record of its occurrence in Illinois. It is a north Atlantic species,
which is rare on the Atlantic coast of North America.

Family LARIDt^. Gulls and Terns.

The Gulls and Terns are a cosmopolitan family, numbering about
seventy species. They are true water birds, being rarely found away
from its vicinity. Many species occur both along the coasts and on
the lakes of the interior. They usually breed in colonies, making their
nests upon the ground or on ledges of rocks and cliif s (rarely in trees ) .
They feed principally upon fish, but at times some species eat the
young and eggs of other birds, and occasionally small mammals. The
Gulls are in most cases larger than the Terns and much less graceful.

|-,laiu-i.,s Gull.
llernnL' Gull.

Great Black-backed Gull.
Bonaparte's Gull

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 289

Subfamily LARIN.^. Gulls.

Genus RISSA Stephens.

12. Rissa tridactyla (Linn.).

KiTTiWAKE Gull.

Distr.: Arctic regions, south in winter to the middle states,
accidental on Lake Michigan.

Adult in summer: Hind toe, very small, without nail; head,
neck, and tail, white, rest of upper plumage, pearl gray; under parts,
white; outer v/eb of first primary, black; second and third primaries,
tipped with black; ends of third, fourth, and fifth, black, tipped with
white.

Adult in winter: Differs in having the crown and nape pearl gray,
and a sooty plumbeous mark on side of the head in front of and
behind the eye.

Immature birds somewhat resemble the winter plumage of the
adult, but differ in having a patch of dusky or black on the lower
part of the back of the neck, more or less black on the lesser wing
coverts, and a broad black band at the tip of the tail.

The rudimentary hind toe will distinguish this species.

Length, about 16.50; wing, about 12.20; bill, about 1.45; tarsus,
1.32.

The Kittiwake Gull must be considered a rare straggler on Lake
Michigan. Mr. J. Grafton Parker informs me that he has a specimen
in his collection, which he killed near Meredosia, Morgan Co., Illinois,
on November 25, 1898. Mr. Frank M. Woodruff writes, "An adult
male of this species was taken by Mr. Christopher Wagner, who was
shooting from a boat on Lake Michigan near what is known as Jack-
knife Bridge in Lincoln Park. The bird was purchased for the col-
lection of the Chicago Academy of Sciences by Mr. Chas. M. Higgin-
son." (The Auk, 1897, p. 228.) Nelson (in his Birds of Northeastern
Illinois, 1876, p. 46) states, "A rare winter visitant to Lake Michigan.
Dr. Hoy writes that in the winter of 1870 a single specimen of this
species kept about the harbor for several days, but was too shy to be
shot. He is quite certain of his identification, as he examined the
bird carefully with a large field glass while it was standing upon a
piece of ice just out of gun shot." Mr. W. W. Cooke says, "A northern
species coming south in winter to the Great Lakes. It has been
noted from Minnesota (Hatch) and Illinois (Nelson) and March 17,

290 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

1884, one was seen by Dr. P. R. Hoy, at Racine, Wisconsin." (Bird
Migr. Miss. Valley, 1888, p. 55.)

Genus LARUS Linn.
13. Larus hyperboreus Gunn.
Glaucous Gull.

Larus glauciis Briinn., A. O. U. Check List, 1895, p. 16.

Distr.: Arctic regions, south in winter to New England, New York,
and the Great Lakes.

Adult in summer: General plumage, except back and wings, white;
back, pale pearl gray; wings, pearl gray; primaries, pearl gray, shad-
ing into white on the edges of the inner webs and at the tips.

Adult in winter: Siinilar, but having the head and neck streaked
with pale gray.

Immature birds have the upper plumage pale gray or whitish,
heavily marked and barred with pale brown and gray; under parts
ash gray or grayish white, often marked with buff.

Length, about 27 to 32; wing, 17 to 18.70; bill, about 2.50.

The Glaucous Gull is a rare winter visitant on Lake Michigan.
Both this and the Iceland Gull have the primaries white, pearl white,
or pale ash color, never marked with dark brown or black.

"A rather rare winter visitant to Lake Michigan." (Nelson.)
"Occasionally visits Lake Michigan in winter." (Ridgway.) Mr.
Frank M. Woodruff states that he killed a bird of this species on Lake
Michigan near Millers, Indiana, on August 8, 1897, describing it as "in
the pure white plumage of the young of the second year." (The Auk,
Vol., XV, 1898, p. 61. ) "In the Milwaukee Public Museum are three
specimens procured at Milwaukee, January 8, 12, and 14, 1895."
(Kumlien and Hollister, Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 9.)

14. Larus leucopterus Faber.

Iceland Gull.

Distr.: Arctic regions, south in winter to New England and the
Great Lakes, and occasionally further south.
Adult: Similar to Glaucous Gull, but smaller.
Length, 24 to 26; wing, 15 to 16.60; bill, 1.60 to 1.75.
Apparently a rare winter visitant to Lake Michigan.
"Rare." (A. J. Cook, Birds of Michigan.) " An occasional winter

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 291

visitor to the northern part of the state." (A. W. Butler, Birds of
Indiana, 1897, p. 571.) "A regular and not uncommon winter resi-
dent on Lake Michigan." (Nelson, Birds N. E. 111., 1876, p. 145.)
"A regular winter visitant on Lake Michigan, but by no means com-
mon, although occurring more frequently than glaiicus." (Kumlien
and Hollister, Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 9.)

15. Larus marinus Linn.
Great Black-backed Gull.

Diiir.: North Atlantic ocean, south in winter to the middle states
and the Great Lakes, and occasionally inuch further south (accidental
in Florida ) .

Adult in summer: Whole back, dark slate color; outer primaries,
black (slaty black when held in the light), tipped with white; head,
tail, and under parts, white; bill, chrome yellow, with red spot on
lower mandible.

Adult in winter: Similar, but with head and neck streaked with
pale brownish gray.

Immature: General plumage mottled and streaked with gray and
pale brown, many feathers with pale edges; primaries, brownish black,
the inner ones narrowly tipped with white; bill, blackish.

Length, 28 to 31.50; wing, 17.50 to 19.50; bill, 2.42 to 2.55;
greatest depth of bill, .92 to 1.05.

Although apparently not very common, this species occurs on
Lake Michigan in the late fall and winter. "Not an uncommon
winter resident upon Lake Michigan. The immature young are
greatly in excess of the adult." (Nelson, Birds N. E. 111., 1876, p.
145. ) "We have seen this well marked species on Lake Michigan at
the Milwaukee Light House, midwinter, 1880-81, and on at least two
occasions, out on the Lake. It is, however, rare." (Kumlien and
Hollister, Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 9.)

16. Larus argentatus Pontoppidan.
Herring Gull.

Larus argentatus Briinn., A. O. U. Check List, 1895, p. 18.

Distr.: Nearly the whole of North America, south to Cuba in
winter; breeds from the latitude of Maine and Wisconsin northward.

Adult in summer: Back, pale bluish gray, or pearl gray; primaries,
brownish black, more or less marked with white; rest of plumage,
white; bill, yellow, a red spot on lower mandible at the angle.

292 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Adult in winter: Similar, but with head and neck streaked and
spotted with brownish gray; tail feathers marked with more or less
dusky; bill, yellowish.

Immature: Bill, dull flesh color, the terminal third, black; general
plumage mottled and streaked with gray and pale brown, the feathers
on the back margined with gray; primaries, dark brown.

Length, 22 to 25.50; wing, 16.20 to 17.50; bill, 1.90 to 2.50;
greatest depth of bill, .70 to .85.

The Herring Gull is common on Lake Michigan in winter and dur-
ing the migrations and is often seen on the Lake near Chicago. It
breeds in Wisconsin.

"Very abundant winter resident upon Lake Michigan and occurs
throughout the state." (Nelson.) "As a rule it is found in winter
throughout Illinois and thence southward to the Gulf of Mexico."
(W. W. Cooke.) "Very common on Lake Michigan at almost all
seasons and a common migrant on all suitable waters of the state of
Wisconsin. Nests commonly on different islands of Green Bay and
on the north shore of Lake Michigan." (Kuinlien and Hollister,
Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 9. )

It breeds in May or early in June. The nest is composed of grass
and moss on the ground or rocks (very rarely in trees). The eggs
are from 2 to 3, pale olive brown, blotched and lined with chocolate
brown, and measure about 2.80 x 1.90 inches.

17. Larus delawarensis Ord.

Ring-billed Gull.

Distr. : Nearly the whole of North America, south in winter to
Mexico and Cuba.

Adult in summer: Back and wing coverts, pearl gray; terminal
portion of inner primaries, black, tipped with white; terminal portion
of first primary, black, with large white spot near the tip; head, tail,
and under parts, white; bill, greenish yellow, with a black band.

Adult in winter: Similar, but having the head and neck streaked
with gray; black band on the bill much less distinct.

Immature: General plumage, whitish, more or less mottled and
streaked with gray and brownish gray; tail feathers marked with more
or less brownish black, forming a broad, irregular black band with
narrow white tips; primaries, blackish, only the inner ones tipped
with white; bill with basal portion, brownish yellow and the entire
end from the nostril, black.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — -Cory.

293

^

r

ii

Bonaparte's Gull.

Herring Gull.

Ring-billed Gull.

Length, 18.10 to 20.25; wing, 13.50 to 15.75; bi^^- i-5° ^o i-7o;
greatest depth of bill, .52 to .68.

The Ring-billed Gull is a common species in Illinois and Wisconsin
during the migrations and occasionally a few remain on Lake Michigan
all winter. A few pairs occasionally breed in Wisconsin, but the great
majority of them go much farther north.

294 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

" Common migrant along the Lake, very rarely remains through
winter." (Nelson, Birds N. E. 111., 1876, p. 146.) A common migrant,
spring and fall. Formerly bred on Spider and Strawberry Islands,
Green Bay, from which localities we have eggs." (Kumlien and Hol-
lister, Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 10.)

18. Larus atricilla Linn.

Laughing Gull.

Distr.: Atlantic and Gulf coasts of United States, occasionally
north to Maine and even Nova Scotia; south in winter to West Indies,
Mexico, Central America, and northern South America.

Adult in summer: Bill, dark red; head and throat, dusky black;
a white spot on each eyelid; outer primaries, brownish black; back,
slaty gray; under parts, white; tail, white.

Adult in winter: Similar, but has the head and throat white, and
at times the crown and back of the neck streaked with gray.

Immature: Bill, blackish; upper plumage and most of head and
neck, gray, mixed with pale buff; forehead, whitish; tail feathers,
gray, with broad, subterminal band of dark brown, and narrowly
tipped with white.

The color and markings of the primaries and larger size will dis-
tinguish this species from Franklin's Gull.

Length, 14.75 to 17; wing, 12.10 to 13.15; bill, 1.45 to 1.75.

While rarely found in the interior, the Laughing Gull has been
given a place in the avifauna of both Illinois and Wisconsin. If
it occurs at all it must be considered an accidental straggler within
our limits.^ When not actually taken, its resemblance to Franklin's
Gull might lead to error in identification.

" Very abundant on the Great Lakes." (Dr. Morris Gibbs, List
of Birds of Michigan, Bull. U. S. G. and G. Survey, No. 3, 1879.)
This is undoubtedly an error. "Summer visitant." (Ridgway,
An. N. Y. Lyceum Nat. Hist., 1874, p. 391.) "Probably only an
irregular or casual visitor to the Mississippi Valley." (Ridgway,
Orn. of Illinois, Vol. II, 1895, p. 234.) "A few pass up the Missis-
sippi during the summer as far as southern Illinois." (Cooke.)
" The only known Wisconsin record for this species is that of Thure
Kumlien, who shot a single specimen on Lake Koshkonong in July,
i860." (Kumlien and Hollistcr, Birds of Wisconsin, 1803, p. 10.)

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 295

19. Larus franklinii Sw. & Rich.
Franklin's Gull.

Distr.: Interior of North America, chiefly west of the Mississippi
River; breeding from Manitoba, western Minnesota, and Dakota
northward; south in winter to Central and South America to Peru.
Rare on the Atlantic coast. This species occurs on Lake Michigan
and in the interior during the migrations.

Adult in summer: Bill, red; head and upper throat, plumbeous
black; a white spot on each eyelid; under parts, white, usually tinged
with rose color; back and wings, pearl gray; tail, white; first primary,
pale grayish white, almost white; the outer web, black, except near
the tip; a patch of black on the inner web about an inch and a half
from the tip; the second, third, fourth, and fifth primaries with white
tips and a subterminal band of black.

Adult in winter: General plumage and markings similar, but has
the head and neck white marked with more or less dusky gray on the
top and sides of the head; bill, blackish.

Immature: Bill, dark brown or blackish; under parts, white; crown
and sides of head, dusky; the gray of back and wings mixed with
pale brown; primaries, grayish dusk}^, darkest on outer webs; all
primaries tipped w^th white, but at times so narrowly on the first
and second as to be hardly noticeable.

Length, 13.40 to 14.75; wing, 10.80 to 11.30; bill, 1.15 to 1.25.

Franklin's Gull must be considered a rare bird in Illinois. Mr.
Chas. K. Worthen, of Warsaw, Illinois, writes, " There is a beautiful
adult male of this species mounted in the State Museum at Spring-
field, which I took in May, 1875. It was flying over a pond in the
Mississippi bottom three miles below here." (Ridgway, Bull. Nutt.
Orn. Club, 1880, p. 32.) "A rare visitant to Lake Michigan." (Nel-
son, Birds N. E. 111., 1876, p. 146.) " Not common but of regular
occurrence in the eastern part of the state as a fall migrant. * * *
On Lake Michigan it is less common than anywhere in the interior.
* * * It seems remarkable that so few spring specimens are obtained
in eastern Wisconsin." (Kumlien and Hollister, Birds of Wisconsin,
1903, p. 10.)

This species should be looked for along the Mississippi River, as
it is a not uncommon summer resident and breeds in Minnesota.

296 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Bonaparte's Gull. Summer.
Bonaparte's Gull loses the black head in

20. Larus Philadelphia (Ord).
Bonaparte's Gull.
Distr.: North America, breeding chiefly north of the United States;
south in winter to the Gulf coast.

Adult in summer: Bill, black; whole head, including throat, dark
sooty plumbeous; a white spot on the eyelids; back, pearl gray,

shading into white at the base of the
neck; under parts, white; feet, orange
red; tail, white; first primary, white,
with outer web and tip, black; second
primary, white, tipped with black;
rest of primaries with subterminal
band of black tipped with white.

Adult in winter: Similar, but
having the head and throat white,
and the crown and sides of the head

winter.

showing more or less gray.

Immature: Upper plumage mixed with more or less gray and pale
brown; under parts, white; tail with black band narrowly tipped with
white.

Length 12.10 to 14; wing, about 10.25; bill, about 1.15.

This species is abundant at times on Lake Michigan and in the
interior during the migrations in spring and fall. The majority arrive
from the south early in April.

" Exceedingly abundant migrant. * * * In very mild winters a
few remain during the season." (Nelson.) "A transient migrant in
Illinois, occasionally wintering in the southern part of the state."
Ridgway.) "Winters along the Gulf of Mexico and southward and
sometimes in Illinois." (Cooke.) "The systematic slaughter of this
beautiful gull for millinery purposes has so reduced its numbers that
we can no longer claim it as our most abundant species." (Kumlien
and Hollister, Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 11.)

Genus XEMA Leach.

2L Xema sabinii (Sab.).
Sabine's Gull.
Distr.: Arctic regions, south in winter occasionally to New York,
the Great Lakes, and Great Salt Lake. Stragglers have been taken
in Kansas, Iowa*, Bahama Islands, and Peru, S. A.

* Dr. Paul Bartsch records two immature specimens taken near Burlington, Iowa. (The Auk,
Vol. xvi, 1S99. P- 86.)

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 297

Adult ill summer: Bill, shorter than tarsus; tail, somewhat forked;
legs and feet, black; head and upper neck, plumbeous, bordered

around the neck by a black collar;
outer primaries, black; rest of plum-
age, white; bill, black, tipped with dull
yellow; inner web of first primary,
about half white; shaft of feathers,
dark brown on upper surface.

Adult ill winter: Similar, but hav-
ing the head and neck white; marked
Sabine's Gull. On back of head, neck, and ear coverts

wdth dusky.
Length, 12.75 to 14; wing, 10 to 11.20; bill, about i; tarsus, 1.20.
Sabine's Gull is an Arctic species, accidental or very rare on Lake
Michigan. Mr. E. W. Nelson states, "Exceedingly rare visitant
to Lake Michigan. While collecting on the lake shore near Chicago
the first of April, 1873, I saw a specimen of this bird in a small pool
of water on the beach. At first I supposed it was a Bonaparte Gull
and was about passing it when it arose and as it passed towards the
Lake I saw it was something new to me and fired. It flew a few rods
and fell into the Lake abotit 30 yards from shore. It was in perfect
breeding dress, as was shown by the black markings of the head each
time it was raised while struggling in the water. A gale from off
shore soon drifted it from sight." (Birds N. E. 111., 1876, p. 147.)
According to Kumlien and Hollister: "A young male was shot on
Delavan Lake, Walworth Co., October 7, 1900, by Mr. H. P. Hare, and
is now preserved in the collection of N. Hollister. This is probably
the only authenticated Wisconsin specimen extant. * * *

In x'Vpril, 1897, we examined and identified two fresh wings of this
species brought by a taxidermist in Janes ville to be prepared for a hat.
The bird was killed on Rock River near that city." (Birds of Wis.,
1903, p. 12.)

Subfamily STERNINiE. Terns.

The Terns have the upper mandible nearly straight, not hooked
or rounded at the tip as in the Gulls. The outer tail feathers are
usually decidedly longer than the middle ones. With few exceptions
the North American Terns are smaller than the Gulls.

298 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Genus GELOCHELIDON Brehm.

22. Gelochelidon nilotica (Hasselq.).
Gull-billed Tern.

Distr.: Nearly cosmopolitan ; occurs in North America chiefly along
Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coast as far north as New Jersey (ac-
cidental in Massachusetts) ; winters from the West Indies and Mexico
south to Brazil.

Adult in summer: Top of head and nape, black; upper part, includ-
ing rump and tail, pearl gray; under parts, white; bill and feet, black,

the former comparatively short
and stout.

Adult in winter : Similar, but
having the head and neck white,
the nape, ashy, and a dusky
patch in front of the eye.

Length, 14; wing, 12; tail,
5.50; bill, 1.40; tarsus, 1.30.

It is far easier to establish a
record than it is to reject one,
because we must assume that an
author who makes the statement that a bird occurs in a certain
locality must have a satisfactory reason for so doing. It is not
given on hearsay evidence, but is a plain statement of fact, or must
be accepted as such until we have good reason to doubt it. There-
fore, although I have never seen a specimen of this Tern taken
either in Illinois or Wisconsin, and can find no record of its actual
capture in either state, I include it upon the authority of the
following published statements.

"An exceedingly rare visitant during summer." (Nelson, Birds
N. E. 111., 1876, p. 147.) "Rare summer visitor." (Ridgway, Cat.
Birds Illinois, 1881, p. 202.) " Rather common." (A. J. Cook, Birds
Michigan, 1893, p. 34.) Also included in Prof. Ridgway's Ornithology
of Illinois, probably on some other authority, as he makes no remarks
whatever concerning it. It was included by Dr. Hoy in his list of
Wisconsin Birds of 1852. Kumlien and Hollister say: "We know
of no actual record for Wisconsin and have never seen the bird in
the north." (Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 130.)

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

299

Genus STERNA Linn.

23. Sterna caspia Pallas.
Caspian Tern.

Sterna tschegrava (Lepech), A. O. U. Check List, 1895, P- 23.

Distr.: A nearly cosmopolitan species; in North America breed-
ing along the middle Atlantic and Pacific coasts and in parts of the
interior.

Adult in spring: Entire top of head, black, the black extending
below the eye; the occipital feathers, lengthened, extending to the

Caspian Tern.

nape; back and wings, pale pearl gray; rest of plumage, white; pri-
maries, ash gray; no white on inner webs; bill, red; feet, black.

Adult in winter, and in summer after the breeding season: Similar,
but has the head streaked with black and white.

Immature: Differs in having the head spotted and streaked with
black and white, the upper parts more or less marked with brown
and dusky; tail with irregular bars of black.

Length, about 20 to 23.50; wing, 15.25 to 17 ; tail, 5 to 6.25; tar-
sus, r.50 to 1.60; bill, 2.60 to 2.90; depth of bill at base, about .90.

The Caspian Tern occurs casually on Lake Michigan in summer
and occasionally in winter, and has been found breeding on islands in
Green Bay, Wisconsin. The nest is merely a depression in the sand
with little or no lining. The eggs are 2, dull white or whitish with

300 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

small spots or marks of chocolate brown, and measure about 2.75 x
1.80 inches.

" An irregular but not uncommon visitant during the migrations
and in winter upon Lake Michigan." (Nelson.) " Not common,
except perhaps on northern Lake Michigan and Green Bay. Breeds,
or did in 1879-80-81-84 and 1893, on different islands in Green
Bay and on the north shore. Frequently found on Lake Michigan in
winter." (Kumlien and Hollister, Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 12.)

Prof. Henry L. Ward found this species breeding in company
with Herring Gulls on Gravel Island, Dove County, Michigan, in July,
1905. (Bull. Wisconsin Nat. Hist. Soc, Vol. IV, No. 4, 1906, p. 113.)

24. Sterna maxima Bodd.
Royal Tern.

Distr.: Tropical America and warmer parts of North America,
casually as far north as Massachusetts and perhaps the Great Lakes.

Adult in spring: Entire top of head, black, including but not ex-
tending below the eye; the black occipital feathers lengthened like

Royal Tern.
Top of head is at times entirely black.

a crest; back and wings, pale pearl gray; rest of plumage, white;
greater portion of the inner web of the outer primaries, white; bill,
orange red; feet, blackish, becoming dull yellow on the soles.

Adult in winter, and in summer after the breeding season: Similar,
but the top of the head streaked with black and white.

Immature: Head spotted and streaked black and white; the gray
upper parts marked with buff, pale brown, and blackish.

Aside from the difference in size, the white markings on the outer
primaries will distinguish this species from the Caspian Tern in any
plumage.

Length, 18 to 20; wing, 13.75 to 15 ; tail, 6 to 8; bill, 2.45 to 2.70;
depth of bill at base, about .70; tarsus, 1.30 to r.35.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 301

If the Royal Tern occurs in Illinois or Wisconsin or even on Lake
Michigan, it is a very rare bird. We have no positive evidence of its
having been taken in either state.

"A summer visitant in Illinois." (W. W. Cooke, Bird Migration
Mississippi Valley, 1888, p. 57.) "Although accredited to Illinois as
an irregular or casual summer visitor, it is possible that individuals
of the Caspian Tern have been mistaken for it." (Ridgway.) "An
exceedingly rare summer visitant to Lake Michigan. A specimen
was taken at Milwaukee many years since and preserved in a museum
there (Hoy)." (Nelson, Birds N. E. Ilhnois, 1876, p. 147.) "The
only reference to this species as a bird of Wisconsin that we know of
is that of Dr. Hoy. ■-'= * * Dr. Hoy does not mention caspia,
which makes us suspicious that the specimen referred to was of that
species. Furthermore, we carefully went through the Natural His-
tory Society's collection at Milwaukee a number of times between
1873 and 1875, ^^^ although there used to be an old specimen of
caspia there, we never saw or heard of a specimen of maxima."
(Kumlien and Hollister, Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 130.) "Rare
spring and summer; Lake Michigan." (A. J. Cook, Birds of Michigan,
1893. P- 34-)

25. Sterna forsteri Nutt.
Forster's Tern.

Distr.: North America in general, migrating to the West Indies
and South America in winter; breeds on the Atlantic coast as far
north as Virginia and in the interior from Texas to Manitoba.

Adult in sum-mer: Crown, black; upper parts, pearl gray; under
parts, white; inner web of outer tail feather darker than outer web; bill,

reddish orange, tipped with black;
feet, yellowish.

