# The Zoologist/3rd series, vol 1 (1877)/Issue 10/The Birds of the Bermudas

Part 1 of a series of two articles, "The Birds of the Bermudas," published in: The Zoologist, 3rd series, vol 1. This part published in issue 10 (October, 1877), p. 393–424
THE ZOOLOGIST
THIRD SERIES.
* Vol. I.]OCTOBER, 1877.[No. 10.
THE BIRDS OF THE BERMUDAS.
By Lieut. Reid, R.E., F.Z.S.
In March, 1874, when ordered to the Bermudas to complete my tour of foreign service, I made diligent and most anxious enquiries about the birds likely to be found there, and I must say the answers I got from brother officers and others who were familiar with the islands were anything but satisfactory in an ornithological point of view. I was informed that birds were few and far between, with the exception of one or two common resident species, and a casual flock of plovers or waders in the autumn months. My ardour cooled to zero abruptly. I looked forward to the red, blue, black, and white birds of my informants, and the uncertain and erratic Plover, with a sigh of despair! Should I take a gun at all, to lie idle in the damp corrosive climate to which I was bound?
However, on board the good ship 'Severn'—a hired transport, which conveyed the company of Royal Engineers, to which I then belonged, across the Atlantic—I found some officers of H.M. 53rd Regiment returning to Bermuda from leave in England, one of whom (Capt. Rooke) was a great sportsman, and had shot and collected some birds during his previous residence in the "beautiful isle of the sea." His account was decidedly reassuring. He spoke of twenty or more species, and delighted my ears with the magic words— "Teal" and "Snipe." I was thankful then that my trusty ​16-bore was lying snug and safe in my cabin, ready to add to the Bermuda lists when called upon.
We left Gibraltar on the 12th, but did not land in Bermuda till March 30th, owing to a pleasant head-wind and somewhat limited powers of locomotion. My note-book was started next day,—our first on shore,—and was religiously kept up from that time till June 3rd, 1875, when I left again for English soil.
In this brief sketch, and in face of the heading assigned to it, I must needs confine myself to the birds alone; and it would be out of place were I to attempt any description of the islands themselves, their inhabitants, scenery, or productions.
Situated in lat. 32° 15' N., and long. 64° 51' W., six hundred miles or more from the great North American continent, and exposed to the full force of ever-varying gales, the long, narrow group of islands known as the "Bermudas" offer a harbour of refuge to many a weary, storm-beaten migrant on its passage north or south, and in consequence we find a great many genera of the North American avi-fauna represented in the visiting list. On this subject my friend Mr. J. Matthew Jones, of the Middle Temple, editor of 'The Naturalist in Bermuda' (1859), remarks—"That the Bermudas afford an excellent position from whence to observe the annual migration of many species of the feathered tribes of America cannot be doubted. Equidistant, or nearly so, from the shores of Nova Scotia, the United Slates, and the West Indian archipelago, they present, as it were, a casual resting-place to many birds while traversing the broad expanse of ocean which forms the eastern limit of their great line of flight."
Some species, as the American Golden Plover, American Snipe, Sora Rail, Night Hawk, Chordeiles virginianus, Yellowshanks, &c., seldom fail to appear every autumn, and may be set down as regular visitors, probably from the fact that their line of migration is direct from the north-eastern coasts of the continent to the West Indies and tropical South America; but, as will presently be seen, the great bulk of the recorded species are irregular or accidental visitors, whose migratory journeys are less ambitious, and who are blown off the mainland by unfavourable winds. That fresh species will from time to time be added to the present list is more than probable; in fact, it is possible that the whole avi-fauna of North America may eventually be recorded as Bermudian. When such diminutive flyers as the Ruby-throated Humming-bird, Trochilus ​colubris, and the Blue Yellow-backed Warbler, Parula americana, can find their way across six hundred miles of water in safety, where is the line to be drawn?
With the exception of a solitary example of the European Sky Lark, Alauda arvensis, obtained in 1850, the whole of the birds recorded in the Bermuda list are included in that of North America, and no species has as yet been discovered peculiar to the islands. This, if we accept the theory of the comparatively recent "Æolian" formation of the group, is not to be wondered at. At one time I actually had great hopes of establishing a real 'Mudian species, as I several times observed a small brown bird, remarkably shy and mouse-like in its habits, among the dense rushes and scrub of the larger swamps, and this I could not refer to any known North American form, I had a good view of one, too, close to me, one Sunday afternoon (of course it was on a Sunday, when I had no gun with me), and carefully took stock of the little fellow; but, as I never succeeded in procuring a specimen, I must perforce leave the question undecided, in the hope that someone may be more fortunate in this respect than myself.
Rejecting doubtful occurrences, one hundred and eighty-one species are known to have occurred in the Bermudas up to June 3rd, 1875. Since then two more species, Certhia familiaris and Limosa hudsonica, have been added. During the fourteen months I resided there, no less than seventy -nine species were recorded, sixty-eight of these by myself personally. I was only able, however, to obtain specimens of sixty-one of these, but that, of course, far exceeded my original expectations. The winter of 1874–75 was not exactly a favourable one for a collector, few violent storms occurring at critical times to drive the birds to the strange and unexpected shelter in mid-ocean. I worked hard,—as hard, that is to say, as my multifarious duties as an engineer officer would permit,—but many things were against me. In the first place, the peculiar elongated shape of the group of islands, and the long distances between the various swamps and "likely" places, to say nothing of the indifferent character of the roads, render it no easy task to "register" even a particular district in the course of an afternoon. The climate, too, except when the wind is from the north in winter lime, is warm and damp, and much against a long struggle through the sage bush and scrubby cedars which clothe the hills, or over the rough steel-pointed rocks of the shore. ​Then there is such an extent of cedar forest, dotted here and there with patches of highly-cultivated garden, that it is hard to find birds, or, when found, to follow them up. Mosquitoes are frightfully large and ferocious in summer and autumn, especially in and around the ponds and swamps. Many a time have I lost a long-expected shot by having to brush the little torments in dozens from my nose and eyes. And as to believing a word the good-natured coloured people tell you about the extraordinary birds they see, it is simply impossible.
But, in spite of these drawbacks, I enjoyed my ornithological labours vastly, and look back with pleasure not only to the successful stalk or lucky snap-shot which occasionally rewarded my exertions, but also to the numerous instructive hours I passed, field-glass in hand, in the deepest recesses of the swamps or on the open shore, watching the agile Mniotilta varia and the comical Totanus solitarius, or listening to the loud musical "chip" of Seiurus noveboracensis, and the harsh, grating cry of the Phaetons.
In the following notes I have largely availed myself of those of Major Wedderburn (late 42nd Highlanders) and Mr. Hurdis (formerly Controller of Customs in the islands), which have already been given to the public in a little work, entitled 'The Naturalist in Bermuda,' to which I have already alluded; also of the collection of birds formed, during the last twenty-five years, by Mr. Bartram, of Stocks Point, near St. George's. I trust I may be held excused for the constant references to these sources of information, both by the gentlemen named and by the indulgent ornithological reader. Major Wedderburn and Mr. Hurdis compiled their valuable notes long before my time, as may be inferred from the date of the book mentioned (1859); and since their departure no one, except my friend Mr. J.M. Jones, appears to have kept any record of the bird-life of the islands—more's the pity. With Mr. Bartram, now an elderly man, I struck up a great friendship, and I spent many an afternoon poring over his birds. Of these I made out a catalogue for him, likely, I think, to defy the criticism of his ordinary visitors, though I cannot quite vouch for its accuracy on all points. The genus Dendroëca is truly a "caution," and several of Mr. Bartram's specimens, ancient and somewhat dilapidated, puzzled me sorely.
He has about one hundred and ten species of Bermuda birds, and many "outsiders" mixed up with them; but I was careful, ​with his assistance, to reject all doubtful specimens in compiling the catalogue. An old soldier, settling at the expiration of his service on the picturesque promontory of Stocks Point, where he still resides, Mr. Bartram has added the study of Natural Science to that of farming; and, in addition to producing the best arrowroot in the place, he has a turn at Geology, Conchology, Ornithology, and several other "ologies;" writes on scientific subjects to the local papers; and smokes his pipe in his museum, monarch of all he surveys—a commendable example to the British army.
