338 



SHRIEKING BIRDS — STRISORES, 



band across the breast, and the sides of the body under the whigs, like the back. Prima- 

 ries white on the basal half, the terminal unspotted. Tail with transverse bands and 

 spots of white. 



mppji^'^' 



Half natural size. 



Yomig, with the sides of body and a transverse band across the belly below the pectoral 

 one, light chestnut ; the pectoral band more or less tinged with the same. Length of 

 adult, 12.00 to 14.00; extent, 20.00 to 23.00; wing, G. 00 to 7.00. Bill slate-blue; feet 

 reddish-white. 



Hob. The entire continent of North America. 



Thi.s bird is common along the coast, and about every clear .stream and 

 lake througliout California, but rare about those wliich, like the Colorado, 

 are constantly muddy. They are usually to be seen perched on some dead 

 branch, stake, or other object overhanging the water, watcliing for their prey, 

 which consists wholly of small fish. When one is seen, the bird plunges 

 suddenly headlong into the water, and usually catches the victim. If 

 unsuccessful, he sometimes flies off and searches for fish, flying rapidly along 

 near the shores, and if any are seen, he stops and hovers for a moment 

 over them, diving with a somewhat spiral motion. When alarmed he utters 

 a harsh rattling sound, as he flies off, and is usually rather wary. 



The hole for a nest is burrowed in a sandy bank, to the depth of five or 

 six feet, and usually not far from the top of the ground. The inner end of 

 the burrow is enlarged into a rounded cliamber, and the same hole is used 

 for several years.' The eggs are white, six in number, and laid on a nest 



