Part 10
I have the Tucson nest just alluded to. It is composed outwardly of twigs and weed-stalks; inwardly of hemp-fibres; while there is a scanty lining of horse-hairs and feathers. Like most _hole_ nests it is rather flat, and the rim is thin in places where the walls of the cavity encroached on the space within. The eggs are white, handsomely wreathed about the larger ends with reddish-brown and umber spots, a few of which are also scattered over their general surfaces. They measure respectively .58×.46; .58×.46; .62×.46; .60×.47. The notes accompanying this set are as follows:—“Nest about six feet above the ground in a crevice nearly covered by bark. The bottom of the hole contained an old nest; over this were droppings of wood-rats, and the whole filled the cavity nearly to its top. The tree (a mesquite) stood within twenty feet of a frequented road. Female sitting. Eggs fresh; one had been broken and crowded in behind the nest by the parent bird.” None of the other sets found by Mr. Stephens contained more than three eggs and the present clutch is probably an exceptionally large one.
_Juv., first plumage_ (♀ No. 471, Camp Lowell, June 1).—Wing-coverts and inner secondaries broadly tipped and edged with pale brownish-fulvous. Primaries and rectrices edged and tipped with hoary white. Rump and upper tail-coverts yellowish-chestnut. No chestnut on the crown. Otherwise colored like the adult.
Among a number of adults before me the range of individual variation is very limited, and is chiefly confined to the females. While it is true that some of the latter are indistinguishable from the brightest males, the majority have the rump and crown-patches considerably duller, the chestnut being either diluted in shade, or mixed with the color of the back. In No. 206 the crown-patch is concealed, the chestnut being restricted to the basal portion of the feathers.
225, ♂ ad., Tucson, April 18. Length, 4.40; extent, 6.70.
229, ♂ ad., Tucson, April 19. Length, 4.40; extent, 6.80.
231, ♂ ad., Tucson, April 19. Length, 4.40; extent, 7; wing, 2.35; tail, 1.93.
232. ♂ ad., Tucson, April 19. Length, 4.30; extent, 6.80; wing, 2.35; tail, 1.95.
253, ♂ ad., Tucson, April 21. Length, 4.40; extent, 6.70; wing, 2.21; tail, 1.87.
254, ♂ ad., Tucson, April 21. Length, 4.30; extent, 6.70; wing, 2.21; tail, 1.95.
255, ♂ ad., Tucson, April 21. Length, 4.50; extent, 7.10; wing, 2.23; tail, 1.93.
280, ♂ ad., Tucson, April 25. Length, 4.40; extent, 7; wing, 2.25; tail, 1.95.
299, ♂ ad., Tucson, April 28. Length, 4.40; extent, 6.70.
326, ♂ ad., Tucson, May 4. Length, 4.30; extent, 7; wing, 2.20; tail, 1.93.
340, ♂ ad., Tucson, May 7. Length, 4.40; extent, 7; wing, 2.21; tail, 1.93.
410, ♂ ad., Santa Rita Mountains, May 19. Length, 4.10; extent, 6.90; wing, 2.22; tail, 1.82.
516, ♂ ad., Tucson, June 10. Length, 4.30; extent, 7; wing, 2.12; tail, 1.85.
524, ♂ juv., first plumage, Tucson, June 11. “Taken from nest, which also contained a young _Molothrus ater obscurus_.”
197, ♀ ad., Cienega Station, April 15. Length, 4.10; extent, 6.40; wing, 2.12; tail, 1.78. “Iris dark brown; bill black above, bluish beneath; legs black.”
206, ♀ ad., Cienega Station, April 16. Length, 4.40; extent, 6.50; wing, 2.17; tail, 1.80.
208, ♀ ad., Cienega Station, April 16. Length, 4.20; extent, 6.60; wing, 2.09; tail, 1.82.
217, ♀ ad., Cienega Station, April 17. Length, 4.30; extent, 6.70; wing, 2.21; tail, 1.84.
218, ♀ ad., Cienega Station, April 17. Length, 4.10; extent, 6.60; wing, 2.10; tail, 1.85.
228, ♀ ad., Tucson, April 19. Length, 4.30; extent, 6.70; wing, 2.10; tail, 1.85.
