WHAT BIRD IS THAT?

Transcriber's Note: Clicking on the diagrams and full color illustrations will show the reader a larger version of the illustration.

By FRANK M. CHAPMAN

WHAT BIRD IS THAT?

A POCKET MUSEUM
OF THE LAND BIRDS OF
THE EASTERN UNITED STATES
ARRANGED ACCORDING TO SEASON

BY

FRANK M. CHAPMAN

CURATOR OF BIRDS IN THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY AND EDITOR OF "BIRD-LORE"

WITH 301 BIRDS IN COLOR
BY
EDMUND J. SAWYER
D. APPLETON-CENTURY COMPANY
INCORPORATED
NEW YORK LONDON

Copyright, 1920, by
D. APPLETON & COMPANY
All rights reserved. This book, or parts
thereof, must not be reproduced in any
form without permission of the publishers.
PRINTED IN UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

INTRODUCTION

As Curator of the Department of Birds of the American Museum of Natural History I have had exceptional facilities for the arrangement of collections designed to give students a comprehensive view of local bird-life without confusing them with unnecessary details.

Among other aids to this end a collection of 'Birds Found within 50 Miles of New York' has been placed in a special hall and so grouped that the visitor who wishes to identify some bird seen within these limits may do so with the least possible difficulty. In addition to the 'General Systematic Collection,' containing specimens of the 350-odd species of birds which have been recorded from the New York City region, there is also a 'Seasonal Collection.' This Seasonal Collection contains only the birds of the month. Its base is the 'Permanent Resident Birds,' or those which, like the Crow, are with us throughout the year. To these, the migratory species are added or subtracted, as they come or go. The collection of migratory species is therefore revised the first of each month. Birds which are due to arrive during the month are added, those which have left us are withdrawn. The Seasonal Collection thus gives us, at a glance, a picture of the bird-life of the month and correspondingly limits the field of our inquiry when we go to it to learn the name of some strange bird recently observed. In January, therefore, we have not to consider the birds of June, nor need we be concerned with winter birds in summer. The season of occurrence thus gives us an important clue to a bird's identity.

For somewhat more than a quarter of a century this small collection has achieved its object so effectively that I have attempted to embody the idea it demonstrates in a series of drawings which have been admirably executed by Mr. Edmund Sawyer. As foundation plates or 'collections,' we have first two 'cases' of the winter land birds of the Northeastern States, or from about Maryland northward, containing the Permanent Residents, which form part of the bird-life of every month of the year, and the Winter Visitants, or those birds which come from the North in the fall to remain with us until the following spring.

Cases 3 and 4 contain the Permanent Resident and Winter Visitant land birds of the Southern States. Whether the student is in the North or in the South he has, therefore, a 'collection' of the land birds which he may expect to find during the winter months.

Cases 5 to 8 contain the migrants arranged according to the order of their arrival from the South in the vicinity of New York City. Since it is not practicable to have cases containing collections of migrants for other latitudes, data are given showing what changes in dates should be made to adapt the schedule presented to other localities, including Washington, D.C., Ossining, N.Y., Cambridge, Mass., northern Ohio, Glen Ellyn, near Chicago, and southeastern Minnesota. The records for these localities are quoted from the author's 'Handbook of Birds of Eastern North America' to which they were contributed respectively by Dr. C.W. Richmond, Dr. A.K. Fisher, William Brewster, Lynds Jones, B.T. Gault, and Dr. Thos. S. Roberts.

With these facts, the cases in a large measure tell their own story, just as does our Museum Seasonal Collection; but further to assist the student I have added what may be termed a 'label' for each of the 'specimens' they contain. These labels include comments on each bird's distinctive characters, a statement of its nesting and winter range, the notes on its status at various localities, to which I have just referred, and brief remarks on its habits.

It is the specimens, however, not the labels, which warrant the publication of this little volume, for I hope that, like their prototypes in the American Museum, they will be a means of acquainting us with "the most eloquent expressions of Nature's beauty, joy and freedom," and thereby add to our lives a resource of incalculable value.

While the birds in the cases are small, they are drawn and reproduced with such accuracy that no essential detail of color or form is lost. Above all, they have the rare merit of being all drawn to nearly the same scale. One will soon learn therefore to measure the proportions of unknown birds by comparison with those with which one is familiar, and since relative size is the most obvious character in naming birds in nature, this is a feature of the first importance.

The student is strongly urged first, to become thoroughly familiar with the 'map' of a bird given in the frontispiece: second, to use an opera- or field-glass when observing birds: third, to write descriptions of unknown birds while they are in view stating their length, shape, and as many details of their color and markings as can be seen: fourth, to remember that one is not likely to find birds except in their regular seasons: and, fifth, to take this book afield with him and make direct comparison of the living bird with its colored figure. The wide margins are designed for use in recording field-notes.

Frank M. Chapman.

American Museum of Natural History.
New York City.

