NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 215 
tail, with crescentic marks upon the nape, as in Varanus n i 1 o t i c u s, and 
light and dark variegations upon the front and chin, (Smiths. No. 5742^.) 
Specimens (adults, No. 5738) in Mus. Smithsonian, from Monte Verde, Cuba, 
Mr. C. Wright discoverer; also Mus. Acad. Nat. Sciences. This interesting- 
species resembles somewhat the form of A. (?) c a r o 1 i n e n s i s, from Cuba. 
In specimens of that species of very small size the facial rugae are promi- 
nent, the frontal scales much more numerous, and those of the back and belly 
keeled. The breadth between the orbits greater inisolepis, and the au- 
ricular aperture smaller. In the oviduct of the female was found a single 
large egg. Observations upon numerous species of Anolis, incline me to adopt 
the suggestion of Dr. Giinther, viz., that but one egg at a time is impregnated 
and excluded. 
Xiphocercus Valencienii Fitz., Syst. Rept. 1843. Anolis Valenciennii 
Dum. Bibr., Erp. Gen. iv. 131, 1837. Plncopsis ocellata Gosse, Ann. Mag. N. H. 
185D, p. 346. Anolis leucocephalus Hall., Proc. A. N. Sci. Phil. 1856, p. 228. 
The genus first defined by Mr. Gosse, as above, though previously named by 
Fitzinger, is to be separated, in our opinion, not so much on account of the 
size of the plates of the front, but by reason of their curious homology with 
those of the plate headed Lacertidse and Scincidae, which is readily traced. In 
the tail, and nature of the dermal covering, it resembles Eupristis ; in the form 
of the head it imitates Anolis i o d u r u s, and o p a 1 i n u s most closely. It 
is interesting to observe that both these species, and Eupristis Edwardsii, 
Cope, inhabit with it the island of Jamaica. 
Notes on the Ornithology of Labrador. 
BY ELLIOTT COUES. 
During the summer of 1860 I accompanied an expedition in charge of J. W. 
Dodge, Esq., which visited the coast of Labrador, inorderto procure for the Smith- 
sonian Institution specimens of the birds to be found there, together with their 
nests and eggs, and to study their habits during the breeding season. The 
late period of arrival upon the coast, which was not until the first week in 
July, { revented any very extensive operations in the department of Oology, 
while the nature of the localities visited, joined with some circumstances of a 
private character, rendered the formation of a large collection of birds imprac- 
ticable. In the following pages, however, are embodied the results of my in- 
vestigations ; and though the list of the species noticed is, from my limited 
opportunities for observation, necessarily incomplete, it is hoped that it will 
not be found entirely wanting in points of interest with regard to the habits of 
the birds which pass the breeding season in Labrador. 
A brief notice of the different localities which were visited may not be con- 
sidered unnecessary. The first point reached was Sloop Harbor, a few miles 
south of Little Mecattina, where were collected most of the eggs procured dur- 
ing the voyage. Here the Somateria mollissima and the Utamania torda were 
the most abundant and characteristic birds, while the Larus argentatus, Uria 
grylle, and Mergus serrator were also very numerous, all breeding on the islands 
in the vicinity. On the 6th of July, the vessel left Sloop Harbor, and, pass- 
ing the Murre Rocks, where the Uria lomvia was breeding in immense num- 
bers, proceeded directly to Esquimaux Bay, where the greater part of the 
summer was spent. Here were collected most of the land birds procured, 
among them the new Aegiothus fuscescens. Zonotrichia leucophri/s, and Anthus 
ludovicianus were very abundant ; and Pinicola Canadensis and Turdus Alicia- 
not rare. Grouse and Ptarmigan were also met with ; and I was fortunately 
enabled to examine an extensive breeding place of the Mormon arcticus (?). 
A few days were spent at Rigolet, a station of the Hudson Bay Company, in 
1861.] 
216 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF 
charge of Henry Conolly, Esq., from whom were received some valuable 
meteorological statistics. On the 15th of August the vessel left Esquimaux 
Bay, and proceeded to Henley Harbor, at the northern entrance to the Straits 
of Belle-Isle. At that date the smaller waders generally had commenced their 
southern migration, and during two weeks spent there, which completed my 
stay on the coast, specimens of most of them were procured. 
In the preparation of the following pages, I have not ' attempted to present 
the synonymy of the species, nor their diagnoses. To do so would be but to 
repeat what may be found in full in the General Report on Birds, by Baird, 
Cassin ami Laurence, (vol. ix. P. R. R. Exp. and Surv.) Reference is there- 
fore made to the pages of this work ; and also to Audubon's Birds of America, 
the standard authority on the habits of the birds, where the further history of 
each species will be found fully elucidated. The names and authorities 
adopted are strictly those of the General Report, exeept in a few cases where 
some change appeared necessary, from the characters of the birds entitling 
them to full generic rank. 
Falco (Hypotriorcuis) columbarius Linn. Pidgeou Hawk. " Sparrow Hawk.'' 
Falco columbarius, Aud., Birds Amer. vol. i. page 88, pi. 21. 
Falco (Hypotriorchis) columbarius, Cassin, Gen. Rep. page 9. 
The Pidgeon-hawk I met with on but two occasions. On the 5th of August, 
while on a small rocky island in Groswater Bay, one was seen circling in the 
air at a moderate height, and constantly uttering its loud harsh cries ; but 
owing to its watchfulness, I could not secure it. On the 25th of the same 
month, at Henley Harbor, another individual was seen, foraging among the 
immense flocks of Curlews, {Numenius borealis), which then covered the hills 
in the vicinity. The Pidgeon-hawk is occasionally stuffed and offered for sale 
by the natives ; and from their accounts I should judge it to be not at all rare. 
It is known to them as the " Sparrow-hawk," by which name, however, they 
also designate the F. sparverius. 
On the return voyage, when more than a hundred miles from any land, a 
Pidgeon-hawk made its appearance, and after circling about for some time, to 
select the safest place on which to alight, at length settled on the outermost 
bowsprit rigging, apparently quite exhausted. Yet even in this worn-out con- 
dition so watchful was it, that on my levelling a glass at it, it instantly took 
flight and disappeared. 
Falco (Tinnunculus) sparverius Linn. Sparrow Hawk. 
Falco sparverius, Aud., Birds Amer. vol. i. p. 90, pi. 22. 
Falco {Tinnunculus) sparverius, Cassin, Gen. Rep. p. 13. 
But a single individual of this species, so abundant in most portions of the 
United States, was observed during my stay in Labrador. On the 10th of 
September, however, while in the Gulf of St. Laurence, off the Isle of Cape 
Breton, several were seen during the day. They circled quite closely around 
the vessel, showing but little fear. 
? Falco (Hierofalco) Islandicus Gmelin. Gyr Falcon. " Speckled Hawk." 
? Falco Islandicus, Aud., Birds Amer. i. 81, pi. 19. 
f Falco {Hierofalco) Islandicus, Cassin, Gen. Rep. 13. 
I had not the good fortune to obtain, or even meet with, either species of 
Gyr Falcon. The hunters with whom I conversed on the subject, said that 
they were seldom seen in the summer, but that they become more abundant 
in the autumn and winter. They were represented as at all times very shy 
and difficult to procure, frequenting the highest and most inaccessible crags, 
and subsisting mainly on Grouse and Ptarmigan. I could not, of course, de- 
termine from these accounts whether F. Islandicus or candicans was referred 
[Aug. 
NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 217 
to; but the habits of both are probably exceedingly similar, if not identical. 
They are known to the natives under the name of " Speckled-hawks." 
Astur atricapillus (Wils.) Bon. Goshawk. " Partridge-hawk." 
Astur palumbarius, Aud., Birds Amer. ii. 95, pi. 23. 
Astur atricapillus, Cassin, Gen. Rep. 15. 
I obtained a single specimen of this hawk, in immature plumage, from a 
small collection of skins offered for sale by the natives. They know it as the 
"Partridge-hawk," but further than this I learned nothing respecting it. It 
does not appear to be abundant. 
Akchibuteo Sancti-Johannis (Grin.) Gray. Black-hawk. 
Archibuteo Sancti-Johannis, Cassin, Gen. Rep. 33. 
While at Puffin Island, on Groswater Bay, I twice saw a large hawk that I 
supposed to be this species. It was hovering at a great height over the island, 
and constantly uttered its loud, piercing screams. I was unable to secure this 
specimen, which was the only one I observed during my stay in Labrador. 
Aquila Canadensis (Linn.) Cassin. Golden Eagle. " Grepe." 
Aquila chrysatos, Aud., Birds Amer. i. 50, pi. 12. 
Aquila Canadensis, Cassin, Gen. Rep. 41. 
An intelligent hunter, whom I questioned concerning this Eagle, informed 
me that, though he knew it well, it was very rare, and very seldom obtained. 
His description was so exact, that I had no difficulty in determining that the 
present species was referred to, and not the ffallicetus albicilla, concerning 
which, though it may be found in Labrador, I could learn nothing. He applied 
to the A. Canadensis the name of "Grepe," or "Greep," the derivation of 
which word I was unable to ascertain. 
Bubo Virginianus (Gm.) Bon. Great Horned Owl. 
Bubo Virginianus, Aud., Birds Amer. i. 143, pi. 39. Cassin, Gen. Rep. 49. 
A single specimen of this bird which I saw at Rigolet, made me aware of its 
existence in Labrador. I learned nothing of its habits ; which, however, in 
all probability, do not differ materially from those of the more southern bird. 
Picoides arcticus (Sw.) Gray. Arctic Three-toed Woodpecker. 
Picus arcticus, Aud., Birds Amer. iv. 266, pi. 268. 
Picoides arcticus, Baird, Gen. Rep. 98. 
I did not myself meet with any individuals of the Three-toed Woodpecker ; 
but I saw a specimen in a collection of skins made by the natives. It is pro- 
bably not rare in the interior. 
Ceryle alcyon (Linn.) Boie. Belted Kingfisher. 
Alcedo alcyon, Aud., Birds Amer. pi. 77 
Ceryle alcyon, Baird, Gen. Rep. 158. 
I ascertained the existence of this bird in Labrador, from a single skin in the 
possession of the natives. They considered it as a rare bird. 
Turdus (Turdus) Alicia Baird. Grey-cheeked Thrush. 
Turdus (Turdus) Alicios, Baird, Gen. Rep. 217. 
I was not a little suprised to find this species breeding abundantly in Lab- 
rador, its habitat being given by its describer as "the Mississippi Region to 
1861.] 
218 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF 
the Missouri."* On the 24th of July I came upon a family of these birds in 
a deep thickly wooded ravine. The young were apparently j ust commencing to 
fly. Both parents uttered constantly a rather melancholy "pheugh," in a low 
whistling tone. The female evinced the greatest anxiety for the safety of her 
brood, and endeavored to lead me from their vicinity by fluttering from bush 
to bush ; and it was only with some difficulty that I secured both parents. In 
the course of the same day I saw several of these Thrushes, only, however, 
among the thickest firs. They all uttered precisely the same note, and were 
very timid, darting into the most impenetrable thickets, so that it was with 
great difficulty they could be procured. They appear to be very abundant in 
Labrador ; probably full as much so as the T. Swainsoni in most portions of 
eastern United States. 
There are readily appreciable characters by which this species may be dis- 
tinguished from the closely allied T. Swainsoni. The uniformly longer, 
straighter, and narrower bill is a striking feature. The upper parts are of a 
much darker shade of olive, as are also the sides under the wings, and the 
spots on the throat and breast. But the most prominent feature is the entire 
absence of any buff tinge on the throat and sides of the head and around the 
eye, so conspicuous in T. Swainsoni. The whole bird is also considerably 
larger. 
Tukdus (PiiANESTicus) migratorius Linn. Robin. 
Turdus migratorius, Aud., Birds Amer. iii. 121, pi. 142. 
Turdus (Planesticus) migratorius, Baird, Gen. Rep. 218. 
The Robin, so common and well known throughout the United States, is 
equally abundant in all well wooded districts in Labrador. Its habits are so 
familiar to every one, that a detailed account of them would be superfluous. 
I remarked, however, that they appeared to be shyer than might be expected 
in a country where they are so seldom molested. 
Saxicola cenanthe Bechst. Stone Chat. 
Saxicola ananthe, Baird, Gen. Rep. 220. 
? Saxicola cenanthoides, Vigors, Zool. Voyage Blossom, 1839, 19. Cass. 111. i. 
1854, 208 ; pi. xxxvi. 
I had the good fortune to procure a specimen of this interesting bird, at 
Henley Harbor, on the 25th of August. The sailor who brought it to me 
stated that it was in company with two others, but could give no intelligible 
account of its voice or manners. It was in immature plumage, very different 
from that of the adult, and was excessively fat. 
The North American Saxicola has by some authors been considered distinct 
from the common European S. cenanlhe, under the name of S. ainanthoides, 
first applied by Vigors to a bird from the North-west Coast. The author re- 
marks upon its very close affinity to the European bird, and apparently con- 
siders the locality as the strongest ground for supposing a specific distinction. 
The name was subsequently applied by Cassin, in the work above cited, to a 
bird from Nova Scotia, the larger size and rather different proportions of the 
tarsus being with this author the most important characters. In a critical 
comparison of specimens from Europe, Greenland and Labrador, I have been 
unable to detect any distinctive features beyond those of size, and very slight 
differences of proportion ; which last, however, are not constant, or greater than 
exist between undoubted specimens of S. oenanthe. The difference in size is 
no greater than would be expected from the more northern locality of the bird 
*I have since detected this species at Washington, D.C; and well characterized spe- 
cimens have also been obtained in the same locality by my friend, Mr. D. W. Prentiss. 
This would seem to indicate an eastern range at least equal to that of T. Swainsoni, 
with which it is found associated, in 'he region west of the Mississippi. 
[Aug. 
NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 
219 
examined. In the table of comparative measurements given below, it will be 
seen that the specimens from Greenland and Labrador are very nearly of the 
same dimensions, and also larger than European skins, though the details of 
bill, tarsus, &c, do not differ materially. It is not impossible that Vigor's 
bird should be distinct from the S. wnanthe, especially as the measurements,* 
if accm-ate, would indicate a bird of rather small dimensions for so northern a 
3 locality ; but at present I cannot but regard the Labrador bird as identical 
with the European. The question can only be definitely settled by a series of 
specimens from different localities in both continents. 
Comparative Measurements. 
Regulus calundula (L.) Licht. Ruby-crowned Kinglet. 
Regulus calendula, Aud., Birds Amer. ii. 168, pi. 133. Baird, Gen. Rep. 226. 
A single specimen, a bird of the year, was obtained at Rigolet, on the 6th of 
August, shot in a very densely wooded ravine. No other individuals were 
observed. It is, however, in all probability an abundant bird in Labrador. 
Anthus Ludovicianus (Gm.) Licht. Tit-lark. 
Anthus Ludovicianus, Aud. Birds Amer. iii. 40; pi. 150. Baird, Gen. Rep. 
232. 
The Tit-lark I found abundant in every locality in Labrador which I visited, 
and I had ample opportunities of observing its habits during the breeding- 
season. It is the most numerous of the land birds, with the exception, per- 
haps, of the white-crowned sparrow, Zonotrichia leucophrys. Some of the most 
rocky and barren islands along the coast are inhabited only by these birds, 
with perhaps a solitary pair of horned larks, Eranophila cornuta. It fre- 
quents only open, bare, and exposed situations, such as the coast of Labrador 
every where affords, and is never found in thickly wooded localities. 
Two nests which I obtained, were precisely identical in situation, form and 
construction. Each was placed on the side of a steep precipitous chasm, in a 
cavity in the earth of about the size of a child's head, into which a little dried 
moss had been previously introduced to keep the nest from the damp earth. 
It was composed entirely of rather coarse dried grasses, very loosely put to- 
gether, with no lining of any sort. The external diameter was about six 
inches ; the exterior three inches, by two in depth. The eggs were in one in- 
stance five, in the other four ; their average length, for they varied somewhat, 
was thirteen-sixteenths of an inch, by nine-and-a-half-sixteenths of an inch in 
greatest diameter ; of a dark chocolate color, indistinctly marked with numer- 
ous small lines and streaks of black. 
The parent does not leave the nest until nearly trodden upon ; then she 
nutters off with loud cries of distress which soon bring the male, though with- 
out attempting to lead the intruder from the nest by feigning lameness, as is 
the habit of so many birds. The pair together hover over the head of the in- 
1861.] 
* " Length, 5%; wing, 3%; bill, rictus, %; tail, 2% ; tarsus, 1." 
220 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF 
trader, at times approaching within a few feet, and all the while expressing 
their distress and anxiety by the most plaintive cries, until he withdraws ; 
they even then frequently follow him for some distance. On such occasions 
several pairs in the vicinity are often attracted to the spot, and join their cries 
with those of the afflicted parents. Besides these cries, and their usual chirp, 
these birds have a much lower softer " tsip ;" and the males during the breed- 
ing season have a very sweet, pleasant song. 
The flight of the Tit-lark is performed in an unsteady undulating manner, 
and is not ordinarily protracted to any great distance. On alighting they 
rapidly vibrate the tail several times, in the manner of all the Motacillince. 
They seldom or never alight on trees or bushes, but always on the ground, 
where they walk or run with great ease and rapidity. They are fond of re- 
sorting at low tide, to the "land-washes," (as the low muddy flats over which 
the tide flows are styled in Labrador, ) where they run about on the mud and 
dried "Eel-grass," (Zostera), searching for food in company with the smaller 
Sand-pipers, and very much in the same manner. Though finding an abun- 
dance of food, none that I examined were at all fat. They at all times exhibit 
a heedless familiarity and entire want of fear of man, though the observer may 
be standing within a few paces. They feed unconcernedly around the doors of 
the houses ; and I have frequently seen them searching for food on the very 
roofs of the sheds and houses ; which, being thatched with brush, and a layer 
of turf, afford a convenient lurking place for their insect prey. 
Dendkoica pincs (Wils.) Baird. Pine- creeping Warbler. 
Sglvicola pinus, Aud. Birds Amer. ii. 37 ; pi. 82. 
Dendroica pinus, Baird, Gen. Rep. 277. 
This, and the succeeding species were the only Dendroicas met with in 
Labrador. The single specimen of the Pine-creeping obtained was shot in 
very dense fir woods, on the 1st of August, and was a young bird apparently 
just able to fly. 
Dendroica striata Baird Black Poll Warbler. 
Sylvicola striata, Aud. Birds Amer. ii. 28 ; pi. 78. 
Dendroica striata, Baird, Gen. Rep. 280. 
This species I observed in every suitable locality, and was the only warbler 
I found abundant. It is very numerous in all well wooded situations, and Is 
a most expert fly-catcher. On many occasions I saw it dart into the air in 
pursuit of flies, mosquitoes, and other insects, and return again to the same 
twig, in the manner of our common Wood Pewee, Contopus virens. This seems 
to be a more constant habit with this warbler, than with any other of its 
genus. 
Parus Hudsonicus Forster. Hudsonian Titmouse. 