230, ♀ ad., Tucson, April 19. Length, 4.30; extent, 6.70; wing, 2.07; tail, 1.84.
256, ♀ ad., Tucson, April 21. Length, 4.20; extent, 6.60.
260, ♀ ad., Tucson. April 22. Length, 4.30; extent, 6.60; wing, 2.08; tail, 1.85.
261, ♀ ad., Tucson, April 22. Length, 4.30; extent, 6.70; wing, 2.25; tail, 1.92.
279, ♀ ad., Tucson, April 25. Length, 4.30; extent, 6.70; wing, 2.10; tail, 1.82. “About to lay.”
433, ♀ ad., Tucson, May 25. Length, 4.50; extent, 6.50. “With nest and three eggs; set completed.”
449, ♀ ad., Tucson, May 29. Length, 4.40; extent, 6.90; wing, 2.11; tail, 1.77. “With nest and three eggs; set completed.”
439, ♀ juv., first plumage, Tucson, May 26. Nearly feathered, but unable to fly. “Taken from a deserted nest of _Auriparus flaviceps_.”
471, ♀ juv., first plumage, Camp Lowell, June 1. Length, 4.20; extent, 6.60; wing, 2.10; tail, 1.71. Fully feathered.
32. =Helminthophila celata lutescens= _Ridgw._ WESTERN ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER.—A few were seen late in April near Tucson.
Although not perfectly typical of _lutescens_, both of the Orange-crowned Warblers obtained by Mr. Stephens are clearly referable to that race. They are not quite as yellow beneath as Nicasio (California) specimens, but they come within a shade of it, and are brighter by many shades than any of the same sex among my eastern examples; while in the vividness of the olive-green on the upper parts, they fully equal any of the California females. The supposed difference in the tail markings of these races does not hold in the series before me, for a male from Nicasio has the edging on the inner webs of the rectrices quite as broad and pure as that of any of the Florida ones. The loss of this character, however, would be of little consequence, as the two forms could be readily separated by the wide difference in their general coloring. Mr. Henshaw considers his Arizona specimens true _celata_, and _lutescens_ is now for the first time announced from that Territory.
290, ♀ ad., Tucson, April 26. Length, 5; extent, 7.30; wing, 2.45; tail, 2.10. “Iris dark brown; bill black, lighter at base below; legs dark brown. Not common.”
291, ♀ ad., same locality and date. Length, 4.70; extent, 7.10; wing, 2.37; tail, 2.09. Same remarks.
(_To be continued._)
NOTES ON THE OS PROMINENS.[47]
BY FREDERIC A. LUCAS.
My attention was first directed to this bone by Dr. Shufeldt’s article in this Bulletin for October, 1881, and subsequently by Mr. Jeffries’ paper in the number for January, 1882. With the view of ascertaining in what birds the os prominens is present, and what is its use, I have since examined quite an extensive series of birds. Lack of time has prevented as extended an examination as could be wished for; and as regards discovering any special use for this sesamoid, it must be confessed that the results of the investigation are not wholly satisfactory, being rather negative than positive in their character. But such as they are, they are submitted, in the hope that they may prove of service to some better skilled physiologist.
Through a lack of good material Dr. Shufeldt failed to discover the existence of the os prominens in any of the Owls, but it would seem to be specially characteristic of the _Bubonidæ_, since it is present in one particular shape, and with a constant mode of articulation, in the following species of that family: _Ketupa ceylonensis_, _K. javanensis_, _Bubo ignavus_, _B. bengalensis_, _B. virginianus_, _Scops brasilianus_, _S. asio_, _Nyctea scandiaca_, _Ninox albigulare_, _Asio otus_, _Syrnium nebulosum_, and _S. uralense_. It is not present in _Strix flammea_ or _S. perlata_, and should it prove to be present in other genera of the _Bubonidæ_ than those noted above, it may serve as an additional, though trivial, point of distinction between the families _Bubonidæ_ and _Strigidæ_.
[Illustration:
Left wing of _Bubo virginianus_, from below (reduced one third). _r_, radius; _u_, ulna; _c_, cuneiform; _s_, scapho-lunar; _os p_, os prominens; _epa_, tendon of extensor patagii longus. ]
The accompanying cut, drawn from a fresh specimen of _B. virginianus_, explains the form and position of the os prominens.