CONTENTS

BIRDS AND SEASONS

Before a leaf unfolds or a flower spreads its petals, even before the buds swell, and while yet there is snow on the ground, the birds tell us that spring is at hand. The Song Sparrow sings "Spring, spring, spring, sunny days are here"; the Meadowlark blows his fife, the Downy rattles his drum, and company after company of Grackles in glistening black coats, and of Red-wings with scarlet epaulets, go trooping by. For the succeeding three months, in orderly array, the feathered army files by, each member of it at his appointed time whether he comes from the adjoining State or from below the equator.

Besides the Blackbirds, March brings the Robin and Bluebird, Woodcock, Phœbe, Meadowlark, Cowbird, Kingfisher, Mourning Dove, Fox, Swamp, White-throated and Field Sparrows.

Near New York City the New Year of the birds has now passed its infancy and in April each day adds perceptibly to its strength. 'Pussy' willows "creep out along each bough," skunk cabbage rears its head in low, wet woods, and in sun-warmed places early wild flowers peep from beneath the sodden leaves. With swelling ranks the migratory army moves more steadily northward. Species which arrived late in March become more numerous, and to them are soon added the Vesper, Savannah, and Chipping Sparrows, and other seed-eaters; and when, with increasing warmth, insects appear, the pioneer Phœbe is followed by other insect-eating birds, like the Swallows, Pipit, Hermit Thrush, Myrtle and Palm Warblers, Louisiana Water-thrush and Ruby-crowned Kinglet.

The true bird student will now pass every available moment afield, eagerly watching for the return of old friends and more eagerly still for possible new ones. But enjoyment of this yearly miracle should not be left only to the initiated. We need not be ornithologists to be thrilled when the Robin's song in March awakes long silent echoes, or the Thrasher's solo rings loud and clear on an April morning. The Catbird singing from near his last year's home in the thickening shrubbery, the House Wren whose music bubbles over between bustling visits to an oft-used bird-box, the Chimney Swift twittering cheerily from an evening sky, may be heard without even the effort of listening and each one, with a hundred others, brings us a message if we will but accept it. And I make no fanciful statement when I say that it is a message we can ill afford to lose.

"RED-WINGS WITH SCARLET EPAULETS GO TROOPING BY"

With May come the Thrushes—Wood Thrush, Veery, Olive-back and Gray-cheek, the last two en route to the north—the Orioles, Cuckoos, Vireos, and the Bobolink who began his four thousand mile journey from northern Argentina in March. But May is preëminently the Month of Warblers, "most beautiful, most abundant, and least known" of our birds. To the eight species which have already arrived, there may be added over twenty more, represented by a number of individuals beyond our power to estimate. We may hear the Robin, Thrasher, and Wren, without listening, but we will see few Warblers without looking; and this, in a measure, accounts for the fascination which attends their study.

After May 15 there is an evident thinning in the ranks of the migrating army, and by June 1 we shall see only a few stragglers. The Transient Visitors will have gone to their more northern homes and our bird population will then consist only of the ever present Permanent Residents and the Summer Residents which the great northward march of the birds has brought us from the South.

Although June may be called the Month of Nests, nest-building begins long before the migration ends. Some Owls and Hawks lay in March, and the Bluebird, White-breasted Nuthatch and Robin have eggs by April 20, while most of our birds go to housekeeping during the latter half of May. Nevertheless, it is in June that their domestic life is at its height; and to the student of birds' habits this is by far the most interesting month in the year.

TREE SWALLOWS . . . RESTING IN ROWS ON WAYSIDE WIRES

Birds that raise two or even three broods will still be occupied with household affairs in July, but one-brooded birds, having launched their families, will seek retirement to undergo the trying ordeal of molt, whereby they will get a complete new costume. Often this will be quite unlike the one in which they arrived from the South—as the student will discover, sometimes to his confusion! In August, the Month of Molt, the seclusion sought by many of our summer birds induces the belief that they have left us, but toward the latter part of the month they reappear. The first week in August virtually marks the end of the song season. The Wood Pewee and Red-eyed Vireo remain in voice throughout the month, but the great chorus which has made May, June and most of July vocal, we shall not hear before another spring—so short is the time when we are blessed by the songs of birds.

Meanwhile the feathered army has begun its retreat to winter quarters. As early as July 15, Tree Swallows will arrive and by the end of the month will be seen resting in rows on wayside telegraph wires, or en route to their roosts in the marshes. In the now heavily leaved forests the returning Warblers and Flycatchers will not be so easily observed as they were in May, but in September they become too abundant to be overlooked. The southward movement grows in strength until late September, when the greater part of the insect-eating birds have left us, and it is terminated by the frosts, and consequent falling leaves, of October.

