A GUIDE TO

FIELD IDENTIFICATION

BIRDS
/

imnca9

Digitized by the Internet Archive

in

2009

http://www.archive.org/details/birdsofnorthamerOOsing

GUIDE TO FIELD IDENTIFICATION

OF NORTH AMERICA
by

CHANDLER

S.

and

ROBBINS, BERTEL BRUUN,

HERBERT

Illustrated by

GOLDEN

S.

ZIM

ARTHUR SINGER

PRESS

NEW YORK

Western Publishing Company,

Racine, Wisconsin

Inc.

PREFACE
book was

This

truly a

and

cooperative venture involving a team of authors,

in
book design and production.
Our team was aided by many individuals and institutions which provided both technical and practical assistance in our day-by-day
efforts. We gratefully acknowledge help from, and extend our sincere

artist,

editors,

professionals

thanks to the following: for assistance

in

preparing the range maps,

David and Margaret Bridge; for converting the

map data

into final

and Margaret Mayer;

Douglas Hackman, Mel Garland, Gladys

maps, Ahza

Cohen, Christine Swirnoff,

for

H.
measurement data, C.
Cole, and Willet T. Van Velzen; for access to field notes, Erik Hansen;
for assistance with skins and literature, Finn Salomonsen. For tape
recordings, Peter Paul Kellogg and the Laboratory of Ornithology,
Cornell University, Marguerite and David Howard, and Sveriges Radio,
for help in producing Sonograms, Howard E. Winn, Robert W. Ficken,
W. J. L. Sladen, and Richard Penney. Seventeen Sonograms were
reproduced from the Peterson Field Guide Series record albums, A
Field Guide to Bird Songs and A Field Guide fo Wesfern Bird Songs,

through the kind permission of Houghton

Company and the

who helped in

Miffiin

Laboratory of Ornithology, Cornell University. Others

reading the

text,

in

checking

and

art,

in

reviewing families include

Dean Amadon, Oliver

James Baird, John Bull, Kai Curry-Lindahl, Don R.
Eckelberry, Eugene Eisenmonn, Eugene Kridler, Roxie Laybourne,
Charles O'Brien, Robert L. Pyle, Eleanor C. Robbins, Samuel D,

John

W.

Aldrich, the late Robert Porter Allen,

Austin,

L.

Robbins,

Jr.,

William

Jr.,

Lester Short,

B.

Robertson, Peter Scott, Francis G. Scheider,

Alexander Sprunt

IV,

George

B.

Stevenson, and Leslie

M. Tuck.
The U.S. National Museum and the American Museum

of Natural

History provided most of the bird skins which the artist used
junction with his field notes

and photographs. The

land and Johns Hopkins University

con-

Mary-

available the use of their

Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife

bird distribution maps from which our range

audiospectrographs. The U.

provided access to their

made

in

University of

S.

maps were made.

C.S.R.
B.B.

H.S.Z.

Golden, A Golden Field Guide, and Golden Press^

are trademarks of Western Publishing Company, Inc.

Copyright 1966 by Western Publishing Company, Inc. All rights reserved, includany form or by any means, including the

ing rights of reproduction and use in

r
L
^
_L^i
I

i_.-

-i-.i

_.

Jw:,

TABLE OF CONTENTS
6

Introduction

How

to use this

book

14

Loons Order Gaviiformes; Family Gaviidae..

Grebes Order

18

Podicipediformes; Family

Podicipedidoe

.-

Tubenoses Order

20

Procellariiformes

.--

.--.

Diomedeidae
Fulmars, Shearwaters, and Petrels Family Procellariidae
Storm Petrels Family Hydrobatidae

Albatrosses Family

Pelicans

and Allies Order

22
22
22

28

30

Pelecaniformes

Tropicbirds Family Phaethontidae

30

Pelicans Family Pelecanidae

30
32
32
34

Frigatebirds Family Fregatidae

Gannets and Boobies Family Sulidae

Cormorants Family Phalacrocoracidae
Anhingas Family Anhingidae

Waterfowl Order

34

Anseriformes; Family

Anatidae
Swans Subfamily Cygninae
Geese Subfamily Anserinae
Surface-feeding Ducks Subfamily Anatinae
Tree Ducks Subfamily Dendrocygninae
Bay Ducks and Sea Ducks Subfamily Aythyinae
Stiff-tailed Ducks Subfamily Oxyurinae
-

Mergansers Subfamily Merginae

Vultures, Hawks,
Falconiformes

36
38

40
44
50
52
60
60

and Falcons Order

-

Vultures Family Cathartidae

Hawks, and Eagles Family Accipitridae

Ospreys Family Pandionidae
Kites,

Caracaras and Falcons Family Falconidae

64
64
66
76
76

Gallinaceous Birds Order Galliformes

Chachalacas Family Cracidae
Turkeys Family Meleagrididae
Grouse and Ptarmigan Family Tetraonidae
Quail, Partidges, and Pheasants Family Phasianidae

Herons and Allies Order Ciconiiformes

82
82
82

84
88

92

Herons and Bitterns Family Ardeidae

92

Storks Family Ciconiidae

98

and Spoonbills Family Threskiornithidoe

Flamingos Family Phoenicopteridae

98

Ibises

Cranes and Allies Order Gruiformes

Cranes Family Gruidae
Limpkins Family Aramidae
Rails, Gallinules, and Coots Family Rallidae

Shorebirds, Gulls, and Alcids Order

Charadriiformes
Jaconas- Family Jacanidae
Oystercatchers Family Haematopodidae
Avocets and Stilts Family Recurvirostridae
Plovers, Surfbirds, and Turnstones- Family Charodriidae
Sandpipers and Allies Family Scolopacldae
Phalaropes Family Phalaropodidae
Jaegers and Skuas Family Stercororiidae
Gulls and Terns Family Laridae
Skimmers Family Rynchopidae
Alcids Family Alcidae

Pigeons and Doves Order Columbiformes;

Family Columbidae

98

100
100
100
102

106
108
108
108

110

114
126
130
132
146
148

154

Cuckoos; Anis, and Roadrunners Order

158

Cuculiformes; Family Cuculidae

Owls Order

Strigiformes; Families

160

Tytonidae, Strigidae

Goatsuckers Order Caprimulgiformes;

168

Family Caprimulgidae

Swifts

and Hummingbirds Order

Apodiformes...

Swifts Family Apodidoe

Hummingbirds Family Trochilidae

Parrots Order

Psittaciformes; Family Psittaciaae

170
170
172

178

Trogons Order Trogoniformes; Family

Trogonidae

178

Kingfishers Order Coraciiformes;

Family Alcedinidae

Woodpeckers Order

...178
Piciformes;

Family Picidae

Perching Birds Order Passeriformes

Larks Family Alaudidae

Swallows Family Hirundinidae

and Crows Family Corvidae
Chickadees, Titmice, and Allies Family Paridae
Wrentits Family Chamaeidae
Jays, Magpies,

Bulbuls Family Pycnonotidae

Dippers Family Cinclidae

Nuthatches Family Sittidae

Creepers Family Certhiidae

Troglodytidae

Mockingbirds and Thrashers Family Mimidae

Thrushes, Solitaires,

and Bluebirds Family Turdidae

Gnatcatchers and Kinglets Family Sylviidae

Pipits

and Wagtails Family Motacillidae

Waxwings Family

Bombycillidae

Silky Flycatchers Family Ptilogonatidae

Shrikes Family Laniidae

Starlings Family Sturnidae

Honeycreepers Family Coerebidae

Vireos Family Vireonidae

Wood Warblers Family

Parulidae

Weaver Finches Family Ploceidae

Blackbirds and Orioles Family
Tanogers- Family Throupidoe

.188
190

Cotingas Family Cotingidae

Tyrant Flycatchers Family Tyrannidae

Wrens Family

180

Icteridae

190
204
204
208
214
218
218
218
220
220
222
226
230
236
238
240
240
242
242
244
244
250
278
278
288

Grosbeaks, Finches, Sparrows, and Longspurs

290

Family Fringillidae

326

Bibliography

Index

328

INTRODUCTION
About 1,780 species

97

and breed
America and
Mexico are dropped out, the number of breeding birds (permanent
residents and migrants) falls to about 645 species. Another 50 or so
on

the

continent

of birds representing

North

of

America.

migratory species are regular or casual

75

families.

families live

When

Central

visitors. All of

these represent

Perhaps TOO more species occur accidentally. This

last

group is not an integral part of the North American bird population.

The 645 or so breeding species in North America north of Mexico
than 8 per cent of the world's 8,600 or so birds, but North
America makes up almost 17 per cent of the world's land. This relative
discrepancy may only reflect the fact that North America, north of
Mexico, has no true tropical component in its climate.
The number of species gives only part of the picture of avian life.
total less

The other factor

to

establish.

population, something

bird

is

Populations have been estimated

not often for a continent. At

its

much more
in

limited

difficult

areas but

peak, at the end of summer, the bird

population of North America (north of Mexico) has been estimated

at

some 20

billion.

billion,

and

the world population of birds at about 100

These rough estimates suggest that North America with about

17 per cent of the world's land and perhaps 20 per cent of

may be

its

birds

average place to watch and study them. An average bird population of about three birds per acre Is a reasonably
at least an

good one.
Any interested person can
in

our urban centers.

species, but a

No one

find

birds to observe

has seen

all

and study, even

American avian

of the North

recent survey disclosed that a score of serious bird

amateur and professional, have each seen over 600

species north of the Mexican border. Many more watchers have
"life lists" of 500 or more species, and it is common for an amateur
to see and identify 300 species or more. Building up a large life list
is not in itself a major goal, yet without accurate identification based
on wide experience, all other observations may be suspect.
Birding amply satisfies our curiosity about all animal life. The
joys of discovery and the aesthetic appeal of avian species provide
students, both

rewarding experiences for the observer. But in addition, the study

is one of the few fields of biological science where the contributions of amateurs continue to be important. Beginners who keep
of birds

species

lists

while birding

numbers seen, weather,

discover that the data

make a start. Those who add notes on

and details of bird behavior soon

terrain,

in their field notes conjure up provocative quesand hypotheses. These, in turn, require further, more detailed,
or more extensive observations, which may eventually yield new facts
the very core of a scientific contribution.

tions

\^

Map based on Life

Areas of N.A., by
John W. Aldrich,
Journal of Wildlife

Management,
1963.

SCOPE

This guide covers a continental land

square

miles.

through a
me/its.

rich variety of subtropical,

Mapped above

depend on
tion

of

mass of over 9

million

Geographically and climatically, North America ranges

temperature, and arctic environ-

are the major natural vegetative regions, which

latitude, altitude,

birds tends to

fit

rainfall,

into

and other

these

natural

factors.

The

distribu-

areas and even more

closely into the specific habitats that they include. Bear these natural

regions

ftl

H
B
B

in

mind when using the range maps.

Arctic-Alpine

Hi

Open

Boreal

Closed Boreal

NcHardwood-Conifer
Aspen Parkland

Montane Woodland

^
B
B

Pacific Rain Forest

Mesquite-Grassland

East Deciduous Forest

Pinyon-Juniper

Grasslands

Chaparral-Oak Woodland

Oak-Savannah

Southern Evergreen

Northern Desert Scrub

Mexican Pine and Pine-Oak

Southern Desert Scrub

Tropical Areas (combined)

Oct.

BREEDING BIRDS

comprise those which nest

regularly north of Mexico.

Some ore

rare

and

Most can be found at the proper time

and place. About 645 species.
local.

REGULAR VISITORS

breed

in

areas

other

but are seen here as migrants, mostly along

Some may be

the coast or on offshore waters.

abundant

About 30

at times.

CASUAL VISITORS
here occasionally
to

be seen

in

are

migrants that stray

small numbers. Most apt

in

fall

species.

with flocks of regular mi-

grants or during severe coastal storms. About

25 species.
Bridled Tern

BOOK

BIRDS IN THIS
book covers the three groups

This

includes

For

all

of birds outlined

birds included there are at least five North

oil

the present century. This criterion

in

above and so

species of wild birds likely to be found north of Mexico.

is

American records

important, for the last cate-

gory. Casual

occasionally

Visitors, includes Old World birds that wander here

and unpredictably. Other tropical and Old World species

have been found here fewer than 5 times since 1900. These birds of
accidental occurrence are not included
also are species

now

or on a small scale,

in

guide. Not included

this

extinct, introduced birds released experimentally

and escaped

birds that are not established

and

spreading.
included as breeding birds are introduced species that are spread-

and breeding regularly. Three gamebird

Gray Partridge and Ring-necked Pheasant, are
ing

additions to the songbird

list

Scarlet

the

Chukar,

are the Blue-gray Tanager and the Red-

whiskered Bulbul, both breeding

become

species,

so established. Recent

south Florida.

in

If

present patterns

established, such birds as the Elegant Tern, Hook-billed Kite,

Ibis,

and others may be added

Hybrids between

closely

related

to the

species

list

of regular breeders.

sometimes occur

in

the

Four of the most spectacular and best known hybrids are included. Observers should also watch for albinism, which occurs occawild.

sionally

in

most species of wild birds. Pure white or pale brown forms

are rare. More frequently the normal plumage

feathers on the wings or

tail

or

in

is

modified by white

patches on the body. Melanism

is

a condition that produces effects opposite of albinism. Dark colored

birds occasionally appear, especially
tion

is

less

common than

albinism.

among

the hawks. This condi-

NAMES OF

BIRDS Common species

may have many

of birds

or regionol names. For example, the Bobwhite

is

local

called partridge

in

Grouse throughout much of

the North. Only the common names adopted by the American Ornithologists' Union (Check-List of North American Birds, 5th edition)
ore used in this guide. These names will avoid confusion. For your

many

parts of the South, as

the RufFed

is

some widely used alternate names, especially those

convenience,

formerly used by the A.O.U., are

names used

Changes

those of the A.O.U. Check-List.

we

occur as

edge

listed

in

pronunciation) ore also

the classification of birds

in

more about them. Interpretation of the new knowlnumber of species, families, and orders may

learn

and

varies

the index. The scientific

in

(including accent marks to aid

so the

also vary according to different authorities.

Each species of bird

is

is

assigned a Latin or

accepted and understood by

name

scientific

consists

species name, as

two

scientific

name, which

throughout the world. The

parts the genus, followed

by the

Parus carolinensis (Carolina Chickadee). These

in

names are

Latin

of

scientists

often

descriptive

better than

common names.

same genus,

closely related

same

related families to the

and

indicate

avian

Closely related species

genera

to the

some

relationships

belong to the

family,

and

closely

order. All birds belong to the Class Aves.

The largest order of birds ^Passeriformes) encompasses a great many

families

and

and genera.

habits,

though

Its

all

members show much variation in appearance

have common characteristics that put them in

one order. Our several species of buntings, for example, all belong
to the Order Passeriformes ("perching birds) and to the family Fringillidae (finches

cyanea)
it

is

and sparrows). But while the Indigo Bunting (Passerina

amoena),

closely related to the Lazuli Bunting (Passerina

is

very difFerent

(Calamospiza

appearance and habits from the Lark Bunting

and the Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax

in

melanocorys)

nivalis).

Some

species

are

geographic forms).

further

subdivided

names

into

subspecies

(races

or

have three ports, as

Parus carolinensis impiger, the Florida form of the Carolina Chickadee.
Most subspecies are not recognizable in the field. They are not treated

separately

Of

in this

Scientific

of subspecies

book, except for a few conspicuous examples.

27 orders

of living birds, 20 are represented in North

America north of Mexico, some by only a single species (as the trogons
and parrots). The largest order, Passeriformes, includes 27 families

the

with over

300 species

in

North America. About 170 families of birds

are currently recognized. The 75 families that occur

are treated
that

in

this

in

North America

book. The text often includes a brief introduction

summarizes the

field

or other groups of birds.

characters

common

to orders

and

families

10
Robin

J^
ISEC

BIRD

SONGS

tv

-iML-

C"

vT

are valuable aids

identify the majority of songbirds

in

identification.

Many

experts can

by the song. Words cannot describe

bird songs adequately, nor can songs be

cal staff. By

iv>.

methods developed by

oratory of Ornithology, Cornell

shown accurately on a musi-

Dr. Peter Paul Kellogg of the Lab-

University,

bird

songs can

be

re-

and then reproduced either audibly or visually.

Audible reproductions (by tapes or phonograph records) are ideal
for learning bird songs at home, and the new visual reproductions of
corded

in

the field

bird songs can be used in the field. Called audiospectrograms or

Sonograms, these visual reproductions are electronically mode by a
sound spectrograph. The bird song diagrams in this book are photographs of Sonograms. Most of the recordings were mode in the field

by the senior author.

Sonograms have been used in many scientific publications. This is the

time they have appeared in a field guide. They are essentially an
electronic refinement of the method introduced by Aretas A. Saunders in
1935. The typical Sonogram in this guide shows 21/2 seconds of song. The
graph has grid lines at y2-second intervals. Pitch, usually up to six kilocycles per second, is marked in the left margin at two kilocycle intervals.
For pitch comparison, middle C of the piano and the four octaves above
middle C are indicated in the right margin of the enlarged Sonogram
above. Middle C has a frequency of 262 cycles per second. The frequency doubles with each succeeding octave:
is 523, C" is 1046, C"
is 2093 and C"" (top note on piano) is 4186 cycles per second. Sonograms show more detail than the ear con detect at normal speed; the
best way to learn to use Sonograms is to compare them with recordings

first

played at half speed.

A knowledge

of music helps

in

interpreting

no means necessary. Even a person who

is

Sonograms but

is

by

tone deaf con detect the

and quality of a song. Before attemptSonograms of unfamiliar birds, study those of some
sounds and of birds that you know well.

differences

in

pattern, timing,

ing to interpret

familiar

Three toots on on automobile horn ore easily read. The "wolf

how a whistle appears as a single narrow line which

whistle" shows

forehead.

median

line

lores,

upper mandible

TOPOGRAPHY OF A

lower mandible
eye rin

BIRD

Lark Sparrow

chi

throat

whisker
breast

upper

tail

coverts
tail

outer

DESCRIBING BIRDS

is

hardly necessary

sight with the help of a friend or a

correct descriptive terms

immediately

identify.

if

you

tail

feathers

identify a species at

guidebook. However, the use of the

becomes important with birds that you cannot

will want to make detailed notes on

Then you

appearance and behavior. The accuracy of such notes will be augmented by the use of the terms illustrated above and below. Your
description and notes submitted to an expert or used in checking other

may solve your identification problem.

The use of correct terminology will also aid you

references

in making comand in checking variations in color and pattern of local

birds. Knowing the terminology helps focus your attention on specific
parts of a bird as you observe it.. Sometimes such details as an incomplete eye-ring or the color of the undertail covers will clinch an

parisons

identification.

PARTS OF

WING

DUCK WING

from below

ax'llars

~.*^^'''*^^^ leading edge of wing

wing

linings

DUCK WING
speculum

secondaries^
railing

edge

of

wing

from above

13

WATCHING AND

BIRD

BIRD STUDY

live in suburbs or rural locations can enjoy bird watchhome. Planting shrubs and evergreens for shelter and
providing food and water will attract some species in large num.bers,
and a much larger variety in small numbers. Many observers have

who

Persons

right at

ing

50 or more species

identified

and a

might otherwise stay

and

in

best seen

Birds are

areas,

in

A window

a suburban yard.

feeder

bird bath with dripping water will bring into view birds that

On

shores.

the shubbery.

by going afield

to

parks, sanctuaries,

open

such trips a pair of prism binoculars (6 to 8

power, with central focus)

is

almost essential. For work with water-

30 power) is extremely helpful. Camera

camera with focal plane shutter, a telephoto

birds, a spotting 'scope (12 to

fans

will

want a 35mm

lens,

and

tripod.

if you walk slowly and quietly, alone or in

wear brightly colored clothing. If you watch
from your parked car remember that the car serves as a blind and
birds will approach closer than if you are on foot. If you ore quiet
or partly concealed you can sometimes attract songbirds and get

You

see more birds

will

Do

small groups.

not

them close by "squeaking" sucking

kisyng the back of your hand.

may cause

Audubon groups,

or ornithological societies are

These clubs hold meetings, lectures, and

cities.

which you
interest

or call that you can imitate

almost every state and Canadian province, especially

in

larger

will

field

and experience. Many groups publish newsletters

other wildlife.
films

and

Audubon
lectures.

societies consult the

Federation,

newspaper
National

the

in

trips

at

be welcome and through which you can broaden your

Meetings occasionally feature motion pictures or

life

or noisily

lips

other birds to burst into song.

Local bird clubs,

found

through your

species will respond to crude

and any song

imitations of their song,

well

air

Some

or journals.

slides of birds

and

screen tours also present outstanding wildFor help

in

locating these

and other nature

Conservation Directory of the National Wildlife

your state conservation department, or the library or

of your

Parks,

home town

or in places where you travel.

Monuments, and National Wildlife Refuges are

often excellent places to observe birds. Rangers or naturalists are glad

to

answer questions. State and private sanctuaries,

zoos can also prove helpful and stimulating.

Many

local

parks,

larger

and

cities

or

and study here can

greatly aid field recognition. A number of private camps and tours
emphasize bird study. The National Audubon Society camps have
universities

have museums with bird

outstanding programs

in

collections,

nature education.

HOW

TO USE THIS BOOK

These four pages can aid you

to identify birds quickly

using your field guide effectively

in

and accurately

in

the field. Begin to use the

book before you go birding. In spare moments at home or while

traveling thumb through its pages. Note the silhouettes that appear
the introductions to families and other groups. These will give
you a quick impression of the form of a "typical" bird in a particular
group as compared to birds with similar silhouettes. Silhouettes of
v/ith

birds

in

the group illustrated are

may be confused

shape, which

Scan the

full-color

the male birds

in

black. Those of birds of similar

with species illustrated, are

blue.

in

These are usually

illustrations at the far right.

breeding plumage. Do not study each picture for

in

name and then

random or work
through an interesting family. The person who does this will become
increasingly sure about recognizing members of a family or a genus,
such as herons, quails, woodpeckers, chickadees, and others. He may
details.

move

At

on.

glance quickly at the bird and

first,

Do

this

scores of times.

not be able to enumerate

he

will

all

Open

the

its

book

at

the quail or heron characteristics, but

recognize the birds on

preparation

This

sight.

will

be an

important aid to identification.

and review the illustramaking note of details that separate one species from another.
Each person will develop his own system for recalling facts, such as
underlining words, drawing arrows pointing to species characteristics,
Later scan the range mops, read the text,

tions,

or writing marginal notes

Use the book

in

and records.
much as possible. When

move, check the silhouettes

group. Gradually,

and

to help place a bird within a

experience

highlight

will

time only the barest glimpse

in

species.

will

will

enable you

always be

view by thumbing through the book

will refresh

recognized

characteristics,

to identify
birds,

essential.

will fix details in

some

careful

Constant

re-

your mind and

your memory of species seen.

single technique can

be the key

to birding or to using a field

guide. Each person's pattern of observation

ways, unique.

As experience,

discover techniques
you.

species

With others, and with females and immature

observations and comparisons

No

birds are on the

the field as

Become

and devices

skill,

and

and learning

interest

that are best

familiar with the features of this

so that birds can

be checked

in

you

some
will

and most satisfying for

book listed on the next

pages and with the ways that data are presented

and Sonograms
imum of efFort.

is,

increase,

in

in

the text, maps,

the field with a min-

15
1.

In

general,

guide follows a "natural" or evolutionary order,

this

progressing from the least to the more advanced families of birds.

However, minor departures have been made to set up comparisons;

example, the white herons are grouped together (p. 93), and
all herons (pp. 92-98) have been placed next to the cranes.

for

2.

male, usually

Illustrations feature the adult

Immatures

Next, the female.

from

different

Juvenal

adults.

indicates the male,

are illustrated

in flight

in

when noticeably
for some

shown

is

which sexes are

similar.

Other-

the female. Most birds typically seen

a flying position.

in

breeding plumage.

in

illustrated

plumage

(juv.)

species. Birds not labeled are adults

wise

are

(im.)

If

birds

have very different

summer and winter plumages, these are also shown. The color phases
of a few species are given and comparison illustrations call attenon a different page.

tion to similar species

3.

The common and

names (and accent marks

scientific

to

aid pro-

nunciation) are from the A.O.U. Check-List of North American Birds,

5th edition,

1957. The index also gives some widely used alternate

common names,

especially those from previous editions of the A.O.U.

Check-List.

Both text and

4.

attempt to point out the behavior of

illustrations

Watch

birds as an identification aid.

for patterns of flight, walking,

feeding, courtship, nest building, and care of young. Such observa-

your ability

tions will increase

5.

The

breeding birds and regular

range.

recognize some birds at a glance.

to

text attempts to evaluate the

Remember

abundance

visitors within

that at the

edge

of most species of

their principal

of a species'

range

its

geographic

abundance

decreases rapidly.

When
relative

modified

by

abundance

in

An abundar)t

bird

the

is

one very

every time by a person

A common

bird

word

below

terms

the

local,

indicate

a very restricted area.

visiting

may be

likely to

be seen

large numbers

in

habitat at the proper season.

its

seen most of the time or

smaller numbers

in

under the same circumstances.

An uncommon
in

bird

may be

seen quite regularly

the appropriate environment

rare

bird

occupies

in

small

numbers

and season.

only a

small

percentage of

habitat or occupies a very specific limited habitat.

It

is

its

preferred

usually found

only by an experienced observer.

6.

The range maps use North America as a base except for birds
The winter range of a species is shown in blue (A);

of limited range.

the

summer

or breeding

the bird occurs

all

range

year. Within

in

red

its

(B).

Purple (C) shows where

range a bird is found only

woods.

certain habitats, such as cattail marshes or pine

in

16
Areas through which migrants pass as they move north in spring
red hatching upward from left to right (D). The
area of fall migration is shown by red hatching downward from left

are shown with

to right (E). Cross-hatching

in

both spring and

The black isochronal

lines

birds migrating to the north

line G);

first

and

of

first

blue and
their

in

range

(F)

shows where a species may be seen

it does not breed or winter.

but where

fall

show the average

seen about

may be

of April (dotted

line H);

first

June (dots and dashes J).

in

the

of

arrival date
first

May

Finally,

bound areas where some

winter (K) or in summer (L).

red

first

the

March

of

where
(solid

(dashed line I)

dashed

lines

in

species occasionally extend

The maps are based on data tabulated for many years by the
U.S. Fish
7.

Some

within

and Wildlife

Service.

species are highly adaptable

their

range.

Others are very

and are widely

restricted.

Altitude,

distributed

moisture,

type of vegetation, availability of food, and other factors determine

the environment

in

which birds

live.

important habitats for most species.

The

text

lists

some

of the

more

17
Besides verbal descriptions of songs

8.

and

their

normal frequency

many species are pictured by Sonograms

new scientific technique that gives a true
Study the Sonogram while the bird is singing,

per minute, songs or calls of

(see pp.

10-11). This

"picture" of a song.

is

or while you listen to a recording.

typical

Remember

songs.

Many

characteristic song.

that

You should soon be able

to recall

Sonogram

pictures

only

single

hove several songs, but these often

birds

have many basic similarities.

The measurements of total length ore original figures based on

9.

SCRUB JAY

actual field measurements, from the tip of the

of thousands of live birds hand-held

toil,

in

bill

to the tip of the

natural positions. These

measurements are shorter than conventional ones

live

(of

dead

birds,

stretched "with reasonable force"). The single figure given for length
(L)

is

a median or overage figure for the adult male, rounded to the

nearest V4 inch
in

and

small birds

in

to the nearest

V2 inch or

inch

may be 10 per cent longer or shorter.

10" may be between 9 and 11 inches. If

larger birds. Individual birds

Thus a bird recorded as

the

larger flying

ment also
10.

sexes differ appreciably

In

is

and soaring

in

birds

size

this

is

usually

mentioned.

On

on overage wingspon (W) measure-

given.

the text a

number

of terms

hove been abbreviated to save

space and convey information quickly. Besides such

ations OS months, states,
inches: ", length:

L,

and

wingspon:

ber of songs per minute: x/min.

countries,

W,

you

immature:

will

common

abbrevi-

also find: feet:

im., juvenol: juv.,

',

num-

18

LOONS

(Order Gaviiformes, Family Gaviidae) are specialized

swimming and

webbed

give extra leverage to the large

breed and

for

body

diving. Powerful legs attached at the rear of the

Loons come ashore only

feet.

They are silent in winter. In flight the head is

lower than the body. The wingbeats are fast, uninterrupted by gliding.

to

When

to nest.

swimming

diving, the

plunge, but

Loons eat

it

fish,

up and forward

bird hops

can also submerge

from a

stealthily

to begin the

crustaceans, and some water plants. Eggs, 2-3.

COMMON LOON
The most common

5^.>^
-

-*"^/?X>

rivers.

"'/-''

^est
in

';;'

its

yodel-like laugh

Its

Gavia immer
lakes and

breeding along

loon,
is

given frequently, near the

and in flight, especially at night. Varies considerably

size. Note its dark, evenly-tapered bill and, in summer,
cross-banded back. In winter the head and neck are

darker than
migrate

'^

position.

sitting

Red-throated

the

small flocks; most

in

YELLOW-BILLED

Loon's.

go

Common

Loons

to the coast.

LOON

Gavia adamsii

The largest loon, and the most northern; breeds on

lakes
half

the tundra. The

in
is

the dagger-like

and
the

bill

curved up,

the white spots on back are larger

Common

in

have

Loon's. Both species

similar calls.

is

in

thin

its

light

smaller than

is

gray crown and white

on the side of the throat are diagnostic.

back

and

is

straight,

The Arctic

is

range. Call

more slender than Common

so like the small race of the

is

win-

In

gray with pale feather edgings. The

that identification

in

winter

an ascending

is

risky

Common

outside

its

bill

Loon's.

Loon

normal

whistle.

RED-THROATED LOON
Common in its breeding range
s

eastern North Amer-

Breeds on tundra lakes. The Arctic

the two preceding loons;

ter the

darker

Gavia arctica

Nearly circumpolar, but rare

stripes

is

and fewer than

ARCTIC LOON
ica.

contrast to

Common. The head

of the

bill

straw-colored; the upper

is

straight, the lower half

Gavia

sfellata

on both fresh and

salt

water, wintering mainly along the coast. Often migrates

in

flocks.

It

is

nearly as long as the Arctic Loon but

much slimmer. The light-colored, upturned

field mark. In summer plumage the white
up the back of the head.
tiny white spots. Call,

In

bill

stripes

winter the back

a rapid quacking.

is

is

is

a good

extend

gray with

merganser

scaup

cormorant

YELLOW-BILLED

gre be

loon

LOON
L25" W60'

COMMON LOON
L

24"

58"

ARCTIC

LOON

18"

47"

THROATED

LOON
L

Red-throated
raises

wing

higher then
other loons.

Arctic

Loon

Red-throated Loon

17"

W 44"

20

GREBES (Order
ming and diving
toes.

Podicipediformes, Family Podicipedidae) are swimbirds,

smaller than loons, with

wings are short. Their

flight

is

weak and

lobes on their

flat

The short legs are far back on the body; the

tail

very short;

is

hurried; they taxi for several

before becoming airborne. The head is held low in flight.

Grebes dive and pursue small aquatic animals. Courtship displays
are often elaborate, accompanied by wails and whistles. Nest in
floating marsh vegetation; eggs, 2-9.

yards

WESTERN GREBE

Aechmophorus

Locally abundant, breeding

colonies

in

occidenfalis

in

Winters along the Pacific Coast and

tation.

land areas, often

large flocks.

in

in

It

bill

is

much longer

Podiceps grisegena
in

winters mainly

plumages,

coasts. In all

ponds and lakes

in salt

water on both

light throat contrasts with

appearance and heavy bill

from Western, Horned, and Eared Grebes.
neck. Stockier

HORNED GREBE

dark

distinguish

it

Podiceps aurifus

commonest grebe (except in Southwest) has a

straight bill. Nests on lakes and ponds; winters in
This

water, often

in-

other grebes.

RED-NECKED GREBE
A long-necked grebe. Uncommon;
during the summer.

some

large black and white

grebe with a long straight neck. The

and more needle-like than

lake vegein

in flocks. In

winter

it

is

told

thin
salt

from Red-necked

and Eared Grebes by white face and

neck.

EARED GREBE
A small grebe

Podiceps caspicus

bill and high,

and is common on
shallow lakes. In winter plumage head and neck (more
slender than Horned Grebe's) are gray with white ear
and throat patches. Most winter inland.

rounded back.

It

with a

breeds

thin

in

upturned

colonies

PIED-BILLED GREBE
Pied-billed

Fairly

Grebe

water.

like bill.

common

in

Podilymbus podiceps
shallow fresh water, rare

small, solitary, stocky

Rarely

flies;

salt

escapes by diving. Call, a series of

low slurred whistles.

LEAST GREBE

tiny

Podiceps dominicus

grebe with a slender dark

southern Rio

nnt

in

grebe with a high chicken-

Grande

and

rzA.

bill.

Volley; rare

Uncommon;

in

local farther north.

Pied-billed

Grebe

WESTERN GREBE
L

18"

W 40"

/-^^

courtship dance

RED-NECKED GREBE
L

13"

W32"

Horn

Eared

tarea
Eared

_^^/tK^^^
PIED-BILLED GREBE

L9"
summer
Pied-billed

22

TUBENOSES

(Order Procellariiformes) have external tubular nostrils.

They are birds of the sea, coming ashore on remote islands and shores
only to breed. They nest in colonies; feed on squid, fish, and other

marine life, usually at or near the surface. All have hooked beaks.
The sexes are similar. Silent away from the breeding grounds. Lengths
given are for birds

in flight.

FAMILIES OF TUBENOSES

OCCURRING OFF OUR COASTS

Albatrosses (Diomedeidoe) Large birds, including the longest winged

species. Long, narrow wings, very heavy hooked beak.
p. 22
Fulmars, Shearwaters, and Large Petrels (Procellariidae) Large birds,

though considerably smaller than the albatrosses. The

bill is

gen-

pronounced tooth at the end. pp. 22, 24, 26

erally thinner, with a

Storm Petrels (Hydrobatidae) Small birds, scarcely larger than swallows. Bills are short and the legs fairly long.
p. 28

ALBATROSSES

are primarily birds of the Southern Hemisphere, with

only three species breeding

mendously

long

Though capable
stiffly

north

wingspreads

equator. They have

the

of

(IT

Wandering

the

in

tre-

Albatross).

on

of powerful direct flight, they are gliders, soaring

held wings. The single egg

is

laid

on the ground.

LAYSAN ALBATROSS
This

white-bodied

Dlomedea immutabilis

albatross

nests

on

mid-Pacific

is-

summer close
to the Aleutians. The black mantle covers uppeh wings
and back. Seldom follows ships.
lands; occurs far offshore, but regularly

BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS
Our only

in

Diomedea

nigripes

all-dark albatross. Occurs regularly as close

as ten miles off the Pacific Coast. Often rests on the water;

feeds on squid and

-.

Pacific

FULMARS
ance and

'

at night. Told from the

(Family Procellariidae) strongly resemble gulls

in

at sea. Nest

'e?d^'

fish

shearwaters by larger size and heavier

dark

bill.

in

appear-

scavenging habits, but typically are found much farther

on high sea

cliffs;

FULMAR
A large

lay

egg.

Fulmarus glaciolis
gull-like

tubenose.

In

can be told from gulls by the

its

stiff

light color
flight,

flapping and gliding, the heavy head and

shorter

tail,

phase

neck, the

and, at close range, by the tubular

nostrils.

Dark-phase birds are paler than Sooty Shearwaters

26), have shorter wings and a broader tail. Fulmars
low ships, often over long distances.

it

the habit of

(p.

fol-

4t

gull

storm T|^

albatross

petrel

Frigatebird

-^

FULMAR
ft\*

ght phase

18"

42'

24

SHEARWATERS

differ

from fulmars

having longer, narrower wings,

in

and a longer, thinner bill. The flight pattern is similar,

a few deep wingbeats and a long glide, usually close to the water.
Their food is small fish and crustaceans. Nocturnal on breeding
a narrower

tail,

grounds. Lay a single egg.

PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATER
PufTmus creatopus
A large common Pacific tubenose; breeds in Chile.
Often seen in flocks with Sooty and Manx Shearwaters.
Larger

than

the

Sooty,

common from May

much

slower wingbeats;

with

Manx, with

larger than the

contrasting colors. Most

less

few are seen

to Nov., but a

all

year

round. Does not follow ships.

CORY'S SHEARWATER
This largest Atlantic

as the Pink-footed's, but

bill

is

Com-

yellow, rather thick.

pare with Greater. Sometimes soars, the only Atlantic

"*

shearwater to do

PufTmus diomedea

shearwater has plumage the same

<

Does not follow

ships.

GREATER SHEARWATER
A large, fairly common,

Atlantic shearwater, breeding

Nov. -Apr.

Cunha

Puffmus gravis

the Tristan de

in

white on the

'^,^^

so.

tail

May and June

In

migrates north over the western Atlantic;

Nov.

it

cap and

Islands. Black

are pronounced.

moves south over the eastern

Atlantic.

it

and
Larger and

in

Oct.

heavier than either Audubon's or Manx.

AUDUBON'S SHEARWATER
A

very

breeds

in

small,

the Bahamas. There

Has longer

and

tail

Puffmus Iherminieri

common

rather

Atlantic

shearwater;

no white on the

is

shorter wings than Manx's.

tail.