It will be noticed that it is situated on the anterior surface of the distal end of the radius, and runs almost parallel with that bone, instead of standing erect as in the _Falconidæ_. The radial portion of the tensor patagii longus terminates in the os prominens, and is not continued to the first metacarpal.
Apart from the Owls above noted, this bone has been found in _Otogyps calvus_, _Heterospizias meridionalis_, _Buteo melanoleucus_, _B. pennsylvanicus_, _B. lineatus_, _Circus gouldi_, _Asturina pucherani_, and _Haliæetus albicilla_.
[Illustration:
A. Os prominens of _Otogyps calvus_, full size. B. Os prominens of _Bubo virginianus_, seen from above to show articulation with radius, full size. ]
It is absent in _Polyborus tharus_, _Milvago chimango_, and the following peculiar forms which were examined to see if they would throw any light upon the subject: _Nyctibius_, _Strigops_, _Nestor_, _Megapodius_, _Ocydromus_, and _Atagen_. Neither was any trace of it to be found in two specimens of _Pandion haliæetus_ from N. Africa and the Duke of York group. Dr. Shufeldt’s theory that the os prominens is for the purpose of extending the wing area struck me, as it did Mr. Jeffries, as being untenable, from the fact that the increase of surface thus obtained was too slight to be of any value.[48]
The first proposition of Mr. Jeffries’ summary is that the bone serves to keep the friction of the extensor patagii longus from the carpus. Were this the case it ought surely to be present in the Albatross and Gull, birds which in a fresh breeze are continually flexing and extending their wings according to the direction of their flight and the varying force of the wind. But in both these birds the os prominens is absent,[49] and moreover, as we see in the Owls, it may be so situated as not to prevent the friction of the ulnar portion of the tendon. Second, that it serves only to a limited extent to increase the power of the extensor patagii longus to abduct the thumb, is shown by the fact that in the majority of cases that tendon is inserted in the first metacarpal. The exceptions to this, so far observed by me, are in _Otogyps calvus_ and _Haliæetus albicilla_, where there is a strong tendon running from the os prominens to the first phalanx of the thumb. The third proposition has already been considered, and the fourth (that it protects the carpus) must be rejected, both for the reason given by Mr. Jeffries, and because as we see it in Owls it frequently does not lie over the carpus at all. Only in _Otogyps calvus_ does the os prominens seem to exist as a simple sesamoid, and in that bird it is imbedded in the tendon of the extensor patagii longus, and glides over the scapho-lunar. Were I to venture a suggestion it would be that by its serving as a point of attachment for the tensor patagii longus, that tendon is freed from all duties save that of “puckering up” the anterior margin of the wing; but, as stated before, that theory is by no means entirely satisfactory to me.
A LIST OF BIRDS FROM THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI VALLEY, OBSERVED DURING THE SUMMER OF 1881, WITH BRIEF NOTES.
BY O. P. HAY.
During the summer of 1881 the writer and two companions spent a little more than a month in the South, especially in the State of Mississippi, travelling and studying its zoölogy. Our primary object was to collect fresh water fishes; and to this we devoted the greater part of our time and efforts. Incidentally, however, we collected and made observations on other animals. Hence this list of birds and the few notes concerning them. I did not intend to publish this list until I had opportunity to make additions to it; but the recent publication by Dr. F. W. Langdon of his field notes on birds observed by him, early in the spring, at a point a little farther south, has made it seem proper that I should contribute my little toward making known the ornithology of this region.
Our observations and collections were made of course under difficulties, and no attempt was made to secure nests and eggs, or, in any special manner, notes on the breeding habits of birds. Still, on account of the season when our trip was made, this list may be of some value as indicating that the birds observed are summer residents. The number of species recorded is not large, but I include only birds that I am reasonably sure were seen. In nearly all cases the birds were shot, and identified by means of descriptions. Others were seen, but as they were not identified with certainty, they are not included in the list.
The birds noted as found at Memphis, Tenn., were really seen in Arkansas just across the river from Memphis. Most of our other notes were obtained at Vicksburg and Jackson, Miss.
The nomenclature adopted is that of Mr. Robert Ridgway, issued by the U. S. National Museum, 1881.