But just as in the spring some of the northbound migrants drop from the ranks to spend the summer with us, so in the fall some of the southbound travelers will remain with us for the winter. The Junco, which we are wont to think of as only a winter bird, arrives the latter part of September to remain until April, and with him come the Golden-crowned Kinglet, Brown Creeper and Winter Wren—all to stay until spring. October will bring the Horned Lark, Pine Finch, Snow Bunting, Tree Sparrow and Northern Shrike and these birds with the ones just mentioned, and the ever faithful Permanent Residents, give us a goodly winter company.

But the possibilities do not end here; there may be Redpolls, American and also White-winged Crossbills, perhaps Pine Grosbeaks, and, best of all, Evening Grosbeaks, who of recent years have been coming to us more or less regularly from no man knows where.

So from one year's end to the other, there is not a month, a week or day which has not interests of its own. The bird student may pass his life in one place, but he can never say "I have finished" for the morrow may bring some new bird or new fact. How immeasurably this association with the birds adds to the joy of life! What new meanings their comings and goings give to the changing seasons; the very air is made eloquent by their calls and songs. Why should we not all "come at these enchantments"?

IN OCTOBER, WHEN MIGRATING HAWKS DOT THE SKY, THE GREAT SOUTHWARD MARCH OF THE BIRDS IS NEARING ITS END.

CASE NO. 1 FIGS. 1-19
PERMANENT RESIDENT LAND BIRDS OF THE NORTHERN UNITED STATES

CASE NO. 2 FIGS. 20-63
PERMANENT RESIDENT LAND BIRDS OF THE NORTHERN UNITED STATES

WINTER VISITANT LAND BIRDS OF THE NORTHERN UNITED STATES
or those which come from the North in the Fall and usually remain until Spring:

CASE NO. 3 FIGS. 1-27
WINTER LAND BIRDS OF THE SOUTHERN UNITED STATES

Permanent Resident species, or those which are present throughout the year, are marked "R." Winter Visitant species, or those which come from the North in the Fall and remain until Spring, are marked "W."

CASE NO. 4 FIGS. 28-82
WINTER LAND BIRDS OF THE SOUTHERN UNITED STATES

Permanent Resident species, or those which are present throughout the year, are marked "R." Winter Visitant species, or those which come from the North in the Fall and remain until Spring, are marked "W."

FOOTNOTE:

[A] Winter Visitant only in the more southern States; a Permanent Resident in North Carolina and Virginia.

CASE NO. 5 FIGS. 1-38
EARLY SPRING MIGRANT LAND BIRDS OF THE EASTERN UNITED STATES

The birds are arranged in the order of their arrival from the South in the vicinity of New York City. Nos. 1-19, 22-24, 26, 27, 30, 31, 36-38 winter in the Southern (chiefly Gulf) States. The remainder winter in the tropics and reach the Southern States a month or more before they arrive at New York. Compared with the dates here given for New York City, Washington dates are from ten to fifteen days earlier; Boston, about a week later; northern Ohio, eight to twelve days earlier; northern Illinois, six to ten days earlier; southeastern Minnesota, about the same as those for New York.

CASE NO. 6 FIGS. 39-74
EARLY SPRING MIGRANT LAND BIRDS OF THE EASTERN UNITED STATES

The birds are arranged in the order of their arrival from the South in the vicinity of New York City. Nos. 43, 46, 47, 51, 57, 60-64, 67, 68, 70-72 winter in the Southern (chiefly Gulf) States. The remainder winter in the tropics and reach the Southern States a month or more before they arrive at New York. Compared with the dates here given for New York City, Washington dates are from ten to fifteen days earlier; Boston, about a week later; northern Ohio, eight to twelve days earlier; northern Illinois, six to ten days earlier; southeastern Minnesota, about the same as those for New York.

CASE NO. 7 FIGS. 1-39
LATE SPRING MIGRANT LAND BIRDS OF THE EASTERN UNITED STATES
For times of arrival at other localities see remarks under Case No. 6

CASE NO. 8. FIGS. 40-82
LATE SPRING MIGRANT LAND BIRDS OF THE EASTERN UNITED STATES
For times of arrival at other localities see remarks under Case No. 6.

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

Note. Measurements are in inches.

Land Birds of the Eastern United States

GALLINACEOUS BIRDS. ORDER GALLINÆ

AMERICAN QUAIL. FAMILY ODONTOPHORIDÆ

BOB-WHITE
Colinus virginianus virginianus. [Case 1]. Figs. 1, 2

The black and white markings of the male are respectively buff and brown in the female. In flight the Bob-white, or Quail, suggests a Meadowlark, but the tail is without white feathers. L. 10.

Range. Eastern United States north to Minnesota and Maine south to the Gulf. A Permanent Resident. Severe winters and much shooting have made it rare in the more northern parts of its range.

Washington, common P.R. Ossining, common P.R. Cambridge, P.R. N. Ohio, not common P.R. Glen Ellyn, rare P.R. SE. Minn., common P.R.