Adidt in fall and winter: Bill,

dark brown; feet, brown; head,

/ grayish; a dusky black patch on

I sides of the head, enclosing the eye.

I Immature in winter : Upper parts,

' mottled with pale brown or buff.

Length, 15; wing, 10.25; ^^^^^

Forster's Tern. Fall plumage. i -n

6.60; tarsus, .90; bill, 1.50.

Forster's Tern is a common summer resident in both Illinois and

Wisconsin, its numbers being augmented dtiring the migrations in

spring and fall. Those that remain to breed generally build their

nests in the small interior ponds and lakes. The nest is composed of

302 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX

weeds and grass, usually in a marsh. The eggs are three (rarely 4)
in number, pale olive gray (sometimes buffy white ) , marked and
blotched with chocolate brown, and measure about 1.85 x 1.30
inches.

"Rather common summer resident in this portion of the state,
breeds in the numerous small reedy lakes." (Nelson, Birds N. E. 111.,
1876, p. 147.) " Although the larger part are migratory, a good many
still nest within the state." (Kumlien and Hollister, Birds of Wiscon-
sin, 1903, p. 12.)

26. Sterna hirundo Linn.
Common Tern.

Distr.: Ranges throughout eastern North America, breeding nearly
throughout its range from Florida to the Arctic ocean; winters from
Virginia southward.

Adult in- summer: Bill, red, broadly tipped with black; feet, red;
crown, black; upper parts, pearl gray; under parts, pale ashy gray;
feet, orange red.

Adult in winter: Forehead and crown, white or grayish white;
under parts, white; bill, blackish. Immature specimens have the
upper parts mottled with buff or pale brown. The outer web of outer
tail feather is darker than the tuner iveb at all seasons.

Length, about 15; wing, about 10.30; tail, 5.50; tarsus, about
75; bill, 1.45.

Common Tern.

The present species is not uncommon at times on Lake Michigan
during the migrations, and a few remain to breed in Wisconsin. The

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 303

eggs are 3 or 4, pale gray or buff white (sometimes faintly greenish ) ,
marked and blotched with chocolate brown similar to forsteri, but
at times showing a more greenish tinge than those of that species.
They measure 1.82 X 1.30 inches. " Very abundant migrant. * * '•=
A few still breed on small islands at the northern end of the Lake."
(Nelson.) "More common on Lake Michigan than forsteri and more
abundant here than in the interior of the state, preferring the gravelly
or sandy islands of the Lake and Green Bay for nesting places rather
than the smaller inland lakes." (Kumlien and Hollister, Birds of
Wisconsin, 1903, p. 13.)

27. Sterna paradisaea Brunn.
Arctic Tern.

Distr.: Northern hemisphere, breeding in North America from
Massachusetts northward to the Arctic regions, south in winter to
the middle Atlantic states and California.

Adult ill summer: Similar to the Common Tern, but differs in
having the tarsi shorter and the bill usually entirely red, not broadly
tipped with black. The white on the inner webs of the first and second
primaries extends considerably nearer to the tip of the feathers than
in 5. hirundo.

Length, about 15.25; wing, 10.25; bill, 1.25 to 1.35; tarsus, about
.65 (less than .70).

This species has not apparently been observed in Illinois. Kum-
lien and Hollister (Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 13) state, " A somewhat
irregular migrant, at times fairly common and again quite the oppo-
site. We have taken it nesting in Green Bay, 1879; and in June, 1891,
procured a set of eggs (the parent shot on the nest ) at Lake Kosh-
konong. These nesting records are, however, to be considered ex-
ceptional. * * * * Less common in the fall than in the spring, less
often met inland in the fall than the two preceding, and not as abun-
dant as either at any time or place in the state."

Subgenus STERNULA Boie.
28. Sterna antillarum (Less.).

Least Tern.

Disir.: Ranges from Labrador to northern South America, and
in the interior west to Dakota and Mississippi Valley, breeding nearly
throughout its range.

304 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Adult in summer: Bill, yellow, tipped with black; forehead, white;
crown and lores, black; upper parts, pearl gray; under parts, white;

outer primaries, brownish black on outer
webs and inner half of inner webs; tail,
white; feet orange, yellow.

Adult in winter: Forepart of crown,
white, marked with black; occiput,
black. Immature birds have the upper
parts mottled with buff and the bill
dark brown.
Least Tern. Length, 9. 50; wing, 7; tail, 3.50;

tarsus, .60; bill, 1.20.
Although this species occurs on Lake Michigan, and occasionally
on the inland waters of Illinois and Wisconsin, it is apparently by no
means common. "Occurs in summer, nearly throughout the Missis-
sippi Valley." (Ridgway.) "A very rare summer visitant in this
vicinity. -'■= * * * A fine male specimen is in the collection of the
Chicago Academy of Sciences, obtained June 11, 1876, upon the Calu-
met marshes." (Nelson, Birds of N. E. 111., 1876, p. 149.) "Chiefly
coastwise but passes up the Mississippi Valley to Dakota and Minne-
sota; breeds abundantly along the Gulf coast in Louisiana and Texas,
also in the interior; known to breed in Kansas and Dakota." (W.
W. Cooke, Bird Migration Mississippi Valley, 1888, p. 58.) Kumlien
and Hollister say, "This species can be considered only as a very rare
summer visitor from the south." They mention half a dozen speci-
mens taken in Wisconsin, three of which were shot by L. Ktimlien on
Lake Koshkonong in June, 1893. (Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 13.)

Genus HYDROCHELIDON Boie.

29. Hydrochelidon nigra surinamensis (Gmel.).

Black Terx. Marsh Tern.

Distr.: Temperate and tropical America, from Alaska to the Fur
Countries south to South America; breeding from the middle United
States west of the Alleghanies, northward.

Adult in spring: Head and under parts (except under tail coverts),
black; back, wings and tail, slaty gray; under tail coverts, white;
primaries, dusky slate color, palest on the inner webs, the shafts of
the feathers, brownish white; bill and feet, black.

Adult in fall and winter: Forehead, back of the neck, and under
parts, white or whitish; back of the head, black, mixed with white;
wings and back, gray.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

305

"^"^m

Spring.

Black Tern.

Immature: Upper plumage more or less mixed with buff and pale
brown; under parts, white; the sides, gray; usually more or less black
about the eye; shafts of the primaries, brown.

During changes of plumage the head and under parts show mixed
black and white markings.

Length, about 9.30; wing, about 8.25; tail, 3.80; bill, i to 1.20;
tarsus .50.

Immature birds are smaller.

The Black Tern is a common summer resident in Illinois and
Wisconsin and breeds in both states, in May and June, usually pre-
ferring the smaller inland lakes. While it does occasionally eat small
fish, the greater portion of its food consists of insects such as dragon
flies and beetles, which it pursues and captures while on the wing
with great dexterity, turning and twisting in a manner suggesting the
flight of a swallow. The nest is built in a marsh or on the edge of
some grassy pond, and is composed of grass and reeds, sometimes a
mass of floating vegetation. The eggs are 2 or 3, pale olive brown,
heavily marked with chocolate. They measure about 1.40 x i inches.
There are several sets of eggs in the Field Museum collection taken
at Fox Lake, Lake County, 111., June 6, 1903.

Regarding its occurrence in Wisconsin, Kumlien and HoUister
say: "A very common summer resident in all the inland ponds.

3o6 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

sloughs, wet marshes and lakes, but seldom found on Lake Michigan,
and probably only during migrations; arrives in Wisconsin, of an
average year, the first few days of May — dates of arrival for a num-
ber of years at Lake Koshkonong range from April i6 to May ii —
and departs early, few being seen after the middle of September.
When they arrive in the spring all are in the black, full breeding
plumage; and all are in the white winter plumage before they leave;
in fact, a great many begin to assume their winter plumage before
they are through nesting." (Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 14.)

30. Hydrochelidon leucoptera (Meisn. & Schinz).
White-winged Black Tern.

Distr.: Eastern hemisphere, accidental in North America (one
record, Wisconsin).

Special characters, adult: Head, neck, and under parts, black;
upper parts, plumbeous; entire tail and upper and lower tail coverts,
white; anterior lesser wing coverts, white; legs and feet, red.

Length, about 9; wing, about 8; bill, about .90.

"The only known instance of the occurrence of this European
species on the Western Continent is that of a breeding female shot by
L. Kumlien in a large marsh near Black Hawk Island, Lake Kosh-
konong, July 5, 1873. The specimen was sent freshly skinned to Dr.
Brewer, and was presented by him to the National Museum." (Kum-
lien and Hollister, Birds of Wisconsin, Bull. Wisconsin Nat. Hist.
Soc, 1903, p. 14. )

ORDER STEGANOPODES.

TOTIPALMATE SWIMMERS. ANHINGAS, CORMORANTS,
PELICANS, ETC.

Family ANHINGID^, Darters, Snake Birds.

Of the four known species of this family, only one occurs in the
United States. It was at one time not tmcommon in southern Illinois
and is still to be found in the extreme southern portion of the state.
They are fish eaters and expert divers, often remaining for a consider-
able time under water with the head and perhaps a portion of the
neck exposed above the surface.

Genus ANHINGA Bnss.

31. Anhinga anhinga (Linn.).
Anhinga.

Local names: Water Turkey. Snake Bird.

Distr.: Tropical and subtropical America, north in the United
States to the Carolinas, southern Kansas, and southern Illinois.

Adult male in breeding plumage: Head and neck, black, showing
a greenish gloss; back of the head and neck showing lengthened hair-
like feathers of dull white; back mottled and streaked with white;
upper mandible, olive, edged with yellow; lower mandible, yellow,
shading into green at the tip; gular sac, yellow. In winter the male
loses the white hair-like feathers on the neck; middle tail feathers
showing transverse fluting.

Adult female: Head, neck, and breast, buff color, darker on the
nape.

Length, 33.50; wing, 13.50; tail, 10.50; tarsus, 1.35; bill, 3.25.

The Anhinga, commonly called Water Turkey or Snake Bird,
occurs more or less commonly in summer in the extreme southern
portion of Illinois and may breed there, although I find no actual
record of its having done so.

"In summer it passes north regularly to southern Illinois."
(Cooke.) "The Anhinga appears to be a regular summer resident
in the extreme southern portion of Illinois, since Mr. Kennicott found

307

3o8 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Anhinga.

it to be common in the vicinity of Cairo in 1865, while Mr. Nelson
observed it in the same locality twenty years later." (Ridgway,
Orn. of Illinois, 1895, p. 209.) "Common in summer near Cairo, and
seen by Mr. Ridgway near Mt. Carmel." (Nelson, Birds N. E. 111.,
1876, p. 151-) There is apparently no satisfactory record of its oc-
currence in northern Illinois or Wisconsin. A bird was described to
Mr. W. E. Snyder as having been shot in Dodge Co., Wisconsin, which
he believed to be this species. (Bull. Wis. Nat. Hist. Soc, April, 1892.)

Family PH ALACROCORACID^.

Cormorants.

Cormorants are maritime birds, but often occur in numbers on
some of the larger inland lakes and rivers. They feed principally
upon fish and are usually found in colonies. About thirty species
are recognized, of which ten occur in North America.

Jan., igog. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 309

Double-crested Cormorant.

Genus PHALACROCORAX Brisson.

32. Phalacrocorax auritus (Lesson).
Double-crested Cormorant.

Phalacrocorax dilophus (Swain.), A. O. U. Check List, 1895, p. 42.

Local name: Nigger Goose.

Distr.: Eastern North America, breeding from the latitude of
Minnesota, Dakota, and the Bay of Fundy northward; south in
winter to the Gulf of Mexico.

Adult in spring: Head, neck, and under parts, glossy black; scap-
ulars and wing coverts, brownish gray, edged with black; tail, black,
having 12 feathers; a tuft of black feathers over the eyes ; gular sac
and lores, orange yellow.

Adult in fall and winter: Similar, but lacking the tufts of feathers
on sides of head, and the gular sac varies in color.

Immature: General plumage, grayish brown, becoming pale on the
breast, sometimes whitish; many of the back feathers and scapulars
with dark edges; no tufts of feathers on sides of head.

Length, about 30; wing, 12 to 13.20; bill, 2.10 to 2.50.

This species occurs in both Illinois and Wisconsin during the
migrations. It is not improbable that a few pairs may breed in
northern Wisconsin. Mr. Chas. F. Carr (Wisconsin Naturalist, Sept.

3IO Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

I, 1890) says, "They breed about some of the larger isolated lakes
in the northern and central part of the state."

32a. Phalacrocorax auritus floridanus (Aud.).

Florida Cormorant.

Phalacrocorax dilopJiiis jioridauiis (Aud.), A. O. U. Check List,
1895, p. 42.

Distr.: South Atlantic and Gulf states, northward along the
Mississippi Valley to southern Illinois.

The Florida Cormorant is merely a rather small, southern form of
the preceding species; the plumage is similar.

Length, less than 30 inches; tarsus, 2 inches or less.

"In summer, north to Illinois, sometimes winters in southern Illi-
nois." (Cooke.) "Common in early spring on the Wabash River
as far north as Mt. Carmel." (Ridgway, Orn. of 111., 1895, p. 205.)
" A regular summer resident in southern Illinois, occasionally straying
to the northern part of the state." (Nelson, Birds N. E. 111., 1876,
p. T45.) It has not been observed in Wisconsin.

f-?'!!?!'?®*^?!^

Double-crested Cormorant.

Mexican Cormorant.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 311

33. Phalacrocorax vigua mexicanus (Brandt).
^Iexicax Cormorant.
PJialacrocorax mexicanus (Brandt), A. O. U. Check List, 1895,

P- 43-

Distr.: Central America and the West Indies to southern United
States, casual or accidental north to Kansas and southern Illinois.

Special characters, adult: Smaller than the preceding species. In
the adult breeding plumage the Mexican Cormorant may be dis-
tinguished by the narrow edging of white feathers bordering the
brownish yellow gular sac, and also by the lack of any definite tufts
on the head, which are replaced by long, filamentous white feathers,
and in winter by its small size.

Length, about 25; wing, 10 to 10.60; bill, 1.70 to 2.

The Mexican Cormorant is probably of accidental occurrence in
the extreme southern portion of Illinois. It is easily recognized by
its small size (the wing being always less than 10.50 inches) and the
white line bordering the base of the gular pouch.

" A very common resident along the coast of Texas, occurs in the
Mississippi Valley as far north as southern Illinois and Kansas."
(W. W. Cooke, p. 59.) "Mr. Worthen reports that last spring he
received a skin of this species labelled 'Near Cairo, Illinois.' It was
in summer (not adult) plumage. He was not able to trace the speci-
men, so there is room for doubt as to the locality." (Ridgway, Bull.
Nutt. Orn. Club, Jan., 1880, p. 13.)

Family PELECANID.^. Pelicans.

Pelicans are large birds, frequenting the warmer portions of the
world. Of the twelve known species, three occur in North America
and two of these in eastern United States.

They are gregarious, usually nesting in large colonies. Their
food consists almost entirely of fish, which they capture with great
dexterity. The White Pelicans scoop up their food while swimming,
but the Brown Pelican will often dive headlong into the water, while
on the wing, sometimes disappearing entirely beneath the surface.

312 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

J

White Pelican.

Genus PELECANUS Linn.

34. Pelecanus erythrorhynchos Gmel.
American White Pelican. .

Distr.: Temperate North America, north in the interior to about
latitude 6i°, breeding chiefly from about the latitude of Minnesota
northward; south in winter to Mexico and Central America. It is
still abundant in many parts of the interior and along the Gulf coast
to Florida and on the coast of California; very rare on the Atlantic
coast north of Florida.

Adult in breeding plumage: General plumage, white; bill, yellow-
ish, with horny protuberance on the top (this is lacking in winter);
primaries, black; pouch is lemon yellow and the legs, pale yellow;
iris, straw color.

Length, 60; wing, 24.50; tarsus, 4.45; bill, 12.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and WiscoxNsin — Cory.

313

This species occurs in Illinois and Wisconsin during the migrations,
usually in April, September, and October. It is not improbable that
a few pairs may still breed in the northern part of Wisconsin.

"At present an exceedingly rare visitant during the migrations.
Formerly they were regular and rather common migrants. Still mi-
grate along the Mississippi River." (Nelson, Birds N. E. 111., 1876,
p. 144.) According to Kumlien and Hollister, White Pelicans nested
in Wisconsin as late as 1883 and 1884, but they believe that "pro-
bably few, if an3^ nest in the state at the present time." (Birds of
Wisconsin, 1903, p. 15.)

35. Pelecanus occidentalis Linn.
Brown Pelican.

Pelecanus juscits (Linn.), A. O. U. Check List, 1895, p. 46.

Distr. : Atlantic coast of tropical and subtropical America ;
abundant in Florida and along the Gulf coast, casual north to the
Carolinas and accidental in southern Illinois.

■'""■^skS

"•*»« \

Brown Pelican.

314 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Adult in breeding plumage: Neck, chestnut brown; head and hne
at the base of the pouch, yellowish white; upper parts, ashy gray,
some of the feathers edged with brownish; bill, brownish white,
marked with red in spots; pouch, dark greenish black; bare space in
front of the eye, bluish; tail, consists of twenty-two feathers. The
immature bird has the head and neck brownish gray.

Length, 50; wing, 20; tarsus, 2.90; bill, 11.

"The Brown Pelican has a soinewhat doubtful claim to be in-
cluded among the birds of Illinois. Apparently the only record is
that given by Mr. Chas. K. Worthen in a letter to Prof. Ridgway,
who writes: "Saw a specimen of this bird flying over Lima Lake,
a large, shallow body of water ten miles below here (Warsaw, Illinois),
in October, 1873. The bird was not over a hundred yards from myself
and two or three others and we watched it for several minutes. '■' * *
It had the color, bill, and size of that species." (Ridgway, Bull.
Nutt. Orn. Club, 1880, p. 31.)

Family FREGATID^. Man-of-war Birds.

The Fregatidte are a family of maritime and pelagic birds, com-
prising one genus and only two known species, inhabiting the warmer
portions of the globe.

Genus FREGATA Lacepede.

36. Fregata aquila (Linn.).

Man-of-war Bird.

Distr.: Tropical and subtropical coasts and islands. In America
north to Florida and Texas, and casually to Nova Scotia, Wisconsin,
Indiana, etc.

Adidt male: Entire plumage, brownish black, showing a greenish
reflection on the head, and purplish upon the back; tail, forked and
composed of twelve feathers; gular sac, pale orange; iris, brown.

Adult female: Differs from the male by having a white patch on
the breast, which extends along the sides of the neck and around it
near the middle.

Length, 43; wing, 25; tail, 19; tarsus, i; bill, 6.

Stragglers of this strictly maritime species have been recorded
from various localities in the interior. Specimens have been taken
in Kansas, Ohio, and Indiana (2).

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

315

It has not been observed in Illinois, but Kumlien and Hollister
state that a bird of this species "was shot in the Milwaukee River at
Humbold, near the city of Milwaukee, in August, 1880. * * * *
The specimen is now mounted in the Milwaukee Public Museum."
(Bull. Wisconsin Nat. Hist. Soc, 1903, p. 16.)

~-:^-' i^-Al

Maa-of-war Bird.

ORDER ANSERES. ,

LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS.

Family ANATIDiE. Ducks, Geese,
and Swans.

This large family contains nearly 200 species, distributed through-
out the world. They are subdivided into several well marked groups
or subfamilies.

Subfamily MERGINiE. The Mergansers or
Sheldrakes.

The Mergansers or Sheldrakes are fish eaters, and the flesh of the
adults of most species is strong and unpalatable. The Hooded Mer-
ganser is an exception, however, and it is an excellent table bird when
properly prepared. Three species occur in Illinois and Wisconsin.
They are easily recognized by their long narrow bills edged with
small tooth-like serrations.

Male.

American Merganser.
316

Female.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 317

Genus MERGUS Linn.

37. Mergus americanus Cass.
American Merganser. Sheldrake.

Merganser americanus (Cass.), A. O. U. Check List, 1895, p. 47.

Distr.: General North America, breeds from northern Wisconsin
and Pennsylvania northward. It ranges in winter as far south as
Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, northern Mexico, and Lower California.

Adult male: Bill, red, long and narrow, with tooth-like serrations
on edges; head and neck, greenish black; under parts, creamy white,
tinged with salmon color; tail, gray; feet, red; distance from anterior
end of nostril to the tip of the bill, less than i.jo inches.

Length, 26; wing, about 11; tarsus, 2; bill, 2.10.

Adult female: Upper throat, white ; breast and head, rufous brown ;
belly, white; speculum, white; feet, reddish orange; distance from the
anterior end of nostril to tip of bill, less than 1.50 inches.

Length, about 24.50; wing, about 9.75; tarsus, 1.90; bill, 2.

Immature males resemble the female.

The distance from the anterior end of nostril to the tip of the bill
is less than 1.50 inches in this species, and the female may be dis-
tinguished from the Red-breasted Merganser by this character, as
in that species the distance from the anterior end of nostril to tip of
bill is more than 1.50 inches.

This species is common in Illinois and Wisconsin, during the mi-
grations, and at times a number remain during the winter. It does
not breed in Illinois, and I find no satisfactory record of its having
done so in Wisconsin, although Kumlien and Hollister say: "Said to
nest in the extreme northern end of Door County." (Bull. Wiscon-
sin Nat. Hist. Soc, p. 16.) Both this and the next species are known
to the local gunners by the name of "Sheldrake."

38. Mergus serrator Linn.
Red-breasted Merganser. Sheldrake.

Merganser serrator (^Linn.), A. O. U. Check List, 1895, p. 47.

Distr.: Northern portions of the northern hemisphere, breeding
from northern Illinois northward; winters throughout the United
States from Lake Michigan and New England to the Gulf coast, Cuba,
and Lower California.

Adult male: Head and upper throat, black, tinged with greenish;
a white ring around the neck, not always well defined; breast, rufous.

3i8 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

streaked with black; lower
breast and belly, white; the
sides and rump, delicately-
pencilled black ; distance from
nostril to tip of bill, more
than 1.50.

Length, 23; wing, 9; tar-
sus, 1.90; bill, 2.30.

Female and young male:
Head, brownish; throat, pale
buff; back, gray; under parts of the body are white, and speculum is
white.

Length, 21; wing, 8.80; tarsus, 1.90; bill, 2.50.
Although not abundant, the Red-breasted Merganser is not un-
common at times on Lake Michigan and the inland waters of Illinois
and Wisconsin during the migrations. A few remain to breed in
northern Illinois and it breeds regularly in Wisconsin. The nest is
on the ground, composed of moss and grass lined with down and
carefully concealed. The eggs are from 7 to 12, pale buff color, and
measure abotit 2.50 x 1.75 inches.

"Winter resident throughout Illinois and breeds from the northern
portion of the state northward." (Ridgway, Orn. 111., 1895, P- i9°-)
"The rarest species of the genus in this vicinity. Frequents small
reedy lakes where it is a summer resident. Nests upon old muskrat
houses. * ''' ''' '•' A very rare winter resident. During the height
of the migrations it is rather common upon Lake Michigan, in small
flocks." (Nelson, Birds N. E. 111., 1876, p. 44.) "Common during
migrations, but not in as great numbers as the preceding. A regular
breeder about Green Bay and Lake Superior." (Kumlien and Hol-
lister. Birds Wisconsin, 1903, p. 17.)

Genus LOPHODYTES Reich.

39. Lophodytes cucullatus (Linn.).

Hooded Merganser.

Distr.: North America in general, south to Cuba and central
Mexico, breeding nearly throughout its range.

Adidt male: Head ivith large black and ivhite crest; upper parts,
black; under parts, white, having the sides brownish, delicately
barred with black.

Length, 19.50; wing, 7.75; tarsus, 1.30; bill, 1.50.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

319

Adult female: Head and
neck, brownish, shoAving a
slight crest, but not nearly as
large as in the male; under
parts, white.

Length, 18.50; wing, 7.75;.
tarsus, 1.30; bill, 1.50.