Parus Hudsonicus, Aud. Birds Amer. ii. 155 ; pi. 128. Baird, Gen. Rep. 395. 
This species I met with on several occasions, always finding them associat- 
ing in small restless companies. I experienced great difficulty in procuring 
specimens, owing to the dense nature of the firs they inhabit ; for when in 
sight, they were always so near, that it was almost impossible to kill them 
without mutilation. Those procured were all young birds, exhibiting the mark- 
ings of the adults very indistinctly. They were remarkably tame and familiar, 
hopping about unconcernedly within a few feet of my head, and hanging from 
the twigs in every conceivable attitude. I could discover little or no difference 
in their notes from those of the common Chickadee, P. atricapillus, to which 
they likewise exhibited a great similarity in their general manners, evincing 
the restlessness and activity so characteristic of the latter bird, and for 
which the whole family of Paridoz are so noted. 
[Aug. 
NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 221 
Ekemophila cornuta Boie. Horned Lark. "Skylark." 
Alauda alpestris, Aud. Birds Amer. iii. 44 ; pi. 151. 
Eremophila cornnta, Baird, Gen. Kep. 402. 
Very abundant on all the barren moss-covered islands along the coast, and 
in every suitable situation on the main land. Labrador, indeed, from the 
fact that it is the most southern region which affords the peculiar open and 
exposed situations which these birds exclusively frequent, seems to be their 
special breeding ground. In their voice, flight, and general manners I noticed 
nothing different from their usual habits, well known during their extensive 
southern migration, except that they of course do not associate in flocks dur- 
ing the breeding season. To the natives they are known by their usual 
name of " Sky-larks." 
Pinicola canadensis (Briss.) Cab. Pine Grosbeak. " Mope," "Redbird." 
Corythus enucleator, Aud. Birds Amer. iii. 179 ; pi. 199. 
Pinicola canadensis, Baird, Gen. Rep. 410. 
The Pine Grosbeak I ascertained to be not at all rare along the coast of 
Labrador, where I obtained several specimens ; and it is probably still more 
abundant in the interior. It is confined entirely to the thick woods and 
patches of scrubby juniper. It is not at all shy, rather evincing a heedless- 
ness of the presence of man, that must arise from the fact that it is so seldom 
molested ; still from the dense nature of the firs it inhabits, it is rather diffi- 
cult to procure. The female of a pair I obtained sat unconcernedly on a twig 
only a few paces distant, while I reloaded after shooting her mate ; uttering 
continually a low soft " shep," almost exactly like that of the common Fox 
Sparrow, Passerella iliaca. Another note- which I occasionally heard was a 
prolonged whirring chirrup, uttered in a rather low tone, which appeared to be 
the usual note of recognition between the male and female. This bird is com- 
monly known to the natives by the singular appellation of "Mope;" the 
derivation of which word I could not ascertain. It is also sometimes called 
the " Red-bird ;'' and it has in addition an Esquimaux name, which, however, 
I do not venture to attempt. 
Aegiothus Cabanis. 
Syn. Acantkis, Bonaparte, Consp. Av. 540. Nee Bechst. 1802 ; nee Keys, et 
Bias. 1840. 
Aegiothus, Cabanis, Mus. Hein. 1851, 161. Typus Fring. linaria L. Baird, 
Gen. Rep. 1858. 
Gen. Ch. Size small. Crown with a crimson patch ; the breast and rump 
tinged with rosy in the male. Bill short, rather slender, conical, and acutely 
pointed, the lateral outlines concave ; culmen, gonys and commissure about 
straight. Upper mandible with several obsolete ridges parallel with the cul- 
men. Base of upper mandible covered with rigid, appressed, bristly plumuli, 
concealing the nostrils. Wings very long, reaching beyond the middle of the 
tail ; first, second, and third primaries nearly equal, second usually a little the 
longest. Feet short, weak ; tarsus about equal to middle toe and claw. 
Inner lateral toe rather longer than the outer ; hind toe rather longer than the 
inner lateral, its claw longer than the digital portion. Tail moderately long, 
deeply forked ; of twelve feathers. 
A genus of fringilline birds of the sub-family Coccothraustinat Baird, as de- 
fined by that author, coming between Cannabina Brehm, (Handbuch, 1828, 
Type F. cannabina Linn.), and Leucosticte, Swainson, (F. B. A. 1831, iii. 265, 
Type Linaria tephrocotis, Sw.,) though its affinities are clearly with the former 
genus. The general form, in the long wings, moderately long, forked tail, and 
very short, weak feet, and to some extent the pattern of coloration, in the 
conspicuous pileum, gular patch, rosy rump, &c, are very similar. But im- 
1861.] 
222 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP 
portant differences are to be found in the slenderer, much more acutely 
pointed bill, with its decidedly concave lateral outlines, and the different cha- 
racter of the nasal plumuli. The toes are much shorter, the lateral unequal, 
and the tail feathers broader and more rounded. 
Aegiothus of Cabanis (Mus. Hein. 1851, 161,) is based upon the Fringilla 
Hnaria of Linnaeus ; and supersedes Acanthis of Bonaparte (Consp. Av. 150,) 
which though i;sed in connection with the present genus, is pre-occupied for 
another group. 
Aegiothus fuscescens Coues, Nov. sp. Dusky Red Poll. 
A. Aegiotho linario paululum minor, rostro fusco mag no, robusto plumuls brevibus 
sparsisque ; superoribus partibus fuscis, vix luteo stiiatis ; alls cauddque vix 
albido marginatis, later ibus distincte nee confluente fusco-striatis. Mas nupt. 
temp, uropygio rosaceo, pectore carmesino. Long. 5.25 pollices ; ala 2.90 poll. 
Sp. Ck. Bill large, very stout, the culmen and gonys slightly convex- 
Nasal plumuli very short and scant, barely covering the nostrils. Wings very 
long, pointed ; first primary usually longest, second nearly, sometimes quite 
equal to it, third and fourth successively a little shorter. Tarsus about equal 
to middle toe and claw. Inner lateral toe but very little longer than the 
outer, its claw reaching scarcely beyond the basal third of the middle claw. 
Tail of moderate length, deeply forked. Male, adult. Bill dusky except at 
base below. Frontlet, space between eye and bill, and gular patch, dull sooty 
brownish black. Entire upper parts deep dusky or chocolate brown, the edges 
of the feathers scarcely lighter. Rump whitish, tinged with rosy, thickly 
streaked with dusky. Wings, wing-coverts, and tail, deep dusky, very nar- 
rowly margined and tipped with dull whitish. Throat, breast and sides for 
some distance bright rosy, or carmine. Sides thickly marked with narrow, 
sharply defined streaks of chocolate brown. Rest of under parts white. 
Female adult. Rather smaller than the male ; rump but slightly tinged with 
rosy, and few or no traces of the carmine on the breast, which is dull white 
streaked with dusky. Other parts as in the male. 
Length 5.25 inches, extent 9.00, wing 2.90, tail 2.30. Bill above .35. 
Tarsus .55 ; middle toe with claw .55 ; inner lateral .38. 
Habitat. Northern and Eastern North America. Fort Resolution, (Kenni- 
cott.) Labrador, (Coues.) 
The essential features in which this species differs from the A. Hnaria, are 
those given in the diagnosis. The most striking peculiarity of form, as there 
stated, lies in the bill, which in size and proportions more resembles that of 
Leucosticte than Aegiothus. The nasal plumuli are much shorter and more 
sparse. The other proportions are as in A. Hnaria, but the size is somewhat 
less. The colors are very different ; the upper parts of A. fuscescens being so 
dark and so obsoletely streaked as to seem almost uniform, which appearance 
is further heightened by the very narrow light edging to the wings and tail, 
which is reduced to a minimum. The sides are very thickly, but at the same 
time very distinctly, streaked with narrow sharply defined lines of deep choco- 
late brown. These streaks in A. Hnaria are less numerous, illy defined and 
more or less confluent. The carmine on the breast of full plumaged males 
appears to be deeper than is usual in A. Hnaria, while at the same time the 
rump is les^ rosy. 
This interesting bird, though by no means so common as the Tit-lark or 
White-crowned Sparrow, is yet abundant along the coast of Labrador, where 
apparently it replaces the allied Chrysomitris tristis, its southern representative. 
It is a remarkably unsuspicious and familiar species, showing no signs of fear 
even when very closely approached. It frequents almost exclusively the 
scrubby juniper which grows every where in open places, in thick, almost im- 
penetrable patches. I do not think that I ever observed it in more densely 
[Aug- 
NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 223 
wooded districts. Its flight is performed in an irregular desultory manner, 
rising and falling in cycloidal curves, and is seldom protracted to any great 
distance. While passing over head it utters continually a peculiar rattling 
chirp impossible to describe, yet once heard never to be mistaken ; and while 
seated on a twig, or engaged in searching for food, it has all the plaintive and 
varied modulations for which the Chrysomitris tristis is so noted, and from 
which the latter derives its specific name. I never heard any thing that could 
with any propriety be called a song. The food of this species consists entirely 
of the seeds of various grasses ; and when shot while feeding, it will be found 
to have the throat crammed with them. In this respect, as well as in voice, 
flight and general manners, I could not but be struck with the similarity which 
exists between this bird and the common Goldfinch. Audubon, in his account 
of the A. linaria, is at some pains to refute the opinion that there exists be- 
tween that bird and the Chrysomitris, the great similarity in general habits that 
has been ascribed to it. Receiving the testimony of that unrivalled student 
of nature, the close resemblance which I am able to state does exist between 
the present bird and the Goldfinch, would furnish, if necessary, additional 
proof of the specific distinction of A. fuscescens and linaria ; since the habits 
and manners of two birds, however closely allied, will always be found to differ 
in some particulars.* 
Passerculus savanna (Wils.), Bon. Savannah Sparrow. 
Emberiza savanna, Aud. Birds Arner. iii. 68 ; pi. 160. 
Passerculus savanna, Baird, Gen. Rep. 442. 
The partiality of this species for low moist meadows and watery savannahs, 
and the vicinity of the sea-shore, where it frequently associates with the Am- 
modromus caudacutus, is well known as its most characteristic habit. In 
Labrador, where it is abundant during the summer months, I never noticed 
it in any other situation. It was frequently to be seen even on the beds of 
dried "Eel-grass," (Zostera,) along the rocky shore, searching for food in com- 
pany with the Tit-larks, and Bonaparte's Sandpipers, Actodromas Bonapartei. 
It is a shy and timid species, when approached darting at once into the thick- 
est and rankest grass. It is then rather difficult to procure ; for it rises only 
when almost trodden on, flies a few yards in a rapid zigzag manner, and then 
darting down again, runs rapidly to a considerable distance. It is a very ac- 
tive species, almost continually in motion, running nimbly through the tall 
grasses like a mouse. I heard no notes except the usual sparrow-like chirp, 
though in the spring it has considerable vocal powers as I have ascertained on 
other occasions.! The young differ greatly from the adult, the plumage being 
every where strongly tinged with ferrugineous, most conspicuous on the wing 
coverts and tertials ; the under parts are thickly streaked with dusky. On 
the 1st of September, when I left the country, the species was still numerous, 
apparently as much so as ever. 
While off the coast of Nova Scotia, the land appearing as an indistinct line 
on the In rizon, a Savannah Sparrow alighted on the vessel in so exhausted a 
state, as to suffer itself to be taken in hand. After resting a short time, how- 
ever, it took flight and disappeared in the direction of the land, which it no 
doubt reached in safety. 
Zonotrichia leucophrys (Forst. ) Sw. White-crowned Sparrow. "Chip-bird." 
Fringilla leucophrys, Aud. Birds Amer. iii. 157; pi. 192. 
Zonotrichia leucophrys, Baird, Gen. Rep. 458. 
This large and handsome Finch breeds in great numbers along the entire 
* No individuals of A. linaria were seen during my stay in Labrador. 
+ At Washington, D. C, in the month of April. 
1861.] 
224 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP 
coast of Labrador. Though I found it plentiful in every locality which I 
visited, and in all situations, it seems particularly fond of deep thickly wooded 
and secluded ravines, surrounded by high precipitous cliffs ; and when in more 
open districts confines itself chiefly to the most tangled patches of juniper 
and scrubby fir. It is a very active and sprightly bird, almost continually in 
motion ; it seldom alights without jerking and flirting the tail, and rapidly 
uttering its loud chirping. While the female is incubating, the male has a 
habit of mounting to the top of the cliff or tree nearest his nest, and there re- 
peating his loud, somewhat monotonous, but not unpleasing notes for a half 
hour at a time. This song is very similar to that of the allied Z. albicollis, 
the common "White-throated Sparrow, and consists of two long drawn syllables 
with a rising intonation, and then three more in a quick "hurried manner, 
with a failing cadence; "pet, dee", de-dg-de ;" the whole a mellow whistle. 
Should the performer be observed or approached while thus engaged, he in- 
stantly becomes silent, and dives hastily into the nearest cover. 
The nest of the White-crowned Sparrow is always, I believe, placed on the 
ground ; and, oftener than elsewhere in the midst of the little patches of a low 
heath that grows abundantly wherever the ground is dry enough. It is com- 
posed externally of moss, internally of fine dried grasses, evenly disposed in a 
circular manner. The eggs are four or five, oftener the former. Nuttall,* 
when he states that "the eggs, four or five in number, are said to be of a 
dusky or chocolate color," probably had reference to those of Anothus luclovi- 
cianus, which are much as he describes them. A nest of the White-crowned 
Sparrow, which I found on the 23d of July, contained four young, but a few 
days old. These, however, must have been rather late, as by the 1st of Angust 
there were many young birds to be seen. The female, when surprised on the 
nest, flatters off in silence, retiring but a short distance ; but the male, if he be 
near, instantly flies to the top of the nearest tree or bush, and there vociferates 
his angry remonstrances, flirting his tail and jerking his body in the most 
energetic manner. This species, though not so familiar as the fit-lark, is still 
frequently seen about the houses ; and it is known to the natives simply as 
the " Sparrow," or oftener as the " Chip-bird." 
Junco hyemalis (L.) Sclater. Snow-Bird. 
Niphcea hyemalis, Aud. Birds Amer. iii. 88 ; pi. 167. 
Junco hyemalis, Baird, Gen. Rep. 468. 
The Snow-bird, so common and so well known in winter throughout the 
eastern portions of the United States, is not so abundant as might be expected 
in Labrador, one of its breeding regions. From the fact that I was not in a 
suitable locality, I did not observe it until the latter part of July, at which 
time it was in small companies, the old and young associating together. They 
kept entirely in the thick woods, and were rather timid. I heard no song, 
nor indeed any note except the easily recognized chirp peculiar to this species. 
Until within a few years the breeding places of the snow-bird were unknown, 
and its nidification involved in an obscurity remarkable for so common and 
familiar a bird. But it is now well ascertained to breed in the entire region 
around Hudson's Bay, and southward in the mountainous regions of New 
York and Pennsylvania. 
Spizella monticola (Gm.) Baird. Tree Sparrow. 
Emberiza canadensis, Aud. Birds Amer. iii. 83 ; pi. 166. 
Spizella mont'cola, Baird, Gen. Rep. 472. 
This little Sparrow is quite common in all wooded districts in Labrador. It 
is there a very tame and unsuspicious bird, showing no fear even when very 
Alanual of Ornithology, 1st ed. i., page 479. 
[A 
U S- 
NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 225 
closely approached. I heard no note beyond the usual sparrow-like chirp. It 
probably leaves the country for the south by the 1st of October, as early in 
November it is abundant throughout the United States as far south, at least, 
as Washington, where it may be found in great numbers during the winter 
months. 
Scolecophagps ferrugineus (Gm.) Sw Rusty Grakle, 
Quiscalus ferrngineus, Aud. Birds Amer. iv. 65 ; pi. 222. 
Scolecophagus ferruyineus, Baird, Gen. Rep. 551. 
This, the only representative of the Icteridts I observed in Labrador, appears 
to be rather uncommon. I noticed nothing peculiar in its habits, very pro- 
bably, however, because my opportunities for observation were so limited. 
The only note I heard was the rough guttural " chuck," common to most of 
the species of the family. On the 24th of July, I came upon a family of these 
birds, in a densely wooded marshy spot. The young were at that time just 
fully fledged, and were fluttering around the vicinity of the nest. The species 
is confined to heavily wooded districts, showing evident partially for the low 
swampy or boggy localities, interspersed with pools, for which some parts of 
Labrador are so famous. 
Corvus carnivore's Bartram. Raven. 
Corvus corax, Aud. Birds Amer. iv. 78 ; pi. 224. 
Corvus carnivorus, Baird, Gen. Rep. 560. 
This celebrated bird does not appear to be rare along the coast of Labrador. 
The high, precipitous and almost inaccessible cliffs, which, rising abruptly 
from the sea, give to this rock-bound coast such a barren aspect, afford safe 
and convenient retreats, where it constructs its nest, and rears its young in 
perfect safety. It is so excessively watchful and wary a bird, that although 
we saw them frequently, not a single individual was shot by any of our party. 
Indeed, I know of no bird more difficult to procure than the Raven ; for in ad- 
dition to its natural sagacity, which surpasses that of almost any bird, the 
peculiar nature of the rocks it inhabits render the surprising of it almost an 
impossibility. Its voice is similar to that of the common crow, but far louder 
and rougher. Ravens are most frequently seen in pairs ; and they often de- 
scend to the sea shore, to feed on the dead fish, crabs, and other animal sub- 
stances thrown up by the waves. The eggs, when they can be procured, are 
eaten by the natives ; a species of vandalism well calculated to disturb the 
equanimity of any ardent collector or naturalist. 
At Henley Harbor, an arm of Chateaux Bay, at the northern entrance to the 
straits of Belle-Isle, there is a remarkable geological formation, known as the 
"castle." This singular butte rises abruptly to a height of between 150 and 200 
feet above the level of the sea. The sides are either perpendicular or even 
over-hanging, the strata perfectly vertical, regular and composed of pentagonal 
prisms, remarkably distinct. The top is perfectly smooth and level, and 
covered with a rich growth of moss, lichens, and the Empetrum nigrum. The 
ascent can be effected only at one point, where the soft crumbling rock has 
been worn away by the long continued trickling of water. The whole appears 
to be in a state of rapid decomposition ; large masses of rock lie around the 
base in confusion, the strata, however, still distinctly visible. The debris 
thus accumulating at the base has raised a slope to within about fifty feet of 
the summit. A narrow but very deep channel, cut apparently by the action 
of the water, separates from it an island on which is another but less exten- 
sive formation of the same nature. This "castle" was the abode of a pair of 
Ravens, which, I was told, had resorted there regularly for several years. 
The nest was placed on a narrow ledge, inaccessible except from above by 
means of a rope. It was empty at the time I visited the place. 
1861.] 16 
226 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF 
Corvus Americanus Aud. Crow. 
Corvus Americmus, Aud. Birds Amer. iv. 87 ; pi. 225. Baird, Gen. Rep. 566. 
On the 14th of July, while under full sail, a crow flew directly past the 
vessel, near enough for me to identify it without the possibility of mistake. 