Except when nesting Bob-whites live in flocks or "coveys" usually composed of the members of one family. Their song, heard in spring and summer, is the clear, ringing two- or three-noted whistle which gives them their common name. Their fall and winter notes, which sportsmen term "scatter calls" are signals by which the members of a flock keep within speaking distance of one another. "Where are you?" "Where are you?" they seem to say. As with other protectively colored, ground-inhabiting birds, Bob-whites do not take wing until one almost steps upon them. Then, like a bursting bomb, the covey seems to explode, its brown pieces flying in every direction. The nest is on the ground and the 10-18 white, pear-shaped eggs are laid in May or June.

The Florida Bob-white (C. v. floridanus, [Case 3], Figs. 1, 2), a smaller darker race is resident in Florida, except in the northern part of the state. It begins to nest in April.

GROUSE. FAMILY TETRAONIDÆ

CANADA SPRUCE PARTRIDGE
Canachites canadensis canace

The male is a grayish bird with a jet black throat and breast, the former bordered with white; the skin above the eye is red. The female is barred with black and reddish brown with a black mottled tail tipped with brown. L. 15.

Range. Northern parts of United States from New Brunswick to Manitoba. Other races are found throughout the wooded parts of Canada and Alaska.

An unsuspicious inhabitant of swampy coniferous forests. Now rare in the United States. It nests on the ground in June, laying 9-16 eggs, buff, lightly speckled with brown.

RUFFED GROUSE
Bonasa umbellus umbellus. [Case 1], Fig. 3

The female resembles the male in color but has the black neck-tufts smaller. The tail-feathers vary from gray to bright rusty. L. 17.

Range. Eastern United States south in the Alleghanies to Georgia. In the southern states the Grouse is often called 'Pheasant.' A Permanent Resident.

Washington, not common P.R. Ossining, common P.R. Cambridge, P.R., formerly very common. N. Ohio, rare P.R. Glen Ellyn, rare and local P.R.

On our western plains and prairies there is a Grouse which we call Prairie Hen and we might well apply the name Wood Hen to this Grouse of our forests. To flush a Grouse in the quiet of the woods always makes the "heart jump." His whirring wings not only produce the roar which accompanies his flight, but they are also responsible for the "drumming" which constitutes the Grouse's song as sitting upright on some favorite log, he rapidly beats the air with his wings.

The horny fringes which in winter border the toes of the Grouse, or Partridge, as he is also called, form in effect snow-shoes which help to support the bird on soft snow. At this season they also feed in trees on buds and catkins, and they may roost in trees or seek a bed by plunging into a snow-bank.

The nest, lined with leaves, is placed at the base of a tree or stump; the 8-14 buffy eggs are laid in May.

The Canada Ruffed Grouse (B. u. togata), of northern New England and northwards is grayer above and more distinctly barred below.

PRAIRIE CHICKEN
Tympanuchus americanus

The Prairie Hen has a rounded or nearly square tail and a barred breast; in the Sharp-tailed Grouse the tail is pointed, the breast with V-shaped markings. L. 18.

Range. Central Plains region from Texas to Manitoba, east to Indiana. Migratory at its northern limits.

Glen Ellyn, P.R. local, S.E. Minn., P.R. much decreased in numbers.

The Ruffed Grouse sounds his rolling, muffled drum-call in the seclusion of the forest, but the Prairie Hen beats his loud boom-ah-boom in the open freedom of the plains. Hardy and strong of wing, he can cope with winter storms and natural enemies, but against the combined assault of man, dog, and gun, he cannot successfully contend.

About a dozen buff-olive eggs are laid on the ground in April or early May.

HEATH HEN
Tympanuchus cupido

This is a close relative of the Prairie Hen, having the black neck-tuft of less than ten feathers with pointed, not rounded, ends. It is now found only on the Island of Martha's Vineyard, but formerly inhabited plains or barrens, locally, from New Jersey to Massachusetts. It nests in June.

TURKEYS. FAMILY MELEAGRIDÆ

WILD TURKEY
Meleagris gallopavo silvestris

The Wild Turkey was formerly found as far north as Maine and Ontario but it is unknown now north of central Pennsylvania. South of Maryland it is not uncommon locally.

Range. Kansas and central Pennsylvania to the Gulf coast, and northern Florida. Non-migratory.

Washington, rare P.R.

Our domestic Turkey is descended from the Mexican Wild Turkey and like that race has the upper tail-coverts and tail tipped with whitish, whereas in our eastern Wild Turkey these tips are chestnut. The nest is on the ground and 10-14 eggs, pale cream-color finely speckled with brownish, are laid in April.

The Florida Wild Turkey (M. g. osceola), of southern Florida, is smaller and the white bars on the primaries are narrower and more broken.