The young bird resembles-
the female, but has no crest.
Lengtli, 1 8. 50; wing, 7.70; tarsus, 1.25; bill, 1.50.
The Hooded Merganser is an abundant migrant and a not un-
common summer resident in both Illinois and Wisconsin. It fre-
quents the ponds and streams during the breeding season and
builds its nest in a hollow tree near water. The eggs are 7 to 10,
buff white, and measure about 2.05 x 1.75 inches. Its food consists,
of roots, seeds, small fish, and occasionally insects. The young are
taken from the nest in the bill of the mother. Nidification begins in
May.

"Very abundant migrant; common winter resident upon Lake
Michigan; breeds sparingly throughout the state." (Nelson, Birds.
N. E. 111., 1876, p. 44.) "Very common. * * =■= * Breeds sparingly
in suitable localities." (Kumlien and Hollister, Birds Wisconsin,.
1903, p. 17.)

Subfamily ANATIN^E. River and Pond Ducks.

These ducks, while often found in numbers on salt water, seem to.
prefer (with few exceptions) the lakes, rivers, and ponds. The food
consists of mollusks, small crustaceans, fish, and insects, as well as the
roots of aquatic plants and seeds. The members of this subfamily
have the bill broad (not narrow as in the Mergansers ) , and no flap^
or web on the hind toe.

320 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Female.

Mallard Duck.

Male.

Genus ANAS Linn.

40. Anas platyrhynchos Linn.
Mallard Duck.

Anas bosckas Linn., A. O. U. Check List, 1895, p. 48.
Distr.: Northern hemisphere, breeding nearly throughout the tem-
perate zone; south in winter to Cuba, Lower CaHfornia, Mexico, and
Central America to Panama.

Adult male: Head and neck, dark green,
with a white ring on the neck; under parts,
whitish or ashy white; breast, rich chestnut
brown; under tail coverts, black; upper tail
coverts are also black with central feathers
elongated and curved upwards; speculum,
purple, bordered with black and white; feet,
orange red; bill, yellowish olive.

Adult female: Speculum, purple, bordered with black and white;
head, brownish buff; belly, buffy brown, usually mottled; feet,
orange red.

Jan., igog. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — -Cory. 321

Length, 23; wing, 10.50; bill, 2.20.

An abundant species in Illinois and Wisconsin during the migra-
tions, and a number remain to breed in suitable localities in both
states. The nest is usually placed on the ground near water, and is
composed of grass and weeds and lined (not always) with down
feathers. The eggs are 7 to 10, pale greenish white, and measure
about 2.25 X 1.70 inches.

Ridgway states: "It has been known, in rare instances, to nest
in a tree, in such cases occupying the deserted nest of a hawk, crow,
or other large bird." (Orn. of Illinois, 1895, p. 129.)

41. Anas rubripes Brewster.
Red-legged Black Duck.

Distr.: Eastern North America, north to Ungava and Hudson
Bay, and west to the Manitoba region and the Mississippi Valley;
winters from Massachusetts and Illinois southward.

Adult: Head and neck, pale brown, finely dotted and streaked

with dark brown; top of the head darker than the cheeks; general

plumage, dark brown; feathers, edged with pale

buff; speculum, purple, edged with black; bill, yel-

•■^^ lowish green, with dark nail, no black at the base;

legs and feet, olive, with dusky webs.

Length, 22; wing, 11; bill, 2.10; tarsus, 1.75.
This species may always be distinguished from
the female of the Mallard by the absence of
white on the speculum.

The Red-legged Black Duck is not uncommon

in Illinois and Wisconsin during migrations.

Kumlien and Hollister consider it the common form in the latter

state, and the writer has examined a number of specimens offered for

sale at different times in the Chicago markets.

41a, Anas rubripes tristis Brewster.
Black Duck.

Anas obscura Gmel., A. O. U. Check List, 1895, p. 48.

Distr.: Eastern North America, north to Labrador, and west to
Minnesota and Mississippi Valley, Breeds from Maryland and Illinois
northward; winters from southern Illinois and Massachusetts to the
South Atlantic and eastern Gulf States to the West Indies.

322 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

The Black Duck differs from the red-legged form in its being
somewhat smaller, and having the legs oliv?, and bill, not so yellow.
The sexes are similar.

Length, about 21; wing, about 10.75; bill, 2.10.

This species is at times fairly common during the migrations in
both Illinois and Wisconsin and a few remain to breed in both states.
The nest is on the ground. The eggs are 8 to 12, pale greenish
white or bluish white, and measure 2.45 x 1.80 inches. The note of
the male is something like ''Drake, drake, drake, drake," and also
" Shwipe," in a husky voice; the female, "quacks."

" An uncommon migrant with the preceding and a very rare sum-
mer resident. * * * * One or two pairs nest each year on the
Calumet marshes. " (Nelson, Birds N. E. 111., 1876, p. 139.)

Genus CHAULELASMUS Bonap.

42. Chaulelasmus streperus (Linn.).

Gadwall.

Anas strepera Linn., A. O. U. Check List, 1895, p. 49.

Local names: Gray Duck. Creek Duck.

Distr.: Nearly cosmopolitan. In North America it breeds chiefly
from the northern United States (Nebraska, northern Wisconsin,
etc. ) to Hudson Bay and Manitoba. Ranges from Hudson Bay and
Lesser Slave Lake to the Gulf coast, Lower California, and southern
Mexico, Florida, and Cuba.

Adult male: Top of head, brownish, finely streaked and mottled
with black and dark brown; neck and breast, mottled (black and
white), the feathers being black, having a central white mark; under
parts, white (sometimes grayish white); under tail coverts, black;
upper tail coverts and rump, black; speculum-, black and white; the
lesser wing coverts, chestnut; bill, black; feet, orange; axillars, white,
with white shafts.

Length, 19.50; wing, 10; bill, 1.60.

Adult female: Somewhat resembles the male, but has the under
wing coverts pure white, and usually little or no chestnut on the lesser
wing coverts.

Length, 19; wing, 10.15; bill, 1.55.

This species is common in Illinois and Wisconsin during the mi-
grations. It apparently does not breed in Illinois, but it still does
so in northern Wisconsin. The nest is placed on the ground and is
composed mostly of feathers and down. The eggs are 9 to 12, uni-

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

323

Gadwall Duck.

form cream color or pale buffy white, and measure about 2.10 x 1.50
inches.

The Gadwall is known to gunners as Gray Widgeon and Creek
Duck. " Very common during the migrations from the middle of
October to the last of November and from the first to the last of April."
(Nelson, Birds N. E. 111., 1876, p. 139.) "Found principally as a
migrant during April and October. Not nearly as common as for-
merly, in fact at the present time not at all common. Known to nest
sparingly near Lake Koshkonong, twenty-five or more years ago.
Capt. Goss found it breeding in Horicon Lake (now Horicon marsh).
Mr. C. F. Carr records it as breeding in the extreme northern part of
the state." (Kumlien and Hollister, Birds of W^isconsin, 1903, p. 18.)

Genus MARECA Stephens.

43. Mareca penelope (Linn.).

European Widgeon.

Anas penelope Linn., A. 0. U. Check List, 1895, p. 49.

Distr.: Old World species, accidental in the United States.
Numerous records from widely separated localities; Alaska, British
Columbia, Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, Massachusetts, Nova
Scotia, Florida, etc., etc.

Adult male: Somev/hat resembles the American Widgeon, but has
the crown buff cream color and the rest of the head and neck rufous

324 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

brown, except the throat, which is dusky; back
marked with fine wavy Hnes.

Adult female: Whole head and throat, rusty
brown, finely marked with black; greater wing
coverts, grayish brown, tipped with black.
Length, about 19; wing, 10.50; bill, 1.40.
At least three specimens of the European
Widgeon have been taken in Illinois and several in
Wisconsin, two of which, according to Kumlien and Hollister, were
killed at Lake Koshkonong.

Mr. Ruthven Deane records 20 birds of this species having been
killed in interior states, many of them in Indiana. (See Auk, 1899,
p. 270; lb., 1903, p. 303; lb., 1905, p. 76; lb., 1905, p. 206.)

44. Mareca americana (Gmel.).

American Widgeon. Baldpate.

Anas americana Gmel., A. O. U. Check List, 1895, p. 49.

Distr.: North America generally; breeds chiefly north of the
United States; south in winter to the Gulf coast. West Indies,
Mexico, and Guatemala.

Adult male: Head, speckled black and white; top of head, white;
a broad stripe of greenish from eye to the occiput; chin, blackish;
upper breast, pale ashy lilac or vinaceous; rest of under parts, pure
white; crissum and under tail coverts, black; back, ashy vinaceous.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

325

finely pencilled with black; a broad patch of white on the wing;
most of the secondaries. have the outer web black, edged with white;
the inner webs are grayish towards the tip ; speculum, black and green ;
axillary plumes, white, with dark shafts.

Adult female: Head and throat, whitish or buffy white, streaked
and mottled with black; back, grayish brown; tertials, dusky, edged
with whitish.

Length, 19; wing, 10.50; tarsus, 1.60; bill, 1.40.

This species is common in Illinois and Wisconsin during the mi-
grations. It is barely possible a few may still breed in northern
Illinois, and, according to Kumlien and Hollister, it formerly bred in
Wisconsin as far south as Lake Koshkonong and still does so in the
less settled portions of the state. The nest is placed on the ground
and is mostly composed of feathers and down. The eggs are buffy
white, 8 to 12 in number and measure about 2.15 x 1.45 inches.

"A very abundant species during the migrations and not very rare
summer resident." (Nelson, Birds N. E. 111., 1876, p. 140.) W. W.
Cooke states it has been known to breed in Illinois. (Report of Bird
Migration in Mississippi Valley, 1888, p. 66.)

Genus NETTION Kaup.

45. Nettion carolinensis (Gmel.).

Green-winged Teal.

Anas carolinensis Gmel., A. O. U. Check List, 1895, p. 50.
Distr.: North America in general, breeding chiefly north of the
United States; south in winter to Mexico, Central America and the
West Indies.

Adult male: Head and neck, chestnut brown; a patch of green
behind the eye extending to the nape; crown feathers are somewhat

elongated, forming a small crest;
sides and back, pale, marked with
narrow fine lines of black; under
parts, white, shading into pale brown
or buff on the breast, which is also
spotted with black; speculum, green,
bordered with black and chestnut.
Adult female : Top of head, brown-
ish, margined with reddish brown; throat and side of neck, white,
spotted with black; breast, brownish, with black spots; rest of under
parts, white, sometimes showing black spots on the under tail coverts.

326 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Length, 14.50; wing, 7.20; tarsus, 1.20; bill, 1.45.

The Green-winged Teal is common in Illinois and Wisconsin dur-
ing the migrations and is claimed to breed sparingly in both states.

The nest is placed on the ground and is thickly lined with down.
The eggs are 6 to 12, usually 9 or 10, pale buff or cream buff in color,
and measure about 1.80 x 1.20 inches.

In Illinois it has been found breeding in the northern portion of the
state, " Rockwood, Lacon, and Fernwood." (Cooke, Bull. Biological
Survey, 1906, p. 31.) "Breeds sparingly." (Nelson, Birds N. E'.
Illinois, 1876, p. 140.) "Formerly bred sparingly even in southern
Wisconsin, eggs having been taken on Black Hawk Island, Lake
Koshkonong, by L. Kumlien, in May, 1870. At least two other au-
thentic nesting records at this place are known. Further north they
breed more plentifully, but the larger nuinber pass beyond our
border." (Kumlien and Hollister, Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 19.)

Genus QUERQUEDULA Oken.

46. Querquedula discors (Linn.).-
Blue-winged Teal.

Anas discors Linn., A. O. U. Check List, 1895, p. 50.

Distr.: North America in general, but chiefly eastward, breeding

northward from Kansas and southern Illinois to Alaska; south in

winter to the West Indies, Central and South America as far as Chili.

Adult male: Head, gray, with purplish gloss, darkest on top;

a white patch resembling a crescent in front of the eye; greater and

middle wing coverts, pale grayish
blue, forming a grayish blue patch
on the wing; speculum, rich green;
under parts, purplish gray, spot-
ted on the breast with black; the
flanks are narrowly barred with
black; bill, black; feet, yellow.
Adult female: Showing a blue
patch on the shoulder which distinguishes it from other teals, ex-
cept the female of Q. cyanoptera, which has the chin dusky; and
the upper throat often tinged with rufous. The locality where it is
taken should also be considered.

Length, about 15.75, wing, 7.25; tarsus, 1.20; bill, 1.60.
The Blue-winged Teal is a common summer resident in Illinois
and Wisconsin, and breeds in May and June in suitable localities

'•^S!^yi'

9

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 327

throughout the states. The nest is a mass of feathers thickly hned
with down, placed on the ground, usually more or less concealed.
The eggs are from 7 to 12, pale buff or cream buff in color, and
measure about 1.80 x 1.30 inches.

47. Querquedula cyanoptera (Vieill.).
Cinnamon Teal.

Anas cyanoptera Vieill., A. O. U. Check List, 1895, p. 50.
Distr.: Western America from the Rocky mountains and Texas
to the Pacific, and from British Columbia south through Middle Amer-
ica and South America to Patagonia and Falkland Islands; casual
in the Mississippi Valley and Florida.

Adult male: Head, neck, and upper parts, chestnut brown, the
crown somewhat darker than the sides of the head; under parts,
brownish, showing dusky on the belly; rump,
olive brown, feathers becoming lighter on the
edges; wing coverts, blue gray; speculum, green,
the general coloration of the wing being similar to
the Blue-winged Teal, but the coloration of the
body is so different that it should never be con-
founded with that species.

Adult female: Resembles the female of the Blue-
winged Teal, although somewhat larger; the bill is larger, and the
under parts usually show at least a trace of the chestnut marking of
the male; the throat, more speckled; chin, dusky and often with
rufous tinge, otherwise apparently similar to Q. discors.
Length, 16; wing, 7.50; bill, 1.75; tarsus, 1.30.
Ridgway says: "It is of irregular and uncertain occurrence, hav-
ing been only once or twice taken in Illinois." "An occasional visitant
in Manitoba, Minnesota, Nebraska, Illinois, and Louisiana." (W. W.
Cooke, Bird Migr. Miss. Val., 1888, p. 68.)

For Wisconsin Kumlien and Hollister record two specimens taken
at Lake Koshkonong and add: "There are several more or less au-
thentic records among well-informed sportsmen in different parts of
the state and at the Club House on Lake Koshkonong." (Birds of
Wisconsin, 1903, p. 20.)

328 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Genus SPATULA Boie.

48. Spatula clypeata (Linn.).

Shoveller Duck.

Local names: Spoon-bill. Broad Bill.

Distr.: Northern hemisphere, breeding chiefly (in North Amer-
ica) from the Canadian border to the Saskatchewan region, although
it breeds more or less commonly much farther north and south. It
has been known to nest in Alaska and also as far south as Texas.
It winters from southern Illinois and the Carolinas southward. Very
abundant in Florida and along the Gulf coast, while a great many con-
tinue their migration as far south as South iVinerica (Bogata). It
also occurs in more or less numbers in the West Indies, Mexico, and
Central America.

Adult tnale: Bill, very much broadened; head and neck, dark green;
breast, pure white, shading into purplish chestnut on the belly;

wing coverts, blue ;
speculum, green,
edged with white;
feet, orange red.

Length, 20;
wing, 9.50; bill,
2.70; tarsus, 1.50.
$ Adult female:

Head and neck,
mottled and streaked with pale brown and dark brown or black;
under parts, brownish, mottled and spotted with fuscous, scarcely
showing on the middle of the belly; speculum and wing coverts
as in the male.

Immature male: Intermediate in plumage between the adult male
and female, but the speculum shows but little green, and the wing
coverts are slaty gray; the head is often blotched and mottled when
changing to adult plumage.

Length, 19.50; wing, 9.50; bill, 2.60; tarsus, 1.50.
The Shoveller Duck is abundant during the migrations and a few
may still breed in Illinois. It is a not uncommon summer resident
in Wisconsin.

The nest is composed of feathers and down placed on the ground.
The eggs are 7 to 10, pale buff white, and measure about 2.10 x 1.45
inches.

"An abundant migrant and rather common summer resident.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

329

Breeds in much the same locahties as the preceding {Q. discors).
Its eggs are deposited early in May. Arrives the last of March and
the larger number pass north before April 20th." (Nelson, Birds
N. E. Illinois, 1876, p. 140.) " It is still a common duck but can hardly
be called abundant. * -"•= * Essentially a duck of the large marshes
and shallow lakes in these localities. Considerable numbers still nest
within the state, even in the most southern counties." (Kumlien and
Hollister, Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 20.)

Genus DAFILA Steph.

49. Dafila acuta (Linn.).
Pintail Duck.

Local names: Sprig-tail. Pheasant Duck.

Distr.: A cosmopolitan species, inhabiting the Northern hemis-
phere, breeding (in North America ) from the northern United States
northward and ranging south in winter to the Gulf coast, the West
Indies, Mexico, and Central America to Panama; abundant in Florida.

Pintail DulI

Adult male: Bill, lead color, the base and a stripe along the culmen,
black; head and neck, rich brown, sometimes showing a faint gloss
of green on the feathers; sides of the neck showing a stripe of
white, and a stripe of black extending down the back of the neck;
under parts, white, showing faint, wavy, fine lines of dusky on the

330 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

sides; crissum, black, edged with white; central tail feathers, very
much elongated in the male; feet, lead color.

Length, 28; wing, 9.50; tail, 7; bill, 2.

Adult female: Tail feathers, not so much elongated as in the male,
but broad and pointed; crown and sides of the head, streaked with
dusky and pale brown; breast, spotted with dark brown or black;
under parts, white; abdomen and sides showing faint lines of dusky;
under wing coverts, fuscous, edged with white; axillary plumes,
white, barred with dark brown; speculum, grayish brown, edged with
white. The immature male shows considerable variation in plumage,
the under parts being usually more streaked or spotted than the adult
female, which it otherwise somewhat resembles.

Length, 22; wing, 9.25; tail, 3.50; bill, 2.

This species is abundant during the migrations in Illinois and Wis-
consin, and is claimed to breed. casually in Wisconsin and occasionally
in northern Illinois. The nest is of grass and sedge, sometimes lined
with feathers and down and often without. The eggs are 8 to 12,
pale buff white (sometimes showing a faint bluish tinge), and measure
about 2.25 X 1.50 inches.

"Very abundant migrant and rare summer resident. * '^ * *
Every year a few pairs breed upon the marshes in this vicinity.
* * * - In the spring of 1875, several pairs of these birds nested in
the prairie sloughs near the Calumet River, and on the 29th of May I
found a nest containing three freshly laid eggs." (Nelsons, Birds
N. E. Illinois, 1876, p. 139.) "An abundant migrant. A few still
nest within the state, but they are being gradually pushed further and
further north for the summer season." (Kumlien and Hollister, Birds
of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 20.)

Genus AIX Boie.

50. Aix sponsa (Linn.).

Wood Duck.

Local name: Summer Duck.

Distr.: Temperate North America, breeding throughout its range
from Nova Scotia and southern British Columbia south to Cviba and
southern California (Mexico, one record from Mazatlan).

Adult male: Bill, red, marked with rose-white, and a black stripe
on the middle of the upper mandible and tip; under mandible, black;
head, with decided crest which shows white, metallic green, and
purple; a narrow superciliary line from the bill to the occiput and

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

33^

another stripe of white behind the
eye, extending to the nape; chin
and throat, white, extending up-
wards in a streak on sides of the
head .0 the ear coverts; sides and
front of the lower neck and under
breast, purphsh chestnut, dotted
with white spots; under parts,
white, sides sometimes grayish,
showing faint pencilhng of dusky
lines; upper parts showing bronze-green and purple; speculum,
bluish green, edged with black and white.
Length, 18.50; wing, 9.50; bill, 1.40.

Adult female: Crest, small, but the feathers somewhat lengthened;
head and neck, grayish, whitening on the chin and front of the eyes;
front of the neck and breast, pale brown, mottled with grayish; the
breast showing numerous brown spots, which fade away on the lower
breast; belly, white.

Length, 18; wing, 9.30; bill, 1.35.

The Wood Duck is a common summer resident in parts of Illi-
nois and Wisconsin, but like most other species it is decreasing in
numbers. It breeds in both states in suitable localities, preferring
wooded streams and ponds to the larger lakes. The nest is placed in
a hole in a tree or large stump, from which the female carries the
young in her bill down to the water. The eggs are from 8 to 12,
sometimes 14, pale buff white, and measure about 2.05 x 1.50 inches.
"Common migrant and rather common summer resident in se-
cluded localities and is especially abundant in the 'bottoms' along
the rivers in the southern part of the state." (Nelson, Birds N. E. Illi-
nois, 1876, p. 140.) "Formerly a very common summer resident in
all heavily wooded regions about streams; at the present time more
common during the migrations, spring and fall. =•= ='= * * Consider-
able numbers still nest in favorable localities in the central and
northern parts of the state and in a few places in southern Wisconsin,
as about Delavan Lake." (Kumlien and Hollister, Birds Wisconsin,
1903, p. 20.)

Subfamily FULIGULINiE. The Sea Ducks.

The members of this subfamily have the bill broad, and a flap or
membranous lobe on the hind toe. Although classed as "sea ducks"

332 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

because they are partial to salt water, many
of the species occur in large numbers on
the interior lakes, rivers, and marshes. Their
food consists of mollusks, small fish, and
crustaceans, as well as the roots of aquatic
plants and seeds. Their nests are usually
placed on the ground or among rocks, al-
though a few species, such as the Golden-eye, Buffle Head, etc., lay
their eggs in hollow trees.

.:^

Genus MARILA Oken.

51. Marila americana (Eyton).

Redhead.

Aythya americana (Eyt.), A. O. U. Check List, 1895, p. 52.
Local name: Redhead Duck.

Distr.: North America, breeding from Maine, northern Michigan,
Wisconsin, and California northward. Winters in numbers from
Chesapeake Bay to Florida and along the Gvilf coast to Texas, casual
as far south as Mexico and Jamaica.

Adult male: Head and neck, brownish chestnut; lower neck and
upper breast, blackish; back, apparently grayish, being white pencilled

with fine, wavy lines of
black; speculum, gray-
ish ; upper feathers
edged with black, the
rest narrowly tipped
with white.

Length, 21; wing,
8.40; tarsus, 1.60; bill,
2.20.
Q Adidt female: Bill,

bluish, showing an in-
distinct bar near the end; head and neck, reddish brown, palest on the
sides of the head, becoming ashy on the sides of the head; upper
throat, white; breast and sides, brownish; belly, white; under tail
coverts and lower belly, sometimes washed with pale brownish.
Length, 20.50; wing, 8.30; tarsus, 1.60; bill, 2.20.
A common species in Illinois and Wisconsin during the migrations
and, according to Kumhen and Hollister, a few pairs still breed in
Wisconsin in the marshes about Lake Koshkonong.

The nest is in a marsh, made loosely of grass and usually lined

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

333

with feathers and down. The eggs are cream white or grayish white,
and measure about 2.35 x 1.40 inches.

52. Marila vallisneria (Wils.).

Canvas-back Duck.

Aythya vallisneria (Wils.), A. O. U. Check List, 1895, p. 53.
Distr.: North America, breeding chiefly from North Dakota,
Alberta, and southern Canada, and northwest to Alaska, migrating
south in winter to the southern and southeastern United States from
Chesapeake Bay and the Carolinas along the Gulf coast to Texas and
Mexico; accidental in Cuba.

Adult male: Head and neck, rufous brown, becoming dusky on
the crown and chin; the breast and upper portion of the back,

blackish; rest of upper parts
and wing coverts showing fine,
wavy lines of black, general
appearance being grayish;
belly, white, the lower portion
faintly lined with dusky;
sides, white, showing the
delicate lines as on the back,
but very much fainter and
sometimes wanting.

Adult female- Head and
neck, cinnamon brown, paler
on the throat; belly, white or grayish white.