It was the only individual observed during my whole stay in the country. 
Perisoreus Canadensis (L.) Bon. Canada Jay. " Whiskey Jack. " 
Garrulus brachyrhynchus, Swainson, F. B. A. 1831, ii. 296 ; pi. 53. juv. 
Garrulus Canadensis, Aud. Birds Amer. iv. 121 ; pi. 234. 
Perisoreus Canadensis, Baird, Gen. Rep. 590. 
My first acquaintance with this remarkable Jay was on the 1st of August, 
in a very dense spruce forest. Contrary to my previous impressions regarding 
the species, on this occasion they were very shy, alighting only on the tops 
of t'/ie tallest trees, and flying off with loud harsh screams on my approach. 
Subsequently, however, at Rigolet, I found them abundant, aud very familiar ; 
one or more were always to be seen hopping unconcernedly in the garden 
patches around the houses, not in the least incommoded by the presence of 
man, and showing no signs of fear when very closely approached. The voice 
of this bird is a loud, harsh, discordant scream, very unlike that of the Blue 
Jay, Cyanura cristata. It possesses all the cunning and thievish propensities 
for which the whole family of garruline birds are so noted. It is particu- 
larly expert in stealing the bait from the fox and marten traps, on which ac- 
count it is greatly detested by the hunters, who destroy it whenever oppor- 
tunity occurs. Its most common appellation is simply " Jay-bird," though 
it is also known as the " Whiskey-Jack." According to Dr. Suckley, (P. R. 
R. Rep. xii. pt. ii., p. 216,) who is indebted to Mr. Kennicott for the informa- 
tion, this curious appellation is probably a corruption of the Chippeway name 
" Wiss-ka-chon," changed first into " Whiskey- John," and then further twisted 
to " Whiskey- Jack." 
The young Canada Jay is wholly of a dull sooty black, with no white what- 
ever about the head. In this state of plumage it has been described and fig- 
ured by Swainson (F. B. A. 1831, ii. page 296, pi. 55) as a distinct species, 
under the name of Garruhis brachyrhynchus. 
Tetrao Canadensis Linn. Canada Grouse. " Spruce Partridge." 
Tetrao Canadensis, Aud., Birds Amer. v. 83, pi. 294. Baird, Gen. Rep. 622. 
Although the proper abode of the Canada Grouse is the dense and almost 
impenetrable forests of spruce and fir in the regions around Hudson's Bay, 
where it is an abundant bird, it is also found as far south as Maine and New 
York. There, however, it is chiefly confined to the more mountainous regions. 
In the west it is replaced by the closely allied T. Frank! inii of Douglas, dis- 
tinguished by the absence of the rufous band on the tail, and the conspicuous- 
ly white margins of the tail coverts. The Canada grouse are mostly restricted 
to thickly wooded regions, where they find an abundance of their favorite 
food, consisting of seeds and berries of all kinds, and the buds of various 
shrubs. When skinned they emit a peculiar aromatic odor, arising from the 
highly flavored nature of their food ; their flesh is dark colored and rather 
bitter. When disturbed they fly but a short distance, soon alighting on the 
trees, in which position they may be easily approached. The young, which 
seldom, I believe, number more than five or six, are led about by the parent 
for some time after they are able to fly. On the 24th of July I surprised 
several broods, still under the care of the parent. The mother, on discover- 
ing me, instantly uttered a "cluck," very similar to that of the common hen, 
and flew on to the nearest tree, while the young scattered in every direction, 
and concealed themselves in the thickest brush. A chick which I obtained 
at that date flew with perfect ease, though it could not have been more than 
[Aug. 
NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 227 
two weeks old, and was as yet covered with scarcely anything but down. Its 
color was a dirty yellow ; the few feathers buff, transversely barred with 
brown ; and in size it was about equal to a chicken a week or ten days old. 
The species is invariably known as the "Spruce Partridge." 
Lagopus albus (G-m.) Aud. Ptarmigan. " Willow Partridge." 
Lagopus albus, Aud., Birds Amer. v. 114, pi. 299. Baird, Gen. Rep. 633. 
Great confusion prevails among the North American Ptarmigan, both with 
reference to the number of species to be enumerated, and their relationships 
to those of Europe. This is occasioned partly by the remote and inaccessible 
nature of the regions they inhabit, which cause comparatively few specimens 
to reach the hands of naturalists, and the difficulty of procuring them in sum- 
mer plumage ; since in winter they are almost entirely white, and present few 
distinctive marks beyond those of size and slight differences of proportions. 
By the latest authority on the subject, four species are assigned to North 
America: L. albus Aud., (the old Tetrao albus of Gmelin,) the largest, en- 
tirely white except the tail feathers, and with a very stout bill ; L. rupestris 
Leach, which is smaller, with a slenderer bill and a black stripe through the 
eye; L. Amer icanus Aud., a species doubtfully admitted, coming nearest to 
the albics ; and L. Icucurus, a small western species, concerning which there 
has been no difficulty. Two of these species are found in Labrador : the L. 
albus and rupestris, known respectively as the "Willow" and "Rock Par- 
tridge." The distinction between them is always recognized ; and they are so 
named from the fact that the former is confined chiefly to thickly wooded dis- 
tricts, while the latter inhabits more open and barren situations. 
On the 23d of July I came upon a pair of the larger kind, amid tangled 
bushes in a low swampy situation. They were very tame and unsuspecting, 
walking unconcernedly along but a few feet from me, though their being in 
deep moult, and unable to fly, may have been the cause of this remarkable 
familiarity. I am credibly informed, however, that at certain seasons, while 
perched on trees, they can be captured by a noose at the end of a rod or pole. 
Great numbers of these birds are skinned and stuffed by the natives, while in 
winter plumage, and sold for about 25 cents apiece. While being skinned, 
they emit a highly aromatic odor, very similar to that given out by the Spruce 
Partridge. Their flesh is much used as an article of food. 
Lagopus rupestris Leach. Rock Ptarmigan. " Rock Partridge." 
Lagopus rupestris, Aud., Birds Amer. v. 122, pi. 301. Baird, Gen. Rep. 635." 
This species also occurs along the coast of Labrador, though, as might be 
expected from the densely wooded nature of the greater part of the country, 
much less abundantly than the preceding. I did not meet with it except in 
the collections of the natives. 
Botaurus lentiginosus Steph. Bittern. 
Ardea lentiginosus, Aud., Birds Amer. vi. 94, pi. 365. 
Botaurus lentiginosus, Baird, Gen. Rep. 674. 
The Bittern is the only species of Heron which ventures so far north as 
Labrador, with the exception of the Ardea herodias and Nyctiardea Gardeni, 
which may possibly be found within its limits. The only indications I dis- 
covered of the presence of the Bittern was a wing in the possession of a hunter, 
who, however, did not consider it as a very rare bird. 
Charadrius Virginicus Borck. Golden Plover. 
Charadrius marmoratus, Aud., Birds Amer. v. 203, pi. 316. 
Charadrius Virginicus, Cassin, Gen. Rep. 690. 
1861.] 
228 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP 
No Golden Plovers were observed until a short time before we left the coun- 
try ; then, about the date of the departure of the Curlews, Numenius borealis, 
they made their appearance in small numbers, in flocks of about a dozen or 
more. Some of them were in very perfect plumage. 
Aegialitis semipalmatps (Bon.) Cab. Ring Plover. "Ring-neck." 
Charadrius semipalmatus, Aud., Birds Amer. v. 218, pi. 320. 
Aegialitis semipalmatus, Cassin, Gen. Rep. 694. 
The Ring Plovers are excessively abundant during the summer months 
along the whole coast of Labrador, which is one of their favorite breeding lo- 
calities. On the first of September they had not yet left the country, being 
still as abundant as ever. When not separated into pairs for the purposes of 
reproduction, they frequent mostly sandy beaches and muddy flats, where 
they are found in loose straggling companies of from five or six to a dozen or 
more individuals, associated with the Semipalmated and Bonaparte's Sand- 
pipers. They scatter widely apart while searching for food, running swiftly 
and gracefully over the sand, with the head lowered. They are at such times 
usually silent, except when disturbed, when they utter a loud mellow whistle 
on taking flight. Of all the smaller waders, none, with the exception of Bo- 
naparte's Sandpiper, Actodromas Bonapartei, is so gentle and unsuspicious. 
They never seem to notice an approach of a few yards, and indeed I have 
sometimes found it difficult to force them to fly. They merely run swiftly a 
few steps, and then stand perfectly motionless, regarding the intruder in si- 
lence. The young run about as soon as hatched, and follow the parent, who 
leads them in search of food. They are at this time prettily mottled with 
black, light brownish and white, most of the under parts remaining of the 
latter color. Birds of the year may at all times be distinguished from the 
adults by the black of the bands being replaced by dull dirty ash. 
No individuals of the A. melodus were observed in Labrador, nor did I find 
any indications of their presence there. From the fact of Audubon's finding 
them at the Magdalene Islands, it is to be supposed that they breed, sparingly 
at least, in the country. 
Strepsilas interpres (L.) 111. Turnstone. "Chickling." 
Strepsilas interpres, Aud., Birds Amer. v, 231, pi. 323. Cassin, Gen. Rep. 701. 
The Turnstone I first observed at Henley Harbor, on the 20th of August, 
when the smaller waders generally had commenced their southern migration. 
How long they remain in the country I do not know, but on the 1st of Sep- 
tember they were apparently as numerous as ever. Though not a very abun- 
dant species, I was enabled to procure a sufficient number of specimens, and 
to observe its curious habits. It afforded me much pleasure to notice with 
what dexterity they insert the bill beneath small stones and pebbles, and with 
a quick jerk turning them over, seize upon their prey lurking beneath. Though 
more shy and wary than the Sandpipers usually are, they did not seem to be as 
much so as the larger Tatlers. They are known to gunners by the name of 
"Chicklings." 
Phalaropus fulicarius (L.) Bon. Red Phalarope. "Bay-bird." 
Phalar opus full car ius, Aud., Birds Amer. v. 291, pi. 339. Cassin, Gen. Rep. 
707. 
Three specimens of this species were shot at sea, off Belle-Isle, from a flock 
of six. They were flying in a very compact body, much in the manner of the 
smaller Sandpipers, for which I at first mistook them. The sailors called them 
" Bay birds." While at sea we frequently saw this species, or the P. hyper- 
boreus, resting gracefully on the water, particularly near masses of floating 
seaweed. Indeed, the Phalaropes, as a genus, are noted among all the smaller 
[Aug. 
NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 229 
waders, both for their beauty and elegance of form, and their grace and ac- 
tivity of movement ; whether running swiftly along the sandy shore, or swim- 
ming buoyantly on the water, or stepping lightly over the floating leaves of 
aquatic plants, their motions are equally pleasing. Their lobed feet make 
them perfectly at home on the water, and they are often seen at a considera- 
ble distance from laud. The fab car ius and hyperboreus are both known by the 
uncouth and inappropriate, thougli curious name of " Sea-geese." 
Gallinago Wilsoni (Temm.) Bon. Wilson's Snipe. 
Scolopax Wilsoni, Aud., Birds Amer. v. 339, pi. 350. 
Gallinago Wilsoni, Cassin, Gen. Rep. 710. 
From the accounts of the natives, I should judge that the Snipe is abundant 
in Labrador, as it is in most parts of the United States. I met with but a 
single individual. 
Maororhamphus griseus (Gm.) Leach. Red-breasted Snipe. 
Scolopax noveboracensis, Aud. Birds Amer. vi. 10, pi. 351. 
Macrorhamphus griseus, Cassin, Gen. Rep. 712. 
I procured a single individual of this species in immature plumage on the 
23d of August, but I learned nothing further respecting it than that it is known 
by the name of " Brown-back." 
Tringa canutds Linn. Red-breasted Sandpiper. 
Tringa islandica, Aud. Birds Amer. v. 254, pi. 328. 
Tringa ( Tringa) canutus, Cassin, Gen. Rep. 715. 
This large Sandpiper I met with for the first time at Henley Harbor, on the 
21st of August, when the Tringas and small Waders generally had commenced 
their southern migration. A few specimens were procured, in immature plu- 
mage, showing but slight traces of reddish on the under parts. 
ACTODROMAS Kaup. 
Actodromas, Kaup., Sk. Ent. Eur. Thierw. 1829. Typus Tringa minuta Leisl. 
Gen. char. Bill about as long as, or very little longer than, the head, 
straight, slender, compressed, the tip very slightly expanded. Both mandi- 
bles deeply grooved to the expansion of the tip. Wings long ; the first and 
second primaries about equal, the rest rapidly graduated ; secondaries short, 
obliquely incised at the ends ; tertials long, slender, flowing. Tail rather long, 
doubly emarginate, the central feathers projecting. Tibia bare for two-thirds 
the length of the tarsus. Tarsus about equal to the bill, and equal to the 
middle toe. Toes entirely free at base, and but very slightly margined. Hind 
toe very short. 
The characters of this genus are well marked and decided, and are very dif- 
ferent from those of Tringa, with which it is usually associated. In the latter, 
the bill is very stout, much expanded at tip, and considerably longer than the 
head or tarsus ; the tertials short, thick and comparatively stiff; the tarsus is 
much longer than the toes, which are very short, stout and widely margined ; 
the tibial feathers reach nearly to the joint, and the tail is nearly even, with 
the central feathers not projecting. The pattern of coloration is very different. 
In all these particulars of form and proportion, Tringa has very little simi- 
larity to Actodromas, which is well worthy of full generic rank. As already 
indicated, the essential characters of the latter lie in the proportions of the 
bill, tarsus and toe, which are of equal length, and in the doubly emarginate 
tail. Other features are found in the elongated tertials, long, much exposed 
tibise, almost entire want of margins of the toes, &c. The known species are 
very similar in general pattern of coloration, all having the upper parts varied 
1861.] 
280 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP 
with deep brownish, light ashy and reddish ; the breast and juguluni with an 
ashy or brownish suffusion, the rest of the under parts being white. All, ex- 
cept A. Bonapartei, and A. Cooperi, have a central blackish field on the rump. 
The genus comes nearest to Pelidna Cuvier, (Regn. Anim. 1817 ; type T. cin- 
clus, L.) which, however, differs in the long decurved bill and some other pe- 
culiarities. 
Actodeomas maculata (Vieill.) Cassin. Pectoral Sandpiper. "Grass-snipe." 
Tringa pectoralis, Aud., Birds Amer. v. 259, pi. 329. 
Tringa (Acto'/romas) maculata, Cassin, Gen. Rep. 720. 
The " Grass-snipe," as this species is most appropriately called, differs es- 
sentially in its habits from any other Sandpiper with which I am acquainted, 
except the A. minut lla. Between these two species, however, there is a 
striking similarity, both as regards form, color and general habits. I first 
noticed the Pectoral S mdpiper at Henley Harbor, on the 20th of August, when 
it had commenced its southern migration. I there found it abundant, and 
had ample opportunities both of observing its habits and procuring specimens. 
This species is seldom or never seen on open sandy beaches, as it prefers at 
all times the low muddy flats laid bare by the tide, the pools and ditches 
which intersect them, and the salt marshes by which they are bordered. They 
are not restricted to the neighborhood of the sea, but frequent low wet mea- 
dows and fields at a great distance from any large body of water. There they 
walk slowly and sedately through the grass in search of food, having little or 
none of the restless activity which characterizes most Sandpipers. While thus 
engaged the tail is generally elevated, somewhat on the manner of the Zenai- 
dura Carolinensis, if comparison can be made between two birds so dissimilar. 
This habit of frequenting meadows has gained for them their common appella- 
tion of "Grass-snipe." When they rise from the grass to alight again at a 
short distance, they do so in silence, or with a single " tweet," and fly slowly 
evenly, and with the wings deeply incurved. When, however, they are fright- 
ened, by being repeatedly forced up, or when they are suddenly startled, they 
spring vigorously, emitting loud rapidly repeated notes, and fly in a quick 
zigzag manner, like the common snipe. They are then equally difficult to 
shoot. On several occasions I have noticed a habit which this bird possesses, 
which I do not recollect of ever having seen stated. When suddenly startled 
they rise with a loud note, and mounting very high in the air circle over the 
head of the intruder for several minutes, flying with very great rapidity and 
in perfect silence. When about to alight, which they often do at the very 
spot from which they rose, they nearly close the wings, and dart suddenly 
down in an almost perpendicular direction. This curious habit I have also ob- 
served at Portsmouth, N. H., and frequently at Washington, D. C. 
This species is found in pairs or singly, and never, I believe, in flocks of 
any extent. They are very tame and unsuspicious, permitting a near approach 
without becoming alarmed. In the fall they are excessively fat and delicately 
flavored, and afford delicious eating. Very little is known of their breeding 
places, or of their peculiar habits during the season of reproduction. 
Actodromas mimjtilla (Vieill.) Coues. Least Sandpiper. "Peep." 
Tringa minutilla, Vieillot, Nouv. Diet. 1819, xxxiv. 466. Gray, Genera, 1849, 
iii. 579. 
Actodromas minutilla, Cbues, Monog. Tring. N. A., in Pr. A. N. S. Ph. July, 
1861, 191. 
Trinqa pusilla, Wilson, Am. Orn. 1813, v. 32, pi. xxxvii. fig. 4 ; id. Brew. 
Ed. 1840,' 347, fig. 161 ; id. Ord. Ed. 1829, iii. 134 ; nee Linna?i. Swainson, 
F. B. A. 1831, ii. 386. Audubon, Orn. Biog. 1834, iv. 180; id. Birds 
Amer. 1842, v. 280, pi. 337 ; id. Syn. 1839, 237. Giraud, Birds L. I. 1844, 
240. Gray, Genera, 1849, iii. 579. 
[Aug. 
NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 231 
Pelidna pusilla, Bonaparte, Comp. List, 1838, 50. Gosse, Birds Jamaica, 
1847, 348. 
Tringa (Tringa) pusilla, Bonaparte, Comp. Speech. 1827, 62. 
Tringa Wilsoni, Nuttall, Manual, 1834, ii. 121. Cooper and Suckley, Nat. 
Hist. Wash. Terr. I860, 240. Cassin, Pr. A. N. S. 1860, xiii. 196. 
Tringa (Actodromas) Wilsoni, Cassin, Gen. Rep. 1858, 721. 
Until very recently, great confusion has prevailed among the smaller Sand- 
pipers ; and even now, though the species are pretty well ascertained, the 
proper name applied to each, and their synonomy, are points which are not yet 
definitely settled. With regard to no name, however, has there been so much 
difficulty as to that of Tringa pusilla Linn., the proper locating of which has 
ever been a disputed point. Most authors have referred it to the bird which 
Wilson, in 1813, (Am. Orn. ut supra,) designated by that name, and which 
was subsequently, in 1834, dedicated to that naturalist by Nuttall, (Man. Orn, 
ut supra.) Audubon, in all his works, Gray, in his genera, and Bonaparte, 
in his earlier works, adopted the name of pusilla for the present bird. As 
early as 1825, however, Bonaparte was aware that the T. pusilla of Linnseus 
was not the bird that Wilson gave under that name ; for, in his observations 
on Wilson's Nomenclature, pages 88, 89, on the subject of Tringa semipalmata, 
Wils., he says, "Several species have been confounded together under the 
name of T. pusilla; and although the present " (7*. semipalmata, Wils.) " is the 
real species," &c. In 1858, Cassin (Gen. Rep. page 725) proved pretty con- 
clusively that the T. pusilla of Linnaeus, based upon the T. cinclus domini- 
censis minor of Brisson, is really the Ereunetes petrijicatus of Illiger, though he 
does not change Illigers specific name. This, however, he has reoently done 
in the Proceedings of the Philadelphia Academy, (xii. 195, I860,) where he 
gives the bird as E. pusillus. 