PIGEONS AND DOVES. ORDER COLUMBÆ

PIGEONS AND DOVES. FAMILY COLUMBIDÆ

MOURNING DOVE
Zenaidura macroura carolinensis. [Case 3], Fig. 3; [Case 5], Fig. 11

Except the southern little Ground Dove, this is our only Dove. Its long, pointed tail and the swift, darting flight are its field characters. It is often mistaken for the Wild or Passenger Pigeon, now extinct. The two birds differ in size and in color, but size is a matter of distance, and color, of comparison, so it seems probable that as long as there is a possibility of seeing a Passenger Pigeon, Mourning Doves will be mistaken for them. L. 11¾. The Wild Pigeon is about five inches longer.

Range. North America. In a railway journey from the Atlantic to the Pacific one may expect to see the Dove daily. Winters from Virginia southward, migrating northward in March.

Washington, P.R., common, except in midwinter. Ossining, common S.R., Mch. 3-Nov. 27; a few winter. Cambridge, rather rare T.V., Apl. 8-June 18; Sept. 18-Nov. 15. N. Ohio, common S.R., Mch. 20-Oct. 25; rare W.V. Glen Ellyn, tolerably common S.R., formerly common, Mch. 12-Oct. 21. S.E. Minn., common S.R., Mch. 15-Dec. 25.

Doves are particularly common in the southern states where, ranked as game-birds, they are shot in large numbers. The Wild Pigeon's note was an explosive squawk; the Dove's is a soft, mournful coo-oo-ah, coo-o-o-coo-o-o-coo-o-o-. During the winter, Doves are usually found in small flocks but, unlike the Wild Pigeon, they nest in scattered pairs. The nest is in a tree or on the ground. Two white eggs are laid in April.

GROUND DOVE
Chæmepelia passerina terrestris. [Case 3], Fig. 4

The female is duller than the male. L. 6¾.

Range. Tropical and subtemperate parts of the Western Hemisphere. Our form is found in Florida and on the coast region from North Carolina to Texas.

Washington, accidental; two records, Sept., Oct.

This dainty, miniature Pigeon is common in southern gardens and old fields. It runs gracefully before one, and when flushed rises with a whirring flight but soon alights, usually on the ground. Its call is a crooning coo. The nest is placed on the ground and in low trees and bushes. Two white eggs are laid in March.

BIRDS OF PREY. ORDER RAPTORES

AMERICAN VULTURES. FAMILY CATHARTIDÆ

TURKEY VULTURE
Cathartes aura septentrionalis. [Case 3], Fig. 9

Head red, plumage with a brownish cast. Young birds have the head covered with brownish down. L. 30.

Range. Most of the Western Hemisphere in several subspecies; in the eastern states north to northern New Jersey and, locally, southern New York. Migrating south from the northern part of its range.

Washington, abundant P.R. Ossining, A.V. Cambridge, casual, two records. N. Ohio, tolerably common S.R., Mch. 5-Oct. 30. SE. Minn., common S.R., Apl. 27.

The 'Turkey Buzzard' has a wider wing-stretch and is a better aviator than the Black Vulture. It is more a bird of the country than the last-named species which is the common Vulture of the streets in many southern cities. Extremely graceful in the air, it is far from pleasing when at rest. The two dull white, brown-marked eggs are laid on the ground under logs, in crevices in rocks, etc., in March in Florida, in April in Virginia.

BLACK VULTURE
Catharista urubu urubu. [Case 3], Fig. 10

Head black, plumage without the brownish cast of the Turkey Vulture.

Range. Eastern U.S., north to Virginia; an abundant Permanent Resident. Washington, casual, Mch., July, Dec.

The Vulture of southern cities; a frequenter of slaughter houses and markets. In flight the under surfaces of the wing look silvery. It is by no means so impressive a figure in the air as the Turkey Vulture. Two pale bluish white eggs, generally with brown markings, are laid on the ground under logs, bushes, palmettoes, etc., in March and April.

HAWKS, EAGLES, KITES, ETC. FAMILY BUTEONIDÆ

SWALLOW-TAILED KITE
Elanoides forficatus forficatus

The head and lower parts are white, the rest of the plumage glossy black; the tail deeply forked. L. 24.

Range. Florida to South Carolina, and up the Mississippi Valley rarely to Saskatchewan; winters south of the United States, returning in March.

Washington, three records, Aug.; Apl. SE. Minn., uncommon S.R., May 4.

Color, form, grace, and power of motion combine to make the flight of the Swallow-tail an impressive demonstration of the bird's mastery of the air. It feeds on lizards and small snakes which it captures when on the wing from the branches of trees. The nest is placed in the upper branches of tall trees, 2-3 eggs heavily marked with brown being laid in Florida in April; in Iowa in June.

WHITE-TAILED KITE
Elanus leucurus

A gray bird with white underparts, rather short white tail and black shoulders. L. 15½.

Range. Chiefly southwestern United States and southward east to the lower Mississippi Valley.

This is a rare bird east of the Mississippi. It frequents open marshy places and feeds upon small snakes, lizards, grasshoppers, etc., which it captures on the ground. The nest is built in trees, and the 3-5 eggs, heavily marked with brown, are laid in May.