These, however, are not the only assistants, past or present, that I met with. My friend Col. Bland, R.E., an excellent ornithologist, though he was too much engrossed with the cares of the R.E. office to accompany me in many of my excursions, helped me much in my identifications, which his knowledge of Canadian forms greatly aided; while Mr. J.M. Jones, besides placing his note-book at my disposal, was always ready with a suggestion or kind word of encouragement. Lieut. Denison, R.E., my companion in many a bird-hunt in days gone by, arrived in Bermuda in January, 1875—too late, unfortunately, to take much part in my labours. On him falls the task of checking and "auditing" my accounts, of remedying numerous deficiencies, and of supplying much additional information during his eighteen months' "durance vile" in Bermuda.
To save confusion I have adopted the nomenclature of Dr. Coues, in his 'Key to North American Birds;' for, though I do not conscientiously endorse the same throughout, I feel impelled, by the force of modern subversive currents, to adhere to it.
Turdus migratorius, Red-breasted Thrush; Robin.—By no means common, but occasionally arrives singly or in small flocks, both on northward and southward migrations, especially the former. Specimens were obtained in February and March, 1850, and in March, 1855. One was sent to Mr. J.M. Jones on November 24th, 1871, when several others were seen. I saw one near Hungry Bay on October 29th, 1874; and Mr. Bartram obtained one at Stocks Point about the same time. The three last-named occurrences established the autumnal appearance of the species, which had not been recorded in former years. Like many other migrants, the "Robin" would seem to modify its habits considerably on finding itself in a strange country, and to become shy and retiring in ​disposition. The bird I saw look up its quarters in a thick mangrove swamp, and remained there, or in some tall thick cedars hard by, for several days. An intelligent coloured boy in charge of cattle on an adjoining meadow, who really does know how to describe a bird, saw it frequently, and told me it was very wild and hard to get near. This is very unlike the "Robin" I have met with in Canada and the United States. It is a thousand pities that this fine bird cannot be persuaded to stay and breed in Bermuda, and to add its music to that of the common resident species. Major Wedderburn mentions (Nat. in B., p. 27) that a portion of a small flock of unfortunates, which made their appearance in February, 1850, was spared, in the hope that they might be tempted to remain; but they all disappeared in a few weeks' lime, not leaving a single straggler. [A male of this species was shot in Devonshire Swamp on November 27th, 1875.—H.D.]
Turdus mustelinus, Wood Thrush.—Only one appearance of this species is on record, viz., in the autumn of 1849—a season also memorable in Bermuda annals for an extraordinary invasion of Swallows and Cuckoos which took place throughout the islands. Both Major Wedderburn and Mr. Hurdis obtained specimens of this Thrush, but Mr. Bartram was not so fortunate.
Turdus Swainsoni, Olive-backed Thrush.—This species also visited Bermuda in small numbers during the productive autumn of 1849, when a few were obtained. It has since occurred, at long intervals, in the autumn. Mr. Bartram's collection contains three specimens of various dates. On April 29th, 1875, I shot a fine male in Smith's Marsh, the only instance of its vernal appearance. The stomach contained four or five white grubs, and some fragments of marsh plants. [One was brought to me on September 22nd, 1875; and another, a male, was killed by a boy with a stick in Devonshire Swamp, and brought to me on February 19th, 1876.—H.D.]
Mimus carolinensis, Cat Bird, locally termed "Blackbird."—Resident and abundant; its harsh, mewing cry may be heard all the year round, relieved in spring by a weak but commendable roundelay. After a shower of rain in May or June the marshes appear literally alive with these sprightly birds, and a most agreeable concert takes place among the males, prolonged till dusk should the weather continue fine. On ordinary occasions during spring time they sing a good deal, but rain seems to delight them ​beyond measure. They are at most times remarkably bold birds, and follow an intruder through the swamp or cedar grove, perching close to him and scolding most unmusically; but when a pair have a nest they are far more suspicious, and silently leave the neighbourhood of their home. The hen bird sits very close on her eggs, but when disturbed darts rapidly away, returning as quickly and noiselessly when danger is past. Nidification commences about the end of the first week in April, and again at the end of May, two broods being reared. The nest is a large clumsy structure, built of dry grasses, weeds, and twigs, lined with small rootlets. It is very often ornamented externally with rags, bits of paper, skeleton leaves, &c., according to the quaint fancy of the architect. The usual site is in a cedar branch or lemon tree, at from three to eight feet from the ground; but occasionally an ambitious pair will go a few feet higher. Eggs deep blue, with a greenish tinge, ·92 in. by ·68 in., usually four in number. Among the numerous nests I examined I found a considerable proportion to contain one egg much shorter and rounder than the other three. In one case this egg was almost a perfect sphere. There being but few grapes or wall fruits grown in Bermuda to attract these mischievous birds, they are not looked upon with the same disfavour as in the United Stales.
Saxicola œnanthe, Wheatear.—This bird, a waif and a stray from Europe, via Greenland, to the American continent, has actually found its way to these remote islands. One was shot by an officer of the garrison, near the lighthouse, on October 5th, 1846; the tail, unfortunately, was the only portion preserved, but this was sent to the late Mr. Yarrell, who confirmed its identity. Another was seen frequently by Col. Drummond and Major Wedderburn, near St. George's, in March, 1850, but baffled all their attempts to obtain it. Whether these two examples came direct from Greenland, or were blown off the American coast, is an inscrutable mystery.
Sialia sialis, Eastern Blue Bird.—Resident, and very common. It is also migratory, arriving in small flocks after heavy gales in the winter months. Major Wedderburn observed them in large flocks at Ireland Island on January 5th, 1848; and my friend Mr. J.M. Jones records their appearance in smaller bands in the Novembers of 1866 and 1871. I have frequently noticed a sudden increase in the numbers of this species in winter, but the visitors appear to ​leave again in the early spring, taking with them doubtless some of their 'Mudian brethren, for no perceptible accession of strength is apparent during the ensuing summer. This is, to my mind, the most delightful of birds, and certainly the flower of the limited flock of Bermuda residents; its brilliant plumage, vivacious manners, and pleasant warble, render it an object of interest to all; while its confiding and fearless nature in the breeding season, and the number of noxious insects it destroys, cause it to be strictly protected throughout the islands. The male bird in spring, when the sun's rays illumine his dazzling blue plumage, is perfectly lovely: he flashes across the road like a ray of azure light, and seems actually to blaze with intense colour from among the sombre foliage of the cedars. His spouse is far more sober in her attire; but she too puts on nuptial attire and looks uncommonly smart in April and May, when she acquires an unusually vivid blue, and much suffusion of reddish brown about the head. I accidentally shot one in this plumage one afternoon, thinking it was a stranger, so much did it differ from the ordinary female. They breed twice, and, I believe, in some cases thrice: I have seen fresh eggs on April 4th, and as late as June 19th. Eggs four or five, delicate pale blue, unspotted, 85 in. by 68 in. Nest of grasses and bents, in all manner of places. I have found them commonly in holes in old quarries or roadside cuttings; also in crevices of walls; in rocks, even when some little distance from the shore; in holes in trees; on the branches of trees; in stove- and water-pipes; in calabashes, boxes, &c., hung up for them in the verandahs of houses; in the folds of a canvas awning outside the door of one of the officers' quarters at Prospect Camp; and in several other curious situations. The female sits close, and I have caught her on the nest. The young are strikingly spotted till their first moult. The males sing much in the early morning in spring, both stationary and on the wing, and continue their song, though with diminished ardour, till an hour or so before sunset. A warm sunny day in winter, however, is the time to hear them in perfection, when a favourite cedar grove will resound with their combined melody, each songster perched on the very topmost twig of a tall cedar. The song is merely a short, but sweet, wild little stave, sounding to me not unlike that of the Blue Thrush, Monticola cyaneus, as I used to hear it from the heights, far away above my head, on the rock of Gibraltar. The call-note is a soft twitter; ​but they have also a loud double note, "cher-wee," reminding one forcibly of that of an Ægialitis. Attempts are made frequently to bring up young birds from the nest, but they rarely succeed. A few live ones are to be seen in captivity, presumably adults captured by birdlime or in traps; but as a cage bird it is a failure. It occasionally drives the Red Bird, Pitylus cardinalis, from its nest, even after eggs have been laid, and uses it as a foundation for its own. This is somewhat extraordinary, when one considers the formidable bill of the victim; but the Blue Bird is a determined little fellow, and fortune favours the bold. A great number of "crawlers"—long scaly grubs, with no end of legs—are destroyed by these useful birds, who will sit patiently watching for them on a convenient twig, swooping down on the first comer, and bearing him off in triumph. They will also dart into the air after passing insects much like a Flycatcher, returning each time to their starting-point. They are very bold in pursuit of prey when they have young to feed, but always visit their nest with extreme caution should an observer be near. [Mr. Bartram believes that they do not migrate, but merely collect into flocks for the winter.—H.D.]