The name of pusilla, then, being exploded for the species now under con- 
sideration, the question arises what specific name is to be applied to it. Later 
authors have mostly taken that of Wilsoni, given to the species in 1834, by 
Nuttall, who describes its habits so accurately that there can be no doubt as 
to what bird he has reference. But the claims of " Le tringa maringouin," 
Tringa minutilla of Vieillot (Nouv. Diet ut supra) to be the present speoies, 
appear to have been overlooked, or at least not generally conceded. Brewer, 
indeed, in his edition of Wilson, in 1840, quotes it, and Cassin, in the General 
Report in 1858, gives it as a synonym, but both with a query. But that 
Tringa minutilla really refers to the present species, there can be, I think, no 
reasonable doubt. Vieillot, page 466 of the Nouv. Diet., says of it, " Le noni 
que j'ai conserve a cet oiseau est celui sous lequel il est connu dans nos colo- 
nies de l'Amerique, et qui lui a ete impose d'apres sa petite taille ;" and after 
a description which applies well, he continues " II a des rapports avec le 
tringa minuta de Leisler," and adds, speaking of its habits, " Comme les trin- 
gas becos se comportent de me me, il est resulte qu'on les a confondus ensem- 
ble." The description, especially with reference to size ("quatre pouces dix 
lignes ") and to the length and proportions of the bill, (" noir, tres grele, et 
long de neuf lignes ; les tarses de la meme longuer, ") will apply to no other 
species. Another evidence that this description has reference to the Actodro- 
mas Wilsoni, is the fact that the author recognizes Tringa semipalmata, Wils. 
" Le tringa demipalme " as a totally distinct species. What the " tringa beco, 
Tringa pusilla, Lath.," of page 452 of the same work, refers to, is rather diffi- 
cult to determine. Vieillot refers to the Am. Orn. plate 37, fig 4, which is 
Tringa pusilla of Wilson ; but also quotes Brisson's "petite Alouette-de-mer 
de Saint-Dominque " which is Ereundes petrificatus of the General Report. 
The description, however, applies best to the latter, which it may be well to 
consider it. 
From the foregoing considerations, therefore, I cannot but adopt the specific 
name of minutilla, which has priority over Wilsoni, at least until weightier 
1861.] 
282 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF 
reasons are adduced on the opposite side of the question. With regard to the 
generic characters there is not the slightest difficulty. The bird presents the 
closest affinity to the type of the genus Actodromas, (T. minuta Leisl.,) and 
is very different from either Tringa or Pelidna, in both of which it has been 
placed. 
This diminutive species, in form, color and general habits, is very closely 
allied to the preceding, of which it is in fact a perfect miniature. As far as 
my own observation extends, the same remarks with regard to the manners, 
voice, flight, &c, apply equally well to this species. It even possesses the 
curious habit mentioned under the preceding bird. Though so much smaller, 
its note is fully as loud and piercing. The chief difference is, that in the fall 
the Least Sandpipers collect in flocks of considerable extent, and that they are 
found on sandy beaches oftener than are the Pectoral Sandpipers. Neverthe- 
less, its favorite situations are low muddy flats, and the ditches that intersect 
marshy and sedgy fields, where it finds an abundance of its favorite food. In 
Labrador I think I never observed them in any other situations. They search 
for food with remarkable industry and perseverance, carefully examining with 
their delicate bills every inch of ground they pass over ; while thus engaged 
they may be approached within a few feet without showing any signs of fear. 
Together with the A. Bonapartei and the Ereunetes pusillus, they are known 
by the common name of " Peeps." On the first of September they had not 
left the country, being still abundant. 
Actodromas (Heteropygia) Bonapartei (Schl.) Cassin. Bonaparte's Sand- 
piper. "Peep." 
Pelidna cinclus, var. Say, Long's Exped. 1823, i. 172. 
Trinja Schinzii, "Brehm." Bon. Syn. 1828. [Nee Brehm.] fide Gen. Rep. 
Aud. Birds Amer. 1842, v. 275, pi. 335, et al. Auct. Amer. 
Tringa Bonapartei, Schlegel, Rev. Crit. Ois. Eur. 1844, 89. 
Tringa (Actodromas) Bonapartei, Cassin, Gen. Rep. 722. 
Actodromas (Heteropygia) Bonapartei, Coues, Monogr. Tring. N. A., in Pr. A. 
N. S. Ph. July, 1861, 199. 
Audubon, in his account of this species, remarks : " Those procured in Lab- 
rador were shot in the beginning of August, and were all young birds, appa- 
rently about to take their departure." I met it for the first time on the 30th 
of July ; but on the first of September, when I left the country, they were still 
as numerous as ever. They are found in great abundance on the rocky shores 
of Labrador, where covered with sea-weed and interspersed with muddy flats 
and shallow pools, in which last the birds wade quite up to the breast. I have 
also frequently seen them in a situation where I never found any other Sand- 
piper on the large masses of rock sloping down abruptly to the water, green 
and slippery from the oontinued falling of the spray. They seem to be very 
fond of these locations, and I seldom passed one without seeing several of 
these " peeps " running nimbly about ; and I have actually approached with- 
in three or four feet of them, as they stood motionless regarding me with 
curious eye. Of all the Sandpipers this is the most gentle and unsuspecting ; 
they seem utterly regardless of the presence of man, and do not intermit their 
occupation of searching for food, though the observer may be standing within 
a few feet of them. When startled they emit a low soft "weet " very differ- 
ent from that of any other Sandpiper, and fly off in a very compact flock. If 
a part of them be killed, the gunner may commit equal havoc with his second 
barrel, as after a few circlings they fly past, or alight again on the same spot. 
They fly rapidly, in a rather unsteady manner, alternately showing the 
under and upper parts ; and they may always be recognized in flight by the 
conspicuously white upper tail coverts. They usually associate with the 
C A g- 
NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 233 
Setnipalmated Sandpipers and the Ring Plovers, and in common with other 
small species are known by the general name of " Peeps." Those that I shot 
were not so excessively fat as the A. maculata and Ereunetes pusillus commonly 
are at the same season. 
Ereunetes pusillus (Briss.) Cassin. Semipalmated Sandpiper. " Peep." 
Tringa cinclus dominicensis minor, Brisson, Ornith. 1760, v. 222, pi. xxv. fig. 2, 
[haud dubie.] 
Tringa pusilla, Linnseus, Syst. Nat. 1766, i. 252, fide Gen. Rep. 
? Tringa pusilla, Vieillot, Nouv. Diet. 1819, xxxiv. 452, [ad T. cincl. dom. min. 
Briss. refert.] 
Ereunetes petrijicatus, Illiger, Prod. 1811, 262. Cassin, Gen. Rep. 1858, 724. 
Tringa semipalmata, Wilson, Am. Orn. 1813, vii. 131, pi. lxiii. fig. 4; id. Ord. 
Ed. 1*29, iii. 132, pi. lxiii. fig. 4 ; id. Brewer, Ed. 1840, 542, fig. 225 ; ibid. 
Svn. 725. Vieillot, Nonv. Diet. 1819. xxxiv. 462 ; Diet. Class d'Hist. Nat. 
1822, ii. 251. Swainson, F. B. A. 1831, ii. 381. Audubon, Orn. Biog. 
1839, v. p. 110, pi. 408 ; id. Syn. 1839, 236 ; id. Birds Amer. 1842, v. 277, 
pi. 336. Giraud, Birds L. I. 1S44, 239. Newberry, P. R. R. Surv. 1857, 
vi. 100. 
Ereunetes semipalmatas, Cabanis, Schomburgk's Reise, iii. 758, fide Gen. Rep. 
Bonaparte, Compt. Rend. 1856, fide Gen. Rep. Cabanis, Journ. 1856, 
419, fide Gen. Rep. 
Tringa {Hemipalama) semipalmata, Bonaparte, Obs. Wils. 1825, num. 212 ; id. 
Speech. Comp. 1827, 62. 
Tringa (Heteropoda) semipalmata, Nuttall, Man. Orn. 1834, ii. 136. 
Hemipalama semipalmata, Lambeye, Av. Cubae, 1850, 96. 
Hemipalama minor, Lambeye, Av. Cubae, 1850, 97. 
Heteropoda semipalmata, Bonaparte, Comp. List, 1838, 49. Dekay, N. Y. 
Fauna, 1844, 236, pi. 86, fig. 19-5. Gray, Genera, 1849, iii. 580. 
? Heteropoda mauri, Bonaparte, Comp. List, 1838, 49. 
Ereunetes mauri, Cabanis, Journ. 1856, 419, fide Gen. Rep. 
Tringa brevirostris, Spix, Aves Bras- 1825, ii. 76, fide Gen. Rep. 
? Pelidna Brissoni, Lesson, Man. d'Ornith. 1828, ii. 277, [T. pusillum, Linn. 
citat.] 
Ereunetes pusillus, Cassin, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 1860, xiii. 195. Coues, Monog. 
Tring. N. A., in Pr. A. N. S. Ph. July, 1861, 177. 
The statements made under the head of Actodromas minutilla, tending to 
demonstrate that Tringa pusilla of Linnseus is not the bird given under that 
name by Wilson, also prove that the name really belongs to the species now 
under consideration. As there stated, pusilla was applied by Linnseus in 1766 
to the bird figured and described by Brisson, (Ornith. 1760, v. p. 222, pi. xxv. 
fig. 2,) under the appellation of " La petite Alouette-de-mer de S. Dominque," 
Tringa cinclus Dominicensis minor. The description applies well, and the figure 
plainly shows the webbing of the toes, a feature which exclusively character- 
izes this species among the smaller Sandpipers. There being no reasonable 
doubt, therefore, of what pusilla really refers to, it must, according to the laws 
of nomenclature, take precedence over both petrijicatus of Illiger, and semipal- 
matus of Wilson. Cassin restores the name in the Proceedings of the Acade- 
my of Natural Sciences, above cited, there calling the bird Ereunetes pusillus, 
though in the General Report he retains the specific name of petrijicatus be- 
stowed by Illiger in 1811. 
The webbed feet of this bird were very early made the grounds for generic 
distinction from Tringa, to which they would fully entitle it, even were no 
other characters involved. But though several genera have been proposed 
for it, fortunately there is not the slightest difficultv as to the proper one to 
be employed. Heteropoda of Nuttall, (1834,) and Hemipalama of Bonaparte, 
(1825,) must both yield to Ereunetes petrijicatus, which, according to the Gene- 
1861.] 
234 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF 
ral Report, has been proved to be the T. semipalmata of Wilson, by actual ex- 
amination of the type specimen. This being the case, Ereunetes must be used 
in the present connection, though for the reasons given above, petrijicatus 
cannot be retained. The cause of Nuttall's proposing for the bird a new genus 
was probably the fact that Bonaparte in 1828 employed his Hemipalama in 
connection with a very different bird the Micropalama himantopus of Baird 
with which it has scarcely a generic character in common except the webbed 
toes. As a reference to the article will show, the name was proposed for, and 
first used in connection with, the T. semipalmata Wils. 
I have thought it well to present the 9ynonomy of this species, since, as will 
be seen, it has received a great variety of names. According to the General 
Report, the Heteropoda Mauri of Bonaparte, or the Ereunetes Mauri of Cabanis, 
is merely a large race of the present bird ; while the remarkable variations in 
the length of the bill, to which the species is subject, have given rise to the 
Hemipalama minor of Gundlach, and the Tringa brevirostris of Spix. Pelidwi 
Brissoni of Lesson is probably this species, since he refers to Tringa pusilla of 
Linnaeus. 
No individuals of this species were observed until the latter part of July, 
but soon after that date they became excessively abundant, and continued so 
during the month of August. When on muddy flats I generally found them 
associated with the Ring Plovers and Bonaparte's Sandpipers ; but when on 
open sandy beaches they keep mostly to themselves, sometimes in flocks of 
great extent, the other species with which they principally mix not generally 
frequenting such situations. When in large flocks dozens may be killed at a 
shot ; and as, after many wheelings, they often alight again on the same spot, 
they afford a second opportunity to the gunner. When wounded, they swim 
with considerable ease, aided by their semipalmated feet ; but they are not 
capable of diving to any extent. These birds, possessing very few distinctive 
traits of habit among the smaller Sandpipers, are yet remarkable in one par- 
ticular the great facility with which they may be decoyed by imitating their 
call a low mellow whistle. When skilfully executed, I have seen them ap- 
proach within a few feet of the person seated on a rock in full view, though a 
moment after, on discovering their mistake, they would immediately take 
flight. They are also noted for the excessively fat condition in which they 
are always found in the fall, exceeding that of almost any other bird of their 
family. In this state they are delicious eating, being tender, juicy and deli- 
cately flavored, but on account of their diminutive size they are not much 
sought after. This species is the " Peep " par excellence, though the Acto- 
dromas Bonapartei and minutilla are also known by the same name. 
Gambetta melanoleuca (Gm.) Bon. Tell-tale. "Yellow-legs." 
Totanus vociferus, Aud., Birds Amer. v. 316, pi. 345. 
Gambetta melanoleuca, Cassin, Gen. Rep. 731. 
This large tatler, so well known and so universally disliked by all gunners 
on account of its watchful and noisy nature, is a very common bird along the 
coast of Labrador during the summer and early fall. During the fore part of 
the summer I found them very wary and difficult of approach. They would 
stand motionless and in silence, regarding me with watchful attention until I 
was nearly within shooting distance, when, at a single note from one of the 
flock, all would instantly take flight, emitting their loud and clear whistling, 
as if rejoicing at my discomfiture. By the middle of August, however, they 
seemed to have laid aside their watchfulness, and numbers were procured 
without difficulty. Though found in all situations near the water, their favo- 
rite localities seemed to be the muddy flats laid bare by the tide, the salt 
marshes adjoining them, and the pools which dot these marshes. They are 
seldom found in good condition for the table, being generally very lean. They 
are known altogether as " Yellow-legs." 
[Aug. 
NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 235 
Tringoides macularius (L.) Gray. Spotted Sandpiper. "Teeter-tail." 
Totanus macularius, Aud., Birds Airier, v. 303, pi. 342. 
Tringoides macularius, Cassin, Gen. Rep. 735. 
The Spotted Sandpiper forms almost the only exception to the general rules, 
that the species of this family retire to very high latitudes to rear their young, 
and on their return south in the fall associate in flocks of greater or less ex- 
tent. It has a breeding range almost unparalleled among the Sandpipers, 
rearing its young from as far south, at least, as Washington, D. C, to the 
confines of the Arctic circle. Nor is it confined to the immediate vicinity of the 
sea ; it abounds along the rivers and creeks of the interior, and shows a marked 
predilection for the vicinity of man's abode. The nest is usually placed in an 
orchard or meadow, often in a ploughed field, and is a mere depression in the 
ground, lined with a few dried grasses, or a little eel-grass, (Zostera.) The eggs, 
as usual in this family, are four in number, large for the size of the bird, pointed, 
and of a light cream color, every where blotched and spotted with dark brown 
and black. A nest found on the 4th of July, on one of the barren islands off the 
coast of Labrador, contained eggs in which the embryos had scarcely begun to 
be developed, while on the 17th of June, eggs found at Portsmouth, N. H., 
were on the point of hatching. 
The Spotted Sandpiper is at all times a solitary species ; it is rare to see 
more than two or three together. Its note is a low mellow " weet," often re- 
peated. When wounded, even if very severely, it dives with great facility and 
quickness, and sometimes swims a considerable distance under water. Its 
most peculiar trait, however, is the habit it possesses of always, on alighting, 
and frequently at other times, balancing its tail in a remarkable manner, just 
as the Solitary Sandpiper, Rhyacophilus solitarius, does its head. This pecu- 
liarity has gained for it the common appellation of " Teeter-tail." 
Tryngites rufescens (Vieill.) Cab. Buff-breasted Sandpiper. 
Tringa rufescens, Aud., Birds Amer. v. 264, pi. 331. 
Tryngites rufescens, Cassin, Gen. Rep. 739. 
A single specimen of this rather uncommon Sandpiper was shot on the 20th 
of August by one of the sailors, but was unfortunately too much mutilated to 
be preserved. I learned nothing of its habits ; it is probably a rare bird in 
Labrador. 
Numenius (Numenius) longirostris Wils. Long-billed Curlew. "Sickle-bill." 
Numenius longirostris, Aud., Birds Amer. vi. 35, pi. 355. Cassin, Gen. Rep. 
743. 
Although I did not meet with this species myself, I was assured by all the 
hunters that it is occasionally seen among the vast flocks of the N. borealis 
that appear in the autumn. It is, however, rare in Labrador. It is known 
by the very suggestive name of " Sickle-bill." 
Numenius (Phaeopus) Hudsonicus Lath. Hudsonian Curlew. "Jack Curlew." 
Numenius Hudsonicus, Aud., Birds Amer., v. 42, pi. 356. Cassin, Gen. Rep. 
744. 
Of the Hudsonian Curlew I saw but few individuals, and these were so shy 
that it was with difficulty that they were procured. They were most nume- 
rous at the time that the N. borealis were about taking their departure ; and 
in their general manners, food, &c, appeared to be very similar to the latter. 
Their voice, however, is much louder and rougher. They are known to the 
natives as "Jack Curlews." 
1861.] 
236 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP 
Numenius (Phaeopus) boreams (Forst.) Lath. Esquimaux Curlew. "The 
Clew." 
Numenius borealis, Aud. Birds Arner., vi. 45, pi. 357. Cassin, Gen. Rep. 744. 
From the time of my first arrival in the country until the second week in 
August, the stereotyped reply of the inhabitants to my inquiries concerning 
game was, "There is nothing to shoot yet, sir ; the C'lews have not yet ar- 
rived ; but when they come you will have fine sport." All were agreed as to 
the abundance of the birds, the facility with which they could be obtained, 
the sport of killing them, and their delicacy on the table. Naturally enough, 
when disappointed in procuring other birds, our thoughts turned to the Cur- 
lews, and we endeavored to console ourselves by shooting them in anticipa- 
tion. It was not, however, until the 16th of August, when in the romantic 
harbor of " Indian Tickle," that we obtained the first glimpse of the Curlews. 
Five days later, at Henley Harbor, our sport commenced ; the Curlews were 
there in immense numbers, and for nearly two weeks we all enjoyed such 
sport as almost made us forget our disappointments and hardships on the 
dreary Labrador coast. The Curlews then disappeared as suddenly as they 
had arrived ; not, however, until I had had ample opportunities of studying 
their habits, and had procured a sufficient number of specimens. 