MISSISSIPPI KITE
Ictinia mississippiensis

A slaty-blue bird with black tail and wings and red eyes. L. 14.

Range. Southern United States, north to South Carolina, and southern Indiana; winters chiefly south of the United States and returns in April.

A low-flying hunter of insects, snakes and frogs. It migrates in loose flocks sometimes near the earth, at others far above it. The nest is placed in tall trees. The eggs are laid in May; they number 1-3, and are dull white, occasionally with a bluish tinge.

EVERGLADE KITE
Rostrhamus sociabilis

A dark slate-colored bird with a white rump and a rather slender hooked bill. The young are quite different; black above, tipped with reddish brown, below mottled and barred with black, reddish brown and buff, but with the white rump-patch of the adult. L. 18.

Range. Tropical America north to southern Florida.

The Everglade Kite is found in marshes and about lakes and ponds hunting for its favorite food of large snails, which it extracts from their shells by means of its hooked bill. It is rarely seen north of southern Florida. The nest is placed in bushes or among reeds. The 2-3 eggs, which are heavily marked with brown, are laid in March.

MARSH HAWK
Circus hudsonius. [Case 3], Fig. 15

The immature bird and adult female are dark brown above, reddish brown below, but, in any plumage, the species may be known by the white upper tail-coverts which show clearly in flight. L., male, 19; female, 22.

Range. North America, wintering from New Jersey southward; migrates northward in March.

Washington, common W.V., July-Apl. Ossining, tolerably common S.R., Mch. 6-Oct. 30; a few winter. Cambridge, common T.V., Mch. 20-Nov. 10, one breeding record. N. Ohio, not common S.R., Mch. 5-Nov. 30. Glen Ellyn, S.R., several pairs, Apl. 4-Nov. 6. SE. Minn., common S.R., Mch. 6-Nov. 1.

The Marsh Hawk quarters low over the fields turning sharply here and there to follow the course of a meadow mouse in the grass forest below. As a rule the bird is silent but in the mating season he repeats a 'screeching' note. The nest is made on the ground in the marshes; the 4-6 white eggs are laid in May.

SHARP-SHINNED HAWK
Accipiter velox. [Case 1], Figs. 11, 12; [Case 3], Figs. 7, 8

The sexes differ only in size, the female being much the larger. There is a marked difference in color between adult and immature birds, the latter being more commonly seen. L. male, 11¼; female, 13½.

Range. North America; wintering from Massachusetts southward.

Washington, common P.R. Ossining, common P.R. Cambridge, common T.V., Apl. 3-May 11; Sept. 5-Oct. 25; rare S.R., uncommon W.V. N. Ohio, not common P.R., a few winter. Glen Ellyn, not common S.R., Mch. 19-Dec. 9. SE. Minn., common S.R., Mch. 28-Dec 28.

This small, bird-killing Hawk dashes recklessly after its victims, following them through thick cover. It is less often seen in the open than the Sparrow Hawk, which it resembles in size, but from which it may be known by its different color, longer tail, and much shorter wings. It nests in trees 15-40 feet from the ground. The eggs, 3-6 in number, are bluish white or cream, marked with brown and are laid in May.

Sharp-Shinned Hawk.
Note the Long Tail.

COOPER'S HAWK
Accipiter cooperi. [Case 1], Figs. 9, 10

A large edition of the Sharp-shinned Hawk, with the tail more rounded, the adult with a darker crown. L. male, 15½; female, 19.

Range. Nests throughout United States; winters from southern New England southward.

Washington, common S.R., less common W.V. Ossining, tolerably common P.R. Cambridge, common T.V., not uncommon S.R., rare W.V., Apl. 10-Oct. 20. N. Ohio, not common, Mch. 20-Nov. 1; a few winter. Glen Ellyn, local S.R., a few winter. SE. Minn., common S.R., Mch. 3.

This is the real 'Chicken Hawk,' but it is less often seen and heard than the soaring, screaming Buteos to which the name is usually applied. It resembles the Sharp-shinned in habits but being larger may prey on larger birds. The female may be easily distinguished from the Sharp-shinned by her larger size, but the male is not appreciably larger than a female Sharp-shin.

The nest is built in a tree 25-50 feet up. The bluish white, rarely spotted eggs are laid in late April or early May.

GOSHAWK
Astur atricapillus

The adult is blue-gray above with a darker crown and a white line over the eye. The underparts are finely and beautifully marked with gray and white. Young birds resemble the young of Cooper's Hawk, but are much larger. L., male, 22; female, 24.

Range. North America, nests chiefly north of the United States and winters southward, usually rarely, as far as Virginia.

Washington, casual in winter. Ossining, rare W.V., Oct. 10-Jan. 14. Cambridge, irregular and uncommon W.V. SE. Minn., W.R., Nov. 5-Apl. 4.