Sitta canadensis, Red-bellied Nuthatch.—One specimen only, in Mr. Bartram's collection, shot by himself near his house at Stocks Point.
[Certhia familiaris, Brown Creeper.—A male bird of this species was shot by Bendall, an old soldier of the 53id regiment, out of three or four seen in Devonshire Swamp, on November 24th, 1876.—H.D.]
Alauda arvensis, European Sky Lark.—Mr. Hurdis shot the only example of this well-known bird on June I2th, 1850. It had uo appearance of being an. escaped cage bird; and I do not see why a strong gale should not have driven it even to such a distance from its ordinary line of flight. Prof Newton, in his fourth edition of Yarrell's 'British Birds,' alludes to this specimen in describing the geographical distribution of the species, but seems inclined to doubt its being a genuine wild bird. It is possible that it may have been the Missouri Sky Lark, Neocorys Spraguei, recently ascertained to be by no means uncommon in the "Far West."
The bird, I believe, was presented to Major Wedderburn. A further examination might lead to interesting results. It is worthy of remark that this unfortunate bird was described to Mr. Hurdis ​by a "coloured" lad as being "less than a pigeon, and of a lightgreen colour about the neck;" also as making a "curious noise" in the air, and as not knowing apparently "how to get down again," finally "tumbling down like a stone." This is a fair sample of the information one may expect in Bermuda.
Eremophila alpestris, Shore Lark.—Three examples are recorded by Major Wedderburn: two at St. George's, October 25th, 1849; and one at Spanish Point, February 27th, 1850. In Mr. Bartram's collection are three specimens. I shot a fine male on the north shore, close to the old lunatic asylum, on January 29lh, 1875. It fell into the sea, in the middle of a huge mass of "gulf" weed, through which I had to swim some distance for it. Fortunately I was not observed, or I might have found myself an inmate of the adjacent building. [Two others were obtained, and brought to me in January, 1876.— H.D.]
Anthus ludovicianus, Brown Lark; Pipit.—Major Wedderburn has a specimen in his possession, shot by Mr. Fozard on November 26th, 1848. There are two others in Mr. Bartram's collection, shot by himself near St. George's.
Mniotilta varia, Black-and-While Creeper.—In October, 1849, one example of this neat little warbler (it belongs to the Sylvicolidæ, though the English name points to the Certhidæ) was shot at St. George's; and two or three more seen between that town and Hamilton. One was obtained at Ireland Island on October 27lh, 1852. Mr. J.M. Jones shot one in Devonshire Marsh, in January, 1871. I found them quite common in the autumn of 1874, and winter succeeding it, and obtained several specimens, chiefly in the tall cedars of Devonshire Swamp and around Hungry Bay. This bird was one of my especial favourites; and I used to sit for hours watching its quick and graceful motions, and its dexterity in capturing insects. Its mode of "registering" branch after branch, commencing at the bottom and ending at the outermost twigs, is very like that of our familiar European Creeper.
Parula americana, Blue Yellow-backed Warbler.—This diminutive bird seems hardly fitted for a journey of six liundred miles across the ocean. Nevertheless, four examples are on record, viz.—one shot by Canon Tristram at Ireland Island, on April 21st, 1849; one found by Mr. Hurdis in 1853, in a collection of Bermuda skins sent to him for examination; and two others seen by myself, one being shot near Devonshire Swamp on October 19th, 1874. ​My bird proved to be a male in brilliant plumage; the other, probably a female, escaped. The two were fluttering and creeping about at the extreme end of a large cedar branch, like a veritable Parus.
Protonotaria citræa, Prothonotary Warbler.—I had the pleasure of examining and identifying a specimen of this handsome warbler, the only one yet obtained, in Mr. Bartram's collection. It was presented to him by Mr. Hyland, jun., of St. George's, who shot it, near that town, out of a small flock of the species, in the autumn of 1874.
Dendroëca æstiva, Blue-eyed Yellow Warbler.—Mr. Bartram has two specimens, obtained at different dates, the only ones on record. It is somewhat strange that this abundant and prettily-coloured North American species should not have been a more frequent visitor, or rather more frequently observed. Doubtless it has found its way to Bermuda, like others of the genus, to a much greater extent; but the cedar groves of the islands afford an almost impenetrable shelter to such birds, and, besides, no one but the most ardent collector thinks it worth while looking after them. [Two birds of this species, both males, shot in Devonshire Swamp on November 23rd, 1875, are now in my collection.—H.D.]
Dendroëca virens, Black-throated Green Warbler.—Another novelty brought to light in examining Mr. Bartram's birds. He has three examples, one in the obscure plumage of youth, the others in the "fall" or female plumage of the adult. Unfortunately, Mr. Bartram has sexed none of his birds; the bodies, in fact, of all specimens under six inches in length are left within the skin (the "trail" only being removed), and preserved by being thoroughly saturated with a wonderful mixture of the old gentleman's own composition. This certainly keeps the birds from decay and insect ravages most effectually, but I cannot say it conduces to their appearance; the bodies dry slowly and surely, and thus contract the plumage of the breast and abdominal region to a deplorable extent.
Dendroëca cærulescens, Black-throated Blue Warbler.—Two specimens of this striking-looking Warbler are in the Bartram collection, shot by Mr. Bartram in a field of arrow-root on his farm not many years since. No others are recorded.
Dendroëca coronata, Yellow-crowned Warbler.—Several examples are recorded in 'The Naturalist in Bermuda.' Three of ​of these were shot on Somerset Island by Captain Tolcher, 56th Regiment, out of a Hock of more than a hundred birds. In the Bartram collection are four specimens. It was the commonest species I met with in November and December, 1874, in the course of my evening rambles among the cedar groves of Devonshire parish. Here I obtained a few specimens, and could have shot many more had 1 wished. They were rather shy, and flew rapidly from tree to tree, with a loud "chip" of alarm, showing the brilliant yellow of the run)p plainly. Those I shot were all in winter plumage, the yellow crown concealed by brown feathers.
Dendroëca castanea, Bay-breasted Warbler.—A young bird in the Bartram collection is the sole representative of the species. It is in obscure plumage, but shows the buffy tint on the sides of the body so characteristic of the species.
Dendroëca discolor, Prairie Warbler.—Only one, obtained by Major Wedderburn at the dockyard, Ireland Island, on the 3rd October, 1848.
Dendroëca palmarum, Yellow Redpoll VVarbler.—Two shot by Major Wedderburn in Pembroke Marsh, on December 17th, 1847, and December 3rd, 1848, respectively. Mr. Bartram has two other specimens.
Dendroëca pinus, Pine-creeping Warbler.—Has occurred in considerable numbers. A good many occurred on September 27lh, 1849, departing again in a few days. Several were captured outside the lantern of the lighthouse in the dark and rainy night of the 5th September, 1850. On October 15th, 1850, Colonel Drummond obtained specimens from a large flock, which he observed coming in from the sea and settling on some trees within the keep at Ireland Island. Mr. Bartram has two specimens, one of which (a male in spring plumage) was shot near his house and brought to him while I was paying him a visit on March I6tl), 1875. The species would seem, therefore, to visit the islands on both migrations.
Seiurus aurocapillus, Golden-crowned Thrush.—I shot the first recorded specimen on the edge of Devonshire Swamp, on the 19th October, 1874. This brought to light another, shot in the autumn of 1873, and set up in a case with Blue and Red Birds by Gibbs, an old soldier of the 53rd Regiment, and an excellent taxidermist, in the service of Lieut. Johnston, R.E. I afterwards identified two others, killed a few years ago, in Mr. Bartram's possession. The ​species was numerous in the autumn of 1874, in and near Devonshire Swamp, and I procured specimens on the 24th October and on the 12th and 16th December, thus establishing it as a real 'Mudian. I wonder it had hitherto escaped notice; its loud "peche, peche," is very striking, and drew my attention at once to the presence of something new. It was very shy.