The Esquimaux Curlew arrived on the Labrador coast from its more northern 
breeding grounds in immense numbers, flying very swiftly in flocks of great ex- 
tent. These immediately broke up into smaller companies, and proceeded at 
once in search of food. They remained but a very short time. As Audubon most 
correctly says, " I was not long in discovering that their stay on this coast 
was occasioned solely by the density of the mists, and the heavy gales that 
already gave intimation of the approaching close of the summer ; for whenever 
the weather cleared up a little, thousands of them set off and steered in a 
straight course across the broad Calf of St. Lawrence. On the contrary, when 
the wind was high and the fogs thick, they flew swiftly and low over the rocky 
surface of the country, as if bewildered. Wherever there was a spot that 
seemed likely to afford a supply of food, there the Curlews abounded and were 
easily approached." His observations, however, differ much from mine, in 
reference to the time of the arrival and departure of the birds. He states that 
they made their first appearance on the 29th of July, and had all left by the 
12th of August ; whereas, I saw none until about that latter date, and none 
were to be seen on the first of September. For two or three days before their 
final departure, we had noticed them all moving directly southward, flying 
very high in the air in loose straggling flocks, with a broad extended front. 
The Curlews associate in flocks of every size, from three to as many thou- 
sands, but they generally fly in so loose and straggling a manner, that it is 
rare to kill more than half a dozen at a shot. When they wheel, however, in 
any of their many beautiful evolutions, they close together in a more compact 
body, and offer a more favorable opportunity for the gunner. Their flight is 
firm, direct, very swift, when necessary much protracted, and is performed 
with rapid regular beats. They never sail except when about to alight ; then 
the wings are much incurved downwards, in the manner of most Waders. As 
their feet touch the ground their long, pointed wings are raised over the back 
until the tips almost touch, and then deliberately folded, much in the manner 
of the Solitary Sandpiper, Rhyacophilus solitarius. Their note is an oft-re- 
peated, soft, mellow, though clear whistle, which may be easily imitated. By 
this means they can readily be decoyed within shot, if the imitation is good 
and the gunner is careful to keep concealed. The smaller the flock, the more 
easily are they allured, and a single individual rarely fails to turn his course 
toward the spot from whence the sound proceeds. When in very extensive 
flocks they have a note which, when uttered by the whole number, I can 
compare to nothing but the chattering of a flock of blackbirds. When 
wounded and taken in hand, they emit a very loud harsh scream, like that 
[A 
ug. 
NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 237 
of a common hen under similar circumstances, which cry they also utter when 
pursued. 
Their food consists almost entirely of the Crow-herry, Empetrum nigrum,* 
which grows on all the hill-sides in astonishing profusion. It is also called the 
"Bear-berry" and "Curlew-berry." It is a small herry, of a deep purple 
color, almost black, growing upon a procumbent, running kind of heath, the 
foliage of which has a peculiar moss-like appearance. This is their principal 
and favorite food ; and the whole intestine, the vent, legs, bill, throat, and 
even the plumage are more or less stained with the deep purple juice. They 
are also very fond of a species of small snail, that adheres to the rocks in im- 
mense quantities, to procure which they frequent the land-washes at low tide. 
Food being so abundant, and so easily obtained, they become excessively fat. 
In this condition they are most delicious eating, being tender, juicy, and 
finely flavored ; but as might be expected, they prove a very difficult job for 
the taxidermist. 
Although the Curlews were in such vast numbers, I did not find them so tame 
as might be expected, and as I had been led to suppose by previous represent- 
ations. I was never able to walk openly within shooting distance of a flock, 
though I was told it was often done. The most successful method of obtaining 
them is to take such a position as they will probably fly over in passing from 
one feeding ground to another ; they may then be shot with ease, as they 
rarely fly high at such times. The pertinacity with which they cling to cer- 
tain feeding grounds, even when much molested, I saw strikingly illustrated 
ou one occasion. The tide was rising and about to flood a muddy flat of per- 
haps an acre in extent, where their favorite snails were in great quantities. 
Although six or eight gunners were stationed on the spot, and kept up a con- 
tinual round of firing upon the poor birds, they continued to fly distractedly 
about over our heads, notwithstanding the numbers that every moment fell. 
They seemed in terror lest they should lose their accustomed fare of snails that 
day. On another occasion, when the birds had been so harassed for several 
hours as to deprive them of all opportunity of feeding, great numbers of them 
retired to a very small island, or rather a large pile of rocks, a few hundred 
yards from the shore, covered with sea weed, and, of course, with snails. 
Flock after flock alighted on it, till it was completely covered with the birds, 
which there, in perfect safety, obtained their morning meal. 
I was told that the Curlews were never seen in Labrador, except for the 
short period in the autumn. Such, however, I do not think to be the case, 
particulary as Audubon, upon good authority, asserts to the contrary. It is 
probable that the celerity and silence with which it passes northward during 
the spring migration, causes it to be partially overlooked. Its migrations are 
very extensive, but performed so quickly and silently that it is rarely seen south 
of the New England States. It is found in Texas ; though as far as my know- 
ledge extends, it does not breed much south of Hudson's Bay. In Labrador 
it is known by its proper name, which, however, is invariably shortened into 
"Clew." Further south it is called the "Dough-bird;" but this name is 
also applied to other birds. In a great number of specimens I found consider- 
able differences in size, in the color of the under parts, which varies from 
creamy white to deep buff, and in the purity and extent of the white patch on 
the throat. These differences, however, were not indicative of sex, nor even of 
age, so far as I could ascertain. 
* " Empetrum, Tourn. Flowers polygamous, scattered and solitary in the axils of the 
leaves, (inconspicuous) scaly bracted. Calyx of 3 spreading and somewhat petal-like 
sepals. Stamens, 8. Style very Bhort ; stigma 6-9 rayed. Fruit, a beiry like drupe, 
with 6-9 seed-like nutlets, each containing an erect anatropous seed, K. nigrum, L. 
Procumbent and trailing ; leaves linear oblong, scattered ; fruit black." (Gray's Manual 
of Botany, College Ed. p. 393.) 
1861.] 
238 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP 
Bernicla Canadensis (L.) Boie. Canada Goose. 
Anser Canadensis, Aud., Birds Amer. vi. 178, pi. 376. 
Bernicla Canadensis, Baird, Gen. Rep. 764. 
No Wild Geese were observed until the second week in August, when for 
several days we saw them fly southward in small flocks, keeping at a great 
height in the air, and always preserving a wedge-shape form. No specimens 
were procured. 
Anas Boschas Linn. Mallard. 
Anas Boschas, Aud., Birds Amer. vi. 236, pi. 385. 
Baird, Gen. Rep. 774. 
Audubon, in his account of this Duck, says "On the western coast of Lab- 
rador, none of the inhabitants we conversed with had ever seen the Mallard, 
and in Newfoundland the people were equally unacquainted with it, the spe- 
cies being in those countries replaced by the Black Duck, Anas fusca." 
Although it is a rare species in Labrador, I ascertained its existence there 
from a very fine pair offered for sale by one of the natives. In the interior of 
the continent it goes as far north at least as Great Slave Lake, where it breeds 
in considerable numbers. 
Anas obscura Gm. Dusky Duck. "Black Duck." 
Anas obscura, Aud., Birds Amer. vi. 244, pi. 386. 
Baird, Gen. Rep. 775. 
The Dusky Duck is by far the most abundant of the Anatinoz along the 
coast of Labrador, where it breeds very plentifully. Though some times seen 
along the rocky and barren islands that skirt the coast, it at all times shows 
a decided preference for the ponds and streams of the interior. When the 
females are incubating, and engaged in rearing their young, the males desert 
them, and retire to secluded situations to renew their feathers. Some which 
I shot on the 23d of July were at that time in deep moult, and entirely un- 
able f to fly, though they made their way over the water with astonishing 
celerity. I saw young nearly half grown on the 1st of August ; they were at 
that time still led about by the parent, and were unable to fly. It is a re- 
markably shy and watchful bird, so much so that it is only with great diffi- 
culty it can be procured. It is much esteemed a3 an article of food, and is 
known to the inhabitants as the " Black Duck." 
Nettion Carolinensis (Gm.) Baird. Green-winged Teal. 
Anas Carolinensis, Aud., Birds Amer, vi. 261, pi. 392. 
Nettion Carolinensis, Baird, Gen. Rep. 777. 
Though the Green-winged Teal is a rare bird along the coast of Labrador, 
yet Audubon is incorrect in saying that it is never found there. A specimen 
which I saw in a collection of birds at Rigolet, proves its existence in that 
country. It is abundant in the interior, breeding in the region around Great 
Slave Lake. 
Nettion crecca (L.) Kaup. English Teal. 
Nettion crecca, Baird, Gen. Rep. 778. 
I was so fortunate as to procure a well characterized specimen of this Teal, 
which, though a common bird in Europe, is only known in North America as 
a rare straggler from that country. It is closely allied to the Green-winged 
Teal, but is nevertheless perfectly distinct, the differences being readily appre- 
ciable even without comparison. These consist in the entire absence of the 
white crescent before the wing ; the more conspicuously colored elongated 
scapulars, which are deep black and pure creamy white ; and the remarkable 
distinctness of the white lines on the head. I learned nothing of its habits. 
[Aug. 
NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 239 
Camptol^mus Labradoruts (Gm.) Gray. Labrador Duck. "Fool-bird." 
Fuligula Labradora, Aud., Birds Amer. vi. 329, pi. 400. 
Camptolcemus Labradorius, Baird, Gen. Rep. 803. 
I did not succeed in procuring or even meeting with this rare and very re- 
markable Duck. I was informed that, though it was very rarely seen in the 
summer, it is not an uncommon bird in Labrador during the fall ; it is known 
by the peculiar appellation of "Fool-bird," a name given on account of its 
remarkably unsuspicious nature, which renders it easy to approach. The 
name, however, can scarcely be a general one. Further than this I learned 
nothing respecting it. 
Pelionetta peespicillata (L.) Kaup Surf Duck. "Bottle-nosed Coot." 
Fuligula perspicillata, Aud., Birds Amer. vi. 337, pi. 402. 
Pelionetta perspicillata, Baird, Gen. Rep. 806. 
The Surf Duck is an abundant bird along the coast of Labrador, where a 
good many breed, though perhaps a greater number go still further north. 
They are seen in flocks of considerable extent, especially during the renewal 
of their feathers, at which time they collect in great numbers along the shores 
of the bays and inlets. On the 3d of August, while sailing up Esquimaux Bay, 
the shore for nearly a mile was lined with these Ducks, and the succeeding 
species. They were all in deep moult, and most of them unable to fly, and 
yet were so wary and vigilant, that few were obtained, for they dived at the 
flash of the gun with such celerity as to escape the shot. They are tough 
birds, and remarkably tenacious of life, and require a heavy charge to kill 
them. Those procured were excessively fat, but their flesh was rank and 
oily. They are known as "Bottle-nosed Coots," a name given in allusion to 
the very peculiar shape and color of the bill. 
Melanetta velvetina Baird. Velvet Duck. " White-winged Coot ;" "Brass- 
winged Diver." 
Fuligulu fusca, Aud., Birds Amer. vi. 332, pi. 401. 
Melanetta velvetina, Baird, Gen. Rep. 805. 
This species is nearly if not quite as abundant as the preceding, with which 
it is often found associating. It appears to possess much the same habits. It 
is a very shy and vigilant species, and possesses powers of diving surpassed 
by few birds. It is known by the names of the " White-winged Coot " and 
" Brass-winged Diver," the former being the most usual appellation. 
Though I did not meet with the American Scoter, Oidemia Americana, I was 
assured that it breeds in the neighborhood of Esquimaux Bay. It is known as 
the "Black Coot" and "Butter-billed Coot." The three species of Oidemiece 
are all called " Coots ;" a nomenclature that puzzled me not a little, until I 
ascertained to what birds the names referred. 
Somateria mollissima (Linn.) Leach. Eider Duck. " Sea-duck." 
Fuligula mollissima, Aud., Birds Amer. vi. 349. pi. 405. 
Somateria mollissima, Baird, Gen. Rep. 809. 
The Eider Duck, so widely and justly celebrated for the valuable down 
which it furnishes in such quantity as to make it a profitable article of com- 
merce, is the most abundant Duck throughout the extent of Labrador, which 
is with it a favorite breeding place. For although many breed in very high 
latitudes on both sides of the Atlantic, yet Labrador, from the peculiar nature 
of its coast, seems a country specially adapted to its wants. It also finds 
there a safer place of retreat while engaged in the duties of incubation, since, 
at least as far as I can ascertain, its down is not so regularly sought for as it is 
in some other countries. Wherever found at all it is an abundant species ; but 
on the American coast it is seldom or never seen south of Long Island or the 
New Jersey Capes. 
1861.] 
240 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP 
The Eiders choose for their breeding places the low, rocky, barren islands 
that stud the Labrador coast, generally giving the preference to those which 
are more or less covered with grass and low scrubby juniper. The nests are 
always placed on the ground ; often a tuft of grass is selected, or the nest is 
hidden beneath the spreading boughs of juniper. The grassy crevices between 
flat strata, and the soft beds of moss at the foot of over-shadowing rocks are 
also favorite situations. The nest is of rather bulky construction, formed of 
moss, lichens, and dried grasses and seaweed, loosely matted together, and 
the whole fabric sunk as deeply as possible into the ground. The down is sel- 
dom, I think, added until the full complement of eggs is made up. These 
rarely exceed five or six in number, and occasionally are but four. They 
vary much in size and shape, and also considerably in color. They average 
about three inches in length by two in breadth, and the shape varies from an 
almost perfect ellipse to a regular ovoid or ovate. The ground color is a dull 
olive green, frequently with a bluish, and sometimes with a creamy tinge ; 
and is often discolored with darker patches, like stains. The shell is smooth 
and polished. The eggs are excellent eating, as I know to my cost ; for hav- 
ing on one occasion collected a large basketful, all those that were fresh and 
could be neatly blown, were appropriated by the sailors during a temporary 
absence. 
While the female is incubating she permits a very near approach before she 
forsakes her nest ; it is not uncommon to walk up to within a few feet of the 
sitting bird ; she then flaps off in a hurried frightened manner, but always 
in silence, and makes directly for the nearest water. If a gun be fired on a 
small island, where many birds are sitting, all immediately leave their nests 
and collect in a body at some distance on the water. There they wash and 
plume themselves until the intruder withdraws, when they soon resume their 
duties. 
There seems to be considerable difference in the time of laying the eggs. On 
the 4th of July, when I made most of my observations on these birds, I found 
nests in which the full complement had not yet been laid ; eggs with chicks in 
all stages of developement ; and broods of young were seen, led about on the 
water by the parent. As soon as the ducklings are hatched, they are led 
directly to the water, where they swim with perfect ease and dive with facility. 
The mother keeps them close about her, anxiously watching for every appear- 
ance of danger that might befal them, and ready at any moment to give 
battle to any hungry gull that might attack them. Under these circumstances 
only did we ever succeed in openly rowing within shot of an Eider, when 
anxiety for the safety of her brood made her forget her own danger. On suchr^ 
occasions, the mother, keeping them close together, would urge them forward 
until the danger became too imminent, when at a single note, the young 
would scatter and dive with astonishing celerity, and the mother dive or fly 
off as necessity required. The ducklings at this time are covered with long 
hair-like down, very fine, of a dusky brown above and light silvery grey 
below. 
As soon as the females begin to deposit their eggs, they are deserted by the 
males, and from this time the whole care of incubation and rearing the young 
devolves upon the former. The males, at this season, assemble in large nocks, 
and retire to the outer and most secluded islands during the time of the re- 
newal of their feathers. Tbey are excessively shy and difficult to approach. 
The females, even those which are sterile, never, I believe, associate with the 
males, but keep in flocks by themselves. 
There is a great difference in the colors of the plumage of the females at dif- 
ferent ages, varying from very light ochreous to a uniform dark chestnut brown, 
much as represented in Audubon r s plate. They are universally known as 
" Sea-ducks, '" the males being always distinguished as "Sea-drakes." I sel- 
dom or never heard the name of Eider applied to either sex by the natives. 
[Aug. 
NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 241 
I saw no individuals of the King Eider, Somateria spectabilis, during my stay > 
but was informed that in the fall they are not unfrequently met with. 
Mekgus serrator Linn. Red-breasted Mergauser. " Shell-drake." 
Mergus serrator, Aud., Birds Amer. vi. 395; pi. 412. Baird, Gen. Rep. 814. 
The Red-breasted Mergauser breeds very abundantly along the Labrador 
coast, while the Buff- breasted, M. Americanus, is seldom or never seen. The 
females place their nests on much the same islands as the Eiders choose, but 
conceal them more carefully in the tall grass, or among thick scrubby juniper. 
The nest is rather neatly and compactly formed of mosses, lichens, and dried 
sea weeds, and warmly lined with down plucked from the breast of the mother, 
with which the eggs are nearly covered. The full number of these is nine or 
ten; incubation does not take place until late in the season, as I have found 
them nearly fresh on the 4th of July. They are regularly oval or ellipsoidal in 
form, and of a uniform light buff color. When the bird is surprised on the 
nest, she steals off as quietly as possible, and retires to a considerable distance. 
While the females are engaged in incubation, and in rearing their young, the 
males collect in small flocks and keep entirely by themselves, and are exces- 
sively shy and vigilant. I found young birds, apparently about a week old, on 
the 1st of August. Although so young, they were perfectly at home on the 
water, swimming with ease and grace, and diving with such celerity that it 
was with difficulty that three or four were procured. 
Graculus dilophus (Sw.) Gray. Double-crested Cormorant, " Shag." 
Phalacrocorax dilophus, Aud., Birds Amer. vi. 423 : pi. 416. 
Graculus dilophus, Lawrence, Gen. Rep. 877. 
As I had no opportunity of visiting any of the colonies of Cormorants, either 
in Labrador or Newfoundland, I can say nothing concerning their habits. I 
was informed that there was a "Shag settlement" (either of this species or the 
G. carbo,) near Sloop Harbor, a short distance south of Little Mecattina. A 
fine specimen of this species was presented to me by Capt. Dodge. Both this 
and the G. carbo are universally known as " Shags." 
Sula bassana (L.) Briss. Gannet. 
Sula bassana, Aud., Birds Amer. vii. 44; pi. 425. Lawrence, Gen. Rep. 871. 