Wing-

beats are much faster than other shearwaters'.

NEW ZEALAND SHEARWATER

Rare but regular

off

Calif.

seen with other shearwaters

water with a
above,

light

dark cap.

wing

tips

in

PufTmus bulleri

(Monterey), where
the

fall.

much smaller than

is

lighter than Manx's.

common on

the Pacific Coast.

and its back and

Zealand Shearwater has

the Pink-footed

wings are dark, where the

light areas.

is

PufTmus pufTmus

Rare on the Atlantic but

is

it

slender shear-

Note the W-shaped pattern

below. Flight

MANX SHEARWATER
It

Wingbeat and

New

flight

are

fast.

CORY'S

SHEARWATER
L

19"

W 44'

PINK-FOOTED

SHEARWATER
8"

43"

GREATER

SHEARWATER
L

18"

45"

AUDUBON'S
SHEARWATER
L

n"

26"

NEW
ZEALAND
SHEARWATER
_>'

15"

38"

MANX
SHEARWATER
L

13"

32"

26

SOOTY SHEARWATER
A

large, dark,

dant

fall

in

PufTmus griseus

gray-brown bird of cool waters. Abun-

West Coast, uncommon on

ofF

only dark-bodied shearwater

only one
is

the Pacific with contrasting wing linings.

in

dark. Told from

and

size,

billed,

Pink-footed

faster wingbeots.

which

all

is

SLENDER-BILLED

the East. The

west Atlantic, and the

in

It

is

Bill

by dark body, smaller

larger than the Slender-

dork below.

SHEARWATER

fairly large, slender

PufTmus tenuirostris

shearwater breeding

in

southern

Australia. Told from Pale-footed by smaller size, shorter

tail,

dark

and dark

legs,

bill.

Generally separable from

Sooty by more crooked wings and dark wing

but a

linings,

few of each species have the underwing pattern of the

other, so single birds cannot always be told. Uncommon;
flocks appear in late fall, later than the Sooty.

PALE-FOOTED SHEARWATER
A very large species and a very
itor to

the

PufTmus carneipes

and irregular visWest Coast. Larger than the Sooty and the
rare

Slender-billed, with a large, dark-tipped, yellowish

and

flesh

habits to
to

colored feet and legs. Similar

Pink-footed, which

the

is

in

bill

shape and

by some

believed

be a light-colored subspecies of the Pale-footed. Most

likely to

be seen

in

and August.

July

LARGE PETRELS,

also called Gadfly Petrels, are in the same family

and shearwaters. In flight and behavior they can be regarded as intermediate between the shearwaters and the smaller

as fulmars

storm petrels. Their very fast flight resembles that of shearwaters,

but the angle of the wing

is

follow ships at sea; they eat

like the
fish

storm petrels'. These birds do not

and shrimp. Nest

in

burrows;

egg.

BLACK-CAPPED PETREL
Pferodroma hasitata
A widespread tubenose, nowhere common, and a casual summer
visitor to

below,

it

eastern North America during storms. Dark above

con be confused only with

waters, neither of which has a white

SCALED PETREL
A medium-sized

and

Manx and Audubon's

rump and white hind

light

Shear-

neck.

Pferodroma inexpectata
petrel from

New

Zealand, a casual summer

visitor

Note the contrast between the throat and belly.

The heavy black bar on the underside of the wing is unique; from
above, the light upper surface contrasts with the dark leading edge.
to the Gulf of Alaska.

DARK SHEARWATERS

AND LARGE

PETRELS
SOOTY
SHEARWATER
L

W43"

16"

I
SLENDER-BILLED

SHEARWATER
L

15"

39"

I
PALE-FOOTED

SHEARWATER
L

W 43"

18"

BLACK-

CAPPED
L

13"

PETREL
35"

SCALED
PETREL
L 111/2"

28

STORM

PETRELS {Family Hydrobatidae) are small birds of open

fish, shrimp, and planktonic animals. They flutter and hop over the waves, pattering with webbed feet. The sturdy
bill is hooked, and the tubular nostrils con be seen at close range.
Found singly or in flocks. Lay a single egg.
water, feeding on tiny

BLACK PETREL
Rather common

Loomelania melania
off the

southern Calif, coast

months, but also seen locally

in

summer.

winter

in

This largest of

and a

the black petrels has dark underwings, long legs,

forked

tail.

Flight

is

Follows ships, often

ASHY PETREL
Common only
um

size,

more

in

small flocks. Nests

Stocky build, medi-

pale wing coverts above and below. Flight

is

fluttering than the larger Black Petrel's.

lightest-colored
ports,

petrels

Oceonodroma

toil

is

where

Pacific,

it

furcata

breeds. This

has a light head, under-

storm petrel

wing patch, and

leading edge. The

^;'

burrows.

in

Oceonodroma homochroa
locally, Apr. -Nov.

FORK-TAILED PETREL
Abundant in the northern

wingbeats rather slow.

graceful,

underwing with a dark

light

forked. Glides

more than other

and has shallower wingbeat.

,:.>

LEACH'S PETREL
Uncommon and

;>;^'X

with a prominent white

Oceonodromo leucorhoa
local in

summer. Medium-sized, dork,

rump (except in southern Caland gray wing patch. Toil is forked; feet are
dark. Leach's is smaller than the Black and has darker
ifornia)

underwings than those of the Ashy.

like,

WILSON'S PETREL
Very common off
^C^- yellow

feet. Tail

is

light

in

Oceonodroma

hand by shape

of white

rump band,

LEAST PETREL
Son Diego

in

and

loose flocks.

Casual on both coasts during storms. Almost identical

This smallest,

legs,

rounded. Dances over the surface with

HARCOURT'S PETREL
in

Dork

June-Sept.

wing patch, long

wings held high. Often follows ships

Told

butterfly-

is

Oceanites oceanicus
Coast,

Atlantic

brown with white rump,

\_

Flight

quite different from that of Wilson's.

less

to

castro

Leach's.

deeply forked

toil.

Halocyptena microsoma
rare,

all-dark

petrel

ranges north on

summer. Note wedge-shaped

tail,

dork

W. Coast

feet.

to

BLACK PETREL

L8y2"

ASHY
17"

Ashy

18"

PETREL
16"

Petrel

from below

I
FORK-TAILED
L 71/2"

PETREL
18"

PETREL

HARCOURT'S
PETREL
18"
L8y2"

L6y2"

16"

LEAST
PETREL
L

5V2"

13"

30
PELICANS

AND

THEIR ALLIES (Order Pelecaniformes) are large

all 4 toes webbed. Most nest in large

aquatic fish-eating birds with

colonies

and are

silent outside the

breeding grounds. There are

six

families: Tropicbirds (Phaethontidae), Pelicans (Pelecanidae), Frigate-

birds (Fregatidae),

Gannets and Boobies

crocoracidae), and Anhinga

Cormorants (Phala-

(Sulidae),

(Anhingidae). Tropicbirds, Frigatebirds,

Gannets, and Boobies lay one egg. Cormorants, Anhinga, and

Pel-

icans lay 3-5.

RED-BILLED TROPICBIRD

A
fall;

Phaethon aethereus

rare regular visitor to southern California coast

and seldom seen

pelagic

highly

Adults usually have a long streamer

mature's

bill

the

to

and a

short eye line.

BROWN

in

smaller,

heavy

with

place of the black streaking,

Immature lacks the streamer

tail.

PELICAN
Pe/ecanus occ/den/d//s
common breeder on both coasts, rarely

locally

found on fresh water. Adult has a

gray-brown

Im-

Phaethon lepturus

but

Red-billed

black band on the wing

gv^

bill.

casual visitor off the Southeast coast after storms.

Similar

red

in

shore.

pigeon-like, with strong wingbeats.

is

WHITE-TAILED TROPICBIRD

::._i:C_

tail,

to

yellow. Fishes by diving ternlike into the

is

water. The flight

close

Immature

body.

is

light

uniformly

above, lighter below. An excellent

flier,

head and a
dull brown

with a powerful

stroking flight alternating with short glides, which often

carry the bird only inches above the water. Flies with

head drawn back

to the

shoulder; rarely soars. Small

flocks fly in long lines. Dives into the

of 30' for small

on

fish.

water from heights

Semi-tame birds often beg

for

food

fishing piers.

WHITE PELICAN
Locally common

Pelecanus eryfhrorhynchos

breeding colonies of several hun-

in

dred pairs on the West Coast and also on lakes. Black

area of wing includes

^\

all

the primaries

and

half of the

rounded plate on the bill is seen in

breeding season only. Flight is an alternation of flapping
and gliding. Migrates in long lines, in V-formation and
secondaries.

Flat,

often soars at great heights. Fishes by

lows, often

Does not

mer

in

dive.

flocks,

scooping up

Some non-breeding

at their wintering grounds.

flsh

wading

with

its

in

large

shalbill.

birds spend the sum-

loon

gull

tropicbird

pelican

frigateblrd

gannet

cormorant

32

MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD
Common during summer in

^
^''

Fregafa magnificens
Keys; occasional

Florida

on Southeast, Gulf, and West coasts during storms. Note

prominent crook

..

narrow wing, and long slender tail.

inflated during courtship. Robs gulls
also takes small fish and marine refuse

in

Pouch of the male

and

terns

is

in flight;

from surface, but does not land on the water.

efficient glider,
.<,^ijt=*.

a wing.

GANNET

Moras bassanus

Common

in

the ocean;

Jl

very

soars to great heights without moving

it

summer near breeding

often

double-ended

its

silhouette.

Dark wing

on white body identify the adult. Nests

tips

on

from shore, especially during

visible

east winds. Note

islands; winters

large

in

Feeds by diving from 50' or more into the

colonies.

water and swimming underwater for short distances.

In

above the water, often in lines.

Wingbeats are rather stiff, alternately flaps and glides.
migration,

si

:-

'

'

'"

BLUE-FACED BOOBY

'*

just

flies

'

regular

visitor

in

Sula dactylatra

summer

is

.,.

bill

Immature

slaty.

is

dark above with a pale band around the neck.

gannet,

ical
^-^

Fla.;

very rare on mainland. All the flight feathers and the

face are black; the skin near the

r''\\'^W^

Dry Tortugas,

to

smaller than the Gannet, which

resembles

it

BROWN BOOBY
A

It

the only

is

dark. Immature

is

to

the

booby

Gulf Coast,

that has

net

in

all

in

habits.

rare

quite

entire

its

in

upper ports

uniformly dark above and lacks the

sharp white and brown contrast below.

breeding along

trop-

Sula leucogaster

regular visitor

Calif.

larger than the other two boobies but

is

it

warm

oceans,

it

tropical

gannet

resembles the Gan-

and behavior.

habits

BLUE-FOOTED BOOBY
A casual visitor to Salton

Sula nebouxii
Sea, Calif., and the lower

Colo. River. From above, the white patch on the upper

back and

(in

adult) the large white

rump are

the best

The underwings are dark. Both immature and

adult have blue feet, very bright in the adult. The bluish
marks.

bill

of the

breeds

in

adult also

is

diagnostic.

the Gulf of Calif,

This tropical

bird

and along the west coast

Mex. and S.A. Behavior, gannet-like.

of

MAGNIFICENT
$

FRIGATEBIRD
90"
L 35"

BLUE-FOOTED BOOBY
L

26"

W 64"

34

CORMORANTS AND ANHINGA

surface

open

are

fish

eaters that dive from the

and swim underwater. They often perch with wings

to dry.

Migrate

in

V-formation; usually are

GREAT CORMORANT
Our
throat

Pha/acrocorax carbo

and

largest cormorant

patch.

The

Double-crested's.

half

silent.

bill

one with a white

and heavier than

the only

yellower

is

breeding season adult has a white

In

flank patch; immature has belly whiter than neck.

BRANDT'S CORMORANT
A common, short-tailed,
The throat

is

dark (blue

P/io/ocrocorax penicillatus

breeding season) with dull

in

yellow margin behind. The immature

is

dark below, as

the smaller immature Pelagic, but has a large pale

is

T^

cormorant.

Pacific

crestless

on

its

breast.

DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT Pho/ocrocorox auritus

The most common cormorant. Found on inland lakes

^w*

and

rivers,

pouch

is

cormorants,

-^N

but mainly seen along the coast. The throat

orange; the
it

slants

crests
bill

its

seldom are

visible. Like

mature birds are white on the breast, dark on the

PELAGIC CORMORANT
A small cormorant of

other

upward while swimming.

Im-

belly.

P/ia/acr6corox pelagicus
the

Pacific

Coast, with a thin

and a slender neck. The throat pouch and face are

dull red. It has a double crest and a white flank patch

bill

in

Immature

spring.

is

all

dark.

OLIVACEOUS CORMORANT Phalacrocorax olivaceus

A small, rather common, unwary bird with slender
Olivaceous Cormorant

bj||

Qpd green eyes;

RED-FACED
^

r.^

Resident

just

reaches the Louisiana coast.

CORMORANT
in

but has more

the

P/ia/ocrocorox ur/7e

Aleutians.

It

resembles the

pouch. Immature

is

told

from Pelagic by the longer

ANHINGA
Common
where

it

bill.

Anhinga anhinga
in

spears

fresh-water swamps,
fish.

ponds, and

lakes,

Often swims with only head and

neck exposed. Long straight

./H

Pelagic

and brighter red on the face and a blue

bill,

long

wing and back plumes differentiate

Usually seen singly, but

may

it

tail,

and white

from cormorants.

soar very high

in flocks.

GREAT

CORMORANT
L

partia

submerged

30"

W 60"

36

WATERFOWL
ica

are

(Order Anseriformes, Family Anatidae)

divided

into

seven

in

one each

subfamilies:

North Amer-

swans and

for

geese, and five for ducks. Waterfowl are aquatic, with webs between

They have long necks and narrow pointed wings,

They differ from loons and grebes in having
flattened bills with tooth-like edges that serve as strainers. Their
flattened bodies are well insulated with down feathers. Young hatch
down-covered and can walk and swim a few hours after hatching.
the three front toes.

and most have

Whistling

short legs.

SWANS,

Swan

the largest of the water-

ore characterized by long

fowl,

necks longer than their bodies.

American species, all white, are
graceful in the air and on water.
They patter along the surface
when taking flight. The young
brownish.

are

aquatic plants

Swans
in

dip

Eggs, 3-10.

Canada Goose

for

shallow water.

38

p.

GEESE are intermediate between

swans and ducks in size and other
characteristics,
tinctive

but

form

dis-

group. Sexes are alike.

Geese are heavier and longernecked than ducks. They molt

once a year, as do swans. Legs of
most ore placed farther forward
than

in

ducks and swans. This

an adaptation

is

for grazing. Eggs,

3-8.

p.

40

SURFACE-FEEDING DUCKS are

the

first

of the five duck subfam-

Ducks

smaller

than

swans and geese and hove

flatter

ilies.

and

bills

are

shorter

legs.

Surface-

feeding ducks ore birds of ponds,

lakes,

and slow

rivers,

where they

on water plants. They

feed

and take off

den upward leap. In
strongly

fly

with a sudflight their

secondary wing feathers show a

Mallard

patch the speculum. Nest

ground (except Wood
Duck); eggs, 5-12.
p. 44
bright

on

<.^^5'

the

TREE DUCKS form a connecting

between ducks and the
link
larger waterfowl. They are long-

legged, long-necked ducks. They

somewhat

fly

ducks

live

Tree

geese.

like

along lakes and ponds

and feed on water plants by tipping. They also graze like geese
and occasionally damage crops.
Lay 10-15 eggs.
p. 50

BAY DUCKS and

sea ducks

a single subfamily

into

o lobed hind
their

fall

have

(all

Expert divers,

toe).

Bay

legs are set far back.

ducks breed along northern lakes,

and most winter

tidal

huge

in

estuaries or along

coasts.
plants.

rafts in

ice-free

Feed mainly on aquatic

Most nest on the ground;

lay 4-14 eggs.

SEA DUCKS and bay

flat bills.

ter

In

52

p.

taking

ducks have
they pat-

off,

along the surface. Sea ducks

bay ducks and

dive deeper than

feed more on mollusks. Sea ducks

breed more along the coast than

on inland lakes.
are more

winter they

In

coastal than the

strictly

bay ducks. Nest on the ground;

eggs, 4-8.
p. 54
STIFFTAILS

are

fresh-water

long

stiff

bays.
tails

chunky,

little,

southern ducks living

in

rather

Their

give

them

name. Eggs, 5-11.

MERGANSERS
bills

modified

ducks

do.

their
p.

60

have long slender

for seizing

Mergansers take
sea

and

lakes

off

Nest

fish.

slowly,
in

as

hollow

trees (except Red-breasted). Eggs,

6-18.

p.

60

38

SWANS
of lake

{Subfamily Cygninae) are heavy, white, long-necked birds

and

river shores.

They dip head and neck

into the

water to

feed on bottom vegetation. They also browse on shore grasses. There

is

no black on the wing

tips.

Sexes are

similar.

Immatures are grayish-

brown above, white below. Swans have a deep, ponderous

with neck extended. Fly

in

V-formation or

in

flight,

lines.

MUTE SWAN

Cygnus

6/or

An Old World species introduced into eastern North

America and commonly seen in parks. It breeds in the
wild locally on Long Island
is

slowly

breeds

in

extending

its

eastern U.S.

and on the

range south.

When

a graceful S-curve, with the

swimming,
bill

N.J. coast

No
it

other

and
swan

holds neck

in

pointed downward; the

secondary wing feathers are often raised. The adult has

an orange bill with a black knob. The dull rose bill of the
immature is black at the base. The voice, a low grunt, is
seldom heard. Wingbeats of flying birds produce a singing note.

goose

eider

Mallard

pelican

threat

SWANS

Xv\

MUTE SWAN

posture

L40"

J^

'^

%0^

Jf.
WHISTLING
L

^n

36"

SWAN

W 85"

JQ- ^

1^^
TRUMPETER
L

.1

45"

SWAN

W 95"

"

^--

-7^

*^

40

GEESE

CANADA
GOOSE

16-25"

W 50-68"

large race

42

WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE
A common gray goose

Anser albifrons
on

principal

its

grounds, but rare east of the Mississippi.

arctic tundra. In winter usually

seen

wintering

breeds on the

It

large flocks. This

in

our only goose with irregular black markings on the

is

gray underparts, and the only one south of Alaska

orange or yellow legs. The white face of the adult
contrasting with the brown head and neck is a good
close-up field mark. Immature is best told from immature
Blue Goose by the yellow bill, the yellow legs, and the
coll, a high, squealing wah wah wah wah.
light

with

BLUE GOOSE
Abundant in

common

legs of the

bill

un-

the dark
is

body

almost iden-

the immature White-fronted, but has a gray-brown

and

legs;

it

is

The Blue Goose

occurs

Snow Goose and

Goose. The immature

of the White-fronted
tical to

range;

east of Mississippi River. The adult has the head,

and

neck,

Chen caerulescens
Middle West

principal

its

in

izes with

Snow, often
and occasionally hybridThe hybrid has a dark back, but is much

mixed
it.

darker than the immature Snow Goose.

similar in habits to the

is

flocks with

it,

on the underparts. Call of short, muffled notes

lighter

suggests Whistling Swan's.

SNOW GOOSE

Chen hyperborea

The larger of our two white geese. Locally abundant

large flocks. The adult

in

pure white with black wing

is

Both the adult and the pale gray immature are very

tips.

similar to the rare Ross'

by the larger

told

size

Goose, from which they may be

and heavier

Snow Goose resembles and

mature Blue, but

is

often

The immature

bill.

occurs with the im-

much paler and grayer.

Call similar,

GOOSE

ROSS'

Chen

rossii

The smallest and rarest of the North American geese.

It

breeds

in

the Arctic, winters almost exclusively

Central Valley of Calif.

Goose, with which

bill

is

lacks

it

It

is

very similar to the

occurs, but

it

mature

is

Snow Goose's and

dark streak. At very close range, the

adult shows warty protuberances at

and the

is

its

a weak, grunting

The only

noise.

call

bill

of the

base. The im-

a lighter gray than the immature

legs are pinker.

the

Snow

averages smaller. The

comparatively shorter than the

its

in

Snow Goose,

of Ross'

Goose

WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE
L

20"

W 60"

^^S^^
'Mm

^^

^ ^

SNOW
Snow Goose

jr

GOOSE

1/

19"

W59"

-|p<

r.

^^

-^

ROSS'

GOOSE

L16"W51"

44
SURFACE-FEEDING DUCKS
ducks that dabble and

tip

and

the shallows of fresh-

marshes. Surface-feeders are agile

tically.

common

{Subfamily Anatinae) are the

in

fliers

that take

off

salt-water

nearly ver-

Most do not dive. Male and female have different plumages.

Most have a bright

distinctive

rectangle of color (the speculum) on

early summer the males assume a

drab eclipse plumage; a second molt restores the usual colorful
plumage by early fall. Though chiefly vegetarians, they eat some
mollusks, insects, and small fish.

edge

the hind

""^

T"*

each wing.

of

In

MALLARD
i

Anos platyrbynchos
abundant duck in
the Miss. Valley; it is common in ponds and fresh-water
marshes through most of its range. Male is recognized
by its green head, white neck band, and rusty breast.
This wide-ranging bird

Female

is

the most

a mottled brown. Both have a blue speculum,

is

in front and back with white. Mexican

Duck has the same speculum. Mallards are often found
with Black Ducks and Pintails. Voice, a loud quack.

broadly bordered

MEXICAN DUCK

Anas

Rare and local resident

N. Mex.

same

in

Similar to female Mallard,

habitat. Recognized

in flight

but shier; prefers

by

by the unmarked

at close range,

diazi

upper Rio Grande Valley of

its

bill

darker

of

tail

and,

male and the

dark ridge on the upper mandible of the female.

-h-+

BLACK DUCK

Anas rubripes

The most abundant surface-feeding duck

found

in

shallow coastal waters and

in

in

the East,

ponds. Note

in all

plumages the white wing linings that contrast with the

dark body, and the violet-blue speculum with only a
trace of a white border. The pale head shows more
contrast to the dark body than in the female Mallard.
Bill of male is not
mottled. Voice same as Mallard's.

MOTTLED DUCK
Common resident
mediate
Mallard,

in
it

Anas fulvigula
and brackish marshes. Interplumage between the Black Duck and female
has a

lum, but not

tail,

in

in

fresh

distinct

white border behind the specu-

front. Also told

pale head, and yellower

from Mallard by darker

bill.

In

winter. Mallards

same marshes. In
Jan. Mottled Ducks are paired; Blacks and Mallards
and Black and Mottled Ducks use
generally are not. Voice

is

like

the

Mallard's.

SURFACE-FEEDING

DUCKS

t\
Jm^

JH
^9^^^^

landing

>4

feeding

-A

**

MALLARD
L

16"

W 36"

46
PINTAIL
The

most

Anas acuia
widely distributed

North American

Abundant in West, common in the

ponds, and bays, where it is seen

duck.

Found on lakes,
in huge flocks except
in the breeding season. Pintails are slim and very agile,
with slender pointed wings. Note the male's sharp tail
plumes, white underparts, and dark head. The female
has a longer neck and a longer, more pointed tail than
other mottled ducks. The speculum is metallic brown
with a white rear border. Coll is a short whistle. The
Bahama Duck (Anas bahamensis, L 13"), a straggler in
the Southeast, resembles the female Pintail but has white
on the tail, white cheeks, and a mottled red bill.

East.

48

SHOVELER

Spatula dypeata
and western part of its range;
found mainly in ponds and flooded marshes, where it
feeds in shallow water. From below, the male alternates
green, white, red, white, and black. Identify both sexes
by the flat head, long spotulate bill, and large blue

Abundant

the central

in

On

wing patch.

the water

downward. Quack

^^

it

rides low in front,

held

bill

a Mallard; also a low clucking.

like

-^
BLUE-WINGED TEAL
A small, rather common,

Anas

discors

shy duck found on ponds,

marshes, and protected bays, often with other surfacefeeders. Like

all teals,

it

rapidly

flies

small, tight flocks.

in

Both sexes have a pale blue area on the forward edge

and a green speculum. The male has the

of the wing,

white crescent on the face and the white flank patch.

Male peeps; female has a

CINNAMON

TEAL
duck

This very small

in

the

same habitat

sembles

in

common

is

of the Blue-winged.

its

is

virtually identical to the

similar to Blue-wing's.

is

^^^'^
"*

it

small ponds

prefers fresh water to

head end the

Anos

coro/inens/s

North American surface-feeding duck

This smallest

common on

and

lakes

salt.

Male

vertical white stripe

summer.

in

is

told

on the

by
side.

lacks the large blue

wing patches.

It

is

winter

In

resembles female Blue-winged, but has a smaller

re-

it

is

GREEN-WINGED TEAL
'

which

cinnamon red on head

plumage is the same as that

The female

female Blue-winged. Voice

Anas cyanoptera
its range and

within

Blue-winged,

as the

behavior. The male

and underparts; otherwise

MM^

quack.

soft

its

dark

Female
bill

and

fast in small

flies

tight flocks. Call, a short whistle.

COMMON
A

Anos crecca

TEAL

rare visitor from the Old

World found

Male Common Teal has a white horizontal

with the Green-winged.

line

above the wing instead

of the vertical stripe. Females alike. Call, like Green-winged's.

BAIKAL TEAL
This Asian

Anos formosa
breeder

is

distinctive face pattern.

distinct white

a casual visitor to Alaska. Note the male's

The female

patch at base of

speculum with a white border.

bill.

is

told

from Green-winged by the

Both male

and female have a green

--^

SHOVELER
L

14"

W31"

50

m^

WOOD DUCK

Aix sponsa

common duck

open woodland around lakes

and along streams. The large head, the short neck, and
This

is

the long square

tail

of

are good

has the long slicked-back

field

No

marks.

other duck

The dull-colored female

crest.

in eclipse plumage resemble

much white under the chin. Flight
is rapid; Wood Ducks dodge agilely between the trees.
They feed on plant materials, from duckweed to acorns
(which are crushed in the gizzard), and some insects.

has a white eye ring. Males

the female, but have

Nesting

in

is

natural tree cavities, but

use nest boxes. The call

is

Wood

Ducks also

a distinctive rising whistle.

TREE DUCKS ^Subfamily Dendrocygninae) are not all arboreal; whistling ducks would be a more appropriate name. The sexes look alike.
Tree ducks are very shy. When alarmed, they raise their heads and
look around, as geese do. Flight
In

flight the feet project

below the body

feet

downward

line.

until

In

the

beyond

strong, the wingbeats rather slow.

is

the

head and

tail,

droop down
and

feet

landing, tree ducks extend their head

bill

nearly touches the ground. Tree ducks

are particularly fond of corn, but other seeds are eaten, as are acorns.

Feeding

is

do not

at night. Tree ducks

dive. Call, o shrill whistle.

FULVOUS TREE DUCK

Rather

common

in

Denc/rocygno b/co/or

marshlands within

range, also

its

in

and sometimes ponds. In all plumages has a

deep tawny yellow head and underparts, with a dark
back and wings. The bill is dork, almost black; the feet
have a dull bluish tone. Use the white rump and white
rice fields

side markings as

secondary

field

marks. The white streak-

ings on the neck are not always visible. The bird

often

seen

because of

rarely perches

in

trees

BLACK-BELLIED TREE
Rather

common

straggler outside.

its

and never

DUCK

within
It

is

nocturnal feeding

its

found

nests

in

is

habits.

not
It

them.

Dendrocygno autumnalis
breeding range but only a
in

much

the

same habitat

as the Fulvous, though to a larger degree

in

wooded

country. The best field marks are the black underparts

and the large white areas on the wings. The bill is red,
and blue, and the feet are pink. Female is duller.
It
frequently perches in trees and sometimes nests in

yellow,

holes

in

the trunk or

in

forks

in

the branches.

WOOD DUCK
L

131/2"

eclipse

W 28"

plumage

BLACK-BELLIED
TREE DUCK
;

>.

L13"W37"

52

BAY DUCKS
coastal bays

(Subfamily Aythyinae) commonly winter

and

protected

in

mouths. These ducks dive from the surface

river

and swim under water. They are heavy birds that run along the suroff. They eat more animal food than surface-feeding

face OS they take

ducks. Calls of most are short low croaks.

REDHEAD

Aythya americana
lakes and

common duck summers on ponds and

This

winters

tidewater.

in

It

often mixes with other

bay ducks,

forming flocks of hundreds of birds. The male has a large

round head, a
The

parts.

and

dark breast, and white underrounded head, plain bluish bill,

light bill,

female's

lack of conspicuous eye ring

distinguish

it

and white face patch

from the Ring-necked and scaups.

CANVASBACK

Aythya valisineria
abundant duck winters more in saltier
waters than does the Redhead. It mixes less with other
bay ducks, though it is often found near them. Both male
and female resemble the Redhead, but are noticeably
lighter backed and larger, and have a distinctly flattened head profile. The bill and head profile and the
male's white back are the best field marks.
This

locally

RING-NECKED DUCK
Common in woodland
to fresh

Aythya
ponds.

In

collaris

winter more confined

water than other bay ducks. The vertical white

on the side and the

solid black back are the best

marks of the male. The female can be told by its
distinct narrow white eye ring, ringed bill, and broad

stripe

field

gray wing
12'^),

stripe.

The Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula,

side, has white

wing

stripes;

female lacks facial markings.

GREATER SCAUP
Locally

usually

common, but

in salt

head help

.XI
^p^^.

casual on northern coasts, lacks vertical stripe on

Aythya marila
not as

Lesser Scaup;

water. Long white wing stripe and rounded

distinguish

both

(head color of males not

told from other divers

LESSER SCAUP
Abundant, especially
shorter than

abundant as

in

from

sexes

reliable).

by the

v/hite

Lesser

Scaup

Female scaups are

face.

Call,

scaup.

Aythya affinis
White wing stripe is
Greater Scaup. At very close range the
inland.

smaller "nail" at the tip of the

bill

is

diagnostic.

BAY DUCKS

54

COMMON
Common
it

GOLDENEYE
and

lakes

in

and on

lakes

and

Note the round dark head,

rivers.

and the loud musical

the puffy crest, the wing patch,

^^^

female a white

facial spot; the

eyes are seen

When

fast.

The male has a round white

wings.

of the

whistling

in

they

feeding,

common
from

told

is

in

Common

Iv

less

Common Goldeneye
and blacker

white on wing than

Common

and early summer

spring

_^

not black with a yellow

Bucephala islandka

be more flattened and pointed

to

sides.

bill

ducks,

patch

white

it

takes

on

told from

entirely yellow,

common

rivers;

greenish
is

head.

large

Small white

diagnostic.

In

flight

it

goldeneyes by whiter head (male), the small

wing patch (female), and the lack of wing

SEA DUCKS

along the

running

distinguished by the

is

win-

in

loose flocks. Unlike other

without

ofF

puffy

its

in

cheek patch of the female also

is

is

Bucephala albeola

and

lakes

water surface. The male

.---

crest tends

Eats crustaceans.

tidewater, generally

diving

The

Female has
and darker head; and in

the short

tip.

Summers on wooded
in

rivers.

by white facial

to the rear.

BUFFLEHEAD
ter

Nighthawk's.

West; winters on coasts and

crescent, purple head,

very

is

deeper water than

prefer

BARROW'S GOLDENEYE
Male

Usually golden-

collar.

pairs or small flocks. Their flight

other bay ducks. Call suggests

Rather

where

even nest boxes. Winters along the

nests in cavities or

coast

Bucephala dangula
rivers in forested country,

whistle.

{Subfamily Aythyinae) are heavy, rather large, short-

necked diving ducks usually seen along coasts, rarely inland. In

winter they often occur in large flocks, frequently of mixed species.

Most

live

on mollusks.

HARLEQUIN DUCK
Uncommon and

Histrionicus hlstnonicus
shy.

Summers on

along arctic shores. Winters

coasts.

The male

Female

lacks the

head

recognized by

is

smaller

white wing

spots.

tail

and

rivers

its

dark and
size,

light pat-

and long

and darker than goldeneyes,

in flight, and has distinct

patch

Seldom found with other ducks, though

casionally with scoters.

long

swift

the heavy surf along rocky

dark at a distance), small

tern (^appears
tail.

is

in

tilted

upward

oc-

Harlequin often swims with

or slowly raises

and lowers

it.

its

56

COMMON

Somateria moHissima
EIDER
Abundant, but winters so locally in huge rafts (off
Chatham, Mass., and in Alaska) that it is rare at other
coastal locations. At close range the female and immature male can be told from other eiders by the sloping profile and by the long slender frontal shield, which
extends much farther up the forehead than in the other
eiders (twice as far above nostril as in King Eider).
Male in first winter is intermediate between female and
first

plumage shown. Flight is heavy and laborihead held low. Flocks fly in lines a few
over the surface. Feed on mollusks and crustaceans.
low, slurred moan.
is a

spring

ous, with the

feet

Call

KING EIDER
Rare

in

Somateria spectabilis

U.S. but

common

Eider behaves very

which

much

in

like

the Far North. The King

the

Common

Eider, with

often occurs. The black back, white foreparts,

it

and heavily shielded

bill

are good field marks for the

male. The large white wing patches are unlike those of

any other sea duck. The female is told from scoters (p.
58) by its uniform head coloration and stocky build, from
Common Eider by the bill profile and richer brown plumage. Not so strictly confined to salt water. Immatures

th

migrate farther south than adults.

SPECTACLED EIDER
Rare

in

of Siberia.

Lamproneffa

North America, though

A few

winter

in

common on

fischeri

the coast

the Aleutian Islands.

A heavy

duck, with a very clumsy appearance. The faded green

head and large white eye patch of the male are diagis the black breast. The female can be told at
close range from the larger Common Eider by the faint
spectacle and the low feather line on the upper mandible.
nostic, as

STELLER'S EIDER

>^

This small Asiatic eider

along the Alaskan coast.

Polysticta stelleri
is

Its

uncommon where
shape

is

like

it

occurs

Mallard's, but

is stubbier and the tail longer. The black collar

male continues down the back as a dark line. The
female is a uniform dark brown except for a blue speculum bordered with white. Both sexes have a tiny

the

bill

of the

rounded
eyes'.

crest.

Their wings whistle

in

flight like

golden-

Unlike other eiders, male helps rear the young.

EIDERS

King

^|*

Common

Eider

58

scoters at sea

60

DUCKS

STIFF-TAILED

(Subfamily Oxyurinae) are small and stubby,

with a short thick neck.

In

swimming the

tail

is

up at a

often held

jaunty angle. They dive and sometimes sink slowly, as grebes do.

RUDDY DUCK

Oxyura jamaicensis
and ponds with floating
vegetation, in winter on estuaries, lakes, and rivers. The
wings are short and rounded; the flight is fast and un-

Common

O;
o^**

summer on

lakes

even, with rapid wingbeats. Both sexes are identified by

,""'".,'''

in

the white cheeks under the dark cap

uptilted

MASKED DUCK
A

and by the long

tail.

casual

visitor

to the southeastern

Oxyura dominica
U.S. from West

Indies and Mexico. Largely in fresh water; nests in trees.

Note male's black face and large white wing patch. Recognize female by dark face lines, white wing patches.

MERGANSERS
a long thin

bill

(Subfamily Merginae) are fish-eating diving ducks with

serrated on the sides. Flight

is

rapid, with the

body held

very straight and horizontal. All three North American species have a
white wing patch, and

all

except the male

Common show

crest.

COMMON MERGANSER
A

'

^^

*'*-..,^^,^,

-.'''''"

Mergus merganser
common, fresh-water species, seldom found
water. Longer and slimmer than goldeneyes, and

large,

in salt

the male

is

whiter behind. The male's green head, which

seldom appears crested, often looks black. The female

has more of a

crest; the distinct

contrast between neck

white throat and sharp

and breast

distinguish

it

from the

female Red-breasted. Call, low, short quacks.

^^^m

Mergus serrator
RED-BREASTED MERGANSER
Common, especially along seacoasts in winter. Both
sexes have the shaggy crest. The male

is

told

by the

reddish-brown chest patch. Females, which have more

crest

and

than female

Common,

lack contrast

HOODED MERGANSER
Uncommon;

\.

>.

."

between head

throat. Call, low, short quacks.

wooded

l.op/76c/yfes cucullatus

and streams. The male's

black-bordered white cockade and its dark sides set it
off from the smaller Bufflehead (p. 54). Female is told by
its bushy crest, dark face and body and merganser bill.
Call is very low and toneless.
in

lakes

RUDDY DUCK
L

11"

W 23"

COMMON MERGANSER
L 18" W37"

62

Mallard

-4tree

duck

FEMALE DUCKS IN FLIGHT

brings together

Summer and
Mallard

all

scaup

often are difficult to

but the rarest species to aid

^F

eidc

in

tell

scoter

aport. This plate

making comparisons.

winter plumages of females are identical (except Old-

tree

duck

scaup

eider

lerganser

"Ruddy

Duck

Ring-necked Duck

FEMALE DUCKS

loon

^Rl

Lesser

^S

Wf Common Goldeneye

63

kid

Scaup

Buffle head

IN FLIGHT

Oldsquaw

^m

Harlequin Duck

^0

^KM

Surf Scoter

Hooded
Merganser

squaw). Immatures usually are similar

species often flock together.
field

in

plumage

to females. Different

Note the wing pattern, the most important

mark.

lergonser

Ruddy Duck

loon

coot

ilcid

64

AND FALCONS

VULTURES, HAWKS,

nal flesh eaters. Most take live prey;

heavy, sharp, hooked

and

bill,

(Order Falconiformes) are diur-

some are scavengers.