Seiurus noveboracensis, Water Thrush.—One of the commonest but most interesting of autumnal visitors. It appears regularly early in October, and a few remain all the winter. Throughout October and November there is hardly a mangrove swamp, great or small, whence its sharp but musical "chip" may not be heard at any time during the day. Early in the morning, especially when an ebbing tide has left bare the quaint tangled roots of the mangroves and their muddy surroundings, it is comparatively easy to approach this wary little bird, but later in the day it requires great caution, and a certain amount of activity, to procure a specimen. To persons out of training, requiring strong exercise, I can confidently recommend a protracted "stalk" after Seiurus among the mangrove roots, such as I undertook myself before becoming better acquainted with the habits of the species. These birds wag the tail like a Motacilla, as they feed on the edges of the tidal pools, and flit from root to root, uttering at times their loud monotonous cry. While waiting for ducks at daylight in the larger swamps, I have seen them within a few yards of me, in happy ignorance of my presence. Major Wedderburn says (Nat. in B., p. 27), "Several times, at Riddle's Bay, I have noticed seemingly a larger species of this bird, but never succeeded in killing any of them." This was perhaps the larger variety (or species), S. ludovicianus. I did not meet with any specimens myself.
Geothlypis trichas, Maryland Yellow-throat.—By no means a frequent visitor, only two specimens being known. The first was shot by Mr. Hurdis in a bushy swamp near the sluice-gates on the 18th October, 1853; the second is in Mr. Bartram's museum, obtained near Stocks Point.
Myiodioctes mitratus, Hooded Flycatcher.—A male shot at Ireland Island, by Mr. Abbott, 20th Regiment, on March 30th, 1847. The female was seen, but not obtained.
Setophaga ruticilla, American Redstart.—Two in Mr. Bartram's possession, shot by him near his house some few years since. No others are on record.
​Pyranga rubra, Scarlet Tanager.—This handsome bird has visited the Bermudas on its vernal migration on several occasions. Two or three examples were obtained in April, 1850; four were seen, and one shot, in May, 1851. Mr. Bartram has several specimens, male and female, and obtained a splendid male near his house early in May, 1875. One was seen and nearly captured after an exciting hunt by Lieut. Denison, R.E., at Somerset, on April 25th, 1875. Mr. J.M. Jones informs me that a male was shot on the edge of the lagoon at Ireland Island on May 6lh, 1869; also that another frequented a garden in Smith's Parish for several days at the beginning of May, 1875. The female is such an obscure-looking bird that she doubtless often escapes the notice invariably accorded to her brilliant partner. There is no recorded instance of the occurrence of this species on its southward journey. Capt. Rooke, 53rd Regiment, and I saw what we took to be a female Scarlet Tanager on October 17th, 1874, near Basden's Pond; but we could not get a shot to confirm our suspicions.
Pyranga æstiva, Summer Red Bird.—The same remarks apply to this species, with reference to its visits to the islands, as to the preceding. It appears to have been especially numerous in April, 1850, when a female was shot on the 9th; a beautiful male, by Major Wedderburn, at Peniston's Pond, on the 19th; two by the same gentleman, at Harris's Bay, on the 20th; and several others. Mr. Bartram has a male and two females, one of the latter killed a year or two since. On the 29th April, 1875, I shot a fine female in Smith's Marsh; it was in wonderful condition, the body being literally coated with layers of orange-coloured fat. The stomach was full of the remains of the Bermuda wasp—a most unpalatable-looking morsel, I should have thought. Wilson alludes to the insectivorous habits of this species.
Hirundo horreorum, Barn Swallow.—I shall take the liberty of quoting from the 'Naturalist in Bermuda,' to illustrate the uncertain appearance of the Swallow tribe in the islands. Mr. Hurdis says (p. 68):—"I can with safety affirm that from October, 1840, to September 12th, 1846, not a Swallow of any description came under my observation, though I believe they were sufficiently common in the September of the former year." Major Wedderburn says of this species (p. 34):—"Rarely seen in April and May, but sometimes numerous in August and September. I have seen it as early as August 1st in the year 1848, at Hamilton, and they were ​numerous on that day at Hungry Bay and Riddle's Bay. This species was very numerous in the great flight of Swallows in September, 1849." A few Swallows, probably of this species, appeared in August, 1874, but I was away at the time. From April 30th to May 1 1th, 1875, there were not a few visitors, and several specimens were obtained. Five of these birds frequented the grassy slopes in the vicinity of Warwick Camp, while I was going through the annual course of musketry there with my company. They disappeared on May 11th, without my having been able to procure a specimen.
Tachycincta bicolor, White-bellied Swallow.—Has only visited the islands once, in the great flight of September, 1846, when it appeared in considerable numbers. [One in my collection was shot at St. George's, in September, 1875.—H.D.]
Cotyle riparia, Bank Swallow; Sand Martin.—Identical with the European bird. Two specimens were shot by Capt. Lye, in September, 1846; and a few seen near Hamilton on August 8th, 1847.
Progne purpurea, Purple Martin.—This fine bird, a straggler to the British lists, has only, like T. bicolor, appeared on one occasion, during the "entrada" of September, 1849, when it was numerous.
Ampelis cedrorum, Cedar Bird.—Occurs rarely, both on its autumnal and vernal flights. Three were shot out of a flock of about thirty, near Hungry Bay, on October 10th, 1847; four on December I7lh following, one of which had a few of the brilliant wax-like tips to the secondaries; two out of a flock of twelve in December, 1849; one seen on January 5th, 1850; one shot on the 6th and another on the 10th April, 1850; one on December 2nd, 1851. In addition to these Mr. Bartram has three specimens, obtained at different dates. I did not myself meet with the species, or hear of its occurrence, during my stay. [Two were shot out of a flock of five on the 11th, and a third on the 22nd September, 1875, in Devonshire Swamp, by Lieut. Festing, 20th Regiment. A male bird of this species was obtained near Prospect, on November 24th, 1875]
Vireo noveboracensis, White-eyed Vireo.—The smallest and one of the commonest resident Bermuda birds, familiar to all through its sprightly ways, loud song, and astounding impudence. It is termed locally, "chick-of-the-village," or, "chick-choo-willio," ​from its note. This is, however, very variable, and hardly any two birds give it the same rendering. One has a prefatory "chick," in addition; another tacks the extra "chick" on at the end of his version; while others cut it short, or jumble it all up together at random. One particular variety is "ginger-beer-quick," a call very much adapted to the climate of Bermuda. In short, there is no end to the variations; and a stranger might well imagine, as I did myself at first, that there was more than one species present. It was some little time before I settled the matter to my own satisfaction by careful observation of every "chick" I heard singing, as I expected to meet with V. gilvus or V. Belli among the numerous musicians. The colour of the iris increased my difficulty, as I found it to be brownish, brownish gray, or gray—rarely white, as stated by authors. I presume it is only fully adult birds that show the real white iris; young birds have it decidedly brownish, and 1 have seen a female sitting on eggs with an undeniable brownish gray "cast" in her bright little eye. It would be a waste of lime and valuable space to describe the pretty pensile nest of this species, so familiar to all ornithologists. I have found it usually from three feet to twelve feet above the ground, in cedars, mangroves, Bermuda "holly," pomegranate, and lemon trees, but most commonly in cedars. I never met with more than three eggs or young in one nest; authors assign four or five to the genus. The eggs average ·71 in. by ·52 in., white, with a few dark brown or black dots; some are entirely white. The young at first have the yellow of the wing bars and forehead very pale and dingy. This is a sad little torment to the collector. It comes hissing and scolding within a foot of one's head, puffing itself out with malignant fury. I have touched one with my gun in the thick bushes before it would budge an inch. And when one is on the qui vive for rarities among the big cedars, the little wretches will come from all parts to irritate and deceive one, playing all sorts of antics on the topmost branches, apparently imitating the movements of a Dendroëca or other Sylvicola, in order to induce one to waste a charge on them. Several times they succeeded with me; and on one occasion, the bird having lodged at the top of a very ugly-looking tree, I tore my hands and clothes to pieces in my anxiety to secure the supposed prize. But in spite of this I have a great regard for the cheerful, restless little fellows, whose presence does so much to relieve the monotony ​of the everlasting cedars. They are very dexterous in catching insects among the foliage, their manner of feeding seeming to be intermediate between that of a Flycatcher and a Warbler. You can hear the "snip" of their mandibles as they secure their prey for a considerable distance. I have seen one catching flies off the back of a cow, jumping vigorously at them from the ground, and "snipping" them off neatly as they buzzed round the recumbent animal. Mr. Hurdis says (Nat. in B., p. 71):—"In September it delights to feed on the small white berries of the sweet-scented Tournefortia, and it is also fond of the small fiery capsicum, known by the name of 'bird-pepper,' the pods of which it plucks and swallows entire." It is on record that the newly- fledged young of this species have been found entangled in the meshes of the web of the "silk" spider, Epëira clavipes. These webs are of great size and strength, extending for many feet between adjoining cedars, and the number of them among the woods in summer and autumn is almost incredible. In all my rambles, however, I never met with an instance of poor little Vireo having walked into Epëira's parlour.