On the first of July our proximity to the celebrated Gannet Rocks was clearly 
indicated by the numbers of these birds seen flyiDg in every direction, engaged 
in seeking for food, which consists principally or wholly of fish. When sati- 
ated with food they are unable to fly for some time. We passed by one in this 
condition ; it flapped heavily along on the surface of the water, trying in vain 
to rise, yet managing, with aid of wings and feet to proceed with considerable 
speed. Again, on the 11th of September, on our return we saw many Gannets ; 
but though on both these occasions we passed within fifty miles or less of the 
rocks, I was denied the pleasure of observing the birds at their great breeding 
place, and can only speak of their flight and mode of fishing. They fly with 
firm, powerful beats, alternately sailing and flapping for about equal distances, 
and their flight is strong and capable of being greatly protracted. When 
searching for food, they fly slowly along at the height of a few yards above the 
surface, reconnoitering the water beneath. When a fish is espied, the bird 
poises an instant in the air and then darts suddenly down, the weight of its 
ponderous body giving it an impetus which sends it far under water, and raises 
the spray in a cloud around it. Taking advantage of this habit, Gannets are 
sometimes captured by fastening a fish to a soft plank, and sinking it just be- 
low the surface. The velocity with which the bird descends forces its bill 
through the wood, and it is thus made a prisoner. 
1861.] 17 
242 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP 
Procellaira (Fdlmarus) glacialis Linn. Fulmar Petrel. 
Proeellaria glacialis, Aud., Birds Amer. vii. 204 ; pi. 455. Lawrence, Gen. Rep. 
825. 
On the 19th of August, while at sea off Belle-Isle, many Fulmars were seen, 
mostly resting on the water in companies of about a dozen. They generally 
remained quiet until we approached within sixty or seventy yards, when they 
would all take flight. In rising from the water the wings are lifted high over 
the back, the feet drawn under the belly, and with one vigorous spring and a 
flap at the same instant, the bird launches itself into the air. Its flight is 
extremely firm, vigorous and protracted, performed with slow measured beats. 
One individual was overtaken by our vessel, so loaded with food as to be un- 
able to fly; it passed close by the side swimming as fast as possible, near 
enough to enable me to clearly discern the peculiar character of the nostrils 
which distinguishes this family of birds. 
Thalassidroma (Oceanites) Wilsoni Bon. Wilson's Stormy Petrel. ' : Mother 
Carey's Chickens." 
Thalassidroma Wilsoni, Aud., Birds Amer. vii. 223 ; pi. 460. Lawrence, Gen. 
Rep. 831. 
Many of these little oceanic wanderers, and probably also the Thai. Leachii, 
and pelagica, were seen every day during our voyage, until we entered the Gulf 
of St, Lawrence. After that few were observed, and none at all seen off the 
coast of Labrador. They probably breed along the coast of Nova Scotia. They 
are very familiar unsuspicious little birds, fluttering hither and thither close 
around a vessel to pick up the bits of floating garbage which forms their favor- 
ite food, and never showing the slightest fear. When about to pick up any 
floating substance, they raise the wings high over the back, flapping them 
lightly, and stretch the feet downwards to their fullest extent; the moment 
they touch the water, the morsel is secured, and the bird is off again in an in- 
stant. This attitude is represented to the life in Audubon's beautiful plate of 
the Least Petrel. Their flight is light, graceful and buoyant in the extreme, 
and their power of remaining long at a time on the wing is unsurpassed. 
Three or four are generally seen at a time, though when pressed by hunger 
they sometimes collect in great numbers about a vessel, eagerly searching for 
food. On one occasion, about dusk in the evening, we came upon a company 
of about thirty of them, collected together in a compact flock, sporting high in 
the air with most graceful movements, like so many swallows over a pond. 
What had attracted them I could not ascertain. These birds may be caught by 
means of a hook baited with a morsel of pork; but such is the antipathy of 
sailors to destroying thtro, that they are seldom molested. I am informed by 
my friend, Dr. H. Bryant, of Boston, that he has caught them by allowing a 
long filament of silk to float in the air behind a sailing vessel, with which the 
wings of the birds become entangled as they flutter against it. All three spe- 
cies of Petrels are universally known as " Mother Carey's Chickens." 
Pcffincs (Ardenna) major (Faber) Bon. Greater Shearwater. " Hagden." 
Puffinus cinereus, Aud., Birds Amer. vii. 212, pi. 456. 
Pujfinus (Ardema) major, Lawrence, Gen. Rep. 833. 
Many Shearwaters were seen at different times during the voyage, generally 
singly, and always at a distance from land. They appeared to be shy and un- 
familiar birds, none approaching near enough to enable me positively to deter- 
mine the species, whether P. major or anglorum, though from their size I should 
suppose the former. On the 19th of August many were seen resting on the 
water in companies, in the manner of the Fulmars, Proeellaria glacialis, to which 
they are nearly allied, both in form and general manners. Both species are 
known to sailors and fishermen as " Hagdens." 
[Aug. 
NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 243 
Pcffinus(Nectris) fuliginosus Strickl. Sooty Shearwater. "Black Hagden." 
Puffinis (N'ectris) fuliginosus, Lawrence, Gen. Rep. 834. 
On the 19th of August a few individuals of this easily recognizable species 
were seen in company with the P. major, to which in their habits they are 
probably very similar. They are known to the sailors as " Black Hagdens." 
Stercorarius fomarinds Teram. Pomarine Jager. " Boatswain." 
Lestris pomarinus, Aud., Birds Amer. vii. 186, pi. 451. 
Stercorarius pomarinus, Lawrence, Gen. Rep. 838. 
But very few individuals of thi3 species were observed. I shot one which 
was hovering over the stern of the vessel, attracted by some floating garbage. 
I was surprised to see that it picked up floating substances more in the manner 
of a Petrel than of a Gull descending slowly with the feet stretched down- 
wards, and wings elevated, and scarcely touching the water. This Jager is 
known to sailors and fishermen as the " Boatswain," a name which is also ap- 
plied to the S. parasiticus. 
Stercorarius parasiticus Temm. Arctic Jager. " Boatswain." 
Lestris Richardso?iii, Aud., Birds Amer. vii. 190, pi. 452. 
Stercorarius parasiticus, Lawrence, Gen. Rep. 839. 
I saw but a single individual of ^this species that I could identify with any 
certainty. It may be recognized in flight by the peculiar shape of its tail, in- 
termediate between that of S. pomarinus and cepphus in the length of the middle 
tail feathers, which project some three inches beyond the others. The name of 
"Boatswain " is applied to this species as well as to the preceding. All the 
Jagers have received from the fishermen two very appropriate epithets, in allu- 
sion to the peculiar nature of their food, which, as is well known, consists 
principally of the partially digested fish which they force the Gulls to disgorge. 
Stercorarius cepphus (Briinn.) Buffon's Skua. " Marlingspike." 
Lestris parasitica, Aud., Birds Amer. vii. 192, pi. 453. 
Stercorarius cepphus, Lawrence, Gen. Rep. 840. 
Of this most beautiful and graceful of the Jagers I saw but very few indi- 
viduals, and those only while at sea. It is easily recognized by the long slen- 
der feathers, which project six or eight inches beyond the others. From this 
peculiarity it has received the name of " Marlingspike " from the sailors. Its 
flight is extremely powerful, firm, even, and performed with regular beats, 
which propel it with great velocity. It never, I believe, sails. I had not the 
pleasure of witnessing its attacks upon the Gulls, in which it is said to display 
courage and intrepidity beyond all other species of the genus. 
Larus glaucus Briinn. Glaucous Gull. " Ice-gull." 
Larus glaucus, Aud., Birds Amer. vii. 170, pi. 449. Lawrence, Gen. Rep. 842. 
I saw but very few " Burgomasters " that I could positively identify, on the 
coast of Labrador, where they appear to be rather rare. They are probably 
more abundant in higher latitudes. I was informed by an intelligent hunter, 
who seemed to be acquainted with all the large birds, that there was a " colony " 
of the " Ice-gulls," as they are called, on some small islands known as the 
Herrings, about twenty-five miles off the coast, just opposite the entrance of 
Esquimaux Bay. Unfortunately, however, I had no opportunity of verifying the 
statement, or of observing the habits of this magnificent Gull during the breed- 
ing season. 
1861.] 
244 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OP 
Larus marinos Linn. Great Black-backed Gull. "Saddle-backed Gull." 
"Saddler." 
Larus marinus, Aud., Birds Araer. vii. 172, pi. 450. Lawrence, Gen. Rep. 844. 
The Great Black-backed Gull, which, with the single exception of the Glau- 
cous Gull, is the most powerful of its tribe, is a very abundant bird during the 
summer months along the whole coast of Labrador. Indeed, this is almost the 
only locality on this side of the Atlantic where its habits during the breeding 
season can be successfully studied ; the peculiar character of the coast renders 
it well adapted to the wants of the birds, and it is therefore their favorite 
breeding place. I was informed that it arrives there about the latter part of 
May, but with reference to its time of departure, I cannot reconcile my observa- 
tions with those of Audubon. He states that " by the 12th of that month 
(August) they had all left Labrador " whereas, I found them still numerous 
on the first of September, and I think I never saw so many of both old and 
young as I did at Henley Harbor on the 30th of August. At what time they 
really do depart, or whether any remain all winter, I am unable to say. I can 
account for this and many other discrepancies between our observations with 
respect to date, only by supposing the season in which Audubon visited the 
country was a very early one, or that last summer was remarkably delayed. 
This species generally chooses for the situation of its nest one of the many 
small islands, some of them mere rocks jutting out of the water, which every- 
where stud the Labrador coast; and contrary to the usual habit of Gulls, it 
does not congregate in large numbers upon a single island, not more than two 
or three nests being commonly placed together. It sometimes, however, mixes 
with the Herring Gulls, for among several hundred of the latter, which circled 
high over our heads when we invaded their territories, I never failed to detect 
a few of the Black-backed. I was surprised to find it breeding on some inland 
poods, (there abo in company with the Herring Gulls,) the nests being placed 
on small rocks jutting out of the waiter. In these situations I have thought 
them less shy than when breeding on islands open to the sea. The nest is large 
and bulky, composed of moss and lichens scraped into a heap, the cavity ap- 
parently formed by the weight of the bird. They are rather shallow for the 
width, which is nearly or quite two feet externally. The eggs are three, as is 
usual among the Gulls and Terns, and differ much in size, shape and color, even 
in those taken from the same nest, some being smaller than the average of 
Herring Gulls, though they are usually proportionately larger. 
On the 4ih of Julj three young birds of this species, apparently but a few 
days old, were procured and placed in a basket together with a number of 
Heiring Gulls of about the same age. Even thus early they evinced their su- 
periority in size and strength over the other species, for, on looking at them 
next, morning, I found that, their quarters being rather crowded, they had 
trampled to death every one of the others, and were standing triumphantly 
over the mass of dead bodies, calling loudly for food. When fed they exhibited 
the greatest voracity and gluttony, each devouring at a meal three or four cap- 
elin some six inches long, which they could swallow whole, and they quarrelled 
and fought continually for choice morsels. Two of these birds were left in 
charge of a fisherman at Henley Harbor, and on our return, about seven weeks 
afterwards, they had grown to fully the size of the adults, and were magnificent 
birds and great favorites. They kept their plumage perfectly clean and in good 
order, and were very tame. They were then mottled all over with spots of 
dusky, most of the primaries, and a subterminal band on the tail, black ; bill 
entirely black, legs and feet light flesh color. This is the plumage in which 
these Gulls temain the greater part of the first year. One of the birds was 
much larger and stronger than the other, which it tyrannized over continually 
and kept in perfect subjection. Both uttered frequently a whining noise, espe- 
cially when hungry; which state, however, seems to be the normal condition of 
all Gulls, both young and old. 
[Aug. 
NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 245 
The Black-backed Gulls surpass all birds with which I am acquainted in 
their shyness and wariness, which are so excessive that it is only by stratagem 
that they can be procured. But two were shot by any of the party, both being 
killed with guns exceeding in their range those to which the birds were accus- 
tomed. They always fly at a great height over the water, and never alight 
except in open situations which they have previously cautiously examined. 
Their flight is firm, extremely powerful, performed with measured beats, and is 
capable of being greatly protracted. They can force their way against the 
strongest gales. Their food is principally fish of various kinds, though they 
do not refuse offal of any description. To procure fish they hover at a height 
of a few yards over the surface, and when one is espied drop heavily upon it, 
not, however, closing the wings, which are elevated and flapped rapidly to sup- 
port them. They seldom or never dive, but on such occasions are frequently 
partially immersed. 
During the breeding season the birds are very noisy and clamorous, continu- 
ally uttering their loud, harsh, rough cries. These are of three distinct kinds ; 
the first, their usual call, is a loud, rough, sonorous " kaw-awk," aptly desig- 
nated by Audubon as a ' furious laugh." They have also a short kind of bark, 
resembling the syllables " hac-hac-hac ;" and in addition to these a loud harsh 
scream, uttered when their territories are invaded. On the 31st of July I saw 
a large number of these Gulls collected on the water some ten miles up Esqui- 
maux Bay, where they filled the air with their loud continued cries, which 
could be distinctly heard at a distance of nearly a mile. 
This Gull is universally known to the natives, as well as to sailors and fish- 
ermen, as the " Saddle-backed Gull," or, quite as frequently, simply " Saddler." 
I have never heard applied to it the name of " Coffee-carrier," said to be the 
title by which it is designated along the coast of New England. 
Larus argentatus Briinn. HerriDg Gull. " Blue Gull." 
Larus argentatus, And., Birds Amer. vii. 163, pi. 448. Lawrence, Gen. Rep. 844. 
The Herring or Silvery Gull is by far the most abundant of the Gulls along 
the Labrador coast, where it breeds in great numbers, speuding the summer 
months there, and not retiring at least until the second week in September. 
They were as abundant as ever on the first of that month, when I noticed great 
numbers of both old and young. I cannot, therefore, comprehend the state- 
ment of Audubon, where, in his account of Larus marinus, he says : "No indi- 
viduals of Larus argentatus were, to my knowledge, seen on that coast (Labra- 
dor) during the three months that I passed there, and the fishermen told us 
that the ' Saddle-backs were the only large Gulls that breed there.' " On many 
of the innumerable small islands whieh form a belt six or eight miles deep 
along the coast in the neighborhood of Little Mecattina, and southward, im- 
mense companies of these Gulls had assembled to breed ; and at Esquimaux 
Bay I found them breeding on the small ponds of the interior. They are every 
where known to the natives as " Blue Gulls." 
On the 4th of July, at Sloop Harbor, I had an opportunity of visiting many 
islands where these Gulls were breeding in great numbers. On approaching 
one of the islands, where the birds were sitting quietly on their nests, or walk- 
ing leisurely about, when we were still several hundred yards distant, they all 
left their nests, and with loud discordant screams, indicative of their anger at 
being disturbed, circled high over our heads far beyond the range of our guns. 
I found the nests placed on the ground in the most irregular manner, appa- 
rently without the slightest choice as to situation, except that they seemed to 
prefer the moss- covered rocks and dry bare spots, the grassy patches being 
appropriated by the few Eiders that bred on the same island. And here let 
me remark, that on those low grassy islands where the Eiders were most nu- 
merous, but few Gulls built their nests ; and vice versa, on those bare islands 
where the Gulls had collected in great numbers, we found but few nests of the 
1861] 
246 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF 
Eiders, though the two birds mix to some extent. The nests were large and 
bulky, composed of dried grass, moss and lichens scraped into a heap, the 
cavity formed apparently by the weight of the bird. The eggs, in every in- 
stance that came under my observation, were three, but varied surprisingly in 
size, color and markings, and also considerably in shape. Tbey average rather 
more than two inches and three-quarters in length, by nearly two in greatest 
diameter, being thus rounded and obtuse. The ground color varies from a 
light bluish or greenish white to deep brownish olive; and the spots are of 
every size and shape, very irregularly disposed. I found eggs at that date in 
every stage of development, some being quite fresh, but in the majority the 
embryos were nearly fully formed. On the same day many young were pro- 
cured, being caught as they skulked and hid beneath stones, or scrambled off 
over the luxuriant moss. In no instance did I observe any on the nests. At 
this period they presented a very curious appearance ; they were ugly and mis- 
shapen, covered with thick whitish down, every where mottled with angular 
spots of dusky, and, on the whole, looked more like lumps of dirty carded wool 
than any thing else. When taken in hand they bit and scratched with all their 
strength, at the same time squealing loudly. Although these cries brought the 
parents a little nearer, none ventured within shot. On being placed on the 
water they swam with ease, and appeared to be perfectly at home. Soon after 
being caught they fed freely on fish and scraps of pork, and uttered constantly 
a whining noise. The first night, however, they were all trampled to dearh by 
some Black-backed Gulls placed in the same basket. 
At Henley Harbor, during the latter part of August, many birds of the year were 
seen. They were at this time readily distinguishable from the adults, for besides 
being smaller, they were entirely of a deep dusky color, darkest below, and with 
the bills nearly black. One of these, slightly wing-tipped, showed considera- 
ble spirit, biting the finger placed incautiously within its reach, and ejecting 
the contents of its stomach principally lance with remarkably accurate and 
vindictive aim. The lance seems to be the favorite and principal food with 
this and other Gulls, and many were always to be seen fishing for them at the 
mouth of the harbor. To procure them they hover at a height of a few yards 
over the surface and drop suddenly down when a fish is discovered ; never, I 
believe, diving, though they are often partially immersed. They rise again 
immediately, and the operation is repeated indefinitely, their hunger never 
seeming to be appeased. I have seen more than a hundred of these Gulls and 
the great Black-backed and the Ring-billed fishing together, but never noticed 
the slightest sdgn of any quarrelling or difficulty between them. 
The Herring Gull requires three years to arrive at full maturity. During the 
greater part of the first year they are much as described above. The dusky 
gradually grows lighter, and by the second year the bird is white, mottled with 
dusky about the head and neck ; the tail mostly black, the primaries black, as 
yet without spots, and the " gull-blue " replacing the grey mottling of the 
wings and back in irregular patches ; the bill light flesh color, with a broad 
black band near the end. By the next winter the bird is perfect, except some 
slight mottling about the head and neck, and the following spring is in full 
plumage. I am enabled to give the above descriptions from specimens sent me 
from near Hampton, N. H., by Mr. Charles Perkins, shot about the first of De- 
cember. They must moult very late, as some of these specimens had the quills 
only partially grown out. I am unable to say whether any breed in the imma- 
ture plumage. 
The abundance of this gull every where during its extensive migrations, 
cause its voice, flight and general manners to be so well known, that a detailed 
account of them is rendered unnecessary. 
Larus Delawahensis Ord. Ring-billed Gull. 
Larus zonorhynchus, Aud., Birds Amer. vii. 152 ; pi. 446. 
Larus Delawarensis, Lawrence, Gen. Rep. 846. 
Three specimens of this small Gull were obtained at Henley Harbor on the 
[Aug. 
NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 247 
21st of August. They were all birds of the year, being every where mottled 
with dull greyish ; the primaries and a broad terminal band on the tail black, 
as is also the terminal third of the bill, the rest being light flesh color. They 
were shot while busily engaged in fishing for lance, which seemed to form their 
favorite food. On skinning them, I found the gullet and stomach filled with 
the fish. They were not at all shy ; they permitted a near approach without 
desisting from their occupation, and the three were shot in rapid succession 
before the rest became alarmed and flew off. Indeed, I have often thought 
that the wariness of Gulls is in exact proportion to their size. Thus the little 
Hooded Gulls, and the Kittiwakes, are so familiar as to hover and sport near 
the stern of a vessel ; the Ring-bills come next, and though not so unsuspicious 
as the last, are by no means shy ; the Herring Gulls, the next in size, are much 
more watchful and difficult to procure, while the Black-backed and Glaucous 
Gulls evince such excessive wariness and caution that it is only by stratagem 
they can be procured. Though the theory may not hold good in all cases, I 
certainly saw no exceptions to it during my stay in Labrador. 