All

have a

toes v/ith strong, curved talons. Sexes

ore usually alike, but females are generally larger than males. There
Is

much

individual variation

FAMILIES

in

color.

and dark

several species have light

Immatures

from adults, and

differ

forms.

OF VULTURES, HAWKS, AND FALCONS

Large, blackish, broad-winged birds with a

naked head, usually scavengers. Eggs, 1-3.
p. 64
Kites, Hawks, and Eagles (Accipitridae) Subdivided into:

Vultures

Kites:

(Cathartidae)

medium-sized southern birds with pointed wings (rounded

Everglade

food

Kite);

is

1-5.

Accipiters:

medium

tively short

Harriers:

In

mainly invertebrates and snakes. Eggs,

hawks; strong

to small bird

with

fliers

p. 66
comparap. 68

rounded wings, long tail. Eggs, 3-5.

mouse hawks with long wings and

medium-sized

Eggs, 4-6.

tail.

68

p.

Buteos and Eagles: medium-sized to very large, soaring hawks with

broad wings and a

Eggs, 1-5.

fairly short tail.

70

p.

Ospreys (Pandlonidae) Long-winged hawks with conspicuous crook

at wrist. Hover, then dive for fish. Eggs, 4-6.
into:

Caracoras: long-legged scavengers. Eggs, 2-4.

Falcons: strong, fast

fliers

eat birds, mammals, insects. Eggs, 3-6.

TURKEY VULTURE
A common carrion

16

p.

pointed wings, long slender

with

76

p.

Caracaras and Falcons (Falconidae) Subdivided

tail;

78

p.

Cofhdrfes a^ra
eater,

scavenging

in

fields

and

along roadsides. Immature has a black head. Soars

in

wide circles, holding wings in broad V and tilting quickly

from side to side. Feeding vultures are soon joined by
others flying

from beyond the range of human

in

BLACK VULTURE
Common,

but

vision.

Q6rQgy/p% atratus

less so

than the Turkey Vulture. Recog-

nized at a great distance

by

necked

wing position, and relatively

silhouette, horizontal

weak, heavy

flight,

its

short-tailed,

longer-

an alternation of laborious, deep

flopping and short glides. White patches near wing tips

are distinctive. This carrion eater often invades

settle-

ments to feed on garbage and small animals.

CALIFORNIA
Almost

CONDOR

Gymnogyps

californianus

area

mountains of

extinct; limited to small

in

southern Calif. Note striking underwing pattern, heavy

beak. Soars on long wide wings held

in

a straight

line.

jlture

buteo

'^

gull

kite

falcon

accipiter

pigeon

VULTURES

66
KITES include two subfamilies of hawk-like birds. All are graceful on
the wing, capable of swift flight and effortless soaring; hover while
hunting.

When

prey

is

spotted, they

downward,

hawks, but

slip

ing (kiting)

upward.

feet

first,

do

not dive (stoop), as

to seize their

Kite populations in

do other

prey before swoop-

North America have declined

dangerously.

WHITE-TAILED KITE

Elanus leucurus

open country, grasslands, and marshes. The

adult is easily recognized by the white toil and black
wing patch. The immature can be told by the long white
toil and pointed wings; its plumage changes to adult's
Rare;

in

during the

first

winter.

In flight

wings are held with

tips

pointed downward, gull fashion. Feeds largely on rodents

and

insects.

Does not migrate.

MISSISSIPPI KITE

Uncommon;

in

Ictinia

misisippiensis

brushlands and open woods near water.

Adult recognized by plain gray underports and pale

hawks by its graceful, almost

and notched black tail ,(barred below).
Often seen in flocks when feeding or migrating. Feeds in
flight on insects caught in the air and on the ground; also
known to take mice, toads, and small snakes.
head; immature

from, other

swallow-like flight

C*i

KITES

WHITE-TAILED

^
^

KITE

T4!^"

EVERGLADE
KITE
L

15"W44"

W 40"

68

ACCIPITERS

m
GOSHAWK

fC^
4
n.9

19"

W 42"

...

^^^^^^^~-- v,\v

^"^^

7/i*'euADD.CUIKll
^^'*^HARP.SHINNED
L 10'/2"

HAWK
W21"

MARSH HAWK
L 16'/2"

.r-J^^^M/MiBl:^-,^

W42"

70
BUTEOS,

the largest subfamily of the Accipitridae, are the soaring

hawks, which
dive.

circle

overhead and drop upon

distinguish them. Usually lone hunters, but

In

their

prey

in

a steep

Broad rounded wings, a robust body, and a broad fanned

two species migrate

tail

in flocks.

migration they tend to follow ridges and shorelines.

ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK
An uncommon open-country
tirely

Bufeo lagopus
bird

living

almost en-

on rodents. The broad dark band on the white

tail,

black at the bend of the wing, and the black belly are the
best field marks. Tail

buteos

except

the

and wings are longer than

Ferruginous.

There

are

in

other

two color

phases and much individual variation. Often seen hovering. Call,

a thin whistle usually slurred downward.

///' RED-SHOULDERED

HAWK
L

16"

W40'

72

BUTEOS
light

phase

74
BLACK

HAWK

Buteogallus anthracinus

This black buteo

rare

is

in

U.S.

white base of the outer

silhouette.

is

ore

and

HAWK

black buteo of

underwings
tail

woodlands near water

and crayfish, its commonest

ZONE-TAILED

and the

alternate flapping

From

crabs, toads,

their buffy

The wings and

wide, even for a buteo. Flight

gliding.

tail,

primaries identify the adult.

Immatures are best identified by

and wide-winged

the dangling

In flight

yellow legs, the two white bands on the

it

hunts

land

foods.

Bufeo albonotaius

wooded canyons and

rivers.

Both

and immatures seem to mimic Turkey Vulture in

plumage and in habit of soaring, with wings frequently
tilted in a V. The white toil bands of the adult ore often
partly concealed when the bird is hunting. The wings
are longer and slimmer than most buteos'. Flight is slow
and sluggish. Eats small mammals, reptiles, and birds.
adults

WHITE-TAILED HAWK
A rather common hawk
gentina, in grasslands and
adult
inent

is

told

by

light

Bufeo albicaudafus
of the border, south to Ar-

the

edge

of the desert. The

gray appearance and a very prom-

block terminal band on the white

mature

is

dark,

almost

eagle-like

in

tail.

color,

The imon

with

unmarked grayish tail. The wings are held in a V when

and the tail is short. Feeds on small animals.

soaring,

t^**^

%.

-^

76

GOLDEN EAGLE
A

bird

rare

Aquila chrysaefos

remote

of

mountains,

tundra,

grass-

and deserts. Both adults and immatures have the

rich dark brown body plumage. The golden neck feathers
are seen only at close range. The broad white tail band
and white wing patches of the immature are good field
marks. Note its buteo flight with very long rounded
lands,

--^

wings. Legs are feathered to the toes. Feeds mostly on

rodents. Call, rapid sharp chips.

BALD EAGLE

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Rare and local along shores. Adult plumage, white

head and

tail

on brown body,

tures

are brown,

their

fourth

year.

and

Eagle's,

mottled
Bill

are

legs

tarsus. Flies with

is

deep

is

unmistakable. Immawhite

with

irregularly

until

much heavier than Golden

feathered

halfway

strokes, soars

down

the

on flattened wings.

Note large head, short tail. Chief food

Golden Eagle's, but softer.

is

fish.

Call

similar to

OSPREYS

(fish

hawks) are worldwide

in

near fresh or

distribution

water. Fish, the only prey, are taken at or

just

salt

below the surface. The

birds hover, often 50' to 150' high, then suddenly plunge, sometimes

going completely under the water.

OSPREY

Pandion haliaetus
and rivers. Conlong wings and black "wrist" mark

Uncommon; along
spicuous crook

In

seacoasts, lakes,

confirm identification of adults and young at great

Plumage

dis-

dark above, white below. Except

when migrating at a height, they flop more than they

tances.

is

sail. Wingbeats are slow and deep. Wings are held in

an arched position. Call, a series of loud, clear whistles.

CARACARAS AND FALCONS,

though dissimilar

in

looks

and be-

havior, are closely related. Caracaras are tropical American, with

one species ranging

into the U.S.

They feed on carrion.

CARACARA
This

uncommon and

Corocaro cheriway
local

long-legged scavenger of

and open scrublands spends much time on

the large head and beak, long neck,
white throat, and black-banded white tail set

the prairies
the ground.

long

fc

it

tail,

In flight

apart from the vultures, with which

Call, a low rattle.

it

often associates.

32"

W 78'

78

FALCONS

hawks with long pointed wings, large

narrow at the tip. They are rapid on the wing,
with a direct, choppy, powerful flight, though they sometimes soar
with the tail spread open.
are streamlined

heads, and

that

tails

GYRFALCON
An

F6/co rustkolus

wandering south of Canada.

White phase is mostly in Greenland, black in western
Canada, and the more common gray phase in between.
Preys on birds and rodents. Has a slow wingbeat and
fast flight. Note the large size and pale facial markings.

in

rarely

FALCON

PRAIRIE

bird,

arctic

light

F6/co mexicanus

brown falcon of the

wooded

areas.

plains, occasionally

found

Black axillars (base of underside of

wings) are diagnostic. Plumage

grine Falcon's. Flight

is

is

much paler than Pereand usually low.

strong, rapid,

Call, a series of short loud notes.

PEREGRINE FALCON

Best field

.v^%.

Fd/co peregnnus

and woods.
marks are facial pattern, dark cap, and large

rare local falcon of coasts, mountains,

f
size.

Flight

soars.

It

is

fast;

only Prairie Falcon

is

swifter. Rarely

preys almost entirely on birds. Call, a long series

of slurred notes.

PIGEON
This

told

HAWK

Fd/co co/umbdnus

uncommon

small dark falcon of open areas

by the absence of a black

prominently barred

tail

facial pattern

and pointed wings.

is

and by
Flight

is

direct with steady wingbeats, often low over the ground;

\^^

seldom soars.

and

It

often captures shorebirds, pigeons, mice,

insects. Call

is

series of

sharp

SPARROW HAWK

b/fcs.

Fd/co sporver/us

Sparrow Hawk

The smallest and most common falcon in open and

semi-open country. The only small falcon with two
"whiskers" on each side of face and the only one with

a rusty back. Hunts from poles or trees; frequently hovers.

Eats insects primarily. Call, a sharp

/c/7/y Jc///y

APLOMADO FALCON
Rare; along the Mexican border. Tail

/(/7/y.

Fd/co femord//s
is

proportion-

and wider than those of most falcons. Note

the distinctive white line below the black cap.
ately longer

Pigeon

Hawk

/"-^

FALCONS
gray
phase

GYRFALCON
p

r'"'

'

//

iv<^>.

phase

20"

-^^

W 48"

/#'

irr^:;^
:

/
i

qf'

Peregrine
Falcon

^.

^
^jT
;/

PRAIRIE

FALCON
16"

W 40"

-pi''

/'
'^'-

rairie

'"

'

.^'//' PEREGRINE

Mf

<' ff

FALCON

L15"W40"

Falcon

:{f PIGEON HAWK

L12"W23"
/uVsJI

vering

80

HAWKS

IN FLIGHT are best studied at concentration spots during

In some places more than 1,000 buteos and accipiters can

migration.

be seen

one day. Hawks tend

in

to

move along shores

cross large bodies of water. Concentrations

may be

rather than

seen along lake

ancLocean shores and along mountain ridges, where updrafts

Some good

their flight.

places to observe

hawk

Hawk Mt., Kempton, Pa., all hawks

Great Lakes, south shores, all hawks
Great Lakes, north shores, all hawks

Sept.

Cape May,

Sept.

N.J., accipiters, falcons,

will

aid

migrations are:

and

spring

fall

Mar. and Apr.

Ospreys

and Oct.
and Oct.

LONG-TAILED
Goshawk

HAWKS ^'^

p.

68

'f^ ^^'
^

vm^^.
Gyrfalcon
p.

78

Hawk

-'

-^*^

MM-

Hawk

/.'^ >,VC-'

4Si'*^'Y

Marsh Hawk

^-"^i
Sparrow Hawk
p.

Uv'C-'

K^ii

Cooper's

igeon

yf^f^^:;^

,)}}),

78

^^%

p.

68

'iSjl

DARK BUTEOS
Rough-legged
p.

^1^

A^L

LIGHT BUTEOS

Hawk

70
Rough-legged

Hawk

p.

70

dark phase

^4.
Ferruginous
p.

Hawk

70
Ferruginous

^
^^^^

-^^^ V'

light

Hawk

p.

70

phc

Red-tailed

Hawk

^>

p.

70

82

GALLINACEOUS

BIRDS

(Order

Galliformes) are heavy-bodied,

have a short heavy bill with the upper
mandible strongly decurved. The wings are short and rounded. Tails
vary from short to very long. Legs are rather long. Their flight is not
chicken-like land birds. All

fast,

but they can burst into

When

full

flight with

rapid wingbeats from a

more than a few hundred

feet. All are capable runners that forage on the ground for seeds and
insects. Males of most species are more colorful than the females.
Males of many species have elaborate courtship displays that include
sitting

position.

raising

strutting,

neck,

and

tail,

flushed, seldom fly

or spreading of specialized feathers on the head,

and the

inflating of air sacs in the neck.

Beating of

the air with their wings or the release of air from the air sacs produces
characteristic courtship sounds.

They are mainly non-migratory.

FAMILIES OF GALLINACEOUS BIRDS

Chachalacas and others (Cracidoe) Large, long-legged, long-tailed,
chicken-like

woodland

birds.

Eggs, 3-4.

p.

82

Turkeys (Meleagrididae) Very large long-legged birds with a long

broad tail. Head and neck bare. Eggs, 10-12,

p. 82
Grouse (Tetraonidae) Medium-sized birds with moderate to long tail.
Nostrils and feet covered with feathers. Courtship displays often
elaborate. Ground dwellers. Eggs, 7-12.
p. 84
Quails, Partridges, and Pheasants (Phasianidae) Small to large birds
of fields or

open country. Quails, the

New and Old

smallest, are natives of the

Worlds, Eggs, 6-16. Partridges, from Europe, are

larger. Eggs, 8-16. Pheasants, from Asia, are largest.

TURKEY

p,

88

Meleagr'is gallopavo

Gone from most of its original range, yet fairly common locally in open woodland or forest clearings. Similar
to the familiar

barnyard turkey, but slimmer and with

rusty, not white, tip to the tail.

Turkeys roost

In

trees at

They are weak fliers and prefer to avoid danger

by running. Their food is acorns, fruit, and seeds. The
male, or gobbler, calls (gobbles) in the early morning to
summon the hens of his harem,
night.

_;

CHACHALACA

..

Ortalis vetula

abundant in woodlands and thickets, prefering clearing in heavy growth. This large, long-tailed,
arboreal species is quite unlike any other U.S. bird. Note
the plain olive back and iridescent green tail. The patch
of dull pinkish skin on the side of the throat becomes red
on the male in spring. Outer edge of tail is tipped with
white. Sexes similar. Call is a loud repetition of its name.
Locally

.A.

arouse

quail

dove

84
BLUE GROUSE

Dendragapus obscurus
in summer, in mountain thickets of fir in winter. The male is told by its plain
gray plumage and the orange or yellow patch of skin
above the eye. The female is a dark mottled brown; has

Common

a black

tail

in

deciduous woodlands

with a pale gray terminal band. Birds

northern Rockies lack the

tail

deep booming sounds from

in

the

band. The male produces

neck sacs. These

his inflated

are purple on interior birds and orange on coastal birds.

SPRUCE GROUSE

A
ests.

fairly

Canachiies canadensis

common, very tame grouse

The male

spots on the sides. Bare skin

eastern race, the

toil

rustier

with

above the eye

tail

coverts.

The mottled female

hooting

is

Usually fairly

A summer
conifers.

Generally

Bonasa umbellus

common, but

the population

is

variable.

open woods; winters

Two color phases occur, gray and red, dif-

resident of clearings

fering mainly
its

tail.

extremely low pitched.

RUFFED GROUSE

in

red. In the

than Blue Grouse, darker than Ruffed Grouse,

brown terminal band on blackish

silent;

is

has a chestnut band. Western race

has white spots on upper

is

of coniferous for-

gray above, block below, with white

is

in

in

the tones of the finely barred

tail

with

block terminal band. The male attracts females by a

display pattern

and by "drumming" the

air with rapidly

beating wings.

SHARP-TAILED GROUSE
Pedioecetes phasianellus
Locally common in prairies and brushland. Underparts ore light. The narrow pointed

distinguishing

and

it

in

flight

prairie chicken (p. 86).

is

white-edged,
(p.

90)

The mottled body feathers

produce an overall buffy appearance. During courting

display mole gives

deep pigeon-like

SAGE GROUSE
Common in sagebrush
hills

tail

from female pheasant

coos.

Cenfrocercus urophasianus
country, summering

and wintering on the

in

the foot-

plains. Both sexes ore recog-

nized by their large size, black bellies, and long, pointed

tails.

Note also the white breast of the male and the

block throat divided by a white band.

is

sagebrush.

Its

principal food

During display male utters short, deep,

bubbling notes.

BLUE GROUSE
L

^^^

display

Northern
Rocky Mt
races

/^^SM'^i^

17"

86

GREATER PRAIRIE CHICKEN

Uncommon and

May be

prairies.

rounded,

short,

very local;

Tympanuchus cupido
grasslands and

virgin

in

from other prairie birds by the

told

blackish

that

tail

contrasts

with

brown body plumage. The males have long

feathers on the sides of the neck and orange
that are inflated during courtship. The
is

barred. The Sharp-tailed Grouse

occur

same

the

in

tail

(p.

the

tufts

air

of

sacs

of the female

84),

which

may

brown toil
During display the male makes a

habitat, shows a pointed

bordered with white.

weird, deep, hollow sound.

LESSER PRAIRIE CHICKEN

Even
in

arid regions.

It

is

Tympanuchus

pallidicinctus

than the Greater, and found more

smaller

and

paler, with reddish air

Both species have courtship, or booming, grounds

sacs.

^ k h hk HH

common

less

where the males gather to display before the females.

Courtship sound is higher in pitch than in the Greater
Prairie Chicken.

WILLOW PTARMIGAN

Lagopus iagopus
deep thickets or on
windswept tundra not covered by snow. The summer
male is more reddish than other ptarmigans. The female
is similar in plumage to the smaller Rock Ptarmigan, but

Common

the Arctic; winters

in

has a proportionately larger

white, except for black
leaves. Winters

in

tail.

in

Winter birds are

bill.

The principal food

line. In

all

willow

small flocks.

ROCK PTARMIGAN
Common

is

Lagopus mutus

mountain areas, usually above the tree

summer the male is lighter and more yellow than
in

the larger Willow Ptarmigan, but females are virtually

identical except for size

and

In

bill.

are white, faintly tinged with pink;

sexes,

and

Found

in

winter both sexes

tail

is

black

in

both

the male has a black line through the eye.

pairs

in

the summer,

in

flocks in winter. Call,

very low pitched and grating.

Lagopus leucurus
WHITE-TAILED PTARMIGAN
Locally common above timberline. This is the only
ptarmigan with no black on the tail. Unwary in the wild,
it

danger in preference to flying. Its staple

Dwarf Willow, although it also eats the needles

runs from

food

is

of Alpine

Fir.

Call

is

hen-like.

^^/

GREATER PRAIRIE
CHICKEN
L

14"

3reater
rairie

Zhicken

.f??^'"^

^^>X

5^

lisplay

LESSER PRAIRIE

CHICKEN

v\!i*S->

%:{0r-^((ftaM

^3^

display

^**'^'^^^*

13"

WILLOW
PTARMIGAN

-^

13"

winter

ROCK
PTARMIGAN
Lll"

*.

summer

88
I

!,
'

'

SCALED QUAIL

to year,
J

Callipepla squamata

common, but population

Usually

fluctuates from year

bird of dry semi-desert country. Sexes are

gray-backed, scaled underneath, with a promi-

alike,

nent cottony white crest that gives the birds a very pale

appearance. Normally gregarious, usually found

3l

up

(of

to

TOO

birds).

Seldom

________ a sharp, two-syllable

flies,

in

flocks

preferring to run. Has

call.

Lophortyx californkus
CALIFORNIA QUAIL
Common in mixed woodlands and increasing in large

Note the male's black face outlined in white,

and white marking on the gray flanks.
Both sexes have scaling on the belly. The similar Gam-

city parks.

bluish chest,

its

bel's

Quail has a plain belly (with black spot

Usually seen

slurred notes, the middle

GAMBEL'S QUAIL
This is a common

-^

in

the male).

feeding on the ground. Call of 3

in flocks,

one highest and loudest.

Lophorfyx gambelii

quail of drier habitats than the

California, which

it
resembles. Ranges barely meet.
Note the chestnut flanks, broadly streaked with white
in both sexes. The black belly patch can also be used
to separate the male from the California. The teardrop
topknot, common to both species, distinguishes them
from all other quail. Call is similar to California Quail's.

MOUNTAIN QUAIL
This

largest of

Oreorfyx picfus

North American quails

regions

The

head plume

thin

in

streaks on the flanks

good

field

is

common

in

mixed woodlands and chaparral.

mountain

is

distinctive;

the

vertical

white

and the chestnut throat also are

marks. Sexes are similar, but the female

is

duller than the male. These quail are hard to flush. Call,

a loud crowing note or a soft whook.

Cyrionyx moniezumae

HARLEQUIN QUAIL

Rather common, but local on open woodland slopes

is easily identified by the
and the heavily spotted flanks. The dull
brown female has enough traces of the male's face pat-

under oaks or pines. The male

face

pattern

tern to identify

%.

it.

When approached,

squat and hide rather than

"

fly.

louder and more varied at dusk.

Call

is

Harlequins often

a gentle whistle,

WESTERN
QUAILS

protective

crouching

90

RING-NECKED

PHEASANT
L

^^,^r

GRAY

-^^

PARTRIDGE
L

4.
Pheasant

..V*

*r*

27"

r%

10"

92

HERONS AND THEIR

ALLIES (Order Ciconiiformes) are wading birds

bill. Most feed on oquatic animal life in
shallow water. Some have long plumes, or aigrettes, in the breeding

and

with long legs, neck,

season.

Wings are broad and rounded;

FAMILIES

Herons and

Bitterns

drawn back. Most

Wood

OF HERONS AND THEIR

(Ardeidae)
nest

Ibises (Ciconiidae)

Head
and Spoonbills

outstretched.
ibises

and spoon-shaped.

tail is short.

in
Bill

Bill

straight.

Eggs, 2-6.

ALLIES

Flight slow, with

colonies. Calls, hoarse croaks.

92

heavy, decurved. Flight slow with neck

of adult bare.

(Threskiornithidae)

p.
Bill

thin

and decurved

Fast wingbeats, neck outstretched.

Flamingos (Phoenicopteridae) Legs and neck extremely long;

98

or flat
p.

98

bill stout,

hooked. Flight ponderous, neck outstretched but drooping.

GREAT WHITE HERON

head
p.

p.

98

Ardea occidentalis
American heron is locally common in salt water
along the coast of southern Fla. and the Fla. Keys. Bill is yellow, legs
yellowish. Very closely related to Great Blue Heron. Does not flock.
This largest North

jyood

ibis

egret

spoonbill

Ibis

flofningo

WHITE HERONS

GREAT WHITE

HERON
L

^
Common

38"

W 70"

X
Egret

j0
^^ ^

open curve

CONmON
EGRET

Reddish Egret

for comparison

32"

W 55"

Snowy Egret

tight curve

%
white

phase

-^
im. Little Blue

Heron

for

comparison

SNOWY
EGRET
L

ii

20"

W 38"

>>

display

breeding

V
V

^^-str^^


94

GREAT BLUE HERON

*

This largest of the

\

Hi

water as well as

salt.

are dark. This pattern

When

V-

hunting. Great

Ardea herodias
dark herons

Head
is

is

is

common on

fresh

largely white, underparts

reversed

in

the Louisiana Heron.

Blue walks slowly through

lows or stands with head hunched on shoulders.

shal-

rare

and the Great White occurs

in
Fla. Bay. Called Wiirdemann's Heron, it is like a
Great Blue with a white head and neck. Alarm call of
both is a series of about 4 hoarse squawks.
hybrid between

this

species

REDDISH EGRET
An uncommon, dark heron

D;c/iromandssa rufescens
of salt-water flats. Larger

than the Louisiana. The head and neck are quite shaggy.

The

bill

base, a
(p.

X.

K
H-i-

93).

usually
trait

is

dark at the

tip

and

also distinguishing the

flesh-colored at the

rare white

phase

Very active when feeding running, hopping,

and flapping as

it

pursues

fish.

BLUISH

HERONS

Hfi

41

Great Blue Heron

soon after take off

GREAT BLUE HERON

L

38"

W 70"

96

^%

*f

roost ing

^^

BLACK-

CROWNED

NIGHT HERON
L

20"

W 44"

98

WOOD

Mycteria americana
American stork is locally common in southern
swamps, marshes, and ponds. The bill is long and thick;
adult's dark head is unfeathered. Immature has a paler
IBIS

This only

head and neck; yellow

and

with neck

Flies

bill.

legs ex-

tended; often soars. Wingbeats are slow and powerful.

It

feeds on

onies

WHITE-FACED

is

of

told from Glossy Ibis, only

by

season,

and under the

the eye
identical

to

the

GLOSSY

white

and

the

around

line

Flies

in

V-formation;

or

lines

gliding. Call of low quacks.

Plegadis falcinellus

IBIS

Uncommon

ch'ihi

in

chin of the adult. Immatures are

Glossy.

alternates flapping

broad

the

col-

in

Plegadis

IBIS

Uncommon. Can be
breeding

and amphibians. Nests

humming notes.

reptiles,

fish,

trees. Call

in

but extending

range. Feeds

its

flocks in fresh or salt marshes. Adult

is

in

small

a uniform bronze

brown, which appears black at a distance. The immature

resembles immature White

dark rump. The

but has a light neck and

Ibis

decurved

thin

bill,

outstretched

neck,

rapid wingbeats, and alternately flapping and gliding

flight distinguish

WHITE

it

from herons.

Eudocimus albus

IBIS

Locally abundant, but

more confined

to coastal loca-

and bill. The

when at rest.
show white rump when flying, and from

tions than other ibises. Adult has red face

small black wing tips are usually hidden

Young
below
seen

birds

the dark neck contrasts with the white belly. Often

in

large flocks that

tion. Calls

fly in

long lines or

ROSEATE SPOONBILL
Rare and local
the

tip,

is

immature

in

V-forma-

are low and harsh.

in

unique. Adult
intensifies

Ajaia ajaja

shallow salt water.

with

flattened at

Bill,

mostly pink; faint pink on

is

age.

stretched. Feeds on small marine

AMERICAN FLAMINGO
A rare straggler on mudflats

Flies
life.

with

Usually

neck

out-

silent.

P/ioenicop/erus ruber
of southern Fla.; most are

probably escapees. Neck and legs extremely long,

thick

and hooked, plumage variable from

rose.

Feeds on small marine

life.

light

bill

pink to

Call, gooselike honks.

IBISES

AND

SPOONBILLS

WOOD
L

35"

IBIS

W 66"

TOO

CRANES AND THEIR

group.
as size,

All

ALLIES {Order Gruiformes) are a

diversified

are wading birds with long legs, but other features such

body

outline,

bill

FAMILIES
Cranes (Gruidae)
The long neck

shape, and neck length ore variable.

OF CRANES AND THEIR

ALLIES

body and long

a heavy

Tall, stately birds, with

legs.

extended in flight. Eggs, 2.

p. 100
Limpkins (Aramidoe) Medium-sized, with long legs and neck. Long,
thin, slightly decurved bill. Eggs, about 12.
p. 100
Rails,

Gollinules,

Rails

and

is

and Coots

(Rollidae)

Divided into two subfamilies.

medium-sized to small, compact

Gollinules:

short neck, long legs,

and long

Coots: duck-sized birds with lobed feet. The

bill

with

birds,

toes. Eggs, 6-15.

102

p.

short

is

and

Eggs, about 12.

thick.

p.

WHOOPING CRANE

104

Grus americana

Extremely rare; population totals about 50. Breeds

northern
yft^

fresh-water

bogs,

winters

coastal

in

in

prairie.

Note the adult's white head and body, and bore red
face and crown, and the black primaries of

Young ore reddish-brown,

pattern of flying birds

is

more

than that of White Pelican or

and white

tail

like that of

Wood

birds.

Very long neck

Ibis.

Whooping Crane are

of

all

and white
Snow Goose

lighter below. Black

diagnostic. Call, a

vibrant trumpet note.

SANDHILL CRANE
Locally common

Grus canadensis

and occasionopen pinelonds and marshes. Both the gray adult

and the brown immature can be recognized by their
very large size and uniform coloration. Note the bare
red cop of the adult. The flight is on alternation of gliding and flapping; the rapid upstroke of the wings is a
good field mark. Often seen in large flocks except during the breeding season. Small rodents, frogs, and inin

and

prairies

fields,

ally in

sects are

its

food. The voice

LIMPKIN
Locally

common

in

is

the

rattle.

Aramus guarauna
wooded swamps; uncommon in

marshes. The long slender

distinguish

a low, loud, musical

bill,

slightly

decurved,

Limpkin from the night herons

(p.

will

96).

Each feather on the dork brown body plumage has a

large white crescent. The long neck

and

is

extended

Snails are
is

its

in

flight.

Active by

favorite food.

heard most often at night.

Its

call,

is

usually held erect

day and by

night.

a carrying krr-oww,

egret

^crane

rail

duck

'ails

and Limpkin

Whooping

in

marsh

K^'

Crane
jdance

coots take ofF

SANDHILL CRANE
L

37"

W 80"

r-

'.

^\\v>

\-

^ ^\\

WHOOPING
CRANE
45"

LIMPKIN
L

22"

W 42'

W 90"

102
4 f

SMALL RAILS

VIRGINIA RAIL

chick

L6%"

*>^^^;

SORA
\iy%'

104

>4f444i

M; 4

CLAPPER RAIL
L

12"

W 20"

KING RAIL
L

14"

W 24"

COMMON
GALLINULE
L

^-.

loys"

W2r'

PURPLE
GALLINULE

'S^

L 101/2"

W21"

AMERICAN COOT
L

12"

W25"

106

AND

SHOREBIRDS, GULLS,
and

large
ilies

in

diverse group of

ALCIDS (Order Charadriiformes) form a

wading

swimming birds with ten fam-

or

North America. Most are white and gray or brown, with long

webbed

pointed wings and long legs or

most species. Shorebirds

fall

Sexes are similar

feet.

in

107), but four of

families (p.

into six

these are minor ones. Shorebirds typically have long legs

and pointed

wings. They are highly migratory. Most feed along shores, a few
inland. Gulls

and

and

terns {Family Laridae)

their relatives the skim-

mers (Family Rynchopidae), and the jaegers and skuas {Family Stercorariidae) are short-legged, web-footed birds,

shorebirds

except the

The auks,

phaloropes.

more aquatic than all

murres, and puffins

{Family Alcidae) are short-winged pelagic birds.

J
^

laeger

gul

alcid

iWiMiraw^

BEHAVIOR OF SHOREBIRDS
Many
habits,

of these

so varied

birds,

have behavior

traits that

either of shorebirds

istic

in

form and

in

are character-

general or of

indi-

vidual species.

Dowitcher

1.

worms and

probing

sand

in

or

mud

for

small crustaceans.

Avocet skimming the surface of ponds for

sects

3.

and

their larvae.

Spotted Sandpiper tipping up

tail.

Often

seen on rocks rather than sand.

4.

Killdeer

truder

feigning

away from

its

wing

injury

to

lead

in-

nest.

5.

Oystercatchers bowing

6.

Willet

showing wing

in

courtship.

stripe.

Many

shore-

have a less conspicuous stripe.

Snipe "winnowing" in flight, making

birds
7.

8.

sound with its wings and tail.

Phalarope spinning in shallow water

up

insect larvae.

9.

Dunlin standing on one foot, a typical rest-

whistling

to

stir

ng posture of shorebirds.

I
<-*

107

JACANAS
long

long

with

birds

tropical

very

Jacanidae)

(Family

are

and

legs

They walk on

toes.

pads, eat insect larvae. Eggs,

OYSTERCATCHERS

lily

4.

Haema-

[Family

topodidae) are large chunky shorebirds with bright red

heads. The long

pressed

laterally,

and black

bills

which

bill,

used

is

comopen

is

to

bivalves. Eggs, 2-3.

are

small

Choradriidae)

(Family

medium-sized

to

shorter

birds,

AND

TURNSTONES,

PLOVERS,
SURFBIRDS

shore-

and

billed

shorter

necked than most sandpipers. The

heads of most are strongly marked.
Backs are plain or speckled. Food is
small marine

SANDPIPERS

Eggs, usually 4.

life.

(Fam/7y Scolopacidae)

and varied group

wading birds; some

large

and
some

but

fresh-water,

of shore

upland,

most

seen

along ocean shores. Size ranges from

5"

Plumage

19".

to

gray,

Many

streaked.

is

brown,

or

buff,

are

mainly dull
mottled

or

identified

by

their tail,

rump, and wing markings.

Legs and

bills

are long and slender.

Feed mainly on small invertebrates.

Often seen

in flocks.

Sexes are alike

or nearly so. Eggs, 2 to (usually) 4.

AVOCETS
are

{Family

waders with long

on

insects

PHALAROPES
have

duller

marine

than
life.

upward. They
and small marine

Eggs,

invertebrates.

dae)

slender-legged

thin bills that are

curved

or

straight

feed

Recurvirostridae)

medium-large

usually 4.

(Family Phalaropodi-

lobed

toes.

females.

Males are
Food,

Eggs, usually 4.

small

108

DARK-BACKED SHOREBIRDS

are grouped here for convenience be-

cause their plumage, silhouettes and behavior are so different from

those of other shorebirds. The heavy-bodied oystercatchers, the ex-

tremely long-legged avocet and

stilt, and the long-toed Jacana are

by themselves; the rounded-winged, crested Lapwing is in
a different subfamily from the other plovers.

in

families

AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER
Uncommon; on
where

^^

coastal mudflats

feeds on

it

flocks well apart

shellfish.

Haemafopus palliatus
and sandy beaches,

Usually seen

from other shorebirds.

in

very small

Its

black and

white plumage, large white wing stripe, and

identify

it.

Coll

is

shrill,

BLACK OYSTERCATCHER
Uncommon.
body, red

bill,

Prefers

and pink

red

bill

loud Ic/eep.

rocky

Haemafopus bachmani
shores.

Note

legs. In courting,

the

black

both American

and Black males display by walking up to the female

with bowed head. The flight is strong, and flocks fly
in

lines in

V-formation, Calls are short peeping notes.

display

probing

AMERICAN

OYSTERCATCHER
L16"

JjS^^Jj^Um^

BLACK
OYSTERCATCHER
L15"

AMERICAN
AVOCET
L15"

%
L

7"
scale

1/

scale

#te

if

"^

110

PLOVERS

(Family Charadriidae, Subfamily Charadriinae) are medium-

sized to small shorebirds. The

swelling near the

flight

is

bill is

The neck

is

direct

and

fast. Plovers

and has a noticeable

rather short

short; so

is

not drooping. The wings are

horizontally,

swiftly

tip.

the

which

tail,

insects

or small

animals. The nests are on the ground. Typical plovers

groups: the medium-sized unbonded plovers

(p. 112).

Surfbirds

(this

marine

two
page) and the smaller
fall

into

and Turnstones {Subfamily Arenarii-

nae) are shown with rock-inhabiting sandpipers on

-iS

carried

are active feeders, walking or running

on shore or grassland, foraging for

ringed plovers

is

pointed, almost narrow;

DOTTEREL

p.

120.

Eudrom.ias morinellus

breed there.

and northern Alaska, but may

Winters in Asia. Adult with its cinnamon

underparts

unmistakable. Female

Casual

western

in

is

is

like

male.

In

fall

could be mistaken for Golden Plover, but the broad white

eye
"~~~~~~~~^

sk

V.

'^ ^^

_
'

je"

stripes

pole breast

meet on the nape, and at close range the

line

is

visible

and

diagnostic.

knot

turnstone

unhanded

Spotted

plover

Sandpiper

Dunlin

banded plover
.^^^is-.

r*^.

112

BANDED PLOVERS

(Genus Charadrius) are similar

bonded

110), but hove

plovers

(p.

PIPING PLOVER
Uncommon; on

Charadrius melodus
the drier portions of sandy beaches.

Note the pole back,

yellow legs and feet.
ter

is

it

flocks.

to the larger un-

one or two block neck bands.

single (usually partial) neck bond,

In

spring the

bill

is

yellow;

dark. Piping Plovers ore seen singly or

The

coll

is

small

two-noted and organ-like.

SNOWY PLOVER
Locally

win-

in
in

Charadrius alexandrinus

common on sand

flats

and

alkali ponds. Paler

than the Piping, with one incomplete dork band, dark

bill,

and

legs.

At close range the

bill

appears

low-pitched

be

to

longer and thinner than that of the Piping. Coll

is

chu-wee.