Length, 20 to 22; wing, 8.75 to 9.25; bill, .75 to ,80; tarsus, 1.70.
The peculiar form of the bill will always distinguish the Canvas-
back from the Redhead, which is the only species with which it could
be confounded. This species is still common during the migrations
in both Illinois and Wisconsin. Although it may have formerly
bred occasionally in Wisconsin, it is doubtful if it does so at the
present time. Messrs. Kumlien and HolHster write: "We know of
three instances of females being seen with nestlings but incline to
the opinion that the birds were winged and could not continue the
journey northward." (Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 22.)

53. Marila marila (Linn.).

Scaup Duck.

Aythya marila nearctica Stejn., A. O. U. Check List, 1895, P- 53-
Local nam.es: Bluebill or Blackhead.

334 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Distr.: Northern hemisphere, breeding chiefly (in North America)
from North Dakota to Alaska and casually to the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
The greater number go south in winter to the Gulf states, Mexico, and
the West Indies.

Adult male: Head and neck and upper breast, black, showing green-
ish reflections; back, grayish white, delicately lined with fine, wavy
lines of black, giving it a grayish appearance;
speciiliDii, zvhite; under parts, white, the lower
belly showing grayish tinge. Length, 19; wing^
8.50; tarsus, 1.50, bill, 2.

Adult female: Patch at
the base of the bill, white or
grayish white; rest of the
liead and neck, breast, and
upper back, brownish; belly,
white; speculum, white.

Length, 17.75; wing, 8.25;
tarsus, 1.30; bill, 1.60'.
The Scaup Duck occurs on Lake Michigan and waters in the in-
terior of Illinois and Wisconsin during the migrations. More or less
common, varying in different seasons, but rare in comparison with
next species.

54. Marila affinis (Eyton).
Lesser Scaup Duck.

Aythya affinis (Eyt.), A. O. U. Check List, 1895, p. 53.
Local name: Bluebill.

Distr.: North America in general, breeding chiefly north of the
United States; south in winter to the Gulf coast and West Indies,
Mexico, and Central America to Panama.

Adult male: Resembles the male of the preceding species, but is
somewhat smaller in size; the head generally shows a faint gloss
of purplish, which in the Scaup Duck is usually
greenish, and the wavy black bars on the flanks-
are more distinct and heavier; speculum, ivhite.

Length, about 17; wing, about 8.10; tarsus-
1.50; bill, 1.75.

Adult female: Similar to the female of the pre-
ceding species, except that it is smaller.

The white speculum (band on the wing) will
always distinguish this species in any plumage from
the Ring-necked Duck, which has the speculum gray.
Length, about 16.25; wing, about 7.75; bill, about 1.55.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

335

The Lesser Scaup Duck is abundant on Lake Michigan and in the
interior waters of Ilhnois and Wisconsin during the migrations. It
may occasionally breed in Illinois, and, according to Kumlien and
Hollister, it breeds in Wisconsin. The nest is on the ground, usually
composed of grass and lined with down. The eggs are 7 to 10, grayish
buff or olive buff, and measure about 2.25 x 1.60 inches.

"An exceedingly abundant migrant, and in years when the Lake
does not become frozen over, is a resident through the year. '■'■'• * ■'•= *
About the time they leave for more northern breeding grounds, they
congregate in very large flocks on rivers or small lakes and soon
all have disappeared from these haunts, and none, except the
comparatively few which remain to breed, are found there again
until they return in Autumn, about the 5th to loth of October."
(Nelson, Birds of N. E. Illinois, 1876, p. 141.) "An exceedingly
abundant migrant both spring and fall. * * "•= * To a limited extent
a breeding species even in southern Wisconsin, having been known to
nest anywhere from the southern counties northward." (Kumlien
and Hollister, Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 23.)

55. Marila collaris (Donov.).

Ring-necked Duck.

Aythya collaris (Donov.), A. O. U. Check List, 1895, P- 53-
Distr.: North America, breeding chiefly from North Dakota to
the Athabaska region and migrating south in winter to the Gulf
coast, the Greater Antilles, Lower California, and Mexico.

Adult male: Head and neck, upper breast, and tipper hack, black,

usually showing faint bluish reflections when -held in the light. In

the breeding season the male has an orange

chestnut collar, which is usually lacking later in

the season^; belly, white, with

the lower belly finely lined with

blackish; speculum, gray; bill.

dusky, showing a faint bluish

gray band near the end.

Adult female: Head, brown-
ish, the sides mixed with grayish
brown shading into whitish on
face about base of the bill; belly, whitish, becoming grayish on the
lower portion; bill, as in the male. Resembles the female Redhead
Duck, but is smaller.

Length, 17; wing, 8; bill, 2.

The Ring-necked Duck is common in Illinois and Wisconsin

336 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

during the migrations. It breeds more or less commonly in Wisconsin
and also does so (or did) in northern Illinois. The nest is built on
the ground, usually in marshes or at least near water. The eggs are
from 8 to 12, pale buff or olive buff in color, and measure 2.25 x 1.65
inches.

"It often passes the winter in the southern portions of Illinois."
(Ridgway.) "This species also breeds about the marshes in north-
eastern Illinois." (Nelson.) "Very common during spring and fall
and to some extent a summer resident. '•■ * '^ Even at the present
day some few nest regularly as far south as Rock County and more in
the less settled regions." (Kumlien and Hollister, Birds of Wisconsin,
1903, p. 23.)

Genus CLANGULA Oken.

56. Clangula clangula americana (Bonap.).
American Golden-eye.

Glancionetta clangula americana (Bonap.), A. O. U. Check List,
1895, p. 54.

Local names: Whistler. Golden-eye Duck.

Distr.: North America, breeding chiefly from Maine and North
Dakota northward and westward to Alaska; winters from the Great
Lakes and New England coast south as far as Cuba, Lower Cali-
fornia and Mexico.

Adult male: Head and throat, glossy dark green; a patch of white
on cheeks at the base of the bill, rather round in form; lower throat

and under parts, white, encir-
cling the neck and extending
slightly upon the upper back;
back, black; wings, black; many
of the secondaries, white, and
the wing coverts, heavily marked
with white, giving the appear-
ed ? ance of a very broad white patch

on the wing.
Length, 19.50; wing, 9; bill, 1.50; side of bill, 1.90; tarsus, 1.70;
tail, 3.80.

Adult female: Head and throat, hair -brown; neck, whitish; upper
breast and sides of the body, strongly tinged with gray, the ends of
the feathers being whitish; rest of the under parts, white; back,
brownish black; wings, black; secondaries, mostly white, forming a
broad, white wing band; wing coverts, tipped with gray.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 337

Length, 16.50; wing, 8.25; bill, 1.30; side of bill, 1.80; tarsus,
1.25; tail, 3.75.

This species is common on Lake Michigan during the migrations
and in winter. It occurs both in Illinois and Wisconsin and is
claimed to breed in the latter state. The Golden-eye Duck usually
builds its nest in a hollow tree. The eggs are 7 to 10, pale grayish
green or grayish blue in color, and measure about 2.30 x 1.70 inches.

"Common migrant throughout the state and abundant on Lake
Michigan, where it is usually a winter resident." (Nelson, Birds of
N. E. Illinois, 1876, p. 141.) "Common migrant and winter resident
wherever there is open water. There are several breeding records for
northern Wisconsin and we have ourselves seen adult males at various
northern points during the summer, but found no actual evidence of
nesting." (Kumlien and Hollister, Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 24.)

57. Clangula islandica (Gmel.).

Barrow's Golden-eye.

Glaucionetta islandica (Gmel.), A. O. U. Check List, 1895, P- 54-
Distr.: Iceland, Greenland and northern North America, breeding
from the Gulf of St. Lawrence northward; south in winter to New
York, Utah, and California.

Adult male: Head and neck, dark bluish purple; rest of under

parts, white; a crescent-shaped spot of white on the cheeks at base of

^^^^ bill; a band of white about two inches wide

^^^^^Bk passes round the neck and joins the white of the

^^^^HHp\^ sides and breast; rest of upper parts, black; wings,

^^^^H^(£^^ black; and wing coverts, heavily marked with

^^^^W white, and many of the secondaries, white; tail,

black.

-^ Wing, 9.20 (male), 8.70 (female); bill, 1.25, on

side, 2; tail, 4; tarsus, 1.50.

Adult female: Resembles the female American Golden-eye, but

is somew^hat larger; head, dark cinnamon-brown; lower throat and

under parts, white, tinged with gray on the upper breast and sides of

the body; back, gray, slightly mottled with brown, shading into brown

on the rump; wnngs, black; many of the secondaries, white, and the

greater and lesser wing coverts, tipped with grayish white ; bill shorter

and narrower at tip than in C. c. ainericana.

Barrow's Golden-eye is a rare winter visitant to Lake Michigan.
Mr. Frank M. Woodrufif procured two specimens on Lake Michigan
near the Daily News Sanitarium, Dec. 11, 1896. (The Auk, 1897,

338 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

p. 227-288.) "It is a rare winter visitant, reaching here about
the southern limit of its distribution." (Ridgway, Ornithology of
Ilhnois, 1895, p. 170.) "A winter resident upon Lake Michigan and
found irregularly throughout the state at that season. A speci-
men was obtained at Mt. Carmel on the Wabash River, in Decem-
ber, 1874, by Prof. F. Stein, and I have observed it at Chicago."
(Nelson, Birds N. E. Illinois, 1876, p. 142.) Mr. J. G. Parker, Jr. has
a specimen taken at Fox Lake, Illinois, January 2, 1889. (Butler,
Birds of Indiana, 1897, p. 622.) "Actual records for the state are
not many. Reported from Racine in i860 by Dr. Hoy. One speci-
men was sent to Thure Kumlien from Edgerton in 1877, and one was
shot by L. Kumlien, Nov. 14, 1896, on Lake Koshkonong." (Kumlien
and Hollister, Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 24.)

Genus CHARITONETTA Stejneger.
58. Charitonetta albeola (Linn.).

BUFFLE-HEAD.

Local names: Butter-ball. Dipper. Buffle-headed Duck.

Distr.: North America, breeding from Maine and Montana north-
ward to Labrador and Alaska ; south in winter to the United States,
and occasionally as far as Cuba (one record) and Mexico.

Adult male: A very small duck; head, tipper neck, and throat,
greenish purple, showing various reflections of bluish and greenish;
a large white patch on the head, from the eye backwards; back, black;

Buffle-head.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

339

under parts, white; bill, lead color; feet, flesh color; wing coverts,
and some of the secondaries, heavily marked with white, forming a
broad, white wing patch.

Length, 12.75; wing, 6; tarsus, 1.20; bill, i.

Adult female : Head and upper parts, brownish, showing a grayish
white patch on the side of the head; under parts, white; speculum,
white.

Length, 12.50; wing, 5.75; tarsus, 1.20; bill, i.

This species, like the Golden-eye, builds its nest in a hollow tree
or stump. It is common in Illinois and Wisconsin during the migra-
tions and in winter. There is no authentic record of its nest having
been found in either state, although according to Kumlien and Hol-
lister: "Young still unable to fly have been shot on Pewaukee Lake
by B. F. Goss." (Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 25.)

Genus HARELDA Stephens.
59. Harelda hyemalis (Linn.).

Old-squaw.

Clangula hyemalis (Linn.), A. O. U. Check List, 1895, p. 55.
Local names: Old Wife. Long-tailed Duck.

Distr.: Northern hemisphere, breeding from Hudson Bay and
northern Labrador north to about latitude 82; winters in eastern
United States from New England to the middle states and casually
to Florida, on the Pacific side to California and Texas.

Adult male in wiyiter: Central tail feathers, black, much elongated;
outer tail feathers, white; top of the head and back of the neck to

back; white; a patch of grayish on
the sides of the head, including the
eye, which is succeeded by a patch
of black on the sides of the neck,
bordered on the lower throat by an
indication of brown; throat and
upper breast, pure white; breast
and upper belly, black, the black
continuing over the back in a band;
lower belly and under tail coverts, white; wing coverts, black; quills,
brown; a pale yellowish band across the end of the bill.

Adult male in spring: Head, smoky brown or black; crown, black;
a white patch on the face including the eyes; entire neck and breast,
smoky brown or black; rest of under parts, dull white; feathers of the
upper back and scapulars edged with rufous.

340 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

-^.s

Kg

Adult female in winter: Head, dull white on the crown, and a
patch on the side of the back of the head, smoky black or brownish
black; under parts, fuscous; breast, grayish; belly, white; tail
feathers, pointed, but not elongated as in the male.

Length (including tail), 21; wing, 8.50; bill, i.io.

Abundant on Lake Michigan in the late fall and winter and occurs

Jan., igog. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

341

occasionally on inland waters in both Illinois and Wisconsin. Nelson
records it from Mt. Carmel. " Small flocks are occasionally seen
during the fall migration at St. Louis, Mo." (Cooke.)

Genus HISTRIONICUS Less.

60. Histrionicus histrionicus (Linn.).
Harlequin Duck.

Disir.: Northern North America and eastern Asia; south to middle
Atlantic states, California and Japan in winter; breeds in Labrador,
Greenland, Great Bear Lake, and intermediate localities about latitude
65°. Nests in hollow stumps and trees.

Adult male: Head, variously marked with gray, white, rufous
brown, and black; a collar of white edged with black passes around
the neck; a broad band of white edged with
black commences on the sides of the breast and ex-
tends upwards; under parts, grayish brown; sides
heavily marked with rufous brown ;
back, dark slate; the scapularies
and tertials marked with white;
speculum, very dark blue; under
tail coverts, bluish black, showing
a spot of white on the sides; tail,
pointed.

Wing, 7.50; bill, i; sides of bill, 1.35; tail, 4.50; tarsus, 1.25.
Adult female: Head, grayish brown; face, whitish; spot of white
on the ear coverts; entire upper plumage, dull brown; some of the
feathers slightly washed with grayish; breast, grayish brown; rest of
under parts, mottled grayish brown; wings and tail, brown, without
white.

The Harlequin Duck is a rare winter visitant on Lake Michigan.
" Rather rare winter resident upon Lake Michigan." (Nelson, Birds
N. E. 111., 1876, p. 142.) "The Harlequin Duck is a winter visitant
or resident in Illinois, but is probably not at any time a common
species." (Ridgway, Orn. of Illinois, 1895, p. 173.) ''Rare winter
straggler to Lake Michigan. Dr. Hoy obtained at least four specimens
at Racine." (Kumlien and Hollister, Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 25.)
"Very rare; admitted in Gibbs' Birds of Michigan. * * * '^' Prof.
Ludwig Kumlien writes me that he has taken two specimens in
Jefferson Co., Wisconsin." (A. J. Cook, Birds of Michigan, 1893, p.
44.) A bird of this species was killed in 1880 on a small lake in
Marion Co., Illinois, about seven miles from St. Louis, and recorded

342 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

by Mr. Julius Hurter. (Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, 1881, p. 124.) "It
is found throughout Illinois in winter and has been taken at St. Louis,
Mo." (W. W. Cooke, Bd. Migr. Miss. Val., 1888, p. 73.)

Genus SOMATERIA Leach.

6L Somateria dresseri Sharpe.
American Eider Duck.
Distr.: Atlantic coast of North America, from Maine to Labra-
dor, south to Delaware and west to the Great Lakes in winter.

Adult male: Top of head, black, with a stripe of white on the
middle of the crown; occiput, pale green, the color extending on the

sides of the neck; rest
of head, breast and back,
white, faintly tinged
with dull pinkish on
the breast; rest of the
under parts, black; tail,
black; point of the di-
vided culmen extending
upon the forehead, blunt
and rounded.
Adult female: General color, pale rufous brown, mottled and
banded with black; head, tawny brown, faintly lined and dotted with
black; some of the secondaries tipped with white.

Length, about 23; wing, about 11; tarsus, 1.75; bill, 2.10.
The American Eider Duck closely resembles the Northern Eider,
the principle difference being in the shape of the divided culmen, the
points of which are broad and rounded,' and not pointed as in the
latter species. The Northern Eider, however, has not as yet been
recorded from the Lake Michigan region, although it occurs commonly
in Hudson Bay.

A rare resident on Lake Michigan in winter. A young male bird
of this species was shot by a fisherman on the Lake front in Chicago,
Dec. I, igo8. The specimen was purchased by Mr. J. L. DeVine who
kindly loaned it to me for examination.

" Not a very rare winter resident upon Lake Michigan and prob-
ably occurs in suitable places throughout the state. In my collection
is an immature specimen obtained near Chicago, in December, 1874."
(Nelson, Birds N. E. 111., 1876, p. 142.) "Lake Michigan in winter,
rare. Recorded at Racine in winter, 1875, by Dr. Hoy. Two spec-
imens were also taken at Milwaukee and were preserved in the Public
Museum. The only positive record for the interior that we are aware

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 343

of is one specimen, a female, shot on Lake Koshkonong in November,
1891." (Kumlien and Hollister, Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 25.)

Subgenus ERIONETTA Coues.

62. Somateria spectabilis (Linn.).

King Eider Duck.

Distr.: Arctic regions, south in winter occasionally as far as the

Great Lakes and Virginia. It is found on the Pacific side among the

Aleutian and Kadiak Islands, accidental as far south as San Francisco.

Special characters, adult male: Top and back of the head and

nape, pale bluish gray; a black V on the upper throat; feathers

bordering the upper mandible and a spot below

the eye, black; sides of head below the eye,

whitish, more or less tinged with green; throat,

white; breast and upper back, pale buff; rest

% .^00''^ °^ under parts, black; middle and greater wing

^ ' coverts, white; rest of wings, tail and lower

back, black; upper back, white; axillars, white.

Length, 24; wing, 11.25; tarsus, 1.90; bill,

\

\

c?

1.30

Special characters, adult female: Resembles in
general coloration the Northern and American Eiders but may always
be known by the peculiar shape of the upper mandible.

Length, 21 to 24; wing, 10.50 to 11.30; tarsus, 1.80; bill, 1.25.

The King Eider is a rare winter resident on Lake Michigan.
" Rare winter visitant, perhaps winter resident to Lake Michigan and
other parts of the state. An adult female obtained at Chillicothe on
the Illinois River in the winter of 1874 has been sent to the National
Museum by W. H. Collins, Esq., of Detroit, Mich. (Ridgway. ) " (Nel-
son, Birds N. E. 111., 1876, p. 143.) Mr. Wm. E. Praeger records a
male specimen of this species shot in the Mississippi River near Keo-
kuk, Iowa, in November, 1894. (The Auk, 1895, P- ^6.) Kum-
lien and Hollister (Birds of Wisconsin, p. 26) mention 6 specimens as
having been taken in Wisconsin: Racine i, Milwaukee 4, Lake She-
boygan I, and others were observed.

Genus OIDEMIA Fleming.

63. Oidemia americana Sw. & Rich.
American Scoter Duck.

Local name: Butter-bill Coot.

Distr.: Northern North America, breeding from latitude 52° north-

344 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

ward; winters from New Foundland to North Carolina and casually
to Florida; on the Pacific side from Aleutian Islands to California.

Adult male: General plumage, entirely black; bill, black, the upper
mandible being yellowish orange at the base ; jeathers on the bill more

than one-half inch from the nostril;
no white on the wing.
'^\ Adult female: Brownish, or

sooty brown ; paler on the under
parts, becoming grayish white on
the belly; sides of the head,
whitish; feathers on the bill more
than one-half inch from nostril;
no white on the wing. The

1 A jr

'^.-

*'K

^~ 9

female is smaller than the male.

Length, 19; wing, 9.10; tarsus, 1.65; bill, 1.80.

The American Scoter Duck is a common winter resident on Lake
Michigan, its numbers varying with different seasons. Arrives in
November and leaves early in x^pril.

Subgenus MELANITTA Boie.
64. Oidemia deglandi Bon a p.

White-winged Scoter.
Local names: White-winged Coot. Velvet Duck.
Distr.: Northern North America, breeding from North Dakota and
Labrador north to Hudson Bay and the Arctic coast; winters from the
Gulf of St. Lawrence to South Carolina and casually to Florida, and
on the Pacific side from Alaska to Lower California.

Adult male: General plumage, black; upper mandible, orange,
blackish at the base; a white spot under the eye and a broad patch

of white on the wing;
feathers on. the bill less
than one-half inch from
the nostril.

Adult female: Is gray-
ish brown, showing a
wash of grayish white
at the base of the bill
and behind the ears ; the
speculum is white, which is a good distinguishing character.

Length, 21; wing, 11.15; tarsus, 2; bill (culmen), 1.75; side
measure, 2.75.

Ik'-M

9 ^'

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

345

A coninion winter resident on Lake Michigan and on the larger
waters in the interior of Illinois and Wisconsin and abundant during
migrations.

Subgenus PELIONETTA Kaup.

65. Oidemia perspicillata (Linn.).
Surf Scoter.

Local names: Skunk-head Coot. Goggle-nose.

Disir.: Northern North America, breeding from Newfoundland
west to Alaska; winters from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to South
Carolina and casually to Florida, and on the west coast from the
Aleutian Islands to Lower California.

Adult male: General plumage, black, no white on the iving; head,
black, with a white patch on the forehead and nape; feathers on the

hill, less than one-half
inch from the nostril.

A peculiar highly
colored bill is one of
the distinguishing
marks of the male of
this species, it being
orange, yellow, black,
and white, the feathers
on the top of the bill extending much farther forward than on the
sides.

Female and immature: Brownish, showing a whitish spot at the
base of the bill, and back of the eyes; the female having the upper
parts, brownish; under parts, ashy gray, shading into whitish on the
belly.

Length, 20.50; wing, 9.60; tarsus, 1.65; bill (culmen), 1.50;
side measure, 2.35.

This species may always be distinguished from O. americana by
the forward extension of the feathers on the top of the bill, and from
0. deglandi by the absence of the white wing patch.

Abundant on Lake Michigan in fall and winter, and in many of the
interior waters of Wisconsin and Illinois until ice forms. Leaves for
the north the last of March.

346 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Genus ERISMATURA Bonap.

66. Erismatura jamaicensis (Gmel.).
Ruddy Duck.

Erismatura riibida (Wils.), A. O. U. Check List, 1895, P- 59-
Distr.: North America in general, from Hudson Bay, British Col-
umbia and Great Slave Lake to the West Indies, Mexico, Lower
California, and Central America; breeds nearly throughout its range.
Adult male in breeding plumage: Top of head and nape, black;
sides of head, white; chin, whitish; throat, breast, and sides of body,

flanks and rest of upper parts, deep
rufous brown; wings, brown, with-
out white patch; axillars, grayish
white, with pale brown or grayish
brown shafts; tail, black, the
feathers stiff and pointed.

Adult female: The general color
of the upper parts is brownish gray; sides of the head and throat,
whitish, shading into gray on the lower throat and upper breast;
under parts, silver white, as in the male.

Length, 15.30; wing, 6; tarsus, 1.20; bill, 1.50.
The Ruddy Duck may easily be distinguished from other species
by its small size, and stiff, pointed tail feathers. It is common during
the migrations in spring and fall, and a few remain in summer, and
breed in both Illinois and Wisconsin.

Nelson mentions young birds of this species having been seen in
northern Illinois, and Cooke states that it is known to breed casually
in Ohio and Illinois. (Bull. Biol. Survey, No. 26, 1906, p. 63.) It
breeds regularly in southern Minnesota and casually in Wisconsin.
Kumlien and Hollister state: "A few breed in the state, as about
Lake Koshkonong, Pewaukee Lake, Lake Horicon, etc., but sparingly
of late." (Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 27.)

^

Genus NOMONYX Ridgway.

67. Nomonyx dominicus (Linn.).
Masked Duck.

Distr.: Tropical America in general, including West Indies,
ranging north as far as southern Texas, accidental in eastern North
America. Stragglers have been taken in Massachusetts, New York,
and Wisconsin.