Chroicocbphalus Philadelphia (Ord.) Lawr. Bonaparte's Gull. 
Larus Bonapartei, Aud., Birds Amer. vii. 131 ; pi. 442. 
(fhroicocephalus Philadelphia, Lawrence, Gen. Rep. 852. 
Many of these beautiful little Gulls were seen at different times during the 
voyage, though they were perhaps more abundant than elsewhere in the south- 
ern portions of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. It is not a little singular that the 
breeding places of a Gull so common, well known, and widely diffused as the 
present, should be still unascertained with certainty, and the egg almost un- 
known to science ; yet such is the case. Though my opportunities of observing 
this species were limited, I could not but be struck with the remarkable fami- 
liarity and want of suspicion exhibited by it on all occasions. Numbers would 
often hover and sport around the stern of the vessel, so close that I could plainly 
see the dark spot behind the eye which characterizes the immature bird of 
this species. Their flight on such occasions, and indeed at all times, is ex- 
tremely buoyant and graceful, in these respects resembling that of a Tern 
rather than of a Gull. I noticed that, while flying, individuals would scratch 
the head and neck with their claws, which operation, however, did not seem to 
impede their flight in the least. At that season (September) none were seen 
with the head enveloped in the hood which adorns both sexes during the 
breeding season. Those which I took to be birds of the year, had all a broad 
subterminal band of black on the tail, and in many the black of the primaries 
extended unbroken over the shoulder quite to the body. 
Rissa teydactila (L.) Bon. Kittiwake Gull. 
Larus tridaclylas, Aud., Birds Amer. vii. 146; pi. 444. 
Rissa tridactyla, Lawrence, Gen. Rep. 854. 
I met with this interesting Gull on but one occasion, which was on the 3d of 
August, while sailing up Esquimaux Bay several miles from i's mouth. A small 
company hovered and circled over the boat, and a specimen was secured. Being 
only wing-tipped, it fluttered to some distance on the water, constantly utter- 
ing its piercing screams, which caused its comrades to hover over it for fcome 
time, showing their sympathy by loud cries. 
Sterna Wilsoni Bon. "Wilson's Tern. " Mackerel Gull." 
Sterna Wilsoni, Aud., Birds Amer. vii. 97; pi. 433. Lawrence, Gen. Rep. 861. 
During my short stay at Rigolet, I saw a good many of these Terns, but found 
none in any other locality. They possess in the extreme the buoyancy, grace- 
fulness and ease of flight for which the whole family is so celebrated, perform- 
ing the most beautiful evolutions without the least apparent effort, To obtain. 
1861.] 
248 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF 
their food, which, as far as I could ascertain, consisted chiefly of small fish, 
they hover lightly and slowly over the water at a height of a few feet. When 
a fish is espied, they nearly or quite close the wings and dart down with great 
rapidity, and usually go quite under water. With a slight shiver the beautiful 
birds shake the water off their plumage, swallow the fish as they reascend, and 
again hover eagerly watching for more. They were not at all shy. They are 
known to the natives by quite a variety of names. I have heard them called 
" Rapes," " Steerines," " Pathricks," and " Mackerel Gulls," the last being the 
name by which they and other Terns are known to the fishermen, given in re- 
ference to their forked tail. 
Colymbus tobquatus Briinn. Great Northern Diver. "Loon," "Loo." 
Colymbus glacialis, Aud., Birds Amer. Tii. 282 ; pi. 476. 
Colymbus torguatus, Lawrence, Gen. Rep. 888. 
This large, powerful and hardy bird is abundant throughout Labrador. It 
frequents chiefly the numerous ponds formed by the depressions of the rugged 
surface of the country, near the borders of which the nest is usually placed. 
Though numbers were seen, yet so shy, wary and vigilant is it, and so expert in 
eluding pursuit on the water by its extraordinary powers of diving, that not a 
single one was obtained by any of the party. The most successful method of 
procuring it is to he perfectly concealed near the edge of the pond where it may 
be swimming, and to decoy it within shot by imitating its notes. The imita- 
tion, however, must be skilfully executed, or the wary bird will perceive the 
deception. The notes of the Loon, of all the birds with which I am acquainted, 
are the most wild, free and iudependent, seemingly uttered in full knowledge 
of the security which its wariness and vigor afford. It is from its cry that it 
derives its name of "Loon," or " Loo," as it is perhaps oftener pronounced by 
the natives. On the first of August, I came upon a pair of these birds on an 
inland pond, about three long gunshots wide ; they had with them two young 
birds, apparently but a few days old. Perfectly aware of the safety of iheir 
position, they remained close together exactly in the centre of the pond, keep- 
ing the young between them, and at intervals sending forth their loud defiant 
screams. On being fired at, they simply ducked for a moment beneath the 
surface, and immediately rose again, aud I was obliged to leave them to their 
occupations. 
? Colymbus septentrionalis Linn. Red-throated Diver. 
Colymbus seplenlrionalis, Aud., Birds Amer. vii. 299 ; pi. 478. Lawrence, Gen. 
Rep. 890. 
I obtained two eggs, supposed to be of this species, at Sloop Harbor, on the 
4th of July ; they were at that date quite fresh. The parent was seen but at a 
distance too great for positive identification. The nest was placed on the edge 
of a small pool of water, on a small barren island, and was very rudely con- 
structed of dried rushes matted loosely together, on which the eggs were depo- 
sited without the slightest attempt at concealment. They measured two inches 
and nine-sixteenths in length, by one and eleven-sixteenths in breadth, and 
were of a uniform dark olive brown, with rather small spots of a very dark 
brownish black, and a few others of a lighter tint. They were much shorter 
and more rounded than undoubted eggs of C. seplenlrionalis, their form being 
regularly ovate, while that of the latter is nearly elliptical. The color was 
lighter. Very possibly they belonged to C. Arcticus. 
Alca impennis Linnaeus. Great Auk. " Penguin." 
Alca impennis, Aud., Birds Amer. vii. ; pi. 465. Cassin, Gen. Rep. 900. 
Concerning this most extraordinary bird, remarkable in consequence of its 
not possessing the power of flight, and as being the sole representative in the 
[Aug. 
NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 249 
northern hemisphere of the numerous Penguins, (Aptenodytes) of the southern, 
I made diligent inquiry of every one who might be expected to have any know- 
ledge of it. I was the more anxious to obtain some account of it from the fact 
of its being supposed to be nearly if not quite extinct; its introduction into 
the fauna of North America resting on very insufficient data. Though none of 
the natives of Labrador whom I interrogated had any knowledge of it, the 
fishermen knew immediately to what I referred when I spoke of " Penguins " 
as they are called and all with singular unanimity agreed in designating the 
Funks, an island off the south-east coast of Newfoundland as the only place 
where the birds were to be found. Yet I could never find a person who had 
actually seen one of the birds ; they had only heard of them as Penguins. But 
the fact of their all agreeing as to the precise locality where the birds were to 
be found, seemed to me worthy of attention. 
UTAMANIA Leach. 
Gen. Ch. Size moderate. General form stout, heavy, strong, compact; head 
moderate, neck short and thick, body heavy. Wings moderate ; tail short; feet 
short and strong. Bill lengthened, about equal to the head, densely feathered 
for half its length, the feathers on the upper mandible extending much be- 
yond the middle of the commissure, and nearly as far as those on the lower ; very 
strong, much compressed, with several transverse grooves which are curved in 
the upper mandible. Upper mandible much deeper than the lower, with a 
moderately prominent basal ridge at base of the horny portion ; the culmen re- 
gularly arched, tip considerably hooked and bent over the lower. Commissure 
very long, quite straight to near the tip where it is suddenly decurved. Gouys 
about straight. Nostrils linear, not pervious, moderately long, very narrow, 
situated just above the commissure on the feathered portion of the bill, immedi- 
ately posterior to the lower corner of the basal ridge. Wings fully developed, 
admitting of flight, reaching beyond the base of the tail; primaries stiff, strong, 
somewhat fulcate, first longest. Tail short, pointed, rather stiffened, the 
feathers acuminate, central pair tapering and elongated. Legs short, stout and 
strong; tibia bare for a short space above the joint; tarsus shorter than the 
middle toe. Toes three, anterior, entirely united by a membrane. Claws all 
short, stout, blunt. 
Colors. Neck and upper parts brownish black; beneath white. A conspic- 
uous white line from the eye to the summit of the basal ridge. 
The essential characters of this genus lie in the wings, which are fully de- 
veloped an i admit of flight. By this alone it would be entitled to full generic 
rank, distinct from Alca with the type A. impennis L., were there no other char- 
acters involved. But one species, the U. torda Leach, is known, which is 
found abundantly in the more northern portions of both hemispheres, and is 
the most characteristic bird of those regions. 
Utamania torda Leach. Razor-billed Auk. " Tinker." 
Alca torda, Aud., Birds Amer. vii. 247 ; pi. 466. 
Alca (Utamania) torda, Cassin, Gen. Rep. 901. 
This, the most characteristic bird of marine arctic fauna, is remarkably abun- 
dant throughout the extent of Labrador. While in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, 
before reaching that country, numbers were every day seen flying rather low 
over the water, generally in single file, and sometimes passing very close 
around the vessel. At Esquimaux Bay, the most northern point visited, they 
were perhaps more numerous than elsewhere, breeding plentifully among the 
many thousands of Puffins there collected. I was credibly informed that they 
formerly bred in so great numbers on Backelew Island, off the coast of New- 
foundland, that they received the name of " Backelew Birds ;" an appellation I 
occasionally still heard applied to them, though they have entirely deserted the 
1861] 
250 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF 
island. Another small island on the east side of Esquimaux Bay, has in a like 
manner been deserted, the birds apparently having retired to the Puffia islands 
on the opposite side of the Bay. From these facts, I could not but conclude 
that the birds are slowly but surely retiring before the persecutions of man to 
more northern and inaccessible regions, though thousands still breed as far and 
farther south than Little Mecattina and the Murre Rocks. 
It was at Sloop Harbor, on the third of July, that I first formed acquaintance 
with the Razor-billed Auks. As we dropped anchor in that sheltered cove, a 
large companj' of them were sitting at a little distance on a flat rock, crowded 
closely together, and all facing towards the sun, then low in the skies. They 
rested perfectly upright on their rumps, occasionally twisting their bodies in a 
curious jerking manner. No sooner, however, had our boat touched the rocky 
shore than they all instantly took flight and dispersed either singly or in small 
flocks. Although so watchful, they seemed to be not at all aware of the nature 
of the danger that threatened them, for they flew directly towards or past us 
as often as in any other direction, and numbers were easily shot. On the fol- 
lowing day, the fourth of July, while searching for the eggs of the Eiders and 
Herring Gulls, I had abundant opportunity for observing their flight and 
general manners, for they bred in considerable numbers in the crevices of all 
the rocky islands in the vicinity. 
Although the Razor-bills cannot be approached while sitting on the rocks, yet 
while flying they evince such a want of caution, or rather so much stupidity, as 
to fly continually directly over and past a boat at such short distances that they 
are easily shot down. But they are strong and tough birds and carry a great 
deal of shot, requiring a heavy charge to kill them. I have occasionally seen 
one fly off", apparently as strong as ever, leaving a cloud of white feathers 
floating in the air. When only one wing is broken they dive with great ease and 
celerity, and are then difficult to secure. When shot at and not touched, they 
open and shut the tail, swerve from their course and quicken their flight. 
Though they are, I believe, entirely mute while flying, on being wounded 
and taken in hand they utter a loud, rough, hoarse cry, at the samet ime throwing 
themselves on their backs, fighting and scratching most furiously, They bite 
with great force, their strong hooked bills enabling them to inflict a severe 
wound, and they will suffer themselves to be held up by their bite before 
they will relax their hold. The name of Razor-bill is certainly a most appro- 
priate one. 
The flight of this bird is firm, well-sustained, very swift, and, considering 
the heavy body and short wings, very powerful. It is performed with short, 
quick, vigorous flappings* They never sail ; but on one occasion I saw an in- 
dividual endeavor to flap its wings with a slow, measured stroke. It was but 
a few yards, however, and it at once found that mode of flight impracticable. 
On the water they swim lightly and elegantly with the head and tail elevated, 
exactly as represented in the right hand figure of Audubon's life-like plate. 
When well stewed, their flesh is by no means poor, being, though rather 
tough, well flavored, and not possessing the slightest rank or fishy taste. We 
all ate them whenever they conld be procured. 
The situations chosen by the Auks for their breeding places are generally 
the rocky, precipitous islands where there are many caverns and fissures, in 
which the eggs are deposited, often together with those of the Black Guillemot, 
tPria grylle. I have never found more than a single egg, though in the face of 
such authority as Audubon to the contrary, I should not like to assert that 
two are never laid. I have great pleasure in being able to corroborate the 
statement made by this distinguished ornithologist with regard to the sagacity 
displayed by the birds in protecting their eggs from the wet. When deposited 
in damp fissures, through which the water is continually percolating, a layer 
of small pebbles is placed beneath the egg, to keep it from the moisture, but 
in sufficiently dry situations, where the caution is no longer necessary, the 
birds never undertake the additional labor. 
[Aug. 
NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 251 
The eggs, though differing considerably in their markings, are comparatively 
uniform in size and shape, being usually about three inches in length by a very 
little less than two in breadth. The ground color is either pure white or with 
a creamy or light bluish tinge. The spots are of different shades of umber 
brown, very often attracted into a ring around the larger end, but sometimes 
pretty uniformly distributed. They vary in size from mere points to large 
blotches. The eggs, though thus differing among themselves, still always 
preserve a certain character distinct from that of the Murre, through all the 
endless variations of the latter. They are smaller, their shape is less elon- 
gated, they are never of a green ground color, and are never fantastically 
streaked and lined the more usual pattern among those of the Murre. 
I was not a little surprised, when I visited the Puffin Islands, to find there 
the Auks also, breeding in considerable numbers. I estimated that a fourth or 
fifth part of the many thousand birds breeding there were of this species. On 
the north side the island is rocky and precipitous, and there the birds princi- 
pally collected ; yet on all other sides they were mixing indiscriminately with 
the Puffins, and laying their single egg in the deserted holes of the latter. In 
these holes, where the earth was comparatively dry and warm, not a vestige of 
a nest of any kind was found, the egg being deposited on the bare ground. 
Associated so intimately, I never saw the slightest semblance of any difficulty 
between the two specie*, although in some instances they were incubating in 
contiguous holes. At that date (July 25th) some of the eggs were quite fresh, 
and I found young birds, from which is to be inferred that the species is not 
very exact as to the time of laying its eggs. 
I noticed another fact that I do not recollect of having seen recorded; it is, 
that the Auks associate in considerable numbers with the Murres. While 
passing the well-known rocks where the latter were breeding in tens of thou- 
sands, among the countless flocks flying constantly around us, we never failed 
to detect some of the Auks, either in flocks by themselves or mixing indiscrimi- 
nately with the Murres. Although the two birds are identical in size and 
colors, they could always be distinguished, even at the distance of a long gun 
shot, by their bills ; the long, slender and pointed ones of the Murres contrast- 
ing distinctly with the short, thick, seemingly truncate bills of the Auks. As 
a natural consequence of this intermingling, the eggs must of necessity be con- 
founded ; yet I do not think it would be difficult to distinguish with tolerable 
certainty the two kinds, by the differences already pointed out. 
It would seem the Razor-billed Auk is capable of conforming its habits in a 
remarkable degree to suit varying circumstances, while carrying out the great 
law of reproduction. Its eggs are deposited in fissures and caverns with the 
Black Guillemot, on the bare rock with the Murre, and in holes in the ground 
with the Puffin. The time of depositing its eggs, and their number, (?) also 
vary. The fact of its associating in perfect harmony with other species to the 
extent which it does, indicates the possession of a remarkably peaceful dispo- 
sition. It is known universally to all fishermen and eggers, as well as to the 
natives, by the singular name of " Tinker." Its proper name I never heard 
applied to it. 
Mormon arcticus?* Illiger. Arctic Puffin. "Parrakeet." 
Mormon arcticus, Aud., Birds Amer. vii. 238, pi. 464. Cassin, Gen. Rep. 903. 
The habit of collecting in immense numbers at particular localities during 
* A series of Puffins recently received from Europe by the Smithsonian Institution, has 
raised a doubt with regard to the specific identity of the American bird with the true 
M. arcticus of Europe. I have therefore thought it proper to give the name arcticus with 
a query. It is also believed that there is on the Labrador coast an undescribed species 
of Mormon, in addition to the present. Prof. Baird is at present investigating the subject, 
the results of which will soon be published in a monograph. 
1861.] 
252 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OP 
the breeding season, so characteristic of the whole family of Alcidce, is a trait 
exhibited in the highest degree by the species now under consideration. With 
scarcely the exception of the Common Murre. no bird of the family shows so 
pre-eminently gregarious a disposition as does the Arctic Puffin. Collecting, as 
it does in thousands, on particular islands of small extent, it becomes a matter 
of astonishment that food can be procured in sufficient quantity to sustain 
them, or that each pair can find a place to deposit its eg?. The pertinacity, 
too, with which they cling to the immediate vicinity of their breeding place is 
remarkable. But a very short distance from an island where there are thou- 
sands, it is a comparatively uncommon thing to see a Puffin. The most ex- 
tensive of these breeding places appears to be an island near the harbor of 
Bras-D'or, visited by Audubon in 1833, of which he has written so graphic and 
instructive an account. The one, however, that I had an opportunity of visit- 
ing cannot be much behind it in point of the numbers of the birds breeding on 
it ; and during a stay of three days I had ample opportunity of examining the 
island and noting the manners of its curious population. My visit was on the 
25th, 26th and 27th of July. Let a short extract from my journal describe our 
approach to the island. 
" We were now within less than a mile from the island, towards which all 
eyes were anxiously turned, and still not a bird met our gaze. But a few 
minutes more, however, and they commenced to appear, flying round the boat 
or resting on the water ; all were ' Parrakeets' and ' Tinkers,' except now and 
then a solitary ' Turre.' They were tamer than I ever saw birds before, al- 
most flying between the masts of our little whale-boat ; it was hard to restrain 
from firing. As we rounded the island close to the shore, they came tumbling 
out of their holes by hundreds, and with the thousands we disturbed from the 
surface of the water, soon made a perfect cloud above and around us, no 
longer flying in flocks, but forming one dense continuous mass. And yet not 
a gun had been fired." 