Vireo olivaceus, Red-eyed Vireo.—The first I met with was captured in the officers' quarters at Prospect Camp, on October 14th, 1874. In March, 1875, I identified three specimens belonging to Mr. Bartram, all shot by himself near Stocks Point. This bird, though somewhat larger, is sufficiently like its brother, V. noveboracensis, to have escaped detection in previous years.
Collurio borealis, Great Northern Shrike.—Not a great many have occurred, though it would appear to visit the islands on both migrations. One was shot by Dr. Cole, 20th Regiment, on October 31st, 1846; one by Mr. Hurdis, January 23rd, 1847; another by Major Wedderburn, near Harris Bay, March 12th, 1850; and a fourth by Mr. J. M. Jones, on the " Model" Farm, Smith's parish, in January, 1872. Besides these there are three specimens in Mr. Bartram's collection. Most of these above-mentioned examples were in immature plumage. [One shot near the garrison instructor's house, at Prospect, on January 1st, 1876, is in my collection.—H.D.]It is strange that the other North American species, C. ludovicianus, of more southerly distribution on the continent than C. borealis, should not have been observed in Bermuda.
Curvirostra americana, American Crossbill.—Of this species Major Wedderburn says:—"A specimen of this bird was captured ​in the dockyard at Ireland Island, January 20th, 1850, and got quite tame, and lived for several days in my room; but poisoned itself by eating part of a composite candle, which it had cut nearly in half with its strong bill during the night. I shot three specimens near Mr. Ewing's house, April 5th, 1850, and saw a small flock on several occasions near Pitt's Bay, but they were so shy I could not get near them. They disappeared early in May." Mr. Bartram has several specimens. On November 17th, 1874, three were observed on some cedar trees at Prospect Camp. Two males were shot among some sage bushes, near the shore at Warwick, by Gibbs, on the 25th of that month; and another male was obtained at Prospect about the same time. These may have been the trio originally seen. The stomachs of the two Warwick birds were crammed with small green caterpillars, and contained no trace of seeds. The insectivorous nature of the Crossbill is not mentioned by Wilson; it is alluded to by Dr. Saxby in the 'Birds of Shetland.' This species must visit Bermuda both going and returning.
Curvirostra leucoptera, White-winged Crossbill.—A less frequent visitor than the preceding, on its northward journey only. A fine male was killed on May llth, 1852, by a boy who had another in his possession; dale unknown. An officer of the 56th Regiment shot one, a female, at Somerset, in March, 1852. Mr. Bartram has obtained a pair, male and female. This bird has occurred several times in Great Britain, and it is somewhat remarkable that the preceding species, C. americana, has not yet paid us a visit. I expect it will find its way across the Atlantic some day, and share the fate of every unfortunate straggler to our inhospitable shores.
Ægiothus linarius, Redpoll Linnet.—Only recorded previously in 1847 and 1850. Two were obtained, February 8th and October 11th, in the former year. In March, 1850, flocks of this bird appeared in the neighbourhood of St. George's, and several specimens were obtained there and elsewhere throughout the islands. A goodly number visited the islands in small flocks in January, 1875: these were very tame at first, but soon became shy. Specimens were obtained during the month at all parts of the islands.
Chrysomitris pinus, Pine Linnet.—Two specimens in Mr. Bartram's collection are the only ones on record. They were obtained near Stocks Point.
Plectrophanes nivalis, Snow Bunting.—This is a pretty constant ​visitor, seldom failing to make its appearance, in large or small numbers, in December or January. They were particularly numerous in 1850. I am credibly informed that of late years they have been seen in considerable numbers feeding on the parade ground and round about the stables, like sparrows, at Prospect Camp. One was seen there in December, 1874. Three, of which I procured one, frequented the Walsingham end of the Causeway in January, 1875. Others were seen at St. George's and elsewhere about the same lime. This bird has not appeared in spring.
Passerculus savanna, Savannah Sparrow.—Only two on record. Major Wedderburn killed one in Pembroke Marsh, April 11th, J850; I shot one at Shelly Bay Marsh on January 29th, 1875.
Pooëcetes gramineus, Bay-winged Bunting.—One shot by Capt. M'Leod at St. George's, October 25lh, 1849. [I saw several and shot one of them at Whale Bay, September 9th, 1876.—H.D.]
Coturniculus Henslowii, Henslow's Sparrow.—"Mr. Hurdis shot one specimen out of a small flock of these birds in Pembroke Marsh, on December 2nd, 1850. They had frequented the dense reeds and rushes for a fortnight previously." (Nat. in B., p. 30.)
Melospiza palustris, Swamp Sparrow.—A solitary example was obtained in Pembroke Marsh on December 3rd, 1849. I saw a bird in the Shelley Bay Marshes in January, 1875, which I am almost certain belonged to this species, but I could not get a shot.
Junco hyemalis, Snow Bird.—Two in the collection of Mr. Bartram, were shot by him at Stocks Point.
Passer domesticus, European Sparrow,—Some few years ago a number of these birds were imported from New York (where they are now numerous), and turned out at St. George's; but many of them subsequently disappeared, probably victims to the cats, which swarm in all parts of the islands. The remainder, however, appear to be flourishing, and in the spring of 1875 there were several nests in the new barracks above the town. A second importation, from New York also, took place in September, 1874, about fifty birds being liberated in the vicinity of Hamilton. These soon scattered in all directions, but about a dozen took up their quarters in the garden of the Court House at Hamilton, and could be seen there daily during the winter following. I have no doubt they will increase and multiply after their manner, and in time become as much a nuisance as they are now a curiosity. I certainly question ​the propriety of introducing these quarrelsome birds (for the sake of the war they wage on the insect tribes during the breeding season only) into the aristocratic society of the Blue and Red Birds, which they will infallibly drive in course of time out of the town gardens and enclosures altogether. I observed a single specimen of the European Goldfinch, Carduelis elegans, near Harrington Sound, in April, 1875; it was very wild, and I could not get near it, but I imagine it must have been an escaped prisoner. This species is reported to have occurred in Massachusetts (Allen, Am. Nat. iii. p. 635), but the same explanation doubtless applies.
Passerella iliaca, Fox Sparrow.—Only one yet obtained; shot by Mr. Bartram in a bush near his house a few years since.
Goniaphea ludoviciana, Rose-beaked Grosbeak.—A female bird of this species was shot by Colonel Drumniond on the 9th October, 1849, near St. George's, and a fine male by Mr. Hurdis on the 16th April, 1850. Mr. Bartram has four specimens, one of which is a male in immature plumage. A female was caught by a cat in the town of Hamilton on the 16lh October, 1874. The species appears to visit Bermuda twice.
Cyanospiza cyanea, Indigo Bird.— I had the pleasure of introducing this species into the Bermuda lists, the first specimen being a female shot near Devonshire Church, on January 14th, 1875. In March following I examined an immature male, shot by Mr. Bartram on the 1st of that month, and also unearthed two dingy female specimens in his collection, killed some years previously. I obtained a female in Devonshire Marsh on the 8th, a young male on the 11th, and another on the 22nd of March, and one or two others were subsequently procured in the same locality. There appeared to have been a regular "entrada" of them, and it was remarkable how pertinaciously they stuck to certain cedar groves round about Devonshire Church. I saw many others, and watched the changes of plumage of the male birds with great interest. By the end of April they had acquired the rich blue livery of the adult, and rivalled the Blue Bird in brilliancy of colouring. Lieut. Tallents, of the 20th Regiment, shot a splendid specimen on April 29th. This was the last we saw, and I imagine they all departed shortly afterwards, though we fondly hoped they might stay to breed. I found them easily approached at first, but when once disturbed they flew very rapidly away into the thick cedars. Their call-note was a loud, harsh "chee" or "tzee."