SEMIPALMATED PLOVER
Common on beaches and

Charadrius semipalmatus
mudflats.

Note the dork

bock, prominent white collar, white face markings, black

and orange bill, and orange legs. In immature and adult

plumage the band on the neck is brown and the

winter

legs yellow.

Coll, chur-wee.

6") breeds

Ringed Plover (Charadrius

Greenland and Boffin Island,

winters in the Old World. Not safely separable from
Semipalmoted except by lack of webs on toes.
hiaticula,

in

\
ij

I
t

winter

PIPING PLOVER
L 51/2"

summer

-7
1

^y

-^^w

SNOWY

PLOVER

^6
^^^summer

15%"


114

SANDPIPERS

{Family Scolopacidae)

differ

from plovers

in

having

more slender, and in several species distinctly

curved. Necks tend to be longer than in plovers, and backs are
cryptically patterned in most species by pale edging on feathers.
bills

that are longer,

LONG-BILLED CURLEW
Rather common. Nests
is

also found

very long

marshes, mudflats, and beaches. The

in

bill

a good

is

The cinnamon underv/ing

*!..

Crown

identification.

Numenius americanus
meadov/s and pastures, and

in

field

mark, but varies greatly.

linings should

be seen to

unstreaked. Call

is

clinch

a plaintive

is

curlew with rising inflection.

WHIMBREL
Common
^y'\

marshes, mudflats, shores, and prairies.

than

Smaller

Numenius phaeopus
in

*^%j^
/

^'

In

good

light
is

Bristle-

thighed Curlew (Numenius tahitiensis,

islands.

on

striping

distinct

and pale underparts.

a short mellow whistle, repeated rapidly 6-7 times.

breeder

bill,

the back appears grayer than the Long-billed's. Call

>^

_ii.

with

Long-billed,

crown, a shorter

in
It

15")

is

a rare

western Alaska, winters on central

Pacific

resembles the Whimbrel, but has a

bright

rusty tail contrasting with a

somber brown bock.

ESKIMO CURLEW

Numenius borealis

1959 seen in spring on Galveston

Island, Tex. Smaller than Whimbrel, with comparatively
shorter, more slender bill, and cinnamon wing linings.
Nearly

extinct; since

MARBLED GODWIT
Rather

common

Limosa fedoa
in

West,

rare

East.

in

Breeds

on

meadows, and pastures, and winters along the

coasts. The brown plumage is mottled above and barred
below. The very long bill turns up. Note the cinnamon
prairies,

,^

wing

linings. Call

is

a whistled godwit.

HUDSONIAN GODWIT
Uncommon;
flats.

in

Limosa haemastica

marshes, meadows, shores, and mud-

The bold black and white tail pattern is distinctive.

are black, wing linings sooty. Call is like

In flight axillars

Marbled Godwit's, but higher.

BAR-TAILED
Nests

GODWIT

in arctic

barring on

tail,

Alaska, winters

Limosa lapponica
in

western

no barring on underparts.

Pacific.

Note

LARGE SANDPIPERS
i\

"^RISTLE-

THIGHED

CURLEW

WHIMBREL
L

14"

Marbled

BAR-TAILED

GODWIT
L

13"

116

UPLAND SANDPIPERS
typically

breed

in

are an arbitrary group of sandpipers that

inland locations high

UPLAND PLOVER
Local

above sea

level.

Bartramia longicauda

and uncommon

in

grass country. Has a distinc-

neck, small head, short bill, and

The crown and outer wings are much
darker than the rest of the plumage. Flies stiffly, as a

tive

silhouette long

relatively long

tail.

Spotted Sandpiper does, and briefly holds

after

V:^...

it

lands. Call

is

a mellow whistle.

its

wings erect

UPLAND SANDPIPERS

AND

TATTLERS

UPLAND PLOVER
L
A^

i/,

.>\

.'^

(if//.

>.

'^

i':j

10"

118
WILLET

Catoptrophorus semipalmatus

Common;

eastern birds breed along the coast, western

ones on lakes. Both winter

J^^^_

in salt

marshes. Best identified

by the diagnostic wing pattern. Standing birds

are plump, with a thicker bill than yellowiegs'. Seen in
In flight

small flocks or pairs. Call,

pill-will-w'illet.

GREATER YELLOWLEGS
Common on muskeg and
marshes

in

summer and In
and

winter. Noticeably slimmer than Willet

in

thinner

with

Tofanus melanoleucus
tundra

Among

bill.

the

long-legged

tall

sand-

two yellowlegs have bright yellow

distinguished from Lesser Yellowlegs by

pipers, only the

legs.

Greater

size,

longer

is

bill

(sometimes barely upturned), and the sharp

3- to 5-note whistle.

Totanus fldv/pes
LESSER YELLOWLEGS
Fairly common. Similar to the larger Greater Yellowlegs, but bill is much shorter and more slender. Call Is

soft

3-note whistle that lacks the loud ringing

1- to

quality of the Greater's. Often seen

^rtt

In

loose flocks.

SANDPIPER

Micropalama himantopus
marshes and mudflats.
The rusty cheek and crown and the barred flanks are
present only in breeding plumage. The long greenish
legs, clear white rump, and dark trailing edges of wings

STILT

Uncommon;

are

fresh

In

and

salt

marks. Often feeds with dowitchers, but

fall field

is

more slender and has longer legs and a shorter bill. Call,
a low querp, softer, hoarser than Lesser Yellowlegs'.

SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER

Common,

especially

the tip of which

is

Limnodromus griseus

along coasts. Notice long

usually out of sight

when

bill,

the birds are

rump patch extends farther up the

back than on other shorebirds. Legs are short, the body
chunky. Call, a low mellow 3-note whistle.
feeding. The white

LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER Limnodromus scolopaceus

This common western dowitcher averages larger and
longer billed than the Short-billed, and in summer plumage has

rusty lower belly,

bars on the white

billed's paler,

Call

is

more

a single,

tail.

finely

thin,

barred flanks, and blacker

At close range look for Long-

barred

tail In

peeping note or a

winter plumage.
series of

same.

MEDIUM-SIZED

WADERS

^Sj
WILLET
L 131/2"

LESSER

YELLOWLEGS
L

Lesser

8Va"

STILT

SANDPIPER

Yellowlegs
:*^

7V4"

^tOW C B ILLED
DOWITCHER
L

10"

120

SURFBIRD

Aphriza virgata

Common
breeds

in

along

rocky

shorelines

Pacific

winter;

in

mountains above timberline. Dark and plump,

with short yellow legs; told

in flight

by the black triangle

The Tattler (p. 116), found

in the same habitat, has a dark rump and lacks the wing
stripe. Call, a plaintive 3-note whistle.
at the tip of the white

tail.

RUDDY TURNSTONE

^\.

'\.

Turnstones

'-::nj

have
tip.

Ruddy

prefers

rocky

turned at the
inland.

It

Arenaria inferpres
pointed

slender

slightly

bills,

common along

is

tidal

shores,

up-

coast, rare

feeding

in

the

seaweed. Note the head and breast pattern and short

orange-red or yellow legs and

in flight

the striking black,

brown, and white pattern of the wings, rump, and

tail.

Call, 1-8 fast, low, slurred whistles.

BLACK TURNSTONE
Common on rocks

Arenaria melanocephala

along the Pacific Coast.

All

plum-

ages appear darker and more uniform than in the Ruddy

Turnstone, though the wing and back patterns are much
the same. Note the white speckling on the side of the

breast of the

breeding adult.

Immatures are grayer-

headed than winter adult and hove buffy edgings on

back feathers. Calls are

slightly

higher

pitched than

Ruddy Turnstone's.

PURPLE SANDPIPER
Common, but restricted

Erolia maritima
to

rocky coasts and

jetties;

winters farther north than other shorebirds. This darkest

sandpiper on the East Coast has a

and yellow
stones or

thin

yellow-based

bill

legs. Usually in small flocks, often with turn-

sanderlings.

Call,

wit or

weet-wit.

This,

the

Rock Sandpiper, and the smaller species on pp. 122-124

are collectively known as peeps.

ROCK SANDPIPER
Common

locally.

Erolia ptilocnemis

Breeds on the tundra; winters along

rocky shores with turnstones and surfbirds.

with short neck

(summer)
(p.

is

and greenish

tail;

is

bird

shows a broad white wing

stripe,

other western rock-inhabiting shorebirds

have white on the

Call

A plump

The dark breast patch

higher up than the black belly of the Dunlin

122). In flight Rock

but a dark

legs.

flicker-like.

tail

except the dark-winged Tattler.

ROCK SHOREBIRDS

PECTORAL SANDPIPER
Uncommon;

Er6//o

grassy marshes and wet

melanotos

Note
between the streaked breast and white
underparts, erect stance, short bill, and greenish legs.
in

fields.

the abrupt border

When

flushed,

its

zigzag, as the Snipe does; wings

flies

are uniformly dark. Call, a low prrrp. Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (EroHa acuminata,

7"), a regular fall visitor to

Alaska, irregular along West Coast,

in

fall

breast

its

like Pectoral,

is

buffy, narrowly streaked at

is

KNOT
A

C-

but

sides.

Calidris canutus

medium-sized, short-necked, stocky, locally

common

and mudflats. The short

bill and lack of a white streak up the back will distinguish it from dowitchers. In spring the gray back and
bird along sandy shores, rocks,

Robin-like breast are distinctive.

rump and

RUFF

Coll

tail.

is

spring)

(rarely

fall

Resembles Lesser Yellowlegs, but

is

from

visitor

and yellow

Posture

is

to Dunlin, but

tail

bill

is

curved throughout
is

bill,

heavy

'"

'

;'

<^x'f

''-

'"
*

Common
Reddish

When

Erolia alpina
less

apparent.
black

Sanderling

common

inland.

a long, slightly down-

It

is

plain gray above.

Crocethia alba

along sandy beaches at the water's edge.

spring, very light gray

in

with

winter

in

length. Dunlin

soft whistled chirrup.

^^^^^P^^^F^P SANDERLING
'

its

at base. In spring note the bright rusty

back and black belly. In winter

Coll, a rapid, low, grating trill.

fH

slightly

Erolia ferruginea

on East Coast. Similar

DUNLIN
Common along coast in winter;
A stout short-necked shorebird with
curved

with no

are diagnostic. Call, a low tu-whit.

locks the white rump. Call

?A>i-?

is

Legs are dull yellow.

at the base.

CURLEW SANDPIPER
A casual fall visitor

i%^
*>

bill

erect. In flight the large white oval patches at

the base of the

Dunlin

Eurasia.

much browner,

barring on the body under the wings. The

thicker

tlu-tlu.

Philomachus pugnax

(female. Reeve;

regular

note the light

flight

In

a low buzzy whistle,

in

winter plumage.

Semipalmated, the larger size Is

note the broad white wing stripe and

Least or

In flight

wrist. Flight call

is

a sharp, distinctive plick.

SHARP-TAILED
SANDPIPER
^-^'^
VI"

PECTORAL
SANDPIPER
L 71/2"

SANDERLING
L 61/2"

124

WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER
Uncommon;

Erolia fuscicollis

and along coast. Usually flocks

with other peeps. The best field mark is the white rump.
The only other short-legged sandpiper with a white rump
is the rare Curlew Sandpiper (p. 122) which is larger and
has a longer

^\XA>

inland

bill.

Feeds by probing. Call, a thin

jeet.

BAIRD'S SANDPIPER
Erolia bairdii
Uncommon; in drier short grassy marshes; sometimes
found on shores and mudflats. Pale feather edgings give
the back a scaly appearance. The body seems longer
and slimmer than that of most peeps. The body is held
more horizontal; the long wings extend well beyond the
tail. The plumage is buffy even in fall. Rather tame. In
feeding, Baird's picks rather than probes. Call, /creep.

j^wr

^^y

LEAST SANDPIPER
Erolia mir^utilla
Very common. Prefers salt marshes and muddy shores
of rivers and estuaries. The bill is thin and short; no other
small peep has yellow legs. It feeds both by probing into
the mud and by picking food from the surface. Browner
and more streaked on the breast than other sandpipers.
Call, a high breep.

PEEPS

WHITE-RUMPED
SANDPIPER
L

6Va"

BAIRO'S

SANDPIPER
L6"

LEAST

SANDPIPER
L 43/4"

SEMIPALMATED
SANDPIPER
L5"

1^)/^

RUFOUS-NECKED
SANDPIPER
L

SVa"

WESTERN
SANDPIPER
L

514"

126

PHALAROPES

{Family Phalaropodidae) look like sandpipers, but have

lobed toes and swim readily. The neck and legs are long. Two species
are pelagic. Females are larger and more colorful than the males.

Pholaropes spin

shallow water to

in circles in

WILSON'S PHALAROPE
Uncommon and the landlubber
and ponds. The

prairie sloughs

longer than the head. With

^^

its

looks like a yellowlegs or

it

up food.

stir

Sfeganopus

tricolor

of the family; nests on

bill

is

very thin and much

white rump and dark wings

Sandpiper. Call

Stilt

is

low,

gallinule-like.

RED PHALAROPE
An uncommon pelagic

Phalaropus fulicarius
species most often seen during

storms along the coast. The yellow

stouter than

other pholaropes.

in

bill is

the black eye line of pholaropes

short

and much

gray winter plumage

In

characteristic. Call

is

suggests turnstone's.
'5:;^.'.

>:';-i^:-^>/

NORTHERN PHALAROPE
Common
sea;

uncommon

mediate

in

Lobipes lobatus

on the breeding grounds and

to rare inland.

The slender

flocks at

in
bill

is

inter-

length between those of other two pholaropes.

The legs are dork. Flying birds

in

plumage

winter

re-

semble Sonderlings, but are darker backed and slenderbilled

and hove a block

line

through the eye.

Its

call

is

"of low, short, scratchy notes.

WOODCOCK AND

SNIPE {Family Scolopacidae) are

primarily inland

sandpipers of moist woodlands, marshes, and river bonks. Neck and

and the

legs ore short,

bill is

extremely long.

AMERICAN WOODCOCK

Philohela minor

Rather common, but nocturnal;

in moist woodswamps, and thickets. Stocky, with short legs,

short neck, and very long bill. Permits close approach,
then explodes with whistling wings. Coll, a nasal peent.

lives

lands,

COMMON
Common
The

size

SNIPE
in

Capella gallinago

marshes and bogs and along

and shape

of dowitchers,

it

is

told

river bonks.

by the brown-

er, more streaked head and bock, and in flight by the

brown rump and orange tail. Flies in a rapid zigzag. Gen-

erally stays close to cover, while dowitchers prefer to feed

in

the open. Call, a low, rasping kzrrt.

WILSON'S

PHALAROPE
L

71/2"

WINTER PLUMAGE
128

Red Phalarope

Knot Chunky, gray with light rump; in flocks on beaches

Rock Sandpiper Dark bird of West; small flocks on rocks
Pectoral Sandpiper Rusty; heavily streaked breast; greenish legs.
Baird's Sandpiper BufFy, scaly back; long wings; black legs
Least Sandpiper Very small, brown; short thin bill; yellow legs
Semipalmated Sandpiper Very small, gray; sturdy bill; black legs
Wilson's Phalarope Long thin bill; phalarope eye mark; gray
Red Phalarope Small, gray; sturdy yellow bill; eye mark; oceanic

p. 12<

OF SMALLER SHOREBIRDS
129

^^^:

piper

p.

y3

120

Sanderling

p.

122

A^A

...^^

White-rumped
Sandpiper

p.

ew bandpiper

124

p.

^\
V^>V-

^-^^^^^
."

Western Sandpiper

p.

124

Dunlin

p.

122

,-i-

\
Phalarope

p.

126

7)

Spotted

Sandpiper

Purple Sandpiper Small flocks on rocks

in

p.

16

East; dark; yellow legs

Sanderling Small flocks on beach; wide white wing stripe

White-rumped Sandpiper Small, gray; white rump patch; dark tail
Curlew Sandpiper Medium size; curved bill; white rump patch; rare
Western Sandpiper Very small, brown; drooping bill; coastal
Dunlin Medium size; curved bill, dark rump; common, coastal
Northern Phalarope Small, gray; short thin bill; eye mark
Spotted Sandpiper Small, brownish;

teeters;

common

inland

122

130

JAEGERS

AND SKUAS

(Order Charadriiformes, Family Stercorariidae)

look like dark gulls with elongated central

houette, flight,

and feeding

tail

feathers, but their

sil-

habits are very different. Their slender

wings are sharply bent at the "wrist" and their

tails

are frequently

fanned as they suddenly change course. Wingbeats are powerful and

rapid. Light bases of primaries distinguish these birds from gulls and
Jaegers and skuas are most often seen robbing other seabirds of
They seldom come ashore except to nest and generally are silent.

terns.
fish.

Late afternoon

rare

in

East.

is

the best time to see

them from shore. Dark phases are

Immatures lack the long

feathers. Eggs, 2-3.

tail

PARASITIC JAEGER

Sfercoror/us parasiticus

The most common jaeger, frequently seen pursuing

Adult

terns.

is

told from the larger heavier

Pomarine by

r'

the short,

pointed, central

flat,

by

Long-tailed

length alone.

tail

feathers; from the

tail

Immature

than Long-tailed and has more white

POMARINE JAEGER

in

browner

is

the wing.

Sfercorarius pomarinus

The largest of the jaegers; nearly the size of Herring

Gull. The bill is proportionately larger than those of
other jaegers. The flight is heavier and more steady. The
long central
light

.^v

is

toil

feathers are broad

more

than

distinct

twisted. In the

other jaegers.

in

LONG-TAILED JAEGER

Common
]

and

phase the sides are barred and the breast band

smallest bodied
least

Sfercorarius longicaudus

on breeding grounds, rare

inclined

and slimmest

of the

rob other seabirds.

to

in

migration. The

jaegers and the

The central

tail

feathers of the adult extend 5-8 inches behind the others.

On
'

nesting

ground

it

often hovers over

lemming. The dark phase

is

is

chief prey, the

Immature also
more graceful and

grayer than other jaegers'.

rather than brown. Flight

/ than other

is

This, the

gray

is

ternlike

jaegers'.

SKUA
in

its

almost unknown. Light phase

Cafharacfa skua
only bird that breeds both

the Antarctic

(different

in

populations),

the Arctic
is

and

common on

breeding grounds. At other seasons, rare along our coasts

but a regular offshore

visitor.

At a distance

it

looks like

a dark short-tailed Herring Gull, but can be told by the

large white patches at the base of the primaries.
of a scavenger than the jaegers,

it

More

often soars with gulls.

shearwater

falcon

laeger

SKUA

L 171/2"

16"

132

GULLS (Order Charadriiformes, Family Laridae, Subfamily Larinae)

are sturdy robust birds with webbed feet, long pointed wings, a stout
and generally a square

hooked

bill,

engers.

Some

tail.

They are primarily scav-

garbage dumps and

species gather by thousands at

docks. They rarely dive from the air, but alight on the water to

fish

seize food. Flight

is

deliberate

and powerful; some

species soar fre-

quently. Sexes are alike; immatures of the larger species take several years to acquire adult

plumage. They nest

in

IVORY GULL

^V

Pagophila eburnea

Rarely encountered

season

water

it

is

outside

the

Arctic.

the other all-white gulls;

it

much smaller than

is

by the black legs

easily told

is

and black bill (yellow-tipped in the adult).

more pigeon-like than that of other gulls.

GLAUCOUS GULL
I
' '-^^%

,^^^

is

flight

than Herring Gull) and heavier

its

size (larger

and by its tail, which

extends beyond the wing tips when at rest. Immature
can be told from all other "white-winged" gulls by more
flesh color at base of bill. In all plumages of Glaucous
and Iceland note in flight the translucent "windows" at
base of primaries. Glaucous is predatory.
bill

ICELAND GULL

l.drus

Uncommon; along

glaucoides

Great Lakes, Slightly

smaller than Herring Gull, Iceland has white wing tips

J^

'^N;
"

in all

plumages.

bill

coast; rare on

When

sitting,

its

folded wings protrude

The head looks small for the body, and

seems still smaller. First- and second-year plum-

beyond the
the

tail.

ages also resemble those of the Glaucous Gull but

of the Iceland

is

all

in

both species.

GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL

^^
In

bill

dark and much smaller. The feet are

always flesh-colored

is

generally with Herring Gulls

along the coast. Told from Iceland Gull by

"^

Its

Larus hyperboreus

Uncommon; when seen

breeding

In

found along the coast, otherwise over open

the Arctic Ocean. The Ivory

in

colonies. Eggs, 2-5.

Larus glaucescens

Abundant, especially in harbors and garbage dumps.

all plumages Glaucous-winged lacks the paler pri-

maries of the Glaucous and the dark wing

other gulls with which

plumage

is

it

tips of the

might be confused. Second-year

lighter than first-year.

Bill

is

black the

first

year, with a flesh-colored base the second year. Flight,

behavior, and call are similar to Herring Gull's.

W shearwater W

falcon

^^k

jaeger

tern

^m

gull

134
Larus marinus
GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL
Common and increasing in numbers and range. A
coastal species, rarely found inland. This

are the only black-backed gulls

which goes farther south

s,,^_

Lesser

winter than adult, can be

in

confused only with Herring Gull; note shape and extent

of black

JJs-^

and the

the East. Immature,

in

band on

contrast between light

tail,

dark back, and heavy

especially

in

of Black-backed.

bill

head and
Predatory,

low-pitched Icow-

nesting colonies. Call, a

kow-kow. Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus,

casual on the East Coast,
but

is

is

similar to

much smaller with yellow, not

WESTERN GULL
Common along

beaches, vagrant inland.

outer

almost identical

size but

The darkest

gull south of

Heermann's. Call

pink, legs.

Larus occidentalis
the

Replaces the Great Black-backed

in

is

the West. Smaller

in

behavior and plumages.

in

Alaska except for the smaller

low and

Great

resembles

backed's. Slaty-backed Gull {Larus schistisagus,

intermediate

V
\

Western,
the

size

in

^*
'"

^^,

'

.^

Black-

22"),

between Great Black-backed and

not easily separable. Casual Asiatic visitor to

is

Aleutians,

where the others do not occur.

HERRING GULL
^fa-iifc.^-4j*

18"),

Great Black-backed,

Ldrus argentafus

Abundant along the coast, particularly in harbors and

garbage dumps; common on lakes and rivers. Adults
are told from the very similar California and Ring-billed
(p. 136) by larger size, heavier build, and pink legs.
First- and second-year Herrings ore much darker tailed
than Ring-billed, and ore darker headed and smaller
Great Black-backed.

billed than

First-year Herring

from immature California by all-dork

scavenger, the Herring Gull

will

is

told

Primarily a

bill.

also break mollusks by

dropping them. Commonly seen high overhead soaring

like

hawks. Call, loud, clear, and bugle-like.

CALIFORNIA GULL
Common along the
in

breeding

season,

Lorus co/;f6rn/cus
Pacific

nesting

prairies. Slightly smaller

sembles

it

year bird

in all
is

Coast
in

in

winter

large

and inland

colonies on

plumages. Note that the

largely pinkish (not

all

bill

black),

of the

and

begin to turn greenish by the second year (pink

ring).

the

than the Herring Gull, but

See also Ring-billed Gull

(p.

136).

re-

first-

the legs
in

Her-

LARGE
WHITE-HEADED GULLS

Great Black backed

1st

winter

GREAT BLACKBACKED GULL

L

24"

W 65"

WESTERN GULL
L

21"

W55"

HERRING GULL
L

1st

20"

W 55"

winter

CALIFORNIA GULL
L

17"

W52"

136
RING-BILLED GULL

Common,
yellow

Larus delawarensis

especially inland. Complete black ring on

of adult

bill

Adult has greenish-

diagnostic.

is

yellow legs. The other large eastern gulls have

colored or black legs. Adult
l^i'-

flesh-

most similar to California

is

132), which has a small red spot as well as a black

(p.

one on the lower mandible. Underside of wing tip has

larger dark area than Herring Gull's. Immature is told
from Herring and California by the narrow black tail
band, from Mew by the larger bill and whiter body
plumage. Calls are similar to Herring Gull's.

MEW

GULL

Common
-^^

Larus canus

along the coast

winter, inland

in

season. At close range adult

is

from

told

in

breeding

other gulls

all

its unmarked, short, thin, yellow

Immature most closely resembles Ring-billed Gull.

except kittiwakes by
bill.

Calls are higher pitched than Herring Gull's.

HEERMANN'S GULL
Common along West
fined to

is

is

in

spring,

The darkest of the

gulls,

it

is

the only species

uniformly dark below. The white head of the adult

mottled

winter.

in

flight the

In

black

band and

terminal

blackish underparts of the immature.

BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE
Abundant on breeding
The adult

is

black wing

Rissa

cliffs,

recognized by
tips (no

and red bill

narrow white

tail

of the adult are diagnostic, as are the

^^

when con-

breeding islands. Rare inland; often found

its

offshore.

that

Ldrus heermanni

Coast except

its

tridactyla

wintering well offshore.

sharply defined triangular

more com-

trace of white spot). The

monly seen immature resembles several of the dark-

headed

gulls (p. 138), but

is

dark neck band, short black

and very

slightly

forked

tail.

told

by the combination of

and black wing

legs,

Often

flies

RED-LEGGED KITTIWAKE

Common
legs;

breeder on

shorter

like adult,

bill,

darker

but has dark

Rissa

Pribilof

Islands,

winters

underwing than

bill,

nape

line

in

Red

Immature

and forewing.

northern Alaska and northern

gull with a

neck band

brevirosfris

Aleutians.

Rhodostethia rosea

visitor to

The only

to

Black-legged.

ROSS' GULL
Rare

tips,

low over water.

wedge-shaped

winter. Flight

is

tail.

Adult

pigeon-like.

is

Canada from
rosy at

all

Siberia.

seasons; no

SMALL
WHITE-HEADED
GULLS
RING-BILLED

4P-

GULL
L

16"W49"

MEW
GULL

14"

W42"

HEERMANN'S
GULL
15"

BLACK-LEGGED
KITTIWAKE
L 131/2"

W 36"

ROSS' GULL
L

Ross' Gull

'^^

11"

138

LITTLE

GULL

L9"

140

IMMATURE GULLS

are very

diflRcult to

identify.

Only

typical plum-

ages are shown here. The time it takes to acquire adult plumage
differs from species to species. In general small gulls take two years,
larger ones four. For example, Bonaparte's Gull acquires adult

plumage

"

Ivory p. 132
:

Laughing
p.
1st

138
winter

the second winter, after partial molts

Tk

Glaucous
P- 132

in

the

fall

and

spring.

141
The larger Herring Gull acquires adult plumage in the fourth autumn,
and one
after two partial molts the first year and one complete
important in
partial each following year. This sequence of molt is
understanding the intermediate plumages, not shown here.

-^

/^

*^ --^
Glaucous-winged
p.

Black-headed
p.

138

132

st

winter

2nd winter

142

TERNS (Order

Charadriiformes, Family Laridae, Subfamily Sterninae)

tails,

and a pointed

downward

as they search

are slender birds with long narrow wings, forked

bill.

Their flight

buoyant, with

is

for small fish or insects.

bill

pointed

They dive from the

air.

Eggs, 1-4.

LEAST TERN

Common

Sterna albifrons

along sandy beaches, rare inland. Note

rapid wingbeat, white forehead, yellow

yellow or yellowish

(fall)

legs.

wing pattern. Call, a rapid

bill

(spring),

ttie

and

Immature has contrasting

series of paired notes.

ARCTIC TERN

Sterna paradisaea
Abundant, but migrates far offshore. At close range
adult can be told from Common Tern by the white streak
below the black cap, the longer tail (extending to wing
tips), the short legs, the blood-red bill (no black tip), and
a translucent spot near the wing tip. Immature has white
upper-wing coverts (gray on immature Common). Calls
like

COMMON
:t

Common,

those of the

but more nasal

TERN

and

rasping.

Sterna hirundo

Abundant coastally and over large inland lakes; the

commonest U.S. tern. Flocks with Arctic, Roseate, or
Forster's.

seate

Wing

and

tips

are noticeably darker than

Forster's, tail

is

shorter,

and

bill

in

Ro-

bright red-

orange (black tip varies in extent). Fall and immature

head is like Arctic's; also compare with Forster's. Call, a
harsh Icee-urr.

ROSEATE TERN
Locally common along
mon and

Sferno dougallii

above than Comlonger, more deeply

coast. Paler

Arctic terns. Tail whiter,

and bill black (red only at base).

Note also its deep wingbeat and distinctive calls: a soft
chivy and a less frequent rasping z-a-a-p.

forked, wing tips paler

FORSTER'S TERN

Common

in

fresh

Sterna forsteri

and

salt

beaches. Strongly resembles

are lighter than

rest of

outer margin (reversed

Common

wing,
in

marshes, rare on coastal

the

more orange, and wingstroke

tail is

Tern, but primaries

pale gray with white

Common), bill and

is faster and more

Winter birds are best told from the others on

by the narrow black eye-patch. Feeds on

as

fish. Call,

a low toneless zrurrrr.

legs are

shallow.

this

page

insects as well

LIGHT-WINGED TERNS
L

LEAST TERN
20"
8y2"

ARCTIC TERN
L

15"

W31"

COMMON TERN
L 14" W31"

ROSEATE TERN

L15"W30"

FORSTER'S TERN
L

14"

W30"

144

SANDWICH TERN
L
i'i^^/^ /'*

15"

W 34"

''^.

^%^

GULL. BILLED TERN

L

13"

W35"

ELEGANT TERI^
L

17"

W43"

>^fc

ROYAL TERN
Elegant

18"

W43"

Tern

CASPIAN TERN
L

winter

20"

W 53"

146
1

DARK-WINGED TERNS

148

ALCIDS (Auks and

Order Charadriiformes, Family Alcidae),

tails and rapid wingbeats,
They come ashore only to breed. Swim underwater,
relatives,

black and white pelagic birds with short

are usually

silent.

using wings. Immatures are usually like adults. Eggs, 1-3.

RAZORBILL

y*'

at sea;

AIca torda

common, breeding on

Locally

sometimes

swimming,
flight the

is

thick

its

back

is

offshore

seen singly ofF rocky coasts.

bill

and

tail

more arched than

ters at sea;

in

When

are usually uptilted.

In

murres.

in

COMMON MURRE
Very common

Winters

clifFs.

aalge

(jria

large breeding colonies on

Win-

cliffs.

rare within sight of land. Murres are told

plumages from other alcids by the combination

bills and white sides. The bill of the
Common Murre is longer than, but barely half as thick
in

all

of

long slender

as, the Thick-billed Murre's; at close

black streak back from the eye

range the narrow

plumage

winter

in

is

diagnostic.

i'

THICK-BILLED

MURRE

Uria lomvia

Strongly resembles the

('

Common Murre and

equally common. Note the shorter thicker

narrow white streak at the base of mouth.

plumage there is no white above the black eye

DOVEKIE
sites

in

about

and the
In

winter

line.

?\o(i\^% alle

This smallest East Coast alcid

/'

is

bill

summer, far offshore

in

abundant

is

the

at nesting

North Atlantic

in

Appears along coast but rarely inland during

Nov. storms. The short body, whirring wingbeats, and

winter.

very small

bill

are

distinctive.

BLACK GUILLEMOT
Rare and local

in

Cepphus

grylle

winter within sight of land. Not as

gregarious as other alcids nor as pelagic. The very large

white wing patch of adult
the wing patch

is

is

diagnostic.

with White-winged Scoter

(p.

58).

the immature

Wingbeats

PIGEON GUILLEMOT
Common. Resembles

In

Compare

usually mottled.

the adult
fast.

Cepphus columba
in plumage and

Black Guillemot

behavior. Usually distinguished from

it

by the black bars

on the white wing patch, but immature Black Guillemot

sometimes has black on the white wing patch.

loon

cormorant

scoter

Doveki

RAZORBILL
summer

14"

COMMON

PUFFIN

common

Locally

Frafercula arctica
nesting colonies. Winters at sea.

in

Outer layers of the

are shed

bill

in

summer, so win-

late

and especially the immatures have small

ter adults

(rectangular at base). Although the face

winter, the characteristic facial pattern

in

No

other pufFin occurs

still

is

present.

North Atlantic.

in

HORNED PUFFIN
Common;

bills

largely dark

is

Frafercula corniculata

Common

similar to the

Puffm, but ranges do

not overlap. The tiny erectile horn over the eye

is

seen

only at close range. Winter puffins are told from other

western alcids by the heavy rectangular (immature) or

angular (adult)

tri-

and large chunky bodies.

bills

TUFTED PUFFIN
Common, but very

Lunda cirrhata
local in southern part of

The summer adult with

its

range.

white face and jet-black body

its

unique. Winter birds can be told from the Horned

is

Puffin

by their dusky rather than pure white sides and

range by the light line over the eye.

at close

RHINOCEROS AUKLET

Cerorhinca monocerata

Auklets are small, short-billed, dark-backed, western

burrows or rock

alcids that nest in

largest,
Is

common along

is

nearly

puflFin

size but

Rhinoceros, the

slides.

the Pacific Coast

much more

twice as large as the short-billed Cassin's

only other dark-breasted alcid within

its

CRESTED AUKLET

Common
lof

in

islands).

It

It

is

152), the

cristatella
Pribi-

Often nests under rocks with

Parakeet Auklets. The quail-like crest

all

(p.

southwest Alaska (Aleutian,

is

shared only with

the small rare Whiskered, which has 3, not

plumes

winter.

range.

Aethia

resident

and Shumagin

in

slender-billed.

year. The immature

is

1,

white facial

separable from imma-

Whiskered and Cassin's only by direct comparison

and face pattern at close range; the belly is sooty
Crested, whitish in Whiskered.

ture

of size
in

WHISKERED AUKLET
Uncommon and
limited

range

in

local.

Aethia

Seldom wanders

pygmaea

far from

its

the Aleutians (Kiska to Akutan). Adult

always has the quail-like

Compare immature

crest

and three

with Cassin's

(p.

facial plumes.

152).

winter

summer

COMMON

PUFFIN

CRESTED AUKLET
L

7"

WHISKERED AUKLET
L

6y2"

152

CASSIN'S AUKLET

Common,

Ptychoramphus aleutka

especially offshore.

alcid south of Alaska that

is

This

dark

the only small

is

to the waterline.

Com-

pare with the much larger Rhinoceros Auklet and Tufted

Puffin

much heavier

150), both of which have

(p.

LEAST AUKLET

Aethia pusilla

common

Locally

resident

White throat patch

compare

is

in

Bering Sea and Aleutians.

diagnostic.

head pattern and

the

bills.

bill

plumage

winter

In

with those of the next

two species. These three are the only alcids with the
white scapulars. Neck

is

short; flight rapid.

MARBLED MURRELET

Brachyramphus marmorafum

Murrelets are uniformly small alcids with short, genbills. Marbled is told in summer by its plain
brown back and long slender bill. In winter it is the only

erally thin

alcid south of Alaska that has white scapulars.

MURRELET
Brachyramphus brevirosfre
common breeder near glacial waters on west

KITTLITZ'S
Locally

and south coasts of Alaskan mainland (Cape Prince of

Wales to Glacier Bay). Winters in Asia. In summer, paler
and grayer backed than other alcids. In winter entire
face

is

white.

Bill

half as long as Marbled's.

XANTUS' MURRELET
Uncommon and irregular.
summer note

In

Endomychura hypoleuca
Looks

like

a miniature murre.

the white underparts.

plumage) the slender

bill,

winter (same

In

all-dark back,

and white under-

parts clinch identification. Craveri's Murrelet

L
is

ANCIENT MURRELET
far

inland.

craver'i,

dark underwing coverts.

similar but has

Uncommon

(E.

Monterey, California,

8'0, a casual fall visitor north to

Synthliboramphus antiquum

within sight of land, but stragglers occur

Note the pale

bill,

the

between

contrast

black throat and white neck and between black head

and gray back. The white plume

PARAKEET AUKLET
Fairly common offshore;
cept
field

when

nesting.

mark. This

Alaska.

Bill

of

is

is

present

in

summer.

Cydorrhynchus psiftacula
seldom seen from land ex-

The almost circular red

bill

is

the best

the only red-billed auklet south of

immature may be dark.

CASSIN'S AUKLET

17"

154

PIGEONS

AND DOVES

(Order Columbiformes, Family Columbidae)

are small-headed, short-legged, swift-flying birds with pointed wings

and fanned or tapered tails. Females are duller than males. All species
COO; bob heads when walking. Eat grains, small seeds, acorns (Bandtailed) and fruit. Nests are generally in trees; eggs, usually 2, are
white (except olive-buff for White-fronted).

BAND-TAILED PIGEON
Columba fasciata
Locally common in western oak and pine woods,
especially

in

summer. The large

size

and the broad gray

on the fanned

tail

distinguish this bird from all others.

Note the yellow

bill

and white neck band. Frequents

tip

waterholes and

salt licks in

large numbers. The call

is

low-pitched, owl-like coo-coo.

ROCK DOVE
This

common

Columba

(domestic pigeon)

introduced pigeon of farmyards and

parks has a white rump and (except

dark terminal

tail

band. Wing

tips

in

livia

city

white birds) a

collide

on takeoff.

Glides with wings raised at an angle. Nests on buildings.

