Western Bird Guide. Reed Charles Keller
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Название: Western Bird Guide
Автор: Reed Charles Keller
Издательство: Public Domain
Жанр: Зарубежная классика
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LEACH PETREL
These are quite common on both the eastern and western coasts, breeding from the Farallones northward to the Aleutians. They are of a sooty brown color, upper tail-coverts and side of under-coverts white. They burrow in the ground for two or three feet, but make no attempt at nest building; placing their single white egg on the bare ground at end of burrow. These birds generally take turns in the task of incubation, one remaining at sea during the day and returning at night. They are rarely seen in the vicinity of their nests during the day.
GUADALUPE PETREL
Very similar to the preceding, having more of a forked tail and somewhat longer. Breed on the islands of Lower California.
Nest.– Same as above with one white egg, usually much nest stained.
BLACK PETREL
These birds are sooty black all over, lacking the white rump of the two or three preceding. All of the Petrels have a very offensive musky odor, which is always noticeable about an island inhabited by them. The skins and eggs of the birds always retain this odor.
Nest.– Made in burrows similar to the others, but sometimes containing a small amount of nesting material; grass and roots.
Range.– Southern California southward to Mexico.
ASHY PETREL
This species breeds most abundantly on the Farallone Islands, sooty gray in color, their plumage matching their surroundings so closely that, unless one is looking for them, they will easily be overlooked.
They sit very close when nesting, and will even allow themselves to be removed from the nest by hand, so tame are they. They build in burrows or in any crevice of the rocks, laying their single white egg on the ground or rock without much, if any, lining to the nest.
CORMORANTS – Family Phalacrocoracidæ
FARALLONE CORMORANT
Plumage glossy greenish black, with back and wings slaty. These birds breed in large numbers on the Farallones, placing their nests well up on the higher ridges and also in the trees on some of the inland islands, or near large ponds or lakes. They build large nests of sticks and roots, lined with grass, seaweed and moss.
Nest.– Three to five chalky, greenish white eggs are laid (2.40 × 1.50).
BRANDT CORMORANT
Plumage, under parts are same as above. Bill more slender and nearly straight. The young are hatched without feathers or down and the skin is nearly black. The young for two or three months are the food supply for the larger Gulls. Like the other Cormorants breeding on these islands, they stay closely by their nests to protect them from the Gulls that are always on the watch for either the eggs or young.
Range.– Pacific coast, breeding along the whole coast of the United States.
BAIRD CORMORANTS
This smaller Cormorant breeds on the Pacific coast from Washington south to Mexico. It is not nearly as common as the former species and not inclined to breed in colonies with the others, but is more secluded.
Nest.– Their nest building is very similar, using the rocks and cliffs on which to place their nests mostly, and very seldom building in trees. Their eggs are much smaller, averaging 2.20 × 1.40.
RED-FACED CORMORANT
The plumage of this species differs from the above chiefly in having the forehead bare. Their breeding habits are the same as other members of the family. That the Cormorants are expert fishermen may be seen from the fact that the Chinese tame them to catch fish for them, placing a ring about their necks to prevent their swallowing the fish.
Nest.– The nesting places of these as well as other members of this family are very filthy, being covered with excrement and the remains of fish that are strewn about their nests (2.50 × 1.50).
PELICANS. – Family Pelecanidæ
WHITE PELICAN
Plumage mostly white, with black primaries; eyes white; bill and feet yellow, the former in the breeding season having a thin upright knob about midway on the top of the upper mandible. They get their food by approaching a school of small fish and suddenly dipping their head beneath the surface, sometimes scooping a large number of fish at a time; they contract the pouch, allowing the water to run out of the sides of the mouth, and then swallow the fish.
Nest.– On the ground made of sticks and weeds, generally only a lining about the outer edge; the eggs being placed upon the ground. Two or three eggs are laid, pure chalky white (3.45 × 2.30).
CALIFORNIA BROWN PELICAN
Upper parts gray; lower brownish streaked with white; back of neck rich velvety brown; head and throat white.
Nest.– On the ground or in small trees, composed of sticks and weeds. Three or four chalky white eggs (3.10 × 1.95).
MAN-O’-WAR BIRDS – Family Fregatidæ
FRIGATE BIRD
In comparison with their weight, these birds have the largest expanse of wing of any known bird. Weighing only about four pounds they have an extent of from seven to eight feet. The length of the bird is about 40 inches, of which the tail comprises about 18, more than half of this being forked. They can walk only with difficulty and are very poor swimmers, owing to their small feet and long tail, but they are complete masters of the air and delight to soar at great heights. Their food of small fish is secured by plunging, or preying upon other sea birds.
Nest.– A frail platform of sticks in the tops of bushes or low trees. A single white egg (2.80 × 1.90).
AMERICAN MERGANSER. ORDER ANSERES
These birds have the bill long, not flattened, but edged with sharp teeth to grasp the fish, upon which they live to a great extent.
Nest.– In holes of trees, cavities among the rocks, or on the ground; 6 to 9 creamy buff eggs are laid (2.70 × 1.75).
RED-BREASTED MERGANSER
This species is more abundant than the preceding, СКАЧАТЬ