​Cardinalis virginianus, Cardinal Red Bird; Virginia Nightingale.—The well-known Red Bird of Bermuda is an abundant resident throughout the islands, everywhere conspicuous by its brilliant plumage and loud but not unmusical song. This bird is a general favourite with all classes, and in great esteem as a cage-bird. Formerly considerable numbers were caught by the "coloured" boys in the neat trap depicted in 'The Naturalist in Bermuda'—an introduction, as I am informed, by Mr. J.M. Jones, from Somersetshire, and not a 'Mudian invention. Fortunately, however, there are now stringent local laws for the protection of the resident birds, and these traps are seldom seen. I have tried in vain to bring up the young from the nest. The Red Bird breeds twice a year in Bermuda. Fresh eggs have been found as early as the 1st April, and I find in my notes that I saw young birds just able to fly on the 19th; but these are exceptional cases. As a rule, the two clutches of eggs are deposited about April 10th and May 30th respectively. The eggs are three to five in number, averaging 1·00 in. × ·73 in. They vary much in size and markings, but are usually greenish white, irregularly marked with few purplish and many amber blotches. The nest is bulky, built of twigs and roots, lined with dry grasses. This lining alone serves to distinguish some of the nests from those of the Cat Bird, which they much resemble; they are usually at a greater elevation, however, and are never ornamented with rags or paper. The parent birds are extremely solicitous in bringing up their offspring, and attend them assiduously long after they are able to fly, betraying their anxiety by much "tick-tick-"ing, flirting of tails, and raising of crests. To see a fine old paterfamilias in all the glory of his rich vermilion garments, tail and crest in air, now on a post, now on an oleander or cedar bough, all the while uttering his sharp "tick" of alarm, while the more sober-coloured mother is ministering to the appetites of the children, is a great treat, and will ever be associated in my memory with the hot sun, the while houses, dark cedars and fragrant sage-bushes of Bermuda. The young resemble the female, being ashy-brown, paler below, with evident traces of the red on the crest, wings, tail, and under parts. I have mentioned the "tick," or call-note of this species. The song is exceedingly variable, consisting of a series of musical whistles. There is also a strange " whir-r-r-r," like a large bird suddenly rising on the wing, which is very peculiar. A most remarkable fact is that the ​notes are changed according to season. Mr. J.M. Jones called my attention to this, too late, unfortunately, for me to make any lengthened study of the changes; but 1 heard sufficient to satisfy myself of their occurrence. Thus, in December and January, nearly every songster I listened to was " way-too-"ing at the lop of his voice, and I occasionally heard the peculiar " whir-r-r-r." Later on "way-too" became less frequent, being replaced by the monotonous "tew, tew," and other notes. A more careful and lengthened series of observations would be of considerable interest. In spring the Red Bird commences to sing at daybreak, considerably before the Blue Bird. A wounded Red Bird can give the unwary collector a most painful nip with his strong beak. In spite, however, of his strength, he allows himself to be driven ignominiously from his nest by the smaller Blue Bird, as ahead}' mentioned. The skin of this species is remarkably delicate, almost resembling tissue-paper. The rich vermilion plumage soon fades when exposed to light.
Dolichonyx oryzivorus, Bob-o-link; Rice Bird.—Mr. Hurdis says of this bird:—"The Rice Bird is not known to visit the Bermudas on its vernal flight, although in September and October it seldom fails of being found there, generally in small flocks, and on one occasion in considerable numbers. They frequent the manshes, where the ripe panicles of seed from the reeds and sedge offer an ample abundance of their favourite food." And Major Wedderburn remarks:—"During some years this bird is not uncommon, but always found in winter plumage. They are so extremely fat that it is almost impossible to preserve them." I have little to add to the above notes, except that one of Mr. Bartram's specimens is a male in imperfect summer plumage. I never met with the species myself, but they were familiar to many of my friends. They did not visit the Bermudas in the autumn of 1874. [In September, 1875, they were numerous.—H.D.]
Molothrus pecoris, Cow Bird.—In Mr. Bartram's collection there is one example of this singular bird, which takes the place of our European Cuckoo in North America, building no nest, but depositing its eggs by stealth in the nests of Warblers, Vireos, Sparrows, &c. This solitary specimen is a male. It was £hot at Stocks Point by Mr. Bartram.
Icterus Baltimore, Baltimore Oriole; Golden Robin.—"Captain Tolcher, 56th Regiment, shot one of those birds early in October, ​1854, at Somerset. Mr. Hurdis found it amongst his collection of skins on the 20th of the same month, when Capt. Tolcher assured him that Mr. Harford, of his regiment, had killed another specimen about the same time, which, from being very much mutilated, he had unfortunately thrown away" (Nat. in B., p. 27). A third example, a male in splendid plumage, is in my own collection. I shot it near Hungry Bay, on April 28th, 1875. The bill and feet of this bird were bright livid blue.
Corvus americanus, American Crow.—The early history of this bird, so far as the Bermudas are concerned, is somewhat obscure. In Smith's 'History of Virginia' (to which colony Bermuda at one time belonged), date 1623, Crows are mentioned as being numerous in the Islands. Major Wedderburn says, however (Nat. in B., p. 33):—"A few of these birds are generally to be seen between the lighthouse and Hamilton. I have never found their nests, but they are known to have bred, as a few young Crows were observed near Warwick Church during the first week of April, 1849. It is supposed that they were introduced from Nova Scotia some few years ago." Mr. Hurdis did not, apparently, find the species numerous, for he says (Nat. in B., p. 66):—"In August, 1854, eleven of these Crows were observed associating together at Gibbs Hill, by the late Colonel Oakley, 56th Regiment. This was double the number which had hitherto frequented those parts, and arose, doubtless, from the young of that season." It is somewhat difficult to reconcile the above evidence. Can the species, once numerous, have become extinct, and have then been introduced again? This is possible, but I am inclined to the belief that there have been Crows, more or less, in Bermuda since 1623, their wary nature and their partiality for the dense cedar groves causing them to have been but little noticed. However it may be, they are numerous now; so much so, that a price has been set on their devoted heads by a recent enactment— half-a-crown a bird, and sixpence an egg. That this is a wise and necessary measure is universally conceded, as they do much damage in the breeding season, by destroying young poultry, and the eggs and young of the other resident birds. As is well known, this species is gregarious, except during the actual time of breeding. As soon as the young are well able to fly, the scattered families consort together. I have seen as many as sixteen in one flock in June. Three or four are commonly seen together in winter, when they frequent the rocky shores in search ​of shell-fish, &c. At the approach of the breeding season they separate into pairs, and select the most retired cedar groves for their nesting places, the same couple resorting to a particular spot for many years, if undisturbed. The nest is a bulky structure of slicks and cedar-bark, warmly lined with the latter material and with goats' hair; it is usually in a wide fork, against the trunk, and never very high up. Eggs, usually four, exactly like those of our European Crows. I have found as many as half-a-dozen nests, in various stages of dilapidation, in the same clump of trees—the work, doubtless, of the same pair. They seem invariably to build a fresh one every year. Only one brood appears to be raised, leaving the nest about the end of May. The earliest nest I heard of was one containing four fresh eggs, on April 3rd, 1875. Lieut. Denison and I found five young birds in one nest, two of which were somewhat less advanced in feathering than the remainder; and, as we were mobbed all the time we were at the nest by four old Crows, we came to the conclusion that the nest must be common to both pairs—rather an odd thing, when one considers the solitary breeding habits of the species. Mr. Bartram has a specimen measuring 21½ inches in length, which we at first thought must be a Raven, C. corax, particularly as it did not mix with the other Crows, and was shot on a small island it frequented; but subsequent examination inclined me to believe it was only an unusually large bird, perhaps a little stretched in stuffing—probably the variety C. floridanus of Baird. Ordinary specimens measure 18 to 20 inches.
Tyrannus carolinensis. King Bird; Bee Martin.—Recorded as very numerous in all the swamps in 1850, but not mentioned as occurring at other times, though Mr. Bartram has one or two specimens of a later date. It would appear to be only a spring visitant. A considerable number appeared in April, 1875, a small band of these attaching themselves to the Devonshire and Hungry Bay district, where several specimens, male and female, were obtained. Tliese were all immature, or rather in winter plumage, with the flame-coloured head-patch concealed by black tips to the feathers. [Several were seen by me at Hungry Bay on the 22nd September, 1875. Unfortunately I did not procure a specimen, and so establish the fact of this species visiting Bermuda on its southern journey.—H.D.]
Tyrannus dominicensis, Gray King Bird; Pipiry Flycatcher.— ​Only three specimens are on record, viz., one obtained by Major Wedderburn in Mr. Hurdis's garden on March 30th, 1850, and two others on St. David's Island on April I5th, 1850.
Contopus borealis, Olive-sided Flycatcher.—Mr.Bartram has one, shot by himself on his farm not many years since.
Contopus virens, Wood Pewee Flycatcher.—A single example was obtained by Mr. Hurdis on April 30th, 1852.
Empidonax Traillii, Traill's Flycatcher.—One specimen is in Mr. Bartram's collection, shot at Stocks Point.