'Ii:

cuckoo

BANDTAILED

PIGEON
L

131/2"

RED.
BILLED

PIGEON
L

ir/z"

'J

J
1

156

SPOTTED DOVE
Introduced. Locally
Co., Calif.;

Streptopelia chinensis

common

resident

Heavier bodied than Mourning Dove;

and more broadly tipped with

white.

the "lace-neck" pattern, present only

in

agricultural lands, parks,

harsh whistle: hoo-hoooo-hoo.

its

Los Angeles

No
in

tail

is

Diego.

rounded

other dove has

the adult. Found

and suburbs.

.^*^

in

occurs from Santa Barbara to San

Call

is

a low,

INTRODUCED

AND
SMALL DOVES,
SPOHED
DOVE
L

11"

RINGED

TURTLE

DOVE
L

10"

d.-^

GROUND
DOVE
L 51/2"

WHITE-

FRONTED

DOVE
LIO"

158

# CUCKOOS,
ily

AMIS,

AND ROADRUNNERS

(Order Cuculiformes, Fam-

Cuculidae) are slender birds with rounded wings, curved upper

mandibles and long "graduated"

tails,

the outer

tail

feathers shortest.

Sexes are alike. Cuckoos are sluggish birds of forest and brush; they
eat hairy caterpillars. The coal-black anis resemble large grackles

except for their weak

flight, thick bills,

and heavy

tails.

Roadrunners

are large, crested ground birds of the arid Southwest. Eggs, 2-12.

MANGROVE CUCKOO
Rare and local resident

Coccyzus minor
mangroves and hammocks

and southwest coast of Florida north to Tampa

outnumbered by Yellow-billed Cuckoos.
Note the bright buffy underparts and black mask. Call
is harsher and slower than Yellow-billed's.
of Keys

\.

in

Bay.

Usually

faico

160

OWLS

(Order Strigiformes, Families Tytonidae the Barn

Strigidae all

other

large-headed,

owls),

short-necked

Owls and
birds

of

and best seen and more frequently heard

The large eyes ore fixed in their sockets, so the entire head

prey, are mostly nocturnal

at dusk.

moves as owls

gaze. The

shift their

flat,

round, or heart-shaped "facial

page and
some on p. 166 have erect ear tufts. All fly silently, hunting for
rodents and other small mammals. Females are like moles, but larger;
disk" conceals the large external ear flops. All owls on this

immatures
whistles.

resemble

Colls

adults.

are

distinctive

hoots,

wails,

Most small owls and some large ones ore cavity

Eggs are round, white, 2-8

SCREECH
This

is

in

a clutch.

OWL

and

Otus asio

common

the

or

nesters.

small "eared" owl of towns, or-

plumage is bright rusty,

the same color as the
head. In the East all other "eared" owls ore distinctly
larger. In the West and Southwest, Flommuloted and
Whiskered Owls (p. 166) are similar. Nests in cavities and
occasionally in flicker boxes. Song is a quavering whistle
chards,

small woodlots.

Its

brown, or gray; the facial disk

(monotone or descending) or

is

series of short notes.

GREAT HORNED OWL

This

common

Bubo virginianus

large "eared" owl

crows that often harass

it.

is

twice the size of the

Color pattern

is

similar to the

smaller slimmer Long-eared Owl's; Horned Owl's ear tufts

ore larger and farther opart;

its

belly

whereas the Long-eared

streaked lengthwise. Coll is typically 4
horizontally,

LONG-EARED
Locally

OWL

common

in

is

finely

barred

is

more boldly

to

7 low hoots.
Asio otus

deciduous or coniferous woods near

it may
be confused,
Horned Owl, are on this page. Looks
larger in flight because of its very long wings. Generally
silent except near its nest, where it mokes a variety of
low hoots, whistles, and shrieks.

open country.

All

owls with which

especially the Great

L20"W55'J

LONG-EARED

OWL
L

13"

W 39"

'S^*^^^**^^

mu^

eared

.X.

162

BARN OWL

Tyto alba

uncommon owl

This large light-colored

known by

is

heart-shaped face, small dark eyes, and long

its

Snowy are

other owls except the

All

legs.

marked

heavily

nocturnal; hunts rats and mice in farmand fields. It has a peculiar habit of lowering its head and moving it back and forth. It nests in
barns, abandoned buildings, and tree cavities. Does not
hoot, but has a soft ascending wheezy cry. At the nest

below.

is

It

strictly

yards, marshes,

it

gives a toneless

hiss.

SNOWY OWL

iC>,
f,^

Nycfea scandiaca

diurnal arctic owl that winters irregularly

the U.S.

in

Most adult birds are almost pure white. Immatures, which

are darker, go farther south than adults

in

The

winter.

large size, pale plumage, and lack of ear tufts ore diagin open country and
approach closely. Feeds on lemmings and other rodents and rabbits. Silent south of its

nostic.

perches near the ground

It

often allows birders to

breeding grounds.

BARRED OWL
Common in southern swamps and
common, but widespread,

Strix varia
river

bottoms;

eyes; the only other eastern owl with dark eyes

streaked heart-faced Barn Owl.

resembles the Great Horned

cavities. Typically hoots

SPOTTED
This

less

northern woods. Has dark

in

In flight

(p.

is

the un-

the Barred

Owl

Usually nests

160).

in

8 times; 4-7 series/min.

OWL

Strix occidentalis

rare western counterpart of the

Barred

Owl

is

by the horizontal barring of its underparts.

The dark-eyed Flammulated Owl (p. 166) of the West is
similar, but is much smaller and has short ear tufts. Com-

identified

V_

mon

call

of Spotted

consists of only 3 or

is

suggestive of Barred Owl's, but

4 hoots.

GREAT GRAY OWL

Sfrix

Rare and local at high elevations

Sierra

Nevada and

spruce forests.
long

toil

Rockies,

Common

where

only

in

it

in

north

is

found

nebulosa

and
in

central

pine and

the Far North. Note the

and the prominent gray concentric

circles

on

the facial disk. The only other large owl with yellow eyes

and no ear
series of

tufts

is

the Snowy. Voice

whoos, each lower

in

pitch.

is

a deep, booming

LARGE EARLESS

OWLS

>
,

Barn

i^

Owls

^sir-

'^

J ''^:m^

OWL
L16"W42"

SPOTTED

GREAT GRAY

164
8

166

WHISKERED OWL
Common in Southwest
Screech Owl, whose range

Otus frkhopsis
canyons.
it

Closely

resembles

overlaps; can be distin-

guished only at exceedingly close range. Watch for long

whiskers and large white spots on scapulars. Generally

found
4

in

dense oak or oak-pine woods.

to 9 high-pitched

of identification.

Distinctive call,

boos slowing at the end,

is

best

means

SMALL OWLS

168

GOATSUCKERS

{Order Caprimulgiformes, Family Caprimulgidae) are

nocturnal insect eaters with large

slit

heads, small

flat

mouths, and distinctive white patches

in

wings or

tail.

bills,

enormous

Eyes are a mere

by day, huge and round at night. All except nighthawks are named
Eggs (2) are laid on ground or rooftop.

for their call.

5;^a=j CHUCK-WILL'S-WIDOW
Common

^^^

^W^

ti^f^

Copr\n\<i\gus caroliner^sls

Southeast pine woods. Told from night-

in

hawks by lack of white in wing, from Whip-poor-will by

much larger size, more bufFy body, and by the call. Narrow throat band is bufFy in female. Song, 25-40/min.

WHIP-POOR-WILL
This common round-winged

Caprimulgus vociferus
goatsucker

is

seen only at

dusk unless flushed from nest or ground roost

Its

eyes glow red

fields.

woods.

in

a light beam. Prefers woods near

in

Female has buffy throat band, no white on

tail.

Song, 50-65/min. Ridgway's Whip-poor-will (Caprimul-

gus ridgwayi
told

is

Guadalupe Canyon, N. Mex.,

81/2"), of

from the Whip-poor-will by the buff collar across

back of neck. Song very

different.

POOR-WILL

Phalaenoptilus

nuttallii

This small relative replaces the Whip-poor-will in the

West. White

have bufFy

of both sexes

in tail

collar.

Song

is

PAURAQUE
white patches

p
j

in

its

wings and

Texas brush country has

tail.

Call, 10-12/min.

COMMON NIGHTHAWK
Nighthawks
pointed

differ

wings,

Chordeiles minor

from other goatsuckers

slightly

flat-topped

In

cities this

buildings.

long

tails,

become active
and houses. They sit lengthwise on

onally on wires.

in their

and white wing

before dark, flying above

forked

patches. They
treetops

young

Nyctidromus albicoHis

This large species of southern

quite limited;

repeated 30-40/min,

is

On

common

limbs, diag-

species nests on

breeding grounds when the

bird dives, the wing feathers produce a peculiar musical

hum. Call

LESSER

is

a nasal peenf

a woodcock's, 25-35/min.

NIGHTHAWK

Common

in

the Southwest,

Nighthawk by
its

like

its

Chordeiles acutipenr^is

where

it

is

told

from

smaller size, position of white

habit of flying very low,

and by

its

low

Common
in

wings,

trilling call.

^-f^4>
owl

Whip-poor-will

nighthawk

falcon

swift

170
SWIFTS (Order Apodiformes, Family Apodidae),

goatsuckers,

like

feed almost exclusively on flying insects caught on the wing with their
wide mouths. Swifts fly continuously all day except in heavy rain.
Their wings, built for speed, are long,

curved.
swifts

cliffs,

by Black

to
in

stiff,

slender,

slightly de-

beat their wings alternately. Sexes are alike. Swifts

chimneys, and in hollow trees. Eggs are white, 3-6

Swift).

BLACK SWIFT
forked

slightly
is

Cypseloides niger

uncommon

This

and

swallows, with which they are often found,

contrast to

appear

nest on
(1

In

tail.

When

larger size

its

(p.

206)

is

but has broad wings bent at the "wrist." The

similar,

Black Swift's "wrist"

is

barely

is

it

seldom

so close to the

visible.

high-altitude nesting
Swifts,

seen with Vaux's,

The adult male Purple Martin

obvious.

angle

has solid black underparts and a

swift

It

cliffs.

cruises

body

many

that the wing

miles from

Unlike Vaux's

heard away from the nest

is

CHIMNEY SWIFT

site.

Chaefura pelagka

fH-

Normally the only

birds. Tail

swift east of the Missouri

Common,

sippi rivers.
is

stiff,

its

and Chimney

usually

slightly

in

and

Missis-

flocks of flittering

dork

rounded, and never forked or

when

clinging to a

vertical surface are not visible in the field.

Noisy chatter

fanned;
of

bristles that

chipping

overhead.
dreds

notes

During

in tall

support the

tail

generally

discloses

migration

they

chimneys, entering

in

Chimney

roost

by

the

Swifts

hun-

a huge funnel forma-

tion at dusk. Call, rapid short chips.

\
^^m

nighthawk

m
^^B

^^

\^^

swallow

SWIFTS

BLACK SWIFT
17"

CHIMNEY
SWIFT
L

White-throated
Swift

Violet-green

Swallow
for comparison

5"W

121/2"

172

;i

174

BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD
Archilochus alexandri

Common

in

western mountains,

American hummer with a

may

other species

look black

to

and southern

Calif,

is

Female has no rufous

separable from
which

172),

(p.

with

its

violet

Calypte cosfae

Southwest deserts. Male

in

restricted

is

and plumper.

larger

is

COSTA'S HUMMINGBIRD

Common

Often cap-

safely

not

Ariz.,

White be-

light.

species.

this

flycatcher-fashion.

insects

on sides and tail and

Costa's. Female Anna's

the only North

is

poor

in

low the purple stripe confirms

tures

this

truly black throat; throats of

cap and throat, the

is

unmistakable

latter with

long side

Female is not safely told from Black-chinned.

Female Anna's (p. 172) is larger and slightly darker below and often has red flecks on throat. Immature Cal-

feathers.

^%

liope

and other species commonly found

range have rufous sides and

Costa's

in

base.

tail

RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD

Selasphorus rufus

Abundant migrant through western

common

U.S.; the

breeding hummer of western Wash., western Oreg., and

Canada. Adult male has unmistakable solid

and immature are similar to Allen's,
the larger Broad-tailed, and smaller Calliope (folded
wings of Calliope extend beyond tail). Female Allen's is
separable only at extremely close range when its narrow outer tail feather can be seen. Aerial display of male
western

rufous back. Female

is

a rapid dive to within inches of female. Air moving

through the feathers produces a loud whine as the male

suddenly checks

its

descent.

In

normal

flight

the

male

produces only a subdued humming.

ALLEN'S

HUMMINGBIRD

Common
red-throated

only

in

Selasphorus sasin

coastal Calif. The male

hummer

with

rufous

solid

is

our only

tail

and a

green cap and back. The female can be identified

in

the

breeding season when migrants of similar species

are

absent,

possible to

but during
tell

migration

it

is

practically

im-

female and immature from the closely

related Rufous Hummingbird. Even the call notes of the

two species are the some: a sharp bzee. The courtship

pendulum

flight of the male

by a dive from about 100'.

(a

25''

arc)

is

followed

BLACK-CHINNED

HUMMINGBIRD
L

Allen's

courting

display

^.

^Ai

3"

176

SOUTHWEST HUMMINGBIRDS

include

LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD
Male is only violet-throated hummingbird
has a deeply forked

and decurved

tail.

Female

RIVOLI'S

Male

is

:?^_.

bills

by

in

summer

are

mapped

with black

Calofborax

tips.

lucifer

one with a buff throat

in

Chisos Mts., Tex.

HUMMINGBIRD
told

Eugenes fulgens

large size, green throat, and violet-

its

blue crown; female

bill,

U.S.

in

with green crown; also

the only

is

Casual, possibly breeds,

bill.

found

species

along U.S. -Mexican border. Those that breed

below. Four species have bright red or orange

recognized by

is

and narrow grayish

tail

its

large size, dark

edging. Breeds from south-

eastern Ariz, mountains to Chisos Mts., Tex.

BLUE-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD
Lampornis clemenciae

Recognized by
to

its

long block

its

large size, the very broad white tip

and double white

toil,

Blue throat of mole

line

on the face.

obvious at close range.

is

VIOLET-CROWNED HUMMINGBIRD Amoz;7/a vertkalis

No other North American hummingbird has violet
crown and white throat. Female and immature have
lighter and greener crowns. Breeds in Guadalupe Canyon, Chiricahau Mts., Ariz.; recorded in Huachuces.

BUFF-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD Amazilia yucafanensis

Bright orange bill, large size, and green throat separate this species from other Texas hummers. Sexes are
alike. Breeds and rarely winters in the lower Rio Grande
Valley, in wood margins and thickets.

BROAD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD
Mole
forked
parts.

is

told

tail;

by

its

female by

Compare

Cynanthus

latirostris

bill, and
and sooty under-

dork body, long orange

its

orange

bill

carefully with the paler-breasted White-

eared. Breeds from south central Ariz, and southwest

N. Mex. southward, rarely

in

western Texas.

WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD

Hylochans

leucotis

Male may appear

all dork, like Broad-billed, but tail is square-tipped. Note green flanks,
spotted throat of female. Casual summer species in southeast Ariz. mts.
Only small hummingbird with long "ear"

stripe.

SOUTHWEST
HUMMINGBIRDS

WHITE-EARED

HUMMINGBIRD
L3"

178

PARROTS

(Order Psittaciformes, Family Psittacidae) are brightly colored tropical birds with strongly hooked beaks and short legs; 2 toes
in front, 2 behind. Several species have escaped from captivity.

THICK-BILLED

PARROT

casual visitor

Mex. No recent

forehead and thick

(Order

ern U.S. by a single species. Nest

in

Family

lower Rio

mistakable;
square-cut

KINGFISHERS (Order
headed,

tail

short-

Trogon elegans

mountains of southeast

in

Grande

Valley, Texas.

Ariz.;

Male

is

un-

plumages have block bond at tip of long

and rose on belly. Call, 4-6 low croaks.

Coraciiformes, Family Alcedinidae) are large-

sharp beaks. They perch motionless

in

the open, over water.

in

a deep burrow

a steep bank.

BELTED KINGFISHER

Megaceryle alcyon

The most common kingfisher

the only one north of Texas and
iiilillifillilllt;

pairs along streams

air into

rattling

its

call.

belly.

Rare

15V2"),

Valley, Tex.,

Both species ore crested

in

in

pitched

and

less

in

Rio

is

told

size

and bright

all

plumages.

rusty

amerkana
Grande Valley.

Ch/orocery/e

southeast Ariz, and lower Rio

small size, green back,

casual

farther south,

and

lock of a crest distinguish

immediately from the other kingfishers. Rattle

ish

in

for terns, king-

Often hovers before diving. Ringed King-

GREEN KINGFISHER
Its

Seen singly or

by its deep, irregular

appearance, and its loud

and common
plumages by its much larger

Grande

it

Ariz.

in flight

big-headed

{Megaceryle torquafa,

fisher

all

North America and

and ponds. Except

water. Recognized

wingbeats,

in

in

are the only small birds that dive headlong from

fishers

1,

are

extreme south-

in

tree cavities. Eggs, 2-4.

Their legs are very short. Usually lay 3-8 white eggs
in

Note red

birds that dive for fish, which they catch with

short-tailed

their long

all

Trogonidae)

represented

TROGON

Rare summer resident

in

in flight.

bill.

Trogoniformes,

COPPERY-TAILED

bright yellow patch on

conspicuous

is

billed, long-tailed, tropical fruit eaters

casual

U.S. records.

the underwing coverts

TROGONS

Rhynchops'itta pachyrhyncha

southeast Ariz, and southwest N.

in

is

higher

harsh than Belted's. Female has green-

breast bands; male has a rusty one.

THICK-BILLED

PARROT
L

14"

COPPERY-

3:g^

TAILED

TROGON
L

10"

GREEN
KINGFISHER
L

7V2"

180

WOODPECKERS
bill,

(Order Piciformes, Family Picidae) have a strong

sharply pointed for chipping and digging into tree trunks or

branches for wood-boring insects. The stiff tail is used as a prop.

Most species "drum" on resonant limbs, poles, or drainpipes. Flight
is usually undulating, with wings folded against the body after each
series of flaps.

Nest

in

is

a cavity chiseled deep into a large branch

or trunk. Eggs, 4-8, are white.

Flickers

are

jay-sized

woodpeckers with brown back, no white

on wings, and a black breast band.

or salmon under wings
j-4-i>4-4-|

4-4^44-

and

In flight

YELLOW-SHAFTED FLICKER
Common in open country
face of v/ing and

orange or salmon
except
of

all

in

tail
in

is

feathers

Nape

red, not black, as

is

nope

is

lacking.

Wing and

flick

Colaptes cafer
face gray; mustache of the
in

Yellow-shafted. The red

tail linings

salmon.

Colaptes chryso'des

resident

Southwest, where

or flicker; series

descending kee-oo.

GILDED FLICKER

Common

"mustache" present
is always red. Call

of neck

shrill

RED-SHAFTED FLICKER
Common. Crown is brown,
male

golden, grading to

is

a loud repeated

repeated 2-7/min. Also a

"i^

Colaptes auraius

near large trees. Undersur-

hybrids. Black

adult female.

flickers

note white rump, yellow

Often seen on ground eating ants.

tail.

it

in

the giant-cactus

digs a nest hole

from Yellow-shafted by

its

in

brown crown, gray face, and

its yellow wing

lack of a red nape; from Red-shafted by

and

tail

linings.

region of the

the soguaro. Told

PILEATED

WOODPECKER
L

15"

182

LADDER-BACKED WOODPECKERS

into

fall

two groups: medium-

sized birds with light rumps, colored or pole napes,

patches that show

in

flight;

and small

and white wing

birds with dork rumps, black

napes, and spotted sides. All are non-migratory. Juvenal

but Juvenal heads are browner

in

same

like adult,

is

Centurus.

WOODPECKER

RED-BELLIED

Common

in

Cenfurus carolirn

southeastern woodlands. Red-headed

(p.

and has a similar call, but note the

ladder back and red cop and hind neck (not head) of
the Red-bellied. Immature has brown head. May occur
with Red-cockaded in longleaf pine woods. Calls are
low, short, and hoarse; also a rattle.
184)

is

size

GOLDEN-FRONTED WOODPECKER Centurus aurifrons

Common in deciduous woodlands. Note the large
gold spot on hind neck (duller

j^2_

above

bill

GILA

WOODPECKER

adult. Voice

in

in

like

is

immature) and yellow

Red-bellied's.

Cenfurus uropygialis

Common around giant cactus. Note

that only the

has a red cap. White wing patches, as

tell

it

from

Compare
4-1.

all

in

ladder-backed woodpeckers

with immature sapsuckers

(p.

male

Red-bellied,
in its

range.

184).

LADDER-BACKED WOODPECKER Dendrocopos scalaris

Fairly common in deciduous woods and mesquite, less
common

in

cactus.

black and white on

and Golden-fronted by the
spotted sides, and lack of white wing

Note the

distinct

side of head. Told from Gilo

dark rump,
patch

in

finely

flight. Call

is

like

Hairy Woodpecker's.

RED-COCKADED WOODPECKER
Dendrocopos borealis
Rare and local

in

longleaf pine woods.

Told from

nape and cap; from Hairy and

Downy by ladder back and large white cheek patches.
Nest hole, in pine trunks, is recognized by oozing gum.
Red-bellied by solid black

NUTTALL'S

Common,

WOODPECKER

Dendrocopos

nuffallii

oaks and chaparral west

of the Sierras. Face is blacker than Ladder-backed
Woodpecker's. See also Williamson's Sapsucker (p.
184) and Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers (p. 186).
Call

is

especially

in live

a series of high-pitched squeaks.

RED-BELLIED

LADDER-BACKED

WOODPECKERS

WOODPECKER
L 81/2"

184
i
i

RED-HEADED WOODPECKER
\

Melanerpes erythrocephalus
much of its range; prefers open deciduous woods. Adult head is entirely red. Large white wing

Uncommon

in

area separates it from other species. The similar redbreasted sapsucker (below) has a narrow white wing
stripe. Often perches in the open. Call is a raucous kwrrk.

ACORN WOODPECKER
Common,

oaks,

in

Melanerpes formk'ivorus
and gregarious. Its black

rump, and small but conspicuous white wing

chin, white

especially

from

all

other dark-backed woodpeck-

ers except sapsuckers.

Its

flight

patch separate

it

is

undulating. Call

of

is

high, sharp, fussing notes.

LEWIS'

WOODPECKER

Locally

common

in

large trees

in

Asyndesmus lewis
open country. Red

face and light collar and underparts contrast with the

^^^

rest of

Flight

is

dark greenish plumage. The rump

its

is

black.

slow, with even, crow-like flapping. Gregarious.

Catches flying

insects. Call

is

of soft short notes.

WHITE-HEADED WOODPECKER
Locally

common

pines

in

Dendrocopos albolarvatus
and firs. The only white-

headed woodpecker. Also note white wing patch at

and in flight. May alight sideways or upside down.

YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER

Common

rest

Sphyrapicus varius

and easily overlooked)

in woods and orchards. Plumage is variable, but the
narrow longitudinal wing stripe and finely mottled back
(but quiet,

retiring,

are diagnostic. Red-breasted races occur on the Pacific

slope. Sapsuckers tap

/min.), but

holes

in

in

distinctive

do not drum. They

live trees,

insects. Calls

rhythms

(2 or

3 series

parallel rows of small

then return to feed on sap and small

are weak.

WILLIAMSON'S SAPSUCKER
Uncommon;

in

Sphyrapicus thyroideus

pine forests, at higher elevations

summer. Sexes are entirely

different.

in

Male has two white

on solid black head and a solid black breast.

Female has a more uniformly brown head and more
black on the breast than female Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, It is also more distinctly marked on the back.
stripes

drill

'

ACORN WOODPECKER
L

8"

WHITE
HEADED

WOODPECKER
L

fTN

ed

f;/

7%"

RED-HEADED

^*^ WOODPECKER

186

HAIRY

ARIZONA
WOODPECKER
L

WOODPECKER

714"

7V2"

BLACK-BACKED
THREE-TOED

WOODPECKER
L8"

.'^r:
NORTHERN
THREE-TOED

WOODPECKER
L 71/2"

188

PERCHING BIRDS

(Order Passeriformes) are medium to small land

have feet well adapted for perching: 3 toes in front and
long one behind. Most are fine singers. Bill shape, feather colors,

birds. All
1

and

habits are most useful for family identification. Most insectivorous

species

and some
1.

and seed eaters are highly migratory.

fruit

FLYCATCHERS have broad

flat bills;

plumage mostly

olive or gray; catch flying insects with a loud

of the beak.
2.

LARKS
open

3.

walk; they are generally

SWALLOWS
or forked
'n

4.

never

fields,

in

flocks

have long pointed wings, often notched

They catch insects in flight; most nest

AND CROWS

are

green

large,

noisy,

(jays) or all

omnivorous

black (crows);

AND

TITMICE are small

friendly long-

mostly gray, white, and black; stubby

birds,

small flocks.

WRENTITS

BULBULS have

Coast

long

only.

NUTHATCHES

Illustrated

tails, crests.

DIPPERS are plump gray

streams; short

on

Illustrated

are

on

p.

p.

slender-billed

short-tailed

and branches,

usually

in

p.

CREEPERS creep up

WRENS

tail

218

birds of western mountain

flocks.

another; use

218

p.

tails.

that crawl over trunks

barred

214

p.

are long-tailed dark brown birds of dense

West

thickets;

208

p.

CHICKADEES
in

204

p.

gregarious.

bill;

204

p.

tails.

birds, mostly blue or

tailed

190
large

in

in trees.

colonies.

JAYS

snap

p.

218
birds

small

220

tree trunks, then fly to base of

as prop.

p.

220

are brown, generally solitary, with finely

tails

cocked upward, and slender

bills;

songs, scolding rattles.

p.

MOCKINGBIRDS AND THRASHERS

ush-loving birds, either

brown

loud

222

are long-tailed

or gray, with loud

repetitious songs.

p.

^./'^^^iM^^y

228

13.

THRUSHES, medium-sized
spotted breasts;

with

\A/r>rmc
worms,

14.

shaped

like

Robin's; eat

n
p.

cinri<arc
fruit- fine
Fino singers
fruit;

GNATCATCHERS AND KINGLETS

gray or

tive

olive birds with

PIPITS

walk;

line

sparrow-like

flocks in large fields.

16.

WAXWINGS

tail.

PHAINOPEPLAS

p.

SHRIKES hove heavy hooked

STARLINGS
in

20.

bill,

p.

insects

their slightly

22.

hooked

23.

brush; slender

toil

common

BLACKBIRDS

bills;

spots.

WEAVER FINCHES

ily

in

AND

ORIOLES

TANAGERS
fruit

^^

very active;

many
250

some

p.

278

represent a large famall

black, others with

p.

278

are brilliant arboreal Robin-sized insect

eaters;

heavy

most with no wing bars.

25.

jr

244

are introduced Old World spar-

towns, farms.

of Robin-sized birds,

and

plain olive

p.

bright orange or yellow.

24.

bills;

ore mostly brightly colored insect eaters

woods and

rows,

242 .g:

from leaves of deciduous trees

p.

have white

242

look like short-tailed blackbirds; noisy,

VIREOS glean

WARBLERS

240,

black mask, black

large flocks.

and brush with

of

in

238

240

p.

p.

backs.

21.

236

are slender, crested birds of South-

wing with white patch.

19.

birds;
p.

west deserts; black or dark gray.

18.

bills;

unstreaked plumage;
p.

288

GROSBEAKS, FINCHES, AND SPARROWS hove

heavy conical seed-cracking bills. Mostly brown, red,
yellow, or blue, seldom olive.
^SjL- P* 290
25

^^

'"^W

are crested flocking birds with yellow

fringe at tip of

17.

j^,
"^'

over eye;
p.

slender-billed,

9*^0
230

are tiny very ac-

eye ring or

body unstreaked.
15.

brown

birds, typically are

bills

25

^si^t^
^-

''"*
-

190

COTINGAS

{Family Cotingidae) are a large family of tropical

fly-

one species enters our area. These large-headed

treetop birds with large beaks often hover. Nests are bulky. 3-6 eggs.

catchers, but only

ROSE-THROATED BECARD

Platypsahs aglaiae

Rare and local along U.S.-Mexican border

Ariz.,

in

N. Mex., and Texas. Male has distinctive rose throat;

female and young are brov/n with broad buffy neck band
and black crown. Call is a thin sputtering whistle.

TYRANT FLYCATCHERS

{Family

Tyrannidae)

large-headed,

are

broad-billed, short-legged birds that perch on bare branches or wires

waiting for flying insects.

Many

of the small species flip their

Sexes similar (except Vermilion); young are only

Most nest

in

tails.

different.

slightly

trees or shrubs. Eggs, 2-6.

SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER
Muscivora forfic
Common in open country. Note long streaming tail of
adult. Young similar to the Western Kingbird (p. 192),
but have pink sides and a whiter tail. Calls suggest Western Kingbird's. Fork-tailed Flycatcher (Muscivora tyran-

nus, L

15''') is

similar, with long

parts are white

ish.

casual

and crown

visitor in

its

but underis

brown-

Pitangus sulphuratus
Rio

Grande

Valley. Easily

bold black and white face pattern.

flight notice the rufous wings.

J*-

tail,

eastern U.S.

KISKADEE FLYCATCHER
Locally common in lower
recognized by

streaming

black. Immature

is

VERMILION FLYCATCHER
Common near streams in

Named

for

its

In

coll.

Pyrocephalus rubinus
arid

Southwest. Decidedly

and tanagers, it is readily recognized by its small bill and flycatching habit. Male is unmistakable. Finely streaked sides and strawberry wash
on flanks identify the female. Say's Phoebe has longer
tail and no streaks. Song, rapid, high, sputtering notes.
smaller than Cardinal

SULPHUR-BELLIED FLYCATCHER
Fairly

common

locally

in

Noisy, but hard to see high

i.

Myiodynastes luteiventris
canyons at 5,000-7,500''.
in

the foliage. The only

North American flycatcher with bold streaking below.

Call resembles Western Flycatcher's, but

is

much

louder.

192

KINGBIRDS

are aggressive, usually gray-headed flycatchers of open

or semi-open country. Their posture

is

less erect

than most flycatchers'.

Crown patches are generally concealed, but a black mask

identifies

most kingbirds.

m&

EASTERN KINGBIRD
Common east of the Great

Tyrannus tyrannus
Plains.

No

bird has a complete, broad, white terminal

shrikes,

tail

(see

like

flycatchers,

p.

242).

other song-

band on

Waxwings, which often

have a yellow

tail

band. Call

phatic, rasping; 13-15/min. (at dawn).

is

the
act

em-

KINGBIRDS
chasing

EASTERN
KINGBIRD
L 63/4"

194

MYIARCHUS

flycatchers are characterized by their large size,

head and back, yellowish belly, and (except in Olivaceous) bright
rusty tail; all have v/ingbars. Their posture is more erect than kingbirds', and they are more inclined to perch in the shade. All nest in
cavities in trees and posts; also in bird, mail, or newspaper boxes.
olive

GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER

Common in deciduous and mixed

Myiarchus

crinitus

woods. This

is

the

only Myiarchus to be expected east of the Rockies and

central Texas. Identified as a flycatcher by

large head,

and

flycatching habits.

catcher has a long rusty

Kingbird
Atlantic

perches
feathers.

(p.

192), which

tail.
is

Note

No

its

broad

other eastern

similarity to

bill,

fly-

Western

rare but regular along the

to Oct. Western Kingbird

open and has a black tail with white outer
Call is a harsh ascending wbeep, 30-45/min.

Coast
in

the

from

Sept.

MYIARCHUS
FLYCATCHERS

GREAT CRESTED
FLYCATCHER
17"

ASH-THROATED
FLYCATCHER
L 61/2'^

OLIVACEOUS
FLYCATCHER
L 53/4"

196

PHOEBES
in their

are medium-sized flycatchers that differ from the others

habit of leisurely jerking their longish

do not have an eye

may have
although

ring. Adults lack

tail

downward. Phoebes

conspicuous wingbars, but young

quite conspicuous ones. Typically they are found near water,

all

species, especially Say's, occur

and even

nest far from

water. Also, unlike other flycatchers, phoebes nest under overhanging

cliffs

or banks,

under bridges and eaves, or inside farm buildings.

Quite tame and easily seen as they perch in the open, usually
than 20' off the ground. Eggs, 4-5, are usually plain white.

less

uebird

198

THE GENUS EMPIDONAX, the most difficult genus of North American

is commonly
referred to by its Latin name. Species are

flycatchers,

frequently impossible to identify

in

the field. All are small short-tailed

and wingbars. Wingbars of immature are

more bufFy than adult's. They flip their toils up and then down with
rapid jerky motions. Size differences are slight and overlapping. With
experience most can be identified on the breeding ground when singing and when habitat provides a clue. The eastern species and some
flycatchers with eye rings

western ones also have distinctive chips.

:~t^

EASTERN EMPIDONAX FLYCATCHERS

^-

YELLOW-BELLIED

FLYCATCHER
L

'wk.

4V2"

^-^^

-5^^

200

^^

WESTERN EMPIDONAX FLYCATCHERS

HAMMOND'S
FLYCATCHER
L

4V2"

W"

,.^u

DUSKY
FLYCATCHER

[!'#'

'0

202

OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS

204

LARKS

{Family Alaudidae), slender-billed birds of large fields with

sparse or low vegetation, usually walk; seldom alight

If

They sing

flushed, they return to the ground.

the ground; outside the breeding season are seen

and small

insects

in

Alauda arvensis

Resident (introduced) on Vancouver Island, B.C. Told

^Vs^^*W \/i

from sparrows by slender

toil

and heavier

breast.

;i^ fr

build,

from

bill,

Eremophila alpesfris

and in other
open places. Recognize adults by the black breast mark
and facial design; immature shows these marks less distinctly. In normal flight, low and slightly undulating,

feathers. Feeds

Song, weak, high-pitched,

fields.

times (9-13/min.)

(Family

a single

in

Hirundinidae)

fliers.

flying

mixed

Legs and
insects.

flocks.

have

flight

in

long

All

wires.

Often seen

''

tail;

SWALLOW

Locally

Cliff

and other

with a deeply forked

CLIFF

Swallow

in

Hirundo

near farms, where

it

builds a

large

buildings.

common. Note

mud

rustica

nest on

The only swallow

others with rusty underparts

have orange rumps. Song, long and

''

wings and

are strong ele-

colonies. Eggs, 4-7, are white or spotted.

timbers of barns
-''''

repeated

high overhead.

pointed

tails.

BARN SWALLOW
Common

freshly

in

is

are short, but mouths are wide for captur-

bills

Commonly perch on

Most nest

in

notes.

faint tinkling

coll,

most species have notched or deeply forked

gant

winter

toil

manured

many

SWALLOWS

large fields, at the shore,

in

notice the black

Winter

ing

by shorter

Long aerial song, sweet liquid notes.

Common

pipits

from Horned Lark by streaked

HORNED LARK

-.

high above

loose flocks. Eat

seeds. Nest on the ground; eggs, 3-5.

SKYLARK

trees or shrubs.

in

in flight,

twittering.

Petrochelidon pyrrhonofa
the orange rump, square

tail,

broad martin-like wings, and buffy forehead. Soars

more than other swallows. The bulb-shaped nests are
built under eaves or in the shelter of cliffs, dams, or
bridges. Call

is

a single melodious note.

CLIFF

SWALLOW
L

CliflF

Swallow

at nest

5"

206

':m^_. _..._,

f-^
Cliff

-J-Jr.^^*

V
Af

niartin

house

w
Violet-

Tree

Bank

u
Rough-

208

JAYS, MAGPIES,

AND CROWS

medium to
Wings of jays

{Family Corvidae) are

large, gregarious, omnivorous birds with

heavy

bills.

and magpies are short and rounded, reaching only to the base of the
long rounded tail. Wings of crows and ravens are long and rounded,
extending nearly to the tail tip. Sexes are similar. Often scolded and
chased by smaller birds in nesting season. Songs are poor, mostly
raucous. Eggs, 3-6 (magpies, 5-9), are colored and speckled.

BLUE JAY

Common

Cyanocitta cristaia

oak and pine woods. The only eastern

jay except in central Flo. and Far North, and the only
blue-winged jay with white on wings and toil. Conspicuously crested in all plumages. Migrates by day

bit

aE

Sm

in

in

loose flocks of 5-50.

Common

call

is

a loud jay, jay,

10-20 pairs/min.

JAY
Common in coniferous

STELLER'S

Cyanocitta

steileri

The only crested jay in

and west of the Rockies; dark crest is always present.
forests.

Calls are low-pitched, raucous,

and varied, often in series

hawks expertly.

of 3. Like the Blue Jay, Steller's imitates

PINYON JAY
L

9"

210
6

GRAY JAY

Perisoreus canadensis

common

Locally

northern coniferous woods, espe-

about lumber camps, where

cially
is

in

and nape;

lacks the black

is

very tame. Adult

and white wing and

tern of Clark's Nutcracker.

with

tail

pat-

Blue Jay flying overhead,

blue feathers appearing gray against the sky,

its

may be

mistaken for a Gray Jay. The dusky juvenal

can be identified

midsummer by its
and lack of a

in

wings, long rounded

whistled

tail,

wheeoo; also many other

GREEN JAY
Locally

common

Grande west
in

it

recognized by the black and white pattern of head

that area,

to
it

is

and golden outer

resident

short

rounded

crest. Call

is

joy-like notes.