Like its smaller relatives the Sharp-shin and Cooper's Hawks, this powerful raptor is a relentless hunter of birds. It is particularly destructive to Ruffed Grouse. Fortunately it does not often visit us in numbers. It nests in trees, laying 2-5 white eggs, rarely marked with brownish, in April.

RED-TAILED HAWK
Buteo borealis borealis. [Case 1], Figs. 5, 6; [Case 3], Fig. 13.

This, the largest of our common Hawks, is a heavy-bodied bird with wings which when closed, reach nearly to the end of the tail. The adult has the tail bright reddish brown with a narrow black band near the tip. The immature bird has the tail rather inconspicuously barred with blackish, and a broken band of blackish spots across the underparts. L. male, 20; female, 23.

Range. Eastern North America, migrating only at the northern limit of its range. There are several races, Krider's Red-tail, a paler form inhabiting the great Plains, and Harlan's Hawk, a darker form with a mottled tail, the lower Mississippi Valley.

Washington, common W.V., rare S.R. Ossining, common P.R., less common in winter. Cambridge, rare T.V., locally W.V., Oct. 10-Apl. 20. N. Ohio, common P.R. Glen Ellyn, P.R., not common, chiefly T.V. SE. Minn., common S.R., Mch. 2.

The Red-tail resembles the Red-shoulder in general habits, but it is more a bird of the fields, where it may be seen perched on the limb of a dead tree or similar exposed situation. Its note, a long-drawn, squealing whistle, is quite unlike that of the Red-shoulder. The Red-tail feeds chiefly on mice and other small mammals. With the Red-shoulder it is often called 'Chicken Hawk,' but does not deserve the name. It nests in trees 30-70 feet up and in April lays 2-4 eggs, dull white sparingly marked with brown.

RED-SHOULDERED HAWK
Buteo lineatus lineatus. [Case 1], Fig. 4; [Case 3] Fig. 12

Red-shouldered Hawk. Adult.
Note the Barred Tail.

Seen from below the reddish brown underparts and black and white barred tail will identify adults of this species. Immature birds are streaked below with blackish; the tail is dark grayish brown indistinctly barred, but the shoulder is always rusty, though this is not a marking one can see in life. L., male. 18½; female, 20¼.

Range. Eastern North America from northern Florida to Canada; resident except in the northern part of its range.

Washington, common P.R. Ossining, common P.R. Cambridge, common, Apl.-Nov., less common in winter. N. Ohio, common P.R. Glen Ellyn, P.R., more common than the Red-tail; chiefly T.V.

A medium-sized, heavy-bodied Hawk with wings which, when closed, reach well toward the tip of the tail. It lives both in the woods and open places, and may be flushed from the border of a brook or seen soaring high in the air. Its note, frequently uttered, as it swings in wide circles, is a distinctive Kèe-you, Kèe-you, quite unlike the call of any of our other Hawks. It is often well imitated by the Blue Jay. The Red-shoulder feeds chiefly on mice and frogs. It nests in trees 30-60 feet up and, in April, lays 3-5 eggs, white marked with brown.

The Florida Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus alleni), a smaller form with grayer head and paler underparts, is a resident in Florida and along the coast from South Carolina to Mexico. It nests in February.

BROAD-WINGED HAWK
Buteo platypterus

With a general resemblance to the Red-shouldered Hawk, but smaller; no red on the bend of the wing, or rusty in the primaries, only the outer three of which are 'notched.' L., male, 15¾; female, 16¾.

Range. Eastern North America. Breeding from the Gulf States to the St. Lawrence; winters from Ohio and Delaware to S.A.; migrates northward in March.

Washington, uncommon P.R. Ossining, tolerably common S.R., Mch. 15-Oct. 23. Cambridge, uncommon T.V. in early fall, rare in spring and summer; Apl. 25-Sept. 30. N. Ohio, not common P.R. Glen Ellyn, not common S.R., Apl. 10-Oct. 4. SE. Minn., common S.R., Mch. 11.

A rather retiring, unwary Hawk which nests in thick woods and is less often seen in the open than the Red-shoulder, but, when migrating, hundreds pass high in the air, with other Hawks. Its call is a high, thin, penetrating whistle. It nests in late April and early May, laying 2-4 whitish eggs marked with brown.

ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK
Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis

Legs feathered to the toes; basal half of tail white; belly black. Some individuals are wholly black. L., male, 21; female, 23.

Range. Breeds in northern Canada; usually rare and irregular in the northern U.S., from November to April.

Washington, rare and irregular W.V. Ossining, casual. Cambridge, T.V., not common, Nov.-Dec.; Mch.-Apl. N. Ohio, not common W.V., Nov. 20-Apl. 3. Glen Ellyn, quite common W.V., Oct. 12-Apl. 30. SE. Minn., W.V., Oct. 15-Mch.

Frequents fields and marshes, where it hunts to and fro after mice, which form its principal fare.