Chordeiles virginianus, Night Hawk.—I cannot do better than quote from 'The Naturalist in Bermuda' the following:— "These curious birds are sometimes very common in April, and also in September and October on their migration north and south. The marsh below Government House was their great resort, when, just as it was getting dusk, they would appear one by one, and soon be skimming about in all directions, uttering every now and then a sharp whirring sort of cry. They double and rush about in a most wonderful manner, frequently depressing first one side, then the other. Although flying close together, they seem to try and keep apart, each having seemingly its own hunting ground" (Wedderburn). "When this bird visits the islands of Bermuda from the north, it invariably appears between the 20th of September and the 11th of October, and, on its vernal flight from the south, arrives with wonderful precision between the 23rd and 30th of April" (Hurdis). Individuals of this species were observed by officers of Prospect Garrison on February 20th and 28th, 1875. It would almost seem probable that these wintered in Bermuda; but the question requires further investigation. They are occasionally picked up dead or in a dying condition. One was found dead in the streets of St. George's on the 26th April, 1875, and a live one was brought to me the same day. The stomachs of several examined in October, 1874, contained numbers of the highly-perfumed "green bug," Rhaphigaster prasinus, so obnoxious to delicate olfactory nerves. For this good service alone the poor birds should be religiously protected during their short visits.
Chætura pelasgia, Chimney Swift.—One was shot on the 13th September, 1849. On the 24th of that month Mr. Hurdis noticed several, left behind after the great flight of the Swallow tribe, already alluded to, had taken its departure. Mr. Barlram obtained one in September, 1874; but I did not meet with the species myself.
​Trochilus colubris, Ruby-throated Humming Bird.—I found the history of this bird's occurrence in Bermuda in a very unsatisfactory state. Major Wedderburn writes:—"There is a tradition that the Humming Bird visited the islands of Bermuda in considerable numbers about thirty years ago; but of late years they have not been noticed till the 26th April, 1852, when Mr. Hurdis wrote to me, saying that Mr. Jolin Darrell (son of the Attorney-General, now Chief Justice, of those islands) had seen a Humming Bird under the windows of his father's house, where it was busily employed entering the large white bell-shaped flowers of the giant Stramonium, its tail only at times being visible. Another was seen about the same time, and within about two miles of the same place, by a Miss Watson, in her brother's garden." Referring to the above, Mr. Hurdis says:—"My endeavours to ascertain the truth of the tradition alluded to by Major Wedderburn ended in disappointment. The bird seen by Mr. Darrell was described to me as greenish in colour, with the tail—the only part visible at times — tipped with white. I need not observe that this characteristic appertains to the female." I was, therefore, much pleased to establish its occurrence beyond a doubt, when going through Mr. Bartram's collection with him. He has a genuine female specimen, shot with powdered rice by himself close to his house, his attention having been called to the diminutive stranger by one of his labourers, who thought it was a large moth. Two others were seen at the same time, but not obtained. How these little birds got to Bermuda is a marvel. They have powerful wings for their size, calculated to keep up that humming vibratory motion necessary for their mode of feeding; but one would think that such a long flight across the sea would induce weariness in so small a frame, and leave them at the mercy of the winds and waves.
Ceryle alcyon, Belted Kingfisher.—"These birds arrive regularly about the middle of September, and are to be found in all the mangrove swamps, creeks, and ponds in the islands. Many remain during the winter, but they all disappear about the middle of April" (Nat. in B., p. 33). I have seen these birds as late as the 26th April, and at one time thought they must occasionally remain to breed; but after much careful watching, in which I was assisted by my friends, I came to the conclusion that they all depart, sooner or later, to breed on the North American continent. Hungry Bay is a favourite resort of these fine birds. I have seen six or seven ​there together, chasing one another, darting at the little fish in the pools, and uttering their harsh, rattling cry. They affect the same hunting grounds, especially those birds that remain for the winter, and day after day, as one drives past the creeks and sheltered bays, one sees the same solemn-looking individual on the accustomed rock or cedar-bough, one eye on the fish in the water below, the other on the passers by.
Coccyzus erythrophthalmus, Black-billed Cuckoo.—The first example recorded was shot by Gibbs early in October, 1874, at the same time as a number of the succeeding species, C. americanus, from which its smaller bill, less white on the tips of the tail-feathers, and red ring round the eye, at once distinguish it. Mr. Bartram also obtained a specimen that autumn, and I found two others in his collection, labelled C. americanus. I saw one near Devonshire Bay on the 19th April, 1875, and one (probably the same) was brought to me on the 30th of that month from Hungry Bay. Lieut. Hopegood, of the 97th Regiment, shot one of a pair in a potato-field near Devonshire Bay on the 8lh May, 1875. I imagine this species has occurred more frequently than the records tend to show, not having been distinguished from its larger-billed congener.
Coccyzus americanus, Yellow-billed Cuckoo.—A kw specimens only are recorded previous to the 9th October, 1849, when an extraordinary invasion took place. Thousands of these birds suddenly appeared in all parts of the islands, most of them departing as suddenly the next day. A few were seen in April, 1852. They were numerous from the 12th to the 15th of October, 1874, and a few remained behind for some time. I shot one near Devonshire Bay, in a potato-field, on the 7th November: its stomach (like that of other specimens examined) was full of green caterpillars collected from the leaves of the potatoes. I was very angry with myself for having killed the poor bird when doing such good service.
Sphyrapicus varius, Yellow-bellied Woodpecker.—Of this species Major Wedderburn says:—"In general not very common. I first saw it in December, 1847; again in November, 1848; and in April, 1850, a great many suddenly appeared, several of which 1 shot. Many of the palmetto trees are bored by this bird. It breeds in Mr. Ballinghall's garden every year, and 1 should think that a few also breed in holes in the large trees at Brackish ​Pond; and in some of the other large swamps." Three examples occurred during my stay, but I could not ascertain whether they bred or not in 1875. I don't think they did so in Brackish Pond, where I kept a careful watch for them. Mr. Bartram has about a dozen specimens, scarcely two of which are alike, so variable is the plumage of the species. They are all in immature dress, with the crimson patches more or less replaced by mottled gray, but all possess the characteristic "yellowness" which distinguishes the bird from nearly all the other American Picidæ.
Colaptes auratus, Golden-winged Woodpecker; Flicker.—The only specimens ever obtained were shot by officers of the 61st Regiment in Devonshire Marsh, as my friend Mr. J.M. Jones informed me. One or two were shot, in 1871 I think, but no others are on record.
Otus Wilsonianus, Long-eared Owl.—This near ally of our European O. vulgaris has occurred frequently, but irregularly, during the winter months, generally on the highest part of the islands, near the lighthouse. One in Mr. Bartram's collection was caught alive at Mount Langton a few years ago. This bird did not, to my knowledge, visit Bermuda during the year 1874-5.
Brachyotus palustris, Short-eared Owl.— Not so frequent a visitor as the preceding; but, like it, appearing in the autumn and winter months, and usually seen on the south side, near the lighthouse. The attraction presented by that part of the islands would appear to consist of a plentiful supply of mice, which inhabit the sandy scrub- covered hills near the shore. Mr. Bartram has two specimens ol this Owl, and 1 obtained two myself during my stay—one at the Sand Hills, and another in Warwick Swamp.
Syrnium nebulosum, Barred Owl.—Mr. Hurdis observed one of these birds on the 2nd April, 1851.
Nyctea nivea, Snowy Owl.— Major Wedderburn observes (Nat. in B., p. 25):—Lieut. Fayrer, R.N, shot two specimens at Boss's Cove in the autuum of 1843. Another, a fine female specimen, was shot by a person named Llewellyn, at Ireland Island, on the 29th November, 1853: this bird was only wounded, and when examined by Mr. Hurdis, on the 13th December following, appeared lively and well. When being fed, it frequently erected a little tuft of- feathers on each side of the head, so as to resemble ​small horns." No other examples are recorded. [Two frequented the islands in the autumn of 1875. One of these was shot by Lieut. Tallents, 20th Regiment; the other escaped, though it remained two months or more.—H.D.]
Surnia ulula, var. Hudsonica, Hawk Owl.—A single specimen was "seen by Col. Drummond at St. George's, quite close to him, on a Sunday afternoon, otherwise it would have been shot" (Nat. in B., p. 55).