1. =Hylocichla mustelina= (_Gmel._) _Baird_. WOOD THRUSH.—This species was seen and specimens were shot at Memphis and at Vicksburg. Its song was frequently heard; and it would appear to be quite common.
2. =Mimus polyglottus= (_Linn._) _Boie_. MOCKINGBIRD.—Very abundant at all points visited. At the time we were at Vicksburg, July 1, the young had not yet left the nest, as negro boys were offering them captured in their nests for sale. In the “History of N. A. Birds” Dr. Brewer has stated that the Mockingbird in the South nests early in April, and that the young birds appear a month later. If this is the case these birds must remain in the nest six weeks or two months. I was informed that a law in Mississippi prohibits the keeping of these birds in confinement.
3. =Galeoscoptes carolinensis= (_Linn._) _Caban._ CATBIRD.—This bird was quite common at Memphis. I did not note it at any point farther south.
4. =Harporhynchus rufus= (_Linn._) _Caban._ BROWN THRUSH.—A single specimen seen at Jackson.
5. =Sialia sialis= (_Linn._) _Haldem._ BLUEBIRD.—Seen in considerable numbers at Memphis, Vicksburg, and Jackson.
6. =Lophophanes bicolor= (_Linn._) _Bonap._ TUFTED TITMOUSE.—Specimens of this species were obtained at Memphis and at Jackson. It may be worth noting here that it occurs as far north as Indianapolis, and I have seen it here during the present winter.
7. =Parus carolinensis= _Aud._ CAROLINA CHICKADEE.—Seen only at Memphis.
8. =Thryothorus ludovicianus= (_Gm._) _Bonap._ CAROLINA WREN.—We observed this active bird at Memphis and at Jackson, at both of which places it appeared to be very abundant.
9. =Mniotilta varia= (_Linn._) _Vieill._ BLACK-AND-WHITE CREEPER.—Observed at Memphis and Jackson. It will probably be found to breed at both these points.
10. =Protonotaria citrea= (_Bodd._) _Baird_. PROTHONOTARY WARBLER.—Specimens of this species were shot at Memphis, and others were seen at Jackson.
11. =Parula americana= (_Linn._) _Bp._ BLUE YELLOW-BACKED WARBLER.—This was found to be one of the most common of the smaller birds at Memphis, Vicksburg, and Jackson. We were constantly shooting them while hunting for other species. In the “History of N. A. Birds” it is said to be nowhere abundant; but a day’s hunt in the Mississippi lowlands would, I think, convince any ornithologist that this is an error. I have no doubt whatever that it breeds all through the South, although we found no nests. Audubon was probably correct in saying that it breeds in Louisiana, however much he may have erred in regard to the structure of the nest.
12. =Oporornis formosa= (_Wils._) _Baird_. KENTUCKY WARBLER.—This sprightly little bird was observed, and specimens were handled, at both Vicksburg and Jackson.
13. =Geothlypis trichas= (_Linn._) _Caban._ MARYLAND YELLOW-THROAT.—A specimen was shot at Memphis; others were seen.
14. =Myiodioctes mitratus= (_Gmel._) _Aud._ HOODED WARBLER.—Specimens, male and female, of this bird were obtained at Jackson. It appeared to be moderately common.
15. =Setophaga ruticilla= (_Linn._) _Swains._ AMERICAN REDSTART.—During our stay at Hopefind, Ark., opposite Memphis, a number of specimens of the Redstart were seen. Afterwards, while at Jackson, about July 10, a male and a female were killed. Their presence so far south at this season, and in such numbers, would indicate that they breed here. Up to this time I am not aware that it is known to breed south of the Potomac River and Illinois. The finding of the nest and eggs in Mississippi may be expected.
16. =Vireosylvia olivacea= (_Linn._) _Bonap._ RED-EYED VIREO.—Very abundant at all the stations visited. Its clear, musical notes could be heard everywhere in the deep forests. A specimen was shot at Vicksburg, which had apparently just become fledged. Memphis, Vicksburg, Jackson.
17. =Vireo noveboracensis= (_Gmel._) _Bonap._ WHITE-EYED VIREO.—Specimens of this Vireo were obtained at Memphis and at Jackson.
18. =Lanius ludovicianus= _Linn._ LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE.—A specimen of Shrike was seen at Jackson; but, as it was not shot, I am unable to say whether it belongs to this variety or to _excubitorides_.