The Parrakeet Islands are three in number, lying along the western shore of 
Esquimaux Bay, just at its mouth. The one I visited is the innermost as well 
as the largest, though the others are equally crammed with the birds. It is 
about a mile in circumference ; in shape almost a perfect semicircle, with two 
points stretching out and enclosing a snug cove, where only can a landing be 
effected with safety. It is abrupt and precipitous on the three sides, the fourth 
sloping gradually down to the cove. The top is nearly flat, and covered with 
a rather luxuriant growth of grass, the soil being enriched by the innumerable 
droppings of the birds. The three sides in which the holes are dug are so 
steep and precipitous that it required considerable agility to scramble along 
them, the danger of falling into the water below being increased by the slip- 
periness of the soil, worn smooth by innumerable feet, and continually moist- 
ened with ordure. The sides are composed of soft loamy earth, with rocks of 
every size and shape jutting out in all directions, and afford the most favor- 
able possible conditions for the excavation of the burrows. The fourth side 
between the two points is composed mostly of masses of rock, in the crevices 
of which the Auks chiefly deposit their eggs, though they very often appro- 
priate the deserted holes of the Puffins. 
The holes in the ground in which the Puffins deposit their eggs, a habit, 
as far as I am aware, entirely peculiar to the genus in this family of birds 
are excavated by the birds themselves, an operation for which their powerful 
beaks and long strong and sharp claws admirably adapt them. They extend 
nearly or quite in a horizontal direction, and are subcircular in shape, with the 
diameter scarcely larger than is necessary for the free passage of a single bird. 
They vary much in length, but the majority are not so deep but that the egg 
may be reached by thrusting in the arm to its fullest extent. Their course is 
seldom in a straight direction ; they curve and wind in a most tortuous man- 
ner, many burrows being connected together by winding passages. The en- 
[A 
ug- 
NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 253 
trances to the holes are worn flat and smooth by continual paddling from the 
feet of the birds, and, as well as the whole sides of the island, are moist and 
slippery with the ordure. The sides of the island from just above high water 
mark to the very top, are perforated with innumerable holes, but on the top it- 
self not a single burrow is to be seen. At the further extremity of the hole, 
which is usually a little enlarged, the single egg is deposited, always a slight 
bedof dried grasses being first arranged to keep it from the moist earth. I 
have indeed found eggs lying on the bare ground near the entrance of the 
burrows, whither they had apparently been dragged by the bird as it hurriedly 
made its exit ; but in no instance did I find one in its usual position at the 
further extremity, that was not upon a layer of grass. I noticed this fact the 
more particularly, since Audubon expressly states that no nest whatever is 
formed for the reception of the egg. Without for a moment doubting the accu- 
racy of that great naturalist's observations, the present case is only additional 
proof of the extent to which the habits of birds are influenced by circum- 
stances ; the position of nests, the number of eggs, &c, , varying much, and the 
food changing in a measure with every change of locality. The eggs measure 
two and a half inches in length, by one and three-fourths in greatest diameter, 
varying very little from this standard ; in shape, which is a rather rounded 
ovate, they differ in being more or less obtuse at the smaller end. The great- 
est diameter is nearly opposite the middle. The shell is usually more or less 
granulated, butdiffers muchinthe extent of the granulation. The color is white 
or whitish, varying from nearly pure to a brownish hue, the latter color being 
in the shell, and not caused by soiling or discoloration. They are marked 
with obsolete, sometimes almost imperceptible dots, spots, and lines of light 
purplish, mostly attracted into a ring around the large end. There are some- 
times a few irregular splashes of very light yellowish brown. Audubon is 
clearly in error when he states that they are simply " pure white." At that 
date, (July 25th) they all with few exceptions contained young about to be 
hatched. 
Another extract from my journal will portray, perhaps more graphically 
than could be done in any other style, the manners of the birds on being in- 
vaded. " Hardly had our boat touched the shore than we leaped out, guns in 
hand, and at once scattered over the island. As we advanced along the sides, 
the affrighted birds darted past us like arrows, issuing from their burrows 
beneath our feet and around us, and all making directly for the water. Those 
already disturbed flew in every direction above us, while thousands rested on 
the water in a dense mass at a little distance. I took my stand on a flat rock, 
and in less than an hour a pile of Puffins, more than I could carry, lay at my 
feet. Shortly after I commenced firing the birds formed themselves into an 
immense circle, of a diameter of perhaps a third of a mile, one point of which 
justgrazed the island. It was astonishing to see with what precision this circle 
was preserved, each bird flying directly in the wake of the one that preceded. 
I had merely to stand facing the advancing birds, and no better opportunity 
for continual slaughter could be desired, I now realized what I had been told, 
but had found hard to believe, that a wagon might be filled with the birds by 
a tolerably expert marksman, shooting them at just such a moment that they 
should fall into it. The poor things seemed not at all aware of the nature of 
the danger that threatened them ; flying so close past me that I could almost 
strike them with my gun. During the continual firing the birds would emerge 
from their holes every minute or two ; and after shooting for half an hour on 
one spot I was not a little surprised to see two or three start out almost from be- 
tween my feet, and in great fright make the best of their way down to the water. 
On emerging from the holes the birds generally looked around for a moment to 
see what was the matter, and then in great haste fluttered and tumbled down to 
the water below, in which they immediately dived, and swimming swiftly under 
water reappeared at some distance. From the countless thousands flying 
1861.] 
254 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OF 
around me I did not hear the slightest note of any kind ; they flew in per- 
fect silence. When wounded, if they fell on the land, they immediately ran 
and threw themselves into the nearest hole, if in the water, they dived and swam 
as far under the surface as their strength allowed. I observed not the slight- 
est indication of any sympathy for those wounded or killed on the part of the 
other birds, as stated by Audubon. The survivors did not notice them in the 
least, though they lay exposed everywhere on the rocks, and floated about on 
the water." 
The flight of the Puffin when once on wing is firm, well sustained, very 
swift and performed with short, quick, vigorous beats. When it takes flight 
from a rock whence it can project itself into the air, it at once supports itself 
without difficulty ; but when on the water it is obliged to flap over the surface 
for several yards before it can rise on wing. When getting under weigh, the 
feet are extended backwards, and outwards on each side of the tail, which is 
spread, but they are soon drawn up, and the tail closed. When shot at and 
not touched, like the Auks they swerve from their course, open and shut the 
tail, and extend the feet. When standing on a rock or at the entrance of their 
burrows, where they alight without the slightest difficulty, they present a 
peculiarly grotesque appearance, such as is afforded by no other bird. Their 
short thickset bodies, big heads, enormous brightly colored bills and red legs, 
give them a comical appearance, which is enhanced by their upright position 
and the odd nature of their movements, as they twist the head and jerk the 
body in various directions. Though on a three days acquaintance we were 
somewhat familiarized with their movements, we could never quite restrain a 
laugh when we saw one thus " attitudinizing" on the edge of a rock. 
When taken in hand the Puffin utters a loud, hoarse, croaking scream, at the 
same time fighting most furiously. They are capable of inflicting a very severe 
wound with their powerful bills, easily drawing the blood. Their long and 
strong inner claw is also an effective weapon, so that by dint of scratching, 
biting, and struggling, they proved difficult customers to manage. The most 
courageous of our party seldom held one more than a few moments before he 
was glad to set it at liberty. Indeed, their rage at being caught is so ungovern- 
able, that two held together attacked each other with fury, and a single one 
held up by the wings, bit its own wing and scratched its own face most en- 
ergetically. 
I could not but admire the beautiful provision of nature with regard to fur- 
nishing this bird with the means of excavating its burrow with facility. The 
inner claw of each foot is very long, much curved and excessively sharp. To 
preserve it so, when not in use, it always lies perfectly flat, so that the point 
does not rest on the ground. In digging and fighting, however, it is held up- 
right, and then becomes a very effective weapon. The bill, always so remark- 
ble in form and color, varies much with age in size and shape, and also in 
the extent of the ridges and furrows. The color, however, is always pretty 
constant ; and a description of its tints, with those of the eyes, feet, &c, taken 
from a very perfect fresh bird, may not be uninteresting, as the color fades 
much in dried specimens. Base of the bill and first ridge dull yellowish 
white, between the two dark bluish ash ; rest of bill bright Vermillion red, the 
tip of the lower mandible and the two last furrows being yellowish white. 
Inside of mouth and warty rugose excrescences at the base of the commissure 
bright chrome. Iris hazel, eyelids Vermillion, the short processes above and 
below the eye bluish ash. Legs and feet bright orange red, claws black. 
I was much surprised while at Rigolet, to see a great number of Puffins fly- 
ing over the surface of the Bay in large compact flocks. Whether they had 
come from the island described, or whether there was another island in the 
immediate vicinity, I am unable to say, though I think the latter most prob- 
ably the case. These birds proved rather shy, avoiding our boats with 
some care. The fact of their being found so far inland is worth recording. 
[Aug. 
NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 255 
The flesh of the Puffin, though not ill-flavored, is so excessively tough as to 
be eatable only in cases of necessity. It is most commonly known as the 
" Parrakeet," (Paroquet) as it is pronounced ; they are also called " Sea- 
parrots," and are sometimes designated by their proper name of Puffin. 
Uria (Uria) grylle Latham. Black Guillemot. " Sea-pigeon." 
Uria grylle, Aud., Birds Amer. vii. 272, pi. 474. 
Uria [Uria) grylle, Cassin, Gen. Rep. 911. 
The history of the Black Guillemot is an interesting one. In the extraordi- 
nary changes of plumage it undergoes, in its extensive breeding range, and the 
many entirely peculiar habits it possesses, it dingers widely from all birds of the 
family on the eastern coast of America. The most remarkable fact connected 
with it is, that it breeds abundantly in the interior of the continent, being 
fouud in great numbers on the southern shores of Hudson's Bay, while the other 
species of Alcidce are probably without an exception exclusively marine. It is 
very plentiful throughout the extent of Labrador, where many remain during 
the whole winter ; in fact, with the exception of the Auks, Murres, and Puffins, 
which congregate in such immense numbers at certain places, it is the most 
common and generally distributed bird, breeding along the whole coast. I 
obtained eggs at Sloop Harbor, the first locality visited, and at Groswater 
Bay they were still more abundant. Audubon speaks of finding them at the 
Magdaline Islands, and I have seen specimens from Greenland, which, with 
the fact of its breeding plentifully on Hudson's Bay, prove for it a breeding 
range remarkable among the Alcidce. It is a hardy bird, remaining through- 
out the year in Labrador. The changes of plumage which it undergoes are 
very great. About the middle of August, or as soon as the duties of rearing 
the young are concluded, the change commences, with the moult. In a very 
short time they have become most curiously mottled with pure white, and the 
change goes on till the body becomes almost entirely white the wings and 
tail mostly remaining black. In this state of plumage, which is shared also 
by the young for the first year, they continue during the winter, and until the 
breeding dress is again assumed the following spring. While undergoing the 
change, they are entirely unable to fly, from the loss of the primary quills. 
The Black Guillemot chooses for its breeding place the most rocky, broken, 
and precipitous islands along the coast, in the numerous fissures and caverns of 
the eggs are deposited. Wherever there are rough jagged rocks sloping 
down in huge masses to the water, there the Black Guillemot will always be 
found breeding in greater or less abundance. Though they never congregate 
at one spot in such immense numbers as the Puffins and Murres are wont to do, 
yet there are some islands which, from their peculiar adaptation to their 
wants, are taken complete possession of by the birds. These islands, wher- 
ever found, are known to the natives as " Sea-pigeon Islands." Here they 
breed in great numbers, every fissure and cavern being occupied by one or 
more pair. They show marked preference for the most tortuous and deepest 
crevices, at the extremity of which the eggs are deposited. They are most 
usually two in number; never more, so far as my own observations extend: 
but as Audubon, on the best of authority, personal observation, expressly 
states that the number is sometimes three, the fact must be considered as es- 
tablished. They measure nearly or quite two inches and three-eighths in length 
by one and five-eighths in greatest diameter, and are, in size and shape which 
latter is nearly elliptical pretty constant, much more so than is usual in the 
family. The shell is rough ; its ground color a very light greenish or earthy 
white ; it is irregularly spotted and blotched with two shades of brown, one very 
dark, and with light purplish. The markings are mostly attracted into a ring 
about the larger end, though they vary much in their disposition, sometimes 
being very regularly distributed over the whole surface. The egg is never, I 
1881.] 
256 PROCEEDINGS OP THE ACADEMY OP 
believe, streaked in any manner. Towards the latter part of June or 1st of July 
the eggs are laid, and the young appear the second or third week of that month ; 
but the precise period of incubation I am unable to state. When surprised on the 
nest, the parent, if she be not already there, creeps to the furthermost ex- 
tremity of the fissure, and, as if aware of the safety of her retreat, cannot be 
induced to come out. But if it becomes aware of an approach before the en- 
trance be obstructed, it invariably takes flight, making directly for the water. 
Should the fissure be so shallow that the bird may be reached by the hand, it 
sits quite still, even allowing a noose to be put over its head without strug- 
gling, and on being taken in hand shows a gentleness of disposition quite the 
opposite of the Puffins. It merely pecks at the hand once or twice feebly, and 
yields itself in silence and without struggling. The young at first are entirely 
of a dull sooty black, and have not the beautiful vermillion legs of the adult, 
these being of a dusky hue. They constantly utter a low, plaintive "peep," 
when requiring attention from the parent. On a warm, sunny day, all the 
birds will sometimes leave their eggs and young, and collect in large flocks 
on the water at a little distance from the shore, where they wash and plume 
themselves. So completely are the nests deserted on these occasions, that on 
an island nearly a mile in circumference, I have found but a single bird on 
its nest, though hundreds rested on the water at a little distance. 
The flight of the Black Guillemot is firm, even, and direct, though not pow- 
erful ; performed by quick flappings, when the white of the upper and under 
surfaces of the wings shows as one continuous spot. They invariably, except 
when going to and from their eggs, fly very low over the water ; I never saw 
one more than a few feet over the surface, and they usually just clear the tops 
of the waves. They are rather timid and wary, seldom allowing an open ap- 
proach within shooting distance, and always when flying, wheeling and 
changing their direction just at the right moment. The best way to procure 
them is to sail or row directly down wind upon them, since, being unable to 
rise from the water except against the wind, they are forced to fly in such a 
direction as to afford a good shot. They often dive on being approached, 
when by noting their direction and pursuing in haste, they may be shot the 
instant they rise, or as they fly off. They are most expert divers, easily 
eluding, when on the watch, the shot intended for their destruction. When 
shot at in flight and not touched, they generally plunge at once into the water, 
as if killed, which idea however is quickly dispelled by seeing them reappear 
at a little distance and take flight. Except near large breeding places they are 
seldom seen in companies of more than a dozen, and far oftener they are to be 
found singly, or two or three together. They are universally known to the 
natives and fishermen as " Sea-pigeons," the only name I ever heard applied 
to them. 
Uuia (Cataractks) lomvia, Briinn. Foolish Guillemot. Murre. " Turre." 
Uria (Cataracteis) lomvia, Cassin, Gen. Rep. 913. 
On the sixth of July we passed a celebrated breeding place of these birds, 
known as the " Murre Rocks," situated a few miles north of the harbor of 
Little Mecattina. They are two small, rocky and very precipitous islands, al- 
most entirely destitute of vegetation ; the sides, which rise abruptly from the 
sea, are composed of successive tiers or ledges of shelving rock, on which the 
eggs are deposited. The birds at this date were breeding on the islands by tens 
of thousands ; their number was truly incredible, and yet I was informed that 
these were rather fewer than usual. As we drew near the island, the air 
seemed darkened with the masses that wheeled and circled overhead ; while 
on every flat rock and ledge the birds were densely packed in rows and tiers, 
each sitting, or rather standing (for they seemed to rest perfectly upright on 
their rumps) sentinel over its solitary egg. The birds all seemed to be facing 
in the same direction, and it was with great pleasure that I noticed the curious 
[Aug. 
NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 257 
effect mentioned by Audubon in Ms interesting account. The white breasts of 
the birds appeared in marked contrast to the dull grey of the rocks, with which 
the color of the head and neck so well harmonized as to cause the birds to 
appear deprived of those very indispensable portions. To my great disap- 
pointment, I was not permitted to land and examine the islands and their 
inhabitants; our captain, as on other occasions, paying no regard to the wishes 
of the passengers. Again, on our return, though we passed between the 
islands, not for an hour, even, would he delay, to enable me to notice the birds 
or to obtain specimens. I am therefore unable to give any account of the man- 
ners of these most interesting birds. A barrel of eggs was procured, and 
placed at my disposal. 
The egg of the Foolish Guillemot is notorious among that of all other birds, 
for the variations it presents in size, shape, color aud markings, but more es- 
pecially the latter. From a large number of specimens, I found the average 
size to be a very little over three inches and one-fourth in length, by two in 
greatest diameter, while the greatest difference in length was five-eighths of an 
inch. The diameter was much more constant, differing but one-fourth, thus 
causing the variations in shape to be exceedingly great. The ground color of 
the egg varies from a bright cream color to pure white, and then passing 
through earthy, greyish, bluish and greenish-white to light green, is found of 
every shade of the green to the very darkest. The more usual color is some 
shade of green. The markings of the cream colored and white specimens are 
usually spots and blotches of different shades of brown, pretty uniformly disposed 
over the whole surface. Eggs of this type bear the closest resemblance to 
those of Utamania torda, but may usually be easily distinguished by their larger 
size and more pyriform shape. The prevailing pattern of coloration among the 
light earthy and bluish- white eggs is a ring of spots around the larger end ; 
these very closely resemble those of TJria grylle, as far as color is concerned. 
The green eggs present an infinite variety of patterns, which it would be use- 
less to attempt to define ; they are oftener streaked than blotched, the lines 
being angular and sharply defined, crossed and recrossed in the most fantastic 
manner. Occasionally a pure white egg is met with, and I have seen some 
that had much the peculiar pattern and appearance of those of Meleagris galli- 
pavo. 
The " egging," or traffic in the eggs of the Murre as at present carried on, is 
on systematic principles, and furnishes constant employment during the sum- 
mer to men who make it their profession. The method pursued to procure the 
eggs fresh is singularly unique, but entirely successful. They land on one of 
the islands and break every egg that they can find upon it; the next day, re- 
pairing to the spot, all those eggs found cannot but be fresh. By collecting 
these, of course the birds are prevented from sitting, and thus any quantity of 
eggs may be procured. Notwithstanding the wholesale system of destruction 
thus carried on against the birds, they are still to be found in prodigious mul- 
titudes ; yet it is remarked by all those who have visited the coast for a num- 
ber of years, that their numbers are slowly but surely decreasing under this 
incessant persecution, which not even their myriads enable them to withstand. 
I was informed that there is a law which forbids the collecting of the eggs, 
, but if so, it has very little practical effect. 
The present species, as well as the U. ringvia and U. arra, is known to the 
natives and fishermen as either the " Murre" or " Turre," the latter being per- 
haps the more usual appellation. This name is also applied to the Mergulus 
alle, which is known as the "Little Turre," or sometimes as the "Little 
Noddie." On the coast of Maine it is also called " Ice-bird." 
A letter was read from Dr. Jas. C. Fisher, resigning his office as 
Librarian of the Academy. 
On motion the resignation was accepted. 
1861.] 18