Nyctale acadica, Acadian Owl; Saw-whet.—A rare straggler. Major Wedderburn's notes contain all the information we possess. He says (Nat. in B., p. 25):—"Only one specimen, found on the 12th January, 1849, silting inside the muzzle of one of the guns at Ireland Island by an artilleryman. It is to be hoped that the said gunner has more nerve when working a gun than he displayed on finding the little bird, being afraid to catch it, as he said 'it glow'red at him.' It was caught by a man of the 42nd, and lived in my room for several days, getting quite tame. At night it always became restless, and finally killed itself against the wires of the cage. Mr. Harry Tucker saw another some short time afterwards, in a cave on the south shore."
Circus cyaneus, var. Hudsonius, American Marsh Hawk.—Whether this bird be a good species, or merely a climatic subspecies, race, or variety, I am at a loss to understand, so conflicting are the opinions of naturalists on the question. I have, however, Dr. Coues's authority for the name above assigned to it, which designates it as a geographical variety of our European Hen Harrier, C. cyaneus. It is occasionally seen in Bermuda in the autumn. One was shot by Mr. Pooley, 20th Regiment, in 1845, and one by Mr. Hurdis in December, 1851. Mr. Bartram has a male and two female specimens. As might have been expected, he was somewhat unwilling to believe that they were of the same species. A female was picked up dead in Warwick parish in November, 1874, by a "coloured" boy, who showed it to me, too late for preservation unfortunately.
Accipiter fuscus, Sharp-shinned Hawk.— Major Wedderburn has a specimen in his collection, shot near Penniston's Fond on the 23rd February, 1853, and Mr. Bartram has another, shot by himself near Stock's Point.
Astur atricapillus, American Goshawk.—I examined two specimens in Mr. Bartram's collection, the only ones that have occurred. ​One is a fine adult, shot on Somerset Island some twelve years since; the other is in immature plumage, with the close barring of the under parts only just commencing to appear on the thighs.
Falco communis, Peregrine Falcon.—This bird, which Bonaparte separated from the European "communis" or "peregrinus," under the name "anatum" has now been restored, on the authority of Schlegel and other distinguished ornithologists, to its original position. It is a rare visitor to Bermuda. One was killed in 184(5 by Dr. Cole, 20th Regiment. Another was wounded and taken alive by a coloured man on the 1st February, 1850, and presented to Mr. Hurdis, who kept it for several months. A third was also captured, after a revolving gale, at the dockyard. I never saw this grand bird alive while I was quartered in the islands, but I examined a specimen in Mr. Bartram's collection, and another, in the 6esh, shot by Lieut. Tallents, 20th Regiment, at Peniston's Pond, on the 1Oth October, 1874.
Falco columbarius, Pigeon Hawk.—A frequent visitor, always in the autumn and winter months. Hardly a year passes without a few stragglers appearing. I saw one flying over Devonshire Swamp on the 2nd November, and obtained a beautiful male from the same place on the 3rd December, 1874.
Falco sparverius, American Sparrowhawk.—Only one recorded, shot near the Sluice Ponds on the 9th December, 1853, while in the act of pouncing on some chickens (Nat. in B., p. 24).
Buteo borealis, Red-tailed Buzzard; Hen Hawk.—Mr. Bartram has one specimen, an adult with fine chesnut tail, shot at Baylis's Bay, about twelve years ago, by a man named Hollis, who is still residing in the islands. About the same time a nest of this species containing young is said to have been found in the cliffs of Harrington Sound, but what became of this nest and its occupants history sayeth not. I see no reason to doubt the story, especially as it is corroborated by an authentic specimen of the bird; but I unfortunately did not see the man Hollis, as I meant to have done. Large hawks are mentioned as common in Bermuda by the old historians, and this species may have once been resident and numerous. The high cliffs on the north side of Harrington Sound offer great attractions to raptorial birds.
Archibuteo lagopus, var. Sancti-Johannis, Rough-legged Buzzard.—A dingy old specimen in Mr. Bartram's possession, covered with dust and cobwebs, and with all the quills and tail-feathers ​nibbled off short by rats, appears to belong here. Its measurements and fully-feathered tarsi are, I think, unmistakable. The bird was originally dubbed an "Eagle." It was shot near Prospect Camp by a medical gentleman, who gave it to Mr Bartram.
Pandion haliaëtus, Osprey.—The movements of this cosmopolitan species in Bermuda are somewhat mysterious. In 1874 I saw the first on April 22nd; in 1875 one was observed on the 17th of that month. During May they are often to be seen, especially about the Great Sound, along the south shore, and at Peniston's Pond; but whether these are old or young birds I cannot say, as I religiously abstained from shooting one. During the summer months I lost sight of them, though I believe they were occasionally observed; but in autumn I met with one or two specimens. On May 2nd, 1875, I watched for some time two of these fine birds circling over Devonshire Swamp. This gave rise to the question, "Do they breed here?" I took eggs in Southern Spain, slightly incubated, on March 29th, and, there being but little difference of latitude between the two places, it would be only natural to suppose that, if they were going to nest in Bermuda, they would have arrived earlier. Probably, therefore, they are young birds from early nests on the southern continent, or Gulf of Mexico. I could hear nothing of nests in former years. 1 must leave the question to be solved by future visitors to the islands.
Haliaëtus leucocephalus, White-headed Eagle; Bald Eagle.—"Uncle Sam's bird" has only once been known to favour Bermuda with a visit. He was not obtained, but was well seen by Mr. Hurdis and by other witnesses.
Cathartes aura, Turkey Buzzard.—A male of this ill-favoured species appeared during the yellow-fever epidemic of 1853. Was its coming accidental, or did some marvellous instinct lead it there? It was shot in the latter part of November, and subsequently examined by Mr. Hurdis.
Ectopistes migralorius, Passenger Pigeon.—Major Wedderburn records that one was seen by Dr. Cole; but no date is given. Mr. Bartram shot one as he lay on a sofa in his museum with "broken-bone" fever, on October 24th, 1863: it was silting on a tree close to his house. My friend Mr. J.M. Jones was informed by Mr. J.H. Trott that, previous to 1831, small parties of these birds were resident in the islands, breeding in the caves at Walsingham and along the south shore; but I am inclined to think, with all ​deference to the authority given, that these must have been escaped "Blue Rocks" from dovecotes in the islands.
Zenaidura carolinensis, Carolina Dove.—Specimens are recorded in 'The Naturalist in Bermuda.' One was shot by Capt. Harvey on March 20th, 1850; and another was taken alive at Spanish Point on October 30th, 1854. I saw one at the Sand Hills on November 5th, 1874. A small flock frequented the fields near Whale Bay all through the winter of 1874–5, and specimens were obtained, one by Lieut. Hussey, R.E., on February 11th, 1875. I hear from Lieut. Denison that two have been seen as late as June 20th last. Can they have remained to breed? These pretty birds are fond of associating with the next species, feeding with them on the newly-turned fields—conspicuous when the flock is disturbed by their larger size and long tails. Their flight is very strong and rapid.
Chamæpelia passerina, Ground Dove.—Resident and abundant. It nests twice, laying two white eggs, ·85 in. by ·64 in., in a small, flimsy construction of twigs and cedar bark, generally placed on the bushy horizontal bough of a cedar tree, from eight feet to twenty feet above the ground. The earliest eggs I saw were on April 4th, the latest on June 27th; but there are instances of its breeding even in the winter months. When disturbed from its nest it falls like a stone to the ground, where it commences to flutter about, as if in the agonies of death, to deceive the intruder. Should the latter be taken in by the good acting of the poor little bird, and attempt to seize her, she shuffles away along the ground just out of reach, further and further from her nest, and, when she thinks her home is safe, away she dashes into the trees with a joyful "whir-r-r-r" of relief. My terrier used to be completely "sold" in this way, and had many an exciting but fruitless chase after the little doves. The "coloured" people have an absurd superstition about this bird, and say that when it utters its "coo-oop" (this is an extraordinarily loud and so orous call for so small a bird, and can be heard a long distance), it is scratching up the ground for somebody's grave! The habits and mode of feeding of the species are loo well known to need description. The male is larger, and has the sides of the neck and the under parts of a much warmer purplish red than the female.
(To be concluded in the November number.)
* ↑ These notes on the Ornithology of the Bermudas were originally published in ten different numbers of 'The Field,' in July, August, and September, 1875. They are now reprinted, with corrections and numerous additions by Lieut. H. Denison, R.E., F.Z.S., who has kindly assisted the author in revising them.
* ↑ I saw many of these little quadrupeds, but never succeeded in capturing one, to my great regret, as I fancy they differed from the ordinary Mus musculus.
This work was published before January 1, 1929, and is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago.
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