19. =Progne subis= (_Linn._) _Baird_. PURPLE MARTIN.—Common about Vicksburg.
20. =Hirundo erythrogastra= _Bodd._ BARN SWALLOW.—This species was observed to be quite common about Jackson together with the next.
21. =Tachycineta bicolor= (_Vieill._) _Caban._ WHITE-BELLIED SWALLOW.—Seen flying about the outskirts of Jackson.
22. =Cotile riparia= (_Linn._) _Boie_. BANK SWALLOW.—Seen at various points along the Mississippi River near Memphis.
23. =Pyranga æstiva= (_Linn._) _Vieill._ SUMMER REDBIRD.—A male of this species was shot at Memphis, another at Vicksburg, and a male and a female at Jackson. It is apparently a very common bird.
24. =Spizella pusilla= (_Wils._) _Bonap._ FIELD SPARROW.—A single specimen of this species was shot at Jackson. Its occurrence there at that season was hardly to be expected. This individual may have been left behind in its winter quarters by its migrating comrades; or it may be that the species will be found to breed even as far south as Jackson.
25. =Cardinalis virginianus= (_Briss._) _Bonap._ CARDINAL GROSBEAK.—One of the most conspicuous birds at every point visited.
26. =Passerina cyanea= (_Linn._) _Gray._ INDIGO BUNTING.—The Indigo Bird was observed at Memphis, and again at Jackson.
27. =Passerina ciris= (_Linn._) _Gray._ PAINTED BUNTING.—This beautiful bird was seen at the crossing of the Vicksburg and Meridian R. R. over the big Black River, and again at Jackson. Females were shot at both places, but the males eluded capture. They seem to be quite common.
28. =Spiza americana= (_Gm._) _Bonap._ BLACK-THROATED BUNTING.—Seen in the lowlands along the river in Louisiana opposite Vicksburg.
29. =Agelæus phœniceus= (_Linn._) _Vieill._ RED-WING BLACKBIRD.—Very abundant in the swamps in the vicinity of Vicksburg.
30. =Sturnella magna= (_Linn._) _Swains._ MEADOW LARK.—Not many were seen. One specimen at Vicksburg, and another along the railway while _en route_ to Jackson.
31. =Icterus spurius= (_Linn._) _Bonap._ ORCHARD ORIOLE.—Many of these were observed, and some shot, in Louisiana opposite Vicksburg.
32. =Icterus galbula= (_Linn._) _Coues_. BALTIMORE ORIOLE.—Quite common at Memphis and at Vicksburg.
33. =Quiscalus purpureus= (_Bartr._) _Licht._ PURPLE GRACKLE.—Common at Memphis and at Vicksburg.
34. =Corvus frugivorus= _Bartr._ COMMON CROW.—Seen at Memphis, Vicksburg, and at several intermediate points along the river.
35. =Cyanocitta cristata= (_Linn._) _Strickl._ BLUE JAY.—A common bird at Memphis and Vicksburg.
36. =Tyrannus carolinensis= (_Linn._) _Temm._ KINGBIRD.—A very common bird at Memphis and Vicksburg.
37. =Myiarchus crinitus= (_Linn._) _Caban._ GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER.—Seen at all points visited. Apparently more common than at the North.
38. =Contopus virens= (_Linn._) _Caban._ WOOD PEWEE.—This bird was found to be quite common at Memphis and at Jackson.
39. =Empidonax acadicus= (_Gmel._) _Baird_. ACADIAN FLYCATCHER.—A specimen was shot at Jackson.
40. =Trochilus colubris= _Linn._ RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD.—A single specimen was shot at Vicksburg.
41. =Chætura pelasgica= (_Linn._) _Baird_. CHIMNEY SWIFT.—Seen flying about at Jackson.
42. =Chordeiles popetue= (_Vieill._) _Baird_. NIGHT HAWK.—Observed at Jackson.
43. =Campephilus principalis= (_Linn._) _Gray._ IVORY-BILLED WOODPECKER.—No specimens of this species were seen, but their existence in the denser and less frequented forests in the neighborhood of Vicksburg and at other points, was confirmed by hunters and trappers. It is possible that the bird referred to here is the Logcock (_Hylotomus pileatus_), but as special mention was made by my informant, a professional hunter, of the white bill, I think the Ivory-billed Woodpecker must have been seen. Doubtless the other bird also occurs.