Jan., igog. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 347

Special characters, adult male: Front of head and face, black;
back of head and neck, rich rufous brown, shading into pale chest-
nut, or tawny brown on the under
parts; basal portion of wing coverts,
white, forming a ivhite patch on the
wing; primaries, brown; feathers of
the back, black, edged with rufous
brown; tail, black, the feathers stiff
and pointed; axillars, white; upper
mandible, light blue in life, showing a narrow middle stripe of black;
feet, gray.

Adult female: Top of the head, and a stripe through the eye,
and a cheek stripe, black, or brownish black; rest of the head, and
upper throat, pale buff color, whitish on the chin; breast, tawny,
mottled with black; rest of under parts, washed with tawny brown,
shading into grayish on the abdomen; back, dark brown, the feathers
tipped with pale brown, or tawny brown; wings and tail, as in the
male; axillars, white.

This tropical species has been taken in Wisconsin; the record is
as follows: "A single female was procured by Thure Kumlien, on
Rock River near Newville, November, 1870, and is now preserved
in the collection of the Boston Society of Natural History." (Kum-
lien and Hollister, Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 27.)

Subfamily ANSERINiE. Geese.

Geese are gregarious, especially during migrations. When flying
the flock assumes a V-shaped form and is led (it is claimed) by an old
gander. They feed principally upon roots, seeds of aquatic plants,
and grain and are often found in the grain fields in large numbers.
The sexes are similar.

Genus CHEN Boie.

68. Chen hyperborea (Pall.).
Lesser Snow Goose.

Local name: White Brant.

Distr.: North America, breeds from Melville Peninsula to Vic-
toria Land and probably north to latitude 74°; winters from southern
Illinois, lower Mississippi Valley, Louisiana, and Texas to Mexico and
Guatemala, casually to New England.

348 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology. Vol. IX.

Adult: General plumage, white; primaries, black; and primary
coverts, pale ash. The immature bird has the head, neck, and upper
parts, inottled gray and white; the rump and tail are white; under
parts, white.

Length, 23 to 28; wing, 14 to 17; bill, 2 to 2.35; tarsus, 2.90 to
3.20.

The Lesser Snow Goose is more or less common in Illinois and
Wisconsin during the migrations, apparently much more numerous
along the Mississippi Valley than on Lake Michigan.

68a. Chen hyperborea nivalis (Forst.).
Greater Snow Goose.

Local name: White Brant.

Distr.: Northeastern North America, breeds in the far North.
It is known to winter in numbers in the lower Mississippi Valley and
on the coast of North Carolina and Chesapeake Bay. Casual or
accidental as far south as Cuba and Jamaica.

Snow Goose.

Adult: Resembles the Lesser Snow Goose, but is larger. Wing,
17 to 17.75; bill, 2.50 to 2.70; tarsus, 3.10 to 3.50. Not uncommon

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

349

in Illinois and Wisconsin during the migrations. More common along
the Mississippi Valley.

69. Chen caerulescens (Linn.).
Blue Goose.

Local name: Bald Brant. Blue Brant.

Distr.: Northeastern interior of North America, probably breed-
ing north and east of Hudson Bay: nest and eggs as yet unknown.
Winters from southern Illinois throughout the lower Mississippi
Valley, Louisiana, and Texas; accidental in California, Cuba, and the
Bahamas.

Adult: Head and neck, white or white, tinged with orange brown,
or white tinged with grayish; back and breast, dark slaty brown;

Blue Goose.

the feathers margined with lighter brown; wing coverts and concealed
portion of primaries and secondaries, slaty gray; exposed portion
of primaries and secondaries, brownish black; greater portion of the
shafts, white; lower back and rump, slaty gray; under parts, dull
slaty gray, the feathers margined with pale brown or rusty browm;
axillars, hoary gray, with grayish brown shafts.

350 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Wing, 16.25; tail, 5.75; tarsus, 2.75; bill (culmen), 2.37; bill,
(nostril to tip), 1.37.

The Blue Goose is not uncommon along the Mississippi Valley
during the migrations and occurs both in Illinois and Wisconsin,
usually associated with White-fronted Geese or Snow Geese.

Genus ANSER Brissoii.

70. Anser albifrons gambeli (Hartl.).
American White-fronted Goose.

Local names: Brant. Speckle-belly. Yellow-legged Goose.

Distr.: Northern North America, rare on the i\tlantic coast;
breeds in Alaska and winters in southern United States from southern
Illinois southward and west to Texas, Mexico, and Lower California.

Adult: Forehead and base of bill, zvhite; the rest of the head,
brownish; neck, grayish brown, shading into dull white in front;

White-fronted Goose.

under parts, whitish, the breast showing black markings; back, ashy
gray, the feathers edged with brown on the upper part; shafts of
quills, white; bill, pinkish or reddish or pale white; feet, yellow.

The immature bird is similar, but shows no white on the base of
the bill, or black markings on the breast.

Length, 28; wing, 16; bill, 2; tarsus, 2.90.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illixois and Wisconsin — Cory.

351

This species is much less common than formerly, but still occurs
in more or less numbers in Illinois and Wisconsin during the migra-
tions.

Genus BRANTA Scopoli.

71. Branta canadensis (Linn.).
Canada Goose.

Distr.: Temperate North America, breeding chiefly from the Sas-
katchewan and Alberta, Minnesota and North Dakota northward;
south in winter from the middle Atlantic coast and Gulf states as far
as Jamaica and on the west side from British Columbia to Mexico.

Adult: Head and neck, black; a patch of white on the side of the
head behind the eye extending to the chin; back and wings, grayish

Canada Goose.

brown; breast and under parts, dull grayish white, becoming white
on the belly; tail, black.

The immature bird is similar, but has the throat and cheeks
sometimes mottled.

Size, large; length, 35 to 44; wing, 15.75 "to 21; tarsus, 2.50 to
3.75; bill, 1.50 to 2.75.

352 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

The Canada Goose is common during the migrations in Illinois
and Wisconsin, and once bred in numbers along the upper Mississippi
Valley, but at the present time a few pairs make their nest occasionally
in Michigan and Wisconsin, and possibly a very few in Illinois. The
nest is a mass of sticks on the ground (very rarely in trees). The
eggs are usually 4 to 5, cream white or ivory white in color, and
measure about 3.20 x 2.25.

The following varieties or subspecies are recognized. There are
apparently no well marked differences to separate them, except that
of size, and, while the extremes are easily recognized, intermediate
specimens are numerous.

71a. Branta canadensis hutchinsii (Sw. & Rich.).
HuTCHiNs's Goose.

Distr.: Arctic America, south to Virginia, the Mississippi Valley,
Lower California, and Mexico in winter; breeds in the far north from
Melville Peninsula to Alaska.

Adult: Plumage, similar to B. canadensis; size, medium; length,
25 to 34; wing, 14.75 ^o ^7i tarsus, 2.30 to 3.20; bill, 1.20 to 1.90.

The Hutchins's Goose is merely a small form of the Canada Goose,
interinediate in size between it and the Cackling Goose. Common in
winter from southern Illinois, Louisiana, and Texas, and at times
abundant in Illinois and Wisconsin during the migrations.

71b. Branta canadensis minima Ridgw.
Cackling Goose.

Distr.: Northwest coast of Alaska and Lower Yukon, where it
breeds. Winters from southern British Columbia to California;
stragglers occur in the Mississippi Valley and Wisconsin.

Adult: Breast and upper belly often darker, being brownish instead
of gray; size, small; length, 21 to 25 inches; wing, 13.60 to 14.50;
tarsus, 2.30 to 2.75; bill, .95 to 1.15.

If this form occurs in Wisconsin or Illinois, it must be considered
as accidental.

"Occasional migrant to Mississippi Valley, Wisconsin, Michigan,
Illinois (mentions specimen from Andalusia, Illinois)." (Ridgway,
Orn. of Illinois, 1895, p. 123.) "Sometimes reaches the Mississippi
Valley; has been killed as far east as Wisconsin." (W. W. Cooke,
Bird Migration Mississippi Valley, 1888, p. 78.) Messrs. Kumlien
and Hollister say: "Credited to the fauna of Wisconsin in Ridgway 's

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 353

Manual of North American Birds, The A. O. U. Check List, and other
works, as a straggling migrant. A small goose with short neck,
minimum amount of black, dark under parts, and distinct white
crescent at the forward lower part of black neck marking, is of fre-
quent occurrence in Wisconsin, sometimes in large flocks made up of
this kind entirely, and again in company with geese of every varying
degree of size and marking.

" Specimens of this character have been examined of barely
six pounds weight, and in the collection of Mr. Skavlem is a specimen
weighing five and one-half pounds, which we think could be called
typical iiiiiiinia. These birds are locally known as 'bull necks'
by the sportsmen. As with the case of hutchinsii compared with
canadensis, there are also intermediates of every varying degree
between this form and both the others. There are occasionally large
geese with dark under parts, slender necks, and a distinct collar of
white on lower neck. The cheek patches appear to be indifferently
separated by black on throat or unbroken among geese of all sizes,
shape, and coloration. We have examined carefully many dozens of
fresh specimens killed at all times from early fall until late spring and
frankly admit our inability to satisfactorily unravel the ' goose ques-
tion ' in Wisconsin." (Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 29.)

72. Branta bernicla glaucogastra (Brehm).
Brant.

Branta bernicla (Linn.), A. O. U. Check List, 1895, p. 63.

Distr.: Arctic regions, breeding in the far north; south in winter
along the Atlantic coast to the Carolinas, casual in Florida and acci-
dental in the West Indies. Stragglers have been recorded from Indi-
ana, Wisconsin, and Nebraska.

Adult: Whole of the head, neck, and upper breast, black, except
the sides of the neck, which are speckled with white; back, grayish
brown; longer tail coverts, white; lower breast, grayish, shading into
white on the belly.

Length, 25; wing, 13; tarsus, 2.25; bill, 1.30.

The Brant must be included upon the authority of various writers,
but if it occurs at all so far in the interior, it is merely an accidental
straggler. Hearsay evidence is of little or no value as regards this
species, as many of the smaller geese are called Brant by the "gunners. ' '

Prof. Ridgway includes it in his Ornithology of Illinois on the
authority of Prof. Cooke. " During the winter of 1883-84, this species
was represented from Illinois southward by a few rare visitants.

354 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

There is much uncertainty in using the records concerning this
species, because it is so commonly confounded with the Snow
Goose, which is locally known as Brant all through the West." (W.
W. Cooke, Report on Bird Migration in the Mississippi Valley,
1888, p. 78. ) "Probably a rare visitant, but the only instance known
to me of its capture in this portion of the country is a specimen taken
by Dr. Hoy from a flock of three upon the Lake shore near Racine."
(Nelson, Bds. N. E. Illinois, 1876, p. 138.) "The Brant has been
listed as a bird of Wisconsin for a great many years, but when all rec-
ords are sifted we have left as authentic only the one of Dr. Hoy, a
single specimen taken at Racine many years ago. This was one of
three from the shore of Lake Michigan. For the past 30 years we
have run down ' Brant ' records innumerable to find that in every
case it proved to be something else, varying from the common Canada
Goose to a female Eider Duck." (Kumlien and Hollister, Birds of
Wisconsin, 1903, p. 30.) There are several supposed Michigan records
(A. J. Cook, Birds of Michigan, 1893, p. 47), and it has also been
given from Indiana (A. W. Butler, Birds of Indiana, 1897, p. 639),
but these authorities do not record it from personal observation.

Subfamily CYGNIN.^. Swans.

During the migrations, swans are found in Illinois and Wisconsin.
They are easily recognized by their large size and long necks. The
adults (in the two species which occur in Illinois ) are white and the
immature birds, gray. When migrating the flocks assume a V shaped
form like the geese. Their food consists of aquatic plants and roots
and occasionally small mollusks.

Genus OLOR Wagler.

73. Olor columbianus (Ord).
Whistling Swan.

Distr.: North America, breeding in high latitudes; south in win-
ter to the Carolinas and occasionally to Florida. It is common on
the Gulf coast of Louisiana and Texas and a few occasionally winter
in southern Illinois. On the Pacific side it winters from British
Columbia to southern California, accidental in northern Mexico.

Adult: General plumage, white; bill and feet, black; a. small yellow
spot (which is not always present) on bare loral skin at the base of

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

355

Whistling Swan.

the bill in front of the eye; the distance from the front angle of the
eye to the back edge of the nostril is more than the distance from the back
edge of the nostril to the end of the bill; this is one of the characters by
which it may be distinguished from the Trvimpeter Swan, which also
averages larger; bill, and feet, black.

The immature birds are usually pale, plumbeous gray, with a
brownish wash on the head and upper neck; feet, pale yellowish, some-
times pale flesh color or grayish.

Length, 53; wing, 21.50; bill, 4; tarsus, 4.20.

This species is not uncommon in Illinois and Wisconsin during the
migrations, being more often observed on the inland waters than on
Lake Michigan. It grows to a large size, a weight of twenty-five
pounds being not uncommon, and the flesh of the immature birds
is excellent. Its flight is very rapid, much faster than the Wild
Goose and it is claimed a speed of one hundred miles an hour is not
unusual. When flying the flocks assume a V-shaped form.

Baird, Brewer and Ridgway state: "The age of this swan may be
known by the color of the feathers, the yearling being of a deep
leaden tint, with a delicate red bill. In the second year it has a

356 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

lighter color and a white bill. In the third season the bill has be-
come jet black and about one- third of its plumage is still tipped
with gray; and until it is fully five years old an occasional feather
will present this tint."

74. Olor buccinator (Rich.).
Trumpeter Swan.

Distr.: Chiefly interior of North America. In early days it
bred commonly, at least as far south as Dakota. At present its
nesting range appears to be from southern British Columbia north-
ward; winters on the Gulf coast of Louisiana and Texas and from
western British Columbia to southern California. In mild winters
a few may remain as far north as southern Illinois.

Adult: General plumage, white; bare loral skin in front of eye,
not yellow; bill and feet, black; the distance from the front angle of the
eye to the hack edge of the nostril is equal or less than the distance from the
back edge of the nostril to the end of the bill.

Immature birds are ashy gray, often tinged with brownish on the
head and neck; bill and feet, dull yellowish brown, tinged with olive.

Length, about 63; wing, 21 to 26; bill, about 4.50.

The Trumpeter Swan occurs sparingly in Illinois and Wisconsin
during the migrations. It is fast becoming a very rare bird, at least
east of the Mississippi.

ORDER HERODIONES.

HERONS, IBISES, SPOONBILLS, ETC.
Suborder I BIDES. Spoonbills and Ibises.

Family PLATALEID^. Spoonbills.

A peculiar family comprising half a dozen species and having rep-
resentatives in both the Old and New World. They resemble Ibises
in habits and structure, except the flattened bill curiously paddle-
shaped or spoon-shaped at the end, which is characteristic and from
which their name is derived. One species occurs in North America.

Genus AJAIA Reichenbach.

75. Ajaia ajaia (Linn.).
Roseate Spoonbill.

Ajaja ajaja (Linn.), A. O. U. Check List, 1895, p. 67.

Distr.: South Atlantic and Gulf states southward through South
America to Patagonia and Falkland Islands.

Adult: Back and wings, a delicate rose white; under parts showing
rose color; bare skin of the head, greenish and yellow; bill, widened
at the tip, somewhat spoon-shaped but flat, tinted with greenish
and yellowish; legs, dull red. Very old birds have the lesser wing
coverts and upper tail coverts brilliant carmine red.

The immature bird has general plumage pale pinkish white, with
no red on the lesser wing coverts.

Length, 31; wing, 15; tarsus, 4.10; bill, 6.30.

Although there are no recent records of the occurrence of the
Roseate Spoonbill in Illinois, it was apparently not uncommon fifty
years ago in the southern part of the state.

Ridgway states he was informed that several specimens were
killed in the Mississippi bottoms near St. Louis, about 1859. Nelson
states that it "used to occur in the bottoms opposite St. Louis."
"It has been recorded in early days in Indiana." (Butler.) In A. C.
Barry's list (Wisconsin, 1854) he states that it was "found along the
Mississippi within the bounds of our state and occasionally about

357

358 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

V

5^f^

Roseate SpoonbilL

our small lakes in the interior." Kumlien and Hollister (Birds
of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 32) state: "The sole, actual and positively
authentic record, however, entitling the Spoonbill to a place in the
present list is from the fragments, head, wing, and leg of a specimen
procured by Indians at Indian Ford on Rock River, near Janesville,
in August, 1845, 3.nd preserved by Thure Kumlien. These remains
are still extant in the Kumlien collection."

Family IBIDID^. Ibises.

Ibises are restricted to the warmer parts of the world. Of the 30
or more known species, three occur in North America. They are gre-
garious, usually being found in colonies. They frequent the salt
water marshes and lagoons as well as inland swamps, rivers, and
ponds, being rarely found away from the vicinity of water. Their
food consists of fish, frogs, lizards, and small crustaceans. They
nest both in trees and marshes.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

359

Genus GUARA Reich.

76. Guara alba (Linn.).

White Ibis.

Distr.: South Atlantic Gulf states and West Indies, Lower Cali-
fornia and southward to northern South America.

Immature.

White Ibis.

Male.

Adult: General plumage, white; the four outer primaries, black;
bare skin at base of bill, orange red in life.

Immature: Head and neck, dull white, or brownish white, streaked
with grayish brown; wings and back, grayish brown; rump, white;
under parts, white.

Length, about 25; wing, 10.50 to 11.50; tarsus, 3.50; bill, 5 to 7.

Casual or rare in summer in the extreme southern portion of Illi-
nois. Mr. Ridgway states (Orn. of Illinois, 1895, P- i°9) that while
in company with Mr. William Brewster, he observed a flock of seven
or eight examples flying along the Wabash River near Mt. Carmel
in May, 1878. It has not been observed in Wisconsin.

360 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Genus PLEGADIS Kaup.

77. Plegadis autumnalis (Hasselq.).

Glossy Ibis.

Distr.: Warmer portions of eastern hemisphere. In America
found casually in southeastern United States and the West Indies.
Stragglers have been taken as far north as New England, Illinois,
and W^isconsin.

Adult: General plitinage, chestnut; wing coverts, back and front of
head showing greenish and sometimes bronzy reflections.

The immature birds have the plumage more brownish and the front
of the head slightly mottled; the back, greenish; under parts, dusky
brown.

Length, 25; wing, 11.25; bill, 5.40.

Mr. Julius Hurter (Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, 1881, p. 124) records
an immature specimen taken in Marion Co., 111., near St. Louis, in
February, 1880, which was identified by Prof. Ridgway as this species,
but later Mr. Ridgway (Ornithology of 111., 1895, P- ^12) suggests
the possibility of its being an immature specimen of guarauna on
account of the coloring of the legs and bare skin in front of the eye
in life, as described to him in a letter from Mr. Hurter. Nelson
writes: " A very rare visitant. I know of but two or three instances
of its occurrence." In Wisconsin, according to Kumlien and Hol-
lister, seven specimens have been observed and one shot on Lake
Koshkonong in 1872, and another was killed on Horicon Marsh, in
1879. It has also been recorded from Michigan (Cook), and Iowa
(Anderson).

Suborder CICONItE. Storks.

Family CICONIID^. Storks and Wood

Ibises.

Two species of this family occur in North America and one of
these, the Wood Ibis, has been taken in Illinois and W^isconsin. They
are gregarious, nesting in colonies usually (but not always) in high
trees. They frequent heavily timbered swamps, wooded rivers, and
lagoons

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

361

Subfamily MYCTERIINiE. Wood Ibises.

Genus MYCTERIA Linn.
78. Mycteria americana Linn.
Wood Ibis.
Tantalus loculator Linn., A. O. U. Check List, 1895, p. 69.
Distr.: Southern United States, CaHfornia to the Carolinas and
southward, Middle America to the x^rgentine Republic; common
in Florida and some of the Gulf states; casual north to Pennsylvania,
New York, and Illinois; accidental in Wisconsin.

Wood Ibis.

Adult: Head and neck, bare (bluish in life, black in dried skins);
bill, brownish yellow; legs, bluish; toes, black, the webs, yellowish;
general plumage, white; primaries, primary coverts and tail, black.

362 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Young birds have the head and neck covered with downy feathers
and the general plumage, dark gray; wings and tail, blackish; sexes
similar.

Length, about 48 inches; wing, about 18; bill, about 8.50; tar-
sus, 8.

The Wood Ibis is apparently not uncommon in late summer in
southern Illinois, where it was frequently observed by Prof. Ridgway,
near Mt. Carmel, and Mr. J. Hurter (Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, 1881, p.
124) found it numerous in August, 1888, in Madison Co., 111., near
St. Louis. Dr. Hoy (1853) records a specimen in the Museum of the
Wisconsin State Historical Society at Madison, which was shot near
Milwaukee, in September, 1852. Kumlien and Hollister consider it a
very rare midsummer straggler in Wisconsin and say that in a letter
to L. Kumlien, Dr. Hoy stated he had procured a specimen at Racine
in September, 1868. They also record a third specimen killed on
Rock River between Janesville and Edgerton. (Birds of Wisconsin,
1 903- P- 33-)

Suborder HERODII. Herons, Egrets, Bitterns, etc.

Family ARDEID^^. Herons and Bitterns.

About 70 known species belong to this family distributed through-
out the world. Many of the true herons are gregarious, while others

Great Blue Heron. Least Bittern.

American Bittern.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 363

are only occasionally so, if at all. When undisturbed they usually
nest in colonies or "rookeries," as their breeding places are some-
times called, three or four species often occupying the same tree.

The Bitterns are not gregarious in the true sense of the word,
although during the breeding season numbers of nests of the smaller
species may often be found in close proximity to each other. The
American Bittern is more solitary in its habits. When feeding they
frequent the shores of rivers and ponds as well as marshes and
lagoons. The food consists largely of fish, frogs, and small reptiles,
which they catch with great dexterity.

Subfamily BOTAURINiE. Bitterns.
Genus BOTAURUS Stephens.
79. Botaurus lentiginosus (Montag.).
American Bittern.

Local names: Stake-driver. Thunder-pump.

Distr.: Temperate North America, south to Guatemala, Cuba,
and Jamaica.

Adult: Upper parts, brown; wing coverts, edged and mottled
with tawny and buff and washed with ashy; top of the head and nape,
slaty, with black streak on sides of the upper neck; neck and under
parts, tawny white; feathers, edged with dusky and dull brown; legs,
greenish yellow; a loral stripe of dark brown; bill, yellowish, with a
dark streak at the top.

Length, 27; wing, 11.50; bill, 3; tarsus, 3.40.

The female is smaller than the male and the bird varies in size.

A common summer resident in Illinois and Wisconsin and breeds
in suitable localities, building its nest in marshes. The nest is a
mass of grass, loosely put together. The eggs are 4 or 5, pale olive
buff color, and measure about 1.95 x 1.45 inches.

The peculiar "booming" notes made by this species, on account
of which it has acquired such local names as Stake-driver, Thunder-
pump, etc., are admirably described by Mr. Bradford Torrey. (The
Auk, 1889, p. I.) In the same article he prints an interesting letter
from Mr. William Brewster, from which I quote the following: "The
bird was well out in the open meadow among short, green grass, grow-
ing in perhaps two inches of surface water. I got within less than
thirty yards of him before he took alarm and crouched. Previous
to this he favored me with several performances in plain sight.

364 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

He would extend his neck, then drawing in his head suddenly, would
throw it out with a jerk as if he were affected with violent nausea
or were trying to get rid of some obstruction in his throat, at the same
time uttering the peculiar pump-er-lnnk. After repeating the move-
ment and its accompanying vocal notes several times in rather quick
succession, he would stand nearly erect for a few moments before
beginning again. As he stood with his back partly towards me, I
could not see his breast or throat distinctly, but I am sure he did not
fill the latter with water while I was watching him, for not once did
his bill descend low enough to get even a hurried sip."

The writer has on one occasion had the pleasure of observing
this interesting performance, and can add his testimony to the effect
that the bird in question did not at any time lower his bill below the
level of the body, certainly not low enough to reach the water, which
at that place, upon later investigation, proved to be about two inches
deep.

Genus IXOBRYCHUS Billberg.

80. Ixobrychus exilis (Gmel.).

Least Bittern.