Cyonocorax yncas
woods along lower Rio

in

Laredo, Texas. Normally the only jay

unmistakable, with brilliant green body

tail

feathers.

Has various

jay-like calls,

especially a long call followed by 3 short ones.

Miit*

BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE
Common and conspicuous

Pica pica

open country near heavy

brush or occasional trees that support its huge nest. Long
streaming toil and white wing patches characterize magpies. No other North American land birds except Scissortailed and Fork-tailed Flycatchers have toils longer than
the body. Ranges of this and Yellow-billed do not overlap. Black-billed Magpie wanders erratically in winter.
Call is on ascending whine or a rapid series of loud
in

harsh notes.

YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIE

Common
nearby

hills.

Easily

recognized

magpie form and

typical

Pica nuttalli

and
plumages by its

the farming areas of Calif, valleys

in

its

in

all

bright yellow

bill.

Colls are

similar to Block-billed Magpie's.

Nucifraga columbiana
CLARK'S NUTCRACKER
Locally common in conifers near timberline, where it
nests. Flashy

white wing and

tail

patches and the even

gray body suggest a stub-toiled Mockingbird, but Mockingbirds ore not found at high elevations. Long sharply

and white face confirm the identification at

flight and general body form ore crowwanders irregularly to low country in winter. Coll

pointed

bill

a distance.
like.
is

It

Its

a drawn-out grating kr-a-a-a.

GRAY JAY
L

10"

CLARK'S NUTCRACKER
L

n"

212

RAVENS AND CROWS

are large flocking birds recognized by their

plumage, their cawing or croaking notes, and their fondness for open country. They post a sentinel while feeding and walk
rather than hop. They fly in long lines to and from their communal

solid black

roosts which

may

contain hundreds of birds.

COMMON RAVEN
Common

only

in

Corvus corox
the Far North

and

ians.

feeder. Call

the West, espe-

near heavy timber. Rare and local in the AppalachOur largest "songbird," it can be mistaken only for
a hawk or for other birds on this page. The heavy bill
and the wedge shape of the tail are diagnostic. It flaps
less and soars more than crows and is more of a carrion
cially

^>

in

is

a low hoarse croak.

yS'^A^j^K^^
kingfisher

jay

Cardinal

magp

NORTHWESTERN

CROW
L 141/2"

214
CHICKADEES

{Family Paridae, part) are black-bibbed, dark-capped

acrobats, tame and friendly. Only

the mountains of the Northwest

in

do more than two species occur together. Sexes are similar and young
are like adults. Chickadees nest in cavities in trees and nest boxes,
and most are easily attracted to feeding stations.

BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE
common black-capped
Carolina, whose range
may

Parus atrlcapillus

rThis

species

^^f

cheek patches.
is

It

is

is

full

CAROLINA CHICKADEE
paler.

common.
tail.

corresponding
is

by

its

tone lower.

Parus carolinensis

than

Smaller

Black-capped,

sides

Has narrow gray edging on wing feathers, smaller

shorter

bib,

from the

winter,

tamer than Carolina. Whistled song

easily imitated; second note

Fairly

in

white feather edges on wing, and whiter

rustier sides,

told

is

invade

it

Non-migratory. Calls are faster than

calls of the

Black-capped; whistled song

an octave higher, of 4 or 5 notes, 8-12/min.

MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE
Common
eye

in

stripe; see Bridled

Titmouse

may wander

valleys

tains,

Porus gambeli

The only chickadee with a white

conifers.

to

(p.
in

216). Nests
winter.

Call

in

moun-

hoarser,

song nearly same as Black-capped's, 8-10/min.

MEXICAN CHICKADEE

Parus sclateri

Note the large black throat patch and gray sides. This
is the only chickadee found in its limited range in southern Ariz, and N. Mex. Call is low and rasping.

BOREAL CHICKADEE
Fairly
Boreal Chickadee

common

in

Parus hudsonkus
northern

coniferous forests.

chickadee with brown cap, back, and

song; chick-a-dee

call

is

sides.

No

Only

whistled

slow and hoarse.

Chestnut-backed

Chickadee

CHESTNUT-BACKED CHICKADEE
Common in Pacific lowlands, local
fers conifers.

Porus rufescer^s
in

mountains; pre-

Note the bright chestnut back and

sides,

sooty cap. Has no whistled song; calls are hoarse, rapid.

GRAY-HEADED CHICKADEE

Parus dnctus

Larger and paler than Boreal and lacks brown sides.

Found in spruce, aspen, and willow at edge of Alaskan

and w. Canadian tundra. Call resembles Boreal's.

chickadee

CAROLINA
CHICKADEE
L

titmouse
mouse

ll

HH

nuthatch

WmmT
^Hv creeper

^
wren

CHICKADEES

414"

BLACK-CAPPED
CHICKADEE
L 41/2"

216
TITMICE {Family Paridae, part) are crested birds that act
adees, but are larger. Only Bridled has a bib. Other

like chick-

with

birds

conspicuous crests are larger, crests usually longer. Sexes are similar.

Often flock with chickadees, warblers, and kinglets except

nesting season.

Do

not migrate. Nest

in

TUFTED TITMOUSE
largest

This

in

cavities; 5-8 eggs.

Parus

North American titmouse

is

fa/co/or

common

in

deciduous woodlands of the Southeast, especially along

streams. Told from chickadees (with which it usually
associates)

by the

and the

crest, the larger size,

black bib. Usually found

in

flocks of 3-8 birds.

lack of a

No

other

titmouse occurs east of Texas. Visits feeding stations near

woods. Whistled song

2 notes (or one slurred one) re-

is

peated 2 to 4 times, 14-22/min, Other

are chick-

calls

adee-like but distinctive.

BLACK-CRESTED TITMOUSE

Common
shade
able.

trees.

in

Parus atricristatus

deciduous woodlands, scrub oaks, and

Adults with the black crest are unmistak-

Young are very

similar to those of other titmice,

but there are very few places where more than one
species

occurs.

Young

and from young Plain Titmice by the

flanks. Songs and calls are like those

PLAIN TITMOUSE
This is the common
Its

all

are

Black-cresteds

Tufteds by the whitish forehead (gray

in

rusty tinge

its

on the

of the Tufted.

Parus inornatus
plain gray titmouse of the West.

range overlaps only with the Bridled.

chickadees by

from

told

young Tufted)

white throat.

It

Prefers

is

told

from

oaks, also

pinyon-juniper. The Plain Titmouse repeats a whistled 2-

note song, accented on the

Tufted Titmouse's).

chick-a-dee-dee

first

note

(its

Unlike other titmice,

call that

form similar to
it

sounds much more

also

has a

like the call

of a chickadee than of a titmouse.

Parus wollweberi
BRIDLED TITMOUSE
This distinctively marked titmouse is common in stands
of Scrub Oak and junipers in the Southwest mountains
at elevations of 5,000-7,000' (occasionally to 8,5000.

It

can be confused only with the uncrested Mountain Chickadee, whose range

it

overlaps.

Young

Bridled Titmice

always show enough face pattern to separate them from

other titmice

and chickadees.

218

VERDIN

AND

BUSHTITS (Family Paridae,

part) are small, slim, long-

tailed relatives of chickadees, which they resemble

'

VERDIN
Common

in

habits.

Auriparus flav/ceps
in

mesquite and other desert scrub. Note yel-

low head and throat, gray body, and chestnut shoulders.

Juvenals resemble young bushtits
told

by

their shorter tails

until late

and high

Aug., but are

thin whistles.

VERDIN
L

3V2"

RED-

WHISKERED
BULBUL
L

7"

220

NUTHATCHES

(Fom/7y Sittidae) are large-headed, short-tailed, short-

legged, tree-climbing birds that glean insects from the bark of trunks

and

limbs. Acrobatic, equally at

a trunk head

first.

tend nearly to

tip of tail.

Flight

Lay 4-9 eggs

is

jerky.

^ 4 UJ.

home

climbing up, around, or

Often flock with chickadees and

Sexes

titmice.

differ only slightly.

in cavities.

down

Wings

ex-

Migrate by day.

chickadee

louse
titmo

^..-^
nuthatch

NUTHATCHES

'<..;w.'^T'^

M'
"
creeper

^^^Sk

H^^W
warbler

im- N

222

WRENS

{Family

Troglodytidae)

are small,

restless,

brownish

birds

rounded tails that are often cocked upward. Females and immatures resemble males. With their long slender
bills they feed mainly on insects. Eggs, 4-9, are laid in a cavity or
with finely barred, narrow,

12' of the ground.

globular nest, usually within

songs and dry scolding

HOUSE WREN
Common in shubbery and
and
%*^

the

Wrens have loud

rattles.

commonest one

wrens by

its

indistinct

eye

Troglodytes aedon
brush. The

plainest

wren

the East. Told from marsh

in

unstreaked back, from other wrens by the

stripe

and

lack of a dark belly.

It

is

ag-

gressive, driving other birds from nest boxes. Also nests

in

natural cavities.

Song

is

loud and bubbling.

BROWN-THROATED WREN
Uncommon;
Ariz,

p.

jj

^wrnuL^

at

Troglodyies brunneicollis
7,000-8,000'

mountains. Song and habits

Note buffy eye

Sonogram on

resident

stripe, buffy throat

in

southeast

like

House Wren's.

and

breast.

chickadee

ti

CAROLINA WREN
L 43/4''

224

CACTUS WREN
common

This

is

recognized

by its broad white eye stripe and densely spotted breast.

The tail is barred and white-tipped, usually not cocked
upward. Flies low over the ground. Sage Thrasher
(p. 226) is similar but has no white on its back. Generally found below 4,000' among thorny shrubs or large
cacti. The song, one of the most familiar sounds of the
.desert, is an unmusical monotone of low-pitched notes.

^
,

i"VV

Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus
giant wren of the deserts

I^

ROCK WREN

""

Fairly

'

Salpincfes obsoleius

common

rocky barrens. Best recognized by

in

the light buffy tips on

all

but the central

band.

rump

No

also contrasts with

gray back.

its

feathers,

tail

contrasting with the black subterminal

buffy

Its

other wren,

including the rather similar Bewick's (p. 222), has light

streaking on the breast. Bobs as

markable variety of

trills,

CANYON WREN
Fairly

^^Suili

Song

is

re-

Catherpes mexkanus

common

canyons.

in

breast contrasting with

walks.

it

8-20/min.

clear white throat

chestnut-brown belly

its

and

distin-

guish this bird at a distance from other clifF-dwelling

canyon

species.

and has a much

The Rock Wren, similar

lighter belly.

grayer

in size, is

The song

is

of loud clear

descending whistles, slowing at the end.

LONG-BILLED MARSH WREN

Telmatodytes palusfris
Abundant in its limited habitat. Marsh wrens are quickly

told from other small

This species also has

white line over the eye.

tails,

wrens by
solid
It

their streaked backs.

rusty

cap and a

distinct

seldom found far from cat-

is

marsh grasses. Song

rushes, sedges, or tall

is

1-3

musical rattles on different pitches, often preceded by a

faint nighthawk-like buzz, 10-16/min.

-^

C'lsiothorus plafensis
SHORT-BILLED MARSH WREN
Scarce and local in sedge meadows. Streaked crown
and back, buffy underparts, short slim bill, cocked tail,
and obscure buffy stripe over the eye identify this shy

wren,

An

it

may even

sing

irregular migrant,

as late as Aug. Song

introductory

.15/min.

chips

it

is

in

hay

may

soft,

followed

fields

arrive

in

during migration.

some

nesting areas

almost

insect-like:

by an

unmusical

about 3
trill,

5-

WRENS

226

MOCKINGBIRDS AND THRASHERS

(Family Mimidae) are long-tailed,

short-winged, slender-billed birds that sing loudly from conspicuous

perches. Mockingbirds are
ers repeat phrases

wood

known

for their excellent imitations. Thrash-

fewer times, mimic

less. All

margins, or residential areas. Eggs, 3-6.

%^^^M

prefer brushy habitats,

shrike

thrasher

^^

Brown Thrasher

thrush

bluebird

waxwing

228

UNSTREAKED THRASHERS
especially

in

Ariz.,

require extreme caution

in

identification,

where three or four species may occur together

at water holes. These comparatively plain-breasted thrashers of the

Southwest are similar

the

ground and

nest

in

in

appearance and song. They feed mostly on

cacti. Only Bendire's is migratory.

mesquite or

UNSTREAKED THRASHERS
s-**'.

BENDIRE'S

THRASHER
SVa"

CALIFORNIA
THRASHER

no"

LE

CONTE'S

THRASHER
L

"f

9Va"

CRISSAL

THRASHER
L

'i

lOVj"

230
THRUSHES, SOLITAIRES,
varied

family of fine

AND

singers.

BLUEBIRDS {Family Turdidae) are a

Young of all species have spotted

breasts. All except bluebirds are often seen standing or running on

the ground. They

all

eat worms, insects, and

fruit.

migrate at night; Robins and bluebirds migrate

birds

nest

in

cavities

or bird

in

Typical thrushes

flocks

by day. Blue-

boxes; other thrushes build

nests

in

crotches of trees or shrubs. The 3-6 eggs ore usually greenish-blue,

plain, or lightly spotted.

ROBIN
A common

T Urdus

ing for insects

moist

woods

and earthworms.
or

fruit-bearing

breasted (head of female

of Juvenal

is

m'igratonus

well-known bird often seen on lawns search-

is

In

cold weather prefers

trees.

Adult

is

orange-

paler than male's); breast

spotted. Builds a nest of grass

and mud

orchard trees or shrubs or on buildings. Song

of 6-10 whistled phrases of 3 or

is

in

a series

4 notes, 5-20/min.

//

Robin

bluebird

^Kwaxwing

shrike

TOWNSEND'S
SOLITAIRE
L 63/4"

WHEATEAR
L

5V2"

232

SPOTTED-BREASTED
THRUSHES

^^

VEERY
L

6"

234

BLUEBIRDS are found

woodlands, often

in

in

note the hunched shoulders; the

They

sit

bill

When

often points slightly

on conspicuous perches, from which they drop

for insects.

bluebirds

They also catch

add

and open

orchards, farmyards, roadsides,

family groups or small flocks.

insects

on the wing.

berries to their diet. Nests are

bird boxes. Calls are given frequently

in

flight.

in

In

to

fall

perched,

downward.
the ground
and winter

natural cavities or

236

GNATCATCHERS AND KINGLETS

large family of Old

warblers

(p.

World warblers

{Family

250). They are small, drab,

active insectivorous birds.

comprise

Sylviidae)

quite unrelated to

and

New World

thin-billed; they are very

They have unspotted young, lay 4-8 spotted

or speckled eggs.

BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER
A common treetop species of
by

its

Polioptila caerulea

moist forests, recognized

blue back, eye ring, fly-catching habit, and the

sideways twitching of

its

long

tail.

The next species and

the Painted Redstart of the Southwest are the only other

%-*.

small fly-catching birds with a long, dark, white-bordered

tail.

Its

coated with lichens,

nest,

leaves emerge.

frequent than

its

is

easily

found before

high nasal calls (65-85/min.) are more

Its

soft vireo-like song.

BLACK-TAILED GNATCATCHER
Polioptila melanura
Fairly common in desert scrub, washes, and ravines.
Male is easily told in spring and summer by its black
cap. Female, young, and winter male are best told by
large

amount

of black on the underside of the

GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET
Common;

tail.

Regulus satrapa

woodFemale has a

prefers conifers. Told from other tiny

land birds by

brightly striped head.

its

yellow crown. Song of 4 to 8 high notes, followed by

series of rapid,

min.

Common

descending, chickadee-like notes, 4-8/

call

is

3-5 very high creeper-like

notes.

flycatcher

chickadee

ARCTIC WARBLER
L 41/4"

238
PIPITS

AND WAGTAILS

{Family Motacillidae) are sparrow-sized birds

bills; they have dark tails with white outer

They feed on the ground, walk leisurely, and wag their tails
continually. They do not hop. They lay 4-7 eggs in a nest on the

with slender warbler-like

feathers.

ground.

Pipits

are streak-breasted, feed on

WATER

"

Anthus spinoletfa

PIPIT

Common
muddy

insects.

in

and

flocks during migration

winter on

in

and plowed fields; nests on tundra and in

alpine meadows. Characteristic white-edged tail bobs rapidly. Told from sparrows and longspurs by its slender bill,
shores

from Sprague's

and
is

voice.

frequently given

SPRAGUE'S
and

is

in

legs,

flight.

Anthus spraguen

PIPIT

Water

Unlike

by the unstreaked bock, dark

Pipit

rarely perches on trees or posts. Call, p'ippif,

It

bird stays hidden in

Pipit, this

When

hard to see.

flushed,

flies

it

grass

tall

a few hundred

drops into heavy cover. Told from Water Pipit

by the streaked back and flesh-colored legs. Nests on
northern plains, where its weird hissing flight song is de-

feet, then

livered high overhead.

a single syllable,

is

Its

sharp distinctive

throated Pipit (A. cerv'mus,

Alaska
throat

in
in

is

casual

tail

and rump

shorter. Call

is

Rare

local

is

bold and black, legs

Motacilla alba

breeder

Greenland; winters
its

in

patch,

western

coastal

in

and outer

feathers,

tail

feathers.

tail

the black necklace, white breast

black-backed race occurs

told

is

and

its

white

Immature

and

the Aleutians. Bobs

in

and
by

Alaska

Asia and Africa. Adult

black cap, bib, and central

face, wing

known by

far western

in

a hoarse tseeh.

WHITE WAGTAIL

'^,

Red-

Pipit's.

summer, in California in winter. Told by rosy

summer. Winter birds resemble Sprague's, but

streaking of breast, bock

yellowish,

5")

generally

call,

more squeaky than Water

belly.

head

is

like

a dove when walking. Call, tschizzik.

YELLOW WAGTAIL
Locally

Motacilla flava

common; breeds

in

arctic willow thickets

on tundra. Adult Yellow Wagtail

told

from other

ground-walking birds by the long

tail

with white outer

feathers,

and

is

the

white eye

stripe,

underparts. Immature Yellow

have an undulating

is

and

the

bright

arctic

yellow

bufFy below. Both wagtails

flight. Call,

tsweep.

Horned Lark

PIPITS

AND

WAGTAILS

240

WAXWINGS

{Family Bombycillidae), crested, gregarious, fruit-eating

birds with black masks

and yellow

for the red wax-like spots

tips to their short tails,

are

on the wings of adult. They eat

named

fruits

and

berries; also catch insects as flycatchers do. In flight their silhouettes

and

flock

formations

spotted eggs

fr^^ft

in

resemble

those

a bulky shallow nest

in

of
late

Starlings.

summer.

They

lay

3-5

thrasher

thrush

bluebird

waxwing

shrike

BOHEMIAN

WAXWING

242
SHRIKES {Family

Laniidae)

are recognized

by

their

heavy hooked

beaks, black masks, large white wing patches contrasting with dark
wings, and habit of pursuing insects, small birds, and rodents, which

they impale on thorn trees or barbed wire. Shrikes perch alone, with
toil

held nearly horizontal, on treetops or telephone wires

country. Their flight

are

in

small trees.

in

NORTHERN SHRIKE
A

Lanius excubifor

and
mammals. Irregular winter visitor to northern states,
where it is usually seen in brown immature plumage;
immature Loggerheads are gray after Aug. Look for
hooked bill, light base to lower mandible, faintly barred
sides, and forward end of mask stopping at the bill. May
hover over prey or pounce rapidly. Usually silent in
winter, but has shrill cries and rattles.

i
'

I
I

open

in

low and undulating. Bulky nests with 4-6 eggs

thorny shrubs or well hidden

^
i

is

rare Robin-sized bird that preys on small birds

LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE

Lanius ludovicianus

Uncommon. Often confused with Mockingbird, as it

is
gray above and white below, but note its blacker
wing, facial mask, heavy hooked bill, and undulating
flight with wingbeats too fast to count. Song is a slow
chat-like series of calls and trills, often unmusical, 20/min.

STARLINGS

and widespread in North

and fat-bodied. Gregarious and
aggressive, they are especially abundant at roosting sites. Diets are

America,

{Family Sturnidae), introduced

ore

short-tailed,

dark,

varied. Blue eggs (4-6) are laid

E^

'^-

in

nest hole.

STARLING

Sturnus vulgaris

Told from true blackbirds

and,

in

ily

in

by

speckled. Spends the night

city

until spring.

porks, suburbs,

squeaky notes, but

CRESTED

its

short

tail

its

from late summer

in

280-282) by

browner wings. The yellow bill is

spring and summer; winter plumage is heav-

flight,

diagnostic

(p.

it

in

large

communal

and farms. Song

imitates

MYNA

roosts

Often an abundant pest

many

bird

is

largely of

calls.

Acridotheres cristatellus

Introduced at Vancouver, B.C. Recognized by white

wing patches contrasting with black wings and body and

by

its

short crest.

but Crested

Myna

Habits
is

and song are

like

a much better imitator.

Starling's,

%~^ \
thrush

CRESTED

MYNA
L9"

244

HONEYCREEPERS

(Family Coerebidae) are nectar eaters with long,

pointed, generally downcurved

bills

and

short

tails.

BAHAMA HONEYCREEPER

%
VIREOS

Coerefao bahamensis
Tame; probes blossoms in
gardens. Told by bright yellow rump and breast band,
striking face pattern, and white flash in wings and tail.

Casual

southeast Fla.

in

Vireonidae)

(Family

are

plain-colored

pick crawling insects from the foliage of shade

vireos

sluggish

and

that

birds

forest trees.

Some

have spectacles (eye rings with a connecting band) and wing-

and no wingbars. Vireo

bars; the others have eye stripes

are

bills

heavier than those of warblers and have a tiny hook at the end. They

are persistent singers. Eggs, 3-5, are laid

in

nests

suspended from

crotches of thin branches.

BLACK-CAPPED VIREO
V/reo africapilla
Locally common in cedar-oak thickets of central and
west Texas. No other North American bird has white
spectacles on a jet-black head. The female
spectacles, the red eye, the bufFy body,

wingbars. This tiny vireo

Song

is

harsh

but

is

told

by the

and the

whitish

is

barely larger than a kinglet.

varied,

suggestive

of

White-eyed

Vireo's (p. 246).

GRAY VIREO
Fairly

Vireo v/c/n/or

common

in

pinyon-juniper and other arid scrub

habitats. Drabbest of the wing-barred spectacled vireos;

the single

is

wingbar

is

faint.

Easily confused

only vireo that nervously twitches

1
6

Bell's

246), but the

does. Song

with

rump is gray, as is the back; the tail

much longer; and Gray inhabits drier areas. This is the

(p.

is

its tail

slurred like Solitary's, but

SOLITARY VIREO

as a gnatcatcher

more

rapid.

Vireo solitarius

Common
ests.

Its

in

mixed northern hardwood-coniferous

for-

large size, prominent blue-gray or gray head,

and white throat are diagnostic. The graybacked plumbeous form occurs in the Rockies. Its large
white wingbars separate it from the Gray Vireo where
ranges overlap, and the gray rump rules out Bell's and
Black-capped Vireos. Rather sluggish and tome. Song
spectacles,

consists

if
jmi

of

of slow, slurred,

Red-eyed Vireo's song

Robin-like phrases, suggestive

(p.

248), but often with only

2 or 3 notes per phrase, 15-30/min.

V
kinglet

vireo

warbler

BAHAMA
HONEYCREEPER
L

4"

246
~

WING-BARRED VIREOS

248

x^

:ctt:

BLACK-WHISKERED VIREO
Common and easily found

V/reo altiloquus
in

its

limited U.S.

range

in

and south Fla. mainland, where it lives in

mangroves and hammocks from Tampa to Everglades
National Park. It is more easily recognized by its mo-

the Fla. Keys

notonous song than by

its

dark "whisker" marks.

song resembles the Red-eyed Vireo's but with

phrases and

less

variable pitch, 20-32/min.

Its

paired

PLAIN-WINGED VIREOS

WARBLING
VIREO
L 43/4"

250

WOOD WARBLERS

(Family Parulidae) are small, very active, brightly

colored songsters with slender, straight, pointed

bills.

Males

in

spring

and early summer (through July) are fairly easy to recognize if you
can get a good look at them. Since males do the singing, the great
majority of birds seen in spring and summer are males in their breeding plumage. Look first for wingbars and characteristic head markings. Note the song patterns, which are diagnostic for most species.
Fall birds and spring females are difficult at first. Most female plumage patterns bear some resemblance to those of spring males, but are
duller. For comparisons of fall plumages see pp. 276-277.
Our warblers are divided into 15 genera. Those in the same genus
have some similarity in habits as well as in plumage and structure,
such as shape and size of bill. The genus Seiurus (Ovenbird and waterthrushes),

for

example, includes birds that teeter

like

the

Spotted

Sandpiper and walk on the ground in search of food. The genus

Opororn/s is composed of relatively sluggish warblers that feed on the
ground. Members of the genus Wilsonia catch insects on the wing.
During the nesting season, warblers remain
ferred habitats. During

quently

occur

in

or close to their prein

mixed

flocks,

fre-

company with chickadees or titmice. Then nearly all species

wood margins, hedgerows, orchards, and wooded swamps,

in

along streams, or even

WOOD

in

migration they gather

in

desert oases. Warblers migrate mainly at

WARBLERS WITHOUT WINGBARS - SPRING MALES

Prothonotar

Yellow-breasted Chat

Yellowthroot

Bachman's

Hooded

Kentucky

Mourning

Canada

MacGillivray's

Nashville

Connecticut

251
night, but

watch

them

for

morning. Most winter

in

flying within 500' of the treetops in early

Mexico, Central America, or the West Indies.

The experienced observer can

by

their call notes. Learn the

tell

more than

half the warblers just

most distinctive chips

first

(such as those

of Yellowthroat, Myrtle, Audubon's); then study the chips of the

mon

birds

in

your area. Some

awareness of a chip that

attention to the less

is

common

will

be impossible

different will aid

species

in

you

in

com-

recognize, but

to

fall

by drawing

a mixed flock.

Warblers are almost entirely insectivorous. Most warblers nest on

IC of the ground, but some, especially the Porula and some
of the genus Dendroica, nest high in trees. Eggs, usually 4-5.
or within

WOOD

Cerulean

Parula

Blue-winged

Black-throated
Blue

WARBLERS WITH WINGBARS - SPRING MALES

Myrtle

Audubon's

Yellow

Black-throated

Chestnut-sided

Blackpoll

Yellow-throated

Grace's

Blackburnian

Olive

Bay-breasted

Kirtland's

Black-and-white

Golden-winged

Gray

Brewster's

American
Redstart

-^-^-^S^-sla-H
Black-throated

Green

Townsend's

Golden-cheeked

Hermit

Red-faced

252

WOOD

WARBLERS do
Many

distinctive songs.

not warble, but nearly

species have 2 or

all

more

species have

characteristic

and a
one (heard more in late summer) that is harder to recognize.
general the more distinctive one is illustrated in Sonograms.

patterns: frequently a longer song v/ith a distinctive ending

shorter
In

gay
song

254

EASTERN VERMIVORAS

T^

Ai
^^^T^

GOLDEN-WINGED
WARBLER
L 41/4"

ti;T""--~^

256
-V4

TENNESSEE WARBLER

Common

>'nM;

in

Vermivora peregrina

aspen and spruce woods. The only warbler

except Lucy's with completely white underparts

slender

Its

bill

and

bright greenish

sparrows. Similar to vireos

has a very slender

bill.

248), but

(p.

Female

washed

is

wingbar and eye

trees

in

more rapid
si

"'

and

spaced

chips,

Vermivora celata

common

except along the Gulf Coast

is

West; rare

in

East

in

winter. Frequently for-

in

low trees and brush. The crown patch seldom

in

visible.

Note the absence of white

in all

plumages. The

very faint streaking on the sides of the breast helps

tinguish this bird, especially

Tennessee

to

coverts).

nessee

has

(which

in fall,

when

white

or

it

is

dis-

very similar
undertail

whitish

Most immatures approach the immature Ten-

in

color;

extreme. Song

xpm,w4-

the

indis-

at the end, 6-9 songs/min.

nondescript warbler

ages

fall

In

stripe are diagnostic. Stays high

spring. Song, of loud unevenly

ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER

from

it

with olive-green

bright greenish back, white undertail coverts,

in

spring.

slimmer and

is

on the crown and yellowish on underparts.

tinct

in

back separate

is

one pictured

the

a weak chippy-like

here

the

is

gray

trill.

NASHVILLE WARBLER

Vermivora ruficapilla
open second-growth deciduous woods and
spruce bogs. Only North American warbler with the com-

Common

in

bination of bluish-gray head, white eye ring, bright yel-

low throat, and no wingbars.

In

fall

it

may be confused

and MacGillivray's
Warblers (p. 272), but these never have the bright yellow chin and throat. Reddish cap of the male is often

with

"*...

dull

Connecticut,

concealed. The song

is

Mourning,

in

two

parts: the

first

half sug-

gests the Black-and-white's, but notes are separate; the

rest

(sometimes omitted)

OLIVE WARBLER

is

a lower, slow

trill,

4-6/min,

Peucedramus taeniatus

The buffy brown head and black eye stripe of the male
are diagnostic. Note also the broad white wingbars and
dark wings and tail. The female is the only western
warbler with broad wingbars and an unstreaked yellowish

breast;

and

fir

around the

note also the yellow triangle

dusky eye patch. Uncommon; nests high

forests

above

8,000'. The song

is

in

sugar-pine

short;

it

consists

of 2 to 5 pairs of loud, low-pitched slurred notes.

258

<J, ^PARULA
'WARBLER
L

."^

'

'^

'

**

'

ZV4"

260

GENUS DENDROICA,

a large group (pp. 260-268), includes primarily

arboreal warblers with wingbars and

10

tail spots.

YELLOW
WARBLER
14"

MAGNOLIA
WARBLER
L

4\k"

262

GOLDEN-HEADED WARBLERS

Males of these four are easily recogBreeding ranges ore

Wash. Females and especially the immatures in

nized by the head patterns and back color.

separate except
fall

in

pose identification problems

in

the Southwest during migration.

TOWNSEND'S WARBLER
Common in coniferous forests.

outlined

in

yellow should

warblers

other

tell

it

Dendroica townsendi

The dark cheek patch

in all

except female

plumages from

Blackburnian

all

266),

(p.

is strictly
eastern. The fall Black-throated Green
and Golden-cheeked Warblers have only a suggestion

which

of the dark cheek patch; their throats are white or pale

yellow, not bright yellow.

with

Song

slightly

is

wheezy, often

or 2 high clear notes at end.

BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER Dendroica

Common,

nesting high

in

cypresses. The golden cheek

ture;

v/rens

northern conifers, oaks, and

is

the most distinctive fea-

no other eastern warbler has cheeks of

lar but duller, with the throat

mottled darkly.

hue.

this

Also note the black throat, white wingbars. Female

simi-

is

Some

foil

birds lock block on the throat, but all have the bold gold

triangle

on the face. Immature has a yellowish-white

throat. Typical song

is

slow; third

and

fourth notes are a

clear whistle; others ore wheezy, 5/min.

has 4 similar notes, then

lower,

GOLDEN-CHEEKED WARBLER
Uncommon and

higher,

Second song
wheezy.

all

Dendroica chrysoparia

stands of Mountain
Cedar, 25-40' high, on the Edwards Plateau, Texas. Only
local;

in

virgin

North American warbler with golden cheeks outlined

in

black (male). The similar Block-throated Green has olive-

green crown and back.

In fall, in

lap with Block-throated Green

the narrow zone of over-

and Townsend's, note

the males' face patterns are faintly present

matures. Song

is

lower pitched,

all

in

all

that
im-

similar to Block-throated Green's, but

notes wheezy.

HERMIT WARBLER

Dendroica occidenfalis

The unique mole has an unmarked golden head and a

small block bib. Female

and immature hove the

entire

face yellow, which distinguishes them from Townsend's;

they are told from female and young

Green by
is

like

their

gray back.

Common

Yellow Warbler's, but

is

in tall

higher.

Block-throated
conifers.

Song

264

BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER

Dendro/co caerulescens
2

'

Common

in

evergreens

the Appalachians).

Male

is

(or

unique at

black cheeks and throat and

ture

male

the female

deciduous undergrowth

its

all

is

in
its

blue-gray back; imma-

almost identical to adult.

is

seasons with

frequently small, but

is

Wing patch

of

usually present.

Note female's eye stripe, lack of streaking, and junco-like

chip. Song is slow, slurred, wheezy, and ascending.

THROAim

WARtfLf RS

266

mm,
r

268

PINE WARBLER
L 43/4"

270

M:

xr-\^w^

'

OVENBIRD
L5"

YELLOWBREASTED CHAT
L 61/4"

^ %

272

OPORORNIS WARBLERS
short

tails.

are sluggish heavy warblers with rather

They stay close

ground except when singing.

to the

All

are generally hard to see except the Kentucky, which often sings

from an exposed understory perch.

KENTUCKY WARBLER
Common;
woods

nests

Opororn/s formosus

on the ground

deciduous

moist

in

ample ground vegetation. The black mus-

with

tache and yellow eye ring are diagnostic, but the black

concealed

largely

is

throat

(p.

in

The male Yellow-

immature.

270) has a black mask but

belly

its

Song, a loud churree repeated 7-10 times,

white.

is

often mis-

is

taken for Carolina Wren's; 4-5/min.

MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER
Oporornis tolmiei
Fairly common in dense thickets. The gray hood and
broken eye ring are diagnostic except
it

is

in

when

fall,

impossible to separate this species from the immature

and female Mourning Warbler

where

the limited area

in

both occur. The larger heavier Connecticut Warbler has

a conspicuous complete eye ring

in

spring the

plumages, and

all

in

Mourning Warbler has no eye

ring at

all.

~"

Song

is

similar to Mourning's, 8-10/min.

MOURNING WARBLER

Opororn/s Philadelphia

Uncommon; in heavy underbrush.

lent of MacGillivray's

and black throat

This eastern equiva-

Warbler has the same gray hood

(male), but lacks the eye ring

broken eye ring

in

spring.

confuses the female and im-

fall

in

mature with the larger duller-colored Connecticut

Warbler in the East and with MacGillivray's in the West.
Song is short and soft, typically a 5-note warble, 5-8/min.

CONNECTICUT WARBLER
Uncommon and

understory. The gray hood

ring are the best field
tail

Opororn/s

local; in moist

marks

agilis

woodlands with dense

and conspicuous white eye

spring.

in

The yellow under-

coverts of this species are even longer than on the

two above. Nashville

(p.

short undertail coverts.

In

256) has a yellow throat and

fall

the immature Connecticut

has a buffy eye ring and a more olive hood. The loud
single chip resembles the softer

Song

is

throat's

double chip of Magnolia.

very loud, clear, and

but

is

accented on

last

jerky;

suggests Yellow-

syllable,

5-7/min.

274

HOODED WARBLER
Common

in

undergrowth. Male
_

-^ J:

Wi/sonia cifrina

deciduous woods with

moist
is

abundant

recognized by the yellow face and

black hood; female by the yellow face pattern and white

-1*

tail

ff^^

spots,

which

it

displays as

Wilson's Warbler lacks

The loud musical chip

Wilson's Warbler

it

toil spots.
is

often spreads

its

tail.

Nests close to ground.

distinctive.

Song

is

loud, clear.

usually with an accented, slurred ending, 5-9/min.

WILSON'S WARBLER
Fairly common in thickets,

Wilsonia pusilla
especially of willows. The

male is recognized by the glossy black cap, the female

by the plain bright yellow underparts, lack of tail spots,

and yellow forehead. Song

dropping

slightly in pitch

is

of 15-20 musical chips,

toward the end, 5-10/min.

HOODED
WARBLER
L 4'/2"

American
Redstart

PAINTED
REDSTART
L 41/2"

2'"

FALL WARBLERS Immature warblers in dull plumages generally

outnumber adults in fall. Most adults are less brilliantly colored than
in spring, but adult males (except the Blackpoll and Bay-breasted
Warblers) retain distinctive patterns. Immatures, especially females,
require careful study.

OLIVE

OR YELLOW IMMATURES WITHOUT WINGBARS

...

Seen near ground,

no

tail

spots

MacGillivray's

urning

Seen near ground,

no

Canada

spots

Yellowthroat

Yellowthroat

Kentucky

tail

Seen high or low

^^^^
othonotary

Tail

spots

^^

tail

Hooded

spots

*\^^
Wilson's

^
Bl.-thr.

Blue

Very slender
no

Virginia's

Nashville

Orange-crowned

bill,

tail spot!

Tennessee

Below are immature females (and a few immature males) of

warblers except:

(1)

those restricted to the Southwest,

(2)

277
all

those on

and (3) American

Redstart and the bluish-backed Parula and Cerulean. Note the faint
wingbars of the Palm (p. 268) and Tennessee (p. 256).
pages 252 and 270 that look much

like

the adults,

WITH WINGBARS AND TAIL SPOTS

Streaked

back
Bay-breasted

Pine

Kirtland's

Chestnut-sided

Prairie

Blackburnian

Blackpoil

Bl.-thr.

Gray

Townsend's

Palm (yellow race)

Bl.-thr.