44. =Picus pubescens= _Linn._ DOWNY WOODPECKER.—A single individual of this species was obtained at Vicksburg.
45. =Melanerpes erythrocephalus= (_Linn._) _Sw._ RED-HEADED WOODPECKER.—This Woodpecker is apparently not so common as at the North, but it was observed at Memphis, Vicksburg, and Jackson.
46. =Colaptes auratus= (_Linn._) _Sw._ YELLOW-SHAFTED FLICKER.—A not uncommon bird about Vicksburg.
47. =Ceryle alcyon= (_Linn._) _Boie_. BELTED KINGFISHER.—Quite common. Seen at Memphis and Vicksburg and intermediate points along the river.
48. =Coccyzus americanus= (_Linn._) _Bonap._ YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO.—Apparently common. A specimen was secured at Vicksburg.
49. =Conurus carolinensis= (_Linn._) _Kuhl._ CAROLINA PARAKEET.—None were seen by ourselves. Inquiry concerning this rapidly disappearing species was made of various persons, and especially of hunters. It is still occasionally seen; but, for the most part, it maintains itself in the dense cane-brakes and forests, away from contact with man. I heard of its having been seen recently along the Mississippi River, about half-way down the state of Mississippi; also that it had been seen in southeastern Arkansas. A gentleman in Jackson stated that he had, within a year or two, seen a flock of Parakeets pass over that city. These items, together with the information obtained by Dr. F. W. Langdon, communicated in his recent paper, would indicate that this bird has not yet disappeared from the Mississippi Valley.
50. =Scops asio= (_Linn._) _Bonap._ LITTLE SCREECH OWL.—A single individual of this species, in the shabbiest of plumage, was shot along the Big Black River between Vicksburg and Jackson.
51. =Buteo lineatus= (_Gm._) _Jard._ RED-SHOULDERED HAWK.—A specimen of this hawk was shot and brought to me by a hunter at Jackson.
52. =Cathartes aura= (_Linn._) _Illig._ TURKEY BUZZARD.—A common bird everywhere. Seen in great numbers at Jackson in company with the next.
53. =Catharista atrata= (_Wils._) _Less._ CARRION CROW.—Not observed at any place but Jackson, although doubtless common everywhere. Readily distinguished from the Turkey Buzzard by its smaller size and its manner of flight.
54. =Zenaidura carolinensis= (_Linn._) _Bonap._ MOURNING DOVE.—Common everywhere. Memphis, Vicksburg, Jackson.
55. =Meleagris gallopavo americana= (_Bartr._) _Coues_. WILD TURKEY.—None were seen, but hunters stated that they were quite abundant, even in the immediate vicinity of the city of Jackson. In the spring of 1880 I saw a fine gobbler that had been shot by a party of hunters in the pine woods of Kemper County, near the eastern border of the State.
56. =Ortyx virginiana= (_Linn._) _Bonap._ BOB WHITE.—The call notes of these birds were frequently heard as we passed down the river. At Vicksburg they appeared to be abundant in the bottom lands. We were extremely sorry that we could procure none of their skins.
57. =Ardea herodias= _Linn._ GREAT BLUE HERON.—Several of these birds were seen flying about in the swamps near Vicksburg.
58. =Herodias alba egretta= (_Gmel._) _Ridgw._ AMERICAN EGRET.—A number of this snow-white species were observed in the swamps across the “lake” from Vicksburg. One was shot, and was found to have the long dorsal train of plumes.
59. =Oxyechus vociferus= (_Linn._) _Reich._ KILLDEER.—Observed only at Vicksburg. Will probably be found to breed here.
60. =Philohela minor= (_Gmel._) _Gray._ AMERICAN WOODCOCK.—One specimen was shot at Vicksburg.
61. =Sterna antillarum= (_Less._) _Coues_. LEAST TERN.—This beautiful little Tern was very abundant on a sandy point across the “lake,” or old bend of the river, opposite Vicksburg. We were told that these birds lay their eggs on the bare sand, and that these eggs hatch in an extraordinarily short time.
IMPRESSIONS OF SOME SOUTHERN BIRDS.
BY WILLIAM BREWSTER.