Ardetta exilis (Gmel.), A. O. U. Check List, 1895, p. 70.

Distr.: Temperate North America, from British Provinces south
to West Indies and South America; less common on the Pacific
coast.

Adult male: Crown of the head, black, extending into a small crest;
back and tail, black, with a greenish tinge back of the neck; wing
coverts, chestnut brown; some of the wing coverts, tawny yellow;
front and sides of the neck and under parts, yellowish brown, showing
white on throat; a patch of brownish black on the sides of the breast;
bill, yellowish, dusky on the top; legs, green, yellow on the back;
toes, yellow.

Adult female: Having the back and crown purplish chestnut
instead of black.

Length, 12.50; wing, 4.50; bill, 2; tarsus, 2.10.

The Least Bittern is a common summer resident in Illinois and
Wisconsin, breeding throughout both states in suitable localities.
The nest is usually built in rushes and reeds in ponds or marshy
places, rarely in bushes. The eggs are bluish white, from 4 to 7 in
number, and measure 1.20 x .95 inches. The Field Museum possesses
several sets of eggs of this species taken in the vicinity of Calumet
Lake, Chicago, between June 15th and June 29th.

Jan., igoq. Birds of Illinois axd Wisconsin — Corv.

365

Least Bittern.

81. Ixobrychus neoxenus (Cory).

Cory's Least Bittern.'''
Ardetta neoxena Cory, A. 0. U. Check List, 1895, p. 70.
The type of this species was taken in the marshes southwest of

*When I described this bird in i8S6, I gave it no English name, simply calling it neovrwa
(new and strange). The committee of the American Ornithologists' Union have since honored me
by giving it my name.

366 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Lake Okeechobee, in 1886, and since then half a dozen specimens
have been killed in that locality and several in Canada, Michigan,
and elsewhere, including two in Wisconsin. It has not as yet been
observed in Illinois.

Adult: Top of the head, back, and tail, dark greenish black, show-
ing a green gloss when held in the light. Sides of the head and throat,
rufous chestnut, the feathers on the back of the neck showing greenish
black tips; breast and under parts, nearly uniform chestnut, shading
into dull black on the sides; wing coverts, dark rufous chestnut; all
the remiges, entirely slaty plumbeous; under tail coverts, dull black.

Wing, 4.30; tarsus, 1.40; bill, 1.80.

An adult male was killed at Lake Koshkonong, Wisconsin, May
22, 1893, by C. E. Akeley. (No. 2041, Field Museum of Natural His-
tory.) What is supposed to have been a bird of this species is given
by Kumlien and Hollister (Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 34) who write:
" In June, 1845, Thure Kumlien found some Indian children playing
with a small headless heron, using it as a target for bow and arrow
practice. This was on an Indian encampment on Black Hawk
Island, Lake Koshkonong. The bird was new to him and he secured
it and later sent a color sketch to Dr. T. M. Brewer. Brewer pro-
nounced it some southern species or a different plumage of the Least
Bittern. A copy, or in fact the original sketch, is still in our posses-
sion and it plainly shows the specimen to have been a typical
A rdetta neoxena . ' '

Subfamily ARDEIN^. Herons and Egrets.

Genus ARDEA Linn.

82. Ardea herodias Linn.
Great Blue Heron.

Distr.: North America, from the Arctic regions south to the West
Indies and northern South America; also recorded from Bermuda
and the Galapagos Islands.

Adult: Crest, lengthened; bill, yellow, dark brown on top; legs
and feet, dark brown; soles of the feet, yellow; a streak from the
forehead to the middle of the crown, white; sides of the crown and
crest feathers, black; neck, grayish purple mixed with black and white ;
chin and part of the cheeks, whitish, extending in a tawny line on the
throat; neck plumes; belly, black, streaked with white; back and

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

367

Great Blue Heron.

upper parts, bluish slate or gray. The immature birds show a great
variety of color in the plumage.

Length, 48; wing, 20; tail, 7; tarsus, 6.50; bill, 5.50.

The Great Blue Heron is a common summer resident in Illinois
and Wisconsin, breeding throughout both states. It usually arrives
from the south in March or early in April. It breeds in May. The
nest is a mass of sticks, usually in large trees. The eggs are three or
four, pale blue in color, and measure about 2.50 x 1.50 inches.

Genus HERODIAS Bole.

83. Herodias egretta (Gmel.).

American Egret.

Ardea egretta Gmel., A. O. U. Check List, 1895, p. 71.

Distr.: Temperate and tropical America, from New Jersey, Illi-
nois, and Oregon south to Patagonia; accidental as far north as
Minnesota and Nova vScotia.

Adult: Entire plumage, white, having in the breeding season long
graceful plumes on the back, which extend beyond the tail; bill,
yellow; legs and feet, black; lores, pale orange, edged with greenish.

Length, 38; wing, 16; tarsus, 5.80; bill, 4.80.

The American Egret was at one time a common summer resident
in Illinois and not uncommon in Wisconsin, but it is now rare.

"A rather common summer visitant throughout northern Illinois.
* * '■' * * Breeds in southern Illinois and perhaps in other parts of

368 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

the state." (Nelson, Birds of N. E. Illinois, 1876, p. 131.) "Twenty-
five to fifty years ago the egret was a common bird on the larger
marshes and swamps bordering the inland lakes and rivers. * * * *
* * A few single birds or small flocks rarely visit Delavan Lake during
early fall. * * * '•' '•' '^ Young unable to fly were taken from a colony
in a tamarack swamp near Jefiferson in July, 1863. It was found
breeding with a large colony of great blue herons to the westward of
Two Rivers in June, 1880. Also reported as nesting near Waukesha
in 1866." (Kumlien and Hollister, Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 35.)

Genus EGRETTA Eorst.

84. Egretta candidissima (Gmel.).
Snowy Heron.

Ardea candidissima Gmel., A. O. U. Check List, 1895, p. 72.

Distr.: Temperate and tropical North America, from Long Island
and Oregon south to Argentine Republic and Chili. Formerly abun-
dant in parts of the Gulf coast and Florida; accidental as far north
as Nova Scotia and southern British Columbia.

Adult: Entire plumage, pure white, having in the breeding season
extended plumes on the back and also feathers on the crest lengthened ;

Snowy Heron.

bill, black, becoming yellowish at the base; lores, yellow; legs, black;
feet, yellow.

Length, 22; wing, 11; tarsus, 3.50; bill, 3.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin-^Cory. 369

The Snowy Heron is of accidental occurrence in Illinois and Wis-
consin, although at one time it was apparently not uncommon in
southern Illinois. The species is now raie, having been nearly exter-
minated in the southern states.

Nelson states that it was much less common in Illinois than
egretia and occurred about the same time (late summer). Kumlien
and Hollister say: "A rare and irregular visitor from the south during
August and September. * *>;:** j^ August, 1886, Mr. H. L.
Skavlem shot six of these birds from a flock of egrets also on Lake
Koshkonong. This is the last authentic record of any numbers that
we know of. Of late years very rare." (Birds of Wisconsin, 1903,
P- 35-)

Genus DICHROMANASSA Ridgw.

85. Dichromanassa rufescens (Gmel.).
Reddish Egret.

Ardea rufescens Gmel., A. O. U. Check List, 1895, p. 72.

Distr.: Ranges from the Gulf states, north to southern Illinois,
west to Lower California, south to Mexico (both coasts) and Guate-
mala, also Cuba, Jamaica, and the Bahama Islands.

Adult in colored phase: Head and neck, lilac brown; rest of plu-
mage, dark slate color. This species has the long plumes extending
from the scapular region of the back during the breeding season; legs
and feet, bluish, showing dusky on the scales of the tarsus; bill, black
on the terminal third, the balance, flesh color; lores, flesh color.

White phase: Entire plumage, white; bill, black on the terminal
third; balance, flesh color; legs, greenish.

Length, 29; wing, 14; tail, 4; tarsus, 5. 30; bill, 3.90.

At one time the white and colored birds of this species were con-
sidered distinct, but in June, 1879, while in the Bahama Islands, the
writer took both white and gray, young birds from the same nest.

This southern species was given by Nelson as: "Quite common in
the vicinity of Cairo during the last week in August, 1875." (Bull.
Nutt. Orn. Club, 1876, p. 40.) It has not been observed in northern
Illinois or Wisconsin and there is apparently no record of its occur-
rence in Illinois since that given by Mr. Nelson.

370 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Genus FLORIDA Baird.
86. Florida caerulea (Linn.).

Little Blue Heron.

Ardea ccerulea Linn., A. O. U. Check List, 1895, p. 73.

Distr.: Eastern United States, from New Jersey, Illinois, and Kan-
sas, southward through Mexico and Central America to northern
South America, also West Indies; accidental as far north as Maine
and Wisconsin.

Adult: Head and neck, purplish red or maroon, rest of plumage,
grayish blue; bill, black at the end; basal portion and loral space,
blue; legs and feet, black.

Little Blue Heron.

Immature birds are pure zvhife, except a faint wash of grayish
blue near the tips of the primaries; legs, olive or yellowish, and the
basal half of the bill, greenish.

Young birds of this species are sometimes confounded with the
Snowy Egret, but may easily be distinguished from that species by
the slight wash of blue on the ends of the primaries and by the color
of the legs and bill.

Length, about 23; wing, 11; tarsus, 3.60.

The Little Blue Heron is not uncommon in late summer in southern
Illinois. Accidental stragglers have also been taken in Wisconsin.
"A common bird during the latter part of summer, particularly dur-
ing August, when (in 1875) Mr. E. W. Nelson found it exceedingly
abundant near Cairo. Considerable numbers make their appearance
along the Wabash River, at least as far north as Mt. Carmel and
doubtless it occurs generally throughout the state." (Ridgway,

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

371

Orn. Illinois, 1895, p. 130.) " Rare accidental straggler. A single
individual was shot on Root River, Racine Co. (Wisconsin), August
28, 1848, by Dr. P. R. Hoy. A single wing of a decomposed specimen
was preserved by Thure Kumlien. This was found on the shores of
Lake Koshkonong in the early fifties." (Kumlien and Hollister,
Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 35.)

Genus BUTORIDES Blyth.

87. Butorides virescens (Linn.).

Green Heron.

Ardea virescens Linn., A. O. U. Check List, 1895, p. 73.

Distr.: Temperate North iVmerica, from Ontario and Oregon
south to the West Indies, Middle America, and northern South Amer-
ica. In the United States, breeding' throughout the greater part of
its range.

Green Heron.

Adult: Feathers on top of the head extending in a small crest, dark
green; neck, chestnut; throat, marked heavily with white; under
parts, pale purphsh or ashy, marked with white; back, greenish, show-
ing tinge of slate color; wing coverts, green, feathers edged with buffy
white; bend of wing, whitish; tail, greenish, upper mandible, black;
lower mandible, mostly yellow, dark on the top; legs, yellowish green.

372 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Length, i6 inches; wing, 6.50; tail, 2.40; tarsus, 1.85; bill, 2.30.

The Green Heron is a common summer resident in Illinois and Wis-
consin and breeds throughout both states in suitable localities.
Nidification commences in May. The nest is a mass of small twigs
placed in a bush or low tree near water. The eggs are 4 to 6, pale
blue or greenish blue, and measure 1.50 x 1.15 inches. An admirable
article on the breeding of this species in Wisconsin is given by Mrs.
Irene G. Wheelock in The Auk, Vol. XXIII, 1906, p. 432, to which
those interested are referred.

Genus NYCTICORAX Forster.
88. Nycticorax nycticorax naevius (Bodd.).
Black-crowned Night Heron.

Local name: Quawk.

Distr.: Whole of America, from Ontario and Manitoba south to
the West Indies and South America to the Falkland Islands.

Adult: Crown, head, back, and scapulars, greenish black; fore-
head, lores, most of the neck and under parts, white or ashy white;
wings and tail, gray; legs and feet, yellow; two or three very long
occipital plumes, white in the breeding season.

^

Adult.

Black-crowned Night Heron.

Immature.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 373

Length, 24 to 26; wing, 11; tarsus, 3.10 to 3.40; tail, 4.20 to 5.30.

The immature bird has the general plumage mottled dark brown
and gray, the feathers marked and streaked with pointed blotches of
grayish or buff; outer web of primaries, buff color; under parts,
streaked with black and white.

A common summer resident in Illinois and Wisconsin, breeding in
colonies, usually in trees but at times in swampy places among reeds.
Nelson states he found them nesting in a dense growth of wild rice.
The eggs are 4 or 5, sometimes 6 in number, pale blue, and measure
about 2 X 1.45 inches. It arrives from the south late in April and
the eggs are laid in May and early in June.

Genus NYCTANASSA Stejneger.

89. Nyctanassa violacea (Linn.).
Yellow-crowned Night Heron.

Nyctirorax violaceus (Linn.), A. O. U. Check List, 1895, p. 74.

Distr.. Tropical and subtropical America, from the Carolinas,
southern Illinois, the lower Ohio Valley, and Lower California south
to Brazil; accidental or casual north to Massachusetts and Colorado.

Adult: Top of the head, whitish buff', extending into a crest;
sides of the head, black; throat, black; breast and under parts, grayish
plumbeous; back, plumbeous; two or three very long feathers extend-
ing as long plumes from the crest; legs, greenish.

Length, about 23; wing, 13.20; tail, 4; tarsus, 3.70; bill, 2.60.

Immature birds have the crown dusky, streaked with white or
buffy white, the rest of the plumage heavily mottled, blotched with
pointed marks of brown; also marked with buff and dull white; pri-
maries, slate color, showing no rufous. The immature birds of this
species somewhat resemble those of the Black-crowned Night Heron,
but differ from it, having the head darker and no rufous on the pri-
maries.

The Yellow-crowned Night Heron seems to be of regular occur-
rence in southern Illinois, where it is claimed to breed. The nest is
a mass of sticks usually in a tree near water. The eggs are 4 or 5,
pale blue in color, and measure about 1.95 x 1.40 inches. As far as
knowm it has not been observed as far north as Wisconsin.

Ridgway states (Ornithology of Illinois, p. 136): "The Yellow-
crowned Night Heron occurs during summer throughout at least the
southern third of Illinois, though of course only in such localities as
are suited to it. These consist of timbered swamps, where the princi-

374 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

pal food of the species, consisting of crawfish, frogs, and the smaller
reptiles, is to be found in abundance. It first became known to the
writer as an Illinois bird through Mr. Samuel Turner of Mt. CarmeL,
who obtained specimens of the bird and its eggs in the coffee flats a
few miles south of that place." According to Nelson it breeds at
least as far north as Wabash County, Illinois." (Birds of N. E.
Illinois, 1876, ]). 151.)

Yellow-crowned Night Heron (adult).

ORDER PALUDICOL^.

CRANES, RAILS, ETC.
Suborder GRUES. Cranes.

Family GRUID^. Cranes.

Three species of Cranes (not Herons, which are sometimes wrongly
called by that name ) occur in North America. During the migrations
they are more or less gregariovis, but at other times are usually found

NJ^.^i

Whooping Crane.

375

376 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

in pairs. They frequent both plains and marshes, but are more com-
monly found in the open woods and prairies. Their food consists
of small animals, such as lizards, frogs, mice, and snakes, as well as
seeds and grain. The loud note of the Sandhill Crane is peculiar,
somewhat resembling the sounds made by a block when hoisting a
sail. The nest is large, built on the ground. The eggs are two in
number.

Genus GRUS Pallas.

90. Grus americana (Linn.).
Whooping Crane.

DisU'.: Interior of North America, from the Fur Countries to
Florida, Texas, and Mexico and from the Mississippi Valley to
Colorado. Apparently no longer found on the Atlantic coast,
except possibly in Florida, where it has become very rare.

Adult: Bare part of the head, hairy; plumage, white; primaries,
black; bill, greenish; legs, black; bare skin on the head, carmine red.
The immature birds have the head feathered and the general plumage
tinged with pale tawny.

Length, 52; wing, 23.50; tail, 8.40; bill, 6.10; tarsus, 12.

The Whooping Crane was formerly an abundant species in Illinois
and Wisconsin, but is now rare. Even in 1876, according to Nelson,
it was no longer common. He writes: " Once an abundant migrant,
but is now of rare occurrence in this vicinity. Along the Illinois
River and more thinly settled portions of the state, it is still common
during the migrations and a few pairs breed upon the large marshes
in Central Illinois." (Birds N. E. IlHnois, 1876, p. 133.) In Wis-
consin, Kumlien and Hollister consider it a rare bird at the present
time. They say: "Formerly of regular occurrence in the southern
and western part of the state during migrations, unquestionably
breeding to some extent. Thirty or forty years ago it was not rare
to see a few among the enormous flocks of Sand Hill Cranes during the
October migrations, and even flocks composed entirely of this species.
Of late years adults are exceedingly rare and the last record we have
of a Wisconsin capture was in October, 1878, when a fine old bird was
shot in Green Co., and sent to Thure Kumlien. ****** Among
the flights of the common crane that often remain upon the larger
dry marshes for two weeks or more in October, there are noticed a
few large ' yellowish ' specimens that are presumably the young of
the year of the Whooping Crane, but they are so shy that approach
is practically impossible." (Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 36.)

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 377

91. Grus canadensis (Linn.)-

Little Brown Crane.

Distr.: Arctic and subarctic America, breeding from the Fur
Countries northward; south in winter into western United States.

Adult: Resembles the next species, but may be recognized by
its small size, the wing (carpus to tip) being less than 19 inches,
and the bill less than 4 inches.

While there is no record of the occurrence of this species in Illinois,
it has twice been taken in Wisconsin. Kumlien and Hollister state
(Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 37) : " Rare straggler during spring and
late fall. During the latter part of March and the first part of April,
1894, a lone crane kept with a flock of Canada Geese on Rock Prairie,
near Johnstown, Rock County, for some days, and appeared to act as
chief sentinel while the geese fed in the fields, always flying away with
the geese when alarmed. This bird was killed on April 4, (1904) by
L. Kumlien and proved to be a fine plumaged male of this species —
and very small. It is now preserved in the Museum of the White-
w^ater Normal School. At least one other that we are positive of was
shot in Dane Co., late in the fall of 1879, and came into the possession
of Thure Kumlien, frozen stiff. This specimen was formerly in the
Museum of Albion Academy."

92. Grus mexicana (Mull.).

Sandhill Crane.

Distr.: Southern half of North America; now rare on the Atlantic
coast, except in Georgia and Florida. Occurs in Wisconsin and
Illinois during the migrations but much less common than formerly.

Adult: Front of head, bare, the skin, red; general plumage, brown-
ish gray, showing more or less bufly gray on the back. The sexes
are similar.

Immature birds have the head feathered and general plumage,
buff gray.

Length, 40 to 47; wing, 21 to 24; bill, 5 to 6; tarsus, 9 to 10.

Its large size will distinguish it from the Little Brown Crane which
it resembles in color, the wing (carpal joint to tip) being always more
than 19 inches and the bill over 4.50 inches.

Ridgway states (Orn. of Illinois, 1895, p. 100): "Sandhill Cranes
usually arrive in Illinois on their way northward during the latter
half of March, and return in October or November. Formerly large
numbers remained within the state to breed, but so thickly has the

378 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Sandhill Crane.

country become settled that those which now do so are very few
indeed, at least in comparison with former years. As long ago as
1876 Mr. Nelson stated that while formerly nesting abundantly on all
the large marshes, but few then bred except on one or two large
marshes in the central part of the state, where he was informed
they were still quite numerous. Just where the large marshes in
question are located, Mr. Nelson has not told us." Regarding its
occurrence in Wisconsin, Kumlien and Hollister say: "Although at
the present time entirely absent from most thickly settled portions
of the state, there are still many localities, even in southern Wis-
consin where it occurs regularly in good numbers. On the "Big
Marsh" near Delavan cranes occur every spring and fall in numbers
from one hundred to two hundred and fifty, remaining for nearly
three weeks at a time. A nest of two eggs was procured on this
marsh, May 30, 1883. * * * * * They were reported as nesting on
the immense marsh near Palmyra in 1898 and a few certainly bred
near Mauston in 1896. The last authentic record for nesting in
southeastern Wisconsin was of two pair which bred near Jefferson
in 1900." (Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 37.)

The nest is a large affair, composed of weeds, rushes, and small
sticks, built on the ground, usually in marshy places. The eggs are
two, grayish olive, spotted and blotched with brown. They measure
about 3.85 X 2.40 inches.

Jan., igog. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

379

Suborder RALLI. Rails, Galliniiles, Coots, etc.

Family ARAMID^. Courlans or Limpkins.

The Limpkins are closely allied to the Cranes osteologically, but
differ widely in habits, in the latter resembling both the Rails and
Herons. They frequent swamps and streams and like herons are
perfectly at home in trees. Their cry is a mournful wailing note,
from which it is called "crying bird" in some parts of the south, espe-
cially in Florida, where it is also known as Limpkin, from its peculiar
style of walking. They eat large numbers of land snails (Ampullaria) .
The tip of the lower mandible is bent sideways, caused, it is claimed,
by forcing the bill into the spiral shell to extract the animal. The
single genus belonging to this family comprises but two known species.

Limpkin.

380 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Genus ARAMUS Vieill.
93. Aramus vociferus (Latham).

LiMPKIN.

Aramus gigantens (Bonap.), A. O. U. Check List, 1895, P- 76-

Distr.: Both coasts of Central America and Mexico to the Rio
Grande, also the Greater Antilles; common in Florida.

Adult: General plumage, dark olive brown, striped with white,
the stripes on the body being much heavier than those on the head
and neck; wing and tail showing bronzy reflections when held in the
light; under mandible, slightly twisted near the tip.

Length, 27.50; wing, 13; tarsus, 4.35; bill, 4.50.

I include this species upon the authority of Mr. Isaac E. Hess
who writes me: "A limpkin was taken here (Philo, Champaign Co.,
111. ) in 1896. I have the wings of this bird yet." This is apparently
the only record for Illinois and far north of its usual range. It inust
of course, be considered an accidental straggler within our limits.

Family RALLID^. Rails, Gallinules,
Coots, etc.

A large family, nearly 200 species, being known throughout thse
world, 17 of which occur in North America. They frequent the
marshes and grassy edges of ponds and rivers. Their food consists
principally of aquatic animals and vegetable substances, seeds, etc.
Among the true rails, the power of flight is not strong and they rarely
take wing unless forced to do so, preferring to run and hide in the grass
and weeds to escape danger.

The Coots, belonging to the subfainily Fulicincs, although ana-
tomically allied to the true rails, are very different in appearance and
habits. They often gather in large flocks and swim about in open
water, at a distance resembling flocks of ducks.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

381

Subfamily RALLIN.^. Rails.

Genus RALLUS Linn.

94. Rallus elegans Aud.
King Rail.

Distr.: Fresh water marshes of eastern United States, north to
the Middle states and Wisconsin, IlHnois, Indiana, Kansas, etc.,
casual to Massachusetts and Ontario.

Adult: Upper parts, dark brown; throat, white; breast, reddish
brown ; sides, darker, barred with white ; back and scapulars, brownish,

^^^^Ssy'

King Rail.

margined with olive gray; wings and tail, dull brown or olive brown;
wing coverts, rufous brown.

Length, 15.40; wing, 6.55; tarsus, 2.25; bill, 2.50.

The King Rail is a summer resident in Wisconsin and Illinois and
breeds in both states in suitable localities. Nests in fresh water
marshes. The eggs are 8 to 12, buffy white, spotted and speckled
with rufous brown, and measure about 1.70 x 1.20 inches.

382 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

95. Rallus virginianus Lixn.
Virginia Rail.

Distr.: North America in general, from the British Provinces
south to Guatemala and Cuba.

Adult: Having somewhat the appearance of a very small King
Rail; upper parts, dusky or blackish; feathers, edged with grayish

Virginia Rail.

brown; wings, brownish; under parts, dark rufous brown; throat,
white; lores, ashy white, shading into gray on the cheeks; flanks
and under tail coverts, barred and spotted with white and black.