Green

Palm (western race)

278

WEAVER FINCHES
represented

{Family Ploceidae) are a large Old

World family

North America by two introduced species. Both

in

re-

semble our native sparrows, but have shorter legs and thicker beaks.
They are non-migratory. They nest in bird boxes or on buildings
or

:t

ES

make

bulky,

woven grass

nests in trees; lay 4-7 eggs.

HOUSE SPARROW

Passer domesticus

Abundant on farms and

male

is

recognized by

his

cheeks. The female often

or female

line,

cities

confused with other sparrows

is

buntings; the

bold buffy eye

field

and suburbs. The

black bib and bill and white
in

unstreoked dingy breast, the

and the streaked back are the best

in flocks. Song is a long series of

marks. Often seen

monotonous musical

chirps,

30-120/min.

EUROPEAN TREE SPARROW

Locally

common around

St. Louis,

Passer montanus

Mo., and nearby

III.

plumages by bright chestnut crown, block ear

and throat patches. Calls like House Sparrow's.
Told

BLACKBIRDS

in all

AND

ORIOLES

{Family Icteridoe) are

medium

to large,

heavy-billed birds, mainly iridescent black or black with yellow or

orange.

Some walk on

ridge of the

M^^b>.

'

.-r

bill

the ground; others are arboreal. The upper

parts the feathers of the forehead. Eggs, 3-6.

HOUSE SPARROW
L

SV/'

280

'

DLi
BLACKBIRDS

YELLOW-HEADED
BLACKBIRDi
L

SV2"

.^^

Red-winged ^^a'C^

^
RED-

WINGED
BLACKBIRD
7'4"

TRICOLORED
BLACKBIRD
L

71/2"

"^3
RUSTY
BLACKBIRD
6'

8"

falll^ll

BREWER'S
BLACKBIRD
L

Mj^.

8"

282

CRACKLES AND COWBIRDS

BOAT-TAILED CRACKLE
L

^^
bronzed race

16"

;^.,.^

284
ORIOLES are

colorful arboreal icterids, quite different in habits, ap-

pearance, habitat preference, and nest structure from their ground-

North American orioles have the same basic

and most first-year males are strikingly marked
with brilliant breasts, bellies, and rump patches that contrast with
black wings, black throats or heads, and in many species black
rounded tails. Most females are similar to one another and pose a real
problem in the Southwest, where several species occur. All have conspicuous wingbars and very sharply pointed beaks. Female tanagers
(inset) have heavier, lighter-colored beaks and notched tails. Orioles
migrate primarily by night, but loose bands of 5-10 may sometimes be
seen just above the treetops in the early morning.
feeding relatives.

All

pattern. Adult males

ORCHARD ORIOLE
Locally

common

in

Icterus spurius

unsprayed orchards, wood margins,

and shade trees. Adult male is our only brick-red

and (except in southern Fla.) the only oriole east
Mississippi River with a solid black

oriole

with

greenish-yellow

is

and

male

the only eastern

rather than

breast. Migrates south early (July-Aug.).

of melodious whistles

First-year

tail.

has a well-defined black bib. Female

oriole

of the

orange-yellow

Song

is

a medley

flute-like notes, quite different

from the short phrases of the Baltimore, 4-8/min.

Robin

tanager

grosbeak

286

ORANGE ORIOLES
HOODED
ORIOLE
17"

LICHTENSTEIN'S

ORIOLE
L

8V2"

288

TANAGERS

290

GROSBEAKS,

SPARROWS, AND BUNTINGS

FINCHES,

North American

Fringillidae) comprise the largest family of

best field
for

mark

cracking

the short heavy conical beak, which

is

Only weaver

seeds.

have similar beaks.

the

In

Dickcissel, seedeater,

finches,

{Family

The
adapted

birds.

well

is

and cowbirds

Bobolinks,

grosbeaks, finches, buntings, longspurs,

and some of the towhees the moles ore much

and young. In a few of these species (Indigo

brighter than the females

Bunting,

American Goldfinch,

male resembles the female.

the sexes are similar at

all

Lark

Bunting,

longspurs)

the other towhees

In

winter

the

and the sparrows

seasons. Fringillids occupy

all

land habi-

and Pine Grosbeaks prefer evergreens; other grosbeaks, deciduous trees. Mole buntings, goldfinches and Blue Grosbeaks often perch on wires. Towhees scratch among fallen leaves. In
winter the smaller finches prefer weed seeds. Finches and northern
tats;

crossbills

grosbeaks often
occur

in

during their undulating

call or sing

and

flocks during migration

weeds, or on the ground; eggs,

winter.

3-6.

They nest

flight.
in

Fringillids

trees, shrubs,

Northern species are highly mi-

gratory or erratic wanderers.

Feeding shelf

CARDINAL
Common
Our only

in

winter

Richmondena
in

cardinalis

hedgerows, wood margins, and suburbs.

beak except

crested bird with a conical

Southwest, where

it

is

in

the

replaced by the Pyrrhuloxia. Bright

red mole with black throat

is

unmistakable. Both male

and yellow-brown female have pointed crests and thick

red (or dusky in immature) beaks. Song is a repetition
of loud slurred whistles, 5-10/min.

^tfcr

PYRRHULOXIA
Fairly
is

common

Pyrrhuloxia
in

gray above except

by

its

for

its

red crest. The female

is

told

stubby yellow beak with an abruptly curved upper

mandible and
the

sinuata

Southwest. Nests to 3,500'. The male

its gray back and tail.

Usually feeds on
ground and remains near cover. Song and calls often

are indistinguishable from Cardinal's.

292

GROSBEAKS

ROSE-BREASTED

GROSBEAK
L IVa"

294

t/H\^

MM
H

TROPICAL BUNTINGS

INDIGO
BUNTING
L

4V2"

296
:

RED FINCHES
PURPLE
FINCH
L 51/2"

298

ROSY FINCHES

nest in western Arctic and above timberline in westand Canada. These tame birds spend much time on the
ground, gleaning seeds and insects from snowbanks. Rosy wings and
rumps of males show both at rest and in flight. Pink of female is
visible at close range. No other reddish finches have unmarked dark
breasts. Calls are low and hoarse, or high sharp chips.

ern

U.S.

GRAY-CROWNED ROSY FINCH

Locally

winters

Leucosticte tephrocotis

common. Nests above 7,000'

Wash.) and

(in

lowlands. Told from the Black Rosy Finch by

in

brown back and breast and from the Brown-capped

by the well-marked gray headband. Some female Graycrowns with little gray over the eye closely resemble the
Brown-capped, but have a browner body.

the

BLACK ROSY FINCH

Leucosf/cfe ofrofa

Uncommon. The dark blackish-brown

breast and back

distinguish this bird from other rosy finches.

BROWN-CAPPED ROSY FINCH

Locally

and northern
Colo. Winters

south

central

in

Rockies; most easily found on Mt. Evans,

in

All plumages lack

do some female Gray-crowns.

nearby lowlands.

the gray headband, as

REDPOLLS wander

Leucosticte australis

common. Breeds above timberline

irregularly

sometimes

winter,

in

in

huge

They feed on weed seeds in snow-covered fields; also eat alder

and birch catkins. They are sparrow-like but have a black chin spot,

flocks.

red crown, deeply notched

toil,

and undulating

HOARY REDPOLL
Uncommon

in

Acanthis hornemanni

Far North; rare

provinces. Occurs with flocks of

risky

field

rump, which

mark. Calls are

COMMON

Redpolls,

identification

whose
of

except under ideal conditions. Examine each

redpoll flock for pale-backed

unstreaked

border states and

in

Common

make

geographic color variations

Hoary

flight.

like

REDPOLL
common

Irregularly

birds,

the

is

then look for the

Hoary's

Common

only

reliable

Redpoll's.

Acanthis fldmmea

snow-covered

weedy

fields.

where it feeds much like goldfinches. The black chin and

red cap are diagnostic. Common call, a hoarse chit-chitchit, given frequently in flight, suggests a White-winged
Crossbill's but

is

more rapid.

tanager

^Ik^t

grosbeak

bunting

sparrow

longspur

gray-headed race

GRAY-CROWNED
ROSY FINCH
L bVA,"

300

m
A

SISKINS

AND

GOLDFINCHES

LAWRENCE'S
GOLDFINCH
L

I...

-S,;,

%,

\W t

^*.^^

4V4"

302
CROSSBILLS are

may

irregular vagrants partial to conifers,

in

which they

any season. They are especially fond of salt and are

very tame. Only when they are close can one notice the crossed
bill.

nest at

Like other northern finches they call frequently in flight.

RED CROSSBILL
Unpredictable but

Loxia

common

at times in

curvirosfra

pine woods.

The brick-red plumage of the adult male is distinctive;

immature is more orange-red. All plumages lack wingbars on their blackish wings. The female, heavier billed
distinctly larger than a goldfinch, has a yellow rump
some subadult Purple Finches' but lacks the heavily
streaked breast. They cling to pine cones, from which

and
like

they noisily extract seeds with their peculiar

kip-kip-kip,

is

frequently given

in flight.

bills.

Call,

WHITE-

COLLARED
SEEDEATER

xN.
^

sub-adult 6

ZVa"

304

TOWHEES,

large ground-feeding sparrows with long rounded

are often seen scratching for insects and seeds

They hop and

tails,

shrubbery or brush.

kick with both feet together; usually fly close to the

ground, pumping

-WtTt^

in

their tail.

Young are

finely streaked below.

GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE
Fairly common in underbrush
up

to

9,000'; are found to

Chlorura chlorura
or chaparral.

11,000'

in

fall.

They nest
The clear

white chin and greenish tinge of the upperparts separate

it

from

all

other towhees. Call

is

a soft mew.

TOWHEES

GREEN-TAILED

TOWHEE
L

614"

RUFOUSSIDED

TOWHEE
L

714"

306

SPARROWS

are small brown-bodied birds with streaked backs and

short conical beaks. Their food, mostly seeds except during the nesting season,

is

most are seen

these

may be

Each species has

diagnostic.

Head and

its

own

and shape
Heads

species females are very similar to males.

most species are shown on

this

not nesting,

habitat preferences;

breast patterns are most helpful

for identification; note also the length

of the

tail.

In

most

of adult males of

spread. The juncos and longspurs are

represented by one head each; the very local

is

When

obtained on or near the ground.

in flocks.

Cape Sable Sparrow

Snow Bunting, the

omitted, as are the striking Lark Bunting, the

towhees and the Olive Sparrow. Immatures of some species are much
especially those species with black or rufous on the head.
Songs and chips of sparrows are often more easily distinguished than
are their plumages. See pages 308-324 for further details.
duller,

STREAKED BREASTS

Le Conte's

Purple Finch
for

comparison

Sharp-tailed

Seaside

Henslow's

Fox

Baird's

Sage

UNSTREAKED BREASTS

is;.
Slate-colored Junco

Black-chinned

Lx^v
White-crowned

i;^?s,
White-throated

Black-throated

<!^f^
Golden-crowned

3^
Tree

M
Brewer's

Lark

Field

Lapland Longspur

Chipping

Har

^
Swamp

^^
I&
Clay-colored

Rufous-winged

Grasshopper

Cassin's

Rufous-crowned

Bachr

308

SAVANNAH SPARROW
Common

in

Passerculus sandwichensis

large fields with short or sparse grass or

weeds. The heavily streaked breast without a central

spot and the short notched tail are characteristic. The
yellow lores, when present, are also a good

Extremes of geographic variation

are

field

mark.

illustrated.

Sa-

vannah runs and hops, rarely walks. When flushed, it

flies for a short distance and
usually returns to the
ground.

The song

followed by

consists

or 2 thin

of

trills,

2-6

faint

4-8/min.

musical

chips

SHORT-TAILED

GRASS SPARROWS

GRASSHOPPER

SPARROW
L 41/2"

^^^^
-^5^ ^^"^^
BAIRD'S

^^

SPARROW

310
CONTE'S SPARROW

LE

Common

in

fields in winter.
stripe,

Broad purplish

and white

stripe

all

others.

clear buffy breast

recognized by

SHARP-TAILED

Common

and

its

summer, rare

in

collar, bright

in

dry

orange eye

through crown distinguish

No
and immature Swamp

sparrow from
tail

Passerherbulus caudacutus

marsh grass

toll

this

other sparrow except Sharp-

has the combination of a

finely streaked sides.

insect-like

Most easily

song, tickify-tshshshsh-tick.

SPARROW

kmmo%p\zQ caudacuta
and fresh marshes.

short grass salt marshes

in

The broad orange triangle on the face

is

diagnostic.

Note the unstreaked crown. Sharp-tails spend most of

on the wet ground.

their time

for a short distance, then

flight,

appear

they

If

flushed they

drop back

smaller

and

fly

weakly

into the marsh.

browner

than

In

the

Seaside Sparrows, with which they often associate. Song

is

a high faint

SEASIDE

trill

preceded by almost inaudible

SPARROW

Common

Ammospiza maritima

short grass tidal

in

chips.

marshes with scattered

Sparrow is recognized by its dark gray

head and body, very long bill, and the yellow line before the eye. Its tail is short and narrow for the size

shrubs. Seaside

-*^

^^^f

^'

when flushed it flies

and drops back in the marsh. It eats fewer
seeds and more insects and crustaceans than other spar-

of the bird. Like the Sharp-tailed,

short distances

rows. Call

winged

is

a low chuck; song

DUSKY SEASIDE SPARROW

Uncommon; resident locally
Orange and northern Brevard
Fla.

is

like

a distant Red-

Blackbird's.

Ammospiza nigrescens
in salt

marshes of eastern

Cos. (Merritt Island area),

This blackest of the seasides

the only one

in

its

range. Recognized by the heavy black streakings on

its

breast

is

and bock. Habits and song

CAPE SABLE SPARROW

like

Seaside's.

Ammospiza

Rare and very local resident; known only

in

mirabilis

brackish

(Ochopee marshes to Shark

River basin).
Destruction of marshes by hurricanes
threatens its existence. It is the only seaside sparrow in
southwest Fla. Note the greenish tinge on back and the
more distinct streaking below, contrasting with the white
background color. Song is similar to other seasides'.
marshes of southwest

Flo.

MARSH SPARROWS

DUSKY SEASIDE

SPARROW
L

SW

CAPE SABLE

SPARROW
L

5W'

'

312

JTTJTTt^'^^^^

J^

"^

'

314

JUNCOS
pink

common to abundant, rather tame sparrows with light

gray or black hoods, white outer tail feathers, and, in

are

bills,

the West, rusty backs or pinkish sides. Often

hop on the ground and

their feet.

large flocks, they

in

pick up small seeds but seldom scratch with

Streaked juvenals on breeding ground resemble sparrows

tail and voice. Song (except Mexican's) is a simple slow

more musical than Chipping Sparrow's, 5-12/min.

except for
trill,

WHITE-WINGED JUNCO
Common in its restricted
the Black

in

large

broad pale margins on

immm

white on the

secondaries,

its

(at least

tail

Plains. This

by the two white wingbars, the

told

is

aiken

yellow pine forests

in

no record east of Great

Hills;

junco

Jiinco

range

and the excessive

3 feathers on each side are

completely white). Has typical junco song.

SLATE-COLORED JUNCO
Abundant
m^^ ous
'*

summer and

forests in

wood margins

Northwest,

in

weedy

fields,

Immatures, especially

may be confused

with

OREGON JUNCO

in

or from

Oregon Juncos.
Junco oreganus

Abundant in western conifers, and

farmyards, and fields. Plumage and

Some

and

have varying amounts of pink on the

sides; these birds

ically.

brush,

Head, back, and breast are

winter.

in

uniformly slate-gray.
far

Jiinco hyemalis

brushy clearings and borders of conifer-

in

in

winter

in

suburbs,

size

vary geograph-

races have a black breast

and head, con-

have a pale
gray head and breast with no head-back contrast, and
trasting sharply with the rusty back. Others

a broad pink

stripe

down

GRAY-HEADED JUNCO
Common in coniferous

the sides.

Junco cankeps
forests.

Told by gray head and

pale gray breast and sides, contrasting with rusty upper

back. Lores are dark gray or black. Told from Mexican
its dark eye. A Rocky Mountain race has a
and a Southwest race a dark upper mandible.

Junco by
bill

MEXICAN JUNCO
Locally

common

in

coniferous

light

Junco phaeonotus
and pine-oak forests

above 5,000'. Bright yellow eye is the best field mark.

The entire underparts are whitish; the lores are black.
Generally walks instead of hopping. Tame. Song is
varied for a junco; call

is

like

Chipping Sparrow's.

tanager

grosbeak

crossbill

bunting

sparrow

longspi

JUNCOS
WHITE-WINGED

JUNCO
L

6"

southern race

GRAY-HEADED

JUNCO

^$::^>^

L 51/2"

MEXICAN
JUNCO
L 51/2"

northern

316

AIMOPHILA

^'^^ SPARROWS

RUFOUS-WINGED

SPARROW
L 51/4"

318

SPARROW

TREE

Common

in

Spizella arborea

rows. This brightest

rows

is

seen

weedy

willow thickets,

and

largest of the rusty-capped spar-

large flocks

in

and hedge-

fields,

in

winter.

the only one

is

It

with a large central breast spot. Note also the 2-tone

and dark

Immature

legs.

is

tern of Fox Sparrow's, but

is

diagnostic

musical 2-note twitter

CHIPPING SPARROW
Common on lawns
trees. In winter

and weedy

it

is

bill

Song has the pathigher, thinner, and softer.

like adult.

in

winter.

Spizella passerina
or sparse grass under scattered

sparrows in hedgerows
and very white eye stripe

flocks with other

fields.

Black

bill

separate spring adults from other rusty-capped sparrows.

Immatures and winter adults, with lighter

bills

and

dull

streaked crowns, are told by the contrast between the

gray rump and brown back. Song

is

CLAY-COLORED SPARROW
common

of rapid chips.

Sp/ze//a pd///da

open brushland. Brown cheek patch

and light median streak through crown are distinctive. If
rump color is not seen it may be mistaken in fall for Chipping Sparrow. Song is a distinctive series of 2-5 idenLocally

tical,

in

slow, low-pitched buzzes, 5-10/min.

BREWER'S SPARROW
Common; in sage and

Spizella breweri

desert scrub. The crown, pale

brown and finely streaked with black, lacks a median

line. Note also the small size, slim build and clear breast.
Song is a varied series of rapid trills.

FIELD

SPARROW

Common;

Spizella pusilla

abandoned

in

tered saplings. Told by

its

fields with tall grass or scat-

pink

crown, and lack of dark eye

slurred whistles

in

in

and legs, unstreaked

Song is a series of

increasing tempo, 4-6/min.

BLACK-CHINNED SPARROW
Uncommon;

bill

line.

Sp/ze//o airogularis

chaparral and sage. Pink

ng with gray head and breast make

bill

contrast-

appear juncolike, but Black-chinned is easily told by the streaked back

and absence of white on the tail. Song suggests Field
Sparrow's, but is higher pitched and more rapid.
it

Brewer's

.4^1^!^^^'"^^^^7^

:^.4sJU

Sparrow

SPIZELLA

SPARROWS
TREE

SPARROW
L 51/4"

^jh

cl'

r7M

^^^m
CHIPPING SPARROW
L 43/4"

BLACK-CHINNED

SPARROW
L

:/>i

5V4"

320

SPARROW

HARRIS'

common.

Fairly

ic

prefers hedgerows,
est
bill,

Zonotrkhia querula

Breeds

wood

at

timberline;

in

margins, and brush.

winter

Our

it

larg-

sparrow; recognized by the combination of the pink

black or blotched bib, black crown, and streaked

sides.

No

other pink-billed sparrow has streaked sides.

The sexes are

whistles;

alike.

Song

consists of 2-4 identical high

repeated on a different

pitch.

CROWNED SPARROWS

322

FOX AND ROUNDTAILED SPARROWS

324

SNOW BUNTINGS

LONGSPURS AND

are gregarious sparrow-like

ground birds of open fields, tundra, and dunes. Adult male plumage
seldom is seen outside the nesting ground. Watch for distinctive patterns on the rather short

tails.

Mc COWN'S LONGSPUR
common than

Less

PR

The

toil

Rhynchophanes mccownii

Chestnut-collared on arid plains.

mostly white, with only narrow median and

is

terminal bands. The only longspur with rusty bend of

wing (often concealed). Note the gray hind neck.

song

r^

is

a long twittering warble;

call,

a dry

Flight

rattle.

CHESTNUT-COLLARED LONGSPUR Calcarius ornatus

Common in fallow plains and prairies. Told in all
plumages by the dark triangle on the white tail and by
lack of a well-defined ear patch. Song is like a faint
Western Meadowlark's, 3-8/min. Call is finch-like, 2
syllables; does not give the typical longspur rattle.

LAPLAND LONGSPUR
Abundant
in East.

Calcarius lapponicus

and
Horned

Arctic

in

Flocks with

longspurs. Winter mole

and gray throat

is

like pipit's (p.

rattle

is

given

locally in interior;
Larks,

is

with white outer feathers

238) or Vesper Sparrow's

(p.

312).

dry

in flight.

LONGSPUR

SMITH'S

uncommon

Buntings, or other

by chestnut hind neck

told

blotch. Tail

Snow

Uncommon and

Calcarius pictus

local; winters

on short grass plains and

from other longspurs by the broad white

male and by the buffy coloration and flesh-

airports. Told

wingbar

of

colored legs.

Common

flight call

SNOW BUNTING
Common
,-'*

s;?^"

in

is

a rapid clicking.

Plectrophenax nivalis

tundra; local on beaches, dunes, and

in

Horned Larks or longspurs.

Most readily identified in flight by large white wing
patches; no other flocking songbird in its range has these.
short grass; often seen with

Flight call

is

a short descending whistle.

McKAY'S BUNTING
Common breeder on

Plectrophenax hyperboreus
Bering Sea islands. Winters

in

Female is told by pure white

head and male by white head and back. Song is like
American Goldfinch's.
coastal western Alaska.

summer

Snow Bunting

summer $
McKay's Bunting

Mc KAY'S
BUNTING
L

6Va"

326

BIBLIOGRAPHY
American Ornithologists' Union. Check-Lisf of North American Birds, 5th
ed. Balitmore, Md.; American Ornithologists' Union, 1957
Austin, Oliver L., Jr. Birds of fhe World. N.Y.; Golden Press, 1961
Bent, Arthur Cleveland. Life Histories of North American Birds, 20 vols.
Wash., D.C.; U.S. Nat. Mus., 1919-1967
Blake,

Emmet

Bull,

Chicago Press, 1953

Dodd, Mead, 1949
York Area. N.Y.; Harper and Row, 1964

Reid. Birds of Mexico. Chicago; Univ. of

Hawks

Broun, Maurice.

John. Birds of the

Aloft.

New

N.Y.;

James and Roger Tory Peterson. The World of Birds. Garden City,
N.Y.; Doubleday, 1964
Forbush, Edward Howe. Birds of Massachusetts and Other New England
States, 3 vols. Boston; Commonwealth of Mass., 1925, 1927, 1929
Gabrielson, Ira N. and Frederick C. Lincoln. Birds of Alaska. Wash., D.C.;
Wildlife Mgmt. Inst., 1959
Godfrey, W. Earl. The Birds of Canada. Ottawa; Not'l Museum of Canada,
1966
Grinnell, Joseph and Aiden H. Miller. The Distribution of the Birds of California. Berkeley; Cooper Ornithological Club, 1944
Griscom, Ludlow and Alexander Sprunt, Jr. The Warblers of North America.
N.Y.; Devin-Adain, 1957
Hickey, Joseph J. A Guide to Bird Watching. N.Y.; Oxford Univ. Press,
1943, Doubleday, 1963
Imhof, Thomas A. Alabama Birds. University, Ala.; Univer. of Alabama Press,
1953
Jewett, Stanley G. and others. Birds of Washington State. Seattle; Univ.
of Wash. Press, 1953
Kortright, Francis H. The Ducks, Geese and Swans of North America. Wash.,
D.C.; Wildlife Mgmt. Inst., 1953
Lowery, George H., Jr. Louisiana Birds. Baton Rouge; Louisiana State Univ.
Press, 1955
Palmer, Ralph S. (Ed.). Handbook of North American Birds. Vol. 1, toons
Through Flamingos. New Haven; Yale Univ. Press, 1962
Peterson, Roger Tory. A Field Guide to the Birds, 1947; A Field Guide to the
Birds of Texas and Adjacent States, 1963; A Field Guide to Western Birds,
1961; all, Boston; Houghton Mifflin
Peterson, Roger Tory. The Birds. N.Y.; Time, 1963
Peterson, Roger Tory, Guy Montfort and P. A. D. Hollom. A Field Guide to
the Birds of Britain and Europe. Boston; Houghton Mifflin, 1966
Pettingill, Olin Sewall, Jr. A Guide to Bird-Finding East of the Mississippi,
1951; A Guide to Bird-Finding West of the Mississippi, 1953; both N.Y.;
Fisher,

Oxford Univ.
Hill, 1965
Allan

Phillips,

Press.

Editor.

and

others.

R.

The Bird Watcher's America. N.Y.; McGrawBirds

of

Arizona.

Tucson;

Univ.

of

Arizona

1964

Press,

Pough, Richard H. Audubon Land Bird Guide, 1949; Audubon Water Bird
Guide,
N.Y.;

1951;

Audubon Western

Doubleday

Bird

Guide,

1957;

all.

Garden

City,

327

Thomas S. Birds of Minnesota, 2 vols. Minneapolis; Univ. of Minneapolis; Univ. of Minnesota Press, 1932, 1936

Roberts,

The

Salomonsen, Finn.
gaard, 1950
Saunders, Aretas A.
Snyder,

L.

Birds

A Guide

Arctic Birds of

L.

Sprunt, Alexander,

Jr.

Sprunt, Alexander,

Jr.

of

Copenhagen;

Greenland.

fo Bird Songs. N.Y.;

Life.

Doubleday, 1959

Univ. of Toronto Press,

Canada. Toronto;

Florida Bird

Munks-

Ejnar

N.Y.;

1957

Coward-McConn, 1954

North American Birds of Prey. N.Y.; Harper and

1955

Bros.,

Nova Scotia. Halifax; Nova Scotia Museum, 1962

and Andrew J. Berger. Fundamentals of Ornithology.
N.Y.; John Wiley and Sons, 1959
Welty, Carl. The Life of Birds. Philadelphia; Saunders, 1962
Tufts,

Robie

Van Tyne,

W.

Birds of

Josselyn

Wetmore, Alexander and

Water, Prey and
Society, 1964-^5

Game

others.

Song and Garden Birds of North America;

Wash. D.C.; Nat. Geographic

Birds of North America.

PERIODICALS OF PRINCIPAL ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETIES

Audubon Magazine, Audubon Field Notes, National Audubon Society,
1130

Fifth Ave.,

New

York, N.Y. 10028

These publications are of interest to the general reader; others listed

below are mainly research and professional literature.
Auk, American Ornithologists' Union (Dr. L. Richard Mewaldt, Sec, Dept.
Biol.

Sciences,

San Jose State College, San Jose,

Condor, Cooper Ornithological

Society,

Museum

Calif.)

of

Vertebrate

Zoology,

Berkeley, Calif.

W/7son Bulletin, Wilson Ornithological Society (Dr. Pershing

Sec, Dept. of Biol., Univ. of Minnesota, Dulutli, Minn.)

B.

Hofslund,

RECORDINGS
Laboratory of Ornithology has produced some 23 records,
most released by Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston. These include Birds of
Florida, Birds in the North Woods, Bird Songs in Your Garden, A Field
Guide to Eastern Bird Songs, A Field Guide to Western Bird Songs, and
Songbirds of America.
Federation of Ontario Naturalists, 187 Highbourne Road, Toronto, Ontario,
with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, has produced the "Sounds
of Nature" series, including Birds of The Forest, A Day in Algonquin

Cornell

Park,

Univ.

A Day

at Floras

Moradas, Finches, Songs of Spring, Warblers of

Eastern North America, and others.

National Network of American Bird Songs reproduces the Stillwell Collection, records distributed by Ficker Records, Old Greenwich, Conn. These
include Birds From the Great Plains to the Atlantic, 2 vols., and Birds

From the Great Plains

to the Pacific.

Radio, Stockholm, Sweden, has a series.

which includes many of our northern species.

Sveriges

Radians Fagel Skivor,

INDEX
common and

Individual species names, both

with the text

page only (even page) when

(odd) page, as

it

the principal entry

When

for most birds.

is

is

indicated

there

are indicated

scientific,

the illustration
is

is

on the facing

more than one

and other groups inclusive page numbers are given.

Common and scientific names of species are those of
CHECKLIST, 5th ed. Names formerly used on a wide scale
birds are usually given

in

parentheses after the accepted

Those requiring separate

The boxes at the

listings

of the

left

entry,

bold face type. For orders, families,

in

the A. O. U.

for common
common name.

are indicated by "see" references.

common name can be

used for checking

the birds you have identified.

Acanthis flommea, 298

Alcidoe, 148-153

hornemanni, 298
Accipifer cooperii, 68
gentilis, 68
%friafus, 68
Accipiters, 68-69
Accipitridae, 66-77

Alcids, 106,

Ammodramus

fellus,

Aechmophorus

cuta,

310
310
Amphispiza belli, 312
bilineata, 312
Anas acuta, 46
bahamensis, 46
carolinensis, 48
crecca, 48
cyanoptero, 48
diazi, 44
discors, 48
formosa, 48
fulvigula, 44
platyrhynchos, 44
rubripes, 44
strepero, 46

denfalis, 20
Aegolius acad'icus, 164

mirabilis,

nigrescens,

funereus, 164
Aeronaufes saxafalis,
170
Aethia cristafella, 150
pusilla, 152
pygmaea, 150
Agelaius phoeniceus,

280
280

aestivalis,

316
316
carpalis, 316
cassinii, 316
ruficeps, 316
Aix sponsa, 50
botterii,

Ajaia ajaja, 98

Alauda

204
Alaudidae, 204-205
arvensis,

Albatross(es) 22-23

D
n

Black-footed, 22

Laysan, 22
Aica tarda, 148

Alcedinidae, 178-179

328

310

maritima, 310

occi-

n
n

Anotidae, 36-63
Anhihga, 34-35
Anhinga anhinga, 34
Anhingldoe, 34-35
Ani(s), 158-159
Groove-billed, 158
Smooth-billed, 158

AnoOs

146
tenuirostris, 146
Anser albifrons, 42
stolidus,

coerules-

ultramarina, 208
Aphriza virgata, 120
Apodidae, 170-171
Apodiformes, 170-177
Aquila chrysa'etos, 76
Aromidoe, 100-101
Aramus guarauna, 100

Ammospiza cauda-

242

tricolor,

Apbelocoma
cens, 208

bairdii,

savar^narum, 308

macularia, 116

Aimophila

spinoleHa, 238
spragueii, 238

308

Acridofheres cristaActifis

Anseriformes, 36-63
Anthus cervinus, 238

148-153
Alectoris graeca, 90
Amazilia verticalis, 176
yucatanensis, 176

Archilochus alexandri,

174
colubris,

172

Ardea herodias, 94
occidentalis, 92
Ardeidae, 92-97
Arenaria interpres, 120
melanocephala, 120

Arremonops
gata, 304

ruftvir-

Asia flammeus, 160

of us,

160

Asyndesmus

lewis, 184
Audiospectrograms,

10-11

Auklet, Cossin's, 152

D
n

Crested, 150
Least,

152

Parakeet, 152
Rhinoceros, 150

Whiskered, 150
Auriparus flaviceps, 218
Avocet, American,
106,

107,108

Ayihya affinis, 52
americana, 52
collaris, 52
fuligula, 52
marila, 52
valisineria, 52

Baldpate, see Widgeon, American, 46

Barframia longicauda,

116
Becard, Rose-throated

190
Bibliography, 326-327
(Xantus'),

6-17

(general),

Birds

n
n
n
n
n

324312,
295,
325; tropical, 294

D
n
Q
Q
r~j

n
Q
Q
Q

96-97
American, 96
Least, 96
Blackbird(s), 189
278-281

bracfiyurus,

cinus,

southern, 75
Butorides virescens, 94

Calamospiza me/anocorys, 312

240
garrulus, 240
Bombycillidoe, 240-:^41

Calcarius lapponicus,

324
324

ornatus,
picfus,

Calidris canufus, 122

Chamaea

Callipepla squamata,

218
Chamaeidae, 218-219
Chamaethlypis poliocephala, 270

88
Calypie anna, 172
cosfae, 174

brevi-

Campephilus
palis, 180

152

Camptosfoma
berbe, 200

Brant,

princi-

im-

Compy/orfiynchus
brunneicapillus,

fasciata,

Charadriidae, 110-113
Charadriiformes, 106153
Charadrius ale)(andrinus, 112
biaticula,

224

Canachites canaden-

{Z\

Certbia familiaris, 220

Certhiidae, 220-221
Chachalaco, 82-83

Chaefura pelagica,\70
vauxi, 170

Ca/offiorax lucifer, 176

Bofaurus lenfiginosus,96

Bucephala albeola, 54
clangula, 54
/s/and;co, 54

324

Bonoso umbellus, 84
Boobies, 30, 32-33
Booby, Blue-faced, 32
Blue-footed, 32
Brown (Whitebellied), 32

92

74

Buteos, 70-75, 81;

230
Bobolink, 278
Bobwhite, 90

ibis,

70

swainsoni, 72
Buteogallus anihra-

Bluethroat,

Bubulcus

224
Catopfrophorus semipalmafus, 1 18
Cenfrocercus urophasianus, 84
Centurus our/Yrons, 182
carolinus, 182
uropygialis, 182
Cepphus columba, 148
grylle, 148
Cerorhinca monocerata, 150

platypierus, 72

234

marmorofum, 152
40
Black, 40
Branfo bern/c/o, 40
canadensis, 40
leucopsis, 40
nigricans, 40
Bubo v;rg/n/anus, 160

70
74

regalis,

Casmerodius albus, 92
Cassidix mexicanus, 282
Catbird, 188, 226
Catharacta skua, 130
Cafharfes aura, 64
Cathartidae, 64-65
Caiherpes mexicanus,

lagopus, 70
lineafus,

Bombyc'illa cedrorum,

n
D

jamaicensis, 70

Mountain, 234
Western, 234

rostre,

74

cassinii,

mexicanus, 296
purpureus, 296

harlani, 72

nifidus,

Cardinal, 290
Carduelis carduelis, 300

Carpodacus
296

Black-eared, 218

280
Red-winged,189,280
Rusty, 280
Tricolored, 280
Yellow-headed, 280

Brachyramphus

274

Common, 218

Brewer's,

Eastern,

Cardellina rubrifrons,

albonofafus, 74

235

n
n

294
312
Lazuli, 294
McKay's, 324
Painted, 294
Snow,. 324
Varied, 294
Bushtit(s), 218-219
Indigo,

Lark,

Buteo albicaudafus,74

Bluebird(s) 230, 234-

n
n
n
n
n

Caprimulgus carolinensis, 168

ridgwayi, 168
vociferus, 168
Carocara, 76-77
Coracaro cheriway, 76

kered, 218
Bunting(s), 290, 294-

Bittern(s), 92,

Caprimulgiformes,
168-169

Bufflehead, 54, 63
Bulbul, Red-whis-

sis, 84
Canvosback, 52, 62
Capella gallinago,
126
Caprimulgidae,
168-169

12

melodus, 1 12
mongolus, 1 12
semipalmafus, 1 12
vociferus,

1 1

wilsonia, 112

Chat, Ground-, 270

Yellow-breasted,

250, 270

329

Chen caerulescens, 42

[^ Coot, American, 100,

hyperborea, 42
rossii, 42
Chickadee(s), 188,

214-215

n
n
n
n
n
n
n

[J

188,214
214
Carolina, 214
Chestnut-backed,

214
Gray-headed, 214
Mexican, 214
Mountain, 214
Chlidonias leucop-

146

niger, 146

Chloroceryle americana, 178

Chlorura chlorura, 304

n
n

s/e//er/, 208
Cyanocorax yncos, 210

Coragyps

Cyc/orrfiyncfius psitta-

afrafus,

64

gram-

D
H
[^

Cistoihorus plaiensis,

224
Clangula hyemalis, 58
Coccyzus amer/canus, 158
ery//iroptfja/mus,

minor, 158

Great (European), 34
Olivaceous (Mexican), 34
Pelagic, 34
Red-faced, 34
Corvidae, 208-213
Corvus brachyrhynchos, 212
courinus, 212
corox, 212
crypfoleucus, 212
ossifragus, 212

