BIRDS — CYPSELIDAE — NEPHOCAETES NIGER. 



143 



The coloration of this bird is so simple that there is little to be added in this respect to the 

 preceeding description, while the peculiarities of form are sufficientlj' well expressed by the 

 generic indications already given. The appearance of the bird is that of a large chimney bird, 

 (Chaetura pelasgia.) The color is much darker, however, nor is there the decided whitening 

 on the chin and throat. The top of the head is similar, but rather lighter, with the gray on 

 the sides of the forehead more distinct. In both, as in all swifts, there is a dusky crescent 

 anterior to the eye fjrmed of feathers standing nearly erect. 



This remarkable swift was first indicated as North American by Dr. Kennerly, in the pro- 

 ceedings of the Philadelphia Academy, where it is described as Cypselus borealis. It was ob- 

 tained in the northern part of Puget's Sound, at Simiahmoo bay, the locality of the main camp 

 of the Northwest Boundary Survey. A large flock was seen one day sailing about the camp, 

 but, owing to the height at which the birds flew, only one specimen could be procured. 



It seems very remarkable that so large a swift could have remained unnoticed in North 

 America until the present day ; but there is good reason to believe that additional species of 

 Cypselidae will yet be discovered in the far west, (among them the one with white rump, Acan- 

 tliylis saxatilis, seen by Dr. Woodhouse at Inscription rock. New Mexico.) It is possible that 

 it may prove to be the Hirundo niger of Gmelin ; but this, as well as the Hirundo apus domini- 

 censis of Brisson, applies as well to Progne as to any swift, and at any rate would answer for 

 several known species. The Cypselus niger of Gosse, Birds Jamaica, 1847, 63, referred to the 

 Hirundo niger of Gmelin is quite similar to the N. horealis, but, judging from the description, 

 is smaller, has the tail difi"erently shaped, and the colors are somewhat diflerent. If really 

 the same it would be somewhat remarkable to find a species to range from almost the north- 

 western corner of North America to the West India and eastern South America islands, and 

 never observed east of the Kocky mountains.* 



List of specimens. 



' Note. — Since writing the preceding article I have received from Mr. Lawrence a skiu collected in Cuba, by Dr. Gundlach, 

 which is exactly like Dr. Kennerly 's bird, e.\cept in being smaller, (the wing nearly an inch shorter) and the tail feathers more 

 rounded. The difference in size is easily explained by the diiference of latitude, and I see no reason for separating them. Tliis 

 extends the known range of the species very largely, and shows an unusual line of geographical distribution. I have not 

 learned whether Dr. Gundlach 's bird is a summer or a winter visitor in Cuba. 



The identitication of the species, however, with Hirundo niger uf Gmelin, I still consider as very doubtful, though the proba- 

 bilities are increased by the similarity of the two specimens. For the present, however, I think it may be best to take the 

 name of Gmelin, leaving J^ephocaetes borealis to be restored hereafter, if necessary. 