Length, 9.40; wing, 4.25; tarsus, 1.35; bill, 1.55.

A common summer resident in Illinois and Wisconsin, breeding
throughout both states. Inhabits swamps and marshes. Nests
on the ground. The number of eggs varies from 7 to 12. They are
pale buff color, spotted and speckled with rufous brown, and meas-
ure about 1.25 X .95 inches. In northern Illinois the eggs are laid
late in May or early in June.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 383

Genus PORZANA Vieill.

96. Porzana Carolina (Linn.)-

SoRA OR Carolina Rail.

Distr.: Temperate North America, south to West Indies, Cen-
tral America, and northern South America.

Adult: Above, reddish brown, streaked with black and some of
the feathers edged with white; flanks and linings of the wings, barred

Carolina Rail.

with white and black; abdomen, dull white; a stripe of black passing
from the bill down the center of the throat but not reaching the breast;
whole of the breast, a cheek patch and superciliary line, slate color;
crowm, chestnut, with a black stripe through the center; carpus, edged
with white; crissum, rufous, shading into w^hitish.

Length, 7.75; wing, 4.20; tail, 2; tarsus, 1.38; bill, .75.

The Carolina Rail is an abundant summer resident in Illinois and
Wisconsin, breeding everywhere in suitable localities. The nest is
of grass in swampy places. The eggs are from 8 to 14, pale buffy
white, spotted and marked with rufous brown, and measure about
1.20 X .90 inches. In northern Illinois incubation begins early in May,
but is somewhat later in Wisconsin. There is a set of eggs in the Field
Museum collection, taken at Goose Lake, Waseca Co., Minnesota,
June 3, 1892.

384 Field Museum of Natural History — ^Zoology, Vol. IX.

Genus COTURNICOPS Bonap.

97. Coturnicops noveboracensis (Gmel.).
Yellow Rail.

Porzana noveboracensis (Gmel.), A. O. U. Check List, 1895, p. 79.

Distr.: Chiefly eastern North America, north to Nova Scotia
and Hudson Bay, casually west to Nevada and California; accidental
in Cuba and Bermuda.

Adult: Above, streaked with blackish and yellowish brow^n;
feathers, barred and mottled with white; under parts, yellowish

\\^^

w

Yellow Rail.

brown, palest on the belly; feathers of the breast, tipped with dark
browm; under surface of wings, white; a pale yellowish brown super-
ciliary stripe.

Length, 6; wing, 3 to 3.50; tarsus, .90 to i.oo.

The Yellow Rail is a summer resident in both Illinois and Wisconsin.
It is not uncommon but is seldom seen in comparison with other
species, if we except the Little Black Rail. It breeds in Wisconsin
and at least in the northern part of Illinois.

Mr. Nelson gives it as "not very rare" and states that a set of six
eggs were taken with the bird, May 17, by Mr. J. W. Tolman at Winne-
bago, 111., and are now in the possession of the Smithsonian Institution.
Kumlien and Hollister give it as a summer resident in Wisconsin.
They say: "Not nearly so rare as generally supposed, though by no
means common. We have authentic records from Racine, Milwaukee,
Elm Grove, Delavan, Janesville, Milton, etc., and even breeding records
as far north as Brown Co." (Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 39.)

This species builds its nest in a well-covered marsh. The eggs are
six or more, buffy white, spotted heavily on the larger end with
brown. They measure about i.io x .85 inches.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 385

Genus CRECISCUS Caban.

98. Creciscus jamaicensis (Gmel.).
Black Rail.

Porzana jamaicensis (Gmel.), A. O. U. Check List, 1895, p. 79.
Distr.: Temperate North America, from Massachusetts, Illinois,
and Oregon south to the West Indies and Guatemala.

Adult: Top of the head, dusky; nape and upper back, brownish
chestnut; rest of back and upper tail feathers, dusky or smoky brown,
f^., finely barred with white; throat, gray or ash

gray; belly, gray; flanks and lower belly and
undertail covers, banded with white; bill, black.
Length, 5; wing, 2.50 to 3.20; tarsus .85 to
.90.

The Black Rail is a regular summer resident
in Illinois and perhaps in southern Wisconsin,
but on account of its small size and retiring
habits it is rarely seen.
1, According to Nelson, it is not very rare in

Black Rail. northern Illinois and breeds. He records the

finding of a set of ten eggs of this species by Mr. Frank Dewitt, near
the Calumet River, June 19, 1875. (Birds N. E. Illinois, 1876, p. 134.)
Kumlien and Hollister say: "The only record we are aware of is the
following: August 20, 1877, a Marsh Hawk was killed by Frithiof
Kumlien from a muskrat house on the border of Lake Koshkonong.
When noted first it was eating something and this proved to be a
little black rail. We are quite sure of having seen it on one occasion,
but the above is probably the only authentic record for the state as
yet." (Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 39.)

The nest is of grass, built on the ground. The eggs are 8 to 10,
creamy white or dull white, and measure about i x .80 inches. An
admirable account of the breeding and distribution of this species is
given by Dr. J. A. Allen in the Auk, Vol. XVII, 1900, p. i.

386 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Subfamily GALLIN ULINiE. Gallinules.
Genus lONORNIS Reich.

99. lonornis martinica (Linn.).

Purple Gallinule.

Distr.: Southern United States, West Indies, Middle Aniei-ica,
and northern South America, casual as far north as Maine and Wis-
consin.

Adult male: Head, neck, and under parts, bluish purple, grading
into black on the belly; above, olive; wing coverts, bluish; back, olive;
crissum, white; frontal plate of the bill, blue; bill, red, tipped with
yellow; legs, yellow.

Length, 11; wing, 6.50; tail, 2.65; tarsus, 2.30.

The Purple Gallinule is of rare occurrence in Illinois in summer,
and a straggler in Wisconsin. Butler (Birds of Indiana, 1897)
states that it "breeds northward to southern Illinois," but I find no
record of the eggs having been taken there. Nelson (Birds N. E.
111., 1876, p. 135) mentions a specimen taken near Chicago, by Mr.
C. N. Holden, Jr., in May, 1866; and Mr. Ruthven Deane records a
second Illinois specimen killed by Mr. T. G. Windlass, near Coal City,
Grundy Co., on April 24, 1900. (The Auk, Vol. XIX, 1902, p. 77.)
Kumlien and Hollister give three records for Wisconsin, including
one by Dr. Hoy, Janesville, Milwaukee and Racine. It has also
been taken in Missouri, Iowa and Ohio.

Genus GALLINULA Brisson.

100. Gallinula galeata (Light.).
Florida Gallinule.

Distr.: Temperate and tropical America, from Canada to Brazil
and Chili, including the West Indies.

Adult: Head, blackish; bill, tipped with green, rest of bill and
frontal plate, deep red; upper back, slaty; lower back and wings, olive
brown; under parts, dark slate color; lower belly, grayish; feathers,
faintly tipped with white; some of the feathers on the sides have the
inner webs white near the tip, giving the appearance of white stripes;
under tail coverts, black; tail, white and black; legs, olive green, red-
dish near the body.

Length, 13; wing, 6.60; tail, 3.10; tarsus, 2; bill, including frontal
shield, 1.75; bill, from gape, 1.25.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 387

Florida Gallinule.

This Species is a common summer resident in Illinois and the
greater part of Wisconsin, and breeds in both states. The majority
of them arrive early in May and the eggs are laid in June. The nest
is a mass of reeds and weeds in a swamp or marsh. The eggs are 8 to
12 in number, buff white, spotted and speckled with brown, and meas-
ure 1.80 X 1.25 inches. The Field Museum possesses a set of 11 eggs
taken June 6, 1903, at Fox Lake, 111., and another set taken in a marsh
near Chicago, May 30, 1888.

Subfamily FULICINiE. Coots.

Genus FULICA Linn.

lOL Fulica americana Gmel.
American Coot.

Distr.: North America, from Greenland and Alaska south to the
West Indies and Veragua, in winter.

Adult: General plumage, dark slate color; head and neck, black-
ish; bill, whitish, marked with reddish black on the upper mandible;
frontal plate, brownish white ; legs and feet, dark olive, the toes having
peculiar semicircular flaps or webs; abdomen, grayish; edge of wing
and ends of secondaries, white.

388 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

American Coot.

Length, 14.75; wing, 7-45; tail, 2.30; bill, from front edge of
frontal plate, 1.40.

The Coot or Mud-hen, as it is often called, is a common summer
resident in Wisconsin and Illinois, breeding in suitable localities.
It may always be distinguished from the Gallinule by the peculiar
lobate or scalloped webs on the toes. It breeds in May and early
June. The nest is built in a marsh or swampy place in the vicinity
of ponds and small lakes and is composed of reeds and grass. The
eggs vary in number from 9 to 14. They are pale buff or buffy white,
finely speckled with dark brown, and measure about 1.85 x 1.28
inches.

ORDER LIMICOL^

SHORE BIRDS AND MARSH BIRDS.

Family PHALAROPODID^. Phalaropes.

Phalaropes somewhat resemble sandpipers in appearance, but
unlike them, are fond of swimming about on the water like miniature
ducks. One species is often seen in flocks far out at sea. The inland
forms frequent the ponds, lakes, and rivers. The female, contrary
to the usual rule (in birds), is more highly colored than the male
and is larger. All of the three species comprising this small family
occur in North America. The marginal webs on the toes will distin-
guish them from the sandpipers.

^-

Wilson's Phalarope.

Red Phalarope.

Winter plumage.

389

390 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Genus PHALAROPUS Brisson.

102. Phalaropus fulicarius (Linn.).
Red Phalarope.
Crymophilus fulicarius (Linn.), A. O. U. Check List, 1895, p. 82.
Distr.: Arctic regions, south in winter, chiefly along the coast,
to the Middle states in eastern North America and Lower California
in the West.

Adult male in summer: General under parts and sides of the neck,
purplish brown; upper tail coverts, purplish brown, slightly darker
than the under parts; crown of the head and
base of the bill, smoky black; sides of the head,
white, extending to the nape; rump, white;
back, black; feathers, edged with tawny brown;
primaries, dusky, the shafts being white, and
the base of the feathers, white; some of the
^, , r ,• ■ secondaries, white; bill, yellowish brown, dark

Phalaropus fulicarius. -^

on the tip; feet, dull yellow.

Adult in winter: Head and under parts, white; a small patch
around the eye and a nuchal crest, dusky; the under parts of the body
are tinged with ashy gray on the sides; upper parts, grayish ash color;
wings, showing a distinct white bar; bill, dusky; feet, brownish.

Length, 7.70; wing, 5.10; tail, 2.50 bill, .94; tarsus, .80.

The Red Phalarope is a comparatively rare bird in Illinois and
Wisconsin. Small flocks occasionally occur on Lake Michigan and
some of the inland waters during the migrations.

Ridgway includes it as a rare migrant. Nelson in his Birds of
Northeastern Illinois (1876, p. 125) says: "Exceedingly rare, occurs
only during the migrations." Kumlien and Hollister (Birds of Wis-
consin, 1903, p. 41) state that small flocks may be met on Lake
Michigan and Lake Superior in autumn and occasionally straggling
individuals wander to the inland lakes. They also give several re-
cords of specimens killed in the state.

Genus LOBIPES Cuvier.

103. Lobipes lobatus (Linn.).
Northern Phalarope.
Phalaropus lobatus (Linn.), A. O. U. Check List, 1895, p. 82.
Distr.: North portion of northern hemisphere, breeding in Arctic
latitudes; south in winter to the tropics.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory

391

Lobipes lobatus.

Adult female in summer: Upper plumage, dark
plumbeous; the back, streaked with buff; sides and
front of the neck, rufous brown; greater wing coverts,
tipped with white; belly, white.

Adult male in summer: Similar to the female but

paler; little, if any, rufous on the front of the neck.

Winter plumage: Upper plumage, grayish; forehead, sides of the

neck, cheeks, and under parts, white; top of the head, dull gray; the

feathers edged with dull white; a dusky spot on side of head and in

front of the eye; breast, tinged with gray.

Length, 7.50; wing, 4.25; tarsus, .80; tail, 2; bill, .80 to .90.
The Northern Phalarope occurs in Illinois and Wisconsin during
the migrations, and although there are numerous records of its capture
in both states, it is by no means common. Kumlien and Hollister
state that it is frequently taken on Lake Koshkonong in August.
Mr. G. A. Abbott informs me that he killed a specimen on Lake Calu-
met near Chicago, in September, 1903.

Genus STEGANOPUS Vieill.

104. Steganopus tricolor Vieill.
Wilson's Phalarope.

Phalaropus tricolor (Vieill.), A. O. U. Check List, 1895, p. 83.
Distr.: Chiefly interior of North America, breeding from northern
Illinois northward; south in winter to South America. Common
along Mississippi Valley during migrations, rare or casual on the
Atlantic coast.

Adult female in summer: Crown and middle
of back, pearl gray; nape, white; superciliary
stripe, white; a dusky or black streak from the
eye to the sides of the neck; sides of upper back,
chestnut, bordering the gray; middle throat and
breast tinged with pale rufous brown; chin,
white; belly, white.

Adult male in summer: General resemblance
to the female, but smaller and much paler in coloration; the crown
and back, more brownish.

Adult in winter: Upper plumage, the feathers more or less edged
with white; wings, fuscous, or gray brown; coverts, edged narrowly
with white; under parts, white.

steganopus tricolor.

392 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Female: Length, 9.10 to 10.05; wing, 5.20 to 5.40; tarsus, 1.25
to 1.40; bill, 1.25 to 1.40.

Male: Length, 8.40 to 9.10; wing, 4.60 to 4.90; tarsus, 1.20 to
1.30; bill, 1.20 to 1.30.

Wilson's Phalarope is a rather common summer resident and breeds
in northern Illinois and Wisconsin. The male of this species, as in
the other Phalaropes, is smaller than the female and not so highly
colored; he also takes upon himself many domestic duties usually
assumed by the female; he sits on the nest, contrary to the usual
custom, and devotes himself to the young chicks. The nest is merely
a slight depression in the ground, more or less lined with grass. The
eggs are usually four, cream white, heavily blotched with dark brown,
and measure about 1.25 x .95 inches.

Family RECURVIROSTRID.E. Avocets

and Stilts.

A small family characterized by long slender legs and extreme
slenderness of bill. Two species occur in eastern United States.
They are usually seen in flocks wading about in shallow water, but
they are expert swimmers as well as waders.

Genus RECURVIROSTRA Linn.

105. Recurvirostra americana Gmel.
American Avocet.

Distr.: Temperate North America, north of the Saskatchewan
and Great Slave Lake, south to Guatemala and the West Indies in
winter; rare in eastern United States.

Adult in summer: Bill, very slender and curved upwards; feet,
partly webbed; general plumage, white, becoming cinnamon brown
on the head and neck, but remaining whitish at the base of the bill;
primaries, black; most of the secondaries, white, forming a broad
white patch on the wing; tail, ashy gray; legs, bluish; bill, black.

Adult in winter: Head and most of the neck, ashy gray; tail,
ashy gray; rest as in summer plumage.

Length, 18 to 20; wing, 7.50 to 9; tail, 3.50; bill, 3.25 to 3.75;
tarsus, 3.60.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

393

Avocet.

The Avocet is of occasional occurrence in Illinois and Wisconsin.
Nelson says (Birds N. E. 111., 1876, p. 124) : "A rare migrant, gener-
ally occurs in small parties the last of April and the first or May and
during September and the first of October. Frequents the borders
of marshy pools." Regarding its occurrence in Wisconsin, Kum-
lien and Hollister say: "Specimens of this peculiar wader were taken
by Thure Kumlien at different times from 1844 to 1875. Three were
shot on Lake Koshkonong, September, 1873. Bred in Green Bay
in 1879, where downy young were seen in the possession of a taxider-
mist, by L. Kumlien. Those taken by Thure Kumlien were more
often taken in September and October and were principally young
birds. A specimen in the Milwaukee Public Museum is labelled
'Wis.' At the present time it must be considered as exceptionally
rare." (Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 42.) "East of the Mississippi
it breeds from Illinois northward." (W. W. Cooke, Bird Migr.
Miss.' Val., 1888, p. 90.)

The nest is merely a depression in the ground in marshy places.
The eggs are three or four, olive clay color, marked and spotted with
chocolate brown, and measure about 2 x 1.40 inches.

394 Field Museum of Natural History — -Zoology, Vol. IX.

Genus HIMANTOPUS Brisson.

106. Himantopus mexicanus (Mull.).
Black-necked Stilt.
Distr.: Temperate North America, from northern United States
southward to the West Indies, northern Brazil and Peru; rare in
eastern United States, except in Florida, where it breeds.

Adult: Top and sides of the head and back of the neck and back,
black; under eyelid and a spot above and behind the eye, forehead,
and sides of the head under the eye, white; rest of under parts, with
the rump and upper tail coverts, white; tail, ash gray or pearl gray;
bill, black; legs, red in life.

The immature bird has the upper parts brownish; feathers, edged
with whitish; wings, blackish, some of the feathers, tipped with white;
wing coverts, edged with buff or tawny brown; under parts, white,
mottled with black and tawny brown.

Length, 15.50; wing, 9; tail, 3; tarsus, 4.25; bill, 2.70.

The Black-necked Stilt is of casual occurrence in southern Illinois,
although probably rare at the present time. Nelson considered it
an exceedingly rare visitant in- northern Illinois and states there is a

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 395

fine specimen taken in McLean County, Illinois, in the collection of
the Illinois Natural History Society at Normal, 111. Ridgway says
(Orn. of 111., 1895, p. 76): "While on record only as a summer
visitant, the Stilt undoubtedly breeds in some portions of the state."
In Wisconsin, it is a very rare straggler, the only known record being
that of Dr. Hoy (Transactions of the Wisconsin Agri. Soc, Vol. II,
1852, p. 355) who says: "Met a small flock of these singular birds
near Racine, in 1847."

This species is given in Gibbs's Birds of Michigan as a "rare tran-
sient."

Family SCOLOPACID^. Snipes,
Sandpipers, etc.

The Scolopacidae comprise a large family, a hundred or more species
being known from various parts of the world. Nearly 50 species
occur in North America. The greater portion of these birds frequent
the beaches and marshes, some, however, are partial to open fields.
The majority of them procure their food by probing with their sensi-
tive bills in mud or sand. Their flesh is excellent and they are much
sought after by sportsmen during the migrations.

Genus PHILOHELA Gray.

107. Philohela minor (Gmel.).
Woodcock.

Distr.: Eastern North America, from British Provinces westward
to North Dakota and Kansas and south to the Gulf of Mexico.

Adult: Bill, long, corrugated near the end; upper parts variegated
with tawny rufous, brown and black; head, rufous brown, banded
on the occiput with alternate bands of black and tawny brown; a
line of black from the eye to the bill ; a narrow patch on the sides of the
lower head, blackish; throat, pale rufous or rufous white; under parts
of the body, pale rufous; quills, brownish; three outer primaries, very
narrow; tail feathers, dusky, tipped with ash; bill, pale brown, yellow-
ish at the base; legs, reddish; bill, light brown, paler and yellowish
at base.

Length, 11.50; wing, 5.45; tarsus, 1.30; bill, 2.90 to 3.05.

396 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Woodcock.

A common summer resident in Illinois and Wisconsin, breeding in
timbered swamps and in the bottom lands along rivers and streams.
Its presence is often indicated by numerous holes in the soft ground
made by its bill when probing for its food. Arrives from the south
late in March or early in April. The whistling sound made by this
bird when suddenly "flushed" is caused by the rapid movement
through the air of the stiff, narrow outer primaries and is not vocal
as some suppose.

Mrs. Irene G. Wheelock writes me regarding the unusual occur-
rence of a bird of this species in Wisconsin in winter, stating that on
January 3, 1908, a Woodcock was flushed in a clump of spruce trees
on the grounds of Mr. Charles L. Hutchinson at Lake Geneva. The
mud in the sun warmed hollow showed numerous "borings."

The nest is usually a mat of leaves placed on the ground. The
eggs are four, pale buff color with more or less distinct markings of
rufous brown. They measure about 1.60 x 1.25 inches. The Field
Museum collection contains a set of four eggs taken by Mr. G. A.
Abbott in Cook County, Ilinois, April 12, 1903.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

397

Genus GALLINAGO Koch.

108. Gallinago delicata (Ord).
Wilson's Snipe.

Local names: English Snipe. Jack Snipe.

Distr.: North America, breeding from northern United States
northward; south to the West Indies, Middle America, and northern
South America, in winter.

Adult: Bill, long and straight, being slightly enlarged near the
tip and showing numerous small pits; no web between outer and mid-

.^>"

Wilson's Snipe.

die toes; general upper parts, dark brown, tawny brown, pale yellow,
dull white; top of the head, black, with middle stripe of tawny brown;

398 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

outer web of first primary, white; greater wing coverts, brownish
or dusky, with white tips; axillars and under surface of wings, barred
with black; upper tail coverts, tawny brown, barred with black;
tail feathers, chestnut brown, with subterminal black bar; tips, white,
and feathers marked with black at the base; under parts, white;
breast and throat, speckled and lined with brown; sides of the body,
brownish, barred with dull black.

Length, 11; wing, 5; tail, 2.20; tarsus, 1.25; bill, 2.40 to 2.60.

This species is abundant in Illinois and Wisconsin during the
migrations, and some remain to breed in both states, but more com-
monly in Wisconsin than in Illinois.

The nest is on the ground. The eggs are usually four, grayish
or brownish olive, heavily blotched with chocolate brown mostly at
the larger end. They measure 1.65 x 1.20 inches.

An interesting account of the breeding of this species in Illinois
and Indiana is given by Mr. Ruthven Deane (The Auk, Vol. XVI,
1899, p. 270). He states that it must breed more commonly in Illi-
nois and Indiana than is generally supposed, as he found them very
numerous at English Lake, Indiana, in the latter part of July and
early in August and refers to numbers of specimens having been taken
near Davis Station, Ind., and near Waukegan, 111.

In some localities in the Southern States, during the winter months,
thousands of these birds are killed on the marshes where they collect
on some especially good feeding ground. When first disturbed they
utter a peculiar cheep as they rise from the ground, often repeated
during their flight, which is very irregular, making them one of the
most difificult birds to shoot.

Genus MACRORHAMPHUS Forster.

109. Macrorhamphus griseus (Gmel.).
DowiTCHER. Red-breasted Snipe.

Distr.: Eastern North iVmerica, breeding far north; south to the
West Indies and Brazil, in winter.

Adult in summer: A small web between the outer and middle
toes; upper parts, blackish; feathers, edged with tawny brown; top
of head, blackish, mottled with tawny brown; under parts, red brown,
banded on the sides; throat and breast only, slightly spotted, entirely
without spots in some plumages; tail and upper tail coverts, barred
with black; bill, dark olive.

Adult in ivintcr: Upper parts, grayish, the feathers showing

Jan., igog. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

399

■^

Dowitcher.

faint edges of buff on the back; chin and superciliary stripe, dull
grayish white; breast, gray, showing slight traces of tawny (often
entirely absent); rest of under part, dirty white, mottled on the
crissuni; tail, banded dark brown or black and white.

Length, 10.30; wing, 5.70; tarsus, 1.30; bill, 2.20 to 2.50.

The Dowitcher was at one time common, but now occurs only
as a rather rare migrant in Illinois and Wisconsin. It is difficult to
determine the relative abundance of this species in comparison with
the next, from the fact that the ordinary sportsmen, as a rule, do
not recognize them as different.

110. Macrorhamphus scolopaceus (Say).

Long-billed Dowitcher.

Distr.: Western North America, breeding from Alaska to the
Arctic coast; south from the United vStates and Mexico in winter;
casual on the i\.tlantic coast.

Adult: Resembles the preceding species, but the bill is longer,
and in breeding plumage, the sides of the body are more distinctly
barred with black; the throat and breast more rufous, and the general
plumage more highly colored.

In winter the principal difference is one of size.

Length, 11; wing, 6.05; tarsus, 1.55; bill, 2.20 to 2.60.