GOLDEN EAGLE
Aquila chrysaetos

With the Bald Eagle, largest of our raptorial birds; with a general resemblance to the young of that species, in which the head and tail are dark, but with the legs feathered to the toes. L., male, 32½; female, 37½.

Range. Northern parts of the northern Hemisphere; in the United States, rare east of the Mississippi.

Washington, rare W.V., Ossining, A.V. Cambridge, 1 record. N. Ohio, rare W.V. SE. Minn., P.R.

The Golden Eagle is so rare in the eastern United States and its general resemblance to a young Bald Eagle is so close, that only an experienced ornithologist could convince me that he had seen a Golden Eagle east of the Mississippi.

BALD EAGLE
Haliæetus leucocephalus leucocephalus. [Case 3], Fig. 11

When immature the head and tail resemble the body in color, and at this age the bird is sometimes confused with the more western Golden Eagle. The latter has the head browner and the legs feathered to the toes. L., male, 33; female, 35½.

Range. North America but rare in the interior and in California, migratory at the northern limit of its range.

Washington, not common P.R. Ossining, common P.R. Cambridge, of irregular occurrence at all seasons. N. Ohio, tolerably common P.R. SE. Minn., P.R., becoming rare.

An adult Bald Eagle will at once be recognized by its white head and tail; the immature birds by their large size. Eagles are usually found near the water where fish may be obtained either on the shore or from the Osprey. The call of the male is a human-like, loud, clear cac-cac-cac; that of the female is said to be more harsh and often broken. Eagles nest in tall trees and on cliffs, and lay two or three dull white eggs, in Florida, in November and December; in Maine, in April.

FALCONS, CARACARAS, ETC. FAMILY FALCONIDÆ

GYRFALCON
Falco rusticolus gyrfalco

A large Hawk with long, pointed wings, the upper parts brown with numerous narrow, buffy bars or margins, the tail evenly barred with grayish and blackish, the underparts white lightly streaked with black. L. 22.

Range. Arctic regions; south in winter rarely to New York and Minnesota. The Gray Gyrfalcon (F. r. rusticolus) a paler form, with a streaked crown, the Black Gyrfalcon (F. r. obsoletus) a slate-colored race, and the White Gyrfalcon (F. islandus) are also rare winter visitants to the northern United States.

These great Falcons are so rare in the United States that unless they are seen by an experienced observer, under exceptionally favorable conditions, authentic records of their visits can be based only on the actual capture of specimens.

DUCK HAWK
Falco peregrinus anatum

The adult is slaty blue above; buff below marked with black, and with black cheek-patches. Immature birds are blackish above margined with rusty, below deep rusty buff streaked with blackish. L., male, 16; female, 19.

Range. Northern Hemisphere, breeding south locally to New Jersey and in Alleghanies to South Carolina; winters from New Jersey southward.

Washington, rare and irregular W.V. Ossining, casual. Cambridge, rare T.V., casual in winter, SE. Minn., uncommon S.R., Apl. 4.

As the Peregrine of falconry we know of the Duck Hawk as a fearless, dashing hunter of greater power of wing and talon. It nests in rocky cliffs in April and from its eyrie darts upon passing Pigeons and other birds. It is most often seen following the coast-line during migrations where it takes toll of Ducks and shore-birds. Three to four heavily marked, brownish eggs are laid in April.

PIGEON HAWK
Falco columbarius

A small Hawk, about the size of a Sparrow Hawk. The adult is slaty blue above, with a rusty collar and a barred, white-tipped tail; below buff, streaked with blackish. Young birds have the upperparts blackish brown. L. 11.

Range. Breeds north of, and winters chiefly south of the United States. Migrates northward in April and May, and southward in September and October.

Washington, not uncommon T.V. Ossining, tolerably common T.V., Apl. 1-May 11; Aug. 10-Oct. 15. Cambridge, common T.V., Apl. 25-May 5; Sept. 25-Oct. 20; occasional in winter. N. Ohio, rare P.R. Glen Ellyn, regular but rare T.V., Apl. 26-May 5; Sept. 1-Oct. 16. SE. Minn., Apl. 13.

We know this Hawk as a not common migrant generally seen in open places and along the shores. It feeds chiefly on small birds.

SPARROW HAWK
Falco sparverius sparverius. [Case 1], Figs. 7, 8; [Case 3], Figs. 5, 6

The male has the tail with only one bar; the breast unmarked; the abdomen with black spots; while the female has the tail with several bars, the underparts streaked with brownish. In both sexes the bright reddish brown of the upperparts, black markings about the head, and small size are gold field characters. L. 10.

Range. Sparrow Hawks are found throughout the greater part of the Western Hemisphere. Our eastern race inhabits the region east of the Rockies and is migratory at the northern limit of its range. Southern Florida specimens are slightly smaller and darker and are known as the Florida Sparrow Hawk (F. s. paulus).

Sparrow Hawk Hovering above its Prey.