176
Cypseloides niger, 170
Cyrfonyx montezbmae.

Dendragapus obscurus,
84
Dendrocopos albolarvatus, 184

arizonae, 186
borealis, 182

nutfaim, 182
pjbescens, 186
scalaris, 182

Coereba ba/iamens/s,
244

villosus,

bicolor, 50
Dendroica auduboni,

260

Cracidae, 82-83
Crake, Corn, 102

caerulea, 264
caerulescens, 264

Crane(s), 100

casfanea, 266
chrysoparia, 262
coronofa, 260

Sandhill, 100

Whooping, 100
Creeper, Brown, 188,

discolor,

fusca,

Croceihia alba, 122

graciae, 264

264
262
palmarum, 268
pensylvanica, 266
petechia, 260
pinus, 268
pofomac, 264
striata, 266
tigrina, 260
fownsend/, 262
v/rens, 262

nigrescens,

White-winged,
302
Crotophaga ani, 158
sulcirostris, 158

occidenfalis,

D/c/iromonossa rufescens,

94

Dickcissel,

302

Diomedea immufabills,

22

nigripes, 22

330

266

kirflandii, 268
magnolia, 260

302-303

Red, 302

Coerebidae, 244-245
Colaptes aurafus, 180
Crow(s), 188, 208,
cafer, 180
212-213
chryso/des, 180
Common, 212
Colinus virginianus, 90
Fish, 212
Columba fasciafa, 154
Northwestern, 212
flav/rosfr/s, 154
Cuckoo(s), 158-159
leucocepbala, 154
Black-billed, 158
[U
//Wa, 154
Mangrove, 158
Columbidae, 154-157
Yellow-billed, 158
Columbiformes, 154-157
Cuculidae, 158-159
Columbigallina pasCucuiiformes, 158-159
Curlew, Bristleserina, 156
Condor, California, 64
thighed, 114
Confopus pertinax,
Eskimo, 114
202
Hudsonian, see
sordidulus, 202
Whimbrel, 114
v;>ens; 202
Long-billed, 114

268

dominica, 264

220
Crex crex, 102

D
Q
D

186

Dendrocygna aufumnalis, 50

Brown-headed,
282

Crossbill(s),

152

Cygnus olor, 38
Cynanthus latirosfris,

Cotinga, 190-191
Cotingidae, 190-191
Cofurnicops noveboracensis, 102
FH Cowbird, Bronzed, 282

macus, 312
Cbordeiles acutipennis, 168
minor, 168
Chuck-will's-widcw, 168
Chukar, 90
Ciconiidae, 98-99
Ciconiiformes, 92-99
Cinclidae, 218-219
Cinclus mexicanus, 218
Circus cyaneus, 68

158

cula,

Brandt's, 34

Double-crested, 34

C
C
C

Boreal,

C/ionc/esfes

Coraciiformes, 178-179

Cormorant(s), 34-35

Black-capped,

ierus,

Cyanociffa crisfafa, 208

104

Diomedeidae, 22-23
Dipper, 188, 218-219
Dolichonyx oryzivorus,
278

n
I

n
n
n
n
D
n
n
I

Dotterel, 110
Dove(s), 154-157

Ground, 156
Inca, 156
Mourning, 154
Ringed Turtle, 156
Rock, 154
Spotted, 156
White-fronted, 156
White-winged, 154

oberholseri,

wrighfii,

50, 62

Harlequin, 54, 63

Masked, 60
Mexican, 44
Mottled, 44
Ring-necked, 37,
52, 63

Ruddy, 37, 60,

62

Wood, 50, 62
Dumefella carolin226

Dunlin, 106, 107,

122, 129
I

Eagle(s) 64, 76-77

Bald, 76
n
Golden, 76
n
n Egret, Cattle, 92
ican),

n
n

Common

ican), 37,

56

Spectacled, 56

124
Erolia acuminata, 122
alpina, 122
bairdii, 124
ferruginea, 122
fuscicollis, 124
maritima, 1 20
melanoios, 122
minufilla, 124
ptilocnemis, 120
ruficollis, 124
Eudocimus albus, 98
Eudromias morinellus,
110
Eugenes fulgens, 176
Euphagus carolinus, 2S0
cyanocephalus, 280
Eupoda montana, 110

Dusky (Wright's),
200
Fork-tailed, 190
Gray, 200
Great Crested, 194
Hammond's, 200
Kiskadee, 190
Least, 198
Olivaceous, 194
Olive-sided, 202
Scissor-toiled, 190

mexicanus, 78
peregrinus, 78
rusticolus, 78
sparverius, 78
Falcon(s), 64, 78-79
Aplomado, 78

Beardless,

Coues', 202

Sulphur-bellied,

190
Traill's (Alder),

188, 198
Vermilion, 190

Magnificent, 30,

32

80
Folconidae, 76-79

rosy,

Western, 200
Wied's Crested
(Mexican
Crested), 194
Yellow-bellied. 198
Frafercula arcfica, 150
corniculata, 150
Fregata magnificens, 32
Fregatidae, 32-33
Frigatebird

Prairie, 78,

297;

200

Buff-breasted, 200

Peregrine, 78, 80

Falconiformes, 64-81

Fringillidae,

290-325

Fulica americana, 104

Fulmar 22-23
Fulmarus glocialis, 22

Gadwoll, 46, 62
Golliformes, 82-91

298;

weaver, 278-279

Black Rosy, 298

Brown-copped
Rosy, 298
Cassin's, 296
Gray-crowned
Rosy, 298

(Amer-

King, 56

Ash-throated, 194

Finch(es) 296-299, red,

Snowy, 92
Eider,

n
n

n
n

(Amer92

Reddish, 94

craver/, 152
hypo/euca, 152
Eremophila alpesfris, 204
Ereunetes mauri, 124

Faico columbarius, 78
femoralis, 78

Tufted, 52

Traill's

188, 198

pusillus,

Black-bellied

240-241; tyrant,
190-203
Acadian, 198
Alder, see

200

Endomychura

Bahama, 46
62

Common

western, 200

Tree, 37, 50

200

198
virescens, 198

Fulvous Tree,

198

frail I a,

Black, 44,

ensis,

Flycatcher(s), silky,

200

fulvifrons,

bay, 52-55; female

ducks in flight, 6263; mergansers, 6061; sea, 54-59; stiff,
tailed,
60-61; surface-feeding, 44-51;
tree, 50-51

minimus, 198

fiaviventris,

44-63;

189,296,306

200
hammondii, 200

difficilis,

eastern, 198

118
Dryocopus p/7eafus, 180

O
n
D
n
D
n
n

Purple,

Flamingo
American, 92, 98
Flicker, Gilded, 180
Red-shafted, 180
Yellow-shafted, 180
Florida caerulea, 94

Empidonax

(Eastern), 106,

n
n

House; 296

56

Eleano'ides forficatus,66

Short-billed

36,

Steller's,

Elanus leucurus, 66

Dovekie, 148
Dowitcher, Longbilled, 118

Duck(s),

Finch (cont'd)

Eider (cont'd)

Gallinaceous birds, 8291;

Gallinula ch/oropus, 104
Gallinule(s), 100,

104-105

331

Gallinule (cont'd)

Common

104

ida),

n
G

Grebe

(Flor-

Purple, 104

Gonnet, 30, 32-33

Gavia adamsii, 18

immer, 18
stellata, 18
Gaviidae, 18-19
Gaviiformes, 18-19
Geese, 36, 40-43
Gelochelidon nilotica,
144
califor-

nianus, 158

G
Q
Q

D
O

Q
D

Lawrence's, 300
Lesser (Arkan-

[H

D
D
sas), 300
Goose,
Barnacle,
40
O
Blue, 42
D
D
Canada, 36, 40
D
Emperor, 40
Ross', 42
D
Snow, 42
n
White-fronted, 42
D
D Goshawk, 68, 80
\J
n

Mexican, see
Hawk, Gray, 74
Grackle, Boat-tailed,

282

D
D
D

Common
(Bronzed, Pur-

n
Grebe(s), 20-21
Eared, 20
D
D
Horned, 20
n
D
Least (Mexican), 20 D
n
Pied-billed, 20
D
Red-necked (HoiD
D
20
D
pie),

282

boell's),

332

296

84
RufFed, 84
Sage, 84

Haematopodidae,
108-109

Blue,

European, 300

Califor-

64
Gymnorh/nus cyonocephalus, 208
Gyrfalcon, 78, 80
nia n us,

Ground-chat, 270
Grouse, 82, 84-87

Black-tailed, 236
n
n
Blue-gray, 236
n
Q
Goatsuckers, 168-169
n Godwit, Bar-tailed, 14

300

Western, 134

Rose-breasted, 292

Glaucidium brasilianum, 166

gnomo, 166
Gnatcatcher(s) 189,236

Hudsonian, 1 14
Marbled, 114
Goldeneye, Barrow's,54
Common (American), 54, 63
CH Goldfinch, American,

Gull (cont'd;
Slaty-backed, 134

Gymnogyps

292
Blue, 292
Pine,

Geothlypis irichas, 270

D
n

Evening, 292

arcfica, 18

Geococcyx

(cont'd)

Western, 20
Grosbeak(s) 292-297;
Black-headed,

Haematopus bachmani, 108

Sharp-tailed,

palliafus, 108
Haliaeetus leucocephalus, 76

84

Spruce (Franklin's), 84
Gruidae, 100-101
Gruiformes, 100-105
Grus americana, 100
canadensis, 100
Guillemot, Black, 148
Pigeon, 148
Guiraca caerulea, 292
Gull(s), 106, I32-I4I;
dark-headed,
139;
immature, 140-141;
white-headed, 135white-winged,
137;
133
Black-headed,

Halocyptena microsoma, 28
Harriers, 68-69
Hawk(s),
68-81;
64,
accipiters, 68-69;
buteos, 70-75; fish
hawks, 76-77; falcons,
78-79;
harriers, 68-69; hawks
in
flight,
80-81;

80
74
Broad-winged, 72,81
Cooper's, 68, 80

long-tailed,

D
n
n

138, 141
Bonaparte's, 138,
141

n
n
n
140
n
Franklin's, 138,140
D
Glaucous, 132, 140
D
Glaucous-winged,
n
132, 141
Great Blackn
backed, 134,
California, 134,

Black,

Duck, see Falcon,

Peregrine, 78
Ferruginous, 70, 81

Gray, 74
Harlan's, 72, 81

72
Marsh, 68, 80
Pigeon, 78, 80
Red-shouldered,
Harris',

70, 81
Red-tailed, 70, 81

Rough-legged,

141

70,81

Heermann's, 136,
141
Herring, 134, 140
Iceland, 132
Ivory, 132, 140
Laughing, 138,
140

Sharp-shinned,
68, 80

n
n
n
n

Hawk-Owl, 164

backed, 134
138, 141

Mew,

136, 140

Helmitheros vermivorus,

Black-crowned

140
Sabine's, 138,141

252

Heron(s), 92-99

Ring-billed, 136,
Ross', 136, 141

Swainson's, 72, 81
White-tailed, 74
Zone-tailed, 74

Lesser Black-

Little,

74
Sparrow, 78, 80
Short-tailed,

n
n

Night, 96
Great Blue, 94
Great White, 92

Ibis(es), 92,

Heron (cont'd)
Green, 94
Little

94
94

Blue,

Louisiana,

Wijrdemann's, 94
Yellow-crowned

n
n

White, 98
White-faced, 98
Wood, 98

270
278-287
Icterus bullockii, 286
cucullafus, 286
galbula, 286
graduacauda, 284
gularis, 286

Icteria v/'rens,

Icteridae,

116
Himanfopus mexicanus, 108
Hirundinidae, 204-207
rusfica,

parisorum, 284
spur'ius,

206

book,

Ixobrychus exilis, 96
/xoreus naevius, 230

14-17

177
174
Anna's, 172

Jacana, 107, 108-109

Jacana spinosa, 108

Allen's,

Jacanidae, 108-109
Jaeger(s), 130-131
Long-tailed, 130
Parasitic, 130
Pomarine, 130
Jay(s), 188, 208-211
Blue, 208
Gray (Canada),

Black-chinned, 174
Blue-throated, 176
Broad-billed, 176

Broad-tailed, 172
Buff-bellied,

n
n
n

176

Calliope, 172
Costa's,
Lucifer,
Rivoli's,

174
176
176

Ruby-throated, 172

Southwest, 176
Violet-crowned,
176
White-eared, 176
Hybrids, 8; Brewster's
Warbler, 254; LawWarbler,
rence's
254; Sutton's War264; Wijrdebler,
mann's Heron, 94
Hyc/ranosso fricolor, 94
Hydrobatidae, 28-29

Hydroprogne caspia,

Green, 210
Mexican (Arizona), 208
Pinyon, 208
Scrub (Florida,
California), 17,

208

n
I

188,
Junco(s), 314-315
Steller's,

208

Gray-headed
(Red-backed),

314
Mexican

(Ari-

zona), 314

Oregon

(Pink-

sided),

314

Slate-colored,

144
Hylocharis leucotis,

307, 314

White-winged,

176
Hylocichia fuscescens,

314
314
314
hyemalis, 314
oreganus, 314
phaeonofus, 314

J unco aikeni,

232
guttata, 232

m;n/mo, 232
mustelina, 232
usfulata,

n
n
n
n

232

Tropical
(Couch's), 192
Western (Arkansas), 192
Kingfisher(s), 178-179
Belted, 178
Green, 178
Ringed, 178
Kinglet(s), 189, 236-

n
O
n
D
n
n
n
n
n
n

Golden-crowned,
236
Ruby-crowned,
189, 236
Kite(s), 66-67
Everglade, 66
Hook-billed, 8
Mississippi, 66,

80

Swallow-tailed, 66
White-tailed, 66
Kittiwake, Black-

legged, 136, 141

Red-legged, 136
Knot, 122, 128

210

Rufous, 174

Hawk,

Sparrow, 78, 80
Killdeer, 106, 112
Kingbird(s), 192-193
Cassin's, 192
Eastern, 192
Gray, 192
Thick-billed, 192

237

66
Iridoprocne bicolor,

Hummingbird(s), 172-

n
D
n
n
D
n
n
n
n
n
n
n

D
n
n
n

fcfinia misislppiensis,

54
Honeycreeper,
Bahama, 244
cus,

to use this

286
284

pecforalis,

204

Hisfrionicus histrion'i-

How

Kestrel, see

Scarlet, 8

Night, 96
Hesperiphona vesperfina, 292
Heterosce/us incanum,

Hirundo

98-99

Glossy, 98

caniceps,

Logopus lagopus, 86
leucurus, 86
mutus, 86
Lampornis clemenciae,
176
Lamproneffa fischeri, 56
Laniidae, 242-243
Lanius excubifor, 242
ludovicianus, 242

G Lapwing, 108
Laridae, 132-147
G Lark, Horned, 188,
204
Larus argenfafus, 134

afnciUa, 138
cal'ifornicus,

134

conus, 136

delawarensis, 136
fuscus,

134

glaucescens, 132
glaucoides, 132

beermanni, 1 36
byperboreus, 132
mar'inus, 134
minufus, 138

333

Larus (cont'd)

134
Philadelphia, 138
pipixcan, 138
ridibundus, 138
schistisagus, 134

Laterallus jamaicensis,

occidenfalis,

Megaceryle alcyon,
178

102
Lepfofila verreoux/, 156

forquoto, 178

Leucopfioyx thula, 92
Leucosf/de o/ro/a, 298

Melanerpes eryfhrocephalus, 184

formicivorus, 184
Melaniffa deglandi, 58
perspicillata, 58

298
298

ausfralis,

iephrocotis,

Limnodromus

griseus,

118

Meleagrididae, 82-83
Meleagris gallopavo,
82
Melospiza georgiana,

sco/opaceus, 1 18
Limnothlypis swainsonii,

252

Limosa fedoa, 1 14
haemasfica, 1 14
lapponica, 1 14
Limpkin, 100-101
Lobipes lobafus, 126
Longspur(s), 290,

324-325

324

n
n

Red-throated, 18

Mimus

210

n
n

Yellow-billed,

210

Mallard, 36, 44,

62
Man-o'-war-bird, see
Frigotebird, Magnificent,

334

60

Yellow-billed, 18

(American),

32

210
Numenius americanus,
114
borealis,

Red-breasted, 37,

serrafor,

18

Black-billed

Nomenclature, 9; 15
Nucifraga columbiana,

63
Hooded, 60. 63

226
Mniofilfa varia, 252
polygloftos,

n Mockingbird,

188,

226-227
Molofhrus afer, 282
Morus bassanus, 32
Motacilla alba, 238

238
Motacillidae, 238-239
flava,

lH Murre,

Common

ifornia),

see Whip-poor-will,
Ridgway's, 168

322

Mergus merganser, 60

Arctic (Pacific), 18

Magpie(s) 208, 210211

Lesser, 168
Night herons, 92, 96-

97

melodia, 322
Merganser(s), 37,
60-61, 63
Common (Amer-

Micrafhene whitneyi,
166
Micropalama himantopus, 118
Mimidae, 226-229

Lophodyfes cucullaius,
60
Lophorfyx californicus,
88
gambelii, 88
Lox/o curv/rosfra, 302
leucopiera, 302
Lunda cirrhafa, 150
Luscinia svecica, 230

Common,

Nighthawk,
168

(Cal-

148

Thick-billed
(Brunnich's),

148

n Murrelet, Ancient, 152

Craveri's, 152
n
152
n
Marbled, 152
n
Xantus', 152
D
Kittlitz's,

MusciVora forficata,
190
iyrannus, 190

phaeopus,

60, 63

Loon(s), 18-19

Common,

ican), 60,

McCown's, 324
Smith's, 324
Loomelania melania,
28

n
n
n

Myadesfes fownsendi,
230
Mycferia americana,
98
Myiarchus cinerascens,
194
crinifus, 194
iuberculifer, 194
fyrannulus, 194
Myiodynastes lufeivenfris, 190
Myno, Crested, 242

Nightjar, BufF-collared,

lincolnii,

Lapland, 307, 324

322

Chestnut-collared,

n
n
n

Maps, key to, 7, 16

Mareca americana, 46
pene/ope, 46
Martin, Purple, 206
Meadowlark, Eastern, 278
Western, 278

14
1 14

tahifiensis, 1 14
Nutcracker, Clark's,

210
Nuthatch(es), 188,

220-221
Brown-headed,

220
Pygmy, 220

n
n
n

Red-breasted,

220
White-breasted,
188, 220
Nutfallornis borealis,

202
Nycianassa violacea,
96
Nycfea scandiaca, 162
Nycficorax

96
Nyctidromus
168

nycficorax,
albicollis,

Oceanifes oceanicus,
28

Oceanodroma

casfro,

28
furcafa, 28

homochroa, 28
leucorhoa, 28
Oenanfhe oenanthe, 230

Pagophila eburnea,
132
Pandion haliaeius, 76
Pandionidae, 76-77
Parabufeo unicincfus,
72
Paridae, 214-219

Oidemia nigra, 58

n Oldsquaw, 58, 63
O/or buccinafor, 38
columbianus, 38
Oporornis agilis, 272
formosus, 272
Philadelphia, 272
folmiei,

272

Parrot

Oreortyx picfa, 88
Oreoscopfes montanus,

Chukar, 90
Gray (European,
Hungarian), 90
Parula americana, 258
pifiayumi, 258
Parulidae, 250-277
Parus africapillus, 214

226
287;

284-

189,

Oriole(s),

orange,

287;

yellow, 285

Baltimore, 286

n
n
n
n
n
n
n

Black-headed, 284

286
Hooded, 286
Bullock's

Lichtenstein's,

africristatus,

286

bicolor,

Orchard, 284
Scott's,

214
214
gambeli, 214
hudsonicus, 214
inornafus, 216
rufescens, 214
sclaferi, 214
wollweberi, 216
Passer domesficus, 278
monfonus, 278

Orfalis vefula, 82

Osprey, 76-77
Of us asio, 160
flammeolus, 166
trichopsis, 166
Ovenbird, 250, 270
Owl(s), 160-167; large
eared, 161; large
earless,

n
n
n

163;

n
I

n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
D
D
n

164
Burrowing, 164
Elf, 166
Ferruginous, 166
Flammulated, 166
Great Gray, 162
Great Horned, 160
Hawk-, 164
Long-eared, 160
Pygmy, 166
Saw-whet, 164
Screech, 160, 167
Short-eared, 160
Snowy, 162
Spotted, 162
Whiskered, 166
Oxyuro dominica, 60
jamaicensis, 60

Peucedramus taeniatus, 256

Pewee, Eastern Wood,
202
Western Wood, 202
iZ
Pha'efhon aethereus, 30

108-109
American, 106,
107, 108
Black, 108

\Z.

Phainopepla

nifens,

34
carbo, 34
olivaceus, 34

pelagicus,

34

ciris,

Phalaenoptilus nuttallii, 168

Phalarope(s), 107,

294

294

C
D
n

294

Pauraque, 168
Pedioeceies phasianel-

84
120-125,

128-

Peiecanidae, 30-31
Pelecaniformes, 30-35
Pelecanus eryfhrorhyn-

126,128

cianus,

30

30
Brown, 30
White, 30

Pelican(s),

Perdix perdix, 90
canadensis,

Perisoreus

210
26-27;
22,
large,27;storm,28-29

Ring-necked, 90
Pheucticus ludovi-

chos, 30

Petrel(s),

Wilson's,

Pheasant(sj, 82, 90-91

129

occidenfalis,

Northern, 126,129
Red, 107, 126, 128

Phalaropodidae, 126127
Phalaropus fulicarius,
126
Phasianidae, 88-91
Phasianus colchicus, 90

cyoneo, 294
versicolor,

34

34

ur/7e,

126-127

Passeriformes, 188-325

Passerina amoena,

240

Phaiocrocoracidoe, 34-35
Phalacrocorax aurifus,

310

henslowii, 308

n
^

lepfurus, 30
Phaethontidae, 30-31
Phoinopepla, 189,
240-241

penicillatus,

cutus,

lus,

28

Pefrochelidon fulva, 204

pyrrhonofa, 204

Passerherbulus cauda-

Peeps,

Least,

Scaled, 26
Wilson's, 28

Passerella iliaca, 322

Barred, 162
Boreal (Richard-

28

Black-capped, 26
Fork-tailed, 28
Harcourt's (Ma-

1_
[^

sandwichensis, 308

165, 167
Barn, 162

Black,

deira), 28

308

small,

Oystercatcher(s), 107,

Leach's, 28

Passerculus princeps,

son's),

cincfus,

286

216

216

Ashy, 28

carolinensis,

284

Spotted-breasted,

Thick-billed, 178

Partridge(s) 82, 90-91

Petrel (cont'd)

n
G
C
n

r
F
G

292

melanocephalus,
292
Philacte canagica, 40
Philohela minor, 126
Philomachus pugnax, 122
Phoebe(s), 196-197
Block, 196
Eastern, 196
Soy's, 196
Phoenicopteridoe, 98-99

335

Podiceps (cont'd)
dominicus, 20
grisegena, 20
Podicipedidoe, 20-21
Podicipediformes,
20-21
Podilymbus podiceps,20
Poliopfila caerulea,

Phoenicopterus ruber,

98
Phylloscopus borealis,

236
Pico r^uttalli,2^0
pica,

210

Picidae, 180-187

Piciformes, 180-187

236

Picoides arcticus, 186

186
Pigeon(s), 154-155
Band-tailed, 154

melanura, 236
Polysticfa stelleri, 56
Pooecefes gramineus,

trldacfylus,

Domestic, see
Dove, Rock, 154

312

Red-bilied, 154

White-crowned, 154
Pinicola enucleaior, 296
Pintail, 46, 62
P(p/7o aberfi,

304

eryfhrophfhalmus,

304

n
D

nivalis,

Plegadis chihi, 98

98
Ploceldae, 278-279
falcinellus,

Plover(s) 110-113;

banded, 107, 112

American Golden,
110
Black-bellied, 110
Mongolian, 1 12
Mountain, 1 10

n
D
D

Piping, 112

Ringed, 112
Semipalmated,
107,112
Snowy, 112
Upland, 116
Wilson's, 112
Pluvialis dominica, 1 10
Podiceps aurifus, 20

caspicus,

336

20

cano, 108
Recurvirostridae,

n
G
D

Pyrrhuloxia, 290
Pyrrhuloxia sinuata,

290

108-109
Redhead, 52, 62
Redpoll(s), 298-299
Common, 298
Hoary, 298
Redstart, American,
251, 274
Painted, 274
Regulus calendula,

236
satrapa, 236
Rhodostethia rosea, 136
Rhync/iop/iones
mccownii, 324
Rhynchopsifta pachyrhyncha, 178

Richmondena cardinalis, 290

Riparia riparia, 206
136
136
Roadrunner, 158-159

Rissa brevirosfris,
fridacfyla,

n
n

Robin, 8, 230

Rostrhamus

Pyrocephalus rubinus,
190

White-necked, 212
Razorbill, 148

Recurv/rosfra omeri-

240-241

Pfychoramphus aleufica, 152

Puffin, Common, 150
Horned, 150
Tufted, 150
Puffinus bulleri, 24
carneipes, 26
creafopus, 24
diomedea, 24
gravis, 24
g rise us, 26
Iherminieri, 24
pufTinus, 24
fenuirostris, 26
Pycnonotidae, 218-219
Pycnonofus jocosus, 218

(Ameri-

212

Recordings, 325

minimus, 218
Psittacidae, 178-179
Psittaciformes, 178-179
Ptarmigan, Rock, 86

Ptilogonatidoe,

324

Common
can),

218

Willow, 86
Pterodroma hasitata,26
inexpectafa, 26

Yellow, 102

104
102
longirosfris, 104
Raven(s), 212-213

Proionofaria cifrea, 252

White-toiled, 86

Sora, 102
Virginia, 102

limicola,

Psalfriparus me/ono//s,

n
D
D

King, 104

Rallus elegans,

Water (American), 189,238

rubra, 288
Pifangus sulphuratus,
190
Platypsaris algaiae, 190
Plaufus alle, 148
Plectrophenax hyperboreus, 324

Black, 102
Clapper, 104

Rallidoe, 102-105

o/ivacea, 288

n
D
D

103

n
D
n
D
n
D

22-29
Progne subis, 206

Piranga flava, 288

ludoviciana, 288

Gambel's, 88
Harlequin, 88
Mountain, 88
Scaled, 88
Quiscalus quiscula, 282

large, 105; small,

Procellariiformes,

Pipit(s),

Q
n
n
n
n

Poor-will, 168
Porphyrula marfinica,
104
Porzana Carolina, 102
Prairie Chicken,
Greater, 86
Lesser, 86
Procellariidae, 22-27

Quail, 82, 88-91

California, 88

Rail(s),100, 102-105;

304
189,238-239
Red-throated, 238
Sprague's, 238
iuscus,

D
n

n
D
n
n
D

sociabilis,

66

122
Rynchopidae, 146-147
Rynchops nigra, 146
RufF,

Sefophaga

Salpincfes obsoletus,

picta,

ruiiciUa,

n Sanderling,

Shearwater(s), 22,
24-27; dark, -27;

122, 129
Sandplper(s), 106,
114-127; up107,
winter
116;
land,

n
n
n
n
n
D

plumage, 128-129
Baird's, 124, 128
BufF-breasted,116

Curlew 122, 129

Least, 124, 128
Pectoral, 122,

128
Purple, 120, 129

Red-backed, see
Dunlin, 106,

107, 122, 129

D
n
D
D
n
D
n
I

Rock

light-bellied,

Western, 124,129
White-rumped,
124, 129
Sapsucker, Williamson's, 184
Yellow-bellied, 184
Sayornis nigricans,
196
phoebe, 196
saya, 196
Scardafella inca, 156
Scaup, Greater, 52,63
Lesser, 52, 63
Scolopacidae, 1 14125

n Scoter, Common
(American), 58, 63
Surf, 58, 63
n
White-winged,
n
58, 63
n Seedeoter, Whitecollared,

302

Seiurus aurocapHlus,

270
mofacilla,

270

noveborocens/s,

270
Selasphorus plafycercus, 172
rufus,
sasin,

174
174

25

Northern, 242
Sialia currucoides,

234

mexicana, 234
sialis,

234

Silky flycatchers,

240-241

n Siskin,

Pine,

300

Sitta canadensis,

carolinensis,

220
220

220
pygmaea, 220

D
D
D
D

pusilla,

CH

Sittidae, 220-221

Common

son's), 106,

Snow
I

Cope

318

Sable, 310

Cassin's,

307,316

Chipping, 189,
307, 318
Clay-colored,

307, 318
Dusky Seaside, 310
English, see Spar-

row, House,
189, 278
European Tree,
278
Field,

307,318
322

Fox, 306,

(Wil-

307, 308
Harris', 307,

320
Henslow's, 306,

308
House

(English),

278
308

Lincoln's, 306,

EH

Olive,

Ipswich,

Lark, 12, 307,

312
310
322

Solitaire, Townsend's,

n
Somaferio mo///ss/ma, 56
specfabilis, 56
Q
Sonograms, 10-11; 17
Sora, 102
D
Sparrow(s),
306-313; D
230

304

Rufous-crowned,
307, 316
Rufous-winged,
307, 316
Sage, 306,312
Savannah, 306,

308

317;

306comparison,
307; crowned, 321;
grass, 309; marsh,
round-tailed,
311;
323; Spizella, 319;

CH

Q
D
white-tailed, 313
D
Bachman's (Pinewoods), 307, 316 n
Baird's, 306, 308
D
D
Black-chinned,
n
D
307, 318
Black-throated,
D
n
307, 312

307, 320

Grasshopper,

Le Conte's, 306,

107,126

buntings, 290,

Almophila,

see
Sparrow, Whitecrowned, 321
Golden-crowned,

D
D
D

324-325
I

316

Brewer's, 307,

189,

n Skimmer, Black, 146

D Skua, 106, 130-131
n Skylark, 204
Snipe,

(cont'd)

Botteri's,

Gambel's,

242

Semipalmated,
124, 128
Sharp-tailed, 122
Solitary, 116
Spotted, 106,
116, 129
Stilt, 118

n
Q
D
[j
D
U
D

Audubon's, 24
n
Cory's, 24
n
Greater, 24
n
Manx, 24
n
New Zealand, 24
n
Pale-footed, 26
n
Pink-footed, 24
n
Slender-billed, 26
n
Sooty, 26
n
n
n Shoveler, 48, 62
Shrikes, 189, 242-243
D
Loggerhead, 189,
D
D

(Pribilof),

120, 128
Rufous-necked, 124

Sparrow

27

274

224

Seaside, 306,

310
Sharp-tailed,

306, 310

Song, 306, 322

Swamp

307,

322
Tree, 307, 318
Vesper, 306,312

White-crowned,
307, 320
White-throated,

307, 320

337

Sturnidae, 242-243
Sfurnus vulgaris, 242

Spatula clypeata, 48
Speofyfo cunicular'ia,

Su/a dactylatra, 32
leucogaster, 32
neboux)/, 32
Sulidae, 32-33

164
Sphyrap'icus fhyroideus,

184

varius,

184

Spinus lawrencei, 300

Spiza americana, 302

Spizella arborea, 318
afrogu/ar/s,

318

breweri, 318

Spoonbill, Roseate,
92, 98
Sporoph'ila torqueola,

302

Squafaro/a squa/aro/a, 110

Starling, 189, 242-243
Sfeganopus tricolor,
126
Stelgidopteryx ruficol-

206

lis,

Stellula calliope,

172

Stercorariidae, 130-

131
Sfercorar/us longi-

caudus, 130

204-207

porasificus, 130

pomarinus, 130
Sferno albifrons, 142
aleutica, 146
anaefhefus, 146
dougallii, 142
forsteri, 142
fuscata, 146
hirundo, 142
paradisaea, 142

Stilt,

sina,

Storks, 92,

98-99

Caspian, 144
Common, 142
Elegant, 8, 144

142
144

Forster's,

Gull-billed,
Least,

142

Thraupidae, 288-289
Thraupis virens, 288

206

Threskiornithidae,

98-99

Blue-gray, 288

189, 230233; spotted-breast-

Hepatic, 288
Scarlet, 189,

Thrush(es),

288

Summer, 288
Western, 288
Tangavius aeneus, 282
Tattler,

Wandering,

ed, 232

D
n
I

116

n Teal, Baikal, 48
Blue-winged,
n

48,62
Cinnamon, 48

Common

Streptopelia chinensis,

156
risoria,

338

Noddy, 146

Bridled, 8; 146

288-289

n
n
D
n
D

Storm petrels, 22,

28-29

156
Strigidae, 160-167
Strigiformes, 160-167
Sfr/'x nebu/oso, 162
occidentalis, 162
varia, 162
Sturnella magna, 278
neg/ec/a, 278

Tanager(s), 188,

Black-necked,

107, 108

Black, 146-

Black

Bank, 206
Noddy, 146
D
Barn, 188, 204
Roseate, 142
n
Cave, 204
Royal, 144
n
Sandwich
204
n
Rough-winged, 206
(Cabot's), 144
n
Sooty, 146
Tree, 206
n
n
White-winged
Viotet-green, 206
n
Swan(s), 36, 38-39
Black, 146
Tetraonidae, 84-87
Mute, 38
n
Trumpeter, 38
Thalasseus elegans,
Whistling, 36, 38
144
n
Swift(s), 170-171
maximus, 144
sandv/censfs, 144
Black, 170
n
Chimney, 170
Thrasher(s), 226-229;
n
Vaux's, 170
unstreaked, 228
n
White-throated,
Bendire's, 228
G
n
Brown, 188, 226
170
n
Sylviidae, 236-237
California, 228
n
Synthliboramphus
Crissal, 228
n
antiquum, 152
Curve-billed, 228
n
Le Conte's, 228
n
Long-billed, 226
n
Tachycineta thalasSage, 226
D
Cliff,

318
passerlna, 318
pusilla, 318
pallida,

D
n
n
D
D
n
n

Surf bird, 120

Surn/a ulula, 164

Swallow(s), 188,

300
psalfria, 300
frisfis, 300

pinus,

Tern (cont'd)

n
n
n

n
D

(Euro-

pean), 8, 48
Green-winged,
48, 62
Telmatodytes palustris,
224
Tern(s), 106, 142-147;
dark-winged, 147;
light-winged, 143,145
Aleutian, 146
Arctic, 142

Gray-cheeked, 232
Hermit, 189, 232

Swainson's
(Olive-backed,
Russet-backed),

232

D
n

Varied, 230

Wood, 232
r/iryomones bewickii,

222
Thryothorus ludovicianus, 222
Titmice, 188,

216-217

Titmouse, Black-

216
216
Plain, 216
Tufted, 216

crested,

n
n
D

Bridled,

Uria aalge, 148

lomvia, 148

Tofanus flavipes, 1 18
melanoleucus, 1 18
Towhee(s), 304-305

n
G
n
I
I

Abert's,

304

Green-tailed, 304
Rufous-sided
(Red-eyed,

304
Toxosfomo bendirei,
228
curvirosfre, 228
dorsale, 228
lecontei, 228
longirosfre, 226

Wagtail(s), 189,

238-239
Vane//us vanellus, 108
lI Veery, 232
Verdin, 218-219
Vermivora bachmanii,

celata,

luciae,

Tringa solitaria, 116

Troglodytes aedon,lll

111
troglodytes, 111

249; plain-winged,
249; wing-barred,
245, 247

brunneicollis.

Troglodytidae,

n
C

White-tailed
(Yellow-billed),

Vireo, Solitary,

244

D
[j
U

30

86
Tyrannidae, 190-203
Tyrannus crassirostris,
192
dominicensis, 192
melancholicus, 1 92
tyrannus, 192
verticalis, 192
vociferans, 192
pallidicinctus,

Tyrant flycatchers,
188, 190-203,
Empidonax, 198-

201; Myiarchus, 194

Tyto alba, 162
Tytonidae, 160-167

Gray, 244

246

Mutton's,

Philadelphia, 248

Vermivora,
265;
254-259

Arctic (Kennicott's

Willow),

236

n
D
n
O
Q
D

Audubon's, 251,
260, 277
Bachman's, 250,

254
Bay-breasted,

251, 266, 277

Black-and-white,
251, 252
Blackburnian,

251,266, 277
Blackpoll, 251,

266, 277
Black-throated

Vireo, Solitary,

244

Blue, 251, 264,

Red-eyed, 189,

n
D
D
Q

244
Warbling, 248
White-eyed, 246
Yellow-green, 248
Yellow-throated, 246
Vireo altiloquus, 248
atricapilla, 244
bellii, 246
flavifrons, 246
fiavoviridis, 248
g;7vus, 248
griseus, 246
huttoni, 246
o//Vaceus, 248

276

248
Solitary,

D
D
D
D

philadelphicus,

248

244
244

solitarius,

vicinior,

Oporornis,

255;

272-273; throated,

Plumbeous, see

116

n
n
n

Black-capped, 244
Black-whiskered,

Blue-headed, see

Tryngites subruficollis,

Turdidae, 230-235
Turdus migratorius, 230
Turkey, 82-83
Turnstone, Black, 120
Ruddy, 107, 120
Tympanuchus cupido, 86

246

248

Tropicbird(s), 30-31

Red-billed, 30

Bell's,

wood,

250-277; comparisons
of,
250251, 276-277; Dendroica,
260-269;
golden-headed, 262263; hybrids, 254-

crissalis,

Trochilidae, 172-177

Yellow, 238
189,

156

258
258
peregrine, 156
pin us, 254
ruficapilla, 256
virginiae, 258
Vireo(s), 189,244-

White, 238

Warbler(s),

chrysoptera, 254

rufum, lib

222-225
Trogon, Copperytailed, 178
Trogon e/egons, 178
Trogonidae, 178-179
Trogoniformes, 1 78-1 79

D
Q

254

redivivum, 228

n
n

Black,

Brown, 304

Spotted), 189,

64
64
Turkey, 64

Vulture(s),

n
O

Vireonidae, 244-249

Black-throated

Gray, 251,
264, 277
Black-throated
Green, 251,
262, 277
Blue-winged,
251, 254
Brewster's, 251,

254
Canada, 250,
274, 276
Cape May, 251,
260, 277
Cerulean, 251,264
Chestnut-sided,

251, 266, 277

Colima, 258
Connecticut, 250,
272, 276

339

w
n

ISBN 0-307-47002-4