This species is still more or less common in Illinois and Wisconsin
during the migrations. It is (or was ) a well-known bird to sportsmen,
and its long, snipe-like bill will always distinguish it from other species
of shore birds, except the Wilson's Snipe, from which it may be known
at a glance by the small web between the outer and middle toes, and
by its differently marked tail and tail coverts. It occurs in flocks, and
where it has not been persecuted by gunners, is very tame and unsus-
picious. It was formerly very abundant, but being easy to kill, great

400 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

numbers of them were shot by market hunters, until now it is almost
a rare bird in localities where it was once exceedingly numerous.

Kumlien and Hollister state (Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 44):
"Young still unable or barely able to fly were taken on several oc-
casions. There is positively no question that considerable numbers
bred in Wisconsin from 1865 to 1875 and in 1872 and 1873, as far south
as Lake Koshkonong. In August the fully fledged young return from
the north in great flocks." This is out of its usual breeding range and
apparently its eggs were not actually found. It is well to note,
however, that Cook in his Birds of Michigan (1893, P- 5^) says:
"Prof. Ludwig Kumlien writes me that it breeds in the Northern
Peninsula. Davie, page iii, states that this species breeds on the
border of Lake Superior and north."

Genus MICROPALAMA Baird.

III. Micropalama himantopus (Bonap.).
Stilt Sandpiper.

Distr.: Northeastern North America, breeding from the southern
shores of Hudson Bay to the Mackenzie region and northward; south
in winter to the West Indies, Central and South America.

Adult in summer: Legs, dull olive green; entire plumage, dull
white and dark brown, being banded on the under parts with dark
brown, and the upper parts, streaked with dark brown; a stripe of
chestnut brown above and below the eye, the former extending back-
wards and joining at the occiput; secondaries, edged with tawny
brown.

Adult in winter: Upper plumage, gray; feathers on the back,
edged with white; breast, pale bufif, slightly mottled, shading into
dull white on the upper throat; belly, dull white; bill, black.

Length, 8.20; wing, 5; tarsus, i.6y, bill, 1.60.

The Stilt Sandpiper can not be considered a common species either
in Illinois or Wisconsin, but it occurs regularly in both states during
the migrations and is apparently more numerous in late summer than
in spring.

Nelson (Birds N. E. Illinois, 1876, p. 126) considers it "of rare
occurrence" and says: "On the 8th of August, 1873, I saw a single
specimen on the Lake shore near Chicago, and the loth of Sep-
tember, the same year, R. P. Clark obtained a specimen at the
same place."

Mr. Frank M. Woodruff writes: "I have observed a large number

Jan.. 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 401

of this species, and can positively say that they are a rare spring
migrant, and a common fall visitant. It is very hard to distinguish
them in the fall plumage from the young of Totanus flavipes. I
have one in the breeding plumage taken at South Chicago on the
Calumet River in April, 1890; also one in the light plumage taken
at Mud Lake, September 23, 1893. Mr. J. G. Parker, Jr., has a bright
female taken from a flock of four at Mud Lake, July 25, 1893; also
a young bird from the same locality. On August 24, 1895, Mr.
J. F. Ferry of Lake Forest, 111., and myself shot four Stilt Sandpipers
from a flock of fifty or more at Liberty ville, 111." (The Auk, Vol.
XIII, 1896, p. 180.)

Kumlien and Hollister say (Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 44): "It
is a migrant and doubtless a former summer breeder to a limited
extent. "'■' * ■' * During the seventies they were rather common
about Koshkonong, especially during the latter part of July, August,
and well into September. We have taken young barely able to fly,
readily running them down. These had the head and upper neck
still in the natal down, and if they were not hatched at Lake Kosh-
konong, certainly they could have come but a short distance."
This is interesting from the fact that the limit of its supposed breeding
range is very much farther north. It will be noted, however, that
there is no record of the nest and eggs having been taken in the
state.

Genus TRINGA Linn.

112. Tringa canutus Linn.
Knot.

Distr.: A cosmopolitan species, breeding in high latitudes, mi-
grating south to the southern hemisphere in winter.

Adult in summer: Top of the head, buffy white, mixed with
blackish; upper plumage, variegated with black, white, and buff;
upper tail coverts, barred with black and white, often marked with
buff; entire under parts, except the lower abdomen, rufous brown;
lower abdomen, white; axillars, white, with long, arrow-shaped mark-
ings of dark gray.

Adult in winter: Entire upper plumage, ashy gray, the feathers
having pale, brownish shafts, showing indistinct fine lines; upper tail
coverts, white, banded with brown; under parts, white; the breast
and sides with indistinct, irregular dots and bands of brownish gray;
belly, and under tail coverts, pure white; axillars, white, with irreg-
ular, arrow-shaped, brownish gray marking.

402 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

rS^

Knot. Upper tail coverts.

Length, 10.60; wing, 6.70; tarsus, 1.25; bill, 1.30.

The Knot occurs sparingly in Illinois and Wisconsin during the
migrations. Nelson gives it as a regular migrant, but not common.
Kumlien and Hollister say : "Thirty years ago a rather common mi-
grant in May and June and more sparing in Autumn. Of late years
decidedly rare at any season." (Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 45.)

Genus AROUATELLA Baird.

113. Arquatella maritima (Brunn.).

Purple Sandpiper.

Tringa maritima Brunn., A. O. U. Check List, 1895, p. 87.

Distr.: Northern portions of northern hemisphere; in North
America chiefly in the northeastern portion, breeding in high latitudes
and migrating south in winter to the middle Atlantic states and the
Great Lakes; accidental in Florida.

Adult in summer: Top of head, dark gray; back, blackish, the
feathers edged with grayish white; rump and upper tail coverts,
black or brownish black; a small black spot in front of the eye;
breast, grayish, having the appearance of being spotted with black,
which black spotting also appears on the sides of the body. This
is caused by the feathers of the breast being dark at the base, tipped
with white, and on the sides of the body the feathers are white with
black spots near the tips; axillars, white.

Adult in winter : Similar, but lacking the black spots on the breast
and sides, which are replaced by pale gray; bill, yellowish at base.

Length, 9.25; wing, 5; tarsus, .92; bill, 1.30.

This species is a rare straggler in Illinois and Wisconsin.

Nelson records a specimen taken on the Lake shore near Chicago,

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

403

Purple Sandpiper.

November 7, 187 1, which he states is preserved in the collection of
Dr. J. W. Velie. Mr. Frank M. Woodruff writes: "I have a specimen
of this bird taken at South Chicago, in June, 1895. This with Dr. J. W.
Velie's specimen taken November 7, 1891 (sic), are the only records
I can find of the Purple Sandpiper in Cook County." (The Auk,
Vol. XIII, 1896, p. 180.) Kumlien and Hollister (Birds of Wisconsin,
1903, p. 45) state: "In the collection of the Oshkosh Normal School
is a specimen which is said to have been taken at Bay View (Door
County), in May, 1881." Dr. Hoy gives it in his list of Wisconsin
birds (1853) as "greatly abundant from 15th of April to 20th of
May." This would seem very unlikely.

Genus PISOBIA Billberg.

114. Pisobi-a maculata (Vieill.).

Pectoral Sandpiper.

Triiiga maculata Vieill., A. O. U. Check List, 1895, p. 88.

Local names: Grass-snipe. Grass Bird.

Distr.: The whole of North America, breeding in the Arctic
regions; south in winter to West Indies and South America.

Adult in summer: Head and upper parts, dark brown, the feathers
edged with tawny; throat and belly, white; breast, pale brown, the

404 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Pectoral Sandpiper.

feathers narrowly streaked with dark brown or blackish; upper tail
coverts, black; two middle tail feathers longer than the others; basal
half of bill, dull greenish yellow.

Winter plumage: Breast, brownish buff, and upper parts, more
brownish.

Length, 9; wing, 5.25; tarsus, 1.05; bill, 1.15.

Common in Illinois and Wisconsin during the migrations, but not
nearly as abundant as formerly. A few remain during the summer.
but they are probably sterile birds, as none have been found breeding.

115. Pisobia fuscicollis (Vieill.).
White-rumped Sandpiper.

Tringa fuscicollis Vieill., A. O. U. Check List, 1895, p. SS.

Distr.: Eastern North America, breeding in the far north; south
to the West Indies, Middle America and South America (to Falkland
Islands) in winter.

Adult in summer: Top of the head and back, mottled with black,
dull white, and buff; throat, white; breast, finely lined with dark
brown; belly, white; an imperfect superciliary line of dull white;
rump, dusky gray, and most of upper tail coverts, white.

Adult in winter: Top of the head and back, grayish, some of the
feathers marked with dark brown, giving it a slightly mottled appear-
ance on the back and top of the head; upper throat, white; breast,
ashy gray, the shafts of the feathers showing brown; belly, white;
forehead, whitish, extending in an imperfect superciliary line.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

405

Length, 6.85; wing, 4.95; tarsus, .95; bill, .95.

This species is not common, occurring irrregularly in Wisconsin
and Illinois during the migrations.

Mr. T. M. Woodruff considers it "a very rare migrant" in the
Chicago area and states he has taken it at Meredosia, Illinois. (Birds
of Chicago Area, 1907, p. 69.) Nelson procured a specimen and saw
a number of others on the Lake shore near Waukegan, 111., on June
9, 1876; he also states that Mr. R. P. Clarke had taken it late in
the autumn near Chicago. (Birds of N. E. Illinois, 1876, p. 127.)

Messrs. Kumlien and Hollister give it as occuring regularly in
Wisconsin but by no means abundant. They say: "Small flocks of
a dozen or less are sometimes found about Lake Koshkonong until
the middle of June, and they are back again with barely full-fledged
young by August i." (Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 46.)

116. Pisobia bairdii (Coues).
Baird's Sandpiper.

Tringa bairdii (Coues), A. O. U. Check List, 1895, p. 88.

Distr.: Arctic interior of North America where it breeds; migrat-
ing south through the interior to southern South America (Patagonia);
rare on the Atlantic coast, and not recorded from the Pacific coast of
the United States.

Adult in summer: Crown, dark brown, mixed with buff; nape
and upper back, narrowly streaked with buff and dark brown; the

Baird's Sandpiper.

Tail and upper tail coverts.

feathers of the back, dark brown, narrowly edged with white; upper
tail coverts, blackish, the feathers usually narrowly tipped with buff;
two central tail feathers, very slightly longer than the others (not
decidedly longer, as in Pisobia maculata); chin, white; breast, brown-
ish buff, showing very faint and narrow streaks of brown; under parts,
buffy white, with a faint tinge of buff, sometimes entirely white.

4o6 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Adult in ivinter: Similar, but paler.

Immature: Resembles the adult, but has the feathers of the back
and wing coverts tipped with white.

Length, 7.40; wing, 4.50 to 4.90; tarsus, i; bill, i.

Baird's Sandpiper occurs regularly in small numbers in Illinois
and Wisconsin during the migrations in spring and fall, usually in
May, August and September.

117. Pisobia minutilla (Vieill.).

Least Sandpiper.

Tringa minutilla Vieill., A. O. U. Check List, 1895, p. 89.
Local name: Peep.

Distr.: North America; south throughout South America in win-
ter, breeding chiefly north of the United States.

Adult in summer: Very small; upper parts, marked with tawny
black and pale bufi^; under parts, whitish on the throat, shading into
ashy gray, and showing faint brownish lines on the breast; rest of the
under parts, white; bill, dull black; no web between toes.

Adult in winter: Similar to the above, but
grayer in color.

Length, 5.50 to 6.50; wing, 3.60; tarsus,
.75; bill, .85.

This species is common during the migrations
in May and August in Illinois and Wisconsin,
and occasionally birds remain during the sum-
mer and may have bred. We have no pub-
lished record of the eggs actually having been taken in either state.
On June 5, 1875, M^- Nelson observed a bird of this species build-
ing a nest near the Calumet River. It was not completed but "The
birds were noticed several times in the vicinity and they probably
had a nest in some safer spot." (Birds N. E. Illinois, 1876, p. 127.)
Kumlien and Hollister say: "We have known of at least two in-
stances of this bird nesting within the state and from specimens seen
in various parts of the north and central portions of the state, suspect
that at least twenty years ago it bred in some numbers." (Birds of
Wisconsin, 1903, p, 47.)

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

407

Genus PELIDNA Cuvier.

118. Pelidna alpina sakhalina (Vieill.).

Red-backed Sandpiper.

Tringa alpina pacifica (Coues), A. O. U. Check List, 1895, p. 89.
Distr.: North America and eastern Asia, breeding in the Arctic
regions; south to Mexico and Central America, in winter.

Summer.

Red-backed Sandpiper.

Winter.

Adult in summer: Bill, slightly bent down near the tip; the
feathers on the top of the head and back, bright rufous brown, heavily-
blotched with black on the central part of each
feather; throat, whitish; breast streaked with
black; belly, black on the upper part; lower
belly and crissum, white; bill, black.

Adult in winter: Upper parts, gray, slightly
mottled; throat, white; breast, gray, the shafts
of the feathers dark brown; belly and under
tail coverts, pure white; a faint, dull white
superciliary line.

Length, 8; wing, 4.75; tarsus, i.io; bill, 1.65.
The Red-backed Sandpiper is abundant in May and common in late
August and September, during the migrations in Illinois and Wis-
consin.

4o8 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Genus EREUNETES Illiger.

I 19. Ereunetes pusillus (Linn.).

Semipalmated Sandpiper.

Local name: Peep.

Distr.: Eastern North America, breeding north of the United
States; south in winter to the West Indies and South America.

Adult in summer: Heavily marked with dark brown and tawny
on the top of the head and back; forehead, whitish; under parts and

Semipalmated Sandpiper.

throat, white; breast, mottled with grayish; belly, white; toes, with
small web.

Adult ill winter: Upper parts, grayish,
mottled with brown on the head, and the
feathers showing dark brown, edged with
white on the back; throat, white; breast,
very faintly washed with gray, which is some-
times very indistinct; belly and under tail
coverts, white; toes, with small web.

Length, 6; wing, 3.75; tarsus, .75; bill,
.80.
Abundant in Illinois and Wisconsin in May and September during
the migrations. Occasionally birds remain during the summer, but
there is not the slio^htest evidence that these ever breed.

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 409

120. Ereunetes mauri Cabanis.

Western Sandpiper.

Ereunetes occidentalis Lawr., A. O. U. Check List, 1895, P- 9^^-

Distr.: Chiefly western North America, breeding in high latitudes;
not uncommon on the Atlantic coast; south in winter to Middle and
South America.

Adult: In summer plumage this species may be distinguished
from E. piisillus by its longer bill (which is oftentimes 1.25 inches
in length, while E. pusilliis rarely, if ever, has the bill one inch),
by its decidedly streaked breast, and the feathers of the back being
margined with rufous. The winter plumages, however, differ but
little, if any, and occasionally specimens of the Western Sandpiper
occur which have the bill less than one inch, and in such cases it
is almost impossible to distinguish them from winter examples of
E. pusillus; therefore it is perhaps as well to consider all of those
birds having bills less than .90 in length to be E. pusillus, and
if it is important to have the identification absolutely accurate, they
could easily obtain the opinion of some professional ornithologist to
decide such a fine point.

Length, 6; wing, 3.85; tarsus, .82; bill, .90 to 1. 15.

Common in Illinois and Wisconsin during the migrations, but
much less numerous than the preceding species.

Genus CALIDRIS Illiger.

121. Calidris leucophaea (Pallas).
Sanderling.

Calidris arenaria Linn., A. O. U. Check List, 1895, p. 91.

Distr.: Northern hemisphere; in America breeding in the Arctic
and subarctic regions; south in winter as far as southern South
America (Patagonia), also India and South Africa.

Adult in summer: Head, throat, and upper parts, except rump,
reddish brown, black, and white; throat and breast, pale rufous
brown, with more or less dark spots; belly and under parts, pure
white; bill and feet, black; toes, three.

Adult in winter: Top of the head and back, ash gray, the shafts
of the feathers being brown; forehead and entire under parts white;
bill, black.

Length, 8.10; wing, 5.05; tarsus, i; bill, i.

4IO Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Sanderling.

The Sanderling occurs more or less commonly in Illinois and Wis-
consin during the migrations in May, and again from August to
October.

Genus LIMOSA Brisson.

122. Limosa fedoa (Linn).
Marbled Godwit.

Distr.: Chiefly interior of North iVmerica, breeding from Iowa
north to the Saskatchewan; south in winter to Cuba and Central
America.

Adult in summer: Bill, curved slightly upward; upper parts,
mottled with black and tawny; upper throat, white, rest of throat
finely streaked with brown; breast, pale tawny, the feathers banded
irregularly with brown; belly, tawny, sometimes without bands;
bill, dull flesh color in its basal half, the rest blackish; inner webs
of outer primaries, speckled with black; tail, barred with black;
axillars, irregularly banded with dark slaty brown, in some instances
merely showing an indication of bands but always with more or less
irregular marks or dots where the bands are not perfect.

Adult in winter: Top of the head, brown, streaked with pale brown;
feathers of the back, dark brown, edged with tawny; chin, white;
throat, pale buff, faintly barred with brown; inner webs of outer
primaries, speckled with black.

Length, 19; wing, 8.80; tarsus, 2.80; bill, 3.50 to 4.50.

The Marbled Godwit was once a common species in Illinois and

Jam.. 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

411

Marbled Godwit.

Wisconsin during the migrations, but is now rare. At the present
time the few which occur within our limits are practically restricted
to the region along the Mississippi River. According to Kumlien
and Hollister it was known to nest on two occasions in Wisconsin,
some fifty years ago, once near Stoughton and once near Lake Kosh-
konong. They also state: "Mr. H. Nehrling gives it as breeding in
the northern peninsula of Michigan and it used to nest in Iron County,
Wisconsin, and almost certainly along Green Bay." (Birds of Wis-
consin, 1903, p. 48.)

123. Limosa haemastica (Linn.).

HUDSONIAN GODWIT.

Distr.: Northeastern North America; south in winter throughout
Middle and South America; breeds in high latitudes.

Adult in summer: Upper parts, dark brown, the feathers showing
spots of pale rufous brown on the edges; rump, white; tail, black,
tipped with whitish; chin, whitish, with pale rufous; rest of under

412 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

Hudsonian Godwit.

parts, dark rufous brown; the feathers of the throat, more or less
streaked with black, and the feathers of the breast and belly, faintly-
edged with black; axillars, very dark slate color, almost black.

Adult in winter: Upper plumage, dull gray; feathers of the back,
more or less edged with dark brown; chin, whitish; breast, pale gray;
shafts of the feathers on the sides of the breast, brownish; belly,
grayish buff, sometimes buffy white; under tail coverts, whitish;
axillars, dark, smoky gray.

Length, 15; wing, 8 to 8.60; tarsus, 2.40; bill, 2.80 to 3.40.

In former years the Hudsonian Godwit was not uncommon in
Illinois and Wisconsin during the migrations, but at the present
time it is a rare bird, at least east of the 95th meridian. It is still
moderately common in Dakota, Nebraska, and Texas during the migra-
tions, but its numbers are fast decreasing. Mr. F. M. Woodruff
states he killed a pair of these birds at Grass Lake, Illinois, in June,
1892 (Bull. Chicago Acad. Sciences, No. 6, 1907, p. 72).

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory.

413

Genus TOTANUS Bechstein.

124. Totanus melanoleucus (Gmel.).
Greater Yellow-legs.

Local names: Winter Yellow-leg. Stone Snipe. Telltale.

Distr.: Greater portion of America, breeding from Wisconsin and,
perhaps northern Illinois, northward, and migrating south in winter
to Middle and South America as far as Chili and Argentine Republic
and the West Indies.

Greater Yellow-legs.

Adult in sununer: Bill, nearly straight; upper plumage, mottled
with white and black; upper tail coverts, white, barred with black;
throat, white, streaked with black; chin, whitish; breast, white,
heavily streaked with black; rest of under parts, white, irregularly
marked with black; middle of belly, nearly always pure white; bill,
black, and legs, yelloiv.

Adult in winter: Top of the head and neck, streaked white and
dark brown; back, brown, the feathers narrowly edged with whitish;
chin, white; breast, white, narrowly lined with dark brown; rest of
under parts, white; bill, black, and legs, yellow.

Length, 14; wdng, 7.75; tarsus, 2.45; bill, 2.30.

This species is a common migrant and casual summer resident in
Illinois and Wisconsin. It may breed in northern Illinois and there
is little doubt that it does so in Wisconsin. The clear, sharp, whistling
note, repeated rapidly four or five times, descending in semi-tones

414 Field Museum of Natural History — Zoology, Vol. IX.

down the scale, is known to "gunners" throughout the land. Al-
though not as abundant as in former years, it is still numerous in
many locations during the migrations.

Mr. E. W. Nelson writes: "A common migrant and regular summer
resident. Breeds. Arrives about the middle of April, the larger
portion passing north early in May. * '■' * * In June, 1875, I found
several pairs of these birds about the Calumet marshes, where from
their actions I was certain they were breeding, but was not fortunate
enough to find their nests. The loth of June, 1876, Mr. Rice observed
a pair about a prairie slough near Evanston. A few days later a set
of four eggs were brought him from a similar situation a few miles
northwest of that place and from the description of the parent bird
— driven from the nest — he decided they must belong to this species."
(Birds N. E. Illinois, 1876, p. 128.) Regarding its occurrence in Wis-
consin, Kumlien and Hollister say: "A common migrant, spring and
fall, and also a summer resident. '•' '■' * * At Lake Koshkonong it
bred at considerable distance from the lake far out in the iniry
marshes and did not often visit the lake shore until the young were
nearly full grown." (Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 49.) They also
state that downy young were procured by L. Kumlien near Minnesota
Junction in 1882.

The nest is composed of grass on the ground. The eggs are four,
pale brown or buff color, spotted and marked with dark brown.
They measure about 1.45 x 1.20 inches.

125. Totanus flavipes (Gmel.).

Yellow-legs.

Local names: Summer Yellow-legs. Little Telltale.

Distr.: North America, south in winter to South America,
breeds chiefly north of the United States; more common in eastern
than in western North America.

Adult: Upper parts, grayish brown, mottled with whitish on the
back; chin, white; throat, white, streaked with pale grayish brown;
breast, mottled; belly, white; tail feathers, banded brown and white;
upper tail coverts, white, more or less barred with black; axillars,
white, barred with broivn; bill, black; legs, yellow.

Reseinbles the Greater Yellow-legs, but is smaller.

Length, 10.80; wing, 6.45; tarsus, 2.10; bill, 1.45.

This species is still common during the migrations in Illinois and
Wisconsin, and a few remain during the summer; but non-breeding
or wounded birds of many species are found far south of their usual

Jan., 1909. Birds of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 415

range during the summer months and the fact that they are in breed-
ing plumage is not sufficient evidence that they are nesting. That
a few may do so, however, is shown by Nelson's statement in his Birds
of N. E. Illinois (Bull. Essex Inst., VIII, 1876, p. 128 ) where he says:
"A few breed. I obtained the young barely able to fly near a prairie
slough the first of July, 1874, a few miles from Chicago, and have
since observed several pairs during the breeding season about the Calu-
met marshes." Kumlien and Hollister state: "Formerly bred at
Lake Koshkonong, Horicon Lake, about Lake Pacana, and presum-
ably in other localities. '■= '•' '^ * "= * Young still unable to fly are
yet obtainable about Lake Koshkonong in July, but of late years
not commonly." (Birds of Wisconsin, 1903, p. 49.)

The eggs are three or four, pale brown or buff, irregularly marked
with dark brown, and measure about 1.70 x 1.15.

Genus HELODROMAS Kaup.

126. Helodromas solitarius (Wils.).
Solitary Sandpiper.

Totanus solitarius (Wils.), A. O. U. Check List, 1895, p. 94.
Distr.: North America, chiefly east of the Rocky Mountains; south
in winter to Argentine Republic and Peru; breeds from northern
United States northward.

Adult in summer: Top of head and back, and
upper tail coverts, bronzy green, dotted with white;
un