1889.] NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 267 



Pelecanus fusous Linn. 



A large number of these birds were dissected and all contained 

 the remains of Squalius gibbosus. It has been stated by certain 

 ornithologists that the Pelican will not select for food a fish over 

 eight inches in length. The contents of the crops of four Pelicans 

 were as follows: — No. 1, contained three fishes of 14, 16 and 12 

 inches respectively. No. 2, contained five fishes of 8, 10, 7, 6, and •'> 

 inches respectively. No. 3, contained seventy-five fishes of an 

 average length of three inches. No. 4, contained two fishes 12 and 

 10 inches in length. 



It will therefore be seen that the Pelican uses for food fishes from 

 three to sixteen inches in length, ten to fourteen inches being an 

 ordinary size for them. That these birds carry in their pouches a 

 number of fishes for a considerable distance is certain, the writer 

 having seen several instances of the kind. 



Anas fulvigula Ridgw. 



Two specimens dissected contained mollusks, the shells of Trmi- 

 citdla subci/lindrica Gray, and Odostomia impressa Say, being quite 

 distinguishable. 



Anas discors Linn. 



Twenty specimens dissected contained shells of Amnicola floridana 

 Frau. and Truncatella subcylindrica Gray. 



Spatula clypeata Linn. 



Ten specimens dissected all contained mollusks, shells of Rissoina 

 pulchra Ad. being the most prominent, 



Dafila acuta Linn. 



A large number dissected all contained mollusks. 

 Aythya affinis Eyt. 



Eight specimens dissected all contained mollusks, the most impor- 

 tant of which was Rissoina cancellata Phil. 



Botaurus lentiginosus Montag. 



The food of this bird consists principally of Rana pipiens, and 

 Hyla viridis. 



Ardea herodias Linn. 



The food of the Ardeidse as represented by this species and A 

 egretta Gml., A. mndidissima Gml., A. tricolorruficollis Gosse, A. 

 caerulea Linn and A. virescens Linn., seems to be as follows : — Rana 



